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queerVOICE
Round 3: The courts have spoken, will the city act?
James Duggan copyright 2008
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This Sunday the Philly Pride organization will hold its annual block party, OutFest 2008 in the heart of Philadelphia's Gayborhood (aka, Midtown Village). Billed as the largest national coming out party in the world, this year's event will be the first since the July 15th ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit which gave legal authority to the city and its police department to restrict access to the permitted event area by protestors.
This ruling stemmed from the arrest of anti-queer protestors during this same event in 2004. The question for 2008 is whether or not the city and its police department will exercise such authority and keep the anti-queer protestors at the periphery of OutFest.
In the past several years, the police seemed to have not only facilitated the anti-queer protestors by allowing them to set up multiple protest sites within the festival grounds, they have also paraded them throughout the permitted area while at the same time physically pushing aside innocent people who are simply trying to attend the event in peace.
I have been very vocal about my outrage and indignation at such activity by the Philadelphia Police Department. Would they do the same for a white supremacy group at an event such as Odunde, Philadelphia's African-American Festival? Would they march such protestors through a Columbus Day celebration or a St. Patrick's Day event? I believe not!
For several years I have questioned why this is being allowed when the protest is being directed towards the city's queer community. In a city where a restaurateur can get an injunction against anti-foie gras protestors, preventing them from within 50 feet of a festival, we queers are left to wonder why are we not afforded the same respect and courtesy.
This Sunday will be the test for how queers are treated in Philadelphia. With all our advancements and achievements in this great city, will we be afforded the right to gather in peace without the disruptions of anti-queer protestors or will it be business as usual?
Only time will tell, but this I know for sure--if the Philadelphia Police Department and its Civil Affairs Unit does not keep the anti-queer protestors at the periphery of this year's OutFest and if they insist on parading them through the event as they have done at every queer festival in the past several years, then we must hold Mayor Nutter, Police Commissioner Ramsey, and the leadership of the Philadelphia Police Department accountable for not using their newly given authority to preserve the spirit of the permitted event.
I look forward to the day when we can all attend such events without the distractions of a hateful, vocal few. If not, we must be willing to stand in peaceful civil disobedience not just against the protestors but against the police who would facilitate them.
Let us hope that this year is the beginning of a new era in Philadelphia at OutFest. Let us hope that the City of Philadelphia and its police department do the right thing and exercise the lawful powers they have been given.
The courts have spoken, will the city now act?
Sent your comments to james@QUEERtimes.net
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12th Street Gym |
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What it Looks Like From Here
Thom Cardwell copyright 2008 |
What's life without the arts? I simply can't imagine it.
Philadelphia is rich in its cultural heritage in the arts and continues to be so to this day. The fall season seems to be dominated by events of all kinds that feature and celebrate the visual to the performing arts.
Here's a few of the highlights happening this month:
 What are you doing this weekend? You should be attending POST (Philadelphia Open Studio Tours), October 11 and 12, 6 pm, Crane Arts Building, 1400 North American Street, in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia, and east of Broad Street, The Print Center, 1614 Latimer Street, in Center City, who will CO-host with InLiquid, Philadelphia Center for the Book and Philagrafika, Open Portfolio to support printmakers, photographers and book artists in the Philadelphia region whose studios cannot accommodate public visitation which will be featuring venues for 37 artists as part of the citywide POST to showcase their work to the public in an art fair setting that is free and open to the public.
Organizers said that the participating artist members from The Print Center will include: Susan Abrams, Niki Berg, Sandra C. Davis, Gaye Zagurski Harrison, Laura C. Kelley, Louie La Palombara III /Geek Boy Press, Eric McDade, Sophie Sanders, Carla Shapiro and Thomas Parker Williams.
For more information, visit printcenter.org
 I'm personally obsessed with design! In another life, I'm certain that I'd become a designer. Happily, DesignPhiladelphia, administers of The Design Center at Philadelphia University, are true champions of emerging talent in design in the Philadelphia area. In observance of National Design Week, this year they're producing Design Philadelphia 2008, October 16 - 22, with a "green theme." It's all about enormity of eco-culture initiatives, "Down to Earth: Evolving Design in the 21st Century" focusing upon architecture, interior design, product design, fashion, textiles and graphic design. The events will range from exhibitors, workshops, tours, lectures, opening parties and product rollouts that will take place at a variety of venues such as boutiques, galleries, design studios, cultural institutions, universities, warehouses and even city streets. Indulge your passion for design by attending this event in your best designer threads. I'll see you there!
For more information, visit designphiladelphia.org
 Each fall I truly look forward to attending The Photo Review Benefit Auction Philadelphia Preview that takes place at the Dorrance-Hamilton Building at the University of the Arts, on the Avenue of the Arts in Philadelphia, 7 pm, November 8, when the unique architectural structure takes on a life of its own, becoming a gallery of photographic images, from its early, humbler beginnings to contemporary examples of works by the who's who in the history of photography.
Everything is for sale online and at the live auction with prices ranging from $50 to $8,000. In this economically challenged times, what better thing to invest in than art, especially photography, that has proven over the past two decades to remain a solid market. Both beginning to seasoned collectors can gather images from 19th century anonymous photographers to master works from Ansel Adams, Edouard Baldus, Edouard Boubat, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Edward S. Curtis, F. Holland Day, Harold Edgerton, Lewis Hine, Clarence John Laughlin, Will McBride, Barbara Morgan, Sonya Noskowiak, Herb Ritts, W. Eugene Smith, Edward Steichen, Karl Struss, Duane Michals, Joel-Peter Witkin and Clarence White.
For more information, call 215.891.0214; visit photoreview.org
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Lift The Ban |
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Marking the 10th year since the death of Matthew Shepard
Judy Shepard, Executive Director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation
It's hard to believe that it has been ten years since Matthew's death. So much has changed yet so much remains the same. I want to thank all of you for your unwavering support for the Foundation. I know that you understand our work is far from over. I don't mean the work of the Foundation exclusively I mean the work we all need to do at a personal level. We need to continue talking to our friends, families and co-workers. Unless we are honest about who we are and are able to share with those who love us what our lives are like, they will not know how to help us. We need those allies in this struggle to achieve equality across the board to realize all of our civil rights.
Great advances have been made in changing people's attitudes and eliminating ignorance about the gay community even in my wonderful state of Wyoming. At least I thought so, until I read the readers' comments following an article about the ten year observance of Matt's death in the Cheyenne, Wyoming newspaper.
I understand that the readers who take the time to write in are doing so because they absolutely disagree with the article and those who do agree won't bother to write comments. However, it brought home to me how much work is left to do to make the world an accepting place. The level of ignorance is astounding. The continuing belief that what happened to Matt was not a hate crime and the notion that 'special people shouldn't have special rights', is beyond my comprehension. The level of 'hate' is frightening.
The Foundation staff is very committed to doing all they can to ensure the message - 'erase hate' - is one that is known to the community and its allies as well as those who are trying learn more about the Foundation and the LGBT community at large. It is ignorance that ultimately results in hate and that may escalate into physical violence. The only way to combat the ignorance is to educate and tell our stories.
We are all aware of how important this election cycle is to all of us. Please take the time to know the issues and what is at stake for the LGBT community. Share your stories with those who care about you. It is the only way they will know how to vote to support you.
The privilege of having the right to vote is also a responsibility. We must remember that we are not voting only for a new President but also for representatives at the local, county, state and national level. Please vote and encourage everyone you know to vote. Apathy is unacceptable. We are at a cross roads in the movement and we need to show our support for those who support the LGBT community. We are all hoping the next ten years will be our time.
Thank you again for being a part of what we do!
Sincerely,
Judy Shepard
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Thom's Table Tips
Thom Cardwell copyright 2008 |
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Sunday Brunch at Savona!
 I've always been a big fan of Savona. I truly think of the suburban location as an interesting and worthwhile destination at 100 Old Gulph Road, Route 320, in Gulph Mills, PA. Nowadays the perfect time to visit Savona is for a lovely Sunday brunch, served from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, at $39 per person, inclusive of first course, entree and dessert and coffee or tea. The array of menu selections created by Savona's executive chef Andrew Masciangelo that include breakfast foods like French toast, whole wheat pancakes, Blue Crab Benedict, and Mediterranean omelet and lunch foods like Diver sea scallops, fettuccine, escargots and Tasmanian trout. There are seductive desserts like Savona bread pudding, poached plum tart, "Pina Colada" and baked raspberry meringue to top off a wonderful dinging experience.
For more information, 610.520.1200; visit savonarestaurant.com
Oktoberfest at World Cafe Live.
 What better place to celebrate Oktoberfest than in the coolest place in University City than World Café Live, 3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, where they're hosting the first-ever annual Oktoberfest: A Celebration of German Beers, in Downstairs Live, 1 to 4:30 pm, October 18, for $45 per person, that will include all beers, food, music and a complimentary World Cafe Live logo pilsner glass for tastings, for all guests 21 or older.
Partiers will sample 30 authentic German breweries, including Aktien, Becks, Bischoff, Einbecker, Flensburger, Franziskaner, Hacker-Schorr, Klosterbrauerei, Paulaner, Schnieder, Spaten, Warsteiner, Weihenstephan, Weltenburger, among other labels. Executive chef Matthew Babbage has created an authentic German cuisine, served buffet style, featuring Bratwurst steamed in Spaten Okroberfest, Bavarian-style pretzels, served with mustard, assorted dips and spreads, Sauerbraten, Alsatian cheese and Reissdorf Kolsch fondue, warm German potato salad and dried apple and golden raisin strudel.
For more information, call 215.222.1400; visit worldcafelive.com
City Food Tours offers Adult Trick-Or-Treat.
 Okay, so I'll admit that I'm a fan of City Food Tours! I just spent a very pleasant Saturday afternoon with a group of area foodies and one of the host tour guides discovering the wonders of cheese, chocolate and coffee in hot spots and historic sites in Old City. For Halloween, it's about time that there's something for adults.
Don't you think? YES! If you're honest with yourself and us, too! So they're offering an adult event. The "Ghoulish Gourmet Trick-Or-Treat" will be held on Thursday, October 30, starting at 6:00 p.m. at Tavern 17, on 17th Street between Walnut and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, that organizers promise will feature "enough decadent treats and BOO-ze to scare the pants off of any ghoul."
The adventure will last two and a half hours, making stops at eight specialty food shops and restaurants in Center City, including Capogiro Gelato, Joe Coffee, McGillin's Olde Ale House, Baked Chocolate Café, Solefood, Tavern 17, Tbar, and Valanni Restaurant. They also guarantee that they'll be "a few 'tricks' of the trade and the food traditions of the holiday" will be included. Hey, if you're also into costumes, then wear one on the tour! Tickets are $35.00 per person including all food and beverage tastes.
For more information, call 800.979.3370
Mexican Post hosts Happy Hour in Old City.
 Ole! Ole! Ole! Are you looking for a totally cool atmosphere, tasty margaritas, and authentic Mexican munchies in Old City? Then you'll find all of these things at Mexican Post, 104 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, in the heart of Old City.
Mexican Post Old City Happy Hour is offered 4:30-6:30 pm, Monday to Friday, with more drink and food deals that you can almost comprehend. The management will be featuring Bud Light pints at $2.50 all day, every day; Yuengling Lager draft at $2.50 and Lager bottles every Thursday at $2.75, every Thursday; single regular Margaritas $4.25, half pitchers $10.00, full pitchers $19.50; single fruit flavored Margaritas $5.00, half pitchers $12.75, full pitchers $23.75; domestic draft pints $2.75, half pitchers $5.00, full pitchers $9.00, bottles $3.00; imported draft pints $3.25, half pitchers $5.95, full pitchers $12.00, bottles $4.25; shots of Jack Daniels, Jose Cuervo, and Absolut are $3.00 and wings, tacos, french fries, and quesadillas are $1.25 -$2.50. For Eagles and NFL fans, no problem, there are game specials that include Mexican Post Ale at $3, Yuengling Lager at $3.50, Bud Light at $2.50, 10 wings for $4, 2 tacos for $3, 2 mini quesadillas for $3.50.
For more information, call 215.923.5233; visit mexicanpost.com
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Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation |
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Sestak for Congress wants your help |
ATTENTION: Recent college graduates, or anyone willing to work hard through Election Day, please contact the Sestak for Congress campaign - BY THIS WEEKEND! They are looking to bring on-board several additional energetic and motivated individuals to be Field Organizers.
Each additional Field Organizer will manage his/her own geographic region within Pennsylvania's 7th US Congressional District. Responsibilities will include volunteer recruitment and management, event coordination, Election Day preparation, and execution of their "get-out-the vote" operation. (A driver's license is required, and if desired, we will be able to provide housing with a host family. The District is located on the border of historic Philadelphia and includes most of Delaware County and parts of Chester and Montgomery Counties).
In 2006, Sestak for Congress was the No. 1 House Race in the country . . . defeating the highest ranking member of Congress (a 20-year Republican Congressman who was the Vice-Chairman of two House Committees) by mustering out 2,200 volunteers on election day "going toe-to-toe" with the last, legendary Republican machine in the Northeast (and with victory, becoming only the 2nd Democratic Congressman over the last 142 years).
In 2008, they are considered the No.1 Congressional District in the country . . . where the presidential campaign is being fought. According to the New York Times, this District is the "battleground within the battleground" of PA because it encompasses 3 of the 4 Philadelphia suburban counties, where the presidential election will be decided. Senator McCain has already made 6 visits to this District, the most of any Congressional District in the nation, due to the 60,000 Republican Party registration advantage in the District.
A strong ground campaign is essential for them to secure a victory in 2008, due to their opponent's 60,000 registration advantage.
If you are interested in working with the Sestak for Congress campaign, orif you know of anyone, please have them e-mail the campaign ASAP (or submit your resume) to: resumes@sestakforcongress.com
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I Wish I Had Said That: |
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Legendary "gossip girl" Liz Smith is one of many "New Yorkers" (she, like practically everyone else who has captured Manhattan, is a transplant; she is originally from Texas) who are profiled in the 40th Anniversary of the Modern City, 1968-2008, according to the editors, in a "must-read/must-keep" issue of the weekly magazine (New York, October 6, 2008) recalls the "good old days" and what's happened since: "Everybody thinks that the sixties were terrible, but it was vert exciting if you were a hick like me. We still had the inheritance of all the great stars that had been created by the studios. They were all still alive, except maybe Carole Lombard and Clark Gable. And then they began dying out, and their replacements in New York, I think slowly became big businessmen. In the sixties you didn't even read the financial pages! NOW you do. In the eighties it became all about money. And everything has been all about money ever since. No matter what anybody says, since the moment Donald Trump appeared on the scene, everything in New York has been about money. "
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Queer biographer/novelist William Mann writes of queer legendary director, John Schlesinger, in "Edge of Midnight" The Life of John Schlesinger (Billboard Books, 2005): "If one were to discover a man by the books he kept in his bedroom, a fairly accurate picture of John Schlesinger might emerge. Staying in his room, I perused the tittles on his bookshelves, Classics of Italian Cooking, The Joys of Wine. Books on music: a Stravinsky premier, The Wagner Companion. About a dozen biographies: Bunuel, Benjamin Brittten, Frida Kahlo, Tennessee Williams, David O. Selnick, my own book on William Haines. Memoirs: Peggy Guggenheim's Out of This Century, Alan Bennett's Writing Home. Books that spoke to him as gay man: two from Edmund White, The Beautiful Room is Empty and The Farewell Symphony, and a compendium of stories from The AIDS Memorial Quilt. And books of humor: funny picture books, collections of irreverent jokes, a darkly ironic account of the Nazi propaganda machine. It offered the picture of a literate and civilized man; a man supremely interested in art, in food, in life, and in the lives of others. And a man who liked to laugh, often a things people told him he shouldn't be laughing at."
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Television icon Bruce Boxleitner, he was the scarecrow in the classic television sitcom, "Scarecrow and Mrs. King" (now available on DVD), talked to Dave Arkle (Instinct, October 2008) about his days working on television, the highs and lows of his career, what it's like being a senior actor in the industry and, ironically for someone who isn't political by nature, how much he really enjoys playing the President of the United States in "Heroes," a brand new series on NBC this fall: "I played the president a couple of times, senators, governors--I've got that look down--so I just put on my suit, auditioned for Heroes, and I got it. All I can really say--because I don't know a heck of a lot event though I followed the series myself--is my character is one of the Machiavellian people in the background trying to manipulate things."
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I'm Glad I Never Said That!
"A young man asked me what I think of homosexual marriages and I said I think homosexuals should be executed."
Independent Canadian FederalCandidate David Popescu
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Raising The Colors |
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