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queerVOICE
Murder in Tel Aviv
James Duggan
copyright 2009
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On Saturday, August 1, Liz Tarbushi (13) and youth
counselor Nir Katz (26) were murdered at the Tel Aviv Gay and Lesbian
Association building during a weekly queer support group. Ten others were
injured in the attack. According to witnesses, a black-clad, masked gunman
stormed into the building and opened fire in a basement room where queer teenagers
were holding their meeting. The gunman fled and is still at large.Another senseless murder of queers! Two more
martyrs for our cause of equality! My heart is burdened with deep sadness at
the loss of these innocent victims who were slain by an assassin's bullets.
Hatred, mistrust, lies and religious bigotry are most likely at the core of
this senseless act.
With every innocent death, we seek the blessing
that must be present, a benefit of some sort so that the memory of those killed
can be a light that reveals the reality we queers, in the United States, in Tel
Aviv, and around the world, are subject to. These murders in Tel Aviv may
have borne such a blessing.
The assassin's bullets have called attention to the
queer community in Israel
and around the world and the state of our call for equality. Worldwide outrage,
concern and support have been expressed. Vigils have been held around the
globe for those killed and for our right to exist out, proud and free. We have gained greater support and sympathy
for our cause.
The blood of our two newest martyrs has forced the ultra-Orthodox
Shas party, leading critics of queers in Israel, and the Keneset, to face
their own homophobia as they issued a statement condemning Saturday's attack.
"We are shocked and bereaved, and unreservedly denounce the murderous
incident that targeted Tel Aviv's gay community," the statement read.
Conservative leader Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu stated: "I condemn this shocking murder. I extend my condolences to
the families of the victims and wish a full and speedy recovery to the injured.
I want to say to the citizens of Israel that we are a democratic and
tolerant country, and we must respect every person for who he is."
Illustrating the importance of these murders,
Netanyahu visited the site where they took place. According to Ynet News,
after the meeting with Netanyahu, Yaniv Weizman, Head of Israel's Youth Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Association, said, "Things have changed.
The prime minister has expressed his support. The prime minister's message is
very clear, a message of support of the community."
The assassin's bullets has shed light on the
injustice many queers live under in Israel (and the world), and they challenge
the false pretense of homophobia that for too long has been given freedom to
attack the legitimacy of our right to exist in freedom. May the memory of
our two newest martyrs continue to be a blessing for freedom, peace and
equality for all people.
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What It Looks Like From Here
Thom Cardwell
copyright 2009 |
 I have to confess that I have both a connection and
an affinity for Providence, Rhode Island. When I was back in college
in Maine,
several of my roommates and friends were from the state capital city. Back then
in the era of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" about one's sexual orientation, we were
all "buddies" of each other in what was the style of institutions of higher
education--the single sex school. Yes, that's right, all my classmates were
male. (Lucky me, you're saying and
thinking, right?)
Anyway, more to the point that this coterie of intimates, all Italian-American
decent, were natives of Providence, their hometown, where their fathers were
all lawyers, bankers, elected officials and even a judge or two. There were
always rumors about the corruption of power in that town and allusions to the
connections to organized crime that thrived within the confines of the very
close-knit world that was then Providence.
(Of course, they and I were all squeaky-clean college students in chinos and Madras jackets who never even vaguely alluded to any of
these topics in polite society in a private New England college.)
During many long weekends and more minor holidays when the college was closed,
I would join my "buddies" with their families in Providence,
a closer destination than returning to my parents' house in Philadelphia. Hence my familiarity with Providence, even the
train station, where I was many times arriving to or departing from my college
"buddies."
Things have dramatically changed in today's Providence, and, evidently, all for the good.
 First off, David Cicilline, a
47-year-old native son of a Jewish mother and an Italian American father, distinguished
himself six years ago as the nation's first openly gay elected mayor of a large
city, Providence.
According to a report in The Advocate
(February 2009), Cicilline turned the city on its head and heels by drawing
"over $3 billion worth of investments to the city, erasing a $59 million debt
and reducing the crime rate to its lowest level in 30 years. He launched
cultural programs, invested in education, and employed incentives to help revamp
the once-downtrodden downtown."
How's that for a queer political "agenda"
from an elected official?
The transformation of long-neglected and nasty downtown Providence is legendary (and also
illustrative of the fact that cities can rebound, can be recreated and can
experience a true rebirth). And this fact has not gone unnoticed by the rest of
the country and the media. The Wall Street Journal named Providence
one of the world's top 10 up-and-coming travel destinations (the only U. S. city to
make the list) in 2007.
 Cicilline also turned the city around above and away from the previous 20 years
of crime and corruption that characterized his predecessor Vincent "Buddy" Cianci, Jr., who was
"godfather" mayor of Providence.
Soon after his final term in office, Cianci was sent to prison in 2001 for
racketeering and corruption convictions.
Nowadays Cicilline hobnobs with the likes of political superstars Mayor Gavin Newsome of San Francisco,
Congressman Barney Frank and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, as the president
of the National Conference of Democratic Mayors. His sights are also become
clearer as Cicilline makes overtures about his interest in becoming a gubernatorial candidate for the State
of Rhode Island
in 2010. (His election in 2003 for mayor won a landslide victory with 84% of
the vote from the citizens of Providence.)
 "We have to demonstrate that Rhode
Island is an honest place to do business, that it has a state government
that works and is transparent, with competitive tax policies, you know, good,
old-fashioned salesmanship," said Cicilline.
"His sexual orientation hasn't been an issue," points out Darrell West,
director of governance studies at the
Brookings Institution, "In a small state like Rhode Island, people know their officials.
They judge the person on who he is versus what he is."
Not so far in the near future, Cicilline may be marking his place in history as
the first openly gay governor in the United States of America. I think
that my long ago Providence college "buddies" will make themselves and us proud.
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Colin's Queer Walk on the Qt!
Garden State of Machiavelli
Colin McCullough
copyright 2009
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 I proudly hail from what may be the most
politically corrupt state in the union.
July saw an FBI raid in New
Jersey that left twenty nine elected positions
vacant. This sting has left my home
state once again embarrassed over its public officials. Much to Governor Corzine's dismay, this all
goes down in an election year. This
latest episode is just one more mess up for state leaders. For a long time I wanted to believe that New Jersey had bad luck
when it comes to politicians. But I am
now beginning to accept and find humor in our Machiavellian politics.
The first gubernatorial race I can remember was in
2001. I wasn't old enough to vote, but I
wanted my voice heard. Just a year
earlier, President Bush won the presidency without the popular vote, the U.S.
Supreme Court ruled against LGBT rights in Boy Scouts of America V. Dale and I
sensed a growing conservative momentum in our country. I shared my concerns with a high school teacher
of mine who wisely told me, "If you think there is a growing conservative
movement than you will find it, but you have to ask yourself, 'What am I doing
locally?'" With those words of advice, I
went to work for then Mayor McGreevey.
I didn't understand all the issues that were being
debated at the time. I remember most
people talked about taxes and insurance rates.
I learned then that New Jersey
values state taxes may be necessary, but frivolous spending is not. The Garden State
has the highest property taxes in the country and incredibly high automobile
insurance rates. My personal taxes
weren't that high because I lived with my mom and worked at an ice cream parlor
making $5.15 an hour. And since I had
just gotten my driving license, I was so happy to drive that I didn't care what
I was paying. I wanted McGreevey to win
for social reasons. He promised more
equality and a more efficient way to combat HIV rates. His best moment as governor, I believe, was
when he issued an executive order allowing needle exchange programs.
I also found the former mayor of Woodbridge very sexy. I have a thing for passionate politicians who
prophesize change. No mater what happens
with his administration, President Obama will always make me just a little bit
giddy. But as it turns out, what I
wanted McGreevey to do to me, he did to the entire state. Taxes weren't drastically cut, he sold out
the LGBT vote by the domestic partnership compromise, and he resigned because
his secret boyfriend was planning extortion.
The down-low game is so last century.
After his resignation and with recent memories of
Torecelli, I asked my mom and other NJ residents who've been voting for years
if the Garden State was more corrupt than others. I never got an answer, but I got a lot of
laughs. Then came 2005 and the election
of Jon Corzine. I wanted him to win
because he favors LGBT marriage equality, favors lowering the drinking age to
18, and as U.S.
senator, voted no on the Iraq War resolution.
He also delivered a breath of fresh air because the man is so wealthy,
he doesn't have to cater to the all-too-powerful Democratic machine.
He is now in the
midst of a tough re-election campaign.
No matter what happens this year though, in my mind, New
Jersey will still be the Garden of Machiavelli.
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Thom's Table on the Qt!
Thom Cardwell
copyright 2009
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 While it's sad about the recent closing of several restaurants in Philadelphia--Oceanaire, Pearl,
Ansill-the regional culinary scene continues to thrive.
Thus tonight's expected opening of Verdad ("truth" in Spanish), owned and operated
by two area veterans, executive chef/owner Nick
Farina (Blush Restaurant) and partner Howard
Taylor (Carmine's Creole Cafe), 818 W Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA.
Verdad will feature an Euro-Latin tapas
restaurant and tequila bar, featuring small-plates with Spanish, Cuban,
Brazilian and Mexican influences. The bar will focus on Latin inspired cocktails, a selection of wines from Spain, Chile
and Argentina,
and an array of Latin beers.
"I'm very excited to bring Chef Nick Farina on board. I believe he is the most talented chef on the Main Line,"
said Taylor. "His
tapas-style menu is unlike anything this area has ever seen!"
"My passion for tapas started many years ago when I was traveling throughout Europe," explained Farina. "I love eating tapas-style. It
allows me to experience many dishes at a single meal. I am excited to bring my
take on this style of dining to the Main Line."
Verdad's menu will include: Gazpacho
with sweet corn and black truffle espuma; Hamachi Ceviche with lime, cilantro,
tomato sorbet, pinon and jalapeno; Kobe Taco hard shell, scallion, manchego,
spiced kobe beef and dried dates; Cuban Sandwich of Berkshire pork, chorizo,
swiss cheese, pickles and garlic aioli; Scallop with shaved fennel,
blackberries and honey lavender glaze; Short Rib port wine reduction,
fingerling smashed potatoes; Paella with lobster, oyster, shrimp, mussels and
saffron. Farnia said that the typical diner's price point will average $35 per
person that includes a drink and three tapas-style plates.
The restaurant/bar will serve both lunch,
Tuesday to Saturday, 11:30 am - 2:00 pm, Tuesday to Saturday, and dinner, 5-10 pm, Monday to
Thursday, 5- 11 pm, Friday and Saturday, 5 - 9 pm, Sunday. For more information,
call 610.520.9100
 The cozy and inviting Xochitl,
408 South 2nd Street, Headhouse Square, Philadelphia,
conveniently located off South Street, is currently featuring its "Staff Meal," 10 pm to 1 am, on Thursdays, a late night menu where every item on
the regular menu is available for half-off
the normal price, with more than 20 tortas, ceviches and other Mexican dishes
available for as little as $3 each. (I think that the food is exquisite,
delicious, gourmet "Mexican" cuisine and is truly unique to the city's culinary
scene.)
"In the restaurant industry, the people who serve
dinner normally don't get to eat until after work when their restaurants'
kitchens are closed. Since we serve food late on Thursdays, we wanted to create
an affordable menu so that other restaurant staffs and customers who are
looking for a late night meal, could come to our lounge and have a bite,"
explained Steven Cook.
A sampling of the menu will include: Torta Milanesa de Pollo, ($4); Tacos de
Costillas, ($5.50); Sopes, ($4); Gorditas de Huitlacoche, ($4); and Ceviche
Vuelve a la Vida, ($7.50) and Coctel de Camarones, ($5).
For late diners of the "Staff Meal," Xochitl will offer La Hora Feliz drink specials like half-price margaritas; $2 beer
specials; and the $6 Guero Special (a shot of Sauza blanco tequila and a can of
Tecate).
For more
information, call 215.238.7280; or visit xochitl.com
 I'm a huge lunch fan of Amada, 217-219 Chestnut St., Old City, Philadelphia, where I
frequently schedule business meetings.
Most recently chef/owner Jose Garces
at his Spanish tapas bar and restaurant has expanded their lunch hours from five to six days a week to include
a Saturday lunch menu from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
"We saw a demand for Amada's food to be available on Saturdays, so that those
enjoying the historic sights of Old City could enjoy our authentic Spanish
tapas," said Garces. "When we first opened, we served dinner only; since then, Amada
has evolved into a place that people can visit any time for a hearty meal or a
light snack on the go. Our new Saturday
lunches are perfect for everyone from out-of-town sightseers to our neighbors."
The lunch menu will feature: Cured
Meats, such as chorizo Pamplona and lomo embuchado; Cheeses, such as La Peral
blue cheese with currant-pistachio salbitxada and aged Manchego with truffled
lavender honey; Tortilla Espanola, or Spanish tortilla with saffron aioli;
Piquillos Rellenos; Salmorejo, Cordoban gazpacho with Serrano ham, olive and
egg; and Setas a la Plancha, sauteed wild mushrooms with lemon, parsley, olive
oil, sea salt and garlic, priced from $7 to $15.
For more
information, call 215.625.2450; visit amadarestaurant.com
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What They Said:
copyrighted 2009 |
 In the world of the sound bite and everything
reduced to the lowest common denominator, intellectuals often times can barely
survive modern day life. The queer (she hated the "L" word) "dark lady of
American letters," Susan Sontag struggled with both her own
ambiguity and confusion about her sexual orientation and her rightful place (no
one can argue that she was in the forefront of intellectual thought in America
and the world, in her own time) in the worlds of literature, art, film,
philosophy. Looking back at her groundbreaking essay, "Notes on Camp," she
defined an entirely new sensibility, a different way of seeing, appreciating
and interpreting the works of artists of her generation, that stands as the
keystone expression of "queer theory" long before the term even existed. After
a long term marriage at the age of only 17 to sociologist Philip Rieff,
motherhood of one son, many mistaken and even abusive relationships with women
on both sides of the Atlantic, the latter part
of her life she enjoyed the long-term relationship with celebrated queer
photographer Annie Leibovitz. In "Reborn: Journals & Notebooks: 1947-1963"
(The Advocate, December 16, 2008) journalist Charlotte Abbott wrote that Sontag
"reserved the right to reveal herself on her own terms." Though full of
intellectual confidence, she used writing as a way of working out her
challenges, troubles, anxieties, Sontag wrote: "My desire to write is connected with my homosexuality. I need the
identity as a weapon, to match the weapon that society has against me."
_________________________
 "Under the Covers" is a provocative title for the
second full-length album from male porn superstar turned singer Colton Ford
(outwordmag.com, July 9-23, 2009). The handsome, hunky, daddy type has a
serious side to him when it comes to music. Ford has collected some of his
favorite songs and added his own interpretation to the originals. His list is
very personal and varied and includes "Dreams" from Fleetwood Mac, "Losing My
Religion" from R.E.M., "It's No Crime" from Babyface, "Trouble" from Britney
Spears, and "It Seems Like You're Ready" from R. Kelly. What's the challenge
for a singer performing songs that are identified strongly, sometimes
exclusively, with the original artist? "When
you are covering a hit track, if you can retain the integrity of the original
and bring your own style to it in the process, you can reveal something to the
listener about you as an artist that perhaps they haven't heard before,"
explained Ford, "This album is also a
friendly reminder of just how great these songs were and still are."
Of the skeptics who can't get past the sexual image of Ford in adult videos, he
isn't apologetic, realizing that it's more the public's issue than his own. "My main concern is to make music that I
feel and that I'm proud of. I'm doing what I love to do, so at the end of the
day, I can say that I'm following my heart and living my dream. Isn't that what
we all want for ourselves?"
_________________________
 Athletes turned Models? It works for soccer
superstar David Beckham (have you seen him poured into in his Giorgio Armani
briefs?). Perhaps it's a passing fad but probably in this age of the body
worship of the perfect male physique the connection between the two worlds,
sports and modeling, isn't going away any time soon. Enter tall, dark and
handsome, Eastern European, Olympic Fencer, queer Jason Rogers (OUT,
June/July2009). The 26-year-old former skater who picked up his first sword at
the age of 10 and never put it down. Never defensive but always engaging, Rogers knows that there
are the skeptics about fencing as a sport. "There's
definitely a perception that fencing is not a real sport, but we're training
twice a day just like all other athletes," he said, "There's a lot of footwork and weight-training for the explosive power
you need. That's why fencers are known for their gluts." Making the
transition from fencer to model isn't a big deal for Rogers as he's focused and determined. "I want to be part of fashion, and I want
to model, and people are going to think what they're going to think, but it
makes sense to me."
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Events on the Qt! |
August 13 (Thursday)
Check out all the book reading events @
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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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