A Gay New Time

The buzz around last week's Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.

by Mary F. Patel

Awhole lot of gay parties and events took place surrounding last week's 13th annual Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. A posh party was held July 18 at XIX atop the Park Hyatt Bellevue to honor screen legend Farley Granger. The tribute to the openly gay film icon commanded an eclectic mix of guests.

Larry Farnese, an attorney at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney who is running against state Rep. Babette Josephs next year, arrived with Renee Gilinger and her husband, Michael Marsico. Gilinger, the former director of Liberty PA, is the campaign manager for City Councilman Frank DiCicco. DiCicco beat Democratic primary opponent Vernon Anastasio in May and faces Republican Michael Seidenberg in the November general election.

SAY CHEESE: Marsico, Gilinger and Farnese Hugh E. Dillon (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

Although still assisting DiCicco, Gilinger is turning her attentions to Farnese's campaign; Gilinger's part-time position with his campaign will turn full time after November. Farnese last ran unsuccessfully against Josephs last year in the Democratic primary, losing by about 200 votes. Along with Marsico, Gilinger was co-chair of Liberty City Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club, so it is interesting to see her supporting Farnese rather than Josephs, who has long been a staunch supporter of gay and lesbian rights.

"I'm sure I will be asked that question a lot. There is no doubt she has been a supporter," said Gilinger, who noted she is looking at the bigger overall picture for representation in the 182nd District. "I look at younger legislators like Mike Gerber and Josh Shapiro and what a difference they make."

"I am thrilled!" said Farnese of Gilinger's position. "She knows the district and her support is significant."

Still, Josephs has been a House member since 1984 and is hard to beat. This was proven when Andrew Hohns — remember him? — ran twice against her and lost. In fact, Josephs has never had to raise much money. But, her foe will, so Friends of Farnese hosted a fundraiser last month aboard the Moshulu at Penn's Landing; it was attended by Councilman Jim Kenney, Philadelphia Gay News publisher Mark Segal and 8th Ward committeepeople. Gilinger said Farnese has about $40,000 on hand.

Many who attended the Granger party then floated off to the next gig: a fundraiser hosted by the LGBT community for Democratic mayoral candidate Michael Nutter. Billed as a "major LGBT donor event" a substantial amount of supporters showed up, including gay Republicans, such as Peter Salometo, and some straights. Donations went for $250 a pop or a $1,000 check that allowed contributors to get up close and personal with Nutter.

Guests complained about how hot and steamy it was at the party, which was held inside the penthouse of the Ayer condominium. About 50 people attended, and members of the host committee included: John Alchin, Mark Blecher and Lary Aasheim, James Bryson, Mel Heifetz, Arthur Kaplan and Duane Perry, Richard Keaveney, Malcolm Lazin, Richard Lee, Ray Murray, Kevin Ray, Marty Sellers and Michael Weiss.

Nutter said that despite the perception that his election is in the bag, it's actually far from over and that the community should put aside political differences — as in whom they supported in the primary — and come together. Nutter's GOP opponent is Al Taubenberger.

Meanwhile, Nutter has assembled an interesting group of finance chairs that includes Jerry Batoff, Joe Manko, Leslie Ann Miller, Michael Pearson, Dan Neducsin and Dr. Harold Yaffe, aka the "celebrity" dentist.

In other gay news, former Log Cabin Republican state chair Jesse Walters and partner David Traupman have moved to Florida. The couple is renting a condo near Biscayne Bay in North Bay Village, a small city with a population of under 10,000. Walters reports that he is considering running for mayor.

Walters, who clung to his belief that he belonged to the Abraham Lincoln Republicans and not the George W. Bush party, made headlines in 2004 when he gave up his position as a national delegate because of Bush's position against same-sex marriage.

(rcpatel@aol.com)