OUT November 16, 2012 | Volume X, Issue 12 HISTORY MADE IN MARRY-LAND

By Steve Charing crat from Wisconsin, who became the first Just a few minutes after midnight on Elec- out lesbian to be elected to the Senate. tion Day the Washington Post declared that She defeated a former governor and a the proponents of Question 6 the winner in cabinet member of the Bush administra- a hard-fought struggle for the hearts and tion, Tommy Thompson. minds of Marylanders. Whether the victors When it became clear that Maryland in Maine were confirmed first or whether voters chose marriage equality, jubilation Maryland was the first state is academic. instantly sprung up all over the state. The The bottom line is that Maryland, along epicenter for the celebrations was the Bal- with Maine and Washington were the first timore Soundstage, a club on Market Place states in history to legalize same-sex mar- where officials and supporters gathered to riage at the ballot box. In addition, Minne- watch the results trickle in after the polls sota defeated a constitutional amendment closed at 8 p.m. As balloons descended, that would have prevented such marriages shouts, chants, hugs, kisses, dancing, Mayor Rawlings- to ever occur. Indeed, all four states won tears, a sense of relief and triumph envel- Blake, Delegate their respective battles when the voters – oped the crowd upon learning the eventual Washington, not legislators or judges – made the deci- happy news. Governor O’Malley, sion. Governor O’Malley, who was instru- Delegate Clippinger, Moreover, no less than six openly gay mental in pushing the Civil Marriage Pro- and Levin celebrate at Baltimore tection Act through the 2012 General As- or lesbian people were elected to Con- Soundstage gress including Tammy Baldwin, a Demo- —continued on page 3

AN INTERVIEW WITH DIAMOND RINGS back, look and say, “Oh my god, I’ve got was met, was it daunting to be- like 14, 15 songs, I can put these on an Multi-Faceted gin working on the follow-up, album,” then I start to worry about making Free Dimensional, or did the mo- the album. By Gregg Shapiro mentum help? GS: Were those newer songs from The autumn 2012 release of EDM act Dia- Diamond Rings: I think the latter. From Free Dimensional included in live mond Rings’s second disc Free Dimen- the outside it always appears that artists shows when you were touring for Spe- sional (Astralwerks) capped off what turned make an album and then they go on tour cial Affections? out to be a dazzling year for LGBT music. and they start the next album after that DR: Yeah. When I did a tour with Twin Diamond Rings (aka John O’Regan) deliv- [laughs]. But, I try as best as I can to al- Shadow last summer in America then went ers on the promise of his 2010 full-length ways work and to always write and to al- over to Europe in the wintertime and was debut Special Affections by generously ex- ways have a new song or melody in my performing “Runaway Love” and “All the panding his sound to incorporate raps and head. I had a bunch of this album written Time” every show as a solo artist. I’m with a more concentrated club style and sound. while I was still touring the last album, so a band now. For sure, I always like to try The beats are more deliberate on songs in that sense it’s never quite as intimidat- new stuff on the road and see if it reso- such as “I’m Just Me” and “(I Know) What ing. I never really think about my process nates and connects with the crowd. I’m Made Of,” making them the ideal selec- in terms of albums as much as I do songs GS: “Everything Speaks,” which tions for dancing the night away. or choruses or verses. I’m just always try- opens the disc, retains the spirit of Spe- Gregg Shapiro: After the positive re- ing to make the next great chorus or the cial Affections. Was it your intention to ception with which Special Affections next great song. It’s only when you step —continued on page 16 news // LOCAL Out & Equal Workplace Summit Held in Baltimore

By Denise R. Duarte source group. Out and Equal provides re- Benjamin Todd Jealous, president of Co-Publishers The 2012 Out and Equal Workplace Sum- sources for companies to establish these NAACP, was the opening keynote speaker Jim Becker • Jim Williams [email protected] mit (October 29-November 1) opened with a groups as well provides a registry which on October 31. He emphasized NAACP’s Executive Editor hurricane and ended with a gala dinner. Be- lists companies that have them, from 3M commitment to LGBT rights and how this Jim Becker cause of Hurricane Sandy, only some 1,400 to Yahoo. LGBT employee resource groups alliance was not a new one. He referenced [email protected] of the expected 2,100 attendees showed make a difference within their companies Bayard Rustin and the Matthew Shepard Managing Editor up at the Baltimore Convention Center. according to Out and Equal’s 2010 State of and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Preven- [email protected] This one-third drop was predicted by Teddy LGBT Employee Resource Group’s Report tion Act of 2009 as proof. He stated that we Production Director Witherington, Out and Equal’s marketing of- which states, “Nearly all promote policies stand “shoulder-to-shoulder to move pas- Bob Wellington ficer, who noted the loss would have been (91%) and LGBT visibility (89%) to create sage of the Non-Discrimination Act.” Sales Director Mary Taylor higher under the extraordinary circumstanc- inclusive workplace. That opening plenary also included [email protected] es but for the “commitment of our attendees Nearly three-quarters also provide Beth Brooke, Ernst and Young’s global Leather Columnist and our community.” LGBT leadership development opportuni- vice chair for public policy and a five-time Rodney Burger “It is life and death for us,” said Wither- ties. They support the bottom line as well: Forbes listed “World’s 100 most powerful Contributing Writers ington. “We spend most of our waking life 76% assist in LGBT recruiting and 59% women.” She has previously served in the Joey Amato • Sharon Brackett • Cathy Brennan • Rodney Burger • at work, so it is life. I do not want to work drive LGBT marketing and client opportu- Clinton administration and was on the U.S. Joshua Buchbinder • Steve Charing • Jeffrey Claggett • Jeffrey Clouser • Wayne Curtis • Woody Derricks • Denise R. where I will be miserable. The death is that nities. LGBT ERGs also look beyond their delegation to the 53rd and 54th United Na- Duarte • Chuck Duncan • Michael Farley • Jon Fairbanks • Gerry of the closet, which is a slow terri- tions Commission on the Sta- Fisher • Bruce Garrett • Jeff Hammerberg • Dr. Eva Hersh • Shirli Hughes • Sam Kunz • Michelle Lanchester, Esq. • Dana ble death.” Carri Bridges, Chrysler tus of Women. LaRocca • Jessica Lemmo • Jay Loane • Rev. Meredith Moise • global diversity events manager, Brooke shared her coming- Gregg Shapiro who traveled from Auburn Hills, out story. When the Trevor Michigan, exclaimed, “Hurricane Project awarded Ernst and Graphics Joe Velasquez • Bob Wellington or not, we were going to be here!” Young for their efforts for LGBT Cartoonist The summit had a variety of youth and she was to accept Bruce Garrett (www.brucegarrett.com) LGBT workplace-themed semi- it on behalf of the corpora- Photographers nars and workshops ranging from tion. She wrote her comments Bruce Garrett • Jay W Photos • Justin Nixon how to establish LGBT employee knowing that the next day Web Editor resource groups, advancing an the video, “It Gets Better,” in Anja Saine inclusive federal employment which she appears, would be [email protected] Managed Web Services non-discrimination act, to one released. When she read the The Fusio Group titled “Out Now: The LGBT Global At Out & following words, “As a leader 866-322-7498, www.thefusiogroup.com Workplace Experience.” Equal who is gay...” she states she National Advertising Rep How many people are out at received a five-minute stand- Rivendell Media 908-232-2021 work compared to being out with ing ovation. She had anticipat- Founders their families and friends was the focus of walls and promote a better society through ed a negative reaction. Brooke exclaimed, Jim Becker • Joe Berg • Mike Chase • a workshop conducted by Ian Johnson of LGBT cultural event participation (76%), co- “52 years in the close, the tears started Lee Mooney (1959-2007) • Jim Williams Out Now Global. Johnson shared survey ordinated volunteerism (73%) and financial to pour. I could not stop it.” Everyone sat results regarding the comfort level of being support for LGBT causes (59%).” down after the applause and she repeated Baltimore OUTloud PO Box 4887 Baltimore, MD 21211 out at work. The Netherlands led the way, Some employee resource groups have the words again, this time as a whisper. 410-244-6780 with 66 percent reporting that they were out worked to establish tax parity for the health “Then [there was] this strength – 52 years www.baltimoreoutloud.com at work, the U.S. came in at 44 percent out, insurance benefits provided to lesbian and of silence broken – it was the end of the and India at only 13 percent. gay couples. Google and UBS are compa- beginning for me.” Additional Information Baltimore OUTloud is published every other Friday by Pride Witherington echoed the importance nies that have instituted a “gross up” pay- Selisse Berry, Out and Equal founder, Media, Ltd. in Baltimore, Maryland. Readers comments and of a welcoming workplace by emphasizing ment to offset the imputed income tax for emphasized the importance of LGBT sto- unsolicited materials are welcomed and may be sent to: editor@ baltimoreoutloud.com. All materials appearing in this newspaper that Out and Equal exists because “half of lesbian and gay employees on the value of ries and the power they have to inspire are the property of Pride Media, Ltd. and may not be reproduced the LGBT people are not out of work in the the benefits provided for their spouses or change and to give strength to those still without the written permission of the editor. U.S. because they do not feel comfortable partners. When opposite sex couples re- struggling with self-acceptance and com- coming out at work. A diversity gap has ceive health benefits, they are not taxed. ing out at work. She emphasized that LGBT opened up. We work in that space, so those Approximately 40 companies have incor- stories enable people to be “struck by the people who want to come out at work can.” porated a “gross up” process in an attempt similarities in our collective stories.” Since How does a company make their work- to equalize the benefit package to their les- LGBT people should “not have to choose place more welcoming? One way, is to con- bian and gay employees. between making a living and making a nect with or establish an Out and Equal re- Currently in Congress, there is a Tax life... we have literally written the book gional affiliate. Witherington stated that Out Parity for Health Plan Beneficiaries Act on workplace equality.” The book, Out & and Equal worked with the closest active (H.R. 2088 & S. 117). This bill would elimi- Equal at Work From Closet to Corner Of- affiliate, the Philadelphia Regional Affiliate nate the imputed income tax for all domes- fice, edited by Selisse Berry, details 36 ex- The opinions expressed in Baltimore OUTloud are solely those of the writers unless otherwise indicated and do not necessarily and the newly organized Maryland Corpo- tic partners and non-dependents. HRC’s Liz ecutives’, officers’, and company owners’ reflect the views of Pride Media, Ltd., and the staff. rate Council in planning this summit since Cooper, workshop speaker, explained that coming-out stories. Berry states that their there wasn’t a local regional affiliate. If Bal- if the Defense of Marriage Act were to be work is not done until “equality echoes in © 2012 – All rights reserved Chair of the Board of Trustees – Jim Becker timore wanted to form a regional affiliate, overthrown tomorrow, it would still only ap- every ear and every office in the world.” President – Jim Williams Out and Equal would be a willing resource. ply to lesbian and gay married couples that The 2013 Out and Equal Workplace Secretary and Treasurer – Mike Chase Another way to make a difference at live in states that have passed marriage Summit will be October 28 to 31, 2013, in work is to establish a LGBT employee re- equality laws. Minneapolis. t 2 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMber 16, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com news // LOCAL

HISTORY MADE IN Rights Campaign, which has been here In Baltimore City, where many had shire, Maine, New York, Iowa, Washing- MARRY-LAND day in and day out for more than a year feared churchgoing African-American vot- ton, and Washington, D.C. as jurisdictions – continued from front page working for full equality.” ers in a black-majority city would tilt the where same-sex marriage is legal. Several When it became apparent that propo- scales against marriage equality, Ques- other states are on the horizon including sembly and was a key leader in raising nents of Question 6 won, Derek McCoy, tion 6 supporters outnumbered opponents Illinois, Rhode Island, Hawaii and New Jer- funds for the campaign’s efforts to uphold who led Maryland Marriage Alliance’s op- by 21,000 votes, winning over 57 percent sey. the law he signed on March 1, told the position, said, “We respect the results that of the vote. Likewise, the same concern In Maryland same-sex marriage will be throng, “Thank you for what you have done have come from a democratic process. existed in predominately black Prince legal effective January 2, 2013 when li- in this noble battle to move Maryland for- We look forward to continuing to work with George’s County but the losing margin censes can be obtained. A 48-hour waiting ward.” Maryland residents all across the state there was less than 5,000 votes. period is required before a marriage could Sharing the podium were other key to promote strong and healthy marriages Both Anne Arundel and Frederick coun- be officiated. t leaders, such as Baltimore Mayor Steph- that will ensure that all children have the ties supported the mea- anie Rawlings-Blake, most of the LGBT best chance of being raised by a dad and sure by narrower margins caucus in the legislature, Marylanders a mom.” but these two jurisdictions for Marriage Equality campaign chairman Those who favored passage of Ques- went for Mitt Romney un- Josh Levin and a host of other activists tion 6 won by over 90,000 votes statewide derscoring the notion that and dignitaries. or a 52 percent to 48 percent spread. Six Question 6 was a bi-parti- Mayor Rawlings-Blake said, “There are jurisdictions in Maryland boasted majority san success. very few times when there are no words to votes: Baltimore City, Anne Arundel, Balti- Early voting proved to describe how grateful I am. I am so grate- more, Frederick, Howard and Montgomery be beneficial to the pro- ful for Maryland standing up for fairness, counties. The remaining 18 jurisdictions marriage equality forces for standing up for equality.” in the state – mainly Western Maryland, as a 29,000 vote advan- “Fairness and equality under the law Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore tage was amassed prior won tonight,” Levin said in a statement. – opposed same-sex marriage. to Election Day. Support- “We’re sure to feel the ripples of this monu- The difference-maker was reliable ers maintained that lead mental victory across the country for years Montgomery County where supporters of on Election Day and ex- to come.” He added, “This victory would Question 6 outnumbered opponents by panded upon it as the not have been possible without the unpar- 80,000 votes or a two-to-one margin. How- evening wore on. alleled leadership of Governor O’Malley, ard County chipped in with a 17,000 vote Maryland now joins resolve of the LGBT Caucus in the legisla- plurality with three out of every five votes Massachusetts, Connecti- ture, and the full-court press by the Human cast supportingF  Question 6. uaycut, Vermont, New Hamp-

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMber 16, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 3 news // LOCAL Light Brigade Shines in Victory Observing Transgender

By Steve Charing bridges and other venues to spell out as- Day of Remembrance Following two dozen similar events that sorted slogans advocating marriage equal- had taken place throughout Baltimore and ity. The group’s Facebook page with 735 Organized by First Uni- or prejudice. The event neighboring counties, Light Brigade Mary- members is the primary source for dis- tarian Church of Balti- is held in November to land shined one more time the evening seminating information and posting photos more, Interweave and the honor Rita Hester, whose after the historic referendum victory that from the events. Transgender Response murder on November 28, legalized same-sex marriage in Maryland. “I have heard from many people that Team, the 14th annual In- 1998 kicked off the “Re- Over 25 they think Light ternational Transgender membering Our Dead” people backed Brigade Mary- Day of Remembrance web project and a San by large rain- Light land has had will be observed on No- Francisco candlelight vig- bow flags Brigade a positive im- vember 20th from 6:30 to il in 1999. Rita Hester’s braved the pact. I tend to 8:30 p.m. at the Sanctu- murder – like most anti- chill and damp- think the Light ary of the First Unitarian transgender murder cas- ness as well Brigade Mary- Church of Baltimore, 12 es – has yet to be solved. as a massive land project West Franklin Street, Baltimore. Although not every person represented water main worked to get This event includes an interfaith me- during the Day of Remembrance self-iden- break in Mid- people excited morial service; the reading of the names, tified as transgender – that is, as a trans- town to gather and keep them and a candle-lighting ceremony. Trans- sexual, crossdresser, or otherwise gender- at McKeldin engaged,” gender people of faith and their allies pro- variant – each was a victim of violence Square at the Mark Patro, the vide focus and leadership for this event. based on bias against transgender people. Inner Harbor. founder and The Transgender Day of Remembrance The Transgender Day of Remem- The diverse crowd held up lit panels spell- principal organizer of Light Brigade Mary- was set aside to memorialize those who brance raises public awareness of hate ing out “MARRIAGE VICTORY 6” denoting land, told Baltimore OUTloud. were killed due to anti-transgender hatred crimes against transgender people. It pub- the victory on Question 6 on Election Day. “During many events a few of us won- licly mourns and honors the lives of people Delegate Mary Washington and GLCCB dered what conversations were started who might otherwise be forgotten. The vigil Board president Bud Beehler were among inside cars as they drove past our lit mes- is intended to express love and respect for the celebrants. sages. We, of course, have no way to mea- pate,” he said. “Our greatest turnout was transgender people in the face of national As traffic meandered through the busy sure that impact, but we do feel like there with Catholics for Marriage Equality and indifference and hatred. intersection of Light (appropriately named) was a positive impact when we consider that event alone proved that we were able On November 14, Mayor Stephanie and Pratt Streets, many people honked the number of honking horns.” In those in- to break stereotypical thought surrounding Rawlings-Blake will hold a press confer- their vehicles’ horns as a gesture of sup- stances where the activists were on street the relationship between Catholics and the ence concerning Transgender Day of Re- port and to cheer the victory. corners, Patro stated there were far more LGBT community.” membrance in Baltimore. It will take place These events, inspired by a similar positive comments from open car windows Following the victory on marriage 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the Rotunda in Bal- group in Wisconsin during the governor than negative ones. equality, the Light Brigade is considering timore City Hall, 100 North Holliday Street, recall election earlier this year, garnered “I, personally, am happy to have joining the Moving Maryland Forward Net- Baltimore. Besides the mayor, speak- national exposure in blogs and news out- brought this idea into fruition and many work, which works to support progressive ers will include Jenna Fischetti of Trans- lets. Using lit panels, volunteers held up others have expressed their personal joy social justice issues. The lights may keep Maryland. Additional speakers are being individual letters on highway overpasses, in having had an opportunity to partici- on shining. t sought. t

Baltimore OUTloud Again Wins Argies Award noted that Baltimore OUTloud’s Sales Direc- tor, Mary Taylor, was one of this category’s Performer Shawnna Alexander captures two categories the Hippo (Honorable mentions: Auggie at the nominees. Drinkery and Mark Hunter at Quest) Best Athlete: Brendon Ayanbadejo (Hon- The 2012 Best of Gay Maryland winners were able mentions: City Café and Brewers Art) Favorite Newspaper, Blog or Informa- orable mentions: Michael Phelps and Kevin announced, and Baltimore OUTloud came Favorite Gay/Lesbian/Friendly Gym: tion Resource: Baltimore OUT- Mooney) in first place in online voting for the second 33rd St. YMCA (Honorable mentions: Merritt loud (Honorable mentions: City Best Local LGBT Student consecutive time in the Favorite Newspaper, DAC and MV Fitness) Paper, Gay Life) Leader/Group: John Flannery Blog or Information Resource category. The Favorite Drag Personality: Shawnna Best Place to Meet Men: at Towson University (Honorable Argies are co sponsored by the Washington Alexander (Honorable mentions: Ada Buffet, Eagle and Hippo (tie) (Honor- mentions: MICA and Chris Miller Blade and RGroup Rgroup.wix.com/rgroup, Sue Nami) able mention: Triple L) at Washington College) Maryland’s largest LGBT social group with Favorite Gay/Lesbian/Friendly Busi- Best Place to Meet Wom- LGBT Person of the Year: over 1,500 members dedicated to building ness or Non-Profit: Chase Brexton Health en: City Café (Honorable men- Shawnna Alexander (Honorable the Maryland LGBT community.The following Services (Honorable mentions: GLCCB and tions: Hippo and Sapphos) mentions: Steve Charing of Balti- Maryland-based businesses and community Equality Maryland) Best Place to Worship: more OUTloud, and Steve Jack- leaders are winners in this year’s ARGIES Favorite Gay/Lesbian Event of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Balti- son of the Rowan Tree) Awards: Congratulations to all the winners. Year: Baltimore Pride (Honorable mentions: more (Honorable mentions: Unity Fellowship “We are thrilled with the terrific participa- Favorite Gay/Lesbian/Friendly Bar: 12 Days of Christmas and Hunks in Trunks) Church of Baltimore and St. Mathews Catho- tion of the 1,596 members of the RGroup in Hippo (Honorable mentions: Grand Central Favorite LGBT DJ: EJ Bohrer (Honor- lic Church) the recent voting for Best of Gay Maryland and Rowan Tree) able mentions: DJ Rosie Hicks and DJ Alex Best Straight Ally: Gov. Martin O’Malley Awards,” Ted Hart, founder of the RGroup, Favorite Gay/Lesbian/Friendly Restau- Funk) (Honorable mentions: Lynda Dee and At- told Baltimore OUTloud. “We had 2,737 votes rant: Mt. Vernon Stable and Saloon (Honor- Favorite LGBT Bartender: Jason K at torney General Doug Gansler). It should be posted this year.” t 4 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMber 16, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com news // LOCAL

word of caution, there are some states that summary of state recognition, visit Lambda- impose criminal penalties on their residents legal.org/publications/lambda-legals-safety- Marriage if they enter a marriage outside the state scale. that would have been prohibited in the state, Once we’re married, are we fully legal- and these may be interpreted to apply to ly protected? Unfortunately, no. Because of marriages of same-sex couples who live in DOMA and the non-recognition of same-sex Equality Won – those states. It’s a good idea to check your marriages by many states, it will continue to local state laws. Additionally, if you choose be necessary to take extra steps to make to marry in Maryland as a non- sure your family is protected. Our families resident, it might present issues are also more likely to confront challenges Now What? for you in the future if you ever such as family hostility so that the neces- decide to divorce, depending on sity for careful estate planning is especially What happens now? The law permitting within that time, what state you reside in. necessary. You still should do your estate same sex couples to marry will take effect you will need to Will my marriage be recog- planning documents – a will, durable power on January 2, 2013. Starting on that day, get a new license. nized for federal purposes? of attorney, and a health care advanced di- Maryland couples can go to the License De- The required Until DOMA is repealed, your rective. If you plan to have children, it’s es- partment at the Circuit Court and apply for a application infor- marriage will not be recognized sential to obtain a second parent adoption. marriage license. mation will include by the federal government. As A birth certificate is not sufficient protection. What are the implications of choos- the names, address, and ages of both par- a result, the 1,138 benefits that the federal It is also extremely difficult for a non-biologi- ing to get married? The implications are ties, whether the parties are related, the government provides to married couples will cal/de facto parent to be protected without a potentially significant. First, ask yourself a marital status, if either party was previously continue to be denied to same-sex married second parent adoption. few questions. Are you ready for this legal married (and additional information if yes), couples, even though you will have all the A couple contemplating marriage should commitment? Do you want to bind your lives and Social Security Numbers (if applicable). state rights according to your marriage in consider speaking to an attorney to ensure together with significant financial and other Individual Circuit Court web pages and con- Maryland. they are aware of all of the implications of familial consequences? Marriage is a seri- tact information is available at Courts.state. Will my marriage be recognized by choosing to marry. ous commitment with big responsibilities, md.us/circuit/directory.html. other states? Your marriage will be recog- Information provided by Susan Silber and only you and your partner can answer Will the Court marry us? If you want nized by states that provide recognition to and Susan Francis of Silber Perlman, Sig- these very personal questions for your- to have the Court conduct a civil ceremony, same-sex marriage (for example, the states man & Tilev. selves. For example, if you and your spouse you will need to make arrangements with the that have same-sex marriage). It will not be This is not legal advice, and should not later divorce, the court will make determina- individual Circuit Court. The hours, location recognized in the states that specifically do be relied upon as such. t tions about property distribution, alimony, or and fees vary by court. not recognize same-sex marriage. For a Courtesy of Equality Maryland other responsibilities. Depending on your cir- What if we had a religious ceremony cumstances it might make sense to have a or another non-legally recognized com- pre-marital agreement, which can customize mitment ceremony? If you wish to be mar- your obligations and benefits. ried, then you will need to obtain a marriage For same-sex couples, the implications license and have a religious or civil marriage are even more significant, since a couple ceremony. may have a legally recognized marriage in What if we have a civil union or reg- our state, but not by the federal government. istered domestic partner status from an- There may be tax consequences, issues other state? As long as you wish to marry around adoption (some states and countries the same person that you entered into the allow adoptions by single parents but not by civil union or domestic partner registry with, same-sex-couples), immigration (for infor- you can proceed with obtaining a marriage li- mation on impacts, go to Immigrationequal- cense in Maryland. Having marital status will ity.org/issues/couples-and-families/should- provide stronger legal protections for your we-marry), needs-based public benefits family. If you need to dissolve previous civil (spousal income and assets may be counted unions with other partners, you should con- as part of determining your eligibility), and tact an attorney on how to proceed. other areas impacted by federal law. If we already were married somewhere How do we get married? Go to the Cir- else, do we need to remarry in Maryland? cuit Court in the county you will be getting No, your marriage, as long as it was validly married in, not the county you live in, and entered into in another state of the U.S. or in apply for a marriage license. The process another country, is validly recognized here. normally takes about 15 minutes. There is You are legally married, and cannot seek to a 48 hour waiting period between when you legally remarry. receive your license and when it becomes Can I register my out-of-state or other valid. After it becomes valid, you can conduct country marriage? You do not need to reg- your marriage ceremony. There is an appli- ister your foreign marriage in order for it to cation fee, which may vary by jurisdiction. be recognized in Maryland. Check with your local Circuit Court to deter- If we aren’t residents of Maryland, mine the amount and their accepted meth- can we marry there? Maryland does not ods of payment. Maryland does not require have a residency requirement. Generally, a blood test or witnesses. Once a marriage you will need to obtain a marriage license license is issued, it is valid for six months. If in the county you plan to marry in, and wait you do not conduct your marriage ceremony 48 hours for the license to become valid. A BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMber 16, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 5 news // NAtional baly K r Andersson (see graphic). Last month saw the release of thou- These poor men were not only suspended The Boy Scout sands of previously secret files from from the Boy Scouts in the 1960s, but were the Boy Scouts of America. They once again named and shamed last allegedly describe child sexual month, now not as homo- abuse committed by about 1,500 sexuals, but as child mo- ‘Perversion Files’ Scout leaders between 1965 lesters. For being arrested and 1985. in the 1960s for making with a 16-year-old “child” in the showers at a dia reports about the files, but also that they Think about it for a mo- contact with plainclothes camp. Perversion, right? Or wait, is this the simply didn’t view the incidents as serious ment: 1,500 Scout leaders. cops. thing we’re supposed to hail? Is this in fact one enough to investigate further. The word scandal doesn’t quite Let’s face it: There’s of those sacred LGBT people that we should Even more telling are the files where par- do it this time. It might be more ap- a thin line between the criticize the Scouts for not letting in? This is all ents of the boys beg the Boy Scouts not to propriate to talk about a culture. The Boy LGBT people that every- so confusing. go to the police, as with school teacher Wil- Scouts used to be an all-male culture – that’s one loves – and that the liam Wicke, 30 years old in 1964, who was even in the name. Men (or, as we shall see, Boy Scouts of today are What’s in a name? accused of “improper advance with Scouts.” youths) taught boys to grow up. Sex might criticized of not letting in – and the The bulk of files are officially called the The parents’ reactions show that there was have been part of that initiation, as it has been “child molesters” that the Boy Scouts are ac- “Perversion files.” To me, that doesn’t come another way of thinking around back then. in most initiation rites, from the Dorians to the cused of having let in. Just when does sex off as very serious. It gives the impression that And the fact that Mr Wicke had “extreme pop- Papuans. It’s an anthropological constant. between two males cease being homosexual- we’re not dealing with crimes, but rather with ularity” as a teacher probably shows some- It does seem men and boys had sex with ity (thus loved and pampered by society), and a certain personality type. Most sexual behav- thing too. each other in the Boy Scouts, occasionally or start being child sexual abuse? Is sex between iors or “orientations” have been denounced as frequently, who knows. For a long time they an 18-year-old and a 16-year-old homosexual- perverse throughout the times, homosexual- Male culture through female eyes did so without anyone else bothering. No ity being one of To get back to where we started: The mothers worried about their sons. No one re- the last ones. word that comes to mind when browsing the ported anything. Until the 1960s. It’s more or less files is culture, or rather, the end of a culture. In the 1960s, Gay Liberation introduced a rule that what In the culture that was, sex was not a big deal. the Homosexual persona to the American we regard as It was a part of growing up as a boy and be- mindset. All of a sudden, the sex that had perverted at one ing initiated in an all-male environment. It was probably been going on for a long time in the point in history something that everyone did, and thus it was Boy Scouts was looked upon with suspicion. will one day be per definition the norm. It wasn’t anything one Parents started to look out for Homosexuals, accepted. What talked about with one’s wife, just like most and mothers started questioning their sons does that reveal men who had the fortune to grow up in the and reporting the sons’ Scout leaders. Culture ity or child sexual abuse, according to today’s about the way that the “perversion files” were time of group masturbation hardly lay out the was replaced by Crime. society? Meaning: Should it be defended en named? words about it at the dinner table. It was a Isn’t it ironic that the last Boy Scout scan- masse or should we put the 18-year-old in jail? When reading the files, you realize that the male culture. dal was that they wouldn’t allow gays in the What about 19 + 15? 20 + 14? 21 + 13? 14 + Boy Scouts themselves used this vocabulary, But with the 1960s came Gay Libera- Scouts, and now they’re accused of not hav- 13? 15 + 13? It’s funny how the line must go and that they actually recognized a certain tion, which in turn was closely connected to ing taken severe enough measures against somewhere, and on the one side of it we’re type of man that they tried to watch out for Women’s Liberation. Both were vastly suc- them? Because no, this is not only about loving them and putting them in every sitcom, and get rid of. Many of the letters in the files cessful, and the focus on sex legislation – and men having sex with boys. You don’t have to whereas on the other side we advocate death contain half-spelled-out insinuations; they the vast changes in it – in the West today is browse many files before you encounter some penalty and castration. mention they have found “another one,” or largely a result of that. Scout leaders that were suspended merely for That’s the dilemma of today’s society, and “one of them.” Once again, the Gay Libera- Or to describe it in another way: Members having flirted with the wrong guy, namely the here’s a concrete “perversion file” to take a tion of the 1960s is probably to blame for such of the male sex used to belong to the female plainclothes cops who used to entrap gay men stand on: In 1993, Walmart employee Wes a focus on a certain type of man. Sometimes hemisphere of life when they were children. in the 1960s. Andreen had been in the Scouts for five years, it’s more spelled out. They talk about “sod- Then they would transcend into the male Emmett White, 38 years old in 1966, was since he was 13. At 18 he had just become omy,” “sexual deviance,” “crime against na- hemisphere when becoming adults. This pro- one of those wrongly accused Scout leaders Scout leader. He allegedly did some things ture,” or just plain “homosexuality.” cess took place around puberty. It is another Today’s society should have a hard time of those anthropological constants – it works deciding whether it’s good or bad to be ac- the same way in virtually every society that cused of “sodomy.” After all, gay is good, has ever existed. But today, boys are kept in right? At what age of the younger partner the female hemisphere for as long as pos- does gay cease being good? sible. In practice, that means that we look upon them as children ever higher up in the But they did do something! ages. But in the 1960s, and especially before The Boy Scouts have been harshly criti- the 1960s, the boy left the female hemisphere cized for allegedly covering up these scan- and entered the male one – or in this case, dals and not doing anything. That’s what the Boy Scouts of America – much earlier. they’ve been apologizing for with the release He became a man. And as a man, what he of these files.B ut in fact, the Boy Scouts often did with other Scouts in the showers was no- reported the suspect to the police, according body’s business. to the files. But the police didn’t always fol- What we’re dealing with here is not an low up on those reports. The reason might not abuse culture. It’s a male culture. And the rea- only have been that they wanted to protect son why we are shocked is that we’re now liv- the Boy Scouts’ name, as is suggested in me- ing in a female culture. t

6 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMber 16, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com beyond the beltway compiled by Jim Becker ly true in Texas, which Romney won with mans and given Sumagen confidence for 57 percent of the vote, which lacks any the next clinical trials to prove its immu- Many victories for statewide LGBT employment protections nogenicity and efficacy evaluation. In ad- or relationship recognition, and where just dition, the interim data showed significant LGBT communities days prior to the election, a state senator increase in the HIV-1 antibody formations in election requested an opinion from the attorney after SAV001-H administration compared general about whether domestic partner to the base line in some patients. Even benefits offered by local government enti- though this study is a blinded study until Dallas, TX – It would be difficult to ties are legal under the state’s 2005 mar- completion, these results are encouraging overstate the significance of Tuesday, Nov. riage amendment. Chuck Smith, who was for the possibility of the prophylactic po- 6, for LGBT civil rights. President Barack named executive director of Equality Texas tency of the vaccine. Obama, who’s done more to advance last week, pointed to the outcome in Maine “We have proven that there is no safety it stands. Some PP mayors – who have LGBT equality than any president in U.S. – where voters rejected marriage equality concern of SAV001-H in human adminis- jurisdiction over marriage under Spanish history, captured a second term, defeating just three short years ago – as a sign of tration and we are now prepared to take law – defied the law by refusing to marry a Republican challenger, Mitt Romney, who hope for the Lone Star State. “It certainly the next steps towards Phase II and Phase same-sex couples, but others supported it, is momentum in the sense that we’re finally III clinical trials,” said Dr. Dong Joon Kim, including Ruiz-Gallardón when he served breaking the ice and winning,” Smith said a spokesperson for Sumagen. “We are as mayor of Madrid. By the end of 2011, of Tuesday’s marriage victories. “That, delighted to be one step closer to the first more than 21,000 gay and lesbian couples in one night, takes away the opposition’s commercialized HIV vaccine.” (Communi- had been married in Spain, including some talking point of you can never win if we cations at http://communications.uwo.ca/ 4,500 in the law’s first year of operation. take you to the ballot,” he added. (Dallas western_news/stories/2012/November/ Many political analysts thought the large Voice at Dallasvoice.com) human_trials_for_hivaids_vaccine_mak- number of same-sex families made it im- ing_steady_progress.html) possible for the PP government to re- verse the law. Opposition to the marriage HIV vaccine trial law was led by Spain’s powerful Catholic Spanish court Church and its political allies like Rajoy, showing progress but polls have shown a majority of Span- okays same-sex iards support equal marriage rights for in Phase I same-sex couples. (Seattle Gay News – sought to enshrine anti-gay discrimination marriage law Mike Andrew at Sgn.org) into the U.S. Constitution in the form of a Ottawa, Canada – The first and only Federal Marriage Amendment. U.S. Rep. preventative HIV vaccine based on a ge- Madrid, Spain – Spain’s Constitutional Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisconsin, who in 1998 netically modified killed whole-virus has Court upheld the country’s marriage equal- was the first out non-incumbent elected to been making steady ity law in a ruling announced November 6. Transgender vet to Congress, shattered another glass ceiling progress in Phase I Eight of the court’s 11 judges voted in favor direct newly-joined by becoming the first openly LGBT person Clinical Trials in the of the law. The court said in a statement elected to the U.S. Senate. And she is be- United States and the that a full ruling will be published within a military groups ing replaced in the House by another open interim results are be- week. gay person. Finally, in the biggest surprise ing analyzed in prepa- “We’re very, very pleased and particu- Washington, D.C. – The Servicemem- of the night, marriage equality prevailed at ration for the next larly that the decision was 8-to-3 and not bers Legal Defense Network and Out- the ballot box for the first time in history steps. Developed by a close 6-to-5,” Jesus Generelo, general Serve, a group for active service LGBT after 32 defeats in Maine, Maryland and Dr. Chil-Yong Kang secretary of the Spanish Federation of personnel, have announced that they had Washington while voters in Minnesota be- and his team at Western’s Schulich School Lesbians, Gays, Transsexuals, and Bisex- selected their first joint executive director, came the first to defeat a proposed con- of Medicine & Dentistry, with the support of uals (FELGTB), said. “I think it is clear that transgender Army veteran Allyson Robin- stitutional amendment banning same-sex Sumagen Canada, the vaccine (SAV001- gay marriage is now a part of our society.” son. Two days later, the boards of both or- marriage. H) holds tremendous promise for success Marriage equality was passed by ganizations voted to finalize their merger, Chad Griffin, president of the Human in the final phases of clinical testing now Spain’s newly elected Socialist govern- selecting SLDN’s April Heinze, a retired Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest that the first hurdle has been accom- ment in 2005. The right-wing People’s Par- Navy captain, and OutServe co-founder gay-rights group, called it a “sea change.” plished. It is the only HIV vaccine currently ty (PP), now the country’s governing party, Josh Seefried, as the co-chairs of the new- “There is no question that we have reached under development in Canada, and one of promptly challenged the law in court. PP ly unified board of directors. a turning point in our movement,” Griffin only a few in the world. leader Mariano Rajoy, now Spain’s prime “We are enthusiastic about the combi- said in a conference call with Dallas Voice The study to evaluate its safety and tol- minister, said he objected only to the use nation of these two vibrant and effective and other media outlets on Wednesday, erability was initiated in March 2012, and of the word ‘marriage’ to describe same- organizations,” said Heinze. “Our mission November 7. “A landslide for equality is is a randomized, observer-blinded, place- sex unions, but not to legal protections for will be to provide the best representation, truly what last night can be described as. bo-controlled study of killed whole HIV-1 gay couples, “which don’t matter to us,” advocacy and services for LGBT service Momentum is on our side on all fronts.” But vaccine administered intramuscularly to Rajoy said. Although the Socialists lost members, veterans, and their families and momentum by its very nature can change, infected men and women, 18-50 years of power in the 2011 election, a majority of continue the momentum we began toward and Griffin seemed wary of excessive cel- age. Sumagen has announced that the pa- the Constitutional Court judges are Social- reaching full LGBT equality in the military ebration or complacency as he noted some tient enrollment has progressed smoothly ist appointees. All of those judges voted to with the repeal of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ last of the challenges that remain. “We have and there have been no adverse effects uphold the law, and they were joined by year.” Seefried added, “This comes down to remember just how far we have to go,” observed including local reactions, signs/ one conservative judge. to mission first, just as it always is in the Griffin said. “When we have this momen- symptoms and laboratory toxicities to date. PP Justice Minister Alberto Ruiz-Gal- military. What began as a simple effort to tum, it is not a time when we slow down. With these interim results, the SAV001- lardón said the government would respect tell our stories has grown into something Those words seemed to ring especial- H has proven safety and tolerability in hu- the court’s decision and leave the law as we could never have imagined, and this BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMber 16, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 7 beyond the beltway combination represents the next step in on the basis of his sex in a place of pub- April 28, 2010, the second time she went from their family homes after neglect and that evolution.” The groups announced lic accommodation and in the provision of to Dubai to work, she was caught by un- abuse. The issues often stem from fami- their merger in July and Robinson is the services. dercover police who pretended to be cli- lies that react negatively to the sexuality first executive director of the newly-joined The ROSE Fund, has defended its ents and imprisoned for three months in a of gay child, he said. He noted that the group. policy to limit services to female survivors male prison. “They really treated me like a mission of Mulligan’s Manor is reflected in “I am honored to lead the new OutServe- of domestic violence, arguing “that includ- dog or an animal,” she says. The guards its name, a golf term for “do over.” “It’s a SLDN in this next phase of advocacy and ing men it its programs would detract from would open the gate and let other prison- second chance to be treated with love and action on behalf of our brave LGBT ser- its purpose, and discourage volunteer and ers rape me whenever they wanted.” “The respect,” Mather said. “Many of us are able vice members, veterans and their families. financial supporters.” MCAD rejected the harder I fought, the tougher it was for me,” to overcome the hard times of coming out Until they are granted equal opportunity, ROSE Fund argument that exclusion of she says. “The first one was the hardest. and become closer to our families because recognition, support and benefits, our mis- males is based on a legitimate and non- I fought like crazy. But after the second of it,” he said. “But there are so many kids sion is incomplete,” she said. “We cannot discriminatory determination that female month, I realized I couldn’t do it anymore, who don’t get that chance. They never find and will not leave them behind.” The 1994 domestic violence survivors suffer unique so I tried to be nice and cooperative.” that moment of reconnecting with their West Point graduate was most recently self-esteem issues that male domestic vio- Although there is very little data re- families, so their childhood is broken. We working at the Human Rights Campaign as lence survivors do not. Historically, there garding this phenomenon, activists and want to give them a second chance.” the deputy director for employee programs has been disagreement within the domes- lawyers who work with transgender sex After working in social services for 30 at HRC’s Workplace Project. “The repeal tic violence community as to whether pro- workers say that the thriving sex trade in years, Mulligan’s Manor’s founder and ex- of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ taught us that to be grams must provide services to male vic- the Middle East, especially in Gulf coun- ecutive director Jenny Diaz said she got victorious, we must fight inequality on mul- tims. (Bay Windows at Baywindows.com) tries such as the United Arab Emirates the idea for turning the home where she tiple fronts – in the courts, on Capitol Hill, (UAE), Oman, and Bahrain, is attracting and her husband had raised their three and in the public square. It’s time to pass hundreds of transgender sex workers, children into a group home. Diaz formed a the Respect for Marriage Act, revise laws mostly from South Asia and the Pacific board of directors that started considering that prevent the military from honoring the Islands. All these Gulf countries abide by different populations that the house could service of all of our nation’s men and wom- strict Islamic law, outlaw homosexuality, serve. They quickly found that those in the en in uniform, and end marriage discrimi- and forbid gay foreigners from entering the most need were LGBT youth, she said. nation for our service members and their country. Transgender individuals in partic- “They have just horrible experiences,” families once and for all,” she said. (Gay ular have a difficult time traveling and re- Diaz said. “Some of the kids who come to People’s Chronicle – Anthony Glassman at siding in Gulf countries – if they are caught me have been badly beaten. My heart re- Gaypeopleschronicle.com) they’re immediately detained and deport- ally wrenches for some of these stories. ed. Activist say that the women are subject Many of the activities are done family- to all manner of abuse and degradation, in- style, including chores and movie nights, cluding beatings, public floggings, sexual Mather said. Around the dinner table, Diaz Gay domestic violence, and murder. In a January report, said she asks house members to share violence group Human Rights Watch documented abuses the highs and lows of their days. Pro- committed against transgender people in grams and activities – supervised by eight discriminated Trans sex workers Kuwait. In addition to extensive physical full- and part-time staffers – are geared to treated harshly in abuse, the report stated that every one LGBT sensibilities to give house members Boston, MA – After being denied ac- of the 40 transgender women interviewed the opportunity to develop who they are as cess to facial reconstructive surgery by Middle East “suffered some form of sexual abuse at the gay youth, Mather said. the ROSE Fund, a free service routinely hands of police, most of them unreported Guest speakers occasionally talk afforded to female victims of domestic San Francisco, CA – Mya (not her real due to fear of reprisal.” (Foreign Policy at about issues like developing healthy rela- violence, a gay male victim of domestic name) makes no bones about what she foreignpolicy.com – http://www.foreignpol- tionships and the importance of safe sex, violence (whose name is being withheld does for a living. Her website is frank about icy.com/articles/2012/10/19/UAE _trans- Mather said. While the house has as its to protect his privacy) filed suit with the the services she offers as a transgender gender_sex_torture?wpisrc=obnetwork) mission to serve gay youth, it also has tak- Massachusetts Commission Against Dis- sex worker; they range from the “girlfriend en in straight boys. A transgender youth is crimination (MCAD). The complainant is experience” to the “VIP treatment” and currently in residence. t (Echo Magazine not seeking monetary damages, only that everything in between. “We are not crimi- – Glenn Gullickson at Echomag.com) he be provided the requested facial recon- nals,” she says adamantly in a Skype in- Group home in structive surgery and that the ROSE Fund terview from San Francisco, where she is Arizona focuses on change its policy and stop discriminating in currently working. “When people come to the provision of services on the basis of an see me, I take the appointment seriously. I need of gay boys applicant’s sex. On July 10, 2012, MCAD do my best to make them happy. We’re all issued a finding of probable cause against legal adults. Tempe, AZ – The house appears like These news notes have been compiled, the ROSE Fund. The case moves to con- Mya is Thai-Chinese, though she was any other in an upscale Tempe neighbor- with permission, from the online version ciliation in January 2013. raised in Java and speaks English with an hood, but inside it shelters a special family of various newspapers and other web The complainant is a gay male survivor Indonesian accent. She says she travels of youth who have found a refuge from the sites. We thank these publications for of domestic violence in need of facial re- across the globe for her profession, and turmoil of their lives. The group home called allowing us to bring you their news sto- constructive surgery to repair broken facial it was on one of these trips that she de- Mulligan’s Manor is observing its first an- ries. Usually the reports have been sig- bones and teeth suffered during an abu- cided to go to Dubai, where she knew she niversary of helping boys placed there by nificantly edited and you can read the sive relationship. In 2008, the complainant could make a lot of money in the transgen- Arizona Child Protective Services. It is the full story by going to the web site men- attempted to apply for The ROSE Fund’s der sex trade. “The men there love me,” first group home in Arizona that specializes tioned following the item. Comments are strictly the opinions of Jim Becker facial reconstructive surgery program but she says. “I don’t know why. Religiously in serving gay youth, according to Marcus and not of Baltimore OUTloud or Pride was told that he cannot apply due to his speaking, it’s forbidden. But culturally, it’s Mather, house manager. Mather said that Media. sex. In 2009, the complainant filed a com- among them.… When I walk in the street the home shelters five boys between the plaint with MCAD alleging discrimination or in the mall, boys are all over me.” But on ages of 12 and 18 who have been removed 8 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMber 16, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com mately raised nearly three We don’t know yet times the amount of money how the black vote than the opponents – a to- went, but the fact is that tal of $6 million. There was Baltimore City with May- speculation that the Church or Stephanie Rawlings- OUT of the Latter Day Saints Blake as a key advocate Spoken who donated tons of money had a sizable plural- Steve Charing against marriage equality ity for Question 6, and during California’s Prop 8 Prince George’s defi- battle decided to sit these cit was much smaller four marriage contests out than anticipated. Con- Winning lest they hurt Romney politi- sequently, the recent cally. hateful comment by a Question 6 The Campaign devel- pastor stating gays and oped a sophisticated infra- supporters “are deserv- structure for executing a po- ing of death” most likely I must confess I didn’t believe what occurred tent ground game using nuts did not sit well with fair- on the night of November 6, 2012 would ever and bolts grass roots efforts. minded voters regard- happen. Marriage equality failed all 32 times it The “Vote For 6” signage less of race. had been decided through state ballots, and I had a great design – eye- Governor O’Malley, didn’t get that warm and fuzzy feeling that this catching and recognizable in the gay and lesbian time it would be any different. their blue and white scheme. equality defeated the forces who would deny members of the legislature and their col- I did not have confidence early on in They oversaw a superb ad campaign that the legal, economic and social benefits that leagues who voted for the bill and defended Marylanders for Marriage Equality – the or- mostly featured religious leaders and straight marriage equality would confer by a 52-48 it during the referendum battle deserve much ganization with a diverse array of coalition individuals to validate the cause. The Cam- margin or more than 90,000 votes. praise and gratitude. partners who assumed the lead to defend the paign developed direct mail and TV adver- A review of the election results should lay Josh Levin and his team should be ap- Civil Marriage Protection Act against a refer- tisements featuring Julian Bond, Revs. Donte to rest the myth that African-American voters plauded for ultimately getting the job done. endum by opponents who rapidly amassed Hickman and Delman Coates, Todd Schuler, are the key to marriage equality defeats. Both The 200 coalition partners, such as HRC, three times the number of signatures needed and Presidents Obama and Clinton. They en- sides were clearly courting African-American NAACP, SEIU, ACLU, Equality Maryland, and to place a minority’s rights up for a popular listed the public support from celebrities, such voters, but the pro-equality side’s messages PFLAG as well as leading clergy were instru- vote. as the Ravens’ Brendon Ayanbadejo and ac- of fairness broke through. mental in this battle. The planning for a likely referendum fight tor Josh Charles to win the hearts and minds The president’s support as well as the All the volunteers and contributors includ- began late, in my view. A former staffer told of voters regardless of sexual orientation, po- National NAACP’s endorsement had to be ing the 2,000 poll workers on Election Day me that the campaign was fritting away too litical party, race, age, gender, religion or eth- huge. And the testimonies offered by African- and those who began this fight and laid the much time and money on getting “pledges” nic background. American pastors Donte Hickman and Del- groundwork for success should be thanked. signed. Their efforts were bolstered by all the man Coates on TV ads were received very And most of all, thanks to all of you for HRC brought in their people to get the ef- thousands of volunteers in and out of the cam- positively. This helped reassure voters that coming out to vote and making November fort started and ultimately hired Josh Levin as paign’s organization who knocked on doors, religious institutions would not be affected by 6, 2012, a historic milestone in the history of the Campaign Manager. engaged strangers, family members, neigh- the law and fairness for all was underscored. LGBT rights. t Early polls looked too good to be true and bors and co-workers, participated in phone were shrugged off by many. Yet, a national banks, raised and contributed funds and de- trend towards public acceptance of marriage veloped innovative methods for getting the equality was unmistakable. message out. Things started to break, however. Presi- I began to feel more confident on Election dent Obama went public with his support Day as I worked the polls at Clarksville Middle following Vice President Biden. Former School. Not only were voters pronouncing President Bill Clinton did likewise. Democrats their support for Question 6 but did so with installed marriage equality as part of the par- intensity and enthusiasm. Sure, there were ty’s platform. opponents – some of them even rude. But the Governor O’Malley championed the overwhelming majority (63 percent in actual- cause following years of uncertainty as to ity) appeared to be on our side, and it gave how equality should be achieved. He was a me hope that perhaps later that night there true leader during this fight, persuading wa- would be cause for celebration. vering legislators to help pass the bill and then That momentous night, when the vot- traveling around the country to raise needed ers re-elected President Barack Obama, funds for the battle ahead. the most pro-LGBT president ever, we were But according to a report in the Baltimore creating another headline. For the first time Sun, the campaign was having trouble as late in U.S, history, Maryland, Maine and Wash- as August in raising the necessary funding. ington succeeded via the ballot to legalize Delegate Maggie McIntosh stepped in to han- same-sex marriage. Minnesota beat back an Celebrating Victory on Question 6 – Part of a record-breaking crowd of around 160 who cel- dle the Campaign’s strategic decision-making anti-gay marriage constitutional amendment. ebrated marriage equality at a victory party hosted by PFLAG-Howard County in Columbia on and asked former Gov. Ehrlich’s chief-of-staff Moreover, six LGBT candidates were elected November 13. Seven local elected officials that included County Executive Ken Ulman, State Chip DiPaula to persuade Evan Wolfson of to Congress, including for the first time, an Senator Allan H. Kittleman. Delegates Liz Bobo, Shane Pendergrass, Guy Guzzone, and James Malone as well as Register of Wills Byron Macfarlane were in attendance. DJ Rosie Hicks spun the national organization Freedom to Marry to openly lesbian person, Tammy Baldwin, who the music as the celebrants danced. Numerous victory celebrations have occurred throughout the jump in with monetary support. He did. was elected to the U.S. Senate. state since Maryland legalized same-sex marriage at the ballot box on November 6. Marylanders for Marriage Equality ulti- In Maryland proponents of marriage credit: Steve Charing

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMber 16, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 9 housing unless you are in federally funded HUD housing. There are no state or federal protections for Public Accommodation. An inclusive ENDA will not change that. Some- thing our LGB friends take for granted. But it Rational runs deeper. T-hought Trans folk do not have treatment cover- Sharon Brackett age under most employer health insurance plans. Treatment which is often specifically excluded in that coverage for medically nec- Afterglow essary surgeries, despite endorsements from the AMA and other responsible bodies. As we are all now aware the election of 2012 Trans people are systematically victimized was a watershed event for the LGB and T by law enforcement and the courts. Certainly community. Marriage rights established in in the criminal justice system but especially four states, an out lesbian U.S. senator, so in the family court system that often strips openly gay and lesbian, and even trans- parental rights or finds blame and exacts gender candidates elected throughout the financial punishment for the transitioning nation. And, of course, the biggest win, the spouse in a divorce. And of course there are return of Barack Obama to the White House. the regular, and frequent, reports of the ulti- By all measures a huge success obtained on mate denial of civil rights, violence against very narrow margins. and the murder of trans people. In Maryland, of course, I have always made we passed Marriage Equality, “Trans folk in note of the differences something I worked for along between LGB and T com- with so many others to make our state have munities. For the LGB a reality. And now it is here. ‘Balkanized’ community the biggest Come this January anybody event of the year is usu- can marry anybody. And that protections. ally Pride. A grand celebra- is great news for trans folk as tion often held with great well. But it is not the end of We only have fanfare with festivals, pa- our journey. civil rights rades, concerts, and mer- This year has seen many riment. It truly is a happy great strides for trans folk. protections in holiday. The biggest event The EEOC decision which ef- in the trans community is fectively makes employment three counties the Transgender Day of discrimination of trans people and the City Remembrance (TDoR) no longer acceptable nation- held on November 20th wide, which means they will of Baltimore. each year. It is the day the lodge take your case in any EEOC that we honor, recognize office, right now. The ruling You might be and name our dead usu- last December by the US 11th protected at ally with candlelight vigils. Circuit Court of Appeals that A stark contrast. I hope declared that trans people home but not at someday that we come to are protected by the equal a TDoR date and have no protection clause of the 14th work.” names to read other than Amendment. The inclusion of those lost by accident, ill- trans folk in Obamacare. And, of course, the ness or old age. But I know that will probably removal from the DSM-5 of Gender Identity not happen for decades or a generation or as a disorder – something that was done for two. I will likely never see it. gay and lesbian folks in 1973. And the en- And so as we all bask in the warm after- actment of trans protections in Howard and glow of friends being able to say “I do” and Baltimore Counties as well as (check this know that being gay and in politics is Okay, I out: http://bit.ly/UHEX1E) many many other worry that everybody will now fold their tents policy changes at the federal level that have and call the job done. It looms large and I propelled trans issues ahead. And despite guess we will see shortly where attentions this, we are so far behind. lie. So my challenge to our LGB friends is Trans folk in our state have “Balkan- that now that you have what you wanted are ized” protections. We only have civil rights you going to be ready join us in obtaining protections in three counties and the City what we need and require and support us in of Baltimore. You might be protected at obtaining that which you already have? Our home but not at work. Even with the EEOC basic civil rights. decision on employment there remains the In Baltimore the TDoR observance will fact that our state has not codified in law be held Tuesday, November 20, 2012, 6:30 the policies that are already in effect with to 8:30 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Bal- the federal government. timore, 12 West Franklin Street, Baltimore. I There is no state or federal protection for hope to see you all there. t 10 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMber 16, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com health & wellnesS

available to the public, Baltimoreans will be Update Your able to see the new face of the Health De- partment. This event will link participants Status with educational, employment, housing, and health care resources. Linking you to and making sure you can access sources Baltimore it’s time for you to Update Your for individual empowerment, like support Status! Join us on Saturday, November services and follow-up care benefits will be 17th at the Patapsco Arena and enjoy the presented. While you are learning, there Project TEA Time Third Annual Mini Ball Deluxe Conference. will be talented drag performers and the Community service providers will be on highly anticipated Mini Ball! The Mini Ball hand to answer questions and provide free will showcase LGBT groups and their fash- information, resources and entertainment ion-savvy, innovative runway creations all to citizens of Baltimore.At last year’s event in an effort to raise awareness and con- over 700 residents came out to enjoy the tinue to cultivate the positive growing rela- free festivities. This year will prove to be tionship with the Health Department. anther success with new and exciting ven- Making sure to connect with every- dors geared up to make this a day filled one, Baltimore can stay “Updated’’ about with entertainment, information, and com- current events on Facebook at baltimor- munity building. In 2009 a series of focus estatusupdate or by going to Baltimor- groups were conducted within the LGBT estatusupdate.com. The Mini Ball Deluxe populace, specifically those involved in the Conference is sure to change your outlook Ballroom Scene, to learn more about what on the role of the Baltimore City Health health care services are important to hard Department in your life. Make it a family to reach populations. The top three areas date this Saturday and ‘”Update your Sta- of hardship were dental care, employ- tus!” t ment and housing needs. In their ef- forts to better con- nect with commu- nity, the Baltimore City Health De- partment decided to dedicate their The 3rd Annual FREE efforts to meeting offers a safe, warm, and welcoming place the needs of youth and LGBT com- for transgender men and women to meet munity as a whole. MINI-BALL DELUXE Some community for support and peer networking. Our social events hosted CONFERENCE this summer were group meets twice a month on the 3rd and last Picnic In The Park to promote Wednesdays, from 2:00 - 4 :00 PM. Individual healthy self care strategies, and their partnership Patapsco Arena support is also available. Program services focus with MICA has proved fruitful as 3301 Annapolis Road on health and wellness, personal achievement, well. Just recently Baltimore, MD 21230 Black Transmen, and community building. All services are free! Inc. has signed on to help the Balti- more City Health Free HIV TesTIng! Department with learning and de- Free TreaTmenT reFerrals! veloping strate- gies to reach out Free PHoTo BooTH! to the transgender community. For more information, What makes Saturday, November 17, 2012 this event unique? call Falina or Phillip at (410) 837-5573 Not only will Door Opens 7 PM • Ball 8 PM -1AM free health care (Ball will start and end on time) AIDS Action Baltimore • 10 E. Eager Street • Baltimore, MD 21202 screening be Commentated by: BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMber 16, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 11 Masters of Ceremony: Icon Jack Mizrahi and Trebra Blahnik Special Guest Commentators: Legendary Kevin Prodigy and Mook Mizrahi For more information: call Keith“Ebony”Holt at 443-690-5044 or visit baltimorestatusupdate.com

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12 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMber 16, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com Visit us at EmmanuelDowntown.org If You are OUT, then You are IN with Us! “ALL ARE WELCOME!” EmmanuEl God with us St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Church all of us 3701 4th Street, Brooklyn, MD 21225 without ExcEption 443-869-5548 sunday sErvicEs Sunday Mass 9:30am and 12:00 Noon 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM A Parish of the New Catholic Church of North America

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMber 16, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 13 Lively Arts // OUT ON screen Real & Fictional Heroes Out on the Big Screen By chuck duncan Steven Speilberg’s sure the war did not end before the vote. Two heroes hit the big screen recently, one Lincoln. Don’t be put The film weakens a bit during Lincoln’s fictions and one very real, and both of them off by such a huge home life scenes, but Sally Field is terrific as are tackling issues that are very personal. subject though, be- Mary Todd Lincoln, giving the woman who The fictional hero, of course, is JamesB ond cause the film is not has been characterized as mentally unbal- back for his 23rd outing in Skyfall. Daniel a life story of our 16th anced a bit more depth, showing her neuro- Craig reprises the role for the third time, and president. Instead, ses really stemming from the deaths of two it’s great to have Bond back in form after a the film covers the of their four sons and the desire of another long four years of uncertainty about the fate last four months of to join the fight against the South. For all the of the franchise due to MGM’s bankruptcy. Lincoln’s life, spe- Luckily, Sony stepped in to save the day. cifically the month of “Seeing how the politics In Skyfall, Bond’s mission takes a per- January 1865 as Lin- sonal turn from the usual megalo-maniacal coln sought to push played out between villains out to take over the world when a the 13th Amendment former MI6 agent, whom M (Judi Densch) through Congress the conservative left for dead in a failed mission years ago, before the end of the Republicans, who returns as a cyber-terrorist out to exact his Civil War. revenge on M, MI6, and Bond once he in- You might ask wanted to free the tervenes on his boss’s – and friend’s – be- Silva (Javier Bardem), from London to Ma- how this makes for an entertaining movie, half. During the course of the movie, we cau to Scotland, but his encounter on Silva’s and I would say that you’d never expect the slaves (!), and the also learn a few more personal facts about personal island is probably the most inter- passage of a law to make for such gripping liberal Democrats who Bond, his parents and what exactly Skyfall esting as Silva seems to be teasing Bond drama, but seeing how the politics played is. We also get to see more of the deep ad- with a sexual come-on – is it a tease or for out between the conservative Republicans, were against it is quite miration and respect Bond and M have for real? – but Bond turns the tables on him by who wanted to free the slaves (!), and the each other. That’s not to say that all of this intimating that this might not be his first time liberal Democrats who were against it (be- interesting.” personal business makes the film more in- with another man. Silva’s reaction is price- cause of what would follow, including the timate. Bond travels the world in pursuit of less as he appears shocked by Bond’s can- possibility of giving women the vote!), is great acting, though, these scenes have a dor. People have read a lot into this scene quite interesting contrasted with today’s tendency to bring the film’s momentum to – is Bond bisexual? – but I think it was more political arena – and one of the reasons the a screeching halt and only contribute mini- AN HEIRLOOM about Silva trying to be the alpha male in the film was not released until after the elec- mally to the overall story. Still, it’s a great situation but Bond took control. tion. The film’s strongest parts cover all of film that will probably end up being shown IN THE MAKING The film has several breathtaking ac- the backroom deals that were made to get to political history students, and Day-Lewis’s A fair trade wedding gift registry celebrates hope, respect and love—a meaningful way to start your new life together. tion scenes, and some new cast members the amendment passed, and really ques- performance will most likely go down as the in the form of Ralph Fiennes, Ben Wishaw tion Lincoln’s ethics in doing what he had definitive Lincoln. A historical dramas go, and Naomie Harris. This being the Bond to do to make it happen, including making this one is top notch. t franchise’s 50th anniversary, there are also

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMber 16, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 15 Lively Arts // personalities

INTERVIEW WITH DIAMOND RINGS about shocking people just for – continued from front page the sake of the shock. GS: Many of the songs on Free Dimensional, including ease listeners in slowly for the sonic changes that lay “I’m Just Me,” feel very per- ahead? sonal. Would you agree that DR: Yeah, always. On Special Affections, too, the they are more personal than opening track does a similar thing. You get kind of one the first record and care to opportunity as a pop artist to do something with it that is comment about that? left of center or weird. And if you don’t kind of get it out DR: I don’t feel this record is of the way [laughs] at the very beginning it’s hard to do any more personal than the first. later – on track seven we’re going to take everyone on I do feel though that the overall a mystic voyage. Yeah, I think it’s really important, both feeling on Free Dimensional is on the live show and on the record, to have a moment far more celebratory and out- at the outside that makes people stop and take note and ward looking. The first record really try to soak in everything. That song has that effect, was I guess you could say in- or at least I intend that effect. Lyrically, the concept of “Ev- trospective. It was a record very erything Speaks” is this idea that as an artist the idea of much about wanting to become being open and fully cognitive to everything that’s around a musician and wanting to be- me – everything in the world and soaking come a perform- in all the feelings and inspirations and just er. Most of those Diamond being in tune. “There’s a songs were writ- Rings GS: There is a more fleshed out real pressure ten before I had quality to the arrangements on songs a record deal, an such as “All The Time,” “I’m Just Me,” writing sung indie record deal, let alone a major record like a family on the road. and “A to Z.” Did these songs begin deal. This one, from the get-go, I had been GS: Another new Diamond Rings element is the with that larger feel to them or did they lyrics, to be signed to a great label in the U.S. in Astral- raps… begin like songs from Special Affec- poetic and werks. Through them I had the opportunity DR: …I’m glad you noticed! tions, a little more stripped down? go see a bunch of great pop artists, such as GS: Yes, I did. They can be heard on “Hand Over My DR: A bit of both. I think part of this al- have a grand Kylie Minogue and Katy Perry. Being in that Heart” and “Day & Night.” What made you decide to do bum and the way it sounds is just, the work company made me excited, but forced me that as opposed to making them sung? I’ve put in to develop my own ear and my meaning or to step up my game. I think one of the things DR: It’s probably two or threefold. For starters, I’m real- own sensibility and improving as a pro- metaphor that great pop music does, that enables it ly envious of the way rap is, I guess. It gives you a platform ducer and songwriter. The second most to connect with people, is that it expresses to say much more in a really condensed amount of time. It’s important difference between this record behind it. an attitude that’s open and inclusive and a style that embraces word play and humor and metaphor and the last one is that my co-producer confident. That sort of confidence is what I and fun a lot differently than a sung kind of lyric. There’s a Damian Taylor, who had a tremendous Whereas with wanted to translate with this album. real pressure writing sung lyrics, to be poetic and have a hand in helping to shape and develop rap, you say GS: Geography comes into play on grand meaning or metaphor behind it. Whereas with rap, the sounds. He’s a really skilled listener “Runaway Love,” where you sing “I want you say so much and you can say whatever you want and it and musician and artist in his own right. so much and to wake up in a different city/I want to doesn’t matter. It was really liberating in that sense. Beyond Definitely this one was a matter of start- wake up in another town,” while doing that, it’s more just what those songs felt like they needed ing small and getting big and then scaling you can say so causes you some confusion in “Day that to me. That’s what motivates anything that I do. back a little for the final mix [laughs]. The whatever you & Night” – not knowing whether you are GS: You sing in two distinctive vocal styles. On goal with every song was to push them in Illinois or Michigan. songs such as “Put Me On” and “Everything Speaks,” to the point where they became a little want and it DR: Lyrically, I always try to have fun you employ your deep bass vocals, while on “All The much and then scale back. I think every with things like that – putting a double mean- Time” and “(I Know) What I’m Made Of,” for example, artist has to find and define their own kind doesn’t matter.” ing. I definitely had those moments where you sing in a higher register. How do you decide which of threshold. It’s really easy to just keep you travel across four states and you wake works best for each song? adding and adding and adding – at some up and are like “where am I?” My last tour DR: I’m glad you noticed that too, that’s really cool. I’m point that becomes detrimental success of the work. of Europe we drove through Belgium like six times, but we really happy with how my voice has sort of matured and GS: Speaking of those kind of artists, in the song played there once. It’s like, “Oh we’re in Belgium again” developed over the years. On this album that’s probably “A to Z,” you make reference to the Culture Club’s [laughs] what I’m most proud of, that I feel in control over my own “Kissing To Be Clever.” Do you consider Culture Club GS: Are both the wanderlust and the uncertainty lo- voice, like any artist strives to do. But, I credit Damian, my and Boy George to be an influence, and if so, in what cation are by products of being on tour? co-producer with a lot of that work. He really pushed me way? DR: Yes, definitely. It’s a reoccurring theme in this to discover my own limitations and my own abilities as a DR: Definitely more I think as an aesthetic one. They’ve album. A lot of the songs I was writing on the road. I write singer. We spent a lot of time arranging songs based on definitely got some serious jams [laughs]. I own a bunch about me and I write about what I’m experiencing. I spend what key they should be in and how I should be delivering of their records. For sure, someone like Boy George has half the year away in different places and so does my them in a way that I think also supports the lyrical content, a look that’s unique and expressive that ultimately feels band, so does my manager, so does my whole team. So a too. “Everything Speaks” is enhanced by that kind of gravity like real and in some way honest. I think as a performer – lot of these songs I’m writing are not only for me, but also that the vocals allow. Whereas “All The Time,” called for a that’s what I strive for. These days anyone can throw on for them. A track such as “Day & Night” is meant to be vocal that feels lighthearted and fun [laughs]. It’s about get- some crazy outfit and look weird. It’s great to be weird, but an uplifting, anthemic experience for everyone in my tour- ting in tune with what the message of the song is about and it’s also great to actually find your own voice and find your ing party. It’s cool to have those moments where you can finding the best way to convince people of what I’m saying own way of expressing yourself that is unique and not just celebrate and embrace what you’re doing. We’ve become and enhance the lyrics. t 16 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMber 16, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts // imusic

Hollywood movie acting debut alongside Kyra Sedgwick in The Possession, which oyTunes topped the box office in early September. While he hasn’t completely abandoned the b y GrEGG Shapiro Hasidic reggae shtick, he definitely branch- When it comes to gifts for the Hanukkah es out in a more pop-oriented direction on celebrants on your list, the musical pick- Spark Seeker (Fallen Sparks/Thirty Tigers), ings are slim. But here are a few sugges- best represented by the bright single “Sun- tions of new recordings by some members shine.” of the tribe. On a more traditional note, Eternal The Singer (Columbia/Legacy), a Echoes: Songs & Dances for the Soul double disc anthology, mainly focuses on (Sony Classical) is a stellar collaboration the solo work of one Art Garfunkel. More between violinist Itzhak Perlman and Can- than doubling the number of tracks found tor Yitzchak Meir Helfgot (whose vocal on Garfunkel’s 1988 single disc Garfun- abilities rate among the best opera singers, kel compilation, there including Pavarotti and is some duplications of Domingo, according to titles (a half dozen or Perlman). Knowledge so songs), as well as or familiarity with He- some exclusions (“Sec- brew or Jewish tradi- ond Avenue”). The set tions and religious also includes a handful practices are not nec- of Simon & Garfunkel essary to appreciate tunes, as well as some the exquisite combina- unusual choices (the tion of Perlman’s play- 1993 recording of “All I ing and Helfgot’s sing- Know” in lieu of the 1973 ing. original). Although why Consisting of 11 the 34-tracks aren’t in previously unreleased chronological order re- tunes from her per- mains a mystery. sonal vault, Release Garfunkel’s former singing partner Paul Me (Columbia) by Barbra Streisand is the Simon, who has released some of his best ultimate holiday gift. Heretofore unavail- work in recent years, including the albums able selections include a dazzling reading New Year! “Surprise” and “So Beautiful or So What,” of “I Think It’s Gonna Rain Today” featur- has a new triple disc set (two CDs and ing songwriter Randy Newman on piano one DVD), “Live in New York City” (Con- (from the Stoney End sessions), “Home” New Law! cord/Hear Music) available. Recorded live from The Wiz (one of two cuts from Back at Webster Hall in NYC in June of 2011, To Broadway), a rendition of Jimmy Webb’s the package includes several tracks from “Didn’t We” (from a scrapped album) and a New Life! his lauded “Graceland” album, as well as studio version of “With One More Look At the title track from his underrate 1982 disc You” (from Streisand’s movie version of A For All Your Wedding Needs “Hearts And Bones,” on which he sings Star Is Born), just to name a few. “one and one half wandering Jews,” a ref- After a brief flirtation with born again erence to his relationship with ex-wife Car- Christianity, resulting in an unholy trinity of rie Fisher. albums released from 1979 to 1981, legend- The A and the M of A&M Records are ary folk singer Bob Dylan (born and circum- Book Your Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss, two “nice Jew- cised Robert Zimmerman in Hibbing, Min- ish boys” who founded the legendary re- nesota) returned to his secular ways after wedding cord label in the early 1960s. A&M 50:The that, briefly detouring for a Christmas album Record Collection (A&M/Ume) is a triple in 2009. His latest, Tempest (Columbia), disc, 60-track retrospective celebrating the continues some of the blues exploration he Celebration anniversary of the label and their amazing began with 1997’s Time Out of Mind and fol- roster of artists. Thoughtfully separated into lowed through with into the 21st century on categories (“From AM to FM,” “A Mission to Love and Theft, Modern Times and Together from Start … Rock” and “Soul, Jazz And More” – note the Through Life, as you can hear on “Narrow clever use of the A & M), the discs feature Way” and “Early Roman Kings.” But the cur- to finish tracks by Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass mudgeonly Dylan is downright upbeat on the (naturally), Sergio Mendes & Brasil `66, Burt perky “Duquesne Whistle” and the twangy Bacharach, the Carpenters Joan Armatrad- romance of “Pay In Blood.” t ing, The Police (and Sting), Squeeze and Check out our calendar on page 19 to see Janet Jackson, among many others. when Matisyahu, one of the artists in the col- 903 Dulaney Valley Road · Baltimore, MD 21204 USA It’s been quite a year for the newly umn, is performing in December in Strouds- Phone: (410) 321-7400 · [email protected] burg, Philadelphia, and Washington DC. shorn Matisyahu. He made his big-budget www.sheratonbaltimorenorth.com/weddings.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMber 16, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 17 Lively Arts // screen savor

the lead, especially in the company of Stories in Song Davis and Devine. DVD has no bonus material. By Gregg Shapiro Was Katy Perry ever as insecure Fantasia (Barrino) is not an actress. Howev- as Fantasia? It doesn’t appear that way er, that didn’t stop the season three (2004) from watching Katy Perry: The Movie – Part American Idol champ from playing herself of Me (Paramount). Following Perry on her as a teen and adult in The Fantasia Barrino 350-plus day 2011 world tour, the film is a Story: Life is Not a Fairytale (Lifetime) the combination concert movie and personal Lifetime movie based “in part” on her auto- documentary. If you weren’t already a Perry biography. Directed by Debbie Allen, who fan, Part of Me probably won’t do much for makes a cameo appearance in the 2006 you in that department. movie (now on DVD), Life is Not a Fairytale What the movie does best is fill in some is pure Lifetime. blanks. For those who think it might be too Opening during Fantasia’s controversial soon for this multi-platinum diva, with only competition on the Fox talent show, when two full-length discs to her name, to be the she was being plagued by “internet stuff” topic of such a project, Part of Me provides regarding her unmarried teen mother sta- the back-story. From her roots in the CCM tus, Life is Not a Fairytale quickly shifts into (contemporary Christian music) scene to her flashback mode. Young Fantasia (singer/ac- failed attempts at secular artistry (at Colum- tress Jamia Simone Nash) bia Records, and not surpris- lives with her parents, ingly at Island/Def Jam), the nurse Diane (Viola Davis!) doc makes it clear that Perry and musician Joe (Kadeem was not an overnight sensa- Hardison). Fantasia, her tion. But when she hit, she hit parents and brothers sing in big, selling millions of copies the High Point, North Caro- of her CDs and breaking all lina, Baptist church where sorts of records, including grandmother Addie (Loretta having five (!) number one Devine) is the minister. singles from one album. Of course the church The movie makes an at- walls are not strong enough tempt to address a range to contain little Fantasia’s of matters, including her talent. Discovered by a lo- relationship with the LGBT cal record exec, Fantasia community. With her CCM and family are offered a re- background and being the cording contract that soon daughter of a Pentecostal sours. Meanwhile, ugly preacher, songs of Perry’s duckling is bullied at school. such as “I Kissed A Girl” (not Without a shred of self-confidence (thanks to be confused with the superior Jill Sobule mom and dad!), by her teen years Fantasia songs of the same name) and “Ur So Gay,” is an easy mark for the school studs looking could be misconstrued as offensive. Part of to take advantage of such a girl. Before you Me illuminates another side of Perry, where can say cherry, she’s given up her virginity she is surrounded by gay men, including to Rodney (Chico Benymon), who promptly stylist Johnny Wujek and makeup artist Todd ignores her. But after she is raped at school Delano, not to mention of hordes of LGBT by Dwayne (Norman Nixon, Jr.) and drops fans, all of whom she values. out, Rodney mans up and they become a Bursting with interview subjects, includ- couple. ing Adele, songwriter/producer Glenn Bal- That bliss is short lived, following the lard, photog Mark Hunter, managers Brad- birth of daughter Zion. Rodney is abusive ford Cobb and Steve Jensen, Perry’s family and irresponsible. She is reduced to shoplift- members, and Perry herself, among others, ing formula and disposable diapers. Fansta- the movie at times borders on being a self- sia has enough and kicks Rodney to the promotion device. Things get particularly curb. With no good future in sight, Fantasia suspect when Perry’s short-lived marriage travels to Atlanta to audition for American to comedian Russell Brand begins to un- Idol (even that trip is plagued by drama) and ravel, becoming the uncomfortable focus. makes it to the next round in Hollywood. The Does she stop the cameras? No, true pro- rest is modern day musical history as Fanta- fessional that she is, she soldiers on, multi- sia ignores the naysayers, triumphs on TV, colored wigs, warts and all. Blu-ray special and even manages to find love. Life is Not features on the double disc Blu-Ray / DVD / a Fairytale is a fairly straightforward story of Digital Copy edition include full concert per- overcoming the odds (a Lifetime standard) formances of “Last Friday Night” and Wak- that would have benefited from an actress in ing Up in Vegas,” and much more. t

18 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMber 16, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com Community Bulletin Board

November 17 Dirk Hamilton w/Georgie Jessup One World Coffeehouse Presents: Dirk Hamilton with Georgie Jessup in Concert. The One World Coffeehouse is proud host for a return engagement Dirk Hamilton with Georgie Jessup in concert . Dirk Hamilton is a charismatic performer, a talented lyricist and a prolific songwriter, recording 130 songs to date and more than a 16 albums. He has a distinctive raspy tenor, a rock and roll passion, a stinging wit, and a keen eye for the oddities of life. He’s known for the humanity and quirky humor December 14 that comes through his very distinctive playing and singing style that evoke elements of Van Morrison Christmas In Vienna and Bob Dylan. Opening for Dirk is Georgie Jessup, George Mason University’s Center for the Arts an accomplished artist, having won both the Pride in presents The Vienna Boys Choir “Christmas In the Arts Music Award for Transgender Artist of the Vienna” This enchanting musical evening features Year and the Silver Arrow Award for contribution everything from Gregorian chant and traditional November 16 - January 1 to Native American Music. Georgie has an Christmas carols to popular holiday favorites extraordinary ability to have audiences look deeply and songs from across the globe. Under longtime The Polar Express at their prejudices and find their compassion. Show Choirmaster Kerem Sezen, the choir will perform National Aquarium presents The Polar Express™ times 7:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Owen Brown Interfaith works by Schubert, Haydn, Mozart, Brahms, 4-D Experience. Feel the snow fall, smell the hot Center, 7246 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, Beethoven, Britten and even a couple of popular cocoa in the air, and watch images leap off the hits by Billy Joel and Freddie Mercury. This screen this holiday season as National Aquarium, performance is Family Friendly: youth through Baltimore welcomes guests to enjoy the return of grade 12 are half price when accompanied by an The Polar Express 4-D Experience. This 20-minute November 23 - December 23 adult. A pre-performance discussion, free to ticket show based on the inspiring and beloved Caldecott holders, begins 45 minutes prior to the concert on Medal children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. MAME! the Center’s Grand Tier III and is sponsored by the The Aquarium’s 4-D Immersion Theater brings Spotlighters Theatre Presents MAME! the musical. Friends of the Center for the Arts. Tickets are $25, visitors closer to the sights, sounds, and smells The musical revolves around the antics of Mame of the action. The theater is equipped with 4-D $42 and $50 Show starts at 8:00 p.m. The Center Dennis, a fun-loving, wealthy eccentric with a for the Arts complex is located on George Mason capabilities, which combine the high-definition flare for life and a razor sharp wit. Her life is University’s Fairfax Campus at the intersection drama of 3-D film with special sensory effects suddenly changed when she becomes the guardian of Braddock Road and Route 123. Paid parking is such as mist and wind. Viewers are immersed in of her late brother’s only child, Patrick Dennis. the experience as they follow a doubting young Her adventures take us from the speak-easies of located in the Mason Pond Parking Deck adjacent boy as he takes an extraordinary train ride to the the roaring 20’s to the depression following the the Concert Hall and FREE parking is located in North Pole. He embarks on an epic journey of self- great Stock Market crash. She is rescued by a university Lot K. For more information, please discovery that shows him that the wonder of life wealthy Southern plantation owner, marries and visit cfa.gmu.edu. never fades for those who believe. Shows daily. is widowed suddenly, and through it all, manages Times vary National Aquarium, Baltimore 501 E. to keep things under control. With some help from December 14 – January 13 Pratt Street $5 upgrade with general admission. her dearest friend, Vera Charles, she helps keep Visit www.aqua.org for tickets. things at 3 Beekman Place a rousing free-for-all! Mixed Doubles November 18 TICKETS are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and Performance Workshop Theatre presents “Mixed Now -March 22 PFLAG $16 for military and students.Order online at www. Doubles.” In time for the Holidays, Performance spotlighters.org or call 410.752.1225 National Aquarium PFLAG Chapter to Host Thanksgiving Potluck Workshop Theatre presents Mixed Doubles, an exciting, provocative entertainment written by Every Friday evening through March 22, guests Dinner. PFLAG - Westminster/Carroll County December 1 & 2 eight of England’s finest modern playwrights on entering National Aquarium, Baltimore between will be having a Thanksgiving Potluck whereby the comic, familiar, passionate, and surprising 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. (exploring until 9:30 p.m.) will guests are asked to bring a dish to share. The A Concert: World AIDS Day journey following the words, “I do!”, directed enjoy a low admission price of $12 as part of the chapter will supply drinks and paper products. The The New Wave Singers Present “A Concert: World Fridays After Five program. New Wave Singers of Baltimore will be providing by Marc Horwitz. Young love, old love, same AIDS Day” Baltimore’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, sex, no sex, harmony, jealousy, desire… Mixed entertainment during the meeting. Time 5:00 p.m. transgendered and straight (GLBTS) choral group Doubles, celebrates the courage it takes to be in St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Corner of Bond will perform music that inspires hope in two a marriage – any marriage.. Showtimes are 8:00 & Green Sts., Westminster, MD 21157 for more concerts to benefit Moveable Feast, Maryland’s information contact June Horner, 410-795-2418, primary food delivery service for people suffering p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings e-mail: [email protected], from AIDS-related illnesses. December 1 First and 3:00 p.m. on Sunday matinees. Tickets are Unitarian Church of Baltimore 12 W Franklin St. $22 general admission, $20 for seniors and $15 Balt. December 2 Govans Presbyterian church for students and may be purchased by phoning 5828 York Rd. Baltimore Shows start at 8:00 p.m. the Theatre or online. The Theatre is located Send your information for EVENT COST: $20 (50 percent of each ticket at 5426 Harford Road in Hamilton, Baltimore. will be donated to Moveable Feast); FREE for For reservations and more information, call upcoming events to 17 y. o. and younger Purchase tickets at http:// the Performance Workshop Theatre Box newwavesingers.org For info., contact any NWS Office at 410.659.7830 or visit: http://www. [email protected] member or e-mail: [email protected] performanceworkshoptheatre.org/

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMber 16, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 19 n4 Pass Question 6 n Propose To The Person You Love n Book Banksy’s for Engagement Party Elegant, Yet Affordable

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMber 16, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 21 Rod McCoy, and replacing Mr. Connecti- Club Hippo on cut Leather 2011 Tim White who could not Saturday af- attend due to storm related issues was ternoon. The founder of the Mid-Atlantic Kennel Korps, event also in- Pup Tripp. International Leatherboy 2011 cluded a silent Bryson “Pup Nitro” Hankinson was the auction. West- Judges’ boy and Mid-Atlantic Leatherboy ern Canada 2012 boy John Urso was the Tallymaster. Leatherboy At the start of the evening it appeared that 2010 Curt there was only one contestant recruited for Williams was Bob Rose Sashed the title of Mr. Maryland Leather 2013. Da- brought all vid Spellman a member of the Bootblack the way from Brigade and a member of Hooker & boys Edmonton, Al- Mr. Maryland informed me that he was the only contes- berta, Canada tant. A one person contest is not a contest. to emcee the Leather 2013 It is a coronation. With some encourage- contest. He ment from at least five friends in the leather was at times Last issue I wrote about the beautiful time community, Bob Rose decided to step up entertain- I had on the Jersey Shore during the Mr. and compete for the title so that Maryland ing, but what & Ms. New Jersey Leather 2013 Contest. would in fact have a contest. Bob said that can you say I met so many wonderful people there and he had some reservations at first. After all about an em- they have been constantly in my prayers he already had the title of Mr. Michigan cee who inter- and on my mind after the destruction of Leather 2004 and had always been proud views some- Hurricane Sandy. I cannot begin to tell you one on stage how happy I was to see many of my new “With tears in his but doesn’t friends from New Jersey at the Club Hippo share the mi- in Baltimore on Saturday, November 3 for eyes he folded his crophone? the Mr. Maryland Leather 2013 Contest. Entertain- COMMAND M.C.’s 24th annual event Michigan vest, kissed ment during started on Friday, November 2 at the Wyn- it, and placed it in the afternoon dham Baltimore Peabody Court Hotel in was provid- Mt. Vernon with a cocktail party hosted by his fireproof lockbox ed by Balti- Mr. Maryland Leather 2012 boy joe and more’s Queen other Mr. Maryland Leather titleholders. It with all his important of Comedy was followed by cocktail parties hosted by Shawnna Al- documents. A new Bob Rose, MAUL and Centaurs, MC. (I heard that at exander and Mr. Maryland Baltimore’s one of the cocktail parties they served a chapter was starting in Leather 2013 new drink called the “Hurricane Sandy.” It King of Pride was nothing but a watered down Manhat- his life.” 2012 Marshall tan!) At 10pm the party moved to Leon’s Roberts. I always enjoy the twisted musical leather he came to was his Mr. Michigan Leather Lounge for the official “Meet & of his former home state of Michigan. He numbers of Shawnna and the twisting and Leather 2004 title vest. Bob says that he Greet” event. During the evening the judg- felt however that it was now time to step flipping dance moves of Marshall. They “was flooded with emotions and memories es and contestants were introduced. The up for the Maryland leather community were both great! of what his vest had meant to him over the judges for Mr. Maryland Leather 2013 were that has embraced him so much over the The contestants had an off stage in- years and how proud he had been to have Leather Community Leader Mama Sandy past few years. Thanks to Bob Rose there terview with the judges earlier in the day. been given that honor then.” He told me Reinhardt, American Leatherman 2011 was a second contestant and a real con- Throughout the afternoon the contestants that with tears in his eyes he folded his Tom Savage, President of SECC Jerry test. After the Meet & Greet at the Triple L, appeared in barware, jock/fetish, an- Michigan vest, kissed it, and placed it in Ramsey, Southeast Leatherboy 2012 Jo- the D.C. boys of Leather hosted a cocktail swered an on stage question (Bob was his fireproof lockbox with all his important eboy Watkins, Northeast LeatherSIR 2011 party back at the host hotel. asked to describe an S&M scene between documents. A new chapter was starting in Rick Valentino, Leatherman of Color 2011 There was a wonderful turnout at the President Obama and Mitt Romney.) and his life. He is now Mr. Maryland Leather delivered a speech while in formal leather. 2013. I have talked to him many times al- After a thoughtful step-down speech and ready since the contest. He is very excited a brief slideshow by Mr. Maryland Leather about this new journey. I have no doubt 2012 boy joe, the brotherhood award was that he will make his Maryland leather fam- presented to Dave Spellman and Bob Rose ily very proud! will be representing Maryland in Chicago Do you wish you would have stepped over the Memorial Day Weekend in the In- up like Bob? On Saturday, November 17, ternational Mr. Leather 2013 Contest. 2012, down at the D.C. Eagle they will be After the contest, COMMAND, M.C. selecting Mr. D.C. Eagle 2013. The Cen- held their 24th anniversary banquet at the taurs, M.C. and Potomac, M.C. will also be Wyndham followed by a cocktail party pre- hosting a joint bar night starting at 9 p.m. sented by the Beltway Bears. The tribe re- On Sunday, November 18 at the D.C. Ea- turned to the Triple L on Saturday evening gle the Highwaymen, TNT will host the Mr. for the official victory party. Bob informs D.C. Eagle 2013 Victory Party & Cookout me that when he got home the next day, starting a 5 p.m. You could be Mr. D.C. Ea- he started to put his leather away. As he gle 2013. Isn’t it about time that you rose was unpacking his bag the last piece of to the occasion! t 22 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMber 16, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com HALLOWEEN MR. MARYLAND LEATHER 2013 PARTY AT LEON’S AT THE HIPPO | OCTOBER 2012 | | NOVEMBER 3, 2012 | PHOTO BY LARRY STRUEBING PHOTOS BY RODNEY AND MARY

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24 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMber 16, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com REAL ESTATE Embrace Diversity Beware the Old Loan Zombies As you build your life together, you’ll b y Wayne Curtis on recording the payoff of the first loan. So, need to make many decisions along Both of these are fantastic ways of capitaliz- it should be easy to go back to that lender ing on today’s very low interest rates, and the and that title company and get proof of the the way, some more important than fact that major banks are beginning to loosen payoff, right? others. When it comes to making one the credit strings a little bit. But, as a consum- Wrong. In the intervening decade the of the biggest decisions, buying your er, one of the things to which you need to pay housing crash had taken place. Both the close attention is that these loans actually lender and the title company were no longer rst home, Embrace Home Loans will die when they are paid off. Otherwise they in business. A new lender had bought out be there for you. can rise from the dead, like a bad Halloween the old one, but they had moved all these movie character, to wreak havoc on your fu- old files into “deep storage” and they said it It’s love that makes a house a home, ture happiness! (Insert evil laugh here.) would take two months to retrieve the file. Richard B. Pazornik and it’s Embrace that makes that I recently represented a seller who had The house was supposed to change hands in Senior Loan Of cer two weeks. Obviously, this was a nightmare home a reality. NMLS# 225367 “Most home equity to rival any Halloween scary tale! Likewise, most home equity lines do not 443.600.1282 lines do not go away go away when the balance is zero. The line At Embrace Home Loans, we [email protected] when the balance is of credit remains open, even if unused. That appreciate your commitment; we often shows up as a lien on the property that respect your point of view. Let us help 888 Bestgate Road, Suite 417 zero. The line of credit has to be satisfied before the property can you embrace your next move. Annapolis, MD 21401 change hands. This also can be an unwel- Licensed in MD, DC, VA, DE and WV remains open and often come surprise right before settlement. So, when you sit down to refinance your Call today! 443.600.1282 shows up as a lien on loan or write that last check to pay off the the property that has to home equity loan, think about these zombie stories and take care to 1) Ask the title com- be satisfied before the pany to send you confirmation that the loan property can change payoff has been recorded, and keep on them NMLS# 2184 until they do, or 2) Write a letter to the bank hands. This also can be to accompany the equity line payoff and ask them to close the loan. Follow up with them to an unwelcome surprise make sure it gets done. right before settlement.” If you plan on selling your home and have also refinanced in the pre-housing crash days, it wouldn’t hurt to be pro-active and fol- refinanced more than ten years ago. When it low up with the title company who conducted came time to sit down at the settlement table the refinance and make sure that the old loan to sell this house, the title company confirmed payoff was recorded. that the old loan, which he thought had been This way, no old loan zombie will ever paid off more than ten years ago earlier, had rise up on a dark and stormy night to threaten never been recorded as paid. your future happiness! t This is probably more common than Wayne Curtis has been a licensed you would think. This client had let the new real estate agent since 1998. His website, lender pay for the costs of refinancing – like CharmCityRealEstate.com is a resource for most people would – and the title company further real estate research. Send questions they used had neglected to follow through to him at [email protected].

Open hOuse sat., nOv. 17 • 12-2pM Ednor GardEns 3617 Rexmere Road. Eligible for Healthy Neighborhoods low interest mortgage and rehab money, this stone sun porch townhouse has great bones and details, 1st floor powder room, rear deck, large rooms, one car ga- rage and much more! Only $154,000!

Brian Hannon 410 925 9330 (cell) • 410 464 5500 (office) PenFed Realty

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMber 16, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 25 TRAVEL Out Destination

There were Vancouver, British Columbia almost too many highlights By Joey Amato to mention, as Chef Salimian’s Persian roots are This edition of Out Destinations takes me to the Pacific definitely tasted throughout his dishes. After our Northwest and to a city in Canada known for great people, snacks, which consisted of gastronomic delica- endless beauty, and a thriving LGBT community. Vancou- cies such as Chicken Bacon and Mussel Coal, we ver, British Columbia, is a destination which I’ve heard were brought our first selections which included about for many years, however, never had the opportunity Blackened Lobster, Albacore Tuna, and Veal to visit. The best way to arrive to Vancouver is either flying Sweet Bread. Each selection paired perfectly with direct or jump on a flight to Seattle and then board a different an Amtrak train for a scenic four-hour journey along wine, most the coast. of which are It is never good to begin a new adventure on an from Cana- empty stomach, so located almost directly across dian vineyards. stretches around most of the downtown peninsula, is the the street from the Amtrak station in Vancouver is a The entrée of favorite place for locals to enjoy outdoor activities. A brisk wonderful Italian eatery called Campagnolo. Since the tasting menu walk is the best way to see the city and enjoy its beauty. I had a long day ahead of me, I decided to just is a Roasted Ten- At the tip of the peninsula is Stanley Park, larger than sample a few light items. My favorite of the bunch derloin served with New York’s Central Park and home to some of Vancou- was called Crispy Cece, an addicting combina- Walla Walla onions, ver’s main attractions, including the Lost Lagoon, Lion’s tion of fried chickpeas, chilies, mint, and citrus. It sherry lentils, and Gate Bridge, and Vancouver Aquarium. sounds a bit awkward, but it was delicious. truffles – and was The aquarium is home to over 50,000 animals and Gay-friendly accommodations are abundant in melt in your mouth most recently welcomed the addition of Penguin Point, Vancouver. For a true taste of luxury, stay at the Metro- delicious. Even after five previous courses, we were left inspired by Boulders Beach in Cape Town, South Africa. politan Hotel. Boasting 16 oversized suites in addition to craving more. And what epicurean journey would be com- The venue is open 365 days a year and is the perfect 200 standard rooms, this hotel is located in the heart of plete without dessert, which in this case was a delectable place to enjoy an afternoon in Vancouver. Another attrac- downtown Vancouver and within walking distance to all Buttered Toast Ice Cream with black currants, served tion perfect for those traveling with children is Science major tourist attrac- with sweet Canadian ice wine. World. Located adjacent to Olympic Village, the museum tions. The hotel fea- Those visiting Vancouver for the features dozens of interactive exhibits in addition to an tures an indoor swim- first time should not miss this IMAX theatre. ming pool, squash experience. Vancouver is a truly modern city and for those looking court, complimentary Begin the next morning with to embrace some of the city’s trendiness, head to Salt limousine service, and a visit to Chinatown, home to Tasting Room. Yet another unique dining experience, Salt a business center. the Chinese Cultural Center gives guests the opportunity to pair a consistently chang- However, one of and the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classi- ing selection of cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and con- the most extraordi- cal Chinese Garden. Vancouver diments written on a chalkboard near the entrance of the nary features of the is home to the third largest Chi- restaurant, located in an alley in the Gastown district of Metropolitan is its fine natown in the world and a visit Vancouver. I suggest trying the three-course menu for the restaurant, Diva at the to this neighborhood is really best experience. Met. I was not aware exciting. The streets are bus- After dinner, check in to the Opus Hotel, recently voted of the culinary expe- tling with street vendors selling as one of the “Top-five trendiest hotels in the world” by rience my guest and everything from silk scarves to TripAdvisor. The boutique hotel’s swanky decor and mini- I were about to en- ceramic figurines. Of course the malistic approach is perfect for younger LGBT travelers counter when we were dining options here are abun- looking to embrace Vancouver’s gay nightlife. Each room asked to dine at Diva. dant and the authenticity of the in the pet-friendly hotel comes with a fully functional iPad, Our host sat us at “the food was definitely a treat. For which guests can take with them as they discover the city. pass,” the bar which some great dim sum, stop by The hotel is just a short walk to Davie Street, where the kitchen staff pass- Jade Dynasty. When the menu most of the LGBT activity takes place. Davie is lined with es off the food to be is written in Chinese, you know gay bars, restaurants, and nightclubs and truly comes served to diners. With it’s the real deal. alive at night. Each place has its own flavor so be sure to an obstructed view of Next, head over to Vancou- stop by a few to really feel the vibe of the community. An- the kitchen, we felt as ver Lookout for a spectacular other nightlife option is Commercial Drive, or what locals if we were watching 360-degree view of the city. call “The Drive,” as it is home to the highest percentage of a real life episode of From this vantage point, one lesbians in downtown. Top Chef. The som- can view every neighborhood Even though I was only in Vancouver for three days, melier was on hand to in addition to an unobstructed I would recommend a full week visit to truly experience pair wine with every view of both the mountains and everything the city has to offer. item on the seven- the water. For more information, visit Tourismvancouver.com or course tasting menu, The people of Vancouver pick up a copy of Gay Friendly Vancouver: In Town Guide. t which begins with four are extremely health-conscious. OUT Destinations is part of OUTreach Public Relations snacks prepared per- Never have I seen more people (Outreachpublicrelations.com). Founded by Joey Amato in sonally by chef Hamid jogging, riding bikes and roller 2012, OUTreach PR serves celebrities, corporations, and Salimian. blading. The sea wall, which non-profit organizations looking to target LGBT consumers. 26 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMber 16, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com Professional Services counsELing pet CARE

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Call 410-244-6780 to list your business in the Professional Services directory. BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMber 16, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 27 Buy your Tickets Presents Now! “Mind-Blowing” - toronto star “ Wordless splendor” - Miami herald

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28 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMber 16, 2012 • baltimoreoutloud.com