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queerVOICE
A More Perfect Union
James Duggan
copyright 2009
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Tomorrow we celebrate Independence Day, our
national holiday celebrating a people united together against the tyranny of
one government to form a more perfect union; a nation where life, liberty and
the pursuit of happiness is equally afforded to all its citizens.
Two hundred and thirty-three years since that
historic day in Philadelphia
we as a nation still seek to form that more perfect union, evidenced by such
movements as Women's Suffrage and the African-American civil rights battle.
For more than four decades, queer Americans,
inspired by the successes of these great reform movements, have been fighting
for our full equality too, seeking equality through the same civil rights that comes
with full citizenship.
These movements were inspired by the simple truth
that all persons are created equal, and strengthened by a will to pursue their
rightful liberties that were denied them.
In doing so, they have shown us that to become a more perfect union we
as a people must continue to grow and mature.
It should be made clear that attempts to equate our
fight for equality with that of these two movements would be an error; their
struggles and fights are unique to them.
However, it needs to be understood that while our struggles are not
equivalent our longing and desire for full equality remains the same. We feel the sting of discrimination, the pain
of emotional and physical abuse, and the death of our martyrs.
No, the pursuit of civil rights is not a procession
of either gender or race; it is a fundamental quest of every person simply by
birth, a quest whose purpose is to help form us more perfectly as a nation.
Our opponents put forth an argument that individual
rights can only flow from who you are and not by what you do. They believe that we choose to be queer and are
not born this way. This "fact" makes us
undeserving of recognition in the application of full civil rights, especially
when it comes to our right to marriage equality.
Opponents of queer equality base their arguments
solely on their understanding of the bible; biblical interpretations that have
been seriously challenged by notable scholars and Christian
denominations worldwide.
Unlike these opponents, my (Christian)
spirituality believes that it is my nature to be queer, just like it is in my
nature to be male or to have blue eyes. I was conceived, gestated and born
queer. To oppose this nature would be to not only go against the will of God
but to live a life unfulfilled and incomplete, the ramifications of which would
be to limit my full contribution to family and society alike.
Just like with heterosexuals there are homosexuals
who are meant to be joined to another, a partner, in order to complete
themselves and to reach their full potential.
This completion or fulfillment of individuals, found in both
opposite-sex and same-sex marriages, helps bring about a stable, prosperous and
complete society.
So, on this
Independence Day, let's recall the great sacrifices that individuals and groups
have made throughout history as they fought for their equality and civil
liberties. May we be inspired by them and find strength, conviction, and a
greater sense of urgency in our battle to obtain our full civil rights. Only then will this nation be a more perfect
union.
Comments: james@QUEERtimes.net
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What It Looks Like From Here
Thom Cardwell
copyright 2009 |
 Though National Gay Pride Month is officially over,
the festivities haven't ended for the queer community in Philadelphia; far from
it, in fact, as the Philadelphia Qfest, July 9-20, 2009,
formerly known as the Philadelphia International
Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, gears up for its 15th anniversary.
The festival programmers have invited an impressive list of special guests to
join in the celebration, including out actor, Chad Allen, who will receive the Artistic Achievement Award, queer-friendly actor, Sharon Gless, who will receive the Gay Icon Award, out producer, director,
screenwriter and musical talent, H. P. Mendoza
who will receive the Rising Star Award,
and out documentary filmmaker Dee
Mosbacher who will receive the first-ever Barbara Gittings Award.
 If you want to get up-close and personal, there are two VIP benefit receptions for the Philadelphia Cinema Alliance (have
you joined the year-round membership organization yet?) with Chad Allen on July 9 and with Sharon Gless on July 19, both of which
will be hosted by festival patrons at private  residences.
Other festival guests will include actor Eric
Debets and director Jason Bushman of "Hollywood, je t'aime," the opening
night film, followed by a themed-party at Hamilton Hall, University of the
Arts, and actors Daniel Robinson, Joey Dudding, Jeff Metzler and producer/director Casper Andreas and screenwriter/director Fred M. Caruso of "The Big Gay Musical," the closing night film,
followed by a themed-party at the Loews Philadelphia
Hotel, 33rd Floor, director David
Kittredge of "Pornography," producer Tracy
Baim of "Hannah Free," actors Keith
Jordan and Adamo Ruggiero and
director Rob Williams of "Make the
Yuletide Gay," director E. E. Cassidy
of "We Are the Mods," and directors Harry
and Bernard Schumanski of
"Wrecked."
Beyond the celebrities, this year's summer festival really is a celebration of
queer cinema, screening 140 films,
predominately queer Indies--features,
documentaries and shorts--from all four corners of the world, from filmmakers
as close as New Jersey and as far
away as Sweden, will be screened
during the 12-day event at the Prince
Music Theater in Center City and the Ritz
East Theaters 1 and 2 in Old City.
 How about a few festival highlights?
One that should--literally-appeal to everyone, hey, you can even bring along
your grandmother, a favorite aunt, even your parents will be: A Day with Doris Day, with a Doris Day Brunch,
featuring the starlet's look-a-like
contest, Doris Day hostess, Doris Day's "favorite dessert," Doris Day music and film clips, followed by a
Doris Day Double Feature, "What A
Difference A Day Make: Doris Day Superstar," and "Pillow Talk" with co-star Rock
Hudson. It'll be a "pink of a day" with Doris
on July 12!
Some more films to share with everyone are the series of outdoor screenings at
the Jamaican Jerk Hut, it's
decidedly retro and campy as you can get: "Grease," the sing-along version (so you better start practicing your
voice), "Hair" (the comeback of the
musical and those hair styles!), "The
Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert," (so bloody Aussie and such a
damn good film) and "Myra Breckenridge"
(remember Rachel Welch, Rex Reed and even Farrah Fawcett)!
Truly rich in their dedication to and commitment for the queer Indie film, the
next generation of producers and
directors from around the world, through their cinematic artistry, offer us
the hopes, the fears, the struggles, the challenges of gays and lesbians, in
the varied and diverse situations both near to home or incredibly far away, dealing
with issues as personal as coming out and finding the perfect mate or as
communal as same-sex marriage and family rights.
 Here's a sampling of some not-to-be-missed
films: "And Then Came Lola," "Drool," "Fruit Fly," "Boy," "Chef's Special,"
"City of Borders," "An Englishman in New York," "Family," "Mr. Right," "Patrik,
Age 1.5," "Pop Star on Ice," "Prodigal Sons," "Redwoods," "Rivers Wash Over
Me," "Shank," "Training Rules," and "True Enough."
When we're talking queer Indie film, it's all about the International "shared vision" between queers speaking in so many
tongues through the cinematic experience of GLBT films, now portray the
struggles of sexual identity, coming out, social acceptability, interpersonal
relationships, cultural disruption, religious integrity and sexual radicalism.
Filmmakers can also lighten the burden of too much
reality, and let us escape to a utopian or fantasy world.
Film continues to serve as an international language and, within the gay and
lesbian community, the global village seems to be getting closer, tighter,
smaller and curiously similar. It's one of the reasons to produce a queer film
festival--to give access to the
filmmakers to screen their films and to give access to the audience to view them.
Happy Philadelphia Qfest! Happy 15th
Anniversary! I'll see YOU at the movies!
For tickets, call 267-765-9800. ext. 4; or visit qfest.com Editor's
Note: Thom Cardwell also serves
as the Development Director of the Philadelphia Cinema Alliance (PCA).
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Colin's Queer Life on the Qt!
Don't Tread On Me
Colin McCullough
copyright 2009
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 My first time in the downtown historical district
of Philadelphia was for a July 4th celebration.
My mother, who was born and raised in the city, wanted my friend and me
to see where our country began. The day
was filled with activities ranging from visiting the Liberty Bell to seeing
Betsy Rose's home to eating my first cheese steak at Jim's. I also saw my first protest. A crowd was gathered to exercise their first
amendment rights and question the fairness of the Mimi Abu Jamal
imprisonment. Since that day, I've been
hooked on the city and its incredibly rich history.
Fast forward a decade or so, I see the nation's
early history everyday. I now live in Philly
and have the opportunity to appreciate the historical aesthetic on a regular
basis. I walk on the cobblestone streets;
see Independence Hall and Washington
Square.
Nowadays I eagerly anticipate the opening of the
Jewish American Museum. It is truly
incredible that I live only blocks away from where the Declaration of
Independence was drafted. But as much as
I enjoy the beauty our city has to offer, the ideas behind these great monuments
would be lost if I didn't think about how to apply them to my own life.
My favorite Philly hangout is Washington Square. This is in no way an attempt to knock Rittenhouse Square,
because I love it too, but Washington
Square has a special meaning to me. Washington
Square is home to the grave of the Unknown Soldier. I have a great deal of respect for the
Americans who give their lives for our country, so I often visit this tombstone
when I am searching for guidance in my life.
Above the eternal flame it says:
"Freedom is a light for which many men died in darkness." The Unknown Soldier and many of Washington's men gave
their life for their faith of concepts that they didn't know would work
out. Sovereignty, liberty, equality and
justice were all born out of the enlightenment and the United States
was the first country that dared to practice them.
As a young, politically passionate gay man, I can't
let these principles die. If the Unknown
Soldier can give his life for his faith and beliefs, then I can rid myself of
apathy and care about the country we live in.
I don't know how Jefferson or Washington would feel about gay rights or
gender equality, but I know they would value the conversation. I can't figure out what Adams would say about
the United State's involvement in the Iranian
conflict, but I truly believe that he would encourage the dialogue.
Like the protesters I saw on my first trip to Old City,
I need to be aware of my Bill of Rights.
Too many Americans died for us not to give recognition and thanks for
these amazing concepts. So tomorrow,
before I head out to the barbeques and the fire works at the Philadelphia Art Museum,
I will go to Washington Square
and give thanks. Because of the Unknown
Soldier, I know I can say to whoever tries to silence my voice, "Don't tread on
me!"
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Thom's Table on the Qt!
Thom Cardwell
copyright 2009
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 I apologize--in advance--as this is my second
column devoted entirely to The Piazza at Schmidts.
But I really can't stop waxing--poetic about what developed Bart Blatstein is doing to transform
Northern Liberties and create a genuine, new and exciting, indeed, dynamic,
Philadelphia, for the new millennium.
At least, dear readers, you can rest assured that I won't be repeating myself--much.
This column is being dedicated to the four
new restaurants that have all recently or, in one case, about to open, in
the spectacular commercial spaces that comprise the unique complex that is The
Piazza at Schmidts, North 2nd Street and Germantown Avenue, as part of the
spectacular 80,000-square-foot gathering
space surrounded by 35 boutiques, galleries
and artists' studios; 500 new
apartments; and 50,000 square feet
of office space.
One of the greatest, most daunting, challenges that Blatstein has about The
Piazza at Schmidts is--ultimately--establishing it as a
"destination" for city residents from other neighborhoods, suburbanites and tourists.
"Restaurants are essential features of
any gathering space because of how easily and naturally they bring people
together," said Blatstein, who
also spearheaded the area's popular Liberties
Walk (1022 North 2nd Street,
across from The Piazza) with restaurants including Bar Ferdinand and El Camino
Real.
The recently opened restaurants on
The Piazza include:
 Vino,
an Italian restaurant, wine bar and lounge, featuring 50 wines by the glass, as
well as a bottled reserve list, focusing on the great wines of Italy, an array
of small plates of items of Italian-centric cuisine such as brick oven pizzas,
charcuterie, cheeses and olives, calamari fritti and sausage-stuffed olives
with sea salt that diners can also enjoy al fresco on the patio.
 Darling's Diner, described as "a
retro-inspired homage to American comfort food" features such specialties as
owner Harry Arnold's "Best of Philly" cheesecakes, in-house baker Donna
Wallstin's Darling's breads, and signature items include meatloaf, macaroni and
cheese among other familiar favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
 The Swift Half, "a pub with fresh,
locally sourced food and an extensive selection of the region's finest craft
beers" also serving upscale comfort food prepared by chef Jessica O'Donnell
including such popular menu staples as fish and chips alongside innovative takes such as vegetarian shepherd's pie.
 P.Y.T. Bar and
Burger Joint, "a hip indoor-outdoor venue serving an array of burgers,
fries and shakes with an exciting entertainment lineup" in The Piazza, with a
40-seat space inside and an extensive patio for al fresco dining and summer
hanging out for drinks and snacks, also presenting live DJs and musical acts
provided by Tommy Up, (tommyup.com) the well-known impresario of Philadelphia's
nightlife scene.
Blatstein actually modeled The Piazza at
Schmidts after Italy's
famed piazzas, known for generations, as gathering places for the city's
bohemian community. He envisions the space as "an ideal locale for enjoying outdoor
performances, concerts, street festivals, with the city's largest LED screen
and an outdoor performance stage --all
free to the public and offered all year long." For more information
on . . .
The Piazza at Schmidts, call 215.467.4600 ext: 114;
or visit atthepiazza.com Vino, call 215.923.2014; vinorestaurantlounge.com Darling's Diner, call 267.239.5790; or visit darlingcheesecake.com The Swift Half, call 215.923.4600;or visit swifthalfpub.com P.Y.T. Bar and Burger Joint, visit pytphilly.com
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What They Said:
copyrighted 2009 |
 Thirty-two year old Ryan Reynolds' ten year career in
films has finally taken off big time. The handsome Reynolds seems to be really
living the Hollywood life despite his reticence
to do so. That's pretty good for a Canadian. The husband of Scarlet Johansson
and father of their first child he tries to chide away from the attention a
film star gets these days whether it's the media, the paparazzi or bloggers who
love to document his every movement. Definitely, everyone's favorite current
hottie Reynolds avoided the hunkamania image as long as he could. But, then, he
came out, when he agreed to pose shirtless, ripped stomach and all, on the
cover of Men's Health, 2005, in the "Lose Your Gut" issue. He admits that he
remained uncomfortable doing that shoot and the picture never went away. "My breasts were in my face every five
seconds, 'cause people wanted me to sign it," Reynolds explained. In his
recently released film, "The Proposal," he appears naked, opposite costar
Sandra Bullock, who said that neither actor wore a body suit! Bullock is
highly complimentary of Reynolds in the romantic comedy. "He's a smart actor;
he understands that even people who behave badly have their reasons."
____________________________
 Feminist icon Gloria
Steinem, 72, still has plenty to say and do when it comes to women's
rights and social and political issues of all kinds. She's tackling AM talk
radio these days as she feels that it's so ultra-right, with voices like Rush Limbaugh.
Not surprisingly, she also doesn't mince words when it comes to commenting
about other high-profile contemporary women, especially right-wingers. She told
Deborah Solomon (The New York Times Sunday Magazine, September 3, 2006): "If you create a movement, you create jobs
and profits for someone to sell it out. That's true of Phyllis Schlafly. It's
true of Ann Coulter; with both of them, I couldn't invent a better adversary."
While she's disagreed with Hillary Clinton on some issues, especially the war, "I
feel otherwise she's good on issues." But it's no-holds-barred when it comes to
her opinion of Condoleezza Rice. "I wish
someone would write an article called "How Did Condoleezza Rice Get That Way?"
She's so separate from the welfare of the majority of Americans and especially
the female and African-American communities to which she belongs." She's
never stopped thinking and writing. Nowadays she's working on her latest tome,
half memoir, half on the road experiences, called "America as if Everyone Mattered."
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Events on the Qt! |
June 5 - July 31 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday only) Art Show on
AIDS and Spirituality
"Through the
Window: Insight into the Spirituality
of AIDS"
June 5th
to July 31st (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only)
3:00 p.m. to
6:00 p.m.
Penns
Park United Methodist Church, 2394 2nd Street Pike, Penns
Park, PA
For special view times call 215.598.7601
Special artist's reception will
be held on Saturday, June 20th from
6:00 to 8:00 pm. Refreshments will be served.
Penns
Park United Methodist Church is hosting an art show located in the
Church Fellowship Hall during the months of June and July 2009.
The exhibition titled "Through the Window: Insight into the Spirituality of AIDS" is a
collection of works by artist, educator and minister, Lois Wilson. The exhibition features a series of 12 works, each a collage
framed in a salvaged window frame. Every collage was inspired by the stories
and words Lois heard from people living with AIDS.
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Economy got you down?
Freelance Job Busters!
Looking for extra income?
Commission for Sales!
BUCKmonkey is seeking people-oriented, sales-driven, freelancers to sell advertising and sponsorships for online, print and special events (some annual, well-established, corporate and nonprofit, and some one-time only, niche marketing for LGBT and mainstream) on a lucrative commission-only tiered basis. Individuals must be personable, professional and be motivated to make money through sales. Experience good but not required if willing to learn, positive attitude and highly motivated. Start immediately. Must be willing to work some evenings and some weekends. Home office encouraged. Send one-page resume, with references to Thom.Cardwell@BUCKmonkey.net
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Raise the Colors
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