16th Annyversary

May 11, 2018 | Volume XVI, Issue 1

had not been an incident complaint report- Club Bunns Prevails in Fight to Retain License ed to them related to Club Bunns since 2012. By Bill Redmond-Palmer tures being thrown out as in- The community university owns all the other This event is “another chapter in our On April 19th, Dana and Donald Owens, valid. adjacent properties to the busi- history since the early 1990s, of the Uni- co-owners of Club Bunns, Baltimore’s last After the board threw out wins in a gown- ness and has made numerous versity of Baltimore attacking our commu- remaining nightclub catering to the black the majority of the complaints offers to the building’s owner nity just to gain our property,” said Club same-gender loving / sexual and gender made by the university in their vs.-town attack to purchase the Bunns co-owner Dana Owens. “It’s not minority community, appeared before Balti- petition as invalid for a variety on popular club property. They fair as we more City’s Liquor Board to defend a chal- of reasons, the university was have not however serve a di- lenge brought against them by the Univer- left with a handful of incidents made a good faith verse group sity of Maryland in an effort to have their to justify their case. When presenting a offer that would allow Club of people in liquor license revoked. With its excellent case for those incidents, the Liquor Board Bunns to relocate to another the city of record of good community relations, the noted several problems that made it diffi- location. Baltimore and club prevailed for now against the school. cult to see actions by Club Bunns that had The Liquor Board ruled the DMV.” The university presented a petition to contributed to them. that there was no evidence The Li- request the review of the license, which Club Bunns’s counsel contended that that justified revocation of Club Bunns’s li- quor Board did request, barely received the number of signatures the allegations against the club were spe- cense. They cited the fact that in the past and the club’s owners agreed, to reach required to qualify, and even then, only cious and arbitrary, and rooted in the uni- 12 months only a single 311 call related out to the other businesses in the area to after the Liquor Board chair gave them a versity’s desire over many years to buy to the property had been logged, and that work out their issues. Counsel for Club great deal of leeway, with several signa- the building that Club Bunns leases. The there were zero related Baltimore City Po- Bunns noted that all the other business- lice reports. The board noted that there —continued on page 3

by Mark S. King The article appeared in New York magazine in 2008. I remember it quite distinctly. Titled “Another AIDS Ca- sualty” and written by David France, Redemption After the profile of once-famous New York AIDS physician Dr. Ramon “Gabriel” Torres was a heart-wrenching read. The story outlined a horrifying downward spiral brought on by Tor- Meth Addiction res’s meth addiction, a habit he had alized populations dealing with HIV. time. I recognized in Torres my own plight picked up in the mid-1990s just as Torres’ ravenous addiction stole his ca- and that of others – activists, doctors, new HIV medications were calming reer, his homes, his relationships, and his community leaders – who had fought hard the mortal tidal waves that Torres reputation, all within a few years. Before fi- against one epidemic only to be swept up had been fighting for years nally being sent to pris- in a new one. in his role as director of Catching up with on on drug charges in So, it is with great relief that I can report AIDS programs at St Vin- 2014, Torres had been that Gabriel Torres is alive and doing well, cent’s Medical Center in revered AIDS reduced, in a final tragic having been released from prison in No- New York City. Torres fell doctor Gabriel irony, to living in hous- vember 2017. He has been writing about from a high ing provided by a city his experiences for TheBody.com and Out of perch, hav- Torres program for homeless working as a research assistant on a clin- prison, back ing become people living with HIV. ical drug trial for a medication that might on the job – well known, herald- The 2008 profile of Gabriel Torres help addicts with drug cravings. Dr. Gabriel ed in fact, for his made such an impression on me because I Torres was gracious enough to speak Torres work with margin- was an active crystal meth addict at the —continued on page 14 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

Photographers Corey Brent Eric Randolph

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 may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com news // LOCAL Club Bunns Housing for People —continued from page 1 es in the Lexington Street Business Asso- with HIV Forum, ciation supported the renewal. They also noted the large number of community or- May 23rd ganizations with whom Club Bunns collab- ● Probate orates in the area of HIV prevention and Housing for People with HIV is the topic of community support. “Club Bunns will work the evening at a town hall on Wedneday, ● Mediation with any organization whose interest is to May 23rd from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Bal- ● Elder Law uplift the LGBTQ / SGL community,” said timore War Memorial Building (101 North ● Family Law Owens. We’ve been doing it over 30 years Gay Street, Baltimore), sponsored by the and will continue to do it.” People Living With HIV / AIDS Committee ● Guardianship Several dozen people attended the of the Greater Baltimore HIV Health Ser- ● Personal Injury vices Planning Council. “Thank you to all the The planning council provides compre- ● Estate Planning community supporters hensive services to people living with HIV ● LGBTQIA Matters / AIDS in greater Baltimore, regardless of ● Veteran's Benefits who came out in ability to pay. solidarity to support The committee encourages all people ● Medicaid Planning & Qualification living with HIV to attend this event and Club Bunns,” said make their voices heard on this important Call ERA Law Group Today Dana Owens. “From issue. They want to hear from consumers (410) 919-1790, or visit us at about their housing needs and barriers 1997 Annapolis Exchange Pkwy, the bottom of my heart, people may be facing when accessing housing services. They also want to hear Suite 300, Annapolis, MD 21401 and from my staff, about other service needs, as well as bar- we thank you and riers to accessing healthcare. Valerie E. Anias, Esq. The event is free but please RSVP via [email protected] appreciate you.” email to vanessa.graves@baltimorecity. gov, or through their Eventbrite page at hearing at Baltimore City Hall to support Bit.ly/2IiWlvx. Club Bunns, practically filling the room. For more info, it’s Facebook.com/ “Thank you to all the community support- events/179274762723331. Learn more ers who came out in solidarity to support about the committee at Baltimorepc.org. t Club Bunns,” said Dana Owens. “From the bottom of my heart, and from my staff, we thank you and appreciate you.” t

Boosting empowerment and breaking the bonds of homophobia, racism, and stigma in same gender-loving (SGL) men in Baltimore City • NETWORKING Every 1st Wednesday • HIV EDUCATION Every Last Wednesday • SOCIAL EVENTS Fighting Monthly AIDS • ART CREATION PROJECT [email protected] • 410-837-5573 FB: New Horizons Baltimore • aidsactionbaltimore.org More than 400 runners, walkers, and volunteers succeeded in raising nearly $80,000 to sup- HIV Prevention Advocacy for SGL Men's Health supported by port Chase Brexton Health Care’s HIV / AIDS prevention, outreach, and testing services at the ViiV Healthcare's ACCELERATE! Program Maryland Zoo in Baltimore on May 6th. credit: Aaron Cahall / Chase Brexton Health Care BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 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

munity together as part of the tapestry of Pride Community Baltimore Pride month.” The groups says Helping that they are especially looking for events Homeless Outreach Event, that reach out to bisexual, polysexual, and Youth pansexual people; transgender, non-bina- Toiletry Drive June 9th ry and / or intersex people; deaf, blind and / or other people with disabilities; polyam- The third annual Baltimore Pride Com- orous people; HIV-positive people; youth munity Outreach Event is set for June 9th or older adults; and Asian, black, and / from 1 to 4 pm at the Ynot Lot (4 North or Latino people. To find out more, email Avenue), sponsored by B & Dees Balti- [email protected]. t more Love. The event will feature services and vendors that support LGBTQ people experiencing homelessness or housing in- stability. Model & Designer “Homelessness and poverty do not dis- criminate,” said Brian Dolbow, co-founder Open Call, of B & Dees Baltimore Love. “Gay, lesbian, transgender, or straight – it doesn’t mat- May 15th ter.” The event is still looking for vendors, LGBTQ people of all ages, races, sizes, and volunteers, as well as donations of food gender identities are welcomed to come to and supplies. Volunteers and donations the model and designer call for “Slay the Runway: Pride Fashion Show,” set for May 15th and 16th from 5 to 7 pm at Club Bunns Keeping it clean – Vernon Boone, Stacy Williams, Keith Taylor, and Lonnie Walker at the Gender (606-608 West Lexington Street, Baltimore). JOY (Journeys of Youth) Baltimore toiletry drive at Club Bunns to benefit homeless LGBTQ youth. Designers able to think outside of the high sparkle and glitz. a female duo who played two crude and The student and alumni performers includ- crass males attempting to seduce a lady, ed Oliver Clozoff and Dickie Minaj, who both with bawdy and raucous abandon. performed as male and female characters; Some performers had been on stage Ethereal, who offered a spirited dance; hundreds of times, while others tread the Pumpkin Spice, who shilled for applause; boards for their first time. Genders were and BenHer, who shook a sexy groove. bent, tail feathers were shaken, and all help make the event free to everyone, with They were joined by Richard and Willy, performers performed their hearts out for a goal of providing necessary resources to those in need, and inspiring others to give back to the community. Vendor spaces are free to organiza- box and able to dress models across the Drag tions serving the Baltimore LGBT commu- gender spectrum are encouraged to attend, at University nity and providing medical, mental health, as well as makeup artists and hair stylists. of Baltimore and social services. Models comfortable in high heels should To donate food or supplies, volunteer, bring them to the call. or for more info, visit Bit.ly/2K0l0lx. For Co-sponsors include Gender Journeys a vendor application, it’s Bit.ly/2HnDtvK. of Youth (JOY) Baltimore, Divine Light, Club “As we begin the Baltimore Pride festivities in Bunns, and Hotel Monaco. For more info it’s June,” said Dolbow, “let’s take a little time to Bit.ly/2HYuv8p. t give back to those less fortunate. Let’s show that we’re here for each other!” t UMBC Drags It Up

Make Your Event a On May 3rd the LGBTQ student group at Uni- versity of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) Pride Event held their annual Drag Show. The show, hosted by UMBC Alum Are you planning an event during June, Shaunda Leer, was a unique and playful mix Baltimore Pride month? Would you like for of professional and student performances, your event to become a Baltimore Pride cheered on by one of the most energetic and official outreach event or official partner supportive audiences anyone could hope for. event? Baltimore Pride is looking for out- Joining Shaunda Leer from the profession- reach events and fundraisers that “help al category, were Misty Barfly and Onyx D. All dressed up with crowds to delight – UMBC drag performers (rear left to right) Dickie Minaj, Misty Barfly, bring all of the unique facets of the com- Pearl, whose polished performances added Oliver Clozoff, Ethereal, BenHer, Onyx D. Pearl; (front) Richard and Willy, Shaunda Leer, Pumpkin Spice.

4 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com news // local this evening of fun. Next year around this available online at Creativealliance.org/ Chase Brexton Health Services. time, it’s definitely worth the time to take in events/2018/2018-baltimore-drag-awards. t This day of recognition began in Balti- this showcase of talent. When tickets are sold out, no more will be more, and has already traveled to Chica- available. go, New York, Boston, and Australia. For more info, including the list of cate- This year’s event will be hosted by gories and nominees, visit Facebook.com/ Lamont Bryant and is titled “Stories from t Baltimore Drag events/427628641021938. the community: The elder who made a dif- ference in my life.” Join them for a night of Awards, May 26th laughter, inspiration, and recognition, fea- turing storytelling vignettes. The second annual Baltimore Drag Awards Jazz Brunch With They invite you to join them for a Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served are set for Saturday, May 26th from 8 pm champagne brunch and music to support buffet style starting at 6 pm. A cash bar of to midnight at the Creative Alliance (3134 FreeState Justice, the work ahead, and where they will honor beer and wine will be hosted by the the- Eastern Avenue, Baltimore). Pictures on several special guests. atre. the red carpet, and a mix and mingle cock- June 2nd Tickets are $100 and are available at ASL interpretation will be provided, and tail hour will begin at 8 pm, and the show Bit.ly/2FR7ezn. For more info, visit Bit.ly/ the venue is wheelchair accessible. will begin promptly at 9. FreeState Justice will revive a longstand- 2FUceTN. t Tickets are $25 or pay what you can. Betty O’Hellno and Brooklyn Heights ing tradition of its predecessor organiza- If you’re able, consider paying it forward are returning as this year’s hosts, and the tion, Equality Maryland, by hosting a jazz by sponsoring someone in the community. event’s performers will be Baby, Iyana De- brunch Saturday, June 2nd to celebrate the Tickets are available at Tinyurl.com/ schanel, Venus Fastrada, Shaunda Leer, victories and contributions of the LGBTQ LGBT Elders Day NHOLED18. and Washington Heights. community in our state. The brunch will be The ticket price includes food, soda, The red carpet will be rolled out for from 11 am to 2 pm at the Maryland Histor- Celebration, and a commemorative gift. guests and awardees to arrive in their ical Society (201 West Monument Street, For more info, it’s Bit.ly/2jHkA8I. t glamorous best. This year’s theme and Baltimore). May 16th dress attire is Metallic Mistress. According FreeState Justice works to improve to organizers, “You must follow the dress the lives of LGBTQ Marylanders by pro- National LGBT Elders Day will be marked theme.” viding direct legal services to clients with in Baltimore on Wednesday, May 16th Tickets are $15 for Creative Alli- low-incomes; working toward law and pol- from 6 to 8:30 pm at Single Carrot Theatre ance members, $18 otherwise. Tickets icy changes, and conducting outreach ac- (2600 North Howard Street, Baltimore), will not be sold at the door and are only tivities. hosted by the LGBT Resource Center of STORIES FROM THE COMMUNITY: THE ELDER WHO MADE A DIFFERENCE IN MY LIFE A night of laughter, inspiration, and recognition, featuring NATIONAL HONOR OUR storytelling vignettes from community leaders & hosted by LGBT ELDERS DAY Lamont Bryant. MAY 16 · 6 PM TO 8:30 PM · THE SINGLE CARROT THEATRE Tickets are $25 or ‘Pay What You Can’. Ticket includes heavy hors d’oeurves, soda, and a commemorative gift. Cash bar available. VISIT TINYURL.COM/2018ELDERDAY FOR TICKETS & MORE INFO!

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: GLCCB · Morgan Stanley Wealth Management · Safe: Stop Abuse of Elders· Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, Inc. · Bernadette Mouskanas Alexa Milanytch & Brad Miller in Honor of Nate Sweeney GRATITUDE TO OUR DOOR PRIZE SPONSORS: Heartland Assisted Living Severna Park · Baltimore Center Stage · The Baltimore Eagle · Gertrude’s www.elder.lgbt

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 5 Do not take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains: ``dofetilide ``rifampin What should I tell my healthcare provider before Brief Summary of Patient taking BIKTARVY? Information about BIKTARVY® Before taking BIKTARVY, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you: BIKTARVY (bik-TAR-vee) (bictegravir, emtricitabine, ``have liver problems, including hepatitis B virus infection and tenofovir alafenamide) tablets ``have kidney problems Important: Ask your healthcare provider or ``are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your with BIKTARVY. For more information, see “What should healthcare provider if you become pregnant during I tell my healthcare provider before taking BIKTARVY?” treatment with BIKTARVY. What is the most important information Pregnancy Registry: There is a pregnancy registry for WHAT’S YOUR I should know about BIKTARVY? women who take antiviral medicines during pregnancy. BIKTARVY can cause serious side effects, including: The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk with your ``Worsening of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. If you healthcare provider about how you can take part in this have an HBV infection and take BIKTARVY, your HBV registry. STORY GOING may get worse (fl are-up) if you stop taking BIKTARVY. A “fl are-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly ``are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not returns in a worse way than before. breastfeed if you take BIKTARVY. TO BE? • Do not run out of BIKTARVY. Refill your prescription • You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of or talk to your healthcare provider before your the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. BIKTARVY is all gone. • At least one of the medicines in BIKTARVY can pass to • Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your baby in your breast milk. It is not known if the ® your healthcare provider. If you stop taking BIKTARVY, other medicines in BIKTARVY can pass into your INTRODUCING BIKTARVY your healthcare provider will need to check your health breast milk. often and do blood tests regularly for several months Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to Ask your healthcare provider to check your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare feed your baby. provider about any new or unusual symptoms you Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you if BIKTARVY is right for you. may have after you stop taking BIKTARVY. take, including prescription and over-the-counter For more information about side effects, see “What are medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal the possible side effects of BIKTARVY?” supplements. Some medicines may interact with BIKTARVY. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to What is BIKTARVY? your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a BIKTARVY is a prescription medicine that is used new medicine. without other anti-HIV-1 medicines to treat Human ``You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) in adults: a list of medicines that interact with BIKTARVY. ``who have not received anti-HIV-1 medicines in ``Do not start a new medicine without telling your the past, or To learn more, visit healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell ``to replace their current anti-HIV-1 medicines for people you if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with other medicines. whose healthcare provider determines that they meet BIKTARVY.com certain requirements. Continued on next page. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Please see Brief Summary of Patient Deficiency Syndrome). Information with important warnings BIKTARVY contains the prescription medicines bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide. on the adjacent pages. It is not known if BIKTARVY is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age. BIKTARVY.com

6 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com GILC0388_BFTAF_B_9-875x9-6_BaltimoreOUTloud_DayOne_r1v1jl.indd 1-2 4/30/18 4:18 PM Do not take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains: ``dofetilide ``rifampin What should I tell my healthcare provider before Brief Summary of Patient taking BIKTARVY? Information about BIKTARVY® Before taking BIKTARVY, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you: BIKTARVY (bik-TAR-vee) (bictegravir, emtricitabine, ``have liver problems, including hepatitis B virus infection and tenofovir alafenamide) tablets ``have kidney problems Important: Ask your healthcare provider or ``are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your with BIKTARVY. For more information, see “What should healthcare provider if you become pregnant during I tell my healthcare provider before taking BIKTARVY?” treatment with BIKTARVY. What is the most important information Pregnancy Registry: There is a pregnancy registry for WHAT’S YOUR I should know about BIKTARVY? women who take antiviral medicines during pregnancy. BIKTARVY can cause serious side effects, including: The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk with your ``Worsening of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. If you healthcare provider about how you can take part in this have an HBV infection and take BIKTARVY, your HBV registry. STORY GOING may get worse (fl are-up) if you stop taking BIKTARVY. A “fl are-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly ``are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not returns in a worse way than before. breastfeed if you take BIKTARVY. TO BE? • Do not run out of BIKTARVY. Refill your prescription • You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of or talk to your healthcare provider before your the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. BIKTARVY is all gone. • At least one of the medicines in BIKTARVY can pass to • Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your baby in your breast milk. It is not known if the ® your healthcare provider. If you stop taking BIKTARVY, other medicines in BIKTARVY can pass into your INTRODUCING BIKTARVY your healthcare provider will need to check your health breast milk. often and do blood tests regularly for several months Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to Ask your healthcare provider to check your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare feed your baby. provider about any new or unusual symptoms you Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you if BIKTARVY is right for you. may have after you stop taking BIKTARVY. take, including prescription and over-the-counter For more information about side effects, see “What are medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal the possible side effects of BIKTARVY?” supplements. Some medicines may interact with BIKTARVY. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to What is BIKTARVY? your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a BIKTARVY is a prescription medicine that is used new medicine. without other anti-HIV-1 medicines to treat Human ``You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) in adults: a list of medicines that interact with BIKTARVY. ``who have not received anti-HIV-1 medicines in ``Do not start a new medicine without telling your the past, or To learn more, visit healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell ``to replace their current anti-HIV-1 medicines for people you if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with other medicines. whose healthcare provider determines that they meet BIKTARVY.com certain requirements. Continued on next page. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Please see Brief Summary of Patient Deficiency Syndrome). Information with important warnings BIKTARVY contains the prescription medicines bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide. on the adjacent pages. It is not known if BIKTARVY is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age. BIKTARVY.com

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 7 GILC0388_BFTAF_B_9-875x9-6_BaltimoreOUTloud_DayOne_r1v1jl.indd 1-2 4/30/18 4:18 PM Continued from previous page. How should I take BIKTARVY®? What are the possible side effects ``Take BIKTARVY exactly as your healthcare provider of BIKTARVY? (continued) tells you to take it. BIKTARVY is taken by itself (not ``Severe liver problems. In rare cases, severe liver with other HIV-1 medicines) to treat HIV-1 infection. problems can happen that can lead to death. Tell ``Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food. your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns ``Do not change your dose or stop taking BIKTARVY yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, without first talking with your healthcare provider. loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or Stay under a healthcare provider’s care during stomach-area pain. treatment with BIKTARVY. The most common side effects of BIKTARVY are diarrhea ``If you take antacids that contain aluminum, magnesium, (6%), nausea (5%), and headache (5%). or calcium, take BIKTARVY on an empty stomach 2 hours before you take these antacids. These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. ``If you take supplements that contain iron or calcium, Call your doctor for medical advice about side take these supplements with food at the same time that effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at you take BIKTARVY. 1-800-FDA-1088. ``Do not miss a dose of BIKTARVY. General information about the safe and effective use ``If you take too much BIKTARVY, call your healthcare of BIKTARVY. provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other right away. than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use ``When your BIKTARVY supply starts to run low, get BIKTARVY for a condition for which it was not prescribed. more from your healthcare provider or pharmacy. Do not give BIKTARVY to other people, even if they have This is very important because the amount of virus in the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. your blood may increase if the medicine is stopped for This Brief Summary summarizes the most important even a short time. The virus may develop resistance to information about BIKTARVY. If you would like more BIKTARVY and become harder to treat. information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information What are the possible side effects about BIKTARVY that is written for health professionals. of BIKTARVY? For more information, call 1-800-445-3235 or go to BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: www.BIKTARVY.com. ``See “What is the most important information Keep BIKTARVY and all medicines out of reach I should know about BIKTARVY?” of children. ``Changes in your immune system (Immune Issued: February 2018 Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo healthcare provider right away if you start having any are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. new symptoms after starting your HIV-1 medicine. © 2018 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. GILC0388 03/18 ``New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys when starting and during treatment with BIKTARVY. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY if you develop new or worse kidney problems. ``Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Too much lactic acid is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. BIKTARVY.com

8 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com GILC0388_BFTAF_B_9-875x9-6_BaltimoreOUTloud_DayOne_r1v1jl.indd 3 4/30/18 4:18 PM Baltimore OUTloud wants to proudly Sixteen Years thank all of our staff, writers and especially our advertisers for the past 15 years of media excellence. Without your hard work and dedication we would not be where we are today. Anniversary 16BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 9 beyond the beltway compiled by Jim Becker one of the most dangerous class of crimi- Homeless sex nal deviants, but in reality they have among HRC video the lowest recidivism rates of any class of offenders to be law-breakers. There is little evidence that highlights these laws are improving overall public ‘evicted’ from safety, said J.J. Prescott, a University of Mike Pence’s Michigan law professor who has studied camp by tracks the laws’ impact. “Do these laws actually dangerous make us safer?” he said. “What I’ve done Hialeah, Florida – In an outstanding in my work is try to answer that question. article printed by The Intercept, Zaid Jilani record on HIV In my view, there’s no evidence they make It takes a village – to transplant a penis documents that for the past four years, us safer.” Research in other parts of the Washington, DC – On April 27th, the dozens of homeless sex offenders have country has led to the same conclusion. gained in about six months, said Richard Human Rights Campaign (HRC) released a lived in tents in a makeshift encampment There’s also a strong likelihood that the Redett, a Johns Hopkins plastic and re- video calling attention to Vice President Mike along a set of railroad tracks in Hialeah, a tough laws will lead to homelessness, said constructive surgeon and clinical director Pence’s history of failures in protecting Amer- city in Florida’s Miami-Dade County. The Jill Levenson, a professor at Barry Univer- of the genitourinary transplant program. icans from HIV and AIDS. This video is the residents live in squalid conditions, as sity who is one of the country’s top experts Doctors chose not to give the patient testi- latest installment of “The Real Mike Pence,” documented by the Miami New Times in an on interventions designed to prevent sex- cles after consulting with bioethicists. They a campaign – including a report (Assets2. investigation last year. Because it is widely ual abuse. She’s published more than 100 determined that the sperm-generating tis- known that sex offenders live there, pass- articles on the subject and has more than sue would confer the potential for having ersby sometime pelt those living there with 30 years of experience as a social work- children with genetic material from the do- eggs and bottles, the Miami New Times re- er, working with both survivors of abuse nor. Two weeks after the penis surgery, the ported. After the story, Miami-Dade’s coun- and offenders, as well as their families. patient received bone marrow infusions ty commissioners amended an ordinance “There doesn’t seem to be any empirical from the donor. The procedure, pioneered on public camping to effectively outlaw relationship, no association or correlation by the same Johns Hopkins team, mod- the encampment this past January, and in between how far away somebody lives in ulates the immune response that causes March, Mayor Carlos Giménez gave those relation to a school or park or playground patients to reject transplanted organs, so living there 45 days to vacate. The prob- and whether or not they re-offend,” she the patient needs only one low-dose main- lem is, they have almost nowhere to go. said. (The Intercept – Zaid Jilani at Thein- tenance immunosuppression medication There are severe restrictions on where per day. VP Pence – Enough to leave queers pensive tercept.com/2018/05/05/homeless-sex-of- in the county sex offenders can live, said fenders-florida-miami-dade) Lee described the loss of genitals as Gail Colletta, president of the Florida Ac- an “unspoken injury of war,” with devas- hrc.org/files/assets/resources/RealMike- tion Committee, which works to reform sex tating consequences for intimacy and hap- Pence-2018-FinalReport.pdf) and microsite offender laws. “Homeless shelters are not piness. “It’s a real mind-boggling injury (Hrc.org/realmikepence) – showing the vice allowed to house sex offenders because Hopkins to suffer, it is not an easy one to accept,” president’s attacks on LGBT people. there may be children in there,” she said. said the recipient, who wishes to remain “Mike Pence has spent his career putting “The inhumanity is beyond the pale. These performs first anonymous. “When I first woke up, I felt people in danger by denying them access to are people who’ve already paid their debt to finally more normal… [with] a level of con- HIV prevention and treatment,” said HRC’s society, they’ve been incarcerated, they’ve total penis- fidence as well. Confidence… like finally Ashland Johnson. “From spreading misin- done their time, they’re trying to success- I’m okay now,” he says. The donor’s fami- formation about condom use, to contributing fully complete probation, but at every sin- scrotum ly members also opted for anonymity, but to a major outbreak of HIV and AIDS in his gle turn, we create situations to set them released a statement saying, “We are all home state – Pence has been reckless with up to fail.” Miami-Dade County has among transplant very proud that our loved one was able to the health and lives of those he is sworn to the strictest residency restrictions for sex help a young man that served his country,” serve, choosing to promote a dangerous ide- offenders of anywhere in America. Under Baltimore – The Dome, a publication and noting that their own family includes ology over making the right decisions for the the county’s code, offenders are prohibit- of the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, several veterans. (The Dome – Karen Nit- American people.” ed from living within 2,500 feet of schools, reports that surgeons at the hospital have kin at Hopkinsmedicine.org/news/articles/ In 2002, Pence chided then-Secretary day care centers, and playgrounds. These performed the world’s first total penis and first-ever-penis-and-scrotum-transplant- of State Colin Powell for his advisement that restrictions block off most of the county to scrotum transplant. The patient suffered a makes-history-at-johns-hopkins) young people use condoms when engaging sex offenders. devastating injury several years ago from in sexual activity. In the interview, Pence Sex offenders are often thought of as an improvised explosive device while serv- claimed condoms have “zero preventative ing in Afghanistan. He is now recovering These news notes have been compiled, value” and are “too modern of an answer.” at the hospital after the 14-hour procedure with permission, from the online version In 2003, responding to the HIV and AIDS in late March, which repaired his abdomi- of various newspapers and other web crisis in sub-Saharan Africa, Pence argued nal wall, gave him a new scrotum and at- sites. We thank these publications for for the Bush administration to prioritize ab- tached a donor penis. allowing us to bring you their news sto- stinence-only education over condom dis- “We are optimistic he will regain ries. Usually the reports have been sig- tribution because it would protect the rights near-normal urinary and sexual functions,” nificantly edited and you can read the of faith-based organizations. As governor of said W. P. Andrew Lee, director of plastic full story by going to the web site men- Indiana, Pence’s cuts to public health fund- and reconstructive surgery at the Johns tioned following the item. Comments ing helped fuel the worst outbreak of HIV Hopkins University School of Medicine. are strictly the opinions of Jim Becker and AIDS in the state’s history. (Seattle Gay Sexual function, including sensation and and not of Baltimore OUTloud or Pride News at Sgn.org/sgnnews46_18/page1.cfm) No mercy – Hialeah evicts homeless men the ability to get an erection, could be Media.

10 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com beyond the beltway

Transgender Risky not go to forensics. The risks associated with “breath play” mayor loses her masturbation are underestimated, warns Voss, as slip- ping into unconsciousness happens faster re-election bid kills up to 100 than people think: “If, for example, both carotid arteries are squeezed, it takes a New Hope, Texas – Jess Herbst, 59, Germans yearly maximum of 30 seconds.” Voss says the who came out as transgender shortly after feeling of powerlessness and enhanced being appointed mayor of New Hope, Tex- Brandenburg, Germany – Risky mas- sense of danger are some of the reasons as in 2016, today lost her re-election bid. Soni Wolf turbation kills 80 to 100 Germans a year, people risk embarrassment, injury and at Angel Hamm, 42, wife of the late mayor claims a Brandenburg physician who is times death for the euphoria which has who died suddenly shortly before the 2016 she died and is survived by Dykes on Bikes shining a light on the unpredictable and been equated to a drug-induced high. (Rt. election, won this year’s election. Melissa around the world who follow in her footsteps. often clandestine killer. com at Rt.com/news/418165-masturba- Brown, 42, came in second. Kate Brown, past President and current Dr. Harald Voss estimates that one to tion-death-germany-asphyxiation) According to Dallas Morning News, spokesperson for the San Francisco Dykes two people per one million inhabitants are Hamm has refused the DMN’s requests for on Bikes had this to say: “Soni leaves an killed by risky masturbation techniques an- interviews throughout her campaign. She indelible mark on history and especially on nually, all of them in search of an elevated also has not made any mention of Herbst’s those who shared her daily life. Soni stead- experience that the vast majority already Man arrested for gender identity during the campaign. An fastly refused to accept ‘Dyke’ as an epithet. deem quite satisfactory. anonymous mailer, however, sent to voters She blazed the trail for the rest of us in cour- Asphyxiation is cited as the most com- trying to have in recent weeks focused on Herbst’s social age and LGBTQ pride. She taught me lead- mon form of masturbation death, says Voss, media postings and sparked debate over ership takes many forms; there is strength in along with electric shock, however it’s dif- sex with car patience, power in listening, and small acts have a way of being defining moments in Newton, Kansas – As reported by the history. Like the roads we ride, our lives take Daily Progress of Charlottesville, Virginia, many twists and turns. I am forever grateful Associated Press reports that authorities for the route that brought Soni into my life.” say an extremely intoxicated man who was Soni began riding with her sisters at attempting to have sex with the tailpipe of the front of the SF Pride Parade in the late a car in central Kansas was subdued with 1970s, shortly after the movement for wom- a stun gun after he refused to stop. en’s empowerment and visibility brought Newton police Lt. Scott Powell says the Dykes on Bikes to the parade’s front. Over 24-year-old was taken to an emergency Mayor Jess Herbst – Return to private life the course of forty years with Dykes on Don’t let that be you room Tuesday because of his life threaten- Bikes, Soni helped the organization evolve ingly high .35 blood alcohol level and pos- into a 501(c)(3) non-profit, spearheading ficult to get a truly accurate reading of just sible drug use. Powell says the man had a the attention that media coverage of her the group’s mission to create a national how many people have lost their lives this possible head injury and “was completely transition has brought to the town. and international community of women’s way ... for a number of reasons. Relatives oblivious to everyone standing around and Herbst congratulated Hamm on her win motorcyclists supporting philanthropic en- who find their loved ones in compromis- telling him to stop.” Powell says the man is and told DMN she was glad that her candi- deavors in LGBTQ communities. In ing positions as a result of their untimely expected to be released from the hospital dacy had helped bring out voters in record April, the board death can sometimes remove evidence May 3rd. numbers for this election. Turnout was at of the San out of shame or embarrassment for the Police submitted a report to city pros- 38 percent. (Dallas Voice – at Dallasvoice. Francisco LGBT victim, the 59-year-old forensic physician ecutors recommending a misdemeanor com/jess-herbst-loses-in-new-hope-may- Pride Celebra- explains. “The number of unreported cas- charge of lewd and lascivious behavior. oral-race-10252887.html) tion Committee es is extremely high, which is a very rare Nothing had been filed as of May 3rd. t selected Soni case in forensic medicine,” Voss told Bild, (The Daily Progress at Dailyprogress.com/ as a Community claiming to have personally seen only five news/national/wire/man-stunned-after-at- Grand Marshal cases throughout his more than 30-year tempting-sex-with-car-in-kansas/article_ff- SF Dykes on for the 2018 San career as a forensic physician. Additionally, d184c3-4c43-544f-b763-f409354ea739.html) Francisco Pride Parade. if police find the cause of death to be clear- Bikes founding Soni was deeply touched and honored. The ly accidental, San Francisco Dykes on Bikes has creat- where the vic- member ed a special email address (remembering- tim is naked, [email protected]) where everyone pornographic Soni Wolf, dies can send their thoughts, memories, stories, material is and goodbyes to Soni. A private memo- present, no San Francisco – On May 1st, the San rial service for Dykes on Bikes and Soni’s farewell let- LivelyLively ARTSARTS isis thethe placeplace toto bebe Francisco Dykes on Bikes Women’s Mo- close friends is also scheduled. San Fran- ter is left be- torcycle Contingent announced the death cisco Dykes on Bikes is the mother chapter hind, there’s forfor allall youryour theatricaltheatrical needsneeds of Soni S.H.S. Wolf, a founding member of to all Dykes on Bikes chapters. There are a nearby mir- CallCall MaryMary atat 410-802-1310410-802-1310 oror Dykes on Bikes and an inspiring mother of currently 16 chapters worldwide: through- ror as well as the movement for lesbian pride and dignity. out the US, Europe, and Australia. (Seat- other tell-tale [email protected]@baltimoreoutloud.com Soni passed peacefully of natural causes tle Gay News at Sgn.org/sgnnews46_18/ signs, the the night of April 25th. Soni was 69 when page3.cfm) body does toto getget thethe latestlatest dealsdeals

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 11 VoiceVoice ofof thethe CenterCenter Baltimore Pride – June 16-17, 2018 UNITED WE SHINE Parade Route Begins at 33rd Street and moves Southbound on Charles Street N. C h BALTIMORE Parade Route Begins at 33rd Street BALTIMORE and moves Southbound on Charles Street

PRIDE PRIDE a r l

N. C h Barricade E. 33rd Street e Barricade Entry Point s St r Parade Route Bar a e

r l Vendor e Flag Check Block Vendor t s St r Entry Point A Viewing Stage E. 32nd Street E 23rdStreet e

Pet Pride t N. L o

High Heel Race M o v rt o E. 31st Street eg ro v n St r e St r Art Museum Drive e t e

Wyman Park E. 30th Street t W 22nd Street Dance Floor E 22nd Street B

E. 29th Street

E. 28th Street

N. L o W 21st Street C E 21st Street M a v ryl a St. Paul St r M o Baltimore eg ro v H o M a E. 27th Street Eagle St. Paul St r rt o nd A w ryl a a n St r e St r rd St r v nd A e n u e e e e e v t e t t e

E. 26th Street t t n u

ICE e ICE W 20th Street E 20th Street E. 25th Street Lez Lot/ I Pride Tailgate The E 19-1/2 Street Crown E. 24th Street

MAIN Red Emma’s YNot Lot STAGE E. 23rd Street Protest Lot Pedestrians exit Vehicles exit this way this way W North Avenue E North Avenue

12 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com THE LATEST UPDATES FROM THE GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY CENTER OF BALTIMORE AND CENTRAL MARYLAND

Baltimore Pride – June 16-17, 2018 Events Calendar: May 2018 Sundays Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays Fridays Saturdays 05/15 05/16 05/17 05/11 05/12 05/13 05/14 UNITED WE SHINE Teen Art Group Mankind Project Crystal Meth Anonymous Alcoholics Anonymous 6:45pm – 8:45pm Narcotics Anonymous Youth Against Oppression 5:30pm-7:30pm Room 2 Sistahs of Pride [CMA] 5:00pm-8:00pm Lobby/ Sexual Compulsives 11:00am-1:00pm Room 3 (YAO) 7:00pm-9:00pm 6:30pm-8:30pm Room 1 Lounge Giovanni’s Room Poetry Anonymous [SCA] 4:00pm-6:00pm Baltimore Trans Gentle Mindful Yoga Workshop 7:00pm – 8:00pm Breaking Bread Project Masculine Alliance 3:30pm-4:45pm ($10) HIV/STI Testing with STAR 05/19 6:30pm-8:30pm ($5) Conf. 6:30pm-9:00pm 6:30pm – 10:00pm Room 3 Room 3 Room TRACK MOCHA Men’s Group 05/21 6:30pm – 8:30pm 05/24 05/18 4:00pm-7:00pm Room 3 05/20 Youth Against Oppression SILhouette Trans Baltimore Crystal Meth Anonymous (YAO) 7:30pm-9:30pm Room 3 7:00pm – 9:00pm Sistahs of Pride – Alcoholics Anonymous Narcotics Anonymous [CMA] 4:00pm-6:00pm Women’s Group 5:00pm-8:00pm 11:00am-1:00pm Room 3 05/22 05/23 6:30pm-8:30pm Room 1 7:00pm – 9:00pm Rainbow Families Potluck Gentle Mindful Yoga Mankind Project Teen Art Group 6:45pm – 8:45pm Meet for a Cause 05/25 11:00am – 3:00pm 3:30pm-4:45pm ($10) 5:30pm-7:30pm Lobby/ Sexual Compulsives Dance Fitness Room 3 Crystal Meth Anonymous Lounge Anonymous [SCA] 5:00pm – 9:00pm 05/26 7:00pm – 8:00pm [CMA] Board of Directors 6:30pm-8:30pm Room 1 Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting FreeState Justice Legal Clinic 4:30pm – 6:30pm 5:00pm-8:00pm Lobby/ 6:30pm-8:30pm Room 2 Breaking Bread Project Lounge Vogue Practice with STAR 6:30pm – 10:00pm Room 3 Kalos Fitness Indoor TRACK Bootcamp 6:30pm – 9:30pm T.rans O.utreach N.ight 6:30pm-7:30pm Room 3 I.nitiative ($10) 11:00pm – 2:00am

Baltimore Pride 2018 – United We Shine BALTIMORE June 16 and June 17 Activist of The year PRIDE Bar Vendor Main Stage and Grand Marshals I Information EMT Entry Point By Mimi Demissew The activists of the year are Ava Pipitone and Erica Bridgford. Ava is the Executive Baltimore Pride 2018 is on its way. Every- Director of Baltimore Transgender Alliance Sundial Pavilion one knows this is Maryland’s largest Pride and has done great work in advocating for Celebration but did you also know that this the rights of the community. Erricka is the is one of the highest days for HIV testing? co-founder of Baltimore Ceasefire and a Yes more people get tested during Pride great example of the importance of under- Beach Dr. than any other day. standing and incorporating intersectionality This year the Baltimore Pride Committee when it comes to community activism. opened the selection of Grand Marshalls The Baltimore Pride Committee is proud Swann Drive and the Activists of the year to the public to have all of the selected people in our Pa- and the community voiced their choice. This rade this year. Thank you for the work that I year’s Grand Marshalls are Davon Fleming you are doing and thank you for joining us at DJ Drag and Shawnna Alexander. Davon is our very Baltimore Pride. Booth Stage

own local celebrity and community activist Elder Pride

in his own right. Shawnna is a long standing ICE staple of the community. Family Zone

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 13 thinking outloud

—continued from page 1 breathing this sigh of relief. Thank God, they’re alive. Since I’ve been released I’ve gotten news of several people who have died that Redemption After with me about his difficult past and his I didn’t even know were sick. hopeful, humble life today. Here is our con- Let me applaud you a little more versation. before we move on. Your HIV/AIDS re- Mark: First of all, I’m so glad you’re search into marginalized populations alive. I mean that literally, considering. was leading the way during the 1980s Gabriel: Thanks and beyond. Oh, and you were impossi- Meth Addiction I also want to thank you for your role bly young and gay and in saving lives during the darkest of the drop dead gorgeous. The streets that I was taking. plague years, working at St. Vincent’s Ah, our distant youth. of your old Re-reading France’s profile of you, I in NYC with marginalized populations Thanks for the com- neighborhood, was stunned to see (famous HIV treat- who were dying in droves. Do you think pliments but I feel very that sort of ment activist) Spencer Cox quoted. He about that time very often? old these days. I will be My Fabulous thing? was saying what a problem drugs had I actually do even though it was de- turning 60 by the latter Everything. become for AIDS survivors and provid- cades ago and so many things have part of this year. Disease The dispersion ers. Within four years, of course, Spen- changed. I still encounter surviving pa- Do you see time By Mark S. King of old friends, cer himself would be dead, at least in tients of mine from back in the day. differently, having colleagues, part due to his own drug addiction. That must be amazing, to see who spent three years in- co-workers away I actually didn’t know he was using survived. carcerated? from the city or away from their old institu- meth. I found out about Spencer’s death Yes, thankfully, even a few that were in I do. Having been locked up for 38 tions, jobs, and agencies. while reading How to Survive a Plague, the the original monotherapy trials happened months made me appreciate my freedom, Do you mind if we revisit some of book by David France, while in prison. to pull through. my health, family and friends, and helped your “wreckage years” for a moment? I still have a hard time forgiving my- I remember running into people me re-establish my connection to my High- Sure. Press on. self for my addiction. How could I sur- during those early years, like see- er Power. The changes that I’ve observed It’s strange talking to you like this, vive AIDS, and promise myself I would ing someone at the grocery store who even in the relatively short hiatus of my ab- because David France’s 2008 piece live in honor of my friends who died, you hadn’t seen in a few months and sence are jaw dropping. about you freaked me out so much. I only to stick needles in my arm? It’s was in my own active addiction during baffling to me, still. that time. Forgiveness has been a long process. After that story I had a period of rela- But I have to, to move on. The only way I tive abstinence, but I relapsed and unfortu- can make amends with myself and others nately fell prey to a dealer that set me up in is by maintaining my sobriety and helping an entrapment that led to my arrests. others that are still struggling. The piece describes a very sad, Gabriel Torres today. crumbling human being. I don’t mean to How is sobriety going? Has it been embarrass you by saying that. I say it tough? because I saw myself in it. I’m enjoying my sober life thoroughly. Well, it got even worse after that. I’ve made reconnections with my family The addicts among us who get members who I had neglected in the past caught and go to jail and those who and have a cadre of new and old sober don’t, well, it’s damn arbitrary. friends that have my best interests at heart. I know. I went through a great deal of As you’ve probably noticed, meth soul searching after a period of self-pity- addiction among gay men is as bad, ing but have come to terms with everything maybe worse, than it was three years that happened. It’s amazing, from what I ago. hear some of the same drug dealers are Yes. Meth continues to intercalate itself still active, but most eventually suffered in our sexual lives, destroying and under- consequences. mining our personal relationships. I believe I don’t believe it’s any accident that we as gay men can and are slowly pulling your drug abuse – and mine, and that of through it. Those of us that have some- so many people we know – really took how survived the meth epidemic can help hold in 1996, when new HIV medications serve as role models and help those that began saving lives and we all took a col- are still struggling and prevent those that lective breath. I felt entitled to the cir- have never tried it from ever experimenting cuit parties and the drugs. with it. Yes. It felt liberating at the time. Some- And it’s been seeping into LGBT how, it allowed us to experience a new communities of color. freedom after the long toll of repression. It Yes, this has recently been recognized also made me even less cognizant of the and it’s going to take members of the black repercussions that continued use could gay male community to develop strategies have on my life. It numbed me to the risks to combat this drug from decimating their

14 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com thinking outloud // mark my words // mark my words When Political Connections Allow Discrimination...

By Mark Segal able to look into our own relationships and inatory state law along with the Pennsyl- For our family at Philadelphia Gay News, see joy. Don, the trooper he has always vania Newspaper Publisher’s Association We fight back this has been what you might call a mixed been, has kept up his PGN schedule. It when they lobbied the state legislature in couple of weeks. It started with the death has been heartwarming to watch his fellow 1976 and again in 1986 to give themselves of one of our extended family members, staffers comfort him on those occasions a monopoly on government advertising. Mike Petty, the husband of Don Pignolet, when he gets a little emotional. It makes The question is, did they use their political nected perch or not, they should know that who has been with this paper since its be- us proud to be his family. influence then? their reputation is on the line. ginning. Naturally our hearts and first con- As this was playing out, the Inquirer In the story the Inquirer ran this week, What was even more heartwarming cerns were with Don. took a pot shot at minority and LGBT me- that question was never brought up. Did was the reaction from you, our communi- It also gave us each a time to reflect. dia. In part, the article might have been they not ask the ty. On both these is- As we saw the love they shared, we were about the Inquirer’s exploiting a discrim- needed question? “The Inquirer took a sues, our community Did they include called and emailed quotations out of pot shot at minority offering Don kind community. Already there has been some duce or quit using. context? Did they and LGBT media. words and letting us recognition of the problem by film mak- Do you see any success? not reveal their own know, as something ers such as Michael Rice (Partyboi) and It’s a placebo-controlled study and we connections with the same people they our LGBT Chamber of Commerce might the ACT UP meth working group in NYC is are blinded to who is on active drug vs. connected to the minority press? say, that in all business, the fairness to seeking funds to conduct forums and draw placebo, but the pilot study did show a It had two good outcomes: The minori- get in the game is what real equality is all attention to the problem. significant benefit. Anecdotally, the combi- ty media of the city, along with LGBT me- about. PGN has always fought the good What’s your life like now, day to nation seems to reduce cravings but nobody dia and community newspaper publishers, fight, and we appreciate your support. day? knows whether it will be strong enough to had their first city-wide meeting. We were That may be the most heartfelt feeling of My routine is split between work, shar- reduce use to warrant an FDA indication. all united in calling out the Inquirer for its the week. t ing time with friends and family members, Fingers crossed. bias, its ethics regarding this article, and Mark Segal is publisher of Philadel- my dog Neo, and completing a memoir There is another drug called ibudilast, its manner in handling our response. The phia Gay News. His new memoir And Then I I started when I was in Federal prison. I which is being studied in Los Angeles. And Inquirer has agreed to meet with us to dis- Danced is out now. This was first published participate in the LGBT Center Recovery there is interest in Vyvance for meth addic- cuss these grievances. Whether they know in the Philadelphia Inquirer. Program and attend meetings at the LGBT tion as well. It’s an amphetamine in the mar- it from their privileged and politically con- center. Dating is still on the horizon but ket for narcolepsy that is much less addictive has not been a priority. than Adderall but also decreases cravings. I don’t write about my addiction and What are your long-term plans? Are recovery as often as I should. Twelve- you able to practice medicine again? step fellowships like Crystal Meth I’ve started a process to recover my Anonymous (CMA) have saved my life. medical license. It’s going to take several A lot of that is about helping other ad- years and must wait until I’m done with pa- Certified Public Accountants dicts. I’m glad to hear you’re helping role and probation. In the meantime, I will other people, too. continue pursuing research endeavors. Thankfully my job helps me assist oth- I’m glad you are on ers fighting ad- the other side, of so diction by trying many things, Gabriel. to get them to And I hope anyone out join one of our there who is having a studies. problem with meth or You’re other drugs, or knows working as a someone who is, will research assis- reach out for help. tant for the first It’s there for the ask- Making a Difference for Businesses & Individuals national multi- ing. center study of I’m trying to be With client focus as the base of every service, Bridges & Associates, CPA’s methamphet- realistic as I’m also of Baltimore, MD offers area businesses and individuals specialized CPA amine treatment approaching retire- services tailored to the industry, business entity and targeted needs. in the US. Tell ment age but still feel me about that. healthy enough and Services for Business Services Tax Services The main am compelled to do Individuals -Small Business Accounting -Tax Preparation study involves more, whether in re- -Estate Planning -Online Payroll -Tax Planning two drugs, bupro- search, industry, ad- -Elder Care -QuickBooks Services -Tax Problems pion and naltrex- vocacy, or education. -Payroll - Bank Financing one combination, Thanks for New Business Formation which reduce the playing a role in cravings and are the community again. 835 Hollins St. Baltimore, MD, 21201 • 410-908-8134 an adjunct to CMA, therapy and Gabriel Torres with And welcome back. [email protected] • bridgescpas.com counseling for those who wish to re- his dog, Neo Thank you! t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 15 quality of life // Health and Wellness

the same in arthritics as in people without repeat appearing, as in: If one cheated on arthritis. Even if this theory of low copper a previous partner, does it mean it would had been true, wearing copper does not be repeated with you? Our ability to pre- get copper into the body. I cannot find Ask dict future behavior is very very limited. Open Wide any reasonable explanation of how cop- Has the person made a certain behavior a ask Dr Eva per jewelry could work or any proof that it Dr. J habit? Then, it is good to ponder. Dr Eva Hersh does, other than statements from individ- Janan Broadbent, Ph.D. What you can depend on to develop ual patients. These personal testimonies confidence that you or your partner will be are a reflection of the fact that the placebo able to get through conflicts and resolve effect is 30% with any treatment and most issues is the willingness to look at your- Magnet conditions will either resolve or improve Security or self, and to the other, and to put the issue over time. Chronic conditions, like arthritis on the table. Here is a classic: You met in Therapy, or asthma, wax and wane (get better and Adventure? a highly emotional event; you clicked with worse) regardless of whether treatment is your focus on the thrill and the experience. Copper given or not. Human beings have contradictory needs You rode high for the first several months, and wants. It’s our task to reconcile these, and then you started to think: I want things Bracelets, and Dear Dr. Eva, so we can lessen conflicts within our- to be calmer, not to run on adrenaline all I have a question about TB (tubercu- selves and with others. A long time ago, it the time, to have time to myself and en- TB Testing losis) testing. Because I work in nursing occurred to me that I could not eat every- joy my solitude. Well … The other person homes, I have to get a TB test every year. thing I wanted and look the way I wanted. may or may not be Dear Dr. Eva, Last year, for the first time, at work they What to do? The thinking the same. What do you think about magnet thera- did a blood test in addition to the skin test. child wants it all The only way you py? It is supposed to improve blood flow by This year they only did the blood test. and does not want can prevent slid- attracting the iron in blood. Does it really I would like to know, is the blood test denials or bound- ing into resentment work? Also, do copper bracelets work for more accurate than the skin test? Or is it aries. Hopefully, by because your mind arthritis? preferred because you don’t have to go adulthood, we start is not being read Metal Fan back to the nurse to have it checked after to accept that we is because it can’t two or three days? have to make choic- be. You have to Dear Metal Fan, And if the two test results don’t agree, es. put it out there, Magnets can’t change blood flow by at- which one is considered right? This issue is so take the risk that tracting iron, because all the iron in blood Medical Assistant crucial in our rela- there may be a is bound up in hemoglobin molecules. The tionships. Think of disagreement, but hemoglobin structure neutralizes the mag- Dear Medical Assistant when you first met develop the faith The TB blood test, which is called your beloved. The and trust that you will resolve the con- “Magnets can’t change Quantiferon, has only been available for a stars in the eyes, the strong chemistry, flict together by compromising. It is possi- few years. It is more accurate than the skin the connection that overrides everything… ble s/he is also on the same wavelength, blood flow by attracting test, which is called the PPD. Quantiferon The joy of emotionally bonding does not but not necessarily so. We don’t want a iron, because all the is also much more expensive than the PPD. want to acknowledge any dissonance. I clone of ourselves, do we? Life could get It isn’t usually recommended to do both would now be sitting in the Caribbean if I dull really fast if we did. iron in blood is bound tests at the same time, and if both tests are had a dollar for each time someone said: So, take the chance. Confront the is- done and give different results, there aren’t I knew that (insert problem here) but I sue. Talk about it without judging. t up in hemoglobin any guidelines about which test should be thought he/she would change, or we would Communication leads to community, molecules.” considered correct. The decision of which work it out or it did not seem important. that is, to understanding, intimacy and test should be considered correct is made At the same time, how do we distin- mutual valuing. – Rollo May netic charge in the iron and because of on the basis of that particular patient’s risk guish between what is a red flag and what that, the iron doesn’t respond to magnets. of developing TB, which depends on the could turn into one? Some red flags do not There is also no reason to think that mag- strength of their immune system and how nets are effective by some other method. like- ly they are to have Research on magnets has been exposed to found that, for example, mat- TB. Major factors Law Office of David M. Lutz, P.A. tresses containing magnets affecting likelihood are no better for relieving back of exposure in- •Auto Accidents •Workers’ Compensation pain than ordinary mattresses. clude household Shoe inserts with magnets are members and no more effective for foot pain workmates with •Personal Injury •DUI/DWI than inserts without magnets. TB, travel history, The idea of using copper and country of •Criminal Defense •Traffic Court bracelets and other copper jew- origin. t elry to treat arthritis comes from Eva Hersh, Se Habla Español an old idea that arthritis patients MD, is a Baltimore family physician. Please 1901 Fleet Street Baltimore, MD 21231 had a deficiency of copper. Now that it is send questions and comments to her by Phone: 410-558-3700 (English) 410-299-2898(Español) possible to measure levels of copper in email at [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] www.lawlutz.com the blood, we know that copper levels are

16 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com In adults with HIV on ART who have diarrhea not caused by an infection

IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION This is only a summary. See complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or by calling 1-844-722-8256. This does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment. What Is Mytesi? Mytesi is a prescription medicine used to improve symptoms of noninfectious diarrhea (diarrhea not caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on ART. Do Not Take Mytesi if you have diarrhea caused by an infection. Before you start Mytesi, your doctor and you should make sure your diarrhea is not caused by an infection (such as bacteria, virus, or parasite). Possible Side Effects of Mytesi Include: • Upper respiratory tract infection (sinus, nose, and throat infection) • Bronchitis (swelling in the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs) • Cough • Flatulence (gas) • Increased bilirubin (a waste product when red blood cells break down) For a full list of side effects, please talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or Tired of planning your life around diarrhea? call 1-800-FDA-1088. Should I Take Mytesi If I Am: Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant? • Studies in animals show that Mytesi could harm an unborn baby or affect the ability to become pregnant Enough is Enough • There are no studies in pregnant women taking Mytesi • This drug should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed Get relief. Pure and simple. Ask your doctor about Mytesi. A Nursing Mother? • It is not known whether Mytesi is passed through human breast milk Mytesi (crofelemer): • If you are nursing, you should tell your doctor before starting Mytesi • Is the only medicine FDA-approved to relieve diarrhea in people with HIV • Your doctor will help you to decide whether to stop nursing or to stop • Treats diarrhea differently by normalizing the flow of water in the GI tract taking Mytesi Under 18 or Over 65 Years of Age? • Has the same or fewer side effects as placebo in clinical studies • Mytesi has not been studied in children under 18 years of age • Comes from a tree sustainably harvested in the Amazon Rainforest • Mytesi studies did not include many people over the age of 65. So it is not clear if this age group will respond differently. Talk to your doctor to What is Mytesi? find out if Mytesi is right for you Mytesi is a prescription medicine that helps relieve symptoms of diarrhea not caused by What Should I Know About Taking Mytesi an infection (noninfectious) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy (ART). With Other Medicines? If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine, herbal Important Safety Information supplements, or vitamins, tell your doctor before starting Mytesi. Mytesi is not approved to treat infectious diarrhea (diarrhea caused by bacteria, a virus, What If I Have More Questions About Mytesi? or a parasite). Before starting you on Mytesi, your healthcare provider will first be sure that you For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information at do not have infectious diarrhea. Otherwise, there is a risk you would not receive the right medicine Mytesi.com or speak to your doctor or pharmacist. and your infection could get worse. In clinical studies, the most common side effects that occurred To report side effects or make a product complaint or for additional information, call 1-844-722-8256. more often than with placebo were upper respiratory tract (sinus, nose, and throat) infection (5.7%), bronchitis (3.9%), cough (3.5%), flatulence (3.1%), and increased bilirubin (3.1%). Rx Only For Copay Savings Card and Manufactured by Patheon, Inc. Patient Assistance, see Mytesi.com for Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. San Francisco, CA 94105 Copyright © Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Mytesi comes from the Croton lechleri tree harvested Please see complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com. in South America.

NP-390-15 RELIEF, PURE AND SIMPLE

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 17 quality of life // Health and Wellness

National Honor Our Mending the bladder issue in which I was retaining 2.1 May 16th liters. I always knew I was full of piss and LGBT Elders Day Gap vinegar but this is ridiculous! Seriously, I lost ten pounds that day and the lower bel- Charles Dudley By Monte Ephraim ly fat I had been working on for two years LGBT Health Resource Center addressed his addiction before I did. So with a trainer was suddenly gone. My blad- The stories, struggles, and trailblazing suc- he’s a big brother in the very best sense of der decided to stop working without notice. cesses of Baltimore’s LGBT elders will be the world. He lives in Louisiana but he’ll be Put Some Elvis in How rude! recognized at an upcoming event in cele- present at the National Honor Our LGBT My urologist asked me if I did physi- bration of National Honor Our LGBT Elders Elders Day event here in Baltimore. Your Pelvis! cal therapy for the pelvic region. I told Day. In addition to your role as a story- him I didn’t know you could. This opened Members of Baltimore’s LGBT commu- teller, you were involved in planning the I’ve been a physical therapist for nearly the discussion of me seeing my first pel- nity will come together for event. What led you to two decades, practicing both in Maryland vic physical therapist. This was also when take on that task? as well as in London. My practice now is I discovered how rare and special these Community service. in Essex – finally another reason to people are. I had the choice of These things don’t happen visit besides Pizza Johns! Actually, Pelvic floor seeing a female co-worker who by magic. Someone, and they have good seafood in Essex was an old boss, and was now usually a group of people, and I have to say I love my neigh- disorders going to fiddle with my “neth- have to make them hap- bors ... but I digress, which hap- er region” to see if there was pen. I think I was most pens often when you have ADH and affect men, something to be done for my impressed by the fact that are surrounded by multiple rabbit too urinary retention. She was the the planning group want- holes to go down. My workshops only one around. One is not a ed to make sure our whole can be very entertaining for this reason. choice. It was at this time that I decided community was repre- But yet again, I digress. My husband and I to take my urologist’s advice seriously and sented, that we saw faces moved back to Baltimore in 2008 and after start my training as a pelvic physical ther- and heard voices at the a few years of working at Franklin Square apist. Ready for the gap? There are over event that aren’t always hospital I wanted to be a better clinician. I 16 million people between Philadelphia, represented. It’s the full was trained at Tai Sophia Institute (now the Baltimore, D.C., Frederick, and Harris- beautiful spectrum of Maryland University of Integrative Health) burg. There are only 103 physical thera- Elderphile – sexuality and gender in health and wellness coaching where I pists (four of us men) who are trained in Mark S. King identity. We are a broader, learned the art of facilitating change with treatment of pelvic floor disorders such as “Stories From The Community: The Elder more colorful, deeper com- open conversation rather than prescribing pelvic pain, incontinence, prolapses, Pey- Who Made a Difference in My Life,” a night munity than we often acknowledge or no- it. The client is in the driver’s seat, where ronie’s disease, coccydynia, vaginismus, of laughter, inspiration, recognition, and sto- tice. I for one don’t always want to be look- they belong. vulvodynia, erectile dysfunction. There rytelling on May 16th from 6 to 8:30 pm at ing at and listening to people like myself. Over the years I’ve enjoyed cultivating is a growing need for non-surgical and the Single Carrot Theatre (2600 North How- Advocacy is about addition, not subtraction. relationships with groups such as the Mul- non-medication treatments for these con- ard Street, suite 1200). Learn more about I think anyone who comes to this event will tiple Sclerosis Society and our local rugby ditions in both men and women. Another the event at Tinyurl.com/LGBTelders2018. hear from people who are within the LGT- team, the Flamingos. I donate my time and gap for men: June Allison was the spokes We asked Mark King, a Baltimore-based BQ spectrum, but are completely unlike services of physical therapy during the MS person for “Depends” in 1984. “Depends writer and activist, to discuss why he will themselves, and that’s a beautiful thing. Walks and challenge events, and I do the for Men” came out in 2012. That is a 28 take part in the event and the LGBT elder What will members of the community same for the Flamingos at their practices year gap! My focus as a physical therapist he will honor. learn by attending the event? and matches making sure both teams are Why is National Honor Our LGBT El- is to help bridge the gap in access to ther- They’re going to learn just how deeply well cared for. I honestly don’t think they ders Day important to you? apy by raising awareness that people have realize how much I get from them. They We as a community don’t have the gen- influenced we are by our elders, and how a choice besides Depends and blue pills help give me focus, challenge me in new erational mentors that mainstream society crucial it is that we seek out the wisdom that are safer in the long run. My mission does. We need to take every opportunity and experience of older people, that we ways, and are fun to be around. I encour- here is to bring you entertaining self care to promote cross-generational mentorship. value the experience of our elders. And I, age you to find a cause you are passionate articles of things you can do to improve I know I have really benefitted from the for one, am going to be just as inspired by about and volunteer. your lives from the physical therapy per- wisdom and experience of my elders, and the younger people there as the older. In “Mind the gap.” Living in London taught spective. I guess we can now say “Mend- I hope I can do the same for someone else. our community, our mentors are often our me to Mind the Gap. The words are plas- ing the Gap” You’ll be taking part in our event here chosen family, and we can learn from the tered everywhere on the subway system Charles can be found at Dudley Phys- in Baltimore as an Elder Day Storyteller. past. when you are riding the Tube because of ical Therapy inside Spunk fitness (8502 Can you share just a bit about the per- To learn more about National Honor the large gap that appears between the Kelso Drive, Essex, Maryland). Call or text son you will be honoring? Our LGBT Elders Day and how to host straight edge of the rail car and the curve 443-742-0019. I’m really lucky – my oldest brother, your own celebration, visit LGBTeldersday. of the station. People fall in the gap onto Charles’s next free workshops are t Richard, is gay and he’s really a generation org. the tracks and get stuck under the train. I Saturday May 12th at 3 pm on “Men’s Pel- older than me. He’s been my role model Chase Brexton’s LGBT Health Re- found a gap in America! vic Health” at the Baltimore Eagle, then since I was a teenager. Everything that mat- source Center provides access to expert When I was 45 I ended up needing to Wednesday May 16th on “Back Pain and ters to me, all the causes that are important health information and resources that will see a urologist due to my own struggles in Sciatica” at 6 pm. Visit Dudleypt.com/work- to me today, are because of his influence. enhance wellness and quality of life. For that “area.” I call March 10th, 2014 my day shops for more details. t He was an AIDS activist before I was. He more info, it’s ResourceCenter.lgbt of discovery as we discovered a serious

18 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com SPIRITUAL DIRECTORY Worship Baltimore Ethical Society Interfaith Fairness Sunday, 11a.m. 306 W Franklin Street, #102 Coalition of MD Baltimore, MD 21201 P.O. Box 13132 Christian 410-581-2322 Baltimore MD 21203 Education Classes baltimoreethicalsociety.org 410-233-5555 Sunday, 9:45 a.m. ifcmd.org Bolton Street Synagogue browndowntown.org 212 West Coldspring Lane MCC of Baltimore 1316 Park Ave., Balt., MD, 21217 Baltimore, MD 21210 405 West Monument Street. 410.523.1542 410-235-5354 Baltimore MD 21201 boltonstreet.org 410-669-6222 mccbaltimore.org Brown Memorial Park Avenue Pres- byterian Church Memorial Episcopal Church 1316 Park Avenue 1407 Bolton Street Baltimore MD 21217 Baltimore MD 21217 410-523-1542 410-669-0220 browndowntown.org memorialepiscopal.org Congregation Beit Tikvah 5802 Roland Avenue New Light MCC Baltimore MD 21210 40 W. Church Street 410-464-9402 Hagerstown MD 21740 beittikvah.org 301-797-5698 newlightmcc.com Emmanuel Episcopal Church 811 Cathedral Street The Church of the Advent Baltimore, MD 21201 1301 South Charles Street 410-685-1130 Baltimore, MD 21230 emmanueldowntown.org 410-539-7804 䄀䰀䰀 䄀刀䔀 圀䔀䰀䌀伀䴀䔀 advent-baltimore.org 䴀愀猀猀 匀挀栀攀搀甀氀攀 First and Franklin Street. Presbyte- rian Church Veritas United Church 匀愀琀甀爀搀愀礀 㔀㨀㌀ 瀀⸀洀 210 W. Madison Street of Christ 匀甀渀搀愀礀 㤀 愀⸀洀⸀Ⰰ ㄀ 㨀㐀㔀 愀⸀洀⸀Ⰰ ㄀㈀㨀㄀㔀 瀀⸀洀 Baltimore MD 21201-4693 22 N Mulberry Street., Suite 113 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⸀ 410-728-5545 Hagerstown, MD 21740 firstfranklin.org 240- 310-6891 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 veritashagerstown.com 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 First Unitarian Church of Baltimore 倀愀爀椀猀栀 䄀搀洀椀渀椀猀琀爀愀琀漀爀 匀攀瘀攀爀渀Ⰰ 䴀愀爀礀氀愀渀搀 ㈀㄀㄀㐀㐀ⴀ㈀㈀㤀㤀 1 West Hamilton Street. 㐀㄀ ⴀ㤀㘀㤀ⴀ㈀㜀㠀㌀ 㐀㄀ ⴀ㤀㘀㤀ⴀ㈀㜀㠀㌀ Baltimore MD 21201 410-685-2330 firstunitarian.net

Grace United Methodist Church 5407 North Charles Street religous Baltimore, MD 21210 symbols set #1 by 410-433-6650 dragonart graceunitedmethodist.org

Govans Presbyterian Church The Source for the lgbtq community 5828 York Road. To advertise in our Spiritual directory Baltimore MD 21212 410-435-9188 please call 410-802-1310 govanspres.org BaltimoreOutloud.com

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 19 Lively Arts // out on STAGE Rehoboth’s Clear Space Theatre Charms All-Year Long By Frankie Kujawa running from throughout May. “Fun Home is a The summer months begin to sizzle as The fall theater season will showcase the Just steps away from the sandy beaches of piece of musical theater that can sometimes be The Rocky Horror Show, Footloose, and Mary dramatic Rabbit Hole, running from Septem- Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, theater is thriv- considered contemporary or edgy. It will hope- Poppins will run in conjunction with each other ber 21st to October 7th. This will be followed ing. The Clear Space Theatre company, the fully make people think a little bit more.” Fun from June 26th to September 2nd. Button add- up with Heathers, running from October 19th artistic jewel of Rehoboth Beach, is currently in ed that the rotation of shows throughout the to 31st, and the “Spotlight” rendition of Willy the midst of its booming 2018 season. Bal- week and weekends will allow audiences to Wonka in November. The season will come to timore OUTloud recently chatted with David find the right type of show throughout the sum- a close during the holidays with A Christmas Button, the artistic director of Clear Space. mer. “These three shows are three complete- Carol, running from November 23rd to Decem- “Our season has something for every- ly different blockbusters. They will appeal to ber 9th. one,” Button says. “A family looking to see many people on different levels depending “What makes Clear Space Theatre so spe- something for every age, an individual that’s on the type of show they’re looking for.” cial is that we offer a variety here for everyone. looking for an edgier contemporary piece Button added that throughout the sum- We have a community that embraces what we or someone looking for a classical musi- mer is when he brings in additional talent to do. Not just Rehoboth, but in the summer, we cal.” Currently celebrating his 12th year with mingle within the community performers. “In also have Baltimore, Philadelphia, and DC. Clear Space Theatre, Button explained that the summer, we try to also bring in additional We offer something for audiences that live he structures shows throughout the season performers. I travel to auditions in New York here or those that visit for vacation.” Button so it appeals to many different audiences. City to find my summer rep added that the theatre has not only created The 2018 season began with Baskerville, Who’s who? company. I put those folks in an environment for families, but has created A Sherlock Holmes Mystery which ran from – Big-city with the locals who work here a family through its hard work and unity. “We late-January through mid-February. This was professionals with us, and essentially we have created our own family here. The original followed up by a special-event showing of The share stage all merge together. We am- company of performers were a lot of locals. Normal Heart in early March, followed by Bye Home with local plify the quality of performers We still have that feel, but now we’ve supple- Bye Birdie, which ran until early April. Mid-April is the story of Alison Bechdel based on her Rehoboth here by bringing in these tri- mented people throughout the year, as well. brought a “Spotlight on Young Performers” as graphic novel about coming out and life as a talent ple threats – dancers, sing- We listen to what our audiences want and are The Wizard of Oz was staged with local youth lesbian cartoonist. She looks back on herself, ers, and actors. I bring in ap- very open to our community.” talent. as a ten-year-old and as a college student, re- proximately 14 to 20 summer people. These For more info on showtimes and perfor- The next upcoming show is Fun Home, alizing that her father was also gay. amazing performers usually perform in all mances, it’s Clearspacetheatre.org. t three shows, supplemented with local talent.” In Their Own Words Clear Space The vision has always been for Clear Space to grow into a Theatre reputable regional theatre by demonstrating integrity and stakes a risk-takingt. We began our journey by offering classic pro- ductions and now are exploring edgier, more contemporary niche genres. Our success is due in part to adapting to what you, our audiences, want. Clear Space takes on the responsibility of challenging you while entertaining you with what you see on stage: art imitating life. Every season we present a reader’s theatre collaboration with another local nonprofit, two “Spotlight on Young Performers” productions, and eight large-scale musicals. Each year we introduce you to a variety of professional talent by hiring local actors, Actor’s Equity Association actors, and a summer stock repertory cast. We cultivate that talent and produce shows like you won’t see anywhere else. And we’re local. We offer you quality theatre in your own backyard. You don’t have to go to a big city to see edgy, contemporary pieces like Fun Home or Heathers. You can take the family to Mary Poppins or A Christmas Carol, or to our “Spotlight” productions of The Wizard of Oz and Willy Wonka! If you need a date night, Clear Space has late night offerings in the summer and thought-pro- voking shows during the entire year. Your family can connect in Rehoboth, just a block away from the beach. Just by coming to local theatre, you support local businesses. We’ve found that 80% of all patrons eat, drink, and shop prior to attending any one perfor- mance. That’s more than 6,000 people investing in downtown Rehoboth each year. Theatre patrons have become an elite group of people who are helping small businesses thrive. As Clear Space grows, the community grows. Theatre is a place where peo- ple come together to laugh, cry, and be entertained. By choosing theatre, you are “shopping” local and validating real artistic endeavors. t

20 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts // qmusic

“Stranger,” “Etched Deep,” “Shame Game,” beat. “Imagining My Man,” which clocks in Seconds and Thirds “Invisible,” and “Turn It Up” make it clear at almost six minutes, is a subtly stirring that Bag still has plenty to say and we tune on which Harding, joined by gay sing- By Gregg Shapiro in one of his music videos, is only in his would all benefit from listening. er / songwriter Mike Hadreas (aka Perfume It’s best to get this tidbit out of the way first; mid-20s; much younger than he sounds. Let’s face it, there’s so much music Genius), conjures Kristin Hersh. Song ti- Greta Kline, best known as singer / song- There’s also a maturity to his songwriting being released these days that it’s easy to tles such as “What if Birds Aren’t Singing writer Frankie Cosmos, is the daughter on the 11 songs heard on his second album overlook some of the best. Coming from the They’re Singing,” and “Swell Does The of actors Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates. Staying at Tamara’s (Columbia) that be- piano/vocal tradition that includes Carole Skull” should also give you a good idea of We know her father can sing because he lies his years. If it was Ezra’s 2014 break- King, Laura Nyro and Tori Amos, Jillette what’s in store (and worth a listen!). was on Broadway in Pirates of Penzance out single “Budapest” that initially caught Johnson made her debut in 2013 with the With his inclination towards a retro (alongside Linda Ronstadt!), but we haven’t your attention, the good news is that wonderful Water in a Whale album that fea- pop sound on Make Way for Love (Dead had the dance to hear her mother belt one there are enough songs on Staying at Ta- tured the song “Cameron” about a queer Oceans), singer/songwriter Marlon Wil- out. Genetics aside, Vessel (Sub Pop), the kid. The follow-up, All I Ever See in You liams could be the New Zealand male third Frankie is Me (Rounder), released last year, lives version of the previously mentioned Caro- up to the promise of her first disc. Johnson line Rose. Williams’s soulful voice, which is something of a triple threat – she has a at times crosses over into Anohni territory, powerful and emotive singing voice, she’s serves songs such as “What’s Chasing a gifted pianist and she writes memorable You,” “Beautiful Dress,” “Love is a Terrible songs. All three of those attributes come Thing,” “Can I Call You,” “Make Way For through on songs such as “Throw Out Your Love,” and “Nobody Gets What They Want Mirror,” “Bunny,” “Like You Raised Me,” Anymore” (featuring the above-mentioned “Flip A Coin,” and “In Repair.” Aldous Harding) very well. In spite of the “Goth folk” diva Aldous Harding must vintage vibe, Williams is very much a con- have a good sense of humor, naming her temporary artist as you can hear on “Party second album Party (4AD) as she did. Boy.” t While the songs are bizarre in an intrigu- Frankie Cosmos performs on May 12th ing way, this is probably not a party most in Washington, DC, at Black Cat; and on people would want to attend, as exempli- May 13th in Philadelphia at Union Trans- fied by the title cut. Brief opener “Blend” fer. Caroline Rose performs on May 30th at blends acoustic guitar with a dark synth Soundstage in Baltimore.

Frankie mara’s that live up to those on NEW GROWTH ON Cosmos album in four Cosmos his first album Wanted on Voy- years, is as much an original artistic performs on age. “Paradise,” “Pretty Shiny TH statement as it is an homage to her May 12th in People,” “Get Away,” “The Beau- WEST 40 STREET. forebears Liz Phair and artists on the Washington, tiful Dream,” and “Only a Hu- K Records roster. These 18 irresistible DC man” are among the best to be songs (run-time 34 minutes), including found here. the wondrous title track, “Accommodate,” Valerie June calls her sound “organ- “Cafeteria,” “This Stuff,” “Apathy,” “Cara- ic moonshine roots music” and it fits. Her melize,” “Being Alive,” and “Same Thing” take on the modern Memphis style is in full are a celebration of the economy of poetic effect on her second solo disc, The Or- language. der of Time (Concord). Equally haunting Almost everything you need to know and exhilarating, the 12 songs beautifully about Caroline Rose can be heard on highlight Valerie June’s unique vocals and “More of the Same,” the extraordinary her talents as a songwriter. This distinctive opening track on Loner (New West), combination is best exemplified on “As- Roland Park Place – Baltimore City’s only certified Continuing Rose’s third album. There is humor, sen- tral Plane,” “If And,” the aptly named “Got sitivity, insight and an Op-1 keyboard; the Soul,” and the rocking “Shakedown.” Care Retirement Community – will soon be transformed, combo is intoxicating. It’s an honest indica- Incredible but true, it took Chicana adding eight new stories and sixty spacious new residences, tion of what follows on songs that incorpo- California punk legend and activist Alice rate updated retro new wave sensibilities Bag (of The Bags fame) almost 40 years to create the perfect setting for your Baltimore story. (“Cry!”), outrageous funk (“Jeannie Be- to record a proper full-length album. Her comes A Mom,” “Talk”), 21st century sixties 2016 eponymous debut featured queer revival (“Bikini,” “Money,” “Soul Number singer/songwriter Kristian Hoffman on a 5,” “Animal”) and perfect pop (“Getting To few tracks and was a welcome rallying cry. READY FOR MOVEIN 443.338.6212 Me”). Without a doubt, one of the best al- Not wasting any time, Alice Bag returns FALL 2020 RolandParkPlace.org bums of 2018 thus far. with Blueprint (Don Giovanni), on which Don’t let George Ezra’s booming bari- she is joined by Hoffman again, as well tone distract you. The adorable Brit singer as Kathleen Hanna, Allison Wolfe and oth- Pending final approval from Maryland Department of Aging / songwriter, who featured Sir Ian McKellan ers. Songs such as “White Justice,” “77,”

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 21 Lively Arts // screen savor // MUSIC (Un)planned Parenthood Blockbuster at the BSO: By Gregg Shapiro to baby Mia. She’s even more exhausted There are some movies that, if possible, than ever. Her sleep schedule, which in- Raiders of the Lost Ark need to be seen within the first week of cludes recurring dreams about mermaids, opening. Often, they are movies with unex- is totally thrown out of whack. Additionally, By Brynn Devereaux action. “These audiences are some of the pected twists and surprises that are diffi- she has to deal with the fact that Jonah, Indiana Jones. The name alone makes most enthusiastic crowds that we get just cult to keep secret. The Crying Game, from who is somewhere on the autism spectrum your brain start to play the iconic theme because the music is so ingrained in pop 1992, was one of the best examples of and regularly has meltdowns, is about to music and creates a strong desire to hold culture and so accessible – they’re really that. Tully (Focus), which reunites Juno’s be “dismissed” from the private school he a whip. Watch Harrison Ford escape the energetic and into it,” says BSO principal director Jason Reitman and Oscar-winning attends. gigantic stone sphere and horn Philip Munds. screenwriter Diablo Cody with their “Young Marlo calls Tully (Mackenzie Davis), battle Nazis at the Joseph The scores that make However, captivating Adult” star Charlize Theron, is another the night nanny. Tully, who is older than Meyerhoff Symphony Hall the movie may be for such movie. she looks, and is in great physical and the Music Center at the silver screen glitter audience members, the Pregnant condition, Strathmore on May 10th to musicians try to focus on Marlo (Ther- immediately 13th. Under the direction the music rather than the on) is nearing bonds with of Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly, big screen. “The movie only impacts the the end of her Mia. Marlo the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) performance in that I view the movie be- rope. Days finally gets a will perform the John Williams score as fore we play it,” says Munds. “While we’re away from good night’s Raiders of the Lost Ark plays on the big playing, I try really hard not to be aware her due date, sleep. Mar- screen. of the movie because everything is timed she looks lo and Drew For those who have not attended a so specifically that if you get distracted by like her belly are surprised “Movie with the Orchestra” performance, what’s on the screen, you lose the concen- could burst at the next tration – especially with this score because any moment. morning to “These audiences it’s really dense.” A moth- find that Tul- In addition to the Raiders performance, er of two ly, who says are some of the most fans of John Williams will have the oppor- school-aged she “has an tunity to listen to the composer lead the children, energy sur- enthusiastic crowds BSO on June 13th. “The scores them- daughter plus …like that we get just selves are massive – John Williams’ music Sarah (Lia Frankland) and “quirky” son Jo- Charlize Saudi Ara- is incredible stuff,” says Munds. “In 100 nah (Asher Miles Fallica), Marlo has a his- – Domestic bia,” has also cleaned and years, they’ll look back and these will be help on because the music tory of instability during stressful periods. steroids straightened the house. the operas of our generation. Everybody When Marlo’s financially flourishing Tully has a renewing ef- is so ingrained in knows the music and it’s embedded in the brother Craig (Mark Duplass) offers her fect on Marlo, who opens up about her per- pop culture and so culture.” and husband Drew (Ron Livingston) the sonal life (including an earlier relationship Raiders of the Lost Ark will play Thurs- unusual new baby gift of a night nanny, at with a woman named Violet). Marlo also accessible.” day, May 10th at 8 pm at the Music Center first they balk. Drew just thinks it’s a way begins to feel better about herself, taking at Strathmore. It will play Friday, May 11th for Craig, the kind of person who drives a time to care about her appearance (which get ready to experience the movie on a at 8 pm; Saturday, May 12th at 8 pm; and Mercedes G-Class and has installed a new she refers to as a “relief map from a war- whole new level. The live music brings an Sunday, May 13th at 3 pm at the Joseph tiki bar in his house, to lord his wealth and torn country”) again. She appears happi- intensity to an already adventurous story Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. For ticket info, success over them. Marlo isn’t sure that er than she’s been in a long time, singing that makes viewers feel it’s Bsomusic.org. t she wants a stranger in her house, bond- karaoke with Sarah at her niece’s birthday as if they are part of the A baton – My ing with her newborn. party. secret weapon Things change after Marlo gives birth Tully can also be a negative influ- ence. The waitress uniform scene, for instance. Or the night out on the town in Bushwick, complete with a “She’s So Unusual” soundtrack, which ends with Marlo’s car crashing over a bridge and plunging into water. That is, however, all • Family Law • Estate Planning that can be said without giving away too • Real Estate much information. Stephanie Cañas Hunnell, Esq. Theron is amazing here, giving one of her most authentic and powerful perfor- Sylvia L. Breitowich, Esq. mances, effortlessly personifying a person 408 7th Ave. in the midst of a series of manic episodes. Asbury Park, NJ 07712 And Davis, who has a young Jennifer Gar- 732-749-3500 ner quality, is a charmer. fax 732-749-3503 Don’t dilly-dally, see Tully before ev- Monmouth-Divorce.com eryone else does. Rating: B-plus. t

22 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts // MUSIC BSO Pulse Finale with Moon Taxi

By Brynn Devereaux between both groups. WTMD Morning Host Alex Cortright has had “Over the years, there have been many many special moments during his involve- orchestras hired to perform with rock bands, ment with BSO Pulse. “The first time I saw and it’s usually a simple chart written to echo the respectable and composed musicians or sweeten the songs in some way,” explains of the BSO receive the kind of Cortright. “BSO raucous, rock ’n’ roll applause Killer brass and electric Pulse is different. that you’d expect in clubs was This is a true collab- priceless,” says Cortright. “They rock on the menu oration. Nick Hersh were all wide-eyed and grinning and his team work from ear to ear. However, the best part of the hard with the bands to contribute something series from season to season is the collabo- totally fresh and unexpected. Duke Ellington ration (the final act of the evening) between once observed, ‘If it sounds good, then it is the bands and the BSO. This is where worlds good.’ The cross-genre explorations of Pulse collide.” sound good.” The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra For Pulse fans, the fun doesn’t stop with (BSO) will be joined by Moon Taxi for the this season finale. “We expect adventurous BSO Pulse season finale on May 17th at music lovers FRIDAY, JUNE 1 | 8 PM • SATURDAY, JUNE 2 | 8 PM STRAVINSKY // Suite from The Firebird (1919) MARIN ALSOP, conductor GERSHWIN // Concerto in F KIRILL GERSTEIN, piano SCHUMANN // Symphony No. 2 in C Major

Join the Baltimore Symphony for Gershwin’s jazzy Concerto in F, performed by acclaimed pianist Kirill Gerstein. Marin Alsop leads the Orchestra in Stravinsky's dazzling Firebird and Schumann's triumphant Second Symphony. Friday, June 1 is Food Truck Friday! Come early and enjoy food from The Green Bowl outside the Meyerhoff.

PRESENTING SPONSOR: UPCOMING CONCERTS MOZART AND BRAHMS FRIDAY, MAY 18 | 8 PM • SUNDAY, MAY 20 | 3 PM Guest conductor Mario Venzago directs Liszt’s most popular symphonic poem Les Préludes, along with Brahms’ Third Moon Taxi the Joseph Mey- – Uber indie to be particularly interested in Symphony and Mozart’s vivacious erhoff Symphony Hall. “For our final Pulse our second annual New Mu- Piano Concerto No. 22, performed concert of the season, audiences can expect sic Festival from June 21st to by young virtuoso Kit Armstrong. Mario Venzago an amazing collaboration between the BSO’s 23rd,” says Dreisin. “Spearheaded by Maes- killer brass section, and the Nashville-based tra Marin Alsop, the BSO will be performing BERNSTEIN AND SHOSTAKOVICH indie-rock band Moon Taxi,” says BSO Audi- works by living composers in a three-day fes- THURSDAY, JUNE 7 | 8 PM • FRIDAY, JUNE 8 | 8 PM • SUNDAY, JUNE 10 | 3 PM tival that extends throughout the city. High- ence Development Manager Rafaela Dreisin. Marin Alsop leads the BSO in our “The BSO will be putting its world-class brass lights of the festival include a Chamber Jam Season Finale concerts, featuring section on display with in-your-face fanfares. in Graffiti Alley, in partnership with the Motor It’s an epic finish to our third Pulse season House, and an orchestra concert at the Mey- Bernstein's "The Age of Anxiety" and the perfect thing to pair with Moon Taxi’s erhoff Symphony Hall that will be preceded with pianist Jon Kimura Parker electric mix of rock and pop.” by a block party on Preston Street with food and Shostakovich's thrilling BSO Pulse is a unique setup from trucks, music by DJ Double, and a round-ta- Symphony No. 5. Marin Alsop “typical” orchestra performances. Prior to ble discussion between Alsop and some of the show, there is a performance by Bal- the most well-respected composers of our timore’s Super City as well as food and time.” happy hour drink specials from local ven- For ticket information and more, visit Bso- JOSEPH MEYERHOFF SYMPHONY HALL dors. The BSO will alternate performances music.org. t TICKETS FROM $30 • 410.783.8000 • BSOMUSIC.ORG with Moon Taxi ending in a collaboration

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 23 Lively Arts // between the covers

To Tell the Truth hen and Betsy By Gregg Shapiro Anyone who has ever read any of Marion Ross, who West’s RBG Now that most of the country has thawed memoirist and educator Barrie Jean Bo- played everyone’s favorite doc opens out from one of the lengthiest winters on rich’s previous books (Restoring the Col- Midwestern TV mom on in theaters, record, everyone is anx- or of Roses, My Lesbian “Happy Days,” and later Ruth Bader ious to get outside and en- Husband, and Body Ge- made an appearance on Ginsburg: joy the nice weather. The Spring / summer ography) knows that the the gay ’80s’ Showtime In Her Own following titles are sug- arrival of each new one series “Brothers,” tells her Words (B2 gestions for reading on a 2018 non-fiction for is an event, and Apoc- story (with help from David Books, 2018), park bench, at the beach LGBTQ readers alypse, Darling (Mad Laurell) in My Days: Hap- edited by Hel- or anywhere the sun is Creek Books, 2018), py and Otherwise (Kens- ena Hunt, warmly shining on you. which ventures into toxic ington, 2018). features a Thanks for the memoirs – Not only is landscapes and wastelands, both personal LGBTQ folks have long multitude of Jake Shears a talented singer / songwriter and environmental, is no exception. been a presence in and quotes from and all-around magnetic performer who is, Hiding Out: A Memoir of Drugs, De- fans of reality TV shows, the trailblaz- shall we say, easy on the eyes, but he’s ception, and Double Lives (Dey Street, from PBS’s An Ameri- ing Supreme also a marvelous writer as he proves with 2018) is can Family Court jus- his first book, Boys Keep Swinging: A queer ac- to MTV’s The tice, includ- Memoir (Atria, 2018). tress / Real World ing those on Following the extraordinary success of playwright and Bravo’s the subject his epic 2016 bestselling novel Queen of Tina Alex- The Real of same-sex the Night, Alexander Chee returns with is Allen’s Housewives marriage. the essay collection How to Write an Au- “audacious” series, and Also fo- tobiographical Novel (Mariner, 2018) in story in Lucas Mann’s Captive Audi- cused on legal issues and the LGBTQ which he touches on his own personal evo- which she ence: On Love and Reality community, Gay Priori (Duke, 2018) by lution, as well as love and loss, including untangles TV (Vintage, 2018) gives them Libby Adler is “a queer critical legal stud- the AIDS crisis and the 9/11 tragedy. the knot something to read about. ies approach to law reform.” of her up- Cultural affairs – Just In addition to a couple of pages on bringing, in time for Pride month, and homosexuality, Mark Kurlansky’s Hava- closely tied ideal for readers of all ages, na: A Subtropical Delirium (Bloomsbury, to a shared the colorful Pride: The Story 2017), queer folks such as Reinaldo Are- secret with of Harvey Milk and the Rain- nas, Allen Ginsberg, Josephine Baker, her strict bow Flag (Random House, and Federico García Lorca, as well as the and reli- 2018), written by Rob Sand- gay film Strawberry and Chocolate, also gious fa- ers and appear in the ther. illustrated book. I Can’t by Steven The afore- Date Je- Salerno, mentioned po- sus: Love, tells the ets Ginsberg Sex, Fam- story of ac- and Arenas ily, Race, tivist Milk are also written and Other and de- about in Or- Reasons I’ve Put My Faith in Beyon- signer Gilbert Baker. chids, Rose- cé (Atria, 2018) is Michael Arceneaux’s Almost everything buds, and timely, humorous and deeply considered you need to know about Sweet Flags: • ArchitecturAlly-stunning essay collection told from the perspective Feminist Weed Farm- Reflections wedding venue • of an African-American gay man. er: Growing Mindful on Gay Poetry In Michael Goddart’s unique memoir Medicine in your Own (Lethe, 2018) • indOOR & OuTdOOR wedding In Search of Lost Lives: Desires, Sans- Backyard (Microcosm by Drewey CeReMOnieS, ReCePTiOnS, karas and the Evolution of Mind & Soul Publishing, 2018) by Wayne Gunn, And eLOPeMenTS • (Epigraph, 2018) the writer shares the de- Madrone Stewart, fea- along with no- tails of his recovery of more than 80 past • OveR 30 SAMe-Sex weddingS turing sections on “Cre- table gay poets lives, including more than 10 homophile ating a good growing en- such as Mark SinCe 2013 • lives. vironment,” “Protecting Doty, J.D. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at As seen on TV – You’ve probably seen your plants,” and “Har- McClatchy, ChaseCourtWeddingVenue Claire L. Evans give a TED Talk or in mu- vesting your medicine,” W.H. Auden, 410-727-1112 • chasecourt.com sic videos by Yacht (she’s one half of the can be found in the title Oscar Wilde, 1112 Saint Paul Street, Baltimore, MD musical duo) and now is your chance to of the book. Walt Whitman, read her writing in her Broad Band: The Arriving on book- and Langston Owned and Operated by David Egan, t wedding columnist for BaltimoreOUTloud. Untold Story of the Women Who Made shelves around the Hughes. the Internet (Portfolio / Penguin, 2018). same time as Julie Co- 24 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com out in the valley

Parenting OUTloud Rev. Kelly Crenshaw

The Ups & hurt when people are mean or rigid in their to our door after being removed by beliefs about who and what she should be. Child Protective Services. It was, Downs of Another package contained the wed- and still is, amazingly difficult. ding invitation for another daughter’s fall But this morning, when I rolled wedding. They’re beautiful. The wedding over and saw the face of our sweet Parenting plans are coming along. She’s an orga- little Cassandra, I remembered ex- nized young woman, with very specific actly why we do it. Why we’ve done Sometimes, being a parent is hard. Try- taste, so I have no doubt things will be in it for so many years. We do it be- ing to keep it together when your child is line well before the day arrives. She and cause there are children that are sick or injured. Knowing that you would I have made all the arrangements so far hurting. I can’t take the pain away. do everything, but really can’t do anything and I’m pleased to say that she is all about I can’t make the brain damage that to help. And then, there’s watching when cutting costs and making the wedding results from early childhood trauma your child’s heart is gorgeous on a bud- disappear. I can’t keep life from treat- broken. Or, standing “No one explained how get. But sometimes, ing them badly. And, as they get older, by as they take those when I look at her all I can do is provide a soft place to first big steps of in- difficult it would be. No face, I see that pre- land when life gets overwhelming. And dependence. cocious toddler that sometimes, it’s just not enough. t Yesterday, was a one managed to convey had more self-confi- . Rev. Kelly Crenshaw is the mom rough day. Work has how adopting can dence than anyone of 16 adopted kids, two biological kids, been stressful, with I’ve ever met. She guardian of one baby girl and foster mom multiple overlapping change everything.” can’t be grown al- of dozens. Some are lesbian, some gay, deadlines. I haven’t ready. Wasn’t it just some straight, and some bisexual. Kelly had as much time to spend with the kids as yesterday that she was born? founded a K-12 day school where kids I’d like. Then, one of my adult sons called Hidden in the mail was an early Moth- could have a safe, bully-free environment to curse at me because his day had gone er’s Day card from another adult child. for learning. She is co-owner of a coun- badly. He’s seriously mentally ill and has She’s been messaging me every day for selling agency that works with low cognitive abilities, too. A more famil- the past week to see if it had arrived. She children and their families. But iar term would be the now outdated term also has mental illness as the result of worth it “mentally retarded.” Michael lives, for now, childhood abuse. She is now living 2,000 in the end! in a psychiatric facility. He is violent and miles away from her children. It was her self-abusive. He lives in a fantasy world of choice to leave, but she doesn’t under- his own making. At times, he is extremely stand the damage she has done to those childlike. At others, he is calculating and kids. She left her husband for another man scary. It’s hard to watch him make so many and moved away without even telling her mistakes in his life. It’s hard to know that kids goodbye. And now, she’s suffering. he will most likely never get to live on his She doesn’t understand why people are own or have a spouse or children. He’s angry with her. She doesn’t understand too damaged by his early childhood ex- why her husband is limiting contact with periences. And, like many of my children, the boys. She thinks she’s a good mother. even those who function at a higher level, She loves her kids. And, it breaks my heart Michael will not heal from this. to see how this situation impacts them all. When I got home last night, there were When my mother was still alive, and I packages waiting for me. One was for the would tell her about these types of things costume for Meredith’s play this week. happening in our life, she would say, “You She loves being an actress. She loves ev- signed up for this.” And, in a way, I did. ery moment of being on stage and making But, no one explained how difficult it would people laugh or cry. I remember when she be. No one managed to convey how adopt- was just a little girl, acting with the same ing can change everything. We have had passion and enthusiasm she has now. bio-family members threaten to kill us. We 240-420-2180 Except then, it was at church or school or have been accused of all kinds of abuse by somewhere safe. Now, she’s performing in some of those same folks. We are blamed venues where people aren’t always nice. for “taking them away,” when all we did And, it’s hard to watch her get her feelings was agree to help kids that were brought BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 25 out in the valley

on living my life. Who knew that starting hor- take weeks, months, or even years, and it will One’s of mones would teach me other lessons such be painful. But prosperity will arise and every- By Zed Sykes Sense Self Many times, I write about the struggles and as being patient and gaining confidence? At one will be at peace eventually. Like anything downsides of what it is like to be transgender. Something I think is really cool about least, I did not know that it would. The little else in life, being different from the majority is But, what I have failed to mention is that is ac- this whole process of transitioning medical- secrets that you find in yourself can be some really hard and it often sucks, but being differ- tually the best thing that has happened in my ly is that even though I was dysphoric many of the most impactful things. ent teaches you new things. I have struggled life. For so long I struggled with who I really times and still am, there was always some- Self-image can be everything to some in both genders, male and female, therefore I was. I still do, but now, at least, I have a sense thing for me to be positive about. I tend to be people at my age. And for everybody it is a can respectfully relate to both aspects. Being struggle. Some are just better at hiding it than different can suck, but I would not choose to of self. I had many inner conflicts and didn’t an optimist with pessimistic tendencies, so t understand why. Fighting a constant battle about 80% of the time I was just happy to be others. The process of finding yourself can have traveled a different path in my life. with myself to be better, be different from how on T and to be seeing changes happening. I was, because somehow I knew that it was My favorite was the voice change and how not me. The person I would stare at in the mir- people were shocked about it. The reactions I ror felt like such a stranger at times. I remem- got were mostly, “Oh my gosh your voice has ber back when I was still in middle school, I gotten so deep, that’s crazy.” It was like get- cut my hair and felt so different, so free. It was ting a pat on the back for passing. And that, of provide necessary and meaningful services, like I was finding pieces of myself, hidden, to course, does not always sound the best, but and to organize what I’m told will be an ex- build a picture of who I was going to be. for me I just really wanted to pass. This was Brian’s ceptional Pride festival (July 14th – mark your Of course, this stage in my life is one of like the path of honor; that I was doing a good calendars). the hardest because of the need to find the job, even though it was my hormones doing Brain All their hard work paid off. Throughout sense of self. And, that goes for everyone all of the medical magic for me. Brian George Hose the day, Hagerstown Hopes raffled off prizes else around my age. I sometimes think of Patience was always something that I from a number of local businesses, maintain- what it would be like to have been born bio- had lacked. It was probably one of my biggest ing an almost constant interactive web pres- logically male since birth. struggles when first starting T. For the first Support Grows in ence. Participating businesses included Sag- I don’t think that I would see the world the month, just about every day, I would check to ittarius Salon and Spa, Theraspa and Salon, same at all. I would probably be more used to see what changes had happened. And I ad- Flower Haus, and Washington County Play- male privilege than anything else. That is why mit, at times, I was being delusional about the Hagerstown house. Hagerstown Hopes asked for help, I do respect the fact and am not upset with changes I presumed were there. But eventu- When I first met Jeff Rohrer, he shared with and the community came through for them. being trans. But, like I have explained before, ally, the impatience faded away and I could me a lesson he learned a long time ago: If you But it was an auction, not a raffle, that it does have its many downfalls. go on to randomly see changes as I went want something, you have to ask for it. This provided the most excitement of the evening. philosophy has served Rohrer well, helping Local celebrity Lolli Cox, owner and designer him and his drag alter ego, Ashley Bannks, of Rox by Cox, stopped by to auction off a win Miss Gay Maryland America in 2002. set of custom-made jewelry, along with a wig Now, as president of local LGBTQ nonprofit designed and donated by In2gr8ion. You may Hagerstown Hopes, Rohrer is using his mot- have seen Cox’s jewelry on “Rupaul’s Drag to to help and serve our community, and with Race,” where her designs have become fa- great success. vorites of a number of high-profile performers. May 1st was a big day for Hagerstown The popularity of Cox’s jewelry resulted Hopes. The first day the new Hagerstown in a bidding war, requiring several people to Hopes community center was open to the track and update the ever-growing bids. Cox public coincided with Washington County hosted the cyber auction herself, with help Gives, a 24-hour web-based fundraiser for from Robert Medina who serves as Chairman nonprofit organizations in the county. I was of Strategic Planning for Hagerstown Hopes. out running errands when a Facebook notifi- Cox also shared the center’s new nickname, cation alerted me that the community center Hagerstown Hopes Hub, with her followers, was officially open, so I decided to stop by. laughing that she just loved the alliteration. I’m glad I did. At the end of a very tense and exciting hour, SAVE THE DATE What I found amazed me. Located in over $400 had been raised. Hagerstown Hopes presents the Mulberry Lofts, a renovated factory that hous- By the end of the day, Hagerstown Hopes 7TH ANNUAL HAGERSTOWN PRIDE FESTIVAL! es several other nonprofits, was a team of raised $4,500. While this is spectacular news community members gathered to celebrate for Hagerstown Hopes, it’s also great news The event will take place beginning at Noon until 6:00pm. the center’s opening. Though at first glance for us because it tells us something wonder- they seemed to be a group of longtime friends ful about our community. It tells us that ours We will have live entertainment, vendors, speakers, food, and more. hanging out, I soon found out they were also is a community that cares, that gives support hard at work. when it’s asked for. It says that this is a com- Come out and show your support of the LGBTQ+ community Several laptop computers were in use, munity that wants an organization like Hag- whether you're gay, bi, lesbian, trans, questioning, or straight. spreadsheets were being made, and phones erstown Hopes to be present, advocating for were being used to livestream the day’s each and every one of us. events, all in an effort to reach out to the com- Now that the center is open, consider Hagerstown Pride festival is a family friendly event that is a munity. The mission was twofold: to inform taking a page from Rohrer’s playbook. If you the community about the new community see a need in the community, ask that it be good time for all regardless of sexual orientation. center and to ask for its support in helping addressed. As we just learned, we have a Hagerstown Hopes achieve its mission of community of people ready to help; they’re HAGERSTOWNHOPESMD.ORG providing a safe place for our community, to just waiting to be asked. t

26 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com out in the valley Hang on to Your Hat The second annual Key- the region’s diverse, stone State Charity Ro- The rodeo rides into multi-county LGBT deo rides into Diamond town June 22nd to 24th population. 7 Arena, Dillsburg Penn- The rodeo thanks sylvania from June 22nd to 24th and is an the following sponsors: Baltimore’s Rowan all-inclusive family-friendly unique rodeo ex- Tree Lounge, Weichert Realtors, Baltimore perience and community event. Men, wom- OUTloud, Leon’s, and Harrisburg’s Central en, members of the LGBTQ community, and Voice, the Philadelphia Gay News, and both their straight allies will be competing equally the Keystone State and the International in all rodeo events. Gay Rodeo Associations. During the rodeo weekend there will be a Want to help? The rodeo is looking for junior rodeo on Friday night for youth volunteers. Volunteers are required to participants ages 12 to 18; an IGRA All-in-the- com- plete a four hour (International Gay Rodeo Associ- family fun shift and will then ation) sanctioned be able to enjoy rodeo each the rodeo after day both their shift for free. Saturday and Volunteers also Sunday start- receive a free ing at 9:30 t-shirt. am; vendors, For more events, and info and to get activities for your tickets, kids; and line visit Ksgra.org. dance lessons The Key- and a country stone State dance on Sat- Gay Rodeo urday night. The Association is rodeo weekend a tax-exempt will feature some non-profit traditional rodeo that pro- events such as motes the bull riding, bar- country / West- rel racing, and ern lifestyle and calf roping, and includes rodeo events some unique rodeo within the events, such as goat LGBTQ commu- dressing, the wild drag nity and among race, and steer decorat- their allies. The ing. KSGRA is a A portion of the rodeo member associ- proceeds will go directly ation of the In- to our charity partner, the ternational Gay LGBT Center of Central Rodeo Associa- Pennsylvania, serving tion. t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 27 Hagerstown Hopes Hub is officially occupying its new location at Mulberry Lofts in Hagerstown, MD

28 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com out & ABOUT // David’s Thoughts Austria | Waltz On By By David Placher Washington Dulles. With Austria’s ad- Austria is a beautiful country that has a vancements on LGBT issues, its beautiful magnificent Alpine scenery, clear lakes, tourist attractions, and its businesses that and breathtaking palaces. Its landscape is cater to the LGBT community, Austria is a filled with luscious green trees, gorgeous must see country. small towns, and magnificent people. It is Last December 5th, Austria took a ma- known for its special cuisine, mixing Ital- jor leap for LGBT equality when its Con- ian, Hungarian, Bohemian, stitutional Court legalized German, and Balkans flavors same-sex marriage. Unless and cooking styles. Some Have an Alpine its Parliament changes the of its famous dishes include adventure with law, same-sex marriage Rindsuppe (beef soup) and will begin on January 1st, Tafelspitz (beef boiled in broth Germanic flair 2019. Austria currently has served with apple, horserad- stepchild and joint adop- ish, and chives sauce). Vienna – Austria’s tion for same-sex couples, LGBT people capital – is a musical and cultural melting can serve openly in the military, one can Clean and pot that produced great intellectuals and change legal gender. Every year there is a toric city center, and a pedestrian-friend- self as the classiest gay orderly! pride parade called Regenbo- ly layout that encourages exploring and venue in town because it genparade (rain- shopping. Krems is also famous for is well-established with bow parade) in Not its impressive wine. Eisriesenwelt is a both locals and visitors. It offers a large Vienna’s popular everyone memorable site that has a complex un- selection of wine and cocktails. Mango Bar City Hall Square; derground ice cave with miles of paths is a gay bar that is popular with people in Take an on- welcome this year’s is Sat- that take vis- their early to late 20s. It plays the most re- time train everywhere to the slopesurday, June 16th. itors through cent European and American hits and has There’s also a diver- stunning flashy décor with mirrors all around. Ca- sity ball, where one caverns. It fe-Bar Cheri is a small gay bar that attracts night each year mod- is also the a local crowd. (If you want to get a local’s ern party culture meets location of opinion on tourists’ attractions, visit Ca- classical ball. The 11th the Eispal- fe-Bar Cheri.) The X-Bar is a small gay cafe Annual Diversity Ball ast, a beau- that turns into a cocktail bar in the evening was May 5th. There is tiful palace – it’s a great place to meet before dancing. also the Life Ball 2018, made from The Inside Bar is a gay bar and club that whose theme is “The ice. For a provides a hot dance floor and an easy- Sound of Music.” It’s more ur- going bar to chat. The City Bar is a stylish one of the biggest AIDS ban ad- gay bar that has a relaxing atmosphere charity events in the venture, that caters to professionals, with age-wise world and is set for Sat- Vienna’s a mixed crowd . With all the LGBT events artists, including Mozart, Beethoven, and urday, June 2nd (Lifeplus.org). inner city has the and tourists destinations Austria has to Sigmund Freud. Austria offers a strong Many of Austria’s memorable tourist Ring Road, where numerous landmarks offer, LGBT vacationers to Europe should LGBT scene especially in the capital, but destinations are castles in the mountains. line the road, including the renowned Vi- not skip Austria. t as well in Linz, Innsbruck, Salzburg, and The Hochosterwitz Castle, one of Austria’s enna State Opera House, Academy of Fine Picture Graz. Flying nonstop from the Baltimore most beautiful, is rumored to be the inspi- Arts Vienna, Austrian Parliament Building, post- area to Vienna is easy if you leave from ration behind the one we all know from Rathaus (town hall) in card-worthy Sleeping Beau- Flemish-gothic style, the ty. Its rooms Urania observatory, Mu- are filled with seum für Angewandte collections of Kunst (Museum of Ap- prehistoric arti- plied Arts), and the fa- facts, paintings, mous Hotel Imperial. and weapons. A Vienna has many neatly designed LGBT bars for visitors railway brings and locals. Village Bar is visitors right a trendy gay bar with an to it. Krems, exciting atmosphere that another place offers popular cocktails you’ll want to and plays the latest mu- visit, is a small sic videos. Cafe Rifugio town with a his- is a small gay bar that of- Times Square – eputedly the very Go fers great drink specials intergalactic belly with the and a cozy environment. button! flow Felixx Bar advertises it- BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 29 dining out

place with a waspy feel. While it still retains ther away. This farm-to-table visual was fore- in peanut oil, and coated in a layer of sea salt, its upscale look, it caters to a range of plea- play for what was to come. reminiscent of the better quality potatoes we sures with its oyster festivals, bourbon tasting We started with grilled, bacon-wrapped hunt for on the boardwalk. Even Roxie was events, and live music during the week. shrimp in a tangy glaze. Every bite of this dancing back and forth for a few fries. The first trip was to their annual oyster was cooked The final surprise to come was the chef’s Munch festival. We sucked down a variety of plump perfectly, ten- personal favorites: Crispy Brussel Sprouts On This oysters from the Mid-Atlantic region with der inside with with a white BBQ dipping sauce and also the Michael Ritmiller Bloody Mary’s and cold beer. Fresh, salty, an outer, crisp Fried Green Tomato “Oscar.” The sprouts briny. No grit or pearls. A good start before edge, delivering were huge, tender, almost meaty in quality. If trying their Monkton Cream of Crab, loaded both salty and you have a vegetarian in your party, you can with jumbo lump crab meat. They were hap- sweet. The Sea- score points for suggesting this. The Oscar The Manor Tavern py to oblige us with a little extra sherry for food Club was a was an even bigger surprise. Growing up, 15819 Old York Road our bowls. The Bourbon Street Gumbo was large sandwich someone in the family was always trying to Monkton, Maryland hearty with rich, bold flavor, swimming with with their special shove bitter green tomatoes in my mouth. I 410-771-8155 crab, shrimp and crayfish. The bread pudding crab cake and hated them. I have to thank Chef Batlas for Themanortavern.com that followed was a large slice of moist love shrimp salad. giving me my first reason ever to love these worth ruining any diet. The aioli tossed little baby martian heads. Instead of being I wasn’t expecting much on the second inside married inundated with acidic mush, he delivered Spring is here for seven hours. You want to visit. I just knew I had to try some other items the bacon and firm, steak-like tomatoes with an enormous be outside enjoying nature. Take the leash I had been anxious to try for days. I was first shellfish together amount of jumbo crabmeat and as- off of your gimp, harness up your pooch, and greeted by Jamie Rutkin-Carter, the manag- perfectly. The Ultimate Grilled Cheese Diets be paragus in a light mustard sauce. gone head to the trails along 83. No matter which er. She and the rest of the staff set an invit- was a very different spin. Same style of No matter what the reason, this trail head you choose, you are a quick and ing tone that made you feel like an old friend crab cake with a different blend of fixins is the place to bring your friends, a scenic drive from the Manor Tavern. returning after a long trip. She was quick to to take an old comfort food favorite to a fun date, or simply that obnoxious Nestled in the hills of Monkton is a true offer my dog Roxie a bowl of water in the whole new level. relative who is impossibly hard-to- culinary gem where old favorites and new large outdoor dining area. Roxie had her eye We were lucky enough to catch Chef Bat- please. If you bring the latter, the bartender twists emerge on a menu that is almost as on other things though. Specifically, George las making the rounds. He suggested we try will set you up with a Gentleman’s Fig or pornographic as the food itself. The first ex- Batlas, executive chef of the Manor Tavern. the Reuben. The corned beef was lean with a American Mule. So smooth, you won’t taste perience was so good, we ventured back a We watched George scrutinize the gardens homemade taste. The kraut was crunchy and the alcohol. You may slap the obnoxious rela- few days later to try more. The Manor Tav- where most of his produce is grown. We then firm without being too soggy for the bread. tive after the third round though. t ern used to be known as an upscale dining realized Roxie was eyeing the chickens fur- The fries and chips are all housemade, fried 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

30 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com DINING OUT

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$2 for 6 oz. Tasting Pours of Any Draft BRUNCH SATURDAY & SUNDAY from 11am – 3pm With$ 15 Bottomless Mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, Wine Wednesdays Sangria and EVO Craft Drafts All Wine by the Glass ½ off, Select $20 Bottles of Wine OFF THE VINE WEDNESDAYS ½ Off Select Bottles of Wine All Day Thirsty Dog Thursdays TAP THAT THURSDAYS – All Taps Half Off On the Patio. Get a Frosty Paws Treat for Your Pooch with the HAPPY HOUR: Wed. – Sat. from 3pm – 7pm Purchase of any EVO Craft Beer Draft or Tito’s OUR TERRACE IS OPEN! Birroteca Baltimore 1520 Clipper Road. Baltimore, MD 21211 800 KEY HIGHWAY BALTIMORE, MD 21230 443-708-1935 • www.bmorebirroteca.com 410-752-1000 www.bmorebirroteca.com/baltimore-events www.encantadabaltimore.com

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 31 Launching our New Feature Column: THE STORY OF US Larry Kramer once wrote, “The only way we’ll have real pride is when we de- mand recognition of a culture that isn’t just sexual. It’s all there – all through history we’ve been there; but we have to claim it and identify who was in it, and articulate what’s in our minds and hearts and all our creative contributions to this earth.” We at Baltimore OUTloud are proud to announce a new forthcoming month- ly column entitled “The Story of Us.” Launching in our Pride 2018 issue, Baltimore OUTloud wants to continue the tradition of the many historians that have come before us by bringing to you stories of Baltimore’s LGBT history. As we highlight the stories and memories of the Baltimore LGBT community that came before us we invite you to share your personal memories and ideas with us at: [email protected] We look forward to preserving and sharing our past for future generations to show them how our story began.

32 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com quality of life

method you use, it’s a good idea to lay out Getting the the numbered or named tables in a logical order, starting from the front of the room. Wedding Make it easy for your guests to find their You Want table and their seat. David Egan Assigned seating also avoids the mad 205 West Read Street “Corner of Read and Park” rush for the best seats, not to mention the prospect of lone guests pitifully circling the 410-225-3100 • ATM Available room, looking for a place at a table where Even More they’ll be comfortable. Some small things: on Loving • Even though many guests use GPS for navigation, be a good host and provide Your Guests written directions to your ceremony and reception venues. Make it even easier for Weddings are about two things: Bringing your guests by including parking or valet people together to participate in and cel- information. ebrate the union of two people, and those • Guest sometimes arrive at wedding two people offering hospitality to those par- receptions with gifts, even though gifts ticipants. In this and the two previous col- should properly be sent to the marital umns we’re looking at the many and varied home. No matter. Make it quick and easy ways that you can make your guests feel for those guests to find where gifts are be- welcome and appreciated. ing col- lected or, even better, I used to be a fan of have someone at the open seating for door whose job it is to BALTIMOREBALTIMORE BEST BEST wedding recep- receive and manage tions. I’ve changed gifts. The same is my mind over the true with envelopes years, and here’s containing cards why: Weddings by and cash or checks. definition bring peo- • Let your ple together from two guests know what people’s lives, many they’re eating. Use of whom have never attractive signage met. Both partners on hors d’oeuvres have immediate and and buffet tables 1111 a.m.a.m. toto 99 p.m.p.m. extended families, or stations, menu old and new friends, cards for seated-and-served and colleagues from their work- meals, and be sure that servers know BEST PRICES IN TOWN place. While you may have the impulse, what’s in every hors d’oeuvres that they BEST PRICES IN TOWN honorable as it is, to help your guests are passing. It also doesn’t hurt to have a meet new people and make new friends, drink menu posted at the bar. Your guests your first responsibility is to make them will appreciate not having to ask about comfortable. The easiest way to do that is what’s available or to potentially be embar- to be sure that they are seated with people rassed by asking for something that isn’t. It Happy 16th Anniversary they already know and like. Provide your will also make bar service go faster, which Happy 16th Anniversary guests with a “home base” from which they all of your guests will appreciate! can venture out, if they like, and to which Honor your guests with your great care they can return in comfort. and consideration. To borrow from the li- BaltimoreBaltimore OUTloudOUTloud It’s also appropriate to seat your par- turgical texts, it is right to give thanks and ents and grandparents in a place of honor, praise. Not, in this case, to God, but to the wherever that seems best at your recep- loving and yes, divine people in your life tion. Even if you don’t assign seating for with whom you have chosen to share this any of your other guests, this is always a important and intimate event in your life. good thing to do. Make them feel as welcome at your wed- TheThe There are several ways to help your ding as they are in your heart. guests find their seats. You can use escort Next time: Creating the perfect back- cards, which gets guests to an open-seat- yard tented reception. t ing table; or place cards, which gets guests David L. Egan is the proprietor and stew- to their assigned seat at a specific table; ard of Chase Court, a wedding and event ven- DrinkerDrinkeryy or an easy-to-read seating chart (Note: not ue in downtown Baltimore. Visit Chasecourt. all guest have young eyes!) keyed to ta- com, and follow ChaseCourtWeddingVenue TheThe LittleLittle CoCorrnerner BarBar withwith aa GreatGreat BigBig HeHeartart!! ble numbers or names. Pro tip: Whichever on Instagram and Facebook. BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 33 quality of life

if something unexpected happens to an bankruptcy. It should state how the busi- Like a prenuptial agreement, it also pro- owner. ness will be valued and who has the right vides an opportunity to consider possible There may be only one owner who sim- to purchase the ownership shares that are succession scenarios in advance, rather ply wants to leave the business to a fami- suddenly available. than resolving any disputes through costly The Law ly member. In this case, the owner should How much the company is worth can court proceedings. & You have a Last Will & Testament that includes be determined though a business valua- A succession plan is so essential to a Lee Carpenter a specific bequest of the business to the tion clause. This could include a formula business’s long-term continuity that you family member in question. for valuing the business, such as “three might think most businesses would have If, however, there are multiple owners times annual earnings before interest them. But the regrettable truth is that the and one of them dies, the surviving own- and taxes.” But a formula devised today percentage of business owners who ne- An Estate Plan ers may want to purchase the decedent’s may not lead to a fair valuation when it glect to create a succession plan is about share of the enterprise. If this happens, is applied years from now. The better ap- the same as the percentage of people who for Your Small how will the value proach may be for the never prepare a will. of the late owner’s Plans were made, risks buy-sell agreement Like estate planning, business succes- Business share be deter- were taken, and sweat to state that a busi- sion planning is easy to put off. It means mined? And where ness-valuation expert considering some sobering questions and A successful small business is rightly a will the survivors equity was liberally will recommend the worst-case scenarios. The emotional attach- point of pride. It means that plans were come up with the best ways to establish ment many business owners have to their made, risks were taken, and sweat equi- money to buy it? invested. Now, how to the value of the busi- enterprises can only complicate matters. ty was liberally invested. When things go A well-thought- pass it on? ness. Whether your small business is a sole right, the resulting enterprise may become out succession To anticipate an proprietorship or a corporation with multiple the livelihood of the founder and members plan will address questions like these. owner’s possible death, other steps should shareholders, calling a lawyer to discuss a of his family. After the hope for initial suc- After identifying their shared goals, the be taken in addition to preparing a buy- succession plan should be a priority. With cess, the founder’s greatest desire may be owners of the business should prepare a sell agreement. First, each owner should a well-considered plan in place, you can for the business to continue after he is out buy-sell agreement. This document en- purchase life insurance naming the then focus on of the picture. sures that the business will transfer ac- other owners as ben- growing your This is easier said than done. Business cording to an agreed-upon plan. In addi- eficiaries. This essen- business, “succession planning,” as it’s called, can tion to an owner’s death, the agreement tial step will provide knowing that be complicated stuff. But it can also be vi- can lay out a strategy for dealing with an the liquidity necessary you’re ready tal to ensuring that the business continues owner’s disability, retirement, divorce, or for the surviving own- for whatever ers to buy a deceased lies ahead. t owner’s share of the Lee Car- business. penter is an Second, each own- associate er’s will should explicit- attorney at ly mention the buy-sell the law firm agreement and autho- of Semmes, rize the personal rep- Bowen & resentative (executor) Semmes of the estate to honor Pass on the and can be it. This ensures that the com- heritage – with reached at 410-576-4729 pany’s surviving owners can purchase the some planning or lcarpenter@semmes. decedent’s share of the business from his com. Learn more about or her estate. LGBT estate planning at A buy-sell agreement makes it clear up Mdlgbtestateplanning.com. This article front who can buy ownership shares of the provides general information, not specific business and how the process will work. legal advice. Hearts & Ears, Inc. is a non-profit organization for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning individuals with mental health issues and concerns. We warmly welcome all sexual and Wellness and gender minorities. Recovery Center Sun. through Tues. Closed Wed. through Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m 611 PARK AVENUE SUITE A BALTIMORE, MD 21201 • 410-523-1694 heartsandears.org

34 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com Quality of life // your money

license, etc., and can perform essential ly correct office chair that might alleviate The More you functions of a position with or without a chronic back pain. In a large organization, Know About reasonable accommodation. This is why it this request would likely not be considered is important to have accurate and current unreasonable. However, in a smaller of- Business job descriptions. fice, this expense may be seen Richard Finger & Lauren Lynch So, how do we define disability – what as cost-prohibi- is it exactly? A disability is a physical or tive. The bottom mental impairment that substantially limits line is that each one or more major life activities. reasonable ac- Reasonable Let’s break this down: “substantially commodation limits” means compared to most people should be consid- Accommodation in the population. It also recognizes that ered individually, the impairment does not have to prevent however, it is im- An employee has been absent from work or significantly restrict an individual from portant to be con- for a few days or so. They come back toting performing a major life activity in order for sistent with previ- a physician’s note stating they can return the impairment to be considered substan- ous requests, and to work but with certain conditions. They tially limiting. A “major life activity” calls future requests as require a reasonable accommodation. Ev- attention to tasks related to caring for one- they are brought ery employer goes through the murky path- self. These tasks include eating, sleeping, forward. t ways of handling this situation. What is a walking, working, breathing, reading, etc. reasonable accommodation? Why does an It is interesting to know that 90% of people employer need to comply with this? How covered by the ADA have conditions that does it affect the work force? are unseen by the human eye. For exam- Starting from the beginning, we all ple, a diabetic would be covered by the Ergonomic office understand that Federal law prohibits dis- ADA, but likely, we couldn’t know someone chair – Quite possibly a reasonable crimination based on someone’s actual is diabetic just by looking at them. accommodation protected status (race, age, disability, etc.) We know what the law prohibits, we as well as someone’s perceived status; know who is protected, and we know how even if the perception is wrong. Enter disability is defined. What do we do if an employee requests a reasonable accommoda- tion? Typically, a manager would work with their human resources department. There are a few considerations to make to determine whether or not the accommodation is reasonable. One is the na- ture of the accommodation and the cost associated. Another consideration is the financial resources of the facility or department, how many people are employed in the facility or department, Unreasonable and how the accommodation would af- the Americans accommodation – fect resources and expenses. Yet another Bottoms up! A full bar in with Disabilities an office consideration is how the accommodation Act (ADA). The would impact the operations of the facility ADA applies to or department. How would this affect the employers with 15 or more employees, em- manner and/or time in which other employ- ployment agencies, labor organizations, ees perform their duties and how would and joint-labor management committees. it impact the facility’s ability to conduct The ADA specifically prohibits discrimina- business? All of these questions should tion against someone who has a history of be discussed between the manager, the a disability, who is currently disabled, and employee, and the human resources rep- who associates with an individual with a resentative. It should be noted that an em- disability. Additionally, the ADA prohibits ployer is not required to provide a reason- retaliation against any one who raises a able accommodation, but to give thorough concern or requests reasonable accom- consideration for the reasonableness of modation under the ADA. Who is qualified the accommodation. for these protections? Any person who has A common request for reasonable ac- the requisite skills, experience, education, commodation is for use of an ergonomical-

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may 11, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 35 leather

Trunks (8809 Santa Monica), right next to crosswalks ing strong the popular cowboy bar Flaming Saddles. painted with complete In fact, WeHo has so many bars that I am the rainbow. with a pool- not going to list them all. I am happy to As much as side sling and note that even on a Tuesday night each I enjoyed the St. Andrew’s Leather bar was lively. gayborhood, cross. I end- Line When you are looking for leather in Los I also had to ed up making Rodney Burger Angeles, three bars top the list. The Eagle spend at least reservations LA, which was located at Santa Monica one day in at INNDulge and Fairfax closed in 1995. In 2006 the Ea- Hollywood as mainly be- gle LA reappeared at 4219 Santa Monica a real tourist. cause it was Leather in in the Silver Lake neighborhood in a space I felt just like a short walk with a long leather history. This unassum- Lucy when to the popular ing building was The Shed from 1968 to I saw John Palm Spring’s La-La ’72, Outcast from 1972- 83, and Gaunt- Wayne’s leather bar the let II from 1983 – 2005. In fact, when the footprints at Tool Shed. owners of the Eagle LA planned to open Grauman’s Cathedral City’s Again, I was Land on April 1st, 2006 they thought that they Chinese Theatre and home for leather, very happy with would have a little fun with the date and took a bus tour of the movie star’s especially on my hotel selection. INNDulge is a When I was growing up I dreamed of going ran ads advertising “Silver Lake’s newest homes. I almost bought my bus Sundays clothing-optional gay men’s resort to Hollywood to become a star. All these and sassiest boy bar / dance club: Club tour tickets in advance. Expedia and is extremely well managed. years later that ship has sailed. (Hell, that Cup Cake.” Many in the leather community was advertising a tour for $79 a The place is kept spotless and has ship has sailed, been put in drydock, and were outraged that the Gauntlet was be- person and since that was a “must a large swimming pool, 12-man sold for scrap!) Anyway, when I was think- coming a Twinkie bar jamming the phones do” for me, I almost clicked on it. jacuzzi, and a complimentary con- ing about where I wanted to go to celebrate and sending scathing emails. When the Don’t! When we got to Hollywood Boule- tinental breakfast and evening poolside my birthday this year, my first LA Eagle opened on April 2nd, most got a vard there were several barkers selling cocktail hour with food and drink. choice was good laugh at a tours. We were getting ready to stop in We walked to the Tool Shed (600 East Hollywood. well-played a bar for some lunch when we were ap- Sunny Dunes Road) on Friday and Satur- Although I’d April Fool’s proached about tour tickets. When we re- day nights and had a great time. This fun been to Cali- joke. plied, “Maybe later,” we were told we could dive bar had changed very little from when fornia before, Famous board the bus now for $25 a person and we we were there years ago. Sir Steve enjoyed I hadn’t been for their did. It was a wonderful tour and we saw ev- his cigar on the smoking patio and as the to the movie afternoon erything from where Richard Gere climbed evening progressed there was a line to get capital and beer bust up the fire escape to propose to Julia Rob- in at both the front door and back door. We as a lifetime each Sun- erts in Pretty Woman and where Night- met friendly people, enjoyed good music, movie buff day starting mare on Elm Street was filmed to celebri- and since we were walking could take real I decided it at 2 pm, the ty homes ranging from Bela Lugosi’s villa advantage of the inexpensive drinks! was about Faultline complete with a gargoyle-topped entrance On Sunday the leather bar to visit in time. I wasn’t (4216 Mel- gate to Justin Bieber’s all-glass hilltop res- the area is The Barracks (67625 East disappoint- rose Ave- idence. Unfortunately, I couldn’t complete Palm Canyon Drive) located not in Palm ed. nue) has my Lucy in Hollywood tour at the Holly- Springs but in neighboring Cathedral City. While Sir been popu- wood Brown Derby with William Holden in Their Sunday afternoon beer bust fills Steve was in lar with the the next booth since the famous restaurant their large outdoor patio. I had a great Florida for leather com- closed in 1985 and William Holden died time with $2 drafts served at several bars, the winter, Eagle LA – munity for 24 in 1981, but I came close. After a day of hots dogs, DJs, and even a few east coast I made all the travel plans. Announced itself years and is sightseeing we had dinner at the Saddle transplants. I was so happy to see Ship- We got on the plane at BWI on Tuesday, one April Fool’s also housed in a build- Ranch Chop House (8371 Sunset Boule- Mate club brother Bob Joel and former April 17th and six hours later my dream of day as ‘Silver ing with a long history vard), where Miranda rode the mechanical Centaur MC member Skip Mlaker. Plus, it visiting Hollywood came true. I was very Lake’s newest and having previously been bull in “Sex in the City” and I almost died was a real surprise to run into Mr. Mid-At- pleased with my selection of the Grafton sassiest boy bar / the location of The when Bruce Vilanch came in and sat in the lantic Leather 2015 Daddy David Gerard, dance club: Club on Sunset as our hotel. Located in the Stud and Griff’s. Re- booth facing me. who will soon be moving from Connecticut Cup Cake’! heart of the famous Sunset Strip near all cently celebrating 20 After Hollywood we continued to that to Palm Springs. As you may recall MAL the iconic attractions, it was also a short years, the Bullet Bar other playground of the stars, Palm Springs. 2015 was the one I judged so running into walk to the LGBT bars of West Hollywood, (10522 Burbank Boulevard) in East NoHo Located in the desert about 100 miles from David was extra special for me. or “WeHo” as the locals call it. After our (North Hollywood) also has a Sunday beer Los Angeles. When I was there years be- Yes, there is leather in La La Land and complimentary welcoming cocktail in the bust from 4 to 8 pm with $2.25 drafts, com- fore we had purchased the gift basket from even in the desert heat of Palm Springs. hotel’s bar, it was time to hit the gaybor- plimentary BBQ, and no cover. What’s a Southern California Mr. Drummer and had In fact, on October 25th to 28th you will hood. Our first stop was the Gold Coast vacation without a little shopping? While lots of gift certificates. Palm Springs has see lots of leather at Palm Springs Leath- Bar (8228 Santa Monica Boulevard), the bar hopping in WeHo be sure to stop in many gay resorts and we stayed at three er Pride. When I was growing up I never Leon’s of WeHo. Opened in 1981 this dive 665 Leather (8722 Santa Monica) and Chi of them: The Columns, The Black Palm, dreamed that I would know so many leath- bar has a popular happy hour with $2.50 Chi LaRue’s fun store at 8932 Santa Mon- and Chaps Inn. We liked all three. When er folk and after all these years I finally beers and $3 well drinks from 5 to 8 pm. ica. Yes, WeHo is so gay that you will find I was planning this trip, I noted that The made it to Hollywood! t We also enjoyed the relaxing lounge at- rainbow flags down the middle of the street Black Palm is no more, the Columns has mosphere and friendly all ages crowd at even when it isn’t Pride month as well as changed hands, but Chaps Inn is still go-

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