OAN INDEPENDENTU VOICE FOR THET LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER COMMUNITIES March 22, 2013 | Volume X, Issue 21 Transgender Bill Dies in Committee By Steve Charing Brochin (D-Baltimore County,) Christopher Senate. But any concern was directed to- In a disappointing development to trans- Shank (R-Washington County) and Joseph wards the JPR given its make-up with con- gender equality activists and allies, the Getty (R-Baltimore and Carroll Counties). sistent opponents on the committee. Senate’s Judicial Proceedings Committee The bill had been introduced by Sen. Rich Carrie Evans, executive director of (JPR) on March 14 voted 6-to-5 to kill SB Madaleno (D-Montgomery County) and Equality Maryland, did not conceal her dis- 449, The Fairness for All Marylanders Act Sen. Raskin. dain for the JPR’s vote. “It is terribly disap- of 2013. The bill, if passed, would have Two weeks earlier hearings were held pointing that this committee failed to stand provided anti-discrimination protections on by the committee when some 40 sup- up for fairness and protect transgender the basis of gender identity and expres- porters and about 12 opponents testified. Marylanders,” she said in a statement. “In sion in housing, employment, and public There was cautious optimism at the time the past month more than 300 people vis- accommodations. that statewide protections would finally be ited their legislators in support of this bill. The six senators supporting the bill enacted. Twenty-three senators co-spon- Additionally, more than 400 constituents were Jamie Raskin (D-Montgomery Coun- sored the bill with 24 votes needed for pas- called their senators on this committee and ty), Brian Frosh (D-Montgomery County,) sage. Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” almost 2,000 constituent letters, petitions Lisa Gladden (D-Baltimore City,) Jennie Miller was backing the measure for the first and postcards in support of SB 449 were Forehand (D-Montgomery County) and time. And Governor Martin O’Malley was given to the 11 members of the commit- Robert Zirkin (D-Baltimore County. Those also supporting it. tee.” Evans was especially critical of Sen. opposed were Senators Norman Stone (D- At Lobby Day last month, several leg- Brochin’s vote. “He had at least 1,000 con- Baltimore County,) C. Anthony Muse (D- islators told Baltimore OUTloud that they stituents contact him asking him to support Prince George’s County,) Nancy Jacobs were confident the bill would sail through this bill. Despite this, he turned his back Sen. James Brochin, seen as (R-Cecil and Harford Counties,) James the House of Delegates once it passed the —continued on page 8 pivotal vote, disappoints

Will Schwartz AN INTERVIEW WITH WILL SCHWARTZ OF PSYCHIC FRIEND by asking you to say something about how you decided on the name Psychic Dreams Weaver Friend for your new band. Will Schwartz: It was probably always By Gregg Shapiro rial Teen projects with his electro outfit like this, but every name you think of is al- Musician Will Schwartz, of Hey Willpower and now with his brand ready taken [laughs]. I liked that it sounded Psychic Friend, first came new group Psychic Friend. With lesbian sort of cheeky, and kind of cool, too. In a to prominence as one of drummer Patty Schemel (of Hole fame) on more serious way, I like the idea of mak- the two gay male members drums, Psychic Friends has hipster super- ing music by accessing the place in the un- of the San Francisco band group written all over it. But it’s so much conscious that you channel. That’s the way Imperial Teen (perhaps more than that. Along with members Bo you create art or music. I also like the idea best known for its mod- Boddie and Tripp Beam, Psychic Friend of a psychic friend being a collaborator. I est 1999 hit single “Yoo makes irresistible modern pop music that guess I would say this project is mostly me Hoo”). As an active found- is easy on the ears on its full-length debut but it’s also collaboration. ing member of Imperial disc My Rocks Are Dreams (Dangerbird). GS: I’m glad you brought that up Teen, Schwartz could be A jingly jangly set of songs on par with the because I wanted to ask you about heard most recently on the best of Schwartz’s other acts, not to men- how you went about assembling the band’s stellar 2012 release tion current top notch releases by queer band, which includes Patty Schemel on Feel the Sound. artists such as Tegan and Sara, My Rocks drums? Not one to sit idle, Are Dreams is positively dreamy. I spoke WS: Patty and I were working on an- Schwartz has kept him- with Will Schwartz in early 2013. self busy between Impe- Gregg Shapiro: Will, I’d like to begin —continued on page 18 news // LOCAL Symposium Offers Insight Into Identity

By Denise R. Duarte tage point as a 53-year-old white feminist, how the black church’s body phobic culture that the feminist theory of her time was not creates a hyper-masculinity in the African- “There is no thing as a single-issue inclusively designed and left many women American culture that is derived from the Co-Publishers outside. I also agree with Lorde that the white value system of patriarchy. This in Jim Becker • Jim Williams struggle because we do not live single- [email protected] issue lives.” ― Audre Lorde male/female binary system is not an ac- turn, also negatively impacts lesbian and Executive Editor curate measure or classifying means for gay males in the church. Douglas called for Jim Becker Morgan State University’s Program in humanity. The problem was she was a a rewriting of the narrative to one of stabil- [email protected] Women and Gender Studies with the visionary that was far more advanced for ity and body acceptance. Managing Editor Maryland Department of Health and Men- her time than her contemporary white femi- Keith Boykin opened with news from [email protected] tal Hygiene’s No Wrong Door Project and nists. She understood and saw the inter- 2013’s Black History Month. He highlight- Sales Director ed that this February saw Mississippi final- Mary Taylor B More Proud presented a symposium on relationships between sexuality, gender, [email protected] Intersections: Sexuality, Gender, Race and race and ethnicity. These very words were ly ratify the 13th amendment, the Onion’s Leather Columnist Ethnicity on March 9. Kelly Brown Doug- the theme of the symposium. calling an actress a four letter word, the Rodney Burger one year anniversary of the Trayvon Martin las, author, and professor of philosophy Contributing Writers and religion at Goucher College and Keith “When we define ourselves, when I de- shooting and the U.S. Supreme Court vot- Joey Amato • Sharon Brackett • Rodney Burger • Boykin, New York Times best-selling au- fine myself, the place in which I am like you ing down part of the Voting Rights Act. Joshua Buchbinder • Steve Charing • Jeffrey Claggett • Jeffrey Clouser • Wayne Curtis • Woody Derricks • Denise R. thor and television commentator on poli- and the place in which I am not like you, Boykin outlined the similarities of op- Duarte • Chuck Duncan • Michael Farley • Jon Fairbanks • Gerry tics, race and sexual orientation were the I’m not excluding you from the joining – I’m position language to LGBTQ rights and Fisher • Bruce Garrett • Jeff Hammerberg • Dr. Eva Hersh • Shirli Hughes • Sam Kunz • Michelle Lanchester, Esq. • keynote speakers. broadening the joining.” civil rights. How every political campaign Dana LaRocca • Jessica Lemmo • Jay Loane • Rev. Meredith There were eight planned sessions ― Audre Lorde, Sister Outsider: Es- he worked for lost until he worked on Bill Moise • Bill Palmer • Gregg Shapiro throughout the day with topics ranging from says and Speeches Clinton’s campaign. His was a story of per- Graphics health, spirituality, activism and Baltimore Kelly Brown Douglas focused on rela- sistence and political and ideological faith. Joe Velasquez LGBT history. The symposium provided a tionship between the black church, wom- Boykin’s personal revelation was “So- Cartoonist platform for college students to cial Justice requires us to step outside of Bruce Garrett (Brucegarrett.com) present their research papers our identity.” He emphasized that we “can- Photographers Bruce Garrett • Jay W Photos to the Baltimore academic com- not talk about issues without talking about personal experiences.” He discussed the Web Editor munity. Anja Saine The unique aspect to this church’s being “politically progressive – [email protected] conference was that it was orga- socially conservative.” He stressed that Managed Web Services The Fusio Group nized to cover the multiple lay- we are in a “critical time for our country. A 866-322-7498, Thefusiogroup.com tendency among some that our problems ers of identity and life and how National Advertising Rep each impacts not only the indi- have passed.” He referenced Maryland’s Rivendell Media vidual but the human community latest success regarding marriage equal- 908-232-2021 holistically. There was another ity and outlined the important trend in the Founders equality debate: the discussion regarding Jim Becker • Joe Berg • Mike Chase • unifier for the symposium that Lee Mooney (1959-2007) • Jim Williams was not planned: every session civil marriage, not religious marriage. I attended had at least one refer- Boykin talked about his frame of refer- Baltimore OUTloud ence or quote attributed to Au- ence as an African-American man and the PO Box 4887 Baltimore, MD 21211 410-244-6780 dre Lorde. Black Church. He concluded that the Black Baltimoreoutloud.com Baltimore Heritage Project panelists Louis Hughes, Church needs the people in it to make the Phillip Lovett, Monica Stevens, and Richard Oloizia “The quality of light by which credit: Denise R. Duarte changes necessary and “if every black, Additional Information we scrutinize our lives has direct gay, bi, or transgender man came out in Baltimore OUTloud is published every other Friday by Pride Media, Ltd. in Baltimore, Maryland. Readers comments and bearing upon the product which we live, en, LGBT, the human body and how they church tomorrow; homophobia would end unsolicited materials are welcomed and may be sent to: editor@ and upon the changes which we hope to inter-relate. Douglas emphasized how the tomorrow.” baltimoreoutloud.com. All materials appearing in this newspaper church has “placed the body and soul in The day was enlightening. I learned, are the property of Pride Media, Ltd. and may not be reproduced bring about through those lives.” without the written permission of the editor. ―Audre Lorde an agonistic relationship.” She explored shared and celebrated the complexity of This sent me back to re-read Audre the need for the Black Church to discard being a human being in our contemporary Lorde. Now, as a white, westerner, mid- their adopted Evangelical narrative of ci- social landscape. At the end of this par- dle-aged, artist, secular, feminist, LGBT vility and “find a way back to its origins, ticular day, I felt invigorated by the real- activist and lesbian, my perspective may away from the white narrative.” Douglas ization that people can come together to be different of the symposium than an- emphasized that “...the patriarchal sys- share their knowledge for the betterment other attendee and the impact of Audre tems of oppression, they are at once sexist of our world. I congratulate Morgan State Lorde’s writings may also be different. Au- and homophobic. These things together ... and the other organizational partners for dre Lorde’s words are still relevant and in- they cause this patriarchal narrative that creating the time and place for this sympo- sightful to this day. Her words tap harshly, is anti-feminine, anti-feminist [and in the] sium to explore the inter-related reality of The opinions expressed in Baltimore OUTloud are solely those brush lightly, sing beautifully and still tell the black female body these things come our times. My conclusion was the need to of the writers unless otherwise indicated and do not necessarily the truth. together....” remember the “we” and to understand the reflect the views of Pride Media, Ltd., and the staff. The need to change this narrative is implications of the “Intersections: Sexuali- © 2013 – All rights reserved “But the true feminist deals out of a evident in the current statistics regarding ty, Gender, Race and Ethnicity” to the vary- Chair of the Board of Trustees – Jim Becker President – Jim Williams lesbian consciousness whether or not she African-American women. Douglas quoted ing and fluid forms of privilege with which Secretary and Treasurer – Mike Chase ever sleeps with women.” ― Audre Lorde that domestic violence is 22% higher for we live and how to navigate them until we Just as I understand now, from my van- the African-American woman. She outlined can dismantle them altogether. t

2 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MARCH 22, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com news // LOCAL Marriage Rallies to be Held at Supreme Court GLCCB Names New Executive Director

By Steve Charing search Council, will be holding their own On March 19 the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, for their election campaigns through online Local marriage equality activists plan to rally that day. Transgender Community Center of Balti- and social media (at the time a new con- carpool to Metro stations for a upcoming “Extending marriage equality to all lov- more and Maryland (GLCCB) announced cept). The GLCCB’s Gary Wolnitzek, who rallies in front of the U.S. Supreme Court ing and committed couples is central to the appointment of Matthew Thorn to the has been serving in a director capacity af- (1 First Street NE, celebrating the worth role of interim executive director. Thorn as- ter the departure of former Executive Direc- Washington, D.C.) and dignity of all sumed his position effective March 12. tor Craig Wiley, will re-assume his role as on March 26 and 27. God’s children,” Rev. “The board of directors of the GLCCB program director. Those planning to at- Rebecca Voelkel of feels strongly that Matt Thorn’s skills and “I’d like to be the first to congratulate the tend include LGBT the National Gay and experience will be a real benefit to the or- board on making this pivotal and key deci- and allied groups Lesbian Task Force ganization as its interim executive director,” sion in moving the GLCCB toward better under the coalition told the Washington said Board President Mike McCarthy. “While fiscal health,” said Wolnitzek. “Matt brings United For Marriage, Blade. “People of we are sad to lose him as a board member, the skills and resources necessary to di- grassroots leaders, Faith from every re- we are thrilled that he has stepped up to versify the funding streams that support the and families. The ligious tradition have the challenge GLCCB’s mission and core services.” message: “Together been involved in sup- of guiding the Thorn has most recently has been a we will show the na- porting equal mar- GLCCB through consultant and previously served as direc- tion that we believe riage rights for LGBT what promises tor of development at Equality Maryland; that all Americans families because of to be an excit- he also served as one of the national co- deserve to be treated fairly and equally their belief and practice.” ing period. Matt’s chairs for the National Conference on under the law – no matter who they love.” Recent polling shows that 54 percent devotion to the LGBT Equality: Creating Change. Thorn On March 26, the Court will be hearing of Americans support marriage equality GLCCB and the currently serves as a member of the Vic- oral arguments pertaining to the constitu- and 75 percent view the freedom to marry greater commit- tory Fund Campaign Board and president tionality of Prop 8. On March 27 the jus- the person you love as a basic Constitutional ment that he is of the Steering Committee for PFLAG How- tices will hear from both sides on the case right. showing by be- ard County. Thorn is a graduate of Catho- that challenges the constitutionality of the The rallies for both days are scheduled coming interim lic University of American in Washington, Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). to begin at 8:30 a.m. on the steps of the Su- executive direc- D.C., where he earned his bachelor’s in The rally on March 26 will bring out preme Court. Participants are encouraged to tor are going to Matt Thorn international relations. leading pro-LGBT equality organizations, wear red to show support. be critical factors “I am looking forward to strengthening such as The Human Rights Campaign, Confirmed speakers include: Wade Hen- in the success of the GLCCB.” the Center and bringing its programs, ser- the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, derson, president, Leadership Conference on Thorn has been involved with fundrais- vices, and outreach into the 21st century,” Marriage Equality USA, the Family Equal- Civil and Human Rights; Bishop Gene Rob- ing and nonprofit management in such ar- said Thorn. “We aim to address the epi- ity Council, the New Organizing Institute, inson and his daughter, Ella Robinson; Janet eas as homelessness, the arts, education, demic rate of homeless LGBT youth, build GetEqual, and the Gay and Lesbian Alli- Murguía, president, National Council of La the developmentally disabled, politics and on programming for LGBT elders, and work ance Against Defamation. Raza; and L.Z. Granderson, CNN and ESPN elections, and LGBT issues. He started toward transgender non-discrimination, Opponents, including The National Or- commentator. For more information, visit his fundraising work with numerous local, education, and upholding the laws that cur- ganization for Marriage and the Family Re- Lighttojustice.org or Hrc.org/rally. t state, and federal candidates raising funds rently in effect.” t

Prize-Winning Author to Discuss Book at PFLAG Meeting reader fending off interruptions and turning the pages. On March 26, the Baltimore County chapter family lives nearby, and AIDS is sweeping unfolds of a Korean War soldier, Vaughn The LGBT community, the faith com- of PFLAG will be presenting author Martha the nation. Evanston, who died the day he returned munity, parents, mentors, teachers, and Johnson. She has written the novel In Our Despite all that, Stanton does not ap- home to Stanton. His grieving teens will find In Our Midst of Midst, a story of two gay sons of a Midwest- pear to have any gay or lesbian people, parents learn that he had a gay particular value but it is the ern community. This book or so it seems to Victor Beck, who lover and their decisions about general public that will find is in the second round of worries about himself because he is how to respond to that knowl- satisfaction in a good yarn the Amazon Breakthrough attracted to boys. He distracts him- edge fuel the cycles of secrecy, that suddenly means so much Novel award competition self with his photography and tries love, grief, and memories that more. which had 10,000 entries. to push aside his mother’s interest propel the story forward. According to Business- Ms. Johnson, a former di- in his social life. As high school life The stories of Victor and week, “Johnson is not gay. rector of the General Ser- unfolds, Victor gets acquainted with Vaughn become entwined and Nor is she the parent of gay vices Administration, will a new girl in town and begins to won- the good people of Stanton children. So where’d the idea discuss the novel. der if he has it wrong. Could he like have to wrestle with their his- come from? Years of serving It is 1990, and Stan- Bridget in “that way”? tory, their prejudices, and their in her Presbyterian church, ton, Indiana, is a typical For her part, Bridget is learning commitment to the health and watching it struggle with the town with church youth her way around Stanton, having just welfare of their children. issue of gay ordination in the groups, a bustling diner, moved from Chicago with her mom In Our Midst is general in- 1990s, and realizing that sex- a summer Wood Carving and sister. She is mourning her fa- terest fiction that exposes the raw vein of uality just isn’t a big deal.” Festival, and a busy may- Novelist ther who died of cancer and has homophobia in our society. The book in- The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and or who also runs the mor- Martha Johnson strong ideas about loyalty and com- volves an ensemble cast of sympathetic takes place at the Towson Unitarian Univer- tuary. But, this is not to be passion for friends, which are soon characters who are recognizable to all salist Church, 1710 Dulaney Valley Road, confused with a Norman Rockwell setting. to be tested. of us. The nuanced writing, the staccato Lutherville, Maryland. All meetings are free, The Gulf War is breaking out, Ryan White’s Meanwhile, a second and earlier story events, and the multi-layer plot keep the confidential and open to the public. t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MARCH 22, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 3 beyond the beltway compiled by Jim Becker ed ones, and smoking was more closely country are calling for a pathway for citi- linked to early death than was obesity, zenship that doesn’t leave anyone behind. Smokers with HIV excess drinking or baseline viral load (a We will not choose one issue over the oth- measure of how sick a patient was at diag- er,” Jorge Gutierrez, United We Dream’s lose more years nosis). Denmark has universal health care. Queer Undocumented Immigrant Project HIV drugs are free and care is coordinat- coordinator, said in a release. “Protecting from smoking ed by AIDS centers around the country. the unity of our immigrant families and dig- “Treatment failures and loss to follow-up nity of our LGBTQ communities is at the Copenhagen, Denmark - HIV patients are rare,” the study said. It urged doctors center of our organizing and advocacy ef- who obtain good treatment but who smoke to strongly advise their HIV patients to quit forts.” lose more years of life to tobacco than to smoking. (Clinical Infectious Diseases – The new report came as a national the virus, a new Danish study has found. Donald G. McNeil, Jr.) coalition of immigrant and LGBT groups held their “11 Million Coming Out Week of Action” during the second week in March. European Parliament worries about porn Study finds nearly Organized by the Washington, D.C.-based Queer Undocumented Immigrant Project one million adult (QUIP) and United We Dream, the cam- European paign seeks reform to current immigration LGBT immigrants laws. The campaign’s slogan is “Legisla- Parliament to vote tion Must Recognize Our Humanity.” (Q on porn ban Los Angeles, California - A new study Notes Online – Matt Comer at Qnotes.com) from the University of California Los An- geles’ School of Law’s Williams Institute Brussels, Belgium - Controversy has has found that 900,000 individuals within erupted over next Tuesday’s European the adult immigrant population in the U.S. Inmate gets 6 more Parliament resolution “on eliminating gen- identify as LGBT. The number includes years for assault on der stereotypes in the EU”, meant to mark approximately 267,000 LGBT people who international women’s day, after libertar- The study, which looked at nearly 3,000 are undocumented. “An estimated 900,000 gay inmate ian Swedish MEPs from the Pirate Party Danish HIV patients from 1995 — the year adults in this country are LGBT immi- spotted the call for a ban in the small print. antiretroviral triple therapy became stan- grants, among whom more than 48,000 Seagoville, Texas - An inmate at the While not legally binding, the vote could be dard — to 2010, was published online last Federal Correctional Institution in Seago- the first step towards European legislation month by the journal Clinical Infectious ville has been sentenced to six additional as the EU’s assembly increasingly flexes Diseases. years under a federal hate crime law for its political muscle within Europe’s institu- A 35-year-old HIV patient who did not assaulting a fellow gay inmate. John Hall, tions. smoke was likely to live to age 78, while 27, an Aryan Brotherhood member, had 71 The proposal “calls on the EU and its one who smoked was likely to die before months added on to his sentence Thursday member states to take concrete action on age 63, the report found. The study’s au- by U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor after discrimination against thors said they excluded people who inject he pleaded guilty to violating the Matthew women in advertis- drugs, even though most addicts smoke, Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes ing... [with] a ban on because their “risk-taking behavior” and Prevention Act on Nov. 8. He will serve the all forms of pornog- causes of death “differ significantly from added time consecutively with the sen- raphy in the media”. the rest of the HIV-infected population.” tence he is currently serving. Kartika Liotard, a The study also compared Danish HIV Hall punched, kicked and stomped on Dutch left-wing femi- patients with a pool of 10,642 average the inmate’s faces several times and used nist MEP, is seeking Danes of the same age and sex. HIV ap- Gary Gates a dangerous weapon while calling him ho- “statutory measures peared to make smoking much more le- mophobic slurs on Dec. 20, 2011, because to prevent any form of thal. The risk of early death from cancer are in a same-sex couple in which one or he believed he was gay or involved in a pornography in the media and in advertis- or heart disease was much higher among both spouses or partners are not U.S. citi- sexual relationship with another inmate, ing and for a ban on advertising for porno- infected smokers than among non- infect- zens,” researcher Dr. Gary Gates said in according to a White House press release. graphic products and sex tourism”, includ- a release. “Under current immigration poli- Hall beat the inmate until he lost con- ing measures in the “digital field”. cies, many of these couples, along with the sciousness, fracturing his eye socket and The MEPs are also demanding the es- 24,000 children they are raising, may face causing multiple lacerations to his face. He tablishment of state sex censors with “a These news notes have been compiled, separation if same-sex spouses or part- also lost a tooth and fractured other teeth. mandate to impose effective sanctions on with permission, from the online version ners are not able to sponsor each other for After an investigation by the Dallas FBI companies and individuals promoting the of various newspapers and other web a work visa.” division, Hall pleaded guilty to the biased sexualization of girls”. sites. We thank these publications for The report found that 3.1 percent of assault in November. “This prosecution (Comment: Reportedly, “The parlia- allowing us to bring you their news sto- undocumented immigrant men identify as sends a clear message that this office, in ment has added insult to injury for the ries. Usually the reports have been sig- LGBT compared to percent of women. The partnership with attorneys in the depart- civil liberties campaigners by blocking a nificantly edited and you can read the report further found that LGBT undocu- ment’s Civil Rights Division, will prioritize flood of protest emails that was sent to full story by going to the web site men- mented immigrants are younger than the and aggressively prosecute hate crimes MEPs as news of the ban vote emerged.) tioned following the item. Comments broader undocumented population, with and others civil rights violations in North (The Telegraph – Bruno Waterfield at are strictly the opinions of Jim Becker 49 percent of LGBT undocumented im- Texas,” said U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Salda- http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/ and not of Baltimore OUTloud or Pride migrants estimated to be 30 years old or ña of the Northern District of Texas. (Dallas news/9917189/ MEPs-to-vote-on -EU-ban- Media. younger. “Undocuqueer leaders across the Voice at Dallasvoice.com) on-all-forms-of-pornography.html#hash)

4 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MARCH 22, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com beyond the beltway

gramme, Joint United Nations Programme NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series. The lobbyist in 2003. He shared his experience Treating the HIV- on HIV/AIDS. league has grown to more than 465 play- with the crowd Monday morning, explain- “The results give clear evidence that ers on 20 open division men’s and mixed ing that he came out to former state Rep. positive slows HIV incidence is reduced as a result of teams and more than 10 women’s division Carter Casteel, who had been his eighth- high coverage of antiretroviral therapy,” teams. The league has given LGBT people grade history teacher. He told her that transmission added Dr. Tanser. Commenting on those with an interest in sports a place to meet he and his partner of 17 years, Rick, had findings, Dr. Rochelle Walensky of the Har- and play. But the league is also open to loved each other dearly until his death in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa - A newly vard Center for AIDS Research said that straight players, and teammates say that 2001. And he asked her not to vote for the published study finds that as more HIV in- regardless of the country, TasP is a triple they are just as involved as the LGBT state’s Defense of Marriage Act, which de- fected members of a community are put on winner: “HIV-infected patients do better, players. (Echo Magazine – Laura Latzko at fines marriage between a man and a wom- treatment, fewer people become infected their partners are protected and it is very Echomag.com) an and passed later that year. Smith said with the virus within that community. The cost-effective.” (ACT UP Boston at http:// she acknowledged his love between him community “treatment as prevention” study actupboston.wordpress.com/2013/03/09/ and his partner but told him she couldn’t was published in the prestigious journal treatment-as-prevention-breakthrough- Texas Lobby Day vote against DOMA because she would Science. 2-kwazulu-natal-study-big-leap-forward/) lose her seat. Researchers from the Africa Centre for turnout biggest “The day changed my life because I Health and Population Studies used HIV learned that the people who serve this surveillance data collected in KwaZulu- ever state are real people just like me,” he said, Natal, a poor rural area of South Africa Arizona gay adding that more legislators need to hear softball league Austin, TX - Hundreds of LGBT Texans stories to earn their support. “They just and allies from across the state told their need to hear from enough of us to give celebrates 20 years personal stories of discrimination, love them the strength to do the right thing for and hope for a better future to lawmakers the people of Texas.” Phoenix, Arizona - On the opening day of Monday, March 11, during Equality Texas Pansexual state Rep. Mary Gonzalez, this year’s Cactus Cities Softball League, Lobby Day. With more than 540 registered D-El Paso, thanked those who attended for friends, partners and family members of attendants, it marked the biggest Lobby standing behind her when she came out the players sat in the stands with their Day ever, Equality Texas Executive Direc- during her contested Democratic Primary coolers and blankets, watching the games tor Chuck Smith said. last year and for encouraging her with their at Cesar Chavez Park. Some players — Smith started working with the state- fight for LGBT rights. t (Dallas Voice – ranging from those who have been in the wide LGBT advocacy organization as a Anna Waugh at Dallasvoice.com) league for years to others who had just joined — stayed around after their games to chat with friends or watch other teams play. The Cactus Cities Softball League began its 20th spring season on Feb. 24, with teams from the open and women’s di- Lynda Dee where about one out of three have HIV. visions each playing two games. To mark Over time, about 20,000 individuals among the anniversary, the league honored its Attorney At Law 228,000 area residents were put on HIV founder, Don Welsh. Serving the Gay Community Since 1981 treatment. The study found that for each Welsh started the league during a time percentage point increase for those in the when his partner and many of his friends province on HIV treatment, there was a were dying from AIDS. Playing softball was • Criminal significant decrease in HIV transmission an escape for him and others dealing with community-wide. When HIV treatment cov- the tough realities of the disease. “It was (

 ) erage reached 20 percent of the infected a whole different time. It was a spiritual • DWI population, there was a 22 percent decline and serious time,” Welsh said. “Coming in HIV infections said study researcher out to play was a respite.” It also provided • MVA Hearings Frank Tanser, PhD, of the Africa Centre a place to play without the homophobia • Estate Planning for Health and Population Studies in South found in some city wide leagues. Welsh • Wills Africa. “In communities where HIV treat- said the league’s 20th anniversary marks ment achieved 30 percent, the individuals’ how much the league has meant to the • Powers of Attorney HIV acquisition was 38 percent less likely.” community and how far it has grown. “For • Personal Injury Conversely, in areas where access to HIV me, it’s good to see it is stable and still treatment coverage was low there were no continuing,” Welsh said. “It’s a healthy out- (

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 "! greater HIV treatment access should ing fundraisers at the establishments. achieve the same “Treatment as Preven- The league started with five teams, in- tion” reductions of new transmissions in cluding one women’s team and four open 201 N. Charles Street, Suite 2300 • Baltimore, MD • 21201 those affected communities. “These find- division men’s teams, with sponsorships )!
 
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  ings are extremely important,” said Paul by local businesses, especially bars. By [email protected] • www.lyndadeelaw.com De Lay, deputy executive director, Pro- 1994, the league sent two teams to the

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MARCH 22, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 5 RETURN TO OZ CLUB HIPPO MARCH 16, 2013 PHOTOS BY: STEVE CHARING

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MARCH 22, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 7 rational t-hought REAL TRANS TALK

Maybe in 2014 that will change. But the primary “no”-vote prize winner Stealth Public a cry I had never heard before. The babies is Democratic Senator Jim Brochin, whose were screaming and someone picked up the District 42 is contained completely within Servant phone and told me to get over to the house Rational Baltimore County where gender identity right away. My wife and I were not prepared T-hought protections are already the law. Mean- for what was next. The EMT carrying my son- Sharon Brackett ing passing this state law would have no V. Michael Millhouse in-law out of the house, my baby girl stricken change for the citizens of his district. And I remember like it was yesterday, the day with grief, and my grandchildren terrified. so you have to ask yourself, what is his she was born. When I saw her pretty little I’m still sitting here trying to piece it all problem? So I have dug around a bit. face I knew that my life had taken on a new together in this hospital room. My son-in- Wind 1 In a recent email from a constituent meaning. I was in law school, newly mar- law is no longer with us because he was who called his office, his explanation was ried, and a proud father. Those days seem beaten to death because of who he was. A Transfolk 0 that the 2013 version of the bill would al- to haunt me, on days like this. Days when military husband, who was beaten to death low cross-dressers in the ladies room. His the seasons are in between winter and because he was transgender. Not too long In my last column I wrote about how “This office states, “that is something that was spring, the extra hour of light on the never- after I asked my daughter why she never Time it’s Different” with respect to getting not in the previous versions of the bill.” ending clock shines through, exposing my told me and she said, “He asked me not to gender-identity anti-discrimination passed Rubbish. The definition offered in the 2013 holes. Holes created by year of pain. Pain because there aren’t any anti-discrimination in Annapolis. I was dead wrong. Mind you bill is the same as existed in the 2011 bill, laws in our county to protect him.” She said, at the time I, and the primary bill sponsors, and is nearly identical to the definition “My son-in-law is no “Plus, I knew how you felt about this kind of were under the impression that with a to- used in Montgomery, Howard, and Balti- stuff so we just lived our lives in private.” My tal of 23 sponsors, and 24 senate votes more Counties. So the reality is it would longer with us because daughter is now in a coma from a driving needed for passage, that things were change nothing. So this response is a he was beaten to death accident incurred while trying to flee from looking very good. And they were before scare tactic, nothing else. In point of fact a discriminatory situation due to whom she last week. Senator Brochin offered an amendment to because of who he was. loved. As a public servant, I took an oath Last week the Maryland Senate Ju- SB449 in JPR to strip the bill of public ac- and somehow I let the people down. I let dicial Proceedings Committee (JPR) met commodations. It was voted down by the A military husband, my grandchildren, son-in-law and daughter, on the bill and voted it down in a stun- committee. who was beaten to down. My only daughter, my baby girl. t ning 5-6 defeat. The JPR vote was a bit That should be enough to ire the LG- of a surprise in that we had been told by BTQ community but wait, there is more. I death because he was many sources that deals had been made, always have been told to follow the money. the senators had come to solutions and “it So I did. It would seem that a certain local, transgender.” would be worked out.” Apparently not so well-known, anti-trans rad fem is a sub- much as we lost. Which begs the question, stantial contributor to Senator Brochin’s only a parent knows when they lose a child. “How did that happen?” campaign fund. Hey contribute away! I’m My only child. My baby girl. Transgender Bill Dies in Let’s start with wind. Yes, we know just glad it is in the public record (feel free I can still smell the scent of happiness Committee there is plenty of hot air in Annapolis but to look me up too). Here’s the link: Cam- she would leave when she whirled through – continued from page 1 this time I am talking about wind power, paignfinance.maryland.gov/Public/View- the house telling her mother and I all about something I advocate. Last year the wind Receipts. her latest adventures. I can recall the color- bill went down to defeat in the Senate Fi- But here is the capping bit of data. I ful skirts, hats, and shoes that only matched on these voters. It’s ironic that transgen- nance Committee for a second time. You think Senator Brochin’s transphobia is because her cheerful glue introduced un- der people in his own district [Baltimore see Sen. Anthony Muse has been a stick- deep-seated and personal. I did a bit of acquainted patterns to a new fabric. I can County] have protections yet he wouldn’t ing point on that up until this year when research and it turns out that the good still see her deep brown dimples persuad- cast a vote to extend these protections to the Senate President reassigned him to Senator has a transperson in his family ing me to give her anything she wanted, be- individuals in the 20 counties that aren’t so JPR, replacing Sen. Victor Ramirez. Wind tree. You see he has a trans cousin, who sides the fact that she was my daughter. My fortunate.” Currently, transgender protec- power passed out of committee this year, happens also to be a very successful phy- only daughter to whom I worked with and tions are in place in Baltimore City, How- not needing Ramirez’s vote after all, as sician. You might think that would get him dreamed for the very best. ard County, Montgomery County as well it enjoyed a seven-vote lead (six votes some empathy or consideration for those The day she married I could not believe as Baltimore County. Evans vowed to con- would have served). Why does this mat- of us who are trans. But my guess is that it what my eyes were showing me. A woman in tinue to push for the legislation “This is not ter you ask? Because Sen. Ramirez was a is something that embarrasses him. I have her own right, living life to the fullest, glow- over. Equality Maryland will come back ev- certain JPR “yes” vote on a Gender Iden- seen this before; when something is close ing with love, cuddled with care, protected ery year until transgender Marylanders are tity Anti-Discrimination Act. Sen. Muse? to the mark it warrants a deeper adverse by the laws that I made sure to enforce ev- afforded the right to be free from discrimi- Not so much, and he was one of three reaction. The lady / lord doth protest too eryday as a public servant. I took my oath nation in their jobs, homes, and places of Democratic no votes. Wind 1, Transfolk 0. much, methinks. In the interest of protect- as a father just as seriously, and when my public accommodations.” A person of color, who voted against a civil ing his cousin I’ll not expose her name future son-in-law asked for my daughter’s Sharon Brackett, Board Chair of Gen- rights act – hard to believe. But then again here. After all she might be embarrassed hand in marriage, I instructed him to love, der Rights Maryland expressed her regrets he voted against marriage equality too. that her Senator cousin was the lynchpin protect, and respect my daughter. He re- towards the vote in a statement and went That leaves us with the other two Dem- that prevented her trans brothers and sis- assured me that she would be safe, and I on to say, “Thanks to all who put forward ocrats who voted, along with all Republi- ters from getting their rights in Maryland. trusted him. supporting efforts in getting the bill as far cans, to defeat the bill. The first would be Folks it’s time for these DINOs (Demo- Now, I sit trying to figure out how to raise as it went. Personally I am happy to see Senator Norm Stone, who, if you will re- crats in Name Only) to go. LGBTQ people my beautiful grandchildren. They often ask that our team made the best efforts we call, voted in the 1960s to keep laws pro- of Districts 6, 26, and 42: think primary op- for their father and mother. I don’t know what could with several recalcitrant senators. In hibiting interracial marriages on the books ponent. I am. Maybe we can get a new happened. I mean I picked up the phone particular I want to thank Dana Beyer, Jon and also opposed marriage equality. I’m wind in Annapolis to blow those tur- and all I heard was, “Daddy! Daddy! He’s Shurberg, and Darrell Carrington for their not quite sure why he is still in the Senate. bines. t dead! He’s dead!” I heard my daughter cry efforts.” t 8 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MARCH 22, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com the words out. The judges being selected as a top-ten finalist. were sympathetic but seemed With the female talent so formidable this a tad uncomfortable. Then he season, it is unlikely Lazaro will be the next applied his rich, sweet voice American Idol. His singing is solid but may to the Grammy Award-win- not be sufficient to topple Candice, Angie OUT ning “Bridge Over Troubled and other strong vocalists. But American Spoken Water” and wowed the judges Idol is a popularity contest and voting is pro- not only with his solid rendi- pelled by tweens using cell phones to vote Steve Charing tion of the mega-hit but also dozens of times for the contestant of choice. the fact his stuttering vanish- Therefore, who knows what the outcome will es when singing. be? Lazaro already said his goal is to make American The Idol interview shown the top five so he can receive a trip to Dis- during this segment tugged at neyworld. Idol’s Lazaro our hearts. “No one wanted For all the gay kids and others who have to hang out with me in school been victims of bullying or simply cast off by because I had no friends to Lazaro Arbos others in school, take heart. Lazaro Arbos Inspires Us All go out with, so I had to stay is your new champion and your next Ameri- home,” Lazaro confided as can Idol regardless of the official results. He In what has been shaping up as a rather his voice was shaking and tears filling his and courage. I know he has attracted a stood there in front of a camera on a widely ho-hum 12th season for the hit TV show eyes. I’m pretty certain the viewers’ eyes large following that includes gay fans, which watched television program and bared his American Idol, one narrative stood out filled up as well. has helped propel him to advance as of the soul to all. He displays his talent undeterred early on and appears to be holding. It’s Realizing that he was always alone, March 14 results show to the top nine. In by his speech impediment and admitted his the back story surrounding Lazaro Arbos, Lazaro turned to music. Even his mom told fact, decked out in splendid South Beach- sad loneliness in school. the utterly adorable 21-year-old ice cream him to “sing it to me” when he needed to like pastels that remind me of a front man And to his detractors who avoided him scooper who has made it to the top nine say something to her but couldn’t get the of a swing band, Lazaro was ranked fourth and kept him lonely even though he had no despite a severe stuttering problem. spoken words out. that week and received the highest number control over his condition, During the course of the series’ run His stuttering pushed him into the job of “votes” of all the male performers. Lazaro is too modest and sweet to say there have been plenty of sob stories re- of ice cream scooper following his 2009 When asked about his success so far, it, but I will: “Look at me now, you... (fill in lated to particular Gulf Coast High School Lazaro was direct. “I loved the reaction to- the blank). I’m on national television and contestant’s health, “When kids continue graduation. “It’s the wards me, I loved that they loved me for could very well come away with a record finances, family, and only job I can get where what I love, so that is the most amazing and/or book deal. Where are you now in loss. These emotion- to taunt or bully I don’t have to do ‘smart thing,” he told the Hollywood Reporter about your life?” t al stories may have people’ stuff like talk- helped individuals ad- other kids based ing.” Lazaro points out. vance in the short run on the child’s race It is not clear if and have endowed Lazaro was ever overtly those auditioning for or religion, or for bullied in school but he a record contract and was shunned, which fame with real human- being overweight, is a form of bullying. ity. For some reason, having acne, When kids continue to Lazaro’s courageous taunt or bully other kids attempt to overcome wearing glasses based on the child’s his speech impedi- or braces, being race or religion, or ment through song for being overweight, has inspired not only short, or being gay, having acne, wearing those who are afflicted glasses or braces, be- with the condition but lesbian, bisexual, or ing short, or being gay, the viewing public in transgender, it is not lesbian, bisexual, or general. Moreover, he transgender, it is not a inspires those young a stretch to believe stretch to believe Laza- students who have ro was bullied because been shunned by oth- Lazaro was bullied of his severe stuttering. er kids or even bullied. because of his severe As we know, bul- Lazaro was born in lying (including cyber- Cuba and developed stuttering.” bullying) has led to too the stuttering prob- many suicides among lem at the age of six. His family moved teens or pre-teens. It has even led to mass to Naples, Florida when he was ten, and killings when the victim’s back is against the instead of the problem subsiding, it grew wall. Statistics indicate that LGBT kids are worse. His parents sought treatment but the most common victims of bullying. People to no avail. So when Lazaro appeared in are becoming more aware of the effects of Chicago for the first audition of this sea- bullying and action, albeit insufficient in most son in January, he captured the hearts of cases, is being taken. America. Lazaro’s story is inspirational and should At the audition, when introducing him- bring more awareness to bullying. He makes self to the judges, Lazaro struggled to get other people feel good through his talent

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MARCH 22, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 9 quality of life // health & wellnesS

tient who us in what they believe is a mo- h) all of the above d) bisexual women nogamous relationship that their “monog- e) transwomen (male to female trans- amous” partner has given them a sexual The correct answer is all of the above. sexuals) infection. Most of the time this is not be- f) transmen (female-to-male transsexu- Open Wide cause the partner is a terrible person - just 3) Which of these six LGBT groups als) ask Dr Eva human, and impulsive. Don’t put yourself are at highest risk for problems with Dr Eva Hersh in a situation where you may be dealing body image and eating disorders such The correct answers are a and c. t with the shock of new HIV infection at the as bulimia and anorexia nervosa? same time you are dealing with the shock a) gay men Eva Hersh is a Baltimore family physi- LGBT Health of infidelity. b) lesbians cian. Send your comments and questions to • Have sex with no more than two c) bisexual men her by email at [email protected] new partners a year. I bet you knew this Quiz Part 2 one was wrong. Protection is especially important with new partners. The risk is How much do you know about LGBT greatest when the partner is a recent ac- Health? Try this quiz – answers pro- quaintance, an anonymous partner or an CDC: Maryland Still Hit Heavily by HIV vided internet partner. • Strictly avoid sex before marriage. The HIV epidemic isn’t over, and espe- have high rates of HIV. These are : The 1) Which is the best advice on how to This works until marriage. Then you have cially not in Maryland, according to the Baltimore-Towson metropolitan area that avoid sexually transmitted infections, the same issues described above about U.S. Centers for Disease is completely in Maryland and consists including HIV and viral hepatitis? “monogamous” relationships. Control annual state-by- of Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Bal- a) Have only one sexual partner. • I’m sorry if this sounds cynical. It’s state report on HIV infec- timore, Carroll, Harford, Howard, and b) Have sex with no more than two new not, really: it’s just factual, based on my tions and disease issued Queen Anne’s counties. partners a year observations of human behavior during 24 February 28th. Maryland The Washington metropolitan area that c) Strictly avoid sex before marriage. years as a family doctor. ranked in the top ten consists of the District of Columbia and d) Use of condoms (either insertive or among states on such key parts of Maryland , Virginia, and West Vir- receptive type) and dental dams greatly 2) Which of the following is a side measures as new infec- ginia. reduces the risk of sexually transmitted effect of estrogen, which is a side effect tions in 2011, cumulative diseases. Either partner may wear the con- of testosterone, which can be a side ef- diagnoses through 2011, dom. Only one condom should be used at fect of both, and which is not a side ef- deaths through 2010, and a time. fect of either one? living cases at year-end 2010. e) Both partners should wear a con- a) Blood clots in legs and lungs Maryland had an estimated 1,783 new dom, every time, for each time they have b) High blood pressure HIV diagnoses in 2011, the seventh high- oral, vaginal or anal intercourse. c) Unhealthy effects on cholesterol lev- est number of cases for any state or ter- els ritory, meaning a sero-conversion rate of The correct answer is d) One condom d) Cancers of the reproductive system 30.6 cases per 100,000 people, the third (at a time) is the best protection against e) High blood sugar highest among states and territories, be- STDs, including HIV and viral hepatitis B f) Weight gain hind only the District of Columbia and the and C. Some may argue that total absti- U.S. Virgin Islands. nence is even more effective, but we have a) Estrogen, b) Both, c) Testoster- Maryland had an estimated 30,558 not seen much success from the absti- one, d) Neither, e) Both, adults living with HIV at the end of 2010, nence-only campaigns that were pushed f) Testosterone the ninth highest number of cases for The Maryland portion includes Cal- so heavily under the last president’s ad- Hormone treatment is medically and any state or territory – a rate of 632.9 per vert, Charles, Frederick, Montgomery, and ministration. emotionally necessary for many transgen- 100,000, the fourth highest among states Prince George’s counties. Some people think that more is bet- der people. It has serious medical risks. and territories, behind only the District of The Washington metropolitan area ter, like this: “We didn’t use a condom last Transpeople considering hormone therapy Columbia, New York State, and the U.S. had a rate of 34.5 new HIV diagnoses in time, so let’s use two condoms now and should be aware of the risks and under- Virgin Islands. 2011 per 100,000 population, the 5th high- we’ll feel extra-safe.” I understand the stand them well before making a final deci- Two of the major metropolitan ar- est rate of any metropolitan area and the sort-of logic, but unfortunately, not only are sion about whether to start cross-gender eas presented in the report’s tables are Baltimore-Towson metropolitan area had a two condoms no better than one, two are hormone therapy. completely or partially in Maryland and rate of 33.8 new HIV diagnoses in 2011 per actually worse than one. This is because 100,000 population, the sixth highest rate two pieces of the latex material most con- 3) What risk factors do many lesbi- of any metropolitan area. doms are made of tend to stick together. ans have which may increase their risk The Baltimore-Towson metropolitan As a result, two condoms used at the same for breast, ovarian and endometrial area had a rate of 674.8 persons livi ng time, whether one is worn by each person cancer? with HIV at the end of 2010 per 100,000 or both are worn by one person, will stick a) they are less likely to get mammo- population, the third highest rate of any together and then tear or slide off. grams and clinical breast exams by medi- metropolitan area and the Washington Let’s consider the other choices: cal professionals metropolitan area had a rate of 549.0 per- • Have only one sexual partner. The b) smoking sons living with HIV at the end of 2010 per problem here is that, while you know your c) alcohol use 100,000 population, the eigth highest rate own actions, unless you are with your part- d) overweight of any metropolitan area. ner 24/7, you cannot be certain of your e) less use of hormonal contraceptives The full CDC report can be found at: partner’s actions. It is tragic but not at all f) fewer full-term pregnancies http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/surveillance/re- unusual for a doctor to have to tell a pa- g) d, e, and f sources/reports/2011report/index.htm. t 10 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MARCH 22, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com FAITH The Winds of Change by William H. Christ, Jr. This brings us to the most difficult In this sacred season of reconciliation, we parts. This newly elected Bishop of Rome remember in our prayers all the Catho- is by nature surrounded with conserva- lic faithful around the world who are both tives. Questions of rights and equality for celebrating, and those just contemplating, gay people are far beyond his thinking. the recent election of Pope Francis. He is His chosen life of poverty will henceforth the newest in the line of successors to St. unfold within the vast opulence of Vatican Peter elected to head the Roman Catholic City and its priceless art: paintings, sculp- Church. tures, jewelry, and ancient artifacts. Each Our modern world has evolved into a of the many thousands of objects within very materialistic, hypocritical and techno- the Vatican Collection could sell for billions logically advanced place to live. Matters of of dollars if the items would be placed on

Meet Pope Francis

faith have sale. This money could then be dis- been put bursed through Churches around the on the globe to elevate a lot of the world’s shelf and hunger, sickness and poverty. Is this nearly for- new Bishop of Rome actually willing to gotten about follow St. Francis’s example, or simply by the very maintain the status quo? world I believe This is both a thought and I imagine God created. Select- e d a nightmare for all those conservative movers and shakers, along with other in- Vatican insiders, who have devoted their dividuals and countries, have the ability to lives collecting, restoring, preserving, and control world-wide economic decision making. stashing away a complete collection of And these people decide who remains wealthy Western Civilization artifacts. I imagine and who will remain poor. Those among us, most of these art conservationists were re- searching for peace, helping the poor and look- ally caught off guard by this humble man’s ing for areas of contemplative refuge, are usu- election to the Chair of St. Peter. I sup- ally shunned by most societies. pose we all have to wait and see how this The new Bishop of Rome (the pope’s one will play out. formal position) is a member of the Jesuit Have a happy Easter from all your Order and was taught from early seminary friends here at St. Michael’s. And may training to forfeit the luxuries of the world, each of you receive the countless bless- and seek a simple life of poverty in ser- ings of our Lord during this most holy of vice to the poor. By not personally owning our church’s liturgical seasons. t worldly possessions, and focusing on the The author is monsignor at St. Michael spiritual dependency of a loving God for the Archangel Catholic Church in Brook- health, inner strength and a spiritual con- lyn, Maryland – a member parish of the nection to the works of charity performed New Catholic Church of North America, a St. Francis of Assisi in 14th-century Italy. non-Roman Catholic Church.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MARCH 22, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 11 "Come and Discover GOD Anew with US"

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12 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MARCH 22, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com Page 12 Rev. Alberta 1/8 page color Carry over Ariana 1/8 page Carry over color Weddings by Sandy 1/8 page Carry over color Shawna Potter 1/8 pg color (nc) Cockpit Auditions Ad ½ page color (nc) on left outside of page please BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MARCH 22, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 13 Lively Arts // out on stage Everyman Offers Laughter and Carnage By Steve Charing style debate) that the aggressor quently on the The story of God of Carnage starts before the play begins was not “armed” with a stick but phone defending a with a pair of 11-year-old schoolboys involved in a play- instead was “furnished” with one, questionable drug ground altercation with one of them using a stick to knock the tranquility was compromised company. He really out two teeth of the other. By play’s end, the audience by alcohol-fueled honesty and never bought into wonders who really behaved like children – the kids in that continual annoying interruptions the need for this fight or their parents. from cellphone calls. The meeting meeting with the The Pulitzer prize-winning French play written by Yas- devolved into a verbal slugfest. Novaks and would mina Reza (translated into English by Christopher Hamp- Playwright Reza once said have preferred to ton) debuted on Broadway in 2009 after a run in London in an interview: “What motivates be anywhere but and copped three Tony awards, including Best Play. It was me most about writing about peo- here. But here since made into a film Carnage directed by Roman Po- ple who are well brought up and Alan was, deliver- lanski. yet, underneath that veneer, they ing many laugh God of Carnage is the second production to grace the break down.” That’s what occurs lines. Everyman Theatre’s sparkling new Fayette Street loca- in God of Carnage. His wife, An- tion, and it’s a hoot. It centers on the uproarious, if not The characters exhibited what nette Raleigh insane, interactions of two Brooklyn, New York, yuppie most parents’ instincts direct them From left: Deborah Hazlett as Veronica, Christopher Bloch (Alan nicknamed couples who are the parents of the combatants. to do: defend their own children as Michael, Megan Anderson as Annette and Tim Getman as her “Woof-Woof”), Alan Raleigh (Tim Getman) and Annette Raleigh (Me- regardless of the circumstances. Alan credit: Stan Barough played by Megan gan Anderson) are the parents of the attacking boy. They As soon as Veronica states that Anderson, was were invited to the home of Michael Novak (Christopher her son was “disfigured” from the fight and points out also funny (and later disgusting). Starting off mild, she Bloch) and Veronica Novak (Deborah Hazlett) to discuss repeatedly the teeth lost were incisors, Annette recoils evolves into rage as the play progresses and even yields the fight and resulting damage to the Novak kid in a futile and argues there must have been a reason for her son to to some homophobia. My only gripe with Ms. Anderson’s attempt to resolve the dispute in a civil manner through a strike the other boy. performance is that she didn’t sufficiently project her voice simple apology. The play then becomes a runaway brakeless truck roll- especially at the beginning. Otherwise, she was outstand- Starting off well with gentle pleasantries, sharing ing faster and faster down a hill. Civility turns into calamity ing. French pastries and having agreed (after some lawyerly- as each character reveals their weaknesses and vulner- Michael Novak, played by Christopher Bloch, is a suc- abilities we all have but cessful wholesaler with an ill mother. Also armed with won’t ever admit to. a plethora of gag lines and comedic gestures, Mr. Bloch Shocking scenes such came through wonderfully. as Annette throwing up all Michael was assailed by the Raleighs and Veronica for over the coffee table and allowing his daughter’s pet hamster to “escape” only for it books, her ripping off the to face the realities of street survival. He was also chided tops of expensive tulips by Veronica for being wishy-washy during the arguments and the inevitable fate of involving his son. that obnoxious cellphone Dutifully, Michael frantically uses a hair drier to clean interspersed with the ev- up the mess Annette left on Veronica’s table and precious er-increasing profane but art books. Michael comes off as a peace-loving, liberal, hilarious dialogue, elicited open-minded soul but his inner self screams “Fucking Ne- strong audience reactions. anderthal.” Mr. Bloch could not have been better for this Eleanor Holdridge, role. possessing a solid resume Then there is Veronica, the intense and, at times, of directing stage plays, whacko mother of the victim and author of an upcoming made strong use of the book on Darfur. Deborah Hazlett, another Everyman resi- actors’ skills in display- dent actor, plays the role brilliantly and realistically while ing precise comedic tim- displaying a full range of emotions and passion throughout. ing, facial expressions, Timothy R. Mackabee’s set is functional if odd. Behind and movement around the the ordinary living room furniture in what is probably a stage. brownstone apartment is a super-sized, dominating paint- Bruce R. Nelson, an ing of a pack of dogs pouncing on a prey, which undoubt- Everyman staple, was edly is a metaphor for carnage. originally tapped to play God of Carnage is a funny play and should not be Alan. An unfortunate injury missed. While the comedy is sometimes dark, most of us prior to the play’s run side- can imagine how we’d react to every one of the provoca- lined Nelson, and he was tions in the play and can readily identify on some levels to replaced by veteran actor these people. t Tim Getman. That substitu- God of Carnage (85 minutes with no intermission) tion worked out quite well. plays through April 7 at the Everyman Theatre, 315 West Mr. Getman flawlessly Fayette Street, Baltimore. For tickets, call 410-752-2208 portrayed Alan, the cor- or visit Everymantheatre.org. The show contains profanity porate lawyer who is fre- and is not recommended for children.

14 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MARCH 22, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts // out on sCReEN

the path to being a magician. It really is a nice performance. The Incredible Burt Wonderstone Steve Buscemi also does a nice job as Anton, standing up to Burt as their dream collapses around them, showing by Chuck Duncan even more socially awkward than Burt. The two begin to con- his true passion for the act but being emotionally wounded I have always loved magic. The first TV shows I can remem- coct ideas for their own illusions, and over the course of a when he realizes Burt only sees him as a glorified assistant. I ber watching featured magical beings (Samantha, Jeannie). I thirty year friendship, they grow into a huge act in Vegas, The really liked Olivia Wilde’s performance as her Jane has to put had a magic kit, and I went to The Magic Box at the local mall Incredible Burt & Anton, with their own theater in one of the up with Burt’s sexist attitude (women can’t be magicians), but any chance I had to see the newest tricks for sale. I got books Strip’s major hotels. But after ten years, Burt is showing his even she can see something in him that he can’t. Jim Carrey from the library about making your own magic tricks and read boredom with the act, and with the coming of a new magician gets to be his classic over-the-top self with Steve’s outlandish books about the classic magicians, watched all of the David (in the loosest sense of the word), Steve Gray, Burt finds his stunts, but he also helps shine a spotlight on the ridiculous- Copperfield specials on TV, and even recently read a book act has grown stale with audiences as well, and an attempt ness of these stunt men posing as magicians (holding your about early 20th century magicians, Hiding the Elephant: How to compete with Gray only destroys his friendship with Anton. pee for a week is not a magic act). And, once again, Alan Magicians Invented the Impossible and Learned to Disap- Is there anything that can give Burt that magical spark again, Arkin makes it all look so easy as both the young and old pear, that obviously influenced the illusions in the movie The or will the Steve Grays of the world become the new face of Rance Holloway. His supporting role as Burt’s reluctant men- Illusionist. magic? tor is just as good as his Oscar-nominated role in Argo. Arkin So I greeted the release of The Incredible Burt Wonder- While The Incredible Burt Wonderstone has the magic act really helps ground the movie with his performance and brings stone with a mixture of excitement for a movie about magic, and the rivalry with Steve Gray at its core, the film’s strongest some much-needed warmth to Carrell’s character. and trepidation because it’s a comedy about Vegas magicians component is the friendship between Burt and Anton, and Overall, I was totally charmed by The Incredible Burt Won- that could possibly fall flat. In the movies, magic is easy, com- how breaking up the act finally humbles the guy who didn’t derstone because it really shows respect for the classic stage edy is hard. realize room service does not deliver outside of the hotel. We magician and calls out those who label stunts as “magic.” Di- But as the film unspooled, I found myself charmed by the see Burt become a pompous ass, happy to go through the rector Don Scardino and the writers, including John Francis story of young Burt, the kid picked on at school who found motions as long as the money is coming in, not even willing Daley (who has a cameo as an EMT), seem to have a real himself when he got a magic kit for his birthday. I could re- to acknowledge that the act hasn’t changed in ten years while love for classic magic acts (they even managed to get Cop- ally relate to this outsider and his love of magic, and with his Anton is begging to add some new content. When Steve Gray perfield for a cameo) even as they poke fun at the likes of new-found hobby he also gets a new friend, Anton, who is shows up (a thinly veiled mash-up of Cris Angel and David Siegfried and Roy and the poor schlub stuck doing his act in Blaine) with his new magic that is really just endurance stunts the lounge. The cast, from the stars to the supporting players, and becomes the hot, new magician on the Vegas Strip (with- always manage to keep their characters real, and this meld- out so much as a costume!), we see Burt become a broken ing of charming script with talented actors really makes the man resigned to his fate and even though he was the villain movie, dare I say it, magical. t early on, we root for him to regain his mojo and take down the real villain, Steve Gray. benefiting the edward a. Myerberg center Burt Wonderstone could have been a com- pletely unlikable ass in the hands of a less-skilled comic actor, but Steve Carrell can do that kind of a blowhard and still find something redeemable about him. Burt’s arro- gance and complacency is quickly broken down when he loses his grand suite at the hotel and is forced to room with his magician’s assistant Nicole (her name An evening of anecdotes and melodies is actually Jane – played Sandra r. hittman . Honoree by Olivia Wilde – but Burt seems to know her only by . her stage name) … and May 9 7:30 pM even she can’t have him in her apartment for more the Modell lyric than a couple of hours. We begin to feel for Burt ticketmaster Lyric Box office more information as he realizes his dream 410-547-Seat 410-685-5086 410-358-6856 has come to an end, and we root for him to make a lyricoperahouse.com myerberg.org comeback (and reconcile with Anton) after he meets his idol, Rance Holloway (Alan Arkin), and finds that Can you say ‘Abacadabra’? spark that first set him on

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MARCH 22, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 15 Lively Arts // screen savor Lively Arts // IMUSIC Wallflowers & Wise Kids Bands & Ampersands By Gregg Shapiro As Charlie blossoms, his past and the By Gregg Shapiro Putting the fashion and anachronistic is- present converge. He finds himself un- Heloise & The Savoir Faire ratchets up sues aside, writer / director / novelist able to cope. His newfound social status the meat of their beats on Diamond Dust Stephen Chbosky’s film adaptation of his isn’t what he thought it would be and ev- (Simian), the long-awaited follow-up to own book The Perks of Being a Wallflower erything, including his friendships, begins their 2008 debut Trash, Rats and Micro- (Summit) is worth watching for the perfor- to look bleak for him. There are (border- phones. It’s just Heloise (Williams) now, mances by scene-stealer Ezra Miller and line new age) lessons to be learned about although she hasn’t lost her own savoir a nuanced Emma Watson. Because they accepting “the love we think we deserve,” faire. What she has gained is an even are both so good, it’s possible to overlook however the real lesson has more to do more 80s retro outlook which comes some of the movie’s time-challenged flaws. with the power and value of friendships. through on “Time Lords,” the early Ma- Wallflower and high school freshman Not a perfect movie, but one that neverthe- donna mode of “Oh Pioneer,” the Tee- Charlie (Logan Lerman) is recovering from less has enough “perks” to make it worth- na Marie tease of “Bottom To The Top” Country legend Steve Earle a bad spell in the early 1990s. His late Aunt while to watch. Blu-ray special features and the designer jeans reference of Helen (Melanie Lynskey), with whom he include digital and ultraviolet copies, audio “K.O.P.I.O.” (which stands for keep on shared a dark and inappropriately intimate commentary by Chbosky, Miller, Lerman pumping it out). She’s at her most mod- left off, firmly stationed on the left. Earle secret, haunts him years after her death. and Watson, deleted scenes and more. ern on the aptly named “Dance Floor De- and the band, including his wife Allison There’s also a friend he mentions his who Religion has been making its way into stroyer,” which sounds like an open invi- Moorer, make wondrous music together, killed himself. But wait, there’s more. Char- recent indie LGBT films. From disappoint- tation for some rump shaking wreckage. exemplified on “After Mardi Gras,” “Pock- lie is about to enter the hallowed and hell- ments such as Ash Christian’s Mangus! Like the aforementioned Heloise, et Full of Rain” and “21st Century Blues.” ish halls of a new school. to the Shumanski’s Blackmail Boys, it’s a Marina & the Diamonds is mainly a one- Versatile and prolific Dresden Doll Preferring to blend into the scenery, topic that isn’t going away, especially in woman show. The similarity doesn’t end Amanda Palmer made history with the Charlie is taken under the wing of English light of the way the community is treated by there. Electronic dance music is the order Kickstarter campaign (raising a ton of teacher Mr. Anderson (Paul Rudd), who religious extremists. You can add Stephen of the day on Electra Heart (Elektra), be- money) that financed her latest project offers literary guidance. Then, surprising Cone’s amazing The Wise Kids (Wolfe/ ginning with “Bubblegum Bitch” and “Pri- Theater is Evil (8 feet) by Amanda Palm- even himself, Charlie makes friends with Cone Arts) to the list and place it at the top madonna,” which sound like Ke$ha and er & The Grand Theft Orchestra. Solo queer senior Patrick (Miller) and in turn of the list as the best of the current crop. Katy Perry castoffs. Even if she comes or as one half of The Dresden Dolls or Patrick’s stepsister Sam (Watson). Sud- Set in Charleston, South Carolina, in a off as somewhat derivative, Marina is at Evelyn Evelyn, Palmer is never anything denly, the kid who preferred solitude, read- community with strong ties to the church, her most intriguing when she gets us up short of riveting. But it really feels like ing and writing finds himself in a series of The Wise Kids begins in April as music and dancing, as on the feminist state- she has found her most consistently re- social situations that he never could have director Austin (Cone) is conducting re- ment “Sex Yeah,” the instructional “How warding voice with this project. In spite predicted. hearsals for the Passion play. One look at to Be a Heartbreaker” and the glowing (or maybe because) of the album’s title, With increased social acceptance Austin and your gaydar will go off, in spite “Radioactive.” Palmer maintains her theatrical edge on comes great responsibility. Some things of the fact that he’s married to Elizabeth Don’t be put off by the “Want It Back,” “Do It he masters, such as keeping secrets (in- (Sadieh Rifai). It’s also obvious that Austin rock roar of the album With a Rockstar,” “Trout cluding when he walks in on Patrick kissing is in love with Tim (Tyler Ross), a gay high opening title track to The Heart Replica,” “Berlin,” one of the stars of the football team). But school senior who is heading off to the New Lion The Beast The Beat and “The Bed Song.” he struggles with other social graces, in- School in New York to study film in the fall. (Hollywood) by Grace Heck, there’s even “A cluding how to break up with a girl (he has Tim’s best friend Brea (Molly Kunz), the Potter & The Nocturnals, Grand Theft Intermis- the bad judgment to do it during a game preacher’s daughter, is totally cool about Tim because what follows sion” at the center of the of Truth or Dare). In case you didn’t see it being gay. The same can’t be said for class- doesn’t resemble it at all. disc. But underneath it from a mile away, Charlie also falls in love mate and religious zealot Laura (Allison The funky bass line, drum all, Palmer’s still a mod- with the lovable Sam. Sam, who’s only in- Torem), who virtually has a nervous break- loop (courtesy of the Black ern rocker and songs terested in older guys, treats Charlie with down when she finds out Tim is gay and Keys’ Dan Auerbach) and such as “Massachusetts kid gloves, which only increases his feel- of course vows to pray for him. Brea, who handclaps of “Never Go Avenue,” “The Killing ings for her. is going through a crisis of faith, becomes Back” are another animal Type,” “Lost,” and “Olly closer to Tim (even applying to and getting altogether. “Parachute Olly Oxen Free” allow Hailing Heloise accepted at NYU), which puts a strain on her Heart” beats to a pop her to be one. friendship with Laura who is, as you might rhythm and “Stars” allows Chicago’s own Mat- Westminster- suspect, going to a Christian college. Potter’s torch and twangi- thew Morgan & The Lost The Wise Kids takes us all the way er side to shine. “Loneliest Soul” goes for Brigade does its part to carry on the alt- Carroll County through December, with stops in May and the psychedelic gold and, with the right country tradition that has its roots in the Chapter August, as the trio of friends, as well as the remix, “Turntable” could make its way city on Found (CAUDoug). If Chicago members of their respective families, come onto turntables in dance clubs. can be a source for alternative country to terms with the changes rapidly occur- Modern country legend Steve Earle sounds, then so can Minnesota and Lucy ring in their lives. The wonder of the film is might have started out on his own, but Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles prove it Parents, Families, and Friends the way that every relationship rings true. over the years he’s recognized the value on the scorching Heat (Video Grandma). of Lesbians and Gays From Tim and his father (and siblings) to of having an ampersand and a band and Like her sister Jenni and father Geoff, Brea and her father to Austin and Elizabeth after his name. The title tune on The Low Clare Muldaur Manchon of Clare and www.pflagwcc.org and even Tim and Austin, there is never a Highway (New West) by Steve Earle & the Reasons is a born performer and MOVING EQUALITY FORWARD false note. The Wise Kids is a brave and, The Dukes (and Duchesses) finds one one well worth exploring on KR-51 (Frog yes, wise achievement. DVD bonus fea- of alternative country’s most politically Stand), the third full-length disc she’s re- Call us at 410-861-0488 t tures include a pair of featurettes. outspoken artists picking up where he leased with her band. t 16 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MARCH 22, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com New Year! New Law! New Life! For All Your Wedding Needs

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MARCH 22, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 17 Lively Arts // Personalities

AN INTERVIEW WITH conflict in a band. It’s good now. In the process of making records. It had more to do with me living in LA. I had just WILL SCHWARTZ the record I came across some conflict I think because it moved there from New York and San Francisco. I ended – continued from page 1 was kind of my vision that people were collaborating with, up spending a lot more time by myself in LA. It was just as opposed to creating a vision with others. It was some- me and the keyboard that had the piano sound. It just lent other project at the time. We were playing together, jam- thing I had to figure out and navigate. It was a process, itself to that 70s California vibe. ming for fun. I had written a few songs on piano at my making this record. Imperial Teen is really democratic. It GS: The Laurel Canyon sound. apartment. We got together specifically to play those started that way and it’s been a running theme through the WS: Yes, something like that. And while there is a joy- songs and Patty started playing this beat that was really making of the records (with Imperial Teen). It was chal- ousness to the music, for me there’s a lot of sadness and exciting. That’s how “We Do Not Belong” (came to be). lenging, but it was gratifying loneliness in it. That song came spontaneously. It was [laughs] like Eddie to learn how to figure it out GS: I think “Shouldn’t & The Cruisers [laughs]. (for Psychic Friend). Have Tried Again” is one of GS: But much better. GS: As a founding mem- the saddest songs I’ve ever WS: [Laughs] ber of Imperial Teen, as well heard. GS: You must be someone who plays well with oth- as the duos Psychic Friend WS: Really? That song is ers. After all, you are a member of two bands and one and Hey Willpower, how do really sad to me, too. duo. What do you think it is that makes you such a you know when an idea for GS: On the flipside, good team player? a song is meant for one mu- songs such as the funky WS: I’ve played well with others for a long time now. sical unit over another? “Water Sign” and the In this project [laughs], it’s the first time I’ve experienced WS: With Hey Willpower rhythmic “Softer Side” are it’s more obvious because it’s fun for dancing. Are there a different genre. There was plans to remix either track one song that I wrote (on the for club play? BAR GUIDE Psychic Friend disc), “Never WS: That would be cool. I Burn, Never Bruise,” that I don’t. But if you have any re- was thinking of using for Im- mixer suggestions, I’m open. BALTIMORE, MARYLAND BALTIMORE, MARYLAND MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA perial Teen. Basically the GS: After I finish speak- Club 1722 The Quest The Club thematic of Psychic Friend ing with you I am going to 1722 North Charles Street 3607 Fleet St. 5268 Williamsport Pike is that the songs started with be interviewing Drew (Dan- 410-727-7431 4 1 0 - 5 6 3 - 2 6 1 7 M a r tinsburg, WV 25404 www.club1722.com 304-274-6080 piano. Imperial Teen songs iel) of Matmos. Their new The Rowan Tree aren’t always as piano driven disc The Marriage of True Club Bunns 1633 S. Charles Street 608 W. Lexington St. 410-468-0550 REHOBOTH BEACH, DELAWARE but they have become more Minds deals with telepa- 410-234-2866 www.therowantree.net so with the past two records. thy. As the leader of the Big Sissies Bar & Grill 37385 Rehoboth Ave It gets a little more blurry be- band Psychic Friend, with Drinkery Triple LLL Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 203-207 W Read St. 227 W. Chase Street tween Imperial Teen and Psychic Friend. I think I brought a song titled “Telekinesis” on your disc, would you, 302-226-7600 410-225-3100 410-539-4806 some Psychic Friend into Imperial Teen and then (Imperial with your Psychic Friend powers, predict that this is Frogg Pond The Gallery PW's Sports Bar & Grill Teen band members) Lynn (Perko), Jone (Stebbings) and going to be a new trend? 3 S. 1st St 1735 Maryland Ave. 9855 Washington Blvd. N. Suite N Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Roddy (Bottum) Imperial Teen-ized it. WS: I think we’re kind of moving into that with social 410-539-6965 Laurel, MD 20723 302-227-2234 301-498-4840 GS: That’s interesting because you co-wrote the media and all that. The computer becoming an extension HIPPO www.pwsplace.com song “The Kids Are OK” with Roddy. How did that of our brains and that kind of thing. Things are getting so 1 West Eager St. Double L 410-576-0018 622 Rehoboth Ave song wind up on My Rocks Are Dreams? weird and meta [laughs]. It seems like telepathy is hap- www.clubhippo.com HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 WS: He helped write the lyrics for it. pening already, that kind of communication, facilitated by 302-227-0818 GS: I love that song, It sounds like it could be a TV these devices. I could see it extending into chip place- Grand Central Stallions 1001-1003 N. Charles St 706 N 3rd St Blue Moon sitcom theme song. Do you have a favorite sitcom? ment. There’ll probably be stuff like that in the future. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 35 Baltimore Ave 410-752-7133 WS: Roseanne was a huge obsession. I would watch GS: Since we’re looking into the future, do you www.centralstationpub.com (717)232-3060 R e h o b o t h B e a c h , D E www.stallionsclub.com 302-227-6515 it every day, three times a day [laughs]. I was living in foresee a Will Schwartz solo record somewhere down www.bluemoonrehoboth.com Jays on Read San Francisco three years ago and I had some days off. I the line? 225 W. Read Street Bar 704 410-225-0188 704 N 3rd St Cloud9 would watch Roseanne a lot. When I was little I was really WS: I would say this (Psychic Friend disc) is the clos- Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 234 Rehoboth Avenue into The Jeffersons. I liked that song, too. I like the idea of est I would come to that. I like collaboration. I feel like I get (717)234-4228 Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Leon’s 870 Park Ave 302-226-1999 “movin’ on up” [laughs]. more out of working with other people. I think I’m a good 410-539-4993 Liquid 891 Inc GS: There is a `70s pop vibe throughout My Rocks songwriter but I don’t know if I’m the best engineer, bass 891 Eisenhower Blvd The Purple Parrot t Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 247 Rehoboth Ave Are Dreams. Is that a reflection of the kind of music player, something like that [laughs]. Mixer’s 6037 Belair Rd (717)939-3590 R e h o b o t h B e a c h , D E 1 9 9 7 1 you might have been listening to while creat- 410-599-1952 www.liquid891.com 302-226-1139 ing the album? Station North Arts Cafe The Brownstone Lounge Rigby’s Bar & Grill WS: Not necessarily. The funny thing about Gallery 412 Forester Street 404 Rehoboth Avenue this record is that the influences that people ex- 1816 North Charles Street Harrisburg, PA 17102-1714 Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 410-625-6440 717-234-7009 302-227-6080 tract from it are things that I don’t really listen to www.stationnortharts.com www.rigbysbarandgrill.com that much. People say (it sounds like) Elton John SPRING GROVE, PENNSYLVANIA and Paul Simon. I do listen to them. But, I don’t The Lodge Lounge & Dance Iguana Grill Club 52 Baltimore Ave listen to Todd Rundgren (another comparison) Altland's RancH Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 21614 National Pike 8505 Orchard Rd 302-227-0948 that much. And a few people have said Laura Boonsboro, MD 21713 Spring Grove, PA 17362 www.iguanagrill.com 301-591-4434 717-225-4479 Nyro. GS: Probably because of the piano. WS: Yes. I’ve listened to them but I don’t lis- ten to them and get absorbed in it and have their

18 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MARCH 22, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com DAVID – THE BOY IN COLLAGE WITH FLOWERS

Amos Badertscher (born 1936) is a self- stalled by a Ma Bell representative and I was either drunk or recovering and semi- I guess and I actually saw a single pubic hair taught photographer whose primary sub- you could never turn the damn things off. sober and I was able to think fast. But I was on the counter top where the food came out. jects are the drag queens, performers, bar So I said what do you want and he says he used to thinking fast in those days under My friend confirmed that it was indeed a pu- friends, and the young hustlers living on wants to see me and I say what for and he this kind of pressure considering what kind bic hair and we were equally amazed. But the fringes of the Baltimore streets. Balti- says he just has to see me, of things on the streets I this was Baltimore. I then continued talking more retained the working-class, mostly he’ll never do it again and was doing. Somehow I fast again and giving him all my money and heterosexual hustling subculture of the pre- he needs three dollars real convinced him to let me telling him that taking the car was not a good Stonewall era long after most American cit- bad. They always need at drive around the corner thing because unless he killed me he would ies – a vanished scene, today mostly tied least that much and I had onto a more populated to various forms of drug addiction. His stark reasons for considering it. road so we could talk as “It takes a few seconds images are made even more so by the inci- So I say you’ll have to wait if this was going to solve sive biographical narratives of his subjects at least a half hour and anything. So we pulled up to realize it’s really a that he often pens onto the photographs he tells me where to meet in front of this fast food knife and he’s holding themselves. The subject of a landmark ex- him. At some point soon in place, a common one hibition at the Duke University Museum of about half an hour I drive around everywhere in it at my throat and it’s Art, his work has been published in two to the east side and meet those days in Baltimore books and various anthologies. Badertscher him where he said. So he but I forget the name, really happening.” has donated his life’s work to the Leslie- gets in the car talking tell- probably a Jack-in-the Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art in ing me he’s been kicked out Box where you could get get caught definitely and soon. He thought a New York City. These very short stories are of the house by his mother a “jack” and soda, a “jack” few minutes while I kept talking as a form of sometimes meant to go with specific photo- and he needs ten dollars. and eggs, or a “jack” and distraction like a brief comic scene in a play graphs. When I get my wallet out at coffee. A “jack” was meat. that’s otherwise a tragedy and then he took close to 4 a.m. a knife appears so fast at my We stopped across the road from this es- my money, not all that much, left my wal- by Amos Badertscher throat it takes a few seconds to realize it’s tablishment and I insanely remembered that let and me with the car, and disappeared. One night mid or late 70s I’m sleeping in really a knife and he’s holding it at my throat I knew this place because at one time at the Dumb luck that has always pursued me for my bed and it’s about 3 a.m. and the phone and it’s really happening. Definitely surreal. end of an all-night street crawl with a friend at least 60 years was still doing its thing. rings and it’s this kid. This was in the days Then he says he wants all my money and before going home we came here to get a So now anyway I’m still alive and you have when every telephone was personally in- the car. If you can imagine. In those days hamburger and soda, maybe around 3 a.m. these lines at least to read between. t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MARCH 22, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 19 TRAVEL West Hollywood: Not Just for Movie Stars By Joey Amato For a delightful dining ex- In my first visit to the West Coast in many years, I decided perience amongst the West to venture out to the land of dreams, Los Angeles, Cali- Hollywood “It” crowd, head fornia, and more specifically, West Hollywood. In a region to Eveleigh, located on the known for celebrities, rolling hills, and mega mansions, famous Sunset Strip. Here, West Hollywood is a wondrous enclave, with its own iden- diners can feast on a vari- tity and a drastically different vibe than its surrounding ety of options. To start, try neighbors. some of the wonderful “small The most difficult part of your journey will be getting from plates,” which include: Crisp Los Angeles International Airport to West Hollywood… the Spring Fennel with black olive traffic in Los Angeles is legendary. But once you arrive, all aioli, Grilled Monteray Squid of your worries seem to fade away. Check in at the newly with garlic, lemon and olive renovated Le Montrose Suites, situated just blocks from oil or Roasted Bone Marrow Santa Monica with celery cress, radish and Boulevard smoked sea salt. and minutes With something for ev- away from ery taste, Eveleigh is definitely one of the premier dining Another highlight is the MAK Center for Art & Archi- some of the establishments in the area. The restaurant also offers a tecture. The MAK Center seeks out and supports projects most popular wonderful wine selection, perfect to accompany any en- which break down the boundaries between art and archi- gay venues in trée. I highly recommend the grilled Boulder Valley hanger tecture. In addition to an ambitious schedule of events, the country. steak with crisp potatoes and caramelized onions or the the MAK Center hosts a bi-annual residency program for The mag- roasted half jidori chicken with picholine olives, almonds, eight innovative artists and architects from outside the nificent bou- preserved lemon, and golden raisins. U.S. The famous Schindler House, at the site of the MAK tique hotel After dinner, head back to Santa Monica Boulevard Center, is considered to be the first house ever built in the offers a full- to one of over a dozen gay bars and clubs in the city. modern style. service res- Of course, the most popular of them is the Abbey. Voted If all that sightseeing made you hungry, walk over to taurant, beautifully appointed suites complete with full “Best Gay Bar in the World” by Logo, the Abbey is located Tender Greens, a wonderful restaurant offering a selection kitchen, living space, balcony, flat screen TVs, and luxury just steps away from Le Montrose Suites. Owner David of fresh soups, salads and grilled items. Try the “happy linens. Le Montrose also features a fitness center and Cooley founded the venue 20 years ago as a coffee shop vegan” salad, a lovely blend of farro wheat, cranberries, rooftop pool overlooking the Los Angeles skyline, perfect and since then, it has grown to the premier LGBT night- cucumbers, hummus, beets, and quinoa. Another stand- for sun bathing or enjoying a late-night swim. life venue in West Hollywood with approximately 16,000 out is the tuna niciose salad, made with potatoes, quail A car isn’t really necessary in West Hollywood, unless square feet of space. egg, tomatoes and olives in a sherry vinaigrette. you would like to take a trip to Malibu, Santa Monica or Drinks at the Abbey are a little pricier than other es- Just a few blocks away is Shahr Salon & Wellness, a nearby Pasadena. Everything you need during your stay tablishments, but well worth the money, especially their lovely new wellness center offering a variety of salon and in WeHo is at your fingertips. Stop in at one of many LG- famous Raspberry Mojito, a drink recommended to me by spa treatments including relaxing massages and luxurious BT-owned retail shops lining Santa Monica Boulevard and many of their patrons. The bar also offers a wide selection facials. check out the latest fashion trends from local designers. of martini’s, old-fashioned lemonades and caipirinhas. The property also features a private outdoor space for Dance the night away yoga and meditation. During my visit to Shahr, I was lucky to the pulsating beats of enough to participate in a private yoga session taught by some of the world’s great- a very knowledgeable instructor who focused mainly on est DJs who regularly visit. stretching and breath control. This was followed up by a After a night of party- wonderful 60-minute massage. I would highly recommend ing, it’s time to explore making the time to visit Shahr during your stay. some of the cultural at- A journey to West Hollywood would not be complete tractions West Hollywood without visiting The Sunset Strip, a premier destination has to offer. Begin at the for the music, entertainment, and fashion. Some of the MOCA Pacific Design greatest bands in rock music got their start playing venues Center. Founded in 1979, including the Viper Room, the Roxy, and Whiskey a Go MOCA is the only museum Go. “The Strip” is one of the most likely places in West in the region devoted ex- Hollywood to bump into a celebrity. clusively to contemporary Those looking to spend more time with the “boys” or art. It is committed to the “girls” should head back to Santa Monica Boulevard to collection, presentation, any one of the exciting bars which include Rage, Revolv- and interpretation of work er, Fiesta Cantina, Micky’s, and Here Lounge, in addition produced since 1940 in all to others. The drinks in WeHo are plentiful and the eye media, and to preserving candy is as well. that work for future gen- For more information, visit Visitwesthollywood.com. t erations. OUT Destinations is part of OUTreach Public Relations The museum is 20-min- (Outreachpublicrelations.com). Founded by Joey Amato in ute walk from the hotel, 2012, OUTreach PR serves celebrities, corporations, and but well worth the visit. non-profit organizations looking to target LGBT consumers.

20 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MARCH 22, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com quality of life

stage cancerous cells. state rather than constant change because On the one hand, I am not saying that it’s easier to regulate, and the subconscious sleep disturbance causes cancer. On the Fit mind tells us to stay the same as well. Unfor- other hand, I’m saying that sleep plays an tunately, with health and fitness there is no Getting important role in maintaining our health. for standing still – you’re either making progress Unstuck So, even if you proudly proclaim, “I can get Life or moving backwards. That’s why people who Gerry Fisher along on just four hours of sleep a night!” Joshua H. Buchbinder don’t like being active have such a hard time it’s not healthy. motivating themselves and why crazy fitness All of this brings us to the question of nuts have a hard time taking rest and recov- what we can do to get more sleep, given ery days. The body and mind work interde- We Need that modern life does its best to drive us Consistency pendently to create a system that is hard to into a stressful, multi-tasking hell that can overcome. It takes time, determination and a Sleep keep one up at night. It’s for this reason is Key! lot of hard work. that I put together a discounted package This is why if you first don’t succeed you As a counseling intern, I was surprised of three meetings focused solely sleep There is so much fitness stuff out there have to try, try again – and maybe even try at the amount of teaching my supervisors improvement. The package includes a with a different approach or a new way to again after that! For the skinny guys trying wanted me to do with clients. Examples lengthy assessment session providing tips scorch fat. Maybe they got the latest hot to build muscle this is why it’s so hard. Don’t include teaching communication skills to for sleeping better, and several meetings celebrity to endorse the product or system, give up hope. And for those of you who need couples, assisting people with making to customize the approach to your needs. I mean why not? I’m sure that’s how they to lose weight and have for a long time, this small talk so that they could reduce their If you’d like, you can add a session or two got that body. It’s enough to make your is also why it’s so hard. It’s not your fault; it’s loneliness, brainstorming ways to structure of hypnosis to absorb the lessons deeper head spin. biology. But that’s not a good excuse. It is and to focus for people with attention prob- and improve your ability to relax. I have clients and friends who ask your obligation to do the work necessary to lems, and much more. For the rest of this column, I thought I’d what I think about all the health and fitness fight against your body’s nature. Another surprise was the number of share some basic tips for “sleep hygiene,” fads and trends or this For me, I had to fight times that one symptom showed up in which is a counselor’s fancy way of saying week’s latest in-home against my body’s nature af- several different psychological diagnoses. “things you can do to improve your sleep.” workout video system. ter being born with terrible One such symptom is trouble paying at- Here goes: Here’s my answer: “If asthma that put me in the hos- tention: depressed people, fearful people, • Eating a light snack shortly before you want to spend mon- pital repeatedly as a child and people hearing voices, and bed improves sleep. However, ey on something you pre-teen. I was terrified that others will have this problem. do not eat a full meal. won’t use that’s none if I did anything I wouldn’t be Another such symptom is • Do not drink caffeine past of my business. But if it’s able to breathe. They told me sleep disturbance. the hour when it still affects your something you’ll use reg- I couldn’t play sports or run or Instead of going into de- sleep; the exact time when you ularly and consistently, even participate in gym class. tail about the relationship of need to stop varies from person we can talk about it!” And I believed it until I was sleep to psychological diag- to person. Honestly, I have noth- about 12 years old I got a major noses, I’ll use this column to • Limit your alcohol intake, ing against in-home 90- wake up call. talk briefly about the impor- especially before bed. Alcohol day workout programs My total cholesterol was tance of sleep and what we all can do to will put you to sleep, but it wakes you up or small gyms with high 390, and to say I was chunky get more of the rest we need. again three or four hours later. intensity workouts touting was being nice about it. That First, I’ll speak personally and offer • If you smoke, do not smoke just be- a new body with catchy reality check, along with other my true confessions. I know this isn’t true fore you go to bed. slogans. With one excep- revelations over the years, for everyone, but I’m a mess if I don’t get • Exercise regularly – it’s amazing the tion: I am against people shocked me into changing my enough sleep. number of conditions aided by exercise, using terrible form and life and helped me get where Overhead pressing for I belong to a business networking group including sleep problems. Do not exercise repeating bad move- I am today. It was then that I consistency called BNI that meets weekly, and I had to just before bed. ment patterns that end credit: Steve Charing started lifting weights, being switch from breakfast meetings beginning • Limit your bedroom activity to sleep- up causing injuries, but active, eating better, and be- at 7:30 a.m. to lunch meetings. When I at- ing (and sex). Remove the TV from your that’s another rant for a different day! came aware of who I wanted to be and how tended Wednesday breakfast meetings, I bedroom. Here’s my take on all the different fitness I wanted to feel. always felt like a zombie for the rest of the • Keep a regular sleep-wake routine so stuff out there – pick something and stick By junior year of high school I was play- day, and it lingered into Thursday. On re- that your sleep cycle is not thrown off. with it! Just because you didn’t lose weight ing soccer, competing, and winning (not to ally bad weeks, I was still feeling draggy on • Create a calm, dark, soothing envi- in a week doesn’t mean the program doesn’t brag too much) internationally in martial arts. Friday. When I’m in this state, I scramble ronment in your bedroom. work. If you haven’t exercised in years, you’re Later I became a competitive and perfor- my words, forget things, and feel very ir- • Give yourself some wind-down time not going to be John Basedow overnight; it mance acrobat. About two years ago I did a ritable. This does not exactly set the stage just before bed, and emphasize slowing will take years of dedication and hard work ten-plus mile obstacle course race and a half for peak performance and having fun. down your thinking and lowering your emo- to truly achieve a high level of maintainable marathon in the same week! And they told Second, although I am not an expert on tions. health and fitness. And I have more bad me I wouldn’t be able to run. the biology of sleep, I’ve done some read- In addition to basic sleep hygiene, news: once you start seeing results, you have All I had to do was change everything. It ing on the subject. Apparently, it’s while we practicing and mastering “mindfulness” to keep doing it and making it a little harder didn’t happen overnight but it did happen. are at sleep that our immune system does skills can improve your ability to slow your and a little different. Otherwise, it stops work- It can happen for you, if you fight and work a certain kind of “clean up” that it can’t do mind, relax, and get to sleep. I’ve written ing! for what you really want. t when it’s busy actively fighting off invaders past columns about mindfulness; contact The body is really amazing, but really Joshua Buchbinder is a master trainer during the day. Some biologists theorize me for some free handouts about how to likes to stay the same. It’s called homeo- at Life Time Fitness in Columbia, Mary- that it is at this time when the immune sys- practice mindfulness. t stasis – in Greek it literally means standing land. He can be reached at thrive.jhb@ tem “sweeps away” things such as early- Learn more at BaltimoreLifeCoachGerry. still! The body prefers to maintain a constant gmail.com or at 410-967-9699. com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MARCH 22, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 21 Lounge for the official meet-and-greet for the four-title contest that makes up CLAP. With only one contestant for each title, I was able to have very enjoyable conversa- tions with each. The evening was hosted by Baltimore’s own COMMAND, MC, and was an informal gathering of many mem- bers of the area’s leather community. I was greeted the minute I walked in the door by a very bubbly Nina Love, who was proudly A Small CLAP running for the title of Mid-Atlantic Leath- er Woman 2013. Many in the area may for the Leather remember Nina when she ran the Power Exchange Boutique in Baltimore. Running Community for the title of Mid-Atlantic Leatherboy was boy quinton who last year hit the stage as a contestant for Mr. New Jersey Leather It appears that downsizing has not only 2013. Sir Doug, who I have known since become the buzz word on Capitol Hill, but he was Pennsylvania LeatherSIR 2003, it has also hit the leather community. So was the sole contestant for Mid-Atlantic far this year we’ve seen a three-contes- LeatherSIR 2013, and one of Baltimore’s tant Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather Contest, we hardest-working bootblacks amelia was have seen the Mr. SECC Leather Contest the Mid-Atlantic Community Bootblack go from nine contestants in 2012 to three 2013 contestant. The contest was held at (maybe four depending on how you count 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, at the Club the tag-team who were selected), and on Hippo. During a ShipMate bar night at the the weekend of March 15 to 17, 2013 the Triple L on March 9, I heard a rumor that And a round of applause for the winners at CLAP fourth annual Chesapeake Leather Aware- the contest had been cancelled due to a ness Pride (CLAP) took downsizing to a booking conflict at the Hippo. There was a evening. Although the contest was held as (Even the parade of colors ended up being new level. big drag event with an Oz theme scheduled scheduled, it had to be moved to the Eagar downsized as one local club who had five On Friday, March 15, leather folks from for March 16. A quick check of the Hippo Street Saloon side of the Hippo. Apparently members in attendance failed to bring their far and near gathered at Leon’s Leather website showed that the Oz event was in the the main room was already decorated for the colors.) In the old days there were even t- evening’s festivities. The original $20 ticket shirts! There was a small silent auction set up price was reduced to a donation that was in the back bar. As most folks know, even in taken during the contest. It was a shame a one-horse race the horse has to cross the because the main room is such a wonderful finish line. Due to not receiving the minimum venue. I felt sorry for the many visitors from points required, the Mid-Atlantic LeatherSIR out of town who had to stand for the contest- 2013 title was not awarded. (Producers have but the show must go on. I must applaud pro- the option of appointing someone to the title ducer Rik Newton-Treadway and Hooker & to send to the international contest in Dallas Boys Productions for really making the best over the Labor Day weekend.) For the most of a bad situation. This year’s judges were part all went well and it was a very enjoy- International Ms. Leather 2011 Sara Vibes, able afternoon. Mid-Atlantic Leather Woman Ms. Georgia Leather 1995 / International 2012 Toni Solenne had planned a slide show Master 1999 Khiki Cavannarro, Mid-Atlantic as part of her step-down, but was unable to Leatherwoman 2011 Morgaine, Internation- show it without the equipment in the main al Leatherboy 2004 boy Ivan Reyes, Mid- room. She stated that she had worked really Atlantic Leatherboy 2001 boy andy tonken, hard on it and laughingly invited everyone to Mid-Atlantic LeatherSIR 2010/2011 Sir John check it out on You Tube! Krikorian, and Ms. San Diego Leather 2012 After the contest Sir John Krikorian host- Wish. The Mid-Atlantic Community Boot- ed a dinner at the Maritime Institute in Linthi- black 2013 Contest was judged by slave cum followed by the official victory party bar Jezebel Cavannarro, Master Jake, Interna- night at the Triple L. On Sunday, March 17 tional Ms. Bootblack 2011 K.D., and Daddy the ladies of F.I.S.T. and Baltimore’s newest Sal Susino. Tally Masters were Mr. SECC leather club, Maryland Boys of Leather host- Leather 2012 / Mid-Atlantic LeatherSIR ed the Kinky Carnival at the Triple L. (The 2008 Sir Andy Chmielowski-Liu and Paulie Maryland Boys of Leather club is so new that Treadway. The emcee for the afternoon was they do not even have a back patch yet, but Mr. New Jersey Leather 2012 Danny Tamez I am sure you will be hearing more about and of course the always hilarious Shawnna them soon.) Congratulations to Mid-Atlantic Alexander. (Shawnna’s performance mixed Leatherwoman 2013 Nina Love, Mid-Atlantic “Stormy Weather” with “Ain’t Nobody Got Leatherboy 2013 boy quinton, and Mid-Atlan- Time for That” as only Shawnna could do!) tic Community bootblack 2013 amelia. CLAP Shawnna started the show by saying, “It may have been a little smaller this year, but seems like only last year we were in the big the new Mid-Atlantic leather family deserves room...” There was no pin and no program. a big hand! t

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MARCH 22, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 23 your money Retirement Bliss? Pension Planning in the Era of Gay Marriage by Woody Derricks benefit upon the retiree’s death. Unlike you with greater control over the money value of that need, and purchase life insur- As many of you assess the affordability of someone who is married, if you are single that you earned during your years of ser- ance on the retiree for that amount. retirement, you may find one of your prima- or are in a domestic partner relationship, vice with your employer. You cannot change your election after ry resources in the form of a pension plan odds are you can only elect to receive the For those who must take an annuitized you begin receiving your pension benefits. offered through your employer. A pension is full benefit (which does not provide for your income stream, you may want to consider For this reason, I highly suggest working essentially a fixed annuity that can provide partner or other beneficiary). purchasing life insurance. Many married closely with a financial advisor to help you a stream of income for someone’s lifetime. Some pension plans do not even pro- couples use this strategy because it allows weigh the pros and cons of all of your op- t With a fixed annuity, you are betting that vide for nonspousal beneficiaries during them to protect the spouse at a smaller tions. you will live a long life, and the insurance employment. A gay or lesbian couple plan- cost than reducing the retiree’s full pen- Woody Derricks is a certified financial or pension company is betting that you will ning on receiving pension income may see sion. Using this option, you can evaluate planner and an accredited domestic partner- not. For this reason, they are willing to pay this asset vanish upon the covered part- the survivor’s need, calculate the current ship advisor. Reach him at 410-732-2633. you income for life. The calculation that ner’s death – even if this occurs prior to re- they use to determine how much to pay you tirement. For this reason, you may want to is based on, among other factors, your life focus on building the investment assets for expectancy. If you live to receive one check the partner without a pension plan and/or beyond your life expectancy, you win. If you purchasing life insurance on the covered do not, the company wins. partner to protect that asset. Those who have a pension plan know Another option provided by some com- that their pension benefit is determined by panies is a lump sum benefit. With a lump a formula that usually takes age, length of sum benefit, the company determines your service, and the prior three years’ worth of pension income and then calculates your income into account. From this formula, distribution. This one-time payout is typi- employees can approximate their pension cally the current value of all of your future income. While most have estimated their income. When you receive this benefit, you pension income, few truly understand the can typically transfer the money to an Indi- benefits and consequences of the options vidual Retirement Account (IRA). available to them. Having the money in an IRA provides The primary option for those with pen- you with increased flexibility over the fixed sion plans comes in the form of a lifetime annuity benefit. First, you can take as stream of income. With this option, some- much money as you need from an IRA. one who is married can select a full benefit (Withdraws are taxed as ordinary income or a partial benefit with spousal survivor- and may be subject to a 10% Federal pen- ship income. The full benefit typically pro- alty if taken prior to age 59-1/2) If you have vides the largest stream of income, but an emergency or want to take a vacation, does not provide a survivorship benefit. If, you can dip into your IRA for those excess for example, you passed away one year funds. With the fixed annuity payment, you into receiving benefits, the rest of your life- are set on a fixed income. Second, if you time income would be surrendered back to pass away, you can name your partner, your employer’s pension plan. family, friends, a trust, and/or a charity as Someone who is married has other op- your beneficiary. Third, the assets in the tions. A married retiree can decide to take IRA belong to you not the company. If your a reduced benefit in order to provide a company were to go bankrupt, you could small amount of income for his/her spouse. see a reduction in your pension income. If Some companies may allow for the spouse the money is in your IRA, they cannot re- to receive more than 75% of the original claim those funds. These benefits provide

24 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MARCH 22, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com real estate Using Your IRA for a Down Payment by Jeff Hammerberg If you are withdrawing the IRA money A traditional IRA allows you to withdraw up for your child or your partner to buy their to $10,000 in order to finance a deposit for first home it is possible to do so without a first-time home purchase without paying paying tax on the withdrawal as long as an early-withdrawal penalty (usually 10%). the above qualifiers and requirements are But you may still have to pay income tax on followed. When using your IRA money to the withdrawal. help your loved one purchase their first If you’re thinking about doing this, there home there is a time limit that you can are a lot of things to consider if you want to take advantage of that often helps avoid avoid tax: You must be below 59 years of the money being taxed. There is a 60-day age, you cannot have owned a house for payback clause – that means that if you at least two years, and you cannot be with- manage to get either a por- drawing more than $10,000. As well, the tion or all of the withdrawn house you are buying needs to be your money back into the ac- primary residence (no second homes count within 60 days the or income properties). Another re- amount of cash put quirement is that the purchase of back in will not be the home must be done within a considered a distri- set time limit. With this kind bution and will not of withdrawal you have be taxable. a maximum of 120 With a tradi- days to purchase the tional IRA you should home; failure to do so be aware that there will result in the mon- are disadvantages to ey being returned to withdrawing money the IRA. that goes beyond tax. If the sale of the The biggest disadvan- house falls through, tage is that if you tap into you are left vulnerable to your IRA money it is no longer legal issues. there for you to use on other things, such You’ve met the person of your With a traditional IRA you can only as other investments that could be more withdraw $10,000 in the lifetime of the lucrative than a first time home. It could dreams; let us help make IRA. The $10,000 limit means that once also cause you problems by pushing you you have withdrawn this amount you can- into a higher tax bracket. another dream a reality. not withdraw any more for other expenses Using money from an IRA can be quite that go along with purchasing a house. So complicated, so we always recommend it is important that before attempting to use that above and beyond anything you may IRA money for a down payment on a home have learned here, you seek the advice of you make sure that you are able to afford a qualified CPA who can look at your own all of the other expenses that accumulate personal circumstances and can advise When you build a life together it means commitment, effort, and a lot of decisions. when purchasing property. how best to proceed. t Some decisions are easy, while others require outside advice. One of the biggest decisions you will make is to buy a home. George Mason Mortgage and I are there to support you, every step of the way!

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Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, notes,terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

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