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queerVOICE
Take Action to SAVE our Children
James Duggan
copyright 2010
|  Our youth matter, so to stand idle and do or say
nothing when so many of our youth are bullied daily in school because of their
actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity is reprehensible. According to the Gay Lesbian Straight Education
Network (GLSEN), 9 out of 10 queer teens are the victims of anti-queer
bullying. Nine out of 10! Being picked on or physically or verbally abused or
harassed, because of one's sexual orientation or gender identity is not just
homophobia run amok. Such actions brings with it a whole host of negative results
that effect both the well being of the student as well as his or her academic
achievements. Low self-esteem, self-hating and even suicide become the
results--none of which are acceptable in a just society. GLSEN reports the following:
86.2% of LGBT students reported being verbally
harassed. 44.1% reported being physically harassed. 22.1% reported being physically assaulted at school
in the past year because of their sexual orientation. 73.6% heard derogatory remarks such as
"faggot" or "dyke" frequently or often at school. 60.8% of students reported that they felt unsafe in
school because of their sexual orientation. 38.4% felt unsafe because of their gender expression. 31.7% of LGBT students missed a class and 32.7%
missed a day of school in the past month because of feeling unsafe, compared to
only 5.5% and 4.5%, respectively, of a national sample of secondary school
students. The reported grade point average of students who
were more frequently harassed because of their sexual orientation or gender
expression was almost half a grade lower than for students who were less often
harassed (2.8 versus 2.4). [Source: About.com]
Discrimination
based on sexual orientation and gender identity contributes to high rates of
absenteeism, dropout, adverse health consequences, and academic under
achievement among LGBT youth. When left unchecked, such discrimination can
lead, and has led to, life-threatening violence and suicide. [Source:
Human Rights
Campaign]
All this happens while so many of us turn a blind
eye to the realities of the situation. Yes, it has always happened but
that does not mean that it should continue. I've writing about this in the past and will continue
to urge action against anti-queer bullying until it is a thing of the past. But what can we do to affect positive change? By helping to pass the Student Non-discrimination
Act of 2010 (SNDA), H.R. 4530
in the U.S. House of Representatives! According to Human Rights Campaign, SNDA "would
prohibit discrimination against any public school student on the basis of
actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. In addition,
the SNDA prevents discrimination against any public school student because of
the actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity of a person with
whom that the student associates or has associated." SNDA was introduced by Congressman Jared Polis
(D-CO), is bi-partisan, and has 60 co-sponsors. "Hatred has no place in the classroom," said
Polis. "Every student has the right to an education free from harassment
and violence. This bill will protect the individual freedoms of our
students and enshrine the values of equality and opportunity in our
classrooms." Similar legislation is being proposed by U.S.
Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.). The problem is we queers are not very good at
getting involved and speaking out. It's far too easy for us to think that
others will do it for us. But this can't be further from the truth. There
is not enough "others" for the efforts we need to push these bills to passage. We need a real movement of individuals contacting
their Congresspeople and Senators and urge support and passage of the Student
Non-discrimination Act of 2010 so that our children and are children's children
are protected from anti-queer bullying as soon as possible. We have no
time to waste. Find and contact your: Congressperson @ house.gov
and U.S. Senator @ senate.gov Take a moment, make some calls, spread the word,
and save a child!
"Our
public schools are mandated to support all students in their pursuit of
academic achievement and social stability. LGBT students have
historically been alienated, harassed, and bullied in their schools, with
little or no intervention from school personnel. And far too many have
underperformed or 'dropped out' in response to the lack of safety and support.
No student should have to be fearful when walking through the doors of their
school, and this legislation would require immediate and appropriate action to
stop the discrimination that our youth have endured for far too long." __
Human
Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese
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What It Looks Like From Here
Thom Cardwell
copyright 2010 | "Birds Do It, Bees Do
It, Even Educated Fleas Do It, Let's Do It, Let's Fall in Love," goes the
classic popular song, "Let's Do It," written by queer (bisexual?)
lyricist/composer Cole Porter.
 Evidently, creatures do "do it." I mean that the birds, bees and fleas (or some
types of insects) have sexual activities with the same sex. Lately, scientists
have discovered that "same-sex sexual activity has been recorded in more than 450
different species of animals, from flamingoes to bison to beetles to guppies to
warthogs."
Yes, the cover story of The New
York Times Magazine(April 4, 2010) with a daring image of two cute white
bunny rabbits and, in large "rainbow" pastel colors, the provocative titles,
"They Gay?" and the subtitle, "There is a science to same-sex animal behavior"
written by Jon Mooallen, a heady
feature story even for the more intelligent readers. But there's definitely
enough for the average layman to extrapolate from the commentary to make sense
and be understandable as there's a sorting out of scientific fact and perhaps
scientific fiction, at least at this point in time without all the definitive
studies and scientific behavioral conclusions made.
Though there are scientists who admit to not being ready to superimpose terms
like "lesbian, a human term," to animals, there are some clearly same-sex
activities among the albatross, the koala, the dolphin, among others.
 Mooallen writes: "Within most species, homosexual acts have been
documented only sporadically, and there appear to be few cases of individual
animals who engage in it exclusively. For more than a century, this kind of
observation was usually tacked onto scientific papers as a curiosity, it was
reported at all, and not pursued as a legitimate research subject."
And now the good news. "In recent years though, more biologists have been
looking objectively at same-sex sexuality in animals--approaching it as a real
science," explains Mooallen.
Now, not everyone, including non-scientists aren't convinced that what animals
do is something that humans should have to worry about in defining their own
lives and loves.
One such activist is Jams Essex,
director of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Project at the American
Civil Liberties Union, who was proud to emphasize to Mooallen that "he has
never incorporated facts about animal behavior into a legal argument about the
rights of human beings."
Marlene Zuk, author of "Sexual Selections"
writes: "People need to be able to make decisions about their lives without
worrying about keeping up with the bonoboos."
Well, so is homosexuality "a choice"? Essex
answered: "It shouldn't be the basis of a moral judgment."
"But sometimes it is," observes Mooallen, "and gay animals are compelling
evidence that being gay isn't a choice at all."
 Mooallen continues: "Animal research demonstrating the supposed 'naturalness'
of homosexuality has typically been embraced by gay rights activists and has
put their opponents on their defensive. At the same time, research
interpreted--or, maybe more misinterpreted--to be close to pinpointing that
naturalness in a specific 'gay gene' can make people on both sides anxious in
totally different ways."
For now, the verdict is out on the impact or meaning of the same-sex sexual
activities of animal species on the behavior of Homo sapiens.
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 | speakOUT on the Qt
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An Open Letter on
Patrick Murphy
Dear Qt Readers:
Patrick Murphy | Four years ago we all helped elect Patrick Murphy (D, Pa.-8th) to Congress.
He has not disappointed us.
As the first Iraq
war veteran serving in Congress, he took the lead on fighting the war in many
ways-and he immediately showed he has guts. The House leadership soon
recognized him by making him the only freshman member to serve on the House
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
Murphy continues to fight for veterans who the Republicans are quick to praise
and then, when they return home, are just as quick to abandon, to inferior
medical treatment, mortgage problems, and all too often, to the streets More
recently, Murphy has taken the lead in working to overturn the failed Don't
Ask, Don't TellLaw.
Murphy is also a leader in domestic policy issues. He has
been a strong supporter of the healthcare reform effort, having voted in favor
of the public option and against the Stupak amendment which would limit a
women's right to choose.
Beyond all of this, he has been a leader in creating green jobs and bringing
renewable energy companies to the Philadelphia
region. Bucks County is now home to the fourth largest
producer of wind turbines that are shipped all over the country, and is also
the home to one of the largest manufacturers of solar panels.
Murphy continues to fight for what is right, despite being a
target of far-right criticism in his home district. In the face of a growing
number of Tea Party activists in his district, whose goal is to derail
progressive initiatives such as the healthcare reform bill and legislation to
reduce global warming, Murphy remains committed to fighting for change in Washington and taking
our country in a truly new direction.
Murphy won in a district that had a large Republican
majority. This time around though, he faces the national backlash against the
Democrats, a focused effort to unseat him by national Republicans and a
determined challenge by the Congressman he unseated in 2006.
To help this outstanding Congressman win re-election, we are sponsoring a
fundraiser for Patrick Murphy on Sunday, April 11, from 4 to 6:00 p.m., at
Knock Restaurant and Bar, 225 S.
12th Street, Philadelphia.
My friends and I hope you can join us.
Warmly, Jeff Wolper, Host Committee
comments@QUEERtimes.net
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 | Thom's Table on the Qt!
Thom Cardwell
copyright 2010
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 Have you
been wondering what to do on First Fridays every month? Well, Raven Lounge (not
to be confused with the Raven in New Hope, there's no affiliation), 1718 Sansom
Street, Center City, Philadelphia, will be hosting their Ultra
Happy Hour but with a charity twist, accepting
donations, large and small, whatever patrons can give, on behalf of Young Variety to help special-needs children.
The festive end-of-week parties will be a series so
the next one will be 7 to 9 p. m., on May
7.
They'll be drink
specials, of course, $5 champagne and pop rocks, $5 well drinks and $3
domestic bottles. Guest bartenders Bridget
Quinn and Jennifer Sherlock will
serve libations all night long while featured DJ Ronnie D will spin Philly's hottest music and work everyone into
party mode!
With social consciousness in mind for the less
fortunate than we, here's the back story on how the nonprofit charity was
formed: "About Young variety: On Christmas Eve in 1927, a baby was left on the
doorstep of a theater company with a note attached reading: 'Please take care
of my baby, her name is Catherine. I can no longer take care of her, I have
eight others. My husband is out of work. She was born on Thanksgiving Day. I
have always heard of the goodness of show business and I pray to God that you
will look after her.--A Heart-Broken Mother.'"
As a result, Variety
Club International (now Variety - The Children's Charity) was founded by
the eleven entertainers who discovered Baby
Catherine. Its sole purpose was to help the less fortunate and to lend a
hand to various civic and charitable organizations. Variety is a not-for-profit
organization that takes pride in providing programs and services to
special-needs children with more than 50 outlets nationwide and worldwide.
For more information, call 215.840.3577; or
visit ravenlounge.com
For more information on Young Variety, visit varietyphila.org
 At the
prestigious Gourmand World Cookbook
Awardsin Pariswhere the best
books by and for cooks - for those who "cook with words" are recognized each
year (since 1995), with entries were competing in more than 40 different
categories, The Special Award of the Jury for 2010 went to Dining at Delmonico's- by James Canoraand Judith Choate. The book is currently available wherever fine
cookbooks are sold.
The pair of
writers "follows America's
oldest restaurant from its opening in 1837 [in New York City] and shares some of its most
successful and popular recipes so the home cook can experience Delmonico's at
home."
"As the country's original fine dining establishment, Delmonico's [Restaurant, 56
Beaver St., in the Wall Street area, near Water Street] has
had a lot of firsts. It was the first restaurant with tablecloths, the first to
offer printed menus and its kitchen has been the birthplace of some of the most
iconic dishes in America's history, such as the Delmonico Steak, Chicken a La
Keene, Lobster Newburg, Eggs Benedict and Baked Alaska each complete with a
great story as to how they came about," observes Conara and Choate."
But while
many other restaurants across the country might consider themselves a throwback
to Delmonico's, diners can still experience the real thing first hand under the
culinary skills of Chef Bill Oliva
who consistently is serving up the classics and inventing new classics nightly.
For more information,
call 212.509.114; or visit delmonicosny.com
comments@QUEERtimes.net
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| Thom's World
Thom Cardwell
copyright 2010
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Okay, I have
to confess that I've liked dancing ever since I was a young child. With almost
no formal training, well, you can count, I guess, some open and free ballroom classes
that were offered after classes in middle school. But, even back then, I was
already on my way to becoming a gay little boy, dancing with my pretty female
partners because that was the only alternative. Besides I liked girls as
friends, never as sexual objects, and, frankly, that's worked out quite well
throughout my entire life. So, onto the
dance and dancing, as one day in freshman class, a friendly classmate (who was
already a brave soul in being out in high school) invited me to join him to
attend American Bandstand. I did. I
liked it. He didn't. And the rest became my own history, having been on Dick Clark's television show, for three
and a half years. And, I've been dancing ever since and, unofficially teaching,
especially other guys, mostly straight, from college to now, how to dance with
confidence, poise and flair. You know, show us a little "wow" factor when
you're on the dance floor!  I'll be
looking for that "wow" factor from the generous volunteer dance couples while I
serve as returning judge for the second annual "Dancing With The Philadelphia Stars", 5 to 7 p.m., on April 18, at Hyatt Regency at Penns Landing, - presented by Brownstone PR and benefiting the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America,
Philadelphia/Delaware Valley.
This year's
lineup of dancers is impressive, and has a lot of name and face recognition and
will include: Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown; Christina Pirello, Emmy Award-winning
host of the television series Christina
Cooks; Dana Spain, Founder and President of the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society
(PAWS); Dorothy Johnson-Speight, founder of Mothers in Charge; G-N Kang, co-host of Wired 96.5's Chio
in the Morning; Sabrina Tamburino Thorne,
Finance & Budget Coordinator at GPTMC; Brian Freedman, Noted Food & Wine
writer, Wine Educator and Consultant; Jason
Evenchik, Owner of TIME, Vintage Wine Bar and Bar; and Maxx Stoyanoff-Williams, lead singer/MC of Black Landlord. My esteemed fellow judges will include: LaDeva Davis, Director of Dance at the Philadelphia High School for Creative & Performing Arts; Shawn Lamere Williams,
Artistic Director at Eleone Dance Theatre; Susan Glazer, Director of Dance
at University of the Arts; and Development
Director at Philadelphia Cinema Alliance; and Senator Larry Farnese. It's an
entertaining evening, with libations and dinner, a playful dancing competition,
and a black-tie affair (so you get to have fun dressing up for a lovely night
and all for a worthy cause. Tickets are only $90 and may be purchased in advance either online at dancingwiththephiladelphiastars.com or call 215.471.8686. This year's
sponsors are: Presenting Sponsor: Brownstone PR; Partner Sponsor: The
Philadelphia Foundation, Society Hill Dance Academy, Raison D'Etre Marketing;
Supporting Sponsor: St. Christopher's
Hospital for Children; Media Sponsor: Wired 96.5, AroundMainLine.com, and
Philly Chit Chat. The purpose behind this annual event is to raise money (last year
more than $6,000) and create awareness about Sickle Cell through education and
programs about the disease that exists
in staggeringly high numbers in the African American and Hispanic communities. "Often called the 'forgotten disease', Sickle Cell disease affects 1 out of every
500 African Americans, and approximately 80,000 individuals. One out of
every 10-12 African Americans are carriers of the Sickle Cell trait, and approximately
2.5 million Americans," says SCDAA/PDVC Executive Director Stanley Simpkins. "It's not a disease
that is heavily discussed; many people don't even know what it is. We wanted to
do something that would catch the people's attention. With Dancing With The Philadelphia Stars, we said 'Wow, what better way
to get people to take notice?' " For
information about Sickle Cell, visit sicklecelldisorder.com
comments@QUEERtimes.net
SPECIAL NOTICE: K.M. Soehnlein is coming to
Giovanni's Room, 345
South 12th Street, Philadelphia, Sunday, April 11 at 5 p.m., for a reading and
book-signing of his new novel, Robin and
Ruby, a sequel to The World of Normal Boys.
ROBIN AND RUBY updates the story of
the brother and sister of THE WORLD OF NORMAL BOYS. Soehnlein wrote
that novel over 10 years ago with no plans to write a sequel. But he never
really let go of the characters. You don't have to have read the first
novel to get into this one --- it's set during the summer of 1985 ---
St. Elmo's Fire, Live Aid, the first HIV tests --- and it takes place in
Philadelphia and on the Jersey Shore (in the same town as that
trainwreck of a reality show). Robin
is now a theater major with a knack for drama; Ruby, his younger sister, has
emerged from her God Squad days as a kind of New Wave atheist. They're both
ending relationships and starting new ones. There's sex and romance and alcohol
and cocaine -- it's the '80s after all -- but it's also about that moment
in your early 20s when you realize the decisions are all yours to make, and no
one else will solve your problems for you.
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What They Said and Did!
Thom Cardwell
copyrighted 2010
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On being honest, fair, outspoken, truthful and
American, on your real feelings about the witch hunt that is "Don't Ask, Don't
Tell," and understanding the importance of equality for all, and calling it
"counterproductive" to "take disciplinary action against someone  who spoke with
me openly and honestly" about their sexual orientation and stating that it made no sense to pursue discharges of
service
members as he speaks about change of policy. "Although Mr.
Gates announced revised standards last week that make it harder for the
military to discharge service members whose sexual orientation is revealed by
third parties, gay men and lesbians who willingly reveal their sexual
orientation still face ouster from the military, at least as the law is
written." -John McHugh, Secretary of the
Army, reported by The New York Times (April 1, 2010)
________________________________ On always giving back to the community, including
the HIV/AIDS community, the actress who we've all come to know and love, from
"Who's the Boss?," to "Ugly Betty" to independent queer films like "Save Me"
with queer actor Chad Allen, is always thoughtful, caring and human:  "We go
through life living in denial and inured to these things [i. e. HIV/AIDS] it's
like, 'Don't you understand? People are dying around you!' and I just . . .,"
she stutters, ponders, then proceeds. 'It's as much for me as it is for the
community. It's not altruistic, though I know how one could see it that way,'
she chuckles a little, 'but that's not the way that I hold it. I can tell you
that operating this way has changed my life. And I get so much more from this
community that I give. They have supported me in ways that are beyond anything
. . . I've gotten back waymore." -Judith Light told to Greg
Lindberg (A & E, July 2007).
________________________________ On being a sex symbol and a soon-to-be daddy at the
same time, the health and body image guru, and television talk show host, and
 someone who reinvented themselves and their career, skyrocketing into the
limelight, and as columnist for "myentertianment," Dorothy Robinson points out "the
almost always shirtless" male specimen (who's complaining, certainly none of
us): "People are
very upset that I'm not finding out what the sex is going to be [of his child].
. .I think that is one of life's great surprises. I want it to be, 'Oh, it's a
girl.' Oh, it's a boy.'. . .For some reason, we feel like if it's a boy, that
the baby is going to come out of the womb doing sit-ups." --Mario Lopez (METRO Philadelphia, March 30,
2010)
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