AN O INDEPENDENTU VOICE FOR THE TLESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER COMMUNITIES June 26, 2015 | Volume XIII, Issue 4 Recent Gay Bashings Trouble pretty hateful stuff.” Smith said they were their wounds and the calling the men “bitches” and “queers” dur- case is still open. Community ing the attack. The second inci- Both men were beaten in their faces dent, which received By Steve Charing with closed fists and were stomped on. a good deal of pub- Two separate attacks on young gay cou- They were robbed of money, identifica- licity, took place on ples took place in Baltimore within two tion, and cell phones. The stolen phones June 11. A 25-year- weeks of each other that has caused the had an estimated value of $700, and $80 old gay man, Steven community to be concerned about safety. in cash was taken. Smith said a man down Lemmerman, also The first occurred on May 28 after mid- the street heard the screams and called known by his DJ night outside the Cathedral Court Apart- the police. The men received minor treat- name DJ Lemz, was ments near Read Street. Jeremy Smith ment at the scene but refused to go to the attacked along with said he was coming home from a bar with hospital for further medical care. his partner Stuart his fiancé and a group of six black men, ac- “The worst part about it all was getting Parlier on the corner cording to the police report, came up from everything back in order like new cards, of Charles and Fay- behind. “I think they were hiding or I was ID’s, Social Security card, filing fraud ette streets in downtown Baltimore. They decided to cross. Stu walks faster than just oblivious to their presence,” Smith told alerts, applying for new cell phones, doc- were walking back from a drag show at me typically so he was up ahead. As we Baltimore OUTloud. “They said just take tor visits, getting checked out, and the loss Soundstage when they were attacked. crossed, we were serving catwalk model it and jumped us. They were saying some of being carefree thinking my part of the Lemmerman provided Baltimore OUT- walking in the crosswalk. city was a nice place,” he said. loud the following detailed account via “The second he saw us doing that, he The victims were unable to email: sped his car up and pulled up to me. I no- John Waters provide detailed descriptions “The driver was sitting at the red light ticed the car as it was coming at me and my credit: Wikipedia of the attackers, who fled on going west on Fayette, and since no one hand went down on the hood out of pure foot. They are recovering from was diving up Charles, the green light, we —continued on page 3 John Waters: Straight Pride Day The 69-year-old filmmaker and author, shave and you’re really nelly.” (He does a By Ed Gunts known for Hairspray, Polyester, Pink Fla- twitching dolphin impression.) Do you have trouble telling a bear mingos, and other movies, demonstrated Waters, who is gay, says he’s intrigued from an otter? Let John Waters his mastery of gay lingo during a talk in his by one category. help. hometown of Baltimore. “I had never even “The bear community is a com- “There’s a lot of vocabulary,” heard of this one: au- munity that all gay people know he says. “I’ve heard people say ...And other tosexuals,” he says. “A what they are, but no straight peo- ‘This is my hus-bear,’ and ‘This is psychiatrist at a fancy ple do,” he says. “Bears are mid- my significant otter.’ But I heard inspirations girl’s college told me, ‘We dle-aged, overweight gay men, two new ones recently. Somebody have to ask them now, if and they like it. They are hairy and said, ‘Oh, he’s such a blouse,’ and I said, they come in for counseling: Are you gay? they like cubs, which are younger ‘A blouse?’ and they said. ‘Oh, a feminine Straight?… All those initials. Then we versions. And then there are ot- top.’ And then somebody said, ‘Oh he’s have to say, ‘Are you autosexual?’ I said, ters, people who aren’t fat or hairy not a bear anymore. He’s a dolphin,’ and I ‘What’s that?’ And they said, ‘That’s a per- yet but will be.” said, ’What’s a dolphin?’ That’s where you —continued on page 17 honor our past, work for our future ON JUNE 27, JOIN US FOR BRUNCH & FILM SCREENING OF BEFORE STONEWALL To commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, The LGBT Health Resource Center of Chase Brexton invites you for brunch and a movie to celebrate our community’s pride, learn more about our history, & discuss our journey ahead.

Saturday, June 27, 2015 - 10:00AM to 1:00PM Chase Brexton Health Care at Mt. Vernon 1st Floor Community Rooms 1111 North Charles Street - Baltimore, MD 21201 ALL ARE WELCOME RSVP Requested The event is free but space is limited. RSVP to Bethany at 410-837-2050 x1216 or online at tinyurl.com/stonewallbrunch

Be proud. Be healthy. lgbt-hrc.org | 410-837-2050

2 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 26, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com news // LOCAL

R ecent Gay Bashings [the bars] as nec- have made it clear to Trouble Community essary and safe.” the Police Department – continued from page 1 “Central District that prompt investiga- officers are con- tion of these incidents instinct and reaction to a vehicle approach- tinuing to investi- as suspected hate ing that quickly. I did not stand there and gate this incident crimes is very impor- deliberately hit the hood. The car stopped as a hate crime,” tant to the community. within inches of my body, if not, an inch. It Det. Jeremy Sil- “Earlier this was a deliberate intimidation move. bert, a Baltimore month, the Commis- “A second or two later the driver side City Police Depart- sioner issued new, door flew open and we are fairly certain ment spokesper- improved policies we both heard ‘f*****g faggots!’ as the door son, told Baltimore on the Department’s was opening. At this point Stu was about OUTloud. “Anyone investigation of sus- 15 to 20 feet away from everything hap- with information is pected hate crimes, pening. He was approaching the northwest asked to call 410- especially anti-LGBT corner of the intersection when the attack- 396-2411.” hate crimes. These er started to go after him. The car ordeal Activist Kinji vicious assaults give was happening on the northeast side. Scott is calling for the Department an “Stu finally noticed the commotion be- justice in these early opportunity to hind him and he turned around. The at- cases. “As a gay show that these new tacker must have been hoping for a sur- man I am commit- policies will be effec- prise hit because when Stu turned around, ted to seeking jus- tive in appropriately he did too. He then went after me and land- tice for all members investigating and ed multiple blows to the head. The first hit of LBGT communi- Steven Lemmerman a.k.a. charging suspected was with his left fist to my right eye. After ty whenever we are DJ Lemz following the attack hate crimes and bring- that he punched the back of my head, my victims of acts of ing their perpetrators mouth, and then my nose. Stu at this point hate,” he said. “I pray that Steven Lemmer- to justice. In the meantime, our thoughts was screaming for help and my nose start- man gets the justice that Kenni Shaw was are with the victims as they recover from ed profusely bleeding, so the attacker ran robbed of. The Baltimore City Police has their injuries.” t back into his car and sped off. I suffered a to extend themselves beyond the rhetoric black eye, pain in my head, a sore nose, and deal with acts of hate against the LG- and a chipped front tooth, which was also BTQ community. Kenni Shaw remains the cracked in the back. No items were stolen example of Baltimore’s failure to protect from us; this was purely a hate crime.” the gay community and the police depart- Lemmerman described his attacker as ment has a ways to go in dealing with its being “light skinned” to the City Paper and own homophobia.” driving a light “Creamsicle-colored” orange Jer Welter, deputy executive director sports car. He had recalled being the vic- and managing attorney for FreeState Le- tim of a gay bashing three years ago when gal Project, reviewed these two incidents he hosted a club night at the Get Down in and offered the following statement: Fells Point. “As Baltimore is seeing an uptick in vio- Noting the impending closing of the lent crime generally, it is particularly dis- Hippo, Lemmerman said, “We need our turbing to see these two violent assaults gay places. It’s really nice to have a safe that it appears may have been motivated place. I understand why [gay bars] are by anti-gay prejudice. FreeState Legal and closing, but it’s great to be with your com- the other members of the Baltimore Police munity and identify with each other. I see Commissioner’s LGBT Advisory Council

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 26, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 3 news // local Ted Blankenship Leaves Moveable Feast PW’s Loses By Joe Garvey cation Resource Organization (HERO) and people who are sick and need their support. Liquor License For the past ten years, Ted Blankenship has at Chase Brexton while supporting himself at Reflecting on his six years as develop- served the Baltimore and LGBTQ communi- the Morris Mechanic Theater and the Balti- ment director, Ted emphasized how much PW’s Sports Bar and Grill, located on ties with enthusiasm, boundless energy and more Opera Company. Moveable Feast had “increased our pres- Route 1 and Whiskey Bottom Road in a warm smile – first as an executive assis- In his interview with Baltimore OUTloud, ence in the community” through “Ride for the North Laurel, has been Howard County’s tant, then as the event manager, and since Ted observed that both Moveable Feast and Feast,” which received over 6,000 donations only gay bar for over a decade. Known for January, 2009 as the development director Joseph Richey House originally shared a this past May 2 and 3 and for the many res- its numerous drag shows, leather contests, for Moveable Feast. June similar purpose. Moveable taurants throughout Baltimore that partici- karaoke, bear nights, and charitable bingo 19th was Ted’s last day at Feast was the only agency pated in the “Dining Out for Life.” The next events as much as for their tasty meals, Moveable Feast, and he to provide nutritious meals event is scheduled for September 17. will be bringing his “com- to people living with HIV/ He also singled out the Abell Foundation municating with compas- AIDS, and Joseph Richey for providing funding of the Culinary Train- sion and care” skills with House was the only hos- ing Program that provides job placement op- him to the Joseph Richey pice that would take in portunities, and the Weinberg Foundation for House (JRH). terminally-ill people with funding a portion of the meal program. Addi- On July 6, Ted will be- AIDS and treat them with tionally, Ted told Baltimore OUTloud he was come the new develop- dignity. filled with gratitude for the support “the gay ment director at JRH at “Due to advances in community has provided Moveable Feast, 828 North Eutaw Street, a HIV medication and bet- especially Chuck Bowers of the Hippo, Don 19-bed inpatient center that ter nutrition, people are liv- Davis of Grand Central, and the drag com- has offered expert hospice ing longer and both groups munity for donating their time and talent.” care in Baltimore City since have been able to expand For the past four years, long-time AIDS 1987, in conjunction with their client bases to the activist and volunteer Doug Rose has sup- PWs Sports Bar has not served alcoholic Gilchrist Hospice Care. Ted larger community,” he said. ported “Ride for the Feast” by organizing, beverages since May 1 For Ted this is a logical Blankenship Located on the first recruiting, and providing training support for credit: Steve Charing transition because it ties floor of the Harry and Jea- the ride’s safety team. About one dozen driv- into his life-long commit- nette Weinberg Community ers accompany the cyclists along their 140 PW’s was a popular destination for those ment to caring for people with HIV/AIDS that Center at 901 North Milton Avenue in Baltimore, mile trip from Ocean City to Baltimore. These in the Baltimore-Washington corridor and began in college. Moveable Feast is easily accessible by bus drivers assist cyclists when their bikes break beyond. As a result of back taxes owed to As a young college student in the 1980s routes #13 and #35. Now in its 26th year, Move- down, when they run out of steam, or if they the state of Maryland, however, PW’s has at West Chester University outside of Philadel- able Feast’s client population not only includes need transportation to medical support. lost its license to serve liquor. phia, Ted struggled with coming out gay at the people with HIV/AIDS and breast cancer, but One of many reasons Doug generously The license had been halted effective height of the AIDS epidemic when many people has expanded to Marylanders struggling with donates his time and energy to Moveable May 1 after the state officials notified the thought AIDS could be transmitted casually with over 20 different diagnoses. Feast is due to Ted Blankenship. Doug Rose county’s Liquor Board that owed taxes a handshake. Rather than remain isolated and Moveable Feast offers nutritious meals and told Baltimore OUTloud that “Ted helped to had not been paid by April 30. Accordingly, in the closet he made a bold decision: “I wanted counseling, medical transportation, and a culi- develop a culture of people working from PW’s operating hours were curtailed from to work with people with HIV. People with AIDS nary training program. From their headquarters’ their hearts because there is so much love 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. serving food and nonal- were marginalized and discriminated against. I 5,000 square foot spotlessly clean kitchen, 1,500 going on there. Ted is as grateful for one coholic beverages only. On June 9, the Li- wanted to help.” Thus, he became a volunteer meals are prepared daily and flash-frozen to en- hour of time or a ten dollar contribution as he quor Board met and officially deemed the AIDS buddy, transporting people with AIDS to sure freshness. Meals prepared here are also is for large gifts. And he expresses it person- license “dead,” according to board admin- medical appointments and assisting them with delivered to their distribution center in Hurlock, ally. Personalized gratitude motivates people istrator Denise King. grocery shopping. Maryland, for distribution throughout the East- to want to keep supporting Moveable Feast.” PW’s owner John Cook did not re- When he moved to Baltimore in 1992, ern Shore. Their commitment is still to provide Thomas Bonderenko, Moveable Feast spond to a request by Baltimore OUTloud Ted volunteered as a buddy at Health Edu- nutritious meals and other services at no cost to executive director, noted that “Ted made for comment but a spokesman for the bar, everyone who came to Moveable Feast feel Scott Gould, said that they are actively like they were the most important and valued pursuing a buyer for the business with the donor. During his ten years here, he raised hope of retaining its LGBT identity. over $10 million plus dollars for us. ‘Ride King said that any new owner would for the Feast’ is our signature fund raising have to apply for a liquor license rather event. His commitment to that has been ex- than seek a license transfer from the cur- traordinary. Starting with 30 riders, we now rent ownership since the license is dead. have 230 riders and raised over $700,000 There is a vigorous application process, this year. His greatest gift was to let our sup- and if approved by the board, the new porters know how much their time, talent, license owner, who must be a Howard and financial support were appreciated.” County resident, would be required to pay Until a new director of development is an annual fee in the amount of $1,000. hired, MaryKaye DiUbaldo will assist in the Over the years, PW’s distinguished development department. If you are interest- itself by its involvement with community ed in volunteering at Moveable Feast con- causes. Organizations, such as Equal- tact Volunteer Manager Mellisa Colimore at ity Maryland, Grassroots, the Elizabeth [email protected]. t Glaser Pediatric AIDS foundation, and

4 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 26, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com Chuck Bowers in his office at the Hippo credit: Steve Charing

news // local

PFLAG-Howard County are among those community,” he says. “We are more than who benefitted from numerous “drag bin- just LGBT. We are community!” go” fundraisers. In addition, PW’s had For more information Walker can be been active in local sports leagues, mainly reached at 410-777-8145 or Lwalker@ softball and bowling, whereby they had glccb.org. t – Steve Charing sponsored teams. PW’s announced that Sunday, June 21 was their last Sunday brunch. t – Steve Charing FreeState Legal’s Paschall to Speak at GLCCB Begins Prime Timers

Providing Meals Patrick Paschall, the newly named execu- tive director of FreeState Legal, will be the Julie Baker’s guest speaker at the next general meet- for Youth neighbors find ing of the Prime Timers of Baltimore. The this decoration The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgen- meeting takes place on July 12. ‘relentlessly gay’ der Community Center of Baltimore and Mr. Paschall has more than a decade Central Maryland (GLCCB) have begun of experience in LGBTQ activism, which he two programs to benefit youth in Baltimore. will describe to the membership of Prime One is the Supper Program that is Timers of Baltimore. He will explain the Overlea Woman Launches aimed at feeding youth under 18 at the work of the FreeState Legal and his vision GLCCB Mondays through Fridays from 4 for its future. Questions from the attendees ‘Relentlessly Gay’ Campaign p.m. at the Cen- will be encouraged. ter’s headquar- “Sometimes gay people need legal Julie Baker, a homeowner from the Overlea of four children, my youngest in high school ters on the 3rd help to obtain the services that they de- community in Baltimore County just northeast and I will not relent to hatred. Instead, I will floor of the serve and FreeState Legal has had a his- of the city line, woke up the morning of June 16 battle it with whimsy and beauty and laughter Waxter Center tory of assisting them,” says Ralph Welsh, and found a note affixed to her door that has and love, wrapped around my home, yard and (1000 Cathedral president of Prime Timers. certainly changed her life. family! Street, Balti- The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at The typewritten note read: “Dear Resident “Thanks for your relentlessly gay support!” more). St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 1900 St. Paul of 4900 Kenwood Ave., Your yard is becom- “I think they choose to think of all rainbow The program Street (at the southeast corner of St. Paul ing Relentlessly Gay! Myself and Others in stuff as being gay,” Baker told Baltimore OUT- is being spon- and 20th Streets, Baltimore). the neighborhood ask that you Tone It Down. loud in an email. “I cannot figure out how or sored by the FreeState Legal of Maryland is a legal This is a Christian area and there are Children. why they actually jumped to that conclusion. Family League advocacy organization for the low-income Keep it up and I will be Forced to call the Po- Just... I don’t know.. closed minds and closed Lonnie Walker of Baltimore LGBTQ community, serving through direct lice on You! Your kind need to have respect for hearts??” (Familyleague. legal services and systemic policy advocacy. GOD. A Concerned Home Owner.” She added, “But the problem. Is that my org), a non-profit which distributes funding Prime Timers of Baltimore is a chap- The note ostensibly referred to a string lanterns were not to make a statement on sex- to an array of community-based organi- ter of Prime of rainbow-colored solar light jar lamps made uality. It was just because I love light and color zations to help improve the lives of Balti- Timers from jars she had hung outside her house. and whimsy. The person who wrote me that more’s children from birth to the time they World Wide, Baker, 47, who identifies as bisexual, estab- note made assumptions. I refuse to be ugly enter adulthood and begin careers. The a group of lished a GoFundMe effort to become even like them. I just plan to continue to be true to meals come prepared from Family League older gay or more “relentlessly gay.” The note and her re- who I am.” of Baltimore. bisexual men sponse have gone viral. On June 23, Baker updated her GoFund- Lonnie Walker, the GLCCB’s program (and younger On the GoFundMe page (Gofundme.com/ Me page: "I want to humbly thank everyone for coordinator, brought the Supper Program men who ad- x6dkw9h), she wrote: “I opened my door, and their extreme generosity. Please now, take all to the Center “to give us a more communi- mire mature found a note from my neighbor. Regarding a of this good energy and help each other. I just ty center atmosphere to embrace not only men). set of rainbow jar solar lights hanging in my learned moments ago that I could turn off the our older community but also the younger Their yard that spell out “Love” and “Ohana” [Hawai- donations, and I am doing so because I there community,” he told Baltimore OUTloud. members ian expression for family unity]. They informed is plenty, more than plenty, above and beyond The program ends in mid-August. are men who me that the neighborhood is ‘Christian’ and the goal. In addition, beginning June 29 Walker have chosen has ‘children’ and asked me to stop being ‘re- "On a sadder note, the world is filled with signed the Center up as a worksite spon- to have their lentlessly gay.’ hate and fear, as such I want to work to re- sor for Youth Works where the GLCCB will social lives “Needless to say... I need more rain- move any doubt about the authenticity of the employ a total of 20 youth from the city FreeState Legal’s enriched by bows... Many, many more rainbows…. letter. Until then I am not taking a dime out of of Baltimore to work at the center for five Patrick Paschall the many di- “So, I am starting this fundraiser so I can this account. weeks. verse activi- work to make my Home even More ‘relentless- "Please carry on with flooding the world Walker wants to increase the role of ties in which ly gay’ If we go high enough, I will see if I can with rainbows and joy, be relentlessly gener- the GLCCB in the broader community by the members engage. For further informa- get a Rainbow Roof! ous, be relentlessly compassionate, be relent- bridging the gap between the community tion, call 410-252-7239, or contact Prime “Because my invisible relentlessly gay lessly vibrant and stay relentlessly gay." center and the community. “You can’t be a Timers at [email protected]. t – Steve rainbow dragon should live up there in style! As of June 24, over $43,000 was raised. community center if you don’t involve the Charing “Put simply, I am a widow and the mother t – Steve Charing BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 26, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 5 by e ond the beltway compiled by Jim Becker ress is possible and deep-seated discrimi- liam Mitchell College of Law Dean Eric Ja- one of disclosure and feedback. “You’re either nation can be uprooted and replaced with nus, who sits on the state’s sex offender telling the group something about yourself and Latvia flags on tolerance,” said Lucy Freeman. (Seattle civil-commitment advisory task force. the way you see HIV/AIDS, or you’re asking Gay News at Sgn.org) Frank, he said, knows that “in order to fix the group about how they see you and your ensuring safety this problem, he’s going to need the leg- attitude around AIDS,” Harman explained. islature, the governor, the bureaucracy, “We used that process because we knew it of EuroPride the infrastructure of the state to become was effective.” The game includes the game Judge: sex involved,” Janus added. “What he’s trying board, a playing cloth, one die, six pawns and Riga, Latvia – The Latvian govern- to do is set that up so that the complex one pack of cards and was meant to be played ment should break its silence and give a offender civil- changes that need to take place can be in a group setting with four to six players. The firm commitment to do all within its pow- agreed to by the key players.” The judge game is designed for ages 12 and older. Play- er to ensure the safety and protection of commitment law has the power to force changes if he feels ers take turns drawing cards with instructions those participating in this year’s Euro- the state is dragging its feet, but Frank is such as: Tell the group how you think your life Pride in Riga, said Amnesty International. unconstitutional “going about it in a way that is attempt- would be different if you had HIV/AIDS; Ask EuroPride, which celebrates the rights of ing to respect the political leaders of the the group members if they think you have ever Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and St. Paul, Minnesota – A federal judge state,” Janus said. (Minnesota Public Ra- lost a friend or family member to HIV/AIDS; Intersex (LGBTI) people in a different Eu- ruled on June 17 that it is unconstitutional dio – Peter Cox & Matt Sepic at Nprnews. True or False: Women are eight times more ropean city every year, will be held in the for Minnesota to keep civilly committed sex org/story/2015/06/17/sex-offender-pro- likely than men to contract HIV/AIDS from one Latvian capital on Saturday 20 June, at the offenders locked up indefinitely, setting the gram-unconstitutional) act of unprotected sex. (Answer: True) end of a week-long festival that began on stage for major changes to the Minnesota Harman officially launched Game of the June 15. Sex Offender Program. “The stark reality World at the International AIDS Conference, While EuroPride organizers say law is that there is something very wrong with held in Mexico City in 2008, and it was met enforcement authorities have been very this state’s method of dealing with sex of- with immediate success. To date, more than cooperative, the Latvian government has fenders,” wrote U.S. District Judge Dono- 3,000 games have been distributed, in seven failed to welcome the event. When asked van Frank. More than 700 civilly committed different languages, around the world. “When about it last December, Latvian President sex offenders had sued the state claiming we exhibited at the International AIDS Confer- Andris Berzins stated that “homosexuality it was unconstitutional to keep them locked ence in Mexico City, we were overwhelmed,” should not be advertised and imposed.” up indefinitely and that they don’t get ad- she said. “We gave the game away. It is in over “It is disturbing to see the Latvian gov- equate treatment from the program run by 32 countries mainly because of that.” Although ernment’s evident discomfort at hosting the Minnesota Department of Human Ser- Africa remains her focus, in part because the EuroPride. Instead of welcoming an event vices. Most were court-ordered to receive stigma surrounding the disease remains large, sex offender treatment after they finished she believes that the stigma is slowly chang- their prison sentences, a process called ing and she hopes her game will contribute to civil commitment. this shift. “There is a school in Tanzania that we State officials quickly sought to assure visited where they’ve been using the game for the public that the ruling would not bring ‘Game for the about three years. The kids have taught other the immediate release of offenders and kids how to use it and they even take it around that the state would continue to defend its World’ board to other schools to teach them. But they also law. “We continue to believe that both the want to take it around the community and show Minnesota Sex Offender Program and the game teaches prisoners and policemen how to use it,” Har- civil commitment statute are constitution- man said. “To me, that’s a huge indication about al,” Gov. Mark Dayton said in a statement about AIDS stigma being removed, that kids feel confident suggesting the state plans to appeal the to go use it with the police or people in prisons.” decision. Tucson, Arizona – The idea for a sim- While Harman’s goal is for the game to continue meant to champion openness and toler- Observers, though, said the ruling re- ple board game that would focus on HIV/ to be distributed worldwide, she said she would ance, Latvia’s leaders seem to be turning pudiates the way the state treats civilly AIDS education and prevention is helping to also see it introduced in schools here at home, their backs on it,” said Lucy Freeman, di- committed sex offenders. “It’s a sweeping change the stigma of the disease worldwide. too. t (Echo Magazine – Megan Wadding at rector of Amnesty International’s Gender, condemnation of this program,” said Wil- The game’s creator, Anne Harman has called Echomag.com) Sexual and Identity Program. “The sad fact Tucson her home for more than 20 years. Har- is the majority of Latvian society is against man lived and worked in South Africa for more EuroPride and advancing LGBTI rights re- than a decade in the 1980’s, which is where mains a struggle: same-sex couples are she initially observed the stigma surrounding These news notes have been compiled, invisible for the government, homophobic the disease firsthand. “AIDS is a huge problem with permission, from the online version hate crimes are not recognized and high- in Africa,” she said. “There is no one that isn’t of various newspapers and other web level politicians employ vicious homopho- affected by it.” sites. We thank these publications for bic rhetoric,” said Kaspars Zalitis, a board Harman works as the CEO of Mallan allowing us to bring you their news sto- member of Mozaika, the Latvian group Group Training and Management, a company ries. Usually the reports have been sig- organizing EuroPride 2015. This year’s that produces KnowMe interactive games. So, nificantly edited and you can read the EuroPride is the first held in a former So- it only seemed fitting that the idea for a game full story by going to the web site men- viet country. “With homophobic violence a that would center on HIV/AIDS awareness tioned following the item. Comments clear and present danger for activists in was brought to her attention. As for the format are strictly the opinions of Jim Becker post-Soviet states, this week’s EuroPride of the game, Harman said she let it follow the and not of Baltimore OUTloud or Pride Media. will hopefully send a message that prog- Prison for Minneosta’s queerest queers same process as the KnowMe game, which is

6 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 26, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com out in the valley Sampson Headlines Frederick Pride 2015 on June 27 The Frederick Center is proud to announce the return of Sampson McCormick as the offi- cial master of ceremonies for Frederick Pride 2015, taking place on June 27 in the Carroll Creek Linear Park in the heart of downtown Frederick. Sampson delivered a full day of dressing homophobia, poverty, and religion. the White House, the Kennedy Center for the community,” says Brian Walker, board chair laughter and energy two years ago at Fred- For over a decade, he has been a favorite Performing Arts, the World Famous Comedy of the Frederick Center. erick Pride 2013, and the Pride Planning at LGBT pride festivals and mainstream ven- Store in Hollywood, and Harvard University. For more information about Frederick Committee is thrilled ues alike. His screen “The Frederick Center is proud of the stel- Pride 2015 please visit TheFrederickCenter. to bring his humor and appearances include lar lineup of performers at this year’s event, org or email Kris Fair at kfair@thefrederick- mischief to this year’s BET, MTV’s “Real including master of ceremonies, Sampson. center.org creek-side celebration World.” and the Frederick Pride has become the kid-friendly The Frederick Center was founded in “Sampson is a Oprah Winfrey Net- celebration of the LGBTQ community we en- 2012 with the vision of being the leading or- transformative figure work. He is also the visioned, and is not only a place to celebrate ganization for LGBTQ resources and advo- in the LGBTQ com- author of two books, but also cast a light on the issues facing this cacy in Central Maryland. t munity. He brings his Ebonic Faggotry and unique background as Taboo Village: A Per- an African-American spective on Being gay man in America Gay In Black Amer- and delivers his so- ica, and is at work cial commentary with on his third. He has a sharp wit that rivals also released three any national come- live stand-up com- dian or commentator,” edy albums, includ- says Kris Fair, co-co- ing his latest, That ordinator of Frederick Bitch Better Be Fun- Pride 2015. Sampson McCormick ny: Live at the How- McCormick, who ard Theater, where is currently on a na- he made history by tional tour, is an award-winning stand-up becoming the first openly gay comedian to comedian, writer, and activist who can make headline the famous venue. Other presti- audiences double over in laughter while ad- gious venues that he has headlined include

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 26, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 7 OUT in the Valley

one in the same? Can someone’s sex be of being trans – it is only we ourselves who rather a condition that recognizes a mis- different from their gender? How can that define our true gender status. match between assigned sex and mental Beyond be? To highlight this, try taking a short quiz gender. Although still identified in the latest the In reality, sex and gender are two total- I’ve used with groups of mostly cisgender Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM- Ice ly different concepts. Simply put, sex is an- participants. There are three questions for V), the stigma of having a mental disorder Machine atomical – it is what’s between your legs. you to ponder. has been replaced with the realization that L:aura Anderson Gender, on the other hand, is more subjec- 1) What is your gender? this condition is merely part of the diverse tive – gender is what’s between your ears. 2) How do you know that you are that human experience. There is no way to determine one’s gender gender? The difficulties for transgender people until that person tells us. So when some- 3) Could anyone ever convince you are challenges still being imposed upon us Diagnosing a one’s sex and gender differ there is often a that your answers to numbers 1) or 2) are by others. sense of dysphoria – a disconnect that can incorrect? Consider your answers. Gender Leelah Alcorn, the young trans wom- ‘Disorder’ be extremely distressing. This is the case is deeply rooted. It seems to be hardwired an who took her own life this past winter, with people who identify as transgender. into our psyches and can only be self-de- wrote a final plea before her death, asking We have a deeply held feeling and belief fined. that others not be treated the way she had Think back to those first few words spoken that the sex assigned at birth is different Not long ago, those of us considered been. She called upon us to “fix society.” at your birth – for me they were “It’s a boy!” from the gender we feel in our minds. Dur- transgender by the medical community Rather than in our own minds, it is within Of course, none of us remember hearing ing puberty and adolescence, our bodies were designated as having GID – possess- society. Therein lays the real disorder. In those words, but the implications of that betray us and change in ways that are hor- ing a gender identity disorder. We were the spite of the progress being made, there is announcement will last a lifetime. The doc- rifying. (For most readers, there is likely only ones along the LGBT spectrum with a still much work to be done. t tor had no clue how wrong he was in mis- a congruence, a match between sex and designated mental disorder. However, for Laura Anderson is an educator, author, gendering me – how could he have known gender – you are cisgender and are enjoy- me and for countless other trans individu- researcher, parent, and granddad. Her otherwise? We are labeled based upon a ing the privileges of being such.) als, there was never anything “disordered” years teaching in public school as male quick check of the genitals, and then our I knew I had been transgender all of about our identities. (Rather than a little provided the foundation for her more re- acculturation in that specified gender be- my life the moment I first heard the term boy with a mental problem, I once heard cent role educating future teachers. Living gins from day one. sometime in the 1990s. Years later when I someone say, I was actually a little girl with female for the past decade, she has come For the vast majority of people, geni- confided in my mom, she urged me to see a physical problem. Society tried its best to appreciate the privileges she once held tals will accurately predict a person’s sex another therapist for a second opinion. I to mold me into something I wasn’t.) Cor- – both male and cisgender – privileges and gender. One’s sex and one’s gender explained to her that no “second opinion” rectly, GID has been replaced by gender now replaced with the fulfillment of living are congruent. So, are “sex” and “gender” could ever identify me or deny my feelings dysphoria (GD) – not a mental disorder but as her true self.

8 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 26, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com OUT in the Valley // faith

Honesty in can we just be honest about it? “Others” are no longer as important as “self.” Others, even America children, the elderly, and the poor, are simply a means to a self-centered end. by Rev. Dr. Robert Apgar-Taylor But sadly, these are not “faith-based” val- Here we go again, another shooting. More ues. While we are not, in fact, a Christian coun- people are dead, this time killed in a Bible study try, we must acknowledge that all major world at church and a nation that cries and wonders faiths, from Christianity, Judaism, and Islam to why. Don’t get me wrong. I am not anti-gun. Hindu, Shinto, and Buddhism all share a com- I am married to a police officer and we own mon value: namely, the lifting up of the poor, the handguns (yes, plural). But I am tired of the re- outcast, and the vulnerable. We have historical- curring cycle that we seem unable (read: unwill- ly liked to think of ourselves as a people of faith. ing) to stop. Gun violence, death, tears, national People of faith have traditionally been identified lament, inaction (repeat ad nauseum). as a people who care for others. Sadly, that I am among many who were frustrated by used to be us. issues surrounding sensible gun legislation that Can we just be honest and admit that our have been discussed in recent years, like so nation has changed? Can we all just agree that many common-sense issues that have come personal rights are our highest moral value and before: fiscal cliffs, partisan politics, and social other people (be they five year olds in Connecti- programs. Perhaps the best way to get past the cut, moviegoers in Colorado, or people praying frustration and anger is just to accept what has in South Carolina) are just acceptable collateral become reality. damage in my own pursuit for personal freedoms? We have become a nation defined by self- So, let’s be honest and stop the phony centeredness. From a government polarized “Christian-nation” pretense. I am serious. It’s re- by personal agendas oblivious to the voice of ally ok to just call it what it is. My interests (be the people, to personal agendas prioritized by they money, power, personal rights, etc...) are narcissism and self-indulgence. The evening more important than anything or anyone else. news and reality television reveal who we have But just to be clear…we can’t have that and become. I am not sure when it happened, al- tout our generous, loving “Christian” nation. We though I do have some idea of how, but re- can’t have it both ways. So if we are not going to gardless, the reality is that it has happened. So change it, let’s at least be honest. t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 26, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 9 Thinking OUTloud

timore both startled This is far from the truth. Many people and angered those have not bought in on the equality concept. community members Most won’t go out and beat up “queers” as who became aware if it was a sport – and I know that some who OUT of them. The victims participated in those activities viewed gay Spoken were beaten up pretty bashing as just that: recreation. Some may, badly but are now re- though. They simply don’t like us, some even Steve Charing covering. hate us, and much of this bigotry is tied to re- The couple that ligious dogma and generations of homopho- was robbed along bia within their families. Taken a step further, with the beating, not the haters out there are potentially violent. Beware of only lost money and These recent gay bashings could be in- cell phones, but also structive. The important safeguard is not to the Haters had to endure the draw undue attention to yourself in this cur- painstakingly bureaucratic process of obtain- “queers” and in the other one, “f*****g fag- rent environment. Lemmerman told me less The tragic murders in Charleston, South ing new driver’s licenses and other forms of gots.” This indicates, at least to me, that the than a week after the assault, “I do not be- Carolina, drove home the point that there is identification as well as reporting stolen cell attacks were hate crimes. We know that in lieve the attacker was driving around specifi- much hatred in this world, and there is little phones, credit and ATM cards. one of these incidents, police are investigat- cally looking to attack gay couples, but I be- reason to believe it’s going away anytime Then there is the trauma resulting from ing it as a possible hate crime. Police did not lieve us having fun and being ourselves set soon. Racial hatred is percolating, creating these incidents that will haunt them for the confirm if such an investigation will be pur- him off in an awful way.” a deep fissure in our society – a troubling rest of their lives. They acknowledge, howev- sued for the other one. There are other common sense ap- situation even a half century since the civil er, it could have been worse. They are living. Whether techni- proaches, such as try rights bill was signed into law. There is also Not everyone who had endured such brutal- cally they are found “Baltimore can be a not to walk alone on an abundance of hateful anti-Semitism, anti- ity survived. to be hate crimes or a street; walk where Latino, anti-Asian and yes, homophobia out Both attacks occurred after returning not, they were acts rough city; we should the streets are well- there, and we need to be concerned. Very from a bar or club at night. And in both in- of hate. The anti-gay be vigilant for possible lit; do not display or concerned. stances, the attackers launched anti-gay slurs and the vicious use a cell phone or Within the past month, two separate anti- slurs while committing their assaults. In one beatings would lead attacks. This is show any cash while gay attacks on young male couples in Bal- case the victims were called “bitches” and me to that conclu- especially true if the walking; and do not sion. The robbery of get intoxicated. The both members of the U.S. Supreme Court last point is very im- couple took place portant because if during the beating; it rules favorably on you are impaired, you was not your routine marriage equality.” cannot be observant street robbery in that of your surround- the victims were not ings. And if you are held up at gun or knifepoint initially and told attacked, your condition will not enable you to fork over their valuables. While they were to make a clear, indisputable identification of punched and stomped on, one of the attack- the attacker. ers went through their pockets to retrieve As a victim of a brutal attack, Lemmer- wallets and phones to top off their heinous man added his insights: “Please be aware of mugging. your surroundings and who is around you. If The other attack on a couple did not you are out at the clubs, try and travel with at involve a robbery but one member, Steven least one friend if on foot. If Stu [his partner] Lemmerman also known by his DJ name, DJ was not with me screaming for help, I shudder Lemz, was severely roughed up following an to think how much worse it could have gotten. altercation with a motorist who came within “If someone tries to provoke you, do your an inch of hitting him in a crosswalk. His part- absolute best to not give them a reason to go ner escaped without injury. after you. No matter how awful what they say Baltimore can be a rough city; we should or do is and how mad you might get, be the be vigilant for possible attacks. This is espe- bigger person and walk away from the situa- cially true if the U.S. Supreme Court rules tion as safely and fast as you can. It can hap- favorably on marriage equality in the coming pen to anyone, anywhere, at any time.” days. Yes, there will be celebrations galore You can find more safety tips from the should we win the case. Baltimore Police Department at Baltimore- However, there will also be a backlash, police.org/your-community/safety-tips/per- and no one knows exactly how that reaction sonal-safety-tips. In addition, we do have will manifest itself. Anti-gay attacks are likely an LGBT Liaison with the Baltimore Police to result though the extent is unclear. There Department if you experience any difficul- has been so much overt acceptance of LGBT ties in dealing with the police. His name is folks and support for same-sex marriage that Sgt. Kevin Bailey, and he can be reached at people can be fooled into believing that life 443-984-7411 or by email at kevin.bailey@ will move merrily along down a rainbow path. baltimorepolice.org. t

10 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 26, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com thinking outloud Don’t You Dare Forget About Frank Kameny

BY Carl Fillichio Frank took incremental steps to change Where would I be without the work I – for the better – the nation’s largest em- love? There is nothing more rewarding to ployer, the U.S. government. He played a me than working on behalf of American pivotal role in the removal of homosexual- workers. Serving U.S. Labor Secretary ity as a mental disorder by the American Thomas Perez is both an honor and a joy, Psychiatric Association. He organized the and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished first protest for gay rights ever held in front as a public servant during my “tour of du- of the White House, in 1965. He was a ties” as a political ap- member of the first dele- gation to brief the admin- pointee in the Clinton and The Obama administrations. author istration on LGBT issues The work is exhilarating, says inside that same White interesting every day, and ‘Follow!’ House, under President has become a central Carter. part of who I am. He will be forever Only $9.95 for But there was a time thanked by LGBT gov- when it could’ve been ernment workers like me Franklin Institute taken from me in a heart- for helping usher in an beat. Just because of age when we could serve Members! another, equally central, openly, love who we part of who I am. love, and bring our full What is now unthinkable for me was a selves to our work. But more than that: The bitter reality for Frank Kameny. An astrono- American people owe him a debt of grati- mer with a Ph.D. from Harvard and World tude as well. Were it not for his decades of PLAN YOUR VISIT TODAY! War II veteran, Kameny was fired from his advocacy, our country would be bereft of U.S. Map Service job in 1957 simply be- some of the sharpest minds and hardiest www.fi.edu · 215.448.1200 cause he was gay. He never worked for a spirits overseeing the people’s business. paycheck again. Even a mind as great as Walt Whitman’s Many know Frank’s story here in Wash- was wasted when he lost his government ington, where I live and work, and where job soon after coming to Washington, it’s he made his home and ran as the first out said because of the notoriety of his al- congressional candidate for the District’s ready-published and homoerotic Leaves seat in 1971. But he is less celebrated in of Grass. How many like him did we lose other parts of the country. before Frank Kameny? How much good That’s going to change. On June 23, did we squander in those long decades of Frank Kameny was inducted in the U.S. intolerance? Department of Labor’s prestigious Hall of Because of Frank, we don’t currently Honor. have to ask that question. Like Cooperstown for our national pas- To help commemorate Frank’s indomi- time, our Hall of Honor immortalizes the table spirit and contributions this Pride giants renowned for the highest achieve- Month, in addition to inducting him into the ments in the counterweight to our pastimes Labor Hall of Honor, we’re mounting a so- – that is, our work. The names of these cial media campaign called #ThankFrank. inductees inspire the same awe in those We’re asking other LGBT federal employ- of us who are passionate about working ees across the country and around the families as Babe Ruth and Ernie Banks do world, and all federal employees as well as for baseball fans: Sen. Edward Kennedy, our allies, friends, supporters and federal who did more to improve workers’ lives government customers and owners (that than any legislator in our history; Bayard means the American people) to post the Rustin, the mastermind behind our city’s reasons Frank matters. most transcendent protest march for work- Check out our video to learn more and ers’ rights (and the hall’s first openly gay add your voice and story to thousands inductee); Dolores Huerta, whose bones of others. Frank’s courageous efforts did were broken in the struggle for farmworker more than help LGBT federal employees justice (and the only individual living honor – he had a significant effect on American inductee); Mother Jones, who prayed for work, all American workplaces, and the dead mine workers but fought like hell for lives of countless American workers. It’s the living ones; the father of the American time to #ThankFrank. t labor movement, Samuel Gompers. The author is senior adviser to the sec- And now, Frank Kameny. All his life he retary of labor at the U.S. Department of was told he didn’t belong, and he suffered Labor and the highest-ranking openly gay for it mightily. He belongs now. person in the department.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 26, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 11 Quality of Life

helped lower LDL cholesterol levels and significantly reduced resting blood-sugar each and every one of its aspects.” The levels in those with type two diabetes by And noted further in Sexual Behavior in Essentials as much as 12%. Ask the Human Female (1953): “It is a character- Used for centuries in Eastern cultures istic of the human mind that tries to dichoto- of Living Naturally for medicine and dye, it is not surprising to Dr. J mize in its classification of phenomena… . Michael Lausterer find turmeric among the list of super spic- Janan Broadbent, Ph.D. Sexual behavior is either normal or abnor- es for reducing inflammation. A member mal, socially acceptable or unacceptable, of the ginger family, turmeric’s powerful heterosexual or homosexual; and many per- Super Spices anti-inflammatory properties come from its Bruce / Caitlin sons do not want to believe that there are main chemical constituent, curcumin. Not gradations in these matters from one to the only is turmeric as powerful as over-the- other extreme.” Spices have been used for thousands of counter medications for inflammation, it is & Family Today, we are slowly evolving to see just years, lending their own unique aromatic a safer alternative without any side effects. how right Kinsey was. Indeed, the world is and exotic flavors to foods. Asia, Arabia, The super spice is not only good for rheu- Issues not black or white but gradations of both. and the Mediterranean regions have a matoid arthritis relief, curcumin has been Sexuality is a sensitive subject for human longstanding history of spice trade with shown to help the body eliminate mutated In the last few days, our national attention beings and living with ambiguous concepts some spices valued as highly as gold. cancer cells as well as improve overall has shifted to profoundly tragic and funda- is challenging to many. Spices have been used for many aspects liver function. mentally disturbing events, and rightly so. So how do the sons and daughters, fa- of human culture throughout time and in- Chili pepper imparts a wonderful But it was not too long ago that you couldn’t thers and mothers, relatives and friends of clude embalming of the deceased, anoint- “heat” spiciness in foods. A member of avoid seeing photos of Caitlin Jenner and transgender individuals deal with the transi- ing oils, body ointments, and to fumigate the Capsicum genus of plants, the heat the transition she has gone through and tion? It was refreshing to see the Jenners’ homes. Spices were so highly sought after that is exhibited comes from the chemical who she was before that. This kind of pub- support for Caitlin but unfortunately, there they became the capsaicin. Widely lic discussion is surely healthy in raising ev- are many families who are not as recep- catalyst for devel- used in creams eryone’s consciousness about sexuality and tive. On one hand, there is confusion: Which oping empires and and lotions, capsa- helping increase understanding that it is not pronoun to use? Is mom now dad? Grandpa waging wars dur- icin is effective for cut-and-dried. What I want to focus on in this now grandma? ing Roman times relaxing muscles column is how families of transgender indi- In the end, in any relationship, it is so and throughout the and relieving sore- viduals handle the process. important to accept who the other person Middle Ages. Trade ness. Chili peppers First of all, I would guess that for a num- is, what they are like on the inside and the routes were estab- provide a thermo- ber of people, the issue is understanding the outside, to get to know them as to who they lished during early genic effect when difference between gender identity and phy- really feel comfortable being. Human beings European times ingested and helps sique. The mere fact that one may be born are programmed to seek that kind of accep- and explorers em- boost metabolism with a penis or a vagina does not determine tance. You are probably familiar with that ro- barked on long through energy the that person’s inner feeling about being either mantic comedy: “I Love You, You’re Perfect, journeys to find body exerts to re- gender, or somewhere in between. We know Now Change.” spices indigenous to a region or culture, move capsaicin from your system. Using from Alfred Kinsey, who noted over 65 years That is a prescription for a doomed rela- yet highly prized beyond for their flavor the spice in food, or eating whole chili pep- ago in Sexual Behavior in the Human Male tionship in any context. This is not to say that and medicinal value. pers, supplies the body with vitamins A and (1948): “Males do not represent two discrete any of us may not appreciate the difficulty Today, the spice trade is still an influ- C, though in smaller amounts. populations, heterosexual and homosexual. families would face in accepting the transi- ential commodity across many cultures When it comes to cinnamon, there is The world is not to be divided into sheep and tion of a transgendered member. But then, and countries. The use of spices solely as some confusion about which type to use for goats … . The living world is a continuum in compare that to what that person has lived a way to enhance food has largely disap- overall health benefits. Two types are com- with, and has gone through physically and peared. With the progression of science, mercially available; cassia and Ceylon (or emotionally, and what he/she still has to face many wonderful discoveries have been true cinnamon). Cinnamon obtained from in all relationships. Then the understanding found in spices that lend excellent health cassia bark (Cinnamomum cassia) con- and the acceptance may come easier, all benefits to the body. Super spices are tains a higher percentage of the chemical this provided that you love and care for that being used as a supplement to personal constituent coumarin, which can become Cloves are the unopened flower buds person. wellness. The natural chemical properties toxic in larger quantities. True cinnamon, of the clove tree, which is a small ever- I should also mention that clearly, not ev- in super spices have the ability to boost which comes from Sri Lanka (Cinnamo- green. The spice was highly regarded in eryone has the resources of a Caitlin Jenner immunity, reduce inflammation, protect mum zeylanicum or Cinnamomum verum) ancient Chinese medicine to treat gastro- and the access to artistic photography, medi- against harmful free radicals as well as is obtained from the bark of the tree with- intestinal issues, hernias, and other prob- cal procedures, and media attention. bacteria and other pathogens. in the laurel family, but is much lower in lems that required its exceptional antisep- On the one hand, that media access also Ginger is one of the oldest and most coumarin. Unfortunately, most of the cin- tic and astringent properties. Clove bud is brought us all photos of Bruce Jenner as an highly recommended spices for its flavor namon on store shelves comes from the a great addition to oral care regimens as it athlete and then in transition to remind us, and overall health benefits. Though widely cheaper cassia variety. Cinnamon is well- kills bacteria that leads to odor and infec- lest we forgot, whom we were watching. That used in ancient Indian and Chinese cul- known for lowering blood sugar levels and tion. Use clove bud essential oil like cinna- could not have facilitated the transition. tures, ginger has been cultivated in Asia also boasts a powerful anti-diabetic effect mon, and diffuse environmentally or inhale On the other hand, most people will not for well-over 3,000 years. Besides its ef- by helping to lower fasting blood sugar lev- for colds and flu. t have the advantages that come from those fectiveness for reducing minor inflamma- els by as much as 29%. Essential oil from Michael Lausterer is a Certified Clini- resources, and that can prolong the process tion within the body, ginger helps to boost Cinnamomum zeylanicum or verum can is cal Essential Oil Therapist, professional and therefore, be an obstacle. the immune system, reduce nausea, and effective against dangerous viruses and chef, Clinical Nutritionist and co-owner of Compassion and love are called for in relieve minor gastrointestinal issues. In bacteria when diffused environmentally or Basic Earth Essentials. For more informa- dealing with what were not matters of choice recent studies, it was found that ginger taken as an inhalation for colds and flu. tion please visit Basicearthessentials.com for our friends and family members. t 12 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 26, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com Quality of Life

be infected with gon- ment. In 2007, na- ment became standard, rates of gonorrhea orrhea and other tional recommenda- resistance began to decline. This regimen is sexually transmitted tions were changed, still in use today. infections in several advising against the Most experts expect that resistance to Open Wide different body areas, use of ciprofloxin and ceftriaxone, which is now the main antibiotic ask Dr Eva depending on what related antibiotics for used for treating gonorrhea, will eventually Dr Eva Hersh type of sex they have. gonorrhea treatment. develop in this country as well. This is simply Besides the genitals, Instead, injectable because historically, gonorrhea has eventual- people can become Ceftriaxone was ly become resistant to every antibiotic used to Antibiotic- infected with gonor- recommended as treat it. New antibiotics are in development for rhea in the throat or first-line treatment. use if ceftriaxone resistance occurs. The ideal rectum. Throat and When this step did answer would be to prevent gonorrhea with a Resistant rectum infections not greatly decrease vaccine. Unfortunately, attempts to develop a usually do not cause the rate of resis- vaccine have not been successful so far. Gonorrhea any symptoms. tance, recommenda- If you consistently use condoms for all The longer-term tions were made to oral, vaginal, and anal sex, you are protected complications of double the dose of from becoming infected with gonorrhea. Con- gonorrhea are well ceftriaxone and give dom use also prevents transmission of chla- Dear Dr. Eva, known because there a second antibiotic mydia, HIV, viral hepatitis, and most cases A friend who lives in San Francisco told was no treatment as well. The second of syphilis. It never was safe to have unpro- me some guys there have come down with a for it prior to the dis- A nd now antibiotic would be tected sex, and it is still unsafe. The appear- new type of gonorrhea that doesn’t respond covery of penicillin harder to either a single dose ance of antibiotic resistant sexually transmit- to antibiotics. Is this going to be the new gay in 1943. Death from escape of azithromycin (Zith- ted diseases only underlines the necessity of plague? What happens if gonorrhea can’t be gonorrhea can oc- romax) or, if azithro- using condoms to protect ourselves and our t treated? Could you die of it? Do you know if cur but it is very rare. mycin could not be partners. there have been cases outside of California? Gonorrhea can become deadly when the given, a one-week course of doxycycline. It Eva Hersh is a Baltimore family physi- Are the symptoms the same as regular gon- infection spreads through the bloodstream, has been known for many years that bacte- cian. Send your comments and questions orrhea? resulting in sepsis (blood poisoning), menin- rial resistance can be prevented by giving to her by email at editor@baltimoreoutloud. Worried gitis, or endocarditis (heart infection.) Much multiple antibiotics together. After this treat- com. more common complications in men include Dear Worried, permanent infertility, joint infections that can You are right to be worried. Doctors who be permanently disabling, and urinary stric- treat patients with sexual infections have tures that interfere with urine flow and may been worried about antibiotic-resistant gon- require surgery. In addition to these prob- orrhea since it was first lems, women who have reported in the U.S. in the “If you consistently had PID can develop mis- mid 1990s. Gonorrhea is carriages, tubal pregnan- also called “clap or “drip.” use condoms for cies, infertility, or/and a Most cases of gonor- lifetime of pelvic pain. rhea occur in men and all oral, vaginal, The term “antibiotic women between ages 15 and anal sex, you resistant gonorrhea” does and 35. It is most com- not necessarily mean the mon in people in their are protected from infection is resistant to all twenties. Women usually antibiotics, only that it is have no symptoms at all, becoming infected resistant to at least one and many men also have with gonorrhea.” of the antibiotics com- no symptoms. When monly used for gonor- there are symptoms, the rhea. Fortunately, so far symptoms of drug-resistant gonorrhea are there have been no reported cases in the the same as regular gonorrhea: most often, U.S. of gonorrhea that is resistant to all stan- discharge from the penis or vagina and dis- dard antibiotics. More serious problems with comfort with urination. Less common symp- drug-resistant gonorrhea have occurred in toms include rash, joint infection (a hot, several other countries, including ceftriaxone swollen joint, most often the knee), a tender, resistance in Australia, Japan, Slovenia, and swollen testicle, vision change, or, in women Sweden. only, abdominal pain and fever. Women can In the United States in the mid 1990s, develop an infection of the fallopian tubes gonorrhea resistance began to develop to called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, or PID. If ciprofloxin (Cipro), which was then the an- antibiotics are not given, women can die from tibiotic most often used to treat gonorrhea. PID. Infants born to women with gonorrhea Resistant gonorrhea occurred more often who have not been treated can develop eye in men who had sex with men. Worsening infections resulting in permanent vision loss. gonorrhea resistance has been prevented, It’s important to realize that people can so far, by several important changes in treat-

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 26, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 13 faith

movement that has great potential.” In addition to marching each year in Walking Together in Faith, Love, and Pride the Baltimore Pride Parade, they also have staffed booths at the Baltimore Pride Byl Bil Redmond-Palmer with the goal of showing their strong moral is a very sacred moment for us!” Festival, where they have shared literature In 2013, members of the LGBT Ministry support for the LGBTQ community and to Buoyed by the excitement and en- about all of the affiliated faith communities. of St. Matthews Catholic Church in north- show that community the strength of the ergy generated by their experience, sev- “We believe that many more are just east Baltimore were inspired to march in support for them from faith communities eral members of that first marching group waiting to be asked to join us. Together, we the upcoming Baltimore Pride Parade, but in Baltimore. From this common purpose, began reaching out to even more faith are working toward the healing, reconcili- wanted to create a bigger impact. They met Faith Communities of Baltimore with Pride groups. In June ation, and liberation with their neighbors at Faith Presbyterian (FCBWP) was born. 2014, the group of of LGBTQ individu- Church, who had been marching for sever- That first year, 115 people marched to- marchers swelled als among us,” said al years with other Presbyterian churches. gether up Charles Street to an overwhelm- to 225 people rep- Sattler. They began speaking to people they knew ingly supportive crowd. Those marching resenting 20 faith To learn about in other faith communities, and the group felt it was almost a spiritual experience. As groups and com- the welcoming, in- began to grow. he headed up Charles Street, Dick Ullrich munities becoming clusive and affirm- That group of eight communities of faith of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, turned to what is now the larg- ing faith communi- joined together to march under a unified his colleagues and said, “Look at all these est contingent in the ties in Baltimore, banner in the 2013 Baltimore Pride Parade good people, cheering and clapping – this Baltimore Pride Pa- and to connect with rade. FCBWP looks others with similar forward to marching interests, be sure again this year, with to attend the 2015 an even larger con- Interfaith Pride Rev. Nancy J. Webb to Retire tingent. Marching at Baltimore Pride in 2013 Service; look for In 2014, FCBWP credit: Steve Charing FCBWP in the 2015 After 37 Years in Ministry partnered with the Baltimore Pride Pa- Interfaith Fairness Coalition of Maryland rade; and look for their booth at the Pride t By George Kahl and received a master of divinity degree. (IFCMD) for the first time to coordinate and Festival. On Sunday, June 28, at the 10 a.m. service, She was ordained as a minister in the United plan the annual Pride Interfaith Service in Bill Redmond-Palmer is a long time members of Grace United Methodist Church Methodist Church in 1979. All this in spite of Baltimore, to which all are welcomed, that community organizer and advocate for will recognize the Rev. Nancy J. Webb as she her being legally blind since 7th grade. has brought together faith communities HIV/AIDS and sexual- and gender-minority retires after ten years of service at Grace. Her pastoral service includes churches who support the LGBTQ community for related issues. For seven years she served as the associate in West Virginia, Washington, and Baltimore. more than a decade. This year, a planning pastor and the past three years as minister Before coming to Grace she served as minis- committee composed of members of both of visitation. During her time at Grace, she ter of Christian education and spiritual forma- groups is hard at work making plans for the facilitated the congre- tion at Foundry United upcoming service to be held at 7 p.m. on Meet FCBWP gational two-year LG- Methodist Church in July 21, at Grace United Methodist Church BTQ study that moved Washington during the (5407 North Charles Street, Baltimore). time that the Clintons This year’s theme is “Faith Never the congregation to Organization Name – Faith Com- were attending that con- Stands Still – Embracing Sexual and Gen- become a Reconciling munities of Baltimore with Pride gregation. Foundry is der Minorities.” Speakers from various Congregation, which Organization’s Tag Line – “Walk- the largest Reconciling faiths will speak about where their faiths welcomes the LGBTQ ing Together in Faith, Love, and Pride” Congregation in the Bal- have been, the progress they have made, community to full par- Founded – 2013 timore/Washington area. and where they still need to go to fully ticipation in the church Causes Served – Social Justice A long time advocate embrace all sexual and gender minority and society. She also Populations Served – Sexual and for social justice issues people. The service will be followed by a worked for Marriage Gender Minority Community and its Al- in addition to LGBTQ reception. For more information about the Equality in the state lies; Communities of Faith causes, Nancy spoke service, contact [email protected]. of Maryland. She has Who they are – A group of Balti- out on issues of health- In addition to events around Baltimore been a frequent con- more faith communities working to- care, disaster relief, Pride, FCBWP has also co-sponsored the tributor to Baltimore gether toward the healing, reconcili- AIDS, ending the death Transgender Day of Remembrance on OUTloud. ation and liberation of all sexual and penalty, racial injustice, November 20 in Baltimore, as well as the Rev. Webb grew gender minority individuals. pay equality, and dis- community World AIDS Day Service held up in Anderson, Indi- Mission Summary – To demon- ability. She continues in Baltimore on December 1. ana. She graduated strate the support of communities of to serves as chairper- Today FCBWP counts more than 30 af- from Illinois Wesleyan faith in Baltimore for all sexual and son for the Baltimore filiated groups, and is actively working to University with a BS gender minority people and their full / Washington United expand that number, to hopefully include degree in Christian inclusion in all metropolitan Baltimore Methodist Commission all of metropolitan Baltimore’s faith com- education. In 1970 R ev. Nancy J. Webb faith communities. on Disability Concerns. munities. she moved to Wash- Principal – Ryan Sattler, lead co- We can be assured “The vision we see for the FCBWP ington, D.C., and en- ordinator that Rev. Nancy will continue to speak out continues to unfold,” said Ryan Sattler, tered Wesley Theological Seminary, where Contact – 443-275-1180; fcobwp@ on social justice issues and we wish her all the lead coordinator and one of the initial she received her master’s degree in religious gmail.com; Facebook.com/FaithCom- the best in the years ahead as she moves founders of FCBWP. “Our experience gives education. In 1977 she responded to the call munitiesBaltimorePRIDE to ordained ministry and re-entered Wesley into retirement. t us faith that we have started an important

14 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 26, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 26, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 15 Lively Arts // Personalities

AN INTERVIEW WITH CAZWELL ally wanted a video for the song. I’m working on a video for “The Biscuit” right now. In the meantime, I wanted to do another video to hold everybody over. I don’t like three months Promises to be Fresh for Pride to go by without a video. I have an intern and By Gregg Shapiro Cazwell Ice song “Helen Keller.” out five or six days a week, sometime twice a he goes to Pratt. I said, “Look, I want to make Perhaps the first gay Cream Truck What was the inspi- day. But that is because I’m getting ready to a video. I want to make it in my apartment. I white rapper and ration for that song? shoot as many videos as I can. Summertime don’t want it to be expensive.” He got a friend break dancer to gain C: Manila Luzon is coming, obviously, and I have a lot of Pride of his who had just started film school. The a national following, had texted me. I re- shows coming up where I’m going to be out- cool thing is that we actually shot it in chrono- Cazwell is a born en- ally enjoy her. I think side in 95-degree weather with my shirt off. logical order. The theme of the video was tertainer. With a sur- she’s great and a If I come to your hometown and I take off my pre-pre-game, then pre-game, then the party. prisingly sophisticated natural star. That’s shirt and have muffin-tops hanging over my That’s how we shot it. I feel like everybody sense of humor and why I wanted to work waist, you’re not going to hire me to come was getting progressively fucked-up as we apparently not a single with her. The inspi- back. You’re just going to walk away saying, shot [laughs]. The video was inspired by pic- shirt in his wardrobe, ration for that song “Cazwell’s been hanging out by the ice cream tures we pulled down from gay Tumblr and art Cazwell wryly parodies was a break-up I went truck. Cazwell’s been to Burger King with Be- gay shit and A Clockwork Orange, things like New York club culture through a year and a yoncé.” People are going to say that. I know that that we wanted to recreate and have a with sizzling energy, half ago. There are a it’s going to happen. party scene. My goal with any video is to have dazzling moves, and couple of songs on GS: You recently launched your Ice it represent the song as best as possible. The lots of eye candy. His Hard 2 B Fresh that Cream Truck underwear line. Is testing the song is really ratchet so I needed a ratchet outrageous and sexy revolve around that fit of the underwear on the models part of video [laughs]. That’s what it comes down to. music videos, usually break-up. I took some your job description? GS: On a sad note, Nicky Da B, who featuring barely-clad time to do some lyrical C: Oh, you’re nasty [laughs]. Ice Cream can be heard on the track “Don’t Get It dancers from the New therapy. It was really Truck underwear fits perfectly on everyone. Twisted,” passed away last September. York club scene, have difficult for me. One There’s no need to test it. Yes, I make sure Is there anything you want to say about a tendency to go viral. thing that happens in that it fits really, really well. All the “models” Nicky? “Ice Cream Truck,” with a break-up, especially are my friends. I know all of them. We work C: He was super-friendly, super-talented, such quintessential Ca- if you are with a per- together or they’re in the scene or they live in smiled all the time. He was really quick. The zwell lyrics as, “I’ll show you my drumstick son for five-and-a-half years, as I was, you my neighborhood or they’re friends of friends. take he did? He only did one take and he / It will make your eyes gleam,” has scored still have to go out and see them. Helen Kel- However, I am going to start scouting models killed it. No stops. He just did the whole thing 3.7 million hits since it debuted three years lering came from when you see the person, and utilize other people’s experience more. through. I was really impressed. His death ago. Other hits include “I Seen Beyoncé at you (utilize) tunnel vision. They’re at the club, We have a couple of new flavors of it com- came as a shock. I just feel honored that I Burger King,” “All Over Your Face,” “Rice but you don’t hear them, you don’t see them. ing out. We’re pushing it again for summer. I was able to get him on my album and on a and Beans,” and “No Selfie Control.” I spoke They’re excommunicated. I’ve always heard am going to start using people I like or follow song that I really like. It’s a good feeling to with Cazwell, who recently launched the Ice the queens in the club say, “I don’t see her.” on Instagram to see if they want to model the have a piece of him on something that I’m on, Cream Truck underwear line (Icecreamtruck. That usually means they don’t care for their underwear. But all these guys are my friends. too. No one can take that away from me. bigcartel.com), about his career and more in look or what they’re wearing. I changed it The last thing I want to do is go beyond that GS: A big fuss is made every time a May 2015. around a little bit. line of friendship. rapper comes out of the closet. As a rap- Gregg Shapiro: Cazwell, before we talk GS: “Guess What,” your collaboration GS: Would you say that creating an un- per who was never in the closet, what ad- about anything else, I have to ask you if with Luciana, charted well on Billboard’s derwear line was a natural career progres- vice would you give to those newly out? you know if Beyoncé has ever heard “I Dance Chart. How do you feel when you sion for you? C: Just don’t stop. Life is like a highway Seen Beyoncé at Burger King” – and if so, walk into a club and hear one of your C: Yes. I’m hyper-aware of fashion. I fol- and the road will eventually bring you some- what she thought of it? songs being spun by a DJ? low fashion. I wouldn’t call the underwear high where. Don’t stop the car. Keep going, no Cazwell: Yes. I heard that she saw the C: The first thing I think is, “Do they really fashion or anything too deep like that. But it matter what. Can I just tell you the number video (and) she thought it was funny. That’s like it? Or are they just playing it because they was definitely a natural progression because one piece of advice? Don’t be afraid to suck. all I heard. I don’t know if it’s true. I heard it know I’m here [laughs]?” Either way, I’m hap- Geoffrey Mac – he’s designed clothes with Because everybody sucks. There’s no one from someone who works with her people. I py that the whole room is hearing it. It feels Sharon Needles, they did a sportswear line that looks back ten years ago and says, “That assume she likes it because she has a sense good. It feels like I get a lot of respect in gay with cocaine bags and a tank top with serial song was genius!” of humor about herself. clubs and gay club culture. I’ve been doing killers’ faces all over it and burnt cigarettes. GS: What do you have in store for your GS: You have a long history of collabo- this an awfully long time. They wanted to do something with me, dip fans attending the Baltimore Pride Festi- ration, from your early days as one half of GS: How much time do you spend at into my music. We’re both New Yorkers and val? Morplay, extending to the present day and the gym to maintain that physique you like we wanted to do a sportswear line – basket- C: I’m going to be doing a lot of newer your collaborations with Peaches, Manila to show off in your music vids? ball shorts with a tank top or something with songs. I’m going to be doing some songs that Luzon, and others. What makes you so C: It depends on if I’m going to be making a lot of Chihuahuas. I said, “Why don’t we fo- I’m going to be pushing as singles over the good at playing well with others? a music video or not [laughs]. Because if I’m cus on one thing?” That’s my motto. Keep it next three or four months and some that are C: First of all, thank you for being a jour- not making a music video, I like to slack off. simple and see how it goes. newer. I’ve never before performed “The Bis- nalist who does his research. I appreciate that I’ll tell you right now, I’m not a natural at the GS: Ice Cream Truck underwear is fea- cuit” live. I’ve never done “Dance Like You’ve [laughs]. I enjoy working with other people gym. But I do enjoy it more lately, because tured prominently in the new music video Got Good Credit” for them. I’ll be able to do and I enjoy writing for other people. It’s a lot I’ve been boxing. I like having an activity to for “Downtown.” “Downtown” and “Hot Homo.” I’m going to do easier to write for others than it is for myself do. I like classes. I like learning something C: Sure is! Thanks for noticing. a really sickening job. I’m excited to get back because I’m less afraid of what the judgment while I’m doing it and I like being in a class GS: What else can you tell me about into the swing of performing all these Pride will be. with other people. I’m really proud of myself that video? shows and to connect with the audience and GS: Manila Luzon is featured on your that I keep up in the class. I would say I work C: I’ll tell you the story of that video. I re- sing some new songs. t 16 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 26, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com lively arts // screen savor

fect microcosm of bullying at its root. Andy Beverly Hills mom of Hannah (Jenny Lewis Breakfast in Beverly Hills and Bender are both bullied at home, for before she was an indie rock superstar) different reasons, and naturally take it out and soon to be ex-wife of Freddy (Craig T. By Gregg Shapiro / brain Brian (Anthony Michael Hall) and on each other, as well as Brian. This is one Nelson), embarks on an unexpected jour- There are many reasons that The Breakfast weirdo Allison (Ally Sheedy) – represent the of Hughes’ more insightful career moments. ney of bonding and self-discovery when Club (Universal), the late John Hughes’ 80s social strata that still exists today. Over He also deftly handles the subjects of teen she agrees to be a troop leader for the Bev- second film, remains so popular and be- the course of the film they begin to open up suicide, sexuality and drug use. Hughes’ erly Hills chapter of the Wilderness Girls of loved 30 years after its initial theatrical to each other, slowly and reluctantly at first, use of music (also essential in his Sixteen America. That doesn’t sit well with butch release. The story of five suburban high and discover that they have more in com- Candles and Velda (Betty mon than they first thought possible. Ferris Buel- Thomas, who school students spending almost nine The hours in detention on a Saturday (!) in the Under the watchful eye (and verbally ler’s Day Off), Breakfast would go on library at fictional Shermer High School, still abusive mouth) of Mr. Vernon (the late is in full effect Club to direct Long rings true, striking a nerve in viewers in and Paul Gleason), the quintet are given an es- here. in the Brady out of high school. say assignment and forced to stay in their The Break- flicks), a com- The students – popular girl Claire (Molly seats. Much to Vernon’s chagrin, his rules fast Club is an petitive and Ringwald), jock / “sporto” Andy (Emilio Es- are bent and broken. ensemble film condescend- tevez), stoner / punk Bender (Judd Nelson Bullying awareness is at an all-time in the truest ing troop lead- in a career-defining performance), nerd high now, and The Breakfast Club is a per- sense, but by er determined the end, you to crush Phyl- realize that lis. jo hn waters: take them out through the window with a it is method- Phyl- straight pride crane or something. I‘m kind of against actor Nelson’s lis’ ragtag – continued from page 1 them, too. I … try to be liberal but some- movie. Even troop, includ- times that is really going too far.” though he ing Hannah, son who prefers masturbation to sex with Speaking of definitions, Waters says never quite Chica (Carla other people.’ And I said, ‘Well, isn’t that juvenile delinquents aren’t the same as achieved this Gugino in her everybody?’ And they said, ‘No, an auto- when he filmed Johnny Depp in Cry-Baby. level of perfor- big screen sexual, if they ever have sex with another “What is a juvenile delinquent today? mance again, he can take comfort in what debut), Emily (a pre-Life Goes On Kellie person, they feel they have been unfaithful When I was young, you were a 50s Elvis he served up in The Breakfast Club. Blu-ray Martin) and others, rally around their well- to themself.’ This is the next battle with the type. Then it was hippies. And then punk. / DigitalHD bonus features include a pop- intentioned but clueless leader. However, Catholic church: I want to marry myself.” And then grunge. Then gangsters. But if up trivia track, feature commentary by Hall in between, Phyllis must endure a series of Standing onstage in the restored Sena- you’re a juvenile delinquent today, what and Nelson, a 12-part doc about the movie degradations and insults. tor Theatre, dressed in a tailored jacket with are you doing? You live with your parents. featuring cast and crew interviews titled The adults, including Phyllis’ maid Rosa a spotlight on him, Waters comes across as They haven’t seen you for six months. Sincerely Yours and a featurette about the (a pre-Will and Grace Shelley Morrison), a mix of Jerry Seinfeld, with his observa- They leave food outside your door. And origins of the Brat Pack. Jackie Collins-knockoff Vicki (Stephanie tional humor, and Michael Kors, with his you’re shutting down the government on There’s so much wrong with Troop Beacham), Velda’s mousy assistant Annie Project Runway tartness. He has a quick, your computer.” Beverly Hills (Sony Pictures Home Enter- (Mary Gross), Filipino dictator Bong Bong stream-of-consciousness delivery that al- He thinks there should be a Heterosex- tainment), from 1989, that it’s easy to un- (Ramon Sison), are essentially caricatures lows him to flow easily from one subject to ual Pride Day for straight people. derstand why lead actress Shelley Long’s of people populating late 80s Beverly Hills. the next, as if he’s at a cocktail party. “There are a lot of minorities that need career went into a tailspin for several years The coke-fueled cameos, including Pia Za- As far as kink is concerned, Waters our help,” he says. “Like straight people in afterwards. Long, who managed a success- dora, Cheech Marin, Robin Leach, Joyce says, he tries to be accepting, but he has Provincetown. I want to have a Heterosex- ful comeback in the mid-`90s, playing Carol Brothers, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Ted to draw the line sometimes. ual Pride Parade, in January, for parents Brady in The Brady Bunch Movie and The McGinley are laughable, and far from funny. “Adult babies? Uh oh. Lock them up. who say, ‘I’m so proud of my straight chil- Very Brady Sequel, and has been seen more Blu-ray bonus features consist of two fea- I’m not much into them,” he says. “Have dren.’…We’d have heterosexual folk danc- recently in ABC’s Modern Family, deserved turettes (including “Shelley Long Remem- you seen them? Three hundred pound es like the electric slide. And … straight better than this comedy without the laughs. bers Troop Beverly Hills”) and previously men in a baby bonnet and a bassinet? I’m guys who get dressed up like Burt Reyn- Phyllis (Long), a wealthy and entitled unseen deleted scenes. t like, oh no no no. Lock them up.” olds.” He doesn’t mind sploshers. For his latest book, Carsick, Waters “I like them all right. That’s people who hitchhiked from Baltimore to San Francis- have sex with food. I’m liberal. I mean, I co and wrote about his adventures along think we should encourage piggish men to the way. He encourages people to follow be sploshers… You can’t date rape a cook- his example. ie… Let them do it. Who cares?” “Hitchhike home tonight. I mean, really. But he has a problem with feeders and It’s green. You might meet a date. Go to gainers. the store or something. Just take a little “Feeders are chubby chasers” who are journey while you’re hitchhiking,” into S&M, he says. “The feeder has his Waters has concerns about the number partner, and they’re called a gainer. And of gay people in general. they keep feeding the gainer until he or “I think we have too many gay peo- she gets so fat that they can’t get out of ple,” he says.” I’m for coming in. We have bed. Then they put a funnel in their mouth enough! It’s not a numbers game. Let’s and then shove more food down into it … concentrate on quality, not quantity.” t until Richard Simmons has to come and Ed Gunts is a Baltimore-based writer.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 26, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 17 Lively Arts // out on screen Travel back in time – to 1993 – with Jurassic World b y Chuck Duncan Margaritaville and other major retailers) Jurassic World so far, and with earning the film’s one needlessly horrific death of a Any movie fan worth his weight has certain- and thousands of visitors enjoying relaxing almost a billion dollars worldwide in two peripheral character that makes one won- ly seen Steven Spielberg’s groundbreak- trips down a primordial river surrounded by weeks time, many have, is proclaiming this der exactly what that character did to de- ing dinosaur movie Jurassic Park. You docile, plant-eating dinosaurs, and excit- one of the greatest summer action mov- serve such an awful demise. It really puts may have seen it on the big screen when it ing tours among larger and a pall over the film because was released in 1993, or a few years ago faster creatures in gyro- What’s old’s it’s so out of place. when it was re-released in 3D, or on video scopic orbs. what’s new There’s also been a lot or television. Even if you haven’t seen it Of course, dinosaurs of yammering about the jyou’re probably familiar with it. are still being manufactured sexism on display in the The story concerned a rich old coot (courtesy of Dr. Henry Wu, way the film treats Bryce who bought and island in the middle of from the first movie) and Dallas Howard’s character the Pacific, set up a lab facility, and be- designed from scratch to be Claire, the aunt who is in gan engineering dinosaurs from preserved bigger and scarier, some- charge of keeping Juras- DNA in the hopes of one day opening the thing to give even the adults sic World financially viable. island as a theme park for dino-crazy tour- nightmares. The island’s It started with a tweet from ists. Except, it was the dinosaurs that were newest creation is called filmmaker Joss Whedon crazy and dangerous because the cloning the Indominus rex, small- (who, himself had been process also included the DNA from other er than a T-rex but much accused of sexism after species to fill in the blanks. Many people more frightening because the way Black Widow was die and the hope to bring visitors to the it’s smarter and can cam- handled in Avengers: Age island seems to die as well. Two sequels ouflage itself visually and of Ultron) who questioned followed, but they are inconsequential to from heat detecting sensors why Claire had to be the the new film Jurassic World. (courtesy of the designer damsel in distress. He only It’s 22 years later and the late John DNA). It also hunts for saw one scene out of con- Hammond’s dream did indeed come true sport. What could possibly text, and then apologized, as the island is now home to the Juras- go wrong? If you’ve seen Jurassic Park, ies ever made. Except it isn’t. It’s fun and but the issue has remained and it’s a sil- sic World theme park with a Main Street you’ll have a pretty good idea. entertaining and the CGI dinosaurs are as ly one. People complain about how she promenade (complete with Starbucks, It seems that everyone who has seen realistic looking as ever, but I’ve already dressed while running through the jungle. seen this movie. In 1993! The story is virtu- Umm, she was working when all hell broke ally the same right down to the two broth- loose, so she would naturally be dressed ers (replacing the brother and sister from business professional and wearing heels. the original) sent to the island to hang out It’s as simple as that. She really didn’t with their aunt (replacing the grandfather) have time to change while being chased while their parents are going through a di- around the island by things that want to eat vorce. The brothers even get trapped in a her. Claire is actually a strong female char- gyro orb, coming face to face with the I rex acter with a high position within the com- in a scene that apes the Jeep scene of the pany, and the skills plus a good head on original with the siblings and the T-rex. her shoulders to get herself and her neph- We have a new character in Chris ews out of danger. And she basically saves Pratt’s Owen, but he seems to be a bit of Owen and the kids (again) in the film’s last Sam Neill and Jeff Goldblum rolled into act. Take that as you will. one as he comments that building dino- When Jurassic Park came out, people saurs and keeping them in captivity is not were awed by the amazing computer gen- a good idea. The one new twist to the story erated effects combined with actual me- is Owen’s ability to train the original film’s chanical creatures that were on the screen stealth killing machines, the Raptors. He because we had never seen anything like is their Alpha, and he can actually take that before. them on a hunt as if they were a pack of The wow factor, at this point, is not bloodhounds. The only problem is they’re there because we can see pretty much just as intelligent as the I rex, so together anything any special effects artist can they could spell real trouble. Pratt, howev- imagine these days, so a few CGI dino- er, demonstrates that his on-screen charm saurs are no big deal. The effects are still and charisma was no fluke in Guardians of nothing to sneeze at and are quite realis- the Galaxy. tic, so the film certainly succeeds in that While, to me, Jurassic World is a tad department. too derivative of the original, there are I just wish someone had spent a little some bits and pieces here and there that more time developing a new story that are interesting and disturbing. The mas- didn’t feel like it needed to rely on the origi- sive aquarium housing an aquatic beastie nal so much. If you just want a big, summer was pretty cool, and the little nod to Spiel- popcorn movie, however, Jurassic World is berg as it munches on a Great White was worth the trip, even if it does give you a amusing. Not so amusing, however, was sense of deja vu. t

18 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 26, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts // qmusic

terful vocalist, performing Smith classics Stages and such as “Down Hearted Blues,” “Long Old Road,” “Preachin’ the Blues,” and “Young Woman Blues,” as well as classic perfor- Screens in 2015 mances by Louis Armstrong & His Hot Sev- By Gregg Shapiro en, Fats Waller & His Rhythm, and Sippie Lesbian cartoonist Alison Bechdel’s uni- Wallace as well as music preservationist versally lauded graphic novel Fun Home Vince Giordano. The disc closes with the might not seem like the most ideal candi- 2015 remix of “Gimme A Pig Foot & A Bot- date for a Broadway musical. The autobio- tle of Beer,” featuring Smith and Latifah. graphical story of Bechdel’s coming out in Not one, but two (!) Comden and Green college, her childhood growing up in her musicals are currently “On” Broadway. family’s funeral home (hence the title Fun Both revivals (and both Tony nominees), Home), and her complex relationships with 1978’s On the 20th Century and 1944’s On her parents, particularly her bisexual father the Town are certified hits. The double disc Bruce who committed suicide, is an emo- On the 20th Century: New Broadway Cast tional roller-coaster. But leave it to Jeanine Recording (PS Classics) stars Kristin Che- Tesori, who co-wrote new songs for the noweth, Peter Gallagher, Mary Louise Wil- Broadway musical Thoroughly Modern Mil- son, Mark Linn-Baker, and Andy Karl. The lie and collaborated with Tony Kushner on musical, about show people, is based on Caroline, Or Change, to bring it to fruition, Ben Hecht, Charles MacArthur and Bruce with lesbian book writer and lyricist Lisa Milliholland plays, adapted by Betty Com- Kron. Fun Home: A New Broadway Musi- den and Adolph Green (book and lyrics) cal (PS Classics), the original cast record- and Cy Coleman (music). On the Town: ing of the multiple 2015 Tony Award-nom- New Broadway Cast Recording (PS Clas- inated show, features Tony-winning actor sics), also a two disc set, based on an idea Michael Cerveris as Bruce, Tony-nominee by Jerome Robbins, features book and Judy Kuhn as Alison’s mother Helen, and lyrics by Comden and Green, with music three actresses as the lead character, by Leonard Bernstein. How can a musical identified as Small Alison (Sydney Lucas), featuring Jackie Hoffman be bad? For pure Medium Alison (Emily Skeggs), and Alison Broadway bliss, you can’t go wrong with (Beth Malone). To the credit of all involved, either of these cast recordings. Fun Home maintains the humor and trage- The D Train: Original Motion Picture dy of the book, honoring the original mate- Soundtrack (Lakeshore), from the unex- rial and brilliantly expanding the audience pectedly queer Jack Black / James Mars- for both the book and the show. den movie of the same name, opens with Chances are, if you love the consis- a new song co-written by Andy McCluskey tently quirky movies of Wes Anderson, (of OMD) and the film’s score composer including Rushmore, The Royal Tenen- Andrew Dost (of Fun fame). It’s a great and baums, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Moonrise King- infectious tune, owing as much to fun. as it dom, and The Grand Budapest Hotel, does to OMD. The next few selections are you probably have the same affection for 80s pop classics including OMD’s “So in the soundtracks to his movies. Alexandre Love,” Mr. Mister’s “Kyrie,” and the Vapors’ Desplat, who composed the score for The “Turning Japanese.” Dost’s 11 composi- Grand Budapest Hotel even won an Os- tions for the score are full of synthy melo- car for his work on that film. Anderson’s diousness and dramatic turns and are on 2007 film, The Darjeeling Limited, star- the right track. ring Adrien Brody, Owen Wilson and Jason After a string of mediocre films, Cam- Schwartzman, took the filmmaker’s eccen- eron Crowe needs a hit movie and his lat- tricity to another level. Therefore, it’s fit- est, Aloha, starring Bradley Cooper, Emma ting that The Darjeeling Limited: Original Stone, Rachel McAdams, and John Kra- Soundtrack (ABKCO), making its 2015 LP sinski could be the one. Songs of Aloha: debut on 180 gram vinyl, would also be on Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Lega- the unconventional side. A delightful blend cy), features songs by out Sigur Ros front- of 60s British Invasion (the Rolling Stones, man Jonsi (who also did the soundtrack the Kinks), classical, and “borrowed” film for Crowe’s We Bought a Zoo), as well as scores from the likes of Satyajit Ray and Beck, the Blue Nile, Fleetwood Mac, the others, The Darjeeling Limited soundtrack Tallest Man on Earth, Josh Ritter, and Kurt offers unlimited pleasures. Vile. However, it’s the Hawaiian music, in- Bisexual blues diva Bessie Smith is cluding “Alika” by Genoa Keawe, “Hano- given the biopic treatment in HBO’s Bes- hano Hanalie” by Alfred K. Alohikea and sie, starring Queen Latifah. Bessie: Music “I’ll Weave a Lei of Stars for You” by the from the HBO Film (Legacy) features Lati- Royal Hawaiian Serenaders that are the fah, who continues to develop into a mas- real treat. t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 26, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 19 Lively Arts // out on stage

Harper as Fastrada, Pippin’s conniving step- mother; Stephen Sayegh who works alternative- Extraordinary Pippin at the Hippodrome ly with Jake Berman as Catherine’s son Theo; and, of course, the skilled and acrobatic Players. By Steve Charing nasts who perform a wide array of daring aerial in the moving “Corner of the Sky” as well as The set, designed by Scott Pask consists If there is one word that describes the production stunts, pole climbing, and a host of other ath- “Morning Glow,” and “Extraordinary.” of a whimsical circus tent with all the equipment of Pippin that is currently gracing the Hippodrome letic body-contorting feats that are eye-popping. As Pippin’s father, Char- needed to carry out the amazing Theatre stage it is “spectacle.” And if I add a sec- Expertly directed by Diane Paulus, this lemagne, John Rubinstein totally stunts. ond word, then it would be “extraordinary.” musical has a charm that separates it from the enjoys his role. Mr. Rubinstein, Larry Hochman and his or- The enchanting musical that captured four others. It’s a play within the musical whereby who played Pippin in the original chestra ably supports the excel- Tony Awards in 1973, and 40 years later the a character named Leading Player (performed Broadway production, returns as lent vocals. Chet Walker’s Bob 2013 revival added four more including Best superbly by Sasha Allen, a top-five singer from the King who believes war is es- Fosse-style choreography is Revival of a Musical, has been touring the season four of The Voice) who is, as you’d ex- sential to holding the throne. After superb. Dominique Lemieux fit- country for nine months and now Baltimore pect, the lead performer of The Players. She he is killed by Pippin in an effort ted the company in dazzling audiences can enjoy this outstanding theatrical directs and produces the play as well as acts to seize the throne, The Leading eclectic costumes especially experience as a narrator for the audience, and has a defini- Player resurrects him. That tells those worn by The Players. With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz tive interest in Pippin. In the original production you something about the zany plot. Kenneth Posner’s vivid lighting and a book by Roger O. Hirson, Pippin, is a fan- of Pippin, that role was played by Ben Vereen, Another scene stealer is the and Jonathan Deans and Garth ciful tale about a young man, Pippin (played ex- who came away with a Tony. accomplished Adrienne Bar- Helm’s crystal clear sound de- ceptionally by Sam Lips), who is searching for Ms. Allen excels with her dancing and vocal beau as Pippin’s free-spirited, sign contributed to the joyful the meaning of life and in the process is seeking skills, comedic abilities and commanding pres- fun-loving, dirty-minded, trapeze experience. fulfillment. As the son of Charlemagne (King ence on the stage. Her rendition of “Glory” and hanging, exiled grandmother E xtraordinaire! This production of Pippin credit: Martha Rial Charles, the Emperor of the Holy Roman Em- her duet with Mr. Lips, in “On the Right Track” Berthe. Sassy and campy, Ms. excels in every area and should pire), one would think that Pippin would have showcases the talents of both. Barbeau delivers a mighty theat- not be missed. Its only flaw is all that he needs. In his mind he doesn’t, and Sam Lips, possessing striking good looks rical punch in her main scene and scores with that it’s only here for a short time. t his journey to be “extraordinary” is the central and a lithe, athletic physique, demonstrates her number “No Time at All.” Pippin runs through June 28 at the Hip- plotline. multiple talents as the lead. On stage for most Other cast members who turn in solid per- podrome Theatre (12 North Eutaw Street, Pippin is unique in that it features a travel- of the scenes, Mr. Lips delivers a high-octane formances include Erik Altemus as Pippin’s Baltimore). The play runs 155 minutes, with ing theatre troupe of circus-style performers, performance throughout with his movements half-brother Lewis; Kristine Reese as Catherine, intermission. For tickets, call Ticketmaster known as The Players. Among them are ac- on the stage and even in the circus sequences. a widow who brings Pippin into her home and at 800-982-ARTS or visit Ticketmaster.com robats, clowns, dancers, illusionists and gym- His rich tenor voice with a wide range is evident soars with her song “Kind of Woman”; Sabrina or BaltimoreHippodrome.com.

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Your money

walk the walk. Leaders are actively involved in company-wide wellness initiatives, they The More you walk or run alongside of their employees, pro- vide healthy eating choices at the workplace, Know About and encourage employees to get away from their desks to stretch or get their juices flow- Business ing. The “shadow of a leader” concept has a Richard Finger profound impact in this regard. So why am I so inspired today? I ran a local 5K race along with six employees that I work with. Eight weeks ago, we began train- Corporate ing for this event, some of us avid runners, some beginners, but we made the time to- Wellness gether fun, and we bonded as a result of it. Sure, we worked hard, sometimes putting our Programs lives on the line, running even when a severe thunderstorm warning was in effect. Not once I’m fairly certain I have written about corpo- did we discuss our weight, height, or choles- rate wellness programs in the past, but today, terol levels. We pushed each other, rooted for I am inspired to do so once again. Having one another, and over the transpiring weeks, recently attended a seminar on the topic, it a bond began to form. We were no longer just became obvious to me that most of the at- work colleagues, but friends, too. We even tendees, including myself, would agree that decided to keep our little group intact over the the wellness programs put in place today summer, keeping the momentum, and inspir- are too focused on biometric screenings, as ing our progress. By the way, we will receive such they are demotivating and punitive when 20 points towards earning enough credits for these programs focus only a health insurance dis- on the numbers, and not “Why am I so count for running the race. the person. My advice for any Well, this certainly did inspired today? company looking to intro- hit home for me, as just I ran a local 5K duce a wellness program two days prior to this sem- into the workplace is think inar, I had just taken my race along with six strategically about it. By annual biometric screen- focusing on employees ing. I learned that I suffer employees that I as people, and display- from high triglycerides. As work with. Eight ing a general concern for a result, I am not eligible their wellbeing by getting to receive full credit for a weeks ago, we involved, this will pay healthcare insurance dis- began training for dividends. If the end goal count for the screening. is to decrease spend on What a blatant example of this event, some of healthcare costs, de- a punitive action! Is it my manding that employees fault I am genetically pre- us avid runners, change their habits will disposed to this condition? some beginners, not yield this desired I’m sure if I am feeling this result. Ask employees angry, other employees but we made the directly what they would are feeling the very same like to see included in way for whatever condi- time together fun, the program. Is there a tion it is that they are fear- and we bonded as a better way to get them ful of having held against directly involved? If per- them. I could not relate in result of it.” missible, make the work- any way to my company place fun. In our cafe, we wellness program at that moment! have a ping pong table and a foosball table, The main takeaway from this seminar for both seem to get some regular use. Once in me was that I had no emotional connection a while, we do see our executive leadership to my company wellness program. This is the partaking in these games and it is quite nice key ingredient necessary for success. The to catch them in the act of having fun! t idea is not to focus on the numbers, but to focus on the fun, and the people. Our semi- nar speaker described an environment where employees are inspired and engaged about their wellness program. What caught my at- tention was a significant data point: compa- nies that do wellness well, talk the talk, and

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 26, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 23 real estate Charting a Foggy Future By Wayne Curtis real estate still beats other investments, in- For many years it has been a well-accepted cluding stocks, gold, bonds, and savings ac- social truth that real estate was the best, counts. But the gap is narrowing. most commonly followed route to build- Its easy to see why. There’s a generation ing personal and family wealth. Before it of young people whose only real memory crashed, last decade’s is of the last 20 years of real-estate boom caused “There are many frenzied real estate boom public preference for real and disastrous real estate estate over other forms of contradicting bust. And it just so hap- investment skyrocketing pens that this generation to 50%, according to the indicators that of young people is coming Gallup poll. In the immedi- fog up the future out of college with unprec- ate aftermath of the finan- edented student loan debt cial crisis, those sky-high of real estate as and stubborn unemploy- preferences had crashed ment. As a whole, they to 37% and falling. The an investment. In are stingy when it comes percentages have contin- the end, state and to their purchases. I’ve ued to fall ever since. been involved in several In the most recent federal actions multi-contract deals this Gallup poll on the subject, could be the pivotal year and, unlike past mar- conducted in April 2015, kets, the buyers resisted the preference rates for deciding factors.” the temptation to inflate real estate over other the price of the houses. forms of investment are hovering – depend- None of the successful contracts were for ing upon age and income – from the high 20s more than $100 over list price. to the mid-30s. (see chart below) The only So is real estate doomed to sink lower in real good news is that in most categories, public esteem? Not necessarily. This genera- tion is also seeing some of the highest rental rates for investor-owned housing. Construc- tion of new homes and new apartments is at record lows, and thanks to continuing low interest rates and rising rents, it is now much cheaper to buy a home in all major U.S. cit- ies than it is to rent one. If a buyer is able to put aside just a few dollars a month from their otherwise crushing schedule of debt payments, FHA loan programs, grants and low interest rates make buying an attractive alternative to renting, even if they are among those who have a more skeptical view of owning real estate. There are many contradicting indicators that fog up the future of real estate as an in- vestment. In the end, state and federal ac- tions could be the pivotal deciding factors, so it’s going to be of increasing importance for homeowners to stay engaged with what our lawmakers do. Real estate has been a reli- able way for average people to build wealth for retirement and for a legacy to bequeath to their heirs. If it’s going to stay that way, ev- eryone who owns their home will have to be paying attention to policies in Annapolis and Washington and making sure we clear away the confusion so the fog will lift. t Wayne Curtis has been a licensed real estate agent since 1998. In November, 2012, he was named a Realtor Hero by the National Association of Realtors for his work promoting homeownership in Baltimore. Send questions to him at [email protected].

24 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 26, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 26, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 25 dining out

I was feeling too health-conscious to order any alcohol, so I settled for an unsweetened iced-tea. I was very tempted to try some- thing from their extensive wine and cocktail Finger’s selections, but resisted. Food For dinner, we all tried something dif- ferent. I ordered the Cedar-Plank Roasted Salmon, served with roasted vegetables, crushed potatoes, dill mustard sauce, and Season 52 grilled lemon ($20.50), while my dinner com- 10300 Little Patuxent Highway panions had the Wood-Grilled Pork Tender- Columbia, Maryland loin, served with sweet potato mash, sauté 410-715-1152 of bacon, French green beans, cippolini on- Seasons52.com ions, zesty jus ($17.75); and the Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon, served with a trio of roasted by Richard Finger mushrooms, Yukon Gold mash, roasted as- I had not heard of Seasons 52 until recently, paragus, red wine sauce ($26.95). We were and was quite surprised to learn that it is a all impressed with the freshness and qual- chain of restaurants across the country from ity of our meals, not usually experienced Los Angeles to Orlando and as far north as at chain restaurants. All meals were burst- Burlington, Massachusetts. We are fortunate ing with natural flavors, as advertised. If I to have a location in nearby Columbia, or fur- have any criticism of the meal, I did expect ther south in Bethesda, if you’re ever down a slightly larger portion given the price, but it that way. Seasons 52 seems I was alone in describes itself as “a “Seasons 52 definitely this sentiment. celebration of what’s Seasons 52 of- good now. Season- gets two thumbs up fers a wide variety of ally-inspired ingre- from me. It didn’t soups, salads, appe- dients at their peak tizers, and main meal of freshness. Rustic bother me to pay a entrees. Another cooking techniques unique feature seen that bring out natural slighter higher price for at this restaurant are flavors. And an ever- better quality of food the Chef’s Sugges- changing selection of tions listed alongside global wines. All in a compared to typical the main menu. Some casually sophisticat- of these include as- ed setting.” offerings from other paragus soup (cup After fighting for chain restaurants, i.e., $4.95, bowl $5.95), a parking spot at the lobster & fresh moz- Columbia Mall and TGI Fridays, Applebee’s, zarella, roasted dodging a thunder- sweet peppers, sliv- storm, I walked into or Chili’s.” ered scallion, lobster Seasons 52 and felt sour cream ($14.95), myself quickly relaxing. For a weekday eve- and an entree ($29.95). The chef has even ning, the restaurant was packed and there recommended some entree accompani- were even several people on a wait list for ments and craft / local beers, but rather than a table. We had arrived early from our res- tell you about them, you should come see ervation time, so took a seat at the bar. That for yourself. evening, there was a live performance of a Seasons 52 definitely gets two thumbs piano-playing singer. She was quite good, up from me. It didn’t bother me to pay a with a soulful voice that reminded me of slighter higher price for better quality of food Adele. The evening was off to a wonderful compared to typical offerings from other start. chain restaurants, i.e., TGI Fridays, Apple- After only one drink, we were escorted to bee’s, or Chili’s. With the added bonus of our table towards the back of the restaurant. live music, and some exciting drink options, Our view was of the kitchen, with only a thick I will definitely be going back to “discover glass separating us from all the activity. We what is good now.” t sat for just a few minutes, and all of us in our small dinner party of three commented that it felt too warm. Moments later, our server returned to take our drink order, and she mentioned it felt too hot in the restaurant, and would ask to turn up the air conditioning. Having just run three miles prior to dinner,

26 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 26, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 26, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 27 Tickets are just $1 each. The drawing will be held at The Loft at Grand Central on Friday, December 4 during Daddy Christ- mas 2015. Leather Next up for the ShipMates is the an- Line nual kick off of Baltimore Pride bar night. Rodney Burger Get ready to celebrate Pride with the Ship- Mates at Leon’s starting at 9 p.m. on Fri- day, July 24. If you would rather escape from the crowds at Baltimore Pride, the Leather is Hot! weekend of July 24 to 26 is also Leather Weekend 2 at The Woods Campground in One would think that summer is not a good Lehighton, Pennsylvania. time for leather folks. After all it gets hot On June 19 Mr. Maryland Leather and sticky in the Mid-Atlantic area and 2015 Greg King continued his MML’s His- who would want to put on leather in this tory Class at The Loft above Grand Cen- weather? The leather community is not tral and interviewed Mr. Maryland Leather seasonal and even though it is warming 1999 David Allen. It was another fun eve- up outside, lots of leather events are on ning of stories and remembrances from the schedule and available to make your Maryland’s leather history. Next up is an summer even hotter. I am often reminded interview with longtime leather community of a few years ago when I saw a current member and Mr. Maryland Leather 2000 leather titleholder at Baltimore Pride in Robert Guenther on Friday, July 17 at 8 khaki shorts and a t-shirt. When I asked p.m. at The Loft. Robert has been involved him why he was dressed down he replied in the local leather community since the that he was “incognito.” Real leather folks 1970s so I am sure he has many stories to ShipMates at ‘Ho, Ho in the Heat’ at Leon’s / Steampunk Alley are never incognito. We wear our leather tell about his leather journey. with pride and at Pride. So break out those Want to take a little journey out of town $5 cover after 10 p.m. so get there early. 3010 Washington Boulevard as part of the leather shorts and that leather harness and with the fun folks from COMMAND MC and On Friday, July 10 Mr. New Jersey Leather 6th annual Chesapeake Leather and Pride checkout some of these events. the ShipMates? The two clubs will be in- 2015 Thomas Fincannon will be hosting a weekend (CLAP). Recently added to the The ShipMates Club of Baltimore is vading Busch Gardens Williamsburg on benefit for the South Jersey AIDS Alliance popular Mid-Atlantic Woman Contest is already looking forward to Christmas and Sunday, June 28 and invite you to join in at the Rainbow Room located at 55 South the first ever Mid-Atlantic Puppy and Mid- kicked off their annual Daddy Christmas the fun. All you need to do is meet up with Bellevue in Atlantic City. The evening will Atlantic Handler Contest which is being fundraiser on Friday, June 19 with “Ho Ho the club members at the main gate at 9:30 begin at 7:30 with a leather workshop fol- produced by Mid-Atlantic Kennel Korps in the Heat” at Leon’s / Steampunk Alley. a.m. to be eligible for the group rate of $49 lowed by a bar night at 9. (MAKK). CLAP weekend will also include The ShipMates are off to a great start rais- per person. (The regular admission price Saturday, July 18 will bring the 3rd an- play parties, a cookout, a kinky flea mar- ing money for Health Care for the Home- is $75.) You will have a fun day with some nual “Kink D’Soleil” at Diamonz Bar & Grill ket, and displays from the Johnson Carter less (Hchmd.org), which was selected as leather folks. After this the park may have at 1913 Broad Street in Bethlehem, Penn- Leather Library. More details are available this year’s Daddy Christmas charity. The to change the name to Butch Gardens! sylvania. This event gets bigger every year on Facebook or at Baltimoreplayhouse. bar was packed. There was a silent auc- More details can be found on Facebook and combines kinky carnival games with com. tion, porn flea market, Jell-O shots, raffle under: Command MC and ShipMates take live performances from area leather clubs. These are just a few of the leather tickets for a wagon of cheer, and Santa over Busch Gardens or email Charles King The evening benefits the Bradbury-Sullivan events going on in our area this summer. pictures with a very hot Mr. D.C. Eagle at [email protected] to reserve LGBT Community Center, House of Dove, The leather community will also be out in 2015 Dan Ronneberg filling in for Santa. I your ticket. Also coming up this weekend and SisterSpace. Coming up in Baltimore force for the Baltimore Pride Parade on Sat- also need to thank Frank, one of my read- is the Highwaymen TNT’s bar night at the on the weekend of August 28 – 30 is the urday, July 25. I hear that there may also ers who dropped off some wonderful items Green Lantern in Washington on Satur- Mid-Atlantic Leather Woman 2015 Contest be a Baltimore Eagle float in the parade for the silent auction! You still have time to day, June 27. Enjoy a fun evening with this which is being held on Saturday, August 29 this year. You don’t want to miss it. Those get in on the raffle for the wagon of cheer. popular D.C. leather club. There will be a starting at 3 p.m. at Baltimore Playhouse, leather folks are going to look hot! t

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