Philadelphia Gay News May 15 - 21, 2009
Vol. 33 No. 20
Honesty Integrity Professionalism
Pa. grants domestic partner benefits By Jen Colletta PGN Exclusive
JACKPOT!: About 80 people gathered May 9 at the Center for Architecture for Sapphire Fund’s “Circus” casino night, including Stephen Assenheimer (from left), Sapphire board members Laura Snee, Antoine Johnson, event chair John Crawford, Donny Mignone, board president Wayne Hamilton and Al Besse. Fundraising from the event will be contributed in part to Sapphire’s three 2009 beneficiaries: the Mazzoni Center, Foyer of Philadelphia and the National Adoption Center/Adoption Center of Delaware Valley. Hamilton said that while last year’s casino night drew a slightly larger crowd, this year’s event garnered larger, bigger-ticket items for the silent auction, fueling Sapphire’s fundraising capabilities. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Pennsylvania state employees in samesex relationships will now be able to obtain the same medical benefits for their partners as heterosexual married employees. The Pennsylvania Employees Benefit Trust Fund, a non-governmental agency that oversees the state benefits programs, will offer medical, prescription drug, dental, vision and hearing-aid benefits to the sameand opposite-sex domestic partners of all PEBTF-eligible employees, which amounts to about 81,000 individuals. The approximately 60,000 retired state employees eligible for the Retired Employees Health Program will also be able to extend their benefits to domestic partners. The policy change additionally allows children of domestic partners to be included on benefits plans.
LGBT seniors: Out of the Philly releases closet and nowhere to go gay-inclusive ad By Victoria A. Brownworth PGN Contributor Part one of two In June, the queer community will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Stonewall. Along with that celebration comes the reality that many who were on the front lines of the queer civil-rights movement are now on a different front line as the first generation of out elderly queers. In 2009, some of the best-known voices of the queer community are that entity that truly dares not speak its name: old. Martin Duberman, author of “Stonewall” and one of the foremost queer historians, turns 79 in August. Katherine V. Forrest, writer and head of the Lambda Literary Foundation, will be 70 in September. Adrienne Rich, one of the nation’s most lauded poets — and a lesbian — has her 80th birthday on May 16. U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) is 69. David Mixner, who spearheaded gay-rights issues under the Clinton administration, is 63. Comedian Kate Clinton is 62.
campaign
According to the National Lesbian and Gay Task Force, concomitant with the overall aging of the Baby Boomer generation (those born between 1945-62), there are currently 3 million elder LGBT people in the U.S. NLGTF estimates that within 20 years, that number will double. With its emphasis on perpetual youthfulness, the realities of aging in the LGBT community have long been ignored. Older LGBT people have found themselves increasingly marginalized within their own community, where programs and meeting places for people over 50 are scarce to nonexistent. In addition, fear of aging has kept many LGBT people from preparing for that very prospect. Others have been impeded by the economic straits many LGBT people have faced throughout their lifetimes. A study from UCLA’s Williams Institute released in March found that about 24 percent of lesbians and bisexual women and 15 percent of gay and bisexual men fall below the poverty line, compared with
Love-letter writing may be secondary to e-mailing, text messaging, Facebook and other instant methods of expressing one’s abounding affection for his or her sweetheart, but the City of Philadelphia is going old school and putting pen to paper in a new effort to court residents and visitors. The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation unveiled the new “With Love, Philadelphia XOXO” campaign during a press conference May 12. The campaign, which launches May 18, will include a special outreach to the LGBT community, marking the first time the city has incorporated a specific LGBT component into a mainstream marketing campaign. The $1.4-million campaign, part of GPTMC’s recessionary strategy, seeks to attract leisure visitors to the city for
See SENIORS, Page 18
See TOURISM, Page 28
By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer
Chuck Ardo, press secretary for Gov. Ed Rendell, expressed the governor’s approval of the new policy. “The governor supports this decision and believes that it is long overdue,” Ardo said. The 18-member PEBTF board voted unanimously for the policy change in September and opened up the benefits registration process on May 1. The new program will go into effect July 1. The agency began looking into extending domestic-partner benefits to state employees in July 2005 and brought in actuaries to evaluate what other states and companies offered similar programs, as well as to analyze the price tag for such a change. “It was a matter of costing things out and making sure it was affordable but, putting that aside, this is something we should have done a while ago, and we’re glad we’re doing it now,” said Dave Fillman, chair of See BENEFITS, Page 19
Endorsements District Attorney: Seth Williams (#55) Controller: Alan Butkovitz (#58) Supreme Court: Jack Panella (#1) Superior Court: Anne Lazarus (#4) John Younge (#5) Robert Colville (#7) Commonwealth Court: Jimmy Lynn (#10) Stephen Pollack (#11) Court of Common Pleas: Robert Coleman (#20) Angeles Roca (#21) Donna Woelpper (#26) Sharon Williams-Losier (#27) Roxanne Covington (#30) Dan Anders (#34) Joyce Eubanks (#38) Municipal Court: Dawn Segal (#40) Charles Hayden (#42) Joseph Waters (#45) Pat Dugan (#51)
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One choir’s crusade
Church crisis for AIDS group
The upcoming Anna Crusis Women’s Choir concert will feature a performance by Amy Dixon-Kolar, whose song “Rosa Sat” has drawn worldwide praise.
The Historic Philadelphia Register-listed building is a financial drain to Siloam Wellness.
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MAY 15 - 21, 2009
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News Briefing
Regional
Porn murder lawyers want to opt out
NETWORKING NIGHT: fusion: heart.mind.muscle owner Gavin McKay (far left) and coach Jesse Frank (second from right) greet attendees at the Independence Business Alliance’s second annual Business Crawl May 8, including IBA board member Carl Engelke (from left), Ellen Iannelli of PNC Bank and IBA board second vice president Evan Urbania. The event took participants on a tour of other gay-owned locales like Giovanni’s Room, The Lion’s Mane and Luxe Home before it wrapped up at Stir Lounge. Photo: Scott A. Drake
MACT Philadelphia celebrates 28 years By Regis D’Angiolini PGN Contributor Building a more cohesive LGBT community was the theme as over 50 individuals celebrated Men of All Colors Together Philadelphia’s 28th anniversary May 1-3 in conjunction with the city’s Equality Forum. MACT’s weekend of events included an opening reception at 12th Air Command’s Sky Deck Lounge last Friday, a banquet and awards ceremony at the OIC Culinary Arts Institute on Saturday evening and a closing brunch at Reading Terminal Market on Sunday. Additionally, a workshop on racism and homophobia, presented as part of the chapter’s Theatre of Understanding series, was held at Temple University’s Center City campus on Saturday afternoon. “We covered a lot of ground,” said chapter membership chair Stevie MartinChester, who founded the Theatre of Understanding series in the mid-1990s. “We talked about the community, about groups, about how [MACT] chapters are different yet the same because you all have to work in your community. For example, we’re Philadelphia, Pa.; it’s considered a conservative community. How do you have a group like this in a conservative community? That’s our challenge.” MACT Philadelphia is a gay, multiracial, multicultural organization dedicated to fostering supportive environments and racial, social and cultural equality. As the local chapter of the National Association of Black and White Men Together, it will hold the national convention, “A Blueprint for Change: Yes, We Can, Together,” in Philadelphia from July 29-Aug. 1. At the banquet, the group presented awards to several Philadelphia LGBT community leaders, including Zane Booker,
who received the community service award Art Martin-Chester were voted national for founding and directing the Smoke, representatives to NABWMT. “I am looking forward to serving Lilies and Jade Arts Initiative, a socially conscious multimedia dance theater as MACT Philadelphia co-chair for a company promoting HIV/AIDS awareness. second year with John Barefield,” Klein The Gerald L. Mallon Resisting Racism said. “I appreciate the fellowship offered Award, named in honor of the chapter’s by MACT and their focus on serving a founder, was presented to Soda Nobuhle racially diverse community. I also like that for her work as a People of Color Coalition the group is both social and activist so you board member, an organizer in the women’s can choose which activities and events to and lesbian movements and a member of participate in. “Personally, in the 2009 NABWMT my next year as coconvention planning chair, I would like to committee. build bridges between Longtime chapter MACT Philadelphia members Ken and the other LGBT Haughton and Steve organizations in the Gilmore received the city,” Klein added. “I Founder’s Award for feel that to achieve their service to the diversity acceptance in MACT Philadelphia the world, we need to steering committee, assure that we respect as well as for opening and nurture diversity their home for chapter within our own LGBT social events. Haughton described HONORING SERVICE: Longtime MACT community.” Klein also noted he is himself as “speechless” Philadelphia members Ken Haughton upon receiving the (from left) and Steve Gilmore accept planning a workshop on award. “I really was the chapter’s Founder’s Award from diversity in the LGBT surprised,” he said, co-chairs John Barefield and Corbett community for the national convention. adding that he had Klein. Photo: Regis D’Angiolini Also at the banquet, not been as active in the group in recent years. “This chapter members lit a memorial candle to recognize has a lot of potential — the potential for the more than 35 members of the chapter greatness in creating a more cohesive LGBT who died from HIV/AIDS and other causes. A special presentation on the 2009 community.” MACT Philadelphia also elected NABWMT convention was also held. “I thought the weekend was wonderful, officers to its steering committee Saturday night, including new chapter co-chairs very uplifting, but tiring because there Corbett Klein of Trenton, N.J., and John was so much work for three days, but it Barefield. Also elected were Chuck was worth it,” Stevie Martin-Chester said. McLean as treasurer, Ron Cropper as “Now that it’s over, everything’s about recording secretary and John Orandosh the convention — and that’s going to be as corresponding secretary. Stevie and another triumph.” ■
Attorneys for convicted killer Harlow Cuadra filed court papers last week requesting to be released from his defense. Attorneys Paul Walker and Joseph D’Andrea said in a filing that they didn’t believe Cuadra had the money to pay them for their work on his appeal, which they filed last month. A Luzerne County jury found Cuadra, 27, guilty of first-degree murder in March and sentenced him to life in prison in connection with the January 2007 stabbing death of Dallas Township gay-porn producer Bryan Kocis. Cuadra’s former partner Joseph Kerekes, 34, pleaded guilty to seconddegree murder in December and is serving a life sentence. Prosecutors argued that Cuadra and Kerekes murdered Kocis, owner of Cobra Video, to enable one of Cobra’s models, Sean Lockhart, to work with their own porn company. Walker and D’Andrea appealed both the verdict and sentence on Cuadra’s behalf April 7, arguing that Luzerne County Judge Peter Paul Olszewski should not have permitted certain pieces of evidence to be included in the trial. Olszewski will hold a hearing for the attorney’s removal May 22.
PWD to delay Pine St. decision The Philadelphia Water Department is still evaluating other possible sites for its construction project that was originally slated for Pine Street. Last month the department projected it would make its final decision on a site for the storm-relief project by the end of April, but said this week the decision won’t be made until this summer. The project, which is meant to curb sewage backup in some Washington Square West and South Philadelphia homes, was initially planned for Pine Street from Broad to Seventh, but PWD is now evaluating moving the construction to an area of Washington Avenue instead. Joanne Dahme, PWD watersheds manager, said this week that the agency has been meeting with community leaders from the Washington Avenue corridor and next will meet with the civic associations that represent the area, which won’t happen before early June. See NEWS BRIEFING, Page 8
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MAY 15 - 21, 2009
Women’s choir strives for social justice through music, art By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer This month’s Anna Crusis Women’s Choir concert will fuse artistry and advocacy to relay the group’s commitment to promoting justice, peace and equality. The organization — the oldest feminist choir in the country — will present its 34th-annual spring concert, “All Our Children Can Fly,” at 7:30 p.m. May 30 at The Church of St. Luke and The Epiphany, 330 S. 13th St. The concert will feature a performance by Amy DixonKolar, whose song “Rosa Sat,” written shortly after President Barack Obama’s November victory, has drawn praise from around the world. The song follows the progression of the civil-rights movement, highlighting how such activists as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. made
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Obama’s historic election possible. Helen Carnevale, director of the choir’s marketing and promotions, said Dixon-Kolar, who will perform “Rosa Sat” along with the choir at the concert, is committed to working for positive social change, a goal Anna Crusis members also strive for through their own music. “The song she wrote for Barack Obama gained some attention from our membership, and we thought it’d be a great idea to invite her to perform with us,” Carnevale said. “She shares a lot of the same values and does a lot of work in the social-justice field, so we thought it’d be a great match.”
and Roses,” written by Mimmi Fariña, founder of local nonprofit social-justice organization Bread and Roses. In addition to its repertoire, Anna Crusis will also unveil a new award it created to honor local socialjustice agents. The choir will recognize Jane Golden, founder and executive director of the city’s ANNA CRUSIS WOMEN’S CHOIR Mural Arts Program, with its inaugural Anna Crusis Themis Award, In addition to the Dixon-Kolar performance, the 40 Anna Crusis named for the Greek goddess. Carnevale said the members who will take part in the concert will also present such award is part of the choir’s larger pieces as the world premiere of effort to expand its connection choir member Judith Palmer’s “A with other local groups that are Mighty Shrug” and a Pete Seeger striving to heighten and diversify sing-along in honor of the folk the city’s cultural offerings. “Right now we’re working to singer’s 90th birthday, as well as its annual performance of “Bread create great partnerships with
the City of Philadelphia, as well as with other like-minded organizations that share our mission of peace,” she said. “We want to align ourselves with other organizations that are also trying to help promote the idea that Philadelphia is a great place to live and work and a great cultural destination.” Carnevale noted that Golden, who created MAP in 1984, typifies this attitude. “She really exemplifies artistic excellence through her contributions to the city. The program she started is a means to use the restorative power of art to fight crime and violence. We really wanted to recognize her as a person of excellence in the city and in the field.” Tickets to the event are $25 and can be purchased at the door or at www.annacrusis.org. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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National
Media Trail
Obama budget draws ire of HIV/ AIDS community
Porn actor transfers after college suspension
By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer President Barack Obama’s budget proposal released last week amassed a vast pool of criticism from the HIV/AIDS community, which is largely accusing the president not only of underfunding HIV/ AIDS programs but also of going back on several campaign pledges. The budget calls for $63 billion for a new six-year global-health initiative, which includes about $51 billion allocated to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which funds international HIV/ AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria causes. During Obama’s campaign, he pledged to spend $50 billion on PEPFAR within five years, although the proposal now calls for a six-year program. The other $12 billion included in the global-health initiative will fund other health causes, such as child and maternal health and the fight against tropical diseases, which Obama said are key areas of focus in presenting a unified approach to curbing global health threats. “We will not be successful in our efforts to end deaths from AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis unless we do more to improve health systems around the world, focus our efforts on child and maternal health and ensure that best practices drive the funding for these programs,” Obama said last week. Kaytee Riek, director of organizing at the Health Global Access Project, noted that Congress passed PEPFAR reauthorization legislation last year that allocated $48 billion over a five-year period, or about $9.6 billion a year. If the program is now extended to six years, Riek said the total funding should be closer to $57.6 billion, rather than the $51 billion allotted in the budget proposal. “This $6.6-billion cut translates into less people on treatment and less people receiving assistance from programs,” Riek said. While he was campaigning, Obama said he would increase PEPFAR funding by $1 billion per year, but last week’s proposal only amounted to a $366-million funding increase for the next fiscal year. “We’re already hearing reports on the ground of people who were enrolled in programs and who were set to start treatment but no longer are going to be able to do so as a result of this budget,” Riek said. “You’re talking about lives lost.” Of the money allocated for PEFPAR, about $900 million was allotted to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis
and Malaria for fiscal year 2010. The Global Fund, which attracts, manages and disperses funding for HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria programs throughout the world, received the same amount of funding this past fiscal year. “Next year the Global Fund has been flat-funded; not a single dollar more will go to the Global Fund, which means they’re going to have to start canceling routes of funding,” Riek said. HIV/AIDS advocates were also awaiting last week’s proposal to see whether Obama would lift the longstanding ban on federal funding for needle-exchange programs, which he ultimately did not do. White House spokesperson Ben LaBolt said Obama, who in the past has expressed support for removing the federal ban, did not write in such a change to the budget because he first wants to raise awareness about the merit of such a policy change. “We have not removed the ban in our budget proposal because we want to work with Congress and the American public to build support for this change,” LaBolt said. “We are committed to doing this as part of a national HIV/AIDS strategy and are confident that we can build support for these scientifically based programs.” LaBolt noted that in the past, federal budgets have been used to “litigate divisive issues and score political points” and that “President Obama decided not to play politics as usual with this budget and, while he remains committed to supporting the program, he wants to address that through the normal legislative process.” In the proposal, however, Obama did suggest the near-elimination of federal funding for abstinence-only programs, directing that money instead to teenprevention efforts. Also in terms of domestic funding, for the first time in two years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention saw an increase in funding for its HIV/AIDS programs. The budget calls for $745 million for the CDC in fiscal year 2010, with an increase of about $53 million for its HIV/ AIDS prevention and treatment efforts. Additionally, the budget allocated an additional $54 million in funding for Ryan White CARE program, which seeks to bolster healthcare for those with HIV/AIDS, raising the total budget for the program to approximately $2.3 billion. A coalition of LGBT and HIV/AIDS organizations including the Human Rights Campaign, AIDS Action and AIDS Institute, created a proposal last fall that suggested, however, that the president increase funding for the CDC’s HIV/AIDS
programming by $877 million and Ryan White funding by $614.5 million. Ronald Johnson, deputy director of AIDS Action, said in a statement last week that while he is pleased that Obama called for increased domestic HIV/AIDS funding, the dollar amounts are not sufficient. “In the context of this budgetary environment, we think the president’s budget request represents a positive step and certainly is a departure from the previous administration’s budget request,” Johnson said. “But they are not enough to match the need, and we will certainly continue to press Congress to build on the president’s budget request to reach funding levels that are more responsive to the real needs.” Kevin Burns, executive director of Philadelphia-based ActionAIDS, said, “The difference between the CARE Coalition’s request and what was actually in the president’s budget is really startling. The overarching goals of the president’s National AIDS Strategy — reducing HIV incidence, ensuring access to care and addressing dispiriting in outcomes for people of color and the LGBT community — are going to be really hard to achieve with this type of funding.” Burns noted that the minimal funding increases for Ryan White could be partially attributed to the hope that the president’s plans for healthcare reform will unite the HIV/AIDS community. “On Capitol Hill there is the political will to move healthcare reform forward, so hopefully some of these disparities will be taken care of with that, but now we’ll be coming from so far behind,” he said. The budget also suggests a $50-million increase in funding for HIV/AIDS programs at the National Institutes of Health, upping its current budget of $3.05 billion to about $3.1 billion. Funding is level, however, for the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Housing Opportunities for People With AIDS program at $310 million. This program recently granted local HIV/AIDS housing organization Calcutta House the second renewal of its threeyear grant, which funds its Serenity Court housing program. Matt Teter, executive director of Calcutta House, said the grant, which amounts to more than $819,000, represents a slight but much-needed increase from the last grant and is essential in continuing operations at Serenity Court. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.
The Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports a student suspended from a Western Pennsylvania Christian college for appearing in gay porn videos plans to finish his degree at another school. John Gechter, 22, was suspended from the Grove City College for a year after it was revealed that he starred in gay porn under the alias of Vincent DeSalvo. Officials at the school said Gechter was aware the porn job violated its conduct code. Gechter said that he withdrew from the school May 5. His other option was to get out of the porn business and reapply in a year.
Man sentenced for transgender murder DenverPost.com reports Allen J. Andrade, convicted in April for the murder of a transgender woman, was sentenced to life in prison plus 60 years on May 8. Andrade, 32, beat Angie Zapata to death with a fire extinguisher July 17, 2008, after discovering that she was biologically male. Andrade was sentenced to life plus an additional 24 years each for identity and aggravated motor vehicle theft and 12 years for a bias-motivated crime. This is the first time someone has been convicted under a state’s hate-crime statute based on the victim’s transgender status.
Pepsi criticized for funding pro-gay groups 365gay.com reports a PepsiCo shareholder who describes himself as “a former gay” urged the company to “stop using shareholder profits to fund anti-heterosexual groups” at the firm’s annual shareholder meeting held May 6 in Dallas. Greg Quinlan, a member of the conservative group Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays, presented a motion asking stockholders to stop donating money to groups that he said “aim to discredit the ex-gay community.” Over the past two years, Pepsi has given $500,000 to the Human Rights Campaign and $500,000 to PFLAG. In his speech to shareholders, Quinlan described the Human Rights Campaign and PFLAG as “gay organizations that hate people like me.” ■ — Larry Nichols
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MAY 15 - 21, 2009
New Hope’s The Raven to reopen By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer The Raven, longtime staple of New Hope’s LGBT community, will reopen this month. The establishment shut down last year, but a former Raven employee recently took over its ownership. Scott DeWitt, who served as a bartender and general manager at The Raven, signed a leasepurchase to resurrect the LGBT hotspot, which has been closed since last spring. “I worked here for 14 years and, after it closed, I kept in touch with a lot of people who also worked here, and I just decided to come back and try to save it,” DeWitt said. The Raven originally opened in
1979; Rand Skolnick and Terrance Meck bought the business, which houses a restaurant, bar and hotel, in 2004. The owners, who also opened the nearby Nevermore Hotel last year, stepped down last May, and Skolnick passed away in July. The building, on 385 W. Bridge St., has been vacant since. DeWitt said he currently has about 30 employees, many of whom had worked at The Raven for years. He said that while he will put a slightly new spin on The Raven’s decoration and offerings, he also wants to honor the history of the place that has attracted LGBT and ally visitors from across the country for the past three decades. “We want to keep the traditional
part of The Raven and bring back a lot of the antique stuff,” he said. “It will be a little bit more on the modern side in some ways, but we do want to reinstate a lot of how it always looked.” The Nevermore, which also caters to a predominantly LGBT crowd and offers hotel accommodations, a restaurant, bar and cabaret lounge, is less than a mile from The Raven. DeWitt said he doesn’t expect the close proximity of the two businesses to hinder The Raven’s success, but rather that he anticipates working together to offer LGBT visitors an array of dining, nightlife and accommodation options. “We’re going to work with them the best we can,” he said. “We need both of these places for New
Hope to be a real destination for LGBT travelers. Yes, we’ll have this competition where we do our thing and they do their thing, but we’re both going to be offering different things to visitors, so we’re not rivals by any means.” Daniel Brooks, president of New Hope Celebrates, which runs the town’s annual Pride festivities, said The Raven’s closing was a “giant loss for the community” and that New Hope residents and visitors alike are anxiously awaiting the reopening. “I run a bed and breakfast directly behind The Raven, and I’ve been directly affected by the announcement that they’re reopening; recently an entire group booked the Fourth of July weekend with me based on the fact that The Raven was
As a lawyer, Dan Anders always stood up for the LGBT community ... on May 19th, he needs us to stand up for him.
reopening. People are saying, ‘Oh, they’re reopening? Well, then we’ll definitely be back,’” Brooks said. “It’s kind of like bringing the flock back home again. Even though we have so many attractions in New Hope that are GLBT-oriented, so many people in Philadelphia and New York might not come without The Raven being open. So it’s very, very exciting for everyone that it’s reopening.” DeWitt said he’s waiting for the finalization of one more license before The Raven can officially reopen its doors, and he’s working to get this accomplished by this weekend’s New Hope Celebrates Pride. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.
NEWS BRIEFING From Page 5
Lucky Lounge ends The last-ever Lucky Lounge party will be held from 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m. May 15 at Stir Lounge, 1705 Chancellor St. Late local business owner Tony Sparacino began the fundraising parties in 2001 and, after his death in 2007, his partner Mike Toscani re-launched the event, raising money for Sapphire Fund and the Mazzoni Center. Twenty percent of Stir’s income during the event will be donated to Sapphire Fund’s Tony Sparacino Memorial Scholarship.
Community to honor its own The LGBT and ally community is invited to honor Keith Gray, who passed away last month, at a life celebration from 5-7 p.m. May 17 at The Church of St. Luke and The Epiphany, 330 S. 13th St. Gray, 47, an active member of the local LGBT community for more than 20 years, died at Methodist Hospital April 24. Following the memorial, friends are invited to ONE Nightclub, 121 S. 19th St.. A portion of the door proceeds will go to cover Gray’s final expenses; any additional funding will be donated to charity. ■ — Jen Colletta
MAY 15 - 21, 2009
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
AIDS agency blocked from demolishing church By Timothy Cwiek PGN Writer-at-Large For as long as Andrew R. Palewski can remember, he’s had an affinity for old buildings. But his fight to save the old Church of the Assumption from the wrecker’s ball may require a miracle. Palewski, 36, an architectural preservationist, is working hard to prevent a local AIDS agency, Siloam Wellness, from demolishing the Catholic church at 1133 Spring Garden St. The church was built in 1848 by noted architect Patrick Charles Keely and consecrated by St. John Neumann. Ten years later, St. Katharine Drexel was baptized there. But 14 years ago, citing fewer than 20 parishioners, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia deaccessioned the building, which has since fallen into disrepair. Siloam bought the church from the Archdiocese in March 2006, as part of a package deal that also included a rectory, convent, storefront and parking lot. Siloam officials say the church is a drain on its resources and they don’t have the $5 million needed for its renovation. “Market forces are not going to save this building,” said Joseph R. Boyle, an attorney for Siloam. The organization provides alternate treatments for HIV/ AIDS, including yoga, massage therapy, nutritional counseling and stress-reduction therapies. Siloam operates out of the rectory, which it wants to upgrade. It also wants to upgrade the convent, and hopes that other AIDS agencies will choose to occupy the space to streamline costs. But those plans have been up in the air since last Friday’s 93 vote by the city’s Historical Commission to place the church on Philadelphia’s Register of Historic Places. Palewski, who is leading the preservation effort, is very grateful for the vote, which effectively blocks the demolition. He presented the commission with a petition signed by 416 people who want the church spared from the wrecking ball. He hopes Siloam will lease or sell the building to an individual or group that wants to convert the
CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION, 1133 SPRING GARDEN ST. Photo: Timothy Cwiek
church for a new, productive use. Boyle said he’s very frustrated with the vote. “It’s easy for other people to tell you what to do with your property when they’re not responsible for it,” the attorney said. “It’s an oversimplistic solution to say, ‘Just sell it or lease it.’ Who has $5 million to renovate the property? And I think that figure is on the light side.” Angela Ayukachale, outreach coordinator for Siloam, echoed Boyle’s frustration. “This organization could implode based on the hardship that’s happening,” she told the commission. “If our organization implodes, you’ve got more empty buildings.” Palewski isn’t buying that. “I personally do not see how preventing Siloam from demolishing this building will, in the least bit, put a damper on their operations,” he said, then pledged to work hard to ensure that the building’s continuation is good for both Siloam and the community. William Schicktanz told the commissioners that his wife, local artist Qiongzhao Schicktanz, is interested in purchasing the church and turning it into an art gallery. “She’s committed toward that end,” he said. “Obviously economics will play a role.” Richard D. Keaveney, CEO of Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance, isn’t impressed with that possibility. In his opinion, the church’s demolition is the best option for Siloam. “I’m supportive of the church
coming down because the work that Siloam does in the 21st century is more important than a 19th-century building with marginal historical significance, at best,” Keaveney said. “The importance of Siloam’s programs far outweighs the façade standing on that ground, which, in my opinion, is an accident waiting to happen.” Bevan Lawson, a structure engineer hired by Siloam, buttressed Keaveney’s position when he critiqued the condition of the building. He told the commission the church’s wood is rotting, nails are falling out, walls are bowing, bricks are turning into powder and there may be mold inside. Palewski sat through Lawson’s presentation unfazed. “There are buildings in much worse shape than this one that I’ve played a part in preserving and saving,” Palewski said. “This is a very doable project.” Palweski said the $5-million figure represents the “upper end of the spectrum with regard to reuse.” He said someone renovating the building could spend much less than $5 million and “still end up with a completely watertight and usable building.” Keaveney questioned what St. Katharine Drexel would do, if faced with the dilemma. “She renounced her wealth, which included significant realestate holdings, to fund services for Native American children,” he noted. “She wasn’t hung up on buildings. She was a pragmatist, not a sentimentalist.” Palewski wasn’t so sure the saint would support the demolition. “When you come through Philadelphia, you see this church, and there couldn’t be a better monument to Katharine Drexel’s beginnings,” he said. “Old buildings give us a link to the past and remind us of people no longer on this earth who continue to offer spiritual inspiration.” Palewski said he also holds great regard for the work done by Siloam. “I am sympathetic towards those that have HIV/ AIDS. I think it’s wonderful that Siloam is providing a place for them to go for moral support.” ■ Timothy Cwiek can be reached at (215) 625-8501 ext. 208.
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Editorial New York state of mind This week, the New York state Assembly voted 89-52 to allow marriage equality for same-sex couples. The legislation now moves to the state Senate. In 2007, similar legislation passed the Assembly and stalled in the then-Republican-controlled Senate. This year, Democrats have a slight majority in the upper house, but not all senators back gay marriage. If approved, Gov. David Paterson has already said he would sign the legislation. The impact of New York on gay marriage cannot be understated. At present, five states have same-sex marriage: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Maine and Vermont (the last two effective in September). New Hampshire’s legislature approved similar legislation earlier this month, which may or may not be approved by the governor. In California, the state Supreme Court is considering an appeal of Proposition 8, a referendum that overturned gay marriage in the state; a decision is expected by June. After years of activism on the issue, it seems as though this is a watershed moment. But despite the rapid progress in a few states, many, many more still ban same-sex marriage and any similar unions. And the issue of basic rights — and if marriage is a distraction — is not lost on activists. Some believe marriage is the highest priority for gays and lesbians; others feel the community should work toward gaining employment protections and overturning the military’s ban on openly gay servicemembers first. The truth is, all three are important goals that require education, conversation and outreach. Only by telling family, friends, coworkers and elected representatives will the community demonstrate who is affected by discrimination (overt and covert) and how. And this goes beyond just coming out. To truly demonstrate the importance, LGBT individuals need to discuss how the discriminatory laws and the lack of protections affect them. They need to tell their stories. They need to be specific. While equality may be speeding up on some issues in some parts of the country, others lag far behind. But as more people are open about their sexual orientation and prejudice dies off (literally and figuratively), progress will come. And considering how long it took to overturn sodomy laws, marriage is moving fast. ■
Tell us what you think Send letters and opinion column submissions to: e-mail: pgn@epgn.com PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 fax: (215) 925-6437 Please include a daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, style and space considerations.
Glenn Lash (glennlash@yahoo.com)
Other Views
Les Robinson
A cluster of firsts The first half of 2009 has brought a happy helping of lesbian firsts. Early in the year, Johanna Sigurdardottir became the first openly lesbian head of state when she accepted the job of prime minister of Iceland. Now we have two more prominent firsts. I could get used to this. I’m exceedingly willing to try. On May 11, Rabbi Denise Eger was formally installed as the president of the Board of Rabbis of Southern California. She’s the first openly gay rabbi to become the group’s president. She’s the first woman to become the group’s president. Eger didn’t just break the glass ceiling — she danced the Hora on it. The rabbis on the board, about 300 of them, belong to different denominations: Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative and Orthodox. Yet nary a discouraging word was heard about her orientation during the decision-making process. Of course, only about 20 Orthodox rabbis currently participate in the organization, but still, her election is no small potatoes. Make that no small potato pancakes. Eger founded and leads the Reformaffiliated Congregation Kol Ami in West Hollywood. It serves the LGBT community in that gayborhood, as well as interfaith families and straight
folks. Now her congregants will just have to be big and share her, as she embarks on a two-year presidential term. The Board of Rabbis of Southern California is 72 years old. By contrast, the position of U.K. Poet Laureate is almost 350 years old. Not once has a woman held the British post. Cue royal trumpets. Not once, until now. Carol Ann Duffy, both a commercially and critically successful poet, has ended the long string of male poet laureates that began in 1668 with John Dryden and included William Wordsworth and Alfred Lord Tennyson. Duffy is also the first openly gay laureate. Ten years ago, when her name was in the hopper for the job, she reportedly lost out to Andrew Motion because of concern over how her orientation would be received. “I think we’ve all grown up a lot over the past 10 years,” Duffy said. “It’s fantastic that I am an openly gay writer.” It certainly is fantastic. I raise a pint of lukewarm British brew to her. The annual salary for the gig is about $8,500, which Duffy said she plans to give to the Poetry Society to fund a prize for the best collection published each year. She also stands to receive a “butt of sack.” Whatever
you’re guessing that is, you’re wrong. It’s about 600 bottles of sherry. Really. “Andrew [Motion] hasn’t had his yet so I’ve asked for mine up front,” said Duffy. Very sensible. Duffy said once that she is “not a lesbian poet, whatever that is.” She added, “If I am a lesbian icon and a role model, that’s great, but if it is a word that is used to reduce me, then you have to ask why someone would want to reduce me?” The Bisexual Index, which describes itself as “a U.K. activism group fighting bisexual invisibility,” used the above quote in a press release to prove that Duffy is bisexual, not lesbian. That seems to me to be a convenient misunderstanding of her words, but there’s no doubt Duffy has dallied with both men and women. However she thinks of herself, she’s definitely a member of the LGBT community and, by virtue of her new exalted position, a trailblazer. The way things are going, she’ll have more company in 2009, as other openly Sapphic gals around the world break through in politics, religion, the arts and other areas. I’d say you can bet a butt of sack or a sack of butt on it. ■ As firsts go, Leslie Robinson is usually first to the dinner table. E-mail her at LesRobinsn@aol.com.
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Mark My Words Mark Segal Street Talk hate speech a valid reason Besting computer meltdowns toIsban someone from a country? In the PGN you read last week, you most likely didn’t notice anything different. That in itself was a miracle. Earlier in the week, our internal server and triple back-up system had meltdowns. Imagine four components, which should work independently, all crash. Files we use each week to put the paper to bed were out of reach: templates, logos, house ads, our extensive photo file, previous editions and much more. Our graphic and editorial staff started to hunt through our computer graveyard, old files and CDs, PDFs from our Web site — anything they could cannibalize and get material. At the end of the day, PGN, as it has in the last 33 years, made deadline — the only newspaper of any type in Philadelphia with that record. If that were not enough, we also had the sales department is disarray. As many of you know, a few weeks ago, our longtime sales manager died after a long battle with cancer. And last week, we replaced his replacement and installed a new salesperson. Putting it all together, we had a major computer meltdown, had to rebuild the paper from scratch and had a sales department with a new manager and a new ad rep. Three miracles. At the end of this 10-day odyssey, PGN came out with this edition with breaking news as usual and the new sales department broke sales records — in the middle of a recession. Take a look at the size of the paper you’re reading right now and look at all the ads. I’m writing this for several reasons: first, to thank
my staff here at PGN. They really care about this product and how important it is to our community. They proved these last two weeks that they are some of the most — if not the most — professional in the Philadelphia newspaper industry. When word got out about our meltdown, offers of assistance came from our brethren from Al Día, the weekly Spanish newspaper, The Philadelphia Inquirer and others. It’s nice to feel part of that community. As our sales reps were doing their daily calls, at times they’d explain the situation that PGN was working through, which led to many advertisers wanting to be in the paper to show their support. For a newspaper that is often controversial, pointing out things you’d rather we didn’t or that you just plain disagree with, we’re used to being lectured to, but this week, we really felt the community’s love. And for the first time in my 33 years as publisher, I realized that even when you disagree with us, you’re still proud to have us as part of your community. Since we cover the community, we sometimes feel like we’re on the outside looking in. This week we were united. I’ve mused about fate in this column before, and I honestly believe that, if there is such a thing, this newspaper is blessed. No matter what is tossed our way, we’ll not only survive, but thrive. It is our duty to cover the LGBT community and assist it in communicating and getting needed information and opinions out there for discussion. With the odds against us and with your help, we continued that tradition. I write this now, incredibly proud of and humbled by our staff here at PGN: Carol, Chris, David, Don, Greg, Jen, Kelly, Larry, Morgan, Sarah, Scott, Sean and Tim. Thank you all. ■
Tyler Fowler student Kingston, N.H.
Jereme Holiman student Old City
“No. A country should respect and value freedom of speech. It’s a slippery slope to start excluding people from a country based on their views. I don’t think a country should be playing games with its borders to censor people.”
“Yes. Some people do so much damage, they should be kept out of a country. The people who are banned probably would ban gays if they had the opportunity. So I wouldn’t cut them any slack. But the bans should be for extremists of all types.”
Shanell Robinson student Kensington
Kristina Turner student Taunton, Mass.
“No. That’s an abuse of power by the government. Everyone is entitled to their opinions — even if they’re offensive. As long as they don’t do anything physically to harm someone, they should have the freedom to enter a country.”
“I don’t think banning people is an effective way to deal with hate speech. It just gives the person more publicity — especially via the Internet. If they break a law, put them in jail. But don’t ban them before they even cause a problem.”
Mark Segal is PGN publisher. He can be reached at mark@epgn.com.
Letters and Feedback Questioning endorsements Dear Editor: While I respect and appreciate the work of Liberty City Democrats, I am concerned about two matters that focus on their usually excellent endorsement process. Let me begin with Liberty City’s endorsement of the incumbent City Controller. Free debate occurred the evening of the endorsement and the environment seemed free of intimidation and inducements. But, immediately subsequent to the endorsement, that incumbent City Controller wrote Liberty City a check for $5,000. While I certainly do not
suggest actual impropriety, I am confident in saying there is now the appearance of an impropriety. More dangerously, it may suggest to others in the political realm that Liberty City has a “pay for play” policy and that gay votes can be “bought” — giving a new meaning to “gay for pay.” Perception is reality, which is why appearances and impressions matter so very much. Liberty City may need some contributions to print literature and such, but Bob Dylan wrote, “Money doesn’t talk — it swears.” Who can argue with that? My other concern is Liberty City’s endorsement of candidates who clearly opposed or equivocated on gay marriage and gay adoption.
One candidate had to be asked his position three separate times because of his intently evasive answers. On the evening of the endorsement, that candidate’s position remained murky and disputable, but he was endorsed anyway. Another candidate is a deacon in a church where gays, once discovered, are given “the boot.” He made it plain he doesn’t support adoption or marriage and declined to support the civil rights of transgender members of our community. This guy got endorsed too. Rightly, Liberty City requires written answers to an array of community concerns. Wrongly, many of those critical See LETTERS, Page 12
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Defending Lyrics
LETTERS From Page 11
*CHANGE OF DATE* Friday, May 15: BA Shabbat service, 8:00 PM. Please join us for a traditional rabbi-led BA service, followed by the oneg. *CHANGE OF PLAY/THEATRE* Saturday, 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.
MAY 15 - 21, 2009
answers are ignored on the night of endorsement. I am gay and want to know I’m voting for someone who acknowledges that my rights are the same as theirs. How can we rally to the side of candidates who decline to acknowledge our full equality? Nothing is perfect and the work of Liberty City remains supervaluable, but there needs to be an internal conversation about taking the $5,000, and backing candidates who are ambivalent about us. I would encourage a new resolve to dramatically increase the numbers of gay candidates they recruit to run for office. Philadelphia still is void of out/ gay members of City Council, our delegation to Harrisburg and Washington and row offices, e.g. register of wills, sheriff, etc. In this regard, we are way behind other cities with sizable gay populations. Contentedly, I close as I began, expressing respect and appreciation for Liberty City. Jay A. McCalla Society Hill
Dear Editor: My name is Angie St. John Lamour (aka Howard Stegemann Jr.). I have been the hostess at Club Lyrics for the past four years, since it was started by Doc for the gay community in Northeast Philadelphia for a place for us to go on a Tuesday. We have had our share of good and bad just like other places. But I am very upset with the family portrait about Blaize Waters, in particular the comment he made about Lyrics itself. (“Professional Portraits,” May 1-7) Waters was hired as a bartender there the second year we were up and running. Yes, he did bring a good following, and he is a good bartender. As for the comment about the owners and the bar itself being racist and making ethnic slurs: We have never had a problem with any race or ethnic background coming to Lyrics. We welcome everyone. Yes, we have had a problem with certain managers on that, and those problems were rectified. Ask anyone who comes there [and] they will tell you that they love coming there and have a wonderful time. We even have
a gay Latin Sunday every week for our Latino community that happens to be a real success. Does that sound like a bar with ethnic problems to you? It does not to me. I would also like to state that the suit he put in at the humanrights board must not have held up because nothing ever came out of it, nor was Lyrics taken to court or investigated for those allegations. I would like at this time to invite you and Miss Nash to come to Lyrics one Tuesday night to see for yourself what we are all about. We used to have a really nice crowd in there. We still do bring them in, but a lot of our regulars have stopped coming because of the comments he has made. I have been in this business for almost 18 years and I have seen a lot, but never have I ever encountered someone like this. It is a shame. Thank you for your time and the chance to hear me. Angie St. John Lamour (aka Howard Stegemann Jr.) Editor’s note: Waters’ bias complaint with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations was still under investigation at press time.
MAY 15 - 21, 2009
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
NJ eases transgender license policy By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission announced late last month that it amended its policy toward gender changes on licenses to facilitate the process for transgender individuals, allowing them to change their gender markers before their sexualreassignment surgery is complete. Previously, individuals who received the surgery would have to either provide documentation of the medical procedure or present a birth certificate to reflect the changed gender before their licenses could be updated. The new policy, however, allows those intending to undergo the surgery to have their new gender reflected on their licenses without either document. Mike Horan, MVC spokesperson, said Barbara Casbar Siperstein, political coordinator at Gender Rights Advocacy Association of New Jersey, contacted the agency to inquire about what steps it could take to alleviate some of the difficulties
transgender individuals who are preparing for surgery often face. “It was basically a matter of sharing information. Barbara came to us and showed us the different steps a person goes through during a gender change,” he said. “She asked if there was a way, some type of policy change, that could better reflect what the true process is.” Casbar Siperstein said she relayed that before individuals undergo sexual-reassignment surgery, they typically begin dressing and self-identifying as their desired — gender and could face innumerable complications if their identification cards do not reflect their new gender. “There are these standards that people in transition are supposed to have a real-life test in the new gender,” she said, “and if you do that but can’t change your driver’s license, that’s a problem.” With the new policy, the MVC will now only require an individual to submit a “Declaration of Change of Sex Designation” to more appropriately reflect his or her gender.
“They basically will have to attest to the fact of what gender they consider themselves to be at that time, and then that document’s submitted and the change is made on his or her license,” Horan said. “It’s a very simple policy change and was just common sense.” Casbar Siperstein said she originally approached the MVC with her concerns a few years ago, but the agency had been undergoing a management change. She revisited the issue several months ago and said she worked with the organization’s representatives to analyze similar policy changes in other states and craft one for the Garden State. Horan said the policy change reflects the MVC’s commitment to providing high-quality service to the diverse populations it serves. “Obviously there is a transgender community out there and it’s important that we understand the issues that affect them, just as we try to understand the issues affecting any other group.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.
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Out Money
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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Jeremy Gussick
Timing Social Security Q: I’m a gay man in my 60s, and I’m considering my options for when to claim Social Security. I’m not sure I understand the best time to begin collecting. Can you help? A: One of the few things you can control about Social Security is when to start collecting it. Should you take it when you become eligible at age 62, wait until “normal” retirement age (a function of your birthdate) or consider delaying your benefits past normal retirement age? Here’s some information to help guide you forward. To help you make this decision, consider that, on average, Americans are living longer than ever before. Clearly, the longer you expect to live, the more sense it makes to delay taking Social Security. But of course, each person’s circumstances and needs are different. Here’s a look at how timing can affect the benefits you receive. Early benefits
The soonest you can collect Social Security is age 62. But taking payments at 62 will result in a permanently reduced benefit, ranging from a 20-percent reduction for people born in 1937 up to 30 percent for those born in 1960 or later. You may want to consider early benefits if you need income but prefer to leave your investment portfolio intact, or if you intend to invest the benefits to try to earn a more competitive return (though there’s no guarantee you will do so). Full Benefits
Eligibility for full Social Security benefits varies according to the year you were born. Depending on how long you worked and how much you earned over your lifetime, the maximum benefit you could collect at normal retirement age (65 years and 10 months)
is $2,185 per month in 2008. Consider waiting for full benefits if you plan to work until age 65 or if family history and good health may lead to an aboveaverage life expectancy. Refer to the Social Security Web site (www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT/ quickcalc/when2retire.html) to calculate your “break-even” age, when the accumulated value of higher benefits from postponing retirement will start to exceed the value of lower benefits from choosing early retirement. Delayed benefits
If you continue working beyond your normal retirement age, you will be eligible to collect a permanently increased Social Security benefit when you do retire. Approximately 8-percent more per year will be added automatically to the permanent benefit amount for every year you wait. Delaying benefits past age 70 will generally add nothing more to your monthly benefit. To help assess your situation, refer to your personalized Social Security statement, which estimates the monthly Social Security benefits you may qualify for. Go to www.socialsecurity. gov/mystatement for a copy of your statement. Decisions regarding retirement, including when to take Social Security, can have a significant impact on your financial security. Also, remember you will not
automatically receive Social Security benefits. You must apply for the benefits, which can be done online, by calling (800) 772-1213 or by visiting a Social Security office. And remember, benefits are taxed as ordinary income in the year of payment. ■ Jeremy Gussick is a financial advisor with Smith Barney in Center City, focusing on financial and investment planning for the LGBT community. He serves on the boards of several local LGBT organizations, including the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, the Greater Philadelphia Professional Network and the Independence Business Alliance, Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT chamber of commerce. OutMoney appears monthly. If you have a question for Jeremy, he can be contacted at (215) 238-5849 or at jeremy. r.gussick@smithbarney.com. Smith Barney does not provide tax or legal advice, and it is important to consult with a tax or legal advisor before investing. © 2009 Citigroup Global Markets Inc. Member SIPC. Securities are offered through Citigroup Global Markets Inc. Smith Barney is a division and service mark of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and its affiliates and is used and registered throughout the world. Citi and Citi with Arc Design are trademarks and service marks of Citigroup Inc. and its affiliates, and are used and registered throughout the world. Working WealthSM is a service mark of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Citibank are affiliated companies under the common control of Citigroup Inc. INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED • NOT GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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SENIORS From Page 1 19 percent of heterosexual women and 13 percent of heterosexual men. The study also found that approximately 21 percent of African-American lesbian couples and 14.4 percent of AfricanAmerican gay male couples experience poverty, as opposed to just 4.3 percent of white lesbian couples and 2.7 percent of white gay male couples. While the study did not analyze poverty within the transgender community, its authors did assert that “large proportions of transgender people report very low incomes, which suggest that poverty is also a major concern for transgender people.” In the U.S., the elderly comprise the largest group of indigent people, according to the most recent U.S. Census statistics, meaning elderly queers are highly likely to face a financially uncertain old age.
Isolation impacts all older people and can lead to depression and even suicide. But for older LGBT people, getting older creates additional problems, like dealing with homophobia from healthcare or social-service professionals. Some lesbians and gay men are well-prepared to face retirement and hope their economic comfort will protect them from both isolation and homophobia. Judith Stelboum, 71, and her partner, Martha, 82, are among those who are ready to face retirement and enjoy it. Stelboum is professor emeritus in the English department at City University of New York and was editor of the now-defunct Alice Street Editions division of Haworth Press and the Harrington Lesbian Literary Quarterly. She’s looking forward to her retirement with Martha. “We retired late and have no debt,” Stelboum explained. The two own their home and have
long-term care insurance they purchased some time ago. “I have a pension and Social Security,” Stelboum added. “Martha and I have mutual funds, bonds and stocks.” Although the bad economy hit them as it did everyone else, careful planning and investments combined with a long work history as professionals with good benefits mean they will retire comfortably, with a measure of security few older LGBT people have. They are fortunate as well as grateful, but anomalous. Many more LGBT people are unprepared to face retirement and fear what could happen as they age. “I never expected to live past 40,” James Norton (not his real name) noted with a wry laugh. At 65, he and Tim Conway, 63, his partner of 24 years, bought a house together in Germantown after having met in a group for
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African-American men 25 years ago. Norton works for a utility company as an administrator. Conway works in a salon as a hairdresser. Both will have Social Security benefits, which neither is drawing on yet, but Conway has no health insurance. “We didn’t really prepare for getting old, and that’s a fact,” Norton said. “When I was a kid going to the clubs, I never thought about getting old. Who thinks about being 60 when they’re 20? At 39, I still thought I was young and would have plenty of time to prepare for getting old.” Norton and Conway acknowledged they “just aren’t ready” to retire, in part because each had to care for aging parents themselves in the past few years, which depleted what savings they had. Conway explained, “Other than our house, which we put a lot into, we have nothing, really. Jim has a
401k, but it’s not big. And I’ll be eligible for Medicaid if something goes wrong, but until then, I am just hoping to stay healthy.” Norton has already had health issues — high blood pressure led to an ongoing kidney problem. He’s still working, but admitted it’s more to maintain his health insurance than because he wants to. “I do worry about what will happen to us,” Norton said. “We have the house, but it’s not equipped for either of us to be disabled. Most of our friends are our age. Of course we don’t have kids. There isn’t anyone to take care of us except each other.” Conway added, “I don’t see how we can afford to retire any time soon because we just have to save as much money as we can. If one of us had to go into a nursing home, I don’t know what would happen.” The alarm creeping into Conway’s voice echoes across citizens these days as older Americans face depletion of savings due to the economic downturn or job loss. Health crises and the concomitant costs remain the primary reason for bankruptcy in America. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that half of all people 60 and over will face a serious health crisis in the first year after retirement. Among older LGBT people are also the first generation of gay men who are living with HIV/ AIDS, who come with their own concerns about discrimination, isolation and homophobia. The options open to LGBT people as they get older and possibly infirm or poverty-stricken are often limited. Many cities have few health or social services for LGBT people at all, let alone specialized services for the queer elderly. The number of LGBT retirement homes and assistedliving facilities throughout the country is very small, which means that most LGBT people will find themselves living in a facility that is populated by heterosexuals. There are no published studies regarding what lesbians, gay men or transgender elderly experience in these communities. According to Lambda Legal Defense Fund, discrimination against elderly LGBT people in these settings is common, but the fragility of those facing such discrimination precludes them from filing lawsuits. Inevitably, fear of discrimination and further isolation means most LGBT people entering these facilities
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will also be going back into the closet. Many nursing and retirement homes, particularly those that accept indigent patients, are run by religious groups — Catholic, Lutheran and Unitarian churches or the Jewish Federation. Being openly queer in such a setting might easily result in problems with staff, which could translate into deficient care. Fear of repercussions could force older queers to restrict visits from partners or friends. In 2008, the number of nursinghome abuse incidents rose to such a disturbingly high level that the Department of Health and Human Services deemed it epidemic — more than 90 percent of nursing homes reported some instances of abuse. This data creates yet more
fearful prospects for older LGBT people. Deborah Peifer, a former theater manager and critic who lives in the San Francisco Bay area, turns 60 in September. A severe eye problem caused her to go blind, forcing her to stop working and rely on Medicaid years before most LGBT people have to do so. Peifer’s wry humor has seen her through a frustrating and painful adjustment to disability, but her situation highlights what many LGBT people will face as they age. Peifer noted, “I am disabled, which is like being retired except without the lovely gold watch or the pension,” adding that she was hardly prepared for retirement at 42, when she began to go blind. Peifer said that she plans “on
living on my own as long as I can. I live across the street from a facility for the elderly poor, which is what I am, and having watched the residents for some years now, I intend to kill myself when I can no longer take care of myself.” Peifer is joking when she says this, but she’s far from alone in voicing such concerns. Suicide has increasingly become an answer for many older people who face leaving their homes and what little independence they have. Norton, Conway, Stelboum and Peifer all agree that facilities for the LGBT elderly are essential. Peifer joked, “Young gay men must do the catering. The young lesbians will be too busy being splendid in our presence to prepare meals.” But Norton
BENEFITS
matter of basic fairness. “This is important in order to bring equity to everyone who works for the commonwealth,” Glassman said. “Particularly in these difficult economic times, it only makes sense to ensure that every family has equal protections and benefits.” To apply for the program, employees must submit three documents proving the relationship with their partner, which could include a domesticpartner certificate from a government agency, a property deed or lease or motor-vehicle title with both individuals’ names,
drivers’ licenses with a common address, a joint bank account statement or documents proving that one individual has power-ofattorney rights or is the other’s life-insurance beneficiary. Domestic partners must be over 18, mentally competent and have lived with the employee for at least six months. State employees seeking to enroll in the program should contact their individual agency’s human-resources office to obtain the paperwork. ■
From Page 1 the PEBTF board of trustees. “It’s just the right thing to do.” Fillman noted that the domesticpartner policy will help the state recruit new workers interested in an employer that offers such benefits and assist Pennsylvania in retaining qualified employees. “As with any benefit enhancement, we’re hoping that this will provide a benefit for someone who was considering state service that wasn’t provided before,” he said. “It’s pretty much a win-win for everyone.” Christy Leo, PEBTF communications director, said the policy puts Pennsylvania in a better position to vie with other states and companies for the mostqualified employees. “We basically want to become competitive with other employers,” Leo said. “A lot of other employers do provide such a benefit, so in order to be competitive we thought we needed to extend benefits to domestic partners.” Domestic-partner benefits are offered at the majority of Fortune 500 companies — including all 27 headquartered in Pennsylvania. State employees in 15 other states, including Connecticut, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont, are also eligible for domestic-partner benefits. Pennsylvania already offers employees life-insurance and longterm care options for domestic partners, but they were not eligible for the medical benefits. Steve Glassman, chair of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, said the issue is a
Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.
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has serious worries about what a straight nursing home would be like for him or his partner. “It’s difficult enough to be a black gay man in a big city. I can’t imagine a smaller town than a nursing home.” Stelboum believes that where one spends one’s final years is more about being with likeminded people than solely with other queers. “I couldn’t survive in a community of Republicans or religious types or with the crystal, astrology types either. So being lesbian is not necessarily a requirement,” she said, adding that as she and her partner prepare
to enter a retirement setting, they would prefer to be in a community with other lesbians who share their interests and concerns. “It’s hard to face what the future might hold,” said Conway. “I think we are all just hoping we will live forever, together and healthy and never have to leave each other. But that’s not exactly realistic, is it?” ■ Next: How LGBT organizations are addressing aging issues. Where LGBT retirement and assistedliving facilities are being built. What services for LGBT elderly are being developed in Philadelphia.
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International News Moscow threatens Pride crackdown Great Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office recently released new guidelines for gay travelers in Russia, advising that visitors to Moscow should be aware of possible violence at a planned gay-pride march. Moscow is preparing to break up any gay-pride marches planned for May 16. Mayor Yury Luzhkov’s press secretary said on May 7 that the city has once again turned down an application to hold a pride march. “Representatives of the gay movement are threatening to hold their action on May 16 regardless
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Larry Nichols
of whether they have permission for it or not, without any consideration for the opinions of the public majority,” Sergei Tsoi said. “The Moscow government is declaring that there has never been and never will be a gay parade in Moscow.” He added that gay events were “not only destroying the moral foundations of our society, but deliberately provoking disorder, threatening the lives and security of Muscovites and guests to the capital.” Russian gay-rights movement leader Nikolai Alexeyev is planning to hold a pride march before the city hosts the Eurovision final. He has said he expects up to 500 people to join the parade, named Slavic Pride, despite official threats to close down any
march. He said he asked city authorities for permission to hold the march but added that 100 activists were prepared to disobey officials and risk prosecution by marching anyway. In May 2006, more than 120 people were arrested after campaigners attempted to hold the capital’s first gay-rights rally. Luzhkov has branded gay parades “satanic” in the past.
Hungary domestic partnerships OK’d Hungary’s official government publication has announced that gay couples will be able to register domestic partnerships beginning
July 1. The official bulletin said a new law will allow the partnership if both partners are at least 18 years old. The law will prohibit samesex couples from adopting children together, but will require partners to provide care for each other’s children from earlier relationships if the children are recognized as belonging to the partnership. The bill was approved by parliament in April and signed by President Laszlo Solyom in early May. In December, Hungary’s Constitutional Court annulled a similar law on domestic partnerships because it applied to heterosexual couples as well, thereby “downgrading” the institution of marriage.
As a lawyer, Dan Anders always stood up for the LGBT community ... on May 19th, he needs us to stand up for him.
Russian lesbian couple denied marriage license A lesbian couple who applied for a marriage license in Russia have had their application rejected. Gay-rights activists Irina Fedotova and Irina Shipitko received a handwritten rejection letter from an official at the central Moscow registry office on May 11. Gay marriage is illegal in Russia and the couple had expected their application to be refused. Standing outside the registry office in suits and holding flowers, the couple vowed to continue to fight to have their relationship recognized and plan to marry in Canada. Activists said Russian law recognizes marriages from other countries, but a loophole means it does not specify gender. “Canada and Norway are the only countries which opened same-sex marriage to nonresidents,” said Nikolai Alexeyev, the couple’s legal advisor. “We initially considered flying the couple to Norway but the procedure is long and fastidious. Instead, we decided to register them in Toronto under Canadian laws.”
Man charged for unprotected sex A Toronto man has been charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault for allegedly having unprotected sex with another man and not disclosing his HIV-positive status. Sahand Mahmoodi, 28, appeared briefly in court May 8 to hear the charges. He was remanded to custody as he awaits trial. He was arrested on May 6 after the man with whom he had sex filed a complaint, police said. Detective Brad Stapleton declined to say if the complainant had become HIV-positive. The men met online on a gay chat site. Mahmoodi has been HIVpositive since 2000, said Stapleton, adding that police believe he has been sexually active without telling partners he has the virus. Stapleton said Mahmoodi is a regular in Toronto’s gay village and urged others who may have
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come in contact with him to contact police and get tested for HIV/AIDS. Under Canadian law, it is a criminal offense for anyone with HIV not to disclose his or her status before engaging in unprotected sex. About 80 arrests have been made over the past decade. But many people working with HIV/AIDS patients are critical of police pressing charges, fearing it will dissuade the population from getting tested. They also raise concerns that the law is not welldefined. “Where is this law going? When are uncertainties in the law going to be addressed?” posed Alison Symington, a senior policy analyst with the Canadian HIV/ AIDS Legal Network. “This area of law has been escalating and developing over the past few years with no public policy debate, no research backing it up, nothing to show how it’s been effective.” But other AIDS specialists disagree. Dr. Philip Berger, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Toronto, said people must be held accountable if they deliberately infect someone else.
Activists fight Lebanese laws The Arab region’s only overt gay-rights organization, based in
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
Lebanon, is slowly making progress in preventing discrimination and violence despite the killings of gay men in recent months. The group, Helem, is preparing for a campaign to overturn the law that makes homosexuality illegal. Helem organized what may have been the only gay-rights protest in the Arab world when, in February, nearly two-dozen gays and lesbians waved rainbow flags in a downtown Beirut square, carrying banners demanding equal rights. They protested what they said was the beating of two gay men by police. It has been several years since a man was thrown in prison for being gay, said Helem activist Charbel Maydaa. But Lebanon’s Article 534, which prohibits having sexual relations that “contradict the laws of nature,” remains a threat. “One of the major problems we face is that some parents threaten their gay children with Article 534,” he said. Helem is treading carefully. The group, founded in 2004, is talking with legal experts on how to approach lawmakers and lobby to have Article 534 abolished. Helem members would not comment on how they intend to carry out the campaign. The region has seen a recent spike in killings of gay men, which some blame on the influence of Islamic extremists. Governments have also conducted occasional crackdowns
on gays and almost all countries in the region have laws banning sexual relations “against nature,” which are used to prosecute gays.
Boy George released Singer Boy George was released from prison on May 11 after serving only four months of his 15-month sentence for falsely imprisoning a male prostitute. The judge at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London said the star, whose real name is George O’Dowd, had used “gratuitous violence” in his attack on Audun Carlsen, a 29-year-old sex worker. He was convicted of false imprisonment by a jury on Dec. 5. The singer had said he met Carlsen previously but had asked him back to his Shoreditch apartment because he believed Carlsen had tampered with his computer. Carlsen said he was attacked, dragged across the floor by O’Dowd, handcuffed to a wall by the bed and beaten with a chain until he managed to flee. O’Dowd denied the charges but chose not to give evidence in his own defense. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.
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TOURISM From Page 1 overnight stays this summer by focusing on specific travel markets, such as families with children, festival-goers and LGBT individuals. “We didn’t want to do what other cities are doing, which is heavy discounts — stay one night, get seven free,” said Meryl Levitz, president and CEO of GPTMC. “We’re not going to do that. Philadelphia is a great value all year ’round, so what we’re going to do is focus not on a discount program, but on the Philadelphia experience.” The campaign, designed by Philadelphia-based advertising agency Red Tettemer, will feature some 55 advertisements that will be posted on SEPTA bus shelters, billboards, print publications and television and radio commercials around the Philadelphia area
Online. Anytime.
WWW.EPGN.COM
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before progressing outward to surrounding markets, such as western Pennsylvania, New York and Washington, D.C. Each advertisement features a scrawled “love” letter, signed “With Love, Philadelphia XOXO,” in which the “city” writes to such recipients as “party people,” “art oglers,” “jazz cats” and “sirs/madams with a thing for statues,” describing what it has to offer for each of these communities in clever, conversational language. The ad geared toward the LGBT community reads: “Dear guys who like guys and girls who like girls ... We’re into that in Philly. In fact, we have a place affectionately referred to as the Gayborhood. Heck, our street signs even shout, ‘We love everyone — gay, straight and not exactly sure.’ So come hang out with us and bring your favorite guy or girl. It’ll be fabulous.”
GPTMC’s initial outreach to LGBT travelers began in 2003 with its groundbreaking “Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay” campaign, which made Philadelphia the first destination in the world to use a television advertisement to specifically reach out to LGBT tourists. Levitz said the inclusion of the LGBT community into mainstream tourism efforts is a natural transition. “I think the innovation started a few years ago when we were the first city on the planet to do an overtly gay-friendly TV spot,” she said. “It just seemed logical to us to include this community in this other campaign. Why not? Philadelphia loves all.” Levitz said the nation’s current economic conditions require that the city make an extra effort to demonstrate its value to potential visitors, and in a way that all individuals, including those in the LGBT community, know they’re welcome. “I think that with the ‘businessas-unusual’ recessionary time, people need to be specifically invited, specifically made aware that Philadelphia continues to be a great destination,” she said. “The LGBT community is a wonderful market and we’re a wonderful destination; they love us and we love them back and we want to make sure they know that.” Jeff Guaracino, vice president of communications at GPTMC, said the new campaign demonstrates that the city — which this year jumped up three spots to 13 on Community Marketing Inc.’s list of top LGBT destinations in the country — continues to be a leader in LGBT tourism. “This represents a significant crossover, now that the LGBT community is included in this mainstream tourism effort. But this is what you want; we need to give the same big, huge welcome to all visitors,” Guaracino said. “We’ve been reaching out to these travelers for a while, but with this campaign now there’s even more investment in the gay and lesbian market. It’s one of those next steps.” GPTMC will continue using the “Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay” ads, which will now also be stamped with the “With Love” signature at the bottom. The new campaign will continue through Aug. 31. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.
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Detour PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
A departure from the ordinary
TriumphANT
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Reality-TV comic to get real live in New Hope By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer ANT isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. The openly gay comedian and television personality, who will headline Laugh Out Loud during New Hope Celebrates Pride on May 17, has appeared on a number of TV shows, including “Last Comic Standing,” “Celebrity Fit Club,” “The Tyra Banks Show” and his own show, “U.S. of ANT.” And while most TV personalities shy away from spilling the gory details and behind-the-scenes secrets, ANT has no problem pulling back the curtain. Take VH1’s “Celebrity Fit Club,” which ANT hosts. Though he can deal with the outrageous personalities attracted to the show, it’s how the show is actually run that gives him pause. “I go into the show thinking, Please don’t let someone win who has gained weight, because that has happened twice,” he said. “I was so mad. They were like, ‘Well, that’s the way the contest works out.’ Well, fix the fucking contest! Make it work so that people that lose the weight win. That’s the whole premise of the show.” And he’s noticed that the whacked-out celebrities often generate more hit shows for the
network. “VH1 hopes the lunatics come out and they got one with Dustin Diamond,” he said. “They got one with Gary Busey. They got one with Jeff Conway. They got one with Daniel Baldwin. America should thank our show. If it wasn’t for us, you wouldn’t have Dr. Drew’s celebrity ‘Sober House.’” They were even more shenanigans on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” on which ANT has appeared as a contestant and a judge a number of times. It’s well-documented that the competition isn’t as fair as it is presented on television but, even as ANT defends the show, he points out all its manufactured elements. “People say, ‘Well, reality shows are all edited.’ Well, if you didn’t say it, they wouldn’t have it to use,” he said. “Everything you saw had to be said or done or they wouldn’t have it on tape. But they do take liberties. Any time you saw us down at the fire pit talking, it
never happened that way, ever. They edited it that way so to make the story work. We were never ever all in a group that way, ever. But they did these single shots
of us where they would just drop them in. It makes it look like I was talking to someone that I wasn’t. They did a lot of that. But if I didn’t say the words, they wouldn’t have it to use.” He added that the only people who have a problem with the show are frustrated comedians. “If you want to boil it down, they’re just jealous and envious because their careers are in the toilet,” he said. “The only comics you hear complaining and bad-mouthing comics are comics who aren’t making it — and Jim Norton. But he does that for everybody. My first meeting with Jim Norton, I went, ‘Oh, you’re Jim Norton. Nice to meet you, I’m ANT.’ And he goes, ‘A hooker just pissed in my mouth.’ And I went, ‘Oh my Lord, I just touched your hand.’ He’s so in your face. I think he’s hilarious. But don’t tell me a hooker just pissed in your mouth and then shake my hand. I’m germaphobic.” But show business
isn’t all hookers and golden showers, and ANT does have a serious side. When asked which of his TV projects he was most proud, his answer was surprising. “None of them. Maybe the ‘U.S. of ANT,’ the pilot episode. I’m a perfectionist. I always think I can do something better. I see so many flaws in things. I would say that would be the show I would be the most proud of, if pressed. I’m not changing the world yet. That’s really what I want to do.” Logo Network’s “U.S. of ANT,” which debuted in 2006, was a cut above most reality shows, as it followed the comic as he visited small towns all over the country to see how LGBT individuals lived outside of metropolitan settings. ANT said the experience of making the show was draining, mainly because the fledging gay network had minimal resources. “So they said to me, ‘Here’s the budget for the show, but you have to do it in three weeks,’” he said. “So I did the entire season in two and a half weeks. I was exhausted, dead. I was ready to die. We would do our interviews and then we were in the car driving to the next city. I was so sick and wiped out. You can see: The last episode we did was Florida and I am asleep the entire episode.” He added that, at the time, Logo was fighting for its own survival. “When Logo first started, they were a brand-new network and they had no money,” he said. “They were struggling against the religious right. There was a lot of pressure just to get the channel on the air. So many cable companies refused to carry it. So many. MTV, God bless them. I love [MTV president of programming] Brian Graden. If the gay community knew what he had done. Brian Graden has single-handedly changed the face of our community and given us a fighting chance because of his leadership role over at MTV. He fought for Logo. He put MTV’s weight behind it. He risked his job and went to cable companies and said, ‘If you don’t take Logo, we’re not giving MTV, VH1, CMT and Comedy Central. We’ll pull it.’ And they all backed down. He put his entire career on the line. Because if those cable companies would have said, ‘Fuck you, we don’t want them,’ they would have fired him in a heartbeat.” ANT may be reluctant to pick a project he’s proud of, but for projects he wishes he hadn’t taken
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on, he’s quick to single one out. “I was in ‘The Underground Comedy Movie” and I rape Michael Clark Duncan [“The Green Mile”] on a pool table,” he said. “The ShamWow guy [Vince Offer] was the director.” Damn! That’s bad. Apparently, the media outlets that bothered to see the movie felt the same way. A review in The New York Times stated: “‘The Underground Comedy Movie’ stands as a monument to ineptitude and selfdelusion.” Sadly, ANT admitted he succumbed to temptation and bought a ShamWow. Maybe if it was Jim Norton we could understand, because anyone who’s that fond of hooker secretions probably has lots of suspicious fluids he needs to clean up fast. But ANT? “I have two of them and I don’t even know why because I don’t clean my own house,” he said. “But, I bought two because I was up at 3 in the morning and I was like, ‘Wow, those look very absorbent and they’re not scratching the granite countertops. Wow, if I call right now, they’ll double my order.’ The next thing I know I’m ordering a ShamWow and I’m like, ‘What the hell am I
doing?’” When ANT isn’t embarrassing himself with infomercial purchases or taping one of his many television shows, he’s on the road performing stand-up shows in theaters and clubs and lecturing on college campuses. He said that, while his lectures are often humorous, the subject matter tends to delve a little deeper than his stand-up shows. “I talk about sobriety,” he said. “I talk about the power of choice. I talk about being responsible for every word you say because they have a lot of power. I talk about gay things and I talk about my family. It’s all about empowerment yet still holding a higher sense of power or being that runs the whole show. Like, you’re not driving the bus. It’s the power ‘I can,’ but not really. It’s the power of ‘we can.’ They ultimately get that after the lecture.” At the New Hope show, attendees can expect ANT to be in all of his adult-humor glory, as he doesn’t change his act no matter what the occasion. “I don’t change my act a single bit because I believe that if you do that, you’re sending a message to people that this is somehow wrong or I’m being secretive,” he said. “I think that is detrimental. The same act I do for gay crowds, which is
very risqué and over the top, I do for straight crowds. Funny is funny. Don Rickles told me that. It doesn’t matter if you sleep with men or women. Funny is funny.” ANT added that, unlike most gay comics, the majority of his performances tend to be for mostly straight audiences. “[Comedian] Alonzo Bodden is a friend of mine and he says, ‘ANT has levels of gay. Right now, at rest, he’s a 3, but on stage, he’s about a 7.’ That’s hilarious because that’s the truth,” ANT said. “Ninety percent of my work is heterosexual and 10 percent comes from the gay community. I’m very mainstream. Gays just never helped me. Straight people always offered me work, which is so bizarre to me. That’s just the way it went, I guess. When the straights really started being obvious, then gay people thought, ‘Well, I guess he’s worthy of our booking because straight people are booking him. He must be funny.’” While ANT doesn’t change his jokes for straight or gay audiences, he does alter the flow of material. “The reaction is better with straight crowds because it’s the first time that they are hearing it,” he said. “Gay crowds, you have to be really smart in the way you present your act. The order is
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different. I talk about being gay immediately with the gay crowd. With the straight crowd, I talk about my alcohol abuse, 12-step program, my family and then I go into being gay. With gay crowds, they have to know that you’re one of them right away or they’re going to hate you, unless you’re a fat black woman and then you’re OK.”
ANT performs at 3 p.m. May 17 at New Hope-Solebury High School Auditorium, 180 W. Bridge St. For more information or tickets, visit www.antcomic. com or call (215) 957-7981. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.
Out DJ to close NHC on a high note By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer With over 20 years of experience and a résumé that includes work with the likes of The Pet Shop Boys, Madonna, Mary J. Blige and George Michael, openly gay producer, remixer and DJ Mark Picchiotti should have no problem keeping things exciting when he holds court at New Hope Celebrates’ Farewell Tea on May 17. In the midst of his whirlwind American tour of clubs with the cast members from “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Picchiotti gave PGN a quick shout about what New Hope is in for and what it’s like to be one of the top remixers in the business. PGN: What can people expect when they come to see you at New Hope Celebrates? MP: I’m playing from 4 until 10 p.m. Because it’s a Pride festival, I’ll be playing stuff that is more up. I tend to be more of a vocal-oriented DJ anyway, but
during Pride events, I keep it a little happier and lighter. I tend to be more on the soulful tip. I’m more of a house DJ than a pop-y or a circuit DJ. I mix all of that together so that everybody pretty much gets what they are looking for. PGN: Having done remixes for artists ranging from Enrique Iglesias to AC/DC, is there a certain type of artist that you look to work with or do they seek you out? MP: It’s less that I have a choice of what remixes I’m doing and more who approaches me. A lot of times, the record company, the manager or the artist themselves are looking for a particular sound. They’re looking to round out the remix package. Sometimes I’ll get several requests in. I just have to pick through and decide what is more of interest to me. My roots go back into very danceoriented rock music. That’s where I started in the 1980s. In those days it was The Cure,
New Order, Skinny Puppy and Severed Heads. Then house music came around and I fell in love with that. In the 1970s, I used to throw disco parties as a teenager, so I was always into that. The fact that I got to remix
AC/DC was such a coup. I just like a challenge. Sometimes I’ll get straight-up dance records and those are sometimes harder to do than something like AC/DC or a down-tempo R&B Beyonce record because you really have to think, How do I reinterpret this? PGN: Who has been your favorite artist to produce or remix? MP: Kylie Minogue was the biggest joy for me. I had just been catapulted to a level of working with an artist that had such a history. Then when I got to meet with her and work with her, she was such a sweet lady, a consummate professional. I think that a big part of it for me is, regardless of the level of celebrity that they have, if they’ve got the chops, then I’m in heaven. My favorite part of making records is recording vocals.
DJ MARK PICCHIOTTI PGN: Are there any artists that Photo: George St. George
you haven’t worked with but you
want to? MP: I had a top-five list of artists I either wanted to remix or produce. I got through all of them except one. The number one on my list was Barry White. I never had a chance to do that. I won’t be able to work with him personally, but I would love to remix something of his. It was Madonna, Michael Jackson and Mariah Carey. Donna Summer, I’ve never done anything for her. That’s just because that was the artist that introduced me to dance music. When I was in high school, I borrowed a cheerleader’s “Donna Summer Live” album and I wouldn’t give it back to her. I’ve pretty much checked off most on the list. Hopefully, I’ve got a few more years in me. We’ll see what happens. DJ Mark Picchiotti spins from 410 p.m. May 17 at the Nevermore, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope. For more information, visit www.markpicchiotti.com or call (215) 862-5221. ■
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Vote on May 19th for Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club’s endorsed candidates. Polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find your polling place at www.libertycity.org District Attorney
City Controller
The District Attorney is the city’s top prosecutor. Their staff investigates and prosecutes violations of state law within Philadelphia county boundaries.
The Controller is responsible for auditing the financial operations of the city, including the Mayor’s Office and City Council, and has the authority to approve or disapprove any payment requests.
Seth Williams (#55)
Alan Butkovitz (#58)
Commonwealth Court
Superior Court
These judges hear appeals involving state and local government and regulatory agencies. There are two seats up for grabs.This is a statewide race.
These judges hear appeals from cases decided at each county’s Court of Common Pleas. There are three seats up for grabs. This is a statewide race.
Linda Judson (#8) Stephen Pollack (#11)
Anne Lazarus (#4) John Younge (#5) Robert Colville (#7)
Court of Common Pleas This is Philadelphia’s state trial court for civil and criminal matters, including family court. Judges are elected to a 10-year term and there are seven seats up for grabs this year.
Diane Thompson (#15) Jonathan Irvine (#28)
Angeles Roca (#21) Dan Anders (#34)
Donna Woelpper (#26) Joyce Eubanks (#38)
Sharon Williams-Losier (#27)
Municipal Court This is Philadelphia’s “people’s court,” which handles small-claim and other small civil cases. In addition, all criminal cases begin at this court but may be appealed to the Court of Common Pleas for a new trial. There are four seats up for grabs this year.
Dawn Segal (#40)
Charles Hayden (#42)
Joe Waters (#45)
Christine Adair (#48)
Liberty City is an all-volunteer group with a membership open to all since 1994. We’ve joined together to work within the Democratic Party to elect and support out members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community, and LGBT-friendly candidates, especially at the local level. Here are some of the things we do: • Endorse and support candidates for political office who reflect the values, needs and interests of the LGBT community. • Lobby for legislation that upholds the civil rights of LGBT citizens. • Organize the greater Philadelphia region LGBT community into a political voice in the Democratic party. • Work to form coalitions with other organizations to take progressive stands on economic and social issues.
Join Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club today! Liberty City has a diverse membership and we seek to represent the entire LGBT community — including women, people of color and transgender folks — as best we can. But we are always looking for new members. To learn more about Liberty City’s history or process or to join the organization, visit our Web site: wwwlibertycity.org
MAY 15 - 21, 2009
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
MAY 15 - 21, 2009 PAGE 31
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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Professional Portraits Looking for a gift for the person who has everything? Chances are you’ll find something that he or she doesn’t have at Blue Lotus Gallery, a unique boutique with everything from Tibetan rugs and furniture to jewelry and cashmere coats. The gallery is run by ex-lawyer Peter Adels and his business partner, ex-architect Gregory Oliveri. PGN spoke with Adels about art, coming out and strap-ons. PGN: How did the business get started? PA: The store came into being about two years ago when Gregory and I, who are partners here and formerly partnerpartners, took a trip to Nepal. He’d lived in Nepal for years over a period of time. On occasion, he had been collecting and selling antiques at highend auctions. By trade he’s an architect and went back to do a historic preservation on one of the palaces in Katmandu. I went with him and one of his associates there told us there was a huge shipment of stuff in the States from someone who was opening a business and then bailed on him. He asked what could be done with it and we decided to take it and get into wholesaling. That worked out so we eventually went into retail and here we are. We opened the store
MAY 15 - 21, 2009
Suzi Nash
in September. PGN: Were you in the business too? PA: No, I was a lawyer. But from day one of law school, I pretty much figured that it wasn’t for me. I went ahead anyway. I got into doing energy work with renewable energy way before it was fashionable. I got to be a key player in restructuring the electric industry and also in getting the wind industry started here in Pennsylvania. PGN: What changes have you seen in environmental policy/ problems back then as opposed to now? PA: It’s huge, huge. Even though I was a lawyer, my chief duty was to convince policymakers, the public and members of the industry that environmental concerns were something that needed to be addressed and that things like wind power were necessary and viable. Now people are more onboard with it. Obama gets it, people get it, industry is getting it. And more importantly, they’re starting to do something about it. PGN: Is it difficult when you travel to other countries that aren’t onboard yet? PA: It’s heart-wrenching. In Nepal, it’s a crying shame.
There’s no clean drinking water, the trash is everywhere, the rivers in the valley have almost no volume left and they’re piled with trash. The air is so polluted, about a third of the people are walking around wearing masks. Much of the year you can’t even see the Himalayas through the smog. It’s still enchanting if you go out into the countryside, but in the Katmandu Valley, which was pristine only 10 or 15 years ago, it’s a polluted megalopolis. PGN: So where are you from? PA: I was born in Jackson Heights, N.Y. I lived there through high school and then moved to Philly to study law and city planning at Penn. I loved it here and never left. I love that it’s a big city with all the conveniences and yet so close to everything. Why the hell would you want to live in New York with all its problems and expenses when you can live 90 minutes away? PGN: What did your parents do? PA: My dad was a classic Madison Avenue advertising guy, like in that AMC show “Mad Men.” He worked for practically every ad company in New York. I think he had 30 jobs in 30 years. My mom was a schoolteacher. PGN: Any notable relatives?
PETER ADELS Photo: Suzi Nash
PA: The artist Barnett Newman is an uncle. He’s the guy who’s famous for painting stripes. That’s about it, though: I think most of the ancestors died in the Holocaust. PGN: So what was it like growing up in New York? PA: I did typical things. I
liked going down to the beach — around here you say “go down to the shore,” but in New York we say “the beach.” I was into ceramics in school and I was always very political. Even as a 12-year-old, I would volunteer for different political campaigns. In fact, some of my best friends today were people I met in ’72 working on the George McGovern campaign. PGN: Are you an only child? PA: No, I have a sister. She’s two-and-a-half years older than me and she still lives in Long Island. [Mock whispering.] She’s the traditional one. PGN: When did you start your coming-out process? PA: Well, I first came out when I was about 18 to friends and family, though I proceeded to live a very straight life. I didn’t really have any gay friends. I considered myself bi and I guess it was because I fell in love and married a wonderful woman and had three great kids. For about 10 years, it worked and then I found myself just aching, aching, aching inside, so I had what I call my second coming out. I went to a counselor and spoke to my wife about it. PGN: How did she react? PA: Well, I waited until we
MAY 15 - 21, 2009
were on vacation without the kids. We were driving through the Everglades in Florida and I said, “Honey, there’s something I really need to tell you. I’m gay.” She said, “I know that dear,” patted me on the shoulder and fell asleep. It started a real process where we worked together openly on it. First we talked about it, then we got to the point where we would walk down the street and point out guys we thought were hot, then we negotiated the terms where it was OK for me to be with men. It worked for a time, but then I met a guy who was also married with kids (part of the agreement on who I could date). In fact, the four of us went to dinner a few times. Everything was up front and open, I never did anything behind her back, but what wasn’t part of the agreement was that we fell in love. After that it got difficult. I could see how much pain it was causing her and I knew I wasn’t fully being myself either, so we finally decided to separate. It was hard because our relationship was perfect except for this one aspect. Then it took us a year to separate because her mom got leukemia. Oddly, it helped us because we were able to tell the whole family what was going on and they were able to see that even though we were going through this, we were still able to be caring and supportive of one another. PGN: How did the kids handle it? PA: They were way easy. My oldest son, who was 16 at the time, told my wife, “At first I was so angry at Dad for being so selfish. How could he do this to all of us? Then I thought about it and realized, ‘My God, how could I be so selfish as to expect him to be anyone other than who he is?’” It took him one week to come to that conclusion. I’m so proud of them. My youngest son is graduating from high school this year and he’s deferring for one year before entering art school to go to Nepal with my oldest, who is a teacher/musician/sustainable agricultural guy. They are joining our Nepali gallery partners who run a school/orphanage there. It’s basically an elite school that doesn’t charge tuition. The kids are all street kids, though they’re not necessarily orphans. My youngest is going to teach and my oldest, who is also a filmmaker, is going to make a documentary about it. PGN: So tell me about Gregory. PA: We joke and say he’s a
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
recovering architect and I’m a recovering lawyer. He never really liked sitting at a computer and doing drawings. He’s always been more into historic preservation and his relationship with Nepal has been because of his work rebuilding temples and other facilities. He’s also a practicing Buddhist, which I’m not, though I’ve learned a lot from him. An interesting fact is that he’s fluent in Nepali. There are so many dialects that most Nepalese don’t even speak the language well, but he does. The last time we were there, we were sitting in a café and the director of the most popular TV show in Nepal overheard him. He now has a small part on the show! He’s the only Westerner to speak Nepali on a Nepali sitcom. He’s also conversant in Sanskrit, Hindi and Urdu. And he’s not bad in French either.
Q Puzzle Straight Women, Gay Roles Across
1. Porter’s regretful miss 5. Pulls out one’s shooter 10. Star of “Hello, Dalai”? 14. Neighbor of Ida. 15. Jazzman Blake 16. Clay Aiken was almost one 17. 2006 Judi Dench film 20. Acquired relative 21. Canadian map abbr. 22. Like barbecue sauce 23. Friend of fag hags? 26. Nile reptile 29. 2003 Charlize Theron film 30. Winery container 33. Streisand’s “Funny Girl” costar 35. Relishes PGN: How did you two meet? 37. Strip in the locker room PA: We originally met at the 38. 2002 Salma Hayek film Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus. 42. “East of Eden” director It was one of those glance-ofKazan an-eye meetings and we both 43. Think tank output knew. We were together for six 44. Satisfies fully years. Obviously a few problems 45. NY Met or LA Dodger interceded because we’re not 46. Teen outcasts romantic partners anymore, but 48. Suffix that changes I’ll love him for the rest of my Juan’s gender life, the same as I do my ex49. Prepares for a nude wife. You can still love someone beach without having to be together. 50. 1999 Hilary Swank film 53. Angola’s capital PGN: Are you still in the choir? 55. Novelist Miller PA: No, we both switched over to 58. Env. in an env., e.g. the Philadelphia Voices of Pride. 59. Fastener on a femme’s They are a mixed choir and I just pearls love singing with them. I love 63. Georgia spread on the hearing the blend of so many screen different voices. 64. Revolting 65. 2002 Nicole Kidman film, PGN: What’s a fond choir with “The” memory? 66. New Haven collegians PA: Many of the Voices of Pride 67. Silly goose See PORTRAITS, Page 40 68. Full of lip
PGN
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69. Give the green light
Down
1. Potent leader 2. Many a Disney character 3. The I in IHOP (abbr.) 4. One way to get to second base 5. Nero’s deity 6. Takes to jail 7. Goes down 8. Most prudent 9. Dry, in Versailles 10. Stuff in a closet 11. Computes the bottom line 12. Ditch in some Flynn flicks 13. Bedfellow 18. Hindu master 19. Sculptor Nancy 24. Tips, as a hat 25. Flat tops 26. Husband of a Duke 27. Parasol benefit 28. Ann Bannon output 30. Sport in “The Iron
Ladies” 31. Moon of Uranus 32. Old Russian despots 34. Like some memory 36. Regard with awe 39. Police incursion at Stonewall 40. “Tell __ the judge” 41. “Giant” James 47. Pink Floyd guitarist Barrett 49. Mac alternatives 51. Second name in business 52. Slightly sloshed 53. Future queen of “Star Wars” 54. Dad’s bros 56. Lake traveled by Ohio ferries 57. Avoid premature ejaculation 60. Mauna ___ 61. Neighbor of Switz. 62. MTF operation See SOLUTION, Page 41
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
MAY 15 - 21, 2009
Ms. Behavior
Meryl Cohn
Playing the breakup song Dear Ms. Behavior: I wasn’t interested in Rick when I first met him and I told him so, but he convinced me to have dinner with him. He pursued me for weeks, sending me presents, pouring on the charm, trying hard to please me. It seemed over the top, but my friends insisted that Rick seemed like someone who would treat me really well for a change. For instance, when he noticed my taste in international beer, he sent me an expensive subscription to a beer-of-themonth club. I mentioned I liked old movies and he shipped me a box of classic DVDs. If I tell him that something bothers me, he always promises not to do it again, whatever it is. This is great on the surface; however, Rick’s focus on me feels obsessive and addictive and I don’t think I want to see him anymore. My friends say that I don’t know how to have a good time. What do you think? Should I give it a whirl even though it makes me feel truly queasy? — Lavished
Help Wanted
Dear Lavished: Humans have been given the gift of queasiness to prevent them from doing unsafe things, like standing too close to the edge of canyons or having sex with llamas. Queasiness is a wake-up call. You can feel queasy for a lot of reasons, but unless you’re pregnant, none of them are good. Your friends want you to be happy and believe you deserve to be with someone nice. Rick seems “nice” but perhaps his obsequious style leaves you feeling aware of the difference between kindness and desperation. When someone focuses only on pleasing you, you can’t always see who he is. People pleasers can be creepy, not just because they’re sometimes serial killers in the movies, but also because they are jiggly squishy. You can spend years with them before their real personalities emerge, and often it’s not pretty when they do. So, trust your instincts. Step away from the llama.
Dear Ms. Behavior: I’ve never been good at ending relationships, so I typically waste years of my life and then regret it. I’ve been with my current girlfriend Megan for six months and have begun noticing signs that we’re not right for each other. We don’t live together, so it shouldn’t be hard to break up, but I don’t know how. I tried to end it last night. I started by saying how much I care for her and that I don’t want to hurt her. By the time I got to the breakup part, she changed the subject and I didn’t have the heart to follow through. But I don’t want to drag this out for eternity and I do want to get on with my life. Do you have breakup advice? — Bored Dear Bored: If breaking up were easy, no one would write Dear John letters or Just Slip Out the Back, Jack. First, don’t start by saying how much you care; instead, start by saying that it’s not working for you. If you know that you truly lack the fortitude to lay it out and leave — and you don’t want to stay stuck for another five or 20 years — you may need a more gradual breakup plan: Begin by letting the little crises in your work life take precedence. Spend more time with your friends. Develop a yoga practice. This way, when Megan calls to get together, you can truthfully tell her you’re very busy. Ultimately, you can suggest that the two of you need “a break.” You can also call it “a breather,” which sounds more athletic and less threatening. Then you can ease from your breather into a fullblown breakup. But whatever you do, don’t let it take more than a month. If she asks if you’re breaking up, don’t lie. Assume that if she’s asking, she’s ready to hear the truth. Of course, if she wants to know why you’re ending it, you should be kind, and not say, “You bore the crap out of me” or “The sound of your chewing makes me want to die.” Be kind, be firm, be on your way out. ■ 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.
MAY 15 - 21, 2009
Leather Lookout
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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along with a new Mid-Atlantic Community Bootblack and the first Mid-Atlantic Leather Woman. After a grueling four-hour-plus contest, Ky Eaton of Pittsburgh was named Mid-Atlantic LeatherSir 2009, Eddie Ortiz of Washington, D.C., was named Mid-Atlantic Leatherboy 2009, Cowboi Jen of Philadelphia was named Mid-Atlantic Leather Woman 2009, and Brandon Riley of Norristown was named MidAtlantic Community Bootblack 2009. Congratulations! Winners go to San Francisco in October to compete in the international versions of their contests except Cowboi Jen, who has the choice of competing at American Brotherhood Weekend in New Orleans this July or International Ms. Leather in San Francisco next April.
Philadelphia leather scene is a mess. I know contests and titleholders aren’t the sole measure of a community, but they are part of the equation. Jen and Riley are just further proof that Philly’s leather MID-ATLANTIC LEATHER FAMILY 2009 KY community EATON (FROM LEFT), EDDIE ORTIZ, COWBOI totally rocks! JEN AND BRANDON RILEY. Photo: Jim Kiley-Zufelt Way to go!
Jim Kiley-Zufelt
Spring awakening As the weather warms up, the calendar is definitely heating up. I always thought June was the busiest time of year for the gays, but this month is giving it a huge run for its money. LIBERTY BEARS ART SHOW Last month the Liberty Bears held their fourth-annual art show and, once again, it did not disappoint. They had over 150 attendees and sold a record number of pieces. Artists included James Bradford, Jim Bloom, Ren Clark, Daniel Fisher, Rob Harmon, Jason Kraley and David Stevens. Congratulations to the Liberty Bears for putting on another amazing event, but especially to the classy and gorgeous curator, Veronica Bound, who always finds a way to wrangle those bears and get everything done. During their June 6 meeting, from 5-6 p.m. at The Bike Stop, the Liberty Bears will present Calcutta House and Dooley House of South Jersey with the proceeds from the art show, the Bears on Liberty Weekend run (more information below) and the charitable socials held last year. BEARS ON LIBERTY WEEKEND: 7 DEADLY SINS If you see more bears in town this weekend than usual, don’t adjust your glasses — adjust your package! This weekend, May 1517, is the Liberty Bears’ annual run, Bears on Liberty Weekend. The theme this year is Seven Deadly Sins, so you know it’s going to be a blast! You’ll find them all over the Gayborhood this weekend enjoying Bear Bar Crawls, brunches, a scavenger hunt, live music at The Bike Stop and, of course, the traditional after-hours bathhouse Bear-B-Q! If you’re reading this on Friday, you can still register if you get to The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St., between 6-8 tonight! Only $40 gets you all seven of the deadly sins.
WOOF! PHILLY ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY It’s hard to believe, but DJ Barney and his adorable cast of cubs are celebrating one year of WOOF! Philly this weekend. This is your chance to get a triple dose of WOOF on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Each night will feature different DJs, dancers and contests. Get to 200 S. 12th St. from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 5 p.m.-2 a.m. on Sunday to catch the fun. LAID SATURDAYS Steve “boyshark” Mercer has stepped down from his MidAtlantic Leatherboy title and stepped up his party promotion efforts. On June 13 his new event, Laid Saturdays, will debut at 200 S. 12th St. Building on the success of the Get Out Get Laid monthly parties, boyshark is keeping the focus on leathermen and their gear, but now he’s turning up the heat every weekend. MID-ATLANTIC LEATHER Last Saturday, a new MidAtlantic LeatherSir and Leatherboy were selected,
I’M JUST SAYIN’ The Philadelphia region’s great showing at the Mid-Atlantic contest makes me wonder where those naysayers, especially the one who gave me an earful at Get Out Get Laid a few months back, get off saying that the
UPCOMING EVENTS WOOF! PHILLY — Every
Sunday at 5 p.m., 200 S. 12th St.; three-day anniversary party May 15-17; www.woofphilly.com or www.myspace.com/woofphilly
CHARITY TRIVIA — 7-11 p.m.
June 5, The Pit Stop at The Bike Stop; www.queeropinion.com/ charitytrivia
BEAR BINGO SOCIAL — 6-10 p.m., June 6, The Bike Stop; www. libertybears.net PHILADELPHIANS MC GAY
PRIDE SOCIAL — 8 p.m.-
midnight June 13, 200 S. 12th St.; www.philadelphiansmc.org
INTERNATIONAL MR. LEATHER 31 — It’s our high
holiday! Memorial Day weekend in Chicago; www.imrl.com
LAID SATURDAYS — Every Saturday at 8 p.m., 200 S. 12th St., starting June 13, featuring hot bartenders and guest DJs. Wear your gear! ■ Questions? Comments? Feedback? Contact Jim at LeatherLookout@gmail.com.
**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 the world. Enjoy lounging poolside, 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. MEN*******ALLNUDE*******ALL NUDE*******ALL THE TIME** **ALL**ALL MEN*******ALL THE TIME**
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PORTRAITS From Page 37 came from the Spruce Street Singers, which was an all-male choir. For about 15 years, some of us have gone up to Hillside Campgrounds, which is an allmale, clothing-optional campsite, and had a blast. We’re actively trying to figure out a way to do it this year that would integrate the fact that we’re now in an LGBT chorus. We found another place that allows mixed genders that is also clothing optional, so we’ll see what everyone wants to do. PGN: Hobbies? PA: Aside from singing, I like to hike with my dogs in Wissahickon Park. I have two dogs: One is a golden retriever named Ferris, after Ferris Bueller. I just shaved him for the summer so he looks like a little lion cub. And the other is
named Poojah, which is a Nepali ritual ceremony. She’s a German sheperd-border collie mix. PGN: What was the biggest business blunder in getting started? PA: Well, I guess in our case it would be timing! We signed the lease and six months later, when we were ready to open, is when the economy really started to collapse. Other than that, it would be working with the craftspeople. They are amazing at what they do, but there’s a real cultural difference. They don’t like confrontation, so we would make a design change and ask if they could do it, and they would say yes but then proceed to do it the same way they’ve done it forever. We’d ask for a shipment of 10 of something and they’d say OK and then ship two of them. We had to learn not to take special orders for some things. One of
Harp Festival of Philadelphia Memorial Day Weekend May 22, 23, 24, 25, 2009
Church of St. Luke and The Epiphany 330 S. 13th Street (Spruce and Pine Sts.) Friday: 8:00 Concert Saul Davis Zlatkovski, harp Spanish composers; Zlatkovski, Debussy, Salzedo
Saturday: Daytime master classes 8:00 Concert Robinson and Foster, harp and flute Nino Rota, John Williams, Still, Debussy, Persichetti, Alwyn
Sunday: Morning and afternoon master classes 5:00 Student Concert (admit by donation) 7:00 Concert Mariko Anraku, harp Faure, Handel, Tournier, Hindemith, Salzedo
Monday: 2:00 Concert Lyric Harp Duo, Harps AFire Philadelphia Harpestra Harp Quartet, Phyllis Rubin-Arnold, mezzo-soprano Granados, De Falla, Lecuona
Tickets: $20, $50 for all-events pass, pay by cash or check at the door. For details:
WWW.HARPMUSICFEST.COM
the neat things about the country is that they peacefully overthrew the monarchy last year. They now have a constitutional assembly, which has not quite managed to complete the constitution yet, but in the part that they’ve drafted so far, they’ve included complete full rights for LGBT people. Which is interesting because being gay is not accepted over there at all, but being transgender is accepted. On the other hand, it’s very easy to go under the radar because they’re very physically affectionate people. It’s common to see men of all ages or friendship levels holding hands or kissing or sharing a bed. PGN: What do you enjoy about traveling? PA: Well, I’ve only been at this for a few years. What I can tell you is that despite the pollution, Nepal is enchanting. When you are there, you can’t help but feel the spirituality of the place, can’t help being in utter awe of the mountains, when you do see them or if you have a chance to actually go up into the Himalayas. I’m hoping to coordinate a business trip so I can meet my sons and show them around and go up to the mountains with them. PGN: Scariest moment? PA: By far, traveling on the back of a motorcycle through Nepal with Gregory driving.
MAY 15 - 21, 2009
Picture streets full of everything from small bicycles to powerful motorcycles, trucks, busses with people hanging off the sides, rickshaws and people walking every which way, all trying to get through the same intersection. There are no stoplights and the entire city is basically in a nonstop gridlock. They have traffic police, but nobody listens to them. Did I mention the cows and sheep just hanging out in the middle of the streets? It scared the crap out of me. PGN: Favorite object you’ve brought back? PA: It’s very common in Hindu religion to have extremely representative genitalia in all sorts of artwork. I picked up these for my parents. [Holds up a long wooden phallus complete with fur in the appropriate spots and a wooden piece with a hole carved into it, also with appropriate symbolic pubic hair. Both are affixed with long ties at the back.] These are basically strap-ons! Used only for rituals. My parents are very liberal, but they live in one of those gated communities in Florida and decided that their neighbors would not care to stare at them on the wall over coffee, so they gave them back to me. One of the things I like is finding so many neat pieces. I like to find the little incidentals and, of course, Gregory is good at finding the unique and historic
things. PGN: You seem very peopleoriented. PA: Oh yes, it comes with the territory. The product is so unique, every one wants to talk about it. It’ll remind them of a trip they took or want to take or we’ll talk about the conditions in other countries. We try to make sure all our items come from fair trade or economic development or sustainably made projects. PGN: What do you each bring to the table? PA: Gregory is very knowledgeable about Hinduism and anything cultural or historic, so he’s really on the art design and antique side of the business. I do more of the business, marketing and PR stuff. I think I’m more gregarious, so I handle more of the customer relations, but we have a nice balance. In the end it all works. ■ Blue Lotus Gallery 1314 Sansom St. (215) 545-2800 www.bluelotusgallery.com To suggest a community member for “Professional Portraits,” write to: Professional Portraits, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 or portraits05@aol. com.
MAY 15 - 21, 2009
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
Author explores gay influence in Jewish/Yiddish literature By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer While Jewish-American culture of the late 20th century often rejected (or merely ignored) LGBT culture, according to Warren Hoffman the first half of the century was more forgiving. In his new book, “The Passing Game: Queering Jewish American Culture,” the openly gay author explores queer Jewish identity in 20th-century American literature, drama and film. For Hoffman, who has a Ph.D. in literature from the University of California-Santa Cruz and teaches Jewish-American literature and musical theater at Temple University, the idea for the book came about while he was working on his dissertation. “I was coming out while a grad student in Jewish-American literature,” he said. “Those two things were in my mind at the same time. I was reading all of these very classic texts and watching all these movies in this particular mindset. The point of the book is to look at LGBT Jewish cultural texts before Stonewall. I was really interested in how people even talked about and viewed gay identity in this earlier time period. The book starts in 1907 with Yiddish text, this sort of Yiddish lesbian play, and it goes up to the years around Stonewall, around 1969.” The early Yiddish works Hoffman references in “The Passing Game” include the 1907 play “God of Vengeance” by Sholem Asch, the films of Yiddish actor Molly Picon and stories by
SOLUTION From Page 37
PGN
Isaac Bashevis Singer. The plot of “God of Vengeance” involved a lesbian relationship, Picon was known to cross-dress in her films and Singer explored issues of identity and gender roles in his stories. “What is interesting is that Yiddish culture actually seemed more open to what we might term queer identity, in part because we were dealing with a time period in which this idea that gay identity and homosexuality was something terrible didn’t really exist in the Yiddish community,” he said. “So these things could develop in Yiddish texts and there wasn’t anything to say that this was something bad.” Hoffman said that views toward queer culture changed with the rise of English-language novels aimed at Jewish-American readers, like Abraham Cahan’s “The Rise of David Levinsky” and Jo Sinclair’s “Wasteland.” Hoffman points out that the characters in these works of literature are trying to make themselves into the norm of white, straight Americans. “Texts coming out in English seemed to say, basically, if you want to be Jewish, anything that smacked of queer sexuality was wrong and if you wanted to be a good Jewish American, you should cast that aside,” he said. “You’re dealing with people in this time period that were probably fluent in both languages themselves. For Jewish audiences, the idea of homosexuality and queer sexuality wasn’t a problem for them. The bigger concern for them was the American public. If they’re trying to assimilate, the idea was if we want to be accepted, then we don’t want to have anything that is going to associate us with homosexuality.” Hoffman said “The Passing Game” gives readers insight into how LGBT culture was viewed rather than how Jewish Americans deal with LGBT issues today. “One thing that the book tries to look at is that today, many people who are LGBT and were born or raised Jewish don’t really identify as being Jewish,” he said. “Part of what that book looks at is sort of the opposite: that being Jewish is
WARREN HOFFMAN
important and you get these quasiLGBT issues that no one wants to talk about. I think it has a lot to do with the time period in which we’re dealing.” Hoffman added that despite the sometimes-common disconnect between Jewish and LGBT culture, many gay Jewish Americans are trying to find a balance between the two. “LGBT Jews are looking for acceptance and inclusion in the larger Jewish community,” he said. “For me that’s important, and things have definitely been changing along those lines in recent years to make that possible.” Warren Hoffman hosts a reading at 5:30 p.m. May 21 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St. For more information, call (215) 923-2960. ■
Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.
Gay is our middle name.
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
MAY 15 - 21, 2009
MAY 15 - 21, 2009
SPECIAL PHILADELPHIA ADVERTISING GAY SECTION NEWS
Summertime and the living is easy ... AAA South Jersey Travel AAA South Jersey Travel Agency provides complete travel solutions for AAA members and all the traveling public. With branch locations in Voorhees, Vineland, Beckett and Sewell to serve you, the agency offers a full range of travel services, such as up-to-date travel information and assistance with worldwide tours, cruise and vacation packages. AAA South Jersey strives to continue to be the most trusted brand in the travel industry. For more information, call (888) 5779AAA. All Seasons Fun All Seasons Fun, 1753 Route 70 East in Cherry Hill, is your premier source for lifestyle products for any time of the year. From pools and spas to fireplaces and gazebos, All Seasons Fun offers high-quality products and customer-friendly service along with its low-price guarantee. All Seasons Fun has 15 spas on display at all times, many running so you can “wet test” before you buy. The company has become a leader by selling, installing, servicing and maintaining the highest-quality line of spas — Sundance Spas. Sundance makes the world’s best-built hot tubs and has perfected the at-home spa experience by delivering the ultimate in hydrotherapy. Sundance has features that are unavailable on any another spa at any price. As the leading online and retail spa dealer, they’ve seen just about every spa on the market, and now their expertise in choosing spas for their customers can be yours. For more information, visit www.allseasonsfun.com or call (856) 424-4333. Calm Surrender It’s an amazing world, and Calm Surrender wants you to see it. Calm Surrender, an international travel agency, will assist you in finding the best possible deals for your vacation, including airfare, hotel accommodations and car rentals. Not only will you receive the best possible from your certified travel consultant, but when you book through Calm
Surrender you’ll also receive a free three-day/two-night getaway for two at any one of more than 29 destinations throughout the world and also be entered into a drawing for an eight-day/sevennight resort vacation. And, by referring others to the agency, you’ll get your choice of a threeday/two-night getaway or a buyone/get-one-free airfare voucher. For more information, contact LT Turner Jr. at LTJR7@aol.com or (610) 457-2081, or visit www. calmsurrender.myttn.com. Lazy L Lazy L at Willow Creek Bed and Breakfast, 11 Willow Creek Road in Lewes, Del., offers vacationers all the comforts and luxuries of home in a peaceful, serene setting.
Situated on 8 acres that include a creek and a wildlife sanctuary, the locale offers five spacious rooms as well as a private cottage. All accommodations are furnished with queen-sized beds and individual heaters and air conditioners. Each room has a view of the water, screened porches, free wireless Internet access, DVD players and kitchenettes. Vacationers can partake in the hearty gourmet breakfasts cooked every morning and can spend their days visiting the nearby beaches, parks, outlet shopping or first-class restaurants. Guests can also stay right at the bed and breakfast and relax by the heated outdoor swimming pool or hot tub or test their skills at the pool See SUMMER, Page 44
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It’s that time again to start planning for your vacation! Contact me TODAY and ask me about YOUR FREE vacation! Special Referral Bonus Available! Serving the Travel Needs of the GBLT Community & Allies
LT Turner Jr, CTA Certified Travel Consultant TraVerus Travel
Email: LTJR7@aol.com • Home Office: 610-457-2081 www.calmsurrender.myttn.com
PGN We love to get picked up.
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PHILADELPHIA GAYSECTION NEWS SPECIAL ADVERTISING
SUMMER From Page 43 table. This four-year-old lesbianowned business caters particularly to guests with pets, and owner Deborah Estes goes out of her way to make traveling with pets more convenient for her guests. For more information, visit www.LazyL.net or call (302) 644-7220. Neverland Kennel and Cattery Neverland Kennel and Cattery Inc., 34366 Neverland Lane in Lewes, Del., was the first established boarding kennel in the Lewes-Rehoboth area. Your pet will enjoy a spacious climate-controlled accommodation in a tranquil country setting just minutes from most major beach attractions. Neverland, which has proudly served the LGBT community since 1975, knows that pets are part of the family, and provides plenty of activity and attention
MAY 15 - 21, 2009
so your pet enjoys coming to the beach as much as you do. Daycare and grooming are also available. The friendly staff at Neverland is happy to answer your questions and invites you to come see the kennel any time between 8:30 a.m.-noon or 4-5:40 p.m. daily except Tuesdays. All pets and their people are welcome! For more information, visit www.neverlandkennel.com or call (302) 645-6140. Paradise Paradise, 101 Asbury Ave., Asbury Park, N.J., is the ultimate gay-club complex at the New Jersey shore. The club offers multiple venues for your nightlife mingling. Guests can get their nights started at the luxurious, ultra-chic martini lounge and then move on to the main dance floor, which features two bars, state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems and DJs spinning the latest favorites. The cozy Copper Bar boasts a dance floor, comfy couches and bigscreen TVs, and the outdoor pool deck — a haven for sunbathers and their admirers — houses tiki bars with the yummiest frozen drinks for a hot summer night. The club’s new restaurant offers an ample array of munchies, appetizers and delicious entrées. Visitors can stay overnight at any of the deluxe rooms in the attached Empress Hotel, which offer beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean or the endless people-watching possibilities at the Paradise pool. No one does it better than Paradise and The Empress Hotel!
For more information, visit www.paradisenj.com or call (732) 988-6663. Provincetown Named the “Best Gay Resort Town” by PlanetOut for the last three years, Provincetown, Mass., is the destination of choice for the LGBT community. Located 120 miles from Boston along the National Seashore on the outermost tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown has a fascinating history and extraordinary offerings. Since gay marriage was legalized in Massachusetts five years ago, Provincetown has become the place to get married, with more than 1,400 same-sex marriage licenses issued in the town to date. Couples and singles choose Provincetown not only for its boundless LGBT culture, but also for its breathtaking backdrop. From incredible beaches and boundless natural beauty to an eclectic arts and culture scene and world-class dining and shopping, Provincetown offers exciting opportunities for all of its diverse visitors. From May 15-18, the town will host the Single Women’s Weekend, as well as the PBG Cabaret Fest. Visitors can attend the Women of Color and Allies Weekend June 4-7, the Provincetown International Film Festival June 17-21 and, later this summer, can partake in such activities as a Fourth of July Parade and fireworks festival, Bear Week, the annual summer party and Family Pride Week, as well as numerous other LGBTthemed activities and events. There is truly something for
MAY 15 - 21, 2009
everyone in Provincetown. Visit www.ptown.org for more information. Sea Witch Manor Inn & Spa The Sea Witch Manor Inn & Spa, 71, 67 and 65 Lake Ave. in Rehoboth Beach, Del., an adults-only bed and breakfast, strives to offer everything the discriminating traveler has come to expect: elegance, quietude, charm, hospitality, comfort and attention to details. The classic Victorian sits on a beautiful tree-lined street that meets the sea in historic downtown Rehoboth Beach. It’s a romantic year-round getaway with delicious food, exquisite accommodations and an ambiance that marries character and comfort. Delightfully decorated with antiques and period furnishings, the Sea Witch Inn & Spa is a feast for all senses! For more information, visit www.seawitchmanorinn.com or call (302) 226-9482.
SPECIAL PHILADELPHIA ADVERTISING GAY SECTION NEWS
The Shore Inn The Shore Inn, 703 Rehoboth Ave. in Rehoboth Beach, Del., is a gay-owned and -operated all-male bed and breakfast that’s been in business for more than a decade. The Shore Inn, which remains one of the town’s few exclusively gay-male locales, was voted “Favorite Bed and Breakfast” by GayDelaware.com for the past three years. The 15-room house offers air conditioning, private baths, cable TV with HBO, VCRs or DVDs, refrigerators and complimentary coffee and tea. The inn’s hot tubs and sun deck are clothing-optional and massage therapists are always on call. The establishment is located within walking distance of Rehoboth’s endless shopping and dining opportunities, as well as its incomparably pristine beaches. Free on-premise parking is provided. For more information, visit www.shoreinn.com or call (800) 587-8899 or (302) 227-8487. ■
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The Shore Inn Bed & Breakfast
14 Rooms, Private Bath, Cable Television with HBO/VCR/DVD, Refrigerator, Coffee in Room
Clothing Optional At Rehoboth Expanded Sundecks & Hot Tub
Festive Weekend Happy Hours Continental Breakfast Close to Bars & restaurants Pet Friendly Free Wireless Internet
703 Rehoboth Ave. Rehoboth Beach, DE 302.227.8487 1.800.597.8899
www.shoreinn.com
Heated Swimming Pool Hot Tub Pool Table Guest Kitchen Secluded 16061 Willow Creek Road Lewes, DE 19958
Pet Friendly
302-644-7220 www.Lazyl.net
Email: vacation@lazyl.net
Innkeepers Debbie Estes Joanne Cassidy
PGN Gay is our middle name.
34377 Neverland Lane Lewes, CE 19958
Boarding • Grooming Training • Supplies
Published the 2nd and 4th week of every month.
(302) 645-6140 MEMBER ABKA www.neverlandkennel.com
Our advertising representatives:
(215) 625-8501
Greg, ext. 201 Kelly, ext. 207 Morgan, ext. 212 David, ext. 219
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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Outward Bound
MAY 15 - 21, 2009
Lawrence Ferber
Great Scot! And the land’s LGBT-friendly Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scotland, echo the past yet live in the present — each to divergent degrees. Located an hour by rail from each other, the pair makes a fantastic dual destination where you can literally swing between classics like kilts, Scotch tastings and ancient stone alleyways and cutting-edge contemporary art galleries, hip shops and a spoiltfor-choice live-music scene. And gay nightlife thrives in compact LGBT districts in both. Pick up biweekly The List Magazine (www.list.co.uk) for events, restaurants and all things Edinburgh/Glasgow. Also check Scotland Tourism’s Web site, visitscotland.com, for resources and information; free publications ScotsGay (scotsgay.co.uk) and QS (qsmag.com) are local LGBT nightlife bibles. Gays tend to hit the bars early, around 9 or 10 p.m., as they close by 1 a.m., with clubs open until 3 a.m. (two hours later on Christmas, New Year’s Eve and during August). EDINBURGH: KILTIN’ IT OLD SCHOOL Edinburgh is the Scotland you’ve probably pictured. Ancient amber
and brown buildings overlook hilly streets, clan tartans adorn shops along Old Town’s Royal Mile and the Scottish brogue is thicker than anything Mike Myers ever forced upon us. Upon asking a local where I could find a decent haggis — a traditional Scottish sausage made of sheep’s heart, liver and lungs, with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices and salt boiled in the animal’s stomach — a de-facto comedy routine transpired. “The royal mail,” she replied. Five minutes and a pen and paper later, I grasped that she was saying the Royal Mile. Begin your Edinburgh exploration with Old Town: Trek up the Royal Mile, buy an adorable “Heilin’ Coo” T-shirt (that “coo” is Scotland’s endearing, furry highland cow) and explore the Edinburgh Castle (www.edinburghcastle.biz). Next stop, the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre (www.whisky-heritage. co.uk) for a three-step, handson educational tasting: You take home a lovely Glencairn whiskey glass and can sample additional whiskeys in their dizzying 319whiskey bar. The centre’s gift shop stocks an impressive selection of hard-to-find bottles as well. The National Museum (www.
TWO MEN IN KILTS WALK EDINBURGH’S ROYAL MILE Photo: Natalie Pecht/Courtesy of British Tourist Authority
nms.ac.uk) is worth a peek, while goths and lovers of grim should check out People’s Story (www.cac.org.uk) for glimpses at Edinburgh’s not-always-pretty history. Then celebrate life with the city’s tastiest confectionary at Fudge House (www.fudgehouse. co.uk). The Elephant House (www.elephant-house.co.uk) café
proudly touts itself as “Birthplace of Harry Potter” — where former resident J.K. Rowling first put her fanciful, lucrative ideas to paper. Edinburgh’s gay nightlife is mostly concentrated in New Town’s east end, aka the “Pink Triangle.” C.C. Blooms (www.bebo.com/ CCBloomsNightclub), named after Bette Midler’s “Beaches” character, is among the most famous clubs, while next door’s Café Habana (www.cafehabana.com) is primarily for young queers (and wannabe young queers — sightings of 50-year-olds with frosted, gelled hair occur frequently). Straddling the Triangle, The Street (www. myspace.com/thestreetbar) is a fun, lively pub for both men and women. Drag queens rule at Priscilla’s Cabaret Bar (bebo. New com/priscillasedinburgh). Town Bar (www.newtownbar. co.uk) hosts a bear party every second Saturday and The Regent (2 Montrose Terrace), favored by older rugby types, is a beer-lover’s pub, with fresh real ale pumped up from its cellar. Lesbians-only club Velvet burned down in mid-2008, but every second Friday, Furburger at club GHQ (www.socialanimal. co.uk/ghq) absorbs some of the
slack, while lesbians make up the majority of Planet Out’s (www. bebo.com/planet-out) crowd. Some hotels pepper this area, but well worth the 10-minute walk west is Tigerlily (www. tigerlilyedinburgh.co.uk), a gorgeous, modern boutique with nouveau-lounge ambiance. Its ground-level bar and restaurant rank among the town’s hippest, and Sundays from 10 p.m. on are gay. New Year’s Eve, aka Hognany, is Edinburgh’s highest season — the chilly streets jam with live music and liquored-up locals (be sure to kiss a few at midnight). August’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe (www. edfringe.com) sees a huge influx of gays: Be sure to check if local queer theater group The Luvvies (www. theluvvies.org) have anything on. GLASGOW NOW Betraying a modern consciousness conspicuously absent from Edinburgh, Glasgow and its populace pulses with excitement and color. After checking into fab boutique hotel ABode (www.abodehotels.co.uk, also bookable through epoquehotels. com), I headed to the Centre for Contemporary Arts (cca-glasgow. com) to meet Alan Miller of the annual Glasgay (www.glasgay. com) queer arts festival. “Gays are very integrated here,” he shared as we embarked on a foot tour that included stops at coffeeshop Tinderbox (118 Ingram St.), CD shop Monorail Music (www. monorailmusic.com) and Che Camille (www.checamille.com), a showroom representing Glasgow’s top independent designers and brands including Rabii Denim’s jeans/jackets, William Chamber’s nouveau flapper-style hats and Judy Clark’s insane Bjork-à-Porter Scottishwear. Declared a UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow swells with nightly live concerts and local acts — quirky popsters Findo Gask, electro/dance act Dolby Anol and out folk artist James William Hindle rank among the latter. DJs rule at fantastic mixed parties like Glasgow School of Art’s R-P-Z (www.myspace.com/ recordplayerzclub), which attracts a largely gay, arty hipster student crowd; electroclash hot spot Death Disco at Arches (www.deathdisco. info); and famed house/techno
MAY 15 - 21, 2009
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
A TOURIST LOOKS DOWN THROUGH THE HELICAL STAIRCASE IN THE MACKINTOSH TOWER OF THE LIGHTHOUSE IN GLASGOW’S CENTRE FOR ARCHITECTURE Photo: Juliet White/Courtesy of British Tourist Authority
venue Sub Club (www.subclub. co.uk). Most LGBT bars/clubs are crammed together. Delmonicas, Polo Lounge, Moda and new lesbian venue FHQ (www. socialanimal.co.uk/Glasgow CityCentre/FHQ) are all quite glam — and straight-owned. Gay-owned Revolver (www.revolverglasgow. com) provides an alternative in all senses of the word, brimming with a mixed, unpretentious crowd of all
ages and genders, bears to primped emos to dresseddown barflies — and a delicious digital jukebox. Take the subway — it’s like a miniaturized version of London’s Tube — or a bus northwest to Kelvingrove, one of Glasgow’s trendiest enclaves and home to the must-see Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (www.
glasgowmuseums.com/venue/ index.cfm?venueid=4). Its eclectic collection includes work by Scotland’s iconic architect/designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh, including his striking blue Chinese Room. After shopping along Kelvingrove’s Byers Road (check out CD/DVD shop FOPP and organic artisan liquor/vinegar shop Demijohn), Mackintosh
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fetishists can indulge further at the Mackintosh House (www. hunterian.gla.ac.uk), Glasgow School of Art (www.gsa.ac.uk) and The Willow Tearooms (www. willowtearooms.co.uk). Six-floor design and architecture center The Lighthouse (www.thelighthouse. co.uk) is another must, smack dab in the city center, while Q! Gallery (www.qgallery.org) is devoted to
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queer art and artists. Of course, no trip to Scotland would be complete without sampling haggis. The hearty comfort food is best served during wintertime, though many higher-end restaurants and chefs have created upscale and even vegetarian versions. Aussie chef Dan Blencowe, of Glasgow’s Stravaigin (www.stravaigin. com), is known for Scotland’s best
haggis (an official title received numerous times, including from celeb chef Nick Nairn). Presented alongside scoops of mashed neeps and champit tatties — turnips and potatoes — it’s rich and succulent, yet not oily. In the vegetarian version I sampled, lentils and barley replaced the meat, producing an addictive texture and savory heat. Winner! ■
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
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Meeting Place A community bulletin board of activities, facilities and organizations
Men
Boys Night Out A social gathering for gay men, meets at 7 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday at Iron Hill Brewery, 30 E. State St., Media; BurbBoysNiteOut@aol.com. Delaware Valley 40-plus Club for Men Social group meets every other month; (215) 587-9933. Gay Married Men’s Association Meets at 8 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays at the William Way Center; (215) 483-1032.
Community centers
Men of All Colors Together Meets at 7:30 p.m. third Friday of the month September through June at the William Way Center; (610) 277-6595; www.MACTPhila.org.
■ 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
Men’s Coming Out Group, N.J. Meets at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at The Pride Center of New Jersey.
■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St.; (215) 898-5044; center@dolphin.upenn.edu, Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. ■ Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies Youth Center: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; (215) 348-0558 ext. 65; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. ■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center: 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 732-2220; www.waygay.org. Peer counseling: Monday through Friday, 6-9 p.m. Library hours: Mondays 3-6 p.m., Tuesdays 3-6 p.m., Wednesdays 3-9 p.m., Thursdays 3-9 p.m., Fridays 3-6 p.m., Saturdays noon-6 p.m. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.; Volunteer Velada, third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.
Health Anonymous, free, confidential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 166 W. Lehigh Ave.; (215) 763-8870 ext. 6000. AIDS Services In Asian Communities Provides HIV-related services to Asians and Pacific Islanders at 340 N. 12th St., suite 205; (2215) 536-2424. Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; (215) 851-1822 or (866) 2223871. Spanish/English. HIV testing Free, anonymous testing and counseling is offered from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment at AIDS Resource, 520 W. Fourth St., suite 2A, Williamsport;
Key numbers ■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: (215) 587-9377 ■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: (856) 933-9500 ext. 221 ■ AIDS Library: (215) 985-4851
(570) 322-8448. HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; (215) 685-1803. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications, confidential HIV testing available at 17 MacDade Blvd., suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; (610) 586-9077. Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing; HIV/AIDS care and treatment, case management and support groups; 1201 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-0652. www.mazzonicenter.org. Washington West Project Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; (215) 985-9206. Gloria Casarez, (215) 686-2194; Gloria. Casarez@phila.gov; Fax: (215) 686-2555 ■ Mazzoni Center: (215) 563-0652; www.mazzonicenter.org ■ Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine: (215) 563-0658
■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: (215) 5921513
■ Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): (215) 572-1833
■ AIDS Treatment hot line: (215) 5452212
■ Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations: (215) 686-4670
■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: (215) 685-1633
■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: (215) 772-2000
■ The COLOURS Organization Inc. 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; (215) 4960330. ■ Equality Advocates Pennsylvania: (215) 731-1447; (866) LGBTLAW ■ Equality Forum: (215) 732-3378 ■ Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Peer Counseling Services: (215) 732-TALK ■ Mayor’s liaison to LGBT communities:
■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Chief Inspector James Tiano: (215) 685-3655 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: (215) 494-LGBT; ppd.lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: (215) 875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: (717) 920-9537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: (215) 732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays, and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)
Men’s Coming Out Group Meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; (215) 563-0652 ext. 219. Men of Color United A discussion/support group for gay and bisexual men of color meets from 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Wednesday at 1201 Chestnut St., 15th floor; (215) 496-0330. Men of Standard Provides a place for men of color 21 and older to share issues of concern. Meets 7-9 p.m. every Thursday at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; (856) 963-2432 ext. 206; johnson_ t@camden_ahec.org. Philly DADS An association of gay and bisexual fathers supporting each other meets at 7:30 p.m. fourth Friday of the month at the William Way Center; (215) 668-5239.
Parents/Families
MAY 15 - 21, 2009 Interweave New Jersey An organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Unitarian and their allies meets every third Sunday at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 401 N. Kings Highway, Cherry Hill, N.J.; (856) 667-3618. Oasis Meets 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays at 1201 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-0652 ext. 509. Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine Primary healthcare and specialized transgender services in a safe, professional, non-judgemental environment, 809 Locust St.; (215) 563-0658. Renaissance Transgender Assoc. Meets at 8 p.m. third Saturday of the month at Into the Woods office complex in King of Prussia; (610) 975-9119 box 5; and 7:30 p.m. first Thursday of the month at the William Way Center; www.ren.org. T-MAN People of color support group for transmen, FTMs, butches, studs, agressives, bois, genderqueer and all female-born individuals with gender questions meets 7:30-9:30 p.m. Mondays, second floor, 1201 Locust St.; (215) 834-9063; tman215@aol.com. Transhealth Programming Committee Meetings are at 5 p.m. second and last Sundays of the month at the William Way Center. Transhealth Information Project Sponsors a weekly drop-in center from 7-11 p.m. Tuesdays at 1201 Locust St.; (267) 549-6497. Transgender Health Action Coalition Peer trans health-advocacy organization meets at 5 p.m. second and last Sundays of the month at the William Way Center; (215) 732-1207; www. critpath.org/thac. WeXist FTM support group meets from 6-8 p.m. second Friday of the month at the William Way Center; first hour is open; second hour is for people assigned female at birth who have gender issues; (267) 250-1548; www.wexist.org.
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Bucks County Meets at 7:30 p.m. third Thursday of the month at Penns Park United Methodist Church, 2394 Second Street Pike, Penns Park; (215) 598-8005.
Young, Trans, and Unified! Support group for transgender and questioning individuals ages 13-23 meets from 7-8:30 p.m. every Thursday at The Attic Youth Center; (215) 545-4331 ext. 24.
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Cape May, N.J. Meets at 2 p.m. third Sunday of the month in the Maruchi Room of Burdette Tomlin Memorial Hospital, 2 Stone Harbor Blvd.; (609) 861-1848. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Chester County Meets at 7 p.m. first Tuesday of the month at the Unitarian Fellowship of West Chester, 501 S. High St., West Chester; (484) 354-2448.
African Asian Latina Lesbians United Social-issues discussion group meets fourth Thursday of the month at The Pride Center of New Jersey.
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Philadelphia Meets from 2-5 p.m. third Sunday of the month at the LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania, 3907 Spruce St.; (215) 572-1833.
Expressions Women’s Space Lesbian singles, family and coming-out groups meet at 1538 Church St.; (215) 535-3600.
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Princeton, N.J. Meets at 7:30 p.m. second Monday of the month in the George Thomas Room at Trinity Church, 33 Mercer St.; (609) 683-5155. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays/Wilmington, Del. Meets at 7 p.m. second Thursday of the month at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 13th and Rodney streets; (302) 654-2995. Philadelphia Family Pride Advocacy, support and social network for LGBT families offers play groups, monthly kids and teen talk groups, activities and outings. Planning meetings are held monthly; (215) 844-3360; www. phillyfamilypride.org.
Trans
Gender Rights Advocacy Association of New Jersey A transgender civil-rights group meets first Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. at The Pride Center of New Jersey.
Women
Bucks County Lesbian Alliance Meets monthly for social events; http://buckscountylesbianalliance.org.
Lesbians and BiWomen in Heterosexual Marriages A support group meets at 7:30 p.m. on third Wednesday of the month at The Pride Center of New Jersey. Lesbian Community of Delaware Valley Social group holds monthly meetings and activities for gay women of all ages in Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties; P.O. Box 962, Phoenixville, PA 19460; http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/LCDV/; marichikogirl@yahoo.com. Lesbian Couples Dining Group of Montgomery County Meets monthly; (215) 542-2899. Lesbian Social Network of South Jersey 500-member social group for lesbians holds monthly activities in South Jersey and surrounding area; www.lsn.southjersey.com. Lesbians with Breast Cancer A support group meets from 6:30-8:30 on second Wednesday of the month at Gilda Club Delaware Valley, 200 Kirk Road, Warminster; (215) 4413290. Queer Connections
Social group for women in their 20s meets weekly; (215) 468-1352; queerconnect@yahoo. com. Republican Lesbians Meetings held at 7:30 p.m. on first Monday of the month at The Pride Center of New Jersey. South Jersey Lesbians of Color Meetings are the first and third Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at The Starting Point, 215 Highland Ave., Suite C, Westmont, N.J.; (856) 824-0881; e-mail: SJLOC-owner@yahoogroups.com. Women’s Coffee House for Lesbians A group for lesbian and bisexual women meets on first Saturday of the month at 7 p.m. at The Pride Center of New Jersey. The Womyn’s Village The first womyn-owned and operated thinktank targeting black African, Asian, Latina and Native American LBT and two-spirited womyn. Meets at 5 p.m. on third Thursday of the month at COLOURS Organization, 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; (215) 765-0121; the_womyns. village@yahoo.com.
Youth
40 Acres of Change Discussion group for teen and young adults meets Thursdays at The COLOURS Organization Inc., 112 N. Broad St., 11th floor; (215) 496-0330. Drop-in Group For gay, lesbian and bisexual youth; meets at 11 a.m. Saturdays at AIDS Delaware, 100 W. 10th St., Suite 315, Wilmington, Del.; (302) 652-6776. HAVEN For GLBT, intersex, questioning, queer and allied youth ages 14-20; meets from 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley, 424 Center St., Bethlehem; (610) 868-2153. HiTOPS A safe-space support program for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth, will meet from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at 21 Wiggins St., Princeton, N.J.; (609) 683-5155. Main Line Youth Alliance Meets from 7-9:30 p.m. Fridays at 109 Lancaster Ave., Wayne; (610) 688-1861; info@myaonline. org. Mountain Meadow For youth with GLBTQ parents. Monthly programs for ages 8-16, family programs and parent coffee groups. Residential program offered in August; 1315 Spruce St.; (215) 772-1107; inquiries@mountainmeadow.org. Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center For ages 14-21; meets 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Doylestown Planned Parenthood, The Atrium, Suite 2E, 301 S. Main St., Doylestown; (215) 3480558 ext. 65; rainbowroom@ppbucks.org. Space to be Proud, Open, and Together Open to all LGBTQ queer youth and allies, ages 14-21, the SPOT meets Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Planned Parenthood of Chester County’s West Chester office, 8 S. Wayne St., West Chester; (610) 692-1770 ext. 108 or thespot@ppccpa.org. Teen Support Group Drop-in group for teens and adolescents meets Thursdays from 4:30-6 p.m. at 1201 Chestnut St.; (215) 563-0658 ext. 319. Under the Rainbow Discussion and social group for 18-25-year-old gays and lesbians meets at 7:30 p.m. at The Pride Center of New Jersey. Youth in Transition A support group for transgender and questioning youth ages 12-23 meets from 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays at the The Attic Youth Center. Youth Making a Difference For GLBTQ African-American and Latino youth ages 14-24. Meets from 5-7 p.m. every Tuesday at Camden AHEC, 514 Cooper St., Camden, N.J.; (856) 963-2432 ext. 234; gray_w@camden-ahec. org.
Send submissions to: e-mail: pgn@epgn.com of 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.
MAY 15 - 21, 2009
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
worth watching: FRIDAY Dateline “Farrah’s Story” is a two-hour special chronicling actress Farrah Fawcett’s very public battle against anal cancer. 9 p.m. on NBC. Suzanne Westenhoefer: A Bottom on Top The lesbian stand-up comic does queer shtick. 11 p.m. on Logo.
Q on the tube:
the funny on the front burner. Musical guest: Green Day. 11:30 p.m. on NBC. SUNDAY Survivor: Tocantins Season finale. Time to see the youngest gay contestant (Seth) one last time as the alwaysdelicious backstabbing end-game plays out. 8 p.m. on CBS.
Desperate Housewives Two-hour season finale. Will any SATURDAY of the four gay characters appear Groomer Has It before the season ends? 9 p.m. on The new gayest show on TV has ABC. 12 doggy stylists competing. Tonight, contestants must teach Mystery! 10-year-olds grooming skills. 9 The latest PBS series stars Kenneth Branagh in “Wallander,” p.m. on Animal Planet. based on Swedish writer Henning Mankell’s novels. Tonight, Saturday Night Live Wallander investigates the Tonight, predictably hilarious “SNL” alum Will Ferrell keeps seeming thrill-kill murder of a cabbie. 9 p.m. on PBS.
Queer TV you can always see: As the World Turns Luke, Noah and Luke’s bio dad, the sexy Damian, remain front burner. Holden, the father who’s raised Luke since infancy, is none too pleased with Damian. And now the daddy wars begin. MondayFriday, 2 p.m. on CBS. Guiding Light Natalia and Olivia took a spa vacation together in an attempt to “feel out” their relationship from the prying eyes of Springfield’s cattiest. Then Blake turns up to unqueer the action by referring to Frank. Meanwhile, back in Springfield, Frank runs into Natalia’s son and tells him that no matter what, he needs to remember his mother is a good person. Olivia and Natalia start to fight — then remember they love each other. MondayFriday, 10 a.m. on CBS.
The Tudors Rumblings of war. Starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers as a young and virile Henry. 9 p.m. on Showtime. MONDAY Medium Angelica Huston and Rumer Willis (daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis) guest star in an episode with Sapphic undertones. 10 p.m. on NBC. TUESDAY American Idol The finale begins. 8 p.m. on FOX.
WEDNESDAY New Adventures of Old Christine With lesbian comedian Wanda Sykes, who knocked the socks off everyone at the White House Press Corps dinner May 9. (Check out her monologue at Hulu.) 8 p.m. on CBS. Better Off Ted ABC has yet to decide if it will keep its darkest comedy. Portia de Rossi, Ellen’s wife, stars as the corporate boss from hell. 8:30 p.m. on ABC. American Idol Season finale chooses a winner. 9 p.m. on FOX. THURSDAY Ugly Betty It’s all love and drama on the twohour season finale as Betty plans to move in with Matt — until Henry shows up. Meanwhile, Wilhelmina demands that Claire tender her resignation at a big awards ceremony. 8 p.m. on ABC. Southland Tonight’s season finale features an out-of-control cop, a gang-lord mom and gay cop John Cooper (Michael Cudlitz) as the butchest guy on the beat. 10 p.m. on NBC. The Fashion Show Just like “Project Runway” but without Heidi Klum and with a different gay guy. Designer Isaac Mizrahi hosts. 10 p.m. on Bravo. ■
Ellen Monday-Friday, 3 p.m. on NBC. The Rachel Maddow Show Monday-Friday, 9 p.m. on MSNBC.
PAGE 49
MY BEST FRIEND’S EX’S WEDDING: Christine (Julia LouisDreyfus, left) and Barb (out comedian Wanda Sykes) prepare for Richard and New Christine’s wedding day on the finale cliffhanger of “The New Adventures of Old Christine” at 8 p.m. May 20 on CBS. Photo: Danny Feld/Warner Bros.
Free speech, hate speech By Victoria A. Brownworth PGN Contributor As the disgraced Miss California, Carrie Prejean, continues to make the talk-show rounds in her crusade against same-sex marriage, the Rev. Pat Robertson has weighed in again on the subject. Robertson, who in the past has declared that natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina’s decimation of New Orleans were God’s punishment against queers, felt compelled to remind Christian Broadcast Network viewers that same-sex marriage is “antibiblical” after Maine legalized gay marriage May 7. Robertson, still the world’s best-known televangelist, extolled the end-times element of the law on CBN the day after Maine Gov. John Baldacci signed the bill into law. The televangelist asserted that the legalization of samesex marriage would in turn lead to legalization of polygamy, bestiality, child molestation and pedophilia. “How can we criminalize these things and, at the same time, have constitutional amendments allowing same-sex marriage among homosexuals?” Robertson queried. “You mark my words, this is just the beginning in a long downward slide in relation to all the things that we consider to be abhorrent.” On May 17, it will be five years since the first legal same-sex marriages were performed in Massachusetts. Five years and five states later, natural disasters have only befallen the one state to overturn legal same-sex marriage — California. Robertson has not commented on that. It’s easy to make Robertson a punch line in a late-night talkshow monologue, but commentary like his has lasting and sometimes irrevocable consequences. On her May 6 show “Bullied to Death,” Oprah addressed the impact of antigay taunts. The show focused on two middleschool boys who had endured antigay bullying to such a degree that each committed suicide. (See “Bullied to Death” at Oprah. com.) Were the boys gay? It doesn’t matter. They were 11 years old. But at only 11, both Carl Walker-Hoover and Jaheem Herrera had suffered so much from the taunts of schoolmates that each took his own life rather than withstand another day of being called “faggot” and “gay.” Walker-Hoover’s mother told Oprah her son was “terrified” by the gay baiting and finally hanged himself. At only 11 years old. What Oprah’s show made heartbreakingly clear is that the antigay rhetoric promoted by the likes of Prejean and Robertson makes calling a child queer the worst thing possible — whether he or she is or isn’t. In addition, the damage done by comparing legalized marriage of gay and lesbian couples — many of whom have children of their own — with bestiality is brutal and abusive to the children of those unions. Both ABC and CBS conducted polls last week showing that acceptance of same-sex marriage has leapt by nearly 20 points in the past year. Americans seem to “get” that this is a civil-rights issue. And, the younger they are, the more approving they are. The Robertsons and the Prejeans are on the wrong side of history and most definitely on the wrong side of compassion. The invective employed by Robertson isn’t much different from the cruder version spat out by middle-school bullies. The First Amendment is among our most prized amendments. But there’s a fine line between free speech and language that condones, promotes and sustains the brutal atmosphere that caused the deaths of two 11-year-old boys who thought it was easier to die than to endure another day of being called queer. ■
PAGE 50
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
Diversions
MAY 15 - 21, 2009
Your guide to arts and entertainment
Theater
PGN
Camelot Plays & Players Theater presents the classic musical May 20-June 6, 1714 Delancey Place; (215) 7350630.
Pick
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, through June 28 at Independence Studio on 3, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 5743550.
The Producers The Walnut Street Theatre presents an all-new production of Mel Brooks’ Tony Award-winning musical, through July 19, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 5743550. Something Intangible Arden Theatre Company presents the world premiere by celebrated Philadelphia playwright Bruce Graham, set in Hollywood circa 1941, through June 7, 40 N. Second St.; (215) 9221122.
Guarneri Quartet with David Soyer The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society presents the renowned quartet for the last time, at 8 p.m. May 15 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847. Hooray for Hollywood!
Peter Nero and the Philly Pops present a special multi-media event to honor the captivating music that has the uncanny ability to transport us to another place and time, through May 17 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 7905847.
The Little Dog Laughed The Tony-nominated satire about a gay actor and his agent’s efforts to keep him closeted makes its Philadelphia premiere, through May 30 at Second Stage at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St.; (215) 6659720. Movin’ Out The Kimmel Center presents five-time Grammy winner Billy Joel and legendary director/ choreographer Twyla Tharp’s new musical, at 8 p.m. May 16-17 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
p.m. May 16 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
Chamber Concert The Philadelphia Orchestra presents a wide range of ensembles and musical styles, at 3 p.m. May 17 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
Catch the delightfully naughty and gender-blurring electro-rock goddess Peaches when she performs at 8 p.m. May 15 at TLA, 334 South St. Like her latest album, “I Feel Cream,” her show is sure to be a relentless and sexy sonic assault that leaves you speechless, breathless and a little soggy. For more information, call (215) 9221011 or visit www.peachesrocks.com.
A Stone Carver New City Stage presents a newly revised version of William Mastrosimone’s first play, about a 1970s Italian-American patriarch who must move out of the Trenton home he built with his own hands to make room for a new highway, through May 24 at Walnut Street Theatre’s Studio 5, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 5743550.
Thoroughly Modern Millie The Media Theater presents the Tony Award-winning 1920s musical romp, through June 7, 104 E. State St.; (610) 891-0100. William Shakespeare’s Hamlet Lantern Theater Company presents the famous play in a surprising theatrical event that plumbs the dark
humor of Shakespeare’s tragic son, through May 17 at St. Stephen’s Theater, 923 Ludlow St.; (215) 8299002.
Music classical
Dvorák, Bartók and Enescu The Philadelphia Orchestra presents two orchestral works by Antonín Dvorák, at 2 p.m. May 15 and 8
Concentric Paths The Philadelphia Orchestra presents guest violinist Leila Josefowicz for the final Access Concert of the season, at 7 p.m. May 21 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
Music other
The Proclaimers The alt-rock group performs at 7:30 p.m. May 15 and 17 at Tin Angel, 20 N. Second St.; (215) 9280770. Third Eye Blind The rock group performs at 8 p.m. May 15 at the House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; (609) 236-2583. Queensryche The progressive metal
group performs at 8 p.m. May 16 at the House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; (609) 236-2583. Ben Lee The singer-songwriter performs at 8 p.m. May 19 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1400. The Prodigy The electronics group performs at 8 p.m. May 19 at Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; (215) 6271332. English Beat The pioneering British ska band performs at 8 p.m. May 20-21 at Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; (215) 257-5808.
Exhibits Benjamin Long Proximity Gallery presents the artist’s current exhibition of paintings and photography through May 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 for erotic fine arts, presents a staff art show through May 24 at Passional Toys, 620 S. Fifth St.; (215) 829-4986. Ion Zupcu: Works on Paper Gallery 339 presents an exhibition of still-life photography, through May 16, 339 S. 21st St.; (215) 731-1530. Kevin Murphy
MAY 15 - 21, 2009
BOI’s of New Hope Art Gallery presents an exhibition from the internationally recognized, award-winning portrait painter and illustrator, May 16-June 7, 9 W. Mechanic St., New Hope; (215) 8628292. Pulp Function Fred Beans Gallery at Michener Art Museum presents a wide variety of artistic expressions using handmade paper pulp, recycled paper, paper cuts, cardboard, papier-mâché and folded paper, through June 28, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; (215) 3409800. Quiescent The Clay Studio presents the latest works from utilitarian potter Julia Galloway, through May 31, 137 N. Second St.; (215) 925-3453. 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.
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
Edge Gallery presents an exhibition featuring the work of Monika Dalkin and Noelle Stoffel, through May 31, 72 N. Second St.; (215) 413-7072. What Were They Thinking: 160 Years of Bad Taste Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts presents an exhibition of styles that were the height of fashion at some point in recent history, through Nov. 8 at The Carriage House Gallery at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., Cape May, N.J.; (609) 884-5404. Yuichi Hibi: Neco Gallery 339 presents Hibi’s photographic exhibition that evokes the menace, beauty and mystery of urban landscapes at night, through May 16, 339 S. 21st St.; (215) 731-1530.
Dance
Philly’s Dance Collective ContempraDance Theatre presents two evenings of collaborative, eclectic dance works performed by Philadelphia’s top
professional dance companies and independent artists, at 7:30 p.m. May 15-16 at Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St.; (610) 225-3007.
Film
Handel’s Giulio Cesare The Opera Company of Philadelphia screens director David McVicar’s acclaimed film of the Handel favorite set in the early 20th century, during a period of British colonialism in Egypt, through May 20 at Bryn Mawr Film Institute, 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr; (610) 527-9898. Night of the Living Dead 3D The 2006 horror film starring Sid Haig is screened at 8 p.m. May 18 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; (215) 9225483.
Books
Simon Schama The author of “The American Future: A History” hosts a reading at 7:30 p.m. May 19 at Central Library, 1901 Vine
St.; (215) 686-5322.
(215) 732-2220.
Michael Eric Dyson The ordained Baptist minister, social analyst, professor and author of “Can You Hear Me Now?” hosts a reading at 7:30 p.m. May 20 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 6865322.
Madame The bawdy and iconic puppet performs at 7:30 p.m. May 16 and 1:30 p.m. May 17 at Harlan’s Cabaret,
Warren Hoffman The author of “The Passing Game: Queering Jewish American Culture” hosts a reading at 5:30 p.m. May 21 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; (215) 9232960.
Cabaret
Good Songs for Tough Times The trio of Keith Kaczorowski, Melissa Kolczynski and Tom Wilson Weinberg takes the stage at Willie Way Cabaret from 68 p.m. May 16 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.;
Small Favors IV: Benefit Exhibition and Sale The Clay Studio presents an original ceramic arts exhibition, showcasing the latest in miniature wallmounted artworks, through May 31, 137 N. Second St.; (215) 925-3453. Two Women: Two Visions
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 pgn@epgn.com. Notices cannot be taken over the phone.
PAGE 51
CHAOTIC RELATIONSHIPS ON STAGE: Society Hill Playhouse presents “Intimate Chaos,” the latest stage adaptation from out novelist Cheril N. Clarke. The comical drama, starting Nichelle Patrice (clockwise, from left) as Kenya, Vanessa Joy as Jessie, Joale Norris as Stacey and Tiffany Barrett as Sadira, explores a lesbian relationship trying to deal with issues of love, desire, abandonment and betrayal, through May 31, 507 S. Eighth St. For more information, call (215) 923-0210 or visit www.intimatechaostheplay.com.
487-2822.
Etc.
FUSE The party that brings women, queers of color and transgender club6426 Lower York Road, New goers together ends its Hope; (215) 862-5225. two-and-a-half-year run, with DJ KiT, Glitz Cabaret at PAA: Denise and Phoenix performing Whelan with Jeff from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. McDonnell May 16 at X.O. Lounge, Philadelphia Art Alliance 1418 Rodman St.; (215) presents the talented singer, 546-4195. Special actress and songwriter at 8 “Hot Button” event p.m. May 16, 251 S. 18th in downstairs lounge St.; (215) 545-4302. will celebrate National Masturbation Month. Revival Burlesque Walking Fish Theatre Janet Jackson Party! presents a show featuring Nothing but songs from performance art, classic Ms. Jackson will be striptease, satire, singing played from 10 p.m.-2 and dancing, at 10 p.m. a.m. May 16 at 12th Air May 16 and 8 p.m. May 17, Command, 254 S. 12th 2509 Frankford Ave.; (215) St.; (215) 545-8088. ■
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS CLASSIFIEDS
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APRIL 24 PAGE - 30, 2009 53
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When you sign up for Facebook Byyou Alan Zibel or Twitter, expect to get a stream The Associated Press of random messages from the people who make up your virtual social Fannie —Mae issuedon ahomes grave network but pitches for warning sale? about its future last Friday, saying it needs $19andbillion Real-estate agents others in are additional aid and as other job trolling forgovernment clients on these losses grow and risky made popular online socialloans networking during the housing go badwith at sites, mixing homeboom huckstering antheir unnerving online pace. networking. But is this finance company, aThe goodmortgage way to sell a home or are which got agetting $15-billion agents’already sales pitches lost in government bailout in March, the post? warned it may Agents who need use even the more social money and won’t profitable for networking sites tobe market properties the sayforeseeable they hopefuture. to generate referrals Injusta as regulatory the — you might tipfiling off a friend company said,for-sale “Theresign is significant about a new on a lawn. uncertainty our same long-term “Tweetingas isto the way,” financial sustainability.” more says Duane Hopper, anEven owner and government aid, it added, “mayEstate not broker at Century 21 Real beCenter sufficient to keep referring us in a solvent in Seattle, to the condition.” term for posting messages on the microblogging Web site Twitter. com. “There is a multiplier effect that can take place, particularly on very hot information,” adds Hopper, who
posts information about homes he’s trying to sell and promotes himself on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and ActiveRain. Fannie a quarterly TwitterMae lets posted users create profiles loss of $23.2 billion, or $4.09 of perup where they can post messages share. compares a loss of to 140That characters thatwith can be viewed $2.5 billion, with or $2.57 a share, in the by anyone Internet access on a year-ago period.phone. PC or mobile The government, which the seized Hopper started using site control of Fannie Mae and siblingup last fall. Since then, he’sits racked Freddie Mac600 last people September, has more than who have already about $60his billion to electedspent to “follow” tweets. prop the two companies. Fannie (By upcomparison, celebrities such Mae’s requestSpears last Friday the as Britney havebrings hundreds total to $79 billion. is of thousands of Freddie dedicatedMac tweet expected to release its first-quarter recipients.) results next week. A recent look at Hopper’s Twitter The revealed Obama page more administration than 20 tweets, estimates bill forwere Fannie althoughthe nottaxpayer all the posts real and Freddie will hit $147 billion out estate-related. of aHopper potential $400 billion the liberally mixes bytweets end of September 2010. about the Mariners baseball team — But some analysts think that “Getting excited for Home Opening figure is the optimistic, especially as Day for 5-2 Mariners” — with Fannie andhisFreddie are calledrounds: upon posts on daily real-estate to“On putmy in way place the government’s to paint For Sale Post at our hot new Kirkland listing. Can’t anyone get the color right?” But often, Hopper’s tweets are listings of homes for sale that read like word-stingy newspaper
Beds: 2 Baths: 1.5
classified ads: “At Juanita Multilevel photo shoot,” started a recent post. “Listing coming. Hurry if you have buyers. Under $500K, 2,190 plans refinance or modify up to 9 feet. to 3Bed 2.5Bth.” million mortgages. Hopper also sometimes includes While using Freddie Web links to Fannie a virtualand tour of the for that purpose should help stabilize home. the Jo-Ann real-estate market, “that agent just Cervin, a buyer’s means that their losses be even with ZipRealty in Las will Vegas, began more,” potentially exceeding the using the site just last week under government’s $400-billion lifeline, the handle “LV—Cheap—Houses,” said Peterwasted Wallison, a posting senior a but she’s little time fellow at of thebulletins American Enterprise barrage urging readers Institute. to buy now. James So far,Lockhart, she has the44 head users regulator for to Fannie and Freddie, subscribing her tweets, which said, “Anything that we can mostly consist of homes for do saletoor stabilize mortgage market calls to the action like this one: will “Las beVegas to thebank long-term good ownedeconomic properties are ofseeing the twomultiple companies.” offers! The great Fannie andQUICK!” Freddie Mac play deals areMae going a vital role in the mortgage market Cervin isn’t worried that the bybarrage purchasing loanslistings from banks and of home via tweets selling themoff to investors. will scare those whoTogether, subscribe Fannie Freddie own or guarantee to herand missives. almost 31 million home loans worth “They’re choosing to connect with me,” Cervin says. “I’m not spamming.” On Facebook, which boasts more than 200-million active users, many real-estate firms have profile pages
on Facebook. She hopes her friends will refer her to wouldbe homebuyers. She’s also on ActiveRain, where she blogs about inreal April to and, 539,000 lost jobs, theto estate ultimately, hopes unemployment climbed to other 8.9 nab some clientrate referrals from percent, thethe highest agents on site. since late 1983. Fannie now says has $145 Still, Mae Cervin she billion hasn’t inreceived delinquent loans ondirectly its books, any business from more than 10networking times the amount last— her social activities year. yet. In“Ataddition, Fannie said, the this point it’s free advertising,” company she says. is able to recoup less money through who foreclosure Ammirati, began sales using —Twitter Fannieinowns 62,000and foreclosed December now fires properties of theto sharp off tweets— sixbecause days a week nearly drop home on prices. And suggests Fannie 600 inpeople the site, expects prices to decline finding home real-estate-oriented groups another 4 to 17 percent. with more than 100 tweet trackers Meanwhile, Obama and join the pack. administration officials has havebegun yet toto Social networking weigh in on Fannie and Freddie pay off forhow Ammirati. should be structured the future. Since he and hisin agents began With the government using Facebook and scrambling other sites toabout handle an ago, arraytheofefforts financial a year have rescues, “there’s a brought Wallison in at least said, four clients. certain amount ■ “Part of ofit overload is thenow.” agents themselves reconnecting with some people in the past,” Ammirati says. “Sometimes it’s hard to quantify how this networking leads exactly to [new clients].” ■
Location! Location! Location! This week’s featured��������� property ���������� ����������
1023-25 Clinton St., Washington Square ����������������������������� ����������������������������������� Want new with old-world charm? Check out this
������������������������ Square footage: 1,261 sq. ft. ��������������������� Cost: $468,000 ��������������� Realtor: Andrew J. Mariano ������������������� Real estate co: RE/MAX Preferred �������������������������� Office pPhone: 610-325–4100 �������������������������������� Direct: 610-789–0982 ������������������������������� Web site: Andy@AndyMariano.com ��������������������� ������������������������������������������
beautifully bi-level on Northern Libertiesupdated bi-level penthouse in sought-after pristine condition. Clinton Street. Just blocks Jefferson 1 owner and only 4 years old. Thisfrom spacious bi-level&condo Pennsylvania supermarkets, has many large rooms,hospitals, with 3 beds and 2.5 large train, baths, very subway andGreat theaters. kitchen, large dining-living RoomCustom and includes a deeded, 12’ high ceilings, windows gated, covered, securetall parking spaceand at nomuch extra more. charge. Condo fees are reasonable.
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that sometimes feature home listings and discussions about real estate. Some agents set up commercial Facebook pages, which are open to about $5.5 trillion. That’s about half all users. of all U.S. agents home mortgages. Many use one of several The two companies lowered their Facebook applications designed standards for borrowers during the to highlight home listings on their real-estate boom reeling profile page, suchand as are eListIt’s My from the widget. bust. High-risk Listings Others letloans users inpipe California, Nevada, Arizona in video tours. andJohn Florida defaulting an at aassociate record Ammirati, pace have back 21 to Prevete haunt broker withcome Century the companies. the a in Long Island,Worse N.Y., still, created recession causing once-reliable Facebookispage for his company so homeowners with goodpost credit to his agents log in and listings default. and information about open houses. Even loans to low-risk “We’re just starting borrowers to get into have “begun to experience increases video,” he says. in delinquency Hopper takesanda default more rates subtle asapproach a resultonof the sharp rise in Facebook, however. unemployment, the itcontinued He tries to keep personal, decline home prices” and the long postinginphotos of a recent vacation, economic downturn, the company for example, while only sprinkling said. in real-estate listings and links to Whilehome the tours. Labor Department virtual said“Ithedon’t pace want of layoffs slowed to overwhelm people,” Hopper says. “It’s like getting unsolicited advertising if you overdo it.” Cervin also only recently began playing up her real-estate business
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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS MAY 1 - 7,CLASSIFIEDS 2009
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REAL ESTATE ����������� SALE ����� NYS LAND BARGAINS ���������������������������� 5Available AC w/ in Rustic Camp$19,900. Overon150 time for summer fun. Located the properties, counties 5-200 acres.home Specialriver in quiet16 Beachwood, NJ. Large with izing in family getaway hunting & fishing6 6 bed, 3.5 bath, watercamps, views from all rooms, properties & small lakefront camps. Financing decks, inground pool, hot tub and much more. available w/ payments starting at $200/ Priced at $899K. Call LBO Realty, ask formonth Elliott call Christmas & Associates 800-229-7843 732-674-3851 for info and for showing. www.LandandCamps.com _______________________________33-18 _______________________________33-20 Warminster > 55 community. 2 BR, 2 BA with BAY AREAdgr5162@verizon.net VIRGINIA bsmt condo. $200K. 29.50 Acres Subdividable Waterfront Was _______________________________33-18 $399,900 Now $299,900. Distressed developer slashed price for quick sale. Owner arranged financing. Won’t last-call today! 1-804-687-6217. _______________________________33-20
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BUYING OR SELLING CONTACT Attention Hunters! 60 Acres$99,900 RICKY Timber FLITZ PATRIOTS REALTY INC 267 w/big 709 co. liquidating a hunting loaded 20AC with Utilities & paradiseCountry Road was 2505. whitetail hardwood trails me$99,900 deer. Now All $69,900 BLMsetting, access. Deer & ����������� _______________________________33andering throughout, pristine mountain views. elk galore! Call to view 877-229-7840 www. 23Cameron County9.8 acres Sizerville Old state road just near 20 minutes to � frontage, State Park buy within600’ frontage, bortown. Best Weststream Virginia! Easy owner _______________________________32-16 dering state forest, perc approved, electric, financing. Call now 1-877-526-3764. flat building area $89,000. Owner financing ���������������������������� _______________________________33-18 Luxury four bedroom, four bath. Fully furnished. 800-668-8679. Available in time for summer fun. Located on the Mountain and lake views. $678,000. Call Dave _______________________________33-20 river in quiet Beachwood, NJ. Large home with 6 bed, 3.5 bath, water views from all rooms, 6 _______________________________32-16 decks, inground pool, hot tub and much more. 72 acres along Call McKean/Potter County line Priced at $899K. LBO Realty, ask for Elliott near Shinglehouse. 732-674-3851 for info Mostly and for wooded, showing. some open area, includes old hunting cabin, _______________________________33-18 electric, $199,000. Field and Stream RE. Warminster > 55 community. 2 BR, 2 BA with bsmt condo. $200K. dgr5162@verizon.net ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� _______________________________32-16 _______________________________33-18
FREE LIST ������������ Of North Carolina and2 water acCondo 4 Sale, Endwaterfront Unit, 3rd Fl., BD/1 BA, cess homesites, real bargains available. No XL Kitchen-granice countertops, cherry wood reasonable offer refused, Bank financing. cabinets, H/W wood floors t/o, Mstr. BD with 1-800-566-5263. _______________________________33-20 w/i closet & loft, hi ceilings, 6ft. windows in $4 ADORABLE LANCASTER CITY Realtor, T.H. hund’s. Pet friendly. Doree Gitzes, What a beauty! This fantastic Chestnut Hill Long boasts & Foster Realamenities Estate, of 215-348-0000, home all the a new home X-8015. Open House, Sunday May 3, 1-3 with the warmth & character of a historic home. Attractive front porch, off street parking, large _______________________________33-18 master suite with master bath, remodeled cherry kitchen, some original hardwoods. $269,900. Call Andy F. RE/MAX Assoc of Lanc. 717-569-2222, 717-371-7088 Direct. _______________________________33-21
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�������������������� ������������������������ “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 ........................��������.
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���������������� 2 B R h o u s e w / p a r k i n g , deck Art Museum Area-- off 26th St. (800 N. Bambrey, 19130) 800 N. Bambrey--Corner house on quiet street, close to public transportation. Newly renovated, 2 bedrooms, hardwood floors, 1785. Well established For Sale – The2 baths, Stouch Tavern AC, laundry, deck, PARKING, wired. $1600+ call 215-990-4850. Go to www.kratzworks.com for historic tavern located in the quaint village of Womelsdorf, rental app and pix. Berks County, PA. Turn-key operation business, real _______________________________33-17 Broker/Sales Rep. with Since 1987 Circle of Excellence Sales Award 19912007 Smithville, NJ-NJAR 55+ FOUR SEASONS3BR, estate, and “HR” liquor license included. Possibilities galore, Weichert President’s & Ambassador’s Clubs 2BA, handicap accessible, 2 sunrooms, many including Bshore. conversion!! $495,000.00 upgrades. NearB AC& and Owner Financing Office: 856.227.1950 ext. 124 3%. $299,900. 609-748-2988 or 609-335-5124. Cell: a609.221.1196 For Sale – The Naomi Hotel. Own piece of history with _______________________________33-14
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www.conradkuhn.com Realtor856@aol.com this 200+ year old property overlooking the Schuylkill River satellite TV, heat and hot water, all included. Township in Robeson Twp., BerksWashington County, You PA. Once a respite workpay; gas Office cooking and for electric. Subway 42 door. $1,200 / month. and 5070 bus atRoute the front ers along the old Schuylkill Canal; this property offers many 215-416-5545. Available May 2008. This is a Turnersville, NJ 08012 conversion options for the investor. Zoned village-com_______________________________32-18 bedroom, 2 Baths Bank Repo only $45,000! ��������������������������������������� ��������������������������� mercial. Real estate, 1.53 acres, 5Payments “H” liquor license offered. from $199/month! 5% down, 20 ����������� $369,900.00 ������ � � � � � � � � � � � � ����������������������������������������������� ��������� _______________________________32-16
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���������������������������������������������� 3������������������������������������������������ Bedroom Bank foreclosure only $207/month! Contact – Rae Wheelan, NAI2 bath Keystone ������������������������������������� 4����������������������������������������������� bedroom, home only $238/month! 5% down, 20 years @8% apr! For listings �������������������������������� �������������������� ���������������������� & Industrial, LLC ������� � � � � � � � ��Commercial � Art Museum Area-- off 26th St. (800 N. �������������������������������� _______________________________32-16 �������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������� � � � � � � �tour. ����� for your personal Bambrey, 19130) Corner house on quiet ���������������������������� ���������������������������������������������� street, close to public transportation. Newly ������������������������� PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS rwheelan@naikeystone.com • 610-370-8514 ���������������������������������������������� renovated, ������� � 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood ___________________________________ floors, AC, laundry, deck, www.naikeystone.com PARKING, wired. ���������������� ����������������� ����������������������������������������������������� � � � � �your � � � � �own � � � �bedroom ���� ����������� ����������� $1600+ call 215-990-4850. Go to kratzworks. Have in a beautiful split ����������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������� level home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 com for pix. � ���� � ���� Lovely 3 bd. 1 ba. fully furnished home in �������������������������������� full baths, W/D, upper and lower decks, use of _______________________________33-20 ������� � � � � beautiful secluded gay court. 2 blocks to kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 ���������������� � � � � � �jitney � � � � � �at� �corner. � beach, Long season-12,500. ������������������������� ���������������������� Two bedroom split-level apartment on second min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least ���������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������� neat and employed. Rent is $600 + floor of row home at 20th and Christian streets. reasonably _______________________________32-17 �������� ����������������������������������������������� LR, kitchen/dining, bath, small foyer. On-street 1/3 utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. ������������������������������ ����������������������������������������������� parking, pets okay. Utilities separate. $875+two _______________________________33-19 Lg. twhnse, 3 BR, 2.5 BA. No pets or smoking.
NE Phila. house to share. $350/mo. Call Jim, months deposit. Scott 267.736.6743. �������� _______________________________32-19 215-821-1062. _______________________________33-18 ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������� ��������������������������� _______________________________33-18 ����������������� of affordable rentals. Full/partial ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1 BR apts. avail. Various choices. $750 to Best selection�������������� �������� ������������������ weeks. Call for free brochure. Open daily. THE ARTS ��������������������������������������������������������������������� Beach blk. ShareRITTENHOUSE lovely 3 BR house w/senior $1000/mo. CallAVENUE soon,OF215-901-0041. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102 Online ����������������������������������������������������� 226 W. RITTENHOUSE SQ -2 br/den. 2 bth,Must newlybe ���������������������������������������������������������� 250 S. 13TH STREET- 1 br, doorman building, hw fl, ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� citizen. Full house privileges. em_______________________________33-21 ����������������������������� renovated,$950/mo. with park view, $895,000 Tom Gangemi ����������������������������� tenant occupied $230,000 Kera Ritter ployed. Call Jim at 609-458-3711 ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������� _______________________________32-16 401 S. 17TH ST-401 S. 17TH: Quaint space, great location, ������������� SPRUCE ST (CENTER CITY ONE)-2br, 2 bth, 29thbath, fl to discuss details. ����������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� eld, 3 1326 room apartment, living room, kitchen, new kitchen, commercial on 1st floor.Debordieu, $499,900. KeraThe ���������������������������������������������������� views $435,000 Tom Gangemi Jewels �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������� and bedroom (all Large rooms) 2nd floor, _______________________________33-19 Ritter of the South Carolina Coast. House/ ���������������������������������������� OLD CITY condo 2rentals. Beach vacations start cable. here! Share BR apt. Upper Darby, W/D, ����������������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������� SOUTH PHILADELPHIA private entrance. $1000.00 month, includes www.lachicotte.com. ������������������ For availability call 1$350. Call 610-352-1188. 244-48 N. 3RD, ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� UNIT 3B – Corner unit condo, parking 1904 S. 9TH ST2br home in Bella Vista w/ large living utilities. Call 215 686-3431 ������������ �������������������������������������������������������� included $225,000 Kera Ritter or 215-468-9166 _______________________________33-21 room, $139,900 John Perno _______________________________32-16 evenings. ������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������������ Roommate wanted to share SPRING GARDEN WASHINGTON WESThome in Norris_______________________________33-24 ����������������������������������������������� town. $600/mo. half Ref. req. 541 S. 12TH ST UNIT +A-��������������� 2br, 2utils. bth condo newlyMust love 1601 SPRING������������������������������������������������������������������� GARDEN ST #419- gorgeous upgraded unit, ���������������������������������������������������� cats. call deeded 610-270-0288. Noyard drugs. renovated, parking, court $389,900 Tom ��������������������������������������������������� elevator and������������������ secure $169,000 Janis Dubin ��������������������������������������������������� Entire 3rd floor apartment for rent has large _______________________________33-21 Gangemi �������������������������������������������� �������������������� eat-in kitchen with ice maker, built in micro, ���������������������������������������������������������� ��������������� d/w, garb FOR RENT disp. lots of counter and storage. hall ����������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������� �������� closet, rent includes all THE PHEONIX ������ very large living room,NEW LISTING����������������������������������������������� channel a washer/dryer, Various,Tevo. one andbathroom two bedroomhas condos available for rent in Logan Square. �You can live, rent and play in the Phoenix another and bedrooms with more building,hall whilecloset enjoying all two the amenities that the Phoenix has to offer. OPEN HOUSE EVERY SUN-MON, 12:00-3:00pm, �������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� closets. Heat water is also included. �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Calland Tom hot Gangemi 484-654-6117or email tomjgangemi@aol.com for an appt and more info. �������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� $1,200.00/month. is anew non-smoking build240 S. 13TH ST-. Sunny studio, kitchen, hardwood floors,Super-private $1000 includes heat-Kera Ritter ��This ��������������������������������������������������������������������� 5 1/2 acres with views, stream, ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ing. 711 S.215-416-5545. 18TH ST-2 beds/1.5 baths, backyard, 2 secure parkingwaterfall, spaces, great20’ space MO Kera Ritterfunished 3 �� ������������������������������������������������������������������ X $2,000 36’ pool. Fully ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� _______________________________33-20 226 W. RITTENHOUSE SQ-2br,den, recently renovated, balcony,bedrooms, view of park 3$3500 MO 4Tom Gangemi baths, TVs, 1 flat screen, DSL,
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�� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ ��������������������������������������������������������������������� 1601 SPRING GARDEN ST������� #419- gorgeous upgraded unit, elevator and secure MO Janis stereo, grand$1000 piano, eat-inDubin kitchen. Vine-cov������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ered dining deck. $5000 per month. June to 2314 REED ST- 6brm house $1800 MO Janis Dunis �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Sept.MObillwrite@aol.com ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3512 BARING ST – Studio, utilities included in rent starting at $900 Kera Ritter ������������������������������������������������������������ �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� _______________________________33-23 1513 S. 31ST-Ultra Modern 1 BR, 1�������������������������������������������������������� BA with deck in Gray’s Ferry. Avail May 1 - $575 MO no pets Janis Dubin ����������������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������� 250 S. 13TH -1 bedroom. Hw/fl, pets ok, heat included. Avail August 1. $1200 MO Kera Ritter ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial ��������������������� ������������� 502 W. HARVEY ST-4br Twin w/ porch, yard avail July 1 $1800weeks. MO JanisCall Dubinfor FREE brochure. Open daily. ����������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������� ��������������������� CAREER OPPORTUNITY FOR FULL TIME SALES AGENT- FOR OFFICE Holiday RealINTERVIEW Estate. CALL 1-800-638-2102 Online ��������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������� ��������������
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Gay is our middle name. SPECIALIZING IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT-CONDOS AND APARTMENTS 2-10 UNITS ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
reservations www.holidayoc.com _______________________________33-18
REAL ESTATE
PAGE 45
REAL ESTATE
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Mystery shoppers, make up to $150 a day. Drive the Big Rigs! 30 Trainees Needed ASAP. Undercover shoppers needed to judge retail $700-$800 per week, Benefits, No CDL, No and dining establishemnts. Experience not Problem. No Credit, No Problem. GIT-R-DONE required. 877-280-7603. Call Now! 1-800-961-4319. _______________________________33-19 _______________________________33-18 Pensioner, GM inn, 609-287-8779 9 AM-1 Over 18? Between High School and College? PM only. Travel and Have Fun w/Young Successful _______________________________33-19 Business Group. No Experience Necessary. �������������������������� 2wks Paid Training. Lodging, Transportation No exp. necessary, will train. PT or FT. SJ Provided. 1-877-646-5050. shore area. Call 609-645-2010. _______________________________33-18 _______________________________33-19 Now Hiring OTR Dry-Van Drivers! WESTERN ����������� Travel, ����������� Travel, Travel! $500 Sign-on and EXPRESS *Regular Home-Time *Excellent $500 Performance � bonuses. Seeking Sharp Equipment *One-Day � Orientation *BCBS Guys/Gals, Blue Jean Environment, Music Insurance *Stable,Growing Company, Must Lovers Welcome! Janelle #888-375-9795 be 22Yrs. Old, Class-A CDL required 866Start Today! 863-4009. _______________________________33-18 _______________________________33-18 Part-time, home-based Internet business. Earn $500-$1000/month or more. Flexible hours. Mailing Brochures! Weekly pay + Bonus. SupTraining provided. No selling required. FREE plies furnished. Guaranteed Opportunity. Call Now! 1-800-307-7131. details. www.K348.com _______________________________33-18 _______________________________33-18 “Can You Dig It?” Heavy Equipment 3wk ������������������������ Avg. Pay $21/hour or $54K annually including Training Program. Backhoes, Bulldozers, Federal Benefits and OT. Paid Training. Vaca- Trackhoes. Local job placement asst. COULD QUALIFY FOR GI/VA BENEFITS. 866-362tions. PT/FT 1-866-945-0341. _______________________________33-18 6497. _______________________________33-18 ���������������� National Company Hiring 18-30 Sharp People. NOW AVAILABLE! 2009 POST OFFICE JOBS. ������������������������ Able to Start Today. Transportation & Lodging $18-$20/hr. NO EXPERIENCE, PAID TRAINFurnished. NO EXPERIENCE Necessary. Paid ING, FED BENEFITS, VACATIONS. CALL ������������������� 1-800-910-9941 TODAY! Ref #PA09. Training. Over 18+ 866-734-5216. ����������������������������� _______________________________33-18 _______________________________33-18
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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.
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Intern(s) may also have the opportunity (depending on level of interest and journalistic skills) to attend local events (press conferences, rallies, PAGE 47 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 procient. (Prefer Word, e-mail, In-Design, Excel. Photoshop a plus.) Organized, detail oriented Solid written and verbal communications skills; knowledge of AP style Team player
Please send résumé, cover letter and three writing samples to Sarah Blazucki, Editor, Philadelphia Gay News, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147. Or e-mail, editor@epgn.com.
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�������� ���������� 2001 Toyota Celica GTS $2500! 2 door,custom Wishing to adopt newborn to nurture and made orange exterior, black interior, 96500 adore. Will provide your baby with warm, miles, 6 speed manual, 4 cyl. Contact info: loving, stable home. You will be treated with corysmoore@gmail.com or call at (208) respect/ confidentiality. Expenses Paid. Please call Glenna 1-866-535-8080. 977-9080. ������������������������ ������������������� _______________________________33-18 _______________________________33-18 ����� �������������� ���������������������������� Receive $1000 Grocery Coupon. Noah’s Childless loving woman (teacher) wishes to ������������������� Arc Support No Kill Shelters. Research to adopt a newborn. Financially secure home Advance Veterinary Treatments. Free Tow- with close extended family. Legal/Confidential. ing, Tax Deductible, Non-Runners accepted Expenses paid. Please call Denise: 1-866-2011-866-912-GIVE 4602 Pin#01960. _______________________________33-18 _______________________________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
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55 MAY 1 PAGE - 7, 2009
REAL ESTATE
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12TH & DICKINSON ST. ��������� 3 roomonly apartment, living room, kitchen, bath, From $2,990.00--Convert your LOGS and bedroom (all Large rooms) floor, TO VALUABLE LUMBER with your2nd Norwood private $1000.00 month,also includes portableentrance. band sawmill. Log skidders availutilities. Call 215 686-3431 or 215-468-9166 able. www.norwoodsawmills.com/300n Free evenings. information: 1-800-578-1363-Ext300-N. _______________________________33-24 _______________________________33-18 AVENUE OF THE ARTS ���������������� Entire 3rd floor apartment forProzac, rent has large Buy Soma, Ultram, Fioricet, Buspar eat-in kitchen with iceQuantities. maker, built in micro, $71.99/90 $107/180 PRICE INd/w, garb disp. lots of counter and hall CLUDES PRESCRIPTION! Overstorage. 200 meds closet, very large living Offer: room, #21A31. rent includes all $25 Coupon. Mention 1-888channel Tevo. bathroom has a washer/dryer, 531-6744. tri-pharmacy.info another hall closet and two bedrooms with more _______________________________33-18 closets. Heat and hot water is also included. ������������������������� $1,200.00/month. is a non-smoking buildCall today for yourThis Medicare approved Power ing. 215-416-5545. Wheelchairs & Scooters. ABSOLUTELY NO _______________________________33-24 COST TO YOU if qualified! ELDERKARE MEDIN THE1-888-54-ELDER(35337) GAYBORHOOD ICAL SUPPLIES 1 BR apts. avail. Various choices. $750 to _______________________________33-18 $1000/mo. Call soon, 215-901-0041. ������������������������������ _______________________________33-21 Limited Offer! Power Wheel Chairs & Scooters GUEST HOUSE ON ESTATE ACT NOW: 1-800-719-0024. Upper Dublin (Ambler). Newly remodeled, 3 _______________________________33-17 BR, 1.5 BA, hdwd flrs., C/A, pool, glamorous ������������������� kitchen overlooks formal $1800/mo. Kayak Pools looking for gardens. Demo Homesites to 215-542-5642. display new maintenance free Kayak Pools. _______________________________33-23 Save thousands of $$. Unique opportunity! 2 BR HOUSE W/PARKING 100% financing available. 1-877-499-POOL. Art Museum Area-- off 26th St. (800 N. _______________________________33-18 Bambrey, 19130) Corner house on quiet ����������� street, close to public transportation. Newly Distributor must sell entire inventory of leftrenovated, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths,w/Sundeck, hardwood over 2008 Pools! HUGE 31’x19’ floors, AC, laundry, deck,(Install. PARKING, Fence,Filter ONLY $890! extra) wired. 100% $1600+ call 215-990-4850. Go Call to kratzworks. FINANCING! 3-Day Installation! Us! 1-866com for pix. 237-2217 sapphirepools.biz _______________________________33-20 _______________________________33-18 APARTMENTS NEAR RITTENHOUSE SQ. Great Studio and One Bedroom Apartments �������� close to Rittenhouse Square! $795-$995. Why not be near the Square this summer? Great Location, close to restaurants, stores, etc. For Insurance Agency for Sale: Major National More Information, call (215) 546-1424. Insurance Company has local agencies for _______________________________33-20 sale. Great Opportunity to run your own busiBENSALEM, BUCKS CO. ness. Please reply: Fax#866-296-7535 or Single home, 2 BR, 1 bath, refrigerator, new W/ agencyforsalepa@aol.com D, W/W carpet, easy access I-95, walking dis_______________________________33-18 tance R-7 train. Call Vince, 215-639-8512. ���������������������� _______________________________33-20 Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local BREWERYTOWN 3 BR/3 BA HOME candy route. Includes 25 Machines and Candy Beautiful home w/garage, 1400 square ft All for $9,995. 1-800-460-4027. in Brewerytown Square built 2006 for rent _______________________________33-18 in June. $2,100 /month +util. Literally steps �������������������������� from Fairmount Park and the Art Museum. ��������� 3br, 3 full ba (master bath w/double sinks & Commercial Office Cleaning. Operate a Busidouble headed shower), beautiful kitchen (GE ness that YOU own! Since 1984, as low as Profile stainless appliances, gas range, Brazil$1500 down, Equipment, Support, Customers. ian granite countertops and bar, stone floor), Phone: 717-260-3678. stunning large plank wood floors throughout, _______________________________33-16 plush carpet in each br, separate living/dining rooms, full size front loader W&D, one car garage and one car driveway in gated area, security system, tons of storage, master br with large walk in closet, Skyline view from private balcony. 202.669.7812 or djmcintire@hotmail. �������� com Avail. June. Painting and paper hanging, reasonable prices. _______________________________33-21 45 yrs experience. Neat and clean work. Sonny, 2 BR APT. IN CC SOUTH 215-888-1099. IN THE NEW GAYBORHOOD _______________________________33-18 Two bedroom split-level apartment on second ��������������������� floor row *Medical, home near 20th and*Paralegal, Christian From of Home. *Business, streets. Living room,Justice. kitchen/dining area, *Computers, *Criminal Job placement bathroom, Perfect centralFinancial location Aid for assistance.foyer. Computer available. professionals students. Tenwww.Centuraminute walk if qualified. Callor866-858-2121 to Rittenhouse Square and on/near several Online.com SEPTA routes. On-street parking, pets okay, _______________________________33-18 utilities separate. $875 plus two months deposit ������������������� to move Available if you Maintenance want to paint Train forin.high payingnow, Aviation the wallsFAA yourapproved own colors or JuneFinancial 1st for fresh, Career. program. aid boring white walls. Scott 267.736.6743. if qualified -Housing available. CALL Aviation _______________________________33-23 Institute of Maintenance (888)349-5387. _______________________________33-18
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��������������������������� 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 56
REAL ESTATE
RENT
Very Desirable Newly Renovated Studio. $1025 Full kitchen with stainless steel appliances, ceramic glass cook top with oven. Ceiling fan. Self controlled A/C and Heat. Wood Flooring. Ceramic tiled bathroom.
Nice view. Fantastic Location. Situated just off Center City’s East Ave of the Arts. Everything the city has to offer right at your doorstep. Short walk to Kimmel Center - Academy of Music - Liberty Place - City Hall - Rittenhouse Square - The Gallery - Chinatown. Rent Includes All Utility’s and Amenities •Maintenance free •Gas Electric Water •Trash removal and Pest Control •On-site laundry •Lobby with High speed Internet Access •Cable TV •24 hr lobby attendant •Fitness center •Call for more details.
215-333-7250 / 215-873-1712 / 267-240-6139
LOVE TO COOK? WELCOME HOME! Locust & 21st Street. Very large, elegant 2 bed room, 2 bath apartment in Historic Victorian building. Separate entrance into sunlit foyer, Double parlor with fireplace, den, new fully equipped gourmet eat-in kitchen including commercial dual fuel range, refrigerator/ freezer, washer/dryer, dishwasher, and garbage disposal. Huge walk-in closets. Hardwood floors. Central air conditioning. Parking included. $3250. Available August 1, 2009.
Call today for your Medicare approved Power Wheelchairs & Scooters. ABSOLUTELY NO COST TO YOU if qualified! ELDERKARE MEDICAL SUPPLIES 1-888-54-ELDER(35337) _______________________________33-17 ������������������������������ Limited Offer! Power Wheel Chairs & Scooters ACT NOW: 1-800-719-0024. _______________________________33-17 ������������������� Kayak Pools looking for Demo Homesites to displaySTUCK new maintenance free Kayak Pools. IN THE DOLDRUMS? Save thousands $$. Unique opportunity! Be a roommate forof 2 positive thinking men who 100% available. 1-877-499-POOL. want tofinancing change the world. Get involved in great _______________________________33-17 venues, learn from very progressive thinkers: ����������� writing, PR, advertising & promotions. You will Distributor must sell entire inventory lefthave life changing experiences on a dailyofbasis. over 2008 Pools! HUGE Share large house in New31’x19’ Castle, w/Sundeck, DE area, 45 Fence,Filter ONLY extra) mins. frm Phila. Own$890! room.(Install. $500/mo. Must100% have FINANCING! 3-Day Installation! CallPM. Us! 1-866car. Call 302-276-2755 before 10 237-2217 sapphirepools.biz _______________________________33-20 _______________________________33-17
ROOMMATES
VACATION
���� RENTALS SECLUDED BUCKS SPREAD 5 year old Rottweiler, Georgia for adoption. Super-private 5 1/2 acres with views, stream, Female, super friendly, house and obedience waterfall, 20’ X 36’ pool. Fully funished 3 trained. All shots, spayed. For adoption. Ref. bedrooms, 3 baths, 4 TVs, 1 flat screen, DSL, req. Call Philip, 267-912-4027. A home without stereo, grand piano, eat-in kitchen. Vine-covcats preferred. ered dining deck. $5000 per month. June to _______________________________33-17 Sept. billwrite@aol.com _______________________________33-23 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. satellite TV, heat�������� and hot water, all included. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102 Online You pay; to gas cooking and electric. Subway Wishing adopt newborn to nurture and reservations www.holidayoc.com and bus at the front door.baby $1,200 adore. Will provide your with/ month. warm, _______________________________33-20 215-416-5545. Available May 2008. This is a loving, stableNorth home. You will NJ be treated with Wildwood, respect/ confidentiality. Expenses Paid. Please FLORENTINE MOTEL _______________________________32-18 call Glenna 1-866-535-8080. Beach/Boardwalk Block, Heated Pools, Ef5 bedroom, 2 Baths Bank Repo only $45,000! _______________________________33-17 ficiency/ motel units refrigerator, elevator. Color Payments from $199/month! 5% down, 20 Considering Adoption? A beautiful home, loving Brochure/ specials 609-522-4075 Dept.105 attorney and nurturing full-time mom awaits www.florentinemotel.com _______________________________32-16 your baby. Expenses paid. Call Anne & Phyllis _______________________________33-20 3 Bedroom Bank foreclosure only $207/month! (ask for Michelle/adam) 1-800-790-5260. 4 bedroom, 2 bath home only $238/month! _______________________________33-16 5% down, 20 years @8% apr! For listings
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SERVICES _______________________________32-16 �������� ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE
From Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, ��������������������������� *Computers, *Criminal Justice. Job placement Auction. Selling for the bank, Financial Late Model assistance. Computer available. Aid ���������������� Logging/Construction Equipment, 80+ Pieces. if qualified. Call 866-858-2121 www.CenturaMay 14, 10 a.m. Rockingham, NC. Iron Horse Online.com Auction, 800-997-2248, www. _______________________________33-20 Lovely 3 NCAL3936, bd. 1 ba. fully furnished home in ironhorseauction.com Start a Great Career in Heat & Air. 3wk Training beautiful secluded gay court. 2 blocks to _______________________________33-17 Accreditation. EPA/OSHA Certified. Local Job beach, jitney at corner. Long season-12,500. Placement Assist. Financing Available. May Qualify: GI/VA Benefits. 1-877-994-9904. _______________________________32-17 _______________________________33-20 AIRLINES HIRING Lg. twhnse, 3 BR, 2.5 ARE BA. No pets or smoking. Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance ���������� Career. FAACelica approved aid _______________________________32-19 2001 Toyota GTSprogram. $2500! 2Financial door,custom if qualified -Housing available. CALL Aviation made orange exterior, black interior, 96500 Institute Maintenance (888)349-5387. Best selection of manual, affordable Full/partial miles, 6 of speed 4 rentals. cyl. Contact info: _______________________________33-20 weeks. Call for free brochure. Open daily. corysmoore@gmail.com or call at (208) WASHING & IRONING Online HolidaySHIRT Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102 977-9080. Free pick-up and delivery service only, in Center _______________________________33-18 City. Ten shirts minimum, washed and ironed at _______________________________32-16 �������������� $2.50 per $1000 shirt. Call 215-732-1197 and leave eld,Coupon. Debordieu, The Receive Grocery Noah’s a massage forNo pick-up services. Jewels of the South Coast. House/ Arc Support Kill Carolina Shelters. Research to _______________________________33-21 condo rentals. Beach vacations start Advance Veterinary Treatments. Free here! Towwww.lachicotte.com. For availability call 1ing, Tax Deductible, Non-Runners accepted 1-866-912-GIVE _______________________________32-16 _______________________________33-17
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ROOMMATES PGN WILL NOT PUBLISH RACIAL DISTINCTIONS IN ROOMMATE ADS. SUCH NOTATIONS WILL BE EDITED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. ___________________________________ GREATER NE PHILA. Have your own bedroom in a beautiful split level home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 full baths, W/D, upper and lower decks, use of kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least reasonably neat and employed. Rent is $600 + 1/3 utils. Contact Dave at 215-698-0215. _______________________________33-24 Roommate wanted to share home in Norristown. $600/mo. + half utils. Ref. req. Must love cats. call 610-270-0288. No drugs. _______________________________33-21 SOUTH PHILLY Large furnished room, shared bath, full house priv. 1 blk from Broad. All utils incl. except phone. Must be employed. $450/mo. Call 215-551-7611. _______________________________33-20 Share 2 BR apt. Upper Darby, W/D, cable. $350. Call 610-352-1188. _______________________________33-21 MALVERN AREA Share pvt. furn. 3 BR, 3 BA home w/1 prof male. Updated kitchen, office, gym. Great house! $550 neg. utils. incl. Short term (2 mos. min.) OK. You get pvt. BR & BA. 484-924-9956 or dukellington@aol.com _______________________________33-22
ADOPTION
ADOPTION Wishing to adopt newborn to nurture and adore. Will provide your baby with warm, loving, stable home. You will be treated with respect/ confidentiality. Expenses Paid. Please call Glenna 1-866-535-8080. _______________________________33-20 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 _______________________________33-20 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. _______________________________33-20 ADOPT Healthy, married couple who love life and each other promise to raise your child with joy and laughter. Expenses paid. Please Call: Rosemary and Michael 1.888.688.3988. _______________________________33-20
sales experience, preferably in a similar environment. You should have a strong work ethic, good communication skills (both written andCLASSIFIEDS verbal), and an aggressive desire to sell advertising in this very special niche market. Most important, you should aspire to become an HELP WANTED HELP WANTED integral part of our successful sales team. We offer a competitive salary plus bonus, POST OFFICE NOW HIRING! Avg. Insurance. Pay $21/hour or $54K annually including as well as Health THE RAVEN Federal Benefits and OT. Paid Training. VacaApplicants should call Nick Forte at 215-625tions. PT/FT 1-866-945-0341. _______________________________33-20 in New Hope 8501, ext. 209. Email resume to nick@epgn.com 34 Driver Trainees Needed. Werner Enteror send resume to:the BIG Rigs. No CDL, No Probprises. Drive Coming soon! Now hiring for the following positions:
lem. No Credit, No Problem. $700-$800/week +Benefits Call Now! 1-800-961-4319. _______________________________33-20 Over 18? Between High School and College? Travel and Have Fun w/Young Successful Business Group. No Experience Necessary. 2wks Paid Training. Lodging, Transportation Provided. 1-877-646-5050. _______________________________33-20 Mailing Brochures! Weekly pay + Bonus. Supplies furnished. Guaranteed Opportunity. Call Now! 1-800-307-7131 _______________________________33-20 NOW AVAILABLE! 2009 POST OFFICE JOBS. $18-$20/hr. NO EXPERIENCE, PAID TRAINING, FED BENEFITS, VACATIONS. CALL 1-800-910-9941 TODAY! Ref #PA09. _______________________________33-20
�������������������������������������� • Bartenders • Servers ����������������� • Bussers • Kitchen Staff EOE
For more details please call
215-862-2081
Advertising works.
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. _______________________________33-20
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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.
_______________________________33-17 ������������������������ Avg. Pay $21/hour or $54K annually including Federal Benefits and OT. Paid Training. Vacations. PT/FT 1-866-945-0341. _______________________________33-17 MAY 15 - 21, 2009 Drive the Big Rigs! 30 Trainees Needed ASAP. $700-$800 per week, Benefits, No CDL, No Problem. No Credit, No Problem. GIT-R-DONE Call Now! 1-800-961-4319. _______________________________33-17 Over 18? Between School and College? ONLINEHigh PHARMACY Travel and Ultram, Have Fun w/Young Successful Buy Soma, Fioricet, Prozac, Buspar Business No Experience $71.99/90Group. $107/180 Quantities. Necessary. PRICE IN2wks PaidPRESCRIPTION! Training. Lodging,Over Transportation CLUDES 200 meds Provided. 1-877-646-5050. $25 Coupon. Mention Offer:# 21A31. 1-888_______________________________33-17 531-6744. tri-pharmacy.info Pensioner, GM inn, 609-287-8779 9 AM-1 _______________________________33-20 PM only. WE’VE GOT POOLS! _______________________________33-19 FOR EX: OUR HUGE 31’x 19’ w/ Sundeck, Fence, Filter, Ladders Is NOW ONLY $890! Installation Extra. 100% FINANCING! CALL Us For 3 Day Installation! 1(866)237-2217 sapphirepools.biz _______________________________33-20
FOR SALE
ing Progra Local job FOR GI/V _______ GTS need & Single Life, Den 1-800-32 _______ Now Hirin *Regular *One-Da *Stable,G Old, Clas _______ ���� No exp. shore are _______
AUCTIONS GIGANTIC VENDING & AMUSEMENT AUCTION 1000+ Bulk Vending Items, 500+ Kiddie Rides, 100+ Arcade VideoGames. Saturday 5/16 & Sunday 5/17. Preview Friday 5/15 1-7 PM & 8-10 AM mornings of auction. Vend-O-Matic, 18 Karns Avenue, Everett, PA. For more information:(714) 535-7000 or www.superauctions. com. 13% Buyers Premium, Cash & Credit Cards only. _______________________________33-20
AUTOS 1967 CHEVY CHEVELLE SS $4000, 80000 miles, 2 dr coupe, 4 speed manual, 8 cylinder, exterior: orange, interior: black. 303-593-6463. My email: dannykelos@gmail. com _______________________________33-20 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 _______________________________33-20
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This is an unpaid internship (academic credit available), 15-20 hours per week. Skills: Computer procient. (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.
FINANCIAL
BUSINESS
SERVICES
OPPORTUNITIES
Settle IRS Back Taxes for less than you owe! If you quailify we can: Stop wage garnishments. Remove bank levies, tax levies, property seizures. Stop payment plans that get you nowhere. Settle state and business payroll tax problems. Eliminate penalties, interest charges & tax liens. If you owe over $15,000 in back taxes, call now! Free consultation! No Obligation! Confidential! American Tax Relief 1-800-317-9712. _______________________________33-20 Buried in Credit Card Debt? Balances never seem to go down? Only making the minimum payments? We can get you out of debt in months instead of years. We can save you thousands of dollars. We can help you avoid bankruptcy. Not a high-priced consolidation loan or one of those consumer credit counseling programs. Call for your FREE consultation! Credit Card Relief 1-866-475-5959. _______________________________33-20
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 _______________________________33-19 100% 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. _______________________________33-20 WORKING FROM ANYWHERE Has never been easier: www.shareourjobs.com _______________________________33-20 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. _______________________________33-20
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MAY 15 2009 1 - -7,21, 2009
Want to let mom, dad and all of your exs know you’re tying the knot?
MAY 1 - 7, 2009
CLASSIFIEDS PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
SERVICES DIRECTORY
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PAGE 57 53
Dave’s K-9 College Start your pet on the right “paw” where your pet goes to school
Certified Dog Trainer Contact Dave
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
215-698-0215
SERVICES DIRECTORY
PAGE 53
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Send us your wedding/civil union/ commitment ceremony announcement and we’ll share it with the City of Brotherly Love.
E-mail information to editor@epgn.com or fax us at (215) 925-6437.
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2009 MAY 115- -7,21, 2009
CLASSIFIEDS PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY DE SANTIS Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. • Sales
• Thermostats • Condensers • Fan Motors
Licensed & Insured
• Service
• Gas Valves • Circulator Pumps • Duct Work
Office: (215) 336-0156 Fax: (215) 336-0351
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59 PAGE 51
• Installation
• Maintenance Contracts • Hot Water Heaters • Boilers & Furnaces
Residential & Commercial
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
SERVICES DIRECTORY
ARE YOU HOT!
Dowd Heating & Air Inc. 215-752-3638
2490 Williamson Court Bensalem, Pa 19020
Fax : 215-501-8306
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PAGE 60 PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
ROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY William A. Torchia, Esquire Attorney-at-Law
Estate & Tax Planning
GENERAL PRACTICE FOR THE COMMUNITY ������������������������ ����������������������������� ��������������������� ��������������������� �����������
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MAY 15 - 21, 2009
Don’t paint yourself into a corner... Hire a professional! PGN
Home Improvement
Directory
PAGE 52 - 21, 2009 MAY 15
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS CLASSIFIEDS
LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY
AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law
Concentrating in Planning for Lesbian and Gay Couples • Probate • Wills • Living Wills • Powers of Attorney
215-735-1006
1900 Spruce Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 www.amysteerman.com
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MAY 1 PAGE - 7, 2009 61
William A. Torchia, Esquire Attorney-at-Law
Estate & Tax Planning
GENERAL PRACTICE FOR THE COMMUNITY ������������������������ ����������������������������� ��������������������� ��������������������� �����������
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WM 60, 5’7’ 155, bottom, nice looking, discreet, fit, hot, seeks top men only for relationship in THE PLAYGROUND NE. 215-264-1058 LM. _______________________________33-19 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. _______________________________33-19 ������������ You: big equipment! Me: real nice white butt. 215-732-2108, 8-11 PM. _______________________________33-20
GWM seeks new friends. 610-352-1188. _______________________________33-21 ������������� Shuttle service within city limits, personal shopping, help with bags, companion service, lite cooking, dog walking & house sitting, any reasonable request. 215-205-5453. Refs. avail. Reasonable rates! _______________________________33-18 60 y.o., 5’7”, 160, 7” crossdresser looking for casual sex. Northern suburbs. 215-538-2040 ask for Zeta. _______________________________33-21
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LOOKING FOR ROMANCE Attractive GWM, warm, sensitive, caring, 48 y.o. with a smooth gymnast build looking for other GWM, 30-50, who is also in good shape. I live in NE Phila. I’m looking for guys who are also sensitive, caring with a fun personality. If this sounds interesting to you feel free to call me, David, 215-698-0215. _______________________________33-28
Erotic Dungeon Master
6’, 165 lbs., 60 year old Master, greek active, french passive requires obedient slave for training, S&M, B/D, W/S, etc. Limits respected and expanded. Assistant Master wanted. Call FRIENDS Dave at 215-729-6670, day or evening. _______________________________33-48 Xdress sex party. CD house orgy every Sat. nite. GWM couple ISO WANT TOGWMs TOP? 18-40 yrs. for 1 on 1 and group sex. Stockings, You: big equipment! Me: real nicepantyhose, white butt. 215-732-2108, 8-11 PM. etc. Starts 9 PM Sat. Call Sat. 7-8 PM 856_______________________________33-20 910-8303, ask for Mark. I’M THAT CLEAN, CUMPLIANT _______________________________33-24 D/D free, safe, sane, subm GWM, Italian, top orsincere, bottom, somewhat 7” cut. Also into snr bi WMtoys sock&tucker, sacking real McCoy. assplay, watercork sports. Bi, straight, out U mature, intuitive,Day ableor2 night. host afternoons. of R towners welcome. Call Jeff at 215-574-1824. 215-850-7900. OK to leave any message. _______________________________33-24 _______________________________33-18
6’, 165 lbs., 60 year old Master, greek active, french passive requires obedient slave for training, S&M, B/D, W/S, etc. Limits respected and expanded. Assistant Master wanted. Call Dave at 215-729-6670, day or evening. _______________________________33-48 Xdress sex party. CD house orgy every Sat. nite. GWM couple ISO GWMs 18-40 yrs. for 1 on 1 and group sex. Stockings, pantyhose, etc. Starts 9 PM Sat. Call Sat. 7-8 PM 856910-8303, ask for Mark. _______________________________33-24 GWM, Italian, top or bottom, 7” cut. Also into assplay, toys & water sports. Bi, straight, out of towners welcome. Day or night. Call Jeff at 215-850-7900. _______________________________33-22 GWM seeks new friends. 610-352-1188. _______________________________33-21 CITY SERVICES Shuttle service within city limits, personal shopping, help with bags, companion service, lite cooking, dog walking & house sitting, any reasonable request. 215-205-5453. Refs. avail. Reasonable rates! _______________________________33-19 BUTT NAKED SEX PARTY 5/23 & 24 AC area, Abescon. Like it nasty, funky & wild? Get naked or wear a jockstrap only. Sat. at 9, Sun. at 5 PM. Guys 18-50 only, decent shape. All races, tops/versatile pref. 856-562-5663. _______________________________33-21
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PAGE 64
PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS
FULL PAGE The Reef COLOR
MAY 15 - 21, 2009