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▼qV: Tonight We Celebrate, for Tomorrow we Fight! ▼LL:Attic Youth Center's Crystal Gala ▼Philly: Phiz Fest 2008 ▼TT:Sommelier Smackdown, Oceanaire, Rum Bar ▼Said:Jonathan Hollingsworth, Sarah McLachlan, John Galliano
Qt: the #1 Source for queerNEWS from Around the WORLD!
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QUEERtimes weekly
Philadelphia and Beyond
11.07.08 / v.2 - i.24 It's on the Qt! | |
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In this week's QUEERtimes
Simply click the links below to navigate QUEERtimes Weekly |
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this week's
queerNEWS
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queerNEWS in review |
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DVLF Toy 2008 |
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Publishers
Thom Cardwell
James Duggan
Editor
James Duggan
Editor-at-Large
Thom Cardwell
Copyright 2008
All Rights Reserved - BUCKmonkey, LLC
_______________ QUEERtimes is published weekly as a service for discerning queers and heterosexuals alike in Philadelphia and beyond.
Expressed opinions are that of the author(s) and do not represent the thoughts, feelings and /or opinions of any person, organization, company, staff member, or any of our advertisers.
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queerVOICE
Tonight we Celebrate, for Tomorrow we Fight!
James Duggan copyright 2008
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Tuesday night was a moment in history. People will forever remember where they were and who they were with when Barack Obama was declared the winner of this most historic of presidential elections. Burned into memory will be the initial sighs of relief, followed by genuine tears of joy, then shouts of celebration escalating to unbridled expressions of almost involuntary dance. It was sheer exuberance, pure unconscious emotion. Yes, it was a new day in America.
In the words of President Kennedy, "the torch is passed to a new generation of Americans," and people from across this great nation, and from around the world, joined together to embrace an almost unknown collective feeling of hope.
For queers our dessert came only 119 words into his victory speech when President-elect Obama included queers to the list of Americans he was elected to serve. The people of the United States of America had elected an unabashed queer rights supporter. Yes it was a new day in America.
But by the next day my joy had devolved into concern then to utter disbelief . . . a new day in America indeed. California, Florida, and Arizona all amended their state constitution's to ban same-sex marriage and Arkansas approved a ban on queer adoptions. All are a major defeat to our civil rights fight.
So, my euphoria was rather short-lived. While North Carolinians and Virginians were shaking off a legacy of slavery and segregation by helping to elect the first African-American president, a majority of the citizens of California, Florida, Arizona, and Arkansas did just the opposite; these people voted to deny us the civil rights that are ours.
This form of segregation and bigotry can no longer be accepted or tolerated in a civil society, and it must be repudiated. The notion that the majority of heterosexuals can deny the minority of queers the civil rights that are due them, especially when it is based in a "religious" opinion, is not just offensive, it is un-American.
As I denounce this form of bigotry I must also applaud those in California who have taken to the streets in protest against it. Their response is both noble and right. The denial of our right to equality in all things, including marriage, is so egregious and unacceptable that it demands such a response and more.
The California results are already being challenged in the courts. Clearly a good first step, but this does not seem nearly enough. Should we boycott these states? The queer consumer dollar is estimated to be $712 Billion annually. If majorities in these states wish to deny us our rights as equal citizens to marriage then should we reward them with our hard earned money? I know that I will make every attempt to not purchase items from, or visit, these states.
Here inPennsylvania we need to demand our equally by insisting that queers are immediately protected from anti-discrimination and for inclusion in Hate Crimes legislation . . . this denial can no longer be accepted. The fact that an individual can be fired from a job in Pennsylvania simply because they are queer is both ludicrous and shameful, while bordering on the barbaric.
In New Jersey the state government needs to immediately correct the failings of the civil unions' law and make it a full marriage equality law. New Jersey legislators have no excuse to prolong this court ordered correction and its citizens can no longer accept delays. Yes it is a new day in America.
As told by Obama, we must put our "hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day." Let us take our celebration of hope and turn it into steely resolve to continue our fight for equality with a greater sense of possibility and urgency to bring about the change that is our right. Yes We Can!
Comments: james@QUEERtimes.net
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12th Street Gym |
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What it Looks Like From Here
A Qt Exclusive
Thom Cardwell
copyright 2008 |
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 Who doesn't care about queer youth? Evidently, Philadelphia's queer community has long ago recognized and appreciated the outstanding work that the Attic Youth Center, 255 South 16th Street, has been doing in providing much-needed services to queer youth in the region for an impressive 15 years.
In celebration of their 15th anniversary, the Attic Youth Center will celebrate with a Crystal Gala, a black tie optional benefit event on Saturday, November 15, with a silent auction and open bar reception in The Exchange beginning at 6:30 p.m. followed at 7:30 p.m. by dinner and dancing with awards presentation in the Grand Ballroom, at the Ritz-Carlton, 10 Avenue of the Arts, Philadelphia, for $175 per person.
This year's master of ceremonies will be out NBC 10 Traffic Reporter John Ogden and Kelli O'Donnell, cofounder of R Family Vacations, which provides family friendly vacations to gay and lesbian families, will receive the Attic Youth Center Humanitarian Award.
 This year's other honorees, Stephen Glassman, activist, architect and media personality who will receive the Community Crusader Award; Kristen Hopkins, activist, attorney and former Attic staff visionary for Attic Pioneer Award; William Scott, activist and musical recording artist for Youth Inspiration Award; Lee Carson, activist, researcher, educator, social worker for Leadership Achievement Award; and Tommy Atz, activist, educator, leader for the Youth Visionary Award.
Honorary Gala Committee includes The Honorable Edward G. Rendell, Governor, Honorable Michael A. Nutter; Mayor, Gloria Casarez, Mayor's Liaison to the LGBT Community; Kay Lahusen, Gay Rights Activist; Lisa Nutter, President, Philadelphia Academics, Inc.; David Topel, President Emeritus, The Attic Youth Center Board of Directors, among others.
Thesbians and Drama Queens, Attic youth alumni members of the Attic's award-winning social improvisation troupe, will perform at the Gala.
The mission of the Attic Youth Center creates opportunities for queer youth to develop into healthy, independent, civic-minded adults within a safe and supportive community, and promotes the acceptance of these youth in society. The Attic helps its constituents develop the skills necessary to succeed in the world interpersonally, educationally and vocationally; advocate for themselves; have a healthy sense of self; engage in healthy interpersonal behaviors and relationships; and have a strong and supportive social network.
Proceeds from this gala directly benefit the services and programs of the Attic Youth Center. What better investment in our future and our hope but in the LGBTQ youth of the country?
For more information, call 215.545.4331; or visit www.atticyouthcenter.org
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Seven Reasons to Advertise on the Qt |
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Thom's Table
Thom Cardwell
copyrighted 2008 |
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Wine School hosts Sommelier Smackdown
 "The latest hot culinary competition is the popular 'Sommelier Smackdown' which pits two wine experts in a palate-to-palate showdown at the Wine School of Philadelphia" write the editors of Zagat.
It's an all-out war in this no-holds-barred competition (a kind of WWD of culinary events) when yours truly will be pitted against Keith Wallace, founder of the Wine School of Philadelphia, 2006 Fairmount Avenue, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., November 14. Tickets are just $53.99 per person, including food and wine tastings throughout the evening.
The two "experts" will be pairing wines with food in the "Sommelier Smackdown" challenge with the ultimate winner being chosen by the audience (that's you!) by offering a sampling of all the pairings by Wallace and Cardwell.
In addition to his duties and responsibilities at the Wine School of Philadelphia, Wallace's resume currently includes being the CEO and President of the American Wine Foundation, veteran wine educator and wine writer for Philadelphia Style Magazine. He specializes in winemaking, marketing, wine education, wine lectures, media appearances, graphic design, school management and writing.
I've written about food, restaurant and chefs for more than 20 years for national and local media, mainstream and gay publications, including Thom's Table for QUEERtimes, AVIS Quick City Guides, Up Your Budget for Budget Rent A Car and Food News for Philadelphia Gay News.
Previous alumni of "Sommelier Smackdown" have included Christophe Tassan and Brian McMahon of Le Bec-Fin, Ryan Davis of Rae, Christophe Guillot of Brasserie Perrier, Paul Rodriguez of Tinto, Marco Avigo of Penne, and Gary Vaynerchuk of Wine Library TV, among many others.
For more information visit vinology.com
Oceanaire hosts Sts. Michelle Wine Dinner
Oceanaire Seafood Room, 700 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, on fashionable Washington Square, will be hosting an exclusive wine dinner featuring Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, for a prix fixe five course dinner at $65 per person, 7 p.m., November 7.
Executive Chef David Wiederholt has created a special menu that will perfectly be complimented by each wine from Ste. Michelle Wine Estates that has been hand-selected in order to enhance the fine flavors and textures of the dishes.
"Ste. Michelle Wine Estates have some of the best wines in the country," said Wiederholt. "The varieties and quality are the perfect match for the fine dining and service experienced at the Oceanaire. It has been a privilege to partner with Ste. Michelle in creating a truly unique and decadent menu for this event."
Guests will enjoy the food-wine combinations such as Dutch Harbor Red King Crab Salad and Chateau Ste. Michelle Frizzante; Crusted Rhode Island Striped Bass and Chateau Ste Michelle Chardonnay Ethos and Roasted Pears and Mascarpone with Chateau Ste Michelle White Reisling Ice Wine Reserve.
First introduced in 1967, the company has expanded its vineyard holdings to more than 4,200 acres in Washington and California. Ste. Michelle Wine Estates now produces and markets a broad portfolio of premium wines from acclaimed vineyards around the world. Beyond the wines, the company also produces the award winning Eroica in partnerships with the Mosel's Ernest Loosen and Col Solare in partnership with Tuscany's Marchesi Antinori collaborating with their Chateau Ste. Michelle winemakers.
For more information, call 215.625.8862; or visit theoceanaire.com
Buried Treasure at Rum Bar
Rum Bar, 2005 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, is already in the process of their "buried treasure" campaign throughout the entire month of November with a fun and exciting promotion that gives away of a free dinner for two every night of the month.
Owner Adam Kanter will bury a napkin roll-up containing a secret gift certificate for a free dinner. The lucky Rum Bar guest wins totally unexpectedly. The recipient is entitled to up to $50 for food and beverage. Who would't want to win a free meal?
"The idea is to add an unexpected element of fun and mystery to each night here at Rum Bar throughout November," said Kanter. "Plus I totally love it when people have a great time at my place. It's my way of giving back to my customers."
Owned and operated by Kanter, one of the most passionate lovers of rum who you'll probably ever meet in your life, Rum Bar is Philly's premiere destination for creative rum cocktails, eclectic Caribbean cuisine and home to over 140 brands of rum.
The always-ready to party and promote rum to the public, Kanter also hosts such weekly events at Rum Bar as Mojito Mondays, Tiki Tuesdays and Save The Daiquiri Wednesdays. There's also the ever-popular and not-to-be-missed monthly Adam's Full Moon Party.
For more information, call 215.751.0404; or visit rum-bar.com
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Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation |
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Thom's Favorite New Event
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 Bubbly anyone? That's definitely, easily and quickly in the affirmative from me. I'm a huge fan of champagne, always have been, and whenever there's a choice between it, wine and liquor, I'll always go for the bubbly.
Happily, there are others who are like-minded, devotees of champagne who have organized the first-ever "Phiz Fest" to be held, at the Ballroom at the Ben, Ben Franklin House, 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, 6-8:30 p.m., November 13.
"Phiz Fest 2008, the first-ever tasting event of its kind in Philadelphia, highlights the world's finest Champagnes and shows this effervescent beverage's versatility with a variety of meals and occasions," said Ed Markus of Event Navigators.
He said that champagne has risen in popularity to such an extent that it now "defies both season and fashion" making it the beverage of choice for celebrations of all kinds, romantic moments or paired with dining and food for any evening.
Sommelier, best-selling author and wine expert extraordinaire, Marie Old, the official spokesperson for Phiz Fest, explained that "Champagne epitomizes finesse and elegance. Phiz Fest offers access to some of the finest Champagnes available, enabling participants to experience the beverage in a new light and open them up to new possibilities."
In addition to guests sampling a wide variety of Champagnes, several leading area restaurants, chefs and food purveyors will prepare and serve a selection of appetizers, cheeses and foods that complement the bubbly.
Tickets are $55 in advance, $65 at the door. Net proceeds benefit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Participants must be at least 21 years of age to attend.
For more information, call 610.649.6330; or visit phizfest.com and eventnavigators.com.
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Lift The Ban |
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I Wish I Had Said That: |
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 Queer photographer Jonathan Hollingsworth doesn't have any problem mincing words about his love/hate relationship with Los Angeles and celebrity. He was the first to admit that the Midwesterner didn't find his five years living in the City of Angels his most glorious or easy. On the occasion of the publication of his new photography book, "Everybody I Ever Met in L.A." (Just One Guy Press) Hollingsworth, currently residing in Sante Fe, he told Jonathan Riggs (Instinct, November 2008): "I was invited to exhibit in a group show in L. A. in 2006. For me, this town is defined by the range of people who live there, so I conceived a project which would showcase the good, the bad, and the ugly. I sketched out and shot Polaroid's of 40 different characters. When Polaroid announced earlier this year the end of their film production, it forced me to get back to work. For the book, I used about 10 pictures from 2006, and the rest were all shot in a mad fury of productivity."____________________________
 Singer/songwriter Sarah McLachlan on the occasion of her new greatest hits album, Closer, celebrating her 20 years in the music industry talked about her love of animals, being a spokesperson for the American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) that has so far raised more than $20 million from their national television campaign, her family life as a mother of two and the issue of being out (Instinct, November 2008): "I don't really think about my fans along the lines of being gay or not. I'm a humanist! I'm a huge supporter of equality for everybody. If there's ever an opportunity to be an advocate, then I will. I live in a bit of a bubble. Everybody I know is out, and proudly so and totally accepted. It's a non-issue." ____________________________
 Queer fashion designer extraordinaire John Galliano told Miles Socha (WWD Scoop, Spring 2008) the true facts about the sustainability and power of fashion and style in a modern society despite the downturn economy. "There have been wars, rationing and much worse than recessions and still fashion and fantasy survive. The more the belt tightens, the more people will want the best, the ultimate and true luxury. If you are terrified by the news, depressed by world events and economy, rather than hit the bottle, isn't it better to hit the shops? Fashion is intoxicating, escapist and indulgent."
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I'm Glad I Never Said That!
KCMO 710 talk radio host Chris Stegall asked Bishop Robert W. Finn, of the Kansas City-St. Joseph, Mo., diocese, "There are some Catholics listening to me right now that are thinking strongly or convinced they will vote for Barack Obama. What would you say to them?" Finn replied. "I would say give consideration to your eternal salvation...you make yourself a participant in the act of abortion. That's gravely wrong. You must not do it because your eternal salvation is tied up with that important choice."
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Raising The Colors |
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QUEERtimes is published by BUCKmonkey, LLC, for the Greater Philadelphia Region's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning people and our loyal Hetero supporters. Expressed opinions are that of the author(s) and do not represent the thoughts, feelings and /or opinions of any person, organization, company, staff member, or any of our advertisers.
QUEERtimes, queerVIEW, queerARTS, queerVOICE, queerMUSIC, queerNEWS, BackTalk, Thom's Table, Thom's Table's Tips, Thom's World, Thom's Closet, What It Looks From From Here, Mister Philadelphia, Citizen Q, fueled by BUCKmonkey, "It's On the QT" and the qt amd Bm Logo are Trademarks of BUCKmonkey, LLC.
Copyright BUCKmonkey - QUEERtimes 2008 All Rights Reserved |
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