Rememberinged Jeunette

January 17, 2020 | Volume XVII, Issue 17

Edward Jeunette – not “out” Baltimore gay political to his con- activist and attorney who servative passed away suddenly on Remembering Ed Jeunette Catholic New Year’s Day By Jim Becker den based law practice. He ran the law family. Edward Jeunette, a longtime attorney for practice until he began a lifelong career That all changed the Baltimore City Department of Social in public service. when Ed was plan- Services, community activist, and Ed and Jeb met ning to go to a fami- former aide to City Councilwom- Dedicated on April 29th, 1989. In ly gathering and ask en Mary Pat Clark when she was 2013, the year that gay Jeb if he wanted to president of the city council, died public servant marriage became legal come along. Jeb’s suddenly on New Year’s Day after fought for in Maryland, Baltimore answer was an em- developing pneumonia. He was 62 City Circuit Court Judge phatic “Yes!” and years old and lived in Mount Wash- Baltimore’s Edward Hargadon, now from then on, they ington with his spouse and husband young people retired, married them were a couple – to of 30 years James “Jeb” King. on April 29th, their an- Ed’s family and ev- Ed was the son of Edward R. niversary date. Judge eryone else. Jeb said, Jeunette, an attorney, and Margaret Hargadon knew Ed from his years as a “I really believe that Clark Jeunette, who died when Ed was judge in juvenile court, where Ed tried was a turning point in 11. Like his father and two brothers, many cases, and said, “To be asked by Ed’s life because he he attended and graduated from Mount Ed to officiate his and Jeb’s wedding was was not out anywhere Saint Joseph High School. He then grad- such an honor. When I had lunch with up to that point. From uated from Towson State University, and them to plan the ceremony, I could see that moment on, Ed began for community organizations. He grew the University of Baltimore School of how much they loved one another. They living the life that he deserved, wanted, up in Hampden and remained committed Law. As soon as he finished law school were so playful and gentle together.” and was extremely proud of.” to the community even after he moved in 1982, he took over his father’s Hamp- When Jeb and Ed first met, Ed was Ed spent much of his life volunteering —continued on page 16 by Mark S. King A dreamlike mix of actual historical informa- What would the lives of gay men be like to- tion and clever wish-fulfilment – with plenty day if AIDS never happened? of sex for good measure – Herrera’s series Filmmaker Leo Herrera’s answer to that takes us on quite a fantastical journey (the question is a genre-busting web series “The complete series is included in one video, How Dare Leo Fathers Project.” below). “Fathers” also gave me a strange pang of discomfort. As some- Herrera Pretend one who has chroni- cled the epidemic since Web series it began, there was a ‘The Fathers small but persistent voice in my head as Project’ AIDS Never I watched the series, poses a inextricably bound to and it kept saying HIV/AIDS, who am I? “How dare he…?” historical The more import- Dare what, exact- ant question, Herrera ly? Dare to wipe away ‘What if?’ Existed? asks, is Who might our history, including I have been? What Here is our lightly edited conversation. our triumphs and else might I have accomplished? It feels I left in all the juiciest parts. By the way, activism during the heretical for me to imagine, and that’s what you can still contribute to the series to help 80s? That was part makes Fathers such an important work of them take it to a wider audience on their of it, but I have to art. It dares to consider it. Facebook fundraising page. consider the possibil- In my interview with Leo Herrera, we Mark: Leo thanks for this inter- ity that something in discussed this very tension that Fathers view, and for your art. I’ve just finished me doesn’t want My brings viewers like me, but not before I watching “Fathers” again and it has me Great Tragedy taken questioned him about his fixation on leather reeling. So many thoughts, about what Cast of ‘The Fathers from me. Without my men and the amount of unbridled sex his could have been. Project’ identity as someone series features. —continued on page 11 Publisher and Executive Editor Jim Becker

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

Arts and Entertainment Editor Frankie Kujawa [email protected]

Leather Editor Rodney Burger [email protected]

Contributing Writers for Baltimore OUTloud Aaron Cahall • Andre Shakti Andrew Walen • Art Solop Bill Redmond-Palmer • Brynn Devereaux Charles Dudley, MPT • Chuck Duncan David Egan • David Placher Dr. Eva Hersh MD • Dr. Loren Olson Elyse Buchbinder • Frankie Kujawa Gregg Shapiro • Jabari Lyles Janan Broadbent, Ph. D. • Jeffrey Clagett Johanna M. Dolan • Josh Buchbinder Karen Kendra Holmes • Kevin Assam Lauren Lynch • Lee Carpenter Linda A. Dominguez, Esq. • Mark S. King Michael Ritmiller • Richard Finger Rodney Burger • Thomas O’Donnell Wayne Curtis • Woody Derrick

Contributing Writers for OUT in the VALLEY Asher Kennedy Brian George Hose Rev. Kelly Crenshaw Evey Winters

Graphics Ramon Montiel

Web Editor Adam Romanik Computer Solutions for Less

Photographers Corey Brent Eric Randolph

National Advertising Rep Rivendell Media 908-232-2021

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2 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 17, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com news // local A 90s ‘Deep Lez’ House Party What’s your Vision for Beauty, Health, and Wellness in 2020? The Clifton Pleasure Club will be hosting “the ultimate throwback party” with their Deep Lez House Party taking everyone back to the 90’s. “You’re invited to bring

interested in signing up to donate bag lunch items including sandwiches, snacks, desserts, and drinks. Any help is greatly appreciated! t

Sexual Tension is Theme of % ‘OrbitHole’ at Night 15 off Shift a first-time purchase* Use code OUTLOUD to redeem plenty of $1 bills, lots of energy, and On Saturday, January 25th, DJ Ryan *All surgical procedures excluded. dress in your best 90’s gear, for a night Doubleyou presents “OrbitHole,” a par- Terms and conditions apply. of nostalgic debauchery!” declare orga- ty of “sexual tension that offers private Expires 6/30/20. nizers. The party is on Saturday, January dances in private booths, drink specials, 18th from 8 pm to 1 am at Night Shift 2.0 and patron participation that promises to BelcaraHealth.com 410.296.0414 (1725 Ponca Street, Baltimore). send your minds into orbit!” Doors open The party will be hosted by the in- at 7 pm and the party begins at 9 pm at domitable Chris Jay, the soundtrack will Night Shift 2.0 (1725 Ponca Street, Bal- be provided by the one and only DJ Ros- timore). ie, and the Night Shift dancers, Brooke During Shirtless Power Hour be- Jay, Andre Shakti, Black Dynamite, and tween 10 and 11 pm, anyone with their TopShelf will be providing plenty of adult shirt off gets two-for-one drinks. During entertainment. Additional entertainment Pantsless Power Hour between midnight will be provided by Hazel Dereon, Mason and 1 am, anyone with ... well, you get Dickson, Dr. Ginger Snapz, Diego El Di- the idea. A clothing check is provided. ablo, Ko Wylder, Justin Sane, Mirage J. At 12:30 pm, while everyone has their Cruz, and Reign Showers. pants off, there will be a “Best Ass” con- Tickets for Clifton Pleasure Club test, with the winner receiving one pri- members are $5. General admission vate dance from the dancer of his or her tickets including a service fee are $12.24 choice. The night’s dancers will include for general admission and $28.16 for a Badger and Otter Grant. Tipping the reserved table for two and are available dancers is highly encouraged. online at Bit.ly/30jKCmR. The venue is a The cover all night is $10. There’s 21-plus only club. For more information plenty of free parking. Please note that visit Bit.ly/388kvCi. t the venue is a 21-plus only club. For more info visit Bit.ly/2FL7Qc8. t January Lunch Patrol Dundalk Red Star Drag

B & Dee’s Baltimore Love invites you Brunch to join in for this month’s Lunch Patrol on Sunday, January 26th at 1 pm. For Are you looking for the next Drag Brunch the first time, Lunch Patrol is coming to to add to your Sunday brunch rotation? Dundalk. Volunteers of all ages are wel- Host Truly Hard Seltzer and DJ Big Va- come to help distribute, on foot and by nilla invite you to join them on Sunday, vehicle, bag lunches to people living on February 1st at for Drag Brunch at the the streets of Baltimore. Everyone will Red Star in Fells Point (906 Wolfe Street, meet up this month at 504 Dundalk Av- Baltimore). Doors open at 10 am and the enue, at the intersection of Dundalk and brunch buffet, bottomless mimosas, and Holabird Avenues, then disperse from Truly start at 10:30 am. The show starts there. at 11:30 am, last call is at 12:45 pm, and For more info visit Bit.ly/2RcReiV. the event ends at 1:15 pm. Tickets for That page also includes a link for those —continued on page 5 —continued on page 4

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 17, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 3 news // local Nuptials — Ron Zimmerman thing for everyone, including family, & Steve Jackson friends as well as new faces. Along with Local the shops, there will be vendors, entertainment and an auction. Come early to news stroll the mill, come to the featured event, or come late for dinner or drinks at the —continued from page 3 Rams Head Tavern. Be sure to bring your rainbows and pride gear along with you! Beginning at 5 pm the entertainment will all be family- friendly. From 10 pm to 1 am, there’s adult-oriented entertainment. For more info visit Bit.ly/2sotHmL. t

Unsung Legends Awards 2020 Brunch – What a drag! Joy Baltimore pays homage to some A LONG TIME COMING – 39 years to the day of first meeting, two pillars of the community, brunch and the drag show are $35. Add unsung Baltimore heroes on Saturday, Ron Zimmerman and Steve Jackson, have tied the knot. On January 11th in a very private on the bottomless mimosas and Truly for January 25th, 4 to 8 pm as it presents and quiet ceremony they were married in the church across the street from their house. Not only $10 more. Some flavors of Truly are the 2020 “Unsung Legends Awards.” The only in life but in business these two men have served the community. From real estate, available at an additional charge. For glitzy black-tie and black-carpet event the bar they own, and so many no-profits organizations, they have helped to raise money. more info, visit Bit.ly/36Q050A. t “No two men have put out so much of themselves into this community and asked so little in return,” a very good friend told Baltimore OUTloud. “You can count on them to come through every time. Baltimore OUTloud as well as the community wants to wish them both the best Gay Day at The Mill and thank them for all they have done and will do in the future. t

Howard County Pride will be taking over historic Savage Mill (8600 Foundry Leroy Burgess, Jr. nic Usher Street in Savage, Maryland) and host- • entrepreneur and homeless advo- • urban educator Ashley DeVaughn ing “Gay Day @ The Mill” on Saturday, cate Christina Flowers • Rev. Angela Christina Bullock January 18th, with entertainment from • homeless outreach manager Dom- • activist Marcus Henry 5 pm to 1 am. The event will help raise • distinguished trainer Tyrell D. Moyd funds for local LGBTQ people and bring • activist Angela Denise Wharton the community together to show off pride • conflict resolution mediator Darnyle throughout the year. Historic Savage Mill Wharton • activists Muhammad Najee-Ullah and Robert L. Moore of FullBlast STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Mathematics) and the PURGG Project (Pop-Up Robotic Gaming Grounds) will be held at The Garage (6 East Lafay- • LGBT ally Dawn Garrett ette Avenue, Baltimore), and will “honor • health educator Rev. Kimberly La- extraordinary people who have excelled gree in the areas of mentoring, leadership, • school principal Shantay McKinily empowerment, advocacy, entertainment, • youth and family advocate Tracey and community outreach.” Estep Awardees include • youth and housing advocate Renee is a shopping complex built in the ear- • addiction expert Sakina Dean Unleash your inner Clark Stainrod ly 1800s in Howard County and houses • university activist Nweze Chinedu • activist Terry Williams, aka “Un- shops, galleries, and a tavern. Nwokeafor Kent or Lois Lane! cle-T” Gay Day @ The Mill will have some- • Baltimore Black Pride Co-Founder • entrepreneur and master barber Baltimore OUTloud is looking for Shanile Shakoor local writers to cover local • experienced traveler and volunteer Baltimore and Maryland news, Tiana Carmella Bell, aka “Solo” events, and LGBTQ community • CEO Demaune A. Millard happenings. If you've got • youth advocate Erica Myers journalistic skills -- or just the yen • entrepreneurship expert Jennifer to try (our talented editors are Clark Admission is $54.67 and includes happy to help and give you food, music, dancing, and a silent art feedback!), you can play a valuable auction. Tables of ten are $744.24 and role helping keep the community include all the above as well as compli- informed in the pages of mentary gift bags and a bottle for the Add your business to our distribution locations! Baltimore OUTloud. table. Tickets are available online at Call Baltimore OUTloud Interested? We'd love to talk! Bit.ly/2uNputD. For more info and full forfor moremore detailsdetails Contact Mary Taylor at biographies of the honorees, visit Bit. ly/34GlvvU. t 410-802-1310 [email protected] or call her at 410-802-1310 – news compiled by Bill Redmond- Palmer

4 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 17, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com beyond the beltway compiled by Jim Becker practice of throwing people in jail with- and safety of our nation, which is why the event in LA. For a complete list of out charge or trial, for the sole purpose my choice for president is Mayor Pete nominees, visit Glaad.org. (Dallas Voice of forcing them to testify before a secret, Buttigieg,” Brown said. The endorse- – Tammye Nash at Dallasvoice.com/ UN official government-run investigative panel, re- ment from Brown, who’s a member of glaad-announces-award-nominees) mains strong. Nearly every other legal the Congressional Black Congress, is condemns US system in the world condemns coercive boon for Buttigieg, who has struggled confinement, and long ago replaced se- to win support among black Democrats. detention of cret grand juries with public hearings. I Buttigieg in a statement thanking Brown Anti-gay monk am thrilled to see the practice of coer- for his endorsement cited the Maryland Manning as cive confinement called out for what it Democrat’s record of service in the mil- kicked out is: incompatible with international hu- itary and Congress. “I am honored to torture man rights standards. Regardless, even have Congressman Brown’s endorse- of church for knowing I am very likely to stay in jail for ment and am thrilled to have him co- New York City – The World Socialist an even longer time, I’m never backing chair my campaign, as we work together calling pope Website reports that in an official letter down.” (World Socialist – Oscar Gren- to heal our nation’s divides and restore to the US government, United Nations fell at Wsws.org/en/articles/2020/01/09/ decency and respect to the presidency heretic Special Rapporteur on Torture Nils Mel- mann-j09.html) so that we can get to work on the urgent zer stated that its ongoing imprisonment issues facing our country, Buttigieg said. The Vatican – A notoriously anti-gay of Chelsea Manning is a violation of in- (The Washington Blade – Chris Johnson monk has been excommunicated from ternational law “fulfilling all the consti- at Washingtonblade.com/2020/01/09/ the Catholic Church after accusing Pope tutive elements of torture or other cru- Maryland rep-brown-becomes-first-black-member- Francis of being a “great heretic.” Damon el, inhuman, or degrading treatment or of-congress-to-endorse-buttigieg) [Edi- Jonah Kelly was booted from the church punishment.” Manning has been jailed Congressman tor’s note: Brown previously served two by his superior, the Bishop of Argyll and since May 16th “in contempt of court” terms as lieutenant governor of Mary- the Isles, after he wrote a scathing blog for refusing to give testimony to a grand Anthony Brown land but lost his bid to become governor post attacking the pope for “behaving in jury against WikiLeaks founder Julian of Maryland to current Governor Larry an ambiguous fashion towards homo- Assange and potentially other represen- endorses Hogan. – JB] Buttigieg

Washington, DC – Rep. Anthony GLAAD Brown (D-Maryand), who has made LGBTQ rights a cornerstone of his con- announces gressional career, on January 9th endorsed Democratic candidate Pete Butti- nominees for gieg, becoming the first black member of Congress to endorse the gay presiden- 2020 awards David Jonah Kelly – That’s not a rainbow tial hopeful. umbrella! Manning “Our country needs a president who New York City – Several Texans and can heal our divides and restore decen- projects with Texas ties are among the sexuals.” According to the Scottish Sun, tatives of the media organization. cy to our nation’s highest office,” Brown nominees for the 31st annual GLAAD Kelly was asked to take down the post. In his letter on Manning, sent in Oc- said in a statement. “Pete’s message is Awards, according to an announcement When he refused, he was excommuni- tober and publicly released on December not defined by exclusion but welcomes this morning from GLAAD. They include: cated. That means he may no longer par- 30th, Melzer noted that the courageous everyone into the fight to tackle our na- Gay Chorus, Deep South, the documen- ticipate in the sacraments of the church whistleblower had been the subject of tion’s greatest challenges. As we fight for or act in any official capacity. an “urgent appeal” by his predecessor in the future of the soul of our country here Kelly called the punishment “extraor- 2010. at home, we also remain entangled in dinary,” saying that, “We had enough At the time, Manning, awaiting trial endless wars abroad and the threats to of the bishops’ silence,” Kelly said. “A for having leaked the damning US army American lives and interests around the church that accepts homosexual rela- and diplomatic documents, was being world have increased.” tions, accepts abortions, is not Christ’s held in brutal conditions of solitary con- Key to Brown’s endorsement of the church.” Kelly was referring to recent pa- finement in a military prison. She was gay presidential candidate was military pal statements indicating that LGBT peo- denied adequate medical treatment experience. Brown, a veteran of the Iraq ple, women who have had abortions, and and attempted suicide twice. Manning war, served for three decades in the civilly divorced Catholics may be eligible was eventually convicted on espionage Army and Army Reserve, while Buttigieg tary about the San Francisco Gay Men’s for church sacraments. charges and sentenced to decades in is an Afghanistan war veteran. “After Chorus tour through the American South; Kelly has a long history of anti-LGBT prison. Manning was released in 2017 serving three decades in the Army and Borderlands 3, the latest installment in actions. In 2014, he papered his town when former President Barack Obama Army Reserve and now as vice chair of the LGBTQ-inclusive Borderlands video with leaflets declaring that AIDS was commuted her sentence in the dying the House Armed Services Committee, game series; Black and Trans in Tex- “God’s punishment” for homosexuality, days of his presidency. Melzer wrote: “I I’m acutely aware that the top priority as, by Vice News Tonight on HBO; and that transgender people should be exor- express serious concern at the reported for the president should be the security TransGriot, Houston trans activist Moni- cised, and that gay people are “like vam- use of coercive measures against Ms. ca Robert’s blog. pires.” He pleaded guilty to a hate-crime Manning, particularly given the history of The GLAAD Media Awards, present- harassment charge after distributing the her previous conviction and ill-treatment ed each year by the Gay and Lesbian leaflets. Last year, Kelly was sentenced in detention.” The UN official wrote that Alliance Against Defamation, recognize to 250 hours of community service af- Manning was being held under draconi- and honor media for “fair, accurate, and ter sending anti-gay hate mail to a pro- an legislation, which enables judges to inclusive” representations of the commu- LGBT minister, telling the priest to “hang seek to coerce witnesses into testifying nity. This year’s award winners will be himself” if he wasn’t going to “repent of before a grand jury. announced at events slated for March his evil.” Kelly has described himself as In a statement responding to Mel- 19th in New York and April 16th in Los a “criminal for Christ.” Only days after zer’s letter published on Sparrow Me- Angeles. Kelly was excommunicated, three reli- dia last week, Manning declared: “My Singer / songwriter Taylor Swift and long-standing objection to the immoral Brown plumps for Buttigieg director Janet Mock will be honored at —continued on page 10 BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 17, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 5 IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY® This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace (bik-TAR-vee) talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side eects, including: BIKTARVY may cause serious side eects, including: } Worsening of Hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have } Those in the “Most Important Information About both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if BIKTARVY” section. you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY } Changes in your immune system. Your immune system without ﬁrst talking to your healthcare provider, as they may get stronger and begin to ﬁght infections. Tell your will need to check your health regularly for several months. healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY. ABOUT BIKTARVY } Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults. It can either be used in they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY. people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose } Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements. is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual that causes AIDS. muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. that contains: } Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. } dofetilide Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these } rifampin symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, } any other medicines to treat HIV-1 dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY } The most common side eects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%). Tell your healthcare provider if you: These are not all the possible side eects of BIKTARVY. } Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any hepatitis infection. new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. } Have any other health problems. You are encouraged to report negative side eects of } Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare or call 1-800-FDA-1088. KEEP provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your } Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY. breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines PUSHING. you take: Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food. } Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter GET MORE INFORMATION Because HIV doesn’t change who you are. medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider } This is only a brief summary of important information about and pharmacist. BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more. BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat } BIKTARVY and other medicines may aect each other. Ask } HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5. that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take } If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you. To learn more, BIKTARVY with all your other medicines. for program information. visit BIKTARVY.com.

Get HIV support by downloading a free app at BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, DAILY CHARGE, the DAILY CHARGE Logo, KEEP PUSHING, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important MyDailyCharge.com Version date: December 2018 © 2019 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0103 02/19 warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.

6 tBVYC0103_BIKTARVY_B_9-5x10-75_BaltimoreOUTloud_KeepPushing2_DR4_r2v1jl.indd BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 17, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com All Pages 9/5/19 2:17 PM IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY® This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace (bik-TAR-vee) talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

BVYC0103_BIKTARVY_B_9-5x10-75_BaltimoreOUTloud_KeepPushing2_DR4_r2v1jl.indd All Pages BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 17, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com9/5/19 2:17 tPM 7 VoiceVoice ofof thethe CenterCenter

8 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 17, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com VoiceVoice ofof thethe CenterCenter Calendar of Events

2020 and The Pride Center of Maryland Friday, January 17th PCOM Karaoke Mixer Happy New Everyone!!! (MA)Marijuana Anonymous: 7:00 - 8:00pm Saturday, January 18th (AA)Alcoholics Anonymous: 6:00 - 8:00pm First and foremost thank you so Yet we still face many challenges twilight years, themurder rates of Sunday,January 19th much for being part of our com- as community. Our federal rights black transgender women, black (NA)Narcotics Anonymous: 11am – 1pm munity. We are starting 2020 offto and protections havecurrent- women, and black men contin- Coming Out Support Group 5pm – 7pm Gentle Mindful Yoga: 3:30pm – 4:45pm good start and better positioning ly been rolled back, on average uetobedisproportionately high- Monday,January 20th the Center to be a State Center 80% of all new HIV infection rates er when compared to their white Why You Gotta Hate 5-8pm for Maryland. Our missioncon- in Maryland continueto be black counterparts. And even while we Tuesday, January 21st Free & Confidential Testing: 2:00 – 5:00pm tinues to be a catalyst for uniting transgender women and black faceall of these different challeng- Teen Art Group 5:30-7:30pm and empowering sexual and gen- men who have sex with men, on es there are still those forces in Poetry Workshop 6:30 – 8:30pm GED Pre-Testing 6-9pm der minorities in Maryland, and average 40% of thehomeless power who are well versed inpit- SILhouette 7:30-9:30pm to advocate for a better quality of population in Baltimore consists ting marginalized communities Wednesday, January 22nd life for the entire community.The of sexual and gender minorities, against one another, so we stay Vogue Night with STAR TRACK (SCA)Sexual Compulsives Anonymous: State of Maryland remains to be the majority of eldersexual and vigilant and remind ourselvesto 7:00 - 8:00pm a progressive state, one that we gender minorities continue to die never play into theirhands.The The Mankind Project: 7:00 - 9:15pm Thursday, January 23rd should all feel good to bepart. alone and lack support in their Pride Center of Maryland is do- Free & Confidential Testing: 2:00 – 5:00pm ing many exciting things to help Helping Hands Clothing Closet 3-7pm support all of the challengesI Community Advisory Council Meeting 6-7pm Friday, January 24th mentioned above. We also have Breaking Bread Project 6:30-10:00pm some very exciting things coming (MA) Marijuana Anonymous: 7:00-8:00pm in 2020 such as unveiling anew Saturday, January 25th (AA)Alcoholics Anonymous: 6:00-8:00pm building, providing additional pro- Sunday, January 26th gramming to that support mental (NA)Narcotics Anonymous: 11:00am – 1:00pm health and living withHIV. We will Gentle Mindful Yoga 3:30 – 4:45pm also be launching a state-wide Monday, January 27th Tuesday, January 28th community needs assessment, Free & Confidential Testing: 2:00-5:00 pm which will beginwith conducting (HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia) Living with HIV/AIDS Support Group: focus groups in March. If you ha- 3:30-4:30pm ven’t already, I encourage you to Teen Art Group 5:30pm – 7:30pm New Volunteer Orientation 6:30-7:30pm sign up for.In addition, Pride is an Wednesday, January 29th important day of celebration for (SCA)Sexual Compulsives Anonymous: 7:00-8:00pm all us in the community to come The Mankind Project – 7:00 – 9:15pm togetherand celebrate how far we Thursday, January 30th have come and how far we still Free & Confidential Testing: 2– 5:00pm (HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia) have to go. Pride weekend should GED Pre-Testing 6-9pm befilled with celebration and col- Friday, January 31st lective action. The Center has tak- (MA) Marijuana Anonymous: 7-8:00pm Saturday, February 1st en great measures in 2019 toen- (AA)Alcoholics Anonymous - 6:00-8:00pm sure that the safety and dignity of View Calendar Here: our community were upheld over www.pridecentermd.org/calendar/ Pride weekend and we will do the same this year.I wish everyone a happy 2020, with peace, fortitude, and a prosperous year. A year in which wecan all rise together. http://www.pridecentermd.org/wp-content/ uploads/2019/10/2004- 2012-North-Charles-St-Final-Pre- sentation_9.26.19.pdf

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 17, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 9 beyond the beltway

—continued from page 5 queer style during the 1980s was its own though she was at a meeting in Dallas form “attention-seeking,” helping estab- and could not attend herself. WISD gious hermits living in the Scottish island lish his brand as a counter-cultural icon. Superintendent Dwain York then of Orkney were also thrown out of the While Boy George and Culture Club sent an email to parents claiming Catholic Church. They had also called were best known for radio hits like “Do that the Texan logo was an of- the Pope a “heretic” and said evil was You Really Want to Hurt Me?” and “Kar- ficial brand and declaring that “destroying” the church. (Seattle Gay ma Chameleon,” Culture Club broke up any alteration would suggest a News – Mike Andrew at Sgn.org/sgn- in 1986 due to Boy George’s ongoing district endorsement, Spectrum news48_02/page7.cfm) drug addiction. The band reunited brief- News reported at the time. The ly in 1998, toured in 2002, reunited in school district was threatening 2014, and released its first new album legal action unless those par- in nearly 20 years in 2018. (LGBTQ Na- ents who had posted the graph- Boy George: tion – Daniel Villarreal at Lgbtqnation. ic on social media removed com/2020/01/boy-george-derides-per- it from their personal pages. changing your sonal-pronouns-modern-form-atten- Klosterboer said that several of tion-seeking) the parents had removed the post pronouns is from their social media, and accused WISD of “silencing their voices in a attention- Texas school way that is not only wrong – it’s uncon- stitutional.” seeking district Pointing out that the WHS Texans logo “for years … appears to have been interstate commerce, according to court London – Boy George, the androg- threatens to used by others in the community without records. Tabizada has been in custody ynous 58-year-old lead singer of the incident,” Klosterboer wrote. That in- since her arrest and faces a January band Culture Club, has been accused of sue parents cludes local businesses using the logo 21st detention review hearing before US transphobia after tweets that seemed to in promotional signs and even one busi- District Judge Carl J. Nichols in DC. A using gay flag ness selling t-shirts featuring the logo judge ordered her held in jail until court with a Christian cross symbol behind it. proceedings begin. Wimberley, Texas – The Wimberley But it wasn’t until someone combined According to court documents, a Independent School District is threaten- the logo with the rainbow flag that the nun and a school administrator re- ing legal action against a group of par- school district got upset and threatened ceived threats to bomb the school and ents who “expressed their support for to sue. Klosterboer said that while the kill nuns only two days after the school LGBTQ students” by creating a graph- district claims that it is simply protecting announced plans to include information ic that combined the Wimberley High its copyrights and trademarks, “it has no about same-sex weddings in its alum- School Texans logo with a rainbow flag, basis to silence the parents’ expression, nae magazine. The elite private girls’ posting the graphic on Facebook and even under federal law. school is owned and operated by the Boy George – Dog bites man and celebrity then making t-shirts with that logo during Klosterboer said that WISD has “lost Roman Catholic Church but decided that disparages attention-seeking the city of Wimberley’s first LGBT Pride sight of what is truly important” and in- it would begin including news of former March last fall, according to an article by stead of trying to find ways to better students’ same-sex unions in its alum- disparage people’s pronouns. After the Brian Klosterboer on the American Civil protect LGBTQ students, the district nae magazine. The decision was an- singer published an incorrectly punctuat- Liberties Union of Texas website. Bryan “seem[s] to have spent hours scanning nounced on May 13th, 2019, and on May ed tweet reading, “Leave your pronoun’s Burke, parent of a WISD student, said social media in an effort to harass par- 15th threats began. at the door!” a fellow Twitter user asked that creating and posting the graphic ents and police free expression online.” Prosecutors say Tabizada left a George, “Do you not know what the fuck “symbolize[d] a hug to those kids that And to make matters worse, he added, message early the morning of May 15th pronouns are?” The singer responded, hide in the shadows during their WISD WISD voted not to add specific protec- saying that “sinners” have to “be sep- “A modern form of attention-seeking?” experience out of fear. It lets them know tions for LGBTQ students to its non- arate,” that the school should remove When someone wrote, “Disappointing” they are just as important as any of child discrimination policies last November. gay people from the magazine, and that to the singer’s reply, the singer retorted, (Dallas Voice – at Dallasvoice.com/wim- she would burn and bomb the church. A “Most things are! But being disappoint- berley-isd-threatens-legal-action-over- minute later, prosecutors say, she called ed is the most disappointing.” When whs-logo-with-rainbow-flag) back. “I’m gonna fucking blow up the another Twitter user pointed out to Boy school and call it a mission from God,” George that it costs nothing to respect she is charged with saying. She is not a person’s chosen name or pronouns, a graduate of the school, a school rep- adding that “People are too quick to California resentative said. t (Seattle Gay News – criticize others’ lifestyles & identities. If Mike Andrew at Sgn.org/sgnnews48_02/ people want attention there’s usually a woman held in page3.cfm) reason. Ask them,” the singer responded, “Thanks for that but I have eyes and can Where’s the school pride? threat to bomb mostly describe what I see!” Boy George’s media representa- in the district.” Wimberley is located DC girls prep tives responded to the controversy, say- about an hour southwest of Austin. These news notes have been compiled, ing, “The concept of … asking whether The controversy started last Septem- school with permission, from the online version Boy George is transphobic is so stupid ber when Wimberley School Board mem- of various newspapers and other web it doesn’t warrant a response.” It’s like- ber Lori Olson posted a photo of herself Washington, DC – A California wom- sites. We thank these publications for ly that the singer is being heedless and on the Wimberley Pride March Facebook an has been charged with threatening to allowing us to bring you their news stories. Usually the reports have been sig- glib, especially since his own gender- page wearing a t-shirt bearing the Tex- bomb, burn, and kill people at George- nificantly edited and you can read the ans / rainbow flag graphic, according to town Visitation Preparatory School, a full story by going to the web site men- Spectrum News in San Antonio. Olson Catholic all-girls high school in Wash- tioned following the item. Comments wrote that her “heart is full with all the ington, DC. Sonia Tabizada pleaded not are strictly the opinions of Jim Becker wonderful people” marching in the town’s guilty on January 3rd to federal charges and not of Baltimore OUTloud or Pride first Pride parade, and that she stood “in of obstructing religious exercise by Media. solidarity with everyone involved” even threat, and transmitting bomb threats in

10 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 17, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com thinking outloud

Huh. The idea of “being seen” by his blog “My Fabulous Disease.” We all How Dare Leo Herrera Pretend AIDS others, straight people, is dependent on claim license to how we represent HIV in —continued from page 1 their gaze. I’m going to remember that. our lives, and in our art, don’t we? Never Existed? Very interesting point. Exactly! I always looooved the title of Leo: I bet! It usually takes folks a min- As soon as I thought “Straight people your blog. I still remember the first time I ute or two to process. I think they were fighting for so much would never let us do that,” that’s when I read the title, and I remember at that time it You love leather men. Let’s start more than that, but our sexual freedoms are went even further with an idea. wasn’t an easy thing for you to do. there. And drag queens. And black and at the core of so much of what we do and Which explains the sexuality, that’s There are tons of clever ideas in your brown men. But especially leather men, the first thing to go in times of oppression. for sure. In the behind-the-scenes vid- series. In your series, they develop an it would appear. What’s the attraction, How can you imagine a world without AIDS eo for your series, you say, “I don’t STI prevention mist that they put in the literally and figuratively? without frankly, and sometimes graphically, want people to think about AIDS when ventilation system of the gay clubs to I do love leather men and they are all showcasing what sex could have been? they watch it. But I want them to under- protect the revelers – and you reference over these episodes. That was one of the The sex is also a sore spot, as it stand that the world that they live in was at the end how Steve Rubell at Studio 54 launching points of the entire project, when were, for many activists because so shaped by it.” Nope. I thought of AIDS put poppers in the ventilation system. I first started to figure out the wildest visu- much of the early debates within the gay and what we lost throughout. But I don’t That was one of the oldest ideas of the als, I saw a leather man, in full code, at the community as AIDS was emerging were see that as a bad thing, not at all. series, part of a series of other short sto- White House. I sort of worked backwards between those who were in favor of sex- That comment was aimed more toward ries. I read that in a book about Studio 54 from that. ual restraint (like closing the baths) ver- a younger generation, who grew up with re- when I was 17 and I liiived for it. You could start a “just for fans” page sus those who resented our new sexual ally frightening news cycles and documen- As a Latino gay man, I suppose it’s with all the leather man footage you revolution being interrupted or impeded. taries. no accident that your film considers im- have. Your vision ramps that sexual revolution But I’m adult! I lived through it. De- migrants sacred to the LGBT communi- There is so much of it that I wasn’t able right up again. spite its obvious hopefulness and gen- ty. to include, too. Some of it was heartbreak- Yes, and studying our history as much erosity of spirit, there is an inescapable There was a web of gay and trans folks ing to edit out. as I have, I see those conversations take sense of melancholy to watch this as a that helped my family after we moved to You hadn’t been involved or attract- place and I understand both sides so much. long-term survivor. That isn’t a criticism. this country. My mom was, and is, a huge ed to this community prior to this proj- But the sexual freedom of that time was It’s my prism. fag hag, so gays were always part of her ect? translating into something much bigger, Oh absolutely. It’s a ghost story at its support system. Oh, I absolutely have, you can’t have affecting so much of the mainstream cul- heart. Your series got me thinking about lived your 20s in San Francisco and not ture… Indeed. Somewhere deep inside, I others who would have lived, gay black been affected by the leather community. I Not to belabor this point, but you go wondered if your entire concept should men in particular, such as singer Sylves- think the entire concept of the leather com- heavy on sexual liberation, even bac- offend me somehow. There are folks ter or athlete Arthur Ashe. Which makes munity, from the obvious sexual intrigue, to chanalia, in the series. A sexual tribe who deeply resent the word AIDS leav- me conscious of the fact that black and the family structures are important, and I gains tax exemption as a religion in one ing our vocabulary in favor of simply brown men are very present visually, but think that in many ways, the leather com- episode, and the uncensored version using the term HIV. And here you’ve you don’t rescue a gay black figure from munity were sort of our infantry and gener- of that episode is explicitly sexual, with wiped the entire epidemic off the history AIDS history to see how he might have als for so much of our early modern queer Christ-like sexual crucifixions. I mean, books! I know you’re engaged in a fic- lived the rest of his life. culture. I love the family and tribal dynam- boy howdy, Leo. Oh, and there go those tional exercise, so I can’t pinpoint what I had Sylvester as one of the fathers in ics. leather men again… is driving this tinge of discomfort for me. the finale, but story-wise, she didn’t fit. As Yes, true, true. I honestly didn’t mean for that episode But it’s there. a queer Latino, I chose the storyline of im- And one of the first places we start to to be so sexual, but I was invited to film a Yeah, it’s meant to be there. I’m one of migration. Sylvester is a huge part of San lose in cities are our leather bars, and it’s sex orgy and went for it. And it was appro- those people Francisco history. There’s always heartbreaking to me. priate because Robert nobody here that’s been Yeah, my leather friends are really Mapplethorpe, who has untouched by that legacy. troubled by their dwindling spaces. been a hero of mine since Well, Leo, you’ve But equally interesting has been, how I was a teen, was the fo- done a great thing, and no matter what city you go to, if you visit cus of that episode, and created a mesmerizing an Eagle, you know exactly what to expect then I was left dealing with work of art. And now I and how to behave. That’s really powerful a lot of the same imagery look in the mirror and to me. and censorship stuff that realize I don’t need to Oh, and I have to say how brilliant he did. be digitally aged. Here and right it felt to see The Celluloid Well, what artiste can we are, in real life, Closet author and early gay activist Vito say no to an invitation to watching years pass Russo as President of the United States. film an orgy? by that I never imag- Right! That was one of the first choices A fisting orgy, no less. It ined I would see. made early on in the project. I adore him, was almost as if Robert was Many people of your as an activist and a film buff. I thought how daring me to do it. age have expressed that feeling to me, the tickled he’d be to use a low budget movie to You go, boy. There’s ‘The Fathers make him president. always been a riddle Project’ idea of not thinking you (Poz magazine founder and activist) about whether or not AIDS would be here. Sean Strub had a romance with Vito for took gay lib backwards, that I wonder if this means I should stop about five minutes back in the day. or if it helped us be seen as human thinks that art should make you a bit un- dying my beard. Embrace my Father- I know, he told me about it. He told me beings, even if we were humans in cri- comfortable. Although I will say that I was hood. Actually, that’s what daddies are a lot of wonderful Vito stories and what it sis. Your series suggests you believe in pretty terrified at the start of the project for, so I guess I’m good. means to hold on to our history and be sto- the former. about offending folks. I think you’ll be fine. Daddies are super rytellers when everyone else is gone. That I think the project needed to be an ex- There’s almost a “how dare you?” in right now affected me deeply. ercise in Utopia, so I decided early on that I sentiment in me somewhere, like you’re And I’m a ginger daddy! That makes But we digress. Your series. Geez, would see the crisis as an impediment. Also, depriving us of Our Great Tragedy. In me a double threat. the sex! Much of an episode is devoted the idea that we needed a plague to be seen fact, I think I’ll name this interview “How ’Atta girl! t to Stonewall Nation as a place of sexual as human beings is really a bummer to me, dare Leo Herrera pretend AIDS never ex- Be sure to check out “The Fathers Proj- freedom and even debauchery for LGBT even if it’s partially true. That idea also de- isted?” ect” for more behind-the-scenes videos and people. Is that what Harvey Milk and Vito pends on straight people’s gaze and that’s I love it. background information. Russo were fighting for? not part of what this project is. I’m asking this as a guy who named

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 17, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 11 thinking outloud

myself. It’s not that I wanted to die. I just had worked on, but I decided to go home told him and everyone there this is what wanted the pain to stop. Some 46% of instead. I didn’t feel well so I went to bed. I would’ve missed if I would have done transgender people attempt suicide. Fifteen minutes later I was throwing up what I was planning. Since then I’ve Sophie’s Think about that, 46% attempt suicide. blood and spent several days in the hos- been on the cover of Diversity Rules Not just think about it, but actually try pital. You see I was self-medicating. My magazine. I’ve been on three talk shows, Choice and take their own lives. If it were any drug was alcohol. I was drinking about seven podcasts, and a dozen articles on By Sophie White other group in America people would be a gallon of rum a week. And while I was various things. I’ve also become a syn- outraged. But because it’s us, we don’t in the hospital, I refused to tell the doc- dicated writer and I have this column. seem to matter to the powers to be. tors that I was I reached out to a friend, Wayne on hormones. I The World is Pere, pictured here, instead of taking my thought that If The author and own life. When I first told him, I think he I did the whole Wayne Pere Changing thought I was joking at first. But he talked world would sud- to me over the next four or five hours. He denly find out However, we are making strides – like convinced me to find a therapist. I have that I am trans- on NBC, their Wednesday night, prime to tell you when you reach out to a thera- gender. time, biggest show, they had a story line pist it’s not like the movies where you are After I got of a transgender female. I hope some suddenly better. It doesn’t work like that. out of the hos- of y’all saw me on Chicago Because a couple of pital, I found a Med season five, episode But just not weeks later I was in New doctor to actu- six. I was honored to be able York. I had won a screenwrit- ally prescribe to help tell one of our stories. fast enough. ing competition and while I them, ending my I struggled with accepting was there, I meet up with a guessing game who I was for many years. I friend who invited me to see on the black mar- was ashamed – even embarrassed – her view of the city. It was breathtaking, ket. I slowly start- about who I was. It wasn’t until a series I guess, I can’t really tell you, because ed transitioning. of family tragedies before I could em- as I looked out at New York City from I started doing brace who I was. Five years ago, my her 17th floor view, all I could do is think what I call “tak- mother and brother died on the same about was jumping. ing control of the weekend. That sent me spiraling into a While I was getting better with ther- narrative.” That’s deep depression. apy, but I was also getting closer to the when I decided I wanted Keep pushing forward, pursue your Three years ago, I was returning edge, so to speak. I came home and con- to tell my own story. I made two lists of dreams, don’t let adversity stand in your home to Louisiana from Austin, Texas, tinued therapy. A little over a month later people. The first was family and very way. As always love, light, and peace. t when I started looking for a place to kill I was headed to a premiere of a movie I close friends. The second was people who meant something to me. I started telling them one by one. I sat down with each and everyone one of them and told them my story. That was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life, and I’ve done a lot. However, that gave me the strength to be me. After that, one of the first things I did was I started putting trans-positive articles on my Facebook page. Then several months later, I changed my sta- tus from male to female. No one commented on it until someone who knew me in high school asked about it in a very negative fashion. My Facebook page erupted into an ava- lanche of support for me. I didn’t have to lift a finger and it was marvelous. However, It didn’t all go smooth, you • ArchitecturAlly-stunning see I had started a new job in Chalmette, and when the wife of the owner found my wedding venue • Facebook page. I was fired less than a week later. I was upset, devastated, but • indOOr & OutdOOr it was perfect timing for me. You see had wedding cereMOnies, I had that job, I would not been able to recePtiOns, And elOPeMents • put in an audition for “Chicago Med.” Since I decided to come out, I also decided that I would do the things I al- • Over 30 sAMe-sex weddings ways wanted to do. I started acting and since 2013 • in my first year I have been cast in three TV series and 14 movies. This last year and a half, has been unbelievable. I had Follow us on Instagram and Facebook a viewing party for my “Chicago Med” @ChaseCourtWeddingVenue episode. At the party my best friend was there, 410-727-1112 • chasecourt.com the one I called that day in October three 1112 Saint Paul Street, Baltimore, MD years earlier. I made a toast for him to Owned and Operated by David Egan, thank him for saving me from myself. I wedding columnist for BaltimoreOUTloud.

12 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 17, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com quality of life

so are you. We deserve to embrace ourselves exactly as we are – even when we don’t er public figures are openly and loudly Disrupting have words for it or choose not to use I’m Queer... against all things LGBTQ. While those the words we have. When we know our- facts are hard, what I do know is that the Bias selves as people, as individuals, we un- Now What? community is large, and strong-waiting Johanna M. Dolan derstand that we are so much more than By Elizabeth Harring with open arms to embrace and support just sexual orientation, gender expres- you. sion, and gender identity (SOGIE) and Visibility and representation are also Aim for that those three things – which threat- Coming important. Kate McKinnon said at the en everything – are just minor pieces of Golden Globes last week that realizing Thriving us. That’s why we must find a way to do Out she was a lesbian felt like she had “alien more than just survive. DNA” and “the only thing that made it I’ve sat down many times over the last If we can find a way to be ourselves The Human Rights Campaign defines less scary was seeing Ellen on TV.” This several months to write this series of arti- and accept the parts which might seem “coming out” as “The process in which a week Janelle Monáe posted a tweet com- cles. Every time I came up short. After all, unacceptable then we can find a way to person first acknowledges, accepts and ing out as gender nonbinary. These may it’s difficult to say to others like be everything that we are cre- appreciates their sexual orientation or seem like simple decisions, one article myself that in a world which is ated to be. Even if those things gender identity and begins to share that was even entitled “ How Janelle Monáe fundamentally unsafe to us and Radiating don’t have anything to do with with others”. The idea of coming out var- casually came out”. But, I think there is threatens to destroy us that we your glow SOGIE. ies greatly from person to person, and nothing casual about putting your iden- must find a way to know our- That’s what I am striving to there is no right “way” or time to do it. tity out for all to see and discuss. It is selves, be ourselves, and em- from inner unpack and find encouraging When you consider the imagery of exit- vulnerable, and it is brave. brace ourselves. Regardless of words for. Maybe together we ing a closet, it is the idea of embracing all the stigma we’ve internal- well-being can inspire and motivate each and declaring your true self to ized or externalized, the rules other to just let go a little in this the world. For some people that are placed upon us by a heteronor- series because I’m tired of burying peo- that is liberating, for others mative society, or even the rules that are ple we didn’t have to bury for no good truly terrifying. placed upon us by our own LGBT commu- reason other than they were different I don’t have time to cover nity itself – somehow we must find a way than what society expected of them. As the long history of the coming to be the real us. We must find a way to a result, they never knew just how mag- out experience, but National rise above our inner biases so that we can ical and necessary to the world they are Coming Out Day was founded explore ourselves as people – just people. to start with. So. Here’s nothing. in 1988 to celebrate the Sec- We are so much more than people with In this series of articles, we’re going ond National March on Wash- different sexual orientation, to unpack: ington for Lesbian and Gay • What’s at stake Rights. • What’s on the other So why do we need a na- side tional coming out day in 2020? • Laws and resources Some people I have talked that support us to recently feel that we have • Outing ourselves come so far, we’ve made such prog- I asked Instagram this week (@ • Holding the space for ress, “do you even need to come out any bmorequeer) their thoughts on if they others without outing them more?” would support someone coming out. Two We’re a communi- Forty percent of homeless youth be- people took the time to comment “No” long to the LGBTQ community. The fact “Definitely not”. (Thank you – Next!) But gender identities, and ty that largely accepts each other and that kids and teens are still regularly others shared some insightful reminders gender expressions than the cisgender works together. We’re not always per- heteronormative society wrapped around fect. We never will be perfect. Despite kicked out of their homes and families and thoughts such as ... us. We must find a way to know ourselves that we can support each other – our for their gender or sexuality is very real. • “Be ready for negative and positive as people so we can transcend the limita- future depends on it. Somebody’s life, Only 21 states have comprehensive feedback … but take it as more of a rea- tion of only being known as “the gay one”, right this very moment, may depend on laws prohibiting discrimination on the son to be who you are” “the butch one”, or our pronouns. us supporting each other – no matter basis of sexual orientation and gender • “Just know you will be lighter and I get it. All my life people have been how we experience, express or discuss identity. And not as though you need a free”. t trying to figure out “what” I am. When I our SOGIE. reminder but our vice president, our new • “It gets easier over time”. was little, little they called me a “tomboy”. Supreme court justices, and many oth- So if you’re struggling with what to When I was school-aged, I got bullied by say, if you will be accepted, what will my peers – was I a “boy or a girl?” I was happen next, you are not alone. You’re in more fistfights over that then anything not the first, and you damn sure won’t else. As an adult I’ve chosen not to re- Hearts and Ears Inc. be the last to face this experience. Uti- quest people use a specific pronoun with LGBTQIA+ Wellness & Recovery Center lize your support systems or tap into new me. I’d rather be treated with respect in- ones, connect with others in the commu- stead of curiosity – my gender identity is nity, schedule a session with an LGBTQ my business. Most of the time people ac- Hearts & Ears, Inc. is a non-profit organization for Gay, counselor, read about others experienc- cept that. One time the request to use my es, attend a support group. Most import- name and treat me with respect resulted Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and ant, be kind to yourself and trust that you in a person representing a local trans or- Questioning, and Gender Non-Conforming individuals will come through this. It might seem iso- ganization calling me an “it” after I said I lating or confusing, but there are people just want to be treated with respect. I got with behavioral health issues and concerns. to love and support you. After all, I have treated with the exact opposite of respect a feeling you’d do the same for them. because my personal boundaries about Just a reminder to find me on Instagram t disclosing myself clashed with theirs. So, 611 Park Avenue Suite A, Baltimore, Maryland 21201 • 410-523-1694 – send your thoughts or ideas! I get it. Rules are tough. We’re never go- [email protected] • heartsandears.org Elizabeth Harring is a licensed certi- ing to have the same rules. And here’s the fied clinical social worker. deal…. I’m not a “what”. I’m a who. And

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 17, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 13 quality of life // Health & Wellness

stuck, and we have restored the blood Looking flow to that area, therefore reducing pain Ahead to U=U in 2020 Mending and inflammation while also restoring the normal function. More than three years ago, the Prevention very strong and has been one of the early Chinese medicine believes different Access Campaign launched the U=U ini- adopters of the U=U message. It is unusual Gap materials vibrate at different frequencies tiative, an international effort to spread the in the US, unfortunately, to see such pro- Charles Dudley and have different energetic properties scientific consensus that individuals with gressive efforts to get this which will impact the stuck chi in vary- HIV who maintain an undetectable viral load life-changing information An ing ways. This may not be far from the cannot sexually transmit the virus to others. out to people with HIV and : What truth. Tools of different materials have a On World AIDS Day 2018, Baltimore the general public. We at equation Gua Sha different feel when performing gua sha, joined that consensus with the unveiling of the Prevention Access to and it is the vibration created by the U=U Maryland, a community-led coalition Campaign are very im- the Heck is It?!? tool with the tissue. I have a set of tools working to spread the U=U message in Bal- pressed with, and grate- celebrate made from jade that feels dif- timore and beyond. ful to, the U=U Maryland As a manual physical ther- ferent than tools made of lapis As U=U looks campaign for being inno- apist, I’m always looking Let’s explore or even steel. Steel tools (also vative, creative, and bold. We need bold for new ways to work with an ancient known as Graston blades) leaders to demonstrate how impactful this the body and was recent- were made popular in the message can be! ly introduced to gua sha, Chinese form physical therapy world a few With the worldwide U=U campaign a 2000-plus year old Chi- years ago with custom blades passing its third year, what do you feel nese medical treatment of theapeutic for various parts of the body. is the most important thing people still involving scraping the skin The Graston technique was need to know about it? with a spoon or a coin. Gua scraping developed in 1994 and shares The U=U campaign now is endorsed by sha originally used either a a lot of similarities to the 2000- nearly 950 organizations in 99 countries, spoon or a coin in order to scrape the plus year old gua sha technique, with including 15 state and 28 local health de- lubricated skin in one direction in order similar effects but different rationales partments in the US (both Maryland and to free the chi stuck in an area, such as Baltimore are included), as well as several the lower back, neck, shoulders, thighs, “When tissue is tight, country, regional, and local health agen- etc. I’ve been told this was often per- cies throughout the world. The movement formed at home by grandma, who would it does not get good is one of the most successful grassroots just pull a soup spoon out of the kitchen advocacy movements in the history of the drawer or a coin out of her pocket and blood flow. Without HIV epidemic, but many more people need perform gua sha on someone. It is highly good blood flow, Murray Penner – to know about it. The most important thing effective and has evolved a bit in modern ahead to its of the Prevention people need to know is that U=U is a prov- times. the tissue can’t get fourth year, we caught Access Campaign en concept. What is happening when we perform nutrition, nor can it up with Murray Penner, does the math on What we must do is use the U=U mes- gua sha? The skin is lubricated, and the the North American ex- U=U sage to encourage universal access to tool of your choice is applied to the skin. get rid of its waste ecutive director for the treatment. In the US, nearly 500,000 peo- With gentle pressure, you scrape the Prevention Access Cam- ple with HIV are not virally suppressed. skin in one direction repeatedly. What I products efficiently.” paign, to learn more about the current state This is unacceptable and the U=U mes- am looking for is some redness, possibly of the U=U effort. sage can be harnessed to help improve the even a little bruising in the area. Don’t for doing it. Like dry needling in physical Why is the U=U message particularly number of people who benefit from U=U. worry, the bruising is mild and does therapy versus acupuncture: same tools, relevant here in the Baltimore area? It is clearly difficult for many people to ac- not last long, no more than in cupping. different rationale and application. The U=U message is relevant for every- cess treatment and this means we must Using a more Western medical model, Personally, I have a set of gua sha one living with HIV. And with approximately support PLWH in new and innovative ways what is happening is blades made of jade, 18,000 residents in the Baltimore metropoli- to ensure they have the means to access the fascial layers are which give good re- tan area living with HIV, it is critical to spread stuck in that area. sults, but recently the word so they know that anyone living treatment. This is especially true for people with HIV who is on effective treatment and who traditionally don’t access healthcare When tissue is tight, acquired a set of achieves an undetectable viral load (mean- and who have co-occurring challenges in it does not get good heated stones made ing the level of virus in their bloodstream is their lives. And we know that HIV dispro- blood flow. Without of Himalayan salt. suppressed to such low levels that it can’t portionately is impacting black and Latino good blood flow, the Some of them have be detected with most laboratory tests) can- Americans, young people, transgender in- tissue can’t get nutri- more iron to give not transmit HIV to their sexual partners. dividuals, and people who use drugs. We tion, nor can it get rid them a darker color To what extent do you feel U=U has must innovate our programs to ensure that of its waste products but also retain the been embraced by our community? we change these unacceptable statistics efficiently. This is of- heat more than my Many people who know about U=U about viral suppression. ten associated with pink stones. Can you have expressed that it has lifted a huge The other message that is associated inflammation in the imagine how luxu- weight off their shoulders. People with HIV with the U=U movement is that HIV stigma area. When we apply rious it will feel to can love, have sex, and have babies without is a public health emergency and often kills pressure with a gua have gua sha with the worry of transmitting HIV. The message people. We can also use the U=U message sha tool and scrape heated Himalayan t is life-changing and reduces HIV stigma. to educate that people living with HIV can the skin, we are cre- salt stones? But far too many people do not know about now live normal and healthy lives and that ating a “wave” in front If you have any the message nor do some embrace it. I con- HIV transmission can be eliminated if we of the tool, giving questions about tinue to hear exciting reports from people can achieve universal access to treatment the fascia, skin, and gua sha and how I in the Baltimore area. It’s uplifting to see and viral suppression. Finally, HIV cannot muscle tissues a lit- can use it to help leadership from organizations and health be transmitted through casual contact and tle stretch, which can your aches and departments in the region. This is indicative until we eliminate many misconceptions be enough to free up pains, write to me at of a successful campaign. about HIV transmission, we will not suc- anything stuck under charles@dudleypt. How does the U=U Maryland cam- ceed in ending new HIV transmissions. the skin. The bruising com, or call / text paign compare to some other U=U ef- There is much work to do and U=U is a good thing be- 443-742-0019. Love forts around the country and world? is the foundation of ending the HIV epi- cause it tells us that A little stress for to hear from you! The U=U Maryland campaign has been demic. t the area was indeed a lot of relief 14 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 17, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com quality of life // Health and Wellness MENTAL HEALTH MOMENT – Break Free I’m overweight and from Digital Addiction! Considering HCG by Dr. Thomas Franklin to the next quickly – which limits attention By Dr. Eric Nager creasing your calorie intake. Then you As we begin a new year, it’s a good time to spans and deeper cognitive processes, If you want to lose weight, an HCG diet enter the final phase, which simply con- pause and reflect. When were we our best such as innovation and creativity. It also program can be a great way to jumpstart sists of keeping the weight off by main- selves in 2019? What can we do differently contributes to a feeling of restlessness and your weight loss journey. It taining healthy eating habits. or better in 2020? anxiety. involves a very low-calorie Is it safe and Weight loss can be a I believe one of the most important Finally, obsessive phone use exhibits diet, combined with injec- physical and emotional pro- things you can do to be your best self in the hallmark traits present for any addic- tions of HCG, a naturally does it really cess that can be very difficult 2020 is to put down your tion: it’s compulsive, detracts occurring hormone that to achieve and maintain, es- phone. Here’s what I ‘Through our from relationships with others, has been used to assist work? pecially when doing it alone. mean: we have all become and causes a person to with- with weight loss for de- Therefore, working with qual- addicted to our phones. smartphones, draw from activities he or she cades. HCG helps by al- A discussion ified weight loss professionals It is understandable. Our previously enjoyed. lowing men and women to is extremely important. Many smartphones provide real we are exposed lose weight rapidly, without with Dr. Eric people who try the HCG diet value to our lives. But their Digital adaptation hunger pains, weakness, find working with a licensed ubiquitous overuse has to an endless Do you recognize yourself irritability or muscle loss. Nager of dietician or nutritionist very caused a digital addiction in any of these descriptions? HCG (Human Cho- helpful. Learning how to eat in epidemic. feed of photos If you do, it’s okay. There are rionic Gonadotropin) is Belcara Health a healthy, balanced, nutritious This overuse is espe- and messages simple strategies to transform a hormone that women manner will significantly in- cially apparent in young your digital addiction to digi- produce when they become pregnant. (It crease your chances of maintaining your people. Children are using from every party tal adaptation. The world has is what makes pregnancy tests come up weight results. devices and interacting changed such that it would positive.) While pregnant, HCG encour- There are a wide range of wellness with media at a growing that we are be inconvenient to live with- ages the woman’s body to use up its fat treatment options to consider for weight rate. They are being put out a smartphone in this day stores, so mother and baby get all the nu- in front of screens instead not invited to, and age. But you can adapt to trients and energy they need for optimal of interacting with other fetal growth. The weight-loss qualities Dr. Eric control your phone use, rather Nager humans and caretakers. every sunset we than let it control you. of HCG were discovered in 1954 by a According to Common Here are five tips: British physician, Dr. Albert T. Simeons. Sense Media, children as missed, every • Turn off all notifications. After years of research, Dr. Simeons young as five consume • Create family phone discovered that the addition of HGC to over two hours of media a vacation we wish etiquette rules, such as no a low-calorie diet helps to improve com- day. Adults often use these pliance, reduce hunger, and promote fat phones at the dinner table devices in lieu of spending loss. we could enjoy.’ or create a “parking spot” for quality time with their chil- Most HCG programs consist of three phones after a certain time dren, spouses, and each other. All of this or four phases, that are limited to three each night. Prioritize in-person communi- alleged “connectivity” has left us feeling iso- to eight weeks. The first is general- cations over text or electronic communica- lated, depressed, and sometimes, feeling ly called the “loading” phase, in which tions. more disconnected with others than ever. you will “load up” on high-fat foods for • Establish occasional digital hiatuses. two days – think fried foods, desserts, Smartphones and digital addiction • Proactively look for activities to do breads, and starches – and begin your As a psychiatrist for Sheppard Pratt with people and family members, to re- HCG injections. The goal is to eat as Health System, I can anecdotally attest that place time that you might have spent con- much as you can to build up and max out there’s a strong correlation between the sumed by a digital device. your fat stores. While this sounds contra- amount of cumulative time that teenagers •Remove the apps on your phone that dictory to your weight loss goals, it’s an loss, including micronutrient supple- spend on their devices and incidences of you are most tempted to waste time on. Or, extremely beneficial step to ensure fat loss ments, bioidentical hormones, nutrition depressive and suicidal thoughts. most newer phones allow you to limit the throughout the entire program. counseling and fitness training. I recom- If smartphones are a practical and amount of time you’re allowed to spend on In the next phase, you drop to eating valuable tool, with the ability to each app each day. Set those limits and just 500 calories a day. These calories mend you start with a comprehensive di- connect rather than isolate stick to them. should only come from fruit, vegetables, agnostic assessment with an integrative us from others, why is there Last year, I guarantee that the and lean proteins (such as lean meats). medicine specialist to gain a baseline such a potential to harm our times that you were your best self During this time, your body should go understanding of vital information about mental wellbeing? were when you were laughing with through dramatic changes, your body rids your overall condition. All your major body There are several rea- friends, enjoying a heart-to-heart itself of toxins and the pounds melt away. processes will be assessed – including sons. with your partner, and thriving at Not only will you lose weight, but you’ll also your medical history and blood work – to First, 24/7 connectivity work or giving back to your com- lose your junk food cravings and break any identify any underlying issues that may exacerbates the “fear of miss- munity. All times when your smart- harmful food-related habits. It is extremely be contributing to your weight struggles. ing out” or FOMO. Through our phone was absent. Go and be important to strictly adhere to program-ap- Then you can design a treatment plan smartphones, we are ex- your best, digitally-adapt- proved foods and your doses of HCG. that works for your body chemistry to im- posed to an endless ed self in 2020! t While not everyone’s weight loss is prove your health, appearance and over- t feed of photos and Thomas Frank- the same, HCG dieters can expect to lose all wellness. messages from lin, MD, is a psychi- between one-half and one pound per day. Dr. Eric Nager is a board-certified every party that atrist and service Many people find that the rapid weight loss specialist in integrative medicine and we are not invited chief at the Ruxton to be highly motivating, for it can be excit- director of wellness at Belcara Health Sheppard Pratt’s to, every sunset ing to watch your body transform as your in Baltimore. He focuses on preventing Dr. Thomas House at Sheppard we missed, every vaca- fat melts away. chronic diseases through the integration Franklin Pratt. He is board certified in psychiatry tion we wish we could and addiction medicine. For more informa- When you’ve finished your HCG cycle, of functional and traditional medicine, enjoy. tion, visit Sheppardpratt.org. you will still have HCG in your body. There- education and lifestyle changes. Learn Second, the constant barrage of stimuli fore, you need to remain on a restricted more at Belcarahealth.com or call 410- trains the brain to move from one subject diet for another three days, gradually in- 296-0414. BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 17, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 15 passings

Social Services representing the agency recognized for his work. “When I look and over 50 people marched in the Life- in difficult child abuse and neglect cases around our house, I can’t see a room that Bridge contingent. LifeBridge has now Remembering Ed and trials protecting vulnerable adults. Ed hasn’t touched,” counting off the nu- become a major sponsor of the parade. Neeta Kataria, Ed’s supervisor at DSS, merous projects that he completed. “But Jeb said Ed loved building things, “he said of his decades of work with the de- it’s not the actual physical changes that I was the straightest gay man I ever met,” Jeunette partment, “Ed quietly built relationships will cherish the most, though he was ex- and it was only natural for him to help —continued from page 1 not only within the agency but also the tremely skilled and talented. Instead, it’s make the LifeBridge float. During their 30 community of providers, including the the quality of the time spent and laughter years together, they purchased several courts and other professionals, that ad- we shared doing these proj- old houses which away. He was a board member of the vanced the best interests of the vulner- ects together. Ed was great Ed rejoiced in Hampden Business Association, served able children and adults in Baltimore fun to be around – whether restoring. Ed as a marshal in the Mayor’s Christmas effectively and comprehensively. He for a quick happy hour or a described their Parade, volunteered for the Hampden worked tirelessly behind the scenes to long Super Bowl weekend. current house Family Center, and was a past vice pres- protect others and did so without seeking To be a friend of Ed’s was to in Mount Wash- ident of the Hampden-Woodberry Com- recognition or fanfare. Ed was respect- find someone you could rely ington with its munity Council. He later worked for mar- ed by all who worked with him and tru- on, someone you could laugh acre of land as riage equality and participated in Pride ly fits the definition of an unsung hero.” with, and someone that would “country living activities. Judge Hargadon agreed that Ed stood accept you no matter your with city taxes,” Ed was also active in the Demo- out among the lawyers in juvenile court faults. He was one of a kind. and every Fri- cratic Party and in 1987 joined Mary that appeared before him, “I worked with He truly loved helping people, day would come Pat Clarke’s successful Ed for ten years. I not just his close friends, and home from work, citywide campaign for think Ed’s reputation he didn’t want credit or to be change from president of the city for being professional celebrated after he helped a his suit to work council. Following Mary and prepared was a friend or a stranger. It was just clothes, and Pat’s election, Ed joined challenge to all who who he was.” spend the rest her as her director of practiced in juvenile Ed spread a wide and em- of the weekend legislation and was court to step up their bracing net professionally, in working on the very involved during game a notch. I once his community service, and property and her challenging but suc- asked his supervisor his friendships. During the various other cessful transition as the if we could clone Ed.” early push for marriage equal- projects. first woman elected city Ed’s commit- ity in Maryland, Jeb said that Ed was an avid Baltimore Ra- council president. He ment to protecting he and Ed decided that they wanted to vens fan. For the past 20 years, he and worked on a number of the vulnerable was take some action to further the cause. his friends Kristin and Tom travelled to important early legisla- an essential part of Jeb was working for Johns Hopkins Uni- each Super Bowl city to join in the fes- tive initiatives, but Mary his character and it versity and he and Ed spent weekends tivities. Ed was excited about this year’s Pat remembers most didn’t end with peo- walking the campus and visiting pubs Ravens playoff run and planned to attend an incident that showed ple. He cared for the frequented by students to speak to them Ed’s thoughtfulness and furry variety as well about supporting marriage for gay peo- “I worked with Ed humor. She said, “[f]or and rescued many ple. They carried voter registration cards for ten years. I think all the support and help Ed Jeunette and dogs and cats. with them and urged the students to reg- Ed brought to the office, I best re- husband of 30 years, Kristin Peacock ister. Ed’s reputation for call a surprise transformation of my James ‘Jeb’ King and her husband Jeb said that because of Ed’s up- office itself on our first St. Patrick’s Tom Burns were bringing in a family in which no one got being professional Day in office. I began the day chairing best friends to Ed and Jeb. Tom de- divorced, he respected the institution of the Board of Estimates and when I re- scribed their unique relationship, “Ed has marriage and it was only natural that he and prepared was a turned to my office, the red chairs had all been our dearest, best friend for about would work for same-sex marriage. How- challenge to all who been replaced with green chairs. A won- the last 20 years. We want to be clear ever, their push for gay marriage creat- derful sight to behold, which made my on this point for a minute. He was my ed tension within Ed’s family. Initially, practiced in juvenile day and stands out in my happy mem- best friend separate from Kristin. He was one member said that he supported civil ories of those transitional days. Ed nev- Kristin’s best friend separate from me. unions but that marriage was between a court to step up their er said where those green chairs came He was our best friend together. That is man and a woman. Fortunately, the en- game a notch. I once from, and I never asked.” so very rare, so very special.” suing discussion and debate led to the In 1990, Ed began a 30-year career Kristin echoed Ed’s commitment to family’s full acceptance of same-sex asked his supervisor as an attorney with the Department of helping people without any desire to be marriage and Ed and Jeb as a married couple. When Ed died, Jeb said that he if we could clone Ed.” had the full support of the family as Ed’s husband and this made it much easier for the playoff games with Kristin and Tom. him when making Ed’s funeral arrange- In addition to Jeb, Ed is survived by BECOME PART OF BOL ments. “We were not just roommates and brothers Michael and Clark, sister Pa- the [Burgee-Henss-Seitz] funeral home tricia Dideriksen, step brother Chuck THEATRE FAMILY treated me with the dignity and respect Thompson, step sister Susan Kohler, as Ed’s husband.” nine nieces and nephews, and eight Four years ago, Ed and Jeb became great nieces and nephews. A stepsister, involved in Baltimore’s Pride Parade. Jeb Libby Rector, died recently. and some coworkers persuaded Jeb’s Ed’s family, many friends, and col- employer, LifeBridge Health, to partici- leagues attended a packed Memorial pate with a banner and Ed marched in Celebration of his life on January 8th. In the parade with the LifeBridge group. his eulogy, best friend Tom said that all After that first year, the president and we can ask for is a life well lived and Ed Call Us Today 410-802-1310 CEO of LifeBridge Health, urged them to did exactly that! The family has suggest- do more. In recent Pride parades, Life- ed that donations be made in his honor Bridge has participated with a float that to the Maryland SPCA. t Ed helped build and last year the CEO 16 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 17, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com Spiritual Directory

Baltimore Ethical Society Interfaith Fairness 2521 Saint Paul St. Baltimore, MD 21218 Coalition of MD [email protected] P.O. Box 13132 baltimoreethicalsociety.org Baltimore MD 21203 410-233-5555. ifcmd.org Bolton Street Synagogue 212 West Coldspring Lane MCC of Baltimore Baltimore, MD 21210 405 West Monument Street. 410-235-5354. boltonstreet.org Baltimore MD 21201 410-669-6222 Brown Memorial Park Avenue mccbaltimore.org Presbyterian Church 1316 Park Avenue Memorial Episcopal Church Baltimore MD 21217 1407 Bolton Street 410-523-1542. Baltimore MD 21217 browndowntown.org 410-669-0220 memorialepiscopal.org Chevrei Tzedek Congregation 3101 Fallstaff Road New Light MCC Baltimore MD 21209 40 W. Church Street ALL ARE WELCOME 443-992-7485. chevreitzedek.org Hagerstown MD 21740 301-797-5698 Mass schedule Congregation Beit Tikvah newlightmcc.com • 5802 Roland Avenue Saturday 5:30 p.m Baltimore MD 21210 Temple Adas Shalom •Sunday 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m 410-464-9402. beittikvah.org -The Harford Jewish Center •Reconciliation is available 8 North Earlton Rd. Ext. Emmanuel Episcopal Church Havre de Grace, MD 21078 Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. 811 Cathedral Street Baltimore, MD 21201 The Cathedral of Contact 410-685-1130. emmanueldowntown.org Saint Michael the Archangel st. Bernadette Parish 141 Lavern Avenue Deacon Fred Passauer 801 Stevenson Road First and Franklin Street. Lansdowne, Maryland 21227 Parish Administrator Severn, Maryland 21144-2299 Presbyterian Church 410-314-1159 210 W. Madison Street saintmichaelnewcatholic.org 410-969-2783 410-969-2783 Baltimore MD 21201-4693 410-728-5545. firstfranklin.org The Church of the Advent 1301 South Charles Street First Unitarian Church of Baltimore, MD 21230 Baltimore 410-539-7804 Chevrei Tzedek Congregation 1 West Hamilton Street. advent-baltimore.org Baltimore MD 21201 3101 Fallstaﬀ Road, 410-685-2330. firstunitarian.net Veritas United Baltimore, MD 21209 Church of Christ Grace United Methodist Church 22 N Mulberry Street., Suite 113 5407 North Charles Street Hagerstown, MD 21740 [email protected] Baltimore, MD 21210 240- 310-6891 www.chevreitzedek.org 410-433-6650. veritashagerstown.com (443) 992-7485 graceunitedmethodist.org

Govans Presbyterian Church RABBI RORY KATZ 5828 York Road. Baltimore MD 21212 JTS Gladstein Fellow 410-435-9188. govanspres.org

An informal, Welcoming, Participatory, Conservative Jewish Community

Come join us to worship

141 Lavern Avenue (Across from the Lansdowne Volunteer Fire Department) Lansdowne, Maryland 21227 • 410-314-1159 Sunday Services 12:00 Noon Our Fellowship Hall can accommodate up to 80 people. A very nice venue for a bridal or baby shower, birthday or anniversary party. The use of the kitchen is also available. Please contact us for any further details and information. Bishop William H. Christ, Jr. Pastor saintmichaelnewcatholic.org

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 17, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 17 Lively Arts // Celebrity Interview

to tell him. I went, told him what one, but some- Meet Sophie Marie White I had to say, and quickly left. times we tend A couple of hours later, I was to harp on the By Frankie Kujawa ects. White began acting a little over a wondering to myself, ‘Why am I negative press Janet Mock once said, “Self-definition year ago. Since then she has been cast so aggravated?’ and I realized I and not the pos- and self-determination is about the many in several feature films, including Hum- was ready for a fight that never itive experienc- varied decisions that we make to com- mingbird and We All Think We Are Spe- happened. It made me realize es. There are pose and journey toward ourselves, cial. White was also positive coming about the audacity and strength to pro- cast in sev- out stories out claim, create, and evolve into who we eral TV se- there. No tran- know ourselves to be.” For Baltimore ries includ- sition is easy, OUTloud’s newest writer, Sophie Marie ing “Tell Me but it’s easier White, her inspirational journey is one Your Se- than the world that she hopes to share with readers from crets” and a thinks of it be- all walks of life guest-star- ing.” in the pages of Getting ring role on White con- this paper. A wel- “Chicago tinued on to comed, new addi- to know Med.” In her describe her tion to our OUT- first year mission and vi- loud family, White Baltimore and a half Sophie sion, as an art- recently sat down of acting, Marie ist, for the future. “I really see myself as to discuss her OUTloud’s White has White somebody that can bridge. I’ve always journey, her mis- been cast been a chameleon all my life. I blend in sion and vision for newest writer in three TV with any social fabric. I think I can bridge the future, and ad- series, 14 the two worlds and help everyone un- vice for those who are still struggling with movies, and derstand everybody’s point of view. The coming to terms with being transgender. one play. that everyone’s going to react differently, truths usually lie somewhere in the mid- Letting the world know that she is The decision to embrace who she re- and everyone’s journey is different.” dle. I think if we can make inroads on trans is White’s latest chapter in a life ally was, however, required a lot of inner “It was kind of eye-opening to me that both sides, we can make the world a bet- and career that’s already been quite di- strength for White. “For me,” explained it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going ter place. I know it is kind of cheesy, but verse. “I’ve experienced a lot of chapters White, “it took being pushed to the edge to be. Don’t get me wrong – it had some it’s also kind of true. My mission is that over the years, many of which will hope- of suicide for me to finally say, ‘F-it!’ I challenges, but it was not as difficult as we need healing. In my opinion, the only fully give me the strength and courage I thought that I would lose everything, and I feared. I know it’s different for every- way we are going to get a seat at the need on this new journey, in coming out everybody, I had. If anyone knew my se- table is for people to see us, to know us as a transgender person,” she said. cret, I felt that my world would change and to understand us. And I think that’s Before transitioning, White had many for the worst. It was one of the most something I can, at the very last, bring to different jobs. She had done everything agonizing things I’ve ever done to be the table.” from motorcycle racing to boxing pro- who I am, and everything bad I thought “I’m very good at conveying my motion. She even worked as an EMS in would happen didn’t occur. I haven’t lost thoughts.” White added. “Hopefully peo- downtown Atlanta for five years during any family. I’m still married. My patients ple can read my words or see me on TV college. After graduating, White taught at in my chiropractic practice haven’t run and start to understand my story. If you Life University in Marietta, Georgia, and away. It’s almost like, to a point, nothing get to know someone it’s as if you’re started her own chiropractic practice in negative happened.” able to put yourself in somebody’s shoes Roswell. Eventually she moved back to White added, “But it was a major and you start to understand them. That’s Louisiana and established her practice in thing to come out, and one of the hard- what the world needs now. There are so the town she grew up in. est things I’ve ever done. I think we tell many of us that are hidden, but I believe Sophie’s journey into filmmaking stories, sometimes, in our head of how that’s changing. The world was pret- started when she invested in a new and things are going to go when we come ty horrible on us, but hopefully we can local TV station. This eventually led to out. Sometimes we’re right and some- change that. There’s been a big shift, but White doing camera work for a local TV times we’re not. For example, I went to Unleash your inner Clark I don’t think it’s happening as fast and station and that paved the way to gigs tell my little brother, and I thought that big as we’d like.” as director of photography and eventu- we would have this big fight. It took me a Kent or Lois Lane! Looking to the future, White offered ally a producer on a number of film proj- few times before I finally had the courage advice to those who are still struggling Baltimore OUTloud is looking for with their secret of being transgender. local writers to cover local “In my opinion, coming to terms with it is Baltimore and Maryland news, the biggest thing. Then, once you come events, and LGBTQ community to terms, you must then take control of the narrative. What I mean by that is you happenings. If you've got need to want to tell your story. For me, I journalistic skills -- or just the yen want to tell my story. I don’t want others to try (our talented editors are to tell my story. When you come out, let happy to help and give you people feel your anguish. Feel how you feedback!), you can play a valuable wrestled with things for years, or in my role helping keep the community case decades. Going through those five informed in the pages of stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, Add your business to our distribution locations! Baltimore OUTloud. depression and ultimately getting to the Interested? We'd love to talk! point of acceptance. You come out for Call Baltimore OUTloud yourself, not someone else. Do it for you!” Contact Mary Taylor at forfor moremore detailsdetails We at Baltimore OUTloud are excit- [email protected] or 410-802-1310 ed to welcome Sophie on board, and we 410-802-1310 call her at 410-802-1310 look forward to her future columns for our readers! t

18 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 17, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts // out on stage Sitting Down with Cats Claws its Way into Broadway’s ‘Phantom’ Baltimore’s Hippodrome by Laura Farmer Ben Crawford and phenomenal talent. I By Frankie Kujawa very cool that Laura Farmer: First and appreciate him providing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s clas- A chat with Giovanni we’ll be in Bal- foremost, you’re the current performs with me with this opportunity. sic, Cats, claws its way to the timore around “Phantom” from Phantom of It’s tough for any Hippodrome Theatre this Janu- DiGabrielle, starring the same time the Opera on Broadway. What the Baltimore city to compete with the ary. Baltimore OUTloud recently as Skimbleshanks as the recent do you enjoy about the role sights and lights of New chatted with performer Giovanni movie. and show? What are its chal- Symphony York City, but we be- DiGabrielle who plays the role of Can you lenges? lieve Baltimore boasts Skimbleshanks in the performance. The describe the role of Skimbleshanks? Ben Crawford: Playing Orchestra on some pretty exceptional Philadelphia-native began his academic He is the cat of the railway train. Phantom is one of the hardest restaurants, sights, and career in the arts by performing in school He’s an adult cat and is really caring things I’ve ever done! It re- January 16th culture of its own. Any musicals and community plays, before and very organized. He’s very defensive quires so much energy to por- favorite restaurants or eventually launching his professional of his tribe and his younger kittens. He tray him well. But it’s such an to 19th points of interest you’ve dance training when he was 19 iconic character. It has definite- discovered years-old. Now in his fourth na- ly become a labor of love tional tour, DiGabrielle shares to really bring the best I Ben with readers his belief as to can to this role. The thing I Crawford why Cats has such an endur- appreciate about the show ing legacy for audiences of all is that it brings so many ages. themes to the audience to Frankie Kujawa: What can sort through, yet it doesn’t audiences expect from this fully fill in any of the blanks. upcoming performance of It leaves audiences won- Cats? dering and wanting more. Giovanni DiGabrielle: I think that’s what really They can expect a fantastic makes it a great show. show! I had never really seen You’re taking a break Cats until I was offered this from Phantom and NYC role. I researched by watching audiences to come and the 90s film, and it was great to perform “Ben Crawford: watch. I think that people can Broadway and Beyond” expect a lot of the original with the Baltimore Sym- choreography, but also a fresh Giovanni phony Orchestra under new look at the choreography, DiGabrielle Jack Everly’s baton on January 16th during your frequent stays in Charm too. It’s a fusion of the original to 19th. What should audiences ex- City? version and the newer version pect? I usually stay in Harbor East and that opened on Broadway in just brings joy, and that’s my inter- We’re calling it “Broadway and Be- then perform at the Meyerhoff in the 2016. Audiences can expect pretation of the character. He has yond” because it’s more than just Broad- Mount Vernon area. Both places have all the cats that they love, but maybe great moments, and I’m lucky enough to way songs. The program will have styles so much to offer within easy walking dis- with some fresh new takes on them. It’s do a song in the show that tells you more and genres for everyone, from classic tance. I always try to go to brunch at Ms. about him, as well. He likes things in or- Rodgers and Hammerstein to newer Shirley’s downtown. And I’m a big fan of der, and I can definitely identify with that shows like Hamilton to even Billy Joel. great beer, so James Joyce is always a because I’m a perfectionist. It’s definitely I love preparing for a show like this be- convenient and great place to eat and the right role for me. I can’t see myself cause it keeps me on my toes! The vari- drink. I also really enjoy Baltimore’s wa- skull mask was funny, but when I put on as any other cat than him at this point. ous genres require a different approach terfront. From Harbor East, you can walk the regular Phantom mask, she started What is it about Cats that allows it sonically and in my technique. It’s really in either direction and see so many great shaking with fear. So yeah, probably a to have such an enduring legacy for fun. places to eat and shop. few more years before they will really ap- generation of audiences? You’ve worked with the BSO and You’re the “Phantom” by night, preciate seeing dad perform. I think people identify with the show Maestro Jack Everly on several oc- and father by day to two young kids. Finally, 1% of 1% of singers actual- in different ways. As a dancer, I appreci- casions. These collaborations have Any advice for managing the parent- ly make it to be a Broadway star. Any ate the dancing. The story is absolutely resulted in some really beautiful and ing / career juggling act? Have your advice to aspiring singers? fantastic, as well. Whether it’s the plot, critically acclaimed performances, kids seen you perform? Work hard! Everyone wants this or the famous song “Memory,” everyone such as last year’s tribute to Rodgers Yes, it definitely changes your per- dream as badly as you. Do the work. loves this musical for many different rea- and Hammerstein. Can you comment spective! I know I get a lot less sleep. This includes more than just singing. Un- sons. I think there’s so much in the show on what you appreciate about working And it influences what I’ll leave town for. derstand the business side of this indus- that you can bring an appreciation of lots with Maestro Everly and the BSO? People are more respectful of my time try. I also believe that regional theatre is of different aspects. Whether it’s chore- I’ve been performing with the Balti- because they know that I need to priori- very worthwhile! It offers you the oppor- ography or music; even if you’re not into more Symphony Orchestra for more than tize time with my kids. tunity to travel and see the country. Work the arts you find an appreciation of it. t ten years now, and with Jack Everly for My kids aren’t really old enough to hard to achieve your dreams, but also even longer. I love the BSO and always sit through an entire show yet. Plus, at appreciate the opportunities that present feel blessed to have the opportunity to this age, they would rather watch “Dan- themselves where you are. t perform with them. There’s nothing like iel Tiger’s Neighborhood”! That’s a very Ben Crawford performs with the Bal- singing with this wall of sound to back important show in our house! They do timore Symphony Orchestra on January you up. It’s one of the best symphonies visit me in my dressing room. My daugh- 16th to 19th. For tickets, visit BSOmusic. in the country. And Jack is a great friend ter thought the Phantom’s red death org or call 410-783-8000.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 17, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 19 Lively Arts // Between the Covers

King, must keep secrets to himself, including that he thinks his dead brother 2020 Winter Reading List Khalid has turned into a dragonfly, as By Gregg Shapiro third novel by Rufi Non-fiction for adult readers well as the fact that he is gay. It doesn’t matter if you have perfect vi- Thorpe, is the Curl up The World Only Spins Forward: Newly out 12-year-old entrepreneur sion or if you need to slip on a pair of unlikely story of The Ascent of Angels in America Mikey thinks he’s found a concept that reading glasses, the following books, to the friendship be- with a (Bloomsbury, 2018 / 2020) by Isaac will make him his first million dollars in be released in early 2020, all deserve to tween polar oppo- Butler and Dan Kois, updated with new Middle School’s A Drag: You Better have your eyes on them. sites – statuesque good book interviews following the 25th anniversa- Werk (Putnam) by Greg Howard. The blonde Bunny ry Broadway revival of Tony Kushner’s product? Fellow middle-schooler Julian Fiction for adult readers (standing at 6 foot by the fire groundbreaking, Pulitzer Prize and Tony Vasquez, a kid drag queen who goes Peter Kispert’s debut short sto- 3) who comes from a wealthy family and Award-winning Angels in America is by the name Coco Caliente, Mistress of ry collection I Know You Know Who I her less fortunate neighbor Michael, a an oral history account Madness and Mayhem with an eye on Am (Penguin, 2020), is separated into closeted classmate ex- of the play featuring the the $100 prize at their school’s talent three sections – “I Know”, “You Know,” ploring his sexuality voices of Meryl Streep, competition. and “Who I Am” (clever, right?) and fo- online – and how they Mary Louise Parker, Recommended for fans of Becky cuses on lying liars and the lies they tell discover they have Nathan Lane, Jeffrey Albertalli (Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens themselves and others, mixing the real more in common than Wright, in addition to Agenda) and Adam Silvera (They Both (“Touch Pool”) with the fantastic (“How to they realize. other actors, directors, Die at the End), The Gravity of Us Live Your Best Life”), in stories of varying “Unpublished short producers and Kush- (Bloomsbury, 2020), the debut novel by lengths. fiction based on per- ner, as well. Phil Stamper, is about the relationship Douglas Stuart’s novel Shuggie sonal truth”, gay author Taking place from between Cal and Leon, two sons of as- Bain (Grove Atlantic), set in 1980s and James R. Koury’s first the late 1960s through tronauts involved in a NASA mission to early 1990s Glasgow, is another nota- book Unredacted (Em- the late 1980s, Fail- Mars. ble fiction debut for the new year. Stuart powering Prose, 2019) ure to Appear: Re- The Storm of Life (Viking, 2020) tells the story of the struggles of Hugh opens with a poem by sistance, Identity is the latest novel by queer writer Amy “Shuggie” Bain, a boy considered to be writer Linda Hogan and and Loss – A Mem- Rose Capetta, the “dramatic conclu- “no right” (sic) by the locals coming to features 37 pieces divided oir (Blue Beacon sion to the romantic, genderfluid fantasy terms with his sexuality, and that of his into six sections, includ- Books, 2020) by duet” that began in 2018’s The Brilliant alcoholic mother Agnes dealing with her ing “Innocence”, “Experi- lesbian activist Death. This time out, the magical Teodo- addiction while always trying to show her mentation”, “Acceptance”, Emily L. Quint ra and her love Cielo are in danger and support for Shuggie. “Discovery,” and “Parting Freeman is set must bring together an assortment of al- Set in Corona Del Mar, California, Thoughts”. against the tur- lies to battle with all that threatens their The Knockout Queen (Knopf, 2020), the bulent backdrop of very existence. the Vietnam War, the presidencies of There is also queer magic afoot in Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan, the Justin & The Magic Stone (OhBoy JANUARY 10 - MARCH 22 birth of both the women’s and gay liber- Books, 2020) by Dale Boyer, with il- ation movements, as well as the AIDS lustrations by Dan crisis. A memoir of 1950s and 1960s New York, In the Shadow of the Bridge (Delphinium Books, 2019) by Joseph Caldwell, one of the two gay men who created the character of vampire Barna- bas Collins for the daytime horror soap opera Dark Shadows, is described as a “celebration of the halcyon years” leading up the start of the AIDS epidemic and the writer’s time as a volunteer at Saint Vincent’s hospital. My Autobiography of Carson Mc- Cullers (Tin House Books, 2020), the first book by award-winning writer Jenn Shapland, is written in “genre-defying vignettes” and follows the lesbian author from her internship at the Harry Ransom Center, where she discovers the love letters between Carson Mc- Cullers and a woman who goes by Annemarie, leading to “a recovery of the full narrative and language of McCullers’ life”, and in the process learns something about herself. Holder, in Fiction for readers of all ages which Justin, relocated to a small town Kacen Callender, whose debut nov- and missing his best friend Tom, finds a HURRY! el Hurricane Child in 2019 won both the heart-shaped stone in the nearby woods 410-730-8311 Lambda Literary Award and the Stone- with a variety of magical powers includ- tickets are selling wall Book Award, returns with their ing the ability to communicate with an- TobysDinnerTheatre.com FAST! fifth novel, King and the Dragronflied imals, change size, and even transport (Scholastic, 2020), in which the titular himself to other places. t Due to the nature of theatrical bookings, all shows and dates are subject to change. • Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Columbia, MD

20 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 17, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com people in our neighborhood Hippodrome Theatre’s Chris Mahan By Frankie Kujawa His parents eventually enrolled ed me at the end of June and offered me Ron,” Mahan says of Hippodrome’s pres- “Food, just like theatre, tells a story,” says him into a Catholic High School with a the job.” ident, Ron Legler. “I think he and I share Chris Mahan, VP of venue operations at well-respected theatre program. “After Working in the basement of the Co- all the same values and vision for what a Baltimore’s Hippodrome Theatre. Loung- my freshman year, my dad threatened lonial Theatre in Boston, Mahan slowly performing arts center should be. First, ing in iconic Matthew’s Pizza, Mahan re- to pull me out because I worked his way up the ranks. we both believe that it’s a great privilege cently sat down with Baltimore OUTloud wasn’t really doing any- A New “I began by answering the to be the steward of a building like this. to reflect upon his one-year anniversary thing with it. I eventually telephone and filing new- The second thing is the customer expe- at the Hippodrome Theatre, as well as a volunteered to be part of Englander finds hire paperwork. I did that for rience. Theatre can be so magical, and freshman resident of Charm City. the stage crew for The a year and then was asked we want everyone who walks in to have “It’s my first anniversary, and I con- Glass Menagerie.” Baltimore totally to start working nights and that great magical night that we our- tinue to fall in love with Baltimore,” be- Crediting the director’s managing the floor and work- selves first experienced when we were gan Mahan, who hails from Worcester, desire for a “full-immersive sympatico ing with customers. A few nine or 12 … and that’s just never-ending Massachusetts. “Baltimore reminds me experience,” Mahan even- years later they asked me to work. You’re always trying to make sure of where I came from. There’s something tually became hooked with working be- do a little bit more and take on more re- everything is working as well as it can. about coming from a working-class city, hind the scenes. “The director also want- sponsibilities.” If everyone’s happy, had a great time just a down-to-earth, ‘work hard and do ed smells for audiences to Ironically, Clear Channel Entertain- and love what they saw then that’s just ment renovated both the Hippodrome in a great feeling.” Baltimore and the Boston Opera House Mahan added, “You really get that at the same time in 2004. The opening sort-of outside-of-the-bubble perspective of the Boston Opera House caused the when you stand in the back of a packed shifting of many staff members at the house during a curtain call. It’s unbeliev- Colonial which led to Mahan’s promotion able to watch 2,200 people stand up at to become general manager. After serv- the same time, smiling from ear to ear, ing in that role from 2005 to 2011, Mah- clapping and shouting. It’s a commu- an moved over to the Broadway Across nal experience. It just makes your heart America Boston office and eventually swell because you had a small part in promoted to general manager. Mahan making that happen for everybody.” stayed in that position until he was in- The allure of Charm City has cast vited to come to Baltimore to take over its spell on Mahan. “This city is just so remarkable. We have a major baseball “It’s unbelievable to team, a major football team, and one watch 2,200 people of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. I’ll give Baltimore credit for this: I’ve never stand up at the same been a sports person, but since I’ve been here, that’s what I’ve become. It’s in the time, smiling from DNA here.” ear to ear, clapping Mahan is now proud to call Baltimore his home. “I love my neighborhood. I vis- and shouting. It’s a ited Baltimore about seven or eight years ago, and I had a nice tour of it. But when Chris Mahan communal experience. I came back here in December 2018, I – Took the the right thing’ kind-of- be immersed. I remember, at some point landed in Fells Point and absolutely fell Worcester- It just makes your city. Baltimore reminds in the play, I had to go off into this room in love with it. The first time I walked Baltimore Express me so much of Worces- far away from the theatre with a little heart swell because down Broadway Street, and the square ter.” plug-in skillet and cook up half a pound you had a small opened up decorated for Christmas, I Mahan’s journey to Baltimore began of bacon. I then had to bring the skillet was like ‘What is this place?’ It’s out of by chance when he was about 12 years- into the theatre and put it in front of a part in making that a storybook. I still feel that way every old. “The whole reason I got into this fan and let the bacon smell fill the the- day when I get home. It’s like a little town business is a funny story. When I was 12, atre, because it was a breakfast scene in happen for everybody.” square. To me, Fells Point is just like a I was home watching TV and it was an the house.” Mahan laughed, “Well, you fairy tale.” episode of Robin Leech’s ‘Lifestyles of wouldn’t think so, but it was at that point venue operations at the Hippodrome. Taking a look down at his slice of the Rich and Famous.’ I used to love to I was locked in on the magic of theatre.” “The Hippodrome, first off, is an ab- Matthew’s pizza, Mahan added. “There watch it because I was always obsessed Mahan enjoyed being backstage. “I solutely gorgeous theatre. The Boston is so much food in Baltimore. I think with rich people and their whole lives. loved the business of making the show Opera House, where I was for so many that’s one of the most important things The specific episode I was watching was happen. I knew I had a talent for things years, was designed by Thomas Lamb in this city. Food, just like theatre, tells a about Alyssa Milano, who at the time was behind the scenes.” This led Mahan to who also designed the Hippodrome. When story. All of these restaurants opened be- on ‘Who’s the Boss?’ Robin Leech was enroll in Emerson College in Boston. you walk into a Thomas Lamb theatre, you cause the owners have some story about exploring her brilliant, Beverly Hills man- Mahan graduated with a BFA in theatre know it as soon as you walk in the door. food. They grew up in a house where ev- sion. I started connecting the dots in my production and management. Hippodrome felt familiar and is just such a erything was around a kitchen table and head, thinking, ‘Well, I’m 12 and Alyssa “I was very fortunate, as I was leav- gorgeous theatre. It’s one of the most im- they want to bring that experience to ev- Milano’s 14, and we’re not that far apart. ing college,” continued Mahan, “because pressive performing arts complexes in this eryone else. It’s just like theatre, too – And, oh my God, she has all this?! I could a friend of mine told me that Broadway country. It’s the size of a whole city block! we want to share the experience with our get this. How do I get there?’ and it hit Across America in Boston, which back That’s a lot of space. Visitors can have visitors.” t me, ‘Oh, she’s an actor. All I have to do then was known as Pace Theatrical a very pleasant theatre experience here. is become an actor and then I can get Group, was hiring an entry level position There’s also a kinship at the theatre. The rich and I can have a mansion.’ I mean and it would be a great foot in the door. staff is just so unbelievable and everyone this was completely logical, right?” Mah- So, I submitted my very light resume and is so nice. It was impossible for me to say an laughed. “So, I told my parents that I they called me in late May. After a cou- no to working there.” wanted to be an actor.” ple of different interviews, they contact- “I’m really lucky to work alongside

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 17, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 21 out in the valley

Brian’s Brain Brian George Hose The Last ago. It was sudden, unexpected. In his Story last months I was his primary caregiver and during this time we became closer My father was an outdoorsman. He than we’ve ever been. He was my father, called himself a hunter, and he was, but and in a way, he was like the little boy I one-on-one he would confide that he re- had quietly accepted I would never have. ally just enjoyed being in nature. As he Two weeks have passed, and everything got older, he began leaving his rifle in still feels upside down and inside out. be his last great story. When I was lit- film to the magazine; the photos have the truck before trekking The stories live on, though. tle, only three or four, he began selling since been lost. I asked why he had wait- through the woods to sit, Over the past months he began photos to wildlife magazines. He told me ed over 30 years to tell me the story. He surrounded by nature and A sudden sharing stories that were new to about seeing coyotes and mountain lions answered that he didn’t want me to be alone with his thoughts for me. They were stories he held – animals that weren’t sup- a few hours. Hunting was goodbye to back, waiting for me to be old posed to live in this just a pretense, an excuse enough to hear them. He told part of the country, to wear camouflage and a father me about our family’s tenuous but nevertheless re- disappear into the trees. connection to the JFK assassi- sided in the woods My father also liked to tell stories. I nation, about seeing strange lights in the behind our house. imagine he used his time in the woods sky and the way they moved unlike any- One of the maga- to collect his thoughts and spin them into thing he had seen or heard of. I listened, zines was looking for a yarn with just enough exaggeration to watching his face the whole time. He was photos of a particular make them entertaining without losing a master of tasteful exaggeration, but bird, a bird my father credibility. We trafficked in stories, he what I saw in his eyes was honesty. had seen several and I. I was driving him home from dialysis times during his out- My father passed away two weeks one day when he told me what would ings. He packed up his camera and set off into the trees. Hours passed and eventually he spotted the bird. He snapped a few photos, con- afraid. He wanted me to grow up loving centrating on his subject, before realiz- nature like he did. He wanted me to feel ing that a quiet stillness had descend- safe. That wouldn’t happen if I thought ed upon the forest. there was a mon- The bird flew off, “The best stories teach ster in my backyard, he packed up his so he kept quiet and camera and headed us lessons. I’m now instead told me and home. my brother to stay The film was realizing that this, close to the house developed, and he the last story, teaches when we played showed the pic- outside. tures to some of the lesson I need now. The best stories his friends, fellow teach us lessons. outdoorsmen. One Like many queer men, I’m now realizing of them asked what I had a complicated that this, the last was in the back- story, teaches the ground, behind the relationship with my lesson I need now. bird he waited hours Like many queer to see. He looked father. This story tells men, I had a com- closer and broke me he always loved me plicated relationship out in goosebumps. with my father. This In the background and protected me, and story tells me he al- was what looked to that’s why he waited ways loved me and be a very tall, very protected me, and slender man, com- to tell it.” that’s why he wait- pletely covered in ed to tell it. It took hair. It appeared to be walking towards 30 years to become close enough for my father before stopping and changing him to tell me, but the message behind direction, avoiding confrontation. The his actions has always been there, just consensus was that he had accidentally waiting to be said. t photographed Bigfoot. I asked about the photos and he frowned. He had sent the entire roll of 22 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 17, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com out in the valley

sician from Canada, despite how many drag queens are going to skewer me for skipping over Celine Dion. My back has I was about to lose her. been hurting too bad the past two days And when I expressed those emo- Asher’s since his passing for me to attempt to tions, I wasn’t doing that to a handful World play through some of my favorite Rush Winters’ of people I’d kept at arm’s length. I was Asher Kennedy tracks in a badly-sounding homage, and Wonderland sharing those hurts and fears with peo- instead I’ve scoured the internet, watch- Evey Winters ple with whom I’d grown beautiful and ing every video and recording of Peart wholesome relationships. And there playing that I could find. Honestly, it has were so many more of them than I could Neil and I been a better tribute than me floundering ever have fathomed – from local friend- every other measure and chucking sticks Transition and ships I’d made, to people giving me gen- During one of my weekend trips with across the room in defeated frustration. uine love and support from Michigan, my baton teacher to a competition in Peart was not just the drummer, he Tragedy Idaho, and even India. And when I didn’t Ohio, my parents sent me with a Rush was also the primary lyricist for Rush have enough money to pay to get Rosa’s cassette for my Walkman. It was Perma- over the course of their multi-genera- I lost my darling husky, Rosa, on Jan- ashes back, those people that I’ve grown nent Waves, and I rewound “The Spir- tional career. If 40 years of evolving rock uary 7th. We had eight amazing, frus- to love and who have shown me love in it of the Radio” so much the tape was music does not speak to you, I encour- trating, beautiful years together with my return stepped in and overwhelmed the ruined by the time I crossed back into age you to simply peruse through the other husky, Misha. The decision to let vet’s office with offers to pay. When I Maryland the next eve- catalog of lyrics that he left with her rest was the hardest went to the vet with Rosa on the ning. I want to say that In us. Hitting topics ranging from choice I’ve ever made Grieving as a 7th, they told me about the calls Rush – specifically, Neil adolescence to death to love, in my life. She was my they’d received and remarked Peart – is the reason remembrance life, and the struggles of fame, family. Since then, I’ve new person about how many wonderful I became a drummer, Peart’s written words have mes- grieved her and tried to friends I have. And I know I do. mediocre or not. But honestly, I don’t sages for all of us, even awkward queer get my life in order. Mi- And the habits I’ve built to remember a time when I didn’t want to people struggling to find their own voice. sha and I are going to be okay together care for my trans body have helped me play the drums. I’m a second generation “Know that your place in life is where you – we’ll adjust and we’ll go on. But I’ve stay okay. Grief and depression often band geek, the child of a former flutist, want to be.... Carry your head above the had this thought repeatedly about just bring with them poor self-care and eating someone who grew up literally counting crowd, and they won’t bring you down.” If how different this experience has been behaviors. I have continued to eat right the days until I could begin my own band that is not a “let your rainbow flag fly as because I transitioned – or more specifi- because I learned to eat better as part career. Neil might not have influenced proud as the sky” mantra, I don’t know cally how it’s been better for it. of my transition. I have continued to care my specific path as a musician, but as a better one. Tattoos are my way to me- Even just two years ago, I was a dif- for my body because of the routines I’ve a drummer and a hearing-able person, I morialize people, and I can honestly say, ferent person in so many ways. So much built for skin care, bathing, and health. cannot deny the talent that we have lost I am going to have a struggle of a time of my emotional energy was drained out And my friends have checked in on me this past week. picking out just one set of words from a by living as someone I wasn’t and by all literally every day since then. When I My friend from college sent me the man who had the musical prowess, lyri- the horrible thoughts and feelings that didn’t have the wherewithal to cook for Rolling Stone article about his passing cal genius, and just sheer talent and te- come with that. Before, I don’t know how myself, my partner brought food or we about five minutes after I had read about nacity that Peart had. I’d have gotten through this. I probably went out together. it myself on another site. would have, somehow, but this year the This hasn’t When my wife and I first story is so different than started dating, I was in the how it could have been. Help midst of a Rush phase. Like Instead of feeling alone saying most people with eclectic and hurt, I’m able to goodbye tastes ranging from hip-hop grieve with the support to indie and hitting every of my friends, family, and genre except country (I pass partners. It’s not that my no judgment – I just can’t being transgender made get past the twangs) I go this easier, it’s that as through cycles of rediscover- part of my transition I’ve ing entire varieties of music. learned skills, dropped Rush, while an impeccable old habits, and grown band, is not something I can as a person in ways that listen to consistently, if for no helped me when I needed other reason than listening the most support. to Peart play around a set Growing up as a clos- with four times the pieces of eted trans person, emo- my own, sounding as though tions were difficult to mas- sextuplets across a myriad ter for me. So I contained of toms is child’s play, leaves them. I was very skilled at me pondering chopping off my keeping them under lock own useless hands. and key, which protect- It took me almost an en- ed me from them. But the tire season to learn to play same padlocks and iron “The Spirit of the Radio,” and Reliquary bars that kept emotions in been a when I tried to learn “YYZ” af- altar kept other people out. Over the last fairytale. It hasn’t been good or pleasant. terwards, I had to restrain my- year of my transition I’ve been learning But in this tragedy and loss I see how far self from hurling my drums out to express those emotions and let peo- I’ve come and how much love I have in the window. I have a wonderful For now, I will simply say ple see them, and me, in a truer form. my life. I transitioned to find comfort in sense of rhythm, which balances out my rest well Neil, your music will definitely When Rosa started to show signs that my body and in the eyes of other people horrendous vocal and melodic abilities. cause my future kids to wish their dad she was failing, I needed everything I’d – but in this I discovered that transition If you were not aware, we lost a musi- would just listen to his music with head- learned to genuinely express my heart- hasn’t just changed me, it’s changed my cal deity. The same cancer that claimed phones, and not loudly throughout the ache at watching my friend and my fami- whole world. t Senator John McCain took the best mu- entire house. t ly member suffer so – and at my fear that BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 17, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 23 qQuuality of life

energy. number that matters. More about that in a service style requires a different amount of Getting the So, do this: figure out the size of your moment. space in the room. Buffet service needs guest list, give or take ten guests, before It’s a physical reality that no matter space for some number of food tables, Wedding you start to look at venues. And for the love how hard you try, it’s impossible to put ten room for the catering staff to work behind of Dog, have those difficult conversations pounds of flour into a five pound sack. Like- or around them, and room for your guests You Want about money now so you know how much wise, no matter how much you or anyone to approach, collect food, and depart. Alter- David Egan you have to spend. Nail it down to within a else wishes it to be so, putting more guests nately, a seated-and-served meal requires thousand dollars. into a venue than the venue can hold just none of that. These two activities may be the least isn’t going to work. Even setting the fire Both buffet and seated-and-served are fun aspect of planning your wedding, but code aside (which, at the end typically done with full seat- Ten Pounds your planning experience will be a lot less of the day, one ing. On the other hand, cock- fun if you start making decisions without cannot), people tail-style service is generally of Flour these two hard limits in place. will be squeezed done with seating for up to a With that piece of homework done, let’s together, aisle third of your guests, smaller There are two “hard limits” around wedding talk about how to use those numbers in se- space will disap- tables, and three or more venue selection. Your anticipated guest lecting your wedding venue. pear, and nobody buffet stations. So for a given count – which is to say, your guest Before you look at will be happy. It’s room, the capacity might be list – and your budget. These are any other aspect of a a really bad idea. 100 guests for buffet service, numbers that bring quantitative A weddings’s venue and Gods for- A caveat: 130 for seated-and-served, definition to your wedding. They bid, fall in love with it, some venues and 160 for cocktail-style. are boundaries within which your hard limits you need to find out overstate their The dance floor adds anoth- wedding must stay. Your hard limits how many guests it can capacities. Ask er element, whether it is a cannot be exceeded. Nothing that hold. The language of about how the fixed, single-purpose space, anyone says or does, save for someone the trade around this is “guest capacity.” venue feels at ca- or tables are removed for adding to your budget, can change them. It’s hard for most people to know, pacity, how easy dancing. Establishing these two hard limits be- standing in an empty space, how every- it is for guests More next time on how fore you start touring venues, entering con- thing fits, how their wedding will look, and and service staff to move through the to choose a wedding venue! t tracts, and spending money will save you a how many guests fit comfortably. You can space with that number of guests present, David L. Egan is the proprietor great deal of pain and suffering. generally rely on the guidance that the ven- and what the optimal guest count is for and steward of the castle at Chase Court, I’ve seen lots – and I truly mean lots ue provides about configuration and guest the venue. Ask, “What is your comfortable a wedding and event venue in downtown – of couples who launch into venue tours capacity. That said, the venue’s maximum maximum capacity for each service style?”. Baltimore. Visit Chasecourt.com, and fol- before that have an inkling of how much capacity, generally set by the fire code, Here’s where things get complicated. low ChaseCourtWeddingVenue on Insta- money they have to spend, or the size of can be quite different from their comfort- The venue’s capacity is set by, among oth- gram and Facebook. their guest list. They waste a lot of time and able maximum capacity. The latter is the er things, how the room is used. Every food

24 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 17, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com A Brewpub and Restaurant Located dining out in a Historic Townhouse in the Heart of Mt. Vernon in Baltimore

ment has plenty of space to walk your fur Home of Resurrection, Beazly, Birdhouse, t baby on and off the beach. Choptank'd, Spoke'd, St. Festivus, and GPT Road When not taking advantage of Aloft’s Trippin’ many amenities, there are a variety of things to do in and around town. The near- HAPPY HOUR Michael Ritmiller by 62nd Street bridge will take you across Sunday & Monday: 4pm to Close the bay to the town of Berlin. This little Tuesday - Friday: 4pm to 7pm town squeezes in a lot of big things. Try Aloft Ocean City your luck at Ocean Downs Casino, where 4501 Coastal Highway you may hit big playing table games or 1106 North Charles Street Ocean City, Maryland robbing the one-armed bandits. Off-sea- Baltimore, MD 21201 443-373-0800 son events like the Ocean City Casino 410-547-6925 • thebrewersart.com Aloftoceancity.com Getaways will even give you a couple hundred in casino cash to increase your Put down that fork and change out of those odds of winning. Downing a crab cake and sweatpants. With the holidays over, it’s pub fries from Poseidon’s Pub seemed to time to get your ass moving around and be my good luck charm to winning at the get out of town for the weekend. Leash Wheel of Fortune slot machine. your two- or four-legged kids and head Berlin has a few other gems beyond east to Aloft Ocean City for some off-sea- the antique shops. Try the moist chocolate son fun without the crowds. bourbon cake at Baked Dessert cafe and Aloft Ocean City is the latest addition gallery. Grab some cured meats, cheeses in the middle of OC, overlooking a beau- and fermented goods at Gilbert’s Provi- tifully scenic part of the Assawoman Bay sions. Make sure you stock up from both and still only a block from the beach. Its spots before catching some great mu- hip, lifestyle concept is kid-, pet- and cou- sic shows and drinks in the surrounding ples-friendly, perfectly situated to quite a farm-to-bottle establishments. Burley Oak few things happening year round. Watch Brewing Company hosts live music Friday the waves from the heated indoor pool. nights and awesome beers and sours that Have a drink with some Korean pulled pork pair well with the Burn Wood Fired Pizza tacos at the WXYZ Bar while being mes- next door. If fermented juice is more pre- merized by the glorious sunsets. Watch ferred, Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery of- your favorite team in Aloft’s lounge (which fers some of the best wines on the Eastern might be more comfortable than your liv- Shore along with some lively local musi- ing room). There is even a separate game cians on Saturdays. room for kids of all ages stocked with a pool Back in town, be sure to check out table and a variety of games. The Friday events happening at the Art League of night “Sip & Shop” in the lobby area brings Ocean City Center for the Arts. Music per- local artisans to you while also benefiting formances, art shows, film festivals, and the lo- fun classes to develop your inner artist are regular occurrences. The convention center is a quick walk away from Aloft, hosting an eclectic mix of events including an annual beer festival and concerts for all ages. When those hungry moments strike, indulge in some big ass home- Monday-Saturday: 7a.m. - 2p.m. made meatballs and chicken parm at Ripieno’s just south of Sunday: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. the hotel. The Italian cold cuts are packed with savory flavor and the cheesesteak subs put Dine in Breakfast Special anything in Philly to shame. Rosie gives their balls and the Daily Lunch Specials 28-inch pizza four paws up (PSA: Do not try to transport (Thursday Shrimp Salad Special) a 28-inch box on top of your convertible in high winds). For the first time in many years, Aloft has made me feel like Ocean City is starting to reinvent itself for the better. The cal Humane Society. environment was lively at a historically In warmer months, the outdoor pool quiet time of year. The winter months offer and Liquid Therapy Tiki Bar is as inviting many new experiences you might other- as the beach. The adjacent beachhead wise not try in the warmer months. With even has kayaks and light up paddle- so many discounts and specials happen- boards available to explore the bay day ing this time of year, take advantage of the or night. Rosie, my English bulldog, wants lack of crowds, pack your bags and bond you to know that this pet friendly environ- with the coast. t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 17, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 25 mistakes, historical or personal! But history always seems to repeat itself. What if we strive to actually be better people, Gary’s which would mean sticking up for the World underdog, not gossiping and spread- Gary Schwartz ing false information or rumors to make yourself feel more important but actually to do something that matters. Social media seem to have taken over most peo- The New ple’s senses and logical thinking. (That will be for another article) but I digress. Year’s What if we didn’t discriminate within our own community? What if we didn’t ig- Resolution nore the neighbor abusing his/her child or pet? What if we took that daring step Happy new year! It’s nice to read my instead of simply posting or reposting Facebook friends’ resolutions for 2020, on Facebook? During the early 90s the most being losing weight, being nicer, best slogan, coming out of the AIDS and being more responsible. While these epidemic was Action = Life / Silence = are all great and valid goals, what if we Death. and what if we applied that to- strived for that better self? Some wards our goals to be that better called it self-actualization during person? What if we put forth that the 1980s while others gave it Be effort into supporting each other, a more religious overtone. But yourself! supporting those in need and not in the end, what could we do to condemning those we don’t un- make 2020 a better start to a new derstand? What if we actually sat decade? and researched what that meant before It seems that the world has taken chiming in to see if what do or repost is a huge step backwards, which trickles correct? What if we did act kinder and down to all facets of life. In my naiveté, I not spread rumors or gossiped to hurt thought as we moved into a new centu- someone else? What if we sat down ry, that we would have learned by past with that “friend” and said, “Hey, your behavior isn’t flattering to you”? What if we worked to be that better person or friend? While this might seem cryptic, think about what you can do to be a Certified Public Accountants better person. Think about if you were to die tomor- row, what legacy would you have left? What would your friends have said about you? How would you have been regard- ed? A good deal of people tends to not understand the differences between “aggressive” and “assertive” behaviors. Then of course there is the third: Services for Business Services Tax Services passive behavior. Peo- Individuals -Small Business Accounting -Tax Preparation ple who tend toward the -Estate Planning -Online Payroll -Tax Planning passive are liable to be- -Elder Care -QuickBooks Services -Tax Problems come the scapegoat and -Payroll - Bank Financing never obtains their goals. Assertive behavior ob- New Business Formation tains goals by honesty, not hurting or stepping on Making a Difference for Businesses & Individuals anyone. And those whose dominant trait is aggres- With client focus as the base of every service, Bridges & Associates, CPA’s sive behavior, tend to care of Baltimore, MD offers area businesses and individuals specialized CPA less whom they hurt, use, services tailored to the industry, business entity and targeted needs. or destroy to get what they want. Be the assertive behavior! Be the best 835 Hollins St. Baltimore, MD, 21201 person you can be. Happy t 410-908-8134 new year! [email protected] • bridgescpas.com Here’s to a kinder, gentler all of us in 2020! 26 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 17, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com YOUR MONEY

ment / peers, about the work they were The More you performing, etc.; all with the goal of iden- Know About tifying areas workplace stressors could turn up. Once identified, we worked Business with organizational psychologists (from Richard Finger the Chester City Council) to determine those most impactful to eradicate. To- day, many organizations are performing annual employee engagement surveys Employee that are also serving this purpose, but indirectly. Wellness With society as a whole becoming more aware of the prevalence of men- Working in the health- tal-health issues, that way of care arena has opened thinking is making its way into my eyes to the increased Happy, the workplace. “More organi- focus on mental health, unstressed zations are making strides to and the importance of em- provide better support systems ployee wellness. In years employees can for employees facing men- past, employers had the tal-health challenges and are mindset that stress induc- also destress the including mental health as part ers were primarily ema- bottom line of their overall workplace-well- nating from personal or ness plan”, according to the home-life situations. This thinking has IFEBP’s Julie Stich. The growing em- evolved to acknowledge stress is also phasis of mental-health coverage could emerging from the workplace. be attributed to heightened levels of em- In response to rising levels of stress, ployee stress, as more employers are employers are rising to the challenge. reporting stress as the top issue nega- According to the International Founda- tively impacting productivity. tion of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) Digging a little further into the data, fi- 90% of US employers are offering some nancial stress is the top cause, impacting component of mental health coverage employees’ health, and can result in de- in the form of an Employ- pression and anxiety, migraines, ulcers, and heart issues. Imagine all of the days of work missed to Experts say not to take address these symptoms, and employee the subsequent cost associated. relaxation as Investing in workplace wellness, Join us for our Winter Bowling league far as we do at Baltimore and mental-health coverage may OUTloud! be worth the cost if it means a healthier, safer, and more pro- ductive workforce. Although organizations have increased coverage to address mental-health issues, they have not found the exact solution for helping workers with stress levels. Most organizations report that their efforts have been somewhat effective in reducing ee Assistance Program (EAP), work-related stress, but fewer than 5% Polish up your balls and get ready because you had mental-health coverage, substance report very effective results. abuse coverage / treatment, and/or men- I’m confident that as organization better bowlieve it is going to be a great time! tal-health educational / informational see value in addressing all causes of sessions at the workplace. stress for employees, there will be con- When I lived and worked in Chester, tinued progress. Back to my days in the Come out and knock down a few pins, meet new friends, England from 2005 to 2008, I used to en- UK, it was easier to address workplace gage in meetings with the Chester City stress, and personal stress, as the occu- catch up with old ones, and let the good times roll! No Council, as they were launching a work- pational health nurse was able to openly place stress initiative. As an American, it share with leadership personal health bowling experience is needed. We are more about the was strange for me to take part in these information about employees. We were social than the score! Sign up and you will be placed on discussions, as I found these meetings a able to brainstorm ways for us to as- little intrusive. Looking back, I suppose sist employees in a time of need, to the a team with other awesome LGBTQ+ folx. We can't wait one could say the Chester City Council best of our abilities. We weren’t always was progressive for those times, looking successful, but with the added compo- to see you out! to combat a very real problem that was nent of free-flowing health information, just beginning to bubble up to the sur- our ability to help certainly increased. It face. As part of this initiative, we were will be interesting to see how organiza- asked to survey our employees annual- tions address employee wellness in the www.queercitysports.com ly and ask their opinions about the work future, and I hope to participate in the environment, relationship with manage- efforts towards a solution. t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 17, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 27 YOUR MONEY // REAL ESTATE Are You Ready for the Silver Tsunami? by Wayne Curtis Zillow analysts have reported that be- markets and plenty of buildable land.” tween 2017 and 2027, over 900,000 The National Association of Realtors baby boomer-owned homes will go on says that this anticipated flood of exist- the market every year, and that will in- ing housing coming up for sale should crease to 1.17 million units of housing provide a remedy for continuing housing inventory from 2027 to 2037. shortages, as existing-home inventory That means approx- shrank to 3.9-months supply imately 20 million prop- Balancing in October, compared to 4.3 erties, (or 27 percent of months the prior year. currently owner-occu- a potential One unknown factor will be if pied houses) will flood the nation’s builders will be able the market, as the elder inner-city to keep up with demand due to generation passes on or costs, labor, and land shortag- gives up their homes. real estate es. Access to affordable new Arizona and Florida, the home inventory could be affect- Building with a two states that have the renaissance ed, including the need to retrofit housing around bright future? most retired residents, and renovate older properties. the country, and at the population level will experience the high- with fair Another unknown factor will they can actually be predicted fairly ac- velopment. est inventory jumps, ex- be the rate at which the Boom- curately.” The resulting dislocation of poorer pected to top 30 percent. housing er Echo generation will enter Maryland – and Baltimore in partic- residents will, however, create issues for Zillow’s Jeff Tucker the market for their own new ular – will be affected by these trends. government policy makers. t explains, “In many parts goals – homes. Tucker says, “Demo- While the proximity to the nation’s capital Sources: Rismedia, Zillow, NAR, of the country, the Silver graphic trends are critical to the usually gives our region a reliably strong TBWS Tsunami will dampen new-home con- real estate industry because the most job market, affordable and available land Wayne Curtis has been a licensed struction, as a flood of existing homes common reasons for home purchases will be an issue. This promises to poten- real estate agent for 23 years, serv- vacated by boomers comes on the mar- and sales are demographic life events, tially solve Baltimore’s problems on the ing the Baltimore region, currently with ket. The places best situated to absorb such as births, deaths, marriages, and di- crumbling West Side and decaying inner REMAX Advantage Realty. Contact him that new inventory and still drive new vorces. Along with job relocations, these suburbs, as housing with existing infra- with your real estate questions, wayne@ construction are ones with booming job factors drive the underlying demand for structure will be attractive for easy rede- charmcityrealestate.com.

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be Batman – I liked Robin. In fact, Burt has not only introduced me to new peo- Williams if I would be interested in writ- Ward was my first male crush. Not only ple but has also taken me places: Fire ing a column in the newspaper. Knowing did I like the spandex (I still do, by the Island, Dallas, Provincetown, Portland that I wanted to help spread the word way) but it seemed that Robin was al- (Maine), and even Tulsa, Oklahoma. about my beloved leather community, Leather ways being captured and tied up. (Who goes to Tulsa? It’s fun. Who knew?) promote events, applaud leather people Line I kept my secret fantasies inside me After joining the ShipMates, I’ve held who are out in the community making a Rodney Burger and when I was old enough, I went to an various officer positions in the club, in- difference, and share my experiences, I adult bookstore. Out of the corner of my cluding being the quickly said, “YES!” eye I saw gay men’s magazines called club’s president “Growing up in It is now 15 Drummer and Honcho. I was too embar- ten times. Over the years later, and I Why Do rassed to buy one of those and selected years not only did Hagerstown, I always am still here in the a straight S&M magazine which had a I have lots of fun, knew I had a kinky newspaper. I have dominatrix on the cover with her musta- I helped the club not missed an is- I Do It? chioed hairy chested bound slave. It was raise lots on money side. Nothing would sue. I’m still as ac- called She Who Must Be Obeyed. for many charities tive as ever with Years later when I moved to Balti- in the Mid-Atlantic excite me more than the ShipMates and I’ve often been asked what keeps me go- more, I discovered the Galley Bar, which area. Remember when the villain in the Sir Steve and I are ing. Year after year I am working in the in the 1980s was a leather bar. I met that Drummer mag- still together. One leather community, attending events and members of the ShipMates leather club azine I was afraid movie would shout, Halloween we even contests, and writing this column. Lord there and my partner and I would help to buy? In March of went out as Batman knows I am not getting any younger. them with events. In 1997 my partner 2001 at a contest ‘Tie him up!’” and Robin. Funny Someone commented recently, “I don’t and I broke up. I had been asked many at the Hippo I was how life turns out. know how you do it.” The start of a new times over the years to join the Ship- sashed Maryland Mr. Drummer 2001. Occasionally, something magical hap- year often brings a time of reflection. My Mates, but I always declined. When you As a leather titleholder even more doors pens. One year during Leather Cocktails leather journey has been a long one and find yourself single again there are two opened. It was during my title year that at Mid-Atlantic Leather a young man I hope that it is far from over. things you can do. You can stay home I met Sir Steve when I sold him the came up to me. He introduced himself Growing up in Hagerstown, I always with the drapes pulled and play sad mu- winning 50 / 50 raffle ticket during the and said that he was one of my readers knew I had a kinky side. Nothing would sic or you can get right back out there. Mid-Atlantic Drummer 2001 contest. He and that he had never been to MAL be- excite me more than when the villain In 1997 I took the plunge and joined a won several hundred dollars. (I’ve man- fore. He said that I always write about in the movie would shout, “Tie him up!” leather club. My objective was to meet aged to get the money back.) I’ve pro- how much fun I have at MAL, so he I remember that my favorite television more kinky people. Membership brought duced the Mr. and Ms. Baltimore Eagle thought he would give it a try. He added show as a child was the campy “Batman” me oh so much more. Contest and the Maryland LeatherSIR / that he was having a wonderful time and which ran on ABC from 1966 to 1968. I Those who stand on the outside look- Leatherboy Contest. In 2005 I was asked he thanked me. In that moment I knew didn’t want to ing in, as I did for by Baltimore OUTloud’s co-owner Jim why I did it. t so many years, Best are unaware of sidekicks the true meaning of leather com- COMING IN 2020 munity. Joining a leather club opens many doors. I have met hundreds of leather folks from all over the world. In 2019 the ShipMates 2020 added ten new members and they are all fun to hang out with. I would not Three Sizes, Great Rates! have met them otherwise. When I travel, even if I am not going to a leather event, I pack Reserve your my club vest. I’ve walked into bars all over the coun- Space NOW! try and have had strangers come up to me and say, “Ship- For more details... Mates, I know Mary Taylor a ShipMate. Do you know [email protected] …?” Attending other leather 410-802-1310 clubs’ events

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