OUT March 25, 2011 | Volume IX Issue 22 Marriage Alan Mingo, Jr. Equality Bill Dead in 2011 More Than Shrek’s Lovable Donkey Controversial gender- identity bill still up in the air By Deborah J. Draisin some confusion in that A lan Mingo, Jr. Television maven Alan Mingo, Jr. debuted on department or if he was credit: DreamWorks A nnapolis – The Civil Marriage the small screen as in an episode of Fraser, just trying to appear Theatricals (Joan Marcus) Protection Act was recommitted to but may be best known for his turn as Reggie mysterious “You know,” committee by a voice vote in the House on Law and Order. A Broadway veteran with he chuckles “They sort of Delegates on March 11. Proponents impressive turns in key roles in such high- of pull whatever they were not able to muster sufficient sup- profile plays asRent! Hairspray and The Lion can off the Internet port to pass the measure in a floor King, Alan Mingo, Jr. is currently touring the (they didn’t pull much!) vote. The bill had passed the Senate country as Donkey in Shrek: The Musical. but at least they got that 25-21 in a vote taken February 24. The Maryland Distinguished Scholar has right.” Seventy-one votes were need- been in the biz since ’96 and is no strang- With a ten year ed to pass in the House, which had er to complex costuming (he also played gap in between stints been viewed by many political observ- Sebastian in The Little Mermaid.) as Tom Collins and ers as the easier of the two chambers He was nice enough to spare Baltimore Seaweed, has Alan no- to pass the measure. If that had been OUTloud a few moments of his time in be- ticed a change between done, the measure would have gone tween shows, and we were extremely grate- then and now as to how to the Governor for signature, making ful that he chose to answer his phone on his key LGBT roles are be- Maryland the sixth state besides DC to only day off. He pointed out that we were ing received as we allow same sex marriage. lucky his phone worked at all, because some push toward more pro- While the Republican caucus cities had all the reception of an empty mine gressive thinking in our held firm in the opposition, several shaft. society? Democratic lawmakers, such as Del. I alerted him to the fact that his New York “I don’t know if Tiffany Alston (D-Prince George’s) Times bio currently reads, simply, “Male.” they’re changing, but I dropped her support, claiming her “That’s seriously all it says?” he cracks up feel like in some ways constituents were opposed. Though “I’m gonna have to get someone get on that!” we’re stepping back- an up-and-down vote was not taken, I inquired as to whether there had been —continued on page 19 Alston could have been the difference maker. “While we are disappointed the House did not vote to pass marriage equality today, we are confident we will H ate Beating Leads to New Tolerance Website win in the future,” Morgan Meneses- R ichard Byt S eve Charing As he returned from the room to the ele- Sheets, executive director of Equality Tso Richard Tso, vice president of market- vator Tso noticed the elevator door remained Maryland said in a statement. “With ing for the technology company Spigit, had open and he heard a man shouting into the so much at stake today for thousands just finished addressing the annual eTail callbox. Not suspecting it was the same man of Maryland families, we are thankful Conference—an Internet marketing and re- who called him “fag” earlier, he entered. Then that our legislative allies have taken tail summit—at the Baltimore Hilton on he recognized the man who had followed him such care with this vote. It is best to de- August 10, 2010. Tso, 30, was heading to up to his floor. By holding the door open, no lay this historic vote until we are abso- the 14th floor of the West Pratt Street hotel other elevators would stop on the 14th floor. lutely sure we have the votes to win. We to drop off his laptop and return downstairs Tso immediately left the elevator, but the look forward to working strategically with to confer with clients. man followed him and once again called him our amazing allies in the legislature, and As he past the elevators, he heard a man a “faggot.” He started punching Tso in the our supporters across the state, to con- mutter “fag.” Tso, a resident of Seattle, pro- face repeatedly. “I asked him why he was tinue to build support for, and win, mar- ceeded to enter the elevator trying to ignore doing this, that he didn’t know me” Tso told riage equality in the Free State.” the comment. Since the other man had a Baltimore OUTloud. “I pleaded with him to —continued on page 3 clear indication of alcohol on his breath, Tso stop, but he kept on punching. I continued believed that was the best course of action. —continued on page 3 MD Marriage Mess: Looking Back to Move Forward

Every football coach in America towards acceptance of same- organizations and House leadership for os- scrutinizes the video of the pre- OUT sex marriage. tensibly advocating sending the bill back to vious game to identify errors in • We have a supportive committee without a vote; the lack of activ- Co-Publishers strategy and execution. They Spoken governor, if not aggressively ism on the part of the larger gay and lesbi- Jim Becker • Jim Williams [email protected] learn from these mistakes so so, who pledged to sign mar- an community; and the influence of religious that they can implement the riage equality legislation. organizations and pastors that had an im- Executive Editor Jim Becker necessary changes and go out • We had eight LGBT pact on some freshman and even veteran [email protected] and win the next game. members in the legislature – delegates. Managing Editor In the case of the failed one of, if not the highest total Equality Maryland, in particular, became Steve Charing Civil Marriage Protection Act in the U.S. an easy target, mainly because their visibil- [email protected] during the 2011 Maryland • The construction of ity during these struggles. Community mem- Production Director General Assembly, it was not the critical Senate Judicial bers demanded an explanation of the recom- Bill Andriette a game. But it merited a re- Proceedings Committee had mitment to committee tactic, and such an Sales Director view of the action nonetheless. for the first time a number of elucidation had not yet been made public. Mary Taylor Thousands of gay and lesbian Steve Charing supporters that would likely Suspicion mounted that the decision [email protected] couples throughout the state move the bill to the floor for was made to prevent a clear defeat, which Leather Columnist were denied the rights, benefits debate and vote. would impact the marriage efforts in Rhode Rodney Burger and responsibilities that opposite sex cou- • Even Senate President Mike Miller, an Island in New York and that the national Contributing Writers ples receive because there were insufficient opponent of same-sex marriage, announced groups – Gill Foundation, HRC and Freedom Josh Aterovis • Shawn Bradley • Terrence Brower • Jeffrey votes in the House of Delegates to push the he would vote against a potential filibuster. to Marry—dictated the strategy. Moreover, Clagett • Jeffrey Clouser • Chuck Duncan • Deborah Draisin • Gerry Fisher • Eva Hersh MD • Marty Hoegg • Sam Kunz • Dana legislation to the Governor’s desk. • The committee sent the bill to the there was a good bit of controversy sur- LaRocca • Jessica Lemmo • Jay Loane • Meredith Moise • Vann Instead, a voice vote to recommit the Senate, and it sailed through with- rounding Equality Maryland’s re- Mills • Bill Palmer • David Placher • Sandy Rawls • Colin Riley • bill to committee without an actual floor vote out much fuss. A one-time oppo- moval of Facebook posts that Gregg Shapiro • Larry Walker took place. This was the decision by the bill’s nent to marriage equality, Sen. were critical to the organization’s Graphics proponents and House leadership. It pre- James Brochin, switched sides af- strategy and decision. Carol Baker vented a certain defeat on the floor but left ter hearing disgusting testimony But before the wolves cir- Cartoonist the community in the dark as to who support- from the opposition. cle and devour their prey, keep in Bruce Garrett (www.brucegarrett.com) ed us and who were against us. The hopes • Then Republican Minority mind that marriage equality nev- Photographers of these couples ended abruptly with a thud. Leader, Sen. Allan H. Kittleman, er advanced this far before in Bruce Garrett • Skip Koritzer • Justin Nixon

Accordingly, there was not just heart- courageously sacrificed his posi- Maryland. There was a deficit of Web Editor break, but also bitter disappointment and tion to support marriage equality. only a few votes that prevented it Anja Saine palpable anger. Fingers were pointed at all • Several “celebrations” were from becoming a reality. Equality [email protected] parties involved. While the targets of the held by Equality Maryland after Maryland cannot be responsible Managed Web Services The Fusio Group blame game are understandably upset over the Senate passage that led many for that shortfall; they, like every- 866-322-7498, www.thefusiogroup.com the recriminations, many in the community in the community to believe a House victory one else, were blindsided by the backtracking National Advertising Rep who were stunned by this legislative maneu- was attainable, if not expected. of positions, especially from bill co-sponsors. Rivendell Media ver were equally distressed. • The House was widely considered the To be sure, there were some missteps 908-232-2021

All involved in this debacle are looking less conservative of the two chambers. along the way. Equality Maryland needs to Founders at the footage—not simply to point fingers • The villainous National Organization acknowledge them publicly, and we need to Jim Becker • Joe Berg • Mike Chase • but hopefully to make some changes in the for Marriage with their $1 million dollar war move on. We have seen the film and now we Lee Mooney (1959-2007) • Jim Williams game plan. chest to reward Democrats opposing the leg- must devise a game plan for the future. For Maryland’s gay and lesbian commu- islation saw the inevitability of the measure The problem is there is no guarantee Baltimore OUTloud nity there was enormous, unprecedented being passed and began gearing up for the that the bill will see the light of day next year. P.O. Box 3640, Baltimore, Maryland 21214 410-244-6780 sanguinity heading into this horrible day on likely referendum battle ahead. Legislators are loath to take on controversial www.baltimoreoutloud.com March 11. The reasons for the optimism were • Despite the shenanigans from wa- matters two years in a row. House Speaker numerous: vering delegates on the House Judiciary Michael Busch promised to bring it up next Additional Information • We have heard and read the repeated Committee, the bill moved to the floor with session, but that’s where the bill will origi- Baltimore OUTloud is published every other Friday by Pride mantra that we are on the cusp of marriage the help of the anti- marriage equality com- nate. The Senate will only act on it if it pass- Media, Ltd. in Baltimore, Maryland. Readers comments and equality. mittee chairman. es the House. unsolicited materials are welcomed and may be sent to: editor@ baltimoreoutloud.com. All materials appearing in this newspaper • Attorney General Douglas Gansler is- Yes, the stars were aligned, and Maryland If the bill does not advance next year, are the property of Pride Media, Ltd. and may not be reproduced sued a landmark opinion last year suggest- was poised to be the sixth state and D.C. to we can forget it until 2015 because of elec- without the written permission of the editor. ing that the state should recognize the val- legalize marriage for same-sex couples. And tion politics. And if a referendum occurs, any id same-sex nuptials conducted in other the entire country was watching. chance of marriage equality would not take jurisdictions. But the horror of March 11 left a bitter place until 2016—five years down the road. • Just over a year ago, Washington D.C. taste in all of our mouths. Equality Maryland, So it behooves all of us to file the footage legalized marriages for same-sex couples, the state’s principal LGBT civil rights orga- of this loss and start a game plan for 2012. which sent a message (one would hope) nization who took on the fight, received its In the next issue I will present my ideas for © 2011 – All rights reserved to all elected officials in Maryland that cru- fair share of flak. Others included: fickle leg- how we can achieve marriage equality once Chair of the Board of Trustees – Jim Becker cial dollars involved in the wedding industry islators who had signed up as co-sponsors and for all. t President – Jim Williams would be leaving the state. but backtracked; Gov. O’Malley for not being Steve Charing’s OUTspoken blog is at Secretary and Treasurer – Mike Chase • Recent polls had shown a positive trend proactive and effective; outside LGBT rights www.SteveCharing.blogspot.com.

2 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com ne ws // LOCAL

Hate Beating Leads to Marriage Equality Bill Amidst the disappointment some re- nomics. It is about understanding the hu- New Tolerance Website Dead in 2011 mained optimistic. “All of us fighting to win manity of our people. This is what makes – continued from front page – continued from front page in Maryland, local leaders and national part- America strong. Practice an act of tolerance ners alike, are within just a few votes of today and every day, only then will you real- The Civil Marriage Protection Act, had fi- bringing the House in line with the Senate, to scream for help trying to knock on other ize that we are all more similar than we are nally made its way to the floor for debate fol- Governor, and a majority of Marylanders, guests’ doors, but no one answered.” The different.” TAP also encourages people to lowing its drama-filled consideration by the and should focus on doing just that,” Evan man, whom Tso described as taller and big- exercise, back equality for all Americans and House Judiciary Committee whereby the Wolfson, founder and president of Freedom ger than him perhaps of mixed Indian and to support the country’s economy by pur- measure barely passed by a 12-10 vote. to Marry told Baltimore OUTloud. “We need- Caucasian descent in his late 20’s or early chasing American-made products. Several lawmakers who were co-spon- ed a little more time to make the case and 30’s, appeared intoxicated. On March 22, TAP America announced sors were hesitant to vote for the bill for vary- lock in the votes, and should push to get that During the scuffle, Tso grabbed the at- a campaign to promote tolerance in America ing reasons but one such co-sponsor, Del. done as soon as possible.” tacker’s glasses. “He said the man offered to through education. “TAPamerica.org now Tiffany Alston (D-Prince George’s) had de- let me go if I returned them but I threw them contains resources to give people the tools cided to vote against the measure saying, Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination Act down the hallway.” Tso eventually escaped necessary to learn about different cultures, “For my constituents, no.” And Jill Carter The other important piece of legislation is to the 12th floor (one floor below) when he races and ways of life through meeting new (D-Baltimore), in a stunning display of games- The Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination Act met up with hotel security, and ultimately people, reading books and watching evoc- manship, eventually voted for it after being ex- (HB 235) whose hearing took place in the Baltimore City Police responded to the call ative movies.” As part of their pledge, TAP coriated by angry pro-marriage equality activ- House Health and Government Operations by security. Baltimore Police spokesman America encourages people to practice an ists and constituents for holding up the vote. Committee, also on March 9. Det. Donnie Moses confirmed the report with act of tolerance each week and this, accord- Another former co-sponsor, Melvin Opposition to the bill that would protect Baltimore OUTloud. ing to the organization, comes at a time when Stukes (D-Baltimore) dropped his support transgender individuals on the basis of em- Tso was left with several contusions on it is much needed within America. when he just realized the bill was not about ployment, housing and credit does not only his face, black eyes, swollen lips, scratches, A 2009 annual Department of Justice re- civil unions. Despite that curious explana- stem from social conservatives who tradition- a torn contact lens and ringing in his ears. port on Hate Crime indicates, 48.4% of hate tion, Stukes had been a co-sponsor the pre- ally oppose LGBT rights but also from some The attacker, Ajit Kapur, 30, from New crimes were motivated by racial bias, fol- vious three years. in the transgender community. These trans- York City, was arrested and released on lowed by religious bias (19.7%) and sexual The bill required the “yes” vote from com- gender individuals strongly believe that a bill $150,000 bail. He has been charged with orientation bias (18.5%). Also, 55.7% of all mittee chairman Del. Joseph F. Vallario, Jr. that omits public accommodations protec- second degree assault and a hate crime. sexual orientation bias was directed against (D- Prince George’s), a firm opponent of tions is too weak. They contend that discrim- Kapur has a prior conviction for assault. The gay males. same-sex marriage in order to save it. He ination in public accommodations is a major jury trial has been postponed from March 16 “These figures are indeed startling but wanted it to advance to the 141-member problem that should have been addressed. to May 11 in Baltimore Circuit Court. we also must remember that these numbers chamber for whatever reason. A group called Trans Maryland took it upon Tso saw this experience as an opportu- are under-representative of hate crimes in Prior to the beginning of the debate on themselves to rally in front of the Supreme nity to promote tolerance. He became exec- America because only one-third of victims March 9, we learned that another legislator, Court on March 15 to protest the legislation. utive vice-president of TAP America (www. report hate crimes to the authorities,” Tso ex- Del. Peter Murphy (D-Charles County), a di- “Transsexual and transgender people should tapamerica.org), a non-profit organization plains. “While it takes courage to stand-up vorced father of two who also has two grand- represent themselves, not gay and lesbian or- founded by philanthropist Mark Bloome, and admit you were a victim, our main mis- children, came out as gay. His family and col- ganizations,” Jenna Fischetti, the group’s me- dedicated to strengthen America through sion with this tolerance campaign is to pre- leagues have known for years, according to dia director, said in a statement. “We are tak- Tolerance, Americanism and Patriotism vent these violent acts from occurring in the a report in the Washington ing back our voice.” (TAP). “Tolerance is patriotic,” says Tso. By first place by educating people about our dif- Blade. This brings the total to Proponents of HB reaching out to patriotic Americans, the con- ferences and highlighting what unites us as eight openly gay legislators— 235, such as Equality cept of tolerance can be communicated to a a collective.” seven of them in the House. Maryland and other broader population. The attack on Richard Tso last summer The debate on the floor transgender rights ac- On a TAP America blog, Tso writes, in a Baltimore hotel helped to galvanize this included four hostile amend- tivists, contend that se- “Tolerance is all about respecting someone cause. But taking nothing for granted, Tso is ments that attempted to kill curing job and hous- based on character rather than race, gender, now enrolled in self-defense classes to pro- or weaken the measure, but ing protections is most sexual identity, religion, politics, and eco- tect himself. t they failed. The full vote was important and that the expected to take place af- public accommoda- ter our deadline. The Senate tions component will passed the measure 25-21, be attempted follow- and the Governor pledged ing this year’s General to sign it if approved by the Assembly. If the public legislature. accommodations provi- Undaunted by threats sion had been added to from NOM and others, there the bill, they contend the were passionate and mov- entire measure would ing speeches by support- be in jeopardy. At this ers including gay fresh- point, the bill is expect- man Democratic legislators ed to be voted in com- Luke Clippinger and Mary mittee by the end of the Washington of Baltimore but month, and its fate is un- to no avail. known. t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 3 4 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com PLUS You can Card save up to $ You can Day 365 Off ! save up to $ 50 $ I have saved 1800 on KALETRA Plus 100Off ! my KALETRA regimen Other HIV Medications

You can save on KALETRA PLUS your other HIV medications now!* Get a KALETRA PLUS Card. * Eligibility restrictions apply. See card for details. Medication coverage must be part of your KALETRA-based regimen. • Ask your doctor • Call 1-877-220-3829 or • Visit PositivePartnershipProgram.com

Use KALETRA Safety Considerations KALETRA is a prescription anti-HIV-1 medicine Do not take KALETRA if you are allergic to any of its called a protease inhibitor that contains lopinavir ingredients, including lopinavir or ritonavir. Do not take and ritonavir. KALETRA is used with other KALETRA with certain medicines, as they can cause serious anti-HIV-1 medicines to increase the chance problems, death, or make KALETRA less effective against HIV. of treatment response in people with human Some patients taking KALETRA can develop inflammation immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection. It is of the pancreas and liver problems, which can cause death. not known if KALETRA is safe and effective in Patients may develop changes in heart rhythm, large increases children under 14 days old. in triglycerides and cholesterol, diabetes, high blood sugar, KALETRA does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS changes in body fat, and/or increased bleeding in people with and does not stop you from passing HIV-1 to hemophilia. Some patients may develop signs and symptoms others. You may still get opportunistic infections of serious infections they already have after starting anti-HIV or other conditions that happen with HIV-1. medicines. Please see Brief Summary for more details.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088). If you cannot afford your medication, contact: www.pparx.org or call the toll-free number (1-888-4PPA-NOW) or (1-888-477-2669) for assistance. For additional information about KALETRA, call 1-866-KALETRA (1-866-525-3872) or visit KALETRA.com.

Please see Brief Summary on adjacent pages.

Model is for illustrative purposes only. Edh^i^kZ PARTNERSHIP ©2010 Abbott Laboratories Abbott Park, IL 60064 039-451315 October 2010 Printed in U.S.A. Egd\gVb

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 5 LQGG 30 DO NOT RE-SIZE Ad unit Project # must match this project # 039-451315

® CONSUMER BRIEF SUMMARY KALETRA (kuh-LEE-tra) CONSULT PACKAGE INSERT FOR (lopinavir/ritonavir) Tablets FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION KALETRA® (kuh-LEE-tra) (lopinavir/ritonavir) Oral Solution

Read the Medication Guide that comes with KALETRA before you start taking it and each time you get a refi ll. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or Patient Information treatment. You and your doctor should talk about your treatment with KALETRA before you start taking it and at regular check-ups. You should stay under your doctor’s care when taking KALETRA.

What is the most important information I • Do not take KALETRA if you have an allergy to Medicines you should not take with KALETRA. KALETRA or any of its ingredients, including ritonavir should know about KALETRA? Serious problems or death can happen if you take and lopinavir. KALETRA may cause serious side effects, these medicines with KALETRA: including: What should I tell my doctor before • ergot containing medicines, including: • Interactions with other medicines. It is taking KALETRA? ° ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot®, Migergot, Ergomar, important to know the medicines that should Ergostat, Medihaler Ergotamine, Wigraine, KALETRA may not be right for you. Tell your doctor not be taken with KALETRA. Read the section Wigrettes) about all your medical conditions, including if you: ® “What should I tell my doctor before taking ° dihydroergotamine mesylate (D.H.E. 45 , Embolex, • have any heart problems, including if you have a ® KALETRA?” Migranal ) condition called Congenital Long QT Syndrome. • Changes in your heart rhythm and the electrical ergonovine, ergonovine and methylergonovine • have liver problems, including Hepatitis B or ° activity of your heart. These changes may be (Ergotrate, Methergine), ergotamine and Hepatitis C. seen on an EKG (electrocardiogram) and can lead to methylergonovine • have diabetes. serious heart problems. Your risk for these problems Ergotrate Maleate, methylergonovine maleate • have hemophilia. People who take KALETRA may ° may be higher if you: (Methergine) have increased bleeding. ® already have a history of abnormal heart rhythm or • triazolam (Halcion ), midazolam hydrochloride oral ° • have low potassium in your blood. other types of heart disease. syrup • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not ® take other medicines that can affect your heart • pimozide (Orap ) ° known if KALETRA will harm your unborn baby. Birth rhythm while you take KALETRA. • the cholesterol lowering medicines lovastatin control pills or patches may not work as well while ® ® Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these (Mevacor ) or simvastatin (Zocor ) you take KALETRA. To prevent pregnancy while taking ® symptoms while taking KALETRA: • sildenafi l (Revatio ) only when used for the KALETRA, women who take birth control pills or use treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. (See • dizziness estrogen patch for birth control should either use a • lightheadedness “Medicines that may need changes” and “What are different type of birth control or an extra form of birth the possible side effects of Kaletra?” for information • fainting control. Talk to your doctor about how to prevent • sensation of abnormal heartbeats about the use of sildenafi l for erectile problems.) pregnancy while taking KALETRA. • alfuzosin (Uroxatral®) See the section below “What are the possible side • take KALETRA during pregnancy, talk with your doctor Medicines that you should not take with KALETRA effects of KALETRA?” for more information about about how you can take part in an antiretroviral since they may make KALETRA not work as well: serious side effects. pregnancy registry. The purpose of the pregnancy • the herbal supplement St. John’s Wort (hypericum registry is to follow the health of you and your baby. What is KALETRA? perforatum) • are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed if you are • rifampin (Rimactane®, Rifadin®, Rifater®, or KALETRA is a prescription anti-HIV medicine that taking KALETRA. You should not breast-feed if you Rifamate®) contains two medicines: lopinavir and ritonavir. have HIV-1. If you are a woman who has or will have Medicines that may need changes: KALETRA is called a protease inhibitor that is used a baby while taking KALETRA, talk with your doctor • birth control pills that contain estrogen (“the pill”) or with other anti-HIV-1 medicines to treat people with about the best way to feed your baby. If your baby the birth control (contraceptive) patches human immunodefi ciency virus (HIV-1) infection. does not already have HIV-1, there is a chance that • certain anticancer medicines, such as nilotinib HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune HIV-1 can be passed to your baby through your breast (Tasigna®) and dasatinib (Sprycel®) Defi ciency Syndrome). milk. • certain cholesterol lowering medicines, such as It is not known if KALETRA is safe and effective in Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, atorvastatin (Lipitor®) or rosuvastatin (Crestor®) children under 14 days old. including prescription and non-prescription medicines, • certain other antiretroviral medicines, such as Who should not take KALETRA? vitamins, and herbal supplements. Many medicines efavirenz (Atripla® and Sustiva®), nevirapine interact with KALETRA. Do not start taking a new (Viramune®), amprenavir (Agenerase®) and nelfi navir • Do not take KALETRA if you are taking certain medicine without telling your doctor or pharmacist. Your (Viracept®) medicines. For more information about medicines doctor can tell you if it is safe to take KALETRA with • anti-seizure medicines, such as phenytoin (Dilantin®) you should not take with KALETRA, please see other medicines. Your doctor may need to change the carbamazepine, (Tegretol®), phenobarbital “Can I take other medicines with KALETRA?” dose of other medicines while you take KALETRA. • medicines for erectile problems, such as sildenafi l and consult with your doctor about all other (Viagra®), tadalafi l (Cialis®), or vardenafi l (Levitra®) medicines you take.

6 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com

03-A387-Kaletra-CB-9x10.5(2).indd 1 9/29/10 9:03 AM DO NOT RE-SIZE Ad unit Project # must match this project # 039-451315

• medicines for tuberculosis (TB), such as rifabutin • When your KALETRA supply starts to run low, get • Changes in body fat. Changes in body fat in (Mycobutin®) more from your doctor or pharmacy. It is important some people who take antiretroviral therapy. These • inhaled steroid medicines, such as fl uticasone not to run out of KALETRA. The amount of HIV-1 virus changes may include increased amount of fat in the propionate (Flonase®) in your blood may increase if the medicine is stopped upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and • inhaled medicines such as salmeterol (Serevent®) for even a short time. The virus may become resistant around the trunk. Loss of fat from the legs, arms or salmeterol in combination with fl uticasone to KALETRA and become harder to treat. and face may also happen. The cause and long-term propionate (Advair®). Your doctor may need to • KALETRA can be taken with acid reducing agents health effects of these conditions are not known at change to a different medicine used for heartburn or refl ux such as omeprazole this time. • medicines for gout, such as colchicine (Colcrys®) (Prilosec®) and ranitidine (Zantac®) with no dose • Increased bleeding for hemophiliacs. Some • medicines to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension adjustment. people with hemophilia have increased bleeding (PAH), such as bosentan (Tracleer®) or tadalafi l • KALETRA should not be administered once daily in with protease inhibitors including KALETRA. (Adcirca®) combination with carbamazepine (Tegretol® and • Increased risk of certain problems when you • pain medicines, such as fentanyl (Duragesic®, Epitol®), phenobarbital (Luminal®), or phenytoin take medicines used for the treatment of IonsysTM, Fentora®) and methadone (Dilantin®). erectile problems such as sildenafil (Viagra ® ), If you are not sure if you are taking a medicine Avoid doing things that can spread HIV infection. tadalafil (Cialis ® ), or vardenafil (Levitra ® ) with above, ask your doctor. KALETRA does not stop you from passing HIV infection KALETRA: to others. Do not share needles, other injection ° low blood pressure. If you get dizzy or faint, you How should I take KALETRA? equipment or personal items that can have blood need to lie down. Tell your doctor if you feel dizzy, • Take KALETRA every day exactly as prescribed by or body fl uids on them, like toothbrushes and razor or have fainting spells. your doctor. blades. Always practice safer sex by using a latex or ° vision changes. Tell your doctor right away if you • It is very important to set up a dosing schedule and polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual have vision changes. follow it every day. contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. ° penis erection lasting more than 4 hours. If you • Do not change your treatment or stop treatment are a male and have an erection that lasts longer without fi rst talking with your doctor. What are the possible side effects of than 4 hours, get medical help right away to avoid • Swallow KALETRA tablets whole. Do not chew, KALETRA? permanent damage to your penis. Your doctor can break, or crush KALETRA tablets. KALETRA can cause serious side effects. explain these symptoms to you. • KALETRA tablets can be taken with or without food. • See “What is the most important information I • Allergic reactions. Skin rashes, some of them • If you are taking both Videx® (didanosine) and should know about KALETRA?” severe, can occur in people who take KALETRA. Tell KALETRA: • Liver problems. Liver problems, including death, your healthcare provider if you had a rash when you ° didanosine can be taken at the same time as can happen in people who take KALETRA. Blood tests took another medicine for your HIV infection or if you KALETRA tablets, without food. in people who take KALETRA may show possible notice any skin rash when you take KALETRA. ° take didanosine either one hour before or two liver problems. People with liver disease such as Common side effects of KALETRA include: hours after taking KALETRA oral solution. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C who take KALETRA may • diarrhea • Do not miss a dose of KALETRA. This could make the have worsening liver disease. Tell your healthcare • nausea virus harder to treat. If you forget to take KALETRA, provider right away if you have any of these signs and • stomach area (abdominal) pain take the missed dose right away. If it is almost time symptoms of liver problems: • feeling weak for your next dose, do not take the missed dose. ° loss of appetite • vomiting Instead, follow your regular dosing schedule by ° yellow skin and whites of eyes (jaundice) • headache taking your next dose at its regular time. Do not take ° dark-colored urine • upset stomach more than one dose of KALETRA at one time. ° pale colored stools, itchy skin These are not all of the possible side effects of • If you take more than the prescribed dose of ° stomach area (abdominal) pain. KALETRA. For more information, ask your doctor or KALETRA, call your local poison control center or • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). pharmacist. Tell your doctor about any side effect that emergency room right away. Some people who take KALETRA get infl ammation of bothers you or that does not go away. • Take KALETRA oral solution with food to help it work the pancreas which may be serious and cause death. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. better. You have a higher chance of getting pancreatitis if You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA- • If KALETRA is being used for your child, tell your you have had it before. Tell your doctor if you have 1088. doctor if your child’s weight changes. nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain while taking • KALETRA should not be given one time each day in KALETRA. These may be signs of pancreatitis. How should I store KALETRA? children. When giving KALETRA to your child, give • Increases in certain fat (triglycerides and KALETRA tablets: KALETRA exactly as prescribed. cholesterol) levels in your blood. Large increases • Store KALETRA tablets at room temperature, • KALETRA oral solution contains a large amount of of triglycerides and cholesterol can be seen in blood between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C). alcohol. test results of some people who take KALETRA. • Do not keep KALETRA tablets out of the container If a young child drinks more than the ° The long-term chance of getting complications it comes in for longer than 2 weeks, especially in recommended dose, it could make them sick from such as heart attacks or stroke due to increases in areas where there is a lot of humidity. Keep the too much alcohol. Contact your local poison control triglycerides and cholesterol caused by protease container closed tightly. center or emergency room right away. inhibitors is not known at this time. KALETRA oral solution: Talk with your doctor if you take or plan to take ° • Diabetes and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). • Store KALETRA oral solution in a refrigerator, metronidazole or disulfi ram. You can have severe Some people who take protease inhibitors including between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). KALETRA oral nausea and vomiting if you take these medicines KALETRA get new or more serious diabetes, or high solution that is kept refrigerated may be used until with KALETRA. blood sugar. Tell your doctor if you notice an increase the expiration date printed on the label. in thirst or urinate often while taking KALETRA.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 7

03-A387-Kaletra-CB-9x10.5(2).indd 2 9/29/10 9:03 AM DO NOT RE-SIZE Ad unit Project # must match this project # 039-451315

• KALETRA oral solution that is stored at room What are the ingredients in KALETRA? KALETRA Tablets, 200 mg lopinavir/50 mg ritonavir temperature (less than 77°F or 25°C) should be Active ingredient: lopinavir and ritonavir Manufactured by Abbott Pharmaceuticals PR Ltd., used within 2 months. Barceloneta, PR 00617 Inactive ingredients: • Keep KALETRA away from high heat. for Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, IL 60064, U.S.A. KALETRA 200 mg lopinavir and 50 mg ritonavir Throw away any medicine that is out of date or that KALETRA Tablets, 100 mg lopinavir/25 mg ritonavir and you no longer need. tablets: copovidone, sorbitan monolaurate, colloidal silicon dioxide, and sodium stearyl fumarate. The KALETRA Oral Solution Keep KALETRA and all medicines out of the reach fi lm coating contains: hypromellose, titanium dioxide, Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, IL 60064, U.S.A. of children. polyethylene glycol 400, hydroxypropyl cellulose, talc, 2010, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED General information about KALETRA colloidal silicon dioxide, polyethylene glycol 3350, KALETRA does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. The long-term yellow ferric oxide 172, and polysorbate 80. * The brands listed are trademarks of their respective effects of KALETRA are not known at this time. People KALETRA 100 mg lopinavir and 25 mg ritonavir owners and are not trademarks of Abbott Laboratories. taking KALETRA may still get opportunistic infections tablets: copovidone, sorbitan monolaurate, colloidal The makers of these brands are not affi liated with and or other conditions that happen with HIV-1 infection. silicon dioxide, and sodium stearyl fumarate. The fi lm do not endorse Abbott Laboratories or its products. Some of these conditions are pneumonia, herpes virus coating contains: polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide, infections, and Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) talc, polytheylene glycol 3350, and yellow ferric oxide infections. E172. This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes KALETRA oral solution: acesulfame potassium, other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not alcohol, artifi cial cotton candy fl avor, citric acid, use KALETRA for a condition for which it was not glycerin, high fructose corn syrup, Magnasweet-110 Ref: 03-A387-R8 prescribed. Do not give KALETRA to other people, even fl avor, menthol, natural and artifi cial vanilla fl avor, Revised: June, 2010 if they have the same condition you have. It may harm peppermint oil, polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil, them. povidone, propylene glycol, saccharin sodium, sodium 036-395113 MASTER This Medication Guide summarizes the most important chloride, sodium citrate, and water. information about KALETRA. If you would like more KALETRA oral solution contains 42.4% alcohol information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your (v/v). “See How should I take KALETRA?”. pharmacist or doctor for information about KALETRA 039-451315 that is written for health professionals. For more information about KALETRA call 1-800-633-9110 or go to www.KALETRA.com.

8 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com

03-A387-Kaletra-CB-9x10.5(2).indd 3 9/29/10 9:03 AM the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, transgender community. Executive Director In my view Equality Maryland will con- and Gill Action. Morgan Meneses-Sheets has for the first tinue to exist much in the same way as Equality Maryland board member David time started responding to criticism made in the Pinochet regime stayed afloat while Lublin explained the reason to recommit on the national blog Pam’s House Blend con- propped up by the US. As long as marriage his blog: “The thought behind not holding a cerning HB235. Some see this along with equality is denied in Maryland the nation- City Desk vote is that it makes it easier to bring it up the continued censorship (EQMD’s term) al organizations will continue to prop up the view from Mt Vernon Dana LaRocca again next year and also does not demoralize as evidence of a meltdown at Equality Equality Maryland regime; regardless of its opponents in other states.” Equality Maryland Maryland. legitimacy. t had been hosting cocktail parties to cele- MELTDOWN at brate their victory in the Senate. Lublin’s ex- planation was lost on angry supporters who Equality Maryland? saw only cowardice in the decision. On another front on March 15 members The powerful momentum for marriage of TransMaryland and supporters gathered equality ended abruptly on Friday, March 11 in front of the Supreme Court building in when the House of Delegates recommitted it Washington protesting Maryland’s contro- to committee. Gay and lesbian Marylanders versial Gender Identity Anti-discrimination and their supporters were stunned and dis- bill (HB235). Earlier that morning transgen- mayed. Equality Maryland explained their der leaders met in Baltimore to discuss the surrender in Orwellian Newspeak as “a stra- future of Maryland’s transgender movement. tegic step that will allow us to fight and win The result of both the meeting in Baltimore in the future.” and the protest in Washington was that Over the ensuing weekend support- transgender Marylanders must take back ers questioned the strategy of Equality their voice. They say they will no longer be Maryland and the gay caucus. Comments co-opted by lesbian and gay organizations from marriage advocates poured in to that fail to represent transgender interest. Equality Maryland’s Facebook demand- The morning following the demon- ing an explanation. One by one, Equality stration Equality Maryland abruptly end- Maryland deleted polite and well meaning ed weekly meetings with the transgen- inquiries with Stalinist precision. der community. Executive Director Morgan By Monday the dissent had become so Meneses-Sheets cited “scheduling con- great that Equality Maryland posted a “FAQ” flicts” as the reason. TransMaryland activist concerning censorship. Equality Maryland’s Jenna Fischetti said “Equality Maryland has claimed that posters were being abusive to- decided to walk away from dialogue with the wards staff and legislators. Posters asked transgender community and has canceled them to identify those abuses and Equality all further meetings until after the legislative Maryland did not respond. Volunteer Cathy session is over. Brennan took credit for many of those de- Delegate Luke Clippinger is quoted at letions posting “What some folks have en- Equality Maryland’s website as saying that gaged in is nothing more than cyber-bullying. “In Baltimore City, we are lucky to have an I have blocked most of these folks here….” ordinance that was passed by former Mayor Former Board President of Equality Martin O’Malley in 2002 that prohibits dis- Maryland David Toth, replied that his post crimination on the basis of gender identity. had been deleted. And it was in no way All transgender Marylanders, not just those offensive. Other less known but equal- living in Baltimore City, should have the ly legitimate posters made similar claims. same protections against discrimination.” This primitive method of message control Both Baltimore and Montgomery County had been going on since the first week in have public accommodations protection. The less other people know about the City, the cooler it stays for the February when transgender opponents of His notion of “same” is flawed. rest of us. It means you can actually find parking in Station North. the gender identity bill started posting op- If the Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination It means you can get a spot at the bar with the trapezing bartenders. posing views. But it was a new experience bill is amended to include public accommo- It means you don’t have to pay a fortune for theater tickets. for supporters, donors, and advocates of dations and the bill fails at least it will fail Equality Maryland. as a bill that demands equal justice under It also means you can afford your own house City home prices are historically The Washington Blade, in its ar- the law. In its current configuration it is as low and interest rates are, too. At Live Baltimore, we can help you buy now. ticle “Strategic Blunder of Monstrous an ignominious attempt to deny protections We’ll match you with homebuying incentives, renovation information, Proportions,” took aim at the same kind to transgender Marylanders. If it passes in neighborhoods, and more. of control the national organizations have its current form it will create a new second So if you’ve ever told yourself, “Someday I’ll own my own place,” get in touch. played in determining strategy. “City Desk” class of citizenship and the transgender Because someday is now. readers should not have been surprised. A community will hold the perpetrators of that month ago I wrote that the national move- injustice to account. ment was running the show this year and Equality Maryland has lost significant next. Direction comes not from Equality credibility among its gay and lesbian base SomedayBaltimore.com Maryland, but from HRC, Freedom to Marry, and almost all of its credibility within the

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 9 news // NATIONAL

to commit to treat all teammates with respect. GLSEN Launches ‘Changing the Game’ Additional Changing the Game programs will In an effort to make K-12 sports and physical Burke; National Center for Lesbian Rights K-12 education,” GLSEN Executive Director be introduced in the coming months. education safer and more inclusive for all re- Sports Project Director Helen Carroll; three- Eliza Byard said. “Changing the Game is de- The program also will highlight the im- gardless of sexual orientation or gender iden- time All-American wrestler Hudson Taylor; signed to help schools, coaches, athletes and portant work student-athletes already are tity/expression, GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Outsports.com co-founder Cyd Zeigler; families create a healthy atmosphere of re- doing across the country to promote a sim- Straight Education Network, and a diverse co- WNBA Coach Lin Dunn; Rugby player Ben spect in PE classes and competitive athletics. ple theme that is at the heart of Changing the alition of athletes, journalists and sports figures Cohen; former MLB player Billy Bean; and Sports and PE were a central part of my life Game: The GLSEN Sports Project. launched on March 17 Changing the Game: former NBA player John Amaechi. growing up, and are critical for student health “The sporting world is a place where The GLSEN Sports Project (www.sports. With few existing resources or programs and well-being. Every child today should have many children and teens grow into the per- glsen.org). designed to address ho- the opportunity to participate fully and safely son they will become,” said Brad Usselman, “I am really excited to be mophobia and transphobia in every aspect of school life.” a cross county athlete at Skyview High working with GLSEN to cre- in K-12 sports, Changing the GLSEN’s Changing the Game web- School in Vancouver, Wash., and a blog- ate a Sports Project that will Game: The GLSEN Sports site features a collection of “Game Plan” re- ger along with two other high school LGBT help to make sports and phys- Project fills a critical gap and sources for athletes, athletic administrators, athletes at www.bradrobertben.wordpress. ical education a great expe- adds a vital new dimension coaches and parents; a Game Changer vid- com. “Acceptance needs to be promoted so rience for every student no to GLSEN’s work to create eo project (YouTube.com/GLSENsports) to that we can foster a generation that does not matter what their sexual ori- a world in which every child raise awareness about people making a dif- care if someone is LGBT. They look past the entation or gender identity/ex- learns to accept and respect ference in the sports world every day; the fact of someone’s sexuality and instead try to pression,” said GLSEN Sports all people, regardless of sex- Team Respect Challenge pledge for teams see who the person truly is.” t Project Director Pat Griffin, ual orientation or gender former Director of It Takes a identity/expression. Team Education Campaign Nearly 9 out of 10 LGBT for LGBT Issues in Sport at the youth (84.6%) said they’d Anti-gay Bullying Leads to Women’s Sports Foundation. experienced harassment in The list of Advisory Group school in the past year be- Another Tragic Teen Suicide and All-Star supporters in- WNBA player Candice cause of their sexual orien- cludes Hall of Fame, Olympic Wiggins is a project tation and nearly two-thirds Rittman, Ohio – Another young life lost to tim of bullying. During the incident, Nick al- and National Champion ath- supporter (63.7%) because of their anti-gay bullying. legedly became the victim of an older stu- letes, award-winning journalists, former col- gender expression, according to GLSEN’s Nicholas Kelo Jr. knew what it was like to dent who was “glicking” – forcibly spitting on lege athletic directors and current professional, 2009 National School Climate Survey. be relentlessly bullied, his family said, and it him. Jacqueline Kelo knew something was college and high school coaches. Additionally, 61.1% said they felt unsafe at may have been what per- bothering her son when he came Among them: Hall of Fame tennis play- school because of their sexual orientation. suaded him to pry open a home, but the eighth-grader re- ers Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova; When asked if there were particular spaces safe inside his home on fused to share the details – telling ESPN The Magazine and ESPN.com colum- at school they avoided because they felt un- Feb. 23, and remove the her that he would handle it him- nist LZ Granderson; Olympic softball med- safe or uncomfortable, 35.7% of LGBT stu- gun that killed him, reports self. The parents became aware alists Jessica Mendoza and Lauren Lappin; dent said locker rooms, the highest percent- the Akron Beacon Journal. of it only after their son’s death. current NFL player Scott Fujita and for- age of any place at school. He was 13 years old. Jacqueline Kelo said it didn’t mer NFL player Wade Davis; WNBA play- “GLSEN is committed to the principle It is unknown as to wheth- surprise her that her son kept his er Candice Wiggins; Toronto Maple Leafs that all students should have equal access to er or not Nick was gay, pain to himself. Nick viewed him- President and General Manager Brian the services, supports and opportunities of a but that did not stop his self as his mother’s protector. bullies or their attacks. “He was the man of the “It had been going house,” the single mother said. on for years,” Jacqueline Nick’s death is being investi- Kelo [Nick’s mother] said. gated as a likely suicide, accord- “We would talk and he would say [of the bul- ing to Rittman police. lies] that they were not worth his time.” Nick recently scored 152 on an IQ test, Nick played football in middle school but which is classified as superior intelligence. gave up the sport this year to participate in He had a second-degree black belt in Tae high school band. Kwon Do, and was an avid inventor, creating The switch, Jacqueline Kelo reasoned, both a waffle fork to remove hot food from a resulted in swelling rumors. Some, she said, toaster and an incinerator trash can. Nine of wrongly assumed that a kid who would pre- Nick’s organs were collected and donated. fer to play the tenor sax rather than tossing a News of Nick’s death comes just days pigskin must be gay. after the White House held a high-visibility “After that, it [the bullying] spiraled out of conference on bullying prevention, with the control,” she said. President and First Lady calling on parents, One such incident allegedly happened teachers, students, and communities to ad- on a school bus following a football game, dress the problem together. t explained the mother of another Rittman Courtesy of LGBTQ Nation – www.lg- teenager who said her son is also a vic- btqnation.com

10 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com news // NATIONAL Stars, Civil Rights Leaders Urge Obama to Support Freedom to Marry Civil rights and business leaders, Hollywood from the President” and urges him to “join us the President through a variety of media. are Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Kirsten Gillibrand celebrities, Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, and the majority of Americans who support Freedom to Marry’s persuasion campaign (D-N.Y.), Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Richard NFL stars, and clergy launched Freedom to the freedom to marry.” will continue until the President speaks out Blumenthal (D-Conn.). Marry’s Say, “I Do” campaign on March 14 It also states, “Like so many Americans, in support of marriage. The 15-year-old DOMA singles out le- urging President Obama to support the free- you have spoken of your personal journey In a related matter, on March 16, gally married gay and lesbian couples for dom to marry for gay and lesbian couples. toward support for the Congressman Jerrold Nadler discriminatory treatment under federal law, “My wife and I were married in May of freedom to marry. You (D-NY), the ranking Democrat selectively denying them critical federal re- 2010, and I can say without a doubt that have talked about the on the Judiciary Subcommittee sponsibilities and rights, including programs marriage matters,” said Emmy Award win- gay and lesbian people on the Constitution, and like Social Security that are intended to en- ning actor Jane Lynch. “As President Obama in your life, their commit- Representatives Barney Frank sure the stability and security of American continues his journey toward recognizing our ment to each other and (D-MA), Tammy Baldwin (D- families. right to equal taxation, protection and digni- care for their kids, and WI), Jared Polis (D-CO), David The Respect for Marriage Act would re- ty under the law, I encourage him to listen to their families that aren’t Cicilline (D-RI), and John peal DOMA, and comes in response to a call gay and lesbian couples and families so he so different from any oth- Conyers (D-MI), the ranking from President Obama for Congressional can better understand how marriage equal- er family.” The letter will Judiciary Democrat, announced action on the issue. As the President has ity affects us all.” be delivered to the White the re-introduction of the stated, “I stand by my long-standing commit- Freedom to Marry’s Say,“I Do” campaign House by Freedom to Respect for Marriage Act in the ment to work with Congress to repeal the so- kicks off with an Open Letter to the President Marry, same-sex cou- House. This legislation would called Defense of Marriage Act. It’s discrimi- first signed by a diverse set of VIPs and now ples, and families later this spring. repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), natory, it interferes with states’ rights, and it’s open to Americans from every walk of life to “Freedom to Marry is proud that such a 1996 law which discriminates against law- time we overturned it.” sign. The Open Letter calls for “leadership a diverse and talented group of people are fully married gay and lesbian couples. Recently, on the heels of the President’s joining us to ask the President to Say, ‘I Do’ Also on that day, Sen. Dianne Feinstein decision not to defend DOMA in court, House to loving, committed gay and lesbian cou- (D-Calif.) who was among the 14 senators Republican Leadership announced that it ples who want to marry,” said Marc Solomon, who voted against DOMA in 1996, intro- will defend DOMA in court, making passage National Campaign Director for Freedom to duced companion legislation in the Senate. of the Respect for Marriage Act more critical Marry. “We appreciate the President’s jour- Among the 18 co-sponsors of the Senate bill than ever. t READER ney toward supporting the freedom to mar- ry and the concrete steps he’s taken along the way. Now these prominent Americans, Poll joined by so many others, call on him to com- plete that journey to fairness for gay and les- bian Americans and their families.” First Signers to the letter include ac- Some have suggested that we need tors Anne Hathaway, Jane Lynch, Eric to better utilize Pride events to gain McCormack, Martin Sheen, and Lily Tomlin; community support for equality television host Ellen Degeneres and ac- initiatives. Should the stages at Pride tor Portia Degeneres; musicians Melissa include speakers for leading political Etheridge, Mya, and Rufus Wainwright; rallies for equality? high-tech entrepreneurs Jack Dorsey (co- founder of Twitter), Chris Hughes (co-found- er of Facebook), Sean Parker (co-founder of Napster), and Mark Pincus (co-founder and • Yes, the LGBT community needs to CEO of Zynga); media/entertainment execs be more engaged David Geffen (co-founder of Dreamworks SKG) and Bob Wright (former chairman • No, leave Pride the way it is and CEO of NBC Universal); NFL players Brendon Ayanbadejo and Scott Fujita; play- • Not sure wright Tony Kushner; civil rights icons Julian Bond (Chairman Emeritus of the NAACP) and Helen Fabela Chavez (widow of Cesar Chavez and founder of Cesar E. Chavez VOTE AT www.baltimoreoutloud. Foundation); Rev. Peter Morales (president, com Unitarian Universalist Association); and Freedom to Marry founder and president Any opinions on these or any other Evan Wolfson. related subject, please send to Besides the Open Letter, Freedom to [email protected] Marry’s Say, “I Do” campaign will highlight poignant stories of same-sex couples and their family members and share them with

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 11 b eyond the beltway

Study debunks encapsulate “Irishness,” because Ireland is a Norris is expected to seek council nomina- offered the resolution and received the sup- very accepting place – the Irish pride them- tions in order to run. port of Councilor At-Large Ayanna Pressley myth that co-eds selves on equality. “This issue of exclusion “I don’t have a party machine,” Norris and Councilor At-Large John Connolly. As try lesbian sex is not Irish, let’s be clear about it. Exclusion told the News at One on Monday. “At the mo- the resolution was discussed, the nine re- is not an Irish thing.... ment, I am an independent. This, I believe, maining city councilors requested to be in- A tlanta, GA – The popular stereotype I think that’s the mes- is a plus,” he added, saying that his status cluded in offering the resolution, and prompt- of college campuses as a hive of same-sex sage that needs to would allow him to draw wide support from ly passed it unanimously. experimentation for young women may be all be driven home.” across the political spectrum. Norris did not Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders wrong the New York Times reports. To the sur- Gilmore told Irish dismiss the idea of seeking the support of 20 (GLAD), MassEquality, and Join the Impact prise of many research- Central. members of the National Parliament, how- – MA, spoke out in support of the City ers and sex experts, Gilmore met with ever – adding that the recent unprecedent- Council’s resolution and joined the call to the National Survey on the New York City ed general election returned 14 independent pass the Transgender Equal Rights Bill. The Family Growth found gay community at E amon Gilmore ministers, making the process of seeking a City Council’s resolution comes weeks after that women with bache- the Irish consulate nomination much easier. Norris said that he Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is- lor’s degrees were actu- to discuss their concerns and suggestions. didn’t think of himself as a prospective gay sued an executive order extending protec- ally less likely to have had Issues discussed included the urgent need president, but rather a president who hap- tions against discrimination to the state’s a same-sex experience than those who did not for LGBT – inclusive immigration reform, the pens to be gay – saying he felt the public had transgender employees, and employees of finish high school. need for full marriage equality, and a request become uninterested in discussing his sexu- any businesses that contract with the state. For years, sex researchers, campus for government help in mediating the long- ality (Irish Central.com & 365Gay.com – Dara (Bay Windows – Hannah Clay Wareham at women’s centers and the media have viewed standing exclusion of Irish gay groups from Kelly: full story at http://www.irishcentral.com/ can be reached at bay windows.com). college as a place where young women ex- marching with their own banners in the Saint news/-Senator-David-Norris-launches-his- plore their sexuality, test boundaries, and, Patrick’s Day parade in Manhattan. campaign-for-presidency-117998434.html) U of Penn often, have their first – in some cases, only The Foreign Minister has committed him- – lesbian relationship. That phenomenon self to discussing adding gay marriage to the Boston council announces new gave rise to the term LUG (lesbian until grad- Irish Constitution. Gilmore told Irish Central. HIV gene therapy uation). In 2003, a New York magazine ar- “Ireland has changed. It was not that long passes transgender ticle, “Bi for Now,” suggested that women’s ago that homosexuality was decriminalized rights resolution Philadelphia, PA – Earlier this involvement in their college’s gay scene ex- in Ireland. I don’t think it’s courageous at all month, researchers from the University of posed them to a different culture, like junior to have this meeting. It’s a normal part of the Boston, MA – Boston LGBT activ- Pennsylvania unveiled a research study year abroad in Gay World. work we should be doing.” (365Gay.com – ists are celebrating the City Council’s res- in which they’re attempting to create HIV- According to the new study, conduct- Alexander Jones) olution in support of An Act Relative to resistant blood cells – and so far are seeing ed by the Centers for Disease Control and Transgender Equal Rights – also known as encouraging results. The Penn scientists un- Prevention, based on 13,500 responses, al- … And the proof: the Transgender Civil dertook the gene-therapy trial in July 2009, most 10 percent of women ages 22 to 44 Rights Bill – passed and the study is still accepting participants. with a bachelor’s degree said they had had Gay man leads in unanimously on March Researcher Dr. Pablo Tebas explained a same-sex experience, compared with 15 Irish prez race 9. “I am extremely the study involves the physical manipulation percent of those with no high school diploma. moved by the unani- of the T-cells in HIV-positive patients’ blood Women with a high school diploma or some Dublin, Ireland – Irish senator David mous passing of this to remove the recep- college, but no degree, fell in between. Six Norris officially launched his campaign for Resolution in Support tor through which percent of college-educated women reported the presidency of Ireland on March 14. Norris of An Act Relative to HIV gains access to oral sex with a same-sex partner, compared is considered a Transgender Equal the cells. “We sepa- with 13 percent who did not complete high serious contend- Rights,” Gunner Scott, executive director of rate the cells in the school. Anjani Chandra was the lead author of er for the office the Massachusetts Transgender Political lab and the protein the report, based on data from 2006 through although as an Coalition (MTPC) said in response to the res- in the membrane of 2008. Although 13 percent of women over all unaffiliated can- olution. “The continued leadership from the the cell where the reported same-sex sexual behavior only one didate he faces Boston City Council in supporting the rights HIV virus uses to enter the cells is taken percent identified themselves as gay, and an- a difficult task in of transgender youth, adults, and families, is out,” Tebas said. “So we remove that par- other 4 percent as bisexual. (New York Times getting his name admirable and we hope that the legislators ticular gene from the cells and then moni- – Tamar Lewin full story at http://www.nytimes. on the ballot pa- will follow their lead and pass the... legisla- tor the patients to see if the HIV continues com/2011/03/18/education/18sex.html?hpw) pers. The elec- David Norris tion this session. Once again, we thank the to expand or not.” The initial results have in- tion is a year Boston City Council for their support.” dicated that, after being placed back in the away but Morris poled 20% with the next The resolution states in part, “The City of patients’ blood, the engineered cells did not Irish official closest candidate at 12%. Boston currently protects transgender youth become infected by HIV and “expanded” or opposes gay ban in Norris, 66, the Joycean academic and and adults on the basis of gender identity and multiplied, accounting for up to 6 percent of well known public figure, has been a member gender expression in the city’s non-discrim- some patients’ T-cell count. St. Pat’s parade of the Irish Senate for 24 years. To run for the ination ordinance and has done so through Tebas noted that, while the results are N ew York City, NY – New Irish foreign Irish presidency he needs to seek the nomi- ordinance since 2002; and Massachusetts preliminary and much more research is minister Eamon Gilmore criticized New York nation of four county councils, or the nomina- transgender youth, adults, and their fami- needed, the study is promising. “We’ve seen St. Patrick’s Day organizers for excluding the tion of twenty members of the Irish National lies continue to face pervasive discrimination that it is doable,” he said. “We can take cells gay community. Gilmore believes that by ex- Parliament, in order to submit his nomina- and violence because of widespread preju- and genetically modify them and reinfuse cluding LGBT people, the parade does not tion. Without the support of a political party, dice.” City Councilor At-Large Felix G. Arroyo them and its safe, nothing bad has happened

12 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com b eyond the beltway to the patients. The cells are alive when they lars in donations to anti-gay causes by Chick-fil- go back into the patient and, while we don’t A’s non-profit arm, the WinShape Foundation. have all the data yet, the cells have expand- When the restaurant was successfully re- ed so far as normal cells as we can tell, moved from Indiana University South Bend, which means that they are protected from Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy released a HIV infection.” He said the ultimate goal of written statement distancing his company from the study is to get HIV-positive patients com- the anti-gay group. “Providing food to these pletely off their medications and free of the events or any event is not an endorsement of virus, and while that outcome is a long way the mission, political stance or motives of this down the line, the current study is necessary or any other organization,” stated Cathy. Cathy to eventually reach that end. continued, “We will not champion any political Penn’s AIDS Clinical Trials Unit is still re- agendas on marriage and family. This decision cruiting for the study. For more information, has been made, and we understand the im- call 215-349-8092. (Philadelphia Gay News portance of it. At the same time, we will con- – Jen Coletta at epgn.com) tinue to offer resources to strengthen marriag- es and families. To do anything different would Chick-fil-A’s be inconsistent with our purpose and belief in Biblical principles.’” support of anti-gay Kelley Brackett, public communication spe- groups may cost cialist for N.C. State University dining and ca- tering operations, told The Technician that the R aleigh, NC – After provoking ire from Chick-fil-A on campus has avoided significant LGBT activists and bloggers over their dona- criticism. “We cannot speak for the Chick-fil-A tions to anti-gay groups and causes, restau- Corporation, but we haven’t seen any backlash rant chain Chick-fil-A might soon find itself from the recent controversy,” Brackett said. without at home at two North Carolina uni- She stressed that N.C. State University’s din- versities. Duke University is in the process ing services remain open to everyone in the of reviewing their re- university community. t (O-Notes On Line – lationship with the Matt Comer at Q-Notes.com) restaurant, reports Nubian Message. Some students at N.C. State University These news notes have been compiled, with permission, from the online version are also discuss- of various newspapers and other web ing whether to push sites. We thank these publications for for Chick-fil-A’s ouster from their campus. allowing us to bring you their news sto- Students at nine colleges and universi- ries. Usually the reports have been sig- ties across the country have ramped up ef- nificantly edited and you can read the forts to see the restaurant banned from their full story by going to the web site men- campuses. tioned following the item. Comments The brouhaha began in February when are strictly the opinions of Jim Becker Chick-fil-A decided to provide food for a mar- and not of Baltimore OUTloud or Pride riage seminar for a leading anti-gay organi- Media. zation in Pennsylvania. Jeremy Hooper of GoodAsYou.org also uncovered millions of dol-

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 13 thinking out lOUD Finding Solutions Instead of Blame By Lisa Orenstein out to be quite easy. Key legislators could fight and, frequently, those who are only find partnering with the Maryland Black Family You cannot win a war when your army is busy not get beyond their own personal religious time for a call or email to their legislator at Alliance was effective, but we need to ask fending off friendly fire. It was just moments beliefs or would not ignore their constituents Equality Maryland’s prodding. While no one what else can we do and how do we create after Delegate Joseph Vallario, Jr. moved who were adamantly against the bill for re- disagrees with the potency of our communi- the capacity to do it. to recommit the Civil ligious reasons. ty members contacting their legislators – the A key initial objective should be to Marriage Protection “In a community of To get through the mega-churches changed the direction of the change the face of the LGBT movement Act back to the House House, and any bill by doing so – it is time to ask for more in Maryland to look more like the people Judiciary Committee hundreds of thousands, subsequent referen- from LGBT Marylanders. we are seeking to influence. This does not and the blame game we have yet to work dum, we have to put In a community of hundreds of thou- require us to create a Potemkin Village – had already gone into all of our energy into sands, we have yet to work out how to en- thousands of LGBT Marylanders are, of overdrive. In a flur- out how to engage our changing this. gage our masses in course, people of col- ry of publicly and pri- masses in this fight.” Sitting in the bal- this fight. Not only or. However, to engage vately displayed anger cony overlooking the that, but we leave those people, mar- and frustration, gays in Maryland and be- House debate on SB 116, it was clear that our valuable brain pow- riage equality needs yond took aim at everyone in sight: Equality “Civil Marriage Is a Civil Right” and “Stand er untapped and fail to be a worthwhile fight Maryland, HRC, other national partners, the on the Side of Love” messaging had worked to coax at-the-ready for them and they need LGBT Caucus, House leadership, individ- well on some but not at all on others. We have workhorses out of to be co-owners of the ual House delegates, African Americans, made so much progress – so much that we their stable. Why? I fight. Now is the time for churches and church-goers, and Governor won the vote in the Senate and achieved op- encourage us to forge highly capable LGBT O’Malley. posing legislators pleading for civil unions in a new level of part- African Americans to Much of the criticism directed at Equality the House – but one size did not fit all. nership between the be courted into joining Maryland is that it let national marriage The challenge before us looms large. LGBT community and the work, which is be- equality organizations drive the decision to Equality Maryland has always been the Equality Maryland, ing done by transform- recommit SB 116 instead of letting a vote chief group moving LGBT rights forward to continue to form coalitions and to test ing the way we do the work. happen, which the critics suppose was a tre- in Maryland, but the organization is only unpursued strategies. To do so, both the If given the support and trust they need mendous strategic error. However, to spend as powerful and effective as the communi- LGBT community and Equality Maryland by Equality Maryland and other advocacy time spinning over this or any one decision ty behind it. As we continue our fight, we will not only have to trust one another but groups to set and execute the strategies that misses the point. We did not have the votes need to get beyond our reliance on a hand- also let go of old understandings. are meant to influence their own communi- to pass the bill and we did not need votes of- ful of Equality Maryland staff members. In No one can dispute that we need more ties in partnership with Equality Maryland, ficially cast to know where our legislators ul- all of the criticism lodged in the post-mor- African-American support to achieve our gay African Americans in Maryland are in timately stood. tem, one group was conspicuously unad- goals, yet all too often and for good reason a unique position to solve the real dilem- Answering the more important question dressed: us. African Americans look at us as if we are the ma highlighted by the recommitment of SB of why we did not have the votes has turned So many of us are not engaged in this other. That is a problem. There is no doubt 116. t

Gifts to the World The shift in the American civil / human rights paradigm

By Rev. Mother Meredith Moise, SPSA other based on race, seemingly go head to the world has ever witnessed. Throughout no wonder why thousands of LGBT people in The state legislative session of 2011 brought head on the right to marry. In some ways, this our sojourn here, forces of white suprema- America are inspired by the freedom strug- many twists and turns for our communi- battle is misplaced and a manufactured fra- cy and its offshoots have sought to under- gles of the 50s and 60s. African Americans ty. Maryland’s gay community was so close cas. At it most obvious, it is a disingenuous mine, subvert and obliterate the humanity of should feel a sense of pride and encourage- to winning the right to marry for same sex attempt to further marginalize people who black people. ment that the civil rights movement has en- couples yet so far from the goal. Many gays traditionally had little voice in government. Despite this, we have maintained our hu- couraged other to pursue their rights and blamed black lawmakers for an apparent The truth is that racism does exist in the man dignity and fought at every turn to win dignity as human beings. about face. Accusations tinged with racist white LGBT community. And yes, there is ho- the rights, protections and freedoms that all As important as the black walk to free- remarks and undertones streamed across mophobia in black communities. However, human beings should have. To many, the dom is to humanity, we must note that this the web. Unfortunately, many white gays felt these realities do not trump the reality of civil rights and human rights movements development provides the blueprint for the slighted and hurt by black lawmakers chang- black same gender loving people who des- of the 50s and 60s crystallize long ances- modern same-sex marriage movement. ing sides in the debate. perately need these protections to care for tral battles for freedom, justice and equal- Although not the same in experience, the Conversely, many black legislators took their families. ity. Inspired by the modern Indian sage, movements share a common note of ex- great offense to what they saw as white gays By virtue of our struggle here on this soil, Mahatma Gandhi, the black non-violent civil panding rights and protections for marginal- jumping on the so called “civil rights” band- black people have created a unique but uni- rights struggle has captured the hearts and ized citizens. The movements also share an wagon. Some legislators even remarked on versal model of resistance to oppression minds of millions here and around the globe. inherent drive to bring public and legal rec- the floor of the House of Delegates that gay and inhumanity. For the last 450 years, peo- Indeed, the black civil rights movement ognition to the human dignity of groups that folks were never lynched or killed like black ple of African descent have worked to main- has lit the torch of freedom for so many peo- have traditionally faced all sorts of degrada- folks were. If we look at these two communi- tain and retain our humanity in some the ple around the world pursuing their own tion and harassment. Noting this, the gay ties, one based on sexual orientation and the harshest and most horrendous conditions paths to freedom, justice and equality. It is —continued on page 22

14 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com HEALTH AND WELLNESS No two people are alike. by an anal dose of HIV virus, the monkey will not be infected. (I know, poor monkeys!) In November, the first major study on Some lie about flossing. this topic was published in the New England Open Wide Journal of Medicine. The subjects were ask Dr Eva 2,499 highly sexually active HIV negative Dr Eva Hersh gay men in 9 cities around the world. They Some brush more than 3 times a day. reported an average of 18 sexual partners in the 3 months before starting the study. They were given a daily dose of either a combina- tion HIV tablet (2 medications in 1 pill), or a PrEP vs. PEP placebo (dummy pill) to take every day, re- What does it mean? gardless of whether they had sex that day. They were monitored for two years. They And, some haven’t seen the inside of a dentist’s office Dear Dr. Eva, were also educated about condoms and saf- I have worked in HIV organizations for er sex techniques and given free condoms. since the Discman was the latest in portable music. many years. Although I’m not a physician, I At the end of the study, it was found that 36  have a good general understanding of the men who received medication became in- field. For several years we have heard about fected, as compared to 64 who received pla- “PEP”, meaning “postexposure prophylax- cebo. So the men who received medication is”, which as I understand it means giving a were only about half as likely to become in- month of HIV medicine after a person has fected as the men who did not receive it. been possibly exposed to HIV, from a needle- Some important other issues came up stick or unprotected sex, to keep them from as well. Only half of the men who agreed to becoming infected with HIV. Now I’m hearing take the medicine actually took it daily. Many about PreP, pre-exposure prophylaxis, which men who claimed to be taking the medi- seems to mean giving people HIV medica- cine weren’t actually taking it at all, based tions to keep them from becoming infected in on blood tests for medication levels. And – case they ever become exposed. This doesn’t biggest point of all – even the most success- make any sense to me. If you know when ful group in this study (73% stayed HIV neg- you’re going to be exposed, why take medi- ative) did not achieve as much success in cation rather than just avoiding exposure? If avoiding infection as has been achieved (in you don’t know when you’re going to be ex- other studies of less sexually active people) posed, does that mean taking HIV meds ev- just by consistent condom use (85% stayed ery day for your whole life even though you’re HIV negative.) not infected? If so, isn’t one of the reasons Most guys who would like to use medica- At Chase Brexton Health Services, we try to avoid getting HIV because we don’t tion to prevent becoming infected have the we know the dentist’s office is rarely a favorite place.lace. want to have to take medicines every day for idea of taking it before sex, maybe with their The shift in the American civil / human rights paradigm life? What about the side effects of HIV medi- Viagra, rather than every day. The problem cations? What about the cost? is, research on intermittent use has not been But with dentists and hygienists who love what they do,do, When this idea first surfaced a few years done in humans. Nobody knows whether one ago I thought it was the drug companies try- dose would be enough, or how long before Chase Brexton has everything to make even the most ing to make more money on an untapped having sex you would have to take it. So any- reluctant teeth feel good about the dentist. market but now it seems to be taken serious- one who tries this is doing their own personal reluctant teeth feel good about the dentist. ly by professionals in the field. What do you experiment, a gamble with really high stakes. make of this? OK, you might say, so I’ll take it every Appalled day. Just like a multivitamin or a baby aspirin For an appointment, call 410-837-2050. to prevent heart attacks. The cost would be  Dear Appalled, about $1,100 a month. Are you going to pay  I’m right there with you. cash for that or put it on a credit card? Do you Primary Care | Behavioral Health | Dental Services | Specialized Services The concept of PrEP, Pre Exposure think your insurance company will pay for it? Prophylaxis, has been around for a few They aren’t great about covering preventive  years. The idea is, if a person already has care to begin with – will they pay that much HIV medication in their body when the HIV for a treatment that’s less effective than reg-  virus enters, the HIV virus will not be able ular condom use? Not to mention the poten-

to cause infection. (Exactly how the virus is tial side effects – depending on which HIV defeated depends on which medication is medications are used, these could include  used.) Until last November, all the published increased risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, Complete health care, completely about you. research on PrEP was done in animals. For and osteoporosis. example, it was proven that if you give a The bottom line is, I can’t say this isn’t monkey a dose of HIV medication followed —continued on page 22

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 15 Live ly Arts // Between the Covers

Words to Live By: Spring Reading by Joey L. Mogul, Andrea J. Ritchie and Kay Whitlock, draws on years of research to examine the “ways in which queer By Gregg Shapiro lives are criminalized, policed and punished.” $22.99), Hannah Pittard tips her hat to Jeffery Eugenides’ • Leo Bersani and Eve Poetic License The Virgin Suicides and Alice Sebold’s The Lovely Bones, Kosofsky Sedgwick are among • What better way to observe National Poetry Month in April and adds an unexpected queer twist. the writers represented in After than to get lost in the pages of The Best Of It: New and • Lambda Literary Award winning writer Nina Revoyr’s Sex?: On Writing Since Queer Selected Poems (Grove Press, new novel, the small town Theory (Duke University Press, 2010, $24) by out poet Kay Ryan, Wisconsin-set Wingshooters 2011, $23.95), edited by Janet who was the United States Poet (Akashic, 2011, $15.95) takes Halley and Andrew Parker. Laureate, 2008-2010? place during the turbulent • Simon Levay, of the Gay • If you prefer to have your Vietnam / post civil-rights era Brain fame, returns with Gay, poetry read to you, rather than to and examines the effects of Straight, and the Reason read it yourself, there’s Words For change on a community. [The Why: The Science of Sexual You: The Greatest Poems. The author will be reading from her Orientation (Oxford University Finest Voices. Glorious Music. novel on April 20 at Enoch Pratt Press, 2011, $27.95). (Mighty Village/Universal), Free Library Central Branch, Poe a 22-track CD featuring the Room, in Baltimore.] Memoir Bank works of queer poets such as • River Marked (Ace Books, • The Jack Bank: A Memoir of a South African Childhood Langston Hughes, Oscar Wilde 2011, $26.95), the latest install- (St. Martin’s Press, 2011, $24.99) by Glen Retief explores and Walt Whitman, alongside ment in fantasy novelist Patricia what it was like for a gay, privileged white boy to grow up in a Shakespeare, Dickinson, Poe Briggs’ Mercy Thompson series, features the character pitiless society in the late 1980s. and Longfellow, read by Helena Bonham Carter, Terence Warren, a gay werewolf. • Gay historian Martin Stamp, Meryl Streep, Garrison Keillor and others. • Maize and her gay best friend Robbie are the main Duberman’s new book is the dual characters in The Intimates (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2011, biography A Saving Remnant: Kids’ Lit $24), the first novel by Ralph Sassone, which is an explora- The Radical Lives of Barbara • Dream Big Little Pig! (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, tion of friendship. Deming and David McReynolds 2011, $16.99) by Olympic figure skating champion Kristi • Lesbian novelist AWP (The New Press, 2011, $27.95). Yamaguchi and illustrations by Tim Bowers, features “pot- Award-winner Goldie Goldbloom • Now in paperback, unconven- bellied, waddling, toddling” pig Poppy and a “follow your makes her debut with The tional memoir The Bucolic Plague: dreams” message to which readers of all ages will be able Paperbark Shoe (Picador, 2011, How Two Manhattanites Became to relate. $15), set in 1940s Australia. Gentlemen Farmers (HarperCollins • Writer, activist and single, gay father of two adopt- • Due out in May, Chris 2010, $14.99) by Josh Kilmer- ed children, Brian J. Tessier has written a pair of books for Adrian’s latest novel, The Great Purcell is the literary companion to young readers – The Wildest Dream and The Poet and the Night (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, the Planet Green TV series “The Painter: A Living Love Story (both from Xlibris, 2010) both il- 2011 $26) retells Shakespeare’s Fabulous Beekman Boys.” lustrated by Donna Estabrooks. A Midsummer Night’s Dream, • Politicians Tammy Baldwin and Barney Frank, musician • Somewhat older readers will find all sorts of useful infor- transporting it to Buena Vista Stephin Merritt, writer/cartoonist Alison Bechdel, poets Mark mation in the revised and updated second edition of GLBTQ: Park in 2008 San Francisco. Doty and Joan Larkin, actor George Takei and comedian Kate The Survival Guide for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender • Another queer Clinton are among the LGBTQ people in- and Questioning Teen (Free Spirit, 2011, $15.99) by Kelly fiction debut, Hidden terviewed by Philip Gambone in his book Huegel. (Kensington Books, 2011, $15) by Tomas Mournian Travels In A Gay Nation: Portraits of LGBTQ delves into the realm of underground safe house Americans (University of Wisconsin Press, Food for Thought harboring teen escapees from residential treatment 2010, $26.95). • Whether or not you are a “foodie,” out food writ- centers. • Tony E. Adams, Assistant Professor er Severson’s tasty memoir, Spoon Fed: How Eight Cooks • A Single Year by Chicago transplant Dawn in the Department of Media and Theatre Saved My Life (Riverhead Books, 2010, Mueller (Create Space, 2011, $15.99) at Northeastern Illinois University is $16) is personal and powerful and quite promises “explicit sex, raw emotions” and the author of Narrating The Closet (Left satisfying. “hysterical lesbians.” Coast Press, 2011, $34.95), subtitled “An • Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas, the Autoethnography of Same-Sex Attraction.” culinary masterminds behind Chicago’s cel- So Queer • Singer / songwriter Rodney Crowell, ebrated restaurant Alinea, have collaborat- • Written “in the tradition” of Howard who produced recent disc by out musi- ed again, this time on the book Life, On The Zinn’s beloved A People’s History of the cians Chely Wright and Susan Werner Line: A Chef’s Story of Chasing Greatness, United States, Queer America: A People’s GLBT (making him an honorary member of the LGBT community), Facing Death, and Redefining the Way We History of the United States (The New Press, 2011, follows the lead of ex-wife Rosanne Cash with his memoir Eat (Gotham Books, 2011, $27.50). $17.95) by Vicki L. Eaklor features topics such as Chinaberry Sidewalks (Knopf, 2011, $24.95). t the Stonewall Riots, same-sex marriage, LGBT [Editors Note: Check out Baltimore OUTloud columnist Novel Approaches rights, AIDS and much more. Josh Aterovis’ latest novel, The Truth of Yesterday, the fourth • In her riveting debut novel, The Fates • Queer (In)Justice: The Criminalization of LGBT book of the acclaimed Killian Kendall mystery series. (P.D. Will Find Their Way (Harper Collins, 2011, People in the United States (Beacon, 2011, $27.95) Publishing, 2011, $22.99, www.joshaterovis.com. ]

16 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com Live ly Arts // OUT ON SCREEN THEATRE AT CCBC PRESENTS Beware the Big Bad Wolf Byc Chu k Duncan the young suitors have perfectly messy hair Valerie (Amanda Seyfried) is a beautiful (the older men get to look a little more griz- young woman torn between two men. She is zled and unkempt). It’s all very nice to look in love with a brooding outsider, Peter (Shiloh at, but it really took me out of the story (alas, Fernandez), but her parents have arranged I am not the film’s target audience). for her to marry the wealthy Henry (Max Amanda Seyfried does an admiral job as Irons). Unwilling to lose each other, Valerie the wide-eyed young girl who has more cour- and Peter are planning to run away togeth- age than almost anyone in the village – es- er when they learn that Valerie’s older sister pecially after she discovers she can hear the has been killed by the werewolf that prowls werewolf’s thoughts and learns that it wants the dark forest surrounding their village. her to leave the village with him. This, of For years, the peo- course, sets up ple have maintained the real mys- an uneasy truce with tery late in the BAT BOY M BUTTERFLY the beast, offering the film and pres- MARCH 23 TO 26 MARCH 31 TO APRIL 5 creature a monthly an- ents us with STORY & BOOK BY Keythe Farley & Brian Flemming BY David Henry Hwang imal sacrifice. But un- several sus- MUSIC & LYRICS BY Laurence O’Keefe CCBC Essex CCBC Catonsville der a blood red moon, pects as to who the wolf has upped the the big, bad stakes by taking a hu- wolf really is – TICKETS $8 general admission; $5 students, seniors and CCBC faculty, staff and alumni man life. Hungry for re- Peter, Henry, venge, the people call Valerie’s fa- BOX OFFICE 443.840.ARTS (2787) on famed werewolf ther or maybe hunter, Father Solomon it really is her (Gary Oldman), to help grandmother. them kill the wolf. But Solomon’s arriv- Fernandez and Irons are both some al brings unintended consequences as he beefy eye candy, but it’s easy to see why warns that the wolf, who takes human form Valerie is more enamored of the more char- by day, could be any one of them. As the ismatic Peter. Virginia Madsen is always a death toll rises with each moon, Valerie be- welcome presence in any movie, no mat- gins to suspect that the werewolf could be ter how underwritten the role. Julie Christie someone she loves. Panic grips the town as looks amazing and relishes every chance Valerie discovers that she has a unique con- she gets to chew any piece of scenery in nection to the beast – one that inexorably her way. The best part of the movie is Gary draws them together, making her both sus- Oldman, apparently still doing his Dracula pect... and bait. accent. He brings some real weight to the I had some high-ish hopes for this movie movie and maybe even more menace than that it would be kind of dark and a little scary the werewolf. with a nice bit of gritty realism to fit the era of Red Riding Hood isn’t a terrible mov- the story. Unfortunately, director Catherine ie but while watching it, I just kept thinking Hardwicke opted to continue her career of another, better Little Red Riding Hood RETURNS where she left off after she directed the first movie, 1984’s The Company of Wolves with Twilight movie, giving us more of a chick flick Angela Lansbury as the grandmother. If you romance set in a very generic and unspeci- have a hankering for a really dark fairy tale, fied time and place... with just one werewolf then I would highly recommend seeking out and not a vampire in sight. that movie on DVD before venturing out to PROUDLY PRESENTING The film’s setting, in particular, really dis- the cineplex to see Red Riding Hood, al- THERE’S A MONSTER IN MY CLOSET! tracted me from what was going on because though Smallville fans may get a kick out of FRIDAY, APRIL 1 TO SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 2011 I kept trying to guess when the story was tak- seeing Michael Shanks (Hawkman), Michael ing place. The original fairy tale has its ori- Hogan (Slade Wilson) and Christine Willes Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm | Sunday, April 3rd and 10th at 2:00 pm gins as far back as the 14th century, but the (Granny Goodness) all in the same movie. General Admission: $12.00 | Seniors and Children: $10.00 film seems more at place in the 19th centu- Rated PG-13 for violence and creature FOR TICKETS OR FURTHER INFORMATION YOU MAY CALL: 410.340.0821 ry. I assume Hardwicke was trying to keep terror, and some sensuality. t OR E-MAIL: [email protected] the film “timeless,” but I really kept waiting Cast: Amanda Seyfried; Shiloh OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: www.libertyshowcasetheatre.org for someone to venture beyond the forest Fernandez; Max Irons; Virginia Madsen; 3505 Resource Drive, Randallstown, MD 21133 and discover a modern highway passing by. Billy Burke; Gary Oldman; Lukas Haas; There’s a Monster in My Closet! is presented by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Englewood, Colorado. It doesn’t help that every female in the village Julie Christie; Director: Catherine is also perfectly coiffed and made-up and Hardwicke

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 17 Lively Arts // OUT ON SCREEN AN INTERVIEW WITH VIDAL SASSOON Ricky Martin Among GLAAD

Eastern Europe, Warsaw, Berlin. Taking an international Media Award Winners Looking Good show team around the world. That’s exactly what my life was. By Gregg Shapiro GS: Were you happy when you saw the final product On March 19, the 22nd annual GLAAD Media Awards pre- Aptly titled, Vidal Sassoon: The Movie (Phase 4), is a cin- on film heard what people had to say about you? sentation took place in New York. Ricky Martin, Russell ematic celebration of the legendary 83 year old self-de- VS: I love it! I loved the guy who said, “I couldn’t work Simmons and the TV hit show 30 Rock were among those scribed “crimper” who forever changed the world of hair with him, he’s crazy!” [Laughs] I loved that, because to have who received recognition from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance with his architecturally-inspired cuts. Directed by Craig sycophants around is no good. People who tell the truth is Against Defamation. Teper, Vidal Sassoon: The Movie tells the hair maven’s cap- kind of nice. Martin had received the Vito Russo award for his appear- tivating life story, from his roots in Britain to his ascendance GS: In addition to transforming the art of hair styling, ance on the the Opera Winfrey as the undisputed international king of hairstyling and hair you also had a revolutionary effect on the physical ap- Show where he discussed his care. I spoke with Sassoon, still sharp as a pair of shears pearance of salons. Would you say that is a direct reflec- coming out and raising his twin and a snappy dresser to boot, shortly before the opening tion of your interest in architecture? boys. of the film. VS: Very, very much. I studied Bauhaus. Funny enough, “A couple of months ago, I Gregg Shapiro: How did you re- on our 50th anniversary, the was being attacked by someone spond when you were initially ap- Walter Gropius in Dessau was giv- in the media in Puerto Rico, and proached about being the subject of a en to us for the day. It was a mar- I called GLAAD and I said ‘What documentary feature? Did you need to velous day. It was like saying to do you do? Because I’m new at have your arm twisted? us, “Hey, you’re part of Bauhaus.” this, I really don’t know what to Vidal Sassoon: It was the reverse. No, GS: What an honor. There’s do.’ And they said, ‘Don’t wor- no. My friend Michael Gordon, who made a great scene in the movie ry, we’ll take care of it.’ And they Ricky Martin the movie, I’ve known him for 15 years or where they talk about how most hopped on a plane and they went so. He built Bumble and Bumble, which is of the male hairdressers dur- to Puerto Rico and they did what needed to be done. And to- a great product, and then sold the whole ing the 1960s were straight and day, Puerto Rican television is one step closer to being free thing to Estee Lauder. He wanted some- a problem arose because they from hate, thanks to GLAAD,” Martin said. thing to do, I guess [laughs]. He said, “I were having affairs with the Music entrepreneur Russell Simmons received the would like to give you an 80th birthday party,” this was four female clients. As someone in the business, were you Excellence in Media Award and was presented by Rev. Al years ago. I said, “I don’t need anything.” He said, “We’ll make aware of the presence of gay men in the industry or were Sharpton. “It’s a great honor and I’m truly appreciative of the a movie.” I said, “Do you realize how much that will cost?” they off to the side? GLAAD Media Awards including me in this special night,” He said, “I want to do it, I really want to do.” So four years VS: No, not to the side. Gay people, if they were excel- Simmons said in his acceptance speech. “I’m humbled by ago, we started and now we have a movie directed by Craig lent, they got the positions. For instance, apart from myself, having one of my mentors and heroes Rev. Sharpton giving Teper. He did a superb job. we had four international artistic directors that go around the me this award. You can’t talk about your- world to make sure that the standards are kept up, which is 30 Rock received the Outstanding Individual Episode self and your part in it, but so important. Tim, who was fabulous, was the artistic direc- (in a series without a regular LGBT character) for “Klaus & all over, he did a marvelous tor for 15 years. He was gay. It didn’t matter. They were cho- Greta” and HBO’s True Blood for Outstanding Drama Series. job of editing. sen for their talent. What their private lives were had nothing Spanish-language networks Univision and Telemundo GS: I’m glad that you to do with me, only their talent. That gave me my sense of re- were also recognized. mentioned talking about sponsibility, who we should promote. Scissor Sisters were named outstanding music artists for yourself, because there GS: Over the years, you’ve cut your share of celeb- the album “Night Work.” The website Essence.com was sa- are a lot of people in- rities’ hair over the years, is there one celebrity whose luted for outstanding digital journalism. terviewed in the movie, hair you never got to cut that you wished you had? Non-electronic media winners include the New York from former business as- VS: Yeah, The Donald (Trump) [laughs]. Times columnist Frank Rich sociates to Mary Quant GS: What would you do with The Donald? and Peter David for his Marvel and Grace Coddington to VS: I’d get rid of his Ann Sheridan coif [laughs]. I met him comic book X-Factor. your ex-wife Beverly and in the ’60s. He’s a character. A great, great character. Tina Fey, Patrick Wilson, your current wife Ronnie. GS: What do you think about the hair-themed reali- Denis O’Hare, Pauley What was it like to know ty shows, such as “Shear Genius” and “Tabitha’s Salon Perrette, Wilson Cruz, Jane that these people would Takeover”? Velez-Mitchell, and Lawrence be talking about you? VS: Well, if they do some good, in the sense of stan- O’Donnell were among the VS: I’ve been doing Mary Quant’s hair since 1957. First dards, then they make sense. But if it’s just pure nonsense, celebrities who joined the time I cut her hair, I cut her ear. Never done that before. There they don’t make sense. I did their last show (as guest judge) GLAAD event. was blood all over the place. And her husband was with her, and had to choose the winner from the student, with other The GLAAD Media and he said, “I say, do you charge extra for that?” On occa- people, of course. It was hysterical. One girl was shaking, lit- Awards recognize fair, accu- Russell Simmons sion they bring up the fact that I’ve been married four times erally shaking. rate and inclusive representa- [laughs]. (Shrugs) I just do that (shrugs again). GS: Because you were there or because she was tion of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community GS: So it didn’t bother you that people were going to nervous in general? and the issues that affect their lives in the media. be talking about you. VS: No, because she wanted to hold my hand [laughs]. Winners were announced in 25 of this year’s total of 32 VS: They had a reason to talk. I neglected marriages be- GS: Did she get to do that? media categories. The remaining awards will be presented at cause hair was my focus. (We did) shows all over the world VS: Of course! Then I went over and gave her a cuddle ceremonies to be held in Los Angeles and San Francisco in – in Japan, Seoul, Korea, in Shanghai, Beijing and all over and said, (whispers) “I’m just another crimper.” t April and May, respectively. t

18 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com Al an Mingo, Jr / SHREK – continued from front page actor – just wrapped up a role in Promises, He sighs, “I was dragged to see Sean He sighs, “I would probably just apol- Promises, and the critique was, ‘We don’t be- Puffy Combs in Raisin in the Sun and I ogize. Not for me, but you know... the way lieve him as a straight man; he shouldn’t be found myself wondering why not a phenom- that people were treated. At the time, that di- wards,” he laments “Rent has four gay main playing that role.’ Yet you didn’t see anyone enal actor who’s less well-known in such agnosis was a death sentence, and people characters; I really can’t think of any other questioning Eric McCormack playing a major an iconic role? There’s this pop element to around you are suggesting things like putting show that’s done that besides La Cage au gay role on Will and Grace.” Broadway now that’s bringing in a lot of peo- you in a camp. As a child, you’re going ‘Oh Folles. So, even though we’re making prog- Thinking of Hal Sparks’ long run on Queer ple who are well-known for whatever reason my God, is this the way that adults handle ress in social media, in musical theater, I as Folk with nary a peep about how convinc- onto the stage and we are highlighting that. issues?’ It was the first time I was confront- don’t necessarily see it.” ing he was as Michael, I agree that straight I mean, if you get cast off American Idol, by ed with the fact that adults are scrambling An interesting point that those larger- actors don’t have to convince anyone that the next day, you’re almost guaranteed a just like we were; that there were still bullies than-life characters are actually diminishing. they’re gay while gay actors are constant- spot in a show, even if it’s a supporting role and insecure people and people with no em- Why does he think that is? ly having to convince everyone that they’re of some sort, just to get them some recog- pathy; trying to hide what they were going “I don’t know if that’s because we’re be- straight, like it’s some sort of fait accompli. nition and try to get some more people into through, that they really didn’t know anymore coming more accepting of it, so that we don’t “Exactly,” Alan says quietly. “It shouldn’t the theater.” than we did.” need to be that loud and out there,” he spec- be about our personal lives, it should be What does Alan find to be the more dis- Speaking of which, what’s Alan’s take ulates. “But in the culture of musical theater about our work. People are constantly com- ciplined pursuit, Broadway or television? on reality TV? “I, uh...” you can actually feel over the decade that I’ve been involved in it, ing up to me after the show and commenting, “Hmm,” he thinks “They both have their chal- the blush creeping over the phone lines. there hasn’t been a lot of those roles. It was ‘Whoa, you play straight really well!’ I find lenges, but the great thing about theater is that “As much as I really don’t like reality TV. I great having a Broadway debut where you it unfortunate that that’s the first thing that you have that immediate audience response. can’t help it, I get curious, I wind up going on could be of the same orientation as that char- comes out of someone’s mouth to try and With sitcoms, you’re in front of a live audience, YouTube and watching an episode.” acter and have it be no big deal.” make me ‘feel better’ about my work.” yeah, but you’re having more than one take We agree that we all have this innate de- Pointing out that Broadway appears to As someone who vividly remembers the and worrying about hitting marks and cam- sire to have everyone watch us, however. “I be determined to shine a spotlight on an ac- days when a person could become well- era angles – it’s a little bit more complicated. have friends who are on Twitter. Do I real- tor’s orientation as part of their stereotypi- known strictly for Broadway (Bernadette Another thing is that with Broadway, you’re ly need to know when you are going to the cal framework, Alan adds “Well, Neil Patrick Peters, Sandy Duncan, etc.) I asked Alan running the entire thing all the way through. bathroom? Do I really care that you’re going Harris has finally come out and is playing what he thinks about this new wave of pop- With sitcoms, you’re filming each scene sepa- to Red Lobster? I can’t even imagine myself these sort of womanizing roles, which I’m ular actors and musicians being virtually rately and you can’t see how the other scenes typing that. My mom doesn’t get it either.” enjoying watching him do, but on the other handed key roles that struggling theater ma- are set up, so if you don’t fit in with the other “Yeah, unless there’s a residual check in hand Sean Hayes – who’s a well-known gay jors would kill for. scenes, you can blow an audition.” the mail or you’re selling a product, there’s Having read that he has to be literally tied really no reason to update constantly.” into his donkey suit, this reigning Chairman People just want to be paid attention to A Play by Adam Bock BaltimoreA of the Itty Bitty Bladder Committee just had at all times – as an actor he must be familiar Directed by Michele Minnick to know what Alan does if he needs to relieve with the territory. “But you’re not even pay- Premiere himself once he’s trapped inside there. “I ing attention to anything around you; you’re just don’t!” he chuckles “They did add a little too busy tweeting about it! At Sean’s debut, An eccentric pee slot for me, in the front of my undergar- all I saw was a sea of blue from people’s cell and fantastical ment, but you can’t predict how the stream phones, taking photos and videos rather comedy about figuring out what you really need. may flow, and this is a hand-sewn, $35,000 than just watching the play.” costume, so...” He giggles, “Besides, I only Twitter does have its advantages though; Barb wants to live as a have like three or four minutes in between Buddhist monk, with only 8 and charity definitely tops that list. Has the earthly possessions – will her scenes; that’s not even enough time to get current spate of natural disasters and on- husband Bob make the cut? the hooves off.” going recession been keeping people away Carla Carla won’t marry her Alan’s pet cause is Broadway Cares from the theater? girlfriend Donna until she gives (www.broadwaycares.org); it’s a way of hon- Alan concedes that the six week tours up smoking. oring a beloved uncle he lost to AIDS-related of old have dwindled down to one and two Nick, disappointed by the men he complications when he was a teenager. I ask weeks and that the towns he got used to vis- dates, falls in love with a Mako him what he thinks his uncle would have to iting look a bit more desolate than he remem- shark at the aquarium. say about his achievements; what would he bers, but “when people do come out, they’re Bock interweaves these stories want him to say? buying six tickets at a time, bringing their to create a light-hearted comedy “Oh wow, you did your research!” he mur- kids. We’re finding that afterwards, they’re with surprising depth. murs. “Wow, hmm... I would hope that he’s willing to open up their wallets to Broadway a screwy little jewel of a play proud. I don’t think my uncle knew how much Cares, and it’s something that they might not “ ” I knew when he passed away, so I sort of take have done otherwise. It’s really nice to see it upon myself to be an advocate for him even that we’re on the other end of this disease; though he’s not here. As a child, having peo- by this I mean it’s not in the headlines every Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays Box Office: 443-468-4837 ple lie to my face ‘Oh, he has cancer,’ putting day like it used to be, yet people are still giv- March 31st thru t April 16th at 8 PM ironcrowtheatre.com myself in his shoes, knowing that that sort of ing to the organization and it’s wonderful.” with a Saturday matinee on April 9th at 2 PM thing was going on around him, especially at Alan is currently appearing in the role Proud Media Sponsor: the time he died, I can imagine that the society of Donkey in Shrek the Musical at the The Great Hall, Emmanuel Episcopal Church 811 Cathedral Street that he was dying into was just unbearable.” Hippodrome Theatre. Check out www.shrek- (corner of Read & Cathedral Streets t Mount Vernon) What would Alan want him to know, if he themusical.com, and visit www.baltimoreout- AN INDEPENDENT VOICE FOR THE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY could have a conversation with him now? loud.com for full interview.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 19 AGrace Reconciling CongregationUnited with M Openethodist Hearts, Open Minds, Church Open Doors

Each Wednesday through April 13, 7:30AM Communion in the chapel, followed by breakfast. Come before work and leave after breakfast at 8:00AM. PALM PASSION SUNDAY, APRIL 17 8:30AM Early Worship 10:00AM Principle Worship Celebration followed by an Easter Egg Hunt for the children MAUNDY THURSDAY, APRIL 21 7:30AM Communion followed by breakfast — replaces Communion of April 20. 12:00PM Communion 7:30PM Service in the Sanctuary with Holy Communion GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 22 12:00PM Service with Choral presentation of “The Seven Last Words” by Dubois EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 24 8:30AM Early Worship 10:00AM Principle Worship Celebration with Brass and Choirs SAVE THE DATE: SUNDAY, MAY 22 10:00AM First Reconciling Service, details to follow PRESBYTERIAN 5407 N Charles StreetCHURCH at Northern Parkway AN INCLUSIVE410.433.6650 AND PROGRESSIVE | www.GraceUnitedMethodist.org CHURCH COMMUNITY. www.govanspres.org

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AN INCLUSIVE AND PROGRESSIVE CHURCH COMMUNITY. www.govanspres.org

20 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com FAITH Introducing the cheon prayer. A man was hosting the prayer with Caucasians in the room and said the fol- Byzantine Rite lowing: “To all you white people out there we Youth don’t need your money to do anything or start Old Catholic Church anything.” Protest This was not only rude during the Lord’s By Daniel J. Romanos tion to ordination), our Wedding/Holy Union/ Terrence Brower Prayer but it was just down right racist. No, we Blessings and Peace! The Byzantine Rite Old Pastoral Care services, and don’t need them to do anything but be thank- Catholic Church is a welcoming and affirm- Gargoyle‘s Paranormal Investigations (my ful for what they did give us and move on. But ing independent religious community estab- psychic research facility established in 1984). don’t be so blunt to say that during a prayer. lished according to the Canonical precepts of Our outreach to the LGBT communi- Calling for Ending this rant toward my African-American the Declaration of Utrecht, the 19th Century ty comes as an outgrowth of our contin- lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender peo- bishops of the Roman Catholic Church ued mission to my own beloved Goth/ Solidarity ple I will say this: support those who support who objected to the doctrine of pa- Darkwave subculture, as we con- you and don’t categorize all white people as pal infallibility announced at the First tinue to reach out to those individ- When I was younger back in 2005 I remember racist. This is not 1911. It is 2011. Vatican Council. We carry valid uals and groups who have been going to two community centers for the LGBT As for the Caucasian LGB&T commu- Apostolic Succession via the late made to feel unwelcome by larg- community. The first one was the GLCCB, nity, we are not slaves anymore and we Archbishop Joseph Renee Vilatte er, institutionalized churches. which has been around since the 1970’s and I are just as smart as you are and can com- (Old Catholic Church in America, All are invited to join us in cel- had the privilege of meeting the founders and pete and work with you on the same level. Independent Catholic Church ebration of the Divine Liturgy, getting to know the board members. Then I What is there to be afraid of? Not all African- of Ceylon), Metropolitan Andrei each Sunday at 1 p.m. at our went to what was The Portal, and I did the American’s are Katt Williams-speaking, Lil Prazsky (Autocephalous Slavonic Old Catholic Cathedral of Saint same and met some great people in the com- Wayne-loving, and gun-toting people. Orthodox Catholic Church in North and Antony the Great (in the sanctuary of munity. Now The Portal is merged with BMX Realize that not all of your funders and South America, American Orthodox the First Unitarian UC building, 12 W. (Black Men’s Xchange) out of New York City. supporter are the same race as you wheth- Catholic Church, Ukrainian Orthodox Franklin St, in downtown Baltimore). I respect both of these places, and they do er we are supporting you by going to your Church in Exile) and Bishop Jason Fox Together let us experience the Holy some great work in the community but the rea- community center, reading your newspaper, (Old Calendar Hellenic Orthodox Church Mysteries of Our Lord Jesus Christ, son I’m writing this article is to ask the LGB&T or being patrons to your establishments. You in Diaspora). I also previously served as through Whom, in the words of the early community of Baltimore for some integration. are losing big money from funders when you national chancellor of the North American Church Fathers, “God became man, that Recently in the news same-sex marriage exclude African-Americans and other races Old Catholic Church (Archbishop Michael V. we might become gods.” in Maryland got pushed back by the house. from your demographic. Also, if you are rac- Seneco) of Washington, DC. Contact the Church through our website: This is a major defeat for us as a gay com- ist then please do one of two things. Please Ministries of our Church include our sem- www.church.revdanielromanos.com, email munity. This really could have been avoided change your mind frame or board members inary, Saint Ieronymos School of Theology [email protected], or tele- if we unified as a community. Too many times or please don’t be so blatant about it. If you (offering one-on-one instruction and dis- phone: 443-691-4926. t as a youth and an adult I’ve heard that many know like black people or any race please tance learning for men and women – sin- The author is the Church’s Metropolitan white gay men and women don’t like to par- examine yourself as to why you don’t like any gle or married, gay or straight – as prepara- Archbishop ty, socialize, or advocate with black gay men other race. It’s probably due to your past ex- and women and vice versa. perience with them or an insecurity that you First let me address my community, the have. This is 2011 and not 1911, and racism The Byzantine Rite Old Catholic Church is pleased to announce the black gay community. Not all white people is so history and out of date. But if you are opening of our Cathedral of Saint Antony in and out of the community are bad people racist then I personally laugh at you because Join us every Sunday 1:00 PM at Divine Liturgy at First Unitarian UC, 12 W. Franklin Street and they are not all racist. Caucasians are I know that chances are that you are old and (corner of Charles and Franklin Streets in Downtown Baltimore). For more information, no longer holding us down so all that “The you will die soon. (Not being mean, I’m just contact [email protected] or 443-691-4926. man is holding me down” bullsh*t when out saying.) http://church.revdanielromanos.com the window on 11:00 p.m. November 4, 2008 In closing, I want the African-American when Obama was elected President. LGB&T and Caucasian LGB&T and oth- Yes, he is our first black president but er races that are in the LGB&T spectrum to he’s not the cure all be all and he never will unite because our enemies are watching us but anyway we must acknowledge and sup- and how we act, and if they think that we are port the people who helped build the com- not united they will try to divide us more. t munity. Again, when I went to the African- Please follow The Gang N’em at ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS American Leadership conference in Atlanta www.twitter.com/Thegangnem and sub- in 2010 hosted by NAESM, I came there and scribe to the YouTube www.youtube.com/ Let us help you acquire Local Company Serving I heard what happened during the first lun- thegangnem. Utilize our Equipment the vehicles and Greater Baltimore Area & Commercial Vehicle equipment you need to Businesses for over Lease Finance Solutions grow your business 35 years

CALL NANCY OR ALLAN: 1.800.733.5529 OR EMAIL: [email protected] | WWW.MadisonCapital.COM

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 21 YOUR MONEY

ers, even with price declines, and a lot of the transfer to a new owner, the current seller spective. With the previous owner and the activity here has come from DC residents has to negotiate a contract with a qualified investors gone, the chain of authority for de- looking for less expensive housing, a trend buyer and then start to make the case to the cision making is much clearer, but the bu- we expect to continue. lender(s) that he/she will require financial as- reaucratic nature of most lenders removes All of this is good news, unless you happen sistance to sell the property. If the lender(s) much of the give and take you’d find in a real Real Estate to be selling a home right now. From a seller’s accept the fact that the seller is truly in dis- negotiation. Listing prices are usually set Today perspective, the overriding issue is the number tress, they then have to go to their investors with a businesslike efficiency, and routine- Wayne Curtis of distressed properties currently flooding the and get them to agree to take the loss. All ly reduced on a four to six week schedule if market and driving prices down. Most buyers of this has to take place before the lender no qualified buyer has surfaced. In between enter the market eager to snap up a bargain, can notify the buyer if the contract offer will reductions, there is usually little flexibili- A Springtime but not fully informed as to ex- be acceptable – even if the ty on price. Many buyers think the bank will actly what it means to them to contract has been signed be desperate to negotiate and get rid of the Real Estate buy a distressed property, or the by the seller. property, only to have their opening low offer differences between the types This process is long and rejected in short order because it is too far Primer of distressed property currently tedious. Buyers and their below the current listing price. on the market. So here’s a brief agents can only wait on the A majority of foreclosures also need overview to get you up to speed. sidelines while the lender(s) some level of renovation before they can be Ever since the groundhog predicted an ear- The largest category of and investors go back and occupied. While this can be a great way to ly spring, most of us have been eagerly wait- distressed properties include forth with the current owner get a newly renovated house at a good price, ing for the little guy to be proven right. And homes listed for sale that are to satisfy all the paperwork many first time buyers are not ready to han- while the weather makes it a day-to-day af- “under water” – where the requirements. In today’s dle the purchase experience and then jump fair to know if winter is truly over, from the owner owes more than the house could cur- market it is not unusual for a short sale to take immediately into working with a contractor to real estate data coming out lately it seems rently sell for in the market. Short sales more than three months to settle, nor is it un- complete a four to six week renovation. that spring truly has arrived early. are where a seller, who is under water, also common for a buyer to wait three months to If you’re a buyer in this market, do your February 2011 statistics show that in doesn’t have the money to make up the dif- discover that their offer will not be accepted homework, and you can truly use the current the Baltimore region, home sales were ference and has to ask the lender to forgive by the lender at all. Most first-time buyers, distress to your advantage and end up with eq- up 7% over February of 2010. Down in the the amount of the shortfall. who are dealing with a landlord who needs a uity in your new home from day one. But be re- Washington metro area, which includes Short sales get their name from this sell- specific date upon which his rental apartment alistic about your goals and your abilities, and nearby Montgomery and Prince George’s er’s shortfall, not from the amount of time will be vacant, cannot consider short sales as if you don’t think your life will allow you to deal Counties, pending home sales in February they take to settle – which is anything BUT a viable option. with the uncertainties of a short sale or the re- increased a whopping 33% over the same short. Generally, the seller is still in the home Foreclosures are where the lender has sponsibilities of a renovation, stick to conven- month a year earlier. The median home and has listed the house as a short sale in evicted the previous owner, passed the loss tional non-distressed listings with individual price in February 2011 in the DC region was consultation with their bank or institutional along to the investors who are now out of the sellers where the timeframe and the purchas- $300,000, down from $309,000 the year be- lender. The mortgage is still in place, as are picture, and has taken ownership of the prop- ing process is much more predictable. t fore – but Baltimore’s median home price in all the investors who bought into that mort- erty. Foreclosures are usually listed for less Wayne Curtis has been a licensed real February 2011 was $205,350, down from gage once it went to the private equity mar- than market price, which is why they tend to estate agent since 1998. His website, www. February 2010’s by 9.54%. So, Baltimore ket. Sometimes there is a second mortgage, drive down property values in the area. CharmCityRealEstate.com is a resource for metro still remains a much more affordable and yet another set of investors. Before a Foreclosures present a completely differ- further real estate research. Send questions alternative for Washington-area homebuy- property can reach the settlement table and ent set of challenges from the buyer’s per- to him at [email protected].

Gifts to the World PrEP vs. PEP to relegate us to places of shame, self doubt dren and our wealth. We can no longer sit on – continued from page 14 – continued from page 15 and unworthiness. the sidelines while black legislators seek to We should also widely repudiate the degrade us in the Statehouse and our white useful for anyone, but I’m having a hard time rights establishment should seek to forge slander of our people by folks who would counterparts blame our people for the defeat coming up with who it’s a good idea for. If a new path towards the right to marry. It is seek to blame others for their failure to build of the pro-equality legislation. you: never acceptable to use the blueprint of the authentic and functioning coalitions and al- The black same gender loving commu- • Can’t or won’t use a condom or have modern civil rights movement without giving liances across racial, ethnic and religious nities are at crossroads. These crossroads your partner use one, respectful deference to the people and his- lines. We should seek instead to help cre- have afforded us the opportunities to honor • Are wealthy enough to spend $12,000 a tory of this long march toward freedom. ate a new religious paradigm in our spir- our ancestors in our quest for legal recog- year on a preventive medication Black same gender loving people are an itual communities that up holds and uplifts nition of profound loving relationships while • Are committed to taking the medication integral part of bridging gaps of understand- the dignity of all human beings by virtue be- forging a new understanding among our own every day, and ing between these communities. Building ing born into the human family. We should people. • Don’t mind the potential side effects, these bridges requires us to proudly walk in also acknowledge the need for racial healing With tenacity and honesty while armed Then this is for you! t our truths as we move through the world. We and reconciliation within queer communities with love and compassion, we will win our Dr. Eva Hersh is Chief Medical Officer at must tell our stories to our families, friends, across the nation. struggle. Reclaiming the legacies of James Chase Brexton Health Services. Send ques- neighbors, pastors and other people who The protections that are afforded in le- Baldwin, Bayard Rustin, Audre Lourde and tions to [email protected], or to Eva love and care about us. We should strong- gally recognized marriage are invaluable to Zora Neale Hurston require us to boldly step Hersh MD, Chase Brexton Health Services, ly stand against religious dogma that seeks protecting our loving partnerships, our chil- with a new courage toward a new day. t 1001 Cathedral St., Baltimore, MD 21201

22 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com SOLID IS HERE TO HELP

Whether you and your partner are buying your first home together or refinancing an existing loan, I understand the step you are taking in building your lives together and will listen to your personal needs before suggesting the best financing options. Contact me today.

Richard Pazornik Mortgage Loan Officer 443.600.1282 [email protected] suntrustmortgage.com/rpazornik

Equal Housing Lender. SunTrust Mortgage, Inc., 901 Semmes Avenue, Richmond, VA 23224 is licensed by the Department of Corpora- tions under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act; is an Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee; is a Lender in Massachusetts hav- ing Mortgage Lender license #s ML1216, ML0133, ML1432, ML1914, ML1913, ML1815, ML2411, ML1214, ML2442, ML2491, and ML2538; is licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department; is licensed by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, toll free 1-800- 330-4684; is a licensed lender in Rhode Island; and is doing business in Arizona as Crestar Mortgage, 7250 N. 16th Street, Ste. 100, Phoenix, AZ 85020. ©2010 SunTrust, SunTrust Mortgage, and Live Solid. Bank Solid. are federally registered service marks of SunTrust Banks, Inc.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 23 The Rowan Tree Tavern BALTIMORE’S TERNATIV MIER AL E TAVE PRE RN

EVERYBODY’S BAR BECAUSE All People are Created Equal Members of ONE HUMAN FAMILY

VISIT WWW.THEROWANTREE.NET And Join our Mailing List to keep up on The Tree News & Events.

1633 S. CHARLES STREET FEDERAL HILL | 410.468.0550 FREE OFF STREET PARKING

24 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com D Ining

and chairs. Not only is the décor upbeat NO WORRIES, NO CARES. and welcoming so is the Chef/Owner Sarah Simington and the staff. YOU INVITE THE GUESTS, WE DO THE REST Adventures The menu offers classic dishes or house specialties all in generous portions. You can We Shop, Cook, Serve and Clean Up in Baltimore always find fluffy French toast and pancakes, We Offer Distinctive 4–8 Course Dining Experience Restaurants eggs and bacon or sausage- but don’t bypass We Offer Recreational, In-Home Cooking Classes Jessica Lemmo the huevos rancheros with chorizo, eggs, fresh green salsa and cheddar and crisp corn Call for a no cost in-home meeting, or to speak with our experienced event planner: tortillas. Want something even more unique Mary H. Vahl: 410.224.5598 • 716.378.2931 • BaltimoreDistinctiveHomeDining.com Blue Moon Café then try one of the daily specials that is ever changing like the Captain Crunch French 1621 Aliceanna Street Toast or Cinnamon Roll French Toast. Oh Baltimore, MD 21231 wait, I forgot to mention the homemade cin- namon rolls the size of your head if not larger, The Blue Moon Café here in Baltimore is well homemade biscuits and jams! known and seems to be on the “to try list” of al- A perfect starter to share would be the most every visitor that comes our way. Tucked cinnamon rolls. Each person grab a fork away in Fells Point, the fun and creativity of this and dig into the warm, soft, flavorful piece of restaurant fits perfectly with its surroundings. heaven. Oh there is more with those cinna- mon rolls- Cinnamon Roll French Toast! In the mood for something sweet with a crunch? Then try the famous Captain Crunch French Toast (as seen on Diners, Drive- Ins, and Dives). Three thick slic- es of French Toast encrusted in Captain Crunch served with fresh fruit and homemade whipped cream and sprinkled with pow- dered sugar. You have to know ahead of time and plan accordingly that you will be waiting a while for a table TheGood Food & Drinks, Dizz Casual & Funky on a weekend- just don’t forget to put your name on the list. You can kill time by browsing the local The atmosphere is upbeat and welcom- shops, stop by somewhere for a mimosa but ing with its eclectic décor of fireplace man- don’t eat anything because of those gener- tles decorated with artsy knick-knacks and ous portions. Also, the kitchen maybe small collectibles, Day of the Dead-like skeletons and get behind time to time but in the end it throughout, and the hodgepodge of tables will all be worth it! t Spectacular 180° Views of Charm City

Full Bar Now Open

Mondays 50¢ Wings & $1.50 Domestic Bottles Dizz Happy Hour TheG r a n d v i e w 50¢ Off All Beer Selections Monday—Friday 11 am - 10 pm Monday - Friday 3pm-7pm Saturday & Sunday 8:30 am - 10 pm Breakfast served weekends 8:30 am - 2pm 300 W 30th St ● 443-869-5864 www.thedizzbaltimore.com St. Mary’s Roland View Towers Follow us on Facebook & Twitter 3838 Roland Ave, Rooftop ● 443-869-3085

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 25 open your mind to every possibility? Now not like what’s in your past. So you see this To hear more from Shawn Bradley, check I’m not saying that you should do a complete topic can easily go from getting to know your out his debut comedy CD A Bottom Like Me 180, just try to see things from a different partner better, to ending a once budding re- on iTunes. Don’t forget to tune into to Guys at point of view sometimes. I do have regrets lationship all because someone wanted to Brunch, www.guysatbrunch.com, the Gay in- in my life, but hopefully by the time I’m dead know who and how you f**ked in the past. t ternet talk show. Hearts and gone, I won’t have any. Be it sexual or and Minds otherwise; I don’t won’t to have any regrets Shawn Bradley at all when that time comes. So let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Speaking as a gay man we all have a sex- Should Your Partner ual past, unless you’re a virgin. When enter- ing into a relationship rules of what’s allowed and not allowed are often laid out, and you Be Aware of Your both start with a clean slate. However clean the slate maybe your sexual past is always SEXUAL PAST? Part 1 there. Ex-boyfriends, f**k buddies and random OK, before I begin there are few things that I pieces have all lain down with your man and need to explain about me and the way I see he’s done the same thing to them that he’s things. For some strange reason, I look at doing to you now. There also may have been relationships as if they’re fairytales. Yes, I things that he’s done to them that he can’t know this is very dangerous and very, very bring himself to do with you. naïve of me. I‘ve told myself this plenty of Let’s say group sex (3-somes or more), times. No relationship has a fairytale ending. golden showers, spitting, swallowing, nutting Sure there are some couples that seem to on your face, etc... depending on the sexual fit perfectly together, but I bet if you were to act, I’ll let your particular sexual preference take a deeper look, you‘d find that they have determine which is good or bad. Who am I worked hard and diligently on their relation- to judge? I just told you that I love to watch. ship. Something I believe must happen in or- The question still lingers do you or your der for a relationship to last. There are al- partner need to know about the sexual activi- ways ups and downs along the way. You just ties that the two of you have engaged in prior have to hope and pray that your partner can to your relationship? As far as I’m concerned handle the ride. I can care less what’s in his sexual past. The The second thing to note about my- reason I say this is that it all happened be- self is that I’m an avid voyeur. Yes, I love to fore I knew who he was. It had nothing to do watch and hear. Some of us are exhibition- with me, just like my sexual past had nothing ist. However fortunate or unfortunate that to do with him. What we do from here on out may be on my part, that’s something I don’t is what matters. think I can bring myself to do. You see how Some of you might say I want to know, I phrase that (I don’t think). I phrased it that but before you inquire about his sexual past, way because no one is 100% sure of what make sure you can handle it. You might not they would or wouldn’t do, so for myself I al- like what you’re about to hear and this may ways leave the door open for that possibility, affect the way you see and respond to him. whatever it may be. Also, it leaves you open to discuss your past Life is a journey of self-discovery. How endeavors. Never ask a question that you’re will you know who you truly are unless you not willing to answer yourself. Hell, he may

26 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com TRAVEL Whistler WinterPRIDE: Boards, Boys, and Beers By Nick Vivion were fast frozen, the winter provides Gaytravel.com an altogether more sensual connec- Moments after arriving in Whistler, tion with the world unfolding around Canada, I find myself walking you on each segment. down the main drag in a harness, I felt this same sort of sensuali- with straps dangling and my crotch ty as the week progressed, and not scrunched up in a tidy triangle. And just because it was gay ski week! the boys are staring at me. I hadn’t The ability for bonding over physical noticed before, but more and more activity in a locale separated from gays are revealing themselves with everyone’s comfort zones really al- their stares as my boyfriend Kevin lowed for significant connections and I walk down Skiers Approach among gay travelers, as well as be- towards the slopes. tween nature and the individual. “Who knew that I would be And of course, after an active in a harness so fast,” I joke, el- day on the mountain, there were bowing Kevin as a few scattered plenty of après-ski events to whet groups of North Face-clad men the whistle and catch up with new looked our way. Kevin rolls his friends. Every afternoon from 3-6 eyes, marking the official start of p.m., there are various sponsored my WinterPRIDE! après-ski events at the Whistler Earlier in the day, as I bounced Conference Center. There is a com- along the spectacular Sea-to-Sky edy night, there are several events Highway on Pacific Coach Lines, focused just on the ladies, there is a the area’s plentiful bounty repeat- pool party, a drag party, a bear par- edly crossed my mind. The twists ty, downhill ski races, dog sledding, and turns of the newly enlarged brewery tours and so much more highway hug the mountainside, planned goodness. with shimmering lakes and fir-studded slopes reaching sky- in gay men and women from all over the world to take advan- The apex of Whistler’s WinterPRIDE lineup is Saturday ward. Without a doubt one of the Canada’s most memorable tage of the fabulous terrain. In addition, the breadth of the re- night’s Snowball. The party goes on until the sky lightens, drives, the 70-minute journey is an excellent primer for what sort affords non-boarders an abundance of activities to stoke revealing the soft outline of the towering peaks of Whistler waits ahead in Whistler. any passion. Blackcomb Mountains. The party thins out after the booze The First Nations peoples in Whistler have a striking Take me for example. I love to snowboard, but after a stops around 3 a.m., but the remaining crowd is full-tilt. moniker for their traditional home: where mountains, rivers concussion on Whiteface Mountain a couple of years ago, WinterPRIDE turns 20 in 2012, and the Snowball has and people meet. I find that to be an apt description not only I have been reluctant to get back at it. So I was pleased to been the centerpiece for the festivities for quite some time. of the British Columbia region that I find myself exploring, see a full itinerary that allowed me to experience the full buf- This year, a robust performance lineup, combined with an but also of the tenor of WinterPRIDE, one of North America’s fet of wilderness adventures that are available at Whistler impressive conversion of the Whistler Conference Center largest and longest running ski weeks. Mountain. into nightclub central, made the Snowball a full-on hit. WinterPRIDE is all about the intersections of nature and So… getting back to that harness. We had just arrived in New York’s DJ Eddie Baez headlined, grinding out his people in the gay community, providing a solid base of par- Whistler, and had hastily unpacked our winter necessities in signature tribal-inflected beats and keeping the crowd mov- ties and events to whet the appetite of even the most avid our warm suite at the Pan Pacific Village Centre. We had a ing. Before he jumped on the decks, there were two very dif- circuit partier or event-monger. On top of this base, just like packed itinerary, with little time to change. And as I hate the ferent but energetic performances by Rockstar’s Zayra and the fresh powder that falls on the mountains here regularly, cold, I am always quick to layer it up: Long underwear, jeans, Vancouver’s DESTINEAK. Zayra worked it out in a captain’s the organizers have layered a multitude of experiences that and snowboard pants are common if I fear the cold. outfit and severe knee-high leather boots with 6-inch heels. shake things up and allow gays to meet in contexts beyond Fast forward to Skiers Approach, where my layers have She came ready to rock, and the crowd paid attention. nightlife. now been bunched up like chiffon over my midsection. I am DESTINEAK brought a unique flavor as the first perfor- The dual mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb are taking it in stride, because frankly it doesn’t matter to me: We mance of the night, mixing vocals, instruments and tracks the anchors of Whistler Village, the two omnipresent el- are going ZIPLINING! Woo hoo! into a wonderful livetronica set. Bobby and Christina are a ders watching over their flock. The Lower Village is home to Zip lining always makes me happy, and Whistler’s Ziptrek husband-and-wife musical duo striving to redefine what’s the majority of the shops and restaurants, while the Upper has one of North America’s original zip courses. In my hum- expected in a live performance, and giving it their all each Village is mostly the higher-end resorts and hotels. ble opinion, it is also one of the best. The guides are well- and every time. I really rocked out as Christina sang their The town itself is small, with a permanent population of spoken and passionate about conversing issues affecting destined-for-radio single “Calling My Name,” because when only roughly 10,000 hardcore locals. There is also an army the area, which is one of the last remaining temperate rain- someone drops their entire being in a performance it’s hard of seasonal workers that come mainly from Australia and forests on earth. not to get into it! Europe, to man the chairlifts, cash registers and guide posi- And there is nothing quite like zooming along at high As we wandered out in a daze, the morning was set- tions for the many activities. speeds, hands-free and spinning, upside-down and right tling in and the WinterPRIDE week was coming to a close. The Whistler Blackcomb resort spans the largest skiable side up, watching the winter wonderland of babbling brooks, Staggering to bed, it was going to be a sleep-in kind of morn- acreage of any resort on the continent, so it’s no surprise snow-capped stones and stately pine trees laid out all ing – even if a fluffy layer of powder was glistening, beckon- that WinterPRIDE is a marquee event for the area, bringing around! This was my first wintertime zip, and while my hands ing for some fresh tracks. t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 27 the Mid-Atlantic Uniform League (MAUL) will present the post contest event at Leon’s on Saturday evening. Sunday’s Kinky Karavael scheduled for 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. at the Leather Playhouse (corner of Calvert and Read in Mt. Line Vernon) will bring together the ShipMates, Rodney Burger F.I.S.T, and the D.C. boys of Leather. You will also want to be at the Hippo at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 26 for the main event: the Mid-Atlantic LeatherSIR/ boy/ Woman/ and E very Weekend Community Bootblack 2011 Contest. It should be quite a leather weekend! IS LEATHER WEEKEND Mr. Maryland Leather 2011 Alex Lemaire will help kick off April with “Speakeasy” a fund- in Baltimore raiser for SPEAK (Suicide Prevention Education Awareness for Kids) on Saturday, April 2 from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Grand Central. This Spring is the time for many big leather events afternoon of cabaret performances and hors such as International Ms. Leather in San d’oeuvres will feature a broad range of per- Mr. Maryland Leather 20111 – (l to r) Alex Lemaire, Rodney Burger, Mike Mitchell, Francisco (April 14-17), Cleveland Leather formers including Sue Nami, Timoth Copney, and Bob Rose at Altland’s Ranch Awareness Weekend (April 28 to May 1) and Araya Sparxx, Ashley Alexander, Elora Frost, International Mr. Leather in Chicago (May Quae Simpson and more. I will also add a little Although I am looking forward to IML in You can once again enjoy two bar nights 26-31). Although these functions are great stand-up comedy to what is sure to be a really Chicago in May, there will be lots to do right on May 14 as COMMAND takes over Leon’s and lots of fun, I am happy to report that this fun afternoon. Plus I hear that the silent auction here in Baltimore. May 7 will be another big Leather Lounge and BLADeaf parties at the spring one does not have to travel far and is going to be incredible! Tickets are available leather night as COMMAND celebrates an- Baltimore Eagle. spend lots of money to enjoy a little leath- at www.command.org. other anniversary with a dinner (details to Spring may be the time for those big out er brotherhood. It seems like every weekend Speaking of great performances, I be announced) and afterwards a bar night of town leather events, but I am excited that is leather weekend right here in Charm City. ran into COMMAND member Stephanie at Leon’s hosted by the D.C. boys of Leather. our local Leather Community is out in force Saturday, March 12 saw the first of Micheals at the Mardi-Gras Party during Also on May 7, the ShipMates will have a bar right here in Baltimore. Come out and join many evenings to come during which there “Bears, Bikers & Mayhem” on Saturday, night at the Baltimore Eagle. them! t were two leather clubs having bar nights March 4th up at Altland’s Ranch outside of in Baltimore at the same time. After all it York, PA. What a great event! The place was has been a few years since Baltimore had packed with hot men, the food was good, and Mr. Maryland Leather 2011 presents more than one leather bar. While the men of there was even a jockstrap auction. I had a COMMAND, M.C. were partying at Leon’s ball! Plus, Stephanie looked fantastic! She Leather Lounge the ShipMates of Baltimore had obviously made a new dress. The 2nd were spreading a little early St. Patrick’s Day Saturday of each month the Susquehanna A GALA cheer at the Baltimore Eagle. I am happy to Valley Bears present Bear & Leather Night to benefit report that both events were big successes at Altlands Ranch: $2 cover, $5 22oz Long with many members of Baltimore’s Leather Island Ice Teas, and $2.50 domestic bottles. Community taking in both bar nights. Also coming up in April the Baltimore SPEAK More than two leather clubs will be busy in Leather Association of the Deaf (BLADeaf) Suicide Prevention Education Baltimore on March 25 – 27 as Hooker & boys is planning a weekend on April 8-9. You will Awareness for Kids presents Chesapeake Leather Awareness find them at Leon’s Leather Lounge. The Pride. COMMAND, M.C. will host the official ShipMates hit Leon’s on April 16 for a bar meet & great party for the contest at Leon’s night and COMMAND will be at the Baltimore Saturday, April 2nd Presented by: Cabaret Performances Start Leather Lounge on Friday, March 25, and Eagle on April 30. at Two O’Clock Featuring 2011 Araya Sparxx • Elora Frost 1o’clock ’til6 o’clock Sue Nami • And more! Hors d’Oeuvres Cocktails (Cash(Cash Bar) Grand Central Nightclub Silent Auction 1001 North Charles Street • Baltimore, Maryland 21201

Advance Sponsors: Purchase Only For tickets and information visit

www.command.org www.whitmore.com www.spunkdesign.net

28 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com community bulletin board March 26 – April 23

March 26 don’t forget the boardwalk, sand, Devils. Info: info@brasmaryland. Theatre, 817 St. paul St., Baltimore. Tickets $20. Purchase Spotlighters Theatre Presents ocean. taffy and beach fries! Info com or www.brasmaryland.com.2011 at www.spotlighters.org Comedy/Improv Workshop & tickets at 302-227-5620 or visit Learn the basics of Improv acting www.camprehoboth.com. April 9-10 at a 3-hour Introductory workshop Red Hot Patriot – The Kick-Ass April 19 at Spotlighters Theatre, taught April 7-10 Wit of Molly Ivins Queer Band Hunx & His Punx by Ron Burr (Creative Director Live and Let Die: A Tribute to The area premier of the one- at Golden West of Drop3 Improv) and members Paul McCartney woman show will be staged for Led by Hunx (a.k.a. Seth Bogart), of the Drop3 Improv Troupe. The The world’s most authentic Paul two-performances only on April formerly of queer dance unit workshop will be designed as an McCartney look- and sound-alike, 9 and 10 at Camp Rehoboth, Gravy Train, Hunx & His Punx introductory workshop for Improv/ Tony Kishman, joins the Baltimore 37 Baltimore Ave. in Rehoboth puts the gay back into garage Comedy Acting, but will be tailored Symphony Orchestra (BSO) Beach. April 8, 8 p.m., April 10, on Too Young To Be In Love to the performance level of the and vocalist Jim Owen, lead by 2 p.m. Directed by Fay Jacobs. (Hardly Art) in latest release. students attending. 1-4 p.m. at Michael Krajewski. April 7, 2011 Stacey Fearheiley portrays Golden West Cafe, 1105 W 36th the Spotlighters, 817 Saint Paul at 8 p.m. at the Music Center at the unsinkable Molly Ivins, the St., Baltimore 21211, right in St. Baltimore 21202. Cost: $25. Strathmore and April 8 and April 9 famously brassy newspaper Hampden, Hon! Info: 410-889- Pre-registration is encouraged. at 8 p.m. and April 10 at 3 p.m. at columnist and best-selling author. 8891. Register at www.spotlighters.org/ the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Reserve tickets ($20) by calling special-events. Hall. Tickets: $33 - $93. Available 302-227-5620. April 20 through the BSO Ticket Office, Book reading by Nina Revoyr April 2 877-BSO-1444, 410-783-8000 or April 12 Lambda Literary Award winning www.BSOmusic.org. Speak Easy: A Gala to Benefit Gay Adoptions at Columbia/ writer Nina Revoyr will read from SPEAK: Suicide Education Howard County PFLAG Meeting her latest novel Wingshooters Awareness for Kids April 9 A panel discussion will take (see Between the Covers in Join Mr. Maryland Leather 2011 Just Us Girls Dance place concerning the various Lively Arts). 6:30 p.m. Enoch Alex Lemaire at Grand Central, Baltimore Recreation options available for same- Pratt Free Library Central Branch, 1001 N. Charles St., Baltimore. Alternatives (BRAS)—a women- sex couples and individuals to Poe Room, 400 Cathedral St., 1- 6 p.m. Hor’s d’Oeurvres, cash run organization serving legally adopt and become foster Baltimore. bar, silent auction, raffles, cabaret all women from the greater parents. Plenty of information performances by local drag Baltimore metropolitan area and will be available to all who are April 23 titleholders. General admission surrounding states will be holding interested in becoming adoptive Tilted Torch: The Bipolar Show $35, Reserved seating $45. a dance. 8 p.m. - Midnight at or foster parents. A Q&A session at Creative Alliance Visit SPEAK website at www. Confetti’s in Towson. Over 21. follows. 7:30 p.m. Owen Brown Tilted Torch is celebrating their speakforthem.org. BRAS Mission: “To design and Interfaith Center, Cradlerock Way, two-year anniversary with a implement recreational and social Columbia, 21045. 443-280-9047, throwback to their very first April 7-10 activities that promotes diversity [email protected]. show. Prepare for two nights of Camp Rehoboth’s Women’s Fest and harmony in the women’s wild and extreme mood swings 2011 community.” By holding raffles April 14 with the sweet and sinister fire at each of the dances, BRAS Women’s Fest is a sensational Benefit for BrotherH elp Thyself play of Miss Joule and Malibu. 8 has also been able to support 4-day event celebrating women! Spotlighters Theatre and p.m. The Creative Alliance, 3134 organizations including the Susan One of the largest women’s parties COMMAND present The Great Eastern Ave., Baltimore. Tix: $11 G. Komen Foundation, The in the Mid-Atlantic with a roster of American Trailer Park Musical CA members, 16 non-members. Mautner Project, Chase Brexton great entertainment, events and to benefit BHT. Directed by Fuzz Info: www.creativealliance.org/ Health Services, House of Ruth, seminars (FEMinars!) that add up Roark. Show also runs March events/eventItem2482.html. Turnaround, Inc. and the Red to a weekend that rocks! Oh, and 25 – April 24. 8 p.m. Spotlighters

email event submissions to [email protected]

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 29 Professional Services

counseling

dental massage

Get your new smile! The ease and comfort is surprisingly advanced! Specializing in Cosmetic Dentistry XWhitening, Veneers, and Crowns XFinancing Available to Transform Your Oral Health XMost insurances accepted Zoom!® Bleaching process We also Specialize in Root Canal and Periodontal Work Stephen B. Mastella, D.M.D office 410 685 2850 1030 N. Charles St. ~ Suite 302 Baltimore MD 21201

cleaning computer books & gifts

WHEN U WONT SETTLE FOR LESS... spring cleaning special Call Michael for Free Phone Quotes 410.426.1628

Call 410-244-6780 to list your business in the Professional Services directory.

30 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com Professional Services

tax services travel tat orney

afinanci l TIELEC R CIAN

Helping you Navigate the Road toward your Financial Dreams

Building a relationship of trust means placing our clients’ interests first. That is what we do every day. We’re locally owned, independent, and focused on the needs of our clients.

LGBT & Eco/Socially-Friendly Investment Specialists

Email: [email protected] Woody Derricks, President Web: partnershipwm.com 1819 Thames Street Facebook: facebook.com/partnershipwm Baltimore, MD 21231 Twitter: twitter.com/partnershipwm 410-732-2633 Available by Appointment in Alexandria & DC Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC Ca ll 410-244-6780 to advertise.

spplpet u ies upprS o t GROUP

[email protected]

Call 410-244-6780 to list your business in the Professional Services directory.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 31 32 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD March 25, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com