pgn Philadelphia Gay News LGBT NEWS SINCE 1976 Family Portrait: Drea Young shares a musical bar or two PAGE 31
Vol. 41 No. 45 Nov. 10-16, 2017
GALAEI’s Trans Equity Project will have a full schedule of activities
PAGE 2
HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM
“It’s hard to say goodbye.” PAGE 5
Queer films unspool at Asian American fest
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Election 2017 brings major Democratic, LGBT wins Co-defendant Across the country, voters showed their discontent with the direction of the coun- sentenced in try by awarding victories to progressive candidates. murder of Maya Young By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com
Election Night 2017 had a decidedly different outcome than last year’s election. Democrats swept all major races across the country in what pundits described as a referendum on Republican President Donald Trump. Among the biggest winners were New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Murphy, who defeated Republican Kim Guadagno to succeed Gov. Chris Christie, and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ralph Northam in Virginia. It was also a historic night for LGBT wins, particularly among transgender candidates. Pennsylvania will have its first-ever openly transgender elected official, as Tyler Titus was elected to the Erie School Board in Western Pennsylvania. “Tyler Titus shattered a lavender ceiling in Pennsylvania today and his victory will resonate well beyond state boundaries,” Victory Fund President and CEO Aisha C. MoodieMills said in a statement Tuesday. “Trans people remain severely underrepresented in our politics and governPAGE 19
By Jeremy Rodriguez jeremy@epgn.com
COMMUNITY VICTORY: Progressive Democratic candidate Larry Krasner celebrated his election as the city’s next district attorney at the William Way LGBT Community Center Tuesday night. The center served as a polling place and hosted Krasner’s watch-turned-victory party at night. Krasner has pledged to advocate for a range of social-justice issues, including LGBT rights. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Man seeks damages in Gayborhood assault By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com
FORWARD PROGRESS: Members of the OutServeSLDN LGBT and Friends Contingent participated in the third-annual Philadelphia Veterans Parade Nov. 5. The group, which marched for the first time in the 2016 event, included Richard Soto (from left), Rob Miranda, Barry Confíe, Greg Seaney-Ariano and Ali Birouti.
Samuel Sierra, a gay man assaulted in the Gayborhood almost three years ago, is seeking financial remuneration from his alleged assailants. Sierra, 37, of Fishtown, was heading home after working as a doorman at Tabu Lounge and Sports Bar when he allegedly was assaulted by Aaron Gordon and Christopher Schmid. The incident occurred on South 12th Street, near Chestnut, around 2:40 a.m. Dec. 27, 2014, according to court records. Gordon subsequently was convicted of simple assault and sentenced to one year’s reporting probation but Schmid wasn’t criminally charged by local
authorities. According to court records, Sierra sustained severe head injuries during the assault, from which he continues to recover, and has incurred medical bills exceeding $217,000. Gordon and Schmid are defendants in Sierra’s civil suit, filed in December in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court. Also named as a defendant is Yakitori Boy, a karaoke lounge in Chinatown that allegedly served Gordon and Schmid an excessive amount of alcohol prior to Sierra’s assault. A jury trial tentatively is scheduled for 10 a.m. July 8, 2018, in Courtroom 480 of City Hall, with Common Pleas Judge Denis P. Cohen presiding. PAGE 23 An attorney
A co-defendant in the murder of a local trans woman was sentenced Wednesday. Tiffany Floyd will serve eight-20 years in prison, plus 10 years of probation for the murder of Maya Young. Additionally, she will undergo drug rehabilitation, mental-health treatment and educational and vocational training. Floyd pleaded guilty in February to third-degree murder, conspiracy to commit third-degree murder and possession of a weapon with criminal intent. During the deferred-sentence agreement, Floyd underwent a pre-sentence investigation and a mental-health evaluation. Floyd’s attorney, Dan Stevenson, said his client has been “dealt a bad hand,” noting that she was sexually abused and was bullied in school as a child. “[Floyd] knows she has to pay for what she did but this is not an unredeemable woman,” Stevenson said. Floyd appeared in court to read a letter she wrote. She said she takes “full responsibility for my actions” and has been involved in rehabilitation programs while in custody. Additionally, she said she remains in contact with her four children and surrounds herself with positive family members. “I also pray for the victim’s family,” Floyd said. “I may not be able to dry their tears ... but I am truly apologetic.” Assistant District Attorney Gwenn Cujdik recognized that Floyd felt remorse for the crime. She also noted Floyd’s role in identifying her co-defendant, Jose Pena, who is currently serving 40-80 years in prison for both Young’s murder and an unrelated murder. However, Cujdik said a mitigated sentence would “not be in the [court’s] best interest.” Judge Kathryn S. Lewis said she anticipates the defendant will return to the community and told Floyd that her “guilt will live with [her] forever.” Young died from stab wounds to her back PAGE 19 and chest on Feb. 20, 2016,
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 10-16, 2017
Resource listings Legal resources • ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215-592-1513; aclupa.org • AIDS Law Project of PA: 215-587-9377; aidslawpa.org • AIDS Law Project of South Jersey: 856-784-8532; aidslawsnj.org/ • Equality PA: equalitypa. org; 215-731-1447
• Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations — Rue Landau: 215-686-4670 • Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-7603686; ppd.lgbt@gmail.com • SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-920-9537
• Office of LGBT Affairs — Amber Hikes: 215-686-0330; amber.hikes@phila.gov
Community centers • The Attic Youth Center; 255 S. 16th St.; 215-545-4331, atticyouthcenter.org. For LGBT and questioning youth and their friends and allies. • LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania; 3907 Spruce
St.; 215-898-5044, center@dolphin.upenn.edu.
• Rainbow Room: Bucks County’s LGBTQ and Allies Youth Center
Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065, rainbowroom@ppbucks.org.
• William Way LGBT Community Center 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220, www.waygay.org.
Health and HIV testing • Action Wellness: 1216 Arch St.; 215981-0088, actionwellness.org
• AIDS Library:
1233 Locust St.; aidslibrary.org/
• AIDS Treatment Fact line: 800-6626080
• Bebashi-Transition to Hope: 1235 Spring Garden St.; 215769-3561; bebashi.org
• COLOURS: coloursorganization.org, 215832-0100 • Congreso de Latinos Unidos;
216 W. Somerset St.; 215-763-8870
• GALAEI: 149 W. Susquehanna Ave.; 267-457-3912, galaei.org. Spanish/ English
• Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad
St.; 215-685-1821
• Mazzoni Center:
1348 Bainbridge St.; 215-563-0652, mazzonicenter.org
• Philadelphia FIGHT: 1233 Locust St.; 215-985-4448, fight.org
• Washington West Project of Mazzoni Center:
1201 Locust St.; 215985-9206
• Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207
Other • Independence Branch Library Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection: 215-685-1633 • Independence Business Alliance; 215-557-0190, IndependenceBusinessAlliance.com
• LGBT Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK • PFLAG: Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): 215-572-1833 • Philly Pride Presents: 215-875-9288
Trans Equity Project to host activities for Transgender Awareness Week By Jeremy Rodriguez jeremy@epgn.com A local program for trans and gender-variant individuals will host a week of activities in honor of Transgender Awareness Week. The Trans Equity Project, a program of GALAEI, will host the first-time program to center the voices of trans individuals through panel discussions, movie screenings, a clothing drive, a protest and a marketplace featuring trans entrepreneurs and business owners. Trans Equity Project co-coordinator Christian A’xavier Lovehall noted the importance of celebrating Transgender Awareness Week, Nov. 14-20. “Trans people are the most marginalized individuals within the LGBTQ community and oftentimes we do not center those individuals,” he said. “This is a week to be intentional about that while also spreading awareness about various issues that we face, as well as the resources available in our city.” The week will kick off Nov. 14 with the Opening Reception & Trans Youth Panel. Lovehall said the panel will feature a “diverse group of youth from all different backgrounds,” ages 18-24. As of presstime, the confirmed panelists included Sam Marks, Issak Wolfe and Ashley Presley. GALAEI’s office will also host a clothing drive the following day. Lovehall said many of the individuals served by the Trans Equity Project have expressed a need for clothing. “We do a lot of community engagement and from the conversations we had with the community, that’s a great need,” Lovehall said. “It’s getting colder so people are looking for boots and coats as well as housing, but at least if you’re homeless, you can be as warm as possible with some coats [and] some boots.” The group will also screen three documentaries throughout the week in conjunction with fundraisers and dinners. The films include “Pay It No Mind: The Life and Times of Marsha P. Johnson,” “Sylvia Rivera: Trans Movement” and “ANGEL.” “We wanted to provide people with trans history. So the films are a reference to our history, honoring it and making people aware of it,” Lovehall said. Another highlight of the week is the “Buy Trans Marketplace,” highlighting small businesses and vendors owned by trans and gender-nonconforming individuals. “It’s important to invest in trans individuals,” Lovehall said. “A lot of times, people seek out organizations and grassroots groups but we have many businesses and entrepreneurs in our city who need local support. A lot of times, this is how people are providing for themselves, how they’re paying their bills, and this is a way to intentionally invest in those individuals.”
The week will conclude Nov. 20, on the Transgender Day of Remembrance, to honor the lives of trans people who died due to suicide or violence. To observe this event, the Trans Equity Project will host the “NOT ONE MORE Rally & Silent March” in front of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. Protesters will stay silent as an act of civil disobedience to raise awareness about the issues trans communities face. “Our event will focus specifically on the trans lives lost in our state and city while, usually, the day covers national and international numbers,” Lovehall said. “We’re going to be at the D.A.’s Office to call them out and hold them accountable for the cold cases that exist in our city.” n Trans Equity Project: Trans Awareness Week will take place Nov. 14-20. Visit http://bit. ly/2hazh2W for more information and a full schedule.
SCHEDULE (All events are held at GALAEI’s office, 149 W. Susquehanna Ave., unless specified.) Nov. 14, 5-8 p.m. — Opening Reception & Trans Youth Panel Nov. 15, 5-8 p.m. — Clothing Drive: Donate, Swap or Just Fill A Bag! Clothes reserved for trans and GNC individuals Nov. 16, 5-8 p.m. — Trans Cinema: “Pay It No Mind: The Life and Times of Marsha P. Johnson” & “Sylvia Rivera: Trans Movement” film screenings and Trans Equity Project fundraiser Nov. 17, 5-8 p.m. — Dinner and a documentary: “ANGEL,” by Sebastiano d’Ayala Valva, screening & Trans Equity Project Fundraiser; dinner provided by Raysor’s Cuisine Nov. 18, 1-4 p.m. — Buy Trans Marketplace: Local trans and GNC vendor event, highlighting trans and gender-nonconforming small businesses, entrepreneurs and start-up leaders Nov. 19, 1-4 p.m. — TMAN Visitor’s Group (All are welcome, regardless of gender identity or expression) Nov. 20, 4:30 p.m. — NOT ONE MORE Rally & Silent March at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, 3 S. Penn Square
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News & Opinion
10 — Creep of the Week Editorial 11 — Positive Thoughts Mark My Words Street Talk 17 — News Briefing 27 — International News Media Trail
Columns
19 — Out Money: What are market caps? 22 — Thinking Queerly: Coping with politics and stress
Arts & Culture
SWEET SUCCESS: CBS3 anchor Jim Donovan and MANNA CEO Sue Daugherty (right) helped kick off the organization’s Pie Day Nov. 2 at its Spring Garden headquarters. The event featured pie samples and giveaways and an official city proclamation. MANNA is taking orders for holiday pies through Nov. 17, with proceeds benefiting its mission of providing nutritional meals to people struggling with illnesses. Photo: Scott A. Drake
29 — Feature: “Rasheeda Speaking” 31 — Family Portrait 32 — Comic 33 — Scene in Philly 34 — Out & About 37 — Q Puzzle
“Across the country, corporate leaders know that businesses should be open for all. A business owner’s personal beliefs should never be reason enough to discriminate against a customer because of who they are or who they love.” ~ HRC Deputy Director of Employee Engagement Beck Bailey on SCOTUS briefs, page 6
Next week, a perennial favorite: the PGN Pet Issue!
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‘It’s hard to say goodbye,’ says departing DVLF director By Jeremy Rodriguez jeremy@epgn.com After five years as executive director of LGBT grantmaking organization DVLF, Samantha Giusti will step down from her role. The 31-year-old will depart her post Nov. 22 to lead community-affairs efforts for IKEA USA. “The entire board is excited for [Giusti] and her family, yet we are also sad to see her move on from DVLF, where she has made a major impact over the past five years,” DVLF board president Ron Lucente said in a statement. “This SAMANTHA includes revitaliz- GIUSTI AT DVLF’S 2015 TOY ing DVLF’s mission and brand, strength- Photo: Scott A. Drake ening the LGBT community’s commitment to philanthropy, increasing DVLF’s endowment and fostering the overall vibrancy of Philadelphia through events like Our Night Out.” Giusti’s departure begins as DVLF prepares celebrations for its 25th anniversary, something she called a “huge accomplishment” for the organization. “It’s hard to say goodbye,” Giusti said. “I have been so grateful to all of the friendships I have made, to all of my colleagues in the LGBTQ community and to have this opportunity to serve.” She credited the many volunteers and supporters for DVLF’s success and hopes people continue to invest in the organization for “the next 25 years.” “In a changing political landscape, we don’t know what the future holds,” Giusti said. She added that DVLF’s founders also did not know what the future would hold 25 years ago. The organization would go on to see calls to support homeless LGBT youth, advancements in HIV/AIDS medications, marriage equality and many other actions, Giusti noted, adding she hopes the community will continue to support DVLF. “I think there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done,” she said. “My hope is that people continue to step forward to give time, talent and resources to DVLF so we can continue to give out grants and put money on the ground to organizations that are meeting all of these critical needs. I hope folks continue to do that and that DVLF gets bigger, better and stronger in
the future.” After her departure, Giusti plans to stay involved with the LGBT community. Prior to joining DVLF, Giusti said she served on several boards for LGBT nonprofits but had to resign once she started leading DVLF due to such roles potentially being a conflict of interest. She currently serves on the board of the Independence Business Alliance and hopes to get involved with other organizations in a similar capacity once again. “I’m open to volunteer opportunities at LGBTQ nonprofits and staying involved in the LGBTQ community through giving back my time, which is what I’m excited to be able to do,” she said. “Hopefully in the future, I will be given an opportunity to do that.” Giusti said she is looking forward to the post at IKEA USA, a brand she also shops as a consumer. During the interview process for this new position, she came to appreciate the way the company treats both employees and customers. “It’s really an honor to have the opportunity to work with them. They are a company that lives out its values every day, and those values match my values.” Giusti added that she is looking forward to using the skills she learned from DVLF in her new position. “DVLF has given me a framework for philanthropy, selecting community partners and relationship-building,” she said. “All of this work that we do is really about the relationships we have with people in our community and, for me, I’m excited to take that framework to amplify IKEA’s philanthropy, strengthen relationships that IKEA may already have with community partners and hopefully develop some new community partners. I think DVLF has given me the framework and best practices around that.” She looks back on her time with DVLF as a “wonderful opportunity.” “I came to DVLF as a 26-year-old and I have grown so much personally and professionally because of this role. I am grateful to everybody in the community for supporting DVLF, supporting our mission and our work, supporting me personally and professionally and helping me to grow into the person I am today. It has really been a wonderful five years.” n
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Man sues Voyeur Nightclub By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com A Juniata Park man is suing Voyeur Nightclub, claiming he sustained serious injuries inside the popular LGBT venue due to unsafe conditions. Joamir Vazquez-Rios allegedly fell inside Voyeur around 2 a.m. Feb. 2, 2017, while walking down interior stairs from the second floor to the first floor. Voyeur is located at 1221 St. James St. in the Gayborhood. Vazquez-Rios filed suit in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court in June, seeking more
than $50,000 in damages. According to the seven-page lawsuit, Vazquez-Rios suffered injuries that may be permanent in nature. Voyeur’s stairs were maintained in an unsafe manner and there was inadequate lighting when Vazquez-Rios fell, according to the suit. Vazquez-Rios’ mishap inside Voyeur resulted in “fractures to his left lower extremity which required surgery,” according to the suit. In court papers, attorneys for Vazquez-Rios deny that he contributed to his injuries. “[Our client] acted with due care and
was not contributorily negligent,” they wrote. Defense attorneys deny any wrongdoing by the club, according to court papers. “At all relevant times, defendants acted in a reasonable, proper and prudent manner. If plaintiff suffered injuries, they were caused in part or entirely by plaintiff’s own negligence,” defense attorneys wrote. A jury trial tentatively has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Dec. 3, 2018, in Courtroom 602 of City Hall with Common Pleas Judge Arnold L. New presiding. Neither side had a comment for this story. n
PA bakeries back LGBT equality in SCOTUS brief By Jeremy Rodriguez jeremy@epgn.com
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Twenty Pennsylvania-based culinary industry leaders announced their opposition to anti-LGBT discrimination this week. A Human Rights Campaign-led amicus brief included more than 200 bakeries from around the country. The brief stemmed from the pending Supreme Court case Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. In July 2012, Charlie Craig and Dave Mullins went to Masterpiece Cakeshop of Denver to purchase a cake for their upcoming wedding reception. When the bakery’s owner, Jack Phillips, refused to sell them a cake because they were a samesex couple, Craig and Mullins filed a complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and
later filed suit. Phillips contends he had a right to refuse service to the couple on religious and freespeech grounds. Washington, D.C.-based international law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP authored the amicus brief for the case, for which the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in December. “These companies are sending a powerful message to LGBTQ people and their families that America’s leading businesses believe in equality,” said HRC Deputy Director of Employee Engagement Beck Bailey in a statement. “Across the country, corporate leaders know that businesses should be open for all. A business owner’s personal beliefs should never be reason enough to discriminate against a customer because of who they are or who they love.” n
The following Pennsylvania-based bakeries were listed on the brief: • Christina Barber of Velvet Sky Bakery in Jenkintown • Danielle Callahan of Grown Up Treats LLC in Chester • Jared Cohen of West Avenue Restaurant in Dresher • Steven Dorcelien of Bright Yellow Creamery in Philadelphia • Nicole Endrikat Matos of Queen Bee Pastry in Philadelphia • Nima Etemadi of Cake Life Bake Shop in Philadelphia • Lily Fischer of Cake Life Bake Shop in Philadelphia • Kevin Hart of Chef’s Table Catering in Philadelphia • Richard Hogan of Culinaragourmet in New Hope • Julia Izenberg of Izenberg’s Deli, Bakery, Catering & Restaurant in Conshohocken • Kim Laughlin of Park Avenue Pastries in Chalfont • Jennifer Low of The Frosted Fox Cake Shop in Philadelphia • Steven Nawalany of Lipkins Bakery in Philadelphia • Erika Urso-Deutsch of Love Bites by Erika in Easton • Mason Waterman of Rosa’s Fresh Pizza in Philadelphia • Ken Weinstein of Trolley Car Diner in Philadelphia • Joshua White of Swiss Haus Bakery in Philadelphia • Andrew Wood of Russet Restaurant in Philadelphia • Kristin Wood of Russet Restaurant in Philadelphia • Peggy Zwerver of Earth Bread + Brewery in Philadelphia
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AIDS Memorial Quilt going to Northeast Philly for first time By Jeremy Rodriguez jeremy@epgn.com The lives of those lost to HIV/AIDS will be honored in Northeast Philadelphia for the first time next week. Fourteen panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on display Nov. 17 at the Tacony Library, a branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia. The free event will feature beer, wine and live music from local band SB Deluxe. AIDS Fund and Southeast Northeast Philadelphia Arts Collective will present the event with support from Tacony Community Development Corporation, Tacony LAB, Tacony Library and the office of Councilman Bobby Henon. “Events like the AIDS Memorial Quilt Display reflect the diversity of Northeast
Philadelphia,” Henon said in a statement. “This powerful event will serve as a reminder about the impact of the AIDS epidemic and provide a way for the community to come together.” The inaugural event will also include the AIDS Fund’s text and photographic timeline of HIV/AIDS history, “1981-Until It’s Over ... ” Additionally, the event is an opportunity for those who attended the organization’s annual AIDS Walk/Run Philly last month to see the quilt; due to rain, the organization was not able to put the panels on display as usual. AIDS Fund Executive Director Robb Reichard said families who attended the October event with the intention of seeing their loved ones’ panel will be prioritized at the Nov. 17 event. “We’re really excited to be partnering
with the Free Library of Philadelphia to be able to do that,” Reichard said. He noted there has been a dearth of attention on the epidemic’s impact in the Northeast, a gap the event addresses. “We haven’t seen as high a rate of infection in Northeast Philly as we’ve seen in some of the Center City neighborhoods, West Philly or North Philly,” Reichard said. “There are people living with HIV in the Northeast, and certainly, families in the Northeast have been impacted by the epidemic. I don’t think we see as many outreach efforts because the numbers of infections aren’t as high, but that doesn’t mean the impact hasn’t been there.” Troy Everwine, of Southeast Northeast Philadelphia Arts Collective, said in a statement that his organization is “committed to bringing new, creative programs to our com-
munity in and around Tacony.” “The AIDS Memorial Quilt is a powerful piece of public art, and I’m excited by the opportunity to share it with the Northeast,” he said. “Art can speak to us where words sometimes fail. The quilt is a poignant reminder that the HIV epidemic isn’t over.” Reichard said this event is “a wonderful opportunity to see the large range and beauty of the quilt.” “If people have seen it before, it’s a great opportunity to come out and see it again,” he said. “We don’t talk about HIV enough anymore and our goal is to make sure that those conversations continue to happen and that people don’t forget that HIV is still a serious issue in our community.” n The AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on display 6-9 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Tacony Library, 6742 Torresdale Ave.
‘Substantial progress’ made in settling Aetna case By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Litigants in a federal class-action suit against Aetna Inc. for allegedly violating the HIV-privacy rights of about 12,000 customers have made “substantial progress” in settling the dispute, according to a recent court filing. Last summer, Aetna sponsored a mass mailing using envelopes with large, transparent windows, making it possible to see someone’s HIV-related information without opening the envelope. A third-party vendor who handled the July 2017 mailing on behalf of Aetna hasn’t been publicly identified. In August, a class-action suit seeking
more than $5-million in damages was filed on behalf of numerous individuals who claimed to be harmed by the mailing. Last month, both sides participated in two full days of mediation with retired U.S. Magistrate Judge Diane M. Welsh. Litigants expect to submit a settlement agreement to U.S. District Judge Juan R. Sanchez by Dec. 1, according to court records. “With the assistance of Judge Welsh, the parties made substantial progress toward reaching a nationwide class-action settlement and now require time to finalize and memorialize the settlement and prepare it to be presented to [Sanchez] for [his] approval,” stated an Oct. 27 filing. Neither side had a comment for this story. n
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Andrea V. Cronin, DDS Craig T. Wakefield, DDS Proudly serving the LGBT community and PWA for over 25 years. Medical Towers Building • Suite 2306 255 S. 17th St., Philadelphia, Pa 19103 (215) 732-8080 Evening hours available.
Eating Out Should Be Fun!
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LOCAL PGN
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 10-16, 2017
Hey Santa, The holidays are on the way and
we’ve got something special for you.
PGN gift guides, holiday entertainment and survival tips will be online and in print for two special issues PHL Diversity celebrates on Dec. 8 anniversary, LGBT inclusion DeShields added that LGBT travelers By Jeremy Rodriguez will pay hotel rates, ensure that food servjeremy@epgn.com and ers are employed and spend money at retail People who visited Philadelphia in establishments. According to a statement, Dec. 15. January for the National LGBTQ Task visitors booked more than 20,000 nights of NEWSMAKERS: The staff of Philadelphia Gay News accepted a number of awards from Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association at the agency’s Nov. 3 awards brunch at Loews Hotel. In addition to divisional honors, PGN took home first prize in the statewide Overall Weekly Publication contest. The awards presentation came the day after PGN Publisher Mark Segal was given the organization’s highest individual honor, the Benjamin Franklin Award for Excellence.
Advertisers, call 215-625-8501 to be included in either or both of these issues.
Force’s Creating Change Conference may have noticed a large amount of rainbow flags at the nearby Reading Terminal Market. PHL Diversity worked with the market’s general manager to make LGBT visitors feel welcome. “For people who might be coming from more conservative places than Philadelphia, [the flags] gave them a greater sense of welcoming in this location,” said PHL Diversity Executive Director Greg DeShields. “For someone who is not familiar with the area, it allows them to be that much more familiar and that much more comfortable while they’re here.” PHL Diversity, formerly known as the Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and has made strides to create a friendly environment for visitors during LGBT-related conferences. “What we have done over the last year is further position the interpretation of an LGBT traveler to not just be here for leisure but to also be here for meetings and conventions,” DeShields said. “When you think collectively about a group that comes to Philadelphia from San Francisco, Atlanta or New York, they’re spending dollars from another area, which is genuine economic impact.”
hotel rooms. “I think that has been one of the most significant contributions that we made to our LGBT community — to further underscore the economic value of what LGBT travelers bring to their destination.” PHL Diversity also assisted with conferences for GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBT Equality and True Colors
“I think it’s important for us to continue to cultivate and position Philadelphia as the most competitive city in highlighting the value of diversity that we have here.” Fund’s 40 to None Summit. Leaders from both organizations participated in a panel discussion at PHL Diversity’s 11th-annual Business Opportunity Luncheon in February. The leaders spoke about their respective organizations and what their conferences would offer. Additionally, DeShields noted that the PAGE 23 organization also helped
LOCAL PGN
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 10-16, 2017
Bridging the health-care gap for trans patients By Beth Boyle PGN Contributor Dr. Anne Koch has done a little of everything. She helped found the postdoctoral program in endodontics at Harvard University and has developed endodontic techniques. She is an Air Force veteran, a faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania and an activist for LGBT patients, and she’ll publish her first book, “It Never Goes Away: Gender Transition at a Mature Age,” through Rutgers Press early next year. Koch has a fascinating story, with a bit of wisdom for every occasion, and she wants to use that narrative to show the medical community how it’s failing LGBT patients. Koch is leading a series of lectures at medical schools around the country, including the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine last month and Harvard this month, telling her story as a medical professional and a transgender woman. PGN sat down with Koch to talk about how doctors can help LGBT patients, her new book and what she’s learned over the years. PGN: Tell me about starting your dental career in Philadelphia in the 1970s. Was it a comfortable place to be as an LGBT person? AK: I went to school at Penn and worked there for a while, so I spent about 10 years in West Philadelphia. I had two bikes and a car stolen. I loved Philadelphia, especially in the late ’60s and ’70s. It was so fun! Philadelphia goes out for Halloween like no other city. I’ll tell you a story I told at my lecture at PCOM: I came out of dental school and I was working that first year in West Philly up on Baltimore. There was this beautiful young woman who came in, looked just like Diana Ross sitting in the waiting room. But my receptionist comes to me and says, “Hey, we have a problem.” The lady’s cards and identifications all had this masculine name. So I asked her if it was a mistake and she said, “Oh no, that’s me.” But I didn’t say anything rude, I treated her exactly as I would the rest of my patients. And very quickly after that, I found myself doing cosmetic dentistry for all the queens in West Philadelphia! One patient even brought her mother in to meet me. It’s all about trust and respect. PGN: Accessing medical care can be so stressful when you’re queer in any way, and going to the dentist is stressful for everyone. What can medical providers do to make health care less difficult? AK: If you’re going to be an endodontist, you have to learn how to deal with people in tremendous amounts of pain. I’d make the case that if you’re going to
be a surgeon who deals with transgender patients, you need to get used to that too. You need to do some hand-holding. You need to show empathy. Aside from death, gender and surgery are just about as personal as it gets. Doing endodontics — that’s root canals and microsurgery — you see so many people you have tremendous empathy for. They’re sitting in the chair already crying. And I try to use that pain as an analogy for treating the transgender community. The importance of simply letting people know that you really do care, that attitude matters when you’re treating transgender patients. PGN: What are some mistakes medical providers commonly make? AK: I’ve treated a lot of trans patients and one thing you’ll learn is that their level of tolerance with providers is extremely low. So you don’t have a lot of room to screw up. Don’t make any assumptions, that’s a big one providers make. Don’t assume anything and ask them how they’d like to be addressed, which goes right into the pronoun issue. Ask them, because you don’t get to choose their pronoun. They’ll tell you. But it’s just all about basic respect. But I am so optimistic about the next generation of health-care providers. They’re bringing to the table better communication, improved after-care and — oh my God — they’re actually doing follow-ups. PGN: How are you educating doctors and medical students? AK: I’ve been doing lectures all over the country for years. I’ve written something like 150 articles and lectures. I’ll answer anything, I’m completely open. I go into the after-effects of the surgeries and I address transgender after-care. I talk a lot about my perspectives and the things I’ve seen along the way. I don’t B.S. it. I talk about what it was like for me to transition, all the way, in 14 weeks — which is not recommended, by the way! One problem I have with transgender medicine, where we need to improve things, is often that therapy ends when a person has transitioned. Why? That’s the beginning. I’ve had people after lectures thank me for opening their eyes, but I’ve had some people who’ve tried to say, “As a Christian conservative … ” These are people’s lives on the line! No one is disposable here. Doctors take an oath. I can’t believe it’s 2017 and my colleagues are still hesitant to step forward. It’s beyond sad for me, and that’s why I am doing what I’m doing. Someone has to step up. One of the reasons I go around to schools and give lectures is to have transgender medicine become a legitimate part of every curriculum. It needs to be seen as a legitimate part of medicine. I think in four or five years, you’ll see that PAGE 23
Book your holiday event early and save. Scott A. Drake Photography scottdrakephotos@gmail.com
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 10-16, 2017
EDITORIAL PGN EDITORIAL
Creep of the Week
D’Anne Witkowski
Donald Trump
Editorial One year later, what have we learned? Just about a year ago, this editorial carried the headline “What the fuck?” That sobering statement still pretty much sums up our feelings. On Nov. 8, 2016, Donald Trump was elected our nation’s 45th president. It was a moment that was unanticipated by many on the left — a fact that might speak, in part, to why Trump was victorious. While Trump himself ran a morally blighted campaign — rife with racism, sexism and homophobia — the shock and disgust reverberating throughout the left on Nov. 9 of last year likely wasn’t stemming from the then-president-elect’s positions, but rather from the stark realization that so many Americans endorsed such viewpoints. A man who bragged about getting away with grabbing woman’s genitals just became the leader of the free world. What did that say about the character of our country? That’s a question that has continued to haunt the country throughout the last nine months. The outrageous “leadership” that has come from the Oval Office in the past 12 months have only fueled the unrest. LGBT rights have been rolled back at just about every turn — from trans students to seniors, the most marginalized of the LGBT community have become even more at risk under the Trump presidency. Appointee after appointee has brought with him or her a record robust with anti-LGBT positions. Trump’s administration has attempted to restrict women’s rights, inflamed racial tensions, discarded disability rights, neglected HIV/AIDS funding and prioritized the gun lobby over common-sense gun control, despite the nation’s worst mass shootings — not to mention, brought us to the brink of nuclear war. All in all, the past year has pretty much been as bad, if not worse, than most on the left imagined it would be. However, many Americans have taken heart in a wave of resistance. At a number of turns, Trump’s outlandish policies have been halted by the courts, a nod to the actual power of checks and balances. Protests at the beginning of the year paved the way for get-out-the-vote efforts, educational seminars and a record number of first-time progressive candidates; just this week, Democrats saw unprecedented victories, including many for LGBT and minority candidates. Pop culture and politics have fused like never before; on one hand, some may have felt the weight of “Trump fatigue,” while on the other the infiltration of politics into new American circles has emboldened and energized a new generation around the machinations of government. A lot has changed, and a lot hasn’t. One year later, ignorance still is rampant in this country; all of the -isms that helped elect the most unqualified president we’ve likely ever had still abound. But people are talking about them, and taking a stand against them. Americans, perhaps more so than ever before, are having deep, and desperately needed, conversations about what freedom and equality — the tenets so feverishly embraced by all sides on the political spectrum — truly mean. Talk isn’t going to right the wrongs symbolized by Trump’s election, but, one year later, it has succeeded in producing some action. No matter how small, each step towards civility is a building block for a future that all Americans could be proud to be a part of. n
see the courts, When the Trump era is written about as right-wing in history books — assuming we survive that long — if there are any heroes in this activists do, as an instrument sordid story, those heroes will be federal for imposing judges. their religious You may recall that in July, Trump and political tweeted that “the United States government will not accept or allow transgender views about individuals to serve in any capacity in the morality and the U.S. military,” without even consulting Constitution.” the Defense Department. In other And now a judge has told him, “Nope. words, we’re at the mercy You don’t get to decree major policy of the U.S. Senate to respect the rule of shifts while sitting on the toilet playing law enough not to approve these picks. with Twitter.” (Note: The judge did not And as you’ll recall, the Senate Majority use these exact words.) On Oct. 30 (Halloween Eve, or Leader is Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), the “Devil’s Night” as we in the Detroit area same guy who literally stole a Supreme call it), Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, Court pick from President Obama. In a district judge in Washington, D.C., other other words, we’re fucked. blocked the Trump administration’s ban Right now the only thing saving us is on transgender servicemembers. Because Trump’s sheer incompetence. of her ruling, the trans-troop ban is dead According to Ian Millhiser of Think and, unless it comes back to life (as many Progress, “Trump keeps losing in court because he’s a bumbling goon.” of the Trump administration’s terrible This, of course, should comfort no one. policies tend to do after defeat), “openly trans people could begin joining the mili- We desperately need to elect Democrats to act as a real check on tary on Jan. 1,” according to NPR. “This is a complete victory for our Trump’s insanity. Because Republicans plaintiffs and all sure as hell aren’t In other words, we’re at going to do anything. transgender servicemembers, who are Case in point: the mercy of the U.S. now once again able Alabama Senate to serve on equal candidate Roy Senate to respect the terms and without the has called rule of law enough not Moore threat of being disfor Kollar-Kotelly charged,” Shannon to approve these picks. to “be impeached Minter, legal direcby the House of And as you’ll recall, the Representatives for tor of the National Center for Lesbian Senate Majority Leader unlawful usurpaRights, said in a statetion of power.” This is Mitch McConnell ment. coming from a guy But before you get who used to be the (R-Ky.), the same guy too excited, let’s not Chief Justice of the who literally stole a forget who is curAlabama Supreme rently appointing fed- Supreme Court pick Court but was given eral judges: Donald the boot when he Trump. And that does from President Obama. refused to remove a not bode well for 10 Commandments In other other words, our future. The peomonument. ple he is appointing Moore is perhaps we’re fucked. are extreme in the the most extreme canextreme. And these are lifetime appointdidate currently running, but he’s hardly ments. We’re talking decades of rightan outlier with today’s Republican Party. wing rule. The likelihood of these judges Just another in a long list of why votacting as a check on abuse of power by ing matters. Elections have far-reaching fellow right-wingers? Nil. consequences, and we don’t even know Peter Montgomery, a senior fellow at how long the reach of Trump will be, but People For the American Way, writing we know he will grab as much power as for Huffington Post, puts it this way: he can, along with other words that begin “In the past, when elected or appointed with “p” that he has no business touchofficials have abused the power of their ing. office to impose their religious beliefs on Voting is literally self-defense in others in ways that harm them, we have Trump’s America. So go kick some ass. n counted on the federal courts to uphold D’Anne Witkowski is a poet, writer and comedian constitutional principles. That’s why it living in Michigan with her wife and son. She has been is so potentially damaging to have the writing about LGBT politics for over a decade. Follow Senate approve judicial nominees who her on Twitter @MamaDWitkowski.
OP-ED PGN
Reaching the top of the journalism ladder At the end of my father’s life we’d get my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ together and, when we did, Dad would MarkSegalPGN.) always say, “So, what was your day like?” Here’s the main point I made: That same or “What have you been doing?” At such organization that was giving me its highest times, I’d shrug and say, “Just the same.” award wouldn’t allow me to join for almost The reality was that my life at that point 10 years because I was a gay man. And there was full of excitement and I was, receiving its highest award efforts to make new gains for our … That says where we as a comcommunity, but I thought that munity have come from, and talking about such work might also is a nod to LGBT media that look like bragging so I didn’t. “You’re one of us.” But that was a big mistake, since The following morning at the my father read about my activsame convention, the PGN staff ities in mainstream newspapers gathered for the Newspaper of and saw some on TV. I found out the Year Awards. The honors are later that he’d ask my relatives awarded by division and circuwhy I wouldn’t share my pride lation, so PGN was competing of accomplishment with him. He with almost every weekly in wanted bragging rights. In his the state. Many are small-town last few months, he never missed newspapers, other are bigan opportunity to tell me how city weeklies. Time and time proud I made him. So since Dad again, when they announced the is not here, let me share with Mark Segal awards, the staff of PGN had you some pride, and you can to stand; we won six divisional share in it, like I know he would. awards in total. Then the biggest award. Last week was a time when I finally PNA awards one daily and one weekly as began to realize how far this community has the Newspaper of the Year. The daily award come, through a series of events that indiwent to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and the vidually are amazing — but putting them weekly, Philadelphia Gay News. together is a new benchmark. Our editor, Jen Colletta, went to the It started last Thursday evening when stage to accept. The pride and chills I had, the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association I’ll never be able to express. But what I presented me its highest honor, the Ben knew is that LGBT media and PGN had set Franklin Award for Excellence, at its a new bar. 93rd-annual convention. This organiza My thoughts went back to my days when tion represents all newspapers in the state, I started this newspaper and was shunned. including dailies and weeklies. The signifAll I can say to those people is that we not icance of that came as our former editor, only climbed the ladder, we’re at the very Sarah Blazucki, was brought in from D.C. top. I say that not for myself, but as I said as a surprise to do the introduction. She when I accepted the Ben Franklin Award, I reminded me, and those publishers sitting say it for all those LGBT youth who wonder in that room, of how PGN had survived the if they can enter journalism or media manbombing of our vending boxes, the trashagement and make it as an out person. ing of our offices and even being put on the We at PGN are proof you can, and we KKK’s hit list; I had forgotten that last one. dedicate these awards to you as encourageThen I took the stage to deliver my speech, ment to follow your dreams. n which I prepared as a tribute to the power of Mark Segal is the nation’s most-award-winning comnewspapers. As I read it now, I understand mentator in LGBT media. His memoir, “And Then why many people told me afterwards that I Danced,” is available on Amazon.com, Barnes & it was inspirational. (I’ll post the speech on Noble or at your favorite bookseller.
Mark My Words
Positive Thoughts
Jeff Berry
Surviving with style “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive — and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style.” — Maya Angelou I remember as a young child wanting to be “popular.” Being popular meant you were part of the “in” crowd, had lots of friends and were the life of the party. Everyone wanted to be with you, near you. They even wanted to be you. I recall at one point fantasizing that if I were on crutches, then I would be popular. I guess I thought that everyone would
want to sign my cast, provide comfort and consolation and hold doors open for me. I must have pushed to the back of my mind the unsettling fact that I would have to break a bone to get there, and all that came along with it — the pain, the rehabilitation, the scar. I tried my hardest to fit in, but I was always a bit different from an early age: soft-spoken, shy and, let’s just say, not the athletic type. When all the other boys were playing football or tag at recess, I would be playing wall ball with the girls. Eventually, I would be bullied at school on a regular basis; they called me “Fairy
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 10-16, 2017
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Street Talk What word would you use to describe this past year since President Trump's election? "Disgraceful. It's been one outrage after another. Trump is just in it for the money. He doesn't care about our country Kandis Drayton at all. I was mail carrier very appalled Wilmington, Del. by his behavior at the disaster sites he visited."
"Insensitive. An example would be Trump's phone call to Myeshia Johnson. He wasn't thinking about his Monique Orosco words and student how they Gayborhood would affect her. And he didn't even apologize for hurting her feelings. Instead, he called her a liar on Twitter. This is a very difficult time for her, and Trump didn't make it any better."
"Expected. I knew Trump would do awful things, and he's living up to his reputation. We cannot rely on Michael Santa government Cruz to act in our student best interests. Gayborhood I hope people will further coalesce to oppose Trump's policies."
"Horrible. It's actually mind-blowing. I didn't think it would be this bad. I just hope we can all come together and get Trump Najah Simon impeached." mail carrier Wilmington, Del.
Tell us what you think Send letters and opinion column submissions to: pgn@epgn.com; PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147; fax: 215-925-6437.
Berry” (I hated that) and would snap their towels at me in the gym locker room. Add to that the onset of puberty and the raging hormones that came with it, having sex regularly by sixth grade with the boy who lived down the road and then the sexual abuse by my father, and it’s a wonder I even survived. I attempted various ways of coping over the years, but nothing seemed to completely wipe away the internalized feelings of shame and unworthiness that lied deep inside. That feeling was inevitably still there when I came down from the high — the feeling I was never quite able
Please include a daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, style and space considerations.
to drown out no matter how much sex I had … and I had a lot. In 1989, just a few weeks before my 31st birthday, I received the devastating news: “You’re HIV-positive.” I had finally found my crutch, and the scars that came with it, but somehow it didn’t make me popular. Fast-forward almost 30 years later, and time has given me — at least I hope — some perspective. I find that I’m much more empathetic and forgiving (at least part of the time!), because I’ve been there. I see my own life reflected back to PAGE 23 me when I hear other
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 10-16, 2017
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Pitt student wins scholarship to lead LGBT-competency training By Jeremy Rodriguez jeremy@epgn.com Amy Kelley recently attended the Human Rights Campaign National Dinner in Washington, D.C., where she was in the presence of leaders such as Hillary Clinton and Billie Jean King. “I was on the verge of tears the whole time. It was really empowering. These are people out here doing amazing things, and hopefully, someday I can be at almost that level,” the 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh junior said with a laugh. AT&T and HRC selected Kelley, a lesbian, and two other winners from throughout the country for the AT&T Live Proud on Campus scholarship contest. She received a $10,000 scholarship, $2,500 in funding to execute an LGBT-inclusive campus project and a semester-long mentorship experience with HRC. This scholarship is part of AT&T’s efforts to uplift the LGBT community, which also included a $25,000 donation to the HRC. In her video submission, Kelley said
she hopes to assemble a team of LGBT students and allies to team up with LGBT staff. She wants to organize a system in which staff members mentor the students and the students, in turn, become peer educators. She then hopes to spread the knowledge schoolwide to make the environment more LGBT-inclusive. As a resident advisor on her campus, Kelley participates in various trainings, such as sexual-assault prevention and alcohol-awareness training. She hopes to conduct similar trainings related to LGBT issues. Kelley is aiming to begin her mentorship program with HRC next semester. “[I’m looking forward to] getting the opportunity to network with them and understand the full scope of what they do,” Kelley said. “I researched a little bit and I heard [at the National Dinner] what the Human Rights Campaign does but they have such a broad range of programs [and] they’re always doing more. I hope to be on the ground level to make a difference in a campus setting.” Kelley said she hesitated to apply for the
scholarship at first, thinking her chances were slim, but her mindset changed after she saw a protest group on campus bearing homophobic and misogynistic signs. One sign she recalled said women should “go back to the kitchen.” “There was a huge counterprotest by students and that was a really powerful thing for me,” Kelley said. “This was an inclusive community and the students here are willing to stand up. I thought I should really do something.” That night, she came up with the idea and asked a friend to film her. She submitted the video that same night. In her submission video, Kelley noted how her mother always told her to give others the “benefit of the doubt.” “She has always been super-accepting and almost too open-minded,” Kelley said. “She would always be like, ‘People don’t really hate other people. They just don’t understand.’ That shifted my personal views. I have grown to agree with her. I see it the same way in that people who aren’t accepting and go out there with these
signs, there’s just some misunderstanding. They have this hate in them but if they are educated and if they hear people’s stories, it’ll change their minds and help them realize that what they’re doing is incorrect.” Kelley said this has shaped the way she interacts with others, adding that she prefers to “open up a dialogue.” “If someone says something I disagree with, I wouldn’t yell at them saying, ‘What are you doing? That’s so incorrect.’ I try to offer my perspective, explain and teach rather than chastise them for their views. I see myself being a teacher to share and educate.” Kelley, who is studying applied developmental psychology, said she enjoys teaching but noted that her career path could lead anywhere. “I’m not really sure what I want to do but I definitely want to make LGBTQIA advocacy a part of whatever I do — whether that be in the classroom or working with college students. Honestly, there’s a million different directions I can see myself going in.” n
Trans woman files suit against Pittsburgh jail By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com Trans woman Jules M. Williams, a former inmate of the Allegheny County Jail, filed suit this week against various jail officials, alleging abuse due to being housed in the male section of the jail. The jail, located in downtown Pittsburgh, houses about 2,500 inmates. Williams, 37, contends she was repeatedly raped and suffered severe physical and verbal harassment during various incarcerations at the jail since 2015. Her 32-page lawsuit was filed Nov. 6 in Allegheny County Common Pleas Court. The suit accuses jail personnel of refusing to ensure her safety and privacy, thus violating her constitutional rights. As an inmate, Williams was required to expose her naked body to male guards and other inmates while showering, while receiving medication and
during strip searches, according to the suit. In 2015, she was repeatedly raped by a male cellmate over the course of four days, according to the suit. “In 2016, aware of Jules’ previous rape, jail personnel nevertheless stripped her naked and placed her in a suicide bubble — in full view of male inmates and guards for at least 30 minutes,” said Alec B. Wright, an attorney for Williams. “Jules remained in that suicide pod for five days, only partially clothed. During that time period, male guards told male inmates to ‘Come see the tranny on display,’ and ‘Come see the freak show.’” This year, Williams was physically assaulted by a male inmate, despite her repeated requests to be placed in a female facility, according to the suit. Jail personnel also failed to provide Williams with necessary medications, including hormone therapy, according to the suit. Amie Downs, a spokesperson for
Allegheny County, declined to comment, citing the ongoing litigation. Wright said Williams seeks damages in excess of $35,000, along with attorneys’ fees and a declaration that defendants violated her constitutional rights. “Jules is just so brave,” Wright added. “She began living as a woman as a teenager. Since that time, she’s been hated and she doesn’t know why. Jules is a human being. Her humanity should be respected. And so should the humanity of all other trans women who go into our institutional facilities in this country.” Wright also expressed hope that Williams’ suit will help other trans women. “The irrefutable fact of this lawsuit is that the jail’s practice intentionally strips transgender women of their right to human dignity,” Wright concluded. “All of this foreseeable harm could easily be avoided if jail personnel would simply place trans women in gender-appropriate housing.” n
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News Briefing Volunteer at MANNA this holiday season MANNA is looking for volunteers to help pack and distribute holiday pies this month. MANNA’s Pie in the Sky holiday-pie sales raise funds for the organization’s work to provide nutritional meals to those suffering illness. Pie sales continue through Nov. 17. The organization is looking for volunteers to work in its warehouse and staff pickup sites and deliver pies in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. The kitchen is already fully staffed on Thanksgiving Day but MANNA is still in need of drivers to help work mid-morning on Thanksgiving delivering meals. To volunteer in the week leading up to Thanksgiving, email KHommel@mannapa.org or call 215-496-2662 ext. 136. To sign up for a Thanksgiving driving shift, email TPerkins@mannapa.org or call 215-496-2662 ext. 100.
Lax Scholarship deadline extended The deadline to apply for an LGBT-focused scholarship has been extended through the end of the month. Applications for the Jonathan Lax Scholarship will be accepted until Nov. 30. The program was estimated in 1994 to support gay men in furthering their educational goals. Scholarships will range from $5,000-$10,000. Applicants must live or go to school in the Philadelphia region and be attending accredited undergraduate or graduate programs. For more information or to apply, visit www.breadrosesfund.org. n — Jen Colletta
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PGN ELECTION from page 1
ment, and now more than ever we need trans voices like Tyler’s in the halls of power. This is a historic night for trans candidates across the country, and Tyler is part of a vanguard of leaders who are determined to be part of the conversation on issues that affect their lives.” In Virginia, Danica Roem was elected to the state legislature, making her the first out trans person elected to statewide office in the nation; she defeated a Republican incumbent who introduced an anti-transgender “bathroom bill.” Andrea Jenkins was also elected with an overwhelming majority to the Minneapolis City Council, as the first openly trans black woman elected to public office in the country. Locally, openly gay Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian was defeated by Democratic challenger Frank Gilliam. In Pennsylvania, Meadville elected its first openly gay mayor, LeRoy Stearns; Milford reelected its first openly gay mayor, Sean Strub; and Lehigh County voters backed Amy Zanelli for the county’s Board of Commissioners, making her the first out LGBT county elected official in the Lehigh Valley. There was a large LGBT contingent cheering on District Attorney-Elect Larry Krasner, SENTENCE from page 1
near 4900 Griscom St. According to statements from Floyd and Pena, the former stabbed Young first while the latter delivered a stab that ultimately killed her. Pena pleaded guilty during a jury trial in August. Floyd would have identified Pena as her co-conspirator during the trial but those plans changed when the court broke for lunch Aug. 22. “It was pretty clear that this case wasn’t going very well on our end so he decided to re-weigh his options,” Pena’s attorney, James Berardinelli, told PGN at the time. Pena also pleaded guilty in the 2015 murder of Jonathan Martel, in which Floyd was also a witness and would have testified against him in that case as well. Floyd previously told investigators the stabbing stemmed from an argument over a man, contending that Young was going to “cast a spell” to steal her boyfriend. At the trial, Detective Thorsten Lucke presented footage captured on Arrott Street from the night of Young’s murder. In the footage, Young can be seen running across one side of the street. Cujdik told PGN that Young was “running for
who organized his watch party at William Way LGBT Community C e n t e r. K r a s n e r d e f e a t e d Republican challenger Beth Grossman, capturing almost 75 percent of the vote. In the William Way ballroom, supporters chanted, “This is what democracy looks like!” and “This is what a movement looks like!” as Krasner pledged to bring a new era of criminal-justice reform to the office. Krasner is a former defense attorney and has extensive civil-rights experience. It was that background that led him to decide to hold the event at William Way, he told PGN. “It’s a very friendly space to me,” he said about the center. “I’ve been here on many occasions; ACT UP was one of my very first clients. I’ve always thought the biggest civil-rights issue of our time would be around gay rights.” Democrat Rebecca Rhynhart soundly defeated Republican challenger Mike Tomlinson, earning 83 percent of the vote to become the city’s next Controller. In judicial races, Democrat Dwayne Woodruff was edged out by Republican Sallie Mundy for a seat on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, while three Democrats and one Republican were elected to the state Superior Court and one Democrat and one Republican will join Commonwealth Court. n her life” after Floyd stabbed her, which was not caught on the surveillance tape. Floyd was holding a butcher knife behind her back as Pena walked next to her. The co-defendants crossed the street to pursue Young. Later footage showed Young with Pena, who told investigators he was consoling the victim, on Penn Street. He can then be seen stabbing Young, who ran away after the encounter. It is unclear how or when Pena retrieved the knife from Floyd. Pena previously told authorities that Floyd requested he “finish” Young or she would have him killed. Young’s sister, Antoinette Bowens, told PGN after Floyd’s sentencing that the victim’s family and friends plan to hold a memorial on Saturday near the location where her sister was killed. The details were not finalized by presstime. “It’s finally over. It can never bring her back or take away the pain but, at the end of the day, I feel like she can rest better now that justice was served in her favor,” Bowens said. n
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 10-16, 2017
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Sizing up stocks: All about market caps Q: When I look over my investment statement, I see my stocks and mutual funds categorized by “cap” — large-cap, small-cap, etc. Can you please explain to me what that term means? A: Thanks for this question. Investment terms can certainly be a bit confusing from time to time. Hopefully this will help shed some light on the term “cap” as it relates to your investments. For investment purposes, companies generally can be categorized in one of three broad groups based on their size: large-cap, midcap and smallcap. “Cap” is short for market capitalization, which is the value of a company on the open market. To calculate a company’s market capitalization, you’d multiply its stock’s current price by the total number of outstanding shares. For example, if a company issues 1 million shares of stock trading for $50 each, its market capitalization would be $50 million ($50 times 1 million shares). Although there isn’t one set framework for defining the different market caps, one widely used source, Standard & Poor’s, currently describes each segment as follows:1 • Large-cap generally represents top companies in leading industries of the U.S. economy. • Midcap generally represents a phase in the typical business life cycle in which firms have successfully navigated the challenges specific to small companies. At the same time, midcaps tend to be quite dynamic and not so large that continued growth is unattainable. Thus, the midcap segment may offer aspects of the markets not covered by the large-cap and small-cap worlds. • Small-cap generally represents a segment of the market that is characterized by less liquidity and potentially less financial stability than that of large caps.
is important when making decisions about which investments to choose for your long-term portfolio. For instance, investments in large-cap stocks may generally be considered more conservative than investments in small-cap or midcap stocks, potentially posing less risk in exchange for less aggressive growth potential. In turn, midcap stocks generally fall between large caps and small caps on the risk/return spectrum. Small-cap companies may be vulnerable to the intense competition and uncertainties of untried markets. On the other hand, small-cap stocks may Jeremy offer growth potential long-term investors Gussick to who can tolerate volatile stock-price swings in the short term. A standard method of gauging the performance of an investment is to measure its returns against those of an index representing similar investments. As with stocks, indexes come in all sizes and shapes. As their names suggest, the S&P 500®, S&P MidCap 400® and S&P SmallCap 600® indexes are commonly referenced representatives of large-cap, midcap and small-cap stocks.2
Out Money
The risk/return factor Given these parameters, it generally follows that a stock’s market cap may have a direct bearing on its risk/reward potential. Recognizing this relationship
Selecting the right combination So what does a company’s size have to do with your investment strategy? Quite a bit. That’s why some investors choose to diversify, maintaining a mix of market caps in their portfolios. When large caps are declining in value, small caps and midcaps may be on the way up and could potentially help compensate for any losses. To build a portfolio with a proper mix of small-cap, midcap and large-cap stocks, you’ll need to evaluate your financial goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. A diversified portfolio that contains a variety of market caps may help reduce investment risk in any one area and support the pursuit of your long-term financial goals. However, there is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect
against market risk. As always, I recommend you consult with your financial advisor to be sure you understand how your assets are invested and that the level of risk is appropriate. n Jeremy R. Gussick is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional affiliated with LPL Financial, the nation’s largest independent broker-dealer.* Jeremy specializes in the financial planning and retirement income needs of the LGBT community and was recently named a 2017 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager as mentioned in Philadelphia Magazine.** He is active with several LGBT organizations in the Philadelphia region, including DVLF and the Independence Business Alliance, the Philadelphia region’s LGBT chamber of commerce. OutMoney appears monthly. If you have a question for Jeremy, you can contact him via email at jeremy.gussick@lpl.com. 1Standard & Poor’s, S&P, Dow Jones Indices, S&P 500®, S&P MidCap 400® and S&P SmallCap 600®, as of August 31, 2017. 2The S&P 500®, S&P MidCap 400® and S&P SmallCap 600® are unmanaged. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. This article was prepared with the assistance of DST Systems Inc. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor. Please consult me if you have any questions. LPL Financial Representatives offer access to Trust Services through The Private Trust Company N.A., an affiliate of LPL Financial. Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by DST Systems Inc. or its sources, neither Wealth Management Systems Inc. nor its sources guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or availability of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. In no event shall DST Systems Inc. be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with subscribers’ or others’ use of the content. To the extent you are receiving investment advice from a separately registered independent investment advisor, please note that LPL Financial LLC is not an affiliate of and makes no representation with respect to such entity Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC. *As reported by Financial Planning magazine, June 1996-2017, based on total revenues. **Award based on 10 objective criteria associated with providing quality services to clients such as credentials, experience, and assets under management among other factors. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of 2017 Five Star Wealth Managers.
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MENTAL HEALTH PGN
Politics, stress and how Americans should cope Americans are stressed out about polidata gathered found that a whopping 63 tics. We are stressed about the future and percent of Americans view the current state we are stressed about surviving Donald of our country as either somewhat stressful Trump. Within the last year, I have so often or significantly stressful. These numbers found myself having if-theseare higher than the same parwalls-could-talk moments as ticipants’ responses about both client after client comes into my stress and money and stress and psychotherapy office wanting to work. Just under 60 percent of discuss politics instead of their this same group also reported own lives. Of course, the conthat they believe this period is tent and types of talk vary from the lowest moment in American person to person: Trump, North history within their living memKorea, Russia, racism, LGBT ory. rights, health care, taxes, the There’s no denying that environment, white supremacy we are living in a saddening — to name a few. and perplexing time. While Everyone seems to have sevthere is clearly no quick fix eral issues they find particularly to America’s unique current appalling and hone in on those relationship to stress, there are over others, but what is consissome things that we each can do Kristina Furia to mitigate stress. First and foretent about every political discussion I have these days is the most, talk, talk, talk about your clear undertone of fear, worry and stress. If feelings! Whether it be in therapy or with my clients are a microcosm for the majora friend or loved one, we all need to be ity of Americans, then I know one thing expressing ourselves on a regular basis. with certainty: People are frightened about This is true of all emotional experiences. the future, and this fear is permeating peoThrough the expression of emotion, we find ple’s everyday experiences to the point of ourselves, in some way, less burdened by politics feeling personal instead of societal our feelings, making them a little bit easier in nature. to tolerate. I can’t stress the importance of The American Psychological Association this enough; however, this brings me to the recently released a report called “Stress in next important point: choosing the right America: The State Of Our Nation.” The people with whom to talk about these top-
Thinking Queerly
The holidays are on the way and we’ve got something special for you.
ics! It’s crucial that we try our best to avoid situations where political discussion with people of opposing views is likely. If a circumstance arises where outright avoidance isn’t possible, it is a good idea to consider boundaries you’d like to maintain before entering the situation. I would even suggest going as far as to decide what response you’ll give to someone trying to engage you in a contentious political discussion. In other words, how are you going to extricate yourself? This isn’t just true of in-person interaction but also of social-media communication. More data from the study mentioned above found that six out of 10 people experience divisiveness among friends on social media as a cause of significant stress. The good news here is that this is something we can easily control. The feelings of powerlessness created by the current state of America can often feel profound and anxiety-inducing. With that, it’s crucial that we take control where it’s available and we can and should take control of our own intake of news, interaction and especially contention on social media. While it may be uncomfortable to cut back on the mindless stimulation that comes with a quick scroll through Facebook or Twitter, it’s worthwhile to consider the benefits of cutting back. As it relates to the news and interactions
that we choose to partake in, don’t skip over small successes. In the last almost-10 months, mostly due to Trump’s relative ignorance of the law and of governing generally, we’ve had some things go our way. The travel ban that repeatedly got shut down, health care failing to be replaced, the recent indictments of higher-ups from the Trump campaign and this past week’s big Democratic wins in New Jersey and Virginia. We absolutely must celebrate these wins. Why? First, because we deserve to, but also because if we don’t, we’ll become far too grim and sad, and there is something to be said for holding onto hope and optimism. We’ve just passed the one-year anniversary of Trump winning the election and there’s no denying it’s been a rough go of it since. What we know after this year is that, whatever comes next also won’t be easy but there is still hope, and we can fight and are fighting. What we must remember is that we deserve for our personal lives to be uncontaminated by politics and all the ugliness that comes with it. So, take regular breathers, unplug when you can, don’t forget to self-protect and practice gratitude every time it’s warranted. n Kristina Furia is a psychotherapist committed to working with LGBT individuals and couples and owner of Emerge Wellness, an LGBT health and wellness center in Center City (www.emergewellnessphilly.com).
PGN gift guides, holiday entertainment and survival tips will be online and in print for two special issues on Dec. 8 and Dec. 15.
PGN DIVERSITY from page 8
facilitate networking opportunities and resources for NLGJA and the Trans Health Conference. “I think it’s important for us to continue to cultivate and position Philadelphia as the most competitive city in highlighting the value of diversity that we have here,” DeShields said. To celebrate 30 years, PHL Diversity has acknowledged the milestone throughout the year, including featuring organization cofounders Dwight Evans and A. Bruce Crawley on its podcast. The 2017 Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Annual Luncheon on Nov. LAWSUIT from page 1
for Schmid recently asked Cohen for permission to add Tabu as a defendant in the case, and Cohen granted the request. According to Schmid’s attorney, Tabu allegedly served an excessive amount of alcohol to Sierra prior to the assault. POSITIVE from page 11
people’s stories of pain and trauma. I’ve come to realize that each of us has our own path to survival and resilience; we just may be at different points on the journey. Just as those who have led the way in front of me have picked me up and helped me along, I too try to offer a hand to those on the path behind me. Recently I was able to indulge in an old passion of mine: deejaying. I was honored to be able to spin at Club Metro in Chicago in late August for Chuck Renslow’s memorial and the last White Party. I worked for Chuck (who was an early champion of gay rights in Chicago starting in the 1950s, and was the founder of International Mr. Leather) for about five or six years as a DJ in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Going back to my first love, music, all these years later was scary, but ultimately fulfilling. When I was initially asked back in July, I immediately jumped at the opportunity and said yes. But then doubt started to creep in when I realized I would not be using any of my old vinyl or turntables, and would have to do everything digitally using a computer. I practiced, practiced, practiced, had a blast and people seemed to have fun and were dancing (the ultimate litmus test for a DJ). The point is, if you have a chance to follow your passion, go for it. You only go around once (and I’m not talking records on a turntable!). I think one key to my survival has been the love of family and friends. I was lucky; I realize not everyone gets that, but you can choose your own family if you need to. My mom made me believe I could do anything. And Dad, in his own way that somehow got twisted up along the way, loved me too. So I’m not just surviving, but thriving, as Ms. Angelou so eloquently put it. Passion? Check. Compassion? I’d like to think so. Humor? A must. And style? I
22 will cap off PHL Diversity’s anniversary celebration. DeShields said the event will feature a video highlighting the event’s history and evolution. PHL Diversity hopes to stage more inclusive events for the community. “We’ve had a great start in terms of engaging LGBT groups,” DeShields said. “I think the next thing for us is to ensure that we can get them to re-book and come back to Philadelphia.” n The 2017 PHLCVB Annual Luncheon will be held 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 22 at the National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St. Visit http://bit. ly/2h9HHaE for more information and to purchase tickets.
Jeffrey C. Sotland, co-owner of Tabu, said Tabu shouldn’t be a defendant in the case. “Mr. Schmid and his attorney brought Tabu into this case, not Mr. Sierra,” Sotland said in an email. “The court papers allege no real theory of liability as to what Tabu leave that up to you to decide. Take care of yourself, and each other. n Jeff Berry is the editor of Positively Aware magazine, the leading national HIV-treatment magazine published by a not-for-profit AIDS service organization, TPAN, in Chicago. This column is a project of Plus, Positively Aware, POZ, TheBody.com and Q Syndicate, the LGBT wire service.
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 10-16, 2017
TRANS from page 9
transgender medical care is very different. PGN: What can we expect from your book, “It Never Goes Away”? AK: Well, I talk a bit about myself and how I transitioned at 62. I talk about the medical realities, the emotional realities, all the things that will come up that you don’t expect and no one talks about. I’ve had the opportunity to look at transition from two prisms — as a patient, and as a health-care provider — so I think that’s a unique perspective. I’m really excited for the book to come out because I don’t did wrong. Why? Because there is no theory. The claim is absurd under both the law and the facts of the incident.” Sotland added: “This is very simply a case of Mr. Schmid brutally beating a member of the Tabu family and a member of our LGBTQ community. And this claim by Mr.
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want to be dramatic here, but this is a book that could save lives! One thing I address is the idea of regret. To say there’s never any regrets, I find it disingenuous. It’s really tough to talk about regrets because even if you lose everything, you still have your pride. The far more introspective, interesting question is, Would you do it again? I want people to understand what I’m talking about. I talk about [transitioning] all the time and people tell me, “Annie, you’re too open,” but I have to talk about it. It’s a part of me. If anyone thinks they can intimidate me, they don’t know Anne Koch! n Schmid and his attorney is merely a continuation of that assault on Mr. Sierra and the LGBTQ community and an abuse of the legal process.” None of the named parties’ attorneys would comment for this story. n
PGN
International Kenyan official: Male lions who had sex ‘must have seen gay men’ Two lions spotted in a gay sexual encounter must have seen a homosexual couple “behaving badly” in their park and should be separated and given counseling, an official in Kenya said. The animals were photographed after one mounted the other in a secluded bush area of the Masai Mara game reserve in the southwest of the African country. Ezekial Mutua, chief executive of the Kenya Film Classification Board, said the pair must have been influenced after they viewed a human same-sex couple. He claimed that was the only explanation for their “bizarre” behavior, on the basis that lions don’t watch TV or movies to see such acts there. But he added it was also possible that they were driven by evil forces, saying that “demons also possess animals.” Mutua is an infamous figure in Kenya, dubbed the country’s “moral policeman” for his controversial and often anti-LGBT public statements. He has in the past banned “pro-gay” movies and cartoons because he believes they “glorify” such relationships.
Media Trail Court: Gov. can’t protect LGBT rights via order NOLA.com reports Louisiana’s governor has lost his latest effort to revive an executive order aimed at protecting the rights of LGBT people in state government. A three-judge panel of a Louisiana appeal court ruled Nov. 1 that Gov. John Bel Edwards lacked authority to issue his April 2016 order banning discrimination in government and state contracts based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The appeal court panel sided with a lower court judge who blocked enforcement of the order in December at Attorney General Jeff Landry’s urging. Landry, a Republican, says Edwards unconstitutionally sought to create state law and circumvent Louisiana lawmakers who refused to approve such LGBT-rights protections.
He spoke out about the two gay lions after seeing photos of the pair in a rare display of such behavior captured by wildlife photographer Paul Goldstein.
Egypt extends detention of man held over rainbow flag Egyptian state security prosecutors have extended the pre-trial detention of a young man arrested on charges of “promoting deviance” after fans waved rainbow flags at a rock concert last month. Lawyer Hoda Nasrallah said Oct. 30 that the hearing for her client, Ahmed Alaa, took place a day earlier. The case involves another young defendant, Sarah Hegazy, whose detention has already been extended until Nov. 13. The two were arrested shortly after the Sept. 22 concert. Rights advocates say some 70 individuals have been caught up in the sweep since then. Homosexuality is not explicitly prohibited by law in Egypt, although gay men are often arrested on other charges.
Arrests at Georgia demo over player’s gay-rights armband Eight people have been arrested in Georgia after a far-right group gathered to demand a soccer player be kicked off the national team because he supported gay rights. The nationalist Georgian March group wants defender Guram Kashia punished for Edwards argued he has the authority to issue a policy governing employment and contracting standards in the executive branch.
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 10-16, 2017
wearing a rainbow armband while captaining Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem earlier this month, as part of a broader initiative in the Netherlands for the country’s Coming Out Day. Dozens of protesters gathered outside the Georgian Football Federation headquarters Oct. 31, shouting antigay slogans while letting off flares and smoke bombs. They also burned a rainbow flag. Police say eight were arrested for resisting police and minor hooliganism. Many Georgian Internet users changed their profile pictures on social networks in support of Kashia, who has also received backing from Georgia’s president.
Sydney Opera House lights up in rainbow colors for Mardi Gras launch Thousands of people descended on the Sydney Opera House Nov. 3 to watch its iconic sails light up in rainbow colors. The rainbow sails were a celebration of the official launch of the program for the 2018 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is one of the world’s biggest LGBTI events and will celebrate its 40th year in 2018. Next year’s theme is 40 Years of Evolution and the festival will feature 17 days of jam-packed parties, performance, exhibitions, family and community events. The iconic Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade will wrap up the festival on March 3. n
Get Out and Play
Scott A. Drake
Philly is known as a sports city, and that’s no different for the LGBT community. Scott A. Drake keeps readers up to date on the LGBT sports news they need to know — from game highlights to team registration deadlines to social outings.
— compiled by Larry Nichols porting at-risk LGBT youth. The Ignite summit is scheduled for Dec. 2 at Utah Valley University.
University investigating Hundreds of Utah LGBT anti-LGBT fliers youth to gather at statewide The Pensacola News Journal reports the summit University of West Florida is investigating According to KUTV 2, hundreds of Utah LGBT students will meet for a statewide summit in Orem next month to find solidarity and discuss issues like bullying and educational and career advancement. The event, called Ignite, aims to bring together LGBT teens from Utah’s rural and urban areas and those involved in gay-straight alliances. Democratic state Sen. Jim Dabakis is one of the organizers and says the event was prompted by several gay-straight alliance students saying they had trouble coping with bullying and isolation in school. Dabakis said the event is modeled after Mormon youth conferences and is being put on with help from organizers of the LoveLoud Festival, an August concert headlined by rock band Imagine Dragons that raised funds for organizations sup-
after several anti-LGBT fliers were distributed throughout the campus. The fliers were posted in a large area of the Pensacola campus overnight on Oct. 31, and were primarily affixed to building doors leading to lecture halls. UWF spokesperson Megan Gonzalez said the school is in the middle of the investigation, but they believe a national organization targeted the university. Based on the initial investigation, Gonzalez says there’s no reason to believe such a group exists on campus. The university’s president, Martha Saunders, condemned the behavior and said the school is a safe and respectful environment for all. Officials say possible vandalism-related charges could be filed due to building damage. n — compiled by Larry Nichols
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Dining Out Family Portrait Out & About Q Puzzle Scene in Philly
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WORK
Racial, workplace politics come to life in ‘Rasheeda Speaking’ By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Racial tension and inter-office politics collide at Allens Lane Arts Center when the critically acclaimed dark comedy and OffBroadway hit “Rasheeda Speaking” makes its Philadelphia premiere Nov. 17-Dec. 3. Written by Joel Drake Johnson, the comedic workplace thriller follows the drama between two middle-aged coworkers — one black (Jaclyn), one white (Ileen) — who are played against each other by the machinations of their boss, kicking off a power struggle that spins out of control. Out director Scott R. Grumling said the
play’s timely theme is among the reasons he wanted to bring it to Philadelphia. “The subject matter is very relevant in our world today. It does deal with issues of racism but I think what’s great about it is that it deals with those issues in a way where it doesn’t really assign blame to anybody,” he said. “So whatever the audience brings in from their backgrounds and their perceptions about race, that’s how they’re going to view certain events as they occur in the play. At Allens Lane, we get a diverse audience and that diverse audience is going to experience the play in different ways. Even though they are sitting 5 feet away from someone else, they may be having a
different identification or experience with this play. I feel it has great audience appeal in that respect.” Grumling and his partner and co-director Tom Ryan said the play illustrates how an office setting can escalate a situation — as simple misunderstandings and miscommunications balloon into much-bigger issues. “It’s a microcosm,” Ryan said. “You’re in a small area with different personalities and you’re together for eight to 10 hours a day. It magnifies whatever is happening at the time. You’ve got cliques that form. You’ve got allegiances and enemy camps. There’s only two people working in this office but there is stuff going on all around them that
they are a part of. “Major corporations have done important strides in the last several years to protect people from racial discrimination and sexual-orientation discrimination so that someone can’t get retaliated against because of somebody’s prejudices,” Grumling added. “What’s interesting about this play is this white doctor enlists a white receptionist who is really on equal footing with the black receptionist. The only difference between the two of them is the white receptionist has been working with the doctor for eight years. But he doesn’t feel comfortable with the black woman, not because she is black but because PAGE 30
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 10-16, 2017
FEATURE PGN
RASHEEDA from page 29
she won’t look him in the eye and he thinks she is brusk with him and not overly friendly. So there’s a lot of miscommunication between those two characters that builds up. It’s very evident from the get-go that these are two people who just don’t get along. But we begin to question, Is he really doing this because he doesn’t feel her work is up to par or would he feel more comfortable working with another white woman? What’s important too is if you don’t have protections in certain states across the board for all kinds of situations, who are they going to appeal to in a small company if they feel that are being discriminated against? In this particular play, Jacqueline might be able to appeal to human resources but to go down that path is a very slippery slope. And in this play, she takes matters into her own hands and, instead of being the victim, she becomes the aggressor and she is determined at any cost to keep her job.” Grumling and Ryan said they can relate to how just being who you are — which in their cases means openly gay — can ruffle the feathers of coworkers.. “Tom has some corporate experience in
an office setting,” Grumling said. “Myself, I’ve been in corporate America my whole life. The most uncomfortable I have felt was early in my career, in the early ’90s, after I got out of college. I was working with a very large corporation and at the time it was kind of becoming somewhat acceptable for men, whether they were straight or gay, to wear earrings in a business setting. And I was approached by someone who was a
higher-up and was given a little warning to make sure a certain individual doesn’t see me in the office with an earring. Outside of that, I would say that I’ve been lucky in the situations and professions I’ve been in that people do tend to honor a code of professionalism very, very well. I think that there are other gay men who have not been so lucky and have been made to feel uncomfortable.”
“I was lucky,” Ryan added. “The first relationship I had before Scott was with somebody in an insurance corporation. He was in higher management and could not let anybody know that he was gay. So we did not go to parties together and he would not let me come out because then people would put it together with him. After we broke up, I ended up working at a professional theater company where my boss was openly gay and there were a lot of gays and lesbians working within it. So I became very comfortable very quickly, accepting my own sexuality. And then when I left there, I ended up back in insurance and I put myself back in the closet. One day someone asked me if I was dating somebody and I played the pronoun game and I thought, No, I just spent the last two years being totally open about who I am, I will not go back into this closet. That was really my awakening point that I don’t care how anybody feels about me, I’m not going to hide who I am.” n Allens Lane Arts Center presents “Rasheeda Speaking” Nov. 17-Dec. 3 at 601 W. Allens Lane. For more information or tickets, call 215-248-0546 or visit www.allenslane.org.
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Drea Young: Behind the bar with the music maven One of the premises of this column is that everyone has a story to tell. Recently I was chatting with the bartender at Toasted Walnut and was surprised to find that she is actually a Grammy-credited music engineer, who’s working at the bar as she works on growing her own record label. PGN: Where are you from? DY: All over the place. I was born in Sayer, a little town in Pennsylvania, and then when I was 3 months old the family moved to California. I was there until my parents split when I was 6 and then we lived in Northern PA, Tioga County, Quakertown, all over Philly, Pittsburgh, Florida and Jersey. But I tell people I’m from Pennsylvania. PGN: Are you from a military family? DY: [Laughs] No, everyone asks that. Just a product of divorce, multiple times. PGN: Favorite song as a child? DY: I grew up on Michael Jackson like most people from that time period. As a teen, I started getting into the grunge scene — that was the early ’90s. Then I was into the rave scene and later I expanded my horizon and started listening to anything and everything. PGN: What did you want to be when you grew up? DY: When I was really little, I wanted to be an oceanographer until I found out how deep they go into the ocean, which was terrifying. Then I wanted to be an astronaut until I realized how far they had to travel. Then I entered teenage-land and I wanted to be a rock star. Later, as things unfolded, I realized that I wasn’t going to be a rock star but I was able to find other passions within the music field. I’m actually becoming the person I never thought I could be and yet I’m still the same person I always was. If that makes sense. PGN: Tell me a little about it. DY: I was working with a lot of other people in different bands but by the time I was 24, I was done … done with people, done with annoying bands. I know I’m good at producing and I’m good at engineering; I’m going to pursue that and see what happens. I went to New York City and started pursuing a profession working with people like Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Esperanza Spalding, Björk and even classical musicians like Yoyo Ma. I got two Grammy credits while I was in New York, though it wasn’t until I was back in Philly for two years that I found out that a few projects that I’d worked on had won Grammys. That was pretty cool. PGN: Indeed! What was your role? DY: When Esperanza Spalding won the Grammy for Best New Artist, I was basi-
cally the second engineer on the album that got her the award. I was assisting the engineer but we worked pretty evenly on the project. He did all the mixing and recording but I did most of the technical work, cleaning up all the pops and clicks and stuff. PGN: Explain that in laymen’s terms. I’m picturing you at one of those giant boards with all the knobs on it. DY: Exactly. PGN: So do you really know what all of the knobs and toggles do? DY: [Laughs] Yes! For the most part, they tend to duplicate each other so if you know what one means, you’re going to know what they all mean across the board. So yes, at this point in life I’d better know what they all mean. It’s all about signal flow. PGN: Signal flow? DY: Yes, it’s the most important part of all when you’re on the technical side. It’s kind of like, if you have a problem, how you work to fix it. So if you’re setting up a mic or anything and it’s not working, instead of freaking out and trying all these things in between, you start where it starts. You start at the outlet or with a mic. You think, OK, that works, and you follow the signal through its paths until you find the problem. In engineering, it’s one of the most important concepts to grasp.
love to do. Just because you get the Grammy credits, it doesn’t mean you’re making the Grammy money. PGN: I know that drill. I was on a local TV show five days a week and still made more money tending bar. DY: Yeah, I’ve always done a little of this and that: bartending, whatever was needed. Thankfully because of Denise here at Toasted Walnut, in addition to bartending, she’s let me start DJing and putting on different event nights. It’s a great opportunity for me to do new things. PGN: That must be satisfying. DY: Definitely; I love being in a position to make other people’s dreams come true. I’m 36 now and there are people who are 21, 22, just getting started just like I was. They have no idea of what to do or where to go and there are a lot of people who will take advantage of it. It’s a nice feeling to know that I’m trustworthy and honest in all that I do so I can lead them in the right direction.
PGN: I hosted karaoke and would freak out when someone would think it was cute to “drop the mic” after singing. DY: No one would do that around me. I’d kill them! PGN: Anything else that bugs you? DY: I have one artist who has a habit of taking the cord from the headphones and twisting it around his finger when he’s recording. It’s strenuous on the cord and I keep trying to tell him we’ll have to replace the cord if he continues to do it. And he says, “I can’t help it, I’ve always done it.” PGN: You need to get him some rosary beads, or maybe a fidget spinner. DY: Right! That’s a good idea. PGN: What was one of your best experiences in the studio? DY: Most of my past experiences in New York were good. One of the best times was at Thanksgiving in 2008. I was in a studio with Lucie Arnaz, Lucille Ball’s daughter. We were in the studio with her for a whole week working on her “Latin Roots” album. That was a really cool experience because my mom really loved “I Love Lucy.” We used to watch it together and there I was sitting in a room with her daughter. It was pretty cool. Now, I’d say the coolest thing is that I have my own label and it’s finally at a point where I’m starting to make money from what I
PGN: Who’s the biggest diva you’ve worked with? DY: I never think about that. I just always have a good time. Well, then again when I was in New York, we’d work long hours and it was usually the managers of the stars who were obnoxious to work with. I remember one time we had one guy — he was actually on “American Idol” — and as it got late he fell asleep. As an engineer, you’re not supposed to give any creative input; just do your job and keep
your ideas to yourself. It’s not your dollar and if you have an idea that the artist thinks they like and you spend two hours on it, the next day when they decide they hate it, you’re going to get blamed and possibly charged for the time. But back to the manager guy … We’d been working all night while he nodded off in the chair. About 9 in the morning he woke up and was being a real dick. I had to be like, “Dude! We’ve been working on this for 12 hours. Give me a break.” PGN: Yeah, I’ve found that it’s usually not the stars but the people around them that are problematic. DY: True, but you can get some real knucklehead artists too, folks who come in hours late and don’t give a damn. [One guy] was a real jerk; he was late, he wasted everyone’s time and then didn’t want to pay for his studio time. He banged chicks in the control room and at the same time would display a picture of his son and talk about how he was a man of God. He was annoying. PGN: What’s the name of your production company? DY: It’s Nice Rack Records, LLC. That comes from a rack of gear, not a rack of tits! It’s from a school project when we were putting all the gear in a studio and I drew a diagram so everyone could see how it should be set up and everyone kept commenting, “Oh, those are nice racks.” The phrase stuck with me and 10 years later when I started my business, I took the name. I also trademarked the phrase, “Music is our hero,” which is our motto. My team is called “The Cape Squad.” We have a whole hero theme going because music, for me at least — with the energy and focus it takes to create it — saves me from getting in trouble. PGN: So you have your own studio and everything? DY: Yes, I own all the equipment and we do a lot of vocal recording, mixing, mastering and we can even do live tracking as well. I’m all about working with the artist and being as pocket-friendly as possible. I’m not about squeezing every dime out of someone. I just want to figure out what’s best for the music and how we can get it done. PAGE 37
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Get ready to strike a pose when First Person Arts and the African American Museum of Philadelphia present “Engaging Males of Color: Legendary!” Nov. 13. Almost 30 years after the documentary “Paris is Burning” and Madonna brought vogueing into the mainstream, “Legendary!” celebrates the latest generation of ballroom culture as international transgender performer and activist Leiomy Maldonado, Xcel Dance Crew and choreographer Kemar Jewel team up for an evening of dance and storytelling. “This event will provide a safe space for the community to hear remarkable stories from men who will use their artistry to demonstrate courage and vulnerability as they display through live-dance performances the myriad of experiences and challenges queer men of color face day to day,” said Gabriel Bryant, coordinator of Engaging Males of Color, an initiative of the city’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services. “Their unique challenges and triumphs will be presented in an engaging and supportive way to raise awareness of the issues and circumstances they are forced to navigate and overcome, reduce stigma and promote wellness.” Choreographer Jewel added that younger
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generations of performers have gravitated towards ball culture because it celebrates performers who often don’t get a chance to express themselves in other venues. “Ballroom has endured for so long because it is such a unique place that fulfills such specific needs,” he said. “Queer and trans people, especially of color, can go and be celebrated, loved and respected for being creative and feminine. Also, what other place can you go and hear a trans woman of color’s name be announced and the entire room stand up to clap and cheer her on?” Though the scene has endured, it has also evolved, Jewel noted. “The younger generation is doing an amazing job of rediscovering and reimagining the ballroom scene. There is now a subdivision of the ballroom scene called the kiki scene that focuses on youth leadership, talent development, exploring new talents and engaging with mental- and sexual-health resources,” Jewel said. “The kiki scene is just like the name, a kiki. The kiki scene is primarily on the East Coast but is now stretching all around the world. I walked and won a kiki ball in Paris last week.” Jewel added that while the origins of and the fan base for these performances are rooted primarily in the LGBT community, that doesn’t mean the events, including “Legendary!” strictly have LGBT audiences. “I think people see keywords like ‘vogueing,’ ‘ballroom’ [and] ‘trans’ and automatically assume it’s for a certain person or type of people,” he said. “That is false. The wonderful thing about this production is that it tackles issues that many people go through, no matter what walk of life they’re from. This show talks about
gender, homelessness, depression, parental approval, judgment from society and the list goes on. I guarantee if everyone in Philadelphia came to this show, they would all identify something they can relate with.” Ball culture and vogueing were in the zeitgeist for a brief moment, which led us to ask whether the new generation of performers prefers the art form to go main-
stream again or remain underground. “You know it’s funny, I’ve always wondered why everyone wants to be famous,” Jewel said. “In my opinion — and my dancers and performers share a similar mentality — when art is kept ‘underground’ or in more unique spaces, it can be as free and as dynamic as you want it to be. Usually when people start funding projects and the media gets involved and you start building a name [and] a brand for yourself, you always start to receive a list of things you can’t do. So in my opinion, I love the exposure and the hype of big crowds and being associated with big names, but if you truly want to do whatever you want to do, keep it underground.” n First Person Arts presents “Engaging Males of Color: Legendary!” 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill St. For more information or tickets, visit https://www.undergroundarts. org/event/1586110-first-person-arts-beyond-philadelphia/.
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LGBT themes get top billing at Asian American film fest By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor The 10th-annual Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival is screening through Nov. 19 at area venues. At 7:40 p.m. Nov. 11, the festival will present the Philadelphia premiere of “Signature Move,” a savory lesbian rom-com at the Lightbox Film Center. Zaynab (co-writer Fawzia Mirza) is a lesbian immigration lawyer in Chicago. Her traditional Pakistani mother, Parveen (Shabana Azmi), has moved in with her after her husband died, and now Parveen won’t leave the house. She sits around watching soap operas and peering out the window with her binoculars, looking for a suitable husband for her daughter. Parveen also tells her daughter that she should marry a man, not look like one.
Of course Zaynab has no intention of marrying a man, Pakistani or otherwise. However, she has not — and feels she cannot — tell her mom that she’s only interested in dating women. But then Zaynab meets Alma (Sari Sanchez), a bookstore owner, in a bar. After some tequila shots, the women end up in bed together. Zaynab is smitten, but she is also wary: Alma is not necessarily looking for a relationship, and her comfort with her sexuality causes the closeted Zaynab some discomfort. As the two women get to know each other and fall in love, Zaynab must find a way of dealing with her conflicting emotions. She does this through wrestling. Taking lessons from a client, Jayde (Audrey Francis), Zaynab eventually finds herself training to wrestle in a Lucha libre match. Although the central characters in “Signature Move” are all stubborn, they never come across as one-dimensional or caricatures. Zaynab may be reluctant to come out, but she is sure of her emotions and wants to forge her own path through life. She is aware of the intricacies of Pakistani mother/daughter relationships as well as the difficulties of lesbian romances. In contrast, Alma may have a close relationship with her accepting mother, Rosa (Charin Alvarez), a former Lucha libre wrestler herself, but she has emotional issues when it comes to finding love. Lastly, Parveen, who has become more conservative in America,
may be capable of change; just watch her try on makeup in one scene. The South-Asian and Latina characters connect through food and soap operas — where the heart is driven by feeling, not language — as well as wrestling. What the film illustrates is how everyone wants the same thing: love. Despite the characters’ emotional anxieties, “Signature Move” has a relaxed vibe that makes it is easy to want Zaynab and Alma to get together. Watching Zaynab speak from the heart to Alma about navigating her life is touching, as is a scene where Jayde gives Zaynab some sage relationship advice. The wrestling scenes are fun too, even if they seem as choreographed as the central romance. Nevertheless, “Signature Move” is an enchanting romance and features engaging, likable performances by Mirza, Sanchez and Azmi. At 11 a.m. Nov. 19, the festival will present a free screening of “Sex Sells,” a 48-minute shorts program with three queer-themed entries, at Asian Arts Initiative. “Cake,” written and directed by Anne Hu, is an amusing short about Eliza (Daniella Rabbani), who brings home sex robot Jade Oh (Hu) to spice things up with her husband, Thomas (Tom Lacey). But where Eliza is adventurous and wants to express herself sexually with Jade Oh, Thomas is more conventional. Jade Oh’s silent acknowledgement of the couple’s conflict is clever and witty, and this short features just the right amount of naughtiness. In fewer than six minutes, writer/director Ryan Michael Connolly’s “The Hierarchy of Needs” tells the story of Jonathan (Christopher Aguilar), a gay Filipino-American caught in a bind of his own making. When his roommate asks him for rent, Jonathan arranges a meeting with his grandmother Lynne (Marylin Tokuda) to address the problem. He then meets up with Chase (Jayson Glick) to ease his despair. It’s a quietly powerful film. The third queer short, “Please Hold,” is also excellent. Danny (Mike Ball) is a gay Asian guy who panics after his condom breaks during an anonymous sexual encounter in a parking lot. As he takes an HIV test, he calls a help line and speaks to Logan (Ben Warner), inadvertently pouring his heart out, talking about his mother, his low self-esteem and feeling punished for being gay. His monologues about his need for love and connection are heartfelt and moving. “Please Hold” should resonate with anyone who has needed to reach out and feel a stronger sense of self and security. And it features a graceful ending. There are two other non-queer shorts in the program. “Dear Mother” is a poignant and affecting documentary about Kayla Tange, a Korean adoptee who reads a letter she wrote to the birth mother she never met. Rounding out the program is “I am Jupiter,” a sexthemed revenge thriller set in the Philippines that contains no dialogue (there are a few intertitles) but some striking imagery. n
Theater & Arts Annie Walnut Street Theatre presents the beloved musical about the charming orphan Nov. 7-Jan. 7, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. Brian Posehn The comedian seen on “The Sarah Silverman Show” and “Big Bang Theory” performs through Nov. 11 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Media Theatre presents the musical adaptation of the Disney classic Nov. 15-Jan. 14, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100. Doug Stanhope The comedian performs 8 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215922-6888. Full Metal Jacket The war film is screened 8 p.m. Nov. 13 at Trocadero Theater, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888. The Gap Azuka Theatre Company presents the world premiere of a dark comedy by Philadelphia playwright Rebecca Wright about family secrets, performing and sisterhood through Nov. 19, 1700 Sansom St.; 215-563-1100. Jennifer Lewis The actor and author of “The Mother of Black Hollywood: A Memoir” hosts a book-signing and Q&A 6-8 p.m. Nov. 16 at The African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St.; 215-8787625 ext. 243.
Maria Bamford The comedian seen on “Comedians of Comedy” performs 8 p.m. Nov. 12 at The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen St.; 215-6253681. Old Masters Now: Celebrating the Johnson Collection Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of European art featuring the likes of Botticelli, Bosch, Titian, Rembrandt and Monet through Feb. 19, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215763-8100. Phantom of the Opera The classic stage drama comes to Philadelphia as part of a new North American tour through Nov. 12 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-8931999. Philadelphia Assembled Initiated by artist Jeanne van Heeswijk, together with hundreds of collaborators from across the city, the project explores Philadelphia’s changing landscape and tells a story of radical community building and active resistance, through Dec. 10 at Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Rasheeda Speaking Allens Lane Art Center presents a dark comedy set in the workplace examining issues of race, power and friendship Nov. 17-Dec. 3, 601 W.
CRY ME A PUDDLE: Philly Pride performer Puddles Pity Party brings his impossibly tall, imposing visage and smooth crooning voice back to the area 8 p.m. Nov. 16 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave. in Glenside. For more information or tickets, call 215-572-7650.
Allens Lane; 215248-0546. TouchTones Arden Theatre Company presents a new musical comedy about love, sex and the fantasy at the other end of the line through Dec. 3, 40 N. Second St.; 215922-1122. Transcendents: Spirit Mediums in Burma & Thailand The Fine Art Galleries at Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center presents internationally known and acclaimed photojournalist Mariette Pathy Allen for the first public exhibit of her new works, which document transgender lives and experiences around the world, through Jan. 2, 522 W. Maple St., Allentown; 610347-9988.
Music The Used and Glassjaw The alt-rock groups perform 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen St.; 215-6253681. Tegan and Sarah The out rock duo performs 9 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Tower Theater, 69th and Ludlow streets, 610352-2887. Bob Dylan The rock icon performs 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Tower Theater, 69th and Ludlow streets, 610352-2887. Periphery and Animals As Leaders The prog-metal bands perform 8 p.m. Nov. 11 at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800745-3000.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS
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Bucolic backdrop sets stage for Romanian love story By Gary M. Kramer PGN Contributor
FACE THE (RHYTHM) NATION: Armed with over 30 years of pop and dance hits, singing icon Janet Jackson brings her State of the World Tour to the area twice this week, performing 8 p.m. Nov. 10 at Boardwalk Hall, 2301 Boardwalk in Atlantic City, and 8 p.m. Nov. 13 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-389-9543.
Macklemore The Grammywinning hip-hop artist performs 8 p.m. Nov. 13 at The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen St.; 215-6253681. Leelah James and Tank The R&B/soul singers perform 8 p.m. Nov. 14 at TLA, 334 South St.; 215-922-1011. HIM The gothic-rock group performs as part of its farewell tour 7 p.m. Nov. 15 at The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen St.; 215-6253681. Squeeze The alternativerock band performs 8 p.m. Nov. 17 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; 215572-7650.
Nightlife Porn Stash Local gay comedians Betty and Ralph and a bunch of their
comedian friends watch random clips of porn and talk about love, sex, relationships, politics, society and anything else that may come up 10 p.m. Nov. 10 at Philly Improv Theater, 2030 Sansom St.; 267233-1556. Mimi Imfurst Presents Drag Diva Brunch Mimi Imfurst, Bev, Vinchelle, Sutton Fearce and special guests perform 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 11 at Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.; 215606-6555. Equality Day at Six Flags The theme park opens its gates to the LGBT community for exclusive ride time, community resources, a DJ and more starting at 2 p.m. Nov. 11 at the park in Jackson, N.J.; www.sixflags.com/ greatadventure/ special-events/ equality-day.
Liberty Belles Burlesque Revue The brightest stars of burlesque perform 9 p.m. Nov. 12 at Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.; 215-606-6555.
Jessica Kirson The out comedian performs 8 p.m. Nov. 11 at The Rrazz Room, 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 888596-1027.
Happy Bears: PGMC Early Tidings Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus provides a preview of its winter show, “Tinseltown Tidings,” at this bear gathering 6-10 p.m. Nov. 17 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; 215-964-9675.
This is Spinal Tap The classic faux documentarycomedy film about a fictional heavy-metal band is screened 9 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-1228.
Outta Town Janet Jackson The pop superstar performs 8 p.m. Nov. 10 at Boardwalk Hall, 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-3487000.
Slap Shot The comedy film about a struggling hockey team is screened 9 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-1228. n
Notices Send notices at least one week in advance to: Out & About Listings, PGN, 505 S. Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 fax: 215-925-6437; or e-mail: listings@epgn.com. Notices cannot be taken over the phone.
Alec Secareanu makes an indelible impression as Gheorghe, a strapping Romanian farmhand in the fantastic gay romantic drama “God’s Own Country,” opening Nov. 11 at Ritz at the Bourse. Out writer/director Francis Lee’s striking film is set mostly on a Yorkshire farm where Johnny (Josh O’Connor) ekes out a hardscrabble life with his ailing father (Ian Hart) and his grandmother (Gemma Jones). Johnny drinks himself sick most nights as a way to numb the pain of hard farm work and his closeted desires. When Gheorghe arrives to assist with lambing season, Johnny is initially wary of him. However, the immigrant proves himself adept at farm work, and shows tenderness to the prickly Johnny; the two young men get romantically involved. Secareanu gives a riveting performance as a strong and sensual character. He generates an erotic charge from the smallest gestures, such as licking Johnny’s injured palm. And he conveys deep emotions with the slightest expressions. The actor imbues Gheorghe with a confidence that makes him sexy but also moving when he asserts himself in the face of adversity. Secareanu spoke via Skype from Bucharest with PGN about making “God’s Own Country.” PGN: Alec, you birth and skin sheep in this film. What is your experience on a farm? AS: I had literally no experience on a farm. I’m a city boy. I was born and raised and live in Bucharest. My grandparents had a house in the countryside, and I spent summers at their farm with chickens and ducks, but I am not fond of that kind of work. We had two weeks of preparation and I learned how to skin and birth lambs, and I learned how to inject animals’ cut hoofs, and make cheese. We had a long farming shift, from early in the morning to late in the afternoon, to understand what a farmer’s life is. It was useful. It gave us the physicality of the characters: how they walk, talk, move around and connect with the environment. It was quite intense. PGN: How did you develop your portrayal of Gheorghe? He seems very observant, and has tremendous patience and confidence. AS: We started working on the characters two months before we started shooting. Francis [Lee, the director] asked me questions about Gheorghe’s background: where he was born, his parents, his school, his other relationships and how he ended up in the U.K. We built his life from scratch. He’s more processed and more aware of what’s happening around him and is more connected to nature. He kept his head down to learn to survive and make money, and do his work and support his family back home. We thought about how much sugar he liked in his tea.
PGN: Has Gheorghe always been gay? AS You get some hints that there was someone before in his life and he invested in that person and was disappointed, so he’s cautious about getting involved with anyone. I like that there’s a mystery. You don’t get his background but you can feel it and get hints. You have to let the people use their imagination. PGN: There is tenderness and toughness to Gheorghe. How did you balance those elements of his character? AS: It was an honor and privilege to play him. It’s a very strong character. He’s a bit like Jesus — this tenderness and warmth he
projects. But there is also this idea of social justice and equality. He’s not afraid to stand for himself, he knows who he is and what he deserves. PGN: What can you say about your physical scenes of fighting and fucking with Josh? AS: It was all very deliberate. For the first two weeks of preparation, Francis kept us as far apart as possible, and we met briefly only for rehearsals. After shooting, we moved in together and spent more time together, so our friendship happened at the same time we were on screen. We became more comfortable and gained each other’s trust. All the sex scenes were choreographed. We built their lives and we were comfortable around each other because we had to get out of our comfort zone for these parts. PGN: Kim Davis recently went to Romania to make a case against same-sex marriage in your country. There was an outcry from the LGBT community. What can you say about gay rights in Romania? AS: Romania decriminalized homosexuality in 1996 and they are talking about a referendum. The Coalition for Family is trying to change the constitution to make marriage specific between a man and woman, and they want us to go backwards. The society here is still very traditional in the rural area. But there is a lot of homophobia in Romania so I’m pleased the film is being shown here. It’s a love story; it’s not trying to make a statement or be political. It’s about two people who meet at certain times in their lives and they clash. n
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 10-16, 2017
PGNOUT DINING
Food and Drink Directory
Queen Village has a suitable ‘king’ By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com
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Catering Available - Delivery All Night Long
Want to try new dining options? Try Food and Drink Directories in PGN.
FOR ADVERTISING INFO CONTACT YOUR PGN AD REP AT (215) 625-8501
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www.KeyPizzaOnline.com “Serving your Philadelphia neighborhood a variety of fresh quality food since 1989”
All right, Halloween is over. The days are getting shorter and colder, and most of you are staring down that barrel of a lot of evenings and weekends spent with friends and family who want to grub, gossip and giggle. Whether you are looking for a calm and relaxed place to converse or need somewhere to duck and cover from the holiday onslaught, The Good King Tavern fits the bill. Just a few steps away from the hustle and bustle of South Street, this tavern exudes a cozy charm that sets the stage for the modern American lineup — with a few French twists. The menu is an efficient affair, with a handful each of starters, boards, salads and entrées, as well as a few specials here and there. The crispy shrimp ($8) were pleasantly unique as far as pub snacks go, battered in grits, which gave the shrimp an uncommon crisp crunch and a smoky finish. Things took a more rustic turn with the socca ($12), a nicely baked and seared chickpea pancake served with a piping-hot helping of ratatouille. For a vegetarian dish, this hits all the right pressure points, especially on a chilly autumn evening. In contrast, the refinement on the red endive salad ($12) added a spicy and colorful complexity to the meal with a kick from the pistachio-pepper pesto and the Parmesan cheese balancing out the bitter notes of the endive. Things got back to no-nonsense, working-class tavern fare with the steak frites ($21), a nicely cooked and sliced steak bathed in butter and a bordelaise sauce, served with a heaping pile of fries that walked that perfect European line between crispiness at the edges and bendable softness in the middle. The sauces elevated the flavor profile of the dish considerably, but when the beer-drinking everyman dreams of meat and potatoes, this is probably what pops into his mind. What The Good King Tavern lacks in elbow room, it more than makes up for in charm, atmosphere and a menu designed to please and comfort. If you happen to be in the neighborhood and feel a bit peckish, pay your respects to The King. n
236 South St Philadelphia, PA 19147 215-925-3881
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PGN PORTRAIT from page 31
PGN: That’s beautiful. How long have you been at Toasted Walnut? DY: I started here the third week it was open. Denise and I go back to Sisters days. She told me about trying to find a new place and last November she said, “This is it, it’s going to happen.” It’s nice because she’s letting me put on some open-mic nights, I’m deejaying now and soon I’ll be bringing in some cool live performers on Sundays for “Live on Walnut.” I’m really excited about it. PGN: You moved around a lot. Where were you when you came out? DY: Let’s see, that would have been back in 1912. [Laughs] Just kidding, it was a real process for me. I was raised a Jehovah’s Witness so I was super-religiously raised, but luckily at 14, my mom said, “You can do what you want, you don’t have to follow this religion if you don’t want.” At about 17 I started realizing, Chicks are hot! And I started hanging posters of girls on my wall. That’s when I started comprehending thoughts and feelings that I’d had at 10 but just didn’t know what to do with. I had to un-brainwash myself from all the religious stuff I’d been fed for so many years. I did a lot of experimenting for a long time trying to find out who I was and who I wanted to be and be with. PGN: If I recall, the Jehovahs aren’t particularly music-friendly. DY: They’re not particularly worldfriendly. I mean, most of my family are still Witnesses and I love them, but organized religion is not my thing. They don’t celebrate any holidays, they don’t celebrate birthdays, they only date within their congregation and of course homosexuality is taboo. They’re very sheltered and secluded and that’s how I grew up. Though when we moved to California — that’s when my parents split up; we moved back east with my mother and spent summers on the West Coast with my dad — that’s when music really came into my life and was my saving grace. That’s why I feel, even now, that music is my hero. It’s so important to me. That’s why I own that sentence. PGN: I can see why it would mean so much to you. DY: Yeah, the Jehovahs don’t like anything associated with the outside world. They don’t do politics, they don’t vote, nothing that has to do with the world at large. PGN: I recently read in someone’s biography — and I can’t remember whose — that they don’t believe in the military because God is the only one they will fight for. The person was saying that when he was in jail, he made friends with a lot of Jehovahs who were conscientious objectors. DY: Yup, no military, no blood transfusions or organ donating, nothing. They’re hardcore.
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 10-16, 2017
37
PGN: So what is your coming-out story? DY: I don’t think I ever had a coming-out moment. I think they all kind of knew. I guess the first time I ever made out with a chick was when I was 18. It was the first time I had a real chick crush and went after it. But she told me I was a psycho, so that didn’t work out! PGN: [Laughs] Yeah, that’s not a good start. So tell me a little about what’s new or happening here at Toasted Walnut. DY: Well, Eagles fans should come here to watch the game; we have our wall of 70-inch big-screen TVs to watch the game. We always have a great happy hour with $3 drinks and beer, and Tuesday nights we do “Tequila, Tacos and Trivia.” We have karaoke night on Thursdays and Friday and Saturday are our dance-party nights. Nov. 11 is going to be a big party with go-go girls and Jell-O shots and a prize giveaway every hour. We have a great Sunday brunch now with $3 classic mimosas, and a cool build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. There’s a yellow cart loaded with everything from steak to shrimp to olives, cheese, pepperoni. You can pick which liquor you want, decide if you want it spicy or not, with salt rim, Old Bay rim, you name it. It’s really popular. PGN: And what do you enjoy about working there? DY: I love the people I work with and the atmosphere. I love all of us on the fringe of life coming together in a peaceful party. There’s not a lot of uptight vibes here. It’s always a good time and because of the way Denise runs things, it’s a clean bar, efficient and well-run. There’s no nonsense tolerated here. We just have fun. PGN: Other than music, what do you do when you’re away from here? DY: Ha. Other than music? Hang out with my girlfriend and our cats. We have three of them: Babes, Pops and Moms. PGN: Have you ever been in a parade? DY: Pride 2016 I rocked out with the Toasted Walnut crew in the parade. That was a lot of fun. I look forward to next year’s. PGN: Most people have a favorite story or experience that they like to share. What’s yours? DY: Back in December 2010, I was just chillin’ watching the Grammy nomination show. Next thing you know, an album I worked on for Esperanza Spalding, “Chamber Music Society,” was up on the screen for Best New Artist. I was blown away I had my first Grammy nomination under my belt. And she ended up winning the award at the Grammys. n For more information about Nice Rack, visit https://www.nicerackllc.com. For more information about Toasted Walnut, visit www.toastedwalnut.com. To suggest a community member for Family Portrait, email portraits05@aol.com.
Q Puzzle Kurt Response Across
1. Put out a feeler 5. Opposite of loads 9. They’re sucked, in insults 14. Reed in a Ned Rorem work 15. Dick, for one 16. Show penitence 17. Somewhat unconventional gay teenager Ian in 55-Across 19. Transsexual Richards 20. Hans Christian of fairy tales 21. Chris, who plays 47-Across 22. Help reelect Tammy Baldwin, e.g. 23. Become wearisome 24. Silky undies material 27. Shackled 31. Meadow moms 32. Milk container 34. Scandalous suffix 35. Actor who plays Ian and described him
as the “antiKurt” 38. Cooking meas. 39. Keyboardists finger them 40. Circumcision, e.g. 41. Near future 43. Karen does this on Jack on “Will and Grace” 44. Some of Sappho’s vowels 45. Stick it in a tough guy 47. Somewhat stereotypical gay teenager Kurt in “Glee” 50. Former Arizona legislator 54. Rehoboth Beach setting 55. Showtime comedy-drama set in Chicago 56. “The Pink Panther” director Edwards 57. Hatcher of “Desperate Housewives” 58. Iroquoian tongue 59. Rock Hudson’s “Gun Fury,” for one 60. Plaything for a kitten 61. Somewhat like Christina
Crawford’s mommie
Down
1. It covered Caesar’s Johnson 2. Abba not of “Mamma Mia!” 3. “Gone,” at an auction 4. Put on “Logo,” for example 5. Drama queen’s emotion, perhaps 6. California border lake 7. Baldwin’s “The ___ Corner” 8. Article of Rainer Maria Rilke 9. Dorothy Allison’s “Bastard out of ___” 10. Titular tenor of Verdi 11. Eastern, to the Washington Mystics (abbr.) 12. Trick joint, maybe 13. Prefix with sucker 18. “East of Eden” son 21. Church laws, to Bishop Gene Robinson 23. Spike used
to climb ev’ry mountain 24. Factions that sound like fornicating? 25. Up to one’s butt (in) 26. Beat, to Barber 27. Spin doctor 28. Like a rare game, in Glenn Burke’s sport 29. Tickle pink 30. Ophelia and Hamlet or Claire 32. Place for stallions 33. One of the thanes in “Macbeth” 36. More like something in the state of Denmark 37. Got down on one’s knees 42. “The Bird Cage,” to “La
Cage aux Folles” 43. Emulate Greg Louganis 45. Rocker Ringo 46. Leave no escape for 47. Judy Garland concert persona 48. NCAA home of the Bruins 49. Sexual partners, to the insensitive 50. Where the Mets once waved their sticks 51. Mother of 50 million Frenchmen 52. Mishima’s continent 53. River of the country of the Singing Nun 55. Filthy digs
38
PGN
Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 10-16, 2017
Classifieds All real-estate advertising is subject to Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability). PGN will not knowingly accept any realestate advertising that is in violation of any applicable law.
Real Estate Sale VENTNOR, NJ House for sale in Ventnor NJ. 2 story 5 bedroom house, needs some repairs. Priced right. Call 215 468 9166. ________________________________________41-49 VACATION CABIN GET-AWAY Bucks County peace and quiet in gated vacation community of Schnabels’ Woods. Great rm, kitchen, full bath, 1 bdrm, screened porch. $56,000. 180 day/ yr occupancy year-round. www.goo.gl/4kFU6u e-mail: David@NorthHavenDesign.com ________________________________________41-48
Real Estate Rent SOUTH PHILA/SOUTHBROOK AREA 3 BR house for rent. Very convenient to CC & NJ. Off st parking. Too much to list! $1300/mo. + utils. No pets. 215-432-0333. _____________________________________________41-48
For Sale SAWMILLS from only $4397.00 – MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill – Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N. ________________________________________41-45
Bid Notices ezIQC® (indefinite quantity construction contracts) GC, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Civil Pre-Bid Meetings in 6 regions across the commonwealth. Go to the Keystone Purchasing Network at www.theKPN.org for locations and bid information. Bid openings Dec 4 & 5, 2017. ________________________________________41-45
PGN does not accept advertising that is unlawful, false, misleading, harmful, threatening, abusive, invasive of another’s privacy, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, hateful or racially or otherwise objectionable, including without limitation material of any kind or nature that encourages conduct that could constitute a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability or otherwise violate any applicable local, state, provincial, national or international law or regulation, or encourage the use of controlled substances.
Financial Services REAL ESTATE FINANCING! Direct Lender: Fix & Flips, Bridge Loan, No Tax Return, Purchase/Refinance, Multi-Family, Mixed-Use, Commercial, Construction; Quick Closing! Express Capital Financing: 718-285-0806. ________________________________________41-45
Legal Notices
City of Philadelphia
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOR THE COUNTY OF PHILADELPHIA, August Term, 2017, No. 2488. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on the 25th day of September, 2017, the Petition for Change of Name, filed by Petitioner, Emily Catherine Holod, was filed in the above-named Court, praying for a decree to change his/her name to Cayden Shea Halligan. The Court has fixed November 22, 2017, at 9:00A.M., in Courtroom 691, City Hall, Philadelphia, PA, as the time and place for the hearing of said Petition, when and where all persons interested may appear and show cause, if any they have, why the prayer of the said petition should not be granted. ________________________________________41-45
City of Philadelphia
Public Hearing Notice Public Hearing Notice
The Committee on& Commerce & Economic Development of theofCouncil the City of of Philadelphia will of Philad The Committee on Commerce Economic Development the ofCouncil the City hold a Public Hearing on Friday, November 17, 2017, at 10:00 AM, in Room 400, City Hall, to hear hold a Public Hearing on Friday, November 17, 2017, at 10:00 AM, in Room 400, City Ha testimony on the following item: testimony on the following item: Legal Notices
LOOKING FOR ROMANCE Attractive GWM, warm, sensitive, caring, 48 y.o. with a smooth gymnast build looking for other GWM, 30-50, who is also in good shape. I live in NE Phila. I’m looking for guys who are also sensitive, caring with a fun personality. If this sounds interesting to you feel free to call me, David, 215-698-0215. ________________________________________41-50 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. ________________________________________41-47 GBM prof looking for P/T GM housecleaner. Call or text 215-350-4997. ________________________________________41-50 Nice bi M seeks big and hard partner for pleasure and possible relationship. Atlantic City, NJ 609-428-7095. ________________________________________41-49
170849
170849
An Ordinance amending Section 17-1603 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled
"Economic Opportunity Plans: Contents," to require the information An Ordinance amending Section 17-1603 ofprovision The ofPhiladelphia Cod relating to prior history of meeting goals established in connection with City "Economic Opportunity Plans: Contents," to require the provision of i contracts and the prior history of related corporate entities, all under certain terms and relating to conditions. prior history of meeting goals established in connection contracts and the prior history of related corporate entities, all under certain conditions. Immediately following the public hearing, a meeting of the Committee on Commerce & Economic Development, open to the public, will be held to consider the action to be taken on the above listed item.
Immediately following the public hearing, a meeting of the Committee on Commerce & Copies the foregoing itembe are held availabletoinconsider the Office of the Clerk oftothebe Council, Room Development, open to theofpublic, will theChief action taken on402, theCityabove liste Hall.
Copies of the foregoing item are available in the Office of the Chief Clerk of the Council, Room Michael Decker Hall. Chief Clerk
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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 10-16, 2017
Anne E. Koons
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Cherry Hill/ Wilderness Acres Custom ranch home nestled in a tranquil natural setting, has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage on almost an acre of property. There is a first floors study, large master suite with his and her bathrooms and plenty of closet space. The LR has cathedral ceilings HW floors & 2 sided fireplace…$459,000
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Voorhees Beautiful custom 4 Bedroom, 2.2 bath home has a Sun rm, eat-in gourmet kitchen, large master w/updated bath, 3 fireplaces, finished basement & 2 car garage This well maintained architecturally unique home has a living rm w/28ft ceilings, dining rm, & family rm w/hardwood fls. The master suite has 3 closets, hardwood fls, balcony, and gorgeous bath. $659,000
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