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queerVOICE
And (When) Justice For All
James Duggan ©2008 |
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On this day (Fourth of July), 232 years ago a people were born to independence, liberty and justice for all. Thomas Jefferson saw this new country as a place where there are "equal rights for all, special privileges for none."
These equal rights for all are just taking longer to reach some of us.
While the modern queer civil rights movement didn't get started until the 1960, we queers have been a part of the intricate fabric we call America since forever. (I wonder which founding parents were queer and how many there really were.) We lived here, long before the boats' carrying the first explores and settlers arrived, as proud members of the Native American communities.
Those same ships that arrived on these shores where also carrying many of queers to this new land. They also carried discrimination and hatred towards us. They taught the Native Americans their religious traditions and teaching and turned acceptance and love of a people to hatred and discrimination.
In the new land of promise, we queers were outlawed to death. We endured.
American queers are found on every battle field this free land has ever been engage. Soldiers, politicians, farmers, ship builders, teachers, doctors, mothers, fathers and friends were all Americans-so are we.
We survived history and began to fight for our basic civil rights-equal rights.
Two hundred thirty five years after this nation declared our freedom from a tyrannical government we queers still live in a country where we are not afforded the equal rights of full citizenship.
It is a disgrace that we can still be discriminated against in many states, including Pennsylvania (the "Keystone" State, ironic-isn't it?) whose legislative leaders will not amend that State's anti-discrimination law to include sexual orientation and gender identification.
While we have had our advancements in modern days (the recent ruling on same-sex marriages in California is very encouraging), there is so much further to go if we queers are ever to be treated equally to our heterosexual counterparts.
American heterosexuals are giving special privileges simply because of their sexuality. It is illegal to discriminate against them in all 50 states. They are free to marry in every state and have their union recognized in every state. They receive tax breaks and incentives that queers may not claim. They are allowed to make medical decisions for their loved ones while we are told to get out. They are welcomed into the military while we are told to shut up or be dismissed.
On this date in 1965 pioneering activist Barbara Gittings, along with a handful of other queers carried signs, with slogans such as "Equality for Homosexual Citizens," and "Homosexual Americans Deserve Their Civil Rights" in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. (Perhaps Jefferson would have been inspired by the actions of these brave pioneers of queer civil rights.)
In 1776, Jefferson believed that "the ground of liberty is to be gained by inches, and we must be contented to secure what we can get from time to time and eternally press forward for what is yet to get."
"Special treatment to none" said Jefferson. Oh, if this were only true.
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12th Street Gym - Philadelphia |
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Lift The Ban |
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What It Looks Like From Here
A Qt Exclusive
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 Whose hearing queer wedding bells? Queer playwright giant Tony Kushner (Angels in America) and domestic partner Mark Harris, a freelance writer, told New York magazine (June 30 2008) that the two are planning to tie the knot in California.
The couple previously held a commitment ceremony in 2003. Now they're ready for the full legal thing. "Mark and I are going to get married in California very soon," said Kushner, "Then we're going to be recognized in New York as legally married."
An uncharacteristic Kushner was upbeat about the legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide, predicting the it will be accepted in other states sooner than we think.
"Like in Massachusetts, Californians will realize that gay people getting married is not a problem for anyone, and then the rest of the country is going to fall in line."
On a more personal note, Harris explained, "We're going to go before the county clerk [in California]. But it means that I'll get health insurance."
Republican governor Arnold Schwarzenegger told Meet the Press this week that though he personally believes that marriage is between a man and woman, there were more important, pressing issues for the citizens of California and the nation to focus their attention.
Who knows Kushner might be right, after all?
 Genre's 17th annual pride issue (June 2008) was well worth a read this year. I especially liked the magazine's "salute to the men and women making the most of life, beauty, and the pursuit of happiness." And, of course, with queer civic pride, I was pleased to find two prominent Philadelphians, University of the Arts' Camille Paglia and film producer/director ("Monster's Ball") Lee Daniels, among the handfuls of the national figures like R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe, BRAVO's Project Runway's Christian Siriano, and HBO's "I'm Still Here. . .Damn It's" Sandra Bernhard, cited by Genre's editors.
 "I'm the guest that won't go away," Paglia, the dissident lesbian voice, deconstructionist of everything from classic works of art and literature to pop cultural icons like Madonna and Katherine Hepburn, and author of the ground-breaking, Sexual Personae (Have you read it--yet? Pagalia penned it 18 years ago! It's really required reading for EVERY queer person in the world.), is still alive and well, and, thank God, opinionated.
"She cautions that media presence is 'the symptom and not the cause' of our greater social acceptance. Her prescription: Reconnect with the connoisseurship that shaped the 'gay eye' of our cultural past, one that saw us provocatively in a world inspired by art teeming with words, colors, melodies, and shapes."
Heady stuff, but that's why we ADORE Paglia.
Daniels always managed to stand out in a crowd. He was the only person of color on Genre's impressive list. The out African-American and native son of the City of Brotherly and Sisterly Affection has been terribly busy producing major feature films, "Tennessee," starring Mariah Carey and "Push" starring Lenny Kravitch.
Having already produced and/or directed an impressive but definitely eclectic bunch of films,
"Monster's Ball," "The Woodsman," with fellow Philadelphia native son, Kevin Bacon, "Shadowboxer," starring Helen Mirren and Cuba Gooding, Jr., Daniels is an artist, with a queer sensibility, and a genuine relish for the raw, gritty and cutting-edge.
Living and working in New York City interspersed with frequent trips to Philadelphia for family visits, Daniels is one of those anti-Hollywood renegades, choosing his own film projects and controlling his own career and destiny.
 Kudos, also to Neal Boulton, Genre's editor-in-chief, who, in "Men We Love," gives a nod to CNN's Anderson Cooper, and states, "he has what it takes, gay or straight, to sacrifice for the sake of mankind's story."
For Cooper fans, there's a pretty casual, sexy photo of the is-he/isn't he news anchor without a suit and tie.
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Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation |
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I Wish I Had Said That: |
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"Skirting the issue of sexuality is disingenuous. If people are interested in you outside of the parameters of your job itself, and you ignore [being gay] then you're ignoring an important part of yourself."
queer news anchor (intelligent--and handsome to boot) of CBS News on Logo, Jason Bellini on being out in the workplace, quoting AfterEllen.com. (Genre, June 2008)
"Homosexual breeder is an oxymoron. Gays don't reproduce--its' what separates us from the animals. Or is it just the logic they prefer us to use? Perhaps this kind of thinking is our society attempting to dictate and define exactly how we have to lead our lives. Do I rail against procreation because I'm homosexual, or am homosexual because I rail against procreation?"
queer writer and actor Jesse Archer, on queer parenting and child raising, rants in his column, "Bringing Up Gayby," in OUT (June/July 2008)
"I am extremely driven to go out every single night. I'd rather be out with the fabulous people immersing myself with the glitz and the glitter than sitting home alone."
Queer gossip columnist for Village Voice, Michael Musto, (in)famous for his "La Dolce Musto," on living HIS life in the city that never sleeps, New York City. (Genre, June 2008)
(Editor's Note: Musto will serve as one of this year's judges for the benefit competition, "Mr. Gay Philadelphia," to be held on August 8. For more information: Click Here!)
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Yelk, Cardwell and Duggan Team Up For Mr. Gay Philadelphia |
On Friday, August 8th, 2008, Bruce Yelk's nightlifegay.com will team up with Thom Cardwell and James Duggan of BUCKmonkey and QUEERtimes present the 2nd Annual Mr. Gay Philadelphia at the Gershman Hall in Center City, Philadelphia (401 S. Broad Street).
On the heels of a sold out event in 2007 that crowned Philadelphia's first official Mr. Gay titleholder, organizers are thrilled to invite all community members and supporters to a spectacular evening of entertainment and heated competition.
To give back to the community that put Mr. Gay Philadelphia on the map a year ago, a portion of the proceeds from year's event will benefit two of the city's most outstanding charitable organizations, ActionAIDS and City of Hope. The Philadelphia contest will also serve as a regional preliminary for the 2008 North American Mr. Gay contest to be held in Hollywood this October. This year's event will be judged by some of the country's most notable LGBT celebrities, headlined by Michael Musto, Mickey Boardman and Dr. Frank Spinelli.
 Michael Musto is an American writer who began his professional career at The Village Voice, where he writes the weekly La Dolce Musto celebrity and gossip column. Musto is a recurring guest on several TV shows including Countdown with Keith Olbermann and others on the E! Channel. He is openly gay, and is published regularly in several gay publications, including Out Magazine and ShowPeople.
 Mickey Boardman (Mr. Mickey) is a Manhattan-based celebrity reporter and gossip columnist for the uber-trendy, Paper Magazine. His biting wit and hysterical postings equally praise and criticize all that popular culture has to offer. Also openly gay, Mr. Mickey isn't just a celebrity pundit, but he's also an integral part of the LGBT community, frequently offering his time and resources to charitable organizations throughout the country.
 Dr. Frank Spinelli lives in New York City. You may have seen him on the cover of HX Magazine last year, but his body of work goes far beyond notoriety amongst LGBT community members. Dr. Spinelli has been practicing medicine for over seven years focusing on primary care, HIV, and prevention, as the clinical director of HIV services at Cabrini Medical Center. An active member of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Initiative, he consistently speaks about gay health issues and HIV prevention. Also an accomplished columnist, Dr. Spinelli has been published The Blade, Genre, and Instinct Magazine, and is also the author of Advocate Guide to Gay Health and Wellness. He is the "Go To Doctor" on the Logo Network, and previously served as the "health expert" on LGBT-friendly, TWIST Radio.
The winner of Mr. Gay Philadelphia will receive free airfare to Hollywood for the national competition, the champion of which will represent the U.S. in Mr. Gay International.
Prospective contestants can get more information by visiting nightlifegay.com. The individual entrance fee is $50, and the competition is open to any member of the gay community from the Philadelphia region, southern New Jersey, or Delaware.
Tickets range from $30 - $60 in advance and can be purchased at nightlifegay.com. A limited number of tickets may be available at the door.
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2008 Mr. Gay Philadelphia Tickets |
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Thom's Table Dines Al Fresco in Old City Philadelphia
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Al Fresco means "to enjoy the cool air." For decades, eating, drinking, socializing and people-watching outside of hotels, bars, restaurants, taverns, bistros and watering-holes seemed to come naturally to residents of Paris, Rome, Montreal, Rio de Janeiro and Athens.
Now Philadelphians are no different. Though they've only been enjoying al fresco dining for a handful of years, the trend originally begun along Rittenhouse Square has been spreading throughout most areas of the city wherever restaurants and night life is flourishing. Nowhere has this become truer than popular and frantic Old City.
These days it's worth walking out of your way to cruise the healthy mix of locals with out-of-towners (including suburbanites and New Jerseyites) who populate the group of eateries who have perfected al fresco dining into something of an art form.
The Continental, 138 Market Street, continues to attract one of the best-looking, hippiest and trendiest crowds to Stephen Starr's first and still popular restaurant in Old City. Funky chairs and tables set along South Second St. are populated by patrons who want to be seen and see who's passing by. In fact, there doesn't seem to be a time of day when the outdoor tables aren't occupied in good weather.
For more information, call 215.923.6069; visit star-restaurant.com
Positano Coast, 212 Walnut Street, is known for its large portions (a great place for sharing entrees, salads, even desserts), friendly service and consistently tasty authentic Italian food of the Amalfi Coast. Al fresco dining at lunch and dinner takes on a dramatically different character with their newly-renovated space, with ceiling-to-floor glass windows that open wide, making the experience indoor-outdoor at the same time.
For more information, call 215.238.0499; visit lambertis.com
Lucy's Hat Shop, 247 Market Street, has attracted a young, lively and alternative crowd ever since pioneer restaurateur Avram Hornik, turned the former millinery shop into a contemporary eatery and friendly bar. Front glass doors reveal numerous tables along the sidewalk for people-watching. Some of the locals frequent the place often and seem to have their own tables for al fresco dining.
For more information, call 215.413.1433; visit lucys215.com
Marmont, 222 Market Street, caters to the neighborhood residents as well as it does to the tourists who frequent Old City. Not surprisingly, al fresco diners usually know more passersby than not, so people-watching often translates to simply saying hello to mostly friends and acquaintances. The good-looking staff adds to the eye-candy scene here alongside the delicious food and fine service.
For more information, call 215.23.100; visit phillytown.com/marmont
Patou, 312 Market Street, has become a popular dining destination among the neighborhood regulars as well as the area foodies who enjoy the ambiance and the food of the French-Mediterranean prepared by chef/owner Patrice Rames. The menu now features brunch served on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with a full menu of selections that will satisfy diners who want either breakfast or lunch. Dinner is also an attractive option and the prices, unlike many other places, won't damage your budget or bank.
For information, call .15.28.987; visit patourestaurant.com
Fork, 306 Market Street, is a favorite for diners who frequent Old City. With its critically-acclaimed food and reasonably-priced menu (lunch is a real bargain), repeat diners can also enjoy dining outdoors in season for lunch and dinner. Surprisingly, dining along busy Market St., particularly on the weekends, isn't as obtrusive or distracting as one might have assumed.
For more information, call 215.625.9425; visit forkrestaurant.com
Philadelphia Fish & Co., 207 Chestnut Street, is well-known for its fresh catch-of-the-day chosen by chef/owner Kevin Meeker and prepared by Chef Kevin Cliggett. The dramatically-renovated restaurant, like many Old City venues, has its own outdoor dining on the front deck, complete with umbrellas. Reasonably-priced lunch specials attract a busy business crowd.
For more information, call 215.625.8605; visit philadelphiafish.com
Pizzicato, 248 Market Street, has been known for its brick-oven pizza, its contemporary Italian cuisine and its sleek and stylish decor. With its corner location, passerby can't help but notice the lively crowd populating the oversized tables (perfect for four to six diners) in the evenings and the weekends. These days diners can also enjoy the outdoor lounge furniture while sipping cocktails and watching the eye candy (male and female) pass by.
For more information, call 215.29.527; visit pizzicatoristaronte.com
The Plough and the Stars, 123 Chestnut Street, offers the closet thing to contemporary Irish cuisine this side of the Atlantic. Al fresco dining, at lunch and dinner, offers patrons high stools and tables, complete with potted palms, along the front of this Old City hotspot where tourists and locals mix and mingle for people-watching and a lot of parting glances. Even after-work cocktails are served outside, with all the tables usually occupied by 6:30 p.m.
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August is Better in Philly |
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Philly Pop Artist John Stango's "America" Goes To Top Bidder |
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^ Harry Giordano of City of Hope and Thom Cardwell of BUCKmonkey join John and Michele DiVeterano whose high bid of $1,500 won this John Stango original titled "America". All proceeds benefited City of Hope.
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Philadelphia's Paparazzo on the Qt
@ A Conversation on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
HughE Dillon
©2008
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^Army Sgt. Darren Manzella from Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) joined host Thom Cardwell of BUCKmonkey during the conversation on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" held at Prime Rib.
^Host James Duggan of BUCKmonkey is joined at the friends Major David and Patty Stockmanat the conversation.
^Speakers Sgt. Darren Manzella and David Hall of SLND joining by Aubrey Sarvis, Executive Director of SLDN.
^Host Garth Weldon, owner of the Prime Rib, with Sgt. Darren Manzella, David Hall, Aubrey Sarvis and Stephen Glassman, Chairperson PA Human Relations Commission.
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