PGN July 10-16, 2009 edition by The Philadelphia Gay News

Philadelphia Gay News July 10 - 16, 2009

Honesty Integrity Professionalism

Vol. 33 No. 28

PA marriage bill gets Local Rep. takes over another cosponsor DADT repeal effort By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer

COUNT HIM IN: Liz Bradbury, executive director of the Pennsylvania Diversity Network, took the podium during a July 8 press conference to build support for Sen. Daylin Leach’s (D-17th Dist., front row, center) bill to legalize same-sex marriage. Leach announced during the event, which drew about 100 people, that Sen. Jim Ferlo (D-38th Dist.) had signed on as a cosponsor of the bill. Sen. Larry Farnese (DFirst Dist.) is also a cosponsor. Photo: Bolton Winpenny

By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer The bill in the Pennsylvania Senate that seeks to legalize same-sex marriage now has one more legislative supporter. Sen. Jim Ferlo (D-38th Dist.) announced this week that he has signed on as a cosponsor of SB 935, which Sen. Daylin Leach (D-17th Dist.) introduced last month. Sen. Larry Farnese (D-1st Dist.) is also a cosponsor. “When you review our great American story, the expansion of our civil rights and liberties always came about as a result of the people’s demand for justice and fairness,” Ferlo said this week. “This is now true for the GLBT community who are rightfully seeking equal rights — not any special rights, as foes would argue — for marriage or recognition of civil unions between consenting adults.” Ferlo is also spearheading a bill in the Senate that would add sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, ancestry and physical and mental disability as protected classes under the state’s hate-crimes law. The state legislature had approved the inclusion of these classes in 2002, but in 2007 a state court found that the legislative process by which the bill was passed was unconstitutional. While Ferlo endorsed marriage equality, he also noted that this may not be the most appropriate time to consider the bill, as

the legislature is currently focused on the state budget and the legislation doesn’t have enough broad support. Ferlo did, however, state that both the hate-crimes legislation and a bill that seeks to protect the LGBT community from discrimination on a statewide level both have a “strong likelihood of passage” this session. Ferlo commended Leach for putting the issue of same-sex marriage in the public consciousness. “Sen. Leach should be given recognition and applauded for his effort to advance this cause further so as to allow public debate and discourse on an issue whose time has come,” he said. Leach said this week that he expects Farnese’s and Ferlo’s support for marriage equality to encourage other lawmakers to back the bill. “I’m very grateful to both Sen. Ferlo and Sen. Farnese. This is a process, but I think over time we’re going to see more and more people supporting us,” Leach said. The bill is currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee, where supporters do not expect any movement on it until the fall. Sen. John Eichelberger (R-30th Dist.) announced in May that he would introduce a bill to amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to ban same-sex marriage. The bill has not yet been introduced. ■

U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-8th Dist.) from Pennsylvania announced this week that he has signed on as the prime sponsor of the bill to repeal the military’s ban on openly gay servicemembers. Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-Calif.), who introduced the Military Readiness Enhancement Act in March, officially left office late last month to take on the position of Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security. Murphy, 35, was elected in 2006, becoming the first Iraq War veteran to serve in Congress. He is a former prosecutor and West Point professor who earned a Bronze Star for his years of service, which included time as a captain in the 82nd Airborne Division of the Army. Murphy served as a cosponsor of the 2007 Military Readiness Enhancement Act, which died in committee. The current version of the bill has 151 cosponsors and is in the House Armed Services Committee. Congress approved “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in 1993 under President Clinton as

a compromise to the former blanket ban on LGBT servicemembers; although such individuals are currently permitted to enter the armed services, they cannot disclose their sexual orientation. Murphy said his own experience as a veteran motivated him to step up to lead the ﬁght against “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” “As an Iraq War veteran, I’ve seen how this policy has hurt our national security. See MURPHY, Page 12

MURPHY AT THE NATIONAL PRESS BUILDING IN WASHINGTON Photo: Pat Ryan/Human Rights Campaign

Allegheny County OKs nondiscrimination bill By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer

The Allegheny County Council approved a bill last week that would prohibit discrimination against LGBT county residents in employment, housing and public accommodations. The council approved the Allegheny County Human Relations Ordinance in an 8-6 vote July 1, and county executive Dan Onorato indicated later that night that he will sign the legislation. The bill, proposed by Councilwoman Amanda Green last summer, additionally creates a seven-member human-relations commission to investigate and adjudicate cases of potential discrimination. “By passing the Human Relations Ordinance, the Allegheny County Council has made fairness a priority,” said Lynn Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn. Zeitlin, executive director of Equality Advocates Pennsylvania. “The county will com.

now be a better place to live and work for all residents, LGBT and straight alike.” The county previously banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin and disability. “With this ordinance, Allegheny County is sending a message that discrimination is never acceptable,” Onorato said. The council adopted an amendment to the bill late last month that stipulates that religious, fraternal and charitable organizations can be exempt from the law if they can provide documentation that sexual orientation, gender or gender identity “constitute grounds for employment decisions under the fundamental tenets of the religion in question.” Stephen Glassman, chair of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, said that while he thought the amendment was broader than necessary, See ALLEGHENY, Page 13

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Man in women’s clothing found dead in park By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer A jogger in Fairmount Park last week found a man dressed in female clothing whom police say was murdered. Police identiﬁed the victim as 36-year-old Jermaine Scott, who lived on the 3100 block of West Norris Street in North Philadelphia. The jogger contacted police at about 6:15 a.m. July 1 after seeing the body near a trail at Ford Road and Chamounix Drive. Homicide Division Detective Timothy Scally said Scott had been shot once in the neck. Scott was dressed in a pink sweatsuit, a pink hat, a bra stuffed with socks and a blond wig. The victim had a lengthy police record, having been arrested 19 times for such charges as solicitation and assault, according to court records. Scott also was arrested for murder in 1988, but the charges were dismissed. Scally said that while police have not determined a motive in the killing, he “absolutely” believes Scott’s history of prostitution may have played a role in the murder. “The place he was found is sort of a lover’s-lane area,” Scally said. “We found several empty condom wrappers around the area.” Police combed the area with metal detectors but did not ﬁnd

any shell casings. Scally said the perpetrator could have either picked up the casing if the murder took place in the park or, more likely, murdered Scott in a car and then dumped him at the location. Police on the scene said the body was still warm when they arrived. “Right now we’re just relying on experience with this, but we think most likely it happened in a car,” Scally said. “But with no witnesses, we could use all the help we could get if anyone knows anything.” The detective said police have no suspects but are looking into the possibility that either friends of Scott or a “john” had picked him up in a car from North Philadelphia before the murder. Scally said that further into the investigation, police would be open to looking into the possibility that the murder was a hate crime, but current details of the crime indicate otherwise. “That would go to motive, but usually if it’s a hate crime, he would have been shot more than once. If it’s that type of crime, there’s a lot of anger or emotion and the person may be shot several times in several certain spots, but this looks like some type of surprise or panic.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

Pride comes to Reading By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer Nearly 2,000 people are expected to converge on Reading next weekend — not to hit the sales displays at the region’s famous outlet stores, but rather to display their own LGBT pride at Reading’s third-annual Pride celebration. The festival will run from noon-6 p.m. July 19 at Centre Park, Douglas Street and Centre Avenue. In addition to uniting the LGBT community in the immediate Reading area, Tadd Casner, promotions director for the event, said the festival has drawn diverse crowds from Lancaster, Allentown, Philadelphia and other locales throughout the state. “It’s always a real mixed crowd,” he said. “We’ve had people there

who are in high school all the way up to senior citizens. And we get men, women, transgender people. It’s a good mix of all types of people in the community.” This is the ﬁrst year that the event will feature a headline entertainer: British singer Maxine Nightingale, who rose to fame with her 1970s hit “Right Back Where We Started From.” Singer Tom Goss and several other entertainers and drag performers will also take the stage during the event. Casner said more than 85 organizations, artisans and vendors will set up shop at the festival, not only selling merchandise but also inviting the crowd to get involved in numerous community causes. To defray costs for the festival, the organizing committee hosted See PRIDE READING, Page 13

Commitment Ceremony Contest Information on page 20 of Detour

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News

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Editorial 10 International News 15 Letters/Feedback 11 7 Media Trail 5 News Briefing 7 National News 10-11 Other Views 5 Regional News 11 Street Talk

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Opponents of the California Supreme Court decision to uphold Prop. 8 ﬁle a new court challenge.

The Philadelphia Liberty Belles head into the playoffs after clinching the Northeast Division with an 8-0 record.

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

22 29 34 33 22 23 25 32

Art Director Christopher Potter design@epgn.com

Writer-at-Large Timothy Cwiek (ext. 208)

QFest Act II, plus an interview with “Lucky Bastard” director Everett Lewis.

Professional Portraits:

VNV Nation band members Ronan Harris and Mark Jackson talk about the universal appeal of their “miniDepeche Mode” sound.

Vega

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Graphic Artist Sean Dorn (ext. 211) sean@epgn.com Photographer/Graphic Artist Scott A. Drake (ext. 216) scott@epgn.com Advertising Manager Greg Dennis (ext. 201) greg@epgn.com Advertising Sales Representatives Morgan Levine (ext. 212) morgan@epgn.com

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

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

Columns

Classifieds Directories

mark@epgn.com

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

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Food Review Ms. Behavior Out Money

Mark Segal (ext. 204)

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

On the Tube

Worth Watching

Out Money

Ms. Behavior

Diversions

Wendy Williams goes from a voice to a face.

Conjuring up J.K. Rowling

Should you (and your money) be more ﬂexible?

My two gay dads

If Ricky Martin wore heels ...

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Poll results from our online survey as of July 8:

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Dining on the half-shell

Facebook MySpace Twitter YouTube Doesn’t anybody go to bars anymore?

Go to www.philagaynews.com to weigh in on this week’s question: Page 29

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National Advertising Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Office Manager/Classifieds Don Pignolet (ext. 200) don@epgn.com Executive Assistant Credit/Billing Manager Carol Giunta (ext. 202) carol@epgn.com Philadelphia Gay News is a member of: The Associated Press National Gay Newspaper Guild Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 2009 Masco Communications Inc. ISSN-0742-5155

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

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News Briefing

Regional CBLSL women host soggy, successful tourney

Singing out for Delaware Pride It’s down to the ﬁnal two contestants in the second-annual Pride Idol, a monthly karaoke contest held in Wilmington, Del., to raise money for Delaware Pride. The ﬁnale of the contest, which has been running since October, will be held from 9-11 p.m. July 12 at Baxter’s Restaurant and Lounge, 2006 Pennsylvania Ave., Wilmington. Each contestant will perform three songs — their favorite from this season, a patriotic song and “Life is a Highway” — before the audience selects the winner, who will receive more than $600 in cash and prizes and could perform at the 2009 Delaware Pride Festival. The runner-up will receive more than $150. The mic will be opened up to the audience after the show for karaoke. For more information, visit http:// groups.myspace.com/PrideIdol.

Women gather for games, networking

RECREATIONAL DIVISION CHAMPS V.I.P. Photo: Courtesy of Cathy Harris

By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer The City of Brotherly Love Softball League staged its inaugural women’s tournament late last month and, despite a stormy start, achieved a smooth finish. This is the first year that the women’s division has hosted a tournament separate from the men’s event, which was held over Memorial Day weekend. The women’s event, June 27-28, brought together 10 teams: six from CBLSL and four from other locales in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. Cathy Harris, commissioner of the CBLSL women’s league, estimated that the event drew about 200 players and spectators. On June 26, however, a brief but strong storm hit the region, swamping the Pennypack Park fields, where the games were to begin the next morning. “There was so much work going into this: putting it together, getting the sponsors together, making up the schedule and getting all of the teams there,” Harris said. “There were so many hours of work before the tournament goes on that we didn’t want anything to stop it. We didn’t want a speed

bump of our field getting flooded to get in the way.” Harris said she had a contingency plan — Dairy Fields in Fairmount Park, where CBLSL usually holds its games — but that location was also flooded. Harris, along with Patty Inacker, Kim Howes, Monica Halter and Jocelyn Ang, worked throughout the night to prepare Dairy Fields for that Saturday’s games. “Thanks to the help of my friends, we were able to work until 1:30-2 in the morning to get the field prepared,” she said. “We were determined that we were not going to let this make the tournament not happen, and thankfully we were able to pull it off.” The 10 teams were split into competitive and recreational divisions, and teams participated in three games during the Round Robin play on Saturday in order to determine their seed. The following day, the teams returned to Pennypack Park for double-elimination, with three winners emerging from the two brackets. Nick’s 114 Café from New Cumberland topped the competitive division, followed by the New Jersey Gems and CBLSL’s Camac Attack. CBLSL claimed all the recreational division places, with V.I.P. earning the top

honor, followed by Foul Play and Simons 369ers. Players also got to try their hand at a homerun derby on Saturday, in which a Gems player was victorious with 10 homeruns, taking home a $50 Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card. Harris said that, despite the messy start, the tournament was well-received by all who participated and she’s eager to expand upon this year’s success. “Everyone played with great sportsmanship and I couldn’t have asked for better weather throughout Saturday and Sunday. Next year we hope for even more teams and bigger competition,” she said. “The feedback I was getting from several different teams was that everyone enjoyed playing and will be back next year. That’s the most important thing for me. “One team traveled around the country participating in tournaments and said that this was the best-run tournament they’ve ever been to. That compliment makes me feel that all the work that went into it was worth it.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn. com.

Women from around the area are invited to attend the William Way LGBT Community Center’s monthly Sisterﬁre social, 5-6:30 p.m. July 11 at the center, 1315 Spruce St. The event will bring together women from all backgrounds for an evening of fun and games — such as poker, Twister, Trivial Pursuit and charades — and countless opportunities to meet new friends and network in the community. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, call (215) 7322220.

LGBT dancers square off Bring your partner or friends or come stag to learn more about LGBT square dancing, 7-9 p.m. July 21 at Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 2111 Sansom St. LGBT square-dance club Independence Squares, which won top honors in last month’s Pride parade for Best Performing Theme, will sponsor an open house for those interested in attending the club’s myriad dance classes and workshops. There is a $5 cover charge for the open house, and no experience is necessary. No special clothing is required, although ﬂip-ﬂops would not be appropriate. For more information, visit www. independencesquares.org. ■ — Jen Colletta

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SEPTA panel recommends end to genderized fares By Timothy Cwiek PGN Writer-at-Large The 27-member SEPTA Citizen Advisory Committee has unanimously recommended that the transit agency stop using gender markers in its farecollection system. Since the 1970s, SEPTA has placed gender stickers on its weekly and monthly passes to reduce swapping between males and females. SEPTA also issues gender-speciﬁc reduced-fare cards for seniors and the disabled. But LGBT advocates have protested this practice, noting that its implementation requires gender stereotyping on the part of SEPTA personnel, which they contend is against federal law. Now advocates have the support of SEPTA’s advisory

committee, due to the committee’s unanimous vote at its June 30 public meeting. “SEPTA is unintentionally discriminating on the basis of sex because it’s only singling out the category of gender for fraud reduction,” said committee chair Robert Clearfield. “We believe SEPTA may be violating federal law. And it’s our hope they’ll stop doing so, immediately.” This week, SEPTA general manager Joseph M. Casey said the agency would need to hold public hearings before discontinuing gender-specific TransPasses and TrailPasses. He also said a financial-impact study might be needed before making the change. “Gender stickers are legally part of our fare tariff,” Casey said. “Any change to this policy would

require formal public hearings and action by the SEPTA board. This is not an action I am authorized to take unilaterally.” SEPTA’s tariffs are published transit rates. To change them, SEPTA must hold a public hearing and convey the comments to the SEPTA board before a vote would be taken, he said. Casey said it’s possible that SEPTA’s reduced-fare cards for seniors and the disabled could become gender-neutral without the need for a public hearing, but he needed to look into the matter. “I’m not sure about the reduced cards,” Casey said. “But for the passes, I can’t unilaterally do that. I would have to put this out for public hearings, and bring this to my board for a vote.” If hearings are necessary, so be it, Clearﬁeld said.

“If SEPTA persists in the need for the tariff hearings, they should begin the process as soon as possible, unless they can demonstrate a valid reason not to proceed,” Clearﬁeld said. “SEPTA needs to understand that, as the largest transit agency in the state, they’re setting an example for others. And they’re also being supported by public tax dollars.” Members of Riders Against Gender Exclusion spoke at the June 30 meeting. They said members of the gender-variant community become vulnerable to harassment and violence when questioned about their gender by SEPTA operators. “Not only are these incidents embarrassing and degrading for the people who experience them, they also alert other riders to that person’s difference, exposing them

to the risk of further harassment or violence,” said Niko J. Amador, a member of RAGE. Casey said he’s sensitive to those concerns. Rather than hold public hearings on the gender issue, Casey said he would prefer the practice to stop when the new fare-collection system is implemented. Although the entire revamped system could take up to five years to phase in, ending the use of gender stickers could occur by 2010, he added. “At this time, it is our intent that gender identification would not be part of the new electronic fare collection,” Casey said. “That decision, however, must await the final design and approval of the new system, including fare structure and financial ramifications.” Public hearings, which will cover the entire fare system overhaul, will be held prior to the new system being implemented. Casey acknowledged that other major transit agencies, including Chicago’s, don’t issue genderspecific passes — though some railroads do, such as the Long Island Railroad and Metro North. Amador was pleased with the June 30 meeting. “The citizen advisory committee has given us their support and we appreciate that,” Amador said. “We think the onus is going to be on the community to follow up, and to keep the pressure on SEPTA. We’re happy that this meeting gave this effort a victory to build upon. And we intend to keep up the pressure.” Stephen A. Glassman, chair of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, also attended the June 30 meeting. He expressed concern that SEPTA may be delaying the process. “All of this is a delay, which is unnecessary,” Glassman said. “SEPTA could decide to stop genderizing the system in the short term, while it considers the entire restructuring of its fare process.” Still, Glassman said he remains hopeful. “I’m hoping that SEPTA will treat every individual equally and fairly by not discriminating,” he said. “It’s a statewide issue, and SEPTA can set an example for other regional transportation systems across the state.” ■ Timothy Cwiek can be reached at (215) 625-8501 ext. 208.

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

National

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Media Trail School discriminated in bathroom case BangorDailyNews.com reports the Maine Human Rights Commission found that the Orono School Department discriminated against a transgender child.

The commission’s ruling came in the case of a ﬁfth-grader who was initially allowed to use the girls’ bathroom even though she’s biologically male. Educators later required her to begin using a unisex restroom after a male student harassed her. Melissa Hewey, attorney for the school department, said the decision may make sense on an intellectual level, but she’s not sure it “takes into account practicalities that face educators around the state.” The commission’s decision is not binding and the case could be brought to court by the agency if conciliation efforts fail.

Probe called into gay sailor’s death PROP. 8 CHALLENGE CONTINUES: Attorney Theodore Olson (center) shakes hands with Proposition 8 opponents July 2 after a news conference at the Federal Building in San Francisco. Attorneys behind the federal court challenge to California’s voter-approved gay-marriage ban argued at a pretrial hearing that by stripping gays of the right to wed, Prop. 8 runs afoul of the constitutional requirement that the government should treat its citizens equally absent a compelling reason not to do so. AP Photo: Russel A. Daniels

HIV travel ban nearing its end By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services took one of the final steps in lifting the longstanding ban restricting those with HIV from entering the country last week. HHS posted a proposal in the Federal Register, a journal of all federal government actions, July 2 indicating the agency’s intention to overturn the ban. The proposal will be open for public comment for 45 days, and then HHS will have up to another 60 days to review the comments before issuing a final regulation. “We are one important step closer to finally ending this discriminatory ban once and for all,” said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign. “This regulation is unnecessary, ineffective and lacks any public health justification. We are confident that this sad chapter in our nation’s treatment of people with HIV and AIDS will soon be closed.” HIV was included in 1987 by HHS on its list of communicable diseases, along with leprosy and active tuberculosis, that would prevent entry into the country. Congress then incorporated the HIV

travel ban into the 1993 Immigration and Nationality Act; although the INA prohibits individuals with “communicable diseases” from entering the country, HIV was the only disease explicitly named in the law. Congress approved the removal of HIV from INA last summer when it passed the reauthorization of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, but stipulated that the decision to remove HIV from HHS’ list of communicable diseases lies with that agency. In last week’s proposal, the agency stated that the disease is not spread easily enough to warrant the banning of positive individuals from the country. “While HIV is a serious health condition, it does not represent a communicable disease that is a signiﬁcant threat for introduction, transmission and spread to the U.S. population through casual contact,” the proposal states. Victoria Neilson, legal director for Immigration Equality, which works to see equal rights for LGBT and HIV/ AIDS communities in U.S. immigration policies, called the proposed regulations “the penultimate step toward ending the HIV ban once and for all.”

“Our country is making great progress toward implementing a fair and sensible HIV immigration policy,” Neilson said. “Ending the HIV travel and immigration ban removes a federally sanctioned stigma and sends a strong, clear message that the United States is working to end discrimination against people living with HIV.” HHS had originally submitted the proposed regulation June 30 but then retracted it, posting a notice that the agency “inadvertently submitted an incomplete version” of the proposal. The most recent notice, which tops out at 70 pages compared with the original that ran 82 pages, estimated that 676 additional HIV infections could arise from the lifting of the ban over a ﬁve-year period. The original proposal, however, was projected based on a 20-year scale and included both immigrants and Americans, setting the number of infections at 37,780. Neither HHS nor the Centers for Disease Control, which collaborated on the regulation, responded to calls for comment on the reasoning for the changes. ■

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

MSNBC.com reports the chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee is calling for a probe to determine whether the killing of a gay sailor at Camp Pendleton was a hate crime. Rep. Bob Filner (D-Calif.) said he wants an investigation into the death of 29-yearold Seaman August Provost, found slain in a guard shack June 30. Nicole Murray-Ramirez, chair of the San Diego Human Relations Commission, said Provost’s family told her that personnel on the base had been harassing the sailor. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service has taken a “person of interest” into custody but has not ﬁled any charges.

Mennonites protest exclusion of gays 365gay.com reports an estimated 100 gay and lesbian Mennonites dressed in bright pink gathered outside the church’s ofﬁcial convention in Columbus, Ohio, on July 2 and criticized its leaders for trying to push them out. The protest brought the deeply divisive issue to the forefront of the Mennonite Church USA conference, a biannual, national gathering of 8,000 delegates. The Mennonite church does not recognize openly gay people as ofﬁcial members. But in some congregations, gay Mennonites are welcome as long as they remain celibate. Congregations are disciplined or sometimes kicked out all together for allowing noncelibate gay members to worship with them. Pastors who perform civil unions for gays risk losing their ordination. ■

— Larry Nichols

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Women’s football team charges into playoffs By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer

in the Northeast Division, the West Michigan Mayhem and the Columbus Comets are also undefeated in the Central and MidAtlantic divisions, respectively. If the team is victorious against the Speed, which has a 6-2 record, it will face either the Mayhem or Comets, who will go head to head July 11. The winner of that playoff game will head to New Orleans next month to battle the winner of the American Conference for the national championship. Belles head coach Bill Sytsma said he’s conﬁdent the team can

pull off the next two wins to make it to the championship. “We’ve been pretty successful in the last few games, and I think if we continue to execute like we have been, we have a great shot at getting there,” he said. The Belles have 38 players, who range in age from 18-42. Sytsma said this is his ﬁrst venture into coaching an allwomen’s football team, and while it’s a different task than coaching high-schoolers, it’s one he’s welcomed. “This is the ﬁrst time I’ve done this; I’ve coached high-school

football for the last eight years, so this was deﬁnitely a new experience for me, but also a very enjoyable one,” he said. The coach noted that although this is the Belles’ ﬁrst year playing since the team formed, the camaraderie among the players has fueled their continued success. “They grasp the team concept,” he said. “They play as a unit. They play as one. They’re really good friends and understand how to work as a team, so they can just go out there and play and get the job done.” Sytsma said the friends, families

and fans of the players have also contributed to the momentum. “We get a lot of community support,” he said. “Attendance at the games is great, and people have been nothing but supportive. We never get any boos, except when we’re on the road. The community has really been behind us.” For more information about the team or to purchase tickets to the game, visit www.phillybelles. com. ■

Local women’s semi-pro tackle football team the Liberty Belles are in the midst of a wildly successful comeback season, heading into the playoffs undefeated. The Belles were founded in 2001 but disbanded after that ﬁrst year, reforming for the 2009 season. The team will play its last home game at 7 p.m. July 11 at 4800 Ditman St. in the Northeast against the Indiana Speed. Jen Colletta can be reached at The Belles, a member of the jen@epgn.com. Women’s Football Alliance, have an 8-0 record, having played four home and four away games since the start of the season in April. The team clinched the Northeast Division championship on June 6, crushing the New Jersey Titans 59-0. The WFA is divided into two conferences, American and National; the Belles belong to the latter. While the Belles topped WINNING LIBERTY: Semi-pro football team the Liberty Belles, who have an 8-0 record this season, will take on the Indiana Speed at 7 p.m. July 11 the ﬁve other teams at 4800 Ditman St. Photo: Courtesy of Liberty Belles

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JULY 10 - 16, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 9

City fires head of new minority agency By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer The City of Philadelphia last week ﬁred the head of the newly revamped agency in charge of ensuring minority representation in city contracts. Michael Bell was let go July 1 as the executive director of the Ofﬁce of Economic Opportunity, a position he held for nine months. Doug Oliver, spokesperson for Mayor Michael Nutter, said Bell, who was employed by the city in various positions for 17 years,

was terminated because the ofﬁce did not produce enough tangible results under his leadership. “While we do appreciate all of his years of service to the city, there wasn’t as much progress made in his portfolio as we would have liked to have seen,” Oliver said. “Given the importance of increasing minority business and ensuring economic opportunity is available to all, we felt this was a good time to make this change.” Oliver said Bell’s replacement has not yet been named. Nutter created the OEO in October after dissolving the

Minority Business Enterprise Council, which had a similar mission but was long plagued by complaints of ineffectiveness. When announcing the new agency, Nutter said he expected Bell to compile a strategic plan for the ofﬁce by the end of January, which he did not do. The ofﬁce was situated within the city’s commerce department, which itself experienced other employment changes last week that Oliver noted were not related to Bell’s termination. Commerce director Andrew Altman resigned to take on a

position in London in preparation for the 2012 Olympics, and Nutter named Alan Greenberger, former executive director of the Philadelphia Planning Commission, as his temporary replacement. Last week Nutter also named deputy director of commerce Kevin Dow, to whom Bell reported, as the chief operating ofﬁcer of the department, a new position. Oliver noted that Dow will continue to oversee the efforts of the OEO. “With Kevin now being elevated as COO for commerce,

he still has in his portfolio the Office of Economic Opportunity and will be providing leadership until permanent appointments can be made for the positions in the department. Certainly the Office of Economic Opportunity continues to hold significant priority to the administration.” Prior to his appointment as director of OEO, Bell served as the compliance director for the Office of Housing and Community Development. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

Center to expand senior programming with grant By Jen Colletta PGN Staff Writer The William Way LGBT Community Center was recently notiﬁed that it will receive a grant to fund its outreach to LGBT senior citizens. The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging will provide the center $10,000 for its Connecting Generations program, which the organization instituted about three years ago. ’Dolph Ward Goldenburg,

PGN

executive director of the center, said William Way has received PCA funding in the past, but this is the first time the agency is contributing money toward a specific component of the initiative, called the Friendly Visitor Program. Goldenburg explained that the center identifies elderly community members and connects them with local volunteers who visit and forge relationships with them. “This program is an essential

center service because it links some of the most isolated members of our community with a friendly visitor who cares about them,” he said. “In many cases, our clients are homebound or living in a residential facility and the friendly visitor is one of their last connections to the community.” The center will use the grant to recruit new visitors and senior participants, creating 30 new pairs. There are currently several seniors and volunteers waiting to

be matched, but Goldenburg said the pool needs to be expanded to ﬁnd the best matches. “We recruit the volunteers and identify seniors and do a screening to ﬁnd a good match between them,” he said. “Right now, we have a few seniors on the waiting list and a few volunteers on the waiting list, and while the volunteers are all appropriate for the program, as are the seniors, we don’t have a good match. So our main initiative will be to go out and recruit both more seniors

and more volunteers, because the more people we have involved, the higher the potential for successful matches.” All of the center’s senior programs have a total budget of just under $40,000, and Goldenburg noted the PCA grant will enable the center to “reshift its focus” to concentrate on the continued growth of the Friendly Visitor Program. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

Go to www.epgn.com or www.philagaynews.com for a list of distribution points.

PAGE 10

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

JULY 10 - 16, 2009

Editorial Enough already Ever since the King of Pop died, mainstream media has been nigh on obsessed with rehashing Michael Jackson’s life and legacy. Though Jackson’s June 25 death was sudden, it was not entirely unexpected: The previous issue of Rolling Stone had contemplated if Jackson would be fit enough to perform his “final curtain call” in London this month. And while rumors still swirl about the cause of death, it’s almost as though the last years of Jackson’s life, his increasing eccentricity and the out-of-court settlements didn’t matter. Sure, no one wants to speak ill of the dead, but has everyone really suffered from collective amnesia? Granted, he was a talented performer who won 13 Grammys and made cutting-edge music videos. But really, before he died, when was the last time you listened to him? What was the last MJ album you bought? Perhaps more disturbing is that Jackson’s death has dominated the news cycle for two weeks, despite a disputed election in Iran, riots in China and a U.S. visit by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. The country nearly shut down for his star-studded three-hour memorial service on Tuesday, which was broadcast on TV and streamed online. So what is it with Americans’ obsession with fame and celebrities? Why are they so fascinated with a tragic life and a tragic death? Do they need to find themselves normal so much that they will scarf up any detail that validates the tragedy? Are they so curious about another’s life that they will salivate over any detail released and reported — confirmed or not — or over any update from a doctor, family friend or hanger-on looking for 15 minutes? As many a would-be star can tell you, “fame” and “celebrity” are fleeting and the public is fickle. Just as America had mostly forgotten about Michael Jackson and his music (except for his tour announcement, intermittent baby-dangling and slumber-party episodes), America will again turn its attention to the next big thing, the next thing everyone is talking about. Wouldn’t it be nice if Americans could actually invest their time in matters of importance? Say, healthcare reform? Or responding to climate change? Or, gaining equality for gays and lesbians? ■

Correction In “Philly priests face sex-abuse charges” (June 26July 2), PGN inaccurately characterized the accused men as “diocesan priests.” The priests, who taught at diocesan schools, are members of the religious order St. Francis de Sales. One of the accused still serves in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.■

Glenn Lash (glennlash@yahoo.com)

Other Views

Jennifer Vanasco

The year of gay marriage My girlfriend Jenny and I were standing on a subway platform in Harlem. She had flown in from Chicago and had just gotten off a bus from LaGuardia; I was coming home from work in Times Square. We waited for the train, facing each other, holding hands, talking, kissing occasionally. A police officer approached us. I felt a flash of anxiety. Was she going to tell us that we were disturbing other commuters? Was she going to say something that knifed our tender reunion? “Ladies,” she said. “You better invite me to the wedding.” She pointed to her badge. “Dawn Matthews,” she said. “21st Precinct.” She grinned. This is what it’s like to be in love in 2009, the Year of Gay Marriage. It’s very different from being in love in 1992, when — if I held the hand of my first girlfriend — it was a good bet that someone would shout “dykes” or worse as they passed us in the street. Or in 2003, when my girlfriend and I were sometimes given dirty looks, and were once called “faggots” as we wandered the (very-lesbian-friendly) streets of Andersonville in Chicago. Then, all people could see was that we were two women and our love

was wrong. Now, people seem to only notice that we are in love, and it is right. And we are in love — we are wildly, crazily, insanely in love, though it’s been more than nine months since we started dating. Jenny and I move in together this week. We had thought that I might move to Chicago for a few months earlier in the spring, but those plans fell through. So we kept up our relationship through video chat and e-mail and long talks on the phone at midnight and monthly visits. And whenever we’ve visited each other, someone has publicly applauded us for being in love. There was that police ofﬁcer. There was the chic African-American woman on a train who, once we had gotten up to leave, shouted out after us, “You go, girls! You’re beautiful!” There were the gay men who applauded us when we walked into a Chicago bar because they had seen us kissing outside. And there was the elderly white man at a Broadway theater who sat behind us with his wife and tapped me on the shoulder. “Excuse me,” he said. “I don’t mean to disturb you. But I just wanted to say that you both have excellent taste in women.”

This week, Jenny and I are driving her things to New York, so that she can live with me and my dog. We hope to get married once New York gets its act together and makes it legal. But in the meantime, we joke, we’re going to lie on a blanket in Central Park and be in love. And in 2009, that’s OK. No, gays and lesbians don’t have our full civil rights. No, we don’t have marriage recognition in most states, or our relationships recognized by the federal government. No, we can still be ﬁred in some states for being gay. No, we are not safe from gay bashing, or bullying, or Department of Justice briefs that compare our marriages to incest. But America is becoming an evermore-welcoming place to be gay, in small towns and big cities. People are focusing less on our gender and more on the strength of our relationships; they are seeing us less as stereotypes and more as human beings. And that’s good news for a lesbian couple who can’t hide that we’re in love. ■ Jennifer Vanasco is an awardwinning syndicated columnist. Follow her at Twitter.com/ JenniferVanasco; e-mail her at Jennifer.Vanasco@gmail.com.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

JULY 10 - 16, 2009

Letters and Feedback

Street Talk

Specter as latecomer Editor: Sen. Arlen Specter, the newest Democrat, made his first appearance at a Philly Pride event [June 14], and rated front-page coverage in PGN. He slipped in and out and spoke to a sparse crowd half an hour before the parade was to step off a mile away, saying he supported our community. Well, terrific. Where’s he been the last 35 years? If he’s so supportive, why did he vote for the Defense of Marriage Act? Why does he oppose gay marriage? Why has he been a consistent supporter of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”? Why, in short, was this his first LGBT community event since he has been in the Senate? Obviously, it’s because he’s willing to say anything to get re-elected.

At a meeting with suburban Democratic leaders, Specter was asked whether he supported the repeal of DOMA. He gave a measured, carefully prepared response about how his position is “evolving.” He would not commit, he would not give a direct answer. His position on the repeal of DADT is an equally mushy “wait for the investigations of impact.” By contrast, Rep. Joe Sestak (D-7th Dist.), his likely opponent in the Democratic primary, came to the festival after the parade, braved protesters and spoke to a large, enthusiastic crowd. His positions were clear and unclouded: He opposes DADT, and has done so since the policy was enacted. He

What celebrity death affected you the most?

See LETTERS, Page 13

Other Views Leslie Robinson Flashing their independence As fireworks boomed in celebration of Independence Day, I decided that a number of people have displayed various forms of independence lately. Take William Crilly, whose actions at the Omaha, Neb., Pride parade displayed a total freedom from common sense. The Pitch reported that Crilly attended Omaha’s Pride with a rainbow-colored wagon. Atop the wagon — which, judging by the photos, was meant to look like a coffin — a sign read, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ Our Lord.” Obviously Crilly hadn’t come to ogle the fellas. Or maybe he had — you just never know. Kansas City resident Kendra Konrady also came to Omaha with a purpose. As a Human Rights Campaign volunteer, she handed out HRC stickers along the parade route. She saw Crilly’s mini-float and heard the men with it spouting Bible verses. She tossed a few stickers onto the wagon. A voice said, “You better not do that.” Crilly pushed Konrady away from the wagon and put her in a headlock. Whiplash is not your average Pride souvenir. I usually wind up with just stickers, beads and candy. The crowd responded and Crilly let her go. She found a cop, who arrested him for assault. It might come as a shock, but I feel some sympathy for Crilly, who’s described as 66 and wearing two hearing aids. Here’s an older, deeply religious man from the Heartland who is seeing his world turned upside down by gay freedom. Or he could be a hate-filled bastard with tiny nuts. I don’t know. Either way, Crilly did a stupid thing. Making the affair worse yet for him, news of what happened spread through the Pride crowd, and HRC signed up 159 new members. Oh, the wages of putting a Pride marcher in a headlock and showing a remarkable independence from self-control. Martina Navratilova grabbed independence from

PAGE 11

her relationship over a year ago, but now the icky details are coming to light, thanks to the lawsuit ﬁled by her former partner, Toni Layton, who told Britain’s Daily Mail that the tennis legend threw her out faster than you can say “Judy Nelson.” Layton claimed that Navratilova ambushed her, suddenly ejecting her from their Sarasota, Fla., home in a scene that included aggressive security guards, changed locks and lawyers waving a $10,000 settlement document at her. “I was thrown out, left homeless, penniless and with only the clothes on my back.” Martina was kinder to Wimbledon opponents. Layton has ﬁled a domestic-partnership lawsuit against Navratilova, claiming she suffered “emotional, mental and physical trauma.” The lawsuit maintains the two agreed to split “all funds and assets earned and obtained by either while together.” Which means Layton is due a pretty Czech penny. Layton said, “The greatest irony is that all this is happening in Florida, a state that doesn’t recognize gay rights. Marti makes out she’s a champion of gay rights, yet here she is, hiding behind Florida’s antiquated same-sex laws.” This battle is shaping up to be both personally and politically ugly. Meanwhile, Martina reportedly has a new girlfriend. Despite her throwdowns with Judy Nelson and now Toni Layton, Martina shows no inclination to be independent of women. Gay and lesbian Mennonites hope to be free of discrimination from their church. While the Mennonite Church USA conference was going on in Columbus, Ohio, some 100 ministers and church members prayed and sang outside. They were dressed in bright pink. The “pink Menno” protest was all about independence from spiritual pain. And independence from good fashion sense. ■ Leslie Robinson needs to learn independence from dessert. E-mail her at LesRobinsn@aol.com.

Brian Campo accountant Washington Square West

Maxence DeKerros student Paris

“Princess Diana. She was feisty when she needed to be. And she was devoted to her charities, rather than being a socialite. She was truly a woman of the people.”

“Serge Gainsbourg. He was a really powerful poet and musician. I was very young when he died. It made me very sad. He lived in Paris, where I live. I admired him a lot.”

David Oyler law student Washington Square West

Michael Sala barrista Washington, D.C.

“Steve Irwin. I like animals and adventure. He embodied both. He had good family values. The manner of his death was particularly tragic and affecting.”

“Anne Bancroft. She had a sex appeal that transcended the coarseness and raunchiness of today. She was a woman of style and taste, yet she could seduce anyone.”

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 12

MURPHY From Page 1 Since this was implemented 16 years ago, over 13,000 troops have been discharged; that’s over three combat brigades,” Murphy told PGN this week. “With wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, we need every able-bodied and qualified individual who’s willing to serve. It shouldn’t matter what race, color, creed or sexual orientation they are.” Murphy announced the leadership change during a press conference July 8 in Washington, D.C. The lawmaker was joined by representatives of the Human Rights Campaign and Servicemembers United, along with openly gay former Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, the first veteran wounded in the Iraq War; Jarrod Chlapowski, a former Korean linguist with the U.S. Army who decided not to reenlist because of the policy; Army Staff Sgt. Genevieve Chase, executive director of American Women Veterans; and Alex Nicholson, Servicemembers United executive director, who, despite being fluent in Arabic and several other languages, was discharged from the Army under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Nicholson noted that Murphy’s military experience will bring a new perspective and enhanced credibility to the repeal bill. “Congressman Murphy’s

Karam Mounzer, M.D., Medical Director Joseph Onderein, PA-C

JULY 10 - 16, 2009

position on this outdated and discriminatory law represents the sentiment of the vast majority of the generation of men and women serving in the modern military, and we could not have a better person leading the fight to overturn that law,” he said. Murphy said he’s planning to take a multi-tiered approach to repealing the policy, focusing on heightening awareness of the detrimental effects of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” among both legislators and their constituents. “I need to meet one on one with my colleagues in Congress on both sides of the aisle and convince them as to why we need to change this policy. And we’re kicking off a national campaign to also let the public know why it’s important to act on this now.” Veterans — both gay and straight — will be traveling the country the rest of the summer educating the public on the policy through “Voices of Honor: A Generation Under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’” organized by Servicemembers United and HRC. The participants will host panel discussions, town-hall meetings, film screenings and meetings with elected officials in 10 states, including Pennsylvania, before the end of the summer. Campaign organizers are currently lining up more events for the fall. During the press conference, Murphy also announced the launch of a new Web site, www.

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letthemserve.org, which will encourage and enable visitors to contact their lawmakers and press for the repeal of the policy. Joe Solmonese, HRC president, commended Murphy for taking over the bill and noted that his stature as a war vet could be integral to success. “We applaud Rep. Murphy, a veteran of the Iraq war, for his leadership on repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and his willingness to take on the fight for the LGBT community and our country’s national security,” Solmonese said. “Rep. Murphy’s background as a war veteran makes him uniquely qualified to help lead this effort and work with the administration to repeal this law. We look forward to ensuring that our military can recruit and retain the best and the brightest troops regardless of their sexual orientation.” Paul DeMiglio, communications manager at Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, said opponents of the military ban are “very fortunate” to have Murphy leading the fight. “We believe he brings unique expertise as an Iraq veteran, as well as commitment to ending discrimination and a passion for ending ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’” DeMiglio said. “This change in leadership should be a catalyst to rededicate our efforts to get 218 cosponsors so we can pass the bill.” President Obama, who made a campaign pledge to overturn “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” has recently come under fire from LGBT activists calling on him to put an immediate halt to discharges under the policy. Obama has stated, however, that he believes a measured approach to build support for repeal by military and congressional leaders is more appropriate. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said last week that he’s interested in seeing the policy become “more humane,” suggesting that servicemembers intentionally outed by third parties should not be considered for discharge. Murphy expressed confidence that the end of the policy is in sight. “Change isn’t easy, and it doesn’t happen overnight,” he said. “But we’re committed to changing this policy. It may take months and we’re going to have a lot of work, but we’re going to make it happen.” ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

JULY 10 - 16, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

LETTERS

tax benefits, survivor benefits, healthcare benefits and all of the From Page 11 over-1,100 other benefits that are available only to married couples. told the crowd that during a 30Sen. Specter is a latecomer to year career in the Navy, he has the support of our community, and served proudly alongside LGBT he changed his positions because servicemen and women, and that he had to. Congressman Sestak the failure to allow them to serve didn’t need to change; he’s been openly and to have the benefits with us all along. accorded to the partners of It’s absolutely clear who the gay straight couples is a disgrace that must end. He is a cosponsor of the community should be supporting in this contest: Joe Sestak. bill to repeal the policy. What’s more, he opposes the Paul Scoles Defense of Marriage Act without John DiPietro equivocation and has pledged Chris Smith to work for its repeal. Most important, he said he supports The writers are officers of and will work for legislation that the Gittings Trust (www. will provide same-sex couples thegittingstrust.org), a federal the right to a union under law LGBT PAC that works for equality that is in every way identical through political action. to marriage, including federal

PRIDE READING From Page 3 several fundraisers throughout the year, which Casner said were fortunately not heavily impacted by the economic downturn. “Our ﬁrst Gay Bingo was poorly attended, but we are planning on doing it again next year so hopefully that will go better. And we hosted one of our biggest fundraisers at a Victorian mansion in the area and about 100 people came out for that, so that was pretty successful and helpful,” he said. “We also have a person on our committee in charge of fundraising who’s been doing well with corporate donations. So despite the economy, we’ve gotten a lot of support.” Casner noted that while Reading Pride offers high-quality entertainment and activities, it’s more laidback than Philly Pride. “It’s a smaller venue than Philadelphia’s Pride and a lot less hectic,” he said. “It’s right in the Gayborhood area in Reading, which is in the historic district, so it’s a beautiful neighborhood. Centre Park is totally shaded so it’s nice and cool and relaxing. You still get that mixed crowd and great entertainment, but it’s something different in a nice, relaxed setting.” Admission is $2 and a trolley will run between an off-site parking lot and the park. For more information on the festival, visit www. readingpridecelebration.com. ■ Jen Colletta can be reached at jen@epgn.com.

PGN

ALLEGHENY From Page 1 it was “the best compromise that could be achieved under the circumstances.” During last week’s meeting, 12 individuals testiﬁed in favor of the legislation and ﬁve offered testimony in opposition. The meeting drew a crowd of about 75. Councilman Chuck McCullough introduced an amendment during the proceeding proposing that the issue be posed to the public through a voter referendum rather than decided by the council. That motion failed in a 9-5 vote. Fourteen municipalities in the state have nondiscrimination laws that are inclusive of the LGBT community, and there is currently

PAGE 13

a bill before the state legislature to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Glassman said the passage of the legislation in the county, which has a population of more than 1.2 million, is a major step toward achieving equal rights for LGBT individuals throughout the state. “This is the second-largest county in Pennsylvania, and western Pennsylvania has a culture that’s quite different from the southeastern part of the state,” he said. “The fact that the two largest counties in the state, in addition to Erie County, are now protected on a countywide basis is a harbinger to increasing the opportunity for expanding nondiscrimination legislation in other parts of the state.”

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PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 14

JULY 10 - 16, 2009

Out Money Jeremy Gussick Flexible spending accounts — right for you? Q: My company has recently changed its healthbeneﬁts plan and now offers a healthcare ﬂexiblespending account. Is this something I should consider?

Recreational Activities IN THE

Meeting Place

A: I’m always pleased to hear that an employer is adding to their benefits plan, rather than cutting benefits, so that’s certainly a plus for you! A flexible spending account might be a good idea for you, depending on your circumstances. Here’s a little more detail about how it works. A flexible spending account, offered as an elective benefit by many employers, permits workers to contribute, through payroll deduction, to accounts that are designated for specific qualifying medical or dental expenses. If your employer makes an FSA available, the account typically is used in conjunction with your employer-sponsored medical plan for out-of-pocket costs not covered under the plan. All amounts contributed are pretax and funds are not taxed when spent on qualifying healthcare costs. Eligibility FSAs are employer-based; self-employed individuals are not eligible. To participate, you usually must enroll through your employer each year, even if you do not want your deduction amounts to change from year to year. (Some plans vary.) Employers generally offer enrollment during open enrollment periods, when you enroll for the entire plan year. If you want to change or revoke your election before the end of

the plan year, you typically can do so only if your plan permits a change due to circumstances in your employment or family status. Contributions Before contributing to an FSA, you must ﬁrst designate how much you want to contribute for the year, based on an estimate of your expected out-of-pocket costs. Your employer will then deduct amounts from your paycheck in accordance with your annual election. Although there is no IRS limit on the amount of money you or your employer can contribute to the accounts, each plan prescribes either a maximum dollar amount or a maximum percentage of your salary that can be contributed. You do not pay federal income tax or employment taxes on the salary you contribute or on any amounts your employer may contribute to the FSA. Amounts contributed that are not spent by the end of the plan year are forfeited. For this reason, it is important not to overestimate the expenses you expect to incur during the year. Eligible expenses Eligible expenses include most of the out-of-pocket costs not fully covered by your health plan, including co-payments, deductibles, vision care, prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, dental care, tests and medical supplies, among others. See IRS Publication 502 for a more detailed list of qualifying expenses. Generally, allowable items are the same as those that qualify for the medical tax deduction, although you cannot deduct expenses paid from your FSA account on Schedule A of your federal tax return. Filing claims In order to use funds set aside in your FSA, you must either submit claims for reimbursement

or use the debit card, credit card or stored-value card that may be provided by the vendor overseeing the FSA. Such cards allow you to access your FSA at specified healthcare providers and retail outlets that have an IRS-approved Inventory Control System. The dollar amount on the card is tied directly to your available FSA balance, and each purchase you make with the card draws from available funds in your healthcare FSA. For more information on reimbursement procedures or how to file claims, talk to your employee-benefits administrator. Not for everybody Whether an FSA will suit your needs depends largely on the out-of-pocket costs you expect to incur and how accurately you can predict them. If you expect to incur no more than a few hundred dollars over the course of the year, it may not be worth the trouble of setting up an FSA. On the other hand, for those with predictable medical costs or ongoing treatments that are not covered by an employersponsored medical plan, an FSA can be a good way to set aside funds while lowering your tax bill. Ultimately, the decision boils down to your particular circumstances and needs. ■ Jeremy R. Gussick is a financial consultant with LPL Financial, the nation’s largest independent wealth management firm. Jeremy specializes in the financial planning needs of the LGBT community. If you have a question for Jeremy, you can contact him at jeremy.gussick@lpl.com. This article was prepared with the assistance of Standard & Poor’s and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. Consult your financial advisor or Jeremy Gussick if you have any questions. LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC.

PGN PGN PGN

JULY 10 -2116,- 27, 2009 MARCH 2008

PHILADELPHIA GAY GAY NEWS NEWS PHILADELPHIA

International News that the mayor of the Athens suburb of Kessariani has agreed to perform the ceremony. “I have no objection to celebrating this union so long as the law is respected,” Mayor Spyros Tzokas said. It is uncertain whether the government will recognize the marriage. Brazil’s attorney general has The Greek government is asked the country’s highest court preparing to introduce civilto legalize same-sex the partnership legislation unions later thisinyear, South nation, home to grantingAmerican legal rights to unmarried the world’s largest couples. But, it has Roman not saidCatholic if samepopulation. sex couples would be included.

Brazil AG pushes same-sex unions

In a motion filed with the court July 2, Attorney General Gay men jailed Deborah Duprat said there arein “no reasonable arguments to justify Morocco denying homosexuals the right to have their stable relationships The Moroccan recognized by law.”Association for Human Rights, along with Human A bill that would give same-sex Rights Watch, has launched a couples the same rights as those petition following the imprisonment enjoyed heterosexual of six menbyformarried homosexuality. couples haspolice been stalled in Moroccan arrested the men Congress for more than a decade. in November 2007 after a video Duprat onspokesperson Lidian circulated the Internet showing Matos saidparty the motion does not a private in Ksar-el-Kbir, violate clause Morocco,athatconstitutional the press claimed was defining marriage as a stable union a gay-marriage ceremony. between man and a penal woman. code The acountry’s “It is asexual definition, not a criminalizes conduct between members of she the same sex.does Despite limitation,” said. “It not the fact that the video no say that only a man andshowed a woman evidence of sexual acts, theasixstable men are capable of forming were convicted “lewd union. Nowhereofincommitting the constitution oritunnatural actsa stable with an individual is written that relationship of the same and of sentenced to between twosex” people the same between four and 10 months in sex is illegal.” prison. The motion argues that failing Moroccan Association for to The recognize same-sex unions violates “the constitution’s defense of human dignity and equality.” The Rev. Geraldo Martins Dias, spokesperson for the National Conference of Brazilian Bishops, said on July 3 that the country’s Catholic hierarchy would not immediately comment on the motion. Gay-rights activists hailed the move, however. “We are extremely happy,” said activist Toni Reis in a phone interview. “This is a very important step toward ending the discrimination suffered by Brazilian gays who for years have been demanding the right to equal treatment.” President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed support for samesex unions last year.

HIV vaccine ready for human tests An HIV/AIDS vaccine developed in Canada has passed safety tests in animals and researchers are awaiting approval to begin human trials in the U.S.

Human Rights and Human Rights Watch are petitioning the Moroccan government for a fair trial for the men and to protect their right to privacy. Theisgroups asking supporters “It a veryare important milestone to show theirsaid opposition for us,” Yongto Moroccan Kang, a authorities of by microbiology sending an e-mail to professor at the petitionmaroc@hrw.org. University of Western Ontario in

PAGE 15 15 PAGE

built a cult following in Russia

gaining just 1.9 percent of Larry Nicholsdespite the audience share in February.

London. Kang has been draw working on the Cartoons vaccine for 20 years and said he expects to get theire go-ahead soon Russian from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to begin human Protestant groups in Moscow toxicology tests and two phases of are trying to shut down a cartoon channel trials. because they claim it clinical promotes Kang said homosexuality if all three trials and are religious intolerance. successful, the vaccine should be Channelwithin 2x2 broadcasts Western available the next decade. cartoons like “South Park,” which According to a 2008 United some believe promotes Nations report on the “homosexual global AIDS propaganda.” epidemic, 33-million people were Vitalywith Vlasenki, a spokesperson living HIV in 2007. Twofor The Consultative Council of million people died of causes the Heads of Protestant Churches related to the disease that year. in Russia, said the group had sent Dozens of HIV vaccines a letter to Prosecutor General have Yury already been developed and tested Chaika on March 12 accusing the in animalofmodels, but few have network promoting “cruelty, been tested in humans,propaganda, and none violence, homosexual successfully. A promising trial religious hatred and intolerance.” in Yekaterina 2007 by pharmaceutical Doglosheveva, giant head Merck was shut down after those of corporate affairs for Prof-Media, receiving dismissed the the vaccine criticism contracted from the religious HIV at agroup. higher rate than those “The Federal Culture and who received the placebo. Cinematography Agency maywith be Kang has partnered able to control the Korean activitiesholding of our Curacom, a South channel, but thehas Protestants company that agreed cannot,” to open Doglosheveva said. an ofﬁce in London, Ont., to help Channel whichlab also fund research2x2, in Kang’s and broadcasts “The has commercialize the Simpsons,” vaccine. A test vaccine is being manufactured in a lab in Maryland near Washington, D.C. Lab tests showed the vaccine produced no adverse effects or safety risks during immunology tests on animals.

Muslim mayor backs Dutch gays A harassed gay minority in a conservative suburb in otherwisetolerant Amsterdam has found an ally in the local Muslim mayor. Ahmed Marcouch, 41, is on a self-appointed mission to end homophobia in Slotervaart — very close to the capital but light-years away from its anything-goes mentality. To make his point, Marcouch recently invited Amsterdam’s annual Gay Pride parade to pass through his constituency when it takes place in August. “It is necessary to confront this issue, to say that homosexuals are normal people like all of us and that we require them to be respected,” Marcouch said.

MTV in Russia also shows “South Park,” but has yet to Slotervaart’s receive any criticism from the is population Protestant group. mainly of immigrant origin,

many of the Muslim faith, like Moroccan-born Marcouch, who Trans meeting came to the Netherlands in 1979 at age 10. TheBerlin suburb has recently set for been in the news for homophobic incidents. It was announced March 14 that community grew theThe second meeting of the European particularly restless Transgender Councilover will gay be men held using Slotervaart’s De Oeverlanden this year in Germany. The parkcouncil, public as a place tocomprised meet and of Europe, the have Transgender sex. Transgender Berlinmade and After gayNetwork lobbyists TransInterQueer will meet complaints overBerlin, incidents of May 2-4 in Berlin. Their the last event homophobic violence, local was helderected in Vienna in 2005. council signs in the park Representatives from international indicating the spots where gay sex activist groups andplace, experts is known to take in asuch bid as to Human Rights Watch and Amnesty avoid any unfortunate encounters. International are expected to attend “For cultural or religious reasons, the event and share their experiences some homosexuals eld ofreject human rights and in the people and compare them to animals,” transgender-related work. said whoStudy has ofbeen TheMarcouch, results of the the Slotervaart’s mayor since 2006 Lives of Transgender people In and was conducted a former by spokesperson Europe, Press for for Amsterdam’s Change (U.K.), will be mosques. revealed, “They polled don’t more see homosexuals which than 2,000 as humans. people. These people can be transgender Berlin has a diverse Muslims transgender Orthodox Christians, or scene, and Wigstoeckel Transgender immigrants. United is set to organize the city On Marcouch’s initiative, the council’s ofcial show and party for city council recently adopted an � for 2009 to 2011 that the event. action plan allows for the opening of a gay Larry be also reached at culturalNichols center. can It will permit larry@epgn.com. gay associations to give brieﬁngs at schools and will take measures to teach mothers in immigrant households about gay rights in the Netherlands. The mayor has also asked municipal police to be extra vigilant about homophobic aggression, and has even organized debates on the topic in mosques to press home his message. In 2002, Netherlands was the ﬁrst country in the world to legalize homosexual marriage.

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Queen supports antigay church The Queen of England has extended her support to a church movement that denounces homosexuality. The monarch sent two letters of support to the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans, which ﬁghts against the preaching of “false gospels” of homosexuality and other “immoral” sexual behavior. It opposes gay unions and the ordination of women and gays, See INTERNATIONAL, Page 16

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0663 ext. 242. AIDS Services in Asian Communities’ weekly volunteer work group will meet from 6-8 p.m. at 1201 Chestnut St.,10Suite 501; JULY - 16, 2009 (215) 563-2424 ext. 10. � Coming Out, a support group for INTERNATIONAL gay, bisexual or questioning men, From Page will meet from15 6-7:30 p.m. at AIDS Delaware, Suite 315, 100 W. 10th instead promoting “orthodox, St., Wilmington; (800) 292-0429. biblical Anglicanism.” � A gay-friendly Scrabble Club will The FCA is concerned over meet Anglican from 6-11 p.m. in theheading P.I.C. the Church Building, 42nd and Locust streets; in a more liberal direction. Last (215) 382-0789. year, Queen Elizabeth II wrote � The LGBT Discussion Group will to organization she meetthefrom 6-8 p.m. attothesay United “understand[s] their concerns” Church of Christ, 300 E. Main St., about theDel.; future of the 80-millionNewark, (800) 292-0429. strong global church. � A meeting/activity night will activist Peterbisexual, Tatchell beGay-rights held for gay, lesbian, claimed the Queen, who the transgender and questioning is youth supreme the Church of and theirgovernor friends of from 6-8 p.m. England, had made “a serious error at the Rainbow Room of Planned of judgment.” Parenthood in Doylestown; (215) “Her letter of support for the 348-0558 ext. 65. � A men’s support for of those breakaway antigaygroup faction the with HIV/AIDS will ismeet from Church of England collusion 6-7:30prejudice,” p.m. at heMercer County with said. “She has Area Early Intervention insulted lesbian and gayServices people in Trenton, N.J.royal For location, and breached protocol call by �

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embroiling herself in an issue of religious and political controversy. It is very alarming to see the Queen endorse a homophobic grouping within the Church of England. She is taking sides against gay equality.” Buckingham Palace refused to comment on what it said was private correspondence, while royal sources said the monarch writes to many organizations.

Singapore unlikely to revise gay ban The recent decision by the Delhi high court to strike down a British colonial-era law banning gay sex in India will not inﬂuence Singapore to eliminate a similar prohibition. Law minister K. Shanmugam said Singapore was unlikely to decriminalize gay sex because most of the public does not support such a move. “If the majority of our population is against homosexuality, then it’s not for the government to say we are going to force something against the wishes of the people,” he said. However, Shanmugam said courts in Singapore are free to interpret the law to permit gay sex, as the court in India did. Singapore’s ban on gay sex calls for punishing offenders with up to two years in jail, but it is rarely enforced. On July 2, the Delhi high court struck down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which contains a 148-year-old British colonial-era law that made gay sex punishable by up to 10 years in prison. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

at 986 (609) 6 � Th Montgo support 9 p.m. Jenkint � A m meet a Center � Surv County at 7:30 Hospita Medica Pike, P site: ph � Unde and soc gays an p.m. at Jersey. � Th Associa meet a Commu 2577. � The Philade will me Way Co

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

JULY 10 - 16, 2009

PAGE 17

DDetour etour

“Fruit Fly”

“An Englishman in New York”

A departure from the ordinary

Film Q

“Just Say Love”

“Off and Running”

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 18

JULY 10 - 16, 2009

Four films worthy of a festival By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor As QFest gets underway in earnest this week, a quartet of fine films deserves attention. Two of the titles are about adopted young women seeking their birth mothers, while three of the films celebrate theatrical performance. Yet each yields considerable pleasure through music and drama, wit and wisdom. H.P. Mendoza receives the festival’s Rising Star Award on July 16 before the 7:15 p.m. showing of “Fruit Fly.” Anyone who saw Mendoza’s previous effort, “Colma: The Musical” (check it out on DVD), which he wrote, composed and starred in, knows that this gay, gay, gay, gay, gay Filipino-American filmmaker is immensely talented and clever. From his fabulous credit sequence and equally

wonderful opening number to the amusing lyrics he sings during the closing crawl, Mendoza’s ﬁlm is an enjoyable low-budget musical. In fact, his love of all kinds of performance is on display here as Mendoza gently mocks acting, performance art and musicals: He even includes a witty monologue about the purpose of monologues. Perhaps some of this

shtick covers up the fact that his story — about Bethesda (L.A. Renigen from “Colma”), an adopted young woman looking for her birth mother — is a bit thin. But plot isn’t really the point in “Fruit Fly.” Mendoza is more concerned with staging a high-energy audience sing-a-long about fag hags, or having Jacob (Aaron Zaragoza) perform a duet with himself using

FAG-HAGS FINALE OF “FRUIT FLY”

a computer. These songs showcase Mendoza’s ability to turn out clever, smart and even smartass lyrics, even if they don’t quite advance the plot. While the supporting characters — an adorable gay guy named Windham (Mike Curtis) and cute lesbian couple Sharon (Theresa Navarro) and Karen (E.S. Park) — are a bit one-note (dramatically, not musically), the performers are quite charming. So too is this modest musical that will delight even those viewers who normally steer clear of song and dance ﬁlms. 7:15 p.m. July 16 at Ritz East 1, 125 S. Second St.; 2:30 p.m. July 18 at Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St. John Hurt plays Quentin Crisp with delicious relish in “An Englishman in New York.” This ﬁlm opens in the 1980s, when Crisp arrives in America. The bon vi-

vant tosses off bon mots to audiences who attend his evenings of questions and answers. One night, Crisp describes AIDS as being “a fad” and his comment gets him into some trouble. However, it is Crisp’s friendship with artist Patrick Angus (Jonathan Tucker) that proves just how much meaning his words have for others. The contrast between the prideful Crisp and the ashamed Angus forms one of the more moving chapters in this episodic film. “An Englishman in New York” is less engaging in its final third when Crisp partners with Penny Arcade (out actor Cynthia Nixon, miscast), a performance artist who helps him renew his sense of selfworth. This slight and stagy film runs just over an hour, but it is mostly satisfying due to the witty script and Hurt’s note-perfect performance, as well as Denis Hare’s fine supporting work as Crisp’s

Everett Lewis and a ‘Lucky Bastard’ By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor

This difficult relationship spurred Lewis’ creative energies. He kept a diary about his experiDistinctive independent queer ences and used the entries to shape filmmaker Everett Lewis takes a his script. mature and more intimate direc“A lot of things in the film are tion with his latest film, “Lucky conversations and events I had, Bastard,” which will premiere on and a lot of direct quotes [became] the East Coast at QFest. lines,” he explained about crafting This bold and compelling dra- the screenplay. “Denny’s monoma, which concerns Rusty (ador- logue was taken from a guy I met able Patrick Tatten), a buttoned- who was in AA and recovering, up home restorer who falls fast and lived in a single room.” The and hard for Denny (hunky Dale scene containing this speech is an Dymkoski), a crystal-meth addict, emotional, dramatic moment that as a more personal project for the will likely rivet most viewers. writer/director. What Lewis learned — and “I had this [same] experience what comes across in his beguilwith someone who was on crys- ing “Lucky Bastard” — is that tal meth,” the filmmaker revealed many gay men have massive isover the phone from Los Angeles. sues with sexuality and identity, “Because I was naïve, I didn’t and that very often the two issues know it at the time.” are linked. Significantly, the filmmaker, who has been out and proud since he was a teenager, claims he never experienced self-hatred for being gay. However, he said he recognizes that people like the Denny character use drugs as a crutch to themPATRICK TATTEN AS RUSTY make

selves feel good. “Gay culture is a hyper-commercialized culture. I’ve found that if there is an attractive guy, they’ve usually had some serious drug abuse and are seriously into AA. I’m all for [gay men] trying to take care of themselves. People who are healthy in the gay community, who haven’t taken drugs, are extremely rare.” Lewis also defends his decision to make Denny a chiseled stud. He acknowledges that the real-life inspiration for Denny was similarly buff: His body had not yet been ravaged by the drugs he was abusing. Speaking of buff, Lewis is also known for getting his handsome actors in the buff in many of his ﬁlms. Yet in “Lucky Bastard,” the nudity quotient is lower than in his previous work. “In the past, I had an agenda to show cock, because I thought that was important. I’m learning [to present] another, more sensual sexuality,” he explained. While the ﬁrst romantic encounter between Rusty and Denny involves a rather passionate tryst in a convenience store, little more than the men’s naked torsos are shown. “I unapologetically like watching men touching each other,” Lewis admitted with characteristic candor about his interest in

filming sex scenes. Another voyeuristic highlight is an episode involving a near-naked Denny taking Polaroids of himself while playing and posing with a translucent orange globe. Lewis is especially proud of this sequence, not only because it brings out Denny’s narcissism, his physical beauty and the effects of his mind while on drugs, but because it pays homage to vintage nude male photography by Bruce of L.A., images the filmmaker admires. “My camera has the same sensual attitude as the actors. We as the viewer are literally participating,” Lewis said, citing Robert Bresson’s “detached” perspective as a cinematic influence. Lewis said he likes watching and making films that “unfold clinically.” His aloof style may be something viewers will need to adjust to, but Lewis believes the content, not the form, of “Lucky Bastard” will be the real litmus test for audiences. “I think that people in the gay community are going to see the

FILMMAKER LEWIS ﬁlm is right on the button, or not at all close,” he demurred. “They will accept it strongly or dismiss it because they have their own experience of many of these issues.” Then again, Lewis said, referencing his title, “Rusty is a bit of a bastard. He’s not charming or lovable. He’s uptight, distant and rough.” He pauses for a moment, considering how he shaped a ﬁlm around such a cold, complex character, and added, “But he is cute. If he’s not lovable, he’s got to be hot!” ■ “Lucky Bastard” screens at 9:30 p.m. July 18 at the Prince, 1412 Chestnut St., and at 4:30 p.m. July 19 at the Ritz East 1, 125 S. Second St.

JULY 10 - 16, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

close friend Philip Steele. 7:15 p.m. July 17 at Ritz East 1; 12:15 p.m. July 19 at Prince The ﬁlmed play “Just Say Love” is a two-hander written by David J. Maurielo, about a gay guy named Guy (Matthew Jaeger) who meets a straight guy named Doug (Robert Mammana) on a park bench one afternoon. Guy is reading Plato, and Doug mentions his sex addiction between burps and eating his sandwich. They retire to Guy’s apartment, where they have a “no-strings-attached” encounter. Of course, these two guys get emotionally closer each time they meet for just sex and a more serious relationship develops. While a bit too formal in its execution — most of the production is set against a black background

that spotlights the minimalist action — “Just Say Love” is endearing because of the performers’ ability to inhabit their roles and become “real” people. Although some of the dialogue is lousy — there is too much talk about colons — the speeches between Guy and Doug discuss their love and loss ring true. If the expected sex scene is a series of artfully composed body shots that borders on pretentious, a ﬂashback that breaks from the aesthetic style is more affecting.

PAGE 19

to life. It’s not a great play, but it’s not a bad film. 12:15 p.m. July 18 and 9:15 p.m. July 19 at Ritz East 1 “Off and Running” is a remarkable documentary and arguably the best nonfiction film in the festival. Avery Kline-Cloud is an adopted African-American “JUST SAY LOVE” teenager with two adopted brothers “Just Say Love” benefits from and two moms. As she starts to the pair of fine performances, think about college, Kline-Cloud mostly good use of music and a also thinks about contacting her few special effects that bring it birth mother. It is a decision that

sets a chain of painful events in motion. Lyrically made, Nicole Opper’s ﬁlm addresses the universal thoughts of “Who am I?” and “Where do I come from?” with incredible intelligence, sensitivity and grace. Kline-Cloud is an incredibly self-possessed teen, and her heartfelt story becomes painful to watch as her decisions have serious consequences. As she questions what it means to be black — having grown up in a white Jewish world — or tries to get her life back on track, never having felt she ﬁt it, Kline-Cloud comes to the epiphany that you are in control of who you become. It is a powerful message, and one that will reverberate with anyone who sees this incredible story. Don’t miss it. ■ Noon July 19 at Ritz East 1

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JULY 10 - 16, 2009

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Local co. to give away free commitment ceremony Provence Catering has asked for PGN’s help in finding two deserving LGBT couples to win a dream Valentine’s Day commitment ceremony. Since 2001, Provence Catering has provided custom catering to the Mid-Atlantic, offering the Philadelphia-area full-service hospitality and five-star dining and event planning that exceed expectations. Provence Catering will provide two winning couples with a venue, catering, flowers, photography and décor for a Valentine’s Day commitment ceremony for 50-60 guests each. Michael Yatvin, co-owner of

Provence Catering, said he hopes the contest will “create excitement in an area where people are trying to live normal lives.” Noting that gays and lesbians aren’t able to celebrate those “special moments,” he said, “That’s something that really needs to be changed. Change comes from within and taking action. It doesn’t come from protesting. We were fortunate enough three years ago to do the 12th annual Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and it was a wonderful experience for our company. The people were fantastic. We thought this was a good way to truly be able to be

• AIDS/HIV • Recreation • Youth • Professional groups

a part of a community that we value and show how we support people’s pursuit of happiness.” Gene Blum, director of event planning for Provence Catering, said the company has put together a few commitment ceremonies and he ﬁnds them far more celebratory than wedding ceremonies. “I see the incredible joy and happiness that occurs and it’s just something that everyone needs to be aware of,” he said. “I grew up with a brother who has a signiﬁcant other and, within the family, there was a stigma. I though, no, this is a beautiful thing. More so than marriages, which are often simple business arrangements. I’ve

never come across a commitment ceremony that was like that.” Couples who wish to be considered for the contest should send a 500-word essay about why they should win the commitment ceremony to Kelly Root at kelly@epgn.com, fax (215) 9256437 or mail to Philadelphia Gay News, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147. Contest entries must be received by Oct. 2. The winning essays will be published Nov. 4. For more information about Provence Catering, visit www. provencecatering.com. ■ — Larry Nichols

Meeting Place

Legal ﬁne print: This contest and its outcome is the sole responsibility of Provence Catering. Philadelphia Gay News is in no way responsible for any negligence, mishaps, relationship issues, familial altercations or acts of God, nature and/or government that might occur as a result of this contest. Seriously! Provence Catering and its employees seem like good people, but if your ceremony is messed up, you agree not to hold Provence or PGN accountable. Winners will be determined by a third party who could care less about the outcome of this contest. Employees and subcontractors of Provence and PGN are not eligible to win. No phone calls. That being said, it would be nice if a few of us were invited to the reception, as most of us are quite poor and would appreciate free drinks and ﬁnger food. Just don’t expect a gift …

• Community centers • Activism/politics • Recovery

A bulletin board for support groups and other organizations

• Religion

JULY 10 - 16, 2009

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Ram’s Head Inn

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Ram’s Head Inn, 9 W. White Horse Pike, Galloway, N.J., has been an area favorite for weddings, civil-union celebrations and other special occasions for more than 26 years, thanks to its stylish Colonial décor and its topnotch service. Just 8 miles from Atlantic City, the Ram’s Head offers a picturesque and tranquil alternative to the bustle and bright lights of the neighboring attractions. Whether the occasion calls for an intimate group of 10, a lavish gala for 250 or simply dinner for two, Ram’s Head Inn provides outstanding service, delicious cuisine and the comfortable, elegant ambiance of soft candlelight and wood-burning ﬁreplaces. On Monday nights, Ram’s Head hosts “Out at the Inn,” an inviting evening of live music, drink specials and a special bar menu. Book your civil-union ceremony and celebration today. For more information, visit www.ramsheadinn.com or call (609) 652-1700.

In the heart of Old City, Privé, 246 Market St., offers a sophisticated and intimate dining experience, perfect for your commitment ceremony celebration. Chef Peter Karapanagiotis, soon to be featured on Food Network’s “Chopped,” has created an “Inspired Mediterranean” menu and is one of the region’s most up-and-coming chefs. Pastry chef Sally Roach combines sweet and savory ﬂavors to create complex and mouth-watering masterpieces in-house daily. Privé’s décor is just as sumptuous as the menu. The sleek stone walls, mosaic murals and soft-colored lighting elevate your visit to the next level and complement Privé’s culinary obsession for perfection. You can get a taste of Privé at happy hour, featuring specialty drinks infused with fruit nectars imported from Greece, along with free premium hors d’oeuvres and half-price mezze. And if you really love the food, make sure to visit Privé on

Sundays to experience the prixﬁxe menu. For more information, visit www.priveoldcity.com or call (215) 923-8313.

PAGE 21

to West Philly, where she fell in love with her dream home with a turret. Her more recent work can be

found at alyssamaloof.blogspot. com or www.alyssamaloof.com. For more information, call (215) 510-1770. ■

Alyssa Maloof Photography Hiring Alyssa Maloof to photograph your commitment ceremony, civil union or wedding is like commissioning an artist to document a day in the life of your love. It is one of the most valuable gifts you could ever have. Maloof is a Philadelphia artist who shot her ﬁrst commitment ceremony last year. Her style is a bit edgier than the typical wedding photographer. Her photojournalistic images have rich contrast and deep tones. Instead of cookie-cutter poses, she works organically and lets the subjects be themselves: Beautiful. Maloof has a BFA from University of the Arts and an MFA from Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. She recently moved from South Philadelphia

www.epgn.com

Let the community

share in

Your celebration PGN publishes news that chronicles community members’ engagements, weddings and commitment ceremonies. These news items are compiled by PGN writers and include information submitted by readers. For guidelines and other information. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: PGN Chronicles, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19147. Please specify type of news item (engagement, wedding, commitment ceremony). Photos will be returned if accompanied by a SASE. Information cannot be taken over the phone.

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Professional Portraits There’s Cher, Charro, Madonna … and then there’s Vega. He may have a single moniker, but he has several talents. Vega is an architect, a poet, a painter, a graphic artist and a photographer. In addition to his full-time job as an architect, he also owns Vega Press and has published eight books: “Men Of Color,” “A Warm December,” “The Tranquil Lake of Love,” “Postscripts,” “Milking Black Bulls,” “In Our Own Image,” “Phoenix Rising” and “Into the Light,” along with two calendars and a line of products including Tshirts, coffee mugs, mouse pads, greeting cards and underwear. With several new projects in production, he is publishing his ﬁrst new book of prose and photography in 13 years, titled “VisionQuest.” PGN: That’s quite a résumé. Where are you from? V: I was born in New York but I went out of state to go to college. I wanted to leave home so that I would have a chance to explore my sexuality. I mean, I always knew who I was and what I wanted; I just didn’t know how to get it! [Laughs.] To be honest I still don’t! PGN: Any siblings? V: No, and I blame my parents

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Suzi Nash

for me being so introverted, because I was very lonely as a child. I could have used a sibling or two. I’m still introverted, even though if you ask my friends, they’ll tell you I’m lying, that I’m very outgoing — but it’s all an act. When I’m around people, I make them think that I’m comfortable with them, but it’s just a pretense. If I have to do a poetry reading, I can psyche myself up to do it, and do a good job, but I’m exhausted afterward. PGN: So what was baby Vega like? V: I loved staying inside and watching TV and old movies. I think like a lot of gay kids, I identiﬁed with Bette Davis and Joan Crawford and a lot of the old stars of that era. Unfortunately, my parents were always trying to push me outside to play with the other kids! I hated it. I tried to let them know that I was very comfortable inside the house watching TV or reading or painting. PGN: What was a favorite show? V: “Dark Shadows.” I used to run home from elementary school to watch that. And anything with Bette Davis in it. I liked movies with strong women. Oh, and musicals: I loved watching Fred

Astaire and Ginger Rogers dance all over the place. I liked the beach-blanket-bingo movies too, but always wondered where the black people were! PGN: Favorite toy? V: I had this Godzilla-type toy that I liked. My grandmother did domestic work for a lot of very rich families. One of the families were the Mattels, as in Mattel toys. One year they came up with this toy and my grandmother brought it home to me for Christmas. I also used to have a lot of stuffed animals. One day when I was still in elementary school I came home and they were all gone. My mother decided that I was too old for them and threw them all away. PGN: What did your parents do? V: My mother was a nurse and my father, well, I might as well say it, he was an alcoholic. I don’t ever remember him having a job. We lived in a house with my grandparents. My aunt and uncle lived on the top floor, we lived in the basement and my grandparents had the first floor. I was the only child in a house full of adults. PGN: Do you think you were more mature as a result?

V: I think it helped me develop certain ideas about what I wanted. I knew from an early age I wanted to go to college and I started telling them how it was going to happen. What loans we needed, etc. I was very sure of what I wanted to do and I guess that came from hanging around adults. PGN: What do you remember from high school? V: Oh, the captain of the basketball team was my bitter enemy. He’d get his cronies to tease me while he sat back and laughed. I hated him with a vengeance. Kyle Phillip Michael Benta. After all these years I still remember his name! PGN: And where did you go to college? V: IIT. I went to the Illinois Institute of Technology to study architecture. That’s what I still do. PGN: What’s a favorite project? V: The last few years I’ve been

VEGA Photo: Suzi Nash

designing schools, which I find very rewarding. I’ve built homes and office spaces, but there’s something about contributing to the education of young people by providing a safe and inviting atmosphere for them that’s very rewarding. PGN: What’s the most difficult part of doing architecture? V: There are so many decisions you have to make based on so many factors, the hardest part is deciding which things you want to prioritize. Is it the size of the place, is it the money? You have to decide which of the many variables is most important on a particular project. Once you have that, the project creates itself. PGN: How did you get into the arts? V: I started drawing in the first grade. My father had some innate abilities that I think I inherited from him. Throughout high school I drew men and women and then, when I went to college and explored my sexuality, I began to look for images of African-American men together. I found a real lack of positive images, so I decided to create my own. I did pen-and-ink drawings and paintings primarily, and they were featured in a lot of gay magazines, such as Blueboy, BlackOut, In the Life and Advocate. It got out there a little, but a lot of times I felt that I was the token black gay man they would go to for illustrations during Black History Month, but that my work wasn’t out there for the rest of the year like I wanted it to be. So I decided to publish myself.

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PGN: What was your first book? V: “Men of Color: An Essay on the Black Male Couple.” When I would go to gay bookstores to find images of myself, the only thing I would see were pictures of black men in porno magazines. I wondered, where is the literature, where is the poetry, where are the artistic images I want to see? There were some things left over from the Harlem Renaissance, but they were mostly written word. So my first book was a multimedia compilation of photography and illustrations and paintings, along with poetry and other literature. I wrote the poems myself. The pictures were a lucky chance. I was in California and I stumbled upon two gorgeous black men who were lovers. I got up enough nerve to ask if I could take their pictures and happily they agreed. That first book was pretty crude — the pages were numbered wrong — but I made it happen and that was the start of Vega Press. By the time I got my second book going, “A Warm December,” I’d met some other writers and photographers who I was able to include in the anthology. Later on, we began to put out T-shirts and mugs and other products with black images. It’s tough because a lot of black men don’t have the same spending patterns as their white counterparts, and there’s that whole down-low thing where they might not want to be seen with images that would peg them as gay. We have had some success with our calendars, though. PGN: Where can people find your books? V: I’m currently developing a new Web site, but in the meantime the books are available on Amazon.com and you can go to cafepress.com/vegapress for the posters and cards. We even have a teddy bear. PGN: So what was coming out

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

like for you? V: It’s a tough question because you have to be in to come out. I never broadcast it, but I never hid it either. I didn’t act on it until I left for school, though. As far as my mother was concerned, I’d been engaged to this girl. I’m almost sorry I didn’t marry her because we were so emotionally compatible; I don’t think I’ve ever been that emotionally connected to a man. [Laughs.] Men are too competitive. Of course the problem was I just didn’t want to sleep with her! A little while later I moved to Chicago and had a lesbian friend, who my mother met. She said to me, “Why don’t you marry Sephonia?” I responded, “I don’t think it would work, Mom. Sephonia doesn’t like men, but I do.” So that was my coming out to her. PGN: Give me three favorite scents. V: Vanilla, peppermint and strawberry. PGN: Which literary character resembles you? V: I saw a movie one time called “The Dresser,” about a guy who works for an actor helping him get ready for the stage. The guy seems to have a thing for the actor, who pays him no mind. I think that’s the story of my life. Unrequited love! PGN: If you could bring someone back for 15 minutes, who would it be? V: My grandmother. She was a very kind, loving woman. She raised me; she was the one who waited with a candle in the window until I came home. I talked to her every day until she passed away. PGN: What’s your most unusual possession? V: I have a pair of torn boxers that I like to wear because they make me feel sexy.

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Q Puzzle

PGN: What’s the most provocative photo you’ve taken? V: I took a picture of a guy in a parking garage in Atlanta. He Grid-irony was, shall we say, very well Across endowed and he was wearing ﬁshnet briefs. I was going to use it 1. Lea DeLaria and Margaret Cho for the cover of a calendar, but it 5. Family cars was a little too much!

11. Fey feline film felon PGN: What’s on your plate right 15. Big hairdo now? 16. Hugh of “Life V: Well, right now I’m in Florida. with Judy Garland” I was on the verge of a nervous 17. “___ Get a breakdown and had to get out of Witness” (Marvin town. I was going to relax, but Gaye) there are so many beautiful men 18. Start of a here in Ft. Lauderdale, I’ve set up sports quip some photography sessions. 21. Crude stuff 22. Frasier setting PGN: What has you on the edge? 23. Bitterly pungent 25. Tampa and V: Work is very stressful right Tempe, et al. now. On top of that, I’m black, 26. More of the quip single and almost 55. I’m having a panic attack because I think I’m 30. Pt. of IMF 32. Broadway musical fat. with a Twist? 33. Southwestern PGN: So you’re having a mid-life resort crisis? 34. Make a hole V: I’m almost 55! [Laughs.] I’ve bigger already done that at 35, and then 38. Big bashes had a follow-up at 45. I guess this 39. More of the quip 40. Owner’s could be a third. document 41. Member PGN: Before I let you go, how 42. Like an erection? did you come up with the name 43. Patty Sheehan’s Vega? club on the green V: I had a friend visiting me and 44. Pal from Down I was telling her that I wanted Under an artistic name to distinguish 45. More of the quip myself. As she left she called 46. Protected from out, “Tata Vega!” playing on the the elements name of the singer from the ’70s. 50. Active sorts I decided to use the name Vega, 52. Kenya’s capital but I used it as an acronym: V 54. Fruity refresher for Victory, E for Empowerment, 59. End of the quip 61. Grace, or will to G for Gratitude and A for be diplomatic Assessment, taking daily stock of what you’re doing. It sums me 62. Feel sorry about 63. REM gear up. ■ 64. Gin flavor 65. Likely to butt To suggest a community member for “Professional Portraits,” write heads 66. Car that used to

to: Professional Portraits, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 or portraits05@aol.com.

be yours Down 1. Power measure 2. “___ Walked Into My Life” (song from “Mame”) 3. Dangerous meateater 4. Love seat, e.g. 5. Toy racer 6. Hamburger Mary’s, e.g. 7. Persian Gulf port 8. Parseghian of football 9. Zips 10. Goes for 11. “The Queen” producer Rudin 12. Where to find lots of pricks 13. It’s just over a foot 14. Gets up 19. Bitter fruits 20. Housing with same-sex roommates 24. Anne Frank account 26. Hit high, like Mauresmo’s balls 27. Stick in the fridge? 28. “The Celluloid Closet” author Russo 29. Stunt man Knievel 31. Alternative to

smoking 33. Worked out with a muscle Mary, with “up” 34. Beatles’ meter maid 35. Rebuke from Caesar 36. Stein fillers 37. No more than 39. Honey holder 40. Arizona city 42. Lesbian activist Gittings 43. Gay parade requirements 44. Electronic synthesizer 45. Kvetched 46. JFK, LBJ, etc. 47. Relating to birth 48. Music of the the Village People 49. Use a gifted tongue 51. Prayer start at Metropolitan Community Church 53. Laura Nyro’s “___ Him on a Sunday” 55. Home st. of Maupin 56. Words of woe, to the Bard 57. “Ed Wood” star Johnny 58. Canadian gas brand 60. I problem

PGN PGN PGN PGN PGN SOLUTION

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With out producer, Wendy Williams goes national THURS., 6/25, 5:30 TO 7 PM

JOSEPH OLSHAN, AUTHOR OF

THE CONVERSION: A NOVEL AND NIGHTSWIMMER. MON. - SAT. 11:30 - 7p.m. SUNDAY 1:00 - 7p.m. email: giovannis_room@verizon.net

By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer “It’s more than just a job, it’s an adventure,” Wendy Williams said about her soon-to-be-national talk show. She isn’t kidding. Daytime television is about to get a lot more interesting as “The Wendy Williams Show” hits airwaves through national syndication. Williams is probably best known for her gossip-driven, noholds-barred radio show, which is carried by various urban radio stations throughout the country, or her VH1 reality-show specials like “Wendy Williams is on Fire” and “The Wendy Williams Experience.” Williams said that all of her radio and TV experiences have helped to prepare her for the gargantuan

jump to daytime TV. “All that stuff has prepped me for my show,” she said. “The very important ingredient and the biggest difference between doing radio and TV are the cameras and getting used to being on TV and not letting a glimpse of yourself take you out of your game. You get very distracted.” Even with her extensive background, it’s going to take a lot of moxie to stake a claim in a ﬁeld where the likes of Oprah, Ellen, Tyra and Jerry dominate. But Williams said her established fan base and broad appeal should give her an edge. “I am a black woman who happens to be from New Jersey, but I’ve always had a pretty general group of friends even prior to getting into radio,” she said. “It was no surprise to me that my radio audience evolved into a general market in spite of being on a radio station where every other song is hip-hop. I have a wonderfully mixed audience.” Williams also has a secret weapon in the form of Rob Dauber, her show’s Emmy Award-winning and openly gay executive producer. He has seen some of the most powerful women in daytime talk in action, having worked on talk shows for Martha Stewart, Rosie O’Donnell and, most recently, Oprah herself.

So what would make a producer leave the employ of a billionaire for a relative newcomer to the ﬁeld? As it turns out, Dauber was homesick. “I had just come back to New York from Chicago, where I was doing a project from Oprah Winfrey, who I adored,” Dauber explained. “New York is my home. I’ve lived here since 1992. My life and my friends are here. I’m a single gay guy and you create a family for yourself with your friends. My ROB DAUBER AND WENDY WILLIAMS life was here. I can back Photo: Anders Krusberg/”The Wendy Williams Show” to New York and I was has it,” he said. “I related to her contemplating what I was going to do. I got the call from because she was real. She’s not my agent that Wendy wanted me to afraid to say that things in her life meet with her. I knew of her from aren’t perfect and that most people her radio show and her books and are not perfect but we should all I was always intrigued by her. The be tolerant of one another. She minute I met her, I instantly fell in doesn’t always have the popular love with her. I knew that this was point of view. She’s not afraid to the right place for me. We had the tell someone ‘Break up with your boyfriend. You’re wasting your right sensibility to go together.” Dauber added that Williams has time.’ I like that. I didn’t think the same winning spark as many of twice about it. I knew it was the right place for me to be.” today’s daytime superstars have. For Williams, the feeling is “I loved Oprah, the same way that I love working with Rosie mutual. “Oh my God, he’s fabulous,” and Martha. I know from working with the three of them that Wendy she said. “First of all, the supreme

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confidence of going to the office and seeing the plethora of daytime Emmys, that would be number one. Plus he’s worked with all my favorite girls. I love Rosie. Oprah is one of the foremothers of this entire thing. She ranks right up there with Merv Griffin and Phil Donahue. Rob really holds things together.” Part of holding the show together was proving to the networks that it would catch on, which is why “The Wendy Williams Show” tested the waters last summer with a six-week run in just a few markets such as New York, Detroit, Dallas and Los Angeles. Dauber said the gambit worked well. “This economic environment is tough for everybody and it’s tough for TV as well,” he said. “These syndicated shows, they cost a lot of money to produce and most of these shows fail. The company that is producing the show is a smaller company that likes to break the mold of how things are done. They realized, instead of just doing a pilot and selling the show, let’s do a test ad, put it on for six weeks to prove to everybody how well it’s going to work. We all had high hopes for it and we felt that it was going to work. But the test cost far less to produce, and it allowed us to show stations that it was going to work.” Dauber added that viewers got a taste of what makes Williams unique compared to other daytime talk-show personalities. “We are the only talk show hosted by a woman who, in her 6-inch-high heels and blond wig, is probably as tall as a basketball player,” he said. “From a visual standpoint, that’s what’s going to make us stand out. She’s the first one to say, ‘When people are turning their dial and they come across me, they’re going to say: What is that mess?’ Because she refers to herself as a ‘big ol’ mess,’ I think that people can relate to that. Because she says that, people are going to want to watch to see what she is going to say every day and who she is talking to. She is a really strong woman who has juggled a career, family and major challenges in her life. But she still is so inquisitive about celebrities. She appears to be bigger than life when at the same time she really is just like the viewers.” Dauber said Williams’ boisterous charm and gift for dishing it up with celebrities appeal to gay audiences.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

“We’re a variety show in the vein of Rosie or Ellen. Every show is different but there’s a format,” he said. “She starts every day with hot topics, mostly about celebrities. The gay community, we love our hot topics. She’s not afraid to talk about it. We have good dish at the top of the show. Wendy does great celebrity interviews. The celebrities have a great time. They all really dress up because Wendy dresses up very much on the show. It’s a little bit of fabulous going on, so the gay community is going to like that. We do some fashion segments, a little bit of cooking and beauty segments. Then we do ‘Ask Wendy,’ where people have a chance to ask her for relationship advice. She’s the first one to say, ‘I am not a therapist. I am just a woman with a lot of life experience, a very big mouth and a microphone.’” Williams’ brand of brash bravado may be exciting to the viewers, but it could also cost her some high-profile interviews. She has been known to have some famously heated and headlinegrabbing moments on-air and behind the scenes with celebrities like Whitney Houston and P. Diddy on her radio show. Dauber said episodes like that were few and far between, and that Williams’ TV show is going for a different vibe than her radio show. “I think she gets a bum rap for a few interviews over the course of a 22-year career,” he said. “For the most part, her show is funny. There have always been a handful of celebrity interviews that have been in-your-face. On the TV show, we don’t go for that. She wants people to come and have a good time. She’ll find the interesting things that they’ll want to talk about. She’s still going to do an interesting Wendy interview, but she’s not going to ask people things they don’t want to talk about.” Williams said she isn’t worried about her reputation preceding her and that, on her TV show, she wants her celebrity guests to come across as best they can. “I’ve always said that great guests and the people that I want are people that tell great stories and give great answers, not just verbally but animated,” she said. “TV is a visual medium. I love interesting people to look at and speak to. That doesn’t necessarily mean somebody A-list. Kathy Griffin calls herself the D-list, although clearly she’s not. I adore Kathy Griffin, and she is a much

better TV guest than she is a radio guest because she gives you the hands and the big eyes. She’s very animated. I also would love to have Soulja Boy on the show. He’s the hottest thing in rap right now. He’s a really smart young man. His entire business is based on him. The kid is rich. I would like to see him perform and sit on the couch.”

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And, at the end of the day, she wants both the audience and the guests to think of her program as a feel-good show. “Any time is the right time to feel good,” she said. “It just so happens my national launch is happening at a tumultuous time in the country. It’s a down time for America right now. My show is free and I’m not attempting to

split the atom or cure the common cold. I’m purely there for one hour, ﬁve days a week, to make you smile and laugh.” “The Wendy Williams Show” begins national syndication on July 13. For more information, visit www.wendyshow.com. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

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Duo brings the beats to Philly By Larry Nichols PGN Staff Writer

PGN

“It’s not that we’re hot,” VNV Nation songwriter, producer and singer Ronan Harris, 43, said about the group’s appeal to gay audiences. “We’re not exactly 22 years old and shaving with a rough towel anymore.” The pair that is VNV Nation, rounded out by drummer Mark Jackson, may not be gay or strapping young lads: But the Germanbased Irish-English duo has spent over a decade slowly but surely winning new fans the world over with its rocking fusion of trance, industrial and electro-pop they describe as Electronic Body Music (EBM), as well as their extensive body of remix work. “Someone once described us as a mini-Depeche Mode, which I thought was a really amazing compliment,” Harris said, describing VNV’s sound and the concept of EBM. “I think one of the key elements of this music style is that it is heavily melodic. It draws on a lot of 1980s inspiration and dance music. It’s regarded as the more uplifting and positive side of alternative and electronic music. It’s music you can dance and feel to.” As for the group’s gay fans, Harris said they are drawn to the lyrical content. “I’ve talked to a great deal of

them and my common experience is that this is music with a great deal of emotion,” he said. “From the gay male point of view, it’s music that describes a thinking, feeling person who they can identify with. It’s very easy to access the music because it makes them dance and feel good about themselves, but also speaks to them about who they are. We’re here to play to people who have an open mind about their emotions, and obviously one of the key aspects of VNV Nation’s music is about finding your strengths through your adversities. I don’t think I’ve met any of my gay friends who haven’t experienced some amount of trauma in their lives because of who they are and what they represent. So, although the situations described within the songs are very universal, they’re my own personal experiences. They can be easily transcribed and applied to those kinds of situations of trying to find your place in this world and finding strength from it.” Harris said his experiences of trying to find his place in the world stem from growing up in a restrictive environment. “I grew up in Ireland, which is rather a conservative country that for quite a long time was under the oppression of sort of the Dark Age-religious-type view,” he said. “I was different, and dif-

RONAN HARRIS AND MARK JACKSON OF VNV NATION

ferent is too broad a word to use, but I didn’t really belong in any category. I sought to express myself without being conﬁned to the pre-programmed roles that are ascribed to what a guy is supposed to be like. In Ireland, it was this atmosphere of ‘boys don’t cry, boys don’t talk about feelings.’ It’s not a weakness to be able to feel or to be able to put into words a great deal of emotion and passion within your life.” VNV Nation’s emotional and passionate music has won the group a dedicated following in North America and Europe — and a diversity of fans that Harris calls “a really beautiful thing.” “We talk to people over here who ask us what our audience in America is like and I have to strongly distinguish it because, culturally, growing up in America and Europe are two very different things,” he said. “Germany, where I live, is a country that is very embracing, accepting and tolerant, which would surprise a lot of people who have never visited. When we go to North America, we see that there are so many different dogmas and views to which people hold themselves that are so opposing. We ﬁnd this to be very fascinating, but what really impresses us is the diversity of our audience. This is something that we could never have dreamed of.” VNV Nation’s new album, “Of Faith, Power and Glory,” is in stores now. The group performs at 8 p.m. July 19 at TLA, 334 South St. For more information or tickets, visit www.vnvnation.com. ■ Larry Nichols can be reached at larry@epgn.com.

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Oyster House tantalizes, goes down easy By Suzi Nash PGN Contributor

the restaurant is floor-to-ceiling glass with a cocktail rail crafted of antique white milk glass salvaged In the late ’80s (or was it the from Mink’s grandfather Sam’s early ’90s?), I was invited to a famed restaurant Kelly’s, on Mole press event at the former incarna- Street, which he owned and opertion of Oyster House. I don’t recall ated from 1947-69. A small bar, too much about it, but perhaps that which seats eight-10 people, is is because I was distracted. Sitting situated up front. In the middle is at the table across from me was the raw bar, a neat L-shaped affair Teller, the silent half of the com- where guests can view shuckers edy-magic duo known as Penn & opening oysters and clams to orTeller, and he was enthusiastically der. In the back are the dining tachatting away. bles. Though the dining room has Then the Sansom Street Oyster a nice modern feel, “salvaged” is House, now just Oyster House, it the buzzword of the day. From was a dark, crowded place. For what I understand, the front bar’s some reason, I thought I dined in marble comes from paving slabs the basement, but have since dis- at Independence Mall. “Our simple block tables are covered there was no basement. I don’t know if that says something crafted from reclaimed wood about the décor or my memory or from Philadelphia institutions, but both, but it is no longer the back- the most captivating decorative room restaurant of my mind. The feature is my family’s collection newly renovated and reopened of more than 200 antique oyster Oyster House is a bright, shining, plates artfully mounted around open place with smiling, happy the perimeter of the dining room, people and, of course, plenty of which my father and grandfather oysters. amassed over their years in the Not everything at Oyster House business,” said Mink. And the furnishings aren’t the is new. Though the original owner, David Mink, sold the restaurant in only things salvaged. “Some of 2000, the family reclaimed it after the best-loved menu items, like the new owner filed for bankrupt- our clam chowder, have been cy protection last summer. Now brought back, as a tribute to the his son, Sam Mink, has taken the originals and as a welcome treat reins and brings a modern touch to for our regular customers who an old classic. loved them,” added Mink. The new Oyster House is spaI met with a dear old friend cious with high ceilings and white- for lunch (in lesbian terms, that washed brick walls. The front of means ex). We started out simply with a chilled shrimp cocktail ($10), colossal wild shrimp served with a hearty cocktail sauce made with horseradish, ketchup, Tabasco, Wo r c e s t e r s h i r e and chili sauce, which gave it a little kick. Maria ordered a classic martini ($10), which she, as an aficionado, proOYSTERS ON THE ROCKS nounced to be per-

fectly mixed. I ordered a glass of the Standing Stone Finger Lakes Riesling ($8), a pleasant floral wine with lemon-lime-like flavors. The Oyster House has a nice bar with several offerings of wine by the glass, draft as well as bottled beer and rosemary lemonade, along with house-made ginger beer. I next went with the lobster bisque ($10), a velvety bowl of bisque flavored with cognac and chock full of lobster meat. OK, as sexy as they sound, I’m not a big raw-oyster person. I think the last time I tried to consume one was in Martha’s Vineyard and it didn’t go very well. I think I was in my teens, so I probably wasn’t mature enough to eat oysters without chuckling inappropriately, but nevertheless, the incident scarred me enough that I never slurped again. I was going to let Maria do the tasting for me, but I just didn’t feel right doing a review and not trying the oysters. Our server was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and (figuratively) held my hand through the process. We ordered the Royal Miyagi oysters ($14), one of 10 of the raw options. Produced in British Columbia, only a few hundred of these oysters are available each week, according to our server, and Oyster House is probably the only place in Pennsylvania to carry them. A medium-sized West Coast oyster, the Miyagi is only the tiniest bit briny and has a cucumber-melon finish. The presentation was impressive, with the platter taking up half the table. Our server pointed out one oyster in particular that had a beautiful shell, curvaceous and rimmed in black, as if it had applied eyeliner with a steady hand. I chose that one, hoping desperately not to embarrass myself. No worries: It was a silken affair, not at all chewy as I had remembered. As promised, it was sleek and tasty with naught but a hint of brine. Maybe I’ve grown up a bit or maybe these were excellent oysters. I’d lean toward the

REMODELED DINING ROOM OF OYSTER HOUSE

latter. My lunch companion, who regularly eats oysters, said these were among the best she’d tasted. For her main entrée, she chose the niçoise salad ($14), a colorful dish made with Mediterranean tuna served with a hard-cooked egg, tomatoes, Kalamata olives and green beans. Not the fanciest item on the menu, but the tuna was thick and delicious and the lemon vinaigrette was a perfect complement without overpowering the dish. Before getting to my main dish, I tried the fried oysters ($9). Made with full bellies, these were delectable bites lightly battered and served with a delicious tartar sauce and the aforementioned cocktail sauce. For my main entrée, I ordered the Maine lobster roll ($26), large chunks of lobster with celery, dotted with tiny bits of shallot for just a little added taste, on a buttered split-top roll and served with homemade chips. It was, thankfully, not slathered in mayonnaise, which allowed me to take it home as a leftover without worrying about the bread getting soggy. Day two and it was just as good ... After lunch, our server brought us a taste of the Oyster House punch ($7), a twist on the traditional ﬁsh-house punch. It was a fabulous concoction of rum, apri-

cot brandy, fresh-brewed iced tea, fruit juice and secret spices. My lunch companion remarked that she used to be a cognac drinker, but as she got older one glass would make her yearn for naptime. This was a nice way to enjoy the cognac without it being overpowering. For dessert, I ordered the strawberry rhubarb crumble ($7), a zingy mingling of sweet and tart tastes offset by homemade vanilla ice cream. I guess the third generation is the charm. By the size of the crowd, it appears Oyster House is the new place to see and be seen for lunch. I ran into several people I knew before I even found my seat. With the high ceiling and brick walls, it’s a little noisy inside, so be prepared to raise your voice over the din. All in all, it was a welcome change for the venerable establishment. I think even Teller would have something to say about the new place. ■

If you go Oyster House 1516 Sansom St. (215) 567-7683 Open for lunch MondaySaturday and dinner daily

Included every second and fourth week of the month.

Call Today!

(215) 625-8501 Our advertising representatives:

Greg, ext. 201 Kelly, ext. 207 Morgan, ext. 212 David, ext. 219

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 30

JULY 10 - 16, 2009

Versatile pork tenderloin makes easy, healthy meal By Jim Romanoff The Associated Press Pork tenderloin gets plenty of attention for it leanness. After all, it rivals boneless, skinless chicken breast. But tenderloins also deserve credit for their versatility. They usually weigh between 1 and 1-1/2 pounds, the perfect size for feeding a family of four. And they lend themselves to so many different preparations, you never need to serve the same way twice. For ultra-quick meals, cut the tenderloin crosswise into 1/2-inch medallions. These can be grilled or sautéed, then ﬁnished with a quick pan sauce made with minced shallots, white wine, a bit of Dijon mustard and some chopped fresh herbs. To make the medallions even more tender and quick-cooking, place the raw pieces between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound

them to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or heavy frying pan. Chunks of pork tenderloin can be used in stews and soups, but be sure to keep the cooking times short so the lean pork doesn’t get too tough. Or for a truly impressive presentation, you can prepare a stuffed pork tenderloin. Using a sharp knife, make a slit in a pork tenderloin lengthwise to within 1/2 inch of the other side. Open the tenderloin flat and place it between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound to 1/2-inch thickness. Fill the flattened tenderloin, lengthwise down the center, with a stuffing (such as chopped, sautéed mushrooms and onions or slices of prosciutto layered with slivers of Parmesan cheese). Roll the pork like a jellyroll and tie with kitchen twine in several spots. Grill or roast the stuffed pork tenderloin until it reaches an internal temperature of 155 F. Let the

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meat rest for ﬁve minutes, then carve into 1/2-inch slices to serve. One of the simplest preparations is to roast or grill a tenderloin that has been marinated or rubbed with a spice blend. This grilled pork tenderloin in a soy-sherry marinade takes only a few minutes to prep, but can sit all day in the marinade. For a convenient but sophisticated weeknight meal, you can start it in the morning and simply cook it when you get home from work. If you don’t feel like grilling, roast it in the oven at 400 F until it reaches an internal temperature of 155 F. GRILLED PORK TENDERLOIN IN A SOY-SHERRY MARINADE Start to ﬁnish: 30 minutes (plus 1 to 8 hours marinating) Servings: 4 2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced

AP Photo: Larry Crowe

6 cloves garlic 1/2-cup dry sherry 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce 1 tablespoon canola oil 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1-1/4-pound pork tenderloin, trimmed of fat

4 scallions, thinly sliced Salt and ground black pepper, to taste In a food processor, combine the ginger and garlic. Pulse until coarsely chopped. Add the sherry, soy sauce, oil and cinnamon. Pulse to just combine. In a large zip-close plastic bag, place the pork tenderloin and scallions. Add the marinade, then turn the tenderloin to coat completely. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to eight hours. Heat a gas grill to medium-high or prepare a charcoal fire. Remove the tenderloin from the bag, leaving as much of the seasonings on the meat as possible. Season with salt and pepper. Oil the grill grates. Grill the tenderloin, turning several times, until just cooked through and an instantread thermometer inserted at the center registers 155 F, about 15-20 minutes. Transfer the tenderloin to a cutting board, cover with foil and let rest for five minutes. Carve crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices to serve. per information Nutrition serving (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 204 calories; 49 calories from fat; 5 g fat (2 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 92 mg cholesterol; 5 g carbohydrate; 30 g protein; 0 g fiber; 560 mg sodium. ■

Call Today!

(215) 625-8501 Our advertising representatives:

Greg, ext. 201 Kelly, ext. 207 Morgan, ext. 212 David, ext. 219

JULY 10 - 16, 2009

Ms. Behavior

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS ®

PAGE 31

Meryl Cohn

Cutting off drunk dialers; papas, don’t preach Dear Ms. Behavior: I’m not sure where to draw the line with my ex. Ronnie and I broke up several years ago, but we’ve remained friends. Ronnie is prone to depression and sometimes calls me when she’s drunk and despondent. It doesn’t bother me; I help her the same way I’d help any depressed friend. But it’s more difﬁcult since I’ve gotten a new girlfriend. Tammy doesn’t want me to answer Ronnie’s latenight calls and would prefer that I stop rescuing her when she gets pulled over for drunk driving. (Her father is a retired cop, so she never goes to jail.) Is Tammy being unreasonable by asking me to ignore Ronnie? Or am I wrong in trying to help her? Does having a new girlfriend really mean that I have to ignore the old one? — Torn Between Past and Present Dear Torn Between Past and Present: It’s easy to conjure up the scenario: You and Tammy lying on the couch, cuddling in that hot way that lesbians cuddle. You feed each other ice cream, or perhaps massage each other’s toes. Suddenly the phone rings. Ring! Ring! Uh-oh, maybe it’s an emergency! You reach for the phone (dropping Tammy’s foot) and check your caller ID. You see that

Ronnie is drunk dialing you ... again. Your body releases a burst of adrenaline as you say, “Hello?” and you’re back to feeling alive! Ronnie spills the details of her daily crisis while your ice cream melts. Tammy watches you shift into caretaker mode as you deftly analyze Ronnie’s mood and try to soothe her. Can you really blame Tammy for being annoyed or even disgusted? How could she feel anything but short-changed? Saving Ronnie is not healthy for you and it’s not healthy for your new relationship; worse, it doesn’t even help Ronnie to be “saved.” So, start screening her out. Don’t take her drunk calls, don’t solve her problems and let her call someone else for a ride. But be forewarned: You’ll soon have to ﬁgure out what to do with your sorry self when you no longer feel the rush of being a hero. You may be surprised at how lost you feel when you’re not “helping” anyone. Dear Ms. Behavior: My boyfriend Evan and I are about to have a baby with a surrogate. She’s not even born and nosy people already are asking, “Who is Olivia’s father?” When we explain that we’ll both be fathers, the next question is, “But who is her biological father?” We feel we should educate people about the insensitivity of the question but, on the other hand, this is a private matter and we want to be treated equally, regardless of whose sperm happens to have fertilized the surrogate’s egg. (We’ve taken turns with the insemination each month, and

Summer “honey-do” list or general maintenance?

PGN

Find help in the Home Improvement Directory

know when the surrogate conceived, but don’t want to share this info with the world.) Of course, the answer may become obvious to everyone once the baby is born: Evan is dark and 6-foot-4 and I’m short and blond. But until then, how should we handle the rude questions? — Papa and Dad Dear Papa and Dad: Having to repeatedly explain that you’re both daddies is tiresome, and you shouldn’t reward rude questions with answers anyway. It’s not your job to educate the public about the socio-political issues surrounding same-sex parenting. So, on the days you feel weary of it, you could try a variety of responses and see which works best:

1) “We’ve cloned a baby in the lab. She’s half him, half me. Don’t tell anyone.” 2) “We were drunk the night she was conceived, so we’re not sure.” 3) “If you’re asking which one of us beat off into the cup, we can only tell you that we take turns.” (If it’s an immediate family member asking the question, you may want to substitute a different word for “beat off.”) Dear Ms. Behavior: Your response to the person who asked about keeping an old partner on his health coverage through his employer, as well as considering putting a friend on the coverage by declaring him to be a domestic partner, was right-on, but stopped just short of all the consequences that would

likely happen. Not only “may” his keeping the former partner on his active coverage (as opposed to COBRA) be considered fraudulent, it “is” fraudulent. And if he added a friend by calling him the domestic partner solely to get beneﬁts coverage, not only would the insurer terminate the coverage, his employer would likely terminate his employment for fraud as well. I look forward to reading your column in each issue. ■ — David Meltzer, SPHR Meryl Cohn is the author of “‘Do What I Say’: Ms. Behavior’s Guide to Gay and Lesbian Etiquette” (Houghton Mifﬂin). E-mail her at MsBehavior@aol.com or visit www.msbehavior.com.

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

PAGE 32

Q on the tube: Not getting it right By Victoria A. Brownworth PGN Contributor LGBT characters are becoming far more visible on the tube, if largely in recurrent and peripheral roles. But queer characters are rarely more realistic than they were 20 years ago, when they were anomalous to the TV landscape. The dearth of openly queer writers and producers in TV has compounded the problem of inaccurate portrayals. Some wellknown gay producers/creators like Greg Berlanti (“Brothers & Sisters”), Alan Ball (“True Blood”) and Marc Cherry (“Desperate Housewives”) have made substantial contributions to realistic characterizations of gay men on their shows, but in ensembles such as theirs, the possibilities for spotlighting the queer characters remain limited. This is also a surprising problem on the soaps, where it would seem queer characters could be fully developed and thrive in the daily, rather than weekly, lineup. In some cases that’s been true. “All My Children” devoted eight years to Bianca Montgomery as a central character. But no other queer characters ever came to town. All her partners were heterosexual prior to being with her, which is, for someone of Bianca’s age, highly unrealistic. More realistic has been the relationship between Luke and Noah on “As the World Turns.” The two have a strong, believable and openly affectionate, if not sexual, relationship on the show. But while other characters are falling in and out of bed, in the nearly three years of Luke and Noah’s relationship, they have never been seen in bed once. Nor did viewers see Rafe and Adam in bed last week when, after a much-vaunted gay storyline on “The Young & the Restless,” the devious, evil and heterosexual Adam came on to Rafe and within seconds had seduced him. This is perhaps the worst gay storyline in recent years on TV, marrying several stereotypes at once. Rafe is not only the show’s first-ever gay character in its 36year run; he’s also one of its first Latino characters. Rafe came out in his first days onscreen, but there was, as is so often the case with queer TV characters, no one for him to be gay with. So he disappeared from the screen for nearly a month. Adam was Rafe’s client — and an extraordinarily bad guy. Adam has been involved with the assistant D.A., Heather, for well over a year. The two were in bed together only minutes before Rafe came by to accuse Adam of a new crime. A few more minutes later — after a suggestive face-touching episode — cut to Rafe and Adam dressing. With no preamble, Rafe went to bed with Adam, who he knows is bedding Heather. This scene was stereotypical of the gay man who will have sex with anyone, anywhere. But Rafe is not that guy. And is the audience expected to believe that Adam learned how to have sex with men off-the-cuff in prison? After months of waiting for the character of Rafe to be explored, this slap-dash off-screen sex scene with no context was deeply disappointing. Writing LGBT characters is no different from writing any other character. All that is required is that writers know their subject. In real life, lesbians don’t have sex with men off-thecuff or only get involved with previously heterosexual women. In real life, men may jump in bed with one another with no preamble, but not necessarily a straight ex-con former client. The need for realistic portrayals of LGBT characters is apparent. But when the most realistic queer character on the tube in 2009 is a transsexual vampire, TV writers really need to make their depictions not just realistic, but resonant. ■

JULY 10 - 16, 2009

worth watching: FRIDAY Mental A patient returns with worsening OCD and Tourette’s. Jack puts out lesbian Dr. Chloe in charge of the case. 9 p.m. on FOX.

Jeffrey and Cole Casserole Gay blogger Jeffrey Self goes bananas. 11 p.m. on Logo.

SATURDAY Harper’s Island The two-hour series finale, where all is finally revealed to the few who have not been slaughtered. What does Wakefield really want and what will happen to Abby, Henry and Trish? 9 p.m. on CBS.

Kings

WHO SHOT J.K.R.?: ”ABC News” followed the woman who created an imaginary world for millions, J.K. Rowling, with cameras during the year before the seventh Harry Potter book was published. Upon the release of the latest Harry Potter movie, Elizabeth Vargas takes viewers on a journey into the life of the woman who came from “nothing” and created all her own success in the one-hour special, “J.K. Rowling: A Year In The Life,” 8 p.m. July 16 on ABC. Photo: IWC Media Limited

Nurse Jackie

Edie Falco and queer nurse Mo-Mo David faces treason charges as Silas in the best dramedy on the tube. hands control of the trial over to 10:30 p.m. on Showtime. Jack. 8 p.m. on NBC.

SUNDAY Hung A teacher makes the best of an anatomical gift — from the creators of “The Riches.” Smart and funny. 8 p.m. on HBO.

True Blood Bill and Sookie head to Dallas to carry out Eric’s vampire-reconnaissance mission. Maryann throws Tara a birthday party at Sookie’s, attracting much of Bon Temps to its Bacchanalian revelry. Having barely escaped Fangtasia, Lafayette finds himself reluctantly pulled back into Eric’s orbit. 9 p.m. on HBO.

MONDAY Gimme Sugar: Miami The LA Truck Stop gals head to Miami to hook lesbians up for love. 10 p.m. on Logo.

Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List Calling all queers: The diva of dish is back, hailing the homos. 10 p.m. on Bravo.

Raising the Bar Charlie’s facing life as an openly gay law clerk. 10 p.m. on TNT.

Weeds Celia is unhappy with her job. Silas and Doug’s medical marijuana dispensary is in full operation. 10 p.m. on Showtime.

TUESDAY America’s Got Talent The best talent show on TV, with many queer contestants. 9 p.m. on NBC.

WEDNESDAY America’s Got Talent 9 p.m. on NBC.

The Philanthropist Summer’s best new drama with excellent politics. Teddy heads back to Kujama, Nigeria, the scene of his philanthropic epiphany. He has opened an oil refinery to bring commerce to the small village. When his friend, Dr. Chima Balo, is kidnapped by a local rebel leader, Jonathan Bankole, who disapproves of Teddy’s interference in the village, Teddy vows to get Chima back safely. 10 p.m. on NBC.

The Real World: Cancun Bronne is a nude model and boxer from Penn State who has issues with boundaries. Derek is openly gay. 10 p.m. on MTV.

THURSDAY So You Think You Can Dance? Eight finalists remain. 8 p.m. on Fox.

The Fashion Show Season finale. Will the queens prevail? Isaac Mizrahi hosts. 10 p.m. on Bravo. ■

Queer TV you can always see: The Young & The Restless The Adam-Rafe-Heather storyline heats up. Good thing Adam doesn’t have a job, since he’s now spending all his time in bed. MondayFriday, 12:30 p.m. on CBS. As the World Turns Noah is trying to cope with his father’s return and having been kidnapped for the second time in a month. Luke worries what will happen to him and Noah now that the colonel is back. Monday-Friday, 2 p.m. on CBS. Guiding Light Natalia never showed at the Bauer picnic: She sent Blake to tell the blissfully anticipatory Olivia she wasn’t coming and didn’t want to talk to Olivia either. Then Natalia left town for a religious retreat to clear her head, now that she knows she’s pregnant with Frank’s baby, but still loves Olivia. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. on CBS. Ellen Monday-Friday, 3 p.m. on NBC. The Rachel Maddow Show Monday-Friday, 9 p.m. on MSNBC.

JULY 10 - 16, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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

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

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

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

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

Gloria Casarez, (215) 686-2194; Gloria. Casarez@phila.gov; Fax: (215) 686-2555 ■ Mazzoni Center: (215) 563-0652; www.mazzonicenter.org ■ Mazzoni Center Family and Community Medicine: (215) 563-0658

■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: (215) 5921513

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

■ AIDS Treatment hot line: (215) 5452212

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

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

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

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

■ Philadelphia Police Department liaison — Chief Inspector James Tiano: (215) 685-3655

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

PAGE 33

12-step programs and support groups Adult Children of Alcoholics

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

Al-Anon

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

■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, self-employed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city, invites speakers on various topics, partners with other nonprofits and maintains a Web site where everyone is invited to sign up for e-mail notices for activities and events.; www.gppn. org. ■ Independence Business Alliance Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development, marketing, educational and advocacy opportunities for LGBT and LGBT-friendly businesses and professionals. Visit www. IndependenceBusinessAlliance.com for information about events, programs and membership; (215) 5570190; 1717 Arch St., Suite 3370. ■ National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association The Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA, open to professionals and students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgjaphiladephia.org. ■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus A regional organization dedicated to promoting gay and lesbian tourism to the Greater Philadelphia Region, holds meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; 304 S. 12th St.; (215) 8406141; www.gayphiladelphia.org. ■ Philly OutGoing Professionals Social group for gay, lesbian and bisexual professionals meets for social and cultural activities; (856) 8579283; popnews19@yahoo.com.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

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

Wednesdays:

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

Thursdays:

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

Saturdays:

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

Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

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

Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA)

■

Emotional Support

■

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

■

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

HIV/AIDS

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

Meeting Place rotates listings on a four week schedule.

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

Overeaters Anonymous (OA)

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

S.A.R.A.

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

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous

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

SEPCADD

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

Mondays:

Positive Brothers, a support group for men of color living with HIV/AIDS, meets from 6-8 p.m. at 112 N. Broad St., 11th ﬂoor; (215) 496-0330. ■

Tuesdays:

AIDS Services in Asian Community offers safer-sex and HIV/AIDS information at 10 a.m. on second Tuesday of the month at the Independence Branch of the the Free Library, 18 S. Seventh St.;

■

Smoking Cessation

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

■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: (215) 494-LGBT; ppd.lgbt@gmail.com

Send submissions to pgn@epgn.com or fax (215) 925-6437 PGN Meeting Place, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147

■ Philly Pride Presents: (215) 875-9288

Meeting Place is a public service. Submissions must include a phone number for publication.

■ 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)

Complete Meeting Place listings of all Parent/Family, Professional, Recovery, Recreation, Religion, Sports, Men, Women, Trans, Youth groups can be found online @ www.phliagaynews.com and www.epgn.com

PAGE 34

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

JULY 10 - 16, 2009

Diversions Your guide to arts and entertainment

Theater

9 p.m. July 11 at the House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; (609) 236-2583.

City of Nutterly Love: Funny as Bell!

Philadelphia Theatre Company collaborated with legendary The Second City comedy theater to create this world-premiere revue, through July 26 at Suzanne Roberts Theater, 480 S. Broad St.; (215) 985-0420.

DJ Robert Drake

The out DJ keeps it moving at 9 p.m. July 11 at Tritone, 1508 South St.; (215) 5450475.

Satisfaction

The Rolling Stones tribute band performs at 7:30 p.m. July 12 at Sellersville Theatre 1894, 24 W. Temple St.; (215) 257-5808.

End Days

People’s Light and Theatre Company presents an outrageous comedy about acceptance and the importance of family ties, with “guest appearances” by Jesus and Stephen Hawking, through Aug. 3, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern; (610) 644-3500.

The Click Five

The modern-rock band performs at 8 p.m. July 14 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1400.

Damien Marley

High School Musical

The reggae artist performs at 8 p.m. July 16 at the House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; (609) 236-2583.

The Disney hit is staged at 2 p.m. July 12 at Sellersville Theatre 1894, 24 W. Temple St.; (215) 257-5808.

Grease

The popular “musical” featuring “American Idol”winner Taylor Hicks, through July 19 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.

MUY CALIENTE!: Looking and sounding a lot like a Latin Amy Winehouse (without the raging drug problems, messy tattoos and obvious dirty-skank factor), Cuban singer-songwriter and actress Cucu Diamantes makes us want to brush up on our Español 101 — because she is sure to singe everything she touches when she performs at 7:30 p.m. July 16 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St. Diamantes is just one of several performers featured in the Kimmel Center’s Global Grooves program this month, which brings beats from around the world to Philly. For tickets, call (215) 790-5847.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival presents a production of Shakespeare’s masterfully orchestrated comedy, through Aug. 2 at Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, 2755 Station Ave., Center Valley; (610) 282-9455.

The Producers

The Walnut Street Theatre presents an all-new production of Mel Brooks’ Tony Award-winning musical, through July 12, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 5743550.

Respect: A Musical Journey of Women

Act II Playhouse presents a high-energy celebration of just how much women have

changed, using the best songs of the past 100 years, through Aug. 2, 56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler; (215) 654-0200.

18 at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse of the Cape May Stage, 31 Perry St., Cape May, N.J.; (609) 884-1341.

The Rock Tenor

The Tempest

The Wilma Theatre presents a show fusing rock ’n’ roll anthems, Broadway classics, opera favorites, country rhythms and classical melodies, through Aug. 2, 265 S. Broad St.; (215) 5467824.

Say Goodnight Gracie: The Life, Laughter and Love of George Burns and Gracie Allen

Renowned Broadway actor Joel Rooks reprises his critically acclaimed role of George Burns in the Tonynominated play, through July

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents William Shakespeare’s magical and mysterious romance, through Aug. 2 at the Greek Theatre on the campus of the College of St. Elizabeth, 2 Convent Road, Morris Township, N.J.; (973) 408-5600.

Music classical Alan Morrison

The Kimmel Center presents the acclaimed organist at 7 p.m. July 16 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.

Cucu Diamantes

The Cuban singer-songwriter and actress performs at 7:30 p.m. July 16 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.

Music other Leela James

The neo-soul singer performs at 8 p.m. July 10 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; (215) 5727650.

Power Strip Fest

Digital Ferret Concerts presents the U.S. debut of Leaether Strip along with special guests at 8 p.m. July 10-11 at The Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; (215) 922-5483.

Almost Queen

The Freddie Mercury/Queen tribute band performs at 8:30 p.m. July 10 at Sellersville Theatre 1894, 24 W. Temple St.; (215) 257-5808.

Nickelback, Hinder and Papa Roach The rock bands perform at 7 p.m. July 11 at Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; (856) 365-1300.

Jet

The rock band performs at 8 p.m. July 11 at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; (609) 317-1000.

The Cult

The rock group performs at

Exhibits

The Art of Japanese Craft: 1875 to the Present

The Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition surveying the rich diversity of 20th-century Japanese craft, through Oct. 18, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; (215) 763-8100.

Cadaver Corpse

Space 1026 presents a corpse drawing, painting and collage show featuring over 50 artists from around the world, through July 31, 1026 Arch St.; (215) 574-7630.

Draw 4

Art Star Gallery & Boutique presents a group exhibition featuring Ryan Myers, Lisa Hurwitz, Kurt Halsey, Isaac Bushkin, Mandy Sutcliffe of Belle & Boo, Angie Mason, Ashley Goldberg, Rachel Bone and Susie Gahremani of Boy Girl Party, through July 26, 623 N. Second St.; (215) 238-1557.

JULY 10 - 16, 2009

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS (215) 925-3453.

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

Folk Art

Outgrowths

AxD Gallery presents a solo sculpture exhibition by artist Carey Netherton, through Aug. 2, 265 S. 10th St.; (215) 627-6250.

Richard Schultz: Five Decades of Design

The Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of works by the legendary outdoor furniture designer, through Aug. 23, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; (215) 763-8100.

Shopping in Paris: French Fashion 1850– 1925

The Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art at Ursinus College presents an installation focusing on examples from Dr. David Bronstein’s collection of Pennsylvania and Northeast folk art and artifacts, through Aug. 29, 601 E. Main St., Collegeville; (610) 409-3500.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition exploring the American experience abroad between 1850 and 1925, through Oct. 25, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; (215) 763-8100.

Frenz

The Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition exploring the world of fashion and consumer culture through printed publications, through Sept. 7, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; (215) 763-8100.

Fleisher/Ollman presents an exhibition of works selected by Will Oldham, the proliﬁc singer-songwriter who records and performs under the moniker Bonnie Prince Billy, through the end of summer, 1616 Walnut St., Suite 100; (215) 545-7562.

Hello! Fashion: Kansai Yamamoto 1971-73

The Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of the work of one of the founding fathers of Japanese contemporary fashion, through July 31, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; (215) 763-8100.

Himalayan Visions

Blue Lotus Gallery presents an exhibition by Nepalbased photographer Kishor Kayastha, through July 19, 1314 Sansom St.; (215) 5452800.

A Modern Edge Part 1

Edge Gallery presents an exhibition of abstract paintings by the gallery’s stable of artists, through July 26, 72 N. Second St.; (215) 413-7072.

New Work

The Clay Studio presents an exhibition of works from artist Alyssa Welch, through July 26, 137 N. Second St.;

Something to Wear: Fashion in Print 18501925

A Taste for Modern: The Jeanne Rymer Collection of 20thCentury Chairs

The Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an installation of 23 chairs by the acclaimed designer, through Sept. 20, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; (215) 763-8100.

Urban Convergence

Asian Arts Initiative hosts a multi-artist exhibition merging and morphing artistic genres and culture: high art with street art, underground with pop, ﬁne art with street culture, through Aug. 2, 1219 Vine St.; (215) 557-0455.

Velocity: Works on Paper by Peter G.-Ray AxD Gallery presents an exhibition of paintings by the artist, through July 18, 265 S. 10th St.; (215) 6276250.

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) 8845404.

Opera

Boy” hosts a reading at 6 p.m. July 16 at Barnes & Noble Rittenhouse Square, 1805 Walnut St.; (215) 6650716.

Stephen L. Carter

The author of “Jericho’s Fall” hosts a reading at 7:30 p.m. July 16 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 686-5322.

PAGE 35

Etc.

Greg Giraldo The comedian seen on Comedy Central performs July 10-11 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; (215) 496-9001.

Charlie Murphy The comedian seen on Comedy Central performs

July 16-18 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; (215) 496-9001.

Cabaret Kelly King

The singer-songwriter performs at 8:30 p.m. July 11 at Harlans at The Nevermore, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; (215) 862-5225. ■

Siberia

Amici Opera Company presents Umberto Giordano’s opera in Italian, 2:30 p.m. July 12 and 19 at Garden Church Trinity Methodist, 82 N. Lansdowne Ave., Lansdowne; (610) 6231644.

PGN

Pick

Film

The Blob

The classic monster movie is screened at 2 p.m. July 12 at The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; (610) 9170223.

Vertigo

Bryn Mawr Film Institute presents a screening of the classic Alfred Hitchcock ﬁlm, July 14-15, 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr; (610) 527-9898.

Philly QFest

The festival formerly know as The Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival celebrates its 15th year, through July 20 at various locations; www. phillycinema.org.

Books

Harold Varmus

The Nobel Prize-winning cancer biologist, cochair of President Barack Obama’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and author of “The Art and Politics of Science” hosts a reading at 7:30 p.m. July 14 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 686-5322.

Jennifer Weiner

The Philadelphia native and author of “Best Friends Forever” hosts a reading at 7:30 p.m. July 15 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 6865322.

Rakesh Satyal

The out author of “Blue

We can’t figure out exactly why Nina Flowers did not win season one of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” but she turned enough heads on the show with her daring style to be voted the audience favorite, and developed a loyal following along the way. So there should be a sizable crowd of fans waiting for Miss Flowers when she performs at 11 p.m. July 15 at Albert’s Second Story, 3180 Grant Ave. For more information, call (267) 339-1579 or visit www.myspace.com/nina_flowers.

PAGE 36

JULY 10 - 16, 2009

Classifieds

With Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services and Personals

Housing, auto fallout lifts metro jobless rates By Jeannine Aversa The Associated Press Layoffs tied to the troubled housing and auto industries clobbered the West and Midwest in May and helped raise unemployment rates in all the largest metropolitan areas for the ﬁfth straight month. All 372 metro areas saw joblessness rise in May from a year earlier, the Labor Department reported last Tuesday. The highest rates — of at least 15 percent — were concentrated in metro areas in California, Michigan and Indiana. Companies likely will remain reluctant to hire back workers even if the recession ends later this year as many expect. That means the unemployment rates in most metro areas probably will rise in the months ahead — a potential obstacle to a hoped-for recovery. “The themes that are dominating this worsening labor market are problems in housing and autos, which have forced companies to cut

jobs,” said economist Ken Mayland, president of ClearView Economics. “Unfortunately, there are still more layoffs to come.” Employment at factories, construction companies, retailers and ﬁnancial services has been especially hard hit by the recession, which started in December 2007 and is the longest since World War II. Kokomo, Ind., a manufacturing hub, suffered the biggest gain in unemployment in May. Its rate zoomed to 18.8 percent, up 11.7 percentage points from a year ago. Much of the loss came from furloughs at four Chrysler plants that had been shut down as part of the auto company’s bankruptcy proceedings. Local government leaders want to diversify the area’s economy and attract other industries to employ out-of-work engineers, technicians and others. The second-largest increase occurred in Indiana’s ElkhartGoshen, where the rate rose to 17.5 percent. That’s up 11.4 percentage

points from a year earlier. Layoffs at RV makers Monaco Coach Corp., Keystone RV Co. and Pilgrim International have taken a big bite out of area employment. Bend, Ore., saw its jobless rate rise to 15.2 percent, an increase of 8.8 percentage points, the third-largest in the country. It’s been the center of the central Oregon real-estate and construction boom, powered by retirees from California. But the credit crisis and falling home prices made it harder for them to cash out of their existing homes and move. The area also has suffered from job losses in construction, retail and in the services sectors. And North Carolina’s HickoryLenoir-Morganton saw its unemployment rate rise to 15.4 percent, a gain of 8.5 percentage points. About one-third of all jobs in Hickory are at manufacturing plants. Furniture makers and textile producers for years have been shifting work to low-cost overseas producers, and the region has

struggled to find other employers to help broaden its economic base. Jobs at financial companies also have been hard hit by the housing, credit and financial debacles. And the global recession has cut into demand from customers both at home and abroad for a wide range of goods. “Shipments to Asian and other countries are down. Exports have slowed. There is less demand,” said Bernard Baumohl, chief global economist for the Economic Outlook Group. El Centro, Calif., again posted the highest unemployment rate in the country — 26.8 percent. Unemployment there is notoriously high because of many seasonal farm workers without jobs. Following behind were Yuma, Ariz., with a jobless rate of 23.3 percent, and Kokomo at 18.8 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate climbed to a quarter-century high of 9.4 percent in May. Many economists predict it will have risen to 9.6 percent in June. If they’re right, it

would mark the highest jobless rate since 10.1 percent in June 1983, when the country was trying to recover from a severe recession. The U.S. unemployment rate could rise as high as 11 percent by next summer before it starts to decline. The highest rate since World War II was 10.8 percent at the end of 1982. The changes in metro unemployment from April to May were almost as bleak as the yearover-year ﬁgures. The month-tomonth ﬁgures aren’t seasonally adjusted, so comparisons tend to be volatile. The unemployment rates rose in 46 of the largest 49 metro areas. Two of the rates showed no change — in Denver and Minneapolis. But only one — in Buffalo-Niagara Falls — showed a decline, dipping to 8.3 percent from 8.5 percent. Some economists said they thought seasonal hiring linked to Niagara Falls tourism factored into the dip. ■

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

1129 Spruce St. #1 - Washington Square West

Beds: 3 Baths: 3 Square footage: Approx. 3,000 Cost: $929,000 Age of property: New construction Realtor: Suzanne Petruzel Real-estate co.: Prudential Fox and Roach Phone: 215-790-5671

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

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

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

JULY 10 - 16, 2009

SALE

VENTNOR, NJ (HEIGHTS) House & adjacent lot (swimming pool). 5 Bedroom, 2 bath, Laundry Rm, Kitchen, Dining Room, Sun room & great room. Living room, and lower & Upper decks. 2nd r-2 REAL ESTATE bedrooms, 1 bath, great room, sun room, & deck 1st r. 3 bedrooms, bath, living room, foyer, dining area, kitchen, laundry room, and deck. Central Air.IN Call 215-468-9166 after 6 GORGEOUS BURLINGTON CITY pm. $950,000.00. 2 Blks from Lite Rail to Camden/Phila and _______________________________32-17 Trenton and Burl/Bristol Bridge. Move in w/no VOORHEES NJ HOME SALE $ down. 4 bd/2 bath, all new FOR custom kit, 3 flr Peaceful home in theon center ofNEW 1.2 acre PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS oversized home.sits Laundry 2nd flr. C/A, tree heat, lined updated lot. Backelec, yardplumbing, fenced. 4 BR. 2.5 BA, gas walls. Move 2 car att.$188,750. gar., new appl., paint. Partially in now. $8K carpet, tax credit. Motivated nished bsmt w/of ce. $450,000. Serious calls seller. Call Lisa Herman, NJ REALTOR @856only, pleasepatmurphy.com to 856-261-2156. 701-8778. inc. REALTORS _______________________________32-14 856-428-4800. 5 bedroom, 2 Bank Repo only $45,000! Pay_______________________________33-29 mentsSingle-Family from $199/mo! 5% down, 20 Adult years(55 @ NEW homes in Active 8% apr. For listings 800-604-8363. plus) Community in historic Smyrna, Delaware, _______________________________32-14 near Beach and Bays. From $99,900. 302-6595 bedroom, Baths $425/month! 3 bedroom 5800 or see 2www.bonayrehomes.com 1 bath $200/month! More 1-4 bedroom homes _______________________________33-28 from $199/month! & information A Bank Repo! 4 Br For 3Balistings $10,000! Only $225/ 800-604-8363 Mo! More Homes from $199/Mo! 5% down 15 _______________________________32-14 years @ 8% APR. For listings 800-546-8656 Bank Repos & Foreclosures! 1-4 bedroom Ext R944. � �� Homes from $25,000! Great Locations! Pay_______________________________33-28 ment from $199/month! ForRepo’s! listings &4BR/2BA InformaBUY Foreclosures and � tion 800-604-8363. $30,500 or $242/Mo! 3BR/1BA HUD $199/Mo! _______________________________32-14 (8%, 20 years, 5% down) For Local Listings Potter County11T429 wooded bordering Attention Hunters! 60 Acres-acres $99,900 Timber 800-576-6921 Ext state forest!! approved, surveyed, co. liquidating a hunting loaded w/big 20AC with Perc Utilities & paradiseCountry Roadelectric was BD/1 BA, _______________________________33-28 available, level building site, good hunting whitetail All hardwood setting, trails me$99,900 Now $69,900 BLM access. Deer & Yorkdeer. State Family Owned Farm Since erry wood New and -FOR shing area. Owner nancing. andering throughout, pristine mountain views. elk galore! Call to5$59,900. view 877-229-7840 www. 1880 SALE Acres -Gorgeous Reidge. BD with 800-668-8679. Old Views state road frontage, just 20w/Meadows, minutes to line -$19,900. 10 Acres _______________________________32-14 town. Best buy in West Virginia! Easy Tracts owner ows in $4 Woods, _______________________________32-16 Streams -$25,900. Larger LIVE THE IFE NYS LAND financing. CallOUTDOOR now 1-877-526-3764. , Realtor, Available 800-229-7843 www.LandandCamps. INVESTMENTS BARGAINS & SALES! _______________________________33-18 Luxury four bedroom, four bath. Fully furnished. 348-0000, com 5 Acre Cody Brook- $13,900* 105 Acre- Cran_______________________________33-28 Mountain and lake views. $678,000. Call Dave 3, 1-3 berry Lake- Adks- $139,900* 25 Acre Francis Potter County- 39 Acres near Coudersport. Lake Frontage$69,900* 7 acres Largest ___33-18 Perfect for Home or Cabin. Great Views! Perc _______________________________32-16 Adk River & Falls- $99,900* 6 acre- Salmon approved, electric, wooded, many excellent 72 acres along McKean/Potter County line River Snow Trails- $15,900* 141 AcreTrophy building sites. $139,000. Owner financing. near Shinglehouse. Mostly wooded, Whitetail Tract- $139,900* To hear moresome call 800-668-8679. open area, includes old hunting cabin, 800-229-7843 now! _______________________________33-28 electric, $199,000. Field and Stream RE. _______________________________32-14 NYS LAND SALE JULY SPECIAL! Hunting Land 23 acres for $56,900.00. 35 �� 10 Acres- Lakefront WAS: $79,900 NOW: _______________________________32-16 acres for $69,900.00. Abuts Trout Stream and $49,900. 5 Acres w/ Rustic Camp Salmon River �� State Forest. 4x4 access. For Camp & Cabin. Area $19,900. 46 Acres- Borders Stateland, �� North-Lands 570-748-8995. ponds, foodplot $59,900. 4 Acres in Southern �� _______________________________32-14 Tier #1 Deer County! WAS: $16,900 NOW: �� $8,900. Over 100 different properties. Many sizes & areas. ponds, lakes & streams. TOM Trees, NAPOLI REALTOR www.landandcamps.com 800-229-7843 �� OUR ENTER ITY XPERT Christmas & Associates �� _______________________________33-28 EXPERIENCE, SERVICE & KNOW HOW

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$349,000 in the heart of Society Hill. This 2 bedroom/ 2 bathroom home has a Light-filled living room with original moldings, working 250 S. and 13th 9Street 10Eceilings. (The Lennox Building) Bulthaup marble fireplace 1/2 foot The spectacular kitchen, with one Subzero oven and Gaggenau Stunning corner beroomrefrigerator, with gorgeousMiele southern and western views. This cook top. features Customa lighting and with audio system invisible condominium Chef’s kitchen breakfast bar, with spacious and speakers throughout. The master suite has twin walkthroughout in closetsand anda light-filled living room with bay window, hardwood floors French doors that lead to a sunroom with slate floor and wet bar. Off the large walk-in closte in sun master bedroom. room is a breathtaking $319,000 landscaped roof deck that is perfect for entertaining. The RENTAL panoramic views overlooking 1216 Locust Street historic Society Hill include Awesome ommercial spae in perfect location. 900 Sq. feet with separate both city skyline and bridge office space, hardwood floors, exposed brick and lots of character views.

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PAGE 49

Rates have

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CLASSIFIEDS

REAL ESTATE

SALE

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PAGE 37

Real Estate

APRIL 4 - 10, 2008

REAL ESTATE

CLASSIFIEDS

1608 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19103

PGN

www.philarealtyexchange.com

Advertising works.

AVENUE OF THE ARTS 250 S. 13th Street- 1 br, doorman building, hw fl, tenant occupied $230,000 Kera Ritter 1326 SPRUCE ST (Center City One)-2br, 2 bth, 29th fl views $399,000 Tom Gangemi 1326 Spruce St-1br, 1bth, on 24th fl, high ceilings, balcony w/ south views, $282,500 Tom Gangemi 226 W. RITTENHOUSE SQ -2 br/den. 2 bth, newly renovated, with park view, $895,000 Tom Gangemi 401 S. 17th St-401 S. 17th: Quaint space, great location, new kitchen, commercial on 1st floor. $499,900. Kera Ritter

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA 1904 S. 9th St- 2br home in Bella Vista w/ large living room, $139,900 John Perno WASHINGTON SQUARE 1213 Pine St- 3br,2.5bth, in Washignton Sq West w/ private garden and garage $529,900 John Perno GERMANTOWN 502 W. Harvey St- Large home, 4br Twin , 2.5 baths, hw ﬂoors, servant’s stairs, porch, yard $249,000 Janis Dubin

NEW LISTING- THE PHEONIX

Various, one and two bedroom condos available for rent in Logan Square. You can live, rent and play in the Phoenix building, while enjoying all the amenities that the Phoenix has to offer. OPEN HOUSE EVERY SUN-MON, 12:00-3:00pm, Call Tom Gangemi 484-654-6117or email tomjgangemi@aol.com for an appt and more info. RENTALS IN AND AROUND TOWN

�� #1602- 925 sq ft, 1/1, $1990 MO Tom Gangemi #619-995 sq ft, 1b/1bth $21000MO Tom Gangemi �� #1714- 1,090 sq ft, 1⁄2, $2200 MO Tom Gangemi #519- 100 sq ft, 1/1, $2000 MO Tom Gangemi

#721- 995 sq ft, 1/1, $3200 MO Tom Gangemi #903- 965 sw ft, 1/1, $1950 MO Tom Gangemi #1006- 1,090 sq ft, 1/1.1, $2180 MO Tom Gangemi

1637 Christian St. New Listing. Ultra contemporary Brand New Construction, with 3 bed. 2 1/2 ba. garage, European Kitchen, media room, garden, deck, spa bath, wood ﬂoors, etc. Next door to million dollar homes. A true must see.................$875,000 1:30 - 2:30

FOR RENT

PHOENIX-UNIT

2118 Montrose St. New Listing. Totally rehabbed extra large 2 bd. 2 1/2 ba. w/ wood ﬂoor, garnite & S/S deluxe kitchen. landscaped garden. Roof deck. A must see...................$325,000

#1806- 1,467 sw ft, 2/2, $3200 MO Tom Gangemi #1906- 1,287 sq ft, 2/2, $2700 MO Tom Gangemi #2009- 867 sq ft,1br loft, $2100 MO Tom Gangemi

��

240 S. 13TH ST-. Sunny studio, new kitchen, hardwood ﬂoors, $1000 INCLUDES HEAT-Kera Ritter 250 S. 13TH ST #13C-2br,2bth in Lenox Bld designated parking, heat incl $2500MO Kera Ritter 2314 REED ST- 2 apts avail STARTING AT $795MO Janis Dunis 3512 BARING ST – Studio, utilities included in rent STARTING AT $900 MO Kera Ritter 502 W. HARVEY ST-4br Twin w/ porch, yard avail July 1 $1800 MO Janis Dubin CAREER OPPORTUNITY FOR FULL TIME SALES AGENT- FOR INTERVIEW CALL OFFICE SPECIALIZING IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT-CONDOS AND APARTMENTS 2-10 UNITS

2320 Madison Sq. New Listing. New from ground up 3 bd. 3 bath home on the Historical Garden block of Madison Sq. The architect design home has too many options to list. It is a MASTERPIECE in both design and workmanship. We must see all the ﬁne details. ...................$550,000.00 813 N. Bambrey St. NEW Listing. Newer 3 bd. 1.5 ba with ﬁnished lower level and nice rear garden. Great Art Museum Location ...............................................Priced to sell..... $300,000

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

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

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

PAGE 38

REAL ESTATE

SALE

�� REAL�� ESTATE ��

SALE

�� CLASSIFIEDS �� REAL ESTATE ��

JULY 10 - 16, 2009

SALE

��

�� BRETT BENDER

Realtor® ABR ALHS E-Mail: brett.bender@prufoxroach.com

��

E-mail us: pgn@epgn.com

��

At the Rittenhouse

210 W. Rittenhouse Sq., Suite 406, Philadelphia, PA 19103 Bus 215 546-0550 Cell 215 850-2088 Direct 215 790-5513 Fax 215 545-5768 An independently owned and operated member of the Prudential Real Estate Aﬃliates, Inc.

Hello Gorgeous!

��. Furness Flats. Large 2 bed, 1 bath. last unit left in this highly desirable building. Close to all Center City Hospitals. Low fees and taxes ................................�� “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 ........................��. �� . New open style 2 bedroom, 1 bath condo with low taxes and condo fees. Great small pet friendly building. .........................................................................�� Old Swedes Court. New Listing Large 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath with Garage, roof deck and hardwood ﬂoors. Low association fees in Queen Village ....................�� . NEW LISTING. Large update 4 bd. 2 ba. with huge garden and wonderfully roof deck with city skyline views. .................................................................................��

��

Ultra Modern 3,000 Sq. Ft. Condo Classic Beauty in Washington Sq. West 1129 Spruce - Unit 1 $929,000

3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, 3 Levels, Finished Basement & Patio Sophisticated, Sleek, Customized For The Urban Buyer . . . Granite, Steel, Walnut, Bamboo, 13’ Ceilings

��

Amazing one of a kind!

PGN

Support the advertisers who support our community.

or call Suzanne Petruzel

215-790-5671 or 215-546-0550

JULY 10 - 16, 2009

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

PAGE 48

REAL ESTATE �� SALE ��

CLASSIFIEDS

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

REAL ESTATE �� SALE ��

HELP WANTED ��

Mystery shoppers, make up to $150 a day. Undercover shoppers needed to judge retail and dining establishemnts. Experience not required. 877-280-7603. _______________________________33-19 Pensioner, GM inn, 609-287-8779 9 AM-1 PM only. _______________________________33-19 �� No exp. necessary, will train. PT or FT. SJ shore area. Call 609-645-2010. _______________________________33-19 Travel, Travel, Travel! $500 Sign-on and $500 Performance bonuses. Seeking Sharp Guys/Gals, Blue Jean Environment, Music Lovers Welcome! Janelle #888-375-9795 Start Today! _______________________________33-18 Part-time, home-based Internet business. Earn $500-$1000/month or more. Flexible hours. Training provided. No selling required. FREE details. www.K348.com _______________________________33-18 �� Avg. Pay $21/hour or $54K annually including Federal Beneﬁts and OT. Paid Training. Vacations. PT/FT 1-866-945-0341. _______________________________33-18 �� National Company Hiring 18-30 Sharp People. Able to Start Today. Transportation & Lodging Furnished. NO EXPERIENCE Necessary. Paid Training. Over 18+ 866-734-5216. _______________________________33-18

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. _______________________________33-18 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. _______________________________33-18 Now Hiring OTR Dry-Van Drivers! WESTERN EXPRESS *Regular Home-Time *Excellent Equipment *One-Day Orientation *BCBS Insurance *Stable,Growing Company, Must be 22Yrs. Old, Class-A CDL required 866863-4009. _______________________________33-18 Mailing Brochures! Weekly pay + Bonus. Supplies furnished. Guaranteed Opportunity. Call Now! 1-800-307-7131. _______________________________33-18 “Can You Dig It?” Heavy Equipment 3wk Training Program. Backhoes, Bulldozers, Trackhoes. Local job placement asst. COULD QUALIFY FOR GI/VA BENEFITS. 866-3626497. _______________________________33-18 NOW AVAILABLE! 2009 POST OFFICE JOBS. $18-$20/hr. NO EXPERIENCE, PAID TRAINING, FED BENEFITS, VACATIONS. CALL 1-800-910-9941 TODAY! Ref #PA09. _______________________________33-18

�� Areas include Shawnee, Camel Back, �� Mt. Airy�� Casino and Rainbow Mt. Corners of Routes 390 & 447 • Candensis, PA 18325 ��

��

�� REAL ESTATE

RENT

VACATION

RENT

12TH & DICKINSON ST. OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 3 Room Apt for Rent. Living Room, Kitchen, Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial Bath and Bedroom w/walk-in closet (very large weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Broker/Sales Rep. Since 1987 rooms). $800. mo plus util. Call 215 468-9166 Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102 Online NJAR Circle of Excellence Sales Award 1991- 2007 after 6 pm. or 215 686 3431 daytime. reservations www.holidayoc.com Weichert President’s & Ambassador’s Clubs _______________________________33-28 _______________________________33-28 OBAMA VISITING GHANA! 12TH & DICKINSON AREA Office: 856.227.1950 ext. 124 Furnished Townhouse for rent: 3 levels. Living ...You should too! Culture. History. Adventure. Cell: 609.221.1196 Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, 2 bedrooms , Scenery. Wildlife. Friendly native guides. www.conradkuhn.com World famous hospitality. www.EasyTrackbath. Very Unique. 1500. mo plus util. (nego-Realtor856@aol.com tiable). Call 215 468-9166 after 6 pm. or 215 Ghana.com satellite TV, heat and hot water, all included. Washington_______________________________33-28 Township 686 3431 daytime. You pay; gas Office cooking and electric. Subway _______________________________33-28 and 5070 42 door. $1,200 / month. bus atRoute the front 215-416-5545. Available May 2008. This is a AVENUE OF THE ARTS Turnersville, NJ 08012 Entire 3rd floor apartment for rent has large eat-in kitchen with ice maker, built in micro, _______________________________32-18 d/w, garb disp. lots of counter and storage. hall 5 bedroom, 2 Baths Bank Repo only $45,000! Payments from $199/month! 5% down, 20 �� closet, very large living room, rent includes all channel Tevo. bathroom has a washer/dryer, _______________________________32-16 � another hall closet and two bedrooms with more 3 Bedroom Bank foreclosure only $207/month! closets. Heat and hot water is also included. 4 bedroom, 2 bath home only $238/month! down, 20 years @8% apr! For listings $1,200.00/month. This is a non-smoking build- 5% �� Driver-CDL A. Lots of Freight!! OTR Experiing. Art 215-416-5545. Museum Area-- off 26th St. (800 N. enced �� or Truck Driver Training. Reefer and _______________________________32-16 _______________________________33-28 Bambrey, 19130) Corner house on quiet Flatbed �� Positions Avail. Min 21 years old. ReFROMtransportation. CENTER CITYNewly street,MINUTES close to public �� available weekends! 800-277-0212. 3 BR, 1 full bath, 2 half baths, hdwd flrs thruout, cruiters renovated, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood ___________________________________ lg. EIK,AC, stainless steel appl, D/W G/D,wired. W/D, _______________________________33-28 floors, laundry, deck, PARKING, �� AWESOME CAREER OPPROTUNITY clean & spacious basement, lg. back yard. $1600+ call 215-990-4850. Go to kratzworks. $20/hr Have your own bedroom a beautiful split Avg, $57K/yr, Postalin Jobs. Pd Training, Pets OK. $1500/mo. 267-278-1636. level homeOT, with 2 gay men.Pension House is 4 BR, 2 com for pix. Vacations, Full Benefits, Plan. Call _______________________________33-28 Lovely 3 bd. 1 ba. fully furnished home in full baths, W/D,1-888-361-6551 upper and lowerExt decks, use of _______________________________33-20 M-F, 8-5 CST. beautiful secluded gay court. 2 1031. blocks to COZY �� CONDO, MT. LAUREL, NJ kitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 beach, jitney at corner. Long season-12,500. $1100.00 + utils. 2 BR, 1apartment 1/2 Bath,W/D, DW, _______________________________33-28 min. to 58 bus. We ask thatTrainees you be atneedleast Two bedroom split-level on second Werner Enterprises. 40only Driver FP & Sun Rm. Call 609-947-2678. reasonably neat employed. is $600 + floor of row home at 20th and Christian streets. ed. _______________________________32-17 Drive the Bigand Rigs. No CDL,Rent No Problem. _______________________________33-30 LR, kitchen/dining, bath, small foyer. On-street No 1/3 Credit, utils. Contact Dave $700-$800/week at 215-698-0215.plus No Problem. parking, pets okay. Utilities separate. $875+two Benefits _______________________________33-19 Lg. twhnse, BR, 2.5 BA. No pets or smoking. Call3 Now! 1-800-961-4319. NE Phila. house to share. $350/mo. Call Jim, months deposit. Scott 267.736.6743. _______________________________33-28 _______________________________32-19 215-821-1062. _______________________________33-18 DriverCDL-A Great Flatbed Opportunity. OTR _______________________________33-18 �� Runs, Professional Equipment, Competitive Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/partial �� 1 PGN BR apts. Various choices. WILLavail. NOT PUBLISH RACIAL$750 DIS- to Pay & Regular Also Open Hiringdaily. Van weeks. Call for Hometime. free brochure. Beach blk. Share lovely 3 BR house w/senior $1000/mo. CallINsoon, 215-901-0041. TINCTIONS ROOMMATE ADS. SUCH Drivers. Express/SMX CDL-A, 22 YO, Holiday Western Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102 Online citizen. Full house privileges. Must be em_______________________________33-21 NOTATIONS WILL BE EDITED. THANK 1 yr. OTR 888-839-2013 www.smxc.com ployed. $950/mo. Call Jim at 609-458-3711 _______________________________32-16 YOU �� FOR YOUR COOPERATION. _______________________________33-28 to discuss details. High eld, Debordieu, The 3 room apartment, living room, kitchen, bath, Over ___________________________________ 18? Between School and College? _______________________________33-19 Jewels and of the South Carolina Coast. House/ GREATER NE rooms) PHILA. 2nd floor, Travel and bedroom (all Large Have Fun w/Young Successful condo 2rentals. Beach vacations start cable. here! Share BR apt. Upper Darby, W/D, Have own bedroom in month, a beautiful split Business Group. No Experience Necessary. privateyour entrance. $1000.00 includes www.lachicotte.com. For availability call 1$350. Call 610-352-1188. level home with 2 gay men. House is 4 BR, 2 2wks Paid Training. Lodging, Transportation utilities. Call 215 686-3431 or 215-468-9166 _______________________________33-21 full baths, W/D, upper and lower decks, use of Provided. 1-877-646-5050. _______________________________32-16 evenings. Roommate wanted to share home in Norriskitchen. Property is by Welsh & the Boulevard, 1 _______________________________33-28 _______________________________33-24 town. $600/mo. + half utils. Ref. req. Must love min. to 58 bus. We ask only that you be at least NOW AVAILABLE! 2009 POST OFFICE JOBS. �� cats. call 610-270-0288. No drugs. reasonably neat and employed. Rent is $600 + $18-$20/HR NO EXPERIENCE, PAID TRAIN_______________________________33-21 Entire 3rdContact floor apartment for rent has large ING, 1/3 utils. Dave at 215-698-0215. FED BENEFITS, VACATIONS. CALL eat-in kitchen with ice maker, built in micro, _______________________________33-29 1-800-910-9941 TODAY! REF #PA09. d/w, garb disp.2lots of counter and storage. hall _______________________________33-28 Have private rms in 15 room hist. house. �� Share $575+ el. 215-844-8118. closet,1st veryfl.large living room, rent includes all _______________________________33-28 channel Tevo. bathroom has a washer/dryer, � W. MONTGOMERY AVE. another2614 hall closet and two bedrooms with more Rooms for rent ranging from $350 to $500. closets. Heat and hot water is also included. Located on 2nd & 3rd floor. Utils. paid by �� $1,200.00/month. This is a non-smoking buildlandlord. Please contact Mrs. Johnson. 917- Super-private 5 1/2 acres with views, stream, ing. 215-416-5545. 825-7761 waterfall, 20’ X 36’ pool. Fully funished 3 _______________________________33-20 bedrooms, 3 baths, 4 TVs, 1 flat screen, DSL, _______________________________33-30

Conrad Kuhn

��

PGN

�� HELP WANTED

ROOMMATES

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.

�� Alexander Inn

Gay our Gay is is our middle middle name. name.

Hotel desk clerk for full or part time. Must have prior hotel experience with stereo, grand piano, eat-in kitchen. Vine-coveredreferences. dining deck. $5000 per month. June to Good salary Sept. billwrite@aol.com plus bonus pkg. Apply in _______________________________33-23 �� person or call days. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial

weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102 Online reservations www.holidayoc.com _______________________________33-18

Call John 215-923-3535 Let’s Talk!

PAGE 39

Cleaning/Janitorial person for Sisters Nightclub

Must be able to work a full-time ﬂexible schedule, be mature, a self-starter, & capable of receiving deliveries. References Required. Phone calls will be taken only on Mondays between 1 and 3 p.m. Ask for Jim 215-735-0735

Currently seeking payroll clerks and accountants. Job comes with great beneﬁts. Applicants should Seeking part-time editorial intern kindly e-mail resumes or inquiries to Guiseppina Cavaliere. Guiseppinainc@aol.com

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.

Adver tising Sales Representative

This is an unpaid internship (academic credit available), 15-20 hours per week. Skills: Computer procient. (Prefer Word, e-mail, In-Design, Excel. Photoshop a plus.) PGN, one of the country's most award-winning Organized, detail oriented publications, is looking for a Gay and Lesbian Solid written and verbal communications skills; knowledge of AP style candidate to fill this position in our Teamspecial player

advertising sales department.

Please send résumé, cover letter and three writing samples to should haveGay previous advertising Sarah Applicants Blazucki, Editor, Philadelphia News, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147. Or e-mail, editor@epgn.com. sales experience, preferably in a similar

environment. You should have a strong work ethic, good communication skills (both written �� and�� verbal), and an aggressive desire to sell advertising in this very special niche market. �� Wishing to adopt newborn to nurture 2001Most Toyota Celica GTS $2500! 2 door,custom important, you should aspire to become an and made orange exterior, black interior, 96500 adore. Will provide your baby with warm, integral of ourinfo:successful sales loving, stable home. Youteam. will be treated with miles, 6 speed manual, part 4 cyl. Contact corysmoore@gmail.com or call at (208) respect/ conﬁdentiality. Expenses Paid. Please We offer a competitive salary plus bonus, call Glenna 1-866-535-8080. 977-9080. _______________________________33-18 _______________________________33-18 as well as Health Insurance. �� Applicants should call Greg Dennis at wishes to loving woman (teacher) Receive $1000 Grocery Coupon. Noah’s Childless adopt Email a newborn. Financially to secure home Arc Support No Kill Shelters. Research 215-625-8501, ext.to201. resume Advance Veterinary Treatments. Free Tow- with close extended family. Legal/Conﬁdential. greg@epgn.com sendpaid. resume ing, Tax Deductible, Non-Runners accepted orExpenses Please callto: Denise: 1-866-2011-866-912-GIVE _______________________________33-18

4602 Pin#01960. _______________________________33-18 Considering Adoption? A beautiful home, loving attorney and nurturing full-time mom awaits your baby. Expenses paid. Call Anne & Phyllis (ask for michelle/adam) 1-800-790-5260. _______________________________33-18

PGN, 505 S. 4th St., Phila. PA. 19147 Attn.: Greg Dennis EOE

��

�

From on TO VALU portable b able. ww informatio ________

Buy Som $71.99/90 CLUDES $25 Coup 531-6744 ________ �� Call toda Wheelcha COST TO ICAL SUP ________ �� Limited O ACT NOW ________ � Kayak Po display n Save tho 100% ﬁna ________

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Painting a 45 yrs exp 215-888________ � From Hom *Compute assistanc if qualiﬁe Online.co ________

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�� Auction. Logging/C May 14, 1 Auction, ironhorse ________

CLASSIFIEDS

PAGE 40

JULY 10 - 16, 2009

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

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

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

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

PAYMENT AND PLACEMENT

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

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

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

Classiﬁeds Liner Insertion Order

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

HEADLINE (24 SPACES PER LINE) FREE WHEN PLACED ONLINE 40 spaces Per Line 36 spaces Per Line 24 SPACES PER LINE

7 point 7 point 7 POINT

NAME ADDRESS CITY PHONE

PLEASE PRINT STATE

ZIP

AMEX • MASTERCARD • VISA • DISCOVER CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION SIGNATURE NAME ON CARD # # #

“A” LINES @ $5.50 - $ “B” LINES @ $7.50 - $ “C” LINES @ $10.00 - $ BOX YOUR AD $5.00 SUBTOTAL

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

PGN now offers

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

TOTAL PAYMENT ENCLOSED

Return form and payment to: Masco Communications 505 S. Fourth St., Phila., PA 19147 or fax: 215-925-6437 or email: don@epgn.com

PAGE 108

JULY 10 - 16, 2009

SERVICES

FOR SALE

MAKE MONEY PLAYING THE LOTTERY Guaranteed System. FREE report. Call toll-free 1-877-526-6957 ID#B4679 or go to: www.flalottomagic.net/?=B4679 for more information! Very small investment. Many other extras and discounts are included, as well as a Free 30 min M4M massage for signing up for every month that you are a member, if you contact JT at (856)397-1089. _______________________________33-32 ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE From Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Computers, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 866-858-2121 www.CenturaOnline.com _______________________________33-28 AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified -Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888)349-5387. _______________________________33-28

SAWMILLS From Only $2,990.00--Convert your LOGS TO VALUABLE LUMBER with your Norwood portable band sawmill. Log skidders also available. norwoodsawmills.com/300n. Free information: 1-800-578-1363-Ext300-N. _______________________________33-28 ONLINE PHARMACY Buy Soma, Ultram, Fioricet, Prozac, Buspar $71.99/90 $107/180 Quantities. PRICE INCLUDES PRESCRIPTION! Over 200 meds $25 Coupon. Mention Offer:# 21A31. 1-888531-6744. tri-pharmacy.info _______________________________33-26 GET YOUR NEW Power Wheelchairs, Power Scooters and Hospital Beds at absolutely NO COST if you qualify!! Fastest delivery available!! Call Toll Free 1-800-470-7562. _______________________________33-26

ADOPTION ADOPT Happily married couple wants your baby to be the love of our lives. Well educated. Financially PAGEExpenses 108 paid. Please call Gina/Paul, secure. 888-442-3194. _______________________________33-28 ADOPTION A secure, successful, fun, caring couple looking to provide home full of love and happiness to newborn. Expenses paid. Jessica & Brian, toll-free 866-760-7676. _______________________________33-28 Pregnant? Considering adoption? We are a childless couple seeking to adopt. Will provide FULL-TIME/AT-HOME parent. Financial security. Expenses paid. Steve & Robert. 1-888-836-3639. _______________________________33-28

WANTED TO BUY WANTED: DIABETES TEST STRIPS Any Kind/Any Brand Unexpired. Pay up to $16.00 per box. Shipping Paid. Call 1-713395-1106 or 1-832-620-4497 ext. 8. www. cash4diabetesteststrips.com _______________________________33-28

Is it time to look for a new doctor?

BUSINESS

OPPORTUNITIES 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. _______________________________33-28 ALL CASH VENDING! 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. _______________________________33-28

AUTOS DONATE VEHICLE Receive $1000 Grocery Coupon. Noah’s Arc Support No Kill Shelters. Research to Advance Veterinary Treatments. Free Towing, Tax Deductible, Non-Runners accepted 1-866-912-GIVE _______________________________33-28 LOW PRICE 1957 Chevrolet Corvette, clear title, $4800, 2 doors, exterior orange, interior red, 8 cyl. atomatic, gasoline, leather seats, you can call me 206-309-0136 or e-mail me johnervin@gmx. com _______________________________33-28

CLASSIFIEDS PAGE 41

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PAGE 43

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PAGE 106

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PAGE 110 PAGE 110 PAGE PAGE 44 110 PAGE 110

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APRIL 25 25 - MAY MAY 1, 1, 2008 2008 APRIL JULY 10 - 1, 16,2008 2009 APRIL 25 - -MAY

PAGE 106

LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law

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

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Terence S. Brady, Esq. Legal Representation In New Jersey Drunk Driving, Speeding, All Traﬃc Cases, Family Matters, Divorce, Visitation, Custody Criminal Matters, Real Estate Purchases, MARCH 28 - APRIL 3, 2008 Foreclosures

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James M. M.SPACE Quesenberry, MA, CRC,CVE CVE AMY F.William STEERMAN A. Torchia, Esquire THIS ISMA, YOURS James Quesenberry, CRC, Attorney-at-Law Disability Consultant James M. Quesenberry, MA, CRC, CVE Attorney at Law Disability Consultant

$25.00 * Consultant Estate & Tax Planning Concentrating in Planning OnlyDisability for Lesbian and Gay Couples GENERAL PRACTICE FORSocial THE COMMUNITY Security Disability Week! SocialPer Security Disability �� • Probate • Wills �� • Living Wills �� • Powers of Attorney �� CLASSIFIEDS ��

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• Domestic Relations • Incorporation • Adoption • Criminal • Name Change • Immigration

GALLOP

Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia Bar Association Serving Southeastern PA., South Jersey; and Delaware. Organized to promote civil and human rights. GALLOP Referral Service provides free referrals to attorneys sensitive to the needs of the community For info or a referral, call 215-627-9090 P.O. Box 58279, Penn Center Station, Phila., PA 19102 www.galloplaw.org

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Financial Advice for the GLBT Community

Charles S. Frazier, Esq. Attorney at Law

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PAGE 45

Adult/Personals

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PAGE 48

PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

JULY 10 - 16, 2009