PGN Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013 by The Philadelphia Gay News

City says no to jury trial for gay police officer PAGE 5

Family Portrait: Dito van Reigersberg on a cracker PAGE 47

Local documentary filmmakers to begin trek PAGE 7 Dec. 26

Holiday music of note PAGE 45

Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

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Vol. 37 No. 48

Attack in Gayborhood days before rape

OutFest couple found not guilty By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com A gay couple arrested during OutFest was found not guilty of all charges this week. Judge Charles Hayden handed down not-guilty verdicts during a joint trial Nov. 25 for Anthony Reto and Thomas Berner. The pair was arrested Oct. 13 and charged with disorderly conduct and criminal conspiracy, both summary charges. The pair was arrested by Civil Affairs officers near 12th and Locust streets after taking a photo in front of protesters from antigay group Repent America. One officer contended Reto pushed him from behind, which both men denied. PAGE 2 Reto was physically

State: Dismiss two marriage cases By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com In the last week, the state has asked for dismissals of two of the pending challenges to Pennsylvania’s ban on samesex marriage. Last week, the Department of Revenue filed a preliminary objection in response to a lawsuit brought by a lesbian widow from Bethlehem, asking the court to dismiss the case. And on Monday, Gov. Tom Corbett asked a judge to dismiss another suit brought by a legally married lesbian couple who is seeking to have their marriage recognized by the state. In the first case, Barbara Baus filed a suit in Orphans Court of Northampton County Oct. 25 to seek equal treatment under Pennsylvania’s inheritance-tax law for same-sex couples. The case is one of at least six challenging the state’s Defense of Marriage Act. PAGE 2 Baus’ suit contends

By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

TALKING TURKEY: Young LGBTs and allies lined up for QSpot Philly’s Thanksgiving meal Nov. 25 at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. A crowd of 50 heard presentations by QSpot founder Quincy Greene, Anna Schlupp of CHOP and Roxanne Wolf of Gilead Sciences about such topics as Truvada, a pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV, while enjoying a full spread of Thanksgiving dishes. QSpot will next host its holiday party Dec. 14 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. Photo: Scott A. Drake

A gay man was attacked and robbed earlier this month in the Gayborhood, days before a woman was raped at almost the same location. Nick Forte, 36, said he was walking near 12th and Saint James streets around 2 a.m. Nov. 10 when he was struck on the head from behind with what might have been a metal object. He said he lost consciousness but believes he was pulled further onto Saint James and repeatedly punched and kicked. Forte, who was on his way to hail a cab after a night at ICandy, said he is unsure if he was attacked by one or two people. He said he was unconscious near the intersection of Camac and Saint James streets until about 3:30 a.m., when a passerby leaving Voyeur found him. The woman, who was unknown to him, roused him and attempted to take him to a hospital, but was unable to find assistance or a willing cab driver and transported him to his parents’ house in her own car. Forte reported the incident the following day

NICK FORTE FOLLOWING THE NOV. 10 ATTACK IN THE GAYBORHOOD

and the witness, who Forte later learned happened to be friends with one of his family members, also gave a statement to police. The assailant(s) stole Forte’s cell phone, a gift card, passport and a diamond cross pendant from around his neck. On Nov. 14, a 29PAGE 14

ACLU trial to be held in June By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com The first lawsuit filed in Pennsylvania to challenge the state’s ban on same-sex marriage will get its big day in court this summer. In a conference meeting Friday in Harrisburg with the parties involved in Whitewood v. Wolf, U.S. District Judge John E. Jones III set trial for June. The trial will last up to two weeks. The judge is expected to identify a specific date in June in the coming months. The

defense had asked that the trial be delayed until August, but the judge rejected that request. When the schedule is released, Jones will also set deadlines for the discovery period, during which parties will take depositions, identify expert witnesses and prepare expert reports. The trial will take place in Harrisburg. The suit was filed July 9 by 20 same-sex couples, two children of same-sex parents and one widow, who contend that the state’s ban on same-sex marriage violates federal dueprocess and equal-protection

constitutional guarantees. One more couple was brought on as plaintiffs last month. Earlier this month, Jones released original plaintiffs Attorney General Kathleen Kane and Gov. Tom Corbett from the case; Kane had declined to defend the state’s ban on same-sex marriage, while Corbett argued that the secretary of his Department of Health, which oversees marriage records, should be the primary defendant. Also brought on as a defendant was the state’s secretary of the Department of Revenue.

World AIDS Day pullout section pages 29-36

Additional defendants include the registers of wills in Washington and Bucks counties. On Nov. 7, Jones rejected defendants’ requests for a dismissal of the case. The defendants had argued that marriage has long been a state issue, but Jones said the “sea change” in the nation’s marriage laws in the past few decades merits the case moving forward. The plaintiffs’ case is being handled by the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania and the national ACLU, as PAGE 26 well as firm

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

STATE from page 1

the state’s law, and its subsequent effect on the inheritance-tax law, is a violation of federal due-process and equal-protection constitutional guarantees. Baus, a Bucks County native, was married to her longtime partner, Cathy BurgiRios, in 2011 in Connecticut, before Burgi-Rios died from complications from her battle with leukemia. The couple, who were together for more than 15 years, co-owned property and had joint bank accounts. Burgi-Rios named Baus the executrix of her will and sole beneficiary of her assets, but after her passing, Baus was asked to pay more than $10,000 in inheritance tax. Heterosexual married couples are exempt from inheriOUTFEST from page 1

restrained by several officers on the ground. Berner was arrested when he tried to reach his partner. Reto and Berner, who filed a complaint against the officers with Internal Affairs, rejected a plea deal last month that would have required them to plead guilty and receive a sentence of community service and/or fines to be eligible to have their

LOCAL PGN

tance tax. In its filing last week, the Revenue Department cited a 1972 U.S Supreme Court ruling that found marriage to be a state, not federal, issue as a reason for the case to be dismissed. “They are basically saying there is no legal merit to support going through the claims that were made,” said attorney Tiffany Palmer, who is representing Baus with Benjamin Jerner, both of Jerner & Palmer, P.C., along with Lenore Carpenter and Stanely Pelli. “I don’t think they will be successful.” Oral arguments have been set for Jan. 28. In the second case, Philadelphia residents Cara Palladino and Isabelle Barker,

who were married legally in Massachusetts in 2005, contend that Section Two of the federal Defense of Marriage, violates the federal due-process and equal-protection rights of same-sex couples legally married in jurisdictions that sanction marriage equality. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a different section of the federal DOMA this summer. In the Palladino filing, Corbett also relied on the 1972 Supreme Court ruling as grounds for dismissal, as well as a constitutional condition that state officials are immune from federal lawsuits in certain situations. “It is well-established that general authority to enforce the laws of the state is

not sufficient to make a government official the proper party to litigation challenging the law,” Corbett argued. Michael Banks and Eric Kraeitler of Morgan Lewis & Bockius are serving as lead counsel in the Palladino case, with Palmer and Jerner as co-counsel. Palmer said the judge could make a determination as to where the case will proceed in the next month. The state used the 1972 precedent in another case challenging the ban on samesex marriage filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, but the judge in that case found earlier this month that it should proceed because of the recent “sea change” in the institution of marriage. ■

records expunged. Reto and Berner were represented by Lloyd Long 3rd of Kraner, Hughes & Long, LLC. Officers Adrian Hospedale and Erin Tokley were present at Monday’s trial to testify about the arrests. Reto and Berner testified, as did two witnesses who saw the event unfold. Long said the prosecution “was not able

to put together a case that proved in any way that either of them engaged in acts they were accused of.” “Testimony from police was not credible. I think that there were portions that even the officers disagreed about. The two credible witnesses came forward and testified that [the defendants] did nothing violent to the officers.” Civil Affairs Capt. Stephen Glenn met

with the Philadelphia LGBT Police Liaison Committee, who had a representative at this week’s proceeding, earlier this month to discuss the arrest. Before Pride and OutFest events, Civil Affairs officers will meet with Philly Pride Presents coordinators and the committee to go through protocol, a practice that had been discontinued the past few years. ■

locations in Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA — NORTH OF C.C.

1 Shot Coffee, 1040 N. Second St. • 2601 Parkway Condos lobby, 2601 Pennsylvania Ave. • Bebashi, 1217 Spring Garden St. • Beehive Hair Salon, 2319 Fairmount Ave. • Beth Ahavah, 615 N. Broad St. • Bridgeview Place Condo lobby, 315 New St. • Colonnade Condos lobby, 1601 Spring Garden St. • Community College CCP Lambda, 1700 Spring Garden St. • Congresso de Latinos, American St. & Lehigh Ave. • Crooked Frame Café, 2545 Brown St. • Darling’s Diner, 1033 N. Second St. • Filter Coffee House, 331 Race St. • Girard Vet, 28th St. & Girard Ave. • HIV Early Intervention Clinic, St. Joseph’s Hospital, 16th St. & Girard Ave. • Logan View Apts. lobby, 17th & Callowhill sts. • Northern Liberties Iron Works, 821 N. Second St. • One Day At A Time, 2532 N. Broad St. • Philadelphian Condos lobby, 2401 Pennsylvania Ave. • PYT Restaurant, 1050 N. Hancock St., at the Piazza • Sammy’s Place, 1449 N. Fifth St., 1st ﬂoor • Shampoo, Seventh & Willow sts. • SILOAM Ministries, 1133 Spring Garden St. • Temple University Student Activity Center, 1755 N. 12th St. • Welker Real Estate, 2311 Fairmount Ave. • Whole Foods Market, 2001 Pennsylvania Ave. •

PHILADELPHIA — SOUTH OF C.C.

Bethel Community Home, 933-935 S. Third St. • Black N Brew, 1523 E. Passyunk Ave. • Carmen’s Country Kitchen, 11th & Wharton sts. • Class Act Auto Repair, 2042 S. Bancroft St. • Equal, 1516 Snyder Ave. • Essene, 719 S. Fourth St. • Expressive Hand, 622 S. Ninth St. • Fuel, 1917 E. Passyunk Ave. • Hideaway, Days Inn, 2015 Penrose Ave. • Jackson Place, 501 Jackson St. • Kris Restaurant, 1100 Federal St. • Rockerhead Salon, 607 S. Third St. • South Philly Bagels, 613 S. Third St. • Ultimo Coffee, 1900 S. 15th St. •

PHILADELPHIA — UNIVERSITY CITY

Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St. • Bucks County Coffee, 3430 Sansom St. • Bucks County Coffee, 40th & Locust sts. • Fresh Grocer, 4001 Walnut St. • Goodman Hall, 710 S. 42nd St. • International House, 3701 Chestnut St. • LGBT Center at Penn, 3907 Spruce St. • Old Quaker Condos lobby, 3514 Lancaster Ave. • Oslo Hall, 510 S. 42nd St. • Penn Bookstore, 3610 Walnut St. • Sheraton Hotel, 36th & Chestnut sts. • St. Mary’s Church, 3916 Locust Walk • University of the Sciences England Library, 4200 Woodland Ave. • University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut St. • Wilson Hall, 708 S. 42nd St. • World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. •

All of these locations are now visible on a zoomable Google Map at

http://www.epgn.com/pages/where_to_find WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION ON THIS LIST? Contact Don at don@epgn.com or 215-625-8501 ext. 200 to arrange for delivery of complimentary copies.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

DON’T BE A DRAG ... : The BINGO Verifying Divas delighted the audience at last weekend’s GayBINGO with their own interpretation of Lady Gaga. The “Born This Way”-themed event drew hundreds of Gaga and BINGO lovers, who got out their dabbers and their dollars to support AIDS Fund. The next GayBINGO! is Dec. 14 at Gershman Y and is themed “Sugar-Plum Fairies.” Participants are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for a child infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Photo: Scott A. Drake

NEWS

Crime Watch Local News Briefing Obituary Regional Wedding

Dining Out

19 2 5 15 12 16

Contents

EDITORIAL/OP-ED

Creep of the Week Editorial Letters/Feedback Mark My Words Street Talk

10 10 11 11 11

What LGBT-related event this year has made you most thankful? ��

Poll results from our online survey as of Nov. 27:

Only in ��

Tired of eating at the same old dives? Thinking about hitting a new hot spot? We’ll tell you what we liked — and didn’t

14% Marriage equality in New Jersey 60% Supreme Court decision on DOMA 14% Trans equality bill passage in Philadelphia 6% Gay ban lifted by Boy Scouts 6% None of the above Go to www.epgn.com to weigh in on this week’s question:

What is your biggest holiday-shopping day? PGN 505 S. Fourth St. Philadelphia, PA 19147-1506

For advertising inquiries: advertising@epgn.com or 215-625-8501 ext. 218.

Art Director/Photographer Scott A. Drake (ext. 210) scott@epgn.com

Phone: 215-625-8501 Fax: 215-925-6437 E-mail: pgn@epgn.com Web: www.epgn.com

Advertising Director Dan Calhoun (ext. 218) dan@epgn.com

Graphic Artist Sean Dorn (ext. 211) sean@epgn.com

Publisher Mark Segal (ext. 204) mark@epgn.com Editor

Jen Colletta (ext. 206) jen@epgn.com Staff Writers Larry Nichols (ext. 213) larry@epgn.com

Read PGN’s food reviews every second and fourth week of the month

Angela Thomas (ext. 215) angela@epgn.com Writer-at-Large Timothy Cwiek (ext. 208) timothy@epgn.com

Advertising Manager Greg Dennis greg@epgn.com Advertising Sales Representatives Prab Sandhu prab@epgn.com National Advertising Rivendell Media: 212-242-6863 Office Manager/ Classifieds Don Pignolet (ext. 200) don@epgn.com Executive Assistant/ Billing Manager Carol Giunta (ext. 202) carol@epgn.com

Philadelphia Gay News is a member of: The Associated Press Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Suburban Newspapers of America Published by Masco Communications Inc. © 2013 Masco Communications Inc. ISSN-0742-5155

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

LOCAL PGN

City: No jury trial for gay cop By Timothy Cwiek timothy@epgn.com City officials say a gay police officer who alleges antigay workplace bias isn’t entitled to a jury trial. N. Melville Jones filed suit in Common Pleas Court, seeking a jury trial and damages in excess of $50,000. But on Nov. 8, city attorneys filed legal papers stating that Jones doesn’t have a legal right to a jury trial. City spokesperson Mark McDonald explained the city’s position: “[Jones] filed his employment discrimination case under the [city’s] Fair Practices Ordinance, which is analogous to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court in 1999 held that there is no right to a jury trial under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. Therefore, there is also no right to a jury trial under the [city’s] Fair Practices Ordinance.” Federal antibias litigants are entitled to a jury trial, but that right was specified in the Civil Rights Act of 1991. The city also says Jones’ suit should be dismissed because it’s too weak to move forward. “[Jones] has not alleged sufficient facts to state a cause of action for disparate treatment, hostile work environment or retaliation under the Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance,” the city’s Nov. 8 filing states. Additionally, the city argues that Jones’ suit should be dismissed because it names the police department as the defendant, rather than the city itself. “City departments do not have an independent corporate existence,” the filing notes. In his suit, Jones contends that Daniel Castro, a former high-ranking police official, routinely engaged in antigay harassment.

News Briefing Church gets another reprieve Commonwealth Court last week temporarily blocked the demolition of an old Catholic Church formally owned by AIDS agency Siloam. In an eight-page opinion released Nov. 21, the court remanded the matter back to local officials, noting that ownership of the church has changed hands. The current owners, John Wei and Mika He, purchased the church from Siloam in July 2012. They had no comment for this

Castro wanted Jones to become “an inside confidante to accommodate Castro’s questionable activities,” according to Jones’ lawsuit. When Jones distanced himself from Castro, he allegedly was transferred to a less-desirable position within the police department. After Jones attempted to lodge a workplace antibias complaint, several colleagues began treating him negatively, which Jones attributed to anti-LGBT animosity encouraged by Castro. In January 2010, while Jones was out on sick leave, Castro circulated a staff memo that identified Jones as “Mel Jones Cums,” according to Jones’ lawsuit. Castro no longer works for the city. In 2011, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit extortion in an unrelated matter and was sentenced to 60 months in prison. City attorneys asked that Jones’ allegations about Castro be stricken from the record. “These allegations prejudice [the city] and inject confusion into [Jones’] employment-discrimination claims,” the city’s filing states. “Therefore, allegations about Castro’s illegal activity or criminal background should be stricken as scandalous and impertinent.” Jones, a 15-year veteran of the force, also claims that officials retaliated against him for complaining about alleged workplace bias. But the city’s filing states that Jones “has failed to allege that he suffered an adverse employment action after engaging in a protected activity.” The case is pending before Common Pleas Judge Mark I. Bernstein. A status conference on the case has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Dec. 20 in City Hall, Room 613. At presstime, Gerald J. Pomerantz, an attorney for Jones, had no comment. ■ story. The church, at 1133 Spring Garden St., has ties to saints Katharine Drexel and John Neumann. Neighborhood activist Andrew R. Palewski, who wants the church preserved, expressed guarded optimism about the court’s ruling. Andrew Ross, an attorney for the city, said it’s unclear if Wei and He will continue to seek the church’s demolition. “If they do, somebody [on the local level] will have to sort out what to do,” Ross told PGN. The church has code violations dating back to 2009. Siloam continues to operate in an old Catholic rectory adjacent to the church. Ross said city inspectors will visit the church in the near future. “If there’s a possibility of public harm, then we’ll take whatever action we think is appropriate to protect the safety of the pubPAGE 12 lic,” Ross said.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

LOCAL PGN

COLOR

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The POPS Festival Chorus

Angela Brown, vocalist

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

Local friends to film inspiring documentary By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Two best friends — one gay, one straight — are gearing up to travel across the country to tell their stories and to film the inspiring stories of others. Jon Ristaino, 23, and Levi Schenk, 24, met 12 years ago in their hometown of Landenburg — before Ristaino came out and before Schenk lost 120 pounds, two experiences that significantly changed their lives. The pair is now gearing up to take the lessons of those life-changing events on the road. Ristaino, who works as a bartender at Tavern On Camac, and Schenk, who is studying media and production studies at Temple University, have created “Be Who You Are: A Cross Country Documentary,” which will chronicle their 25-day drive across the nation next month. Ristaino is a Temple graduate who majored in broadcasting, telecommunications and mass media with a concentration in documentary-film studies. “I went to school for broadcast

journalism and always had this idea in my mind of a cross-country odyssey, and the timing was perfect,” he said. The pair will embark on their trip Dec. 26 and will travel from Philadelphia with Los Angeles as the final destination, with stops in Washington, D.C.; Pittsburgh; Cleveland; Chicago; St. Louis; Kansas City, Kan.; Denver; New Orleans.; Atlanta.; Charlotte, N.C.; Las Vegas; Albuquerque, N.M.; and Dallas, Tex. The pair is looking to meet with people who have inspiring stories to share about overcoming adversity; some of the encounters will be planned and others will be organic. “We are looking for people who have overcome something despite external influences, whether that is from family, society norms, not having money or a tragic accident,” Schenk said. Supporters can track where the two have been on their website, and they will also post snippet videos about their journey and the stories they hear. To support the trip, the pair is hoping to raise $11,000 and have

launched an IndieGogo account to raise funds. They currently have $4,240 raised. Funds raised will go toward transportation, roadside assistance, food, camera equipment and other basic necessities. Schenk said the pair is impressed by the level of support they’ve already received. “Our home community has gotten behind us. Our high-school teachers have been giving us great feedback. We went around to businesses to see if they will sponsor and people really wanted to donate,” he said. “We are trying to get our large, local community to start getting involved.” Schenk said he is eager for the effort to help empower young people. “Youth have a hard time with self-identity, especially with social media. A lot of kids are trying to be something but they don’t have any idea of who they are. It is important for them to learn and break down those barriers. What other people put on you is not who you really are,” he said. “My little sister is 13 and was almost put in the slower-track classes. We

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JON RISTAINO (LEFT) AND LEVI SCHENK

worked all summer reading her required books and now she is on the honor roll.” Ristaino added that the documentary is meant to show youth that their dreams can be accomplished with the right amount of hard work. “Our youth nowadays sometimes lose their work ethic and people don’t realize how hard things are if you want to do something big, but you can do it,” he said. “If you really want some-

thing and put hard work into it, it can work. It is important for youth to see what we are doing. It is our story and journey, with our struggles in between.” The pair plans to enter their documentary into film festivals this summer. For more information, visit jonandleviadventure.com or www.facebook.com/JonandLeviAdventure. To donate, visit www.indiegogo. com/projects/be-who-you-are. ■

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

LOCAL PGN

Tourism group gets new leader By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com The Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus held its annual meeting last week, at which members elected new leaders, celebrated current membees and looked to the future. The Nov. 21 meeting was held at the Loews Hotel Philadelphia. The caucus elected Thom Cardwell as the new executive board president after former president Lauren Tosti stepped down. Tami Sortman was re-elected as vice president and Caitlin Smith was elected as secretary. Sortman said Cardwell, who is a founding PGTC member, is a strong leader in the LGBT community. “Thom brings a wealth of knowledge from all of the work he has done in the community and through the Greater Philadelphia Professional Network,” she said. “He also comes to us well-connected in local, national and international groups and organizations from all of his film-festival background.” The executive-board roles are usually twoyear terms, but because the former president stepped down due to a new job opportunity, the position had to be filled mid-term; Cardwell will finish out the term through next year. The board also elected five new members — Kathleen Titus, Tim Adams, Jonathan Esten, Anthony Geistwite and Michael Sheridan — and re-elected four: James

Delmar, David Jefferys, Russel Kice and Sortman. Sortman said the treasurer position is open and will be available until the position is filled. The ideal candidate should have some financial background in accounting, she said. “We would also just love a dedicated person who will roll up their sleeves and truly want to get involved in this history-making organization,” said Sortman. Also at the meeting, the caucus gave out its 2013 AB FAB award to Titus, former executive director of tourism for the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau. Sortman said PGTC, which just celebrated 10 years, completed its strategic-planning session for the next five years and has developed new language for its vision and mission. The redeveloped vision is “to make the Philadelphia region the premier gayfriendly destination in the world,” and it aims to accomplish that through its mission of “collaborating with business and community organizations. We are a resource in the tourism and hospitality industries that builds connections which educate, assist and promote a gay-friendly destination for visitors to and residents of the Philadelphia region.” Sortman said the caucus is creating new partnerships with organizations that fit its revamped mission and will release more information soon. ■

KEEPING THEIR LIGHTS ALIVE: Guests at the Transgender Day of Remembrance at William Way LGBT Community Center lit candles in memory of the lives lost to violence. The Nov. 20 event paid special tribute to local transgender homicide victims, especially Nizah Morris, Kyra Cordova, Stacey Blahnik and Diamond Williams. The gathering drew a standing-room-only crowd, including many friends and family of local victims. Photo: Scott A. Drake

Counting down to the PGN Holiday Gift Guide Our present to you: An early gift list of the latest books, CDs, movies and other entertainment with plenty of time left to buy them! Coming next week!

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

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Changing laws changed their lives The recent Supreme Court ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act led Greg and Peter to take a serious look at their investment planning needs. The rapidly changing legal landscape meant it was crucial that they worked with someone who was knowledgeable, so they turned to Wells Fargo Advisors. Our Financial Advisors who have the Accredited Domestic Partnership Advisor� (ADPA®) designation are well-versed on the current set of challenges, so Greg and Peter walked away with a solid plan and confidence in the future. Let’s talk about your long-term investment planning needs. Because when people talk, great things happen. To find one of our ADPA-certified Financial Advisors in your area, visit wellsfargoadvisors.com/adpa today.

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

EDITORIAL PGN

Creep of the Week

D’Anne Witkowski

Thomas John Paprocki

Editorial

A thankful staff Angela: I am thankful for having a fun and crazycool job that affords me to live in an apartment filled with cats and amazing roommates. I am thankful for my loved ones and best friends who prove day in and day out how truly wonderful they are. And last, but definitely not least, I am thankful for Carol Guinta, who makes me blush at least 400 times a day in the office. Carol: I’m thankful for being the PERFECT executive assistant to the publisher! On a serious note, I’m thankful for all my family and friends. Dan: I’m thankful for the great team that I have at PGN, my family and, of course, Kasey and Mack. I’m also thankful that Wawa opened a gas station along my commute to work.

Jen: I’m thankful to have a wonderful family, a great group of friends, an incredible fiancé and an awesome group of coworkers, all of whom challenge me to be and do my best every day. Larry: I am most thankful for enjoying what I do for a living. I’m much happier making ends meet with two jobs that I love instead of coasting along on one job that I often dreaded going to. Mark: I’m thankful for the good things in life — friends, family, health, good people to work with every day and thank the senior-housing building will finally come to completion. I’m thankful for a full, wonderful and exciting year full of learning.

Don: This year I’m thankful that I can finally marry my partner, Mike, of 38 years, in New Jersey.

Prab: I’m thankful for IndeBlue finally opening in Philadelphia. Instead of having to take the PATCO line to their Collingswood location, I can now conveniently walk down to my favorite restaurant!

Greg: This year I’m thankful for my family, my friends, water, good hair days and my inspiring coworkers.

Sandy: I’m thankful, and relieved, that the USA is finally coming around to last century and getting onboard with a small mat-

ter called “equal rights.” I’m thankful that several of my friends are able to legally wed. I’m thankful that Catholics finally have a pope we can respect. I’m thankful for psychotropic medication. Sean: I’m thankful for my family, my health and the fact that my dog has been very reliable as of late about reminding me when it’s time to go in the backyard to pee. Scott: I’m thankful that so many friends are doing better this year with jobs, relationships and health, and I hope everyone continues to have a good year and a happy Thanksgiving. Tim: I’m thankful for my family and my amazing friends who mean the world to me. I’m also thankful to be working at PGN; every day I’m reminded of this amazing opportunity. You couldn’t ask for a better place to work. Timothy: I’m grateful for the people in my life who make me laugh. I’m a firm believer in the old adage, “laughter is the best medicine.” ■

What a wonderful day for an exorcism! On Nov. 20 in Springfield, Ill., Gov. Pat Quinn signed the bill to legalize marriage for same-sex couples — over the protests of the city’s Roman Catholic diocese. Bishop Thomas John Paprocki opposes marriage equality and he knows just the thing to stop this evil scourge: a good ol’ fashioned Linda Blair-style exorcism. Yes, while Gov. Quinn used a pen to turn Illinois into a den of inequity, Bishop Paprocki (not to be confused with Bishop Poprocks, who is in rehab after a CocaCola binge nearly killed him) used the power of his imagination to save the state from doom. Paprocki is plenty pissed at Illinois lawmakers, especially the Catholic ones. “It is scandalous that so many Catholic politicians are responsible for enabling the passage of this legislation and even twisting the words of the pope to rationalize their actions despite the clear teaching of the church,” Paprocki lamented in a statement. “All politicians now have the moral obligation to work for the repeal of this sinful and objectionable legislation. We must pray for deliverance from this evil, which has penetrated our state and our church.” Ha. He said “penetrated.” As far as “twisting the words of the pope,” Paprocki is referring to some recent statements made by Pope Francis that were interpreted by many as pro-gay simply because they were not rabidly antigay like the words of the previous Holy See, Pope Ratched. Oops, I mean Pope Benedict. But Paprocki can stomp his feet all he wants. This “moral obligation” he claims “all politicians” have is clearly not going his way. Instead, Illinois politicians are choosing the moral obligation of equality. And so Paprocki did what anyone throwing a hissy fit about not getting his way does: He held an exorcism. I am not making this up. According to a press release from the

Catholic Diocese of Springfield announcing the event, “Bishop Thomas John Paprocki is offering ‘Prayers of Supplication and Exorcism in Reparation for the Sin of SameSex Marriage’ at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Nov. 20 from 4-5 p.m. Clergy, religious and laity are invited to attend.” Oooh. I hope there were cookies and punch afterwards. In order to justify the exorcism, the press release continued, “The presence of the devil and other demons appears and exists not only in the tempting or tormenting of persons, but also in the penetration of things and places in a certain manner by their activity, and in various forms of opposition to and persecution of the church.” I don’t totally understand what all of that means, but I have a pretty good idea what the gay-sex-obsessed church means by “the penetration of things and places in a certain manner by their activity.” And because two guys or two ladies getting married is clearly the work of Satan, an exorcism is in order. If you feel sad to have missed the festivities, worry not. Either you were physically at the exorcism or you’re living in a postexorcism world where gay marriage has been driven out of this land, and anyone who has a problem with that can go suck cocks in hell. ■

Paprocki can stomp his feet all he wants. This “moral obligation” he claims “all politicians” have is clearly not going his way. Instead, Illinois politicians are choosing the moral obligation of equality.

D’Anne Witkowski has been gay for pay since 2003. She’s a freelance writer and poet (believe it!). When she’s not taking on the creeps of the world, she reviews rock ’n’ roll shows in Detroit with her twin sister.

Correction In “School staffer ﬁghts for partner beneﬁts” in the Nov. 22 issue of PGN, details about the issue were not clear. The Bucks County Human Relations Council has not met since the issue arose, so it is not yet clear what action it will take. It could, as it has in the past, issue a statement urging nondiscrimination. Additionally, BCHRC member Marlene Pray was the only one in attendance at the Nov. 13 meeting of the Human Resource Committee of the Central Bucks School District’s board; 50 people were at the board’s general meeting the previous day.

OP-ED PGN

Thankful for you This is, by far, my least favorite column To this day, that is one of my proudest of the year to write. Here’s why. decisions as a publisher, since I believe we My editor will always remind me that have grown a community together through this week’s column is due early since we our dialogue. You as a reader deserved to have an early deadline because of the know where we stood and join the debate. Thanksgiving holiday. Then I always wonYou held us to that ideal and, as publisher, I can assure you that it has der how many of you will actually spend the time reading it enriched not only me, but all on Thanksgiving, Black Friday those who work at PGN. It has or in the shopping frenzy that made us more accountable and more professional. takes place the following week. Because if we are not, you’ll So to me there’s the worry of tell us. wasting pearls of wisdom. Many weeks after PGN hits But for those of you who are the streets, long after all have loyal readers ... This is for you. left the office, a man will call It’s my Thanksgiving column, a column of thanks to my readwith what he believes are spellers. ing or other mistakes in this This column came about week’s issue. We don’t know from my experience as a piowho he is, but his message is neering publisher in a new clear: I want you to be better. niche publication that we called And for him and all our readers, LGBT media. When PGN Mark Segal we try every week. ■ started, our community didn’t Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the know what to think of the publication or nation’s most-award-winning commentaits publisher. My goal was to just write my tor in LGBT media. He can be reached at opinions and allow the readers the oppormark@epgn.com. tunity to know what I stood for and if they desired to disagree, they could write letters to the editor or even op-ed pieces.

Mark My Words

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.

Thinking Out Loud

Please include a daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, style and space considerations.

Abby Dees

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

Street Talk What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? "My health. I realize how expensive medical care is. I had to go to the emergency room recently. Fortunately, Geoffrey Baker they forgave musician the bill. I'll South Philadelphia be signing up for Obamacare soon. I'm waiting for all the computer glitches to be cleared up. It's long overdue, and something I’m very grateful for."

"My relationship with my family. They all envelop me with love. I can't ask for anything more. I Daniel Burgan don’t know barrista where I’d be West Philadelphia without my family. They've gotten me out of so many jams. I'd be a goner without them."

"I'm most thankful for the man in my life. He's a wonderful person. I met him three years ago. I'm very glad I opened my Loquanda heart to him. Lawrence He's been student North Philadelphia nothing but a blessing in my life. We'll spend Thanksgiving Day together."

"My ability to play music. It gives me a great sense of comfort. I'll be playing music with friends over the Thanksgiving Gin Ah Lim violinist holiday. I'm Queen Village really looking forward to that. I’ll also be having [a] turkey dinner at my sister’s house. That's something I enjoy doing as well."

the Philly City Hall has been putting out the rainbow flag since 2010 during LGBT Pride Month. I had two conflicting responses. The first was how the flag made me feel like I’d finally arrived as a lesbian, even if it was only a big piece of fabric. The statement was obvious: All those professed American ideals of fairness, inclusivity, equality and dignity actually applied to people like me. I asked Traci how it made her feel and she repeated my thoughts. We’d gotten too used to feeling like we always had to jostle for our little square in the American quilt. For this moment, no jostling was required. And the second response was an instinctive sense of defensiveness, because I know that there’s a large swath of Americans who would view a rainbow flag next to the American flag as the last nail in the coffin in the culture wars — gays just imposing their agenda on real Americans. I hate that I immediately went there, but I’d be naive if I didn’t. I wish I could have put an interpretive sign up explaining what the scene meant to me. There is no

agenda, other than the belief that we rate as Americans, alongside the countless other communities that make up our country. I’d celebrate those flags too. In fact, it wasn’t the rainbow flag that held so much meaning, but the American flag next to it. More and more, the stars and stripes have become used as a shorthand for declaring who should and who shouldn’t claim the guarantees of equality and freedom. The flag, at times, has meant that Traci and I were not welcome. But at that moment, as we looked at the two flags together, and even at the same moment as our representatives were probably shooting spit wads at one another through their media surrogates, Traci and I felt a rare sense of patriotism and belonging to a country that tries — often fails, but stills tries — to keep its promises. ■

Rainbow Flag Day During the government shutdown this fall, my partner, Traci, and I found ourselves in Philadelphia with a handful of useless tickets to the important American history sites there. The irony of not getting into Independence Hall — home of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution — due to governmental stupidity was not lost on us. What’s left to do as a tourist when all the big tourist spots are closed? A Segway tour, of course, as well as a visit to the Mütter Museum — a grand collection of antique medical curiosities and amputated body parts preserved in jars of formaldehyde. (Though I was fascinated, I never did figure out what the take-home message was supposed to be, other than to review the fine print on my organ-donor card immediately.) We made do, but I never stopped feeling a bit ripped off by Congress. As we walked through the old part of the city, imagining Franklin, Jefferson and Washington strolling along these same streets, we tried not to feel cynical. I know all too well about the pro-

found failures and blatant inequities in the founding of our nation, but I am still awed by the fact that a small group of opinionated and politically opposed men managed to create a functioning, responsive political system out of a simple set of moral ideals. And that they dared to create a government that placed ultimate power in the hands of the people — well, that it took serious cojones. Do I need to go into a detailed comparison between the founding fathers of 1776 and the headless chickens currently running the country? I didn’t think so. We finally came to Philly’s splendid City Hall, once the tallest inhabitable building in the world. Right outside the entrance was an American flag; next to it, a rainbow flag. Traci and I stopped and stared to make sure we were seeing what we thought we were seeing. It was kind of folded-back on itself and, you know, maybe Pennsylvania’s state flag is unusually flamboyant. Clearly, neither of us was used to seeing a rainbow flag getting the full unfurling. A quick Google search confirmed that

Abby Dees is a civil-rights attorney-turnedauthor who has been in the LGBT-rights trenches for 25-plus years. She can be reached at queerquestionsstraighttalk.com.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

REGIONAL PGN

FIGHT to honor Rendell at annual gala By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Philadelphia FIGHT will host its annual Fight for Life gala from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 4 with a special guest. The organization will honor former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell at the Union League of Philadelphia, 140 S. Broad St. Rendell will be recognized for his commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS. Rendell served as the 45th governor of the Keystone State from 2003-2011 and also as the 96th mayor of Philadelphia from 1992-2000. He also served two terms as District Attorney of Philadelphia before he was elected mayor. Philadelphia FIGHT executive director Jane Shull said Rendell developed a reputation of being attuned to the needs of the HIV/AIDS community throughout his career in public service. “Over the years, he has had a stellar record in this area, especially when he was mayor of Philadelphia in the earlier days of

the AIDS epidemic,” Shull said. “When he became mayor, he saw to it that there were local resources that went into AIDS care.” She added that Rendell has been committed to and involved in the HIV/AIDS community, even when that wasn’t a popular choice. “It says a great deal for him to show up in this context, which again may not seem like so much now, but think back to the 1990s, that was unusual,” she said. “He is willing to be present and supportive and that is meaningful.” Shull said Rendell was a leading figure in the creation of the city’s needle-exchange program and also helped secure funding for HIV/AIDS programs as governor. The Fight for Life gala will feature a live jazz ensemble, a silent auction and a portion of the AIDS Quilt on display. Proceeds from the event will go towards the services provided by Philadelphia FIGHT’s Jonathan Lax Treatment Center. For more information, visit www.fight. org/gala. ■

Philadelphia Gay News

NEWS BRIEFING from page 5

Couple weds in New Jersey Kristine Holt and Elizabeth DeLaney were married Oct. 26 in New Jersey, five days after that state enacted marriage equality. “Our wedding cake said ‘Third Time’s the Charm,’” Holt noted. “In 2006, we registered as domestic partners. In 2010, we had a civil-union ceremony. Now we’re legally married. It’s real!” Monroe Township (Gloucester County) Mayor Michael Gabbianelli performed the ceremony inside the township’s municipal complex, Holt said. Holt, 57, is an attorney specializing in bankruptcy and family matters. DeLaney, 48, is a restaurateur. She owns The Lone Dawg Cafe in Voorhees, N.J. The couple, together for 14 years, lives on a farm in Williamstown, N.J. — Timothy Cwiek

Conversation about equality Greene Street Friends School invites the community and allies to a public forum on the state’s ban on same-sex marriage. The event will take place at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at the school, 45 W. School House Lane. The conversation will include remarks from three of the plaintiffs involved in the American Civil Liberties Union lawsuit challenging the ban who are also part of the GSFS community; one is the grandmother of a current student and two are parents of an alumna. The plaintiffs will be joined by Molly Tack-Hooper of the ACLU. “One of our missions at Greene Street Friends School is to welcome people of all backgrounds into our school,” said Ed Marshall, head of school for GSFS. “When we realized there were members of our own community involved in this case, we thought this would be a wonderful opportunity to show our support, while at the same time help others in the community to better understand the impact of DOMA on gay and lesbian families in Pennsylvania.” ■ — Jen Colletta

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

LOCAL PGN ATTACK from page 1

year-old woman was raped in the 1200 block of Saint James Street. In that case, the woman was approached from behind by a well-dressed African-American man. The suspect was wearing a cross pendant around his neck. D e t e c t ive S h o e m a ke r o f C e n t r a l Detectives said investigators are looking into a possible connection between the two incidents, but have no firm link. “At this time, there’s nothing to suggest that other than the cross he says was taken and the cross she says she saw. And that they happened in the same vicinity,” Shoemaker told PGN. “It could be related, or it couldn’t be.” Forte, a former PGN employee, has little memory about the incident and its aftermath, but said the woman who found him told him he said his attacker or attackers attempted to rape him. “She told me that she kept asking what happened and that I just kept saying, ‘They jumped me, they tried to rape me,’” Forte said. During the incident, a ring Forte was wearing on his right hand was broken and he had scrapes along his right hand, which investigators suggested he may have sustained while coming in and out of consciousness and trying to fend off the attacker or attackers. The ring is being processed for DNA evidence, but Shoemaker said it is likely the blood on the item belongs to Forte. “It’s most likely his; he was found in a lot of blood,” the detective said. “It’s 99-percent his blood, but we still submitted it in case.” Forte went to University of Pennsylvania Hospital the day after the incident and spent five days there. Both of his eye sockets were broken, as was the tip of his browbone, both cheek bones, his nose, two teeth and one rib, and he also suffered scrapes and abrasions. He underwent surgery to repair the lower floor of his eye socket; a metal plate and screws were inserted to hold the eye in place. “They did a real number on me,” Forte said. Shoemaker said investigators are still in the process of reviewing surveillance video from surrounding businesses that may have captured this incident and the Nov. 14 rape. He cautioned people walking in the city at night to stay aware of their surroundings. “Be alert of who’s around you, who’s behind you,” Shoemaker said. “About 90 percent of the robberies I get start when somebody stops you to ask for the time or for a cigarette. Because of the beating [Forte] took, he doesn’t have a lot of memory of how it happened, but a lot of these robberies start like that.” Forte said this was not the first time he was victimized in the Gayborhood; he said he and his sister were once held up in the area, and he was also attacked on 13th Street several years ago. “There’s a lot of crime up there,” Forte said. ■

OBITUARIES PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

Obituaries Jim Gallagher, science teacher, 72 By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Jim Gallagher, a former science teacher at the Franklin Institute, died Nov. 15 of a respiratory attack. He was 72. For years, Gallagher entertained and educated school children during field trips, serving nearly 25 years at the Institute. A n a t ive o f Wi l k e s - B a r r e , Gallagher earned his bachelor’s at Bloomsburg University and went on to attain his master’s from the University of Pennsylvania. Gallagher began his teaching career with the Philadelphia public-school system in 1966 and was placed at the Franklin Institute 10 years later. He retired from the position in 2000, after a career in which he amassed a number of city and state teaching awards, including being named the Philadelphia School District Teacher of the Year in 1990. Gallagher was an active member of Silver Foxes, an older-adult group that meets at William Way LGBT Community Center. He lived in the Washington Square West section of Philadelphia for more than 40 years. Michael Pollock, a longtime friend of Gallagher’s, said Gallagher was one of the very first people he met when he moved to Center City. Pollock said Gallagher was known for his amicable personality.

GALLAGHER AS JANET RENO WITH FORMER GOV. ED RENDELL

“He never had a car and always walked around Center City. He had a very outgoing personality and would greet people he knew and didn’t know,” Pollock said. “If he walked the same route every day and passed the same people, he would get friendly with them.” John J. Gamel knew Gallagher for 35 years through his work as a volunteer guide for the Franklin Institute. Gamel said Gallagher was a remarkable teacher who would go out of his way for the sake of learning. “Jim was always willing to help the student interested in science,” he said. Pollock described Gallagher as one of the local LGBT community’s

Marc Garber, pharmacist, 57 earliest pioneers. He supported the William Way LGBT Community Center since its inception and was a longtime figure at Pride events and community fundraisers. Gallagher was also an avid antiques collector and enjoyed both buying and selling. Pollock said Gallagher was the type of person who cared about others and always wanted people to feel included. “He gave a holiday dinner and he would tell the people he invited to bring those they knew would be alone during the holidays,” Pollock said. “He wouldn’t even know these people and yet he would invite them inside his home. He would have a meal at his house and always decorated it so incredibly.” He was also someone who could engage a crowd no matter where he went, Pollock added. “He was somebody you’d want to be friends with. He knew so many people, you could network with just the people he knew. I always noticed him in the bars talking to people and holding court, with a crowd around him.” Gallagher is survived by his brother Thomas, sister Molly, nephew Raymond and many friends. A memorial service is planned for noon Dec. 10 at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 20th and Christian streets. ■

By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Pharmacist Marc Garber died Nov. 19 at age 57. The cause of death is pending. Garber was born and raised in Philadelphia and graduated from Temple University’s School of Pharmacy before he went on to receive his master’s in education from Temple. Garber owned and operated Haussmann’s Pharmacy in Philadelphia. He managed the pharmacy until 1996, when he bought the business from previous owner Robert Paul. Haussmann’s, at Sixth Street and Girard Avenue, has been credited as Philadelphia’s oldest surviving pharmacy, having been founded in 1862. It was at his pharmacy where Garber educated and advocated for people living with HIV/AIDS. “He was big on giving out medication to HIV/AIDS patients if they couldn’t afford it,” said Garber’s sister, Randee Solomon. “He would just give it to them for free. He would pay the cost. He gave out condoms on the street near the pharmacy to try to reduce the possibility of transmissions of AIDS.”

GARBER

Solomon said it was through these acts that Garber met his one true love, John Harkins. “He met him at the pharmacy. John came in for medication in 1990. John had AIDS and [Garber] took care of him, traveled with him until the very end two years later,” she said. Garber also helped found and run the Philadelphia Pharm Assist Meeting, a support group for impaired pharmacists. When he retired from his pharmacy, Solomon said, Garber helped a friend by working for his catering company for a few years. Solomon said Garber was also an active volunteer for the William Way LGBT PAGE 26

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

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Griselle Morales and Tamika Sherman By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com

and is fun to be around. It was the way she courted me that made me fall in love.” Sherman popped the question six months later, on April 21, near the Art Museum. The couple was married at Talamore Country Club in Ambler by Marry Me Philadelphia, a wedding-officiant service for Delaware Valley couples. Morales said the wedding was intimate and reflective of the love they have shared since the beginning. “Everyone said they could see and feel the love by the way I looked into her

A children’s lullaby is just one of the many factors that led to the recent wedding of two local women. Tamika Sherman, 35, and Griselle Morales, 30, both of Philadelphia, were married Nov. 3 in Ambler. The pair met two years ago. At the time, Sherman’s aunt worked for Morales, and Sherman and Morales established a mutual attraction during workplace visits. When Morales posted a video of her daughter singing “Down by the Bay, Where the Watermelons Grow” online, it caught the attention of Sherman’s aunt. “My daughter sang that song and I put her video on my Facebook. I told her aunt about it and she mentioned Tamika and I said, ‘If your niece sings this to me, I would fall in love with her,’” Morales said. “She told Tamika that and slowly, we started talking.” MORALES, SHERMAN AND THEIR CHILDREN The pair, who both work in the nonprofit industry, said they fell head over heels eyes and how we were the entire night,” she said. “We blew people away because soon after their first date on Halloween. Morales said she was impressed by although they knew we are in love, they didn’t know the intensity of it until they Sherman’s love for children. “She was raising a child who was not were present.” Morales said she and Sherman have biologically hers, which for me was a big blended their families seamlessly. deal,” she said. “It has been a blessing. Our kids are Morales, who has a daughter from a previous relationship, said the pair quickly happy and have accepted each other as siblings and acknowledged both of us as their found they have a lot in common. “She had a great head on her shoulders. moms. It is wonderful to know that person She was all about family. She was some- you love loves you just as much, and to one I could see myself with for years to know we have two beautiful children who come,” she said. “She has a passionate side are happy and feel loved.” ■

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

FAMILY PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

Queering the holidays The week of Nov. 18 should a certain bias towards this week because it has personal resobe an LGBT holiday, as I see it, at least in the United nance for me as well. My spouse States and United Kingdom. and I wed in Massachusetts Nov. The Massachusetts Supreme 18, 2006, and then spent the next Judicial Court issued its ruling few days on our honeymoon. in Goodridge v. Department of Much as I’d like to pretend this Public Health Nov. 18, 2003, the was planned, the timing was first time a court had permitted purely coincidental, driven by same-sex couples to our move to the state marry in the United and the need to have me on her health States. Across the pond on the same insurance. I’m also day and same year, not in any way implythe United Kingdom ing that our wedding implemented the itself should be the repeal of Section 28, motivation for an which since 1986 international holiday had prevented local — in fact, we more authorities from often celebrate the “promoting homonon-legal anniversary of our commitment in sexuality,” including April. Still, it would “the teaching in any maintained school of Dana Rudolph be fun to remember the acceptability of our “Massaversary” as homosexuality as a pretended we also observe a holiday. family relationship.” Here’s one possible way we Such a conjunction of events could make the week into an seems to call for celebration. ongoing festival: On the Monday Maybe it’s my Jewish heritage, of the week containing Nov. 18, where we like our eight-day holi- we could celebrate by sending days, but I’d argue for a multiour kids to school. Yup. Real day observance. Call it “LGBT family relationships right in the Domestic Bliss Week,” in which schools. Those without kids we celebrate our marriages or could enjoy their childfree time other unions and our very real by sleeping in, working late or going out to dinner with a sigfamily relationships. nificant other or a friend. In all fairness, I have to admit

Mombian

On Tuesday, we could do our laundry. Personally, that’s a big part of my “homosexual lifestyle” right there. It could also be a day for giving thanks that we still get along with our spouses or partners even if we each fold shirts differently or hang the toilet paper in a different direction. Domestic bliss is built on accommodating such differences. Wednesday is a day for family reading, preferably books that are LGBT-inclusive or in some other way reflect one of our many identities — or another identity about which we want to know more. Thursday is back to the chores with a symbolic Cleaning of the Closets. On Friday, we pick up on Thursday’s activity and drop off used clothing at a local charity or coat drive — to show that LGBT people give back to our communities at large, too. Saturday is family movie night. Preface it with a family baking hour when you make chocolate-chip cookies or brownies to eat with the film. Bonus holiday goodwill if you fall asleep snoring next to your beloved or kids. Sunday is a day for community, for appreciating those

around us, LGBT and allies, who make our domestic bliss a little more blissful. Invite friends over for brunch or a brisk fall walk. I’m not suggesting everyone follow these exact ideas. Part of the spirit of the week could be that each family gets to decide for itself what “domestic bliss” means and how to celebrate it. Those who are single and childfree could celebrate with friends or honor their solitude. I don’t know if this week will ever become an actual holiday — I write partly tongue-in-cheek because the sheer ordinariness of domestic life contrasts sharply with the extraordinariness of the steps we’ve had to take to secure our right to be domestic. The point is, too, that it is important for us as LGBT people to enter the broader holiday season with a sense of flexibility, adaptation and a willingness to incorporate our own experiences as LGBT people. Holiday times can be stressful, as we deal with travel, family gatherings, extra food preparation and gift-buying. For LGBT families, it can also mean time spent with relatives who aren’t always accepting of us and our children — or, at the very least, being awash in holiday imagery that doesn’t include families like

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ours. We therefore shouldn’t be afraid to make up our own family traditions and observances, or to give old ones new twists. Many Jewish people this year, for example, are observing the once-in-a-lifetime conjunction of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah with a plethora of new food combinations (for example, turkey stuffed with cubes of challah, a traditional Jewish celebration bread). We LGBT families, of whatever religious and cultural backgrounds, should similarly blend our LGBT heritage with our other identities to create a holiday season that is meaningful for us. Not all of us LGBT folks take the domestic path, of course, and that is fine if it is a personal choice. Even for those of us who do, however, it is important not to lose sight of the spirit that started us on the road to equality. However we may celebrate this week and the coming holiday season, may we bring to it a spirit of inventiveness, individuality, persistence and all that makes us “queer.” ■ Dana Rudolph is the founder and publisher of Mombian (mombian.com), an award-winning blog and resource directory for LGBT parents.

LOCAL PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

Gayborhood Crime Watch CRIME ALERT: The Philadelphia Police Department’s Special Victims Unit is grateful to the businesses, staff and residents from Washington West and Midtown Village for the tremendous community support of the investigation into the sexual assault that occurred the evening of Nov. 14 in the area of 12th and Saint James streets. As a result of the ongoing investigation, SVU is seeking to widen the perimeter of the investigation to include the area of 12th and Pine, Spruce, Quince and Cypress streets; Saint James Street between 12th and 13th streets; South Juniper Street to 11th Street; and Chestnut to Locust streets on Nov. 14 both before and after the time period in which the crime occurred, from 10:30-11:30 p.m. SVU continues to seek both information and closed-circuit television footage from businesses and residents. The suspect is described as a well-dressed AfricanAmerican male, approximately 5-foot-7 to 5-foot-8, with a muscular build, very dark complexion, clean-shaven with shoulderlength braided hair, wearing a blue buttondown shirt, khaki pants with a brown belt and a silver chain with a cross on it. If you are a merchant or resident in the area, please check your surveillance footage and ask your neighbors and customers/ staff if they remember anyone fitting that description, or if you have surveillance

footage that may have captured someone fitting that description during the hours just before or after the crime was committed. If you have any information or need additional information, contact Lt. Anthony McFadden at 215-685-3263 or 3264 or via email at anthony.mcfadden@phila.gov. The following incidents in the Midtown Village and Washington Square West areas were reported to the 6th Police District between Nov. 11-17. Information is courtesy of 6th District Capt. Brian Korn; Stacy Irving, senior director, Crime Prevention Service; Center City District; the Police Liaison Committee and Midtown Village Merchants Association. To report crime tips, visit www.phillypolice.com or call 215-686-TIPS (8477). INCIDENTS — At 2:30 p.m. Nov. 11, a woman returned to her apartment in the unit block of South 11th Street and saw the door forced opened and a former employee of hers walking away with her TV. The suspect was described as a 30-year-old Hispanic male, wearing a red hoodie under a black jacket. Sixth District Officer Thornton lifted fingerprints. — Between 4:30 p.m. Nov. 11 and 7:15

a.m. Nov. 12, someone entered a vacant building that is under reconstruction in the 1000 block of Spruce Street and stole tools and copper pipes. — Between 12:45-1:40 p.m. Nov. 12, someone stole a secured bicycle from outside 1101 Market St. — At 1:45 p.m. Nov. 14, someone stole an iPhone from the counter inside Dunkin’ Donuts, 1311 Market St. The suspect was described as a 19-year-old black male, thin, wearing a tan hoodie, a backpack and a black knit cap. — Around 9 p.m. Nov. 14, someone stole a package from in front of an apartment in the 1000 block of Spruce Street. — At 11:50 a.m. Nov. 15, the owner of a jewelry store at 136 S. 11th St. left a customer to answer the phone — and the customer stole a tray of gold charms and fled. The suspect was described as a 55-yearold black male, 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, wearing a dark blue jacket. NON-SUMMARY ARRESTS — On Nov. 11, 6th District Officers Wimsey and Rossi investigated a male outside 923 Market St. who was found with a quantity of narcotics pills. The 45year-old suspect was charged with possession of narcotics.

— At 9:40 a.m. Nov. 13, a man was in the subway concourse at 1001 Market St. when a male approached from behind, knocked him down and stole his cell phone. The man tried to take it back but the culprit pulled out a knife and threatened him. The suspect fled to street level, where 6th District Officer Chim arrested him. The 31-year-old homeless suspect was charged with robbery and related offenses. — At 2 p.m. Nov. 13, 6th District Narcotic Enforcement officers investigated a male outside 261 S. 13th St. and found a quantity of marijuana on him. The 30-year-old suspect with a North Philadephia address was charged with possession of marijuana. — At 8:10 p.m. Nov. 14, 6th District Officers Butler and Burrell arrested a male outside 140 S. 13th St. who was wanted on a warrant for probation violations. The 33-year-old suspect with a Spring Garden address was charged with escape. — At 12:10 a.m. Nov. 15, officers assigned to the 6th District Narcotic Enforcement Team observed a male smoking crack cocaine in a glass pipe outside 1334 Walnut St. The suspect was arrested and officers confiscated a quantity of crack cocaine. The 49-year-old man with a homelessshelter address was charged with possession of illegal narcotics. ■

Congratulations We want to know! If you are celebrating an anniversary, engagement, wedding, adoption or other life event, we would be happy to help you announce it to the community. Send your contact information and a brief description of the event to editor@epgn.com.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

11:18am • all AboArd for a QuiCk Trip to the City!

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Rydal Park is a short walk from SEPTA’s Rydal Station, and from there it’s an easy train ride to Center City for all the attractions the city has to offer. Music and theater at The Kimmel Center. Internationally renowned exhibits at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. World class dining…and so much more. At Rydal Park, our accessible location gives you the freedom to go wherever your spirit takes you. Rydal Park is more than just a place for adults 62+ to dwell…it’s a place for you to really live. To be vibrantly alive. After all, this is your life and we believe it should be all about Spirited Living.

Call 267-396-2025 or visit RydalPark.org to learn more and let your spirit soar.

Nancy – Rydal Park Resident, Chic Shopper

1515 The Fairway Rydal, PA 19046 info@rydalpark.org

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

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ACLU from page 1

Hangley Aronchick Segal Pudlin & Schiller. In addition to the scheduling decisions made last Friday, attorney Mark Aronchick told PGN that the conference included discussions of another interesting element of the case. “We’re working on an arrangement where the Bucks County Register of Wills will agree to be bound by the ultimate court order that comes down, and to not contest it any further, which I think is significant,” Aronchick said. “The one who filed the most aggressive brief is now talking to us about abiding by whatever the outcome is and not fighting it anymore. Which seems to be the way a lot of public officials are going these days.” There are at least five other pending legal challenges to Pennsylvania’s 1996 law defining marriage as between one man and one woman, all of which were filed after the U.S. Supreme Court in June overturned a key provision of the federal ban on samesex marriage. ■ OBITUARY from page 15

Community Center and the Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutritional Alliance. She said her brother was a caring individual who had a soft spot for those who encountered rough times. “He was extremely generous. He always volunteered and took care of hospice patients. He always defended the needy and downtrodden.” Solomon said Garber accomplished much in his 57 years. “Throughout his life, he traveled the world,” she said. “He went to 70 countries and through his work, he helped others in those countries. He just loved to travel and visited everywhere he wanted to go. He was an adventurer. He bungee-jumped, he jumped out of airplanes. He lived life to the fullest.” In addition to Solomon, Garber is survived by mother Leona Garber, brother-in-law Eric Solomon, niece Andrea and nephew Adam. A memorial was held Nov. 24. Contributions can be made in his name to MANNA or Fox Chase Cancer Center. ■

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NEWS PGN

Media Trail Neb. inmate, trans partner lose suit The Lincoln Journal Star reports a Nebraska prison inmate and his transgender partner have lost another round in their legal fight to be able to visit each other and get married. A federal judge rejected the couple’s lawsuit challenging a Nebraska constitutional amendment that defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman. The judge said a previous appeals court ruling upheld Nebraska’s marriage amendment, so the lawsuit couldn’t proceed. The prisoner, Harold Wilson, and Gracy Sedlak also had a state lawsuit thrown out because they failed to pay an $82 court fee. Sedlak is a former inmate who previously identified as a man. Wilson is serving a 56- to 170-year prison sentence on attempted murder, kidnapping and sexual-assault charges.

Couples in gay marriage suit seek injunction The Knoxville News Sentinel reports

four same-sex couples are asking a federal judge for a preliminary injunction that would force Tennessee to recognize their marriages. The couples filed a suit in U.S. District Court in Nashville in October challenging Tennessee laws that prohibit recognition of same-sex marriages. They claim in court filings that the laws violate constitutional guarantees of equal protection and due process. The request for the injunction would apply only to the four couples who are plaintiffs in the lawsuit. If approved, it would be in effect while their case works its way through the courts. A spokeswoman for the state attorney general’s office said in an email that attorneys there are reviewing the filing and are prepared to defend Tennessee law and the state constitution.

Calif. lesbian teacher files discrimination suit According to the San Francisco Chronicle, a lesbian teacher has filed suit against Hesperia Unified School District for unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation because of her sexual orientation. The lawsuit was filed Nov. 19 in San Bernardino County Superior Court on behalf of Julia Frost who taught as a probationary English teacher at Sultana High from August 2011 until this past May. The suit alleges that administrators created a hostile environment for Frost and students who were homosexual,

singling them out for harassment, and investigated Frost for “teaching homosexuality.” After helping a student print out a complaint form against a teacher who told a student to “take the gay headband off” in class, Frost says her teaching contract wasn’t renewed. The district said in a statement Frost was “legitimately and appropriately dismissed,” and contended she was taking legal action for personal gain.

Suspect walks in N.Y. trans death case The New York Daily News reports the case against a suspect arrested in connection with the fatal beating of a transgender woman in Manhattan has been dismissed. Twenty-year-old Paris Wilson left Manhattan Criminal Court Nov. 19 as prosecutors said they were not ready move ahead in the case. The victim, 21-year-old Islan Nettles, was attacked in Harlem in August. Police say she and a friend, another transgender woman, ran into a group of men who made antigay remarks. Police say one of the men punched her in the face. She lapsed into a coma and later died. Wilson was arrested on assault charges, but upgraded charges were pending because the victim died. His lawyer says Wilson never laid a hand on the woman. Prosecutors say the case remains active. ■ — Compiled by Larry Nichols

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

used to help form new Vatican guidance for churchgoers, to be published in 2015. The Archbishop of Westminster said Catholics should be prepared to “listen” to arguments on same-sex marriage. R e c e n t l y, P r e s i d e n t Barack Obama said he was “hugely impressed” by Pope Francis’ recent remarks admitting the Roman Catholic Church was “obsessed” with abortion, same-sex marriage and contraception. Speaking to reporters in July during a plane journey back to the Vatican following his trip to Brazil, Pope Francis said that gay people should not be judged or marginalized and should be integrated into society. The comments suggested the beginnings of a new era in civility by the Vatican on the issue of same-sex relationships — if not in doctrinal position. Pope Francis also referred to the Catholic Church’s universal Catechism, which states that while being gay is not sinful, homosexual acts are.

International Pope surveys Catholics on ‘modern’ issues Pope Francis has urged members of the Catholic Church to fill out surveys on the Vatican’s teaching of “modern” topics, including same-sex sexual relationships, in order to gauge whether what the church preaches is still practical in today’s society. The survey, launched earlier this month, asks questions on issues such as abortion, contraception, communion for the divorced and same-sex sexual relationships. The Independent reports that the feedback will be used to gauge the divisions between church teachings and the beliefs and behaviors of its followers. One of the questions asks respondents how they feel on gay and lesbian Catholics having “intimate sexual relationships.” There are 46 questions. Responses gathered will be

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— Compiled by Larry Nichols

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�� AMY F. STEERMAN Attorney at Law

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

215-735-1006

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

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

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DEC. 1, 2013

WORLD AIDS DAY SUPPLEMENT • A JOINT PROJECT OF ACTIONAIDS AND PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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Navigating HIV/AIDS amid new health-care realities City’s first Spanish-speaking The Affordable Care Act: The HIV clinic to open next month impact on people living with

HIV in Pennsylvania By Kevin J. Burns, LCSW Executive Director, ActionAIDS

BREAKING CULTURAL BARRIERS: Philadelphia City Councilmembers David Oh (from left), Maria Quiñones-Sánchez and Marian Tasco unveiled Clinica Bienestar, the city’s first Spanish-speaking HIV clinic, at a Nov. 21 press conference at City Hall. The effort is being led by Philadelphia FIGHT, Prevention Point Philadelphia and Norris Square Civic Association. FIGHT and Prevention Point executve directors Jane Shull and José Benitez were on hand for the announcement. Photo: Scott A. Drake

By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com Three organizations in Philadelphia announced their collaboration last week on the city’s first Spanish-speaking HIV clinic. On Nov. 21, Philadelphia FIGHT, Prevention Point Philadelphia and the Norris Square Civic Association unveiled Clinica Bienestar, which will be located at

Prevention Point, 166 W. Lehigh Ave. in North Philadelphia. The clinic will open Dec. 11. The clinic is supported by a five-year Special Projects of National Significance grant, administered by the federal Department of Health and Human Services. The grant will contribute $300,000 a year for the clinic. FIGHT executive director Jane Shull said she plans for the clinic PAGE 6

Providing hope, a home with HOPWA By Syreeta Vereen Housing Coordinator, ActionAIDS In 1992, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development instituted Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS, or HOPWA, to provide housing assistance and supportive services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS and their families. Most have low to moderate income. Initially, there were 11 states that were awarded a total of $49.2 million. This year, HUD awarded $32 million in funds to assist more than 1,300 individuals and families living in 20 different states. The grant awards provide households with a stable living environment, which is essential to accessing health care, as well as other supportive services. In addition to housing assistance, HOPWA funds

provide supportive services, which allow staff to help clients obtain necessary tools that lead to self-sufficiency, including life skills, job-readiness services and employment training. Permanent supportive housing provides the homeless, people with disabilities and their families affordable housing. In Philadelphia, the Office of Supportive Housing administers contracts with nonprofit organizations to provide more than 700 units of permanent supportive housing to homeless individuals and families. OSH receives funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Continuum of Care. During 2012, Philadelphia applied for $32 million in CoC funding to support 112 homeless-assistance programs. PAGE 6 Organizations within

in place for unemployment. For newly eligible people who are not medically frail, the commonwealth will contract with qualified health plans that will offer commercial insurance. It is estimated that these plans would only cover about 70 percent of medical costs. There are problems with Healthy Pennsylvania. The ACA requires that premium assistance programs must provide benefits that are comparable to traditional Medicaid and that the cost-sharing cannot be more than traditional Medicaid. It does not appear that Healthy Pennsylvania will meet the cost-reduction requirements and that any savings will result from citizens being limited to less-expensive, lowerquality health-coverage plans. Healthy Pennsylvania does not include any provision for a wrap-around program. The ACA requires that premium-assistance programs result in cost savings to the federal govern-

It is estimated that there are 1.2-million people living in the United States with HIV and who need access to health-care services. The Affordable Care Act will make insurance easier to get and more affordable. One provision of the ACA is that you cannot be denied coverage or be charged more for your coverage because of a pre-existing health condition, including HIV. People living with HIV may be eligible for financial assistance to help pay for monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. Low-income people with HIV/AIDS who do not currently have insurance or who do not qualify for Medicaid have in the past been forced to seek primary care in an emergency room or free clinics. The ACA has built in a mechanism to address this injustice. It is called Medicaid expansion. In Pennsylvania, the Corbett administration announced Sept. 16 that Pennsylvania would expand Medicaid. The administration has filed a waiver, which would allow the state to make changes that are not consistent with the Medicaid statute. The expansion plan, called Healthy Pennsylvania, includes restructuring the current Medicaid system to decrease benefits and OUT FOR LIFE: Dean Evans (from left), Mondo Guerra, include cost-sharing and Waldenio Barbosa De Figueiredo, Kevin Burns, Michael Byrne a work requirement. The and Abana Jacobs were among the more-than 200 guests at proposed Medicaid benefits the Feb. 14 Fashion in Action celebration at Hotel Palomar. package would institute a At the ActionAIDS fundraiser, Guerra, a former contestant on number of changes for cur- “Project Runway,” unveiled shirts he designed exclusively for rent Medicaid beneficiaries. this year’s Dining Out for Life, which began in Philadelphia The Healthy Pennsylvania and is held internationally in April. Photo: Peter Lien plan would provide the minimum coverage benefits (essential ment. Since a Healthy Pennsylvania plan health-benefits package) for insurance sold includes the use of commercial insurance, it on the health exchanges. This would result will be more expensive than Medicaid. The in significant benefits cuts for enrollees. Corbett administration has stated that it will There would be monthly premiums of $25 only expand Medicaid if the Centers for for individuals and $35 for households for Medicare and Medicaid approve the Corbett people with incomes of 50 percent of the plan. For the most up-to-date information Federal Poverty Level ($479 per month on Healthy Pennsylvania and the proposed for an individual and $646 per month Medicaid expansion in Pennsylvania, visit for a household). The plan would include Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center’s work-search requirements similar to those website (www.pennbpc. PAGE 6

In search of the digital divide: page 2 — Sexuality, aging and HIV: page 3 — Inmate testing and Senior care: page 4 Dining Out for Life: page 5 — “Philadelphia” 20 years later: page 7 — Resources, testing sites and events: page 8

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DEC. 1, 2013

Philadelphia story: In search of the digital divide By David Webber Senior Development Specialist, ActionAIDS Here at ActionAIDS, Pennsylvania’s leading HIV medical case-management organization, we are taking a close look at how we use new media to advance our mission of creating an AIDS-free generation. We want to enhance how we use new media for HIV-prevention messaging, donor engagement and volunteer and staff recruitment. But, as an organization with medical case management as a core clientcentered service, we are particularly interested in how new media might be used to support retention in HIV care, medication adherence and to reduce the risk of secondary infections for the approximately 2,500 clients we serve every year. During September, we completed a client-focused survey of Internet usage as a small, but very important, part of our development of a new media strategy funded by a microgrant from AIDS.gov. Our clients in the Greater Philadelphia area are low-income — at least 79 percent have incomes below the federal poverty guideline. Many of our clients struggle with homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction and behavioral-health issues. One might think that our far-from-affluent clients would be on the far side of the

“digital divide.” Our survey results, however, while not entirely conclusive, suggest that any such generalization is clearly wrong. Our survey was conducted through oneon-one client interviews, a large-group discussion session and a small focusgroup session. Although our group of 49 participants was small, we selected our survey participants to provide a representative sampling of our clients or others at risk for HIV. Our survey results reflect the client demographics of ActionAIDS overall. Seventy percent were AfricanAmerican and 30 percent were white. Seventy percent were male and 30 percent were female. The age of the survey participants ranged from 18-64, although the participant group was weighted toward older rather than younger adults (74 percent were over 35). We found that a substantial portion of our survey participants (67 percent) do access the Internet. And among those, most (69 percent) access it multiple times each day while the rest access it at least once a day. For those who do not access the Internet at all (33 percent), half identified the reason as not having a computer or smart phone —“no convenient access.” But the other half simply expressed no interest in it or professed not to know about it.

A potentially significant finding was that the majority of Internet users have access only through a shared computer at home (39 percent) or in a library or other public-access point (23 percent). That leaves less than half (42 percent) with access to the Internet on their own computer. We think this may be a significant factor when it comes to receiving HIV-prevention messaging or participating on social-media platforms addressing HIV issues — activities that are likely to have a high privacy value for persons with HIV. Perhaps consistent with what might be our participants’ privacy concerns, they are, for the most part, not engaging with ActionAIDS online or even socially with other people with HIV. Very few (4 percent) of those surveyed indicated that they followed ActionAIDS on social media. In fact, the clients we surveyed overwhelming stated that they wished communications from ActionAIDS should be via phone call (92 percent), while a significant minority would prefer text messaging (41 percent) or email (35 percent). Our survey participants do engage with popular social-media platforms such as Facebook (64 percent) and YouTube (60 percent), but apparently not in the context of HIV. But turning to whether clients used online “dating sites” (including Adam4adam, Craigslist, Grindr and Poz. com), about half indicated that they did. Unlike our client survey and large-group discussion session, our small focus group was consistently younger. That group was comprised of five African-American young people, ages 19-21, who participate in a peer-educator HIV risk-reduction support group at a local LGBTQ youth center. Three of the participants identified as gay, one identified as gender-neutral or queer and one identified as transgender. Of these five participants, one reported having “no interest” in using the Internet. The other four participants reported routinely and regularly (multiple times a day) using the Internet on their own laptop or smart phone. One participant reported being a heavy user, on the Internet more often than not. One participant also reported using shared computers at the youth center or at a computer retail store. Our focus-group participants who use the Internet appear to embrace it far more than the generally older group of clients represented in our survey. The focus-group

participants reported using the Internet not just for email, but also for reading news, and platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube are used for a wide variety of purposes. Online dating sites were used by these participants, although they reported using “hook-up” sites for finding social connections, and not necessarily for finding sexual partners. They reported using the Internet for finding health information, and one participant in particular mentioned viewing YouTube videos “to learn about how other youth got infected” and to learn about how other young people live with HIV. Although they report seeing pop-up HIV riskreduction messages on some websites, they viewed HIV prevention messages as “spam” and one youth questioned “why someone would send me that message.” As a group, these participants reported concerns about living with HIV and engaging on social media because of confidentiality and stigma; social media was perceived to be “too public.” We are just beginning to find ways to implement our survey results in our programs. Clearly, we currently have a significant portion of clients, perhaps more than one-third, who do not have any Internet access — at least not currently. If we were to survey specific programs — our Prison Linkage Program, which supports clients as they transition out of the Philadelphia Prison System, comes immediately to mind — we might find a much higher proportion. We have to think seriously about whether we should implement activities or programs that will benefit only a portion of our clients. On the other hand, we need to consider to what extent our own programs might influence client status on the digital divide. We might, for example, routinely ask clients at intake about their use of the Internet and provide computer literacy and Internet access-point referrals to clients who are not using this resource. The largest limitation on our ability to engage with clients on the Internet would appear to be the privacy concerns that were expressed by even our most savvy Internet users in our focus group. As long as HIV remains socially stigmatized, that stigma will limit what we can do with social media. For 27 years, we’ve been doing direct service, and that means faceto-face contact. There’s nothing “virtual” about it. ■

The largest limitation on our ability to engage with clients on the Internet would appear to be the privacy concerns that were expressed by even our most savvy Internet users in our focus group. As long as HIV remains socially stigmatized, that stigma will limit what we can do with social media.

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Sexuality, aging and HIV By Terri Clark Prevention Services Coordinator, ActionAIDS

ACTION AIDS DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT MICHAEL BYRNE SPEAKS TO MEMBERS OF THE GREATER PHILADELPHIA FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE AT THE ANNUAL SUPER BOWL PARTY FUNDRAISER

“PROJECT RUNWAY”CONTESTANT MONDO GUERRA (SECOND FROM RIGHT) SHOWS OFF HIS DINING OUT FOR LIFE T-SHIRT DESIGN AT FEBRUARY’S FASHION IN ACTION

PHILADELPHIA FIGHT’S JULIET FINK SPEAKS TO A CROWD AT WILLIAM WAY LGBT COMMUNITY CENTER ABOUT AIDS EDUCATION MONTH Photos: Scott A. Drake

A growing number of older people now have HIV/AIDS. As we enter into the fourth decade of the HIV epidemic, about one-third of all people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States are 50 years of age or older, a figure that will grow to one-half by 2015. The state of Pennsylvania is the fourth-oldest state in the nation, with more than 2.5-million residents over the age of 60. Further, approximately 2.8-million residents are between the ages of 45-60. In Pennsylvania, nearly 6,000 people over 45 years of age are living with HIV. The development of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) in the 1990s changed what it meant to be diagnosed as HIV-positive, making it possible not only for people to live with HIV, but to thrive well into their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond. “Living with HIV” — an unthinkable notion in 1981 when the epidemic first emerged — is more and more the usual course of events. As positive as this notion may be, aging with HIV brings another set of issues to the table. Some are common to those faced in the managing of any chronic condition or late-in-life illness, and present a growing challenge to us in the health and human-services field. In the case of HIV, the ultimate effect of years or even decades of ART on bodies and lives is still unknown, and the situation only becomes more complicated when we add to the mix the general physical and social effects of aging itself, along with the lack of sexual-health information for our aging boomers. And there may even be more HIVpositive folks who don’t yet know their status. Why? One reason may be that health-care providers do not always test older people for HIV and may miss some cases during routine check-ups. Another may be that older people often mistake signs of HIV for the aches and pains of normal aging, so they are less likely than younger people to get tested. Also, older folks may be ashamed or afraid of being tested. People 50 and older may have the virus for years before being tested. By the time they are diagnosed with HIV, the virus may be in the late stages. HIV prevention and sexual-health information The number of HIV cases is growing among older people every year because there is a lot of room for

improvement when it comes to talking about sexual health targeted for our older adults. The subject of sex and sexuality triggers awkwardness and discomfort in many people. The topic of older adults’ sexuality evokes even more discomfort. What we know is that, although the level of desire often changes as we age, the need for intimacy and sexual expression remains constant over our lifetime. Many older adults believe that monogamous couples are not at risk for getting sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, or that protection against STIs/ HIV, which may include birth control for heterosexual couples, is no longer needed after a woman is postmenopausal. Still others believe that only gay men can get HIV, or that they would be able to tell if someone was HIV-positive. Older adults who are exposed to HIV are at greater risk than younger folks because of weakened immune systems due to aging. Post-menopausal vaginal dryness, which makes the walls of the vagina more susceptible to minor abrasions, and the availability of drugs for erectile dysfunction, giving men who would not otherwise be able to have penetrative sex the opportunity to do so, also increase the risk of STIs/HIV. My guess is that health-care providers are not giving male patients condoms to go along with their Cialis or Viagra prescriptions. Resources about older-adult sexual health are scant; however, there are two educational campaigns that are worth noting. The first is www. ageisnotacondom.org, a website hosted by the AIDS Community Research Initiative of America that includes sex-positive information and resources. The other, www. safersex4seniors.org, marketed as a public-service announcement, features an “ask the expert” column, frequently asked questions and fact sheets that cover a variety of topics, from picking the best lube to enjoying pleasurable, safer sex while being HIV-positive. Social supports Older adults often find themselves wrestling with physical and emotional changes associated with aging. Social isolation is very real for older folks, and living with HIV and/or identifying as LGBT can make some more vulnerable for isolation. Older folks who are not infected themselves may be taking care of their own children or grandchildren who are infected. Taking care of others can be mentally, physically and financially draining. The problem

becomes even worse when older caregivers have HIV or other serious health problems. ActionAIDS maintains the longest-running, and now only, Buddy Program in the nation. The Buddy Program began in 1987, and Ron Hoskins, who has overseen the program for the past 19 years, said it provides integral social outlets for older people living with HIV/AIDS. “In general, we’ve learned that older people can find themselves becoming increasingly more and more isolated and lonely because their familiar supports of family and friends diminish due to the ill health or consequent deaths of their peers,” Hoskins said. “The Buddy Program, however, addresses these needs of the older HIV-positive population by supplying active individuals to provide emotional supports or companionships, or even assistance with the tasks of daily living to people whose support systems, by nature, dwindle. Just to have someone, younger or your age, check in once or twice a week by phone or make ‘faceto-face’ visits two or three times a month can be such integral ingredients for ‘connectedness.’” Additionally, ActionAIDS is supported by United Way to provide a case-management team that provides services to clients over 50, in addition to providing on-site casemanagement services to a number of clinics and community centers throughout the city. Take action Despite the progress in the field of HIV treatment and management, there is much work to be done in helping our HIV-positive older adults age successfully and promoting sexual-health education and awareness for all older adults. For instance: We need to work to reduce stigma around sexuality, sex and older adults. Older adults have sexual needs and have the right to comprehensive, correct information. We need to educate health-care providers about the needs of older adults living with HIV, including the importance of culturally competent care for older adults living with HIV and of those who may identify as LGBT. And we need to integrate HIV programming into services for older people, such as at senior centers and long-term care, continuing-care and senior residences. ■ For more information about HIV and aging, contact Terri Clark, prevention services coordinator, at tclark@actionaids. org or 267-940-5502.

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Bill would mandate HIV testing for certain inmates By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com A state representative last week introduced a bill that would mandate prison inmates be automatically tested for bloodborne pathogens such as HIV for some instances when prison employees have been exposed to bodily fluids. On Nov. 19, Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown (D-190th Dist.) introduced House Bill 1847, which would amend the Confidentiality of HIV-Related Information Act. The bill, which was referred to the Judiciary Committee, would permit automatic testing of inmates for blood-borne pathogens when an employee is “significantly exposed to bodily fluids or human waste” of an inmate under certain circumstances. For the testing to be ordered, a healthcare provider, first responder or corrections employee must have a documented exposure to blood or bodily fluids during his or her work duties; a physician must determine that “significant exposure” has occurred; the employee must submit a blood sample within 72 hours of the exposure; and the inmate must decline to consent to a blood test. In a press release, Brown said she crafted her bill with input from the Department of Corrections and the Pennsylvania State

Corrections Officer Association. She noted it has bipartisan support, with five Republicans among the 14 cosponsors. Brown said the legislation is needed to provide extra safety measures for prison employees. “This is a common-sense bill that would provide these workers with the peace of mind that they will be able to quickly determine if they have encountered a significant exposure to blood-borne pathogens, including HIV, and will be afforded an adequate opportunity to receive proper related medical treatment,” she said. ActionAIDS executive director Kevin Burns, however, said he is on the fence about the need for such a measure. When inmates are processed, they can opt out of HIV testing, but Burns said most inmates do know their status. “A majority of inmates are aware of their status and the prison would be aware as well,” he said. But Burns said he can see both sides of the argument. “I can understand the rationale but what concerns me is does this feed into the whole criminalization of HIV,” he said. ‘I can see both sides and can see that someone who has had an exposure would want to know the status of the person. It is a difficult and delicate situation.” ■

Health care a priority at senior-housing center By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com

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DEC. 1, 2013

When the John C. Anderson Apartments complex opens its doors early next year, residents will have access to onsite HIV case management and other medical services. ActionAIDS will offer medical case management for residents of the LGBTfriendly senior-housing facility, which is slated to open on 13th Street in January. Mazzoni Center is partnering with the facility to offer coordination-of-care and legal services. The apartment building, the nation’s largest publicly funded LGBT facility, will be home to 56 one-bedroom units, a portion of which will be dedicated for low-income seniors. ActionAIDS and Mazzoni Center will offer their services at designated times out of the facility’s community room. ActionAIDS executive director Kevin Burns said his agency is looking forward to working with the residents.

“ActionAIDS is grateful for the vision and commitment of our community leaders for making such an incredible facility available for LGBT seniors,” he said. “Our seniors are a treasure and we are excited to work together with other service providers to make our services easily accessible to the residents of the apartments. We are honored to be invited to offer services at the John C. Anderson Apartments.” Mazzoni Center executive director Nurit Shein said her agency will assist residents with coordinating pharmacies and doctors, ensuring they get to their medical appointments and other services. She said the group may in the future offer onsite medical services, although the medical practice is located nearby. “Once the residents are in there, we will need to make an assessment if that’s appropriate or not,” she said. “We’re focusing on coordination-of-care but then we might look into sporadically bringing clinicians into the building, but that will depend on the residents’ needs.” ■

DEC. 1, 2013

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Dine Out, support ActionAIDS You don’t have to wait until Dining Out for Life 2014 to dine out and benefit ActionAIDS — you can do it now, and get a significant discount on your restaurant bill. ActionAIDS is now participating in Charitydine, a restaurant discount program that provides contributions to local charities. From every purchase of a discount certificate from Charitydine, 20 percent will go directly to ActionAIDS. Go to http:// midatl.charitydine.com, pick a restaurant and choose ActionAIDS as your charity.

For example, buy a $100 certificate to a great restaurant — it will only cost you $40, and $8 out of that goes to ActionAIDS. And many of our past Dining Out for Life restaurants are participating in Charitydine, so choose one of your favorites. If you want to avoid the stress of holiday shopping, consider purchasing Charitydine discount certificates as gifts. You can purchase gift certificates too, so the recipients of your gift can pick their own restaurant. ■

Save the date: Apr. 24, 2014

ActionAIDS expands HIV primary-care services With the creation of an AIDS-free generation as our organizational mission, ActionAIDS is constantly on the lookout for new, more effective ways to deliver our services — as well as new services to meet client needs. Both will be addressed with the opening next year of our HIV primarycare clinic at our West Office, 3901 Market St. This is the first time ActionAIDS is offering HIV primary-care services, which will be sited within our current office. “We already provide medical case-management services to clients in the local West Philadelphia neighborhood, including many West African immigrants,” said ActionAIDS executive director Kevin J. Burns. “Our primary-care clinic at this location will now take our support for client access to health care to a new level.” Clinic patients will be uninsured or

under-insured clients at high risk to be lost to care. By locating this clinic at our medical case-management office, we will be able to closely coordinate medical-clinic services with our medical case-management services. Our management of the clinic will allow us to streamline scheduling, reduce in-clinic waiting time and provide clinic services in a highly supportive setting intended to enhance the client’s experience and thus increase rates of retention in HIV medical care. By initiating this clinic, we will address the needs of clients with HIV who simply find to it too challenging to navigate large, impersonal systems of health care. This is true of many of our Prison Linkage Program clients as well as others with behavioral-health issues that make keeping up with clinic appointments an insurmountable challenge. ■

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COMFORTING QUILT: AIDS Walk volunteer Terrie Hawkins helps fold one of the AIDS Quilt panels near the end of the annual Philadelphia AIDS Walk on Oct. 20. The 27th annual walk raised more than $300,000 for AIDS Fund agencies around the region. Photo: Scott A. Drake

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WORLD AIDS DAY SUPPLEMENT • A JOINT PROJECT OF ACTIONAIDS AND PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

HOPWA from page 1

and/or substance addiction. Since its inception in 2011, Harbor Project has functioned at its capacity of 20 units. More than half are being occupied by persons who were utilizing the city’s shelter system, while six of the slots are occupied by consumers who were living in places not meant for human habitation, such as the streets, abandoned buildings or subway stations. There were three slots filled by individuals living in transitional housing. All of the clients in Harbor Project are low-income and all struggle with addiction and/or significant mentalhealth issues in addition to living with HIV disease. The medical case manager works closely with each of the clients to remove barriers to accessing care. Harbor Project is an example of how access to safe and affordable housing really sets the stage for individuals to begin to care for themselves in terms of medical and psychological health and well being. ActionAIDS will continue to work to provide housing assistance to our community and to look for additional opportunities to offer safe and affordable housing. ■

CLINIC from page 1

have a history of that,” she said. “We have a van that FIGHT owns that will bring people door to door. They will be picked up at the Prevention Point office and hopefully accompanied by a care navigator to come down here.” Prevention Point executive director José Benitez said he was optimistic about the opportunity to partner with FIGHT and fill a gap in services. “The clinic creates additional opportunities for those newly infected with HIV or who have lost access to medical care and other support services in the Latino community,” he said. “We are excited to be partners with FIGHT on this project.” In a press release, Tasco, who also serves as the chair of the City Council Public Health Services Committee, applauded the effort. “This is a watershed moment for our city and a huge step forward in addressing the health challenges facing many Philadelphians,” she said. Shull said Clinica Bienestar will provide the same quality of care found at its main clinic to a community that is often underserved and hard to reach. “We felt the need to reach out to that part of the community. The people we are talking about are not proficient in English and have been out of care. It is really important to get them back into care.” ■

the CoC are required to have an outreach plan to identify and engage persons experiencing homelessness. The city’s Outreach program provides “targeted outreach” to specific areas where homeless individuals least likely to access services reside. This outreach is conducted on a weekly basis in order to engage these individuals and develop relationships. The CoC designates priority populations, and HUD establishes eligibility criteria. The city has a partnership with the Philadelphia Housing Authority in which 300 conventional units are set aside for homeless families each year. Philadelphia’s poverty rate is among the highest of major U.S. cities (27.6 percent). ActionAIDS, in partnership with Pathways to Housing PA, developed the Harbor Project. This program utilizes HUD’S HOPWA funds to provide permanent supportive housing for people with a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS. The model for this initiative is a “housing-first” approach for homeless single adults affected by HIV/AIDS who have severe mental illness

to continue operating well beyond the five-year mark. “The way I look at it, at the end of five years there will be a permanent Spanishlanguage and culture clinic linked to Philadelphia FIGHT,” she said. “This money will let us get it started, but it will also help us to evaluate and see what works and make changes.” Not only has the clinic been supported by the SPNS grant, but it has also received support from local legislators. Councilmembers Maria Quiñones-Sánchez, Marian Tasco and David Oh were on hand at last Thursday’s press conference. Shull said clinic employees will come from both FIGHT and Prevention Point Philadelphia. FIGHT will supply a principle investigator, a physician and a project coordinator. The clinic will provide basic services such as evaluations and prescriptions. She said organizers plan to open the clinic three days a week. If clients need a more intense level of service, a shuttle will be provided by FIGHT to bring them to the main facility. Shull said she foresees the clinic providing care for cases that are not just HIV-related. “We will probably see a lot of hepatitis cases in this clinic because it follows injection drug use and the basic population is people who actively use injection drugs or

AFFORDABLE CARE from page 1

org). Medicare is the federal health-insurance program for seniors and working-age individuals with disabilities. All U.S. citizens or legal residents are eligible. If you have Medicaid, there is nothing you need to do; however, you may in fact notice added benefits as a result of the ACA. The AIDS Drug Assistance Program, or Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program, as it is known in Pennsylvania, provides financial assistance for people with HIV to access medications. SPBP will continue to be available, but some of the medications you may have been receiving through SPBP may be covered by your insurance.

DEC. 1, 2013

If you are currently receiving services through an agency that is funded by Ryan White Care Act funds and/or receiving your medications through the SPBP program, and do not have insurance, you still need to get insurance. As the ACA moves toward full implementation in January, we will be faced with additional bumps in the road and confusion. Stay tuned to ActionAIDS’ website (www.actionaids.org) or follow us on Facebook for updates. We need you, your friends and your families to advocate for Medicaid expansion that will work for our most vulnerable citizens. Access to care is what ActionAIDS is all about. Don’t sit back and watch. Take action. Advocate! ■

DEC. 1, 2013

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“Philadelphia” 20 years later By David Webber Senior Development Specialist, ActionAIDS This year marks 20 years since the release of the groundbreaking movie “Philadelphia,” one of the first Hollywood films to explicitly address HIV/AIDS, homosexuality and homophobia. Even after 20 years, it’s difficult to think of a movie that had a more humanizing and positive effect in changing perceptions about people with HIV/AIDS. At the same time, “Philadelphia” was both a critical and box-office success. Tom Hanks won his first Academy Award for Best Actor, and the song “Streets of Philadelphia” by Bruce Springsteen won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Hanks also received a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Dramatic Film. Ron Nyswaner was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. “Philadelphia” grossed more than $206 million worldwide, compared with its budget of only $26 million. Here at ActionAIDS, we have a very special connection to the movie “Philadelphia,” and this anniversary has brought back memories of that time. As our executive director Kevin J. Burns, who was then assistant director of client services, recalls, “The movie ‘Philadelphia’ documented a time in the history of HIV disease that was very difficult and much different from today. We must always remember that the progress we have achieved came at a great cost. The movie and the anniversary are an opportunity to do just that.” Among the connections we have with “Philadelphia” is that our offices on Arch Street were among the many locations in Philadelphia used in the film. Watch the beginning of the movie closely and you’ll see the lawyer Andrew Beckett, played by Hanks, walk in the front door of our building at 1216 Arch St. It turns out that he’s on his way to see his doctor, and the doctor’s office scene was also filmed here at our offices. “Although it’s a short scene,” recalls Jean-Marie Zippo, who still works at ActionAIDS and was then a case manager, “they were here all day.” The ActionAIDS staff was captivated with having a major motion picture, starring the likes of Hanks and Denzel Washington, filmed on the premises. The director of “Philadelphia,” Jonathan

Demme, not only selected our office for one of the scenes, he also featured more than 50 ActionAIDS clients as extras in the movie. Making this possible was our way of directly addressing the stigma and isolation experienced by people with AIDS. One such novice actor, Mark Sorensen, appears briefly in the waiting room in that scene at the doctor’s office. In September 1993, knowing that Sorensen was in the final stages of AIDS while the movie was being scored, Demme arranged for an unedited videotape of the movie to be rushed to Mark at his parents’ home, where he was staying during his illness. Mark did get to watch the movie with his family — before he died the next day. Since 1993, so much has changed. Most notably for our clients at ActionAIDS, new anti-retroviral drugs became available several years after the movie. Now, those medications make a huge difference. As Zippo recalls about the time period depicted in the movie, “Back then, my wardrobe choices had to pass the ‘funeral test.’ Now, I have more red in my wardrobe. Now if a client dies, it’s because of some other co-morbidity, not HIV.” Our case managers, such as Zippo, make sure our clients remain in medical care for HIV, which now prolongs and enhances their lives. And as our clients in treatment maintain low or non-detectible viral loads, we reduce or eliminate the risk of HIV transmission to others. This is a key element in our mission of creating the first AIDS-free generation — something that was only a hope back then, not the reality it is today. After Sorensen’s death, Hanks acknowledged him in his Golden Globe Award acceptance speech, saying that he was lucky “to have experienced the goodwill and been in the presence of awe-inspiring people such as ... a young man named Mark Sorensen ... who was not wearing any makeup but was obviously in the midst of a system-wide battle of his immune system with the AIDS virus. The last time I saw Mark Sorensen, he was filling out his time card for his day’s work on the motion picture. I will never forget him and I will never forget the experience of working on such a movie at such a time.” We won’t forget Mark Sorensen either, nor will we forget all the other clients with AIDS that we’ve served over the past 20 years, and will continue to serve as long as we’re needed. ■

WORLD AIDS DAY SUPPLEMENT • A JOINT PROJECT OF ACTIONAIDS AND PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

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RESOURCES HIV EDUCATION/ OUTREACH

HIV CASE MANAGEMENT

World AIDS Day 2013 events

YOUTH AND FAMILY

The Attic Youth ActionAIDS ActionAIDS Center 215-981-0088 215-981-0088 www.actionaids.org 215-545-4331 www.actionaids.org www.atticyouthcenter.org BEBASHI AIDS Fact Line 215-769-3561 (Pennsylvania) Children’s www.bebashi.org 1-800-662-6080 Hospital of Philadelphia Congreso de CHOICE 215-590-1000 Latinos Unidos 215-985-3300 www.chop.edu -Programa www.choice-phila. Esfuerzo St. Christopher’s 215-763-8870 org Pediatric AIDS www.congreso.net Program Colours Inc. 215-496-0330 Gay and Lesbian 215-427-5284 www.stchristopherswww.coloursorga- Latino AIDS Education hospital.com nization.org Initiative 215-851-1822 Youth Health Philadelphia Empowerment www.galaei.org FIGHT Project 215-985-4448 215-564-6388 Mazzoni Center www.fight.org www.y-hep.org 215-563-0652 Prevention Point www.mazzonicenter. LEGAL/ Philadelphia org RESOURCES 215-634-5272 Philadelphia www.preventionAIDS Library FIGHT pointphilly.org 215-985-4851 215-985-4448 aidslibrary.org www.fight.org Project Safe 866-509-SAFE AIDS Law Project www.safephila.org aidslawpa.org 215-587-9377 Safeguards Project Mazzoni Center 215-985-6873 Legal Services www.safeguards. Department org 1-866-LGBT-LAW www.mazzonicenter.org/programs/ legalservices

DEC. 1, 2013

Fifth Annual World AIDS Day Prayer Breakfast 8-10 a.m. Nov. 30 Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel, 220 S. 17th St.

Philadelphia FIGHT’s Faith Advisory Board will present the annual prayer breakfast with keynote speaker the Rev. Dr. J. Louis Felton and a diverse group of faith leaders. The event is free and open to the public; 215-985-4448 ext. 169.

World AIDS Day Brunch

Noon-2 p.m. Dec. 1 Tortilla Press Cantina, 7716 Maple Ave., Merchantville, N.J. A portion of the proceeds from the $20 brunch, which will include everything from French toast to made-to-order omelets, will benefit the Camden Area Health Education Center; www. camden-ahec.org.

World AIDS Day FACT Fundraiser Class 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 Dig Yoga, 204 N. Union St., Lambertville, N.J.

Join Dig Yoga instructors Andy Gardiner and Colby Smith for a fun-filled yoga practice for all skill levels. A $20 donation is suggested with a minimum

donation of $10, and all proceeds will go to FACT Bucks County.

CODE RED: World AIDS Day Drag Show at Voyeur 7-11 p.m. Dec. 1 Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 Saint James St.

More than 30 drag queens will come together for a show, with proceeds going to Mazzoni Center, Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance and AIDS Fund. Tickets are $10-$15; coderedphilly.brownpapertickets.com.

10th Annual Red Ribbon Award Ceremony 5-8 p.m. Dec. 2 Philadelphia City Hall, Conversation Hall

The Pennsylvania Center for AIDS Research’s Community Advisory Board will host the 10th annual Red Ribbon Award Ceremony to honor leaders in the HIV/AIDS community. The event is free and open to the public.

Mazzoni Center’s Mobile Testing Unit Varying dates

Mazzoni Center will distribute free red ribbons and offer rapid HIV testing on its Mobile Testing Unit from noon-4 p.m. Dec. 2 at 56th and Market streets; 9 a.m.-noon and 6-9 p.m. Dec. 3 at Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 3 at University of Pennsylvania Law School, 3501 Sansom St.

Working Together Toward an AIDS-Free Generation

10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 3 1535 Bacharach Blvd., Atlantic City, and 5100 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing The South Jersey AIDS Alliance and AtlantiCare Infectious Disease Associates will host a free health fair; 609-347-1085.

Vejigantes of Puerto Rico 3-5 p.m. Dec. 7 Taller Puertorriqueño, Inc., 2557 N. Fifth St.

GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization and Taller Puertorriqueño will host a panel discussion about the history and messages of the vejigantes in Puerto Rico. GALAEI will offer free HIV testing and share stories from its POSITIVO campaign.

Philadelphia testing sites Center City ActionAIDS 1026 Arch St. 267-940-5515 Mon. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tues. 10 a.m.-noon Wed. 1-4 p.m. Thur. noon-2 p.m. ActionAIDS North Office 2641 N. Sixth St. 215-291-9700 Third Tuesdays 1-4 p.m. The Attic Youth Center 55 S. 16th St. 215-545-4331 GALAEI 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor

215-851-1822 Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mazzoni Center and GALAEI’s Washington West Project 1201 Locust St. Mon.-Thur. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat. 1 p.m.-5 p.m. 215-985-9206 Planned Parenthood Elizabeth Blackwell Office 1211 Chestnut St. Suite 405 215-496-9696 Mon.-Wed. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thur. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Planned Parenthood Locust Office 1144 Locust St. 215-351-5560 Mon. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues. and Thurs. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Wed. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. William Way LGBT Community Center 1315 Spruce St. 215-732-2220 Mon. 4-7 p.m. Youth Health Empowerment Project 1417 Locust St., third floor 215-564-6388

North Philadelphia Congreso 216 W. Somerset St. 215-763-8870 Walk-in hours Wednesdays and Thursdays Covenant House Health Services 251 E. Bringhurst St. 215-844-1020 Maria de los Santos Health Center 425 W. Allegheny Ave. 215-291-2500

PHMC Health Connection 1035 W. Berks St. 215-765-6690 Planned Parenthood Far Northeast 2751 Comly Road 215-464-2225 Mon. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tues. and Thur. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wed. and Fri. noon-3 p.m. Sat. noon-2 p.m. St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children 3601 A St. 215-427-5000

South/West Philadelphia CHOP 3550 Market St., fourth floor 215-590-3537 Health Center #3 555 S. 43rd St. 215-685-7504 Health Center #4 4400 Haverford Ave. 215-685-7601/7654 Urban Solutions 1408 S. Broad St., first floor 215-755-0700

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Family Portrait Out & About Q Puzzle Scene in Philly Worth Watching

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New music hits the shelves for your holiday pleasure By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com Some people like to sit by the fire and listen to holiday music this time of year. Others like to hit the dance floor and shake their ass. Maybe they want to rock out a bit too. Either way, there’s a lot out there to keep your sleigh bells a-ringing and a-jingling. So warm up your iPod — you’ve got some downloading to do. Dir en Grey “The Unraveling” Firewall Division/SMJ We recently caught Japanese rock band Dir en Grey on a short tour of the U.S. and ... wow! Despite that all the songs are sung in Japanese, the group never fails to impress with its latest EP — a good place to get introduced to the group with a rabid and dedicated global following — as it consists of a new song and reworked versions of past hits.

Technically it’s a hard-rock band but it casts a wide net, creatively incorporating elements of progressive, goth, metal and alternative-rock styles. The track “Unknown.Despair.Lost.” takes listeners on a twisted roller-coaster ride of sound and showcases singer Kyo’s versatile range as he effortlessly goes from ferocious growling to soaring operatic harmonies, making both sound as if they belong in the same song. Other tracks like “Bottom of Death Valley” and “The Final” are beautifully melancholy with their intricate guitar harmonies. If you want something exciting to broaden your musical horizons (and maybe freak yourself out a bit), give this EP a listen. Donna Summer “Love To Love You Donna” Verve Music Group The queen of disco is gone but her music lives forever, most recently on this new album of remixes by some of today’s top DJs. We expected a hot mess, as remix albums

tend to be predictable and unsatisfying in respect to the original material. But there are some pleasant surprises on this collection. The best tracks are the ones that manage to retain the soulfulness of Summer’s vocal performances while working magic with beats and song structure. Giorgio Moroder revisits “Love To Love You Baby,” a song he co-wrote and produced for Summer, and gives it a propulsive and bionic upgrade without sacrificing its sultry, classic feel. He works similar magic with the more lowkey remix of “La Dolce Vita.” Frankie Knuckle’s remix of “Hot Stuff” has a ’90s New York techno feel that is upbeat and fun. Also a blast is Chromeo & Oliver’s shiny makeover of Summer’s ’80s hit “Love Is In Control,” which has the feel of a Daft Punk song. Hot Chip’s version of “Sunset People” is subdued and elegantly sexy with its bass-infused fluidness. Afrojack cranks up the Teutonic beats of “I Feel Love” to ridiculously punishing levels that somehow work to the song’s advantage. Beyond those tracks, the rest of the album is Summer’s vocals dropped into a sea of the electronic-dance flavors of the day, which is kind of disappointing, as more could have been done with such a rich catalog of songs and amazing vocals.

Still, there is much to love about this album. And fans of Donna Summer should add this to their collection. Erasure “Snow Globe” Mute Erasure lays down snowy-cold synthetic textures on its holiday album. “Snow Globe” is the dark and moody antidote to the syrupy-happy and/or dramatic, overwrought holiday music that bombards our eardrums in the weeks leading up to Christmas. At times lush and at other times retro and minimalist, this compilation might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but there is something refreshing about the synthpop duo’s gloriously haunting electronic renditions of “Silent Night,” “Silver Bells” and an especially ghostly “White Christmas.” Other tracks like “The Christmas Song” and “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” are playful in their simplicity. And those are the

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

CDS from page 45

bright moments on this album. Erasure delves into the darker corners of the holidays on tracks like the taut “Blood on the Snow” and the gothic overtones of “Gaudete” and “Bleak Midwinter.” If you are looking for something closer to Erasure’s usual uplifting booty-shaking party music, tracks like “There’ll Be No Tomorrow” and “Loving Man” will have you dancing in your snow boots. Yeah, Erasure can come caroling to our houses any time. Kelly Clarkson “Wrapped in Red” RCA Over the river and

through the woods to a bunch of musical genres we go. Kelly Clarkson bounces back and forth between pop and Christmas-song traditional on this collection of holidaythemed tunes. “Wrapped in Red” tries to be all things to all kinds of Christmas-song fans. There are songs for people who dig her pop leaning on the surf-rocking “4 Carats” and the blues-rock of “Run, Run, Rudolph.” There’s the retro Motown meets E Street Band vibe of the tracks “Underneath the Tree” and “Every Christmas.” If you like crooning Christmas standards, Clarkson’s renditions of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “White Christmas” are by the book. For the most part, the songs hit the mark, but the least-inspired moments come when Clarkson makes forays into jazz, like on “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” Also, at times things get a bit too predict-

the

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able. Clarkson’s low-key take on “Blue Christmas” is far preferable to the calculated and sterile guest-star-laden balladry on “Silent Night.” If you don’t mind the frequent changes in tone and genre, “Wrapped in Red” is a solid, yet sometimes predictable, holiday album. Sky Ferreira “Night Time, My Time” Capitol The debut album by the model, actor and singer-songwriter does a great job of straddling indie rock and pop music — which is refreshing, seeing how many

young rising singers, even without an acting or modeling gig to fall back on, seem content to copy whatever the sonic cash cow of the moment is, without any spark of individual panache. Not the case here. Ferreira infuses the pop sensibilities of her songs with the grittiness of indie-garage rock and a European sense of laidback electronic swagger. Part of the album’s charm is that the electronics are always in your face and turned up to 11. Backed by massive walls of synth, tracks like “I Will” and “Nobody Asked (If I Was OK)” have the punk-ish new-wave urgency of a cyborgenhanced Blondie. Elsewhere, tracks like “24 Hours” and “You’re Not The One” throb with a danceable intensity. “Love in Stereo” and the title track both have a dreamy, ethereal quality, like a mechanized version of The Cardigans. If this album is indicative of things to come, Ferreira can give some serious thought to quitting her day jobs. ■

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

Suzi Nash

Dito van Reigersberg: The making of Martha Graham Cracker Dito van Reigersberg is a man — and sometimes woman — of many talents. An accomplished actor, dancer and teacher, he is also a founding member and co-artistic director of Pig Iron Theatre Company, an innovative, award-winning performance company here in Philadelphia. He is a Barrymore Award recipient, a nominee for Best Actor in a Musical and has been named a Pew Fellow and a Knight USA Fellow. But most of us in the LGBT community know him as Martha Graham Cracker, the world’s tallest and hairiest drag queen. Martha, who performs monthly at Queen Village cabaret L’Etage, sings repertory songs. We spoke to van Reigersberg as he was beginning rehearsals for a Fringe Festival performance of “Twelfth Night, or What You Will,” Pig Iron’s twist on Shakespeare’s play where gender confusion and mistaken identity take center stage. PGN: Tell me a little about yourself. DVR: I’m originally from Washington, D.C. — well about 20 miles from D.C. proper. I came to this area for college. I went to Swarthmore in the ’burbs. Then I moved to New York for a bit because, like every actor, I was curious about that. I started acting at a place called the Neighborhood Playhouse before all of Pig Iron — which began with a lot of Swarthmore grads — decided to move to Philly. PGN: We have something in common. I read that you did some training as a clown and I used to work with Bozo the Clown. DVR: Oh, you’re kidding. That’s fun. I got my training secondhand. A bunch of the Pig Iron Theatre people went to Lecoq where they studied that clown tradition and I learned it from them. PGN: So what were you like as a kid? DVR: I was actually a very shy child. My mom is always amazed that things turned out the way they did because when I was a kid, during that awkward phase we all go through around puberty, she would say, “I don’t think he has any friends, he doesn’t seem to want to socialize in any way.” But then — and I think it was in great part due to my high-school drama program — I just started becoming sociable. I hung out with all the weirdos that do drama and that changed everything. PGN: How did you get involved? DVR: I just tried out and got cast in “Grease” and “Gypsy” and “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Midsummer’s Night Dream” and “Romeo and Juliet,” and all those high-school classics. It was funny, when I started going to Swarthmore, things changed again, because in high school we’d done all that sort of mainstream the-

ater but in college I was exposed to much more boundary-pushing work. It got me excited about theater in a totally different way. That’s when I took my first moderndance class. It really expanded my mind a bit and Pig Iron has been a result of that “learning where the boundaries are and then breaking them.” For example, this production of “Twelfth Night,” it’s a wellknown, reliable classic script that we bring a lot of ourselves to. We brought a lot of our physical theater training to it so when you watch it, I hope, it will feel like something we invented. Fresh. Like we brought the play to Pig Iron rather than us going to it. If that makes sense ...

PGN: Did you go to high school in D.C.? DVR: Langley High in Virginia, right near the CIA. I went to school with the sons and daughters of a lot of political figures. Scalia’s kids were classmates. One was a year older and one a year younger and they were both really cute, which is odd since he’s definitely not.

PGN: It does. DVR: We make a lot of our shows from scratch, so it was already a departure for us doing a piece that already existed.

PGN: On to college. Tell me a theater story. DVR: Well, during our freshman year in Theater 101, we had a variety of people in the class — people who just wanted credit, including a lot of jocks. We were doing a trust exercise and my scene partner — I still remember his name, Jerry

PGN: From what I’ve read, I’m sure you guys will put your own spin on it. So other than being a shy kid, I want to know more about little Dito. Did you have siblings? DVR: I did, I still do. I have an older sister who’s not into theater at all but was very encouraging. We’d put on shows for our parents, puppet shows behind the couch, etc. But it was mostly me. When we were alone together she’d say, “Dito, put on a little show for me” and I’d make something up. So she was like my first producer. Even though I was shy, I loved singing and dancing and musicals. We listened to the soundtrack of “Grease” ad nauseam.

PGN: Your name sounds German but your parents seem to speak everything but that. DVR: It’s actually Dutch. Dutch is such an unusual language that even Dutch people have to speak other languages. My dad can understand and speak a little conversational Dutch but that’s it.

PGN: And what’s the joy in doing Martha? DVR: There’s a pleasure I get when playing with that gender line, breaking the rules. Martha can be both vulnerable and sexually aggressive, two things I’m not known for. It’s fun deviating from my polite, middle-class, button-down side. It’s a vacation from my usual self. And it’s funny, a lot of people tell me they feel somehow liberated just watching her.

PGN: And what did the parents do? DVR: They’re interpreters. They both speak several languages — Spanish, English, French and, in a pinch, a little Italian and Portuguese. That’s why we lived in D.C., because there are a lot of international events and conferences. My mom worked mostly with the State Department so she’s worked with various presidents along the way. PGN: Pretty cool. Did you get to hob knob with Washington big wigs? DVR: Not really, though my sister did get to go to Amy Carter’s birthday party. Amy was very shy as well. I understand she read a book during the party. PGN: My old roommate loved Jimmy Carter just because of one event, a Kennedy Honors kind of thing, where Amy sat on the floor of the presidential box coloring. She was a polite kid but a little nerdy and she thought it said a lot that her parents just let her be a kid. DVR: Yeah, even though he was not very popular back then, I think as time goes on, more people will find that he’s the president that people will want to emulate.

exposed us to a lot of different kinds of performance. He showed us a video of Martha Graham’s “Night Journey” and I thought, My God, that’s so crazy, dramatic, beautiful ... I want to do that in some way. Later I took some classes at the Martha Graham School and fell in love with the technique and all of its crazy, bendy, pretzely amazingness. She invented an entire dance technique that no one had ever seen before. She was a kind of lonely genius, a tiny, wizened old lady who smelled like vodka. She could be a great teacher and also say the meanest things imaginable. She was a larger-than-life diva and I was inspired by her. I used to go see drag shows with a friend and fell in love with Raven O and Joey Arias. They could be saucy and mischievous or sing and break your heart. One day joking around I decided to do drag, so I lip-synched for my roommates and that was the start. Then I started to guest sing with a friend from Pig Iron who had a band and that’s how Martha Graham Cracker was born. Originally, she had a twin named Polly von a Cracker, but she was killed off.

— said to me, “Turn around! Look at that!” And I, being the trusting fool that I was, turned and looked where he pointed, and he yanked down my pants in front of everyone! [Laughs.] Thank God the teacher tore him a new one, or that could have deterred me from a life in theater. PGN: That goes against the grain of a trust exercise. When did you first do drag? DVR: When I was in college we had an amazing teacher, Alan Taharski, who

PGN: I watched some of your videos and, in addition to enjoying the fact that in your act, you are actually singing, not lipsynching, I loved your arrangements. You did a real sultry, jazzy version of “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina,” which was really great. I emailed it to my brother who sings with Milan 77. DVR: I have to credit my band for that, they’re a-mazing. We do straight covers too, but we try to do at least a few songs where at first you’re like, “I have no idea what song this is,” and then somewhere in the middle you’re like, “Oh! That’s ‘Got to be Starting Something.’” I’m proud of the musical sophistication that comes with playing with such a tight band. PAGE 58

DANCE PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

Dance company creates winter wonderland in new holiday show By Larry Nichols larry@epgn.com

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Out choreographer Brian Sanders and his company, JUNK, are getting into the holiday spirit with their latest production, “Snowball,” a family-friendly dance performance and urban winter fairytale. Yes, you read it right. JUNK is putting on a family-friendly show. We were shocked to hear it too, but Sanders points out that people who only know the group’s edgier work don’t know the full scope of the shows his company performs on a regular basis. “Primarily because of Fringe Festival, JUNK is well-known for being inappropriate for a family audience, but we actually do quite a bit of touring with a family-oriented show and we actually have a dedicated children’s program,” Sanders said. “Although part of us are known for our boundary-pushing, there’s another part of us that performs every year at the Philadelphia International Children’s Festival. We perform at the Art Museum for Family Night Out. So it’s not really a new endeavor for me.” Yet, while children’s shows are nothing new for Sanders, getting into the spirit of the season is. “What is new for me is a holiday show,” he said. “It’s been an underlying fantasy, dream and compulsion of mine for years and I finally got up the courage to go for it.” Set to a soundtrack of ’80s music, “Snowball” follows a group of colorful characters (lost boys, toad kings and a fairy godmother) journeying through a bleak and unforgiving winter, eventually finding their way into a frozen fantasia where an evil ice queen must be defeated to bring their city back to life. “It’s celebration of the holiday spirit,” Sanders said about the inspiration for the show. “When I was 11 years old, I performed in ‘The Nutcracker,’ and it was one of my first big onstage productions. I’ve become a Nutcracker addict ever since. I always wanted to do some version of my own Nutcracker. There have been so many modern-dance Nutcrackers and I didn’t want to go that way, so I’m trying something new by putting JUNK in a holidayshow environment and by creating a holiday show that isn’t typical.” We assumed that Sanders would be drawing inspiration from many of the animated holiday specials we watched as children, but we found out, surprisingly enough, that he missed out on a lot of those experiences. “I grew up without a television for most

Photo: Ted Lieverman

of my young life,” he admitted. Whaaat? For real? “I actually didn’t have any [favorite Christmas specials],” he said. “I have a hole in my heart in the sense of holiday shows. As a kid, there was lot of live performing arts but the holidays weren’t a time of year to go see shows. So maybe that’s what it is and where the compulsion [to do this show] comes from.” Sanders said the show is equally entertaining for young and old but that one segment of the audience is slightly more important when he considers the appeal. “The younger audience are always the best critics,” he said. “They rule the day in that respect. The younger audiences are also more open. I’m also very driven to make it appealing to both, having an adult appeal and a childlike sense of fantasy at the same time. It’s really important for me to have a Bugs Bunny-style of cartoon life that is amusing and humorous for adults and slapstick-funny for kids.” And if the humor doesn’t grab the youngsters’ attention, the snowball fight that breaks the fourth wall with the audience will. “That’s one thing that I don’t like that I’m going to try and do,” Sanders said about live-audience participation. “I’ve never liked it as an audience member. The audience gets to partake. I feel like JUNK’s mission is to make dance more accessible, to make it friendlier and not so stuffy. The audience won’t have to sit quietly with their hands crossed. Maybe once or twice I’ve wanted to throw cabbage on the stage, if I must confess. And now I’m giving the audience permission to throw their own version of cabbage, which will be snowballs.” ■ The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents “Snowball” by Brian Sanders’ JUNK, Dec. 4-15 at Harold Prince Theatre, 3680 Walnut St. For more information or tickets, call 215-898-3900 or visit annenbergcenter.org or briansandersjunk.com/ snowball.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

TV &PGN COMICS

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

Worth Watching ’TIS THE SEASON: When Charlie Brown complains about the overwhelming materialism he sees among everyone during the holiday season, he needs Linus’ help to learn what the real meaning of Christmas is in the animated classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” 8 p.m. Dec. 2 on ABC.

ANY GIVEN WEDNESDAY: With a big football game coming up and a record to break, gay Coach Cam (Eric Stonestreet) is intensely focused and showing no mercy, even when the opposing team is playing with an unexpected disadvantage on a new episode of “Modern Family,” 9 p.m. Dec. 4 on ABC. Photo: ABC/ Peter Hopper Stone

JINGLE BELL (30) ROCK: Herald the arrival of the holidays and the lighting of the world’s most famous Christmas tree during the 16th annual “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” telecast, featuring musical guests Mary J. Blige, Toni Braxton, Mariah Carey, Kelly Clarkson, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Goo Goo Dolls, Ariana Grande and Jewel, performing current hits and holiday classics, 8 p.m. Dec. 4 on NBC. Photo: NBC

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THE HILLS ARE LIVE!: Catch worldpremiere television event “The Sound of Music Live!,” a live telecast based on the stage version of the 1959 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, starring Grammy Award winner Carrie Underwood as Maria, 8 p.m. Dec. 5 on NBC. Photo: NBC/Nino Munoz

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Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

OUT & ABOUT The week ahead Fri. 11/29 Josh’s Dinner Party: A Fundraiser for the Youth of Mazzoni Center Dinner, dancing and drag, starting 7 p.m. at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.; http:// mazzonicenter.org/ programs/youthservices. The Machine The Pink Floyd tribute band performs 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215572-7650. Vivaldi’s Four Seasons The Philadelphia Orchestra performs 8 p.m. at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-7905847

Back to the’ 80s Show with Jessie’s Girl The cover band performs 8:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.;

Sat. 11/30 302-994-1400. The Muppets The 2011 film is screened 2 p.m. at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610917-0223. Brian McKnight, Musiq Soulchild and Avant The R&B singers perform 7 p.m. at House of Blues, 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-343-4000.

John Pinette The comedian performs 7 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-5727650. Almost Queen The Queen tribute band performs 8 p.m. at Sellersville Theatre 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville; 215257-5858. Tony Bennett The jazz singer performs 8 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Samantha Ronson The out DJ performs 10 p.m. at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Mur Mur Nightclub, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS PGN

Sun. 12/01 Scrambled Eggs & Wobbly Legs: A BeerLover’s Brunch Sample American craft brews and creative beer cocktails, paired with new twists on traditional breakfast favorites, 11 a.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

Mon. 12/02 Free Quizzo and Board Game Night Roll the dice, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400. Daley The U.K. pop/ R&B singer performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.

A MOVING TRIBUTE: Local dance company PHILADANCO! performs a show celebrating the artistry of Christopher L. Huggins Dec. 6-8 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-790-5800.

The Nightmare Before Christmas The 1993 animated film is screened 8 p.m. at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.

“American Mirror: The Life and Art of Norman Rockwell” hosts a reading at 7:30 p.m. at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-6865322.

Tue. 12/03

Wed. 12/04

MGMT The psychedelic rock band performs 8 p.m. at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800745-3000.

4W5 Blues Jam Local musicians get down, 7 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400.

Deborah Solomon The author of

Q102 Jingle Ball The concert

featuring performances by Robin Thicke, Flo Rida, Pitbull, Fall Out Boy, Austin Mahone, Paramore, Avril Lavigne, Fifth Harmony, Jason Derulo and Icona Pop, 7:30 p.m. at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215389-9543.

Thu. 12/05 Cedric the Entertainer The comedian performs 8 p.m. at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick

Ave.; 215-5727650. The Second City’s NutCracking Holiday Revue The sketch comedy group performs 8 p.m. at World Cafe Live at the Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-994-1400.

Fri. 12/06 P!nk The pop singer performs 8 p.m. at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215389-9543. ■

NOT BUBBLEGUM: After selling out her last Philly show earlier this year, global pop/rock superstar P!nk makes a victory lap through town, performing 8 p.m. Dec. 6 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-389-9543

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PGN LISTINGS

Opening Brian Sanders’ Snowball The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents the holiday show by the out choreographer Dec. 4-15 at Harold Prince Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900. Grimaud and Symphonie Fantastique The Philadelphia Orchestra performs Dec. 5-8 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800. Holiday Pops! Peter Nero and the Philly Pops perform Dec. 6-21 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800. Lewis Black The comedian performs Dec. 6-7 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-3171000. PGMC: Cool Yule Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus performs a holiday concert Dec. 5-7 at Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.; www.pgmc. org. PHILADANCO! The dance company performs Dec. 6-8 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.

Continuing The Enchanted World of German Romantic Prints Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of prints created by Austrian, German and Swiss artists through Dec. 15, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100. From Philadelphia to Monaco: Grace Kelly, Beyond the Icon James A. Michener Art Museum hosts an exhibition tracing the unique path Grace Kelly took from Philadelphia to Monaco, through Jan. 26, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215-340-9800. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Media Theatre presents the classic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical through Jan. 4, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-8910100. Léger: Modern Art and the Metropolis Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of 160 works and a multimedia exhibition of important paintings by the French painter Fernand Léger through Jan. 5, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

HOLIDAY SWINGING: The holidays jump, jive and wail when The Brian Setzer Orchestra swings into the area for a concert of holiday music 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at The Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del. For more information or tickets, call 302-652-5577.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

Sophie Tucker: The Last of the Red Hot Mamas Walnut Street Theatre presents the story of America’s queen of the double entendre, through Dec. 29, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550. The Surrealists: Works from the Collection Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of the museum’s unique collection of great masterpieces and lesserknown works of the movement through March 2, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.

Closing All Dressed Up: Fashions for Children and Their Families Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of clothing from the late-18th through mid-20th centuries, comparing and contrasting adults’ apparel with children’s smaller styles, through Dec. 1, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-7638100. Chris Cornell The rock singer performs 9 p.m. Nov. 2930 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast The musical based on the classic fairytale, Nov. 26-Dec. 1 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847. Monty Python and the Holy Grail The classic comedy film is screened Nov. 29-30 at Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610-917-0223. Todd Glass The out comedian performs Nov. 27 and 29-30 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001. ■

Scott A. Drake Photography 267-736-6743 Holiday pet portraits $40 through Dec. 15

BRITISH INVASION: U.K. pop/R&B Daley is on this side of the pond in support of his debut album “Days and Nights,” performing 8 p.m. Dec. 2 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. For more information or tickets, call 215-222-1400.

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.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

FUN PGN & GAMES

Q Puzzle The big mermaid Across

1. Lance once of ‘N Sync 5. Impotence confession 10. Mush 14. Madeline of “Young Frankenstein” 15. Jewish scripture 16. “___ that dares not speak its name” 17. Where a cobbler puts the tongue 18. Blow job, when you’re not in the mood 19. Tributes in verse 20. He did a spoof on the horrors of ENDA 23. Where Patty Sheehan putts it 24. Tricks 25. Lands in the lake 27. Worker at the bottom 29. Sticky-tongued critters

30. With 38-Across, one of the horrors of ENDA 35. “Born Free” lioness 36. Subject to random chance 37. Prefix with peein’? 38. See 30-Across 40. Enjoyed a cologne queen, old-style 41. The color purple and more 42. There are a lot in a lot 43. Tool of Emma Stebbins 47. “Faboo!” 48. Word in the spoof for a mermaid that can’t be fired because of ENDA 52. Bite it 53. Rifles 54. Lincoln-Douglas debates subject Scott 56. Hit on the head 57. You must remember this 58. Morales of “NYPD Blue”

PORTRAIT from page 45

PGN: Who are your musical inspirations? DVR: If I could live inside Aretha Franklin for a month I’d die. I’d flip out if I met her. When I’m bored I just watch old videos of Patti LaBelle and Aretha Franklin or old episodes of “Soul Train.” PGN: When did you start Pig Iron? DVR: In 1995. As I mentioned, we all went to Swarthmore College. Right after we graduated we went our separate ways for a while and then someone, it may have been a teacher, said that the best arts festival in the world was the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. It’s the festival that Philly’s is based on. So we gathered back at college and were able to use the theater during the summer and we rented a professor’s house and created a piece based on “The Odyssey.” It’s not something I’d want anyone to see today but we did it and we got to Edinburgh. We all got food poisoning, which was a little scary, but otherwise it was great. We got a five-star review in “The Scotsman” and were able to charge for the shows, which was enough to help cover the plane tickets. We did it a few years and won the Spirit of the Fringe Award, and then heard they were starting a Fringe Fest here and thought maybe we should skip Edinburgh and perform in Philly, and maybe we should just move to Philly. Trying to open a theater company in New York just seemed too daunting. It’s expensive and there are too many distractions for an actor. On any given day, someone might be offered voiceover work or a role off-Broadway or on a film shooting; it’s hard to keep people together in a company there. And in Philly, we’d at least have a place to rehearse. We did a piece for the first Philly Fringe called “Cafeteria” that went over really, really well. It was

59. Spanking spot 60. Aden is its capital 61. Feudal slave

Down

1. Library inventory (abbr.) 2. Sounds of “Baby, that was good!” 3. One that holds your belt in a gay bar 4. Showed disdain for 5. Has a seven-year problem with Marilyn? 6. “Suzanne” composer Leonard 7. Middle name of “Viva, Las Vegas” singer 8. Undercover crack investigator, perhaps 9. Field for Jane Spahr 10. Shakespeare’s theater 11. Mine bonanzas 12. In-your-face 13. Italian sauce 21. Engages in foreplay 22. Dotterman’s

“Antonia’s ___” 25. Caesar’s way 26. Foot-fetish target 27. Summer fruits 28. “Horny” animals 30. Personal-lubricant ingredient 31. Roundworms 32. Lovers have intercourse in this 33. Gardner of mystery 34. Goes to seed 36. Dirty dealing 39. Mother of Poseidon 40. Hit boxers 42. Incites to attack 43. Steadying wedge 44. Marsh wader 45. Cara of “Fame” fame 46. What the boastful blow 47. “Try someone else” 49. Opening 50. Come and go 51. Cause of the Tin Woodsman’s rust 55. “What’s the ___?”

a wordless piece about the American life cycle, so it began in a junior-high cafeteria and went to a corporate cafeteria and ended in an old-folks home. It was very poetic, almost a dance piece. To this day, it’s one of my favorite works. It was a big success and we felt that Philly seemed to want us. So we stayed and have gone through all the ecstasies and agonies of owning a small business — from keeping all the files in our bedrooms because we didn’t have an office, to when we got a little tiny office space and could actually hire someone to write our grants for us. Slowly over time, we were able to make something of the company and stabilize it. We celebrated our 10th anniversary in 2005. We did four revivals and one new production, plus a cabaret series — it almost killed us! But it was a big milestone and we wanted to celebrate it. And 2015 is right around the corner so we’re going to have to figure out how to celebrate it. We’ve now opened up a school as well, and our first-ever class of 15 graduated last June. PGN: And what is a pig iron? DVR: It’s a block of crude iron. A counterbalance weight that is used backstage to maneuver scenery, curtains, etc. PGN: Who would you like to do a drag makeover on? DVR: Maybe the Obamas. They’d be good sports and I think he’d make a really beautiful woman. I’d do Michelle up as a drag king with a mustache and goatee. PGN: My beauty inspiration was ... DVR: My grandmother was a kind of reallife Joan Crawford or Katharine Hepburn and I have always loved that old-time Hollywood glamour. And it’s a bonus that I can hide my wide shoulders under the shoulder pads of that era.

PGN: Something I wish was still sold in stores ... DVR: A Quiz Wiz, a very simple trivia game from my childhood.

PGN: What one rule did you always disagree with growing up? DVR: Always do things in the proper order.

PGN: Your main flaw? DVR: Doubting myself.

PGN: I wish everyone would ... DVR: I wish everyone would dance in a big, sweaty crowd and sing in harmony and make open eye contact and give free massages to each other.

PGN: The holidays are coming up. Describe your best, wackiest or most memorable gift. DVR: For Christmas, my aunt gifted me the scrap of paper that we had used as a scorecard for Scrabble; it was from a game in which I finally beat my cousin, who is a word whiz. She laminated it, and I treasure it. And recently for my 40th birthday, my friends made a scrapbook for me that really hit me in the gut in the best way. It was perfect, handmade, full of private jokes and memories and ancient snapshots. Also, sometimes I’ve been given ladies’ lingerie for Christmas, for Martha. A practical gift, really. PGN: Who would you call to be bailed out of jail? DVR: My friend Corinna, she wouldn’t judge. PGN: Most useless unique talent? DVR: I know the entire script of the movie “9 to 5” and can recite it ad nauseum. PGN: I love that movie! It never got enough credit. You are planning the most awesome dinner party of your life. Which three celebs, alive or dead, would you put on your guest list? DVR: Aretha Franklin, Bette Davis and Ryan Gosling. PGN: What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done for fun? DVR: I rode on top of a friend’s hood while they spun their car in circles.

PGN: If you could be any kitchen appliance, what would it be and why? DVR: I would be a juicer. I want to squeeze everything out of every situation and also wake you up in the morning with vitamins. ■ For tickets and information about “Twelfth Night, or What You Will,” go to http:// fringearts.ticketleap.com/twelfth-night-orwhat-you-will/#view=calendar and check out Martha Graham Cracker at www.facebook.com/MarthaGrahamCracker. To suggest a community member for Family Portrait, email portraits05@aol. com.

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

LGBT Celebrating Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Companies

TOP COMPANIES

Come Celebrate Brought to you by:

Join PBJ and Philadelphia Gay News for the inaugural Top LGBT Owned Companies Cocktail Reception, where 2014 Book of List* Makers’ rankings will be revealed for the very first time!

When: Tuesday, December 3, 5:00pm – 7:30pm Where: Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, 10 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Congratulations 2013 LGBT List Makers: (Listed in alphabetical order) Absolute Abstract Art LLC Altus Agency Alura Business Solutions Brokers Surplus Agency N.A., Inc. Camden Printworks Capriccio Cafe and Espresso Bars ChatterBlast Media Duross & Langel Giampolo Law Group Hornstein, Platt and Associates Integrity Staffing Solutions Inc. Jerner & Palmer, P.C. Joshua’s Catering

Lyman & Ash Minster & Facciolo, LLC Optimal Sport Health Club Philly Cupcake, LLC Red Paw Emergency Relief Team Siaani Salon State Farm Insurance Co., Sharon Owens Agency The Jack Barry Group The Tactile Group TLA Entertainment Group UCI Architects Inc. WPL Interior Design

*PBJ’s Book of Lists is a compilation of over 4,500 business contacts surveyed in Greater Philadelphia, including LGBT Owned Companies. Questions? Contact Jennifer Wolf at jenniferwolf@bizjournals.com #PBJLGBT

PGN

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

Classifieds Real Estate Sale

Real Estate Sale

Beautiful Private 61.466 acres On private road located 3 miles from Beltzville State Park and 10 minutes from Exit #74 (Mahoning Valley - Northeast Extension) of the PA Turnpike. Address is conveniently located 82 miles from Philadelphia and 100 miles from New York City making for an easy commute in either direction. The home is situated on 2.5 cleared acres and consists of master bedroom with private bath, 2 guest bedrooms with shared bath, living foam with gas ﬁreplace, dining room, kitchen with breakfast bar and laundry area off kitchen. Owner added front, covered deck/porch, back deck and enclosed sunroom that doubles as breakfast nook/living/TV room and 1.5 car detached garage with electric. Property appraised in 2010 at $1,090,000 with 50 of the 60+ acres considered developable. Property can also be used for private hunting with deer, wild turkey and sometimes an occasional bear. Lots of options with this property. Borders gay campground. Being offered at $850,000

For more information call Suzie at (610)377-1721

Real Estate Sale

Help Wanted

SECLUDED HISTORICAL DISTRICT OF LUMBERTON Beaut. rest. 1870’s home, 3 BR, 1.5 BA, 30 mins to Phila. 3 floors, all new HVAC, screened porch, 3/4 acre, mod. kit & baths, beaut. details. $285,000. 609-784-8324. _____________________________________________38-10 QUEEN VILLAGE SPACE Rare bi-lvl on charming st. Open floor plan. Kit w/SS appl, maple cabs. & granite countertops. 2 lg BR & spa like bath. Rear deck. $294,900. Sherry Nunez, Real Living Ramagli, 267-784-2535 or 215-949-3010. _____________________________________________37-48 VENTNOR, NJ House for sale in Ventnor NJ. 2 story 5 bedroom house, needs some repairs. Priced right. Call 215 468 9166. ________________________________________38-01 On Twin Ponds w/ 34 Acres- $39,995 Beautiful Woods w/ Large Wildlife Ponds Full of Ducks, Geese & Deer. Minutes to Syracuse, Salmon River, Oneida Lake. Call 1-800-229-7843. Financing Available. Or visit www. landandcamps.com ________________________________________37-48 Grand Opening Land Sale! Beautifully wooded lot near golf course. Only $59,900. Adjacent lot sold for $339,900! Close to ski resort & spectacular mountain lake. ALL NEW INVENTORY - Must see! Excellent financing. Call now 877-888-7581, x 178 ________________________________________37-48

Heavy Equipment Operator Training! Bulldozers, Backhoes, Excavators. 3 Weeks Hands On Program. Local Job Placement Assistance. National Certifications. GI Bill Benefits Eligible. 1-866-362-6497. ________________________________________37-48 Regional Owner Operators for dedicated run hauling plate glass needed. All Miles Paid! Also need regional stepdeck and RGN Contractors. Contact Daily Express 800-669-6414. ________________________________________37-48 Owner Operator DEDICATED HOME WEEKLY! Solos up to $175,000/year, $2500 Sign-on Bonus! Teams up to $350,000/year, $5000 Sign-on Bonus! Forward Air 888-652-5611. ________________________________________37-48 $1,000 Sign-On Bonus for Regional Drivers! Averitt Offers Excellent Benefits & Weekly Hometime. CDL-A req. 888-362-8608 Apply online at AverittCareers.com Equal Opportunity Employer. Job based in Harrisburg, PA. ________________________________________37-48 NEED CLASS A CDL TRAINING? Start a CAREER in trucking today! Swift Academies offer PTDI certified courses and offer “Best-In-Class” training. *New Academy Classes Weekly *No Money Down or Credit Check *Certified Mentors Ready and Available *Paid (While Traning With Mentor) *Regional and Dedicated Opportunities *Great Career Path * Excellent Benefits Package. Please Call: (866) 271-7613. ________________________________________37-48 Exp. Reefer Drivers: GREAT PAY /Freight lanes from Presque Isle, ME, Boston-Lehigh, PA. 800-277-0212 or driveforprime.com ________________________________________37-48 GORDON TRUCKING CDL-A Truck Drivers. Up to $5,000 Sign-on Bonus & $.56 CPM ! Solos & Teams. Refrigerated Fleet, Great Miles, Full Benefits, Great Incentives. No Northeast ! EOE. Call 7 days/ wk! 866-554-7856 GordonTrucking.com ________________________________________37-48 EARN $500 A-DAY Insurance Agents Needed; Leads, No Cold Calls; Commissions Paid Daily; Lifetime Renewals; Complete Training; Health/Dental Insurance; Life License Required. Call 1-888-713-6020. ________________________________________37-48 Dedicated Class A CDL Drivers Wanted! Weekly Home Time, Competitive Pay, Excellent Benefits Package. Apply online at www.DriveJTC.com or call 866-511-1134 for more information. ________________________________________37-48 CDL-A Drivers: Looking for Higher Pay? New Century is Hiring Exp. Company Drivers and Owner Operators. Both Solo and Teams. Competitive pay package. SignOn Incentive. Also looking for experienced drivers willing to train. Call (888) 903-8863 or apply online at: www. drivenctrans.com ________________________________________38-48

Services AIRLINE CAREERS Begin here-Become an Aviation Maintenance Tech. FAA approved training. Financial aid if qualiﬁed-Housing available. Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-834-9715 ________________________________________37-48 EXP RELIABLE HOUSECLEANER Let me free up your valuable time by cleaning your house or apt. Weekly biweekly monthly. I have 10+ years exp. FREE estimates. Call Wayne 215-422-2654. Ref’s upon request. ________________________________________37-48

Pets Sweet but rambunctious 6 month old cat needs forever home with no small children in it. Super loveable and cuddly, a bit rough with little people. Fixed and has his shots. Please call (315.790.0756) to give Dexter a tryout. ________________________________________37-50

Adoption 



  

 

ADOPTION Childless, loving couple pray to adopt. Stay at home mom, successful dad, great dogs & devoted grandparents. Legally allowed expenses paid. Bill & Debbie 800-311-6090. ________________________________________37-48 ADOPTION A caring married couple seeks to adopt. Will be hands-on mom/devoted dad. Financial security. Expenses paid. Let’s help each other. Jo Ann & John. 1-866-900-9366. ________________________________________37-48

Business Opportunity GREAT OPPORTUNITY IN THE SUBURBS Full service salon has been in business for 41 years. Now looking for the right person to work and to build a clientele for themselves. Commissions as high as 75%. If interested please call 610-367-9686. _____________________________________________37-48

Philadelphia Gay News





   

    

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 real-estate advertising that is in violation of any applicable law.

Gay is our middle name. 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.

PGN

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

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

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

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

COMMERCIAL RETAIL SPACE AVAILABLE

$5,500 /Month

BRAND NEW CONSTRUCTION! This new building is already FAMOUS and has received GLOBAL RECOGNITION. The JOHN C. ANDERSON APARTMENT BUILDING in Center City Philadelphia. This is the VERY FIRST LGBT SENIOR BUILDING in PHILADELPHIA. Be the ﬁrst to open a business in thismarvelous space with plenty of built-in exposure and publicity. Free build-out options available.

JOHN C. ANDERSON APARTMENT BUILDING

GENERAL INFORMATION

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

249 S. 13th Street-Retail, Philadelphia, PA 19107 Building View-Front

PAYMENT AND PLACEMENT

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

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

Total Space Available:

1,700 SF

Rental Rate:

$5,500 /Month

Property Type:

Retail

Property Sub-type:

Street Retail

Construction Status:

Under Construction/Proposed

Building Size:

1,700 SF

Build to Suit:

Yes

CANCELLATION POLICY

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

Help Wanted

dmhFund & Pennrose seeks

Maintenance Superintendent for the historic

John C. Anderson Apartments

Maintenance Superintendent

We currently have an exciting opportunity available for an experienced Maintenance Superintendent to join the Pennrose team at our John C. Anderson site located in downtown Philadelphia. The Maintenance Superintendent of this 56 unit, LGBT Friendly senior community will be responsible for overseeing all maintenance activities at the site including: working on- call, providing exceptional customer service, troubleshooting, appliance repair, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, grounds keeping, general building maintenance and carpentry. Individuals must have high school diploma or equivalent, 2-5 years maintenance or construction experience and, reliable transportation. This is a permanent, fulltime position with competitive salary and beneﬁts package including medical, dental, vision, and 401k along with a quarterly performance bonus plan. For additional information, a complete job description and to apply please go to www.pennrose.com/careers/and click “Apply now” then “Employment Listings” or send resumes to lgiberson@pennrose.com or via fax 267.386.8630

EOE M/F/D/V

John Apar $5,500

BRAND N already F RECOGN APARTM This is th PHILADE marvelou publicity.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

PGN

Friends Men

Services

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. ________________________________________37-49 WM, NE Phila. If you’re looking for hot action, call 215-934-5309. No calls after 11 PM. ________________________________________37-49 BM looking for Native American. Must be handsome and have a big tool like me. Be between 35-50 and free from STDs. Be willing for LTR by 2014. Call 215-763-3391 from 2 PM to 4 AM. ________________________________________37-52

Massage David, 63, 6’, 200 lbs., attentive. 215-569-4949. (24/7) ________________________________________37-48

Deep Tissue, Sensual and Erotic Massage

by handsome athletic man

Ask about the After Midnight Special.

Call Mario anytime 24/7 at 215-490-7353 B24

THE BIGGER, BETTER & CLEANER CLUB IN THE CITY...

ICE ICE BABY Saturday, Dec. 14th - Time: 11pm-3:30am WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & So Much More.

P.A.N.G. (Philadelphia Area Nudist Group) Sunday, Dec. 15th - Time: 3pm- 6pm BOYS WILL BE BOYS- AWAKEN YOUR INNER SPIRIT JOIN PANG FOR: • An Afternoon of Naked Socializing • DJ David Dutch • Special Guest Behind The Bar • Complimentary Food & Beverages & Much More.

For More Information On Group: www.phillynakedguys.com/

SEASON CELEBRATION Saturday, Dec. 21st - Time: 11pm-3:30am

WHAT TO EXPECT: • DJ David Dutch • Complimentary Food & Beverages • A Full House of Guys To Choose From & So Much More CHECK IN EARLY IF YOU WANT A ROOM... ROOMS GO QUICKLY!!!

BUSY TIMES FOR US:

These our are most popular days when people come-

SATURDAY AFTERNOON DELIGHT 4 Hour Lockers (8am - 4pm) Members: $5.00 and Non-Members: $15.00

SUNDAY RELIEF

Half Price Rooms (6am Sunday till 8am Monday) Members: $12.50 and Non-Members: $22.50 JOIN US SUNDAY MORNINGS for COMPLIMENTARY CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST with Fruit, Pastries & Coﬀee TO START YOUR MORNING OFF RIGHT....

MONDAY thru FRIDAY:

Business Mans Locker Special (8am to 4pm) Members: $5.00 and Non-Members: $15.00

TUESDAYS

Half Price Rooms (6am till 12 Midnight) Members: $12.50 and Non-Members: $22.50

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY NIGHT CRUISE

$12 Flat Rate for Locker Admission & Clothing Optional (4pm-12 Midnight) Check out our website for our WEEKLY SPECIALS & JOIN OUR e-mail List to get the latest information on upcoming events....

Don’t forget to visit the Adonis Cinema right next door!! 2026 Sansom St/ PH: 215-557-9319

PGN

Activism/Politics

ACT-UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) meets 6-9 p.m. every Monday at St. Luke and The Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St.; 215-386-1981; www.actupphilly.org. Delaware Valley Chapter, Americans United for Separation of Church and State seeks activists and supporters of church-state separation. Holds monthly meetings and events; www.dvau.org. Equality Pennsylvania holds a volunteer night the second Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m., 1211 Chestnut St., Suite 605; 215-731-1447; www.equalitypa.org. Green Party of Philadelphia holds general meetings the fourth Thursday of the month except August and December, 7 p.m.; 215-243-7103; www.gpop.org. Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club meets seasonally; www.libertycity.org.

Arts

Library Book Club meets to discuss a new book 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at the William Way Center. Men On Tap, an LGBT group that performs with choirs, organizations and at the Fringe Festival, rehearses Mondays at 8 p.m. at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St.; dale@magicalfantasies.com. Philadelphia Freedom Band, an audition-free LGBT band that does concerts and parades, rehearses Mondays 7-9:30 p.m.; philadelphiafreedomband.com. Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus rehearses 7-10 p.m. Wednesdays; 215-731-9230; auditions@pgmc.org. Philadelphia Gay Men’s Opera Club meets to share and listen to recordings 6:30 p.m. the last Saturday of the month; 215-732-7898. Philadelphia Voices of Pride, Philadelphia’s first mixed GLBT chorus, rehearses 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the William Way Center; www.pvop.org. Queer Writer’s Collective workshop and discussion group meets 4-6 p.m. the fourth Saturday of the month at the William Way Center. Reading Queerly, open to all women and genderqueer/ trans people, meets 6:45 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.

Recreation

Gay Bridge Club non-beginners group meets Monday 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the William Way Center; reservations required. Call 215-732-2220. Gay-friendly Scrabble Club meets 6-11 p.m. in the P.I.C. Building, 42nd and Locust streets; 215-382-0789. Gay Opera Guys of Philly, a new group for opera appreciation, meets the last Sunday of the month at 2:30 p.m. in Roxborough/Andorra area; 215-483-1032. Humboldt Society: Lesbian and Gay Naturalists meets the second Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the William Way Center; 215-985-1456; www.humboldtsociety.org. Independence Squares LGBT square-dance club, modern Western square dancing. Monthly open house. Tuesday classes in the fall; Lutheran Church, 2111 Sansom St.; philadances@gmail.com; www.independencesquares.org. Male Oenophile Group forming to discuss, appreciate and taste various wines. Will meet once a month to investigate the nuances and glories of the fermented grape. Call 267230-6750 for more information. Mornings OUT LGBT Senior Social activities for senior gay men are held every Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the William Way Center. PhilaVentures, Philadelphia’s LGBT outdoor group, meets for hikes in Wissahickon Valley and Valley Forge Park; philaventures.org.

Sports

Brandywine Women’s Rugby Club meets for Tuesday and Thursday practice at 8 p.m. Greenfield Park, West Chester; www.brandywinerugby.org. City of Brotherly Love Softball League serves the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Games are played Sundays, beginning in April, at the Dairy and Edgeley Fields in Fairmount Park; www.cblsl.org. Frontrunners running club meets 9:30 a.m. Saturdays for a run and brunch. Lloyd Hall, No. 1 Boathouse Row; www. philadelphiafrontrunners.org. Philadelphia Falcons Soccer Club LGBT and allies; indoor season starts Nov. 4 at Guerin Rec Center and runs through the end of March, every Monday 8-10pm and Sat 2-4pm; www.falcons-soccer.org. Philadelphia Fins Swim Team, male and female swimmers, meets 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday at Friends Select School and 10:30 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays; www.philadelphia-fins.org. Philadelphia Gay Bowling League meets 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays September-April at Brunswick Zone, 1328 Delsea Drive, Deptford, N.J.; 856-889-1434; www.philagaybowling.com.

Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League games played Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at FDR Park. For more information please visit www.phillyflagfootball.com Philadelphia Gryphons Rugby Football Club seeks players, all skill levels welcome; meets 7:45 p.m. Thursdays at Columbus Square Park, 1200 Wharton St.; 215-913-7531; philadelphiagryphons.org; becomeagryphon@gmail.com. Philadelphia Liberty Belles women’s semi-pro full-tackle football league holds fall tryouts; phillybelles.com. Philadelphia Liberty Tennis Association plays yearround, all skill levels welcome; philadelphialibertytennis. com. Philadelphia Firebirds women’s football team seeks players; www.philadelphiafirebirds.com. Philadelphia Women’s Baseball League seeks players, all skill levels and ages welcome. Practice is Thursdays, 7 p.m. at Marian Anderson Recreation Center, 17th and Fitzwater streets, with games on Sundays 2:30 p.m.; phillywomensbaseball.com; contact Narda Quigley, (day) 215991-5995 or (evening) 301-919-1194. Philly Gay Hockey Association Philadelphia Phury seeks players; 917-656-1936; phury@gayhockey.org. Philly QCycle LGBT bicycling club promotes organized recreational riding for all levels in the Greater Philadelphia region. Contact the organization via Facebook. Rainbow Riders of the Delaware Valley motorcycle club meets regularly; 215-836-0440; www.groups.yahoo.com/ group/rainbowridersdv/. Rainbow Rollers gay and lesbian bowling league meets 7:45 p.m. Tuesdays at Boulevard Lanes in Northeast Philadelphia; rainbowrollers.com. Spartan Wrestling Club, the gay wresting team, meets 6:30-9 p.m. Mondays (no August practice) at the First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St.; 215-732-4545; www. phillyspartans.com. Suburban Gay Bowling League bowls at 8 p.m. Thursdays from August-April at Facenda-Whitaker Lanes, 2912 Swede Road, Norristown; sgblbowl@gmail.com. Team Philadelphia, the umbrella group for gay and lesbian sports teams, and individual athletes in the Delaware Valley come together to provide a healthy outlet for all members of the community; teamphiladelphia.org.

Etc.

AIDS Law Project provides free legal assistance to people with HIV/AIDS and sponsors free monthly seminars on work and housing; 1211 Chestnut St., Suite 600; 215-5879377; www.aidslawpa.org. BiUnity, Philadelphia-area social and support network for bisexuals, their family members and friends meets the second Friday of every other month at the William Way Center; www.biunity.org. Delaware Valley Pink Pistols for LGBT people dedicated to legal, safe and responsible use of firearms for selfdefense; meets 2 p.m. the third Saturday of the month at Classic Indoor Range, 1310 Industrial Blvd., Southampton; 610-879-2364; www.pinkpistols.org. Delaware Pride holds planning meetings 7 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at the United Church of Christ, 300 Main St., Newark; 302-265-3020; delawarepride.org. Haverford College’s Sexuality and Gender Alliance holds open meetings 10-11 p.m. Mondays during the school year in the lounge in Jones Basement at Haverford College, 370 Lancaster Ave.; 610-896-4938. Men and Women for Human Excellence support group meets from noon-2 p.m. the first and third Saturdays of the month at 26th Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue; 267-2733513; cmoore8300@yahoo.com. Long Yang Club Philadelphia social organization for gay Asians and their friends holds monthly socials; www. longyangclub.org/philadelphia. Our Night Out, a casual social networking party of LGBT professionals, friends and colleagues, meets in a different Philadelphia hot spot each month. To receive monthly event invitations, email OurNightOutPhilly@gmail.com; more information on Facebook. Philadelphia Bar Association Legal Advice offered 5-8 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month; 215-238-6333. Philadelphia Prime Timers club for mature gay and bisexual men and their admirers meets regularly; primetim ersofphiladelphia@yahoo.com. Philadelphians MC Club for leather men and women meets 7:30 p.m. the first and third Monday of the month at The Pit at The Bike Stop, 201 S. Quince St.; philadelphiansmc.org. Rainbow Amateur Radio Association ARRL-affiliated, weekly HF nets, quarterly newsletter; www.rara.org. Silver Foxes, a social and educational group for gays and lesbians 50 and older, meets 3-5 p.m. the fourth Sunday of the month at the William Way Center. SNJ Queers meets monthly for queer/queer-friendly folks in South Jersey to mix and mingle. Search for SNJ Queers on Facebook; contact Wendy at 856-375-3708 or wmf69@comast.net.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

Community Bulletin Board 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. Groups meet and activities are held 4-7 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and 48:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Case management, HIV testing and smoking cessation are available MondayFriday. See the Youth section for more events.

■ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center at the University of Pennsylvania 3907 Spruce St., 215-898-5044; center@dolphin. upenn.edu. Regular hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday. Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

■ ActionAIDS: 215-981-0088 ■ AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania: 215-587-9377 ■ AIDS Law Project of Southern New Jersey: 856-933-9500 ext. 221 ■ AIDS Library: 215-985-4851 ■ ACLU of Pennsylvania: 215592-1513 ■ AIDS Treatment Fact line: 800662-6080 ■ Barbara Gittings Gay and Lesbian Collection at the Independence Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library: 215-685-1633 ■ The COLOURS Organization, Inc.: 215-496-0330 ■ District Attorney LGBT Liaison: Helen “Nellie” Fitzpatrick, 215-6869980, helen.fitzpatrick@phila.gov

■ Rainbow Room — Bucks County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Allies Youth Center 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays: Salem UCC Education Building, 181 E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-957-7981 ext. 9065 rainbowroom@ppbucks.org.

■ William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220; www.waygay.org. Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Peer counseling: 6-9 p.m. Monday through Friday Library hours: noon-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; noon-3 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday. Volunteers: New Orientation: First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

Key numbers

of Lesbians and Gays (Philadelphia): 215-572-1833

■ Equality Pennsylvania: 215731-1447; www.equalitypa.org

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

■ Equality Forum: 215-732-3378

■ Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force: 1-877-pride-2000

■ GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization: 215-8511822 ■ LGBT Elder Initiative: 267-5463448; info@LGBTEI.org ■ LGBT Peer Counseling Services: 215-732-TALK ■ Mayor’s Director of LGBT Affairs: Gloria Casarez, 215-6862194; Gloria.Casarez@phila.gov; ■ Mazzoni Center: 215-563-0652; Legal Services: 215-563-0657, 866-LGBT-LAW; Family & Community Medicine: 215-563-0658 ■ Parents, Families and Friends

■ Police Department liaison — Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel: 215-686-3318 ■ Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee: 215-760-3686 (Rick Lombardo); ppd.lgbt@gmail.com ■ Philly Pride Presents: 215875-9288 ■ SPARC — Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition: 717-9209537 ■ Transgender Health Action Coalition: 215-732-1207 (staffed 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)

Health

Anonymous, free, conﬁdential HIV testing Spanish/English counselors offer testing 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 216 W. Somerset St.; 215763-8870. ActionAIDS Provides a range of programs for people affected by HIV/AIDS, including case management, prevention, testing and education services at 1216 Arch St.; 215-981-0088; www.actionaids.org. GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization Free, anonymous HIV testing from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1207 Chestnut St., fifth floor; noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St.; 215-851-1822 or 866-222-3871; www.galaei. org. Spanish/English HIV treatment Free HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment for Philadelphia residents are available from 9 a.m.-noon Mondays (walk-in) and 5-8 p.m. Thursdays (by appointment) at Health Center No. 2, 1720 S. Broad St.; 215685-1821. HIV health insurance help Access to free medications and confidential HIV testing

■ Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia Board meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at 100 S. Broad St., Suite 1810; free referral service at 215-6279090; www.galloplaw.org. ■ Greater Philadelphia Professional Network Networking group for area business professionals, selfemployed and business owners meets monthly in a different location throughout the city; www. gppn.org; 215-922-3377. ■ Independence Business Alliance Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays at 13 S. MacDade Blvd., Suite 108, Collingdale; Medical Office Building, 722 Church Lane, Yeadon; and 630 S. 60th St.; 610-586-9077. Mazzoni Center LGBTQ counseling and behavioral health services, HIV/ AIDS care and services, case management and support groups; 21 S. 12th St., eighth floor; 215-563-0652; www. mazzonicenter.org. Mazzoni Center Family & Community Medicine Comprehensive primary health care, preventive health services, gynecology, sexual-health services and chronic-disease management, including comprehensive HIV care, as well as youth drop-in (ages 14-24) 5-7p.m. Wednesdays; 809 Locust St.; 215-563-0658. Washington West Project of Mazzoni Center Free, anonymous HIV testing. Walk-ins welcome 9 a.m.-9 pm. Monday-Friday, 1-5p.m. Saturday; 1201 Locust St.; 215-985-9206.

Professional groups Chamber of Commerce, providing networking, business development, marketing, educational and advocacy opportunities for LGBT and LGBT-friendly businesses and professionals; www. IndependenceBusinessAlliance. com; 215-557-0190; 1717 Arch St., Suite 3370. ■ National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association Philadelphia chapter of NLGJA, open to professionals and students, meets for social and networking events; www.nlgja.

org/philly; philly@nlgja.org. ■ Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus Regional organization dedicated to promoting LGBT tourism to the Greater Philadelphia region, meetings every other month on the fourth Thursday (January, March, May, July, September and the third Thursday in November), open to the public; P.O. Box 58143, Philadelphia, PA 19102; www.philadelphiagaytourism. com; 215-840-2039.

Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com Nov. 29 - Dec. 5, 2013

CONNECTING. COMMUNITY.

PGN