PGN May 1 - 7, 2009 by The Philadelphia Gay News

Philadelphia Gay News Vol. 33 No. 18

Honesty Integrity Professionalism

May 1 - 7, 2009

Former COLOURS director indicted

Foes try to ‘boggle down’ nondiscrimination bill By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Lawmakers opposed to a bill that would add sexual orientation and gender identity to Pennsylvania’s nondiscrimination law have turned out in full force to attempt to thwart the bill. As of April 28, a group of 26 legislators — 13 Republicans and 13 Democrats — have introduced a combined 48 amendments to HB 300, which is currently awaiting approval by the House Appropriations Committee. The Judiciary Committee approved the bill, which was introduced by Rep. Dan Frankel (D-23rd Dist.) March 5, in a vote of 12-11 the following week. Philadelphia City Councilwoman-at-Large Blondell Reynolds Brown (D) introduced a resolution April 30 co-sponsored by Councilman Frank DiCiccio (D-1st Dist.) that seeks to voice the council’s support for HB 300. The resolution notes that Pennsylvania is currently the only Northeastern state without an LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination law and urges

the House to pass the legislation. Jake Kaskey, outreach and policy coordinator at Equality Advocates Pennsylvania, said the bill is not expected to come up for a vote in the Appropriations Committee until at least June, once proponents are sure they have enough votes to move it forward. Johnna Pro, spokesperson for Rep. Dwight Evans (D-203rd Dist.), chair of the Appropriations Committee, said the body will not need to vote on the amendments before it decides whether to send the bill to the House ﬂoor. Of the 35 committeemembers, 16, including Evans, are cosponsors of HB 300, which would amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to include sexual orientation and gender identity or expression as classes protected from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. However, four of the committeemembers — Reps. Gordon Denlinger (R-99th Dist.), John Galloway (D-140th Dist.), See HB 300, Page 16

SPEEDING FORWARD: Calcutta House’s April 24 “Night Train to Calcutta” fundraising event brought together about 170 supporters of the HIV/AIDS housing organization, including event co-chairs Jody Marcell (from left), Elizabeth Nourian and Jill Demmy (far right) and Calcutta director of development and communications Heather Osborne. The fundraiser, held at the Merion Tribute House in Merion Station, raised about $60,000 for Calcutta House. During the event, Calcutta officials announced the organization’s new fundraising initiative — a gift club that encourages donors to contribute certain monetary amounts on an annual basis — which brought in an additional $35,000. Photo: Scott A. Drake

By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer

HONK FOR HIV TESTING: Planned Parenthood volunteers Nina Orris (from left), Jessa Goldstein and Michael Form encouraged passersby at Broad and Walnut streets to get themselves tested for sexually transmitted diseases April 28, one of the last days of National STD Awareness Month. Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania’s Get Yourself Tested campaign — which will continue throughout the year — was aimed at raising public awareness about the spread and prevention of STDs among people 25 years and younger. Besides this week’s Burma Shave on Broad Street, the campaign included community health fairs and educational programs at local schools. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Obama’s 100-day gay report card By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Wednesday marked the 100th day since President Obama took the oath of office and, for the national LGBT community, never-before-experienced access to and inclusion in the federal government — although the community still awaits the appointment of an openly gay individual to the president’s cabinet. Since taking office, Obama has appointed at least 35 openly LGBT individuals to federal posts. Nine of those employees were nominated for positions that required Senate confirmation, making Obama the first president ever to choose LGBT individuals for such positions within the first 100 days of the presidency. Among the top LGBT appointments are John Berry as director of the Office of Personnel Management; Fred Hochberg as chair of the ExportImport Bank; Kathy Martinez as assistant secretary for the Office of Disability Employment Policy;

Marisa Demeo as associate judge in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia; Nancy Sutley as chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality; and Mercedes Marquez as the assistant secretary for community planning and development and Raphael Bostic as assistant secretary for policy development and research, both at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Additionally, the administration has expressed it adheres to a hiring practice that does not allow for discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Obama administration’s inclusion of the LGBT community has also extended beyond employment opportunities. In the past three months, scores of LGBT community leaders have been invited to the White House for a series of mainstream events. On Feb. 18, Joe Solmonese, executive director of the See REPORT CARD, Page 17

In a City Hall press conference April 29, Mayor Nutter announced that a former executive director of a local LGBT organization had been indicted for misappropriation of funds. Nutter and U.S. Attorney Laurie Magid announced that Dorena Kearney, former executive director of The COLOURS Organization Inc., had been indicted on charges that she stole $138,000 from the group for her personal use. Kearney is accused of using the funding for plastic surgery, a cruise and dog grooming — what Nutter spokesperson Maura Kennedy called the “most egregious examples” of the misappropriation. City Inspector General Amy Kurland, who spearheaded the investigation, said Kearney used the money “basically for a shopping spree.”

DORENA KEARNEY

“COLOURS was receiving both city and federal funding, so the money that she allegedly embezzled from the organization would have been both city and federal,” Kurland said. The presence of the federal funding allowed for the FBI to get involved with the investigation. See INDICTMENT, Page 16

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MAY 1 - 7, 2009

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No criminal charges in trans woman’s death by auto By Timothy Cwiek PGN Writer-at-Large The investigation into a fatal traffic accident that claimed the life of transgender woman Erika Keels was officially closed in March, with no criminal charges brought against the driver, Roland Bottom. But a review of the investigative file released last week raised questions about the decision not to pursue criminal charges against Bottom. The incident took place at 5 a.m. March 21, 2007, as Keels was crossing Broad Street near Stiles in North Philadelphia. According to police records, Bottom admitted to driving south on Broad Street at about 45 mph on his way to work when he struck Keels. If his statement is accurate, Bottom was traveling at least 20 mph in excess of the posted speed limit on Broad Street. Bottom also told police he was driving without corrective lenses — a violation of the restriction on his driver’s license that he must wear corrective lenses when

operating a motor vehicle. Keels, 20, died two days later at Hahnemann University Hospital after sustaining multiple broken bones, a fractured skull and internal bleeding. She never regained consciousness after she was hit. The investigative file offers sketchy details about the crash. “I don’t know where [Keels] came from,” Bottom told police, describing the crash. “The first time I saw him, he was running right at me. I stopped right after I hit him. I really don’t know if I skidded to a stop or not.” Upon impact, Keels went airborne about 65 feet and crashed into a parked car, shattering its window, then hit a fire hydrant before resting on the sidewalk at Broad and Stiles. “The man was acting really erratic before I hit him,” Bottom added. “I didn’t know if he had mental problems or what. He wasn’t acting normal; he ran right toward my car.” Police didn’t test Bottom for drugs or alcohol in his system, noting that he appeared coherent and didn’t display any signs of

impairment during his interview. According to medical records, Keels had drugs in her system at the time of the crash, which could have affected her ability to cross Broad Street in a safe manner. But advocates for Keels say Bottom was culpable in her death because he was driving recklessly. Some say he should have faced criminal charges, including vehicular homicide. According to state criminal code, any person who recklessly or with gross negligence causes the death of another person while violating trafﬁc rules or restrictions on the operation or use of a motor vehicle may be guilty of vehicular homicide. Advocates for Keels also question why police didn’t cite Bottom for speeding, though in July 2007 he was issued a ticket and penalized $125 for failing to wear corrective lenses while driving, which is considered a minor summary offense. One eyewitness to the crash, Matthew Carney, told police his attention was focused on Keels, thus he couldn’t comment on the manner in which Bottom was

operating his vehicle. Carney told police that Keels was jaywalking in a northwesterly direction while crossing Broad Street. “The pedestrian hesitated, then moved left, then right, then right, erratically, then got hit by a car,” Carney told police. “The person then flew straight up in the air, bounced off something, then hit a hydrant on the sidewalk, by the corner at Stiles Street.” Police did not interview any other witnesses, and the 911 tape wasn’t retrieved by investigators to determine whether additional witnesses existed. At press time, Sgt. Ray Evers, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Police Department, couldn’t comment on the specifics of the case. But Evers expressed confidence that the police investigation into Keels’ death was thorough. “I don’t think the police department would slight an investigation just because the victim was transgender,” Evers told PGN. “Everyone would get the same level of service. You had someone killed by a motor

vehicle. It’s a person’s death that has to be investigated.” Assistant District Attorney John J. Doyle, who reviewed the investigative ﬁle, said the facts of the case don’t warrant criminal charges against Bottom. “We have a victim jaywalking in an uneven direction, causing her own death,” Doyle told PGN. “We don’t have this potential defendant [Bottom] doing anything that would be considered a gross deviation from the norm. We simply do not have anywhere near sufﬁcient evidence to charge this person with a crime.” According to Doyle, jaywalking can be considered contributory to a fatality and, in some cases, can clear the driver of criminal wrongdoing. Bottom, 72, couldn’t be reached for comment. Police say they have no plan to recommend to the state Bureau of Motor Vehicles that Bottom be sighttested when his driver’s license comes up for renewal later this month. ■ Timothy Cwiek can be reached at (215) 625-8501 ext. 208.

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News Editorial 10 International News 18 Letters/ Feedback 11 11 Mark My Words 7 Media Trail 5 News Briefing 7 National News 11 Other Views 10 Other Voices 5 Regional News 11 Street Talk

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Metropolitan Community Church is on the move

Flap over marriage rights

MCC’s relocation to University City brings the church closer to most of its congregants and allows the organization to hold more events.

New York residents continue the battle of same-sex-marriage rights in the state.

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Detour Comics 32-33 40 Diversions Gayborhood Map 31 28 Hot Spots 42 Meeting Place Portraits 32 33 Q Puzzle 25 Scene In Philly Worth Watching 39

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Books/DVDs

Ms. Behavior

Michael J. Fox in an optimistic one-hour special

A memoir and a DVD release with Afro-Caribbean backgrounds

A blend of marriage issues

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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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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Regional

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News Briefing Complaint against state police dismissed The citizen’s complaint filed by William M. Granatt against a Pennsylvania State Police officer wrongful arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, has been dismissed as unfounded after an internal review. Granatt, a Bala Cynwyd gay man, said Trooper Christopher O’Brien acted with anti-LGBT animus when he arrested him in May 2008, after Granatt allegedly swerved on the Schuylkill Expressway near the Vine Street exit. Granatt was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, but the charge was withdrawn in July 2008 due to lack of evidence. A traffic ticket for swerving also was dismissed later that summer. Granatt filed a citizen’s complaint against O’Brien shortly after the incident. But in a letter from state police officials dated March 10, Granatt was informed that his complaint was dismissed as unfounded. The letter also states that a police videotape of the incident indicates that Granatt appeared “disoriented,” and that O’Brien had probable cause to arrest him. Granatt, 56, denies acting in a disoriented manner, and told PGN that he would like the tape to be released to the public. However, Cpl. Linette G. Quinn, a state police spokesperson, said the tape cannot be made publicly available. “All investigations are confidential including evidence,” Quinn told PGN. “The tape is considered evidence.” Quinn also said there’s no indication that O’Brien acted in a biased manner against Granatt. “If the department would discover a pattern of arrests that deem to be questionable, then a review would be initiated,” Quinn said. — Timothy Cwiek

Final fundraiser for Judge Anders

A DECADE OF PRIDE: Thousands of LGBT and ally individuals visited the city last week for the 10th annual Philadelphia Black Gay Pride. Many of the week’s events were held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on the Main Line and although organizers worried that headquartering the event outside Center City, could prove detrimental to attendance numbers, their fears proved to be unfounded: The 2009 PBGP was even more well-attended than last year’s festivities, according to Michael Hinson, interim executive director of The COLOURS Organization Inc. Guests participated in workshops, social outings and the PBGP’s firstever pool party — which drew about 75 people — and honored community leaders at the sold-out Legends Ball April 25. Hinson said the week was an “absolutely, absolutely overwhelming success.” Photos: Scott A. Drake

The LGBT and ally community is invited to the final LGBT fundraising event for openly gay Court of Common Pleas Judge Dan Anders, at 5:30 p.m. May 4 at the home of Stephen Alessi and Tom Smitley, 250 S. 13th St., Apt. 4b, before next month’s Municipal Primary. Anders became the first openly gay person to be appointed to the bench in the state when Gov. Rendell chose him in 2007 to fill a vacancy. Anders is now vying for a full 10-year term and will See NEWS BRIEFING, Page 19

EWS

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By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer

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

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Congregants of the Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia helped pack up boxes last weekend to assist with the church’s move out of its longtime home at the William Way LGBT Community Center. The church will now operate out of the University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, 3637 Chestnut St. MCC will begin worship services at its new location May 10 and at a new time, 1 p.m. The church moved into the center about 11 years ago, but MCC pastor the Rev. Jeffrey Jordan said numerous factors, including the economy, prompted the move. The church paid about $1,100 a month for its space at the center, which included an ofﬁce and use of the ballroom for worship services and choir rehearsals. Jordan said the church is now paying a “slightly lower” rent at its new locale, which will enable it to utilize the money it saves to expand its services. “Our offerings have been down a lot,” he said, “so we were scared to sign a lease with the center again. We didn’t have the money to stay there, but at the same time, people need us even more right now.” Jordan said about 60 people usually attend the weekly worship services.

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The new location will comfortably accommodate at least 80 individuals, and while the former space at the center could ﬁt more than that, the church also had to share the ballroom with other renters. Jordan noted that if MCC wanted to MCC PHILADELPHIA’S NEW HOME, use the space to UNIVERSITY LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE stage an event such INCARNATION Photo: The Rev. Jeffrey Jordan as a teen night or a prayer group, it their entire services, and now had to pay extra; the new space, they’re busting out at the seams in however, can be used whenever the ballroom, which is great.” the congregation needs it. Jordan noted that the new space, “If we want to have church which spans about 1,400 square every single day,” he said, “we feet, also offers a more convenient can do that. We can start an AIDS location for the church’s ministry, have movie nights, teen members. He said the majority parties, afternoon prayer; we’re of his congregants hail from West going to be able to offer the Philadelphia and University City community those things that a and that the move might enable church should be offering.” MCC to reach out to potential ’Dolph Ward Goldenburg, members who may not otherwise executive director of the center, travel to Center City. said it was a pleasure to watch the Fred Wolfe, parish administrator church transform over the years. of University Lutheran, said MCC “One of the things I love is a welcome addition to the about the community center is church community. that frequently we bring in small “University Lutheran is just organizations and they come in thrilled to have MCC joining us in and rent space, and we get to the building,” Wolfe said. “We’re watch them grow,” he said. “The looking forward to doing some church is a good example. It was great things together.” ■ here almost a dozen years, and when it started they literally had Jen Colletta can be reached at just a small room where they held jen@epgn.com.

Poll: NJ voters support marriage PAGE 15

By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer According to a poll released last week, public support for samesex marriage in New Jersey is continuing to grow. The Quinnipiac University poll released April 23 found that 49 percent of New Jersey voters were in favor of same-sex marriage, while 43 percent were opposed. The last Quinnipiac poll on the issue in the Garden State, conducted in December 2006 while the state legislature was considering the civil-union law that it later approved, found that 50 percent of voters opposed same-sex marriage, while 44 percent voiced their support. “Two years after New Jersey’s civil-union law went into effect, sentiment for allowing samesex marriage in the state has

national such as mnesty o attend

MCC moves out of center

Triangle Medical

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MAY 1 - 7, 2009

shifted from six points against to six points in favor,” said Clay F. Richards, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. When the 2,222 registered voters who participated in the survey, which was conducted between April 14-20, were given several options for legal recognition for same-sex couples, 43 percent favored marriage, while 30 percent supported civil unions and 20 percent believed such couples should have no recognition. Respondents did approve of the state’s current civil-union law, 63-30 percent, and the legislation received a majority of the support among every demographic group identiﬁed in the study, including Republicans and those who attend weekly religious services — two groups who, on average, opposed same-sex marriage.

Steven Goldstein, chair of New Jersey marriage-equality organization Garden State Equality, said the results of the poll were not surprising. “For the last three years, poll after poll in New Jersey, which were completely independent, show that more people in New Jersey support marriage equality than oppose it,” Goldstein said. “This shows a trend and provides even more evidence that New Jersey is poised to accept marriage equality at the soonest juncture. We’re working hard to see this happen in 2009.” Marriage equality saw its highest level of support among Democrats — 64 percent favored same-sex marriage — and the most opposition from Republicans — 64 percent against marriage See NJ POLL, Page 17

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

National

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Media Trail Gay dad and kids receive benefits

FACE OFF: Gay-rights advocate Matthew Arnold-Lloyd of Albany, N.Y. (right), argues with an unidentified man opposed to gay marriage during a rally Tuesday outside the Capitol. Gay-rights advocates want lawmakers to approve legislation to legalize gay marriage in New York. AP Photo: Mike Groll

LGBT community seeks unity with labor unions By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Two national LGBT organizations have partnered to launch a Web site that seeks to increase public awareness about two pieces of federal legislation promoting workplace equality. The National Stonewall Democrats and Pride At Work launched SharedAgenda. org late last month in an attempt to unify the LGBT and labor-union communities in the ﬁght to pass the Employment NonDiscrimination Act and the Employee Free Choice Act. ENDA, which has not yet been introduced in Congress this session, would prohibit workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), a proponent of a previous version of ENDA, and U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.) introduced EFCA in March. The bill seeks to provide more power to employees to form or join unions as well as lay out stricter regulations for unfair labor practices. Jon Hoadley, executive director of the Stonewall Democrats, said that last year he had been strategizing with Jeremy Bishop, executive director of Pride at Work — a constituency group of the American Federation of Labor & Congress of Industrial Organizations that focuses on LGBT employment issues — about how to rally support for ENDA and the two noticed the similarities in the focus between both pieces of legislation. “One of the main issues in the LGBT community for a long time has been working to end workplace discrimination.

We’re constantly trying to figure out how to remove bias from employment and promotion practices, as well as tackle a number of other issues,” Headley said. “But the community has been doing things the same way for a long time, and we need to find another way to start to cast a wider net. So we thought, ‘Let’s fight for common ground and approach this conversation and education from a different perspective.’ We don’t just want to repeat the conversation we had before, but find ways to work together to talk about issues that are important to both of these specific communities and build allies through those conversations.” Hoadley noted that, besides the shared goal of workplace equality, the LGBT community should support the unions that are pushing for EFCA because union contracts can often provide workplace protections for LGBT employees that go even beyond the scope of ENDA, which could be limited by religious exemptions and stipulations on the size of the companies affected. “We’ve seen that when unions have the ability to form and represent workers, their contracts are typically very inclusive of our community. They often provide a legally binding way to get protections where ENDA may not. Passing either bill will move us forward, but passing both together is really going to catch more potential forms of discrimination.” To achieve this objective, SharedAgenda. org provides educational tools about both EFCA and ENDA and forums for individuals to contact their legislators and urge them to support both pieces of legislation. “We’re trying to provide a hub for people to get basic information about both bills and

start the conversation about why working together makes a lot of sense,” Hoadley said. “Both of these bills are trying to get us to a place where people are treated fairly and advance our workplaces so they can be environments that are free of discrimination.” Hoadley noted that building grassroots support for EFCA and ENDA in a state like Pennsylvania could be critical to the passage of both pieces of legislation. “Pennsylvania is a state that could send a message to the rest of the country,” he said. “The cross section of the state looks pretty much like the cross section of the country, so building support in a place like Pennsylvania sends a signal to representatives and senators across the country that if it’s OK for senators and representatives from Pennsylvania, then it could be OK for their districts, too.” To kick off the launch of the site, organizers are running a video contest that encourages supporters of workplace equality to submit videos to YouTube that explain why EFCA is integral for LGBT workers. The creator of the winning entry will receive a $400 United Airlines gift certiﬁcate, as well as other prizes. Hoadley said the site has already received a high level of trafﬁc, and that while some visitors were interested in learning more about the connection between the LGBT and labor movement, each question posed allows for further educational opportunities. Hoadley noted, however, that “the most common response we’re getting is: ‘It’s about time we started working together.’” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn. com

365gay.com reports the Social Security Administration has approved benefits to the children of a disabled gay father after a three-year battle. In February 2006, Gary Day completed the applications for Child Insurance Benefits for his children. The SSA acknowledged that it received the application and promised to provide a response in 45 days. After more than a year with no response, Lambda Legal sent a letter on Day’s behalf seeking action by the agency. The SSA still did not provide an initial determination of eligibility, citing unspecified “legal questions and policy issues.” In May 2008, Lambda Legal filed suit against the SSA. The agency finally sent a letter to Lambda on April 24 recognizing the legal relationship between Day and his children.

Thousands in Iowa protest gay marriage The Des Moines Register reports more than 17,860 Iowans have signed petitions protesting gay marriage as of April 27. That tally came from reports by county recorders and represents 0.6 percent of Iowa’s population. Some ofﬁcials said recorders might be hesitant because gay-marriage opponents could target them when re-election time rolls around for processing same-sexmarriage applications. The Iowa attorney general’s ofﬁce said all of the protest petitions are public records and that the number of signatures should be released.

Gang member gets life for murdering lover Advocate.com reports a member of the Latin Kings gang was convicted April 24 of ﬁrst-degree murder in the death of his lover in North Andover, Mass. After seven hours of deliberation, the jury found Christian “King Joker” Almonte, 26, guilty of murdering Willie Escobar, 41. Almonte, who had a secret relationship with Escobar for several years, reportedly killed him out of jealousy and to conceal the relationship. Almonte stabbed his boyfriend 20 times in the victim’s apartment with a kitchen knife in February 2008. He will serve a life sentence without possibility of parole. ■ — Larry Nichols

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Family is top priority for LGBT group’s new employee By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer As the mother of twin 2-1/2year-old boys, Stephanie Haynes is no stranger to the importance of time management and good organizational skills — abilities she will be able to tap into in her new position as community coordinator for Philadelphia Family Pride. Haynes, 38, started the part-time position April 8 after the departure of former PFP employee Jennifer Raison, who held the job for ﬁve years. Haynes and her partner, Vicky Kresge, got involved with PFP — which provides outlets and networking opportunities for local same-sex couples with children — about two years ago, shortly after the birth of their sons, Grifﬁn and Jove. “At the time, we had one other lesbian couple with a kid whom we were friends with, and we really wanted our boys to grow up being around lots of different kinds of families,” Haynes said. “We wanted them to see that it’s not just our friends and their daughter but that there are lots of

STEPHANIE HAYNES AND GRIFFIN Photo: Leise Jones

two-mom and two-dad families, so they can understand that this is normal.” Haynes met Kresge on the first day she moved to Philadelphia in 1994. A native of Texas and a 1992 graduate of the University of Miami, Haynes made the move to the city to take a position as a canvasser for the Fund for Public Interest Research, a nonprofit group that operates canvas offices throughout the country for

numerous organizations. She spent about four months as a canvasser and was then promoted to canvas director, a position she held for seven years. In this capacity, Haynes oversaw canvas operations for such organizations as the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, PIRG ofﬁces in Pennsylvania and Florida, the National Environmental Law Center, the Sierra Club and the Human Rights Campaign — the last of which took her on a tour of the country one summer where she visited 15 different pride festivities. Before she left the group in 2006, she also oversaw the organization’s large-donor fundraising and later its Web-site development. Haynes decided to stay home with the twins once they were born and said she found the transition from full-time employee to fulltime mom relatively seamless. “Honestly right now it’s hard to remember what it was like to do anything else but take care of them. I found that being an organizer in my previous job wasn’t that different from organizing my days with the boys; multi-tasking and

keeping things in order and on track is pretty much what I did as a job and what I do now as a parent.” Haynes said when she received a message through the PFP listserv, announcing the open position, she decided the timing was right — and the job was perfect — for her to head back to work. “I read the posting and I said, ‘Hey, I can do that.’ And now that the boys are a little bit older, I have a bit more time to put into some other things for myself.” The job, which is the only paid position within the organization, requires about 20 hours of work per month, which Haynes said ﬁts well into her schedule, as she’s been able to work during the kids’ naps and after her partner gets home at night. Haynes, who also recently began writing articles for Examiner. com about LGBT parenting, is primarily responsible for planning numerous PFP events, such as its annual summer picnic, Halloween party and New Year’s Day celebration, as well as organizing the group’s presence at Family Zones during Equality Forum, Pride and OutFest.

Doug Metcalfe, PFP chair, said Haynes is a welcome addition to the team. “Stephanie brings some great skills and experiences to the position, and we’re really thrilled to have her on board and involved with the organization,” he said. Metcalfe noted that the organization now has about 200 member families, and Haynes said she’s eager to continue growing the organization’s membership base. The group’s members hail from a range of locales across the ﬁvecounty Philadelphia area, as well as from throughout New Jersey, and Haynes said she’s interested in boosting membership within each region to unite as many LGBTheaded families as possible. “Right now I’m still learning the ropes, but I certainly want to expand the organization and reach out to more and different families than we have now. I think it’d be nice to have more members in more places so we could have more regional events for a greater number of people.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

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LGBT political organization disbands By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer OutFront!, an area organization dedicated to increasing the visibility and inclusion of the LGBT community in local government, closed down last month, but not before making a final contribution. OutFront! served the community for 10 years and, in its last gesture of support, is using the revenue it had left over to institute two scholarship programs, which will be overseen by the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund. Michael Hinson, interim executive director of The COLOURS Organization Inc. and one of the founding members of OutFront!, said the organization’s mission shifted somewhat since its inception in 1999. “Our primary purpose at first was strictly political: We wanted to have a bipartisan group that looked at getting folks who were supportive of LGBT issues into elected office. But then we

also later expanded into doing education and public-policy work,” Hinson said. “We worked to build strong bipartisan support of LGBT issues in a variety of areas.” Among its list of accomplishments, OutFront! was one of the leading forces in the success of the 2002 City Council bill that added gender identity as a protected class under the city’s nondiscrimination law. Hinson noted that OutFront! members later worked to pass similar legislation in New Hope, Allentown and Norristown. The group has also conducted training seminars with the Philadelphia School District about the district’s Policy 102, a diversity-education initiative, and organized workshops with local LGBT community members to strengthen their lobbying skills. “OutFront! was a powerful force for equality for over a decade,” said founding member Kathy Padilla. “Its legacy includes several civil-rights laws, progressive policy development

and effective electoral advocacy for the LGBT community. Our leadership has included some of the best and brightest people that it has been my privilege to know. I believe their commitment to equality and to including the most marginalized members of our community has in some signiﬁcant ways been woven into the fabric of our city.” Hinson said the group, which most recently had nine members, made the decision to close late last year. “There were smaller and smaller groups of people doing work for the organization for some period of time, and it was becoming more difﬁcult for some folks to put in the work that they used to,” he said. “I think the organization just ran its course. We did some really great work and decided that it was time for us to move on. We’re clearly all going to continue to support the mission of the organization, but we felt that it was in all of our best interests to dissolve.” Although the organization will no longer be functioning, the

group used the last of its funds to create the “Keeping the Promise Scholarship Award,” a grant for local transgender students, as well as the “Victory Fund Training Scholarship,” which provides funding for a local candidate to attend the Victory Fund’s Leadership Institute & Candidate Campaign Training in San Francisco. The ﬁrst program will provide $1,900 to transgender students pursuing higher education or vocational training and who demonstrate ﬁnancial need. The deadline for this application is June 22. Perry Monastero, executive director of DVLF, said the scholarship program provides much-needed assistance to a very underserved population. “This is a great opportunity for transgender students because this is a new source of support for them,” Monastero said. “We really don’t see enough support going to transgender students, so this is exciting.” The second award is valued at about $1,200 and will be

given to an LGBT candidate who is either planning to run for elected ofﬁce or working on the campaign of an LGBT candidate. Women, transgender individuals and people of color are strongly urged to apply. Applications for this award must be completed by Aug. 28. Hinson said the educational scholarship will be offered for two years, and that the support of the local community will be integral to ensuring that both programs can be continued for a number of years. “Our hope is that folks will continue to recognize the importance of both of these causes,” he said. “The programs are established under DVLF, which does some really amazing work, so we’re hopeful that people will understand the importance of these scholarships and give them their support.” For more information about the scholarships or to apply, visit www.dvlf.org. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

MAY 1 - 7, 2009

Editorial Grading Obama Wednesday marked the first 100 days of Barack Obama’s presidency, giving pundits, politicians and journalists inspiration to review and critique his performance. The tradition stems from 1933, when President Franklin Roosevelt was furiously passing bills to pull the country out of the Depression. Since then, presidents have lauded and condemned the arbitrary time period. After last year’s heated election, no one could have predicted what the current president would have to face: housing-market decline, rising unemployment, financial and auto-industry crises. Some crises were known challenges, like how to end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan without abandoning their citizens, and how to foster better relations within the Western Hemisphere. Others have been completely unexpected, like swine flu. For the LGBT community, Obama has been the most visibly and openly supportive president ever: 35 appointments of LGBT staff (including nine requiring Senate approval), a nondiscrimination policy that includes sexual orientation and gender identity and expression and inclusion in economicrecovery outreach efforts. The communication efforts have been particularly significant, especially after LGBT press criticized Obama for his lack of accessibility while he was a presidential candidate. This paper, in particular, chastised him for not speaking to local LGBT media for the majority of his campaign. It seems he has remedied this, and then some. In addition to having access — as in phone calls returned and press releases sent — the administration has actively included the LGBT community in outreach events, such as the Small Business Administration’s push to inform entrepreneurs about loans and the annual White House Egg Roll. This time, the community isn’t being accused of crashing the party — we were invited to the party. This isn’t to say that Obama is perfect. The administration has not made progress on several important issues, including the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the Defense of Marriage Act, and passage of the federal antidiscrimination laws, immigration equality for same-sex couples or marriage equality. But progress is coming. As we go to press, the House of Representatives just passed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, by a vote of 249-175. On Tuesday, the White House released a statement from the president supporting the legislation, and calling for passage in the House and Senate. When the bill was passed in the last Congress, President Bush vetoed it. Full equality for the LGBT community may not be reached in 100 days, but change is coming. ■

Glenn Lash (glennlash@yahoo.com)

Other Voices

Les Robinson

The news we use I’ve decided that it’s time. Time to test your knowledge of recent LGBT news. Circle the right answer for each multiple-choice question below. The correct answers are provided at the end. No cheating. I’ll know. 1. In Maine’s capital of Augusta, so many people wanted to attend the ﬁrst public hearings on same-sex marriage that ofﬁcials moved the event from the State House to: a. a high-school gym b. a movie theater c. the Augusta Civic Center d. Massachusetts 2. Beatrice Arthur, star of gay fave “The Golden Girls,” died at age 86. Her character in that show was named: a. Laverne DeFazio b. Rhoda Morgenstern c. Dorothy Zbornak d. Roseanne Roseannadanna 3. A newspaper in a homophobic nation outed 50 citizens, publishing their names, occupations, physical descriptions, partners and HIV status. The report exposed the country’s “shameless men and

unabashed women that have deliberately exported the western evils to our dear and sacred society. They have been inﬂuential in spreading the gay and lesbian vices in schools to kill the morals of our lovely kids!!” In which nation did the exposé run? a. Jamaica b. Afghanistan c. Uganda d. Idaho 4. During the Miss USA pageant, Miss California said marriage should be between a man and a woman. The furor that followed completely eclipsed the pageant victory of: a. Miss Delaware b. Miss Oklahoma c. Miss North Carolina d. Mr. North Carolina 5. Last year, former New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey and Dina Matos concluded their bitter and melodramatic divorce. But they’re back in the news, announcing they plan to share his pension fund. This writer doesn’t care: a. about New Jersey b. about pension funds

c. if she ever hears about either one of them again d. if you get this question right 6. A show called “Liberace: The Man, the Music and the Memories” is slated to open this fall. Where? a. Branson b. Duluth c. Broadway d. a retirement home near you 7. A new book questions whether prominent cases of gays turning straight were fabricated. Whose work, happily cited by reparativetherapy supporters, is now in doubt? a. Alfred Kinsey b. Shere Hite c. Masters & Johnson d. Little Lulu The answer to every question is “c.” How did you do? That badly, eh? Well, later on I’ll give you another opportunity. But that’s just because I like you. ■ Leslie Robinson suspects Little Lulu is the answer to many of life’s questions. E-mail Leslie at LesRobinsn@aol.com.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

MAY 1 - 7, 2009

Other Views

Street Talk

Jennifer Vanasco

Don’t fight homophobia with sexism Sexism is so pervasive that most of the time we don’t even notice it. So is it any wonder when Perez Hilton called Miss California a “dumb bitch” that most media outlets didn’t notice? Instead, most everyone focused on what Carrie Prejean said during the Miss USA competition (itself not a bastion of highminded feminism): “You can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage, and ... I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman.” That’s not homophobic. It’s misguided — most people in this country don’t actually have the choice to marry a same-sex partner, and no one in a samesex relationship has the choice to be recognized by the federal government as married — but it doesn’t express disdain for gay people. But even if it were homophobic, Hilton’s response was inappropriate — because by calling Prejean a “dumb bitch,” he expressed general disdain for women. He didn’t address her opinion or correct her argument, such as it was — he reduced her to a nonentity, to someone not even worth taking seriously. This is ﬁghting homophobia with sexism, and it is wrong. Hilton, of course, does not represent the gay community. His puerile sense of humor plays to the lowest common denominator. And he apologized. Sort of. But using sexism to ﬁght homophobia isn’t limited to Hilton. I see it in the news Web site I run, where male commentators will refer to homophobic female legislators as “that cunt” or suggest they be killed or raped or hurt. Male homophobes are argued with. Women are dismissed.

PAGE 11

I am surprised by this. Maybe I shouldn’t be, because sexism is everywhere. But gay men, of all people, know how language oppresses and dehumanizes. Gay men know that when they are called “pansies” or “pussies” or “faggots” that the person slinging insults is doing more than just expressing disagreement — they are trying to put gay people in that place. And that place is choking under a heterosexual foot. For heaven’s sake — why should we understand that saying “that’s so gay” about a purple notebook is offensive, but we don’t get that calling a woman the c-word or b-word is just as wrong? We won’t win if every time a homophobic female with a platform is shot with slurs; it only gives the other side ammunition against us. We made the same mistake after the Proposition 8 vote in November. Suddenly, the Internet was filled with gay tirades against black people, tirades that were often peppered with hateful slurs. This did not win sympathy. Instead, it alienated us from those with whom we should be most closely aligned. We must always correct the facts when it comes to laws, policies and the identities of gay people. We must always protest when people blithely try to take away our rights or dismiss us. But we must also recognize that there are other minority groups — like women, like African Americans — who are fighting the same fight we are. Let’s be allies, not enemies. Let’s control our message and our tongues. Anger is appropriate. Hate speech is not. ■ Jennifer Vanasco is an award-winning syndicated columnist. E-mail her at Jennifer.Vanasco@gmail.com.

Will the Miss California controversy have any impact on marriage equality?

Jack Nichols student Roxborough

Damon Stanley customer service representative Northeast Philadelphia

“No. The Miss USA pageant isn’t that culturally significant. Miss California won’t win any converts to her way of thinking. She got on the national stage because of her looks, not her intellect. People realize that. Her opinion on gay marriage won’t change the way the nation feels.”

“It could hurt the cause. I think Perez Hilton’s attack on Miss California was very inappropriate. He shouldn’t have blasted her that way. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. It just gives the impression that gays are too dogmatic.”

Courtney Taylor student West Philadelphia

Christopher Testa cartoon animator Washington Square West

“The whole thing is a big mess. Perez Hilton shouldn’t have called her a bitch. And she should be more openminded. But I hope it will help gays by bringing the issue [of gay marriage] to the public’s attention once again. I’m rooting for the gays.”

“Some will see Miss California as a sympathetic figure who’s being persecuted. In that sense, it could do damage to the movement for gay marriage. Now the opponents have a martyr to rally around. She’s a new mascot for the right wing.”

Letters and Feedback Misquoting Elders Editor: Dr. Joycelyn Elders didn’t even say anything as potentially controversial as what Elicia Gonzales attributes to her [“Next month, give yourself a hand,” April 24-30]. As I recall, her actual words were, “Masturbation is something natural and normal, and that is perhaps something that ought to be taught in schools.” In other words, she was saying schools should teach that masturbation is natural and normal, not that schools should teach masturbation — something that would be superﬂuous inasmuch as most youngsters have no trouble discovering it on their own. The notion that she suggested teaching kids to masturbate was simply a willful

misrepresentation of the right wing, calculated to evoke a sexpanic reaction in the general public. Eric Hamell Center City

and the LGBT community. Now all we need is the Hate Crimes and ENDA passed. — Michale

In response to “Obama’s 100-day gay report card”

Of 800 words, not a single mention of BO’s position on same-sex marriage. How disappointing of this media outlet. It reads like a ﬂuff piece and ignores the most signiﬁcant issue of the day for Q citizens, as we await California’s pronouncement after Iowa and New Jersey. Obama prefers civil unions to full marriage recognition — a form of separate but equal. Did the White House write this release?

Great article on Obama’s admin

— RecordRat

Editor’s Note: According to a White House press brieﬁng transcript dated Dec. 9, 1994, Elders said: “As per your speciﬁc question in regard to masturbation, I think that is something that is part of human sexuality, and it’s a part of something that perhaps should be taught.”

PAGE 12

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PGN is pleased to announce our staff received three awards in the 2009 Keystone Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists Spotlight Contest. Our congratulations to Victoria Brownworth First Place, Enterprise Story, Non-Daily “Hiding in Plain Sight” Mark Segal Second Place, Commentary, Non-Daily “Mark My Words” Scott A. Drake Honorable Mention, Feature Photo, Non-Daily “Gone but not Forgotten”

MAY 1 - 7, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Obituary

PAGE 13

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

Joey Ruggiero, 28 By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Joey Ruggiero, a local healthcare worker and dedicated volunteer in the LGBT community, died suddenly April 14. He was 28. Friends of Ruggiero say he passed away in his sleep at his home in Hazelton. A Luzerne County Coroner’s Ofﬁce spokesperson said the cause of death had not yet been determined. Ruggiero was a native of Hazelton but lived in Philadelphia since 2004, then recently moved back to Hazelton to help out at home. A 1998 graduate of Hazelton High School, Ruggiero went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wilkes University in 2002. Ruggiero began his career as a crisis worker at Turning Point Behavioral Health shortly after graduation, a position he held until May 2003, when he was hired as a discharge specialist at UnitedHealth Group. Ruggiero stayed in this position until February 2008, when he transitioned to his most recent job as a contract analyst at UnitedHealthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group. Christina Molieri, Ruggiero’s friend, said he had planned to go back to school and get his doctorate in psychology, and had taken some master’s of public health courses at Arcadia University but had to stop because of work commitments. Despite his work schedule, Ruggiero found plenty of time to give back to the local LGBT community. Ruggiero served on the planning committees for Sapphire Fund’s Blue Ball and Emerge parties and worked at such events as the First Person Arts Festival, Lucky Lounge parties and the Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, now known as QFest. Parinda Patel, director of operations for QFest and CineFest, said Ruggiero began as an usher for the event about three years ago and became a manager by his second year.

“He has been on the top of my list of dedicated, reliable volunteers,” Patel said, “and he was always recruiting his friends to help out. I have been in touch with quite a few [members] of the PIGLFF/QFest volunteer family that had befriended Joey during the festival and he will be missed.”

and noted that his funeral last month drew friends from throughout Philadelphia, the suburbs and even New York. “Such a large range of people came and that just showed the way that he was,” she said. “He was in his element when he was surrounded by friends — friends from work, people that he met just being out or through other people and friends he met through volunteering in the community.” Molieri noted that Ruggiero had the type of outgoing personality that drew people toward him, but that he also emanated a sincerity and compassion that made him a true friend. “He was someone who didn’t care what other people thought; if he wanted to throw an impromptu dance party RUGGIERO AND TANK at the jukebox, he would just go right ahead and Ruggiero was also a valued do that. He wouldn’t care what volunteer at such organizations people said about him, and he’d as Philadelphia Cares, the Human even encourage everyone to join Rights Campaign, the Philadelphia in with him,” she said. “But then Animal Welfare Society and the the next moment he could be William Way LGBT Community sitting in your living room having Center. a conversation about architecture, ’Dolph Ward Goldenburg, history, politics, literature, movies. executive director of the center, He was so brilliant and intelligent, said Ruggiero helped out at a and an extremely loyal and caring number of events the center friend. He got a real sense of joy hosted, such as its Building Bash, for being able to do things for Volunteer-recognition Night and others.” Ruggiero was preceded in Indigo Ball, and was always ready to go above and beyond what is death by his paternal grandfather, Joseph Ruggiero, and his maternal expected of a volunteer. Michael and “He was vivacious and grandparents, incredibly supportive and an Emma Bunchalk. He is survived amazing special-event volunteer,” by parents Joseph and Carol Goldenburg said. “No task that Ruggiero; sister Lisa; maternal we gave to him was too big or too grandmother Antonette Ruggiero; small.” goddaughter Katiana; dog Tank; Molieri said Ruggiero was and countless friends. Friends of Ruggiero will hold a naturally drawn toward volunteer work. memorial party in his honor May “He was always interested in 8 at the Westbury Bar, 261 S. 13th helping others, ﬁghting for others St. During the event, donations and ﬁghting for what he saw as will be accepted that will be just causes,” she said. “That’s contributed in his name to some what motivated him — it was his of his favorite causes. For more information about the want to give back and to donate his time and his energy to these memorial, call Christina Molieri causes. That’s when he was the at (267) 496-2564. ■ happiest.” Molieri called Ruggiero the Jen Colletta can be reached at “quintessential social networker” jen@epgn.com.

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Friday, May 1: Equality Forum Shabbat Service, 8:00 PM. Guest speaker: Malcolm Lazin. Friday, May 8: BA Shabbat Service, 8:00 pm please join us for traditional rabbi led BA service followed by the oneg. *CHANGE OF PLAY/THEATRE* Sunday, May 16 : BA Theatre Party, 8:00 PM, “The Little Dog Laughed,” Adrienne Theatre, 20th and Sansom. Dinner prior to the show at a nearby restaurant. Tickets: $18/person. 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

MAY 1 - 7, 2009

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MAY 1 - 7, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 16

HB 300 From Page 1 William Kortz (D-38th Dist.) and Deberah Kula (D-52nd Dist.) — proposed several of the amendments to the bill. All 48 of the amendments are unfriendly, and the majority of them deal with the expansion and clariﬁcation of the religious

exemption already included in existing legislation. HB 300 allows for churches to be exempt from the law, but many of the amendments want to expand this to include any religiously afﬁliated organization. Kaskey noted that while some of these amendments may have been put forth in “good faith,” there are numerous others that are “off the wall and bizarre.”

Kaskey said it is “not typical at all” for a bill to have this many amendments, adding the move is probably strategic. “We’re really hoping that legislators don’t play legislative games and instead pass this important piece of legislation that’d impact thousands of people across the state,” Kaskey said. A collection of representatives

MAY 1 - 7, 2009

— Kathy Rapp (R-65th Dist.), Richard Grucela (D-137th Dist.), Matt Baker (R-68th Dist.), Paul Clymer (R-145th Dist.), Jerry Stern (R-80th Dist.), Donna Oberlander (R-63rd Dist.) and Denlinger — issued a letter to their legislative colleagues April 21 with a list of the statewide and local organizations, totaling more than 150, that are opposed to the bill. Among the list of organizations are dozens of churches throughout the state, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference and the Pennsylvania State Council of the Knights of Columbus. Frankel said supporters of the bill have been sending out weekly memos to lawmakers about the progress of the legislation, including one in late March with a list of some 60 organizations that have endorsed HB 300. “We want people to understand that this is not just the usual suspects who are supporting this bill, but it has a broad support from a variety of organizations,” Frankel said. “And there are other things brewing and some signiﬁcant support and endorsements forthcoming.” Frankel called on the LGBT and ally communities across the state to continue to contact their legislators to raise awareness about the challenges faced by LGBT individuals in their districts. Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-12th Dist.), who recently told the Valley News Dispatch that the bill is a “direct attack on family values by people who just want to force their sinful choices on the rest of us,” was also quoted as saying lawmakers are trying to “boggle down” the bill with amendments. Grucela, who leads the pack with six amendments, proposed one that would amend the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage, similar to a bill that the state Senate defeated last year. Of the three amendments Stern proposed, one attempts to clarify that the Boy Scouts of America, whose local chapter is locked in a legal battle with the city over its policy of banning openly gay members, would not be affected by the legislation. Rep. Mark Longietti (D-Seventh Dist.) proposed that HB 300 should only be applicable to housing accommodations that offer more than 100 units or 30,000 square feet of rentable space. No Philadelphia legislators proposed any amendments to the bill, although Bucks County

legislators Galloway — a former cosponsor of the bill — suggested that HB 300 be amended to prohibit state government agencies from refusing funding or penalizing in any way religious organizations that discriminate against LGBT individuals because of religious reasons, and Clymer proposed two amendments: one that would strike gender identity and expression from the legislation and another that would exempt housing accommodations run by religious organizations. Neither legislator returned calls for comment. Several lawmakers proposed amendments that would allow individuals, not just organizations, who oppose homosexuality for religious or moral reasons to be exempt from the law. Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-100th Dist.), who proposed such an amendment, said he was motivated to introduce the amendment after learning of a photographer in New Mexico who was fined under the state’s LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination law for refusing to photograph a lesbian commitment ceremony. Cutler also proposed two other amendments: one that would expire the bill after five years and another after 10 years. “Discrimination is defined by putting people into different groups and telling them that they are different. At some point you reach a point where discrimination no longer occurs, and at that point I’m not sure it’s best to keep putting people into different groups and highlighting their differences,” Cutler said. Cutler said he was unsure whether he would vote for the bill with or without the adoption of his amendments. “I can’t really say, but I can guarantee the bill’s going to be very different from what it is now to what it will be at the end of the amendment process,” he said. Frankel, prime sponsor of the bill, concurred. “I don’t think we’re ever going to make the coalition that opposes this bill happy, but I think some members who have some proclivity to be supportive believe that expanding the religious exemption is an important issue,” Frankel said. “There is case law supporting a broader exemption, and from my standpoint that means I’m not too resistant to incorporating it into the statute.” ■

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

MAY 1 - 7, 2009

REPORT CARD From Page 1 advocacy group Human Rights Campaign, and Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, were included in the president’s reception for progressive leaders. The administration has also made strides to provide outreach to speciﬁc segments of the LGBT community. In late March, Eliza Byard, executive director of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, and a collection of LGBT and ally students met with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to discuss the challenges faced by LGBT students, marking the ﬁrst time that such a meeting took place. The U.S. Small Business Administration has also included the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce in its efforts to educate business organizations about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The efforts at inclusion have also trickled down to everyday LGBT families. Recently, hundreds of same-

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

sex couples and their children took part in the annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House after the administration set aside tickets for more than 100 LGBT-headed families. This marked the first year — in the event’s more-than 130-year history — that such families were specifically invited to participate. Also last month, representatives of the White House, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control rolled out the administration’s Act Against AIDS campaign before nearly two-dozen HIV/AIDS and LGBT activists. The new program is the first federal media campaign to address HIV/AIDS in nearly 20 years. Although the full details of the fiscal-year 2010 federal budget have not yet been released, Obama has pledged that it will propose increased funding for domestic HIV/AIDS causes. In terms of international

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NJ POLL equality. Independent voters supported same-sex marriage 5041 percent. Of those who attend weekly religious services, 65 percent opposed marriage equality, while 61 percent of those who attend services less frequently or not at all supported it. Voters were also split along gender and racial lines, with 48 percent of men opposing marriage equality and 53 percent of women supporting it, and 54 percent of black voters opposing it and 50 percent of white voters supporting it. The poll also showed that New Jersey voters do not put much stock in the notion that the legalization of same-sex marriage would be a detriment to the institution of heterosexual marriage. About 66 percent of respondents agreed that same-sex marriage does not pose a threat to “traditional marriage,” while 30 percent held the opposite belief and 5 percent were unsure; even those who attend weekly religious services rejected this idea, 52-43 percent. The poll had a margin of error of +/- 2.1 percentage points. ■

efforts, Obama authorized the United States’ inclusion on the United Nations Statement on Sexual Orientation, which states homosexuality should not be criminalized and condemns human-rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Former President Bush refused to sign the statement. The administration also made public its ofﬁcial positions on LGBT issues on the White House Web site (www.whitehouse.gov/ agenda/civil_rights/), and Obama has made mention of the LGBT community during such largescale public events as last week’s Day of Remembrance at the U.S. Holocaust Museum, where he noted: “To this day, there are those who insist the Holocaust never happened, who perpetrate every form of intolerance — racism and anti-Semitism, homophobia, xenophobia, sexism and more — hatred that degrades its victims and diminishes us all.” ■

PAGE 17

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PAGE 18

International News Lesbian PM wins in Iceland Johanna Sigurdardottir, the lesbian named interim prime minister of Iceland in February, led her center-left coalition to a resounding victory in elections on April 25. With 90 percent of the votes counted by April 26, Deutsche Welle reported that the Social Democratic Alliance of Social Democrats and Left Greens had won an absolute majority of 52 percent of the seats in parliament, a ﬁrst for a left-wing government in the country. The coalition led by Sigurdardottir, a Social Democrat, is projected to win 35 seats, a majority in the 63-seat parliament.

MAY 1 - 7, 2009

Larry Nichols

The 66-year-old Sigurdardottir was appointed head of a caretaker government earlier this year after a severe banking crisis toppled the previous conservative government. Iceland received a $10-billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund, unemployment is surging and the economy is expected to contract by at least 10 percent this year. Sigurdardottir, a proponent of European Union entry as a solution for the economic woes, faces a significant first challenge in persuading her governing partner, the Left Greens, who oppose EU entry. When Sigurdardottir was appointed, she became the first openly gay head of government in modern times and her country’s first female prime minister. The

former ﬂight attendant had served in parliament since 1978, and earned high approval ratings for her service as a cabinet member. The mother of two married her partner in a civil ceremony in 2002.

Burundi outlaws homosexuality The government of Burundi has criminalized homosexuality, punishing offenders with up to two years in prison. Burundi’s president, Pierre Nkurunziza, secretly signed the legislation into law on April 22. In March, the lower house of the African country’s parliament reversed a Senate vote that rejected the amendment to the

new criminal code. However, thousands of citizens took to the streets in a governmentorganized demonstration to protest at the Senate decision not to criminalize homosexuality. Under the Burundian constitution, the National Assembly prevails in cases of conﬂict between the two houses of Parliament. The new law makes being gay a crime for the ﬁrst time in the country’s history. Gay- and human-rights groups are campaigning to have the law repealed, saying it violates fundamental human rights. Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and some 60 other groups have spoken out over the move. “Burundi has taken a

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disappointing step backward by legalizing discrimination,” said Scott Long, director of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights Program at Human Rights Watch. “The government has fallen back on ‘custom’ and ‘culture’ to justify this repressive step, but there can be no justiﬁcation for stripping some of Burundi’s people of their fundamental rights.”

Singapore to host LGBT event An unusual day in the park this month will show support for Singapore’s LGBT population. Supporters will gather in a “smart mob” on May 16 wearing pink caps, hats, accessories or

INDICTMENT From Page 1 FBI spokesperson Patti Hartman said Kearney has not been arrested and will be allowed to self-surrender for her first court appearance, which has not yet been scheduled. Kearney, of Lindenwold, N.J., was executive director of the organization, which serves LGBT people of color, from 2001-07 and an employee there since 1999. Kurland said the thefts occurred “over a period of time.” In COLOURS’ 2004 tax filings, the most recent one the organization submitted, Kearney reported an annual salary of $65,660. When Kearney left the organization in 2007, COLOURS hired Dr. Victor Seltzer. In July 2008, however, the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Council — which oversees COLOURS — abruptly terminated Seltzer for “employment issues.” Michael Hinson, founding executive director of the group, then took over as interim executive director, a position he still holds. Hinson declined to comment on the indictment and said he did not know if any other COLOURS employees had been notified that they were being investigated. Kurland also declined to comment on whether the investigation was ongoing. If convicted, Kearney could face 12-18 months in prison. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

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MAY 1 - 7, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

sunglasses. The plan is to form a human pink dot that will be photographed from the air. The event Web site states: “Do you support the freedom of LGBT people to love? Then show your support by joining our smart mob at Hong Lim Park on 16th May! This is NOT a protest nor a parade, just a simple call for open-minded Singaporeans to come together to form a pink dot, of which aerial photographs will be taken. This pink dot is a celebration of diversity and equality, and a symbol of Singapore’s more-inclusive future. This event is 100-percent legal — no registration is required.” The pink-dot event has been billed as Singapore’s ﬁrst public show of support for the LGBT community. “The topic of homosexuality was last broached openly more than a year ago, during Parliamentary debates on Section 377A — the penal code that criminalizes homosexual acts,” organizers said. “Not much has changed for LGBT Singaporeans since then, many of whom continue to live secret lives, afraid of compromising relationships with their family, friends, colleagues

and acquaintances. Today, many Singaporeans harbor negative impressions about the LGBT community. Discordant laws and policies aside, ignorance and fear are potent catalysts for prejudice and bigotry. This goes against the grain of a diverse and inclusive Singapore.” The government has declared that private, consensual, adult homosexual sex would no longer be prosecuted but it remains illegal.

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From Page 5 face off with 23 other candidates for the seven open positions in the May 19 election. Two of Anders’ supporters have pledged to match fundraising contributions of up to $5,000 that are made during the event. To contribute directly to Anders’ campaign, visit www. judgedanders.com/article.php/ contribute or send a check to Friends of Dan Anders, P.O. Box 1105, Philadelphia, PA 19105.

Volunteer group to host open house City Year Greater Philadelphia, a program that encourages local young people to undertake volunteer opportunities, will host an open house for interested volunteers from 2-7 p.m. May 6 at the organization’s headquarters, 2221 Chestnut St., second ﬂoor. The organization provides one-year, full-time positions for volunteers to tutor and mentor youth throughout the area. Members receive a weekly stipend, health beneﬁts, a cell phone and an academic scholarship of $4,725. Interested individuals age 17-24

Ukraine police accused of harassment More than 80 people who were arrested by police at a gay club in Kiev in early April had their human rights violated, activists claim. The Council of LGBT Organizations of Ukraine said the arrests were supposedly part of an investigation into the murder of a gay man, Dmitriy Kandyba. During the evening of April 10, according to the group, ofﬁcers of a special department detained at least 80 patrons at the popular gay club Androgin and took them to a

Walk sheds light on religious tolerance Individuals from a vast array of faiths will come together in Philadelphia May 3 for the annual Interfaith Walk for Peace and Reconciliation, which this year is centered around the theme “People of Light, People of Hope, People of Courage.” The walk, now in its sixth year, will leave from the Philadelphia Cathedral, 3723 Chestnut St., at 2 p.m. and return to the church around 5:30 p.m. The event is organized by area Muslims, Jews, Christians, Sikhs,

police station. The group said in a statement: “Some detainees reported rude and offensive treatment by the police officers and also claim that the officers used force against them. At the police station, the officers illegally (without following the respective procedures) took fingerprints and photos of the detained.” Additionally, the group said the arrestees were forced to sign a letter stating they didn’t have any complaints against the police. Together We Can, a discussion Activists called the raid group for people dealing with surprising, it was two emotional, as mental and just addictive weeks after the murder. problems, will meet at 7 p.m. at The In addition, the police possessed a photo the suspectedInformation criminal, The ofTrans-Health leading Project will Ukrainian hold a drop-inLGBT center organizations to believe that p.m. the for all trans persons from 7-11 goal of the operation in Androgin oor; club was not to identify the The Humboldt Society, a gay the and murderer, but to threaten lesbian community naturalist club, meet LGBT andwill collect at 7:30 data p.m. on at visitors the William personal to the Way gay club. Ties That Bind said Us, a similar 12-step The council incidents of police harassment of the gay community have been recorded. ■

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Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com. Buddhists and secular individuals, all of whom are committed to promoting multi-faith and crosscultural cooperation. This year’s route will take participants through West Philadelphia, passing by the Philadelphia Masjid and the Millcreek Baptist Church. A bus will travel along the route for any participants who cannot complete the walk. Walkers coming from Center City or South Philadelphia are invited to attend a 12:30 p.m. prewalk gathering at the Aqsa Islamic Society, 1501 Germantown Ave., where a bus will depart for the Philadelphia Cathedral at 1:30 p.m. For more information about the walk, visit www. interfaithpeacewalk.org. ■ — Jen Colletta

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Zane Booker: Pushing the ‘Envelope’

Detour A departure from the ordinary

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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MAY 1 - 7, 2009

Out dancer and choreographer debuts new works By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer Dance has been very, very good to Zane Booker, and the openly gay dancer and choreographer does more than his fair share to return the favor. The Philadelphia native is debuting a new work entitled “The Red Envelope” during Philadanco’s performances at the Kimmel Center this weekend. “It’s based on three vignettes,” he said. “The ﬁrst section represents the contract between Faust and Mephistopheles. The characters are based on that story. The piece explores the question, Would you sell your soul to the devil? Not physically, the devil as a being, but with all of the greed and stuff. What will we sacriﬁce to get that kind of thing? What does that dynamic feel like when you’re confronted? I think if it all happened at one time, people would feel really different. But because we do things gradually, we can deny it. But when you face a contract like, ‘I’m going to sell my soul for all of these things of this knowledge that I want,’ that’s what I was exploring with this piece.” Given the economic climate and some of the corporate shenanigans going on, it’s a rather timely subject.

“It was inspired by recent events and also because I worked on ‘The Faust Story’ about 10 years ago as it just started in Tokyo, Japan,” Booker said. “That was a piece that we worked on [and] I’ve just been really interested in starting to develop a relationship with that story. The duet was a great way to start that and, secondly, the timing was right because of the whole greed thing. The timing was right to make that statement.” Booker started training early — at age 7 — with the Philadelphia School of Dance Arts and, by 14, he was performing with Philadanco. He went on to become one of the company’s principle artists and pursued a degree at the North Carolina School of the Arts. He moved to New York City and continued his training, and was invited by none other than Mikhail Baryshnikov to study at the American Ballet Theater. Booker described the experience of working with the iconic dancer as “ridiculous excitement.” “I don’t know how to describe it,” he said. “For me, the ﬁrst time was like an out-of-body experience. You hear the voice speaking to you, you see the mouth moving but you don’t necessarily hear the voice. But after I worked with him, it really becomes a normalized situation. He really made me aware that I was a

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company member. We were a team and it was a company situation. After the awe kind of wears down, he’s this icon and getting this job is one of the best things that ever happened to you. You sit with that for a couple of weeks and then it really normalized. You just start to feel like you’re colleagues in a way. He really mentors quietly. He’s not a big lecturer.” His experience with the School of American Ballet earned Booker the chance to perform and travel outside of the country. It also afforded him opportunities that were just too good to pass up. During a trip to Holland, Booker auditioned for the Netherlands Dance Theater and spent the next six years dancing for the company. Then in 1996, Booker accepted an offer to join Les Ballets de Monte Carlo. In 1999, he left Monte Carlo to accept invitations to appear as a guest artist with major ballet companies around the world, including the new National Theater of Tokyo and Philadanco, among others. It’s no surprise that Booker is multilingual these days. “Most of the time you just end up working in English,” he said. “In the Netherlands, we worked in English, French and Dutch. When I worked in Monaco, some of the directors didn’t speak English so well, so I had to learn French.”

Booker said that working with so many dance companies and experiencing so many cultures strongly influenced his style. “I think every company that I went to and every major choreographer who was there left a big impression on me stylistically. I think it’s hard to work with the Netherlands Dance Theater, the Ballet of Monte Carlo or even Philadanco, for that matter, and not come away with their DNA imprinted on you. Every company has an artistic style. It leaves a big impression on you in the way that movement comes out of your body.” Booker added that the styles of ballet performed in Europe tend to be much more adventurous and elaborate than what American audiences generally see. “If you take one of the five top European choreographers right now, you can say they’re pretty well known in Europe,” he explained. “They lead contemporary ballet. That style is spread throughout Europe. So the style in America is very different because they haven’t been influenced by those choreographers that much. So there’s a hybrid version of modern and ballet that doesn’t quite exist or hasn’t been cultivated in America. In America, the division is pretty set between what’s ballet and what’s modern.

“Now there are some choreographers who are changing those kinds of things in America, but there isn’t a majority of companies doing European work. I think we in America do work that is not as theatrical or profound because we don’t have the money that Europeans have. We can invest the same kind of theatrics into ballet that operas can do in America. It gives it a different scope and palate. The only time that you have that big palate is when it’s a big classical ballet. So a lot of the classical ballets tend to get revised and revamped because they say the public likes them. Some of the other stuff has to be introduced to America.” Another big difference Booker found between the American and European worlds of ballet is the perception of the art form. In Europe, ballet isn’t as associated with femininity or homosexuality as it is in the U.S. “I think that there’s a certain amount of denial in America that doesn’t necessarily exist in Europe where sexuality is concerned,” he said. “I think because the tradition of dance is not as associated with homosexuality in Europe, you don’t often have to go on the defensive and that’s the ﬁrst thing on people’s minds. A lot of the European dancers are trained at a very young age and

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it’s almost like a sport. It’s a very masculine thing to do. I haven’t been over in Europe for about 10 years now, but I didn’t feel that I had to defend my homosexuality or hide it. That being said, there were no androgynous men. That’s not the norm. People are staged to represent male if they’re men and female if they’re women. That is similar in both places, but I’m sure the lines [can be] more easily blurred — especially in the modern [dance] world.” Back in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, Booker focuses most of his energy on creating choreographies for universities, ballet companies, operas and musical productions for groups like the Philadelphia Dance Company, Mogador Theatre-Paris, the Jackson Ballet Competition and the Opera of Monte Carlo. He has also taught dance for companies and schools in the U.S., Europe and Australia. Booker said he now prefers choreography to dancing. “I’m not performing as much anymore. I used to love performing and I still do, but not as much. I might do a spokenword performance or something like that, but at this point in my career, I like choreographing.” Booker is used to making statements with his work, as he also channels his energy into a good cause as the founder and artistic director of the Smoke, Lilies and Jade Arts Initiative, a socially conscious, multimedia dance theater company promoting HIV/AIDS awareness. “I feel like it has a lot of support,” he said of his work with SLJ. “The community was really ready for

something that came directly to the LGBT and African-American community. I’m very proud of the work. We have this event in January each year which combines panel discussions with dance and artists. I like feeling like the work is part of the conversation that is happening in society and that there is a focus to it that is beyond making abstract art. I like that it’s a socially conscious company and

I like that people respond to that. I like that I’m introducing a whole group of young people to a way to have that voice and make great art.” Booker’s latest piece can be seen during Philadanco’s performances through Sunday at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St. For more information, visit www.lilliesandjade.org or call (215) 790-5847. ■

ZANE BOOKER ON THE COVER: SMOKE, LILIES, JADE’S 2007 PRODUCTION OF “EBONY, BRONZE, BEIGE” Photo: Gabriel Bienczycki

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We love to get picked up.

The members of Telling on Trixie really know how to rally their fans. Last year, the New York Citybased rock band had the songs ready for its second album, “Ugly, Broke and Sober,” but no money to record it. “We had just played the selftitled album for a year and we were bored with the music,” said Derek Nicoletto, the group’s openly gay lead singer. “So we had heard of some of these fancontribution models that artists were doing, like Jill Sobule and A Band With a Plan, where you basically give money and then you get something in return. We have a good fan base but we didn’t know if we had enough of a fan base to raise $20,000 just by saying we’ll give you some T-shirts and CDs if you give us money.” It turns out they did. The band created a passwordprotected area on its Web site and gave fans who donated more than $25 access to Nicoletto’s blog about making an indie album. The fan support was so great that the band let supporters give their two cents about the direction the new album should take. “They would be like, ‘Yes, yes, yes, do a cover song,’” Nicoletto said. “Then they made a bunch of horrible suggestions so it was never done. So I was like, ‘We will do a cover song but we’re going to surprise you with it.’” The band eventually settled on Belinda Carlisle’s “Mad About You,” a more adventurous pick than what the fans had suggested. “They wanted us to do Live, Matchbox 20 and Jimmy Eat

BRAD SMALL (FROM LEFT), ANDREW FRAWLEY, TOMMY KESSLER, TOM WELSH, DEREK NICOLETTO

World and I was like, ‘No,’” Nicoletto said. “They were like, ‘Do Black Crowes.’ I’m not going to do Black Crowes because people tell me I sound like Chris Robinson. We’re not going to do anyone who’s like us. We’d rather pick someone like Belinda Carlisle and mess her up a bit.” Messing things up is second nature to Telling on Trixie. The group, along with out bassa-nova singer Avi Wisnia, is teaming up for a performance tomorrow at Fergie’s Pub — not the ﬁrst time the two artists have joined forces to shake things up. “We were both at South By Southwest and we were like, ‘Where are the queers?’” Nicoletto said. “My band had four shows and they’re all in the straight bars and mixed with all the guys walking around looking like dirty Jesus. Avi and I were like, ‘Where’s the gay night?’ We decided we were going to create this thing called the Bent Compass Festival at South By Southwest. We called Rain,

which is the big gay bar there. We were like, ‘You have a stage and a disco ball, right? We could hook up a PA and do some sets?’ They were like, ‘Yeah, I don’t know why we never thought about doing that before.’ So we had our own gay night at South By Southwest. They told us we should do it more full-scale next year.” If they return next year, Nicoletto might just have his kid in tow. The singer said having a partner and a child hasn’t yet limited his career fronting a rock band. “My dad was a drummer and toured with a lot of bands,” he said. “They basically just threw me in the back seat and we traveled around with whoever they were touring with. That’s how it is in my house. When Ashton was six weeks old, Telling on Trixie opened for Travis Tritt on some Southern dates. We’re not country at all but they wanted some rockers to open so they could appeal to more people. We did some dates in Asheville, N.C., and Charleston, S.C. We were like, ‘We can just ﬂy him down to Asheville and take him with us.’ We just did it as an experiment and now we just take him everywhere. I like throwing the baby in the backpack and going. That’s how I am. Now when the other guys start having their kids in my band, I don’t know how they will do. It is funny that it is the gay guy in the band that has the baby.” Telling on Trixie performs at 9 p.m. tomorrow at Fergie’s Pub, 1214 Sansom St. For more information, visit www. tellingontrixie.com or call (215) 928-8118. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

MAY 1 - 7, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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‘Matchmaker’ takes on first gay client By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer Isn’t it wonderful to see that millionaires have just as much difficulty finding companionship as the rest of us? Bravo’s reality-TV show “The Millionaire Matchmaker” offers viewers the guilty pleasure of watching host Patti Stanger trying to find prospective significant others for her oftentimes-eccentric clients. Now in its second season, the show is changing things up: Stanger is taking on her first gay client. Openly gay PR/branding expert Kevin Grangier said he is happy with the results of working with Stanger. “I would say it was successful,” he said. “The objective for me was to go through the process and find someone I was attracted to and interested in dating. That absolutely has happened. I still stay in contact with the guy. Longterm, who knows? It depends on how you measure success.” Anyone who has seen a few episodes of “Millionaire Matchmaker” knows that sometimes the millionaire clients aren’t the most refined of personalities, with quirks ranging from severe narcissism and arrogance to total cluelessness.

Which is fine by us, because we want to see Stanger break a sweat to make those matches and earn her paycheck. Grangier said he hopes he doesn’t fall into that dysfunctionalmillionaire category. “I have not seen the show,” he said. “It’s a Bravo policy not to let us see the show and I respect that. I put myself in my own category. I’m the first gay bachelor on there. The way I come across and related to Patti was very positive. We had a great rapport. She respected my situation. She was unaccustomed to the gay lifestyle and making matches in that arena. I believe I do come out fairly well. I’m a pretty regular guy. I don’t suffer from a lot of the hang-ups that a lot of the bachelors in the episodes I’ve seen suffer from. But I’m sure I come with my own cadre of issues in my own right.” Grangier, who splits his time between homes in Los Angeles and Kentucky, said Stanger helped him realize that his workaholic tendency is one of his main obstacles to finding happiness in a relationship. “You walk into these situations very curious as to what you’re doing wrong and a little skeptical because you think you’ve tried everything,” Grangier said. “We believe we’re smart and intelligent

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the time that I need to commit to being in a relationship. I suffer from working too much. When push comes to shove, at the end of the day I always make the decision to focus on my company and whatever drama is at hand when I really need to take a step back and say, ‘Why am I working so hard?’ I really need to put as much time into focusing on a person or a relationship as I do on work.” Given his successful and positive experience on “Millionaire Matchmaker,” Grangier said he hopes Stanger will open her doors to more gay clients. “Being gay doesn’t disqualify you from any of the regular dating issues that anybody might suffer from,” he said. “A lot of the people on the show don’t fare well from a dating perspective and that doesn’t stop her retaining additional straight clients. So I don’t see why I would affect the way her business goes.” Grangier appears on “Millionaire Matchmaker” at 9 p.m. May 7 on the Bravo Network. For more information, visit www. bravotv.com/the-millionairematchmaker. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

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Cut Recommending a salon to anyone can be a dicey situation, especially if the possibility of waxing is involved. But with Cut, 204 S. 13th St., you never have to worry. This Gayborhood staple is known for providing the best in professional grooming services and cuts that turn heads. When you walk out of Cut tinted, tweezed, trimmed and tanned, you’ll feel like a million

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Venture Inn 255 S. Camac St. 215.545.8731 Bar/restaurant

Bump 1234 Locust St. 215.732.1800 Trendy bar and eatery

Thai Chef & Noodle Fusion 2028 Chestnut St. 215.568.7058 Dine in, dine out, delivery and BYOB!

Cresheim Cottage Cafe 7402 Germantown Ave. 215.248.4365 Gay-owned dining in historic building. 3rd Tuesday OUT Fluid 613 S. Fourth St. 215.629.3686 Trendy dance club off South St. Knock 225 S. 12th St. 215.925.1166 info@knockphilly.com More Than Just Ice Cream 1119 Locust St. 215.574.0586 Lunch, dinner and dessert! Pure 1221 St. James St. 215.735.5772 purephilly.com Late-night club experience Shampoo 417 N. Eighth St. 215.922.7500 shampooonline.com Gay dance club on Friday Sisters 1320 Chancellor St. 215.735.0735 sistersnightclub.com Women’s bar, restaurant, dance ﬂoor, karaoke Stir Lounge 1705 Chancellor St. 215.732.2700

Westbury 261 S. 13th St. 215.546.5170 thewestburybar.net Bar/restaurant Woody’s 202 S. 13th St. 215.545.1893 woodysbar.com Multi-level bar, dancing

BUSINESSES 12th St. Gym 204 S. 12th St. 215.985.4092 Adonis Cinema 2026 Sansom St. 215.557.9319 Multi-level adult theater AIDS Thrift Store 514 Bainbridge St. 215.922.3186 Clothes, housewares, books, collectibles, etc. Alexander Inn 301 S. 12th St. 215.923.3535 www.alexanderinn.com Luxury rooms, Internet, ﬁtness center Brew HaHa! 214 S. 12th St. 215. 893.5680 brewhaha.com

Coffee, tea and seating with a great view of the ’hood Chartreuse 1200 Spruce St. 215.545.7711 www.chartreuseﬂorist.com Flowers, plants Club Body Center 1220 Chancellor St. 215.735.7671 Bathhouse near bars. 24 hrs. Cut 204 S. 13th St. 215.687.4929 Hair and skin studio Dada Rug and Gallery 204 S. 13th St. 215.687.4929 Danny’s Adam and Eve 133 S. 13th St. 215.925.5041 Gay-owned adult bookstore. Video booths. 24 hours Gables Bed & Breakfast 4520 Chester Ave. 215.662.1918 Quaint, gay-owned B&B in University City Giovanni’s Room 1145 Pine St. 215.923.2960 One of the oldest gay bookstores in the country Joe Coffee Bar 1100 Walnut St. 215.562.7384 Gay-owned. Food. Outdoor seating when warm Joe Pesce 1118 Walnut St. 215.829.4400 www.joepescerestaurant.com Sicilian-style seafood Matthew Izzo 151 N. Third St. 215.829.0606 www.matthewizzo.com Fashion, furnishings and fabulous salon Phag 1225 Walnut St. 215.627.0461 Furnishings, art, cards, unique gifts Philadelphia Java Company 518 S. Fourth St. 215.928.1811 Quaint shop off South Street. Food. Outdoor seating

The Pleasure Chest 2039 Walnut St. 215.561.7480 Sansom Street Cinema 120 S. 13th St. 215.545.9254 Adult theater near bars, 24 hrs. Sansom Street Gym 2020 Sansom St. 267.330.0151 sansomstreetgym.com Philly’s newest bathhouse Soleil 202 S. 12th St. 215.735.8786 Tanning booths and beds Spruce St. Video 252 S. 12th St. 215.546.6843 Gay and Hollywood ﬁlm rentals and sales. Supreme Bean Café 615 South St. 215.629.2250 Hipster/hippie shop on South Street Three Trees Custom Framing 722 S. Fourth St. 215.922.4533 TLA Video 1520 Locust St. 215.735.7887 tlavideo.com Gay and Hollywood ﬁlm rentals and sales

ELSEWHERE PA 704 Strawberry Café 704 N. Third St. Harrisburg 717.234.4228 Altland’s Ranch Nightclub 8505 Orchard Road Spring Grove 717.225.4479 altlandsranch.com Brownstone Cafe 412 Forster St. Harrisburg 717.234.7009 Club XS 36 W. 11th St., York, PA 717.812.1474 Diamonz 1913 W. Broad St. Bethlehem 610.865.1028 diamonz.net

Frank Jeffrey’s Hotel Washington 231-233 Bridge St. Phoenixville 610.935.8000

The Woods Campground 845 Vaugh Acres Lane Leighton 610.377.9577 thewoodscampground.com

Hillside Campgrounds Creek Road, Gibson 570.756.2007

DELAWARE

Liquid 891 891 Eisenhower Blvd., Harrisburg 717.939.1123 Neptune Lounge 268 North St., Harrisburg 717.233.0581 Nostalgia 1101 N. Ninth St., Reading 610.372.5557 Rainbow Inn at Sunbury Rt. 61 South, Sunbury 717.988.4688 Rainbow Mtn. Resort Mt. Nebo Road East Stroudsburg 570-223-8484 Scarab 724 Franklin St., Reading 610.375.7878 Secrets Business Rt. 209 East Stroudsburg 570.420.8716 Silhouette Lounge 523 Linden St., Scranton 570.344.4259 silhouettelounge.com Stallions Night Club 706 N. Third St., Harrisburg 717.232.3060 Stonewall/Moose Lounge 28 N. 10th St., Allentown 610.432.0706 stonewall-mooselounge.com Sundown Lounge 429 N. Mulberry St. Lancaster 717.392.2737

Blue Moon Restaurant 35 Baltimore Ave. Rehoboth Beach 302.227.6515 Cafe Zeus 37 Wilmington Ave. Rehoboth Beach 302.226.0400 Cloud Nine 234 Rehoboth Ave. Rehoboth Beach 302.226.1999 Restaurant, bar, dance club Frogg Pond 3 S. First St. Rehoboth Beach 302.227.2234 Lambda Rising Bookstore 39 Baltimore Ave. Rehoboth Beach 302.227.6969 Serenity by the Sea Books and Gifts 405 Rehoboth Ave. Rehoboth Beach 302.227.6818

NEW JERSEY Bounce 1102 Rt. S. 130 West Deptford 856.845.1010 bouncenightclub.net Club Atlantis 1213 Ocean Ave. Asbury Park 732.869.9700 David’s Dusk Til Dawn Café 10 S. Mt. Vernon Ave. Atlantic City 609.347.0808 x 713

The Tally Ho 201 W. Orange St., Lancaster 717.299.0661

Marquis de Lafayette 501 Beach Ave. Cape May 800.257.0432 Charming old hotel across from the beach

Twist Fox Ridge Plaza, Wilkes-Barre 570.825.7300 twistbarpa.com

Paradise 101 Asbury Ave. Asbury Park 732.988.6663

MAY 1 - 7, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

From Page 27

For more information, visit www.giorgioonpine.com or call (215) 545-6265.

Frugal Frames

Giovanni’s Room

With an impressive client list that includes The Daily News, The Philadelphia Orchestra, University of Pennsylvania, Television Network, The Philadelphia Historical Society and The Pennsylvania Ballet, Frugal Frames knows how to ﬁnd the right look to ﬁt the job. In business since 1996, Frugal Frames, 1234 Pine St., has provided thousands of customers with custom picture framing that combines great design and conservation skills. They can walk you through the whole process quickly and painlessly to a custom design choice that you are sure to be happy with. For more information, visit www.frugalframes.com or call (215) 772-1150.

Philadelphia’s favorite LGBT bookstore has stood the test of time. Named after James Baldwin’s second novel, Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St., is a great place for bookworms to spend a few hours browsing through the latest LGBT literature, history, sciences and humanities. With an expert staff, frequent author events and thousands of books, movies and crowd pleasers to choose from, Giovanni’s Room is a staple in the Gayborhood, as well as historically important, as it now holds the title as the oldest LGBT bookstore in America. For more information, visit www.giovannisroom.com or call (215) 923-6265.

GAYBORHOOD

Giorgio on Pine Host Giorgio Giuliani, formerly of Monte Carlo Living Room and Primavera, invites you to join him at his rustic BYOB trattoria, Giorgio on Pine, 1328 Pine St., to savor authentic Italian cuisine in a casual atmosphere that offers a ﬁne dining experience, whether it be a leisurely brunch or a slightly more sophisticated dinner. Reservations are recommended.

Joe Pesce Joe Pesce, 1113 Walnut St., is dedicated to delivering the freshest and highest-quality food to your table with a menu consisting of Italian and seafood appetizers, homemade pasta, veal, chicken, ﬁsh, lamb and steaks. The restaurant operators have developed a “family” relationship with their reputable suppliers, allowing them to get their hands on the best ﬁsh and produce the

food industry has to offer. Their seafood is flown in daily from around the world. If it’s seafood that finds the way to your heart, then Joe Pesce is the place for you with its upscale food and upbeat, friendly and casual atmosphere. For more information, visit www.joepescerestaurant.com or call (215) 829-4400. Mazzoni Center Mazzoni Center, 1201 Chestnut St., is Philadelphia’s LGBT health center, with healthcare professionals, social workers, HIV specialists, counselors, educators and volunteers who are leading a revolution in LGBT healthcare. Mazzoni Center provides primary healthcare with a full range of medical services and is also a licensed mental-health and substance-abuse treatment provider. Mazzoni Center is a nonprofit organization led by lesbian, gay, straight, bisexual and transgender people who are passionate about providing quality health services to their community. For more information, visit www.mazzonicenter.org or call (215) 563-0652. Modern Eye Modern Eye, a rare combination of hip optical boutique and full-service optometrist’s office, has become known for

PAGE 29

its huge selection of cuttingedge exclusive designer frames and sunglasses for all budgets; quirky, artistic décor; awardwinning window installations and an uncommon and refreshing approach to customer service. For 15 years, the doctors and skilled non-commission staff have provided state-of-the-art eyecare and demystiﬁed the way eyeglasses are sold by making it fun and involving. With locations in Center City, 145 S. 13th St.; and University City, 3419 Walnut St., they offer frank opinions, patience and humor to determine the best look for every patron. Modern Eye’s straightforward approach has earned it a large, loyal clientele who return from as far away as New York City, Florida, California and even abroad. Both locations offer stateof-the-art examinations, contactlens ﬁttings and laser-surgery screening and co-management,

as well as onsite labs with fulltime opticians. All the latest technologies in vision correction are available, including the revolutionary Izon high-resolution eyeglass lenses. For more information, visit www.modern-eye.com or call the Center City location at (215) 386-5953 or the University City location at (215) 922-3300. Drs. Wortman, Biscardi and Associates If you have a problem with your eyes, the skilled and caring professionals at Drs. Wortman, Biscardi and Associates, 1420 Walnut St., Suite 600, are more than capable of having you see the world through crystalclear rose-colored lenses — or whatever else you want your vision to include. For more information, call (215) 735-6300. ■

PAGE 30

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

MAY 1 - 7, 2009

In Town for Equality Forum?

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MAY 1 - 7, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PAGE 31

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 32

Professional Portraits I recently had a chance to do something I don’t do that often: head up to the Northeast. There’s a wonderful bar there called Albert’s Second Story. It’s a friendly spot featuring a large dance floor, two bars, an old-style elevated DJ booth and several additional rooms, including a dining room and a VIP area. It was also a bit of a homecoming. I ran into several people I hadn’t seen in ages. I had a good time catching up with old friends and bopping to the “back in the day” tunes being spun by the DJ. While there, I took time to speak to the man behind Albert’s, Blaise Waters. PGN: Are you from the Northeast? BW: Actually I was born in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia. I was raised by my mother and I didn’t really ever know my father. She came from a broken family and I guess history repeated itself as she married several times. We moved back and forth between the Fairmount area and Kensington, depending on who she was married to or what the finances were. I have two older brothers from her first marriage, so they’re in their 70s (my mother was born in 1921). And I have one sister. My sister and I are from her third marriage so she is closer to my age. I was

MAY 1 - 7, 2009

Suzi Nash

her change-of-life baby: She tells me she thought I was a hot flash. That’s why my name is Blaise, as in heat. PGN: She sounds like a character. BW: Yeah, she grew up in the Depression and her father died when she was young. She had 16 kids in the family. She and her mother were bootleggers. Her mother had eight boys and eight girls, one leg and no husband. My mother was the oldest girl and so she was like the man of the house. I think that may be why she had difficulty with her marriages; I think she was too strong for the men. PGN: Your last name is Waters. Any relation to the director, John? BW: Yes, he’s my cousin. I only met him once because he’s from my father’s side of the family and I don’t know them well. PGN: What were you like as a kid? BW: I was involved in sports. My sister and I both played on baseball/softball teams. I played shortstop and we won the championship. On the flip side, my mother always put us in band. The neighborhood that we grew up in was mostly Polish, so my mother enrolled us in Polish

dancing class. We’re 100-percent Irish, so it was interesting. PGN: What traits did you get from your mother? BW: She was and is a very accepting person. She’s my ... [at this point he gets too choked up to speak and his friend Juan jumps in]. Juan: She’s a special woman.

Blaise’s mother has always been such an open, supportive person that it allowed him to be who he was without hesitation.

BW: She used to come to all the bars with me. Everyone knows and loves her. I came out at about 15 so she grew up with me around drag queens, lesbians, gay boys and a whole host of people. She taught me to be open. We grew up in an area that had a lot of bigotry, real Archie Bunkertype mentalities, and I’ve done my best ever since to keep away from it. I’m very uncomfortable when someone tries to tell an ethnic joke around me or uses derogatory terms. PGN: How did you come out? BW: I called her from Atlantic City and she asked me what I was doing. I told her I was in the middle of the gay pride festival. She said, “You’re not coming out yet are you?” and I said, “Mom, I’m already out!”

BLAISE WATERS Photo: Suzi Nash

PGN: Worst job? BW: Bartending at Lyrics. It was — is — one of those straight clubs that says, “Hey, let’s see if we can make some money by having a gay night. We’ll give them the worst night of the week, but they’ll have to take it because

we’re the only ones in the area.” I made money for them at first and really tried to build it, but then I was told I was bringing in too many “niggers” and “spics.” It hurt me enough to report it to the human-rights department. They would charge one price for drinks for some people and another price for anyone who looked ethnic. What saddens me was that a lot of people in the community were so desperate to have somewhere to go that they made me out as the troublemaker. They were being exploited emotionally as well as financially. I think of the gay community as once race or culture and hope that we would stick up for and protect each other. It made me irate to see anyone in the LGBT community being exploited. I’m hoping that Albert’s Second Story will be a place that can be a bridge for all people in the community, a place where we’re all treated with respect regardless of color or gender preference. PGN: How long has this club been open? BW: Since February. I started out at Club Lyrics and then worked at a place called Alfie’s trying to create a spot for LGBT people in the Northeast. They tease me and call me the mayor or the pioneer,

MAY 1 - 7, 2009

because there really wasn’t much for us to do here before. PGN: What has been a highlight so far? BW: Having Victoria “Porkchop” Parker perform here. I’m a huge fan of RuPaul’s and she was one of the contestants on his new show. Some gay men like Betty Davis and Judy Garland, I like RuPaul and Porkchop! I have a wonderful entertainment director here named Sonnee Daze. He was one of the “Fabulous Fakes” way back in the day with Les Harrison. He’s pretty much retired now, but he brings the girls in and takes care of them. PGN: Any other sports besides your Little League career? BW: I started a gay bowling league last year. I’m hoping the two other bars will join in. PGN: What should I know about you? Juan: I’ll answer that one. What you should know is that Blaise is the most generous man I know. If you’re having a bad time and call Blaise, he’ll drop everything to come help you. [Tears up.] He’s like everyone’s guardian angel. He had a friend whose neighbor was going through a hard time. She didn’t have gifts for her kids at Christmas. The friend mentioned it and the next thing you knew, I was in a car with him buying gifts for the kids. He didn’t even know them, but he didn’t hesitate to help out. PGN: Tattoos? BW: I have a disease called scleroderma. Rennie Kane’s partner Adele has it too. In fact, I took her to Johns Hopkins with me. We all have ways of coping with/curing it; for me, I do tattooing. I feel it gives the disease something to attack, somewhere speciﬁc to form scar tissue. I have tribal art, a unicorn, my mother, something for my Irish heritage and a tiger, among other things. I like to tell people I have a tiger in my pants. I also have my daughter’s name. PGN: You’re a papi? BW: Yes. I had a daughter with an ex using a surrogate mother. We’re in a custody battle right now, so I can’t speak much about it. I’m trying to put my heart in the club in the meantime. It’s like a second child. I’m single by the way and would love to ﬁnd someone around my own age. Some nice buff macho guy.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PGN: What’s in store for the future? BW: I’m hoping to do a night of guest bartenders. I’m doing a drag show on Sundays with Michael Decero and Salotta Tea spinning “back in the day” tunes and a Wednesday night drag competition that will lead up to crowning Miss Northeast and a $1,000 prize at the end of the year. I’m doing a “bearcub stripper night” as well. I’ve started a new free cyber lounge, which is very cool. Most nights are free here too except for the 25-cent drink night. We have a kitchen, so we cater private parties and hopefully we’ll be able to start doing a regular brunch at some point. I’m getting a baby grand to go in the dining room! That’ll be great: We’ll do a Sunday brunch, a tea dance and then a back-inthe-day party. We’re going to do a drag/open-mic show that’ll be 18 to get in and 21 to drink. And to help people out who may not drive or want to drive, we have a free van shuttle that picks people up at Bridge and Pratt at 9 p.m. and takes them back at 2:15 a.m. And, most exciting, Queen Bebe Zahara Benet, the winner of RuPaul’s

Q Puzzle The Gay Tax Across

1. Skedaddles, to Jim Nabors 5. Mapplethorpe’s flashers 10. Animal rights issue 14. “Tell me ___ haven’t heard!” 15. Type of queen 16. Coup target, to Cocteau 17. Haul ass 18. Part of a flight 19. Golda of Israel 20. Partner of 37-Across, who died in 2004 23. Decryption org. 24. Peninsula where the rain falls mainly on the plain 25. Enters quickly 27. Prize money 28. Provincetown souvenir 31. Cause to have an orgasm 32. Puncture sound 33. Water slides 36. If not 37. Photographer Annie 39. Rights-defending org. 42. Bianchi’s tool 43. Putting your mouth on a stranger, perhaps 46. Brand of foamy heads 48. Cold War abbr. 49. Whoopi’s role in “The Color Purple” show “Drag Race,” will be here in 51. Potatoes and such July. Outside of the club, I want 53. Frasier’s ex to start an AIDS fund of some 54. Workers under Dr. O’Malley sort for people in the Northeast 55. The “gay tax” that Annie and to help with bills and food, etc. others have to pay As I open up new nights, I would 59. Katharine’s “Butch Cassidy” love to hear from people in the role community to tell me what they 61. Writer Wystan Hugh would like to have. Maybe a 62. “Aren’t ___ lucky one!” country night. ■ 63. Clairvoyant 64. Heyday Albert’s Second Story 65. Coward of “Blithe Spirit” 66. One in bondage 3180 Grant Ave. 67. “The Autobiography of Alice B. (267) 339-1579

To suggest a community member for “Professional Portraits,” write to: Professional Portraits, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 or portraits05@aol. com.

PAGE 33

Toklas” author 68. They may be split

Down

1. Provides dirt for Casablanca 2. Evil spirit 3. Prick stimulators 4. Indian instruments 5. Start of a dance name 6. Capable of performing 7. “Lawrence of Arabia” director David 8. George Michael, for one 9. “Rat Bohemia” author Schulman 10. Butch’s gal 11. Tool 12. Wrinkled fruits 13. Queer, literally 21. Dorothy, to Em 22. Sailor, slangily 26. Fed head 28. Marching band section

Read it here first.

PGN

29. Water molecule threesome 30. “Over my dead body!” 34. Lush sound 35. Lady’s man 37. Tackle box item 38. Not spelled out 39. Fierstein, in “Hairspray”? 40. Poet Cullen 41. Maine course 43. Bill of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” fame 44. Worked on the mound 45. Does a cobbler’s job 47. Hindu title of respect 50. Noble in government, once 52. Moves the ball between one’s legs 53. Stuff in a closet 56. Wounded 57. Falco of “The Sopranos” 58. Maria’s “Do-___” 60. Poodle’s bark

SOLUTION, Page 36

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 34

Ms. Behavior

MAY 1 - 7, 2009

Meryl Cohn

Wedding present quid pro quo Dear Ms. Behavior: My husband and I were married in 2004, during the brief period that same-sex marriage was legal in Portland, Ore. Our wedding was a very small, rushed affair in a friend’s backyard with no chance to invite out-of-town guests, so a simple announcement and photo were sent out after the ceremony. No mention of gifts was made, since this was not the reason we got married; however, we were slightly annoyed when we received only one congratulatory card and not a single wedding gift. Of course, we never brought this up to anyone involved. We have now received a wedding invitation for one of my best friends. My husband and I can’t attend the wedding, as it is on the other side of the country.

However, the invitation includes a list of stores where the couple is registered. Am I obligated to send a wedding gift? I am normally a big gift-giver, but it irks me to think that I am being asked to buy a gift for a couple that didn’t even send us a card for our wedding. If I don’t send a gift, do I owe the couple an explanation? — Still Don’t Own A Blender Dear Still Don’t Own A Blender: Since you received virtually no response to your announcement — and since people usually respond to their friends’ weddings with an outpouring of joy, congratulations and gifts — something about your method of announcing your wedding may have left your friends feeling confused or left out. Announcements — other than those designed to transmit news of a birth — are often impersonal informative declarations, like “Hey, I’m a Realtor now! Wanna sell your house?” Unlike invitations, wedding announcements are usually reserved for acquaintances,

business associates or friends of the parents who aren’t close to the marrying couple. Such announcements don’t often go to intimate friends, so it’s easy to see why a close buddy may feel slighted by getting an announcement instead of an invitation. Such friends may (correctly) believe that other people were invited and they weren’t; an explanation that it was last-minute may not have dissuaded them from feeling that they were on the “B-list.” Your more intimate far-away friends might even have been happy to hop on a plane for your backyard wedding if you’d called them and explained the shotgun circumstances. Now ﬁve years have passed, and you’re still bitter about not having received gifts and cards. It’s time to let go of your hurt feelings, forgive your friends and move on. You’re not necessarily “obligated” to send a wedding gift to “one of your best friends” but not doing so, as you’ve seen, can hurt friendships. Since you’re normally a big gift-giver, act in accordance with your true

feelings — not your resentment — and send your friends a lovely present and your congratulations. Dear Ms. Behavior: For two years, my girlfriend Maria hinted, whined, wheedled and manipulated about our getting married. I wasn’t sure how I felt about marriage and said so. But more recently, after six months of talking about it every week in my therapist’s ofﬁce, which eased my anxiety, I ﬁnally decided to propose. When I got on my knee and popped the question, however, Maria said “no” — she didn’t want me to marry her just because she wanted to get married. (Now I’m rolling my eyes.) What the “F” is an honest butch to do? She wants me to, so I do, then she doesn’t want me to because she wanted me to! What am I supposed to do now that she’s rejected my proposal? Beg? Or just forget it? — Out-Femmed Butch Dear Out-Femmed Butch: Like many old-fashioned femmes, Maria wants you to perform a task and then convince

her that it was your idea all along. Proposing was not your idea, so she’s not going to be happy with feeling like she talked you into it. Whatever you do, don’t share your “process” with her, or reveal all the nitty-gritty details of the ambivalence you experienced during therapy. But — assuming it’s true — do let Maria know that you really do want to marry her. Given the insecurity that she may have developed while you were whiling away the hours on the therapy couch — which was the right thing to do — you now need to romance her, telling her all the reasons that you can’t live without her. However, if in the darkest hours of the night, you still have a tiny bit of nagging doubt, arrange for a very long engagement while you continue to work things out with your therapist. ■ Meryl Cohn is the author of “‘Do What I Say’: Ms. Behavior’s Guide to Gay and Lesbian Etiquette” (Houghton Mifﬂin). E-mail her at MsBehavior@aol.com or visit www.msbehavior.com.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

MAY 1 - 7, 2009

PAGE 35

Gay Afro-Caribbeans reveal their stories By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor A lesbian’s memoir and a gay man searching for self-worth depict queer lives of AfroCaribbean heritage in print and on DVD this month.

Staceyann Chin’s “The Other Side of Paradise” is a beautiful memoir chronicling the Jamaicanborn lesbian’s coming of age. The book’s first two-thirds describe her difficult childhood, with the last part addressing her coming to terms with her homosexuality. Although the story ends before she makes a name for herself as a performer and storyteller in New York City, what she so candidly reveals about her life is both fascinating and heart wrenching. Chin, who was born of a Jamaican mother and a Chinese father who never acknowledged her, longs for a sense of belonging. This is the overriding theme of her hardscrabble life — abandoned by her mother, she feels unable to fit in with those around her, save her grandmother who loves her but cannot support her. As Chin is shuttled from home to home, she rarely finds happiness. Moreover, in the book’s later chapters, when she attends college, Chin navigates her sexual identity first through anxiety, and then by embracing it to such a fierce degree that she alienates even her most supportive friends. Chin has a large personality and a big mouth, which explains why her prose is so engaging and well written. She talks about things others prefer not to discuss — even when it gets her in trouble (which it does, often). In fact, Chin often finds herself lying to

classmates and the women (her grandmother, various aunts) who raise her as a way of coping with her insecurities. Eventually she lies to her friends when it comes to her sexuality, showing how her unease and need to “hide” extends throughout her young adulthood. Despite being taught manners and raised to be religious and respect God, Chin is repeatedly told she “has the Devil in her.” While this may be an excuse for her mischievous behavior as a child, it also is a fair claim for her sexuality, as she recounts Jamaicans’ low tolerance for homosexuality. Much of “The Other Side of Paradise” shows Chin suffering at the hands of others. But these episodes inspire her to study hard to make something of herself and, as the book shows, these moments are inspiring. Sucking up the disappointments she experiences when her Aunt June reads her private journal or ignores the sexual abuse Chin’s cousins dole out, Chin understands that education provides her only chance of escape. Happily for Chin, her study strategy pays off. When she is asked to give a graduation speech at school, she is rousing. Her success here further prompts her to start talking openly and honestly about her life and, in college, she

becomes more confident and more political, defiantly shaving her head and campaigning for LGBT rights and awareness. Chin’s life is thorny, yet “The Other Side of Paradise” has its comic moments. When Chin discovers a dirty magazine that excites her, she gets herself into trouble trying to appreciate it. Likewise, an episode involving her first period becomes a painfully funny story that shows how much Chin can laugh at herself, but also find herself in the process. This is a remarkable — and remarkably personal — account from a wonderful storyteller. It is one that should be read for its author’s unflinching selfexamination and her infectious energy, as well as her messages of hope and self-determination. “Finding Me” is writer/director Roger S. Omeus Jr.’s well-intentioned but slapdash film about Faybien (RayMartell Moore), a HaitianAmerican trying to figure out what he wants in his life. After dropping out of school and taking a low-paying job selling shoes at the mall, Faybien is lost and flailing. Uncomfortable in his own skin, he feels pressure from his disapproving father (Ron De Suze) even as he receives support from his friends Amera (J’Nara Corbin) and Greg (Eugene Turner), a bisexual.

RAYMARTELL MOORE (LEFT) AND DERRICK L. BRIGGS

Faybien wants to better his life but he cares, perhaps too much, what other people think about him. This inhibits his romance with the attractive Lonnie (Derrick L. Briggs) and often strains his friendships. Both Amera and Greg eventually tire of Faybien’s “woe is me” routine and tell him to stop complaining and work at fixing his situation. Viewers will likely feel the same. Much of “Finding Me” consists of Faybien moping and complaining about his situation, without ever being proactive about it. It becomes difficult to empathize with him or find gratification in his few efforts to improve his lot in life. Furthermore, issues about the feelings toward homosexuality in the African-American and Caribbean communities are

expressed mostly through Faybien’s internalized self-hatred. Part of the problem with “Finding Me” is its amateurishness. While Omeus has affection for his characters, the ﬁlm is so poorly staged (with characters in conversation facing away from each other) and broadly acted (save Briggs, who is magnetic), it never seems credible. The plotting and editing run toward the haphazard, with Faybien complaining that Lonnie is a workaholic without any real evidence of this onscreen. Likewise, while Omeus does his best with an ultra-low budget, it is distracting when the wind is more prominent than the characters’ voices. “Finding Me” is all about Faybien’s struggles — but viewers struggle too. ■

**GET NAKED**HAVE FUN**

EAST COAST GATHERING MAY

22-26, 2009

Come join us this Memorial Day Weekend in rural, NE Maryland for our 15th year. Register early for the lowest prices (includes lodging, meals and beverages). All cabins are bathroom-equipped. This is a nude, not clothing optional, ages 21+, male-only event sponsored by The Philadelphia Area Naturist Guys. Come party with hundreds of men from around the country and world. Enjoy lounging pool-side, go hiking, nightly themed cocktail parties, disco, shows and much more. Registration form can be downloaded from our website: Phillynakedguys.org or call 215-978-7264.

**ALL MEN**ALL NUDE**ALL THE TIME**

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 36

Best Sellers Information is courtesy of Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; (215) 923-2960; www. giovannisroom.com. Ten-percent off most hardcover in-store sales. BOOKS

PGN

We love to get picked up.

LESBIAN INTEREST 1. “The Other Side of Paradise,” by Staceyann Chin (Scribner, 278 pp., $24 hb). From the iconic and charismatic star of Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam comes this brave and fiercely candid memoir about growing up in Jamaica by performer, activist and writer Chin. 2. “Walk Like A Man,” by Laurinda Brown (Q-Boro, 253 pp., $14.95 pb). Brown’s characters explore every aspect of black lesbian life — whether it’s first times, illicit trysts, cheating hearts or longtime love. Sexy, witty and hotter than hot, Brown’s novel will keep readers coming back for more. 3. “Sexual Fluidity: Understanding Women’s Love and Desire,” by Lisa Diamond (Harvard University Press, 333 pp., $17.95 pb). The book raises fundamental questions about women’s sexuality. Diamond’s comprehensive analysis of the scientific evidence illuminates the interconnections of love, sex and sexual identity in women’s lives. Her analysis of sexual fluidity is both original and compelling. 4. “As We Are Now,” by May Sarton (W.W. Norton, 144 pp., $13.95 pb). Caroline Spencer, a 76-year-old retired schoolteacher, has suffered a heart attack and been deposited by relatives in a nursing home. Subjected to subtle humiliations and petty cruelties, she fights back with all she has and, in a powerful climax, wins a terrible victory. 5. “Consequences,” by Skyy (King’s Crossing, 304 pp., $15.95 pb). School’s back in and there’s a lot of unfinished business to handle. As Lena prepares for her wedding day, she can’t help but think about Denise, her sexy bball roommate, who almost stole her away. GAY INTEREST 1. “Deflowered: My Life in the Pansy Division,” by Jon Ginoli (Cleis Press, 275 pp., $16.95 pb). Ginoli sets off on a journey of selfdiscovery and musical passion to become the founding member of Pansy Division, the first out and

MAY 1 - 7, 2009

proud queercore punk-rock band to hit the semi-big time. 2. “Sweet Tea: Black Gay Men of the South,” by Patrick Johnson (University of North Carolina Press, 570 pp., $35 hb). Traveling to every Southern state, Johnson conducted interviews with more than 70 black gay men ages 19-93. The voices collected here dispute the idea that gay subcultures flourish primarily in Northern, secular, urban areas. 3. “What They Always Tell Us,” by Martin Wilson (Delacorte Press, 293 pp., $15.99 hb). Brothers James and Alex have barely anything in common anymore — least of all their experiences in high school, where James is a popular senior and Alex is suddenly an outcast. After Alex takes up running, James’ friend Nathen unites the brothers in moving and unexpected ways. 4. “False Colors,” by Alex Beecroft (Running Press, 333 pp., $12.95 pb). With the arrival of his former captain — and lover — on the scene of the disastrous mission, Alfie is torn between the security of his past and the uncertain promise of a future with the straight-laced John. 5. “Basketball Jones,” by E. Lynn Harris (Doubleday, 256 pp., $22.95 hb). Harris returns to explore the down-low culture that made his first novel, “Invisible Life,” a groundbreaking phenomenon in his latest rip-roaring tale of sex, secrets and betrayal. DVDS GAY INTEREST 1. “Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom,” directed by Patrick Ian

Polik (2008, 101 min., $24.95 DVD). “Noah’s Arc” is back, and you’re invited to the big wedding! But can Noah and Wade really pull it off? Will Ricky’s sexcapades get the better of him? Can Chance and Eddie stay together? And can Alex stay sane? Get set for a wild wedding weekend of love, laughs, sex and some serious drama. 2. “Finding Me,” directed by Roger S. Omeus Jr. (2008, 115 min., $19.95 DVD). A fresh, new indie ﬁlm about a young gay black man’s journey of self-discovery, afﬁrmation and love. 3. “Milk,” directed by Gus Van Sant (2008, 129 min., $29.98 DVD). Based on the politically resonant and thoroughly timely screenplay by Dustin Lance Black, Van Sant follows the arc of Milk’s political awakening, from closeted Brooklyn insurance executive to doyen of San Francisco’s Castro district’s burgeoning gay mecca in the 1970s. 4. “Save Me,” directed by Robert Cary (2008, 96 min., $24.95 DVD). This acclaimed drama is a subtly

nuanced and deeply sympathetic look at both sides of one of the most polarizing debates in America: the conﬂict and possible reconciliation between homosexuality and Christianity. 5. “Naked Boys Singing,” directed by Robert Schrock and Troy Christian (2007, 95 min., $19.95 DVD). Invite 10 gorgeous, talented and intelligent naked men into your living room with this ﬁlmed adaptation of the hilarious off-Broadway play.

LESBIAN INTEREST 1. “Exes and Ohs: The Complete First Season,” various directors (2007, 132 min., $19.95 DVD). Michelle Paradise stars as Jennifer, a documentary filmmaker with a vivid fantasy life and a floundering career. Jennifer wants to find Ms. Right ... but first she must navigate the rules of lesbian life, most of which she learns the hard way.

2. “Karen Williams: I Need a Snack,” directed by Andrea

Meyerson (2009, 58 min., $19.95 DVD). Serving up another tasty treat, All Out Films now presents a delicious live comedy special by one of the most outstanding lesbian comics in the country.

3. “Better Than Chocolate,”

directed by Anne Wheeler (1999, 102 min., $14.95 DVD). Maggie meets the woman of her dreams just hours before her mother and brother move in with her. When the four end up sharing a loft, Maggie believes she must keep her affair a secret — but it is Maggie’s clandestine romance that inadvertently introduces her family to a host of new experiences. 4. “Four Minutes,” directed by Chris Klaus (2007, 112 min., $24.95). Jenny, a musical prodigy, ﬁnds herself behind bars for murder, but one person wants to help her out — Traude, the 80-year-old piano instructor who has taught at the prison for years.

5. “Girl + Girl: Classic Lesbian Short Films,” various directors (2006, 88 min., $19.95 DVD). This wonderfully entertaining batch of lesbian short ﬁlms showcases longunavailable ﬁlm-festival favorites and pioneering works. ■

SOLUTION From Page 33

MAY 1 - 7, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 37

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worth watching: FRIDAY Dollhouse Echo helps a young girl deal with her traumatic past. Alpha reveals himself to set his end-game in motion. More homoerotic with each episode. 9 p.m. on Fox. SATURDAY Groomer Has It Tonight, the doggy stylists must invent new grooming tools. 9 p.m. on Animal Planet. Ashes to Ashes A new season premieres with Alex continuing her trip back in time, only to be kidnapped while looking into a fellow ofﬁcer’s death. 9 p.m. on BBC America. SUNDAY Desperate Housewives Bree’s son, Andrew, agrees that

Queer TV you can always see: All My Children

Bianca is heading back from Paris to reclaim her life with estranged soulmate Reese and their two daughters. MondayFriday, 1 p.m. on ABC. As the World Turns

Luke and Noah tried to escape their kidnappers — the crazy Zs — and Noah was shot. Zoe wants a Grimaldi heir and the attendant fortune. And guess who she wants for her baby daddy? Monday-Friday, 2 p.m. on CBS.

Bree should divorce Orson. Gale Harold (Jackson) — former star of “Queer as Folk” — returns after his real-life motorcycle accident. 9 p.m. on ABC. In Treatment Gabriel Byrne stars in this riveting series about selfexamination, relationships and conﬂicts. 9 p.m. on HBO. The Tudors Henry brings an end to the Catholic uprising. With the incredibly sexy Jonathan Rhys Meyers. 9 p.m. on Showtime. Brothers & Sisters Scotty isn’t thrilled when Kevin gives Julia money for Elizabeth. He thinks Kevin still wants to claim the baby as his own. Meanwhile, Saul has a secret that will shock Ryan. 10 p.m. on ABC. MONDAY House House and the team get the case of a ballerina whose lungs collapse during a performance. Her future seems even more grim when the treatment causes her skin to fall off. Meanwhile, House is going to desperate measures to cure his insomnia. 8 p.m. on Fox. TUESDAY American Idol The clock is ticking out on the last remaining contestants. Adam Lambert is the queer favorite. 8

Q on the tube: p.m. on Fox. 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, Ellen’s wife, stars as the corporate boss from hell. 8:30 p.m. on ABC. American Idol 9 p.m. on FOX. THURSDAY Ugly Betty The Mode folks are back after a hiatus and baby William is kidnapped. 8 p.m. on ABC. Parks and Recreation Amy Poehler is at her funniest in this quirky spin-off of “The Ofﬁce.” 8:30 p.m. on NBC. Grey’s Anatomy Callie and Arizona kissed a lot last week. Can the new twosome withstand Daddy Dearest? 9 p.m. on ABC. Southland

Gay cop John Cooper (Michael Cudlitz) is the butchest guy on the beat. Will he reveal himself to his new partner? 10 p.m. on NBC. ■

Guiding Light

Natalia wants a real relationship with Olivia. When Natalia follows Olivia to Emma’s school asking, “What comes after ‘I love you?’” Olivia’s answer is simple: homophobia. 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.

PAGE 39

OPTIMIST PRIME: Michael J. Fox investigates the nature of optimism as he travels around the globe to explore the enduring strength of hope. He talks to both famous and everyday people, venturing everywhere from the Far East to President Barack Obama’s inspiring inauguration in the one-hour special, “Michael J. Fox: Adventures of an Incurable Optimist,” at 10 p.m. May 7 on ABC. Photo: ABC

Murder makes news By Victoria A. Brownworth PGN Contributor Gwen Araujo and Matthew Shepard have both been subjects of TV movies about their lives and tragic deaths. It’s likely Angie Zapata’s story will move from last week’s news to eventual TV biopic as well, and for the same reasons: She was queer and brutally murdered because of it. Murders of LGBT people don’t often make the mainstream news. But the brutality of the Araujo and Shepard murders demanded headlines. Zapata was beaten to death with a fire extinguisher and her murder brought intense attention to Greeley, Colo., a small town some 60 miles from Denver. Zapata was 18 when she was killed last July by Allen Andrade, 32. But her murder, unlike those of so many transgender people before her, will not go unavenged. And unlike Araujo and Shepard, her killing has been recognized for what it was: a hate crime. Andrade killed Zapata after he discovered she was a pre-op transsexual, after the two agreed to meet for sex and spent several hours together. On April 22, Andrade was convicted of first-degree murder. Under Colorado’s new bias-crime law, he was also the first person to be prosecuted and convicted of hate-crime murder. The murder of a transgender woman isn’t news. Transgender murders have gone up in each of the past 10 years. What is news is the fact that Zapata’s murder has been avenged by the legal system. Like Shepard’s and Araujo’s killers, Andrade used the “gaypanic” defense. He alleged he didn’t know Zapata was a biological man (witnesses said otherwise) and that, when he discovered it, he just “snapped” and beat her to death. The Colorado bias law makes that tired legal manipulation less viable. It took the jury just two hours to find Andrade guilty of both murder and bias. According to the FBI and the Department of Justice, sexualorientation bias accounted for more than 15 percent of the 7,722 total hate-crime incidents in 2006. In more than 60 percent of these, gay men were targeted. This data should have been part of any TV news coverage of the Zapata murder and Andrade trial. It wasn’t. The absence illuminates part of the problem of getting real information about LGBT lives on the tube. Queers only seem to make the news in the negative — when something bad happens to them or they do something wrong. Pedophilia and the crimes related to it are still regularly equated with homosexuality. Even discourse on same-sex marriage has been negatively framed, as an assault on “traditional” marriage. Watch “Law & Order” and queers are portrayed as killers as often as they are victims. A recent episode of “Law & Order: SVU” featured a black MTF transgender character who murdered a man who refused to allow his teenaged transgender daughter to have surgery. Last week’s episode of “Lie to Me” featured a young black rapper murdered because his down-low relationship with a top rapper would have exposed the homophobic rap world to ridicule. LGBT lives are still anomalous to majority America, and that’s never more obvious than on TV — so few TV shows get it. The lesbian women are kissing or having sex with men. The gay men are celibate. Network execs don’t get it, news reporters don’t get it and Dick Wolf believes there are as many queer murderers as there are queer murder victims. Intensive TV coverage of the Zapata murder brought homophobia, hate crimes and the emptiness of the “gay-panic” defense into the spotlight. It should not, however, take a murder to call attention to what LGBT people are subjected to in their daily lives. TV bears responsibility for presenting all Americans in its landscape, including queers, in a fair and balanced manner. ■

PAGE 40

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Diversions

MAY 1 - 7, 2009

Your guide to arts and entertainment

Theater

PGN

Bob the Builder Live! Join Bob, Wendy, Scoop, Lofty, Dizzy, Scrambler and the rest of the gang in fantastic songs and an exciting adventure as they have to deal with Spud’s mischievous antics, as well as some monster surprises along the way, May 5-6 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits The Walnut Street Theatre presents a tribute to the big shows and bigger legends in this hilarious, loving and endlessly entertaining revue, May 5-June 28 at Independence Studio on 3, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 5743550. 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) 5743550. Jihad Jones & The Kalashnikov Babes InterAct Theatre Company presents a fast and furious satire examining the effect of Hollywood’s stereotyping of Arab Americans, through May 10, 2030 Sansom St.; (215) 568-8077.

Pick

READY TO TAKE ON THE WORLD: Out singer-songwriter and indie folk-rocker Eric Himan returns to Philly in support of his latest CD, “Resonate,” at 8 p.m. May 6 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. Himan has probably put more miles on his van criss-crossing the country than most of us ever will, but you wouldn’t know it from his energetic live shows. For more information, visit www. erichiman.com or call (215) 222-1710.

movie theater runs through May 3 at Shubin Theatre, 407 Bainbridge St.; (215) 627-1088. Show/Tell The two short gay-themed dramas run through May 2 at Shubin Theatre, 407 Bainbridge St.; (215) 6271088.

his own hands to make room for a new highway, May 7-24 at Walnut Street Theatre’s Studio 5, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 5743550.

William Shakespeare’s Hamlet Lantern Theater Company presents the famous play in a surprising theatrical Something Intangible event that plumbs the dark Arden Theatre Company humor of Shakespeare’s presents the world premiere tragic son, through May 17 The Little Dog Laughed by celebrated Philadelphia at St. Stephen’s Theater, playwright Bruce Graham, 923 Ludlow St.; (215) 829The Tony Awardset in Hollywood circa 9002. nominated satire about a 1941, through June 7, 40 gay actor and his agent’s efforts to keep him closeted N. Second St.; (215) 9221122. classical makes its Philadelphia premiere, May 6-30 Cellblock: Stories of A Stone Carver at Second Stage at the the Eastern State New City Stage presents Adrienne, 2030 Sansom Chamber Music Now a newly revised version St.; (215) 665-9720. presents a collection of of Mastrosimone’s ﬁrst works inspired by the Passing By play, about a 1970s Italian- famed prison, at 8 p.m. The gay comedy set in American patriarch who May 1 and 3, Eastern State the 1970s about two men must move out of the Penitentiary, Cellblock 7, whose paths cross in a Trenton home he built with 22nd Street and Fairmount

Music

Avenue; (215) 236-3300. Natalie MacMaster and The David Bromberg Big Band The Kimmel Center presents an evening of jazz, folk and bluegrass, 8 p.m. May 1 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. James David Christie

The Kimmel Center presents the acclaimed organist at 3 p.m. May 2 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 7905847. The Damnation of Faust The Philadelphia Orchestra presents Sir Simon Rattle leading a major choralorchestral masterpiece by Berlioz, at 8 p.m. May 2 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 7905847.

Jerry Blavat’s Street Corner Harmony The Kimmel Center presents Philadelphia’s legendary radio personality performing songs from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, at 7:30 p.m. May 3 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.

Women’s Choir and the Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia team up for an unprecedented choral event, featuring 300 singers, at 8 p.m. May 1 at Church of the Holy Trinity, 1904 Walnut St.; (215) 5671267 No Doubt The alternative rock band performs at 8 p.m. May 2 at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; (609) 317-1000.

Christoph Prégardien The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society presents one of the foremost lyric tenors in the world, at 8 p.m. May 6 at Kimmel’s Adele Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. The Grammy-winning U.K. singer performs at 8 p.m. May 3 at the Electric Rattle Conducts Factory, 421 N. Seventh Bruckner The Philadelphia St.; (215) 627-1332. Orchestra presents Sir Simon Rattle leading a Franz Ferdinand program pairing musical The alt-rock group visions from two Austrian performs at 8 p.m. May 6 masters, at 8 p.m. May 7 at the Electric Factory, 421 and 9 and 2 p.m. May 8 at N. Seventh St.; (215) 6271332. Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings Musicians from The funk/R&B group performs at 8 p.m. May 6 Marlboro III The Philadelphia Chamber at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Music Society presents the Keswick Ave., Glenside; touring extension of the (215) 572-7650. renowned Marlboro Music Festival in Vermont, uniting exceptional young musicians with Benjamin Long experienced artists, at 8 Proximity Gallery p.m. May 7 at Kimmel’s presents the artist’s current Perelman Theater, 260 S. exhibition of paintings and Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. photography through May

Exhibits

Music other

The Dead The formerly “Grateful” psychedelic rock band performs at 8 p.m. May 12 at the Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; (215) 336-3600. Voices of Equality Concert Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, Anna Crusis

31, 2434 E. Dauphin St.; (267) 825-2949.

A Closer Look Allens Lane Art Center presents new paintings and sculptures by artists Henrietta and Reinhold Edelschein, through June 12, 601 W. Allens Lane; (215) 248-0546. Collective Aphrodite Gallery, Philadelphia’s showcase

MAY 1 - 7, 2009

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

for erotic ﬁne arts, presents a staff art show through May 24 at Passional Toys, 620 S. Fifth St.; (215) 829-4986. Figure Fleisher/Ollman Gallery presents a solo exhibition of the work of Philadelphia artist Bruce Pollock, through May 9, 1616 Walnut St., Suite 100; (215) 545-7562.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

Show Some Love AxD Gallery presents an exhibition of the winners of the American Institute of Graphic Artists Philadelphia Design Awards, through May 30, 265 S. 10th St.; (215) 6276250.

Dalkin and Noelle Stoffel, through May 31, 72 N. Second St.; (215) 4137072.

Yuichi Hibi: Neco Gallery 339 presents Hibi’s photographic exhibition that evokes the menace, beauty and mystery of urban Small Favors IV: Benefit Exhibition and landscapes at night, through May 16, 339 S. Sale 21st St.; (215) 731-1530. The Clay Studio presents an original ceramic arts exhibition, showcasing the latest in miniature, wall-mounted artworks, L’enfant et les sortithrough May 31, 137 N. lèges/Gianni Schicchi Second St.; (215) 925The Opera Company of 3453. Philadelphia presents a double-bill of short operas from the early 20th century Two Women: Two proving that youngsters are Visions not the only ones prone to Edge Gallery presents acting up, through May 3 an exhibition featuring at Kimmel’s Academy of the work of Monika

Opera

Music, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.

Dance

Philadanco Four fresh works choreographed by upand-coming talent are performed, through May 3 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.

Film

Pursuit of Equality The emotionally charged documentary about marriage equality is screened, followed by a Q&A session with producer Geoff Callan, at 7:30 p.m. May 1 at Kaplan Center, 211 S. Broad St.; (215) 717-6140.

Ion Zupcu: Works on Paper Gallery 339 presents an exhibition of still-life photography, through May 16, 339 S. 21st St.; (215) 731-1530. 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, papiermâché and folded paper, through June 28, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; (215) 340-9800. Quiescent The Clay Studio presents the latest works from utilitarian potter Julia Galloway, through May 31, 137 N. Second St.; (215) 925-3453. Sendak on Sendak The Rosenbach Museum and Library hosts an exhibition exploring the work of gay artist/ author Maurice Sendak, through May 3 at 200810 Delancey Place; (215) 732-1600.

Paradise City Arts Festival returns to Philly, featuring home furnishings, fashion and jewelry and paintings and sculpture by nearly 150 nationally juried artists, including out ceramic artist James Guggina, through May 3 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Hall D, 1101 Arch St. “I make functional dinnerware,” Guggina said. “My work is all about everyday use.” Guggina’s use of bold colors and striking lines could easily be taken as a Southwestern inﬂuence, which the artist said wasn’t his intent. “I can understand why people think that,” he said. “I don’t see it quite as much as others do. It sort of turned out that way. I don’t think of it as Western or Southwestern. I’m a New Englander, through and through.” For more information, visit www.coolpots.com or call (800) 511-9725.

PAGE 41

Stella Dallas The 1937 ﬁlm starring Barbara Stanwyck is screened at 2 p.m. May 3 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; (610) 9170223.

Books

Colson Whitehead The author of “Sag Harbor” hosts a reading at 7:30 p.m. May 5 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 686-5322.

Etc.

Brad Loekle The gay comedian performs at midnight May 1 at Rainbow Mountain Resort, 210 Mount Nebo Road, East Stroudsburg; (570) 223-8484.

Catwalk Tragedy Philly 2009 The alternative model competition and designer showcase featuring DJ Pharanque and DJ Mighty Mike Saga kicks off at 7:30 p.m. May 2 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; (215) 9225483. Emerge: Black & White Philadelphia’s largest fundraising women’s party is back with a strict dress code (swank and chic black and white) and featuring the talents of DJ Cozmic Cat, DJ JD and DJ eye-V, from 9 p.m.-3 a.m. May 1 at Pure, 1221 St. James St.; (215) 735-5772 or www. emergephilly.com. ■

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 42

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.

■ Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine: (215) 563-0658

■ 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

■ Equality Forum: (215) 732-3378 ■ Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Peer Counseling Services: (215) 732-TALK ■ Mayor’s liaison to LGBT communities:

■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, self-employed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city, invites speakers on various topics, partners with other nonprofits and maintains a Web site where everyone is invited to sign up for e-mail notices for activities and events.; www.gppn.org. ■ Independence Business Alliance The Philadelphia chapter of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development and educational opportunities. Holds monthly networking events; (215) 7014760; P.O. Box 12647, Philadelphia, Pa. 19129; www.independencebusinessalliance.com. Monthly Brown Bag forums for LGBT business owners at noon on third Thursdays at the William Way Center. ■ National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association The Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA, open to professionals and students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgjaphiladephia.org. ■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus A regional organization dedicated to promoting gay and lesbian tourism to the Greater Philadelphia Region, holds meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; 304 S. 12th St.; (215) 840-6141; www. gayphiladelphia.org. ■ Philly OutGoing Professionals Social group for gay, lesbian and bisexual professionals meets for social and cultural activities; (856) 857-9283; popnews19@yahoo.com.

■ 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)

12-step programs and support groups Adult Children of Alcoholics

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

Al-Anon

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

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

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

Branch of the the Free Library, 18 S. Seventh St.; (215) 685-1633. ■ A support group for HIV-positive men and women meets from 1:30-3 p.m. at BEBASHI — Transition to Hope, 1217 Spring Garden St., first floor; (215) 769-3561. ■ Encuentros Positivos, a group for HIV-positive Latino men who have sex with men, meets on first and third Tuesday of the month at 1205 Chestnut St.; (215) 985-3382. ■ “Feast Incarnate,” a weekly ministry for people affected by HIV/AIDS, begins at 5 p.m. at University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St. Bible study follows at 6 p.m.; (215) 387-2885. ■ A support group for people recently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Mazzoni Center. ■ Youth Outreach Adolescent Community Awareness Program’s Voice It Sistah, a support group for HIV-positive women, meets at 11 a.m. every first and third Tuesday at YOACAP, 1207 Chestnut St., Suite 315; (215) 851-1898.

Wednesdays:

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

Thursdays:

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

Saturdays:

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

Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA)

■

Emotional Support

■

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

■

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

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

Overeaters Anonymous (OA)

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

S.A.R.A.

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

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous

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

HIV/AIDS

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

■ Mazzoni Center: (215) 563-0652; www.mazzonicenter.org

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

■ Equality Advocates Pennsylvania: (215) 731-1447; (866) LGBTLAW

■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia GALLOP holds board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; GALLOP also provides a free referral service; (215) 627-9090; www.galloplaw.org.

Gloria Casarez, (215) 686-2194; Gloria. Casarez@phila.gov; Fax: (215) 686-2555

■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: (215) 5921513

■ The COLOURS Organization Inc. 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; (215) 4960330.

Professional groups

MAY 1 - 7, 2009

Meeting Place rotates listings on a four week schedule.

Mondays:

Positive Brothers, a support group for men of color living with HIV/AIDS, meets from 6:308:30 p.m. at 112 N. Broad St., 11th ﬂoor; (215) 496-0330.

SEPCADD

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

Smoking Cessation

■

Tuesdays:

AIDS Services in Asian Community offers safer-sex and HIV/AIDS information at 10 a.m. on second Tuesday of the month at the Independence

■

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

Send submissions to pgn@epgn.com or fax (215) 925-6437 PGN Meeting Place, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 Meeting Place is a public service. Submissions must include a phone number for publication. Complete Meeting Place listings of all Parent/Family, Professional, Recovery, Recreation, Religion, Sports, Men, Women, Trans, Youth groups can be found online @ www.phliagaynews.com and www.epgn.com

MAY 1 - 7, 2009

PAGE 43

Classifieds

With Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services and Personals

Homebuyers hope to time market bottom By J.W. Elphinstone The Associated Press With white tin ceilings, original woodwork, bay windows and a $699,000 price tag, the twobedroom apartment at 719 Carroll St. in Brooklyn would have been snatched up in a New York minute a couple years ago. Instead, it’s been on the market for more than two months. On a recent spring weekend, 14 buyers came through and still no bids. “We’re in the early stages of the search,” said Joanna Brett, 33, as she checked out the apartment with Sarah Madigan. “We’ve been looking on and off for six months.” Welcome to the spring selling season. The number of house hunters out this spring is an encouraging sign that the real-estate market is beginning to turn around. There’s just one problem: A lot of them are in no hurry to buy, according to interviews with dozens of shoppers

at open houses last weekend. The market’s turning point will be tough to predict, because it will be gradual and obscured by conﬂicting signs like recent housing reports that showed sales of previously occupied homes fell 3 percent from February to March, while new-home sales seemed to have bottomed out. Even more puzzling for homebuyers, economists expect sales volumes to recover at least six months before home prices stabilize. “Prices will continue to fall sharply this spring and summer and will stabilize at year’s end,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody’s Economy.com. In March, the median price for a new home dropped 12 percent from a year ago to $201,400, and the price tag for a previously owned home also fell 12 percent to $168,200. The real-estate crisis, fueled by reckless lending and borrowing

from 2001-06, triggered not only the U.S. recession but also a global ﬁnancial meltdown. And the nascent signs of recovery in the housing market could be shortlived if employers continue to lay off staff in bulk. The speed of real-estate recovery also varies by region. Since February, sales volumes have been trending upward at different rates in 50 major metro areas tracked in The Associated Press-Re/Max Monthly Housing Report. The report includes transactions from all real-estate agents in the metro areas, regardless of company afﬁliation. Compared with March of last year, sales are only up in 10 cities — all of them saturated with deeply discounted foreclosures. In San Diego, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Miami and Orlando, Fla., for example, sales volumes are up at least 50 percent over last year. “A quarter of the purchases this year in Vegas have been cash

purchases, so that’s crazy,” said Craig Stott, a real-estate agent with Coldwell Banker Premier Realty. “You have a lot of investors back in the market.” Home values in Sin City have cratered by 50 percent since their peak. And that has made buyers like Erik Sandu cautious. “I’m not sure that we’ve hit [bottom] yet,” Sandu, a 37-yearold advertising executive, said while checking out a $525,000 five-bedroom house in Las Vegas. In a few markets around the country, sales are still deteriorating. Detroit and Cleveland, Ohio, where there is an exodus of unemployed auto workers, are among them. For prospective homebuyers, who are weighing what is often the biggest financial decision of their lives, the decision to buy this spring can be a sleep-wrecker. In the yes column: Many can now get the lowest mortgage rates they’ve ever seen, an $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers and

huge discounts on foreclosed or must-sell properties. In the no column: Record foreclosures are still inundating many markets and driving home prices down, at the same time employers are handing out pink slips by the thousands, making home shoppers nervous. The majority of prospective homebuyers interviewed at open houses last month were like Amy Borgognoni and Seth Cuni — in no hurry to make an offer. The couple in Raleigh, N.C., is looking to buy a home after their wedding in the fall. They toured a $549,000 four-bedroom home near downtown. “We’re just browsing for now,” said Borgognoni, 33. “We’ll do one stressful thing at a time.” The agent showing the house, Graham Young of Prudential Realty, said, “We’ve had some people who have shown some serious interest, but they just haven’t made an offer.” ■

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

Beds: 3 Baths: 3.5 Age of property: 6 years Square Footage: 1,475 Cost: $214,900 Realtor: Alicia Fox Real Estate Co: ReMax of Wilmington Phone: 302-657-8000 Direct: 302-419-5477

Beautiful townhome in Bristol Place. Huge eat-in kitchen, ﬁnished basement w/full bath. Great location, close to all major highways. Move-in condition.

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

NEWARK, DE

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.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 44

MAY 1 - 7, 2009

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

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

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

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

PAYMENT AND PLACEMENT

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

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

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

Classiﬁeds Liner Insertion Order

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

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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

PGN now offers

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

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MAY 1 - 7, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 45

CLASSIFIEDS

PAGE 91

Real Estate

APRIL 18 - 24, 2008

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE

SALE SALE

VENTNOR,WATERFRONT NJ (HEIGHTS) HOME CONTEMPORARY House &inadjacent lot (swimming pool). Available time for summer fun. Located on the5 Bedroom, bath, Laundry Kitchen, Dinriver in quiet2Beachwood, NJ.Rm, Large home with Room, Sunwater roomviews & great Living 6ing bed, 3.5 bath, fromroom. all rooms, 6 r-2 room, inground and lowerpool, & Upper 2nd decks, hot tubdecks. and much more. bedrooms, 1 bath, room, sun room, & Priced at $899K. Callgreat LBO Realty, ask for Elliott deck 1st r. 3 for bedrooms, bath, living room, 732-674-3851 info and for showing. foyer, dining area, kitchen, laundry room, and _______________________________33-18 deck. Central Air.community. Call 215-468-9166 after Warminster > 55 2 BR, 2 BA with6 pm. $950,000.00. bsmt condo. $200K. dgr5162@verizon.net _______________________________32-17 _______________________________33-18 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

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE

SALE SALE

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE

SALE SALE

HOMES FROM $10,000! MONTANA LAND BARGAINS Attention Hunters! 60 Acres$99,900 Timber NAVAL SQUARE Foreclosures sale! 1-4 bedrooms available! liquidating a hunting 20AC with Utilities & paradiseCountry loaded Road w/big was Condo 4 Sale,forEnd Unit, 3rd Fl., 2 BD/1 BA, co. These homes must sell! For Listings Call 800- whitetail hardwood trails me$99,900 deer. Now All $69,900 BLMsetting, access. Deer & XL Kitchen-granice countertops, cherry wood 706-1762 ext. 6888. andering throughout, pristine mountain views. elk galore! Call to view 877-229-7840 www. cabinets, H/W wood ﬂoors t/o, Mstr. BD with _______________________________32-16 Old state road frontage, just 20 minutes to WesternSkiesLand.com ATTENTION OUTDOORMEN Best buy in West Virginia! Easy owner w/i closet & loft, hi ceilings, 6ft. windows in $4 town. _______________________________32-16 NYS OldPet Scout Camp Doree 15 Ac on Lake- $39,900 now 1-877-526-3764. hund’s. friendly. Gitzes, Realtor, ﬁnancing. Call GOLF SIDE SC HOME NEW CABINS- $19,900 Fishing & Hunting off _______________________________33-18 Long & Foster Real Estate, 215-348-0000, Luxury four bedroom, four bath. Fully furnished. limits until now! A sportsman’s dream. Limited Mountain and lake views. $678,000. Call Dave X-8015. Open Sunday May 3, 1-3 time offercallHouse, now! Christmas & Associates 602-758-9062. 800-229-7843 www.landandcamps.com _______________________________33-18 _______________________________32-16 _______________________________32-16 72 acres along McKean/Potter County line HERKIMER, NY 94.4 Acre dairy farm. 4 bedroom house, 85 near Shinglehouse. Mostly wooded, some stall cow barn, 4100’ paved road frontage. open area, includes old hunting cabin, Great views, open elds. $236,000. www. electric, $199,000. Field and Stream RE. 800-668-8679. helderbergrealty.us 518-861-6541. This exquisite 2 Bedroom/2 bath, 3-story home offers EVERYTHING for the urban “City” buyer!! _______________________________32-16 _______________________________32-16

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Schoolhouse Lane & Ridge Avenue East Falls 215.844.8888 Brewerytown Square B R E W E R Y TO W N 215.765-2800 Brand New 2-3 Bedroom Townhomes with Garages Up to 1,700 sq. ft. From the Mid $200’s Tour our Decorated Models

PGN What’s going on? Check out Diversions.

Weichert Realtors® � Deck or balcony with each home 9 West Main St � 10 year tax abatement Clinton, NJ � Free Center City Shuttle 908-735-8140

The Arbours Eagle Pointe The Villas & Regency Contact: BobatBuhl at Packer Park O M E R TO N S Cell: 908-489-2555 SOUTH PHILADELPHIA 215.698.4540 215.389.9881 A Lifestyle Community for Adults 55 & Better Spacious New One Floor Living & Distinctive Townhomes with Garages From the Mid $300’s Up to 1,686 sq. ft. From the Mid $300’s

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 46

REAL ESTATE

SALE

REAL ESTATE

SALE

REAL ESTATE

SALE

MAY 1 - 7, 2009

REAL ESTATE

SALE

REAL ESTATE

SALE

Packer Park

Several Style Homesites Available from the low 300’s in the Community of Packer Park - Philadelphia Very safe, clean, convenient Community Minutes from Whitman Bridge, I - 95, Sports Complex, International Airport, FDR Park (350 acres of open Greenspace with golf, tennis, skateboarding, walking & biking trails) We have several luxurious home sites available, many with ten yr tax abatements & Developer Incentives, From the low 300’s - most with GARAGES for your safety and convenience.

bc@CapozziRealEstate.com www.CapozziRealEstate.com 215 551 5100 • 3320 South 20th St

PGN

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

MAY 1 - 7, 2009

REAL ESTATE

SALE

REAL ESTATE

PAGE 47

REAL ESTATE

SALE

1608 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19103

www.philarealtyexchange.com

AVENUE OF THE ARTS 250 S. 13th Street- 1 br, doorman building, hw fl, tenant occupied $230,000 Kera Ritter GRADUATE HOSPITAL 923 S. 17th-Attn Investors!! Triplex renovation started $175,000 Janis Dubin “SOLD” 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 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

OLD CITY 244-48 N. 3rd, UNIT 3B – Corner unit condo, parking included $225,000 Kera Ritter SPRING GARDEN 1601 SPRING GARDEN ST #419- gorgeous upgraded unit, elevator and secure $179,900 Janis Dubin SOUTH PHILADELPHIA 1904 S. 9th St- 2br home in Bella Vista w/ large living room, $139,900 John Perno UNIVERSITY CITY 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 WASHINGTON WEST 541 S. 12th St Unit A- 2br, 2 bth condo newly renovated, deeded parking, court yard $389,900 Tom Gangemi

FOR RENT

240 S. 13th St-. Sunny studio, new kitchen, hardwood floors, $1000 includes heat-Kera Ritter 711 S. 18th ST-2 beds/1.5 baths, backyard, 2 secure parking spaces, great space $2,000 mo Kera Ritter 1513 S. 31th 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 1 bedroom. Hardwoodfloors, pets ok, heat included. Available August 1. $1200 mo Kera Ritter CAREER OPPORTUNITY FOR FULL TIME SALES AGENT- FOR INTERVIEW CALL OFFICE SPECIALIZING IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT-CONDOS AND APARTMENTS 2-10 UNITS

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

E-mail us: pgn@epgn.com

PGN Open Houses Sunday May 3, 2009 Noon - 1:00 242 S 13th St Unit C. Furness Flats. Large 2 bed, 1 bath. last unit left in this highly desirable building. Close to all Center City Hospitals. Low fees and taxes ................................only $335,000 238 S 13th St. Unit G100 “George T. Sale Condo” Unique Garden level 1 bd, 1 ba. unit w/ private entrance.. Low fees & Tax Abatement. Lowest price 1 bd. in area ........................$200,000. Noon - 1:00 1222 Spruce St. Unit 3. New open style 2 bedroom, 1 bath condo with low taxes and condo fees. Great small pet friendly building. .........................................................................$350,000 1 Christian St #37 Old Swedes Court. New Listing Large 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath with Garage, roof deck and hardwood ﬂoors. Low association fees in Queen Village ....................$525,000 416 S 10th St. NEW LISTING. Large update 4 bd. 2 ba. with huge garden and wonderfully roof deck with city skyline views. .................................................................................$800,000

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

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

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

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

Andy Mariano

Direct Line 610-789-0982 Office 610-325-4100 E-Mail: andy@andymariano.com www.andymariano.com

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 48

REAL ESTATE

SALE

Buy or Sell in theREAL Poconos ESTATE

Close to Mt. Airy CasinoRENT & Camel Back.

ge Road - Concordville PA

MANAYUNK RETAIL

1200 s.f. + storage. $2500/mo. Renovated NEW CONSTRUCTIONCorners of Routes 390 & 44 • Candensis, PA &18325 on Main Grape. 610-647-1776. www. w/Victorian Style-Priv Decks eadeh.com OFFICE: (570) 595-2110 • FAX: (570) 595-7207 _______________________________32-17 w/magnigicent views, CELL: Open(570) Floor994-5118 MANAYUNK Plan makes this home the StudioW. apt. BALDI $850/mo. + utils. Avail. May. 610FRED 647-1776. www.eadeh.com Entertaining “Home of the Year”- REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® _______________________________32-17 Builder had the “Creative Decora- fred_baldi@hotmail.com NORTHERN LIBERTIES tor” in mind for this secluded 2.5 Cozy 3 story home, 2 BR, 1.5 BA, lg. yard, family www.PoconosHomesInfo.com rm./den, laundry in bsmt. LR w/exposed beams ac-Sng Home-Grmt Kit w/Grnt & brick. Hdwd rs, EIK. $1100/mo. + utils. Call d Flrs-1st Flr Full Bath-poss for Main 302-761-9500 or maria@165girardave.com _______________________________32-17 Ste w/Retreat Bth w/Whrlpl Tub, 2 GRAD HOSPITAL AREA h, 3rd Flr-poss 5/6 bdrms, W/O 2 newly renov. 2 BR apts, hdwd rs. 1st fgl. w/rear yard, W/D, C/A. 1319 S. 23rd St. $650. e Rm or 2nd Fmly Rm-3 Car Gar267-320-9618. Arteries to Phila & DE- and Train _______________________________32-16

Conrad Kuhn

McAnulty @

OLD CITY Broker/Sales Rep. Since 1987 Renovated Factory. Condo Bldg, NJAR Circle of Excellence SalesCastings. Award 19912007 610-636-4557 Courtyard 1 Bedrm Apt. HW Flrs. W/D, Ctl Air, Weichert President’s & Ambassador’s Clubs $1250/mth. Call 215 588-0606.

1- The Real Estate Store

_______________________________32-18

Ofﬁce: 856.227.1950AVENUE ext. 124OF THE ARTS Modern 2 bedroom apartment with large livCell: 609.221.1196 ing room, large eat-in kitchen, D/W, micro, www.conradkuhn.com Realtor856@aol.com ice maker, washer/dryer, central A/C, loaded

rdville 610-558-5800

satellite TV, heat and hot water, all included.

WashingtonYou Township pay; gas Ofﬁce cooking and electric. Subway 42 door. $1,200 / month. and 5070 bus atRoute the front 215-416-5545. Available May 2008. This is a Turnersville, NJ 08012

REAL ESTATE

www.philarealtyexchange.com RENT

FISHTOWN use, new roof h/w ﬂrs, rehab ongoing $1,100,000 Alison 2 BR HOUSE W/PARKING

Art Museum Area-- off 26th St. (800 N. GRADUATE HOSPITAL Bambrey, 19130) Corner house on quiet d out shell. Rear of property was removed. Ready for street, close to public transportation. Newly y be sold as arenovated, package. $99,000 Janis Dubin 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood 00 Janis Dubin ﬂoors, AC, laundry, deck, PARKING, wired. LOGAN SQUARE $1600+ call 215-990-4850. Go to kratzworks. d out and framed (shell condition) $795,000 John Perno com for pix. _______________________________33-20 MT AIRY/OAK LANE AVAILBLE MAY 1ST Stacy ome in need of TLC, hardwood ﬂrs, deck $75,000 Two bedroom split-level apartment on second

ﬂoor of row home at 20th and Christian streets. OLD CITY LR, kitchen/dining, bath, small foyer. On-street n Old City’s Wireworks Bldg, high ceilings, storage space parking, pets okay. Utilities separate. $875+two months deposit. Scott 267.736.6743.

condo, parking_______________________________33-18 included, tenant occupied until 11/08 IN THE GAYBORHOOD

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA 1 BR apts. avail. Various choices. $750 to ment, new w/d$1000/mo. included $199,000 Alison Ermilio Call soon, 215-901-0041. tchen w/granite countertops, c/a, ﬁnished basement _______________________________33-21

n busy 1⁄2 BA,

12TH & DICKINSON ST. 3 room apartment, living room, kitchen, bath, and bedroom (all Large rooms) 2nd ﬂoor, street,private $3,500/MON Alison Ermilio entrance. $1000.00 month, includes Univ. utilities. City Victorian, incl. w/d, refrig $3,500/MON Call 215 686-3431 or 215-468-9166 evenings. _______________________________33-24 AVENUE OF THE ARTS Entire 3rd ﬂoor apartment for rent has large eat-in kitchen with ice maker, built in micro, d/w, garb disp. lots of counter and storage. hall closet, very large living room, rent includes all channel Tevo. bathroom has a washer/dryer, another hall closet and two bedrooms with more closets. Heat and hot water is also included. $1,200.00/month. This is a non-smoking building. 215-416-5545. _______________________________33-20

Gay is our middle name.

non-smoking building. _______________________________32-18 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 3 Bedroom Bank foreclosure only $207/month! 4 bedroom, 2 bath home only $238/month! 5% down, 20NOT years @8% apr! For listings PGN WILL PUBLISH RACIAL DIS800-546-8656 ext. s915. TINCTIONS IN ROOMMATE ADS. SUCH _______________________________32-16

ROOMMATES

NOTATIONS WILL BE EDITED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. ___________________________________ GREATER NERENTALS PHILA. SEASONAL Have your own bedroom in a beautiful split CHELSEA ATLANTIC levelLOWER home with 2 gay men. House isCITY 4 BR, 2 Lovely 3 W/D, bd. 1upper ba. fully furnished home in full baths, and lower decks, use of beautiful secluded gay court. 2 blocks to kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 beach, jitney at corner. Long season-12,500. min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least plus security dep. Call 609-347-8059. reasonably neat and employed. Rent is $600 + _______________________________32-17 1/3 utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. REHOBOTH/LEWES _______________________________33-19 Lg. twhnse, 3 BR, 2.5 BA. No pets or smoking. $1500/wk, $5000/mo. 302-236-3338. NE Phila. house to share. $350/mo. Call Jim, _______________________________32-19 215-821-1062. OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND _______________________________33-18 Best selectionBRIGANTINE, of affordable rentals. NJ Full/partial weeks. Call for free brochure. Open daily. Beach blk. Share lovely 3 BR house w/senior Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102 Online citizen. Full house privileges. Must be emreservations www.holidayoc.com ployed. $950/mo. Call Jim at 609-458-3711 _______________________________32-16 to discussIsland, details.Litcheld, Debordieu, The Pawleys _______________________________33-19 Jewels of the South Carolina Coast. House/ condo 2rentals. Beach start cable. here! Share BR apt. Uppervacations Darby, W/D, www.lachicotte.com. For availability call 1$350. Call 610-352-1188. 800-422-4777. _______________________________33-21 _______________________________32-16 Roommate wanted to share home in Norristown. $600/mo. + half utils. Ref. req. Must love cats. call 610-270-0288. No drugs. _______________________________33-21

VACATION/

VACATION

RENTAL SECLUDED BUCKS SPREAD Super-private 5 1/2 acres with views, stream, waterfall, 20’ X 36’ pool. Fully funished 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 4 TVs, 1 ﬂat screen, DSL, stereo, grand piano, eat-in kitchen. Vine-covered dining deck. $5000 per month. June to Sept. billwrite@aol.com _______________________________33-23 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 _______________________________33-18

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 Pensioner, GM inn, 609-287-8779 9 AM-1 PM only. _______________________________33-19 BALLROOM DANCE INSTRUCTORS No exp. necessary, will train. PT or FT. SJ shore area. Call 609-645-2010. _______________________________33-19 Travel, Travel, Travel! $500 Sign-on and $500 Performance bonuses. Seeking Sharp Guys/Gals, Blue Jean Environment, Music Lovers Welcome! Janelle #888-375-9795 Start Today! SELL AVON! 50% PROFIT. _______________________________33-18 1-800-AVON-443 (ISR) Part-time, home-based Internet business. Earn _______________________________32-20 $500-$1000/month or more. Flexible hours. Banquet Servers Needed Training provided. No selling required. FREE Shifts Avail 7days/week details. www.K348.com $12-14/Hour. Call Today! _______________________________33-18 Best Personnel POST NOW HIRING! 1315OFFICE Walnut St. Suite 320 Avg. Pay $21/hour or $54K annually including 215-732-3100 Federal Beneﬁts and OT. Paid Training. Vaca_______________________________32-16 tions. PT/FT 1-866-945-0341. OPERATIONS DIRECTOR For successful growing cleaning company. _______________________________33-18 Starts P/T, becomes Must be: exible, ABLE TO F/T. TRAVEL? hands on, detail oriented, willing to learn and National Company Hiring 18-30 Sharp People. grow.toSalary commensurate w/exp. Great Able Start Today. Transportation & Lodging owners/leadership, great staff, paid training. Furnished. NO EXPERIENCE Necessary. Paid Call 856-424-1444. Training. Over 18+ 866-734-5216. _______________________________32-17 _______________________________33-18

PGN HELP WANTED

___________________________________ GREATER NE PHILA. Have your own bedroom in a beautiful split level home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 full baths, W/D, upper and lower decks, use of kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least reasonably neat and employed. Rent is $600 + 1/3 utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. _______________________________32-19 NE PHILA. House to share. $350/mo. Call John at 267Drive the Big Rigs! 30 Trainees Needed ASAP. 574-1804. $700-$800 per week, Beneﬁts, No CDL, No _______________________________32-16 Problem. No Credit, NoPARK/CITY Problem. GIT-R-DONE OVERBROOK LINE Room. Use of kitchen, W/D, cable. $450/mo. Call Now! 1-800-961-4319. 215-850-7900. _______________________________33-18 _______________________________32-16 Over 18? Between High School and College? BEACH Successful Travel and REHOBOTH Have Fun w/Young House share, room avail. Inc. pvt bath, deck, Business Group. No Experience Necessary. pool & utils. 5/1 to 9/1. $5400 season. Call 2wks Paid Training. Lodging, Transportation 302-530-1071. Provided. 1-877-646-5050. _______________________________32-17

HELP WANTED

_______________________________33-18 Now Hiring OTR Dry-Van Drivers! WESTERN EXPRESS *Regular Home-Time *Excellent Equipment *One-Day Orientation *BCBS Insurance *Stable,Growing Company, Must be 22Yrs. Old, Class-A CDL required 866863-4009. _______________________________33-18 Mailing Brochures! Weekly pay + Bonus. Supplies furnished. Guaranteed Opportunity. Call Housekeeper/Driver wanted. Now! 1-800-307-7131. _______________________________33-18 40 hours a week. “Can You Dig It?” Heavy Equipment 3wk Valid drivers licenseBulldozers, and Training Program. Backhoes, Trackhoes. Local job placement asst. COULD references required. QUALIFY FOR GI/VA BENEFITS. 866-362Started at $15.6k per year. 6497. _______________________________33-18 Med. Insurance after 6 mos. NOW AVAILABLE! 2009 POST OFFICE JOBS. (Low NO rent Apt. available.) $18-$20/hr. EXPERIENCE, PAID TRAINING, FED BENEFITS, VACATIONS. CALL 1-800-910-9941 TODAY! Ref #PA09. _______________________________33-18

HELP WANTED

Jersey Shore

Email: jjs@1616pr.com

Seeking part-time editorial intern The Philadelphia Gay News is seeking a part-time editorial intern. As editorial intern, you will perform a variety of duties in support of the editorial staff. Duties might include writing short articles and weekly event listings, research, fact checking, ling, archiving data and special projects. Intern(s) may also have the opportunity (depending on level of interest and journalistic skills) to attend local events (press conferences, rallies, etc.) and write news and features articles. Intern(s) should be highly motivated with strong writing skills. A journalistic background is preferred but not required. Intern(s) must have the ability to stay focused while working independently. Intern(s) must be able to meet deadlines both on a daily and longer-term basis. This is an unpaid internship (academic credit available), 15-20 hours per week. Skills: Computer procient. (Prefer Word, e-mail, In-Design, Excel. Photoshop a plus.) Organized, detail oriented Solid written and verbal communications skills; knowledge of AP style Team player

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

AUTOS

ADOPTION

SUPER FAST 2001 Toyota Celica GTS $2500! 2 door,custom made orange exterior, black interior, 96500 miles, 6 speed manual, 4 cyl. Contact info: corysmoore@gmail.com or call at (208) 977-9080. _______________________________33-18 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 _______________________________33-18

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. _______________________________33-18 ADOPT Childless loving woman (teacher) wishes to adopt a newborn. Financially secure home with close extended family. Legal/Conﬁdential. Expenses paid. Please call Denise: 1-866-2014602 Pin#01960. _______________________________33-18 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. _______________________________33-18

PGN

MAY 1 - 7, 2009

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. _______________________________33-18 ONLINE PHARMACY Buy Soma, Ultram, Fioricet, Prozac, Buspar $71.99/90 $107/180 Quantities. PRICE INCLUDES PRESCRIPTION! Over 200 meds $25 Coupon. Mention Offer: #21A31. 1-888531-6744. tri-pharmacy.info _______________________________33-18 WANT MOBILITY FREEDOM??? Call today for your Medicare approved Power Wheelchairs & Scooters. ABSOLUTELY NO COST TO YOU if qualiﬁed! ELDERKARE MEDICAL SUPPLIES 1-888-54-ELDER(35337) _______________________________33-18 AAABSOLUTELY NO COST TO YOU!! Limited Offer! Power Wheel Chairs & Scooters ACT NOW: 1-800-719-0024. _______________________________33-17 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. _______________________________33-18 AAA POOLS! Distributor must sell entire inventory of leftover 2008 Pools! HUGE 31’x19’ w/Sundeck, Fence,Filter ONLY $890! (Install. extra) 100% FINANCING! 3-Day Installation! Call Us! 1-866237-2217 sapphirepools.biz _______________________________33-18

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 _______________________________33-18 100% 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. _______________________________33-18 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. _______________________________33-16

SERVICES PAINTING Painting and paper hanging, reasonable prices. 45 yrs experience. Neat and clean work. Sonny, 215-888-1099. _______________________________33-18 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 _______________________________33-18 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. _______________________________33-18

AUCTIONS ABSOLUTE LOGGING EQUIPMENT Auction. Selling for the bank, Late Model Logging/Construction Equipment, 80+ Pieces. May 14, 10 a.m. Rockingham, NC. Iron Horse Auction, NCAL3936, 800-997-2248, www. ironhorseauction.com _______________________________33-18

PAGE 108 PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

MAY 1 - 7, 2009

There are easier ways to get noticed...

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APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2008

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

Social Security Disability Claims Appeals

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Suite 202 Oxford Valley Rd. Fairless Hills, PA 19030

215-629-0585

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APRIL -- MAY 1, 2008 APRIL2525 25 MAY 1,2008 2008 2008 MAY 1 -1,7, 2009 APRIL - MAY

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215-735-1006

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

Attorney-at-Law

Estate & Tax Planning

GENERAL PRACTICE FOR THE COMMUNITY MARCH 28 - APRIL 3, 2008

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LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY ��

215-546-1950 (Voice)

AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law

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

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

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James M. M.SPACE Quesenberry, MA, CRC,CVE CVE THIS ISMA, YOURS James Quesenberry, MA, CRC, CVE CRC,

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MAY 1 - 7, 2009

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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MAY 1 - 7, 2009

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

MAY 1 - 7, 2009