January 3, 2020 | Volume XVII, Issue 16

/ Washington area with a reception at fense to stop discharging HIV-positive Baltimore’s Belvedere Hotel. On Febru- members of the US Air Force. On Febru- ary 9th a spirted crowd joined drag hosts ary 26th EC Pops partnered with Moby’s 2019 | A Look Back Pariah Sinclair and Saaphyri Widz for bar to host Baltimore’s Drag Showdown, second annual Black Femme Supremacy “Drink, Drag, and Paint.” Guests painted an eight-week competition to pick Balti- By Rodney Burger Film Fest. In world news, French scien- nude cartoon images on wine glasses, more’s best performer. We did it again. We made it through an- tists announced a “potential major break- enjoyed wine tast- —continued on page 3 other year full of ups and downs. through” in HIV treatment ing, and applaud- We here at Baltimore OUTloud are The year while here in the US, Lamb- ed drag perfor- Protesting happy that we were a part of your da Legal sued the Pentagon mances at Spirits Trump year. Let’s look at some of the sto- that was over HIV policies. Mid-Atlantic of Mount Vernon. ries that we brought you in 2019. Leather Weekend was held in The February JANUARY: JPride Baltimore, DC from January 18th to 20th with Mr. 15th issue of Bal- Baltimore’s Jewish LGBTQ social and Pittsburgh Leather Fetish 2019 Emer- timore OUTLoud service organization, hosted a “Winter son Aniceto taking home the title of Mr. honored LGBTQ Blues Happy Hour” on January 17th at Mid-Atlantic Leather 2019. On January black pioneers, the Hotel Revival. The closing of some 22nd the Supreme Court’s five conser- such as writer popular LGBT venues over the years vative justices voted to lift an injunction Richard Nu- only encouraged the Baltimore drag that had been placed by the lower courts gent, poet Au- community to expand their horizons. On on the Trump administration’s policy dre Lorde, and January 18th an evening drag brunch banning transgender people from mili- dancer Willi was held at The Point in Fells hosted tary service. Ninja. Also, on by Robyn Ya’Men. On January 20th the FEBRUARY: On February 2nd, February 15th Creative Alliance held “Taste Test,” an Brother Help Thyself celebrated 40 years a federal judge evening of short films created by and for of providing grants to non-profits serving ordered the US black femmes. The event kicked off the the LGBTQ community in the Baltimore Department of De-

By Gregg Shapiro Chris Hamill, best known to all as Li- mahl of new wave Too ‘Goo’ to act Kajagoogoo (“Too Shy”) fame, is An having a heck of a interview year. The out singer / songwriter’s with Limahl biggest solo hit, the theme song to the included in the Black Mirror moviebe Band- time, there True were some really fun and ex- beloved 1984 fam- ersnatch. Additionally, Limahl took the leap perimental UK band names around like Eu- ily fantasy movie into holiday music with his wonderful new rythmics, Bananarama, and Yazoo. Things The Neverending single “London for Christmas.” Busy as he led to things and eventually we settled on Story, written and is, Limahl was kind enough to make time to the even crazier wordplay of Kajagoogoo. produced by Gior- answer a few questions. And the rest, as they say…[laughs] gio Moroder, was Gregg Shapiro: Limahl, some peo- Speaking of names, you recorded back in heavy ro- ple reading this interview first became under the name “Limahl,” which is a tation following aware of you via your involvement in scrambling of your surname Hamill, as its inclusion in a the band Kajagoogoo. For those not a member of Kajagoogoo, as well as a pivotal episode of in the know, what is the genesis of the solo artist. How did that come about? the third season of name Kajagoogoo? I don’t mind my own name Chris, or Stranger Things. Limahl: When I first met the band, they even Christopher, which my mum some- Meanwhile, “Too had already been working as a four-piece times uses [laughs], but thought it wasn’t Shy” continues to for a couple of years called Art Nouveau. particularly memorable for a musician. be heard in regu- Then, a new UK band hit the charts here Whereas Sting of The Police, for example, Chris Hamill – aka lar rotation on old- called Classix Nouveau, so we decided to seemed to really stand out. I remember Limahl ies radio and was try and come up with a new name. At the —continued on page 15 Publisher and Executive Editor Jim Becker

[email protected] [email protected]

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

Arts and Entertainment Editor Frankie Kujawa [email protected]

Leather Editor Rodney Burger [email protected]

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

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

Graphics Ramon Montiel

Web Editor Adam Romanik Computer Solutions for Less

Photographers Corey Brent Eric Randolph

National Advertising Rep Rivendell Media 908-232-2021

Founders Jim Becker • Joe Berg • Mike Chase Is PrEP for you? Find out. Same-day starts available. Lee Mooney (1959-2007) • Jim Williams (1935-2019) Baltimore OUTloud PO Box 4887 Baltimore, MD 21211 410-802-1310 Baltimoreoutloud.com

Additional Information Baltimore OUTloud is published every other Friday by Pride Media, Ltd. in Baltimore, Maryland. Readers comments and unsolicited materials are welcomed and may be sent to: [email protected]. All materials appearing in this newspaper are the property of Pride Media, Ltd. and may not be reproduced without the written permission of the editor.

The opinions expressed in Baltimore OUTloud are solely those of the writers unless otherwise indicated and do not necessarily reflect the views of Pride Media, Ltd., and the staff. CHASEBREXTON.ORG/PrEP © 2020 – All rights reserved Chair of the Board of Trustees – Jim Becker OR CALL OUR POWER LINE: President – Mike Chase 410-837-2050 X8813 2 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 3, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com year in review // 2019

readers to Monty Howard, who was selected to be the emcee for the Baltimore 2019 | A Look Pride Parade. On April 20th Hagerstown Hopes presented the LGBTQIA Prom at the Ramada Plaza, with over 70 young Back people from three states in attendance. On April 25th at the Lord Baltimore Hotel, —continued from page 1 the first LGBT Champions Awards dinner was held hosted by the LGBT Chamber MARCH: Baltimore OUTloud’s of Commerce. March 1st issue provided all the details MAY: On May 4th the ShipMates regarding Chase Brexton’s AIDS Walk Club of Baltimore, Maryland’s first leath- & Music Fest, scheduled for June 9th, er club, toasted 45 years with a party at and also contained an article from Bal- Max’s in Fells Point. Baltimore’s Queen timore’s LGBTQ liaison Jabari M. Lyles of Comedy Shawnna Alexander provid- outlining his first six months in City Hall. ed entertainment. Comedic genius Judy Frankie Kujawa interviewed mega truck Gold had Baltimore laughing on May 5th driver Krysten Anderson, who was in at the Bolton Street Synagogue. On May Baltimore as part of Monster Jam. On 8th the Pride March 10th the inaugural FreeState Jus- Center of Mary- tice Ice Ball fundraiser was held at the land hosted a Patterson Park Skating Arena. Mark job fair for sex- Segal informed readers about the John ual and gender C. Anderson Apartments, which provide minorities. On affordable housing for LGBT seniors in May 9th Chase Philadelphia’s Gayborhood. The Bal- Brexton’s LGBT timore City school system announced Health Resource policies regarding transgender and gen- Center hosted der-nonconforming students that would a workshop for put them far ahead of most other school Mary Washington LGBT elders pro- systems. On March 23rd the Keystone viding tips for ag- State Rodeo Association held its Royal- ing at home. A headline in the May 10th ty Pageant at 704 Lounge in Harrisburg. issue of Baltimore OUTloud announced On March 25th the Baltimore Men’s Cho- that the Pride Center of Maryland, with rus kicked off its 35th anniversary with the support of State Senator Mary Wash- a “Spring Welcome Mixer” at Memorial ington and State Delegate Maggie Mac- Episcopal Church. The New Wave Sing- intosh, had secured a $500,000 bond ers, Baltimore’s LGBT chorus, held its towards construction of a new building. spring showcase on March 30th at the FreeState Justice hosted its annual jazz Towson Unitarian-Universalist Church. brunch on May 11th at the Haven Street March 27th to 31st was LGBT Health Ballroom. Writer Mark S. King introduced Awareness Week and Sam McClure of readers to a group of straight women who the LGBT Health Resource Center pro- were on the frontlines of the fight against What’s your Vision for Beauty, Health, and Wellness in 2020? vided our readers will all the details. The AIDS. LGBT Elders Day was celebrat- GLCCB announced a name change to ed on May 16th. On May 24th President the Pride Center of Maryland. A LGBTQ Trump proposed repeals of Obamacare book club debuted at the Towson Library. protections for LGBT people. Over the On March 25th, the Maryland legislature Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago, Bal- voted to allow doctors to prescribe PrEP timore resident and Leatherman of Color to minors without requiring parental con- 2019 Jack Thompson was sashed Inter- sent. Poppy Champlin’s “Queer Queens national Mr. Leather 2019. This year’s contest saw 68 contestants. JUNE: The headline article in our June 7th issue told the life story of Balti- more OUTloud’s co-founder and co-owner Jim Williams, who announced his retirement. Also, on June 7th Staff Ser- geant Shane Ortega lectured at the Balti- more Veterans Administration regarding his experience as a transgender man in the military. The New Wave Singers celebrated the 50th anniversary of Stonewall % with concerts on June 8th and 9th. The 15 off Electoral first in Chicago mayoral race Baltimore AIDS Walk & Music Festival hosted by Baltimore’s own Montel Wil- a first-time purchase* liams was held June 9th at Power Plant Use code OUTLOUD to redeem of Qomedy” returned to Baltimore on Live and raised over $150,000 to support March 31st at Magooby’s Joke House. HIV services. On June 12th LGBTQ Pride *All surgical procedures excluded. APRIL: On April 2nd Chicago elect- Night was held at Oriole Park at Cam- Terms and conditions apply. ed its first African-American woman and den Yards. June 14th brought the pop- Expires 6/30/20. first out lesbian mayor. In the April 12th ular Twilight on the Terrance fundraiser issue writer Richard Finger introduced —continued on page 4 BelcaraHealth.com 410.296.0414 —continued on page 4

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 3, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 3 year in review // 2019

town for the GOP congressional retreat. es were held for those we lost during The Baltimore Drag Festival was held the Transgender Day of Remembrance. 2019 | September 14th at the Creative Alliance. Events were scheduled throughout the A Look Back On September 16th Baltimore lost a drag Mid-Atlantic area. Meanwhile President icon and Queen of Pride 1991 / 1992 Trump continued to push for laws that —continued from page 3 Hagerstown. Also, on July 13th was the as Tia Chambers (aka Skip Peacock) would allow LGBTQ discrimination by re- first Westminster Pride. passed away. Restaurants all over Balti- ligious groups. to the Baltimore Museum of Art. State AUGUST: On August 9th the Bal- more donated a portion of their proceeds DECEMBER: World AIDS Day was Senator Mary Washington and Delegate timore Sex Workers Outreach Project to Moveable Feast during the annual remembered on December 1st. Hearts Maggie McIntosh were Grand Marshals threw a fundraiser at the Metro Gallery. Dining Out for Life on September 19th. & Ears celebrated 20 years of helping for Baltimore’s Pride Parade held on On August 11th Shawnna Alexander O n September 24th Baltimore’s sexual-minority community June 15th followed by the popular block hosted a revue fea- Baltimore Police with mental-health services with an open party. Baltimore Pride continued June turing Balti- Commissioner house on December 6th. A memorial 13th with the festival in Druid Hill Park. It more Kings and Michael Harrison service was held on December 7th at Queens of Pride held a meeting at Brown Memorial for Baltimore OUTloud at the Row- the Pride Center co-founder Jim Williams. The Baltimore’s an Tree. Writer of Maryland to Men’s Chorus celebrated the holiday Frankie Kujawa answer ques- season and 35 years of bringing music introduced read- tions about the to the Baltimore LGBT community with ers to the hilari- city’s police two concerts entitled “Women’s Works” ous new modern department’s role in serving the on December 14th and 15th. The con- gay sitcom “Vent and Chester” LGBT community. Baltimore Safe Hav- certs also included a performance by the appearing on Facebook. Treasure was en, a nonprofit drop-in center geared to- newly formed Baltimore Women’s Cho- named Mid-Atlantic Leather Wom- wards helping trans people working the an 2019 and Ren Laine was selected streets opened. Prynce Cache and Vic- Mid-Atlantic Leather Woman Bootblack toria Blair were selected King & Queen Baltimore Pride was Baltimore’s 2019 during the annual Mid-Atlantic of Pride 2020 at a pageant held at the Parade – rocks the 45th Pride cel- Leather Woman Weekend held August Motor House in Baltimore. city on June 15th ebration. June 23rd – 25th in Baltimore. The weekend OCTOBER: On October 4th 22nd was time also included a celebration of 20 years of co-owner and co-founder of Baltimore for Frederick community service by the Hooker & Boys OUTloud Jim Williams passed away. The to celebrate. Frederick Pride 2019 was organization. The Maryland Zoo in Balti- October 11th issue of Baltimore OUT- held once again in the beautiful Carroll more hosted LGBT loud celebrated Creek Linear Park in downtown Freder- Family Day on Au- LGBT History ick. AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) gust 25th to benefit Month with a opened a Baltimore location at 11 East FreeState Justice. detailed look at Lexington Street. The first Howard Coun- The William Way LGBT publish- ty Pride Festival and the inaugural An- LGBT Community ing and the raise 12 Days of Christmas rus. The 21st napolis Pride Parade & Festival were Center in Philadel- and fall of LGBT – turns 21 and gets annual 12 Days both held on June 29th. On June 30th phia announced bookstores writ- legal! of Christmas WorldPride was celebrated in New York that its building will ten by Jason variety show with a huge parade in honor of the 50th undergo $1 million Villemez. Also, extravaganza anniversary of Stonewall. worth of renova- on October 11th was held December 14th at the Maritime JULY: The July 5th issue of Balti- tions thanks to a Baltimore native Conference Center in Linthicum. This more OUTloud highlighted Clay Pots, grant from Gover- and pre-Stone- year’s fundraiser benefited AIDS Action a community center in Baltimore that nor Tom Wolf. wall gay activist Baltimore, Mid-Atlantic Deaf Interpreter is helping a diverse group of Baltimore SEPTEM- Bradley Grant Fund, Trans Lifeline, and Bee & Dee’s area residents. On July 11th the Ameri- BER: On Septem- passed away. Baltimore Love. can Visionary Art Museum kicked off its ber 13th folks from The third annual These are just a few of the events free summer outdoor film series with a the LGBT community gathered outside Jim Williams – Keystone State that were covered in Baltimore OUTloud sing-along Sound of Music. Hagerstown the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel Baltimore OUTloud Gay Rodeo was in 2019. As we face another year that Pride was held on July 13th in downtown to protest President Trump’s arrival in co-founder, passes held October is sure to be filled with ups and downs, away Octover 4th 12th at Spring we at Baltimore OUTloud are grateful to Valley County have you join us on this journey. At a time Park in Glen Rock, Pennsylvania. On when the LGBT media is more important October 13th Dreams and Visions, a lo- than ever, we thank you for your support. cal LGBTQ spiritual community held a If you would like to read more about the seminar focusing on the pressing issue above events visit the archive section of of LGBTQ homelessness and housing our website: Baltimoreoutloud.com. Have insecurity in Baltimore. a safe and happy new year! t NOVEMBER: On November 1st Howard County Executive Calvin Ball signed an executive order to create a LGBTQ workgroup “to promote the shared community values of diversity Add your business to our distribution locations! and civility” in Howard County. Oya Ra Call Baltimore OUTloud was sashed Mr. Maryland Leather 2020 for more details during a contest produced by COMMAND for more details MC at the Ottobar in Baltimore. The 410-802-1310 transgender community was celebrated on November 20th, and remembranc-

4 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 3, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com news // local

the Children’s Bookstore (4717 Harford conversation, as well as plenty of bear Road, Baltimore). Listen to your favor- hugs! The event will feature their signa- ite drag queen nuns read books about ture drink, Bear Juice. The fun extends inclusivity and diversity, color pictures, onto Mixer’s heated back patio. For more and have your face painted. Street and info visit Bit.ly/2QdTasc. t lot parking are available. For more info visit Bit.ly/2th4AlO. t Mr. and Miss HiBEARnation Ziascoz 2020

Pajama Night It’s 2020, and on Sunday, January 5th, Ziascoz presents “Moving Forward in It’s cold outside and the perfect time to Purple and Gold,” a pageant to crown the get cozy. The Bears of Maryland invite next Mr. and Miss Ziascoz. The event will you to put on your favorite pajamas, honor Gabrielle Remsen Ruby-Villarde, onesie, or union suit and join them for Miss Ziascoz 2018-2020, and La’John HiBEARnation, a bear pajama party Trinity, Mr. Ziascoz 2018-2020 who will 7:30 pm, but arrive early to take advan- be stepping down to make way for new Baltimore Men’s tage of their “brinner” menu. Featured titleholders. are bottomless mimosas, Bloody Marys, There will also be performances by Chorus New Singer sangria, and orange crushes for $15. It’s Miss Ziascoz at Large Ganivah Cache, a night of irreverent humor, campy an- and Miss New Faces of Maryland 2020 Mixer tics, and amazing prizes. Drag Bingo is Crown Diamond Cache. The doors will planned for first and third Wednesdays. open at 9 pm and the contest begins at Join the Baltimore Men’s Chorus at its If you can’t love Drag Bingo, how the hell 10. Ziascoz is located at 1313 East Pratt new singer mixer as they prepare to kick are you going to love Wednesdays? For Street, Baltimore. Admission is $10. off their spring term on Monday, January more info visit Bit.ly/39smXVB. t The contest categories include an 13th from 7 to 9 pm at Memorial Epis- interview, presentation (purple and / or copal Church (1407 Bolton Street, Bal- gold), evening wear, talent, and question timore). Learn about the chorus, meet Drag Queen Story and answer session. The contestant fee its members, director, and accompa- is $30. For more information call 443- nist. You’ll even get a sneak preview of Hour with the 467-9749 or visit Bit.ly/36eQHDp. t their spring music! No formal audition is – news compiled by required to join. For more info visit Bit. Sisters Bill Redmond-Palmer ly/2rJpGZL. t The Charm City Sisters of Perpetual In- Unbearably dulgence invite you to join them for an cuddly Drag Bingo at the enjoyable afternoon as they seek to “in- starting at 8 pm on Saturday January Charles 11th at Mixers Bar (6037 Belair Road, Baltimore). There will be great music and This is not your grandma’s Bingo! Join host Washington Heights for Drag Bingo on Wednesday, January 15th from 7 to 10 pm at the Charles Baltimore (1110 South Charles Street, Baltimore). The voke a positive difference into the world” evening will include six rounds of bingo with their new monthly event, Drag broken up with performances, competi- Queen Story Hour with the Sisters, on tions, and witty dialogue. Balls drop at Sunday, January 12th from 1 to 3 pm at

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 3, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 5 beyond the beltway compiled by Jim Becker tation, as well. Federal contractors now frequency on the following Sunday and can discriminate against LGBTQ people Tuesday, the days on which the brunch based upon their religious beliefs. At the and trivia night take place. When an em- In office for Department of Labor, removed from its ployee dialed one of the numbers from website are all references to workplace caller ID, it connected to the voice mail- three years, rights and resources for LGBTQ employ- box of a north Virginia white supremacist ees. The Department of Education is no group. Bran-Leis said one employee felt Trump keeps longer investigating or taking action on so scared by the threats that they missed complaints filed by trans students who a day of work in fear for their safety. “Ev- undermining have been barred from restrooms or erybody started to get startled,” she said. other facilities that match their gender Julie Berman – killed in Toronto Police confirmed the investigation but LGBTQ rights identity. The Department of Agriculture would not comment on specific details. A no longer allows the national 4H youth the charity’s Trans Access project. “Julie police report says “there have been sev- Washington, DC – Unlike 2018, program to offer guidance for welcoming has suffered violence in the past and it’s eral phone calls from various numbers” LGBTQ issues did not figure as promi- and protecting LGBTQ members. The important that we remember her advo- and “each time the caller uses aggres- nently in the news last year. But don’t be Health and Human Services Office for cacy in openly willing to talk about what sive homophobic language.” (The Gaily fooled. Donald Trump and his adminis- Civil Rights has opened the Conscience happens inside the trans community, and Grind at Thegailygrind.com/2019/12/21/ tration have been hard at work, gutting and Religious Freedom Division, in an her ability to advocate for rights of all white-nationalists-threaten-to-kill-lgbtq- nearly every protection put in place by attempt to shift emphasis from protection members, that made the community bet- staff-at-d-c-taco-shop-burn-down-shop) former President Barack Obama. While of equal access for patients to protec- ter,” said Olivia Nuamah, the executive some in the media have claimed Trump tion of personally-held religious beliefs director of Pride Toronto. (CBC News has been relatively pro-LGBTQ based for private healthcare providers. Hous- at cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/julie-ber- on statements he has made, that simply ing and Urban Development (HUD) has man-toronto-trans-dead-1.5409429) Lesbian isn’t true. When he said, “[a]s your pres- removed all training and guidance di- ident, I will do everything in my power rectives for employees from its website murder- to protect our LGBTQ citizens from the that reference LGBTQ people. (Q Notes violence and oppression of a hateful Online – David Aaron Moore at goqnotes. DC restaurant suicide shocks com/64526/2019-the-year-in-review) targeted Philly LGBTQ by anti- communities Toronto LGBTQ white Philadelphia – On the afternoon of trans woman December 16th, two women, married to nationalist one another, were found dead by two of and activist their three children – ages 12 and 6 – in Washington, DC – The Gaily Grind, the kitchen of their residence on Cedar- murdered an online LGBTQ news magazine, re- brook Avenue. On December 17th, the Will 2020 see the end of him? ports that Washington police are investi- Philadelphia Police Department ruled Toronto – CBC News reports that Ju- gating after the owner of a local Mexican the case a murder-suicide, according foreign ideology,” he wasn’t referring to lie Berman, 51, died on December 22nd restaurant received dozens of phone to Acting Police Commissioner Chris- violence, oppression and discrimination after an alleged assault at a residence in calls from white nationalists threaten- tine Coulter. Coulter was on the scene by other Americans in our own country. the city’s downtown. Friends are remem- ing to “kill the staff” and burn down the of the shootings and described the cir- He was throwing “the gays” a bone while bering her as an outspoken advocate for business, reports the Washington Post. cumstances as “a horrific scene.” Coulter simultaneously offering a wink and a nod transgender rights. “She was vocal about Anna Bran-Leis, the owner of Taqueria said the department’s top priority is the to his Evangelical support base by de- transphobia and was always working on Del Barrio in the Petworth neighborhood, well-being of the children, who were in- monizing all Muslims. education so that there would be better suspects that the threats may be con- terviewed by homicide detectives. The This year he finally accomplished the acceptance of the LGBT community,” nected to the taco shop’s monthly drag children, including a third, 17-year-old implementation of his irrational trans- Berman’s friend, Davina Hader, said in teenage girl, are being cared for by rel- gender military ban. While Trump first a phone interview. The two met through atives. announced his desire to enact a ban events in Toronto’s LGBTQ community. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector on transgender individuals in July 2017, “She was, honestly, a beautiful person. Scott Small, who was also at the scene, his efforts were initially stymied by vari- She had a very strong aura about her, said there did not appear to be any sign ous lower courts. By April 12th of 2019, it’s just very sad,” Hader said. “There’s of a struggle. Staff Inspector Sekou Kine- however, the Trump administration fi- no reason this should have happened. brew told Philadelphia Gay News that the nally achieved its goal and instructed It’s just tragic.” names of the two women are not being the armed services to begin discharging Det. Rob Choe of the Toronto police released by police at this time, as the in- trans service members. homicide squad said Berman died of vestigation is ongoing. But some details With Trump at the helm, things have “blunt-impact trauma” to her head that were provided. Kinebrew said the two Taco restaurant targeted changed – not just for the trans com- investigators believe was caused by a women, ages 50 and 36 years old, “were munity – but for lesbians and gays, as weapon. He declined to provide further queen brunch and its drag trivia night. unresponsive, and were subsequent- well. The Federal Office of Personnel details. Choe said officers responded She also noted that her staff members ly pronounced [dead] on scene by fire Management has removed guidance to a call for an assault and immediately are nearly all part of the LGBTQ commu- department medics.” The investigators completely from policy and documen- arrested a man at the scene. Colin Har- nity. have determined that “the 50-year-old tation for federal agency managers on nack, 29, of Toronto, has been charged Bran-Leis said most of the messag- woman shot her 36-year-old wife, then how to support trans employees. The with second-degree murder. es were homophobic in nature and came shot herself, mortally wounding both.” Department of Justice has allowed all On December 27th, Berman’s friends from “four different phones with differ- The couple had gunshot wounds to the executive branches to interpret reli- recalled her generosity – and ferocity – as ent voices,” some of whom said “they head and chest, with shell casings and a gious liberty protections in such a way she fought to improve the lives of those were going to burn down the restaurant handgun near both bodies. that give broad exemptions to federal in the trans community. She had helped and kill the staff.” The threatening calls Neighbor, Roland Johnson, said he anti-discrimination laws, allowing direct out with various events at The 519, an prevented other callers from making saw the 36-year-old victim just hours discrimination against individuals, not LGBTQ charity in Toronto, over the last reservations. The calls reportedly start- earlier. “I spoke to her; she’s always got only for gender identity but sexual orien- 30 years, they said. Berman worked on ed on December 12th and increased in a friendly smile, no hint of anything be-

6 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 3, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com beyond the beltway

ing wrong, though,” said Johnson. Po- ship hurt nobody, he said in his state- perhaps align the closest with most lice were told that the women were “a ment, while at the same time, “govern- Democrats. nice couple,” but family members told ment officials can steal millions of public Here’s where I’m confused: Some police the couple had “some domestic dollars without prosecution.” Foote also of the youngest voters favor the oldest strife in the past.” Lauren Cox, mayor- said that, “[t]argeting and marginalizing candidate. Okay, Boomers support the al spokeswoman, told PGN, “Domestic minorities, especially homosexuals, has Boomer. Rural voters favor the gay guy. violence reaches into all of our commu- been a warning signal of future atrocities You can’t pay us to bake a cake for you, nities – regardless of class, race, sex- by governments in many countries. In but vote for you for president? Sure. ual orientation or gender identity. And, my heart, I know that real Zambian val- More than a third of voters have never unfortunately, it often goes undetected ues don’t merit your country’s inclusion heard of the guy who has a TV ad run- and unreported.” Cox said, “It is import- on that list, ever.” ning about once every five minutes on ant to remember that if you or someone Zambian President Edgar Lungu every broadcast and cable station. And you know is in immediate danger, you replied on December 15th, saying that while 6% of voters like that billionaire should contact the police by calling Zambia had sent a protest letter to who’s inundating the airwaves with ads 911. (Philadelphia Gay News – Vic- Washington over the remarks by Foote (Bloomberg), only 1% favor the other bil- toria Brownworth at Epgn.com/news/ and was awaiting a response. A US em- lionaire (Steyer) who’s bought almost as breaking-news/15574-local-lesbian-mur- bassy source told Reuters news service many ads and, to me, seems much more der-suicide-shakes-community) that the US State Department had de- likable, with actual positions that align cided to recall its ambassador because with the Democratic Party. Of course, it was now too difficult for him to work that’s only an opinion and I don’t person- in Zambia. “Since Lungu says he does ally know or support any billionaires. US ambassador not want to work with Foote, there was Whites without college degrees favor no point of him remaining. Also don’t Biden, although the few Biden support- Tristan Peterson – recalled after forget that there are security issues so ers I know have college degrees. Whites Harassed Washington wants their man back,” the with college degrees favor Warren. to death? criticizing source said. The State Department said Bloomberg gets his support from con- it continues to oppose anti-LGBT actions servative Democrats, but most of his 6% cuses defendants of negligence, wrong- jailing of two by foreign governments. “The US firmly seems to have come from Warren, who ful death, and creating a hostile learn- opposes abuses against LGBTI persons. may be pragmatic but isn’t conservative. ing environment. The defendants are gay men Governments have an obligation to en- And 1% of Democrats support Tulsi Gab- also accused of violating New Jersey’s sure that all people can freely enjoy the bard. Can’t wait for the next poll to see anti-discrimination law. Tristan and his Lusaka, Zambia – The US State universal human rights and fundamental how her “present” vote on impeachment mother complained multiple times about Department recalled its ambassador to freedoms to which they are entitled,” a affects her support – either up or down. the bullying, but staff failed to intervene Zambia on December 23rd, less than State Department spokesperson said. That vote might have been a calculat- to prevent the abusive behavior. “The a month after he criticized a Zambian (Seattle Gay News – Mike Andrew at sgn. ed maneuver to attract donations. Or defendants had a duty to provide for court decision sending two gay men to org/sgnnews47_52/page9.cfm) maybe to win an invitation to the White the safety and security of students,” the prison. Ambassador Daniel Foote had House, which is the only way she’ll ever suit says. According to court documents, represented the US in Zambia since get there. (Dallas Voice – David Taffet Tristan’s mother contacted school offi- 2017. State Department sources said at Dallasvoice.com/new-poll-leaves-me- cials on multiple occasions to report the he no longer had a working relationship Presidential confused) mistreatment of her son. with the Zambian government and there According to GLSEN’s 2017 National was no point keeping him in the country. poll leaves School Climate Survey, LGBT students Foote earned the ire of Zambia’s in New Jersey routinely face physical government after telling officials he was Dallas Voice Mother sues and verbal harassment. Sixty percent of “horrified” to learn that a gay couple had LGBT students in New Jersey reported been sentenced to 15 years in prison writer confused school district verbal harassment because of their sex- when they were accidently observed ual orientation, while 20% reported phys- having sex. Japhet Chataba and Steven Alexandria, Virginia – Eschelon In- after suicide of ical harassment – including shoving and Samba had booked a room in a resort, sights has released its latest voter sur- pushing – and 9% reported physical as- but a passing hotel worker saw them vey poll regarding the field of Democrat- 12-year-old son saults, including punching, kicking, and having sex through an open window. ic presidential candidates, and it makes even injuries caused by weapons. The She then called other workers to watch. absolutely no sense to me. I’m not dis- Deerfield, New Jersey – A New Jer- national numbers are worse, with 87.3% puting the results; I’m disputing the peo- sey mother is suing the Upper Deerfield reporting harassment or assault. Of ple who answered the poll. Joe Biden School District and a number of local those, 12.4% reported physical assaults. leads the poll – by a lot. He’s at 37% school officials for negligence after her t (Seattle Gay News – Mike Andrew at support, up from 32% in October, and, gay son committed suicide. Tristan Pe- sgn.org/sgnnews47_52/page3.cfm) among Democrats with a verified voting terson came out to his classmates in history, he gets 40% support. Elizabeth 2017 and died from suicide in Decem- Warren and Bernie Sanders are running ber of that year. According to the law- neck-and-neck, with each earning 14% suit filed by his mother, Marcy Peterson, . Both are down from other recent polls. he was expecting acceptance but in- These news notes have been compiled, with permission, from the online version Michael Bloomberg received 6% of the stead was “bullied, harassed, and even of various newspapers and other web vote among likely voters, polling even threatened.” The bullying was reported Daniel Foote – recalled ambassador sites. We thank these publications for with Pete Buttigieg, who’s unchanged to school authorities and even observed allowing us to bring you their news sto- Police were notified and arrested Cha- since October. Both have low overall fa- by teachers and staff, but authorities ries. Usually the reports have been sig- taba and Samba for having sex “against vorability among Democrats. The others took no action to protect Tristan, the nificantly edited and you can read the the order of nature.” Foote expressed in the poll are Amy Klobuchar, Andrew suit charges. The school superintendent, full story by going to the web site men- his “horror” at the severity of the sen- Yang, and Julián Castro with 2% each, the principal of Woodruff Middle School, tioned following the item. Comments tence through diplomatic channels, and and Cory Booker and former Maryland and several teachers, counselors, and are strictly the opinions of Jim Becker then, after blowback from the Zambian Congressman John Delaney with 1% district anti-bullying officials are named and not of Baltimore OUTloud or Pride government, issued a public statement each. Seems like those polling the low- defendants in the suit. Media. on December 2nd. The men’s relation- est here are the ones whose positions NBC News reports that the suit ac-

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 3, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 7 thinking outloud

the year 2019, I was able to let it all go. specialize in work with LGBTQIA youth, Unless you’ve ever gotten to this adults, couples, and families. Before that point, it’s hard to understand. I decided I was an energized young social work- Sophie’s in 2016 that I would rather kill myself than I’m Queer... er- advocating for at-risk youth in foster let the world know that I am transgender. care, developing inclusive programs for Choice In 2017, that actually came close to be- Now What? the Army National Guard, aiding hospi- By Sophie White coming a reality. I was born in a male By Elizabeth Harring tal psych units in becoming more aware body with a female heart, soul, and brain. of gender-inclusive practices – all while This is something I had known for the last flirting, dating, breaking up – repeat. But couple of decades, however it had gotten Warm even before all that, I was a young tom- A Year of Firsts to the point where I was no longer able to boy growing up in the country suburbs of hide it. So I can say that 2017 was by far Welcome northern Baltimore County. I remember Wow, what a ride! 2019 was a year of my hardest year, but by 2018, the heavi- there was one (yes, one) kid in this cis, firsts for me. It was filled with triumphs, ness started to lessen. And in 2019, I was What an honor to be writing to the Bal- white, straight, school that was “gay.” and considering where I was just a year able to step away from the noose and be- timore OUTloud community! I’ll use my This brave soul showed up every day to earlier, these past 12 months were abso- gan to reengage life. first column as an opportunity to talk face a litany of stares and comments. But lutely amazing. Let’s start where I was in This past year, I took a series of sim- about myself – don’t leave just yet! I he stood tall, walked big, and January 2018. You see, I was at the end ple steps that became major leaps for liv- also want to talk about the thoughts smiled like the GD and intention behind this queen that he was. column, and encourage you Meanwhile, I was to participate in the conver- pretending to like sations to come. (@bmore- boys by day, watch- queer on Instagram). ing “Queer as Folk” My name is Elizabeth at night and having Harring, I am a licensed ther- no idea what the apist in Baltimore City and I heck I was going to say or do about my feelings. Ultimately, with a lot of fumbling, and a lot of support, I made it through to being out, proud, and where out of my small town, I would only watching “The L Word.” wear female clothes. Everything went This column is for kids (and teens great for the first four months. and young adults) that are like him, but Then on Facebook, I friended some- also for the ones like me. You see, we one I knew in high school. A day or so all go through our own process in finding later she remarked with something about our identity, our sexuality, our gender, My 2019 scrapbook! my gender. I really don’t even remember and our voice. There is no right pace, of the throes of a super deep depression. ing my life again. I was scared to death what her comment was, but I do remem- there is no expectation to know yourself I mean, I was just getting off the preci- of change. I guess my biggest issue was ber how my friends on Facebook re- completely, as we are ever growing and pice I’d stood on for a couple of years. acceptance. Would I lose everything? sponded. They jumped on her with both evolving into our amazing true selves. You know, that place above the tenth Would I become the butt of jokes? How feet. They defended me and I didn’t have Yet, what we do so much need are safe floor of any high-rise building. I was end- would the world interact with me? Would to lift a finger. It was awesome and the spaces to explore and discuss our queer ing a relationship of flirting with suicide, it be nice? Or would it be mean? support was amazing. feeling and questions. You might be lucky but it was still flirting back. However, in The reality is that most people have In August I decided to dress howev- enough to have a family that embraces so much on their er I felt, no matter where I was. I even you, for all that you are. Hopefully, they own plate that started wearing dresses to my office, lo- want to learn everything about your ex- If you like to write and have an interest in they’re not think- cated in my small town. At this point, I perience (ie, Dwayne Wade #dadgoals). local news, theater and the arts, food, ing too much about was dressing as a female full-time. My If you do not have that, I am sorry, tru- LGBTQ history, doing interviews, your plate. Don’t get patients seemed fine with me. I had a ly. The fear of rejection, or worse, is still me wrong, some will couple ask what pronouns to use. Others very present and real. But, I can prom- Baltimore OUTloud might be the place for you. gossip about you never said a word, but most didn’t care ise you that all is not lost. See, the thing because they don’t one way or the other. about queer people is that they build We are looking for writers to share with their have a life. Or their During this past year, my firsts in- community. There is a place for you, ev- LGBTQ community. In Baltimore and lives suck so much clude top-of-show credit on the television ery part that might feel weird or different, they have to talk series “Chicago Med,” opposite Oliver or not accepted. surrounding areas,including Hagerstown, about your life. Platt, Brian Tee, and Natalija Nogulich. “I’m Queer, Now What?” is here to Frederick, Asbury Park NJ and Rehoboth Beach, At the end of This past year was my first time to tell create a safe space for thoughts, ques- 2018, I took the the world publicly that I am transgender, tions, fears, and issues that those in our and any area we reach. plunge. In January which I did through a PSA. I did my first young queer community are facing. Each I did a few things. TV talk show and a TV news interview as month we will explore a different topic of For more information contact Mary Taylor First, I changed my Sophie Marie White. I was on the cover interest related to navigating life’s chal- 410-802-1310, or e-mail her at Facebook profile of a magazine (Diversity Rules) for the lenges. I encourage you to visit Insta- from male to fe- first time. I was published as a transgen- gram to submit questions, thoughts, or [email protected] male. Next, I decid- der writer in an LGBT publication (Pride topic requests. (@bmorequeer) Here’s and she can fill you in with all the details. ed I would no longer Source) for the first time. I also became to a bold and bright 2020. I can’t wait to wear male clothes, a published novelist with Neuro Confine- take this year on with you. t opting for gen- ment. I got my first review from a tele- Elizabeth Harring is a licensed certi- der-neutral clothing. vision critic, gave my first stage perfor- fied clinical social worker. Then, I decided that mance, in the play Trans Scripts – The if I was shooting Women. With that came my first review a movie or if I was from a play critic. What a year of love, Hope to see you in the paper! going to be some- light, and peace! t

8 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 3, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com quality of life // Health and Wellness

couple claim that they never fight, my an- for the long term. Improving your health tenna goes up and consistently, you find can’t be done short-term. It’s done by unexpressed resentments and deep- making gradual changes which become a down anger over things that happened permanent part of your daily life. Ask years ago. So acknowledging conflicts Open Wide • Decreasing or stopping drugs or al- opens the door to resolving them and ask Dr Eva cohol requires support. Managing addic- Dr. J not carrying baggage that interfere with Dr Eva Hersh tion is not a solo, do-it-yourself project. Janan Broadbent, Ph.D. a solid foundation. You may be able to keep from using on The key here is to be able to maintain your own for a while, but to stop using for a level of rationality while discussing an Simple, the long term and achieve sobriety you Do We Need emotional issue. Many of us have said need education about the disease of ad- things in the heat of an argument that we diction and support for recovery. Please Conflict in a would like to take back, but you can’t. Healthy seek help. Alcoholics Anonymous and Many of us remember the hurts that kind Narcotics Anonymous are not the only Relationship? of outburst may create. How do you learn Changes for way, but they are good places to start the skills to argue with civility? You will because they are free and are Imagine this scenario: Your partner and find numerous self-help resources on 2020 The law of available in most communities. you have similar temperament. You both fair fighting and one main idea to keep Here are a few easy reso- like some solitude and time for yourself in mind is to remember that no healthy Dear Readers, 25% at a time lutions that will make you feel separately, and then enjoy Lots of people make good! being with one another and New Year’s resolutions. • Spend at least 20 minutes with friends. You are on the When a person can’t stick with the chang- outdoors in sunlight on most days. This same page with political es they planned – which is what usually works best if done between 10 am and views, religious beliefs, and happens – they may feel like a double 2 pm, when the sun is highest in the sky even follow a vegan diet. failure. Not only are they continuing the and sunlight is the most intense. Increas- Heavenly? Or not? behavior they meant to change, they also ing sun exposure will improve your sense Personality theories have been unable to keep their commit- of well being, help relieve depression, on relationships predicting ment. Considering this, my first thought and increase your vitamin D level. harmony vary from it being was that it might be best to swear off the • Twenty minutes of brisk walking, out- enhanced by similarity or by whole idea of New Year’s resolutions. But doors or indoors, on two or more days a compatibility. The more simon second thought, it would be a shame week can have noticeable positive effects ilar we are to our partners, not to make good use of the motivation on depression, on feelings of sluggish- the less the conflict. Howev- for positive change that many people feel ness, on irritability, and on constipation. er, one of the glitches in the at the start of a new year. If you can walk for longer or more often, human mind is that change Here are some suggestions to help that’s even better. towards improvement does you choose a 2020 New Year resolution • Promote your own positive mood. It’s not come when all is well and that you’ll be able to keep. worthwhile and in your best interest to find trains are running on time. It relation- • Successful behavior change is grad- and spend time with activities and people may be the resistance to change overall ship can exist without putting some work ual, not sudden. For most people, a rea- that make you feel good, positive, cheer- that murkies up this picture, but it seems into it. What is more important to you, sonable start is to change behavior by no ful, and energetic. Pay attention to the that some form of pain, disagreement, or that you be right, or that you “win”? Or more than 25% at a time. This means, way different activities, people, and plac- dissatisfaction is what motivates us to is it the connection you have, that you don’t try to change your behavior all at es make you feel. If the TV annoys you, seek a different way of getting along in love? If you make the latter the central once. Don’t even try to cut down by half. turn it off or go in another room. Is there life and love. concept, you can both compromise and Instead, try cutting down by one quarter music you love but never listen to? Find To be clear, I am not advocating that emerge stronger. So deal with those con- (25%.) your headphones and listen to it regularly. one should be looking to disagree or flicts when they arise and accept differ- For example, instead of trying to quit What about the friends or family members fight on a daily basis. But when I hear a ences and disagreements as positive life smoking overnight, decrease the amount you love but never see? Get back in touch. forces. t you smoke by one quarter (25%). If you Increase the time you spend doing activ- “We don’t get harmony when every- now smoke a pack (20 cigarettes) a ities you enjoy. Whenever possible, at body sings the same note. Only notes day, decrease from 20 to 15 cigarettes a work, at school, and at home, spend more that are different can harmonize. The day. If you currently eat meat with every time with people you enjoy and less time same is true with people.” – Steve Good- meal and want to cut back, start with one with those who bring you down. Mood has ier, freelance writer, author of One Min- meatless meal every day, or even one powerful effects on the functioning of both ute Can Change A Life meatless meal every other day if that is brain and body. Mood is also self-reinforc- what’s manageable for you. If you want to ing: people who frequently feel cheerful, start exercising, start by exercising once happy, or content get into the habit of be- or twice a week for ten minutes to begin ing in a good mood. People who often feel Hearts and Ears Inc. with, not a one-hour workout every day. annoyed, angry, dissatisfied, negative or LGBTQIA+ Wellness & Recovery Center Continue with this 25% first-step change low tend to become habitually irritable for at least four weeks before trying for or depressed. Most likely you could give greater change. some examples of both kinds of people. • After four weeks, ask yourself, “Is • No one knows better than you do Hearts & Ears, Inc. is a non-profit organization for Gay, this behavior change comfortable, or is what puts you in a positive or a negative Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and it still an effort? Or, have I not yet made mood. As much as possible, keep your- Questioning, and Gender Non-Conforming individuals any change at all?” If the 25% change self positive for your own sake and also is still difficult after one month, don’t try for the people around you. Your emotional with behavioral health issues and concerns. to change your behavior any further un- state affects their moods as well. til you are comfortable with the initial Wishing you increasing health and happiness in the new year, Dr. Eva t change you planned. It’s fine if that takes 611 Park Avenue Suite A, Baltimore, Maryland 21201 • 410-523-1694 several months. Remember that when Eva Hersh is a family physician. Send you are making changes for your health, your comments and questions to her by [email protected] • heartsandears.org the goal is to make changes that will last email at [email protected].

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 3, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 9 quality of life // Health & Wellness Protect Yourself from I love smooth skin but hate shaving Identity Theft in the New Year Is Laser Hair Removal Worth It?

Identity theft remains a serious threat to We asked the workshop’s presenter, by Kierstin McClanahan the snap of a rubber band – and minor the financial well-being of individuals of Tim Thornton, a financial wellness con- Yes! There is no need to suffer through redness, which goes away quickly. Fol- all ages, and LGBT elders face additional sultant and assistant vice president at another waxing appointment or contend lowing treatment, normal activities can challenges in keeping their personal in- BB&T, for a preview of the information with ingrown hairs and bumpy, irritated be resumed immediately, but excessive formation secure. and advice he’ll offer at the session. skin. Laser hair removal is a fantastic heat (like a hot shower) should be avoid- Tips and strategies to help keep per- How common is identity theft? way to get rid of unwanted hair and enjoy ed for 24 hours. sonal information out of the hands of Nearly 60 million Americans have silky-smooth skin. Because hair grows thieves will be offered at an upcoming been affected by identity theft, accord- We all have hair we don’t A discussion in cycles, most people workshop hosted by the LGBT Health Re- ing to a 2018 online survey by the Harris want. In fact, men and wom- require at least six treat- source Center of Chase Brexton Health Poll. That same survey found that near- en have been striving to re- with Kierstin ments (depending upon Care. The work- ly 15 million consumers experienced move unwanted body hair for the density and condition identity theft in 2017. The amount sto- centuries. Traditional solu- McClanahan, of the hair being treated). len from victims of identity theft ap- tions – like razors, tweezers, Laser hair removal does proached $17 billion that same year, depilatory creams, and wax RN, of Belcara not eliminate hair com- according to data from Javelin Strategy – work well enough, but they pletely; instead, it reduces & Research. must be repeated frequently, Health the hair’s growth to a rate How disruptive can the theft of making them inconvenient, that negates the need to personal information be to one’s time-consuming, and relatively expensive wax or shave any time soon. Follow up life? when added up over time. They can also appointments are usually needed every It sometimes takes years to repair irritate the skin, lead to ingrown hairs, and be quite painful. Electrolysis – a the damage done by identity thieves, Kierstin and unfortunately, it’s very difficult to treatment that damages hair follicles McClanahan, prevent it from happening in the first with an electric shock – offers a more RN place. Data breaches, security flaws permanent result. However, because and human errors expose people’s each hair follicle must be treated indi- personal information all the time, and vidually, electrolysis can also be high- there’s often no way of knowing if ly time-consuming and costly. yours has been compromised until it’s Laser hair removal is the fastest too late. growing non-surgical cosmetic treat- In what ways are LGBT elders ment in the nation – popular among susceptible to identity theft? both women and men. It can be performed on all skin types and almost For LGBT elders, there are add- every part of the body. The most com- ed challenges that make aging more mon areas treated are the underarms, fraught. Years of employment discrim- genitals, lip, beard, sideburns, neck, ination can result in lower retirement Tim Thornton, legs, chest, abdomen, and back. The savings and Social Security income. financial wellness only area that cannot be treated is the LGBT elders face substantial discrimina- shop is scheduled for consultant and eyebrows, due to the risk it poses to the tion in housing, when accessing medical Thursday, January assistant vice eyes. 9th from noon to 1:30 president at BB&T care, and in aging-specific programs Laser hair removal works by target- pm in the community and services. With fewer connections to ing hair at its roots to prevent further rooms at Chase Brexton’s Mount Vernon families of origin, LGBT elders may be growth. It uses heat energy to target the Center (1111 North Charles Street, Bal- at increased risk for social isolation and melanin pigment located in the base of timore). identity theft. the hair follicle, vaporizing the follicle to Anyone interested in attending or Are there easy ways that elders dramatically disable future hair growth. receiving more information on this up- can protect themselves from identity Unfortunately, this treatment does not coming Lunch and Learn workshop may theft? work on white, red, or gray hair because RSVP to [email protected] or call Like everyone else, they must re- they don’t contain any melanin to absorb 410-837-2050 extension 1049. main vigilant to “detect, deter, and de- the laser’s heat energy. now and then to maintain long-term re- fend” against becoming an easy target Although laser hair removal works sults. for this growing crime. We will discuss best for those with darker hair and lighter Laser hair removal treatments may the details of how to do so at the Lunch skin, today’s advanced laser technology seem relatively expensive at first, but if & Learn workshop on January 9th. makes it possible to safely treat people you consider the pain and cost of regu- What do you hope attendees learn with darker skin tones. It is very import- lar waxing appointments over decades, from this workshop? ant to find a qualified, experienced laser as well as the continuous discomfort At BB&T – now known as Truist – we hair removal professional using the right and unsightliness of razor burn, ingrown take very seriously our commitment to kind of laser, especially if you have darker hairs, and stubble, this treatment is truly assisting everyone in our communities to skin. If you don’t, you risk wasting your a no-brainer. t be more aware of certain nuances that time and money for poor results and pos- Kierstin McClanahan is a registered make us all more susceptible to becom- sibly ending up with burns or hyperpig- nurse specializing in medical aesthet- ing an easy target to this non-discrimi- mentation. ic treatments. At Belcara Health, Ki- nating crime. We truly hope that people During the treatment, a topical numb- erstin offers a wide range of cosmetic will walk away from this session ready ing cream is applied to minimize discom- treatments, including laser therapies, to take immediate steps to improve their fort. A hand-held device, wide enough to injectables (Botox, Juvederm), and constant efforts to be on guard. t treat large areas in one session, is placed CoolSculpting. Learn more about Kiers- EMAIL For more about the LGBT Health Re- directly on the skin to deliver the laser’s tin and Belcara Health at Belcarahealth. [email protected] source Center’s LGBT elder programs heat energy. Most patients report feel- com or call 410-296-0414. and services, please visit Chasebrexton. ing a series of short, quick zaps – like org/LGBTElders.

10 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 3, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com quality of life // Health and Wellness Four Reasons You Should

Have a PSA Test is quick to correct herself. Another challenge I faced was tran- between the American Cancer Society, Transitions dr. Dudley Seth Danoff By Karen Kendra Holmes sitioning on the job. With staff who knew A virtual firestorm erupted in 2011 with the the American Urologic Association, the you before, they either accept you or not, publication of the US Preventive Services National Cancer Institute, and the Pros- and you need to know how to deal with it. Task Force’s draft recommendation that tate Cancer Foundation. These types You need to understand that your transi- healthy men should no longer receive a of public-private partnerships have the My tion is a process for people in your life. It PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test potential to accelerate the discovery, will take them time to adjust. When you to screen for prostate cancer because testing, and validation of new biotech- Challenges and transition, they transition too. For new “the test does not save lives overall and nologies for lethal-cancer detection that staff coming on, it is a matter of others often leads to more tests and treatments are superior to PSA screening. Until a Changes not outing you to them, so that you can that needlessly cause pain, impotence, new test is developed, however, pros- tell them when you are ready. One main and incontinence,” according to an Oc- tate cancer screening is best served thing to keep in mind is you may be fired Since my transition I’ve faced some chal- tober 2011 New York Times article. The with the continued utilization of the PSA from your job. final version of the USPSTF recommen- lenges and changes in my life. blood test. I tell other transgender people to car- dation was released in May 2012. As of When I hear people say, I made a The US Preven- ry themselves in a positive way. Build 2019, the USPSTF choice, they really don’t understand that tive Services Task yourself a “platform” for yourself, so has amended its rec- it was a “decision, not a choice.” The way Force report created when you tell others you are transgen- ommendation to say society treats us, we lose our spouse, a heightened aware- der, they won’t care. You want people to that the decision to children, family, home, work, and friends. ness regarding the know who you are on the inside, rather run a PSA blood test People want to attack, even murder us. shortcomings of the than focusing on your outward appear- on men ages 55 to 69 Knowing all this is possible, we still want PSA test. Certainly, ance. My mother wrote in a letter to a should be made on an to be our true selves. Sometimes the pain the one positive re- friend of hers, “Just because the cover of individual basis. sult would be to en- is so bad, we end up committing suicide. It is well known that After many prayers, I felt from God a total the book has changed, inside the story courage the devel- still remains the same.” the PSA blood test is an opment of a more peace that I was doing the right thing. imperfect test. Howev- One of my biggest challenges was Some challenges I didn’t totally an- precise prostate ticipate. It used to take me five minutes er, it is the best one that cancer screening telling my mother I was transgender. My we have available for mother tends to worry a lot about things to wash my hair, but now that’s 45 min- blood test. It should utes to an hour. At concerts or sporting early detection of pros- not be forgotten and most of all about me. Getting my mother to start using my new name and events, the bathroom lines I face are out tate cancer at a stage that in the pre-PSA using the proper pronoun was going to be the door. Buttons on blouses and zippers that is curable, particu- era, it was more a challenge. One of the most embarrass- on pants are on the other side. Some- larly in men ages 45 to likely that cases of ing times was at the store and she would times I find myself changing outfits three 65. This test should not prostate cancer were al- say “he,” which would drive me crazy. I or four times to match shoes and purs- be rejected out of hand because we ready in advanced stages of the disease do not have anything to take its place. had to get her toCOMING understand that when es. IN I’ve had 2020 to learn medical terms of the at the time of diagnosis. The Prostate Cancer Foundation she uses the wrong gender in front of other gender, which you are now. A study published by the American (PCF), the world’s leading philanthropic people, we don’t know if they are trans- In my next article I will talk about “Liv- Cancer Society in May 2018 showed funder of prostate cancer research, was phobic, and that it could possibly put my ing a Double Life.” t that the number of patients diagnosed founded in 1993 and has raised more life in danger. Now, my mother is much Reach the author at kkholmes@kk- with metastatic disease at the time of than $765 million. It provides funding better, and occasionally she may slip, but holmes.com and Kkholmes.com. initial diagnosis declined but started COMING IN 2020 to more than 2,000 researchers at over rising again after the USPSTF began 210 institutions in 22 countries. PCF advocates for greater awareness of the discouraging routine screening. A May need for prostate cancer research and 22nd, 2018, Washington Post article on 2020 greater patient participation in research. the study reported that the prostate can- In response to the USPSTF’s stance cer death rate declined from about against PSA screening, PCF made 39 deaths per 100,000 cases some specific recommendations, in 1994 to about 19 deaths per which include the following: 100,000 cases in the 2010s. Three Sizes, Great Rates!2020 1) The decision to have PSA screening is the best way a PSA test or not should be to ensure that prostate can- made between a man and his cer mortality rates will stay personal physician based on low and the number of ini- the man’s age, symptoms, tial diagnoses revealing Three Sizes, Great Rates! family history, and concerns advanced stages of the Reserve your about prostate cancer. disease will continue to de- 2) The process of informed cline once more. t patient decision-making both pri- Dudley Seth Danoff, or to and after PSA screening in MD, FACS, is president Space NOW! healthy men should be encour- and founder of the Ce- dars-Sinai Medical Reserve your aged. 3) Research should be in- Center Tower Urology tensified by the National Can- Group in Los Angeles, a For more details... cer Institute with a focus on diplomate of the Ameri- Space NOW! better early detection tests Even if you’re can Board of Urology, a Mary Taylor for lethal prostate cancers. anti-state, fellow of the American Col- Hopefully, these recommen- give some lege of Surgeons, and author of [email protected] dations will encourage new pub- thought to The Ultimate Guide to Male Sex- For410-802-1310 more details... lic-private research partnerships your prostate! ual Health. Mary Taylor [email protected] OUTLOUD january 3, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 11 410-802-1310 quality of life // Health and Wellness

This is why our arms and legs move in use muscles to guard/protect vital areas, opposition when we walk, meaning left such as nerve and blood supply. Bottom Mending arm and right leg move together to wind line is you don’t have tight hamstrings – it the up the fascia then we spring into the next is your brain making them tight to guard motion of right arm and left leg moving against injury and re-injury, especially if Gap together, again winding us up until we there is past trauma. Trauma could be Charles Dudley are ready to spring into the next step and something as simple as straining your so on and so on. back lifting a box four years ago, or as Because we move in patterns and major as having surgery. It makes so repeated motions, this fabric can some- much sense when you consider some- What is s times get a kink or two (or three, if you we are having a conversation with the one coming to me with hip, knee, or ankle are really kinky) in it, which then restricts brain! To illustrate this point, I will have pain, or complaints of sciatica, and we Fascia? how we move, and can even cause pain. you play along with me in an experiment. find out they had top surgery or bottom This is where myofascial release comes Who out there has tight hamstrings? Do surgery. The scars are the kinks in the We hear the terms “fascia” and “myo- in. Myofascial release is a technique in me a favor, and without bending your fascia, and the effects can be in unex- fascial release” used a lot in the therapy which we as therapists help “unkink” the knees, try to touch your toes three times pected places. t and massage industry, but what are we stuck parts of the fascial network, thus in a row and note where your hands land. If you have pain, especially recurring talking about? What is fascia and why restoring motion and reducing pain. Me, I can reach mid-shin, others of you pain that has failed traditional treatments does it matter to you? Sounds great, but what is can probably palm the floor. Next, I want (including physical therapy), then I invite Muscles have a nerve ...And why is it really going on? you to note which leg felt tighter and take you to call or text me for a complimentary going to them to allow our I recently took a three- off the other leg’s shoe. Roll a hard ball or consultation at 443-742-0019 or email brain to tell the muscle to important?!? day pelvic physical therapy foam roller on the bottom of the shoeless me at [email protected] contract or relax depend- course about this very sub- foot for about one ing on what we need it to ject! It turns out that when minute then put your do. Fascia, on the other hand, has been we look at the development of the em- shoe back on. Try thought of as a passive elastic connec- bryo from its basic three layers of cells, touching your toes tive tissue that runs through our entire the fascial system, nervous system, and again (without bend- body, varying in thickness depending on our vascular system all come from the ing the knees) and its purpose in that location. The skin has same layer of the embryo! This means note where your fin- fascia. So do the muscles, and even our that our fascial system is also neuro- gers land. Typical- stomach and spleen! I often thought of it logical in nature – it is not the passive ly, it is three to four as an elastic Saran Wrap coating below stretchy fibers we once thought they inches further! We the skin but above the muscle in order to were, but rather can communicate with didn’t treat the ham- help us conserve energy when we move. our brain. When we work with the fascia, strings directly, nor did we treat the tight side … so what the hell happened? We had a conversation with your brain in which we told your brain it was okay to move again. I have read that the subconscious brain processes over 40,000,000 bits of information per second, which is why our protective reflexes are subconscious. The brain is going to protect us from injury and will Hearts and Ears Inc. LGBTQIA+ Wellness & Recovery Center

Hearts & Ears, Inc. is a non-profit organization for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning, and Gender Non-Conforming individuals with behavioral health issues and concerns.

611 Park Avenue Suite A, Baltimore, Maryland 21201 • 410-523-1694 [email protected] • heartsandears.org

12 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 3, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com Spiritual Directory

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

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

An informal, Welcoming, Participatory, Conservative Jewish Community

Come join us to worship

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

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 3, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 13 Lively Arts // qmusic

that produced Gene Clark’s No Other (Blixa Sounds). “I Melt with You,” which also launched the band Simple Minds. includes a mention of “mesh and lace” Songs of Long Ago Most people know the Jim Kerr-led Sim- in the lyrics, was a hit in the 1980s and By Gregg Shapiro king of pop,” Michael Jackson was one ple Minds from “Don’t You (Forget About again in the 1990s. How many bands can It must have sucked to be Frank Sinatra of the brothers who made up the Jack- Me),” the ubiquitous theme song to the say that? After the Snow is also notable during the 1960s. After being a dominant son 5. A singing and dancing musical John Hughes movie The Breakfast Club. for its enduring sound musical force throughout the 1950s and act from Gary, Indiana, whose talents But as anyone who had been listen- recording some of the most time- earned them a recording ing to the band in the preceding years less albums in pop music history – contract with influential know, there’s much more to Simple including In the Wee Small Hours, Refreshed Motown Records and a Minds than meets the ear. The tri- Songs for Swingin’ Lovers, Come for today! debut album released in ple disc compilation 40: The Best of Fly with Me and Only the Lonely 1969. Two years later, in Simple Minds 1979-2019 (Universal), – he was suddenly adrift. To add 1971, the Jackson 5 had does a great job of filling in the blanks, insult to injury, The Beatles, who were scored enough hit singles to earn them- featuring outstanding early propulsive kicking Sinatra’s proverbial ass, were selves a compilation album, the 11-song numbers such as “I Travel” and “Love Capitol Records’ label-mates, essential- Greatest Hits (Motown), newly reissued Song,” as well as other pre-Breakfast ly pushing him aside. But Ol’ Blue Eyes on vinyl featuring “rare Japan-only quad Club classics such as “Up on the Cat- had a few more tricks up his sleeve and versions / alternate mixes.” Eight of the walk,” “Someone Somewhere in Sum- his 1969 album My Way (Capitol / UMe 11 tracks are credited to The Corporation mertime,” “Promised You a Miracle,” / Signature Sinatra), recently reissued (a record production team led by Berry “Alive and Kicking,” “Speed Your Love in an expanded 50th anniversary edition Gordy) and consist of monster hits such to Me,” and “New Gold Dream (81, 82, featuring four bonus tracks, was one of as “Maybe Tomorrow,” “ABC,” “The Love 83, 84),” to mention a few. The set also them. For example, Sinatra covered the You Save,” “I Want You Back,” among includes the new song “For One Night Beatles’ “Yesterday,” as well as songs others. The compilation also features by other popular songwriters of the time the Jackson 5’s including Paul Simon (“Mrs. Robinson”), unforgettable cov- and is deserving of repeated listens Rod McKuen (“If You Go Away”), Michel er of Clifton Davis’ whether you are hearing it for the first or Legrand (“Watch What Happens”), Jim- “Never Can Say the thousandth time. my Webb (“Didn’t We”), Ray Charles Goodbye,” a song Ben Lee couldn’t be more 90s if he (“Hallelujah, I Love Her So”), and most that would go on to tried. After all, he did date 90s goddess significantly Paul Anka who wrote the ti- become one of the Claire Danes during the last few years tle track which became a massive hit for first chart-topping of the decade. He also released two of Sinatra. disco singles as his best solo albums Something to Re- Years before he was anointed “the performed by Glo- member Me By and Breathing Tornados ria Gaynor. during the 1990s. For his new album For some un- Quarter Century Classix (New West), known reason, in Lee sets the way back machine to the 1974, just a year first half of the 90s for a set of gorgeous after Pink Floyd’s covers of songs by Archers of Dark Side of the Loaf (“Web In Front”), Fugazi Moon shook up the music world, psych- (“Blueprint”), The Breeders folk band the Byrds’ founder Gene Clark (“Divine Hammer”), Dinosaur equally bravely experimental No Other Jr (“Get Me”), Pavement (“In (4AD) went virtually ignored. The double the Mouth a Desert”), Beat disc expanded reissue of No Other, fea- Happening (“Godsend”), and turing a second disc of sessions record- Sebadoh (“Brand New Love”), ings, presents an album that is far more among others. accessible than impenetrable. Some of Of all the artists mentioned the songs, including the title cut, “Life’s in this column, Tom Waits may Greatest Fool,” “Some Misunderstand- be the one who’s had the lon- ing,” “From a Silver Phial,” and “Strength gest ongoing career. Since the of Strings,” have a spiritual bent, and as beginning of his songwriting life • ArchitecturAlly-stunning such, feature a choir fit for a cathedral. in the early 1970s, women have wedding venue • Undervalued when it was first released, been covering his songs. Bette the late Clark’s masterwork – revered Midler (“Shiver Me Timbers”), Rickie Lee Jones (“Rainbow • indOOr & OutdOOr and revived by modern bands such as Grizzly Bear, Beach House and Fleet Sleeves”), Crystal Gayle (songs wedding cereMOnies, Foxes – now has a chance to be redis- on the One From the Heart recePtiOns, And elOPeMents • covered by various generations, and soundtrack), Holly Cole (her cherished for the visionary work that it is. entire 1995 album Temptation), • Over 30 sAMe-sex weddings In the same way that musical styles Only.” and Nanci Griffith (“Grapefruit Moon”) are just a few examples. As you can tell from since 2013 • rapidly evolved during the 1960s, the Simple Minds successfully avoid be- 1970s presented an even wider variety ing one-hit-wonders, but that was not the title, the various artists set Come On of changes. From the disposable AM ra- the case for contemporaries Modern Up to the House: Women Sing Waits Follow us on Instagram and Facebook dio fodder at the beginning of the decade English. Still, it could have done worse (Dualtone) features a wonderful assort- @ChaseCourtWeddingVenue to FM radio AOR (album oriented rock) than to be associated with the irresist- ment of women (including Aimee Mann, takeover by the end, over the course ible and inescapable (to this very day) “I Rosanne Cash, Patty Griffin, Phoebe Bridgers, sisters Shelby Lynne and Allison 410-727-1112 • chasecourt.com of ten years, listeners experienced the Melt with You.” That song first appeared rise of the singer / songwriter, hugely on the band’s second album, 1982’s Moorer, Kat Edmonson, Corinne Bailey 1112 Saint Paul Street, Baltimore, MD successful rock bands (see Fleetwood After the Snow (Blixa Sounds), rere- Rae, and Courtney Marie Andrews) per- Owned and Operated by David Egan, forming flawless renditions of tunes from wedding columnist for BaltimoreOUTloud. Mac), and the birth of disco and punk. leased in an expanded edition along with In other words, the same time period its debut album 1981’s Mesh and Lace Waits’ considerable songbook. t

14 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 3, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts // celebrity interview

Moroder. Every UK musician was a fan of always been one of my long-term goals but his. His body of work was already quite sub- I wasn’t sure I’d ever achieve it. Another stantial including the amazing Donna Sum- one of my long-term songwriting goals was mer catalogue, and, of course, the seminal the subject of London. There are lots of Too ‘Goo’ to “I Feel Love.” I do smile when I recall how, songs with place names. We all know them the night before, I stayed up late partying – Amarillo, San Jose, Georgia, Galveston, An with friends, smoking and drinking. I only San Francisco, New York, Paris, and so on. interview got about four hours sleep and barely made But hardly any about our fantastic London. the flight. When we tried the vocal at 3 pm By accident, we combined the two and with Limahl that next day, my voice just wasn’t working. when it started coming together, it just felt It was tired and it told me so [laughs]. Gior- right. My three favorite Christmas songs beKeith Strickland True and Ricky Wilson (of gio, however, was very calm and soothing are “Have Yoursela Merry Little Christ- —continued from page 1 B-52s), Pete Shelley (of Buzzcocks), in his manner and simply said, I remem- mas,” “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the reading somewhere that the members of Pete Burns (of Dead or Alive), Joe Jack- ber distinctly, “Hey don’t worry, Lim” – he Year” and of course “White Christmas,” so Swedish group ABBA used the first letters son and Klaus Nomi. Being an out artist called me Lim for short – “We’ll have some I wanted to do something that felt a little of their given names (Agnetha, Benny, yourself, please say something about dinner and wine and then try again after- old-school, if you like. A musician friend, Björn, Anna-Frida). I couldn’t see much what that meant to you throughout your wards.” He was right. It worked. Maybe, it Jon Nickoll, is resident jazz pianist / sing- creative scope in Chris, so looked at my career. was the wine. By 7 pm, we nailed it. I think er at London’s famous Savoy Hotel. We surname Hamill and “Limahl” was born I wasn’t out immediately, although my brain just associated singing as an happen to live around the corner from each [laughs]. I quite like the roundness of it when I look back at my early style / im- evening activity and mid-afternoon, it just other, so one day we just got together for starting with L and ending in L. Again, it’s ages, I can’t imagine anyone would have wasn’t connecting the a jam. Without pressure or a another newly invented word, if you like. thought I was 100% deadline, it’s the best working I’ve seen on social media that some people straight [laughs]. I was environment creatively and have named their children “Limahl” which out to the band, I was that was the prefect starting is kind of freaky, but I guess it’s a compli- out to my family and point. Eventually we brought ment. All compliments appreciated at my was planning to come in UK maestro music pro- age [laughs]. out at some point producer Ian Curnow and he These days, you can still hear Kaja- fessionally. By the time I added the icing on the cake. googoo’s breakout hit “Too Shy” on the did, no one seemed that It was a good collaboration radio, in movies and on TV. What does it interested or shocked and more importantly, it was mean to you to be associated with that [laughs]. Many peo- fun, and it’s important to song? ple come out late, like have that otherwise it isn’t Are you kidding [laughs]? I freakin’ love George Michael, actor worth doing. it. Something we created in our small flat Ian McKellen. Even El- Speaking of Christ- in Leighton Buzzard (in Bedfordshire) that ton John didn’t come out mas, you and your part- took the global music world by storm and for years. It’s a very per- ner have been together still continues to be enjoyed? It’s probably sonal journey for each of for more than 25 years. like a multiple orgasm, if I could remember us. You have to weigh up Do the two of you have how that feels [laughs]. your own situation careful- any special holiday tra- Heavy metal bands are often re- ly, your work, your friends, ditions that you look for- ferred to as “hair bands,” but new wave your family. Personally, I Limahl ward to every year? acts such as Kajagoogoo also made still wouldn’t walk down performed the Yes and yes [laughs]. hair statements. How did your famous most public streets in the the theme song We always travel around ‘do come to be? UK holding my partner for Neverending the city to see the many Story In 1979, three years before I met Ka- of 25 years Steve’s hand Christmas lights. Regent jagoogoo, I was starring in the Stephen because you can attract Street, Bond Street, Carnaby Schwartz musical Godspell. The cast con- unwanted attention. In the dots [laughs]. Street, South Molton Street, Knightsbridge, sisted of six girls and six guys. All the girls London news recently, a gay girl couple The song “The Neverending Sto- and so on. Then there’s the department had quite different looks: a blonde, a bru- on a late-night bus, were subjected to ho- ry” underwent a major revival this year store window displays, Selfridges, Harrods nette, a red head, some wavy hair, some mophobic abuse and violence. Thankfully, through its inclusion in the Netflix se- and of course Fortnum & Mason (the of- straight. However, all the guys looked ex- they caught the three teenagers. I remem- ries Stranger Things. How did it feel to ficial grocer to the royal household). Fort- actly the same; mousy brown, wavy hair. ber a couple of years ago in Soho, the Lon- have your song have a new life? num’s also has a super reasonably priced So, I approached the Chris Dunham, the don gay village where one would expect to Thirty-five years later and, without any restaurant that overlooks the Christmas director, and pointed this out whilst asking be safe, a young male couple were sub- planning or assistance on my part! It’s shopping floor and it’s great to soak up his permission to lighten my hair. He was jected to a similar thing. I say to everyone, definitely an OMFG moment. Delighted. the atmosphere whilst downing a scrum- supportive and said enthusiastically, “Yeah, “Be out, be proud of who you are, but be Ecstatic. Over the freakin’ moon. Blow me my Christmas lunch – turkey, gravy, roast do it.” Initially, it was blonde all over and safe and stay vigilant.” I’m sure you don’t down with a feather. I could go on [laughs]. potatoes and vegetables followed by tra- the dark side bits came later as I experi- need me to remind you about the Orlando I did a gig in North London a few weeks ditional Christmas pudding. Gawd, this is mented. But, certainly, there was no style nightclub shooting. The world seems wor- ago. When we reached “Neverending Sto- making me hungry [laughs]. I always see guru employed by the conglomerate EMI ryingly more right-wing and aggressive at ry,” I started to talk about it, and a bunch of my wonderful mum a lot over Christmas; Records, home of The Beatles and others. the moment, all caused by religion in my kids that were 9, 10, 11, 12 years old came she’s an octogenarian now, bless her. I It was an organic process that just evolved. opinion – but don’t even get me started. running in from another room and stood take her to the theatre. She loves musicals. Of all the popular musical genres, Your 1984 solo debut album Don’t there practically trembling with excitement. Is that where I get it from [laughs]? New Wave was one of the most welcom- Suppose contained the hit single “Nev- I was gobsmacked! Finally, is there a new Limahl album ing to both LGBTQ listeners as well as erending Story,” the theme song to the Just in time for the 2019 winter holi- in the works? artists including Boy George, George movie of the same name, co-written by day season you are releasing the single Absolutely. I’m planning another single Michael, Andy Bell (of Erasure), Marc Giorgio Moroder. What did it mean to “London for Christmas.” What would in the new year, followed by an EP for start- Almond (of Soft Cell), Neil Tennant (of you to record a Moroder tune? you say are the challenges and rewards ers. Then we’ll see how that goes. In this Pet Shop Boys), Jimmy Somerville (of It was so exciting! I was just 24 years of writing and releasing a new Christ- seemingly one-click world we now live in, Bronski Beat), Holly Johnson (of Frank- old and flying to Munich to record with this mas song? will anyone be interested after the furor has ie Goes to Hollywood), Fred Schneider, legendary producer / songwriter Giorgio As a songwriter, a Christmas song has died down? Watch this space! t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 3, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 15 Lively Arts // Screen savor TICKETS FROM JUST All the Way $25 By Gregg Shapiro between $250 and $1600 a night. Cash 201920 SEASON Have you ever watched a movie or a TV money! show set in or near where you live or so- Priding itself on being a “gay Cheers,” cialize? There’s a kind of thrill of Johnsons not only attracts recognition that takes place when locals but a national clien- BEN CRAWFORD BROADWAY AND BEYOND you do. It’s fun to see streets, Strippers seen tele, too. Matt also likes WITH BEN CRAWFORD bars, restaurants, and other busi- to distinguish himself by nesses, even people you recog- behind the taking care of his danc- FRI, JAN 17, 8 PM SAT, JAN 18, 8 PM SUN, JAN 19, 3 PM nize, on screen in an area that you ers, treating them with frequent. stagelights Jack Everly, conductor • Ben Crawford, vocalist respect, even going so The 2019 doc, All Male, far as giving each dancer Vocalist Ben Crawford, current star of The in their, um, Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, returns to All Nude: Johnsons (Breaking a breathalyzer before he the BSO to perform memorable favorites from Glass), filmed in and around Wil- dressing leaves the club at the end Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, South Pacific, ton Manors, is a follow-up to di- of the night, so they arrive Company and more. rector / writer / actor Gerald Mc- rooms home safely. Cullouch’s All Male, All Nude, a “All Male, All Nude: Currently starring as The Phantom! 2017 doc which focused on the Johnsons” is not a chal- GIL SHAHAM notorious Swinging Richards male strip lenging or necessarily arousing viewing club in Atlanta. Anyone who has been in experience. In fact, a gratuitous sexual- MENDELSSOHN South Florida for a while knows that there ly graphic sequence involving one of the VIOLIN CONCERTO was once a Swinging Richards in North dancers who is a sex worker and gay Miami that briefly relocated to Pompano porn actor may have you lunging for the FRI, JAN 24, 8 PM SAT, JAN 25, 8 PM Beach but is no longer in business. remote. Some viewers may find John Storgårds, conductor • Gil Shaham, violin All Male, All Legendary violinist Gil Shaham performs Mendelssohn’s Violin Nude: Johnsons Concerto, often called the most perfect violin concerto ever written. John Storgårds conducts Shostakovich’s Ninth, the lightest is as much about and brightest of his symphonies. the strippers as it is about Matt Col- SAINTSAËNS CELLO CONCERTO unga, the owner of FRI, JAN 31, 8 PM SAT, FEB 1, 8 PM Johnsons. Actual- Marin Alsop, conductor • Sheku Kanneh-Mason, cello ly, it might be more Mesmerizing cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, who became an international about Colunga, sensation performing at the royal wedding, makes his BSO debut playing SHEKU after all. A former KANNEH-MASON Saint-Saëns’ charming First Cello Concerto. Also on the program is Dvořák’s dancer (and DJ) at exquisite Seventh Symphony. the aforementioned Atlanta Swinging A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO Richards (for some CHARLIE CHAPLIN 20 years), Colunga FRI, FEB 7, 8 PM SUN, FEB 9, 3 PM welcomes viewers Carolyn Kuan, conductor • Philippe Quint, violin to the bar in the doc, Combining clips from classic Chaplin films with live music, taking us on a guid- Charlie Chaplin’s Smile traces Chaplin’s relationship with ed tour of the venue 20th-century master composers. This cinematic program and even letting us in also includes works by Williams, Corigliano and on the secret of the Morricone. “scent machine” that makes the place themselves rooting for some dancers over OFF THE CUFF: smell so good. We are shown the main others, such as visual artist “Yankee” or PROKOFIEV ROMEO AND JULIET stage, the side stage, the plentiful seat- children’s party entertainer “Alexander.” ing, the dressing room, and the speakeasy SAT, FEB 15, 7 PM Stripper wisdom is dispensed, including side (decorated with reclaimed and reused “your eyes are your moneymaker” (which Marin Alsop, conductor antiques and such from other bars). is debatable when you consider the whole Enjoy a romantic Valentine’s date with the BSO and Prokofiev’s Suite from Romeo and Juliet. We are introduced package) and “nobody comes Following the performance, Marin Alsop to sever- to see a fat stripper” (among answers questions from the audience. al dancers, other choice remarks credited Stay for the Prokofiev & Prosecco some of to Matt), and it’s as flaccid as After-Party with live music and local whom have you might expect. food and drink specials. stage names On a side note, All Male, (“Alexander,” All Nude: Johnsons practical- “Javi,” “Ra- ly functions as a promotional EXPLORE THE FULL SEASON AT BSOMUSIC.ORG phael,” “Sean video for Wilton Manors, the TICKETS FROM $25 | 410.783.8000 | GROUPS OF 10+ 410.783.8170 Harding,” “second gayest city.” The “Cole,” “Yan- kee”), as area looks great onscreen, from the aerial JOSEPH MEYERHOFF SYMPHONY HALL well as Matt’s husband Chris, bartender views of the waterways to the busy com- Omar, front door person Roger, and Jer- mercial strip on Wilton Drive. PRESENTING SPONSORS: emiah who runs the VIP area. Various DVD bonus features include music vid- fees are discussed, including the house eos by gay singer / songwriter Corey Tut, OFFICIAL AIRLINE SUPPORTING OF THE BSO: SPONSORS: fee (from $10 to $30) each dancer pays as well as a promo teaser for the movie. to work at Johnsons. That fee is negligible Rating: C-minus. t considering that dancers claim to make

16 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 3, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com out in the valley

Asher’s World Asher Kennedy A Boy, brother and I were usually exploring the Interrupted bowels of Notre Dame’s Athletic facilities, looking at pictures and awards from over Hagerstown Pre-puberty me wasn’t much different from a hundred years of storied sports history. the rest of the little boys I identified with. We were at Nationals when I got my Hopes Roars I played baseball, loved Nintendo, and first period, or the first chapter of “My Life: had dirty, scraped knees The Female Years.” It was the Into the 20s! time to put away the mistletoe and stock- and holed-up jeans. Even A disastrous summer between sixth and sev- ings, because Hopes is going full-steam- at ballet or baton twirling, enth grades, and the first person ahead! Capping off our most active and two extremely effeminate period I told was my brother. I didn’t By Asher Kennedy successful year, Hopes was the benefi- things, it was okay, be- want to tell my mom, and certain- As we say hello to a brand-new decade, I ciary again of the annual Nicole James’ cause my brother also recounted ly not my baton teachers. I knew proudly proclaim that 2019 was the most Holiday Extravaganza “Peace, Love and participated in them. Ba- even then that my blossoming expansive and successful year for Hag- Joy,” which was held at The Lodge in ton twirling is something I don’t talk about womanhood would mean that instead of erstown Hopes yet! First off, we just want Hagerstown. The silent auction as well as an adult. It’s the most clock-able thing playing with the brothers of twirlers after to say a tremendously heartfelt thank as all of the performer’s tips were again about me. I also don’t have a lot of good competitions, I would be expected to don you to all of our volunteers, patrons, and allocated as a great way to jumpstart memories involving it. The combination of a summer dress and sit with a teddy bear, allies. We could not do anything with- our Pride funding. Putting on the best trans and not being the pretty little blonde the same thing every other out each and every single one of your all-day-event in the county is no small twirling girl did. We all got bodies, minds, and ideas. And what a feat, and it is with great joy that I write teddy bears after competi- year it has been! From adding a spou- that from that one event we have already tions. Except my brother, sal group that meets concurrently as our raised over $13,000 towards making he got Nerf. Until my period Trans Group, to getting our Youth Group sure Pride 2020 continues to raise the came, my mom would just up and running, and putting on the first bar for ourselves! Nothing says ringing let the teachers know I was pride prom for Washington County and in the new year like already being ahead a tomboy. Somehow my the surrounding region, we did not give of the game for the next one. blooming menses meant ourselves time to boast or rest on our Speaking of Pride, go ahead and it was time to accept my laurels. As our organization grew, we mark your calendars, because Satur- femininity. I blame twirling grew with it. Increasing the size of our or- day July 18th is already booked with our for why I don’t like teddy ganized body and doubling our list of vol- name on it! Downtown in the square will bears. unteers was just the start, we also added be a colorful array of people of all facets Twirling was part, but committees for those who do not partake of the LGBTQ community and our amaz- not the whole picture of in the traditional “bar scene,” including ing allies! Join us for our biggest event my dysphoria. I remember an active / outside group, known as of the year, and do not forget, Hager- the entire era of middle Queer Camp. Even our strength through stown Pride is a family-friendly affair with school as me trying to suf- solidarity cannot be touched, this year’s events and activities for all ages and focate the feminine parts Transgender Day of Remembrance Vig- walks of life. As in years past, our King of me, while equally shov- il had the highest attendance of both and Queen of Pride (Chase Anthony and Before ing back the things my cisgender as well as trans / non-binary Maranda Rights) will be our esteemed interruption peers relegated as being too masculine. folks. There is no shortage of goals and emcee’s and make sure the maximum girl who loved pink meant Skateboarding, video games, even lis- ideas and people to help, and we want amount of fun, celebration, and camara- that competitive baton twirl- tening to punk music. All of those things to make sure we can work alongside and derie will be shared among all who are ing did not want me, even if I enjoyed weren’t gel pens, boy bands, and fashion, for our entire community of Washington present. twirling, which I did. Twirling gave me the and therefore taboo for 12-year-old me at County, and beyond. We say it every chance we get, but ability to travel and perform in places and the dawn of the millennium. The layers Before we even have a chance to let truly, Hagerstown Hopes is more than stages that most people don’t get the luxu- of buried interests from those three short our holiday feasts digest, it is already an organization for queerly-affiliated ry of visiting. I was a huge Notre Dame fan years have taken the next almost 20 to folks. Our community is shared by such unpack and wade through. It has definitely a wonderful, diverse group of individuals, “If you’re a competitive contributed to why Pop-Punk is still my go- and it is imperative we continue to work to music genre, even as my knees croak the process of balancing my good memo- to assist as many as humanly possible. twirler in the state more and more at the thought of moshing ries from bad times. Which is what 2020 is Working alongside such wonderful orga- of Maryland, you’ll around at a show. for me. Making peace with the jaggedness nizations such as Beacon House, Chil- If you’re a competitive twirler in the of my past, and using it to make the most dren in Need, For Otis Sake, and Trans find my deadname in state of Maryland, you’ll find my deadname of my future. And just because all of the Healthcare MD allows us to bridge more the MD State Baton in the MD State Baton Records. There are stages that went into building Asher don’t gaps than we could by simply waving a dozens of trophies in my parents’ base- line up, doesn’t negate that they made me rainbow flag. If you have a drive to help, Records.” ment, plaques, banners from winning Miss the man I am today. Transitioning is ongo- but are unsure how to plug-in, come to Majorette of Maryland. All things that don’t ing, and a lot of it is deeper than HRT and our Events Committee meeting on Tues- growing up, because the twirling national line up with the goofy, awkward nerd of a name changes, and that’s okay. And even day January 7th at 6:30 at The Hub at championships are held there every sum- man that I have become. But they are still now, over a decade removed from twirling, Mulberry Lofts to find out everything we mer. While the majority of little girls were part of me. Like my entire middle period of and a half-decade removed from Aman- have coming up and how you too can be getting ready for their performances and existence, in which I was painfully female da, I still root for Notre Dame, as long as part of the positive change happening on making sure their makeup was perfect, my and struggling to survive. Which I did. And they’re not playing the Mountaineers. t the western side of the state! t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 3, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 17 dining out

freshness of the sea. The meaty mussels in the hickory butter and white wine / garlic broth absorbed the most wonderful concoction of satisfying flavors burst- Munch ing into your mouth with each bite. On This The dinner menu options continued to make an outstanding impression. The Michael Ritmiller chef’s catch-of-the-day was Opa with Pan Seared Sea Scallops in Beurre Noi- New employmeNt opportuNity! sette (a nutty brown butter). Both had New outdoor resort opening this summer located north of Blackwall Hitch the richness of the brown butter perfectly Romney, Hampshire Co. West Virginia. 700 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, seared into the top and bottom of each 443-759-7176 bite. The Pork Osso Buco with Herb We need the following positions filled within the next four Theblackwallhitch.com Tagliatelle embodied old-school Italian to six weeks. Many of these positions will be year round! comfort food at its finest. The huge pork Baltimore’s Inner Harbor has long been shank was fall-off-the-bone tender. The Restaurant: Bakers, Bartenders, Bar-backs, the jewel of the city, albeit a polished freshly made Tagliatelle pasta in garlic poo the last several years with barely a and chive butter had a deliciously deli- Bus & cleaning staff, Dish/Pot washers, heartbeat. Fortunately, signs of the next cate bite while still retaining an al dente Food prep & Line cooks, renaissance are appearing, breathing texture. As fabulous as these dishes are, Floor managers, Host & Wait staff. fresh, new life into the escutcheon of all worth repeat visits, I was absolutely Charm City. One of the first new estab- amazed by Chef Saffell’s Rockfish with outside Help: Activities attendant, Groundskeepers, lishments giving reason to visit the wa- Jumbo Lump Crab and Lemon Butter. Horse tenders, Facility maintenance staff. terfront is Blackwall Hitch. The moment There are too few seafood dishes that you arrive, you feel like you’ve entered captures the essence and soul of the the VIP section of a modern steamliner Chesapeake Bay as this panko-encrust- Please complete the job application at the following link ed rockfish and crab. Everything about and we will get back to you! “A wide range of fresh, this dish reminded me of a warm day https://rainbowcountryresorts.com/job-application upscale flavors that on the Eastern Shore, enjoying its trea- Come grow with us!!! sures with friends. Even the bed of corn charts comfort food and clove rice were impressive. If grits could be served in some form of decon- on a delightful gastro structed version, this sweet corn was it. The dessert selection was no less voyage.” spectacular. A variety of chocolate truf- fles are a tasty finish if you don’t have ship with friendly staff ready to take care any room left below deck. Otherwise, of you and bartenders who know how to indulge in a final round of decadence make a great cocktail. with Blackwall Hitch’s Molten Chocolate The modern American menu infused S’mores Cake (I loved the gooey home- with Executive Chef David Saf- fell’s influence offers a wide range of fresh, upscale flavors that charts comfort food on a delightful gastro voyage. From lighter salads such as The Shobb (a seafood-heavy Cobb) to flatbreads such as the Curry Cau- liflower (with pick- led peppers, goat cheese, and butter- nut squash), there are lots of lighter options to go with that first drink. Appetizers such as the Black- wall Shrimp (white Scrumptilicousness from the sea wine, garlic, and creole butter made marsh- you’ll want to bathe in), Crispy Calamari mallow) or the Apple Tiramisu (imagine Fritz with sweet chili BBQ sauce, and tiramisu and an apple pie had a beauti- Smoky PEI Mussels in Hickory Butter ful, scrumptious baby). are next-level dishes that stand above Whether it’s a special occasion or the typical menu versions elsewhere. just another day, Blackwall Hitch makes The calamari is accompanied by tasty for the kind of memories we want to keep fried cherry peppers that accentuate the revisiting with friends and family. t

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 3, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 19 YOUR MONEY

perspectives: structural and behavioral. Estate Planning: The More you Structural focuses on processes, policies, Know About and practices. Behaviors involve helping the Basics to ensure bias-free decision making, and Business purposely building equity across the entire Richard Finger employee experience. What I found most interesting in the article is the D&I model that identifies five key dimensions of D&I efforts: compliance, Look What I awareness, talent integration, operations integration, and market integration. Each Just Read! of these five dimensions contain structural and behavioral inclusion elements. Be- low will describe “leading-edge” In reading through the latest success elements. edition of Human Resources Modeling Compliance – The HR Executive magazine, I came team, top leaders, and the board across an article close to my diversity (if applicable) proactively moni- heart, “How D&I Can Drive Business Suc- tor D&I risk and enforce consequences for cess.” The article does a wonderful job lay- anyone, regardless of their position, who ing out the many reasons why diversity in violates organizational policies and val- the workplace is still not where it needs to ues. Leaders and HR executives effective- be, and balances that with a deeper under- ly deal with power dynamics and negative standing of inclusion. behaviors, and all employees feel comfort- In the US, workers filed over 76,000 able reporting abuses. complaints with the Equal Employment Awareness – Diversity and inclusion Opportunity Commission in 2018, with is enshrined as a top leadership priority charges of retaliation accounting for just and a core value. Metrics are established over 50% of complaints, followed by dis- to measure progress, and employees are crimination based on gender or sexual recognized for D&I achievements. Lead- orientation, disability, and race. This isn’t ers passionately advocate for D&I and surprising given recent high-profile cases consistently display inclusive behaviors. that sparked the #MeToo movement, and All employees take part in diversity and the Starbucks incident that led to a shut- inclusion learning journeys. down of all its stores for several hours to Talent integration – Diversity and conduct racial-bias training. inclusion is fully integrated with the tal- There has been little evidence that ent-management strategy, including re- Join us for our Winter Bowling league progress on gender diversity has improved cruitment, employee development, and in recent years, even with more women promotions. Inclusive behaviors infuse the earning more bachelor’s degrees than entire talent-management lifecycle and men and asking for promotions and nego- all key talent decisions. The organization tiating salaries at the same rates. The lack builds relationships with diverse profes- of progress is even more stunning con- sional groups to identify and recruit talent- sidering the overwhelming evidence that ed individuals. diverse companies are more productive, Operational integration – Business innovative, and perform better financially. leaders are responsible for integrating Studies show that diverse management diversity and inclusion in the operations teams are 33% more likely to generate bet- ecosystem to improve performance, inno- ter than average profits, 70% more likely to vation, and problem solving. Leaders and capture new markets, and generate 19% managers role-model inclusive leadership more revenue from innovation. skills and make sure that teams are di- Polish up your balls and get ready because you had Diversity is no longer just a matter of verse and operate in an inclusive manner. regulatory compliance or social justice. It is Marketing integration – Reaching out better bowlieve it is going to be a great time! clearly a business performance issue. Or- to diverse customers is considered part of ganizations that lag in diversity will find it the organization’s brand. Diversity and in- more difficult to attract top talent, innovate, clusion is embedded in sales, marketing, Come out and knock down a few pins, meet new friends, and build a good reputation with employ- and customer service functions. Leaders catch up with old ones, and let the good times roll! No ees, customers, and outside stakeholders. and employees develop cross-cultural Since we know this is the case, let’s turn knowledge and competencies and display bowling experience is needed. We are more about the the focus onto inclusion. those skills both internally and when com- Inclusion allows organizations to municating with customers and partners. social than the score! Sign up and you will be placed on maximize the potential of their talent and As I read through these five dimen- deeply engage with diverse customers. To sions, I couldn’t help but compare my own a team with other awesome LGBTQ+ folx. We can't wait build a truly inclusive organization, com- organization to them. Without disclosing to see you out! panies need to start by understanding the the exact results, let’s just say we have a experiences of their diverse employees way to go to fully realize our maximum di- and customers. They need to have strong versity and inclusion potential. t and inclusive leadership capabilities at References here are to the December the top. Leaders need to role model in- 2019 HR Executive Magazine, in an article www.queercitysports.com clusive behaviors and be part of building written by Alina Polonskaia and Mark Roy- their respective organizations for inclusion. al. This means looking at Inclusion from two

20 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 3, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com YOUR MONEY // REAL ESTATE

Estate Planning: sions. for survivors. Not only is it an area where Even with powers of attorney in place, most people have little to no experience, By Woody Derricks institutions in or out of your state may they’re often quite emotional. By having Estate planning in its simplest terms the Basics decline to accept them. My recommen- a will, beneficiary arrangements, and an is passing your assets to your heirs as dation is to check with your primary care organized system of your financial/es- quickly and tax-free as possible. Assets so s/he can easily gather them after you physician to ensure that he/she will take tate documents, you can help them tre- can be transferred via wills, ownership, pass away. your forms and to make him/her aware mendously during this time. Even if your by contract (beneficiary arrangements), Powers of attorney – When most of of your intentions. Additionally, many fi- assets are relatively small, doing some and trusts. The best way to ensure that us think of estate planning, we often ne- nancial institutions may only accept their work now could make a significant differ- you have everything covered is to meet glect to think about those areas that can own forms. As a result, I also recommend ence for your heirs. with an attorney. help us while alive. Powers of attorney talking The most important piece of estate Regardless of the complexity of your allow someone else to make deci- planning is getting one in place. Meet financial situation, your attorney will most sions on your behalf if you cannot. with an attorney, your financial advisor, likely start you with a basic estate plan. These documents, drafted with and accountant to determine the best The basic estate plan typically includes your basic estate plan, spell out the course of action for your estate. Review the drafting of your will, powers of attor- decisions that someone else can your beneficiaries on a regular basis. ney for health care and finances, as well make for you and the circumstanc- You will also want to update your estate as living wills. es in which they can. For instance, plan every five years or when you have Wills – I have encountered many if you were in intensive care, you a significant life change, a beneficiary excuses for not having a will: my estate might not have the capability to passes away, or if estate / income tax isn’t large enough, everyone knows who make your own medical decisions. laws change. t should get my belongings, and so on. Additionally, while in the hospi- As a Registered Investment Advisor These are all simply that – excuses. If tal, you may want to have someone (RIA), Partnership Wealth Management you do not have a will, the probate court managing your investments and is committed to providing its clients with creates one for you. As a result, parents, paying your bills. Your financial financial planning and wealth manage- siblings, and possibly even cousins could power of attorney may be the same per- to your bank and financial advisor about ment services to help them work towards receive preferential treatment over your son or a different person as your power your intentions. their financial goals. Partnership Wealth partner (if you’re not married), friends, or of attorney for health care. In creating Living will – Regardless of your de- Management has a long history of work- your favorite charity. both, take your time to carefully select sire to be kept alive or allowed to die, ing with the LGBT community. Among the Talk with your planned executor/ex- the person with whom you plan to place you want to make your wishes known in many services offered are financial plan- ecutrix to make sure it’s okay with him/ your physical and financial well-being. I writing. As part of your estate plan, make ning and estate planning strategies for her to be the one who settles your es- also recommend appointing a contingent your wishes crystal clear through a living gay and lesbian couples. Financial plan- tate. Also, let that person know where or back-up person if your first choice is will. ning is an important part of preparing for you keep your original estate documents unable or unwilling to make those deci- Settling an estate is a difficult task the future. More at Partnershipwm.com.

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 3, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 21 leather

folks from all over the world to Washing- at 1 pm on January ton, DC. Most events take place at the 12th at Clifton Plea- Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill (400 New sure Club. This is Jersey Avenue NW). There is a reason the start of a once Leather that the host hotel sold out a year in a month course to Line advance. MAL is that good! On Thurs- learn all about boot- Rodney Burger day, January 16th starting at 10 pm, Mr. blacking. Mid-Atlantic Leather titleholders will host February brings a bar night at the DC Eagle. On Friday, another longtime January 17th at 4 pm MAL really starts leather community with the opening of the huge leather ven- tradition: Scarlet’s dor mart at the Hyatt. Also, on Friday is Bake Sale. This 2020 the Superheroes Meet Up (5 to 7 pm), year’s live auction Rubber Cocktail Party (7 to 9 pm), and of cakes created 20/20 the popular Impact Dance sponsored by by leather clubs, vision! the Highwaymen TNT starting at 10 pm. leather titleholders, Vision Saturday’s highlights include the Puppy and other promi- Park (11 am to 1 pm), ONYX Fashion nent members of I love the beginning of a new year. I start Show and Fundraiser (1:30 to 6:30 pm), the leather commu- with a blank calendar and get to note the SIGMA demos (starting at 2 pm), and the nity is scheduled for dates of the many leather events sched- party of the year, Leather Cocktails (7 to Sunday, February uled for the year. We are very fortunate 9 pm). Sunday, January 19th is the Mr. 9th from 1 to 7 pm to live in the Mid-Atlantic area. With so Mid-Atlantic Leather 2020 Contest (start- at The Crucible (412 many events scheduled, the leather coming a 1 pm) and the Reaction Dance at V Street NE, Wash- munity has something fun to do every the 9:30 Club (8 pm to 2 am). For tickets ington, DC). This weekend. From leather club bar nights to and more information visit Leatherweek- year’s Scarlet’s Bake at House of leather contests and fundraisers, there is end.com. Sale benefits SMYAL (Sup- Blues, and the International Mr. Leather always something going on. Join me as I Also coming up in Baltimore in Jan- porting and Mentoring Youth Advocates 2020 / International Mr. Bootblack 2020 look at what’s on the calendar for 2020. uary: Let’s Go Play presents Baltimore and Leaders) and its homeless youth contest. Everyone who is interested in The year in leather always begins Pup Night at Club Orpheus starting at 9 shelter services. the leather community should attend IML with Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend pm on January 4th, Bear Night Pajama ONYX Mid-Atlantic request that you at least once in your life. My friends and I (MAL). Scheduled for Thursday, January Party starting at 8 pm on January 11th at circle March 28th on your calendar for are still talking about all the fun we have 16th to Sunday, January 19th, this enor- Mixer’s, and the Bootblack Certification their annual red themed artistic fetish had at IML over the years. mous leather gathering brings leather Course #1 / Bootblack History starting ball fundraiser to benefit the fight against A few more dates to circle on your HIV / AIDS. More details are coming soon. The weekend of April 23rd to 27th will be extra busy with both Cleveland “From leather Leather Awareness Weekend (CLAW) club bar nights to and Bears, Bikers, & Mayhem (BBM) scheduled. This is the tenth year for BBM leather contests and and this popular gathering of bears and fundraisers, there leather folks will fill the Eisenhower Inn & Aspire Conference Center in Gettysburg, is always something Pennsylvania. The weekend includes dances, cocktail parties, a leather ven- going on. Join me as dor mart, an indoor pool party, entertain- I look at what’s on the ment by Varla Jean Merman and come- dian Brad Loekle, a large dungeon play calendar for 2020.” space, and the Mr. Mayhem Leather and Mr. Mayhem Leather Bear Contest. For a 2020 calendar are: October 23rd to 25th full schedule of events and to purchase for the Philadelphians MC’s Tri-Cen. The tickets visit Bearsbikersandmayhem. Philadelphians MC haven’t held their com. Also, on April 23rd to 27th leather leather weekend since 2010. I was there folks from all over the US will gather at and I had a blast! Look for the “resErec- several hotels in Cleveland for CLAW. tion” of this popular weekend in October. CLAW prides itself on the large number You also might as well go ahead and add of educational workshops held. You will ShipMates’ Daddy Christmas on Decem- also enjoy lots a cocktail party, dances, ber 5th and the 22nd annual 12 Days of a leather vendor mart, a pig roast, the Christmas Show on December 12th to Leather Hall of Fame Brunch and Induc- your calendar. tions, a uniform party, diaper up party, The new year is here, and it is time and lots of play parties. For details and to make plans. I see another fun year in reservations visit Clawinfo.org. leather. What is your vision for 2020? t May brings the largest leather event of them all. International Mr. Leather (IML) is the Super Bowl of leather events. Held over the Memorial Day Weekend (May 21st to 25th), IML brings the leather world to Chicago. The Congress Pla- za Hotel is once again the host hotel. The weekend includes a gigantic leather vendor mart, cocktail parties, dances

22 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD january 3, 2020 • baltimoreoutloud.com ATTORNEY FINANCIAL

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