Justice calls for review of Porngate
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Debra McCloskey Todd recently urged two state boards to review “Porngate,” a scandal involving judges and attorneys who exchanged homophobic, transphobic, racist and misogynistic emails.
Todd said the state Judicial Conduct Board, which investigates judges, and the state Disciplinary Board, which investigates attorneys, should initiate reviews of the scandal.
Neither board had a comment for this report.
Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane uncovered about 1 million emails pertaining to the scandal and recently hired an outside attorney to lead a comprehensive probe of them.
Former state Rep. Babette Josephs lauded Todd’s call for independent reviews.
“I congratulate Justice Todd for her clear-sighted and correct statements,” Josephs said. “People in public office who enjoy viewing sexist, racist and homophobic porn on their government-owned computers have violated the public trust in a most serious way. Judges, justices and prosecutors who waste their time and the public’s money ought to be rooted out and fired.”
Discovery dispute settled in sex-abuse case
A discovery dispute has been settled in the case of Rhonda Miller, who claims her son was sexually abused by a former counselor at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Germantown.
Miller claims that Percy Outland inappropriately touched her son during a field trip to the Kimmel Center last May.
Outland allegedly followed the 12-year-old boy into a restroom at the center and attempted to have sexual contact with him.
The Boys & Girls Clubs asked Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge John M. Younge to order Miller to produce documents and provide answers to questions pertaining to the matter.
Attorneys for Miller recently agreed to provide the requested materials. On March 30, Younge issued an order reflecting the agreement, said Raheem S. Watson, an attorney for Miller.
Outland, 40, is charged with simple assault, unlawful contact with a minor and related offenses. He remains free pending the outcome of a trial, which hasn’t been scheduled.
Miller is seeking more than $5 million in damages, according to court records.
Passover seder at WW Center
An LGBTQ community Passover seder will be held 6 p.m. April 27 at the William Way LGBT Center, 1315 Spruce St.
The event is sponsored by J.Proud, a consortium of 30 local Jewish organizations.
The seder is a ceremonial kosher dinner that includes vegetarian/vegan options, wine and dessert. A service will be led by Rabbi Isabel de Koninck.
J.Proud is a program of the Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Greater Philadelphia.
“The LGBTQ community Passover seder brings together diverse LGBTQ and allied communities to connect, celebrate and enjoy good food and conversation with old and new friends,” said Phoenix Schneider, manager of J.Proud. “Come out and join the fun on April 27.”
Tickets are $30 per person, or $18 for students and seniors and $10 for those under 18.
For financial assistance, contact Schneider at [email protected].
— Timothy Cwiek
HIV/AIDS advocates recognized
Seven people will be recognized at the Wow Awards April 15 for their “tremendous contribution to the HIV/AIDS service community.”
The event takes place from 6:30-11 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel, 1612 N. DuPont Highway in New Castle, Del. An after-party runs until 2 a.m. The event has a 1970s disco theme. Guests will have a buffet dinner, along with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
Tickets cost $125 and the money supports services provided by the Delaware HIV Consortium. Guests can also take advantage of a special price to stay overnight at the Clarion with breakfast included. The cost is $109.
Awardees include Ronald Johnson of AIDS United, Karen Kane of Highmark BCBS, Sister Christa Rowe of House of Joseph II, Sal Seeley of CAMP Rehoboth, Walgreens registered pharmacists Lisa Skedzielewski and Lucy Somers and Christiana Care nurse practitioner Chris Zebley.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.delawarehiv.org.
Dance party to benefit Mazzoni Center
The second-annual ChariTdance will take place April 16 on the second floor of Tabu, 200 S. 12th St.
The illuminated dance party featuring house music, called Spring Fever, starts at 10 p.m. with a cocktail hour. The dance floor opens at 11 p.m.
It costs $10 to attend and half of the proceeds go to the Mazzoni Center. Drink specials include $5 for Absolut Redbulls and Jack and $3 for Miller Lite.
For more information, search “ChariTdance presents: Spring Fever” on Facebook.
PCOM hosts first trans symposium for health professionals
The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine is hosting a transgender medicine symposium for health-care professionals. It’s the first time the college has focused a continuing medical education program on transgender issues.
The symposium runs from 7:45 a.m.-6 p.m. April 16 at the Valley Forge Casino Resort, 1160 First Ave., Upper Merion Township. It covers topics from puberty-blocking hormonal therapy and surgery for trans men and women to ethical delivery of services. There will also be a panel discussion on the role of primary-care providers working with transgender people.
It costs $250 for physicians; $150 for physician assistants, psychologists and therapists; and $100 for nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers and other health-care professionals. PCOM fellows, residents and students pay $25. All other fellows, residents and students pay $50.
The symposium is run in partnership with the Pennsylvania Medical Society.
For more information or to register, contact Linda Miller, the CME coordinator at PCOM, at 215-871-6348 or [email protected].
Swing dance fundraiser supports Planned Parenthood
Young Advocates of Philadelphia invite folks to “Swing into Spring” with their annual fundraiser for Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
The event takes place 7 p.m. April 16 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. Tickets cost $25 for students, $30 for individuals or $50 for a pair. At the door, entrance is $35.
The fundraiser has a swing-dance theme with music from the 1950s and contemporary hits. It will feature an instructor from Philly Dance Fitness and Ballroom Bliss. There will also be a photo booth and light refreshments.
Dr. Timaree Schmit, a sexologist who runs the website Sex with Timaree, plans to attend and talk with the guests.
For more information, search “Young Advocates Annual Fundraiser: Swing into Spring!” on Facebook.
— Paige Cooperstein