ANO INDEPENDENTU VOICE FOR THE TLESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER COMMUNITIES April 4, 2014 | Volume XI, Issue 23 Trans Rights Bill Approved by House By Steve Charing duced it in the House. commit other offenses. The long-fought battle to The Senate had approved the measure Floor leader for the bill Delegate Jose- secure non-discrimination on March 4 by a decisive 32-15 vote be- line Peña-Melynk was called upon to an- protections based on gen- fore sending it to the lower chamber. The swer questions – many of them hypotheti- der identity in employment, House Health and Government Operations cal – from the bill’s opponents as several housing, credit, and public Committee reported the amendments were being accommodations moved bill favorably by a vote of debated. She received one step closer to reality. 14 to 8 on March 25. Measure heads to high marks for her patient, On March 27, the House With emotions ramped governor’s desk for thoughtful, and calm re- of Delegates voted 82 to up during the multi-hour sponses to questions and 57 to approve SB212, the debate, the opposition of- signature comments directed at her. Fairness for All Maryland- fered a series of hostile The Maryland Coalition ers Act, sending it to Gov- amendments that were voted down by the for Transgender Equality hailed the victory ernor Martin O’Malley’s bill’s supporters. Much of the concern cen- as the culmination of many years of work desk for final approval. tered on the public accommodations com- by the transgender community and allies. No Republican voted in ponent of the bill and how if the bill would The group praised the bill’s lead sponsors favor of the bill. Luke Clip- become law, it would allow “men wearing Senator Rich Madaleno and Delegate Luke pinger (D-Baltimore City), dresses” to use a woman’s bathroom fa- Clippinger for their hard work and thanked H ouse debates the Fairness for All Marylanders Act who is openly gay, intro- cility to assault women or molest girls or —continued on page 3 credit: Sharon Brackett Mayor Plays Bingo to Support House of Ruth By Steve Charing feted to yet more loud applause as two Typically when someone wins at bingo beautifully decorated birthday cakes were there are usually good-natured groans or brought out to commemorate Her Honor’s Baltimore Mayor even a boo now and then from the other special day. The actual birthday was two Stephanie Rawlings- contestants expressing their disappoint- days earlier, but she chose to celebrate it Blake, Club Hippo ment. But when Baltimore Mayor Stepha- at the Club Hippo on March 19. owner Chuck Bowers nie Rawlings-Blake shouted “Bingo” sig- Mayor Rawlings-Blake is popular and House of Ruth naling that she had the requisite numbers throughout Baltimore’s LGBT community executive director Sandi Timmins on her card for one game, thunderous so these friendly outbursts at the city’s credit: Steve Charing cheers erupted from some 60 folks partici- largest gay bar are not surprising. The pating in the weekly “Gay Bingo” event at crowd showed their love throughout the the Club Hippo. evening as the mayor walked around be- And that was the second ovation she tween games socializing and joking with received. The mayor was cheered loudly the other participants and enjoying the as she and a group of aides and friends banter from bingo-caller Thomas and his first entered the room. Later, she was assistant Josie Foster (not in drag for this occasion). The mayor enjoys coming to the Hippo to play bingo and loves to do it to celebrate her birthday, according to a staffer. She attends other events at the club as well —continued on page 3

—continued on page 10 news // viewpoint Another Toddler Cured! And Other Highlights from 2014 HIV Conference The 21st annual Conference on Retrovirus- whole body. side effects. The good news is that Endurant es and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) was The bad news was that two Boston pa- and GSK 744 can be combined into one in- held in Boston from March 3 to 6, 2014. Last tients that we hoped were cured last year jectable formulation which is administered year we learned about the Mississippi Baby, experienced viral rebound and needed to only once monthly. the first toddler cured of HIV. The Mississippi restart ARVs. These patients had cancer The new drug doravirine was also shown Baby remains cured of HIV. The results were like the Berlin patient, the to be as effective as Sus- reported by our own Deborah Persaud of only known adult to be tiva with less Sustiva Hopkins who also reported on another baby cured of HIV. They were related neurologic side- from California who is also being treated in given bone marrow trans- effects. There was also a the same manner as the Mississippi Baby. plants (BMTs), but the report on a new “attach- In the California case, the baby was treated BMT donors did not carry ment” inhibitor which may four hours after birth and remains on treat- the delta 32 mutation like be beneficial to highly ment. We will not know if this very early the Berlin patient’s donor. treatment experienced treatment case will be successful until the The delta 32 mutation is patients who need new child has a treatment interruption, the only very rare and is thought life-saving drug classes. way we have at this juncture to ascertain to make one immune to There was very in- whether the baby will experience a viral load HIV. Although this is bad teresting HIV “Treatment rebound while not taking antiretroviral (ARV) news, we are in very early as Prevention” news at treatment. stages of “cure” research. CROI. We knew from a An HIV cure will be a long time coming. We have so much to learn. study known as HPTN052 But you have to start somewhere. What we Every experiment adds to that in heterosexual cou- learned at CROI is that the earlier you treat our knowledge. ples where one partner with ARVs, the better outcome patients will The big news in ARV was HIV+ and the other have. research was continued was HIV-, there was only If a person is treated very soon after progress in long-acting a 4% risk of transmitting infection, we may be able to prevent dam- ARVs. A CROI presentation showed that En- HIV if the HIV+ partner had an undetectable age in the gut and resulting immune activa- durant, plus GSK 744 were as effective as viral load as a result of ARV treatment. But tion that fuels HIV spreading throughout the Sustiva plus two other drugs and had less there was a limited number of gay couples in HPTN052. The good news is that results from the partner study showed the likely chance of transmitting HIV from condomless anal sex was 1% without and 4% with ejaculation if the receptive partner was HIV- and the HIV+ part- Coming April 18, 2014 ner had an undetectable viral load. This study proves that “Treatment as Prevention” works for both gay and straight couples. The most exciting news presented at the conference was about new Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) drugs known as direct acting antivirals (DAAs). DAAs have revolutionized HCV treat- ment. HCV has been treated from 24 to 48 weeks with highly toxic drugs that are only between 60 and 80% effective in the past. Studies in HCV mono-infected people on 12 weeks of DAA therapy showed a 67% cure rated in GT 1a, the hardest to treat patients on daclatasvir and Olysio + ribavirin (RBV); 90% cure rates in GT 1a people on daclatasvir, asunaprenavir and BMS-791325; and 99% in easier to treat GT 1b patients on ABT450/r plus ABT333 + RBV. There was a 100% cure rate on 12 weeks of Sovaldi (SOV) + ledipasvir (LDP), a 95% cure rate on 6 weeks of SOF + LDP + GS 9669, and a 100% cure rate on 6 weeks of SOV + LDP + GS9451 in HCV infected people. The good news is that so far the new DAAs are just as safe and effective in people that are co- infected with HIV and HCV. This is great news for Baltimore where as many as 50 to 75% of people may be co-infected. Beware – HCV is also transmitted through sexual contact. HCV sexual transmission is especially high in men who have sex with men (MSM). t 2 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com Crisean is Using Music to Inspire Others – continued from page 1

news // LOCAL

Mayor Plays Bingo to We have a 24-hour hotline. We provide for all Marylanders, and I thank all of my nation of a very long and sustained effort Support House of Ruth shelter as well as services for children and colleagues who voted for this bill that I was by Equality Maryland to ensure transgen- – continued from page 1 youth. There is also a counseling staff. We proud to sponsor,” said Senator Rich Ma- der Marylanders are included in our state’s offer abuse intervention and training, and daleno (D-Montgomery) in a statement. “I anti-discrimination laws. Today’s win is the we provide clinical services. Chase Brex- could not be happier that today, after years result of so many people and organizations including a significant rally in 2012 to sup- ton Health Services, as an example, is one of hard work, the General Assembly sent a – transgender individuals and their families port marriage equality. “Governor O’Malley of our partners.” reaffirming message throughout our state – showing up and telling their stories year also visits the club from time-to-time,” the The House of Ruth also has an advo- that prejudice and discrimination will no after year, elected officials like Senator Hippo’s long-time owner Chuck Bowers, cacy function as evidenced by its push in longer be tolerated or exempted from law. Rich Madaleno and Delegates Luke Clip- points out. the 2014 General Assembly to support an With enactment of SB212, Maryland will be pinger, Bonnie Cullison and Joseline Peña- The Hippo has been the venue for intimate partner violence legislative agen- the 18th state in the nation – plus Wash- Melynk.” “Gay Bingo” for a number of years, and the da and work towards the passage of these ington, D.C. – to ensure equal civil rights All three Democratic candidates for gov- proceeds have been distributed to various bills. protections for transgender persons.” ernor – Anthony Brown, Douglas Gansler organizations. For the past year, the recip- Since the House of Ruth was founded “It is clear that community and legisla- and Heather Mizeur – applauded the bill’s ient of these weekly happenings has been nearly 37 years ago, over 100,000 vic- tors are aligned in providing protections passage. Del. Mizeur stood up during the the non-profit organization House of Ruth, tims have been served. In a typical year, for all Marylanders including those who debate to forcefully condemn the rhetoric Maryland. Many have assumed incorrectly according to Timmins, there are are transgender. Passing SB 212 will help and the mocking jokes by opposition law- the name is a reference to baseball great 9,000 clients with an ad- ensure that transgender people have the makers and said it was the worst display of Babe Ruth, but it actually has ditional 6,000 friends same opportunities in employment, hous- tone in a debate she had experienced dur- a Biblical origin. and family members ing, and safe public spaces,” said Vann ing her eight-year career in the House. “This is a great who receive support. Michael of Black Transmen. “Passing SB An estimated 30,000 transgender in- charity,” says Bow- Mayor Rawlings- 212 is naturally the next step for Maryland’s dividuals would be affected by the legisla- ers. “Its reach Blake has been an ar- legislators to demonstrate their commit- tion. A recent poll conducted by the politics has expanded dent supporter of House ment to all residents of the state and be center at Goucher College indicated that to the LGBT of Ruth, Maryland, and has a national leader for legislative bodies on over 70 percent of Marylanders are in favor community. We counted on the organization in the city’s how to equally support the full transgender of ending discrimination based on gender all need to sup- port it.” ongoing efforts to curb intimate partner community.” identity. Governor O’Malley already prom- Indeed, for many years the violence. In announcing one such initia- Carrie Evans, executive director of ised to sign the bill, which should take House of Ruth enjoyed a reputation as be- tive two years ago, Mayor Rawlings-Blake Equality Maryland said, “This is the culmi- place in the next couple of weeks. t ing a safe haven for battered women and said, “With a comprehensive partnership their children. According to its website, between the Baltimore Police Department, Hruth.org, its mission is to “lead the fight the House of Ruth Maryland, and State to end violence against women and their and community partners, we are expand- children by confronting the attitudes, be- ing our efforts to put an end to domestic haviors and systems that perpetuate it, violence in Baltimore.” and by providing victims with the services The mayor and others may have won necessary to rebuild their lives safely and at bingo that night, but the proceeds go- free of fear.” ing to the House of Ruth made winners out But the reach has expanded over the of everybody who want to curtail intimate years. Men are now served by the organi- partner violence in the Baltimore area and zation, and House of Ruth offers services protect the victims. to members of the LGBT community where The House of Ruth hotline numbers there has been an uptick in reported cases are 410-889-RUTH (7884) or TTY 410- of intimate partner violence and abuse. 889-0047. Intimate partner violence is defined by And if bingo is your game, you can House of Ruth as “a pattern of coercively help support the House of Ruth at the Club controlling behaviors used by a current or Hippo each Wednesday beginning at 7:30 previous partner to gain or maintain power p.m. t and control over the other partner.” House of Ruth provides emergency and transitional housing that are separate for men and women and are in undisclosed Trans Rights Bill locations. Approved by House This expansion has required additional – continued from page 1 resources, which are funded mostly from private donations as well as government them for their leadership. funds and other sources. “The staff has “I am proud of my 81 colleagues who grown to 120, allowing us to provide com- voted in support of fairness for transgen- prehensive services,” explains Sandi Tim- der Marylanders today. Allowing people to mins, executive director of House of Ruth earn a living and live without fear of dis- who, along with a few staff members, at- crimination is the right thing to do,” said 201 N. Charles Street, Suite 2300 Baltimore, MD 21201 tended the bingo event. “There are 20 at- Del. Clippinger. Offices: 410-332-1170 Fax 410-836-0288 torneys on staff who work with police and “Today marks another historic mile- [email protected] www.lyndadeelaw.com other officials to obtain protective orders. stone in the fight to advance equal rights BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 3 news // LOCAL

High Energy at Previous hosts have been Towson University and the Police Commissioner B’More Proud University of Maryland Bal- timore County. The theme to Meet with for this year’s installment Leadership Summit was “Breaking Boundar- Community ies.” By Steve Charing Three potent speakers It may have been a cold rainy Sunday on fired up the crowd through- The Baltimore Police Commissioner’s LGBT March 30, but inside Levering Hall on the out the 10-hour summit. Advisory Council Meeting has scheduled campus of Johns Hopkins University, the Oakland, California-based a community meeting with Baltimore Police energy and enthusiasm coming from the author, performer and Commissioner Anthony Batts. It will take students attending the B’More Proud LGB- trans-bi activist Julia Se- place on April 14 from 7:00 to 9 p.m. at the TIA Leadership Summit warmed things up. rano delivered the morning Northwest District Community Action Center, The goals of B’More Proud, according to keynote with a high-tempo 3939 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore. Christianne Bharath, programming co- PowerPoint presentation The Advisory Council indicated that Com- chair, are “to raise awareness and increase on gender and associated missioner Batts is eager to hear from mem- the visibility of marginalized groups, foster stereotypes. Serano is T he busy Resource Fair during the summit bers of the Baltimore’s LGBT communities student leadership and activism on their best known for her 2007 credit: Steve Charing and request that folks attend to share any respective campuses, and offer opportuni- book, Whipping Girl: A compliments, concerns and thoughts. ties to network and socialize with students Transsexual Woman on The ten-member advisory council was of other campuses.” Sexism and the Scapegoating of Feminin- hits. During his presentation at the sum- announced June 14, 2013 consisting of advo- The well-executed conference, which ity. mit, Wahls replicated his speech to a loud cates within the LGBT community and mem- occurs annually at Baltimore area colleges The afternoon keynote address was ovation. bers of the Baltimore City Police Department and universities, had been worked on for presented by activist Zach Wahls, who in The evening’s entertainment was pro- including Commissioner Batts. Its mission is the last six months by a dedicated cadre of 2011 at the age of 19, testified before the vided by comedian Julie Goldman who ir- to seek ways to improve the relationship be- students. Over 200 LGBTQ students and Iowa state legislature on behalf of mar- reverently delivered a roaring monologue tween the LGBT community and the police. t allies registered for the conference, which riage equality in support of his two moms. on her life as a Jewish lesbian, receiving took place at Johns Hopkins for the sec- His speech then was captured on Youtube roars from the crowd. ond time since this summit began in 2010. where it went viral with some 18 million In between these presentations were three breakout sessions covering a wide range of issues including: “B’More you! GLSEN Confronts Intersecting identities,” “Queering repro- ductive justice,” “Anyone can hollaback!” Bullying by ‘Breaking “Who says?,” “Coming out in the digital age,” “Realities of young black gay men in the Silence’ Baltimore,” “Marriage equality: Exclusion- ary or intersectional?” “Between women: Leadership and our queer identity.” By Steve Charing There was also a Resource Fair where- The Day of Silence is a national day of action by a number of organizations had tables organized as a grassroots project by GLSEN— containing literature and whose represen- the Gay Lesbian and Straight Network. People tatives answered questions. around the country take a vow of silence to There were familiar organizations like protest the bullying, harassment and silenc- Equality Maryland, Chase Brexton Health ing of LGBT students and their supporters. Services and Baltimore OUTloud present The Day of Silence has been held each year and a few others, such as the soon-to- in April since 1996. be-launched Justlikeyou.org—an online This year, GLSEN Baltimore is hosting a social network aimed at people 13 years Breaking the Silence event on Friday, April 11 of age and up who are in the coming out at 5:30 p.m. at the Baltimore’s Washington process. Monument on the Cathedral Street side. At- “Personally, I think what contributed tendees are asked to bring posters identifying most to the success of this year’s B’More the reasons for silence and a bring-your-own Proud Summit was the sheer energy and picnic dinner. enthusiasm of our participants,” said Bran- “Many students in the Baltimore area don Fiksel, a member of the B’More Proud participate in the Day of Silence,” GLSEN planning committee. “Everyone was pas- steering committee member Johanna Miller sionate, they wanted to be there, and that told Baltimore OUTloud. “This event is an was because we all recognized how im- extension of their action that increases vis- portant of an opportunity this was – a rare ibility around the silence LGBT youth face opportunity for the whole Baltimore queer and allows them and their allies to come community, but especially the college- together and briefly experience their col- aged generation, to come together and lective strength.” For more information, learn from each other.” t visit Gsen.org/chapters/baltimore. t

4 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com bye ond the beltway compiled by Jim Becker da.” On the back of the flier was a copy pert, Douglas most recently served as Se- of a medical document confirming his HIV- nior Vice President for Community, Health, positive status. At the time, UHD officials and Public Policy at the Justice Resource Bullying of gay told Dallas Voice they were launching an Institute (JRI). As the Director of ONAP, he investigation into the incident, but Sharp will lead the Administration’s work to re- college student was told that little could be done. The uni- duce new HIV infections, improve health versity never found who was responsible. outcomes for people living with HIV, and prompts federal The incident greatly affected Sharp, who to calls from PGN by press time. eliminate HIV health disparities in the once thought about withdrawing from the At 4:30 p.m. March 23, an officer re- United States. “Douglas’s policy exper- bill race and contemplated suicide. But he said sponded to a call at Sansom Street Gym, tise combined with his extensive experi- support from the university and the greater 2020 Sansom Street. There, Palmiero said, ence working in the community makes him Washington, D.C. – When Kristopher LGBT community outweighed the negative police found a 41-year-old Hispanic male uniquely suited to the task of helping to Sharp was called into his dean’s office last pushback at the university. Dallas Voice kneeling in a room, not breathing. Sansom achieve the goal of an AIDS-free genera- year and shown a flier targeting his sexual first reported the homophobic attacks. Street Gym manager Aaron Moore told tion, which is within our reach,” President orientation and HIV status in his campaign Sharp said that Murray’s office was PGN the customer was a regular and usu- Obama said. “I look forward to having him for student body vice president, he never considering taking up the bill. He men- ally checked out on time. “When a custom- lead our efforts from the White House.” thought the experience would lead to a bill tioned his story during a policy meeting er comes in, they have a certain amount A component of the White House to prevent fu- a few weeks ago and later shared it with of time to be in the bathhouse,” he said. Domestic Policy Council, ONAP coordi- ture attacks. the senator, who then decided to introduce “He was a good regular and for him to be nates the ongoing implementation of the Sharp, now a it. “When Kris came to intern for me and overdue wasn’t like him. He was a pleas- National HIV/AIDS Strategy and the HIV senior at the came in and told me what had happened ant guy. We don’t think he did drugs. There Care Continuum initiative, while working University to him personally, it just crystallized for me were no drugs found on him.” Moore said together with public and private partners of Houston- how important this is,” Murray said. “And this is the first time such an incident oc- to advance the federal response to HIV/ Downtown, Kris’ courage in not just letting something curred at Sansom Street Gym. AIDS. ONAP also works with the White is an intern bad happen to him, but really want to make Palmiero said both cases are under in- House National Security Council, the in the Wash- a difference so this won’t happen to any- vestigation and the Homicide Department State Department’s Office of the Global ington, D.C., body else is so compelling.” Murray said was notified as a matter of procedure. AIDS Coordinator, and international bod- office of Sen. for a dean of students to offer little help Department of Health spokesperson Jeff ies to ensure that America’s response to Kristopher Sharp Patty Murray, in a situation of harassment for being gay Moran said autopsies were performed on the global pandemic is fully integrated with D-Wash., as or HIV-positive is unacceptable, and under both men and results could take up to 10 prevention, care, and treatment efforts part of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund’s the bill, the university would have been re- weeks. (Philadelphia Gay News – Angela around the world. congressional internship program. His per- quired to address the incident with more Thomas at Epgn.com) Brooks, a person living with HIV, was sonal story of anti-gay and HIV harassment severity. “To have the unthinkable like this most recently the senior vice president for inspired Murray and out Sen. Tammy Bald- occur and the dean of students, who is so community, health, and public policy at win, D-Wisc., to introduce the Tyler Clem- powerful, looking down at a young person JRI, a health and human service agency enti Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act and saying ‘I can’t help you.’ Really?” Mur- based in Boston. He served as executive of 2014 on Thursday. The LGBT-inclusive ray added. (Dallas Voice – Anna Waugh at director of the Sidney Borum Jr. Commu- bill would require colleges and universi- Dallasvoice.com) nity Health Center at JRI, has managed ties to prohibit harassment and establish programs in urban and rural environments a Department of Education grant program and has served as a consultant to domes- to support campus anti-harassment pro- tic and international governments and grams. Two men die non-governmental organizations assist- Last March, Sharp was called in to ing their efforts to serve populations living speak to administrators about a flier circu- at Philly gay with and at greatest risk for HIV/AIDS. t lated around campus with a picture of him (Bay Windows at Baywindows.com) with an X over it below the caption, “Want bathhouses; AIDS?” It urged students not to support him and his running mate’s “homosexual agen- natural causes Douglas M. Brooks likely Like Us On These news notes have been compiled, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Police President with permission, from the online version responded to a 911 call at Club Philadel- Facebook! of various newspapers and other web phia, 1220 Chancellor Street, for a report Obama appoints sites. We thank these publications for of a deceased patron around 2:20 a.m. allowing us to bring you their news sto- March 15, according to Philadelphia Pub- Boston activist ries. Usually the reports have been sig- lic Affairs Officer Leeloni Palmiero. The nificantly edited and you can read the 61-year-old man was found in Room 205 AIDS director full story by going to the web site men- in the club. The white male was lying na- tioned following the item. Comments ked and face-up on a bed. “They attempted Washington, D.C. – President Obama are strictly the opinions of Jim Becker to revive him but were unable to,” Palm- announced the appointment of Douglas M. and not of Baltimore OUTloud or Pride iero said. “They believe he was dead for Brooks as the Director of the White House Media. a while. There were no signs of trauma.” Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) on Club Philadelphia’s owner did not respond March 26. A leading HIV/AIDS policy ex-

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 5 Eastern panhandle, w.v. In the Loop in the Eastern Panhandle

By John MasonOn ing business cards are regularly restocked March 13, the Eastern Panhandle LG- at several LGBTQ friendly businesses BTQ celebrated its ninth month of exis- around Jefferson County and have worked tence. We have accomplished so much in tirelessly with many businesses to build re- those nine months. We have reached over lationships. We have strongly established 2500 LGBTQ persons, and their families our identity on the Panhandle. Many folks and friends, and gained 557 likes on Face- have been surprised by how many LGBTQ book. A lot of closeted folks out there con- persons there are in our three Counties tinue reading our Facebook page and our and we have collaboratively participated in website, whom we may never be able to several activities. We have worked hard to identify or meet, but at least they know they establish a sense of community with our are not alone and have friends in LGBTQ brothers and sis- the Eastern Panhandle. Our goals ters with our personal vis- in this first year continue to be, its to potential advocates “Identity, equality, community, en- and LGBTQ couples, our gagement, and celebration.”In the picnic and our Thanksgiv- past nine months we collaborated ing celebration, as well as with and participated in two Fair- two fundraisers. We con- ness West Virginia Film showings, tinue to work hard to iden- one of which we catered We par- tify and give a sense of ticipated in two anti-bullying pre- community with all LGBTQ sentations at Martinsburg High citizens, their families and School when their drama department, friends. We continue to engage the com- headed by David Ryan, presented the munity by speaking at churches and other play, “Dog Meets God.” We participated in organizations who are interested in what the Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church is happening to the LGBTQ community as Peace Fest along with several other relates to marriage equality and civil rights LGBTQ organizations who presented at work and in housing. their mission statements for the LGBTQ Our support of anti-bullying in our work- Community to a packed audience of 300 places, our schools and our churches con- people. Our Champion in Charleston, Ste- tinues as we reach one pastor at a time, phen Skinner, and other dignitaries were one church at a time, and one denomina- with us at the Peace Fest We held our tion at a time, one school at a time, and “First Farewell to Summer LGBTQ Family one employer at a time with our mission of Picnic” in September, and our first “LG- engagement. The greatest solution to ho- BTQ Family Thanksgiving Celebration” in mophobia is education.Finally, we come to November. We were also honored with a the celebration part of our mission. We are fundraising event by The Club in Martins- having our first annual Panhandle Pride burg, with a fantastic Drag Queen Bingo celebration on July 12, 2014 at Morgan’s fundraiser. One member of our Steering Grove Park. Watch our Facebook page Committee regularly attended meetings of for the next meeting and come join us as the Shepherd University Allies organiza- we plan this event. If you would like to be tion, which works with LGBTQ Shepherd a volunteer or become a vendor for Pan- students. Two members of our Steering handle Pride please contact John Mason Committee also ensure that our advertis- at 304-728-0247. t

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6 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com Thinking OUTloud

SB212 in Translation Toni is very clear about her orientation REAL TRANS TALK: as bisexual, describing it as a ‘party mix’! b y Vann Michael access to a cell phone or a social network inside and drugs and alcohol were now my She freely talks about feeling connected to Fairness for Marylanders Act 2014, Senate account. constant escape, and I began a journey of her body parts, which is not highlighted in Bill 212 passed! What a monumental feat Welcome to Toni’s reality. reckless behavior because I struggled with many trans stories. What she recalls som- for Marylanders who identify as gender A transgender bisexual woman, she who I am. I did not have a word to describe berly is her struggle to change her current variant and transgender. Our new focus is completed the orange postcard that was what I was feeling until I met my first trans- situation. The disease of addiction has how we make gender-identity protection a delivered to the desk played a role in Toni’s ability to move for- reality for those who are living day-to-day. of delegates during the ward and owning this reality is something How do we ensure that these individuals campaign. Her signature she battles with daily, “I have used for so feel protected in public spaces while at- came with great unspo- long. I have a lot of work to do and I can tempting to obtain employment, housing, ken expectation – that do it.” Maintaining her mental health has and fair mental health and addiction treat- the community would ad- also been a challenge because she lives ment? How can we empower these indi- vocate on her behalf as with depression and anxiety, and recently she figures out where to connected with a psychiatrist after a stay “I turned to drugs and sleep in Baltimore City in the hospital. Local venues have been a each night. As the case support for Toni as well, as she has finally alcohol early in my for many transgender in- been able to obtain health insurance, gain dividuals, Toni says she encouragement from peers through sup- life to cope with what remembers being, ‘run port groups, and get suggestions and find I saw in the mirror, it out’ of her neighborhood hope. because of her gender Despite the barriers of dual diagnosis, never matched what identity. She recalls; I homelessness, and learning disabilities was threatened and ha- Toni says, “Never give up! It will be there I feel. In school I was rassed and by residents when you least expect it!” She hopes to be- teased because of being in the neighborhood and gin outwardly expressing her gender iden- called ‘faggot,’ ‘freak,’ and I even had to gender person in Miami, Florida, who felt tity and have a place to call home, while a slow learner and my fight for my safety. People assumed be- like a mom and actually helped me ‘come working on getting clean and seeking re- cause I look male, I am a gay man; I am out’ in 2009. covery. t speech sound different. not, I am a transgender woman who can I suffered a brain not transition right now. Her father was a Vietnam Vet and injury at six months her mom was ‘wild child’ whom she both loved dearly. Unavailable due to his past, because my father had Toni’s father spent much of his life outside post-traumatic stress the home after a flashback caused him to place his daughter in harm’s way. Living disorder from being in with her mom ended when she was eight the Vietnam War. They years old and her mother passed. Draw- ing from her memoirs she invites us into COOL told me he threw me her world. Living with grandma was good. The best part was when I would sneak and against the wall and I try on her clothes. I knew since I was nine almost didn’t make it.” or ten that I wanted to look like a female, CRAFTS but everyone kept saying it was wrong. I will never forget the time when my uncle, viduals to use the law to legally respond who was sometimes violent, caught me try- to discriminatory practices? We must ing on my grandma’s cloths. He was in the ov Je al we Sig candidly focus on those who are trying to Special Forces and lived in Virginia. He ve- lry by Anatoly navigate various systems with minimal re- hemently expressed, “No faggot is going to sources and supports. live in this house!” ƒ The passage of the bill reflects a deep I turned to drugs and alcohol early in Meet 250 Juried APR. 25, 26, 27, 2014 hope for many trans people. It means mat- my life to cope with what I saw in the mir- Artisans in Person Maryland State Fairgrounds ters will hopefully look up for a person who ror, it never matched what I feel. In school Timonium, MD • EXIT 17 OFF I-83 is currently homeless, struggling with ad- I was teased because of being a slow ● Designer Crafts Admission $8 online, $10 at the door - good all 3 days diction, having mental-health challenges, learner and my speech sound different. I ● Home Furnishings Children under 12 and parking are FREE even though he or she may not even know suffered a brain injury at six months be- ● Affordable Art Fri. & Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5 protection exists because of lacking ac- cause my father had post-traumatic stress ● Specialty Foods cess to a cell phone or a social-network disorder from being in the Vietnam War. ● Family Fun DISCOUNT TICKETS, show info, account. struggling with addiction, have They told me he threw me against the wall exhibitor lists, directions and more at: mental health challenges and who identify and I almost didn’t make it. I felt alone in as a transgender bisexual woman, even school and I tried to cope with gay jokes. I SugarloafCrafts.com though she may not even know protection completed high school but it didn’t get bet- SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN WORKS, INC. • 800-210-9900 exists because she does not readily have ter. I still struggled with who I was on the BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 7 Thinking OUTloud journeys Diverse & Presbyterian: Alex McNeill meanor made the opposition look as they truly were, fearful, and panic- stricken. I found by Vann Michael they were. Mr. McNeill recounts; things it very satisfying to see her in that role after The year was 1978 and West Park Pres- changed, where I used to feel comfortable years of hard work for our community. byterian Church in New York City, after a I no longer felt connected. I did not feel as Rational decade of unrest concerning “homosex- if I were in the ‘right’ body. I would describe T-hought I would like to thank those of us who fol- Sharon Brackett lowing the defeat of HB235 in 2011 formed ual practices of its clergy and members,” it as a veil between me and God. Singing GRMD in response to the idea that trans per- bravely announced they were a “More had always been a favorite pastime and I sons needed to create our own organization Light” church. Along with other Presbyte- completely stopped; I literally found it dif- with our own priorities. rian churches that opposed non-affirming ficult to lift my voice and sing. Unable to I want to thank policy advisory board practices against LGBT persons, West fully understand what was happening to In Thanks, members Heath Goisovich and Catherine Park formed the More Light Hyde for being the grains of sand in the oyster Presbyterian Network, later Maryland SB212 to get things moving in Howard County. I want merged with an earlier group, to thank Howard County Councilmembers Presbyterians for Gay and Les- As many of you know, SB212, the Fairness Calvin Ball and Courtney Watson for sponsor- bian Concerns, to become the for All Marylanders Act of 2014, enacting ing and shepherding the bill in Howard. That More Light Presbyterians. comprehensive gender identity anti-discrim- was the victory that got this ball really rolling. More Light Presbyterians ination protections, passed the Maryland I want to thank Mara Drummond and marked another milestone House with an 82-57 vote and now heads to Mark Patro for instigating things in Baltimore when last August they selected the governor, who has stated his support, for County and Councilmember Tom Quirk who Alex P. McNeill as their ex- signature. The law will be in effect as of Oc- had the vision and character to carry the bill ecutive director – the first out tober 1, 2014. I anxiously look forward to the forward there to success. Tom, despite vocal queer transgender man to lead signing ceremony. opposition, you never wavered once. this prestigious body. Baltimore This success is the result of many per- I want to thank Liz Seaton, who at the Outloud sat down with Alex to sons and cannot, and should not, be claimed time was with NCLR, and became our right learn of his life’s journey and by any one person or organization but I will be arm as legal advisor and counsel for both current charge to the Presbyte- happy to report that it’s my belief that Gender Howard and Baltimore Counties. Liz, it was rian community. A lex McNeill Rights Maryland (GRMD) played a key role a sincere pleasure to work with you as one of Born in North Carolina, Alex in that enterprise. I want to thank all persons the most professional people I know. McNeill says that he is a life-long Presby- me I disconnected from the church, only to and organizations who supported our efforts I want to thank all the members of PFLAG terian who grew up in the church. Early in learn that I am a transgender person and in the matter including those who perceived Howard and Baltimore Counties, including their childhood they felt called to minister, I could no longer ignore my true gender, GRMD as “competition” in some manner. Our GRMD board member, Matt Thorn, for their yet they also understood that the denomi- male, although I was assigned female at methods may have been different, the goal unwavering support of our joint efforts. We nation clearly did not allow openly gay or birth. Compelled to act I decided to begin the same. It would be foolish, naive, and ar- could not have done this without your troops. lesbian persons to be ordained. During the physical transition which for me translated rogant, to dismiss any actions taken to further I want to thank the members of our board developmental years they began to iden- into hormone replacement therapy. the bill. of directors and policy advisory board for tify, at that time, as a lesbian. Faced with I remember feeling the effects of It is so readily apparent to me that without your support; in particular, Diego Sanchez, negotiating orientation, an out lesbian, and therapy and I immediately felt the urge our success in Howard County in 2011 and Mark Scurti, David Fishback, Mark McLaurin, their calling to ministry the first struggle to sing with my new, lower-pitched voice. Baltimore County in 2012 that we would not Rev. Emma Chattin, Alison Gardner, and Dan ensued. How could they possibly fulfill I returned to church and approached my be celebrating today. All wins have a founda- Massey, for your sage advice and counsel. their life duty when space for such a per- calling differently. In 2010, I volunteered tion, these are ours and cannot be ignored. I want to thank Senator Jamie Raskin son was not available? for an unexpected life-altering experience. With that said I would like to offer specific for being the voice of the movement in both After graduating Harvard seminary, the I participated in a ‘National Conversation’ thanks to individuals from my own perspec- the Senate JPR and on the floor as the bill dilemma remained with a new layer. The concerning the best course of action for tive that made this success possible. I realize manager. Without Jamie and his mastership word lesbian did not encompass all of who the denomination and during each of these it is unlikely I will be able to name all persons there would have been no bill to vote on. I moments I was reminded about the genu- who came before me on this road whose want to thank Senator Richard Madaleno for ine love I possessed for the Presbyterian efforts I am unaware of, so apologies in ad- his efforts as sponsor of SB212. I want to Church. Although difficult, the conversa- vance for any omissions. thank Senator Allan Kittleman for crossing lis. Jon, your practical insights and perspec- tions were worth their weight in gold and In the fall of 2009 I met Morgan Meneses- the party line and understanding what dis- tives, and knowledge of the law and how it is the pieces were revealed. Understanding Sheets and thus started my interest in getting crimination really is. I want to thank Delegate made, has been crucial to our success. I want myself as a transgender male, enabled me things done in Maryland. Morgan got me in- Heather Mizeur for her passionate address to thank the incomparable Darrell Carrington to be fully present to undergo the deeper volved in Equality Maryland at the time and to the House; it was clearly the most classy for your grand view of who’s who in Annapolis spiritual encounter for which I longed. I felt asked me to join their board twice in 2010. and Gubernatorial quality speech of the day. and how things get done in that town. I am a new level of comfort when I entered the Having recently transitioned I declined but I want to thank Delegate Bonnie Cullison for thrilled to call you both dear friends. actual building and I could actually see the agreed to work on 2011’s HB235 effort. So her tireless efforts to get the bill out of com- Lastly I wish to thank our executive di- space divinely created for me. Sifted and Morgan, thank you for getting me started on mittee in the House. I want to thank my own rector, Dana Beyer. Dana has been on this refined, my desire to help the Presbyterian this. senator, Majority Leader Jim Robey, and Del- crusade since the beginning and has never Church become my focus. I want to thank Delegate Joseline Peña- egates Turner, Pendergrass and Guzzone for wavered from the goal. She has put in thou- Alex firmly believes in the revolutionary Melnyk for sponsoring HB235 in 2011 and their unwavering support. sands of hours on this effort and been paid thought that to be transgender and minis- our personal dialogs and insights to the work- I want to thank our unpaid, all volunteer, the ripe sum of “not one thin dime” for the ter is a calling. Being open about his iden- ings of the house. I also want to thank her legislative team. Specifically, I want to thank honor. Words are not sufficient to cover my tity is not an option: “It’s a gift and should for being the house floor manager for SB212 our legislative team chair, Jon Shurberg, for gratitude for her tireless efforts. Let no one not be hidden.” The young faith leader ex- in 2014. Her calm, cool, and collected de- his tireless efforts bending ears in Annapo- ever say her eyes were ever off the prize. t —continued on page 23 8 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com Thinking OUTloud

flecting upon how als of American dren in the Newtown, Connecticut, massacre. Phelps had been an soldiers who How low is that? unwitting ally dur- were killed in The country continued to despise Fred ing our struggle. Sure the war in Iraq. Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church. OUT he wants us all dead They carried Phelps’ hatred of gay people affected the (that’s going to happen signs saying masses whereby the enemy of my enemy was Spoken anyway) and preaches “Thank God for becoming their friend: gays. Steve Charing that God is a vengeful Dead Soldiers” A few years ago, Judy Shepard, who God. And his hateful and “God Hates successfully crusaded to pass Federal hate language on his garish Fags” among crimes legislation that was named after her signs does not make others. The fami- son, was asked about Phelps. “Oh, we love How Phelps’ for pleasant viewing. lies and friends Freddy,” she told LGBTQ Nation. “If it wasn’t Look past the idiocy of these ser- for him there would be no Matthew Shepard.” Hatred and think of how he vicemen were She accurately pointed out that “Freddy” el- helped us in ways he outraged by evated Matthew and hate crimes in general Backfired never imagined. the taunting. As to more prominence than would have other- When 21-year-old Phelps contin- wise. Phelps’ extremism caused mainstream I have to admit that when I first read the college student Mat- ued this practice America to despise him, and as a result, they news that Westboro Baptist Church found- thew Shepard was repeatedly and became more empathetic to the plight of LGBT er Fred Phelps died at 84, I was elated. He murdered in Laramie, winning a legal folks. was scum and inflicted pain on others. My Wyoming, in 1998, there was a chilling sad- battle in the U.S. Supreme Court in 2011 over As for her reaction to Phelps’ demise, Judy first instinct was to organize pickets at his ness among gays and lesbians as well as the right to free speech, more and more Amer- issued the following statement: “Regarding the funeral (there was none as it turned out) other sensible citizens. Another brutal at- icans had become furious over this brand of passing of Fred Phelps, [husband] Dennis and with signs reading “God Hates Bigots” or tack on a gay man. Another killing just be- heinous extremism. I know how solemn these moments are for “Thank God for Dead Haters” to return the cause of who he was. We’ve seen them be- Phelps did not stop there. They picketed anyone who loses a loved one. Out of respect favor for his church’s disgusting activities fore and we expected more to come. There hundreds of other funerals and events declar- for all people and our desire to erase hate, since 1998. Few people can induce cheers were, and still are, too many homophobes ing God’s retribution for America’s acceptance we’ve decided not to comment further.” from a death; Osama bin Laden is a recent out to destroy us. of homosexuality and their gratitude for AIDS. As many of us should, Judy took the high example. The Shepard murder gained national They even celebrated the deaths of the chil- road. t Then after my internal celebration attention because of this evil and heart- cooled down I asked myself why should less act committed by two losers, yet the we stoop to his level as much as it would horrific incident would have faded as other clearly give us a sense of satisfaction and news, such as the Clinton impeachment, vindication? crowded out another gay bashing. But enter Phelps’ death does provide us with the Fred Phelps and his rag-tag brood of hat- comfort that he will never be part of a taste- ers with signs picketing Shepard’s funeral less protest at funerals and other events and applauding his death. They read: “Fags (he hasn’t personally since 2007) though are Nature Freaks,” “Matt in Hell” and “God his vile, extremist daughter will be sure to Hates Fags.” carry on the tradition. He’s gone now, and People noticed this incredible display hardly anyone I know shed a tear. of insensitivity and hate and paused for a But cheering his death and demonstrat- minute. Who can this group be that could ing visibly would not make us much better celebrate the vicious slaying of this waifish than him, if you think about it. The LGBT college student? Who can add even more community and its allies can rejoice in the trauma and heartache to his grieving fam- fact that we have made historic strides in ily? the overall quest for equality; progress is The Westboro Baptist Church of Tope- seen almost every day in the U.S. if not the ka, Kan. led by Pastor Fred Phelps man- world. Part of this advancement can be at- aged to extend the news coverage of the tributed to the fact we are less likely to be Shepard murder by the hate-filled picket- viewed as some abstract, bizarre subgroup ing. People saw this crazy band of people of society but everyday folks: teachers, as extremists, and decent-minded people, farmers, police officers, lawyers, dentists, regardless of their stance on homosexual- physicians, co-workers, neighbors, friends, ity, were sympathetic towards the Shepard and family members. family. Acting in the same way as Fred Phelps The compassion remained but it did and his obnoxious followers (mostly family not significantly change how people per- members) will not help further our cause ceive gays and lesbians in America. They and win over those people who are slow to saw Phelps and his church as outliers and come around. While such release of emo- moved on. Then Phelps, et al, made the tion may be cathartic, it’s best to internalize biggest mistake of all and ultimately caused it and let it be. Hating is hating, and hate is a shift in people’s views towards the LGBT never good. community. But we can at least find solace in re- Westboro started to picket the funer- BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 9 Thinking OUTloud

ways that seem disrespectful or about, how drawn out, one-sided lectures. I would talk seems like your words aren’t getting your we are not going to put-up with something and she would... sit there. I would ask ques- point across anymore or worse, like they much longer. But the truth is as long as we tions and she would shrug her shoulders are falling on deaf ears, stop talking. Save continue to talk about it, it’s never going to and walk away. It had gotten to the point your breath and your energy for the very, change. where she even started to do things that beneficial conversation or termination that Lesbian We have all heard of the ol’ cliché that she knew bothered me, despite me com- your silence will undoubtedly bring about Taboo “actions speak much louder than words.” municating my feelings to her. We broke up. – even if it takes a while. Let her see how Nicole Bettis Well, that also goes for silence. In fact, Having to say something over and over her disrespectful behavior makes you feel, sometimes silence can show her that you aren’t going to put up be a woman’s loudest with certain things any longer. Let her think Silent cry. about and process previous conversations I was in a relation- between the two of you instead of attempt- Screams ship a while ago where, ing to drill the information into her head. I was always talking. I’d Believe it or not the latter, actually begins We all know, or at least we all should know, tell my girlfriend how ev- to come off as nagging or complaining and that effective communication is a part of ery little thing that she is immediately disregarded by your partner the foundation for any good relationship. did (good or bad) made anyway. It’s important to know what’s on your part- me feel. I asked her how Although, I’m a huge advocate of the ner’s mind and how they’re feeling on the things that I’d said or did silent treatment, there’s a real danger in daily basis and, it’s equally as important to make her feel (as she using this method of communication; silent disclose your own thoughts and feelings. would never simply vol- screaming (for both partners), can back- It’s healthy and most times, it helps pave unteer the information). fire on you. Sometimes your partner really the way for consideration, good intention, At first, it seemed like doesn’t know what’s going on or where your support and so many other beautiful things. this form of communicat- head is and as a result, she may misinterpret The problem with the notion of com- ing was working to our your silence as anything from disinterest to munication is that, most of us only, con- advantage; she would not caring at all and decide to completely de- sciously utilize the talking aspect of it. do the things that I told her I liked more of- and over... and over again, can be very tax- tach herself from you. So, before you decide We have forgotten how to say something, ten and the things I didn’t less and less and ing on a woman, when the much easier, to scream silently, be sure to have exhaust- without saying it. All of us talk about, why it vice versa. The issues started when our much more feasible alternative, silence can ed all other ways of communication. Always, hurts our feelings when our partners act in little discussions seemed to turn into long, be just as (if not more) effective. When it use silence as a last resort. t

10 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com quality of life

Real-estate deeds, stock certificates, and ticipants reported being poor, and expe- titles to cars and boats must also be pre- riencing depression and internalized ho- pared. The up-front expenses are consid- Mood mophobia The Law erable, and the more complicated your as- Newly diagnosed black MSM were sets, the greater these expenses will be. Swings more likely to have unprotected receptive & You In addition, as you buy and sell assets in Wyatt O’Brian Evans anal sex with a male partner in the last six Lee Carpenter the future, these transactions must be con- months, and to be diagnosed with syphi- ducted through the trust. lis, rectal gonorrhea, and urethral or rectal A living trust will help you sidestep the chlamydia. probate process, which means quicker dis- Socio- One of the conclusions of the study is Living Trusts tribution of your assets upon your death. that heightened understanding of factors But in Maryland at least, probate is relative- Economics as a associated with undiagnosed infections ly efficient and economical, and it includes can help inform programs needed to dis- Revocable living trusts have been market- several important legal safeguards. Court Driver of HIV in cuss this epidemic. Prweb.com, report- ed so successfully that many people think oversight will help to ensure that the pro- ing on the study, says “Culturally-tailored they can’t live – or die – without one. The cess is carried out properly. Creditors will Black MSM approaches that address economic dis- promises of avoiding probate, ensuring have only a six-month window of opportu- enfranchisement, increase engagement privacy, and preparing for incapacity seem nity to make a claim against your estate Fenway Health, an LGBT health group in care, offer routine screening for sexu- too enticing to pass up. Suze (with a trust, the period is much based in Boston, has just reported that de- ally transmitted infections, provide earlier Orman, the popular financial Panacea or longer). And established proce- spite being a miniscule proportion of the treatment for HIV-infection and chemo- guru, goes so far as to say that dures will help to address any overall population, black men who have prophylaxis for high-risk uninfected black “everyone” needs a revocable Pandora’s Box? challenges to your will or the sex with men (MSM) make up more than MSM, in conjunction with evidence-based living trust. administration of your estate. 20 percent of new HIV infections in the prevention interventions to reduce unpro- But what everyone really needs is For certain assets, probate can even U.S. tected anal sex, may help decrease further some good advice. Living trusts can be be avoided without the need for a trust. By Additionally, an analysis of data from transmission in this heavily impacted com- useful in limited circumstances, but most titling your house, bank account, or other a recent six-city study of African-American munity.” of us are simply better off without one. assets jointly with your spouse or partner, gay, bisexual, and MSM reveals a link be- Dr. Mayer states, “This study has A revocable living trust is essentially you can ensure an immediate transfer of tween HIV and a number of factors, includ- helped to clarify the many factors which a substitute for a will. Rather than having the property to the surviving owner. Simply ing higher rates of unemployment, lower contribute to the disproportionate HIV epi- your estate administered through probate, naming a beneficiary on a life insurance socioeconomic status, and other sexually demic in black American men who have you would retitle your assets in the name policy or retirement account achieves the transmitted infections. This National Insti- sex with men. To decrease further spread of a trust created for this purpose. Because same result – the asset transfers to the tutes of Health (NIH)-funded study, titled of HIV among black MSM, new interven- the trust is revocable, you can amend or beneficiary upon your death and with mini- HPTN 061, was coordinated by the HIV tions will have to address social and struc- revoke it as necessary during your lifetime. mal delay. “Transfer on death” provisions, Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) and tural, as well as individual behavioral and Upon your death, the trust becomes irrevo- which also name a beneficiary, can be add- published in the journal PLOS One. biological issues.” cable and your trustee simply distributes ed to many other kinds of accounts as well. This analysis, led by Dr. Kenneth May- “This is a significant paper on many the assets to your beneficiaries. Time is Another purported advantage of living er, Fenway Health’s medical research di- fronts, underscoring the relationships be- saved, costs are minimized, and probate is trusts is that they can prevent the need rector, uncovered the following: tween HIV infections and structural forces avoided. What’s not to like? for a court-appointed guardian in case you Newly diagnosed HIV-positive black that contextualize the lives of many at risk One potential pitfall is that a living trust become incapacitated. For older people MSM were significantly more likely to be men,” says Darrell P. Wheeler, dean of the is created but never fully funded. For ex- with relatively straightforward financial and unemployed compared to HIV-uninfected Loyola University School of Social Work, ample, the house real estate holdings, this can be a black MSM and one of the paper’s co-authors. “The may have been re- genuine benefit. The trustee has More than half of the black MSM par- finding supports a long held community titled in the name of complete control of the person’s view that prevention efforts must include the trust, but bank assets and can manage them for social and economic factors in addition to accounts, CDs, and as long as necessary. The same biomedical and sexual behavioral compo- retirement assets goal can be accomplished much nents.” might have been less expensively, however, by documents that must be filed become part And Beryl Koblin, of the New York overlooked. After preparing a durable power of at- of the public record. A list of the assets in a Blood Center, and another co-author your death, it would torney. An essential part of every living trust must also be filed, but the trust states, “We also need to address these then be necessary to estate plan, a durable power of instrument itself can be kept private. social and economic factors over the long- administer an estate and a trust. The pro- attorney enables you to designate some- An effective estate plan takes all of term. Structural interventions beginning cess you hoped to simplify would be more one to manage your financial affairs if you your assets and planning goals into ac- early in life, such as well-resourced public complex than ever, and the goal of avoid- become unable to. count. A revocable living trust can be part schools and changes in criminal legal poli- ing probate would be defeated. Who then does need a living trust? of your plan, but choosing this device cy are needed, to reduce the risk of future Even if the trust is properly funded, Anyone who owns real estate in more than should not be where the planning begins. unemployment, low socioeconomic status the after-death savings in time and money one U.S. state is an excellent candidate. An attorney who practices in this area can and associated health outcomes.” t may well be outweighed by the trouble and Titling each of the properties in the name tell you whether a revocable living trust is Wyatt O’Brian Evans is a journalist, in- t expense of setting up and maintaining the of the trust will prevent the need for open- right for you. structor, motivational speaker and author trust in your lifetime. Expenses include ing an “ancillary” estate in each location. Lee Carpenter is an associate at the of the new novel, “Nothing Can Tear Us drawing up the trust agreement, as well as Someone who has special concerns about law firm of Semmes, Bowen & Semmes Apart – Rage” For more, visit Wyattevans. a “pour over” will to channel into the trust privacy may also want to consider a living and can be reached at 410-576-4729 or com and follow him at Facebook.com/wy- any assets that were not titled in its name. trust. Probate is a public process, and the [email protected]. attoevans.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 11 quality of life

How might this new job positively impact your confidence and self-respect? Ponder that for a while. Take a few notes. Now I do believe that everyone has an Moving inner wisdom that when tapped into, helps Forward us achieve our goals. So take a minute and Ava Barron-Shasho think of the “mini goals” that proceed the ultimate goal. What are the steps that will lead up to your goal? It’s a living game of connect the dots. For those of you wanting Fighting the that next job it may involve, rewriting your resume, combing the internet for job leads Inner Gremlin or networking. Small steps give you clarity and decrease worry. When you break your goal down to small doable tasks you know Spring is here and for us in Baltimore that in your core you are on the right track. could mean a blizzard is on its way. One Now maybe your “inner gremlin” is say- never knows what our weather will bring ing, “You know that in order to get that new but we do know change is upon us. If winter job you’re going to need to leave your cur- is the time to turn inward and rest, spring is rent position, with your flexible boss, good the time to prep and make plans. I associ- benefits and wonderful staff that loves you. ate spring with Anaïs Nin’s quote “the risk I think you should stay where you are. to remain tight in a bud was more painful Don’t take a chance!” The Inner Gremlin than the risk it took to blossom.” We are in constantly sends us BS messages that we the season of unfolding. This is when we take as the gospel. If this is so, then you awaken from our rest, stretch towards the might need to create a “mini goal” to start. sun and being making lists and goals. The A mini goal may be visualizing getting your lists, different for everyone, may include resume ready rather than the new job. activities, events and challenges. Many of What might the path to a new resume look the items on your list may be easily accom- like? What do you need to do to obtain that plished. Some changes will be difficult, finished product? scary and seemingly impossible. You see when you begin breaking So take out your list and let’s have a down a seemingly overwhelming task into look at the hard ones. For some, the hard manageable pieces you start to own the ones may include starting school, finish- process. The process becomes something ing a degree, loosing that weight, buying comfortable and obtainable! You only need a house, being healthier, writing that book, set a goal that is best for you at this mo- dating, or starting that business. ment. Spring is here and change is in the If you’re ready to make a change but air. So rather than make your goals feel feel overwhelmed, grab a piece of paper like mountains to climb, try taking a few and let’s get to work. Writing things down small steps forward. You’ll be surprised helps you get clear. Clarity brings re- how far they will take you. t sults! Start by writing one goal you want Ava Barron-Shasho, MSW, is a life and to start working on. Pick just one because small-business coach who welcomes your more than one may overwhelm you. Now thoughts and comments (ava@avabarron- breathe! shasho.com; Avabarronshasho.com). We all have taken a running start at change only to run into a brick wall. So what did you get when you hit that brick Like Us On wall? ...Besides a headache. It’s like Edi- son said “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that don’t work.” So what Facebook! have you learned from your missed at- tempts? Learning from our failures gets us closer to our goals!! Now let’s take a look at this goal you want to achieve. As an example, I’m go- ing to use the challenge of obtaining a new job. First, picture your goal already accom- plished. Fully imagine yourself working in this new job. What does it look like and feel like? What impact will this new job have on your life? What will be better in your life?

12 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com quality of life

mother’s stroke, disability, and shortened lifespan are not contagious. It is also coun- terproductive to manipulate or use guilt, even with family members and friends who Open Wide made commitments to help and have not ask Dr Eva fulfilled them. Dr Eva Hersh Encourage your mother’s visitors to interact with her in nonverbal ways, using her senses. She still has sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch, and skin sensation. Communicating She can hear birds, rain, and music (live or recorded). She can see and feel sunshine Without Words and can feel the breeze on her skin. She can see and touch flowers, soft fabrics, Dear Dr. Eva, and pets (if she likes pets). She can taste Ten months ago, our mother, who was different foods, and may discover new a very active woman and only 64, suffered ones she likes – peoples’ sense of taste a stroke which left her bedbound and un- often changes after a stroke, and they may able to talk. She is weak on the right side enjoy foods they previously disliked. Many and can’t write. Sometimes she definitely bedbound people crave touch and enjoy seems to recognize visitors and is happy massage. This could be a head, neck, we are with her. Other times she doesn’t shoulders, and arms massage, or a hands seem to recognize us. Sometimes she and feet massage, or a facial massage. cannot fully wake up. Although she varies If her skin tends to be dry, warm moistur- a lot from day to day, over time, she’s be- izer (warmed-up by holding the tube under coming less alert. warm to hot running wa- We, two of our mom’s ter) should be used for five children, are caring for massages. If she is able her in her home with part- to sit comfortably in a time help from nurse’s aides. wheelchair or in a geri- At first, other family mem- chair (“geriatric chair,” bers and friends took shifts insurance will cover the to help out. As time goes on, cost of one if she cannot most of mom’s friends and sit in a wheelchair), she even some family members should be wheeled out- have stopped taking shifts side into the sun for 20 and have even stopped com- minutes twice a day for ing to see her. Because she the vitamin D effects and can’t talk, people feel awk- anti-depressant benefits ward and don’t know what to do when they of direct sunlight. The assistance of an ex- visit. We’ve suggested they talk or read to tra person would be very import in safely her, but we can’t tell how much she under- transferring her to do these things. If she stands and retains. We feel sure she ben- can tolerate it and would enjoy it, wheel- efits from the company of people who care chair walks and two-to-three hour trips to for her, but it seems as if people need to visit friends or go to a favorite place are have specific tasks to do to feel comfort- worth a try. able visiting her. Can you make some sug- Please don’t think I’m saying you must gestions? try all these things. They are just some Her son and daughter possibilities for sensory stimulation, in- tended to be pleasurable, for your mother, Dear Son and Daughter, as well as ways for friends and family to You’re describing a phenomenon that be useful and engaged. You may have al- happens often after a disabling illness, and ready found that people with brain damage one that is very sad. People pull away from can be irritable and anxious. In addition to others who have become disabled, espe- that, in some cases, after a stroke even cially if they cannot communicate, and most light touch can be painful in areas affected of all if the person is seen as approaching by the stroke. Don’t be discouraged if your death. In my experience, the more some- mother flatly refuses some activities that one is withdrawing from an ill person in a seem harmless. Keep looking for the ones situation like this, the less useful it is to try she likes, and do those often. t to discuss the core issues of their fear of Eva Hersh is a Baltimore family physi- disability and death, as this may push them cian. Send your comments and questions further away. No matter how frustrated you to her by email at editor@baltimoreout- may feel, it won’t help to point out that your loud.com. BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 13 faith Finding Healing in Forgiveness By Jo-Anne Ludy causing us to become trapped in a vicious Have you been hurt by something that was cycle. Unforgiveness also affects our rela- said or done, and thought I’ll forgive, but I tionship and fellowship with God (1st John won’t forget? Or how about fool me once, 4:20). shame on you; fool me twice, shame on How do we handle the hurt, the after- me? Are you holding onto a past hurt and math, and ultimately the outcome? How do continue to let it dominate your thoughts we forgive ourselves and forgive the other and drive your life and the decisions you person? Let the hurt and anger fester, build make? Is there a family member, friend, or until we explode? Ignore the feelings in or- coworker that you have stopped speaking der to not make waves? Figure out ways to to because of a conversation, a misunder- get even? The answer lies within us. We standing, or a perceived slight? As children, have free will in how we choose to deal we were bullied or teased about things that with forgiveness. The power in our hands. stay with us into We can find adulthood and can healing by choos- have a lasting im- ing to take back the pression. As adults, power that we gave we experience rela- away to the other tionship breakups, person. We can find estrangements from healing in forgiving family members, or ourselves and for- arguments and vow giving the person never to speak to who hurt us. We can someone unless they find healing through apologize to you first. counseling to deal Or being a survivor with our feelings. of sexual, emotional, We can release the physical, or verbal hurt by journaling abuse and carrying our thoughts, and feelings of hate toward the abuser and pos- through prayer or meditation. sibly blame or shame toward ourselves. Forgiveness is liberating, it releases and Through the ages, settling matters relat- frees you, giving you the power and free- ing to being wronged have been and con- dom from the bondage of sickness, hurt, tinue to be handled in various ways, most pain, and anger. Forgiveness is more about often with violence – stoning, duels, hang- you than the other person. Forgiveness can ing, shooting, stabbing, and ostracism or sometimes be the hardest thing to do, but isolation – all in the name of honor. Settling it is not impossible. Forgiveness is not matters with stinging, hurtful words can be something that happens overnight. It is a violent in its own way. “The tongue has the process. There is a path to forgiveness, power of life and death” (Proverbs 18:21, and it starts with you, making the choice to New International Version). forgive others as well as yourself, releas- Holding onto past hurts and resent- ing yourself from the pain, taking back your ments is poisonous and can cause physi- power, taking care of yourself for your own cal, emotional, and mental stress as well well-being, gaining wisdom from the expe- as a lack of trust and a fear of intimacy, rience, and living your life to its fullest. t Healing For The Whole Self Pain Relief Stress Reduction Tanisia Smith Energy Medicine BA, LMT, NCBTMB, MBLEX Massage Therapist Couples’ Massage Instruction Reiki Master Intuitive www.GoddessWithinHealing.com 8700 Old Harford Road, Suite L5B Mention This Ad To Receive Parkville, MD 21234 A FREE 15-Minute Upgrade! 443-803-4876

14 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 15 Lively Arts // Personalities

AN INTERVIEW WITH... preacher (that’s where the Southern Bap- elaborate, fan- Southern Baptist Del Shores tist upbringing comes in from the religious, tastical stories, Sissies on Indi- conservative family side), my mother be- about flying tea egogo. I love writ- Del Shores came a seamstress for all kinds of theater parties with Je- ing about those productions. Naturally, I was drawn, at a sus and Barbie. characters for the Bym Tho Cardwell very early age, to hanging around what “And what then Sordid Lives fran- Del Shores is a liar. He just can’t help it. she was doing. She was always there for what happened,” chise. It’s his mother’s fault. In fact, it was her me – egging me on to tell stories, and at- she and her rela- TC: Not every- whole side of the family that began encour- tending plays, especially, the big Broad- tives would ask. one realizes that aging him as an adolescent to lie, when- way musicals like “Oklahoma” and “The My brother and you were involved, ever he had to, in creating an entertaining King and I.” I was like a moth to a flame. I started early as consulting pro- or strange or funny or bizarre (or dare, we I just couldn’t get enough theater. It was a journal writing ducer, co-exec- say, “sordid”) tale. He grew up to be the crazy, wonderful time in my life. and actually got utive producer, observer who tell stories that inspire more TC: Many of your plays you’ve turned paid us a dollar even screenwrit- stories. In his one-man show, “Del Shores: into films, including Southern Baptist Sis- for each book we er, of Showtime’s My Sordid Life,” he’s candid with the audi- sies, becoming a screenwriter and adopt- read. It was my “Queer as Folk.” ence: “By the end of the evening, you’ll find ing your own works. What’s the most chal- mother’s bribery How did you par- out that I’m not really a writer. I’m a thief.” lenging, frustrating or enjoyable aspect of to get us to read ticipate in work- Liar, thief, storyteller, Shores is a born per- taking your content – story line, charac- and write. When ing in yet another former. Storytelling is in Shores’ DNA. He’s ters, situations – and transforming them we were teenag- different medium one of those Southern types whose tongue from one art form to another? ers, she had gone in the entertain- naturally wraps around blabbering, liter- DS: Well, to be honest, the most frus- to college and be- ment industry? ally, about almost anything. He can’t resist trating, hardest, and less appealing aspect came a teacher of Any funny stories sharing a moment’s recollection, maybe bringing your own plays to the screen is English, speech, or secrets to tell it’s true or a little bit of a stretch, but, we the business aspects that you have to be drama. She re- about the cast – forgive him and listen, because it simply concerned about as an independent pro- membered as a Hal Sparks, Sha- comes so naturally to him. And he’s fasci- ducer. There are so many things that you young mother, ron Gless, Robert nating, and humorous. What’s Shores now have to worry about, like the budget. And, another stay-at- Gant, Peter Paige, spinning? There are plenty of examples of at the same time, since you’re the writer, home neighbor, Randy Harrison, his response to questions in this interview the artist, and the businessman, you have telling her: “Hon- Thea Gill? where, at first, Shores might have a mo- the delicate task of retaining “the integrity ey, it’s not a sin to be ignorant, but it is a DS: Yes, it ment’s hesitancy, maybe a brief decline, of the piece.” That’s ultimately the most sin to stay that way.” My brother recently was definitely the best part-time job I ever then he gets energized, and, inevitably, challenging and important matter for me. related that story to me. had. I wrote eight episodes and produced he’d be, “Now, wait a minute,” and he’d get TC: You obviously like to make people, TC: The intertwining of the themes of 41 episodes of “Queer as Folk” where I excited and begin laughing, “There was smile, chuckle and laugh out loud. Is there being gay and dealing with one’s religious worked with an incredible team of profes- that time Sharon Gless...” (in reference a darker side to Del Shores that we don’t beliefs or, if not religious, the influence re- sionals in a collaborative effort as that’s to his involvement with “Queer as Folk”), see? ligious upbringing has on some people’s what writing is for television. You have to or “Now, that you ask, I remember Leslie DS: How about murdering some peo- ability or inability to resolve the conflicts leave your ego at the door and the pay is Jordan just making up lines” (the Emmy ple? [He laughs.] But there are some dark of self-acceptance of one’s sexual identity really good. Of course, we had an amazing Award-winning actor from “Will & Grace”) and sad times in my life. My divorce was has become a popular and frequent topic. cast, too. A little offbeat story is about Sha- and a close friend and collaborator in many painful. My work got me through it. I find That’s what at the core of Southern Baptist ron Gless, who lost 50 pounds between of Shores’ projects from the gay cult clas- that laughter has a healing quality for me. Sissies. How autobiographical is the story season four and five that no one was pre- sic, Sordid Lives, to his latest play-turned- TC: You’d made your life an open book. lines and characters in your latest play/ pared. There’s always things that are chal- film, Southern Baptist Sissies (touring from Much of your work is autobiographical or in- film? lenging that you must adjust to. Palm Springs to Sioux Falls, in a limited spired by biographical bites and pieces of DS: There’s a part of me in each TC: If you weren’t in the entertainment theatrical run in nine select cities across your life. Do you ever feel vulnerable be- character in Southern Baptist Sissies. But industry your whole life, what else would the country). Baltimoreans will have the ing so public, so exposed, especially in our Mark played by Emerson Collins is my true you be doing instead? rare opportunity to see the double bill of modern culture. voice, all that anger, all that rage towards DS: I’d be happy to identify with char- Sordid Lives and Southern Baptist Sissies DS: Yes, there’s been times, situations the church. It’s truly shocking how much acters, in Sordid Lives, doing hair in a sa- and meet-and-greet Shores, alongside and good reasons definitely to feel vulner- antigay hated there is the Southern Bap- lon somewhere in a small town in Texas Emerson Collins, one of the lead actors able. I’ve had borderline threats and even tist church. The play/film is my therapy to (his home state). in the latter film, in the ongoing showcase some stalkers over my opinions, viewpoints expose me and the church I was raised. Then I’ll confess that I could also screenings, presented by the producers of and themes in my works. Since the birth TC: You’re best known for Sordid Lives imagine myself becoming a high-class B’More QFest, the LGBT film festival (June of social media, I’ve wanted to protect my that really has become a gay cult classic in masseur for very hot men. Oh, yes! But 12 to 15). So mark your calendars for April two daughters. I maintain my privacy about the annals of independent LGBT films with another side of me, would want to be a 6, when it’ll be “Shores Day” in Charm City, housing, mail, and being out in public. countless fans all over the world. What’s teacher in high school or college. I’d like with the two screenings, VIP benefit recep- TC: You’ve explored and exploited the joy and the burden for you as an artist to mentor the next generation of creative tion, and even a “sordid-themed costume your Southern roots and what’s considered to have such strong identification with just artists. But I’m very lucky to be who I am t contest” with Shores as one of the judges. “Southern Sensibility” that seems both to one of your works? as a writer. For information, visit Bmorequeer.org. encourage and inspire natural storytelling. DS: It‘s quite satisfying about having all Veteran journalist Thom Cardwell is Thom Cardwell: When did your inter- DS: My mother’s family were the story- the happy, loyal fans of Sordid Lives. Their publisher and editor-at-large at Queer- est begin in theater and then develop into tellers with a rich oral history in contrast to support and enthusiasm has driven me to times.net; a screenwriter, film producer, you’re becoming a playwright? my father’s family who were religious zeal- many of my other projects. It allowed me and film festival director, he often writes Del Shores: While my father was a ots. I was encouraged to be a liar sharing to gather their support in raising money for about entertainment.

16 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com Live ly Arts // out on screen

vests him with much more depth than we Grand Budapest Hotel: One Grand Movie might expect when first meeting the stuffy, By Chuck Duncan never once look- uppity concierge. He seems to care about Until now, I’ve seen only two Wes Ander- ing real but nev- Madame D. and we see his relationship son movies – The Royal Tenenbaums and er allowing the with young Zero deepen as their esca- The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou – and artifice to take pades through Zubrowka take them from neither of them made me even the least away from the the hotel to prison to a monastery and back bit interested in seeing any of his other story. The entire again. Fiennes makes the role his own and movies. But there was something in the film is beauti- you really can’t imagine anyone else as M. previews and early reviews of The Grand fully designed Gustave. Revolori matches Fiennes beat Budapest Hotel that piqued my interest. (and, if Oscar for beat with his often deadpan delivery, The story spans several time periods voters don’t for- but he’s ultimately charming as he looks – the 30s, 60s, and 80s – and is told in get about it by up to Gustave and falls in love with the chapters, which is fitting because it’s actu- December, it baker Agatha (Ronan). Both are wonderful ally a story told to an author who is then should be up for performances that should be remembered relating the story to us in his book. The several Oscars come award season. Author (Tom Wilkinson) of the book re- in the produc- I may not have been a fan of Ander- cants his tale of meeting the owner of the tion-design and son’s previous work, but The Grand Buda- hotel, and we flash back to 1960s, the land hair- and make- pest Hotel went beyond my expectations of Zubrowka, and the Author (now Jude up categories). and should be regarded as one of his best Understudy Law) meeting the owner of the hotel, Mr. The film is comes out films by those who do like his previous Moustafa (F. Murray Abraham), who of- also filled with on top movies. It’s certainly one which demands fers to tell the Author (we never know his a dizzying array G rouplove repeat viewing just to catch all of the little name) about how he came in possession of stars, includ- details. My only quibble is an unfortunate of the hotel. ing appearances by Jason Schwartzman, as this is Anderson’s movie, the real stars use of a gay slur – twice – directed at Fi- The story then flashes back to 1932, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Gold- of the show are Fiennes and Revolori. Fi- ennes’ character, which not even the pe- where we see a young Zero M. (Tony blum, Harvey Keitel, Edward Norton, Owen ennes really seems to be having the time riod setting of the film makes okay. Despite Revolori) on the job as a Lobby Boy and Wilson, Bob Balaban, Fisher Stevens, of his life playing the fast-talking M. Gus- that, The Grand Budapest Hotel will defi- his first encounter with the concierge, M. Soairse Ronan and, yes, Anderson favor- tave, quick with a one-liner or two, and in- nitely be on my Top Ten list for 2014. t Gustave (Ralph Fiennes). M. Gustave, ite Bill Murray. All of them turn in excellent unsure of the boy performances even at first, eventually “Gustave H’s in what amount to takes him under his cameos, delivering wing and shows him relationship with young Anderson’s compli- how the hotel should cated, snappy and be run. M. Gustave Zero deepens as their hilarious dialog with also has the procliv- escapades through aplomb. The 1930s ity to bed many of portion of the film his elderly, female Zubrowka take them crackles with the wit guests including from the hotel to prison and fast-talking that Madame D. (Tilda became a hallmark Swinton in some to a monastery and of that era’s screw- awesome old-age ball comedies, and makeup), who ends back again.” Anderson pays hom- up murdered, leaves age to the era beau- M. Gustave a valu- tifully. able painting against her family’s wishes, In addition to Anderson’s eye for pe- and then Gustave finds himself framed for riod detail, he also sets each ear of the her murder. This sets the rest of the story film apart by using changing aspect ratios, in motion, but to reveal any more would from the square 4x3 image common to the be unfair… and fairly impossible (but in a 30s to a Cinemascope-style ratio for the good way). 1960s. The 80s is kind of a strange letter- Anderson has become known for his boxed image, like watching a widescreen amazing production design (like The Life movie on an old television. Some people Aquatic’s multi-level submarine set), and may find the change in shape and size of for me the style seemed more important the image a bit distracting, but movie buffs than the substance. The Grand Budapest will get a kick out of it. In addition to the Hotel has both style and substance galore. visual feast on display, I have to call out Both eras of the hotel, the lavish 30s and Alexandre Desplat’s exhilarating score. It the tacky 80s, are magnificent creations, really is one of the best musical scores I’ve and are characters in the story as much as heard in a long time, and goes a long way the humans are. The exteriors of the hotel in making one forget his overly bombastic and the adjacent mountains and valleys music for The Monuments Men. are all rendered in a very artistic manner, But when all is said and done, as much

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 17 Lively Arts // screen savor

three day visit, mainly due to for which she receives the Pulitzer Prize. his partner of six years Marcus (LeRoy Mc- Reaching for Happy Elizabeth’s alcoholism and Brazilian director Bruno Barretto also Clain), 30, talk about trying an open rela- social awkwardness (she’s described as interweaves the political upheaval of the tionship following an enjoyable three-way. By Gregg Shapiro “imperious, aloof”) and Lota’s abruptness time into the story which enriches and They lay down some ground rules (fun with Movies about poets can be a risky proposi- (she’s the one doing the describing), be- grounds the film. Like the country, Eliza- a guy once, always tell each other, don’t tion. There’s the good, as in the case of comes a prolonged stay when the allergic beth and Lota’s relationship takes a sud- lie to each other – although Marcus can’t Stevie, starring Glenda Jackson as Ste- Bishop comes into contact with nuts. Pretty den turn for the worse. When Elizabeth ac- promise that). Marcus’s main rule through- vie Smith. The fair, such as Howl, starring soon Lota starts coming out is “don’t fall in love.” James Franco as Allen Ginsberg. Then on to Elizabeth which Together six months, musician/print- Birthday party in there’s the downright dismal, which is the in turn makes Mary so maker Stan (Cameron Scroggins), 20, and The Happy Sad story with Gwynneth Paltrow as Sylvia jealous she departs for his slightly older schoolteacher girlfriend Plath in Sylvia. Rio. Elizabeth feels bad Annie (Sorel Carradine), meet for brunch Reaching for the Moon (Wolfe), star- but that doesn’t stop her (in the cafe where Aaron works). He thinks ring Miranda Otto as lesbian poet Elizabeth from having sex with everything is fine, but she wants to take a Bishop is, gratefully, in the good category. Lota. break. In order to spare his feeling, Annie Based on a true story, Reaching for the In an unusual turn tells Stan she’s attracted to Mandy (Ma- Moon, begins in 1951 in New York, with of events, Mary returns ria Dizzia), a woman who teaches at her Bishop (Otto) reading an early version of and the three women school. her poem “One Art” to poet and confidant set up house together, If you think it’s going to be smooth sail- Robert Lowell (Treat Williams) in Central although it is clearly ing from this point on, you’re sadly mistak- Park. Declaring herself the “loneliest per- Elizabeth in whom Lota en. It turns out that when Annie confesses son who ever lived,” Bishop decides to is interested. Lota con- to Mandy what she did, Mandy, who went take a trip and travel to Brazil to visit Vas- structs a stunning studio to Vassar, tells Annie that she has been sar classmate Mary (Tracy Middendorf). “A for Elizabeth and the poet is grateful and cepts an offer to teach at NYU, Lota goes with a woman and liked it. Meanwhile, the long way from Vassar,” Mary lives in Brazil prolific. But there are complications includ- into a tailspin, compounded by the worsen- bi-curious Stan tricks with Marcus. With with her lesbian lover Lota (Glória Pires), ing Lota’s plan to adopt a baby for Mary. ing political situation and the military coup Aaron and Marcus already having trouble a renowned architect. Mary doesn’t speak Nevertheless, while in Brazil, where she in Brazil. Hospitalized following a break- with the new arrangement, Aaron reads to her parents back in the States because says she’s never felt more at home in her down, Lota writes letters to Elizabeth and Marcus’s emails and Marcus, who finds she lives with a woman. life, Elizabeth completes the manuscript even sends her a sizable lock of her hair. he’s falling for Stan, sees him again. What starts out as an uncomfortable for North & South: A Cold Spring, a book But Mary, still in love with Lota, never mails Complications also arise for Annie, the letters or package. who goes on a wretched blind date with When Elizabeth and Lota are finally re- comedian David (Michael Nathanson) united in New York, where Elizabeth is now and later finds comfort in bed in Mandy’s involved with a woman named Margaret, arms. Unofficially dating Mandy, Annie the story reaches a tragic conclusion. For shies away from any public displays of af- all the drama, Reaching for the Moon is not fection. In a coincidence-laden scene, An- overwrought, but nie and Mandy run rather respectful of “Gay, African-American into Stan on a train its subject matter. platform. Wouldn’t The performances, filmmaker Rodney you know it? Aaron particularly those Evans has kept us and Marcus show from Otto and Pires, up there, too. In an are riveting, making waiting a long time especially telling Reaching for the moment, Stan lies Moon one of the – almost ten years (!) to Annie about how best movies of 2013 – for his second full- he knows them. and any year. DVD Unfortunately, as bonus features in- length feature film.” all this happens, clude a featurette. Mandy has the start Gay, African- of a nervous break- American filmmaker Rodney Evans has down. kept us waiting a long time – almost ten How does Annie deal with all of this? By years (!) – for his second full-length feature sleeping with Stan again, of course. What film. His first, the well-received Brother to comes next is really at the heart of The Hap- Brother, interwove stories of the Harlem py Sad. Both couples – Aaron and Marcus Renaissance with a contemporary situa- and Stan and Annie – frankly discuss the tion. His new film The Happy Sad (Mias- status of their relationships, from the poten- ma), based on the play by Ken Urban (who tial threat of HIV to bisexuality, and the ef- also wrote the screenplay), is a thoroughly fects they will have on their lives. Somehow, modern story about LGB folks in New York. there’s a happy ending lurking amidst all It’s an exploration of monogamy, fidelity the sadness, even for Mandy. DVD special and polyamory in the 21st century. features include on-set actor interviews, be- African American couple, Aaron (Char- hind-the-scenes documentaries, extended lie Barnett), a 23-year-old cafe waiter, and and deleted scenes and more. t

18 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts // music ‘Hidden Poet’ Steven Gellman beoy D b rah J. Draisin that just pop up at these pubs,” but I kept Steven Gellman, a.k.a. “The Hidden Poet” chickening out. I was thinking “Oh, this is (Hiddenpoet.com) has been playing live the real deal, and here I am – a Jew from for a couple of solid decades now and is America.” I just felt funny. showing no signs of slowing down. Hav- DJD: Why are we Jews so fascinat- ing broken out on his own after the demise ed with Ireland? I married a redheaded of folk darlings Diamond Rose, Steven Irishman, myself. consistently reinvents himself. While his SG: I don’t know! So, finally, on the last early career as a single artist had him put- night before we went home, I thought “I’m ting his heartbreak on display after a bad going to regret this if I don’t do this,” so I breakup with the “Love Loss Longing” EP, asked to join a session, and it was amaz- these days, Steven is likelier to be found ing. It went on for four hours. The whole begging Highlanders in local pubs to have time, I was hoping to sing these traditional traditional Scottish ballads sing-alongs Irish tunes with them, but they were so than he is to be sobbing into his pint. happy to have an American there. They With his latest release, Revisited, Ste- wanted me to sing my original songs, or ven reworks his own classics with a differ- American country songs. By the end of the ent wisdom, performed throughout a num- whole night, I’d only gotten to do one Irish ber of pubs in South. tune in the entire four hours. . . DJD: I know that you and your hus- DJD: Billboard described you as band Tony honeymooned in Ireland – is “impressively intelligent.” I feel like I that the reason behind your foray into might be slightly insulted by that adjec- Irish, Scottish, and English folk mate- tive! What do you make of it? rial, or is it the other way around? SG: Basically they could’ve said any- SG: I don’t know where it started! I thing: I was so thrilled to be in that maga- just have this love of Ireland and the mu- zine. I don’t know: it sounded kinda cool to sic, and it’s always been there. I wrote a me. They also said I was “intensely sensi- long time ago this song called “Dreaming tive.” of Ireland” and I thought “Well, I’ll never DJD: Where does your name “Hid- get there; it’ll just be something I dream den Poet” derive from? about.” Yeah, and then the dream came SG: When I was doing my first record true. It started, probably, with the love of and I was setting up my publishing, I need- the music – those traditional old songs. ed a name. I couldn’t think of anything, so DJD: You did an acoustic rendition I called my friend, Raymond, and he said of “Danny Boy.” What do you think you “How about ‘Hidden Poet?’” and I loved it. bring to the table with a well-trodden DJD: So where can your fans catch cover like that one? you next, Steven? SG: Well, you can’t change the song SG: My next show is on April 12, in so drastically that people don’t recognize Brunswick, Maryland, at this really cool it, but you do have to put your own spin on place called Beans in the Belfry. It’s a it. When I was in in Dublin, I had brought beautiful old church that these people a guitar, because I played during the wed- bought and turned it into a coffeehouse. ding ceremony. I kept thinking “I want to It’s really kinda hippy and funky: it’s got sing with one of these traditional sessions mismatched furniture, and they created little nooks and alcoves. Steven There are books everywhere Gellman and it has a little stage and lights, and the sound in there is amazing. The thing is that, even though it’s a big room, I do it totally unplugged, without a sound system, because it’s a church, and the acoustics are unbelievable. I love singing in that room. Then I’m in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania at a place called the Cornerstone Cof- feehouse on April 26. t Full version online at Bal- timoreoutloud.com.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 19 Live ly Arts // out on stage

sues, even though they aren’t,” she says, Gender and Sexuality in Genderf*ck Cabaret “We’ll be layering in a visual narrative what’s been nicknamed ‘McLuxury’... we’ll b y Steve Charing a tomboy; straight, a lesbian, pansexual, Stroupe’s vision does not lack play- be making fun of leisure time gone amok.” The All-American Gender-f*ck Cabaret by or just ‘queer’; a livid, no-bullshit Feminazi ful elements. “I think this play is a great Stroupe also wants include playing with Mariah MacCarthy, presented by Glass robot queen, or the most people-pleasing opportunity to poke fun at how gender the idea of patriotism and what it means to Mind Theatre, makes its Baltimore pre- boy-crazy girl next door you’ve ever met,” issues are often seen as middle-class is- miere April 11 to 19. A gender-bending says MacCarthy. “In a way, Genderf*ck has be American. emcee guides the audience as limitations been my way of investigating and teasing The director calls of sexuality are redefined throughout con- out all my contradictions, by putting those Genderf*ck a perfect fit for fines and confusion. aspects into different the Baltimore arts scene. Playwright Mac- characters and setting “Baltimore has a rich cul- Carthy says that she “This show is all them loose on each ture of people who bend the wanted to write vi- about the complexity other.” rules of gender and many gnettes about female The play is con- other things,” says Stroupe. experience. She then of defining one’s temporary, but direc- “This show is all about the had a revelation: “I tor Susan Stroupe complexity of defining one’s identity, and what is identity, and what is more couldn’t create a piece layers in the lens of t about women that had more Baltimorean than the Gilded Age in the Baltimorean than that?” no men in it.” 1900s, where cabarets The All-American Gender- Aside from the that?” began. “I would feel f*ck Cabaret will play at Gallery androgynous emcee, pretty irresponsible as 788 (3602 Hickory Avenue in Genderf*ck revolves a theater artist if we Hampden) from April 11 to 19. around eight seeming-stereotypes of gen- addressed gender roles in 2014 without ad- Tickets are $15, with discounts der and sex. The 20-somethings are all dressing economics,” she says. Because of available. Glassmindtheatre. intertwined in each other’s lives as they the wealth gap and speed of technological com for tickets, and contact navigate sex, gender identity, and their advancements, many call the current era the boxoffice@glassmindtheatre. relationships with each other. MacCarthy “New Gilded Age.” She points out that origi- com for group sales. At Face- combines humor, drama, raunchy jokes, nal cabarets of the Gilded Age were a place Siobhan Beckett, Jessica Ruth Baker, and Sarah Lloyd en- book.com/GlassMindTheatre and dance parties. of mixing classes, where people toyed with joying a yoga brunch and on Twitter @Glass- credit: Susan Stroupeall “I might be feminine, androgynous, or gender even before 1920. MindThtr, using the hashtag #genderfck.

20 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts // imusic

does on “Just Do You,” “I Am Light” and tion could have been asked of Cole. Her Divas by the Dozen “Break the Shell.” time on Decca didn’t yield the same results b y Gregg Shapiro of blue-eyed British songbirds with ’80s Grand dame Sarah Brightman contin- as her successful Warner Brothers years Blue-eyed soul diva ZZ Ward is in pos- flair including Lisa Stansfield, Mari Wilson ues her conquest for the classical cross- (remember “I Don’t Want to Wait”?). On session of some powerful pipes. Coming and Annie Lennox. The wisest move she over crown. Perhaps best known as ex- Raven (675), Cole’s first disc on her own closest to being Adele’s biggest stateside makes on her excellent debut album De- husband Andrew Lloyd Webber’s muse label, she deserves to return to the fore. threat, Ward is the complete package. Not votion (Cherrytree/Interscope) is to avoid (see Phantom of the Opera), Brightman From the Joni Mitchell-esque “Sorrow On only did she write (or co-write) all 13 tunes treading on Adele or the late Amy Wine- has been the reigning crossover queen The Hudson” to the bouncy story pop of on her debut disc Til the Casket Drops house. Instead, Ware pays her respects to for 20 years, blending operatic vocals and “Eloise” and more sonically daring fare (Hollywood), but Ward also sings the heck those who preceded her while putting her performance with a pop-oriented style. On such as “Imaginary Man,” “Secretary” and out of them. The title cut sets the mood, own unique spin on the sound. “If You’re Dream Chaser (Simha), Brightman once “Red Corsette” (those are whales!) Cole but it’s the thumping second number “Put Never Gonna Move,” “Running,” “Wildest again swirls the worlds of pop and classi- proves she remains a songwriter of note. the Gun Down” that blows the lid off the Moments” and “Something Inside,” best il- cal for an out of the world experience (fit- The above-mentioned india.arie would party. What’s important here is that Ward lustrate Ware’s mad skills as a performer ting, since Brightman intends to be aboard be wise to take note of Lianne La Havas’ doesn’t come off as just another Adele and songwriter. The dance-oriented “Imag- the International Space Station in a couple approach to acoustic soul/folk. On Is Your adherent. She demonstrates that she has ine It Was Us” definitely qualifies as a bo- of years). Pop selections including Wings’ Love Big Enough? (Nonesuch), La Havas her own perspective, nus track. “Venus and Mars” (see!), Sia’s “Breathe makes her mark in a big way. The raucous which comes through Neon goth goddess Me,” Sigur Ros’s “Glosoli” (featuring Eng- title cut smoothly transitions into the gor- clearly on “Cryin Wolf” Charli XCX co-wrote lish lyrics by Squeeze’s Chris Difford) and geous “Lost & Found,” immediately giv- (which features Kend- Icona Pop’s inescapable Elbow’s “One Day Like This,” are all treat- ing listeners an idea of La Havas’ flexibility. rick Lamar), the retro hit single “I Love It,” but ed with respect by Brightman and have the The same holds true for “Forget,” “Elusive,” ring of “Save My Life,” don’t hold that against additional benefit of reaching an audience “Gone” and “They Could Be Wrong.” the acoustic “Last Love her. She saved the good they might not have previously reached. This is not Courtney Jaye’s first time at Song,” the stomp and stuff for her own debut For a while there, it looked like Fanta- the music circus. In the earlier part of the shake of “Move Like U album True Romance sia was going to be just another washed- century, Jaye released an album on Island Stole It” and the golden (Iamsound / Atlantic). up American Idol casualty. Recent public and had a minor hit with the song “Can’t blues of “Charlie Ain’t “Nuclear Seasons” re- outbursts, including a homophobic rant, Behave.” Her latest disc Love and Forgive- Home.” calls Shona Laing (re- put what remained of her career at risk. But ness (Courtneyjaye.com) references the pop Sing To The Moon member her?), “You (Ha Fantasia is nothing if not full of surprises sound of the 1970s but adds a twist of twang (Columbia) by Laura Ha Ha)” incorporates a and still she rises with Side Effects of You (listen to “Summer Rain”) for good measure. Mvula is one of those giddy Gold Panda sam- (19 / RCA), possibly the best of her four al- Jaye’s voice is the selling point here, pow- debut albums that an- ple and “Take My Hand” bums. Fantasia introduces us to her inner erful and pretty, it propels tunes such as nounces the arrival of Laura M. Vula give Ke$ha a run for her Macy Gray on “Get it Right,” unleashes the “Morning,” “Every Time We Say Goodbye,” a major talent. Moon money. Charli XCX gets Beyonce within on “So Much to Prove” and “Stars and Skies,” to wondrous heights. rises on the strength of emotional on “Set Me finds an island groove on “Ain’t All Bad.” As the title I Thought About You: A Trib- Mvula’s marvelous voice, which can be Free” and it suits her. “So Far Away” goes To her credit (and that of producer and co- ute to Chet Baker (Concord) implies, Bra- soothing one moment and stirring the next the distance and “What I Like” is a tasty songwriter Harmony Samuels), Fantasia zilian jazz pianist and vocalist Eliane Elias (sometimes in the same song, as in the tease. She waits until the thorny “Black avoids Rihanna territory, expanding her pays homage to the one and only trum- case of “Like The Morning Dew”). Mvula Roses” to strut her dance-floor stuff. personal repertoire instead on the title cut, peter and singer, Chet Baker. Snappy and raises the roof on hand-clapping / foot- Don’t you just hate it when you follow cusses up a storm on “Lighthouse” and jazzy as you’d expect a set of tunes linked stomping gospel of “Green Garden” and an artist from their debut through the re- makes good use of a Commodores sample to Baker to be, Elias is nothing if not rever- then lulls us with comforting “Can’t Live leases that follow ad you discover that they on “Lose to Win.” ent. The pleasure of the disc is in the nu- Without the World.” And so it goes with may have blown their wad on their first and/ Paula Cole once sang “where have all ances Elias uncovers in her interpretations the retro rhythms of “That’s Alright,” which or second albums? Such is the case with the cowboys gone?” but since the begin- as well as hearing these standards with a is followed by the gorgeous “She” and “I india.arie. Occupying space on the same ning of the 21st century, the same ques- subtle Brazilian accent. t Don’t Know What the Weather Will Be.” shelf as Tracy Chapman, Erykah Badu and “Diamonds” brings the disc to a shimmer- Lauryn Hill, india.arie hit it big with her ing close. well-received debut Acoustic Soul, con- Dedicated to the memory of her late taining instant classics including “Video,” father, Patty Griffin’s cathartic Ameri- “Brown Skin” and “Strength, Courage & can Kid (New West) is a heartbreak- Wisdom.” She maintained the momentum ing song cycle of loss. With a voice that on the Grammy Award-winning Voyage to has long been able to reduce even t India, but faltered after that. Her latest, he most stoic among us to tears, Griffin Songversation (Motown / Soulbird) is only aims for five or more hankies with “Faithful a minor improvement. Still conjuring Ste- Son,” “Highway Song,” “That Kind of Lone- vie (Wonder), Songversation opens with ly” and “Gonna Miss You When You’re the instrumental “Soulbird Intro,” which is Gone.” Griffin respects the listener enough pure Wonder. “Nothing That I Love More” to provide relief on the drinking song “Get name-checks the soul legend and “Flow- Ready Marie” and the raw “Don’t Let Me ers” could be a lost, late ’70s Wonder tune. Die in Florida.” A remarkable achievement, We get it, india.arie worships Wonder, but American Kid is a vast improvement on the who doesn’t? Songversation (more Won- unfortunate misstep of Downtown Church. der references) is at its most compelling Jessie Ware comes from the tradition when india.arie “breaks the shell” as she

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 21 quality of life

Domestic Dandy Jeffrey Clouser A Fresh Face for Spring Tools of the trade plastic. I found what I was looking for in As spring arrives, at least on the calendar, Krylon’s Fusion spray paint. After choosing I’m feeling the urge to update my tech ac- a glossy navy blue, I simply taped off the cessories. As one does in the changing decorative element on my cover, placed seasons, I’ve be- my cover on a piece of kraft paper and come bored with sprayed away! my brown woven Please remember to take your tablet ipad mini cover. out of its cover before spraying the cover. It looked great The result is a fresh and updated cover in the fall and winter, but I need something bright and fresh for spring. After scouring eBay and Amazon for a new and in- teresting cover, I became very Out with the old! frustrated. Most of the covers I saw didn’t appeal to me and the one I loved was no longer available. What’s a Dandy to do? After pondering my dilemma, I came up with the idea of simply putting a fresh face on my old cover. Not only is it the green thing to do, but it also helps keep my closet In with the new! clear of stacked-up, previously used cov- ers… something my husband can appreci- that says “Hello” to spring and saved me a ate. little change in the process. So, off to the hardware store I went to Now, if only the spring weather would find a paint in a bright hue that works on arrive. t

22 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com JOURNEYS TYRE’S REPAIR diverse presbyterians Quality Workmanship – continued from page 8 AUTO More Light Presbyterians stands out because we are perceptive in knowing in- clusion is not necessarily welcoming and plains, we are called to venture on many welcoming is not the same as celebratory. 410.252.8001 journeys and this is mine, requiring me to When the church demonstrates an aware- 24/7 Towing 410-583-8888 take a leap of faith. We find in the Bible ness of these concepts we will begin to Voted Baltimore’s Best Auto Repair – City Paper 2000 the invitation to interact with God, and we see individuals within the LGBTQ group are able to witness a God who changes feel welcomed, leading us to joyously Next to Timonium Business Park Lightrail Stop lives, appoints new names, and change celebrate diversity in creation. Alex is re- 1955 GreeNSPriNG Drive identities. This affirms people in the LG- ally excited about the upcoming General BTQ continuum and their relationship with Assembly meeting to review the Book of God. Order, where the definition of marriage Challenges faced, says Alex, are in will be under review. He is also looking creating truly welcoming and loving sanc- forward to conducting national trainings tuaries. Much of this involves terminology and workshops to facilitate the Presbyte- about identity and its nuances. Mr. Mc- rian Church message of hope and limitless Neill self-identifies as a transgender male, love to reveal the immeasurable channels however he also uses the term ‘queer’ to our life journey manifests. further express his identity. ‘Queer’ pro- Alex spoke on Sunday, March 23, 2014 vides him with the ability to capture an- about the work of More Light Presbyteri- other part of his journey. Happily married, ans at the 11 a.m. service at Brown Me- Mr. McNeill says it is important for people morial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church to know the difference between gender and offered a more in-depth report over identity and sexual orientation. Gender lunch about overtures for marriage equal- identity does not determine one’s orienta- ity which will be voted upon at the General tion; helping the church grasp this concept Assembly of the church this July. t will create room for those along the iden- For more information, Alex can be con- tity spectrum. tacted at 202-341-2218 or [email protected].

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 23 your money

can be subpoenaed and discoverable, so please do take great care in what is writ- Income Options for Your Portfolio ten. Interviewers should record only be- The More you haviors described by the candidate during Know About the interview, not include interpretations of By Woody Derricks follow much of the pattern of the stock mar- behaviors or conclusions, and use bullet- I believe that we have reached an important ket due to their ability to convert to shares of Business form notes. It is impossible to write every point in the market. We had our massive stock. Richard Finger word a candidate says during an interview, sell-off followed by a great nearly five-year High-yield bonds: High yield bonds and trying to will only distract from the in- recovery. This year, however, may be differ- typically pay a higher dividend than invest- terview. ent than much of what we’ve experienced in ment grade, treasury, and municipal bonds How to Conduct As for interview questions themselves, the last half decade. With interest rates on the because the companies that issue the bonds it is always a good idea to discuss prior ex- rise and the market starting the year off with are thought to have a higher risk of default. a Good periences. While not everyone subscribes volatility, the questions many are asking are: Intermediate bonds: Intermediate bonds to the “past predicts future” theory, I do. Where am I able to find “safe” investments of investment grade companies are bonds Interview Questions such as, “How have you …?, and how am I able to generate income for my that are three to ten years from maturity. They Tell me about a time when…, Describe your portfolio? often pay a higher yield than shorter-term Interviewing for a potential new employee experience or knowledge in the area of..., Below are some of the possible income bonds, but in rising interest rate environ- is a bit like speed dating. Interviewers try and “Provide a specific example of when ideas that you could consider including in your ments can see their values decrease more to learn the most they can about a person you have…,” are safe questions. Asking portfolio. than short-term bonds. in a very short time, making quick deci- open questions such as “What do you do Dividend-paying stocks: Many compa- Short-term bonds: Short-term bonds are sions and conclusions based on first im- on weekends?” can be dicey. What is the nies pay dividends out of their common stock. bonds that mature in up to three years. They pressions and initial responses from can- intent of that question, and how is the an- Frequently these companies are medium- and often do not pay a high yield because of their didates. Often, interviews do not prepare swer relevant to the job? The answer the larger-sized businesses and are often in the relatively short time frame and lower risk. thoroughly prior to an interview, and as candidate provides may reveal personal financial and utility sectors. These are stocks While short-term bonds may lose value in a result, are treading on very dangerous information. Despite the interviewers best and will likely have the volatility of the markets rising interest rate markets, they tend to hold legal ground. Too many times I have wit- efforts to keep the interview clean, candi- associated with them. their value better than intermediate bonds. nessed interviewers improvise, reviewing dates do reveal personal information, or Preferred stocks & convertible bonds: REITs: Real-estate investment trusts are resumes with the candidate in the room, non-job relevant information, about them- Preferred stocks are shares of company stock a form of business entity that can invest in and then asking risky questions, such as selves during the interview, such as marital whereby the company is required to distribute real estate and mortgages. They frequently “How old are you?” (Yes, this was an ac- status, sexual orientation, or age. An as- dividends before it can pay dividends to the receive favorable tax treatment on the divi- tual question I was asked!) In today’s liti- tute interviewer will quickly state, “Thank common stock shareholders. These securities dends they distribute. REITs can be public gious environment, why give a candidate you for sharing this information with me. also typically pay a higher dividend rate than or private. Because REITs collect rent and room to think that due to an inappropriate Please note this information will not be common stock. The flipside is that they don’t mortgage payments, they often generate a question asked by the interviewer, he or considered in the evaluation process,” and typically see the same growth that common fair amount of income. In order to receive she was not hired? then document that this was said. stocks do as the share prices increase. the favorable tax treatment, REITs must pay The best advice I have for interviewers After all interview questions have been Convertible bonds are bonds that are ex- at least 90% of the income they receive to is to take the appropriate amount of time to asked and answered, hopefully, there is changeable for common shares of stock with- shareholders. think through questions, and ensure they time for the candidate to ask some ques- in the same company. They are usually for a These ideas are to be added to a diversi- are related to determining qualifications tions as well. Interviewers should make predetermined amount of shares and can be fied portfolio. Consult an investment profes- for the job. Keep in mind, the candidate every attempt at answering candidate exchanged automatically if the stock reaches sional to determine the appropriate mix of has likely taken the time to research the questions honestly and factually. Just as a target price. These bonds pay income like investments for your risk tolerance and time t company and the interviewer(s). Preparing interviewers are assessing candidates, traditional bonds but can also see additional horizon. upfront demonstrates to the candidate that candidates are trying to ascertain the new price movement as the common shares of Woody Derricks is a certified financial you respect him or her, and it also demon- organization’s values. Interviewers can company stock increase or decrease in value. planner and an accredited domestic partner- strates simple courtesy. sometimes forget they are, for this period They will often pay a greater dividend than ship advisor. Reach him at 410-732-2633. Good interviews generally consist of of time, ambassadors of the organization, preferred stock but less than traditional bonds. This column offered here for informational three parts: introduction, interviewer ques- and have been placed in a situation that While convertibles are bonds, they often purposes only. tions, and candidate questions. In the in- will help the candidate determine if build- troduction phase, the interviewer should ing a relationship with the organization is Watch Your Business Grow With provide his/her name and function in the worthwhile. organization, explain the interview pro- It is the unsuspecting interviewer that cess, and end with the time allotted for the thinks he or she is immune from following Richard Finger interview (“The interview will take approxi- proper interview protocol. By following this SPHR, HRMP mately one hour”). It is important to men- three part interview structure, the interview tion that you will be taking notes through- is more likely to elicit responses from can- out the discussion. didates that will yield legally obtained infor- 410-599-3173 Always remember, never take notes di- mation, and will result in a better, qualified rectly on a resume, use a separate piece hire. It only takes one bad interview to ex- 817 St. Paul Street, #502 of paper, and notes should be job-relevant. pose bad questions. Interviewers, please Baltimore, MD 21202 In my career, I have seen interview notes do not get caught with your pants down! t HR Consulting, LLC that have said, “Ugly dress, bad hair, and Richard Finger is president of Fresh buck teeth,” on resumes of candidates in- HR Consulting 410-599-3173… and moon- [email protected] terviewed for a receptionist position. I al- lights as Baltimore OUTloud’s restaurant http://fingerfreshconsult.wix.com/richardfinger ways advise interviewers that notes taken reviewer! 24 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com REAL ESTATE At Home in the Woods

By Ron Rhodes & Coal Infantino 188 McKinley both inside and outside… Spring 188 McKinley Drive, York, Pennsylvania…Not with the surge of new life… Summer enjoying far off the beaten path in beautiful York County the decks under the canopy of trees… Fall sur- is a secluded 5 acre wooded estate encom- rounded by the amazing foliage color and Win- passing a contemporary home designed by ter watching the snow fall from inside beside the architect John Ports. The house was built in fire. Winter also brings the opportunity for sled- 1977-78 by Amish builders, known for their ding and cross country skiing. Wildlife abounds quality building and eye for de- on the property…a rafter of tail, brought in from Lancaster wild turkeys room the prop- County. The home boasts a Secluded five-acre erty, a herd of white- tailed unique center atrium that is wooded estate, less deer, buck, doe and fawn, open to all seasons. Natural gather as well, handsome gallery lighting is provided than an hour away red fox can be seen and Box by a plethora of windows turtles return every year. throughout the house. There are over 4300 If you are a bird watching enthusiast, you will square feet of living / entertaining space and see Sapsucker Woodpeckers, Eastern Blue- 1600 square feet of multi-leveled exterior en- birds, Baltimore Orioles, Red-tailed and Copper tertaining deck space. Hawks to just The home offers four to five bedrooms name a few! which includes a first floor master bedroom / It is of- bath, threee full baths and one half-bath. There fered at are three fireplaces, two equipped with gas $639,900. logs and all three complete with wood burning Only five chimneys. minutes from The flow Interstate of the in- 83. Located terior is conveniently very con- to Baltimore, ducive to Lancaster and Harrisburg, it is just a short entertain- train ride to Philly and NYC, too. Definitely a ing and property you need to see to believe in Central provides Pennsylvania! an abun- Open house, Sunday, April 6, 2014, 1 to 4 dance of p.m. Directions: I-83 North to Exit 14 (Leader wall space for gallery art display. The kitchen Heights Road / PA-182). Turn right onto Lead- space is amazing and includes one of the fore er Heights Road / PA-182. Right onto Vireo mentioned gas fireplaces and a dining area. Road, second right onto McKinley Dr. to end in The home offers a formal living room and din- cul-de-sac and driveway is on the left. ing roof, a study, a family room equipped with a To schedule a private showing contact bar and an overabundance of storage. Ron Rhodes, [email protected] / Ring The property of this home is as amazing Ron at 717-578-7821 and/or Coal Infantino, as the house itself! No matter what season [email protected] / Call Coal at 717- you favor…you will be able to enjoy them all at 676-5545. t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 25 BAR GUIDE

BALTIMORE, BALTIMORE, MARTINSBURG, MARYLAND MARYLAND WEST VIRGINIA Club 1722 Triple LLL The Club 1722 North Charles Street 227 W. Chase Street 5268 Williamsport Pike 410-727-7431 410-539-4806 Martinsburg, WV 25404 www.club1722.com 304-274-6080 PW's Sports Bar & Grill www.theclubwv.com Club Bunns 9855 Washington Blvd. N. 608 W. Lexington St. Suite N 410-234-2866 Laurel, MD 20723 REHOBREHOBOTH 301-498-4840 Drinkery BEACH, www.pwsplace.com Follow Us On Twitter & Like Us On Facebook! 203-207 W Read St. DELAWARE 410-225-3100 HARRISBURG, Big Sissies Bar & Grill The Gallery PENNSYLVANIA 37385 Rehoboth Ave /BaltOUTloud 1735 Maryland Ave. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 410-539-69654 SStallions 302-226-7600 706 N 3rd St HIPPO FroggF Pond Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 1 West Eager St. 3 S. 1st St /BaltimoreOUTloud (717)232-3060 410-576-0018 Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 www.stallionsclub.com www.clubhippo.com 302-227-2234 Bar 704 Grand Central Blue Moon 704 N 3rd St 1001-1003 N. Charles St 35 Baltimore Ave HarrisbuHarrisburg, Pennsylvania 410-752-71334 Rehoboth Beach, DE (717)234-4228 www.centralstationpub.com 302-227-6515302-22 Jays on Read Liquid 891 Inc www.bluemoonrehoboth.com 891 Eisenhower Blvd 225 W. Read Street Cloud9 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 410-225-0188 234 Rehoboth Avenue (717)939-3590 Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Leon’s www.liquid891.com 870 Park Ave 302-226-1999 The BBrownstone Lounge 410-539-49934 The Purple Parrot 412 Forester Street 2472 Rehoboth Ave Mixer’s Harrisburg, PA 17102-1714 Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 6037 Belair Rd 717-234-7009 302-226-1139 410-599-1952 Station North Arts Cafe Gallery SPRING GROVE, Rigby’s Bar & Grill 1816 North Charles Street PENNSYLVANIA 404 Rehoboth Avenue 410-625-6440 Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 www.stationnortharts.comww Altland's Ranch 302-227-6080302-22 8505 OrchardO Rd www.rigbysbarandgrill.com The Lodge Lounge & Spring Grove, PA 17362 Iguana Grill Dance Club 717-225-4479 21614 National Pike 52 Baltimore Ave Boonsboro, MD 21713 YORK, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 301-591-4434 302-227-0948 PENNSYLVANIA www.iguanagrill.com The Quest 3607 FleetFle St. LUX Night Lounge 410-563-2617 1327 N. Duke St YYork, PA 17404 The Rowan Tree 717-793-3770 1633 S. Charles Street www.luxnightlounge.com 410-468-0550 www.therowantree.net

26 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com dining out

an option off of the “Healthy Steamed Dishes” section of the menu, the steamed mixed vegetables with shrimp ($12.95). My boyfriend selected the Happy Family (15.95) from the House Specialties options. Finger’s Happy Family is a combination of shrimp, Food scallop, beef, and chicken with vegetables in a brown sauce. Both of our dishes were served with rice on the side. I was flabber- gasted when I opened the cover of my dish to see chicken on the plate, not shrimp, as Zhong Shan ordered. Too hungry to argue, I settled for 323 Park Avenue, Baltimore the chicken. Luckily, the steamed chicken Baltimore, Maryland 21201 and vegetables tasted fine. The vegetables 410-223-1881 or -1882 were not over-steamed; in fact, the veg- Zhongshanrestaurantbaltimore.com‎ etables were colorful and flavorful. Both dishes were served hot, and both dishes by Richard Finger were a great value for the price. We both Just a short walk from the Washington had to ask for “to-go” containers. Monument, the Zhong Shan Restaurant Zhong Shan offers typical Chinese can be found in the middle of the 300 block menu options that include soups, fried rice, of Park Avenue. When I walked inside, I Lo Mein, and Egg Foo Young. Along with was quickly taken back to many Chinese these, usual meat (seafood, pork, chicken, restaurants I frequented as a child in Long duck, and beef) and vegetarian entrees are Island. The dining room was quiet, not or- available; all have spicy options. From my nate, but inviting. I could hear soft Chinese perspective, the differentiating factor from music in the background. other Chinese restaurants was an appeal- We were quickly seated at a table, ing healthy choice menu for those wanting and immediately served Chinese tea with- to watch calories or shy away from high- out asking for MSG, high-sodi- it. As we were um foods. winding down A second a busy Sunday, differentiator is the warm tea hit the House Spe- Create Your Perfect Day the spot! cialties. Zhong As we drank Shan offers se- and perused lections such as the menu, I Tropical Chicken, couldn’t help crispy chunks notice the swift of chicken with carry-out busi- strawberry and ness this res- pineapples in taurant does. A ll steamed up a special fruity lhirondelle.com The phone was sauce ($14.95), ringing continuously. There were not too Shrimp with Walnuts, lightly battered many of us dining in that evening, so per- shrimp, deep fried with walnuts, served L’ Hirondelle Club of Ruxton haps the ring of the phone seemed louder with white creamy sauce ($15.95), and Pe- than it was? king Duck (whole for $31.95), along with 7611 L’Hirondelle Club Road Ruxton, MD 21204 We decided to share an order of many other choices to meet anyone’s pal- 410.825.2400 steamed dumplings (eight for $6.50) for ate. an appetizer. While they were served While I wasn’t completely blown away hot, they were a little too doughy for my by Zhong Shan with this visit, I will give taste. For me, the dumpling dough was them a second chance. With limited dine- overpowering the taste of the meat inside. in Chinese restaurants within walking dis- Other appetizers included on the menu are tance of my home, I will settle for Zhong shrimp or vegetarian spring rolls (two for Shan for now. For those that may live or $3.00), fried chicken wings ($4.95), crab work nearby, there is a Special Lunch Rangoon ( eight for $6.50), fried shrimp menu ($6.95) served from 11 a.m. to 3:30 ($6.95), spare ribs ($8.95), roast pork p.m., Tuesday-Friday. Very reasonable (small, $5.95; large, $8.95), and golden when you consider the higher cost of fast- squid ($8.95). The dumplings are also food these days! t served pan-fried, if preferred. Note that prices quoted in this review Shortly after we finished the dumplings, are taken from the take-out menu; dine-in our main courses were served. I selected menu options may be slightly higher. Luncheon Wedding Receptions to fit every budget

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 27 Drummer title that weekend, I did win an president of the newly even bigger prize. During the weekend I formed Leatherboys Meet the Mid- sold a winning 50-50 raffle ticket to a hot of Maryland boy da- Atlantic Leather guy named Steve. We are still together! vid zeidler was named family In 2002 the Drummer contest, which Mid-Atlantic Leather- Leather were born of Drummer magazine became boy 2014. The Mid- Line LeatherSIR / Leatherboy. In May 2009, Atlantic Community Rodney Burger contest producer Rik Newton-Treadway Bootblack title was and his Hooker & boys group produced awarded to boy ed, a the Mid-Atlantic LeatherSIR / Leatherboy member of the Three and Mid-Atlantic Community Bootblack Rivers Leather Club in New Mid- Contest at the Club Hippo in Baltimore. Pittsburgh. There was For this contest he also added the title of only one other contes- Atlantic Mid-Atlantic Leather Woman and the Mid- tant. Also competing Atlantic Leather Family was born. The con- for the title of Mid-At- Leather test grew into a whole weekend of events lantic Leather Woman to include a dinner and a “Kinky Carnival” 2014 was Lascivi- and became known as Chesapeake Leath- ous Jane, a popular Family Selected er Awareness Pride (CLAP). burlesque performer After many years of hosting the con- from Philadelphia who In July 2001, the Mid-Atlantic Mr. Drummer test in Baltimore, Rik took his show on is currently working on her PhD in sexu- cee announced the parade of colors and / Drummerboy Contest was held in Balti- the road this year and over the weekend ality. Both ladies were outstanding in the started reading off the names of the clubs. more. There had been feeder contests held of March 21-23 the Mid-Atlantic Leather onstage fantasy category. Kristine’s fan- It was quite comical to see the representa- in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Family 2014 Contest was held at the Em- tasy based on the Def Leppard song “Pour tive quickly take off their vest, turn them Washington, D.C. prior to the Mid-Atlantic press Hotel in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Some Sugar on Me” was particularly clever around, and scramble to the stage from all Contest so there were four contestants for Marshall Roberts of Baltimore was se- and original! It is my understanding that it directions! Oh well, it was a fun afternoon. Mid-Atlantic Mr. Drummer and four con- lected as Mid-Atlantic LeatherSIR 2014. was a very close contest for the ladies with At least all of the contestants were very testants for Mid-Atlantic Drummerboy. The (Many Baltimore readers will recall that only an 11-point difference between the polished. contest took on extra meaning for me be- Marshall was Baltimore’s King of Pride in two fantastic contestants for Mid-Atlantic Congratulations to the new Mid-Atlan- cause in March of 2001 I had been sashed 2013.) Kristine Raye, a charter member Leather Woman 2014. Although there was tic Leather Family! Marshall, boy david, Maryland Mr. Drummer 2001. Although of the New Jersey Amazons, was sashed a shortage of contestants, a large panel and bootblack boy ed will all be off to Dal- I did not advance to the Mid-Atlantic Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather Woman 2014 and the of distinguished judges was assembled. las, Texas for the International LeatherSIR The judges for the Mid-Atlantic LeatherSIR / boy / Community Bootblack Contest over / Woman / boy contest were Mid-Atlantic the Labor Day holiday weekend (August 27 LeatherSIR 2005 Emanuel Nixon, Mid-At- to September 1). It should be an interest- lantic Leather Woman 2012 Toni Solenne, ing leather journey for our new Mid-Atlantic Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2012 Matthew LeatherSIR Marshall, who captured the In- Bronson, Ms. New Jersey Leather 2011 ternational Leatherboy title in 2006. Kris- Lisa Clark, Ms. Capital Pride Leather 2009 tine, our new Mid-Atlantic Leather Woman, Jackie Thompson, Northeast LeatherSIR has a choice to advance on to several 2006 Cisco, and Mr. Maryland Leather national contests, including the American 2014 David Pfau. The judges for the Mid- Leather Woman contest during American Atlantic Community Bootblack 2014 title Brotherhood Weekend (ABW), which will were International Ms. Bootblack 2011 Kd, be held at the Leather Archives & Museum Mid-Atlantic Community Bootblack 2012 in Chicago, Illinois, on October 10-12 or Raquel Macbootie, and Mid-Atlantic Leath- the International Ms. Leather 2015 Contest er Bootblack 1999 Tracee Black. next April in San Jose, California. Keeping the four-and-a-half hour con- Next up is the new Mr. Mayhem Leather test moving quickly was emcee Danny 2014 Contest being held as part of Bears, Tamez, Mr. New Jersey Leather 2012. Bikers, & Mayhem Weekend in Gettysburg, Although billed as co-emcee, Baltimore’s Pennsylvania. I will bring you all the details Queen of Comedy and the recently in the next Leather Line. crowned Miss Hippo 2014 Shawnna Al- Plus don’t forget that Maryland’s first exander was given very little time on the and oldest leather club with be toasting microphone, but did manage to greatly 40 years of brotherhood with events right entertain the crowd with two hilarious mu- here in Baltimore over the weekend of April sical numbers. I have seen Danny emcee 11-13. Visit Shipmatesclub.com for all the several leather contests in the past and he detail. has always been excellent and very pro- If you can’t fit the whole weekend into fessional. At this event he seemed lost your schedule you can still come out and and confused which made me wonder if party with the ShipMates on Friday, April perhaps he wasn’t feeling well. Prior to the 11 at Grand Central and Saturday, April 12 contest there was a signup sheet for the at the Club Hippo. representatives from the various leather Happy 40th anniversary to the Ship- clubs to sign to participate in the parade of Mates! Once again leather history will be colors. Without any prior warning, the em- made in Baltimore. t

28 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com B’MORE PROUD LGBTQIA LEADERSHIP SUMMIT • MARCH 30, 2014 JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY • PHOTOS BY STEVE CHARING

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 29 MAYOR CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY, PLAYS BINGO FOR HOUSE OF RUTH • MARCH 19, 2014 CLUB HIPPO • PHOTOS BY STEVE CHARING

30 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 31 32 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 4, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com