Police officer admits to having sex with man
Philadelphia Police Officer Michael Paige has admitted to engaging in consensual sex with another man while on duty, according to a court document filed by his attorney last week — a stark contrast to his earlier denials in court.
James Harris contends that Paige forced him to perform oral sex on him five years ago in a secluded area of Fairmount Park.
In June, a federal jury sided with Harris, ruling that Paige violated his civil rights — and awarding Harris $165,000 in civil damages.
Paige is appealing that verdict in the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals.
Last week, Paige’s attorney, Brian M. Puricelli, filed a document with the court in which Paige admitted to having sex with Harris.
“Mr. Paige while employed as a police officer has a sexual encounter with Harris,” the Aug. 22 document states. “The issue is whether the encounter was purely private and not [conduct] under color of state law.”
The document appears to contradict Paige’s trial testimony, in which he stated that he didn’t have sex with Harris during the encounter.
Puricelli couldn’t be reached for comment.
Brian F. Humble, an attorney for Harris, called the document “just another frivolous filing.”
“My client was abducted by Officer Paige and orally raped by him multiple times,” Humble told PGN. “There’s absolutely no evidence whatsoever in the trial transcript of a consensual sexual encounter [between Paige and Harris].”
Paige was dismissed from the police force shortly after the alleged incident.
But he was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing in 2008.
The following year, he was reinstated to the force after an independent arbitrator reduced his discipline from dismissal to a 30-day suspension.
— Tim Cwiek
Dem Watch Party at Woody’s
LGBT for Obama will bring together local out and ally Democrats to watch the Democratic National Convention next week.
The Watch Party will be held from 7-10 p.m. Sept. 6 at Woody’s, 202 S. 13th St.
The convention will take on special significance this year as the Democratic Party is expected to become the first major party ever to endorse same-sex marriage.
The event is free, and light refreshments will be served.
Dine for youth center
Philadelphia blogger Josh Schonewolf will host a dinner party this weekend to raise funds for an LGBT youth agency.
“Josh’s Dinner Party” will be held 8:30 p.m. Aug. 31 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. Tickets are $20, and all proceeds will be donated to The Ali Forney Center, a New York City-based agency that serves LGBT homeless youth.
The event will feature food, drinks, music by DJ Carl Michaels, prizes and drag performances.
Schonewolf’s “Josh Can’t Cook” (joshcantcook.com) is a food blog written with a twist of humor and describing the blogger’s wealth of mishaps in the kitchen.
However, Schonewolf won’t be slaving over the stove for the party: The food will be prepared by chef Lisa Ransing.
For more information, email [email protected].
Checks can be sent directly to The Ali Forney Center, c/o Andre Ottley, 224 W. 35th St., 15th floor, New York City, NY 10001.
Delco gay group launches
A new social and support group will begin meeting next week in Delaware County.
Delco Dudes will host its inaugural meeting from 7-9 p.m. Sept. 5 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, 145 W. Rose Tree Road, Media.
The group is designed for gay men but is open to all those over 18. Delco Dudes will meet the first Wednesday of every month.
For more information, email [email protected].
— Jen Colletta