Queer politics and queer activism are different sides of the same coin . . . often working hand in hand and usually at odds with one another.  This week the activist in me is at odds with the political side of our community, namely the Liberty City Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club concerning their primary endorsements for 2009.

For those who are not familiar with Liberty City, their web site states that they were, "founded in the fall of 1994 by activists who wanted to build lesbian and gay power and involvement in the Democratic Party." With the "primary objectives of the organization" being to register, educate and mobilize lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgendered voters, to elect openly LGBT candidates for public and party office, to support LGBT-friendly candidates, to work to oust anti-gay office holders, to promote legislative issues of importance to the LGBT community, and to provide a forum for LGBT voters to meet candidates and officeholders.  All these are noble and worthy goals that help move our fight for equality forward.

Last Thursday, April 16, Liberty City held its endorsement meeting, which I attended as a non-member.   It was like many endorsement meetings I have attended over the years although this years' meeting seemed less attended than others I recall.  These types of meetings always remind me that democracy can be messy with individuals or groups seeking to promote their own candidates and agendas . . . not that there is anything wrong with that.  But when personal agendas disregard seemingly questionable positions of candidates concerning queer civil rights issues, than perhaps that whole process needs to be called into question.

This year the Liberty City Endorsement Committee recommended two candidates  whose  full support of our civil rights remains questionable, namely John Younge for Pa. Superior Court and Seth Williams for Philadelphia District Attorney.  Both candidates went on to be endorsed by the membership of Liberty City.

Candidate John Younge is a deacon and an active member of a reputed anti-queer church, Sharon Baptist, which neither accepts nor affirms members of our community, a point that was clearly raised by a member of Liberty City before the vote on his endorsement was taken. Furthermore, in Younge's response to Liberty City's candidate questionnaire on the question of whether he considers transgender rights a civil rights issue, he wrote, "I am open to discussion and am also open to being persuaded on this matter as I understand that transgendered people consider this a matter of civil rights."  Younge clearly states that he does NOT believe that transgender rights are a civil rights issue and in 2009 we can no longer wait for someone's learning curve to kick in.  It boggles my mind to think how any queer organization would even consider endorsing a candidate with such a position.

Also, according to his written responses and comments made by Liberty City members during the meeting, Younge does not support our right to full marriage equality.  Lastly, Young is a pro-life individual whose support of a women's right to choose is based solely in that it is the law and not by any personal philosophy or belief.  With all this Liberty City gave its imprimatur on this candidate, with a suggestion by a board member that if he is elected Liberty City should write him a letter to express their concerns and reiterate their positions.  It would seem that a candidate worthy of an endorsement would not need such a letter.

As for the other seemingly questionable endorsement, that of Seth Williams for Philadelphia District Attorney is also of concern.  Williams prides himself on his active membership in the Catholic Church, an organization that not only rejects the legitimacy of our nature but actively works to suppress that nature. The Catholic Church in Pennsylvania is the leading opponent of Pa. H.B. 300, which would include queers as part of the State's anti-discrimination law.  Williams works at a law firm whose clients include the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

When asked by Liberty City on its candidate questionnaire as to whether he supported the "rights of LGBT people" to marriage, civil unions, domestic partnership, or second-parent adoption, he responded that these questions were "not germane to the Office of District Attorney."  Mind you, these where simple "yes" or "no" questions which he refused to answer in a direct manner.  In defending such responses a member of the Endorsement Committee called such them "politically acceptable" language.  When questioned, "For what organizations have you done pro-bono work?"  Williams wrote that this question was "N/A" (not applicable) and provided no other information. One seriously needs to question why Williams would not answer this question . . . it gives the appearance that he is attempting to hide something from Philadelphia's queer community. Like Younge, Williams' is also pro-life whose support for a women's right to choose is based on the fact that he supports "the law."

These two Liberty City endorsements raise concerns that personal interest in wanting a candidate elected or the support of a candidate's political philosophy trumped our fight for full equality.  To the point, one Liberty City member actually questioned the legitimacy of asking candidates certain questions that concern our civil rights.

While I can't speak to the intentions of individuals I find it hard to understand how these two candidates actually made it past a queer organization's endorsement committee, especially one that is charged with advancing queer civil rights.  In both cases it seems that it might have been better to endorse no candidate then to endorse questionable ones.

Gone are the days when we can simply accept and embrace queer "friendly" candidates because we like their political philosophy.  Gone are the day's when we accept and embrace "politically acceptable" language for the sake of a particular candidate. If candidates cannot fully stand beside us in our fight for complete equality then those candidates do not deserve our endorsements.  In today's culture and political environment, and in our current drive for full equality, we need now, more then ever, queer "affirming" elected officials; elected officials who openly and completely stand by our side, without fear of repercussions, and without questions.  Our vote is too powerful and our goal too meaningful to settle for anything less.

 

 

 

Modern Israeli Fare Makes the List

There's more news about Philadelphia being a designated "dining destination" in the nation and the world. Zahav, 237 St. James Place, Philadelphia, has just been named one of the "50 Best New U.S. Restaurants 2009" in Travel + Leisure magazine (May 2009). The editors of the magazine awarded Zahav the distinction of being the only Philadelphia restaurant to make this year's list.

The one-year-old restaurant is co-owned by Chef Michael Solomonov and restaurateur Steven Cook who have received several other accolades for Zahav, including, most recently a James Beard Award nomination for "Rising Star Chef" for Solomonov with winners being announced on May 4 in New York City. "We are so proud of the positive attention that Zahav has earned," commented Cook. "This restaurant was a dream for us, and it's exciting to see our vision come to life."

Zahav - which means gold in Hebrew - offers modern Israeli fare in a traditional, family-style setting, serving dinner seven days a week and lunch, from Monday to Friday.

For more information, call 215.625.8800; or visit zahavrestaurant.com

Adventurous Mexican Listed As Nation's Top 10

The raves and reviews are in for Xochitl, 408 South Second St.--the nation's top 10 Mexican restaurants by Bon Appetit, adventurous Mexican cuisine was featured in Food & Wine and makes "the best margarita in town" from US Airways magazine.

Co-owner Steven Cook will host a Cinco de Mayo celebration, May 5, featuring an authentic 'Street Food from Puebla' Menu, four courses for just $35 and half-price margaritas at the bar from 5 pm to 1 am.

"Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of the victory by the Mexican Army over the French Army in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862," said Cook. "Chef Dionicio Jimenez is from Puebla, so what a better way to honor his homeland than with great food and margaritas!"

Highlights of the 'Street Food from Puebla' menu will include: Sopa Poblana, corn and poblano pepper chowder with zucchini flowers; Chalupas con Carnitas de Pato, soft-fried corn tortilla filled with duck carnitas; Huarachitos con Queso, fresh masa tortilla with cheese and beans; Pescado con Pipian Rojo, halibut with red chiles and pumpkin seeds; Chile en Nogada, poblano pepper stuffed with ground beef, with walnut sauce; Flan de Rompope, Mexican egg nog flan with berries; and Bunuelos de Duraznos, sweet tortilla fritters with peaches.

For more information, call 215.238.7280; or visit www.xochitlphilly.com

Always on the List!

Okay, here's a meal deal that you can't resist and you can impress your mother at the same time!

Executive chef/owner Georges Perrier and his world-famous Le Bec-Fin, 1523 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, are featuring a Mother's Day Sunday brunch, May 10, from 11a.m. to 3 p.m., for $50 per person plus tax and gratuity. The brunch will begin with a special breakfast buffet of smoked salmon, fresh fruit, fresh baked pastries, assorted salads and omelets made to order.

The second course offers scrumptious plates ordered and served to mothers (and the other diners) at your table. Menu selections will include: Scottish Salmon Braised Belgian endive, Toasted Farro, Zinfandel Beurre Rouge, Braised Wild Striped Bass Morel Mushrooms, Celery Root, Soy Brown Butter Emulsion, Leg of LambQuinoa Provencal, Tomato Preserve, Black Olive Caramel, Roasted Garlic Jus, Organic White Feathered Chicken, Pommes Puree, Sherry Vinegar Sauce and 5oz petite Filet of Beef, Jerusalem Artichoke, Arugula, Sauce Bordelaise.

Finally, you can even further indulge your mother with a sumptuous dessert buffet from Le Bec-Fin's famous sweets cart prepared by Pastry Chef Jessie Prawlucki.

For more information, call 215.567.1000; visit lebecfin.com

This Week's Contributor: Brett Mendel, Democratic Candidate for Philadelphia City Controller

I am proud to live in a city that would definitely be considered "ahead of the curve" when it comes to supporting gay rights in America.  The gay community in Philadelphia has thrived for many decades, enduring the many ups and downs of our city's often volatile government.

The office I am currently spending every waking hour working towards - City Controller - has little influence over gay rights in Philadelphia.  But that does not mean I must remain silent when I see an injustice occurring in our city.  I believe that everyone - gay or straight - should have the exact same rights in Philadelphia, with no exceptions. 

I will speak out against any legislation, proposal or city policy that discriminates against the LGBT community.   I support gay marriage, adoption, and partners rights.

I am running for City Controller to restore credibility to our city government.  Our citizens have put up with budget cuts, tax increases and service losses without ever knowing where all of our money is being spent.  I will audit every city department annually so that we know exactly where our tax dollars are going.

The state requires our City Controller to do these audits every year, but our current Controller has not followed the law.  Our taxes are about to increase, and we do not have audits for all of our city departments for the previous year.   We cannot know for certain whether we are making the correct decisions, or if there is fraud and abuse occurring in our government.

This will change if I am elected Controller.  I will do the job and do it well, without the political shenanigans that occur on a daily basis. 

Thank you,

Brett Mandel

[speakOUT on the Qt is a guest opinion column. The author's opinion is their own and does not reflect the opinions of QUEERtimes or our advertisers. 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]

 

Uncles owner Mort Wernik died April 21 from pancreatic cancer at the age of 73. Wernik was a long time advocate and support of Philadelphia's queer community. He opened Uncles at 1220 Locust Street in 1984 and just celebrated the bar's anniversary.  He will be deeply missed.

Wernik's interment was held on Wednesday, April 22 at Beth Israel Cemetery - Route 1 near Gill Lane in Woodbridge, NJ.

He is survived by his brother Donald (Joyce), Charlotte Sheratsky, Malcolm and Rabbi Joseph (Miriam) and many loving nieces and nephews.

Shiva will be observed Thursday and Friday until 3 P.M. at the residence of Charlotte Sheratsky.

Shiva will continue Sunday 12 P.M. thru Wednesday 10 A.M. at his late residence.

View/Sign Guest Book

OPEN LETTER from author Michael Nava to the readers Qt!

Happy 70th Birthday, Katherine V. Forrest!

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

It has been my immeasurable privilege to call Katherine V. Forrest my friend for almost 20 years since I first approached her for a contribution to an anthology of lesbian and gay short story mysteries. Katherine, who had never met me, responded with a generosity that I soon realized is typical of her.

Later, she and I were part of a lesbian and gay writers group in Los Angeles that included such remarkable figures as Eloise Klein Healy, Paul Monette, and Bernard Cooper.

Even in that distinguished group, Katherine was something special, already a legendary figure in our community--a writer whose work not only entertained her readers but gave them hope, encouragement and inspiration.

As a friend she has always been kindness personified, never too busy with her own work to take a look at my manuscripts which she reads with the thoroughness and intelligence that have made her as distinguished an editor as she is a novelist.

In recent years, no cause has been closer to Katherine's heart than the preservation of the LGBT literary community. The vehicle through which she has done this work is the Lambda Literary Foundation.

As board president, she was instrumental in reviving the organization. I know that one of the proudest moments of her life was the first day of the foundation's retreat for up-and-coming LGBT writers because for Katherine, as for few other people, community comes first.

This year my friend turns 70 on April 20, and I am asking you to help me honor her by contributing one dollar for every year of her life to the foundation to which she has so selflessly given of her time, talent and treasure.

Seventy dollars for seventy years to help insure the survival of the most important literary organization in the LGBT community, and our goal is 100 gifts of $70 each.

Of course, a donation in any amount would mean so much.

Those who are able to contribute $125 or more by June 1, 2009, will receive, in grateful recognition, signed copies of one of Katherine's novels and one of mine.

I know times are tough and I don't make this request lightly but Katherine is the kind of figure who deserves a monument for all she is and has done the Lambda Literary Foundation is her monument.

I hope you can help me preserve and sustain it in her honor and for the community's good.

Thank you so much.

Michael Nava, San Francisco