FIGHT staffer says cabbie discriminated
Mark Seaman, development director at local HIV/AIDS service organization Philadelphia FIGHT, filed a complaint with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations Jan. 4 contending that a local cab driver violated the city’s nondiscrimination law, which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation in public accommodations.
Seaman’s boyfriend, Daniel, met him at the airport shortly after midnight Dec. 30 after Seaman returned from spending the holidays with his family in Florida. The pair entered the first cab in the queue, which was from PHL Taxi, but were told to get out moments later.
“I had my arm around Daniel and the cab driver looked in the rearview mirror and said, ‘You can’t do that in here,’” Seaman said. “And I said, ‘What is it that we’re doing that’s bothering you?’ and he said, ‘We don’t need to talk about it, I’m just going to let you out.’”
Seaman said the driver pulled the cab over at the next taxi stand and, after the two got out, drove away with the passenger door still open.
Seaman was able to copy down the cab number and included that in his complaint to PCHR, as well as in a complaint filed with the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
Rue Landau, PCHR executive director, said the case has been docketed and an investigator has been assigned to it. She said the opposing party will be served with the complaint shortly.
New Hope fundraiser for local resident
The Nevermore Hotel, 6426 Lower York Road in New Hope, will host “Friends Helping Friends,” a fundraiser to benefit Hugh Roman, a longtime area resident who has leukemia, at 9 p.m. Jan. 23.
The event will feature live entertainment by Miss Pumpkin, a live and silent auction and a raffle that includes a grand-prize package of a night’s stay at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City and two tickets to “Wicked.”
Raffle tickets are on sale now at AKA Salon, 6610 Lower York Road.
Dance party for LGBT elders in NYC
Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders will host a Women’s Dance from 3:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at Opera, 264 W. 47th St. in New York City, to raise funds for the agency.
Singles, couples and groups are welcome at the dance, which is held three times a year and will feature music by DJ NancyB and a raffle with cash and other prizes.
Tickets are $25 at the door or $20 in advance, and can be purchased at the SAGE office, 208 W. 13th St., Room 207, or by calling (212) 741-2247.
— Jen Colletta