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PA G E 4 PA G E 2 PA G E 1 2
THE MOST LGBTQ RELEVANT HRC PRESIDENT LAUNCHES PPD WELCOMES FIRST OPENLY
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY RACES INTERFAITH TOUR IN PHILLY TRANS ACADEMY GRADUATE
On April 28, along with voting in the presidential primary, “God is a lover of justice,” declared Human Rights Campaign The Philadelphia Police Academy saw its first transgender
residents will vote for new and existing candidates running (HRC) President Alphonso David from the pulpit of the His- graduate, Benson Churgai, sworn into the Philadelphia Police
for the state House of Representatives and Senate. toric African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas. Department, as part of PPD’s 391st class, on Feb. 28.
2 LOCAL
Philadelphia Gay News . MARCH 6 - MARCH 12, 2020
Be seen.
Lankenau Medical Center | Bryn Mawr Hospital | Paoli Hospital | Riddle Hospital
Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital | Mirmont Treatment Center | HomeCare & Hospice | Lankenau Institute for Medical Research
mainlinehealth.org/beseen
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Philadelphia Gay News . MARCH 6 - MARCH 12, 2020
Office Manager/
Distribution
Don Pignolet (ext. 200)
don@epgn.com
Editor
Jess Bryant (ext. 206)
editor@epgn.com
Staff Writers
Michele Zipkin (ext. 215)
michele@epgn.com
Editorial Designer/
Illustrator
MICHELE ZIPKIN add sexual orientation, gender identity and ing an eye on, that Republicans want to try
Ash Cheshire (ext. 210)
ash@epgn.com michele@epgn.com gender expression to Pennsylvania’s ex- to move the needle or at least create confu-
isting nondiscrimination law. He co-spon- sion in terms of my race.”
Web Designer The Pennsylvania Democratic Primary sored the bill that Rep. Dan Frankel, Rep. Kenyatta’s challenger is Charlotte Greer-
Sean Dorn (ext. 211) elections are nearing. On April 28, along Brian Sims and others have been pushing. Brown. Her Facebook campaign page says
sean@epgn.com with participating in the presidential prima- Sen. Farnese co-sponsored the bill in Penn- she has worked to create jobs, improve
ry, residents will vote for new and existing sylvania’s senate. education, provide resources for displaced
Photographer candidates running for the state House of Kenyatta said, “It’s just on its face ab- youth and assist those experiencing men-
Kelly Burkhardt Representatives and Senate. This year, four surd — depending on the county you’re in, tal health disorders through the National
burkhardtkelly@gmail.com
races are particularly relevant to LGBTQ your right to housing and to be free from Council for Behavioral health. She cur-
Advertising Sales voters. Out Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta of the discrimination in employment can be in- rently serves as the CEO and founder of
Joe Bean (ext. 219)
181st District faces Democratic challeng- fringed on.” the Elite 30 Association and Coalition, a
joe@epgn.com er Charlotte Greer-Brown; Out Rep. Brian Kenyatta also emphasized the impor- nonprofit that provides resources for Black/
Sims, who represents the 182nd District, tance of his forthcoming bill requiring state African-North American and underserved
Prab Sandhu (ext. 212) is running against Marisa Shaaban; Rep. forms that collect demographic data to in- communities experiencing poverty, psy-
prab@epgn.com
Mary Isaacson of District 175 faces three clude an optional LGBTQ identifier, and a chological warfare and lack of education.
National Advertising challengers — Andre Del Valle, Vanessa resolution calling for implicit bias training She also worked as a legislative assistant
Rivendell Media: McGrath and Jeff Dempsey; Sen. Larry for all government employees and contrac- and community outreach specialist for for-
212-242-6863 Farnese of the first Senatorial District faces tors. mer State Representative Curtis Thomas.
a challenger in Nikil Saval. He considers deep poverty to be one of She deems gun violence as related to
IT Consultant Successful campaigns often — not al- the most pressing issues for Pennsylvania youth populations as one of the most press-
Micah Mahjoubian ways — rely on successful financing ef- as a whole and co-sponsored a resolution ing issues in Philadelphia, according to her
forts. According to the Pennsylvania State recognizing poverty as a public health cri- campaign page.
Department Campaign Finance Online Re- sis. He also pointed out the extent to which Greer-Brown did not respond to PGN’s
porting records for the year 2019, Kenyatta the poverty crisis affects LGBTQ com- request for comment.
Phone: 215-625-8501 PGN has an ending cash balance of $27,574.53, munities, largely due to lack of cultural- Rep. Brian Sims was elected to the State
Fax: 215-925-6437 505 S. Fourth St.
E-mail: pgn@epgn.com Philadelphia, PA with no unpaid debts and obligations; Sims ly-competent employers who are willing House of Representatives in 2012, as the
Web: www.epgn.com 19147-1506 has $6,660.74 in funds, with $50,000 in to hire queer workers, especially trans indi- first openly gay state legislator in Pennsyl-
unpaid debts and obligations; Isaacson has viduals, he said. vania. During his time in office, his prior-
Philadelphia Gay News $86,784.02 in available funding, with no Kenyatta, who secured a 2020 Working ities have been strengthening public edu-
is a member of:
The Associated Press unpaid debts; McGrath has a balance of Families endorsement for his work fighting cation, protecting resources and services
Pennsylvania Newspaper $24,186.40 and no unpaid debts; Dempsey to help improve working conditions and for seniors, bolstering civil rights for all
Association
Suburban Newspapers has an ending cash balance of $851.00, with pay for Pennsylvania families, said Repub- Pennsylvanians and creating jobs, accord-
of America no unpaid debts; Farnese has $296,334.70 licans targeting Black voters as a method of ing to his biography on pahouse.com. As
in available funds, with $48,321.73 in un- hindering African American voter turnout a legislator, Sims has introduced bills and
The views of PGN are expressed only in the unsigned
“Editorial” column. Opinions expressed in bylined col- paid debts and obligations; Nikil Saval has has been a challenge to his campaign. resolutions in support of the Fairness Act,
umns, stories and letters to the editor are those of the $103,689.10 at his disposal, with no unpaid “One of the things that I think has been protecting minors from conversion thera-
writer, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of
PGN. The appearance of names or pictorial represen- debts. Del Valle and Shaaban have not dis- interesting to watch is the way that the Re- py, implementing comprehensive sex edu-
tations in PGN does not necessarily indicate the sexual closed their financial reports at this time. publican party has targeted North Philly,” cation programs, updating Pennsylvania’s
orientation of that named or pictured person or persons.
Malcolm Kenyatta, the first openly Kenyatta said. “They had this Black Peo- equal pay law and instituting insurance
Copyright © 1976 - 2019 Copyright(s) in all materials
in these pages are either owned or licensed by Masco
LGBTQ person of color elected to the Gen- ple for Trump event in my district. They’re coverage of HIV medications including
Communications Inc. or its subsidiaries or affiliate compa- eral Assembly, has served as a Pennsylva- opening 15 offices across the country, try- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), to name
nies (Philadelphia Gay News, PGN, and its WWW sites.) nia State Rep. since November of 2018. ing to, in my opinion, decrease turnout just a few.
All other reproduction, distribution, retransmission, mod-
ification, public display, and public performance of our When speaking to PGN, he cited several is- among African Americans. I have a Demo- A roughly three-year-long state ethics
materials is prohibited without the prior written consent sues as being important for Pennsylvanians cratic opponent who has been endorsed and probe investigating Sims’ travel fees and
of Masco Communications. To obtain such consent, email
pgn@epgn.com. Published by Masco Communications Inc. — namely the need to pass The Fairness supported by multiple Republican Ward speaking gigs recently re-
© 1976-2019 Masco Communications Inc. ISSN-0742-515
Act, a nondiscrimination law that would leaders. That’s something I’ve been keep- vealed that the representative page 23
MARCH 6 - MARCH 12, 2020 . epgn.com
PGN
5
6 LOCAL
Philadelphia Gay News . MARCH 6 - MARCH 12, 2020
cause our
LGBTQ COMMUNITY SHOWED UP ON SUPER TUESDAY voice is
valued and
The LGBTQ community will, our collective political “pull” in- we have representation, we are
in fact, impact the 2020 primary creases. not ignored in the City of Broth-
and general elections. While PGN “Tonight, LGBTQ people erly Love and Sisterly Affection.
has always known the political showed up in record numbers and Of course, our fight for equity
passion of our LGBTQ readers cemented our status as a crucial is far from over, particularly for
and community, newly available constituency to court. LGBTQ those members of the LGBTQ
statistics are starting to paint an people and our rights have been community that also fight racism,
even clearer picture. on the ballot for decades, com- classism, transphobia, sexism and
Exit polls from NBC News on pelling us to register to vote and transmisogyny. But, we are not
Super Tuesday showed that be- participate in politics rather than ignored, and in this city, we have
tween 6 and 13 percent of vot- let others decide our rights for nondiscrimination protections,
ers identified as LGBTQ in 12 us,” said President of the Human which isn’t true for the state or the
of the 14 states voting. A third Rights Campaign Alphonso Da- rest of the nation.
of the voters were under 30 and vid in an emailed statement. It’s safe to assume that the
60 percent were under 45. Half In Philadelphia, our legislators LGBTQ community surprised
of LGBTQ voters said they were are aware of our commitment to legislators in, say, Texas where HRC
“very liberal,” 30 percent identi- politics. They know how strong the LGBTQ community ac-
fied as “somewhat liberal” and 4 our voice is. Just this week PGN counted for 10 percent of the polls, the less we will be thrown stituency with increasing power.
percent said they were “conserva- spoke to out State Rep. Malcolm primary electorate, and in Okla- to the side. Banning trans people Though we have always fought
tive.” Kenyatta, State Rep. Mary Isaa- homa and Tennesee, where we ac- from the military and stripping against injustice, our numbers
The importance of these statis- cson and Mayor Jim Kenney for counted for 8 percent of the votes trans folks of health care can no (at least our out numbers) are
tics cannot be overstated. When various stories. In another story of cast. Queer folks really came longer be done without notice growing. One out of every 10
candidates and policymakers in ours, the attorney for Boxers’ new through in Maine and Massachu- and will not be a left-alone nod voters on Super Tuesday iden-
the federal government under- ownership thanked out State Rep. setts, where our vote represented to pacify anti-LGBTQ constitu- tified as LGBTQ. This is not a
stand that we are a contingency Sims and Sen. Farnese for their 13 percent of total primary votes. ents. We will fight against such small victory, it is a large, mean-
that brings voters to the polls, work helping Boxers reopen. Be- The more we show up to the discrimination, and we are a con- ingful one. n
SCOTT LIVELY
Once upon a time in a land far, far away condom company hasn’t already done this as oneself homosexual
— aka Germany — there was an ambassa- a giant promotional event. If they ever do, I instead of keeping
dor from the United States. That man “rep- want credit. one’s sexual issues
resented our country exceedingly well” Anyway, Lively writes in a Feb. 21 World- private” part, which
according to Donald Trump, and so he was NetDaily column that he is concerned that kind of makes me
named acting director of national intelli- “the hero we’re rallying behind to fight the skeptical about his
gence. progressive agenda has embraced one of its “I’ve known many”
And that man was gay. Is gay. This is actu- most insidious and destructive tenets.” And claim. If these gay
ally present tense. Richard Grenell is acting by “hero,” yes he means Trump. And by conservatives were
director of national intelligence and also a “insidious and destructive” he means a gay out to him, then
gay. man. they are by Lively’s
Reuters describes Grenell as “a strong Grenell should have “kept his sexual pro- definition an unwit-
supporter of [Trump’s] policies,” which ex- clivities to himself,” Lively writes. But he ting arm of the pro-
plains why Trump was willing to look past didn’t. And by being an out gay man “he gressive movement,
the gay thing. Loyalty to Trump trumps all. crossed the line from expecting reasonable “carrying the pro-
Rumor has it that Grenell was known in tolerance from our genuinely magnanimous gressive agenda behind enemy lines.” eryone in the U.S. should sleep very sound-
Germany to be kind of a jerk. According live-and-let-live society to demanding pub- Like, you know, a horse filled with con- ly because what harm could possibly come
to Reuters, a German lawmaker told them, lic acceptance.” doms and d--ks. from having our national security in the
“His actions have an audience of one: the And Lively has no intention of ever ac- So, like, how does Lively know these gay hands of people who don’t know anything
U.S. president.” cepting homosexuality, something he claims conservatives if being gay is a deal-breaker but think they know everything?
Anyway, as you might imagine, there are is an attack on “the natural family of one for him? Does he just have really good gay- I agree, no one should trust Grenell. No
people upset with Grenell’s new gig. And man and one woman united in life-long mo- dar? Do they just present with better groom- one should trust Trump, either, but you’ll
they should be. After all, Trump’s policies nogamous heterosexual marriage.” ing habits and fashion sense? I seriously recall that Lively referred to Trump as a
are cruel, short-sighted, woefully unin- In fact, Lively claims that “acceptance” want to know. Lively, DM me. “hero.” So. Gays? No. Adulterers and ac-
formed and serve one thing, and that thing of homosexuality will eventually lead to “Richard Grenell is a Trojan Horse,” Live- cused rapists? A-OK. It’s all in God’s plan.
is Trump’s ego. So, since Grenell is a big fan “forced participation in LGBT culture” and ly wrote. “President Trump should not trust Meanwhile, your plan should be to vote.
of these policies: boo. the “punishment of dissenters.” him and neither should we Deplorables.” Vote this entire corrupt administration out.
Ah, but you might imagine that there are And by that, I think Lively means that men Interesting that he should mention that, Check to make sure you’re registered to vote
some who have a problem with Grenell sim- like him will one day be forced to compete because you may recall that Trump pretty at vote.org/am-i-registered-to-vote right
ply because he is gay. on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and will ultimate- much hates the national intelligence com- now. And if you’re not, register, damn it. n
Scott Lively calls Grenell a “homosexual ly be punished by having to “sashay away.” munity because they have facts that conflict
Trojan horse.” I’m not sure what that is, but But don’t get Lively wrong. with Trump’s alternative universe. Lively is D’Anne Witkowski is a poet, writer and co-
I’d like to think it is a giant wooden horse “I’m not saying that a homosexual can’t telling his followers that they shouldn’t trust median living in Michigan with her wife and
that, instead of being filled with Greek sol- be a conservative,” he wrote. “I’ve known Grenell even though Trump literally chose son. She has been writing about LGBT poli-
diers, is filled with nothing but condoms and many.” him because he’s a yes man, living in the tics for over a decade. Follow her on Twitter
dicks. Honestly kind of shocked the Trojan The problem is the “openly declaring same alternative universe as Trump. So ev- @MamaDWitkowski.
MARCH 6 - MARCH 12, 2020 . epgn.com
OPINION
11
He should give
Biden lessons
on how to speak
OP-ED BY NATE OSBURN - PHILLY FOR PETE FOUNDER coherently.”
Philadelphia Police
Department welcomes first
openly trans graduate
new year,
A new federal judge has been assigned to negligence and recklessness. Penn main-
the case of “Jane Doe,” a transgender wom- tains those allegations would be more ap-
an who’s suing the University of Pennsylva- propriate in a medical-malpractice suit,
nia for alleged anti-trans bias and wrongful which Doe hasn’t filed.
new job
termination. Penn defendants also want Marston to
U.S. District Judge Karen S. Marston dismiss a bias claim Doe filed under the
will replace U.S. District Judge Mitchell S. Americans With Disabilities Act, on the ba-
Goldberg in the case, it was announced on sis that Doe hasn’t shown that her gender
Feb. 27. “Jane Doe,” claims she was mis- dysphoria limits her life activities. Doe’s
treated during a routine medical procedure rebuttal filing emphasizes the ways her
at the Hospital of the University of Pennsyl- gender dysphoria limits her life activities.
Philadelphia Gay News (PGN) currently has immediate opening for advertising
vania on Feb. 20, 2018. After the incident, “[Doe] has alleged substantial limitation
sales position available for an energetic, self-motivated individual with outstand-
she claims she had difficulty returning to of major life activities, including the fact
ing communication skills.
work because the hospital exacerbated her that she couldn’t go to work because of
Our ideal candidate must have polished sales skills with experience in lead genera- gender dysphoria, Four months later, HUP her gender dysphoria and couldn’t social-
tion and cold calling, combined with a track record of closing the sale. fired her. She filed a federal antibias lawsuit ize because of gender dysphoria — and
Qualifications: * Two years minimum of successful sales experience, former print against Penn in July 2019. defendants’ failure to recognize it — mis-
and/or advertising sales are a plus * Strong verbal and writing skills * Excellent at On Aug. 14, 2019, President Trump an- gendering her and manhandling her while
relationship building * Ability to work independently and part of a team * Knowl-
nounced his intent to nominate Marston she was a patient. These important occu-
edge of local media market and LGBT community a plus * Computer literacy a
to serve as a federal judge for the Eastern pational and social functions were sub-
District of Pennsylvania. On Sept. 9, 2019, stantially limited by her gender dysphoria
must
her nomination was sent to the U.S. Senate. and defendants’ discrimination against
Salary/Benefits: Competitive Salary based on your past experience, plus commis- On Dec. 19, 2019, her nomination was con- her because of it,” the rebuttal brief states.
sion. Our benefits package includes medical and dental insurance, paid holidays, firmed by a Senate vote of 87–6. Additionally, Doe’s filing asserts that
vacation and a casual work environment. “Karen Marston has served her com- Penn defendants never discussed pro-
Qualified individuals interested in applying are encouraged to send their résumé. munities admirably as a 5th-grade school viding reasonable accommodations for
to mark@epgn.com teacher, law professor and federal prosecu- her gender dysphoria. “Defendants have
tor,” U.S. Senator Robert Casey (D-Penn- never discussed nor offered reasonable
sylvania) said in a statement released after accommodation for Ms. Doe’s disabili-
Marston’s Senate confirmation. ty,” the filing states. “HUP and the oth-
In a questionnaire from U.S. Senator er defendants acted with malice and/or
Dianne Feinstein (D- California) prior to reckless indifference, including but not
her confirmation, Marston said she would limited to acting with transphobic hatred.
honor the request of a transgender plaintiff, After the [medical procedure] incident,
defendant or witness who wished to be re- Ms. Doe’s gender dysphoria flared up and
ferred to in accordance with that person’s she experienced difficulty in returning to
gender identity. HUP, her workplace — understandably,
Marston previously served as an assistant given her treatment at the hands of de-
United States attorney in the United States fendants. HUP knew, yet failed to make
Attorney’s Office for the Western District reasonable accommodations for her, then
of North Carolina, receiving the Depart- illegally fired her on June 28, 2018. Ms.
ment of Justice Director’s Award in 2002. Doe could have been reasonably accom-
From 2010–19, she served as an assistant modated but for her employer’s lack of
United States attorney in the United States good faith.”
Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District Doe is seeking an unspecified amount
of Pennsylvania, where she was chief of of damages and a jury trial. As of press-
the office’s Narcotics and Organized Crime time, Penn’s request to dismiss major
section. She has also served as an adjunct portions of Doe’s case remained pending
professor at Temple University Beasley with Marston. Neither side had a com-
School of Law. ment for this update. n
MARCH 6 - MARCH 12, 2020 . epgn.com
PGN
15
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Philadelphia Gay News . MARCH 6 - MARCH 12, 2020
OUR HISTORY, OUR FUTURE “It’s only been open since February,”
from page 16 he said, “word hasn’t spread all through
the system yet. Believe me, when word
tertainment, including a mock marriage gets out they’ll start lining up to get in —
and divorce trial with Dorothy, one of and problem half of ‘em will be phonies
the trans inmates, presiding. The scene, like that Carlos character.”
as Veasey described it, resembled some- Bernsen’s last remark proved to be
thing out of an HBO drama or a Ryan prophetic. The population of Rikers’
Murphy mini-series. Homosexual Housing Wing did increase
Deputy Warden Bernsen, who Veasey once word spread. Inmates did fake be-
interviewed at length, spoke proudly of ing gay in order to gain access. Physical
his being the first prison in the country and verbal abuse did continue. And in
to have special housing for homosexuals. 2005, the wing was discontinued, with
He said the inmates were better adjusted, its 50 inmates forced back into general
much less violent and less likely to cause population. Nowadays, the only similar
trouble. The only big trouble the wing housing for gay prisoners is in Los Ange-
experienced was when Carlos, a hetero- les Men’s Central Jail. Rikers did open a
sexual man who lied about being gay in special transgender housing unit in 2014,
order to gain entry to the wing, began but that wing has had its own struggles,
to dominate the other inmates. The oth- most notably the mysterious death of
ers quickly signed a petition to get him one of its inmates, Layleen Polanco, last
thrown out, and Bernsen obliged. year.
Carlos was not the only problem the Ultimately, the gay men and trans
inmates faced. Because there were such a women that Veasey interviewed shared
small number of them, they did not have a many of the same hopes and concerns
permanent guard assigned to them. Many as many other inmates. They wanted a
of the temporary guards were not at all safe and humane living situation. They
friendly and committed similar verbal wanted to not be called slurs or physi-
abuse as the general population prison- cally abused. They wanted the ability to
ers. But the relative harmony of the gay prepare themselves for life outside of the
wing was due in part to the inmates per- prison walls. Mostly, they wanted the
sonalities but also the fact that there were ability to serve their sentence in peace.
only nine of them. Veasey asked Bernsen And, for a time, Rikers Island gave them
why the population was so low. that. n
SAY
Like many of her fellow candidates and the William Way LGBT Community Center
current legislators, she has plans to fight for and Philadelphia FIGHT to achieve state
the passage of the Fairness Act in Pennsyl- funding, and teamed up with organizations
vania. to reach out to her constituents, including
“I think it’s absolutely outrageous that Philadelphia FIGHT, Institute for Com-
Pennsylvania does not have a law based munity Justice, ACLU-PA Trans Justice
Program, Women in Transition, the Maz-
THEIR
on sexual orientation or gender identity be-
cause all people deserve to be treated equal- zoni Center, the Mayor’s Office of LGBT
ly,” she said. “I will work really hard to put Affairs, GALAEI and Valley Youth House,
an end to discrimination, especially when it Pride Program, according to a press release.
comes to housing, employment and public For Isaacson, reestablishing fair districts
accomodations based on sexual orientation in Pennsylvania is the key to gaining a Dem-
based on sexual identity.” She also plans to ocratic majority in the state legislature and
NAMES
address healthcare for transgender people, passing laws on her most important issues.
specifically reproductive rights for trans “Once we can get fair districts that are
folks, which she believes is continously left more reflective of Pennsylvania, then I
out of legislative conversations. In reach- think that we can take those majorities and
ing out to community members, Shaaban start advancing legislation.”
said she noticed that many Philadelphia Issacson faces three challengers — Va-
residents place particular importance on nessa McGrath, Andre Del Valle and Jeff
environmental issues, which she plans to Dempsey.
address if elected. Mcgrath previously worked as an attor-
Rep. Mary Isaacson told PGN she plans ney and businessperson, and played leading
to focus on education funding and ensur- roles in several Philadelphia-based non- THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN REPORTS 25 TRANSGENDER PEOPLE HAVE BEEN
ing safe schools, working to counter the profits, including PhilaSoup VIOLENTLY KILLED IN 2019. PGN WILL CONTINUE TO SAY THEIR NAMES.
climate change crisis, and remedying lead — an organization that gives page 29
24 PGN
Philadelphia Gay News . MARCH 6 - MARCH 12, 2020
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Philadelphia Gay News . MARCH 6 - MARCH 12, 2020
MOMBIAN
from page 17
MEDIA TRAIL
ongoing characters with same-sex
parents, and the rainbow-themed
school on Chip and Potato has
all-gender restrooms. A few oth-
ers have had queer characters in
single episodes, starting with the
2005 Postcards from Buster epi-
sode “Sugartime” (PBS), which
showed a two-mom family. This
episode was denounced by Presi-
dent George W. Bush’s Secretary of
South Carolina Washington schools or colleges that are members of
a state or national athletic association. Education Margaret Spellings, who
sued over its ban on approves banning The bill prohibits those assigned male
at birth from competing in girls or wom-
asked the producers to return all
federal funding. More recently, the
LBGTQ sex ‘gay panic’ defense en’s sports. It comes as three high school 2017 Doc McStuffins episode “The
Emergency Plan” (Disney Channel)
education of homicide girl runners in Connecticut are suing to
block a policy that allows transgender featured a two-mom family, and the
discussions Time Magazine reported a measure
athletes to compete in girls sports. 2019 Arthur episode, “Mr. Ratburn
and the Special Someone” (PBS),
Currently in Ohio, transgender girls
prohibiting homicide defendants from showed Arthur’s teacher marrying
can participate in sports after they have
The Columbian reported it is against claiming a defense based on panic over a husband.
completed a minimum of one year of
state law in South Carolina for public a victim’s sexual orientation or gender The venerable “Sesame Street”
hormone treatment related to gender
school sex education classes to mention identity has been passed by lawmakers has given a few mentions to two-
transition, under Ohio High School Ath-
anything other than heterosexual rela- in Washington State. mom and two-dad families in re-
letic Association rules.
tionships, unless the talk involves sexual- Nine states — California, Connecti- cent years and showed Muppet
Alternatively, transgender girls
ly transmitted diseases. A federal lawsuit cut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Nevada, Grover in a dress in the 2017 song
can compete if they demonstrate to
now aims to change that. New Jersey New York and Rhode Island “Anyone Can Play,” about breaking
OHSAA officials “by way of sound
The National Center for Lesbian Rights — have legislatively banned the use of down gender roles. And actor Billy
medical evidence” that they don’t pos-
and Lambda Legal said their lawsuit filed gay or transgender panic as a legal de- Porter (“Kinky Boots,” “Pose”) will
sess physical advantages over girls of
Feb. 26 seeks to overturn the Compre- fense. appear as a guest in the upcoming
the same age.
hensive Health Education Act of 1988 as The Washington measure, passed by 51st season, wearing a black tuxe-
Similar bills have been introduced in
an unconstitutional violation of the equal the Senate on a bipartisan 46-3 vote Feb. do dress, per photos that the show
Alabama, Arizona, Idaho and Missis-
protection clause of the 14th Amendment. 26, is named after Nikki Kuhnhausen, posted to social media. This will
sippi. The Ohio bill sponsors are Rep. be the first season where episodes
“The law singles out LGBTQ students a transgender teen who was killed last
Jena Powell, of Arcanum in western will debut on the streaming service
for negative treatment,” a news release year.
Ohio, and Rep. Reggie Stoltzfus of Paris HBO Max before airing on PBS
introducing the lawsuit said. “It prevents Kuhnhausen, 17, disappeared in early
Township in northeastern Ohio. Kids. Given the Postcards from
LGBTQ students from receiving any June and her remains were discovered
health education about their relationships Dec. 7, southeast of Battle Ground. A Buster hullabaloo and the current
Vancouver man has been charged with federal administration, that may
except in the context of sexually trans-
mitted diseases, without imposing any second-degree murder and malicious Puerto Rico unfortunately be the only way the
comparable restriction on health educa-
tion about heterosexual people.’’
harassment, which is a hate crime in
Washington.
mourns death of show can both survive and produce
queer-inclusive content.
The law also says that any teacher who The bill, which passed the House ear- Alexa The first and only mainstream
television series for very young
allows “a discussion of alternate sexual lier this month on a 90-5 vote, would
lifestyles” including “homosexual rela- block a defendant from using a defense The recent killing of a transgender children that focuses primarily on a
tionships except in the context of instruc- based on discovery or disclosure of woman, Alexa Negrón Luciano, has family with queer members, howev-
tion concerning sexually transmitted dis- the victim’s actual or perceived gender shocked and angered many in Puerto er, is Hulu’s “The Bravest Knight,”
eases” can be fired. identity or sexual orientation and would Rico. Gov. Wanda Vazquez said it is about a girl learning to be a knight
State Superintendent of Education prevent a claim of “diminished capaci- likely a hate crime on Feb. 25. with the help of her two dads. The
Molly Spearman, named as a defendant ty” because the defendant did not fully While no one has been arrested, she first season premiered last year; a
in the lawsuit, agrees that the law is on comprehend the nature and gravity of said the investigation into the fatal second has not yet been confirmed.
the alleged crime. shooting is being investigated. We need more LGBTQ char-
shaky ground.
The legislation now goes to Gov. Jay “Everything points to this being a hate acters in children’s media for all
She requested an opinion on its consti-
Inslee for his signature. ages, both as minor characters who
tutionality from South Carolina Attorney crime, and that's how it will be treated,”
are simply part of the world and,
General Alan Wilson. That opinion says, she said.
more importantly, as protagonists
“a court would likely conclude” that the Luciano was found dead Feb. 23 in the
law violates the equal protection clause Ohio bill would northern town of Toa Baja.
or parents of protagonists, so that
viewers can engage with them more
requiring that people in similar circum-
stances be treated the same under the law. ban competition Police are investigating whether a vid-
eo that was made public where at least
fully. Studios should come up with
original stories or, like Universal,
“I agree with the arguments and evi-
dence presented in the opinion,’’ Spear-
by transgender fe- two men are heard mocking and threat-
ening a person believed to be the victim
look to some of the many excellent
man said in a statement cited by news males followed by gunfire is the actual killing.
LGBTQ-inclusive children’s books
for ideas. All children will benefit
outlets. “I also believe that parents should Activist Pedro Julio Serrano said in a from seeing themselves, their fami-
continue to have the final say in whether Transgender girls and women would statement that he was outraged by the lies, and their world more fully rep-
or not their child participates in health be banned from competing in Ohio high killing. resented.
education curriculum.” school and college girls and women’s “There's no doubt that transphobia Dana Rudolph is the founder and
Parents can have their children opted sports under a bill introduced Feb. 26 by and intolerance had much to do in this publisher of Mombian (mombian.
out of the school sex education curricu- House Republicans. case,” he said. n com), a GLAAD Media Award-win-
lum, said Ryan Brown, a spokesman for The legislation would apply to all pub- ning blog and resource directory for
the state Department of Education. lic schools and colleges and any private Reporting via Associated Press LGBTQ parents. n
MARCH 6 - MARCH 12, 2020 . epgn.com
PGN
27
Number of new
HIV diagnoses: Number of deaths of people with
HIV in Philly, 2017
2018
424
2017
284
495 282 TRANS PEOPLE
ARE LIVING WITH HIV
I N P H I L LY, 2 0 1 7
P E R C E N TAG E O F P E O P L E L I V I N G W I T H H I V
P E R C E N TAG E O F P E O P L E L I V I N G W I T H H I V
B Y R AC E / E T H N I C I T Y
B Y S E X A S S I G N E D AT B I R T H
28% FEMALE 72% MALE 63.9% BLACK 15.4% HISPANIC/LATINX 17.3% WHITE
(Strides are being made to more accurately account for trans, gender- The rate of Black males living with an HIV
nonconforming and nonbinar y people living with HIV*, *PDPH 2018) diagnosis is 3.1 times that of white males.
I N F O G R A P H I C C R E AT E D B Y A S H C H E S H I R E A L L D ATA S O U R C E D F R O M A I D S V U ( 2 0 1 7 ) & P D P H ( 2 0 1 8 )
28 PGN
Philadelphia Gay News . MARCH 6 - MARCH 12, 2020
DANTE AUSTIN
from page 1
LGBT service members, according to past
PGN coverage.
In the final part of last week’s ceremony,
Local psychoanalytic center
When Austin took the Deputy Sheriff’s
exam in 2013, he earned the highest score
according to the sheriff’s office and con-
Bilal took to the podium and thanked Austin
for bringing inclusion to the office, and ev-
eryone in the department for embracing him.
to host program on gender
firmed by Taylor when told PGN what it was She said that the issue of LGBTQ rights
like to work with Austin. would absolutely continue in her office. MICHELE ZIPKIN gression of gender development in familial
“We literally went from clearing houses Taylor emphatically agreed and acknowl- michele@epgn.com and social spheres and talk about the inter-
in the academy together to clearing houses edged how Bilal’s mission aligns with Aus- action of gendered experience as related to
on the street,” she said. “We took the Depu- tin’s values. The Psychoanalytic Center of Philadel- sexual experience.
ty Sheriff exam and scored number one and “Sheriff Rochelle Bilal has been very vo- phia (PCOP) will host the event Gender PCOP is a nonprofit organization situated
number two, earning the nickname of ‘thing cal, especially during her campaign, about Fixed and Fluid: Mournful, Melanchol- in East Fairmount Park’s Rockland Man-
one and thing two.’” welcoming all people including members of ic and Enigmatic on Friday, March 6. Dr. sion. The center is dedicated to furthering
Taylor said Austin was a perfectionist the LGBTQ community. Her commitment to Adrienne Harris, Ph.D., will give a presen- the study and practice of psychoanalysis,
and a problem solver, “like myself,” and treating all people with respect, regardless tation geared toward clinicians, outlining and administers training programs to profes-
that the two paired up as partners and of their backgrounds is a prime example of gender development using a psychodynamic sionals in mental health and related fields.
called themselves the “Dream Team.” She what Austin stood for. In relation to Austin’s theoretical structure to chart the progression These programs encompass child and adult
added, “We always went above and be- legacy, I believe that it sends out the mes- of gender theory and practice throughout the psychoanalytic training sessions in both
yond to help those in the community.” sage to stand up for what you believe in.” n last 40 years. classical and
But as indicated in her Within this modern con-
remarks at the ceremony, domain, Harris texts, and all
Austin was not only Tay- will discuss “a have units
lor’s coworker. complex mod- that cover
“Austin meant every- el of gender gender and
thing to me,” Taylor said. development female de-
“We quickly became integrating velopment,
friends back in 2013 and interactions, E i c h e n
ultimately became family. psychological pointed out.
We were almost insepara- structuring, bi- “[Gender]
ble and talked to each oth- ological mod- is a growing
er every single day. Austin els of com- issue in the
was a son, a brother, an plexity and therapeutic
uncle and held the title nonlinearity arena,” said
of friend to whomever and social and Madelaine
he came in contact with. cultural theo- Sayko, man-
Austin was an inspiration ries,” accord- aging direc-
and role model especially ing to the event tor of PCOP.
to those individuals in the description. “As more
LGBTQ community.” H a r r i s and more
Taylor said she ad- serves on the people are
mired how quickly Aus- faculty and recognizing
tin became a face for the acts as a su- that this is
LGBTQ community. She pervisor in an area of fo-
said he advocated for the New York cus for fam-
change, specifically for University ilies [and]
the treatment of prisoners D E P U T Y S H E R I F F S E R G E A N T J E TA R I A TAY L O R Postdoctoral individuals
I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y ASH CHESHIRE
who identified as trans- Program in — issues
gender. “I also admire Psychothera- for them to
Austin’s strength for com- py and Psychoanalysis. Psychoanalyst and resolve personally — there’s a greater need
ing out and owning who Clinical Psychologist Ann Eichen, Ph.D., to help people understand and identify, feel
he was.” and Psychiatrist Ruth Fischer, M.D., collab- comfortable with what their feelings are and
Austin was a well- orated to plan the event and will facilitate learn more about this.”
known activist in Phila- the discussion that follows Harris’s presen- While all PCOP members are therapists
delphia’s LGBTQ com- tation. of varying specialties, only a small number
munity. He served on “[PCOP has] a strong interest in female focuses specifically on LGBTQ issues in
the board of directors of development, from a psychoanalytic per- psychology. As such, PCOP staff intend this
philanthropy group Dela- spective,” Eichen said in an email. “There program to familiarize a range of therapists
ware Valley Legacy Fund, is much academic interest in revising past with issues surrounding the gender spec-
which provides grants to theories that do not fit women, the ones that trum and gendered experience.
local LGBTQ nonprofits. Freud created originally, so the field over “There are several members in our com-
In 2018, he received the the past 50 years has been developing new munity who are actively involved with the
organization’s Individual theories to help understand female develop- LGBTQ community,” Eichen said. “While
Hero award in honor of ment.” that is not my life’s work, I support the work
his contributions to the Harris plans to employ clinical and devel- they do and am committed to human free-
LGBTQ community. Aus- opmental examples of both conscious and dom and equality.” n
tin and his partner Tito unconscious gendered experience to demon-
Valdes, were named the strate how “powerful forces of gender con- Gender Fixed and Fluid will take place
first grand marshal cou- formity co-exist, sometimes conflicting, and from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at The Discov-
ple in Philadelphia’s 2018 sometimes comfortably and creatively in ery Center located at 3401 Reservoir Dr.,
Pride parade. Austin was different familial and social Philadelphia, PA, around the corner from
also a military veteran, configurations.” PCOP’s main site. Interested participants
serving during the era of At the end of the presentation, participat- can register for the event here: https://pcph.
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” D A N T E A U S T I N ’ S E X T E N D E D FA M I LY ing therapists will also be able to single out memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_
a discriminatory ban on sources of conflict and trauma in the pro- mcform&view=ngforms&id=2041356#/
MARCH 6 - MARCH 12, 2020 . epgn.com
PGN
29
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY who get ahead. To me, the system benefits expand the Worker Adjustment and Retrain- express themselves should be fully respect-
from page 23 the few truly at the expense of the many.” ing Notification Act and fighting to expand ed,” said state Sen. Larry Farnese, D-Phila.,
Andre Del Valle has been very active in lo- workplace protections. and co-chair of the LGBTQ Equality Cau-
microgrants to Philly school teachers. She cal Democratic politics. In 2019, he became Issacson’s third opponent is Jeff Dempsey, cus.”
considers education to be among her most the first Latinx person to be unanimously who previously worked for Rep. Kevin Sen. Farnese could not be reached for
pressing concerns. She said her previous elected as president of the Pennsylvania Boyle as deputy chief of staff, where he comment as of presstime.
work on Fair Funding Formula cases in the Young Democrats. He previously worked as took measures to protect LGBTQ residents Farnese faces Nikil Saval as a senatorial
Commonwealth Court means that she is a Legislative Aide for Council member Ma- from discrimination and provide undocu- contestant. A journalist and community or-
aware of the legislation needed to properly ria Quinones Sanchez, where he helped to mented children with educational resources, ganizer, Saval was the first Asian American
fund Pennsylvania schools. establish a Municipal ID program – a help- among other progressive efforts. In 2015, he to be elected ward leader in Philadelphia.
“In terms of the Funding Formula, only ing hand for many Philadelphia populations, became the program director for CeaseFire As a big player in the 2016 Bernie Sanders
6 percent of how we allocate funds consid- including returning citizens struggling with PA, the largest gun violence prevention or- campaign, he co-founded Reclaim Philadel-
ers things like areas that are more impover- opioid addiction. ganization in Pennsylvania. phia, where he continued to foster a progres-
ished, areas where there’s a greater popula- As a candidate for State House of Repre- As a candidate for the state legislature, sive majority in the city. The team played
tion of students who are English as a second sentatives, his priorities include tackling the Dempsey’s campaign site states he plans to an integral role in getting Larry Krasner to
language, children who have special needs,” opioid epidemic, gun violence and the stu- help enact education reform, anti-gun leg- run for district attorney. As a journalist who
she said. dent loan crisis. He is also very passionate islation, uniform antidiscrimination legis- wrote about urbanism and housing planning,
On LGBTQ issues, the Fairness Act is about taking measures to expand the defi- lation protecting LGBTQ communities and Saval’s main priorities in Pennsylvania is
her priority, as well as raising awareness of nition of discrimination in Pennsylvania, fighting for equal pay for women. Dempsey addressing the housing crisis.
LGBTQ rights in general. “It’s something including fighting for legal protections for did not respond to a request for an interview. “It affects the poorest among us — work-
both professionally and personally import- LGBTQ communities and Latinx people. Sen. Larry Farnese has been a strong ad- ing class youth, Black and Brown people;
ant to me,” she said. “I’m very lucky that I “We need to expand those definitions of vocate for LGBTQ legislation throughout 40 percent of homeless youth identify as
have a family that has been very accepting of harassment, racial discriminiation, gender his career as a senator, which he began in queer,” Saval said. “This is a crisis that is
my sister and her wife. It’s something very discrimination,” Del Valle said. He cited at- 2009. Not only is he a member of the Penn- really [affected] by who you are. We need
personal to me but it shouldn’t take a per- tacks on transgender people as a cause for sylvania LGBT Equality Caucus, Farnese a really strong solution to it.” As such, Saval
sonal connection to this community to care concern. “When we’re talking about how we has been very vocal about fighting for pro- is calling for a Homes Guarantee, “which
about their rights.” hold people accountable, we need to expand LGBTQ bills, including the Fairness Act. would focus on building new affordable
Healthcare, specifically HIV care, clean those definitions to give law enforcement He has been active in fighting for economic units, preserving the units that we have and
needle exchanges, more reproductive health- and our judicial system to be able to come development, public safety, reducing gun vi- also converting a lot of existing stock to af-
care for women and trans people are also on down on those who are harassing or violent- olence and ban assault weapons in the state fordable units,” Saval said.
Mcgrath’s radar. “I am truly running against ly attacking members of our LGBTQ com- of Pennsylvania. He feels strongly about bills like the Fair-
the political machine and the establishment, munity. Discrimination in any form, whether “It is despicable that members of the Gen- ness Act to protect LGBTQ folks and also
and that’s a difficult thing to do, particular- you’re Black, white, Latino, gay, straight — eral Assembly are actively discriminating hopes to perpetuate antidiscrimination in
ly as a young progressive woman,” she said. it’s discrimination.” against citizens of this commonwealth,” public accommodations to education, foster
“It’s these folks who come from political Del Valle nabbed a 2020 Working Fami- Sen. Farnese said in a 2019 press release. care and adoption. “There’s so many areas
families or from a political dynasty or hand- lies endorsement for his efforts to raise the “Members of the LGBTQ community must in which this is a pervasive problem,” he
picked from a political patron are the ones minimum wage in Pennsylvania, working to be treated with dignity and the way that they said. n
PETE BUTTIGIEG “the difficult decision to suspend my cam- er with a focus on ensuring that Pennsyl- opened in 14 states and American Samoa
from page 1 paign for the presidency” had to be made, vanians beat Donald Trump.” for Super Tuesday, Buttigieg endorsed
Buttigieg added, “We have a responsibil- Tariem Burroughs is on the board of Biden, and Biden won the majority of the
veteran and a Rhodes scholar who speaks ity to concede the effect of remaining in Liberty City Democrats. A Ph.D. candi- Super Tuesday races.
several languages, Buttigieg brought a dis- this race any further. Our goal has always date in sociology, he was a delegate for Buttigieg had warned supporters against
parate group of voters of all ages and eco- been to help unify Americans to defeat Buttigieg from Philadelphia. Burroughs nominating Sanders and his “inflexible,
nomic strata together with his center-left Donald Trump and to win the era for our said, “It was an amazing experience.” He ideological revolution,” and although
message of inclusion and unity against the values.” Buttigieg praised all of his com- said he had previously “only put my toe Buttigieg had argued in debates that Biden
Trump administration, as well as his strong petitors for “demonstrating what public into the political realm,” but that working was the past, he said in his endorsement
stances for climate action and gun control. service can be.” for Buttigieg, he met “the most positive that Biden would help down-ballot races,
Buttigieg rose steadily in the polls In his final appearance as a presiden- people — people who mirrored Pete, his which he said Sanders was unlikely to
throughout the first half of 2019 to become tial candidate, Buttigieg marched across morals, his character, his values.” do, but which was critical to maintaining
a top-tier contender, knocking four sena- the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala- Burroughs said, “As a gay man myself, Democratic control of the House.
tors, two former Congress members, two bama, to commemorate the 55th anniver- I saw in Pete a man who is bucking the Biden praised Buttigieg, saying Butti-
governors, a mayor and a former HUD sary of Bloody Sunday with Black Civil system. And as a Black man, I was proud gieg reminded him of his late son, Beau
secretary out of the race. He won the Iowa Rights icon U.S. Rep. John Lewis, among to represent him.” Burroughs said he and Biden, who was Attorney General of Del-
caucus, came in only one point behind many others. other Black people who supported Butt- aware until his death from brain cancer in
Sen. Bernie Sanders in New Hampshire Philly for Pete, a grassroots organi- igieg felt their presence refuted the nar- 2015. Biden said in his speech and later
and came in third in the Nevada caucus to zation led by Nathan Osburn, had been rative that the Black community is ho- in a CNN interview that there would be
catapult briefly to the position of frontrun- instrumental in raising awareness of the mophobic. a place for Buttigieg in a Biden adminis-
ner. But it was Buttigieg’s limited support candidate locally and engaging volunteers For many young, gay supporters like tration, hinting at a Cabinet position. “He
among Black and Latinx voters that led to a at colleges and throughout the region for Burroughs, Buttigieg represented the fu- has an enormous talent,” Biden said.
disappointing fourth-place finish in South Buttigieg. ture for Democrats. Burroughs said that At the end of his withdrawal speech,
Carolina and his decision to withdraw. Philly for Pete told PGN, “On behalf the party was in need of a “generational Buttigieg said, “I hope that everyone who
With his husband Chasten at his side, of the Steering Committee of Philly for overhaul” and that Buttigieg represented has been part of this in any way knows
Buttigieg made the announcement in Pete and our network of over 1,000 active that for Burroughs, who at 38 is the same that the campaign that you have built and
South Bend, Indiana, on Sunday night, grassroots supporters, we want to thank age as the candidate — 40 years young- the community that you have created is
saying, “Today is a moment of truth. The Pete for bringing to our city, our com- er than the two frontrunners, former Vice only the beginning of the change that we
truth is, the path has narrowed to a close monwealth, and our country a powerful President Joe Biden and Sanders. are going to make together.”
for our candidacy, if not for our cause.” and historic campaign.” Osburn echoed that stance previously, Burroughs said of Buttigieg, “He grace-
He told the crowd, “So we must recog- They added, “We appreciated visits noting, “People are wanting to turn the fully entered, and he gracefully exited. I
nize that at this point in the race, the best from Pete and Chasten that rallied Phil- page on what’s broken in Washington, have a picture of Chasten, my husband
way to keep faith with those goals and ide- adelphians around a bold vision for the and so they’re looking to someone who and my son that will be something to hold
als is to step aside and help bring our party future. We will continue to promote the represents that next generation of leader- onto — an experience and of course, hope
and our country together.” message of inclusion and belonging for ship.” for the future because Pete is not gone,
Explaining to staunch supporters that our entire nation as all of us come togeth- On March 2, just hours before the polls not gone for long.” n
.
Arts & Culture PERSONA \ SAPPHO : PAGE 36
New
Subversion, a group exhi- of the sculptors exhibiting in the show. As a
bition juried by Alice Oh pre- ceramic artist, his pieces generally “start as
sented by Philadelphia Sculp- drinking vessels,” which he said are person-
tors and Da Vinci Art Alliance al, intimate objects that “pull you in.” Then,
exhibit
opened with a public reception he allows his sculptures to transform into
on Feb. 26 and runs through something more abstract. His work some-
March 22. times has a tromp l’oeil effect.
This show is the second col- Sims’ work responds to contemporary de-
societal
ter, took place in 2018. For Sub- sign world of personifying objects by giving
version, artists were encouraged them human names, particularly men design-
to submit works that pushed ers giving objects like sofas or chaise loung-
back against societal norms. es a woman’s name to invoke the inanimate
constructs
The exhibit highlights work that object’s “personality.”
questions authority, traditions, In his work, Sims chose names that exist
morals, and challenges social outside of the gender binary in a fundamen-
constructs. The artwork in the tal way. His work explores his belief that no
show confronts everything from human being exists on the gender spectrum
TERINA HILL gender norms to environmental in the same way their entire lives and that “ H O W M U C H D O YO U H A V E I N C O M M O N
PGN Contributor threats. gender is a social construct. W I T H YO U R S E L F, A D I ? ” B Y J E R E M Y S I M S
32 E N T E R TA I N M E N T
Philadelphia Gay News . MARCH 6 - MARCH 12, 2020
events
T H E AT E R & A R T S OFF THE WALL: AMERICAN ART TO WEAR BEARLESQUE
Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an The bear burlesque show returns, 6:30
BEN FRANKLIN SEX PARTY exhibition of works by mixed-media art- p.m. March 6 at Tabu, 254 S. 12th St.;
A solo clown show where Constitution- ists exploring nontraditional materials and 215-964-9675.
al Congress meets juicy orgy in a race methods to create adventurous, deeply
against syphilis, 8 p.m. March 6 at Good imaginative works, through May 17, 2600 FLIRT VONNEGUT’S FANTASY BASE-
Good Comedy Theatre, 215 N. 11th St.; Benjamin Franklin Parkway; 215-763- MENT
215-399-1279. 8100. An evening of sex. comedy and Dun-
geons & Dragons, 8 p.m. March 7 at
THE BEST MAN PAULA POUNDSTONE Franky Bradley’s, 1320 Chancellor St.;
Walnut Street Theatre presents the sto- The comedian performs 8 p.m. March 7 at 215-735-0735.
ry of a political game of cat and mouse, Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-
March 10-April 26, 825 Walnut St.; 215- 893-1999. BELLY DANCERS FIGHT FOR AIR
574-3550. CHARITY HAFLA 2020
RAIN: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES Philadelphia’s best belly dancers per-
DESIGNS FOR DIFFERENT FUTURES Broadway Philadelphia presents the musi- form, 5 p.m. March 8 at Franky Brad-
Philadelphia Museum of Art presents cal chronicling the journey of the Fab Four, ley’s, 1320 Chancellor St.; 215-735-
an exhibition exploring visionary and March 13-15 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. 0735.
sometimes controversial designs that Broad St.; 215-893-1999.
promise to transform how we live, eat, CUTTHROAT QUEENS
heal, travel and even love, in any num- SHIP Three queens start the competition with
ber of possible futures, through March 8, Azuka Theatre presents the story of a wom- $150 each, and if they want to leave the
26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763- an fresh out of rehab trying to return to glo- stage with any of the cash, they have to
8100. ry in her hometown, through March 15 at survive three drag challenges and each
Proscenium Theatre at The Drake, 302 S. ‘GO’ EVERY- other, 8 p.m. March 8 at Tabu, 254 S.
DIEGO RIVERA: FRESCOES Hicks St.; 215-563-1100. 12th St.; 215-964-9675.
Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an WHERE:
exhibition of murals the revered Mexi- WEEDING OUT THE STONED MARCH MADNESS WITH MARTHA
can artist created in New York for dis- A comedy show where the audience tries Pop star and electro singer, GRAHAM CRACKER
play in an exhibition at the Museum of to figure out which of the comedians isn’t Billie Eilish, brings her “Where Philly’s famous drag star goes mad
Modern Art in 1931, through spring, baked, 8 p.m. March 13 at Good Good Do We Go?” world tour to with her cabaret show, 7 p.m. March
26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763- Comedy Theatre, 215 N. 11th St.; 215-399- Philly when she performs 7:30 12 at L’Etage, 624 S. Sixth St. For
8100. 1279. p.m. March 13 at Wells Fargo more information or tickets call 215-
DRAG DIVA BRUNCH: COUNTRY WELCOME TO THE IRONSIDE PLAY- Center, 3601 S. Broad St. For 592-0656.
QUEENS HOUSE more information or tickets,
Mimi Imfurst and special guests have a The William Way LGBT Community Cen- call 215-389-9543.
drag hoedown, noon March 7 at Punch ter presents an exhibition of photos, film OUTTA TOWN
Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.; 215-606- and ephemera from the Jack Van Alstyne
6555. Collection, through April 24, 1315 Spruce FRIDAY THE 13TH PART 5: A NEW
St.; 215-732-2220. BEGINNING
EVERYTHING IS WONDERFUL The slasher film is screened, 9:45 p.m.
Philadelphia Theatre Company presents March 6 at The Colonial Theatre, 227
the story of an Amish family struggling MUSIC Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610-917-
Hard rockers Life of Agony front- 1228.
with issues of faith and forgiveness, ed by transgender singer, Mina
through March 8 at Suzanne Roberts POPS ROCKS PHIL COLLINS: THE MUSIC
Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; 215-985- OF GENESIS AND PHIL COLLINS Caputo, hit the road in support of LARGER THAN LIFE
0420. The Philly POPS performs the music of their latest album, “The Sound of The boy-band tribute group performs
Genesis and Phil Collins, March 6-8 at Scars,” cutting into Philly when 8 p.m March 7 at The Queen, 500 N.
KOGEI: ART CRAFT JAPAN Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215- they perform 7:30 p.m. March 13 Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 202-
Philadelphia Museum of Art presents 893-1999. at The Foundry, 29 E. Allen St. For 730-3331.
an exhibition celebrating Japanese more information or tickets, call
kogei — one-of-a-kind, handcrafted ob- SQUIRREL NUT ZIPPERS 215-309-0150.
TOM PAPA
jects made with traditional techniques The retro-swing band performs to celebrate The comedian performs 8 p.m. March
and natural materials, through summer its 25th anniversary at 8 p.m. March 8 at 7 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick
2020, 26th Street and the Parkway; World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215- Ave.; 215-572-7650.
215-763-8100. 222-1400.
ON A WINTER’S NIGHT FT. CHRIS-
LA BAYADÈRE KRISTIN CHENOWETH IN CONCERT FOR TINE LAVIN, JOHN GORKA, PATTY
The Pennsylvania Ballet performs Angel THE GIRLS LARKIN, CHERYL WHEELER & CLIFF
Corella’s restaging of the masterpiece, The Kimmel Center presents the Emmy EBERHARDT
March 5-15 at the Academy of Music, and Tony Award-winning actress and sing- The veteran singer-songwriters per-
240 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999. er, 8 p.m. March 13 at Verizon Hall, 300 S. form, 7:30 p.m. March 8 at Sellersville
Broad St.; 215-893-1999. Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sell-
LEWIS BLACK: IT GETS BETTER EVERY ersville; 215-257-5808.
DAY DEAD KENNEDYS
The comedian performs 8 p.m. March The legendary punk-rock band performs 8 DWEEZIL ZAPPA
6 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; p.m. March 13 at TLA, 334 South St.; 215- The rock guitarist performs 8 p.m.
215-893-1999. 922-1011. March 8 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N.
Keswick Ave.; 215-572-7650.
MARISA MERZ
Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an NIGHTLIFE THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS
exhibition of sculptures and drawings TWICE
celebrating the life and legacy of the pi- PHILADELPHIA LEATHER 2020 The classic noir film is screened,
oneering Italian artist, through summer, A new titleholder is crowned 7-11 p.m. BRING THE PAIN March 8-9 at The Colonial Theatre,
26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763- March 6 at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610-917-
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S C E N E I N P H I L LY
33
To m a n d J u s t i n Molly Fr e n c h i e D av i s
34 MUSIC
Philadelphia Gay News . MARCH 6 - MARCH 12, 2020
Chill vibes permeated his 2018 self-titled So you’re not writing this album for
solo album, but Jake Shears feels like danc- the TikTok audience? That’s the thing:
ing again. Shears’ latest single “Meltdown” Who knows! There’s an old Scissor’s song
is a club-made banger with shared Scissor that’s just been making the rounds on there.
Sisters disco DNA – which is exactly the Do you know the song “I Can’t Decide” off
point. Because even though the band has “Ta-Dah”? If you go on Spotify, I think it’s
been on a hiatus since 2012, the glam-rock our most played song now. It became some
group’s frontman says his latest solo music fucking meme. But, basically, every teenager
is an extension of their legacy. knows this song. It’s very strange.
From New Orleans, Shears talked about
the constant “are the Scissor Sisters reunit- What does the culture of where you live
ing?” question, why Judith Light should now — in New Orleans and sometimes
play him in a biopic about his life, and how in Louisville, Kentucky — bring to you
his “Masked Singer” unicorn costume got creatively? In New Orleans, I can turn ev-
him DMs from the plushies community. erything down a bit. I get so much stimula-
tion, and I’m so stimulated day-to-day in my
What did you want people to feel when life in general, so I come to New Orleans
they heard “Meltdown”? I wanted to to really slow down. It gives me the space,
make people dance. It’s absolutely my and it gives me elbow room. I just do a lot of
straight-up tribute to the fabulous Sylves- reading and writing and f--king playing vid-
ter in such a big way. I wanted it to really eo games and hanging with my dog. I really
invoke that kind of carefree spirit through have to kind of unwind and sort of reset. I’m
the vocal styling and the bassline and just buying a house down here. I’ve got an apart-
sort of how the song is structured, but at the ment here that I’ve had for four years, and
same time I also wanted the song to feel now I’m fully sort of … I don’t know, it’s
unsettling and a little bit creepy (laughs). weird. My life has felt very sort of unmoored
I don’t know why I always tend to have a the last four or five years or so. I’m at this
creepy streak run through my stuff, but I like point where I really do need to put down
stuff with a little bit of a dark edge. some solid roots and really make a new home
It’s funny, because with my last record, I for myself because I’ve really been living out
followed this vision. The last record was so of a suitcase the past couple of years.
personal, and it was such a crazy thing to
be detached from the band. I just followed Are you bored yet with people asking you
my heart with that record. Not that I’m not if you’re ever going to reunite with the
following my heart with this, but I definite- Scissor Sisters? I mean, it’s sweet, but I’m
ly was not making club music with my last already giving you what you’d be getting.
record. These would be the Scissor Sisters records
for the most part (laughs). In general, this
The last record sounded a lot like you would be the stuff that we’d be putting out.
were cutting the umbilical cord. I think So it’s a bit of a confusing question. But I
that’s a good way of putting it. I just made know, I understand. There’s a magic, espe-
the last record with almost a set of rules. It cially live, seeing everybody together. But
was creative in a very specific way. So now musically I feel like I’m continuing the lega-
I’m feeling like I can kind of throw the rule cy of the band. I’m definitely not reinventing
book out the window at the moment and just a wheel when it comes to my own stuff. This
make some dance music again. It’s been is just the stuff I like to make.
Jake Shears
a while since I fully made a carefree club
song. If you’re going back to this disco-dance-
club sound, why not make it with the
How far along are you? About half of Scissor Sisters? Because I don’t feel like
BY INEZ CARVALHO
ARIES LEO S A G I T TA R I U S
(Mar. 21 - Apr. 20) (Jul. 23 - Aug. 22) (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21)
Pisces season has themes of de- Lately, you haven’t been getting There are many things you have
construction, revealing and re- the attention or credit that you feel set into motion over the past
newing. How can we gain new you deserve, which can be very month. The full moon in Virgo
awareness from some negative frustrating. By pushing ahead and on Monday asks you to review
aspects of ourselves? Now is a forging a path, you will generate how far you have come while
hyper-aware and sensitive time validation for your own dang self! still keeping up the momentum.
if you are willing to access that The Leo moon kicks off the end of Celebrate yourself because you
power, and some things a new haircut won’t be able to your week and has you feeling in your element. The full may not notice how hard you have been working; you
fix. Perspective and insight will serendipitously come to moon on March 9, occurring in Virgo, has you thinking are not just running in place, even if it feels that way.
you this week. The full moon on March 9 completes a practically. The sun in Pisces still has you daydreaming March 10 and 11 have the moon and Mercury juxtapos-
pattern. about your deepest desires. You’re in a dance of contra- ing your sign positively — there are good days for any
dictions and balance. grand scheme you have. This is your week.
TA U R U S VIRGO CAPRICORN
(Apr. 21 - May 21) (Aug. 23 - Sep. 23) (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20)
A subliminal truth breaks through The full moon in your sign on The full moon in your fellow earth
this week. Don’t hesitate to envi- March 9 can have you feeling sign of Virgo on Monday brings
sion your ideal present and future. particular and fussy. You mustn’t a can-do attitude to the table.
Don’t let the idea of perfection take this anxious energy out on However, Tuesday and Wednes-
stop you from starting something those around you. What you say day tread lightly due to the moon
new. Being OK with making mis- positively or negatively will be entering your reputation sector.
takes is a part of self-love’s qui- taken sincerely and remembered, Choose words wisely. The rest of the week bodes well with
et power. This week, fake “chill” won’t cut it anymore. especially this weekend. You have a precarious power; the sun, Mars and Venus in harmony with your sun sign,
Take life step-by-step, and go easy on yourself; there is be careful with it. Mercury’s transit suggests you play it allowing you to access a wealth of emotional and physical
no need to punish yourself. A full, earthy Virgo moon on cool, even if your vibe is intense. Pisces season can be energy. The stars suit your style right now.
March 9 renews your sense of purpose. You can be strong tough on a Virgo, but when opposites converge, balance
and still — be healing and growing. can be found.
From March 8-9, the full Virgo A stellar week awaits you; there is This week has a beautiful fore-
moon will give you confidence in a favorable wind to be caught by cast in store for you, with many
some of the decisions you have your sails. The full moon in Virgo planets moving to your bene-
made recently. You will find your- on Monday has a cleansing and fit. The full moon in Virgo on
self following through with your smoothing energy that trims away March 9 completes a circle that
plans with ease. Bold moves pay what has been hindering you. Tidy- began at the start of Pisces sea-
off this week and may help you ing up the house, investing in practical matters and routines son — the focus now is on cleansing, healing and cre-
gain new trust in yourself. A Jupiter and Pluto alliance in- can be therapeutic. March 12 and 13 bring you the moon ating harmony in your surroundings. Now is the time
creases abundance and opportunity throughout March, in Scorpio, which has you looking and feeling sharp. All to build. The Scorpio moon on Thursday and Friday
which begins to show. week Mars and Venus positively transit your sign, making complements your watery nature by invoking memory
art and romance likely. Beware of perfectionism. and mystery.
36 PERSONA
Philadelphia Gay News . MARCH 6 - MARCH 12, 2020
PERSONA
SAPPHO
Likely born 620 B.C.
The 10th muse.
A lyrical lover of women.
Sappho imprints her words on
tender hearts and tears at tenuous
bonds. Her bittersweet lovesick
odes are queer reading 101.
B Y J E S S B R Y A N T / I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y A S H C H E S H I R E
BASED ON SCULPTURE BY WILLIAM WETMORE STORY
FA M I LY P O R T R A I T
pgn
NEW
WEBSITE
COMING
SOON!
philadelphiagaynews.com
epgn.com
MARCH 6 - MARCH 12, 2020 . epgn.com
R E A L E S TAT E
41
42 COMIC
Philadelphia Gay News . MARCH 6 - MARCH 12, 2020
City of Philadelphia
Public Hearing Notice
FAMILY PORTRAIT people question my bisexuality — met When did you come out? I had a mo- outdoors in 45-degree weather! They were
from page 37 people who start out texting, “So? When ment when I said to a friend, “You know, I very cold, but they were very committed
are we hooking up?” All of the songs were think I might be bi,” and he said, “Yeah, we and talented actors, and it was a beautiful
tant director trying to get things go- written from my own experiences, and all know,” and I was like, “Wait, I didn’t time together. No one was obligated, but
ing by shouting, “I’m standing here then I molded the songs around the plot. know!” When it came time to come out to everyone wanted to participate.
with my d--k in my hand! Why aren’t my family, I was really nervous about it.
things happening?” It was his favor- I understand the crew was very di- I didn’t do it until I started working with Favorite body part. My eyelids — I
ite phrase. Oh yeah, when I was on big- verse. Yes, that was important to me. We queer filmmakers and felt safe. Finally, I love makeup, so I like doing up my eyes
ger projects, there were a lot of teamsters had a lot of queer folks, most of us women just called my mom and told her, and she and being able to reshape them.
hanging around and very male-centric and people of color. I think we had one said, “OK, great, so what?” [Laughing] It
crews, so there were a lot of microaggres- straight cis, white guy! wasn’t the big dramatic reaction I wanted, Any phobias? Oh yes, I can’t deal with
sions. “Hey sweetie, do you know how to but it was such a relief to not carry a secret sharp objects; I can’t look at needles. If I
cook? Shouldn’t you be at home doing What was one of the craziest mo- and feel like I had to hide a part of myself. see one in a movie, I have to turn away.
that for your husband?” Working with ments? After we cast the lead, Rebecca, I have trouble watching hockey because
queer artists, you don’t get the same al- who is absolutely fabulous, she told Offbeat question, are you affected by those blades look dangerous, and I don’t
pha-male mentality. It was the first time us, “By the way, I’m moving to Iceland the moon? Not directly, but I directed cook because I’m afraid of fire, and there
I didn’t feel like I had to be on guard the soon.” So we had to race to finish the film the play “Hair” in college, you know, are too many knives involved.
whole time. and to record all the original music! “When the moon is in the 7th house…,”
so I do always take a moment when I see Any distinguishing marks? I have
Let’s talk about your film. It’s a mu- I do have a bone to pick. What is a full moon. freckles on my left hand but not on my
sical about a young queer woman try- wrong with Pineapple pizza! [Laugh- right, and I have a beauty mark under my
ing to navigate the dating scene with ing] Honestly, I’m a fan! But so many That’s an impressive undertaking for left eyebrow. I don’t know why they call it
the help of several dating apps. How people have such a visceral reaction to college. Did the actors do the nude that. Does it really enhance your beauty?
much of it is autobiographical? It’s it, I used it in the film. And people did scene and all? It was an awesome expe-
very autobiographical! I’ve certainly had react! rience. Yes, they did, and we did the show Favorite saying? Do you? n
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