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queerVOICE - Giving Thanks
James Duggan
copyright 2008
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"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow." ~ Melody Beattie
Thanksgiving, that most traditional of all American holidays where people of all religions, all races, and all orientations are afforded the opportunity to express gratitude, each in our own way, for those things we have been given, both large and small. It is by far my favorite of all holidays because it is based on the simplest of notions that appreciation and gratitude are vital to a kind and caring people.
All across America, families, friends and strangers come together to express thanks . . . from humble dwellings to bustling soup kitchens, from mansions of plenty to middle class row homes , rich to poor and all in between, we give thanks.
This Thanksgiving I would like to take the opportunity to express my gratitude for that which has inspired my passions or moved me to be a better person:
- I am grateful for people like Rev. Fred Waldron Phelps, Sr. and Michael Marcavage whose anti-queer rhetoric inspire me to examine and embrace my own Christian faith and to strive to live a more virtuous life as an openly gay man without fear of homophobic attacks.
- I am grateful for Barbara Gittings, a queer civil rights pioneer whose legacy of fighting for equality illuminates my path and nurtures my soul.
- I am grateful for my friends who know me and still remain my friends. They are the beats of my heart. They are a constancy that remains when I take leave of myself.
- I am grateful to Mark Segal who helped to pioneer queer news and whose dedication to his craft has inspired us achieve the beyond with QUEERtimes.
- I am grateful to individuals such as Dr. Fern Kaufman and Kevin Lee, both out individuals, who threw their hats into the political arena and sought elected office on a state level in Pennsylvania. Their campaigns have inspired me to believe that the future for equality through political action is upon us.
- I am grateful for organizations, including but not limited to The Attic Youth Center, the William Way Community Center and the Mazzoni Center, that continue to serve the needs of others even through difficult times. Their unselfish actions and deeds inspire me to lead a more virtuous and caring life.
- I am grateful to all the queer youth who have shown me that tomorrow is bright with love and courage, and that the promise of the future is here today.
- I am most grateful to my own family whose unconditional love continues to supplicate and replenish my love for all humanity, especially for those who have lost the capability to do so.
- And to my parents, whose belief in me goes beyond all rational understanding. They are my rock and my strength; they continue to teach me of love, family, sacrifice.
For these and so many other reasons I give thanks for all that I have been given and all I have yet to give. May each of you find the joy that gratitude brings to our hearts this year and for the all the years to come.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Comments: james@QUEERtimes.net
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12th Street Gym |
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What It Looks Like Frokm Here
Thom Cardwell
copyright 2008 |
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 'Tis the season to go shopping! In true holiday spirit, we have to defy the economic climate, just for this special time of year and adhere to the philosophy of the greatest queer of the century, Oscar Wilde.
One of my favorite quotes of his, from one of the most quotable people in the history of the English language (another great queer of the century, Andy Warhol comes in as a close second) once wrote or said or both or was quoted as saying. Well, now, you get what I mean. Wilde proclaimed: "Indulge in the luxuries of life and the necessities will take care of themselves."
I hear, you, Oscar.
So, something that I can never live without is art. And art is everlasting. For me, giving art to others at holiday time is especially exciting, unique, personal and engaging. There are several great ways to obtain some good art, support a worthy nonprofit, flatter an artist (or two or more) by purchasing their art is to attend several special holiday art sales around the city.
 Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), 118-128 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, is America's first school of fine arts and museum.
Each year their Printmaking Department hosts the Annual Holiday Print Sale, Friday, December 5, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., open to the public free of charge, with a show and sale of prints, all priced under $100. That's the great part!
The sale, held in the print shop located on the sixth floor of PAFA's Samuel M. V. Hamilton Building, features cards, etchings, lithographs, stamp prints, and woodcuts by students as well as demonstrations on different printmaking techniques by faculty Tony Rosati, Dan Miller, Lisa Hamilton, Ron Wyffels, Eric Horvitz, and Rob Roesch (there's even a raffle to win recent works by all of them).
For more information visit pafa.org
 Continuing our holiday art shopping, Exposed: The Print Center Annual Auction, 1614 Latimer Street, Philadelphia, returns on Saturday, December 6, with the exclusive champagne preview at 5 p.m., followed by the silent auction, 6-8 p.m.
The auction always offers an impressive list of works by such artists as Edna Andrade, Andrea M. Baldeck, Diane Burko, Susan Fenton, Carl Fudge, David Graham, Daniel Heyman, Henry Horenstein, Jane Irish, D.W. Mellor, Stuart Netsky, Bruce Pollock, Dieter Roth, Larry Spaid, Shelley Spector, Sarah Van Keuren .
There are also some non-art auction items such as an incredible South African Safari being offered this year. Event organizers have added a "red carpet" ambiance to the arrival of exclusive celebrities and guests at the champagne preview with well-known art photographer David Graham snapping pictures as the evening's paparazzo to add to the art auction fun.
Tickets for the benefit event are $100 for the champagne preview, including admission to the auction; $25 by December 5; and $35 on December 6 and at the door. All precedes supports the year-round programs and operations of the nonprofit, The Print Center.
For more information visit printcenter.org
 You've heard of Black Friday. Now it's Pink Friday that you can have fun attending and helping to contribute sorely needed funds to the William Way Community Center when Dennis Flynn Productions, ARTMOB and fundraising coordinator Stanley Black are producing their annual benefit event, "Pink Friday," tonight, 10 p.m., with performances by queer local artists donate their talents in true holiday spirit.
The event is free and open to the public, at Pure Nightclub, 1221 St. James Street, Philadelphia, in the middle of the city's Gayborhood.
Coordinator Dennis Flynn said that the ownership of Pure Nightclub is donating the space and light bites, courtesy of Bump Lounge.
One of the other highlights of the evening, according to Flynn, will be the silent auction featuring such items as gift certificates, baskets and gift bags, hotel stays, theater tickets, dinners for two, home accents and décor.
There's also an art show and sale, just in time for the holidays!
Doors open at 9 p.m. and show time is scheduled for 10 p.m. There will also be $2 drink specials.
Let's come out, have fun and show your support for the William Way Community Center.
For more information visit purephilly.com/pinkfriday
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Seven Reasons to Advertise on the Qt |
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Thom's Table
Thom Cardwell
copyright 2008 |
Paxia serving authentic Mexican cuisine
 If you're looking for a new alternative to Brunch on the weekend, you can experience Paxia, 746 Christian Street, Philadelphia, a quaint BYOB serving authentic Mexican cuisine with a focus on the flavors of Mexico City.
Located in the Bella Vista area of Philadelphia, Paxia is now serving a delicious brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11a.m. - 5 p.m., featuring help-yourself Bloody Mary, Mimosa, and Sangria bar for $8 per person (you provide the alcohol, they provide the rest). It's a win-win situation for everyone and think of all the money you save bringing your own favorite vodka, champagne and wine.
The delicious menu has been created by co-owners chef Dionicio Jimenez (also co-owner/executive chef at Xochitl in Headhouse Square, off South St.) and chef Ismael Torrez.
Highlights of the brunch menu will include: Huevos Rancheros Verdes ($7); Chilaquiles ($7); Huevos a la Mexicana ($7); Puerco Milanese ($10); Omelette ($7); Enchiladas ($14); Fruta Fresca ($5); Tostadas de Tinga ($6); Quesadillas ($7); Cemita ($6); and Pancakes con Manzanas ($7).
Paxia also offers a great $25 meal deal where you can choose a starter, entree, and dessert served with house margarita mix (don't forget the tequila!). Open 6 nights a week, Sunday - Thursday: 5-10 p.m., Friday & Saturday: 5-11 p.m.
For more information, call 215.413.0171; or visit paxiaphilly.com (coming soon).
Savona celebrates Cocktail Week
 You really don't need a reason ever to visit Savona, 100 Old Gulph Road, Gulph Mills, Pennsylvania, but executive chef Andrew Masciangelo likes to mix things up, literally, by celebrating Cocktail Week, the first week of each month. It's a perfect time to gather family and friends in early December for the holidays!
Savona's very own Master Mixologist, Pablo "Papi" Hurtado will prepare a flight of 3 incredible cocktails for $15 (4 oz each), first Monday to Thursday, for guests who wish to indulge in libations beyond the classic cocktails (though Hurtado is well-seasoned at making all of those) but he wants to introduce his specialty with some Latin spirits.
Some sample cocktail flights will include: Apple Pie Martini, premium vodka, apple liqueur, apricot liqueur, cinnamon & sugar cane infusion, fresh apples; Daiquiri, premium rum, sugar cane syrup, fresh squeezed lime juice; Espresso Martini, premium vodka, kahlúa, espresso, godiva chocolate liqueur, sugar cane syrup; Golden Drew, (in honor of Chef Andrew Masciangelo), premium vodka, galliano, fresh squeezed orange juice, cointreau, peach liquor; Mi Passion, premium vodka, passion syrup, fresh squeezed lemon & lime juice, sugar cane syrup, cointreau, fresh passion fruit; Mojito, white rum, sugar cane syrup, fresh squeezed lime juice, mint leaves; Papi's Margarita, premium tequila, cointreau, agave syrup, fresh squeezed lime juice; Punch, premium rum, fresh squeezed lime juice, angostura bitters, maraschino cherry & syrup; Raspberry Martini premium vodka, sugar cane syrup, fresh raspberries, raspberry puree, fresh squeezed lime juice, chambord; and Ultimate Mai Tai, premium rum, amaretto, fresh squeezed lime juice, sugar cane syrup, pineapple sorbet.
Beyond cocktails, diners and critics alike have enjoyed Masciangelo's Riviera inspired cuisine captures the culinary spirit of the French and Italian Riviera, focusing on the use of local and seasonal ingredients, served in the a historical stone inn dating back to 1763 on Philadelphia's Main Line.
For more information, call 610.520.1200; or visit savonarestaurant.com
Tinto offers a Basque-inspired brunch
 Here's an entirely different twist for Sunday brunch! Tinto, 114 South 20th Street, Philadelphia, one of only 105 restaurants around the globe that made the Condé Nast Traveler "Hot List" in 2007, is now offering an inventive menu of Basque-inspired brunch items created by celebrated chef/owner Jose Garces, that will be served every Sunday, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., for a prix fixe of $25 per person, for first, second and dessert courses, including a side dish of your choice, but not including tax and gratuity.
"Our brunch combines authentic Spanish flavors and techniques with classic breakfast options," explained Garces. "This new menu will allow our guests to experience more flavors and dishes in one meal."
Highlights of the menu include: Tortilla Espanola, a Spanish tortilla with Serrano ham and saffron aioli and Cured Salmon Plate with egg salad, cornichon, chive cream, tomato and toasted bialy, for first course; and Revuelto de Hongos, shirred eggs with porcini and royal trumpet mushrooms, goat cheese espuma and truffle butter; Huevos Benedictos, one poached egg served over brioche toast, with shaved country ham, truffled hollandaise sauce and esplette pepper; and Brioche French Toast with orange marmalade, honey mascarpone cheese and orange-spiced syrup, for second course.
Diners may also choose one side dish, for example, Chorizo or Maple Grits, and one dessert such as Brulee of Grapefruit with crème fraiche gelato and olive oil espuma.
Tinto also features a special selection of brunch cocktails includes: Pamplona, celery vodka, spiced tomato, consommé and chorizo; Biscay, Gran Torres, blood orange, sparkling rosado and strawberry espuma and Iraty, muddled lemon, aperol and bourbon fizz, freshly squeezed juices and red and white sangrias.
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Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation |
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EVENTS |
Monday, December 1, 5:30-8:00 p.m.
RED RIBBON DAY: ASIAC, Jaisohn Center & SEAMAAC Invites you to a commemoration of World AIDS Day
Where:
SEAMAAC's Main Office, 1711 South Broad Street (Castle Street Side Entrance), Philadelphia, PA 19148
Schedule of Events:
11:00am-5:00pm: Free & Confidential HIV Testing (Please contact Amy Jones at 215.467.0690 to reserve a slot)
5:30pm: Reception & Health Fair
6:00-8:00pm: Panel Discussion
Panelists:
Dr. Francisco Sy: AIDS Education & Prevention Journal: The state of HIV in Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Communities
Dr. James Shepard: Health Center 2: Barriers to treating API individuals who are infected with HIV
Friday, December 5, 7-9:30 p.m.
Philadelphia Gay & Lesbian Theatre Festival Invites you to spend Christmas with Joan Crawford
You'd better watch Out. You'd better not cry. Miss Crawford will not be amused if you don't join her to kick off the season in high style.
As the centerpiece of its annual Holiday Ball Fundraiser, on Friday, December 5, The Philadelphia Gay & Lesbian Theatre Festival will present a staged reading of the hilarious, retro comedy, "A Crawford Christmas." Based on a long running holiday hit in San Francisco and New York, this will be the Philadelphia premiere.
It's Christmas Eve, 1944. Joan Crawford has just been "fired" from MGM when a gossip reporter shows up at her Brentwood mansion to broadcast a radio interview from the family living room. Gary Cooper's throwing a Christmas bash next door. Joan was not invited, but that doesn't stop several screen legends from staggering on in search of the party. Judy Garland, Bette Davis and the Andrews Brothers (yes, you read that right) all take advantage of the radio show to break into song, while poor upstaged Joan tries to hide from the audience that her children call her "Mommie Dearest" and stay tied in their beds until "Mommie's headache goes away." Local drag diva Carlotta Tendant will star as the steely, imperious Miss Crawford, with additional "star turns" by Paul McEl wee, Nick Park, Michael Newman, Matt Taylor, Matthew Cloran, Wil Vincinus and Ray Smith. Jerry Kapral will serve as Musical Director and accompanist.
The event, which will raise funds for the upcoming Seventh Annual Gay & Lesbian Theatre festival, will take place at The Philadelphia Ethical Society, 1906 South Rittenhouse Square, from 7 PM - 9:30 p.m. Along with the staged reading of "A Crawford Christmas," the evening will include hors d'oeuvres and wine, assorted festivities and a splendid silent auction which will allow you to pick up those special holiday gifts.
Suggested donation for the entire event, including cocktails with Joan, is $35.00. Reservations are being accepted at 215.627.6483.
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Lift The Ban |
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What They Said: |
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 President-elect Barack Obama confided to Peter Moore (Men's Health, November 2008) in a moment of self-revelation and candidness about what motivates him to achievement, winning and changing the world: "Somebody once said that every man is either trying to live up to his dad's expectations or make up for his dad's mistakes. And I'm sure I am doing a bit of both. I might not be here had it not been for that absent father prodding me."
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 David Lynch, Philadelphia-educated, film director ("Easerhead," "Blue Velvet," "Mulholland Drive"), painter, transcendental meditation guru, author of "Catching the Big Fish," and founder of the David Lynch Foundation for Conscious-Based Education and World Peace, talked to Deborah Solomon (The New York Times, November 23, 2008) about how it's all about size (we're talking movie screens, says Lynch, "The cinema is really built for the big screen and big sound, so that a person can go into another world and have an experience."), why he's more than an American surrealist (Dennis Hooper dubbed Lynch that) and why meditation is important and good for everyone: "Any format is a good format for meditation. Every single person has within an ocean of pure vibrant consciousness. Every single human being can experiences that--infinite intelligence, infinite creativity, infinite happiness, infinity energy, infinite dynamic process."
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 Queer senior vice president of programming and production for Bravo, super blogger and in-front-of-the-camera host for sit-down, talk-to casts of many of the TV Reality Shows on Bravo that have become runaway hits on his resume, Project Runway, Flipping Out, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Andy Cohen explained to Jason Gutierrez (Instinct, November 2008) what his new perspective on what it means to be gay that he hoping to present to the world: "I think the more we focus on the people we see on the shows, the less we will focus on their being gay. There's great power in the viewers getting to know gay people as people rather than only as their sexuality. Kids who are coming out of the closet are not defined by their sexuality, and I think that's the place everyone needs to get to. The more people see that on TV, the less of a big deal it will be to be gay."
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I'm Glad I Never Said That!
On the Bill O'Reilly show Newt Gingrich came up with his biggest lie about history yet. He said, "I think there is a gay and secular fascism in this country that wants to impose its will on the rest of us... it is a very dangerous threat to anybody who believes in traditional religion."
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