PGN April 17-23, 2009 by The Philadelphia Gay News

Philadelphia Gay News Vol. 33 No. 16

Honesty Integrity Professionalism

April 17 - 23, 2009

Judge OKs extension for Scouts case By Timothy Cwiek PGN Writer-at-Large A federal judge has granted a two-month extension for both sides to gather evidence in a case that could determine whether the local Boy Scouts chapter remains in a cityowned building. On April 7, U.S. District Judge Ronald L. Buckwalter signed a revised scheduling order for the case, postponing the discovery deadline from April 6 to June 5. The discovery phase allows both sides in a legal dispute to gather as much relevant evidence as possible for potential use in the upcoming trial. The Cradle of Liberty chapter has occupied a city-owned building on the Ben Franklin Parkway near 22nd Street since 1928. But the chapter doesn’t permit openly gay participants — a policy that is at odds with the city’s Fair Practices Ordinance. That ordinance, enacted in 1982, forbids antigay discrimination in a variety of venues, including city-owned buildings. For several years, LGBT activists implored

city officials to enforce the ordinance and remove the Scouts from the building or have them pay fair-market rent. Last year, in response to those pleas, city officials told the Scouts they must begin paying $200,000 annual rent for the building by June 1, 2008, or vacate the premises. Rather than cooperating with that request, the Scouts filed a federal lawsuit in May 2008, claiming their constitutional rights were being violated by the rental demand. Shortly after the Scouts filed suit against the city, the city filed an eviction action against the Scouts in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court. But that case remains pending and the evidence gathered in the federal case may be used in the state case. The federal case was assigned to Buckwalter, who last fall rejected a motion by city officials to dismiss the entire case as meritless — although he did toss out some of the Scouts’ claims. In December, Buckwalter issued an initial scheduling order, which included the April 6 See SCOUTS, Page 18

FILING FOR FUNDING: About 30 people braved the rain on Wednesday, Tax Day, for a prayer vigil outside U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter’s Center City office, calling for an increase in U.S. tax dollars used to fight HIV/AIDS. Representatives of such organizations as ACT UP Philadelphia, Drexel University American Medical Students Association, RESULTS Philadelphia, Philadelphia FIGHT, Prevention Point and Health GAP recited prayers and chants, asking Specter to not only support increased funding for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, but also to help repeal the federal ban on needle-exchange funding. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Out candidates ready for race Antigay ad campaign By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Area voters will head to the polls in a few weeks to choose from a long list of judges and other candidates in the municipal Primary, two of whom are members of the LGBT community. Among the judicial hopefuls in the May 19 election are openly gay candidates Dan Anders and Dawn Segal. Former Philadelphia prison commissioner Leon King II had been running as a judge for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, but withdrew his name last week. Dan Clifford, longtime family attorney in Norristown and chair of the Springﬁeld Zoning Hearing Board, had plans to run for the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas, but missed the endorsement at last month’s GOP Convention by 18 votes. Gov. Rendell nominated Anders to the Court of Common Pleas in 2007 to ﬁll a temporary vacancy,

making him the ﬁrst openly gay judge to be appointed to the bench in the state. Anders is now one of 25 Democratic candidates vying for one of the seven open seats on the court, which carry a 10-year term. Anders has been an active member of the local LGBT community for the past decade, chairing former Mayor John Street’s LGBT Advisory Taskforce and serving on the boards of such local organizations as Equality Advocates Pennsylvania, the AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania and OutFront! Anders has served in the Family Court Division for the past two years, but prior to his appointment focused his legal practice on commercial litigation with extensive pro-bono civil-rights work. “It has been an honor to serve as a judge on the Court of Common Pleas and to have made a positive difference both for the LGBT community as well as the wider

legal community,” Anders wrote in his Liberty City Democratic Club questionnaire. “My prior experience both as a community advocate and as a lawyer dedicated to preserving civil rights enables me to be a fair and independent trial judge.” Segal, a trial attorney for more than two decades, is running for a judgeship with the Municipal Court of Philadelphia. Segal is one of 13 Democrats vying for one of the four open seats on the court, which have a six-year term. After launching her legal career at a private litigation ﬁrm in 1984, Segal worked in the Major Trials Unit of the City Solicitor’s Ofﬁce for several years and spent 13 years as a master trial attorney with Prudential Insurance Company until she was laid off in 2003. She now works as a trial attorney with her partner, handling civil cases that range from employment discrimination to real-estate- and

launched in Jersey By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer

An organization dedicated to ﬁghting same-sex marriage launched a new advertising effort last week that targets the states it sees as the next battlegrounds for marriage equality, including New Jersey. At a press conference in Trenton last week, Maggie Gallagher, president of the Princetonbased National Organization for Marriage, announced the group’s new “Two Million for Marriage” initiative, in which the organization pledges to enlist two million marriage-equality opponents over the next two years to ﬁght against proposed same-sex marriage legislation in numerous states. To achieve this objective, the group launched a $1.5-million national advertising campaign See CANDIDATES, Page 18 that seeks to warn Americans

of what it sees as the damaging effects of same-sex marriage. The centerpiece of the effort is a television commercial, “Gathering Storm,” that began airing last week in New Jersey, Connecticut, Iowa, Rhode Island and New York. The spot features about a dozen individuals, against a background of ominous clouds and lightning, who predict that the expansion of LGBT rights — not just marriage equality — are threatening to restrict religious liberties and that “a storm is gathering, the clouds are dark and the wind is strong.” One woman describes that she is a California doctor who has been forced to choose between her religious beliefs and her job, referring to the 2008 California Supreme Court ruling that found that a medical center that denied fertility treatment to a lesbian violated the state’s See ANTIGAY, Page 18

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Curcio said. “Why is our state so backward?” If an attendants’ union is formed in Pennsylvania, Curcio said he would like to lead its LGBT caucus. Chuck Ardo, a spokesperson for Rendell, said the governor is sympathetic to the activists’ goals. “The governor agrees there

up together for an initiative like the consumer workforce council that is a win-win for everyone. HomePersonal-care attendant Daniel care workers are largely invisible L. Curcio doesn’t just care for his in our healthcare system. This is a client, Yeremiah Hardt — he cares chance for them to win a voice.” about him. But not everyone who attended Curcio met Hardt about six last week’s rally wants a council. years ago at an LGBT festival and Jesse G. Charles, 46, a quickly grew fond of him, and quadriplegic from Lancaster, said ultimately invited Hardt a consumer workforce to move into his Center council would create City apartment. more “red tape” within a Hardt, 31, has been system already burdened disabled since age 5, with bureaucracy. when he nearly drowned “I can’t endorse in a swimming pool. the council, “ Charles “Basically, I’m with told PGN. “It would him 24/7,” Curcio bring another level said, noting that he of bureaucracy to the prepares Hardt’s system. The budget meals, assists with his for a council would be physical and mental better used directly for exercises, administers the consumer.” his medications, takes Charles said he him to doctors’ visits Dan Curcio (left) and Yeremiah Hardt are appealing recruits his own and assists him with to the commonwealth for the creation of a consumer attendants, who are personal hygiene. workforce council. Photo: Timothy Cwiek managed by United For the first four Disabilities Services, years of their relationship, Curcio should be better wages and an agency based in Lancaster that received no compensation for his benefits,” Ardo said. “He supports he has utilized for 21 years. UDS services — a situation that put a the council in principle. But offers healthcare benefits to its strain on the caretaker. there are impediments, and the attendants who work full-time, he “I felt overly selfless,” said administration is working with added. Curcio, 38. “The agency also does state and consumers, providers and funders In 2007, due to Curcio’s to find a middle ground that all federal checks to make sure my intervention, Hardt became eligible can agree to. We do understand the attendants are screened properly,” for medical-assistance funding urgency and the necessity of the he said. “I have no complaints.” through the state Department of concerns.” Curcio said elderly and disabled Public Welfare, and Curcio now Hardt said that until Pennsylvania individuals who use personal-care receives $80 per day to care for begins to value personal-care attendants would have a majority him. providers like Curcio, the representation on the council, that Curcio calls the compensation commonwealth also is devaluing way they could ensure any changes “an insult, a slap in the face,” citing those who need the care. made to the system are consumerhe also receives no healthcare “The government only listens driven and in their best interests. benefits, sick leave or vacation. “Remember, a union will only when people unite,” Hardt said. But for a sizable settlement “If we don’t form a union, the form when there’s a consumer from his former employer in a job- government will continue to workforce council in place to discrimination grievance, Curcio ignore us. By paying Dan so ensure that consumers’ voices are said, he could never make ends little, the state is saying my life given the utmost priority in any meet. is worth little. We have to get negotiations that take place with “I’m barely scraping by,” he organized, like the nursing homes the state,” he said. said. A public hearing to discuss the are organized. But we don’t want Earlier this month, Curcio to be in a nursing home. We want proposed council will be held and Hardt addressed some to be in the community. And we at 9:30 a.m. April 28 in Hearing 250 demonstrators at a rally to should be allowed to be.” Room One of the Capitol Building encourage Gov. Rendell to create Charisse Seneres, organizing in Harrisburg. a consumer workforce council that director of AFSCME Local “The reason for the hearing is would negotiate with state officials 1199C, which represents more to learn more about the concept to improve wages and benefits than 10,000 healthcare workers of the council,” said Amy P. for Pennsylvania’s personal-care in Philadelphia, said her union is Bolze, executive director of the attendants. receptive to Hardt’s concerns. state Senate Committee on Aging Other states, including “We support good jobs, with and Youth. “We’re hearing from Massachusetts, New York and family-sustaining wages and health advocates and opponents, and California, have formed similar benefits for all workers,” Seneres we’re trying to sort it all out.” ■ councils. “Those states have said in a statement. “It’s exciting programs that are working well to see home-care consumers, Timothy Cwiek can be reached at and saving the state money,” seniors and their attendants stand (215) 625-8501 ext. 208. By Timothy Cwiek

PGN Writer-at-Large

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APRIL 17 - 23, 2009

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

APRIL 17 - 23, 2009

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Chair and chair alike

PGN loses one of its own

Publisher

Mark Segal (ext. 204)

The Delaware Valley Legacy Fund held a volunteer appreciation April 12 and mixed it up with a chairperson’s meet and greet to stimulate volunteer enthusiasm.

Joel Weiner, 59, passed away on April 9.

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

Classifieds Directories

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Art Director Christopher Potter design@epgn.com

Larry Nichols (ext. 213) larry@epgn.com Writer-at-Large Timothy Cwiek (ext. 208) Graphic Artist Sean Dorn (ext. 211) sean@epgn.com

Writer, editor and essayist Raymond Luczak talks about his life growing up gay and deaf.

Isaiah Zagar, in his “Dream Garden,” talks about the upcoming documentary about his life, “In a Dream.”

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Photographer/Graphic Artist Scott A. Drake (ext. 216) scott@epgn.com Advertising Manager Nick Forte (ext. 209) nick@epgn.com Assistant Advertising Manager Greg Dennis (ext. 201) greg@epgn.com Advertising Sales Representatives Morgan Levine (ext. 212) morgan@epgn.com

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Kelly Root (ext. 207) kelly@epgn.com

Diversions

Outward Bound

Ms. Behavior

Leather Lookout

Out Money

Women who folk

Portland (the one in Maine)

Ex sex

Getting out and getting laid

Exiting the business in this economy

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Poll results from our online survey as of April 15: Which state would you go to for your legal gay wedding?

CD Releases

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

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

Columns CD Releases Leather Lookout Ms. Behavior Out Money Outward Bound

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13% Connecticut 0% Iowa 38% Massachusetts 38% Vermont 13% I’m waiting for California

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

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

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Regional

News Briefing

Change rolls into the White House

Kocis killer files appeal

By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer

Tens of thousands of families from across the country converged on the South Lawn of the White House Monday for the Easter Egg Roll, a presidential tradition that has continued for more than 130 years. This year’s event, however, was colored by more than just eggs and jellybeans, but also by more than 100 same-sex families who participated. The 2009 Easter Egg Roll marked the first time that an administration reached out to the LGBT community and encouraged same-sex couples with children to attend. In previous years, tickets were given out on a first-come, first-served basis the Saturday before the event, but this year they were distributed via the Internet, and the White House Office of Public Liaison allocated tickets for about 110 same-sex families to such organizations as the Human Rights Campaign, Family Equality Council and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, to be dispersed among their supporters. Jesse Salazar, former Pennsylvania LGBT Vote Director for the Obama campaign, said the administration asked him to get in touch with local same-sex couples who are active in the LGBT community and extend the invitation to participate in the event. Salazar said he sent out a series of e-mails to identify interested families and, although the available slots filled up within just a few minutes, he received more than 100 calls over two weeks from local LGBT families inquiring about the event. In 2006, about 100 same-sex families attended the event, but without an explicit invitation, and were accused by LGBT-rights opponents of “crashing” the event. Salazar noted that the effort to include same-sex families demonstrates the new administration’s commitment to diversity. “These families often feel marginalized, and to know that they can stand in front of the White House and attend this national event with a sense of pride and to know that they are welcomed with sincere warmth by their hosts shows a landmark change in this country,” he said. Chris Anders, brother of openly gay Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Judge Dan Anders, and his partner, Aaron Schuham, also brought their kids, Isaiah, 7, and Grace, 19 months, to the White House for the festivities. “The kids were excited for the Easter Bunny, but for us as parents the exciting part was that for the past eight years, the White House, including the White House Easter Egg Roll, was not a welcoming place for LGBT families,” Anders said. “The outreach done this year by the White House to gay and lesbian couples with kids was

Lawyers for the man convicted of killing a local gay-porn producer ﬁled an appeal last week with the Pennsylvania Superior Court, seeking to overturn the conviction and sentence. A jury found Harlow Cuadra, 27, guilty last month in the January 2007 stabbing death of Dallas Township resident Bryan Kocis, and a Luzerne County judge sentenced him to two consecutive life sentences. Cuadra’s attorney, Paul J. Walker, did not respond to calls for comment. Cuadra’s former partner, Joseph Kerekes, pleaded guilty to the murder in December and is serving a life sentence.

Legal dispute in the Gayborhood AN EGG-CELLENT TIME: Philadelphia fathers David Blum (left) and Dr. Mark Woodland let the good times roll with their children, Ashley and Scott, at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. For the first time this year, LGBT parents were allotted tickets to the event, which drew more than 30,000 guests. Photo: Courtesy of Mark Woodland

an important sign of change within the new administration.” Joan Lau, director of business development at Merck, and her partner, local psychiatrist Brook Zitek, attended with their 3-year-old daughter Natalie. Lau said that while Natalie was overjoyed by the plethora of kid-friendly characters, such as Dora the Explorer, who were meeting and greeting the kids, her parents were enthused by the symbolic nature of the day. “It was really, really refreshing to get invited,” Lau said. “It was a complete and total change of what everyone was used to over the last eight years or so. It was refreshing to be counted just as one of everybody else.” Joy Verner, assistant to the dean of students at Dickinson College near Harrisburg, and her partner, Sue Waldner, brought their four children, who range in age from 2-9, to the Egg Roll, and Verner noted that while the high volume of participants was a bit overwhelming at times, she and her partner were heartened to see the number of LGBT families throughout the crowd. “We got to see all these families who are just like ours,” Verner said. “Just the fact that they were interested in families like ours and in seeing families like ours come to the White House was really great.” The event featured storytelling, soccer and yoga activities, musical performances by Fergie and other artists and the annual egg decorating and egg hunt and roll. Dr. Mark Woodland, a local gynecologist

and the associate dean for graduate medical education and program director of the obstetrics/gynecology program at Drexel University College of Medicine, and his partner, David Blum, an area lawyer, traveled to D.C. with their children, Scott, 10, and Ashley, 7, and said it was a perfect way to celebrate his son’s birthday and kick off the family’s spring-break vacation. “It was a real kid and family event, and in this time of economic hardship, this was certainly a worthwhile thing for the government to put a few dollars toward,” Woodland said. He added that LGBT families who traveled from New York City brought an array of rainbow leis with them to share with other same-sex families, but that those identiﬁers were not needed, as the crowd was accepting of families of all types. “The neat thing about the event was how inclusive it was and how well everyone seemed to get along,” Woodland said. “Truly there were people there from all walks of life.” Salazar said the inclusiveness of this year’s celebration helped to validate same-sex families and can serve to fuel the conﬁdence and drive of children of LGBT couples. “For those kids to stand on the lawn with the president and know that one day they can reach that height is a tremendous shift, a tectonic shift, at how we in this country are aspiring to be better.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn. com.

LGBT bar and restaurant Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac St., has filed a civil suit against the recently opened Gayborhood establishment Camac Martini Bar, 1305 Locust St. The suit was filed with the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas March 17 by attorney Jeffrey Sotland of Center City firm Mintzer, Sarowitz, Zeris, Ledva & Meyers, LLP. Sotland declined to comment on the suit. Tavern on Camac co-owner Stephen Carlino also did not want to comment on the suit, but alluded that it concerned the similarity of the two businesses’ names. “We have invested considerable resources in rebuilding the Tavern on Camac name and creating a premier space for the community,” Carlino said late last month. “It is disappointing that another business would want to trade off of our goodwill and use our name rather than build their own establishment on equal footing.” Owners of Camac Martini Bar did not return calls for comment.

LGBT film festival calls for submissions The organizers of Philadelphia QFest — formerly the Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival — are now accepting submissions from local filmmakers for this year’s festival, which will run July 9-19 at area theaters. QFest is looking for short films to feature in the Out in Philly program, which showcases short films created by out Philadelphia-area filmmakers. See NEWS BRIEFING, Page 17

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APRIL 17 - 23, 2009

Black Pride marks a decade of dedication By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Got Pride? Well, the thousands of LGBT people of color and allies who are expected to ﬂock to the city this week for Philadelphia Black Gay Pride certainly do. The 10th annual festival will run from April 19-26 and will provide guests dozens of opportunities to explore their own LGBT pride and get a taste of the diversity and spirit of Philadelphia’s black LGBT community. This year’s festival — themed “Got Pride” — will feature some returning events, such as the second annual Miss Philadelphia Black Gay Pride Pageant, as well as new entertainment, networking opportunities and the chance to become engaged in timely discussions about issues affecting the community. Attendees can enjoy PBGP’s ﬁrst-ever worship ceremony, 7 p.m. April 21 at Healing Stream United Church of Christ, 401 E. Indiana Ave., which will be led by numerous choirs, solo vocalists and dance- and mime-ministry groups. PBGP president Chris Alston said the worship service, where guests can contribute a free-will offering, will be held in collaboration with Unity Fellowship Church

of Philadelphia, Healing Stream Ministry, Empowering Ministries and the Metropolitan Community Church. He said the organization had to rely more heavily on its community partners this year than ever before, as the city cut its funding for the festival in half. “We have just had to be more creative in our planning,” Alston said. “At the end of the day, however, we are struggling to make PBGP happen this year and have had to push certain revenue-generating activities to help possibly raise some of the money needed for other important activities.” Many of the events are still free of charge, and Alston said he expects participants to respond just as positively to this year’s PBGP as they have in the past. “We have a great group of volunteers helping us and we have some great activities planned throughout the week, so we are hopeful that even with the cuts and changes, our visitors and participants will have a great time,” he said. LGBT artists will take center stage at PBGP’s “One Night Stand” spoken-word competition, 7-9:30 p.m. April 22 at the Rum Bar, 2005 Walnut St., and the “Sing Out Strong” vocal competition, 8-11

p.m. April 23 at the Ethical Society Building, 1906 Rittenhouse Square. The festival’s opening reception, which will bring together numerous city officials with PBGP organizers and guests, will take place from 6-8 p.m. April 24 in the Fairmont Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 4100 Presidential Blvd., the host hotel for the event. The reception will feature light refreshments and a performance by Brittiany Mason. Also that night, guests can head to the Junior Ballroom at the hotel for the 10 p.m. “Keeping it Reel Film Festival,” which will include the screening of “Dreams Deferred: The Sakia Gunn Film Project,” a documentary about a gay teen murdered in New Jersey, as well as conversation with the film’s producer, Charles B. Brack. Movie lovers and night owls can spend the rest of the night at “Movie Madness,” which will kick off at midnight and feature such films as “Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom,” “Stranger Inside” and “Dakan.” On Saturday, participants have a host of activities to choose from right at the hotel, including myriad workshops on topics like the transgender journey, black men’s health, lesbian sexuality and financial planning, and all guests

can receive free and conﬁdential HIV tests from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Those looking for love can partake in PBGP’s “Spring into Love” speed-dating event from 58 p.m. in the Junior Ballroom, and those looking to meet up with old friends or make some new ones are encouraged to come out to the ﬁrst-annual pool party from 6-9 p.m. at the hotel’s pool. PBGP will honor its “Sheroes and Heroes” during its thirdannual Legends Awards Ball from 6-10 that night. This year the group will recognize the efforts of local LGBT and HIV/AIDS activists Charlene Moore, Judith Peters, James Roberts, Chris Bartlett and Zane Booker; will induct Rose Williams into its Mother’s Circle; and will give its organizational award to Philly Pride Presents, a group Alston said “stands as an empowering symbol of pride for all our community.” PBGP will also present Next Generation Leaders awards to local activists Soda Nobuhle, Leo Watts, Sheila Colson-Pope, J. Mason, Lee Monte and Brittiany Mason. Individual tickets to the ball are $65. Several other events will take place that night, including a women’s tackle football game at Benjamin Johnston Memorial

Stadium, presentation of the play “Walk Like a Man” at the Arts Garage and a consecration service at Healing Stream Ministries UCC. Beginning at noon the following day, PBGP will host its closing party at Shampoo, 417 N. Eighth St., where guests can enjoy beats by DJ Robbie Rob; performances by Bry’Nt, Sgt. Sass, Khalif, L.Y.F.E. and OTS; a comedy performance by Tammy Peay; the ﬁnal round of the “Sing Out Strong” competition; and the presentation of this year’s Miss Philadelphia Black Gay Pride winner. Alston said he hopes the festivities will demonstrate to visitors the dedication local LGBT people of color have to their community and city. “We hope that our guests will leave Philadelphia with the feeling of pride [and] will have experienced the rich culture and diversity not only that Philadelphia has to offer, but the LGBT community of color has to offer, making them thirsty for a return visit during our 11thyear anniversary celebration.” For more information and a complete list of PBGP 2009 events, visit www.phillyblackpride.org. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

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National

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Media Trail Amazon restores book rankings after ‘glitch’ Yahoo News reports two days after Amazon claimed a “glitch” had caused the sales rank to be dropped from thousands of gay and lesbian books, the numbers returned April 14 for Annie Proulx’s “Brokeback Mountain,” James Baldwin’s “Giovanni’s Room” and other notable titles. Some authors whose rankings were dropped have posted messages from Amazon that said their books had been categorized as “adult” and were being removed from some best-seller lists and search functions. Amazon has yet to comment on the author messages, but called the deletions an “embarrassing and ham-ﬁsted cataloging error” and promised “to implement new measures” to prevent them in the future.

Lawmakers stall transprotection bill

VOICES FOR VOLUNTEERING: Steve Glassman (right), chair of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, introduced representatives of Delaware Valley Legacy Fund committees Mike Hinson (from left), Dan Giacobbe, Jen Smith, Ron Lucente and Mike Newman to about 85 prospective volunteers during DVLF’s Volunteer Appreciation Celebration on April 14. The event, held at the Horace Trumbauer Mansion, generated more interest than any preceeding DVLF volunteer-recruitment nights; the largest previous event drew about 30 volunteers. Perry Monastero, DVLF executive director, said that “people seemed really interested and actually put their names down on the paper. I got so many phone calls afterwards from people who said it was the best volunteer night we’ve ever had and who feel really good about the event.” Photo: Scott A. Drake

Iowa gay-marriage opponents hold soggy rally By Mike Glover The Associated Press DES MOINES, Iowa — Hundreds of gay-marriage opponents gathered Monday at the Statehouse for a soggy rally where speakers urged Gov. Chet Culver to block the state Supreme Court’s ruling legalizing same-sex marriage. While about 300 people rallied outside the Statehouse, supporters of the gaymarriage ruling organized what they called a virtual rally, in which they e-mailed legislators and signed Internet petitions. At the rain-drenched rally, Republican candidate for governor Bob Vander Plaats demanded Culver immediately intervene rather than wait as gay-marriage opponents work to get a constitutional amendment on the ballot. The earliest voters could see the issue would be in 2012, and that seems unlikely given opposition by Democratic leaders in the Legislature. “I don’t want to wait two years,” said Vander Plaats. “I want this governor to issue an executive order that says there will be a stay on all same-sex marriages until the people of Iowa have the right to

vote. If I were governor today, I would issue that executive order immediately.” Culver spokesperson Phil Roeder dismissed Vander Plaats’ statement. “Governors in Iowa do not have the ability to prevent or overturn a decision of the Supreme Court through an executive order,” said Roeder. “It’s disappointing that some people, especially politicians, would try to mislead the public into thinking that governors do have such power.” Vander Plaats gave one of several ﬁery speeches to a crowd that later headed into the Statehouse to lobby lawmakers. “We’re here today to send a message to the folks in the gold dome behind us that we do not have to bow down to the robes of the Supreme Court simply because they dictate that we must,” said veteran conservative activist Bill Salier. Salier argued for defying the high court’s decision. “Let the Supreme Court know, thanks for your opinion — it’s just that, and this law is still on the books,” he said. Salier urged political retaliation. “If you’re sitting out here today and your

legislator is squishy on these things, then you need to primary them,” said Salier. “That goes for the Republican Party, that goes for the Democratic Party. These people must feel the heat of the people.” Opponents of the ruling have few options. The most viable is to push for a constitutional amendment overturning the court’s ruling, but that would require approval of two consecutive General Assemblies, then a statewide vote. Iowa law also offers another option. Every 10 years — the next time is in 2010 — voters are asked during the general election if they want to call a constitutional convention. That convention wouldn’t be limited to the gay-marriage issue and likely would spark a laundry list of efforts to alter the constitution. Backers of the virtual rally urged supporters to make their case online, “then go about their work like any other day.” “In these tough economic times, I can’t imagine asking folks to take off work or school to attend a protest at the Capitol,” said Carolyn Jenison, head of the group One Iowa, which has led efforts in support of the marriage ruling. ■

The Baltimore Sun reports Maryland’s transgender residents are worried the legislature will adjourn for the second year in a row without taking action on a bill that would prohibit discrimination against them in housing and employment. Committees in the Senate and the House of Delegates heard testimony on the bill more than a month ago, but neither has taken a vote. “I think the committees would rather go along with delay tactics than actually have to take a tough vote on this,” said bill sponsor Sen. Richard Madaleno (D-Montgomery). “Do us a favor and take the vote; we’re grownups, we can take defeat.” The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee has scheduled several votes on the bill this year, but chairman Sen. Brian Frosh (D-Montgomery) said committee members keep requesting he delay votes.

Maine marriage hearing moved Seacoast Online.com reports that because so many people are expected to turn out, Maine’s Legislature has moved a public hearing on a gay-marriage proposal to the Augusta Civic Center. The Judiciary Committee also move up the date of its daylong public hearing, from April 24 to April 22. The proposal is co-sponsored by more than 60 lawmakers. It would repeal a state law that limits marriage to a man and a woman and replace it with authorization of marriage between any two people. It also would recognize same-sex marriage in other states where it is legal. ■ — Larry Nichols

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 8

APRIL 17 - 23, 2009

Thousands to rally in Philly for equality By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer The global LGBT and ally community will have its eye on Philadelphia later this month as the 17th annual Equality Forum takes

the stage, providing a platform for political, religious, health and business leaders to discuss issues facing all LGBT individuals. The event is expected to draw tens of thousands of participants from North America and Europe

for a week of lectures, ﬁlm screenings, workshops and social gatherings. New this year is the National Equality Rally at Independence Hall set for May 3, where activists will call on legislative leaders to

support the expansion of LGBT rights. The rally, held at the same location as the historic LGBT demonstrations in the summers of 1965-69, is meant to bolster support for such issues as marriage equality, LGBT health, the repeal of the military’s ban on openly gay servicemembers and the passage of trans-inclusive hate-crimes and employment nondiscrimination bills. Frank Kameny and Lilli Vincenz, two gay activists who participated in the rallies 40 years ago, will lead supporters in a March for Equality to Independence Hall for the 3 p.m. event. “I think that the rally is the one thing that really sets this year apart from others,” said Chip Alfred, Equality Forum communications director. “We believe this is the right place and the right time with the right administration and the right president to support equality. This could be a changing moment in the history of the GLBT civilrights movement.” This year’s event will also focus on the LGBT Russian community, with such events as a panel discussion with Russian LGBT and ally leaders on the challenges they face, from 8:309:45 p.m. April 30 at the Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St. Openly gay former ambassador to Romania Michael Guest will moderate the panel. One of the United States’ most visible LGBT-rights advocates, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, will be the guest of honor at the International Equality Dinner, 7-10 p.m. May 2 at the National Constitution Center. Equality Forum will present Newsom, who sparked a ﬁrestorm of controversy in 2004 when he began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in San Francisco, with its 14th annual International Role Model Award. Also during the dinner, which will be chaired by Gov. Rendell, the New York Times Company will receive the seventh-annual International Business Leadership Award. LGBT leaders who’ve been elected to ofﬁce, such as Mayor

PGN

David Cicilline of Providence, R.I., Mayor Tom Gerrard of Manalapan, Fla., and Harrisburg City Council Vice President Dan Miller, will participate in a panel discussion moderated by Neil Giuliano, executive director of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, from 2:30-3:45 p.m. May 2 at the Prince. The National Politics Panel, from 7-8:15 p.m. April 30 at the Prince, will bring together Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force; Jon Hoadley, executive director of the National Stonewall Democrats; and Richard Tafel, president of RLT Strategies, with moderator Patrick Guerriero, executive director of the Gill Action Fund, for a discussion about how the Obama administration could advance LGBT rights. Another outspoken LGBTrights advocate, Bishop Gene Robinson, the ﬁrst openly gay Episcopal bishop, will discuss his experiences with guests at the 12th Annual National Religious Colloquy, 7-8:15 p.m. April 28 at the Prince. Local LGBT and ally singers will have their own time in the spotlight during the Voices of Equality Concert, 8-10 p.m. May 1 at the Church of the Holy Trinity, 1904 Walnut St. The concert will bring together nearly 300 members of the Anna Crusis Women’s Choir, Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus and the Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia, each of which will perform pieces specially commissioned for the event. The annual Sunday OUT! street festival May 3 is expected to draw about 35,000 people to Market Street in Old City, although this year the schedule was shifted back one hour, with the celebration commencing at noon and wrapping up around 7 p.m. Throughout the week, Equality Forum will present 34 panel discussions, 10 special events and eight parties. For more information and a complete rundown of events, visit www.equalityforum.com. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

Features you want.

APRIL 17 - 23, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 9

Gay flag football league kicks off LOOK BETTER NAKED! By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer LGBT and ally Philadelphians who are already itching for the return of weekly football and their beloved Eagles now have another outlet to feed their fervor. The Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League kicked off its spring season last month, and is looking for men and women of all athletic abilities to get involved and help solidify the league in the city’s varied LGBT sports scene. The league, which began organizing last year, was established after several area residents expressed interest in having Philadelphia join the dozen-plus other cities that house teams as members of the National Gay Flag Football League. Scott Dinkins, who moved to Philadelphia from Boston last summer, played flag football for the Boston LGBT league and was eager to continue playing in his new city. When he discovered Philadelphia didn’t have such a league, he contacted NGFFL, which put him in touch with three other Phillyarea football enthusiasts — Matt Joseph, Brian Scott and Christian George — who also had been inquiring about a local league. “The four of us bonded instantly over the fact that we want to bring flag football to Philly and make it a great, well-run organization,” Dinkins said. “That was and is our common goal.” Last year, the organizers decided on leadership positions — Dinkins as commissioner, Joseph as assistant commissioner and director of membership, George as director of media relations and events, Scott as director of rules and play and fellow leaguer Andy Gonzales as treasurer — which Dinkins said was a natural process, based on their experiences. “I think we were lucky in that each person brought a set of skills to the table. I have worked in sales most of my life, so I don’t mind getting in front of people to sell the concept of the league to people

in the community. Matt and Brian coach sports, so they are helping with the rules and regulations. Christian is more of the fun, social party type, so he has helped us tremendously in scheduling our social events, along with some of the Web design. And Andy works in ﬁnance and has offered to work as our treasurer. We have also been fortunate to work with my friend Rich Lee at MediaCopy, who has helped with our printing of ﬂiers and posters. It all just sort of came together nicely.” The organizers began recruitment efforts during last year’s OutFest, where Dinkins got the chance to meet with Mayor Nutter, whom he said was very interested in the league.

“Mayor Nutter was very gracious and supportive and spent about 10 minutes with me. He asked what we needed from the city to make this a reality in Philly, and the first thing I told him was, ‘A field to play on,’” Dinkins said. “[That] Monday, I had two phone calls from the mayor’s office — one from the parks and recreation department and one from the LGBT outreach contact from the mayor’s office. It was incredible. We had a field that week.” Team members will play Saturday pick-up games at Tarken Recreation Center, 6250 Frontenac St. in the Northeast, and are looking to have enough players to fill at least four teams that will play against one another this fall. “We are looking to recruit as

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many people as possible that want to come out and have fun, regardless of their football skills,” Dinkins said. “Fun is the name of the game. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t played before. We welcome all skill levels, straight or gay, men or women.” The league will send members of its traveling team, the Philadelphia Revolution, to Chicago in late June to participate in the city’s Pride Bowl, and to Washington, D.C., in October for the NGFFL’s Gay Bowl, which will draw at least 300 participants from the 15 other member cities. Jim Buzinski, NGFFL commissioner and creator of OutSports.com, said each city’s organization varies in size — with nine of the cities housing multiple teams — and that the concept of LGBT flag football has gained increasing momentum since NGFFL’s 2002 founding. “We’ve grown every year and this has kind of taken on a life of its own,” Buzinski said. “I think this growth is mirrored by the way gays and lesbians have been accepted more in society. It’s no longer an odd thing for gay people to play sports.” Flag football also allows individuals of all athletic abilities to contribute their own skills to their team, the commissioner said. “It’s a great team sport; no one individual can decide a game,” noted Buzinski. “Unlike basketball, where you may have five players and just one really good player, in flag football everyone can play, regardless of your skill level, because everyone can do something: You can go after flags, rush the quarterback, block, catch and throw passes. It’s really a team-bonding game because you have to work together.” For more information or to get involved, e-mail play@phillyflagfootball.com or commissioner@phillyflag football.com, or visit www. phillyflagfootball.com. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

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PAGE 10

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

APRIL 17 - 23, 2009

Editorial Scouts: Time is taxpayers’ money For over 25 years, the Boy Scouts of America Cradle of Liberty Council has been in violation of the city’s fair-practices ordinance barring discrimination against gays and lesbians in housing, employment and accommodations. The Scouts, who do not allow openly gay or atheist members, occupy a cityowned building at 22nd and Winter streets, from an agreement dating from 1928. The agreement stipulated that the city could take over the building after giving the Scouts a year’s notice. So why are the city and the Scouts involved in two legal disputes — one at the local level, one at the federal — that look as though they will take years to resolve? The city began negotiations with the Scouts several years ago, trying to reach an amicable solution. However, the national organization would not allow the local council to set a nondiscrimination policy. Then in 2007, the Fairmount Park Commission and City Council issued directives for the council to pay fair-market rent, stop discriminating or vacate the premises. When the year deadline passed in June 2008, the city filed an eviction notice against the Scouts — but only after the Scouts had already filed a federal suit against the city for harassment. Now, the local suit is in limbo while the federal suit is pursued. Last week, the federal judge, Ronald Buckwalter, granted an extension of the discovery phase, which had already been set for longer than his standard six months. With the new extension, the discovery deadline will be a full year after the date the case was filed. According to public documents, the extension was a joint request by the city and the Scouts. That the city requested an extension and that the judge granted it are both causes for concern. In the cash-strapped city’s case, that property could be producing income (the building was appraised at $200,000 per year in rent) or sold for tens of millions. Also, Mayor Nutter, in a 2007 campaign interview with PGN, stated he supported the City Solicitor’s efforts to enforce the fair-practices ordinance. Here is the question PGN posed, and his answer: PGN: The City Solicitor has indicated that the Boy Scouts of America Cradle of Liberty Council 525 needs to begin paying fair-market-value rent, vacate its city-owned property or allow gays. Do you support this action? NUTTER: Yes. I believe any organization that seeks to use city-owned property at below-market rates should not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation. That Nutter’s administration and Buckwalter are allowing this to go on makes it appear that neither wants to resolve the situation. Which, in turn, gives the appearance that one or both are perpetuating discrimination. While the LGBT community, and the community at large, would like to believe better of their executive and judicial leaders, this just might not be the case. ■

Glenn Lash (glennlash@yahoo.com)

Other Views Jennifer Vanasco To see what could be at church On Good Friday, Jenny and I went to services at a Catholic church near Jenny’s lesbian neighborhood of Andersonville in Chicago. Jenny and I have had a lot of discussions about which denomination should be our church home. We take the decision seriously, because we both take religion seriously; Jenny grew up Catholic and went to Catholic school, and though I was baptized in that faith as well, I alternated between Mass with my dad and the liberal (and gaywelcoming) United Church of Christ with my mom. As a young adult, I brieﬂy attended a (couldn’t-be-moreprogressive) Unitarian-Universalist seminary. We both like the “high church” ritual of Catholicism — but we want children together, and neither of us wants to raise kids in a tradition that both tells girls that no matter how faithful they may be, they can never be priests and that tells children of gay parents that our relationships and families are immoral. “I don’t want our kids to hear one thing in church and then have us say another thing to them in the car ride home,” Jenny said. But kids are still a few years in our future, so when we’re in the same city, we try to go to church together, and we alternate denominations.

On Good Friday, then, it was a Catholic church — though Jenny was worried about taking me somewhere we might not be welcome on such a solemn holy day. Most Christian churches have an alternate sort of service on Good Friday, the day they commemorate the death of Jesus on the cross. In Catholic churches, this means that there is no Mass, so there is more ﬂexibility in the service. Even so, we were stunned to see a woman lead the service at this particular church. To see a woman standing at the altar. To see a woman holding up the Host during communion. To hear all the parts in the traditional cruciﬁxion story — Pontius Pilate, voices in the crowd and Jesus himself — read by women. Most of all, though, we were startled to hear the homily, which was all about social justice — and about how all should be welcome in the Catholic Church despite theological disagreements, including gays and lesbians. Jenny grabbed my arm. “What is happening right now?” she whispered. We were awestruck — and by awestruck, I mean that I was moved to tears. For an hour, we had a taste of what the Catholic Church could be: a warm, welcoming, sacred home that

focuses on comforting those who are suffering; on righting the situation of those who have been wronged; and on welcoming those who have been excluded. It was revolutionary. “If this was what the Catholic Church was everywhere, I would convert,” I told Jenny, as we left the church holding hands, the priest smiling at us. Some might argue that a Catholic church that treats women equally and recognizes the sacredness of gay and lesbian relationships is not the Catholic Church at all — but I think it is a Catholic church that hews closer to its social-justice roots and closer to the basic principles of inclusion for all that Jesus himself espoused. In any case, that church did a brave thing, just as it is always brave to ask people to see what could be, instead of insisting that they live with what is. During the prayers, the women led us to pray for all who are excluded, for all who are hurt by unfair legislation. And afterward, I added my own prayer — for the worldwide Catholic Church to become more like this, to become its own best possibility. ■ Jennifer Vanasco is an award-winning syndicated columnist. E-mail her at jennifer.vanasco@gmail.com.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

APRIL 17 - 23, 2009

Mark My Words Mark Segal Community activism, progress and a holdout There are just so many topics that could go in this space this week. Should we discuss the Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus annual event, Liberty City’s endorsement meeting, the William Way LGBT Community Center Indigo Ball preview party at the Starr Group headquarters or the teleconference with the U.S. Small Business Administration for gay businesses held in coordination with our very own Independent Business Alliance? All of this took place in the last few days ... and all were very successful. And this weekend, we have Gay Day at the Zoo, the Mr. Gay Philadelphia contest, a Sapphire Fund event, the City of Brotherly Love Softball League season opener and a performance of “Passing By” to benefit the local gay journalist organization. And I will attend most. It’s true: We have a very active and engaged community. Or I could discuss my personal project, “Buy Gay in the Gayborhood.” I’m happy to tell you that we here at PGN are putting the finishing touches on a full-fledged campaign and most of the businesses in the community have signed up, but you’ll hear more about that in the coming weeks. Last

PAGE 11

Street Talk What’s the next accomplishment for the LGBT community?

weekend, in keeping with the spirit of the program, we had brunch at Knock and drinks at 12th Air Command. We shopped in the great retailers along 13th Street and went to the Edward Albee show at the gay-friendly Philadelphia Theatre Company’s Suzanne Roberts Theatre. By the way, that theater is a treasure. I think there already has been enough discussion about gay marriage — or, as I’d rather refer to it, marriage equality. But we could discuss the LGBT families welcomed to the White House by President Obama or New York’s governor announcing that he’s introducing a marriageequality bill in that state. But with all this success around us, there is someone trying to keep Pennsylvania in the 17th century: Philadelphia Cardinal Justin Rigali. He and the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference lobby organization in Harrisburg are the major stumbling blocks for gay-rights legislation passing in Pennsylvania. Now mind you, more enlightened Catholic cardinals have already announced their support for civil rights. This week, New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan stated his objection to same-sex marriage, but also stated his support for gay civil rights and nondiscrimination. But Rigali is too afraid to utter a word — and just orders his lackeys to ﬁght for discrimination. ■

Vernon Caldwell research scientist West Philadelphia

Julie Yoder teacher Washington, D.C.

“Discovering the cure for AIDS. After 25 years, I think science will pull through and do it. I’m a scientist, and an eternal optimist. I think President Obama is setting the tone for scientists to move into high gear.”

“Congress will allow D.C. to recognize gay marriages from other states. It’s a reasonable intermediate step to test the waters. My gut feeling tells me Congress won’t pick a fight on this one. Congress is more concerned about blocking D.C.’s efforts to gain statehood. They’ll let this one slide.”

David York IT specialist Atlanta, Ga.

Tom Zylkin data specialist Washington Square West

“Ending ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ The national mood is moving against that policy. It’s so blatantly discriminatory. If the military wants tax dollars from the public, then it'd better accept all members of the public, not just heterosexuals.”

“New Jersey will enact same-sex marriage rights. It’s a very liberal state. People there are collegeeducated, for the most part, and can grasp the issue. It’s not a state that’s filled with Bible Belt conservatives. Residents tend to be sensitive to things like the environment and human rights.”

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

Letters and Feedback Taking umbrage with abuse coverage, Pink Penny Editor: I have a couple of questions about the April 3-9 edition of PGN: What exactly was “gay” about the front-page article concerning a Philadelphia priest arrested for “allegedly raping and sexually assaulting a teenage male over the course of several years”? [“Philly priest arrested for sex abuse”] Neither the priest nor the teenager is identiﬁed in the

article as gay. By featuring a story about an accused pedophile on the front page of a gay newspaper, PGN has helped to perpetuate the ugly stereotype that equates pedophilia and child abuse with homosexuality. The article failed to note that the vast majority of pedophilia cases are heterosexual. So what exactly was the point? In the same issue, an unsigned contributor to the Pink Penny

Awards praised an Academy Award acceptance speech for “Milk” by suggesting that “Slumdog Millionaire” should “stick that in your hookah and smoke it, Bollywood!” Under which of PGN’s frontpage credos does this unfunny ethnic slur fall: “honesty,” “integrity” or “professionalism”? Hans Kellner Bella Vista

In response to “Teen arrested for assaulting boy,” April 10-16

Tell us what you think

It is because of people like this guy that some people believe all gays are child predators. I don’t understand why people do things like this.

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

— omosessuale25

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

PAGE 12

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

APRIL 17 - 23, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 13

Obituary

Joel Weiner, 59, former PGN ad director By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Joel Weiner, former PGN advertising manager, died April 9. He was 59. Weiner, a native of Northeast Philadelphia, spent 12 years with PGN before retiring earlier this year. He had been battling myeloﬁbrosis, a bone-marrow disease, since 2000. Weiner graduated from Northeast High School in 1968 and completed coursework at New York University before returning to Philadelphia and launching his career in advertising. Weiner’s brother, Carl, said that in the ’70s Weiner started out as a copy boy in the administrative ofﬁces at now-defunct department store Lit Brothers but, in a short time, rose through the ranks to become the director of radio and television advertising for the company. He later worked as the director of advertising for Panelrama, a home-improvement store chain in the area, before taking up a post as the vice president of advertising at Kiddie City, a position he held until the children’s toy store chain closed in 1993. Weiner then chose to parlay

his advertising expertise with his longtime love of the performing arts and opened his own Broadway store on Walnut Street. Although the store was forced to shut down after only a few years due to economic factors, Weiner’s sister, Carol Kaplan, said the business exempliﬁed her brother’s passions. “He loved the theater, he loved movies. Anything in the arts, that was my brother,” Kaplan said. “It was a neat store. It had lots of unusual things, all related to the theater — not just CDs, but gorgeous posters and lots of other things that were truly collectors’ items. It was a neat store and was set up beautifully, and it’s a shame that it just didn’t make it.” Although Weiner was interested in anything and everything B r o a d w a y, he was most enthusiastic about his favorite star, Barbra Streisand. Weiner was a lifelong fan, serving as the ﬁrst president of Streisand’s Philadelphia fan club when he was a teenager WEINER CELEBRATING HIS BIRTHDAY IN JULY in the mid2007 PGN file photo ’60s.

“He just loved anything that Barbra Streisand was in. Anything she was in was ﬁne with him,” Kaplan said. “When he was 15 years old he got tickets to a performance of hers, and he and my mom went to New York to see her. Barbra walked on water as far as he was concerned.” Following the closing of his store, Weiner came to work as an advertising representative at PGN and was promoted to the head of the department in 2004. PGN publisher Mark Segal said Weiner was an integral addition to the paper’s team. “Joel was not only a coworker, he also was a friend,” Segal said. “He understood that our job was to create the resources so our editorial department could do its job of gathering the information that our community needs. We were so lucky to have him as part of the PGN family and will miss his humor and stories of Barbra Streisand.” Joe Bowman, a local photographer who worked with Weiner on his advertisements for PGN, said he was the consummate professional. “He went above and beyond and used to help me change my ad midstream sometimes,” Bowman said. “He always returned my phone calls and was a great help. Joel was terriﬁc.” Bowman said he and Weiner developed a friendship through their business relationship. “He took me to lunch a few times and I’d see him at Mark Segal’s holiday parties and chat with him for a long time,” he said. “We’d both call each other to see how each other was doing. He was a very nice person.” Weiner’s brother, Carl, said the relationship Weiner established with Bowman and many of his other advertising clients demonstrated the type of person he was. “He was a very caring person, a very empathetic person,” Carl said. “He loved to connect to people and it was very important to him to maintain relationships with people.” Weiner was especially committed to his family. “He cared so much about family,” said Kaplan, his sister. “He was very dedicated to his family. For him, family came

ﬁrst, which was nice.” Kaplan noted that Weiner had a very close relationship with his mother, who passed away just last month. “The connection that mattered the most to him was with my mom, and when she passed away, he was devastated,” she said. “There’s really a hole in our family right now after losing them both in just three weeks.” Besides Kaplan and Carl, Weiner is survived by brothers Samuel and David Weiner,

father Meyer Weiner and four nephews. Funeral services were heldApril 13 at Goldsteins’ Rosenberg’s Raphael Sacks in Southampton, with the burial following at Monteﬁore Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made in Weiner’s name to the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19107. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com. A Loving Family of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Catholics & our allies invites you to celebrate

Sunday Mass, 7:00 PM Social immediately following Mass

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

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

17TH & SANSOM STREETS PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103

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

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CONGREGATION BETH AHAVAH

at Rodeph Shalom

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

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

Friday, May 1: Equality Forum Shabbat Service, 8:00 PM. Guest speaker: Malcolm Lazin. Sunday, May 16 : BA Theatre Party, 8:00PM: “A Man of No Importance,” Bristol Riverside Theatre, Bristol, PA. Carpooling is available. Dinner prior to the show at a nearby diner. Tickets: $41/person (we’re trying to get a group rate). If interested in attending, please contact BA at 215-923-2003 with your name, phone number, e-mail address, and the number of tickets you’re interested in reserving. *NEW DATE* Sunday, June 14: The National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene presents, “Mama’s Lokshn Kugel,” a traveling Yiddish revue featuring classic songs and sketches, 3:00 PM; $10/person, payable at the door, Teller Auditorium at Rodeph Shalom. Supertitles will be projected during the performance--no knowledge of Yiddish required. Please reserve by calling BA at 215-923-2003 and leaving your name and phone number on our voicemail. Beth Ahavah and Rodeph Shalom are afﬁliated in spirit and share a sacred home.. In July 2007 Beth Ahavah afﬁliated with Rodeph Shalom. Beth Ahavah retains its congregational status within the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and proudly offers its congregation dual membership at both synagogues.

Visit www.bethahavah.org for additional information, programming and directions

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

PAGE 14

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

APRIL 17 - 23, 2009

To volunteer email us at vote4judgeanders@gmail.com

APRIL 17 - 23, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 15

Out Money Jeremy Gussick Exiting your business: Is it about the economy? Q: I’m a gay business owner in Philadelphia. With the economy the way it is, I’m starting to think more and more about retirement ... and whether or not I can still retire someday. Can you offer any thoughts on how to plan for my retirement and what options I have for the business? A: You are certainly not alone as a concerned business owner. The economy is certainly affecting many of us, especially many small-business owners. Most are wondering how changes in the economy and the business environment might affect the timing of their plans to retire or otherwise exit their businesses. Here are a few points to consider. How the economy factors in Buy low, sell high. Every owner wants to sell all or part of his/her business at the top of the market. And certainly, the market for businesses is cyclical, with its health aided by a growing economy, affordable capital for acquisition ﬁnancing and optimism and competition among buyers. With the slumping economy at the forefront of today’s news, business owners are now asking, “How will this environment affect the market for my business?” A look at the past, going back 30 years and several business cycles, gives us an idea of what we can expect for business sales when the economy falters. It is no surprise that, in years of poor economic growth or decline, the number of mergers and acquisitions did in fact drop. And, true to form, M&A activity is likely to decline again as the economy softens. But perhaps the more interesting message that history provides is that a new (higher) level of sustained M&A activity is noticeable in the past decade. In fact, 1995 looks to be the line of demarcation, after which M&A

activity expanded dramatically and remained relatively high (from a historical perspective), even in weak business environments. Although there will be annual variances, elevated levels of M&A activity appear to be based on accepted business practices that are here to stay. Tax rates In addition to economic malaise, business owners are concerned with possible tax-rate increases, speciﬁcally the capital-gains rate. A capital-gains tax is charged on the proﬁt realized on the sale of an asset, including a privately owned business. The 2003 Tax Act reduced the maximum capitalgains tax rate from 20 percent to 15 percent for long-term capital gains (investments owned for at least 12 months), creating an exceptional tax-saving opportunity for business owners looking to sell, given that the rate had not been below 20 percent in the past 60 years. The 5-percentage-point reduction was not a permanent change, however. Originally set to expire in December 2008, former President Bush extended the lower rate. Although the lower rate is now not due to expire until 2010, the change in the White House may raise the issue sooner. In light of the administration change in January, the capital-gains rate debate is expected to surface again. Personal factors take priority The decision to sell a business is not primarily tax- or economydriven. While owners sometimes look to maximize value during an attractive M&A cycle or capitalize on a consolidation trend in their industry, most private business sales are motivated by personal factors. These can include a wish to retire, advancing age, declining health, a desire to reduce the personal risk associated with a large concentration of wealth in one asset, or the realization that family members are not interested in taking over the business. While external factors can certainly affect the outcome of a business sale (including the price and terms of the transaction), they

usually are not the driving force. Regardless of your exit motivation, it is never too soon to start preparing for a transition. In fact, savvy business owners begin to prepare for their transitions early — often years in advance of a transaction. Some of the initiatives that owners undertake to get ready for a future transition include setting up trusts that can help minimize estate and gift taxes on the eventual sale proceeds, compiling proper (preferably audited) financial records on the business, and preparing business plans and detailed documentation about how the business operates. Planning for a transition can seem overwhelming, but business owners are not expected to do it alone. Tax, legal, investmentbanking and financial-planning experts can each play a critical role in preparing an owner for an eventual transaction. Such experts can guide you through the planning process and help identify and implement the most effective strategies to optimize value. I’d suggest reaching out to your own business advisers sooner than later to discuss your plans. They can help you better evaluate your options. ■ Jeremy Gussick is a financial advisor with Smith Barney in Center City, focusing on financial and investment planning for the LGBT community. He serves on the board of several local LGBT organizations, including the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, the Greater Philadelphia Professional Network and the Independence Business Alliance, Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce. OutMoney appears monthly. Contact Jeremy with questions at (215) 238-5849 or jeremy. r.gussick@smithbarney.com. Smith Barney does not provide tax or legal advice, and it is important to consult with a tax or legal advisor before investing. Citigroup Inc. and its affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice. To the extent that this material or any attachment concerns tax matters, it is not intended to be used and cannot be used by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by the law. Any such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer’s particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. Smith Barney is a division of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. Member SIPC.

PGN

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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International News Samoa bans ‘Milk’ The Samoa Censor Board has banned “Milk,” a ﬁlm depicting the life of gay-rights activist Harvey Milk.

APRIL 17 - 23, 2009

Larry Nichols

The decision was made by principal censor Leiataua Niuapu Faaui, who rejected an application for the ﬁlm to be rented and sold in Samoan outlets. Faaui refused to comment on the decision, but told the New Zealand Herald that “rules and

guidelines had to be followed.” Movies4U, the island’s largest home-movie outlet, was disappointed with the decision. “I really just want a reason why, because my customers are demanding this movie,” said general manager Eteuati Junior

Esau, adding that up to 20 people ask daily to rent the film from his stores. “I do not think it should be banned,” said human-rights activist Ken Moala. “It is basically a documentary about the human endeavor to conquer something that people tend to discriminate against. It’s really harmless, I don’t know how it would affect Samoan lifestyle. It is totally different and not applicable to here; it is pretty tame really.” Moala is well-known for his charitable work with minority groups on many Pacific islands and questions the double standards of the censorship board. “Some of the movies that have been here are violent and horrific,” he said. “When it comes to documentaries like this, I think it is all about the human story as opposed to the slaughter that goes on in some of these movies.” Faaui said he would comment further on the matter pending approval from his superior, but insists the ban on the film will not be lifted. Homosexuality is currently illegal in Samoa.

calls “gay.” Michal Grzes, a counselor from the western city of Poznan, noted that the elephant, Ninio, prefers the company of other males, and challenged the zoo’s fiscal wisdom for acquiring him. “We didn’t pay 37 million zlotys ($11 million) for the largest elephant house in Europe to have a gay elephant live there,” said Grzes. “We were supposed to have a herd, but as Ninio prefers male friends over females, how will he produce offspring?” Ninio, who is 10, has changed zoos three times in the past five years because of his aggressive behavior toward females, in contrast to his affectionate treatment of males. The head of the Poznan zoo contends that any conclusions about same-sex trunk intertwining are premature because Ninio will not reach sexual maturity until age 14. Grzes is a member of the Law and Justice Party. Two of the party’s most high-profile members, identical twin brothers Jaroslaw and Lech Kaczynski, have been outspoken in their homophobic views. Lech is the current president of Poland.

Polish pol riled over ‘gay’ elephant Cruising closes A right-wing Polish politician nudist beach wants to know why his local zoo spent money on an elephant he

British naturists claim their

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rights are being stripped after the Ministry of Defense closed a nudist beach area in Cornwall for allegedly attracting gay sex near a military training camp. The MoD decided to close the area, claiming it had no problem with homosexuality but wanted to eliminate the “bad elements.” The complaints regarded reports of “cottaging” — British gay slang for cruising and/or anonymous sex between men in public places such as restrooms — in areas close to where children were. “The overriding factor is the Ministry of Defense’s responsibility for the welfare of young persons in its care,” said Major Michael Pawlak, commandant of neighboring Penhale Camp. “The MoD has a duty of care for all persons at Penhale Camp, especially those on cadet and school trips. Naturists are not the problem, it is the perverts they attract that are the problem. Homosexuality is not the issue, but we have gay single men cottaging for business in dunes where there are children playing and training.” The British Naturism group expressed opposition to the decision. “We are replying in no uncertain terms that such a ban has no foundation in law and that, in fact, banning naturists would not solve the problem. The ‘ban’ has arisen since the MoD [began] a training camp at Penhale Sands, just behind the beach, and young cadets have recently been approached in inappropriate ways by naked people as well as observing sexual activity, and therefore nothing to do with the genuine naturist users of the beach who merely wish to relax in the sun. “In addition, part of the training camp in which these activities have

taken place is a live ammunition ﬁring range, with disused mine shafts, and anyone straying into these areas is putting themselves in danger.”

NEWS BRIEFING

Philadelphia Black Gay Pride, will host its monthly community forum at 6 p.m. April 20 at Arch Street United Methodist Church, 112 N. Broad St., with this month’s meeting focusing on the divisions within the black LGBT community. The free event, “The Pride Divide,” will feature a panel discussion that will analyze and create solutions to the issues that lead to divisiveness among sexual-minority people of color in the Philadelphia area and beyond. For more information, call Lawrence Frazier at (215) 4960330. ■

From Page 5 Submissions, in DVD format, must be under 50 minutes and feature LGBT content. Entry forms can be found at www.qfest.com. Submission costs $15 and $5 for students. For information, e-mail Nick Strathern at nstrathern@tlavideo. com or call Robert O’Neill at (215) 733-0608 ext. 295.

Forum looks at black LGBT divides The COLOURS Organization Inc., in collaboration with

Antigay ad couple invited to Warsaw The New York gay couple whose wedding video footage was used last year by President Lech Kaczynski in an antigay rant has been invited back to visit Warsaw. The conservative president used the video to stir fears about a European treaty that offers antidiscrimination protections for gays and lesbians, warning that it could open the door to gay marriage in Poland, an overwhelmingly Catholic country. After discovering that their wedding video, in which they were kissing, was used without permission, Brendan Fay and Tom Moulton ﬁled a complaint at New York’s Polish consulate and demanded an apology and faceto-face meeting with the Polish president. Polish secretary of state Ewa Junczyk-Ziomecka responded with a letter and an invitation to visit Warsaw. Fay said he was heartened by the tone of the letter, in which Junczyk-Ziomecka writes of reaching “over the rainbow” and of “breaking stereotypes.”

Tony Blair criticizes Vatican Roman Catholic leaders are out of step with ordinary believers in their attitude toward homosexuals, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said in an interview published April 8.

— Jen Colletta

Blair, who formally converted to Catholicism in 2007, said he believes there is a big generational difference on the issue, and that ordinary Catholics are more liberal-minded than their leaders. Together We “Actually, we Can, need aandiscussion attitude group for people dealing and with of mind where rethinking emotional, and attitudes addictive the concept mental of evolving problems, will meet at 7 p.m. at The becomes part of the discipline withThe which you approach your Trans-Health Information religious faith,” Blair told Attitude, Project will hold a drop-in center afor magazine gays.7-11 p.m. all trans aimed personsatfrom Blair suggested that ordinary oor; Catholics would disagree with the ofﬁcial position. Society, a gay and The Humboldt “Look,naturalist there are many lesbian club, will good meet and great Catholic at 7:30 p.m.things at the the William Way Church does, and there are many Ties That a 12-step fantastic thingsBind thisUs, pope stands for,” Blair said. “But I think what is interesting is that if you went into any Catholic church, particularly a well-attended one, on any Sunday here and did a poll of the congregation, you’d be surprised at how liberal-minded

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SCOUTS From Page 1 discovery deadline and a targeted trial date of Nov. 16, 2009. But due to a joint request from both sides, Buckwalter’s new scheduling order establishes a June 5 discovery deadline and a targeted trial date of Dec. 8, 2009. According to Buckwalter’s general operating procedures, available on the U.S. District Court of Eastern District of Pennsylvania Web site, he expects the discovery phase in a typical case discovery to be completed within six months of the date the case was ﬁled — unless there are “compelling reasons” for an extension. In the Scouts’ case, Buckwalter will permit the discovery phase to be completed more than a year after the case was ﬁled, without publicly specifying any “compelling reason” for the extension. Buckwalter declined to comment for this story. Arthur M. Kaplan, an LGBT activist who’s worked on the Scouts issue for several years, said the case seems to be languishing. “This case could go on ad nauseum,” Kaplan told PGN. “It’s

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insurance-related issues. Segal, who has served as a judge pro tem for the Court of Common Pleas, wrote in her Liberty City questionnaire that she would hold her courtroom to the highest standards. “I have spent over 20 years in a courtroom [and] know how a courtroom should be run to achieve the fairest result in the most efﬁcient fashion while respecting all those

ANTIGAY From Page 1 nondiscrimination law. Another woman relates that she is forced to send her son to a school in their home state of Massachusetts that teaches that same-sex marriage is acceptable, based on the decision by a federal judge in the state that afﬁrms school districts’ ability to teach about diversity issues. The ad also features a man who says he’s a member of a New Jersey church group that’s been penalized for opposing same-sex marriage, which references the controversy over the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, which had its tax-exempt status revoked because

APRIL 17 - 23, 2009

pretty clear that it isn’t a high priority for the city solicitor.” But Kaplan stopped short of criticizing Mayor Nutter. “Whether this delay says anything about the mayor, I have no idea. But it’s obvious to me that the city solicitor feels no sense of urgency,” Kaplan stated. City Solicitor Shelley R. Smith declined to comment for this story. Doug Oliver, a spokesperson for Mayor Nutter, also had no comment. Kaplan also expressed frustration with the lack of information he’s been able to elicit from city attorneys about the progress of the case. “One would expect more transparency, given the public interest in seeing this case brought to a prompt and successful conclusion,” he said. Stephen A. Glassman, chair of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, urged city ofﬁcials to move forward with the case as quickly as possible. “As Martin Luther King Jr. so eloquently stated, justice delayed is justice denied,” Glassman said. “We urge the Nutter administration to work with all deliberate speed

to press forward with a vigorous pursuit of this case, in order to successfully resolve this ongoing discriminatory activity against LGBT people in Philadelphia.” Glassman said acts of bias can damage entire communities. “The purpose of our civilrights laws is not only to address individual acts of discrimination, but to vindicate the interests of our society, in general, with regard to ongoing acts of prejudice and bias. It is imperative for the wellbeing of the city that this case be expeditiously concluded.” Lynn G. Zeitlin, executive director of Equality Advocates Pennsylvania, said she’s conﬁdent Nutter is committed to enforcing the city’s gay-rights ordinance. “We applaud the Nutter administration’s determination to enforce the city’s Fair Practices Ordinance, so that city-owned property is utilized in accordance with non-discrimination policies,” Zeitlin said. “This [discovery] extension, hopefully, will lead to the correct outcome in the case, which is to enforce the city’s ordinance.” ■

who come before the court,” she wrote. Ray Murphy, chair of the Liberty City Democratic Club, noted that judges often are the deciding voice on numerous LGBT issues, and thus LGBT and ally voters should educate themselves about candidates’ positions before heading to the polls next month. “From second-parent adoption to custody rights to placing LGBT kids in safe foster homes, judges make decisions every day that affect members of our community,” Murphy said. “There is not

supposed to be bias in our judicial system, but I know we’d all feel safer knowing that the judges we elect understand the concerns and needs of the LGBT community, and that’s why it’s important that voters are informed and aware of which judges will serve them best.” For more information about Anders, visit www.judgedananders. com. For more information about Segal, visit www.dawnsegal4judge. com. ■

it refused to rent a beachfront pavilion it operates to a lesbian couple for their civil union. Although the legal cases referenced in the ad are realistic, the individuals who tell the stories are actors, which NOM states at the bottom of the commercial. Shortly after NOM released the ad, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBT organization, announced it had obtained copies of audition tapes for the ads. The auditions were posted on YouTube, but NOM alleged copyright infringement and the videos were removed. “This ad is full of outrageous falsehoods and they don’t even come out of the mouths of real

people,” said Brad Luna, HRC spokesperson. HRC released detailed descriptions of the three cases featured in the ad this week and is devoting a portion of its EndtheLies.org site, which is dedicated to breaking down myths and distortions about the LGBT community, to the NOM video and Gallagher. NOM did not respond to requests for comment. NOM is reaching out to its supporters through an organized fundraising campaign on its Web site. The commercial is set to run up to eight times a day in each state at a cost of $1,000 for each airing. ■

Timothy Cwiek can be reached at (215) 625-8501 ext. 208.

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

Detour

APRIL 17 - 23, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 19

A departure from the ordinary

Gay

LITERARY

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 20

APRIL 17 - 23, 2009

Deaf gay writer featured at library festival By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer Unlike the ’80s ACT UP slogan, silence does not always equal death. In this instance, it equals empowerment. Openly gay and deaf essayist, poet and playwright Raymond Luczak is set to take part in the Philadelphia Free Library Festival on April 18. The seventh in a family of nine children, Luczak lost much of his hearing due to double pneumonia at age 7 months. Growing up gay and deaf might challenge the most resilient individuals, but Luczak had the added weight of being born and raised in Ironwood, Mich., a small mining town in the state’s Upper Peninsula where both gay and deaf role models were scarce. Upon graduating high school, Luczak went to Gallaudet University, the nation’s leading institution focused on educating deaf and hard-of-hearing students, in Washington, D.C., where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English, learned American Sign Language and immersed himself in the deaf and LGBT communities. In 1988, he moved to New York City and quickly began receiving attention for his writing. His essay “Notes of a Deaf Gay Writer” won acceptance as a cover story for Christopher Street magazine. Soon after, Alyson Publications asked him to edit “Eyes of Desire: A Deaf Gay & Lesbian Reader,” a first-ever anthology of deaf gay voices, which earned two Lambda Literary Award nominations. A second volume, “Eyes of Desire 2,” also edited by Luczak, was released in 2007. His latest book, “Assembly Required,” is one of his most personal writings to date. Luczak shares stories of his days growing up and offers an in-depth glimpse into what it means to be a deaf gay man who lives between the deaf and hearing worlds. PGN: Was it difficult finding deaf and/or gay peers growing up in the Upper Peninsula? RL: The first eight years of my educational life were spent in a small deaf program with only six of us students drawn from the entire Western Upper Peninsula. We were not allowed to sign in the classroom. The goal was to develop our speaking, lipreading and listening skills. I don’t remember whether we truly used our voices with

each other when outside on the playground, but the other day, when I went through the school papers from those early years, I came across in a report about me that I was “signing,” which needed correction. Honestly, I don’t remember learning or using signs per se, but I do have dim memories of us students using our hands to gesture on the playground once away from the eyes of our teachers; we’d somehow understood that it was verboten. As for the gay side of myself, I knew that I was interested in men, though not in a sexual way, back at the age of 3 or 4. I just was. I didn’t realize there was a name for it then, but I’d somehow intuited that being that way was not acceptable. When puberty kicked in, I knew even more that marrying a woman and having children was so not for me. I wanted a man, and I was constantly in love with this or that boy in my class; sometimes I stared at my teacher, whom I had to lip-read anyway. I’d sensed that I was the only deaf gay boy living in the whole world, but that sense of isolation went away the instant I’d spotted the headline “Deaf Gays” on the cover of The Advocate at a newsstand. But I didn’t meet my ﬁrst deaf gay friend until the summer of 1984, when I came to Gallaudet University. PGN: Why did you have to learn sign language in secret? RL: My parents listened to what they thought were “experts,” who told them that if I learned to sign, my speech would go downhill. They wanted the best for me, but they probably never thought to ask to meet with deaf adults, the real experts on deafness. Many deaf people may not know the statistics and research that has been done in the ﬁeld of deafness, but their experiences, in my view, are far more valid — simply because you cannot tabulate a price on living through it, much in the same way that living as a LGBT person carries far more weight in a way that mindnumbing numbers don’t. Most hearing parents don’t want to hear the fact that most deaf children will grow up to seek out others of their own kind; most straight people don’t want to hear the fact that their LGBT children will seek out their own kind. In both cases, the very act

of parents trying to make their own children carbon copies of themselves does the children a grave disservice. Passing on traditions and core values are one thing, but it is totally unfair to expect them to end up just like them. The goal of raising children, I hope, is to enable them to grow into the best individuals that they can be, regardless of their sexual orientation. It is always encouraging when straight friends tell me that they don’t care if their children turn out to be gay. They just want their babies to be happy. As far as they are concerned, that’s all that counts. Every baby should be so lucky! PGN: What was it like for you to go from living in a small mining town to attending Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.? RL: It was great. By the time I’d graduated from high school, I knew that there was a gay world out there waiting for me to discover it. I knew that Gallaudet was a college for deaf people, but somehow that didn’t register with me, at least not until the day I’d arrived there. I don’t know why. I was much more interested in the gay community outside Gallaudet: I just wasn’t sure how I would find my way there, but knowing that it did exist — at least the few gay bars I saw listed in “Frommer’s Guide to Washington, D.C.” — was more than enough to give me hope. What I did not expect, though, was how much being among so many deaf people who signed was incredibly empowering. Suddenly my deafness didn’t make me special as it had all my life. This also happened when I entered my first gay bar. It wasn’t just the sheer number of men that packed the place after work; I was just another guy who walked through the front door. That I liked men wasn’t a big deal to them; in fact, it was expected! Those twin realizations, happening fairly close together, have enabled me to say that I see being deaf and gay as one and the same; I don’t make that distinction between the two. It is that braided into my DNA. That’s why I said there has been no difference between being LGBT and being deaf. A lot of people don’t want you as you are, so you have to want yourself as you are first. The rest of the world will buckle up and follow.

That may not happen right away, but if you continue to stay true to yourself, they’ll eventually catch up. If Quentin Crisp could stay utterly true to himself for decades through conditions far worse than my own, so could I. He didn’t really change; the world eventually changed because of people like him. PGN: Being part of both the gay community and the deaf community, do you ﬁnd them equally insular or is one more wary of outsiders than the other? RL: I think both communities are insular for different reasons, some of which are totally justiﬁed. Because the hearing gay community does not have to deal with communication issues that the deaf community does, I would imagine that there’s less resistance on the part of the gay community toward outsiders coming in; most straight people coming in would know that they’re on LGBT turf, not their own. Hearing gay people are considered far more mainstream than deaf people, regardless of their sexual orientation; see, it’s that sign-language thing. Hearing people have always been long fascinated with the notion of sign language, so we deaf people are seen as more of a novelty rather than a linguistic minority with their own language, which is not “English on the hands,” and cultural norms all their own. The deaf community is always open to hearing people coming in, but trust isn’t automatic in the same way that hearing people might deal with a deaf person coming into a hearing world where no one else signs. In order to be accepted, one must earn the trust of others; for the deaf community, it’s a willingness to acquire some mastery of American Sign Language. This requires a lot of patience as well as discarding a lot of assumptions one might’ve made about deaf people in general. Learning what “audism” means would be also an excellent start; according to Wikipedia, the concept simply means “discrimination or stereotypes against deaf or hardof-hearing people, for example, by assuming that the cultural ways of hearing people are preferable or superior to those of deaf or signing culture, or that deaf people are somehow less capable than hearing people.”

PGN: Some in the deaf community have strong feelings against cochlear implants and/or learning to lip-read. Would it be safe to say the deaf community views those things much in the same way that LGBT culture views the ex-gay movement? RL: Ten years ago, I’d probably have said yes. But now? I think most deaf people have realized by now that cochlear implants are not the “cure” to deafness that they’d feared. I’m not opposed to cochlear implants, but my biggest issue is that in order for them to work, the person’s residual hearing must be wiped out ﬁrst. What if the implants don’t work,

RAYMOND LUCZAK

APRIL 17 - 23, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

and I couldn’t truly hear again? I’ve met a few deaf people who are unable to hear again because the implants didn’t work. I’d much prefer to wait for the day when scientists are able to regenerate the dead nerve endings inside my cochlea. That could be decades from now, however. The huge downside to having so many deaf children implanted is that deaf teachers, who are potential role models for them, are taken right out of the picture; this is similar to the situation for LGBT youths who don’t have gay-understanding mentors. Hearing parents and audiologists don’t want these deaf implantees to learn signs at all; they must focus on speech at all times. Never mind the fact that hearing babies are often taught ASL signs because research has shown that it’s helped accelerate language development and enable babies to express what they want before they begin to speak. It’s my belief that, as these deaf babies grow up and if they take the initiative of learning ASL themselves, despite what their parents may say, the use and nature of ASL will change, perhaps not as dramatically as some might fear, but it will change. Only time will tell. It’s important to record how deaf people sign ASL now as a record of what we are like now. That said, I’ve done an interview with a deaf ex-gay

PGN

man for my anthology “Eyes of Desire 2: A Deaf GLBT Reader.” He said, “Some straight people would like to divorce and embrace the gay lifestyle. But why can’t it be OK for some gays to give up and enter the straight lifestyle?” Do I agree with the ex-gay movement? Of course not, but he does have a point. PGN: Do you think after reading “Assembly Required,” readers will come away with an understanding of some of the issues that are unique to the deaf LGBT community? RL: Yes, I believe so. I’ve structured the book so that even if you didn’t know anything about the deaf community, you can still follow along. It’s my hope that hearing readers will be a bit more willing to approach deaf people as equals rather than just people to learn some ASL signs from. For instance, if you ask a deaf acquaintance in a bar what some of the dirty signs are, they’d know that you’re a novelty seeker looking for laughs. Put another way, how would you — as a LGBT person — feel if a straight stranger on the street asked you within a few minutes of meeting whether it’s true that some LGBT people enjoy hardcore anal sex, and whether you’ve engaged in kink? Being reduced to just what we like to do sexually is truly demeaning to the LGBT

PGN

community as a whole. PGN: When you participate in events like the Free Library Festival, do you get a sense of how much of the audience is deaf and how much is hearing? Also, do you have a preference? RL: It really doesn’t matter to me. I’m always delighted when people who’ve never heard of me show up. I truly enjoy making new friends because it’s my hope that the more they meet other LGBT folks as myself, the less they will discriminate against us and be more supportive of us out there in the hearing community. Of course, I refuse to discriminate against any hearing person who doesn’t know any signs; if the person is willing to accommodate my communication needs — staying out of darkly lit areas, asking if the music’s too loud for conversation or writing down a certain word that I just can’t lip-read after repeated attempts, for instance — I am far more than happy to accommodate her or him so that I can be equally understood. Communication is all about listening with one’s heart and accommodating each other. This has nothing to do with hearing loss. PGN: Is there any more or less discrimination in the deaf community against LGBT people than in the hearing community?

PGN

PAGE 21

RL: I think there’s less discrimination because so many ASL interpreters are LGBT or very gay-friendly; I’ve had the luck of working with many great interpreters who happen to be LGBT. I think many LGBT people feel a strong afﬁnity with the deaf community for a lot of reasons, but the primary one, I think, is that most of our parents don’t want us as we are, so we understand that about each other. It’s very interesting to note statistically that 90 percent of deaf children have hearing parents, and that 90 percent of LGBT children have straight parents. In some ways, it’s easier to be a deaf LGBT person than a deaf straight person in the hearing world. A small number of deaf straight friends have expressed jealousy over the fact that many hearing LGBT events have ASL interpreters whereas the hearing straight world simply doesn’t care as much about such information accessibility, even if there are more deaf straight people than deaf LGBT people out there.

conversation with the producer and director, find out what they have in mind for the show, and then show up on opening night. But if the play’s never been performed, I’d prefer to be there during the early part of the rehearsals for the rewrites. Just because I’m the writer doesn’t mean that I have all the answers. The script is only a blueprint for the show. It is during the rewrites that we finalize the little details that make the construction of a house that much stronger and stable. My job as a writer is to “listen” to the actors and director working with the script, and figure out why a line or a scene isn’t working for them. Almost always after I return with a rewrite, they’ll say something like, “Yes! That’s what I was looking for, only I didn’t know how to express what I was looking for.” If my audiences are willing to “listen” to my stories onstage, I have to be as willing to listen. Truly, that’s what I strive to do as a writer, regardless of the genre I work in. ■

PGN: You’ve written some plays that have nothing to do with deaf culture. Do you trust those plays to just any producer or do you have to have a creative rapport with whomever you hand them off to? RL: If the play’s been produced before, I usually have a

Raymond Luczak hosts a reading at 1 p.m. April 18 at the Free Library Festival at Central Library’s Independence Foundation Poetry Corner, 1901 Vine St., Room 108. For more information, visit www. raymondluczak.com or www. freelibrary.org/bookfestival or call (215) 567-4341.

PGN

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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APRIL 17 - 23, 2009

Dazzling ‘Dream’ reveals artist’s life By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor “In a Dream,” a remarkable documentary about the Philadelphia artist/muralist Isaiah Zagar, belongs in the company of “Capturing the Friedmans” and “Tarnation,” two other excellent real-life “home movies.” Although this film does not have the criminal element of “Friedmans,” or the intense sexual dimension of “Tarnation,” filmmaker Jeremiah Zagar’s portrait of his father battling demons past and present is just as astonishing. Much of the film was shot in the Zagar home and studio — spaces in which every wall is covered with fabulous murals made with broken mirrors, lettered tiles and other shards, all shaped into representational faces and objects, all vibrantly colored. There is considerable time in the film dedicated to showing Isaiah mixing, breaking, washing and creating his work. In addition, several animated episodes portray the playful, fantastic, dream-like world the Zagars inhabit. Isaiah’s murals are more than designs; they chronicle — literally mirror — the lives of the family. They provide the Zagars a sensation of “nesting.” As Isaiah says, “I impregnate my

ISAIAH ZAGAR IN “IN A DREAM”

work with my life.” As a portfolio of his art, “In a Dream” is superb. A slow-motion tracking shot through rooms in his studio is as impressive and illuminating as a sped-up sequence showing him creating a mural. Jeremiah, the family’s younger son, takes on the project — and it is quite a project — of making the ﬁlm, in part, he says, because his mother Julia tells him, “Film your father. It’s important.” Her words have a prescient quality about

them, and in the ﬁlm’s second act, they truly resonate. Part one of “In a Dream” shows Jeremiah interviewing his dad, who discusses his life candidly. Isaiah admits, “I am exposing myself to you because it’s what you want — and yes, it’s what I want to, to understand.” What he reveals is that, at age 29, he attempted suicide. While institutionalized, he polished brass and cleaned mirrors. The work gave him “sustenance,” he says,

and put him on the path to create what have become the murals that comprise his life’s art/work. Isaiah soon drops another bombshell, this time involving a man who took him fishing as a child and played with Isaiah’s penis once their lines were in the water. However, Zagar almost shrugs off this event, saying, “[My] life is filled with events, which all become stories.” Isaiah’s image throughout the first half of “In a Dream” is one

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of an eccentric, hippy artist. As Julia describes her husband being a sensualist “pushing the envelope of sexuality” in his work, photos flash of him kissing men. Yet as he frequently features penises, breasts and vaginas in his artwork, one cannot help but deem these playful images as a response of coping with the abuse Zagar suffered as a child. Part two of this compelling documentary shifts gears away from Isaiah and onto the family as a whole. Ezekial (Zeke), the older son, has returned home after splitting from his wife, and soon enters a rehab facility. On the day Julia and Isaiah go to collect Zeke, Isaiah reveals that after 43 years of marriage, he is having an affair. These two threads — the addiction and the adultery — test the family, and Jeremiah artfully captures the anguish these events cause the Zagars. As Zeke draws parallels from his divorce to his parents’ separation, Jeremiah records the pain and rage Isaiah experiences as the family situation develops. These are difficult, albeit captivating moments that may prompt viewers to think back to Isaiah’s past mental instability. If “In a Dream” acts as a kind of family therapy, the film actually benefits from this approach. Jeremiah’s closeness to his subjects enables them to open up, because they trust him. His parents display an amazing willingness to discuss a private matter publicly. Furthermore, Jeremiah never crosses an inappropriate line with his family, nor does he seem biased in his presentation of the events. He obviously loves his mother, cares about his brother and has a form of hero worship towards his father — even if some of that affection dissipates as he learns about his father through making this film. Lovingly made, and featuring a haunting score that draws viewers into the beautiful images, “In a Dream” provides a heartrending portrait of a flawed but fascinating artist, father and husband. This film is not to be missed. ■

PGN

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APRIL 17 - 23, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 24

Ms. Behavior

APRIL 17 - 23, 2009

Meryl Cohn

Sex with the ex and issues with teeth Dear Ms. Behavior: My girlfriend Roxy and I broke up a couple of months ago and we’re doing well with the friendship thing. I know that Roxy and I are not meant to be together; more speciﬁcally, I initiated the break-up talk. However, I would never — given the current situation of neither of us dating anyone else — say no to sex with her. While I realize that we have “big-issue” problems between

us, this knowledge has not made her ass any less ﬁne or her mouth any less desirable. So, here’s my question: How can Roxy want to stay connected to me, cook me dinner and call me — but not want to fuck me? I mean, how about at least a couple times a month just to stay in practice and remind ourselves that we are women? What the F? — Confused Soft Butch Dear Confused Soft Butch: Roxy needs to protect herself emotionally. By breaking up with her, you broke the magic thread that runs from the heart to the clit, and you can’t just glue it back together with saliva.

You knew that Roxy’s ass was ﬁne and that her mouth was desirable on the day that you and she broke up. Did you really expect her to trade being your girlfriend for being your fuck buddy? Since you’re still “connected” to each other, still eating together, still talking on the phone, maybe the only factor that deﬁnes you as friends instead of lovers is the fact that you’re not having sex. You want to blur those lines; after all, if you’re not hooking up with anyone else at the moment, why not do the nasty with your ex? But you can’t have it both ways. Boundaries are an important emotional protection, particularly to the person who

didn’t want to break up. Whatever the problem between you and Roxy, deﬁning yourselves as a couple didn’t work. But it’s difﬁcult to convert an intimate, romantic relationship to a casual-sex arrangement. It’s hard to know what to do with the love and resentment. Like many “confused butches,” you assume that sex and love can be teased apart, like an errant pubic hair from your happy tongue. But in most cases (between women), it can’t. Does this mean that you can’t have sex without love? No. But even when two women agree in advance that they both want raucous naked fun, it rarely remains “just sex”

if it continues for more than two weeks. Dear Ms. Behavior: I met a guy recently that I’m very attracted to; he also has a nice personality but he has very messed-up teeth. I am not shallow but I do not understand why he hasn’t fixed his teeth. I want to ask him but I am afraid to hurt his feelings. I had messed-up teeth from sucking my thumb but my mother fixed my teeth when I was a child. Even if she hadn’t, I would have gotten braces. They are expensive but doctors allow you to make payments slowly. The true problem is that I get distracted every time he opens his mouth or smiles. I keep finding myself looking at his teeth. And he’s caught me a few times. Then, when I try to avoid looking, it makes me feel awkward because I can’t look at him in his face while he’s talking. What should I do? I like him and would like to continue dating him. Should I ask him to get braces? Thanks in advance for whatever advice you can give. — Toothy’s Date Dear Toothy’s Date: Surely “Toothy” hasn’t gone through his whole life without noticing that his teeth are messed up. But it sounds like it’s too soon for you to start suggesting cosmetic improvements. (A good rule of thumb might be waiting three months before mentioning orthodonture, six months for rhinoplasty or facelifts, and a year for penis enhancement.)

As you get to know Toothy, try to ﬁgure out if his messed-up teeth begin to recede from your attention or if they perhaps begin to seem cute. If they continue to seem huge and frightening — especially to your johnson — you’ll have to share your former experience as a thumbsucker and your recommendation for his dental transformation. The real question is whether or not you’d be willing to be with him even if he decides never to get braces. ■

Meryl Cohn is the author of “‘Do What I Say’: Ms. Behavior’s Guide to Gay and Lesbian Etiquette” (Houghton Mifﬂin). Email her at MsBehavior@aol.com or visit www.msbehavior.com.

APRIL 17 - 23, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Leather Lookout

PAGE 25

Jim Kiley-Zufelt

Gearing up to pass the torch and more fun CLAW NATION GETS OUT, GETS LAID Anyone who was at The Bike Stop on April 4 was treated to a smorgasbord of hot men, sexy videos and great beats — not to mention Extravaganza and Eleganza! Steve “boyshark” Mercer moved his monthly Get Out Get Laid party up to The Bike Stop’s third floor and pumped it up at least three levels in intensity. There were hot videos, live wrestling demos by Rick, Mike and Gus from the Spartan Wrestling Club, a live flogging demo by Bill and Ed, and even a whacked-out, knockdown, drag-out take on “Lip Sync For Your Life” between Phil and Dominc that was refereed by none other than “RuShark.” You had to see it to believe it! The event raised $1,000, all of which is going to the Jonathan Lax Treatment Center at Philadelphia FIGHT. That’s an amazing accomplishment at any time, but in this economy it’s spectacular! AS THEIR YEAR DRAWS TO A CLOSE ... Sadly, the Get Out Get Laid party is taking the month off in May. After serving up a double shot of GOGL goodness in April, it’s understandable if Sir Andy and boyshark are a little tired. But the main reason they’re taking the month off is because they’ll be in Baltimore the weekend of May 8 for the 2009 MidAtlantic LeatherSir, Leatherboy, Community Bootblack and (first ever) Leatherwoman contest, where they will be stepping down and passing on their titles. The weekend starts with a Meet and Greet and Travel Fundraiser party at 10 p.m. May 8 at The Hippo, 1 W. Eager St., Baltimore ($7 ticket). The contest is the next afternoon, May 9, at 1 p.m., also at The Hippo ($15 ticket). For more information, see www.leathersir. com and find the Mid-Atlantic Details link under “News.” Even though their year was cut short a couple of months due to their contest being moved from

July to May, they both had an amazing run. They did a lot of work locally and still found time to travel around the region to promote their titles. They’ve had a huge impact on the local and regional community as individuals and as a team. They put together or pitched in at fundraisers like The Bike Stop Car Wash, leather ﬂea markets and CLAW Nation events in both Philadelphia and Baltimore. They judged or tallied at contests including Mr. and Ms. New Jersey Leather, Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Central and the BLADeaf Leather/ Bear contests. They helped out at Hooker and Boys’ Twelve Days

of Christmas in Baltimore, the Holiday Party at The Bike Stop, WOOF! Philly and MidAtlantic Leather, and helped launch the Keystone boys of Leather club in Philadelphia. Somehow they still found time to make a great showing over Halloween weekend in San Francisco at the International LeatherSir/ Leatherboy contest. Andy did a great job by getting out to events all over the region but never losing sight of his hometown. We hate it when one of our local favorites wins a big title and disappears, so it’s awesome when they set a good example by ﬁnding a way to make every event

a priority, including the ones right in their own backyard. I think boyshark is to be commended, especially because, when he was on stage last year, he announced that if he won, he would start a monthly party series called “Get Out Get Laid” to encourage people to get out from behind their computers, get geared up and go to the bar so they could, you know, get laid. And that’s exactly what he did. Congratulations, guys! You both did a wonderful job. I hope you had fun during your year and that you enjoy your very-well-deserved time off. I know it’s not the last we’ll see of either of you!

LIBERTY BEARS ART SHOW Next weekend, don’t miss the Fourth Annual Liberty Bears Art Show at The Bike Stop. I look forward to this more than just about any other local annual event because it’s always such a great surprise. The Bears transform the third ﬂoor, which is normally dark and sexy and throbbing with dance beats, and class it up with butlered hors d’oeuvres, soft music and a wide range of art by gay and bear artists from near and far such as Jim Bloom, Ren Clark, Daniel Fisher, Rob Harmon and Jason Kraley. See LEATHER, Page 31

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Q Puzzle Co-moms Across

1. Merit badge locale for the “morally straight” 5. Sunday service 9. Strap-on for a diver 14. Industry showcase 15. Crude cartel 16. Quotes gay historian George Chauncey, e.g. 17. Neeson of “Kinsey” 18. Tomato variety 19. Muse for Millay 20. Rita of “West Side Story” 22. With 24-Across, TV show of 53-Across 24. See 22-Across 26. Haus wife 27. Paul Lynde, on “Bewitched” 29. Kenneth Turan, for one 33. Stroke it 36. Points at the target

APRIL 17 - 23, 2009 38. “C’est Moi,” in English 39. Dancer Reagan 40. Method used by the co-moms 42. Concern at gfn.com 43. On the ball 45. Switch ending 46. The bottom line 47. Street market 49. Pantywaist 51. “ ___ Three Lives” 53. Food Network co-mom 57. Co-mom partner of 53-Across 61. Put to sleep 62. Addis ___ 63. Taylor of “I Shot Andy Warhol” 65. Had too many M&M’s, e.g. 66. Bernstein’s tool 67. Kind of idol 68. Novelist Patricia ___ Warren 69. Makes a wet blanket 70. “And giving ___, up the chimney ...” 71. Ancient European language

Down

1. Blair, who kissed Sarah Michelle Gellar in “Cruel Intentions” 2. Assumed truth

3. You might pick one up in an alley 4. Billy Bean’s fourbagger 5. Leather type 6. Mil. drop site 7. Sweet opening? 8. Eat up, with “down” 9. Outline for Alan Ball 10. Party type 11. State where two women could be in a marriage, formerly 12. Belle’s companion 13. Starting on 21. Anais who went both ways 23. Tolkien beast 25. Kicking partner 28. Islamic leaders 30. Poet ___ Wu 31. Little fairies 32. CD part (abbr.) 33. Sourpuss 34. “Hi” to Lorca 35. Don Juan’s mother 37. Impassive 40. Pasolini and Zeffirelli 41. Cross-dresser in “As You Like It” 44. Pride flag design 46. “The Wizard of Oz” event 48. Striped shirt wearer 50. Apt name for a cook 52. Where Old Man River makes his deposits 54. Like a chickenhawk to a chicken 55. Rods’ attachments 56. Discombobulate 57. Sparring pokes 58. Israeli statesman 59. Allies alliance (abbr.) 60. Nice zip 64. Bloom of “The Producers”

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APRIL 17 - 23, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 28

APRIL 17 - 23, 2009

CD Releases New music gets futuristic — not always a good thing By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer Chris Cornell Scream Interscope Records You know how you get that uncomfortable knot in the pit of your gut when you run into someone you haven’t seen in a long time and you’re freaking out because they’ve changed their look to something they think is the bomb but you think is a hot mess? Maybe got some bad collagen, botox, a jacked-up new do or adopted a really unﬂattering aesthetic, but you just want to get the hell out of there because you

know their new look is going to come up and you’re too much in shock to lie and pretend you know what they’re trying to do? Chris Cornell’s new album, “Scream,” is the sonic equivalent

of that moment. One of the most distinctive voices in rock music put himself in the hands of Timbaland, a producer who has revolutionized R&B, hip-hop and pop, and at the same time homogenized all of them within an inch of their lives. How else can the high crime of Cornell’s voice being buried under layers of Autotune be explained? It’s not like Cornell isn’t allowed to experiment. But if he really wants to be a pop maverick like Justin Timberlake, he’s going to have to be more convincing than he is on songs like “Part of Me” and “Get Up.” If he wants to be a world-music-inﬂuenced

showman, he’s going to have to try a lot harder than the sanitized Middle-Eastern flourishes on tracks like “Take Me Alive” and “Time.” Toward the end of the CD, things start to look up. “Other Side of Town” and “Climbing Up The Walls” manage to find a decent balance between Cornell’s rock past and his current forwardlooking vision. But listeners have already been to artistic hell by the time those tracks surface. Cornell can be admired for taking such a huge risk with his sound, but he is far too talented and too powerful a performer to be buried under production this superficial and plastic.

Julien K Death to Analog Metropolis Records

New wave, rock, electro and goth music collide with the debut album from Julien K, the new synth-rock group founded by Ryan Schuck (guitars, vocals) and Amir Derakh (guitars, synths) from the fashionista nu-metal band Orgy. “Death to Analog” is a sleeker, shinier offering than anything you could associate with Orgy. The eyeliner, pancake makeup, industrial-strength hair products and nail polish are still there, but the crushing wall of guitars and rap-metal bombast have given way to a greater prominence of futuristic synths. What keeps “Death to Analog” interesting throughout is the group’s refusal to stand still within the genre and crank out different shades of electronic rock. Orgy fans will rejoice upon hearing some of the group’s heavier songs, like the title track and the seriously crunchy and distorted “Technical Difﬁculties.” Modern-rock hipsters should approve of radio-ready tracks like “Someday Soon” and “Forever.” And Goths have a new hookup anthem in the form of the delightfully sinister “Systeme de Sexe.” The end result of all this experimentation is a rock hybrid sound more in the vein of groups like The Killers, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran and Berlin, thanks to mainstream-leaning songs such as “Maestro,” “Spiral’ and “Kick The Bass” — all of which have hit potential. Whether Julien K ever gets as big as any of those bands remains to be seen, but this album is a See CDS, Page 31

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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PGN

What do you think? E-mail feedback at pgn@epgn.com

or visit: www.epgn.com and www.philagaynews.com

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 30

APRIL 17 - 23, 2009

Outward Bound Nick Corsano Portland: Great for lobster and LGBT travelers It was named in Out Traveler’s “Small is Beautiful: Top 5 Surprisingly Gay Small Towns.” Yet, Portland, Maine, is not as small as people may think — especially for the LGBT community. Having one of the largest LGBT populations per capita on the East Coast, Portland is Maine’s largest city and the state’s business, financial, retail, arts and entertainment capital. Consistently ranked as one of the best small cities in America, Portland was also named the most livable city in America this year by Forbes.com. It may not seem like a popular destination, but with 3.6-million tourists visiting each year, there is obviously a lot going on in the state of Maine. Either a short flight or scenic New England car ride from Philadelphia, Portland is the perfect destination for a long weekend. Radically different accommodations make picking a place to stay your first adventure. The Elms Bed & Breakfast [102 Cumberland St.; (207) 8544060] is a “straight-friendly” accommodation that will make any LGBT traveler feel at home. With a veranda overlooking the river, billiards room, sauna, hot tub

and complimentary breakfast, the historic B&B is regularly between $79-$185 a night; bears and cubs get a 15-percent discount (no joke). If familiarity is what you’re looking for, By the Bay Holiday Inn [88 Spring St.; (207) 775-2311] is the way to go. Steps away from the Arts District and waterfront, the Holiday Inn By the Bay sports commercial comfort and the largest indoor swimming pool in town. For a historic journey, why just travel to Portland when you can travel back in time as well? Inn at St. John [939 Congress St.; (207) 773-6484] is the oldest continuously operating historic Victorian inn in Portland. Built in 1897, Inn at St. John is situated in the West End and is accessible to everything. Finally, if luxury and contemporary are musts, then Portland Harbor Hotel [468 Fore St.; (207) 775-9090] is the place for you. Impeccable AAA four-

Sunday Vegan Brunch

they are conveniently located on the same road. And what would a trip to Portland be without a visit to a lighthouse? Famous for these unique marine structures, The Portland Headlight [Fort Williams Park, South Portland] is a great example and perfect place for a picnic. Finally, be sure to stop by Corduroy Surf Boutique and Gallery [59 Market St.; (207) 347-3545] to THE PORTLAND HEADLIGHT pick up some local art or Photo: Maine Office of Tourism ensembles to remember your visit.

diamond service and Condé Nast recommended, Portland Harbor Hotel is the newest luxury hotel addition to downtown Portland.

Once you’re settled in, get ready, because Maine can be a little overwhelming in the summertime. Tons of attractions and shopping are sure to keep you busier than expected. It may be in Maine, but Portland is still a city, after all. Center for Maine History [489 Congress St.; (207) 774-1822] and Portland Museum of Art [7 Congress St.; (207) 775-6148 ext. 3223] are two attractions that will better acquaint you with the Pine Tree State. Educational and fun, they are sure to entertain; plus,

Don’t think the only fun to be had happens during the day: Portland has great nightlife and something for every LGBT traveler. Laidback and open, LGBT travelers are welcome at all nightspots in this northern metropolis: Northstar Music Café [225 Congress St.; (207) 699-2994] is a prime example. The main hangout of Portland’s artistic community — the walls are lined with local art — Northstar offers an extensive selection of ﬁne beer and wine and presents live music nightly. But, if you are intent on ﬁnding “fellow travelers,” so to speak, they will most likely be

Fresh and Healthy Food Grand Opening!

located at one of three places: Styxx Video Club [3 Spring St.; (207) 828-0822], Blackstone’s [6 Pine St.; (207) 775-2885] or The Whiteheart Bar & Cocktail Lounge [551 Congress St.; (207) 828-1900]. Blackstone’s is Portland’s oldest gay bar. With different themes every night, be sure to check out the calendar to see what events and themes are coming up so you aren’t left out of the fun. The Whiteheart Bar & Cocktail Lounge is upscale but unpretentious. Offering fine dining and delicious cocktails, it’s a great setting for conversation and meeting new people. Finally, there is one very popular reason why people love Portland: seafood. If you are a big seafood person, Portland is the place to be when the weather gets warm. With an overwhelming amount of fresh fish, you are sure to satisfy your crustacean cravings. Maine is most famous for its lobster, and there is no better place to get it, along with other seafood succulents, than The Portland Lobster Company [180 Commercial St.; (207) 775-2112]. Sitting directly on the water, The Portland Lobster Company is where all the locals go for the freshest fish in town. Portland Lobster gets its seafood fresh every day and lobster twice a day. Open for lunch and dinner, it also features live music daily. Be sure to pick up a souvenir in the gift shop to remember the best seafood you ever ate! Portland may not seem like a number-one LGBT destination, but with good food and relaxed people, it is easy to see why this city is constantly at the top of the list for best places to live. With lobsters, lighthouses and lavish accommodations, Portland will definitely not disappoint. ■

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APRIL 17 - 23, 2009

CDS From Page 28 fantastic foundation to build on. Pet Shop Boys Yes Astralwerks

The Pet Shop Boys may not exude the same kind of urgency they once did in synth-pop’s glorious heyday. On their 10th studio album, “Yes,” Neil

LEATHER From Page 25 You can catch the show from 7-10 p.m. April 24-25 for a $5 donation. This year’s beneﬁciaries are Calcutta House, which provides services for homeless men and women living with AIDS, and Dooley House, a residence for medically fragile children. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event.

UPCOMING EVENTS WOOF! PHILLY — Every Sunday at 5 p.m., 200 S. 12th St. Visit www. woofphilly.com or www.myspace. com/woofphilly for info on DJs and dancers. PHILADELPHIANS MC SPRING SOCIAL — 8-midnight

tonight at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. For information, visit www.philadelphiansmc.org.

KEYSTONE BOYS OF LEATHER LOCKERROOM FANTASY NIGHT — 8-midnight

April 18 at The Bike Stop; www. keystoneboysoﬂeather.org.

FINGERBANGER AND CUM RAG RELEASE PARTY — 10 p.m.-2 a.m. April 18, third

ﬂoor at The Bike Stop. Hard to ﬁnd info on this, but it looks like a San Francisco-style queercore punk party. I’m intrigued: http:// cumragmanifesto.blogspot.com.

LIBERTY BEARS FOURTH ANNUAL ART SHOW — 7-10

p.m. April 24-25. Admission is $5

Tennant and Chris Lowe are awash in artistic maturity but prove they still have some interesting tricks up their sleeves. Tennant’s voice is still as strangely hypnotic and pleasantly alien as ever, maintaining a familiar sonic anchor to a number of songs with distinct feels over the course of the album. The group is at its best when it sticks to its roots. Longtime fans will adore classic-sounding and synth-poppy tracks like “Love etc.” and “All Over the World.” Keeping it dark and danceable pays off on tracks like the subdued “The Way It Used to Be” and the thumping stomp of “Pandemonium.” Guitars add a welcome texture to songs like the shoegaze shufﬂe of “Beautiful People” and the upbeat Europop of “Building A Wall.” “Yes” shows the Pet Shop Boys haven’t lost an ounce of their luster over the years. We all should age so gracefully.

Telling on Trixie Ugly, Broke & Sober Independent

Ugly, broke and sober: three qualities we may hate in a date, but apparently provide fodder for a promising rock band.

The indie-rock band’s 2007 self-titled debut CD was such a favorite on the LOGO Network that it funded the recording of this latest collection with fan donations, which leads us to believe their fans really miss early- to-mid-1990s safe alternative-rock radio darlings like The Gin Blossoms and Collective Soul. The production does lend a grungy quality to the group’s otherwise ﬂuid and polished brand of pop/rock, but since its fan-generated budget of $20,000 can only go so far, we’ll let that slide because the songwriting does manage to shine through. Telling on Trixie has a swagger and verve that sets the band apart from the above-

mentioned bands it comes dangerously close to sounding like. The group is at its most interesting when it cranks out the pogo-inducing college rock on songs like “Your Silence” and “Eden (Take A Bite).” It pulls some interesting sounds out of the ether on songs like “Late So Tired” and “Steps to the Throne.” Yet, it’s hard to believe somebody didn’t try to talk them out of doing a cover of Belinda Carlisle’s “Mad About You,” which is an annoying distraction but not a deal-breaker. Let’s hope this band gets pretty, rich and drunk soon. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

Albert’s 2nd Story – the newest, hottest 100% gay club

and a portion beneﬁts Calcutta House and Dooley House.

CHARITY TRIVIA — 7-11 p.m. May 1 at The Pit Stop at The Bike Stop; www.queeropinion.com/ charitytrivia. ■ Questions? Comments? Sad to see the Philadelphia Phantoms go? Contact Jim at LeatherLookout@gmail.com.

PAGE 31

Quarter Night followed by Miss Pumpkin’s Star Search for Miss. Northeast w/Cash & Prizes

Call for guest bartender position: Cash prizes! Open Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday 9-2am Blaze’s Famous Mojitos / Mon.: Teen Night–18-21 $10 cover, over 21 FREE Quarter Night: every Tues. with Miss Pumpkin from New Hope $10 cover Sat April 18th: Lesbian Pajama Party with DJ Goddess: Cash & Prizes Sat. April 25: Steven Andrade as Cher Visit alberts2ndstory@aol.com for more info 3180 Grant Avenue (at Academy Road), Philadelphia, PA 19114

FREE Car Service: Pick up at 9pm and drop off at 2am CALL 267 339 1579

Sundays : classic disco with DJ Michael Decero

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Diversions

APRIL 17 - 23, 2009

Your guide to arts and entertainment

Theater

At Home at the Zoo The ﬁrst play by out playwright Edward Albee is staged through April 19 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; (215) 985-0420.

Swarthmore Theater’s Second Stage presents three one-act comedies from David Mamet, through April 18, 614 Fairview Ave., Swarthmore; (866) 811-4111.

Passing By The gay comedy set in Birdy the 1970s about two men The Centre Theater presents whose paths cross in a the story of two Philly boys movie theater runs through who go to war, then try to May 3 at Shubin Theatre, come back home physically 407 Bainbridge St.; (215) and mentally, through 627-1088. April 26, 208 Dekalb St., Norristown; (610) 279Show/Tell 1013. The two short gay-themed dramas run April 18-May Born Yesterday 2 at Shubin Theatre, 407 The Walnut Street Theatre Bainbridge St.; (215) 627presents one of America’s 1088. original screwball comedies about a business tycoon Something Intangible who goes to Washington, Arden Theatre Company D.C., trying to break into presents the world premiere the “special-interest” by celebrated Philadelphia business with an ethically playwright Bruce Graham challenged senator, through set in Hollywood circa April 26, 825 Walnut St.; 1941, through June 7, 40 N. (215) 574-3550. Second St.; (215) 922-1122. Criminal Hearts The Walnut Street Theatre’s Innovation Studio on 3 presents a screwball comedy about a burglar and a jilted wife hatching a plot for revenge, through April 19, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 574-3550. Fresh Fish Festival B. Someday Productions presents the second year of its short-play festival, through April 19 at The Walking Fish Theatre, 2509 Frankford Ave.; www. walkingﬁshtheatre.com. Hot ’n Throbbing Luna Theater presents this noir detective drama for mature audiences, through May 2 at Walnut Street Theatre’s Studio 5, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 574-3550. The Old Neighborhood The Players Club of

A Year with Frog and Toad Arden Theatre Company presents the revival of the smash-hit musical based on the Newberyand Caldecott-honored children’s books by Arnold Lobel, through April 19 at 40 N. Second St.; (215) 922-1122.

Music classical

Masur Conducts The Philadelphia Orchestra presents conductor Kurt Masur leading a program of Brahms, Shostakovich and Strauss at 8 p.m. April 17-18 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. Vivaldi: The Four Seasons and More Vox Ama Deus presents a concerti containing imitations of birds, animals

and nature sounds, at 8 p.m. April 17 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. Handel, Bach, Telemann The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia presents conductor and violinist Scott Yoo at 2:30 p.m. April 19 and 7:30 p.m. April 20 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. 88 Keys, A Big Band and A Voice Peter Nero and the Philly Pops perform with celebrated jazz vocalist Diane Schuur, April 19-26 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. Denève Conducts The Philadelphia Orchestra presents the chief conductor of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra at 8 p.m. April 23 and 25 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 7905847.

INCREDIBLE FOLK: Out singer-songwriters Edie Carey (pictured), Catie Curtis, Christine Havrilla and Pamela Means perform as part of the Women Who Folk tour at 8 p.m. April 23 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. All four artists are known for their individual talents and strong support for the LGBT community, performing at Pride events all over the country. Women Who Folk presents a unique opportunity to see all of them in an intimate in-the-round concert. For more information, call (215) 222-1710.

works of the gallery’s entire 18 at Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St.; (215) 928-0770. stable of artists, through April 26, 72 N. Second St.; Kathy Mattea (215) 413-7072. The Grammy AwardAssembled winning singer-songwriter Abstractions performs at 7 p.m. April AxD Gallery presents 19 at The Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., an exhibition of original other paintings by Barbara Klein Wilmington, Del.; (302) The Cassidy Project 652-5577. and Michael Smith, through The Antigone Rising singer April 25, 265 S. 10th St.; performs at 10:30 p.m. No Fear Energy Music (215) 627-6250. April 17 at Tin Angel, 20 S. Tour Second St.; (215) 928-0770. Metal bands Lamb of God, Collective Children of Bodom, God Aphrodite Gallery, Disco Biscuits Forbid and As I Lay Dying Philadelphia’s showcase for The Philly-based jam band perform at 7 p.m. April 19 erotic ﬁne arts, presents a performs at 8 p.m. April 18 at the Electric Factory, 421 staff art show through May at the Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; (215) 62724 at Passional Toys, 620 S. N. Seventh St.; (215) 6271332. Fifth St.; (215) 829-4986. 1332. Of Montreal Cristo Redentor Proximity Gallery The glam-inﬂuenced Lily Allen presents an exhibition by The U.K. singer-songwriter alt-rock band performs Philadelphia native and at 8 p.m. April 22 at the performs at 8 p.m. April cityscape artist Anthony A. Trocadero Theatre, 1003 18 at TLA, 334 South St.; Arch St.; (215) 922-5483. Ferrara, through April 26, (215) 922-1011. 2434 E. Dauphin St.; (267) 825-2949. The Traveling Rock N’ Roll Burlesque Show Figure The Hot Rods and The Abstract Reflections Fleisher/Ollman gallery Pretty Things Peep Show Edge Gallery present an presents a solo exhibition perform at midnight April exhibition featuring the

Music

Exhibits

of the work of Philadelphia artist Bruce Pollock through May 9, 1616 Walnut St., Suite 100; (215) 545-7562. Impressions of an Age: Ukiyo-e Prints from the Berman Collection The Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art at Ursinus College presents an exhibition of woodblock print (ukiyo-e) art made popular during Japan’s Edo Period, through April 17, 601 E. Main St., Collegeville; (610) 4093500. Ion Zupcu: Works on Paper Gallery 339 presents an exhibition of still-life photography, through May 16, 339 S. 21st St.; (215) 731-1530. L’arte d’alluminar Haverford College Library Special Collections presents an exhibition of illustrations of Dante’s “Divine Comedy,” through April 22, 370 Lancaster Ave.,

APRIL 17 - 23, 2009

Haverford; (610) 896-1161. Making Arrangements Wexler Gallery presents a solo exhibition of new sculptural works by the Vancouver-based ceramic artist Dirk Staschke, through April 25, 201 N. Third St.; (215) 923-7030. The Many Faces of Stereotypes Verdadism Art Gallery hosts an exhibition of New York-born artist Soraida’s new series of drawings, through April 30, 220 S. Berlin Road, Lindenwold, N.J.; (856) 346-3131. Pulp Function Fred Beans Gallery at Michener Art Museum presents a wide variety of artistic expressions using handmade paper pulp, recycled paper, paper cuts, cardboard, papier-mâché and folded paper, through June 28, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; (215) 3409800.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

American St.; (215) 9236552.

Martha Clarke The guest choreographer brings her avant-garde Yuichi Hibi: Neco works to Philadelphia Gallery 339 presents Hibi’s through April 26 at The photographic exhibition that Performance Garage, 1515 evokes the menace, beauty Brandywine St.; (215) 569and mystery of urban 4060. landscapes at night, through May 16, 339 S. 21st St.; (215) 731-1530. Indiana Jones Marathon Day 2 “The Last Crusade” and Opus 1 Contemporary “Kingdom of the Crystal Dance Skull” are screened at noon Choreographers Lina and 2:30 p.m., respectively, McMenamin and Tim Early April 18 at The Colonial present works featuring the Theatre, 227 Bridge St., music of The Gypsy Kings, Phoenixville; (610) 917Bach, Radiohead and more, 0223. at 8 p.m. April 18 and 2 The Man in the White p.m. April 19 at Painted Bride Arts Center, 230 Vine Suit St.; (215) 925-9914. The 1950s comedy is screened at 2 p.m. April Jeanne Ruddy Dance 19 at The Colonial Ninth Season Featuring Theatre, 227 Bridge St.,

Film

Dance

PGN

Phoenixville; (610) 9170223. 4:20 Double Feature “Grandma’s Boy” and “Pineapple Express” are screened at 8 p.m. April 20 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; (215) 9225483.

Books

Christina Pirello The author of “This Crazy Vegan Life” hosts a book discussion at noon April 18 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 686-5322. R. Angel West The poet and author of “Life, Love & Loss” hosts a book event at 5:30 p.m. April 18 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; (215) 923-2960.

Pick

Sendak on Sendak The Rosenbach Museum and Library hosts an exhibition exploring the work of gay artist/ author Maurice Sendak, through May 3 at 2008-10 Delancey Place; (215) 7321600. Victory for Tyler 2009: Sculpture Ice Box Project Space presents the second in a series of biennial exhibitions to beneﬁt the Tyler School of Art’s Exhibitions and Public Programs department, through April 26, 1400 N.

Notices Send notices at least one week in advance to: Diversions, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19147; fax them to (215) 925-6437; or e-mail them to diversions@epgn. com. Notices cannot be taken over the phone.

Catch “The Exquisite Queer,” a thesis exhibition by out photographer Dave Kube, April 22-25 at Temple Gallery at the Tyler School of Art, 2001 N. 13th St. Kube is committed to consciousness-raising for the gay community with his work, exploring issues of vulnerability and misunderstanding in relation to gay experiences. “It’s basically a mix-and-match series of gay men,” he said of “The Exquisite Queer.” “My work sort of borders on ridiculousness, so I wanted that to be present. It has elements of stereotypes and documenting the various types of gay men. Also the mix-and-match acts as a slate to show that even though some people match up really nicely together, they still don’t ﬁt into some predetermined mold. Identity is sort of this ﬂuid construct.” For more information, visit www.davekube.net or call (215) 925-7379.

PAGE 33

Etc.

Brian Reagan The clever comedian performs at 8 p.m. April 17 at the Tower Theatre, 19 S. 69th St., Upper Darby; (610) 352-2887. Tommy Davidson The comic and actor from “In Living Color” performs April 17-18 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; (215) 4969001. 12th Air Hot Male Burlesque DJ Dutch spins as Vanessa Sterling hosts the event from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. April 17 at 12th Air Command, 254 S. 12th St.; (215) 5458088. Flight of the Conchords

The New Zealand comedy duo performs at 8 p.m. April 18 at the Tower Theatre, 19 S. 69th St., Upper Darby; (610) 3522887. Jell-O Wrestling: The She Devils Everybody’s favorite afterdinner treats get down in some Jell-O from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. April 17 at Sisters, 1320 Chancellor St.; (215) 735-0735. Chicago Party: 20 years in the biz! A beneﬁt for Denise Cohen’s 20th year in the business kicks off with a special “Chicago” movie revue featuring Denise and the Sirens from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. April 18 at Sisters, 1320 Chancellor St.; (215) 735-0735. ■

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 34

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

Community centers ■ The Attic Youth Center: For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. Groups meet and activities are held from 4-8 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available Monday through Friday. See the Youth section for more events. 255 S. 16th St.; (215) 545-4331 ■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St.; (215) 898-5044; center@dolphin.upenn.edu, Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. ■ Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies Youth Center: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; (215) 348-0558 ext. 65; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. ■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center: 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 732-2220; www.waygay.org. Peer counseling: Monday through Friday, 6-9 p.m. Library hours: Mondays 3-9 p.m., Tuesdays 3-6 p.m., Wednesdays 3-9 p.m., Thursdays 3-9 p.m., Fridays 3-9 p.m., Saturdays noon-6 p.m., Sundays noon-6 p.m. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.; Volunteer Velada, third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.

Health Anonymous, free, confidential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 166 W. Lehigh Ave.; (215) 763-8870 ext. 6000. AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 340 N. 12th St., suite 205; (2215) 536-2424. Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; (215) 851-1822 or (866) 2223871. Spanish/English. HIV testing Free, anonymous testing and counseling is offered from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment at AIDS Resource, 520 W. Fourth St., suite 2A, Williamsport;

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

(570) 322-8448. HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; (215) 685-1803. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications, conﬁdential HIV testing available at 17 MacDade Blvd., suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Ofﬁce Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; (610) 586-9077. Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing; HIV/AIDS care and treatment, case management and support groups; 1201 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-0652. www.mazzonicenter.org. Washington West Project Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; (215) 985-9206. Gloria Casarez, (215) 686-2194; Gloria. Casarez@phila.gov; Fax: (215) 686-2555 ■ Mazzoni Center: (215) 563-0652; www.mazzonicenter.org ■ Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine: (215) 563-0658

■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: (215) 5921513

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

■ AIDS Treatment hot line: (215) 5452212

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

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

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

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

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

Activism/Politics

ACT-UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) Meets at 6 p.m. every Monday at St. Luke and the Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St.; (215) 386-1981; www.critpath.org/actup. Delaware Valley Chapter, Americans United for Separation of Church and State Seeks activists and supporters of church-state separation. Holds monthly meetings and events; (856) 863-3061; www.dvau.org. Equality Advocates Philadelphia Holds a volunteer night second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m., 1211 Chestnut St., Suite 605; (215) 731-1447; www.equalitypa.org. Green Party of Philadelphia Holds general meetings fourth Tuesday of each month (except April) at 6:30 p.m., 4134 Lancaster Ave.; (215) 243-7103; www.gpop.org. Log Cabin Republican Club of Philadelphia Meets at 7 p.m. third Wednesday of the month at the William Way Community Center; (215) 4655677; www.phillylogcabin.org. Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club Meets seasonally; (215) 760-7184; www. libertycity.org. OutFront! Board of directors meets third Monday of the month; (215) 842-0343.

Arts

Gay Men’s Book Discussion Group MEETS AT 6:30 P.M. FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MOnth at the Independence Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, 18 S. Seventh St.; (215) 685-1633. Library Book Club Meets to discuss a new book at 7 p.m. on third Wednesday of the month at the William Way Center. Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus Chorus rehearses from 7-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays; (215) 731-9230; auditions@pgmc.org. Philadelphia Gay Men’s Opera Club Meets to share and listen to recordings at 6:30 p.m. on last Saturday of the month; (215) 224-6995. Philadelphia Voices of Pride Philadelphia’s ﬁrst mixed GLBT chorus rehearses at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the William Way Center; (888) 505-7464; www.pvop.org. Queer Writer’s Collective Workshop and discussion group meets 4-6 p.m. on fourth Saturday of the month at the William Way Center. Women’s Book Group Meets ﬁrst Thursday of the month at 6:45 p.m. at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; brassygrrl@hotmail.com.

Recreation

Diversity Dancers Ballroom dancers meet the ﬁrst Sunday of the month for tea dance and lessons. Other events scheduled throughout the year; (215) 922-2129; DiversityDancers@aol.com.

APRIL 17 - 23, 2009 last Tuesday of the month at Joe Coffee Bar, 1100 Walnut St.; (215) 592-7384. Mornings OUT LGBT Senior Social Activities for sexual-minority seniors are held every Tuesday from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the William Way Center. PhilaVentures Philadelphia’s GLBT outdoor group meets for a hike in Wissahickon Valley Park on Sundays at 2 p.m. at Borders Books, Music and Café, 8701 Germantown Ave.; (215) 271-8822. Rainbow Room A meeting/activity night held for LGBTQ youth and their friends Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. at Planned Parenthood in Doylestown; (215) 3480558. Social XChange A social group for sexual minorities ages 1323 meets every Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at 1201 Chestnut St., 15th ﬂoor; (215) 496-0330

Sports

Brandywine Women’s Rugby Club Meets for Tuesday and Thursday practice at Greene Field, Howell Street and Moore Road, West Chester; www.brandywinerugby.org. City of Brotherly Love Softball League GLBT softball league serves the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Games are played Sundays, beginning in April, in Fairmount Park; (215) 4622575; www.cblsl.org. Delaware Grifﬁns Women’s football team seeks players; (302) 6339054; www.delawaregrifﬁns.com. Frontrunners Running club meets Saturday mornings at 9:30 for a run and brunch. Lloyd Hall, No. 1 Boathouse Row; www.frontrunnersphila.org.

Friday Feast and Fun Dinner hosted by St. John’s Lutheran Church at 6:30 p.m. second Friday of the month, 24 N. Ridge Ave., Ambler; (215) 576-8008. Gay Coffee Hours Meets from 6-9 p.m. on second Thursday of the month at Joe Coffee, 1100 Walnut St.; (215) 592-7384. Haverford College’s Sexuality and Gender Alliance Open meetings 10-11 p.m. Mondays in the lounge in Jones Basement at Haverford College, 370 Lancaster Ave.; (610) 896-4938.

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

Long Yang Club Philadelphia Social organization for gay Asians and their friends holds monthly socials; P.O. Box 401, Philadelphia, Pa. 19105; www.longyangclub. org/philadelphia.

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

Metropolitan Community Church Christian education program is held Wednesdays from 6-10 p.m. at the William Way Center.

Philadelphia Gay Flag Football New group forming. Contact Jered at gayﬂagfootball@gmail.com or (214) 770-5373. Philadelphia Gryphons Rugby Football Club Team seeks players; all skill levels welcome; (215) 913-7531; info@phillygryphons.org. Philadelphia Liberty Tennis Association Meets at 7 p.m. every third Monday at William Way Center; (215) 755-2641; into@plta.us.

Gay and Lesbian Scrabble Players in the tri-state area gather for socializing and friendly/competitive games; ScrabbleGroup@excite.com.

Rainbow Riders of the Delaware Valley Motorcycle club meets regularly; (215) 836-0440; www.groups.yahoo.com/group/rainbowridersdv/.

Men’s Knitting Circle Social and knitting group meets from 6-8 p.m.

Delaware Valley Pink Pistols For LGBT people dedicated to legal, safe and responsible use of ﬁrearms for self-defense; meets at 2 p.m. on third Saturday of the month at Classic Indoor Range, 1310 Industrial Blvd., Southhampton; (267) 386-8907; www. pinkpistols.org.

LGBTQ and Friends Activity Group Meets at 7 p.m. on third Friday of the month to plan outings and potlucks at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County.

Philly Gay Hockey Association Philadelphia Phury seeks players; (917) 656-1936; phury@gayhockey.org.

Male Oenophile Group Male group forming to discuss, appreciate and taste various wines. Will meet once a month to investigate the nuances and glories of the fermented grape. Call (267) 230-6750 for more information.

Delaware Pride Meets at 7 p.m. on ﬁrst Thursday of the month at the United Church of Christ, 300 E. Main St., Newark, Del.; (800) 292-0429.

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

Gay-friendly Scrabble Club Meets from 6-11 p.m. in the P.I.C. Building, 42nd and Locust streets; (215) 382-0789.

Indepedence Squares GLBT square dance club, modern Western square dancing. Monthly open house. Tuesday classes in the fall; Lutheran Church, 2111 Sansom St.; (215) 735-5812; www.independencesquares.org.

BiUnity Philadelphia area social and support network for bisexuals, their family members and friends meets at 7 p.m. the ﬁrst and third Tuesdays of the month at the William Way Center; www. biunity.org.

Latina/o Virtual Community Local listserv offers various information and resources; Zorros_mail@yahoo.com; LatinPhilly LGBT@yahoogroups.com.

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

Humboldt Society: Lesbian and Gay Naturalists Meets second Thursday of the month at the William Way Center; (215) 985-1456; www. humboldtsociety.org.

Etc.

AIDS Law Project Provides free legal assistance to people with HIV/AIDS and sponsors free monthly seminars on work and housing; 1211 Chestnut St., suite 600; (215) 587-9377; www.aidslawpa.org.

Gay and Lesbian Bowling League Bowls at 8 p.m. Thursdays in the Norristown area; call Doug Schneidig; (716) 864-4393.

Gay Bridge Club Non-beginners group meets Monday afternoons at the William Way Center; (215) 985-4835.

Gay Opera Guys of Philly New group for opera appreciation meets last Sunday of the month at 2:30 p.m. in Roxborough/ Andorra area; (215) 483-1032.

encouraged to e-mail michelesimone19144@yahoo. com.

Rainbow Rollers Gay and lesbian bowling league meets 9 p.m. on Tuesdays September-April at Laurel Lanes, 2825 Rte. 73 South, Maple Shade, N.J.; (856) 778-7467. South Jersey Gay Bowling League Gay and lesbian bowling league meets 7 p.m. on Fridays September-April at Laurel Lanes, 2825 Rte. 73 South, Maple Shade, N.J.; (856) 778-7467. Spartan Wrestling Club The gay wresting team meets from 7-9 p.m. Mondays at the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St.; (215) 732-4545; www.phillyspartans. com. Team NJ Meets at 7:30 p.m. third Thursday of the month at the Pride Center of New Jersey; (908) 234-1481. Team Philadelphia Meets at 8 p.m. second Wednesday of the month at the William Way Center; www.teamphiladelphia. org. Women’s Table Tennis New group forming. Interested women are

Our Night Out A casual social networking party of LGBT professionals and allies meets in a different Philadelphia hot spot each month. To receive monthly event invitations, send e-mail to OurNightOutPhilly@gmail.com. Philadelphia Bar Association Legal Advice Offered from 5-8 p.m. on third Wednesday of the month; (215) 238-6333. Philadelphia Prime Timers Club for mature gay and bisexual men and their admirers meets regularly; (610) 344-0853; www. primetimersphiladelphia.org. Philadelphians MC Club for leather men and women meets 7:30 p.m. first and third Mondays of the month at The Pit at The Bike Stop, 201 S. Quince St.; (215) 627-1662. Philly Paw Pals Gay and lesbian dog owners and their dogs meet on first Saturday of the month at a dog park; (215) 618-5290; PhillyPawPals@aol.com. Rainbow Amateur Radio Association ARRL affiliated; private; weekly HF nets, monthly newsletter, e-mail server; (302) 5392392; www.rara.org. Rock ’n’ Roll Queer Bar Party A party for gay and lesbian rockers with host Psydde Delicious starts at 10 p.m. every second Wednesday at N. 3rd, Third and Brown streets; (215) 413-3666. Silver Foxes Social and educational group for gays and lesbians 50 and older meets from 3-5 p.m. on fourth Sunday of the month at the William Way Center. Stonewall Model Railroad Club Meets monthly; (215) 769-4230; k3k@yahoo. com. Temple University Lambda Alliance Meets from 7-8 p.m. on Thursdays at The Village outside the Lambda office, SAC 205, 1755 N. 13th St.

APRIL 17 - 23, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

worth watching: FRIDAY Now on PBS Global warming and how it could affect national security and water rights. 8:30 p.m. on PBS.

Groomer Has It The new gayest show on TV has 12 competing doggy stylists. Tonight, the salon gets trashed. 9 p.m. on Animal Planet.

SATURDAY Ashes to Ashes British offering about a cop who ends up back in time in 1981. 8 p.m. on BBC America.

SUNDAY Amazing Race The teams compete in Thailand. Gay activist Dr. Mel White said it was a fantastic experience. 8 p.m. on CBS.

Grey Gardens Spectacular remake of the documentary about Jackie Kennedy Onassis’ cousins, Edith (Jessica Lange) and Edie Beale (Drew Barrymore). The two former doyennes of East Hampton society were “discovered” in the 1970s living in squalor. Sad and fascinating. 8 p.m. on HBO.

Queer TV you can always see: As the World Turns

Luke and Noah continue to work on their antidiscrimination project — with Damian’s money. Luke’s friends, the twins Zack (gay) and Zoe (bi), wreak havoc when they Photoshop Damian’s handsome Maltese head on a nearly nude man’s body on the cover of “Playman” magazine. Prepare for Noah to get kidnapped. Monday-Friday, 2 p.m. on CBS.

The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency Philadelphia’s own Jill Scott stars in this adaptation of the best-selling mystery series set in Africa. 8 p.m. on HBO. Desperate Housewives Is Edie really biting the dust? As the season ﬁnale nears, the residents of Wisteria Lane are revealing secrets. 9 p.m. on ABC. In Treatment Gabriel Byrne stars in the hit series in which clients have many and varied issues — including LGBT concerns. 9 p.m. on HBO. The Tudors Tonight, Henry goes back on his word. Starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers as a young and virile Henry in various states of undress. 9 p.m. on Showtime. Brothers & Sisters Kevin and Scotty consider a proposal from Chad (guest star

Jason Lewis). 10 p.m. on ABC. Tracey Ullman’s State of the Union New season of Ullman’s LGBTfriendly, sex-laden show. 10 p.m. on Showtime. WEDNESDAY America’s Next Top Model The female/TG models get dressed up and down by Tyra Banks. 8 p.m. on the CW. New Adventures of Old Christine Lesbian comedian Wanda Sykes. 8 p.m. on CBS. Better Off Ted Portia de Rossi stars in this new black comedy. 8:30 p.m. on ABC. American Idol The finalists are being whittled down. 9 p.m. on FOX. THURSDAY In the Motherhood “Will & Grace” alum Megan Mullally stars in this sitcom that takes a darkly comic look at motherhood. 8 p.m. on ABC. Parks and Recreation Amy Poehler is at her funniest in this new comedy from the creators of “The Office.” 8:30 p.m. on NBC. Hell’s Kitchen Only five chefs remain. 9 p.m. on FOX.

Guiding Light

Natalia and Frank are going to be married. Soon. But Springfield’s bad girl, Olivia, wants Natalia. So far, it seems she’s just doing everything she possibly can to make Natalia realize how comfortable their “roommate” lives are together. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. on CBS. Ellen

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

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

BY THE TIME I GET TO ARIZONA: Things heat up when Callie (Sara Ramirez) introduces Arizona (Jessica Capshaw) as her girlfriend to her disapproving father (Hector Elizando) on “Grey’s Anatomy,” at 9 p.m. Thursday on ABC. Photo: ABC/Randy Holmes

PAGE 35

Q on the tube: News you aren’t seeing By Victoria A. Brownworth PGN Contributor With newspapers on life-support, the majority of Americans — more than 80 percent — say they get their news first from TV. That number means it’s incumbent upon network and cable news to report expansively on news that is important to all Americans. For months, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan — once the central issue in the presidential primary — have receded from news coverage to an almost-negligible level. A year ago, there was at least a half-hour of war reporting on each of the major-network evening newscasts per week. That has dropped to less than 10 minutes per week per network. More disturbing, however, is what news we aren’t seeing. On March 31, a law allowing women to be raped in marriage was passed in Afghanistan. According to the U.N., which published information on the law, Afghan President Hamid Karzai backed a law that the U.N. Development Fund for Women says legalizes rape within marriage. The same law also forbids women from leaving the house for any reason without permission. According to the U.N., the law says women cannot seek work, education or doctors’ appointments unless their husband or a male relative approves. International outrage followed the U.N. revelation. On April 7, a spokesperson for Karzai said the Afghan leader would “review” the law. Thus far nothing has happened. Whether or not the law gets changed, this was still very much news that never made it to the American networks. Yet BBC World News, which runs twice a day on PBS, considered it a lead story. The missing headlines don’t end there. According to the BBC, gay men are being targeted in Iraq by Shi’ite death squads. The London-based Iraqi LGBT group asserts that more than 30 gay men and teenagers have been targeted and executed by death squads in recent weeks. ThinkProgress, a Washington, D.C.-based political Web site, reported on murders of gay men in Iraq last week, acknowledged by the Iraqi government itself. “An Iraqi defense ministry official reports that at least six gay men have been shot dead in two separate incidents during the past 10 days in a Shia-controlled part of Baghdad.” The official said that three bullet-riddled bodies of gay individuals have been identified in Sadr City. In addition, Amnesty International and Iraqi LGBT assert that many more gays and lesbians are scheduled for state-sponsored execution. According to Ali Hili of Iraqi LGBT, 128 Iraqi gays and lesbians are being held for execution, including a member of the Iraqi LGBT group. In 2004, the new Iraqi government re-instituted “morals” laws that allowed for the death penalty for anyone engaging in homosexuality. Hili called this “unacceptable and deplorable.” Amnesty International has called on the Iraqi authorities to make public all information pertaining to the 128 people, including full names, charges and their current places of detention. So why the news blackout in the U.S. about these human-rights abuses — which America, with its military presence in both Iraq and Afghanistan, is now a party to? If the majority of Americans get news from ABC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, NBC and FOX, where are the reports on the violence against women and queers? Americans of all sexual orientations should know their tax dollars are indirectly supporting state-sponsored oppression, violence and murder. That’s news. Refusing to report it doesn’t make it less newsworthy. ■

CLASSIFIEDS

PAGE 36

APR. 17 - 23, 2009

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

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

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

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

PAYMENT AND PLACEMENT

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

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

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

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

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

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APR. 17 - 23, 2009

PAGE 37

Classifieds

With Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services and Personals

Danger of worsening recession drove Fed action By Jeannine Aversa The Associated Press The Federal Reserve’s decision last month to plow $1.2 trillion into the economy reﬂected growing concerns about a vicious economic cycle in which rising unemployment will curtail consumer spending, potentially into 2010. Documents released last Wednesday provided insights into the Fed’s decision to revive the economy by buying long-term government debt and boosting purchases of mortgage-backed securities from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Projections for economic activity in the second half of 2009 and in 2010 “were revised down” by the Fed’s staff, who did not provide updated forecasts. “Most participants viewed downside risks as predominating in the near term,” according to minutes of the Fed’s closed-door meeting on March 17-18. And with the economy likely to

stay fragile, the unemployment rate — now at a quarter-century high of 8.5 percent — will probably “rise more steeply into early next year before ﬂattening out at a high level over the rest of the year,” the minutes said. The bleak outlook stems mainly from a cycle where rising joblessness prompted cutbacks by consumers, which in turn led to more layoffs and reduced production by businesses. Such forces would weaken the economy even more, triggering further credit tightening and additional losses at ﬁnancial institutions, the Fed explained. Against that backdrop, the central bank decided to hold its key lending rate at a record low of between zero and 0.25 percent. Economists predict the Fed will hold the rate in that zone for the rest of this year and for most — if not all — of next year. In addition, Fed chairman Ben Bernanke and his colleagues turned to other unconventional tools to

revive the economy. The Fed said it would spend up to $300 billion to buy long-term government bonds and would buy an additional $750 billion in Fannie and Freddie securities. “The Fed saw red in terms of the downgraded economic outlook and had to come up with a bold move and indeed it did,” said Richard Yamarone, an economist at Argus Research. The economy had deteriorated more than Fed policymakers expected from their previous meeting in January. Of particular concern was the sharp drop in demand overseas, which was hurting sales of U.S. exports, the Fed said. That meant exports wouldn’t likely be a source of support for economic activity in the near term. The Fed minutes said that gross domestic product was “expected to ﬂatten out gradually over the second half of this year and then to expand slowly next year as the stresses

of the financial markets ease, the effects of fiscal stimulus take hold, inventory adjustments are worked through and the correction in housing activity comes to an end.” GDP measures the value of all goods and services produced within the U.S. and is the broadest measure of the country’s economic health. It contracted at a 6.3-percent pace in the final quarter of last year, the worst showing in a quartercentury. Many economists expect the economy performed nearly as poorly in the first three months of this year. The government will release its estimate of first-quarter GDP later this month. Many analysts believe the economy is shrinking in the current quarter, but probably not as much as in the fourth quarter. Still, Fed policymakers believed that policies in place would eventually lead to an economic recovery, although an exact timetable wasn’t offered. President Barack Obama’s $787-billion

package of increased government spending and tax cuts, along with the administration’s bank-rescue efforts and a program to reduce home foreclosures, will provide some level of relief. However, Fed officials expressed “a variety of views about the strength and the timing of the recovery.” Some believed the “natural resilience of market forces” would become evident later this year. Others saw a recovery as “delayed and potentially weak” because consumers would stay very cautious. The Fed’s decision to launch the $1.2-trillion program was viewed as helping to address “the very weak economic outlook” and thwart the prospect of deflation, a dangerous bout of falling prices. The Fed spoke of the need to “reduce the risk that inflation could persist for a time below rates that best foster longer-term economic growth and price stability.” ■

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

Poconos - Canadensis, PA

Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Square Footage: 2,250 Cost: $497,000 Realtor: Fred Baldi Real Estate Co: Fitzgerald GMAC Real Estate Phone: 570-595-2110 Direct: 570-994-5118 Web Site: www.poconoshomesinfo.com

Check your ad

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

Casually elegant Adirondack/Arts & Crafts style cottage on 4 acres w/open ﬂoor plan, entertainer’s delight. Meticulous craftsmanship throughout, six person hot tub overlooking stream. Perfect escape from hectic city life, 2-hour drive from Center City! Call for appointment. www.forevergreencottage.com

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

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

CLASSIFIEDS

PAGE 38

APR. 17 - 23, 2009

Real Estate

REAL ESTATE

HOME FOR SALE Horticultural Hideaway – 4 BR/2 1⁄2 BA Colonial. 2 Acres, Stream & pond, perimeter trees Internal trees & garden beds. Bucks County, minutes from Doylestown. RE/MAX Action Realty 215-358-1100. Contact Carl Hedner, Realtor 215-358-1144. www.carlhedner.com _______________________________33-16

4bd 2ba Only $28,900! Bank Owned Home! For Listings 800-935-3407 ext. 1201. _______________________________33-16 Always Renting? Low on Funds? Buy 1-4bd Homes from $10,000! Buy Discounted Homes, Sell for Big Proﬁts! Foreclosures &Bank Repos! For Listings &Info 800-935-9058 ext.B104. _______________________________33-16

Potter County- 5 acres adjacent to 4000 acre State Game Lands. Hebron Twp. near Coudersport. Part wooded, part open, Electric, perc, $34,900. Owner ﬁnancing. 800-668-8679. _______________________________33-16

SALE

REAL ESTATE

SALE

REAL ESTATE

SALE

Conrad Kuhn

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

PGN

Rittenhouse Square Jewel

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

This exquisite 2 Bedroom/2 bath, 3-story home offers EVERYTHING for the urban “City” buyer!! Location!! Drama! Style! Form! Function! Amenities! AND PARKING!!!! • Carriage House (Garage parking & 2-story office/guest suite with bath) • Landscaped Zen Slate Patio/Garden with pond (fish included in sale) • 1st & 2nd floor rear wall is a “wall of glass” that floods the house with sun and wonderful energy!

Washington Township Ofﬁce 5070 Route 42 Turnersville, NJ 08012

1630 Waverly & Addison Carriage House

$695,000

Check out the gorgeous virtual tour and see for yourself at: http://www.obeo.com/Public/Viewer/Default.aspx?ID=484316

322 Bainbridge Street Philadelphia PA 19147 (215) 925-6600

White Garrett Associate Broker (215) 906-6800

PGN

Advertising works.

Open House - April 19, 12-1:30 pm

1129 Spruce Luxury Condos - All New!

All have hardwood ﬂoors, ﬁreplaces, granite, stainless, top-of-the-line everything.

Unit 1 - 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 3 levels, 3000 sq. ft.. Impressive Contemporary Home $929,000 Unit 2 - One bedroom, 1 1/2 bath, bi-level upgraded cutie - best ﬁnishes $319,000 Unit 3 - 2 bedroom, 2 bath with deck, bi-level Bright and roomy! $529,000

Also NEW!! 1230 S. Iseminger St. (12th and Wharton) - Wonderful 2 BR in desirable location. All new rehab hardwood ﬂoors, a/c, huge new bathroom. Move right in! $239,000 1424 Lombard - huge 5 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath classic brownstone with large sep dining room 1860’s vintage - new kitchen - 3000 sq. ft. of historic charm. Excellent condition $729,000 – Open House April 19, 2-4 1014 Spruce 8-1 - Value! 2 bedroom, 1 bath. North & South views! Hardwood and stainless - only $339,000

MISREPRESENT HIMSELF? DID YOUR CARPENTER

�� PGN LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

Suzanne E. Petruzel, GRI Sales Associate Cell 610-859-8030

Fox & Roach REALTORS®

At the Rittenhouse 210 W. Rittenhouse Sq. Phila, PA 19103 Dir. 215-790-5671 Fax 215-546-3415 Ofﬁce 215-546-0550 suzanne.petruzel@prufoxroach.com

CLASSIFIEDS

APR. 17 - 23, 2009

REAL ESTATE

PAGE 39

Buy or Sell in the Poconos

Open Houses Sunday April 19, 2009

SALE

Close to Mt. Airy Casino & Camel Back.

Noon - 1:00 242 S 13th St Units C/F. Furness Flats. Large 1 and 2 bed, 1 bath. last unit left in this highly desirable building. Close to all CC hospitals. Low fees and taxes ...................................................................only $335,000

1222 Spruce St Unit #3. Large open ﬂoor plan, 2 bd. 1 ba. Small building near Jefferson Hospital. Very low taxes and fees...............only $350,000

APRIL 18 - 24, 2008

FRED W. BALDI

CLASSIFIEDS

1:30 - 2:30

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® fred_baldi@hotmail.com

136-138 N. 2nd St. “MALT HOUSE” condo. This is a very large 1 bd. 1ba. REAL condo withESTATE a big private terrace. GoodREAL condition ESTATE and priced to SALE SALE sell. ............................................................................................$300,000

REAL ESTATE

SALE

VENTNOR, NJ (HEIGHTS) House & adjacent lot (swimming pool). 5 Bedroom, 2 bath, Laundry Rm, Kitchen, Dining Room, Sun room & great room. Living room, and lower & Upper decks. 2nd r-2 bedrooms, 1 bath, great room, sun room, & deck 1st r. 3 bedrooms, bath, living room, foyer, dining area, kitchen, laundry room, and deck. Central Air. Call 215-468-9166 after 6 pm. $950,000.00. _______________________________32-17 REHOBOTH BEACH, DE 14 x 17 with 11 x 25 add. Many improv. 3 BR, 1.5 BA. Sht. dist. to beach. Ask $62,900. Call 302-644-3331, lv. mess. or 302-381-2797. _______________________________32-16 PASSYUNK SQUARE Spectacularly rehabbed townhome w/ beautiful h/w oors & magnicently styled living and dining room through to large EIK outtted with granite counter tops, wood cabinets, dishwasher, and stainless appliances. Second oor features two spacious bedrooms and huge bath boasts custom tiled shower, extra deep soaking tub. Nestled in quickly growing Passyunk Square. Call Reggie @ Century 21 Newport Realty (215) 752-7660. _______________________________32-17 Open House $315K Fabulous Grad Hosp 2BR 728 S Smedley St, 19146 Sun 4/20 1-3pm _______________________________32-16 Bank Repos & Foreclosures! 1-4 bedroom Homes from $25,000! Great Locations! Payment from $199/month! For listings & Information 800-604-8363. _______________________________32-16 NEW Single-Family homes in active adult (55 plus) community in historic Smyrna, Delaware, near Beach and Bays. From $99,000. 302-6595800 or see www.bonayrehomes.com _______________________________32-16 5 bedroom, 2 Baths Bank Repo only $45,000! Payments from $199/month! 5% down, 20 years @8%apr. For listings 800-604-8363. _______________________________32-16

PGN

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

PAGE 91

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE www.PoconosHomesInfo.com

SALE

238 S 13th St. Unit G100 “George T. Sale Condo” Unique Garden level 1 HOMES FROM $10,000! MONTANA LAND BARGAINS Foreclosures for sale! bedrooms available!Low 20AC Utilities & Country Lowest Road was bd, 1 ba. unit w/1-4 private entrance. feeswith & Tax Abatement. These sell! ForSq. Listings Call...................................................$200,000 800- $99,900 Now $69,900 BLM access. Deer & pricehomes 1 bd.must in Wash. West 706-1762 ext. 6888. elk galore! Call to view 877-229-7840 www. _______________________________32-16 416 S 10th St. NEW LISTING. Large update 4 bd. 2ba. with huge WesternSkiesLand.com ATTENTION OUTDOORMEN garden and wonderful roof deck with _______________________________32-16 city skyline views. ...........$800,000 NYS Old Scout Camp 15 Ac on Lake- $39,900 GOLF SIDE SC HOME 3:00 NEW CABINS- $19,900 Fishing & Hunting off - 4:00 Luxury four bedroom, four bath. Fully furnished. limits until now! A sportsman’s dream. Limited and lake views. $678,000. Call Dave 2434 Poplar St. New Listing. RestoredMountain & Renovated Richardson Revival time offercall now! Christmas & Associates 602-758-9062. Twin, 4 Bedroom, 2 Full Baths, Hardwood Floors, High Ceilings, 2 800-229-7843 www.landandcamps.com _______________________________32-16 _______________________________32-16 mantles, plus garden, ................................................................$409,000 72 acres along McKean/Potter County line HERKIMER, NY 94.4 Acre dairy farm. 4 bedroom house, 85 near Shinglehouse. Mostly wooded, some Search all Philadelphia area listings @ www.thephillyrealtors.com stall cow barn, 4100’ paved road frontage. open area, includes old hunting cabin, Great views, open elds. $236,000. www. electric, $199,000. Field and Stream RE. Dan Tobey 800-668-8679. helderbergrealty.us 518-861-6541. The Curtis Center _______________________________32-16 _______________________________32-16 170 W. Independence Mall , Suite L-44

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

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

ChrisRiss@JackLingo.com

www.RehobothBeachHouses.com

Philadelphia, PA 19106

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

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

Mike Jenofsky

Rates have

Time to D reﬁnance, R Pconsolidate R E F E R R debt, ED O or buy NOW! P • FREE Listings Ask about our Pby Email...DAILY! E no closing cost • Negotiable Commissions! D option for buying Andy Mariano a home. Direct Line 610-789-0982 Mike McKeown Office 610-325-4100 Email: mike.mckeown@mindspring.com 1-888-533-9890 E-Mail: Licesensed by Dept.sold.andy@verizon.net of Banking/Insurance in NJ, PA, DE and NY

Loan Ofﬁcer

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

Open House - April 18-24, 12-4 pm

PGN

There are easier ways to get noticed...

The COOLEST homes in Philadelphia’s HOTTEST neighborhoods. Packer Park

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

bc@CapozziRealEstate.com The Arbours at Eagle Pointe The Villas & Regency www.CapozziRealEstate.com at Packer Park S O M E R TO N • 3320 South 20th St U T H P551 H I L A D E5100 LPHIA S O215 215.698.4540

215.389.9881 Spacious New One Floor Living & Distinctive Townhomes with Garages Up to 1,686 sq. ft.

A Lifestyle Community for Adults 55 & Better From the Mid $300’s

PAGE 40

APR. 17 - 23, 2009

CLASSIFIEDS

REAL ESTATE

SALE

REAL ESTATE

SALE

REAL ESTATE

SALE

1608 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19103

www.philarealtyexchange.com

AVENUE OF THE ART S 1326 SPRUCE ST #2903 (Center City One)-2br, 2 bth, 29th ﬂ views $435,000 Tom Gange

bth and working ﬁre place $499,900 Kera Ritter 401 S. 17th St-401 S. 17th: Quaint space, great location, new kitchen, commercial on 1st ﬂoor. $499,900. Kera Ritter

GRADUATE HOSPITAL 923 S. 17th - Attn Investors!! Triplex renovation started $175,000 Janis Dubin OLD CIT Y 244-48 N. 3rd, UNIT 3B – Corner unit condo, parking included $225,000 Kera Ritter RITTENHOUSE 226 W. RITTENHOUSE SQ. - 2 br/den. 2 bth, newly renovated, with park view, $895,000 Tom Gangemi 1613 LOMBARD ST- Brand new everything, 3 br, 2

SPRIN G G ARDEN 1601 SPRING GARDEN ST #419- gorgeous upgraded unit, elevator and secure $179,900 Janis Dubin SOUTH PHIL ADELPHIA 1904 S. 9th St. - 2br home in Bella Vista w/ large living room, $139,900 John Perno UNIVERSIT Y CIT Y 209 Saint Marks Sq - 6br,2.5bth porch front w/huge backyard, c/a, w/d, wood ﬂoors and high ceilings. $599,000 Janis Dubin

FOR RENT

837 N. 2nd Street, Unit #302 Philadlephia, PA 19123

Property Proﬁle • 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths • Hardwood Floors • Stainles Steel Appliances • 1,923 Sq. Ft. • Sunlit Rooms • Abundance of Closet Space • Deeded Covered Parking

Bi-Level Penthouse - Corner Unit

Competitively Priced At: $485,625 MLS #5495977

Marketed By:

Barbara A. Louridas Cell: 215-429-9605 Ofﬁce Direct: 215-409-6939 Licensed in PA, RS#306562

Long & Foster Real Estate, inc.

601 Walnut Street, Suite L-10, Philadelphia, PA 19106 Ofﬁce: 215-409-6900 Fax: 215-509-6900

Although deemed accurate, this information is subject to errors, omissions and changed without notice.

223-1/2 Jamestown St., Manayunk Philadelphia 19128 Offered at $399,000

OPEN HOUSE April 19th, 2-4 pm

Fabulous renovation in Manayunk, beautiful home with great views, upgrades galore. You won’t believe the ﬁnishes in this rare single just 3 short blocks off Main Street. 3 bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths, all the bells and whistles and a 10 year tax abatement. Patricia Kolea Coldwell Banker Preferred 230 Sugartown Road, Wayne, PA 19087 610-975-5900 Ofﬁce 610-517-4306 Cell

711 S. 18th ST-2 beds/1.5 baths, backyard, 2 secure parking spaces, great space $2,000 mo Kera Ritter 1513 S. 13th ST – Ultra modern 1 BR, 1 BA with deck in Gray’s Ferry. Avail May 1 - $575/mo no pets Janis Dubin 3512 BARING ST – Studio, utilities included in rent starting at $900 mo Kera Ritter 4030 W. GIRARD AVE-Huge Storefront retail space, $1000 mo Kera Ritter 1613 LOMBARD ST Brand new everything, 3 br, 2 bth and working fp $2000 mo Kera Ritter 2314 REED ST- 2 bedrooms- 2 Units-wood ﬂoors, new kit, exposed brick starting $895 mo Janis Dubin 226 W. RITTENHOUSE SQ-2br,den, recently renovated, balcony, view of park $3500 mo Tom Gangemi 1601 SPRING GARDEN ST #419- gorgeous upgraded unit, elevator and secure $1000 mo Janis Dubin 2015 WALNUT ST-Commercial Storefront in Rittenhouse Sq. $2,000 mo Kera Ritter Various 1 and 2 bedroom residential listings-For More Information Please Call The Ofﬁce CAREER OPPORTUNITY FOR FULL TIME SALES AGENT- FOR INTERVIEW CALL OFFICE

WE WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME OUR NEW SALES ASSOCIATE, MAURICE CORNELIUS

ROOMMATES PGN WILL NOT PUBLISH RACIAL DISTINCTIONS IN ROOMMATE ADS. SUCH NOTATIONS WILL BE EDITED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. ___________________________________ GREATER NE PHILA. Have your own bedroom in a beautiful split level home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 full baths, W/D, upper and lower decks, use of kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least reasonably neat and employed. Rent is $600 + 1/3 utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. _______________________________33-19 Share 2 BR apt. 69th St. U. Darby . CC bus at door. $350 + 1/2 util. W/D. 610-352-1188. _______________________________33-16 ROOMMATE WANTED, LANGHORNE Room available langhorne. $550 inc, heat/ H2o, internet, shared kit/bath, W/D. close to train (R3), RT95, US1, shopping malls. free parking. quiet setting. pool pass extra. htoad42000@yahoo.com _______________________________33-16 SPRINGFIELD, DEL. CO. Share home w/male w/male. 2 BR avail. Smaller rm $575/mo. Larger rm. $675/mo. Rent incl. all utils. Near trans. No smoking/pets. In ground pool, quiet neighborhood. Please call 610-328-2255. _______________________________33-16 NE Phila. house to share. $350/mo. Call Jim, 215-821-1062. _______________________________33-18

VACATION

RENTAL SUMMER RENTAL SEA ISLE CITY, NJ More info at www.vacationseaisle.com Monthly / Half Season / Full Season. _______________________________33-16 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102 Online reservations www.holidayoc.com _______________________________33-16

REAL ESTATE

RENT

IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GAYBORHOOD Available Immediately. One bedroom apartment with central air conditioning, ample closet space and wall to wall carpet. Great Center City Location for only $900 per month. Please call Tom at Solo Realty Co. to see this space. 215564-7656 ext. 22 or tom@solorealty.com _______________________________33-19 $1200/MONTH SPECIAL 2 bedrooms, kitch, W/D, living room, hardwood flr, ultra modern steel refrig and dishwasher. Central air. New apt. of year in Queen Village. All tile bathroom and kitchen floor. Sexy! Must see! 215-687-8461, home 215-336-4629. _______________________________33-18 ART MUSEUM HOUSE 2BR house w/parking, deck Art Museum Area-- off 26th St. (800 N. Bambrey, 19130) 800 N. Bambrey--Corner house on quiet street, close to public transportation. Newly renovated, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood floors, AC, laundry, deck, PARKING, wired. $1600+ call 215-990-4850. Go to www. kratzworks.com for rental app and pix. _______________________________33-17

SERVICES CITY SERVICES Shuttle service within city limits, personal shopping, help with bags, companion service, lite cooking, dog walking & house sitting, any reasonable request. 215-205-5453. Refs. avail. Reasonable rates! _______________________________33-16 ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE From Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Computers, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualiﬁed. Call 866-858-2121 www.CenturaOnline.com _______________________________33-16 AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualiﬁed -Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888)349-5387. _______________________________33-16

FOR SALE SAWMILLS From only $2,990.00--Convert your LOGS TO VALUABLE LUMBER with your Norwood portable band sawmill. Log skidders also available. www.norwoodsawmills.com/300n Free information: 1-800-578-1363-Ext300-N. _______________________________3316ONLINE PHARMACY Buy Soma, Ultram, Fioricet, Prozac, Buspar $71.99/90 $107/180 Quantities. PRICE INCLUDES PRESCRIPTION! Over 200 meds $25 Coupon. Mention Offer: #21A31. 1-888531-6744. tri-pharmacy.info _______________________________33-16 ABSOLUTELY NO COST TO YOU!! ALL BRAND NEW POWER WHEELCHAIRS, HOSPITAL BEDS AND SCOOTERS. IMMEDIATE DELIVERY. CALL TOLL FREE 1-888-998-4111 TO QUAILIFY. _______________________________33-16 HOMEOWNERS WANTED! Kayak Pools looking for Demo Homesites to display new maintenance free Kayak Pools. Save thousands of $$. Unique opportunity! 100% ﬁnancing available. 1-877-499-POOL. _______________________________33-16

BUSINESS

OPPORTUNITIES Insurance Agency for Sale: Major National Insurance Company has local agencies for sale. Great Opportunity to run your own business. Please reply: Fax#866-296-7535 or agencyforsalepa@aol.com _______________________________33-16 100% RECESSION PROOF! Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route. Includes 25 Machines and Candy All for $9,995. 1-800-460-4027. _______________________________33-16 VANGUARD CLEANING SYSTEMS FRANCHISE Commercial Ofﬁce Cleaning. Operate a Business that YOU own! Since 1984, as low as $1500 down, Equipment, Support, Customers. Phone: 717-260-3678. _______________________________33-17

ADOPTION ADOPTION Wishing to adopt newborn to nurture and adore. Will provide your baby with warm, loving, stable home. You will be treated with respect/ conﬁdentiality. Expenses Paid. Please call Glenna 1-866-535-8080. _______________________________33-16 Considering Adoption? A beautiful home, loving attorney and nurturing full-time mom awaits your baby. Expenses paid. Call Anne & Phyllis (ask for Michelle/adam) 1-800-790-5260. _______________________________33-16

AUTOS DONATE VEHICLE Receive $1000 Grocery Coupon. Noah’s Arc Support No Kill Shelters. Research to Advance Veterinary Treatments. Free Towing, Tax Deductible, Non-Runners accepted 1-866-912-GIVE _______________________________33-16

Make waves. Write a letter.

PGN

APR. 17 - 23, 2009

PAGE 41

CLASSIFIEDS

HELP WANTED

Mystery shoppers, make up to $150 a day. Undercover shoppers needed to judge retail and dining establishemnts. Experience not required. 877-280-7603. _______________________________33-19 Travel, Travel, Travel! $500 Sign-on and $500 Performance bonuses. Seeking Sharp Guys/Gals, Blue Jean Environment, Music Lovers Welcome! Debbie #877-539-8673 Start Today! _______________________________33-16 Part-time, home-based Internet business. Earn $500-$1000/month or more. Flexible hours. Training provided. No selling required. FREE details. www.K348.com _______________________________33-16 NOW AVAILABLE! 2009 POST OFFICE JOBS. $18-$20/hr. NO EXPERIENCE, PAID TRAINING, FED BENEFITS, VACATIONS. CALL 1-800-910-9941 TODAY! Ref #PA09. _______________________________33-16 Drive the Big Rigs! 30 Trainees Needed ASAP. $700-$800 per week, Beneﬁts, No CDL, No Problem. No Credit, No Problem. GIT-R-DONE Call Now! 1-800-961-4319. _______________________________33-16

**ABLE TO TRAVEL** Hiring 6 people, Free to travel all states, resort areas. No Experience neccessary. Paid training/Transportation. OVER 18. Start ASAP. 1-888-921-1999 www.proteckchemical.com _______________________________33-16 Over 18? Between High School and College? Travel and Have Fun w/Young Successful Business Group. No Experience Necessary. 2wks Paid Training. Lodging, Transportation Provided. 1-877-646-5050. _______________________________33-16 Pensioner, GM inn, 609-287-8779 9 AM-1 PM only. _______________________________33-19 WANTED: LIFE AGENTS! Earn up to $500 a day -Great Agent BeneﬁtsCommissions paid daily- Liberal Underwriting -Leads, Leads, Leads, LIFE INSURANCE, LICENSE REQUIRED. Call 1-888-713-6020. _______________________________33-16 Dedicated Team Runs. Experienced CDL-A Drivers. 4400 to 4600 Miles per Week! PAID Holidays and Vacations. Excellent Pay, Beneﬁts and Equipment. 1-800-326-8889. _______________________________33-16

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Adver tising Sales Representative PGN, one of the country's most award-winning Gay and Lesbian publications, is looking for a special candidate to fill this position in our advertising sales department. Applicants should have previous advertising sales experience, preferably in a similar environment. You should have a strong work ethic, good communication skills (both written and verbal), and an aggressive desire to sell advertising in this very special niche market. Most important, you should aspire to become an integral part of our successful sales team. We offer a competitive salary plus bonus, as well as Health Insurance. Applicants should call Nick Forte at 215-6258501, ext. 209. Email resume to nick@epgn.com or send resume to: PGN, 505 S. 4th St., Phila. PA. 19147 Attn.: Nick Forte EOE

Recreational

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

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APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008

APR. 17 - 23, 2009

HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY ��

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PAGE 106

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

APRIL 25- -23, MAY 1, 2008 APR. 17 2009

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS

HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY

PAGE PAGE107 43

G.I. CONTRACTORS Complete start to finish contractors:

Electrical • Plumbing Carpentry • Ceramic Tile Siding • Rooﬁng • Decks Kitchens & Baths 24 hour emergency service with certiﬁed technicans

267-240-7535 215-917-6328 No job too small!

ARE YOU HOT!

Dowd Heating & Air Inc. 215-752-3638

2490 Williamson Court Bensalem, Pa 19020

Fax : 215-501-8306

CASTELLI ROOFING® & GENERAL CONTRACTORS, INC.

Family Owned & Operated — Over 25 Years Experience Rooﬁng Siding General Construction Specializing in Historical Rooﬁng

Free Estimates Personalized Service Licensed & Insured 100% Customer Satisfaction

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(215) 334-9459

RESTORATION CONSTRUCTION INC. • KITCHENS, BATHS • REMODELS • CUSTOM CABINETRY • DESIGN SERVICES • PRACTICING GREEN CONSTRUCTION General Contractors Licensed, Insured, References PO Box 359 Broomall, PA 610-353-2018 gjennings@randcinc.com

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

PAGE PAGE 108 44

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APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008

APRILAPR. 25 - MAY 1, 2008 17 - 23, 2009

Want to let mom, dad and all of your exs know you’re tying the knot?

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PAGE 108

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