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Equality Advocates Pennsylvania Appointments New Executive Director
Ms. Zeitlin was chosen by the Board of Directors of Equality Advocates Pennsylvania after an extensive national search. She comes to Equality Advocates after a distinguished career as a corporate and real estate lawyer and passionate activist. She brings her experience of 30 years as a successful lawyer coupled with an equally impressive array of work in the Philadelphia nonprofit and community relations community. (Read more)
First Amendment permit issued to Equality Forum for Historic Event
The National Park Service (NPS) has issued a First Amendment permit to Equality Forum for a National Equality Rally at Independence Hall on Sunday afternoon, May 3, 2009 at Independence National Historical Park.
Organizations, activists and straight allies will March for Equality on Independence Mall (from the National Constitution Center to Independence Hall) to rally for:
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Passage of trans-inclusive hate crimes legislation and Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)
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Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
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Support for GLBT Health Issues
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Equal benefits for same-sex families
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Same-sex marriage Equality
Regional, state and national organizations, people of color, progressive religious institutions, high school and college GSAs and straight ally organizations are invited to be Co-Organizers without cost or legal obligation. (Read More)
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queerVOICE
Diversity Calls for Nonpartisanship
James Duggan
copyright 2009 |
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Diversity . . . a noble concept that teaches us that acceptance and respect of a person's uniqueness and individual differences leads to a stronger people. As noble a concept as it is, it is still simply a common call coming out of a struggle for equality. Where do we not want diversity? What queer would not advocate for it?
Over the years I've been fascinated as I've watched so many businesses and organizations rush to be associated with the notion of "diversity" by including among their ranks individuals who represent the "sexual orientation and gender identity" category of diversification. By this method we have achieved a great deal in the way of diversity while helping to ease the conscience of otherwise good people.
It's easy to understand how the continued call for diversity arose so powerfully out of the queer civil rights movement since I can identify no other group besides us who are so uniquely diverse. We are found among every race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, religious or political beliefs, or country of origin. Perhaps this is what makes us so passionate in seeking to maintain diversity in our communities. Gay, lesbian, bi, and transgendered . . . Jewish, Muslin, Christian, Buddhist, Agnostic and more . . . we are Republicans, Democrats, Progressives and Independents and we wear the labels of being conservative, moderate or liberal to identify our place among all of the aforementioned social strata.
We are truly individuals with commonalities that link us to even the remotest of people, but we often fail to find what that link may be. When we do, the beauty of diversity is clear. It is what can make the seemingly obvious opposite entities join in some mutual interest or activity. Just as a good snowfall makes people a little nicer to each other by way of a shared weather condition, a Jew and an Arab might unite if they discover they are both queer.
But as diverse as we who seek diversity are, we are often blinded by our own prejudices . . . allowing our differences to divide us rather than unite; our individual beliefs often are at conflict with one another creating divides that hinder our progress towards equality. Even in our common goals we are often faced with many different ways of expression and advancement. True diversity expects and accounts for this. If the saying, "our differences make us stronger," is true then we must agree to disagree.
Diversity is a constant battle to both achieve and maintain, especially in a society that is often led more by emotion rather than logic and reason, especially in the arena of politics where it is "assumed" that all queers must be democrats . . . and liberal ones at that. But in reality we queers are a very politically diverse group of individuals. Due to these differences in political philosophies, our call for diversity dictates a certain spirit of nonpartisanship that respects our individual differences yet finds common ground for political action that advances our goal of equality.
Let's begin working together under a new spirit of nonpartisanship, united in our diversity, for the common purpose of equality through political action.
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What It Looks Like From Here
Thom Cardwell
copyright 2009 |
 There's nothing like a red carpet event and there's no other annual event that commands a red carpet more that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences' 81st Oscar Night, 8 p.m., February 22.
Our own gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer community of the Philadelphia region will celebrate a brand new glamorous event with "The Red Carpet Party," a "friend raiser" and benefit for Traverse Arts Project and its new Philadelphia GLBT Artists Festival to be launched, May 28-June 1.
So, in 2009, let the party begin! That's the attitude that host Desiree Hines (and Festival Coordinator of Philadelphia GLBT Artists Festival) has about the spectacular event that she has been planning with her troop of volunteers. First, she landed the central, upscale location, The Ethical Society Building in Rittenhouse Square. Next, she started soliciting sponsors like Specialty Group, LLC, and Rain Vodka.
Not surprisingly, her enthusiasm, dedication and passion are catchy; she next got City Paper to sign on as a media sponsor. Soon she had Franzia Wines, QUEERtimes, BUCKmonkey (yours truly) and ZipCar as more sponsors. As of this writing, she's certain (and confident and determined enough) to have added even more sponsors to the benefit evening of glitz, glamour and celebrity ("We're all stars," she proclaims.)
For catering, Hines has obtained executive chef Amanda MacWilliams, former Grill Chef at the former Striped Bass Restaurant who created a lavish gourmet buffet. "The food, well, it'll be amazing with the menu that MacWilliams is creating for the gala evening," Hines said.
 The evening's festivities will include for all guests a Red Carpet interview at 7:45pm with Tony Lankford's DOWNTOWN: The Actors Lounge and a personalized Red Carpet Photo produced by Lui Photography to take as a keepsake.
Following their Red Carpet time invited guests will join Traverse Arts Project in the Assembly Hall and Auditorium to enjoy viewing the awards ceremony while being treated to an open bar of Rain Vodka Cocktails, Franzia Wine, and Beer, a large selection of hors d'oeuvres and desserts, and entertainment by DJ K-Tell.
"We have the entire first and second floors, and one of the side rooms at the Ethical Society for this event. SO, we can actually get a good crowd of 200 to 300 guests," she said.
Hines said that festive attire will be the order of the day, from Black Tie Formal to Blue Jeans Chic. "This will allow anyone with a great sense of style to feel welcomed to the party," she encouraged, "Be creative and spread the joy and fun."
During the evening, there will be a few "choice" door prizes to give away, including a deluxe salon gift package, worth of a few hundred dollars, and a hotel package of three days/two nights at the sponsor hotel, Loews Philadelphia Hotel in Center City.
For ticket deals, Hines is partnering with CityPaper and QUEERtimes about offering special offers such as buy two for $75 and single tickets at $40. Regular advance tickets costs $50 per person; $75 per person at the door.
Proceeds of the Red Carpet Party will benefit Philadelphia GLBT Artists Festival and the nonprofit Traverse Arts Project.
For information or ticket purchases, visit traversetheater.org/oscar.htm
(This event is not an officially sanctioned AMPAS event)
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Thoms' Table
Thom Cardwell
Copyright 2009 |
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Gold and Chocolate for Valentine's Day!
Queer community leaders Perry Monastero of Delaware Valley Legacy Fund ( DVLF) and Dolph Goldenberg of William Way Community Center ( WWCC) want you to open your heart, your pocketbook and your jewelry box at a special event, Gold and Chocolate, 6-8 p.m., February 11, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 10 Avenue of the Arts, in Center City Philadelphia.
Monastero and Goldenberg said that the event will be a way of celebrating a recent generous gift of $100, 000 from community philanthropist Jack Wilcox to the DVLF for the William Way Community Center's Endowment, to raise significant dollars for both DVLF's endowment building work and for the William Way elevator project.
Bravo to Wilcox for truly being one of our queer community's heroes!
Gold and Chocolate "should be a fun evening and with your support, it can have a BIG fundraising impact in these very difficult times. With the increasingly gloomy economic forecasts, it is going to be a very difficult year for our valued nonprofit organizations," said Monastero.
Goldenberg said that The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia is planning special discounted drinks like Chocolate Martinis at $10 and complimentary hors d'oeuvres including chocolate strawberries. The event will also include raffle prizes, including a spa package from the Ritz-Carlton and two gift certificates from City Food Tours.
"We also ask that those attending donate a gift of gold-an old disco chain, an ear ring whose mate has been lost, a ring no longer treasured, an heirloom that's gathered dust or a bauble from a former flame. Gold is at an all time high, and the painless gift of jewelry no longer worn can be transformed into a significant gift with no pain to your checkbook, all donations are tax deductible," explained Monastero.
Goldenberg said that the donor who offers up the most valuable donation of gold jewelry wins an overnight stay at The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia.
It seems that the nonprofit team of Monastero-Goldenberg have thought of everything. For those who can't attend Gold and Chocolate, donors can still deposit their gold donations directly to cooperating jeweler Bear Elkins at Sam Yampell Jewelers or at either William Way Community Center or DVLF's offices at 1234 Market Street, Suite 1800, in Center City.
Tickets are just $20 per person, inexpensive enough to perhaps even invite--and pay for--many of your lovers or ex-boyfriends and ex-girlfriends! Go on, now, you know that you've got a BIG, uh, heart! It's all for worthy community causes! I'll see you there!
For tickets, visit dvlf.org
Free Vino for diners!
 Du Jour at the Symphony House, 440 South Broad Street, along Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts, will continue to offer a special value, a complimentary bottle of either red or white wine, to dinner patrons who order two entrees, arriving at 7:30pm or later, throughout the month of January.
Owners Marty Grims and Maureen Ferguson said that the special value "is intended as a thank you to patrons and as an incentive to diners to come experience Du Jour's creative comfort food during a traditionally slow month." Executive chef Mike McGovern will unveil a new menu of hearty winter dishes in conjunction with the promotion.
The Gimes-Ferguson team all own and operate: The Moshulu Restaurant/Ship in Philadelphia, Daddy O, a boutique hotel and restaurant and The Plantation, both in Long Beach Island and The Inlet in Somers Point, all three properties are located in New Jersey. In December 2008, their success has led to their expansion in Florida with the opening of Daddy O Boutique Hotel and Restaurant in Bay Harbor Village in Miami Beach.
For more information, call 610.896.4556; or visit dujourmarket.com
London Grill for Valentine's Day
 How about taking that someone special out for Valentine's Day to the Art Museum section of Philadelphia? An all-time Fairmount favorite is London Grill, 2301 Fairmount Avenue, who will be offering a Four Day Weekend Celebration, February 12-15, including a special four-course Couples Tasting Menu for Two, Oysters and Love Stout, with a set-price meal for all four days. Or how about Sunday brunch with a twist of heart? It's a make-your-own Bloody Mary Bar for brunch.
"Valentine's Day is a great excuse to celebrate whether with your significant other, your family, or your friends," said owner Terry Berch McNally. "Our fun, beer and oyster tasting or our Bloody Mary bar are great for groups, while our set-price menu is a festive way for two people to treat each other to a great meal."
McNally said that The Oysters and Love Stout will take place at 6 p.m., February 12. Yards Brewing Company's annual Love Stout, a local favorite, will be on tap alongside a selection of oysters on the half-shell, and Yards Brewmaster Tom Kehoe will be in attendance for a meet-and-greet session.
For lovers and other strangers, February 14 and 15, London Grill's famous Bloody Mary Bar is a perfect place to mix up a spicy libation and enjoy it alongside their delicious menu of brunch fare. A selection of vodkas, mixes and condiments will be available for custom drink-designing.
Executive chef Michael McNally has created the four-course Couples Tasting Menu for Two, that will include: appetizers such as Tartare with shaved pecorino and mustard oil; Seared Scallops with potato blini, beluga lentils and crème fraiche; and Roasted Beet Salad with goat cheese, blood orange and candied walnuts; entrees such as Chinese Red Duck with foie gras fried rice and steamed bok choy; Lobster Oil-Poached Monkfish with lobster Bolognese; and Adam's Short Ribs with parsnip-chestnut puree; and desserts such as Vanilla Panna Cotta with raspberry sauce and Red Velvet Cake with passion fruit.
The prix fixe price is $100 per couple, plus beverages, tax and gratuity, and is available during dinner hours from February 12-15.
For more information, call 215.978.4545; or visit londongrill.com
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speakOUT on the Qt!
A New Opinion Column
copyright 2009 |
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This weeks guest writer is: Thom Cardwell
Bailouts are us! This seems to be the current cry these days from Wall St. to Washington, D. C., as everyone in the Federal Government from President Obama to both houses of Congress figure out how to turn the disastrous economy (in the United States and worldwide) around.
Forget about Main St., it's all about the banking industry and mega-corporations whether we like it or not. Frankly, I don't like it.
As the Bush administration said adieu to the American public who was unhappy enough to offer George W. the worst low rating of an outgoing president in history, the tricky Texan was encouraging, along with the many losing candidates (that's the incumbents who lost in the Obama sweeps), the banks to "ask and you shall receive" unbelievable amounts of cash (millions weren't enough, only billions would do) as a way to bailout the irresponsible and perhaps immoral practices of the nation's leading financial institutions.
Curiously, I've yet to find a new commentator to explain how the lobby for the banking industry, ranking among the top five strongest in Washington, D.C., for at least two decades, played a part in seducing the Federal Government to grant such "loans" with no strings attached.
Several leading conservatives, mostly Republicans, have argued recently against the entire concept of these bailouts as a form of socialism, replacing the concept and exercise of free enterprise as we have previously known it. They abhor it, much like they might warn against communism though it's clearly not the same thing.
I'm personally not opposed to forms of socialism. Most of the federally regulated health care proposals suggest this and, perhaps, one might argue that public education is a long-standing example of the ideology.
Though the American population has not yet conceived, really, of any programs or policies of the Federal Government that ascribe to this ideology, founded in the late 19th century and, of course, embraced by the most famous proponent of socialism, Karl Marx, viewing it as a class struggle for equality in the arena of economics and the distribution of wealth.
Here's a basic definition of the ideology that seems, to my mind, on the surface, to apply rightly to what these conservative Republicans are warning against theoretically but far from practically, not with the government granting the banks money without strings attached: "Socialism refers to a broad set of economic theories of social organization advocating state or collective ownership and administration of the means of production and the distribution of goods, and a society characterized by equal opportunities for all individuals with a fair or egalitarian method of compensation."
If we look back in retrospect, it's ironic that Marx saw socialism as the transition between capitalism and communism.
Now there have been and will continue to be for a while more requests for bailouts, whether from the financial institutions, the auto industry, the insurance industry, the real estate industry, the retail industry, the airlines industry, while other corporations in various other industries simply file bankruptcy or go out of business, Circuit City, with many others predicted to follow. There are other retailers who may be forced to bankruptcy--The Gap, Dillards, Rite Aid. Where is the outcry? Where is their bailout?
As an aside, but no less important, there's been a trickle down effect with bailouts in states across the country. In the Keystone State, Governor Edward Rendell, prior to the holiday season, "loaned" money (a bailout) to Bosvoc's the largest independent Pennsylvania's retailer in the state. Last week, The Bulletin reported in a front page story that discussions had recently been conducted between Rendell and publisher Brian Tierney of Philadelphia Media Holdings, the parent company of both the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News, about a bailout for the debt-burdened newspapers. Now it's your state dollars at work! Like I said, Bailouts are us!
Right now the American and Pennsylvania taxpayers are beginning to own a lot of companies, a lot of industries, and, I'm afraid to predict, many more to come. That conservative argument about rising socialism is becoming more pervasive as a practice by our elected officials on all levels.
On the other hand, what about the lack of reward for those financial institutions who haven't performed poorly or invested unwisely or diversified into areas that they knew or learned before investing foolheartedly?
I'll grant you that the list is short but Wells Fargo salvaging Wachovia by buying it out, the Canadian-based TD Bank scoffing up Commerce Bank, and then American Express Corporation that you and I will, I guess, assume that they're doing reasonably well because they've not been in the news at all about needing money from the United States Department of the Treasury.
I wonder what these corporations think about granting bailouts to their disastrous competitors who seemed to be getting rewarded for their failures?
Gee, could I be espousing a conservative viewpoint? Not the fear of socialism taking over our American shores but, certainly, the possible end of capitalism as we've known it. Are we easily closing the gap of what we've always embraced as free enterprise?
[speakOUT on the Qt is a new opinion column, by guest writers. Do you have something to say that you wish to share with fellow QUEERtimes readers? Then submit your column by Tuesday, noon, for publication in the Friday of the same week. The publishers reserve the right to accept, decline or edit, for content, style, accuracy, and space, from what you submit. Anonymous submissions will be rejected without being read. A byline posting is required. Up to 450 word submissions accepted which must be accompanied by your personal contact information for verification.] Send copy to james@QUEERtimes.net
Next Week: Jesse Salazar on Don't Ask, Don't Tell
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What They Said:
copyrighted 2009 |
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 Queer Pennsylvania native Keith Haring, artist, definitely made his mark on the world, literally, even though he died of AIDS, at the age of 31, in 1990. It didn't take long for the lanky boy from Kutztown to burst onto the contemporary art scene in 1979 when he moved to Manhattan. He was befriended by the who's who of the art world and the queer club scene, everyone from Andy Warhol to Grace Jones. In the documentary, The Universe of Keith Haring, directed by Christina Clausen (that premiered at the Philadelphia Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival in July, 2008), recounts the all-too-brief but whirlwind life of the world-renown unique queer artist. Of Christina's portrait/tribute to the life, times and art of Haring, queer film writer Steve Cruz (OutFrontColorado, November 26, 2008) observes: "The speed with which Haring created his cartoon glyphs and maze-like patterns is astonishing. His hand is confident and his vision focused. He drew and painted on every imaginable surface, including Grace Jones' body, vacant poster frames in the New York subway, shoes, clothes, a red BMW roaster and the Berlin Wall. He was a friend of Andy Warhol, and he engineered one of Madonna's earliest public performances for his birthday party."
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 It's not surprising that queer director Gus Van Sant has a queer blockbuster on his hands. And his cast is stellar, including the incredible Sean Penn, one of Hollywood's bad boys, always happy to shun what makes Tinsel Town the place that we nowadays love-to-hate and hate-to-love. Van Sant in an interview with queer writer Matt Kailey (OutFrontColorado, November 26, 2008) talked about the choice of Penn as the historic but real life activist and martyr Harvey Milk. The director's comments were, of course, prior to the film's artistic and commercial success and the recognition that Penn so justly deserves, having recently won a SAG Award for Best Actor and nominated by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences for this year's Oscar for Best Award. When Penn agreed to take the lead in "Milk," Van Sant was surprised, assuming that he'd probably decline the offer. "I thought, 'He's the most macho guy in Hollywood, so he's gonna play Harvey Milk? But also that surprise and that challenge makes it really exciting for him, too. It's a hard job for him, so it makes it interesting. It makes it so that it's an obvious choice, because that can be sort of bland and make the movie not have vibrancy. And then you hope that Sean does the job that he actually did, which is completely infuse himself into Harvey-which was incredible."
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 Matt Kailey (OutFrontColorado, November 26, 2008) also asked each of the lead cast members (all straight) of "Milk" the same question: "Can straight actors play gay characters?" Playing Scott Smith, first acquaintance, then boy friend, then lover, then ex-lover/activist to the real Harvey Milk, James Franco, in his own stunning performance, answered: "I don't know if a gay actor could have played my role better than I did. I just know that I feel strongly about all the issues that Harvey was fighting for, fighting against discrimination and all that, so hopefully my passion for those issues was enough for me to really devote myself to this character. But inversely, you wouldn't want to preclude actors who are gay from being able to play straight roles, so to say that only gay actors can play gay roles would be detrimental in the inverse way as well."
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Events on the Qt! |
> Tuesday (February 10)
 Be a Friend of Dan Anders - and Volunteer
Judge Dan Anders for Judge Volunteer Sign-up Party
Tuesday, February 10
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
@
Tavern on Camac
243 S Camac St, Philadelphia, PA
Openly gay Judge Anders is counting on grassroots support from all across Philadelphia to help him spread his message that justice, fairness, and public service are lifetime priorities. You can get involved with the campaign by clicking the links to the right.
Judge Anders currently serves in the Family Court Division and hears cases involving Philadelphia's at-risk and neglected children including children who have been physically or sexually abused. Judge Anders has presided over 5,000 hearings since he was appointed to the bench.
Judge Anders was nominated by Governor Edward Rendell to fill a two-year vacancy on the Court of Common Pleas. The Pennsylvania State Senate unanimously confirmed Judge Anders' nomination on June30, 2007.
On May 19, 2009, Judge Anders will be seeking the Democratic and Republican nominations for a full ten-year term on the bench.
> Sunday (February 22)
The Red Carpet Party
OscarÒViewing Event and Fundraiser
- Large Scale OscarÒCeremony Projection
- Two Floors of Fun
- Open Bar
Sunday, February 22, 2009
7:30 - 11 PM
Oscar ÒBroadcast begins at 8PM
@
The Ethical Society Building
1906 South Rittenhouse Square
Center City Philadelphia
Advance Tickets $50 or $75 at the Door
Students $30 at door with valid ID's
TICKET PRICE INCLUDES OPEN BAR & GOURMET FOOD SELECTION!
Cuisine by Chef Amanda MacWilliams, of Striped Bass Restaurant fame.
ATTIRE: Black Tie to Blue Jeans
For more information, visit traversetheater.org/oscar
> Sunday (February 15)
 Mama Mia Sing a Long
ONE NIGHT ONLY-- Hiway Theater Benefit Event
Sunday, February 15th at 7:00 p.m.
The hit movie musical Mamma Mia! will be back at the Hiway Theatre for just one night in a special sign-a-long format with Philadelphia's own Chumley and Carlota Ttendant leading the evenings festivities.
Fun for the family this movie event is like no other and includes a dessert reception, a dance contest, and party favors.
We will also be picking the winning raffle ticket for our Tuscany Villa Vacation raffle that night!
Proceeds from this event benefit The Hiway Theatre, a non-profit community theatre. To learn more about sponsoring the event, or donating food or goodies contact Fred at 215.886.9802.
For tickets and other information visit hiwaytheatre.org
Coming in March
Kiss Me I'm Irish and Gayä
Shut Up & Dance 2009 | |
