AN INDEPENDENT VOICE FOR THE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER COMMUNITIES October 30, 2015 | Volume XIII, Issue 13 the Hippo. As of the by his experiences. He has Jabari last board meeting taught in Baltimore City Lyles Jabari Lyles: GLCCB New on October 14, Lyles before he got the job of credit: says some financial Rich working with the GLCCB reports from Pride Wertman and GLSEN. He grew up in Executive Director and had not yet been re- Pikesville, where he says ceived as requested. he was sheltered withing a Byb Jaco Pierce The Center is majority white population. Politicians are often elected to office on also dealing with the “I didn’t know how much I a bevy of campaign promises, vows to Clean-Up Man fallout surrounding benefitted from white priv- restore voters’ trust, and to right the wrongs the dismissal of Lon- ilege, and had all the white of the previous administration. Jabari Lyles, tive directors in that time: Joel Tinsley–Hall, nie Walker, the former friends.” He admitted he “re- the new executive director and board presi- Paul Liller, Kelly Neel, and Matthew Thorn. program coordina- jected [his] blackness” un- dent of the GLCCB, Baltimore’s LGBT com- Lyles hopes to improve the Center’s image tor. Walker has been til he met individuals in the munity center, faces something like that sit- within the community, he said, and the dif- charged with burglary community who contributed uation now, after the sudden resignation of ference was evident as program coordinator in the second and to a refreshingly changed the previous interim director, Paul Liller. Kevin Holt and board member David Sugar fourth degrees, theft self-perception. Is he not Lyles spoke with this reporter about his cleaned and rearranged furniture, keeping of less than $1,000, “black enough”? He insists take on the difficulties facing the GLCCB, the place from “looking like a basement.” malicious destruction he has seen “all the Friday Baltimore Pride, and racial divisions within Baltimore Pride is a key focus, Lyles of property, theft from movies” and has had “all the Baltimore. He also talked about plans to wel- states, of which he says “he knows it could’ve $10,000 to under $100,000, and trespassing chitlins I can eat,” though “that won’t do any- come all members of the community to the been better.” As in the past, this year Pride on private property. thing for that community.” center. included regular events such as the Twilight Lyles is candid about the problems with the “My parents always told me,” Lyles says, “A change going to come” to the GLCCB, on the Terrace, the high-heel race, the pa- Center’s finances and accounting. To address “you can speak as well as you want, have as Lyles said, adding that the place to start was rade, the block party, and “Sunday in the this problem, he has “initiated an internal audit” many leadership positions as you want, have from within the institution. “The staff here I Park.” This year also had some negatives, and “will corroborate those [Pride reports] with as many white friends as you want but you think really experienced a decrease in mo- according to some critics, such as being held our PNC accounts and we’re going to come up are still a black man.” rale this entire year,” he said, with the Center in July instead of June, and the relocation with those numbers ourselves.” In moving the GLCCB forward, Lyles going through four previous interim execu- of some parts of the block party to behind Lyles’ perspectives on race were shaped —continued on page 3 The Great Pepper Hill Club Raid bmy Ji Becker and 60s.The club This month marks the 60th anniversary of was appropriately of 1955 one of the most infamous incidence of gay located at 200 North persecution in the history of Baltimore. On Gay Street, just a block from the Central Po- Saturday, October 1, 1955, the Baltimore Po- lice Station, and had notoriety as a gay club lice Department raided the Pepper Hill Club even to straight Baltimoreans. The club was and arrested all 162 people in the bar – pa- central to the nightlife of Baltimore’s neces- trons, employees, and the owners. sity highly secretive gay community and the Those arrested were charged with disor- scale of the arrests shocked and no doubt derly conduct. The owners of the bar, Mor- caused panic. ton Cohen and Vincent Lance, were also The Baltimore Sun reported on October charged with running a disorderly house. 3, 1955, that the police said that the majority Inside the The Pepper Hill was a segregated white of the people arrested were from Washington Pepper Hill gay bar, as were many clubs, restaurants, D.C., Sergeant Hyman Goldstein of the vice Club, circa movie theaters, and other places of public squad, who led the raid, said, “We have re- 1950s accommodation in the Baltimore of the 1950s —continued on page 3 BALTIMORE OUTLOUD OCTOBER 30, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 1 2 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD OCTOBER 30, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com news // LOCAL

J aBARI Lyles: GLCCB New Executive Director people of color predominately or prevalently – continued from page 1 in your programming?” Lyles asks. He adds that he is open to working with other organi- states he will indeed make the Center more zations with Latinos, Muslims, Wiccans, and colorful with all races, nationalities, genders, others to provide a safe haven. Lyle states and religious backgrounds. “How could you he wants to be “Judged based upon his ac- not have a community center in Baltimore tions” and for the GLCCB “to be a place of that doesn’t really put the needs and ideas of resource for the community.” t

Pepper Hill Club Raid hour trial, the state presented evidence that – continued from page 1 male patrons were observed hugging and kissing and some witnesses alleged acts of ceived word that Washington police are con- indecency. Sergeant Goldstein testified that ducting a drive on homosexuals; apparently he had visited the club previously and warned some of them are coming to Baltimore for the owners “about allowing homosexuals to their entertainment.” congregate there.” Although he dismissed The next day most the charges, Judge of the charges were Pepper Hill Cullen said that he dismissed by Magis- Club, circa approved of such trate Meyer M. Cardin 1968 warnings by the police credit: Charles sitting in the Central Hughtes because the Liquor Police Court. Four Board lacks the staff people were convict- to check on such es- ed of disorderly con- tablishments. duct and one woman During the 1956 for assaulting a police session of the Mary- officer. Cardin also land General Assem- threw out the running bly, the Baltimore a disorderly house Police Commissioner charges against Cohen and Lance. There and the officers that led the raid were “invit- was apparently somewhat of a circus atmo- ed” by the Baltimore City delegation to come sphere in the courtroom with some of those to Annapolis to explain their actions. The arrested making light of the situation much to Sun reported on February 1 that the motion the displeasure of the authorities. requesting the appearance of the commis- Despite the extreme gay oppression sioner and involved police officers said that prevalent at the time, the raid created some “steps must be taken to insure that it will not controversy. On October 4, the Sun reported happen again.” A law was passed banning that Delegate Jerome Robinson, represent- mass arrest. (See article by Jim Burroway ing Baltimore City, criticized the police and in the Box Turtle Bulletin at Boxturtlebulletin. Sergeant Goldstein, who he said had set com/2015/10/02/70962) himself up as “censor of community morals.” The Pepper Hill closed in 1968 and the Robinson said that “decent, straight-thinking building was demolished (along with the Baltimoreans” had hoped “police mass raids Central Police Station) to make way for the were a thing of the past.” (There had been final section of the Jones Falls Expressway. a mass arrest in June, 1954, at the straight Although the patrons at the bar on the night Club Oasis on the Block and the then police of October 1, 1955, didn’t fight back as hap- Commissioner had declared that it would not pened 14 years later in the Stonewall bar, happen again.) Robinson added that other the raid could be viewed as a small victory methods should be used in dealing with the because gay citizens of Baltimore and Mary- “public problem of massing homosexuals in land could not be rounded up en masse just licensed establishments.” for being in a club with a gay clientele. t Following the dismissal of the disorderly [Note: Just as I was completing this arti- house charges against the Pepper Hill pro- cle I found an account posted October 27 on prietors, the Sun reported on October 8 that DailyKos.com by Wayoutinthestix that covers Cohen and Lance were indicted by the Grand much of what I have written with additional Jury of operating the bar for “the purpose of thoughts and commentary. He appears to lewdness and assignation and as a disorder- have relied heavily on the Sun digital archive ly house.” also. Here’s the link to his account: Dailykos. According to an article in the November com/story/2015/10/27/1441385/-LGBT-His- 23 issue of the Sun, Judge James K. Cullen tory-Stonewall-Baltimore-style-1955#. He dismissed those charges and declared that came out after the bar had been torn down. the police should be “severely condemned” It was the first gay bar I went to when I came for making the mass arrest. During the four out in the spring of 1967.] BALTIMORE OUTLOUD OCTOBER 30, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 3 news // LOCAL Carlton Smith Cleared of All Charges

Byb Jaco Pierce helping the GLCCB and the community at Carlton Smith, executive director of the Cen- large. This is why he was arrested in front ter of Black Equity, has been exonerated of of everyone. He reveals he was hurt by the all charges stemming from an arrest during incident saying, “I’ve always been a com- this year’s Baltimore Gay munity member of the Center Pride block party. Smith was and I was very upset.” detained during the Martha Furthermore he states, Wash concert, as a result of “I’m giving money to the Cen- being involved with an inci- ter, through a grant, so there- dent at the GLCCB. fore I didn’t need to steal from A press release revealed the Center.” And yet he didn’t earlier in the week, “with the know about the charges until help of pro bono criminal he got downtown. attorney Robert Johnson, “However there are no hard all charges against Carlton feelings for the GLCCB,” Smith Smith were dropped and the said. “The next step is to get case was dismissed.” Smith back to work, but I will nev- immediately expresses his er forget. I’m still traumatized joy. “I feel very happy that C arlton Smith and yet I’m also looking for the the truth finally come out.” greater good, because no mat- The truth as to why he got arrested ter how much I wanted to sue, it will never was because of his suspected involvement bring the community together.” with an investigation involving a former The next thing Smith is look forward to GLCCB employee. According to Smith, is attending and expressing his opinions he believes that he was set up, because to better the community at the next Town someone “wanted to defame him.” He is an Hall Meeting at Chase Brexton, October avid supporter and works on many projects 27, 2015. t

4 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD OCTOBER 30, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD OCTOBER 30, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 5 beyond the beltway compiled by Jim Becker Kent via a press release. “There is a need presidential debate and then sent his cam- for these men to have a collective voice paign the maximum allowable individual and open forum to speak out against the donation, $2,700. Manhunt raid and for their rights.” NCORB aims to Sanders, however, is a long-time ad- fill the need. Its website contains a media vocate of lowering prescription drug pric- founder joins outpost of news articles, columns, reac- es and had already called for a federal tions, and information about the Rentboy investigation of Shkreli’s drug company. Rentboys.com raid. The site will also soon provide unfet- “Mr. Shkreli is holding hostage the patients tered access to legal advisories and “know who rely on this lifesaving medication, as dvisory board your rights” forums for rent boys remaining well as the hospitals that administer it, by in the industry, as well as regular updates charging unconscionable prices for a drug New York City, N.Y. – Jonathan on the status of the federal case against on which he has a monopoly – just because Crutchley, founding partner and owner of the principals of the Rentboy.com prose- he can,” Sanders wrote in a joint letter with Manhunt and Jack’d, has joined the advi- cution. “Public pressure may not stop the Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings. Under sory board of the National Coalition of Rent prosecution, but it will certainly let the U.S. the circumstances, Sanders’ campaign Boys & Allies, an organization advocating said, they didn’t want Shkreli’s money and for the legal rights of male escort workers. would give it to the Whitman-Walker clinic The group formed in response to the Au- in Washington, D.C. “We are not keeping gust 25th raid on Rentboy.com in New York the money from this poster boy for drug City by the NYPD and Homeland Security. company greed,” Sanders spokesman Mi- Federal agents joined the NYPD in shut- chael Briggs said. ting down Rentboy on the assertion that “Homosexuality isn’t the problem, preju- Shkreli, meanwhile, tweeted that he Rentboy was using interstate commerce to dice is”; “We are your neighbors … and we was “so angry at Bernie Sanders” that he violate local New York laws. are gay”; and “gay rights are civil rights. “could punch a wall!” “It is no business of the government Acceptance without exception” have been at any level – be it federal, state, or lo- long remembered by those who view them. cal – to enter the bedrooms of consenting Jonathan Crutchley – not like the others Currently, in South Carolina, it is legal adults and tell them what they may or may to fire someone from their job because they not do within that private setting,” asserts attorney know where the LGBT community are gay. LGBT people receive no protec- Crutchley on his decision to join NCORB. stands on targeting our population and our tions from the Fair Housing Act. The state Last week, he made a financial contribu- partners,” says Mr. Kent. (Bay Windows at is one of only five states that do not have tion to the legal defense team representing Baywindows.com) hate-crime laws. Certain challenges still Jeffrey Hurant, founder of Rentboy.com. exist for those who wish to have or adopt “Such matters are certainly not the busi- children. And, the “Healthy Sexuality” pro- ness of the Department of Homeland Se- gram in public high schools across the curity, which was created after September Billboards state includes discussion of LGBT sexual- Bewrnie Sanders and CEO Martin Shkreli 11, 2001, to protect citizens from foreign ity as it relates to sexually transmitted dis- terrorists.” The editorial board of the New say marriage eases. These are only a few issues which He genuinely supports many of Sand- York Times called the raid “peculiar.” AFFA is working against in the fight against ers’ positions, Shkreli said, and he’d hoped The National Coalition of Rent Boys & equality is not prejudice and discrimination. (Q-Notes On- that the donation would buy him face time Allies was created as a not-for-profit cor- line – Lainey Millen at Q-notes.com) with the candidate so he could explain why poration by attorney Norm Kent, a well- the end his 5,500% increase in the price of Dara- known First Amendment advocate. “The prim was justified. “I find it bizarre that he Department of Homeland Security has Charleston, S.C. – The Alliance for won’t engage me, because he’s been will- initiated a questionable legal action which Full Acceptance (AFFA) launched its “Be- Bernie Sanders ing to use my name,” Shkreli told CNN. ‘He has terrorized thousands of men who were yond Marriage” billboard campaign on singled me out, but dozens of drug compa- lawfully trading their time and companion- October 5 on I-26 westbound between the gives gay clinic nies have done what I’ve done.” t (Seattle ship for legitimate compensation,” said Mr. Dorchester and Montague exits. The Face- Gay News – Mike Andrew at Sgn.org) book-inspired campaign is comprised of donation from four consecutive billboards which follows Like Us On These news notes have been compiled, the social media posts of a newly married pharma CEO with permission, from the online version lesbian woman. Slogans stated are: “Just Facebook! of various newspapers and other web MARRIED!... Just got EVICTED! Landlord Washington, D.C. – Democratic pres- sites. We thank these publications for saw wedding pics”; “Just got FIRED… idential hopeful Bernie Sanders will trans- allowing us to bring you their news sto- BECAUSE I’M GAY!”; and “There’s more fer a $2,700 campaign donation to a Dis- ries. Usually the reports have been sig- to equality than marriage. #BEYOND trict of Columbia health clinic because nificantly edited and you can read the MARRIAGE” and have been showcased the donor is pharmaceutical CEO Martin full story by going to the web site men- throughout the campaign in the port city. Shkreli, the drug company executive who tioned following the item. Comments Each year, AFFA takes its cause for acquired rights to Daraprim, a medication are strictly the opinions of Jim Becker equality to the main street through its me- used by some HIV/AIDS patients, and then and not of Baltimore OUTloud or Pride dia campaign efforts. They have produced jacked up the price from $13.50 to $750 Media. TV commercials, radio spots, newspaper per pill. The drug CEO tweeted support for ads and a documentary. Slogans such as Sanders during the October 13 Democratic

6 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD OCTOBER 30, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com out in the valley Family Crises

This week has been crazy. In our fami- ly, I am the one that is called when times get tough. I’m the one who has all the an- swers, even if I have no clue. I’m in that unique place in life where I still have chil- dren at home and have a parent who is getting older. Early in the week, I got a call from my dad that started off with him yelling, “I need help!” As my stomach tightened and my blood pressure began to rise, I asked him what he needed. My mind went to a mil- lion possibilities – he’d fallen and broken something important, like a hip – someone had broken into his home – or even that he was being scammed out of all of his money. All of those scenarios disappeared as I realized that he needed help installing his new landline phone system. To him it now friends again. her situation. When she is questioned, she (and their mommy) are safe. And, best of was a crisis. To me, it was another thing to And, the poor little guinea pig. “Pig,” as will either shut down or disappear. All I all, my blood pressure is returning to nor- schedule into my already busy week. the two-year-old calls him, is a recent ad- know is that I’ve never seen bruises and I mal levels. Then, the kids’ requests came in. The dition to our menagerie. From my obser- can’t find any court records indicating that So, take a deep breath, calm down and two in college needed help. One doesn’t vation, Pig is the most incredible creature he has a history of violence. So, I think this face those crises. Teaching our children tell us much. He keeps it on the planet is her way of finding a socially acceptable to face their life issues calmly and logically all in, but seemed really – at least to a way out of her marriage. is a gift that will continue to bless their lives appreciative when I di- two-year-old. Anyway, when she said she was scared, for many years to come. t rected him to the campus And, to a Pig, I took it at face value and then asked some Rev. Kelly Crenshaw is the mom of tutoring center. The other a two-year-old cautious questions. After many hours of 16 adopted kids, two biological ones, and refuses to utilize the cam- Parenting is pretty scary. communication, I came to realize that she foster mom of dozens. She is co-pastor of pus tutors, insisting that I OUTloud Pig hid in his was not in danger. She and her husband New Light MCC in Washington County. am much more intelligent little house for were arguing because she wanted to leave than the campus folks. Rev. Kelly Crenshaw days before town to go see a friend. She wanted to And although I appreciate coming out. take the children with her. He was afraid the fact that he thinks I’m For now, Pig that she would disappear with the kids and brilliant, I need him to learn that it’s alright and the little man have to be in separate he wouldn’t see them again, so he refused for him to accept help from other resourc- rooms. to let her take them. And, they argued. es. I was at Bible Study when the texts The kids are perfectly safe. She is safe. Of course, the week wouldn’t be com- started from the grown daughter. This And, after all of the drama, she has come to plete without the normal, day to day crises daughter came to live with us realize that she is probably better off like: a sick daughter who gets really, really when she was ten. At the staying put so that she can be with crabby when she is ill; a two-year-old who time, they told us that she her children. I reminded her that is obsessed with an older child’s guinea was simply mentally retarded. although her commitment to her pig; and the grown, intellectually disabled Later, we came to realize that husband was coming to an end, daughter who says she is not safe. she has multiple disabilities she and her husband still have One of the biggest problems we face that include what used to be a commitment to the children. I in our home is the child who struggles with known as multiple personality hope that she remembers this learning how to cope with anxiety issues. disorder. As a result, we never logic a week from now. And, when they are sick, anxiety is almost quite know “who” we are deal- Through it all, I saw an completely impossible to manage. We ing with when she contacts us. important lesson being re- had that this week with one of our girls. This time, she called, then peated over and over. Most She caught a cold and no one and nothing texted to say couldn’t talk, but could of our life crises aren’t really cri- could make her happy. She complained text. So, we communicated by text. The ses. We get upset and we blow things up about everything, even getting to the point conversation ended up lasting more than into huge mountains of drama. And, if we that she was going to call the police about 24 hours. It started with, “I’m scared.” become overly emotional, we are probably her younger brother because he had been She wanted to get her children to safety. I not going to be able to either see or make picking on her. And, that surely must be prepared to drive halfway across the coun- good decisions. illegal. While I agreed with her that he try to help her. In the past few months, she And so, as I end the week, I am happy brother had been insensitive, it took a lot has said that her husband is “not safe” and to report that my dad’s phone is working of discussion before she could recognize she is scared of him. I still don’t know what well, the tutors are being helpful, the sick that maybe a police report was not her best that means. With her many limitations, she daughter is feeling better, the “Pig” is safe, option. I’m happy to report that they are doesn’t always do a good job of explaining the toddler is distracted and the grandkids

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD OCTOBER 30, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 7 OUT in the Valley

In 1982, I remem- a pretty picture to check out the apps available for your iphone ber it well, the U.S. struggle for every or android at: Surgeon General at breath and then Cancer.org/healthy/stayawayfromto- that time, C. Ever- still feel like you’re bacco/greatamericansmokeout. For more ett Koop (he was a suffocating. Not a information about second hand smoke Health great person, by the way I want to go. go to: Cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/ way), announced There are fact_sheets/secondhand_smoke/health_ Chat t Debbie Anne that cigarette smok- an estimated 42 effects. ing was the major million people in Debbie Anne is a public-health nurse single cause of the country who with Frederick County Health Department On Being a cancer mortality smoke, and smok- in Frederick, Maryland. In 2014 she was in the country. To- ing cost our econ- awarded a Governor’s Citation for her work Quitter day, we know that omy $92 billion with Marylanders living with HIV/AIDS. smoking is the most dollars every year No one likes to be called a quitter… well with preventable cause that could be used one exception that is… and that’s when quit- of death nationally on education, ting smoking. Get ready for the 2015 Great and is thought to be the cause of every one transportation, or other infrastructure. To- Like Us On American Smokeout on November 19th. This in five deaths. This year there will be over bacco-related health costs are about $133 could be your year! You can be a quitter too! 224,000 new lung cancer diagnoses among billion a year. So if you smoke or you don’t Facebook! Okay, just so you don’t think I’m just both men and women equally, and almost smoke, and you’re complaining about the preachin’ like a “never smoked a day in her 160,000 individuals will die of lung cancer. cost of your health insurance, make the life public health nurse,” I have smoked, Smoking and other forms of tobacco connection. If smoke or you don’t smoke, and I was lucky enough to kick the habit 12 don’t just cause lung cancer though, they you really need to know the effects of sec- years ago. According the American Cancer are also implicated in many other forms of ond-hand smoke which has been shown Society, I’ve now cut my risk of lung cancer cancer like oral cancer, esophageal cancer, to have significant negative affects for the in half compared to someone still smoking, stomach, pancreas, kidney uterine, cervical, health of all housemates including pets. and I’m on my way to having a heart disease colon, and ovarian cancers. It is also im- So, basically, there are hundreds of rea- risk comparable to someone who has nev- plicated in acute myeloid leukemia, chron- sons to be a quitter! Smoking related illness er smoked. So, for being a quitter, I’m really ic emphysema, and chronic, obstructive is preventable! Enjoy the benefits of quitting, glad to be called one. pulmonary disease (COPD). In my nursing and quit like a champion. If you need help, Now for the public health nurse stuff… career, I’ve seen people die of COPD – not call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or 800-784-8669. Or

Crisis Moments

b y Rev. Kelly Crenshaw phone. She never does that. She Everyone will have those Kelly’s must be in trouble. Can you call times when life seems just her dad?” (Courtney is fine. She awful. It happens. It’s nothing Kids was grounded from her phone.) you’ve done wrong, neces- “I CAN’T FIND MY SHOES!!!” sarily. Usually, it’s just because. Here (Did you look in your room?) are a few of the crises that happened “I’ve finally found the love of my to Kelly’s Kids over the past couple of life,” became, “I can’t believe weeks. he’d treat me “Mom! If that baby scares my this way.” guinea pig one (That’s what more time, happens when he’s going to you plan to die of fright!” move 12 (The guinea hours away pig is still alive to be with and kicking.) someone “My proj- you just ect is due on met. He’ll Thursday! If I find an- don’t get this other boy- done I’ll fail for friend – and the year! I can’t another and another.) do this!” (Once What are your crises and how did the panic went away, the project you handle them? Let me know at pas- was done and the grade is fine.) [email protected]. t “Courtney isn’t answering her

8 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD OCTOBER 30, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com OUT in the Valley

ment filled with acceptance and love. It was Saint Maude our own shared sacrament of sorts. Now, Maude was a simple everyday Beyond really – you made the mistake. If you meet a by Rev. Rob Apgar-Taylor woman. She didn’t have great wealth. And transwoman, you might “read” her, assuming the Ice This week we celebrate All-Saints Day in the that mint probably didn’t even cost her a her gender history by noticing some details st Christian tradition. November 1 is Christian penny in those days. But that wasn’t the about her appearance such as larger hands Machine Memorial Day, if you will. It’s the day we re- point. In that action something happened. or a taller build. But these characteristics do L:aura Anderson member those person who have It didn’t change the world, it wasn’t not reveal her true “gender” – be careful as- come before us, and who have even noticed by anyone other than suming too much! (A lot of women have larg- Spirit taught us more about living and lov- me. But it changed my world. er hands or exhibit other so-called masculine ing like Christ. We celebrate those Years later, when I struggled ‘Are You a Boy features – even the gender of “man hands” on Speaks who seem to have mastered this with my place in the Church as a Seinfeld was never questioned; she just had thing we call life, and have lived it with grace kid who realized he was “different,” it was the or a Girl ? large hands.) and dignity. There are of course famous people in my life who showed me love and With our new attitudes concerning saints we all know – St Francis, Mother Tere- acceptance that made the difference. No mat- transpeople, the term “passing” is becom- It’s a question so many of us have been sa, St. Joan of Arc – but then there are others, ter what some would say, I knew there were ing outdated. It implies that we are trying asked, usually by a curious child. For me, ones who are not famous to anyone but us. people who had loved a little, annoying kid to fool people or convince others of some- it happened when I was substitute teach- When I was a young boy, there was this from a broken home who easily could have thing not true. For me, when I first began ing in a second-grade classroom. Not more sweet older lady who went to our church been thrown away. But they didn’t, Maude living as a woman, the desire to pass than ten minutes into the day, a little girl in named Maude. Maude invited me to sit by didn’t. In that one-cent mint, Maude told me was a deeply held feeling of so desper- the front row raised her hand and asked her every week and I loved it. Every week we I was worth loving. I don’t know if she meant ately wanting to present to the world the that dreaded question, “Are you a boy or sat there, and every week it happened the it, but that what it said. To this day I can’t see real me who had been hiding inside for so a girl?” For those of us newly transitioning exact same way: There would be a prayer, starlight mints without remembering her and long. The problem is that the onus is on (as I was at the time) it can be devastat- we would sit with our eyes closed and I would saying a little prayer. us (transpersons) when it really should not ing. Not only are we questioned by others, hear Maude reach into her purse. Then I So who are your saints? Who are those be. Rather than my not passing and feeling but we then question ourselves; “Oh no! – would hear the familiar rusting sound that people who showed you how to love more as if I have somehow failed, it has actual- What am I doing wrong?” only a candy wrapper can make. She would fully and to live more graciously? Remem- ly been a mistake made by others when When I first ventured out the door pre- tap me on the hand and I would open it (eyes ber them, be thankful for them and most im- they “misgender” me. (The term misgender still closed) and in it she would place one of portantly, let their example be the thing that “When I first ventured was introduced by Julia Sorano in her book those red and white starlight mint candies. It inspires you to become a saint for someone Whipping Girl). out the door presenting was more than a candy. It was a shared mo- who needs one. t The problem with this on-going com- other than my assigned pulsion by people to gender (or misgender) others is that by doing so they are granting gender there was huge cisgender privilege to those who “pass.” At question I constantly this point in my transition I can live my life free from any negative response by others asked myself, ‘Do I who gender me correctly (I am a woman pass?’” and perceived as such by most of the peo- ple I meet). As a result, I am enjoying cis- senting other than my assigned gender gender privilege – admitted without ques- there was another huge question I con- tion to the women’s club. Sadly, there are stantly asked myself, “Do I pass?” For any those transwomen who feel trapped in their transperson (especially those of us who homes – unable to venture out because of are older) embarking on a life as that other the constant misgendering by others. Even gender 24/7 raises the doubt and constant within the trans community there is a de- worry that wherever I go and whatever I do gree of internal oppression by those who people will instantly know about my gender “pass” toward those who do not. past. My first job when I began to transition Some might suggest that we should in my mid-50s was as a substitute teacher. all do as that little second grader did with I knew how to teach and I had done it well me. Rather than jump to a misgendered for years – as a man. Suddenly it was all conclusion, simply ask. Probably not a different. My ability to work and to secure good idea! As the struggle for transgender a living hinged on my ability to “pass.” This equality goes on, hopefully we will begin to is a reality that so many of us must face. escape the constant need to gender others Here is a scenario to consider. You meet – and avoid the pain we impose on them someone on the street and you instantly make when we misgender. that first assessment – usually one of gender, Oh, and my response to the sec- male or female based upon how the person is ond-grade child who asked me that ques- presenting. If the person has a few masculine tion? We’ll look at that next time! t characteristics, you might call her “sir” when Laura Anderson is an educator, author, in reality you are meeting a woman. Rather parent, and granddad. Living female for the than her not “passing,” you have “misgen- past decade, she has come to appreciate the dered” her – you made a mistaken assess- privileges she once held, now replaced with ment about her gender. Is she at fault? Not the fulfillment of living as her true self. BALTIMORE OUTLOUD OCTOBER 30, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 9 Quality of Life

It means you would rather be single and happy rather than coupled and not. So, get right with yourself. Do whatev- er it takes to be a happy and proud single person. The very first and most important Lesbian step in creating a singles movement is to Love step into thinking, feeling and being single Barb Elgin and proud! 2) Share your story – Put that proud self out there in the world. Tell the world what it’s like to be single in today’s world. Single and Educate others when you hear them mak- ing an uninformed remark about single Proud people and stand up for the rights of sin- gles in the workplace, for example. If we If you’re reading this and you’ve been res- are going to give people the right to stay onating with what I’ve been saying in parts home and be paid for leave to have a child one to three of this series on singles, keep then we must, as a society, not heap the reading. If you haven’t read my earlier col- burden of that on the childless or on single umns yet, be sure to do so first by going workers, who are often left at the office to to “Lesbian Love” on Baltimore- pick up the slack because well hey, outloud.com. Then come back they are single, they don’t have a to this article. Part life. Singles need to be rewarded as Those of us who “get it” that 4 well with an equal paid time off. we have a problem in our culture Educate how everyone loses when it comes to the rights of singles are when we allow singlism and matri-mania. “early adopters.” I know, maybe that’s just That includes articulating what is unjust a marketing term but about current tax I like it nonetheless. laws and the various As early adopters ways society works you and I are poised against single people, to support a single’s including the damage pride movement, like that does, not just for the women suffrag- singles but for the un- ists, the LGBT’s at happily married, for the Stonewall Inn, and example, who stay those who followed together to avoid Martin Luther King. loneliness as well as The truth is that the financial and so- we don’t know if a cial stresses of being singles movement will single. ever happen. Just like gay ac- But what we do tivists used to chant, know is that most singles need to stand human-rights move- up and say: ments have advanced by a series of events “We’re here, we’re single, we want and many individual, organizational, legis- equality, get used to it!” lative, and other change steps, large and Perhaps singles need to march on small. What can you do to help create or Washington, D.C., and create their own support a singles movement? You can start pride festivals and parades. Singles Equal- by doing what gay people did to help mar- ity... Why not? t riage equality along: come out and share Barb Elgin has been helping lesbians your truth. thrive since the mid-1980s as a psycho- To become single and proud: therapist, life/love coach, matchmaker, au- 1) Get clear who you are and learn to thor, radio-show host, and more. She can live a single life you can be proud of – Ac- help you be more proud of who you are and cept this is where you are at present. Don’t help you live a happy single life. Her cur- just be okay with being single. If you aren’t rent focus is leading Lasting Lesbian Love already, learn how to be confident as a sin- Social and Travel Club, a community for gle person. It means feeling like a success LBTIQ women who are becoming healthier because you are single instead of feeling and happier. Learn about upcoming events less than. It means believing that you are a by signing up for her free club e-zine here: whole person and that being single is a le- Lastinglesbianlove.com/lesbiantravelocto- gitimate life status you aren’t running from. ber2015.

10 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD OCTOBER 30, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com Quality of Life // The law & you

ceive priority in visitation. Wills A properly executed Maryland advance • Special funeral and/or burial arrange- We’re Married Now! directive for health care will ensure that ments, including cremation your spouse or your partner can make • Name of your first and second choice By Lynda Dee your health care and end of life decisions, for personal representative (executor) Marriage equality for same-sex couples Do we still need wills, will have priority in visitation and be able • Name of your first and second choice became the law of the land in Maryland on to accompany you in an ambulance if nec- for Guardian if you have minor children January 1, 2013, and across the country af- financial powers of essary. It will also ensure that your final • People to whom you would like to dis- ter the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the wishes are actually controlled by your des- tribute your assets after death, including, case of Obergefell v. Hodges on June 26, attorney and advance ignated agent, whether it be your spouse but not limited to specific requests of mon- 2015. But there are many important rea- or your partner and not your parents or ey, personal or real property, etc. sons why married couples still need wills, health-care directives? children. • The alternate person(s) to whom you powers of attorney and advance health- The advance directive for health care wish to leave the remainder of your estate care directives. Even if you are married or also specifically sets forth your end-of- if your first choice(s) does not survive you. have a partner and neither you nor your years as an attorney, I have heard many life decisions so that there is no mistake spouse or partner suffers from a life-threat- horror stories from unprotected partners about your final wishes regarding the ad- Financial power of attorney ening illness, it is nevertheless important who lost all rights to their partner’s estate ministration of extraordinary measures, • Name of your designated financial to have your legal affairs in order. even if they contributed toward house pay- such as respirators or other life-extending agent and an alternate For example, if you are legally married ments, or were not permitted to care for or procedures like tube feeding. Even if you • Name, address and number of a and one spouse who has children dies even visit their partners, being left out in are married, your family may intervene guardian of your person and property without a will, it will be necessary for the the cold completely when family members to prevent your spouse from making your • Names of bank or other financial in- surviving spouse to get signed consents came in and took over. end-of-life decisions and to permit you to stitutions with account numbers for individ- from the adult children of the deceased Maryland’s new marriage equal- die naturally unless the proper documents ually titled accounts, including retirement, spouse before the surviving spouse will be ity law does nothing to permit have been executed. We all remember pension and stock accounts, etc. named as personal representative (execu- a spouse to access their the terrible Terri Schiavo case, where • Addresses of any real property that tor) of the deceased spouse’s estate. Even spouse’s bank accounts her parents filed suit to stop her hus- you own. if you are married, you will need signed or any other financial ac- band from making end-of-life de- consents before you will be able to receive counts unless they are cisions for his wife. Advance directive for health care authorization from the Register of Wills to titled in joint names. If I strongly advise all • Name, address, home and cell num- begin administering the estate and having your spouse or part- couples whether they are bers of your designated agent access to the assets of the estate. If you ner is alive but inca- married or unmarried to • Name, address, home and cell num- want your spouse to have control of your pacitated, you will not execute wills, financial bers of a second or third alternate estate without needing to obtain signed be able to obtain any powers of attorney, and • Decisions about organ and tissue do- consents from adult children, you need a information or access advance health care di- nation or whether you would like to donate legally recognized Maryland will naming their accounts or other as- sets rectives. These relatively all or parts of your body to science. your spouse as personal representative. if they are titled in their individual name. inexpensive documents are Not many of us enjoy discussing the If you are married and die without a will No one, not even a spouse, can access worth their weight in gold if possibility of sickness or death. But ig- and have no children, your spouse is only these accounts. you or your spouse or partner becomes noring or denying these eventualities may entitled to the first $15,000 of your estate You will need a properly executed, ill. Do yourself a favor and protect yourself only cause more problems if an emergency and 50% of the remaining balance. Your Maryland-recognized power of attorney in and your spouse or partner from the possi- arises. Leaving important legal affairs un- parents are entitled to receive the remain- order to gain access to individually titled bility of dire consequences if an unfortunate attended even if you are married will only ing proceeds of your estate under Mary- accounts to be able to pay medical bills medical situation arises. This may be the make matters worse during high-anxiety land law. and other expenses. You also need to be only time in your life that you are able to situations. Don’t wait until it is too late. If you die without a will and have a sure your power of attorney is current as actually ensure your wishes are carried out. Leaving important end of life legal matters spouse and children who are not minors, the Maryland law regarding the format and You will need the following information unattended will only make a bad situation your spouse is only entitled to the first necessary formalities were revised as of in order to prepare these documents: even worse. t $15,000 of your estate and 50% of the October 1, 2010. remaining balance. Your children who are Marriage provides you some protection over 18 years old are entitled to receive regarding the ability to make health-care the remainder of your estate under Mary- decisions for your spouse in non-contest- land law. ed situations. Maryland also recognizes If you die without a will and have a both advance health care directives and spouse and minor children, your spouse domestic-partnership agreements for un- and minor children are required to share married couples. equally in your estate under Maryland law. It is even more important for non-mar- If you want your spouse to receive more ried same sex couples to be prepared for than the amounts described above, you emergency medical situations. If couples need to make such provisions in a legally are not married, they will have absolutely recognized Maryland will. no rights to make health-care and end-of- If same-sex couples are not married life decisions for their partners without the and do not have wills, their rights with re- proper documents. A properly executed, spect to each other’s estates are essential- Maryland-recognized domestic partner- ly nonexistent. The need for a will in these ship affidavit will ensure your partner can instances is even more crucial. During my make your health-care decisions and re-

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD OCTOBER 30, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 11 Quality of Life

takes for people to go along with a group, to succumb to “groupthink” and to override their own sense, even to the point of harming Ask fellow human beings. Whether the subjects justify their obedience on “contributing to Dr. J science” or their lack of initiative, the exper- Janan Broadbent, Ph.D. iments have wide-ranging implications. Why I am bringing this up is because we do get influenced, in how we perceive our relationships, by the people around us, ‘Exper and the cultural factors regarding conformity have much more of on impact on the LGBT imenter’ community. The significant question is: How Some of you may have seen this movie, much? To what extent was your coming out “Experimenter.” Those of you who have tak- facilitated or hindered by the surroundings? en Introductory Psychology classes may re- If your family does not like your partner, how member the name, Stanley Milgram, and his do you resolve the conflict? If your friends, experiments on obedience to authority, and likewise, disapprove, to what extent are you conformity in general. In the initial experi- affected? We do not live in a vacuum, so what ment in 1962, a “teacher,” the experimental we hear from others does make some kind subject, thinks he is teaching the “learner,” of an impact. I have heard many a man or a role-playing compatriot of the experiment- woman say: My buddies think I can do better, er, some word tasks. If the learner gets the or my family finds her/him (enter any negative task wrong, the teacher ad- adjective here – snooty, nas- ministers an electric shock. In- ty, crazy, timid, etc.), basically creasingly, the teacher hears not good enough. the learner moaning and Of course, this is not to complaining of pain. Very few say our friends and family people as teachers/subjects do not have good intentions. stop the process and bail out. They may want the best for When they object, the lab-coat us; in some cases their per- wearing assistant tells them ceptions may be right on the they have to continue, and in money. The issue is that while apparently the spirit of compli- we may take their comments ance, they go on to shocks of into account, tease out what- lethal intensity, or so they be- ever judgmentalness may be lieve. At the end, they are told there, we also have to figure of the plot and that no one was out where our opinion is re- being shocked. Dr. Milgram garding the relationship. And then goes to conduct more then be ready for the con- research on conformity. For sequences when we take a example, there is one where a person stands stand. This is where we need to be mindful in a public place and looks at something in of our own feelings towards the partner, the the sky. Sure enough, pretty soon, a crowd validity of our choices, and the importance of gathers with many people looking up, where talking to one another to clarify expectations, there is nothing except the sky! intentions, and goals. It is really disturbing to see how little it May you all have smooth sailings…. t

12 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD OCTOBER 30, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD OCTOBER 30, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 13 Lively Arts // out on stage The Flawed American Dream Vengeance, Guts, and Gore By Ryan M. Clark August Wilson’s and rather than supporting By Ryan Clark skillfully creates a devastat- A worn down front porch his son’s potential athletic Blood, gore, entrails, dismem- Chesapeake ed Rome recovering from the sets the scene for the od- Fences at scholarship to a univer- berment, and sex make up the chaos of war. In a true hom- yssey of Troy Maxon in Ev- sity, Troy sabotages this world of William Shakespeare’s Shakespeare age to Elizabethan theatres eryman Theatre’s production Everyman creating a wound in their Titus Andronicus. Chesapeake on the River Thames, mu- of August Wilson’s Fences. relationship that never Shakespeare Company holds Company’s sicians are playing and ac- Similar to the way the great Theatre heals. In Gabriel, we see nothing back in their unique tors are wandering through- American playwrights Tennessee Williams Troy’s mentally ill brother who suffered a telling of this classic tale. The Titus out the space. Rather than and Arthur Miller explore the tapestry of traumatic brain injury in World War II. Troy story in brief is – Titus is a Ro- mistral music, the audience the human condition, August Wilson pro- controls Gabriel’s veteran benefits, which man General who has returned Andronicus hears a hard-rock / grunge vides us with his own unique thread com- he corruptly manages as the play unfolds. from slaying the Goths in war. sound, creating a world that monly referred to as The Pittsburgh Cycle The final nail in our protagonist’s coffin In victory, Titus claims the life of Tamora’s director and sound designer Ian Gallanar – a series of ten plays representing each comes when it is revealed toward the end (the queen of the Goths) first-born son. invites us to join. While the costume de- decade of the 20th century chronicling the of the play that Troy has cheated on Ruth This sets in motion a cascade of devas- sign was very strong – Tamora’s second African-American experience. Fences is with another woman who is expecting his tating events, as Tamora and her two liv- act disguise as “Revenge” is a standout – I his entry for the 1950s – a post-World War child. Troy justifies his actions throughout ing sons are hell-bent on revenge against questioned the red fatigue uniforms of the II American that is segregated but on the the play to various characters (mostly his Titus. Meanwhile, Rome is at a moment of Andronicus’s family. I found the color and verge of change. We meet Troy (played by wife) and in monologue form to the Grim transition without an emperor. The popu- pattern distracting and it took away from Alan Bomar Jones) on a Friday afternoon Reaper, who constantly haunts Troy. lar General Titus chooses Saturninus to the narrative at times. after a long hard week working as a gar- Fences is not an “easy” play and one be the new emperor, which proves to Chesapeake Shakespeare bage man. Soon we are introduced to his should expect to settle-in for two-and-a- be a fatal mistake when he falls in veteran Michael P. Sulli- lovely wife Rose (played by Joy Jones), his half hours of dysfunctional family drama. love with Tamora. Trickery, rape, van aptly handles the title best friend Bono (played by Jason McIn- The first act flows like a gentle river that murder, and a cut-off hand en- role of Titus. He rides the tosh), and his son from a previous mar- soon turns into dangerous rapids. The sec- sue leading all to a horrible de- line between stoicism and ond act is a bit tricky. struction (think the last scene of madness creating a very A labarynth Wilson wrote several Hamlet.) human protagonist. Karin of Fences scenes telescoping Evidence suggests that Rosnizeck is sexy and dan- time – a few days, six Titus Andronicus was one gerous as Tamora. Rachael months, and then two of Shakespeare’s most pop- Jacobs takes on the tricky role years. I found myself ular plays during the English of Lavinia, Titus’s victimized jarred in and out of Renaissance because of its gory daughter. Jacobs’ Lavinia doesn’t the narrative yearn- violent nature. Sweeny Todd cannot go down without a fight before her ing for the long-form even compete to the final scene of Titus rape and forced amputation. Additionally, of the first act. The Andronicus. Save the Julie Taymor’s 1996 I would be remiss in not mentioning two playwright tried to tie film starring Anthony Hopkins, it is rarely standout performances – James Jager as up too many loose produced professionally today. The Ches- Demetrius and Seamus Miller as Chiron as ends quickly at the apeake Shakespeare Company takes on Tamora’s barbaric sons. The feral choices end of the play. That the challenge in earnest. these two actors made brought a level of being said, it is an Upon arriving to the theatre’s Calvert danger to the play that made it indeed ter- epic journey that I am Street space (the former Mercantile Bank rifying. glad to have expe- Building), audiences encounter a war-torn On another note, the production often rienced in much the scene where beauty and majesty once blurred lines between tragedy and come- same way one would reigned. Scenic designer Kathryn Kawecki dy. Insanely violent moments were often riage Lyons (played by Gary Kayi Fletch- with a Eugene O’Neill play. followed by intrusive musical interludes er). At first, Troy seems a likable character Aland Bomar Jones starts slow in his that pulled me out of the dramatic action full of larger than life stories and a larger portrayal of Troy. Initially, I had some trou- of the text. The director could trust his fine than life sexual appetite directed toward ble understanding the text however, as his Everyman newcomer Clinton Turner Davis company to handle the text so that audi- his wife. As the narrative unfolds, we soon performance unfolded he dropped into the aptly directs the production. David Burdick ence members could have their own ca- realize how deeply flawed Troy is. In much role. He delivers a “powerhouse” speech brings the world of the 1950’s to life in the thartic experiences; the odd musical mo- the same way as audiences experience in the middle of Act I that brought the au- costume design and James Fouchard cre- ments that got inserted didn’t seem to fit. Tom Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie or dience to applause. Joy Jones provides ates the run-down big city neighborhood In the final analysis, Titus Andronicus Eddie Carbone in Arthur Miller’s A View a steady and sad Rose for us to contem- look in the scenic design. is not for the faint of heart. If you are look- from the Bridge, we want to root for Troy plate and again delivers a stirring speech Fences is a journey into the landscape ing for an exciting roller coaster ride at the until we come to understand his sins as a when confronted with Troy’s love child. of the American experience. I was glad to theatre, get your tickets soon for the ride father, husband, and brother. Baltimore School for the Arts alumnus have the opportunity to take the ride. t being offered by the Chesapeake Shake- Two characters help us flesh-out this (and NYU Tisch School graduate) Brayden Fences plays through November 22nd at speare Company. understanding better: Troy’s son with Ruth, Simpson conveys the fire and devastation Everyman Theatre 315 W. Fayette Street Titus Andronicus plays through No- Corey (played by Brayden Simpson) and of Corey throughout the play. Finally, Bry- Baltimore, Maryland 21201. For tickets, vember 15th at the Chesapeake Shake- his brother Gabriel (played by Bryant Bent- ant Bently amazed audiences as Gabriel. call 410-752-2208 or visit Everyman.org speare Company (7 South Calvert Street, ley). Troy held aspirations to become a ma- He maintained an otherworldly energy in Ryan Clark is the Program Coordinator Baltimore). For tickets, call 410-752-2208 jor league baseball player. In Corey we see his performance that made one feel Gabri- of Theatre and Media Performance at Ste- or visit ChesapeakeShakespeare.com. t the athlete that Troy could never become, el was truly touched by a divine influence. venson University. 14 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD OCTOBER 30, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts // out on Screen

The real standout of the cast is Mark Ry- lance as Abel. Rylance gives Abel a very Bridge of Spies quiet demeanor, very calm and collected even when faced with a room full of fed- b y Chuck Duncan ased judge not to give Abel the death pen- eral agents searching his apartment for Almost since the dawn of alty just in case the U.S. evidence of his spying activities. He’s so cinema, movies have been a needed him as leverage cool, in fact, that Donovan asks him at key tool to depict historic events, A true story told should one of its boys fall points in the film – like when he’s facing whether in a factual way, or into Soviet hands. It was the electric chair – if he’s worried. Abel’s by incorporating history into a by Spielberg at a good thing the judge response is always, “Would it help?” show- piece of fiction. A lot of films listened, because with ing a bit of his dry humor in the face of usually stick to some historical his best Powers’ capture, Abel some serious matters. Rylance matches event that we may be familiar was the leverage needed Hanks beat for beat, and I wouldn’t be sur- with, be it wars, natural disasters, or stun- to get him back and Donovan was tasked, prised to see him get some Supporting Ac- ning achievements, but it’s rare for a film – as a U.S. citizen instead of an agent of tor nods come awards season. or a filmmaker – to tackle a piece of history the government, to arrange an exchange Bridge of Spies is certainly not as most people aren’t familiar with. between the two governments. And then heavy a subject matter as Schindler’s List, One filmmaker has done it several another U.S. citizen was detained in East but by the end when you see Donovan’s times now, from using a forgotten moment Germany just as the Berlin Wall was going lifetime achievements, it can be argued from World War II to create an outlandish up, complicating Donovan’s mission and that he was the American Schindler. It may comedy, to focusing on one of the world’s playing on his patriotism. One false move impress viewers with the period detail but greatest horrors and a virtually unknown could derail the entire negotiations once the film itself is anything but flashy. Some man who saved the lives of thousands. the Germans got involved. may find it slow moving, while others will Now, Steven Spielberg is taking a sto- Bridge of Spies shows Spielberg firing find themselves immersed in the gripping ry from the Cold War era that has some on all cylinders. It may not be the most ac- story and the era Spielberg and his crew familiarity to it and adds a new layer that tion-packed film of the year, and it certainly have created, spotlighting real events that many people have either forgotten or sim- screams “Oscar bait!” but the story itself is many have forgotten today. If you’re a his- ply don’t know about. engrossing enough to make you forget all tory buff or just want to see a filmmaker at Bridge of Spies tells the overlapping of that. There are no flashy camera moves the top of his craft, you can’t go wrong with stories of two (three actually) govern- – but there is a pretty spectacular moment Bridge of Spies. t ments and the efforts to learn each oth- when Powers’s plane is shot out of the er’s secrets without getting caught. On the sky – but the film still looks absolutely gor- American side, the CIA has pressed into geous and period perfect. The attention to service four pilots to fly spy missions over detail of the era is spot on, and if it weren’t the USSR with instructions to destroy their for the presence of Tom Hanks, one would think the film was made sometime in Retro Cold the 1960s. War Of course, Tom Hanks also does what Tom Hanks does best, playing the down- to-earth Every- man with a style and grace, nev- er being showy about it, that re- ally seals the deal on him being our modern day James Stewart. Stewart definitely could have played this role in 1965 planes if damaged and kill themselves if or so, and Hanks captured. One pilot, Francis Gary Powers, dons the mantle Stewart left behind. The was unable to do either and was captured only drawback is that you are always re- by the Soviets. minded that this is Tom Hanks so, even In New York, a suspected Soviet spy, though he’s great in the role, it does take Rudolf Abel, was already in custody, tried you out of the story just a tiny bit. in a kangaroo court, and was facing the Especially when he’s surrounded by death penalty. His appointed lawyer, James a cast of virtually unknown faces (out- B. Donovan, was able to convince the bi- side of Alan Alda as Donovan’s boss).

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD OCTOBER 30, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 15 Lively Arts // QMusic

it, men. The Cure’s “Friday I’m In Love” Grammer), it also earned a separate disc also appears here and is given a stomping of interpretations of songs from the mu- For Cover Lovers country reading. Sunny versions of Daft sical by an assortment of contemporary Punk’s “Instant Crush,” Pete Townshend’s artists on Finding Neverland: The Album By GrEGG Shapiro Colvin isn’t the only one revisiting the “Let My Love Open The Door,” Modern En- (Republic). Tragically, not even power- When a singer/songwriter (and a good art of reinterpretation. Stuff Like That glish’s “I Melt With You,” and Tom Petty’s house vocalists such as Christina Aguilera, one, at that), such as Shawn Colvin re- There (Matador), the new album by indie “The Waiting” take leases an album of cover tunes (her sec- idols Yo La Tengo revisits the formula of unexpected risks ond in just over 20 years), you listen. 1990’s Fakebook by combining cover tunes with the songs. S hawn Colvin included one on Fat City, her sec- with new recordings of YLT’s own songs Imbruglia wisely Colvin ond major-label disc. She then devoted (including a pair of new ones!). The results honors the original her entire third album, Cover Girl, to the are, as you might expect, enchanting. For moods of Cat Ste- songs of others, including Talking Heads, example, the Al Green-inspired version of vens’ “The Wind,” the Police, Steve Earle, Jimmy Webb, and Hank Williams’s “I’m So Lonesome I Could Neil Young’s “Only Bob Dylan. Colvin is also famous for in- Cry” is an authentic tearjerker. The Cure’s Love Can Break cluding one or two Crowded House tunes “Friday I’m In Love” and The Lovin’ Spoon- Your Heart,” Death in her live sets. On Uncovered (Fantasy), ful’s “Butchie’s Tune” are both smile gener- Cab For Cutie’s “I Colvin commits Crowed House’s “Private ators. YLT also pays tribute to fellow indie Will Follow You Into Universe” to record. It’s lovely, but it’s no acts by covering songs by Antietam, Great The Dark,” and Iron “Weather With You.” A far more stripped- Plains , and Special Pillow. And Wine’s “Naked down disc than its predecessor, Uncovered Natalie Imbruglia struck it big state- As We Came.” features Colvin’s singular and breathtaking side almost 20 years ago with her hit single At almost 90 readings of Paul Simon’s “American Tune,” “Torn,” earning her a spot in the one-hit- years old, Tony Stevie Wonder’s “Heaven Is Ten Zillion wonder hall of fame. She hasn’t been sit- Bennett is the En- Light Years Away,” Gerry Rafferty’s “Baker ting idle since then, releasing a handful of ergizer Bunny of Street” (featuring David Crosby) and Bruce albums which were virtually ignored by her crooners. Now in Springsteen’s “Tougher Than The Rest.” fickle American fans. Male (Portrait), Im- his seventh decade as a recording artist, Paloma Faith, Kiesza nor a cappella group As she did on Cover Girl, Colvin also has bruglia’s first studio disc in six years, fea- Bennett teams up with pianist Bill Char- Pentatonix can make these boring songs her way with Tom Waits (“Hold On”) and tures the Aussie singer/actress turning her lap for the wonderful The Silver Lining: exciting or memorable. Robbie Robertson (“Acadian Driftwood”). attention to songs written by, you guessed The Songs of Jerome Kern (RPM / Co- Soul/blues singer/songwriter Ted lumbia). The pairing of Charlap’s pure and Hawkins died 20 years ago without ever clear playing and Bennett’s time-worn vo- achieving the kind of success and rec- cals are a source of delight, particularly ognition that he deserved in the States. on “I Won’t Dance,” “All The Things You Cold and Bitter Tears: The Songs of Ted Are,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” “I’m Old Hawkins (38), features 15 Hawkins tunes Fashioned,” “Make Believe,” and “Look For reinterpreted by a splendid assortment of The Silver Lining.” indie country/folk acts including out sing- Elaine St. George’s Don’t You Know er/songwriter Mary Gauthier (“Sorry You’re Me?: A Steve Goodman Songbook (Two Sick”), as well as James McMurtry (“Big E Music / Elainesaintgeorge.com) is some- Things”), Kasey Chambers (performing the thing of a mixed bag. St. George should title cut), and Gurf Morlix (“I Gave Up All I be sainted for giving Goodman his due. A Had”) among others. singer/songwriter who died too soon (leu- In the spirit of the recent turn of events kemia at 35 in 1984), Goodman’s lega- regarding the warming of the U.S.’s re- cy includes classic such as “City of New lations with Cuba, it would be remiss to Orleans,” and “Lincoln Park Pirates.” St. exclude Live In Cuba (Blue Engine), the George performs “City of New Orleans,” double disc set by the Jazz at Lincoln as well a dozen more Goodman tunes Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. (in addition to songs he covered) on the In addition to Marsalis compositions, the disc. Her enthusiasm is undeniable. The concert recording features tunes by Ernes- trouble is that some of the songs, such as to Duarte, Count Basie, Duke Ellington & “Between the Lines,” “Somebody Else’s Billy Strayhorn, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Trouble,” “You’re the Girl I Love,” and Monk, and others. While you’re at it, take a “The Ballad of Penny Evans” don’t really listen to the cover of Yuri Buenaventura’s lend themselves to cabaret / jazz interpre- reading of Consuelo Velazquez’s “Bésame tations. On the other hand “Old Fashion,” Mucho,” Alberto Dominguez’s “Perfidia” “The Dutchman,” “Chicken Cordon Blues,” by Trios Melodicas, Armando Garzón’s “I Just Keep Falling in Love,” “Old Smooth- version of Alvaro Carrillo’s “Eso,” and Trio ies,” and “Would You Like to Learn To Zamora’s cover of “Chinita” on Vintage Dance,” all smoothly make the transition. Latino (Putumayo). t The Tony Award-nominated musical Shawn Colvin performs on November Finding Neverland not only received the 5 at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington traditional original cast recording treatment D.C. and on November 12 at Academy of (featuring Matthew Morrison and Kelsey Music in Philadelphia.

16 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD OCTOBER 30, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts // Screen Savor // between the book covers Dinosaur Subject Queer 101 for Kids This is a book that By GrEGG Shapiro er Owen, Pratt is the alpha in the pack until bgay Me n Sandwick The Century-Long needs to be read by kids In Mr. Holmes (Miramax / Roadside At- things go horribly wrong in this cautionary Jerome Pollen’s Gay and Struggle for LGBT of all ages. The interactive tractions), a period piece that reunites tale of corporate greed and military mania. Lesbian History for Kids: format allows the reader to gay actor Ian McKellen and gay director Years have passed since the horrors The Century-Long Struggle Rights, with 21 Activities have a deeper understand- Bill Condon for the first time since the of the dinosaur-themed Jurassic Park com- for LGBT Rights, with 21 ing of history and the power Oscar-winning Gods and Monsters, McK- plex. With what is considered new and Activities (Chicago Review Press), published of our actions by speaking to the reader’s ellen takes on the improved tech this month, presents an updated, power- hands, heart, and head. role of an aged and in place, Juras- ful look at history of the LGBT movement. With its invitation to hands-on activi- declining Sherlock sic World, under Pollen starts with the Greeks, and goes on ties, readers can help form their own opin- Holmes. In the film, the ownership of from there with personal stories and glimps- ions while learning how to effectively share based on Mitch Cul- well-intentioned es into the lives of individuals who contrib- them. Suggested activities range from cre- lin’s novel, Holmes zillionaire Masra- uted to greater understanding and tolerance ating buttons with a personalized slogan, finally gets to solve ni (Irrfan Khan), is of same-sex love, often suffering cruel and reading poetry from LGBT writers, to writ- the one mystery open for business. inhumane treatment along the way. ing your own poem – helping readers open that drove him into Corporate mouth- This easy to read and understand book their minds while connecting our history. retirement and, piece Claire (Bryce provides an overview of each era’s fight for As an aunt to a strong, outgoing immediately there- Dallas Howard) is freedom, equality, and acceptance, with 14-year-old girl, my hope is that she and after, solves an- awaiting the arriv- efforts over the last 100 years the focus. others who read this book see the cause other mystery that al of her nephews By showing specific examples of positive and effect of being closed-minded and saves his sanity, as Zach (Nick Rob- changes the book builds a desire for hope not embracing everyone for who they are. well as the life of a inson) and Gray and acceptance. It was stunning to be re- My wish is that future generations under- young boy. (Ty Simpkins) at minded of the Supreme Court’s first positive stand the value of treating everyone with The film begins the theme park for ruling for the LGBT community, in a 1958 kindness and respect. Pollen’s book is a with Holmes re- Christmas break. ruling striking down the Comstock laws so great way to educate and make this hap- turning from Japan Rather, her assis- One magazine could be mailed to subscrib- pen. When every human is allowed to love where he went to tant Zara (Katie ers. Reading about so many people who freely and true to themselves the world will seek the cure for his failing memory in the McGrath) is waiting for the boys as Claire were fierce in their fight is inspiring. be a better place. t form of an herb derived from the prickly has dino-sized business matters to address. ash. While there, he encounters another Meanwhile, Owen, is being pursued prickly situation, involving a Mr. Umezaki by the genetically engineered dino-hy- (Hiroyuki Sanada). brid Indominus Rex, who has escaped its Back in England, in his seaside home, enclosure and is on a killing spree. With where he resides with housekeeper Mrs. more than 20k visitors on-site, the chaos Munro (Laura Linney) and her bright and carnage potential is considerable. Ad- and inquisitive son Roger (Milo Parker), ditionally, maniacal military man Hoskins Holmes busies himself with his prickly ash (Vincent D’Onofrio) is in cahoots with evil intake. He also works on writing a story in scientist Dr. Wu (gay actor B.D. Wong), to order to unravel a tangled mystery from prep the raptors and Indominus Rex for several years previous, involving a client, use by the armed forces. Thomas (Patrick Kennedy), and the tragic More than 20 years after the Steven circumstances of the death of his wife Ann Spielberg / Michael Crichton partnership (Hattie Morahan), an unresolved case that resulted in the classic Jurassic Park fran- has long plagued Holmes. chise, Jurassic World is an admirable, if Baffling situations abound, but one thing flawed, reboot of the series, under the di- that is not a mystery is the way that Holmes rection of Colin Trevorrow. Pratt is enter- and Roger take to each other. Roger, whose taining as always and continues to develop father was killed during the war, sees in into a full-throttle Hollywood heartthrob. Holmes a father figure who is more on his in- The special effects – one of the main call- tellectual level than his mother. That relation- ing cards for Jurassic World – are decent ship is at the center of the film and is both and the action is plentiful. Triple-disc (blu- entertaining and touching. In the long run, ray 3D / blu-ray / Digital HD) bonus fea- Mr. Holmes is merely a trifle, a bit inconse- tures include deleted scenes, “Welcome to quential, although it does conclude with the Jurassic World” featurette, Jurassic World: faintest whiff of a sequel. DVD-plus Digital All Access Pass and much more. t special features include a pair of featurettes – “Icon” and “Story.” You’ve seen Chris Pratt kick alien ass in Guardians of the Galaxy, now watch what he does to dinosaurs in Jurassic World (Legend/Universal). As raptor train-

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD OCTOBER 30, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 17 out on campus Divided Baltimore

By Roger E. Hartley Among the many things discussed is that In our first column, I talked a little about our the racial and ethnic divisions that we see College of Public Affairs and how meaningful, block to block, neighborhood to neighbor- especially now, that careers in public service hood, are structural and based on discrimi- are for our city and the need for a broader natory laws and norms developed long ago. LGBTGIA presence. In our second column, The place you start often foretells what the Kristen Tull, an academic adviser in the Col- journey will be like and even where you fin- lege of Public Affairs, reflected upon National ish. On Baltimore’s racial struggle, it is very Coming Out Day and wrote about the chang- much worth reading Not in My Neighborhood: ing experience of LGBTQIA students nation- How Bigotry Shaped a Great American City ally in higher education and at UB. Her mes- by Antero Pietila, which details how Baltimore sage was that there has been great progress became racially divided. The idea of the book on college campuses, but there is still much is that segregationist laws and policies such more to be done. Our plans are to bring more as redlining and blockbusting, created an ideas from our faculty who teach and do re- economic, social, and political starting place search and our fabulous staff who work with that has shaped where we are now. our students. We’d like to share more about The idea that where you start tends to what’s happening on one urban university in shape the journey is important to the chang- a fabulous place….our incredible Baltimore. ing legal, political environment of power shap- After the unrest in April and subsequent ing the struggle for rights in the LGBTQIA uprising, many have turned their attention to community. What is taught in “Divided Balti- how we can improve our city. How do we at- more” and what is written by Pietila can be tract and retain city residents? What do we applied to many social movements. It is of do now after the press (negative and positive) note that scholars tell us of the deep discrimi- our city has received surrounding the death natory legal environment that has been faced of Freddie Grey? Of course, that attention will by the LGBTQIA community which has only in be ongoing as the trials start and we learn a generation changed from culture of illegal- more about the case; there will, in fact, be ity of being different to the legality of same- multiple opportunities for protest and perhaps sex marriage. What we are learning now, more unrest. There will, of course, be more and have learned from the past, is that the discussion in the media of our city’s problems remarkable change we have seen like legal as CNN, Fox, MSNBC and others provide protections against discrimination are pow- “gavel to gavel” coverage of the trial. erful. However, legal change is not enough. Many here are trying to shift the con- The legacy of those laws has informed and versation from unrest to healing Baltimore’s shaped an environment of culture and atti- racial past. This means educating the public tudes that are still slower to change. Like the that these problems are complex, structural block by block segregation we see in Balti- and have roots that go back generations. At more, change from legal attitudes to norms the University of Baltimore, we are smack in takes much effort. As we see the legacy of the middle of a new community course called what discrimination in housing did to our city, “Divided Baltimore: How did we get here? and reflect on Freddie Gray, we must also Where did we go?” The course, organized by look back and consider what the legacy of our Provost Joseph Wood, is offered as part discrimination has done to the economic and of the College of Public Affairs’ Community social health of the LGBTQIA community. Studies and Civic Engagement degree, but Newer laws, like granting legality of same-sex is taught by faculty from across the university marriage and advances in anti-discrimination and by members of our community. In addi- law are powerful, but much must be done to tion to the portions of the course for enrolled repair past harm. There is a need, as in racial students, there is a community forum portion discrimination, to teach about what laws and of the class that is open to the public each norms were like not so long ago and about Monday evening at 5:30 p.m. in the Town Hall the legacy of harm that follows from them. of UB’s H. Mebane Turner Learning Com- Just like in the course, “Divided Baltimore,” mons (1415 Maryland Avenue, Baltimore). to make progress people have to understand The course includes community leaders ad- the roots of a social movement and its barri- dressing important topics, such as how the ers, understand the journey, and then change media looks at our city, the role of churches attitudes and culture. Achieving legal rights and community leaders, education, health, gives you a place to stand and fight, but as we housing, and crime. Upcoming topics and can see in Baltimore, the path forward means meetings of this forum including an archive a lot of teaching and learning. t of past talks can be found at Blogs.ubalt.edu/ The author is dean of the College of Pub- dividedbaltimore lic Affairs at the University of Baltimore.

18 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD OCTOBER 30, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com Quality of Life

puter you log into your cable or DSL modem to configure the filtering capabilities. I suggest that she is in charge. contacting your Internet service provider such Another prime example of her domi- as Comcast or Verizon and they can provide nance over the bigger dogs is toy control. Tech any relevant information for your device. The Violet’s In our house, there’s a huge selection of Talk advantage of a hardware filter is the ability to Vet dog toys and when we buy a new toy, we block content from multiple computers rather Dr. Tony Calo buy three of the same so no one feels left David Sugar than just one computer as is the case with the out. Three toys for three dogs seems logi- software filter. cal to us humans. Well, this is not the case The next option and for filtering content Net is a DNS filter. If your cable or DSL modem We Do for dogs, who are free from the constraints Filtering of concepts such as sharing. So when the doesn’t have the filtering capabilities as de- new toys are handed out, we carefully give You come home and you find your son or scribed above then a DNS filter is a great Speak! one to each dog. This generally lasts for daughter viewing questionable content on option. A certain level of technical skill may Although Violet does not use words, she two minutes before Violet is sitting on two the Internet or productivity at work has fallen be required as your will have to update your communicates very clearly. She does not of the toys and chewing on the third while because your employees are viewing non- DNS settings but directions are typically pro- need to say “I’m in charge” to get her point Daisy and Henry look on. It is a testament work related content. How do you block the vided on the website for the filter. My favorite across to the other dogs. Instead, she will to the size of her personality and the clari- questionable content? This article will discuss DNS filter is OpenDNS, since there are free simply go and take a toy away from Daisy ty of her communication that her 20-pound the three options for Internet filters, software, options for personal use and categories of or she will jump up and grab Henry’s ear body rules the roost over the big dogs. hardware, and DNS. blocked sites are already built into the service and hold tight until he backs down. Violet Now that I have explained how Violet The first and most common type of Internet whereas with the other filters you may need to also knows how to ask for things. She is talks to her brother and sister, how does filter is a software filter. Typically you will down- build your own list of blocked sites. You can often effective in this. Connor especially she covey her thoughts and needs to her load or purchase a software filter and install it learn more at Opendns.com. finds it hard to say no to her when she se- two humans? This largely depends on her directly on your computer. The filter will look at Hopefully with this article you can now ductively stands on her hind legs and plac- audience. She knows exactly how to play data coming to your machine and block any bad take more control over content being viewed es her front legs on his lap. This is the way each one’s strengths and weaknesses. content before it’s displayed on the screen. An on computers within your home or your work- that she asks the question “Will you please When she needs to be picked up, which example of a popular software filter is Net Nan- place. I suggest before deciding on a filter for pick me up?” Within a few seconds, Con- is often, the request goes to Connor. It is ny which can be found at Netnanny.com. your network or computer do some research nor has lifted her often with perked ears, A hardware filter utilizes your DSL or cable and figure out which one works best for your modem to block questionable content. Rather purposes. t E-mail your tech questions to off the wretched Mistress of pleading wide eyes, and ground that dogs her domain a high-pitched squeal than installing software directly on your com- [email protected]. walk on and he that her messages comes is carrying her across. If these things do like a baby on not work, which they often his lap. So how do, then the requests be- do dogs commu- come more urgent and in- nicate both with- sistent. This involves full- in their own kind body contact by sitting on (dog to dog) and his feet or putting her front with their human legs on his legs. These are companions (in- her never-fail techniques terspecies com- for getting picked and car- munication)? ried around like the princess that she is. Watching Violet and the other two dogs Her communication with me mostly has to in her family unit is always entertaining and do with functions as going outside to go to interesting. It hearkens back to the biological the bathroom (pacing with a worried look aspects of pack behavior. Dogs are social on her face), eating (running from wher- animals and when left to their own devices, ever I am in the house to her food bowl), they live together in packs. In these more and playing (bowing down, crying in a low natural pack situations, there are defined pitch, and running in wide circles). She roles among the members including pack speaks to us often and clearly. She is not leader. Violet has decided, although she shy about her needs and she’s a girl that will defer to her humans, amongst the dogs, knows how to get she wants. she is the dominant one. She is the one who Happily, Violet is just as good at listen- makes the decisions for the other two dogs. ing as she is at talking. She will comfort us For example, if Daisy and Henry are when we let her know that we are sad. She playing together, Violet feels left out. She is wonderful at making us laugh when we will physically separate the two of them by let her know that we are down, and she is pulling an ear or biting an ankle until she amazing at partaking in the joy when we has annoyed them into ignoring each oth- are happy. She is a great communicator on er. Once the fun has been successfully in- all levels. t terrupted, she will pick one of the other two Violet and I would love to hear how you dogs and initiate full-on playtime between and your pets communicate. Please e-mail her and the one she has chosen. This is your stories and questions to violetsvet@ her way of letting Daisy and Henry know baltimoreoutloud.com. BALTIMORE OUTLOUD OCTOBER 30, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 19 dining out

food. What can I say? You have to be doing something right to stick it out for 50 years. I was prepared to go soup to nuts at this meal. I started with the lobster bisque. It was smooth Fuhr and delicious with healthy pieces of lobster. the Love of Food My brother had the escargot while I moved on to the oysters. The escargot arrived hot, finished in a light butter sauce, while the oys- ters were will chilled and plump. I enjoyed my The Prime Rib appetizers with a classic rye Manhattan. My 1101 North Calvert Street, Baltimore mother enjoyed the house specialty, potato skins. On the surface the potato skins seemed By Nick Fuhr like an odd choice, but what better thing to try It was a special occasion – my brother’s birth- at a quality steak house. day – and as is our mother’s custom she let For dinner, my brother and I each got the him decide where we would go to dinner to New York strip, medium rare. It’s my favorite celebrate. He selected The Prime Rib. And it cut. It is not the most tender cut of meat you was appropriate as both he and The Prime can get, but it is one of the most flavorful. It was Rib were turning 50. perfectly prepared and delicious. My boyfriend We took advantage of the compli- got the filet mignon, a classic favorite with a mentary indoor valet parking. Though it is buttery texture. My bother’s girlfriend got the convenient, coming up those back stairs is crab imperial. I took a bite. There were gener- not the best first impression. The stairway ous chucks of backfin crab in a light sauce that was tight and the path circuitous. I will say, complimented the crab flavor and did not over however, it was clean, bright, and the path power it. My mom got the prime rib. It’s one of clearly labeled. If anyone in your party has her favorites and there is no better place to get difficulty with stairs, I recommend you drop it; it was simply delicious. them off at the front The sides are door. served à la carte and Though our reser- family style. The five vation was made less of us shared sautéed than two weeks before mushrooms, green our desired date, I was beans, grilled aspara- surprised to find out gus, and mashed po- we only had a seat- tatoes. The mashed ing choice of either potatoes were the 5:30 or 8 o’clock. We only dim light in this chose eight. But when entire meal. They we entered, I saw why. were a bit thin and The place was packed. grainy and not partic- I had not been to The ularly flavorful. Prime Rib in about half Everyone was a a dozen years and was not sure what to ex- bit full when it came to desert, but our waiter pect. The old girl hasn’t lost it, nor has she was kind enough to bring out a complimentary changed a bit. slice of chocolate mousse pie in honor of my As we entered the restaurant, we were im- brother’s birthday. It was passed around the mediately greeted and as we were a few min- table and everyone loved it. I had caught sight utes early, direct to the bar at our left. Directly of a dark chocolate ice cream at another table in front of the reception area is the piano. In and had to give it a try. It was pleasantly bitter the evenings starting at 7:30 they have live and rich. The waiter warned it would have a music. Sunday through Wednesday there is caffeine kick and he was not wrong. only a pianist. Friday and Saturday nights, the In addition to the wonderful beef selec- piano is accompanied by a base player. The tions on the menu, you will find entrée se- acoustics were such that we had no trouble lections of lamb, pork, chicken, and seafood. holding a conversation even with our close There is also a full selections of salads to proximity at the bar. accompany your meal. I won’t go into the The restaurant is set up like you would cost. They are not the cheapest game in imagine a private club would be. The walls town but they’re not the most costly either. If are covered with dark wood and mirrors. The you are looking for a wonderful meal served seats are black leather surrounding the white by a professional and attentive staff, look no linen-covered tables. The room is appropri- further than The Prime Rib. The restaurant’s ately dimly lit and the icing on the cake is the dress code is business casual. On Saturday leopard print carpet. It all works. nights, gentlemen are required to wear jack- You’re probably wondering about the ets. Shorts are never allowed. t

20 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD OCTOBER 30, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD OCTOBER 30, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 21 real estate

home. The “sill” is the first wooden horizontal determine if there is a problem, as well as member that usually sits on the foundation tested and effective methods of remediation Scary Home Issues wall, and it’s from the sill that all your ver- that are not exhaustively expensive. tical wall supports originate. From the defi- Mold is everywhere. It’s in the air we By Wayne Curtis be sure to note cracks in the concrete or in nition, you can see that if there’s a serious breathe, and it’s in all types of natural build- Who needs ghosts and goblins? When you’re the mortar joints between blocks, and look for infestation in the sill or floor joists, you do not ing materials. It grows where there is any buying or selling a home any of the creature bowing and other indications that something have a sturdy home. The standard Maryland source of organic nutrient and moisture, and features below can make you scream like is pressing on the walls from outside. Association of Realtors sales contract offers it does not need light. We usually first detect you’re in the back row of the If the floor of the buyer the opportunity to have a pest in- mold either by sight, when ripping open a latest zombie flick. But some- the crawlspace / spection, and obligates the seller to repair or wall for some kind of repair work, or by smell times just a little rational think- basement is dirt, replace serious damage deemed a structur- – when it begins to irritate our respiratory ing and good information can the least expen- al hazard. It also obligates the seller to treat system. However, at the present time, there put a stake in the heart of these sive way to keep active infestations. However, it is the buyer’s are no federal or state guidelines on the best money-sucking issues, or keep the natural mois- responsibility to order and pay for the inspec- ways to remediate mold, what types of mold you from falling in love with the ture level down is tion. need remediation or at what level of mold undead in the first place! to install a vapor Water issues – If there is an issue with growth remediation is required. There is no Foundations – Whether barrier, usually standing water, or basement / crawlspace state licensing of mold remediation firms, al- brick or stone, block or con- of heavy plastic flooding, first check where the gutters dump though the Federal Environmental Protection crete, a home needs a solid sheeting, which the roof water. Many times the water in the Agency does offer a certification for mold re- foundation to be a good place will lower the basement is coming off of the roof and being mediators. Most homes and basements will to live. But what does a solid humidity in the dumped too close to the foundation wall, or test positive for low levels of mold, however if foundation look like? In homes built before air closest to the floor joists. You’ll also need is going into an old underground drain that air testing is done inside a home there should 1950, you’re most likely looking at a porous to have regular pest inspections, because has become clogged or has col- brick or stone mix in the walls and a space moisture draws the bugs that love to chew on lapsed, backs up and overflows that was never intended to be a finished living your home’s wooden shell. right next to the foundation. Make area. Moisture was intended to pass in and Pest issues are the other type of foun- sure you run all your gutters out out of the space during the seasons of the dation issue that can be truly horrifying. Ter- several feet away from the foun- year in the form of condensation. (Standing mites and other wood-destroying insects are dation, and that the yard is grad- water is always an issue, no matter the type drawn by moisture and food sources and ed so that the water does not flow of foundation, see below.) In newer homes, often get into joists and the sill plate of the back toward the house. Ivy or other climbers, as well as old tree debris, can cause gutters to overflow and the wa- ter can sometimes enter into the eaves and do damage to upper floors, or seep into the ground – you guessed it – right next to the foundation wall and enter the basement. Once you’ve eliminat- ed the possibility of the easy fix, and there’s also be an accompanying outside air test so still water in the basement, then you need to that you have a baseline level of mold in the call in professional waterproofers. You may local atmosphere from which to judge the lev- have a spring or other water source beneath els inside the home. the house. You may have a water line that is Mold is probably the scariest of the mon- leaking. But you definitely have an expensive sters we deal with in real estate, because of fix ahead. the lack of guidelines and remediation stan- Radon gas – Radon is a radioactive gas dards. If you think that your home may have found in rock deposits, especially in the older a mold issue and you’re planning on selling, formations in the eastern U.S. Some areas of it might be best to have the testing done the Baltimore region have a higher incidence and have the professionals go searching for of radon than others, but it’s spotty. One sources of the problem. If it’s excess water house can have a problem and its neighbor penetration, you’ve already read about how doesn’t. Radon has become more of a prob- you can try to solve those issues to keep the lem as we have built homes that are more mold from getting worse. and more airtight, because the gas collects With a garlic necklace, a silver bullet, or inside and reaches levels that have been a wooden stake, you can protect yourself on deemed dangerous. The effects of radon are Halloween from the ghouls and monsters that not entirely certain, but most environmental prowl the night. An experienced real estate agencies believe that it accounts for a ma- agent can also protect you from the scary jority of the cases of lung cancer in the US creatures that can inhabit your house! t that cannot be attributed directly to cigarette Wayne Curtis has been a licensed Re- smoking and second-hand smoke exposure. altor in Maryland since 1998. You can learn The good news is that there is a well re- more about his practice at Charmcityreales- garded testing regime that can be used to tate.com

22 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD OCTOBER 30, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD OCTOBER 30, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 23 ulations to ChristyLee Smith-Fabio who was good news about the recently closed Chained tic leather community at the Drummer North selected Ms. New Jersey Leather 2016 and Desires store at 131 West Read Street in Bal- America (DNA) Contest on January 28 to 31 Tigger David Michael who took home the Mr. timore. A new owner will be opening a leather at the Alexis Park Hotel in Las Vegas. They will New Jersey Leather 2016 sash. store in that location soon. The new store will step down at the Paradise in Asbury Park, New Coming up next is the Mr. Maryland Leath- do custom work and have a greater selection Jersey, over the weekend of April 8 to 10 when Leather er 2016 Contest scheduled for Saturday, No- of leather clothing. the Mid-Atlantic Drummer 2016 titleholders will Line vember 7 at Grand Central in Baltimore. Doors Speaking of titleholders with short ti- be selected. That gives them a six-month “title Rodney Burger open at noon and the contest is at 1:30 p.m. tle years, have you heard about the recent year!” Oh well, I always say that it is not what You will want to get there early to get a good Mid-Atlantic Drummer Contest? Thomas John you do during your title year, but it is what you seat. (And who doesn’t like a good seat?) Tick- was selected Mid-Atlantic Drummer 2015 and do afterwards that matters. Congratulations Trying to ets are available at the door or to enjoy the Michael Kurt was sashed Mid-Atlantic Drum- to Thomas and Michael. I hope that although whole weekend of events visit Commandmc. merboy 2015 over the weekend of October 9 your reign is short, your journey will be long. Fit it All In org for details. to 11 at Leather Central in Pittsburgh, Penn- You cannot do much in six months. It will not Earlier this year the Mr. D.C. Eagle 2015 sylvania. They will represent the Mid-Atlan- be easy trying to fit it all in. t There has been so much going on in the leath- Contest was held on March 21 since the new er community over the last few weeks that I D.C. Eagle bar was not open for the tradition- feel like I need to go back and bring you up al November anniversary and contest. Now to date on some recent events. On Septem- that the D.C. Eagle (at 3701 Benning Road ber 19, 2015, Chuck Widdoes from Cheswold, NE in Washington) is up and running the No- Delaware, was selected Mr. Woods Leather vember contest date returns. Mr. D.C. Eagle 2016 and Desire Avah from Philadelphia was 2016 will be selected on Saturday, November selected Ms. Woods Leather 2016 at the an- 21 at the bar with a Meet & Greet party with nual contest held at The Woods Camp- the contestants and judg- ground in Lehighton, Pennsylvania. As es and the popular Eagle a member of the ShipMates Club of Mr. & Ms. Wings annual fundraiser Baltimore I was proud that my club sis- N.J. auction on Friday, Novem- ter Karen Taylor stepped up and also ber 20. The beneficiary for competed for the Ms. Woods 2016 title. this year’s Eagle Wings will Three more of my friends Mr. be Whitman-Walker Health D.C. Eagle 2015 Dan Ronnenberg, with funds raised going for Mr. Maryland Leather 2015 First Run- HIV education and outreach ner-up / Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2015 programs. I don’t feel so First Runner-up David Gerard, and badly about Mr. D.C. Eagle Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish 2015 / 2015 Dan Ronnenberg hav- Second Runner-up Mr. Mid-Atlantic ing a shortened title year Leather 2015 Ahren Hollis, recently traveled now that that he has advanced to the Ameri- to Chicago to represent our area at American can Leatherman 2015 title. So Mr. D.C. Eagle Brotherhood Weekend held at the Leather Ar- 2014 Ramien Pierre advanced to Internation- chives and Museum over the weekend of Oc- al Mr. Leather 2014 and now Mr. D.C. Eagle tober 9 to 11. Dan and David joined the contes- 2015 is American Leatherman 2015. There is tants competing for the American Leatherman a lot of history with the Mr. D.C. Eagle Contest, 2015 title with Dan bringing home the sash. Al- the oldest continuously running leather title in though Ahren did not bring home the American the country. I hope I can be there for Dan’s Leatherboy 2015 title (the honor went to Eli stepdown and to congratulate Mr. D.C. Eagle Marquez, a.k.a. boypup max), he was award- 2016, he will have some big boots to fill. ed the 2015 Brotherhood Award. The Ameri- The Mr. D.C. Eagle titleholder always does can Leatherwoman 2015 title was awarded to a lot in our area. Dan was even nice enough LE Legirl. I am sure I will be reporting much to play Santa Claus at the ShipMates’ “Ho Ho in the Heat” Daddy Christmas kickoff at Leon’s back on June 19. Mark your calendar for the ShipMates’ Daddy Christmas benefit on Fri- day, December 4 at The Loft at Grand Central. Admission is free. This year’s Daddy Christ- mas will benefit Health Care for the Homeless. I am glad the new D.C. Eagle is finally open. It is still a work in progress. An outdoor Mr. & Ms. Woods deck was recently added and a cigar bar is in Leather 2016 the works. I am still sad that the Club Hippo has closed- but on the bright side those Hippo mirror balls will spin again in 2016. The folks more about the 2015 ABW family in a future working on the Baltimore Eagle bought the column. Hippo’s lights, sound system, and such for a Asbury Park, New Jersey was that setting dance space planned as part of the Baltimore for the Mr. and Ms. New Jersey Leather 2016 Eagle complex. I can’t wait to see those balls Contest on Saturday, October 17. Congrat- spin again at the Baltimore Eagle. I also have

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