Nightlife Gay: 12/26/10

Friday, January 7, 2011

Save the Date: March 26, 2011

Governor Rendell calls 60 Minutes "Simpletons" over casinos

Pennsylvania's Governor Rendell was on 60 Minutes to talk about the role of casinos and raising tax revenue in the state. Lesley Stahl, who was conducting the interview, wanted to know the impact on gambling addicts. Rendell explained gambling addicts already had easy access to New Jersey's casinos. Therefore, Pennsylvania legislators thought is would be better to keep the tax revenue and jobs in the state instead of letting New Jersey reap all the benefits. Stahl didn't seem to get it which caused this....

Lady Gaga inspired camera sunglasses

Lady Gaga attending the Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas where she unveiled the sunglasses and a mobile printer. Check it out.

Adam goes naked

Adam Levine, from Maroon 5, went naked to raise awareness about testicular cancer. The photo was taken for the February 2011 issue of Cosmopolitan UK.

“I spend most of my life naked,” Adam says. “In fact, I often have to be told by the people around me that it’s inappropriate to be as naked as I am. But I live in California, where it’s always warm, so why not?”

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Johnny Weir on Sex and Marriage

Johnny Weir is set to release his new book called Welcome to My World. In it Weir comes clean about liking gay sex but says he would still marry a women....sex and relationships are very different according to Weir.

Gates outlines DADT repeal

McCain gets on board with DADT repeal

John McCain has finally seen the light when it comes to implementing the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Below is a statement by McCain on the subject.

"I think I have to do everything I can to make sure that the important moral, retention, recruitment, and battle effectiveness of the military is minimized as much as possible," McCain said on Fox Business. "It is a law and I have to do whatever I can to help the men and women who are serving particularly in combat cope with this new situation. I will do everything I can to make it work."

NJ's Christie signs the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie today signed the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights, which enacts a new paradigm in America to counter school bullying and provides a template for anti-bullying laws in other U.S. states. The bill passed both houses of the New Jersey legislature on November 22, 2010 – by 73 to 1 in the Assembly and 30 to 0 in the Senate.

Though New Jersey and 44 other states have had anti-bullying laws, experts say those laws have been based on a vague, loophole-riddled model that gives vast discretion to local school districts to do whatever they want or don’t want, and have lacked teeth to work in the real world. The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights corrects that problem with a sweeping overhaul of New Jersey's current anti-bullying law, enacted in 2002.

“We are grateful to the prime sponsors, Assemblywomen Valerie Vainieri Huttle and Mary Pat Angelini, and Senators Barbara Buono, Diane Allen and Loretta Weinberg, for their leadership that brought Democrats and Republicans together rapidly,” said Steven Goldstein, chair of Garden State Equality. The overwhelmingly bipartisan support for this landmark legislation will give impetus to other states across America, whether they are blue or red, to adopt anti-bullying laws just like ours.

Congratulations D. Tinnin on winning Robyn Tickets

D. Tinnin won the 1st set of ticket to see Robyn at the Electric Factory on February 3rd. For you chance to win a pair click here.

Neil Patrick Harris People's and Gays Favorite

Neil Patrick Harris won the People's Choice Award last night for Favorite TV Comedy Actor. Before Neil got out of his seat he kissed his partner and thanked him on stage.

Tastykakes For Sale??

Philadelphia's iconic Tasty Baking, bakers of Tastykakes, has hit hard times. The company's new baking facility has not produced the savings the company had hoped and now may have forced the company to merge or even sell.

Tasty Baking Co. President Charles Pizzi says "unanticipated operational challenges" related to its new bakery in Philadelphia has lowered projected savings for the fourth quarter of 2010 by $3 million.

Shares in the company declined yesterday by 36% to $2.43.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Equality Forum moves SundayOut back to The Piazza

As posted earlier, Equality Forum's SundayOut festival was originally slated for Penn's Landing in 2011. The move from The Piazza to Penn's Landing caused some hard feelings with Philly Pride which produces Philadelphia's Pride Day celebration at Penn's Landing. Philly Pride felt it would cause confusion with the LGBT community to have two similar events at the same venue only a month apart. To show their frustration, Philly Pride planned on hosting a free Gayborhood block party during the same hours that Equality Forum produced its SundayOut festival.

After much debate there is some good news! Equality Forum has agreed to move its SundayOut festival back to The Piazza for 2011. As of this writing, Philly Pride still has the Gayborhood Block party on its website but will cancel it once a signed agreement between Equality Forum and The Piazza is produced.

Chick-fil-A Tweets it will review PFI sponsorship

Yesterday, I posted about Chick-fil-A sponsoring two anti-gay programs by the Pennsylvania Family Institute. Well, Chick-fil-A Tweeted the above message due to overwhelming disgust by bloggers all over the country.

The Pennsylvania Family Institute removed Chick-fil-A as a sponsor from their website but still lists Chick-fil-A as providing a Saturday lunch to the group.

Nightlifegay.com Presents..."On the Gaydar" from the Philly Weekly

If you haven't had a chance to read our monthly column in the Philadelphia Weekly, this is a great time to start. In the Weekly's first edition of each month, we preview the top social events happening in gay Philadelphia. Though we're barely into the New Year, things are already heating up in the City of Brotherly Love - and "On the Gaydar" has the inside scoop. This month, we preview Blue Ball Weekend and the Black Banana Anniversary Party at Voyeur, as well as new events at Tavern on Camac and Tabu Lounge! Click here to read the online version, or pick one up at newsstands and PW honor boxes around the city!!

Philly's 12th Air Command Out in 2011

Philadelphia's 12th Air Command bar is in for some big changes in 2011. Darryl Depiano is the new owner and plans to renovate and reinvigorate the Philadelphia establishment. I caught up to Darryl and asked him a few questions.

1. Did you grow up in Philadelphia? If not, where did you live and how did you make your way to Philadelphia?
No, I did not grow up in Philadelphia, I am born and raised in Toms River/Seaside Heights NJ. Which is considered North Jersey around here, LOL . But my Family and I had always had businesses in the North Jersey area from Monmouth County to NYC, so I was basically a NNJ / NY boy up until I ventured down to Wildwood and bought the old QV nightclub in 1997. I then renovated and changed the name and style of that club and while doing so I met some great guys, that I ventured into a number of different businesses with in the Philadelphia area and that's how I have ended up in the Philly market.

2. Why did you get into the bar business and have you owed any bars in Philadelphia or elsewhere before?
My Family had been in the nightclub, bar and restaurant business all of my life, so, it was kinda breed into me. I worked in the industry since I was 16, doing basically every position from barback/ bartender, general manager, up to owner. I have been involved in a number of nightclubs and bars in both an operating sense or investing capacity. The last club that I had owned out right and operated on my own was The Nile nightclub in Wildwood from 1998-2005. I was a partial owner of Chrome--now Roxxy on Delaware ave in Philly. I have been involved in buying old run down clubs and revamp/remodel/re-name/ re-market them into a NEW Energy!!

3. Why were you interested in 12th Air and when did you official take it over?

I had visited 12th Air Command about 6 years ago as a patron right when I was finishing with the Nile Nightclub. I thought the club was in such a great building and had a great layout which could definitely be something awesome in the Gayborhood. I didn't inquire about it till my boyfriend was an employee there in the beginning of 2010 and he told me that his boss was interested in selling. We started research and talks with the owner (Richard McPeake) sometime in March of this past year. We officially finished the deal and went to closing on November 10th.

4. What are your plans for the business?

We have already closed the 3rd Floor (Sky Lounge) and deck areas and have started remodeling them. We are just about finished with that floor and will continue to work our way down. The Second floor (dance floor level) was officially close on January 2nd. We are currently on schedule with renovations and hopefully will stay that way. If all continues on schedule, we should have the 2nd level finished by the end of January and then we will move on to the first floor - at which time 12th Air Command will officially be DONE!! This will be multi-level club that will be fresh and new which will offer something different to enjoy on each level.

5. Will you close for renovations? If so, when will it reopen?

As I outlined in my answer above, we will continue to down size and will open for operations through the month of January (First Floor Only) but as planned -- February we will close completely. We will completely remodel the first floor for the new club!! We are presently shooting for a February 26th or March 5th Grand Opening!! Lets just hope the crew stays on schedule!

6. Will the name change?
YES THE NAME IS GOING TO CHANGE!! One thing I continue to state to everyone, when me and my team approached this venture and did our research, we definitely weren't looking at keeping 12th Air the same or anything similar. As I have come to understand, 12th Air has been around for sometime now, and has seen it's good days as well as it's bad. It is time for something NEW and FRESH to come to the Gayborhood. Something which will offer a new experience to everyone. We envision a completely NEW club - one not at all associated with the era of 12th Air Command.

7. Will it remain gay?

Yes, it will continue to be a gay venue - our clientele will still be the LGBT Community.

We have set-up a new Facebook page so everyone can stay up to date on the progress of the renovations and we will start to update our friends on the status of the name change and our plans for Grand Opening.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Navy Captain Released After Video Scandal

Though many believed that U.S. Navy Captain Owen Honors would be reprimanded following the release of several offensive videos in which he uses anti-gay slurs and lewd shower scenes, few thought he'd get canned - but that's exactly what happened earlier today! Military personnel interviewed about the scandal had mixed reactions about the seriousness of his actions - with a very small handful speaking out in support of the former Captain. What do you think about his firing?

No More Chikin from Chick-fil-A

No More Chikin! Chick-fil-A, the religous based fast food company, is partnering with the anti-gay Pennsylvania Family Institute(PFI). PFI is working hard to try and pass a constitutional amendment in Pennsylvania banning same-sex marriage. On February 11-12, 2011, Pennsylvania Family Institute & Chick-fil-A are sponsoring 2 conferences happening in the South-Central Pennsylvania region:

In Harrisburg/Camp Hill: Christian Life Assembly - 2645 Lisburn Rd.
In Reading: Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church - 1110 Snyder Rd.
Ad:

American Airlines dropped by Expedia

Black Banana Reunion

Former staff of Philadelphia's famous Black Banana Nightclub will hold a reunion party on January 16th at Voyeur Nightclub.

The Black Banana was located at 3rd and Race and was known as the most decadent after-hours nightclub in town. It opened in the 1970s, but hit its stride in the 80s and early 90s.

The Black Banana suffered fire in 1991, and its owner Garrick Melmeck passed away soon thereafter. Kirk Beckman assumed management of the rebuilt Black Banana until 1998 when the club closed for good.

The folks at Voyeur Nightclub are gearing up for their 2nd Annual Black Banana Anniversary Party on Sunday, January 16th at 10 pm. If you ever enjoyed The Black Banana during its heyday, this party is a must.

Pennsylvania Progressive Summit Awards

Keystone Progress will be awarding seven individuals and organizations awards who have led the fight to build a permanent progressive majority in Pennsylvania. The winners will be recognize at the PA Progressive Awards Dinner that is a part of the PA Progressive Summit on January 22 at the Sheraton Station Square in Pittsburgh.

The winners are:

The Anna Burger Lifetime Achievement Award – Anne Feeney Anne is being honored for a lifetime of commitment to the progressive movement. Anne is a musician, attorney and union organizer. She is a triple threat who has mobilized untold numbers of activists in her decades of work

Progressive Activist of the Year – Roxanne Pauline As an unpaid volunteer Roxie has led the fight for healthcare reform and to expose the dangers of drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale region.

Progressive Organization of the Year – PA Learners Online Education Association PALOEA PSEA/NEA is the first organized cyber-charter school in Pennsylvania and possibly in the nation.

Young Progressive Award – Jason Goodman Jason, a full-time student at Penn, is the Youth Coordinator for EqualityPA, where he facilitates the Student Network Across Pennsylvania. Additionally, this year, Jason was the driving force behind the successful campaign in Lower Merion Township to pass an LGBT inclusive nondiscrimination ordinance.

Grassroots – SEIU Healthcare PA for its Express Scripts campaign Bucks County area workers organized a successful nationwide campaign to save 400 local, good paying jobs against a concerted corporate campign.

Coalition Building Award – Pittsburgh United Pittsburgh UNITED is a unique neighborhood-based coalition that works on local, state and national issues. They work to advance social and economic justice in the Pittsburgh region by working to ensure that working families and low and moderate-income communities are able to share in the prosperity that is generated by economic growth and development.

Video of the Year Awarded to individual or organization for best progressive video of 2010. This category gets decided by our subscribers who can vote online. The nominees are:
"Chickens" by Rene Calvo of Carbon for Change
"Republican Woman" by Jasiri X
"Stand for Me" by Joe Hoeffel 2010
"Tom Corbett Insults Pennsylvania" by Dan Onorato 2010
"What's Tom Corbett Hiding?" by Keystone Progress

You can view the videos and vote for them at: http://keystoneprogress.pnstate.org/site/PageNavigator/PASummitAwards2011 Voting closes on the evening of January 22.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Gay Coming Out Stories Becoming Familiar Territory on Teen Dramas

Check out this wonderfully insightful editorial from the L.A. Times, which documents the increasing frequency with which mainstream television shows are including "coming OUT" stories as a primary part of their plots. The shows discussed in this article include GLEE!, 90210, Pretty Little Liars, Gossip Girl, and Degrassi. What do you think about this phenomenon? Are the portrayals we see on teen dramas accurate? Is this type of mainstream media exposure helpful for gay youth struggling to come out of the closet?

Newsweek Editor Stirs Up Hollywood Drama Again

Ramin Setoodeh, the openly gay Newsweek editor who first made waves in April 2010 when he said that gay actors are not capable of convincingly playing straight characters, is back in the spotlight. In a new blog post, Setoodeh asserts that Hollywood systematically shuts openly gay actors "out of the studio system." Setoodeh says "straight actors get the roles, and everybody talks about how brave they are." He cites Annette Bening and Julianne Moore in The Kids Are All Right and Jim Carreyand Ewan McGregor in I Love You Phillip Morris as two of the latest examples. "Movies need to attract the broadest possible audience, and filmmakers worry that if they cast a gay person as a romantic lead, audiences will be too grossed out," he says. Though some would argue this phenomenon is attributable to the fact that no openly gay actors are on the Hollywood A-List, Setoodeh says that America is still prejudiced against LGBT individuals, all but forcing Hollywood studios to exclude openly gay actors from their major productions. Where do you come down on this issue???

Navy's Raunchy Video Series Exposed

The Virginian Pilot broke a Navy video scandal in which Navy Captain Owen Honor produced a series of objectionable (and anti-gay) videos which were shown to over 6,000 sailors. Below is one such video....Check it out.

The Navy released this statement on the videos:

The videos created onboard USS Enterprise in 2006-2007 and written about in The Virginian-Pilot article on Saturday, January 1, 2011, are clearly inappropriate. Production of videos, like the ones produced four to five years ago on USS Enterprise and now being written about in The Virginian-Pilot, were not acceptable then and are not acceptable in today's Navy. The Navy does not endorse or condone these kinds of actions. Those in command, Commanding Officers, Executive Officers, and Command Master Chiefs (the command triad) are charged to lead by example and are held accountable for setting the proper tone and upholding the standards of honor, courage and commitment that we expect Sailors to exemplify. U.S. Fleet Forces Command has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the production of these videos.