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JULY 23-AUGUST 5, 2009 VOLUME EIGHT, ISSUE 15 SERVINGGay GAY, LESBIAN, BI AND TRANSGENDERED City NEW YORK • WWW.GAYCITYNEWS.COM ■ CRIME ■ POLITICS Psych Defense September Next in ’08 Kevin Stop in Marriage Pravia Murder Equality Fight BY DUNCAN OSBORNE BY PAUL SCHINDLER

eromie Cancel, the accused killer ith Democratic control of the of Kevin Pravia, will argue that he New York State Senate once Jsuffered from a “cognitive disor- W again secured, the Legisla- der” and “neuropsychiatric abnormali- ture’s upper chamber went back to work ties” when he strangled the 19-year-old two weeks ago, but finished up its busi- gay man to death on August 30 last year. ness within eight days, adjourning in the In a July 13 letter to Rena K. Uviller, the early morning hours of July 17 without judge who is trying the murder case, turning its attention to some of the year’s Cancel’s attorney wrote that the “psychi- most highly contested questions –– issues atric evidence is to be presented in con- ranging from mayoral control of schools to nection with the affirmative defense of marriage equality and transgender rights. lack of criminal responsibility by reason What remains unclear is how the rules of mental disease or defect and in con- reform agreed to as the Senate raced to nection with the affirmative defense of adjournment will affect prospects for a extreme emotional disturbance.” marriage equality vote yet this year, or Cancel faces one count of felony mur- even in advance of the 2010 elections. der, meaning he allegedly killed Pravia Senator Thomas K. Duane, the out in the course of committing another gay Chelsea Democrat who is the lead felony. If successful, the lack of criminal sponsor on Governor David Paterson’s responsibility could excuse him entirely, marriage equality bill –– as well as the though he would likely be held in an helmsman on other key LGBT initia- institution until he is found to be cured tives such as a transgender civil rights of his condition. If a jury believes the bill and a school anti-bullying measure extreme emotional disturbance defense, ACETO DONNA –– put out a statement immediately after the charge against Cancel would be TOM DUANE DELIVERS THUNDERING MORAL CHALLENGE TO HIS SENATE COLLEAUGES the July 9 restoration of Democratic con- reduced to first-degree manslaughter. trol, saying, “As disappointing as it is to The maximum sentence on felony mur- admit, it is clear that this week is not der is 25-to-life, and the maximum on Duane’s Impassioned MARRIAGE P. 5 PRAVIA P. 12 Plea Scores In this issue: ■ SILENCING GAYS BY PAUL SCHINDLER summer, Thomas K. Duane, an out gay Chelsea Democrat who is the Health Lithuania cracks down oward the end of its regular 2009 Committee chair and also the Legisla- with “No Promo Homo” law session, marked by dysfunction ture’s only openly HIV-positive member, ■ 2 T and a delay on key LGBT rights delivered an impassioned, and at many ————————————————— goals including marriage equality and points angry, 22-minute speech (a link ■ DA CONTEST STAKES transgender rights — at least until an to which appears in the online version of anticipated September special session this article at gaycitynews.com) on behalf Race to succeed Morgenthau — the New York State Senate was called of his bill that would cap rents paid by enters final two months to account morally on at least one criti- clients of the city’s HIV/ AIDS Services ■ 6 cal matter in the wee hours of the morn- Administration (HASA) at 30 percent ————————————————— ing on July 17. That effort proved suc- of their income. Under current state ■ cessful, and action on the measure now law, the Office of Temporary and Dis- ED WHITE MEMORIES awaits Assembly action. ability Assistance mandates that HASA Acclaimed novelist looks In the final hours before the Senate clients receiving public income support back to ’60s, ’70s New York VESTAL McINTYRE adjourned, probably for the bulk of the ■ 14 DUANE P. 4 18 © GAY CITY NEWS 2009 • COMMUNITY MEDIA, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 23 JUL - 5 AUG 2009 2/ Human Rights Lithuania Goes Harshly Anti-Gay Draconian crackdown on public discussions of homosexuality likely; Poland may follow suit

BY DOUG IRELAND ment agencies charged a very necessary one, overturned in 1993. with enforcement are the especially now when we Condemnations of he Lithuanian Par- Lithuanian Radio and face a more and more Lithuania’s “No Promo liament on July 14 Television Commission; obvious expansion of Homo” law from all over T gave final approv- the Lithuanian Ethics gay activist circles,” said Europe were swift in al to the most sweeping Commission of Journal- Gorski, a member of the coming. Dainius Radzev- “No Promo Homo” law in ists and Publishers; the largest Polish parliamen- icius, who chairs the Europe, a move hailed by government’s Informa- tary opposition party, Lithuanian Journalists conservative Polish parlia- tion Society Develop- Law and Justice — led Union, told the Asso- mentarians, who imme- ment Committee, which by the ultra-homopho- ciated Press, “This is diately announced they supervises the Internet; bic Kaczynski twins, the absurd. I cannot even would attempt to pass and police authorities country’s president Lech imagine how they will a similar law. Entitled under the Ministry of the and his brother Jaro- implement this law.” “Law on the Protection of Interior. slaw, the former prime Dirk De Meirleir, execu- Minors Against the Det- In Poland, MP Artur minister. Gorki also tive director of the Euro- rimental Effect of Public Gorski, deputy head noted, “If you look at the pean Region of the Inter- Information,” the measure of the parliamentary Polish Parliament and national Lesbian and bans public dissemination commission on Polish- see the ruling Civic Plat- Gay Association, said of information contribut- Lithuanian cooperation, form Party and the major passage of the new law ing to the “propagation told the Catholic Pol- opposition Law and Jus- Michael Cashman (right, face hidden), an openly gay British member of the was “a shocking and of homosexual, bisexual, ish daily Nasz Dziennik tice are both claiming European Parliament, and Dirk De Meirleir (center), executive director of the absurd development and polygamous rela- that he intends to copy to be right-wing, there International Gay and Lesbian Association-Europe, speak with a representative in one of the European tions” that might be avail- the Lithuanian law and should be no trouble in of the Lithuanian Mission (left) in Brussels who came out to speak to demon- Union member states. able to minors. This ban introduce it for passage passing such a law.” strators protesting the new law. Just a few days ago even encompasses mass media, by the Polish Parliament. MP Leszek Deptu’a the Russian Federation’s books, and the Internet, “This is a very interesting from the Peasant’s Party, about what might tran- propose changes to the Parliament rejected simi- and among the govern- initiative and no doubt a partner in Poland’s rul- spire at next year’s Baltic law to make it compat- lar proposals.” ing parliamentary coali- Pride, due to be staged ible with basic human Amnesty Interna- tion, said, “This law is in Vilnius from May 7 to rights,” she said, accord- tional’s Kim Manning- needed also in Poland,” 9. The new law will take ing to a press conference Cooper warned that the adding, “We should pro- effect two months prior summary released by law “could be used to tect kids and youth from to that. the office of the EU pres- prohibit any legitimate homosexuality and from The draconian “No idency. discussion of homosexu- promoting this idea.” Promo Homo” legislation Reinfeldt, the head of ality, impede the work of The new Lithuanian was originally passed Sweden’s Moderate Party human rights defenders, law will provide a power- last month, but vetoed and leader of a center- and further the stigma- ful legal weapon against by President Valdas right government, said tization of and prejudice attempts to have Gay Adamkus, who has since he was opposed to such against lesbian, gay, © Pride demonstrations left office. When the bill laws. “On a personal bisexual and transgen- or any media coverage went back to Parliament, level, throughout my 20 der people in Lithuania,” 114 Christopher St. A Village Landmark of them. In the nation’s Adamkus’ veto was over- years in politics, I have according to the BBC. Serving The Community Btw Bleecker & Hudson St. For Over 35 Years capital of Vilnius, after ridden 87 to 6, and its clearly shown where I “This is a very bad day 212-741-9641 years of repression by anti-gay provisions were stand on such issues,” for LGBT rights in Lithu- Happy Hour Monday - Friday 2 - 8 the city’s former mayor, strengthened. Because he said. “I agree with ania, and by adopting 2nd Tuesday of the Month is Fireflag/EMS Night Juozas Imbrasas, who of the veto override, the Dalia Grybauskaite that this deeply homophobic 6-1am 50/50 Raffle / BEAR NITE Every Thursday was thrown out of office new president, Dalia it is important that a law legislation, the Lithu- in February, Vilius Nav- Grybauskaite, who ran such as this does not anian authorities have ickas, his replacement, as an independent but in any way contravene taken a huge step back- has offered no change of was elected with sup- human rights.” wards.” Manning-Cooper course, banning a sched- port from the large Con- The right-wing Lithu- called the law “a clear uled Gay Pride march in servative Party, was anian MP who sponsored infringement of freedom the center city this year. obliged to sign it within the law, Petras Grazulis, of expression and non- EVERYONE DESERVES A SMILE! “These heavily three days. However, on hailed passage of his bill, discrimination rights” homophobia-driven laws her first foreign trip, to saying, “We have finally and said it “should be Introductory $99 Offer codify discrimination Stockholm, as she held taken a step which will repealed immediately.” ($380 value) based on sexual orien- a joint press conference help Lithuania raise At a Parliamentary UÊՏÊiÝ>“ˆ˜>̈œ˜ tation, deny freedom of with Swedish Prime Min- healthy and mentally Assembly meeting of the UÊ*iÀˆœ`œ˜Ì>Ê Ý>“ˆ˜>̈œ˜ expression, and inhibit ister Fredrik Reinfeldt, sound generations unaf- European Union, held as UÊ"À>Ê >˜ViÀÊ-VÀii˜ˆ˜} LGBT persons’ rights who currently occupies fected by the rotten cul- news came of the Lithu- UÊ i>˜ˆ˜}Ê*iÀvœÀ“i`ÊLÞÊ i˜ÌˆÃÌ to education, informa- the rotating presidency ture that is now over- anian law’s passage, 35 UÊ œ“«iÌiÊ-iÌʜvÊ8‡À>Þà tion, and every day life,” of the European Union, whelming them.” Grazu- members from 18 dif- ­ˆvʘiViÃÃ>ÀÞ®ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ Lithuanian Gay League Grybauskaite expressed lis has also introduced ferent nations signed a 248 W. 23RD ST. (Btwn.7TH & 8TH AVE) chair Vladimir Simonko regret at having to sign a bill to recriminalize declaration saying that said, adding that there the law. “But I will make homosexuality, earlier 646-290-5576 was fear and even panic use of the right I have to prohibitions having been ᭤ LITHUANIA, continued on p.3 WWW.GAYCITYNEWS.COM 23 JUL – 5 AUG 2009 3 EAST HAMPTON INSPECTOR SILENCES PRIDE AGENDA TEA DANCE

Citing a violation of a noise law, an ESPA had a permit from the East Hampton William McGintee, the town super- it is intended to address the noise from While police and inspectors do carry East Hampton ordinance inspector ordered town board for the “mass gathering,” as visor, said that permit holders have to restaurants, bars, and other businesses, decibel meters, the 2007 law does not that the dance music at a July 11 Empire the town defines such a party, and it had comply with all town laws, though typi- though the text of the law itself does not require them to measure noise levels State Pride Agenda (ESPA) fundraiser be a permit for amplified music. “I believe cally noisy events with permits are asked distinguish between noise from business- to determine if they are “excessive or turned off and issued a summons that they were authorized to have a party for X to reduce the volume. “Generally, what es and private homes. unreasonable,” as the law defines it. The could cost the group as much as $1,000. amount of people,” said Todd Sarris, chief we did is just told them to quiet down,” Rodriguez was accompanied by at inspector can use his or her “unaided “It was a wonderful event,” said Will Trin- of the East Hampton police department. McGintee said. “I don’t know why Mr. least two other inspectors, Trinkle said, hearing faculties... based on his or her kle, the ESPA board member who hosted “I believe they were allowed to have Rodriguez told them to turn the music off.” and they were “very courteous, very nice.” training or experience” to decide if the the event with his partner, Juan Granados, music.” The inspector, Scott Rodriguez, was The inspectors appeared to be responding volume exceeds “the decibel limitations at his Long Island home. “It was a shame At some point after 7 p.m., an ordi- hired by the town in 2007 and he did to complaints from one neighbor who was set forth in” the law. we had to turn the music off, we had less nance inspector, not the police depart- not respond to a call seeking comment. also present. Trinkle said the man did not Attendees at the fundraiser included than an hour to go.” ment, appeared on the scene and Rodriguez wrote a summons that cited complain to him about the volume of the Governor David Paterson and US Senator The Hamptons Tea Dance is one of demanded that the music be shut off. “I ordinance 185-5(d), which was repealed music, but the type of music being played. Kirsten Gillibrand. “I said to him the gov- five major ESPA fundraisers, and this said we have a permit,” Trinkle told Gay in 2003. Rodriguez presumably meant “I just don’t like your music,” Trinkle ernor is here, could you give us ten more year’s dance drew an estimated 1,400 to City News. “He said actually having a per- 185-1(5)(d), which was enacted in 2007. reported the man saying. “To me, that’s minutes and he said no,” Trinkle said. — the four-hour event that began at 4 p.m. mit holds you to a higher standard.” The preamble to the 2007 law states that what he said.” Duncan Osborne

᭤ LITHUANIA, from p.2 was “gravely concerned at a growing chair, the UK’s openly gay Michael Rights Watch, adding, “Depriving climate of intimidation and discrimi- Cashman, speaking for its members, young people of information they need it “will serve only to perpetuate dis- nation in Lithuania against lesbian, said in a press release, “This new law to decide about their lives and protect crimination and intolerance and deny gay, bisexual, and transgender peo- contradicts the values of the European their health is a regressive and dan- young lesbian, gay, and bisexual per- ple.” Union where minority rights are and gerous move, and amounts to censor- sons access to information which At the European Parliament in should remain respected. It is the duty ship.” they need in order to live in accor- Strasbourg, the Parliamentary Inter- of the president of the European Par- And the International Gay and dance with their sexual orientation.” group on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and liament to ensure that all minorities Lesbian Human Rights Commission The group called on the Lithuanian Transgender Rights also attacked the are treated equally.” wrote to the Lithuanian Parliament, Parliament “to eliminate all discrimi- new law and called on the EuroParlia- The law could also threaten educa- arguing that the “No Promo Homo” natory references to homosexual and ment’s new president, Jerzy Buzek, to tion about HIV and AIDS, critics noted. law “codifies discrimination based on bisexual relationships in this law.” express concern that the law violates “What were the lawmakers thinking sexual orientation, while also denying The European Union’s Conference the EU Treaty. The likelihood of Buzek when they passed this homophobic freedom of expression and inhibiting of International Non-Governmental doing so, however, is slim, since he is a law?” said Boris Dittrich, advocacy children’s rights to education, infor- Organizations passed a resolution member of Poland’s homophobic Law director of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, mation, health, and life under interna- denouncing the new law and saying it and Justice Party. The Intergroup’s and Transgender Program at Human tional and European law.” 23 JUL - 5 AUG 2009 4/ Politics

᭤ DUANE, from p.1 his remarks. “I wonder wheth- tion continue, argued Duane, Assembly.” Her chamber, she really did an amazing job get- er there’s anyone that thinks pointing to the recent “hysteri- said, had not previously acted, ting this bill through at around be allowed to keep only $330 whether I care whether I’m a cal” reaction in a Queens neigh- in part, because of its estima- 4 a.m. this morning with all but above what their rent is pegged senator or not. I don’t. I only borhood when a group home tion that Senate passage was one senator voting yes after his at — which means a mere $11 care that I get to say what is for people living with AIDS was unlikely. She also said that impassioned advocacy from the a day to cover all their other important to me and to people proposed. And HASA clients, the Assembly was respond- floor. This is a major and some- expenses. Advocates, includ- that I represent… I don’t think he said, are “the only people ing to “the governor’s very what unexpected move forward ing Housing Works, Gay Men’s you know what I’m doing here. in New York who have to pay strong statement” that legisla- at this point.” Health Crisis (GMHC), and the I’m here to save lives.” more than 30 percent of their tion should be revenue-neu- In its last night in session, New York City AIDS Housing Then, looking back at the epi- income in rent.” Duane closed tral. Though establishing the the Senate also gave approval to Network (NYCAHN), along with demic’s early days, he recalled, his comments by mocking his 30-percent cap will save the two other measures sponsored Duane and his Assembly col- “Let me take you back. The colleagues for what he clearly state money in the long term, by Duane — a bill requiring league Deborah Glick, the out early ’80s. Visiting friends in the saw as their indifference to the Glick said, the upfront costs of the state Department of Health lesbian West Village Democrat hospital. They’d go in. They’d issue. “You think it’s funny,” he doing so would probably cost to review policies and practices who sponsors the bill in her go in one night. In the morning said. “We’ll kill Duane’s bill. No, “a couple of million dollars.” regarding HIV, AIDS, and hep- chamber, have been fighting to they’d be dead…. That went on you’re not killin’ my bill, you’re She insisted that the issue atitis C in correctional facili- overturn this draconian income for months and then for years. killing people… Yeah, I’m nice. should not be “a matter of dol- ties and the Family Healthcare restriction put in place by the Dead. Dead. You think that if I gotta sense of humor, but I’m lars and cents, but rather one Decision Act (FHCDA), which former Pataki administration in you got sick and your friends not here so you’ll like me, I’m of common sense and common would enable family members, 2006. Housing Works has been were dying, that I would sit here to save my life, and I’m decency.” including domestic partners, in court since then arguing that there and do nothing? No. But here to save the lives of other “The rent cap bill is a top pri- and others close to incapaci- housing funded through the that’s what happened. That’s people ’cause they don’t have ority of people living with HIV/ tated patients to make medical federal Section 8 program and what happened.” Turning his anyone sittin’ here. Have a AIDS in New York City, includ- decisions on their behalf in the the Housing Opportunities for attention back to the present good time. Have a big laugh. ing GMHC’s 15,000 clients,” absence of a healthcare proxy or People with AIDS (HOPWA) leg- and the possibility that his col- Go ahead, do it tonight, but Sean Cahill, the group’s man- specific oral or written instruc- islation must have a 30-percent leagues might refuse to act, I’m coming back and you can’t aging director of public poli- tions. Both measures are spon- cap. Duane added, “You think you stop me.” cy, research, and community sored in the Assembly by Rich- Duane’s comments came at can scare me? You think you Duane’s dramatic cri de coeur health, said in a written state- ard Gottfried, a Chelsea Demo- the beginning of floor debate can make me back off? Noth- had its desired effect. After a ment. “This bill will allow people crat who chairs the Health Com- on his bill, at roughly 3 a.m., ing scares me…. Scared? That debate that lasted just over 45 to stay in their homes and bet- mittee. The prison oversight bill and reflected his concern was scared. People thrown out minutes, the Senate passed ter afford to live in our expen- has already passed the Assem- that the Senate was about to of their homes. People evicted the rent cap measure by a 52-1 sive city. More stable housing bly, which has not yet acted on kill the measure. “I also won- from their apartments. Families vote. The Assembly has not yet will make it easier for people to the FHCDA. “The healthcare der whether there’s anyone in didn’t want to know who their acted on the legislation, but maintain HIV treatment adher- decision bill will provide incre- this chamber that thinks that kids were. ‘Oh, his lips were on Glick said of the Senate action, ence and stay healthy.” Sean mental equity to lesbian and gay they can scare me or get me to that glass, don’t touch it. Steril- “I’m very excited by its pas- Barry, executive director of couples, including many people back down on anything that I ize that plate.’” sage. The Senate passage gives NYCAHN, in an email message living with HIV/AIDS,” GMHC’s believe in,” Duane said early in The stigma and discrimina- us impetus for the bill in the to Gay City News, wrote, “Tom Cahill said.

NEWS BRIEFS By PAUL SCHINDLER Rally Called to ing, “The police don’t care about with the complaining witness and Conviction in for a hate crime murder of a trans- on authorities to vigorously pros- Protest Queens you, they won’t do anything to us.” are presently awaiting additional Syracuse Trans gendered person, and only the sec- ecute the killing as a hate crime. Trans Attacks Queens District Attorney Richard documents in this case. Once we Woman’s Murder ond in the nation. New York State The federal hate crimes bill Three weeks after Leslie Mora, Brown issued a statement on the have all the facts, we will make The Transgender Legal Defense does not include protections based that has been approved by the a 30-year-old transgendered crime, saying, “Everyone should the appropriate legal decision.” & Education Fund (TLDEF) has on gender identity and expression House and Senate, and now goes woman, was assaulted in Jackson understand that these cases, The attacks of the two trans praised a 12-member jury that took in its hate crime statute, passed in to a joint conference committee Heights, a second Queens trans whether they involve ancestry, women in Queens came as police just six hours to convict 20-year- 2000, but DeLee’s use of the word to iron out differences in the two woman, 22-year-old Carmella gender, age, or sexual orientation, were investigating six violent old Dwight DeLee in the slaying “faggot” allowed prosecutors to versions, does include protections Etienne, was hit with rocks and will all be very vigorously pros- assaults on Manhattan’s Upper of Lateisha Green, a 22-year-old argue that Green was the victim based on gender identity. bottles by two men on July 8 at ecuted because of the effect that East Side — including a June African-American transgendered of anti-gay bias, a charge DeLee’s After the verdict was the corner of 116th Avenue and they have not only on individuals 27 attack on Joseph Holladay, a woman, who was shot to death on attorney denied throughout the announced, Green’s family issued 199th Street in St. Albans. Accord- involved, but on the community 36-year-old gay man from Bos- November 14, 2008 in Syracuse. trial. a statement reading in part, “And ing to New York 1 News, Nathan- generally.” ton — they suspect many have On July 17, DeLee was found guilty “Despite this legal victory, it took this one mere bullet to end iel Mims, 25, of the Bronx and As reported in the previous been carried out by the same gang of manslaughter in the first degree transgender New Yorkers still Teish’s life because she happened Rasheed Thomas, 22, of Queens issue of Gay City News, Brown’s of four to six young white men. as a hate crime and criminal pos- face a serious risk of violence and to be a transgender woman. We were arraigned July 10 on charges office is under pressure from the The NYPD said that three of the session of a weapon. The Associ- discrimination,” TLDEF’s executive have spent months waiting for this of assault as a hate crime, which Transgender Legal Defense and assaults are being investigated as ated Press reported that several director Michael Silverman said day to come.” carries a maximum prison sentence Education Fund and other advo- possible anti-gay hate crimes. witnesses heard DeLee call Green in a written statement. “ We call of 15 years. The two are being held cates to add hate crimes enhance- Activists Melissa Sklarz and a “faggot” before shooting her upon the New York State Senate F-22s May Be on $5,000 bail and were due back ments to charges against the two Brendan Fay have called a rally for with a .22-caliber rifle as she sat in and the United States Senate to Out of Hate in court on July 23, as Gay City suspects arrested in connection Sunday, July 26 at 2 p.m. at 37th a parked car outside a house party. pass transgender-inclusive legis- Crimes, Death News was going to press. with the assault on Mora, who Avenue and 78th Street in Jackson DeLee faced possible conviction on lation that will protect everyone Penalty May Be Etienne told police, who was called “maricon” and “puto,” Heights to express the communi- second-degree murder as a hate regardless of gender identity and In nabbed the suspects at the scene two Spanish equivalents of “fag- ty’s refusal to “be silent when two crime, but the jury instead found gender expression.” TLDEF credit- Folding the Matthew Shepard of the crime, that the two men got,” as she was brutally attacked. transwomen are brutally attacked him guilty of first-degree man- ed the role played by the Rainbow Hate Crimes Prevention Act into shouted anti-gay slurs at her and In response to a query from the on the streets of Queens.” For slaughter. He will be sentenced on Alliance of Central New York, the a Senate appropriations measure threatened to kill her. They alleg- newspaper, the DA’s office stated, more information on the planned August 18. Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against for the Department of Defense edly laughed off Etienne’s warning in an email message, “The District action, email [email protected] According to TLDEF, this is the Defamation, and the Empire State that she would call the police, say- Attorney’s Office has met again or [email protected]. first conviction in New York State Pride Agenda in keeping pressure ᭤ BRIEFS, continued on p.16 23 JUL - 5 AUG 2009 Politics /5

᭤ MARRIAGE, from p.1 also work with legislative lead- carious political balance in that July 9 press conference attended 14 DAYS ers to include additional issues chamber makes progress on by only 12 of the 32 Democrats. the right moment for same-sex that were not addressed in reg- marriage equality and other Several prominent Manhattan marriage legislation. Senators ular session — such as unem- LGBT goals difficult without progressives who are among 14 NIGHTS need some time and distance ployment insurance, marriage the governor playing an active the strongest marriage equal- to regroup after this month’s equality, and ethics reform.” role. Manhattan Senators Eric ity advocates, including Duane, partisan-charged and explosive That session is widely expected Schneiderman and Daniel Schneiderman, Squadron, and atmosphere.” That statement to be called in September. In an Squadron, both strong marriage Liz Krueger, were absent. THU.JUL.23 hastened to add, however, that extraordinary session called by equality boosters, were among Duane cautioned against read- PERFORMANCE the Senate would “be called back the governor, legislators can only those reformers demanding ing anything into who did and Nudity & Pies to Albany” in “the weeks and act on measures he includes on rules changes most insistently. did not attend the Democratic Sealboy and the Blondes 3 present months ahead,” at which time the agenda. The two proposed that a simple victory lap at the Capitol. Asked an encore presentation of wild, mixed-up he would “fight for and demand, The Empire State Pride Agen- majority of all senators be suffi- whether the possibility that Diaz performance art, with a burlesque caval- with bipartisan support, that da, the state’s LGBT rights lobby, cient to bring a bill to the floor for may have played a role in forging cade of love and ridiculousness. Brit host bills important to the LGBT com- on July 10 issued a written state- a vote. In the end, they got some the new Democratic conference Mat Fraser, accompanied by DJ Go Goat- munity come to the floor for a ment backing Duane’s insistence but not all of what they sought. agreement caused him concern, Boy, introduces Dirty Martini, Tigger!, vote — and pass.” Duane reiterated that he was Julie Atlas Muz, Bambi the Mermaid, In a telephone interview with looking to Paterson’s leadership and Little Brooklyn. Once again, the sec- Gay City News the same evening, Duane has for several months in making certain that marriage ond act will conclude with an all-nude Duane said he expected action equality, transgender rights, and pie fight with a mutant! Meanwhile, not only on marriage equality, said he had commitments from a anti-bullying get votes this year. a piano will gently be destroyed as Our but also on the Gender Expres- sufficient number to win approval His most recent meeting with Lady J plays Chopin’s “Nocturne in C sion Non-Discrimination Act the governor on those matters, Minor.” Will the evening prove to be high (GENDA) and the Dignity for All of marriage equality. he said, may have been going art or the trashiest you’ll ever encoun- Students Act (DASA), all already on as Smith, Espada, Diaz, and ter? Come see. The Slipper Room, 167 approved by the Assembly. The nine other of his colleagues stood Orchard St. at Stanton St., 10 p.m. marriage bill, he said confident- that critical matters of concern to Once a bill comes out of commit- before the press. Admission is $5. ly, “will get to the floor this year the community get action soon, tee, 32 of the Senate’s 62 mem- Harlem Democratic Senator ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯ and it will pass.” In the immedi- but later indicated its agreement bers can petition to get floor con- Bill Perkins, a staunch marriage ate term, Duane explained, only that a “cooling off” period was sideration of a bill. However, if a equality ally, was among those time-sensitive issues that must appropriate before trying to move measure remains stalled in com- who did attend the July 9 press be acted on quickly –– such as the marriage legislation. mittee, 38 senators, or just over conference, and he is convinced FRI.JUL.24 the one-half cent increase in New “We expect that our equal- 60 percent, are needed to move that reform will prove helpful not COMMUNITY York City’s sales tax approved ity will remain at the top of the the measure to the floor for a only on marriage equality, but Our Birthdays, Our in a late-night July 9 session –– chamber’s agenda,” ESPA’s vote. Schneiderman, in a written also on other progressive issues Stories would be taken up by the Senate. executive director, Alan Van statement, nonetheless praised such as the debate over vacancy SAGE women gather to hear the life “I have spoken to the governor Capelle, said in the July 10 the reform steps taken, saying decontrol under the city’s rent stories of women whose birthdays fall several times in the past week, statement. “Senators from both they will “forever change the way stabilization law. Asked spe- within the current month, and then cel- and he has re-emphasized his sides of the aisle have repeatedly the State Senate conducts busi- cifically about the fact that Diaz ebrate. If you would like to share your interest in moving marriage this said this past month that reform ness.” is a marriage equality foe and story during your birthday month, call year,” Duane said. “We are going and doing the people’s business Duane has for several months Espada has been viewed as an Amy at 212-206-3737. LGBT Commu- to strategize on how to move were central to the events that said he had commitments from a ally of landlord interests, Per- nity Center, 208 W. 13th St., 7:30 p.m. marriage this year, and we will transpired. Our equality is the sufficient number of senators to kins, discussing how the Demo- ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯ get that done.” Paterson’s ability people’s business; reform means win approval of marriage equal- cratic majority was cobbled back to influence the Senate agenda, scheduling votes on our issues ity legislation, so given favorable together, said, “There was no dis- PERFORMANCE Duane said, would come in part so senators can vote their con- committee action, he could pre- cussion that I’ve heard about that Best of the from his ability to call the cham- science.” On July 15, in an email sumably force a vote on the floor. this is what we are doing and this Summer Harvest ber into extraordinary session, message to its supporters, Van But the Democratic leadership’s is not what we’re doing.” Perkins The seventh annual Fresh Fruit as he had done repeatedly dur- Capelle endorsed the governor’s commitment to cooperating also emphasized, “The leadership Festival is a veritable smorgasbord of ing the partisan deadlock that plan to aim for September con- has been a matter of consider- has for some time made a com- theater, performance, poetry, comedy, began June 8. sideration of marriage equality, able speculation dating back to mitment on gay marriage and the spoken word, music, dance, visual arts, Duane’s reliance on the gov- and added, “We agree with what last fall, when the first threats majority of members are support- and some talents that defy categoriza- ernor’s leadership for moving has been said publicly by a num- of defection — that by June 8 ive, notwithstanding the opposi- tion, presented in venues across the city. his LGBT measures got backing ber of senators that a ‘cooling off’ led Queens Democratic Senator tion of some.” Performers of all racial and many ethnic from Paterson’s office in a July period is needed after the intense Malcolm Smith to lose his grip Schneiderman said he did not backgrounds, sexualities, and gender ori- 10 response to Gay City News, fighting that occurred among on the chamber — came from believe Diaz had won any con- entation fill the stages — and it is partic- at least on the issue of marriage senators during the month-long a group that included the Rev- cessions in recent days guaran- ularly noteworthy that lesbian and trans- equality. Marissa Shorenstein, a impasse. Passing this legisla- erend Ruben Diaz, a stridently teeing no vote on marriage. He gendered artists are better represented spokeswoman for the governor, tion will require votes from both anti-gay Bronx Pentecostal warned, however, that the bipar- here than is the norm at other queer asked about his plans for call- Republicans and Democrats. It minister who said he could not tisan comity that might have cultural festivals. The offerings, which ing the Senate back to Albany is clear to us that we wouldn’t support any leader who would allowed for cooperation on issues run through Jul. 27, are too numerous later this year, wrote via email, want marriage equality to be allow a marriage equality vote. like marriage equality prior to and varied to list in full detail. For that, “Governor Paterson believes that among the first bills they take Smith put down that initial chal- June 8 was severely frayed in the visit freshfruitfestival.com/calendar. marriage equality is an impor- up because passing it requires lenge by New Year’s Day, but month that followed. How Demo- htm. But among the highlights are Bar- tant civil rights issue and will senators to work together, and Diaz was a highly visible player crats and Republicans can begin bara Kahn’s “Co-Op,” about a homeless be working with Senate leaders right now this is difficult as there during the chaotic last few days to work together again and how woman who long lived on the Lower East to move the process forward. are still many hurt feelings and leading up his Bronx colleague Diaz’s implacable opposition to Side selling the bits and pieces of her life The governor will likely call a bruised egos.” Pedro Espada’s rejoining the marriage equality can be neutral- on the street to a newly-gentrified com- special session later in the year Despite the fact that rules Democratic fold –– and he was ized remain to be seen. August to close the current fiscal year reforms were approved by the right out front as a new leader- looks to be a busy months for ᭤ JUL 24, continued on p.6 budget gap. At that time, he will Senate, it may be that the pre- ship team was announced at a state senators, even if they are 23 JUL - 5 AUG 2009 6/ Politics The Incumbent’s Pick For DA 14 DAYS Vance wears Morgenthau’s mantle proudly, but offers restructured office 14 NIGHTS BY PAUL SCHINDLER “many thousands of underpaid, have known for years and years “These cases would be flagged underpromoted women” who and years the risks of wrong- because we would be keep- ᭤ JUL 24, from p.5 have an ear for inno- won “a very fair settlement” that ful convictions,” Vance told Gay ing our ear to the ground and cence,” Cyrus Vance, also led to institutional chang- City News. “I’m saying that the understand what’s going on in munity (Jul. 24, 7:30 p.m.; Jul. 25, 2:30 “I Jr., said as he dis- es at Boeing. That courtroom timing of her change in between the arrests… I would say to the p.m.); “Return to Tennessee,” DJ Sharp’s cussed what distinguished him victory was mentioned in the her 2005 election loss and a cop, ‘Okay, next time I want one-man show about Tennessee Wil- from his two Democratic rivals Vance campaign press release 2009 election — it’s relevant to you to wear a wire.’ They don’t liams (Jul 24, 9:30 p.m.); Lucile Scott’s in the September 15 primary announcing Gloria Steinem’s look at her change of position in have to do it, but if I’m not sat- “V-Love,” the intertwined stories of six for Manhattan district attor- endorsement of his candidacy. the context of the timing of the isfied with the response, I pick post-modern women using dialogue, ney. “My ear for innocence isn’t Vance’s ability to be part of elections… I think it’s relevant up the phone and call the ser- song, dance, spoken word, beatbox- derivative of somebody else tell- the Boeing lawsuit, however, is to understand where people geant, or call all the patrol com- ing, and burlesque (Jul. 23, 8:30 p.m.; ing me about a case they had. tied to what might be his great- stood on the death penalty to mander and say, ‘Look I’ve got Jul. 25, 9:30 p.m.; Jul. 26, 12:30 p.m.); My ear for innocence and my est liability in this year’s race — begin with, just as a basic phi- three cases here, Commander, Christopher J. Anderson’s dance piece ear for innocence as a head the fact that he lived in Seattle losophy.” and I’m having trouble believ- “Fever!,” which combines the surrealism prosecutor will be because I from 1988 until 2004, unlike Vance’s ties to Morgenthau ing that Cy at 54 is beginning of fantasy with the magic of the mind have represented people who I his opponents, Leslie Crocker could create a different sort of to turn tricks, so Commander if in a performance voyage that explores knew were improperly charged Snyder, a former State Supreme problem for him in the LGBT you want me to prosecute these styles, scenarios, gay love, fetishes, and and it was my responsibility to cases, I need evidence and I sensual fantasy (Jul. 25, 4 p.m.; Jul. 26, try to convince the DA or the need evidence on a wire.’” 3 p.m.); “The Fresh Fruit Poetry Slam,” prosecutor that the charges The prostitution arrests, he curated by Janice “Cookie” Pemberton or the investigation should be The prostitution arrests, he argued, argued, are “almost a classic (Jul. 25, 7 p.m.); and “Passion, Lesbian stopped.” And then the 54-year- are “almost a classic case” case” of how reorganizing the Visions 2009,” curated by Heidi Russell, old Yale/ Georgetown Law office along geographic lines featuring an international array of self- graduate, son of a former US of how reorganizing the office would improve the system. “We defined lesbian artists telling us what secretary of state, and favorite along geographic lines would could have nipped this in the ignites their passion (on exhibition, of Robert Morgenthau, the nine- bud,” Vance said. through Jul. 25, noon – 6 p.m.). term incumbent, added, “I think improve the system. While emphasizing the impor- ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯ it gives you a sense of fairness tance of managing attorneys, in your application of power.” Vance also spoke extensively NIGHTLIFE Morgenthau, for whom all Court and Court of Claims community, angry over recent about the importance of com- Circle in the Square three of the Democratic candi- judge, and attorney and gun prosecutions of gay men bust- munity outreach and crime Xs and Os, and Lady Clover Honey, dates worked as assistant dis- control advocate Richard Aborn, ed on prostitution charges by prevention approaches. Mor- too. What could be a better way to duck trict attorneys — remarkably, both of whom are life-long New undercover cops in Manhattan genthau’s creation of a commu- in out of the heat on a sultry Friday night each more than 20 years ago — Yorkers. Crocker-Snyder waged porn shops. With many of the nity affairs bureau, which the in da city? It’s Center Bingo, and Lady has said of his preferred candidate, a bitter contest with Morgen- men apprehended a good deal candidate said may have been cash with your name on it. The jackpot is in Vance’s telling, “Cy Vance is thau in 2005, and the incum- older than the undercovers they the first such effort anywhere $500. LGBT Community Center, 208 by far the best qualified. Good bent’s anointing of Vance as his supposedly tried to sell sexual in the nation, was “a signature W. 13th St., 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 at lawyer and fair.” Vance returned hoped-for successor has allowed favors to, these are widely seen achievement.” With the number gaycenter.org or $15 at the door. Tables the esteem, in a May interview her to suggest that he earned as false arrests, a perception the of lawyers up from 400 when he of ten are available for $100. with Gay City News. “Bob Mor- this advantage not by his work NYPD and the DA have been at a served as an ADA in the ’80s to ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯ genthau has been a remarkable on the ground but rather by loss to challenge; Morgenthau’s 500 today, and with crime down DA and I feel very proud that he his club ties, as it were. “Leslie office is investigating and now significantly in the interven- views my candidacy favorably,” accuses me of being from the seems to be allowing the clock ing years, the question “right he said, as he emphasized what old boys’ network and I never to run out on the permissible now,” Vance said, is: “What SAT.JUL.25 he views as the “core” respon- thought of David Dinkins and period to prosecute the charges. are the aggressive, thought- NIGHTLIFE sibility of the district attorney Betsy Gotbaum as being from Vance, like the other two candi- ful, performance-based steps Classics — management of a 500-mem- the old boys’ network,” Vance dates, has made clear he sees we can make to effect crime Dance 208 presents “Summer Garage ber trial lawyer staff, what he said of endorsements he had the prosecutions as symptom- reduction.” This is where the job Classics,” celebrating the iconic ’70s described as the largest in a city recently picked up from the for- atic of a systemic problem in the becomes less about managing & ’80s dance club Paradise Garage and full of major law firms. “I am the mer mayor and the current city DA’s office, the sort that can be trial lawyers. That task must the birthday of its star DJ, Larry Levan. only lawyer” in the race, Vance public advocate. prevented, he said, if the office be supplemented, he said, by LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th said, “who has been a trial law- Vance is not shy about tak- is reorganized so that teams of “a robust group of non-lawyer St., 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Tickets are $8 online yer all my life.” ing Crocker-Snyder on in turn lawyers are responsible for spe- community affairs folks who at gaycenter.org, $10 at the door, with As Vance talked about his — particularly on the issue of cific geographic zones within the are out in the communities,” special $6 admission for anyone with an career as a trial lawyer, he was the death penalty, which she borough. also organized along geographic original Garage member ID. careful to emphasize the social supported as recently as the “Once you see five or six of lines. A small, probably central- ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯ good that can result from that 2005 race against Morgen- these come in in a three-week ized, bias crimes unit, reflecting pursuit. In 2005, a class action thau. Both he and Aborn took period or a two-week period, the Vance’s belief in the importance PERFORMANCE lawsuit alleging gender discrim- aim at her on this point at an DAs are going to know that we of taking on hate-motivated vio- It’s Hot Out There ination against Boeing in which April debate sponsored by the are having arrests of 54-year- lence, would also be part of the This summer marks the 18th Annual he and his law firm represent- Stonewall Democrats of New old men like Cy Vance who’ve picture. Dixon Place HOT! Festival, a pioneer- ed Pacific Northwest female York City and moderated by this never been arrested for prosti- “My door would be open, and ing assemblage of queer performance employees of that company reporter. “Those of us who have tution, have no prior criminal I think that we’ve seen ways in and culture, running through Aug. 8, ended in a court-supervised been working in the criminal record, and the cops are say- which the DA can be closer to that bills itself as the oldest continually settlement totaling $72 million. justice system as judges, pros- ing that Cy is soliciting a young the community without sacrific- His clients, he explained, were ecutors, and defense attorneys undercover,” Vance explained. ing efficacy,” Vance said. ᭤ JUL 25, continued on p.8 23 JUL - 5 AUG 2009 Politics /7 An Advocate Aims to Lead Aborn offers holistic approach to criminal justice in bid to be Manhattan DA

BY PAUL SCHINDLER he served as president of the Citizens the NYPD, brought him in to help the depth about finding ways to strengthen Crime Commission of New York, a non- department comply with a detailed federal the office’s ability to promote crime pre- think our backgrounds are mas- profit group that advocates for a broad court consent decree aimed at addressing vention. In talking about non-violent drug sively different, massively different, range of progressive criminal justice goals allegations of serious corruption. Bratton offenses, mental health issues plaguing “I and I think that our backgrounds — sentencing reform, reducing jail over- is supporting Aborn’s run for DA. communities, and the challenges facing would define what we would do in the crowding, creating alternatives to incar- Aborn is also a leading advocate for the youth generally, he said, “I want to reject office.” That’s how attorney Richard Aborn ceration, improving juvenile justice, and application of new computer technology in the harsh model that seeks jail first and handicapped the playing field in the three- establishing community courts, among fighting crime, an approach he said could embrace the more progressive and effec- candidate September 15 Democratic prima- them. In 1999, city Public Advocate Mark prove particularly useful in preventing a tive model that seeks intervention first.” ry contest for Manhattan district attorney. Green named him to investigate disciplin- repeat of the recent prosecution of numer- Regarding his potential as Manhattan DA, Aborn, who early in his career worked as an ary procedures within the NYPD in the ous gay men on dubious charges of pros- he said, “We have an incredible opportu- assistant district attorney under the incum- wake of the fatal shooting of an unarmed titution that grew out of undercover NYPD nity when Morgenthau leaves to build on bent, Robert Morgenthau, and has been African immigrant, Amadou Diallo, in the operations in Manhattan porn shops. that office in a way to continue his very a practicing trial attorney at other points, vestibule of a Bronx apartment house. The “There is software available,” he said, “that strong push against violent crime, but also nonetheless noted that his two opponents resulting report, Aborn said, influenced the would help us pick up patterns, based on to change the way we think about non- — Cyrus Vance, Jr., and Leslie Crocker- thinking of the Civilian Complaint Review characteristics of crimes. If you had the violent crime,” and then, again pointing to Snyder, a former judge — both “tout their Board when it made its recommendations right software, you could pick up these the potential benefits of successful social long record in the courtroom.” In contrast, to the department about enhancing inter- porn busts as a pattern you wouldn’t oth- and psychological interventions, he added, in a July 2 interview with Gay City News nal discipline. The CCRB, Aborn empha- erwise see, as anomalies. But if you have “I am interested in breaking up the path- and indeed throughout his professional life, sized, “could be more effective; it needs an software combing through the data, you ways to violence. I want to put up as many Aborn, 56, focused much of his attention on adequate budget to carry out the investiga- can pick that up.” The technology, he said, roadblocks as possible. I want to work with broader-based efforts to combat criminal tions it needs to carry out and it needs to would also have helped identify a pattern of kids as we’ve never done before.” Aborn violence, including his high-profile work at have the power to prosecute its own cases.” as many as six Upper East Side assaults, also talked about the importance of inter- getting illegal guns off the streets. Despite the role he’s played in investigat- perhaps by the same group of young white vening with crime victims, noting that vic- From 1992 to 1996, he was the presi- ing the police and advocating that greater men, at least some of them motivated by tims of domestic violence, especially males, dent of Handgun Control, Inc., the orga- resources go to its watchdog, Aborn said anti-gay animus, that began on May 31, often go on to become offenders. “The vic- nization where Jim and Sarah Brady did he has no concerns that as DA he would but were not identified as similar by the tims who are not offenders should get help their advocacy work in the years after Jim find himself in an unduly adversarial rela- NYPD until the end of June. first,” he said. survived the injuries sustained during the tionship with the NYPD. In his approach to tackling these sorts of In contrasting himself with Crocker-Sny- 1981 assassination attempt on President “You can’t always worry about offending problems, Aborn specifically distinguished der, Aborn, like Vance, is most critical of her Ronald Reagan. In his role at Handgun people if you’re going to be DA,” he said. himself from Vance, who advocates for the longtime support, now disavowed, for the Control, now the Brady Campaign to Pre- “The trick is to make sure that people DA’s office being reorganized along geo- death penalty. “I find it troublesome,” he vent Gun Violence, Aborn said, he was the always understand that when you stand graphic lines. “His approach assumes that said. “Leslie says, and I’m using her words, chief strategist behind passage of the Brady up and advocate for something, you’re all crime is local,” Aborn said of Vance. that she found out in 2007 that wrongful Bill, the national assault weapons ban, doing it because you believe it’s the right “Some is regional. Sex-slave trafficking. convictions were a significant problem, and and the ban on large volume clips, three thing to do and you’re doing it on a fac- Gun trafficking. These arrests in the porn therefore after 2007 she was totally against signature achievements during the Clinton tual basis. I investigated the NYPD during shops, which took place in different neigh- the death penalty. Well, the reality is that administration. “These were very impor- Diallo, was called in to do it. I tried to do it borhoods. The local-based approach will the bar and the judiciary have been deeply tant public safety tools to try and reduce in an open and transparent way, so that not pick these up, but software will.” troubled by the issue of wrongful convic- illegal gun trafficking,” he said. “And I also even if the police department didn’t like Aborn also challenged Vance’s notion tions for the greater part of two decades.” managed a good part of the national gun the outcome, they at least trusted how I of the job of DA as managing lawyers. “Cy On this point, he turned back to his exper- control movement. I know what it’s like to got there.” In fact, Aborn has also served says the DA’s office is the largest trial law tise as a social change advocate and agent. go out there and assemble a coalition to as a consultant to major police forces firm in the city,” he said. “Yet only two per- “I have never wavered on the death penal- pass a piece of criminal justice legislation.” around the world, including Scotland cent of cases ever go to court.” Aborn, who ty,” he said. “I have always been against it Aborn’s work on criminal justice mat- Yard and the Los Angeles Police Depart- has been endorsed by 16 elected officials and I have pledged repeatedly that if any- ters extends beyond the confines of gun ment. In 2001, LA Police Commissioner in Manhattan — from Congress, the Leg- one tries to bring it back, I will build and policy. Prior to beginning his race for DA, William Bratton, who earlier headed up islature, and the City Council — talked in lead a coalition to try and stop it.”

Metropolitan Community Church of New York

Homeless Like to Party with TINA? Youth Services Social A church of lesbian, and Sylvia Rivera gay, bisexual Food Pantry Spiritual and transgender The Substance Use Research Center Service people. Open to all. at Columbia University Home seeks medically healthy Meth users between the ages of 21 and 45 Advocating to participate in a 10-session study evaluating stimulant effects. Marriage Equality and Transgender Rights You can earn up to $1,004. The Reverend Pat Bumgardner, Pastor Weekly Sunday Services: 9 am (Traditional), 11 am (Celebration) 3 pm (Mandarin) and 7 pm (Praise & Worship) For more information, please call: (212) 543-6013 or (212) 543-6545 11 am features ASL interpreter (1st, 2nd and 3rd Sunday of each month) ALL PERSONAL AND IDENTIFYING INFORMATION WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL 446 West 36th St. bet. 9th & 10th Ave. NY, NY 10018 212-629-7440 website: www.mccny.org email: [email protected] 23 JUL - 5 AUG 2009 8/ Legal Ocean Grove Still A Fed Case 14 DAYS US court won’t hear civil union issue; it will examine broader religious claims 14 NIGHTS BY ARTHUR S. LEONARD of events, including weddings by it had been a long-time recipient al claims in the New Jersey Divi- ᭤ JUL 25, from p.6 different sex-couples. of tax benefits premised on the sion on Civil Rights investigation n a long-simmering battle Two lesbian couples sought boardwalk being open to pub- process. The Court of Appeals running festival of its kind in the world. over the rights of two lesbian to hold civil union ceremonies lic use. In fact, as this case has agreed on that point. The festival hub is the brand new I couples to use the boardwalk in the pavilion, but were turned proceeded, New Jersey authori- However, the Association’s fed- Dixon Place theater complex, with pavilion in Ocean Grove, New down on the ground that “the ties withdrew these tax benefits eral complaint went further than a 120-seat lab theater and an intimate Jersey, for their civil union cer- requested use was inconsistent saying the Association violated that, asking as well for the court performance café, at 161 Chrystie emonies, a unanimous panel of with the Association’s religious the requirement of making the to determine its free exercise St., btwn. Rivington & Delancey the US Court of Appeals for the rights regarding all of its Ocean Sts. The centerpiece of the festival is 3rd Circuit ruled in an unpub- Grove property. After all, in the the world premiere of Penny Arcade’s lished July 15 decision that Dis- future same-sex couples might work-in-progress “Old Queen,” a look trict Court Judge Joel A. Pisano There will be a federal ask to hold civil union or wed- back to her own teenage experiences was correct in denying federal determination whether the Ocean ding ceremonies in other places in the early ’60s, when older homosex- jurisdiction in response to the within the community, including ual men were venerated figures in the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Grove Association, as owner of a the chapel or parts of the board- gay bars of Hartford, Providence, Bos- Association’s efforts to forestall municipality, is bound to comply walk outside the pavilion. The ton, and Provincetown (Jul. 23 & 24, an investigation by the state. Court of Appeals agreed with the 8 p.m.; Jul. 25, 10 p.m.). The festival However, the court also found with the Law Against Discrimination. Association that Pisano’s deci- also features the East Coast premiere that broader questions — which sion to abstain from the case of San Francisco’s highly regarded could ultimately impact the les- was only appropriate regarding Sean Dorsey Dance, doing four perfor- bian couples’ claims — must still beliefs,” according to Judge facility publicly available without the pavilion space being con- mances of Dorsey’s “Uncovered: the be heard by Pisano. Michael Chagares’ opinion for discrimination. tested through the state Division Diary Project,” with a prologue written The Ocean Grove Associa- the court of appeals. The cou- But that’s not what the July on Civil Rights. The district court and performed specifically for the New tion is a Christian ministry dat- ples — Harriet Bernstein and 15 ruling is about. Once the must continue to hear the Asso- York production by Kate Bornstein (Jul. ing from the 19th century that Luisa Paster, and Janice Moore couples filed their complaints, ciation’s claims regarding the 30-Aug. 1, 8 p.m.; Aug. 2, 3 p.m.). One purchased a large area along the and Emily Sonnessa — filed the Association rushed into fed- rest of its Ocean Grove property, other highlight is “The Mattachine Proj- Jersey shore to establish its own complaints with the New Jersey eral court with a lawsuit claim- it found. ect,” created by Stephen Brackett, Dan religious colony. The Association Division on Civil Rights, which ing that its First Amendment So, it is possible that there will Fishback, Andy Horwitz, Ken Nielsen, still owns the land that the unin- enforces the state’s Law Against free exercise rights were being be a federal district court deter- and Christin Meador, a devised theater corporated Neptune Township Discrimination that includes violated. They sought an injunc- mination, after all, about wheth- piece exploring the origins of modern community of Ocean Grove is sexual orientation protections tion blocking a state investiga- er the Ocean Grove Association, homosexuality and gay liberation by situated upon, and performs the in places of public accommoda- tion until the federal court could as owner of a municipality, is focusing on the much-overlooked his- functions of a local government, tion. The case raises plenty of rule on its claim. Judge Pisano bound to comply with the New tory of Harry Hay and the inception of although the community is no meaty legal issues — includ- dismissed the suit, citing a 1971 Jersey Law Against Discrimina- the pioneering homophile organization longer solely made up of Asso- ing whether the pavilion is a US Supreme Court ruling that tion. That ruling could, in turn, from 1948-1953 (Jul. 28, 7 p.m.) For ciation members. The property place of public accommodation laid out the grounds for federal affect the ultimate outcome of complete details, tickets prices, and includes a seaside boardwalk or exempt as a religious facility, courts to abstain from cases in the two lesbian couples’ claims reservations, visit hotfestival.org. that has a pavilion used by the and whether the Association’s which state judicial proceedings regarding use of the pavilion, ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯ Association for religious activi- rights to free exercise of religion are underway. Pisano concluded despite Pisano’s decision, now ties, but also rented out to com- guaranteed by the US Constitu- that the Ocean Grove Associa- upheld, to abstain from looking AT THE BEACH munity residents for other types tion can prevail, especially when tion could raise its constitution- specifically at that case. Stepping Up & Out Susan Morabito provides the music. 41 Two-Mile Hollow in East Hamp- ton provides the picture-perfect set- Oregon Lesbian Co-Mom Win ting. And the LGBT Community Center offers the reason to feel real good Consenting to ex-partner’s donor insemination creates parental standing about yourself even as you are feeling real good. Join the fun at Dancing on BY ARTHUR S. LEONARD According to the court opin- courts. They shared respon- to be the child’s legal father. the Beach 9 to benefit the Center, 4-8 ion, Sondra Lee Shineovich sibilities for raising the child, The second law provides that p.m. Tickets are $85 at gaycenter.org or he Oregon Court of and Sarah Elizabeth Kemp, and decided that Kemp would when a husband consents to (in limited numbers) $125 at the door. Appeals has ruled in a relationship for ten years, be inseminated again in 2006. his wife becoming pregnant Higher levels of support are, as always, T that the state’s donor decided to have a child, with Before their second child was through donor insemination, welcome. It’s a recession — if you’re insemination law must be Kemp becoming pregnant born, the women separated, he will have the same paren- feeling no pain, remember the work of interpreted to allow the former through artificial insemina- and Kemp denied Shineovich tal rights as if the couple had our community is. lesbian partner of a woman tion in 2003. Shortly before “regular contact” with the conceived the child them- ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯ who conceived two children the child was born, the women children, so Shineovich went selves. Shineovich argued during their relationship to took advantage of a brief win- to court. that she and Kemp were mar- GALLERY seek a legal determination of dow during which Oregon’s Shineovich’s claim relied ried at the time of their first Women Look At her parental rights. Failure to Multnomah County, following on two Oregon statutes, one child’s birth and that on both Women do so, the court ruled in a July San Francisco Mayor Gavin holding that when a woman occasions she consented to “The Female Gaze” is a group exhi- 15 opinion written by Judge Newsom’s lead, issued mar- becomes pregnant while mar- the inseminations with the bition of women artists depicting the Ellen F. Rosenblum, would riage licenses, though the ried to a man neither impotent intent of being one of the legal female form. With this premise, the produce an unconstitutional validity of their union was nor sterile, the husband will result. later rejected by the Oregon be “conclusively presumed” ᭤ OREGON, continued on p.12 ᭤ JUL 25, continued on p.12 WWW.GAYCITYNEWS.COM 23 JUL – 5 AUG 2009 9 Experience the Harbor. Tours daily from South Street Seaport

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OUR OFFICIAL TRAVEL | www.harborexperience.com | 866.984.6998 & TOURISM PARTNER 23 JUL - 5 AUG 2009 10/ Perspective ■ ALBANY RECAP PUBLISHER & CO-FOUNDER JOHN W. SUTTER Duane’s Speech and the Legislature’s Future [email protected] ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER & CO-FOUNDER BY NATHAN RILEY TROY MASTERS [email protected] om Duane, the out gay New York State legislative ses- Dead! You think if you got sick and you will see moral leader- Democratic state sena- sion, hundreds of bills pass and your friends were dying that ship in action. EDITOR IN-CHIEF & CO-FOUNDER tor from Chelsea, gave an every day. Tom is the chair of I would sit there and do noth- More of these speeches can PAUL SCHINDLER T [email protected] impassioned speech in Albany the Senate Health Commit- ing? No. But that’s what hap- occur. The Senate last week ASSOCIATE EDITOR that had an unusual effect on tee, and on July 15 and16 pened. That’s what happened. changed its rules and shifted Duncan Osborne his colleagues — it changed five health-related bills were Every cold. Every virus. Every control of the agenda from CONTRIBUTING EDITORS their minds. A bill ending an presented; two passed, two temperature. I thought I’d be closed-door caucuses to full Christopher Byrne (Theater), Susie Day, invidious discrimination against failed. Duane rose to speak dead, and so did so many peo- public debates on the cham- Doug Ireland (International), Brian McCormick the most financially stricken on the last measure, dealing ple that I knew. Dead! You think ber’s floor. Individual senators (Dance), Dean P. Wrzeszcz people living with AIDS actually with rental levels for the state’s you scare me? You think you can seek a vote on their bill CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Betsy Andrews, Seth J. Bookey, passed when it seemed doomed public assistance clients who can make be back off? Nothing and if a majority drawn from Anthony M.Brown, Kelly Jean Cogswell, to defeat. have AIDS. The rent charged to scares me.” Here was one of his both parties say, “Yes we want Dean Daderko, Tate Dougherty, Andres Duque, Everybody in the capital people served by different sorts major themes. AIDS tested his a vote,” it goes to the floor. In Michael Ehrhardt, Steve Erickson, Nick Feitel, recognized that Tom spoke of welfare falls under the 30- courage, and no member of the the past, these decisions were Jim Fouratt, Joe Fyfe, Deborah Garwood, with unusual fervor and cre- percent cap, the state making Senate from either party would made in private, by the major- Erasmo Guerra, Emily Harney, Andrey Henkin, Frank Holiday, Andy Humm, James Jorden, Brendan ated an extraordinary moment. up the difference. Mothers with get him to back down on his ity party, often by its leadership Keane, David Kennerley, Gary M. Kramer, Arthur S. Daily News political blogger Liz dependent children have that commitment to those “people alone. Tom persuaded his col- Leonard, Rachael Liberman, Benjamin posted a YouTube cap. Tenants in public housing who don’t have a voice.” leagues to change their thinking Michael T. Luongo, Lawrence D. Mass, video; so did Marty Rouse of pay no more than the 30-per- The indifference and fear that and their plans, and I imagine Winnie McCroy, Eileen McDermott, Gregory Montreuil, Ioannis Mookas, Carrie Moyer, the Washington-based Human cent. Everybody has that cap, PWAs encountered in the early he will not be the last orator to Stephen Mueller, Christopher Murray, Rights Campaign — and then except for individuals affected ’80s goes on. Tom described make such an impression. David Noh, Wayne Northcross, Lori Ortiz, virtually every gay and political by HIV illness. Tom’s legislation, his struggle to get the prisons, In a telephone interview, Pauline Park, Sheila Pepe, John Reed, blogger mentioned it. Duane’s S2664, would extend these pro- which are filled with PWAs, to Duane stressed that every new Nathan Riley, Andrew Robinson, Gerard Robinson, defiantly powerful, at times tections to PWAs. do lab tests that will indicate law helpful to the LGBT com- Chris Schmidt, Sarah D. Schulman, Jason Victor Serinus, Linda Shapiro, mocking blend of courage and It is grotesque that New York, which medicines they should munity has passed with bipar- David Shengold, Gus Solomons Jr., David Spiher, anger is riveting. (The 22-min- the state with the nation’s larg- take. Or the fear and resistance tisan support. Republicans Drew B. Straub, Stefen Styrsky, Jerry Tallmer, ute speech in its entirety est number of AIDS cases, in Queens to creating housing get elected with the support of Stefanos Tsigrimanis, Kathleen Warnock, appears in the online version would discriminate against this for persons who are infected; moderates, independents, and Benjamin Weinthal, Lee Ann Westover, James Withers, Kai Wright, Susan Yung of this column at gaycitynews. population on something as that example left Tom shaking Democrats, and that trend has com.) He reminded us that the fundamental as housing costs. his head in disbelief, saying “in grown more potent in recent ART DIRECTOR Mark Hasselberger nation was paralyzed with fear But that is the current law; Queens — where I grew up.” He years. The voters expect them to and acted out fear-based hos- nobody receiving income sup- mocked those who would be so be fair and even-handed in their GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jamie Paakkonen tility during the early days of port because of an AIDS-related cheap and hardened as to deny treatment of people, including the AIDS epidemic; his evoca- illness is protected by a rent a destitute person protection gays. With this speech, Tom SENIOR VP OF ADVERTISING/MARKETING FRANCESCO REGINI tion of that past provoked a cap. What Tom did — and it is from high rents and instead persuaded everyone but Kemp [email protected] palpable sense of shame that remarkably rare — was force compel them to live on the $11 Hannon, a Long Island Republi- engulfed the State Senate his colleagues to confront the a day permitted under current can who used to chair the Sen- ADVERTISING MANAGERS chamber. When he finished, moral dimensions of a failure law. “You try it — socks, under- ate Health Committee. His bill COLIN GREGORY [email protected] the bill creating a 30-percent in state law and policy. Recall- wear, tooth paste, tooth brush, passed 52 to 1; another of his limit on rents as a percentage ing the early years of the AIDS a subway ride to visit to your bills had earlier gone down by ALLISON GREAKER [email protected] of income for those living with epidemic, he cried out, “Some- mother.” He listed everyday one vote. Tom’s speech showed JASON SHERWOOD AIDS who receive public assis- one gets sick in the afternoon. items that quickly decimate that how the Senate might work as [email protected] tance was supported by every They’d be dead the next day. budget. the rules changes take effect. It DANI ZUPANOVICH senator except one. Dead! And that went on for Tom deserves to be remem- could be a harbinger of a more [email protected] In the closing hours of the months, and then years. Dead! bered for this speech. Watch it responsive Legislature. Please call (212) 229-1890 for advertising rates and availability. ■ LETTERS TO THE EDITOR >>[email protected] ACCOUNTING DAVID JAFFE [email protected] PALM CENTER VIEW Don’t Ask” (Jul. 9-22), on the matter. he writes, “it is not clear that the presi- has never argued this is not legal, only that ON DON’T ASK Every day, on average, one or two ser- dent has the legal authority to do that, and it prefers Congress to act first. Yet, partly NATIONAL DISPLAY ADVERTISING Rivendell Media / 212.242.6863 POLICY vice members are kicked out for being gay, it may be that such a move would have as a result of pressure created by the exec- Web master and the remaining estimated 65,000 gay political blowback which could cripple the utive option, we are now seeing greater Arturo Jimenez July 13, 2009 troops are forced to serve under unique effort to repeal that policy.” action by the president and secretary of [email protected] To the Editor: burdens, often in hostile terrain, isolated The Palm Center — and other groups Defense toward halting the discharges. Gay City News, The Newspaper Serving Gay and Lesbian NYC, is publishedby Community Media, LLC. Send all inquiries to: Gay City News, Over the last few months, several of and hamstrung by this policy. The execu- that have joined us in calling for executive In Osborne’s article, Dixon Osburn, for- 145 Sixth Ave., First Fl., NYC 10013 Phone: 646.452.2500 Written permission of the publisher must be obtained before any of the contents the most active participants in the dialogue tive action outlined by the Palm Center is action, including Servicemembers Legal mer director of SLDN, compares executive of this paper, in part or whole, can be reproduced or redistributed. All contents (c) 2009 Gay City News. over gays in the military have had a polite the only way to promptly stop investiga- Defense Network (SLDN), Human Rights action by President Obama to the deeply disagreement over the most effective way tions and discharges of gay troops and Campaign, Center for American Progress, unpopular “unilateral executive” action of Gay City News is a registered trademark of Community Media, LLC. to lift the ban on openly gay service. But thus the only way to address the immedi- and dozens of lawmakers — do not argue President Bush. This comparison is unin- John W. Sutter, President Fax: 646.452.2501; that dialogue has sometimes prompted ate needs of both our gay service members the executive order would “end” the policy; formed, at best: The president’s stop-loss E-mail: [email protected] confusion and misinformation. As two and our national security. instead, it would be the first of a two-step authority is granted to him by Congress, of the six co-authors of the Palm Center But executive action is only the first process that would halt discharges and and can hardly be called “unilateral execu- Subscriptions: 26 issues, $90.00 study that began the debate over execu- step. According to Osborne, many gay help pave the way for legislative repeal, tive” action; President Obama would (c)2009 Gay City News. tive action toward ending gay discharges, advocates believe that “Obama can end in part by providing stark evidence to Con- merely be executing the law. All rights reserved. we appreciate the opportunity to comment the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy gress that openly gay service works. In so on Duncan Osborne’s story, “Views Split on simply by issuing an executive order.” Yet, far declining this option, the White House ᭤ LETTERS, continued on p.13 23 JUL - 5 AUG 2009 Perspective / 11 ■ SNIDE LINES Obama and the New Gay Civility BY SUSIE DAY

ecently gay rights groups became ins,” “picketing,” or “protests.” Such These people enjoy making themselves to movement: send president wee note, seriously miffed when our new behavior, you see, is an embarrassing unhappy and want to pull you into their thanking him for not holding us under R president’s own Justice Depart- reminder of ridiculous, bygone endeav- negative vortex with their silly march- prolonged detention.) ment released a legal brief upholding ors, such as the… uh… civil rights ing and chanting. Remember how they DON’T: perform the gaucherie of the Defense of Marriage Act by likening movement. followed President Reagan around in attempting to start a third political same-sex marriage to pedophilia and Now that times have changed, what the 1980s, chanting, “Racist-Sexist- party. This is the height of ingratitude, incest. “What about our civil rights?,” we need is a Code of Conduct to reflect Anti-Gay-Ronald-Reagan-Go-Away”? and has been done to death. Homo- we huffed. This is a president, after all, our political maturity. To wit: For pity’s sake, if they really wanted sexuals have the potential to be just whose life was profoundly shaped and DON’T: throw gin bottles at the TV Reagan to “Go Away,” they wouldn’t as sleazy and compromising as any guided by the civil rights movement. and scream, “WHY CAN’T I FILE A have gone to a place where they knew heterosexual in the Democratic Party He once wrote, as he began his politi- JOINT TAX RETURN?” while viewing he would be, would they? Given their — let’s use it! Besides, insiders say cal ascent, that he “favor[ed] same-sex our president’s speeches. Apart from illogic and volatility, it is best not to the DOMA brief isn’t as bad as it could marriages, and would fight efforts to annoying married heterosexuals in the point and laugh while they protest, as have been, and other insiders who are prohibit such marriages.” room, this is totally passé, and inter- their little faces get red and they have close to anonymous sources assure us So we bought the “Hope” and feres with our president’s First Amend- seizures and pass out, then are carried the president has our best interests at “Change” presidential campaign, craft- ment right to donate your individual tax off by cops, who do God knows what heart. ed, as it was, by nostalgic movers and dollars to Goldman Sachs. with them, thus hastening their inevita- DO: go online! A life devoted to email shakers to subliminally evoke the civil DO: dress in clothes that tastefully ble, dinosaur-like extinction. On second and blogging makes you feel you’re rights movement. Gay rights groups conform to the sex role accorded you thought: go ahead and tease them. changing the world, when in reality, and their liberal allies invested mil- at birth. This means, ladies: no jock- NEVER: question our president about your existence becomes more solitary lions. And, just after the election, we straps; gents: no hoopskirts. Red rib- issues that are not specifically gay-relat- and interiorized than ever! It’s fun were rewarded by a vast sense of power bon and rainbow flag pins should be ed. After all, what do you know about to have a gay website — you may get and uplift — sort of like being swept neatly pinned to lapels, not through US foreign policy? Maybe Afghanistan thousands of “hits” — but you’ll never skyward in a magnificent, cosmic col- nipples. When in doubt as to your likes being bombed! Remember, if it’s get beaten up! LOL! And, IMO, with no lision between Martin Luther King and costume, consult your local genita- not your problem, it doesn’t really exist. meetings to go to, pesky human inter- the Nike Swoosh. lia. Persons of the gyno persuasion Vive our difference! action can be cut to a minimum. :) It is thanks to our newly acquired should wear a slimming dress or smart, DO: jump to your feet and cheer like a DON’T: stop taking pride in your state of stupefied achievement that “Rachel Maddow” slacks, while those of Hun witnessing a human sacrifice when identity! Now that gay rights are indefi- most gay people have not behaved the you-know-what persuasion should our president begins a speech with rote nitely postponed, maybe you can work rudely in the wake of presidential don a dark suit with pants reaching chumminess like, “Michelle and I …” In on “coming out” as a mammal. slights like the DOMA brief. Left with well below the knee. Telling the world fact, cheer after anything our president DO: forgive our president for break- a gnawing sense of abandonment, we you want to marry someone of the says that is not blatantly against gay ing promises and spurning us and our comfort ourselves with thoughts of same sex is one thing, but you’ll look rights. Nothing impresses a president friends. After all, politics is politics, and Michelle Obama’s arms, and leave the like a REAL pervert if the world can’t like adoration, which will remind him he does what he does in order to sur- expression of “outrage” to profession- tell which sex that is. not to send us to camps and legally hold vive. And so do we, honey. So do we. al gay activists. We refrain from “sit- DON’T: tease the radical “queers.” us under “prolonged detention.” (Note :P :P :P

■ A DYKE ABROAD Racism, Commies, and the Moonwalk BY KELLY JEAN COGSWELL

rench TV’s been full of nostalgic that the pool attendants had been rather One sign of progress, though, is that salad. Not support for small business- documentaries celebrating the less euphemistic, saying “they did not 40 years after we put a man on the es in poor minority neighborhoods, or F 40th anniversary of Neil Arm- allow minorities in the club and needed moon, there are now enough Republi- efforts to repeal drug laws responsible strong’s trip to the moon. It was hailed the children to leave immediately.” At cans of color in power to add their own for dumping young black men in jail. not only as a superpower’s scientific least one white parent loudly freaked, garbage to America’s racist cesspool. Fried chicken and potato salad. advance, but a human achievement “Uh, what are all these black kids doing One of the biggest supporters of the vio- Republican attacks on Supreme Court belonging to us all, a first step toward here?... I’m scared they might do some- a glorious future in which we would all thing to my child.” hold hands and sing “Kumbaya” while The Young Republican conference in The nefarious black man, Harvard Professor circling the campfire on our jetpacks. All July was an equally retro celebration of things considered, we didn’t get very far. misogyny and racism. The group chose Henry Louis Gates, Jr., was arrested for There’s no man on Mars. No real space self-described “true conservative” Audra getting pissed off that cops questioned his program. And as for our crappy life here Shay as chairman, over Rachel “must be on earth, every day brings a new flash- a dyke” Hoff, who was slammed as much right to enter his own home. back to the messy irrational hatreds of for wearing pants as for supporting civil the Cold War era. unions. The skirt-clad winner Shay was Like in segregated cities in the ’50s, elected despite, or because of, blatantly lently bigoted Audra Shay was apparent- nominee Sonia Sotomayor were almost 60 black and Latino kids were booted racist Facebook comments, LOL’ing in ly Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, a as sophisticated, largely boiling down to from Philadelphia’s Valley Swim Club in response to the statement we “need to South-Asian American periodically tout- “temperament” and “personality,” code late June even though their day camp take this country back from all of these ed as the Republican answer to Obama. for “I don’t trust you because you’re a had paid more than $1,900 to join the mad coons” and responding to an effigy Michael Steele, the African American woman, a spic, a woman, a spic.” Demo- “open membership” pool. The reason? of Sarah Palin with, “What no Obama in head of the GOP, was on hand to tell the crats aren’t immune from idiocy. In New “[C]oncern that a lot of kids would a noose?... I am wondering if the guys Young Republican crowd he planned to York, State Senator Ruben Diaz, usually change the complexion ... and the atmo- with the Palin noose would care if we had attract more people of color to the party sphere of the club.” Some kids reported a bunch of homosexuals in a noose.” by offering up fried chicken and potato ᭤ A DYKE ABROAD, continued on p.13 23 JUL - 5 AUG 2009 12/ Crime

᭤ PRAVIA, from p.1 city’s Department of Education, use the drug. When Pravia, who Alperstein received 350 pages was drunk, passed out, Cancel 14 DAYS the manslaughter charge is up of documents reflecting his cli- began to rob him, the defendant to 25 years in prison, with the ent’s time in special education said. He explained the killing by requirement that the offender classes. saying, “I was bored, so I decid- 14 NIGHTS serve six-sevenths of the sen- In his ten statements to ed to go back into the apartment tence before becoming eligible police, including videotaped and and kill him.” ᭤ JUL 25, from p.8 for release. written confessions, Cancel can In his statements to police, Cancel’s attorney, Michael show presents a collection of works which Alperstein, wrote that the psy- reclaim the traditional domination of the chiatric evidence may be used “I murdered someone in Manhattan. “male gaze” and reorient the significance “in connection with any other of the female figure to allow for more var- defense not specified in the stat- If you don’t believe me, it’s in the ied interpretations. A variety of mediums ute, including the inability of newspaper. The kid’s name is Kevin.” will be shown —sculpture, photography, the defendant to form a specific video, painting, and installation — and intent.” Alperstein added, “The several different women artists are rep- defendant is presently undergo- resented, including Berenice Abbott, ing neuropsychological testing be seen as either monstrous or Cancel allegedly gave details Ghada Amer, Diane Arbus, Vanessa in order to more fully assess Mr. not all there. of the crime that only the killer Beecroft, Lynda Benglis, Louise Bour- Cancel’s condition. He reserves He was arrested on Septem- would know and pointed police geois, Julia Margaret Cameron, Victoria the right to make timely amend- Jeromie Cancel, 23, last September as he was ber 2 in Queens for allegedly to other evidence that support- Civera, Rineke Dijkstra, Marlene Dumas, ment to this notice when further taken into custody in the murder of 19-year- burglarizing his father’s home. ed his confession. These admis- Anh Duong, Judith Eisler, Tracey Emin, information is obtained.” old Kevin Pravia. In the course of admitting to sions reached a point where Ellen Gallagher, Nan Goldin, Katy Gran- Alperstein forwarded three that crime, he announced to Cancel appeared to grow tired nan, Jenny Holzer, Roni Horn, Chantal studies to Gay City News that including at least one suicide police that he killed Pravia. “I of making them. Late in the day Joffe, Maria Lassnig, Zoe Leonard, Sally were authored by Dr. Dorothy O. attempt. see you have no murders in this on September 2, Cancel said to Mann, Marilyn Minter, Joan Mitchell, Lewis, a professor at Yale Univer- “Since he was ten years old, precinct,” he told a police officer a detective, “Why do I have to Alice Neel, Collier Schorr, Joan Sem- sity who has studied aggressive my client has been in numer- in the 104th Precinct in Queens. do this? I killed him. I strangled mel, Cindy Sherman, Mickalene Thomas, or homicidal young offenders ous psychiatric institutions,” “I murdered someone in Man- him. I’ve been telling you this all Kara Walker, Hannah van Bart, Hellen and found high rates of often- Alperstein said at a July 7 hear- hattan. If you don’t believe me, day.” van Meene, and Lisa Yuskavage. Cheim undiagnosed psychiatric disor- ing. Alperstein has noted hospi- it’s in the newspaper. The kid’s In his final statement, as he & Read, 547 W. 25th St. Tue.-Sat., 10 ders as well as evidence of brain talizations at the Bellevue Hos- name is Kevin.” was being taken in front of news a.m.-6 p.m. through Sep. 19. 212-242- damage and other deficits that pital Center in Manhattan, the Cancel and Pravia met in crews for a perp walk, he said, 7727 or cheimread.com. may have contributed to their Brookdale University Hospital Union Square, where the “Are those cameras for me? ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯ criminal behavior. and Medical Center in Brooklyn, 19-year-old bought cocaine Can you handcuff me in front In hearings, Alperstein has and one unnamed institution in from the now 23-year-old Can- so I can throw gang signs? I The Subjective Eye said that his client has a long Queens. When he subpoenaed cel. They walked to Pravia’s don’t have any remorse. I’d do it The Leslie/ Lohman Gay Art Founda- history of psychiatric problems, his client’s records from the West 15th Street apartment to again.” tion recommends “As We See It 2009,” the fifth annual NYC Photo Club exhibition, featuring stunning imagery, from erotic to ᭤ OREGON, from p.8 resulting child has two legal ed Domestic Partnership Act its reach to this situation. political, from pop art to politically incorrect, parents at birth. Given these that extends almost full mar- The case has been sent back from travel to portraiture, and everything in parents. It would violate her policy goals, there is no good riage rights under state law to to the trial court so there can between. LGBT Community Center, 208 right to equal protection of the reason to deny similar stand- same-sex couples. be fact-finding to determine if W. 13th St. Through Sep. 3. To preview laws, she maintained, to treat ing and status to a same-sex Referring to Shineovich’s Kemp was in fact inseminated the exhibition, visit nycphotoclub.com. All her any differently from a hus- partner, and refusal to do so standing to claim parental with Shineovich’s consent and sale proceeds benefit the Center. band in these circumstances. raises constitutional issues. rights, Judge Rosenblum with the couple’s joint inten- ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯ The trial court rejected The appeals court had to wrote, “We can see no jus- tion to raise the children as her arguments and granted reckon with Oregon’s 2004 tification for denying that co-parents. If Shineovich pre- SPORTS Kemp’s motion to dismiss. constitutional amendment privilege on the basis of sex- vails on that score, the court A Critical Part of The appeals court, while also banning same-sex marriage. ual orientation, particularly will next determine whether the Team resisting Shineovich’s claim That amendment was nar- given that same-sex couples the children’s best interests Cheer New York is the city’s premiere regarding the relevance of rowly written to apply only may become legal coparents are served by a custody and LGBT pep squad, raises money to support marital status, accepted her to marriage itself, not more by other means — namely, visitation award. community charities, and will be making argument about having con- broadly to the rights and ben- adoption. There appears Beyond this ruling’s sig- the journey to the 2010 Gay Games in sented to Kemp’s insemina- efits of marriage that have to be no reason for permit- nificance on the question of Cologne next year. If you are interested tions. The presumptive father been barred in other states. ting heterosexual couples to parental rights, it also sug- in joining the team, there is an orien- statute was intended for situ- As the California Supreme bypass adoption proceedings gests that any effort to chal- tation, registration, and practice ations in which a husband is Court recently found in by conceiving a child through lenge the constitutionality clinic today, 1-4 p.m., followed by a physically capable of partici- upholding the constitutional- mutually consensual artificial of the Domestic Partnership mandatory tryout on Jul. 29, 6:30-10 pating in a child’s conception, ity of Proposition 8, the Ore- insemination, but not permit- Act is likely to fail, given the p.m. Auditions will include group cheers, which Shineovich clearly was gon court held that its state ting same-sex couples to do court’s equal protection find- jumps, and stunts, followed by 60-sec- not. The insemination law, on gay marriage amendment so.” ing. ond showcases of your individual talents the other hand, seemed on did not undermine the equal Striking down the artifi- Oregon attorney Mark — including dancing, tumbling, flexibil- point in this situation, since protection rights of same-sex cial insemination statute was Johnson represented Shin- ity, personality, fundraising — followed there is no pretense in that couples to the same rights wisely viewed by the court as eovich, who also had amicus by a mini-interview. For complete infor- statute that the legal father and benefits — except for the disruptive to the lives of many briefs filed on her behalf by mation, visit cheeryny.org, and email had any physical role in con- name “marriage” — as differ- Oregon families, so it instead the American Civil Liberties info@ cheerny.org for exact location ception. Its statutory goal is to ent-sex couples under state chose to construe the stat- Union and Basic Rights Ore- in Midtown Manhattan. recognize the intended family law. This finding is consistent ute to sidestep the constitu- gon. Murphy McGrew repre- grouping and ensure that the with Oregon’s recently enact- tional problem by extending sented Kemp. ᭤ 14 DAYS, continued on p.16 WWW.GAYCITYNEWS.COM 23 JUL – 5 AUG 2009 13

᭤ A DYKE ABROAD, from p.11 The uninsured construction worker fun shooting stuff up, but that AK47s own home. Instead of complaining, call- father ended up in critical care for five were especially useful in case of “home ing the policeman a racist for only doing celebrated for his outrageous homopho- days, with stacks of hospital bills and defense.” his job, and irresponsibly provoking the bia, brought his own racism to the table questions about buying a gun. They could have used a few last week situation by asking for his badge num- when he sneered at state Republicans as Which would be easy enough in in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where a ber, I suppose the distinguished Profes- “los republicanos blanquitos” — “little Missouri where a car-dealer is giving white neighbor called the police because sor Gates should have saved the cops Republican whiteys” — in a Spanish- away free AK47s with his trucks. In an a black man was struggling with the the trouble and shot himself for intrud- language interview. interview with an astounded journalist front door of a house in an appar- ing on the peace of mind of his lily-white Meanwhile, in Akron, Ohio, a group from the BBC, he explained that pretty ent break-in attempt. Eventually, the neighbors. of black teenagers celebrated Indepen- much all Americans like guns, except nefarious black man, Harvard Profes- That’s post-race America in a nutshell. dence Day by attacking a white family for Commies, of course. When asked sor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., was arrested Forty years after the moonwalk, skin’s after a fireworks show, yelling, “This is just what semiautomatic weapons were for getting pissed off that the cops came still a disease too many of us are mad our world!” and “This is a black world!” good for, he said you could have a lot of and questioned his right to enter his with.

᭤ LETTERS, from p.10 gress will not get a pass on taking action. While THE ’72 SUPREME COURT voting to “affirm” its decision against gay marriage. The Duncan Osborne reports as fact that “Democrats do ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY Baker case only affirmed that marriage laws are a matter As for political blowback, Dixon Osburn warns not have the votes to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” of state and not federal law. Jack Baker still contends his that the Palm Center is “asking Obama to do what no one knows if that’s true until it comes to a vote. June 20, 2009 marriage is valid until declared otherwise by the court of Clinton was asked to do,” which is take action with- In any event, since the grounds for stop-loss will To the Editor: last resort. out support from the military or Congress. This is, not last forever, there will be continued pressure on In 1971, I was a member of Jack Baker’s gay liberation Thomas Kraemer in fact, what President Truman did successfully in Congress to fully scrap the ban. Once gays are serv- group that fought for gay marriage. Given this perspective, Corvallis, Oregon desegregating the military, and what Clinton failed ing openly, it will be operationally impossible to put I believe Arthur S. Leonard missed some false claims made to do. If Clinton had issued an executive order from the toothpaste back in the tube — what would we in Obama’s Department of Justice legal brief that cited the Arthur S. Leonard responds: day one, we arguably wouldn’t be in this mess. And do, command all troops to forget that they now know 1972 Baker v. Nelson US Supreme Court case. (“Obama The Supreme Court ruled without hearing argument today, there is far more support from both the Penta- who’s gay? Of course, it’s up to all of us to keep that Administration Versus Candidate Obama,” posted online, that the appeal did not present a “substantial constitu- gon and Congress, as well as service members and pressure on Washington. This begins with reporting Jun.18). First, the brief falsely claims that “… in Baker v. tional question” and denied review. Ever since then, the general public, for lifting the ban than in Clin- fairly and discussing honestly what the options for Nelson… the Minnesota Supreme Court had rejected the lower courts have cited Baker v. Nelson for the proposi- ton’s day. What’s needed is leadership. There will action really are. contention that a State statute limiting marriage to one tion that the Supreme Court held that the denial of mar- be political costs to lifting the ban, but there is no Nathaniel Frank man and one woman violated federal due process and riage to same-sex couples does not violate the Consti- evidence that executive action will cost more than Senior Research Fellow equal protection principles.” In fact, Minnesota law did tution. I and many feel this is an archaic citation, as the Congressional action. It is disappointing to hear Palm Center not specify the sex of marriage partners when Baker chal- court did not issue an opinion to explain its ruling and allies using the same political scare tactics as our lenged the law. The Minnesota high court only construed constitutional law on gay issues has developed substan- opponents. Diane H. Mazur, Professor of Law that marriage was limited to a man and a woman. Second, tially over the intervening decades. But I don’t think the Finally, precisely because executive action will University of Florida and Affiliated Scholar the US Supreme Court justices unanimously passed up DOJ makes a “false claim” regarding the precedential not end the gay ban, but only begin to end it, Con- Palm Center their chance to second the Minnesota Supreme Court by holding of Baker v. Nelson.

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*''0mmm$\h[[ZecjhW_dfheZkYj_edi$eh]%Óh[ 23 JUL - 5 AUG 2009 14/ Books Still Waters Run Deep Sprawling novel extracts magic from the mundane

BY DAVID KENNERLEY LAKE OVERTURN problem a lot. I have to talk about the By Vestal McIntyre book and get people excited about it: “It’s ake Overturn,” the generous HarperCollins about these folks stuck in a small town debut novel by Vestal McIn- $24.99; 448 pages in Idaho, and there’s this trailer park.” “L tyre, is an extraordinarily When I was writing, I never considered rendered narrative about ordinary peo- how that might sound. There’s no hook. ple. Set in Eula, Idaho, a quasi-fictional the book and said that his 80-year-old desert town on the edge of a big lake, mother loved it. DK: You’ve woven together several the work traces the lives of more than VESTAL MCINTYRE: Are you kid- story threads involving a slew of char- a dozen characters who are swimming ding? Holy shit, I wish I were there. When acters. There’s Lina, a single mom of against the crosscurrents of family, my first book came out, I was hoping and Mexican descent who lives in a trail- class, race, organized religion, peer pres- praying that one day I would randomly er park and cleans people’s houses; sure, and thwarted sexuality. see someone reading it on the subway, Enrique, her gay-leaning 13-year-old The book’s title refers to an actual but it never happened. I have personally son; Connie, a lovelorn, conflicted reli- 1986 incident in Cameroon, where a sold copies of my book, however. I have gious zealot; Chuck, a Mormon los- giant bubble of carbon dioxide rose from a crappy job at this chain store —Lon- ing his wife to cancer; and Wanda, a the bottom of Lake Nyos and killed 1,700 don’s answer to Barnes and Noble. The drug addict/ babysitter who yearns to villagers. The plucky-but-geeky Enrique, managers are really nice and stock it at become a surrogate mother. And many a young teen who gets off reading mus- the front counter. Sometimes when I’m more. How did you keep all those story cle mags, explores this phenomenon in at the register, customers pick the book lines straight? a science fair project, suggesting that a up and when they realize I’m the author, VM: At a certain point the timeline similar tragedy could befall Eula. they buy it. got all out of shape and the story was a Despite their humble, white-trash tangled mess. So I turned one wall into roots, McIntyre has crafted poignantly DK: Who then, would you say, is your a big chart with color-coded notecards vivid characterizations where humanity Endowment for the Arts Fellowship and target audience? with scenes I had written and had yet to shines. The critics are purring, calling the a Lambda Literary Award in 2006. For VM: When I’m writing, I resist think- write. It helped me sort out what could novel “engrossing,” “deliriously ambro- many years, he lived in New York, serv- ing of a specific audience. Usually, the happen when. sial,” and “richly imagined and fully ing steak frites at the famed, lamented first person to read my work is my older realized.” The New York Times recently bistro, Florent, and last year decamped sister, my toughest critic. So I ask myself, DK: Instead of mocking Connie’s named the work an “Editor’s Choice,” as to London to live with his British hus- “Would Beeb think this is funny or would devout religious fervor, you treat her with it did his collection of short stories, “You band, Tristan. she roll her eyes?” But that doesn’t mean respect. Was that difficult? Are Not the One,” a couple of years ago. I recently spoke with the 37-year-old I’m targeting lesbians in their late 40s. VM: It would be difficult for me — and If your typical summer page-turner feels author about his new novel, his Flo- I don’t want to sound too sappy — not to like ocean surf crashing, the experience rent days, becoming an ex-pat, and the DK: On the surface, a wispily plotted treat her with respect, since I’m devot- of reading “Lake Overturn” is akin to murky politics of same-sex marriage. story set in Podunk, Idaho doesn’t exact- ing so much of the novel to her. Her con- gentle wavelets lapping at your toes –– ly scream “Read me!” Was it a tough sell cerns with living a good life and pleas- soothing, expansive, transporting. DAVID KENNERLEY: In the last few to get it published? ing God were my concerns when I was The youngest of seven siblings (four weeks, I spied guys reading “Lake Over- VM: Not at all. I had a savvy, recep- little. I was intensely religious, worried I turned out to be gay) in a Southern turn” on the Fire Island Pines beach and tive group of editors to send it out to, and was going to Hell. I had long negotiations Baptist household in Nampa, Idaho, the Christopher Street pier. Somebody luckily I got offers right away. It’s funny McIntyre won a highly coveted National even approached me while I was reading you ask, because I come up against that ᭤ LAKE OVERTURN, continued on p.16

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1 50% discount on International Banking Center Services for opening HSBC accounts in qualifying countries outside of the United States. Deposit products in the U.S. offered by HSBC Bank USA, N.A. Member FDIC. ©2009 HSBC Bank USA, N.A. 23 JUL - 5 AUG 2009 Film /15 Not Enough Body Monika Treut’s romantic thriller falls short on both counts

BY GARY M. KRAMER GHOSTED Directed by Monika Treut onika Treut’s intrigu- First Run Features ing film “Ghosted,” Opens Jul. 31 M about a lesbian video Quad Cinema artist coping with the loss of 34 W. 13th St., quadcinema.com her lover, intertwines issues of sexuality, nationality, and iden- tity with decidedly mixed results. wary of Mei Li, perhaps because Despite a promising conceit — she reminds her of Ai-Ling. Even- how love is most deeply felt when tually she agrees to talk with the it is gone — this multicultural intrepid journalist, and in time romance shaded by a mystery is they make their way into bed. surprisingly un-engaging. Will this affair help Sophie drive Ai-Ling (Han-Ru Ke) leaves the “ghost” of Ai-Ling from her Taiwan for Germany to see her past? Or will Sophie be haunted businessman uncle, Chen Fu by the tragedy of Ai-Ling’s death; (Jack Kao). She’s searching for will her dead lover “avenge what information about her late father, has been done to her” from and thinks Chen Fu may hold beyond the grave? Viewers may the key to her identity. Attend- not feel much at stake in the ing a movie one night she meets answers. Sophie (Inga Busch), a video artist Part of the problem is that the who becomes her lover. Although film’s casual style fails to suf- Sophie texts Ai-Ling that she has ficiently allow for the dramatic put a spell on her, audiences may tensions to surface or perco- RUN FEATURES FIRST not feel the intensity of their too- late. Sophie’s loss of Ai-Ling is Ting Ting Hu as Mei Li and Inga Busch as Sophie in Monika Treut’s “Ghosted.” cool romance. The affair ends not made palpable, probably suddenly when Ai-Ling is mur- because what we see of their ing the connection that would reveals she has a hidden agenda. these women communicate in dered. While Sophie says she relationship lacks emotional make their relationship believ- But much of “Ghosted” is simply broken English because no one doesn’t blame herself for Ai-Ling’s pull. Like Sophie, audiences able. Their bonding may parallel too detached. Ai-Ling’s search can speak the other’s language. demise, as the film unfolds, there barely get to know Ai-Ling before Sophie’s romance with Ai-Ling, for knowledge about her father Surprisingly, the culture-clash are hints that Ai-Ling’s feelings of she is killed; much of her screen but it feels more like a contrived doesn’t amount to much in elements in the film are restrict- jealousy and betrayal prompted time is shown in flashbacks. plot device. terms of us getting to know her, ed mostly to minor exchanges, her death. That problem is compounded by The film’s thrill episodes also even when his identity — not such as Sophie expressing Five months later, Sophie is in the fact that the circumstances fail to pack a punch. There is terribly unexpected — becomes surprise that Al-Ling’s mother Taiwan, unveiling a video exhibit of Ai-Ling’s death are revealed little inherent drama about Mei known. calls her everyday. featuring her late lover. Mei Li too late in the story. As with Ai- Li becoming unnerved by a pair Treut may be focused more on Sophie, Ai-Ling, and Mei Li (Ting Ting Hu) approaches the Ling, Sophie’s relationship with of strangers, or having a “night- mood than narrative in “Ghost- are not unlikable women; they artist with interest in doing a Mei Li is short on excitement, mare.” Perhaps the biggest kick ed.” The filmmaker captures her newspaper interview. Sophie is the two women never mak- in this aloof film is when Mei Li characters’ unease by having ᭤ GHOSTED, continued on p.25

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᭤ LAKE OVERTURN, from p.14 nically the bill is in the hands of Congress right now. Obama directly with God, bargaining, “If supported it as a senator; 14 DAYS I do this, will you help me with there’s no question he would this?” I couldn’t make fun of her. sign it. The task is to get more Although I’d be happy to skewer senators behind it. It could still 14 NIGHTS Christians in another book. happen. DK: Although barely a teen- ᭤ 14 DAYS, from p.12 ager, Enrique is pretty sure he’s DK: You worked at my favor- attracted to boys. Did you draw ite restaurant, Florent, for a from your own experience? decade. Did the experience VM: Yeah. I went to a tiny inform your writing in any way? SUN.JUL.26 fundamentalist Christian junior VM: It was great for my FILM high school where I was targeted career. Everyone who worked Chill Fest as the school fag. It got so tortu- there had a creative streak, This summer, Jersey City’s Chill ous, my parents let me switch to and Florent [Morellet] encour- Fest offers up four evenings of sex, hor- public school, which was bigger aged us. Other writers and my ror, and sci-fi queer cinema. Tonight, and more comfortable for people agent would visit me there — it the series continues with “Hellbent,” a on the fringe. A lot of stuff, like was my office. I was able to go classic slasher movie with a clever, gay [Enrique’s] navigations of junior away to write for stretches, twist. Automata Chino, 99 Greene St. high society and negotiations sometimes months, and come at York St., Jersey City, one block with bullies, came from my life. back and still have a job. When from the Exchange Pl. PATH station, He’s a little more ruthless and HARPERCOLLINS my first book came out, Florent 6:30 p.m. for cocktails and social- gets into harder situations than Vestal McIntyre’s poignantly transporting new novel has won him the same sort of acclaim that kept a stack downstairs. When izing, 7 p.m. screening. Screenings I got into — what I could have greeted his earlier short story collection. he was having dinner with a lit- later this summer include: “Wrangler: been if I were bolder. erary influential, he’d grab one Anatomy of an Icon,” Jeffrey Schwarz’s to the Brits? I don’t want it to be called mar- and say [French accent], “Zees documentary about 1970s porn superstar DK: What was it like having VM: It’s complicated. The riage because that seems like an is Vestal, he’s a great writer. You Jack Wrangler, who died earlier this year gay brothers and sisters? easy answer is that America is imitation of a straight convention. simply must read hees book.” (Aug. 9); and Dino De Laurentis’ 1980 VM: When we were little, our overrun by religious conserva- I am tempted to diss America but “Flash Gordon,” with inspiration directly house was so gay. We weren’t tives, while [Great Britain] is the I love it too, and I miss it. I want to DK: The restaurant’s demise from the comic strip and movie serials of allowed to talk about gay stuff most secular society I can think move back and bring Tristan, as seems ripe for a novel — a pop- the 1930s in a colorful rainbow of camp at all, since my mother was so of. Political questions are dealt soon as they let us. ular, unpretentious, artsy gas- delights, with bleach blond Sam J. Jones strict. However, we’d divide with more intellectually here, tro hub, presided over by a gra- as quarterback hero Gordon and Melody into teams, dress up, and have unclouded by passion. People DK: I read your letter to ciously eccentric gay maverick, Anderson as his love interest, Dale Arden weird, campy dance contests, don’t get moralistic or religious Obama published in the Advo- falls victim to a greedy landlord, (Aug. 23). Admission is $10. You must performing elaborate routines to about it. It’s a simple matter of cate encouraging the passage who in turn gets crunched by be 21. Complete information at myspace. Dolly Parton songs. It was basi- civil rights. of the Uniting American Fami- the economic slide and strug- com/chillfestjerseycity. cally one big drag show. Our lies Act, the bill allowing Ameri- gles to find a tenant for the ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯ parents loved it. DK: Do you think it’s a ques- cans to sponsor their same-sex space. Ever been tempted to tion of semantics? The “M” word foreign partners so they can write about that? COMEDY DK: Now you’re living in Lon- scares many Americans. live here. What’s your take on VM: No. But last time I was You Can’t Do That don. Why do you think Ameri- VM: I don’t know why people Obama’s inaction on this issue? in New York, I saw Florent furi- on TV cans have such a problem with are so fixated on that word. I’m VM: Obama has a huge influ- ously writing some sort of man- They may be stars from the boob gays getting hitched compared happy with the term civil partner. ence on how it will go, but tech- uscript. tube, but they’ll offer up plenty of new material live in Hell’s Kitchen tonight. Host Brad Loekle (TruTV’s “The Smoking ᭤ BRIEFS, from p.4 July 21, but must still prevail in the Human Rights Campaign Clinton went so far as to run ads with gay leaders on the eve of her Gun”) welcomes headliner Jodie Was- stripping out the money from the criticized Sessions’ death penalty on small Christian radio stations 2006 Senate reelection and said serman (Comedy Central), along with and then trying to stuff it with House version of the bill, which amendment and called for con- in targeted states bragging about she would not oppose efforts by Adam Lehman & Michael Brill (Here!TV’s tough-on-crime, but soft-on-guns will likely be amended to include ference committee negotiators having done so. Eliot Spitzer, then widely expect- “Hot Gay Comics”) and Kate McKinnon amendments has complicated the hate crimes provisions in a to eliminate it when they work Last week, the former presi- ed to win his race for governor, (Logo’s “Big Gay Sketch Show”). “The the drive to get this long-delayed House-Senate conference com- to conform the House and Sen- dent, a year after his wife gave to legalize gay marriage in New Electro Shock Therapy Comedy Hour,” measure finally enacted. Earlier mittee later this summer. ate versions of the measure. On up her presidential aspirations, York. Therapy Bar, 348 W. 52nd St., 10 p.m. this year, the House of Represen- Stymied in blocking Sen- July 22, the Senate beat back an signaled he has changed his mind President Clinton’s state- No cover charge; $6 cosmos all night. tatives passed the hate crimes ate action on hate crimes, some amendment from South Dakota on the issue. The Nation maga- ment puts him in the same camp ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯ measure — which will for the Republicans are larding the DoD Republican Senator John Thune zine on July 14 reported that as New York’s senior senator, first time include federal protec- bill with pet conservative crime to allow concealed weapons to when asked if he supports equal Charles Schumer, who earlier NIGHTLIFE tions based on sexual orienta- and guns goals. Alabama Sena- be carried across state lines. marriage rights, Clinton said, this year announced his support Sail Away tion and gender identity — as tor Jeff Sessions, who just last “Yeah… I personally support for marriage equality, 13 years Will Clark hosts his sixth and, he says, a stand-alone bill, but when the week led the charge against Bill Clinton people doing what they want to after voting for DOMA. raunchiest Bad Boys on the Hudson Sea Senate took it up it was added Supreme Court nominee Sonia Says Yes to Gay do. I think it’s wrong for someone Tea aboard the Queen of Hearts tonight. to a Defense Department bill as Sotomayor in the Judiciary Com- Marriage to stop someone else from doing Episcopalians Entertainers include go-go idol Mike a means of blocking a filibuster mittee, managed to add amend- During the heat of his reelec- that.” Then, in an endorsement of Open Arms to Dreyden, Torez, New York Mr. Leather against its enactment. President ments to the bill that among tion bid in 1996, President Bill the six states that currently allow Gays 2009 Jase Woodruff, Duke Rivers of Tom Barack Obama threatened to other things would broaden the Clinton signed the Defense of gay and lesbian couples to marry, In its triennial General Con- of Finland parties fame, and Jonny Mack, veto the DoD bill unless it elimi- reach of the federal death penal- Marriage Act (DOMA), barring he added, “I think all these states vention ending July 17, the North who you may have seen at Woof parties, nated $1.75 billion in funding ty, though Massachusetts Demo- federal recognition of marriages that do it should do it.” American Episcopal Church made plus Porno Bingo Bitch Amanda Take- for F-22 fighter planes, deemed cratic Senator Edward Kennedy by same-sex couples and giving The Nation noted that the two significant advances in wel- hometomother and DJ Philip Kimball. unnecessary by the Pentagon but won approval of a competing states the green light to do the former president in May had told coming its LGBT congregants East of Eighth restaurant provides the favored by senators representing amendment that would impose same. In the final days of the an audience in Toronto that his — first by ending a three-year buffet dinner. The evening benefits Team states where Lockheed Martin, some additional restrictions on ’96 campaign, sensing the pos- views on marriage equality were moratorium on the consecration Eagle, cyclists from the New York Eagle the chief contractor, has a pres- carrying it out. Both the National sibility of a clean 50-state sweep “evolving,” the same word used ence. Obama won that battle on Gay and Lesbian Task Force and against former Senator Bob Dole, by his wife Hillary when she met ᭤ BRIEFS, continued on p.26 ᭤ JUL 26, continued on p.20 WWW.GAYCITYNEWS.COM 23 JUL – 5 AUG 2009 17 GET OUT IN AC!

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www.Harrahs.com/getoutinac 23 JUL - 5 AUG 2009 18/ Books Got to Be Room For Stories Edmund White recalls the ’60s & ’70s, champions fiction

BY MICHAEL EHRHARDT CITY BOY: MY LIFE IN NEW YORK through the fifties in the Mid- DURING THE 1960S AND ’70S west when everything that was f the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s By Edmund White happening — the repression of represented the golden age Bloomsbury homosexuality, for instance, $26; 304 pages I of Broadway, the ‘60s and the demonization of the Left, the ‘70s marked the seismic shift giggly, soporific ordinariness of in New York’s gay culture — before Stonewall. “Boys…” adolescence, the stone deafness despite or more likely because of was released as a film in 1970, to the social injustice — seemed the fact that the Big Apple had directed by William Friedkin, not only unobjectionable but become rotten at its core, with a who went on to direct the con- also nonexistent.” White match- financially bankrupt infrastruc- troversial “Cruising” in 1980. es his talent for journalism with ture, rampant street crime, pub- In a tragic coda to the film’s brilliant imagistic prose: “The lic services at a nadir, and the history, five actors in “Boys…” great triumph of the sixties was mafia run-gay bars blatantly in — Kenneth Nelson, Leonard to dramatize just how arbitrary cahoots with corrupt members Frey, Keith Prentice, Fred- and constructed the seeming of the NYPD. It was this dicey erick Combs, and Robert La normality of the fifties had been. environment that supplied the Tourneaux, would die from We rose up from our maple- irritants necessary for change, AIDS-related illnesses. wood twin beds and fell onto the especially when prompted by In a 2004 interview for the great squishy, heated water bed wider influences such as the International Association of the sixties.” sexual revolution, the fight for of Physicians in AIDS Care White’s book also captures black civil rights, and anti-Viet- (IAPAC), author Edmund White, the stoned, communal, Whit- nam War demonstrations, all a founder of Gay Men’s Health manesque camaraderie among reflected in the city’s arts scene. Crisis, proposed: “Somebody gay men in the 1970s, well This tumult would in time fuel should write a book about the before the trend toward assimi- the spirit of queer activism that ’70s — straight and gay — but lation into more conventional flared into the Stonewall Riots. it would turn out to be mainly a suburban or “straight” models: In 1963, Julian Beck and gay story. I feel that was one of SOPHIE BASSOULS/ EDMUNDWHITE.COM “Back then… these questions Judith Malina’s Off-Off Broad- the high points in human cul- In “City Boy,” Edmund White has scraped away the literary veneer to give a straightforward ren- of fidelity and couplehood didn’t way Living Theatre on 14th ture. There were all these great dering of personalities and events in New York’s gay life in the 1960s and ’70s. come up and we wouldn’t exact- Street shocked audiences by people — Jasper Johns in paint- ly have known how to respond producing the anti-establish- ing, John Ashbery in poetry, the recognition of a thousand teur, his gimlet-eyed anecdotes to them. Introducing the mentarian “The Brig,” depict- Balanchine’s last years in ballet, names and faces” — instead about celebrities of the era are issue now slightly falsifies the ing the dehumanizing environ- many great novelists — there fleshing out our notion of how as tangy as blood orange sor- quiet, natural way in which we ment which ten convicts are was a tremendous amount of vital a period the ’60s and ’70s bet served after lobster Thermi- assumed everyone would have subjected to during one day in a activity and a New York aesthet- were, and, by tacit comparison, dor. Who cares if we occasion- multiple sex partners, that jeal- US Marine prison; in the Spring ic that was very powerful.” just how depressingly devoid of ally stray from Manhattan to ousy was definitely not cool, and of ’64, gay African-American White has tackled that prop- such interesting personalities Key West and San Francisco, that new people could be regu- author James Baldwin’s “Blues osition in his new and neces- the new century has been. or to Venice — to drop in on lar fuck buddies or part-time for Mister Charlie,” dedicated to sary memoir, “City Boy: My Life White also views New York the superannuated, pixilated lovers, that one molecule could the memory of civil rights mar- in New York During the 1960s culture of the period from a Peggy Guggenheim’s palazzo on always annex a new atom.” tyr Medgar Evers, opened on and ’70s,” chronicling Gotham’s West Coast vantage point (San the Grand Canal, hang out at White depicts the ’70s art Broadway; in December 1965, cultural highs and lows dur- Francisco) and a European Harry’s Bar, or spy the elderly scene and scenesters as well, Peter Brook’s landmark produc- ing those two heady and iconic perspective, with accounts of Ezra Pound out on a stroll with including a pungent profile of tion of German playwright Peter decades, during which rents sojourns in Rome, Venice, and his stalwart companion Olga bad boy photographer Robert Weiss’ “Marat/ Sade,” about were easily affordable, jobs Paris: “When I moved to Rome Rudge. Mapplethorpe: “He certainly despotism, repression, and rev- readily available, boho culture, in 1970, I suggested to an Ital- Perhaps the most devout afi- wasn’t afraid of being consid- olution, opened at the Martin with its tradition of “honorable ian friend that we switch sides cionados of cities are those who ered gay — on the contrary. Beck Theatre, going on to win poverty,” blossomed, and the of the street to avoid confront- come to them from well beyond He was interested in leather, the Tonys for Best Play and Best arts flourished as never before. ing three teenagers coming their borders; hailing from the S&M, scat, pain, blood — all the Director. The climax of the play White’s fans will find themselves towards us. ‘Why?,’ she asked, “Leave It To Beaver” environ- things that most gay men are had asylum inmates rebelling, in familiar territory covered in astonished. In New York, we ment of Cincinnati, White rev- careful to exclude in their list wrecking havoc on the authori- his epochal semi-autobiograph- paid the cabdriver to wait at the eled in the intellectual ozone of desired activities when they ties, and spilling into the audi- ical novel, “The Farewell Sym- curb ’til we were safely inside, and garrulous open-minded- write a personal ad (or now an ence, a Brechtian trope echoed phony” (1997), but the author past the locked front door. We ness of Gotham’s denizens, online profile)... Mapplethorpe, in April 1968 when “Hair: The has scraped away the literary were always aware of everyone while his unleashed id made a like the good Catholic boy he American Tribal Love-Rock veneer to give a straightforward within our immediate vicinity. beeline to the hedonism prac- was, believed in the devil. When Musical,” a product of the hippie rendering of personalities and You never lost yourself in con- ticed on the piers and parked he would have sex, he would counter-culture, jolted Broad- events of the period; fictional versation on the street, but had trucks of Sodom on the Hud- whisper in his lover’s ear, ‘Do it way with its rebellious stance, disguises are discarded and the to be alert at all times. We made son: “In retrospect, we could for Satan’… I never understood nudity, and mocking of Ameri- underlying factual pentimenti sure we had twenty dollars with see that the 1950s had been a Mapplethorpe’s sexuality. He can jinogism. revealed. And — Lord — the us every time so that a robber reactionary period in America would explain it to me and keep Mart Crowley’s Off-Broadway names drop! He never comes wouldn’t shoot us in frustra- of Eisenhower blandness, of correcting with a little smile the play “The Boys in the Band” off as boastful — “…that’s what tion.” virulent anti-communism, of also came out in 1968, a year New Yorkiness is, primarily, Since White is a born racon- the Feminine Mystique. Lived ᭤ CITY BOY, continued on p.19 WWW.GAYCITYNEWS.COM 23 JUL – 5 AUG 2009 19

᭤ CITY BOY, from p.18 EDMUND WHITE: Well, actually I ME: Of course, the downside was high wanted it to just be about the ’70s, but crime, when you had to carry mugger wrong conclusion I’d jumped to. He’d then I gradually slid back into the ’60s. money… say, ‘No, it has nothing to do with fan- I soon felt I had to acknowledge the EW: Oh, yeah. Gay guys carried tasy’. Or, he’d say, ‘No, it’s not a matter ’60s as a lead-up to the ’70s, with the whistles so they wouldn’t get bashed. of role-playing. Nothing could be realer Stonewall movement, to make it more On the Upper West Side, you had Nee- than what I like. That’s why I like it — it’s comprehensive. But, originally I really dle Park, which was terribly danger- real’.” wanted to concentrate on the ’70s and ous. Even here [in Chelsea] in the ‘70s When White and Mapplethorpe collab- then I wanted to end it with the advent when [author and literary critic] David orated for an article on Truman Capote of AIDS. I guess I had thought of doing Kalstone lived on this block, there were for the semi-gay glossy magazine After a book like “City Boy” over the past –– Puerto Rican gangs sitting on the stoops, Dark, they visited the writer in his United I mean, in a way, if you write autobio- people throwing bottles out of windows, Nations Plaza home and found him high graphical fiction, the way I wrote “The boom boxes blaring, and you tended to on cocaine. He told White, “You’ll proba- Farewell Symphony” and “The Married feel waves of hostility. bly write some good books… But remem- Man,” you’re lucky, because you can ber, it’s a horrible life.” Mapplethorpe also re-do it as a memoir. “City Boy” is ME: Now the Upper West Side has insisted on taking a photo of White and actually more gossipy than anything I’ve been mallified, gentrified, Needle Park Capote together, commenting cagily: ever written. is now Verdi Square. Now, the area’s “You’ll be happy someday that I did so.” full of beauty spas, nail salons, and White’s anecdotes embrace person- ME: You drop the fictional disguises Victoria’s Secret. Back in the ’70s, alities from the New York theater —Larry and name names, as it were. You were there was the infamous Continental Kert, Mart Crowley, Robert Wilson, Ger- somehow right in the swim of ’70s cul- Baths. ome Ragni –– and the world of books, ture, high and low. Today New York EW: I used to go to the Continental, including Susan Sontag, James Merrill, City celebrities are just cheesy reality but I forgot to put that in. I should have. Harold Brodkey, William Burroughs, and show stars like Donald Trump, but back I mean, I went there and heard Bette Fran Lebowitz, who “became a sort of battered scripts showing coffee stains then…! Midler, and I found her actually irritat- court jester — no, that’s mean, perhaps and missing pages. Nothing lasts in New EW: There really aren’t that many per- ing, because everybody stopped having ‘funny companion’ — to different rich gay York. The life that is lived there, however, sonalities who are interesting today. sex to listen to her. All I wanted to do or bisexual men such as Malcolm Forbes is as intense as life gets.” is have sex. If you’re a sex addict, you and Barry Diller and David Geffen.” ME: It was more of a village commu- don’t want a pop singer horning in on White is ultimately elegiac: “I suppose MICHAEL EHRHARDT: In a 2004 nity then… your scene. that finally New York is a Broadway the- interview for the IAPAC, you proposed EW: That’s right. I mean it was more atre where one play after another, decade that somebody should write a book on communal and social because it was ME: Well there was always the St. after decade, occupies the stage and the the 1970s, which was an epochal period cheap to live in Manhattan, and people Marks, downtown. dressing rooms — then clears out… The in New York gay culture. Did you have didn’t have to work too hard to pay the actors are forgotten, the plays are just your book already gestating at that time? rent. ᭤ CITY BOY, continued on p.23

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-ONDAY &RIDAYAM PMs3ATURDAYAM PMs3UNDAY#LOSED 23 JUL - 5 AUG 2009 20/ Theater Sour Notes 14 DAYS Only the songs work in “Tin Pan Alley Rag”; stars can’t make “Mother” 14 NIGHTS BY CHRISTOPHER BYRNE THE TIN PAN ALLEY RAG ᭤ JUL 26, from p.16 Roundabout at the Laura Pels he classic Hollywood bio- Theater riding in the September Braking the Cycle pic is back, this time on 111 W. 46th St. ride from Boston to New York that raises T stage, with the debut of Tue.-Sat. at 7:30 p.m.; funds for the LGBT Community Center. a new play with music, “The Tin Wed., Sat., Sun. at 2 p.m. Pier 40, Hudson River at Houston Pan Alley Rag” by Mark Saltz- $75-$85; 212-719-1300 St., boat boards beginning at 6 p.m., man. The play imagines a meet- leaves at 7:30 sharp, and returns at ing between Scott Joplin and MOTHER 10 p.m. Tickets are $22 at seatea.com or Irving Berlin. Joplin, near the The Wild Project $27 at the dock, if available. 195 E. Third St. at Ave. B end of his career and life, is try- ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯ Mon., Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m. ing to get his opera “Treemon- Through Aug. 1 isha” published by Berlin’s com- $25; 212-352-0255 pany. Berlin, early in his career but with many successes already MON.JUL.27 under his belt, is looking for the into quasi-absurdist territory CABARET solid hit that will sell sheet music with the apparent kidnapping of The Beauty, the and make him even richer. daughter Kate by an unseen and Splendor, the Through a shared history of lost unexplained family, the Wilsons. Wonder brides and their music, the two JOAN MARCUS This sends the father, Joseph, Gavin Creel, the Tony-nominated star men embark on a dialogue about Michael Boatman as Scott Joplin and Michael Therriault as Irving Berlin in Mark Saltzman’s and son, Jackie, off in pursuit, of “Hair” (Claude), returns to Joe’s Pub art versus commerce as flash- “The Tin Pan Alley Rag.” leaving the mother, Kitty, alone for his first concert in eight months, per- back scenes weave in and out on to drink and surreptitiously take forming acoustic versions of songs from the imaginative set by Beowulf part. Even when the scenes drugs. his CD “Goodtimenation” and his upcom- Boritt. clunk, these two really shine. Ebersole, however, fails to ing second CD “Quiet.” Creel appears with For all the cleverness of the The rest of the company is follow through completely on his songwriting partner Robbie Roth. 425 conceit and the structure, how- very strong with great voices, all this idea, which comes off as Lafayette St., below Cooper Sq., inside ever, I couldn’t help but feel I was doubling and tripling in parts. a mere gimmick to keep the the Public Theater, 9:30 p.m. Tickets are watching a fairly average show In particular, Mark Ledbetter characters coming and going. $25 at joespub.com or 212-967-7555. Res- biz bio—along the lines of “Till is terrific as Mooney Mulligan, The play ends with the fam- ervations required to guarantee a table, the Clouds Roll By,” the story of the vaudeville star who “broke” ily back together, the bicker- which has a food/ drink minimum. Jerome Kern from 1946. Espe- many of Berlin’s songs. Rosena ing giving way to concern and ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯ cially at the beginning of the M. Hill is wonderful as Monisha love as we learn that Kitty has second act, Saltzman peppers and others. But for Idara Vic- a brain tumor. Doing all this in Straight From his play with easy emotion and tor, this is a breakthrough role 75 minutes means there’s only “The Corny Collins gets bogged down in following a as Treemonisha. Lovely, poised, the most superficial character Show” chronological sequence of events and with a magnificent voice, her development; at the end, we’re Carly Jibson won critical praise for her in Berlin’s and Joplin’s lives. performance is consistently pow- left feeling that we’ve learned national touring turn as Tracy in “Hairspray” But then you get to the music. erful. nothing about families that and also attracted notice in “Crybaby.” As with so many of these jukebox The show is pleasant enough hasn’t been said infinitely bet- Tonight she headlines Scott Nevins’ “Cur- musicals, the music is far supe- ALISON CARTWRIGHT and never boring, but without ter and with more originality by tain Call,” offering up a set full of Broad- rior to the book that’s been cob- Holland Cotter in the title role of Lisa Eber- the music, it would have nothing other playwrights. way’s newest, hottest hits. Splash Bar, 50 bled around it. It was fascinat- sole’s “Mother.” to make it noteworthy. Taylor has some good W. 17th St., 11:30 p.m. Admission is free ing to watch the development of moments as Kitty. Henry does until 10, $5 after that. You must be 21. Berlin’s Klezmer-inspired, seat- life. That’s sweet — how can one he impressive star power all right with the little he’s ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯ of-the-pants composition and not have an emotional response of veterans Holland Tay- given, but the conventional the classically inspired ragtime to Berlin’s music? It formed a T lor and Buck Henry in the father role is so hackneyed that of Joplin evolving into something significant part of the country’s tiny theater at the Wild Project it requires scant effort. Eber- on an operatic scale, though soundtrack in the first half of can’t compensate for Lisa Eber- sole herself tackles the role of WED.JUL.29 I could have lived without the the 20th century. The audience, sole’s messy, unfocused, and Kate, but without anything but NIGHTLIFE music lesson in Act Two. of course, leaves on a high note, undeveloped writing in her new the most surface of line readings. Xs & Os For AIDS The show ends with an but it’s hard to shake the notion play, “Mother.” The long and Haskell King is the best as Jack- Braking the Cycle (brakingthecycle.org) excerpt from “Treemonisha” that we’ve been manipulated. baffling one-act play is osten- ie, but he skates by on charisma raises funds for the HIV/ AIDS services at that’s been heard throughout Still, if the show isn’t perfect, sibly about a family — mother, as he’s got no part to sink his the LGBT Community Center. Tonight, Will the play, as Berlin looks on. In the cast comes close. Michael father, adult brother and sister teeth into. Keith Randolph Smith Clark’s Porno Bingo presents the first of four fact, the “Treemonisha” pro- Therriault gives a splendid per- —spending the week between is wasted as Chester, a waiter at nights devoted to raising money to support duction that finally surfaced in formance as Berlin. Even when Christmas and New Year’s at a the club, as is David Rosenblatt, the September Boston to New York bike 1976 was largely the result of the the script lacks subtlety, he finds resort in West Virginia and gath- another waiter. ride, this evening through rider Terry Chris- mania for Joplin that followed nuance and depth, and he’s ering for dinner. There are sibling Andrew Grosso’s direction topher. Hottie Corey Corey makes his Bingo the 1973 soundtrack for the both charming and believable, squabbles, tensions between the is as uninspired as the script, debut, joined by Bingo Bitch Amanda Take- Paul Newman-Robert Redford no mean feat. Michael Boatman parents, and all the rest of the though he does move people hometomother and Logo TV crooner Josh smash hit film “The Sting.” The is very strong as Joplin. He, too, predictable family dynamics. At around cleverly. Still, the impres- Zuckerman. Pieces, 8 Christopher St. at curtain falls to a medley of Berlin is given some over-the-top chal- first, it’s straightforward if unin- sion sticks that this is a high Sixth Ave., 8-10 p.m. numbers, summing up the more lenges, but manages to keep spired, but then in what seems profile vanity production, and, than 1,200 songs he wrote in his them human-sized, for the most like a blatant Albee rip-off veers sadly, the efforts are in vain. ᭤ 14 DAYS, continued on p.22 23 JUL - 5 AUG 2009 Film /21 The Language of War Politicians’ words are parsed, their intentions hidden

BY STEVE ERICKSON IN THE LOOP future media appearances, but Directed by Armando Iannucci the damage is done. Rumors s a political satire, IFC Films arise about an American war Armando Iannucci’s “In Opens Jul. 24 committee. The liberal assistant A the Loop” is deeply divid- IFC Center secretary for Diplomacy (Mimi ed in its attention to its two main 323 Sixth Ave. at W. Third St. Kennedy) makes an alliance with characters. Its nominal hero is ifccenter.com General George Miller (James Simon Foster (Tom Hollander), a Gandolfini), hoping to storm the politician who becomes tongue- voiced by one character. Despite committee’s meeting — or at tied whenever a microphone is one’s better instincts, it’s hard least find out its real name. Her thrust in front of him. While not not to find Malcolm the more assistant, Liza (Anna Chlumsky), a stupid man, Simon is a deeply appealing of the two characters. has written an anti-war position inarticulate one, uncomfortable Capaldi lends charisma to an paper, which threatens to turn with the public spotlight. He’s a unlikable character. While he into an explosive leak. disastrously ineffective states- may be better intentioned than “In the Loop” is a film about man, the kind who makes the Malcolm, Simon lives up to every language. Its cinematography opposition look better. stereotype about wishy-washy aims for the mockumentary Peter Capaldi, who plays liberals. The script gives Malcolm look of “The Office” — though it

Simon’s boss, Malcolm Tucker, an unfair advantage — the gift of DOVE/ IFC FILMS NICOLA makes no pretense of captur- gets billing over Hollander in the gab. Peter Capaldi as Malcolm Tucker, a senior British government official, and James Gandolfini as ing reality — and it looks nearly credits. This may be a byproduct The British minister for Inter- American General George Miller. identical to Iannucci’s TV show of contractual arcana, but it also national Development, Simon “The Thick of It,” broadcast testifies to the fact that Malcolm turns a radio interview into a about the likelihood of war in never mentions which country is briefly on BBC America and makes far more of an impres- controversial bungle. In the the Middle East. To spin doc- about to be invaded, but it was available on YouTube. “In the sion than Simon. If Simon is a midst of boring queries about tor Malcolm’s chagrin, Simon obviously inspired by the run- Loop” is dominated by its script, nebbish, Malcolm is a preen- disease prevention in the Third goes off message and says that up to the Iraq War.) In a fury, ing alpha male, in a description World, he’s suddenly asked war is “unforeseeable.” (The film Malcolm cancels all of Simon’s ᭤ IN THE LOOP, continued on p.25

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Szot will make his Metropoli- Photographer Patrick Rinn launches hattan, the outer boroughs, tan Opera stage debut next sea- Gleo Gallery in Chelsea with a solo and New Jersey. The casting son as Kovalyov in the new pro- debut exhibition, “Men For Sale: had culled from house stal- duction of Shostakovich’s “The Unmasked, Unclothed, Unpaid.” The new warts, cover singers, and the Nose,” followed by a new produc- 3,000-square foot space will showcase occasional promising newcomer tion of Massenet’s “Manon” in a 30 conceptual photographs of sexually getting a trial shot. Sometimes future season. evocative male forms, curated from near- a starry lineup would emerge As it turned out, the artist with ly 50,000 images the artist has made over –– a 1981 “Tosca” with Scotto, the most Metropolitan Opera the past eight years. Glebo Gallery, 526 Domingo, and Milnes or a 1988 stage experience emerged as W. 26th St., #316. Jul. 30, 6-9 p.m.; Jul. “L’Elisir D’Amore” with Pavarotti the vocal and artistic star of the 31-Aug. 1, 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Free. For more and Battle. Other instances of evening –– the Louisiana-born information, call 917-405-1455. starry casting emerged only in Oropesa. Displaying crystalline ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯ retrospect. In 1991, at Waterloo tone with a plaintive girlish tim- Village, New Jersey, I heard a bre reminiscent of Erna Berger FILM young and then unknown Deb- or Rita Streich, Oropesa chose Two Very Queer orah Voigt sing Amelia in “Un technically demanding pieces. Months End Ballo in Maschera,” prior to her Konstanze’s cruelly exposed For Gay Pride Month and beyond, Met stage debut. and rangy “Ach, ich liebte” from 92YTribeca has been presenting “Queer/ Peter Gelb has experimented Mozart’s “Seraglio” and Gilda’s OPERA METROPOLITAN Art/ Film,” a series of all things hybrid with various alternative sum- “Caro Nome” from “Rigoletto” The jury is out on handsome, openly gay Paulo Szot’s operatic reach, but his charm in Broadway and poly-sexual, curated by Butt Maga- mer programs; last year’s event were delivered with push-button romantic repertoire is unmatched. zine contributing editor Adam Baran and was an Alagna/ Gheorghiu control of dynamics, easy high filmmaker Ira Sachs. Some of the most duo concert in Brooklyn with notes, perfect trills, and deep Rossini’s “Cessa di piu resistere.” from “South Pacific” and “If Ever exciting, innovative (and homosexual) orchestra. This year, the idea emotional commitment. In the Only when singing “Maria” from I Could Leave You” from “Cam- artists from the dance, performance, was to present artists from the second half, she was tempera- “West Side Story” did he relax, elot.” Suddenly his voice had film, visual, and literary arts have dis- Met’s Lindemann Young Artist mental but alluring in “Musetta’s allowing piano high notes and many more colors and better cussed their favorite films, in rare prints, Development Program in piano- Waltz” from “La Boheme,” and softer colors to emerge. expressive range, and he seemed on the big screen. How does film create accompanied opera recitals. The showed perfect English diction in In third place, Szot sang to connect directly with the audi- a link from one queer generation to the opening event on July 13 was “I Could Have Danced All Night” pleasantly but without a major ence. I couldn’t think of another next, from Marlon Riggs to Chantal Aker- presented under the aegis of from “My Fair Lady.” Oropesa operatic sound on par with his baritone I would rather hear in man? Find out. The series concludes the Summerstage concert series heated up the perfect summer colleagues or other baritone that material, which I can’t say with Akerman’s “Je Tu Il Elle” on Jul 30, in Central Park and headlined night with her encore “De Espa- singers on the Met or even the about his operatic repertory. 8 p.m. 92Ytribeca, 200 Hudson St. at by the handsome, charismatic, ña Vengo” from the zarzuela “El NYCO roster (Stephen Powell Szot then strutted his stuff in the Canal St. Tickets are $12 at 92y.org. and openly gay baritone Paulo Niño Judio.” and Grant Youngblood come to final encore, cutting mariachi ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯ Szot, Tony award-winning star Shrader came in second, sing- mind). His renditions of Esca- moves in “Besame Mucho” with of Lincoln Center’s “South Pacif- ing bravura bel canto pieces millo’s “Toreador Song” and the an endearing, self-spoofing Latin ic” revival. He was supported by associated with virtuoso tenorial two Don Giovanni arias were machismo. The audience went the fast-rising lyric coloratura charmers like Juan Diego Flo- unmemorably phrased and wild. I would love to see Szot in SAT.AUG.1 soprano Lisette Oropesa and the rez. His tone is brightly focused lacked resonance at the bottom a Broadway concert with orches- JAZZ handsome 2007 Metropolitan but slightly monochromatic due of the range. Szot did better with tra featuring a few semi-classical Musical Sojourn Opera National Council Grand to some fixed tension around the his rendition of Belcore’s “Come traditional songs and operetta Rome Neal’s “Banana Puddin’ Jazz” Finals competition winner tenor jaw and upper lip. High notes are Paride Vezzoso” from “Elisir,” numbers thrown in; I think he presents the Valerie Capers trio, with Alek Shrader, with Vlad Iftinca easily reached and held but lack which showed attractive legato has a real future in this reperto- Capers on piano, John Robinson on bass, providing piano accompaniment. the bloom and softer dynam- and fluid mobility of tone. Bet- ry and there is a huge audience and Rudy Lawless on drums. Capers was Szot, in his first-ever Met ics that might give charm to his ter still was his contribution to hungering for it. As an opera born in the Bronx and received her early appearance, was given star sta- line in the duet “Tornami a dir the “Pearl Fishers” duet with star, I will postpone judgment schooling at the New York Institute for tus. With charming modesty, che m’ami” from “Don Pasquale.” Shrader. Seemingly, Szot’s tal- until I see him on the Met stage the Education of the Blind, going on to he opened and closed each half (The unvaryingly loud bright tone ents would be best suited to in “The Nose” and “Manon.” obtain a bachelor’s and master’s degree of the concert with a sort of may be partially attributed to the roles like Mozart’s Count Alma- from Juilliard. Her most noted extended “Paulo Szot and Friends” eve- close miking which flattered no viva and the lighter Italian and The free summer series contin- compositions are “Sing About Love,” the ning, mixing operatic chestnuts one.) Shrader did bat out those French repertory –– though even ues on July 24, 31, and August critically acclaimed Christmas cantata with a sprinkling of Broadway nine high C’s in the showstopper there he would be outclassed by 7 and 14 in parks across the produced by George Wein at Carnegie showtunes. Szot had not been “A mes amis” from “La Fille du Mariusz Kwiecien. city with less starry but equally Hall; “Sojourner,” an operatorio based on unknown to the Met adminis- Regiment” with staggering poise In the second half, he closed promising young singers. See the life of Sojourner Truth, performed and tration prior to his Broadway and confidence, and was unfazed out the scheduled program with metoperafamily.org/metop- staged by the Opera Ebony Company of fame –– he was considered good by the coloratura intricacies intimately seductive performanc- era/news/features/detail. enough to cover Mozart’s Don of Mozart’s “Il Mio Tesoro” and es of “Some Enchanted Evening” aspx?id=8590 for full details. ᭤ AUG 1, continued on p.24 WWW.GAYCITYNEWS.COM 23 JUL – 5 AUG 2009 23

᭤ CITY BOY, from p.19 EW: Oh, yes, it was. Fran Lebowitz once said that everybody who reads EW: Yes, which my friend, Norm Rath- Interview magazine and was inter- weg redesigned and made chic. Before viewed knows each other. They all that, it was seedy and dirty, run by an knew Andy [Warhol]. That was true Armenian, with a masseur in the base- back then. ment reputed to be the cannibalistic one that Tennessee Williams based his ME: You tell of the nearly suicidal story “Desire and the Black Masseur” angst you suffered getting your first on. Norm also designed the Chelsea book, “Forgetting Elena,” published. Gym and the Saint. And then you followed up with “Noc- turnes for the King of Naples.” It’s ME: Considering your sexual exploits amazing that you persevered with writ- during that era, it’s hard to imagine you ing those novels, when you weren’t sure could hold down a job at Time-Life and if you had a snowball’s chance in Hell at McGraw-Hill and have time to write of getting published. plays and novels. Were you on amphet- EW: Well, “Nocturnes” came out amines or something? in ’78, the same year a lot of gay nov- EW: That was in the sixties. I had els came out, like Andrew Holleran’s put on some weight — I was always “Dancer from the Dance,” Armistead yoyo-ing with my weight — so I went to Maupin’s “Tales of the City,” and Larry a doctor who prescribed speed, and you Kramer’s “Faggots.” That was almost could lose 50 pounds in a month. Of ten years after Stonewall, but it took course, I was young and my heart was that long for people to gear up to pub- good, and so what if you didn’t sleep for lishing gay fiction. a week! ME: Do you feel that gay lit has been ME: But obviously you had the pretty much been subsumed into other ambition to follow through. A lot of peo- media, particularly TV, with Logo TV, ple would have hit a wall with writer’s series such as “Queer as Folk,” “The block. L-Word,” and a whole cosmos of indie EW: I could never afford that. I was films constantly churned out, like trained as a journalist, too. And with “Boys Shorts.” that training you have to write to dead- EW: That’s true, to some extent. But line; you can’t afford to be word proud, there’s always got to be room for sto- because people are always editing you. ries, and in fact, TV and movies canni- But, I’ve always been very productive, balize fiction, and if not directly, then Gay, and yet, I’m one of the most disorga- fiction will break new ground, which nized persons on earth, completely will be processed by the other media. Str8, distractible. Yet, I’ve written 22 books, I believe that fiction remains the most Bi, and in the last 12 years I’ve written a ambitious account of how we live now, Curious? book a year, and I don’t use the com- and because it includes subjectivity, puter very much. I’m writing my new which movies and TV can’t, unless you novel by longhand, so it’s not like I use have voiceovers, but those never work the computer very much. Anyway, I’ve out. I mean, most of us live inside our always been broke, so I write partly for heads, and we’re constantly evaluating money. the situations around us, and we act, but not that much. ME: At least you’re in that great posi- If you consider that many movies are tion as a world-class writer, so that you about people with guns, while I don’t have more chances when giving a pro- think I’ve seen more than two guns posal for a book. Right? in my lifetime, most movies are about EW: Well, you’d be surprised. For something that doesn’t really happen “City Boy,” my regular editor at Harper- to ordinary people; and what does hap- Collins rejected it. And now I want to do pen to ordinary people, which is living a sequel to it, about Paris in the 1980s, in your head and processing your own which is actually the most sumptuous experience, does happen in fiction. So, period that I know of, when I worked if you’re interested in reality, and how for Vogue for eight years, at the height to understand it, fiction’s the place to of the fashion period. go. [Laughing] That’s my commercial for fiction. ME: It seems it was a lot smaller world among artists and writers then. Contact Michael Ehrhardt at More collegial? [email protected].

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■ IN THE NOH The Wild West 14 DAYS Dessay’s “Traviata,” the beauty of Taos, gay scenes in the Rockies 14 NIGHTS ᭤ AUG 1, from p.22 BY DAVID NOH set filled with different levels of gray boxes during her “Sempre New York; and “Song of the Seasons,” a t’s all about staycations, so libera” aria, often jumping from song cycle for voice, piano and cello com- when I heard that Natalie one to another in mid-note: missioned by the Smithsonian Institute. I Dessay was singing her very “Laurent created this because Nuyorican Poets Café, 236 E. Third first “Traviata” at the Santa Fe he knows me, that I like to St., btwn. Aves. B & C, 9 p.m. Admis- Opera on July 2, I was there in make it more exciting than sion is $15. The trio’s set is followed by a a heartbeat. The opera house usual. I’m not afraid of also jam session and open mic. Reservations itself was as impressive as I’d playing with my body a lot and are recommended at 212-465-3167 or imagined, set atop a view-com- welcome this challenge.” [email protected]. manding hill, and Dessay deliv- In the second act, Dessay ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯ ered one of the most thrillingly controversially wore men’s acted and sung Violettas I have clothes: “The idea is that I wear ever seen. “She’s the greatest the clothes of Alfredo, because actress in opera today,” I said at we are in total fusion, one per- SUN.AUG.2 the after-party and, of course, son, our love is so complete. NIGHTLIFE some aficionado had to top that And also, she’s not the courte- Singing Cops by declaring, “She’s the great- san anymore. She’s now a little The Gay Officers Action League and est actress –– period.” The first country girl leading a simple the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus join act was particularly electrify- life with her lover; the past is together this evening for a Sea Tea cruise ing, with director Laurent Pelly behind her and she doesn’t David Noh and Natalie Dessay, moments after her triumphant Violetta for Santa Fe Opera. on the Queen of Hearts, featuring chan- incorporating wild “Moulin want to have anything to do teuse Flotilla DeBarge and DJ Randy Bet- Rouge”-type shenanigans with with it anymore.” “I have two big projects: ‘Giu- now I’m loving my job. It was tis. Pier 40, Hudson River at Houston shrieking whores, and Dessay Dessay talked about perform- lio Cesare” with Pelly at Paris probably necessary. St., boat boards beginning at 6 p.m., being borne aloft by the cho- ing with her husband, Naouri: Opera, and ‘I Puritani’ at the “I worked a lot on my tech- leaves at 7:30 sharp, and returns at rus. Saimir Pirgu –– the hand- “That’s great because he’s a Met in 2014. Then a new ‘Travi- nique with new people and 10 p.m. Tickets are $22 at seatea.com or somest Alfredo ever –– and Des- wonderful singer and actor. ata’ in 2011 at Aix en Provence, learned how to use and be $27 at the dock, if available. say’s husband Laurent Naouri, We have a trust onstage –– you ‘La Sonnambula’ in Paris, and conscious of my head voice. I ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯ as Germont, lent strong voices know he will always be with you Musetta in ‘La Boheme’ this fall learned how to warm it differ- and support. and reacts, and he’s very care- in Vienna –– my first and I think ently and maybe how to be kind COMEDY Dessay told me, “I’ve waited ful. We know each other very last Puccini. ‘Tales of Hoffman’ with my voice and myself. That Gurls’ Night 20 years to sing this role. I didn’t well and love acting together, with Pelly in Barcelona and San means hard work but in a kind Both lady and lady-like comedians have the right voice for it before so maybe it’s easier than with Francisco in 2013, and ‘Manon’ way, not like a battle all the are on the ticket tonight at Brad Loekle’s –– I still don’t have it, but after someone you don’t know.” with Pelly in Paris, La Scala, and time, but more as a pleasure “Electro Shock Therapy Comedy Hour.” this I think it will be too late, so Dessay recounted her upcom- Toulouse –– voila! and a joy. I used to say that I Loekle welcomes tremendously Asian I didn’t have the choice. I make ing schedule, which left both of Dessay’s flourishing career came onstage as a warrior; now headliner Ali Wong, Mehran (a veteran the role my own, but I actually us breathless: “Next season at is particularly gratifying after I’m entering as a kid of five years of the LA Laugh Factory); Scott Ryan think Traviata needs a bigger the Met I’m doing ‘Hamlet,’ in the serious vocal trouble she’s old on the playground. It’s very (Here! TV’s “Hot Gay Comics”); and Lori voice. Since Maria Callas, we a production I first did in 1996 endured in the past: “That was different –– pleasure and con- Sommer (a Gotham Comedy Club regu- are used to hearing bigger voic- in Geneva. It’s a very beautiful horrible and the rehab was long centration.” lar). Therapy Bar, 348 W. 52nd St., 10 es. Before her, I know numbers production and I’m very happy and difficult. It took me twice A few years ago, Dessay told p.m. No cover charge and $6 cosmos of high coloratura sopranos did to meet again Simon Keenlyside eight months, and then two or me that she wanted to stop all night. it with less voice, but, since her, as Hamlet –– it’s a wonderful three years to recover my confi- singing and do other things, ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯ it is difficult for a high voice.” role for him. It will be my last dence. So for four or five years, and when I reminded her of Dessay’s Violetta is initially Ophelia, my farewell to the role. things were really difficult. But this, she said, “I always find a a bawdy grande cocotte, whose You know, when I say farewell, it was a very interesting journey way to do different things, like love for Alfredo totally trans- it’s interesting because it means and it changed my perspective straight theater or shows. I just WED.AUG.5 forms her, but she says this that a new role is coming. and way of doing my job. And did a show staged by Pelly in THEATER interpretation is really not her Toulouse with songs by Michel Black Queer own: “Actually it’s not mine, Legrand, and I had a big joy Protagonists but the approach of Laurent doing that even though I know Freedom Train Productions, founded in Pelly. I don’t have any per- that my normal voice is not that 2006 under the artistic direction of Andre sonal approach –– that’s why interesting. I’m not Barbra Stre- Lancaster, presents “Fire! New Play Fes- I like this production so much, isand or Judy Garland I know, tival 2009,” three weeks of political the- because it’s so original and it but I can make it interesting for ater by emerging playwrights featuring was designed for me by some- everybody. I loved singing ‘What black queer protagonists. In Derek Lee one who knows me very well. Are You Doing the Rest of Your McPhatter’s “Bring the Beat Back” (Aug. So I say that I give the director Life?,’ ‘The Summer Knows,’ 5 & 6), the beat is your last best hope for the material, and he’s the cos- ‘Yentl.’ I was lucky enough to salvation. In Ayanna Maia’s “Woman to tume designer, in a way, who meet Legrand and really like Woman” (Aug. 12 & 13) black women does what he wants with me. I him as a person. I went to his loving black women is a revolutionary first met Pelly in 1997 for Offen- country house, two hours from act. And in Patricia Ione Lloyd’s “Dirty bach’s ‘Orpheus in the Under- Paris, and he played for me. I Little Black Girls” (Aug. 19 & 20), rebel world,’ and it was a revelation, a was able to choose from among nannies put their Park Slope employers very funny production.” Dessay had to negotiate a The view of the Taos Pueblo from Mabel Dodge Luhan’s bedroom. ᭤ WILD WEST, continued on p.25 ᭤ AUG 5, continued on p.25 WWW.GAYCITYNEWS.COM 23 JUL – 5 AUG 2009 25

᭤ WILD WEST, from p.24 place in a private colonial club, ver Swim Club, and, for those he would have to stand in the who desire, JR’s, which like its 14 DAYS 50 wonderful songs!” back, as it was strictly “Whites namesakes in DC and Dallas, “Elixir of Love” was presented Only” in those days. (But it’s is basic ground zero for snotty on July 4, in a charming World okay to put brown-face on blonde yupsters. We took a tour of the War II-set production, directed boys and have them play Malay- Unsinkable Molly Brown’s house 14 NIGHTS by Stephen Lawless. As fire- sian plantation workers…?) –– an immersion in Victoriana ᭤ AUG 5, from p.25 works exploded in the night sky, A holiday weekend is maybe –– and learned that, far from the we thrilled to tenor Dimitri Pit- not the optimum time to visit rube she’s been portrayed as by on notice. All staged readers are at tas, who was born to play this Santa Fe, which was such a Thelma Ritter, Debbie Reynolds, 7:30 p.m., with a StoryCorps inter- part and has made it completely tourist trap that Georgia O’Keefe and Kathy Bates in those Titanic view with the playwright preceding his own, with his adorable stage must be spinning in her grave. I movies, she could actually speak each reading at 7. 138 S. Oxford St., presence and ardent voice. don’t really trust any town like five languages, enabling her to btwn. Hanson Pl. & Atlantic Ave., this, filled with gay people, that help fellow passengers who were Fort Greene, Brooklyn. For complete he biggest diva in Santa –– like Venice –– cannot boast a foreign seek financial assistance information, visit freedomtrainproduc- Fe, however, had to be single gay bar. We did manage after the disaster. tions.org/fire. designer Tom Ford, who to find one (with limited hours), Denver also boasts a wonder- ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯ T was doing the costumes for “The in of all places, RainbowVision, D.H. Lawrence’s grave, north of Taos, New ful magazine, Modern Drunkard Letter,” an operatic adaptation the first gay retirement commu- Mexico. (drunkard.com), the funniest, COMEDY of the Maugham piece by Paul nity in the country, an attractive most stylish rag I’ve read in an A Can’t-Miss Crew Moravec and Terry Teachout. layout of adobe condos with a Oil heiress who was one of the age, which celebrates the sim- Homo Comicus, New York’s long- Juicy tales abounded about him lovely restaurant, appropriately chicest women alive, became ple joys of getting hammered. running series of gay and gay-friendly like the communiqué he sent to called Garbo’s. And I was given enamored of Southwestern art It’s merely more proof that New laughmeisters, presents Jackie Hoff- the management when he saw a delightful brunch by design- when she first was brought to York does not hold the monopo- man (Broadway’s “Hairspray” and the size of some of the singers ing couple Gordon Micunis and Taos by costume designer Adri- ly on hipness. With the Internet “Xanadu” and the films “Kissing Jes- he was to outfit: “I am a design- Jay Kobrin in their spectacular an and his wife, Janet Gaynor, and all that tweet-face-space- sica Stein” and John Waters’ “A Dirty er, not a tentmaker,” to which hacienda, which is filled with after a disastrous love affair with pod technology, the entire coun- Shame”); author Bob Smith (the first management replied, “This is an amazing art and has hosted Clark Gable. She lived there, try is just as up on their anime- out gay comic on Jay Leno’s show);the opera house, not a catwalk.” To major Democratic fundraisers. collected art, designed jewelry, vintage-foodie-alterna obses- guitar-wielding Shayna Ferm; Joanne placate him, six of the comeliest, and campaigned for Indian sions as we are, and seemingly a Filan; Jackie Monahan (Logo’s “One young male chorus members e then took a road trip rights before her death, from an lot pleasanter and more relaxed Night Stand-Up”); bad boy Bob Mont- were first dispatched to him for through Taos, which enlarged heart, at 50, in 1952. about it all. The feeling was rein- gomery; and boy wonder Greg Walloch. their fittings and, when one of W was mellower, less In the Colorado Rocky Moun- forced in Albuquerque, with its Gotham Comedy Club, 208 W. 23rd them saw the sarong he had to developed, and more expres- tains, I realized once more that troves of flea market finds, great St., 8:30 p.m. There’s a $15 cover and wear, as a Malaysian plantation sive of its hippie roots. There, God is truly a gay man. Who else coffee hangouts, gay bar cen- a two-drink minimum. For reservations, worker, he commented, “Very we basked in the splendor of the could indefatigably create such tral Sidewinders, and Frontiers, call 212-367-9000. Marc Jacobs,” thereby setting B&B at Mabel Dodge Luhan’s exhausting amounts of visual a restaurant whose eminently ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯ off an extended tantrum on former home (once owned by beauty, with Mother Nature as local feel demands to be experi- Ford’s part to the effect of “No Dennis Hopper), saw D.H. Law- his stylist? Denver had a won- enced. such thing! Sarongs were in the rence’s poetic mountaintop derfully active gay scene, what Milan men’s shows going back gravesite and erotic drawings in with that bear utopia, Wrangler Contact David Noh at Inthe- FRI.AUG.7 to the ’80s, etc, etc.” the Hotel La Fonda, and went Bar (which leads the state in total [email protected] and check out his COMMUNITY One Korean singer was told to the exquisite Millicent Rogers beer consumption), naughty new blog at http://nohway. A Black LGBT that, in the scene which took Museum. Rogers, the Standard pleasures to be had at the Den- wordpress.com/. Celebration Pride In the City is a celebration for the lives and culture of black lesbian, ᭤ IN THE LOOP, from p.21 the Loop” accurately captures what disappointing so far, espe- Loop” captures the pernicious gay, transgendered, bisexual, and same a media climate in which poli- cially to the LGBT community, abstraction language can lend gender-loving individuals, this year on which four writers collabo- ticians’ most trivial comments it did succeed in making “hope” to the ugly business of war. hosted by National AIDS Education & rated. In addition to their work, are parsed for gems of wisdom and “change” resonate. Briefly, General Miller is the only char- Services for Minorities, Inc., a non-profit there’s a credit for “additional and significance. Simon sees his it made idealism hip. acter with a direct connection community-based organization that dialogue.” The actors also did a off-the-cuff remark “on the road By contrast, “In the Loop” is to the battlefield, and even he began its work in Atlanta in 1990. This great deal of improvisation. In to peace, Britain must climb the more fascinated by figures like admits it’s been 15 years since year’s events include: an opening red its flaunting of profanity — all of mountain of conflict” turned Karl Rove than Barack Obama. he saw combat. Earlier this carpet reception at Langston, 1073 it eloquent and extremely well- into a readymade slogan, used This doubtlessly stems at least year, the Canadian film “Ponty- Atlantic Ave. at Franklin Ave., Aug. 7, written — as a badge of edgi- to justify war and even incor- partly from the sense of stasis pool” offered the scenario of a 7-11 p.m.; the official Pride in the City ness, it couldn’t feel more tied porated into artwork. In Ameri- currently plaguing the Brit- virus triggered by the English Party, Secrets, 525 W. 29th St., Aug. 7, to the present, but in the way ca’s current climate, Iannucci’s ish political scene. Iannucci language, particularly its clichés 11 p.m.-4 a.m.; Family Day in the Park, its characters flirt and, far more resolute cynicism about politics describes this impasse very about love. Without the same Prospect Park near Bartel-Pritchard often, shred each other to pieces may feel slightly out of date, well, but his film also succumbs philosophical backbone, “In Circle, Prospect Park W. at 15th St., with language alone, it evokes although it’s an attitude that’s to it. Entertaining as it is, it feels the Loop” too suggests that lan- Park Slope, Aug. 8, 1-7:30 p.m.; and the the great screwball comedies of in no danger of disappearing driven toward pessimism, if not guage can be a malevolent con- annual surf party at Jacob Riis Beach, Preston Sturges. any time soon. If the Obama defeatism. tagion. One laughs and cringes at Gateway National Recreation A friend observed that “In administration has been some- At its sharpest, “In the at it simultaneously. Area, Rockaway, Queens, Aug. 9. The Family Day in the Park includes lunch, DJ, dancing, poets, book readings, vendors, ᭤ GHOSTED, from p.15 but she never brings her charac- be their way of adding depth that Treut shot “Ghosted” on digi- and rapid HIV tests. For complete infor- ter to life. It’s hard to appreciate doesn’t otherwise exist to their tal video, and though the film mation, visit naesmonline.org/. are just uninteresting and what her lovers see in her. Both underwritten parts. But their does have some striking imag- the performances by the trio Han-Ru Ke and Ting Ting Hu efforts only go so far. “Ghosted” ery, too much of it lacks a coher- of actresses are equally soul- are attractive and engaging, in treats its issues superficially, ent style. The visuals often are gaycity less. Inga Busch, who looks a ways that suggest there is more never quite providing viewers no more gripping than the thin bit like Sandra Bernhard, has going on with their characters with clues to the mysteries being plot. “Ghosted,” disappointingly, news.com a formidable screen presence, that perhaps there is. This may solved. is a wisp of a film. 26 23 JUL – 5 AUG 2009 WWW.GAYCITYNEWS.COM

᭤ BRIEFS, from p.16 writing in Newsweek, “In the slow- noted, “The Supreme Court has National Center for Lesbian Rights Worth’s Rainbow Lounge that left change of address for the Eagle’s moving train crash of international repeatedly held that the right to marry filed a motion to intervene in the Bois- a 26-year-old patron, Chad Gibson, liquor license. They pledged to re- of gay bishops and then by allow- Anglicanism, a decision taken in the person you love is so fundamental Olson lawsuit. with a serious head injury, amidst open as soon as possible. ing, though not requiring, individual California has finally brought a large that states cannot abridge it.” So far, the American Foundation charges of police brutality from a churches to bless lesbian and gay coach off the rails altogether.” The Coming down squarely in the for Equal Rights, the group the two galvanized LGBT community there. Mormon unions. The Convention approved move to resume consecration of gay debate over whether being gay is a attorneys represent, has been cool The unidentified TABC supervisor Temple Kiss-Ins a commission for establishing such and lesbian bishops in the US, he choice or innate, Bois wrote, “The to the efforts by the mainline gay with direct oversight of the enforce- Continue rites. wrote, “marks a clear break with the sexual orientation of gays and les- litigation groups to intervene. Chad ment action has announced his For the second straight Sunday, The Episcopal Church in 2006 rest of the Anglican Communion.” bians is as much a God-given char- Griffin, the group’s chair, immediately retirement, Steen told the newspa- roughly 100 gay folks and their allies had put off any further consecrations acteristic as the color of their skin or responded to their motion in a letter per. “I have good policy in place, I turned out on July 19 for a mass gay, of gay bishops in the face of fiery Bush v. Gore the sexual orientation of their straight to them, writing, “Given our willing- have good training in place, and I lesbian, and straight kiss-in outside opposition to the elevation of New Foe Press brothers and sisters. It is also a con- ness to collaborate with you, and your have good supervision in place to the Mormon Temple in Salt Lake Hampshire Bishop Gene Robinson Forward on Gay dition that, like race, has historically efforts to undercut this case, we were ensure that things like this don’t City to protest the July 9 arrest of by conservative forces within the Marriage been subject to abusive and often surprised and disappointed when happen,” said Steen, as he formally two gay men for kissing on a plaza worldwide Anglican Communion, In a high profile op-ed in the Wall violent discrimination. It is precisely we became aware of your desire to apologized for the incident. owned by the Church of Jesus Christ particularly in Africa, but also in the Street Journal, attorney David Boies, where a minority’s basic human rights intervene. You have unrelentingly and The Voice reported that an of Latter-Day Saints. The July 19 US. Some conservative bishops here who represented Al Gore before the are abridged that our Constitution’s unequivocally acted to undermine overflow crowd attended the July protest spawned a shouting match established a rump Anglican Church US Supreme Court in the disputed promise of due process and equal this case even before it was filed… 14 evening meeting of the Fort between the kissers and some near- in North America to challenge the 2000 election case, explained why he protection is most vital.” Your strident criticism of our suit has Worth City Council to express their by Mormons, the Associated Press dominant Episcopal Church, and and his Bush v. Gore opponent, Ted Gay litigation groups initially been constant.” AFER will oppose the outrage over the Rainbow Lounge reported. There were no arrests, several African leaders had broken Olson, are mounting a federal legal voiced opposition to the Bois-Olson Lambda-ACLU-NCLR motion. raid. Council members assured the despite the fact that the action took altogether from the Anglican Com- challenge to California’s Proposition effort, based on their longstanding LGBT community that it would thor- place near the spot where Matt munion headed by Rowan Williams, 8. “The argument in favor of Proposi- view that the current federal judiciary Dallas-Fort oughly investigate the incident, but Aune and his partner, Derek Jones, the archbishop of Canterbury. Wil- tion 8 ultimately comes down to no would not be receptive to the sorts Worth Bar said that would take time and that say they had shared a modest kiss liams, once viewed as a gay rights more than the tautological assertion of claims they are making, and that Update patience would be required. prior to being arrested. Mormon champion, had pressured the Ameri- that a marriage is between a man more progress can be made at the Recent raids on two gay bars in Meanwhile, in nearby Dallas, Church officials contend that the can Church to desist from elevating and a woman,” Bois wrote. “But a state level, where there are now six the Dallas-Forth Worth metropolitan the grand re-opening of the 16-year- men engaged in lewd behavior. gay bishops, and Robinson was slogan is not a substitute for constitu- victories in hand. However, on July area have both authorities and the old Eagle bar in a new location on According to the police report on excluded from a recent gathering of tional analysis. Law is about justice, 8 —reflecting the views voiced this owners of one of the clubs acknowl- July 10 was marred by a raid, also the July 9 incident, the gay couple bishops called by Williams in Can- not bumper stickers.” week in the Huffington Post by Uni- edging responsibility. In an exclusive by agents from the TABC as well as sat down on the plaza to share a kiss terbury. Bois opened by saying, “This is versity of Pennsylvania Law Professor July 15 interview with the Dallas city police. The three co-owners of and were approached by Church Bishop Nicholas T. Wright of not a Republican or Democratic issue, Tobias Wolff that the “die has been Voice, Alan Steen, the administra- the bar, which the Voice said caters security guards who told them to Durham, England, considered an not a liberal or conservative issue, but cast. Now, it is time for an all-hands- tor of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage to Dallas’ leather, Levi, and bear leave because their conduct was influential voice in the worldwide an issue of enforcing our Constitu- on-deck approach to this important Commission, said there were “clear enthusiasts, took full responsibility “unwanted.” When police arrived, Anglican Church, reacted harshly to tion’s guarantee of equal protection effort — Lambda Legal, the Ameri- violations” of his agency’s policies in for the incident, acknowledging that the two men were handcuffed and the Episcopal actions of last week, and due process to all citizens. He can Civil Liberties Union, and the a June 28 early morning raid on Fort they had failed to file the necessary Aune was pinned to the ground.

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