March 2, 2018 | Volume XV, Issue 22

one the right to a job because Federal Appeals Court: You they are attracted to someone of the same sex is a form of sex dis- crimination, plain and simple. “We will continue pushing this Can’t Be Fired for Being issue until every LGBT person in this country benefits from the pro- On Monday, February 26th, in a 1964 Civil the case before the Second Circuit. tection that our federal law pro- ten-to-three decision, the full Sec- The Second Circuit ruling is the vides by its plain terms against ond Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Rights Act latest in a trend of rulings clarifying because of a per- that discrimination on the basis that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act son’s sex, including their sexual of violates the covers covers adverse treatment that takes orientation.” Civil Rights Act of 1964, the fed- sexual an employee’s gender into account, In the opinion filed today, eral law that prohibits employers including firing men, but not women, Chief Judge Katzmann writes: from discriminating against em- orientation for the same thing: being romantical- “Although sexual orientation ployees on the basis of sex, race, ly attracted to men. discrimination is ‘assuredly not color, national origin, and religion. “Today’s opinion is a huge victory in the the principal evil that Congress The ruling comes in the case of the late fight for equality and fairness for all LGBT was concerned with when it en- Victory in Federal court – Rachel Tiven, Lambda Legal Donald Zarda, a skydiving instruc- workers,” said Lambda Legal’s Greg Nevins. acted Title VII,’ ‘statutory pro- head, outside the 2nd Circuit Court with Lambda’s Omar tor who was fired from his job because he was “Another federal court of appeals has recog- hibitions often go beyond the Gonzalez-Pagan, Greg Nevins, Don’s partner William, the gay. Lambda Legal filed a friend-of-the-court nized that federal law protects LGBT people principal evil to cover reasonably estate’s lawyer Gregory Antollino, and Lambda’s Sharon brief in support of Zarda’s estate and argued from discrimination because denying some- comparable evils.’ In the context McGowan. —continued on page 4

By Bill Redmond-Palmer was gay but growing up in a strict I’ve known Bob Ford a long time, and while Catholic family I didn’t come out Bob Ford – I’d say he’s one of the most recognized Keeping until after college. people in the Baltimore LGBTQ community, How did you get interested in ‘Apathy is the Dems accountable but also someone very politics? to LGBTers! few people know much I’ve been interested about. It can’t be easy An interview with in politics since I was a to shine when your Democratic Party youth and was inspired Our Enemy’ husband is Steve by John F. and Robert F. Kennedy. LGBTQ candidate elected to any citywide of- Charing, someone insider Bob Ford Growing up in the Canton neigh- fice. most everyone in the borhood of Baltimore, I was familiar In addition, I wrote an article analyzing the community knows! I with many of the local politicians. I mayoral race between William Donald Schae- invited Mr. Ford to share his own story. received a scholarship from a local state sena- fer and Judge Billy Murphy as it pertained to Bill Redmond-Palmer: Have you tor, and that spurred my interest. Also, my aunt the gay and community. A portion of been in the Baltimore area all your was an activist during the “Save Fells Point” it was quoted in an editorial in the September life? effort and was involved in the Barbara Mikulski 8th, 1983 edition of the Baltimore Evening Sun Bob Ford: I was born in Sioux City, campaign for city council. that was titled, “Courting the ‘gay vote.’” Iowa, but my family moved to Baltimore When Steve was editor of the Gay Paper, You’re just finishing a term on the Dem- when I was an infant, so I’ve essentially I wrote several political analyses of the 1983 ocratic Central Committee (DCC) in How- lived in the Baltimore area all my life. I citywide elections. At the time there was the ard County. What are you are proud of hav- attended St. Casimir’s Grade School Baltimore Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club, ing accomplished? and Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. I which had hosted a forum for 22 Democratic Howard County is a very diverse and polit- then graduated from the University of candidates vying for city council. In my opin- ically active community. I’m proud of the diver- Maryland Baltimore County receiving a ion an organization like this is still needed in sity and quality of the Democratic candidates BA in political science. I always knew I Baltimore since there’s never been an openly —continued on page 10 Co-Publishers Jim Becker • Jim Williams [email protected]

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

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

Arts and Entertainment Editor Frankie Kujawa [email protected]

Leather Editor Rodney Burger [email protected]

Contributing Writers for Baltimore OUTloud Ava Barron-Shasho • Janan Broadbent, Ph. D. Josh Buchbinder • Anthony Calo • Lee Carpenter Jeffrey Clagett • Wayne Curtis • Woody Derricks Chuck Duncan • John Redmond-Palmer • Dr. Eva Hersh Mark S. King • Brother Merrick Moses Frankie Kujawa • Sage Piper • David Placher Mark Segal • Gregg Shapiro • Bill Redmond-Palmer David Egan • Elyse Buchbinder • Dr. Loren Olson Alex “Bear” Conley • Brynn Deveraux

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

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

Graphics Ramon Montiel

Web Editor Adam Romanic Computer Solutions for Less

National Advertising Rep Rivendell Media 908-232-2021

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

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

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

© 2018 – All rights reserved Chair of the Board of Trustees – Jim Becker President – Jim Williams Secretary and Treasurer – Mike Chase

2 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com news // LOCAL

today. The Rugby 101 for book includes stories of the and transves- tite commu- Maybe you’ve seen them play, or at the nities in the ● Elder Law bars, on the apps and social media, or years follow- ● Estate Planning maybe you haven’t seen them before. Ei- ing World War ther way, the Baltimore Flamingos Rugby II, trans rad- ● Family Law Team invites you to join the flock on Sun- icalism and ● Guardianship day, March 11th, from 1 to 3 pm, when they social change from 1966 with the publica- ● Mediation tion of The Transsexual Phenomenon, the era of identity politics from the mid-1970s ● Medicaid Planning & Qualification to 1990, and the shifts in attitudes in the ● Personal Injury 2000s. “This requisite addition to any book collection is essential to understand- ● Probate ing the past, present, and future of the ● Veteran's Benefits struggle for trans liberation,” says a blurb ● LGBTQIA Matters for the book. “This history includes infor- mative sidebars highlighting quotes from Call ERA Law Group Today major texts and speeches in (410) 919-1790, or visit us at history and brief biographies of key play- ers, together with excerpts from transgen- 1997 Annapolis Exchange Pkwy, will host their Rugby 101 event at 800 Ba- der memoirs and discussion of treatments Suite 300, Annapolis, MD 21401 yard Street, Baltimore. of transgenderism in popular culture.” For t The Baltimore Flamingos, the first in- more info, visit Bit.ly/2sUSeiP. Valerie E. Anias, Esq. ternational gay rugby team in Maryland, is looking for guys from all experience levels, [email protected] ranging from “I’ve never played a sport in my life,” to “I love sports, its about time I gave rugby a try,” to “Saturday’s a rugby Queer Brunch day!” Wear athletic clothes you don’t mind GET PREPPED ON PrEP: getting dirty and cleats or sneakers. Be at Towson U, sure to bring plenty of water to drink. The A TOWN HALL MEETING ON Flamingos will teach you the basics of the game, answer all your questions about the March 11th HIV PREVENTION & PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS team, and give a live rugby demonstration. Join us to learn about the latest exciting news on HIV Prevention & PrEP Afterwards they invite you to join them Join the Center for Student and for men who have sex with men and for transgender people. at their sponsor bar, the Baltimore Eagle the Office of Student Activities at Towson Tell us what you think and feel about HIV Prevention & PrEP. Night Club and Bar, to socialize, eat, and University for their Queer Brunch, on Sun- drink! day, March 11th at noon. Learn more at Baltimoreflamingos.org.t The event will be held in the Ches- DATE: March 28th apeake rooms of the University Union at Towson University (8000 York Road, Tow- TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. son). Trans History: The entertainment will be hosted by Shaunda Leer and will feature Sapphire LOCATION: The Waxter Center Bleu, Venus Fasfrada, Marbella Lopez, 1000 Cathedral Street at Eager Street Susan Stryker, Washington Heights, Whimsy Thrift, Pari- ah Sinclair, and Bambi Galore. Baltimore, MD 21201 The first 150 student tickets are free. March 6th Tickets are $10 for non-students and are Food and refreshments will be provided available at Bit.ly/TUqueerbrunch. t A new revised edition of the 2008 book Hosted by Transgender History: The Roots of Today’s AIDS Action Baltimore Revolution provides the foundation for a talk by author Susan Stryker on March 6th, Sponsored by from 7:30 to 9 pm at Red Emma’s Book- Chase Brexton Health Care, Center for Black Equity-Baltimore, GLCCB, store (30 West North Avenue). Her book Johns Hopkins Center for AIDS Research & REACH Initiative, takes readers on a chronological journey Supported by funding from Gilead Sciences, Inc. through major trans movements, writings, Now, isn’t a ‘queer brunch’ really a and IMPACT a Baltimore City Health Department Campaign and events from the mid-20th century to redundancy?

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 3

Select Chase Brexton Health Care patients deemed most in need may be eligible for digital breast cancer screenings through a mobile mammography van to be located at the Chase Brexton Mount Vernon Center on September 28th. The screenings are provided in partnership with Lackawan- na Mobile X-Ray and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Breast can- cer is the second most common cancer in women, and mammograms are capable of finding it up to three years before it can be felt. The Center for Disease Control recommends mammograms every two years for women age 50 and older who are at average risk for breast cancer. The staff of Chase Brexton encour- ages their patients to remember that ear- ly detection saves lives! Any patient who feels they may quality should contact their Chase Brexton provider or call 410-837- 2050 for more info. t news // local

Federal Appeals Laverne show in the world. It presents internationally- The chorus is under the direction of Caite Cox known antique bottle dealers from 25 states Debevec, with accompaniment by Paul Ba- Court: You Can’t Be and three foreign countries. In 2017, over roody. Soloists include Cole Reilly, Avery Kro- 1,000 attended the show. use, and Nathan Bradley. Fired for Being Gay Admission is $5, with kids under 12 free. Ticket are $20 for all seats and are avail- Youngsters will receive a free bottle to begin able at App.arts-people.com/index.php?- —continued from page 1 their collection. The club will also provide a show=85004. Or learn more at Bit.ly/2H- of Title VII, the statutory prohibition extends to bottle appraisal service – shades of “Antique P1SXq. t all discrimination “because of ... sex” and sex- Roadshow” – inside the venue at no addition- ual orientation discrimination is an actionable al cost. subset of sex discrimination. We overturn our Food is available and there’s free parking. prior precedents to the contrary to the extent The facility is handicapped accessible. Howard they conflict with this ruling.” This show features antique bottles in In April, in a landmark decision, the full all categories, such as whiskey flasks, inks, Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in fa- sodas, dairy bottles, beers, poisons, medi- County Pride vor of Kim Hively, a math instructor in Indiana cines, bitters, food bottles, and barber bot- who was fired for being a lesbian. tles – mostly from the 19th century, prior to Lambda Legal’s involvement in this case, machine-made production. In addition, there Input March as well as Hively v. Ivy Tech and Evans v. will be other glass products, stoneware, jars, Georgia Regional Hospital, is a part of a na- insulators, tins, advertising, brewerania, small tional effort to establish and enforce employ- antiques and post cards. 15th ment discrimination protection for all LGBT Many of the bottles were dug from priv- Cox is the first of color to people and everyone living with HIV. ies where houses once stood. Baltimore was produce and star in her own TV show, VH1’s In addition to the sexual orientation cas- a leading manufacturer of bottles during the Howard County, Maryland, plans to hold its “Transform Me,” and the first trans woman of es, these efforts include an historic win for 19th century with the Baltimore Glassworks at first Pride Festival in 2019. What do commu- color to appear on an American reality tele- transgender workplace rights in Glenn v. Federal Hill as the principal factory. nity members think when vision program, VH1’s “I Wanna Work for Brumby and the current lawsuit Karnoski v. For more info, contact Steve Charing at they hear “Howard County Diddy.” In addition to her acting, Cox is a re- Trump challenging the ban on transgender [email protected] or visit Baltimorebot- Pride 2019”? Organizers nowned speaker and has taken her message troops. tleclub.org. t want to hear on Thursday, all over the country of moving beyond gender Lambda Legal also launched Out at Work, March 15th at the Owen expectations to live more authentically. a campaign to support Jameka Evans in her Brown Interfaith Center Doors open at 6 pm for Towson University pursuit for justice, bring awareness to LGBT (7246 Cradlerock Way, Columbia). For more OneCard holders, and at 6:30 for the general people everywhere of their Title VII rights, info visit Hocopride.org. public. For more info, visit Bit.ly/2CJNGeC. t and assert that all people have the right to a Baltimore job with dignity, free from repercussions for who they are or whom they love. t Men’s Chorus Laverne Cox at LGBT Chamber World’s Goes ‘Bad Towson U, of Commerce Largest One- Cabaret’ March 13th Happy Hour The Baltimore Men’s Chorus will go delight- fully bad, as they bring you “a cabaret event Day Bottle to die for,” March 9th from 8 to 10 pm at the Award winning actress and producer La- Maryland’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce Spotlighters Theatre (817 St. Paul Street) for verne Cox speaks at Towson University on will hold their monthly networking happy hour Tuesday, March 13th, from 7 to 10 pm (at the event on Thursday, March 15th from 5:30 to Show, SECU Arena, 4 Auburn Drive, Towson). The 7 pm the at West Madison Craft event is free and open to the public, and no Beer and Wine Bar (311 tickets are required. West Madison Street, March 11th Cox is best known for her work on the crit- Baltimore). Admission ically acclaimed Netflix series “Orange is the is free for members, Baltimore Antique Bottle Club’s 38th Annual an evening of “songs from the darker side, the New Black.” She is the first trans woman of but the group request Show and Sale comes to the Essex Campus music of your favorite villains from stage and color to have a leading role on a mainstream that everyone register. of the Community College of Baltimore Coun- screen.” scripted TV show. She currently stars in Non-member tickets ty (7201 Rossville Boulevard, at the Physical “We’re excited to show Baltimore that we “Doubt,” a CBS legal drama where she plays are $13. There will be Education Center, Baltimore) on Sunday, can get a little bad,” said Avery W. Krouse, Cameron Wirth, a trans Ivy League-educated a cash bar. More at Bit. March 11th from 8 am to 3 pm. the chorus’s VP. “There will be tons of laughs, lawyer who’s both competitive and compas- ly/2HNOvXz. Over 300 tables are displayed at the great ghoulish music, and more than a few sionate. “Doubt” is the first broadcast series The Maryland LGBT Chamber of Com- event, making it the largest one-day bottle surprises.” featuring a transgender regular character merce “empowers and promotes LGBT pro- played by a transgender actor. fessionals in the Maryland marketplace.” t 4 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com beyond the beltway

compiled by Jim Becker that have nothing to do with public health broken down based on sexual orientation, and have everything to do with politics.” men smoke more than women in each cat- The policy reversals also come af- egory. More than 30 percent of bisexual Trump ter President Donald Trump repeated- men and women report they smoke, and ly pledged during his campaign that he a little more than 25 percent of gay men dismantles would support LGBT causes. “Thank you and transgender men report they smoke. to the LGBT community!” Trump tweeted On the lower end, more than 15 percent of LGBT-friendly in June 2016. “I will fight for you while Hil- heterosexual men smoke and a little less lary brings in more people that will threat- than 15 percent of heterosexual women health policies en your freedoms and beliefs.” (Seattle smoke. But the surprise is that just over 10 Gay News – Mike Andrew at Sgn.org) percent of transgender women report they RIP Thomas Washington, DC – The Trump admin- smoke, the lowest among all categories istration is moving decisively to dismantle studied. miliar with Thomas, said it was a 30 year all Obama-era policies supporting LGBT Drope said 40 million people still are love story “that should be celebrated.” He health care. First, Trump’s Department of Smoking among addicted to cigarettes. “Thirty percent of added: “Prior to Henrietta turning up they Health and Human Services (HHS) discon- all cancer deaths are smoking attributable,” had about 18 happy gay years together.” It tinued LGBT-related health data collection, LGBT people he said. Most people associate lung can- is understood there is now talk of plans to which provided a window into health sta- cer with smoking, but 16 forms of cancer bury his body next to his soulmate Henry tus and discrimination affecting the LGBT higher than can be triggered by tobacco use, includ- in the park where they lived for all those ing breast, colon, prostate, cervical, blad- years. Meanwhile, tributes have been der, kidney, stomach, liver and a variety of pouring in for Thomas from around the Flag-waver or other groups flag ripper? cancers of the mouth and throat. Smoking world. (Indy100.com Darin Graham at , – Smoking has decreased related cardio-vascular diseases are even Indy100.com/article/blind-bisexu- among the general population in the US, more likely to occur. ( Voice – David al-polyamorous-goose-thomas-new-zea- from 42 percent of all people in 1965 to Taffet at Dallasvoice.com) land-henry-black-swan-wellington-bird-re- 15 percent in 2015, according to a new habilitation-8202691) study released by the American Cancer Society. But despite the overall decrease, a much higher percentage of LGBT people Blind, bisexual are smoking than are heterosexuals. In his Phallic statues community. “A lot of people think data are study “Who’s still smoking? Disparities in goose involved really boring. But data are fundamental, adult cigarette smoking prevalence in the best meme of especially to public health,” said Kellan ,” Jeffrey Drope, vice presi- in love triangle Baker, a researcher at the Johns Hopkins dent of economic and health policy at the the Olympics School of Public Health who worked with American Cancer Society, found a number dies at 40 the HHS on LGBT issues for nearly a de- of reasons LGBT individuals smoke more. Pyeongchang, South Korea – In a re- cade. “The only way to have the evidence Those include the stress of living in a hos- Johnsonville, New Zealand – Can cent story New York magazine says if you you need to prioritize and spend wisely to tile society, advertising targeting the LGBT this be real? We hope so! Indy100.com think that the Olympics were about foster- address disparities is to have data about reports that a blind bisexual goose named ing international community and champion- those disparities.” Thomas has died in New Zealand at the ing feats of physical greatness, you’ld be The Trump administration swiftly froze age of 40. He spent six years in a love wrong. The Olympics are about one thing a series of LGBT-friendly rules, including triangle with two swans and helped raise and one thing only: memes. Today, Select proposed new regulations to further ban their dozens of babies. Years ago, Thom- All is proud to present a meme which tru- discrimination in Medicare and Medic- as segregated himself from other geese ly captures the purest spirit of the games aid. A regulation that would have allowed and instead chose a black male swan dating back to ancient Greece – where ath- transgender HHS staff more protections named Henry as his lifelong mate for 24 letes competed in the nude – three statues when using the department’s bathrooms years. When Henry fell in love with another that look suspiciously like, well, they look and other facilities also was ignored. The swan, Henrietta, Thomas stayed with the like dicks. Trump administration also reinterpreted pair and helped raise their cygnets up until Located in front of the Alpensia Ski the ACA’s Section 1557 anti-discrimination Henry died in 2009. Jumping Center in Pyeongchang, the stat- mandate, with the White House declining community and promoting tobacco prod- Thomas finally retired to the Wellington ues are called “Bullet Man.” BuzzFeed re- to fight a court battle to enforce it and sig- ucts in gay bars. Bird Rehabilitation Trust (WRBT) sanctu- ports they’ve been around since 2009 and naling that it would roll back the rule. Then Smoking rates across the US vary ary in 2013 and he eventually went blind. supposedly were inspired by “the human in January, the HHS established a new based on a number of factors. Smoking The WRBT confirmed with Indy100.com desire for a cool body.” Which, sure, if by “religious liberty” division to defend health is higher among economically disadvan- that Thomas passed away on February 3rd. “cool body” you meant a giant silver penis workers who have religious objections taged people compared to wealthier peo- It announced the sad passing on Face- then job well done. You nailed it, South to treating LGBT patients. The chang- ple. Among racial groups, Native Ameri- book on Tuesday: “We have loved having Korea. es at the HHS represent “rapid destruc- cans have the highest rates of smoking, Thomas as a part of the WBRT family and Bullet Man has reached meme status tion of so much of the progress on LGBT and Hispanics have the lowest. Those with have treated him with extra special love in Japan, BuzzFeed also reports, where health,” Baker warned. “It’s only a matter college degrees smoke less than those and care! He lived for corn on the cob and they have been nicknamed a rough trans- of time before all the gains made under the without. And the LGBT community smokes if it wasn’t there when we put him back into lation of Korean for “I don’t know” spelled Obama administration are reversed under at a much greater rate than heterosexuals his house at night, he was not happy. out in Japanese. Apparently, “I don’t know” the Trump administration, for purposes – with one big exception. When smoking is Birdwatcher Mik Peryer, who was fa- —continued on page 9

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 5 VoiceVoice ofof thethe CenterCenter Board Profile –Merrick Moses

Merrick Moses is one of the GLCCB’s latest Br. Merrick Moses is an ordained Old He was the first Black field organizer board members. As way to get the community Catholic Priest, writer, community activist for Equality MD, MD’s LGBT civil rights or- to get to know him better we him some ques- and teacher living in Baltimore, MD. This ganization. Br. Merrick was a co-chair of tions. Here is what he had to say: native New Yorker is a graduate of Morgan Creating Change 2012, the National Con- State University with a Bachelor of Sci- ference on LGBT equality founded and 1. Briefly describe yourself. (What are ence degree in Psychology and a minor in produced by the National Gay and Lesbi- the basic things that an OUTloud reader and Spanish language. Br. Merrick was one of an Task Force. He was vice chairperson the community as a whole should know about the first Black Transmen ordained within of Baltimore. Black Pride in 2012, the first you?) the Old Catholic Movement in Baltimore. Transman to hold that position in the 15 year history of Black Pride in Baltimore. Br Merrick is currently on the volunteer leadership team of Black Transmen Inc. MD/DC Chapter. He is also a Community Liaison in the Office of the State’s Attorney Merrick Moses for Baltimore City. 2. What is your personal philosophy? 9. What is your 9-5 job? If you could do Spirituality supports reality. another job for just one day, what would it be? 3. What’s one thing you couldn’t live I am a victim advocate for the Office without? of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City, The Gospel Marilyn J. Mosby, State’s Attorney. 4. What is the greatest challenge you 10. What would you most like to tell have had to overcome in your life thus far? yourself at age 13? Overcoming internalized Hold on because God loves you. and 12. How do you define success? 5. What is your greatest fear? Being a compassionate and loving State sanctioned murder of LGBTQ human being is my definition of success people 6. Where is your favorite place to be? If you would like to learn more about Mer- In a meditation space rick or the GLCCB board please come to our 7. What is your favorite thing to do? open GLCCB board meetings. Walking in a park while praying the rosary

6 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com THE LATEST UPDATES FROM THE GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY CENTER OF BALTIMORE AND CENTRAL MARYLAND

Events Calendar: March 2018 Sundays Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays Fridays Saturdays 03/06 03/07 03/08 03/02 03/03 03/04 03/05 Teen Art Group Free & Confidential Youth Against Oppression Crystal Meth Anonymous Alcoholics Anonymous HIV Testing 4:30pm-6:30pm Room 3 Narcotics Anonymous Youth Against Oppression 5:30pm-7:30pm Room 2 6:30pm-8:30pm Front Office [CMA] 5:00pm-8:00pm Lobby/ 11:00am-1:00pm Room 3 (YAO) Family Game Night 6:30pm-8:30pm Room 1 Lounge Giovanni’s Room Poetry Baltimore Pride Planning 4:00pm-6:00pm 6:30pm-9:30pm Lobby/ Gentle Mindful Yoga Workshop Committee Meeting Lounge Giovanni’s Room Open 3:30pm-4:45pm ($10) 6:30pm – 8:30pm Conf. Room 03/10 6:30pm-8:30pm ($5) Conf. Get SMART with iCHAT Mic featuring Jasmin Room 3 Room The Mankind Project Roberts MOCHA Men’s Group 03/12 6:30pm-8:30pm Room 1 6:00pm-8:00pm Conf. Room 7:00pm-10:00pm Room 4:00pm-7:00pm Room 3 03/11 Youth Against Oppression SILhouette TransBaltimore Art Rising Open Mic 7:00pm-10:00pm ($5) Room 3 3 ($5) (YAO) 7:30pm-9:30pm Room 3 7:30pm-9:30pm Room 3 Alcoholics Anonymous Narcotics Anonymous 4:00pm-6:00pm Sexual Compulsives Sistahs of Pride 5:00pm-8:00pm Lobby/ 11:00am-1:00pm Room 3 03/09 03/13 Anonymous 7:00pm-9:00pm Room 1 Lounge 7:00p-8:00pm Room 2 Gentle Mindful Yoga Breaking Bread Project Teen Art Group 03/15 6:30pm – 10:00pm Room 3 3:30pm-4:45pm ($10) 5:30pm-7:30pm Lobby/ 03/14 03/10 Youth Against Oppression Room 3 Lounge Free & Confidential HIV 4:30pm-7:00pm Room 3 03/16 Alcoholics Anonymous Testing Board of Directors 5:00pm-8:00pm Lobby/ 6:30pm-8:30pm Front Office Peculiar Blerd League Drop-in Case Management Meeting 6:00pm-9:00pm Room 3 Lounge The Mankind Project 10:00am-6:00pm 6:30pm-8:30pm Room 2 6:30pm-8:30pm Room 1 Baltimore Trans Masculine Alliance Sexual Compulsives Kalos Fitness Indoor 6:30pm-9:00pm Room 2 Bootcamp Anonymous 7:00p-8:00pm Conf. Room 6:30pm-7:30pm Room 3 Healing BMore Activists ($10) 6:30pm-8:30pm Room 3

GLCCB & Rainbow Families: Partnering to Connect LGBTQ+ Families & Prospective Parents in Baltimore & Central Maryland By Anthony Bonnetti & Mimi Demissew event-2811062. Also we will be having the Rainbow Families is excited to be partnering Baltimore King and Queen of pride reading a with the GLCCB. Rainbow Families’ mission children’s book. So, yes children are welcome is to support and connect lesbian, gay, bisex- to this event. ual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) par- It is our hope to use this potluck as a ents and prospective parents in the greater spring board to launch a new program at the DMV area through our programming. Rain- GLCCB dedicated to SGM families. SGM fam- bow Families provides programs including ilies have a unique set of issues from finding our Maybe Baby class for prospective par- affirming medical care practices or schools ents, social events, and discussion forums that recognize our unique family makeup. We for LGBTQ+ parents and prospective parents. hope this program will serve to fill a gap in our Therefore, we are partnering with GLCCB to community by providing a group that can act foster community connections among sexual as both a resource and support group. Not to and gender minority and LGBTQ+ families mention an affirming space to socialize. Ad- and prospective parents in the greater Balti- ditionally, we plan to have regular recurring more region. potlucks at the GLCCB. Additionally, Rainbow On Saturday, March 17 from 11:30 AM-1 Families will be at Baltimore Pride in June, PM, we will be hosting a Rainbow Families and we invite you to come learn more about Potluck and Gathering at the GLCCB. The the organization and sign up to volunteer to Rainbow Families Potluck & Gathering is your help bring more events and outings for our opportunity to connect with LGBTQ+ headed families to the Central Maryland area in the families in the Greater Baltimore & Central future and join the new program starting at the Maryland area. This informal get-together GLCCB. provides a venue for us to come together in Learn more about Rainbow Families community. Each family is requested to bring at www.rainbowfamilies.org. You can find a a dish to share and to BYOB (Bring Your Own regular list of GLCCB’s programs on our web- Non-Alcoholic Beverages). To RSVP for the site glccb.org and you can also join our mail- potluck go to: http://www.rainbowfamilies.org/ ing list by visiting our site.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 7 VoiceVoice ofof thethe CenterCenter viii. Sponsorship applications closing in May they can get a discount for being affiliated with the ix. Requiring sponsors to pay upfront center General Board Meeting b. Development [Chris W./Lorena] iii. David has been working to get an LGBT kickball i. Indicating that these committees have been league set up in Baltimore, starting in the Spring, activated the GLCCB would could fundraise somehow Tuesday, January 9th, 2018 2. Pro Bono legal counsel, willing to work as our ii. Chris would like clarification on what the iv. Lorena has submitted a list of grants to Mimi counsel, on hold with possible conflict of interest development committee is and what the v. Lorena suggests a LGBT Restaurant Week Start time: 6:30pm a. Reach out to a different law firm, depending on commitment entails (helps expand to central MD) approval from his firm iii. Lorena says that when the committee connived, vi. Jabari wants to introduce us to John Brothers of Estimated End time: 8:30pm vi. Financial Management they can talk about what is needed of the T Rowe Price, he gives operational grants of 25k 1. Working on filing 2017 tax return development committee 1. Mimi is set up to meet with him 1. OPENING ACTIVITIES 2. First annual audit placed on hold by request iv. Jabari said that Lorena cannot chair the 2. She has also met with Under Armor a. Call to order at 6:43pm for treasurer committee but can sit on the committee vii. Kenneth suggested that a lot of grassroots b. Roll call [Kayla] 3. Received another letter forgiving 10k, waiting c. By-Laws [Merrick, Chris W., David] orgs have been doing sustaining dinner i. Present on 2 responses i. Indicating that these committees have viii. Lorena suggest doing a “5 Gay” like a run, 1. Jabari Lyles vii. Grants been activated maybe a partnership with Charm City Run 2. Vanna Belton 1. We were awarded the BHT grant ii. By law considering that technically the ix. Partnership with a winery 3. Lorena De Leon a. Waiting on the amount, event it is development committee oversees all fundraising x. Pre-Pride community party, partner with some- 4. Kayla Tullis next Saturday iii. Finance and Audit committee should be one like The Crown 5. David Sugar 2. Award the YAR grant, 2,660k for YAO together or separate? xi. David has full access to the Essex Moose 6. Chris Weis (Called in) viii. Operation Budget iv. Edits to consider at February meeting, as Lodge as a resource for space ii. Absent 1. Waiting on board approval well as the finance committee xii. Partnering with the Aquarium, Baltimore Zoo, 1. Merrick Moses etc. 2. Anthony McCarthy ix. Fundraiser Vanna moved that the program committee become xiii. Give/Gets, talking through what that looks like 1. Raised $1,416 reinstated c. Program SWOT [Kenneth] 2. APPROVAL OF LAST MONTH’S MEETING 2. Chipotle $20.68 Lorena second the motion i. Lorena suggests that since the Programs Committee MINUTES [Jabari/Kayla] 3. End of the year ask $300 The board passed the motion has been reactivated, Kenneth and Vanna can sit down a. Kayla read the minutes, the following corrections 4. $500 donation for the youth program ii. Kenneth would like to talk about process and who were made: v. Vanna will be the chair of the Program should be involved (Key Stakeholders): i. ViiV $100,000 x. Lorena Committee 1. Program Facilitators to have input on our analysis ii. Private Meeting Dec 9th 1. Activating the finance and audit committee 2. Participants 2. Will consist of Lorena, Mimi, Chris Strietman and iii. Development Committee, co-chair Chris Weis 5. OLD BUSINESS 3. Staff (Program Manager) iv. 4 IRS penalties Vanna Belton a. Leadership Council [Jabari] 4. Kenneth v. Lorena made a motion to reactivate the program 3. Meeting over the next month doing GAP i. In attendance: 5. Core Volunteers committee (Did not carry) analysis 1. Kenneth iii. Lorena suggests putting a questionnaire that the Lorena made a motion to approve the minutes 4. Wants to go through a third party to do an audit 2. Jabari community can get from the center Vanna second 5. Having a meeting this Thursday 10am (Lorena, 3. Nate Chase Brexton iv. Strategic plan is expired but we are working in Motion passed Mimi and Chris Strietman) 4. Mark Free State Justice pieces to get a baseline 6. There will be monthly treasurer report given 5. Betsy LGBTChamber of Commerce by Lorena 3. REPORTS ii. Went very well but body language changed 7. UPCOMING EVENTS a. Programs Report [Kenneth] Kayla moved that the Financial AND audit commit- when they found out about how the council would a. Jan. 30th 6:30pm Sen Joan Carter Meet and Greet i. We had 603 people come into the center, big tee be reactivated (Separate entities) sit adjacent to the GLCCB board. Planning to meet b. Jan 22nd at 1pm Helping Hands Clothing Closet increase from 467 Vanna 2nd the motion again in February c. Feb 9th 7pm Meet and Greet with Mary Washington ii. Larger groups: The motion was passed iii. Lorena did not have information for the previous d. Feb 23rd Reginald F. Lewis Museum 5-8:30pm 1. AA 89 meeting and wanted to attend but Kayla will make Black Voice 2. NA 47 c. Board Report [Jabari] sure that the entire board will have all information i. New members on the board 3. Vogue night 30 in the future 8. STAFF iii. Cultural Event 1. Lorena b. Advisory Council a. Charlie has been accepted in Johns Hopkins that 1. Kwanzaa Event, collaboration between Center 2. Vanna i. Kenneth and Vanna will come up with a date to will train him to key leader in the city for Black Equity and Black Men’s Exchange ii. New Board Officers meet with each other, so next meeting they can an i. It is a scholarship and will be covering 20% of 2. Direct Services (Case Management): 1. Chris Parliamentarian update his salary a. 116 cases, improved from 95 2. Lorena Treasurer ii. Lorena thinks that for an annual outreach, the 3. Vanna Vice President b. 84 open, 30 on hold council can do a needs assessment for the center 9. PUBLIC COMMENTS 3. Successes 4. Kayla Secretary (Online) a. Bill encourage to enforce on how to get community a. 4 people have access to healthcare 5. Jabari President members on our committees iii. Met for a board retreat on December 9th b. 1 person education resource 6. NEW BUSINESS i. Next month to have something to give community c. 4 people access to housing iv. Lorena would like to know how many more Board a. Annual report [Jabari] members a heads up d. 3 panel discussions Members we are looking for i. Jabari would like feedback on how far back the b. There are community concerns on transparency, e. 4 trainings (2 Jennifer, 2 Charlie) v. Timeline for contacting the applicants report should go wanted an explanation on why the past two meetings f. Attended youth leadership and health 1. Get in contact within a week of the applicant ii. Lorena thinks it can be a year but show a trend were closed and not open to the public conference in Baltimore applying iii. Snapshot of 2016 and then a full 2017 i. Jabari suggests that we give an answer to bill 4. New program vi. Table for closed session iv. Annual fiscal report to be included so that he can put in the paper why we acted the a. Peculiar Blerd League v. Release date of March/April way we did 5. Officially ended TAG, launching under Trans 4. COMMITTEE REPORTS vi. Kenneth asks for a budget for putting the report c. Jabari, Lorena and Vanna wanted to make Baltimore a. Pride [Mimi] together sure that the community knows that we are still holding i. All chairs for all committees have been identified vii. Jabari will come with a skeleton summary and our transparency goals very high and willing to talk to b. Finance Report [Mimi, Lorena, Chris S.] ii. All committee chairs have signed an NDA quote for cost the community i. General iii. All committee chairs will have their members viii. Mimi would like to restart a quarterly board ii. Email distribution has been fixed, using visits to the signing the NDA report to Outloud along with the Presidents letter Lorena Moved that the meeting be adjourned center from community to add people to the list iv. Invoices for facility requests have been given 1. The board will decide on if it will be a presi- Vanna Second that motion iii. Volunteer Management out dent report or collaborative board report Meeting Adjourned at 8:49pm 1. About 100 in the database v. Theme contest has ended and is United We ix. Looking to do a Board profile in Outloud 2. Monthly volunteer orientation Shine b. Fundraising ideas and goals [Jabari] END iv. New partnership with Johns Hopkins Social Justice, vi. Opening the Artwork contest, going out to i. Getting key funders to come join our committees receiving an undergrad student that will be working on schools (logo competition) ii. David suggests a membership program based Our next general board meeting will be on: February 13, a project that will align with the center vii. Pride Collateral on the center in Philadelphia, create a donation/ 2018 at 6:30PM v. Legal 1. Backpacks membership program. Reaching out to business, 1. Community Law Center has taken on 1 case 2. Rainbow keychain where if someone comes with a GLCCB card,

8 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com beyond the beltway

—continued from page 5 and Esplin contacted the Catholic agency time, he took pictures of them “in embar- was all Olympic personnel could come up to start the foster parent licensing program, rassing positions; positions that he found with when asked about the statues. noting in their first interview, via telephone, sexually gratifying,” the court document that they are a married same-sex couple, said. He admitted to the scheme last Oc- the agency’s director of international foster tober. care told them they would not be allowed On Wednesday, Boeckmann was sen- to even apply because they did not “mirror tenced to five years in prison for “perpe- the holy family.” When Marouf pressed her trating a seven-year-long fraud and bribery on what would happen to those among the scheme” for his own personal and sexu- refugee children who were LGBT, the di- al benefits, according to a Department of rector declared that none of the children in Justice news release. Boeckmann also their care – about 700 – were LGBT. bribed a witness in an attempt to obstruct Coming next: Ways to spot the Marouf said at a press conference on the investigation into his scheme, which neighborhood witch? February 20th that she and Esplin had lasted from at least 2009 to 2015, author- talked about adoption and foster parent- ities said. Walt Disney cartoon movie Beauty and It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a cock! ing before, but when they learned about Boeckmann’s lawyer had asked for the Beast almost led to a ban on it being It’s a meme! a year ago about the program for refugee home detention for his 71-year-old client, screened in Malaysia last year. In 2015, children, she said, it seemed like a per- calling him “an elderly, broken, ailing man,” Malaysia’s highest court upheld a ruling (New York magazine – Madison Malone fect fit. “We both love kids,” Marouf said, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Ga- that banned cross-dressing. Kircher at Nymag.com/selectall/2018/02/ adding that there are a large number of zette. Prosecutors asked for about three The offending article published last penis-shaped-bullet-man-statues-become- refugee children in need of foster or adop- years. But the presiding judge, US District week by top-selling Malay-language daily, olympic-meme.html) tive homes. These children are “uniquely Judge Kristine G. Baker, ordered an even Sinar Harian, included a bullet point list vulnerable. (and) I felt I understood some- stiffer sentence – five years. “He acted cor- giving tips on how to identify gays or lesbi- thing about their situation.” Also, she is the ruptly while serving as a judge. When his ans. The list describes masculine gay men child of immigrant parents of Turkish and back was against the wall, he obstructed as having a penchant for “wearing tight Texas lesbian Egyptian heritage. (Dallas Voice – Tam- justice,” Baker said, according to the As- shirts to show off their six pack” and keep- mye Nash at Dallasvoice.com) sociated Press. “That sets his crime apart.” ing facial hair, and a separate line that couple sues Feds Baker also ordered Boeckmann to serve says effeminate gay men go wide-eyed ev- three years of supervised release follow- ery time they see a handsome man. Les- and Catholic ing his prison sentence and pay a fine of bians were described as man-haters who Judge given $50,000. (Montreal Gazette at Montre- are extremely jealous and enjoy hugging bishops algazette.com/news/world/five-years-in- and holding hands. five years prison-for-judge-who-dismissed-charges- “I know a lot of priests, I know a lot of Fort Worth – Lambda Legal, acting in-exchange-for-community-service/wcm/ ustaz (religious teachers), I know a lot of on behalf of a Fort Worth lesbian couple for offering a8621037-2bdc-48a4-b795-8d6f826c21f9) really religious people who love keeping denied the chance to even apply as fos- long beards ... are you trying to say they’re ter parents for refugee children, this week personal gay?” asked Arwind Kumar, who posted a filed a federal lawsuit in the US District four-minute video on Facebook criticiz- Court for the District of Columbia against community Malaysian ing the story. Neighboring Indonesia, the the US Department of Health and Human country with the largest Muslim population, Services and the US Conference of Cath- service newspaper is on the cusp of revising its national crim- olic Bishops, charging the USCCB with il- inal code to impose restrictions on same- legal discrimination. The USCCB receives Little Rock, Arkansas – The Montre- sparks outrage sex relations and consensual sex between millions of dollars in grant funding from al Gazette has published a Washington men and women outside marriage. t (Reu- HHS, through the Office of Refugee Re- Post article stating that for seven years, over anti-LGBT ters – by Joseph Sipalan at hReuters.com/ settlement, to assist with the federal Unac- scores of young men in Arkansas saw their article/us-britain-police/blast-destroys- companied Refugee Minors Program and traffic citations and misdemeanor crimi- article shop-and-home-in-english-city-four-taken- the Unaccompanied Alien Child Program. nal charges dismissed – as long as they to-hospital-idUSKCN1G90WJ?il=0) These programs are responsible for iden- agreed to perform “community service.” Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Reuters tifying eligible children in need of services The judge overseeing these cases, Joseph reports that an article by a Malaysian and then providing services, including Boeckmann, district judge for the First Ju- newspaper on how to identify LGBT peo- placement in homes “that serve their best dicial Circuit of Arkansas, would call each ple has sparked outrage on social media, These news notes have been compiled, interests,” according to a Lambda Legal young man up to the bench after a hear- as the country grapples with the growing with permission, from the online version press release. The grant funds, Lambda ing. He would provide each man with his influence of religious hardliners. The LGBT of various newspapers and other web Legal noted, are taxpayer dollars. personal telephone number, telling him to community is routinely persecuted in Mus- sites. We thank these publications for Fatma Marouf, a professor of law and call and arrange the “community service.” lim-majority Malaysia, where sodomy is a allowing us to bring you their news sto- director of Texas A&M’s Immigrant Rights Time and time again, the young men would crime and the government sanctions cam- ries. Usually the reports have been sig- Clinic, and Bryn Esplin, an assistant pro- follow suit, “not knowing what truly lay in paigns seeking to curb and nificantly edited and you can read the fessor of bioethics at Texas A&M, contact- store,” Peter Halpern, trial attorney for the transgenderism. Malaysia has a record of full story by going to the web site men- ed the USCCB’s affiliate in Fort Worth to Department of Justice, wrote in a sentenc- taking homophobic positions. In June, the tioned following the item. Comments apply as foster parents. But before they ing memorandum filed in court last week. health ministry launched a contest on how are strictly the opinions of Jim Becker could even apply, Marouf said, they were As their “community service,” Boeckmann to “prevent” homosexuality and transgen- and not of Baltimore OUTloud or Pride told they were ineligible because they do would require the men to collect aluminum derism, though it dropped it after pressure Media. not “mirror the holy family.” When Marouf cans or litter off the ground. At the same from LGBT groups. A “gay moment” in the BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 9 news // LOCAL

many progressive Demo- make the decisions for you. County for over a dozen years, Steve and I cratic candidates elected. How and when did you get involved in visited with most of the Howard County del- ‘Apathy is Our Enemy’ In doing so, it is imperative the LGBTQ community? egation to present our story in an effort to —continued from page 1 that we thwart the effects of Trumpism that is After I met Steve and he began writing demonstrate that we are no different from the damaging our country. Therefore, our candi- for the Gay Paper in 1980, which, as you other taxpayers in the county and are good that have emerged. We’ve seen more women, dates must stand up for our principles and know was a program of the Gay and Lesbian citizens worthy of the same rights, benefits, more African-Americans, more Latinos, and values. Community Center of Baltimore (GLCCB), I and responsibilities of other married couples. more candidates of different faiths get involved We’ve seen an increase in hate crimes also became involved in the organization. We It’s noteworthy that in a relatively short period, in the political process, and this is clearly re- directed to LGBTQ folks as well as other mi- were both on the board of directors. I wrote every Democratic office holder came around flected in the committee. I am currently the norities across the country, and our mission is articles for the paper on a variety of topics but as well as one Republican senator, Allan Kit- only openly gay person on the committee. Our to stop that trend in its tracks. While we have focused on local and LGBT politics. tleman, who is now the county executive. mission is to get more progressive Democratic made considerable progress, LGBTQ indi- Looking back over your activist work, I also participated in a variety of capaci- candidates elected to offices at all levels. viduals are still vulnerable to discrimination, what you are most proud of? ties during the referendum battle to preserve One of my priorities is voter registration, hatred, and violence. Young LGBTQ people On an emotional level, one thing I’m the law as well as helping to pass protections and as such, I am the DCC’s co-chair for this are most vulnerable at home, in school, and proud of occurred back when Steve and I for transgender individuals. initiative. I started registering people in 2012 online. Life is challenging as it is. I don’t want were working on thet Gay Paper. The very Our proudest moments occurred when when marriage equality was on the ballot as these youth to have to struggle with their sex- first AIDS patient in Maryland was being inter- Governor Martin O’Malley signed the Civil a referendum (Question 6). It is vital to our uality or as I had to. We must viewed by one of the writers and he appeared Marriage Protection Act in March 2012 as well democratic system that we encourage people begin right here at home in Howard County. to be very ill. Steve and I shook his hand as then Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake of- to register and vote, and I think I achieved a What is something you learned in your after being introduced while others present ficiating the first legal same-sex marriages at degree of success on that front. political career that you’d like to share? appeared fearful of catching the disease and City Hall on New Year’s Day 2013. We were I also serve as treasurer of the Columbia I’ve learned over the years that politicians did not engage him. He was grateful that we right there to witness both historic events and Democratic Club. I’ve been appointed to the are everyday people. Most of them value our treated him with dignity. saw the efforts of many people become re- county’s Human Rights Commission. I am input to help them formulate and vote on pol- From a political perspective, the success- ality. a member of the county executive’s LGBT icies especially on matters in which they are ful fight for marriage equality at the local and Any final thought to leave us with? Round Table, and I was appointed to the not familiar. It is essential that all of us make state level ranks very high among my work. It’s important for those of us who are #OneHoward steering committee. our positions known to our elected officials. I attended virtually every Lobby Day in An- fortunate to give back to the community and You’re running for re-election to the My favorite song from the musical Ham- napolis to rally and persuade our local del- even more importantly, to get involved and Howard County DCC. What are some of ilton is “The Room Where It Happens.” The egates and senators to recognize same-sex not be complacent. Apathy is our enemy. t your goals and priorities in another term? message from the song is that if you don’t marriage. To follow Bob Ford’s campaign, visit As stated before, our goal is to get as participate in the political process, others will As an active member of PFLAG-Howard Facebook.com/BobFord4HCDCC. Starting Salary: $54,880* NOW HIRING *Effective January 1. 2018 To be considered for employment, applicants must meet the following standards: •Be 21 years old by the swearing-in ceremony (post-academy) •Have 60 college credits at the time of hire, OR, two years of active duty in the military, OR, a minimum of two years police service (out-of-state) •Be a United State citizen •Possess a driver’s license •Have no felony or serious misdemeanor convictions Excellent benefits and opportunities: •Health, dental and life insurance •Vacation, disability and personal leave •Uniform/equipment supplied with free dry cleaning service •Competitive retirement plan (20 years at 50%, 25 years at 75%, 30 years at 80%) •Three hours minimum overtime for off-duty court appearances •Multi-lingual differential pay •Twelve-hours permanent patrol shifts with 6% night shifts differential pay HOWARD COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT Day shift cycle: 2 on, 3 off; 2 on, three off; 3 on, 2 off HOWARD COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT Night shift cycle: 3 on, 3 off •Four hours overtime per pay •Personally assigned take-home patrol vehicle for in-county residents •Specialty pay to officers assigned to Criminal Investigations Bureau, Traffic Enforcement Section, Special Operations Bureau (K9, Tactical Unit, Command Post), Hostage Negotiation and Honor Guard

10 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com thinking outloud

scene of cross-gener- player. Their quaint make-out session ational grappling, one stands in stark relief to their younger must endure the sur- counterparts, grinding and scruffing rounding 90 minutes their days away. My Fabulous of this defiantly sullen The most buoyancy in After Lou- story. ie is provided by actor David Drake, The problem, pri- playing William, the doomed friend Disease marily, is Cumming’s By Mark S. King seen only in old home movies. In his performance. It isn’t just brief scenes, Drake imbues William willfully morose, it is with a kindness and generosity of frantically morose, which spirit that exist nowhere else in the An AIDS is quite an accomplish- story. William may be dead, but he is Zachary Booth ment. Cumming stalks strip- the most fully alive character in the film. through the film, spread- and Alan Cumming in Survivor, Barely ping quietly in the After Louie William’s moments in After Louie are ing Sam’s misery to every other character dark, careful not to the ones I choose to remember. There is Surviving like the disease that has defined Sam’s life. awaken the man a lesson in his death grip on joy and grat- Whether having sex with Braeden or while he claims to love. itude even as he faces oblivion. Buried Sam Cooper, a shell-shocked gay veteran in the company of other artists or what’s left Booth almost manages to convince us to somewhere in the melancholy After Lou- of the 1980s, has invited Braeden, a much of his friends, Sam suffocates everyone in empathize with Braeden and his meager ie is an opportunity for us all to learn from younger man, out for a hamburger after his path with resentments and memories of values. it. their sexual tryst. Braeden has been mind- the plague years. Sam, as played by Cum- Fleeting moments of grace are includ- After Louie is making the rounds of lessly chattering about his life and friends ming, is an insufferable relic of sorrow. ed in After Louie, usually when Sam is no- film festivals now and will hopefully find a and how he negotiates casual sex outside Cumming embodies all this through the where in sight. A random meeting on the broader home soon on streaming or cable. his relationship. Hookups carry no more cigarettes he sucks with more primal hun- street between two elderly men, once lov- Find out more by visiting the film’s web- weight for Braeden than the phone he uses ger than an addict hitting a crack pipe while ers, leads to their passionate reunion over site. Criticism aside, After Louie deserves to find them. rehab custodians bang on his door. Truly, tea and the strains of opera on the record to be seen and understood. t When he was younger, Sam pointedly Cumming should thank the two fingers he responds to the pleasant but unequipped employs to melodramatically grasp his cig- Braeden, all of Sam’s friends were dying. arette. They’re doing all the work. He went to funerals twice a week. Sam de- After Louie, at its most interesting, // mark my words livers these facts with a satisfied but weary presents AIDS trauma as a kind of relay glare across the table toward his compan- race. Louie, an unseen friend long dead ion. from AIDS, is mourned by William, who Sexual Harassment in Our Braeden looks wounded. An untouch- appears in some old home movies that able trump card has been played. He can chronicle his demise. William has since times have you read about it in your LGBT only hang his head in a quiet, obligatory died as well and is now mourned by Sam, Community media? We need to do a better job as well. reverence. There is an unbridgeable gulf who cannot seem to find anyone to take We all know it exists. In my memoir, I between these two and, more to the point, the sad baton of grief. By Mark Segal wrote about an abusive relationship I was between the generations of gay men they Zachary Booth, playing young Braeden The current presidential administration in. Like me, I’m sure you know others who represent. with a welcome, soulful earnestness, has does not understand spousal abuse or have experienced harassment or abuse. The telling conversation happens the trickiest role here. While Sam once sexual harassment. Most are saying that We need institutions in the community to somewhere in the first half of After Louie, fought valiantly for something beyond the person at fault stops at the door of the help those who seek help: those who are director Vincent Gagliostro’s semi-autobi- Braeden’s comprehension, Braeden reaps chief of staff but, no, afraid to leave their ographical film starring Alan Cumming as the rewards by engaging in transactional it stops in the Oval “We’re – in a sense – a spouse; those who the haunted artist trying to sex within a much less perilous world. For Office at the desk need treatment; come to grips with his tragic past. What all of Braeden’s talk of sexual freedom, it is of President Donald new community. We and those seeking a a shame that, in order to appreciate this reduced to coming home late at night and Trump. have a lot of growth voice. Former President We can’t solve Harry Truman had ahead of us.” every issue and this Hearts & Ears, Inc. a sign on his desk is one we’ll have to stating, “The buck stops here.” He took re- deal with, like we have with bullying, trans is a non-profit organization for Gay, sponsibility. Trump runs and hides from it issues, ageism and so many other issues Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, like a bad bully. on our agenda. But remember: We’re – in and Questioning individuals This column isn’t about Trump, but it is a sense – a new community, which only with mental health issues about sexual harassment and abuse that began creating organizations that offered and concerns. we don’t talk about much in our community. services in 1969. We have a lot of growth Several years ago, Philadelphia Gay ahead of us. We warmly welcome all sexual and New did a feature on spousal abuse in the Look at how much we’ve already ac- Wellness and gender minorities. community. We’re not immune to the same complished in such a short time. We’ll do problems that heterosexuals have. And we this. t Sun. through Tues. Closed Recovery Center have it in the same forms. This includes Mark Segal is publisher of Philadelphia Wed. through Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m sexual harassment, spousal abuse, and Gay News. His new memoir And Then I Danced 611 PARK AVENUE SUITE A BALTIMORE, MD 21201 • 410-523-1694 sexual advances in the workplace – both in is out now. This was first published in the heartsandears.org nonprofit and for-profit organizations. We Philadelphia Inquirer. have been quiet on the subject. How many BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 11 quality of life // Health and Wellness

is indeed through creating makes sense that they see or not? Our self-worth, if in the healthy chaos. That aside, there are are building blocks in a and positive range, is what communicates many opinions about what good relationship. to others the sense that we are someone all contributes to healthy re- What’s implicit in that is worth knowing. Would you want to Ask lationships. Is it having com- aiming for a strong re- hang out with a person who hates himself/ mon interests? That clearly lationship is self-knowl- herself? It is a subject we all have to deal Dr. J bonds people – if you both edge. Do you know with and not be afraid to examine and look Janan Broadbent, Ph.D. like sci-fi movies, there is no what makes you tick? for ways of improving, because you can. disagreement or negotiation What you hold sacred? If you identify what you want to do on what to see. But is that What are your deal- differently, there are so many self-help enough in itself? makers and deal break- books, Youtube videos, and podcasts. What Makes To start with, there is that ers? What makes you happy? What angers Take a look. An open mind is a treasure; elusive factor called “chemistry.” You can’t you? What makes you laugh? When you use it to its capacity. Happy trails… t a Relationship trigger it; you can’t buy it but it provides the think of who you are, do you like what you initial spark with which we feel attracted to Work? another person. It can also sustain many a relationship even when everything else is I just did a Google search on this subject falling apart. Even in friendships, it plays Law Office of David M. Lutz, P.A. and in 0.49 seconds, I got 994,000,000 a part albeit not a romantic or sexual one. hits! So it’s obvious that we all want to A more significant issue seems to be know what leads to successful connections having common values. Does what mat- •Auto Accidents •Workers’ Compensation and happiness with our partners. After all, ters to you also matter to him/her? Do you as the old saying goes, “No (wo)man is an both believe in, say, the value of educa- •Personal Injury •DUI/DWI island.” tion? That seems to create a solid foun- There’s a ton of research that under- dation more powerfully than whether you •Criminal Defense •Traffic Court scores the importance of relationships with both like Mexican food. I think the principle relatives, friends, family, partners, and in this is that interests can change; one Se Habla Español colleagues. Conflicts collide with our men- can go from on to another or develop new 1901 Fleet Street Baltimore, MD 21231 tal balance. I’ve never heard anyone say ones. But values are more durable. They Phone: 410-558-3700 (English) 410-299-2898(Español) they like conflicts, although there seem to guide our behavior. They trigger emotions. be people whose way of relating to others They form parts of our personality. So it E-mail: [email protected] www.lawlutz.com

12 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com quality of life // Health and Wellness

to help you spend, save, and grow. er, any taxes or special maintenance, to It’s important to gain control of your fi- see exactly where your money is going. Money Management nances, so they don’t control you. Just as PNC Bank has a pocket-sized Ex- we plan time to ex- pense Tracker that you can By Monte Ephraim ercise and if you are use to capture any time that Chase Brexton Health Care Tips Offered at Upcoming trying to lose weight, you put money in the parking Elders in need of a finan- we plan our menus meter or go out to eat. You will cial makeover will find some LGBT Health Resource Center and watch our calorie be astounded by how much change at the LGBT Health intake, it is important money you are spending at Resource Center’s next Lunch & Learn to plan your budget- your favorite coffee shop or con- Lunch & Learn workshop. ing by identifying all venience store, especially when PNC Bank will present money manage- power of attorney through deception or in- of your sources of you are trying to find money to ment strategies on Thursday, March 8th timidation income and tracking save, go on vacation or buy a from noon to 1:30 pm in the community • Taking advantage of you while having your expenses. Do home, etc. rooms at Chase Brexton’s Mount Vernon a live-in caregiver this at the same time For info and to register for Center (1111 North Charles Street, Balti- There are also several forms of scams, each month, so that the upcoming Lunch and Learn more). such as telephone scams, internet scams, you are keenly aware program, contact @chase- We asked Franklin McNeil, Jr., vice investment scams, and mail scams like of what you have to brexton.org or call 410-837- president and community consultant with “sweepstakes” and other giveaways. spend and if there is 2050 x1107. t PNC Community Development Banking and How difficult is it for an older individ- any disposable income The LGBT Health Re- a former board member of Chase Brexton ual to get on the right financial track? left for extra or unex- source Center of Chase Brex- Health Care for a few financial tips. It’s not difficult at all for an elder to pected purchases. ton Health Care is to provide What money management difficulties get back on track. We all have to man- What is one easy LGBTQ individuals and their do LGBT elders in particular face? financial management families with welcoming ac- Believe it or not, most mainstream finan- age our finances, especially if we’re on a Franklin McNeil, Jr. – tip you can offer? cess to expert health infor- cial institutions recognize that the definition fixed income. Your bank should have some Be your own bean counter! mation and resources that of a “traditional” household has changed, so classes and helpful tricks for savings and Take the time to track your ex- don’t be afraid to speak with your banker budgeting. PNC Bank has a Virtual Wallet penses! Keep a log for at least a will enhance wellness and about adding your same-sex spouse to your Account, comprised of three distinct ac- month of your typical bills, and remember quality of life. For more info, visit Resource- account or having both of your names add- counts working together as one seamless to account for periodic expenses like car/ Center.lgbt. ed to the top of your checks. If your financial online money management tool designed home insurance or, if you are a homeown- institution makes you feel uncomfortable, look for another one that doesn’t! Make sure you have all of the docu- mentation that you need to verify who your spouse is, so that the bank knows that you are now “Mr. and Mr.” and “Ms. and Ms.” etc. The bank isn’t being nosy – they need to know who should have access to your ac- count should you become incapacitated and your spouse needs to handle your affairs. After that, LGBT elders face the same issues as other elders. You should have powers of attorney, wills, and other legal documentation completed in case you are unable to address your financial affairs; you should recognize the warning signs of po- tential financial abuse; learn how to avoid being tricked and suffering a financial loss; and know where to get help should you be • ArchitecturAlly-stunning targeted. wedding venue • What are some common money man- agement issues among elder clients? • indOOR & OuTdOOR wedding They may take many different forms, but CeReMOnieS, ReCePTiOnS, the most common ones are someone: And eLOPeMenTS •

• Selling you something you don’t need • OveR 30 SAMe-Sex weddingS • Selling you something that doesn’t SinCe 2013 • work, is delivered poorly, or not at all Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at • Stealing valuable possessions while in ChaseCourtWeddingVenue your home 410-727-1112 • chasecourt.com • Forging signatures to cash your checks • Using your credit card, bank accounts, 1112 Saint Paul Street, Baltimore, MD Owned and Operated by David Egan, money, or property without permission wedding columnist for BaltimoreOUTloud. • Getting you to sign a deed, will, or

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 13 quality of life

The Fourth Circuit, on this past February 15th, found that the proclamation, as well child forces lesbian married couples to seek as the executive orders, violates the Es- a court order asserting the legal right as tablishment Clause of the US Constitution. parent for the non-gestational parent. This The Law Specifically, the court found that “the proc- The Law is because the first definition – conception lamation is unconstitutionally tainted with – cannot occur between same-sex couples. & You animus toward Islam.” That conclusion was & You The second definition should be sufficient Linda A. Dominguez Atty. Valerie E. Anias based on a review of the “official statements but the statute only presumes consent by from President Trump and other executive the “husband” therefore establishing parent- branch officials,” as well as the words in age upon the husband without the need for Travel in the the proclamation. Basically, the tweets re- How legal interference or court order. However, vealed the true reason for the proclamation lesbian couples in an identical situation – Trump Era – to give preference to Christian immigrants Maryland Law a biological mother and a donor – are not and visitors over Muslims. The proof of that granted the same legal presumption. As a The Supreme Court is set to hear oral argu- preference was in declaring that Somalia, Discriminates result, same-sex couples wishing to grow ments sometime this spring on the Ninth Cir- which had complied with the provisions set their families are forced to petition a court cuit Court of Appeals decision, out in the proclamation for iden- Against Same- to grant the adoption of their child by the which the federal government tifying citizens and their status, non-gestational parent. Do heterosexual had appealed in the summer of February was on the list of countries not Sex Parents couples who use artificial insemination and/ 2017. The Supreme Court held permitted to enter the US. How- or donors need to adopt their child? No. off on hearing arguments in the update ever, Venezuela, which failed to The LGBT community has powered ahead In some states, a second-parent adop- fall of 2017 because it wanted meet the standards set out in the in recent years in terms of legal recogni- tion is different from a traditional adoption to see what would happen with the case proclamation, is not one of the countries tion for same-sex relationships. In 2013 proceeding of two non-biological parents. In before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, listed in the restricted list. the Supreme Court in the pivotal case of Maryland, however, there is no special rule with the hope that it could resolve all of the The feds argued in writing that the per- United States v. Windsor struck or consideration for second-parent adop- issues with one decision. sons filing the lawsuits did not have the down Section 3 of the Defense tions made by same-sex parents. On this past February 15th, the Fourth right (known as “standing”) to file the law- of Marriage Act which defined The statute which re- Circuit Court of Appeals issued a published suit because they had not proven that they marriage as between one man quires a doctor’s letter, decision in the case of International Refu- were not allowed to practice their religion and one woman. Then, in consent by the biologi- gee Assistance Project v. Trump. In that and that the case was not “ripe” for deci- 2015, the high court took one cal parent, proof of in- 285-page decision, nine of the judges were sion because they had suffered no injury. step further in Obergefell v. come, etc. all apply. The in the majority and three dissented (or dis- However, the Fourth Circuit found that the Hodges, by asserting that non-gestational parent agreed) with the findings of the court. The persons who filed the lawsuits had standing the fundamental right to is forced to request the majority decision of the Fourth Circuit noted to sue and “as members of the disfavored marry is granted to same- court to approve and de- that the White House had issued two ex- religion, are the ‘victims of this alleged reli- sex couples equally. De- termine their parentage of ecutive orders (on January 27th, 2017 and gious intolerance’ who are suffering ‘[f]eel- spite these strides, many a child they have intention- ings of marginalization and exclusion.’” The local laws have failed to ally brought into this world in “The coffin nail for the Fourth Circuit also found that “they are ex- confer the marital bene- the same way a heterosexual periencing prolonged separation from close fits presumed upon heterosexual married couple could have. feds is the barrage of family members who have been rendered couples to homosexual couples. In 2015 the Court of Spe- tweets that come out of categorically ineligible for visas.” In Maryland, a legitimate child is defined cial Appeals in Sieglein v. Schmidt, The federal government’s argument that as either 1) a “child born or conceived during held that because the “mother and father, the White House.” the case was not “ripe” was declared moot a marriage is presumed to be the legitimate during their marriage, willingly and volun- because, since December 4th, 2017, visas child of both spouses” or 2) a “child con- tarily agreed to conceive a child through March 6th, 2017) and one proclamation (on were denied for relatives who were trying ceived by artificial insemination of a married assisted reproductive services using anon- September 24th, 2017). Each time, lawsuits to enter the US based on their country of woman with the consent of her husband … ymously donated genetic material and that were filed both in the State of Maryland, as origin and not because of any individualized consent of the husband is presumed.” volitional action resulted in the birth of a well as in the State of Hawaii, requesting a basis. Indeed, the court found that the de- The current definition of a legitimate child [and] … both spouses are the legal par- preliminary injunction against the provisions nial of the visas were not really necessary; ents of the minor child.” The court in Sieglein of the policies stated in those documents just the exercise of the restrictions in the also stated that the anonymously-donated within hours of their publication. Each time, proclamation after December 4th, 2017 en- primary purpose of the proclamation – to genetic material could include both egg and the federal government appealed the or- sured that “family members are now cate- exclude Muslims from the US. In fact, it is sperm, meaning that neither legal parent ders of the US district courts granting the gorically inadmissible unless they meet the hard to imagine how an objective observer would be the biological parent. Nonetheless, preliminary injunctions. high standard for a waiver.” So, “their rel- could come to any other conclusion when both spouses by virtue of their marriage are On December 4th, 2017, the Supreme atives go through the same individualized the president’s own deputy press secretary presumed parents and maintain a legal right Court granted a stay requested by the feder- vetting process that the executive branch made this connection express: he explained to parentage. al government of the preliminary injunctions applies to nationals from all other countries that President Trump tweets extremist an- Maryland law has gone so far as to pro- against the proclamation until the pending – an individualized vetting process that has ti-Muslim videos as part of his broader con- vide married heterosexual couples the right appeals before the Ninth and Fourth Cir- already been denied them.” cerns about “security,” which he has “ad- to presume parentage even in the event that cuits could be decided. On December 22nd, The coffin nail for the feds is the bar- dressed … with ... the proclamation.” neither parent is the biological parent. Howev- 2017, the Ninth Circuit affirmed the decision rage of tweets that come out of the White Now we wait to see what happens to the er, for same-sex couples the non-gestational of the US District Court of Hawaii and that House. The Fourth Circuit stated that “an appeal before the Supreme Court, which parent or parents must undergo a lengthy decision was appealed by the feds to the objective observer could conclude that the has indicated that it will issue a decision adoption process in order to be awarded the Supreme Court. president’s repeated statements convey the sometime this coming June. t exact same legal presumption. t

14 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 15 quality of life

you pay for! Second, make sure your trainer collaborates with other professionals, espe- Certified Public Accountants cially those qualified to handle needs outside Fit of their scope of practice. For instance, in for Maryland, it’s illegal for fitness professionals to write meal plans unless they hold very spe- Life cific credentials. The worst part, most fitness Joshua H. Buchbinder professionals don’t even know this law exists. The danger is when coaches prescribe diets yet have no real understanding of metabolic, endocrine, or medical conditions. Third, find The Failure a trainer who treats the body as a whole rath- er than separate parts. Finally, if your trainer of Fitness isn’t making recommendations outside of the Making a Difference for Businesses & Individuals The fitness world has failed you. Those of us sessions you won’t get the results you want. in the gym world have taken sides and, as a The human body is an amazing piece of With client focus as the base of every service, Bridges & Associates, CPA’s result, our clients and their results have suf- equipment. It deserves a high level of regard, of Baltimore, MD offers area businesses and individuals specialized CPA fered. it isn’t simple, and it shouldn’t be viewed as Trainers and coaches have created a such. It’s not enough to just work your arms services tailored to the industry, business entity and targeted needs. world of division rather than unity. We make or abs … it doesn’t work. Sure, you may see Services for Business Services Tax Services ourselves “experts” in a specific area and basic “results” but if you’re a woman and Individuals -Small Business Accounting -Tax Preparation leave other aspects out or dismiss them all you want to get rid of the fat on the back of -Estate Planning -Online Payroll -Tax Planning together. Ask a personal trainer their opin- your arms and your trainer doesn’t know low -Elder Care -QuickBooks Services -Tax Problems ion of crossfit, group exercise, yoga, pilates, testosterone is a key culprit then all the rope -Payroll - Bank Financing power lifting, bodybuilding, etc. You’ll find a press downs and kickbacks in the world won’t New Business Formation series of opinions not facts. The industry fix it. Or, if you want to lose belly fat and demands specialization. In doing so we you’ve been given a meal plan by 835 Hollins St. Baltimore, MD, 21201 • 410-908-8134 create vision – everything can be solved your coach, yet they aren’t talking [email protected] • bridgescpas.com with hot yoga or some sort of about cortisol (our stress hor- strength training. The truth, mone) or sleep they are doing however, lies in the middle. By you a disservice. being specialized and arrogant The world of fitness has we limit our ability to help clients failed you, but you don’t have achieve their goals. to accept our failure. Find Have you ever been in a gym trainers and coaches who are or done an assessment and a trainer tells fully qualified, degreed, and hold multiple cer- you, regardless of your ailment, they can help tifications in multiple facets of fitness. Utilize you? Yet, asked about their credentials they multiple resources to help you, we need to have only one, maybe two certifications. I’ve combine strength training, mobility, physical heard trainers flat out lie to potential clients recovery, medical professionals, and treating simply because their ego is in the way or be- our mental health to fully achieve our goals. t cause they want the sale. Fitness is dominat- Joshua Buchbinder, MS, is co-owner of ed, sadly, by sales and ego not a true desire B-Strong Athletics. He holds advanced certifi- to help others. cations in many facets of fitness and has over How do we fix this? How do you protect two decades’ experience. B-Strong Athletics yourself? The first step is becoming aware is committed to helping others improve their of the credentials of any fitness profession- health, well-being, and to becoming the best al you work with – remember, you get what version of themselves.

Add you business to our distribution locAtions! Call Baltimore OUTloud for more details: 410-802-1310

16 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com SPIRITUAL DIRECTORY

religous symbols set #1 by dragonart

Creator : DragonArt dragonartz.wordpress.com

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/ 䄀䰀䰀 䄀刀䔀 圀䔀䰀䌀伀䴀䔀 䴀愀猀猀 匀挀栀攀搀甀氀攀 匀愀琀甀爀搀愀礀 㔀㨀㌀ 瀀⸀洀 匀甀渀搀愀礀 㤀 愀⸀洀⸀Ⰰ ㄀ 㨀㐀㔀 愀⸀洀⸀Ⰰ ㄀㈀㨀㄀㔀 瀀⸀洀 刀攀挀漀渀挀椀氀椀愀琀椀漀渀 椀猀 愀瘀愀椀氀愀戀氀攀 匀愀琀甀爀搀愀礀猀 愀琀 㐀㨀㌀ 瀀⸀洀⸀ 琀漀 㔀 瀀⸀洀⸀

䌀漀渀琀愀挀琀 匀琀⸀ 䈀攀爀渀愀搀攀琀琀攀 倀愀爀椀猀栀 䐀攀愀挀漀渀 䘀爀攀搀 倀愀猀猀愀甀攀爀 㠀 ㄀ 匀琀攀瘀攀渀猀漀渀 刀漀愀搀 倀愀爀椀猀栀 䄀搀洀椀渀椀猀琀爀愀琀漀爀 匀攀瘀攀爀渀Ⰰ 䴀愀爀礀氀愀渀搀 ㈀㄀㄀㐀㐀ⴀ㈀㈀㤀㤀 㐀㄀ ⴀ㤀㘀㤀ⴀ㈀㜀㠀㌀ 㐀㄀ ⴀ㤀㘀㤀ⴀ㈀㜀㠀㌀

Worship Sunday, 11a.m. Christian Education Classes Sunday, 9:45 a.m. The Source for the lgbtq community browndowntown.org To advertise in our Spiritual directory 1316 Park Ave., Balt., MD, 21217 please call 410-802-1310 410.523.1542 BaltimoreOutloud.com Advertise with us

Contact Mary at 410-802-1310 BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 17 Lively Arts // personalities

nearby which were very unsophisti- parents’ generation who moved out after the cated [laughs]. That’s where I did my war. Growing up in the suburbs, I dreamed of first dancing. But then I got into rock getting back to living in London. As soon as New World Record bands and punk music and started I could, I moved back. To me, it represented going to (live) gigs for a long time. I a place of greater freedom and all the things by Gregg Shapiro floor,” “Queen,” “Babies,” “Guitar,” and didn’t go to so many clubs then until you wanted a city to be. The political side of It’s not too soon to say that Record (Merge), “Sister.” later on. it is my worry that if it starts to squeeze out the new by (of Every- Very early on in the writing and thinking “Dancefloor” also reminded me of anyone who can’t afford to live there, then a thing Bhe Girl fame), bowing in early March, about this record, I knew I wanted to make your song “Oh, The Divorces” in the way city becomes less and less diverse and that is one of the best records of 2018. The nine a very positive, upbeat record. I knew I was that it incorporates references to infidel- kills its very life blood. songs are the perfect com- going to be approaching some top- ity – “we talk of our affairs” and “who’ll In addition to the years you spent col- bination of thought provok- ics I wanted to talk about directly. be the next to fall.” Is this something that laborating with your husband in ing lyrics and emotions, An interview There would be some anger and has become a fact of life among your , you have contin- most of which are set to strong opinion expressed in some of friends? ued to be an artist who collaborates with irresistible dance beats. with Tracey the songs. I thought the best way to Yes. That song is written very much from others, from guest artists on Record such The only complaint listen- convey that, without it starting to get the point of view of someone of a certain as Corinne Bailey Rae (on “Sis- ers could possibly have is Thorn dragged down by the subject matter age. When I sent the recording to the pro- ter”) and Shura (on that at just 36 minutes, it all in some cases, was to just really link ducer Ewan (Pearson), I said, “You’ve got to ends too soon. The solution that with an upbeat record. I always think of this song as being about a is to listen to it again and again. I had the like it when you get records that have a good kind of yearning for privilege of speaking with Tracey shortly be- dance-floor element to them but are also lyr- the dance floor. It’s fore the album was released. ically strong. I enjoy that combination. I’ve not about someone Gregg Shapiro: Tracey, when I inter- never thought that if you want people to lis- who’s 19 years old, viewed you in 2010, we talked about the ten to the lyrics that it has to be a singer/ going out clubbing song “Hormones” from your album Love songwriter ballad. I’m combining those two every weekend. and Its Opposite, in which your daughters elements. It’s probably some- were featured. Can you please say some- “Dancefloor” contains shout-outs one much older for thing about the way that motherhood to disco classics “Shame,” “Let the Mu- whom the dance floor figures prominently on your new album sic Play,” “Golden Years,” and “Good represents this gold- Record, in the songs “Go,” “Babies,” and Times.” en age: freedom, lib- “Sister”? I suspect that all of us take to our hearts eration, and escape. Tracey Thorn: I’ve returned to that sub- the dance floor anthems that we hear at a That’s the feeling we ject again, which is obviously such a big part certain age, when we’re going out. For me, wanted to get into the of my life. Other people’s lives (too). It seems those songs represent the kind of records song. Almost romanti- “Air”), to John to me a really rich topic. In “Babies,” I’m partly that used to be played when I was at par- cizing the dance floor. It Tracey Grant, Jens Lekman, and talking about contraception. I’ve loved being ties or discos when I was quite young. That means so much. Perhaps Thorn Massive Attack. What do a mother precisely because I could choose means they have a strong resonance for as you get older and you don’t go there as you think it is about you exactly when I had my babies. Taking an hon- you. I obviously love more recent records as often, you express this yearning for it. that makes you so good at est look at that subject, which I hadn’t really well. But I probably love them in a different “Face” is also a musical examination playing well with others? heard written about in songs much before. way. Things that I hear as an adult, I hear of relationships. What kind of effect has That’s interesting. I like it because I always That’s true. social media had on the way you estab- think you come out sounding a bit different. It’s In “Go,” I’m talking about watching your “My worry is that lish and maintain relationships? why often do agree to sing on other people’s kids grow up and leaving home. That can be Well, I feel very lucky. I haven’t had to records or ask other people to help me when a really difficult experience, but it’s also an if London starts to conduct relationships in the era of social me- I’m making a record. As soon as you bring entirely natural part of the process. You have squeeze out anyone dia. In that song I’m singing as an imagined someone else into the room or as soon as to try and make your peace with this notion character. What it would be like now to split you put your voice on someone else’s record, that that’s part of it; helping them grow up who can’t afford to live up with someone and get them out of your something new happens. It’s not the same as and leave and become independent adults. life completely, but you can’t. Every time you doing it on your own. It becomes unpre- “Sister” is a song about solidarity, in there, then the city you go on Facebook or something, there dictable. You bring in an element that you’re general. I specifically refer to how I feel, per- becomes less and less they are. You see every detail of their life. not in complete control of. You’ve got another haps more and more as I get older, this bond In that song, I imagine this woman singing, human being who’s going to bring some ideas with other women where we almost blend diverse and that kills it’s late at night, she’s had a few glasses of and the way they sound to it. To me, that’s and become each other. I can feel myself as wine, looking and looking at this ex-partner’s endlessly fascinating. You can come up with I get older becoming more and more like my its very life blood.” photos. I thought it would be an interesting something completely different. mother, almost to the point where I feel like subject to write a song about. Finally, the aforementioned “Queen” I am my mother [laughs]. I feel closer all the them in a different way. I suspect that people I found the techno-folk tune “Smoke” is practically a gift to drag queens world- time to my actual sister. Especially, at this who are out there now hearing contemporary to be one of your most overtly political wide. Have you ever encountered a drag moment, I feel very close to theoretical sis- dance music for the first time, that’s going to statements. Would you agree? performer doing you in their act? ters [laughs] as well. have that same impact on them [laughs]. It’s me writing about London and how I feel like I have. I feel like someone has You incorporated dance-oriented Was going dancing in gay clubs part much I’ve always loved London. But I can sent me something like that. A clip of some- tracks on your solo Out of the of your youth? see how much it’s changing in the same way one doing one of my songs. But I can’t re- Woods and Love and Its Opposite, but I didn’t, really. I wasn’t that cool [laughs]. that other cities are changing. I grew up just member which song. It was a couple of years dance music is more dominant on Re- I grew up in a small village, outside of Lon- outside London. All of my ancestors before ago. I’d love it if “Queen” would become an cord, especially on the songs “Dance- don. As a teenager, I used to go to discos that had lived right in London. It was only my anthem [laughs]. That’s fantastic! t

18 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts // out on stage 2018AUDITIONS Gay Comedian Films Stand-Up Special Sat, March 10, 2018 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. By Frankie Kujawa roll County, specifically a small town called Michael Furr, the self-proclaimed “sweetheart Taylorsville. “I come from a middle-class work- Sun, March 11, 2018 | 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. of Baltimore comedy,” is set to film his first ing family and my parents were trying to live standup special on Thursday, March 15th at the dream by giving us a house with a yard 8 pm at the Windup Space in Baltimore. The and a home big special, called “Straight Acting,” is all about enough for us to Free being a gay man living in America today, have our Furr’s childhood as a “flamingly own bed- performance gay” boy in rural Mary- rooms. March 15th! land, and about being Howev- an openly gay working er, there was systematic racism comedian. there, as well. Let’s just say moving “I try to keep it very out into the county, they weren’t a conversational,” Furr ex- big fan of me…but that’s okay.” plained. “I like to make it “I think I like to give my per- sound like whatever I’m spective on whatever I’m talking talking about I’m coming up about,” Furr added. “I don’t re- with it right in the moment. ally do what most comics do, Then, I’m figuring it out with like observational comedy, be- the audience. I’m adorably cause everything I talk about offensive,” Furr laughed. “I on stage is my opinion of it or like to say -things that peo- my view of it. It’s fun to hear Mon, March 12th – 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. ple may think are offensive or a show where you can be in shocking. I don’t go low-brow someone else’s head for a Tues, March 13th – 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. but I do like to push the enve- few minutes.” lope.” Michael “There’s no other gay men, in Furr, grew up in Columbia, Maryland, Furr my opinion, doing stand-up at all in before moving to Mount Airy-area in Car- —continued on page 21 COCKPIT IN COURT Summer Theatre Cockpit in Court’s children’s theatre is open to Cockpit in Court announces our performers aged 3 to 17 Summer 2018 season! ALL AUDITIONS HELD AT: CCBC Essex 7201 Rossville Blvd SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGES ARE NOW AVAILABLE Baltimore, MD 21237 Mainstage and Cabaret auditions will be held in Mainstage • Avenue Q • Disney’s The Little Mermaid the AHUM Building Court Jesters auditions will be held in the Cabaret • Laughter on the 23rd Floor ADMIN Building Lecture Hall Come Back to the Five & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean For campus map and further directions, Disney's The Lion King Jr. visit ccbcmd.edu • For musicals, bring sheet music; Season tickets can be purchased on line or by calling the accompanist will be provided. • Dance auditions will be held; dress appropriately. box o ce 443-840-ARTS • For plays, no monologue necessary; be prepared to read from script.

Cockpit in Court Summer Theatre Cockpit in Court Summer • Headshots and resumes welcome, but not required. 7201 Rossville Blvd. • Young performers may bring music or sing a simple Call the box office at 443-840-ARTS(2787) song with the piano. Older children may be asked or visit www.ccbcmd.edu/arts to read from the script.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 19 Lively Arts // out on screen Game Night Has Winners and Losers

by Chuck Duncan By the look of the calendar on the wall, exposed and it comes down to Max to save it’s time for yet another comedy with Ja- his life. son Bateman as a put-upon schlub. It’s If you’re planning to see Game Night, certainly a niche that he’s parlayed into a for the love of Pete, avoid the trailer at all successful career on the big screen, while costs. As so often happens with comedies, he actually goes in quite a different direc- all the good stuff is in the trailer and you’re tion on the small screen in Netflix’s Ozark. left watching all the filler in between. Most Kidnapping for But this is standard, come- of the funniest stuff is indeed in fun and drama dy mode Bateman on dis- Not the the Game Night trailer, but there play in Game Night ... and are some late in the game twists eo) and Jonathan Goldstein, keeping the it has enough laughs, good performances I didn’t hate it. that do come as a bit of a sur- greatest action moving. Aside from Jumanji: Wel- and decent plot twists to keep you enter- The story centers on prise (particularly with one actor come to the Jungle, there aren’t many tained. And be sure to stay to the end of Bateman’s Max and his who does not, that I can remem- comedy ever comedies on the big screen at the moment the credits to find out what really hap- wife Annie (Rachel McAd- ber, appear in the trailer which so Game Night should fill a void. It may pened with Gary’s wife Debbie. t ams) the perennial hosts made a large part of the preview made, but not be the greatest comedy ever made, but of a game night with their audience gasp ... and the wom- friends, the married Kevin plenty to like an in front of me was so stunned (Lamorne Morris) and Mi- she yelled out his famous TV chelle (Kylie Bunbury) and and laugh character name). So since I had Ryan (Billy Magnussen) seen the trailer, I only chuckled and his ever-changing date over throughout the film with one or for the evening, this time two good laughs. Your mileage Sarah (Sharon Horgan) who is actually may vary. SCREEN SAVOR: Ice Scream just along for the fun and not a date (slight- What helps sell the film is the cast. ly to Ryan’s surprise later in the film). But If you like every other comedy Jason By Gregg Shapiro ex-husband Jeff (Sebastian Stan), her sa- there is the issue of Officer Gary (Jesse Bateman has been in, you’ll like him in this Each year, there are more and more mov- distic mother LaVona (Golden Globe-win- Plemons), the next door neighbor who isn’t one. I liked the chemistry between him and ies depicting the lives of real people and ning and Oscar-nominated Allison Janney), invited to game night anymore since his Rachel McAdams, although sometimes she historical events. 2017 was no exception. Hard Copy reporter Martin (the ubiquitous wife Debbie left him. Gary is not too subtle did appear to just be acting. Lamorne Mor- From World War II (Dunkirk and The Dark- Bobby Canavale) and others, and be- about his wishes to be invited, which are ris and Kylie Bunbury were also good to- est Hour) to the 1970s (The Post, All the ing an explosive journey through Tonya’s both creepy and hilarious. And then there’s gether, especially in their subplot about the Money in the World, and soul-crushing childhood Max’s brother Brooks (Kyle Chandler), the celebrity she slept with at one point when Battle of the Sexes) and and adolescence. The more successful – and obnoxious – of the they had briefly broken up. The guessing the near-present day (Mol- movie regularly melts two. Max seems to have issues of inferi- game and the reveal are quite entertain- ly’s Game), there was no the fourth wall, permit- ority compared to Brooks (demonstrated ing. Jesse Plemons is appropriately dis- shortage of material to be ting characters to di- by an embarrassing story told at a game turbing, but he’s also a sympathetic char- dramatized onscreen. rectly address the au- night) and things escalate when Brooks acter as well. It takes some talent to pull One such movie, I, dience mid-scene. This decides he wants everyone to come to his that off. Sharon Horgan is also quite good Tonya, stands out from device is both effective house for game night. as Ryan’s ‘date’ and the exasperation she the rest for its inventive and surreal. But, ever one to top his brother, Brooks expresses at him is funny. The standout and memorable approach LaVona, with a has informed everyone that he has hired however is Billy Magnussen as Ryan. He is to storytelling. “Based on Crimson-bellied parrot a company that stages very specific situ- such an unaware dope who stumbles into irony free, wildly contra- perched on her shoul- ations and at some point during the eve- being a hero (for a hot second) and has a dictory, totally true inter- der during her interview ning, someone will be kidnapped and the moment of real pathos when Sarah realiz- views with Tonya Harding segments, describes To- rest will be given a series of clues to find es he thinks they’re on a real date when and Jeff Gilooly,” direc- nya, the fifth child from the victim. The winner will receive Brooks’s that’s the furthest thing from her mind. I’ve tor Craig Gillespie and her fourth husband, as brand new, vintage, cherry red Stingray ... seen Magnussen in smaller roles here and screenwriter Steven Rog- “spoiled” and “a handful.” a car that Max has always wanted. An “FBI there (like Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, ers present a hilarious, But she never takes cred- agent” with dossiers and the kidnappers Into the Woods, Bridge of Spies, and as frightening and deserv- it for creating the monster arrive as scheduled and Brooks puts up a Kato Kaelin in American Crime Story), so edly unflattering portrait that was her daughter. very realistic fight, much to his guests en- it’s good to see him get a really substan- of ambition, competition, Raising Tonya as a po- joyment. But after Brooks is taken and the tial role in a major motion picture (and he’ll and abuse. tential meal ticket, LaVo- “agent” continues to lie motionless on the really hit the big time with Disney’s live ac- I, Tonya alternates between interview na pushes an underage Tonya on skating floor, it all becomes too real as the actual tion Aladdin as Prince Anders). segments featuring disgraced skater To- coach Diane (the underrated Julianne hired kidnappers arrive. Then it becomes Game Night is ably directed by John nya (Oscar-nominee Margot Robbie in a Nicholson). Initially hesitant, Diane takes a race against time as Brooks’s real life is Francis Daley (who makes his usual cam- career-defining performance), her violent the poor redneck girl under her wing and

20 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts Gay Comedian Films grooms her into a medal-winning champ. Accustomed to taking abuse from the Stand-Up Special relentlessly cruel LaVona, Tonya’s life takes a decisive turn for the worse when, —continued from page 19 at 15, she gets involved with the brutal Jeff. Nevertheless, Tonya is able to re- Baltimore,” Furr told me. “I want to talk about 20172018 SEASON main focused on her goal of becoming a what that’s like and my perspective of being a skating Olympic medalist. Unfortunately, gay man in the comedy scene and a gay man Jeff’s pathologically stupid and dishonest from a small town. I never set out to be a gay sidekick Shawn (Paul Walter Hauser), who comic. I never also functions as Tonya’s bodyguard, has really talked undue influence over Jeff, leading to the about my life planning and carrying out of the infamous as a gay man 1994 assault on skater Nancy Kerrigan when I started (Caitlin Carver). out. I talked In case you didn’t think the twisted tale about broader of Tonya Harding and her cohorts wasn’t subject-matter bizarre enough on its own, the final se- but then it just quence, in which Harding, admitting to came about doing what she can to stay in the public as I realized I eye and make money, can be seen as a was the only “lady boxer” seals the deal. Skating on thin gay man comic around. There are, however, ice has never been this entertaining. Bo- a lot of in Baltimore comedy. We also nus features include deleted scenes, have some trans comics, as well, but like just Gillespie’s film commentary and five fea- the one gay dude.” turettes, including “All Sixes: The Perfect Furr ended with reminding readers that Performances of I, Tonya” and “Irony Free, the special is free. “Seating will be limited, but Totally True: The Story Behind I, Tonya.” I hope to see everyone there!” t Rating: A-minus. t For more info visit Michaelfurr.com.

MARCH 15 - JUNE 10

FROM VIENNA TO BROADWAY FRI, MAR 9 | 8 PM • SAT, MAR 10 | 8 PM • SUN, MAR 11 | 3 PM JACK EVERLY, Principal Pops Conductor TED KEEGAN • KRISTEN PLUMLEY • BEN CRAWFORD BALTIMORE CHORAL ARTS SOCIETY, ANTHONY BLAKE CLARK, Music Director

Join the BSO SuperPops for a star-studded concert featuring three Broadway singers in a performance of operetta and Broadway hits. Enjoy memorable melodies from Lehar to Lloyd Webber, with favorites from Vienna’s The Merry Widow, Showboat and Phantom of the Opera. PRESENTING SPONSOR: 410-730-8311 TobysDinnerTheatre.com JOSEPH MEYERHOFF SYMPHONY HALL TICKETS FROM $3O • BSOMUSIC.ORG • 410.783.8000 Due to the nature of theatrical bookings, all shows and dates are subject to change. • Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Columbia, MD

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 21 Lively Arts // MUSIC

has, the pops ‘fills out’ the patron’s ear for From Vienna to Broadway: a Night at the BSO the entire season. The BSO schedule is always loved by their adoring patrons and By Brynn Devereaux lavish and melodic evening.” tunes from Lehar to Andrew Lloyd Webber. there’s nothing like hearing and feeling a “Making music with the musicians of the Soloist Ben Crawford is excited to be Audiences will hear pieces from Vienna’s crowd that truly loves what they’ve come Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and for the back at the BSO. “Quite simply the BSO The Merry Widow, Showboat, Candide, to see.” audiences of the BSO is two hours of pure is one of the best symphony orchestras in Phantom of the Opera, and more. “I think Tickets are available at Bsomusic.org. joy for me,” says principal pops conductor the country,” says Crawford. “It’s always the repertoire that we bring to Baltimore is The BSO will perform at the Music Center Jack Everly. On March 8th through 11th at thrilling to be on stage with them. I always preserving the art of symphony pops yet at Strathmore on March 8th at 8 pm, March the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and jump at the opportunities to perform with putting a new stamp on it for this time and 9th at 8 pm, March 10th at 8 pm; and then the Music Center at Strathmore, Everly the BSO because they’re generation,” says Crawford. “Combined March 11th at 3 pm at the Joseph Meyer- and the BSO will perform a tribute to the A toast to such a fantastic culmina- with a strong classical season like the BSO hoff Symphony Hall. t operetta with the Baltimore Choral Arts tion of combined talents. operetta It’s always a pleasure!” Baltimore Choral Arts Society director, Anthony Blake Clark says, “Choral Arts is // between the covers always thrilled when we get to be the BSO’s symphony chorus. Our favorite thing about working with the orchestra is the flexibility Drug Wars ‘Predux’: in of the musicians and fitting our piece of the musical puzzle into the artistic product. To or a quick-witted retort at some point. work with such world-class musicians and Prohibition Despite the stereotyping and racial slurs conductors is a (it seems that no ethnic group is spared), Jack Everly – great joy for our By Brynn Devereaux each character has a certain “realness” BSO principal pops chorus. I’m prob- The Roaring 20s may conjure up visions to them. They don’t try to be anything conductor ably most excited of flapper girls, speakeasies, and All That other than what they are whether that is about working with Maestro Everly for the Jazz, but David Mamet’s novel Chicago self-serving, self-preserving, or just plain first time – the chorus has told me over and delves into the grittier aspects awful. The only “good” charac- Society and Broadway singers over how wonderful he is and how intelli- of the 1920s: mobsters and Mobsters and ter dies early on, and it is the Ted Keegan, Ben Crawford, and Kristin gently done his pops concerts are!” murder. In his first novel in absence of good that drives Plumley. Everly says it will be “a musically “From Vienna to Broadway” will feature two decades, Mamet follows the shadow the plot. World War I veteran and news Woven between Mike’s reporter Mike Hodge through of World War tale of despair and despera- Prohibition-afflicted Chicago One darken the tion are stories about Chicago as he tries to solve the mys- tragedies that bring context to tery of his girlfriend Annie streets of David the world around him. Cameos Walsh’s murder. Mike learns, from real life mobsters, deaths however, that keeping secrets Mamet’s new of children, and World War I can be just as dangerous as novel reminiscences bring a com- uncovering the truth. plexity to the story that reminds In Chicago, secrets are currency. No the reader that while this dynamic and col- one gets answers – not even Mike – with- orful period of history is interesting to write out paying. As the brothel madam, Peeka- about, it was real. Mike’s storyline takes a boo, says to Mike: “Sometimes, you know little too long to gain momen- secrets. Human na- tum in this novel, but the ture is turn it into gold, vignettes and jokes told or attention, or a pass in the newsroom or in the from the cops, rat out speakeasies help deliver some competitor to verisimilitude to the sto- the Flying Squad. ry. Sometimes, the price In the end, Mike is someone’s going to finds the answers he get hurt. Only question needs. The novel ends is, who?” As Mike finds with Lindberg flying over out, many people get the ocean and the trials hurt, including himself. of Leopold and Loeb. Mamet’s ability to Time marches on and use fast paced, deep stops for no one. This dialogue known as “Ma- raw, unflinching tale of met Speak” is on full dis- deceit, obsession, and play in Chicago. It’s the justice will paint a pic- driving narrative force of ture of Chicago that will the novel. Every charac- stay with readers be- ter has a chance to deliv- yond the last page. t er a truth, a monologue, 22 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com People In Our Neighborhood Breanna Sinclairé Returns to Charm City on a High Note By Frankie Kujawa was she who encouraged her to sing in the events. My goal, as a performer, is to use my of the drum. Our way of living. Sounds every- Breanna Sinclairé’s operatic voice has the Baptist choir and take an interest in opera. voice as an outcry of life, my struggle and how where. Car sounds, street sounds, the vibra- power to transcend all barriers. Having al- With her grandmother’s help, she enrolled we got here. To be alive, as a trans woman of tions of our words, people talking. Music is ready become the first transgender woman at the Baltimore School for the Arts. When color, it’s important that my voice – and sing- part of that element of who we are as human to sing the national anthem at a professional Sinclairé was 17 years-old, her mother sent ing with these men – be a unique experience beings. It’s a feeling. It’s a driving force of life. sporting event in 2015, Sinclairé will now be her to Kingswood University, an evangelical for audiences.” I think music is a way of healing and that’s why joining the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washing- Christian university in New Brunswick, Can- In Sinclairé’s opinion, music is the univer- I’m called to be a performer. To heal people ton, DC, on Saturday, ada, in hopes that sal language. “To me, music is like the beating with the gift I have.” t March 3rd for their “My goal as a Sinclairé would be- performance of Mau- come a pastor. rice Duruflé’s Requi- performer is to use my As Sinclairé once em. The performance voice as an outcry of explained to Out Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington is cathartic on many magazine, “When I levels for Sinclairé as life. To be alive, as a left my family, I dis- DC Performs Musical Masterpiece she will be returning to covered myself.” Un- her hometown of Bal- trans woman of color, able to reconcile who By Frankie Kujawa timore after an 8-year it’s important that my she currently was with The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC, (GMCW) will be joined by a live or- absence. whom she was be- chestra and special guest, transgender opera singer Breanna Sinclairé for the “I would describe voice – and singing coming, Sinclairé left world premiere of the tenor bass adaptation of Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem on Baltimore as talented, college. Disowned by Saturday, March 3rd at 8 pm at the Church of the Epiphany in Washington. charismatic, real, ver- with these men – be a her family, she spent GMCW’s artistic director, Dr. Thea Kano, satile, and busy,” said unique experience for several months in wrote (with Sinclair, who recently New York City before the permis- chatted with Baltimore audiences.” she finally managed sion of the OUTloud regarding to pursue her singing Duruflé es- her return to Baltimore. “I am floored to re- aspirations. She applied and was accepted to tate) this ar- turn and perform with the Gay Men’s Chorus the prestigious California Institute of the Arts rangement of Washington,” Sinclairé added. “It’s really where she earned her BFA. At 19, Sinclairé of the piece weird coming back because I transitioned at began the process of transitioning. specifically the age of 19 in California. I have not talked Sinclairé went on to enroll at the San for GMCW. to my dad and have not been home [to Balti- Francisco Conservatory of Music. Her move “Audiences more] in the last eight to San Francisco sparked her can expect reinvention. While at the San extraordinary Francisco Conservatory, she tenor and bass was assisted by renown mu- singing of one sic professor Ruby Pleasure, of the world’s who took note of Sinclairé’s most beautiful voice and took her seriously choral piec- as both a person and singer. es, accompa- Breanna Singing of death, “Ruby always told me ‘Bre- nied by a stel- Sinclairé lar orchestra gently credit: Kent Taylor anna, you do you and do credit: Michael Key it well.’ And that’s was has of musicians from around the DC area,” Kano been my motto. I’m going explained. “In addition to the Requiem, the chorus will to be myself and do it well sing Duruflè’s ‘Messe Cum Jubilo,’ which the composer wrote for unison tenor … with greatness, power, and bass voices.” boldness and strength.” The acoustics in the Church of the Epiphany are perfect for this piece and Sinclairé would eventually experiencing it for the first time in its history will be exciting, and the concert will obtain her master’s degree be recorded live. “It is a milestone for GMCW, in that we are presenting a piece in 2014 before making that has for many years been a staple in the SATB chorus world. It’s an oppor- history as the first trans- tunity to demonstrate that we are an arts organization that can sing the classical gender woman to sing repertoire, and we just happen to be LGBT – it’s a statement for equality. And it the national anthem at is always exciting to present a premiere of a new adaptation.” an Oakland A’s baseball The Duruflé Requiem is an extraordinarily beautiful piece. The arc paints game in 2015. a picture of calm and serenity, and is not by any means a downer or grave. It years. I’ve only been Now Sinclairé is thrilled to be performing is hopeful and there are beautiful harmonic progressions and huge, dramatic to Washington to sing for Washington Pride, with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington. climaxes throughout the work, so it is interesting and captivating. The special which was last summer, however I really “They’re quite an eclectic group of people,” guest performance of Baltimore-native Breanna Sinclairé is expected to open up wasn’t home. Coming back to my hometown Sinclairé explained. “Being part of that pro- the eyes and ears of audiences. “We are very proud to have Breanna part of this now, as my true self, is a very big deal for me. cess and performing with them is such a project. She’ll bring the ‘wow’ factor. She is a phenomenal singer and musician. Her performance is powerful, the audience is in for a treat.” I feel as if I’m coming full circle.” beautiful thing. We, as the LGBT communi- t The Baltimore-native was first introduced ty, are about standing together in times like For more info, visit Gmcw.org. to classical music by her grandmother. It these, especially in light of today’s current BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 23 out in the valley

Parenting OUTloud Rev. Kelly Crenshaw

How to Tame But, for most people, the biggest hurdle is the attitude of the two-to-three year old. a Toddler They know what they want and when they want it. They learn to scream and demand. we’d heard it before. But, it was never I’ve raised my fair share of toddlers. In fact, They can be very trying and, if you don’t clear. We were able to convince ourselves I’m willing to wager that I’ve raised more get those tantrums under control, they can that it was a different word. Oh no! Not this toddlers than most. Many people dread the go on for years. time! There was no doubt what she’d said. tantrums and energy of the toddler stage, One of the things we’ve found most So, I turned to Cassandra and said, but I have to admit that I love it. I love the useful is to reason with our children. For “We need to have a little talk. “Fuck” is not a opinions and the emotions of toddlers, at example, Cassandra recently discovered a very nice word. Sometimes grownups least for the most part. new vocabulary word. We were unloading say the word, but they re- When Cassandra first started toddling the van. Cassandra was watching every- ally shouldn’t either. And, around, she was adorable. (Of course, I one grab grocery bags and then turned to little girls should never say think all toddlers are adorable.) She per- talk to me. She didn’t notice that they were this word. So, what I am what it is. fected her walking skills and then learned finished until someone slammed the back saying is I don’t want to Treat your to run. Now, at just over two years of age, hatch door. And, as clear as a bell, she hear you say ‘fuck’ again. children with she runs, climbs, and walks steps with pre- said, “Oh fuck!” Do you understand?” She respect as cision. Now, I have to admit that we thought nodded her little head. they learn That was a few weeks to navigate ago, and so far, we’ve the world SAVE THE DATE not heard a repeat of the of choices. word. Show them KSGRA Rodeo Ball This approach can two outfits work with other situa- and let them Saturday, March 24, 6 p.m.-Midnight tions, too. When Cas- pick which sandra is throwing a fit one they’d about taking her bath, like to wear. we explain that if she Ask if they’d gets her bath, then she prefer carrots can read a book until or broccoli bedtime. She will usu- with their din- ally run off to the bath- ner. Explain room so she can read why you do one of her favorite Trust me, I’m things the way books. Today, she wanted a toddler you do and to leave with me as I went then be consistent in the way you do those to run errands. She started things. to throw a tantrum. I re- I think you’ll find fewer battles as your minded her that I’d only be toddler grows and matures. I can’t promise gone a short time and then it will work with every child, but it worked would be home to play with her. She was with our children. And, if you’re lucky, it will smiling and waving as I left. work with your child, too. t All a young child wants is to feel in Rev. Kelly Crenshaw is the mom of 16 This semi-formal/cowboy formal event will be held at the control of something. Isn’t that what we all adopted kids, two biological kids, guardian I.W. Able Banquet Hall in 200 Gibson St Steelton, PA 17113 want in our lives? Don’t we all want to feel of one baby girl and foster mom of doz- Dinner, ra es, dancing and much more! like we make our own decisions? There ens. Some are lesbian, some gay, some are very few who would feel comfortable straight, and some bisexual. Kelly founded Ticket prices will be $50 per person or $80 per couple and $25 for children being told what to eat, when to eat it, how a K-12 day school where kids could have ages 6-12. Tickets go on sale February 15, 2018. You can order your tickets to eat it, what to wear, when to bathe, a safe, bully-free environment for learning. online at KSGRA.org or you can contact President Adam Romanik at when to sleep, and so on. She is co-owner of a counselling agency [email protected] or 717.460.4450. Little children learn that they have an that works with children and their families. opinion and they want all of us to know

24 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com out in the valley

youth basketball, advises the Diversity Club, organizes school events, and pre- Identity Fog: Life pares students for college and the work- Brian’s force. She’s also the recipient of the 2015 Arch Coal Teacher Achievement Award, Transitions Brain the 2016 Berkeley County Teacher of the By Zed Sykes Brian George Hose Year Award, and is nominated for the 2018 If you are questioning who you are, don’t Stephen L. Fisher teaching award. Salfia be afraid. Questioning your gender identity able and fit appropriately. Likewise, it is is also the president of the West Virginia can be a very scary and perplexing situa- just as important to make sure the names Council of Teachers of English. She also tion. However, the more slowly and grad- and pronouns chosen feel comfortable and West Virginia has three children with her husband, a fel- ually you work through it, the easier it will fit appropriately. The best way to do this is low educator in West Virginia. become. to pick a family member or close friend that Teachers Lead I first met Salfia when she was an ad- Many resources can act as a guide to is trustworthy, and just explain to them the junct professor at my alma mater. Her en- help you through the process of finding situation and reasoning behind it. If things Movement thusiasm and dedication to her profession yourself. Here are a couple of tips and end up not working out, choose a new was my tipping point, the reason I decid- things to keep in mind when questioning name, pronoun, or both, and try again. “Can I afford to do the job I love?” It’s an ed to begin writing about the things that your identity. There is no limit on how many times one important question most of us have asked matter to me and my community, which in Know that your feelings are valid. can change or choose names or pronouns. ourselves, especially if our passion turn opened This may be the most cliché line you ever It is okay not to transition or to do lends itself to doors I never heard; however, the people around you will so differently. Do not listen to anyone that nontraditional em- thought pos- have their own opinions. Try to remember says someone can be “Not trans enough” ployment; after all, sible. She that the only opinions that should mat- because they simply do not feel the need the “starving artist” changed my ter are your own since you’ll to medically transition. There are plenty of cliché exists for a life because be the one living in your people who do not feel the reason. But now, that’s what own shoes. need to transition in teachers and public teachers do Do plenty of re- order to be happy. employees in West – encour- search. This is possi- These feelings are Virginia have to age us to bly the most import- just as valid as any ask themselves this grow. ant tip. By doing this, other person’s feel- question on a dai- During you can find what ings who are seeking ly basis. Can they our chat others have already hormone replacement afford to continue Salfia gone through and .. There are doing the job they On the spoke passionately and see what mistakes to even ways for people love? line earnestly about the realities facing avoid. Websites like to naturally transition No one goes into teaching for the educators in her home state. She Youtube are great re- safely. This can be ide- money. In West Virginia there are 680 says many simply want to contin- sources to see what others have achieved a l for people who like be- public schools, over a quarter-million ue to do the work they love, which and learned while going through their own ing organic, have health issues, or cannot students, and 19,488 teachers. There are is only possible with a change in pay, identity journeys. There are also plenty of afford medical transitioning. also 727 teacher vacancies, a problem at- health insurance, or both. Over the past videos that can help you explain to peers Overall, these are just some things tributed to the state’s low pay (48th in the week Salfia and many of her colleagues and family about the feelings and possible to keep in mind while going through this country) and now, skyrocketing health care have met with legislators, delegates, su- further steps you might take in this journey. eventful journey. It can be quite worrisome costs through PEIA, the Public Employees perintendents, union reps, and various Test things out. Think of it like this, for a long while, but patience is the key to Insurance Agency. Rising costs of health media outlets to advocate for their cause. would someone go into a shoe store and all happiness. Most importantly, remember care coupled with low pay means that According to Salfia, if a strike goes into ef- buy shoes without seeing if they fit right? that if things ever get too overwhelming, teachers and public employees are now fect the teachers of West Virginia have de- Chances are that they will try them on and take a step back, observe, and see how losing even more of their take-home pay. cided to focus their efforts on PEIA, which walk with them to see if they are comfort- life can go on one day a time. t Many are leaving the state simply because would significantly lower health care costs they can’t afford to stay. for all public employees and benefit more Currently the unions representing individuals and families than giving a raise teachers have called for a work stoppage, to teachers only. meaning that every single public school in And that, dear reader, speaks vol- West Virginia is currently closed. If a res- umes about the teachers who choose to olution is not reached, the governor may stay. Remember that all this is happening call for an injunction, ordering all teachers during a time when teachers are expected and public employees to return to work. At to try and meet the needs of each individu- that point, the work stoppage becomes a al student, bring out the best in our young strike, which is illegal in West Virginia and people, and even take a bullet for them if puts teachers at risk of legal action. necessary. Give them your support as this I spoke to Jessica Salfia, an English plays out because they’re still teaching – teacher at Spring Mills High School in teaching us to respect and stand up for Berkeley County, West Virginia. Salfia is ourselves, to know our worth, and to ask a miraculous force of nature, the kind of for it. Isn’t that worth a living wage and af- person I aspire to be one day. She teach- fordable benefits? t es Advanced Placement classes, coaches

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 25 out in the valley The Royal Court Has Been Crowned! By Frankie Kujawa The Keystone State Gay Rodeo Associa- tion (KSGRA) brought out the glitz, glam- our, and rhinestone spurs at the KSGRA deo who have moved away from it. I want Royalty competition at Harrisburg’s 704 to find them and welcome them home. On Lounge on Saturday, February 24th. Balti- the other end of the spectrum, I’d like to more OUTloud chatted exclusively with the reach out to the younger crowd to ensure royalty court to discuss their recent titles the longevity of rodeo in Pennsylvania and and their goals for their upcoming reign. the East Coast.” Vrana added. “I’m not “I’m extremely honored to be named getting any younger, and it’s up to people Ms. KSGRA!” exclaimed Jennifer Vrana, like me to ensure that the next generation the newly crowned Ms. KSGRA 2018. “I’ve steps forward.” been around the rodeo circuit for over 25 Jed Ryan, the newly crowned Mr. years, and I have a dual platform. One of KSGRA 2018 added, “I’m very honored and my goals is to bring people back to the ro- pleased. I’m a newbie to the rodeo scene. COMING SOON My platform is to encourage and promote At the crossroads to rodeo to the masses and to the LGBTQ of cowboy and community at large. I want to help promote Kensington Palace and raise money for KSGRA and start de- Washington County veloping a presence through networking and fundraising.” Ryan, added that he re- I went into this, I re- ceived a lot of encouragement throughout ally thought that I might get first runner-up. the process of becoming Mr. KSGRA 2018, When they announced that Miss Shirli and was shocked and very delighted when Devine was first runner up, my mouth hit he was announced as the winner. He plans the floor. I thought truly and honestly that to work hard to establish KSGRA’s pres- she had it. I am so thrilled! I am beyond ence throughout the community. “KSGRA words at this point and time.” Zwiers add- does a lot of events throughout the year, ed, “For my platform, I plan to work very and I really want to network and share the closely with the board of KSGRA, and with message about the rodeo with others. Like my teammates. I want to make this the best our president, Adam Romanik has said, team out on the rodeo circuit. I want to pull ‘Even if you’ve never been to a rodeo, just in as many rodeo contestants, by going to come and check it out.’ It definitely opens a bars and outreach events such as Pride whole new world outside the urban bubble celebrations. Anything that we can be in- for many. I plan to get very involved.” volved in, as much as we can be involved First runner-up to Miss KSGRA 2018, in, especially as community outreach. We Miss Shirli Devine (aka James Snyder) want to see what we can do about bringing Community Center echoed, “I feel honored to be part of the new royalty contestants in and I believe royalty team. For me, it’s a way of just be- we all share the same vision of helping Providing a place where we can bring unity, education, and ing able to represent KSGRA to those that the KSGRA out by preparing them for next services to support our local LGBTQ+ and local communities. are out there around us, and to those who year.” are still looking for a place to be accepted KSGRA’s 2018 Royalty Chair, Floyd and be oneself.” Adding, “My platform is to Zwiers is very excited for this year’s newly Providing the community with a comfortable environment to basically let’s everyone know that they are crowned court. “I’m very proud of them.” socialize, acquire educational information, and guidance. ok with who they are and where they are. He explained, adding. “My objective for I grew up on a farm in a very rural area, this team is to actually represent KSGRA so it was significant for me to find some- the way it’s to be represented in the rodeo place that I can be myself and not have circuit and world. We plan to make a lot of OFFERING to change for anyone. KSGRA, as well as money for our charities and for KSGRA, so Peer Youth Sessions Gay and Lesbian Support Groups IGRA (International Gay Rodeo Associa- we are able to do more for our charities.” Transgender Empowerment HIV+ Support tion) is a place that welcomes people for For more information on how to join who they are without judgement.” KSGRA, as well as the information for the The newly crowned Miss KSGRA 2018, upcoming June rodeo in Harrisburg, Penn- www.facebook.com/HagerstownHopes Duchess Zwiers (aka Mark Zwiers), was sylvania, visit Ksgra.org. t still speechless over his recent win. “When

26 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com KSGRA Royalty Pageant at 704 Lounge, Harrisburg, PA Photos by Eric Randolph

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 27 quality of life

you devote to your wedding planning, the Getting the less stress you’ll experience. Wedding planning is full of details. Wedding Taking good notes will keep you from be- You Want ing overwhelmed and forgetting important David Egan things. Use spreadsheets to keep track 205205 WestWest ReadRead StreetStreet “Corner“Corner ofof ReadRead andand Park”Park” of venues and caterers and other wed- ding professionals – even if you’re not a 410-225-3100410-225-3100 •• ATMATM AvailableAvailable spreadsheet kind of couple. They will be Wedding Planning really handy when it comes time to com- pare one venue or caterer to the other and Essentials to make good choices. To that end, it’s per- fectly okay to make notes when you’re vis- Two of the most joyful experiences part- iting venues and talking with caterers and ners can have together are learning photographers and others. Wedding pro- new things and creating something from fessionals, myself included, love seeing scratch. Planning your wedding is exactly organized couples come through the door! that. It’s an adventure that will bring you It’s also a good idea to sit down with face-to-face with all sorts of opportunities your sweetie right after each visit and re- for discovery, creativity, and reflection. cord your impressions. Believe me, after HHAPPYAPPY HOURHOUR My best overall advice around wed- the first two or three venue tours or visits ding planning is for the two of you to set with caterers and others, everything will an intention to make the planning process start to run together! Keeping good notes 44 p.m.p.m. toto 88 p.m.p.m. fun, easy for each other, and full of love. will make all the difference later on. There are a jillion details to manage and Some planning decisions will come big discussions to have. You’ll be talking easy for you while others may take more about money, and lots of it. Almost every work. Be patient with each other. Look for relationship in your world will be consid- common ground, and explore the “heart” 2-in-12-in-1 RAILRAIL && ered and examined. There is also plenty and “head” aspects of each decision. Hold- of opportunity for anxiety and ing good space for each unhappiness to slip in – if you other and being in a let it. But you don’t have to! mindset of discovery DomesticDomestic BeerBeer Determining how much and wonder will serve money you have to spend you well in keeping the and how you plan to spend planning process cen- it can bring up all of your tered around a celebra- thoughts and feelings about tion of love and unity. money. This is a great time Weddings are about for you and your partner to celebrating the union BACKBACK BARBAR OPENOPEN examine those thoughts of two people and ex- and feelings head-on, to- tending hospitality to gether, before you start the participants in that FRIDAYFRIDAY && SATURDAYSATURDAY making big decisions celebration. That’s it. about your wedding. Being Everything else is flu- on the same philosophical and practical id. You can choose your own path. Is Until 1:30 a.m. sheets of paper around money will make there guidance to be had from those that Until 1:30 a.m. study weddings? Sure. Are there traditions all the difference in creating every aspect of your wedding experience. to consider? Of course. But ultimately, it’s Along with setting your budget, one of your wedding, and your decisions to make withwith KaraokeKaraoke the first things you’ll want to do is make a around how best to create an experience list of the people who you love and who that expresses your sacred union, and love you who you’d like to participate in the honors those who have come to celebrate formal, ceremonial creation of your union, it. Be willing to create something new and and with whom you’d like to celebrate that exciting that speaks to who you are as a TheThe sacred experience. That’s your guest list. couple and what you believe about mar- It doesn’t have to be any more complicated riage. than that! Next time: sit-down vs. buffet vs. cock- Wedding planning takes time. There is tail-style receptions. t information to gather, places and people to David L. Egan is the proprietor and stew- DrinkerDrinkeryy visit, and time to spend talking, consider- ard of Chase Court, a wedding and event ing, and reflecting with your partner. Give venue in downtown Baltimore. Visit Cha- TheThe LittleLittle CoCorrnerner BarBar withwith aa GreatGreat BigBig HeHeartart!! yourself the gift of time to do all of these secourt.com, and follow ChaseCourtWed- things, and to do them well. The more time dingVenue on Instagram and Facebook. 28 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com dining out

steaks, pastas, sandwiches, burgers, ribs, EIGHT NEW FLOORS. and more. As I said earlier, given it was the first Friday of Lent, our choices were limited to seafood for the evening. Nick INFINITE NEW STORIES. decided on a cup of Maryland Crab soup Finger’s ($4.50). While it was served piping hot, the Food soup did not taste fresh, which was disap- Richard Finger pointing. For our main course, I opted for the Tuna Steak ($20), which is served with two sides. From the selection of fries, cole slaw, baked potato, mashed potato, broc- The Crackpot coli, corn on the cob, wild rice, or Season- 8102 Loch Raven Boulevard, Towson al Vegetable, I went with the baked potato Crackpotseafoodrestaurant.com and spinach (the seasonal vegetable). I 410-828-105 had asked for the Tuna Steak to be served seared. Nick went with the Maryland Clas- Roland Park Place – Baltimore City’s only certified Continuing Given that it’s the season of Lent, we were sic Crab Cake ($19) with baked potato and looking for a nearby seafood restaurant on broccoli. Care Retirement Community – will soon be transformed, a Friday night. A quick Mapquest search We did not wait very long for our meals adding eight new stories and sixty spacious new residences, pointed us in the direction of The Crack- to arrive. For both of us, the portions were pot. While I’d never been there myself, to create the perfect setting for your Baltimore story. Nick hadn’t been in many years, so off The Crackpot opened we went for something new (for me), and something old (for Nick). in 1972, and avidly Walking into The Crackpot is definitely cultivates a retro crab READY FOR MOVEIN 443.338.6212 a step back in time. As one of my friends FALL 2020 RolandParkPlace.org stated recently, it is “kitsch,” but in a fun house vibe. sort of way. My better half noticed right away that a wall had been removed that Pending final approval from Maryland Department of Aging used to separate the bar from the main quite large. Nick enjoyed the crab cake, restaurant. Today, there’s definitely more which was good news considering the soup of an open feel. The restaurantt offers a experience. I’d argue the tuna casual and comfortable nauti- steak was served a little more cal setting, and oth- cooked than I usually enjoy, er than the but none the less, it was quite wall remov- delightful. Nick’s broccoli ap- al, appears peared much fresher than my not much has watery, overcooked, spin- been changed ach. Predictable, our baked since 1972. The potatoes were just fine, as Crackpot’s web- they are fairly standard. site does state Overall, I conclude the it is “famous as prices we paid for our the classic Balti- meals were fair for the more ‘retro’ crab quality and quantity we house and seafood received. Boosting empowerment and breaking the bonds restaurant. The orig- Throughout the inal crab traps still course of our time of homophobia, racism, and stigma in same hand from oars that there, all of the wait gender-loving (SGL) men in Baltimore City staff were quite friendly, and extend o ver some of Everything’s • NETWORKING the tables. The walls crabby – worked hard to make our vis- are adorned with many varieties except for it an experience. For those Every 1st Wednesday of fish, including a seven foot sailfish and staff & diners that appreciate nostalgia, • HIV EDUCATION swordfish.” The Crackpot is definitely Every Last Wednesday Luckily, Nick and I managed to arrive the place for you. The Crackpot serves din- just before 7 pm, on time for Happy Hour ner from 3 to 10 pm, but remember, if you’re • SOCIAL EVENTS (from 3 to 7 pm, weekdays). We enjoyed going during the week, arrive before 7 for Monthly some of the happy hour specials! $4 sangrias. Lately, this has become my • ART CREATION PROJECT drink of choice, and I’ve had some real- The Crackpot opened in 1972, and was ly great sangrias, and some really awful. one of the first crab houses to fly crabs [email protected] • 410-837-5573 Surprisingly, for $4, this sangria was one in from Louisiana year-round. Currently, of the better ones, and I enjoyed mine the Crackpot has won awards for its hot, FB: New Horizons Baltimore • aidsactionbaltimore.org while looking over the menus. steamed crabs, mostly recently being Tow- HIV Prevention Advocacy for SGL Men's Health supported by The Crackpot offers a varied dinner son magazine (2017) and Baltimore mag- ViiV Healthcare's ACCELERATE! Program menu that features not only seafood, but azine (2017). t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 29 DINING OUT

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30 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com Quality of life // your money Real estate

responded, “This is just who I am. I am only a The More you human being. If you are offended, I am sorry.” Know About Under questionable circumstances, the following year after , Joy was let go Business from the furniture retailer. It had been a year Richard Finger & Lauren Lynch later, when she began working for a hospital system, and secured a position with the fa- cilities department. With excitement, she told us the story of how she had been interviewed Joy’s Journey for a part-time position, and was offered the Have a Career, position the same day! Joy worked in the facil- Not a Job! Through the ities department and experienced a change in Join the Weichert leadership, which was one of the contributing Workplace factors to securing a new position in the labor Realtors-Urban and delivery unit as a registration associate. Lifestyles Team We recently met with one of our openly trans- Within the first three months, Joy expe- gender employees and decided it would be rienced tension within the department with and become part fantastic to feature her in one of our articles. some nurses. The registration associates of the family. For us, it was a unique opportunity to write shared a locker room with the nurses. Behind about a topic we had never done before. Our Joy’s back, they had registered complaints Check out our employee was excited to discuss her journey with management that they did not feel com- career night. with us. It was so refreshing to meet some- fortable with Joy in the locker room. one so transparent, so re- The issue was resolved Call us for further silient, and so positive. by human resources with Joy began relaying Joy they were told their argu- information her story to us by taking ment didn’t have legs to 410-752-1050 us back to 2007. She had stand on. The manager Proud sponsor of been working at a major at the time was support- furniture retailer as a cus- ive of Joy, and brought tomer service manager. At in a social worker who that time, before disclosing was also transgender to her vice president she to speak with the staff. was transgender, she had Attendance was not begun to feature as more required, but highly feminine, wearing earrings encouraged. Even af- and nail polish, and had be- ter the meeting, we gun dosing on hormones, learned that patients so the physical hints were and staff do misgen- already in motion. In disclos- der Joy by calling her ing that she was transgender “sir, he, or him.” Sometimes it is a harmless to her VP, the response was, “What does that mistake, and sometimes there seems to be mean?” Joy responded, “I am transitioning more meaning behind it. Joy has become from man to a woman.” The VP asked if they adept at telling the difference. When there could bring in Human Resources. The VP of is malicious intent, Joy feels that it the most HR then assisted in securing a resource to ad- difficult part. She is just trying to go about her dress the staff. Four meetings took place, one day, and others seem to be bothered by that. each with sales, service, manufacturing, and Years later, Joy still feels she is treated warehouse staff. Overall, Joy states the meet- differently from other women. She feels like ings went well. One coworker did ask why she there is resentment but does not understand was doing it, and Joy’s response was “I always why. After beginning her position in labor and knew I was different since a young age.” Joy delivery, in 2012 Joy decided to take another felt it wasn’t something she decided to do, it step in her transformation journey, and wished was something that she needed to do. to undergo gender-affirming surgery. She had Another coworker that Joy had been submitted a 12-chapter binder to the benefits friendly with received the information, the manager with supporting documentation from friend was relieved, stating, “Thank God. I physicians (medical and psychiatric) and legal thought you were nuts!” experts. Joy campaigned for years to have the And of course, there was one cowork- surgery covered by the organization. It wasn’t er that asked to speak to Joy privately. This until 2016, when the Affordable Care Act was coworker had deep religious beliefs, and ex- amended that Joy secured the medical cover- pressed to Joy that he did not approve of this age. The president of the hospital at the time change, and that she was an abomination sat with Joy to congratulate her, and to give against God. Joy respectfully, and gracefully —continued on page 33 BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 31 leather

(319 Pennsylvania Avenue SE). The fun starts at the DC Ea- starts at 7 pm and there will be a contest gle, proceeds to the for the best in red, dancing, drag perfor- Baltimore Eagle, mances, kinky scenes, a gear auction, Leather and then heads on and much more. Details can be found on Line to the Eagle NYC. Facebook under: Code Red IV: Stop the Rodney Burger On the return trip to Stigma. the DC Eagle there Another brief event – Also on March will be a stop at the 24th the Baltimore Eagle will be hosting the White Marsh Mall Testosterone Black Light Underwear Party for the Baltimore hosted by Testosterone Party International This Just In folks. Tickets are with music by DJ Ron Hamelin. Tickets are $65 and I’m sure $7 and the drawers open at 9pm – I mean Another super Philly win – Congratulations they’re going fast. the doors open at 9. to Dan Marinari from Conshohocken, Penn- Full details are on Who let the dogs out? Saturday, sylvania, and Stephanie Anders (aka Domme Facebook. March 10th from 6 to 8 pm at Leon’s Back Stephxecutioner) from Philadelphia who were The Untold Room there will be a gathering of pups sashed Mr. and Ms. Philadelphia Leather 2018 Story – For the and handlers. With two-for-one drinks and on February 10th at the Bike Stop. It looks like first time in the 14 no cover change it’s sure to be a dog gone the Philadelphians MC who produce the annu- years that I have good time! al contest have come up with two more super been writing this And that’s just some of the news that just leather titleholders. column I had a came in. t Talk about a Bolt Bus – There is no bar current leather in Philadelphia called the Philadelphia Eagle titleholder re- – I’m sure you can guess why. But how would fuse to sit down you like to visit three Eagle bars in one night? for an interview American Leatherwoman 2017 Jackie Thomp- for this newspa- Joy’s Journey son will be hosting another Capitol Bus Crawl per. I guess he on April 14th to benefit the Carter / Johnson didn’t want to Through the Workplace Leather Library and her travel fund. The bus be read. —continued from page 31 A star is reborn – In her the news of coverage. She stated the or- Reading, ganization is covering the surgery not because Pennsylvania, it’s the legal thing to do but because it is the the Reading Mr. & Ms. right thing to do. Eagle is not a bar. It’s a newspaper. Philadelphia ben- Finally in March of 2017, Joy had the For many years the Reading Railmen Leather Dan efit HIV services at the Center in surgery in New York City, where her Balti- If you like to write and have an interest Marinair & in local news, theater and the arts, food, leather club held monthly bar nights at Asbury Park. more-based physician had relocated. Joy was their home bar, the Red Star Saloon. I Stephanie 100,000 reasons to love hospitalized for a full six days before returning Anders LGBTQ history, doing interviews, was very sad to hear the news awhile MAL – I never fail to have a fan- home. I had asked Joy how it felt and if she Baltimore OUTloud might be the place back that the owner had passed and tastic time each January when has any regrets. She stated she had finally felt for you. the bar had closed. The Red Star Saloon was the Centaur MC present Mid-Atlantic Leather “right,” and had absolutely no regrets. Only a the last remaining LGBT bar in Reading. I Weekend in Washington, DC. From seeing month after surgery, Joy was married. Today, We are looking for writers to share with have so many memories of that place starting leather friends from all over the country and Joy calls herself a transwoman. She has al- their LGBTQ community. in 1997 when I was there for a ShipMates’ bar beyond to attending the many dances and ways felt like a woman, and is finally able to In Baltimore and surrounding areas night as a pledge. I even had the pleasure of cocktails parties, it’s a wonderful way to start form her body to outwardly reflect who she is. including Hagerstown, Frederick, judging the Mr. and Ms. Reading Leather Con- the New Year. Did you know that it is not just In her words, “the way that she should be.” test there. I just heard some good news. The about shopping for leather and having fun? Joy plans to continue the campaign for Asbury Park NJ and Rehoboth Beach, bar has a new owner and will be reopening. Centaur MC President Todd White recently more items of the process to be medically cov- and any area we reach. The Reading Railmen are already in talks with announced that after MAL 2018 the Centaur ered such as facial feminization surgery. She the new management. It looks like Reading MC will be donating $100,000 to local chari- feels she has laid a lot of ground work for a For more information contact will once again have a LGBT bar. I can’t wait ties! This year’s recipients will be the Leath- lot of people, and feels like a pioneer for the Mary Taylor 410-802-1310, to return. er Archives & Museum, Shepherd Wellness, organization. Joy was very clear, she is not in- or e-mail her at Say it isn’t so – It is always sad when Moveable Feast, HIPS, Rainbow Railroad, the terested in the credit for her accomplishments, [email protected] a bar closes and I keep hearing that another Leather Heart Foundation, Team DC, Black she just wants to live her life the way she she can fill you in with all the details. LGBT bar is having management and finan- Gifted and Whole, and Brother Help Thyself. should have been born. Even so, Joy contin- cial issues. Running a bar can be taxing. It is And you thought Mid-Atlantic Leather was just ues to experience challenges when it comes Hope to see you in the paper! always sad to hear last call. about all the hot guys in leather. to gender markers; for example gender iden- Is it chili in here? On Sunday, March 4th It’s starting to turn red – Speaking of tity on driver’s license, or securing an original the 12th annual New Jersey Leather Family events in Washington, DC, on Saturday, March birth certificate. Chili Cook Off will be held at Georgies located 24th Onyx Mid-Atlantic will be hosting Code For us, spending time with Joy was inspi- at 812 Fifth Avenue in Asbury Park, New Jer- Red, the annual red-themed fundraising event rational, and insightful. Having gone through sey. Doors open at 2 pm and there will be a $5 supporting the fight against HIV and AIDS in so much personally, and professionally, Joy requested donation at the door. Proceeds will the LGBTQ community at Stanton & Greene continues to smile and exudes optimism. t 32 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com 410-539-4850 227227 W.W. ChaseChase StSt

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 33 ATTORNEY FINANCIAL

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Bar 704 ASBURY PARK, NEW JERSEY 704 N 3rd Street Georgies Bar Harrisburg, PA 812 5th Avenue 717-234-4228 Asbury Park NJ 07712 BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 732-988-1220 Station North Arts Cafe Gallery The Brownstone Lounge Club 1722 1816 North Charles Street 412 Forester Street Paradise 1722 North Charles Street 410-625-6440 • stationnortharts.com Harrisburg, PA 17102 10 Asbury Avenue 410-727-7431 • club1722.com SteamPunk Alley 717-234-7009 Asbury Park, NJ 07712 732-988-6663 Club Bunns 227 W. Chase Street • 410-539-4806 REHOBOTH BEACH, DELAWARE 608 W. Lexington Street • 410-234-2866 The Rowan Tree Blue Moon The Asbury Drinkery 1633 South Charles Street 35 Baltimore Avenue 210 5th Avenue 203-207 W, Read Street • 410-225-3100 410-468-0550 • therowantree.net Rehoboth Beach, DE Asbury Park, NJ 07712 302-227-6515 • bluemoonrehoboth.com Hotel Tides The Eagle MARYLAND 408 7th Avenue 2022 North Charles Street The Lodge Lounge & Dance Club The Purple Parrot Asbury Park, NJ 07712 410-200-9858 • thebaltimoreeagle.com 21614 National Pike 247 Rehoboth Avenue Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 • 302-226-1139 732-897-7744 The Gallery Boonsboro, MD 21713 1735 Maryland Avenue • 410-539-6965 301-591-4434 Rigby’s Bar & Grill 404 Rehoboth Avenue Grand Central HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA Rehoboth Beach, DE 1001-1003 North Charles Street Stallions 302-227-6080 • rigbysbarandgrill.com 410-752-7133 • centralstationpub.com 706 N 3rd Street Iguana Grill Leon’s Harrisburg, PA 717-232-3060 • stallionsclub.com 52 Baltimore Avenue 870 Park Avenue • 410-539-4993 Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Mixer’s 302-227-0948 • iguanagrill.com 6037 Belair Road • 410-599-1952

34 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MArch 2, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 35 HEALTH AND SEX BELONG TOGETHER

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