AN O INDEPENDENTU VOICE FOR THE TLESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER COMMUNITIES June 12, 2015 | Volume XIII, Issue 3

2014 Frederick Pride PRIDE Throughout the Region credit: Bob Ford By Mary Taylor month of June. of Washington, D.C. Power, Remembrance, Identity, Diversi- 40th Celebration of Pride in the Na- Then wander ty, Equality: What great words to start with tion’s Capital. Through June 14, in Wash- around to an out- for the month of June, the month during ington, D.C. Start your Friday night, June door restaurant and which the LGBTQ communities celebrate 12, with Flashback, this year’s official have lunch before Pride! Pride in all that we have ac- Pride opening party the annual Pride Pa- complished over the many years. where you will enjoy rade starts at 4:30 Pride in the way our communi- Power, a dance party take- p.m. from 22nd & P ties have come together as one Remembrance, over of Arena Stage Streets, NW, Wash- to fight the good fight. Pride that located at 1101 6th ington, D.C. The future generations will not have to Identity, Street SW. Start time Pride Parade travels fight so hard to live life as it should is 8:30 p.m. 1.5 miles through be lived, not in the shadows or in Diversity, Saturday morn- DuPont Circle and secret. ing, June 13, has an 17th Street, passes Yes, we still have some battles Equality Historic Gay D.C. by the Logan Circle to fight, but because of the men walking tour from neighborhood and ends along the revital- Peacockalypse. For the ladies we have the and women who stepped up, raised their the DuPont Circle Metro, at Q and 20th ized 14th Street corridor at S Street. This F.U.S.E. woman’s Main Event located at voices and made themselves heard, the Streets starting at 10 a.m. Find out how three-hour parade will have something for Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW from 9 road will be a little smoother in the future. in the 1960s DuPont Circle was a center everyone: floats, music, and fun. p.m. to 3 a.m. presented by Tagg magazine Five words, each giving the LGBTQ Com- of antiwar activism. In the 1970s and ’80s, After the parade you can check out one and LURe. munities a reason to be proud. DuPont Circle became the center of Wash- of the many parties going on around the Last but not least for the all night party- All over the world Pride is celebrated ington, D.C, gay life. Join in on this walking area. Everything from a Youth Dance being ing folks we have Mixtape, a high-energy, in many different ways: parades, parties, tour highlighting bars, homes, and protest held at the National City Christian Church alternative dance party hosted by award- picnics, and history. Here are some of the spots that have played a significant role in on Thomas Circle for free dancing, food, winning DJs Matt Bailer and Shea Van events going on in the tri-state area for the the experiences of the LGBT communities and HIV testing to the first Asia After Dark —continued on page 3

The Stonewall, 1969 b ey Wayn Curtis – Shop local, There’s been a fair amount of com- drink local, riot local mentary in the last month on the The Old Gay-borhood rather sudden announcement of the closing of the Hippo, and the ginnings, gay-borhood watering holes. They cial network has been growing increasingly fact that it’s going to be replaced were usually bunched together in groups in more diverse and geographically spread-out by what will most likely be just an- areas that had a high proportion of gay or for decades. Although there has been one other slightly grimy, urban drug gay-friendly residents, and formed a protec- “nest” at the corner of Charles and Eager store. Newspaper articles, radio tive “nest” where gay and lesbian people Streets for a long time, there have been interviews, and more have gone to (this was before the LGBT acronym was others that competed for LGBT patronage great lengths to analyze what this born) could congregate and feel safe from in several different parts of town. As a real- means for gay culture and social life the intolerance of a hostile world. New York’s estate agent, I know that in my career I’ve in the city, now that you’ll be able “Village,” the Castro in San Francisco, and sold homes to LGBT couples and singles, to get milk, a candy bar, and OTC Boston’s Back Bay / Fenway neighborhood and gotten to know others, in Homeland, fat-burners where once drag balls are some of the best known examples of Guilford, Oakenshawe, Tuscany-Canterbury, were fabulous and young same-sex these nests. Canton, Fells Point (Upper and Lower), Fed- couples engaged in public displays From a real-estate perspective, it’s no eral Hill, Charles Village, and Mount Vernon, of affection. surprise at all that these institutions are just to name a few. As the center of grav- Gay bars were, from their be- having rough times. Baltimore’s LGBT so- —continued on page 24 honor our past, work for our future ON JUNE 27, JOIN US FOR BRUNCH & FILM SCREENING OF BEFORE STONEWALL To commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, The LGBT Health Resource Center of Chase Brexton invites you for brunch and a movie to celebrate our community’s pride, learn more about our history, & discuss our journey ahead.

Saturday, June 27, 2015 - 10:00AM to 1:00PM Chase Brexton Health Care at Mt. Vernon 1st Floor Community Rooms 1111 North Charles Street - Baltimore, MD 21201 ALL ARE WELCOME RSVP Requested The event is free but space is limited. RSVP to Bethany at 410-837-2050 x1216 or online at tinyurl.com/stonewallbrunch

Be proud. Be healthy. lgbt-hrc.org | 410-837-2050

2 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 12, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com news // LOCAL

P RIDE nia Avenue NW, between on the Creek,” the event Throughout the Region 3rd and 7th Streets for runs from noon to 6 p.m. – continued from page 1 the 40th Annual Pride at Carroll Creek Linear Festival with three stag- Park (between Carroll & Horn. It will take place at the 9:30 Club, es of national and local Market Street) in down- 815 V Street NW, Washington, D.C. There talent entertainment as town Frederick, Mary- is also Tropicalia – the place to be where well as 300 exhibitors land. There will be bands, Capital Pride and The Cherry Fund bring including local and com- drag performances, DJ, you another amazing after-hours event. It munity groups, national dancing, and more live features the tech and house beats of DJs sponsors, local busi- acts at the amphitheater. X Gonzalez and Sean Morris. With special nesses, food vendors, At the new Market wow effects and decor, get ready to rock restaurants, and busi- Street venue there will well into the early morning. nesses looking to pro- be smaller acts including On Sunday, join the fun on Pennsylva- mote their services to our drag, DJ dancing, and community. The festival more. There will be or- is open to everyone, and ganized youth sports and there is no fee for entry, however, dona- craft activities compliments of The Frederick Correction: tions are very much appreciated! Center Youth Group. For the younger kids ‘Town Hall End the evening with Capital Pride’s there will be face painting and other activi- Concert presented by Hot 99.5 on the Cap- ties in various booths. The program will be Meeting on itol Concert Stage on Pennsylvania Av- full; there is no way to see it all. The food enue. On hand will be Wilson Phillips, En court will be located above the amphitheater, PrEP’ Vogue, and Amber, and make our way to and the beer and wine area next to them. 2015 with Katy Tiz and Carly Rae Jepsen! Various beverage and snack vendors will be Baltimore OUTloud would like to apolo- To find out more about any of the week- along the creek. gize to Chase Brexton’s Dr. John Vaz end events visit Capitalpride.org. These are just the events for June. Balti- for transcription errors in the quotes in Sunday, June 21 is not only Father’s more OUTloud will be talking about the July last issue’s article, “Town Hall Meeting Day but it is the 5th Annual Gay Pride Pride events in the next issue. For right now, on PrEP.” at River Riders in Harpers Ferry, West be proud of who you are, and celebrate with Quotes from Dr. Vaz dealing with Virginia from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. What bet- family and friends the meaning of PRIDE. t how people should proceed medically ter way to spend the day floating down the with PrEP should have been presented lazy river in a tube or white-water rafting, as follows: ziplining, kayaking, canoeing, and other “Make sure you are HIV negative adventures on the beautiful Shenandoah before starting PrEP,” said Dr.Vaz. and Potomac Rivers. River Riders is only “Test for Hepatitis B and also establish one hour from the Washington, D.C., and normal kidney function. Once these Baltimore metro areas. are assessed and PrEP is prescribed, Being an adventure center, it provides follow-up would occur every three the opportunity to have remarkable ex- months. During medical follow-ups, periences in nature with your family and you would want to ensure you remain friends. Before or after your trip down the HIV-negative and continue to monitor river, stop by and visit several LGBT ven- your kidney function. Another aspect dors and informational booths that will be you could discuss with your medical set up at our outfitter. Conclude the after- provider is the need for screening for noon with an exciting $5 Drag Show fea- sexually-transmitted infections (STIs).” turing talent from our friends at The Club A second passage, discussing how in Falling Waters pavilion. Show starts at to handle insurance issues, should 6 p.m. Vote for your favorite drag queen! have read: Proceeds from the show will be donated to Dr. Vaz told Baltimore OUTloud, a local LGBT charity chosen by the winning “Call the Chase Brexton Health Care drag queen. Be sure to show your pride by Center to schedule an appointment or wearing your most colorful river or canopy walk in for a visit between 8 a.m. and tour gear. 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to Check out the photo album from the meet with a provider and start the deci- previous years and if you would like to be- sion process. Whether uninsured, deal- come a vendor or participate in the drag ing with a co-pay, or a high deductible, show, email [email protected]. Tick- we have a dedicated and experienced ets can be purchased at River Riders on team of case managers who can assist the day of the event. Continue the night in navigating insurance issues to get with the special after party at The Club. For PrEP.” more information checkout The River Rid- Baltimore OUTloud apologizes for ers on Facebook. any confusion. t On Saturday, June 27 the 4th Annual Frederick Pride takes place. Called “Out

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 12, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 3 news // local

counseling, including support of transgender Towson U: Robust Roster of Queer Groups students through the transition process, get- ting institutional support for LGBT student or- By Stephanie Hunt munity on campus. temic, social, and interpersonal challenges ganizations, working with the administration, As the school year draws to a close, the “In the beginning of my time at Towson, I queer individuals face require, in my opinion, and sponsoring programming, including a graduating high school class of 2015 is pre- was harassed by my floor mates because of guidance from other queer individuals who speakers bureau that allows LGBT students paring to leave the relatively sheltered atmo- my sexuality,” Becca Hertl, the group’s 2014- have faced and conquered congruently dis- to educate their peers on community issues. sphere of secondary education and venture 2015 events coordinator, told Baltimore OUT- tressing realities. Ideally, the Pride Mentor No university community is perfect, and into adulthood. For the students continuing loud. “The LGBT community was a vital re- Program would be a visible on-campus orga- there are always improvements to be made, but to higher education, college is a place where source for my support, and still is. I became a nization that acts as a human resource for LGBT students starting at Towson University in they can explore their interests, passions, leader for the Queer Student Union as a way LGBTQIA students making that transition,” the fall can be rest assured that there are a wide and beliefs. to support my community with the strength he explained. variety of programs and services designed to However, for many young people leaving they gave me.” The Center for Student Diversity also make their transition as easy as possible and t home for the first time, there’s another very QSU makes a point to try to hold a few provides services to LGBT students. Joel help them grow into their identities. important component to attending college: major social events each year. This spring, Bolling, the director of LGBT student de- The author served as president of the finding themselves in different environments the group held a queer prom for the LGBT col- velopment, offers one-on-one advising and Towson Queer Student Union 2014-15. away from the pressure of their home com- lege students and their allies in the area and munities. Many LGBT students have spread plan to have two similar events in the coming school year. Social events like these make it easier for queer FreeState Legal Hails Legislative Victories students to find community on a large campus like Towson, which FreeState Legal applauded the news that based on the sworn statement of a licensed currently has over 22,000 stu- two bills improving the lives of LGBTQ Mary- healthcare practitioner who has treated or dents enrolled. landers became law late May. One measure examined the person, stating that the person Also available is an orga- will remove outdated barriers to updating a has obtained transition-related care that is nization known as In The Life, gender marker on a birth certificate to ac- appropriate for that individual person within which is geared towards LGBT curately reflect a transgender or intersex modern standards of care, which may in- people of color and their allies. person’s gender identity. The other measure clude surgical, medical, or other treatment. Not unlike the QSU, In The Life requires Maryland health insurers that cover The law will take effect on October 1, 2015. facilitates conversations among in-vitro fertilization and other fertility services The new fertility-coverage legislation ad- its members about the challeng- to married policyholders to provide benefits dresses inequities in Maryland health insurance es faced by their community and that are equivalent for all married couples, that primarily affect women who are married to provides a social sphere for them both same-sex and opposite-sex. spouses of the same sex. The measure gov- to operate in. In The Life is also “These laws will have a tremendous im- erns coverage for in-vitro fertilization (which is the group in charge of coordinat- pact on low-income LGBTQ Marylanders,” a mandated benefit in many health plans in the ing Towson University’s highly said Patrick Paschall, executive director of state), as well as other fertility services, such as popular drag show, which is held FreeState Legal, Maryland’s statewide orga- artificial insemination (which is not mandated once per semester and has been nization dedicated to serving low-income LG- but is offered by many health plans). QU S ’s executive board at the 2015 queer prom: Ashlee going strong for a decade. BTQ Marylanders. “Ensuring equal access to The new law prohibits insurers from re- Reese-Basgier, Baires Serrano, Bernard Walker, Lisa “I think students have found reproductive health coverage for same-sex quiring patients with same-sex spouses to Simmons-Barth, Becca Hertl, and Stephanie Hunt a safe space where they can couples and removing requirements that satisfy two common conditions of cover- credit: Katie Simmons-Barth express themselves freely as transgender people undergo prohibitively ex- age that have effectively denied coverage a respite from their daily lives,” pensive or unnecessary surgeries to update to same-sex couples: 1) a requirement that before them a new opportunity to explore said Terel Lowry-Hill, Events Coordinator for identity documents will have real-world impli- the sperm used in the procedure come from and be open about identities that they may 2014-15. “The most fulfilling aspect is being cations for LGBTQ residents in our state.” the patient’s spouse; and 2) a requirement not have had access to through adolescence. able to meet and befriend many people of Paschall stated, “Under the old stan- that the patient have demonstrated infertility Throughout universities across the na- various backgrounds. It helps me to better dard, transgender people were required to through a history of heterosexual intercourse tion and beyond, organizations that focused myself and accept differences.” undergo expensive medical procedures that failing to result in pregnancy. on LGBT students have worked to ease this Another important resource to LGBT stu- are rarely covered by health insurance and The legislation takes effect on July 1, process and provide a safe space for these dents is the Pride mentor program, which are not medically necessary in some cases, 2015, and will apply to all state-regulated students to figure themselves out and inter- connects incoming LGBT students with older making birth-certificate updates inaccessible health plans newly offered in the state or al- act with others like them, possibly for the first LGBT students who can guide the incoming to low-income transgender people.” ready in force on that date. time. At our own Towson University, students students through navigating the challenges “Now that these bills are law, we can FreeState Legal testified before the legis- and staff have worked together to create of their university and their identities alike. undertake the urgent and important task of lature in support of both measures, and both a network of programs and organizations “I was a Pride Mentor last year, and hear- helping provide direct legal services to low- measures had bipartisan support and passed geared towards these very goals, including ing about transgressions between students income LGBTQ Marylanders. If you are an by wide margins in both houses of the Gener- the Queer Student Union (QSU), In The Life, and faculty during meetings really made my LGBTQ person from or currently living in al Assembly. They automatically became law and the Pride mentor program. blood boil. I wanted to play a more active role Maryland, call us.” on May 29, 2015 after Governor Larry Hogan QSU has been a significant cornerstone in addressing concerns that queer students Under the new birth-certificate law, declined either to sign or veto them within for queer life on campus for years. The group have regarding the safety of their academic transgender Marylanders will no longer be thirty days after they were presented to him. not only provides a space for frank discus- spaces,” said Jayson Carter, the 2014-2015 required to meet arbitrary surgical require- If you are an LGBTQ Marylander and sion about the issues faced by the communi- leader of the Pride mentor program. ments in order to update their birth certifi- have questions about how the new laws will ty, it’s also an important cornerstone of social “The transition from home to dorm is both cates. Instead, individuals may update the affect your individual situation, please contact support for the members of the LGBT com- mentally and emotionally jarring. The sys- gender designation on their birth certificates FreeState Legal at 410-625-LGBT (5428). t

4 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 12, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com Chuck Bowers in his office at the Hippo credit: Steve Charing

news // local

are more LGBT specific shelters opening should be made by visiting Glsencookout. schools throughout Maryland. Lesbian Couples up in the D.C. area, there still isn’t one eventbrite.com. GLSEN Baltimore works to create and in Baltimore and we seek to change that. During the 2014-2015 School Year, sustain dynamic programming that sup- Club Helping LGBT Many of the members of our organization GLSEN Baltimore reached 1,649 youth, ports GSAs within the state of Maryland. are educators, social workers, and human trained 289 educators, supported 14 They do this through GSA networking Homeless Youth service professionals who have a passion schools, and created 5 Gay Straight Alli- events like the GLSEN Baltimore Youth for helping our LGBT youth. The Rainbow ance (GSA) groups across 14 Maryland Summit. The chapter also develops oppor- Hope House is our way of giving back counties. Volunteers from the local com- tunities for school educators and adminis- By Steve Charing and helping to support our youth...many munity as well as partnering organiza- trators to obtain professional development In an effort to help LGBT homeless youth of whom remind us of ourselves when we tions including Free State Legal, UB Law, that helps them support LGBTQ-identified in Baltimore, the Lesbian Couples Club will were that age.” Towson University, and Connect to Pro- students in schools. be raising money by holding an all-you- The Crab Feast will include an open bar, tect played a significant role in extending For more information, visit Glsen.org/ crabs, jumbo steamed shrimp, Maryland GLSEN’s reach and helping to create safer Baltimore. t crab soup, pork barbeque, fried chicken, Italian sausage, hot dogs, corn on the cob, baked beans, potato salad, and cole slaw. The cost is $55 plus a $2.37 service fee per ticket, available at Eventbrite. com/e/lesbian-couples-club-crab-feast- presented-by-michaels-eight-avenue-tick- ets-8223700309. t GLSEN Awards and Cookout Set

By Steve Charing The Baltimore chapter of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) Wendy Jones and Dr. Tonya Featherston will be holding an awards and cookout event on June 14 at the pavilion at Robert can-eat crab feast on July 10 from 7 to 11 E. Lee Park in Towson from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will take place at Michael’s p.m. The event is open to anyone who has Eight Avenue (7220 Grayburn Drive, Glen engaged with GLSEN Baltimore this past Burnie, Maryland). year. In addition to the awards and food, Founded by Wendy Jones and her there will be a variety of activities includ- wife Dr. Tonya Featherston, the Lesbian ing tie-dye, a scavenger hunt, and water Couples Club (Lesbiancouplesclub.com) activities. is an organization geared towards helping Members of the community who have lesbian couples build long lasting, healthy contributed to GLSEN’s work to ensure relationships. schools are safe for all students will be “Dr. Tonya and I started the organiza- recognized. GLSEN Baltimore will provide tion almost a year ago, and we currently the main dish but guests are asked to bring have over 200 couples as members of a side dish if able to do so to share. the club,” Jones told Baltimore OUTloud. “The work GLSEN Baltimore does is “The crab feast fundraiser is aimed at rais- ing seed money to open a drop in center and shelter for homeless LGBT youth and young adults called the Rainbow Hope House, which we are planning to open in the Baltimore area in 2016.” The plight of homeless LGBT youth in Baltimore continues to be a challenge es- pecially with the lack of available resourc- supported by dedicated volunteers. We es. Statistics indicate LGBT youths com- want to recognize their efforts to create prise 40 percent of the homeless children safe spaces for all students in Baltimore on the streets of Baltimore and other major – whether through presenting to students cities. and teachers, planning events, or engag- “We are very aware of the issue of ing in tough yet meaningful conversa- homeless youth and young adults nation- tions,” said volunteer manager and event wide and particularly in the Baltimore / organizer Pam Miller. D.C. area,” Jones explains. “While there The event is free but reservations

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 12, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 5 beod y n the beltway compiled by Jim Becker worrying about hostility. “The boutique was Under Merkel, however, the country is fall- inspired by the LGBTQ youth when we German ing behind the rest of Western Europe in were trying to help them with shopping for protecting LGBT rights. (Seattle Gay News prom,” Burns continued. “And there was Chancellor says – Mike Andrew at Sgn.org) Store opens for a lot of pushback from the department stores.” For more information on the bou- no to marriage comfortable tique visit Rebeldivingucc.org. (Echo Mag- azine – Anna Mackey at Echomag.com) equality Kameny to be transgender Berlin, Germany – While the over- honored with browsing whelming vote for marriage equality in Out football Ireland prompted calls for similar action spot in Labor Phoenix, Arizona – With an official rib- across Europe, Germany’s Angela Merkel bon cutting on Easter Sunday, the Rebel & player Michael stands squarely in the way. Merkel’s gov- Hall of Honor Divine “I Have A Dream” Boutique trans- ernment said that at most it will agree to focused shoe and clothing closet opened Sam to play in small changes in existing civil partnership Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Depart- its doors and began its mission of provid- laws, but marriage remains off the table. ment of Labor will honor LGBT rights pioneer ing a safe space for trying on and obtain- Canada “Today was an important milestone in dis- Frank Kameny with a spot in its Hall of Honor. ing gender-appropriate clothing for low-in- mantling discrimination and the chancellor “Kameny’s legacy as a civil rights leader has come and at-risk LGBT youth. The driving Montréal, Canada – Michael Sam, the is pleased about that,” Merkel spokesper- made a monumental difference in improving force behind the boutique is Rev. Jeffrey first openly gay player to be drafted by an son Steffen Seibert said after the changes the lives of all workers all across America,” Dirrim, Rebel & Divine’s founding pastor NFL team, might not have been picked up were announced May 27. “But same-sex the Labor Department said in a May 27 press and executive director. The self-identified for in-season play in the United States, but marriages are not a goal of this govern- release. The formal induction ceremony will “pomo-” [post-modern] “homo-gender- apparently his future lies in a country with ment. Every country makes its own laws – take place June 23. He will be the second queer” pastor took a break from chatting national marriage-equality laws. The Mon- some countries go one route while others openly gay honoree of the Labor Department. with the multitude of colorful people at the tréal Alouettes of the Canadian Football African American civil rights leader Bayard grand opening to chat about this new ven- League announced on May 22 that they Rustin has also been awarded a place in the ture, which, he admits, didn’t even seem had signed Sam to a two-year contract. It Hall of Honor. Kameny died in 2011 at age 86. like it would work, at first. will make Sam the CFL’s first openly gay Kameny was fired from his job with the “I had never heard of such a thing. It player. When he was drafted, he gave his U.S. Map Service in 1958 after he admit- seems so obvious now. I was moved by boyfriend a celebratory kiss which was ted his sexual orientation when questioned seen across the nation on television. by the U.S. Civil Service Commission. In The St. Louis Rams, the NFL team that that respect, he was no different from many drafted him, and the Dallas Cowboys, who other Gay men and Lesbians who lost their signed him to a practice squad, both said jobs during the 1950s. He was different in that the linebacker’s sexual orientation had one respect, however. Kameny did not take nothing to do with their lack of desire to the firing lying down. He sued the federal use him. goAr tistanother. In Germany we’ll take a path government, ultimately appealing to the U.S. “With the signing of Michael Sam, we thatLawrence suits Germany.” Supreme Court, which denied his petition for have become a better organization today,” BroseMerkel heads a coalition of three center- relief in 1961. Kameny then helped to found said Alouettes general manager Jim Popp. right parties, the largest of which is her own the Gay Activist Alliance – an organization “Not only have we added an outstanding Christian Democratic Union (CDU), plus which still exists as the Gay and Lesbian Ac- football player, we have added even a the center-left Social Democratic Party of tivist Alliance – the first LGBT rights group in better person, that brings dignity, charac- Germany (SPD). The vast majority of CDU Washington, D.C. In 1965, Kameny led the ter and heart to our team.” (Gay People’s officials are against same-sex marriage, first gay rights demonstration at the White Chronicle ay Gaypeopleschronicle.com) either because of their own convictions or House. Kameny later coined the slogan, ‘Gay the number of people who wanted to par- because they fear losing the next election is Good,’ to combat negative stereotypes of ticipate, particularly through the donation if right-wing voters abandon their party. In gay and lesbian people. t (Seattle Gay piece,” Dirrim said. “People gave from their contrast, the SPD supports marriage equal- News – Mike Andrew at Sgn.org) hearts.” Dirrim added that it didn’t take long ity, as do 75% of German voters. for the concept to catch on with the youth Reacting to the government’s minor ex- either. “They don’t really show up the first pansion of civil partnership rights, Justice These news notes have been compiled, time,” he said. “They talk to their friends, Minister Heiko Maas of the SPD was dis- with permission, from the online version ‘Was it safe? Was it okay?,’ and the next appointed that Germany did not take a big- of various newspapers and other web time you get three times as many.” ger leap. “Expanding rights for registered sites. We thank these publications for The boutique is located on the campus partnerships is another step toward giving allowing us to bring you their news sto- of First Congregational United Church of same-sex unions the same rights as mar- ries. Usually the reports have been sig- Christ Phoenix. Inside the boutique, shop- riages. We haven’t reached the goal yet,” nificantly edited and you can read the pers can find clothes to fit every size, Maas said. “Unfortunately that wasn’t pos- full story by going to the web site men- shape, and gender identity. And, perhaps sible with the conservatives.” Under the tioned following the item. Comments most importantly, according to Mickale SPD-Green coalition government that are strictly the opinions of Jim Becker Burns, Rebel & Divine’s kindness coor- ruled Germany from 1998 through 2005, and not of Baltimore OUTloud or Pride dinator, it provides a space where trans Germany was among the first in Europe Media. youth can shop and try on clothes without Michael Sam to allow same-sex registered partnerships.

6 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 12, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com out in the valley Hershey Gardens

Byi Mart L. Wormuth When you’re out in Western Maryland, South Central Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, you may be looking for things to do. In this section, I’m going to be talking about all of the great things that you can do when you’re out this way. The weather was a bit wet, but last week, we trekked out to Hershey Gardens located in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The gardens were huge, which I didn’t expect. Many of the flowers and plants were do- nated. The Gardens have various sections, showcasing different types of plants from t all over the country. One thing of interest is der construction at the point in time where You can get more information about the Her- Martis-miscellany.com. . the children’s garden, which brings nature to I wrote this. shey Gardens at Hersheygardens.org. Marti Wormuth is a freelance writer who your children in an intimate and fun way, so, My favorite part of the garden tour, Marti Wormuth is a freelance writer who has resided in the Cumberland Valley since if you have little ones (or you’re kids at heart, hands down, is the rose garden. They have has resided in the Cumberland Valley since 2003. She currently resides with her part- like my partner Sadie and me), then it’s defi- dozens of varieties of beautiful roses in 2003. She currently resides with her partner ner in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Marti nitely something that will interest you. pretty much any color that you can imagine, in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Marti fre- frequently visits the Hagerstown Valley as They have a butter- and it spreads out over a huge area. quently visits the Hagerstown Valley as well, well, and is very involved in the LGBT com- fly house that is usually The caption picture here only shows a and is very involved in the LGBT community munity in the region. Her website can be open from May 22nd on, OUT in the little bit of what you can see when you in the region. Her website can be found at found at Martis-miscellany.com. but unfortunately, it was check that area out. In the middle of closed because of the Valley Sights the rose garden is a small man-made rain that day. In the but- to be seen lake; there’s also a pavilion with (dry) terfly house, they have seating where you can relax and take dozens of species of in the view. It was absolutely stunning butterflies that live and relax in that area of and I was thankful for the ability to be able to the park. The natural habitat that they’ve see it all for myself. created for the butterflies looks great – we If you would like to check out Hershey couldn’t go inside since they were all staying Gardens for yourself, then you have a num- dry in there (it’s more of a tent than a house), ber of options. I’d gotten a Groupon a couple but it looks amazing. of months before, and they have them avail- Also, while we were there, we noticed able all of the time, so that’s worth checking that they are going to open up a new section out. You can also get a combination ticket for butterflies and rare flowers next summer, with the Hershey Story, which is the museum which Sadie and I will definitely be going to that is based on the beginnings of Hershey check out when it does. Apparently, it’s part (thanks to Milton Hershey). They also have of an anniversary celebration and still un- various events going on throughout the year.

Prized plants at Hershey Gardens credit: Marti Wormuth

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 12, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 7 OUT in the Valley Fast Times at HIV High Beyond physicians, airline pilots, and truck drivers, bbbiey De Anne if your doctor doesn’t offer the test, and the pastors, administrators, clerks, politicians, I’ve been is the field of HIV/AIDS nursing you suffer consequences from that negli- Ice athletes and even Olympic gold medalists. for 12 years now, and in college I read ev- gence, your doctor can be held account- The stigma and mystery of being transgen- ery paper I could on caring for those who able in a court of law. It means that your Machine der has required most of us to live in silence. have this infection. The progress we’ve insurance company must pay for routine L:aura Anderson We face being marginalized, discriminated made over this time is amazing. I can offer HIV screening. Again, fast times… against, physically attacked and even feared many of my patients the prospect of a nor- Despite of all of the “fast” progress, – some people see us as mentally ill and per- mal lifespan. Now an important new way we still have a crisis in our community. Exploring verted and want to deny us our basic human of preventing Once again the rights. For many of us, living a life in silence HIV infection in epicenter of the the ‘T’ has meant survival. But things are changing. at-risk people HIV epidemic is Today, unlike in the 1950s, more and has emerged: young gay men more children are demanding that their true PreExposure who are becom- In 1957 he was in second grade... and he gender be acknowledged – many at young Prophylaxis or ing infected by was transgender. The term had yet to be ages; kindergarten and earlier! These are PrEP, a pill tak- the thousands. coined, but the condition was real. His kids who are not confused as I was, but are en once a day Even though teacher didn’t know. His parents didn’t know. confident of their true identities. These are that reduces HIV is no longer He had no idea why he felt the way he did, kids who have the determination and the re- risk of HIV in- a death sen- but he knew that when his class lined up for solve to do what I could not. These are kids fection in those exposed to the virus. No tence, it is a life-changing diagnosis, one recess or for lunch he was forced into the who, for me, are role-models of courage and one has to get HIV anymore. But they do… that no one would want if they knew what wrong line... and he strength and authen- More about that later. it was like to live with HIV infection, and knew to keep his “The transgender ticity! That leads me to the thing I really want- now with PrEP, no longer has to be part of mouth shut. The transgen- ed to share here. June 27th each year is our gay brother’s lives. Life is hard enough; The little boy grew experience has been der experience has National HIV Testing Day. It’s just around throw HIV into the mix, and life becomes up with confusion and been receiving a the corner now, and it’s a great remind- even harder. Once more, the LGBTQ com- an increasing sense receiving a lot of press lot of press in re- er we get each year to have our routing munity needs to “act up.” We need to end of guilt. Somehow in recent months. Yet, cent months. Yet, for screening done. Since 2006 the Centers the silence and to keep our young brothers he escaped the sui- many cisgender in- for Disease Control (CDC) has urged doc- from having to go down this road. We have cidal fate of so many for many cisgender dividuals (those who tors to offer routine HIV testing for all cli- been way too disinterested for way too long. other transgender are not trans) there ents in all clinical settings for patients 14 So, take this National HIV Testing Day youth and adults. He individuals (those who is still confusion and to 64. They haven’t done that, and that’s as an opportunity to get tested yourself, thought about it a lot, are not trans) there mystery. “How can why one in six individuals who have HIV in- but also to encourage our young men to especially during pu- someone change fection don’t know they do. Unfortunately, get tested and to learn about whether PrEP berty. is still confusion and genders?” they ask. the recommendation did not hold doctors is right for them as a means to stay nega- He learned to (Actually, we don’t.) accountable, and didn’t require insurance tive. While you’re at it, let your Primary cope. The pressures mystery.” “Why is altering our companies to pay for the test. Not any- Care Provider know that routine HIV test- were huge, but he bodies through mul- more! ing is now the standard of care. Visit your managed. He grew up, married a woman he tiple surgeries so important?” (In reality, sur- Two years ago, the U.S. Preventive Ser- county’s health department for free testing thought would cure him, had three children, gery does not define us!) “How can young vices Task Force made routine HIV testing and ask about PrEP. Want to know more and managed to have a rewarding career. children possibly know what gender they re- a “Grade A” recommendation. What does about PrEp? Go to Cdc.gov/hiv/prevention/ His life was happy but driven by one overrid- ally are?” (For everyone, trans or otherwise, that mean for you? It means that it puts research/prep. These are fast times at HIV ing goal – keep the secret until death. Let no a sense of gender-self is developed by age routine HIV screening into the “standard of High! t one ever know! four.) There are dozens and dozens of other care” category along with blood-pressure, The author is a AIDS-certified regis- The battle, however, was futile. In his questions that only those who experience cholesterol, and diabetes screening. Now, tered nurse (ACRN) mid-50s, exhausted and unable to fight on this journey can answer and possibly under- any longer, he finally succumbed to the truth stand. he had always known – that he was, in real- In the coming months this column will ity, she... assigned male at birth but always share the pain and the joys of being trans. We knowing deep inside that she was female. will examine the newly emerging transgender That confused and frightened little “boy” was acceptance taking place in our society and me. will attempt to demystify what it means to be It is surprising for many people to learn trans in the 21st century. I look forward to set- that, according to some estimates, nearly 1 ting out on this journey together! t in 500 people are transgender. Yet, accord- Laura Anderson is an educator, author, ing to one recent study, only 8% of Ameri- researcher, parent, and granddad. Her years cans claim they actually know a transgender teaching in public school as male provided person. Of course, far more actually do, the foundation for her more recent role edu- without being aware. Many trans individuals cating future teachers. Living female for the live in stealth (quietly blending undetected past decade, she has come to appreciate within the general population). We are in the privileges she once held – both male and every walk of life, in every town and city – cisgender – privileges now replaced with the we are neighbors and parents, teachers and fulfillment of living as her true self. 8 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 12, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com OUT in the Valley // dining out Thai Food Done Right in Hagerstown Thai Zap 40 North Potomac Street were larger then I had expected Hagerstown, Maryland I also tried some of the basil duck. Thaizaphagerstown.com While duck can be very greasy, in this 301-766-9559 instance it was not the case. The duck is fried, but the batter on this was slightly By Richard Bowe, Jr. denser than the airy batter for the shrimp. Thai Zap is a clean, cool, and inviting The sauce also had the pleasant, build- restaurant in downtown Hagerstown. The ing warmth I’ve come to expect from Thai modern interior makes you feel as if you food. Other than too much crispy basil on had stepped into a small restaurant in the the plate, my other dinner guest loved the middle of New York City. The wait staff basil duck. My other guest had Ra Ram was prompt and very polite. He seated us Long Song. This dish is tender chicken quickly then briskly came back to the ta- in a mildly spicy peanut sauce ringed by ble for our drink orders. I ordered the Thai perfectly steamed broccoli. The sauce iced tea. Thai iced tea is sold by various adds an interesting texture due to the street vendors in Thailand. It is a bright finely chopped peanuts within it. His meal orange tea drink made from strongly had a little spiciness to its sauce also. brewed Ceylon tea with sweetened con- The meals were more generous then I densed milk poured over top of it. The taste is very floral, creamy, and refreshing. It is good pairing to a spicy din- ner. My two guests ordered a Thai iced tea and a diet Coke. The drinks were at our table before we had time to decide what we wanted for our entrees. Making our selection from the large ap- petizing menu took a little longer. Our waiter under- standing the dilemma did not mind waiting for us to make our final choices. Our meals were to our table in a very short time. The food was very hot and all made fresh. I had order ed the spicy and salty shrimp. This dish has shrimp and green beans fried in a very light batter. Topped with red peppers and fresh green on- ions, the taste was spicy and salty, true to its name. The green beans had expected. Our meals were enjoyed are fresh and snap when you bite into by all. them. The spiciness was quite pleasant. With the server’s accuracy in taking It did not sear the mouth, but builds up to our orders, his personable attitude, and a warm glow as you eat. It never seemed all around good nature all of which made to get too overbearing throughout the en- our dining experience pleasant and en- tire dish, and the rice and the Thai iced joyable. I would highly recommend Thai tea helped counter the heat. The portions Zap for an evening’s dining out. t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 12, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 9 OUT in the Valley // faith

them as you wish. But don’t do anything to these men, for they have come under the pro- tection of my roof” What?? So let me get this straight: It’s wrong to have sex with men but Spirit it’s perfectly fine to rape young, virgin girls? Speaks That’s craziness. The reality is that the sin of Rev. Dr. Rob Apgar-Taylor Sodom was not in fact sexual but societal. It was the breaking of the Holiness Code. They had forgotten to be gracious to the strangers in their midst because they had forgotten that Who’s the God had been gracious to them. If we read further into the words of Eze- Sodomite kiel 16 we see the sin of Sodom and Gomor- rah explained even further. What was the Now, Rev. sin of Sodom? “Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters Robertson? had arrogance, abundant food, and care- less ease, but she did not help the poor and Godless Sodomites. You’ve heard the needy.” Thus they were haughty and com- term. It has been used to bash us by the mitted abominations before Me. Therefore I religious fundamentalists for generations. removed them when I saw it.…” It is one of Rev. Pat Robertson’s favorite Lot’s story, the sin of Sodom, was not terms of endearment for our community. It about sexual relationships, but rather people is the story of Sodom and Gomorrah that who had forgotten to live in covenant with has fed this kind of hateful rhetoric and God by living graciously with those around given rise to the term “sodomy.” them! Their own arrogance led them to Do you remember the story? In Gen- abuse, neglect, and dehumanize those who esis 19, Lot encounters two men who are were in need: The poor, the hungry, and the in fact angels and he invites them to over- stranger in their land. night at his house. They decline, but he in- Lot is saved not because he refused to sists. Backstory: There is in ancient Israel allow sex between men, but because he something known loved and obeyed as the “Hospital- God above his The lesson ity Code,” which of Sodom: own most pre- reminds Israel Be nice to cious posses- that they are to strangers sions: his family. treat the foreign- The men did in er and the strang- the end break into er in their midst the house and try with special re- to attack the an- spect and dignity, gels. The angels because they are spared Lot’s fam- to remember that ily and destroyed they, too, were the city. Why? once “Strangers Because they had in the Land.” This violated the Hos- hospitality code pitality Code. The for strangers was a reflection of their thank- people of Sodom had forgotten that they too, fulness for the protection and mercy God had were once strangers who were protected and shown to them in the past. loved. They neglected to offer the same kind- And so Lot receives the two men (an- ness to others. gels) into his home and extends to them his So, Sodomy has nothing to do with sex. It very best. During the night, a group of angry is about inhospitality and arrogance – think- men come to the door and demand that Lot ing you are superior to others and using that send out the men so that they might have sex superiority to abuse, degrade, and dehuman- with them. Now, this was in fact not sex, but ize. It is forgetting that God has been merci- abuse. It was common practice in ancient so- ful to you and in turn neglecting to offer that cieties to sexually abuse other men as a sign same mercy to others. of degradation and humiliation. Lot was ap- So Happy Pride Pat Robertson! It turns palled! No, you cannot do such an evil thing out that you are the biggest Sodomite of them in the sight of the Lord! And that’s where the all! t story usually stops. But if we read the next The author is pastor of Grace United line it says “But here! I have two young virgin Church of Christ, Frederick, and Veritas Unit- daughters. You may take them and do with ed Church of Christ, Hagerstown.

10 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 12, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com Thinking OUTloud

Thus, our Pride example, the nation does not have a federal season touches four anti-discrimination law in place and will not months giving LGBT do so for years to come under the current folks and allies op- composition of Congress. OUT portunities to check The hateful antigay rhetoric you read Spoken some neighboring on the Internet is chilling. The Republican festivals over this presidential hopefuls so far have yet to Steve Charing period and not have ease up on their homophobic rants as they to feel that it’s one foolishly try to appeal to their extremist big- and done. oted base and then wonder why they can’t Pride is This is going to win a general election. be an interesting And not all homophobia is overt. Little Pride season for comments here and there from those who Bustin’ Out sure. Heck, they all deny they are homophobic are, in fact, are but 2015 could A parade entry from Baltimore Pride 2012 homophobic even if accompanied by their All Over be historic. The U.S. credit: Steve Charing phony smiles. Supreme Court is People you think are accepting put on Pride used to be solely a June thing. When expected to rule by the end of the month equality is another step towards main- a façade but their inner selves think other- the Stonewall uprising of 1969 was com- whether or not same-sex marriage will streaming – a fear or acknowledgement wise. memorated beginning in June 1970 gay and become the law of the land. Everywhere ignited by the closing of gay bars over the As we celebrate Pride for whatever rea- lesbian folks started to speak out forcefully throughout our interconnected world will past two to three years. Most of these clos- sons, just know we are not there yet. We against mistreatment and discrimination find out soon enough if this potentially ings were business decisions in one form or still have an important identity that is not and at the same time pushing to achieve enormous victory will be realized. another, not a surrender to some inevitable going to evaporate because of gay bars the same rights held by others. Steadily It is what marriage equality advocates social ailment that will eventually make gay shutting down. that theme faded away as the years rolled have been hoping for over a decade. Our bars extinct. It’s not going to happen – not if Plus, there is much work left to do; mar- along, not because all the rights for LGBT relationships could lead to a societal equiv- there’s money to be made. riage equality doesn’t end our quest, it pro- individuals have been achieved, but Pride alency when gays and lesbians tie the knot. While these folks fear this loss of iden- vides the momentum to march on. evolved into more of a spectacle that took No longer would we be considered second- tity, keep in mind that homophobia is alive There are ample opportunities and in- on a less political character. class citizens in the U.S. should the justices and well. Despite any court rulings, we are centives to celebrate this Pride season. But Pride became a huge enterprise that rule that the states do not have a Constitu- not fully accepted, not by a long shot. For we have to keep it real. t brings in needed dollars to organizations tional right to ban same-sex marriages. running the events that usually feature a And it’s not just here. With Ireland’s un- parade and a festival at a minimum but precedented vote by its people last month, also for corporate sponsors who display a whopping 19 countries now permit same- their support for LGBT rights. This involve- sex marriage, and the U.S. is poised to be ment benefits those gay-friendly business- number 20 with a few more on the imme- es as LGBT folks will remember seeing diate horizon. Go back as recently to the their logos on promotional materials. 2004 presidential campaign where Karl There’s nothing wrong with this at all; Rove and George W. Bush led the charge it’s the way our economy works. Sponsors against same-sex marriage. Fast-forward support a celebration that LGBT people to the present and soak in what changes crave and they get the benefit of advertis- have taken place in these 11 years. It’s ut- ing. terly amazing. Whereas most Pride festivities took Think of the celebratory atmosphere at place in the month of June, they are now Pride events amped up by such an histori- spread over a season, if you will. Local- cal decision should it come to pass. True, ly, that’s certainly the case. Hagerstown most Pride attendees ignore politics even Hopes Pride occurred in May. June will see if they are directly affected; they prefer to a number of Pride happenings including party and carouse. When was the last time Capital Pride in D.C. and Frederick Pride you heard political speeches from the Pride as well as the big one in NYC. stages in Baltimore? Because of a scheduling conflict this Those who remember or at least pay year, Baltimore had moved its annual homage to the true reasons for celebrating event to July for the first time – the 25th Pride are resigned to the fact that the torch and 26th to be exact. The Pride Festival has been passed on to a new generation. of Central Pennsylvania, in Harrisburg, will Many in this new generation are oblivious to also take place on July 25. And the Chesa- the sacrifices others have made in the past peake Pride Festival in Mayo Beach Park and the numerous hills that were climbed in Anne Arundel County normally occurs in with still many left to conquer. Nonetheless, August but this year it was cancelled be- if the rainbow stars are aligned, this should cause of financial shortcomings. Organiz- be some helluva Pride. ers say it will return in 2016 if the needed A good number of LGBT people be- funds can be raised. lieve that the establishment of full marriage

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 12, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 11 Thinking OUTloud

sider that the is more than that. image you I was also dismayed by some, and see was the one media person in particular, who have result of not declared Jenner a hero and the de-facto Rational only Cait- spokesperson for trans people. Let me of- lyn’s efforts fer you that nobody gets the right to deter- T-hought but those of mine who your heroes are except for you. Is Sharon Brackett a small army Jenner a hero? I would say we need to wait of stylists, and see. For me, I have many trans heroes make-up art- and in large measure they are those who The ists, skilled took the journey before me and showed New surgeons, that it was possible. In reality Jenner being and perhaps able to do this at this time has been en- Normal the best pho- tographer in “What must be the world. It A year ago while giving my keynote at is a contrived understood is that Frederick Pride I posed a question to the image pre- many, perhaps most, listening crowd. “How many of you know a pared by ex- trans person?” Only a few hands shot up. I perts. I would trans persons do not asked, “Well who am I then?” Suddenly all argue that Caitlyn Jenner of their hands went up. They realized that with that kind even have a fraction they now knew at least one trans person of team and resources a potted plant could gratulations, welcome to being a woman in of the resources that – me. And so with Caitlyn Jenner’s com- be made to look sexy. America.” It could have been different. ing out and reveal we now have millions of What must be understood is that many, Jenner, having found cover in being Caitlyn Jenner has had people in our county and around the world perhaps most, trans persons do not even the “ultimate male,” now seems to have able to raise their hand in response to that have a fraction of the resources that Cait- needed to present herself at the opposite available to support her question. That is a very good thing. lyn Jenner has had available to support her end of the spectrum. I am happy that she transition.” The time from Jenner’s interview in a transition. This is the stark reality for many has unveiled a presentation that makes rumpled shirt to her spectacular reveal as trans people and most assuredly for trans her happy, however contrived it may be. Of a “pin-up” girl likely seems like a magical persons of color. Caitlyn Jenner is the far- course I suspect that in “everyday” mode abled by all of those who have transitioned transformation to some. It is not. I can as- reaching exception, not even remotely the she looks a lot like most other 65-year-old before her. We need to acknowledge those sure you that Ms. Jenner has been working “rule.” And those who do not, in their post trans women and will have to move in the persons and their efforts too. toward that end for a number of years. This transition life, fall neatly into some idyllic real world in the same manner as the rest There is a silver lining in all of this and did not happen “overnight.” Transition is a view of a man or woman frequently end up of us. Had she shown up in professional that is these events finally have people long, twisting, and bumpy road for most the focus of jokes, ridicule, and too often garb, or even workout clothes, I might have talking about being trans and moving that persons who embark on that journey. It is violence, sometimes paying with their very been more impressed. dialog into the mainstream. It has made important to note this was not a chrysalis- lives, simply for existing. I can only hope that her upcoming TV available to all of us who are trans a teach- and-butterfly moment. It just feels that way Here is what I am really disappointed series tells an authentic story and makes ing moment and an opportunity to speak to the general public and media. So if you with in the Jenner reveal. Sex. What could some effort to show the world that the less openly and honestly about our lives, sto- know a person who is in transition do not have been a fantastic teaching moment has “perfect” among the trans community are ries, hopes, and dreams. At the end of the expect their transformation to be instanta- just merely played in the media’s hands by equally valid persons with their own sto- promo for her new show Jenner utters a neous. Even for Jenner this was not the once again objectifying the female body, ries. The promo for the show found online phrase which I have been using for the case. Caitlyn’s transition is all new to us, and in this case a trans woman’s body. does not bode well for that. It features last few years: The new normal. I could not to her, and every transition road is dif- It seems so sadly common to qualify a Jenner in the typical tabloid coverage of not agree more with that sentiment and it ferent. woman’s value based on her looks rather putting on make-up and getting dressed is incumbent on all of us, trans or not, to Is she lovely? Most certainly. And I am than what she says or does. To quote Jon that we have come to expect from media make existing as trans the new normal in very happy for her. However please con- Stewart from a recent bit on Jenner, “Con- focused trans narratives. Let’s hope that it everyday society. t

12 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 12, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com thinking outloud Looking Back on Marriage Rights in the Supreme Court ​

By Robert McWie h rt r But the problem for the Cruzes is Loving Blackstone noted: “The very tions have just as much right to rec- The Culture Wars are really over. Most v. Virginia (1967), the best-named case in being or legal existence of ​A History ognize same-sex marriage. Americans believe gay people should mar- Supreme Court history. Loving defined mar- the woman is suspended For government, however, “mar- ry, abortion riage as a civil right, which by definition, are during the marriage, or at riage” is just a way of organizing prop- should be inalienable for everyone: least is incorporated and Lesson erty, rights, and obligations between legal, contra- “Marriage is one of the ‘basic civil rights consolidated into that of the two people and the state; it is synon- ception read- of man,’ fundamental to our very existence husband; under whose wing, protection and ymous with “civil union.” The bene- fits ily available. and survival.... To deny this fundamental cover, she performs everything.” its status confers is a fun- So, what is freedom on so unsupportable a basis as the But history aside, what about someone damental right. Denying a lost culture racial classifications embodied in these stat- with a sincerely held religious belief against this right is overt dis- warrior to do? utes, [is] … directly same-sex marriage? crimination, some- Ameri- subversive … [to] “If we say religious Do we protect the cake thing Americans cans also the 14th Amend- decorator or wedding no longer counte- t believe in re- ment....” freedom allows someone photographer or minis- nance. ligious free- Opponents of ter who wants no part Robert Mc- dom. So, same-sex marriage to discriminate against of the ceremony? Whirter uses the the answer can’t attack this same-sex marriage, Before we do we Constitution and Bill is to recast yourself as defending religious head on. So the should look back. of Rights every day freedom. After all, you can’t trump a civil or first play is to argue then we take a step Richard and Mil- as a practicing criminal privacy right with a political argument. For definitions. After dred Loving stood lawyer and authority on that you need another right like freedom of all, said George W. back to allow any criminally convicted immigration law and trial ad- religion. Bush, “marriage is discrimination for under Virginia’s anti- vocacy. He is the author of Bill, Quills, and “Defending religious freedom” has been between a man and miscegenation statute, Stills: An Annotated, Illustrated, and Illumi- in play for a while. No one has argued for a a woman.” Subtext: any sincere religious the “Racial Integrity nated History of the Bill of Rights (Ameri- long time we should impede access to con- “We don’t deny gay belief. If your God Act of 1924.” Richard can Bar Association, August 2015). traception – Griswold v. Connecticut put it people a fundamen- was white and Mildred to rest in 1965. So, the new play for those tal right; we just de- tells you blacks and was black. Judge Leon with religious scruples against the Pill, and fine them out of it.” M. Bazile when pass- Reader Feedback those who wanted to snipe at Obamacare, Aside from be- whites should not ing sentence on them was Burwell v. Hobby Lobby (2014). Now ing disingenuous on marry, then so be it, no made no qualms about even a closely held for-profit corporation its face, it’s histori- its religious basis: A Successful LGBT Prom gets individual “freedom of religion” to deny cally inaccurate. In miscegenation and you “Almighty God cre- its employees contraceptives. most cultures even ated the races white, Dear Editor, As for same-sex marriage, Ted Cruz and today, marriage at don’t have to decorate black, yellow, malay, This May, high school-aged youth from others swear they have nothing against gay its inception is be- the cake.” and red, and he placed Baltimore City and across the state partici- people, but court rulings on same-sex mar- tween and man and them on separate con- pated in the inaugural LGBTQ Prom at the riage are “a real danger to our liberty.” a girl; indeed, the tinents. And but for the Pier 5 Hotel. The event was attended by “We have seen judges, especially the Su- survival of “Confed- interference with his approximately 130 youth, even with some preme Court, ignoring the law,” opines Cruz. erate War Brides” showed it was a common arrangement there would be no cause for representation from out of state. The youth (A bit premature given the Supreme Court has American norm. such marriages. The fact that he separated were able to enjoy delicious appetizers, a yet to rule in Obergefell v. Hodges). The Ancient Romans did not even have the races shows that he did not intend for the photo booth, spectacular performances, a government recognition of races to mix.” comprehensive resource fair with repre- In earlier marriage because it was part The Supreme Court had none of this in sentatives from LGBTQ-affirming local or- marriage of the res privada, not the res overturning the statute. As the lovely Mildred ganizations, and a night filled with music, battles, this publicada. You could have said upon hearing the good news, “It wasn’t friends, and unforgettable memories. This obsessed the married a goat for all they my doing. ‘It was God’s work.” was all possible because of the support of justices cared. The Bible is full of po- If we say religious freedom allows some- organizations like yours. With your sup- lygamy. Jacob had two wives one to discriminate against same-sex mar- port, the LGBTQ Prom Planning Commit- and two concubines and it riage, then we take a step back to allow any tee was able to put together a safe, inclu- remains a still debated ques- discrimination for any sincere religious belief. sive, and affirming event for LGBTQ youth tion how many hundred wives If your God tells you blacks and whites should to enjoy. David and Solomon each had not marry, then so be it, no miscegenation Thank you again for your generous (just try to remember the an- and you don’t have to decorate the cake. support for the LGBTQ Prom and LGBTQ niversaries!). In given faiths, “marriage” has a deeply youth in Baltimore City and the state of English and American religious and spiritual meaning to people. Maryland. We look forward to working with common law provided mar- Various denominations will exclude, as you again next year! riage was not “between” a man creed, same-sex marriage. Despite Mike and woman but just the man. Huckabee’s claim that “gays” are mounting Anastasia, Jabari, Kurt, Marines, Mi- Women lost all legal iden- an attack on Christianity that “won’t stop until chael, and Tavon tity in marriage as the great there are no more churches,” churches have 2015 LGBTQ Prom 18th century jurist Sir William a right to do so. But then, other denomina- Planning Committee

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 12, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 13 Quality of Life

Even if not, should I get my liver checked the Type 1 strain of the virus. Harvoni course of treatment. every few years? (sofosbuvir / ledipasvir), a new combina- • There are 3,200,000 (3.2 million) Is It Time Yet? tion antiviral medication for hepatitis C, people with hepatitis C infection in the was approved in October 2014 for use i n U.S. Worldwide, 170 million people are in- Open Wide Dear Is It Time, the U.S. This highly effec- fected. ask Dr Eva The answers to your two good ques- tive medication is • Only about 20%, or one in five, peo- Dr Eva Hersh tions are Yes and a tentative Yes. taken ple with hepatitis C will ever develop cir- Yes, people with hepatitis C do need rhosis of the liver or other serious illness regular check-ups to evalu- from the infection. Hepatitis C ate whether they have • Health insurance companies could liver damage from the vi- go bankrupt covering the cost of treatment rus and if so, annual follow for the four out of five people with hepati- Update: Better up to check for liver fibrosis, tis C who will never develop liver disease. which is the main type of liv- That’s why they won’t pay for treatment Treatment er damage caused by hepati- unless there are signs the liver is being tis. Fibroscan, a type of ultra- affected. Generally, treatment is covered is Here sound exam, is now the usual when mild to moderate fibrosis is seen method for monitoring fibrosis. on the ultrasound exam. At that point Dear Dr. Eva, Fortunately, liver biopsies are there is no impairment of liver function. Make sure the no longer needed. Follow-up for So, while your feelings are totally un- I was diagnosed with the hepatitis C vi- liver that gets as derstandable, I hope you can see that it rus several years ago. My doctor suggested hepatitis C, and treatment for it, chopped isn’t I get tested because of past blood transfu- can be done by your primary care a single pill yours! would not be reasonable to treat the four sions. After the Hep C test was positive, I provider or by an infectious dis- once daily, in most cases out of five people with hepatitis C who will had more blood tests and a liver biopsy. I ease specialist or liver specialist. for eight to 12 weeks. It never have liver damage with this very was told that the treatment available had Yes, there is better treatment avail- has almost no side effects, but it does in- costly treatment. Please make sure to have lots of severe side effects and that, since able now for people who have hepatitis C teract with many medications, so a careful your liver reevaluated every year so that, if I had no signs of liver damage, I could wait type 1. It is likely that you do have Type review of all medications a person is taking you ever do need treatment, you can start t for treatment until better treatment is avail- 1, because 70% of people in the U.S. is necessary before starting this medication. it before any liver damage occurs. able. Is better treatment available now? who have hepatitis C are infected with For people with hepatitis C Type 1, Harvoni Eva Hersh is a Baltimore family physi- is effective on its own, without any other cian. Send your comments and questions medications. Over 95% of people with Type to her by email at editor@baltimoreout- 1 hepatitis C who take this treatment are loud.com. cured of their hepatitis C. This is a major im- provement over other available medications. People who have other strains of hepatitis C such as Type 2 and Type 3, and others, Be Hip! must take a more complex medication regi- men that includes ribavirin and in some cas- Get Tested es interferon along with sofosbuvir to have the same high rate of cure. Unfortunately, for Hep C ribavarin and interferon cause severe side effects including anemia (both ribavarin and Note to all readers: You may need to interferon) and severe fatigue, depression, be tested for hepatitis C. Testing in- and flu-like symptoms (interferon.) volves just a single blood test for the hepatitis C antibody. If you belong to Dear Dr. Eva, any of the following groups, please My insurance company is refusing to speak to your health care professional pay for the cost of hepatitis C treatment. about getting tested. While you are at They say they only cover hepatitis C treat- it, please get tested for HIV as well! ment after there is evidence of liver dam- Baby boomers-have you been age. I checked with all three of the insur- screened for Hep C and HIV? ance plans available through my job, and • The Centers for Disease Control the rules are similar for all three. What do (CDC) recommends one-time screen- you make of this? I want treatment before ing for everyone born between 1945 my liver is damaged, not after! and 1965. This time period was the Outraged peak of the epidemic of hepatitis C. • Get tested if you have ever used Dear Outraged, IV drugs, even if it was only once. I understand and sympathize with the • Get tested if you have ever sniffed way you feel. Some additional information cocaine, even if it was only once. may give you a different perspective on this. • Get tested if you have had a sex t •Harvoni, the new hepatitis C treat- partner who was hepatitis C-positive. ment, costs $90,000 for a single 12-week

14 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 12, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 12, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 15 Lively Arts // out on screen Melissa McCarthy Goes Undercover for Big Laughs in Spy b y Chuck Duncan sell a portable nuclear weapon to the high- but the laughs are never cheap ones, and everyone’s expectations because she has I’ve been a fan of Melissa McCarthy since est bidder – who also knows the names of even the simplest line of dialog, like Allison enough self-confidence to not let those ex- she stole the show in Bridesmaids and all of the agency’s top spys – Cooper (who Janney’s “We almost put it on YouTube” pectations define who she is. Susan, in fact, gave us a variety of characters to laugh at has a serious crush on Fine) volunteers to made the audience guffaw (and the video has more moves than many other agents and during her first hosting stint on Saturday go undercover to locate the suspect, Ray- she is referring to is absolutely hysterical). can hold her own in hand-to-hand combat ... Night Live (I have never watched Mike & na Boyanov. Her mission is only to track Even Rose By- Molly). Since then, however, she seems to and locate but the constant interference rne, who doesn’t be stuck in a rut playing the same slovenly, of rogue agent Rick Ford (Jason Statham) have the most Melissa McCarthy unappealing, annoying, sometimes repul- forces Cooper to engage Boyanov as an comedic lines sive character in film after film (usually attempt is made on her life. Cooper has to makes them hi- written by her and her husband Ben Fal- think fast on her feet to stay in Boyanov’s larious with her cone). She tried to bring a little redemption good graces and not blow the mission, deadpan delivery, to that character by letting it grow a bit in while trying to keep Ford from blowing ev- especially when Tammy, but it was a little too late. Audi- eryone’s cover. she’s saying the ences seemed to tire of that persona and It sounds like a classic Bond scenario, most awful things wanted something more from McCarthy. and the movie plays with the Bond formula to Susan. Well, McCarthy has teamed up with her right down to the terrific opening credits Besides Law, Bridesmaids director, Paul Feig, for the new with silhouettes and a Shirley Bassey- Byrne and Jan- spy movie spoof Spy ... and I’m happy to styled theme song that comes after an ney, McCarthy say this partnership has produced another opening prologue. Feig, who also wrote has two other round of comedy gold. McCarthy plays Su- the script, manages to deftly combine all of outstanding co- san Cooper, an FBI agent (in name only) the classic spy movie tropes with the best stars. Jason Sta- who works in The Basement acting as the comedy bits so that nothing ever feels off tham is spot-on eyes and ears for her assigned field agent kilter. It’s not an Airplane! type of spoof. perfect as the Bradley Fine (Jude Law), who fancies him- The comedy comes naturally out of the rogue agent who self as a real-life James Bond. When Fine situations. Sometimes it’s a bit over-the- just can’t fathom goes missing in action while tracking a top (such as the background action in The someone who suspect (Rose Byrne) who is attempting to Basement after an infestation of vermin), looks like Susan being a secret agent. Statham deftly pokes which she does several times. Watching Su- fun at just about every action hero type san take down an attacker really makes the he’s played throughout his career, boldly audience cheer, and we all eventually forget boasting about the things he’s done during about her size just as she has already done. his secret agent career (one of his boasts The whole joke of the film is that this large is reattaching his ripped off left arm by woman shouldn’t be capable of doing any- himself with only his good right arm). His thing but sitting at a desk, but once we get increasingly bizarre rants elicit beautiful past that initial set-up, we take umbrage at reactions from McCarthy and major laughs any derogatory comments towards Susan from the audience. It’s nice to see an actor just as she does. In the past, McCarthy’s willing to poke so much fun at his own screen characters have been somewhat repug- persona. Another shining star is Brit Miranda nant so that it was hard for audiences to Hart, best known to U.S. audiences for her do anything but laugh at them, but this time role on BBC’s Call the Midwife. Hart is the we’re fully engaged and on her side, laugh- tall, gawky, excitable but nervous co-worker ing with her in the face of all the naysayers. of Susan who is put into the field when the I would say this is McCarthy’s best work agency loses track of both Susan and Ford. since The Heat (which was also directed She has a winning demeanor and can play by Feig), and it’s really an empowering mo- baffled and courageous, able to take matters ment for her. into her own hands when necessary even I wasn’t expecting much going in to when she has no idea she has the capabil- Spy, but coming out I have to say it’s one Only $9.95 for ity. Hart gives terrific support to McCarthy of the funniest comedies, that made me (sort of a Laurel to McCarthy’s Hardy) and laugh out loud, that I’ve seen in a long time. Franklin Institute this movie should get American audiences to (My only quibble being the dubious casting Members! really take notice of her. of American actors in roles that should have Of course, the film belongs to McCarthy been filled by natives, such as the hostess at who has broken out of her usual character the casino in Rome. I sincerely doubt you’d with the help of Feig. Her Susan is a shy, find a blonde American woman in such a po- lonely woman who has a crush on her co- sition.) If you need some decidedly R-rated worker and is fully aware of her body image humor peppered with some spy movie ac- PLAN YOUR VISIT TODAY! but doesn’t give a crap what other people tion (almost akin to Kingsman: The Secret think and takes exception with the various Service), don’t hesitate to check out Spy, www.fi.edu · 215.448.1200 “types” the CIA sticks her with when under- and be sure to stay for a brief post-credit cover (like “cat lady”). But Susan exceeds scene that turns into a humorous blooper. t

16 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 12, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com 2013 TONY AWARD® WINNER! BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL

“EVERYTHING YOU COULD DREAM OF IN A MUSICAL.”

Daily News Shapiro Terry of PIPPIN. Credit Sasha Allen as Leading Player and the cast of National Tour

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 12, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 17 Lively Arts // out on stage Bullying Not Peanuts at Spotlighters By Steve Charing The actors make effective use of the The remainder of plot will not be divulged Dog Sees God is mostly a serious play If there is anything wrong with Burt V. Royal’s square stage in the center of the in-the-round because the highly dramatic ending but is cli- with a few chuckles sprinkled about. Mr. play, Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teen- theater using moveable benches and tables maxed by an emotional letter to CB from a Royal’s script captures teenage angst and age Blockhead currently playing at the Spot- as props in Alan Zemia’s simple but function- pen-pal. the serious problems that adolescents face al set. In addition, a piano, To his credit, Fuzz Roark, as the Spot- at school each day. It scrupulously informs From left: Lee DeLisle as Beethoven, Sean Dynan as CB, which plays a significant lighters Theatre’s executive director, added the audience as to the consequences of bad and Dennis Binseel as Matt part in the play’s drama, an insert to the program containing important decisions or the lack of guidance from others. credit: Chris Aldridge sits in the corner along the information concerning bullying and suicide Those critical issues covered by the play runway. that had been furnished by PFLAG-Carroll are reasons enough to attend. However, it is Sean Dynan, as the County and the Trevor Project. These pages a well-directed and well-staged work that is principal character CB include the warning signs that people should performed by a talented cast and makes it a (Charlie Brown), turns in notice, actions that can be taken, statistics, must-see thought-provoking and entertaining a splendid acting perfor- hotline numbers, and other useful informa- event. t mance. Handsome but con- tion. In addition, the lobby of the theatre dis- Dog Sees God runs through June 28 at veying uncertain teenage- plays a range of brochures covering the is- the Spotlighters Theatre (817 St. Paul Street, awkwardness at the same sues that surfaced in the play. Baltimore). Running time: 100 minutes with time, he moves about the Also, the brief after-play discussion by no intermission. stage with the weight of cast members with the audience caps off the The play contains profanity and sexual the world seemingly on his experience very fittingly. Following the perfor- situations and is suitable for teenagers on up. shoulders. CB’s dog had mance for this review, Melanie Glickman ably For tickets call the box office at 410-752-1225 died, and CB was looking led the discussion. or visit Spotlighters.org. to find out if there was an afterlife. His friends consist of a pothead (Van, played by Adam Michael Abruzzo); two boozers who think they are the cool kids (Marcy TimelessTease Presents Dive and Tricia, played convinc- ingly by April Airriona Jones lighters Theatre, it is that not enough people and Melanie Glickman, respectively); a sex- Bar Disasters at The Crown will catch this important work. An “unauthor- obsessed homophobe Matt (Dennis Binseel); ized parody” of Charles Schultz’s Peanuts and CB’s sister, who has varying philosophies Dive bars are a Baltimore fixture: the dim Moorhead, and featuring the tipsy talents comic strip whereby the Peanuts characters on life (forcefully acted by Parker Bailey Ste- lights, sticky floors, and graffiti-covered of Symone LaFleur, Fanny Rouge, Cheeki have grown into adolescence, Dog Sees ven). The friends provide no good answers. bathrooms, filled with the echoes of bro- Ho, and Nelson Lugo, Dive Bar Disasters God, which earned a GLAAD media award CB had at one time physically hurt ken hearts drowned in cheap rail drinks. is like your favorite song on the jukebox. for Best Off-Off-Broadway Play in 1984, takes Beethoven, the school’s outcast, because he TimelessTease Productions, a Baltimore- You won’t want it to end. And speaking of on serious issues that adolescents continue is gay, and during his attempt at reconcilia- based comedy theater-burlesque com- your favorite song, stay after to belt it out to grapple with today. Mr. Royal’s characters’ tion kisses him, then falls for him. Beethoven pany, celebrates at a karaoke party names are different from the Peanuts crowd (Schroeder in Peanuts) incurs the hateful these cathedrals of credit: Dorret with Steggy! because of intellectual property rights. wrath of Matt whose homophobia is so ex- carousal with Dive Oosterhoff In January of The play poignantly focuses on teen bul- treme that it ultimately and predictably raises Bar Disasters, a this year, Time- lying – but suicide, alcohol and drug abuse, questions as to why. loving burlesque lessTease Produc- eating disorders, and sexual identity (among Beethoven is played touchingly by Reed tribute to the sin- tions sold out their others) also factor in. With these many issues DeLisle. He finds solace from the bullying and filled saloons we all first fully-scripted to contend with in a one-act play lasting just harassment by playing classical music on know and love. And show, Steampunk over an hour and a half, time could not be the piano. His cowering movements around of course, there will Seductions: Adven- spent on all to delve deeply enough to do the stage and his restrained dialogue are a be plenty of bath- tures in Victoriana, them justice. Nonetheless, they are touched function of his constant fear and anger. Mr. room humor! The introducing the time on to some extent, and bullying and suicide DeLisle delivers a moving performance in this variety-burlesque traveling trio of emerge as the central topics. role. show is Friday, June O’Hellno, Joy, and Under Director Fuzz Roark, the talented Hunky Dennis Binseel as Matt (Pig-Pen 19 at The Crown Moorhead and their cast of young actors brings Mr. Royal’s work in Peanuts) is the play’s main antagonist. His (1910 North Charles nine-foot-tall time to life with intensity, power, and energy. The persona is similar to a ball of rubber bands Street, Baltimore). machine. Their next play is constructed with over 20 scenes that tightly wound up whereby the slightest provo- Doors open at 8 scripted show, Nips are well-staged and well-paced. The cast cation sets him off. Matt is menacing (and vio- p.m., with the show at Nite, premieres implements smooth transitions with the use lent). Mr. Binseel carries this off superbly with set for 9 p.m. Tickets this September at of Al Ramer’s effective lighting design, and powerful intensity. are $12 in advance (Divebardisasters.bpt. Mobtown Ballroom and follows the cast on background music is piped in during these Rounding out the cast is Autumn Rocha, me) or $15 at the door. This is an 18-plus a romp through classic television sitcoms. moments. Many of these scenes are highly Van’s sister, who is institutionalized for set- show starring TimelessTease Productions’ For more information, visit Facebook. dramatic and pivotal to the plot. They are ex- ting a red-haired girl’s hair on fire. The scene own flushed foursome Betty O’Hellno, com/TimelessTeaseProductions and Face- ecuted well. between her and CB is outstanding. Whiskey Joy, Lizzy Falltrades, and Jules V book.com/events/1414955335495570. t

18 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 12, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts // qmusic

Dusty’s Dynasty Madley Croft), Lower Dens has a knack for creating timeless dream pop that owes Bygg Gre Shapiro a debt to the 80s (see The Cure), while There are many albums in the annals of firmly rooted in the present with an eye on recorded music that have been shelved, the future. Intimate and rhythmic dance never to be released. Whatever the rea- tunes such as “Your Heart Still Beating,” sons, artistic or creative or financial, some “To Die In L.A.” and “Non Grata” avoid the of these recordings eventually make it to impersonal trap of so much modern dance the marketplace, either as bonus material music. “Sucker’s Shangri-La,” “Company,” on expanded reissues of other releases or “Ondine,” and “Société Anonyme” are also are ultimately issued on their own. Faith- recommended. ful (Real Gone Music / Atlantic) by lesbian The 2014 self-titled Loma Vista / Re- pop music icon Dusty Springfield arrives public album by queer St. Vincent a.k.a. as the latter. Originally intended to be Annie Clark found a home at or near the Dusty’s third album for Atlantic, following top of several best of lists last year and the amazing Dusty in Memphis and Brand rightfully so. Clark and her disc are includ- New Me. Produced by Jeff Barry, who also ed here because it’s still a great album, contributed a few songs, the long-awaited well into 2015, and because Clark’s coy- release of the complete Faithful consists of ness about her sexuality has become less 13 tracks, including the bonus cut “Nothing so with her becoming more open about is Forever,” as well as the singles “Haunt- how she identifies (read kissing model ed” and “I Believe in You.” The disc also in- girlfriend Cara Delevingne in public). Like cludes Springfield’s takes on classics such the aforementioned Barnett and Hunter as Carole King’s “You’ve Got A Friend” and (of Lower Dens), St. Vincent makes mu- Bread’s “Make It With You.” sic that transcends date stamps, meaning Stop for a moment. Take a deep breath that songs such as “Rattlesnake,” “Digi- and take this in. Two of the most across- tal Witness,” “Birth in Reverse,” “Psycho- the-board, well-reviewed albums of 2015 path,” “Every Tear Disappears,” “Severed are by queer acts. Not one, two. Pitchfork Crossed Fingers,” “Bring Me Your Loves,” digs them. They make Spin dizzy. Rolling and the overtly queer “Prince Johnny,” Stone raved about them. The first is Court- sound as awe-inspiring today as they will ney Barnett, a young Australian singer/ for years to come. songwriter whose full-length debut disc The all-gay, harmony-driven band Su- Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes san Jane makes an indelible impression I Just Sit. (Mom+Pop) is so refreshing and with its debut album Growing Wild (Su- exhilarating, it’s like a ray of hope in these sanjaneband.com). The quartet, which dark EDM-dominated days. Like a queer features three vocalists alternating singing Exile in Guyville, Sometimes I Sit… is full of lead, touches on a variety of musical styles the kinds of observations that only the un- over the course of nine songs. There’s a affected can make and then set to memo- tip of the old straw hat to alt-country on rable music. Barnett has a way with words, “Not Wasted.” “Songs I’ve Never Seen” exemplified in brilliant numbers such as and the addictive “Sleep is My Drug” are “Elevator Operator,” “Pedestrian at Best,” memorable modern rock tunes. The retro “An Illustration of Loneliness (Sleepless in pop of “Perfect Person” and the radiant New York),” “Dead Fox,” “Debbie Downer,” “Morning Light” are two more examples of and “Nobody Really Cares If You Don’t Go the band’s versatility. to the Party.” Things do get a little bogged Lesbian guitar goddess Kaki King down on the blues blast of “Small Poppies” made quite the splash in the early 2000s and the dirgey and repetitive “Kim’s Cara- with her distinctive guitar-playing style. Af- van,” but those are minor complaints. ter her first album, the acclaimed Every- Next comes Lower Dens, led by Jana body Loves You, King went on to release Hunter, and the Escape from Evil (Ribbon a disc every couple of years. The gap has Music) disc. It’s a prescient title, consider- been a bit longer between 2012’s Glow ing that Lower Dens is based in Baltimore and her latest, The Neck is a Bridge to (also home to queer duo Matmos). Coming the Body (Short Stuff). The CD companion across as an American version of The xx to King’s 2014 show of the same name, (also featuring a queer lead vocalist, Romy which tours this year, is alternately acces- sible on songs such as “Trying To Speak II” (featuring Ethel), “We Did Not Make The Instrument, The Instrument Made Us” and “Anthromorph,” and daringly experimental on “Battle Is A Learning,” “In the Begin- ning,” and “Thoughts are Born.” t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 12, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 19 Lively Arts // BETWEEN THE COVERS The Boystown Series: Books Made-for-TV Byg Me an Sandwick I joined the Boystown movement in the fully engaged reading to see if Joyelle was back lovers that we never want to cross in Oh holy wow, Boystown, episodes one book format so that I did not have to wait a going to catch Derek having an affair with person. and two, by Jake Biondi are the fun-filled, month for a new episode to find out if Em- Cole while pregnant with his twins. New The second episode of Boystown takes sexy, dramatic, page-swiping stories I mett was really shot at a Christmas party? characters, plots, and twists are constantly up deeper into the tangled lives of the have been looking to read That would have been too introduced. Biondi’s char- characters and the after- for months! I literally read much suspense for me! acters do not always make math and injuries of a hos- the first book in two sittings With the backdrop safe decisions making for tage rescue. Relationship and the second while hang- of Chicago’s Boystown uncomfortable, I-hoped- dynamics are growing as ing out with a sick niece in District the vibrant de- that-would-not-happen mo- new couples emerge, and a few hours. As I finished scriptions of the beautiful ments to occur throughout we are also introduced to the second book I imme- people and lively images the book. the third Mancini brother, diately went online look- allowed me to feel the ex- The first episode intro- Justin. This is the start ing for the third episode citement of the story. The duces us to a main set of of the fierce passionate because I had to find out intentional pacing of the characters including Cole struggle with the Ciancio what happened next and drama helped heighten my and Jesse, graduates of family. The characters ma- see who survived the car awareness of the passion Notre Dame who find jobs neuver through love, lusts, explosion! and sexual tension build- in Chicago and move to and three-ways while plot- Through dialogue, con- ing throughout the story. I Boystown. The episode ting against their families. flict, and sexual encoun- also connected to the sup- weaves the several central As we head into sum- ters, Boystown are super- portive bonds and chemis- figures together through mer and into long days of fast paced moving books. try formed between close spicy connections of boy- triple digits days if you are Originally released on- family and friends. friends, roommates, broth- looking for something to line as monthly episodes, Formatted like a TV ers, ex-lovers, affairs, and relax your mind, this series Boystown was fashioned after several show, these are well-written books with a kidnapping. Through introductions and is the mental getaway you need. Better fabulous television dramas that go back to purposeful action always taking you to un- sexual encounters the story blends a relat- than bingeing on marathons of “Dynasty,” my youth: “Dynasty,” “Dallas,” and “Knotts known places and unexpected directions. I able cast of co-workers, friends, and fam- “Knots Landing,” or “Dallas,” I recommend Landing.” I mean, with that heritage how enjoyed never having to skim through any ily with a group of backstabbing characters you let Boystown become your summer can this book series go wrong? I am glad boring filler commentary sections. I was plotting revenge, takedowns, and winning eye-candy binge reading addiction. t

20 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 12, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts // Personalities

AN INTERVIEW WITH MARGARET CHO MC: Thank you. GS: Have you been working on any new songs for the tour? MC: There is one new song in the show. Putting the ‘Cho’ in ‘Psycho’ It will also be in my new show that I filmed for Showtime which will be out in September. But By Gregg Margaret Cho tion of violence against dogs in the movie? I do have a new album of music coming out, Shapiro MC: Basically, it was written so that we I’m just not sure when. I have been recording If you’ve ever seen could have (an excuse to have) dogs on the music steadily since Cho Dependent was re- any of the movies set. It was joke that allowed us to come to work leased. It’s something I always love and will in Liam Neeson’s every day and have dogs all around us. They always pursue. Taken series, you were so sweet and adorable. GS: Will it be similar to Cho Dependent know they are as GS: Without giving away too much, the where you worked with a strong roster of much homage to duel between Brownfinger and the Nee- guest artists and songwriters? the vigilante movies son-esque character Bryan (played by Lee MC: Yes. I’m focusing on one per record. of Charles Bronson Tergeson), near the end of the movie, gives I’ve done one with David Garza, who is amaz- as they are bor- a whole new meaning to swordfight. What ing. I’ve done another one with Garrison Starr. derline caricature. was it like to have Bryan’s weapon of choice I’m doing one now with Roger Rocha. However, if you are coming at you repeatedly in that scene? GS: What else can fans expect from the craving a true spoof, MC: It was so funny. We laughed so much tour? check out Tooken at that. It was pretty uncomfortable for him, for MC: It’s a show of all-new material. I’m (Elevative), starring Lee. It was pretty heavy. We trained a lot to get really proud of it. I’m going to be talking a lot Margaret Cho as ready for it. It was hard. The shoot itself was about the trend in violence towards people of insidious male vil- in the middle of the night. We really went for it, color, towards women. It’s a call to action, I lain Brownfinger. Cho, whose Kim Jung Un plane is so funny and it has such a great histo- but it was funny. think. imitation remains unequaled, channels that ry. It really holds up. The humor is just so good. GS: In the fall, you will be back on the GS: The 2016 presidential election is on hysterical testosterone energy into the vicious GS: Tooken parodies the Liam Neeson road, this time with “The psyCho Tour.” a lot of people’s minds. Do you have any Brownfinger whose fascination with dogs and Taken series. What do you think of those MC: The show is actually called, “There’s thoughts about it? explosives are almost inseparable. Tooken, Neeson movies? no I in ‘Team,’ but There is a Cho in ‘Psycho.’” MC: I’m a fan of Hillary’s. She is some- which bows on VOD and digital download in MC: I love them! They’re really exciting GS: I really loved your music CD Cho body that I would hope wins and I would hope late May, is a good way to reacquaint your- to watch. I get a real thrill from anything like Dependent. to back. t self with the busy comedian and to hold you that. I love the seriousness of it all [laughs] and over for her return to the stage for The psyCho the formula. I actually am a fan of the movies Tour, hitting the road this spring and continuing themselves. throughout the fall. I spoke with Margaret in the GS: Do you think there is another se- spring of 2015 about the movie and more. ries out there that is ripe for parodying? Gregg Shapiro: Tooken is in the tradi- MC: Maybe The Fast and the Furious. tion of movies that parody other movies, That would be good. such as Airplane, The Naked Gun, and GS: In Tooken, you play the sinister vil- Scary Movie. Are you a fan of those movie lain Brownfinger. What are the challenges parodies? and rewards of playing a movie villain? Margaret Cho: Absolutely! It was exciting MC: It’s great! I’m also a man in it, which to do this film. I think it’s really funny and fun. It I love to do. For me, it’s exciting to transform was a thrill to be a part of this great cast. It’s a into different characters. I really enjoy that. great show. I’m really happy about it. GS: If I remember correctly, you are a GS: Do you have a favorite of those pre- dog lover. viously mentioned movie parodies? MC: I am! MC: I think Airplane is the ultimate. Air- GS: How did you feel about the depic-

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 12, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 21 Quality of Life

insurance payout into a trust for your chil- dren’s benefit. The money will be managed responsible and punished. Even if you identify for their health, education, and support until Ask the culprit, how comforting is that? Clinging The Law they reach a certain age, say 30. The trust to blame and anger hurts the person feeling & You can be established under your will with Dr. J them. You may have seen this quote attributed Lee Carpenter someone dependable named as the trust- to Buddha: Holding on to anger is like grasping ee. Janan Broadbent, Ph.D. a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at some- 2) Neglecting to prepare a will. In ad- one else. You are the one who gets burned. dition to setting up a trust for your children, When you feel someone else is causing The Kids Are a will ensures that they inherit your assets Your Actions you to feel this way or that way, ask yourself: efficiently. There are rules of inheritance Who is making me feel this emotion? Is it that Alright? for people who die without a will, but they My I am conditioned to or learned to respond in a should not be relied on. ≠ certain way? If I hear a critical remark about Same-sex couples are especially vul- my performance on the job, or about my re- The traditional wedding service includes a nerable to inheritance problems. Our fam- Happiness lationship skills, do I take it as an insult, or as prayer for the “gift and heritage of children.” ily relationships can be legally complicated, an opportunity to improve what I am doing? Like many parts of the old ceremony, this and we face the increased likelihood of Ever notice how often we say things like: “You After all, people comment because they care lovely phrase may not apply to interference from disapproving hurt me” or “You made me so mad” or “You in some way about us. If they didn’t, there same-sex couples. Four ways to family members. Preparing a will made me happy”? wouldn’t be any response. Just as we are unlikely to ensures that your wishes are not Let me be clear: There is no doubt that Which takes me to another relationship be “given away” by our parents make sure only clear but also legally bind- other people’s actions and words affect us. hazard. How often do you hear or say, he/she or promise to “obey” our new ing. Our emotional reactions in terms of physical would’ve done this or that if they had cared? spouse, we may exchange wedding bands 3) Failing to name a guardian. A changes – as in sweating, clammy hands, In principle, this is correct as we take action with no thought of having children, whether guardian takes legal custody of a minor tearing up, or butterflies in the stomach – are when it matters to us. But we also have to con- by adoption, surrogacy, or other means. But child when the parents are deceased. If you universal and occur whether the response is sider that there are many people who care but for those of us who do have children, they haven’t designated a guardian under your negative or positive. But how we interpret the fear and anxiety gets in their way of expressing are indeed a gift and heritage, and caring will, the court will appoint one on your be- incoming has to do with our past, what we what they really feel. Many obstacles present for them is nothing short of a sacred duty. half. This person could be a well-meaning have learned within our families and our en- themselves in this regard: fear of being reject- Organic baby food? Check. Piano les- family member with values and a parenting vironment. ed, insecurity about oneself, and doubt about sons? Of course. Academic tutors, enrich- style very different from your own. So why do we pile up all of the responsibil- how to express wants. And so I get back to ing vacations, and endless positive rein- The ideal guardian is someone who ity for our own reactions on others? If you give taking responsibility about our own thoughts, forcement? Check, check, and check. loves your children and shares your values. me a box of chocolates, you may expect me to feelings, mistakes, and reactions. Do you think As same-sex couples, we can perhaps Choosing someone who lives near you, to be really happy. If I am indeed happy, is that we would grow and learn if we never erred? If be forgiven for parenting with such zeal. prevent your children from being uprooted because the gifter caused that reaction, or is it everything I did were correct, what would moti- After all, for us acquiring children requires in case of your death, is also worth consid- because I chose that response? Not too hard vate me to try something new or better? a level of determination that most straight ering. to imagine another person’s reaction to be: Human nature is such that we like the easy couples have never contemplated. Our 4) Appointing the wrong trustee. Your This was a last-minute choice; you didn’t give or the least cumbersome way and don’t like to children mean so much to us, in fact, that children’s guardian and trustee have differ- some thought to the fact that I wanted flowers change our ways. Task completion is reward- it’s hard to imagine our lives without each ent jobs. The guardian provides the children and had mentioned that often. In that case, I ing. It is only when you look beyond task com- other. with housing and manages their education am annoyed and not happy. So who is respon- pletion into further developing as an individual And yet we need to do just that. and medical care. The trustee holds the sible for my reaction then? and get outside of your comfort zone that you Part of being a good parent is preparing purse strings and usually has broad dis- Blame is a non-productive and in most in- experience the accomplishment and the high for the unexpected. This is one area where cretion to decide what expenses should be stances, destructive response. Most of us are that comes with it. That is when looking at one- many parents – gay and straight alike – too paid for out of trust assets. taught and grow up to believe that if there is a self and taking responsibility for our reactions often fall short. What would happen if you The guardian and trustee can be the wrong, someone or some entity should be held get reinforced and become good habits. t and your partner were both gone? Who same person, but naming different people would take care of your children? Would can add an element of accountability. For they be adequately provided for financially? example, your guardian couldn’t use money These may be difficult, even painful from the trust to renovate her basement – questions to contemplate. But confronting “to give little Johnny a place to play” – if the them in a mature, thoughtful manner is an trustee didn’t approve of the expenditure. essential part of good parenting. Here are Your children’s welfare is too important five pitfalls parents should takes steps to to leave to chance. Preparing a well-crafted avoid: estate plan will help to ensure that, no mat- 1) Naming younger children as life- ter what the future holds, the kids will in fact insurance beneficiaries. This may seem be all right. t counterintuitive. You bought life insurance Lee Carpenter is an associate attorney to provide for your children upon your death, at the law firm Semmes, Bowen & Semmes so shouldn’t they be named as the benefi- and can be reached at 410-576-4729 or ciaries? Probably not. Leaving hundreds of [email protected]. Learn more thousands of dollars directly to a young per- about LGBT estate planning at Mdlgbtes- son often leads quickly to disaster. tateplanning.com. This column offers gen- The smarter move is to direct your life eral legal info, not specific legal advice. 22 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 12, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com Quality of Life

base was primarily used to make a macer- you’ll be asked if you’d like to set your default ate. Regardless of either method, once the webpage to that most likely of the manufac- The mixture cured for a few weeks, the plant turer of the software. If you answer yes then Essentials essence was then infused into the alcohol Tech rather than seeing Google for instance after of Living Naturally or oil base. Tinctures were used primarily Talk you’ve installed the Yahoo toolbar you will for internal medicinal applications. Macer- David Sugar see Yahoo as your default webpage. Make Michael Lausterer ates were also used for internal applica- sure when installing software that you read tion, but were primarily applied topically for through all the prompts and click “no” to cleansing and healing. Today, these same avoid changing settings on your computer if ancient methods are used to make homeo- Setting Your in doubt. Bugs Away pathic remedies such as herbal tinctures Lets start with how to change your de- and herbal salves made from macerated Default fault webpage on Google Chrome. The first Naturally oils. step is to click on the three horizontal bars The use of plant essences for healing Browser in the upper right-hand side of the browser purposes was through accidental discov- to bring up the menu. Now choose “Settings” The summer season is right around the ery in the 1920’s. Lavender oil was found from the menu. Once your Google Chrome corner. Longer days, road trips, walks on to help the body speed-up the healing pro- Homepage settings have been opened up look under the beach, or barbecues with family and cess of a burn. Lavender is not only good “Startup” and you will see three options. friends are some of the highlights of the for any type of burn, it helps to facilitate This past week someone came to me ask- Choose “Open a specific page or set of pag- season. This is also the time to incorporate healing of minor cuts, scrapes, and bruis- ing why when they opened up Google es” and then click “Set pages.” “Set pages” essential oil basics into your summer first- es. The aromatic properties of lavender Chrome rather than seeing their default will open up a box where you can set your aid protocol. Whether it be a sunburn, a help relax the mind, which in turn reduc- Google webpage they saw some other default webpages and remove any default minor scrape, es undesirable webpage. Maybe you have seen this before webpages you don’t want to see. or repelling in- stress through and don’t know how to restore your default Next let’s take a look at Firefox. The most sects, different our brain’s limbic webpage. Maybe you’d also like to know why recent version of Firefox is just as easy as essential oils system (the area this happened before throwing the computer Google Chrome if not easier to set your de- can be used to that processes out the window. I will take you through the fault preferences. Just as in Google Chrome, help ease the emotions and be- process of restoring your default webpage Firefox has three horizontal lines in the upper not-so-fun side haviors). The nat- for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Ex- right hand corner that you press to bring up a of summer. urally occurring plorer. menu. From that menu you will choose “Op- Essential chemicals in lav- First let me explain why your default web- tions.” Once the Firefox options have been oils are ex- ender are well- page may change. When installing software opened you will see a space to place the tracts obtained rounded, supply- on your PC have you ever closely looked at URL for your default homepage. Make sure from raw plant ing emotional and the prompts along the way. In some install- you also set the drop down next to “When matter and physical support ers (especially toolbars, such as from Yahoo) Firefox starts” to “Show my home page.” contain vola- to the body. Lav- In Safari to set your default homepage tile chemical ender essential first click on the bolded menu item that properties that interact with the body in a oil can be paired with another plant power- says “Safari” and choose “Preferences.” positive way. Essential oils are introduced house, aloe gel, to create a more effective ated with motion sickness. A box will open and you will start on the to the body primarily through inhalation blend used to soothe tired or sunburned One of the most frustrating things “General” tab, which includes the prefer- or topical application and rarely through skin. Lavender is only one of a very small about the summer are insects; particularly ences for setting the default homepage. ingestion. There are over 500 unique es- number of essential oils that can be used mosquitos, fleas, ticks and gnats. Plants Enter your default homepage in the space sential oils, each having their own natural safely, yet effectively on infants. The smell contain aromatic chemical compounds provided next to the homepage setting. chemical makeup. It is the chemical com- will help baby to relax and can be used for which serve several distinct purposes; one Next make sure that in the drop-down next position that is important in each essential conditions such as diaper rash. of them being a pest deterrent. When it to “New window opens with” you have it set oil, as this is what interacts within the body. Peppermint is a hybrid of two plants; comes to naturally repelling insects, one or to “Homepage.” Now when you open up Many cultures have documented writ- spearmint and water mint. The cool crisp two essential oils are just not enough. Cit- Safari you will have your default homep- ings detailing the efficacy of plants in me- flavor of peppermint is familiar to just ronella, cedar wood, geranium, lavender, age. dicinal and spiritual practices. Egyptians, about everyone, and is widely used as a lemon, eucalyptus, and peppermint are Finally lets look at Internet Explorer. ancient Greeks, and Romans all used natural flavoring in many products from just a few essential oils that can be mixed In Internet Explorer you will access your plants as tinctures and macerates for in- oral care products to candies. Peppermint together and used as a natural insect re- browser preferences by pressing the gear- ternal and external medicine, as well as has several medicinal properties, but is pellent. Add a combination of essential-oil looking image in the upper right-hand cor- cleansing the physical and spiritual bod- well-known for reducing headache pain drops to distilled water in a misting bottle ner of the browser. From the menu that ies. Though the method to extract plant and feelings of nausea. The herb is a va- and use outdoors throughout the day to opens choose “Internet Options.” A box will essential oils was the not the same back sodilator, which safely expands vessel or deter pests. Growing some of the plants open up and you will see an area under then as it is today, their concept of extract- artery walls, offering a rich oxygen supply previously mentioned outdoors will help to the homepage heading where you can type ing the heart essence of the plant for their to the area. Because of this vasodilation, deter unwanted insects, and possibly bring in your default webpage URL. Also make practices was successfully achieved with headaches begin to diminish without any honey bees, butterflies, and other neces- sure that under “Startup” on that same box exceptional results. side effects. Those prone to motion sick- sary insects into the area. t that opened you have it set so that Internet A tincture or macerate in ancient times ness should consider carrying a bottle of Michael Lausterer is a Certified Clini- Explorer will start with the default home was made by first harvesting and drying peppermint essential oil. When deeply in- cal Essential Oil Therapist, professional page and not with tabs from the previous the plant. Next, oil, grain or grape alcohol haled, the natural chemical properties, in chef, Clinical Nutritionist and co-owner of session. t was poured over the dried plant matter. An tandem with the herb’s vasodilation prop- Basic Earth Essentials. For more informa- Send your tech questions to outloud- alcohol base made a tincture, while an oil erties, help to alleviate symptoms associ- tion please visit Basicearthessentials.com [email protected]. BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 12, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 23 real estate

Teh Old Gay-borhood not be where we are today as a community – continued from page 1 without the sense of desperation and isola- tion, of frustration and persecution, and the courage and resolve to make our lives better ity of gay Baltimore has been moving out of that grew from inside these protected nests. Mount Vernon, there were fewer and fewer We could not have survived the AIDS crisis of us who felt the need to make a special, of the 1980s and 90s without the supportive inconvenient trip to the old watering holes. atmosphere, and organizational nucleus that While the loss of a grew inside these com- gay-friendly business is al- “We could not have munity institutions. Today, ways something to mourn, survived the AIDS as the crowd inside the this is also something that remaining bars is more can be celebrated in the crisis of the 1980s diverse and the idea of month of traditional gay sexual preference itself pride. We’ve outgrown and 90s without has become more fluid, the gay-borhood. We feel the supportive we can’t let these insti- comfortable, accepted, tutions vanish. We must and are vital parts of atmosphere that find a place for them in many communities in this our future, precisely be- region. From Hampden grew inside cause they remind us of to Harford County we live these community the long journey we have together, openly married. made, and a multitude From Carroll County to institutions.” of accomplishments in Canton we go together to which to take pride. t social spots and claim them as our own. Wayne Curtis has been a licensed real It is important, however, to remember the estate agent since 1998. In November, 2012, important place these businesses have in he was named a Realtor Hero by the Nation- our collective culture. The Stonewall Inn, af- al Association of Realtors for his work pro- ter all, was a gay bar. New Orleans’ UpStairs moting homeownership in Baltimore. Send Lounge – the site of a horrific massacre of questions to him at wayne@charmcityreal- 32 people in 1973 – was a gay bar. We could estate.com.

24 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 12, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 12, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 25 26 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 12, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD JUNE 12, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 27 ABC and ended in 2011. The Centaur MC And on Sunday, June 7, have always set the 2015 leather folks from standard for elabo- clubs throughout the rate functions. If they Leather Mid-Atlantic area joined are hosting a cocktail Line the Centaur MC at the party, a contest, or a Rodney Burger upscale Fogo de Chao dinner you can count Brazilian Steakhouse on a stellar event. Al- on historic Pennsylva- though they have al- nia Avenue in Washing- ways denied that they Celebrating the ton, D.C. to celebrate 45 are a “show club,” I years of brotherhood. am sure that it was Centaurs Inspired by the Sa- just a coincidence that tyrs, a gay motorcycle their 45th anniversary The year was 1970. In New York City the club that was founded dinner was held the first Gay Liberation Day march was held. In in Los Angeles in 1954, same night as the Washington, D.C., over 100,000 marched the Centaur MC was Tony Awards. The against the Vietnam War. On television formed in Richmond, second floor balcony ABC aired the first episode of the soap Virginia on May 10, of Fogo de Chao was opera “All My Children.” And in Richmond, 1970. As the club grew a sea of leather – and Virginia, Ron Barret and a small group of they soon realized that Meet the Centaurs MC this is a restaurant gay men with an interest in leather and mo- more members were that is known for a lot torcycles got together to form a gay motor- from Washington, D.C. of cow! Four very long cycle club. They named their organization than Richmond so the club relocated to the By the early 80s the Centaur MC had tables filled the room like a leather Thanks- the Centaur Motorcycle Club. nation’s capital. In 1971 they held their first fallen to just a small group, with some giving. The evening’s program was kept to A lot has changed since 1970. That gathering or “run,” which they called “Olym- members moving away from Washington to a minimum to allow lots of time to socialize. march in New York has evolved into gay pia,” befitting its Greek theme. Olympia New York, San Francisco, or other cities. In After dinner there were just a few remarks Pride parades that are now held all over would go on to be held every other year, 1976 Glenn Pitcher, a member of Links Mo- from Centaur president Christopher Brush the world. The United States ended their usually on Labor Day weekend. The club torcycle Club rented a suite at the Waldorf- and a toast from the youngest member direct military involvement in Vietnam in continued to grow and also raised money Astoria Hotel in New York City and hosted Josh Pennington and elder statesman J.P. 1973. “All My Children” ran for 41 years on for various charities. a cocktail party for some of his friends in Halford. Certificates were also presented the leather community. The party became to members who had reached milestone an annual event and was named Leather anniversaries. Cocktails. As the event grew, a suite at At a time when so many gay bars are a hotel could no longer hold the crowd. closing and events are following by the way The party was open to include even more members of the leather com- munity and was moved to other cities. Leather Cocktails was held at The Strap in Washington, D.C., the 2-4 Club in Philadelphia, and The Club Hippo in Baltimore. In 1983 Leather Cocktails was hosted by Ray Hard a former member of the Links who by then was a member of the Spar- tan MC and was held in Washington at the Eagle in Exile. The party had grown to 500 people and Ray Hard was ready to end the tradition. Not wanting to see a great leather com- munity tradition come to an end, the Centaur MC acquired sponsorship of Leather Cocktails and in 1985 made Leather Cocktails the centerpiece of a whole weekend, which also included a Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather Contest (with the winner of the contest spon- sored by the club and advancing to the International Mr. Leather Contest in Chicago). The Centaur MC started to side, the Centaur MC are keeping the tradi- grow and Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend tion going. I am so proud that I could be (MAL) has grown into one of the largest there and help toast 45 years of one of our leather events in the country. On January areas must highly respected leather clubs. 18, 2015 the Centaurs sashed the 30th Mr. You know you are going to have a great time Mid-Atlantic Leather. when you celebrate with the Centaurs. t

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