Councilmembers (from left): Mary OUT December 16, 2011 | Volume IX Issue 16 Kay Sigaty, Greg Fox, Jen Terrasa, Calvin Ball, and Courtney Watson EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW! SC: Exactly. BOL: I thought that was just a movie, make believe. Howard County Santa Breaks the Silence SC: A few details were changed for By Elvin Bottom is just not true. Children are actively cel- commercial purposes. But other than that, Council Passes Santa Claus contacted Baltimore OUTloud ebrating Christmas even in the most pro- it happened just like that. I don’t think you outraged over a comment made by Rick gressive school can call out a child’s Gender-ID Bill Perry claiming that children were not being districts. I receive dream for a home allowed to celebrate Christmas in school. mail in the mil- as “make believe.” By Steve Charing In an email to the editor he wrote, “It’s time lions with the re- As Fred said in the On December 5, Howard County, I went on record for the world to know just turn addresses of movie, it’s about be- by a 4-1 vote in the county council, where I stand on LGBT issues.” Baltimore schools all across lieving when com- joined Baltimore City and Montgom- OUTloud met with Mr. Claus at his work- America. mon sense tells you ery County as the only jurisdictions shop on December 15, where he consent- Perry’s com- not to. Don’t you in Maryland to provide anti-discrim- ed to this interview. ment is ridiculous; see? ination protections based on gen- Baltimore OUTloud: It’s very gra- if he doesn’t be- Every child der identity and expression. The cious of you to speak with us Santa. lieve me, he can should have a hap- bill prohibits discrimination in the First, please tell our readers why you ask the Postal py home. Not all areas of housing, law enforcement, finally decided to break the silence con- Service. I’ve been have that, but it’s public accommodations, financing, cerning your views on LGBT issues. through this rein- a goal worth my ef- employment, and health and social Santa Claus: I was outraged when I deer manure be- forts. services. saw Rick Perry’s ad “Strong,” on YouTube. fore; I know how it BOL: I guess County Executive Ken Ulman is In it he said, among other things, “There’s plays out. I think I proved my point once that leaves us with the question of gay expected to sign the measure, and something wrong in this country when gays before in 1947. marriage. What is your position, for the it will take effect 60 days from then. can serve openly in the military but our kids BOL: You are referring to Miracle on record, on gay marriage? That stroke of a pen will mean that a can’t openly celebrate Christmas.” That 34th Street? —continued on page 19 third of the state’s population will be covered by these protections. The four council members who Glenn v. Brumby : Major Victory for Trans Rights are “arbitrary or voted for the bill were Democrats irrational” and Mary Kay Sigaty, Jen Terrasa, Cal- By dana larocca supervisor told Grumby, who then terminated those that reflect “a bare... desire to harm a vin Ball (Council Chair) and Court- On December 6, in the matter of Glenn versus Glenn because, “Glenn’s intended gender politically unpopular group.” ney Watson. Greg Fox, a Republi- Grumby, the 11th Circuit Court decided in favor transition was inappropriate, that it would be “The question here is whether discrimi- can from Western Howard County, of Vandiver Elizabeth Glenn, a transwoman who disruptive, that some people would view it as nating against someone on the basis of his voted against the measure saying had been fired from her job. Glenn claimed that a moral issue, and that it would make or her gender non-conformity constitutes sex- that the federal and state govern- Brumby fired her from her job as an editor in the Glenn’s coworkers uncomfortable.” based discrimination under the Equal Protec- ments should pass a single law that Georgia General Assembly’s Office of Leg- Glenn sued, alleging two tion Clause. For the reasons discussed be- clarifies the definition of public ac- islative Counsel because of sex claims of discrimination under the low, we hold that it does,” the court wrote. commodations. The county law, as discrimination, thus violating Equal Protection Clause, the Further the court noted “These in- written, is vague on the definition. the Equal Protection Clause, first based on sex discrimina- stances of discrimination against plaintiffs Nonetheless, the council mem- according to court documents. tion and her “failure to conform because they fail to act according to so- bers believed that non-discrimi- The District Court found in Glenn’s favor. to sex stereotypes, the second cially prescribed gender roles constitute nation based on gender identity Grumby appealed to the 11th Circuit Court. alleging discrimination based discrimination under Title VII according to needed to be codified. “The Coun- Glenn also claimed a medical condition, on her medical condition. the rationale of Price Waterhouse,” citing cil felt strongly that this legislation Gender Identity Disorder, and said that her Among other things, the court cited Su- Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins (1989). was important not only to making constitutional rights under the Equal Protection preme Court City of Cleburne v. Cleburne The 11th Circuit considered the Title discrimination based on gender Clause had been violated because she was Living Center a 1985 case where the city VII case law, but their decision reached identity illegal in Howard County fired because of that condition. In that instance, of Cleburne, Texas, refused to grant CLC a higher than that, resting on the broader is- but also to raise awareness and the lower court had ruled in favor of Grumby. permit because of a zoning ordinance. The sue of Equal Protection Clause of the 14th help bring about protections in Glenn cross-appealed that decision. Glenn decision cites that case saying, “The Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. other jurisdictions as well,” Council- In 2007, Glenn told her supervisor that she Equal Protection Clause requires the State The court affirmed the district court’s ruling woman Courtney Watson told Bal- was proceeding with gender transition and that to treat all persons similarly situated alike or, in favor of Glenn. They found no reason to ad- timore OUTloud. “The experiences she would be coming to work as a woman. The conversely, to avoid all classifications that —continued on page 3 —continued on page 3 news // INTERNATIONAL

The White House while she was in their custody,” quoting Secretary Clinton On December 6, the White House ACLU of Arizona Immigrant Rights Attor- issues a memorandum in concert with ney, Victoria Lopez. Co-Publishers Secretary Clinton’s address. The Mem- According to the San Diego Gay and Jim Becker • Jim Williams and White House orandum, entitled International Initia- Lesbian News, “The U.S. has come in for [email protected] tives to Advance the Human Rights of consistent criticism over persistent sexual Executive Editor abuse in immigration detention centers Jim Becker Call for LGBT Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgen- [email protected] and its refusal to extend the Prison Rape der Persons, said, among other things, Managing Editor “Those LGBT persons who seek ref- Elimination Act (PREA) to those in immi- Dana LaRocca Rights uge from violence and persecution face gration detention. [email protected] daunting challeng- The ACLU has Production Director es. In order to im- gathered more Bill Andriette By Dana LaRocca prove protection than 185 reports Sales Director Mary Taylor On December 6, Secretary of State Clin- for LGBT refugees of sexual abuse [email protected] in immigrant de- ton addressed the United Nations Human and asylum seek- Leather Columnist Rights Council in Geneva, starting with a ers at all stages of tention facilities Rodney Burger reminder of the day in December of 1948 displacement, the across America, Contributing Writers when the General Assembly had voted in Departments of which they say Shawn Bradley • Cathy Brennan • Terrence Brower • represents a small Steve Charing • Jeffrey Clagett • Jeffrey Clouser • Chuck Duncan favor of the Universal Declaration of Hu- State and Home- • Gerry Fisher • Eva Hersh MD • Sam Kunz • Jessica Lemmo • man Rights. Rights are not conferred by land Security shall proportion of cas- Jay Loane • Meredith Moise • Vann Mills • Colin Riley • governments, she said, but are “the birth- enhance their on- es.” Gregg Shapiro • right of all people. going efforts to This is hard to Graphics She said that gay, lesbian, bisexual ensure that LGBT reconcile with the Joe Velasquez • Bob Wellington and transgender people are, “human be- refugees and asy- president’s state- Secretary of State Clinton Cartoonist ings born free and given bestowed equality lum seekers have ment that, under Bruce Garrett (www.brucegarrett.com) and dignity, who have a right to claim that, equal access to his administration, Photographers which is now one of the remaining human protection and assistance, particularly “agencies engaged abroad have already Bruce Garrett • Jay W Photos • Justin Nixon rights challenges of our time.” in countries of first asylum.” begun taking action to promote the fun- Web Editor She acknowledged that the United That memorandum was directed to the damental human rights of LGBT persons Anja Saine [email protected] States own record on human rights for international community, not to the United everywhere. Our deep commitment to Managed Web Services gay people is “far from perfect and that for States. advancing the human rights of all people The Fusio Group “many young people, bullying and exclu- When Secretary Clinton had acknowl- is strengthened when we as the United 866-322-7498, www.thefusiogroup.com sion are daily experiences.” edged that our own record on human rights States bring our tools to bear to vigorously National Advertising Rep Rivendell Media “It is violation of human rights when peo- for gay people is “far from perfect,” she advance this goal.” 908-232-2021 ple are beaten or killed because of their sex- The White House memorandum ex- referenced children being bullied and the Founders ual orientation, or because they do not con- former criminalization of gay sex prior to plicitly states, though, “This memorandum Jim Becker • Joe Berg • Mike Chase • form to cultural norms about how men and Lawrence v. Texas. is not intended to, and does not, create Lee Mooney (1959-2007) • Jim Williams women should look or behave,” she said. More recently, Tanya Guzman-Marti- any right or benefit, substantive or proce- dural, enforceable at law or in equity by Baltimore OUTloud She spoke of the practice of citing re- nez, who came here to escape persecu- P.O. Box 3640, Baltimore, Maryland 21214 ligious and cultural values as a reason to tion, has been the victim sexual violence, any party against the United States, its 410-244-6780 violate or fail to protect LGBT citizens and assault and other mistreatment, at the Eloy departments, agencies, or entities, its of- www.baltimoreoutloud.com she compared to violent practices towards Detention Center in Arizona, according to ficers, employees, or agents, or any other women, “like honor killings, widow burning, documents filed by the ACLU. person.” t Additional Information Baltimore OUTloud is published every other Friday by Pride or female genital mutilation.” The San Media, Ltd. in Baltimore, Maryland. Readers comments and She called out the myth of gay people Diego Gay and unsolicited materials are welcomed and may be sent to: editor@ baltimoreoutloud.com. All materials appearing in this newspaper being regarded as pedophiles, that gays Lesbian News are the property of Pride Media, Ltd. and may not be reproduced recruit others to be gay, and myth that be- reports “Tanya without the written permission of the editor. ing gay can be “cured.” left Mexico to She said that when any part of human- seek refuge ity is sidelined, the rest of us cannot sit from the perse- on the sidelines, and that the actions the cution she suf- member states take and the ideals that fered because they advocate, can determine whether hu- of her gender man rights flourish. identity.” It also Then she announced that, that morn- says that she ing, “President Obama put into place the “was exposed The opinions expressed in Baltimore OUTloud are solely those of first U.S. Government strategy dedicated to even greater the writers unless otherwise indicated and do not necessarily reflect to combating human rights abuses against trauma at the the views of Pride Media, Ltd. LGBT persons abroad.” hands of immi- She also announced that the launch of gration officials © 2011 – All rights reserved a Global Equity Fund, with $3 million dol- who failed to Chair of the Board of Trustees – Jim Becker President – Jim Williams lars in initial funding, to support the work take appropri- Secretary and Treasurer – Mike Chase of civil society organizations working on ate measures these issues around the world. to protect her

2 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com news // LOCAL

Howard County Council Chairman Calvin Ball. Victory for Trans Rights PASSES Gender-ID Bill It was clear following the hearing that – continued from front page ernment entities. Writing in the Washing- – continued from front page the favorable vote taken on December 5 ton Blade, Dr. Dana Beyer and Jonathan was a virtual certainty. dress her cross-appeal based on her medical Shurberg say, “…equal protection applies of a transgender student in our local high Del. Bobo has been an ardent sup- condition, since the decision “provides Glenn against the government, not against pri- school helped reinforce the need to protect porter of rights for the LGBT community for with all the relief that she seeks,” the court said. vate actors such as businesses. However, the rights of transgender citizens.” four decades. “This bill is needed because Baltimore OUTloud columnist Cathy Bren- Title 7 is frequently referenced in the opin- This past summer, representatives when any group of human beings are at nan (see page 10) says that “Glenn demon- ion, which should ease the way forward from the Columbia/Howard County chap- risk of dis- strates the power of sex stereotyping theory on the next Title 7 case. There have also ter of PFLAG and Gender Rights Maryland crimination, and will hopefully eliminate the pursuit of gen- already been suggestions that state and (GRMD) suggested that the council amend we are all at der identity legislation, as these two strate- local transgender protection laws are now the current law to add gender identity and risk of dis- gies irreconcilably conflict.” either unnecessary or even illegal.” expression to the 15 other protected class- This decision, based on the Equal Pro- That notwithstanding, gender rights ac- crimination,” t es in Howard County. After consultations she told tection Clause, limits its application to gov- tivists are hailing this as a major victory. with GRMD and others, a bill was crafted. O U T l o u d . On November 21, nearly 70 people at- “This bill re- tended a public hearing on the bill that in- garding gen- From All of Us at Baltimore OUTloud, We Wish You Happy cluded the testimony of 20 supporters and der identity only 4 opponents. A wide range of LGBT is in keeping & Safe Holidays! Thank You All for a Wonderful 2011 and other progressive organizations as with Howard well as parents, relatives and transgender Delegate Liz Bobo C o u n t y ’ s & We Look Forward to Seeing You in 2012! individuals testified on behalf of the bill. distinction of Delegate Liz Bobo, a Democrat from Co- being one of the first counties in our entire lumbia, provided written testimony to back nation to include gays and lesbians in our the measure. “In the 1970’s, Howard County human rights law back in the 70’s. I am so was one of the first in the country to included grateful to my husband, Lloyd Knowles, for gays and lesbians in our Human Rights Law. having the courage to sponsor that bill so Now it is appropriate for our county to again many years ago.” be in the forefront on this human rights is- She added, “I will be a co-sponsor of sue,” she included in her statement. the statewide bill regarding gender identity The four opponents apparently did not again in the upcoming legislative session make a significant impact. Following the and am optimistic that it will pass and be- hearing, the Democratic council members come law in the State of Maryland.” who had sponsored the bill told Baltimore Satisfied with the results in Howard OUTloud that nothing was offered by the County and anticipating momentum for opponents that would change their minds. a statewide bill, Sharon Brackett, Board In fact, the testimony given in support of Chair for Gender Rights Maryland, said in the bill solidified their positions. “The data a statement: “Now, after much hard work, demonstrated that ending the discrimina- we have expanded protections in How- tion is the right thing to do,” noted Council ard and done so with a broad coalition of support. As a resident of Howard County I could not be prouder of my Council for taking this issue on. This event will yield great momentum in expanding these same rights throughout the state in 2012.” Gen- der Rights Maryland is an organization dedicated to end discrimination based on gender identity statewide. Maryland is expected to take up a simi- lar measure during the 2012 General As- sembly. A bill that excluded “public accom- modations” fell short in the Senate at the end of the 2011 session but with its pas- sage in the House, it advanced further than ever before. Governor O’Malley pledged support during the upcoming session. t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 3 snew // LOCAL

Chrissy Lee Polis Free on Bail Get Your Bearings of this space in immediate agreement. Their concurrence: Cycling is a cis-male dominated On December 3, Chrissy Lee Polis was mitted to committing a hate crime. She is By Corey Reidy world. Even if they [cis-males] have golden arrested and charged with disorderly con- serving a five-year sentence. Bearings, a woman, transgender, and queer intentions, that power structure is already built duct. Polis had called police to report that That incident prompted transgender bike project had its first fundraiser on Friday, into the community. Folks that are marginal- an assailant who had hit her in the head and rights activists to hold a rally in support of December 2, at The Bell Foundry. Filled with ized need separate spaces. They don’t mean stole her purse had robbed Ms. Polis and to bring attention raffle prizes, dance, burlesque, music and to compete with already established shops. her of a cell phone and $800 to the need for Maryland law to drag king performances and a dance party that Yet, Bearings means for those who are ordinar- in cash. protect transgender citizens. lasted to the wee hours Bearings introduced it- ily stripped of power to have room to empower Police allege that she Just days before the attack, the self with flirt, fun, art, and proud-queer attitude. themselves for women, queer, and trans-folks shouted obscenities and General Assembly had failed to Still in its genesis, Bearings has now launched to be the collaborative teachers/students, in a “was causing a major dis- amend a gender identity anti- into the public sphere. Made-up of six young mechanical world that is historically dominated turbance in the neighbor- discrimination to include pub- cycling activists, they’re organizing this envi- by cis-male privilege. If you are not female, hood and would not lower lic accommodations. The bill, sioned safe space with specific goals in mind. queer, or transgender, you are welcome at his (sic) voice even though which was opposed by many One is to bring about a DIY (do-it-yourself) Bearings, but you will not be a project organizer; I was continually advising Chrissy Lee Polis in the transgender community, bike shop (similar to Baltimore’s Velocipede) and everyone, regardless of identity, is required him (sic) to do so.” She was not passed. where individuals are empowered to learn and to respect safe space protocol. screamed, “You don’t know The Polis case thus be- enact bicycle repair, outside of expensive capi- The project is in its infancy. It will be inter- who I am. I will have you fired,” according came a symbol for the local transgender talistic bike shop culture; making bikes more esting to watch its developments as the shop to the police. community, and Ms. Polis became their accessible to more people. Second, is to be unfolds and the project matures, and as it at- Ms. Polis was the victim, last April, of “poster child.” This might reflect what Ms. an educational force, not just for bike mainte- tempts to fit into Baltimore’s already established an assault in a Rosedale McDonalds that Polis meant when she allegedly screamed, nance, but also in regards to culture, commu- cycling, LGBTQ, DIY punk, and feminist com- received national publicity when the attack “You don’t know who I am.” nity, gender, sexual identity, and diversity. munities. Regardless of its future, its vision is was recorded by a McDonalds employee Ms. Polis is free on $7500 bail. Her trial Their mission: While it is evident that the one of radical community-self-empowerment and subsequently went viral. Polis, a trans- is set for February 8. project still has many future hurdles, including: and education; where marginalized communi- gender woman, was assaulted while try- In July her brothers, Matthew Thomas determining project structure, delegating com- ties collectively decide their own realities out- ing to use a bathroom at that McDonalds. Polis, 23, and Cody Thomas Polis, 20, mon/individual tasks, opening/building out a side of reigning hegemony. Teonna Mae Brown and a juvenile were were charged in connection to the armed shop, mapping logistics, and even undertaking Bearings aims to open in spring 2012. charged in that attack. Subsequently Ms. robbery of an 85-year-old man in Rose- self-education surrounding feminist and LG- Please, visit their website for more details: Brown accepted a plea bargain we she ad- dale. t BTQ issues the organizers hold the importance Bmorebearings.org. t

Creating Change had a positive impact on me professionally. As participants, we were able to empower ourselves to become stronger leaders and strengthen our The largest annual gathering of activists, efforts for the inclusion of equality. organizers and leaders in the LGBT movement

Michelle A. Enfield Prevention Training Specialist January 25–29, 2012 Red Circle Project, AIDS Project Los Angeles Hilton Baltimore Maryland www.CreatingChange.org

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4 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com news // NATIONAL Workplace Equality Chronicled in HRC’s 2012 Corporate Equality Index

Washington – With no federal nondiscrim- • The greatest strides have come in would begin rating them in 2012 on equal Fortune 500 companies voluntarily submit- ination law and limited state protections, area of transgender-inclusive healthcare health coverage for transgender individu- ted surveys; the remaining 214 were rated the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s coverage. As a result of new criteria insti- als without exclusion for medically nec- based upon publicly available data. In ad- Corporate Equality Index (CEI) has helped tuted by HRC this year that is a requisite to essary care, to include sexual reassign- dition, 65 Fortune 1000 companies, 134 inform the public over the past ten years. a perfect score, companies offering com- ment surgery. Companies rated on this law firms and 160 other companies volun- Just released, the 2012 CEI chronicles the prehensive healthcare coverage new criterion dramatically tarily participated in the 2012 CEI. Volun- advances that have taken place on behalf to their transgender workers has increased performance from tary participation in the CEI has doubled LGBT individuals in the workplace since increased to 207 from 85 last 85 companies offering all of since its inception. In 2002, 319 compa- 2002. year and 49 in 2009. the benefits last year to 207 nies participated; this year 636 companies In the first year of the CEI, only 13 The CEI rates companies on this year, a 144 percent in- have participated. businesses achieved a top score. This 40 specific policies and practic- crease. HRC cites research that indicates that year, 190 corporations, across industries, es, 32 of which are new or more HRC has launched an 77 percent of the American public favors geographies and size, will receive a 100 demanding this year. To achieve “Insurance Equality Task the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, percent score on significantly more strin- a perfect score and the label of Force” which will engage there are no federal laws barring workplace gent criteria, including 10 of the top 20 “Best Places to Work for LGBT and challenge the insurance discrimination on the basis of sexual orien- Fortune-ranked companies. As companies Equality,” companies must have industry to provide products tation and gender identity. According to a compete to recruit and retain the best em- fully-inclusive equal employ- their customers need to be November 2011 HRC/Greenberg Quinlan ployees and influence consumer choices, ment opportunity policies, pro- competitive and that meet Rosner Research poll, 87 percent of the CEI ratings have redefined the norm for vide equal employment benefits, demon- the needs of LGBT consumers. The task American public believes that it is already how all companies treat LGBT workers strate organizational LGBT competency, force brings together top CEI company rep- illegal under federal law to fire someone and their families. Both public and private evidence their commitment to equality resentatives, insurance experts and other for being gay and 78 percent believe that it employers of all sizes have voluntarily ad- publicly and exercise responsible citizen- key stakeholders in a shared commitment is illegal under state law. opted inclusive policies. ship. to end discrimination against transgender “Whether you want to win your election, This year’s report’s findings: Three years ago, HRC embarked on a individuals and to expand access to this lead your country, increase your bottom • While the inclusion of sexual orienta- project to raise the bar on its rating criteria coverage. The main objective of this task line, or change the world, Greenberg Quin- tion in non-discrimination policies has be- so that a 100 percent score would reflect force is to facilitate the development and lan Rosner can help you find the answer,” come a standard since 2002, the addition the ‘best in class’ practices of LGBT inclu- availability of health plans and insurance the pollster claims on their website. Their of gender identity is now part of the poli- sion in the workplace. products that provide coverage of medi- clients are diverse, ranging from banking cies of 50 percent of Fortune 500 compa- Beginning in 2006, the CEI credited cally necessary treatment for transgender and insurance interests, to jury selection nies for the first time, a growth rate of 1567 participants if they offered at least one individuals in accordance with accepted and pharmaceutical firms. percent since 2002. benefit related to gender transition. As a medical standards. HRC President Joe Solmonese cred- • The number of Fortune 500 compa- result, 487 companies or 79 percent of par- A total of 850 businesses have been ited corporate America as leading the nies offering domestic partnership benefits ticipants received credit for this category. rated in the 2012 CEI, including the entire charge for equality in the workplace. has increased by 76 percent since 2002. In 2009, HRC informed companies that it Fortune 500. Two-hundred seventy-seven The jury is still out. t Manning Defense Argues Obama Must Testify

Byf Jef Paterson intelligence analyst, is accused of blow- corporation, under Article 134, of the Espio- Bradley Manning Support Network ing the whistle on the “collateral murder” nage Statute 18 U.S.C 793(e),” along with Lead lawyer for accused WiliLeaks whis- video of a US helicopter property and computer fraud statutes. Ac- tle-blower US Army PFC Bradley Manning, attack that killed a dozen cording to the Army, PFC attorney David Coombs released the de- unarmed Iraqis, the “Iraq Manning faces “confine- fense’s witness list for his pre-trial hear- War Logs,” the “Afghan ment for life”, followed by ing, known as an “Article 32” hearing in Diaries,” the “Gitmo a dishonorable discharge. Files,” and a trove of The most signifi- “In short, Manning embarrassing US State cant witnesses listed are Department cables by President Barack Obama, is being charged with providing these files to Secretary of State Hillary telling us the truth.” the Wikileaks website. Clinton, and former Sec- In short, he is being retary of Defense Robert military lingo, last week. On December 16, charged with telling us Gates. Two health care PFC Manning may finally get his first day the truth. professionals on staff at in court following his arrest in May 2010. The actual charges the Quantico Marine Brig, The pre-trial phase is scheduled to begin are “various offenses where PFC Manning was at Fort Meade, just northeast of Washing- under Article 92 and Ar- subjected to torturous con- ton, DC, and last through December 22. ticle 134” of the Uniform ditions for nine months are The witness list represents an expansive Code of Military Justice, also noteworthy. range of 48 witnesses that offer significant noted Mr. Coombs in last The headline witness insight into the brewing legal battle. week’s court filling. “The requested by the defense is t PFC Manning, a 23-year-old Army offenses deal with the in- Bradley Manning President Barack Obama.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 5 beyond the beltway compiled by Jim Becker Openly gay man Homeless LGBT Arizona drag becomes Belgian youth to have troupe release HPV vaccine prime minister shelter in Philly documentary DVD lessens risk of anal Brussels, Belgium – Elio Di Rupo became Philadelphia, PA – Beginning this week, Phoenix, AZ – A local drag troupe’s docu- cancers in men the European Union’s first openly Gay LGBT young adults have another resource mentary explores how the group attempts head of government when he was sworn to help them get on their feet. The Foyer to break stereotypes and educate others Washington, D.C. – Just days after the in as prime Night Resource Program launch Dec. 14, about people who are different – including U.S. government recommended that young minister of providing up to 10 beds for LGBT individu- drag queens and transgender people. Por- men be vaccinated against human papillo- Belgium on als age 18-24 struggling with homeless- trait of a Drag Terrorist takes a look at how mavirus infection (HPV), a new study shows December 6. ness or unstable housing. The program will the AZ Gender Outlaws got started, what that such a vaccination may prevent the Di Rupo will operate from 7 pm to 7 am daily through they do and who they are. “It’s a good brief d e v e l o p m e n t also be the the end of February as a pilot spearhead- history of the AZ Gender Outlaws,” said of anal cancer. first French- ed by Foyer of Philadelphia in conjunction Jennifer Tristan, director of the film. HPV is one of s p e a k i n g with several area partners. The documentary is part of a two-DVD the most com- prime minis- “Homelessness is an ongoing issue pack, titled Drag monly sexual- ter of Belgium for many Terrorism & Other ly-transmitted in 32 years. y o u n g Oddities that in- viruses. The Belgium has L G B T cludes footage study, which been without a people in of shows, pub- was published prime minister the city lic drag outings, in the New and a func- of Phila- short films, skits England Jour- tioning na- delphia,” and commercials. nal of Medicine, tional govern- Elio Di Rupo s a i d “I can’t even involved 602 ment for more F o y e r describe it myself because it’s all so dif- men, ages 16- than 18 months. No party won a majority executive ferent,” said Scott Pierce, founder of the Arch Street 26 years, who d i r e c - AZ Gender Outlaws. “What you can see in parliament in elections in June 2010, Presbyterian Church have sex with and no combination of parties had been tor Leigh is a group of really creative people doing men (MSM). able to assemble a workable coalition un- Braden. Braden noted, however, that what they love.” Pierce, who performs as The men got a placebo or the three-shot til Di Rupo put together a six-party agree- LGBT young people often do not fit into Pandora Destrange, said members of AZ injection of the HPV vaccine known as Gar- ment. My first words are for the citizens,’ the typical model of “homelessness.... Gender Outlaws push the boundaries of dasil. Participants were then followed for Di Rupo said in a statement setting out About 30-40 percent of all homeless youth gender identity through performance and three years after their last shot. the new government’s program. ‘I want to in America identify as LGBT but we know in-your-face encounters with the public. Gardasil is designed to protect against thank them for their patience.... Together, that it’s an issue that comes and goes for Other members of the troupe are Savan- several “types” of HPV, including HPV types we need to roll up our sleeves and get this each of them,” she said. “They’re couch nah Stevens, Olivia Gardens, Tatum Mi- 16 and 18, which are commonly associated country out of crisis.’ surfing, thrown out of their homes, living chelle, Winnie Goezinya, Anya Hart, Rhi- with anal cancer. In the study, Gardasil Di Rupo is head of the French-speak- with other people and then having to leave anna Matthews and Roulette. Pierce said proved effective against these viral types ing Socialist Party of Belgium and mayor of and find somewhere else to go. They of- that that the group made the movie for by preventing people from being infected the southern city of Mons. He is from Bel- ten don’t experience homelessness in the people who enjoy their brand of humor. with them. Those vaccinated with Garda- gium’s southern, French-speaking region same capacity as those who are living on He acknowledged that some of the sil also had a 75 percent reduction in the of Wallonia. His Dutch is so limited that it the streets, but it’s definitely an issue of group’s performances and videos are con- number of precancerous lesions. For those has become a national joke. He was born unstable housing and there’s certainly a sidered offensive to some people. “Our in the study who were already exposed to in 1951 to poor Italian immigrants. His fa- need here.” sensibilities are not for everyone, and we one or more of the HPV cancer causing vi- ther died in a car crash when Di Rupo was The Night Resource Program, which understand that. We try to offer something ral types the vaccine reduced the incidence only a year old, leaving his illiterate mother operates out of the Arch Street Presbyte- for people who like that high end, campy of the precancerous lesions by 54 percent. with seven children. ‘Even so,’ Di Rupo re- rian Church, 1724 Arch Street, was made drag.” One long-term effect of the HIV epidemic membered in a 2008 interview, ‘I cannot possible through a $5000 grant by the He added the group’s work is important has been an oral sex free-for-all. Yet an unin- say I had an unhappy childhood, With Henrietta Tower Wurts Fund and a $5000 because drag queens and transgender tended consequence of more people having nothing, she gave us happiness. On cel- grant from the Student-Run Emergency people are still subject to violence. “Under- oral sex has been an increase in the number ebration days, she would buy sandwiches Housing Unit of Philadelphia – as well as neath it all, the reason we do it is it still isn’t of throat and head cancers. A 2007 NEJM that she cut in two.’ Although raised Ro- $2500 in fundraising. safe for people to walk around dressed in study showed that having had oral sex with man Catholic, he described himself in a Participants will be guaranteed a 30- drag,” he said. more than 6 different partners increased the 2008 interview as an ‘atheist, rationalist, day stay with the possibility of an exten- Tristan said the idea for the film devel- risk of developing throat cancer by 3.4%. and Freemason.’ sion depending on space availability and oped after the group created short films for Performing oral sex with 26 or more part- Openly gay political leaders are still the individual’s progress. Dinner and break- a 48-hour film challenge, and she started ners further tripled that risk. That’s because somewhat rare in Europe. Manuel Azana fast will be served daily, and individuals will shooting footage for the film when the AZ having more sexual partners increases the was perhaps the pioneer European gay have access to on-site case managers, who Gender Outlaws started performing at Ice chance of being exposed to HPV 16 and leader. He was president of the Spanish are MSW students at Temple University, as Pics Video Bar. Tristan said her work is in- 18 – the specific viral types associated with Republic during the Spanish Civil War from well as a therapist. Additionally, participants spired by filmmaker John Waters, who cre- HPV cancers. Fortunately the new vaccines 1936 to 1939, after having served as prime will be connected with daytime services ated 8 mm and 16 mm short films during protect against these viral types. (Q-Notes minister from 1931 to 1933 and again in through the Youth Health Empowerment the 1960s and ‘70s. The DVD set is avail- Online & Healthy Living News – Rob Folan- 1936. (Seattle Gay News – Mike Andrew Project. (Philadelphia Gay News – Jen Col- able at the Rock for $20. (Echo Magazine Johnson at Q-notes.com) at Sgn.org) letta at Epgn.com) – Laura Latzko at Echomag.com) 6 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com beyond the beltway

marriage more for its social meaning than UN Spotlights for its practical benefits.” If present trends continue in Massachusetts, same-sex cou- ples will reach parity in marriage rates with Homophobic different-sex couples in 2013, a mere nine years after such couples first were allowed Bullying to marry. (Bay Windows – Sue O’Connell at Baywindows.com) On December 8, the United Nations took a stand on homophobic and transphobic bullying of young people. Ivan Simonović, Senior housing Assistant Secretary-General for Human back on track in Rights, delivered Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message. Philadelphia In it, he urged member states to take Study shows measures to protect their young citizens increase in married Philadelphia, PA – Backers of an LGBT- from violence and discrimination on the friendly senior housing complex have re- grounds of sexual orientation and gender same-sex couples vealed new plans to make the concept a identity. reality in Philadelphia. The Dr. Magnus “Bullying of this kind is not restricted to Amherst, MA – A report released by the Hirschfield Fund has announced that it has a few countries but goes on in schools and Williams Institute called “Patterns of Re- secured a new site for the proposed resi- local communities in all parts of the world,” lationship Recognition by Same-Sex Cou- dences – at 249-257 S. 13th St., in the lot Mr. Ban said. He called on parents, family ples in the United States,” shows that over next to the Parker Spruce Hotel. The project Arizona Right to members, teachers, neighbors, community 140,000 same-sex couples are in a legally was originally slated to adjoin the William Marry plans 5th leaders, journalists, religious figures or recognized relationship and nearly 50,000 Way LGBT Community Center on Spruce public officials to step up to the challenge. are married. These findings are based on Street, but the center earlier this year backed annual walk “It affects young people all the way state administrative data from those states out of the partnership after a funding delay through to adulthood,” he said, “causing where same-sex couples can marry, enter that would have prolonged the process. Phoenix, AZ – The Right to Marry Arizona enormous and unnecessary suffering. Bul- civil unions or domestic partnerships, or DmhFund and developer Pennrose Equality Walk is seeking participants for lied children may become depressed and enter other legal relationship statuses. The Properties unveiled their proposal during 2012’s fifth annual event – three walking drop out of school. Some are even driven study also finds that same-sex couples the first-ever national summit on LGBT ag- campaigns that will each cover 100 miles dur- to suicide.” prefer marriage over other non-marital le- ing issues at the U.S. Department of Hous- ing the summer. The walk is meant to bring Echoing the sentiments of Secretary of gal relationship statuses. ing and Urban Development. The dmh- attention to the issue of marriage equality by State Hillary Clinton in her recent speech, The report indicates that those in le- Fund’s William Way Senior Residences is covering the number of miles equal to the he said that governments are coming to galized unions are predominantly female, set to cost approximately $19 million. So years Arizona has been a state without offer- tend to be younger than currently married far, organizers have secured $6 million in ing marriage rights to all its citizens. During different-sex couples, and tend to be older state funding through the Redevelopment the walk, participants spread their message than newly married different-sex couples. Assistance Capital Program and $2 mil- by speaking with local officials, faith commu- Couples will also travel to state that has lion from the city’s Office of House and nities and passersby. For the first time, next marriage rights if the state they reside in Community Development. The remaining year the campaign will conduct three simul- does not offer protections. $11 million is expected to be generated taneous walks to bring the message to the “We see a lot of evidence that same- through private equity raised from the sale entire state as Arizona marks its centennial sex couples strongly prefer marriage over of state Low Income Housing Tax Credits. year. The walks will be conducted Aug. 1-12. civil unions or domestic partnerships. The project was not selected for the credits Meg Sneed, who developed the concept Same-sex couples marry at higher rates in earlier this year but organizers resubmitted for the walk, said she hopes between 20 and the first year they have the option than we an application in October, and awards will 30 walkers participate this year. “We’re look- see in civil union states, for example,” M.V. be announced in late spring. ing for people with diverse stories from differ- Ivan Šimonović Lee Badgett, Research Director of The If the proposal is accepted, organizers ent parts of the state,” Sneed said. There are Williams Institute and professor of eco- will get to work on final architectural ren- no special requirements for walker’s abilities recognize that the values enshrined in the nomics at the University of Massachusetts derings and could break ground in Janu- or age, Sneed said. To encourage new people Universal Declaration of Human Rights ap- Amherst. “Our findings are consistent with ary 2013. The six-story building would be to participate, Sneed said only 50 percent of ply equally to “gays and lesbians and bi- other research showing that couples value home to 56 one-bedroom units, 10 percent those walking this year will be veterans from sexual, transgender and intersex people of which will be handicap-accessible. Ad- previous events. too.” ditional units will be outfitted to accom- In 2008 and 2009, the walk was con- In the message delivered to the event These news notes have been compiled from the on modate those who are hearing or visually ducted in Maricopa County. In 2010, the on ending violence and discrimination line version of various newspapers and other web impaired. Residents must be 62 or older. walk was done in communities in northern based on sexual orientation and gender Larry Felzer, dmhFund board member, Arizona and this year the walkers went to identity he said, “We often think about ho- sites. We thank those publications that have allowed noted, “[a]fter struggling to come out of the southern Arizona. The number of walkers mophobic bullying as a problem specific us to bring you their news stories. Usually the reports closet, without the benefit of comfortable has ranged from seven the first year to 16 to school settings and adolescence. But have been significantly edited and you can read the housing, many seniors are forced to go in 2011. The event traditionally lasts about the roots go deeper; they lie in prevailing full story by going to the web site mentioned following back into the closet when they move into 10 days and ends with a “last mile” in cen- harmful attitudes in society at large, some- the item. Comments are strictly the opinions of Jim senior housing or [enter a nursing home], tral Phoenix to the state Capitol where times encouraged by divisive public fig- t Becker and not of Baltimore Outloud or Pride Media. he said. “ (Philadelphia Gay News – Jen there is a rally. (Echo Magazine – Glenn ures and discriminatory laws and practices Colletta at epgn.com) Gullickson at Echomag.com) sanctioned by state authorities.” t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 7 LGBT inclusion in the workplace. This year’s ing the opposition by finding their most foolish about white “moderates” who were more de- CEI tells a powerful story of American busi- representative and setting them up as an ex- voted to order than to justice. He wrote of the nesses working to meet that higher bar. ample of how silly the opposition is. Instead, white ally who “’paternalistically believes he …The fact that companies would be it means finding the opposition’s best argu- can set the timetable for another man’s free- rated on this new criterion dramatically in- ments and spokespersons and reporting what dom; who lives by a mythical concept of time creased performance from 85 companies they say. It isn’t fair to the reader to leave and who constantly advises the Negro to wait offering all of the benefits last year to 207 them with the impression that the other side for a ‘more convenient season.’” this year, a 144-percent increase.” is just plain dumb. That is rarely the case. Frank said in the interview, “It gets bet- Did Fortune 500 companies change After the recent announcement that ter generationally,” perhaps he meant “a LGBT policies as a result of a “higher bar” Barney Frank plans to retire most of the more convenient season.” set by HRC? LGBT press reported it almost in the style Referring to transgender activists, he Colored Bubbles That’s good advertising, but it isn’t jour- of a eulogy. Most gave a brief mention to said “and by the way, these people don’t nalism. There are many reasons that com- some of his mistakes, but a brief mention is know history.” I suggest it is Congressman Actress Melissa Joan Catherine Hart re- panies have improved their policies, motives often just the pretense of being unbiased. Frank who doesn’t know history. marked once, “In the Emperor’s New that have nothing to do with HRC, direct em- In the brevity, lay the bias. The Reuters Handbook of Journalism Clothes, they got a different celebrity to do ployee input, or simply just good practices. In a recent interview with the Washington states, “Before filing a story about people, it each voice. They drew up a picture of each The second example states an opinion Blade Barney Frank spoke of transgender can be helpful to imagine how they would re- character and then each actor wrote their with the label of “fact.” That “fact,” they activists who opposed the recent Massachu- act to your words. If they would love the story, own part.” This seems to be the role of claim, is that companies improved health setts bill, which lacked public accommoda- you may have been spun.” I suspect that many much of the LGBT press, which often spits care coverage because of HRC’s “new cri- tions, he referred to them as “ridiculous” and of those who wrote the “we love Barney” sto- out the press releases of LGBT “icons” and terion.” Again, peddling an opinion as fact. said it was an example of “political stupidity.” ries were spun. Few LGBT newspapers even celebrities as though their spun accounts This is what happens when the media He said, “Martin Luther King and the other mentioned Frank’s role in causing the housing were in fact, fact. Thus, our organizations, allows the celebrities to write their own civil rights leaders would not for a second bubble that started the economic collapse that and occasionally nominal leaders are al- script. While the HRC may have influenced have hesitated to accept that deal.” almost destroyed the global economy. No, no lowed to write their own scripts. some changes, they act within the nexus Frank thinks that Dr. King would have matter how naked the Emperor might be, we Here is an example of a recent press release of complex social change. Allowing them to accepted an anti-discrimination law that are supposed to look the other way. that has been widely circulated in the press, claim credit for that change is irresponsible. omitted public accommodations. The Blade The responsibility for good journalism without critical review. The emphasis is mine. The role of the press is to seek the reported that news, and now the readers does not lie only with the journalist though. “Three years ago, HRC embarked on truth and report it. This means not only re- can decide for themselves if the Emperor The reader, too, is obligated to read with an ambitious project to raise the bar on its moving questionable claims, but also cov- has no clothes. That’s good journalism. discernment. A half page news story can rating criteria so that a 100-percent score ering both sides of a story. Perhaps Barney never read Dr. King’s let- only give you part of the story. The rest is would reflect the “best-in-class” practices of Covering both sides doesn’t mean cover- ter from Birmingham Jail, where King wrote up to you. t Happy Hour Everday 4 - 9 pm NEW YEARS KARAOKE EVE PARTY Friday & Saturday 8 pm - 2 am Saturday December 31st Open Christmas Eve Hats, Horns, Noisemakers 11 am - 2 am Champagne Toast Christmas Day Party Buffet 7 pm - 2 am Open All Night

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8 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com THIN KIng OUT LOUD

ald’s? But laws are needed nonetheless. sations. Cherry-picked verses in Scripture Laws have a teaching effect. Laws that dis- There is plenty of hate still around. All have always been used to justify discrimi- criminate validate other kinds of discrimi- you need to do is read the message boards nation and intolerance since the Bible was nation. Laws that require equal protections on any news item that is related to our com- ever “published.” But similar verses are reinforce the moral imperative of equality. munity. The anti-gay vitriol is intense and ignored when they become inconvenient. And practically speaking, it is often the OUT widespread coming from all over the U.S. How about parents stoning their children case that laws must change before fears Spoken and it is even seep- to death when about change dissipate.” ing into the presi- they are disre- But for laws to change there must be Steve Charing dential race. spectful? That progress in educating the uneducated on A candidate for doesn’t count, I these matters, especially lawmakers. It’s the presidency of suppose, but it’s a long road but one we must continue to the U.S. from a ma- in there. travel. Why We jor political party, This anti- There will be a lot of work ahead of us Rick Perry, appears gay, anti-trans beyond the attainment of marriage equal- in a campaign video rhetoric makes ity and gender identity protections in Mary- Cannot decrying the re- it possible for land. Other key legislation, such as the peal of ‘Don’t Ask, all kinds of dis- federal Employment Non-Discrimination Leave the Don’t Tell.’ “There’s crimination. For Act (ENDA) must be enacted. The same something wrong example, Ameri- goes for immigration equality. Firm anti- with this country cans can be bullying measures in the nation’s schools Game when gays can fired in 29 states must also be put in place. serve openly in on the basis of To repeat Secretary Clinton’s call for In contemplating the future of the LGBT the military,” Perry their sexual ori- action, “we…have more work to do to movement, Editor Dana LaRocca com- says as he ambles entation and in protect human rights at home.” As such, mented last issue: “I do not know what my through the rural 34 states on the LGBT organizations and newspapers will New Year’s resolutions will be for Balti- woods. This is a basis of their continue to be rather busy at least until the more OUTloud. It will not be ‘all marriage, popular sentiment among the candidates gender identity. needed laws are enacted and the rants on all the time.’ We will get that, and we will within the Republican Party and among “Progress comes from changes in message boards and political ads are re- achieve gender identity rights. However, the party faithful as well – at least with the laws,” Secretary Clinton continued in her duced to the irrelevancy they deserve. if newspapers like ours and organizations “social conservatives” (read: bigots). speech. “In many places, including my own To do so, we cannot leave the game. t like Equality Maryland and the HRC are to A gay soldier who put his ass on the country, legal protections have preceded, Steve Charing’s OUTspoken blog is at have any legitimacy after those goals are line in Iraq is booed by audience members not followed, broader recognition of rights. www.SteveCharing.blogspot.com. achieved we will have to look at a larger when he discloses his sexual orientation picture or choose to leave the game.” in a question at a Republican debate. The Yes, marriage equality and gender candidates, yappy otherwise, were mute. identity protections will come our way at No one on the stage or even the modera- Welcome some point. It is possible they can be ac- tors called out the booing (and disrespect). complished as soon as 2012 or it can take As Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton Home! a generation to achieve these worthy ob- so poignantly expressed during her re- jectives. Who knows? But even if these cent U.N. speech in Geneva, “Many LGBT goals are realized, there is plenty of unfin- Americans have endured violence and ha- ished business to justify the existence of rassment in their own lives, and for some, LGBT organizations and periodicals. including many young people, bullying and For one thing, passing marriage equal- exclusion are daily experiences. So we, ity in Maryland (and that’s assuming like all nations, have more work to do to there’s a successful effort to thwart a voter protect human rights at home.” referendum) is merely one step in a pro- Indeed, if hatred, homophobia and cess. Unless DOMA is repealed or struck transphobia were non-factors, it would be down by the Supreme Court, same-sex much easier to implement zero-tolerance marriage will not reap the full benefits or anti-bullying measures in our nation’s portability of heterosexual marriage. schools. There is still considerable resis- Gender identity anti-discrimination laws tance, and it stems from this bigotry. are a good thing, of course. Still, with such The anti-gay messages spewed by protections codified in Baltimore City, trans- government leaders and other sources folk are being harassed, physically attacked foster the hate and intolerance that is still or murdered. Baltimore County does not pervasive in our country. It legitimizes dis- have such protections on the books. But crimination, if not outright violence, when even if it did, do you think that would have jerks hear these epithets. photo: Justin Nixon Photography prevented the impromptu rage-beating of And that doesn’t include all the reli- Chrissy Lee Polis at a Rosedale McDon- gious zealotry that dominates the conver- E quality Maryland ‘Welcome Home’ event – (left to right) Equality Maryland’s new Executive Director Carrie Evans, Baltimore City (left to right) Equality Maryland’s new Executive Director Carrie Evans, Baltimore City State’s Attorney Gregg Bernstein and Jon Kaplan at a fundraiser to welcome Ms. Evans back to the organization. The event took place on December 6 at Brown Memorial Park Avenue United Presbyterian Church in Bolton Hill. For more photos, visit our website at Baltimoreoutloud.com. BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 9 der stereotyping” – that is, failing to act create a space of diversity and openness, I and appear according to expectations we stumbled upon Bishop David Strong, prel- have of how a male or female should act ate of the Apostolic Old Catholic Church Ladybug’s or be. Since 1989, numerous courts have (AOCC). The AOCC is an affirming, multi- Political also held that that discrimination against a Crossroads racial church with presence in Washington Smackdown transgender individual constitutes unlawful Chronicles state, the Philippines, and now, in Balti- Cathy Brennan sex stereotyping in violation of Title VII. Rev. Mother Meredith Moise more. In the following, Bishop Strong dis- You might not know this, given the re- cusses the roots of Old Catholicism and be- lentless emphasis placed on “gender iden- ing black, same-gender loving and Catholic. tity” antidiscrimination legislation by LGBT Mother Meredith (MM): What is the The Emperor Organizations. You might not know that the Bridging Gaps Old Catholic Church? Ninth Circuit, First Circuit and Sixth Cir- Bishop David Strong (DS): The Old Has No Clothes cuit have held that discrimination against in the Body of Catholic Church is the body of Christians a transgender person because of “gender who separated from Rome over the issue December 6 stands out as a significant identity” constitutes sex discrimination. Bishop David of Papal Infallibility. The movement has date in history for many reasons, chief One can longer deny that gender iden- Christ been centered in Utrecht, Holland, Ger- among them the Montréal Massacre in tity discrimination is based on sex. Justice Strong speaks of life and many, Austria, Czech Republic and Po- 1989. That day, an anti-feminist, female- Barkett notes that transgender people are land. Those churches are members of the hating man murdered 14 women at the perceived to engage in “behavior (that) church as a black gay Union of Utrecht. The churches are gov- École Polytechnique for daring to study transgresses gender stereotypes.” For erned different from the Roman Catholic engineering. Because, you know, females years, gay activists have pressed LGBT Catholic Church in that there is a synod (groupings aren’t supposed to study engineering. Rig- Organizations to pursue litigation to fulfill of churches) which gathers to make deci- id adherence to sex stereotypes allowed the full meaning of the Hopkins case, only sions for the whole church. Bishop, clergy that murderous man to think women who to be hailed as bigots and “trans-extermi- For many this sea- and laity share responsibility together for “transgress” stereotypes deserve death – nationists.” Ironically, some LGBT Organi- son, it is time to re- the mission and ministry of the church. In an adherence that oppresses females ev- zations have pursued this litigation strat- turn to church. How- the United States there are many churches ery day. egy while simultaneously pushing gender ever, the Church, in that seek to live out the principles of Old On December 6, 2011, the U.S. Court identity legislation. Glenn demonstrates its many forms, is Catholic polity and theology, though not of Appeals for the 11th Circuit decided the power of sex stereotyping theory and not always the most members of the Union of Utrecht. Glenn v. Brumby. In Glenn, Vandy Glenn, will hopefully eliminate the pursuit of gen- affirming and wel- The Apostolic Old Catholic Church is a a male-to-female transsexual, prevailed in der identity legislation, as these two strate- coming place for multi-racial church that lives out the prin- her unlawful termination lawsuit against gies irreconcilably conflict. LGBT folks. Many ciples of Old Catholicism in these fresh ex- her boss at the Georgia General Assem- Glenn highlights the fact that gender gays carve out their pressions of ministry and mission. We hon- bly’s Office of Legislative Counsel. Glenn identity legislation enshrines into law that own spaces in already established denom- or the vision of the churches of the Union claimed that Brumby discriminated against “ways of being” correspond to your biologi- inations. Others seek the Christian path in of Utrecht, though we are not seeking to be her based on sex in violation of the Equal cal sex. This is actually sex stereotyping. fresh expressions of church. What about a member of it. We want to create spaces Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitu- Courts view gender-based classifications LGBT people at the crossroads? of grace that fully embody the shared lead- tion. There is no dispute that Brumby fired with suspicion because they flow from As a black, same-gender loving Catho- ership of our community by laity and clergy Glenn because of her transition. stereotyped distinctions between the sex- lic, my journey has not been in easy one. working together for our common goal of In a decision authored by Clinton-ap- es. So, how would courts view an act by Maintaining my identity as a person of Af- building the body of Christ. We express the pointee Rosemary Barkett, the court held a government agent – say, the Maryland rican descent while choosing to remain in fullness of the Catholic faith when the bish- that a government agent violates the Equal General Assembly – that enshrines such the spiritual tradition of my family has been op, clergy and laity gather for the Eucharist Protection Clause’s prohibition against stereotypes into law? a battle. Wanting to express my blackness as body as church and when we gather in sex-based discrimination when the agent Glenn demonstrates that advocates in largely white congregations is adventur- our congregations to share our gifts. fires a transgender or transsexual em- have the current ability to make their state- ous. Simultaneously, I enjoy worship in Afri- MM: What are your experiences like ployee based on the employee’s “gender wide antidiscrimination agencies accept can-centered Christian spaces while being as a black Old Catholic bishop? nonconformity.” sex discrimination cases from transgen- Catholic. It is an interesting mix of hope, DS: Sometimes I feel like the words of a To raise this claim, Glenn alleged der folks in all states. The U.S. Supreme wonder and wish. In my desire to find and song by Billie Holiday. Sometimes, I feel like that Brumby fired her because of her Court has held that such laws go beyond a motherless child a long way from home. I sex, which included her “female gender the principal evil to cover reasonably com- have been a priest for 19 years. This move- identity” and her failure to conform to the parable evils, as “it is ultimately the provi- ganizations have not paved the way for ac- ment is predominately white, so sometimes sex stereotypes “associated with the sex sions of our laws rather than the principal ceptance of these complaints by statewide people don’t understand your need to sing [Brumby] perceived her to be.” In other concerns of our legislators by which we are antidiscrimination agencies. gospel music and the style of black preach- words, Brumby thought Glenn was a man, governed.” In other words, notwithstanding It’s no less sex stereotyping when you ing wrapped in the liturgy. You feel like you and, thus, should “act like a man.” legislative intent, if a law says sex discrimi- engage in sex stereotyping for a benevo- are out of place. I have found that concerns This is sex stereotyping, which the nation is unlawful, discrimination that flows lent cause. No reasonable person favors of people of color are often seen as not im- U.S. Supreme Court banned in the ground- from sex, such as discrimination based on discrimination based on gender identity. portant by the leadership of the movement. breaking case of Price Waterhouse v. Hop- sex stereotyping or “gender expression,” is No reasonable person should think that I’m one of a few black bishops in the pro- kins. Price Waterhouse denied Ann Hop- equally unlawful. “gender identity” laws constitute anything gressive movement. I have felt ignored and kins partnership because Hopkins acted Where are these advocates? Why other than sex stereotyping. One can only disrespected by some in the movement. I’m too “macho.” Hopkins, being macho, sued haven’t they pushed this strategy in Mary- hope that Glenn will provide the “Emperor here to proclaim that God is not limited and the firm under Title VII, the federal statute land? I understand that it is arguably Has No Clothes” moment LGBT Organi- anyone and everyone is able to bring their that bans discrimination in employment cheaper to pass a law of broad applica- zations need to stop their foolish march entire self to the call to holiness, justice and based on sex. The high court held in 1989 bility than to require individual litigants to towards animating such odious – and, in liberation. So my ministry is beyond my con- that Title VII barred not only discrimination front money to assert their rights – which some cases, life-threatening – stereotypes cerns to serve others and open the doors of based on “biological sex,” but also “gen- is why it is unconscionable that LGBT Or- with the force of law. t the church to all.

10 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com MM: When people think of evange- the place that says, what others have told Gender Rights Maryland lism, many have negative thoughts. What you about God not loving you, not wanting is your view on Old Catholic evangelism? you and the church keeping at a distance DS: It is an invitation to Christ to “Come is no longer acceptable. The doors of the How to Pass a Gender ID Bill and See” We are inviting people to be Dis- Church are open to everyone! If God loves ciples of Christ. This happens in commu- you, we love you! You may feel that the By Sharon Brackett were daily calls, consultations and emails nity, as we gather for worship, learn about Church has given up on you, but I’m here Recently Howard County passed compre- among the bill organizers and sponsors our faith through small groups, reach our to say God never has! I believe that at the hensive protections for Gender Identity which are too numerous to outline here. communities through service and advocate table of the Eucharist, all barriers are re- and Expression. In light of the upcoming Topics ranged from getting supporting tes- for justice and liberation for all people. Old moved. As a gay man, I grew tired of fight- state legislative session, it is important to timony, researching opposition positions, Catholic evangelism is a circle of inviting, ing for acceptance in the Roman Catholic have some comprehension about the play- to resolving questions of policy. This pro- worshiping, serving and reaching out. We do church. I was glad when I found the Old ers, structure and execution of the How- cess allowed a direct interaction between not wait for people to come to us, we go to Catholic movement, where I did not have ard County exercise. There has the activists and council members them in new ways while honoring the tradi- to hide who I was. For all the good and bad been much speculation about to insure all issues, concerns, and tions of Catholicism in the sacraments and of the movement, I wouldn’t take anything how this came about and we will actions were coordinated and ad- service. for the journey. Thank you, Jesus, that attempt to clear up these mat- dressed. MM: Big church vs. small church... someone told me that God loves me. ters for the public record. On October 27, the bill in its your thoughts on huge congregations MM: A lot of LGBT folks have left At the end of July 2011 final form was filed. At that time vs. small, community-based churches. the church over its view of gay people. Gender Rights Maryland was PFLAG and GRMD began work- DS: God has purpose for all sizes of What is the position of your body, the contacted by Heath Goisovich ing on organizing testimony for churches: From the mega to the mini- Apostolic Old Catholic Church? of PFLAG Columbia/Howard County who the public hearing to be held on church. Just as God has room for “All sorts DS: The AOCC is a fully inclusive reflected that he and Catherine Hyde, November 21, 2011. It was clear that two and conditions of people,” I believe that church, the sacraments are offered to all also of PFLAG, had been in contact with things needed to happen at this hearing. we have a call to build small, strong con- who follow Christ. We are not a church of Councilmember Courtney Watson regard- The first would be a strong public show gregations that focus on a mission to pro- tolerance; we are a church of gracious hos- ing amending the current protections in of support for the effort. To that end, we claim Christ for all people. In the Episcopal pitality. We baptize, marry, ordain mem- Howard County to include Gender Identity suggested that we choose purple as a vis- bers of the LGBT community. If you feel and Expression. Shortly thereafter Coun- ible sign of support for the bill. The sec- ‘We do not wait for called, you are welcome. We are actively cilmember Watson informed both of them ond would be the collection of testimony looking for people around the country to that she and Council Chair Calvin Ball had for the council that would cover all aspects people to come to us, help us build these spaces of grace where agreed to both work on the bill and were of the bill and its impact on the commu- the entire baptized are called to ministry now joining forces. nity. GRMD would coordinate the national we go to them in new and community in Christ. An initial draft of the bill was gener- organizations and their testimony, and ways while honoring MM: Future plans in the Baltimore ated at that time and GRMD was asked PFLAG would coordinate parent testimo- area? for an opinion on the draft language, which ny. The result was coordinated testimony the traditions of DS: I hope that you will see a new faith was a mélange of the Baltimore City and from PFLAG, GRMD, GLSEN, Pride@ community here in Baltimore that is living Montgomery County versions of these Work, NGLTF, National Center for Lesbian Catholicism in the out the vision of the AOCC led by Rev. protections. Lisa Mottet, of the National Rights, League of Women Voters, Equality sacraments and service.’ Mother Meredith Moise. I think Baltimore Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF), the Maryland, the ACLU, Delegate Liz Bobo, is a unique place in that it is one of the first preeminent legal scholar on this type of Registrar of Wills Byron McFarlane, par- states that Catholics were welcomed and legislation, was also consulted and made ents of trans kids, Howard County trans Church in the concept of “mutual ministry,” the first black Catholic parish in the coun- available to the council members for con- residents, and others. This coalition was a bishop is quoted as saying that “every try was established there! So let us be one sultation. Lisa made comments and sug- representative of the broad spectrum of Church regardless of its size has the gifts it of the first inclusive and diverse Old Cath- gestions on the proposed bill and did so in trans people, parents, allies and organiza- needs to be the ‘Body of Christ.’” We need olic churches where the experience black coordination with GRMD. tions working in support of this effort. to invite people to share those gifts. I think and gay people and others are welcome to One of the issues that arose in August On November 21, this panel, along t that people are craving for community and a full expression of church. was how the pending legislation would af- with the preparation of the Council mem- to grow in faith. I believe the uniqueness fect the Howard County Public School Sys- bers, made this a session a great success. of Churches like the Apostolic Old Catho- tem. To assist the school board and admin- There were nearly 70 supporters present, lic Church offers that opportunity for people istration GRMD sought out Allison Gill of with 20 people and organizations testifying to gather in spaces of grace. These spaces Rev. Mother Meredith the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education for the bill and only 4, largely ineffective of graces may not always be in a church Network (GLSEN) to advise the county on and ill prepared, opponents present. To building, in coffee shops, cafes, houses and Moise, ordained how to approach policy issues within the quote Councilmember Jen Terassa, “You even bars. For most of us, it will gather peo- schools. It is important to note that all of guys made our job easy, thank you”. Our ple who are looking to build something that Old Catholic priest, these efforts were being made in consulta- view is this was essentially a successful will not just be for them, but allow our com- specializing in weddings, tion with the Howard County Human Rights dress rehearsal for our forthcoming state munities to be a place for others. So our Commission, which would have the job of session. ministry is to reach out beyond ourselves. baptisms, funerals, enforcement of the forthcoming law. Now, after much hard work, we have I believe that communities of 5 to 50 make This concern of the school system con- expanded protections in Howard and done an impact in our community, calling people home blessings, tinued into September and was delayed by so with a broad coalition of support. Does from isolation to community in Christ. the start of the school year. GLSEN pro- this success automatically translate to the MM: How can the Old Catholic move- spiritual direction. For duced their model policy regarding trans state? Probably not, as each venue has its ment meet the needs of marginalized more information, kids for the schools and it was forwarded for own nuance. However, it yields great mo- Christians (namely LGBT Christians)? consideration. In the end, the school sys- mentum and cannot be ignored. Let’s take DS: We can be spaces of grace for mar- 410-900-2021 or tem was included in the bill, or more spe- these lessons learned to heart and apply ginalized Christians. We can be the place, cifically, an exception for the schools was them moving ahead. On to Annapolis! t where when we say “all are welcome.” It is [email protected] removed from the final version of the bill. Sharon Brackett is Gender Rights a reality and not a saying. We have to be It should be understood that there Maryland board chair. BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 11 has shown us that showing appreciation attractiveness (appreciative people are at- I think that half the joy of drinking tea is pick- may do more for the person giving thanks tractive), and much more. ing up the mug and feeling the warmth on my than for the person receiving it. So, let me use the rest of the column hands. I know it’s a trivial thing, but I really do In my work as a life and career coach, I to practice some appreciation of my own. appreciate that as it’s happening; it warms my Getting like to assist my clients in taking advantage Hopefully, it can inspire you to refocus in hands and my heart. of techniques shown by research to help small, daily ways that will boost your mood I’m in awe of my marriage. I mean, I Unstuck them to feel good, relaxed, motivated, and and effectiveness. think my husband rocks as an individual; Gerry Fisher focused. As I discussed in a previous column, To start, I appreciate this column. I like he’s handsome, he’s masculine while still one helpful area of study is called “positive to write, it’s fun. Not everyone has had the being very kind and caring, he’s funny, and psychology,” which is the study of happiness experience of writing a column. Writing this he’s smart. And it’s this amazing gift to be Go Forth & – both short-term joys and long-term, deep column has also led to meeting the OUT- able to see myself through his perspec- satisfaction. Feeling gratitude or appreciation loud folks who have been very kind to me: tive – it gets me out of the circus that can Appreciate is highly related to living a happy life. sometimes be own selfish way of thinking. Now, on the one hand, it can take some Showing appreciation Moreover, he thinks I’m lovable, flaws and effort over time to move from having a very all. Wow. My husband and I recently attended the negative view of life to feeling a deep ap- may do more for the I could go on, with examples big and OUTloud holiday party at Quest in High- preciation. On the other hand, it doesn’t small. My new laptop. Having heat in De- landtown. It was fun to spend time with the take too much effort to feel good about person giving thanks cember. The cool song from my childhood diverse group of people involved in put- a few things in your life happening right than for the person that pops up in my iTunes random play. My ting the paper together, from advertisers to around you right now, today. dogs. And I’m sooo glad I’m gay; I could writers to editors to publishers. A festive, It’s about focus. There are “true” things receiving it. write a book on that topic. gay time was had by all! on which you can focus that will depress Here is the point: I feel a bit more en- On the way to my car, Anja stopped and hurt you, and you can focus on other in particular, Steve, Mary, Dana, and Anja. ergized, positive, hopeful, and loving than me to say that she enjoyed my columns. truths that will energize and motivate you. Given that I’ve been a resident of Bal- I did before I just wrote this list of apprecia- Having done some web design myself, my Deciding to notice a few small things to ap- timore for only two years, I’m very grate- tions. I’m a better person when I appreci- mind immediately went to how much work preciate right now is an example of the lat- ful for the people who have welcomed and ate, for myself and those around me. I’m she does to keep the OUTloud website up, ter. Do it once or twice, and it doesn’t have befriended me. Moving to a new city where not alone; I’m connected to other things, running, and looking good. So, I returned much effect. Do it a half dozen times ev- I didn’t know anybody could be intimidat- people, and places. It is this emotional the compliment. ery day for a month, and you’ll be amazed ing, but the people here have made it easy. springboard that I will use to move out into Anja then said, “It’s nice to be appreci- at what a mood booster it can be. Make Thank you welcoming me into the offbeat, the world today to keep living and loving. ated, isn’t it?” it a habit that lasts years, and you’ll see lovable world that is Baltimore. you do the same, ya hear? t Yes, it is! radical change that can affect your energy, I’m sipping tea as I write this column – I Learn more at BaltimoreLifeCoachGer- Few people may know this, but science ability to see solutions and solve problems, love my tea! Sometimes, in the colder months, ry.com

12 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com health & wellnesS

on wet or icy roads. You can get every bit as drunk on beer, wine, or eggnog as you can on rum or vodka. A drink of alcohol is defined medi- cally as 12 ounces of beer or wine cooler, Open Wide 5 ounces of wine (less for heavy wines ask Dr Eva like sherry), or 1-½ ounces of liquor (rum, Dr Eva Hersh whiskey, vodka, tequila). Two drinks within two hours, especially without food, will im- pair judgment and coordination and raise blood alcohol levels above the legal limit. Try Fun & Sober It takes just one drink to impair judgment and coordination for older people, for many for the Holidays women, for men who weigh 140 pounds or less, and for anyone who rarely drinks. You cannot tell how intoxicated a Was the first resolution you made last New person is by whether or not they appear Years Day prompted by the headache and drunk. The best guide to whether a person sick feeling you woke up with January 1st? is impaired is not how they feel or how they Maybe you had to deal with the conse- look, but how much they have had to drink quences of a holiday car accident. Or was and over what period of time they drank it. it the fallout from something you did at a It takes about an hour for the liver to party that everyone else remembers all too process one drink of alcohol. That means well, but you don’t? that after 4 drinks, which many people Many people, whether or not they have wouldn’t consider excessive at a party, a problems with alcohol the rest of the year, person needs to wait 4 hours after the last drink too much over the Thanksgiving, drink to be able to drive safely. Do you know Christmas and New anyone who Years holidays. The waits that long? same happens on S o b e r i n g - u p birthdays, gradua- methods like tions, and many oth- cold showers, er social occasions. hot coffee, and Some people drink fresh air can more at these times make a person because they feel more alert, but, lonely, shy, or awk- because they ward. Some drink don’t lower the because “friends” blood alcohol push them to drink, level, they don’t or because they make a person think it’s what every- any more sober one is expected to or help them do at parties. Each T he season doesn’t have to end like this drive more year at the holidays, safely. (Try the many people drink blood alcohol themselves, and others, to death through content calculator at http://bloodalcohol- car accidents, suicide, or homicide. People calculator.org.) are raped or injured, and rape or injure oth- If you think alcohol has to be part ers, because of alcohol-related bad judg- of a fun night out, ask yourself why. If it ment and loss of inhibitions. wouldn’t be fun with a clear mind, is it re- Why does this happen? Because peo- ally that much fun? ple don’t understand what a powerful drug For your safety, consider not drinking alcohol really is. Brain function is impaired at the next party or celebration you go to. after the first drink, well before a person If you don’t want to do that, avoid driving. It begins to feel drunk The first effects are might be a great start to a sane New Year. poor judgment and slow reaction time. By All the staff of Baltimore OUTLoud wish the time a person is aware of being tipsy, our readers a happy, healthy and peaceful they have poor coordination, distorted vi- 2011. t sion, and disorientation. This is why people Dr. Eva Hersh is a physician at Chase are often arrested for drunk driving when Brexton Health Services. Send questions they honestly believe they are not drunk. to [email protected], or to Eva Even when a person doesn’t feel intoxicat- Hersh MD, Chase Brexton Health Ser- ed, one or two drinks makes it dangerous vices, 1001 Cathedral St., Baltimore, MD for them to drive, especially in the dark or 21201 BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 13 FAITH If You Are Out, Then You Are In with Us! Remembering World AIDS Day through Music and the Book of Life by Father Bill Faith a difficult time or situation, or buy a friend or Hello again, this is Father Bill, Pastor of St. co-worker lunch. There are many ways to By Bill Palmer Michael the Archangel Catholic Church on contribute our time, talent and resources to The 24th World AIDS Day on December 1 entirety at least once each and every the corner of 4th Street and Pontiac Avenue, help make our world a better place. Think of was marked by several events throughout World AIDS Day, and on other appropri- Baltimore, Maryland 21225. All are Welcome! those individuals who, out of nowhere, came the region providing powerful opportuni- ate occasions to serve both to remember Season’s Greet- to our aid when we were ties to raise awareness, to honor and re- those named, and as a powerful tool for ings! And Happy Holi- Please pause and in need. member those who have passed on, and to emphasizing the impact HIV/AIDS has on days to all Families and Giving back is celebrate achievements such as increased our communities and our world. Anyone Friends. This time of take a breath something many of us access to treatment and prevention ser- wishing to read from the book is offered year becomes very hec- do not consider very vices. the opportunity to do so, and many find it a tic for many of us pre- occasionally. I want often. We are busy try- New information is continually discov- powerful and fulfilling opportunity. paring for end-of-year to see you feeling ing to move forward and ered about the great harm those same The Book of Life was established as, events. Shopping, trav- deal with our own lives. treatments do to those they are designed and remains the foundation for, the cre- eling, hosting parties, good over what you Yet, there are many to help, World AIDS Day is as relevant to- ation of a permanent physical HIV/AIDS gift giving and attend- amongst us who have day as ever. memorial in the City of Baltimore. While ing various secular and have accomplished devoted their lives to One of those important events was the that dream has yet to be achieved, the religious concerts and during this past year helping others as teach- annual reading of the names from what is annual reading of the names stands as a services can become ers, mentors and care- known as the Book of Life, held this year witness to that goal. Anyone interested in overwhelming. Please givers. at the Creative Alliance at the Patterson in supporting the advancement of this goal is pause and take a breath occasionally. I want If you continue to encourage and support Highlandtown (www.creativealliance.org). invited to contact the books Trustees. to see you feeling good over what you have those who are in that business of helping oth- Over 1700 names compiled over the past For more information about the Book of accomplished during this past year. ers, they will greatly appreciate it. If you are 15 years were read aloud. Readers also Life Project, to submit names, or to learn God continues to strengthen and em- one of those people, we appreciate you! shared short biographies of individuals about the permanent memorial, contact power us each day with new opportunities Have a safe and holy Holiday experience. who died since the preceding World AIDS the Trustees at celebrationofcommunity@ that perhaps we never expected. There could Celebrate with me, a New Year full of oppor- Day. gmail.com or visit facebook.com/celebra- be a chance to help someone less fortunate, tunities, challenges and many new doors to The Book of Life Project aims to create tionofcommunity. give advice to someone who is experiencing open. May God be with you, my friend. t a permanent remembrance of the names of Later that evening at the Creative Alli- people who lived and died with HIV/AIDS ance, the second annual “Choirs and Can- compiled. On World AIDS Day, December dles” featured the Baltimore Men’s Cho- 1, 1996, The “People With AIDS/HIV Co- rus, New Wave Singers and The Positive alition of Baltimore” began the project to Voices of Baltimore together with special Christmas Eve immortalize the friends, family, loved ones guest vocalist, jazz and blues legend Lea Services: and leaders, men, women and children Gilmore, who honored the spirit of World whose fight against HIV/AIDS has ended. AIDS Day and Chanukah through music. Today the Book of Life is preserved and Hosted by the Steven Kaufman AIDS Children’s Christmas maintained in trust by The Positive Voices Outreach Project of Jewish Community Pageant with Band of Baltimore in partnership with Celebra- Services and the Creative Alliance’s H. tion of Community. The founders and trust- Alexander Satorie-Robinson, event pro- 5:30pm ees of the Book of Life project give their ceeds benefited Brother Help Thyself, an lasting gratitude to Mr. Richard Poloway, organization that provides grants to small Candlelight Service for his hard work and dedication as the non-profits serving the LGBTQIA and HIV driving force behind, and originator of the communities (Brotherhelpthyself.org). t of Lessons & Carols concept of the Book of Life. Bill Palmer is a long time community The names in the Book of Life are in- organizer and advocate for HIV/AIDS and with Choir & Pipe Organ tended to be read publicly and in their LGBT-related issues. 8:00pm Christmas Eve Midnight Mass is at 10:30pm Christmas Day Masses are 9:30am & 12 Noon Christmas Day New Years Eve Mass is at 6pm 11:00am New Years Day Masses are 9:30am & 12 Noon If You are OUT, then You are IN with Us! “ALL ARE WELCOME!” 5828 York Road St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Church 410-435-9188 3701 4th Street, Brooklyn, MD 21225 443-869-5548 www.govanspres.org Sunday Mass 9:30am and 12:00 Noon A Parish of the New Catholic Church of North America

14 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com VisitVisit usus atat EmmanuelDowntown.org First & St. Stephen’s Visit us at EmmanuelDowntown.org United Church of Christ Christmas serviCes We are an “Open & Affirming” Congregation. EmmanuElEmmanuElSunday Dec 18 • 10:30am Lessons and CaroLs Saturday, december 24 • 5pm GodGod with us GodSaturday with Dec 24 • 4:30pm us christmas eve Family Service allallChiLdren’s of Pageantus Sunday, december 25 • 10:30 a.m. all 6pmof & 10pm us FestivaLwithoutwithout hoLy ExcEption euCharist christmas day Service of Worship sundaysunday sErvicEssErvicEs 8:308:30sunday AMAMSunday sErvicEs&& 10:30 Dec AM 25 • 10:30am 6915 York Rd. • Baltimore, Maryland 21212 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM 410-377-5224 • www.first-ststephens.org hoLy Communion

Advent & Christmas at Grace United Methodist Church

December 18: Children’s Christmas Pageant, 10 a.m. worship service. December 24: Christmas Eve services; 4 p.m., family service; 8:30 p.m. Candle Light Communion service. Mt. Vernon’s Church of the Arts Mt.Mt. Vernon’s Vernon’s Church of the Arts December 25: 10 a.m. worship only, child care provided. 811 Cathedral Street at read Street 811811 CathedralCathedral Street at read StreetStreet You and your friends and family are invited to join us. Mount Vernon’S ChurCh of the artS MountMount Vernon’SVernon’S ChurCh of the artSartS A Reconciling Congregation! (00B2XWORXGB)HELQGGAllAll AreAre WelcomeWelcome$0 (00B2XWORXGB)HELQGG(00B2XWORXGB)HELQGG $0$0 www.bmorethical.org Grace United Methodist Church St. Bernadette 5407 N. Charles Street at Northern Parkway Roman Catholic THE BALTIMORE Baltimore, MD 21210 • 410-433-6650 Church ETHICALSOCIETY FREE AND OPEN TO ALL www.graceunitedmethodist.org Our Weekend Mass Schedule: SATURDAY DECEMBER 18, 10:30 A.M. 5:30 p.m. “Maintaining Balance When Responding to a Call” SUNDAY Bob Buchmeier, PhD, Teacher and Computer Professional

9:00 a.m.,10:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m. DECEMBER 23, 7:00 P.M. Contact Ann McDonald, Pastoral Life Director Celebrate HumanLight with us! 410-969-2785 at First Unitarian Church of Baltimore, more info. at humanlight.org 801 Stevenson Road - Severn, MD 21144-2299 410-969-2783 306 W. FRANKLIN ST., STE. 102 Unity Fellowship Church of Columbia www.stbernadette.org Christmas serviCe at 10am Our Services are held at: Locust Park Neighborhood Center Come Celebrate with us! The Byzantine Rite Old Catholic Church is pleased to announce 8995 Lambskin Lane, Columbia, MD 21045 the opening of our Cathedral of Saint Antony Rev. Dorothy Harris, Founding Pastor We are no longer at First Unitarian. Divine Liturgy is now Saturdays 2 PM at Long Green Center, 115 E. Melrose, Avenue in Baltimore, MD. For more information, Contact us to Join our mailing list: [email protected] contact [email protected] or 443-691-4926. www.ufccolumbia.org http://church.revdanielromanos.com

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 15 Lively Arts //usic m

of low-rent talent com- Lil Wayne), “Not Right Now,” “Take iMusic: As Heard on TV petition shows such as It and Run,” and the title cut, indi- “Star Search, as the cate that it might be entirely pos- By Gregg Shapiro first season’s champ. You have to hand it sible for him to do so. Fox’s cash calf “Glee” hits a new low with the seventh to her, because she’s managed to turn such There’s no reason why HBO’s installment of its “Glee: The Music” (Columbia) series of a disgrace into a successful and rewarding lauded series “Boardwalk Empire” soundtracks. Uninspired performances combined with recording music career. Although there’s shouldn’t have an equally notewor- pointless song selection (“Hot For nothing as alluring as “My thy soundtrack to accompany it. Teacher” and “Uptown Girl,” really?) Life Would Suck Without That can be found on the various earns this one an F. As covers of Cold- You” (from 2009’s “All I Ever artist set “Boardwalk Empire, Vol- play’s “Fix You” go, the “Glee” rendition Wanted”) on her new disc ume 1: Music from the HBO Original doesn’t hold a candle to the one per- “Stronger” (19/RCA), there’s Series” (Elektra). In addition to sev- formed by the senior citizens in the doc still plenty to recommend. Songs such as eral instrumental numbers performed by Vince Giordano “Young @ Heart.” “Constant Craving” is “Mr. Know It All,” “What Doesn’t Kill You and the Nighthawks, there are period tunes done by Regina too faithful to the original, although the (Stronger),” “The War is Over,” “Breaking Spektor (“My Man”), Martha Wainwright (“All By Myself”) duet on “Somewhere,” featuring Idina Your Own Heart,” and originals such as and Nellie McKay (“Wild Romantic Blues”), among others. Menzel, isn’t too bad. But worst of all “You Love Me” and “Hello,” make this a It probably looked like a good idea on paper, but the is the blatant (and uncredited rip-off) of strong album. final result is anything but. As it turns out, English actor Greg Laswell’s brilliant arrangement of The popular motorcycle gang-themed Hugh Laurie, who got his start as one half of a comedy duo the Cyndi Lauper hit “Girls Just Want to FX series “Sons of Anarchy,” starring without actor/writer Stephen Fry, and later went on to great Have Fun,” originally heard is Laswell’s Charlie Hunnam (from the original UK ver- acclaim on the TV series “House,” is an accomplished mu- version on the “Confessions of a Shopa- sion of “Queer as Folk”) and Katey Sagal sician. Laurie’s debut disc “Let Them Talk” (WB), produced holic” OST (search it on You Tube). If McKinley was a real (formerly known as one of Bette Midler’s Harlettes), has Joe Henry, is an excursion into traditional blues. It’s the high school (and it’s good that it’s not), someone would be earned its own soundtrack recording “Songs of Anarchy: kind of album that you listen expelled for plagiarism. Music from Sons of Anarchy, Seasons 1-4” (Columbia). to and think that Laurie is bet- Poor Kelly Clarkson. Constant denial of lesbian ru- Making good use of Sagal’s vocal skills, the soundtrack ter off being a fan of the music mors aside, she will forever be linked with second rate includes her singing “Son of a Preacher Man,” “Bird on than performing it himself. It’s network Fox’s “American Idol,” the 21st century version a Wire” and “Strange Fruit.” Other highlights include Au- not that he’s not a decent per- dra Mae’s reading of former; it’s just that the musi- “Forever Young” and cal selections, especially for Alison Mosshart’s take a first album such as this, are on “What A Wonderful going to have a limited audi- World.” ence and runs the risk of com- As one third of Dis- ing off as a novelty. ney’s prefab trio The Jo- For the generation that nas Brothers, Joe Jonas came of age on 1960s TV (the most attractive of (and those that came of age on the reruns of 1960s TV), the bros) got a taste of the name Billy Mumy will be familiar as the name of the the rock star life. Step- actor who played young Will Robinson on “Lost In Space.” ping out on his own on Now going by Bill, Mumy has been plying his trade as a “Fastlife” (Hollywood), singer/songwriter for more than 30 years. On his latest Jonas sounds eager to album, “Until The Big Bang Whimpers” (Global Recording snatch the crowns from Artists), Mumy sounds like he could be a contemporary of the heads of the Justins the aforementioned Joe Henry, especially on tracks such (Timberlake and Bieber). as “The Big Barn is Burning,” “I Owe a Little Money,” “The Tracks such as “Just In Other Side of the Other Side” and the romantic “Isn’t That Love” (the version minus What You Said?” t

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16 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts //utn o o screen HAS HOLMES MET HIS MATCH? deaths (although no one but Holmes sees the connec- tion). As Holmes puts all the pieces together, he discovers Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows that Moriarty is always one step ahead of him, and we see Holmes shaken to his core when he realizes he’s been b cky Chu Duncan cunning Moriarty is always one step ahead, and mov- outsmarted. With the help of Watson and a gypsy woman Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as the world’s most ing perilously close to completing his ominous plan. If he (Noomi Rapace, the original The Girl With the Dragon Tat- famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, and Jude Law returns succeeds, it will not only bring him immense wealth and too), they gain the upper hand, but Moriarty is a crafty foe as his friend and colleague, Dr. John Watson, in Sherlock power but also alter the course of history. who can easily turn the tables. The cat and mouse game Holmes: A Game of Shadows. I’m not a Sherlock Homes devotee, I’ve only read a between Holmes and Moriarty is handled very well. Around the globe, headlines break the news: a scan- couple of the original stories, but I absolutely loved the The original film got its share of criticism for straying dal takes down an Indian cotton tycoon; a Chinese opi- first Sherlock Holmes movie. It was smart, funny, action- too far from the original stories, as well as for all the things packed and visually stun- blowing up, and this film also has its share of explosions… ning. Plus it made you but they’re not just randomly in the plot – various loca- think and follow the plot. I tions are being bombed. Introducing Moriarty, Reichen- can say pretty much all the bach Falls, and Mycroft Holmes also ties the movie more same for the new movie as closely to the source material. Guy Ritchie has again de- well. This one, however, livered a beautiful looking film, even with all of its dreary really requires you to pay shades of grey, and his use of ultra slow motion during a attention to small details chase and gunfight through a desolate forest is jaw-drop- throughout the film’s rather ping. Some may say this is all style over substance, but I complex plot – and half the loved it. And there is more than enough plot to let Ritchie time I really had no idea indulge his visual stylings. what Moriarty’s plan ac- Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law again prove that tually was – because, as their casting was a stroke of genius as the two have the with any good whodunit, best buddy chemistry on screen since … Eddie Murphy those little details just may and Nick Nolte? John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd? It’s hard come into play during the to say, really, because they work together so well. Ste- story’s climactic moment. phen Fry is also a welcome addition to the cast as Hol- If you’re in the least bit mes’ brother, Rapace makes a lovely new heroine for the familiar with the Holmes boy to work with, and Jared Harris is appropriately smug legacy, you’ll also be very and superior as Moriarty. Hans Zimmer’s score also varies familiar with the climac- in range from gypsy music to Don Giovanni to pounding tic location, Reichenbach orchestral music. I absolutely enjoyed Sherlock Holmes: Falls, where Holmes and A Game of Shadows as much as I did the first movie. It’s Moriarty finally met their one of those movies that you can’t really do justice in a end in the original Arthur few words because it’s so visual, so densely plotted, so um trader dies of an apparent overdose; bombings in Conan Doyle stories. It’s only the second movie, so they well acted. It really is a terrific piece of entertainment that Strasbourg and Vienna; the death of an American steel can’t kill off the world’s greatest detective and his greatest strives to keep the audience on its collective toes and not magnate ... no one sees the connective thread be- adversary just yet, can they? just deliver a by-the-numbers mystery that can be figured tween these seemingly random events – no one, that You never know, because the film kicks off with a out by the time you finish your popcorn. If you enjoyed the is, except the great Sherlock Holmes, who has dis- rather surprising fatality. After that, you aren’t sure who first movie, put this on your “must see” list. If you’re still cerned a deliberate web of death and destruction. At will survive … except for Watson, of course, because as on the fence, I highly recommend it. If you’re a Holmes its center sits a singularly sinister spider: Moriarty. in the original books, the Holmes adventures are told by purist, it’s sure to irritate you but this is Sherlock Holmes Holmes’ investigation into Moriarty’s plot becomes more him. The film opens with Watson typing up his latest (and for a new generation … and maybe when it’s all said and dangerous as it leads him and Watson out of London to last?) story about Holmes’ encounter with Professor Mo- done, the movies will get that new generation interested t France, Germany and finally Switzerland. However, the riarty, who seems to be linked to a series of mysterious in reading the original stories.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 17 Lively Arts // Screen Savor

to give it Southern Discomfort texture and depth. To By Gregg Shapiro then terminated by the cruel Hilly (Bryce a c h i e v e Loving but sassy African-American maids Dallas Howard). Scooter has an idea for a Domestic this, I add- and housekeepers have been a staple book about the maids of Jackson and Elain ed pheas- Dandy ant feath- in Hollywood movies and TV shows for (Mary Steenburgen), an editor at Harper Jeffrey Clouser years. From Theresa Harris’s Zette in Je- and Row in New York, is interested. Mean- ers and zebel and Mammy (Hattie McDaniel) and while, Minny not only exacts the ultimate pinecones. Prissy (Butterfly revenge on Hilly The bril- McQueen) in Gone liant golden but also makes an I love decorating for the holidays. The With The Wind in browns of invaluable friend greenery, the sparkling decorations and the 1930s to Flor- the feath- in the shunned, the lush accessories make a wonderful ida (Esther Rolle) ers work social outsider glowing home for the holidays. on Maude and Flor- really well Celia (the equally This past Sunday, I began decorating ence (Marla Gibbs) with the ubiquitous Jessica our home. Unfortunately, after 3 hours I on The Jeffersons shine of the Chastain). didn’t get much further than my mantel... in the 1970s, there gold orna- The Help, but isn’t that why we begin decorating so are more than ments and the gleam of the golden apples which could afford early for the holidays… so we can get ev- enough examples. and add a warm and natural touch. to shed about 20 erything just so! The portrayal of these women reached its When I was satisfied with the garland, minutes, is nevertheless a film full of Os- This year I really peak more than 20 years ago in the Whoo- I added golden glass car-worthy lead performances (as well as wanted a lush look for pi Goldberg/Sissy Spacek vehicle The candlesticks and orbs several supporting ones), powerful social our mantel, complete Long Walk Home, about the Montgomery, to catch the light and messages, and enough laughs and tears with greenery cascad- Alabama, bus boycott of the 1950s. captivate the eye. to require a full box of tissues. In the blu- ing down the sides of Based on Kathryn Stockett’s acclaimed Note: To give my- ray and DVD combo pack, the blu-ray bo- our fireplace. Unfortu- and bestselling novel of the same name, self enough room to nus material includes deleted scenes, fea- nately, none of our gar- The Help (Touchstone/DreamWorks) is set place items on the turettes and the Mary J. Blige music video lands was long enough in 1960s Mississippi, where one can see mantel, I wired the for The Living Proof. to create the desired that not much has changed in race rela- garland to the front You’d think it was a slow year on effect. I didn’t want to tions since the fifties or the Civil War, for of the mantel using Broadway when Memphis (Shout Factory) purchase new green- that matter. small nails and floral won four 2010 Tony awards, including Best ery, so after a consulta- Most of the white society women of wire. This gives you a Musical. However, it was the year of Amer- tion with the husband, Jackson treat their maids as less than hu- nice wide flat surface ican Idiot, Fela! and Million Dollar Quartet, we decided to snip man, refusing to share toilets with them. to work with. so that isn’t the case. one of our pre-existing Yet these maids are indispensable in the To complete the Whatever the reason, Memphis (book garlands in half with kitchen and in the nursery where they es- look, I added classic by Joe DiPietro and score by DiPietro and wire cutters and attach sentially raise the children of these women urns filled with pheas- David Bryan), won some big prizes. The each of those ends to who can barely conceal their disdain for ant feathers at the Blu-ray, featuring the original Broadway our smaller garland to them. base of each side of cast, tells the story of the rise of Mem- create a long luxurious Then along comes Eugenia (the ubiq- the hanging garland phis DJ Huey (Chad Kimball), whose ac- look. uitous Emma Stone), a.k.a. Scooter, fresh and hung strings of cent can best be described as distracting, Once, the greenery from college with her wild and frizzy hair golden beads under and his singing girlfriend Felicia (Montego was in place, I began and her progressive attitudes. the mantel. Glover), from small-time radio to TV and adding golden apples and ornaments to For her first job, Scooter is hired by Now that the mantel is complete, I’ll concert halls. the garland to add some glitter and gold. newspaper editor Mr. Blackly (gay actor sip some wine in front of the fire and think It’s not really as simple as that, be- I loved the look, but it needed something t Leslie Jordan) to fill in for the cleaning cause Huey was white and Felicia was about my plans for the rest of our home! advice columnist. Of course, raised by a African-American and early 1950s Mem- maid herself, Scooter knows nothing about phis was a hostile and hideous place for cleaning or housekeeping. mixed race relationships. Not to mention So, at a card game/social at the home that Memphis’s airwaves weren’t exactly of old friend Elizabeth (Ahna O’Reilly), she the most welcoming when it came to play- solicits the aid of maid Aibileen (Viola Da- ing what was then called “race music.” vis), who graciously agrees to help. But the Combining the stories of the birth of combination of observing Aibileen’s treat- rock and roll with elements of the civil ment and her own mother Charlotte’s (Al- rights movement, Memphis borrows lib- lison Janney) tight-lipped behavior regard- erally from other sources, including Hair- ing the mysterious absence of her beloved spray. housekeeper Constantine (Cicely Tyson), Glover is the best part of the show, sets Skeeter on a path she never expected making her musical numbers the only thing to follow. to look forward to in Memphis. Blu-ray spe- Pretty soon, Scooter is arranging in- cial features include cast interviews, the terviews with other maids, including Minny How Memphis was Captured featurette (Octavia Spencer), who is employed and and more. t

18 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com Santa Breaks the Silence and cookies. What’s that all about? Do sue. Going forward Vixen will use the la- that everyday people have. That’s just not – continued from front page you really slip down chimneys? dies room wherever she goes. That much realistic. I’m more than just a jolly old man, SC: I usually take the stairs. Heck, is decided. Nevertheless, Vixen is consid- I’m a real person. I will not be defined by most homes don’t even have chimneys ering staying at the Columbia Inn in Pine a public perception. I think that’s why I de- SC: I’m for it. I know marriages have nowadays. But occasionally I see a home Tree, Vermont, while we are in Massachu- cided to stand up for LGBT rights. their ups and downs, but by and large, I that has been decorated in such a tradi- setts as a protest against the new Massa- BOL: How so? think they should all aim to be gay. Who tional manner that I get nostalgic. Some- chusetts gender identity law that excludes SC: Just like LGBT folks, I’m judged by would want a joyless marriage? times it requires a little personal lubricant. public accommodations. a cliché, maybe the cliché has an element BOL: Maybe I phrased that wrong. But I do it when I can. BOL: You’re kidding. of truth, but that’s not my totality. It’s time What I meant to say is that the chil- The whole milk and cookies thing is get- SC: No I’m not. She is steaming mad to break through the stereotypes. I want to dren of loving and committed same-sex ting better. People are starting to leave nutri- at the comments made by Barney Frank in make a difference, I want to create change. couples are deprived of a sense of fam- tious snacks, and that’s a lot better on my the December 9 Washington Blade. BOL: Well, if anyone can do that, you ily when their parents aren’t allowed to bearish physique. It’s a busy night though, BOL: Really? What did he say? certainly have the street cred. Besides marry. Should people of the same sex so many of the snacks go back to the work- SC: In speaking of transgender activ- this interview, what’s your next move? be allowed to marry? shop with me for the elves. Just in case any- ists who opposed the Massachusetts bill, SC: I’ll be starting right after Christ- SC: Oh, of course. That’s especially one is interested, the he said, “Martin Luther mas. I have a plan. There’s this little trans- important for families with children. But elves have a passion for King and the other civil girl in Baltimore who wants scarlet ribbons couples without children should enjoy the Grand Marnier. rights leaders would not for for her hair. So that’s going to be my last same rights as straight folks. This inequal- BOL: Speaking a second have hesitated to stop. It will be late, I’m sure by then all the ity just does not make sense. That’s why of the workshop, I accept that deal.” stores will closed and shuttered and all I’m glad I’m here, maybe I can do some- notice that Santa’s BOL: He thinks Dr. the streets will be dark and bare. Never- thing about it. Workshop is not list- King would have accept- theless, I’ll be there with scarlet ribbons in BOL: What can you do about it? ed in HRC’s “Best ed an anti-discrimination gay profusion. SC: I know who has been naughty or Places to Work,” nor law that omitted public Then I plan to spend a little over a nice (interviewer blushes), in ten days is it even included in accommodations, really? month in Charm City getting to know the I make my trip around the world and the the survey. Does the SC: Yeah, I think he people. It’s the gayest city in America, so naughty haters will see the side of me that workshop have LGBT picked a good time to re- I think that’s where I should start my edu- is rarely revealed in storybooks. I take that inclusive policies? tire. cation. Then on January 25, I’ll be at the list very seriously. Why are you blushing? SC: I can’t imagine BOL: Is Mrs. Clause Creating Change Conference. BOL: This interview is not about me. why we were not list- behind you in this deci- BOL: Will you be “out” to our Balti- SC: Ho! Ho! Ho! ed. But when I at look ‘They had the cuffs on me and sion to end your silence more readers and visitors? BOL: Enough about me, you bring at HRC’s list it seems were reading me my rights. on LGBT issues? SC: Yeah, I’ll be there with bells on. t up your yearly trip around the world. more than a little top Then the family intervened and SC: Absolutely, she is Now that you’ve come out as an ally of heavy with some of the explained…” an amazing ally. LGBT families, isn’t that going to cause financial institutions BOL: Many folks have some difficulties when you go to coun- that led to the near financial collapse of the wondered about your family life. Ru- COME TO DRAG BINGO tries and regions that are homophobic? worldwide economy. It might be because mors started surfacing in 1952 when Join us for an evening of fun, SC: Oh, the strategy is much the same we have no revenue; we just do this for the 13-year-old Billie Boyd first called you fellowship, & fantastic prizes as when I visit atheistic regimes and coun- 99 percent for free. Thousands of elves do out when he saw you kissing his mom, tries that are unfriendly to Christmas be- this work as part of a proletarian collective. then again, in 1970, with Michael Jack- Only $20 For 15 Rounds Of Bingo cause it is seen a Christian tradition. We are HRC’s not interested in that sort of thing. son. Plus 5 Free Games For Early Arrivals! quite adept at flying below the radar. Sure, To answer your question, though, we SC: It’s just a kiss. Mrs. Santa and I Bring a can food and get a free game! we’ve made mistakes. Once during the cold started our diversity-training program in have an open marriage, and a very happy war we were mistaken for an ICBM. We also 1939, when my ninth reindeer, Rudolph, one. I guess what surprises me is that no CHECK IT OUT! have new stealth technology. was bullied because of his very shiny nose. one has written a song about daddy kiss- WIN CASH PRIZES • 50/50 CASH RAFFLE 8PM TICKETS GO ON SALE • 9PM GAMES BEGIN BOL: Fascinating. Speaking of tradi- You see, back then, a shiny nose was con- ing Santa Clause. I often hang out with the tion, I’ve often wondered about the tra- sidered gay among the reindeer, sort of guys helping them put the bikes together. & dition of going down the chimney and like a guy wearing pink in the 1930’s. BOL: Much of what we know about P.W.’s SPORTS BAR GRILL 9855 n. washington Blvd., laurel, MD 20723 the tradition of children leaving milk BOL: So you’re saying Rudolph was you comes from popular music. In 1978, gay, or just perceived to be gay? Randy brooks wrote about Grandma be- Benefiting ufc of columbia SC: When it comes to discrimination, ing run over by a reindeer. I heard you & laurel advocacy & referral services it really doesn’t matter. But yeah, Rudolph served some time for that. Host: Regina Jozet Adams has been out and proud since 1940. SC: You heard wrong. I was never even Special Guest: Helena Hologram BOL: How about transgender poli- arrested. They had the cuffs on me and Performers: Tania LaShay, Naomi Chloe, cies, how does the workshop handle were reading me my rights. Then the fam- Miss Sasha, and Anatasia Amor those issues? ily intervened and explained that Grandma SC: We have many trans-elves, and may have had too much eggnog. It was all of course, Vixen transitioned just recently. a big misunderstanding. We have a fully inclusive workshop. For BOL: You started out talking about us, that just came about naturally because Christmas and the children, all that we believe in the personal dignity of all. family values stuff. The Grandma inci- We have made mistakes in the past. For dent and the open marriage thing seem instance, in former trips Vixen would just to run contrary to that, what’s that all hold her bladder when we visited transpho- about? bic territory. SC: No contradiction really. Once one Regina Jozet Adams Just last night we had a high level becomes a media personality people ex- meeting where we discussed this very is- pect you not to have the same challenges BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 19 Christmas Party New Year’s Eve December 17th Complementary starting @8:30 pm Hat’s, Horns & Champaign Pictures with santa & elf $2 Karaoke with DJ “Billy” Lite buffet @ 1am raffle Drawing @ 1am OPEN Till …

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20 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com DINING

I had the Muffin Eggsplosion, with the muffin of your choice (I picked Or- ange Cranberry) dipped in egg whites and grilled, topped with English cream, ba- Adventures nana, kiwi, and roasted almonds. “Wow!” in Baltimore is really all I can think to say. This was so Restaurants yummy I never wanted it to end. The only Jessica Lemmo thing I would have asked for is some more English cream. The roasted almonds add both texture and a wonderful crunch. E ggspectations My Aunt had the Eggstravaganza- two eggs (any style) and two slices of French 6010 University Boulevard toast, choice of sausage, ham, Canadian Ellicott City, MD 21043 bacon or ba- con, served with 410-750-3115 grilled potatoes and chef’s fruit My Aunt was in town from Portland, OR to garnish. Over all visit for a few days so before a day of shop- it was a nice size. ping in Ellicott City we went for brunch at The flavor was av- Eggspectations. This restaurant is an up- erage but nothing scale casual dining restaurant with a great compared to the décor utilizing the theme “Les Cirques Eggsplosion. des Oeufs” (Circus of eggs). The menu Our server features 160 items, including appetizers, was spot on and soups, salads, sandwiches, chicken, fish, very helpful. She steaks, pasta, and a large assortment checked in in with of high-end egg and crepe dishes which us just the perfect amount of time. Overall, are available all day long. Their specialty, the food was good along with the service Eggs Benedict, is offered in over a dozen and décor. I am already looking over the t different ways. menu as to what I want next time I go. O serfecR srivate sarty Now booking for Holiday Parties, Happy Hours & Corporate events. • Private Room • Dance Floor • Full Bar • Lounge Seating • PA System • Great Food & Drinks!

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 21 your money // real estate

about daily results. In real estate, while home ownership and that source of wealth A New Year Resolution there is no market indicator to follow, there will become even more important in deter- can be press releases every few days with mining a retiree’s quality of life after leav- As 2011 winds down, there are only a few contradictory results based on different loca- ing their jobs. things we can know for sure. One of those tions. The importance of each bit of data can Would having professional assistance things is that the real estate market will be confusing. Past long term performance of make you feel more comfortable in going continue to be a major topic of concern and real estate as an investment indicates you through this evaluation process? conversation in 2012. With a growth in con- should see a small rise in your home’s value While most people buy and sell homes sumer confidence in November, continued Real Estate over that period. Even if prices stay level, by only a few times in their lives, professional low interest rates, and a slight increase in Today making your monthly mortgage payments you realtors guide their clients through many activity in the market this December, there Wayne Curtis will have been building equity in the property such transactions every year. We can help is more than a glimmer of hope that the and you will have been reaping tax benefits you avoid some of the most common pitfalls, New Year will finally (finally!) bring some from being a homeowner. You will not have and represent your interests through the in- welcome relief to housing, which will aid a change in lifestyle that will influence your been stuffing your money into someone tense negotiations that can sometimes take the economic recovery. daily routine for a few years. How much else’s bank account! There are several online place to deal with important issues. We can So, with that hope in mind, here are a living space will that require? What other calculators to help you compare the econom- also recommend ethical, competent profes- series of questions you might ask yourself amenities would you want? Can you see ic advantage of buying over renting. I link to a sionals to build a team – mortgage officers, this New Year’s Eve to help you decide that new life taking place in a home that particularly good one at Rentorbuybaltimore. title officers, home inspectors, and more if 2012 is the year that you should buy a someone else owns? com. – to make sure you have the best people home. How long have you been in your job, Did you know that home ownership working on your behalf. How long do you anticipate being in and do you feel secure in it? has been the largest source of individual However, you decide to proceed in Baltimore? One of the most common reasons that wealth in American history? 2012, I hope you have a wonderful year The average American homeowner first-time buyers have been hesitating to It’s true, and there have been many and that it is the first of many. t stays in their home 5-7 years. If you think enter the housing market is uncertainty studies that quantified it over time. Buying Wayne Curtis has been a licensed real that because of your job, education, or over the depth of the economic downturn, a home is the largest monetary transaction estate agent since 1998. He has created a family life that you will not be in the region and whether their job is secure. that most people ever experience, and it new website just to help first time home- for a minimum ofy 3 years, then perhaps Certainly if you work for a new start-up is the growth in equity in their home that buyers decide whether they should rent or renting makes more sense for you. If, how- company, or if you have only been in your provides the average American’s greatest buy: Rentorbuybaltimore.com. If you have ever, you don’t foresee relocation within job a few months, this economy might not source of personal net worth. questions you’d like to see this column an- that timeframe, then you should definitely be too kind to your source of income. Buy- As we move through the 21st centu- swer, please write him at wayne@charmci- consider buying over renting. ing a home might not make sense. ry, with retirement programs in jeopardy, tyrealestate.com. Where do you want to live? However, in this region, a fair number If you love the popular neighborhoods of institutions and agencies of govern- within walking distance to the Inner Har- ment – state, local and federal – provide Jeffrey Tessmer • J�m m����� m����� bor, Fells Point, O’Donnell Square, the stable, secure employment year after year. Can Company, or other regional attrac- If you are in that situation, then you are in 701 s. Broadway • Baltimore, mD 21231 tions, then you will be paying top dollar to a prime position to capitalize on this most rent. Of the 41 rental apartments listed in affordable housing market. jeffrey.tessmer@�Nf.COm • jim.mikula@�Nf.COm those areas on October 31, the average Do you believe that home prices in this rent was $2000 per month. region have stabilized? Most landlords will require that you Statistics for the Baltimore-Washington provide a first and last month’s rent, pet metro areas say, “Yes, they have.” It ap- deposit (if you own a small pet), fees for pears that we have hit a rough bottom that the real estate agent and for your cred- will bounce around a bit, but there isn’t any it report(s). You could easily be writing significant price depreciation at this time. checks for more than $4500 just to secure Our inventory of homes for sale is decreas- that prime rental you want. A $2000 month- ing, and the number of transactions is be- ly rent means you will also be paying your ginning to slowly increase. landlord $24,000 without having any equi- With supply falling and demand begin- ty, and no housing-related tax deductions ning to move up, basic economics would on your Federal income tax return. argue that we should start to see some What life changes may happen during modest price increases by this time next that time: will you marry? Have children? year. Nobody has a crystal ball, but most Mortgages are hovering at historic first-time buyers are considering the pur- lows, in the 4% range. Add that to the mix, Season Greetings from us to you! chase for specific reasons. Perhaps they and it would seem that the most afford- feel that they have reached a point in able time to jump into the housing market their lives where they want to start a fam- is now. ily. Some may be far from settling down in If home prices stabilized but did not the marital sense, but have had a landlord increase over the next three years, would raise the rent every year and want some you be comfortable with the investment? kind of security in their home. There are Whether you invest in stocks, pork too many motivations to list, so what is the bellies, or real estate, most professionals impulse in your life that is making you con- encourage the individual investor to take a O - 410-675-5500 Jeffrey C - 410-218-5235 Jim C - 410-960-2836 sider this move? Most likely you anticipate long-term view and not be too concerned 22 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com Happy Holidays from Your Howard Happy Holidays to All County Real Estate Resource

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Seasons Greetings & a Happy New Year!

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 23 it all in, all those hot men in leather, those to SPEAK (Suicide festive decorations, and the disco music! I Prevention Educa- closed my eyes for a second and it was all tion Awareness for gone. I was back in my bed. I fell asleep Kids). What a hap- A beep from my cell phone woke me py gathering. What up. There was another leather man at the a great mix of peo- foot of my bed. This one was much young- ple! I went to push er and his leather pants had yellow stripes my way through down the sides. He was a handsome little the crowd to get guy with a twinkle in his eye. He said that another draft from A Daddy he was the Ghost of Daddy Christmas the Club Bar when Present and I better come with him to the suddenly I was Baltimore Eagle or I would miss the whole back in my bed. Christmas thing! He looked familiar, but I couldn’t think There must of his name. (That happens to me often. I have been some- Carol usually just pretend that I remember. Hey, I thing in those can be as sweet as saccharin and twice as Jell-O shots be- It was the night before the ShipMates’ An- artificial.) As he took my hand, I was sud- cause there soon nual Daddy Christmas Benefit. I had just denly at the Baltimore Eagle. It was Dad- was another man come home from the Baltimore Eagle dy Christmas 2011! What a great crowd. at the foot of my to check on the holiday decorations. I There were folks in leather and many oth- bed. (Lord, my bed was delighted to see that the staff of the ers in jeans. There were two bootblacks at hadn’t seen this much action in years!) He stays home on their computers.” “So this is bar did a wonderful job getting the place the entrance and sitting under a stunning was rather average looking and dressed the future?” I asked. “It doesn’t have to be,” ready for the holidays. They even put up Christmas tree as Santa was Mr. Mary- in khaki pants and a polo shirt. He said he he answered. “These shadows are only a a beautiful Christmas tree right at the spot land Leather 1991 Troy Leonheart- the was the Ghost of Daddy Christmas Future vision of what could be.” I closed my eyes where Santa’s chair was going to and invited me to go downtown with him. and put my hands over my face. be placed for the Santa pictures. On second look, he was a little above aver- When I opened my eyes, I was back I was excited, but exhausted from age looking so I took his hand. Suddenly in my room. I looked out the window and a a busy day running around getting I was in Mt. Vernon at Charles and Eager boy in leather was walking down the side- things together. I fell into my bed Street. I wondered where Daddy Christmas walk. “What day is it?” I shouted. “Why it is and crawled under the covers. was being held. I turned to ask my stranger, December 3rd,” he replied. “I am sorry to I was awakened by a rattling but he was gone. It must be at the Hippo rush off, but I don’t want to miss the Ship- of chains. (It wasn’t the first night I thought. That is where he took me. The Mates’ Daddy Christmas 2011 at the Balti- I was awakened by such a sound building was there, but it had a new name. more Eagle.” I got up and ran to my clos- so I wasn’t frightened.) A man was It was called “Dicks.” There was a sign in et to get my chaps and my leather vest. standing at the foot of my bed. Had the window, which said that they were hav- I hadn’t missed a thing. It was all still all I brought more home from the bar ing a special on drivers. I rushed in! The bar there. I hope you don’t miss out either. Go then just a hangover? From the light was gone and replaced with rows of sport- out on the town tonight and have a won- entering the darken room from the ing goods. There wasn’t a beer or cocktail derful holiday season! t streetlight below I could tell that he in sight. I looked out the window was dressed in black leather from at Grand Central across the street head to foot. He had a huge mus- and it had a new name too. It must tache and I could see my reflection be a drag bar now I thought. It in his mirrored sunglasses. (Lord, was called “Ruby Tuesday’s.” I ran my hair was a mess!) “Do I know over and it was filled with straight you?” I asked. “You did,” he replied. families and crying babies! I had “I am the Ghost of Daddy Christ- to get out of there. I ran over to- mas Past. Come back with me. I wards Leon’s for a much needed know you remember it well.” As he beer and it had become additional reached out his hand for me, the office space for the Catholic Re- room started to change. I wasn’t in view. This is a nightmare! Oh well, my bedroom anymore. I was in The there is always a fun gang over Gallery Bar on Maryland Avenue in at The Drinkery. I ran down Park Baltimore. Across the smoke – filled Avenue towards W. Read Street. room, I saw nothing but burly men in The buildings in that block had full leather. I saw some ShipMates been replaced with a big new brick that I had not seen in a long time. building. They must have built a Boy, did they look good. The lighting must very first Mr. Maryland Leather. He looked big new bar I thought. It had to have been just right because they looked so hot! Who wouldn’t want to sit on that lap? be a fun club. It was called “B. young. Plus the Christmas decorations were There were five ShipMate pledges running J.’s.” Again, I was disappointed. so elaborate. I hadn’t seen that much cotton around in sailor hats. Plus those holiday (I mean really disappointed!) I snow outside of Macy’s window. An enor- Jell-O shots were off the hook! In the back turned to walk out and there was mous pumpkin sat on top of the ice machine. pool room there was a silent auction, a my tour guide. “What happened?” It was obviously a leftover from Halloween, flea market of porn, and a red wagon full I asked. “Where is everything?” but it had been covered in glitter and filled of booze that was raffled off at 1:00 a.m. “People stopped going out a long with poinsettias. What a sight! I tried to take All proceeds from the evening were going time ago” he said. “Everyone just

24 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com Community Bulletin Board December 16 The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Fridays After Five at the Maryland Science December 27 Starts 31st Season with a holiday show titled Red & Greene Center and National Aquarium. Baltimore Choral Arts featuring Ellen Greene, Broadway’s original Audrey from Every Friday evening through March, guests can explore PFLAG Baltimore County Sing-Along Messiah Little Shop of Horrors and Vivian from the ABC television the National Aquarium or the Maryland Science Center PFLAG Baltimore County will be holding a bring a dish Back by popular demand! Music Director series Pushing Daisies. The Sunday show will be interpreted after 5:00 p.m. $8. For more details and to purchase of food to share event. Director of Equality Maryland, and Tom Hall leads the Chorus, Orchestra, in ASL. Lisner Auditorium on the campus of George tickets, visit the National Aquarium and the Maryland Manley Calhoun, Field Representative for Marylanders for and YOU the audience in the magnificent Washington University, 730 21st Street, NW, Washington, Science Center online. Marriage Equality will be available to talk about what is choruses of Handel’s “Messiah.” Enjoy DC. Tickets are $25 - $50 and can be purchased online. going on with the efforts of their respective organizations. Towson Unitarian Universalist Church. 1710 Dulaney Valley the surround-sound of this exhilarating www.gmcw.org, by calling (202)293-1548, or at the door. December 17 experience. Tom Hall will be your musical coach and Group Rates are available. Road, Lutherville, MD. 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m whimsical guide. No experience necessary! Bring your own Diary of a M.I.L.F musical score or purchase one at the concert. Gender Edge Punk Arts Show (Mom I’d Love to Follow) MESHELLE’s new one act show December 28 Kraushaar Auditorium at Goucher College, Variance breeds militancy and there is so much to be stated, features her signature “Indie-Mom” tight in the waist, cute Transgender Issues Working Group 1021 Dulaney Valley Road in Towson. expressed, shared, and released! Members and allies of the in the face stand-up comedy where she takes on the all things “HOLIDAY,” from the freaky white Santa Claus that The input and perspective of our transgender supporters 7:30 p.m. Parking is free! Gender EDGE collective / punk arts movement will descend is vital for the advancement of transgender issues, General Admission. To purchase tickets go to www. upon 2640. It’s all unofficial, it’s majorly DIY, it’s needed, traumatized all the black kids who sat on his lap, to the newly “released” relatives that show up to dinner. legislation and education in our community. The working baltimorechoralarts.org it’s not about being proper….it’s about being pist, proud, and group meets every other Wednesday. Equality Maryland fiercely empowered. The 2640 Space, 2640 Saint Paul Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St., Baltimore, MD. Cocktail reception @ 7:00 p.m. Show @ 8:00 p.m. offices. 1201 S. Sharp Street, Baltimore, MD 21230. 7:00 Street Baltimore, MD, 7:00 p.m. Sliding scale, $5 to $10, no p.m. Free, registration required. For info contact owen@ one turned away for lack of funds. Tickets prices are: $15 General Admission. $10 Students with ID. For more information call 410-752-8558. equalitymaryland.org Kinsey Sicks in- Oy Vey in a Manger A national sensation, the dragapella beautyshop quartet presents Oy Vey in a Manger. The manger (yes that one!) is foreclosed on. Mayhem ensues.. all in glorious four-part harmony! Creative Alliance at the Patterson, 3134 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD. 410-276-1651. 7:30 p.m. & 10:00 p.m. $27,non members $22 members.

Fri., Dec. 16 • 7pm SAT., Dec. 24 • 1pm Christmas Eve New Years Eve New Year’s Day The Community Raven’s Party KARAOKE Start Your Night Off with Our Kick off the year with DOOr prize: A HOLIDAY TWIST Early Bird Special the Ravens @1pm Holiday Gala 2-4-1 on All rail Drinks, Domestic entrance Fee: 1 BOTTLe OF cALL LiquOr enjoy A Light Buffet Beers, Drafts & House Wines 5-10pm party chow raffle of the Flat screen TV A Nonperishable Food item You call … it it’s Yours! Join Our Yearly carpool 10pm Karaoke mrs. Santa, Happy Hour prices, Free to midnight Services Kicks Off for The Night & Goes On cocktails, Santa’s elves, Buffet, Fabulous As Long As You Go On Silent Auction, Karaoke, Local Art, and OUT OF RESPECT TO FAMILY more. Your Shot to Help The Needy & AND STAFF ROWAN TREE IS Midnight champagne Toast on The House Network The community CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY prOceeDS DONATeD 2pm is Chow Time Federal Hill main St. w/Buffet to Give You Staying power Sober – emergency Food Bank 4am The Tree rolls Back The Time to Dog rescue Of maryland The Allen center For Seniors Happy Hour Pricing Till 8pm January 1st

1633 South charles St., Federal Hill 410.468.0550 www.therowantree.net All through the season the tree offers one stop donation boxes. Just drop a toy for our hiv children. Just drop a nonperishable food item. We take it from there.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 25 TRAVEL Experience the Iconic Charm of the Las Vegas A flashy, glitzy, decadent mi- screens scattered throughout the venue display rage in the middle of the desert, custom graphics, and a state-of-the-art sound Las Vegas is one of the most system. Depending on the night of the week popular tourist destinations in that you decide to venture out Krave, a 17,000 the world. Whether you’re com- square foot entertainment venue that is home ing to catch a show, gamble or to the Krave Lounge, Krave Nightclub and Har- just lounge by the pool at one of mon Theatre, were you’re going to find different the excellent hotels, ‘Sin City’ themed event. This is a gorgeous venue with is the perfect LGBT getaway. visiting and local gays. With a number of gay clubs on Vegas is all about cheesy décor and over- the Strip and in the Fruit Loop done everything, like Cher’s make-up in her (the ‘gayborhood’), there’s a Caesars Palace show. Peppermill is no different, great time to be had no matter it’s dated and cheesy but in a good old fashion what day you’re in town. Vegas way. The atmosphere is bizarre, the food For those of you who like is anything but five star, but when the sun goes it hot, Las Vegas is the city for down and you’re looking for a fun place to relax you. On average, you’ll see the sun shining about 300 days popular gay friendly bars and nightclubs in Vegas. The Las and eat with your friends, Peppermill is pretty fail proof. a year and only about a month’s worth of rainfall. In the Vegas Hilton also has a gay-friendly, diverse staff where they Las Vegas’ most awarded and honored Restaurant is summer, months expect triple digit temperatures, in the ensure every guest feels cared for, valued and respected. open in the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, located on winter months the weather will dip to the high 50s. As the Las Vegas Hilton is just a quick monorail ride away the world famous Las Vegas Strip. Andre’s Restaurant & There are taxis everywhere you turn in Las Vegas, from the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip. The hotel Lounge now has a new sexy, luxurious, and modern urban looking to take tourists and locals where they need to go. provides a concierge to help you plan everything from fabulous feel, new offerings, and a new chef de cuisine. There is also a bus service, RTC, which serves Las Vegas, nights out on the town to commitment ceremonies, helicopter Just a few miles away from the Strip on Sahara Avenue, Henderson, North Las Vegas and other suburban areas. tours through the Grand Canyon, Guided SUV tours through you will find Commercial Center, the oldest strip mall in Vegas. Las Vegas Hilton boasts a 24-hour casino, exquisite cui- the Hoover Dam, and hiking through the Valley of Fire. Here you will find the LGBT Community Center, the Onyx The- sine (the world’s largest Benihana restaurant), a rejuvenat- As for the nightlife you can try the Beatles Revolution atre (home to Naked Boys Singing) and several bars. For the ing spa, meeting facilities, and a close proximity to the most Lounge, a nightlife experience created by Cirque du Soleil, cowboy in us all you will find Badland’s Saloon, where on any takes guests on an evolution- given night the Gay Rodeo Association may be hosting a beer ary journey, where both mu- bust event or a cowboy drag show. sic and interior transform cre- Across the parking is the Spotlight Lounge, that may look rough ating a psychedelic sensory at first but after your first drink it’s not that bad. There are pool tables Triple LLL environment. Revolution of- inside and a small stage used for drag shows, this is a place you Leon’s LeaTher Lounge fers a gay night every Sunday go to “pre-game it” before heading on to other places in town. 227 W. Chase Street 410-539-4850 www.LeonsLeatherLounge.com night called Closet Sundays. The Fruit Loop is Las Vegas’ most well known gay dis- If the dance club is trict, located about one mile off the strip on Paradise Road more for you, try the Pi- at Naples Drive. Here you will find a place for all tastes, Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays ranha Nightclub a funky from Piranha nightclub for dancing to the Buffalo with the Male Review Bear Happy Hour Karaoke lounge and gay dance club leather guys and cheap drinks to FreeZone for the Les- 8:30 pm 4 to 10 pm 8 to Midnight gives the legendary Gipsy bians. Most bars in this area have no cover charge and a run for its money. Here drinks prices are well within reason. For additional infor- Drink specials there are no video poker mation on local events and activities in the Las Vegas LGBT CusTomer machines, a feature that community, check out the Gay and Lesbian Community Cen- is always refreshing in this ter of Southern Nevada website. t AppreCiATion gaming-based city. LCD Material provided for this report provided by gaytravel.com. pArTy Saturday Dec. 17 Free Buffet at 6pm Extended Happy Hour

Till Midnight NAUCZYCIEL FREDERIC CREDIT PHOTO Join Us for neW yeAr’s eve Champagne Toast at Midnight And Much More

Leons VOTED ONE OF THE BEST BARS IN BALTIMORE 2010 870 Park Avenue 410.539.4993’ Baltimore’s Best Happy Hour 26 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com for a Dental Practice, so I do have a day job. SK: Of all the many shows you have done, what would you say is the one that had the most impact on your life? Sam DG: Impact on my life? I think in terms Unfiltered of having the best experience and playing Sam Kunz something I did very well. Was the “25th annual Putnam country spelling bee” It’s something that will remain with me and I hope every actor gets to experience some- Drew Gaver: thing akin to that. SK: Is it something you can see hap- Thespian pening again? DG: If I could do that role and that It is always a pleasure to introduce new tal- show for the rest of my life, I would. If I ent in Baltimore and this week is no excep- were ever presented with that opportunity tion. This is an actor I met about 10 years again I would. ago during a production of a Chinese op- SK: Who would you count as among era. If you want the details, you’ll your contemporaries? have to ask him, ladies and gen- DG: I do a lot of musical tlemen; Baltimore thespian, Drew theater. I identify with actors Gaver. who have musical talent. Sam Kunz: Thanks for tak- I don’t consider myself a ing the time to talk to us to- singer. I am not trained mu- night. So how long have you sically at all. I don’t read mu- been in the acting game? sic. I don’t consider myself Drew Gaver: The freshman to be a singer who acts, but year of high school is when I an actor who sings. I would started. So that would have been say I identify with, Neil Pat- 1996 which makes it years. rick Harris. He has a good Sam Kunz: Where did you acting career. He sings, but go to school and train, or did that’s not what people know you? him for. So I would like to DG: I graduated with a the- D rew Gaver be known for my acting first ater degree from Western Mary- and my singing second. land College, now McDaniel Col- SK: Who would say lege. It changed two years into my degree you would like most to be like in the act- CELEBRATE THE SEASON program. That’s when I found my passion, ing world? AND GIVE THE GIFT OF FITNESS! acting. DG: I have forever had a love for Patti SK: Do you find acting comes easy, Lapone and she has had a career for act- or is it something that must be honed? ing forever, since the 70s. To be known DG: I think it’s a little bit of both. You as a legend. I like the fact that not every- are born with it and it’s something that you one likes her. You love her or you hate learn as a technique. You need the tech- her. I admire that, also that she has had nique to get better. I think you are born just as great acting career as she had in able to do it or not. Not saying those that singing. want to act don’t have talent. But you gotta SK: What do you have coming up, have the drive. It’s a passion that’s inside what’s next for Drew? of you. DG: I don’t have any set shows right SK: What was your last production? now until spring. I have been doing au- DG: I just finished the Rocky Horror ditions. So upcoming I do have You’re a Picture Show at the Baltimore Theater good man, Charlie Brown, I will be Linus Y Join now and receive a APP HOU Project. in May. R Y R! SK: What was your favorite thing SK: What do you want Baltimore to 1-month gift member- FO Meet adoptable about it? know about Drew Gaver. This is your S animals from MAS Rescue DG: I played Brad. It was a really fun chance to speak to our readers. ship for a friend!* U the first Tuesday of Every month role for me. It was a big transformation DG: I have been very fortunate to be FROM n AT -EADOW -ILL
N Beer, wine, compimentary for me. Well, I start the show in a suit and in an area where there is a thriving artis- *Offer expires Dec. 31, 2011. I O appetizers and puppies! I end in a red leather thong. So its a big tic community where there are lots of op- *Certain restrictions apply. change. Those that know me, I am not that portunities for actors like myself who don’t J (Kittens, dogs , and cats, too!) kind of person. But it’s fun to expand your do it professionally. I am very thankful for horizons. the opportunities. I would urge the readers SK: Least? to know that there are so many different DG: We did midnight shows. I am get- smaller theatre groups that need your sup- ting too old to do that. When you work all port just as much as the Hippodrome and WWWMEADOWMILLCOM s  day, after all, I am a financial coordinator the Lyric. t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 27 TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS, CLUB HIPPO DECEMBER 10, 2011 PHOTOS BY JAY W. PHOTOGRAPHY

28 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 16, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com HOLIDAY PARTY THE QUEST DECEMBER 10, 2011 PHOTOS BY STEVE CHARING & BOB FORD

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