- page-- Out Singer Attempts to Rally Gay Troops Story on page 18 November 09, 2007 VOLUME V, NUMBER 14 5th Annual Equality Maryland Jazz Brunch By Kedrick Keys Equality Maryland hosted its 5th Annual Jazz Brunch with silent auction on October 28 at the Sheraton Baltimore City Center Hotel. Congressman John Lewis, a champion of the civil rights movement, delivered the keynote address. Congressman Lewis, who represents most of Atlanta as the representative of Georgia’s 5th District, risked his life and liberty in the cause of equality during the March on Washington in 1963 and the Selma-to-Montgomery Marches in 1965. Four decades later, Congressman Lewis is still blazing the trails for equality for all people. Congressman Lewis caught a red eye flight from Los Angeles in order to attend the Jazz Brunch honoring Victor Basile. Congressman Lewis was a 2007 Matthew Shepard Foundation HONORS recipient in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 27 hosted by Alison Sweeney and Peter Paige. The award honored those committed to erasing hate. Other HONORS recipients included U.S. Senators Edward Kennedy and Gordon Smith; U.S. Representatives Tammy Baldwin and Christopher Shays; U.S. Representative See Equality Maryland Jazz Brunch on page 4 Transgender Pastor Obama Campaign Showcases Antigay Retains Parish Gospel Singer, Alienates Gays By Bob Roehr Drew Phoenix, a transgender man, can remain pastor of St. John’s of Baltimore City United Methodist Church the United Methodist Church’s high court Senator Barack Obama’s presidential campaign announced Tuesday, Oct. 30. No law in the church’s has stirred great discontent within the GLBT community Book of Discipline prohibits transgender clergy. by giving a forum to an award-winning gospel singer Therefore, Phoenix cannot be removed from ministry and minister known for his antigay rhetoric. The series without “administrative or judicial” action. Phoenix of gaffs has continued to echo within that community, transitioned from female to male with surgery and though the mainstream press has been slow to report hormone treatments about 16 months ago. or understand its significance. The controversy stemmed from a request for a The growing firestorm kicked off on October name change by Phoenix court documents outlined, 20 when Earl Ofari Hutchinson wrote online in The “During the 2007 clergy session of the Baltimore- Huffington Post, “Barack Obama ripped a page straight Washington Annual Conference, a change of name from the Bush campaign playbook with his announced for a clergyperson was reported in response to Minute upcoming three date barnstorm tour through South Question 91. Minute Question 91 states, “What other Carolina with notorious gay basher, gospel singer personal notations should be made? (Include such Donnie McClurkin,” See Transgender Pastor on page 13 See Antigay Gospel Singer on page 10 2 BALTIMORE OUTLOUD November 09, 2007 baltimoreoutloud.com Mike Chase Publisher [email protected] Steet TalkBy Nate Sweeney Jim Becker Steet Talk Editor [email protected] GOBBLE GOBBLE! Alexander St. John Society Editor Baltimore OUTloud wants to know [email protected] what you are most thankful Steve Charing Senior Political Correspondent Bill at Port In The Storm: I’m most thankful for for this year? my lover Joe. I’ve had a rough year and my baby Kedrick Keys has stood by me through everything. Staff Writer Contributing Writers Chuck Duncan, Meredith Moise, Rodney Burger, Ben Ryland, Gregg Shapiro, Nate Sweeney, Bob Roehr, Eva Hersh, MD, Jeffrey Clagett, P S Lorio, Rickie Green, Doug Ireland Mary Taylor Sales Coordinator [email protected] Rivendell Media National Advertising Rep 908-232-2021 Jay Loane Classified Advertising Erica at Port In The Storm: I’m thankful for my Bonnie at Port In The Storm: I’m thankful that Jenny at Port In The Storm: I’m thankful for health because I just spent a day in the ER. I can say that “I’m Thankful”. my children. Everything about them is special. Photographers Skip Koritzer Harry Lowinger Ramon Montiel Art Director [email protected] Baltimore OUTloud P.O. Box 3640 Baltimore, MD 21214 410-244-6780 410-244-6783 - fax www.baltimoreoutloud.com Baltimore OUTloud is published every other Friday by Pride Media, Ltd. in Baltimore, Maryland. Readers’ comments and unsolic- ited materials are welcomed and may be sent John at Port In The Storm: I’m thankful for Tony Bradley at Port In The Storm: True friends who Sandie at Port In The Storm: That I still have a to: [email protected]. All sub- the truck driver. are true friends. job & that Port runs bar tabs. missions must include the writers name and the author’s daytime phone number. ������������� Pride Media offices are clothing optional and are lo- cated at 1003 N. Charles Street in downtown Baltimore. Publication of names, photographs or likenesses of any person should not be considered an expression of their sexual orientation. All materials appearing in this newspaper are the prop- erty of Pride Media, Ltd. and may not be reproduced with- out the written permission of the editor. Pride Media does not assume any responsiblity of advertisers or the actions of its readers. Copyrighted 2007 - All Rights Reserved ride pmedia Jim Becker - Chairman of the Board Lee Mooney - Vice President Pam & Lori at Port In The Storm: We’re Rose at Port In The Storm: I’m thankful for my Charles at Port In The Storm: I’m thankful for thankful for each other and our kids. children. the friends and life I have. baltimoreoutloud.com November 09, 2007 BALTIMORE OUTLOUD 3 AIRS to Host World Equality Maryland Town AIDS Day Service Hall Meeting AIDS Interfaith Residential Services (AIRS), Providence By Kedrick Keys State University last week to opening Baptist Church, and Central up satellite office location at Hearts and Presbyterian Church will host Equality Maryland (EQMD) held its Ears to the post-decision rally to the Jazz an interfaith service at Central Town Hall Meeting on Monday, Nov.5 at brunch to the two candidate forums in Presbyterian Church, 7308 York First and Franklin Presbyterian Church September at Unite Here to the massive road, on Saturday, Dec. 1. Ministry in Baltimore to discuss the future work EQMD PAC did on Fred Mason’s exhibit tables will be on display of the state’s largest lgbt civil rights campaign to our work electing pro-LGBT from 1:30-3 pm with a service to group, including their goals of securing candidates to the General Assembly from follow from 3 pm-5 pm. This will be an important service bridging congregations from all races for the purpose of HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. Learn what these forward-thinking churches are doing to advance their HIV/AIDS ministries. Hear powerful stories of transformation from invited guest speakers who are living with HIV/ AIDS. This interfaith service is designed to inspire and uplift the spirits and to effect positive social change in our community. For more information, please contact AIR’s Tony Johnson, Faith in Action Volunteer Coordinator, at 410-576- 5070 x35. Lynda Dee Attorney At Law marriage protections for all Maryland Baltimore to house parties to the PAC Serving the Gay Community Since 1981 families, gaining healthcare benefits fundraisers to the numerous speaking for the partners of state employees, engagements staff holds at universities, and ending discrimination on the basis high schools, churches, synagogues, • Criminal of gender identity and expression. This etc.,” Furmansky told Outloud. was the first Town Hall meeting held in “Equality Maryland has a standing • Traffic Baltimore since February of 2006. legislative committee which consists of • DWI Executive Director Dan Furmansky LGBT legislators, straight legislators, and Director of Policy and Planning policy professionals, lobbyists, allied • MVA Hearings Carrie Evans discussed what the 2008 organizational partners ranging from legislative session will entail, how they Chase Brexton and Whitman Walker to • Estate Planning plan to move forward with The Religious Progressive Maryland and HRC, as well • Wills Freedom and Marriage Protection as staff and board of Equality Maryland. Act, and how EQMD members will be The legislative committee makes • Powers of Attorney an integral part of this process. There recommendations to the organization’s were approximately thirty community Board of Directors. EQMD will • Personal Injury members in attendance. Concerns advocate for marriage equality as we • Automobile Accidents ranged from EQMD having a greater have done for the last four years and presence in Baltimore to focusing on are excited to really begin this dialogue • Worker’s Compensation other lgbt legislation other than marriage proactively in the General Assembly to focusing more on lgbt youth and and know we will be successful, with • Domestic Partnership Transgender People of Color. the understanding that almost no bills • Agreements “I understand people saying that pass the first time around. At the same we should do more in Baltimore but time, the organization is wholeheartedly • Family Law and Divorce appreciate when it’s mentioned with the committed to making as many gains as things we have done in Baltimore, which possible for same-sex couples and their 201 N. Charles Street, Suite 2300 • Baltimore, MD • 21201 ranges from the Maryland Black Family families and will proactively advocate in Offi ce: 410-332-1170 • Fax: 410-837-0288 Alliance press conference at Morgan ways that will accomplish this goal.” [email protected] • www.lyndadeelaw.com 4 BALTIMORE OUTLOUD November 09, 2007 baltimoreoutloud.com Equality Maryland Jazz Brunch Continued from page 1 her plan to introduce the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection John Lewis; singer Cyndi Lauper and Act in the upcoming state legislative her openly gay sister Elen Lauper; and session; Maryland Attorney General Terry DeCrescenzo of GLASS Youth Douglas Gansler, and tributes from and Family Services.