May 12, 2017 | Volume XV, Issue 1

scores of volunteer reporters and columnist, as a paramount responsibility. We endeavor without whose generosity of time and commit- to hold the wider community accountable on ment, we would not be able to cover the news critical issues such as homophobic and trans- Celebrating 15 Years and provide insightful opinions. On this 15th an- phobic violence, school bullying, police harass- Anniversaries offer an opportunity to reflect, responsibility for the Center under dire circum- niversary we want to make special mention of ment, and in all its forms. We take stock, and celebrate. This year is one of stances, Jabari and the board made the bold Steve Charing (writer, columnist, and former ed- also provide a forum for lively debate on issues those milestone anniversaries for Baltimore moves that we believe will strengthen both the itor), Chuck Duncan (movie reviews), and Greg percolating in sexual minority communities. OUTloud. On May 16th we cel- Center and this newspaper. Last Shapiro (celebrity interviews and reviews), who However, we have a wider focus. In our ebrate our 15th year publishing year, the Center accepted the offer were with us from day one and remain contrib- second issue, published May 30th, 2003, we We salute Trump to as an independent voice for Bal- of Pride Media to buy the Center’s utors. We also want to give a particular thank announced our commitment to sexual libera- : our writers, newspaper in exchange for a com- you to Associate Editor Mary Taylor who started tion, our belief that as LGBTQ people we are timore’s LGBT communities. It Actually, outsiders with a unique perspective to offer on hasn’t always been easy, espe- advertisers, & mitment that Baltimore OUTloud out as the ad sales representative and is now it’s not cially in the dramatically changing would provide space in each issue the driving force behind the publication. We political, social, and economic issues, and that your landscape facing print media, but readers for the Center to publicize its work. simply would not be able to keep going without our lives are tied to the broader world in ways America we’ve managed because of the incredible ded- This decision has allowed the Center to focus her dedication and hard work. Mary’s partner in that demand a focus beyond what may be seen ication of our staff, volunteers, advertisers, and on its core mission while continuing to have crime, Bill, our layout editor and our personal as traditional LGBT issues. We restated this ex- you, the members of Baltimore’s sexual minori- access to the communities’ newspaper. It has guru, deserves special mention for keeping us pansive view of the issues that are important to ty communities! also strengthened Baltimore OUTloud by con- off the straight and narrow! Anja Saine, our tire- the LGBT communities and our pledge to cov- This year we are particularly thankful for the solidating the ad revenue and editorial talent of less webmaster, keeps us on the web. ering them in our 10th anniversary issue and vision of Jabari Lyle, president of the , Les- the city in one newspaper. Consequently, both although the language may seem dated – par- bian, Bisexual and Community LGBT organizations are stronger and better Our continuing mission... ticularly the use of “domestic partner benefits” Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland and able to serve the communities. Baltimore OUTloud was founded by activ- – we think it cannot be said too much. On May the Center’s board of directors. After assuming Baltimore OUTloud has benefited from ists and we have always considered advocacy —continued on page 3 Pride Reading List 2017 By Gregg Shapiro driver’s Apprentice Press, 2017), aptly named for its poems Among the things that sepa- (Blue Light Press / First featuring poets (James Schuyler is a fa- rates LGBTQ folks from our World Publishing, 2017) vorite) and other writers, dead divas (such straight brothers and sisters by poet, playwright, fic- as Amy Winehouse, Whitney Houston and is our love of literature. Many tion writer, and educator Donna Summer), film references (see of us have been avid readers Edmund Miller, author “Abecedarian for John Waters”) and other since we were young, when we of the renowned The pop culture and literary figures. sought and found comfort from Go-Go Boy Sonnets, Things are lost (weight, memories, the problems of the outside you will find “In The causes) and found (a , and world in the pages of books. Porno Theater,” “The birds, lots of birds) in award-winning les- The following are new books by Beauty of a Male Mod- bian poet Cheryl Dumensil’s lustrous po- LGBTQ writers out just in time el Fades,” and “Learn- ems in Showtime at the Ministry of Lost for Pride month Pasolini ing from Lap Dancers,” Causes (University of Pittsburgh Press, and summer read- Requiem among others. 2016). ing. author Manila-based poet Barth David and novelist R. Zamo- Fiction Poetry Schwartz ra Linmark returns How to Survive a Summer (Blue Rid- Among the heralds new with the new poetry er Press, 2017), the debut novel by writer more than 70 po- edition collection Pop Vérité and educator Nick White, follows gradu- credit: Jerry W. ems in The Screw- Hibbitts (Hanging Loose —continued on page 25 Co-Publishers Jim Becker • Jim Williams [email protected]

Executive Editor Jim Becker [email protected] [email protected]

Associate Editor & Director of Marketing & Production Mary Taylor [email protected]

Theater Editor Frankie Kujawa [email protected]

Leather Editor Rodney Burger [email protected]

Restaurant Critic Richard Finger

Contributing Writers for Baltimore OUTloud Ava Barron-Shasho • Janan Broadbent, Ph. D. Josh Buchbinder • Anthony Calo • Lee Carpenter Jeffrey Clagett • Wayne Curtis • Lynda Dee Woody Derricks • Deborah J. Draisin • Chuck Duncan Richard Finger • Joe Garvey • John Redmond-Palmer Rev. David D. Harris • Dr. Eva Hersh • Cheryl A. Jones Esq. Mark S. King • Brother Merrick Moses • Harvey O Frankie Kujawa • Sage Piper • David Placher Megan Sandwick • Mark Segal • Gregg Shapiro David Sugar • Bill Redmond-Palmer • David Egan Elyse Buchbinder • Dr. Loren Olson Alex “” Conley • Ryan M. Clark

Contributing Writers for OUT in the VALLEY Laura Anderson • Debbie Anne • Rev. Kelly Crenshaw Rev. Dr. Robert Apgar-Taylor • Brian George Hose E. A. Perper •Elizabeth Thompson

Contributing Writers OUT in Asbury Park, NJ Rai Guerra-Nelson • Christy Girlington

Graphics Ramon Montiel

Cartoonist Bruce Garrett

Photographer AIDS Walk & Run Bruce Garrett Sunday May 7th Web Editor Photos by Richelle Taylor Anja Saine [email protected]

National Advertising Rep Rivendell Media 908-232-2021

Founders Jim Becker • Joe Berg • Mike Chase • Lee Mooney (1959-2007) • Jim Williams

Baltimore OUTloud PO Box 4887 Baltimore, MD 21211 410-802-1310 Baltimoreoutloud.com

Additional Information Baltimore OUTloud is published every other Friday by Pride Media, Ltd. in Baltimore, Maryland. Readers comments and unsolicited materials are welcomed and may be sent to: [email protected]. All materials appearing in this newspaper are the property of Pride Media, Ltd. and may not be reproduced without the written permission of the editor. The opinions expressed in Baltimore OUTloud are solely those of the writers unless otherwise indicated and do not necessarily reflect the views of Pride Media, Ltd., and the staff.

© 2017 – All rights reserved Chair of the Board of Trustees – Jim Becker President – Jim Williams Secretary and Treasurer – Mike Chase

2 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com news // LOCAL In the Beginning... OUAN INDEPENDENT VOICE FOR THE , GAY,Celebrating BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER COMMUNITIES 15 Years T —continued from page 1 Baltimore OUTLtoud started in 2003 when four of us – Joe Berg, Lee Mooney, Jim Wil- By JIM Becker Co-Publisher of the last five years and the demise of much This issue of Baltimore OUTloud of the print media, here we are, ten years and May 17, 2013 | Volume XI, Issue 1 acceptance, in large part due to our growing liams, and me – decided that Baltimore could benefit from a secondstone forgay us as we celebratenewspaper 10 isyears a mile- of counting! that Our success against the odds and activist journalism in service to Baltimore’s conventional wisdom, rest squarely with our sexual-minority communities. In our superb staff, loyal columnist and writers – vol- visibility. However, this acceptance may come was free of the intrigue associated with some of the communities’ thensue on May existing 16, 2003, founding publisherorganizafirst is- unteers all, committed- advertisers, and30th, most 2003 we wrote: Mike Chase described the launch of the pa- importantly you, Baltimore’s lesbian, gay, bi- per as time-consuming, nerve-wracking, and sexual and transgender communities. Celebrating Ten at a price for those among us who have dif- tions. Since 1979-80, Baltimore has been fortunate to have at least one,exciting – the beginningand of atan adventure. times It two, We are committed to improving our lives has indeed been all of these with ups, downs, Some history triumphs and tragedies, successes to cel- The adventure Mike spoke about, this fering identities and interest. How will our newspapers for the LGBTQ communities. In the 1980s, the Gay ebrate and obstacles to overcome. Yet, de- Paperjourney that is Baltimore OUTloud, and... to holding the wider community respon- spite the economic crisis with a simple idea: Baltimore’s Queerstarted com- Years Together tive of Charm City was very connected to the munities would benefit local LGBT scene. He had also developed a communities support other visions of what it and The Alternative competed for ad dollars and support with from an independentsible for actions thatLife, fi ledattack an unsuccessful lawsuit our against humanity. But loyal cadre of writers and columnist who en- voice, a newspaper Mike, Mary and the newspaper, seeking a re- thusiastically joined him in the launch of the free from ownership straining order against Mike plus other relief; paper. Three of this group, Steve Charing, means to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgen- ties to communitywe or- are also awareand Viacomthat UK and aour publication livesin Florida are tied to both newspapers thriving and helping to galvanize the LGBT Chuck Duncan and Greg Shapiro, remain the ganizations, focused claimed copyright infringement in the use journalistic backbone of the paper to this day. on local, national and of “OUTloud.” These bumps necessitated a international news,the broaderWith Mike at the helm, Joe world. Berg as edi- temporary Of diversioncourse of time, resources we and will rally sup- der, , or questioning? During the past communities to fight for sexual freedom, civil rights and to con- tor, writers like Steve, Chuck, Greg, Alexan- insightful opinions, focus but without lasting effect. Similarly, a lawsuit we instituted against the GLCCB in and political advo- der St. John, Dawn 2009 was settled and of little consequence. cacy. The own-port for gay Culberston,rights Ben initiatives, domestic partner five years we have been chastised for con- front the AIDS crisis. By the end of 2000, The Alternative had We now have cordial relationships with both ers – Joe Ryland, Bob the Community Center and Gay Life. Berg, Lee Steele, Mooney, Joe was editor for a little less than a year. troversial columns discussing the relationship benefits, andPaul adoption When he left to accept rights. another position, Mike But we recog- ceased publishing, leaving Gay Life (the new name for the Gay Jim Wil- Varnell, added editor to his responsibilities as publisher. liams, 10th and and In 2004, Dawn Culbertson died suddenly nize that a prohibitionKather- on Thanksgiving while against attending a Baltimore job discrimi- between transgender women and feminism. Paper) as the city’s only LGBTQ newspaper. Despite the good myself – Anniversary ine Os- Folk Music Society dance at age 53.In addi- employed trowski, tion to the work she did for Baltimore OUT- Mike to lead Issue! and a loud as Arts and Entertainment Coordinator, Two years ago we faced harsh criticism for work and solid advocacy journalism of Gay Life, some of us, the effort. Wenation based on will have strong sup- she was a musician, composer and late night also hired experi- port team that host of a classical music show on a local radio enced newspaper included Mary, Carol Baker, and Ramon Montiel, show. Her death was a big loss to the news- an editorial questioning the ready embrace by production stafflittle practical effect if the economy is in the who in the past had been associated with the newspaper or its OUTloud Baltimore paper and the Baltimore arts community. including Mary premiered in grand style! The lead story previewed a local production of Taylor as Advertis- On January 20, 2007, we suddenly lost the Laramie Project, Moiss Kaufman’s grip- newspaper co-founder and co-owner Lee ing Sales Coordi-tank and there are few jobs to be had. What some of state intervention in sexual matters. publisher in various capacities, sensed an inherent instability ping account of the aftermath of the murder Mooney. Lee was Mike Chase’s partner for nator. of Matthew Shepard. (The newspaper has 29 years. He was a gentle spirit who provided Mike had emphasized coverage of the arts from the critical support to the paper. He was always years of experi- It was a discouraging time for us but we rec- caused by the organizational structure of Gay Life and its pub- goodbeginning.) Steveis Charing it to opined haveabout the supportive domestic of Mike and the entire partnerBaltimore benefits if ence publish- Iraq debacle and economic chaos in Annapo- OUTloud family. He provided a steady hand ing community lis, and Chuck Duncan reviewed and calm voice. His death was a turning point newspapers (he ognize that controversy comes with the terri- affordableloaded. The newspaper looked health great,Matrix and Re- the for thecare newspaper becauseis out it was such ofa loss reach for both lisher. Our solution was to form Pride Media as an indepen- served twice as writing was excellent. for Mike and ultimately led to Mike’s retire- editor of the Bal- Issue number one – But, despite this successful debut, there ment and relocation out-of-state. timore Gay Pa- partnerswere some serious immediate in a challenges. relationship? For these reasons, tory. In today’s frightening political climate we dent company owned by people with decades of experience in May 16, 2003 per) and as a na- When Mike retired in 2009, longtime col- In short order the GLCCB, publisher of Gay umnist and writer Steve Charing assumed community organizing, and activism, as the publisher of a new we intend to provide coverage—continued on page 4 and commen- must more than ever fight for spaces to chal- Issue number newspaper, Baltimore OUTloud. tary that reach beyond what might be viewed lenge orthodoxy. We redouble our commit- one Our first action was to hire Mike Chase as publisher. Mike’s second as the LGBT ghetto of news, events, and ment to explore these issues and invite you to stint as editor of Gay Life was nearing an end and he had years of experience working ideas. We will cover the queer community join us in the struggles for equality, justice, and for community newspapers. He was also a Baltimore native with strong roots in the gay thoroughly (and hopefully) provocatively. But liberation! Please celebrate our birthday with community and his vision drove the newspaper as we started on what he described as a we will also give voice to those people and us by continuing to read the print edition, vis- time-consuming, nerve-wracking, and exciting adventure. organizations promoting a progressive agen- it our website, provide feedback, and above With Mike as publisher and Joe Berg as editor, we set out to produce our first issue. da for political, economic, and social justice. all, support our advertisers without whom we Mike brought with him a loyal group of writers and As we noted five years ago, our commu- wouldn’t be able to provide this vital commu- t Our first issue’s front columnist like Steve Charing, Chuck Duncan, Greg nities have seen a remarkable shift in public nity forum. shapiro, Alexander St. John, Dawn Culberston, Ben page theatre review Ryland, Bob Steele, Paul Varnell, and Katherine Os- portended one of our trowski, and a strong support team that included Mary Taylor, Carol Baker, and Ramon Montiel. Ramon has signature approaches rejoined the team after an absence of several years. – that art can be as On May 16th, 2003 Baltimore OUTloud, debuted with the front page lead story devoted to a celebratory compelling and worthy review of the Spotlighter’s superb production of Lara- mie Project, the award winning 2000 that dramatized of editorial prominence the reaction to the 1998 murder of University of Wyo- as hard news stories. ming gay student Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyo- ming. Although we may not have realized it at the time, that front page review portended one of our signature approaches – that art and artist can be as compelling and worthy of editorial prominence as hard news stories. Ryan Clark’s front page interview of Joseph Ritsch, the director of Dorian’s Closet, a musical about the Boosting empowerment and breaking the bonds life of Harlem Dorian Corey that premiered at Rep Stage last month, is the latest example of the prominence we place on the arts to tell our communities’ stories. of , racism, and stigma in same The inaugural issue of Baltimore OUTLoud was very successful but trouble was brew- gender-loving (SGL) men in Baltimore City ing. Almost immediately the Community Center sued the newspaper (unsuccessfully) and • NETWORKING a few years later we returned the favor. Fortunately, those bad feeling have long been put aside; the Center and the newspaper have developed a collaborative spirit for the com- Every 1st Wednesday mon good of our communities. • HIV EDUCATION We also suffered personal tragedies. On Thanksgiving night, 2004 Arts and Enter- Every Last Wednesday tainment Coordinator Dawn Culbertson died suddenly at age 53. Then on January 20th, 2007 we suddenly lost newspaper co-founder and co-owner Lee Mooney. Lee was Mike • SOCIAL EVENTS Chase’s partner for 29 years and his death was such a loss for Mike that in 2009 he decid- Monthly ed to retire and move out-of-state. • ART CREATION PROJECT Fortunately, Steve Charing was willing to assume the position of editor for several years and guided us through the transition with the highest level of professionalism. With- [email protected] • 410-837-5573 out Steve at that critical time, we might not have been able to continue. When Steve resigned as editor in 2001, he recruited Dana LaRocca to fill that role. When Dana left in FB: New Horizons Baltimore • aidsactionbaltimore.org 2012, Mary stepped up, most recently as associate editor. t HIV Prevention Advocacy for SGL Men's Health supported by ViiV Healthcare's ACCELERATE! Program

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 3

Select Chase Brexton Health Care patients deemed most in need may be eligible for digital breast cancer screenings through a mobile mammography van to be located at the Chase Brexton Mount Vernon Center on September 28th. The screenings are provided in partnership with Lackawan- na Mobile X-Ray and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Breast can- cer is the second most common cancer in women, and mammograms are capable of finding it up to three years before it can be felt. The Center for Disease Control recommends mammograms every two years for women age 50 and older who are at average risk for breast cancer. The staff of Chase Brexton encour- ages their patients to remember that ear- ly detection saves lives! Any patient who feels they may quality should contact their Chase Brexton provider or call 410-837- 2050 for more info. t news // LOCAL May 7th AIDS Walk Welcome Back Raises Nearly life. Featured speakers include: Baltimore Eagle • Catherine Hyde, PFLAG Howard $100K County By Frankie Kujawa • James Burrell, The Power Project of The AIDS Walk & Run Baltimore 2017 pre- The Grand Opening event of the brand Chase Brexton Health Care sented by Quest Diagnostics succeeded in “spanking” new Baltimore Eagle was recently • Felicia French, Baltimore City Depart- raising nearly $100,000 to support Chase held to the delight of Charm City’s nightlife. ment of Aging (retired) Brexton Health Care’s HIV/AIDS preven- The leather soiree was the most recent cel- • Peter Dayton, Mr. Maryland Leather tion, outreach, and testing services. ebration to welcome the Eagle back to Balti- 2017 More than 600 attendees gathered at more’s LGBT bar scene. Celebrating in style Oldie • Merrick Moses, State’s Attorney’s Of- and goodie the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore on Sun- atop the newly renovated Nest, partygoers fice day, May 7th to take steps to end HIV and were greeted at the door and offered a fan- • Nancy West, Faith Communities with AIDS in Baltimore. They were welcomed to tastic cocktail choice of champagne or Mos- Pride cow mules. If those didn’t tickle the fancy of National ‘Honor Our • Carrietta Heirs, LGBT elder activist Donations will continue to be celebrants then an open top-shelf bar await- • And, in the tradition of storytelling, a ed them, as well. Delicious appetizers were LGBT Elders’ Day at selection from a volunteer audience mem- accepted through June 30th; served and prepared by the Eagle’s brand ber. new kitchen. The kitchen, which boasts well- Baltimore Eagle Tickets are $25 or “pay what you can,” visit BaltimoreAIDSWalk.org trained chefs and local culinary talent, has been and include food, soda, and a commem- a welcome addition to the bar. Chase Brexton Health Care will join com- orative gift, and are available by visiting the event by Baltimore City Health Com- Throughout the duration of the celebration munities and organizations around the Tinyurl.com/2017lgbtelderday. Interested missioner Dr. Leana Wen, Chase Brexton live music was performed to the delight of lis- world in celebration of National Honor Our individuals may also “pay it forward” by Health Care president and CEO Patrick LGBT Elders Day on Tuesday, May 16th, sponsoring a ticket for someone in the Mutch, and emcee Chardelle Moore of Fox a day of recognition established by Chase community. 45 Baltimore. Brexton’s own LGBT Health Resource Information will also be available about Donations will continue to be accept- Center. SAGECAP Baltimore, a joint program be- ed through June 30th; visit BaltimoreAID- The challenges, struggles, and tri- tween the LGBT Health Resource Center SWalk.org to make a contribution. umphs of older LGBT adults who fought for and SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT “It was amazing to see so many run- greater freedoms will be highlighted during Elders) which offers support to LGBT older ners, walkers, volunteers, and teams a special event from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at adults and caregivers. come out to support our third annual AIDS the Baltimore Eagle (2022 North Charles This evening of stories and conversa- Walk & Run,” said Chase Brexton’s Becky Street, Baltimore). tion was made possible with the generous Frank. “Their efforts will make a major im- Community members will highlight an support of PNC Bank. t pact in our fight to prevent new HIV cases LGBT elder who made a difference in their in Baltimore and provide care to those al- The Eagle alights ready affected.” More than 12,000 people are living with teners. The cutting of the cake, as well as the HIV in Baltimore – one in 43 city residents distribution of the vast array of desserts, was – but 16% do not know they’re infected. followed up by a drag show performance and Among Chase Brexton’s HIV patients, 90 a vocal performance which rocked the rafters. percent have suppressed viral loads, com- As the celebration continued downstairs to the pared to 71 percent of HIV patients city- main floor bar, COMMAND MC’s president, wide. 72 percent of Chase Brexton HIV pa- Mike McDonnell, led the color unveiling for the tients have undetectable viral loads. crowd. In addition, 30 vendors offered infor- “We are thrilled with the turnout this week- mation and resources at a finish line health end for our grand opening celebration, Charles fair. Food for attendees was provided by King, general manager told Baltimore OUT- the Greene Turtle. loud.” He went on to say, “We would like to Results from the 5K race, organized by thank the amazing people that have helped get Charm City Run, are available at Tinyurl. us to this point. We especially want to thank com/2017AWmale for men and Tinyurl. the community and our guests who have cho- com/2017AWfemale for women. sen to consider the Baltimore Eagle as their Sponsors for the 2017 AIDS Walk & home away from home. None of our success Run Baltimore include Quest Diagnostics, thus far would have been possible without our Gilead, the Greene Turtle, Bristol-Myers incredible bar staff, retail store clerks, security Squibb, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, employees, cleaning crew, production staff, and Johns Hopkins Medicine, McKesson Phar- kitchen staff run by our very own Master Chef maceuticals, Priority Partners, Continu- Scholly. We still have great things to come like um Health Alliance, the Jacques Initiative our awesome courtyard, package goods store, of the Institute of Human Virology at the eccentric and fresh entertainment and so much University of Maryland School of Medicine, more. Thank you Baltimore for patronizing a Saul Ewing LLP, and Fox 45 Baltimore. t place that encourages ‘You to be you’” t 4 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com beyond the beltway

compiled by Jim Becker to serve LGBT people – again based on legislation in our current political climate. religious objections. Civil rights groups “Everyone, regardless of who they are or had threatened to sue the Trump adminis- the person they love, deserves equal pro- Trump issues tration if the expected order included such tection under the law. Despite the signifi- provisions, and they may still decide to cant progress we’ve made toward equality ‘religious do so, based on the provisions Trump en- in the last decade, the Trump administra- dorsed. (Seattle Gay News – Mike Andrew tion’s attacks on LGBTQ people shows freedom’ at Sgn.org) just how swiftly many of these hard-fought changes can be rolled back,” Carey said. executive order “That is why we need strong federal nondis- crimination legislation for LGBTQ people.” Washington, D.C. – An executive or- (Philadelphia Gay News – Jen Colletta at der signed by Donald Trump on May 4th Bill to ban LGBT Epgn.com) Penetrating research will make it easier for churches to get in- or vague associations? volved in politics and for employers to deny discrimination reproductive health coverage to their em- Laan, an author of the study, said: “What’s ployees, but it does not include language reintroduced may interesting about this work is even among explicitly endorsing discrimination against a group of individuals who are pretty similar LGBT Americans. Trump’s so-called “Ex- Washington, D.C. – Legislation to be born ‘tops’ or in terms of their sexual preference – that is, ecutive Order on Promoting Free Speech ban nationwide LGBT discrimination was gay men preferring men – there could be re-introduced to Congress on May 2nd. ‘bottoms’ a diverse set of processes that lead them The Equality Act was submitted to both to exhibit that same sexual orientation out- the House and Senate with a record 240 Toronto, Canada – As reported by come.” In particular, the researchers say cosponsors, 190 in the House and 46 in Dailymail.com, the divide between domi- that the differences between right- and the Senate. The bill, first proposed in 2015, nant and passive sex roles has long been left-handed men are particularly useful. would ban discrimination based on sexual debated, especially within the gay commu- Hand preference is evident very early on in orientation and in employ- nity. Now, a new study suggests that there life, and is not usually affected by social or ment, public accommodations, housing, could be a genetic component to what cultural factors. But Dr. VanderLaan does credit, education, jury service, and feder- makes a gay man a “top” or “bottom” in not think that the results should be taken Trump throws red meat to religious right ally funded programs. It is an expanded anal sex. Researchers surveyed gay men, at face value. (Dailymail.com – Shivali version of the long-stalled Employment and found that “‘bottoms” were more like- Best at Dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/arti- and Religious Liberty” was issued on May Nondiscrimination Act. ly to be left-handed and have older broth- cle-4465614/Are-gay-sex-preferences-bio- 4th, designated as the National Day of U.S. Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wiscon- ers, while “tops” were more likely to be logical.html) Prayer, as a nod to Christian conserva- sin), Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), and Cory right-handed and have younger sisters. tives who promoted his candidacy. Booker (D-) returned as lead Stereotypically, “tops” are seen as Trump’s order instructs the IRS to co-sponsors for the Senate version. Mary- masculine, taking up the male tradition of ease up on enforcement of the “Johnson land’s two U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and dominance during sex, while “bottoms” are Sex toy Amendment,” which prohibits churches Chris Van Hollen and Pennsylvania Sen. seen as more feminine, taking a more pas- from getting directly involved in political Bob Casey are among the cosponsors. sive role. Researchers from the Universi- emergencies campaigns. Passed in 1954 – and named The list of House cosponsors was not im- ty of Toronto put these stereotypes to the for then-Sen. Lyndon Johnson of Texas – mediately available. test in the hope of understanding whether on the rise in the Johnson Amendment says that church- “No person’s fundamental rights should there was a biological component to sex es and other nonprofit institutions that are be determined by which side of a state line roles. In their study, the researchers con- London exempt from taxation “are absolutely pro- they live on,” said Human Rights Cam- tacted 240 men at the 2015 Toronto Pride hibited from directly or indirectly participat- paign head Chad Griffin. “The Equality festival, and asked them to answer a sur- London, England – Firemen had to ing in, or intervening in, any political cam- Act will once and for all end the unaccept- vey on their sex positions – both in prac- use a grinder to free a man who had his paign on behalf of [or in opposition to] any able patchwork of nondiscrimination laws tice and in preference. genitals stuck in a penis ring for “a cou- candidate for elective public office.” While across this country that leaves LGBTQ The respondents were also asked ple of days.” The man’s genitals were de- only Congress can repeal the law, Trump’s people at risk. Rea Carey, executive di- about how gender-conforming they were scribed as looking “swollen and a funny order paves the way for churches and oth- rector of the National LGBTQ Task Force as children – more interested in male-typ- color” once the sex toy was removed by er religious leaders to speak about politics Action Fund, cited the importance of the ical activities, and exhibiting more mas- Ilford firefighters. The crew was called to and endorse candidates without worrying culine personality characteristics. Other the King George Hospital in East London about losing their tax-exempt status. questions in the survey included whether at 2 a.m. on May 4th by medics. The team The new executive order also allows men were left- or right-handed, and the managed to safely liberate the man after a employers to cite religious objections as number and gender of siblings. The results short struggle. a reason to deny their employees contra- showed that bottoms identified as being In order to save the man from his pre- ception coverage in employer-paid health less gender-conforming, were more likely dicament, the firefighters had to use hy- care plans, even though such coverage to be left-handed and have older brothers. draulic tools which are normally used to is required for most employers under the In contrast, tops identified as being more free people from wreckage following traffic Affordable Care Act (ACA, or Obamacare). gender-conforming, and were more likely accidents. “To put it in layman’s terms, he What apparently is not in the executive or- to be right-handed with younger sisters. tried to put his veg [testicles] in the ring as der is any of the language found in a draft Whether these correlations have a bi- well, but it stopped the circulation and be- Sen. Tammy leaked in February, which would have al- Baldwin ological basis is very difficult to pin down. came stuck,” one of the firefighters told the lowed individuals and businesses to refuse Speaking to Jezebel, Dr. Doug Vander- —continued on page 11 BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 5 beyond the beltway

—continued from page 6 than the 2014-15 figure of 15.The fire bri- zations – including the American Psychiatric gade earlier this year blamed the erotic Association, the American Medical Associa- Evening Standard. “It had been like that for series 50 Shades of Grey for the increase. tion, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and a couple of days. I think it must have got London Fire Brigade used a Star Wars par- other groups – that efforts to change a young to the point where he knew he needed to ody for a penis ring safety campaign video person’s sexual orientation are harmful.” do something about it. It was swollen and in December 2015. (Rt.com at https://www. The refusal marks the second time the Su- a funny color.” rt.com/uk/387233-sex-toy-penis-ring) preme Court has refused to hear a challenge There has been a considerable rise in to the California ban and the fourth time in total the number of bondage and sex toy-relat- it has declined to hear a challenge to a ban on ed accidents across London. According to “ex-gay” therapy. Justices have also twice re- Judges weigh in on ‘therapy’ fire service figures, there have been nine Supreme fused to review decisions from the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals upholding the law bar- Court refuses gion, but has been upheld as constitutional. ring the practice signed by Gov. Chris Christie. The Supreme Court’s refusal to hear means t (The Washington Blade – Chris Johnson at challenge to a decision from the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Washingtonblade.com) Appeals upholding the “ex-gay” therapy ban conversion will remain standing. Rick Zbur, executive director of Equality These news notes have been compiled, therapy ban California, said in a statement the Supreme with permission, from the online version Court’s refusal to hear case of Welch v. Brown of various newspapers and other web Washington, D.C. – For the second is “good news for thousands of LGBT youth sites. We thank these publications for Not too tight, please time, the U.S. Supreme Court has refused to nationwide,” especially those in states with- allowing us to bring you their news sto- hear a lawsuit challenging the California law out bans. “Homosexuali- ries. Usually the reports have been sig- barring widely discredited “ex-gay” conversion ty is not a condition that needs curing.” Zbur nificantly edited and you can read the other cases of men getting their private therapy for minors. The court announced in an said. “However, we do know that the practice full story by going to the web site men- parts stuck in rings since April 2016, dou- order list on May 2 it had refused to hear the of trying to change sexual orientation not only tioned following the item. Comments ble the amount for the two previous years. litigation seeking to overturn the law signed doesn’t work, but puts vulnerable LGBT young are strictly the opinions of Jim Becker There were 27 instances reported in Lon- by California Gov. in 2012. The people at risk of depression, substance abuse, and not of Baltimore OUTloud or Pride don in 2015-16 in which people had to be law has been the subject of lawsuits on the homelessness, and suicide. It flies in the face Media. freed from handcuffs, almost 50% more basis it violates freedom of speech and reli- of a consensus of respected health organi-

A night of laughter, inspiration, and NATIONAL HONOR OUR recognition, featuring storytelling vignettes from community leaders. LGBT ELDERS DAY

2022 N. Charles Street • Baltimore, Maryland 21218

Tickets are $25 or pay what you can. You may also Pay It Forward by sponsoring someone in the community. Ticket includes heavy hors d’oeurves, soda, and a commemorative gift.

www.elder.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 11 VoiceVoice ofof thethe CenterCenter ers, and much more. ity show, Big Freedia Bounces Back on Pride Announcements Speaking of youth, what about the Fuse. The weekly docu-series, now in young at heart? Baltimore Pride 2017 its sixth season, follows the life of a gay By Mimi Demissew parade is the longest parade in all of marks the first year we will have an es- choirboy turned Bounce rapper and re- This year, we have some amazing things Pride’s history, starting at Charles and pecially dedicated Elder mains the highest rated available for Baltimore Pride! Satur- Eager Streets and ending at Charles and Pride zone in partnership original series on the day’s Block Party will start with a Pre- 22nd? with Chase Brexton. El- network. In regards to Pride show – starting at 12:30pm, fol- Something else that we are very der Pride will take place her current gender iden- lowed by the High Heel Race up North excited about this year is that we will during Sunday’s festival tity and presentation, Charles Street. The legs on our racers be having Youth Pride again on Satur- at Druid Hill Park. Freedia has stated, “I would even make Tina Turner proud. day from 4:00pm to 8:30pm in its very In the last issue of wear women’s hair and Pride will officially be launched own Youth Pride Zone within the Balti- OUTloud, we promised carry a purse, but I am a with our annual Parade, which will start more Pride footprint. Youth Pride will be to reveal some of the man. I answer to either at 1:00PM. Did I mention that this year’s sectioned off with its own stage, perform- headliners and here it ‘he’ or ‘she’.” is. Another big surprise Her mainstream is that we will have a na- notoriety skyrocketed tional favorite headlining when, in 2015, Free- this year…. Big Freedia! dia collaborated with According to bigfreedia. Big Freedia Beyonce on the Gram- com, Big Freedia, known my-nominated single, as the Queen of Bounce, “Formation.” is a -based Baltimore Pride will rapper and ambassador of Bounce mu- definitely beunleashed , so let’s celebrate sic. A vibrant twist on hip-hop, Bounce Pride as we continue to support the great music is characterized by call-and-re- work the GLCCB does for Baltimore sponse lyrics over rapid-fire beats and and Central Maryland. Please visit balti- booty-shaking. morepride.org for more information about After running the New Orleans club Pride Unleashed and glccb.org for more scene for over two decades, Big Freedia information about your center. is now bringing the Bounce movement to a world-wide stage with her hit real-

12 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com THE LATEST UPDATES FROM THE GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY CENTER OF BALTIMORE AND CENTRAL MARYLAND

Events Calendar: May 2017 Sundays Mondays Tuesdays Wedesdays Thursdays Fridays Saturdays 05/12 05/13 05/17 05/18 Black Men’s Xchange Alcoholics Anonymous 05/14 05/15 05/16 Free & Confidential HIV Youth Against Oppression 6:30pm-10:00pm 5:00pm-8:00pm Testing 4:30pm-6:30pm HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY Sistas of the “t” Real Love 6:30pm-8:30pm Baltimore Trans TAG Outreach 05/20 4:00pm – 6:00pm Interpersonal 8:00pm-10:00pm Narcotics Anonymous The Mankind Project Masculine Alliance Alcoholics Anonymous Communication Group 6:30pm-9:00pm 11:00am-1:00pm Fantasy Allegiance 7:00pm – 9:00pm 6:30pm-8:30pm 05/19 5:00pm-8:00pm Yoga Dance Troupe Pride Committee Meeting Get Smart with iChat Giovanni’s Room Open Mic: 7:00pm-9:00pm 3:30pm-5:00pm ($10) 6:00pm-9:00pm Giovanni’s Room 6:30pm-8:30pm A Poem for Mama 05/27 Poetry Workshop Sistahs of Pride 7:00pm-10:00pm Alcoholics Anonymous 05/22 TransBaltimore 05/21 6:30pm-8:30pm ($5) 7:00pm-9:00pm 7:30pm-9:30pm 5:00pm-8:00pm Helping Hands Cloth- 05/26 Narcotics Anonymous ing Closet SILhouette ASL Workshop 05/25 11:00am-1:00pm 7:00pm-9:00pm Black Men’s Xchange 1:00pm-5:00pm 7:30pm-9:30pm YAO – Youth Against 6:30pm-10:00pm Yoga Sistas of the “t” 05/24 Oppression 4:30pm – 7:00pm 3:30pm-5:00pm ($10) 4:00pm-6:00pm 05/23 Free & Confidential HIV TAG Outreach The Community Cares 8:00pm-10:00pm Mind Travel Meditation Testing Fantasy Allegiance Pink Lady Dance Project 2:00pm – 3:00pm 6:30pm-8:30pm Dance Troupe 6:00pm-9:00pm 7:00pm-10:00pm Yoga 6:00pm-9:00pm The Mankind Project Real Love Sistahs of Pride 3:30pm-5:00pm ($10) 6:30pm-8:30pm Interpersonal 7:30pm – 9:30pm Communication Group ASL Workshop 7:00pm – 9:00pm 7:00pm-9:00pm

overcome in my life thus far is me. New Staff Announcement Getting to a place where I was no longer holding myself back or By Jennifer Eden great as Black women are when I standing in my own way as far as The GLCCB is excited to welcome grow up.” reaching my full potential goes has Charles Xavier Kilborn to our staff. Before accepting his new po- been extremely challenging and Charlie, as he’s come to be known, sition as a Peer Navigator, Charlie extremely gratifying. I firmly believe has joined our case management was waiting tables at a restaurant that the hardest work we’ll ever do team to provide GLCCB family in Mt. Vernon. Had this opportunity is the work we do on ourselves, but members with support, resource not come about, he says he would we appreciate ourselves so much referrals, and linkage to care. probably still be in the service in- more after the work is done.” Charlie is a 24 year old trans- dustry, working towards writing “It is important to me to inspire gender man from Atlanta, Georgia. and performing his poetry full time. the people within my community to Outside of the outreach and com- But if given the chance to work in love themselves fiercely so that we munity work that he does with the any other field for just a day, he’d can all better love each other,” he GLCCB, he is also a spoken word want to work at an animal sanctu- said. “Community means family to poet and mental health, wellness ary, “feeding baby lions and petting Charles Xavier Kilborn me. It means support, acceptance, and self-care advocate, specifically deer and such.” and validation. It means safety and within the Black queer community. During his downtime, Charlie matched only by his love of food. accountability. It means love.” “All of my favorite people in the can be found reading. “My favor- “My favorite thing to do is eat. I love Come see Charlie for case world are Black women, as well as ite place to be is the bookstore. food so much.” management or just to welcome all of my very best friends. I couldn’t It doesn’t matter what bookstore, When asked about the greatest him to his new position. For his imagine my life without their love, as long as there’s a café where I challenge he’s had to overcome availability and scheduling, please support, guidance, and example,” can get free refills of my coffee in his life, he responded, “I think call the GLCCB at 410-777-8145. Charlie said. “I’m trying to be as while I read.” His love of reading is the greatest challenge I’ve had to

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 13 thinking outloud

did not contain the same language as the Indeed, the leader of the free world expansion of religious exemptions affect- discriminatory draft which had been wide- had the righteous audacity to look at the ing employment, services and programs.” ly leaked in the media back in February. cameras and say this, with a straight face: So, Attorney General Jeff Sessions will Thankfully, it does not single out “Faith is deeply embedded into the history direct all federal agencies on how to inter- specific anti-LGBTQ protections for pret the concept of religious liberty? How Pointing repeal. However, in a move which is this not anything but a dire and it Out targets women in general and low- dangerous situation for us, and for all By Sage Piper er-income working women in partic- marginalized communities? HRC’s ular, the order does open the door Sarah Warbelow aptly describes it to allow companies to deny employ- as letting a “fox into the hen house.” ees access to contraception – this That’s the image we need to keep in Freedom, Safety, is the name of granting “freedom” our minds. to religious people. Will Jeff Sessions tell the Depart- & Equality for So here stands the current sit- ment of Health and Human Services uation: we are reduced to being to roll back hospital visits for same- Whom? grateful that temporarily at least, sex couples? Will the Department of the conservatives Housing and Urban Development, led It has certainly been a year of Dissecting in this country have by Ben Carson (who has made his mind-bending presidential perver- not been given a sweeping beliefs on all too abun- sities. Donald Trump continued the Trump’s license to discriminate di- of our country, the spirit of our founding, dantly clear) be given the wordless farce in a morning Rose Garden cere- rectly against our communi- and the soul of our nation. We will not al- nod to hedge fair housing requirements for mony last week to officially celebrate executive ty. But this relief is a fleeting low people of faith to be targeted, bullied, LGBTQ people? Will the word unofficially “National Prayer Day.” As a group of one which could disappear or silenced anymore.” go out to workers at agencies like the So- conservative religious leaders gath- order today or tomorrow or next Since when have people of faith been cial Security Administration to not process ered to serve as his smug and sat- Thursday or the Thursday the ones to be targeted, bullied, silenced survivor benefits for gay couples, if they isfied background props, Trump tri- after that – because of the ... and not to mention the victims of hate have a religious objection? Mara Keisling of umphantly signed the “Religious Freedom” quiet but far-reaching directive which puts crimes? What kind of alternative universe the National Center for Transgender Equali- executive order of 2017. Even before the the Department of Justice in charge of is- are we allowing ourselves to be living in? ty believes that “this vaguely worded order ink had dried, many in the LGBTQ com- suing guidance when it comes to the pro- Because this cere- is clearly aimed at munity drew a sigh of relief that the order tection of “religious liberty” in this country. mony takes place in “It has certainly providing a license to the Rose Garden, discriminate against because Trump has been a year of mind- LGBT people, wom- been sworn in as bending presidential en, religious minori- president, because ties, and others,” we are a democratic perversities.” even if it leaves the people who respect “dirty work” for others GREAT SERVICE TECHNICIANS the results of the electoral college tally ... in the administration to figure out. we are allowing ourselves to be subjected It does not take much imagination to to this. We are allowing a situation where see where this will lead. LOUSY EYEWEAR a day when our rights are not being swept On the other side of the spectrum, away is labeled victorious. But in doing so the conservatives were actually upset we validate the very idea that our rights that Trump’s order did not do enough. CONSULTANTS are capable of being taken away. I’m sorry, There were rumblings from all corners that the president needed to remember We can fix your furnace, tune-up the A/C, but in such a state, we are not free. We are not equal. We are not treated as real the strength of the evangelical vote which stop a drip or clear a drain. But please, citizens. But surely, I digress... helped propel him into the Oval Office. don’t ask us for fashion advice. That’s So back to the two-page order, official- But then word came out from the minions. None other than Jeff Starnes, conservative where our 100% guarantee stops. ly entitled “Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty.” It grants U.S. Attorney author and Fox News commentator rallied General Jeff Sessions the authority to the troops – it’s coming, he assured them, interpret existing federal laws and regu- all in good time. “Do not be alarmed!” he lations in a way that could all too easily exhorted on air excitedly. “I spoke to a con- result in sweeping discrimination against servative leader late last night instrumental in LGBTQ people. We need to be extremely crafting the order. He tells me this is just the vigilant, and proactively concerned. first step in a multi-step process, and he tells The reacted me President Trump will protect religious free- THE RIGHT SOLUTION FOR YOUR COMFORT to the order with the following statement: dom for all Americans. Now this president has “In essence, the executive order punts the demonstrated he is a friend to people of faith, 410-356-4016 question of how and where the adminis- and at the end of the day, I have no doubt he Visit us online at AirPlumbingHeating.com tration will permit discrimination against will honor his word. Just have faith.” LGBT people to Jeff Sessions, a man who The fox is in the henhouse, my dears. t has consistently denied LGBTQ people A/C, Plumbing and Heating • Service, Repair and Installation equality under the law ... This sweeping approach could result in an unprecedented

14 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com Thinking OUTloud // mark my words

this before. Long-term survivors, as haunted as we Coming to Terms with may be by our past, are uniquely qualified My Fabulous to address the practical and emotional con- Marsha P. Johnson cerns of our own mortality. I have arrange- than to please peo- ments for my living will, instructions not to By Mark Segal Marsha P. ple, and she had Disease resuscitate, and know my way around end- By Mark S. King A couple of years ago, Johnson a generosity big- of-life care. Moreover, I am already in the the author and direc- ger then anyone practice of telling my friends how much I tor of the Academy else I’ve witnessed love them. When it is late, but not too late, Award-nominated How to since; she had little A Second I will be sure to tell them goodbye. Survive a Plague, David to offer and literally The men and women of the AIDS gen- France, contacted me would give you the Chance at eration have been guinea pigs since the for his next project. We shirt off her back beginning. Our bodies have answered chatted a few times and – a spirit that is in Death important questions. What medications then he arrived at my short supply these work? What will the side effects be? How door with a complete film days. We all know how this ends. long will we live? What complications await crew and research staff. For those of us who Despite the avalanche of articles on us as we age? My life has been a perpet- He was going to spend the day filming me see Johnson and Rivera as our sisters in aging with HIV or advice about how to ual clinical trial, but not for nothing. And talking about my sister from Gay Libera- the early days of “” – and to avoid long-term side effects or even news now, as we catch up with the general pop- tion Front in New York, Marsha P. Johnson. this point had never looked at the entirety of progress toward a cure, nothing will ulation in its proximity to death, we might Last week, France was kind enough to ask of their lives but saw them frozen at that change the inevitable. None of us will get just have some parting gifts to share about me to the Tribeca Film Festival for a show- pivotal time – the film showed the toll that out of this alive. dying with dignity, grace, and preparation. ing of that film, now titled The Death and time period took on them. It’s something And, in one of the I would like to think my death Life of Marsha P. Johnson. that many of us who loved and worked with bitter ironies of being can be It’s sort of a “documentary whodonnit,” them will have to comprehend. t a long-term survivor, nearly as since Johnson was found dead in the Mark Segal is publisher of Philadel- my experiences during meaningful Hudson River, off of Christopher Street, in phia Gay News. His new memoir And Then I the worst of the plague as my life. 1992. Officials claimed it was a suicide but Danced is out now. You can follow him oat years have become a My at- the LGBT community felt that something Facebook.com/MarkSegalPGN or Twitter. handy point of refer- tempt to else was at play – and, just like in other com/PhilaGayNews. ence. I’ve learned im- find com- cities, Johnson’s death was marked as just portant lessons about fort with the another trans death by officials. Her death the intimacies of process of now takes on a life of its own with her spirit dying that I can use dying should and memory leading a new struggle – to when I eventually face my own mortality not be inter- end violence against trans people and to – which will almost certainly happen in a preted as resig- nation. I don’t bring those responsible for such violence more organic, less traumatic environment look forward to the end. I want to live. I will to justice. than was afforded so many of my lost fight the effects of HIV – including its im- When France first called me, I was already friends. I have a second chance at death. pact on my own health, debilitating public impressed by his knowledge about John- My generation was tragically unpre- stigma and apathy, and the institutions that son, but the scope of it was way beyond pared the first time around, when the would harm people with HIV – for as long any expectation. For me, Johnson and sheer rate of loss was both unnatural and as I have strength and willingness. But I Sylvia Rivera were personal sisters in our profoundly confusing for such young peo- will not do it for a moment longer than is well-spent youth as part of New York’s ple. We juggled a full schedule of memorial physically and emotionally bearable for famed Gay Liberation Front. But that was services while trying to comprehend loss, me. I know when to call it a day. 1969-71, a long time ago, and much histo- intensive care units, final goodbyes, and There is no defeat in this attitude, de- ry has taken place for all of us since. morphine drips. Only later did I appreciate spite our cultural uneasiness with death. The way France used the camera and old how much those years have taught me. The simple fact is that survival is finite, video to explain the story was amazing, When my father was dying a decade regardless of how “long-term” it may be. and for any of us who called them sisters, ago, I encouraged my mother to take ad- In our frantic scramble to live at any cost, it was emotional. To me, it always was vantage of home hospice nurses because sometimes the basics elude us. Worse, we Johnson’s laugh, which was infectious, but I knew firsthand, and have since my 20s, tend to view death as a defeat. there was something else the film show- how invaluable they are. Before Dad died, It’s right there in the language com- cased – the class struggle within the com- I was able to talk openly with him about monly used in obituaries, reading that the munity, and how that changed both John- how much he would be missed. It was ex- departed “lost their battle” against one son and Rivera. The two are often referred actly the kind of conversation I have had thing or another. It’s disheartening to see to as the mothers of the trans movement, with friends dying of AIDS. final words written about someone that a title that can change you because of oth- When my mother had a sudden, cat- suggest they somehow failed at staying ers’ expectations of who you really are. astrophic heart attack during a routine alive. And they both also had their own demons hospital stay in January, our family was I am not a failure. This is not a game to deal with. Rivera wanted to be a leader, gathered in her room in shock. I managed to be won or lost. And the death I eventu- but in the end couldn’t live up to the image to ask her doctor uncomfortable ques- ally experience will be nothing less than a t others wished to create for her. Johnson tions that allowed her to die without ex- triumph. was a symbol who asked for nothing more treme measures because, again, I’ve done

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 15 quality of life

and nearly 60 years later, I’m still working Turkey Meatballs: on forgiving Coach for that. Fit 2 pounds of 93% lean 7% fat ground tur- When I was about 60 years old, I had for key In Your enough discretionary money that I thought 2 egg whites I’d see a plastic surgeon to have a breast Life ½ red onion Prime reduction. I asked a surgical nurse who the Elyse & Joshua H. Buchbinder Garlic powder Loren A. Olson, MD best plastic surgeon was – nurses always Salt and pepper know those things – and she asked, “Are Trader Joe’s Siracha Barbeque Sauce you going to have something done about Keep it Simple (1/2 cup) that hooding? What Makes “Hooding! What the hell is hooding?” If you’re anything like us you value your free Mix all the items together in a large mix- “It’s all that baggy skin hanging down time and want to make the most out of what ing bowl including the BBQ sauce. Form 1-1½ a Man? over your eyes that makes it difficult to little you have. We put together a circuit work- inch diameter meatballs and place in crock- see.” out and a quick meal to keep you on track as pot. If desired add BBQ sauce or marinara Back in the 1950s we were short on epi- I didn’t know I had hooding! Now all the summer heats up! over top of the meatballs in the thets and about the worst thing you could I could see was that damn hooding. So I First, we work then we eat! A quick slow cooker (remember this will be called was a sissy. “Queer” was used called the surgeon and made an appoint- All exercises are performed for add sugar). Set the crockpot to sometimes, but it had none of the sexual ment to have the baggy skin over my eyes two minutes, the goal is to keep workout and low and let cook for about six connotations it carries today. In rural Ne- and on my chest removed. moving with good form, not to do hours depending on the unit. braska, we didn’t know much Now I know that some as many bad movements as pos- great meal This is a great recipe to make about homosexuality. men like other men with man sible! This workout is a circuit and the night before you plan to “Sissy,” on the other hand, Man boobs boobs. Once I was walking will switch from upper to lower body to per- eat it. If you are prepping overnight and your meant weak, like a flower that along the pool at a men’s re- form a concept called Peripheral Heart Action crockpot isn’t programmable make sure you withers soon after it’s picked. and the real sort in my swimsuit, and I met (fancy lingo for builds muscle and burns fat). wake up to turn it off or set it to warm! Boys were supposed to be a young man walking the oth- All you need is a pair of dumbbells and a little strong, independent, self-reli- man er direction. He put his finger bit of space. Roasted Asparagus: ant, and most of all unwilling on my chin and slid it all the Two minutes of work followed by 30 sec- one package pre-cut asparagus to show emotion that might make them be way down to below my waistband, and onds of rest, six exercises in total. Once com- olive oil considered vulnerable. But inside, I wor- said, “Delicious!” and we just kept walking plete do the whole thing one more time for a Everything but the Bagel Seasoning ried that I might be a bit of a sissy, and past each other. I thought, Did he just see great 30-minute workout. (Trader Joes) there on my chest was the evidence. I had what I see in the mirror ever morning? But two minute – alternating lunges – 30 man boobs. I learned something: What I find sexually second – break Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lay as- Even at the swimming pool, I rarely attractive (or unattractive) is not the same two minute – dumbbell rows – 30 sec- paragus on baking sheet so none are laying went without a shirt. I was either in the thing that someone else finds attractive. ond – break on top of each other. Drizzle olive oil and water up to my shoulders or in As I wrote in Finally Out: Let- two minute – dumbbell deadlifts – 30 seasoning all over. Bake at 400 degrees for a shirt. I was always observing ting Go of Living second – break 12 minutes (longer cooking equals crispier the other boys, trying to mimic Straight, one of two minute – dumbbell chest press – stalks) their behavior and manner of the ironies of com- 30 second – break speaking to make sure that my ing out is that I two minute – squats – 30 second – Couscous Salad: secret worry remained deeply have felt more like break 1 box of couscous hidden. If I didn’t feel like one a man since com- two minute – dumbbell curl to over- 1 red onion of the boys, at least I would try ing out as gay than head press – 30 second – break 1 yellow pepper to act like one of them. I ever felt when I Repeat entire workout 3 mini cucumbers One day after football prac- was trying to be To be clear, two minutes is a long time to feta cheese tice in high school, we were all a heterosexual. I perform a single movement. Pace yourself, salt and pepper standing around naked in the locker-room, have felt more connected this will be uncomfortable and you will gen- garlic powder getting ready to shower. The coach called with other men. I no longer have the fear erally dislike me both during and immediately out to me, “Olson, with tits like that, you of being exposed, man boobs or no. That after the workout (and possibly for two more While couscous is cooking, dice all other should be wearing a bra.” Humiliation is pain we carry with us, the fear of being ex- days). Your mind will tell you to quit, it burns, ingredients to toss into the salad. Once cous- the public exposure of a private shame, posed as different or weak or feminine, is it hurts you can’t do it… believe me when I cous is prepared, put the onion, pepper, and an enormous burden. tell you, yes you can! Once you’ve complet- cucumbers all into a bowl with the couscous, So, Coach, call me a sissy, queer, ed this simple but effective workout it’s time season to taste, place in the refrigerator. Add , or whatever you like. I know I’m a to replenish some lost nutrients and enjoy a feta cheese as desired prior to serving. Serve man, and a jackass like you can’t take that health meal. If your goal is fat loss try to wait cold and enjoy! Joshua Buchbinder, M.S. and Elyse Buch- away from me. And it wasn’t having my about 45 minutes after working out before binder, B.S. RN are the co-owners of B-Strong man boobs reduced that did it. t eating. This will allow your body to continue We’ve had an awesome workout followed Athletics. With over three decades of combined Loren A. Olson, MD, is a board-certified using stored fats post exercise! by a delicious meal! Sounds like a great end coaching, nutrition, and training experience psychiatrist with over forty years of experi- Time to eat! to any day. A solid nutrition plan is the cor- they utilize proven training methods, science ence. He is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the nerstone to a good fitness and health pro- based nutrition and compassion to help every American Psychiatric Association and has Turkey Meatballs, Roasted Asparagus gram. Plan your meals for the week to avoid client achieve the results they want. Elyse can been named an Exemplary Psychiatrist by and Cold Couscous Salad. low blood sugar, salt/sweet cravings, mood be reached at [email protected] or Josh can be the National Alliance for Mental Illness. He is This delicious, healthy, simple, and easy swings, and low energy. All the working out in reached at [email protected] or 410-967-9699 or the author of Finally Out: Letting Go of Living t to prepare! the world won’t undo a crappy diet! through their website Bsa.life Straight. 16 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com quality of life // health

really was a drag queen, just or 20 years authentic as a transwoman – it is a sign of a confused . To likely has seen how desperate the need to transition can me this attitude seems like some people be. Now that gender transition hormones a shame, and unnecessar- come from the and surgeries are covered by most insur- Open Wide ily dismissive of the value sex-work sub- ance including medical assistance, hope- ask Dr Eva of drag queens. I liked my culture and from fully that method of funding surgery can Dr Eva Hersh friend as a drag queen just the drag queen become a thing of the past. as much as I like her now subculture to Human beings like to categorize things as a transwoman. There transition living (and people) into neat boxes with clear Can ‘ was no way to know from as a transwom- labels and boundaries. Actual people are Drag anything my friend said an. If those same more complicated than that. The essen- or did when she was people were ad- tial difference between transwomen and Queen’ be a drag queen that she olescents today, men who dress as women part time (for would later transition to they might be able whatever reason) is not that trans women a Stage of living as a woman full to find the neces- dress full-time and others dress part time. time. It seems that the sary psychological The difference is that trans women view Transgender current thinking is that and medical care themselves and experience themselves while being a trans- and social support as women and not as men. However, that Transition? woman is a legitimate to transition direct- self-recognition doesn’t always happen at lifestyle, being a drag ly rather than having a young age and may not happen all at Dear Dr. Eva, queen is still some- to explore their fem- once. That’s why today’s transwoman can I am an older person and a longtime thing to be ashamed ininity first as a drag be yesterday’s drag queen. What is import- queen or a sex worker. ant is to understand how a person current- member and observer of the gay scene. of. That might be expected among Watch ly regards themself and currently wants to As I’m sure you know, cross-dressing straight people but I hate to see it what you On the other hand, it is (men dressing as women) has been part among us gays. For some people, important to acknowledge that be treated, and not insist that they stay in call me t of gay life at least since the Victorian era. being a drag queen or a cross-dress- many transwomen have needed a stage that no longer fits. And since that time, cross-dressers have ing prostitute can be a stage on the path to to use sex work to pay for their Eva Hersh MD is a Baltimore family varied along a spectrum from part-time to transition to life as a woman. Am I wrong gender affirming surgery. Sex work for that physician. Send your questions and com- full-time. For example, there have always about this? If I am right why does it cause purpose is not a sign of being less than ments to [email protected]. been young gay male prostitutes who such trouble when I say it? Does there al- dress as for work but dress and ways have to be some group (in this case behave like gay men the rest of the time. drag queens) within the gay community At least since the 1800s there have been that the rest of us can look down on? 9,$*5$RU&,$/,6 drag queens, men with the ability to trans- Old Guy, Still Thinking form themselves with clothes and make-up into beautiful women. Drag queens would Dear Old Guy, let ��������? dress as women for performances and to I get your point, absolutely. I also think Medical ED Therapeutics is a go out at night, but never for work or for I can give you some ideas about how to routine day-to-day activities. Drag queens discuss these issues without making peo- licensed medical practice committed to the were often very interesting, intelligent men ple so angry. diagnosis and n�n���rgi�a��treatment of – I dated several, long-term. Then in the • “” is a term used exclusive- past couple of decades, we have seen a ly in the sex work industry. Referring to a Erectile Dysfunction new type of full-time cross-dresser, known transwoman as shemale is a sure way to as transwomen. It’s my understanding make her furious. � �estosterone �orrection� from speaking with some transwomen that • Like most LGBT people today, trans they think of themselves as female, which persons do not like to hear their lives re- is different from gay prostitutes and drag ferred to as “lifestyles.” A “lifestyle” is • 5HVXOWV*8$5$17((' regardless of medical history RU age queens, who think of themselves as men. something you may choose to do for a • Erections lasting 45 minutes, 1 hour or longer Feminine men, maybe, but still men. Tran- while and then drop, like the jock/gym life- swomen seem to think of themselves as style, the hippie lifestyle, or the college • safe proven DQGDIIRUGDEOHmedications completely different from, and better than, lifestyle. Like being gay, lesbian, or bisex- • Consultation, testing and treatments in the privacy of our clinic drag queens. Yet, I have known both drag ual, being someone whose body has never queens and “shemale” prostitutes who fully matched up with their self-image is a Martin Maassen, M.D. have taken hormones, gotten surgery, permanent condition. Calling any facet of Medical Director and Board Certified Physician and ended up living full-time as women LGBT life, a “lifestyle” tends to trivialize and referring to themselves exclusively as people’s actual lives. Call and regain the best sex of your LIFE! female. However, when I asked a friend, • A transwoman dressed in women’s formerly a drag queen, who is now a trans clothes is not cross-dressing. Cross-dress- 410-449-3200 woman, if her time as a drag queen was the ing happens when a person wears the ���������������������������������������������� beginning of her transition, she got very of- clothes of the gender that they do not feel fended. She told me that the fact that she they belong to. Medical(' Therapeutics had transitioned to living full-time as fe- Anybody who, like you or me, has male should make it obvious that she never been observing LBGT life for the last 15 6 Park Center Court, Suite 201 / Owings Mills, MD 21117 BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 17 YOU MATTER AND SO DOES YOUR HEALTH That’s why starting and staying on HIV-1 treatment is so important.

® What is DESCOVY ? What are the other possible side effects of DESCOVY? DESCOVY is a prescription medicine that is used together with Serious side effects of DESCOVY may also include: other HIV-1 medicines to treat HIV-1 in people 12 years and older. • Changes in body fat, which can happen in people taking DESCOVY is not for use to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 HIV-1 medicines. infection. DESCOVY combines 2 medicines into 1 pill taken once • Your immune system may get a day. Because DESCOVY by itself is not a complete treatment for Changes in your immune system. stronger and begin to fi ght infections. Tell your healthcare provider HIV-1, it must be used together with other HIV-1 medicines. if you have any new symptoms after you start taking DESCOVY. DESCOVY does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. • Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare To control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses, you provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. must keep taking DESCOVY. Ask your healthcare provider if you have Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking DESCOVY questions about how to reduce the risk of HIV-1 to others. if you develop new or worse kidney problems. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of • Bone problems, such as bone pain, softening, or thinning, which sexual contact with body fl uids. Never reuse or share needles may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to or other items that have body fl uids on them. check your bones. of DESCOVY is nausea. Tell your IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION The most common side effect healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or What is the most important information I should don’t go away. know about DESCOVY? DESCOVY may cause serious side effects: What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking DESCOVY? • Buildup of an acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical emergency. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include feeling very • All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider weak or tired, unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain if you have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, with nausea or vomiting, feeling cold (especially in your arms and legs), including hepatitis virus infection. feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or a fast or irregular heartbeat. • All the medicines you take, including prescription and over- the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Other • Serious liver problems. The liver may become large and fatty. Symptoms of liver problems include your skin or the white part of medicines may affect how DESCOVY works. Keep a list of all your your eyes turning yellow (jaundice); dark “tea-colored” urine; light- medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. colored bowel movements (stools); loss of appetite; nausea; and/or Ask your healthcare provider if it is safe to take DESCOVY with all pain, aching, or tenderness on the right side of your stomach area. of your other medicines. • or plan to become pregnant. It is not known • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or serious liver If you are pregnant if DESCOVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare problems if you are female, very overweight, or have been taking DESCOVY for a long time. In some cases, lactic acidosis and serious provider if you become pregnant while taking DESCOVY. liver problems have led to death. Call your healthcare provider right • If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not away if you have any symptoms of these conditions. breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. DESCOVY is not You are encouraged to report negative side effects of approved to treat HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV and stop prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, taking DESCOVY, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop or call 1-800-FDA-1088. taking DESCOVY without fi rst talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health. Please see Important Facts about DESCOVY, including important warnings, on the following page. Ask your healthcare provider if an HIV-1 treatment that contains DESCOVY® is right for you.

18 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com DVYC0019_B_9-875x9.6_BaltimoreOUTloud_Monti_p1.indd 2-3 4/17/17 11:13 AM YOU MATTER AND SO DOES YOUR HEALTH That’s why starting and staying on HIV-1 treatment is so important.

® What is DESCOVY ? What are the other possible side effects of DESCOVY? DESCOVY is a prescription medicine that is used together with Serious side effects of DESCOVY may also include: other HIV-1 medicines to treat HIV-1 in people 12 years and older. • Changes in body fat, which can happen in people taking DESCOVY is not for use to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 HIV-1 medicines. infection. DESCOVY combines 2 medicines into 1 pill taken once • Your immune system may get a day. Because DESCOVY by itself is not a complete treatment for Changes in your immune system. stronger and begin to fi ght infections. Tell your healthcare provider HIV-1, it must be used together with other HIV-1 medicines. if you have any new symptoms after you start taking DESCOVY. DESCOVY does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. • Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare To control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses, you provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. must keep taking DESCOVY. Ask your healthcare provider if you have Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking DESCOVY questions about how to reduce the risk of passing HIV-1 to others. if you develop new or worse kidney problems. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of • Bone problems, such as bone pain, softening, or thinning, which sexual contact with body fl uids. Never reuse or share needles may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to or other items that have body fl uids on them. check your bones. of DESCOVY is nausea. Tell your IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION The most common side effect healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or What is the most important information I should don’t go away. know about DESCOVY? DESCOVY may cause serious side effects: What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking DESCOVY? • Buildup of an acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical emergency. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include feeling very • All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider weak or tired, unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain if you have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, with nausea or vomiting, feeling cold (especially in your arms and legs), including hepatitis virus infection. feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or a fast or irregular heartbeat. • All the medicines you take, including prescription and over- the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Other • Serious liver problems. The liver may become large and fatty. Symptoms of liver problems include your skin or the white part of medicines may affect how DESCOVY works. Keep a list of all your your eyes turning yellow (jaundice); dark “tea-colored” urine; light- medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. colored bowel movements (stools); loss of appetite; nausea; and/or Ask your healthcare provider if it is safe to take DESCOVY with all pain, aching, or tenderness on the right side of your stomach area. of your other medicines. • or plan to become pregnant. It is not known • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or serious liver If you are pregnant if DESCOVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare problems if you are female, very overweight, or have been taking DESCOVY for a long time. In some cases, lactic acidosis and serious provider if you become pregnant while taking DESCOVY. liver problems have led to death. Call your healthcare provider right • If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not away if you have any symptoms of these conditions. breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. DESCOVY is not You are encouraged to report negative side effects of approved to treat HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV and stop prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, taking DESCOVY, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop or call 1-800-FDA-1088. taking DESCOVY without fi rst talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health. Please see Important Facts about DESCOVY, including important warnings, on the following page. Ask your healthcare provider if an HIV-1 treatment that contains DESCOVY® is right for you.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 19 DVYC0019_B_9-875x9.6_BaltimoreOUTloud_Monti_p1.indd 2-3 4/17/17 11:13 AM IMPORTANT FACTS

This is only a brief summary of important information about (des-KOH-vee) DESCOVY® and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT DESCOVY POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF DESCOVY

DESCOVY may cause serious side eff ects, including: DESCOVY can cause serious side eff ects, including: • Buildup of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), • Those in the “Most Important Information About which is a serious medical emergency that can lead to DESCOVY” section. death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have • Changes in body fat. any of these symptoms: feeling very weak or tired, unusual • Changes in your immune system. muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain with nausea or vomiting, feeling cold (especially in your arms and legs), • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or a fast or • Bone problems. irregular heartbeat. The most common side eff ect of DESCOVY is nausea. • Severe liver problems, which in some cases can lead to These are not all the possible side eff ects of DESCOVY. death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new any of these symptoms: your skin or the white part of your symptoms while taking DESCOVY. eyes turns yellow (jaundice); dark “tea-colored” urine; Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor loss of appetite; light-colored bowel movements (stools); your health before and during treatment with DESCOVY. nausea; and/or pain, aching, or tenderness on the right side of your stomach area. • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. DESCOVY BEFORE TAKING DESCOVY is not approved to treat HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking DESCOVY. Do not stop taking DESCOVY without fi rst Tell your healthcare provider if you: talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to • Have or had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, check your health regularly for several months. including hepatitis infection. You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver • Have any other medical condition. problems if you are female, very overweight, or have been • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. taking DESCOVY or a similar medicine for a long time. • Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. ABOUT DESCOVY Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • DESCOVY is a prescription medicine that is used together with other HIV-1 medicines to treat HIV-1 in people 12 years • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the- of age and older. DESCOVY is not for use to help reduce counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. • DESCOVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. Ask your • Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about healthcare provider about how to prevent passing HIV-1 medicines that should not be taken with DESCOVY. to others. GET MORE INFORMATION HOW TO TAKE DESCOVY • This is only a brief summary of important information about • DESCOVY is a one pill, once a day HIV-1 medicine that is DESCOVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist taken with other HIV-1 medicines. to learn more. • Take DESCOVY with or without food. • Go to DESCOVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 • If you need help paying for your medicine, visit DESCOVY.com for program information.

DESCOVY, the DESCOVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, and LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. © 2016 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. DVYC0019 11/16

20 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com DVYC0019_B_9-875x9.6_BaltimoreOUTloud_Monti_p1.indd 4 4/17/17 11:13 AM quality of life // health LGBTQ Foster Care to be Highlighted at Baltimore Museum of Art Event Ask longevity exists but not huge amounts of By Kate Bishop Why are you passionate about this Dr. J money earned. LGBT Health Resource Center of Chase topic? Janan Broadbent, Ph.D. Then we come to relationships. Does Brexton Health Care I have been working in child welfare for the ability to have long-term connections Is the foster care system friendly to prospec- 28 years because I love and care about chil- make a statement about the person? We tive LGBT foster parents? What do foster dren and families. I feel that every child de- The and usually generalize when we hear someone parents need to consider when fostering an serves the right to be loved, accepted, and Long goes from one relationship to another, as LGBTQ youth? supported by their family. If they cannot live we also do in going from one job to anoth- These questions and others will be an- with their own family, they deserve to be hap- Short of It er. We associate such restlessness with in- swered during a special event on Sunday, py with another. We have so many people stability, fear of intimacy, or abandonment June 4th from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Baltimore who want to share their life with a child and Huzzah! This issue of Bal- issues. John or Mary has not Museum of Art (10 Art Museum Drive, Balti- deserve a chance to parent once they meet timore OUTloud proudly “settled down” we say, implying more). state requirements. celebrates 15 years in pub- Stability and immaturity. Do you agree? The event is organized by the LGBT Why was the Baltimore Museum of Art lication. It’s no small feat In this age of fluid gender Health Resource Center of Chase Brexton the right setting for this event? to survive when you have success – identity, do we need to reeval- Health Care in partnership with the Baltimore The BMA is an ideal place because it a defined audience and to uate this factor of stable mo- City Department of Social Services, the Balti- symbolizes beauty, creativity, individuality, go through the worst eco- Two different nogamy? What about stable more County Department of Social Services, and self-expression. It also symbolizes the nomic crisis in the history dimensions polygamy and ? I and the Baltimore Museum of Art. For more history of the world and the changes of so- of these U.S. Especially so am raising these questions information, call 410-837-2050 x1049, or cietal norms. when we see the decline in because judgmentalness and email [email protected]. What do you hope that prospective staff and demand for print media. But, now sticking to rigid beliefs create much con- We asked Dawn Pipesh, a resource par- or current LGBT foster parents, or foster in the long-to-be-remembered words of an flict and polarization in the society. Maybe ent recruiter with the Baltimore County De- parents caring for an LGBT youth, learn unnamed (!) person, “Nevertheless, she a day will come when disapproval of what partment of Social Services, about some of from this event? persisted!” is outside the norm – however one defines the misconceptions and challenges connect- I hope they learn that our agency and our Once on this that which is the norm – will ed to LGBT foster parenting. community are accepting of diversity among thread of thought, disappear, but I What are some common misconcep- our foster parents, just as we are accepting I wondered about doubt it will be tions that LGBT individuals may have of the diversity of our foster children and longevity in relation in my lifetime. about the foster care system, or the their families. We currently have a number of to success in rela- We are seeing chance to foster a child? LGBT foster parents and they are very sup- tionships. A friend how one leader The community at large feels that foster portive of each other. There are many teens of mine has a com- can embolden parents have to be married, have to have who are in foster care because their family pany hat has been the nasty un- a stay-at-home parent, and have to own a did not accept them and kicked them out of in business for 44 derbelly of the home – none of which are true. the house. These teens need to be cared for years, but he is society by en- What unique challenges do LGBT fos- and supported by people who understand no millionaire. A couraging con- ter parents, or foster parents caring for an and will accept them for who they are, and couple I know has demnation of LGBT youth, face? we have a huge need for additional foster been married for minority groups, Like all foster parents, LGBT foster par- parents. t 27 years but they and thereby, ents have the challenge of winning over the The LGBT Health Resource Center of are not exactly increase polar- foster child and working with his or her family. Chase Brexton Health Care provides LGBTQ Ozzie and Harri- ization. It is up They may have to help the foster child deal individuals and their families with welcoming et. So how does to us, the peo- with their own feelings, and help them deal access to expert health information and re- longevity and suc- ple, to watch for with the treatment they receive from others. sources. Visit ResourceCenter.lgbt cess coexist? Or each other, to do they? stay away from I think the first blame and not la- step in looking at beling those who this issue is to dis- are unlike us as tinguish between “them” but accept the personal and that each person the professional. is a human being The second issue is how one defines with warts. success in either field. If your criterion for Meanwhile, take inventory of how you success is the amount of money, longevity define success in a relationship. Consider may not even apply. There are IT compa- what being happy and content would look nies and entrepreneurs who stay in busi- like to you. Think of what you bring to an- ness for a couple of years, make a killing other person’s life in terms of caring. The in selling the gig, and then say goodbye. long and short of it is: Take care of yourself If you use the standard of “years in busi- as much as you take care of others who ness” regardless of the amount of money, are important to you. t mom-and-pop stores come to mind, where BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 21 Faith

and bring them to mind. In doing so, you keep that person’s memory alive. Metropolitan Community Church of But what should we do? Those still here. I will spend the day with loved ones Baltimore Celebrates 45th Anniversary Spirt the way I always do. My family is close by and I will see them on or near Sunday. By Jo-Anne Ludy a bar, a United Methodist Church, and in Speaks They will call and let me know they are Metropolitan Community Church of Bal- members’ homes. Its current location, at By Rabbi Jan Dodi thinking of me. That will bring me joy. We timore (MCC Baltimore) will celebrate 45 401 West Monument Street, is a former will spend the day with my other family, years of ministry and service to the Balti- garage and printing shop. MCC Baltimore taking my mind off of my loss. Grandkids more community on May 20th and 21st. Un- is a member of the Universal Fellowship of and noise, food, and company will keep me der the theme “Positioned for Greatness,” Metropolitan Community Churches, which I Remember busy. the weekend’s events will commence with Rev. Elder Troy Perry founded in October A dear friend has a memory garden a leadership symposium on Saturday, May 1968. The denomination has served as a Mamma for all those they have lost over the years. 20th, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rev. Martin Espi- safe, welcoming space for everyone and A beautiful tribute to those he loved. He nosa, nationally recognized teacher and has been “at the vanguard of civil and Mother’s Day is quickly approaching. started one for us last year, so perhaps I speaker, will facilitate the sym- human rights movements by My mom passed almost seven months will plant something. Maybe this will be a posium, which is being pre- addressing issues of race, ago. This will be my first without her. We new ritual for me. sented at no cost and is open gender, sexual orientation, didn’t have a good relationship, and near I listen to many, sit with them after a to the community. Rev. Espino- economics, climate change, the end, we didn’t loss, console them sa is the senior pastor of Ray aging and global human have one at all. Her “Being recognized as a (or at least try). It is of Hope Community Church in rights,” according to its web- mind slipped away, different when it is Nashville, Tennessee. The cel- site (Mccchurch.org). her worst attributes mourner is to put you yourself experienc- ebration will continue Sunday, When Rev. Burson be- came to the surface, into a category which is ing the loss. I sup- May 21st, with Rev. Espinosa came MCC Baltimore’s 18th and it was difficult pose after I leave as the guest preacher for the Pastor on January 5, 2014, for all. But even supposed to make you someone and they 10 a.m. morning worship ser- the church had been without a then, the ritual con- are alone, they ex- vice. Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson, senior permanent pastor for five years and wel- tinued. I would order feel not alone.” perience just what I pastor of MCC Baltimore’s sister church in comed her arrival with anticipation and her chocolate-cov- have. Many of you Washington, D.C., will serve as the guest hope. Under Rev. Burson’s leadership, the ered strawberries to be delivered the day have had to deal with this loss many, too preacher for the afternoon service at 3 p.m. congregation has experienced growth in before. I would call on Mother’s Day and many times, over. What can I say to you? MCC Baltimore’s senior pastor Rev. membership, attendance, involvement in remind her of who I was. Sometimes she Dig deep, remember those you who are no Victoria L. Burson decided to expand the ministry activities, and increased commu- remembered, and sometimes she did not. longer in your lives, hopefully with a happy symposium beyond the church leadership nity involvement. Rev. Burson believes in But it didn’t matter, I remembered her. memory (but a memory nonetheless). Hold team to the community at large to allow being prepared for the transitions and shifts I know so many of you are also with- on to that memory. Let it live on in you. those who desire to enhance their skills as that can occur in the life of a congregation, out your mother this year. Some have left Reach out and hold it. a leader in their professional, spiritual, or as stated in the ministry mantra for 2017, Create a ritual that works for you. personal life to take advantage of Dr. Espi- “Divinely positioned for the shift.” It is be- Whether it is laying flowers, lighting a nosa’s teachings. This unique opportunity cause of the shifts and the strength and re- candle, looking at pictures, visiting fa- is a part of MCC Baltimore’s vision to serve siliency of its members that MCC Baltimore miliar places, surrounding yourself with as a resource center that seeks to engage, has survived and continues to thrive. friends or family, planting a rose bush. It equip, and empower people to make a dif- In living out the vision of being a re- doesn’t matter. What matters is that you ference. source center, one of MCC Baltimore’s do it for yourself. We, the living, go on Founded in 1972, MCC Baltimore held recent endeavors is starting a literacy cen- living. We need to find ways to enhance its first worship service in the YMCA in ter for children in the community, and has our lives when we hurt. downtown Baltimore. In its 45-year history, partnered with students from Towson Uni- For all of you celebrating Mother’s MCC Baltimore has held services in var- versity in crafting grant proposals for fund- t Day – may it be a joyous one. ious locations, including a funeral home, ing to turn the vision into reality. For the rest, may you find a way to remember, celebrate, commemorate, or be comfortable just being. However, Hearts & Ears, Inc. you deal with loss, may you find solace is a non-profit organization for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning many years ago and many turned their knowing you are not alone. So many in our individuals with mental health issues and concerns. backs on you and some of you never had community have shared this experience. one at all. It doesn’t make it easier. Maybe the ritual of saying you are not We warmly welcome all sexual and gender minorities When we lose a loved one, people alone is a good reminder, we join the ranks and offer a drop-in center open 32 hours a week. send condolences, flowers, notes, etc. In of some many others who have loved and Sunday Closed Hearts & Ears maintains a “warmline,” which is not Judaism, there are two phrases you will lost someone. We are not alone. Maybe Monday Closed hear a lot. “May you be comforted among that is what I need to take from all this. Tuesday Closed an emergency crisis line. You are welcome to call all who mourn…” and “May their memory May you find what you need. Blessings to Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. us at 410-523-1694 when we are open. If we are not Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. available, leave a message and we will get back to be for a blessing to all who knew them.” all. t Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. you as quickly as we can. Being recognized as a mourner is to put Contact Rabbi Jan Dodi at rebtova@ Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. you into a category which is supposed to rebtova.org 611 PARK AVENUE SUITE A BALTIMORE, MD 21201 • 410-523-1694 make you feel not alone. The other is to heartsandears.org remind you of the memories of a loved one

22 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com SPIRITUAL DIRECTORY

Worship Sunday, 11 a.m.

religous symbols We congratulate Baltimore OUTloud for set #1 by bringing 15 years of independent dragonart journalism to the LGBTQ community. browndowntown.org 1316 Park Ave., Balt., MD, 21217 410.523.1542

Creator : DragonArt dragonartz.wordpress.com

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religous symbols set #1 by dragonart ISAIAH 40:31 “But They Wait Upon The Lord…”

5/20: 10 am – 2 pm Leadership Symposium (ALL ARE WELCOME) Renowned Facilitator Rev. Martin Espinosa

5/21: 10 am Worship Encounter Guest Preacher – Rev. Martin Espinosa 䄀䰀䰀 䄀刀䔀 圀䔀䰀䌀伀䴀䔀 Senior Pastor of Ray of Hope. Nashville, TN Fellowship meal immediately following 䴀愀猀猀 匀挀栀攀搀甀氀攀 匀愀琀甀爀搀愀礀 㔀㨀㌀ 瀀⸀洀 5/21: 3 p.m. Anniversary Celebration Guest Preacher 匀甀渀搀愀礀 㤀 愀⸀洀⸀Ⰰ ㄀ 㨀㐀㔀 愀⸀洀⸀Ⰰ ㄀㈀㨀㄀㔀 瀀⸀洀 Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson, Senior Pastor MCC-Washington DC 刀攀挀漀渀挀椀氀椀愀琀椀漀渀 椀猀 愀瘀愀椀氀愀戀氀攀 匀愀琀甀爀搀愀礀猀 愀琀 㐀㨀㌀ 瀀⸀洀⸀ 琀漀 㔀 瀀⸀洀⸀ Guest Choir 䌀漀渀琀愀挀琀 匀琀⸀ 䈀攀爀渀愀搀攀琀琀攀 倀愀爀椀猀栀 䐀攀愀挀漀渀 䘀爀攀搀 倀愀猀猀愀甀攀爀 㠀 ㄀ 匀琀攀瘀攀渀猀漀渀 刀漀愀搀 Metropolitan Community Church of Baltimore 倀愀爀椀猀栀 䄀搀洀椀渀椀猀琀爀愀琀漀爀 匀攀瘀攀爀渀Ⰰ 䴀愀爀礀氀愀渀搀 ㈀㄀㄀㐀㐀ⴀ㈀㈀㤀㤀 401 West Monument St. Baltimore, MD 21201 Rev. Victoria L. Burson 㐀㄀ ⴀ㤀㘀㤀ⴀ㈀㜀㠀㌀ 㐀㄀ ⴀ㤀㘀㤀ⴀ㈀㜀㠀㌀ 410-669-6222 – www.mccbaltimore.org Lead Servant - Senior Pastor

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 23

Creator : DragonArt dragonartz.wordpress.com

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/ Lively Arts // personalities An interview with ways want to keep It was the 45th anniversary of Blue. I True Blue singer/songwriter and that soul heartbeat grew up on that album and wanted to cel- at the root. ebrate the anniversary. My mom brought By Gregg Shapiro show and you get to be Broadway actress GS: What can me up on her record collection and Joni’s If you haven’t heard Morgan James sing, in an original company, you tell me about always been very special to me. Two years then you don’t know what you’re missing. there are so many firsts Morgan James your songwriting before that I did (D’Angelo’s) Black Mes- A white girl from Idaho with the voice of a and special things about process? siah in its entirety and I did John Mayer’s black gospel choir soloist, James has ca- it. You get to create your own track. The MJ: It’s different with each person you Continuum for the 10th anniversary of that reers on Broadway (Motown: The Musical, Broadway cast experience is a community write with. Whenever you sit down with a album. I think taking an artist’s work in its The Addams Family, and more) and as a unlike any other. I could never pick a favor- new potential co-writer or collaborator, it’s entirety, in an era when everybody buys a singer/songwriter (her debut studio album ite. The Addams Family has a soft spot in like a date, like speed-dating. You have song at a time… I love to celebrate whole came out in 2014). More recently, she re- my heart because it was my first Broadway to find out a lot about each other and albums because that’s how the artist want- leased an EP and completed a new stu- show. I had always wanted to perform on get to the core of what you want to write ed them to be heard. Blue is such a special dio disc of original songs. She can also be Broadway. When I got to achieve that, it about quickly. Sometimes you sit down one. I think Roy, my pianist, did a tremen- seen performing Joni Mitchell’s Blue in its felt really special. with someone and a song is written in two dous job in turning so many of those guitar entirety on her YouTube channel (Youtube. GS: You are about to hit the road hours. Sometimes you spend days and and dulcimer songs into piano songs. com/user/morganjamesonline). In fact, if in what you are calling your Reckless days and nothing comes of it. It has a lot GS: Yes, he did. Your new EP also they’re still looking to cast the movie ver- Abandon Tour. What makes it so? to do with the chemistry and trust you have contains covers of songs by Sam Smith, sion of Sheila Weller’s Girls Like Us, about MJ: That’s the name of the last song with that person. Obviously, Doug and I Paramore, Simon & Garfunkel, and Pe- Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Carly Si- on the (new) album. I don’t think the tour have a shorthand because we’re married ter Gabriel. How much of the material mon, James would make a far better Joni is reckless [laughs], but that’s one of the [laughs]. We write easily and well together. that you cover is a reflection of your than Taylor Swift. I spoke with Morgan in key songs on the album. I’m so excited be- But there’s also something valuable about own personal tastes? advance of her 2017 concert tour. cause this will be the first album where I’ve writing with strangers because they might MJ: It is 100% a reflection of my per- Gregg Shapiro: Morgan, we are co-written every single song. There are no see something in you that may not come sonal tastes. It’s very hard for me to cover speaking a couple of days after the covers on the album. I’m really proud of out with someone who knows you well. something I don’t like [laughs]. It’s hard Jesus Christ Superstar concert per- this project. I can’t wait for the fans to hear GS: You learn about each other as for me to put my stamp on or even learn formance that you did with Shoshana it. I’m also excited to be playing so many you go along. something if I don’t love it. Thankfully my Bean. What was the experience like for great venues and to be touring for so long. MJ: Right! They have a whole set of team of people is supportive of me doing you? experiences and musical things I love to do. Nobody’s forcing me Morgan James: I’m still reel- language and knowledge to do something I don’t want to. Maybe I ing about it. I haven’t fully recovered that you don’t have. I would have been successful earlier or [laughs]. I had basically been working wrote so many songs this more successful than this if I had done on it for the last year. I enlisted some year. A lot of them didn’t things other people wanted me to do. But I incredible people to help me make it make the album. I just like singing what I like to sing. I like writing possible. I produced the whole thing learned from them. I prob- about things I know about. I like coming up with a couple of my good friends. I ably wrote four albums’ with different kinds of themes for my You- reached out to a dozen or so of the worth of songs and then Tube channel. If you look at whose songs most talented people I know and a got it down to 12 songs. I choose to sing on my channel, you can couple of people I didn’t know very GS: You can be heard learn a lot about me [laughs]. well. Everybody said yes! It was this singing lead on “Maps,” GS: Being both a Broadway veteran incredible coming together of all these a cover of the Maroon 5 and a chanteuse of the highest order amazing women. It was an all-female song on the 2016 Scott increases your chances of establishing band as well. It was a powerful expe- Bradlee’s Postmodern an LGBT following. Is that something of rience. Of course, I’m a perfectionist, Jukebox album The Es- which you are aware? Morgan so I want to do it again and do it bet- sentials. How did you MJ: Oh, yeah! It’s one of the things I’m James ter. I would love to further develop the come to be affiliated most proud about my career. The people project. with the PMJ? that come with it. That community is so GS: That sounds fantastic. Do you I think it’s going to be an incredible spring. MJ: “Maps” was the first video I ever close to my heart. It’s such a huge part have a favorite song from that show? GS: Did you co-write again with your did with PMJ. Scott and I have a lot of mu- of singer/ songwriters and the Broadway MJ: There are so many good ones! I husband Doug Wamble, who also pro- tual friends, and we have the same agent. community. Equality and justice are so im- love “Heaven on their Minds.” I love “Ju- duced your major-label debut studio al- Our managers said the we should meet portant to me and I’m not willing to sac- das’s Death” and “Gethsemane.” I grew up bum Hunter? each other. They were surprised we hadn’t rifice speaking up about these things. My on the score. I’m a total Jesus Christ Su- MJ: Yes, Doug and I wrote eight of the met. We got together and did the video and audience is so diverse, which I love. The perstar junkie. I love that show. songs. I also wrote a song with Frequency the rest is history. He kept inviting me back PMJ following looks a certain way and then GS: While we’re on the subject who did “Heart Shake” on my last album. I to do more videos. I did ten videos and four there’s the following who know me from of musicals, you have performed on did a song with a producer in Nashville, a different tours with them. It’s been an in- “Call My Name” on the radio and from the Broadway in Motown: The Musical, The couple in L.A., and a producer named Jus- credible way to build my fan-base and to Broadway community. They’re all very loy- Addams Family, Godspell, and Won- tin Fisher. I’ve got a lot of different influ- meet new fans. al. Richard (Amelius), who I call “my best derland. Do you have a favorite among ences. We brought together all of the soul GS: In December 2016, you released gay,” directed Jesus Christ Superstar. He those shows? elements that I love, horns and tons of a marvelous cover album of Joni Mitch- got ordained and married me (and Doug). MJ: I don’t know that I could pick a backgrounds. Even though there are lots ell’s Blue. Of all of Joni’s albums, why He’s my brother! These are my brothers favorite. Every time you do an original of electronic and modern elements, I al- did you choose Blue? and my sisters. t

24 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts // Between the Book Covers

graphs of Queer Men at Home, revisiting the bisexual “celebrity crime reporter, nov- previous subjects (John Waters, Simon elist and notorious raconteur.” Pride Reading List Doonan, Tommy Tune and the late Edward The writing and impact of gay classical —continued from page 1 Albee), and goes on to include several scholar and poet A. E. Housman (1859- ate student Will as he confronts the time he (Fun Home author Alison Bech- 1936) is the focus of Peter Parker’s Hous- spent at ex-gay Camp Levi in his youth with Memoirs del, Houston Mayor Annise Parker, sing- man Country: Into the Heart of England the person he is today. Like Maureen Seaton’s Sex Talks to er Mirah Zeitlyn, film producer Christine (Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 2017), which also In black and white, and read from left Girls, James Allen Hall’s exquisite and Vachon and actresses Meredith Baxter includes the complete text of Housman’s to write, openly gay Japanese artist Gen- devastating personal essay collection I and Heather Mattarazzo), and many new landmark work A Shropshire Lad. goroh Tagame’s graphic novel My Broth- Liked You Better Before I Knew You So familiar faces, such as Rufus Wainwright, er’s Husband (Pantheon, 2017) lovingly Well (Cleveland State University Poetry Don Lemon, Alan Cumming, George Takei, Relevant AIDS writing depicts what happens when burly gay Ca- Center, 2017) is the kind of memoir that Ari Shapiro, Leslie Jordan, Michael Urie, Chronicling his life and experiences nadian Mike arrives in Tokyo at the home of could only have been written by a gay poet. Barney Frank and Anthony Rapp, as well with PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), via Yaicihi, his late husband’s straight identical Notes on a Banana: A Memoir of as a number of other people. pharmaceuticals such as Truvada, in The twin brother’s house, meeting him and his Food, Love, and Manic Depression (Dey Based on a series of almost 50 lectures PrEP Diaries (Lethe Press, 2017), gay daughter Kana for the first time. Street, 2017) is the eagerly anticipated given by gay Beat legend Allen Ginsberg writer Evan J. Peterson offers his distinc- Dustin and Gauge, the main charac- memoir by gay writer David Leite, founder from a course he taught at the Naropa tive and informative firsthand perspective. ters in Craig Moody’s debut novel The of the James Award-winning Leite’s Institute and Brooklyn College, The Best Lesbian feminist journalist and AIDS ’49 Indian (Vivid Imagery, 2017) meet in Culinaria website. Nicknamed Banana Minds of My Generation: A Literary His- activist Anne-christine d’Adesky’s The Pox South Florida in the summer of 1983 and by his mother, Leite writes of his 1960s tory of the Beats (Grove Press, 2017), Lover: An Activist’s Decade in New York following a series “dramatic and disturbing” childhood in Fall River, Massachusetts, edited by Beat historian Bill Morgan, with and Paris (University of Wisconsin Press, events head to California’s Pacific Coast his struggle with bipolar disorder and how an introduction by poet Anne Waldman, is 2017) is her riveting personal history of on the back of the restored titular vehicle. cooking saved his life. a compilation sure to please followers of “the turbulent 1990s,” via her involvement Proof that gay men can write in a wide With praise from lesbian memoirist Ju- the Beat Generation’s Jack Kerouac, Wil- in ACT UP and the Lesbian Avengers. t variety of literary genres, Wade Rouse, lie Marie Wade and gay poet Neil De La liam S. Burroughs, and others. Baltimore resident Bart Schwartz is do- writing under his pseudonym Viola Ship- Flor, The Sunshine Chronicles (Jitney Money, Murder, and Dominick ing a reading on May 18th at the Ivy Book- man, presents The Hope Chest (Thomas Books, 2017) is queer writer Jan Becker’s Dunne: A Life in Several Acts (University store in Towson. Dunne Books / St. Martin’s Press, 2017), “social media book,” a memoir consisting of Wisconsin Press, 2017) by theater critic Andrew Evans is doing a reading at the second in his series of “heirloom nov- of Facebook posts in reverse chronological and writer Robert Hofler is a biography of Busboys and Poets in Washington, D.C., els.” order, from October 2016 through January The 14 short stories in The Dahlia 2014. Field (Chelsea Station Editions, 2017) by “An outcast gay Mormon travels from novelist Henry Alley were written (and his Washington, D.C., home to Antarctica COMING JUNE 15 some published in anthologies and literary – by bus,” might sound like the setup for a journals) over the course of the past two joke, complete with punchline, but Andrew decades. Evans’ travel memoir The Black Penguin (University of Wisconsin Press, 2017) is Y/A fiction anything but, as the author takes us on Honestly Ben (Arthur A. Levine Books his personal journey, which also includes / Scholastic, 2017) by award-winning gay stops in Ohio and Utah. novelist Bill Konigsberg is the eagerly awaited sequel to his 2013 novel Openly Creative types Straight in which we were first introduced Originally published in 1992, Pasolini to Ben and Rafe, now exes, but who are Requiem (University of Chicago Press, still very important to each other. 2017) by Barth David Schwartz, about the A summer in Vancouver sounds like late gay filmmaker and poet Pier Paolo Pa- fun, but for anxiety-ridden teen Maeve, the solini (1922-75), whose brutal murder cut main character of 10 Things I Can See short one of the most creative lives imag- From Here (Knopf, 2017) by Carrie Mac, inable, has been updated and includes a it’s anything but. That is until she meets new afterword in its eagerly anticipated carefree local girl Salix and embarks on a second edition. “bumbling courtship.” As the title says, The Secret Life of For The Lotterys Plus One (Arthur the American Musical: How Broadway A. Levine Books / Scholastic, 2017) her Shows Are Built (Sarah Crichton Books, NOW ON STAGE - JUNE 11 first Y/A novel, Emma Donoghue, author 2017) by Jack Viertel, the senior vice of Room (for which she also wrote the president of Jujamcyn Theaters (so he screenplay adaptation for the Oscar-win- knows what he’s talking about!), is essen- ning movie), tells a multi-cultural family tially the anatomy of how to craft a musical, story about two same-gender couples and broken down song by song, and so on. their ever-expanding brood all living under With Kings & Queens in Their Cas- one roof, with illustrations by Caroline Had- tles (Damiani, 2017), photographer Tom ilaksono. Atwood expands on the concept of his Due to the nature of theatrical bookings, all shows and dates are subject to change. • Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Columbia, MD 2005 book Kings in Their Castles: Photo-

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 25 GET YOUR SEASON Lively ArtS // out on screen SUBSCRIPTION NOW Too Much of a Good Thing? Arsenic & Old Lace by Chuck Duncan Guardians after Rocket steals Friday, June 9 Let me start here by saying I ab- The case of batteries from them that the thru Sunday, June 25 solutely loved the first Guardians Guardians were originally of the Galaxy. After a lengthy spell Guardians of hired to protect. Like I said, Mainstage, Theatre, Arts of traditional superhero movies there is a lot going on. And from Marvel, more dramatic than the Galaxy that doesn’t even count all the comedic, the film was a refreshing Easter eggs like the inclusion breath of air, an epic sci-fi action Vol. 2 of the original comic book ver- film that replaced a lot of the seriousness of sion of the Guardians, another appearance by the previous Marvel movies with some off-the- Howard the Duck, and five credits / post-cred- wall comedy, courtesy of director James Gunn its scenes including one reference to the up- and the blessing of Marvel. Considering how coming Thor: Ragnarok that only eagle-eyed Marvel was building their Cinematic Universe, viewers will catch. connecting all of their superhero films, it’s a Is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 as good Sister Act miracle Guardians got made in the first place. as the first movie? Almost. It’s not bad by any Friday, July 21 thru And audiences responded, overwhelming- stretch of the imagination, it’s just exhausting. Sunday, August 6 ly, ensuring that we would get a sequel – and There is only so much visual stimulation one that the Guardians would find their place within Theatre, Arts, Mainstage can take (especially in 3D), but it’s still a lot of the MCU mythology. Guardians of the Galaxy fun. Perhaps after the movie’s amazing open- Vol. 2 picks up the first film’s plot thread of Pe- ing title sequence, which features a massive ter Quill, a.k.a Star Lord (Chris Pratt), still won- battle between the Guardians and a space dering who and where his father is. It doesn’t monster ... as the background action while Forever Plaid take him long to find out after a massive space Baby Groot takes center stage gave the rest Saturday, June 10 thru battle finds the Guardians rescued by a mys- of the movie way too much to live up to. It’s a Sunday, June 25 terious figure named Ego (Kurt Russell). Who brilliant moment and proba- Theatre, Arts, Cabaret also happens to be Peter’s father, and who bly my fa- also happens to be a Celestial, or “small G” god. Bringing Peter and some of his friends to his own planet, Ego is pleased to find that Peter shares some of his own godlike Vanya and Sonia and abilities, but of course these miraculous pow- Masha and Spike Now ers come with a price: featuring the Saturday, July 22 thru the destruction of the destruction Sunday, August 6 universe as we know it of the so Ego and his son can universe as we know it Theatre, Arts, Cabaret basically have the place to themselves to do with as they wish. Not a prospect any of Peter’s Guardians vorite of the entire family is pleased with. movie. The prologue with a young At two hours and 20 Kurt Russell is also mind-blowing. We’ve seen Court Jester’s Young People’s Theatre minutes, there is a lot packed into the movie. Marvel de-age their stars in previous films, but One of the subplots involves Yondu (Michael this has to be the best one yet. And with all of Madagascar Jr. Rooker) being banished from the Ravagers for the humor and action, the movie really hits you his misdeed of “stealing” Peter as a child (they in all of the feels by the end when we find out Friday, July 7 thru don’t deal in children), and Rocket’s (Bradley what really happened to Peter’s mother, and Sunday, July 16 Cooper) and Groot’s (Vin Diesel) capture and the shocking death of a major character (no possible execution by Yondu’s former friends, not Groot, he’s “too adorable to kill” – one of Court Jester, Theatre, Arts and their subsequent attempt to escape and my favorite lines in the movie). Maybe it was get back to Peter and the Guardians. The film from the exhaustion, but I was sniffling quite a

Cockpit in Court Summer Theatre Cockpit in Court Summer also introduce the Mantis (Pom Klementieff) bit by the end. character, and her interaction with Drax (Dave Will Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 be a Bautista) gives the film much of its humor. crowd-pleaser? Undoubtedly, as it should be. For more information call the Box office 443-840-Arts Nebula (Karen Gillan) is also back, this time But perhaps Gunn can stay focused a little more as Gamora’s (Zoe Saldana) prisoner. The film on the next one and not take an “everything or go to www.ccbcmd.edu/cockpit/ also introduces the Sovereign, led by Ayesha and the kitchen sink” attitude towards the story. (Elizabeth Debicki), who go to war with the There really can be too much of a good thing. t

26 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com People in Our Neighborhood

tising. Everywhere in the U.S. and Canada Too Much of a Good Thing? have towns with advertising needs. I also Local Versatile Actor Nic Detorie feel that if you are willing to travel, and it’s worth your while, there is always opportu- By Frankie Kujawa Take It with You. “It was a minor role, but an entertainment per- nity. If you’re dedicated and have talent, Daniel Radcliffe once said, “Any actor worth at that point I loved acting and I really en- sonality has allowed Master I truly believe that you can live anywhere their salt wants to show as much versatility joyed it.” me to always do and succeed in this field.” as they can.” Actor and model Nic Detorie Eventually moving to Harford County, something different. of the Looking to the future, Detorie contin- embodies while still at Cardinal Gibbons, Deto- One day I can be a ues to strive towards continued hard work rie continued to do some stage crew video host for a com- media tells as well as being creative in all his enter- work for the high school theater pro- pany’s internal video tainment fields. “I want to continue to bet- gram but soon diversified his inter- to playing an incar- secrets of ter my career and craft, as well as busi- ests, taking a break from acting. cerated murderer the ness for continued success,” he told me. After graduating, Detorie worked next day. It allows me success! When asked if he ever gets tired of the in sales and bar-tended. “It was in to be newly creative each time I book a job fast-paced life that his work demands, De- my early twenties that I was thinking because no two jobs are the same in this torie laughed: “Well, obviously not. As we about what I wanted to do with my industry. That’s one of the things that at- speak, I’m off to South America for a job in life. I had always loved acting and tracts me to it.” Peru. I’ll be there for ten days working on always wanted to be an actor,” he As a Maryland native and resident, my next upcoming project.” It’s clear that told me. “I did some research on how living in a mid-Atlantic state has allowed the versatile actor and model shows no to get into movies. Someone had Detorie to branch out into other locations, sign of slowing down and his career bris- shared with me that a horror film was as well. “I think living in Maryland has af- tles with eager determination. t filming in Hagerstown. The film was fected my career positively because all For more information on Nic Detorie, called Lovely Molly. After the open towns essentially have commercial adver- it’s Nicdetorie.com. call, I received a call to do some ex- tra work for the movie. While there Everything I began to ask people on the set but wash lots of questions about the industry. windows Production assistants told me that I needed professional photos, need- ed to take some more acting class- es, and to begin to look for agents.” Detorie eventually did have some photos taken and found himself an this sentiment. Detorie’s work runs the agency to represent him. Initially, he was gamut from commercials, print, live events, met with some roadblocks until he fine- TV, and film. He recently sat down with me tuned his photographs and began treating to talk about his life in entertainment. his acting less as a hobby and more as a Growing up in the southwest Baltimore business. “From that point on, I realized I neighborhood of Violetville, Detorie’s ca- would have to showcase good work and reer grew from his childhood fascinations. have good photographs. I started taking “My acting background comes from ven- more acting classes and seminars. I be- triloquism,” Detorie began. “I was about gan to network and meet other people in ten years old and was reading the Goose- the industry.” THE BALTIMORE MUSEUM OF ART bumps story called “Night of the Living As entertainment gigs began to devel- Dummy.” I always loved horror movies, but op, Detorie began to expand into commer- after reading that book I thought, ‘What is cial work and modelling. “I was simultane- a ventriloquist dummy?’ and I wanted to ously still working in sales while trying to Queer Interiors have one of these dolls. I researched mag- get into the industry in general. I realized Through August 2017 ic shops in the area and found one that that my photos were attracting more and Conceived and produced by artists Rahne Alexander and Jaimes Mayhew, had a Mortimer Snerd dummy. It was a be- more agents.” Detorie’s commercial work Queer Interiors features a larger-than-life bed, personal artifacts, and the ginner’s dummy and I became really good garnered him national ads ranging from at it.” Detorie went on to explain that as he Lowe’s Home Improvement and Zero Wa- Baltimore LGBTQI+ Home Movie Quilt, a crowd-sourced multimedia portrait grew up, he began to win talent shows in ter. As his print and commercial modelling of the city’s LGBTQI+ communities. The project is part of the BMA’s middle school for his ventriloquism. gigs continued to increase, Detorie has Commons Collaboration initiative, which commissions artists to work That’s what sparked his interest in act- also found success in television, such as together with a non-profit on an installation and public programs related ing, Detorie explains. After some classes Destination America’s documentary series to the Imagining Home exhibition. and early performances in children’s the- “A Haunting.” Most recently, Detorie ap- ater, Detorie continued with his theater peared as incarcerated serial killer Henry training into his young teens. After per- Lee Lucas on ID Network’s “Who Killed forming in a few local middle-school pro- Jane Doe?” ductions, including some Neil Simon acts, “Along with film and television, I do a ARTBMA.ORG Detorie enrolled at Cardinal Gibbons High lot of live work,” Detorie explained. “For 443-573-1700 School. It was while there that he was cast the different avenues of the industry, such in the school performance of You Can’t as commercial print, TV, and film, being BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 27 What is TRUVADA for PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis)? u Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you also have HBV and take TRUVADA is a prescription medicine that can be used for PrEP to help reduce the TRUVADA, your hepatitis may become worse if you stop taking TRUVADA. Do risk of getting HIV-1 infection when used together with safer sex practices. This use not stop taking TRUVADA without fi rst talking to your healthcare provider. If your is only for adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This includes healthcare provider tells you to stop taking TRUVADA, they will need to watch HIV-negative men who have sex with men and who are at high risk of getting infected you closely for several months to monitor your health. TRUVADA is not approved with HIV-1 through sex, and male-female sex partners when one partner has HIV-1 for the treatment of HBV. infection and the other does not. Who should not take TRUVADA for PrEP? Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to prevent getting HIV-1. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you already have HIV-1 infection or if you do body fluids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them. not know your HIV-1 status. If you are HIV-1 positive, you need to take other medicines with TRUVADA to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. What is the most important information I should know about TRUVADA Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you also take for PrEP? lamivudine (Epivir-HBV) or adefovir (HEPSERA). Before taking TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce your risk of getting HIV-1 infection: What are the other possible side effects of u You must be HIV-negative. You must get tested to make sure that you do not TRUVADA for PrEP? already have HIV-1 infection. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confi rmed to be HIV-negative. Serious side effects of TRUVADA may also include: u Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently u Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your become infected. If you have flu-like symptoms, you could have recently healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your kidneys become infected with HIV-1. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like before and during treatment with TRUVADA for PrEP. If you develop illness within the last month before starting TRUVADA for PrEP or at any time kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include TRUVADA for PrEP. tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, u Bone problems, including bone pain or bones getting soft or thin, may lead to diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones. While taking TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce your risk of getting HIV-1 infection: u Changes in body fat, which can happen in people taking TRUVADA or medicines u You must continue using safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP like TRUVADA. may not keep you from getting HIV-1. Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP are stomach-area u You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP. (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. Tell your healthcare provider u To further help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1: if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away. • Know your HIV-1 status and the HIV-1 status of your partners. What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking • Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months or when your healthcare provider TRUVADA for PrEP? tells you. u All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or • Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis virus infection. it easier for HIV-1 to infect you. u If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRUVADA can Have you heard about • Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior. harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking TRUVADA for PrEP, • Have fewer sex partners. talk to your healthcare provider to decide if you should keep taking TM • Do not miss any doses of TRUVADA. Missing doses may increase your risk of TRUVADA for PrEP. TRUVADA for PrEP ? getting HIV-1 infection. Pregnancy Registry: A pregnancy registry collects information about your • If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider right away. health and the health of your baby. There is a pregnancy registry for women who u If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA take medicines to prevent HIV-1 during pregnancy. For more information about The once-daily prescription medicine that can help reduce alone to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. the registry and how it works, talk to your healthcare provider. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to u If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. The the risk of getting HIV-1 when used with safer sex practices. treat over time. medicines in TRUVADA can pass to your baby in breast milk. If you become HIV-1 TRUVADA can cause serious side effects: positive, HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. u • TRUVADA for PrEP is only for adults who are at high risk of u Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter emergency. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include weakness or being more tired medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. TRUVADA may interact with getting HIV through sex. than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, nausea, other medicines. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare vomiting, stomach-area pain, cold or blue hands and feet, feeling dizzy or provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. lightheaded, and/or fast or abnormal heartbeats. u If you take certain other medicines with TRUVADA for PrEP, your healthcare • You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP. u Serious liver problems. Your liver may become large and tender, and you may provider may need to check you more often or change your dose. These medicines include ledipasvir with sofosbuvir (HARVONI). develop fat in your liver. Symptoms of liver problems include your skin or the white Ask your doctor about your risk of getting HIV-1 infection and if part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. appetite for several days or longer, nausea, and/or stomach-area pain. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. TRUVADA for PrEP may be right for you. u You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or serious liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking TRUVADA for a long time. In some cases, these serious conditions have led to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of these conditions.

Please see Important Facts about TRUVADA for PrEP including important warnings on the following page. visit start.truvada.com

28 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com TVDC0084_B_9-875x9-6_BaltimoreOUTloud_p1.indd 1-2 3/17/17 3:27 PM What is TRUVADA for PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis)? u Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you also have HBV and take TRUVADA is a prescription medicine that can be used for PrEP to help reduce the TRUVADA, your hepatitis may become worse if you stop taking TRUVADA. Do risk of getting HIV-1 infection when used together with safer sex practices. This use not stop taking TRUVADA without fi rst talking to your healthcare provider. If your is only for adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This includes healthcare provider tells you to stop taking TRUVADA, they will need to watch HIV-negative men who have sex with men and who are at high risk of getting infected you closely for several months to monitor your health. TRUVADA is not approved with HIV-1 through sex, and male-female sex partners when one partner has HIV-1 for the treatment of HBV. infection and the other does not. Who should not take TRUVADA for PrEP? Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to prevent getting HIV-1. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you already have HIV-1 infection or if you do body fluids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them. not know your HIV-1 status. If you are HIV-1 positive, you need to take other medicines with TRUVADA to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. What is the most important information I should know about TRUVADA Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you also take for PrEP? lamivudine (Epivir-HBV) or adefovir (HEPSERA). Before taking TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce your risk of getting HIV-1 infection: What are the other possible side effects of u You must be HIV-negative. You must get tested to make sure that you do not TRUVADA for PrEP? already have HIV-1 infection. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confi rmed to be HIV-negative. Serious side effects of TRUVADA may also include: u Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently u Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your become infected. If you have flu-like symptoms, you could have recently healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your kidneys become infected with HIV-1. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like before and during treatment with TRUVADA for PrEP. If you develop illness within the last month before starting TRUVADA for PrEP or at any time kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include TRUVADA for PrEP. tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, u Bone problems, including bone pain or bones getting soft or thin, may lead to diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones. While taking TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce your risk of getting HIV-1 infection: u Changes in body fat, which can happen in people taking TRUVADA or medicines u You must continue using safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP like TRUVADA. may not keep you from getting HIV-1. Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP are stomach-area u You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP. (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. Tell your healthcare provider u To further help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1: if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away. • Know your HIV-1 status and the HIV-1 status of your partners. What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking • Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months or when your healthcare provider TRUVADA for PrEP? tells you. u All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or • Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis virus infection. it easier for HIV-1 to infect you. u If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRUVADA can Have you heard about • Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior. harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking TRUVADA for PrEP, • Have fewer sex partners. talk to your healthcare provider to decide if you should keep taking TM • Do not miss any doses of TRUVADA. Missing doses may increase your risk of TRUVADA for PrEP. TRUVADA for PrEP ? getting HIV-1 infection. Pregnancy Registry: A pregnancy registry collects information about your • If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider right away. health and the health of your baby. There is a pregnancy registry for women who u If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA take medicines to prevent HIV-1 during pregnancy. For more information about The once-daily prescription medicine that can help reduce alone to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. the registry and how it works, talk to your healthcare provider. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to u If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. The the risk of getting HIV-1 when used with safer sex practices. treat over time. medicines in TRUVADA can pass to your baby in breast milk. If you become HIV-1 TRUVADA can cause serious side effects: positive, HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. u • TRUVADA for PrEP is only for adults who are at high risk of u Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter emergency. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include weakness or being more tired medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. TRUVADA may interact with getting HIV through sex. than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, nausea, other medicines. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare vomiting, stomach-area pain, cold or blue hands and feet, feeling dizzy or provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. lightheaded, and/or fast or abnormal heartbeats. u If you take certain other medicines with TRUVADA for PrEP, your healthcare • You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP. u Serious liver problems. Your liver may become large and tender, and you may provider may need to check you more often or change your dose. These medicines include ledipasvir with sofosbuvir (HARVONI). develop fat in your liver. Symptoms of liver problems include your skin or the white Ask your doctor about your risk of getting HIV-1 infection and if part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. appetite for several days or longer, nausea, and/or stomach-area pain. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. TRUVADA for PrEP may be right for you. u You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or serious liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking TRUVADA for a long time. In some cases, these serious conditions have led to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of these conditions.

Please see Important Facts about TRUVADA for PrEP including important warnings on the following page. visit start.truvada.com

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 29 TVDC0084_B_9-875x9-6_BaltimoreOUTloud_p1.indd 1-2 3/17/17 3:27 PM IMPORTANT FACTS This is only a brief summary of important information about taking TRUVADA for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. This does not (tru-VAH-dah) replace talking to your healthcare provider about your medicine.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF TRUVADA FOR PrEP Before starting TRUVADA for PrEP to help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1 infection: TRUVADA can cause serious side effects, including: • You must be HIV-1 negative. You must get tested to make sure that you do not • Those in the “Most Important Information About TRUVADA for PrEP" section. already have HIV-1 infection. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. getting HIV-1 unless you are confi rmed to be HIV-1 negative. • Bone problems. • Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become • Changes in body fat. infected. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include fl u-like symptoms, tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP include stomach- night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. Tell your healthcare area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. provider if you have had a fl u-like illness within the last month before starting These are not all the possible side effects of TRUVADA. Tell your healthcare TRUVADA for PrEP. provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. While taking TRUVADA for PrEP to help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1 infection: Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health • You must continue using safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may before and during treatment with TRUVADA for PrEP. not keep you from getting HIV-1. • You must stay HIV-1 negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP. BEFORE TAKING TRUVADA FOR PrEP • Tell your healthcare provider if you have a fl u-like illness while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Tell your healthcare provider if you: • If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider right away. • Have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis infection. • If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone • Have any other medical conditions. to treat HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. harder to treat over time. • Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you • See the “How to Further Reduce Your Risk” section for more information. become HIV-1 positive because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. TRUVADA may cause serious side effects, including: Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Buildup of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, medical emergency that can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider away if you have any of these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than and pharmacist. usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, nausea, vomiting, stomach-area pain, cold or blue hands and feet, feeling dizzy or • Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should lightheaded, and/or fast or abnormal heartbeats. not be taken with TRUVADA for PrEP. • Severe liver problems, which in some cases can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms: your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of HOW TO TAKE TRUVADA FOR PrEP appetite for several days or longer, nausea, and/or stomach-area pain. • Take 1 tablet once a day, every day, not just when you think you have been • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have HBV and take TRUVADA, exposed to HIV-1. your hepatitis may become worse if you stop taking TRUVADA. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without fi rst talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to • Do not miss any doses. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection. check your health regularly for several months. • You must practice safer sex by using condoms and you must stay HIV-1 negative. You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight, or have been taking TRUVADA for a long time. HOW TO FURTHER REDUCE YOUR RISK • Know your HIV-1 status and the HIV-1 status of your partners. ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP (PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS) • Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months or when your healthcare provider TRUVADA is a prescription medicine used with safer sex practices for PrEP to help tells you. reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection in adults at high risk: • Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV-1 to infect you. • HIV-1 negative men who have sex with men and who are at high risk of getting infected with HIV-1 through sex. • Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior. • Male-female sex partners when one partner has HIV-1 infection and the other does not. • Have fewer sex partners. • Do not share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fl uids on them. To help determine your risk, talk openly with your doctor about your sexual health. Do NOT take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: GET MORE INFORMATION • Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. • Take lamivudine (Epivir-HBV) or adefovir (HEPSERA). • This is only a brief summary of important information about TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more, including how to prevent HIV-1 infection. TRUVADA, the TRUVADA Logo, TRUVADA FOR PREP, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, and HEPSERA are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related • Go to start.truvada.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their • If you need help paying for your medicine, visit start.truvada.com for respective owners. Version date: April 2016 program information. © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. TVDC0084 03/17

30 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com TVDC0084_B_9-875x9-6_BaltimoreOUTloud_p1.indd 3 3/17/17 3:27 PM out in the valley

Parenting OUTloud Rev. Kelly Crenshaw Lesson Learned

If you’ve followed this column over time, you realize that my kids come in all ages. And, you probably realize that some of my kids face challenges of mental health, cog- nitive issues, or physical disabilities. While went out into the mall itself to see if he had did. We would love to believe that he will adopted kids, two biological kids, guardian having a family with special-needs kids is wandered out there. One began to help never do it again, but we can’t take that of one baby girl and foster mom of doz- certainly not unique, by any means, my me to search the store. About 15 minutes chance. So now, he has to have a buddy ens. Some are lesbian, some gay, some experiences have given me an interesting passed and we were sure he’d been kid- when he goes outside. straight, and some bisexual. Kelly founded viewpoint into how kids mature and devel- napped. And then, we found him. He had Parenting children, even adult children, a K-12 day school where kids could have op. gone into an empty display area where he evolves as time goes on. We no longer a safe, bully-free environment for learning. For example, we have our toddler Cas- hid himself under the counter. He thought it have to supervise Alex, but now, we have She is co-owner of a counselling agency sandra. She’s not quite 18 months old, so was funny. The rest of us were not amused. to supervise Brent more closely than be- that works with children and their families. we have to watch her to make sure she We were terribly relieved, but definitely not fore. And, our little crisis is, thankfully, in Send your parenting questions to her at amused. the past. Lesson learned. t [email protected] “With special needs As Alex grew up, he became well Rev. Kelly Crenshaw is the mom of 16 known for his ability to get lost. He was the kids, we never get past kid who would head to the restroom just as the point of counting the rest of the family was heading to get into the cars. We learned to count heads heads and taking roll.” and ask for him by name to make sure he was with the family. Now, as an adult, he doesn’t wander off and get lost. This is a usually drives himself. It works for him. normal parenting reality for anyone who But, with special needs kids, we never has had a little child. They don’t know get past the point of counting heads and enough to stay close. So, you hold their taking roll. Just this week, Brent took the hand or pick them up. trash out. Brent loves to help around the I remember years ago when our son house and usually does a good job. He’s Alex was about three. We were in Ocean 22 and has multiple disabilities. The lan- City and had the kids’ pictures taken by the guage center of his brain is damaged, so roaming beach photographers. You know he can’t speak, read, or write. His vision the ones. They take pictures, give you a is slowly deteriorating. And, his cognitive flyer, and you show up to pick your prints level is low. So, when Brent wasn’t back or even those little viewer things. This was in the house within a couple of minutes, an annual tradition for our family. We don’t the other kids got worried. Alex and Austin do a lot of formal pictures, so this was an rushed outside to find him. HIV Testing Services: opportunity to get shots of everyone, at He wasn’t near the trash cans. They the same time, in the same place. And, we searched our property and didn’t find him. Easy, Fast and Free didn’t even have to worry about dressing Finally, as they were returning to the house everyone up. It was so us. to report in, they saw him standing at the Serving our LGBT Friends So anyway, we had our pictures tak- neighbor’s fence watching them. They had in a comfortable, welcoming environment en and, a few hours later, headed into the looked there. He wasn’t there when they store to see which prints we wanted to buy. first came outside. He would have been Providing referrals for PrEP in Frederick County The older girls and I were standing around seen. We’re not sure where he was hiding, discussing our options when it suddenly but we know that for about 15 minutes, our Call 301-600-3342 for an appointment occurred to us that Alex was nowhere to world turned upside down, just like it did al- be found. I panicked. most 20 years ago when Alex disappeared We were in a mall. There were lots of in that store. Frederick County Health Department people. Someone had to know where my We can’t trust that Brent understands 350 Montevue Lane, Entrance B, Frederick, MD 21702 child was. The teenagers scattered. Two the seriousness of wandering off like he

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 31 out in the valley “Even more impressive to my dream is the number of new projects, but that excite- sons, but mostly because when we are able school: the volunteers who donate ment can sometimes wain to see others like us we know we aren’t alone, Brian’s Columbia once the newness wears off. that it gets better, that the world is changing. School of their time and service, This is where commitment I think it’s important to remember this Brain Social Work comes in. Getting started re- when looking into the future. Consider how Brian George Hose in New York meaning that this is a quires money, time, and true much progress has been made during the life City. It was dedication. Many of our read- of this paper. Now, consider how much prog- one of the paper for us, by us.” ers may not know how much ress has been made since Stonewall. We as happiest mo- time, talent, and energy go a com- munity have made huge Looking ments of my life and one that I’ll treasure for- into producing a single issue of strides in fighting for and ever. Baltimore OUTloud, but achieving equality in vari- Back, Looking After a few hiccups and logistical chal- I can say with certainty ous forms. We have creat- lenges, I decided to defer admission for a that it’s a lot. Even more ed a voice that cannot be Forward year. Now, I’m preparing for a campus visit impressive is the number silenced and a presence and praying that financial aid and housing of volunteers who donate that cannot be ignored. When I was told, this was going to be our comes through. Looking back, none of this their time and service, When it seems that anniversary issue, I realized that the timing would have been possible without the sup- meaning that this is a pa- our community is vul- couldn’t be better. By some coincidence, it port of friends and family, who encouraged per for us, by us. nerable, remember how seems that this time of year is full of anniver- me to go after my dream and who stood by What this tells me is we got to where we are saries in my life. Usually when it comes to an- me when times were tough. that we have a community today. We banded to- niversaries we are reminded to look back, but I mention school and social work because that cares, that makes us gether, pitched in, and this year’s anniversaries are also reminding they helped me appreciate how truly awe- and the issues affecting our achieved our goals. We took care me to look forward. some it is that our little paper is celebrating lives visible not just in ma- jor cities, but of each other and formed a community. This Two of the anniversaries I mentioned are 15 years of service to the LGBTQ community also small towns throughout the region. When anniversary is a celebration to remember school related. I graduated a year ago with across several states and counties. Creating I was growing up in rural Western Maryland because it’s a celebration of us, the LGBTQ my degree in social work, a feat that required new and necessary resources is never easy, it was rare to meet someone who even knew community. It’s a testament to what we can 600 hours of unpaid internships and count- and it can be even harder to maintain these an out-LGBTQ person; now, we’re celebrating achieve when we work together, and that’s less hours of studying outside the classroom. resources once they’re in place. There’s al- 15 years of being visible, of living Baltimore worth celebrating. t Then, two days later, I was officially accepted ways energy and enthusiasm surrounding OUTloud. This is important for so many rea-

The Frederick Center presents

CARROLL CREEK LINEAR PARK | SATURDAY, JUNE 24 | 11AM-6PM Kid friendly • Food & beverages available or bring a picnic Beer & wine tent • Music, entertainment & speakers Booths with info, products, & services • Bring a folding chair or blanket Free Buy Pride bracelet for discounts at area businesses • AND MUCH MORE! www.FrederickPride.org

32 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com out in the valley // faith

forebears of my own denomination) as a Spirit way to escape the oppression that result- ed from the marriage of church and state Speaks in 17th-century England. The only peo- Rev. Dr. Rob Apgar-Taylor ple who benefit from a close marriage of church and state are the people whose church lies closest to the state in the mar- Religious Liberty riage bed. The separation of church and state is an important safeguard against re- LIVE and Spiritual ligious bullying and spiritual abuse. • The church can be used as a means ENTERTAINMENT of political manipulation by those people July 15, 2017 VENDORS Manipulation and parties who are more concerned with their own agendas than integrity and hon- Noon to 6 p.m. SPEAKERS A local newspaper called me this morning esty. FOOD & MORE! to ask my opinion about the “Religious Lib- • The church needs to have a delicate Downtown Hagerstown erty” executive order signed by the presi- balance of support and watchfulness with dent this week. I am sure my opinion was regard to government. It is my job as a All are welcome! Come out, show your vastly different from the highly evangelical pastor to support my leaders and to call / conservative Christian views of the ma- them to accountability when I think they support for the LGBTQ+ community & jority in my area. You would think as a pas- are leading us astray. If our leaders were share in the fun and excitement! tor I’d be delighted to see religious liberty (hypothetically of course) to use politics expanded and to see the influence of the as a way to pad their own pockets at the church exerted in more intentional ways. expense of the poor, women, the elderly, Yeah, you might think that… but then you wouldn’t know me. Why do I think this is a “The church can be Dan Hall bad idea? For several reasons: 1) I am a father / son / brother. I have used as a means of women in my life who are important to me. political manipulation Using religion as a means to restrict ac- cess to contraception is a direct assault on by those people and women and a misuse of religious power. You can object to contraception. And as a parties who are more Want to be a Vendor? church, you have always had the right to concerned with their Email [email protected] not pay for it with your insurance. But the Want to become a Sponsor? reality is that women use contraception for own agendas than Email [email protected] many reasons beyond birth control, includ- ing endometriosis, severe cramps, reg- integrity and honesty.” ulating cycles, migraines, and more. And the plain truth is that frankly it none of my business. My beliefs do not belong in your the disenfranchised, then I would have Upcoming Events uterus. to speak up. If our president were (hypo- Saturday, May 20th 9p.m. 2) As a gay man, I am concerned thetically of course) to use language and with the slippery slope that this exec- actions that demeaned and dehumanized “MAD” MAX THE DRAG QUEEN utive order opens with regard to the use entire groups of his own people to further Beyond the Lodgedome of religion in public-sector discrimination. his own narcissism, then I would have to Churches have been (rightly) protected speak up! Thank God this would never 21614 National Pike, Boonsboro, MD from performing marriages or sanctioning happen in America. It is the church’s job family systems they feel are in conflict with to keep Government accountable, not to Sunday, May 21st their belief systems. I support that. But tacitly bless or even unduly influence and companies should not be allowed to deny manipulate public policy for our own theo- SUNDAY FUNDAY DRAG BRUNCH services to people based on their personal logical or financial profit. Silent Auction • Drag Show faith. This opens the door to the ultimate I remain increasingly concerned with goal of setting up legal rights for compa- the agenda of this administration and the Ava Lounge nies to tailor their business to “straights direction in which it is leading our nation. Have an auction item you want to donate? only,” “Christians only,” etc. (and if you I pray for our leaders, I do hope they suc- Email [email protected] don’t think this is the goal, read more about ceed in making America Great Again. But Jeff Sessions or Mike Pence). maybe one day they will learn that Ameri- 3) As a pastor, I am concerned about can will never be great again until it learns the executive order on several fronts. to be truly good again. t www.hagerstownhopesmd.org • This country was founded (by the

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 33 out in the valley Keystone State Gay Rodeo Showcases True Grit By Frankie Kujawa was a local bar called The Stonewall in Allen- From then on Gallucci has been a major pride events. A vast majority of LGBT men and John Wayne once said that “Courage is be- town. They were hosting two-stepping lessons force behind the KSGRA. “After Brian [Heland- women aren’t like that. They’re just everyday ing scared to death but saddling up anyway.” and I thought it was a great way to have a fun er] took me aside and explained how the asso- people, and if you live in a big city you’re prob- The Western lifestyle that Wayne so cavalierly evening. So, I went and made friends and I’m ciation works and the charities they donate to, ably not going to have much access to rodeo. brought to the big screen has inspired all men still friends with many of the same people today. I thought this was a really great association.” The general public’s perception and women throughout the years through his At that time, we decided that we should go to a Gallucci went on to explain that the rodeo has about [gay rodeo] is we swagger and grit. Fans of that lifestyle will be rodeo, and the first one I went to was in Phoe- events for everyone, regardless of background are one thing and we’re able to enjoy a piece of that Western culture at nix, Arizona. It was so much fun! I met so many in the sport. “The rodeo is just a friendly com- not. When they see the Keystone State Gay Rodeo later this June. people and new friends. Eventually, I dropped petition. All the events are open to men and these cowboys wres- Running from Saturday, June 24th to Sunday, out of it for a while, until a friend of mine said women evenly. It’s a great weekend of fun tling a 300-pound steer June 25th the rodeo will be held at the Penn- that he knew I used to be involved with the ro- that’s not build around just going to a bar. It’s to the ground or running sylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, deo and he wanted to go. We went, and had a promoting the whole Western lifestyle. It’s a at high speeds on the Pennsylvania. Baltimore OUTloud recently sat really good time, but I was never involved in the can’t-miss event!” Gallucci added, “The steer back of a horse, that’s not down Keystone State Gay Rodeo Association’s actual events.” riding is such a big draw. Everyone is used people’s usual percep- (KSGRA) Jim Gallucci who is the rodeo director Gallucci added that a chance meeting with to seeing those guys do it on TV. The camp tions. I hate to say it, but for the event. a few cowboys in the elevator of his hotel led to events are so much fun, too. I love watching it’s a stereotypical percep- “This is our first rodeo.” Gallucci explained. his association with the rodeo. “These guys in people’s expressions. Tying a ribbon on the tion that people have had “Every association has the opportunity to host a the elevator were wearing wranglers and cow- tail of a steer, which of course, the steer is and I think when people rodeo, even though they don’t have to. Part of boy hats. By the time we went from the ninth not happy. Putting underwear on a goat, or come out and they see that the KSGRA’s mission statement is to provide floor to the lobby we became friends and decid- as we call it, goat dressing. It’s a lot of fun.” it’s a lot of fun they learn the Western lifestyle, even though it’s more ed to have dinner together. One of the cowboys, When asked why he thinks people something. We are about popular in some areas than others. In our area, named Brian Helander, took me off to the side are always surprised to hear that there making friends, enjoying the the horse events are very popular. Maryland the next day to explain every event and how is such a thing as a ‘gay rodeo’ Gallucci Western lifestyle, giving back Jim and Virginia are big horse areas, and we are they work. I didn’t realize until later that day that responded, “That’s a fantastic question. to the community and overall Gallucci expecting a lot of people to come to see those he was from Phoenix and was the president of Generally, people only see big flamboyant having a good time.” t events.” the International Gay Rodeo Association,” Gal- drag queens when they look at a For more info on the Keystone Gallucci initially became involved with lucci laughed. “I thought it was odd that people event. That flamboyancy is always what’s State Gay Rodeo visit Ksgra.org. things Western starting back in 1994. “There kept referring to him as ‘Mr. President’ all day.” seen when covered on the news about

34 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com out in Asbury park, New Jersey Pink Prom Friday May 5th at the Hotel Tides Photos by Corey Brent with a same-sex date. Once I knew exactly how I wanted it to work, the real work went Out in in to scouting around for a venue, and also who would be given the funds. So I lassoed Asbury Park Ryan in, and we discussed the particulars. Rainier Guerra And once we knew how it would all play out, and how it would ultimately be a successful fundraiser, the Pink Prom was born. And it has become arguably the most successful Paint the Town annual fundraiser in New Jersey!” The producer of the event is one of Pink! my very good friends, Ryan Jimenez, the general manager of Hotel Tides. He is one On Friday, May 5th, Asbury Park came to- of Asbury Park’s greatest supporters. He gether as a community, as they have for gives back to the community selflessly and the past five years for the 5th annual “Pink never seeks to be acknowledged or recog- Prom” to raise funds to another amazing nized for it. I know this first hand, he allows cause. The event took place in one of my me to use Hotel Tides any time I want to put favorite venues in Asbury Park, Hotel Tides. an event together to raise funds for which This is the fifth year of this spectacular ever cause I can think of at any given time. event that has amassed thousands of dol- This year I’ll host my fourth annual birthday lars to help local LGBTQ organizations, and pool party at the venue to raise funds for it has turned into one of New Jersey’s most local charities. As is true for most proms, successful fundraisers. In the last five years this one also chose a prom King and Queen the Pink Prom has benefited Pride Network, as well. This year we crowned Christy Lee Pride Center of New Jersey, Project Real, Fabio and Tom Savage, both former Mr. Gender Spectrum Support Network, Glsen, and Ms. N.J. Leather that do tremendous and this year, Garden State Equality, an or- amount of work for this community. t ganization that has done so much for the LGBTQ community, and now will continue to do so. I particularly love and look forward to this event yearly because it’s a perfect illus- tration of how a community sets aside any differences and really unites for the benefit of a common cause. I was ballsy enough to go to my senior prom with a guy I was dating back in 1993, but not many were so lucky to be able to do so. Pink Prom gives those people the opportunity to do so. Eric Pinckney is the founder of Pink Prom and prolific writer for the city’s LGBTQ blog, “Gossip Guurrll: Living in the Gay Scene of Asbury Park,” and now, is a member of the Asbury Park school board. I had a chance to grab him to chat about his thought process for this event, here’s what he had to say: “I wanted to find a way to give back to the LGBTQ community, a safety net for myself and so many others. Now this is the funny part – exactly the moment when I was pondering this, I was watching an episode of “Sex in the City” when Carrie accom- panied her best gay male friend to a prom he was working on for the gay community. Once I saw that, I knew exactly what I want- ed to do to give back to my gay community. So many of my fellow LGBTQ brothers and sisters didn’t get to go to their proms in high school, and if they did, chances are that they went with someone who wasn’t their first choices – meaning they couldn’t go BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 35 “Should be read by A small community with big rewards anyone who cares •Every Voice Is Heard Resident committees, groups, fitness classes, and associations thrive about diversity.” in small, intimate and friendly gatherings where every voice can be heard and there are plenty of opportunities to get to know staff and neighbors, alike. Julie K. Silver, MD •New Interestes Are Celebrated Harvard Medical School RPP offers unique activities abound for residents with interests as diverse as politics, art, outdoor recreation, music, and more, and residents are never alone in trying something new. Roland Park Place is the only full-service, accredited nonprofit continuing care retirement community in Charm City 830 W. 40th Street • Baltimore, MD 21211 410-243-5700 • rolandparkplace.org

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BILL TO NUMBER None COLORS: CMYK PROOFREADER GRAPHIC ARTIST Sean Devlin NOTES: CODE: NED17-101-A11-V1 STUDIO DIRECTOR DATE 4-25-2017 12:47 PM FONTS: XFINITY Standard (Light, Bold, Light Italic, Regular) REVISION 2 IMAGES: CST276_bkgnd_240NP.tif (CMYK; 340 ppi, 625 ppi; 88%, 48%), CM- TRAFFIC PAGE 1 CIN17002_LGBTQ-Q1-May-21April17.psd (CMYK; 405 ppi; 37%), Comcast_M_4C_ PRODUCTION PUB BALTIMORE OUTLOUD COLOR_BLK.eps (8.41%), XFINITY_LGBT_Logo_flushright.ai (20.81%), MicRemo- ART DIRECTOR BLEED None te_5_wIcon_cmyk.psd (CMYK; 762 ppi; 39.34%), LGBT_RainbowRays_4c.ai (51.22%) TRIM 9.875” x 9.6” COPYWRITER LIVE 9.125” x 8.85” ASSOC CREATIVE DIR SCALE 100% CREATIVE DIRECTOR PRINTOUT 100% 233 N. MICHIGAN AVE. SUITE 2900, CHICAGO, IL 60601, P:312.297.9600 60601, IL CHICAGO, SUITE 2900, AVE. MICHIGAN 233 N. BURRELL MECHANICAL BURRELL ACCOUNT MANAGER quality of life

lated wealth could be squandered in a matter 3) Set clear financial goals. Decide what to pay it off over time, rather than in a lump of months. The following steps will help put your financial goals are for the short and long sum. Investing the money that would other- you on the right path: term, and commit them to paper. Your short- wise be used to pay off low-interest debt can 1) Wait. This is often the hardest step, es- term goals might be to pay down debt, buy a be more profitable in the long run. If you are The Law pecially during a time of mourning, when emo- new house or car, or take a trip. Longer-term unsure how to proceed, contact a financial tions may overtake common sense. Allowing six goals could include saving for re- adviser for guidance. & You tirement, putting your children 5) Prepare or update your own Lee Carpenter months to a year to pass before spending any of the money will give you time to move past the through college, advancing your will. If well managed, death that led to the inheritance. It will also allow own education, or paying for a the inheritance you you to seek professional help to manage your wedding. received will form Five Steps to newfound wealth. Avoid the temptation to fill the Think in terms of ex- part of the wealth void created by the loved one’s death with im- penditures that will have a you leave behind. Inheriting a pulsive spending. future payoff. For exam- Proper planning can 2) Talk to a ple, eliminating debt will help save time, mon- CPA. A competent increase your disposable ey, and considerable Fortune Fortune smiles accountant can income, a new house may stress after you are on the prepared explain the tax im- well appreciate in value, gone. Contact an es- An inheritance is sometimes called a “leg- plications of your and a good education can increase future tates and trusts attor- acy,” and receiving one can be a blessing – or inheritance. Most bequests are tax-free, but earnings significantly. By contrast, buying ney and have a will drawn up so a curse. One the one hand, there is the temp- taxes could be due depending on your relation- a car or taking a trip will not pay financial your legacy can be a blessing to the people t tation to think like a lottery winner and imagine ship to the person who died. For example, an dividends. Expenditures like these should you care about. a life of easy indulgence. On the other, there inheritance from an unmarried partner or an un- be made only out of necessity or when other Lee Carpenter is an associate attorney is the instinct to do the “right thing” by paying cle could be subject to the Maryland inheritance expenses have already been fully met. at the law firm of Semmes, Bowen & Sem- off debts, investing wisely, and saving for the tax. Inheriting an IRA, 401(k), or other tax-de- 4) Pay off debt. Pay off your credit mes and can be reached at (410) 576-4729 future. The fact that many lottery winners ulti- ferred retirement account triggers complicated cards, car loans, and other high-interest or [email protected]. Learn more mately file for bankruptcy should be sufficiently IRS rules that an accountant can help explain. debt. In addition to being expensive, this about LGBT estate planning at mdlgbtes- instructive as to which course you should take. Unlike a financial adviser, an accountant type of indebtedness is not tax-deductible, tateplanning.com. This article is intended Whether an inheritance is large or small, will not ask to let him invest your money for you. unlike home mortgage interest. to provide general information about legal the best approach is to avoid extravagance An investment adviser may be helpful later in Some debt, however, such as student topics and should not be construed as legal and opt for discipline. Without careful and de- the process, but an accountant should be the loans, may have such a low interest rate advice. liberate planning, a lifetime’s worth of accumu- first person you contact for advice. that it will be more economical to continue got 20 minutes for a quickie?

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38 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com quality of life

Amendment right to freedom of speech, for their cause. Getting the which they interpret as the right to decide What can you do to fight all of this? what messages their photography conveys, 1) Support the American Civil Liber- Wedding was violated. In April 2014 the Supreme ties Union. Attorneys for the ACLU sup- Court refused to hear the case, allowing the ported the case against Elane Photography, You Want New Mexico Supreme Court ruling to stand. and represent the same-sex couples in the David Egan On February 16th, 2017, the Washing- cases against Arlene’s Flowers and Mas- ton state Supreme Court unanimously ruled terpiece Cakeshop. They need money, and against Stutzman and Arlene’s Flowers, lots of it, to beat back the challenges. Your Fighting holding that Stutzman’s floral arrangements course is simple: contribute to the work of do not constitute protected free speech, the ACLU. We offer a 20% off that she cannot claim religious belief as a 2) Be in touch with your elected offi- Discrimination defense under the state’s anti-discrimina- cials at all levels: local, state, and nation- discount for all area in the Wedding tion laws, and that providing flowers to a al. Make your thoughts and feelings known. students with valid student ID. same-sex wedding would not serve as an Write and, more importantly, call. Calling Tuesday-Thursday endorsement of same-sex marriage. takes their time – which has more meaning Marketplace Justice Sheryl Gordon McCloud wrote, than you might think – and brings them into from open to 4 p.m. “This case is no more about the access to dialogue. That matters. You’ve probably never heard of Elane Pho- flowers than civil rights cases were about 3) Work toward supporting Democrat- tography or Arlene’s Flowers or Master- access to sandwiches.” ic Congressional candidates in the mid- Any first time client piece Cakeshop, and you probably haven’t The florist, who is also represented by term elections in 2018. Do everything you 20% off also met Elaine Huguenin or Barronelle Stutz- the Alliance Defending Freedom, has an- can to end Republican control of the House t man or Jack Phillips. nounced her intention to take the case to of Representatives and the Senate. Next 2801 Huntingdon Ave. In 2006, Vanessa Willock asked Elane the U.S. Supreme Court. time: More on choosing a wedding venue. Baltimore, MD ~ 21211 Photography in Albuquerque, New Mexico, In August 2015 the Colorado Supreme David Egan is the proprietor and stew- Phone: 410.646.8115 if they would take pictures of her commit- Court affirmed the decision of the Colo- ard of Chase Court, a historic Baltimore www.fringebaltimore.com ment ceremony to another woman, Misti rado Civil Rights Commission that Mas- wedding and event venue. Visit Chasecourt. Collinsworth. The studio’s co-owner, Elaine terpiece Cakeshop was in violation of the com, and follow ChaseCourtWeddingVenue Huguenin, replied that the studio would only state’s public accommodations law and that on Instagram and Facebook. photograph “traditional weddings.” Phillips constitutional rights to freedom of Barronelle Stutzman is a florist who speech and the exercise of religion had not owns Arlene’s Flowers in Richland, Wash- been violated. ington. In March of 2013, Robert Ingersoll The Masterpiece Cakeshop case is cur- and Curt Freed, two of Stutzman’s long- rently under consideration to be heard by time customers, asked her to do the flowers the U.S. Supreme Court. The expectation for their wedding. She refused, citing her by court watchers is that the Supreme Court Southern Baptist religious beliefs. will decline to hear the case, letting the Col- Jack Phillips owns a cake bakery in orado decision stand. Lakewood, Colorado. In July of 2012 two These cases, and others like them, are men walked into his business, Master- far from over. piece Cakeshop, and asked him to make Some conservative religious leaders a wedding cake for them. Phillips refused, and groups, the Alliance Defending Free- saying “I don’t make cakes for same-sex dom among them, were hoping that the ex- weddings....” In a video on the Masterpiece ecutive order that President Trump signed Cakeshop website, Phillips refers to ho- on May 4th would support their desire to mosexuality as a “lifestyle” and also says, allow them to refuse to do business with “I don’t make cakes for bachelor parties, I gay, lesbian, and other individuals, based don’t make Halloween cakes or anything in- upon their religious beliefs. But as the New volving witchcraft or demons.” York Times reports, “…the president’s order In all three instances, the potential cli- makes no mention of sexual orientation or ents brought suit against the businesses. identity.… Instead, the order provides only In all three cases, the Supreme Courts in a vague promise that it is the policy of Mr. their respective states ruled against the Trump’s administration to protect religious businesses. liberty, with no mention of how it intends to The New Mexico Supreme Court ruled do that.” in August 2013 that Elane Photography Attacks by conservatives against the violated a state anti-discrimination law by anti-discrimination regulations put in place turning away the request to take photos of a under President Obama are going to keep same-sex commitment ceremony. coming. Elane Photography, represented by a The Alliance Defending Freedom and group called the Alliance Defending Free- other organizations raised nearly a quarter dom, brought their case to the U.S. Su- of a million dollars to defend Arlene’s Flow- preme Court, claiming in their petition to ers and Masterpiece Cakeshop. There’s no ask the court to hear the case that their First question that they will keep raising money BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 39 quality of life Violet’s New Friends the third phalanx, which is the bone that a cat’s nail is attached to. Unfortunately, this Hey there! I heard you’re looking for a sweet, handsome, fun, playful pup to add procedure is extremely painful and has a to your life. Well, lucky you. Here I am! My name is Bubs. I am a big guy with relatively prolonged recovery. The proce- a big heart. I love to go for long walks and get lots of dure itself carries the risk of hemorrhage, attention. Kisses, cuddles, pets, you name Violet’s post-surgical infection, and temporary limb it – I’m in! I’m also super smart, I know the Vet paralysis. In additional to the significant commands sit, paw, and lay down. I do this Dr. Tony Calo post-operative pain, it can lead to chronic super cute thing where I like to put my paws pain issues that result in persistent lame- on your shoulders to give you a hug and ness. Declawing may also result in social a big smooch, too. In my previous home, I and psychological problems for the cat. It lived with kids and a small dog. Come out to Claws or has been suggested that stripped of the the Baltimore Humane Society and visit me. ability to scratch, cats become more prone I promise you will fall instantly in love. De-claws? to biting as a means of protection to real Yes, my name is Boo. Don’t meant to or perceived threats. Finally, it has been scare you – it should actually be suggested that scratching is a natural be- Bashful Boo With our new kitten Liza in the house, Vi- havior that helps to eliminate stress and Bubs to tell you olet has had to make some adjustments. without the ability to scratch, that it can the truth. I’m The relationship between Violet lead to feline depres- a quiet, low- and Liza is quite interesting. At sion. key, and mellow guy who just wants a home times, there is the beginning stag- That is the In a position of his own. I enjoy head and butt rubs and when es of playing and enjoyment, but statement from the you rub my rear, I will start making biscuits to question American Veterinary show how much I like it. In my previous home, I largely it is still adversarial. They t stare each other down waiting to see who Medical Association (AVMA), declawing lived with older kids. See you soon! will back down first. Happily, this has not should only be considered in extreme The adoption fee is $100 for Bubs and $25 turned into anything more than a game of circumstances. This document stated for Boo. For more information visit Bmorehu- Boo . Fingers crossed, there’s been no that “Declawing of domestic cats should mane.org. actual physical fighting. Violet is strong of be considered only after attempts have mind and of will, avoiding physical con- been made to prevent the cat from using frontation with Liza is well played on her its claws destructively or when its clawing part for a very important reason: Liza has presents a zoonotic risk for its owner(s).” ing. In these nations, it is illegal to declaw do not object to the covers. The cat’s claws something that Violet does not … claws. (Zoonosis is a disease or infection that can domestic cats. need to be kept trimmed at all times to use The claws are retractable but can easily be transmitted from an animal to a human.) The alternatives to declawing are both claw covers. They do need to be replaced come out given the right situation. They The AVMA considers declawing a reason- behavioral and physical. Behavioral ap- frequently as each application will only last can also cause considerable damage to able alternative to euthanasia or aban- proaches to avoiding scratching behav- for about four weeks before the cover falls another animal’s skin, ears, eyes. Claws donment in cases ior are best started off. Happily, if your cat is well trained enough are a powerful weapon. that these are steps “The alternatives early in a cat’s life. to have his claws clipped, applying claw cov- The subject of claws is quite controver- that an owner is Behaviors are easier ers is an easy next step to take. sial. They’re not only a source of protection considering to avoid to declawing are to set and establish Another physical approach is to make for a cat, they’re also a potential source scratching behavior. both behavioral and in a young impres- the subject of the scratching as undesir- of aggravation for a cat owner. I’m talking The statement also sionable feline mind. able as possible. This takes more work as about scratching furniture, scratching oth- recommends that a physical.” First and foremost, it means covering your furniture in material er animals in the house, and even scratch- full discussion of al- start training your – such as double-sided tape or aluminum – ing their human companions. Declawing, ternatives to declawing be conducted prior kitten to have his feet touched and his or at all times that the cat is not directly being which was once considered a reasonable to the procedure. Many countries – includ- her claws trimmed. Making this a fun inter- supervised. Finally, there is a pheromone step to take, is now considered an absolute ing England, , New Zealand, Italy, action rather than a stressful one is of ut- product called “Feliway” that has been pro- last result to avoiding claw issues. Declaw- Denmark, Finland, Spain, and Portugal – most importance. Using positive reinforce- posed to reduce unwanted feline behaviors ing is a surgical procedure that amputates go further than just discouraging declaw- ment and treats, practicing often, and not such as scratching furniture. This is pro- getting frustrated are the hallmarks of being posed to be a feline facial pheromone that successful in this endeavor. gives a cat a sense of well-being and by Next, have acceptable scratching areas. extension reduces the undesired behavior. This includes multiple scratching posts that Happily, Liza has quickly become ac- are tall, stable, and are in favorable locations customed to having her nails clipped and that the cat is comfortable with (such as near having her “Soft Paws” applied. Connor PridePride 20172017 isis coming!coming! windows or close to sleeping or feeding ar- has made it a bonding experience between eas). The scratching post should be made as the two of them. They cuddle up on the enticing as possible. Using the cat’s favorite couch enjoying some cuddling and some GetGet youryour PrimePrime SpotSpot inin thatthat Issue.Issue. material and frequently applying catnip make down time, which Connor then transitions the post enjoyable for your feline friend. to gently holding her paws and trimming One physical approach to avoid scratch- the nails. He then quickly and painless CallCall usus now...now... 410-802-1310410-802-1310 ing includes the placement of “Soft Paws” or slips the cover on. Treats are given after- an equivalent product. These are claw cov- ward. We have a happy cat, safe furniture, ers that do not interfere with the cat’s natu- and we don’t have to worry about Violet ral ability to extract or retract its claws. They or the other dogs being a victim of a cat are lightweight and the vast majority of cats scratch. Everyone wins! t 40 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com Serving Baltimore Since 1976 Swing Into Brentwood Before Your Spring Road Trip

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 41 Cocktails for YOUr money the Casual Staying Diversified By Woody Derricks Sophisticate Before money can be invested, the wise the wrong direction, I often recommend investor must believe in this crucial con- against timing the market. cept: don’t put all of your eggs in one bas- Security selection – Many people be- ket. Asset allocation is the art of balancing lieve that they know how to find the next risk and reward through the diversification “hot pick or hot dot” for investing, but of your investments into appropriate asset predicting next year’s best performer is classes. It’s one instrument that helps to anyone’s guess. One year’s top perform- determine the appropriate blend between er could be the next year’s dud, and just fixed and equity assets. It helps to smooth because something did poorly the year be- out the peaks and valleys that you find in fore doesn’t mean that it will do well the the more volatile portfolio. following year. There are three ways to potentially pursue Asset allocation is a process of de- New Space investment results: market timing, security termining the right asset mix for you. As Same Location selection, and asset allocation. you develop your portfolio, remember that Market timing is trying to predict what an there isn’t a cookie-cutter solution. Just investment, an asset class or, the market because you’re in your 50s doesn’t mean Enjoy the comforts of home in will do before it does it. Timing the market that you should have X% in stocks and Y% is a difficult strategy. Not only do you have in bonds. You have your own goals, risk The Rowan Branch Lounge to avoid investing during market down- tolerance, and amount of money to use A space to have a conversation; NO loud music. turns, but you also want to make sure that for those goals. What you need to do is to you’re invested during the upswings. Often find the appropriate blend of investments Join us on Friday Night for OUR Guest Bartenders Contest to this means investing money when you are to achieve your desired return within your raise money for Chase Brexton’s Gender Joy Program the least comfortable and taking money level of risk and suited to your time frame. out when you feel the best about your per- As you’re looking at investments, try to DON’T DRIVE, BE SAFE: take UBER formance. research all available asset classes. Your First drink free with UBER Receipt Because the market is highly unpre- allocation could include small, medium, or dictable and emotions tend to lead us in large U.S. companies; small, medium, or large international companies; emerging markets; bonds; or investment real estate. DISTRIBUTIONDISTRIBUTION LOCATIONSLOCATIONS If your portfolio is large enough, then you ININ ASBURYASBURY PARKPARK may look to expand your allocation by in- NEW JERSEY vesting in sectors of the market or utilizing other asset classes. Every FRIDAY at 10 p.m. GEORGIE'S Staying diversified – In his work on modern portfolio theory, Harry Markowitz Karaoke with 812 5th Ave. found that only 1.8% of the average port- Miss Amanda Chase 10 p.m. folio’s return is attributed to market timing, HOTEL TIDES 5.6% of investment return can be attribut- 1st & last Saturdays 408 7th Ave. ed to security selection, and that an appro- priate asset allocation accounts for 91.5% Sip “N” Gossip Karaoke with EMPRESS HOTEL of a typical portfolio’s return. Miss Shawnna Alexander at 10 p.m. As you can see, the key is creating a 101 Asbury Ave. diversified portfolio and investing in that 2nd & 3rd Saturdays portfolio for the long term. I typically sug- THE ASBURY HOTEL gest that clients rebalance their portfolio Karaoke with Miss Rowan Tree at 10 p.m. Salvation Army Building on an annual basis to make sure that one Drink Specials 210 5th Ave. portion of their portfolio hasn’t grown too large. By rebalancing, you’re essentially Sundays are “ Industry Night” taking the best performer and selling while If you would like to be it’s high and moving that money to an area 66p.m. p.m. to 2 a.m. With Robin added to list of distribution that is not performing as well and buying Tell us where you work and what you do 1st Drink on the house locations please call low. $5 Bloody Mary’s and Screwdrivers Rik Newton-Treadway at: If you’d like to learn more about your 410-804-0450 tolerance for risk, go to our website at Partnershipwm.com and click the Free or e-mail him: Facebook.com/TheRowanTree Portfolio Risk Analysis button on the right [email protected] side of our home page. t Ask about the free Parking passes Learn more by calling Partnership Wealth Management at 410-732-2633. This article is not meant to offer specific 1633 S. Charles St. in Federal Hill · 410-468-0550 advice.

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44 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com leather TheThe

where, I didn’t really have any resources as a young queer kid. The fact that something Mid-Atlantic like that exists here means so very much to Drinkery me. Drinkery Mondays AC: What is the accomplishment that Alex ‘Bear’ Conley has made you the proudest in the leather TheThe LittleLittle CoCorrnerner BarBar withwith aa GreatGreat BigBig HeartHeart!! community? DA: When I won Philly Fetish. It was such a terrifying thing for me to undertake. Meet Destiny You have to go into a competition thinking you have a shot to win, right? Overcoming Amber all of my insecurities, about my body, my ex- perience, and most specifically my age… It Destiny Amber, a Philadelphia resident who took a lot. grew up in the small town of Pittston, Penn- AC: What is your favorite drink? sylvania, may be young but is known to be DA: A good cup of Irish Breakfast tea, HHAPPYAPPY HOURHOUR wise beyond her years. She has already over-sweetened, no milk, and strong enough started making her mark in multiple to hold its own in a bar fight. ways, including serving as the cur- AC: Do you believe in miracles? 44 p.m.p.m. toto 88 p.m.p.m. rent titleholder for Philadelphia Fe- Love DA: I believe that things, both ex- tish, sharing her graphic design skills traordinarily good and horrifically bad, with many organizations and events, from can happen without a rational explana- reading tarot cards for charity, lead- tion. So… Yes. I guess I do. ing the Philadelphia TNG (The Next afar AC: If you could wave a magic wand 22 ININ 11 RAILRAIL Generation) a group for kinksters and change something about the leather aged 18-35 and their partners, as well as vol- community right now, what would it be? unteering and collaborating whenever possi- DA: Within our little community, there ble. Whether behind a microphone or behind are a ton of even smaller segments: women, the scenes, Destiny puts her all into whatev- queers, pups, littles, slaves… The list is end- er she does and brings positive energy to it. less, as are the petty grievances between Alex Conley: When and how and did these groups. So much time is spent on fo- you discover the leather community? cusing on the differences between all of us, Destiny Amber: I was brought in and if I could wave that magic by a friend to help with wand, I’d use it to slap every- some graphic design one collectively upside the work for the Leather head and make them take a Leadership Conference look at the simple fact that when it made its visit to we are all a part of the same Philadelphia in 2014. I fucked up family and, even if was walking down Broad we don’t always get along, Street, and a wonderful we need to accept that we human (who I went on are in this together. to learn was Tracy Black) AC: Free-form time! called out to me: “Hello What is a message you my beautiful leather sis- would really like to share ter!” Something felt like it with all the people reading BACKBACK BARBAR OPENOPEN kind of… clicked into place this? with that. I haven’t looked DA: No matter what back since. tough times are coming FRIDAYFRIDAY && SATURDAYSATURDAY AC: What is your favor- our way, no matter how ite musical instrument? lonely you feel, no mat- DA: The cello. I can lis- ter how dark things get, Until 1:30 a.m. ten to Bach’s Cello Suites please remember that Until 1:30 a.m. performed by YoYo Ma on there is always some- repeat, especially when I’m one who cares. As Val- stressed. Destiny erie says in V for Vendetta, “I AC: Tell us about a charity that is close Amber hope that the world turns, and to your heart. that things get better. But what DA: The Attic Youth Center in Phila- I hope most of all is that you 205 West Read Street “Corner of Read and Park” delphia. They provide counseling, health understand what I mean when I tell you that and wellness services, group discussions, even though I do not know you, and even encouragement to explore the arts, career though I may not meet you, laugh with you, 410-225-3100 • ATM Available counseling... Growing up in the middle of no- cry with you, or kiss you: I love you.” t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 45 leather line

2016 Mufasa Apa, Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather cisco Leather 2016 Stela D. Love was first Baltimore Eagle. The party included an open 2016 Todd Leavitt, Mr. North American Bear runner-up for IMsL 2017 and Oregon State bar, all kinds of hors d’oeuvres, a fantastic 2016 Raymond Smith, Mr. Mid-West Leather Bootblack 2015 Micky Rebel was first run- cake, and a few drag numbers from Chi- Leather 2015 Adam “Pup Vino” Henderson, Mr. May- ner-up for International Ms. Bootblack 2017. cago and Avenue Q. Afterwards we went Line hem Leather 2016 Ash Duncan, Mr. New The weekend enjoyed one of the largest downstairs to enjoy the rest of the evening. Rodney Burger Jersey Leather 2017 Rich Farias, Ms. New turnouts in years. Although it opened on Jan- Although still very much a work in progress Jersey Leather 2014 Nikki Wireman, and uary 20th, the folks at the Baltimore Eagle the patio is now open with a temporary bar Leatherman of Color 2016 Kahlid El Bey. finally got a chance to celebrate their grand set up until a new outside bar is construct- Unfortunately when the contes- opening on the weekend of May 5th ed. The transformation of the old Baltimore Filling the tants were introduced there was to 7th. Invitations Eagle into this shiny new space has been only one for each title. The Mr. impressive. I must admit that I have had my Holes Mayhem Leather Contest started doubts and had some negative opin- There has been so much going on in the in 2014 with five contestants hit- ions on some elements. Many of those leather community the last few weeks that I ting the stage to become the first issues are being resolved. My leather really don’t know where to start. I want to fin- Mr. Mayhem Leather titleholder. club the ShipMates joined forces with ish up some of the stories of the last month There were also five contes- the Centaur MC and had a very suc- or so. It seems that there are so many holes tants in 2015. Last year there cessful and very fun joint bar night at the to fill. were three men competing for Baltimore Eagle on April 22nd. Even the I’ll start with Bears, Bikers & Mayhem the title. This year a second current International Mr. Leather was in held over the weekend of April 6th to 9th. title is added with one contes- the house. I had such a good time that I This was the seventh year for this gather- tant each. Maybe a laid-back told Sir Steve when we got home that the ing of bears and leather folks in Gettysburg, weekend that is all about fun evening was a real epiphany for me. How Pennsylvania, and it was such a success that and play doesn’t need to could I not be on board with the new Balti- when I called the host hotel the first week- include a contest? At any more Eagle after a fantastic night like that? end of December, I couldn’t get a room. As a rate congratulations to Mr. The old Baltimore Eagle was a headquarters result, I ended up just driving up on Saturday Mayhem Leather 2017 Joey for the many leather clubs in the Mid-Atlantic afternoon with some of my fellow ShipMates Watson from Milford, Penn- area. No one club was favored over the oth- to help co-host our poolside cocktail party sylvania, and Mr. Mayhem ers. Every leather club member felt a sense Leather Bear 2017 Keith Centaur MC of ownership. It belong to all of the commu- “I love my Centaur Zatezalo-Greene from 47th anniversary nity. After the grand opening party upstairs, I Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. stood with members of several leather clubs brothers and it was I hope that both of you in the middle of the main bar as a larger ver- will have a wonderful title year, sion of COMMAND MC’s club colors was un- an honor to be invited meet lots of people, and help see that next veiled with much ceremony above the door. to toast their 47th year not just the judges’ table is filled with went out on April This was the new Baltimore Eagle. great people, but that a crowd of contestants 17th for the VIP grand opening cocktail On April 29th my fellow ShipMates and anniversary.” fills the stage. party on May 6th held upstairs in The Nest I had a fun bar night at the D.C. Eagle and At the other end of the country, Ms. at the Baltimore Eagle. My thought was that I returned to the D.C. Eagle on May 7th to with the Centaur MC. We had a blast! During Alameda County 2016 Girl Complex was it would be Baltimore’s answer to D.C.’s fa- celebrate the 47th anniversary of the Cen- the afternoon the jockstrap portion of the Mr. selected from seven contestants and took mous “Leather Cocktails” held each January taur MC at a private party upstairs. Centaur Mayhem Leather 2017 contest and new this home the title of International Ms. Leather during Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend. Sir MC President Todd White informed me that year the Mr. Mayhem Leather Bear 2017 2017 and 2016 Great Lakes Bootblack Elisa Steve (Mr. Baltimore Eagle 2003-2004) and since it wasn’t a milestone year that it would contest were held. There was a large and was selected from a group of six contestants I made sure we had on our formal leather be a casual, laid back, low-key affair that very impressive judging panel introduced: for the International Ms. Bootblack 2017 title for this monumental occasion. Image my would include pizza and an open bar. (The International Mr. Leather 2016 David “Tig- during the annual contests held again this surprise when I saw the line of middle-aged Centaur MC held their 45th anniversary at ger” Bailey, Mr. Leather Bear International year in San Jose, California. Ms. San Fran- folks in business causal being checked off Fogo de Chao on Pennsylvania Avenue the guest list. The VIPs were mostly friends, near the White House.) Most clubs would business associates, and former co-workers have just ordered a bunch of pizzas. The of the bar’s owners. The few folks in leath- Centaurs ordered a pizza oven on wheels er were mostly all members of COMMAND, with a staff who set up a tent behind the Our rooms offer the comfort and serenity MC. It really did turn out to be a wonderful bar and made gourmet pizzas on the spot. you deserve. With our masculine motif, party. I met lots of nice people including a There were also hors d’ oeuvres while the you're sure to enjoy any stay with us, lovely lady from the Charles Village Civ- pizzas were being made and an amazing whether you're here on business or for some ic Association who said that she could see strawberry filled cake with white chocolate fun. And all of our beds offer you the the Baltimore Eagle from her house and icing for desert. That’s how the Centaurs luxurious comfort of jersey sheets, so you was looking forward to Pride being in front do low-key! I love my Centaur brothers and can ensure that you'll sleep softly and of the bar. The reception reminded me of it was an honor to be invited to toast their soundly. Since our deck is not child friendly New York’s Studio 54 or the Baltimore ver- 47th anniversary. They currently have 32 ac- and for the comfort of our guests, we have sion which was called Cignel and was locat- tive members and many, many life brothers opted to be an adult focused facility. ed just around the corner from the Charles and associates. They not only produce the Please ask about any potential exceptions. Theatre. At these legendary clubs it became enormous Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend, fashionable for straight people to party with but always have a lot going on in the leather www.manplacebb.com • 304-289-5491 gay people. That’s the vibe that I got at the community. t 46 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com 870 Park Ave. Baltimore 410-539-4993 227227 W.W. ChaseChase StSt

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48 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com ATTORNEY BALTIMORE, MARYLAND Club 1722 1722 North Charles Street 410-727-7431 • club1722.com Club Bunns 608 W. Lexington St. • 410-234-2866 Drinkery 203-207 W Read St. • 410-225-3100 The Eagle 2022 N. Charles Street 410-200-9858 • thebaltimoreeagle.com The Gallery 1735 Maryland Ave. • 410-539-6965 Grand Central 1001-1003 N. Charles St. 410-752-7133 • centralstationpub.com Leon’s 870 Park Ave • 410-539-4993 Mixer’s 6037 Belair Rd • 410-599-1952 COUNSELING Station North Arts Cafe Gallery 1816 North Charles Street 410-625-6440 • stationnortharts.com Proudly Serving the LGBTQ Dr. Janan Broadbent Phil Pecoraro SteamPunk Alley Specializing in Relationships LCSW-C, DCSW 227 W. Chase Street • 410-539-4806 Community Since 1972 The Rowan Tree Counseling for Therapy and LGBTQ Concerns 1633 S. Charles Street Phychotherapy 410-468-0550 • therowantree.net Individuals, Couples, “The greatest stock market you located in Teens, Families, can invest is yourself. Finding this MARYLAND Mt. Vernon and Groups. truth is better than finding a gold The Lodge Lounge & Dance Club 1 E. Chase (The Belvedere) mine.” – 21614 National Pike • Boonsboro, MD 21713 mine.” – 301-591-4434 5209 York Road Byron Katie 410-532-2476 Office: 410-327-6892 HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA To Schedule an appointment By Appointment Only Cell: 410-370-6724 Stallions Visit drjanan.org 706 N 3rd St • Harrisburg, Pennsylvania philippecoraro.com Or call 410-825-5577 (717)232-3060 • stallionsclub.com womensgrowthcenter.com Bar 704 704 N 3rd St • Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (717)234-4228 The Brownstone Lounge 412 Forester Street • Harrisburg, PA 17102 FINANCIAL Advertise with us 717-234-7009 REHOBOTH BEACH, DELAWARE Blue Moon 35 Baltimore Ave. Rehoboth Beach, DE 302-227-6515 • bluemoonrehoboth.com The Purple Parrot 247 Rehoboth Ave. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Woody Derricks, CFP® 302-226-1139 [email protected] Rigby’s Bar & Grill 404 Rehoboth Avenue. Rehoboth Beach, DE 302-227-6080 • rigbysbarandgrill.com 2809 Boston Street Suite 509 Iguana Grill 52 Baltimore Ave. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Baltimore, MD 21224 Contact Mary at 302-227-0948 • iguanagrill.com (410) 732-2633 partnershipwm.com 410-802-1310 facebook.com/partnershipwm

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 49 EAGLE GRAND OPENING May 5, 2017 Photos by Richelle Taylor

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52 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 12, 2017 • baltimoreoutloud.com