February 11, 2011

Home , It Goes Like It Goes

OUT February 11, 2011 | Volume IX Issue 19 We Celebrate Black History Month Black History Month is an annual celebra- founded the Association for the Study of Ne- schools and communities nationwide to or- tion of achievements by black Americans gro Life and History (ASNLH), an organiza- ganize local celebrations, establish history and a time for recognizing the central role of tion dedicated to researching and promoting clubs and host performances and lectures. African Americans in U.S. history. The event achievements by In the decades the followed, grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brain- black Americans mayors of cities across the coun- child of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other peo- try began issuing yearly proclama- Sen. Joan Carter Conway and other prominent African Americans. ples of African tions recognizing Negro History Since 1976, every U.S. president has of- descent. Known Week. By the late 1960s, thanks in Conway Still ficially designated the month of February today as the As- part to the Civil Rights Movement as Black History Month. Other countries sociation for the and a growing awareness of black on the Fence around the world, including Canada and the Study of African identity, Negro History Week had United Kingdom, also devote a month to cel- American Life evolved into Black History Month By Steve Charing ebrating black history. and History (AS- on many college campuses. Presi- Over 100 people for and against the The story of Black History Month begins ALH), the group dent Gerald R. Ford officially rec- Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage in 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth sponsored a na- ognized Black History Month in Protection Act (SB 116) signed up to Amendment abolished slavery in the Unit- tional Negro History week in 1926, choos- 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the testify before the Senate Judicial Pro- ed States. That September, the Harvard- ing the second week of February to coincide opportunity to honor the too-often neglect- ceedings Committee (JPR) on Feb- trained historian Carter G. Woodson and with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and ed accomplishments of black Americans in ruary 8. Should the committee vote the prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland Frederick Douglass. The event inspired – continued on page 6 to send the bill to the floor, 24 votes out of the 47-member Senate would be needed to pass. In recent surveys conducted by both the Baltimore Sun HEART-SHAPED BOXES: and the Washington Post, 20 votes are Warnes own ebration of a specific moment in musical his- firmly supportive of passing the bill, 21 recording career, tory. The Beatles’ legendary, if short-lived, opposed including the entire Republi- Musical Valentines which began in the label was home to a mind-blowing array of can caucus except for Kittleman and 6 late ’60s, yielded musical acts, reflecting their eclectic tastes are on the fence or have not declared Byg Greg Shapiro hit singles such as “Right Time of the Night” in music. his or her position. For the under-valued diva lover: For years, from 1977 and produced a handful of albums, In addition to a double disc set of rari- Despite the fact that Sen. Joan Cart- it seemed you couldn’t watch a major Hol- most notably the acclaimed 1986 Famous ties and the 21-track single disc compila- er Conway whose District 43 is home to a lywood movie without hearing Jennifer Blue Raincoat, on which she performed her tion Come and Get It: The Best of Apple huge LGBT population including numer- Warnes’ gorgeous voice singing the theme own interpretations of songs by friend, col- Records, you will find two albums by Mary ous couples, she has so far remained on song. Beginning with the Oscar-winning laborator and occasional boss (Warnes was (“Those Were The Days”) Hopkin, one by a the fence. District 43 represents such “It Goes Like It Goes” and continuing with a back-up singer) Leonard Cohen. pre-Warner Brothers James Taylor, one by neighborhoods as Charles Village, Wa- Randy Newman’s Oscar-nominated “One The Hunter (Impex), from 1992, is the Doris Troy, four by Badfinger, two by the late verly, Guilford, Morgan Heights, Lau- More Hour” from Ragtime, the Oscar-win- latest in a series of re-mastered and hand- Billy Preston and one by The Radha Krishna raville, Montebello and Govans. ning “Up Where We Belong” from An Of- somely repackaged 24 karat gold special Temple, to mention a few. An utterly thrill- The three delegates in the dis- ficer and a Gentlemen, the Oscar-winning edition reissues of her albums. The under- ing musical experience is in store for anyone trict – Curt Anderson, Maggie McIn- “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” from “Dirty appreciated disc features Warnes’ exquisite who listens to these recordings. tosh and Mary Washington – have Dancing,” and so on. readings of Todd Rundgren’s “Pretending To For the Saturday night feverish: The co–sponsored House version of the Care,” The Waterboys’ “The Whole of The Bee Gees have been the subject of numer- bill. Conway said her district is about Moon,” Donald Fagen’s “Big Noise, New ous box sets in recent years. There was the evenly split on the issue. York,” and exceptional originals including red “velvet” repackaging of 1969’s ground- According to a recent article in the “Lights of Lousianne,” “Way Down Deep” (co- breaking Odessa, the 2006 box of 1967-68 Sun, Conway said she would not sup- written by Cohen) and “I Can’t Hide,” making studio albums and a couple of greatest hits port the Senate bill if it appears to be this an essential part of her canon. compilations. failing. But if there are 23 “yes” votes For the apple of your eye: Impressive The four disc set Mythology (Reprise) on the board, she said, she will “pray in its scope, as well as its distinctive pack- takes a different approach than the afore- really hard” and make her choice. aging, the 17 disc Apple Records Box Set mentioned compilations. Each of the four – continued on page 3 (Apple / EMI), is both a souvenir and a cel- – continued on page 17 Honoring Black History Month Black History Month affords lence and discrimination be- that Jesus Christ never once condemned an opportunity for African- cause they are in both groups. homosexuality. Co-Publishers OUT Jim Becker • Jim Williams Americans to reflect upon one’s Spoken For the most part, an alli- What may not be apparent is the fact that [email protected] identity, heritage, culture and ance between gays and blacks gays and lesbians, including whites, were Executive Editor those whose contributions and has not been forged, and the integral participants in the black civil rights Jim Becker [email protected] achievements throughout his- relationship has been blem- movement. Though many were closeted at tory had paved the way for prog- ished by suspicion, misin- the time, others were openly gay, such as Managing Editor Steve Charing ress. It is a source of pride as formation, distrust and even Bayard Rustin, an African-American, who [email protected] well as introspection. And we all resentment. Many African- was the lead organizer the March on Wash- Production Director should participate – black, white Americans rebuke the notion ington in 1963. Bill Andriette [email protected] and rainbow – for the contribu- that gays and lesbians advo- Gays and lesbians walked arm-in-arm tions of African-Americans are cating marriage equality and with blacks during those iconic marches of Sales Director Mary Taylor an indelible part of the American other measures do not consti- the 60’s. They joined forces, even risked [email protected] fabric that formed our nation. tute a civil rights movement. their lives, to help blacks achieve the right Leather Columnist The fight for black civil rights Steve Charing But they are wrong. to vote without undue barriers. This was ac- Rodney Burger had been an excruciating strug- The late Coretta Scott King knowledged by Mrs. King and is part of black Nightlife Columnist gle. Marked by the de-humaniz- spoke for her husband when history as well as LGBT history. It should not Sam Kunz ing effects of the Constitution’s considering she said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to be overlooked. Contributing Writers blacks to be three-fifths of a person, slavery, justice everywhere.” The uneasiness between the two groups Josh Aterovis • Shawn Bradley • Jeffrey Clagett • Jeffrey Clouser • Chuck Duncan • Deborah Draisin • Eva Hersh MD • Marty Hoegg the horrific Jim Crow bloodshed and lynch- Representative John Lewis, who fought is a point of concern. Following the Propo- • Isis • Dana LaRocca Jessica Lemmo • Jay Loane • Vann Mills • ings, segregation, disenfranchisement and alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during sition 8 ballot initiative in 2008, fingers Bill Palmer • David Placher • Sandy Rawls • Ben Ryland • Gregg Shapiro • Larry Walker • Evan Wilson discrimination, the process to right these the black civil rights battles said, “I’ve heard were pointed by gay activists towards the Graphics wrongs has been slow, agonizing and pain- the reasons for opposing civil marriage for African-American community for voting to Carol Baker ful. These horrors will always remain in our uphold Prop 8. While a majority Cartoonist history. And they should never be forgotten of black voters supported Prop. Bruce Garrett (www.brucegarrett.com) or minimized. 8 and thereby denying marriage Photographers Laws have since been put in place to equality to same-sex couples in Bruce Garrett • Skip Koritzer • Justin Nixon eliminate the injustices on a legal level. Yet California, a review of post-elec- Web Editor Aleksandra Saine racism does and will persist, and the battle tion data concludes that various [email protected] to eliminate it could take many decades. other factors contributed to the Web Services We in the LGBT community have our defeat at the polls, such as the Just Girl! civil rights battles, too. While our history has generation gap. 800-774-0953, www.just-girl.com not been characterized by the suffering that And if and when Maryland Distribution / Circulation Jay Loane numerous African-Americans had experi- voters face a similar initiative in [email protected] enced, we are still searching for the same 2012, you can be sure that the Michael Serio equality, justice and non-discrimination prin- nefarious opponents of equal- National Advertising Rep ciples upon which our nation was founded. ity will attempt to drive a wedge Rivendell Media 908-232-2021 LGBT folks have also been victims of between the African-American Founders hateful violence for being who we are. We and LGBT communities by ac- Jim Becker • Joe Berg • Mike Chase • could not serve openly in the armed forces cusing gays of hijacking the Lee Mooney (1959-2007) • Jim Williams to defend and die for our country, and until Bayard Rustin civil rights movement as our own the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is certi- to the consternation of many Baltimore OUTloud P.O. Box 3640, Baltimore, Maryland 21214 fied, we still cannot. We can be fired from our same-sex couples. Cut through the distrac- African-Americans. 410-244-6780 jobs just for being who we are regardless of tions, and they stink of the same fear, ha- African-Americans should rightly be www.baltimoreoutloud.com job proficiency. tred, and intolerance I have known in racism proud of their history and contributions while Additional Information Same-sex couples put their lives on the and in bigotry.” contemplating the painful past on the road to Baltimore OUTloud is published every other Friday by Pride line if they choose to hold hands in public And civil rights leader Julian Bond point- equality and justice. We all should. We cel- Media, Ltd. in Baltimore, Maryland. Readers comments and and such action is witnessed by a homopho- ed out, “That’s why when I am asked, ‘Are ebrate the achievements of numerous black unsolicited materials are welcomed and may be sent to: publisher@ baltimoreoutloud.com. All materials appearing in this newspaper are bic person or group. With few exceptions, gay rights civil rights?’ my answer is always, men and women with the culmination being the property of Pride Media, Ltd. and may not be reproduced without these couples cannot marry in the U.S. ‘Of course they are.’” the election of the first ever African-Ameri- the written permission of the editor. Moreover, our government passed a law that Too many black ministers excoriate gay can to be President of the United States. forbids the recognition of marriage between people from their pulpits when talking about And African-Americans would be honor- same-sex couples at the federal level. “gay marriage.” They use Scripture in the ing their heritage and journey – not just in With these grievances, LGBT people same manner that white southern preachers February but year-round – if they remain can and should relate to the treatment did to promote slavery, segregation and dis- cognizant of the trailblazing civil rights lead- blacks have experienced over the years. enfranchisement. History has not yet taught ers of yesterday and today who believed in We can only hope that African-Americans them that discrimination is wrong. They are the principle that all men are created equal © 2010 – All rights reserved t Chair of the Board of Trustees – Jim Becker see our struggles in the same context. And shrouded in the darkness of prejudice them- and that discrimination is wrong. Period. President – Jim Williams we should all pause and acknowledge that selves and cherry-pick the Old Testament Steve Charing’s OUTspoken blog is at Secretary and Treasurer – Mike Chase LGBT African-Americans have seen vio- as justification but failing to acknowledge www.SteveCharing.blogspot.com.

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Con way Still on the Fence Statement by Sen. Allan H. Kittleman on SB 116 – continued from front page On February 2 Sen. Allan H. Kittleman (R- cording to the poll, 51% of Maryland voters the Bible teaches that marriage is between Howard, Carroll) announced that he would support same-sex marriage. Of that amount, a man and a woman, Maryland should con- Conway, who is the first African-Ameri- not introduce his civil union bill, which he had 65% of Democrats, 52.4% of Independents tinue to prohibit same sex marriage. First, let can woman to be appointed chairman of any proposed several weeks ago, but instead and 24% of Republicans support same-sex me state that I am a strong follower of Jesus of the standing committees in the Maryland will support and testify on behalf of the Re- marriage. Christ. I worked in youth ministries for many Senate, has been a member of the Senate ligious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protec- Unfortunately, despite the support by a years. However, while my faith may teach that since 1997. Conway would prefer that the tion Act. His stance strong majority marriage is between a man and a woman, our debate be focused on civil unions rather on marriage equality of Maryland vot- government is not a theocracy. As the state than marriage. She told the Sun that she is Sen. Allan H. clashes the position Kittleman ers, I did not re- senator from District 9, I represent everyone trying to reconcile her religious background of the Republican ceive any support in my district, regardless of their faith. There- with her sympathy for minority groups. caucus in the Senate. from my Repub- fore, while my spiritual life is extremely impor- Her inability to take a stand is”Her inabil- Accordingly, he re- lican and Demo- tant to me, it cannot be the sole basis for my ity to take a stand is frustrating,” said former signed from his post crat senate col- decisions as a state senator. Equality Maryland executive director Dan as Minority Leader leagues. In fact, I know that some will be upset with my Furmansky. “But Joan Carter Conway has to advance marriage the Republican decision to support SB 116 and I respect the never voted against the LGBT community’s equality for gays and senate caucus fact that people have differing opinions on interests, and in fact was a strong advocate lesbians in Mary- yesterday voted this issue. I carefully considered my deci- for the Medical Decision Making Act,” land. The following to take a “caucus sion. I sought counsel from many people, in- The Equality Maryland PAC did not con- is Sen. Kittleman’s position” against cluding my family, clergy, advocates for both tribute to Conway’s campaign during the statement: same-sex mar- sides, fellow legislators and many others. 2010 election cycle. Forty-six other candi- I want to express riage. My Repub- These discussions were very helpful to me dates did receive support. my thoughts on SB lican colleagues and I appreciate the time that those individu- Sen. Joan Carter Conway’s office did not 116, Religious Free- have also made it als took to talk with me. Ultimately, it was my return a phone call from Baltimore OUTloud to dom and Civil Marriage Protection Act. As very clear to me that they would not be sup- strong feelings about civil rights that led me further discuss her position. Her Annapolis toll- most of you know, I have long supported portive of my civil union legislation. I also did to decide to support SB 116. t free number is 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3145. t equal rights for same sex couples. A few not receive any support from Republicans or years ago, I voted in favor of allowing same Democrats in the House of Delegates. sex couples the right to make medical deci- Based upon the lack of support I have sions for each other. received for my civil union bill, it was evident This year, I decided to work on legisla- that my legislation would not receive a fa- tion that allowed civil unions for all couples vorable report from the Senate Judicial Pro- – opposite sex and same sex couples. My ceedings Committee. With the deadline for goal was three-fold: submitting legislation approaching quickly • I wanted to ensure that same sex cou- and with the Committee hearing scheduled ples had the same rights and responsibili- to be held on Tuesday, February 8th, I made ties as married couples in Maryland; the decision to forego my efforts to have civil • I wanted to remove the government’s unions for all couples in Maryland. intervention in what most Marylanders con- As I noted above, my primary goal has sider a religious institution (marriage); and always been to ensure that same sex cou- • I wanted to develop a consensus on an ples have the same rights and responsi- issue that has been very divisive for many bilities as married couples currently have in years. Maryland. I see this issue as a civil rights is- In early January, I announced my pro- sue. I was raised by a gentleman who joined posal for civil unions for all couples. Some- with others in fighting racial discrimination what surprisingly, I received much more in the 1950s and 1960s. Watching him fight criticism from people who wanted same for civil rights instilled in me the belief that sex marriage than those who oppose such everyone, regardless of race, sex, national Offering Bankruptcy Assistance marriages. I actually received quite a lot of origin or sexual orientation, is entitled to HPK will recommend various options that may be messages and emails from Republicans equal rights. available to protect your assets supporting my decision. Consequently, with the civil union legisla- A recent poll performed by Gonzales tion no longer being a viable option, I was put [ [ [ [ [ [ Research confirmed strong support for civil in the position of deciding whether to support unions. The poll found that 62% of Maryland same-sex marriage or voting to continue the HPK OFFERS: Domestic Partnership Agreements ● Joint Purchase & Savings Agreements ● Estate Planning ● Bankruptcy ● Divorce ● Second Parent Adoptions ● Same Sex Dissolution of Partnerships ● Advance Health Care Directives ● Power of voters support civil unions. Of that amount, prohibition against same-sex marriage. As a HPK is a debt relief law fi rm that helps individuals and businesses fi le Attorney ● Wills ● Domestic Partner Affi davits ● Healthcare Proxies 73% of Democrats, 60% of Independents strong proponent of personal and economic for bankruptcy protection under the Bankruptcy Code. and 41.5% of Republicans support civil liberty/freedom, I simply could not, in good Mark F. Scurti, Esquire ● 410. 938. 8718 ● [email protected] unions. This figure was higher than the sup- conscience, vote against SB 116. In the courtroom. In the community. And on your side. hpklegal.com | 410. 938.8800 port for same-sex marriage in Maryland. Ac- I know that some may contend that since

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRuary 11, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 3 nes w // LOCAL

Several us to continue and expand our programs of BT H Awards: A Day to Build Community recognition educating the community about how impor- Byl Bil Palmer Officers and members of the BHT Board awards were also presented. The Anthony J. tant full inclusion of LGBTQ folks into all as- Representatives of dozens of groups from of Directors and other representatives of Bacharach Award for an individual in service pects of society really is. BHT is to be com- throughout the Baltimore/Washington D.C. BHT’s member organizations, including Bal- to the LGBTQ community was given to Rob- mended for its years of service to and on area gathered at Grand Central on January timore based COMMAND MC, presented ert “Bob” Gunther for his decades of com- behalf of our community.” 29 for Brother Help Thyself’s (BHT) annu- the awards and grants to the assembled munity service. The Washington Chapter “BHT thinks it’s important that commu- al Awards and Grant Reception. This year community organizations. “I am so proud of Dignity USA received the BHT Founder’s nity service organizations be able to spend BHT was able to distribute $99,922 in grants of our member clubs and other sponsors” Award, given to a non-profit organization more time serving their clients and less time and directed donations to 31 organizations said Joann Kokindo, President of BHT. that has shown outstanding support to the fundraising and work to support that goal,” who collectively serve thousands of people “Due to their hard work we were able to give community. The George Dotson Award for said Bradley Hill, Vice President of BHT. throughout the region. out grants to thirty-one LGBTQ and HIV/ businesses who have shown outstanding “When you see that BHT is a beneficiary of The program was kicked off with enter- AIDS Service organizations, totaling almost support to the community was awarded to a fundraiser, leave a bequest, or are able tainment hosted by Ann C. Michaels, the $100,000. It is my sincere hope that we have King’s Dominion. The Jerrie Linder Award to make a direct donation, please consider current “Miss BHT,” and Shawnna Alexan- made a difference in the lives of our LGBT was given to the Latino GLBT History Proj- helping us help others, as generously as you der, Baltimore’s own Queen of Comedy. Lo- community.” ect for their work in preserving community are able. Your support will be greatly appre- cal HIV educators, The Positive Voices of The “Beltway Bears are proud to have a history. ciated, and impact many lives.” [See Com- Baltimore; vocalist Zoia Wiseman; and illu- Director on the BHT Board,” said Nick Bull- “The Interfaith Fairness Coalition of munity Profile for contact information.] t sionist M’ara Diamond, Miss Leon’s 2010 all ock, President of BHT’s newest member Maryland is very appreciative of the recogni- Bill Palmer is a long time community or- entertained the crowd. club. We have chosen this organization as tion by BHT,” said Carol Berman, the group’s ganizer and advocate for HIV/AIDS and LG- The day’s first grant award was ac- our vehicle for philanthropic activities. It’s a Treasurer. “The grant funds we receive allow BTQ related issues. cepted by Rev. Dr. Y. M. Dozier on behalf good thing for the community” of the Metropolitan Community Church of Other Baltimore groups receiving grant Baltimore, who expressed her gratitude for awards and directed donations included BHT’s “generosity, flexibility and grace” in AIDS Action Baltimore, the Freestate Legal Community Profie accommodating her need to leave early in Project, the Interfaith Fairness Coalition of order to officiate at a wedding for church Maryland, Moveable Feast, The Positive N ame: Brother Help Thyself Mark Clark; Executive Director: Tom members scheduled at almost the same Voices of Baltimore, and the Spotlighters Founded: 1978 Yates; Corresponding Secretary: Bill Pi- time as the reception. Theater. Primary Causes Served: Non-profit etrucha; Other Directors: T.J. Bernadzid- financial support; HIV/AIDS Prevention owski, Frederick Bowers, Beth Brockel- and Treatment man, Chaz Dean, Jonny Gentry, Peter Primary Populations of Focus: Lloyd, John Redmond, Kenn Rogers LGBTQ People; People infect- Affiliated Organizations ed with and affected by HIV/ Include: Atlantic States Gay AIDS Rodeo Association (ASGRA); Who they are: BHT is an Beltway Bears; Centaur M.C.; all volunteer community-based COMMAND MC; Chesapeake organization that provides fi- Bay Bears; District of Colum- nancial and other support to bia Bear Club; dc boys of © 2010 C.B. Fleet Company, Inc. non-profit organizations serving the leather; Defenders LLC; Highwaymen LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS community in the TNT; Potomac MC; SigMa; Spartan MC Baltimore/Washington, D.C. metro area. One of the first organizations in the U.S. Participation: Organizational to provide funding for LGBTQ health, Membership is open to community cultural, and social services, it later service organizations interested in expanded funding to HIV/AIDS service supporting the organization’s mission. providers. Since its founding, BHT has Volunteers are always welcomed to

KEEP IT CLEAN. NATURALLY. raised over $2.1 million and distributed provide support for events, outreach it to more than ` 130 groups. BHT raises and administrative functions. Contact funds throughout the year and then dis- BHT for more information. burses direct and matching funds, partners with grantees on fundraisers and Contact Information: other events, acts as a clearinghouse Brother, Help Thyself for donated goods and services, and PO Box 77841 INTRODUCING FLEET® NATURALS CLEANSING ENEMAS. serves as an information resource to the Washington, DC 20013-8841 Gentle enough for daily use, now you can feel clean LGBTQ community. 202-347-2246 and fresh—without the drugs found in laxative enemas. Principals: President: Joann Kokin- [email protected] do; Vice139116_a02 President:RSCG Euro 05/04/10 jmd Bradley “Thumper” www.brotherhelpthyself.org Drug Free | Safe For Daily Use | Hygienic Hill; Secretary: Peter Delate; Treasurer: Facebook: “Brother Help Thyself”

4 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRuary 11, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com Baltimore OUTloud Bi-Weekly May 21, 2010 Caboose 240Dmax nes w // LOCAL

screen. Dress is casual attire. O scar Night Gala at Charles The evening’s festivities themed “A First James Baldwin Night at the Movies” are officially sanctioned Awards presentation Fundraiser to benefit AIRS and vital housing projects for homeless youth by the Motion Picture Academy of Art and Sciences and monies raised will go toward The multi-talented musical artist Tona AIRS’ 10th Annual support of Restoration Gardens, a 33,000 Brown performs a selection at the 1st Oscar Night Balti- square-foot project comprising of 43 units James Baldwin Awards ceremony that more Gala, a private of permanent housing with supportive ser- took place on February 3 at the Pier 5 viewing of the Os- vices for Baltimore homeless and unstable Hotel Inner Harbor. A total of 13 individu- cars at the historic housed youth ages 18-24. als received medals for their work in pro- Charles Theater, will AIRS is a 501C-3 and was founded in moting civil rights for the LGBT commu- take place on Sun- 1987 by the Central Maryland Ecumenical nity in Baltimore and Maryland. James day, February 27 Council as the faith community’s response Baldwin, the name given for the award, from 6 p.m. until mid- to the AIDS epidemic. The first Don Miller was a novelist, playwright, poet and civil night to benefit AIRS House, which opened in 1988, served four rights activist. photo: Carlton Smith (AIDS Interfaith Resi- men with end-stage AIDS. dential Services). Through strategic planning and com- AIRS helps to provide munity support, AIRS has expanded its pro- housing and support- grams to provide vital services to the most ive services to indi- vulnerable populations throughout Balti- viduals and families more City and County. Programs and servic- F T Burden, president / CEO, AIRS; Mayor Stephanie Rawlings- infected and at risk of Blake; and David Currey, president of the AIRS board of directors es include subsidized housing, assistance HIV/AIDS. and area manager for Enterprise Rent-a-Car in finding access to healthcare, job training The Charles The- and placement and support for disabled in- ater is located at 1711 general admission and $150 per person for dividuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. N. Charles Street, Baltimore 21201. From 6 reserved seating (for 10) and includes ca- For more information, please call 410- p.m. to 8 p.m. there will be dinner, cocktails and tering and cocktails by Tapas Teatro, danc- 576-5070 ext. 99 or log onto www.airshome. short program. The live viewing of the Oscars ing, entertainment, a live auction, City Steps org. Photos from the event will appear in the will take place between 8 p.m. to midnight. Youth Video Presentation, and of course, February 25 issue of Baltimore OUTloud. t The tickets are $125 per person for a chance to watch the Oscars on the big

O ut in the Silence Screening & Panel Discussion Joe Wilson (l.) and Dean Hamer are the filmmakers for the excellent docu- mentary Out in the

Silence. The film © 2010 C.B. Fleet Company, Inc. focuses on the prejudice and hos- tility endured by a 16-year-old boy in rural Western Penn- sylvania and what steps were taken by other residents to overcome the anti-gay sentiment. KEEP THEM CLEAN. NATURALLY.

Wilson had a major role within the ` film and Hamer appeared as well. The screening took place at the Enoch Pratt Central Library on January 30 before an audience that exceeded 100. A panel discussion with audience feedback followed INTRODUCING FLEET® NATURALS CLEANSING ENEMAS. the presentation. Panelists included Morgan Meneses-Sheets, Executive Director of Equality Gentle enough for daily use, now you can feel clean Maryland; Rev. Lisa Ward, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Harford County; Tyler Brewer, a and fresh—without the drugs found in laxative enemas. junior and leader of the Diversity Club at Boys Latin H.S., Alli Harper, a cooperating attorney with 139116_b03 RSCG Euro 05/05/10 jmd ACLU of Maryland; and Sarah Waldron, a senior at Havre de Grace High School. [See the text of Sarah’s remarks in Thinking Out Loud.] Drug Free | Safe For Daily Use | Hygienic The event was sponsored by ACLU of Maryland, Enoch Pratt Library, the Maryland Black Family Alliance, GLSEN and Equality Maryland. t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRuary 11, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 5 Baltimore OUTloud Bi-Weekly May 21, 2010 Buns BLACK HISTORY MONTH

We Celebrate Black ence as they proceed with their own lives. a student at a HBCU and a travel agent, I Jonathan Branch History Month We have asked ten local African-Americans strive to make Black History a thing of the – When I was in ele- – continued from front page of varied backgrounds and sexual orienta- present. So many African-Americans think mentary school we cel- tions to briefly share their views on what that they can’t be afforded the luxuries that ebrated Black History Black History Month means to them. our Caucasian counterparts can, and I am Week. We were proud every area of endeavor throughout our his- here to break that stereotype. to learn that George tory.” Since then, every American president Lea Gilmore – Black Washington Carver, a Black man, invented has designated February as Black History History Month is a time set DJ Lordbyron – Black peanut butter. That was essentially the high- Month and endorsed a specific theme. In aside to reflect on the un- History Month is a season of light of the week. It is good to see that the cel- 2010, the theme focused on the history of precedented contributions observance, sharing, learn- ebration now encompasses all of February. It black economic empowerment and recog- of Black Americans to our ing and to publicly acknowl- is also good to see that all of the significant nized the achievements of the painter Jacob country and the rest of the edge all African-Americans contributions of African-Americans can be Lawrence, the entrepreneur Annie Malone world. But no one month can who have made a major im- celebrated by all people. From space travel, and the National Urban League, a civil rights contain our dynamic reach. Black History is pact to America and to all Americans. The to entertainment, to politics, it is good to un- organization. t American history and should be celebrated, season of Black History Month excites me derstand that African-Americans have helped – courtesy of History.com appreciated and applauded every month and with great joy by reinforcing Pride in who I to make this country great. This month has al- moment of the year. am and Pride in my active part within the ways had a special place in my heart. community with the same power, boldness Vanessa Bowling – For and fervent spirit that is found in our famous Robin Fay Massie – During Black His- The Meaning of me, Black History Month is a African-Americans we acknowledge and tory month, I can’t month for African-Americans celebrate during Black History Month. help but ponder what Black History Month to remember their history. So it means to be a Black many times we forget where Tona Brown – Black His- classical musician in To African-Americans, Black History Month we came from because we tory Month is a time for me to the 21st Century. I am provides an opportunity to celebrate the cul- believe that we are now treated equally. For reflect on those that paved the inspired by those who ture and accomplishments of African-Amer- the LGBT community it is a beacon of light way for me to live the quality paved the way – both icans throughout our history. For most, it is that gives faith that one day our civil rights of life that I’ve become accus- socially and artistically – so that I might very personal and it forms a point of refer- struggle will be “one of the past.” Being tomed to. To be able to travel pursue my passion for performance. Unfor- and perform around the world as an African- tunately, the orchestral world is one of the American Classical Musician would not have slowest to be racially-integrated. Yet, I look been comprehensible to my ancestors. But at my fellow Black colleagues who are work- because of their sacrifices, blood, sweat, and ing against the grain each day, changing tears I found my voice and I know that all things the face of classical music. I will continue to are possible! Black History Month is imperative learn more about from whence I came. I will to commemorate the great achievements of Af- continue to teach and be a mentor for young rican-American people and to share it with the musicians. In so doing, I hope to keep Black world and most importantly so that we never History alive and have a positive impact on forget where we came from. our community.

6 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRuary 11, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com BL I ACK H STORY MONTH

Carlton Smith – I am a appreciate what I had so much more, but to same-gender loving man, know that there’s still more left to fight for. thus remembering the contributions of my ancestors Justin B. Terry-Smith for which their legacy I can – Black History Month stand on has provided me means celebrating those and my generation. To celebrate the dream who are past and present, and fulfill the great mission to serve the com- who have contributed and munity in which I love. That’s what Black continue to contribute to the History month means to me. “We are not well being of the community makers of history,We are made by history.” and the world. – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Rev. Mother Mer- Crystal Ogar – Black edith Moise – Black History Month has al- History Month is an awe- ways meant a lot to me, some way to observe the especially growing up. achievements of people of In school I felt like it was African descent here and important to learn about my specific history throughout the African Diaspora. Black his- and the struggles of people who had the tory is the study of the roots of humanity as same skin color as me. It not only made me humanity has its roots in Africa. t

lCELEBRATING BLACK HISTORYl MONTH

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRuary 11, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 7 b eyond the beltway landmark. However, now his house and its AIDS Policy. Like Achtenberg and Levi, Oet- the Violence, stop the hate – do your job, in- indomitable owner need help. To put it sim- ken also served in the Clinton administra- vestigate!” The cry echoed off the buildings; ci omp led by jim becker ply, Frank needs financial help. His modest tion, where he was associate counsel to the people peeked out of the Uganda House Social Security check – his only income – is president in the office of the White House windows but then stepped quickly away. inadequate to cover his needs. An organi- Counsel. If he is confirmed by the U.S. Sen- Want to do more? Great. Uganda re- zation called Helping Our Brothers and Sis- ate, Oetken will become the third openly Gay ceives $500 million in U.S. aid annually. Pres- ters (HOBS) has intervened on his behalf. federal judge in the country. sure on our Congressional representatives “HOBS has worked with Dr. Kameny for According to activists, President Obama and State Department matters. On Monday, more than a year, insuring that his basic life has appointed more LGBT officials than any February 7, a Memorial Service was held for needs are met. It has paid his utilities and president in U.S. history. With some 150 ap- David Kato at Riverside Church. Give to the property taxes and worked with DC Govern- pointments so far – from agency heads and David Kato fundraising campaign, raising ment Officials, attempting to make sure city commission members to policy officials and money for his organization Sexual Minorities services are available to him. All donations senior staffers – Obama’s record surpasses Uganda at http://www.facebook.com david to HOBS this month go to Frank. Meanwhile, the previous high of about 140 reached dur- katocampaign. Write letters to the Ugandan a Facebook page has launched in conjunc- ing two full terms under President Bill Clin- government – International Gay and Lesbi- tion with this effort entitled “Buy Frank a ton. (Seattle Hay News – Mike Andrew at an Human Rights Campaign (IGLHRC) has Drink.” The idea is not literally to buy him sgn.org) a comprehensive explanation. t (365Gay. drinks, but to spare $10 (or whatever you can com – Jennifer Vanasco) afford) for him. Frank has worked tirelessly for decades to make our lives better. I’m asking you to visit the HOBS website now Transgender and buy Frank a (figurative) drink – or 10, or Frank Kameny (l.) marching circa 1970 whatever you can – to thank him for his mon- activists lobby umental efforts. Go to HOBS at http://www. Gay pioneer Kameny, helpingourbrothersandsisters.com/donate. Mass. Legislature html. (365Gay.com – John Corvino) [When a 85, needs our help group of Baltimore activist founded the Bal- Boston, MA – Despite snow-covered roads timore Gay Alliance and later the GLCCB, Thursday, Jan. 27, more than 75 transgen- Washington, D.C. – Dr. Frank Kameny has Frank invited us to his home and freely gave der rights advocates and allies from across sometimes been called the Rosa Parks of of his time and his insights. J.B.] Massachusetts traveled to the State House the gay movement. Like most analogies, this in Boston to visit their legislators. Their goal one is imperfect. But when Dr. Kameny was was to show support and gather legislative fired from his government job in 1957 for be- President Obama co-sponsors for “An Act Relative to Trans- ing gay, there was no national gay civil rights gender Equal Rights,” a bill that, if passed, movement. It took pioneers like him to make makes three Gay would add gender identity and expression to it happen. Before pride parades, before Har- existing Massachusetts civil rights laws. The vey Milk, before Stonewall, there was Frank. appointments bill was first introduced in the 2007-2008 Here are a few highlights of his amazing legislative session, but over the past three life. A Harvard-trained Ph.D. and World War Washington, D.C. – On January 26, Presi- sessions has been sent to committee study II veteran, Frank was fired in 1957 from his dent Obama announced the appointment and has not been acted upon, despite hav- job as an Army Map Service astronomer for of three openly Gay or Lesbian federal offi- ing 104 co-sponsors. being a homosexual. Outraged by the injus- cials. Roberta Achtenberg, who co-founded “Our goal is to make legislators aware tice, he fought back, unsuccessfully petition- the National Center for Lesbian Rights, was Murder of Ugandan that there are constituents in their districts ing his case all the way to the U.S. Supreme chosen to sit on the United States Commis- who care about this bill. Some of the folks Court in 1961. That year he co-founded the sion on Civil Rights. Jeffrey Levi, AIDS re- gay activist sparks visiting today are transgender themselves, Mattachine Society of Washington – a “ho- searcher and executive director of Trust for some are friends, family, and allies,” said mophile organization,” based on the original America’s Health, will become a member of New York protest Gunner Scott, executive director of the Mas- society in San Francisco. Soon thereafter, in the Advisory Group on Prevention, Health sachusetts Transgender Political Coalition 1963, he began a decades-long campaign Promotion, and Integrative and Public N ew York City, NY – A couple hundred (MTPC), which sponsored the Transgender to revoke D.C.’s sodomy law. He personally Health. J. Paul Oetken was appointed to the angry New Yorkers rallied Thursday in the Equal Rights Action Day. Scott said the num- drafted the repeal bill that was passed 30 U.S. District Court for Southern New York. bitter cold near the United Nations’ Uganda ber of legislative co-sponsors is indicative of years later. In 1965, he picketed in front of Achtenberg had previously been Assis- House to call for an end to the homopho- the level of support that can be expected if the White House for gay rights. Signs from tant Secretary of Housing and Urban Devel- bia that killed gay activist David Kato. The the bill is voted on. that demonstration, stored in his attic for de- opment in the Clinton administration. Before speakers called for Americans to pressure Joan Stratton, a clinical social worker cades, are now in the Smithsonian’s collec- serving at HUD, she had been a member of Rick Warren, Scott Lively and other evan- from Mattapoisett, travelled almost two tion. In 1968, he coined the slogan “Gay is the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and gelical leaders to return to Uganda and tell hours to show her support at the State Good,” an achievement of which he is partic- a Trustee of California State University. In Ugandan leaders that “they lied. They lied House. “I’m going to [my representatives] to ularly proud – probably because it captures 1993, Achtenberg was the first openly Les- when they said that American gays were say this is really important to me as a Trans his moral vision so simply and powerfully. bian official to serve at such a senior level, sending money to Uganda to recruit children woman,” she said. Stratton said that the He has served as a moral elder for genera- and she won confirmation in spite of conten- in the schools. Trans people she knows in her area are not tions of movement leaders. tious Senate hearings. During the Clinton After the rousing calls of the speak- openly identified as Trans because they’re Frank’s contributions are so significant administration, Levi served as deputy direc- ers, those attending walked a long block to afraid of discrimination. “They could lose that his house is designated a D.C. historic tor of the White House Office of National Uganda House, where they chanted: “Stop their jobs if their employers find out they

8 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRuary 11, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com identify this way,” she says. Stratton herself was commuting to work in Rhode Island until Philly may require recently because it is one of the 13 states where transgender people are offered equal city contractors to protection in employment, housing, and credit. “I’m a social worker; I help people for offer DP benefits a living,” she said. “I’m [also] a Vietnam era veteran and I’ve served my country since I P hiladelphia, PA – The Philadelphia City was a teenager, and I’d just like to have the Council will soon consider expanding its city favor returned.” (Bay Windows – Angela Al- contracting rules to allow for equal benefits berti at baywindows.com) for LGBT workers and their partners. The law would apply to service contracts that amount to at least $250,000. Companies NH marriage law that do not cooperate would be suspended from bidding on city contracts for up to three faces repeal threat years. Councilwoman-at-Large Blondell Reyn- Concord, NH – Two New Hampshire leg- olds-Brown was scheduled to introduce an islators have introduced bills to repeal the ordinance that would require certain city state’s marriage equality law, even though contractors to offer domestic-partner ben- Republican leaders said Jan. 13 that such efits to their employees that are equal to the a repeal is not a party priority in 2011. State plans they offer heterosexual married cou- Rep. David Bates (R-Windham) and 11 co- ples. Reynolds-Brown explained that such sponsors filed a bill that would repeal mar- contracts could likely apply to agencies of- riage equality and prevent New Hampshire fering janitorial, security or similar services. from recognizing the marriages of same-sex Reynolds-Brown noted that in 2008, the couples contracted outside the state. New Liberty City Democratic Club conducted a Hampshire same-sex couples who married survey in which its members expressed con- in the state before the bill became effective siderable interest in this issue. “So we knew would continue to be recognized as married. there was an interest in this raised by mem- Same-sex couples who married in another bers of the LGBT community, so it became state would no longer be recognized. an issue of importance for us to look around The bill’s stated purpose is that, because and research this issue,” she said. most children “are conceived by acts of Reynolds-Brown said she learned of the passion between men and women – some- several other jurisdictions that already ad- times unintentionally,” New Hampshire has opted such a law and was eager for “Phila- “a unique, distinct, and compelling interest” delphia to get in line with these other cities.” in promoting committed marriages between San Francisco was the first city to institute men and women “so as to increase the likeli- a law that mandated city contractors offer hood that children will be born to and raised domestic-partner benefits in 1996, and sev- by both of their natural parents.” That is the eral others, including Seattle, Los Angeles, essentially the same argument used – un- Miami and Atlanta, have since followed. In successfully – by the defense in the federal 2006, a New York appeals court overturned district court trial that struck down California’s a similar law passed by the New York City Proposition 8 ban on same-sex marriage. Council. t (Philadelphia Gay News – Jen Governor John Lynch (D), who signed Colletta at epgn.com) the original marriage equality bill into law, has said he would veto a repeal bill. But Republicans hold a veto-proof majority in both houses. Mo Baxley, executive direc- These news notes have been com- tor of New Hampshire Freedom to Marry piled, with permission, from the online (NHFTM), said in an interview that she version of various newspapers and thinks supporters of the law can sustain the other web sites. We thank these pub- governor’s veto by finding supporters among lications for allowing us to bring you older, more libertarian-leaning Republicans. their news stories. Usually the reports “It’s going to be a horse race,” said Baxley. have been significantly edited and you She noted that the national gay marriage can read the full story by going to the opposition group, D.C.-based National Or- web site mentioned following the item. ganization for Marriage (NOM), spent over Comments are strictly the opinions of a million dollars trying to defeat Lynch in the Jim Becker and not of Baltimore OUT- last election, “and they want what they paid loud or Pride Media. for.” (Bay Windows – Dana Rudolph at baywindows.com)

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRuary 11, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 9 In a January 21 conference Morgan group, and more invaluable services for any- Meneses-Sheets spoke about national in- one that needed them. I was in love with this volvement saying “We have HRC on the place and the work they were doing. ground, we have field organizers from the Immediately I began to think of how I National Gay and Lesbian Task Force….” Unboxed could use my talents so that I may be con- City Desk She was interrupted by David Lublin, co- tribute significantly to the goal of rectifying view from Mt Vernon with Ajar Dana LaRocca chair of the EQMD’s Legislative Committee, Larry Walker the problems plaguing Baltimore’s Same who interrupted saying, “Morgan, Morgan, Gender Loving community. It wasn’t until Morgan! We really have agreed that we don’t after one of the Friday night meetings that want to get into this sort of what level of who it became clear what I could do, I would be- Lessons from is doing what …..” RIP Portal gin TPO (The Portal Online) a website that He insisted that this was a Maryland ef- revolved around those issues important to Black History fort, but Ms. Meneses-Sheets comments Community members of the black gay community. and my contact with Mona clearly contra- From March 2007 until December 2009 Gloria Richardson’s role in the struggle for dicted his assertions. TPO offered readers an in-depth look into fac- black equality is a story of conscience. In Many insist that a non-compromised Center ets of the black gay community that many don’t the 1960’s white liberals and self-proclaimed bill would have passed; among them is get to witness. TPO was just the first of many leaders crafted a bill leaving her county, Dr. Dana Beyer, former Vice President of This is a requiem for the place that, in many projects that I would take on at The Portal – Dorchester, exempt from laws banning dis- EQMD. She says that we had the votes but ways, was the reason for my return to Balti- work that at its height was quite rewarding. For crimination in public places. Gloria Richard- that an “ally” kept it in committee. In the more in 2006. I was first introduced to The me it felt great knowing that I was a part of the son organized an adult run affiliate of the spirit of Gloria Richardson in 1963 there are Portal, Baltimore’s black LGBT center, in solution, and the solution was The Portal. Over Student Nonviolent Coordinating Commit- those in the transgender community who November of 2004 while visiting from Atlanta the years we would see tremendous growth, tee; the Cambridge Nonviolent Action Com- would scuttle the bill on the moral grounds over the Thanksgiving holiday. I had heard going from a storefront to eventually a beautiful mittee (CNAC). that it is a tacit encouragement of discrimi- through my best friend, who was facilitating a Mount Vernon brownstone. Actually, the move At stake was a referendum that if passed nation. If EQMD is promoting it, they reason, men’s group there at the time, about the work from the ghetto of East Baltimore to Saint Paul would have ended discrimination in public then EQMD is telling Marylanders that it’s all the center had been doing in and around Bal- Street marked the beginning of the end. accommodations in Cambridge, Maryland. right to discriminate against the transgender timore and was quite curious about the peo- Sadly, on January 11, 2011 The Portal Ms. Richardson and CNAC agreed that such population. ple that made up the organization. Community Center officially closed its doors discrimination was wrong; what they did not EQMD responded to this dissent by It was small and simple, operating out of a for good, or in the words of the former owner concede was the right of a handful of liberals claiming that public accommodations were tiny office space on Calvert Street in the down- “dissolved” amid management and financial and youth activists to put their civil rights up removed because in 2009 “some legislators” town area. Though minute in size I felt it to be troubles. In its place will be the BMX Nation- for auction. In a counterintuitive move she had written amendments that were “offen- just what Baltimore needed. Having worked al Center, named for the discussion group went door to door telling her neighbors and sive,” “destructive,” “insulting,” and “scary.” summers at the GLCCB, I had always wished that takes place on Sunday evenings. friends not to vote. No one at the State House has corroborated for something comparable that would address My opinion on the potential efficacy of Black citizens were not consulted in that. I asked the author of those comments, the needs of black gay Baltimoreans who are the BMX National Center aside, on Jan 11 making the back room deal. Some black field organizer Owen Smith, to name the leg- often left unrepresented and may not feel af- Baltimore’s black gay community was dealt incrementalists, as they were called then, islators and quote the “scary” language. He firmed by the services the GLCCB offered. a fatal blow. I would be lying if I said that I were pushed in front of the camera in a six- would not. So it’s needless to say I was thrilled felt The Portal was operating at its highest ties version of spin control. Gloria Richardson and other members when I got a chance to sit in on a discussion potential, for it wasn’t. After the move the Last month Equality Maryland (EQMD) of CNAC had to contend with the National group, and meet with a few members and center had lost most of its patronage and crafted a “Gender Identity Anti-Discrimina- Guard, bayonets, and teargas in 1963. The the founder while on vacation. Inspired by seemingly credibility. tion Bill” leaving transgender Marylanders enemy they faced truly was “offensive,” what I had experienced, I returned to Atlanta I’m sure isn’t easy for an agency to re- exempt from laws banning discrimination “destructive,” and “scary.” They didn’t back in hopes of one day coming back and aid- gain its credibility, but I don’t think that all was in public places. Transgender citizens were down from the fight. They didn’t sacrifice a ing in The Portal’s mission of affording black done to save it and to preserve the legacy not consulted. The community had expected segment of their community. gay people visibility and representation. that it had built. Ironically just three weeks be- the bill that had been introduced each year Ahead of the tide in 1962, Baltimore A little more than two years later I re- fore the “dissolution” I had attended an early since 2007 to be proposed again this year. City passed a public accommodations bill. turned to make Baltimore, my place of birth, morning meeting about saving the agency. It On January 20 EQMD announced in a The fly in the ointment was that taverns and my home after spending eight years away. was apparent at the meeting that the owner public meeting that they put the weaker bill nightclubs were excluded. Once again in Upon my arrival one of the first things that and manager of the center had pretty much forward because it would be less likely to the forefront, Baltimore passed transgen- I did was go and check out The Portal and washed his hands of the burden of running provoke a battle. That way they could put der protections in 2002. Club owners must the people that I had met during my last visit. it – so much that he had suggested handing it their resources toward fighting a referendum have thought that they were exempt, as in I was delighted to find that the center had over to the founder of BMX, who was there to attempt against the marriage bill. the 1962 law. moved, and was now located on Greenmount help us come up with a plan of action. This reasoning was echoed a few days In 2009 a transman who was performing Avenue in the heart of the black community. I never imagined that, despite our hours later when I met with a field organizer, at the Hippo, one of Baltimore’s top LGBT Not only had the size of their space grown, of brainstorming and planning, the agency Mona, who explained that EQMD would venues, was tossed out of the men’s room. but the number of services being offered had would be dissolved in a matter of weeks. In be bringing in help from national organiza- Though that situation was resolved, it was increased. The Portal now boasted a weekly one fell swoop, all of the blood, sweat, and tions and that they did not want to spread reminiscent of Baltimore’s past where black men’s meeting, an HIV support group, a youth tears were washed away. What a shame. t those resources too thin. Mona told me performers could work but not be served. that she had come from New York. She The lesson we take from black history is may have been unaware of some EQMD that the struggle for justice is won with honor insider’s desire to limit knowledge of out- and pride. Indeed, we co-opted that word side involvement. “pride.” We must live up to it or give it back. t

10 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRuary 11, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com health & wellnesS No two people are alike. partner comes in contact with the HIV infected partner’s body fluids (semen and blood), The concentration of virus in the HIV in- Some lie about flossing. fected partner’s body fluids, and The number of times the couple has un- Open Wide protected sex. ask Dr Eva Question 2: Is it possible to be in- Some brush more than 3 times a day. Dr Eva Hersh fected by a partner who is on medication with an undetectable viral load? Answer: It’s not very likely, but it can Barebacking happen and has happened. This can occur because blood levels of HIV do not always And the positive guy match semen levels, so a man whose blood shows no trace of the HIV virus can still have And, some haven’t seen the inside of a dentist’s office the virus in his semen. Hello Dr. Hersh, Now, your most interesting question. since the Discman was the latest in portable music. I recently made a profile on a well known Question 3: Why would HIV negative  internet site with a screen name that says guys want to go bareback, especially I’m positive. I’ve been getting a lot of other with poz guys? As I see it, for lots of sad poz (HIV positive) and quite a few HIV nega- and unhealthy reasons. These are my ob- tive guys who seek and want to have sex servations from many years of working without a condom (bareback). within the LGBT community. I don’t mean to When I ask why they would want to go offend anyone and would like to hear from bareback, especially with poz guys, they say anyone who is offended, or just disagrees. “as a top, because I’m the giver and not the First, there’s self-hatred and self- receiver, I’m most likely not going to catch destructiveness. Men who feel ashamed anything”. Other poz men believe it’s safe to of who they are may punish themselves by have unprotected sex with another poz guy getting infected. because if they’re both on meds and unde- Then, there’s the constant anxiety and tectable then it’s most likely they won’t be- fear of becoming infected that are a daily come re-infected. part of many HIV negative men’s lives. After Dr. Hersh, can you please help with this? years of this, men can feel that they would Are these things true? have more peace of mind being infected Thanks, than constantly worrying about becoming Pozitively no bareback! infected. Of course, once they are positive At Chase Brexton Health Services, they learn that becoming positive does not Dear Poz, bring them peace of mind, but the opposite. we know the dentist’s office is rarely a favorite place.lace. I wish more guys thought like you – that Feeling of inevitability: many gay men is, rationally. There are too many guys think- feel that they are bound to be infected soon- ing with the smaller head, which unfortu- er or later, so they have little motivation to But with dentists and hygienists who love what they do,do, nately does not have a brain. take steps to prevent it. Chase Brexton has everything to make even the most First, the facts: Wanting to belong: a feeling that HIV Question 1: Is it safe on top? infection is the badge of membership in the reluctant teeth feel good about the dentist. Answer: It’s not true that the top part- gay male community. ner is “not likely to catch anything.” This Survivor guilt: men may feel guilty myth comes from the fact that the top part- about not being infected when those they For an appointment, call 410-837-2050. ner is somewhat less likely to become in- care for are infected.  fected with HIV from the bottom partner Impulsivity, enabled by the internet:  than the bottom partner is to become in- Not least, there are the internet chat rooms Primary Care | Behavioral Health | Dental Services | Specialized Services fected with HIV from the top. The top has and tools that allow men to find a partner less, but still significant risk of becom- anytime at a few minutes’ notice. Behavior ing infected with HIV. Also, the top has just in this setting is bound to be impulsive.  as much risk as the bottom for all other Desire for intimacy: the belief that shar-  STD’s – gonorrhea, Chlamydia, syphilis, ing body fluids means greater intimacy. t

warts, you name it. Dr. Eva Hersh is Chief Medical Officer at Tops definitely do get infected with HIV Chase Brexton Health Services. Send your  by their bottom partners. The chance of the comments and questions to her by email Complete health care, completely about you. HIV negative partner becoming infected, at [email protected] or by sur- whether top or bottom, is affected by several face mail to Eva Hersh MD, Chase Brexton factors: Health Services, 1001 Cathedral St., Balti- Whether, and how much, the uninfected more, MD 21201

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRuary 11, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 11 thinn ki g out lOUD T he Marriage Equality Fight Comes to Maryland Byck Chu Duncan and physical presence of their biological mother and father.” and use that tax money to give benefits to “legally married” It looks like the marriage equality fight will be taking center Okay, so then why isn’t there a movement to make divorce couples? It makes no sense. I know same-sex couples who stage in Maryland very soon and with the prospect looming illegal? Divorce, I believe, is the most violent thing that can have been together for 20-plus years, and I know hetero- in the State House, the hate groups are already gearing up destroy a family so then why is this still legal if children need sexual couples who have been married and divorced in to let Maryland’s residents know that equality is against the the nurturing of both parents working together as a family much less time, and we all know of people who have been laws of God. Protect Maryland Marriage has a website in unit? legally married more than once, twice or five times. Doesn’t development, but in the meantime they have helpfully placed Protect Maryland Marriage covers their butts with: “While that make a mockery of marriage more than a committed, some information on their temp page to “support” their be- some families may not always be able to provide such op- loving couple of the same sex seeking the same legal and liefs … except none of what they have to say holds any wa- portunities to every child, keeping the current law is the best protective rights as that person who strolls down the aisle a ter. For instance, Protect Maryland Marriage points out in way to respect the natural family, the rights of a biological multitude of times (in a church, no less!). the current Maryland marriage law that: mother and father to be able to raise their own children, to People have to stop thinking of marriage as a religious educate their children and teach them matter. Marriage is a legal contract approved by the state their own religious values – not the reli- and federal government which allows a couple over a thou- gious values of the state – and to provide sand rights including tax breaks and such personal matters the model for an ideal family for children as hospital visitation rights, inheritance and the like. Legal to be raised in.” Except what about those marriage also allows a U.S. citizen to wed a non-citizen, giv- teen-aged biological parents that have ing that person legal U.S. citizenship. A bi-national same- absolutely no facilities to care for a child sex couple has no such protections, often resulting in the … a child that they most likely didn’t want non-citizens being deported back to their country, some- in the first place? Protect Maryland Mar- times tearing apart a couple that has been together for sev- riage simply ignores the fact that young eral years. How is this fair? girls are recklessly engaging in sexual Marriage equality is simply a legal means for people to activity which produces a child that they enjoy a life together while being protected by the law. There are too young to care for, so it either ends is nothing religious about it. No church is going to be forced up stuck in a home that can’t (or doesn’t to perform a same-sex marriage if they don’t want to. No want) to take on that responsibility, or it is heterosexual marriages are going to be torn apart by the placed in an adoption facility where only a law. Nothing is going to be taken away from anyone by allow- legally married couple, or in some cases ing two people of the same sex to marry. It’s time for people a well-to-do single parent, is afforded the to wake up and realize that we are in the 21st century now, opportunity to raise the child as their own, to realize that all men (and women) are created equal and instilling in them their own values (P.S. deserve the same rights across the board. Anything less is not all of these adoptive families share discrimination, plain and simple. t the same moral and religious values as The complete article is on Chuck Duncan’s blog at www. “A man may not marry his: grandmother; mother; daugh- the PMM, so I would assume Protect Maryland Marriage canibefierceforaminute.com. ter; sister; or granddaughter,” and that “A woman may not does not advocate allowing adoption to anyone who doesn’t marry her: grandfather; father; son; brother; or grandson” fall in line with their beliefs). and adds “nor may they marry their in-laws, nieces, neph- Procreation is also a reason given for only allowing a ews, or similar family relations by marriage. All of this will man and woman to marry, suggesting that is the only reason // READER FEEDBACK be threatened if the marriage law is changed to benefit one for people to get married. If this is the case, shouldn’t there small but vocal and well-funded sexual minority.” be some requirement on the marriage license application Exactly how would this be “threatened” by allowing mar- stating children must be produced within a certain amount riage equality? I’m sure that new wording will be put into of time or the marriage will be deemed invalid? Or a couple Thanks to OUTloud for its place that would state no one can marry anyone of familial should be asked if they intend to have children right up front. relations. This is similar to the same argument that marriage A lot of people go into marriage with absolutely no intention Community Coverage equality would allow people to marry animals and inanimate of having children, so their marriage application should be objects. Only problem with this argument is that marriage is denied. Some people can’t biologically produce children ei- Dear Mr. Charing, a contract which requires the legal signatures of the people ther, so they also should not be allowed to marry if they can’t I send this email to give your newspaper a profound thank being married in order for it to be valid. Neither animals nor fulfill the one basic function of a marriage. Right? you for its commitment to provide the entire Gay Lesbian inanimate objects can provide a legal and valid signature. Protect Maryland Marriage overlooks the whole issue of Bisexual Transgender Questioning and 2-Spirit (GLBTQ-2) Plus, there’s nothing in the current law that prevents anyone separation of church and state by making marriage equal- community with current news update and resource informa- from marrying their couch, cat or coffee pot, so to assume ity a religious issue that the legislature is trying to regulate. tion. Too often our community is divided around the lines of marriage equality would suddenly allow everyone in the This is not a religious issue, it is a rights issue. It is the leg- race/gender/income. This division denies us any opportunity state to marry anyone and anything they want is ludicrous. islature’s job to not discriminate against any of its legal, tax- to progress on key issues. Protect Maryland Marriage group goes on to state: “We paying citizens (whatever happened to “no taxation without I appreciate Baltimore OUTloud recognizing this division believe there is value in preserving the traditional definition representation?”). and countering it by including all of the community voices. of marriage, and that efforts to change this definition do vio- If people from the LGBT community are not allowed the Keep up the good job. lence to the family structure and the reality that children do same legal rights as heterosexual people, they why should Phillip Lovett best when raised in a stable family with the love, attention, they have to pay taxes into a system that will turn around Baltimore

12 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRuary 11, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com thinn ki g out lOUD

breath, deluding myself that I’m not Sarah in isolation. These rare moments, Waldron Out in the Silence even I can stop thinking about the By Sarah Waldron is thrown out the window. I am the butt of fact that I am gay. The following is the text of remarks given by a never ending joke, and I am expected to Refusing to be scared away a 16-year-old Havre de Grace High School laugh along. Strangers are obliged to ask in- by the spotlight, I treasure trinkets student to an audience of over 100 at the trusive questions about my sexual behavior, of purpose. Helping kids who feel screening of the film, Out in the Silence pre- and rude comments yelled in my direction safe reaching out to me, or answer- sented at the Enoch Pratt Central Library on are natural and unquestioned. My girlfriend ing genuine, kind-hearted curiosity, January 30. and I make a game of dodging the peers try- or thanking teachers who whisper Hello, my name is Sarah Waldron. I’m ing to break apart our hands. We wager bets quiet encouragement. I’ve had times 16 years old, I’ve lived in Harford County for on the number of people we can catch glar- where I feel I’m making a difference, twelve years, and I’ve been an open lesbian ing. Survival techniques. and I couldn’t be happier. Then a car for three of them. This is an attempt to share I’m still trying to rebuild the reputation I of boys drives by yelling “Dyke,” and my experience. gave up by coming out. People who I shared everything human gets ripped out of I entered high school giddy and in love. Play-doh with in the first grade have to be me – all that’s left is an empty les- My girlfriend escorted me to a class full of coaxed into granting me attention. I auc- bian shell. old friends who knew me as a nerd, an ath- tion myself off, walking on tip-toe, eager to One negative devours your lete, and a class clown. However, the pin- please, begging for redemption – redemp- progress, and it takes 100 positives drop silence and the synchronized stares let tion for this crime I have committed against to build it back up. My instinct is that me know that I was no longer any of those order. I have to explain why my hair isn’t cut of the filmmakers [Joe Wilson and things. I was a lesbian. My identity was short, why my pants aren’t baggy, why I don’t Dean Hamer] – to get out as quickly erased and replaced with a big glaring neon have facial piercings. I am a mystery, unable as possible, and never look back. sign displaying my sexual orientation. I was to be shelved among ignorant stereotypes. I And then I realize it’s the escapees a stranger, a spectacle, a circus exhibit, an- am a direct insult to the way things are sup- like me who leave closed-minded other species invading normalcy and attack- posed to be. places just the way we’d entered ing without words. I yearn for the luxury of pretending, for them, and I wonder how I can ever While I sit on display, social etiquette everyone to forget for a second so that I can expect change. t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRuary 11, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 13 FAITH MCC Official Appointed to MD Clergy Speak Out for Gender Presidential Advisory Council Protection & Civil Marriage The Reverend Elder Nancy Wilson, presiding gether forge our common strength.” Multi-denominational clergy, united in the gender people to be able to work without fear moderator of the Universal Fellowship of Met- The Advisory Council on Faith-Based and conviction that LGBT Marylanders are en- of being fired simply for who they are. For I ropolitan Community Churches, was named Neighborhood Partnerships was created on titled to equal treatment under the law, gath- know that when we create a space for people by President Barack Obama on Feb. 5 to February 5, 2009, by President Obama, to bring ered in Annapolis for a prayer breakfast to work without fear we promote a more hu- serve on the White House together experts to iden- hosted by Equality Maryland on February 3. mane and thriving workforce.” Advisory Council on Faith- tify best practices for de- After joining in song, prayer and celebration, Rev. John Crestwell, Unitarian Univer- Based and Neighborhood livering social services, the faith leaders headed to the State House salist: “I believe some future generation will Partnerships. evaluate public policies to speak with legislators in support of the say ‘What took them so long?’ regarding the The White House Ad- and make recommenda- Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination Act (HB issue of marriage equality and the right for visory Council brings to- tions to the president on 235) and the Religious Freedom and Civil transgender people to be judged on the job gether leaders and experts those policies. Marriage Protection Act (SB 116, HB 175). for the quality of their work.” in the fields of faith-based Metropolitan Com- Rev. David T. Gilmore, Elder, Baptist Rev. Tom Harris, Methodist: “It’s and neighborhood orga- munity Churches ap- Church: “We know that persons of faith are time for faithful people to stand up and say nizations to work in the plauds the president’s by our very calling called upon to stand up that their faith informs them that all people Office of Faith-Based and selection of one of the for justice. To stand up for equality. To stand should be treated fairly under the law, re- Neighborhood Partner- nation’s leading re- up for fairness. This is our charge and I am gardless of their gender identity or sexual ships, which mobilizes and ligious figures in the proud to accept it.” orientation.” t coordinates community LGBT community. Father Joseph Palacios, Priest, Cath- organizations, religious Rev. Known both for her pas- olic Church: “We ask Maryland Catholics and otherwise, to provide Nancy toral skills as well as her to join the majority of their fellow Catholics effective social services to Wilson public advocacy, Rev. throughout the United States in the support address the needs of low- Wilson has pastored of civil marriage for all people including gays income and underserved populations at home many of MCC’s congregations, including its and lesbians who want to commit to love, to and abroad. founding church, and for more than 20 years start families, andto contribute to their com- “I am deeply honored and grateful for was the denomination’s Chief Ecumenical Of- munities and parishes.” this opportunity to serve,” said Rev. Wilson. ficer, representing MCC at the National and Rabbi Sarah Meytin, Reform Juda- “This is a wonderful opportunity to seek World Council of Churches. She continues to ism: “My tradition teaches that other peo- common ground and shared purpose with a be an active voice on behalf of HIV and AIDS ple’s dignity should be as precious to us as broad spectrum of the religious and social issues, prison reform, LGBT human rights ef- our own. Denying marriage equality denies service communities, and an opportunity to forts, and the rights of women and children. the dignity and value of same-sex couples, transcend lines of religious and political af- Rev. Wilson is a graduate of Allegheny and imposes unjust and undue burdens on filiation as we to seek sustainable solutions College and holds the Master of Divinity these families.” to the needs of the vulnerable. degree from SS. Cyril and Methodius Semi- Rev. Sam Offer, Unity Fellowship “It is my hope,” she continued, “that, as nary. She is currently a doctoral candidate at Church: “As someone who has seen the our president has stated so eloquently on the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, strains of this economic downturn on my pa- many occasions, our varied beliefs will to- Massachusetts. t rishioners, I also support the right of trans- [email protected]

Skip was a mem- acceptance of self identification with the anti-war movement passings ber of pre-Stonewall and a willingness and Woodstock Nation, were becoming Baltimore’s vibrant but to socialize with more assertive and challenging to the status SKIP MULLENIX hidden gay society and other gay people in quo. By the time of his death, he had been 1943 – 2011 a regular presence in a somewhat insular, “out” for years in the post-Stonewall sense the gay bars including secret community. of today’s parlance and lobbied for marriage Baltimore native Douglas “Skip” Mullenix Leon’s, the Pepper Hill Skip was “out” in equality and repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t tell.” died on January 28 at his home in Johnson, and the Club 900. He this 1960s sense Although Skip loved teaching, he also Vermont from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis was an “out” gay man and he moved easi- yearned to travel and in the summer of 1969 (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gerhig’s completely comfortable ly in Baltimore’s gay he began a 10-year journey that would even- Disease. He was 67 and had lived in Ver- with his homosexuality. subculture of bars, tually lead to Vermont in 1980. After attend- mont for 30 years. However, in the 1960s private parties, and ing a rock concert weekend in Atlantic City Skip was born and raised in Baltimore. being “out” did not mean other necessar- during August 1969, he lived in New York He graduated from City College High School the open declaration of ily discrete venues. City briefly, met a boyfriend and the two of and attended Towson State University. In one’s sexuality to fam- He was part of an them moved to Los Angeles. After a couple the late 1960s he taught elementary school ily, coworkers and em- emerging genera- of years in California, he returned to the East in Southwest Baltimore for the Baltimore ployers that is common tion of young gay Coast for a summer in Provincetown and City Public Schools. today. Rather, it was an men that, through – continued on page 27

14 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRuary 11, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AN INCLUSIVE AND PROGRESSIVE CHURCH COMMUNITY. www.govanspres.org

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRuary 11, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 15 l ively arts // out on DVD

era movement in each scene. Music is nice more damage to their reputations and when ery’s “acting” skills with his over-reliance on Role/Play and doesn’t overpower the dialog, but the Graham’s is revealed, Trey gets all high and various tics. dialog is a problem. I’m finding that a lot of mighty and judgmental, but can’t take the The only cast member who comes off By Chuck Duncan these independent productions are just too heat when his own secret is revealed. as a genuine person is David Pevsner as When soap opera star Graham Windsor preachy and it’s rare to find one of these pro- The problem is that these secrets and Alex, the owner of the resort (he’s also had (Steve Callahan) is outed as the result of a ductions that features happy and care-free situations seem more contrived than com- some mainstream acting experience on TV gay sex tape scandal, he seeks refuge at an gay characters. pelling and all of the preaching that has on Las Vegas, Criminal Minds and Desper- exclusive Palm Springs resort. But quiet an- In Role/Play, we have a soap star who come before the big reveals (including a ate Housewives. The one person I would onymity eludes him when marriage equality was fired because of the gay sex tape (at little innuendo referencing the Dustin Lance have liked to have seen more of was Jim J. activist Trey Reed (Matthew Montgomery) least he wasn’t fired for Black sex scandal) almost makes Bullock as Graham’s agent. Unfortunately, checks in to escape the fallout from his own being gay, but for violat- you not really care about these he spends all of his time in a car talking on bitter divorce. As an undeniable passion ing the morals clause two guys. Their relationship is the phone with Graham, and sports a re- begins to sizzle between Graham and Trey, in his contract) and also problematic as both are just ally unfortunate make-up job that appears to they force each other to confront their pro- has broken up with his meeting for the first time but are represent over-tanning (with untanned eyes) fessional downfalls – and the firestorm each partner because of the madly in love with each other after but makes him look more like a reanimated has created in the gay press. scandal – and there is a couple of days at the resort. The corpse. It should always been seen as a good a question as to who talk of their relationship and how I really wanted to like this movie and I re- thing when a new gay-themed film is re- actually leaked the tape. Graham has been they both feel betrayed when they learn their ally want to support LGBT filmmakers. I’d just leased, but it’s a shame Hollywood isn’t mak- trapped as a gay man in a straight world and secrets but how in love they are and want to like them to start making some films about ing and releasing these films to mainstream even though it’s an open secret behind the make it work just made me roll my eyes. It happy gay people. Role/Play isn’t great, and audiences. Thanks to the direct-to-DVD scenes, coming out publicly could damage was more like they had been in a relation- it isn’t awful. It’s an admirable effort and you market, independent filmmakers are given his career. ship for five years instead of five minutes. may want to give it a look, but don’t expect the opportunity to crank out low-budget films Enter Trey, the activist facing a messy Callahan and Montgomery are attrac- too much. Role/Play was released on DVD that address issues in the LGBT community. divorce from his partner because of a cheat- tive and have very nice bodies – which they February 8th. t Role/Play is another such film. ing scandal, but there is much more to his display with great frequency – but their line Cast: Steve Callahan, Matthew Mont- For a film shot in eight days, Role/ story than what has appeared in the press. readings are sometimes stilted and over- gomery, David Pevsner, Brian Nolan, Mat- Play looks gorgeous (the cast and location Both Trey and Graham have big secrets rehearsed. If you check out the DVD, the thew Stephen Herrick, Jim J. Bullock; Direc- didn’t hurt) even if there isn’t a lot of cam- locked in their closets that could do even bloopers section even spotlights Montgom- tor: Rob Williams

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16 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRuary 11, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com l ively arts // out on STAGE Broadway Marquees Look Like Cinemas this Spring The final show announced prior to the Tony cut-off date is scheduled to open on April 27. It’s a new, original jukebox musical Baby It’s You, about the hit machine girl group- The Shirelles, and the woman who created their smash recordings in the 1960’s. The buzz is good but for every Jer- sey Boys and Rock of Ages, there are many that never brought in the ticket buyers. This one is the toughest sell on the list. An interesting spring season for theatre goers and who will win the June Tony’s- get ready, set and go. t

Musical Valentines – continued from page 1 Priscilla Queen of the Desert: the Musical Catch Me if You Can brothers, Barry, Robin, the late Maurice By Ben Ryland Desert: the Musical, begins previews in a formances at top dollar tickets and 200,000 and the late Andy, are represented on their If you are heading to New York City during lavish production with Bette Midler as one patrons attending the sometimes disastrous own disc. Containing Bee Gees tracks that the spring thaw to check out some of the po- its producers. But don’t think they are using performances, good or bad its reputation go back to the 1960s, as well as previously tential Tony Award nominees get ready for a the ABBA music heard in the film;Mama Mia has already been made. unreleased selections, the box does its part shock. Most of the upcoming big shows are nixed using those songs so the show has Harry Potter tackles a musical this time in expanding the trio’s legacy. The addition movie-based productions with new stars, a wild blend of disco and pop hits from the (and keeps his clothes on). Daniel Radcliffe of a disc representing Andy’s work, includ- songs and flash. 70’s and 80’s. They expect the music to be is the window washer who climbs up the cor- ing hit singles such as “Shadow Dancing,” This trend takes off with La Cage Aux so hot the Original Broadway Cast CD will porate ladder in the Pulitzer Prize winning, “(Love Is) Thicker Folles. But you say, dummy La Cage opened be released before the shows official open- How to Succeed in Business Without Really Than Water,” “I a year ago starring Kelsey Grammar and you ing night March 20. There are codes to re- Trying, which faces the critics on March 27. Just Want To Be would be correct. But now, as of February 16 duced price tickets for the previews all over A new play, which had a reading at Cen- Your Everything” it will star the iconic Harvey Fierstein as the the Internet. ter Stage last season, The Bengal Tiger, at and “(Our Love) drag queen (and gay mess) Albin. Fierstein The show receiving tons of ink and me- the Baghdad Zoo starring Robin Williams, Don’t Throw It is the Tony award-winning book writer of the dia attention is of course- Spiderman Turn has press night on March 31. The show All Away,” among show, but this will be the first time he has off the Dark, directed by wunderkind Julie sounds intriguing since Williams plays the others, highlights ever played it on stage. Taymor with music by Bono and The Edge. tiger in a cage. the musical contributions of the brothers February 28 is when the new drag After several postponed official opening Multiple Tony Award-winning musical Gibb, individually and collectively. queens invade the Great White Way. The nights it is now scheduled to open on March star Sutton Foster, will take on the role of For the metal queen: The LGBT commu- huge international hit, Priscilla Queen of the 15, maybe. After almost 100 preview per- Reno Sweeney in, Anything Goes, inheriting nity is well-respected and renowned for its it from Ethel Merman and Patti Lupone. Pre- wide ranging artistic tastes and that includes views begin on March 10 with the opening music, too. LGBT folks listen to opera and night on April 7. polka music, punk and show tunes, disco and The much anticipated new musical by classical, cabaret and salsa, country and hip- Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman- Catch hop. So it would make sense that within this Me if You Can, will be ready for the reviews varied community that there are those who on April 10 after a lengthy workshop produc- listen to metal and progressive rock. tion in Seattle. They got lucky there with The expanded, double disc 20th an- Hairspray and hope to strike gold again. niversary edition of Empire (Capitol) by Whoopi Goldberg will continue her par- Queensryche would therefore make an ideal ticipation in a new musical version of her Valentine’s Day gift for that special some- movie hit, Sister Act, opening on April 20. It one. That segment of queer listeners will was a hit in London and should do even bet- probably delight in the theatricality of the ter here (oops- I forgot about 9 to 5). Whoopi whole affair, exemplified in the songs “Best I is a producer this time but don’t be surprised Can,” “The Thin Line,” the Pink Floyd-esque if she plays the Mother Superior during her hit single “Silent Lucidity” and the title cut, as television gigs summer hiatus. She played it well as the “Scarborough Fair” bonus track. London during the final weeks and the box The second disc consists of a 1990 Ham- office soared. mersmith Odeon concert. t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRuary 11, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 17 lively arts // BETWEEN THE COVERS

into descriptions of about Baldwin’s artistic Madam C. J. Walk- use of Harlem, giving A Tribute to James Baldwin er and her daugh- new interpretations to ter’s famous salon, consider. By Colin Riley Baldwin and Cullen had very similar back- descriptions that at first I read Baldwin’s An- Baldwin’s Harlem, by Herb Boyd; Atria grounds: both were writers, both were gay, glance have nothing to other Country during my Books; paperback, 244 pages; 2009 and both were “the ‘adopted’ sons of funda- do with the theme. Even- junior year of college, Mr. Herb Boyd, author of We Shall Over- mentalist preachers.” Cullen once told Baldwin tually, Boyd connects all and the prose mesmer- come and The Harlem Reader, gives a fresh that one of his poems sounded too much like of these details together ized me. Boyd makes perspective into the life of James Baldwin Langston Hughes, and Baldwin didn’t take it as again and brings it back to this biography come to in his biography, Baldwin’s Harlem. Boyd, a compliment. Afterward, he wrote less poetry Baldwin. life with his extensive searching for a unique point of view, takes in his life and thought less of Hughes. One of my favorite research and touching Harlem and its famous inhabitants such as Boyd’s use of anecdotes like these make chapters in the book is anecdotes. He writes at Langston Hughes and W.E.B. Du Bois and this novel an enjoyable read because the when Boyd goes through the end that the magic examines Baldwin’s relationship to the city reader can relate to the influences on Bald- Baldwin’s novels and of “Baldwin’s words will and the political, literary, and social figures win’s work. Throughout my education, I have points out the presence, or have to do until every- that influenced him every step of the way. had great gay and lesbian as well as straight notable absence, of Har- body knows his name, One interesting fact about Baldwin is that mentors who have shaped and influence my lem in the background. He particularly on the his mother, Emma Berdis Jones, came to writing just as Cullen did with Baldwin’s. makes strong conjectures streets of Harlem, where Harlem from Deal Island, Maryland, in order Boyd uses Harlem and its figures as about the realistic and he gathered the realities to “[flee] Jim Crow, the Klan, and a horde of touchstones, always connecting them to metaphoric meanings of the city. In the novel of his odyssey through occupied territory.” In other social and political demons that made Baldwin’s life and work in some way. Any crit- Another Country when one of the characters, my opinion, there’s no greater tribute than life dangerous and unbearable for many icism about the way he presents Baldwin’s Rufus, dies suddenly, Boyd discusses how that. t black Americans.” life is that sometimes facts can be thrown this sudden change robs Harlem of its beat. Colin Riley stars as 1st Batlen/Hasid in Born on August 2, 1924, Baldwin lived in in at random moments, which confused me Without Rufus, the city of Harlem seems de- the Jewish Theatre Workshops production of Harlem until his departure for France in 1948. because it would change the direction of the void of life, and the characters can’t help but The Dybbuk at the JCC of Pikesville. Perfor- One of his earliest influences was his junior chapter abruptly. For example, at the begin- feel his absence and the death of the city’s mance dates and ticket prices can be found high school French teacher Countee Cullen. ning of the chapter on Cullen, Boyd switches beat. Boyd makes other interesting points at www.jewishtheatreworkshop.org

Looking for Baldwin By Rev. Mother Meredith Moise, SPSA on the weekends. Too many of us hide Fierce, uncompromising and bold... James behind the Bible to justify a self-hatred so Baldwin has no equal. An exceptional ora- intense that we would rather die than live. tor and human rights activist, Baldwin took Baldwin has drawn a blueprint for survival no short in stand- and living... true living. He lived without ing up for the mar- walls. He found a way to be free while living ginalized. Living among the oppressed and within oppres- in Harlem, his rise sive regimes. from the northern As we move forward in our freedom ghettos to interna- movements, the battle lines are clearly tional humanitar- drawn. However, the lines are not ones on a ian is remarkable. map or even in politics. These lines are drawn And even more in the human heart. The war that rages is a remarkable, he did war for self-love, self-acceptance and self- his work being an determination. No legislature or federal man- openly same gen- date can make us love ourselves. Indeed, the James Baldwin der loving African- life of James Baldwin shows us that we can American man. only win if we delve deep enough to uncover In viewing the contributions of Baldwin our inherent genius and self worth. to our national dialogue regarding race, By cultivating a courageous spirit and a economics and war, we must take note that bold sense of dignity we will win. Our fight he lived without compromise. Totally going continues until every gay child knows that against the tide of his time, Baldwin did not she or he has a right to be simply because flinch at the prospect of being fully human by of birth. Our fight continues until every trans- entirely embracing himself. person can live freely to pursue every av- His life is an example of courage we enue of happiness. Finding James Baldwin should model today. Too many of us con- requires that we strengthen our hearts to tinue to cower in closets while being gay walk in our truth. t

18 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRuary 11, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com smile on my face because that’s the only reac- are leaving Baltimore and spend the entire tion I could manage. It was either smile or cry. night there. Just be careful of the deer that So I smiled while holding back the tears. He like to hang out on the road going to the club. called me everything in the book that evening. The deer are outside, but the bears are in- Hearts He remarked upon how my wrist would be Sam side. Trust and believe! and Minds bent, my girlish voice as well as my manner- Unfiltered Last Saturday I had the great pleasure of Shawn Bradley isms. He said all of that and more as I stood Sam Kunz being invited to a wonderful house-warming there. I stood there thinking I can’t believe this party at Erik Matthews’ house. He actually is coming out of his mouth. rented an apartment over a gay bar. How Finally when the barrage of insults was convenient is that? The party was very well- over I bolted for my room. I locked the door, Where to attended, and everyone had a great time. If A Child’s Wish grabbed my Paula Cole CD This Fire and put there is an event that you want me to attend, Part two track eight “Me” on repeat. I hugged my pil- don’t forget to email me! low and let the tears flow. What “normal” black Now? For those singers that I love so dearly, I wished that my favorite uncle was still my 17-year-old male has a Paula Cole CD? So, after a little breather from a lot that’s Baltimore had a ton of places to hit kara- favorite uncle. I thought the sun rose and set Again I wished I was normal. Eventually been going on, I am ready to once again oke if you fancy yourself as the next Adam with him. My ex-favorite uncle is about ten my uncle came into my room to apologize. take up the mantle of bringing you the many Lambert or dare I say it, Barbra! Whoaa... years older than me. I remember being seven He said the usual I’m sorry bit, then went adventures our fair city can host for the just got chills and almost spilt my cocktail. years old and having to share a bed with him on to say that I was his favorite nephew nightlife. So let’s get started shall we? Grand Central hosts karaoke on Mondays and one of my other cousins. I was a small and whatever else. As he spoke my tears If you are looking to put a little glee in and Tuesdays hosted by Ryan Bonsal. Put skinny kid so I was always in the middle. I tried seemed to fall faster and faster. When he your life, and let’s face it, who isn’t? Balti- your songs in early as it tends to fill up fast. to follow them everywhere they would go. finally left my room I cried for hours all the more OUTloud’s very own Ben Ryland is Last time, I could only get one drunken song I remember crying those first few months while listening to track eight. hosting Showtune Video Madness with in. The rest of the bar was very happy. after he joined the Navy. When he would That night I was changed; I no longer had GLEE at the Hippo in the Video Lounge. Also, the little gay bar that could, The come home, I would run to the house as fast blind faith in people. In all of my life no one It starts at 8:00 p.m. and don’t forget to get Quest has begun hosting karaoke every as I could. I knew I was his favorite nephew; has ever spoke such harsh words as he did to those 4 dollar Svedka cocktails. Someone other Saturday with DJ John. So stop by hell I was the favorite grandchild out of nine- me that night. I never looked at him the same. should tell Chuck Bowers that with me, the and see the renovations Tom has been do- teen grandchildren. I was number one. Partly because I knew he honestly believed house already loses on that one! ing, and by renovations, I mean painting. Of course, all good things must come to everything he said to me. From that point on Looking for a quick get-away? Why not Looks very good Tom! an end. I was seventeen. He had come home every time I would see him I would greet him mosey on up to Harrisburg, PA and check I stopped in the Triple LLL Lounge, for- with his soon-to-be wife and my new little and his family, but I wouldn’t willfully engage out Club Stallions. Saturday night is their merly Singers. It is an up-and-coming leath- cousin. It goes without saying that I was ex- in a conversation with him. I distanced myself Weekend Dance Party with DJ Barry B. er bar. Looks like The Eagle is getting some cited. So one day during his visit he took my from him, and as a result I slowly started dis- Sounds like a lot of fun, and I may just wind competition. brothers to the park to play basketball. Now if owning my family instead of them disowning up heading north of the Mason Dixon Line We welcome any new club that supports I was a normal kid I would have joined them me, once they know the truth. for it. If you are in Harrisburg, check out our community. The manager went over on the basketball court... LOL When they All of these wishes are a child’s wish. Neptune Lounge for a jumping Saturday some changes and its fixing (Oh my, did I came back to the house, my brothers told me Things that you wish you could go back in night. Think of it as Mount Vernon North. It’s just say fixing? Been talking to my friend that our uncle beat them. One of my brothers the past and change. However, the real truth a little longer drive, but well worth it! from the south too much!) to shape up to be remarked that I would have bested my uncle is that these are the things that make me the Do know where I haven’t been in a a pretty cool place. So stop in, have a natty at basketball had I gone to the park. Don’t get person I am today. I have accepted and have while? A good piano bar. They are quite rare, boh and say hi. Also, hello to two fans I met me wrong, just because I didn’t want to play come to terms with my physical attraction to- but never fear. Our “gayborhood” has our who begged me to give a shout-out. So hello basketball doesn’t mean I’m not good at it. wards men. You know what – I even love it. very own. If you haven’t heard it’s right on James and Andy! Thanks for reading, guys. Well it just so happened that a young I can’t picture myself being with a wom- the same block as The Drinkery. Jay’s on Don’t forget, if you know of a happening lady was at our house as well – a young lady an. I would have never chosen this life for me Read Street is serving up good piano nights or a new club that no one has been to, email he was trying to impress. His soon-to-be wife if I had a choice, but now on the other hand as well as excellent cocktails. me at [email protected] I am always was elsewhere. The only explanation I have looking at the cards that I’ve been dealt over I plan on heading up to the newly re- open to your suggestions and comments. Til’ is that I think he felt slighted because my the years, I wouldn’t change it a bit. No one freshed The Lodge in Boonsboro. With their next time, take care and when life hands you brothers were saying that I was better than wants to be gay; it’s just something that we new renovations and new management, lemons.... Get a shaker of salt, a shot of te- him at basketball in front of this young lady. are. I’m not a child anymore. t they really are jumping Saturday Nights. quila and take it easy. See ya round’! t That’s when he turned on me. As the To hear more from Shawn Bradley go to They offer constant saying goes, no one can hurt you like family www.guysatbrunch.com. drink specials and can. I think it’s because you tend to love them What are some of the things you an outdoor heated more. I was shocked. I stood there with a silly wished for as a child? porch. No longer will you freeze while trying to get that hot guy’s phone number. It’s always a long haul to get there, but well worth it. Plan to go early if you

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRuary 11, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 19 endeavor together. sweetie can be found at the Baltimore Muse- If you’re feeling like more of a homebody um of Art’s, “Couple’s Yoga” on Sunday, Feb- this Valentine’s Day, why not have a small ruary 13, at 7 p.m. The evening is described get together and watch some of your favor- Domestic as being open to all couples who are inter- New ite movies. One of my favorite past Valen- Dandy ested in creating a deeper and more soulful Directions tine’s Day was spent with some of my best Jeffrey Clouser connection. Tickets are $40 for Members or friends at the “I’m Not Bitter V-Day Bash.” $60 for non-Members and include admission Marty Hoegg Yes, that really was the name of the event. It to “A Night of Romance,” which is an evening was hosted by two of my favorite girlfriends, of touring the BMA’s most romantic works of Sarah Eikmeier and Brittany Proudfoot, who A Valentine’s Day art as you sip champagne and listen to jazz Let’s Discuss believed no one should be alone on Valen- guitarist, Kevin Clark. To register, call 443- tines Day. 573-1832 or log onto their website www.art- Valentine’s Day Everyone brought something delicious to Introduction bma.org/calendar/events.html. share and drinks were a plenty. We spent the Another way to celebrate this holiday of I would like to start off this article by stating evening watching Spice World: The Movie Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Do- the heart is an evening surrounded by good I understand that some people may be bit- and playing video games. I cannot remem- mestic Dandy! friends and loved ones. Last Valentine’s Day, ter towards February 14th’s rapid approach. ber laughing harder or smiling more on any Let me begin with a short introduction. my husband and I held a dinner party for a I used to be one of you. The truth is at some other Valentine’s Day. The bonus here was I began my blog “The Domestic Dandy,” group of our dear friends. To celebrate the hol- point all of us have felt enraged, betrayed that I didn’t have to stress over which size in March of last year and have thoroughly iday in style, I came up with the idea of creat- or even perplexed by Valentine’s Day. How teddy bear would be an appropriate gift and enjoyed not only the various creative proj- ing place cards made with those fun wax red could you not? there was no obligation to be romantic. ects throughout the year but also all of the lips we played with as kids. Here’s how I did it. Commercials oozing with over-romanti- You could also choose to enjoy the day feedback and interaction with my readers. cized destinations, restaurants offering am- with your family. Valentine’s Day isn’t just The blog focuses on my crafting projects, Valentine’s Day place cards orous couple dinners and stores advertising celebrating your romantic partners. It’s also style finds, and related things that are on my What you’ll need: gifts for, “that special someone,” it’s easy a day to spoil those you love dearly. My Mom mind. It’s a wonderful, creative outlet for me • red wax lips (enough for everyone to understand how some people might feel has made it a point each Valentine’s Day to and a way to help the world become a more at your dinner party). I found mine at www. slighted by a holiday that celebrates roman- give myself and my siblings something small beautiful and comfortable place – even if orientaltrading.com/ tic relations. to remind us we are loved. The gifts have it’s only inside your own home. What better • paper clips So how does a “single” person celebrate ranged in form; everything from chocolate, place to begin a world transformation than • color printer Valentine’s Day? Simple. Grab some of your to stuffed toys, even personalized trinkets. by beginning with your own space. • paper closest friends, the ones without significant No you don’t have to send your parents As Valentine’s Day is right around First, create your others, and celebrate your freedom! Think flowers or take your siblings out to dinner the corner, I want to devote this edition to place card. (I used print- about it; you don’t have to worry about ex- but if you’re like me and you want an excuse ideas for the romantic holiday. Whether one maker plus to create my place cards.) After pensive chocolates, or wilting flowers. All to spoil your loved ones what better excuse spends it with someone special, or with printing them out, cut them up and set them you need is your good companions and than Valentine’s Day? good friends, this day can be celebrated in aside. some imagination. Again, I understand that some of you may many different ways. What can you and your “significant oth- feel bitter towards this impending date. One One can, of course, go the traditional ers” do? To start, you can actually go out final piece of advice I have to offer is some- route and present a beautiful bouquet of and enjoy those amorous couple dinners. thing that I admit is a bit corny but it works for flowers to your loved one. I still remember Throw on the glitz, pull out your best suit me: You are not the only person “alone” this when my partner of 12 years, and now hus- Next, take your paper clips and bend and head out. Valentine’s Day, if you put yourself out there band (a big Valentine’s Day hug to the city of them so that they have a straight edge and a Most restaurants don’t specify that the par- chances are you will have someone asking, Washington, D.C.), sent me a gorgeous bou- looped edge. After bending, take the straight ty be two people only. So if you have an even “Will you be my Valentine?” t quet of white peonies. They were the most edge of the paper clip and insert it into the group of single people you can easily couple Marty Hoegg choreographs and performs decadent and luscious bouquets I had ever wax lips near the back, being careful not to up and enjoy the offers presented. The bonus? in Rent opening April 7 at the Inscape Theatre, seen. However, if you are looking for a new damage the lips! Take your place card and If you split the bill you can easily save a few Stevenson University. Tickets are available to and different approach to the big day I have place it into the bucks and put that money towards your next preorder. some “dandy” suggestions below! looped edge of the One romantic Valentine’s Day, my hus- paper clip. band and I shared, actually involved a room- To make the ful of strangers! Now, before you jump to place cards really conclusions… you dirty boy, I’m talking pop, I used white about couple’s yoga. My husband and I took dinnerware to re- a couple of these classes and enjoyed the ally show off the connection we shared as we stretched and red lips. toned together. It was a great way to open They were a up communication between us as we navi- big hit and provid- gated each pose. It was also refreshing to be ed hours of fun. practicing couple’s yoga with many couple Have a Dandy Valentine’s Day! t variations. Jeffrey L. Clouser is the author of “The Straight or Gay, everyone was in tune Domestic Dandy,” www.domesticdandy. with their partner and enjoying the evening. blogspot.com. He lives in Washington, DC, Your chance to work up a sweat with your with his husband and partner of 12 years.

20 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRuary 11, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com D IninG

gus, onion, brie cheese and prosciutto ham ($11). The presentation was simple yet di- vine. The asparagus was cooked perfectly Adventures (not to crispy yet not too mushy) and the rich, smoothness of the brie blended well with the in Baltimore delicate flavor of onions and the slight smo- Restaurants kiness of the prosciutto. Jessica Lemmo Don’t over indulge on a savory crepe or one of the French entrees because you will surely want to get a sweet crepe for des- Crepe du Jour sert. Each dessert crepe offers the cure to a 1609 Sulgrave Avenue sweet tooth ranging from $3.50 to $11. There Baltimore, MD 21209 are a variety of many crepes filled with a variety of fresh fruits, honey, chocolate, Nutel- Crepe du Jour is located in the charming la, liquors to choice from. Mt. Washington area and was established in Since Nutella is one of my weaknesses I 1997 by husband and wife team Mustapha picked the Crepe Valentine with fresh banan- and Donna Snoussi. The Mt. Washington as, fresh strawberries, Nutella and whipped restaurant opened back in 2000. cream ($9). The combinations of these in- It offers a cozy atmosphere with vivid gredients and flavors are one of my favorites. colors and a friendly With the first cut into staff. When you go you the ooey-gooey good- have the option of din- ness flows out and ing indoors, at one of then just melts in your the front outside café mouth. If I could have tables or on the year licked the plate I would round heated terrace. have! The dinner menu When the weath- offers a variety of 16 er is nice be sure to savory crepes ranging check out one of the in prince from $9 to $16. cozy tables on the Each crepe offers a Crepe du Jour back terrace (and get blend of fresh veggies, Crepe Valentine). t cheese and a protein More of Jessica TheGood Food & Drinks, Dizz Casual & Funky (seafood, chicken, ham, and sausage). Lemmo’s restaurant reviews can be found at The crepe that won me over for my din- www.examiner.com/restaurant-in-baltimore/ ner was Crepe Lorraine with fresh aspara- jessica-lemmo.

A Valentine’s Dinner to Remember

Do not screw up the once-a-year V-Day again. What could be more Spectacular 180° Views romantic and unique than a elegant dinner in your own dining room of Charm City prepared and served by your own private chef service and we do the Full Bar Now Open clean up at no extra charge. A special menu for this most important of days is available to please the per- Mondays son closest to your heart. 50¢ Wings & $1.50 Domestic Bottles If you are using this day to cel- Dizz ebrate your love with friends or fam- Happy Hour TheG r a n d v i e w ily, we can do the heavy lifting and 50¢ Off All Beer Selections you can sit back and enjoy. No wor- Monday—Friday 11 am - 10 pm ries about the weather, crowded restaurants, bad service or the mediocre food. Moreover, Monday - Friday 3pm-7pm Saturday & Sunday 8:30 am - 10 pm you can save money by buying the best Champagne and wine yourself at the wine shop and Breakfast served weekends 8:30 am - 2pm not suffer “mark-up” sticker shock. 300 W 30th St ● 443-869-5864 Due to some unfortunate cancellations, we are currently available for Monday the 14th, www.thedizzbaltimore.com St. Mary’s Roland View Towers and Saturday 12th. Give us a call. Time is running out! t Follow us on Facebook & Twitter 3838 Roland Ave, Rooftop ● 443-869-3085 Carl R. Vahl, Chef Calle • 410-244-5598 • 716-378-2931 • Baltimoredistinctivehomedining.com

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRuary 11, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 21 SOLID IS HERE TO HELP

Whether you and your partner are buying your first home together or refinancing an existing loan, I understand the step you are taking in building your lives together and will listen to your personal needs before suggesting the best financing options. Contact me today.

Richard Pazornik Mortgage Loan Officer 443.600.1282 [email protected] suntrustmortgage.com/rpazornik

Equal Housing Lender. SunTrust Mortgage, Inc., 901 Semmes Avenue, Richmond, VA 23224 is licensed by the Department of Corpora- tions under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act; is an Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee; is a Lender in Massachusetts having Mortgage Lender license #s ML1216, ML0133, ML1432, ML1914, ML1913, ML1815, ML2411, ML1214, ML2442, ML2491, and ML2538; is licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department; is licensed by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, toll free 1-800- 330-4684; is a licensed lender in Rhode Island; and is doing business in Arizona as Crestar Mortgage, 7250 N. 16th Street, Ste. 100, Phoenix, AZ 85020. ©2010 SunTrust, SunTrust Mortgage, and Live Solid. Bank Solid. are federally registered service marks of SunTrust Banks, Inc.

22 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRuary 11, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com YOUR MONEY

ic sense to buy a home. Home prices have ship with the average cost to rent. In their First to fall or held steady, there was no motivation generally fallen all over the country since Quarter 2011 Index, thirty-six of the fifty re- to buy. In fact, many buyers watched falling 2006 or 2007, depending on your region, gions qualified for the “Much Less Expensive home prices and decided to wait, no matter and many buyers decided that the possibility to Buy than to Rent” classification, including what the interest rates were doing. But now, Real Estate of buying a house as it was losing value was Baltimore (#11) and Washington (#13). with prices starting to stabilize and interest Today too scary from their perspective. Some con- Renting a home in this region has got- rates actually rising again, we may be at the Wayne Curtis sumers who were homeowners and had to ten comparatively more expensive in the last most affordable point in the cycle. move for their job sold their home and rented few years as vacancy rates have declined 3) Interest rates are predicted to be yet in their new city. and landlords have enjoyed stiff competition another 1% higher by the end of 2011. For The Rent vs. Buy contest is now begin- for their properties. But there are also sever- an idea of what that might mean to a potential ning to tilt back toward the Buy side in many al reasons why now may be the best time in buyer, I used one of my own current listings Rent or Buy? areas. Trulia, the well-known real estate web- many years to consider purchasing a home. and calculated the principal and interest pay- For the last few years, there’s been a real site, publishes a Rent vs. Buy Index every 1) Prices in the greater Baltimore- ment that would be available today to a quali- decision for consumers, especially younger three months. On that list, they rank the fifty Washington region have begun to stabi- fied buyer, and then did the same calculation consumers who might never have owned a largest metro areas in the country, based on lize. Especially on the Washington DC end adding 1% to the interest rate. With everything home before, as to whether it made econom- a ratio comparing the costs of home owner- of the region, as prices in the District have else staying the same, the mortgage payment actually increased 8% in the last two years. went up by about 5%. On a $1,500 a month One of the biggest advantages Baltimore payment at today’s rate, that means the buyer Mid-Life Investing: had in the last decade was its affordabil- will pay another $900 every year just on prin- ity when compared to Washington. If prices cipal and interest on their loan. have begun to rise in DC, Baltimore will once To me, that says it may be time to get Making the Most of Your again start to look like the bargain it still is off the rent bandwagon and start looking to (even with much publicized commuter rail cash in on the bargains that the housing cri- problems between the two cities). sis has created. t Asset-Building Years 2) Interest rates have started to rise, Wayne Curtis has been a licensed real By Woody Derricks help reduce current income while providing and are about .5% higher than at their low estate agent since 1998. His website, www. As you move through your peak earning tax-deferred savings opportunities. Also, point last fall. We’ve been hearing about how CharmCityRealEstate.com is a resource for years, you’ll probably see your net worth keep in mind that short-term capital gains interest rates have tumbled to low points not further real estate research. Send questions steadily rise. At the same time, you’ll still are taxed as income, while long-term capi- seen in fifty years, and while they continued to him at [email protected]. have some work to do before you realize tal gains and dividends are taxed at lower your financial goals. That’s why it’s impor- rates. Finally, explore the potential benefit of tant to have a solid plan in place. Here are including tax-exempt bonds in your portfo- some steps to help keep your portfolio on lio. (Some tax-exempt investments may be track. subject to the federal alternative minimum Organize your portfolio. Asset alloca- tax as well as federal or state capital gains tion is a straightforward and effective strate- taxes.) gy whereby you divide your portfolio among Protect what you’ve accomplished. the major asset classes of equities, fixed- As your wealth continues to increase, it’s income securities, and cash equivalents. important to preserve what you’ve accumu- The division should be based on your goals, lated and safeguard your future. That’s why your tolerance for risk and your time hori- estate planning and life insurance are two of zons. Generally speaking, the larger the eq- the cornerstones of a sound financial plan. A uity portion of your portfolio, the greater the qualified legal professional can help you im- potential for growth and the greater amount plement an estate plan that is best for your of risk. On the other hand, the more fixed- situation or review an existing plan to ensure income securities you include, the greater it is still consistent with your goals. Also, be the potential for income and preservation sure you have enough life insurance in place of principle. There are also risks associated to help cover any liabilities – such as your with fixed income investments, however, mortgage – and protect your family’s finan- generally speaking, they incur less risk than cial future. equities. You may need to periodically rebal- Financially speaking, mid-life shouldn’t ance your portfolio – to remain consistent be a time of crisis. Instead, it’s a time to take with your original allocation – or modify it as advantage of some of your most productive you come closer to realizing your goals. years. In the long run, you may be in a better Don’t overlook tax planning. Chances position to enjoy the fruits of your labor. t are your income tax bracket is higher now Woody Derricks is president of Partner- than it was during your early years and then it ship Wealth Management, 410-732-2633. will be when you retire. Consider maximizing Copyright 2010, Standard & Poor’s Finan- pretax contributions to your employer-spon- cial Communications. Securities offered sored retirement plan or making deductible through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/ contributions to an IRA (if you’re eligible) to SIPC, #699763

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRuary 11, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 23 TRAVEL Vermont is for Lovers

Byk Nic Vivion dawn, snapped on some snowshoes, and Gaytravel.com trekked up to the highest point of the proper- I woke up disoriented, holding a plaid- ty – the Sky Loft. From there, I feasted upon clad teddy bear. It was unusually quiet as I the first daylight view of the gently rolling reached for the moose-embellished bedside hills becoming mountains in the distance. lamp. I could see all around, deep into the valley Click. and across the range. My brain finally connected the dots, and I started the easy hike down just as the as I emerged from the fog of a deep sleep sun moved higher into the sky, sending at Moose Meadow Lodge in Waterbury, Ver- shards of fiery light bouncing through the mont, I was greeted with a blanket of white trees and brilliantly highlighting individual outside my window. A broad sea of white, snow crystals. actually, it seemed soft and fluffy like a I stopped abruptly, noticing that the only quilted pillow top. The flakes were still falling sound around had been my own. The forest fast, like opaque marbles rolling vertically was muted by the absorbent snow, and it down the window. was so silent you wouldn’t have even been This was the second prolific snowstorm able to hear a pin drop. in as many weeks, and I was relieved that I Sublime. arrived two days earlier. Vermont in the win- Ben & Jerry’s in Waterbury, VT tertime is unpredictable. The Green Moun- The politics of LGBT Vermont tain State averages 81 inches of snow yearly, Vermont is a four-season destination, and of course fall foliage season brings vides a stunning backdrop for a marriage no but this number swings wildly year-to-year. with each season unique in its qualities. spectacular colors to all corners of the state. matter what the season. Luckily for me, I took advantage of the Winter is wonderful for snow bunnies, spring Vermont is also a haven for the commit- Newly elected Governor Peter Shumlin snowfall the day before when the sky was great for those interested in maple, summer ted gays, the gays that want to get married. has been pro-equality since he helped pass clear and the sun was shining. I woke up at exceptional for almost all outdoor activities, It’s a small easily accessible state that pro- the civil union bill in 2000 and his subse-

24 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRuary 11, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com TRAVEL quent central role in proposing, passing and cow stools with udders to actual living and shoulder, he adds, “We’re hoping to build culture. Whether it’s the 1,600 acre working overcoming the veto of the marriage equality breathing cows. The cows give us milk, our greenhouse on 11 acres over there.” farm originally built in 1886 over at Shel- bill of 2009. which in turn gives us cheese, cream, yo- Tom recently moved here from Boston, burne Farms, or the burgeoning vineyards, Underscoring how accessible this state gurt, and all kinds of other savory spreads and when I ask him about the change, he folks here are connected to their land in a is, the Governor invited me to his office mere that go on bread. is enthusiastic about his new surroundings. modern, contemporary sense. weeks after taking office to talk about the Apples are pervasive, as are sausages. “This place is magical in the summertime. Vermont is in close proximity to some of far-reaching implications of marriage equal- Oh, and Ben & Jerry’s! The gardens are just amazing. I haven’t the biggest cities in eastern North America – ity in his state. It’s everything you are told not to eat, in seen flowers like this ever. Flowers that I south of Montreal, northeast of Boston and “I hope as governor that we will be seen abundance. have never even seen before!” north of New York City – which gives it an as the friendliest state to travel to for gay and After a day spent wandering down the The extraordinary natural beauty of this isolation that is entirely appropriate. Live lesbian couples across America. Not only are Foodie Trail along Route 100 from Water- area is compounded by the attitude of Ver- free, live well and eat your treats. we the most beautiful state in the country, best bury to Stowe – popping in for a scoop at monters that preserves every aspect of their It’s the Vermont way! t quality of life, best place to be a tourist, extraor- the Ben & Jerry’s factory, sampling a doz- dinary inns, locally grown food – but I think its en cheeses at Cabot Farms cheese sam- really important that gay and lesbian Ameri- pling shop and chomping two cider donuts cans stand up and say: we want to spend our at the Cold Hollow Cider Mill – I am sitting dollars in states that stand up for us.” with Chef Tom Brooks at the Bolton Farms I can’t argue with that. I am a firm believ- restaurant at the Essex Culinary Resort er in spending dollars only with businesses outside of Burlington. that welcome me as a gay individual, and re- It’s a fantastic concept: take the farm- spect me as they would any other customer. to-table ethos that drives so much of the And Vermont will treat you right, espe- cuisine here and bring the farm even clos- cially if treats are what you love! er. As in, right outside the windows of the restaurant where I sit! A foodie’s paradise “We’re figuring out what we want to Food. It’s everywhere here, espe- plant, what harvests we want, and what we cially those food products that come from want to supply ourselves with throughout cows. Cows are therefore ubiquitous, from the year,” he tells me. Gesturing over my

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRuary 11, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 25 with a big bar. The leather mart in the hotel is one can see a little ball during CLAW. Sir Ky Eaton; Mid-Atlantic Leatherboy 2009 in a space that could pass for the Baltimore The weekend package for CLAW is only boy alex Ortiz; Southeast Bootblack 2005 Convention Center. $150 (before Feb. 28 and $165 after) and slave elegant; and Mr. Outloud Leather 2009 The 33rd Anniversary International Mr. includes an opening cocktail party recep- Robert Bowden. (This title does not have Leather Leather Contest will be held on Sunday at tion, skills workshops, silent auction, Leath- anything to do with this publication. I thought Line the Harris Theater in Millennium Park. This er Mart, Cleveland Rocks Party with kinky I was Mr. Outloud Leather, but that is another Rodney Burger is an exciting new location and is only a short games, a boots & cigars tent, title holders’ title.) walk from the Hyatt. The popular IML Victory cocktail party, International Leather Family International Community Bootblack Party will once again be at the House of the Dinner, a bar crawl, field trip to the Rock & 2006 Henry James is the coordinator for Blues, and Monday night’s Black & Blue Ball Roll Hall of Fame, a Sunday brunch, and the the Mid-Atlantic Community Bootblack will be held at the enormous dance club Ex- Leather & Rouge Revue and Dance Party at 2011 contest that will be judged by Mid- CLAP, CLAW, calibur. The Excalibur Club is a castle-like the Cadillac Ranch. Atlantic Community Bootblack 2009 Bran- structure that at one time was the Chicago CLAW is a fun weekend and the last don Riley, Mid-Atlantic Bootblack 1999 and IMSL, IML – Historical Society. It is really something to time we went, we drove to Cleveland. It ShipMate member Tracy Black, and Master see. is a long drive but the car came in handy Archer. WTF? At a private press conference during when it came to bringing home all the stuff The weekend will also include a Meet MAL the judges for IML were announced as and Greet Party on Friday and a Kinky Car- Once during an interview at a leather contest follows: International Mr. Leather 2010 Tyler “The Super Bowl of nival produced by F.I.S.T and the ShipMates Mr. Maryland Leather 2007 Sir Steve asked McCormick, Workshop Facilitator for Greek at the Playhouse Studio in Mt. Vernon on the contestants what MAL, CLAW, IMSL, Ministry of Culture and Head Judge for Mr. leather events is the Sunday. More details will be announced and IML were and had they ever been to Leatherman; Vancouver Nikitas Chondroy- soon. any of them? Some of the contestants’ faces annis, Founder and Past President of Leath- annual International CLAP will be a fun weekend of leather went blank. They had no idea that these let- er Club Roma Massimo Fusillo; International Mr. Leather Contest in Baltimore. The Winner of the Mid-Atlan- ters stood for major leather events. After the Leatherboy 2008 Bill Hoeppner; American tic Leatherwoman 2011 title may advance wonderful time I had last month in Washing- Leatherwoman 2004 and Co-Founder of (IML) held each to the International Ms. Leather Contest ton, D.C. at Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend FIST of Baltimore Sarah Humble; Mr. San Memorial Day Weekend (IMSL) in San Francisco on April 14-17, (MAL) I have been keeping my spirits up Diego Leather 2004 Adam Latham; CNN the American Leatherwoman 2011 Contest during these cold dark days of February by and MSNBC commentator Dan Savage; in Chicago.” during ABW (American Brotherhood Week- making plans to attend some of the other big Leather Community Columnist from Wash- end) being held October 7- 9 in Chicago. events coming up this year. ington, D.C. Vern Stewart; and Great Lakes Visit www.AmericanBrotherhood.com for The Super Bowl of leather events is the Bootblack 2009 Trooper. we bought at the Leather Mart. Visit www. details, or if eligible she can follow in the annual International Mr. Leather Contest It should be an exciting contest. I am clawinfo.org for more details. footsteps of Mid-Atlantic Leatherwoman (IML) held each Memorial Day Weekend in not going to miss being in Chicago Memo- You won’t have to drive far to go to CLAP 2010 Val and become International Ms. Chicago. This year it will be Friday, May 27 – rial Day Weekend to cheer on Mr. Maryland (Chesapeake Leather Awareness Pride). It Deaf Leather. Monday, May 30. It is the biggest and some Leather 2011 Alex Lemaire as he competes will be held March 25- 27 right here in Bal- The winners of the Mid-Atlantic Leather would say the most expensive of the leather for the title of International Mr. Leather 2011. timore. The main event at CLAP is the Mid- SIR/ boy 2011 Contest and the Mid-Atlantic events. The cost of the weekend package Visit www.imrl.com to join me. Atlantic LeatherSIR/ boy 2011, Mid-Atlantic Community Bootblack 2011 Contest will ad- does not include any formal leather dinners, Prior to going to Chicago for IML most Leather Woman 2011, and Mid-Atlantic vance to the International LeatherSIR/ boy/ open bar receptions, or endless comple- of the IML contestants will gather in Cleve- Community Bootblack 2011 Contest that will Community Bootblack 2011 Contest to be mentary cocktail parties. It does get you into land on April 28-May 1 for CLAW (Cleve- be held Saturday, March 26 at 1:00 p.m. at held July 28-30 in San Francisco. That will all of the events. land Leather Awareness Weekend). CLAW the Hippo. be a big leather weekend in San Francisco IML is, however, the great leather spec- has a new hotel this year and will be held at Producers Hooker & Boys recently an- because it is also the popular Dore Alley tacle and the place to see and be seen. The the Hilton Garden Inn Gateway Conference nounced the judges as follows: International Fair. host hotel again this year is the Hyatt Re- Center located in downtown Cleveland adja- Ms. Leather 2009 Lamalani; International It has been a cold dark winter but I am gency Chicago. I have been there for prior cent to Progressive Field. Deaf Leatherboy 2005 boy alex leffers; already looking forward to spring. The big IML’s and it is a spectacular hotel with two In fact, the Cleveland Indians are playing American Leatherwoman 2009-2010 Dako- events are coming, and I have reservations. towers connected by a central glass lobby the Detroit Tigers during CLAW weekend so ta; Ohio Valley Regional Leather Bear 2010 Hope to see you there! t

26 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRuary 11, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com PASSINGS – SKIP MULLENIX progressive and totally debilitating disease DRAG CITY – continued from page 14 that leads to complete paralysis with an inability to breathe and Skip was angry that then to Boston with a new boyfriend. A year Vermont did not permit the more humane or so later, the two of them moved to San alternative of medically assisted suicide for Ms. Dee Chloe Attatood Francisco for several years, first as a couple terminal patients. and later friends. After a brief stay in Lake Friends, family and the medical team by Sam Kunz everything I know from them. But I respect Tahoe, Skip retuned to Baltimore where he supported Skip in his courageous end-of-life This week I have the honor of interviewing them to a level that you cannot imagine. I worked at Girard’s Disco and Restaurant decision and determination to die at home. one of Baltimore’s newest up and coming don’t have a family really, I have my sister. (the building now houses the City Café) be- They organized a fundraiser at the Foxfire performers, Ms. Dee Chloe’ Attatood. So My aunties and lots of friends. But no, I do fore finally settling in Vermont. that was attended by 175 people. They ar- let’s get to know her. not belong to a house. While travelling throughout the country, ranged for medical and personal care to be Sam Kunz: First of all, let’s get to SK: You don’t feel the need to belong Skip often found work in restaurants. This led provided in his home. The Foxfire regularly know how you came by your name. to a house? to a lifelong career in the restaurant industry. provided him with meals. A friend agreed Dee Chloe Attatood: My name was cho- DA: No, I mean. I dress myself as a For most of the past 30 years he worked for to care for his beloved dog, Chance, af- sen by myself. Because my sister;s name is Chloe (The drag house of Club Bunns). But the Foxfire Restaurant in Stowe, Vermont, ter he died. A small core of people – Amy Attatood and my previous drag name had a I do not consider myself part of that family. as waiter, maître-de, and manager, and was Rex, Kathy Parsons, Cathy and Bob Wright D in it. So I just kept the d and made it Dee I like to be independent and make my own known for his loyalty to his employers and – took responsibility for every detail. Dawn Attatood. way. co-workers, his high expectations, and his Tetro, who sold him his home and became SK: So what was your previous name? SK: I know how long you have been insistence on quality personable service to a friend, donated his monthly mortgage pay- DA: My previous name was Ms. Di- doing it. But what made you say, “I want the dinners. He counted as friends many of ments to his support fund. His sister, Joyce amonese Diamond. to be a drag queen”? the Foxfire regulars. Maxton joined in the effort during trips from SK: You were What was the moment her home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. from the Diamond when you said, “That’s “Skip was a member Joyce’s husband Dave was very helpful in family? (A promi- for me!” making modifications to his home to help nent drag family in DA: Actually, I used to of pre-Stonewall Skip as his mobility worsened. Maryland) hate drag back in the day. Baltimore’s vibrant but Skip was devoted to his family. He was DA: YES! When I was a young kid particularly appreciative of the time he spent SK: But you are I used to despise them. hidden gay society.” with Joyce during her trips from Myrtle no longer a part of But I don’t know. My sister Beach. He also enjoyed a visit last sum- that? loved drag queens. But Vermont was ideal for Skip – because of mer from his nephew Michael Whelan and DA: No, I am no she showed me her side its geography, its climate, and most impor- his great nephew, Jonathan. When another longer a Diamond. of drag and I liked it. The tantly the people that became his circle of nephew was having difficulties Skip readily SK: May I ask old school type of drag. friends. He loved the ever-changing beauty invited him to Vermont to live with him. why? The Miss America Drag. of the Green Mountains and would spend Although Skip stopped teaching in 1969, DA: Personal But she introduced me to hours outside enjoying the countryside. Dai- he never lost his desire to help young people. reasons, but, I chose drag. But then I met the ly, during the long winters, he would take his For a number of years he served as a men- to leave the family Diamonds. That’s when I dogs with him as he skied across miles of tor and provided respite to youth in foster and they chose for Dee Chloe really liked drag. I saw a snow covered fields in winter and on moun- care, with the full knowledge of the authori- me to leave. It was a Attatood side I liked. You can look tain hikes in summer. He was very proud of ties that he was gay. He began mentoring a mutual decision. like a real girl and pump it. his adopted state and delighted in showing 14 year-old youth shortly after his diagnosis SK: You men- SK: Here is a ques- visitors the mountain vistas and sunsets. and continued to provide respite for this boy tioned that your sister now is also a drag tion I ask everyone. It’s always fun to With its constantly changing weather, Ver- until he became too weak to continue. He queen. hear the answers. If there was a boy in mont’s climate allowed him to indulge anoth- had a special ability to connect with young DA: Yes. Stacy Attatood. (Michael Peets Omaha who just got done watching To er of his passion, weather forecasting. He people. of Baltimore, MD) Wong Foo or Drag Race and said “Wow, once said that his favorite TV channel was Skip always had dogs and cats and he SK: So how long have you been do- that’s what I want to do!” What would be the Weather Channel. took them with him wherever he traveled. He ing drag? your first piece of advice? Skip was a lifelong baseball fan. He has asked that his ashes be buried on his DA: I’ve been doing drag for almost 2 DA: Oooh! Learn how to paint your played baseball growing up and remained property with those of his animals. He made years now. face, girl! Amen! Don’t take one picture an Orioles fan throughout his life. Last sum- special effort to ensure that Chance had a SK: What was your inspiration for until you are ART! FISH! *Snaps her fin- mer he made a trip to the Baseball Hall of good home, and his friend Kathy Parsons getting started? gers* Also, make sure your lip synch is on Fame in Cooperstown, New York where, poi- agreed to take Chance after Skip’s death. DA: Oh! Can I mention another drag point. So many drag queens don’t know gnantly, he posed for a picture in front of Lou He and Kathy arranged for Chance to spend queen? how to do it, you’d be surprised. LEARN Gehrig’s plaque. some weekends with Kathy and her dogs so SK: Absolutely! that piece! Skip had a very engaging personality that Chance would have an easier transition. DA: Ms. Anye Iman Diamond. She was SK: Well, I want to thank you for tak- and made friends easily – lifelong friends In addition to his sister Joyce, brother- my previous drag mother. ing the time to talk to me. I always let my that showed their devotion to him when he in-law Dave, nephew Michael, great nephew SK: What are your thoughts on the subjects have the last say, so take it away needed it after his diagnosis with ALS. He Jonathan, and his many friends, Skip is importance of Drag families? I spoke Ms. Attatood. Tell Baltimore what you was fiercely independent and determined to survived by Michael’s wife Melissa, another to Bebe Zahara Benet and she is of the want us to know about you. remain so despite his illness. He vowed to nephew Nicholas Maxton, great nephew school of thought that they are not re- DA: Dee Chloe’ Attatood is someone stay in his home and die by not eating once Brice, and great nieces Haili and Gabrielle quired or that integral to the Drag pro- you can love. Someone that will love you, he decided that he could not perform the Maxton. A memorial celebration of Skip’s life cess. What do you say? entertain you, and someone that is overall most basic activities of daily living. ALS is a is planned for May 21 in Vermont. t DA: I totally disagree. Not only did I learn everything. Love you, Mean it! t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRuary 11, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 27 community bulletin board February 12 – February 27

February 12 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. Emmanuel Epis- Feb – Mar 13 February 20 copal Church, The Undercroft Tick- 2011 BMORE Proud Leadership ets: www.brownpapertickets.com/ Spotlighters Theatre presents Inaugural Meeting of PFLAG- Summit event/151202 Approaching Zanzibar Westminster/Carroll County The Baltimore Metro LGBTQA Tina Howe is one of the smart- The Westminster/Carroll County inter-collegiate network presents The est playwrights we have, but does chapter of PFLAG – Parents, Families BMORE PROUD LGBTQA Leadership February 14 she really believe she can outsmart and Friends of Lesbians and Gays – Summit. It exists to create a genera- Lobby Day in Annapolis death? That seems to be the case in holds its first ever chapter meeting. tive opportunity for leadership devel- 5 p.m. rally followed by meeting a regional premiere of Approaching These meetings will be held the 3rd opment of LGBTQA students. Artist with legislators. GGBB Annapolis edi- Zanzibar. Fri. & Sat. – 8 p.m.; Sun. – Sunday of each month and are free, Stacey Ann Chin and Activist Eric Alva tion follows at 8 for dinner/snacks at 2 p.m. Spotlighters Theatre, 817 St. open to the public and confidential. are keynote speakers. Breakout work- O’Brien’s. Visit www.equalitymary- Paul St., Baltimore 21202. Tickets: Keep in mind that PFLAG is not just shops, lunch, dinner, socializing, land.org to obtain all the information $20 adults, $18 seniors, $16 students. for parents. 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. St. dance party, drag performances. Reg- you need to help get marriage equal- Ten Spot Thursday – Mar 10 – 8 p.m. Paul’s United Church of Christ (an istration 11 a.m. Dance begins 9:30 ity and gender identity protections – All tickets $10. Order at www.spot- open and affirming congregation), 17 p.m. Johns Hopkins Homewood Cam- passed. lighters.org Bond St., Westminster, 21157 (corner pus – Levering Hall. More info. and to of Bond & Green Sts.) Info: 410-861- register visit www.bmoreproud.org. February 15 February 19 0488, www.PFLAGwcc.org. Deadline for Spotlighters The- New Ways Ministry Presents February 12 atre Directors Proposal Marriage Equality: A Positive Cath- February 26 The Baltimore Playwrights Fes- Spotlighters Theatre is seeking olic Approach Community History Day at the tival Marathon Proposal from directors for the 2011- Speakers: Maryland State Del- Banneker-Douglass Museum Fifth public reading “Marathon” 2012 season – the theatre’s 50th egate Heather Mizeur and Morgan Helping to celebrate Black His- of their 30th Season, to take place year. If you are a director that has a Meneses-Sheets of Equality Mary- tory Month. Share your story with at the Andrew White Student Cen- passion to direct a show, then com- land. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Hilton Pikesville the Banneker-Douglass Museum ter of Loyola University of Maryland, plete the Production Proposal (www. 4501 North Charles Street, Baltimore, spotlighters.org/prodproposal.html). Hotel, 1726 Reisterstown Rd., Balti- and help preserve Maryland’s his- 21210. 11 a.m. Plays to be read are The A copy of the script is required with more, 21208. Registration deadline tory. Learn how to preserve your fam- Cleansing by Terry Kenney , followed the proposal. The Selection Team for lunch is Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. Sug- ily photographs and keepsakes from by The Patron Saint of Jellybeans, by will review proposals with final deci- gested lunch donation: $10. Mail to: conservation professionals. Visitors Courtney Sender, at 1 p.m., and Fall- sions being made by April 1, 2011. New Ways Ministry, 4012 29th St., are invited to bring their favorite fam- out, by Bob Bartlett at 3 p.m. After Directors may submit more than one Mt. Rainier, MD 20712 or by phone ily and community photographs to each reading there will be a discus- production. (301-277-5674) or on the web: www. be scanned and shared with the mu- sion of the script with the playwright, NewWaysMinistry.org. seum’s staff and visitors during a day director and actors. The event is free, of fellowship and preservation. 10:30 and the general public is encouraged February 18 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 84 Franklin St., An- to attend. Info: www.baltplayfest.com. Baltimore Chapter of Integrity February 19 napolis 21401. Info: 410-216-6180 or Meeting GLSEN Youth Summit visit www.bdmuseum.com The Eucharist begins at 7 p.m. in A fun informative youth confer- February 12 the Peace Chapel, Cathedral of the ence for high school LGBT, queer, A Staged Reading of Steel Incarnation, 4 East University Park- questioning and ally students. Noon – February 27 Magnolias way (North Charles at East University 10 p.m. Towson University, University Oscar Night Fundraiser Ben- A night of Southern charm and a Parkway). Presiding and preaching Union Building, 3rd floor. Worskshops, efits Homeless Youth fundraiser for the Iron Crow Theatre this month is the Rev. Adrien Dawson. speaker, dinner and dance. Free 10th Annual Oscar Night Gala to Company. Staged reading of this fa- Potluck supper follows the Eucharist parking. Free admission. Free dinner. Benefit AIRS (AIDS Interfaith Residen- mous pop culture hit! Trivia, raffles – please bring something to share – Register at www.glsen.org/baltimore. tial Services) and Vital Housing Projects and refreshments to follow. The cast conversation and fellowship with a Sponsored by the Baltimore-Metro for Homeless Youth. 6 p.m. – Midnight. includes members of the Iron Crow little bit of business until 9 p.m. Gay/Lesbian/Straight Education Net- Charles Theater, 1711 N. Charles Street, Company and is directed By John Wil- work and Towson University’s LGBT Baltimore, 21201. Tix $125 pp General son. Blush and bashful attire encour- Student Development Program. Admission, $150 pp Reserved Seating. aged! Doors open and refreshments 7 www.airshome.org [see page 5].

email event submissions to [email protected]

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