PGN June 1 - 7, 2018 by The Philadelphia Gay News

pgn Philadelphia Gay News LGBT NEWS SINCE 1976

Vol. 42 No. 22 June 1-7, 2018 24 hours, 24 decades of music

Philadelphia FIGHT is primed for AIDS Education Month PAGE 2

Federal appeals court upholds trans rights at Boyertown High School

PAGE 23

‘Love is Love’ is the Stateside vodka message for Pride month

PAGE 5

Inaugural LGBT State of the Union addresses funding, diversity questions By Adriana Fraser adriana@epgn.com

By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com LGBT advocates are praising a recent order by a three-judge panel of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals that allows trans students at Boyertown Area Senior High School to access restrooms, locker rooms and other facilities consistent with their gender identity. “This case has always been about ensuring a fair and equal educational environment for transgender students,” said Mary Catherine Roper, deputy legal director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania, which was involved in defending the case. “We are grateful that the court understood that, and we are especially grateful to our clients who bravely stood up in defense of the school’s practice.” The circuit judges upheld U.S. District Judge Edward G. Smith’s denial of a preliminary injunction sought by four current students and two former students who oppose sharing restrooms and locker rooms with trans students. Smith denied their request last August. An injunction would have suspended a trans-friendly policy that has been in place in the Boyertown Area School District since 2016. The plaintiffs maintained an injunction was necessary due to alleged privacy intrusions and sexual harassment caused by the district’s trans-friendly policy. “Plaintiffs have not demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits and they have not established that they will be irreparably harmed if their [preliminary-injunction request] is denied,” the appeals panel wrote. In his ruling, Smith cited extensive remodeling at Boyertown High that provides “enhanced” privacy for students — such as multiple single-user restrooms, alternate locker rooms and curtained areas and individual stalls in common areas. The judge also cited a lack of evidence that sexual harassment and/or privacy violations were occurring due to the district’s trans-friendly policy. Boyertown is a borough in Berks County about 48 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Some 1,650 students attend the high school. The ACLU of Pennsylvania and the PAGE 8 ACLU’s LGBT and HIV

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM

Diversity, inclusion and community involvement were the hot-button topics at Philadelphia’s first-ever LGBT State of the Union, hosted by the Mayor’s Office of LGBT Affairs at the Kimmel Center. The SOTU brought together the executive directors of 10 organizations to address the public with TED Talk-style presentations. Those organizations included the William Way LGBT Community Center, The Attic Youth Center, Mazzoni Center, COLOURS Organization, Galaei, Philly Pride, Philly Black Pride, Independence Business Alliance, Delaware Valley Legacy Fund and LGBT Elder Initiative. The nonprofit leaders delivered seven-minute presentations on the achievements of the past fiscal year and future goals Amber Hikes, executive director of the Office of LGBT Affairs, said she organized the event to bring her “Community Conversations” initiative to a larger audience. “This community conversation is an THE ATTIC YOUTH CENTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DR. CARRIE JACOBS (LEFT) opportunity to highlight the incredible ADDRESSES THE LGBTQ STATE OF THE UNION ASSEMBLY MAY 29 AT KIM- work of our organizations while LGBTQ MEL’S PERELMAN THEATER. Photo: Scott A. Drake Philadelphians have the PAGE 2

COLOURS denies rumors of shutdown By Adriana Fraser adriana@epgn.com The executive director of the COLOURS Organization is refuting rumors that the nonprofit will close its doors after 27 years of service due to a lack of federal funding. Allegations surfaced on social media last week that the organization lost its primary funding from the Philadelphia Department of Health. But they’re not true, said Damon Humes, executive director. “I received many calls from all executive directors within the community expressing their concern,” Humes said. “Although we’ve faced challenges, COLOURS’ funding remains intact.” The COLOURS Organization provides community-building programs and HIV/AIDS-related services to black, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Founded in 1991, the organization is 90-percent funded by the city’s Health Department, with additional support from Philadelphia FIGHT, Philly AIDS Thrift and local community establishments such as Woody’s Bar.

Humes said that rumors started surfacing in April that COLOURS was facing a shutdown due to inadequate funding. The Health Department also refuted the allegations. “We’re aware of the rumors. We are not planning any change that would make them true,” said James Garrow, the city’s director of digital public health. “We continue to fund COLOURS to provide access to HIV testing, linkage to HIV medical care and referrals and support for individuals seeking PrEP.” Humes said the false information isn’t going to slow down COLOURS’ current efforts to rebuild the organization’s image after years of challenges and changes. The rebranding includes a community-promise initiative, in which where members of the community interact directly with COLOURS staff to provide feedback about their HIV testing experiences. COLOURS is also focusing more on community input by hosting public monthly advisory-board meetings. “We need to be as transparent as possible as an organization about the challenges we face,” Humes said. “If not, we continue to operate in a vacuum and we don’t need that anymore.” n

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 1-7, 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• William Way LGBT Community Center

Health and HIV testing 1216 Arch St.; 215981-0088, actionwellness.org

• AIDS Library:

1233 Locust St.; aidslibrary.org/

• AIDS Treatment Fact line: 800-6626080

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

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

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

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

• Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad

St.; 215-685-1821

By Adriana Fraser adriana@epgn.com Philadelphia FIGHT is featuring more community-based trainings and educational programs for its 24th annual AIDS Education Month. Kyle Chvasta, the organization’s public-programs associate, said this year’s AEM programs will extend past June. “This year we are separating the events and we’re offering a more-curated, more-focused set of programs as opposed to lining up such a rapid succession of events,” said Chvasta. AIDS Education Month comprises a series of events across Philadelphia to promote sexual health and increase HIV/AIDS awareness. Philadelphia FIGHT’s Community Health Training Alliance is overseeing the events, which include a year-long series of public workshops, conferences, webinars and symposia on health topics impacting the LGBT community. The alliance unites a range of local, regional and national experts to provide

SOTU from page 1

1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220, www.waygay.org.

• Action Wellness:

Philadelphia FIGHT offers training for AIDS Education Month

• Mazzoni Center:

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

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

• Washington West Project of Mazzoni Center:

1201 Locust St.; 215985-9206

• Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207

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

opportunity to share their ideas and their concerns while working collaboratively to find solutions,” Hikes said. Mayor Jim Kenney opened the SOTU by addressing the historic nature of the event. “It is a privilege to witness such a historic event that has brought together a multitude of organizations that serve and advocate for the greater LGBTQ community,” Kenney said. “A number of these groups have been operating for 20 years or more, which is a testament to Philadelphia’s story of LGBTQ history.” The presentations also served as an opportunity for the executive directors to address any major organizational changes. Galaei, the queer Latinx social-justice organization, addressed a funding cut to its Trans Equity Project. Francisco Cortes, interim executive director, said the board was aware of the 50 percent budget cut in January due to a change in scope from the primary funder of the Trans Equity Project. The board’s fundraising efforts were not enough to cover the reduction, Cortes said. Breakout sessions after the presentations brought the directors face to face with community members to answer questions that participants anonymously submitted. In almost all of these sessions, the questions were about diversity on their boards of

educational workshops to Philadelphia FIGHT patients, the general community, social workers, medical providers, faithbased groups and educators. The organization is also focusing attracting more young people with events such as the free Hip Hop for Philly concert and the Kiki Ball. The Hip Hop for Philly concert series encourages those ages 13-24 to participate in HIV testing. Evon Burton, FIGHT’s marketing and community outreach coordinator, said hip hop acts as a messenger about sexual health. “The concert series is an effective tool in helping to educate young people about sexual health as well as encouraging them in being advocates for sexual healthcare,” he said. An awards ceremony will kick off AIDS Education Month on June 5 with the presentation of the annual Kiyoshi Kuromiya Award for Prevention, Treatment and Justice to honorees Elvis Rosado and Lee Carson. The biggest event of the month, End AIDS: The HIV Prevention and Outreach Summit, takes place June 13. n

directors and staff. Queries about funding were targeted at COLOURS and Galaei, which has been the target of budget rumors. Chris Bartlett, William Way’s director, answered questions about volunteering efforts. The Mazzoni session invited participants to direct concerns to Lydia Gonzalez Sciarrino, Mazzoni’s newly appointed executive director. Emmett Binkowski, a member of the public who sat in during the SOTU, attended the Mazzoni breakout session and asked Sciarrino about its diversity efforts beyond the facility’s frontline staff. Binkowski said he didn’t get a clear answer, but it was a good opportunity to hear more from the new director. “I think this is important for the transparency of the community. There was a really good variety of organizations and I valued hearing about what a lot of them do. This is the first time I’ve seen some of the directors’ faces,” he added. Leona Thomas, a William Way board member, used the breakout session to learn more about the other organizations. “I went to the COLOURS session because I wanted to see what they were about. You spend years in this community and sometimes you don’t know much about the people that are serving alongside of you,” Thomas said. n

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

The 30th anniversary Philadelphia Pride Parade and Festival is June 10

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News & Opinion

10 — Creep of the Week Editorial 11 — Mark My Words Positive Thoughts Street Talk

Columns

9 — Out Law: Denying same-sex couples adoption 14 — Body U: Exercise to combat stress

Arts & Culture 23 25 26 28 31

“The danger of these anti-adoption bills is that they give a license to deny anyone with a religiously held belief that same-sex couples are unfit for parenting the right to have a family.” ~ Out Law, page 9

— Feature: One decade, one hour for 24 hours — Scene in Philly — Q Puzzle — Out & About — Family Portrait

The 30th anniversary Philadelphia Pride Parade and Festival is June 10

Our Aug. 10 Wedding Issue will celebrate local couples who have, or are planning to, put a ring on it.

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NOT A WORD: Alex Sodato reacts to photographer Matthew Pruitt’s comments during a photo shoot May 26 at Stir. The two were part of a national campaign called “The Silence Shoot,” an artistic approach to showcase those taking a stance against bullying and suicide. Pruitt will take more photos June 3 at New Jersey Pride in Asbury Park. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Liquor company says ‘love is love’ with Pride bottle labels By A.D. Amorosi PGN Contributor The families behind Stateside Urbancraft Vodka have been doing business in Philadelphia since 2015. Now, Stateside is celebrating Pride Month with a “Love is Love” label based on kinship, connection and welcome.

“We’re a company that is made up of individuals who bring fun and acceptance into our product,” said Zachary Pappas, one of Stateside’s owners, who identifies as LGBTQ. The company makes vodka using a process of cold-filtering the “cleanest, mineral-enhanced water possible and a corn base with no sugar or carbs,” said

Stateside director of operations Jenna Silverman. Stateside’s Federal Distilling Room — a bar connected to its distillery — opened in 2016 at 1700 N. Hancock St., selling the vodka as well as other spirits, brews and cocktails. The company also dedicated labels for the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory and plans to issue additional labels for the recognition of veterans’ services and breast cancer. For June’s Pride Month, the hinged bottle and design sporting the rainbow-toned label with the words “Love is Love” “is meant to be reuseable, recyclable and ecofriendly,” said Silverman. The “love is love” concept runs deep in the operation between two sets of area-based brothers – investors Zachary Pappas and Clement Pappas, and distiller-publicans Matthew and Bryan Quigley. “Our Pride label is a true representation of Stateside’s values,” said Zachary Pappas. “Celebrating Pride to me represents the incredible progress that our community has made over so many years. As an openly gay owner of Stateside and member of Philadelphia’s gay community, I am delighted to bring you Stateside’s support to your favorite restaurants, bars and clubs for this Pride Month and beyond.” n

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Trans Equity Project cuts due to funding deficit By Suzannah Cavanaugh PGN Contributor Last week’s cuts to queer Latinx social-justice organization Galaei’s Trans Equity Project, a sexual-health and HIV-counseling program serving Philadelphia’s trans community, will not be reversed, said interim director Francisco Cortes. The cuts reduced the hours of two full-time employees to part-time status and eliminated their health benefits, Cortes said. In January, Galaei received a $25,000 grant from the Walter E. Hearing Fund. Galaei posted on its Facebook page May 25 that “due to the change of scope from the primary funder, our sustaining support for the Trans Equity Project was cut in half. The Galaei Board’s spirited

efforts thus far have fallen short of the amount needed to avoid the reduction of hours and accessibility of the Trans Equity Project.” Galaei is not in a position to allocate other internal funds to offer a lifeline to the program, said Cortes. “The major funding resources for each of the programs are specifically allocated for the work that that particular program does,” he explained. “So we weren’t able to move money from the testing program or the youth program, because each is specifically allocated to do those services. The restrictions are written into the grants.” Cortes said his board of directors has come up with a plan that includes applying for multiple grants, along with fundraising efforts that the board has implemented. n

M E D I A PA R T N E R

News Briefing Three new transgender-rights bills to pass in New Jersey State The New Jersey State Assembly gave final legislative approval last week for three transgender-rights bills. Gov. Phil Murphy is expected to sign the bills, which impact how gender identity appears on certain records. The first bill establishes a transgender task force in New Jersey; the second requires death certificates to

reflect a decedent’s gender identity; and the third, called the Babs Siperstein Law, makes it easier for transgender people to amend their gender identity on their birth certificates. Siperstein was the first transgender person to become a delegate in the Democratic National Convention in 2016. Lawmakers honored her for her advocacy when the bill passed last week. “This will help educate people,” said Siperstein in a statement about the eponymous bill.

Woodbury celebrates Pride second year in a row New Jersey’s Woodbury Community Pride will be held for

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the second year in a row, this time to help fund a stipend for the faculty advisor of the new Gay-Straight Alliance at Woodbury High School. Tony Doran, president of Woodbury Community Pride said the proceeds also will go towards hosting Woodbury’s first international LGBTQ film festival in the fall. “We made great progress in our first year and we are on track to have an even more successful year in 2018,” Doran said. “I’m proud of what we’ve done and grateful for the overwhelming support. Most of all, I’m excited to be part of making Woodbury the most LGBTQ-friendly city in South Jersey.” The Pride celebration will open with the inaugural Rainbow Gala June 2. For more information on how to purchase tickets to the upcoming events, visit www.woodburycommunitypride.org.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 1-7, 2018

Mayor’s office opens Pride at City Hall

only that you are welcome here; you can celebrate here and you can celebrate yourself.”

The Mayor’s Office of LGBT Affairs office is providing a rousing launch to Pride weekend in Philadelphia with a flag-raising ceremony and block party June 7. The mayor, members of City Council and other guest speakers from the community are expected to open the ceremony, followed by a celebration with food trucks, a DJ and live entertainment until 8 p.m. Evan Thornburg, deputy director of the Office of LGBT Affairs, said the celebration is a great opportunity to kick off Pride in the heart of the city. “LGBTQ folks — those who are at the most vulnerable point politically with this current administration — are able to celebrate who they are with City Council people at the hub of where local government occurs. That sends such an amazing message not

Third annual Walt Fest Broad Street Ministry returns to Laurel Springs celebrates pride with Walt Fest, Laurel Springs’ worship ceremony annual arts and poetry festival, is back for its third year of celebrating the life and work of American poet Walt Whitman June 2 from 11 a.m-3 p.m. Whitman spent his summers in Laurel Springs from 1876-88. He wrote about historic Crystal Springs in his works “Leaves of Grass” and “Specimen Days.” The festival will take place on the banks of Timber Creek. “If you like history, poetry and art, then this is for you,” said Gene Letts, Laurel Springs city councilman. Walt Fest features elements of Whitman’s history in Laurel Springs with live poetry readings of his works, guided trolley tours

and food and crafts. The Whitman Stafford Farmhouse will feature an art exhibit and sale.

The Broad Street Ministry is hosting a Pride worship celebration June 3 at 4p.m. to celebrate the launch of Pride month. “As a community, we value the assets of our LGBTQIA+ siblings in our faith family. Join us as we kick off Pride Month with a service especially focused on celebrating the gifts we receive by striving to be an inclusive and affirming community,” said Alan Rascoe, Pastoral Fellow at BSM. BSM is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In 2012, the Church began allowing the ordination of openly LGBT people, and later amended its Book of Order to sanction same-sex marriage.

Dyke March celebrates 20 years of protest This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Philadelphia Dyke March, taking place 3-6 p.m. June 9. The march is for self-identified dykes and allies to gather, march and rally, said organizers. “We’re a protest — we’ve always been a protest, not a parade,” said Jenn Anderson, this year’s co-leader for Dyke March. “One voice that we feel in particular that is typically centered at Pride is the gay, white cisgendered male voice, and there are a lot of people who fall outside of that umbrella.” The march is a kid-friendly event that welcome dykes of all races, sizes, ages, abilities, socio-economic statuses, gender presentations and identities and sexual orientations, said Anderson. n — Compiled by Adriana Fraser

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BOYERTOWN from page 1

Project represent the Pennsylvania Youth Congress, a statewide LGBTQ youth-advocacy organization that’s an intervenor in the case. “Trans students must be ensured basic dignity in school in order to learn,” said Jason Landau Goodman, executive director of the Pennsylvania Youth Congress, in a statement. “This court has allowed the school to continue to ensure that trans students are free from discrimination at Boyertown,” he added. Aidan M. DeStefano attended Boyertown High as an openly trans student when the six students filed suit in 2017. He submitted a sworn declaration setting forth his reasons for supporting the district’s transfriendly access policy. He stated, in part: “[In 2016], I started using the male facilities at [the high school]. That feels so good. I am finally ‘one of the guys,’ something I have waited for my whole life. The other students are really supportive. In fact, I was elected to the homecoming court by my fellow students. And when I ran [track] with the guys for senior night, it felt great to hear the cheers from my male teammates. Being able to be my true self is more important than I can describe. I am on track to make the honor roll for the third marking period in a row, something I have never done before because I was too distracted and stressed. I have no trouble in the bathrooms or locker room.

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Randall L. Wenger, an attorney for Sometimes someone stares, but usually I am treated just like all of the other guys. the six students challenging the disNo one harasses me or questions me. The trict’s policy, said no student should be support from the students is really amaz- forced into an “intimate setting” with someone of the opposite sex. The dising.” DeStefano also addressed the unintru- trict “could have crafted policies that respect the privacy concerns of all stusive nature of the district’s policy. “There is never any reason for a students and are also sensitive to the needs dent to undress in front of other students. of individual students. Instead, the disThe bathrooms, of course, have stalls trict failed to fulfill its responsibility with doors that lock. And in the locker and harmed students rightfully conrooms, there are also toilet stalls with cerned about their bodily privacy. The doors that lock, and in the shower area, district must correct its policy — not there are changing cubicles with curtains only for our clients, but for all students within the [school you can pull across. district].” No student has to “This court has allowed Wenger said he watch other stuintends to seek dents changing, or the school to continue to a rehearing by a be seen by other ensure that trans students group of 13 judges students while the Third changing. Both the are free from discrimination on Circuit. The group girls’ and the boys’ at Boyertown.” will be composed showers and locker of 12 active judges rooms have private areas where people can change, as well as plus Nygaard, who is a senior judge. But Wenger’s petition for a rehearing private showers.” DeStefano graduated last June and won’t be filed until the three-judge attended the May 25 oral arguments. After panel issues a longer opinion explainthe proceeding, he said in an issued state- ing its May 25 order. Alexis Lightcap, one of the six stument that transgender students “want what everyone else wants, to be accepted for dents who filed suit, said in a statewho we are. Reversing the practices that ment: “Today’s ruling was very disaphave allowed me and other trans kids to pointing, and made me feel — again thrive at school would have been devas- — like my voice was not heard. Every student’s privacy should be protected.” tating.”

The Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian group, also represents the plaintiffs. In a statement issued after the May 25 order, ADF indicated the Boyertown case eventually may be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. “The Supreme Court has already spoken,” said Christiana Holcomb, ADF legal counsel. “The real differences between men and women mean that privacy must be protected where it really counts, and that certainly includes high-school locker rooms and restrooms. This decision is out of step with longstanding legal protection for privacy. We will continue advocating for these young students.” The school district said it is “gratified” by the court’s ruling, one that supports Boyertown’s policy to “access and accomodation.” “It is the hope of the Boyertown Area School District board and administration that this decision, which affirmed the lower court’s ruling, will be viewed as validation of the thoughtful and compassionate actions that have been taken to ensure a welcoming, quality educational environment for all of our students,” the district said in a statement. While we have always recognized the right of the plaintiffs to file their challenge, today we acknowledge and applaud all those that have supported our efforts, including the work of our legal team, and look forward to the day when this case can be marked ‘closed.’” n

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Kansas and Oklahoma joining ranks denying adoption to LGBTQ couples

Out Law

Ross added she’s concerned for LGBTQ Research shows that LGBTQ couples are four times more likely to adopt children and families looking to adopt, saying it isn’t six times more likely to raise foster children always clear which agencies will be supportthan their non-LGBTQ counterparts. By shut- ive and which won’t be. If a same-sex couple ting out these families through outright denial makes that first phone call and gets denied, of services, these states are doing the oppothey could stop the attempt and never try site of what conservatives claim their intent again. The same could be said for divorced, is: They’re reducing or single, or Jewish the number of willpeople. If they don’t Research shows that ing families eligible fit the Christian ideal, LGBTQ couples are four to adopt or foster, they don’t get to parand not increasing times more likely to adopt ticipate, or they could them. As such, in my face humiliating children and six times more refusal before finding opinion, these two soon-to-be laws, and a sympathetic agency likely to raise foster chilthe bans in Texas, that won’t discrimdren than their non-LGBTQ inate. Georgia, Alabama, Virginia and the While Mississippi’s counterparts. Dakotas, will face an ban was the last one uphill battle to prove of its kind — an all they are constitutional. out same-sex adoption ban — this new iteraLori Ross, CEO of FosterAdopt Connect, tion of laws citing “religious freedom” to diswhich operates in Missouri and Kansas, has criminate has yet to face challenges in any of said, “There’s probably more than 120,000 the states that have instituted them. It’s diffiKansas citizens who identify as gay or lescult to see how these adoption bans have any bian. Those are 120,000 Kansas citizens constitutional basis to stand on. n who are paying tax dollars to the state. They Angela D. Giampolo, principal of Giampolo should have access to step up and be a proLaw Group, maintains offices in New Jersey and vider for foster care or be an adoptive family Pennsylvania and specializes in LGBT law, family if they choose to be.” Ross also fears this law, business law, real-estate law and civil rights. Her potential legislation will end up hurting the website is www.giampololaw.com, and she maintains state’s economy and, even worse, send the a blog at www.phillygaylawyer.com. Reach out to wrong message to LGBTQ children in the fos- T:5” Angela with your legal questions at 215-645-2415 or ter-care system. angela@giampololaw.com.

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Kansas’ bill does. In Kansas, anyone of Most children live with the expectation faith working in adoption and fostering that they’ll grow up, get married, and have services — federally or state funded as children. For members of the LGBTQ community, the certainty of parenthood is well as private — can deny an LGBTQ now in question. couple. Two states, Kansas and Should both these bills be Oklahoma, could be joining the signed into law, they would ranks of states attempting to face serious constitutional chaldeprive the LGBTQ community lenges. In 2016, District Judge of adoption. Both states are proDaniel P. Jordan struck down posing legislation to allow faithMississippi’s ban on same-sex based adoption agencies the right adoption, citing the majorto discriminate by denying sameity opinion in Obergefell v. sex couples — or indeed, any Hodges, the Supreme Court of adoption candidate who doesn’t the United States decision that meet their religious litmus test — legalized same-sex marriage access to the adoption process. nationwide. Last year we saw nine major “States have contributed to anti-LGBTQ bills signed into the fundamental character of Angela marriage by placing it at the law — including three laws Giampolo center of many facets of the that allow child-welfare organizations to turn away qualified legal and social order. There LGBTQ parents seeking to adopt. In Texas is no difference between same- and oppoalone, lawmakers introduced over 30 antisite-sex couples with respect to this prinLGBTQ bills making up nearly a quarciple, yet same-sex couples are denied the ter of all anti-LGBTQ bills nationwide. constellation of benefits that the States Two of them became law — one allowing have linked to marriage and are consigned adoption and foster-care agencies to turn to an instability many opposite-sex couples away prospective LGBTQ couples, single would find intolerable. It is demeaning or divorced parents and interfaith parents, to lock same-sex couples out of a central and the other allowing ride-sharing compa- institution of the Nation’s society, for they nies such as Uber and Lyft to discriminate too may aspire to the transcendent puragainst transgender riders, regardless of poses of marriage.” the fact that both companies opposed the —SCOTUS Majority Opinion, measure and both have gender identity-inObergefell v. Hodges clusive nondiscrimination policies. The danger of these anti-adoption bills is that they would give anyone with The provisions of marriage, as defined a religiously held belief that same-sex in the Obergefell opinion, according to couples are unfit for parenting a license Jordan, include adoption. Mississippi was to deny them the right to have a family. thought to be the last state to have such a Nontraditional families will be turned away ban on record, but since the ban’s downfall, and, even worse, in Kansas, the law applies Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Virginia and the to state-based agencies that receive taxpayer Dakotas have passed legislation institutfunding. ing new bans based on religious freedom. Conservative supporters of the bills Kansas and Oklahoma will add their names argue that the intent isn’t to discriminate to that roster once their governors sign. against nontraditional families seeking to Last June, SCOTUS intervened with a adopt or foster, but to protect those orgasummary reversal of an Arkansas Supreme nizations like Catholic Charities, who’ve Court decision that ruled the state did not reduced their adoption and fostering serhave to register the spouse of a same-sex vices out of fear of a lawsuit claiming discouple on a birth certificate. For oppocrimination. site-sex parents, the practice has always This is a strawman argument: been that the mother’s husband is automatNontraditional families aren’t likely to ically added to the child’s birth certificate, seek adoption or fostering services through regardless of the genetic relation. But with Catholic Charities to begin with. But in a same-sex couple, the birth certificate left legalizing discrimination against same-sex off the biological mother’s wife with the and other nontraditional families, Kansas only difference being the sex of the mothand Oklahoma allow religious employer’s spouse. SCOTUS stepped in and held ees to refuse services based on their faith. that even in Arkansas, Obergefell provides While Oklahoma’s bill doesn’t include same-sex couples all the benefits that the a provision allowing agencies receiving states have linked to marriage for oppofederal and state funding to discriminate, site-sex couples.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 1-7, 2018

EDITORIAL PGN EDITORIAL

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Matt Barber

Editorial

Positive state The LGBT State of the Union brought together local leaders of the city’s most active and well-respected organizations to engage in candid conversation. Perhaps more importantly, the large-scale community meeting, opened by Mayor Jim Kenney, got people off-line and interacting in person. That might be one of the reasons the event was a hit. After the presentations, 35-minute breakout sessions with individual leaders took place, and the questions rolled forth. To Mazzoni Center’s CEO: What are your plans to diversify director-level staff? What are you doing to correct the “toxic” relationship between staff and the executives? What actions is the board taking against staff members who made transphobic comments to other staffers? To the Elder Initiative: What is the purpose of holding a summit later this year in Harrisburg? To COLOURS: What are the concrete next steps you’re taking to move forward? The SOTU provided a valve for questions long-swirling on social media to be addressed by people in a position to take action. Now that the leaders have answered, we may hold them accountable moving forward. The vision of the SOTU will hopefully lead to better communication between not only members of the community and their leaders, but among all of us. The COLOURS organization was recently the subject of an online campaign falsely asserting that its funding had run out and it was about to close. COLOURS is a small nonprofit serving the black LGBTQ community with HIV prevention and awareness measures. The fact that an unknown party would target an organization assisting vulnerable people is a sorry commentary on the state of our internal union. The SOTU is a reminder of the value of transparency as a way to move the entire community forward. n

Another week, another mass shooting at which is the only a school here in what so many claim to be way some people the greatest country on earth. Spoiler alert: who need menWhen your gun obsession makes children tal-health care are being gunned down in school a regular able to get it. For not occurrence, you’re not the greatest country adequately staffing on earth. agencies that are One of the kids murdered in Texas was supposed to help an exchange student from Pakistan. She children and families was to return home in June. I can’t help but by connecting them wonder how many American parents would with social workers refuse to send their kids to Pakistan. and other profes“Look what happened to that Malala,” sionals, who are undercompensated to boot. they’d say. “It’s too dangerous. Sure, you For not seriously questioning how this councould argue that Malala Yousafzai was shot try rewards men who are cruel and abusive. by the Taliban, and that is totally different And so I have no patience with so-called from what’s happening in America.” religious conservatives who are wringing their But is it, though? How is the gun lobby hands over proposed bans on “conversion” and the predominantly straight white males therapy for gays. If only they’d show as much who perpetuate gun violence not a terrorist concern about making dead kids undead as threat in the U.S.? And in this current polit- they do about making gay kids ungay. ical climate that gives racists, misogynists, It’s astounding to me that people like homophobes and gun fetishists the green Matt Barber call themselves Christians while preaching not only intolerance but light to operate with impunity, the threat of violence has only intensified. hate, and then turning around and claiming Right now #IfIDieInASchoolShooting is that anyone who disagrees with them wants trending on Twitter. Go read what young to ban Christianity. people are saying. It’s astonishing that our During a recent conversation with kids are literally begging lawmakers for Gordon James Klingenschmitt, Barber their lives. In America. In 2018. gave props to Luis Ruiz, a Pulse Nightclub I’m beyond tired of the excuses. shooting survivor who has declared himself “It’s not the guns, it’s not the guns, it’s ex-gay. not the guns,” we hear ad nauseam. We have “I love this story,” said Barber, “because more guns than we have people in the U.S. it’s a story of redemption and freedom from It’s definitely the demonic oppression It’s astounding to me that and persecution and guns. “But what about a sin lifestyle that people like Matt Barber mental illness? I believe frankly is Surely mental illness call themselves Christians spiritual in nature.” is the reason why Note what he while preaching not only these insane peoloves isn’t that Ruiz ple go on shooting intolerance, but hate, and survived one of the sprees. We need to worst mass shootings talk about mental ill- then turning around and in U.S. history. He ness, not guns,” they claiming that anyone who loves that Ruiz fits say. gay narrative. disagrees with them wants hisI anti The vast majority don’t know Ruiz. of people with menI don’t really care to ban Christianity. tal illness never hurt how he identifies. anybody because I’m not the boss they aren’t violent. of him. But it’s pretty striking that folks And if they are prone to violence, people like Barber look at the Pulse shooting and with mental illness are far more likely to see the problem as the guy dancing with hurt themselves than they are anybody else. another guy, not the guy with a gun. n I’d also like to point out what utter bullshit it is to pretend to care about mental illness D’Anne Witkowski is a poet, writer and comedian living in Michigan with her wife and son. She has been but not propose funding for mental-health writing about LGBT politics for over a decade. Follow professionals in all public schools. For tryher on Twitter @MamaDWitkowski. ing to tear apart the Affordable Care Act,

OP-ED PGN

The real meaning of Pride Recently I had brunch with Judge Dan Anders, who happens to serve as the president of the International Association of LGBT Judges. He tells me they believe that there are likely more than 600 LGBT judges in the United States, and even more incredibly there are OUT judges in every state in the nation, including the most-red states such as Alabama and Mississippi. He also gave me the following statistics:

you pride? Well, flash back to 1970: There wasn’t an OUT judge in the nation, in England the name Oscar Wilde was still not respected and it was still illegal to be LGBT publicly. Here in the States, according to a Gallup poll, only 33 percent of Americans believed that LGBT people should be teachers, lawyers or even pick up your trash. Most state-bar associations wouldn’t accept LGBT lawyers. As one of these people who helped organize that first Pride • 12 justices on state courts march back in New York in and two justices in US territories 1970, it sometimes amazes me • First openly gay judge: Steve how some have tried to interrupt Lachs, Los Angeles, appointed what our mission was. 1979 This Pride month, while we • First openly lesbian judge: seem to be caught up in so Mary Morgan, San Francisco, many controversies within our appointed 1981 community, let’s take a short • First openly transgenbreak to look at what we have der judge: Vicky Kolakowski, Mark Segal accomplished and take pride at Oakland, appointed 2011 how we have grown a commu• First openly bisexual judge: Mike nity. Here’s the simple point of that mission Jacobs, Georgia, appointed 2018 of the first Pride: Unite as a community, • 12 openly LGBT federal judges regardless of your political position. If you were out and proud, we welcomed you. Then he added, “We have had openly Judges, teachers, parents and even police are LGBT justices on the equivalent of the welcome, since we as a group are in no posiU.S. Supreme Court in Australia, Germany, tion to judge people. That is how we have Ireland and South Africa. We also have an been oppressed for 2,000 years. n openly gay judge who is the Master of the Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s mostRolls in England, which is the second-highaward-winning commentator in LGBT media. You est ranking judge in England and Wales by can follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ appointment of the Queen herself.” MarkSegalPGN or Twitter at https://twitter.com/ June is Pride month. Doesn’t that give PhilaGayNews.

Mark My Words

Positive Thoughts

Desirée Guerrero

How writing about people living with HIV inspired profound change in my own life About a year and a half ago, I was in a dark place. After a painful separation from the love of my life, I felt not only completely broken inside but also scared as hell. And I needed a job, pronto. After all, I was a single mom now and I had mouths to feed. After weeks of job searching and getting turned down for employment by both Target and a local RV dealership, you could say my sense of self-worth wasn’t the greatest. I was on the verge of turning 40, jobless, broke and very, very sad. At that point, I lacked the motivation to even try to apply at another crappy job that I didn’t want. But what the hell was I going to do? Well, I did the only thing you can do when life has you by the huevos and you’re doing the best you can, despite the overwhelming odds against you at the moment — I left it to the universe. I very consciously put out this “wish” of sorts; this hope, this prayer: Let me find a job that needs me as

much as I need it, and that has the ability to grow into something more. Another couple of weeks passed. Still nothing. And then one day I saw the ad for an “editorial assistant” with a telecommuting option (basically, single-mom heaven). I have always loved writing and been interested in journalism, but never had an opportunity to pursue it — so with zero professional experience and only an old blog to show as examples of my writing, I went for it. And somehow, out of 2,000 some-odd applicants, I got the job. It certainly seemed that the universe had answered my call. Within a couple months I was promoted to assistant editor, and a few months after that to an associate editor, now writing and editing for three national publications. One of these is Plus magazine, a health mag that focuses on all aspects of living with HIV — from the latest treatment breakthroughs to discussing stigma and

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 1-7, 2018

Street Talk What's your reaction to Harvey Weinstein turning himself in on rape and sex-abuse charges? "Harvey Weinstein is entirely repulsive. What a dreadful man! I'm super delighted to see the Chelsea Meyers #MeToo design researcher movement Queen Village moving forward. But there are so many more men who need to be prosecuted, and not just for crimes against straight, white famous women — though their voices should be heard. But there is so much more that needs to be uncovered."

“Clearly, he misused his power to take advantage of women. I’m glad he will be held accountable. This [prosecution] is Jon Rost long overdue, physician in my Gayborhood opinion. I’m optimistic the [criminal-justice] process will work correctly.”

"Everyone deserves a fair trial. If justice prevails, the truth will be heard. I'm keeping an open mind. No one is Colleen Taggart above the law student law. If Mr. Chinatown Weinstein should be found guilty, his sentence should be equal to the conviction — just like anyone else."

"I think it's good. I'm glad that he's facing consequences for his actions. Enough people have experienced Olivia Turner his abuse student to give the Fairmount allegations credence. I hope the people who have been victimized by him get some sort of closure."

mental health. Of course, like most of us, I had known a few people affected by HIV in my life, but, sadly, growing up in the ’80s, before the development of today’s very-effective antiretroviral therapy — you often found out after it was too late. The reality is, right up until today, stigma still prevails and many people living with the condition fear “coming out” as poz. And many aren’t truly able to do so safely in their lives. However, there are still many others who bravely choose to go public with their status as a direct response to this stigma. One of the first people I interviewed for Plus was Eric Leonardos, a Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist. On a whim, Leonardos took an opportunity to appear on the Logo reality dating series, “Finding Prince Charming.” Not only did the handsome and charming Leonardos “win” the show by being chosen by its eligible bachelor, Robert Sepulveda

Jr., he made history by opening up about being poz on one of the episodes. Though the relationship didn’t last (but ended on friendly terms), the impact of Leonardos’ coming out on television continues to be felt. Not only did Leonardos tell the world he was not ashamed to be living with HIV, but the fact that Sepulveda didn’t let his status (or fear of the stigma attached to dating someone who is poz) dissuade him from wanting to pursue a relationship with Leonardos was monumental. Since coming out poz, Leonardos has not only continued to thrive in his career in the world of beauty and fashion, but he has also become a quietly fierce activist for people living with HIV and other marginalized people. He is often asked to speak at events and share his story, which — as a gay conversion-therapy survivor from Bible-belt Texas — includes much more than just his diagnosis. Leonardos’ PAGE 14

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 1-7, 2018

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Life can be stressful. A total of 56 mended ways to manage stress. Exercise percent of older adults (ages 72-plus), improves focus and energy levels, and the 57 percent of baby boomers, 61 perrelease of endorphins, which activate a percent of gen-Xers (ages 39-52) and 59 son’s opiate receptors. The receptors act as percent of millenials (ages 38-18) are natural painkillers and make us feel good. stressed, according to a study last year by Exercise can also improve confidence and the American Psychological self-esteem. Association. The Association for Applied Most of these stressors Sport Psychology recommends revolve around money, politics/ a 10-minute walk at low intenfuture of the U.S., work, viosity to improve mood and lence and crime. On top of all increase energy. This can be a these things, it is common for walk around the neighborhood individuals to get wrapped up by yourself, with your dog or in their everyday routines and a friend or even a walk to the responsibilities and forget about grocery story. Endurance activitaking care of themselves. This ties such as running, swimming can create more stress as things and hiking as well as resistance/ continue to pile on. cross-training exercises such Stress is your body’s way lifting weights and rock Megan Nino as of responding to any kind climbing, are also effective to of demand — good or bad. begin an exercise regimen. If When stress is activated, the body releases someone is already working out but also chemicals such as dopamine, adrenaline finds that stressful, it is best to switch up (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepithe regimen. Try lifting two-three times a nephrine), which tells the adrenal gland to week and either go rock climbing, boxing produce cortisol. Cortisol can help control or swimming one-two times per week. blood-sugar levels, regulate metabolism, Another suggestion is to change the locahelp reduce inflammation and help with tion; maybe try working out outside, at the memory formulation. Cortisol becomes beach or a different type of gym environa problem when stress is chronic. It can ment. Switching a routine or location can interfere with learning and memory, do wonders and will add excitement. This lower immune function and bone density, type of situation may result in learning a increase weight and blood pressure, chonew skill or buying new gear. lesterol and rates of heart disease. Be proactive in managing stressors by An individual cannot avoid stress implementing some physical activity or because physiologically the body needs exercise in your life. n it, just not in excess amounts. Ways to manage stress include: seeing a therapist, Megan Niño is a kinesiologist and personal trainer exercising, managing your time, prioritiz- through her business, Vigor Vida Fitness & Wellness. ing your to-do list, budgeting and medita- She is an energetic and positive person who prides herself on teaching others to find empowerment in tion/prayer. The Anxiety and Depression Association their lives through fitness. She trains her clients out of Optimal Sports Club and offers in-home training in of America maintains that exercise and Philadelphia and on the Main Line. physical activity are the most recom-

Body U

THOUGHTS from page 11

brave decision to go public led to remarkable things in his own life, but it also led to great change in my own. As two people from different parts of the country, who had very different cultural upbringings, I was surprised at my connection to him. The shame and rejection he felt as a gay teen sent away to be “cured” wasn’t dissimilar to what I had experienced, at least emotionally, as a frightened pregnant teen from a Catholic family sent away to a continuation school. And there’s the all-powerful stigma; the paralyzing fear of the world treating you like less. Though I certainly am not claiming I know what it’s like to deal with HIV stigma firsthand, Leonardos’ story is powerful and relatable.

I have now interviewed dozens of other poz folks, some famous, some not. Many are just regular folks busting their asses every day in the trenches in the fight against HIV, but each with an inspiring story. Those people are thriving, not sitting around feeling sorry for themselves. They have demonstrated to me and countless others that no matter what hand life deals you, a positive attitude and an open heart and mind — and a caring support team — are all you need to make it through. n Desirée Guerrero is the associate editor of Plus magazine. This column is a project of Plus, Positively Aware, POZ, TheBody.com and Q Syndicate, the LGBT wire service. Visit their websites — http:// hivplusmag.com, http://positivelyaware.com, http:// poz.com and http://thebody.com — for the latest updates on HIV/AIDS.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 1-7, 2018

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Mayor’s Office introduces more inclusive Pride celebration By Adriana Fraser adriana@epgn.com The Mayor’s Office of LGBT Affairs is hosting a month-long series of events with more-inclusive spaces for the 30th anniversary of Philadelphia Pride. “We’re creating spaces for people who don’t necessarily thrive in large-scale festival-styled places,” said Evan Thornburg, the deputy director of the Office of LGBT Affairs. “We’re providing options of intimate spaces that [everyone] can freely move in and out of.” This year’s celebration includes events for LGBTQ families, disabled community members, sober peo-

ple and LGBTQ artists. The celebration will include a Disability Pride hosted by the Office of People with Disabilities on June 16. The Mayor’s Office also partnered with Philadelphia Family Pride and the Mount Airy Arts Garage to host the first Philadelphia Family Pride and Arts Festival. “Philadelphia Family Pride usually does a picnic every year, and I believed that it should be something bigger,” said Thornburg. “I grew up with two dads. There weren’t many spaces to go and see queer families. I thought I was the only one. People can come and bring their children and see the celebration of this kind of family structure — queer people creating communities, homes and families.” n

Pride Month Events • Pride and Chill Saturday, June 2 3-5 pm LOVE Park • My Queer Body Story Workshop Sunday, June 3, Time TBD BahdeeBahdu Gallery RSVP required, limited space available. • Pride in the Plaza Thursday, June 7, 5-8 pm City Hall Courtyard • All Light Ups Friday, June 8 - Sunday June 10 Confirmed Locations: Ben Franklin Bridge, Boathouse Row, CHOP, PECO • “What Does Pride Mean to You?” Exhibit Opening Friday, June 8 City Hall, Bahdeebahdu Galley, Imperfect Gallery • Pridefest at Penns Landing for 30-Year Anniversary Sunday, June 10 • The Philadelphia Free Library Pride Series: Screening of “Philadelphia” Wednesday, June 13, 5:30 pm Lovett Memorial Library, 6945 Germantown Ave. • Opening Event for InLiquid’s Art for the Cash Poor Thursday, June 14, 6-9 pm Spring Garden and 10th For more information visit https://inliquid. org/aftcp/

• Boathouse Row lit up again June 15-17 • The Philadelphia Free Library Pride Series: Screening of Ma Vie En Rose Monday, June 18, 6:00 pm Falls of Schuylkill Library, 3501 Midvale Ave • Intergenerational Panel Tuesday, June 19, Evening Skyline Room, Main Branch of Free Library • The Philadelphia Free Library Pride Series: Screening of “Paris Is Burning” Wednesday, June 20, 6:00 pm Chestnut Hill Library, 8711 Germantown Ave. • Pride Night Market Thursday, June 21, 6-11 pm Gayborhood, in front of William Way Center The Mayor’s Office is collaborating with the Food Trust to provide food trucks and help raise awareness about LGBTQIA+ community resources. • Philadelphia Family Pride and Arts Festival Saturday, June 23, 11 am-5 pm Lovett Library Park • The Philadelphia Free Library Pride Series: The Incredibly True Adventures of Two Girls in Love Monday, June 25, 6:00 pm Oak Lane Library, 6614 N 12th St.

• Disability Pride Saturday, June 16, 10 am-4 pm Starts at National Constitution Center

• The Philadelphia Free Library Pride Series: Screening of Tongues Untied Wednesday, June 27, 6:00 pm Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library, 68 W. Chelten Ave.

• Art for the Cash Poor Saturday, June 16, noon-6 pm Behind Union Transfer For more information visit https://inliquid. org/aftcp/

• Final Art Exhibit Opening/My Queer Bodies Story Event June 29 and/or 30 (Location and further information currently unavailable.)

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 1-7, 2018

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Dining Out Family Portrait Out & About Q Puzzle Scene in Philly

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PAGE 26

Taylor Mac brings 240 years of music in 24 hours “I’m not making the show about identity, but it’s definitely the queerest show you will ever see” By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Philadelphia International Festival for the Arts is presenting a special performance of out artist, singer and writer Taylor Mac’s internationally acclaimed “A 24-Decade History of Popular Music” June 2 and 9 at the Kimmel’s Merriam Theater. Philadelphia-based artists including Martha Graham Cracker, Tangle Movement Arts and Cynthia Hopkins will be part of the 24-hour performance covering 240 years of pop-music history, featuring a decade each hour. The performances will take place in two 12-hour pieces one week apart. Mac once performed the show as a 24-hour marathon in New York City in 2016. He said the marathon in Philly will be the last in the USA. “It’s going to be a challenge. I’m excited to see how it all shapes up. It tears me apart, but there’s something very satisfying about it. It’s emotional for the audience to go through all that material. The show isn’t about history — it’s all about how we’re in this together. It’s fascinating to hang out with a group of people for a really long time and go through the history together. It does something. It changes the audience in a way, and galvanizes the performers. Even though I feel exhausted, there’s a beautiful peace about it when it gets to the end.” Mac reaches back to the birth of the country for this epic musical journey. “I make the distinction between pop and popular,” he said. “It’s just music that was

popular within a certain community. And sometimes it’s the community of the entire United States, and sometimes it’s a smaller community. And they’re not necessarily American songs, they’re just songs that were popular in America.” Which decade resonated with him in particular? All of them, he said. “They’re all my babies. I love performing all the various decades. There are certain decades where it was harder to find music that I cared about. I had to do a little more digging, but everything has something interesting.” Mac said he adds his own twist to the music, turning a maudlin song into a punk version, for example, or taking a Ted Nugent number and rendering it sentimental. “We’re always taking things and transforming them to use it for our purposes. I don’t always pick songs because I like them. Every so often, there’s a song in the show that is a really bad song, but we’ll do it because there is a purpose to it.” Through 240 years of American music history, songs remain an effective way to convey a message or a sentiment to the masses, said Mac. “From ‘Amazing Grace,’ which helped to inspire anti-slavery laws that would pass in England long before America, popular songs tend to be written to rally the masses to something, whether it’s to fight a political cause, or to fall in love with something. A lot of war songs have survived. It feels like the songs back then had an agenda of placating the status quo, making you feel

comfortable with God and country. That also shows so much about our history. As we get later, the songs celebrate more of the full range of the human being instead of telling you that you should be just one thing. We could choose to be sophisticated and have good politics now and be progressive, or we could choose to ‘make America great again.’ The argument that people are a product of their time doesn’t really hold, because there are lots of different types of people who were all products of their time.” Mac said that as the years progress, the choices of popular songs increased exponentially, making it harder to figure out what to put into the show. It was easier to figure out which songs wouldn’t work with the performance. “It became challenging to choose as it got later, because it’s an onslaught of material.” With regards to the early 19th century, Mac said it was hard to figure out exactly when these songs written and that there were fewer options. “By the time I got to the later material, it was nice to be able to not have to figure out how to make a particular song work. That song doesn’t work? Let me go find one that does, because there are 20 other songs with a similar theme.” Advances in technology made the show a lot easier to research and write, he said. “If I had done this show 20 years ago, I would have had to get a travel grant to be able to go to all the libraries to do the research.Now everything is online. We have so much access now.”

The point of the show is to provide a fuller, richer history of the United States as told through its songs, Mac said. “I’m just here to remind people of what they’ve forgotten, dismissed or buried. I feel my job is to figure out what the questions are and hopefully the audience will try to figure out the answers for the rest of their lives.” Mac said that while LGBT writers and performers are woven into the fabric of popular music throughout its history, the show isn’t about spotlighting their contributions to the art form. “Yes, there were tons of queers who have contributed to music, but that is not what the show is doing. What it does do is it hangs out with the queer — I’m a big ol’ queer, along with a lot of other queer performers for the 24-hour show. That’s not to say that I don’t spend a lot of time with Walt Whitman or try to figure out who the dandy is in ‘Yankee Doodle Dandy,’ or hang out with some of the great queer songwriters. I always think of identity as a sub-theme. It’s always present and the reference for contextualization, but it’s not really the point for me. I’m not making the show about identity, but it’s definitely the queerest show you will ever see.” n Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts presents Taylor Mac and “A 24-Decade History of Popular Music,” noon-midnight June 2 and 9 at the Kimmel Center’s Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-893-1999 or visit www.taylormac.org.

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‘Fun Home’ at the Arden: surviving the bonds of family By Gary L. Day PGN Contributor

ity, nor did she understand the nature of the many, though transitory, friendships he would form with a succession of young men. Cartoonist Alison Bechdel is justly renowned for the gentle humor and deep humanity she imbues into her characters. The adaptors have not always managed to capture the tenor of Bechdel’s unique voice — though at times it does shine through, giv-

Complicated family issues can haunt us. How we cope, and how they shape us as people, is the central theme of “Fun Home,” the new musical at the Arden Theatre. “Fun Home” is based on an autobiographical graphic novel by lesbian artist Alison Bechdel, creator of “Dykes to Watch Out For,” the seminal comic strip that ran in gay and lesbian publications nationwide (including PGN) from 1983 to 2008. The novel illustrates some of the family issues Bechdel has dealt, including her coming-out process in college, but also paints a portrait of her father. Bruce Bechdel was apparently a complicated man, alternately loving and overbearing — and a promiscuous closet case who killed IZZY CASTALDI (MEDIUM ALISON) AND JACKIE himself not long after his SORO (JOAN) IN THE ARDEN’S FUN HOME. daughter came out. Photo: Ashley Smith, Wide Eyed Studios “Fun Home” was adapted for the stage ing the play some of its funniest and with music by Jeanine Tesori and book most humane moments. The scene and lyrics by Lisa Kron. The Arden’s where the mature Alison cringes as master of all things musical theater, Terrence J. Nolan, directs with his usual the college-age Alison makes her first clumsy fumbles into lesbian sexuality skill and panache. While the show is is priceless. structured to pluck at the heartstrings By and large, “Fun Home,” as crafted of a mainstream theater audience, and by Tesori and Kron, is an inoffensive, does so effectively, Bechdel’s unique mainstream work intended to appeal to a and subtle voice is often lost in all the standard Broadway audience, and mostly stagecraft. it does that. The characters are sympa “Fun Home” is basically a flashback thetic, the children are charming and all play. The mature Alison (played by the appropriate emotional beats are hit. Mary Tuomanen) watches her memo What we don’t get is a real understandries of childhood and youth unfold as ing of why Bruce kills himself. As played she tries to capture them in a series of by Dibble and directed by Nolan, we don’t drawings to process the experiences see that Bruce, despite being in the closet, she is reliving. We see the childhood is so troubled, and so the suicide seems to Alison (Kate Bove) and her parents come without context. As such, the charand siblings, and the college-age acter of Alison never really resolves the Alison (a particularly effective Izzy complicated issue of her father. But then, Castaldi), as well as her first relationthat could be the point. Sometimes, issues ship after coming out. with our parents are never resolved. The center of the story, of course, is As usual, the Arden has put together the complicated relationship Alison has a fully polished production. James with her closeted-homosexual father, Kronzer’s scenic design is simple yet played by Ben Dibble. Bruce Bechdel lovely. In the end, while the adaption was a funeral-home director who renof Bechdel’s story is not without flaws, ovated old houses on the side. He also enough of her voice comes through to had numerous affairs with a variety of make “Fun Home” a worthwhile addition young men. to the lesbian/gay theatrical canon. n Alison grew up adoring her father. But she never really understood him, “Fun Home” runs through June 17 at the Arden which complicated matters emotionally Theatre Co., 40 N. Second St. For more information, for her. She had a hard time dealing with the volatile aspects of his personal- call 215-922-1122, or visit ardentheatre.org.

Q Puzzle Foreign Film Across

1 With 19-Across, Broadway revival of a 1970 film 8 Home fit for a queen 14 Wonder Woman’s wrist ornament 15 Cook of “The Maltese Falcon” 16 Word after poet 17 Draws a bead on 18 Gay rights defender, at times 19 See 1-Across 21 Sandra, in a “Grease”song 22 Cukor’s “Girls” 24 Fabric suffix 25 Bio. or chem. 26 Izzard in a whirlpool? 28 Lovers of Ellen, for example 29 Title for Ian McKellen 30 Poughkeepsie campus 32 Pre-kiss insert, perhaps 33 With 50- and 61-Across, line from the Chinese version of the revival? 37 Is worthwhile 38 Circumcision, e.g. 39 Brief endorsements 40 ___ bit (slightly)

42 Like a “Queer Eye” client, at first 46 Where they shoot “Will & Grace” 47 West of Hollywood 48 Legal matters 49 They could come from Uranus 50 See 33-Across 53 Pastry with fruit, perhaps 54 Sauteed delicacies 55 Veggieburger, at Hamburger Mary’s 58 Fashion designer Pucci 59 Maidenhead, for example 60 Spruce up 61 See 33-Across

Down

1 Followed a trail 2 With “ass,” hurried 3 Tan relative 4 One ruled by a queen 5 Plug attachment 6 Hairy Himalayans 7 British carbine 8 Showy cock’s partner 9 Sigourney Weaver sequel 10 Life partner 11 Margaret Cho show 12 Meeting unexpectedly, with “upon” 13 Crash into the

ground, slangily 14 Zorro was a gay one 20 Cause anguish to 22 Ballet move 23 Canadian gas brand 27 Burl of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” 28 Prima ___ evidence 31 Castro, in San Francisco 32 Kunis of “Black Swan” 33 Escort from the bar to your room 34 Off rhyme for a lane on “Desperate Housewives” 35 Activist Clare Boothe ___ 36 Vietnam neighbor

37 They ring twice, in film noir 40 Tennis star Mauresmo 41 Jude Law in ”Sherlock Holmes” 43 Political analyst Ron 44 Like Christmas tree lights 45 Lauded makeup maker Lauder 48 Poet Vivien 51 Salmon after becoming a breeder 52 Mary had a little one 53 Spelling of “Trick” 56 “What ___, chopped liver?” 57 JFK’s successor

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Gay filmmaker on bucking social conventions in ‘On Chesil Beach’ By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor Out gay theater and TV director Dominic Cooke makes an auspicious screen debut with his astonishing film version of Ian McEwan novel “On Chesil Beach,” opening June 1 at the Landmark Ritz East. Adapted by the author, the story opens in 1962 at a seaside hotel where Edward (Billy Howle) and Florence (Saoirse Ronan) are spending their wedding night. The inexperienced couple is about to consummate their marriage, and their anxiety is palpable. A series of interlocking flashbacks reveals moments from their past that generate both meaning and emotion as Florence and Edward conform to the social expectations of the times. On the phone from the United Kingdom, Cooke explained why making “On Chesil Beach” appealed to him. “I had an amazing empathy for the characters’ situation and struggle, and that world they are [trapped] in. I was born four years after the film was set. I remember that uptight, formal, repressed English world Ian brings to life so vividly. I had not seen that moment in film. It was refreshing to make a film about sex and intimacy.” The film is absolutely claustrophobic in the hotel-room scenes as Florence and Edward attempt to have sex. Their nerves are evident in close-ups Cooke provides of Florence’s foot playing with her shoe or her hand balled up in a fist. These “tells” expose as much about her character’s insecurity as Edward’s fumbling reveal about his own. The filmmaker captures the pressure-cooker environment of the hotel room, the bedroom and even the titular beach to visually convey the constricting

SAOIRSE RONAN AND BILLY HOWLE

society of the ’60s. “We worked with this idea of two people in the wrong place and the wrong time. They are living in their parents’ and grandparents’ world. The interior spaces were 30-40 years old. They were in the wrong environment. “We wanted to do something more sustained and in keeping with the period of the ’60s; to use the camera to tell the story more than the editing,” Cook added. “We used oppressive colors to make the characters feel hemmed into the world created by their parents. In 1962, the ’60s revolution hadn’t kicked in yet. They are in that postwar austerity with Edwardian values.” Cooke provides a necessary contrast using flashbacks to depict the couple falling in love in natural settings. It is in these scenes where viewers understand who Florence and Edward really are and how well-suited they are to one another. Or, as the director said, “they are trying to find their own truth, rather than their parents’ expectation of who they should be. They are caught up in being what’s expected of them. I think the idea of living other people’s lives is something you understand as a young person — you conform to the idea of doing what’s right. They live with a lot of ghosts and history that has been handed to them — DIRECTOR DOMINIC COOKE there’s a toxic nos-

Photos: Bleecker Street

talgia.” The drama in “On Chesil Beach” pivots on a decision Edward makes when Florence suggests how they could live as a married couple. The point of this key moment is Florence’s modern belief that marriage doesn’t have to be defined by what the outside world says. It’s a point Cooke takes to heart, saying that, even today, “same-sex relationships don’t always abide by conventional ideas. LGBT folks make their own stories and are not defined by mainstream society’s expectations of what they should be.” The filmmaker acknowledged that one character’s rash decision proves the harm of acting in anger. “The lack of self-knowledge is a dangerous thing,” Cooke said. Which brings him to reveal aspects of his own life. Does Cooke believe in love at first sight, as the characters in “On Chesil Beach” do? “I’m not sure I totally believe in it, but you can have a very strong feeling beyond the erotic when you first see someone. Most relationships take time.” He addded that he’s “terribly impatient” — just as Edward discloses is his worst quality to Florence in the film. “On Chesil Beach” depicts the couple losing their virginity, and Cooke candidly discussed his first time. “When I was a teenager, I had romances and dates with girls — and some were quite nice — but they weren’t me. First time I was with a guy, I was very nervous, but it was like I was at home. It was very important, and sex is very important to our identity. Our deepest selves are there.” “On Chesil Beach” artfully examines how sex defines us and how we live our truths — and how that can haunt us as well. This well-acted and well-directed drama packs an emotional wallop. n

WELCOME BACK: Julia Scotti, the transgender comedian seen on “America’s Got Talent,” brings her charm and raucous humor to her new live CD, “Hello Boys, I’m Back.” She performs in New Hope 8 p.m. June 2 at The Rrazz Room at the Clarion Inn, 6426 Lower York Road. For more information or tickets, call 888-596-1027.

Theater & Arts Agnes Martin: The Untroubled Mind/ Works from the Daniel W. Dietrich II Collection Philadelphia Museum of Art exhibits paintings and drawings exploring the ideas that shaped Martin’s minimalist art, through Oct. 14, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100. Biting Wit and Brazen Folly: British Satirical Prints, 1780s–1830s Philadelphia Museum of Art presents the appeal of caricature in Georgian England and the ways in which those images teased and provoked audiences, through Aug. 22, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. Dancing Dead IPX Brian Sanders’ JUNK performs an

immersive dance experience set to engage all the senses, through June 2 at Shiloh Baptist Church, 2040 Christian St.; 347-933-9931. Design in Revolution: A 1960s Odyssey Philadelphia Museum of Art presents pop art and psychedelia from the civilrights and antiwar movements through Sept. 9, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100. Experiments in Motion: Photographs from the Collection Philadelphia Museum of Art presents a photographic exhibition where artists stop, extend and rearrange time for their own creative ends, through Aug. 19, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

7:30 p.m. June 8 at BB&T Pavilion, 1 Harbour Blvd.; 856-365-1300.

Nightlife Porn To Be A Star Adult-film star Chris Harder performs his oneman burlesque show 8:30 p.m. June 1 at Franky Bradley’s, 1320 Chancellor St.; 215-735-0735.

PLANNING A PRETTY PICNIC: Innovative hip-hop collective The Roots returns with its Philadelphia summer tradition, The Roots Picnic — an annual hip-hop and R&B festival with the local musicians providing the beats and grooves for performers such as Brandy, 2Chainz, Lil’ Uzi Vert and many more, along with superstar comedian Dave Chappelle hosting, starting at noon June 2 at Festival Pier, 601 N. Columbus Blvd. For more information or tickets, call 215922-1011.

“From Hallelujah to the Last Goodbye”: Dave Lory Remembers Jeff Buckley For the first time since Buckley’s tragic death in 1997, his manager talks about working with one of the most revered and critically acclaimed artists in rock ’n’ roll from his new book, 8 p.m. June 1 at TLA, 334 South St.; 215922-1011. Heather McDonald The comedian seen on “Chelsea Lately” performs June 2 and 3 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215496-9001. Inside The Closet w/Emma Willmann & Matteo Lane – Live Podcast! The two comedians share their experiences of being gay comics

in mainstream culture on their acclaimed show, 8:30 p.m. June 2 at Good Good Comedy Theatre, 215 N. 11th St.; 215-399-1279. Jean Shin: Collections Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition by contemporary artist Shin (American, born in South Korea in 1971) in which she transforms everyday objects into dynamic works about connection and belonging, through July 15, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100. Keith Smith at Home Philadelphia Museum of Art presents five decades of the Rochesterbased artist’s mixed-media photographs, prints and books, through July 8, 26th Street and

the Parkway; 215763-8100. Rachel Rose: Wil-o-Wisp/The Future Fields Commission Philadelphia Museum of Art presents contemporary video installations that ruminate on our imagesaturated culture and histories of the past, through Aug. 19, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100. Tammy Pescatelli The comedian seen on “Dirty Sexy Funny” performs June 1 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001. Tell Me On A Sunday Walnut Street Theatre presents the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical where it’s the 1980s and a young English girl, full of energy and optimism, arrives in New York ready to find success and

love, through June 10 at Independence Studio on 3, 825 Walnut St.; 215574-3550. Under The Cherry Moon The critically panned cult-classic movie starring Prince screens at noon June 3 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St; 215-222-1400.

Music Midge Ure (of Ultravox) and Paul Young The new-wave singers perform 8 p.m. June 6 at Sellersville Theater, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215257-5808. Dirty Heads The reggae band performs 6 p.m. June 7 at Festival Pier, 601 N. Columbus Blvd.; 215-922-1011. Kendrick Lamar The acclaimed rapper performs

Saved by the ‘90s Party A party featuring DJs spinning everything from Third Eye Blind and The Spice Girls to the Backstreet Boys and Beastie Boys, 9 p.m. June 1 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888. Mimi Imfurst Presents Drag Diva Brunch Mimi Imfurst, Bev, Vinchelle, Sutton Fearce and special guests perform 11 a.m.-2 p.m. June 2 at Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.; 215606-6555. Lesbian Speed Dating 20s-30s A fun way to meet new people, 7-9 p.m. June 7 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; 215-964-9675. Happy Bear The bear-themed happy hour runs 5-9 p.m. June 8 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; 215-964-9675.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 1-7, 2018

Outta Town Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band The former Beatle performs 9 p.m. June 1 at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Sleepaway Camp The cult slasher film is screened 9:45 p.m. June 1 at the Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-1228. Dave Chappelle The comedian performs 10 p.m. June 1 at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Ledisi The R&B singer performs 8 p.m. June 2 at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. A.J. Lambert: Music & Memories of My Grandfather The granddaughter of Frank Sinatra performs an evening of his classics, 8 p.m. June 8 at The Rrazz Room New Hope at the Clarion Hotel, 6426 Lower York Road; 888596-1027. n

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

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 1-7, 2018

At The Table BYOB: a hidden suburban gem By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com

We opted for the tasting menu, which offers two or three options for the first four courses, then finishes with a cheese course and dessert. The first course was raw. We chose the scallops, sliced thin and resting on roasted corn, pickled jalapeño avocado and dressed with a citrus vinaigrette. The resulting texture was silky and luscious At The Table BYOB with pleasing acidic notes. At The Table BYOB For the second course, we had the 11 Louella Court, option of the crab croquette or the Wayne prize-winning foie gras. Nothing against a 610-964-9700 prize-winner, but the crab croquette piqued http://atthetablebyob.com our interest more. The croquette was Tues.-Sun.: 5-10 p.m. crispy and light, on a garnish of mango chutney, horseradish and mustard seeds that gave the dish a nice finish of spice and fruit. The third course was grilled Spanish RED SNAPPER Photos: Dallyn Pavey octopus, a colorful and visually arresting dish. The smokiness overtook the octopus, which was a bit The cheese course that followed delivered a tasty trio tough and chewy. But the other elements of the of cheeses and lovely toast and fruit pieces. dish were outstanding, including succulent chorizo Things ended spectacularly with the chocolate surrounded by a smoky tomato purée and avocado caramel tart. The ratio of fudgy, smooth chocolate to mousse. soft, pillowy caramel was perfect — more caramel Avocado made its third and final appearance of than chocolate, with the sea-salt caramel brittle that the evening in the main entrée, red snapper — a dusted the plate delivering a balance of saltiness perfectly cooked piece of fish that was crispy on and sweetness. both sides and flaky inside. Grilled pineapple, avoIf a trip to the suburbs is an option, grab a bottle out cado salsa and chili oil gave the dish nice color, of your cellar and pull up a chair or two … (wait for it) spice and sweetness. … At The Table. n

Tucked away into a picturesque courtyard on the Main Line, At The Table BYOB is the kind of place wher suburbanites like to bring their friends — and yet also keep a secret, lest the cozy, 26-seat space get too popular for comfort. It’s easy to see why. The neighborhood is walkable and the restaurant has casual but elegant charm. The menu, conceived by chefs Tara Buzan and Alex Hardy, is concise and focused with a handful of small bites, appetizers, entrées and desserts available à la carte. A sixcourse tasting menu ($75) also is available to all guests in a given party. (Before you order, know that the restaurant is cash only.)

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 1-7, 2018

Suzi Nash

Mariah Moore and Stephanie Chado: a Dyke March match Last year, for the first time in ages, I was off on a Saturday in June, which meant I could finally attend my first Philly Dyke March in years. Huzzah! Huzzah! I gathered a few buds: Amelia Carter, Winona Wyatt and Ashley Phillips, and off we went. We met our sisters — dykes of all races, sizes, ages, abilities, socioeconomic status, gender presentations and sexualities — and took to the streets. We marched through the Gayborhood, around City Hall, down Broad Street and then back to Kahn Park. But I digress. If you’re not familiar with it, the Dyke March is “an annual rally and march to create a space that celebrates the experiences of self-identified dykes and their allies.” Part of the power and fun of PDM is that it’s not a sanctioned march; it’s a protest, a movement, and as such, no permit is solicited and no permission is asked. We spoke to two of the kickass women who help put the event together: PDM co-leader Mariah Moore and entertainment coordinator Stephanie Chando. PGN: Tell us about yourself. MM: I got my undergraduate degree from Tulane University. I used to work for the New Jersey state health department. I got my master’s in public health from Drexel and am looking to get a medical degree at some point. PGN: I guess you’re not squeamish. MM: Not at all. I know it’s morbid, but I can’t wait to cut people open for a living. I’d love to be a surgeon. PGN: What’s the craziest thing you’ve encountered in the medical field? MM: Someone let me use a bone saw on a cadaver when I was 16. It was the most fantastic thing I’ve ever done, though I’m not sure it was completely legal. I was fascinated by the idea of taking a body apart and putting it back together. PGN: And what other things signified you were a weird kid? MM: I was a bit of a wild child. I talked nonstop, which I still do. I was always around older people because of my parents, so I had a lot of conversations with grownups that weren’t necessarily age-appropriate. PGN: What’s something that, looking back, was an early sign you were gay? MM: Two things: I went to a Quaker school that was very big on teaching sex-ed early on. They showed us a film that included homosexuality when I was 10 and I was like, “Yup, that’s me.” It took me about four more years to fully accept it. The other thing is that when I was a baby, my room was decorated in rainbows and unicorns. My mother never liked the color pink, so she’d dress me in little-boy onesies, so I tease her now: “Do you realize what you’ve done here?” PGN: That’s funny. So what are you doing now? MM: I just quit my job so I can go back

to school. I was working for the state of New Jersey as a tobacco-prevention specialist. I worked on smoke-free policies in parks, urban housing, beaches, etc. PGN: Which LGBT organizations do you work with? MM: I am the current national vice president of the Gamma Rho Lambda Sorority, which is the first LGBT collegiate sorority. I founded my chapter in Tulane in 2013 and I’ve been with nationals for nearly four years. We are a multicultural sorority. I also was involved with the QSA and a queer women’s group. In 2014, I went with a friend to an “Up Against the Wall” training for PDM marshals. She picked me up and drove me to the William Way LGBT Community Center, then she practically pushed me out of the car, saying, “I have something else to do, go get involved.” And I did. I started out as a marshal, then worked on the marketing committee, the PDK (Philly Drag King) committee and now Jenn Anderson and I are the co-leaders. PGN: If someone asks what is PDM, give me the basics. MM: O.K, my 30-second pitch is that the Dyke March was started in 1998 because most of the Pride events were run by white, cis-gendered gay males and there wasn’t much diversity. So in protest, the Dyke March gave a voice to those who self-identify as dykes and their allies to take the streets to show that we deserve our place and we deserve to celebrate.

school round one.” I went to Penn for my social-work degree. I fell in love with the city and haven’t wanted to leave ever since. PGN: Excellent. What was “round two”? SC: Round two is happening now. I’m a Ph.D. student at Widener University studying human sexuality. For my day job, I’m a palliative-care social worker at Pennsylvania Hospital focusing on the sexual and intimate lives of people with terminal illnesses, particularly those closer to end of life. How can the healthcare professional help them in addressing issues around sexuality? A lot of my colleagues who are comfortable talking about death and dying, one of the most taboo subjects in our culture, are terrified of talking about sexuality or gender identity. PGN: What’s something that makes you do a complete face palm? SC: When a healthcare professional walks into a room to find the patient in the bed with their loved one and they can’t handle it — can’t understand the concept that a loved one would want to provide physical touch and

PGN: Why does being with this group seem to mean so much to people? MM: Well, for me, it’s where I met Steph, so there’s that, but from the beginning it was a place that wasn’t intimidating. Everyone was so welcoming. I’ve been one of the youngest members since I joined, and it’s a good place to feel like your voice is heard and also to gain leadership experience. PGN: Can anyone participate in the march? MM: Allies or people who aren’t dyke-identified are always welcome to the rally and march. The one rule that we have is that the stage is reserved for dyke-identified people and that’s a really broad term. We don’t police it: If you identify as a dyke, that’s good enough for us. ——PGN: So you and Mariah are a Dyke March love story. How did that happen? SC: We knew each other peripherally in the community for a long time, but we didn’t get close until we started doing Dyke March stuff. She was one of the co-leads and I was an organizer. Last summer I realized that I had a crush on her and kind of pursued her. We went on our first official date last November. PGN: Are you from this area as well? SC: I was born and raised in North Jersey. I moved here in 2006 to go to what I call “grad

comfort at what might be your most difficult time. It’s out of their realm of thinking. I had a doctor once tell me that it’s because we’re terrified of seeing patients as people, it’s much easier to see them as “the patient” or as their illness. Sexuality is a huge part of our lives and research shows that patients want to talk about these things, but they expect the healthcare practitioners to bring it up. PGN: Kind of like when someone says, “I’m not going to come out until my par-

ents ask me,” and the parents say, “I don’t want to ask unless they say something.” SC: Exactly. It’s a constant dance and we’re missing each other. And the patient isn’t getting validated and neither are their partners or families. It’s exponentially problematic for the LGBT community. PGN: When did you come out? SC: I did not come out publicly until the age of 24. I was engaged to my high-school sweetheart; he’s a cis man and we were to be married 10 years ago. Things fell apart about five months before the wedding. I’d kind of known for a while and had identified as bisexual to him. Just as I was graduating, I came out to the world, I think as pansexual. My whole life changed and I was a much happier person. PGN: Where did you grow up? SC: In Morris County, N.J. It was a very white, wealthy area, politically Democrat but fiscally conservative in a lot of ways. I think there were two families of color in our town. It was a rich, privileged public school — a different kind of bubble than I’m used to now. PGN: I noticed on your Facebook page that you call out a lot of other white people. Why is that important to you? SC: For me, I ascribe to the concept that white silence equals violence. I have a lot of people in my family of choice who are not white, obviously, and I think it’s important to take on some of the work of talking to other white folks and really engaging them in difficult conversations. It should not be on people of color to constantly educate us. I know that type of emotional labor gets exhausting and we shouldn’t expect that. We should be doing most of the work because generally we’re the ones causing the problems. Often we don’t recognize how we’re contributing to systems of oppression and racism. PGN: Who are some people we will see on the stage? SC: The newly crowned Mr. DPK 2018, Ken U. Knot; Rasta Boi Punany, who has been involved with PDM for years; Kitty Deveraux, who is a body-positive burlesque performer and a co-creator of SisterBears; and I just got word that Ashley Phillips will be singing. Boogie Rose will be the emcee and Amber Hikes will be leading us in the rally cry as we take off. And we’re still adding people. n

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 1-7, 2018

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 1-7, 2018

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SERVICES & HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 1-7, 2018

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com June 1-7, 2018

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