July 31, 2009 | Volume VII, Issue 15 | LGBT Life in Maryland The Power of Kristine W By Josh Aterovis Equality Maryland Kristine W is a true gay icon. She holds the Moves Back to record for the most consecutive #1 hits on the Billboard Dance Charts, beating even Baltimore Janet Jackson and Madonna. Earlier this year, Kristine edged out Whitney Houston to Relocation is seen as part of a take fifth place for the most total #1 dance long-term strategic plan hits. She’s performed more live shows at the Las Vegas Hilton than anyone...even Elvis. Equality Maryland (equalitymaryland. As if that weren’t enough to secure her place org), the state’s largest lgbt civil rights in the hearts of gay men everywhere, she’s organization, has moved its offices also long been a vocal supporter of gay from Silver Spring to Baltimore City. rights. The organization, previously known as Kristine recently released her fourth full- Free State Justice, was housed for a length dance album, The Power of Music. few years at the Gay and Lesbian Com- It’s already spawned four #1 dance songs, munity Center of Baltimore (GLCCB), and her latest single, “Be Alright,” is charting before moving to larger space in Silver new territory. Could Kristine be conquering a Spring in 2004. new genre? “Equality Maryland’s staff and boards are incredibly excited to move Josh Aterovis: Congratulations on an- our headquarters back to the main ar- other great album. I really enjoyed The tery of our state, and a place where Power of Music, as did our reviewer. lgbt people have built strong and last- Kristine W: I’m glad that you like it. Right ing community institutions,” said In- on. It was a long time coming, and a lot of terim Managing Director David Toth work, and a lot of love went into that album. I in a statement. “This move will serve hope people enjoy it. us economically, increase community- building, and help us achieve our stra- JA: Why did you call it The Power of Mu- tegic advocacy and education goals.” sic? EQMD’s new location will be at KW: I called it The Power of Music because 1201 S. Sharp Street, just off I-95 and I’ve seen how powerful music is in people easily accessible to downtown Bal- lives and how much it helps them emotional- timore. The building is home of The ly survive situations, and how much it helped Maryland Association of Non-Profits, me when I was sick and in the hospital and AFSCME, and a number of other non- trying to get better. During those couple of profit organizations, unions, and com- years when I was having a tough time with munity entities. Newly renovated, the my health, music helped a lot. Also, the offices will easily accommodate staff, songs that I’d written in the past took on new volunteers, and interns, plus a confer- meanings. Before, I was trying to survive in ence room for meetings - an upgrade the music industry, but suddenly, “alive, alive over current cramped quarters. in the land of the living” takes on a whole “One of the great benefits of this new meaning when you’re fighting for your location is that we’re very close to the life. It really brought home how everybody --continued on page 27 --continued on page 09 outspoken Back Home Again Publisher Mike Chase 175,000 lgbt adults in Mary- [email protected] land. A few hundred gathered Executive Editor in the cold in Lawyer’s Mall will Jim Becker not impress lawmakers. A few [email protected] Equality Maryland’s thousand would. And a strong Sales Baltimore contingent, which had Mary Taylor, Director [email protected] move to Baltimore is been lacking each year, would fill the place up. Managing Editor Steve Charing welcome, but more “If we had half the numbers [email protected] at Pride show up to Lobby Day, is needed than just a Leather Editor we would be patting ourselves Rodney Burger on the back,” wrote a lesbian change of address. Writers from Baltimore on a blog. “There Jeffrey Clagett Josh Aterovis are a lot of folks who don’t even Chuck Duncan Rickie Green By Steve Charing know what EQMD is or stands Eva Hersh MD Jonathan Hernandez Marty Hoegg Doug Ireland for. How can we hope to mo- Equality Maryland’s presence in Baltimore should help boost Lobby Day Jay Loane P.S. Lorio After five years of being headquartered in Sil- bilize folks if they don’t even crowds. Jim Lucio Meredith Moise ver Spring, Md., Equality Maryland (EQMD) know about the group who is Sandy Rawls Ben Ryland has moved back to Baltimore, and that’s a supposed to be fighting for their MIA - Alexander St. John Nate Sweeney “Building support from the black Larry Walker Kevin Walling good thing. Having the organization in our rights? In order to move B-more, community will go a long way backyard is a win-win for everyone. we have to be in your face. We Graphics towards persuading African-American Hannah-Love Shibley, Director Nonetheless, during the time that the have to be in the bars. We have [email protected] organization was based in Montgomery to be in the ‘gayborhood’ 24/7.” Democrats in the legislature who are Carol Baker County, it had grown from essentially a one- It is true that thousands of more aligned with conservative black Bruce Garrett man-band to employing at least six full-time people flock to the streets and Bryan Sullivan staffers plus interns and lobbyists with an park during Baltimore’s Pride ministers than lgbt folks.” Photographers annual budget exceeding $1.1 million. festivities, and a good per- Michelle Alpert Skip Koritzer While that growth is welcome news for centage of them are African-American and faced roadblocks, and part of the problem Harry Lowinger EQMD’s Board of Directors and supporters, women. You won’t see most of these folks at clearly lies with these legislators. What National Advertising the perception that it has been an organiza- EQMD galas, but they are very much a part makes this so frustrating is that some of Rivendell Media tion associated with the tony Washington of our community and cannot be set aside. these delegates represent heavily lgbt popu- 908-232-2021 suburbs may have impeded its effectiveness EQMD’s relocation to Baltimore is a lated districts. Web Services throughout the state. good beginning. But a special outreach, Seizing upon its new presence in Bal- Drew Saine To be sure, a large portion of EQMD’s especially to African-American members of timore, EQMD continues to seek ways to [email protected] donor base resides in affluent Montgomery the lgbt community, is not only the right thing make inroads with the African-American and Distribution/Circulation County as well as parts of Prince George’s, to do but it also would be advantageous Catholic communities. The Equality Mary- Jay Loane [email protected] Anne Arundel and Howard counties. Most politically. land Foundation received a grant from the of these folks are white, male, professional, EQMD should join forces with such or- Arcus Foundation to conduct focus groups Baltimore OUTloud upper middle class or higher and are largely ganizations as the GLCCB, The Portal and in an effort to develop a strategy to increase P.O. Box 3640, Baltimore, MD 21214 coupled. Black Pride to address critical issues facing support for marriage equality among these 410-244-6780 They attend the fundraisers more regu- the lgbt African-American population of Bal- groups. www.baltimoreoutloud.com larly than the urban dwellers of Baltimore and timore. HIV/AIDS, lgbt homelessness and I am pleased that EQMD is moving in rural residents from elsewhere in Maryland. other crises facing black lgbt youth head the that direction, and I urge the organization to Additional Information Baltimore OUTloud is published every other Friday by Pride This demographic helps to boost EQMD’s list. help establish grass roots political advocacy Media, Ltd. in Baltimore, Maryland. Readers’ comments coffers but the organization suffers from the It would mean that EQMD, as well as groups in each of Baltimore’s districts, such and unsolicited materials are welcomed and may be sent D.C. area identity when it comes to the rest these other organizations, should go to the as the successful one in District 45 in North- to: [email protected]. | Pride Media offices of the state. bars, sponsor the weekly black gay events in east Baltimore. are located at 1120 N. Charles Street, 4R, Baltimore, 21201. | All materials appearing in this newspaper are the property Lobby Day is a prime example. It is an Baltimore, linking with black gay party pro- Baltimore is the lgbt population center of Pride Media, Ltd. and may not be reproduced without annual event that consists of a rally in An- moters and creating political/strategic part- of the state; therefore, so it makes eminently the written permission of the editor. napolis as well as scheduled meetings with nerships. They would disseminate informa- good sense for EQMD to have a strong pres- legislators to help advance the lgbt legisla- tion and listen to concerns. In other words, ence here. Neighborhoods with sizable lgbt tive agenda primarily formulated by EQMD. they should fully engage, have a strong pres- populations abound within the city. Crowds at these rallies have been de- ence and demonstrate their commitment. Now that they have moved to Baltimore, clining over the years where a few hundred Building support from this community it’s time for EQMD to shed its D.C. suburban seems to be the norm. And it’s supposed to will go a long way towards persuading Afri- image and to make itself known in Charm draw lgbt folks and allies from all over the can-American Democrats in the legislature City and engage our entire community more ©2009 - All Rights Reserved Chairman of the Board Jim Becker state. Contrast those numbers to census who are more aligned with conservative directly. President Jim Williams estimates that indicate that there are as black ministers than lgbt folks. Marriage Steve Charing’s OUTspoken blog is at Vice President Lee Mooney many as 16,000 same-sex couples and over equality and transgender protections have www.SteveCharing.blogspot.com .

 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD July 31, 2009 | baltimoreoutloud.com news // local Faith-based HIV Testing Initiative Launched

The JACQUES Initiative and the Maryland AIDS Administration announced the launch of a massive faith-based, citywide HIV test- ing initiative called Project SHALEM. The initiative will join together 300 vol- unteers from nine states to provide HIV test- Derek Spencer ing and counseling at 11 sites across Bal- timore. Participants will include volunteers the stereotype and anxiety out of HIV testing from faith-based groups, HIV organizations through faith-based organizational support. and 5 local universities. A press conference The name “Shalem” was chosen for its uni- took place on Tuesday, July 21 to announce versal expression in all faiths - Christianity, the launch of Project SHALEM. Judaism and Islam - symbolizing “peace” or Since 2002, the JACQUES Initiative has “a safe place.” been working in the hardest hit communities “The JACQUES Initiative is excited to of Baltimore, offering observational drug launch Project SHALEM, which is built on therapy for people living with HIV to over- community presence and the technical ex- come barriers that may prevent them from pertise of the Institute of Human Virology being adherent to their medications. The to promote education, counseling, testing JACQUES Initiative has formed many part- and linkages to care in Baltimore City,” said nerships to reach the community, including Derek Spencer, MS CRNP, Executive Direc- faith-based organizations. tor of the JACQUES Initiative. “It is my hope It has become obvious to program staff that Project SHALEM serves as a model that HIV testing needs to be brought into program for other cities on how to engage the Christian, Jewish and Muslim communi- faith-based organizations in breaking down ties to provide a safe haven for HIV testing. stigma by openly talking about the impact of Faith-based volunteers have already begun HIV in their community.” HIV testing and counseling training, spon- Maryland AIDS Administration 2007 sored by the Maryland AIDS Administration, data shows the largest proportion, greater with the support of the JACQUES Initiative’s than 70%, of new and living cases of HIV on-the-ground presence and technical ex- are in Baltimore City, Prince George’s and pertise in testing, counseling, linkage to Montgomery County. The Centers for Dis- care, medical services, and observational ease Control’s estimates from 2006, reports HIV drug therapy. 21% of Americans infected with HIV do not Volunteers from states along the East know they are infected and those unaware Coast descend upon Baltimore to offer of their HIV status are responsible for more community services, including encourag- than half of the new sexually transmitted in- ing Baltimoreans to know their HIV status fections in the U.S. and get tested. Project SHALEM is an un- For more information, you may contact conventional partnership that seeks to take Nora Grannell at 410-706-1954.

• Very significant OUTloud News Poll • Somewhat significant • Doesn’t matter either way Equality Maryland has just moved • Not a good decision its headquarters from Silver Spring to Baltimore. How significant is this To vote: move? visit www.baltimoreoutloud.com

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD July 31, 2009 | baltimoreoutloud.com q  news // local GGBB Invasion Met with Anti-gay Bias Two Mad River Bar & Grille employees fired for their actions

He added, “Other tables yost indicated in response to OUTloud ways wondered if there would ever come a were being waited on by that he notified Mad River via e-mail on June day when every bar was for everyone.” staff because they 29 and followed up with two phone calls the After hearing the negative reports, how- were ordering food. next day. He had left a message with a fe- ever, Mark Yost had planned to contact Eric When we wanted to male daytime bartender (who, as it turned Leatherman to protest the treatment and ha- order food, we out, had been planning to quit by week’s rassment inflicted upon the GGBB members. had to go to the end), but no one from the bar called him Yet it was Leatherman who contacted Yost bar to order.” back. He assumed they received the mes- first after an employee noticed a number of The source also sage and had no problem with the group’s postings to the GGBB’s Facebook page that criticized how visit later in the week. lodged complaints. one of the fe- This lack of communication and pre- yost wrote the GGBB followers in a male bartend- paredness among Mad River staff set the Facebook message, “[Leatherman] was ers ignored the stage for the insulting events of that night. extremely apologetic and indicated that the gay customers “I had several friends tell me homophobic staff members who had acted inappropri- and how weak comments they (or friends of theirs) heard ately were discharged. He was concerned the drinks were. from the staff, to include a comment by one about the image of his bar and of his person- Not only had bouncer to a person on the street that the al image and wanted us to be sure that we some of the employ- person wouldn’t want to enter as it was ‘a knew that he would not accept, promote or ees and staff been bunch of fags in here tonight,” said Adam permit this type of behavior from his staff. homophobic in their Schadt, who is part of the GGBB group. Indeed, Leatherman stated to OUTloud, words and deeds, a few of “While leaving the event early on the way to “I hate that something like this would allow the straight customers were as a friend’s birthday party, I heard one of the people to think that we feel this way about well. “In one instance a patron walked bouncers up front talking with several oth- the gay community. It does not reflect how By Steve Charing by and said, ‘goddamn faggots,’ igniting ers in a mocking tone about the event. Still I feel nor does it reflect the position of Mad laughter from one of the bouncers checking others told me that people were denied en- River.” The Guerilla Gay Bar Baltimore monthly ID’s,” the source said. try as they ‘didn’t have enough girls’ in their “I believe his apology and his actions invasion of straight bars and clubs claimed The pleasant evening of July 3 that party.” speak loudly and I truly believe they were its first “casualties” since the phenomenon kicked off the holiday weekend started off Added Schadt, “Having been to all but well-intentioned and thoughtful,” wrote Yost. began last November. Two doormen were calmly enough. But as the GGBB folks start- one of the GGBB events, we have had noth- “The behavior of this staff should be right- discharged by the general manager of Mad ed to pour in—a total of over 350 attended ing but positive experiences at every other fully read as representing the individuals not River—a bar and grille in the midst of the the event—pushing the crowd to near ca- location, even from the first few bars when the establishment. They are no longer there bustling Federal Hill neighborhood—follow- pacity, that’s when the wheels began to fall our numbers were much smaller and we and that sends a pretty clear message.” ing complaints of anti-gay slurs and other off the cart. came unannounced. On several occasions yost told OUTloud, “While the bar’s allegations of homophobic bias on the part To identify themselves as part of the I’ve had bartenders and staff mention how apology was great and I truly believe that of the staff. “invasion” GGBB participants normally dis- much they loved us and ask when we’d be the employees involved do not represent the “This is the first time a bar has acted play stickers containing the group’s logo. It coming back. This was anything but the re- ownership, this incident is a sad reminder negatively towards our group,” wrote GGBB appeared that only when the crowd swelled action we got from Mad River.” that not all people in Baltimore are enlight- co-founder Mark Yost, Jr. in a message im- with sticker-clad customers did some of the Of course, not everybody had a bad ex- ened about the gay community. As we con- mediately following the event to its ever-ex- staff finally get the gist of what was going perience that night. Sarah Billmaier and her tinue to fight for our civil rights, it remains panding list of members on Facebook. “I do on. fiancée, Jen, were apprehensive about go- important that we go out, show our faces want you to know as a group, we will not tol- In fact, the general manager of Mad ing because they have not enjoyed straight and build our community.” erate such behavior.” River, Eric Leatherman told OUTloud that bars recently. But as they settled down and GGBB launches an “invasion” of a The examples of the rude treatment by neither himself nor his events coordinator had a drink they relaxed. straight establishment in Baltimore with the employees and straight patrons were abun- knew in advance about the “invasion.” “We “Towards the middle of the evening I no- bar management’s prior knowledge on the dant. “I had a bouncer tell me to get off the had planned on a smaller crowd for the ticed this cute gay couple dancing and kiss- first Friday of every month. For more infor- landing because it’s not a place to hang out, start of the 4th of July weekend,” Leather- ing - nothing too outrageous,” said Billmaier. mation about Guerilla Gay Bar Baltimore you yet [he] allowed a group of straight guys and man explained. “Had I known about the fact “I happened to glance the other way and may visit their website at ggb-baltimore.com girls to congregate there all night, immedi- hundreds of people were going to come that saw a straight couple doing the very same or join the group on Facebook. The location ately after telling me to move,” a source, who night we would have added more employees thing. This not only made me smile but it also of the next “invasion” is disclosed on Face- requested anonymity, told OUTloud. and accommodated the crowd better.” warmed my heart. When I first came out, I al- book the Wednesday before the event.

PFLAG Presents Film ‘Ready? OK!’ gust 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center, ing team but is told that only girls need apply. And he calls 7246 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045. All meetings Maria von Trapp his most influential role model. Howard County PFLAG—Parents, Families and Friends of are confidential, free and open to everyone. Lesbians and Gays—will be presenting the film, Ready? Ready? OK! describes what happens when a 10 year- For more information, visit www.pflagmd.org. OK! during the general meeting that will take place on Au- old boy eschews wrestling to join his school’s cheerlead-

 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD July 31, 2009 | baltimoreoutloud.com news // local news // local Central PA Pride Parade OUTloud Editor Ties the Knot Many were in attendence for the Central PA Pride Parade in Har- By Jim Becker responsibilities that heterosexual couples risburg on Saturday July 25th. Crowds were entertained by local enjoy in Maryland. Hopefully, the Attorney businesses and marching bands from as far away as New York Steve Charing, the managing editor of Bal- General’s ruling will pave the way for mar- and Washington, DC. Baltimore’s own Shipmates were there to timore OUTloud, and Bob Ford were mar- riage equality in the state.” ried in Provincetown, Mass. on July 23. In 2004,Massachusetts became the join in on the celebration (see Leather Line). They have been partners for over 29 years. first state in the U.S. to legalize same-sex “It was something we hadn’t planned on marriage. Since July 2008 non-resident doing, but we discussed it as we arrived same-sex couples are allowed to marry in P-Town for a brief vacation,” Steve said. thanks to Governor Deval Patrick’s repeal “P-Town was our very first vacation spot of a 1913 law that barred couples from mar- together and has been our fa- vorite over the years, so there is a sentimental connection.” under Mas- sachusetts law, the couple need- ed to file an in- tent to marry and allow the system three days for the application to be processed. Upon completion of the waiting period, a certificate is is- sued and they were free to have any approved of- ficial conduct the ceremony. A justice-of- the-peace, How- ard Nalt, was selected from a list furnished by P r o v i n c e t o w n Town Clerk Doug Johnstone, and he officiated the Steve Charing (r.) and husband Bob Ford just minutes before the ceremony. brief ceremony near the beach facing the bay. After cer- rying in the state if the union was not valid tifying the marriage, Mr. Nalt turned in the in their own state. certificate to Mr. Johnson, and a marriage Other states where same-sex mar- license will be mailed in several weeks. riage is currently legal are Connecticut, “We are anticipating a favorable rul- New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and ing by Maryland Attorney General Douglas Iowa. Gansler that will allow Maryland to rec- We wish Steve and Bob the best on ognize out-of-state same-sex marriages,” this important occasion. said Bob. Steve added, “We hope that if such oane L a decision is reached Governor O’Malley Sign up online now for free will not stand in the way as he had previ- ously indicated and that same-sex couples home delivery of OUTloud.

Photos: Jay can enjoy the same rights, benefits and www.baltimoreoutloud.com

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD July 31, 2009 | baltimoreoutloud.com q  His novel If This World Were Mine was nomi- news // local beyond the beltway nated for a NAACP Image Award and won the James Baldwin Award for Literary Excel- Compiled by Jim Becker lence. Abide with Me was also nominated for Baltimore’s Best Kept Secret a NAACP Image Award. His anthology Free- dom in this Village won the Lambda Literary Award in 2005. Over the past three years, Uncovered – Lauraville he has also been named to Ebony’s “Most Intriguing Blacks” list, Out Magazine’s “Out By Lori Fortuna 100” list, New York Magazine’s “Gay Power 101¢ list, and Savoy’s “100 Leaders and He- Did you know that the northeast Bal- roes in Black America” list. (365Gay.com - timore community of Lauraville was Jennifer Vanasco) just named ‘The Best Place in Mary- land to Buy an Old House’ by This Seattle mayor holds Old House magazine and website? It is certainly no surprise to the many roundtable with lgbt lgbt home and/or business owners who have moved into the neighbor- community hood in recent years. President of the Lauraville Improvement Association, Kenneth Lockie Lesbian business owner, Beth Seattle, WA - Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels Dellow, opened Beth’s D.I.Y. Workshop beautifully restored residence of Robert met with Seattle Commission for Sexual on Harford Road in Lauraville after notic- and Mary Thuman, Baltimore Mayor Sheila Minorities and executives from a number of ing all the houses that were being bought Dixon said, “Great communities like Lau- lgbt organizations to discuss issues of im- and restored in the community. Her shop raville are needed all over the city.” portance to the gay community on July 22. offers classes and a resource library in ad- It shows that when commitment to a The afternoon meeting at City Hall included dition to an actual workshop, complete with community is demonstrated, what great representatives from PFLAG and a number power tools, which people can learn to use things can happen. A lesbian couple of other organizations. Major discussions in refurbishing their houses to the fullest who lives in the neighborhood near the took place in a roundtable format relating to potential. She is hopeful that with the cur- Thuman’s and whom requested that their the establishment of a lgbt Action Agenda, rent spotlight on Lauraville that more peo- names not be used were pleased, but not E. Lynn Harris ensuring lgbt presence in the Chief of Police ple will frequent the restaurants and shops surprised by the well-deserved honor for selection process, human services budget that have opened in the past several years the neighborhood. Gay African American priorities, travel and tourism, and the may- and continue to open. Seven-year gay resident and President or’s influence in theU .S. Conference of May- The press conference announcement of the Lauraville Improvement Association, author Harris dies ors, which Nickels chairs. and party to celebrate This Old House Kenneth Lockie, commented to Baltimore “This is a good opportunity to learn magazine’s honoring of Lauraville was held OUTloud, “Lauraville is a very welcoming Los Angeles, CA - E. Lynn Harris, the Afri- what’s going on in the lgbt community,” on July 16. At the event held in front of the -- continued on page 27 can-American, openly gay author, died while Nickels said at the beginning of the meeting. on a West Coast book tour. He was 54. He The mayor plays a vital role in the everyday was on tour for his most recent book, Bas- lives of lgbt Seattleites. The executive office Chesapeake Pride ketball Jones, about the gay lover of a NBA decides, among other things, budgets for vi- star. Harris was born in Flint, Michigan and tal human services funding, selects a police Takes Place on Aug. 1 grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas. He attend- chief, and can assist with preserving non- ed the University of Arkansas at Fayette- profits and neighborhoods. A close working “We’ll all be gay on the bay!” ville, where he continued to teach courses relationship with the mayor’s office is critical through last fall. to ensure that lgbt citizens are served in the The 10th annual Chesapeake Pride Fes- Harris self-published his first book, In- best possible manner. tival will be held on August 1st at Mayo visible Life, after failing to find a publisher. A proposed community Action Agenda Beach Park in Edgewater, right on the bay. He sold it himself at black-owned book- is a process where the city will bring stake- The festivities will begin at noon and last stores and beauty salons until Anchor Books holders together to work on specific issues until 6:00 p.m. published it as a trade paperback in 1994. affecting the community. Some examples of The organizers promise beach, water, Region of the Lambda Car Club Interna- In 2000, Harris told the magazine Entertain- issues might be infrastructure needs of lgbt sand, music, performers, vendors, food, tional will be on hand proudly displaying ment Weekly how important Invisible Life service organizations - such as a new lgbt beer, games, and a drag show. There will their vintage automobiles. And there will was for him. ‘’When I wrote Invisible Life, it Community Center, a topic brought up time also be booths representing a variety of or- be a male underwear fashion show that had to be the first book out of me -- it helped and again during the meeting - community ganizations and businesses for browsing, will be hosted by Miss Chesapeake Pride me to deal with my own sexuality,’’ Harris safety plans, and specific mechanisms to buying and networking. 2009 Stormy Vain. Singer/songwriter Tom said. “’For me, my 20s and early 30s were support lgbt business. In 2008, the Seattle Since the festival takes place on the Goss and “Genuine Vibe” will be among spent just hiding and running, because there lost three major organizations: the lgbt Com- Chesapeake Bay the organizers are en- the performers. was no one to tell me that my life had value munity Center, Verbena and Seattle Black couraging festival-goers to wear a swim- This is the only pride festival in the An- and the way I felt was okay.’’ Pride. The commission said there is a need suit and pack some sunscreen. They also napolis area. Mayo Beach Park is located at Harris wrote 11 books, with four million to increase the infrastructure of the organiza- suggest that attendees bring beach chairs 4150 Honeysuckle Drive, Edgewater, MD. copies of his work in print. His writing also tions to ensure the community has the ser- and umbrellas. There is ample parking. For more informa- appeared in Essence, the Washington Post vices it needs to stay strong and vital. (Se- Groups such as the Straight Eights tion, visit chesapeakepridefestival.org. Sunday Magazine, and Sports Illustrated. attle Gay News - Shaun Knittel at sgn.org)

 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD July 31, 2009 | baltimoreoutloud.com zler also said a police report can be written Federal Defense beyond the beltway in a way that protects a victim’s reputation. Another man called 911 after the suspect of Marriage contacted him a second time at work to re- quest additional money. The man refused to Act faces legal pay, but said he was disappointed with the attitude of the responding officer. “It was like challenges [the officer] was putting me on trial, instead Boston, MA - The federal of gathering information about the perpetra- “Defense of Marriage Act” tor,” the man said. (Philadelphia Gay News is now under attack by three - Timothy Cwiek at epgn.com) lawsuits--including one from a state government--and by the Maine faces referendum president who signed it into law. Former president Bill Clin- on same sex marriage ton, who signed the 1996 law defining marriage as between Portland, ME - With the prospect of a No- one man and one woman vember referendum on same-sex marriage and saying that states do not in Maine all but certain, pro-equality advo- need to recognize same-sex cates are gearing up for a bruising battle to marriages performed in other Man uses Craigslist to preserve the state’s marriage equality bill, states, now says he supports signed by Gov. John Baldacci in May. Since full marriage equality. Clinton extort in Philly January, Maine Freedom to Marry has been became the highest profile ramping up a vast field campaign to identify Democrat in a long line who have moved to- not repealed first. (Gay People’s Chronicle Philadelphia, PA - Philadelphia police are pro-equality voters. Without a presidential or ward marriage equality in the past year. A - Eric Resnick at gaypeopleschronicle.com) searching for a man who used Craigslist gubernatorial race to bring voters out, Maine Gallup poll released in May found that the to meet at least three gay men, then later Freedom to Marry campaign manager Jesse majority of Americans still oppose same-sex Most Ohioans favor posed as a detective and extorted money Connolly said grassroots fieldwork is essen- marriage, but a majority of Democrats, 55 from two of them. The suspect, described tial to finding voters who support marriage percent, now favor it. anti-bias bill new poll as black and about 6-foot-3, met the men on equality and to turning them out at the polls Three lawsuits are challenging the law. Craigslist’s “Men Seeking Men” personals on Election Day. The most recent, and perhaps the strongest, shows section, and arranged to meet them at vari- “This campaign is really about having was filed in the U.S. District Court in Boston ous locations in the city. During the encoun- one-on-one conversations with Maine vot- by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Columbus, OH - A new poll shows strong ters, he had a detective’s badge, handcuffs ers. ... We’re raising money, we’re building a on July 8.The suit alleges that even though support for the Equal Housing and Employ- and a walkie-talkie, and spoke in a confident campaign, but we’re really excited about this same-sex couples marry in Massachusetts, ment Non-Discrimination Act now in the manner that convinced the men he was a great work the field effort has been doing,” DOMA “denies essential rights and protec- Ohio House, and a general trend of Ohio plainclothes detective, they said. “He was said Connolly. Yet campaign finance reports tions” because it “interferes with the Com- voters toward lgbt equality. The results echo a smooth talker, and very convincing,” one suggest that pro-equality advocates may monwealth’s sovereign authority to define those of another poll done last winter. man said. The three victims asked for ano- face an uphill battle. Thus far, anti-gay activ- and regulate marriage. . .As applied to the The June Quinnipiac University poll nymity. They said the incidents happened in ists have outpaced pro-equality advocates in Commonwealth and its residents, DOMA found that 57% of voters support the equal April and June. fundraising. Much of that money has come constitutes an overreaching and discrimina- housing and employment act, with 35% op- The suspect allegedly told the men they from the national religious right organiza- tory federal law,” the suit says. Legal com- posing it. When the question was changed were vulnerable to criminal prosecution be- tions that backed the successful campaign mentators admire the approach taken by slightly to explain that the bill bans discrimi- cause they were looking for sexual partners to pass California’s Proposition 8 last year. Massachusetts Attorney General Martha nation “against gays and lesbians just as the on Craigslist without properly screening out Stand for Marriage, the anti-gay marriage Coakley, as the suit challenges DOMA from law bans such discrimination based on race, minors. One man traveled to a nearby bank group, has raised more than twice as much a conservative perspective, and makes a gender, national origin and religion,” sup- with the suspect, withdrew about $1,200 money as Maine Freedom to Marry. conservative argument: states’ rights. port grew to 59%, with 32% against. In both from his account and gave it to him. Another Since January, Connolly said the cam- The suit challenges the federal one- cases, the percentage of undecided voters man gave the suspect $800 after traveling paign has been sending canvassers to man-and-one-woman definition of marriage, was 8. The measure also prohibits discrimi- to a bank at a shopping center in Northeast homes across the state, as well as phone seeking to modify federal law so that Mas- nation by gender identity. It covers public Philadelphia. The third man didn’t give the banking and collecting postcards at different sachusetts can regulate marriage as it sees and private employment, housing and public suspect any money, but he reported the in- events to identify pro-equality voters. Con- fit. It does not affect states like Ohio or Mary- accommodations. (Gay People’s Chronicle cident to detectives, where it remains under nolly has an impressive track record when it land, which prohibit same-sex marriage. The - Eric Resnick at gaypeopleschronicle.com) investigation, he said. comes to communicating with voters about second suit was filed by Mary Bonauto of the One of the men said he called the city’s lgbt rights. In 2005 Connolly, who is straight, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders These news notes have been compiled, lgbt Police Liaison Office to report the inci- served as campaign manager for Maine of Boston. This is the legal team that won with permission, from the on line version of dent. But he was dissuaded from pursuing Won’t Discriminate, a successful effort to marriage equality in Massachusetts in 2004. various newspapers and other web sites. We the matter after being told that a formal po- defeat a people’s veto of the state’s lgbt non- The third suit pending is the California chal- thank these publications for allowing us to lice report must be filed before any addi- discrimination law. “I think hearts and minds lenge that touched off a firestorm of criticism bring you their news stories. Usually the re- tional action could be taken, he said. Officer have changed. ... I also think we ran a pro- last month when the Obama administration ports have been significantly edited and you Mitchell Spritzler of the lgbt Police Liaison fessional campaign, and that’s what we’re filed its brief that compared same-sex mar- can read the full story by going to the web site Office told PGN it’s standard procedure to going to do this year,” said Connolly. (Bay riage to pedophilia and incest. All three suits mentioned following the item. Comments are inform victims they must file a police report Windows - Ethan Jacobs at baywindows. will likely be heard by the U.S. Supreme strictly the opinions of Jim Becker and not of before an investigation can begin. But Sprit- com) Court within the next few years, if DOMA is Baltimore OUTloud or Pride Media.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD July 31, 2009 | baltimoreoutloud.com q  people we like Paula


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On yet another hot summer day, I ventured XF
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 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD July 31, 2009 | baltimoreoutloud.com cont’d from cover By Josh Aterovis The Power of Kristine W like Britney Spears.” Or, “Didn’t I tell you God’s children and that’s it, and don’t you because that’s my story.” to write something that sounded like blah- allow anybody to be persecuted for who they de-blah.” You were basically an “ambiance are. Step up. You’re the children of Kristine JA: You’re also working on an album chaser.” Whenever you did something that W, and I expect no less. [laughs] They’re our called Straight Up With A Twist, reimag- was different, it was like, “Whoa! We can’t people. I always say that to them. ing your dance hits with a bossa nova market that.” It was restricting and depress- style., right? ing — mostly depressing because you didn’t JA: When did you first start to realize that KW: Yeah, we wrote a couple new tunes, feel free anymore. you had a huge gay following? and did remixes for a couple of songs from KW: I think it was 1997, the night I came The Power of Music. It’s great. I cut it with JA: You’ve always embraced your gay to New York and performed for Junior the guys from Santana’s rhythm section, the fans, doing Pride Festivals, a video with Vasquez. I remember going into the club and Latin players that he uses for a lot of his live the cast of Queer As Folk, and support a nobody knew who I was. I think they were sessions when he’s touring. We did live ses- lot of gay causes. Was your label support- all expecting a black girl. I just walked right sions in Los Angeles a couple of years ago, ive or did they ever fight you on that? past the whole crowd. There were a couple all together in one room so it would have KW: RCA was supportive as far as they knew of thousand men and no AC. Everyone was that whole live sound to it. It’s a really great that’s where my sales were coming from, but just dripping wet. I loved it! I was like, “This album. they would advise me not to talk about it dur- is great! Look at all these hot guys. This is ing interviews, play it down. There was a lot like a freaking garden, a bouquet of loveli- JA: What was the inspiration behind it? of that, especially right before the Stronger ness. It’s a banquet, and where do I start?” I It’s such a departure, where did it come album. It was like, “Okay, now we’re about to turned to one of the guys with me and said, from? take you mainstream. You have to stop play- “These guys are so hot it’s ridiculous.” And KW: My roots are jazz. My mom sang a lot ing these gay events, and you have to tone he said, “Don’t get too excited. This is a gay of jazz and standards. She had a keyboard your image down. We can’t sell you if you’re party.” So that was my first experience and I player named Fred Quizzini who had played showing up in bubble wrap gowns and feath- was like, “This is hot.” I loved it. with Dizzy Gillespie, and he used to teach ers coming out of your back and...” me all the old songs. He would teach me JA: Did you intentionally target your ca- about scatting and improvisation, and then can take something different from the same JA: And then Lady Gaga comes along... reer in that direction or did it just hap- I would go and buy records by Ella Fitzger- words, and everybody has their own inter- KW: Yeah, but you know, I kept doing my pen? ald, Billie Holiday, and Mel Tormé. I’d always pretation of the music. I always knew that, thing anyway. KW: It just happened. When I was playing put in my mind that as soon as I got enough but through that experience, I realized that Vegas, more and more gay people came money saved away, I was going to do this. this is powerful stuff. JA: Do you think you were just ahead of to see my show. We’d do two shows of 500 the time or do you think you would have people a night. It got really, really hard on JA: So when can we expect it? JA: This is your fourth full-length dance been fine if they’d just pushed you as you my health. We’d perform six nights a week in KW: After the first of the year. album. How does it differ from your pre- were instead of trying to force you into a Vegas, then I’d jump on a flight and play the vious albums? closet? Black and Blue party on Sunday in Toronto, JA: What else do you have on your plate KW: I would say it’s more eclectic. I’ve al- KW: I think Land of the Living was way ahead then fly back and be on stage by 9 o’clock right now? ways had a really strong R&B background. of its time musically, and the whole thing was on Monday. KW: Right now we’re working on remixes for My first record called No One Can Tell Me ahead of its time. Land of the Living would be I didn’t even realize what a toll it was The Power of Music. That’s the main thing. came out when I was in high school. It had a fine to come out right now. People weren’t taking on me, until I got diagnosed in 2001 And “Be Alright” is making it’s way up the AC very R&B flavor to it. I came from that, and listening to songs with intelligent words. with leukemia. I could tell I was something charts at the moment. gospel, I was in the church choir growing They weren’t seeking that. That only hap- was going on because I was getting so tired up. I put some of that on there, and the big, pens when people go through hard times. I all the time, but my doctor was just like, “Oh, JA: AC? As in Adult Contemporary? dramatic ballads. I love them. Songs that think now they can handle “Be Alright.” you’re just anemic. It’s fine.” Nobody thought KW: Yeah! It’s not on the dance chart, so are heartfelt with a message that people somebody my age would get leukemia: a we’re sitting around going, “Whoa. Okay. can take with them. It’s very eclectic, very JA: You really are a bona fide gay icon. big, six-foot-tall blonde girl. Then we got the That’ll work.” It’s #22 this week. It jumped diverse. Why do you think the gay community has news and everything changed. from 36 to 22. It’s a power kick this week! embraced you so wholeheartedly? JA: Now that you’re an independent art- KW: I think it’s because I was raised with an JA: You’ve been very open about your JA: Congratulations on all that! And ist, your bio talks about breaking free of open mind, open heart philosophy. My moth- fight with leukemia. How did that experi- thanks so much for talking to us. shackles of a major label. When you were er was that way. She performed for years in ence change you and your music? KW: It’s all good! Everything is good. We with RCA, did you feel constricted? Were the clubs. She knew very early on that gay KW: It made me want to write songs that just have to stay focused in times like this, you told what you could and couldn’t people could not survive comfortably be- are meaningful and connect with people — and buoy each other, be positive, and keep do? ing out back then. She was very sensitive whether they can handle it or not, eventually that collective good energy — because we KW: There’s so much red tape, like with any to that, and it was a big lesson to me. And I they will — and keep on the path I’ve been need it. corporation. So many people with so many teach it to my kids big time. Diversity. People on. I try to write songs about things that mat- * * * opinions, that by the time it took forever to come into our lives for a reason and we have ter, timeless messages about people in re- Read the entire interview online at www. make a decision, you weren’t really free to to protect each other. You have to make sure lationships. You can say in music what you baltimoreoutloud.com and see Jonathan create any more. You had somebody tell- that you stand up for people who are having can’t say in words. It’s neat that people can Hernandez’s review of The Power of Music ing you, “Listen, you need to have a song a hard time or who are different. We’re all hear [my songs] and go, “I don’t feel alone on page 21.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD July 31, 2009 | baltimoreoutloud.com q  rid of them. Many kinds of procedures are Getting to the Bottom of Things: used, from a simple outpatient procedure in which a rubber band is placed around the dr. eva enlarged vein causing it to gradually shrink, Understanding Hemorrhoids and to surgical removal of the veins. you also might have skin tags rather than hemorrhoids. Skin tags are empty Anal Fissures pockets of stretched skin that can remain after hemorrhoids are gone. If this is the By Dr. Eva Hersh Dear Unsightly Posterior, transmitted diseases are also missed case, surgery to remove the stretched skin First, let me state the obvious: whenever when a physical exam is not done. It’s not is all you need. A colorectal surgeon (they Dear Dr. Eva, you have a physical problem, it is important unusual for a patient to mistake anal warts used to be called proctologists) is the best I hope you can help with the problem I to tell your primary health care provider for hemorrhoids. qualified specialist to help you with this am having with Hemorrhoids. I just saw and ask him or her to examine the affected Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins, problem. my doctor and had the finger exam for area. This is especially important with anal similar to varicose veins. The area —Dr. Eva the Prostate. I thought my doctor would problems because the anus is an area of around the anus has a network of many mention them and say something, but the body that a person cannot see well, veins called the hemorrhoidal veins or Dear Dr Eva, she didn’t, and I was too embarrassed even with a mirror. It’s also important, if hemorrhoidal plexus. These veins become Can anything be done about anal fissures to mention it. They have been bothering you are having anal problems, to tell your enlarged under pressure and may not that have been there, like, forever? And that me for some time and seem to be getting health care provider if you have anal sex of shrink back to normal size after the tear open when a person poops? There can worse. I have some prescribed medication any kind, including oral – anal sex. If you’re pressure is gone. be a lot of blood in my stool. I think that from a Proctologist I went to when the not sure you can have this discussion with Common causes of increased sometimes it’s the hemorrhoids, but those ones inside started bleeding. This helped your health care provider, I suggest that you pressure on hemorrhoidal veins include fissures tear open, too, and bleed and itch to stop the bleeding but the ones on the give your provider a chance by starting the constipation, straining to push out bowel terribly. outside are becoming quite irritating for me. conversation. If you just cannot do that, I movements, and increased intra-abdominal —Anony-mouse I really would like to have them taken care strongly suggest you switch to a provider pressure due to pregnancy, overweight, of before my new boyfriend comes to visit. you can be more open with. or weightlifting. Taking steps to avoid Dear Anony-mouse, What can be done about these? Will they Too many people have died from constipation, like increasing fiber in your Anal fissures are weak areas in the skin have to be removed? Thanks for taking the anal cancer, which was dismissed as diet, can help hemorrhoids shrink down. of the anus which break open, most often time to read this and I look for your reply. hemorrhoids for years before anyone If external hemorrhoids have been when a person has a hard bowel movement —Unsightly Posterior looked at the area to see that the problem present for a long time as you are or when the anal area is irritated, for was something much worse. Sexually describing, it may require surgery to get --continued on page 27

10 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD July 31, 2009 | baltimoreoutloud.com religious directory

The United Methodist Churches in Baltimore City Gay?Gay? Lesbian?Lesbian? Catholic?Catholic? Welcome You All Are Welcome Reconciling and welcoming congregations where St. Bernadette you will be warmly welcomed are: Roman Catholic Bethesda Church ~ 6300 Harford Road www.bethmethumc.com Church Faith Community Church ~ 5315 Harford Road Our Weekend Mass Schedule: www.faithcommunityumc.org SATURDAY Grace Church ~ 5407 N Charles St (at Northern Parkway) 5:30 p.m. - Church www.graceunitedmethodist.org SUNDAY Mt Vernon Place Church (at the Monument) [email protected] 9:00 a.m.,10:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m. - Church St John’s Church ~ Baltimore City 2640 St Paul Street Contact Ann McDonald, Pastoral Life Director 410-969-2785 www.stjohnsbaltimore.org 801 Stevenson Road - Severn, MD 21144-2299 West Baltimore Church ~ 5130 Greenwich Avenue 410-969-2783 www.westbaltimoreumc.org www.stbernadette.org

The Baltimore Ethical Society Diversity Humanism Community Equality Sunday Meetings - 10:30 a.m.

COMMITMENT CEREMONIES & WEDDINGS 306 W. Franklin St. Ste.102 410-581-2322 www.BaltimoreEthicalSociety.org

Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis We are a Welcoming Congregation, We welcome and celebrate the lives of bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender people. Worship service: 9 and 11am Rev. Dr. Fredric Muir, Pastor Francoise Ateto, Director of Religion Education 333 Dubois Road - Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 266-8044

We Welcome GLBT Families and Friends to the Life and Ministry of the Church

Beth El Congregation

An open, progressive USCJ synagogue.

8101 Park Heights Avenue Baltimore, MD 21208  ‡www.bethelbalto.com “This is your synagogue.”

Call 410-244-6780 to list your house of worship in the religious directory.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD July 31, 2009 | baltimoreoutloud.com q 11 stone- A Belated CRUNCH THE NUMBERS walling in AND JOIN TODAY! the free Thank You ONLY state By Kevin Walling * $ Ever since I was a little kid, I was always in- pares for the next legislative session in Jan- 99 terested in politics and government. Aside uary. Our representatives in Annapolis must from a brief hiatus when I thought it would enact legislation to extend basic human FOR THREE be cool to become an astronaut when I was protections to members of the transgender MONTHS OF seven or so, my eyes have been firmly set on community along with passing a civil mar- public office. (There was a brief MEMBERSHIP fascination with magic too, but I

*certain restrictions apply soon realized that I was far too clumsy to make a living on stage with a rabbit, a hat and some playing cards). Growing up, my heroes were Tip O’Neill, Harry Truman and JFK. Granted, I thought Mi- chael Jordan and Darryl Straw- GET FIT THIS YEAR AT 3600 Clipper Mill Road berry were pretty cool too, but www.meadowmill.com they never created the Peace 410.235.7000 Corps, ended a world war or bal- anced the federal budget – re- ally cool things for sure. This past week, I was for- tunate to have lunch with Parris Glendening, the former Gover- nor of Maryland. Like O’Neill, Truman and JFK, Glendening is a hero of mine. Growing up in nearby New Jersey, I remember reading a lot about Governor Glendening and the work he was doing to protect our environ- ment, increase access to educa- tion and as a devoted advocate for civil rights. At the same time I was coming out to my family and friends, Governor Glendening “I am able to live as an was coming out as an ally and advocate for our community. openly gay man in the ‘Free In honor of his brother, Bruce, State’ of Maryland, free from a distinguished member of the U.S. Air Force and a gay man fear of discrimination in the who passed away from AIDS, workplace, housing and public the governor worked tirelessly to pass an anti-discrimination bill accommodations because of in 2001. Governor Glendening and his civil I am able to live as an open- ly gay man in the “Free State” of rights legacy.” Maryland, free from fear of dis- crimination in the workplace, housing and riage bill. No excuses, no delays. public accommodations because of Gover- In honoring his brother, Bruce, Governor nor Glendening and his civil rights legacy. Glendening honored our basic human rights More than eight years have passed as a community. Our lunch last week reaf- since Governor Glendening signed into law firmed my boyhood faith in political heroes, our first big victory for equality. This should and for that I give my belated thanks. give us some pause, as our community pre-

12 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD July 31, 2009 | baltimoreoutloud.com ARTISTS WANTED The Queers and Art exhibi- A Max Rulz Production tion celebrating the lgbt com- munity in the arts will be held September 25, 26 and 27 at AAnn AArtrt EExtravaganzaxtravaganza the CORK Gallery, 302 E. tthh tthh tthh Federal St., Baltimore, MD SSeptembereptember 2255 ,, 2266 ,, 2277 21202. A silent auction of do- nated works by the artists will T benefit Chase Brexton Health FeaturingFeaturing thethe workwork ofof Services and Trans-United, an advocacy group for the R LocalLocal LGBTLGBT ArtistsArtists transgender community. Artists interested in par- Silent Auction* to benefit ticipating must submit their A Chase Brexton Health Services request by Aug 25. Photos Chase Brexton Health Services and dimensions of the art Providing quality health care to the LGBT Community. should be sent to queersan- & [email protected]. For fur- d ther information, please call Trans-United 301-841-7880. The best resources supporting the transgender community. n

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25

a A special wine and cheese reception 6pm-10pm featuring live entertainment.

We Are Mingle and meet the artists! Excited. SATURDAY 26th & SUNDAY 27th Are you? 3pm-7pm— Art viewing and sales, live Entertainment provided by S entertainment. Auction ends Sunday 4:30pm violinist Matthew Wolf Shull.

coming soon... @ The Cork Factory

the R 302 East Federal Street Events Calendar Baltimore, MD 21202 [email protected] E 301-841-7880

Sponsored by Baltimore OUTloud, Maryland's E independent LGBT community voice. QQ ''n'n' AA U Tell OUTloud about AARTRT SSHOWHOW && SSILENTILENT AAUCTIONUCTION upcoming LGBT events! ●* AAuctionuction cclosesloses SSunday,unday, SSeptembereptember 227th7th aatt 44:30pm.:30pm. PPurchasesurchases aarere ttax-deductibleax-deductible fforor a ccharitableharitable ccause.ause. WWinninginning bbiddersidders wwillill bbee nnotifiedotified aandnd rresponsibleesponsible fforor ccollectingollecting aart,rt, Email event submissions to: ppaymentayment ddueue uuponpon ccollection.ollection. IInn ccasease ooff fforfeit,orfeit, ssubsequentubsequent hhighestighest bbiddersidders wwillill bbee nnotified.otified. Q [email protected] and ART QUEERS

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD July 31, 2009 | baltimoreoutloud.com q 13 country toward the change we wish to see. send their children there. Charter schools place for all women (“We celebrate letters to the editor The Assimilationists should buy into this are free to attend. all womyn and provide a safe, sacred, idea easily, but we need to show the others MCS means that I get ill from much multicultural space where womyn can Obama and the LGBT why it will be beneficial to tone down the smaller amounts of chemicals in my gather to build bridges across their lines of rhetoric. I would again say I agree with environment than the average person. difference; differences that include race, Community you that we need to educate our elected Things that bother me include fragrances, religion, ethnicity, age, ability, social class, officials and the movable middle, but we cleaning products, and construction/ and sexual orientation”), they blew me off. Dear Editor: also need to educate those in our own renovation materials as well as pesticides. Spiral Dance is a non-profit and currently I believe I felt the same way on Festival community. Worse than the effect this illness has on grant-funded by the way. day as did the young lady asking you The struggle, as I see it, is the tug of my body (which is extensive) is the social First Saturdays Feminist Potlucks: the “When” question (OUTspoken, war within the lgbt community between isolation caused by not being able to go I used to be a regular attendee of these “Temperature Control,” July 3). Since then those who are now comfortable and wish places much of the time. potlucks and would occasionally like to Obama has made an effort to address the activists would just calm down, and In the recent past I have asked several have the option of going. I asked by e-mail some of our anxiety. But when he does those who are the activists who have been gay groups/business for accommodations months ago to have them include a scent- things like asking Rick Warren to his working toward full civil equality for 20, 30, and have been shot down each time. Here free request in their e-mails for attendees, inauguration, many lgbt folks feel pushed 40 or even 50 years now and are excited are the places: and I didn’t hear back. I then called one of aside. I did. because the goal is now within sight. DC Eagle: I wanted to attend the last the organizers on July 4 and never heard I understand the frustration. I had a I believe the President when he said Dyke Night this past winter and so called back. Then I e-mailed again recently similar feeling when Bill Clinton suggested in June, “I think you folks will be happy with the manager to ask questions about the bar and was told “no” that they wouldn’t Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell as a solution to gays this Administration when it leaves office.” If - any recent renovations, etc. The manager accommodate my request. serving in the military. At first it seemed we lobby our elected officials and educate said, “You sure do ask a lot of questions,” In the case of BRAS, I even mentioned like a slick maneuver. But it backfired our neighbors and allies the equality we laughed and hung up on me. A follow up in my follow up e-mail that my partner and has continued to cause lgbt service seek will come to be. e-mail to complain went unanswered. Cindy and I legalized domestic partnership members and national security to suffer for —Mark Patro BRAS: This group holds dances for health insurance coverage for all the gays/ sixteen years now. The invitation of Warren, PFLAG Baltimore County women every other month in the Baltimore lesbians in our state, and that still didn’t however, has seemed to work in our favor. area. I asked them to include a scent free help. I just now sent an e-mail back to First Warren has since been quiet. Walker Fan request on their literature and website and Saturdays pointing out the same thing. We’ll Obama plays to the political middle they refused. see how that goes. and that’s where most successful politicians Dear Editor: Spiral Dance Womyn’s Center and I’m certainly disgusted with how I’m go. It worked well for Reagan in the early I am writing you to let you know that I love Bookstore: I inquired with them not only to being treated on this issue. 80’s. The Department of Justice Memo on that new column called “Unboxed with Ajar” attend their events/workshops (would LOVE —Barbara Stratton the judicial defense of DOMA was hurtful. by Larry L. Walker. It is refreshing to read a to be able to go to their writer’s group) Baltimore It was hurtful because he knew about it newspaper that has articles with substance. but also to volunteer to lead workshops. and meant what it said or he wasn’t paying That column really gets me thinking and However, they make and sell perfume oils attention. Which is worse? allows me to look at issues more critically. and incense there, and so despite stating OUTloud’s queer TV guide: The political realities of our time ARE Many of the issues have always been on their website that they are welcoming www.baltimoreoutloud.com very obvious. Change must happen in pervasive in the gay community, but no one many areas: in policy areas, in regulatory talks about them in depth. areas, and most importantly to prevent the Initially, I would grab OUTloud partisan swing of the Supreme Court any whenever I go to the library. Now, I look further to the right. And to go on, lgbt issues forward to the new issues for the “Unboxed are also important to us and to the siblings with Ajar” column and other valuable and parents of lgbt children. You rightly information in your publication. stated that he has only been in office for 5 OUTloud is taking a very huge leap months and many issues are important to to spew knowledge that will strengthen us first as liberal leaning Americans and individuals and our community as a whole. then as lgbt Americans. I would like to thank Mr. Walker and And let this answer be a resounding encourage him to keep up the excellent “NO!” I cannot imagine McCain and/or work! Palin grappling with the issues at hand. —Tony G. The suggestions those two made as this Baltimore Administration took office would have apparently made things much worse than Not Accommodating they now are. This fiasco is going to push off my retirement for a very long time. Dear Editor: It is our job, out here in Activist Land, In 2005 I developed a disability called to keep the pressure on. But I agree with multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS). I you, “If we become extreme, any reactive got MCS due to a chemical injury caused moves on his part would be seen as by the renovation materials used when appeasing a segment of his base.” Most of Cindy and I helped open (as volunteers) a his base would consider us a minor part of Baltimore City charter school here in NE his base. We cannot allow this to happen. Baltimore City. We are founding members We must talk about ways to keep lgbt voters of the school and are one of several gay involved and how they can help move this families (amongst 200 children in all) who

14 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD July 31, 2009 | baltimoreoutloud.com I proudly checked off the “married” box thinking out loud on the application, writing in Barbara’s As the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes name as my spouse. A few weeks later, the Straight, Not Prevention Act moves closer to passage application was returned with a note saying through Congress, right-wing spokespersons Revisiting the I had to resubmit as “single” or I couldn’t are screaming louder about how this legislation participate. You see, this program is paid Narrow will severely impact religious freedom. Significance of ‘S’ for with federal and Social Security (FICA) Is that true? It all depends on how you dollars. And the feds don’t recognize same- Religious Freedom define religious freedom. sex marriage. Religious conservatives often cite By Michele During tax season I asked my Doesn’t Include cases of preachers who have been arrested for Forsten accountant if we could file a joint return. preaching anti-gay sermons, and there is truth She told me that we couldn’t even file Promoting Hate to this. A quick Google search turned up stories Some years our New York State taxes jointly as the tax By Jim Johnson of such occurrences in the UK, Australia, and ago, I did some law hadn’t been changed. Canada, all countries that have passed their genealogical Then I decided to update my will and own hate crimes laws protecting lgbt people. research on my my lawyer told me that same-sex marriage These same religious folks claim that similar laws passed in the United grandparents had made things like estate planning more States would inhibit their ability to preach the “truth of the bible” that condemns at the National complicated and it was too early to know homosexuality. Of course, that arrogantly presumes that anyone preaching a Archives in New York City. When I located where the dust would settle. She added message accepting of lgbt people is not preaching “the truth,” and that’s where the my maternal grandfather in the 1920 that her firm may bring the first lawsuit on issue gets sticky. federal census, I was puzzled by the “S” whether the surviving spouse of a married People aren’t guilty of hate crimes when they speak real truth, otherwise that clearly appeared in the box for his same-sex couple should have to pay estate known as facts. Saying most Asian people have yellowish skin and black hair is a marital status; I had his marriage certificate taxes or whether he or she could get a “free fact. Saying the average American has a higher standard of living than the average to prove that he had been married to my pass.” Nigerian is a fact. Neither of these constitutes a hate crime. grandma for about eight years by then. My partner and I recently celebrated People don’t even have to have their facts right. I can say you are wearing a pink It occurred to me that part of the 25 years of being a couple, yet I would not blouse when you actually have a blue dress on and not be committing a crime. I’m reason could lie in the story my grandma receive Social Security death benefits if she committing stupidity, but we all know that being stupid is not a crime—if so, we’d need would often tell of how she and my aunt dies before me. a prison on every block. got stuck in what is now Belarus during the The unfairness of it all is infuriating. There are things people can say that aren’t facts. These are called opinions, and First World War and Russian Revolution. Sure, it could be worse. Just ask our as the saying goes, opinions are like…..tushes-everybody has one. I could tell my wife The census data indicated that my friends Micki and Peggy, a lesbian couple a dress makes her look fat and that is not a hate crime. While it revisits the stupidity grandpa Misha lived with his sister and living in Virginia. When Micki underwent concept, it is not a hate crime. her family in the Coney Island section breast cancer treatment, the hospital staff When a pastor stands at his pulpit preaching to his congregation about how of Brooklyn, NY. Was the “S” simply a there refused to treat Peggy as her spouse, depraved homosexual behavior is and that lgbt people are abominations (stop me if mistake? Or was there another reason it even though the couple named each other you’ve heard that one before), the one thing he is NOT doing is stating a fact. He is had been checked? on their health proxies and powers of stating something based on his interpretation of a translation of the Bible, which is at Questions with nobody left to answer attorney. best an opinion but has the potential to be much more, including a hate crime. them, but that “S” still lingers on as a “Sometimes I had to do all of Micki’s There are two key points here that I believe totally refute any claims about hate historical record; its significance all care in the hospital because the nurse crime legislation damaging religious freedom. too apparent in my own life. I’ve had to working that shift didn’t want to touch her, First, a hate crime by its nature results in harm to the affected minority, usually check off “single” on all kinds of official simply because she’s a lesbian,” said violence. Remember, Matthew Shepard wasn’t just teased because he was gay, he documents, even though I haven’t been Peggy, who happens to be a nurse herself. was pistol whipped, tortured, and left tied up to a fence to die. single for decades. Things do change, at least for those of Any pastor who preaches a sermon that even indirectly leads someone to commit Last summer, after Massachusetts us living in progressive pockets of the U.S. a violent act has no business behind a pulpit, but might very well belong in jail. decided to marry couples from out of Friends comment on how far we’ve come Second, there are only really eight verses in the Bible, the infamous “clobber state and New York agreed to recognize since the Stonewall Riots of 1969, which passages,” that are used in the condemnation of homosexuality. That’s right, all of this same-sex marriages performed elsewhere, many see as the start of the gay rights anger, discrimination, and hatred stem from EIGHT verses of scripture, translated and my partner Barbara and I tied the knot in movement. retranslated over thousands of years, written in times where society had no concept Provincetown. Our friend James, president But that “S” for “Single” lives on -- of a long-term same-sex relationship. Society also condoned slavery and polygamy of the local Unitarian Universalist Meeting erroneously, both in my grandpa’s official (now there’s traditional marriage for you) back in those times. House, conducted a beautiful ceremony, records and in mine. Isn’t it time to set the There are over 31,000 verses in the bible, and if a preacher can’t make a good witnessed by our friends Marge and Jess record straight, so to speak, and truly grant sermon drawing from all but eight of them, then maybe he needs to be selling used and their five-year-old daughter Miriam. gays and lesbians the equal rights under cars instead of preaching the word of God. It didn’t take long for reality to detract the law that we deserve? So how do I define freedom of religion? I view it as the ability to openly worship from this milestone. Our marriage’s lack of and celebrate God as I have come to understand Him. There are plenty of places official legitimacy was driven home before Michele Forsten is a writer living in New in the world where that is still not an option, especially for those who profess to be the ink was dry on the license. Applying for York City. Christians, so I don’t take it for granted. a Health Care Flexible Spending Account, I DO take for granted, however, that my freedom should not harm anyone else or infringe on their ability to worship God as they understand Him. I also take for granted that this does not give me the right to preach hate and incite anger toward anyone. Not even right-wingers who do just that toward lgbt people I know and love. Jim Johnson and his wife Brenda run the online ministry Straight, Not Narrow at www.straightnotnarrow.org. You can contact them at [email protected]

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD July 31, 2009 | baltimoreoutloud.com q 15 7 Night Cruise From Fort Lauderdale Aboard Oasis OF The Seas September 18 to September 25, 2010

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†Royal Caribbean International® reserves the right to impose a fuel supplement on all guests if the price of West Texas Intermediate fuel exceeds $65.00 per barrel. The fuel supplement for 1st and 2nd guests *Prices are per person, cruise only, double occupancy, and in U.S. Dollars. All Itineraries and prices are subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions apply. Government taxes and fees are additional. ©2009 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships registry: The Bahamas. 09015639 • 07/29/2009 would be no more than $10 per guest per day, to a maximum of $140 per cruise; and for additional guests would be no more than $5 per person per day, to a maximum of $70 per cruise.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD July 31, 2009 | baltimoreoutloud.com q 17 dia. Demonta was an extra in the heralded arts & entertainment film, Milk He has also been in a couple of TV From Bally’s to Ballyhoo shows, such as BET’s “Rap It Up” and VH1’s By Steve Charing “Nick and Friends.” He dreams of working Why straight, religious model Demonta Walker alongside Will Smith one day. A couple of years ago this fairly tall, well- embraces the lgbt community. Demonta has also shown up on a na- built, exceptionally handsome man had tional advertising campaign for AT&T’s Blue been a manager at Bally’s Fitness on Route Room online experience. He had completed 40 in Ellicott City. His physique, like it was various photography shoots for Dolce and carved out of stone, was impressive enough. Gabbana, Kenneth Cole, Nike and Armani. His personality was friendly, warm and most Beginning August 1, Demonta will be genuine. He was soft-spoken but engaging. attending the well-known Tarsha’s Acting And oh, those eyes! School, located in Hollywood. He will use this opportunity to pursue one of the pas- “My acceptance of the gay sions of his life—acting. “So look out Hol- lywood, a new actor’s coming to the silver and lesbian community screen,” he warns. did not start because of my One would think that his trek through the highways and byways of the modeling journey in this career. It has and entertainment worlds would provide De- been instilled in me from the monta with some exposure to elements of the lgbt community. It did. days of my youth.” “In my field and line of work, the fash- ion industry alone is run and coordinated by One day, when I still was a member of some of the world’s best designers. I have that club, I summoned up the courage to had the opportunity of going to Johnny Ver- suggest to Demonta (pronounced De-MON- sace’s mansion on South Beach every year tay) Walker that he should consider model- for Model Week and even just for the pool ing. I mean this guy had everything going for parties from time to time. I have met many him in the looks department plus he was as talented gay, lesbian and transgendered sweet as he could be. people that play a major part in the fashion It took some more prodding on my part, world,” Demonta points out. coupled with the encouragement from other “I must say I have a lot of respect for friends and family who also saw the poten- their talent and wisdom. In the film industry tial of Demonta’s posing in front of a camera I have also met some of the most talented lens, when he decided to give it a shot. actors and actresses whom just happen to “At one point being in the fitness indus- be gay, lesbian as well as bisexual who I will try as a manager for Bally’s Corporation, I not mention. Wouldn’t you just love the in- found myself in a field that I really enjoyed side scoop?” he chuckles. along with meeting many people from every “My acceptance of the gay and lesbi- race and walk of life,” he explained. “How- an community did not start because of my ever I have always had a desire to become a journey in this career,” Demonta explains. bigger part of life and share a hidden talent “It has been instilled in me from the days of that I was not able to do as a child growing my youth.” He adds, “As a straight religious up due to a lack of financial support.” man, I was raised by my loving and sup- He studied accounting at Baltimore portive family to believe not only in faith or a County Community College before realizing higher power, but also in ‘live and let live.’” that accounting wasn’t really his passion, Demonta feels that the support he re- although weight training, basketball and run- ceives from the gay community plus his own ning were. Acting was a passion, too, and a understanding of how minorities should be dream. treated will help make the world a better The Ellicott City resident realized at the place. “We are all good-looking brothers and age of 35 that he would seek to capitalize on sisters in God’s eyes and in our own way, that not-so-hidden “talent” and try to enter and this earth would not be our house with- the uber-competitive fields of hosting, mod- out all of us coming together and making this eling and acting. A devoutly religious man, a home.” Demonta calls his “talent” a gift from “the Demonta’s sums up his career change man in the heavens.” Others would refer to this way: “Life is a journey true, but when his “talent” as strikingly good looks, but he’s you hit hard times in your journey it does not too humble to say that. mean unpack. It means it’s time to change Demonta has been on a fast track since luggage and continue traveling to achieve he began his new career. Following some your dreams and accomplish your goals.” photo shoots in Florida, he has attracted That’s a good philosophy to follow sufficient attention to appear in other me- whether your looks can turn heads or not.

18 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD July 31, 2009 | baltimoreoutloud.com arts & entertainment // on the stage Two Summer Theatre Productions Worth Attending

By Ben Ryland There are many other standouts within the large cast in this entertaining production. It only runs until August 2nd so It seems that there is less and less summer theatre available get your tickets now. Who could ask for anything more for in the Baltimore area every year. Thankfully, there are two about twenty bucks a ticket? recently opened shows that you should check out. Cockpit in Court at ECC presents Crazy For You, a * * * revival of Gershwin’s classic Girl Crazy, which made Ethel Merman a star with her show-stopper- “I Got Rhythm.” A brand new theatre company is offering the area premiere The story is similar to the original where a NY banker of a popular recent nominee for the Best Play Tony Award. heads out west to foreclose on a theatre property in Dead The Little Dog Laughed has been popping up all over the Rock, Nevada. Of course the banker, Bobby Child, is a frus- country but it took a new group to bring it to Baltimore. trated song and dance man (this is a 30’s musical after all Teatro101 in residence at the Mobtown Players Theatre has folks). The theatre owner has a daughter……you can figure ‘an artistic vision of producing lgbt works, foreign plays, new out the rest. But within the comic mind of playwright Ken works, and even musicals using unconventional and unex- Ludwig (Lend Me A Tenor) the story becomes a wonderful pected concepts.’ farce full of colorful characters, mistaken identities, a couple David Gregory plays Mitch Green, an on the verge of of love stories and, of course, an effort to save the theatre. super-stardom movie actor with intermittent bouts of homo- If it seems a bit Mickey and Judy (“let’s put on a show and sexuality. In a drunken stupor he calls a male escort service raise the money’) believe me it is- they starred in the 1943 while in New York looking at a Broadway play as a possible movie version called Girl Crazy. movie venture. Of course, that play revolves around a gay Actress Shannon Maddox has the role down but she is too But the major factor in Crazy For You are all the wonder- love story, but more on that below. When the rentboy shows young and not worldly enough to pull off the characterization ful Gershwin tunes including many interpolated from other up he is a sweetly innocent (and straight) soul looking for completely realistically. But as the role is written she does shows that the brothers created. The song list in the pro- love. portray the agent’s bluntness and power. gram reads like the American Songbook. Hit after hit, dance Within the 4-character story his girlfriend turns out to be The best in the cast is Ryan Haase as Alex or Bryan or number after dance number, director Robert Oppel and cho- a bigger hustler in her own way than he is. He falls for Mitch whatever name you want to use when you pay him. Haase reographer Stephanie Skinner have created an almost car- who is not ready to go public and would prefer they just stay is a local actor to watch and had the entire audience on his bon copy of the Broadway production. Utilizing professional in bed and sleep side by side. However, the boy wants a side. When the final scenes arrive and Diane has made ev- sets and over the top costumes it is old fashioned musical relationship, and love. Something he is not getting from his erything work to HER advantage, outcast Alex is the real theatre heaven. girlfriend. winner- stronger and ready to make his life work by changing It’s great to hear a full orchestra overture which seems Narrated in a different way by Mitch’s agent, Diane, she it. to have recently disappeared along with show curtains. Here is the Hollywood player of the story trying to save the ac- I really liked the light-handed direction of Joseph Ritsch; we get both, plus a car on stage. tor’s career as well as her own. The play takes many twists The Little Dog Laughed is a play that should unfold in front of Baltimore ‘Tap Dance Kid’ appearing on the Cockpit and turns including said gay play turning into a hetero love the audience not be thrust upon it. His style of the produc- in Court Stage 25 years after his debut- Gary Dieter is all story for the movies after a ‘take away all the rights of the tion has made it the most affecting version of Douglas Carter smiles as Bobby dancing throughout many songs. Becca playwright’ contract who, though never seen, is kicking and Beane’s play of the three staging’s that I have seen in the Vourvoulas is wonderful as the theatre owner’s daughter he screaming about them screwing up his original work. (The last year. I wish Teatro101 well in future efforts. falls for, Polly Baker. Her beautiful voice wrapped around film needs to play multiplexes after all.) Performances continue at the Mobtown Players The- Gershwin lyrics soars into the rafters. Diane is a barracuda, not lovable but fully in charge. atre until August 2nd.

OutLoud’s Theatre Critic Offering one-of-a-kind theatre items, on the bus with a movie. We do not stop for BC/EFA. Purchases at the Flea Market are memorabilia from shows, posters, scripts, dinner so patrons have a choice of eating tax-deductable and the bus has huge lug- Hosts New York Bus Trip autographs, books, flea market stuff, food at some fabulous place in the city or bring- gage compartments. Note: the bus is not plus an opportunity to chat with many of ing food on the bus. available until the 6:15 p.m. departure time for Theatre Lovers your favorite Broadway stars and maybe Admission to the flea market is free. from New York. Location will be announced On Sunday September 27th OUTloud the- have a photo taken with them. All proceeds The day also offers time for on-your-own near the flea market. atre critic Ben Ryland will host his 13th go to the charity, which helps people across sight seeing, a Broadway matinee, visit to If you are interested reservations NYC bus trip to the Broadway Cares/Equity the country with health expenses including a museum, a walk through Central Park or must be made ASAP because the trip al- Fights AIDS Flea Market. There are only a right here in Baltimore. the Village, etc. ways sells-out and a second bus may be few unreserved seats left for the day trip so We leave from Timonium at 7:15 a.m. There is no smoking or alcohol allowed an available option. it is important to make plans now to join in and return before 10 p.m. A light breakfast on the bus. Violators will be left on the Jer- To make a reservation or for more in- on the fun. is served plus juice, water and sodas; pa- sey Turnpike. This is a family-friendly trip. formation, contact Ben Ryland at: 410-400- The BC/EFA Flea Market is held in trons can bring their own hot coffee or tea. The bus goes rain or shine. 1886 or e-mail: [email protected] Shubert Alley 10 a.m.-7 p.m. with tables On the way to NYC we play a Broadway/ The price of the entire trip with all the More information and pictures from from all the currently running Broadway Hollywood video trivia game with terrific extras is $55pp and payment is not due until last year’s event can be found on his web- and many off-Broadway shows plus other prizes of Broadway CD’s and DVD’s. At the September 1st. Any proceeds over the cost site at: www.stagesbaltimore.wordpress. theatrical organizations. end of the day heading home it’s quiet time of goods and services will be donated to com under Hot News!!!!

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD July 31, 2009 | baltimoreoutloud.com q 19 think about what we just saw and how just There are some very funny, unscripted arts & entertainment // on the SCREEN maybe we were like those people in a way moments with Paula Abdul, and showbiz and maybe that wasn’t such a good thing. parents willing to do anything to get their In Brüno, he attempts to do the same children in front of a camera, as well as Brü- thing – to a point – but it isn’t always as suc- no’s discussion with an ex-gay minister as cessfully satirical or revealing as it’s sup- he decides the only way to become a super- posed to be. People still wonder how much star in this country is be straight like other of Borat was scripted and how much was American superstars Tom Cruise, John Tra- Brüno real, and for the most part the majority of volta and Kevin Spacey (zing!). And Brüno’s By Chuck Duncan what was seen had a more realistic feel to “interview” with Harrison Ford is probably it (and the number of lawsuits that emerged the funniest thing in the entire movie – and I Cast: Sasha Baron Cohen; Gustaf from the film’s unwitting participants lends pray that wasn’t scripted! Hammarsten / Director: Larry Charles credence to the idea that those people had But back to the subject of homosexual- no idea what was actually happening). ity—the one element of the movie that has Sasha Baron Cohen returns to the big Brüno, however, very rarely feels any- really been dividing gay audiences. To say screen as another of his alter egos, Bruno, thing but scripted even when real people are Brüno is flamboyant is an understatement. the gay Austrian fashionista. Bruno’s hijinks “All I saw was one involved. There is a lot more actual scripted To say the movie is holding a mirror up to so- over the years have made him notorious in content to the film as Brüno and his assis- ciety and forcing them to examine their ho- the fashion industry, and after another outra- outrageously over-the-top tant discuss their next move, but when real mophobia is an overstatement, in my opin- geous stunt involving a suit made of Velcro people are involved you have to question the ion, and I’ve had lengthy discussions with upstages fashion week, Bruno is fired from moment after another that authenticity of the scene because this time some gay men who did feel the movie would his television program and banished from made me cringe more around he is not using the documentary pro- make people think and realize their biased the fashion world. What to do? Come to duction as a device to put people in compro- feelings towards gays. America and try to break into show business than laugh.” mising situations. All I saw was one outrageously over- with one crazy idea after another. At least, it’s not explained that way to the-top moment after another that made me I have mixed feelings about Brüno as a commentary on the behavior of Americans, the viewing audience. They may have told cringe more than laugh. I don’t see how a movie. I think Sasha Baron Cohen is a ge- whether they be celebrities or “real” people. the victims that was the reason for all the sex scene involving Brüno, his assistant, a nius at what he does and is totally fearless In the earlier film, Baron Cohen used cameras around them, but this is never re- dildo and an exer-cycle will make straight as he interviews a real terrorist and tells him the premise of a documentary to poke fun at ally brought out in the film and is the main people think that gays are anything but Osama looks like a dirty Santa Claus. It’s a people, their values, their morals, and could reason why you have to question a lot of sexual deviants, and another scene involv- wonder he made it out of that situation alive. generally follow up what was seen on screen things like the scene where Brüno joins the ing his boy-toy and a bottle of champagne And Cohen’s Borat was brilliant as a social with a comment that, as a whole, made us Army. --continued on page 27

20 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD July 31, 2009 | baltimoreoutloud.com arts & entertainment // music review

with funk and impressive vocals. I also like that she doesn’t skip out on ballads. “Not So Merry Go Round,” while a little cheesy, tune in or is sung masterfully and will remix extremely tune out well — which lets face it, for a dance floor diva, is all that matters. “Meet Again” and “Fade” are power ballad central. They’re fun, and Kristine turns what could’ve been dreary songs about loss into optimistic love letters The Power Of Music - to the past. Things aren’t perfect in my trip to Kristine W Gayland FM, though — but breathe easy. It’s not so much Kristine’s fault as it is the a lot cleaner. I find it slightly amusing that I hadn’t heard production. There’s too much going on for I couldn’t end my review without cov- of Kristine W before this album, considering some tracks, and it’s hard to find the beat, ering “Feel What You Want,” an ode to the what a little legend she is. Aside from hold- or know what you should be focusing on. So dance tracks from the 90s. It’s also, oddly ing the record for most consecutive #1 dance while her vocals are always at 100 percent, enough, my favorite song on the album. The songs on the Billboard Chart, her sound and it gets drowned out by a jungle of beats that second it came on, I could barely contain voice is the stuff that gay boys — myself in- don’t really play well with other. It’s musical the urge to slut myself out on the dance floor cluding — eat for lunch. She’s a diva. Think A.D.D., and it’s begging for Ritalin. with glow sticks — and I’m not even that kind Anastacia, but less nasal, less range. Such is the problem with the title track, of guy. A little confession for the dance floor I actually really enjoyed The Power Of which also has an oddly placed rap by Big gods. Local DJ Honored Music. Kristine is a master of her craft. She Daddy Kane that is a little awkward. The first While The Power Of Music isn’t the kind knows what her fans like, and she doesn’t track “Be Alright,” which is also her current of music I generally listen to, it was so much By JeffRey Clagett stray from it. Songs like “Never” are a little bit single, could’ve been a fun funk number, but fun that I cant really do anything but recom- of dance floor heaven, borrowing from some is weighed down with a heavy production mend it. Here’s hoping it brings her even John Eaton, the extraordinary retro of the best disco songs of the 70s, keyboard that is unfocused and a little messy. Luckily, more 1#’s. DJ has been named by Baltimore and all. “Into U” is sexy little summer track the remixes climbing up the dance chart are Tune In for this one! Magazine as the best party host. John was chosen in the August 2009 issue because of his incred- Pretty Mess - there’s the lyrics, which are too 11th grade ibly diversified choice of music that creative writing class to be sexy, and she’s always brings a crowd ready to Erika Jayne too boring to pull them off. dance the night away. So in summary, Erika Jayne is doing The hunt for an alternative If Britney spears married Barry Gibb and they everything that has been done before, doing dance party scene in Baltimore has had a child, you’d have Erika Jayne. Now, it badly, and using 14 tracks to assure you proven futile for some time. Now I the good news is there are no demos here. it’s not gonna get better as it goes. Some- mark my calendar with his party The production is on point, which is good one said it’s impossible not to compare her dates and have gone to every one since Ms. Jayne is clearly intent on making to Madonna. All I can say is drugs must’ve he has hosted knowing there will you dance. The beats are dance floor ready, been involved before that statement was ut- never be a dull moment. I have borrowing the fun of disco and fusing it with tered. I wanted to like Erika. She’s new to found myself dancing to the likes some attractive synth. the game, and I’m always looking to admire The B-52’s, New Order, The Cure, The bad news is she makes Britney new talent. I just honestly couldn’t. If she Madonna, Michael Jackson, old Spears sound like Christina Aguilera. Jayne sticks around, she should focus more on television themes and commercials, and Britney have similar voices, the differ- what worked here, and less on coming off and even a rabid version of “Do Re ence is in the presentation: Jayne is bor- as a sexy dance Mi” from The Sound of Music. ing, and uninspired, where at least Spears floor siren. I’m not When John spins you never seems to love what she’s doing — mental ing backed by the trance-y beat of “Beauti- convinced. know what’s next on his play list. breakdowns and all. Songs like “Just a ful,” and the mellow, relaxed vibe of “I Love My recom- The 21+ crowd consists of every Phase” and “Time to Realize” demand atti- Myself” — It’s a like sexy elevator song, too mendation is that walk of life and the atmosphere tude and spunk, but they’re delivered lifeless bad your room is on the top floor — which you Tune Out on seems to cast away people’s differ- and unconvincingly. makes me wonder if maybe she’s focusing this one. ences if only for a night. And, oh, the ballads... “Without You” on the wrong material. He spins once a month at The (which is thankfully not a cover)... I’m not Erika whispers, “I know you want it” on Zodiac (1726 N. Charles Street, 410- even sure there are words to describe it the garage dance track “Everybody Wants OUTloud’s queer TV guide: 717-8815). You can find his sched- that wouldn’t make me sound like I hated Some.” The song is fairly reminiscent of Hill- www.baltimoreoutloud.com ule by visiting The Zodiac’s web site this chick. (Warning: listen with Advil and ary Duffs “Reach Out” (which borrows its WhamCity.com. He also spins at enough alcohol to make the pain go away). beat from Depeche Mode), but the truth of Sign up online now for free The Phoenix (1 W. Biddle St., 410- Now I am not a completely unfair per- the matter is, I really don’t want it — but I 837-3906) every fourth Friday of the son, and I give credit where credit is due. might after I finish this bottle I started drink- home delivery of OUTloud. month. Erika’s voice is actually pleasant and relax- ing to get through the ballads. And then www.baltimoreoutloud.com

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22 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD July 31, 2009 | baltimoreoutloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD July 31, 2009 | baltimoreoutloud.com q 23 24 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD July 31, 2009 | baltimoreoutloud.com focused. Don’t glaze over or start looking around the room. That’s just rude. Even if he’s the most boring person on the face of single the planet, you can survive one date. black sheep On the flip side of that, you have to be just as interesting when it’s your turn to share. Try not to drone on about your comic book collection...unless your date is also a comic enthusiast, in which case, have at it. I’m sure you have some witty or funny sto- Rules of Gay ries. If not, find common ground and talk about that. Do your best to balance ques- tions about your date and telling him about Dating #7: yourself. You don’t want to monopolize the conversation, but you do want your date to get to know you as well. Most importantly, Interested and though, keep it relaxed. Don’t come pre- pared with a list of interview questions. It’s a date, not an interrogation. Interesting Finally, avoid controversial topics on your first date. There’s a reason why there’s By Josh Aterovis an old saying about how you shouldn’t talk about politics and religion in polite conver- So you’ve figured out what you want, found sation. Sure, maybe politics are important to the right guy or girl, and planned the perfect you, but it can be an inflammatory subject. date. What happens next? Well, if you’re a Better to save that for a later date. There’s lesbian, you start packing your U-Haul. I kid! plenty of time for lively debate. As for reli- Several of my lesbian friends actually waited gion, maybe you shouldn’t mention your until the third date to move in together. See, deeply held belief that Britney is a no-talent the stereotypes really aren’t true. product of the corporate music world...un- No, the next step is, of course, the actu- less you just want to see your fanatical date al date. Which brings us to Rule #7: Be inter- faint dead away at the dinner table — which ested and interesting. It sounds so simple, admittedly could be fun if the date is clearly doesn’t it? But too often, we make the simple going nowhere anyway. RON ZIMMERMAN REALTORS ® things much more compli- & ASSOCIATES cated than they have to be. First, be interested. “Ask them questions about Show interest in your date. Ask questions about their themselves: where did they grow up? interests, likes, and dis- What’s the craziest thing that ever likes. Ask them questions Your Independent Realtor about themselves: where happened to them? Which Golden Selected by Fox 45 As Your did they grow up? What’s Premier Realtor For the craziest thing that ever Girls character would they be?” Federal Hill and happened to them? Which Canton Making Golden Girls character would they be? As they’re talking, though, Remember: Be interested, be attentive, Ron Zimmerman & Associates be conscious that you don’t interrupt them and be interesting. You’ll know if the magic Your Realtor Servicing Baltimore’s Inner Harbor every few seconds, and for the sake of all is happening or not, and if the date is obvi- Communities for 30 Years that is holy, don’t try to one-up their stories. ously going down in flames, there’s always Your #1 One There’s nothing more annoying than some- the elephant story. Until next time...Happy Marketing Expert one who’s constantly trying to top you (no Dating! pun intended). If your date tells you about * * * the time a horse stepped on his or her foot, Have a bad dating story? Have a question don’t respond with, “That’s nothing! An el- about dating? If you have a story or a ques- R R YOUR INDEPENDENTZ REALTOR ephant sat on me once!” Sure, the elephant tion, email me at singleblacksheep@joshat- THE FAMILY OWNED INDEPENDENT thing makes for a great story, but maybe it’s erovis.com. If I use your story or question in REALTOR FOR TWO GENERATIONS better to save it for another time. a column, you’ll Second, be attentive. If you have ADD, go into a drawing 1234 LIGHT STREET ~ BALTIMORE, MD 21230 be sure to take your Ritalin before the date. for a copy of my When your date is talking, keep your atten- new book, All Lost 410-752-1050 ~ www.rzonline.com tion on him or her no matter what else is Things, due out in Visit your Community at FederalHillOnline.net, going on around you. It doesn’t matter how September. boring they might turn out to be, try to stay your free Community Interactive Website

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD July 31, 2009 | baltimoreoutloud.com q 25 On Saturday July 11th C.O.M.M.A.N.D., M.C. held a very successful bar night at the Baltimore Eagle to benefit AIDS Action Balti- leather more. The Baltimore Eagle patio is the place line to be on these summer evenings. Plus, you have to see the new video projections on the outside wall. It gives the patio a real club atmosphere. On Sunday July 12th it was the Ship- By Rodney Burger Mates’ turn to take over the Eagle’s patio as they hosted their Daddy Christmas in Although BALTIMORE OUTLOUD may have July Cookout. Although the popular Daddy taken a short summer vacation, the folks Christmas Fundraiser is not until December in our local Leather Community have been 5th at the Eagle, the ShipMates got the ball hard at work. The past few weeks have been rolling with a big cookout, a first chance to filled with charity cookouts, pool parties, bar buy tickets for the annual raffle, and a small nights, anniversary dinners, and even more flea market. (I am always proud to sell porn pride. It has also been a cooler dryer sum- for charity!) Thanks to everyone who turned mer. The grass in my yard my not be do- out. You could have staged quite an impres- DC boys Parade of Color ing so well, but the grass in my driveway is sive parade of leather titleholders with this growing great! gathering. It was sunny, clear, and much cooler This year the ShipMates have selected then usual in Washington, D.C. over the 4th the Johns Hopkins Pediatric AIDS Unit for of July Weekend as the D.C. boys of Leather the Daddy Christmas charity. The Ship- celebrated their 10th anniversary at the his- Mates will be at the D.C. Eagle on August toric Morrison Clark Inn on L Street NW. I 29th and back at the Baltimore Eagle for a knew it was going to be a perfect weekend bar night on Sept. 12th. Be sure to get your when I discovered that hotel manager and raffle tickets for a chance to win a large bas- Mr. Double L Leather 2004 Patrick Grady ket of cheer and cash prizes. had placed an iced bottle of champagne with The Leather Community also turned out a beautiful card in our room to welcome us. in force on Sunday, July 12th for Mr. Club Little did he know that it was not just an XS Leather 2009 David Shover as he held a anniversary for the D.C. boys, but Sir Steve cookout and pool party at the home of fellow and I were also celebrating our 8th anniver- C.O.M.M.A.N.D. members Mike and Marty to sary. The welcoming cocktail party was held benefit the Mr. Club XS Leather travel fund. in the hotel’s courtyard and was sponsored There was a silent auction, prize raffle, 50- by Sirsandboys.com. Think of it as eHarmo- 50 raffle and lots of food, drink, and hot men ny for leather folk. Friday evening brought a by the pool. Over $1,200 was raised during Central PA Pride Parade Brownstone Float at the Central PA Pride Parade pub-crawl to the Green Lantern, Motley Bear a fun afternoon in the sun. Crue, and the D.C. Eagle. There was even David proudly had the Mr. Club XS an after-hours party on the 3rd floor of the Leather sash on again the following week- Eagle hosted by the Butt Munchkins of Long end as he rode in the PrideFest Unity Pa- Island, which included a very tough in cheek rade as part of the Pride Festival of Central contest: Mr. Woodrow Wilson Bride. . Satur- PA in beautiful Harrisburg. I have several day, after I got to check out D.C.’s spectacu- dear friends in Harrisburg and always look lar 4th of July Parade, my C.O.M.M.A.N.D. forward to this event. friends Mike & Marty took me to a popular Although attendance in the bars was a Cajun restaurant (www.poppyes.com) fol- little down on Friday night and the Penns- lowed by the C.O.M.M.A.N.D. / Philadel- men did not have a bar night at the Nep- phians cocktail party at the hotel. tune as they usually do, you could not have In the evening the D.C. boys held their squeezed any more folks into the bars on official formal reception with open bar and Saturday night. Central PA Pride started in lots of cute waiters running around with sil- 1992 and added the parade in 2006. Each ver trays of food. Prior to hitting the bars year this event gets bigger and better. This again we gathered on a street corner with a year’s parade chair Mark Smith doubled the clear view of the fireworks over the Washing- length of the parade to have it pass through belts of folks at the festival, bars, and pride was the 9th year for this big bash and unfor- ton Monument. Wow! The weekend ended the heart of downtown Harrisburg on the parties long after the parade was over.) The tunately the economy took a bit of a toll on with a great barbeque at the D.C. Eagle on way to the festival in South Riverfront Park. Brownstone Bar was the winner of best float this year’s party. Steve and Rick had to cut Sunday afternoon. The D.C. boys of Leather This year’s parade swelled to over 50 with a huge truck filled with a saluted to the back a little bit this year and they layoff the were the first leather club devoted to leath- units including four marching bands. My 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots com- hot jell-o shooter boys. So if you see cute er boys and it was clear that they are still fellow ShipMates and I had a great time plete with lots cute guys dressed as police. guys in Speedos with cardboard signs at the setting the standard. Thank you D.C. boys marching with our Pennsmen brothers as Of course, no trip to Pride in Harrisburg side of the road please help them out! Af- for one of the best 4th of July Weekends in we tossed out our famous plastic handcuffs would be complete for me without Steve & ter all it may be summer vacation, but many years! (which still could been seen hanging off the Rick’s Annual Pride Party in Camp Hill. It folks are still hard at work!

26 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD July 31, 2009 | baltimoreoutloud.com EQUALITY MARYLAND MOVES bowel movements to keep the area clean, -- continued from cover and avoiding constipation. a fag, which frightened me because I had If the fissure does not heal with been called both by people who wanted University of Baltimore and the University conservative care or if it keeps coming unboxed to hurt me. So to me the barbershop rep- of Maryland at Baltimore,” said Toth. “With back, consultation with a colorectal surgeon w/ ajar resented a place full of people that would a Baltimore City anchor as our location, the is the next step. Surgical treatment, potentially try to harm me, and to this day potential for increased volunteer support known as a “keyhole procedure”, involves I hate going to the barbershop. is much greater, and we look forward to a removing the area of irritated skin around I am not alone in my disdain for this steady sea of friendly faces coming to visit.” the fissure to promote permanent healing. popular black male meeting place. When A welcome gathering, open to the pub- —Dr. Eva confronted with the need to get a haircut lic, will be announced for September. Gays and the millions of gay black mean gasp for air Dr. Eva Hersh is Chief Medical Officer at and bite the bullet. Some are fortunate NEW ADDRESS: Equality Maryland. 1201 Chase Brexton Health Services. Send your enough to attend gay barbershops, but S. Sharp Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230 comments and questions by e-mail to the Barbershop most of us have to deal. PHONE: 410 685-6567 / FAX: 410 685-5229 editor at [email protected], yet who is at fault for this? or by surface mail to Eva Hersh MD, Chase By Larry L Walker My initial reaction is to blame the he- LAURAVILLE Brexton Health Services, 1001 Cathedral gemonic group in the barbershop for their -- continued from page 06 St., Baltimore, MD 21201. The barbershop has played a pivotal role messages that are often homophobic and in black male socialization for as long as it misogynist. It is irresponsible to spew community. The diversity and inclusiveness FILM has existed. Men come bi-weekly, weekly, hate-filled language, especially when you of the neighborhood is a joy to behold show- -- continued from page 20 and even daily to have their heads main- may very well be offending some of the ing that we can all live together in peace and tained and to exchange information. The people around you. It is the responsibility harmony.” only reinforces the worst thoughts straight barbershop conversations range from pol- of adults to make sure that their language His partner, A.J. Howard, a twelve-year people have about gay men. itics and relationships, to current events is constructive and appropriate. resident mentioned that Lauraville has been yes, the scenes are absurd but with- and religion. yet, I can’t lay the complete blame on known for years among lesbians as a great out any kind of commentary on them, they These lively and energetic forums them for this is to be expected. When you and affordable neighborhood to buy a house are just presented as a day in the life of a are integral to the black male experience only have one demographic represented and live comfortably. In fact, when he first gay man, and it only made the audience I due to the fact that they offer a safe space in an open forum you get one perspective. moved there he was told that its nickname saw the film with squirm and groan and say for intellectual debate, which is important It is for this reason that some of the re- was “Lesbianville.” He finished by saying things like “gross.” They weren’t given any when forming one’s worldview. Barber- sponsibility belongs to the offended. Yes, that gay people are welcome in Lauraville. reason to rethink their attitudes towards shops are one of a few place where het- us gays who patronize these places have And not only are Lauraville and the gays, and I don’t see how some gay people erosexual black males feel comfortable a responsibility for our own reality. community of Hamilton—just a few blocks can think these things will change society. If engaging one another in manner that is As a black man I would never sit north–being discovered by downtown Balti- anything, it will only give religious groups like affectionate without it jeopardizing their in an establishment where a group of moreans, it was listed as the first reason Bal- the American Family Association more fod- masculinity. white men were putting forth misconcep- timore is a “Summer Staycation” destination der to wage their campaign of hatred to deny During campaign season local politi- tions about what it is to be black without named in a recent issue of the Washington gay people the basic rights they deserve. cians will make the rounds to barbershops speaking up in defense of myself. So why Blade, due to its hot, award winning restau- Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for the outra- because they are seen as hotbeds for in- should a gay man just sit idly by and listen rants like Clementine and Chameleon Café geous and the absurd. But when it seems to formation in the black community. The ab- to homophobic rhetoric in a place where plus the new gay bar, Mixers. be doing more harm than good when used sence of women and the predominance of he is spending his hard-earned money? Northeast Baltimore neighborhoods are as satire, it really makes me uncomfortable. heterosexual black males is what makes The responsibility is a dual one that suddenly hip and happening. But, of course, Maybe I was expecting too much based on the barbershop such an attractive place unfortunately may actually lie heavily those that live and work in Lauraville have how much I thoroughly enjoyed Borat (and for loyalists; you don’t have to color your on the victim. Many people must have known it all along. this film closely follows the pattern laid out by language to honor the diversity in room, their perception questioned before they that film). But without the key element of the so it is a place where your “man’s man” can look at their views critically enough DR. EVA documentary in place, Brüno ends up feel- can cut loose. Unfortunately, its their cut- to change them. So if this transforma- -- continued from page 10 ing like they had to keep throwing ideas at ting loose that makes going to the bar- tion is going to happen then it will have the wall to see what stuck because too many bershop a daunting experience for many to be a black gay man to bring it into the example from diarrhea, a rash, or anal people were aware of what was happening same gender loving men of color. forefront. sex. In severe cases, fissures will bleed thanks to the success of the previous film For it is in the barbershop that gay I know that this doesn’t sound fair with every bowel movement. Anal fissures (and having Universal announce the movie men are confronted with the most spirited and it may not be fair, but it is the reality of can be caused by chronic constipation, before it even went into production probably opposition to their realities. I can remem- the situation. The barbershop experience but it also seems that some people are had a lot more people on their toes than the ber being around ten years of age when I is integral to the black male experience, genetically predisposed to develop fissures. filmmakers expected). first felt that the barbershop was not the not just the black heterosexual male ex- Anal herpes and other sexually Overall, Brüno does have its very funny place for me. While I wasn’t gay identified, perience. I am sure that I was not the transmitted diseases can also cause moments and it has its cringe-worthy mo- the machismo radiating from the building only ten-year old boy too scared to get a fissures. Cultures for herpes and other ments (the scene with Ron Paul should make was just too overwhelming. This was the haircut, due to the hateful rhetoric of adult STDs should be part of the work-up of your skin crawl), but as a satirical social first time I would ever go to the barber men. a fissure in anyone who has anal sex, commentary it never quite comes together alone, each time before I had some com- We have a responsibility to these including oral-anal sex. as successfully as Borat. The question now panion to distract me from my discomfort. boys to speak up, assert ourselves, and Most fissures are temporary and is where does Baron Cohen go from here? What made going to the barber so aw- question the standard that is being placed will heal up with conservative care. Brüno is rated R for pervasive strong ful to me is that I could always rely on con- forth. I guarantee it will make for a better, Conservative care means sitting in a warm and crude sexual content, graphic nudity versation about someone being a sissy or more enjoyable barbershop experience. bath for 20 minutes twice daily and after and language.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD July 31, 2009 | baltimoreoutloud.com q 27 28 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD July 31, 2009 | baltimoreoutloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD July 31, 2009 | baltimoreoutloud.com q 29 Professional Services

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