Just Like a Mayor

Sure, Michael Nutter is gay-friendly. But does he have a favorite Maddy song?

by Ryan Creed

Michael Nutter's policy for the LGBTQ community is characteristically thoughtful and progressive. The Democratic mayoral nominee actively supports same-sex marriage legislation and enforcement of the Fair Practices Ordinance, as well as promising that all government services will be culturally sensitive and free of discrimination. But policy aside, how gay-friendly is Michael Nutter?

In anticipation of this Sunday's Pride Parade and Festival at which Nutter is scheduled to appear (visit www.phillypride.org for a full schedule), I checked in with the notably straight and narrow candidate to see if he secretly buys Kiehl's products, watches Project Runway, and clips Martha Stewart Living recipes. It turns out that he really is straight and narrow, which is disappointing, but probably better for Philadelphia in the long run.

Michael Nutter: I think the most important issue for all Philadelphians is the issue of safety. For the LGBT, safety will be an issue, as well. ... I think the main issue that I proposed on was to make sure that all Philadelphians are acting in a tolerant fashion that will accept no discrimination against anyone, and that members of the LGBT community can continue to be productive and functioning members of society.

CP: But what can the mayor's office do to get a Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale's in Center City?

MN: I think if we had a retail strategy overall, we could possibly get one of those flagship stores to come to Philadelphia.

CP: Do you ever go shopping for clothes in Center City?

MN: Every now and then, but I don't get many chances to shop.

CP: What was the first piece of clothing that you spent too much money on?

MN: Probably some sneakers. I always wanted to own a pair of Chuck Taylor sneakers. I'm sure they were slightly overpriced, but I paid for them myself.

CP: What piece of clothing can you not live without?

MN: Generally my pants; I tend not to travel too much without my pants.

CP: That's probably a good thing. Have you been to any of the Gayborhood bars?

MN: I've been to Woody's and I've been to Bump.

CP: Did you go dancing to Madonna songs or order any of the fancy cocktails?

MN: No, I pretty much did what I do in any other bar, which is I get some food and something to drink and that's probably the end of it.

CP: What is your favorite Madonna song?

MN: [Pause] Not one in particular. I like much of her earlier stuff, but I haven't followed too closely lately.

CP: What about "Material Girl"?

MN: Wasn't "Like a Virgin" out then? I always found that song interesting.

CP: Do you watch reality TV shows after a day of campaigning?

MN: I haven't really seen any TV in a while. I've been campaigning in the unreal world. That's definitely all the reality that I need.

CP: Do you at least have time for a Broad-way musical?

MN: I haven't been to any Broadway recently, but I did walk down Broad Street not too long ago. I've been to some shows in the past, but nothing I can recall. Sometimes it's a struggle with some of the shows just trying to stay awake.

CP: Have you been following the tabloid coverage of Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan?

MN: Their social lives are much too busy to keep track of. I generally just look if their names are mentioned to see if they're still alive.

CP: So do you think Paris should go to jail?

MN: Sounds like she's headed for the slammer.

(Editor's note: Hilton turned herself in on Sunday night and will serve three weeks for parole violation.)

CP: Will we be seeing you at the Pride Festival?

MN: I expect to be out for many of the activities. I'm really looking forward to it.

(r_creed@citypaper.net)

Pride Parade and Festival, Sun., June 10, noon - 6 p.m., starting at 13th and Locusts sts. and finishing at the festival site at Penn's Landing. Festival will feature comedian Brett Butler, emcee Henri David, DJ Maria V, June Bromley, Miss Philly Gay Pride Sierra Spaulding and others.