June 19, 2009 | Volume VII, Issue 11 | LGBT Life in Maryland LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND
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June 19, 2009 | Volume VII, Issue 11 | LGBT Life in Maryland LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH, 2009 MCC Leader - - - - - - - Stepping Down By Steve Charing BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED After 15 years of service, the Rever- end R. David Smith is resigning from his post as spiritual leader for the STATES OF AMERICA Metropolitan Community Church Bal- timore. “As a leader I’ve done all the things I can do,” Pastor David, as he is A PROCLAMATION frequently called, told OUTloud. “And now it’s time for new leadership.” His Forty years ago, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New resignation is effective June 30. York City resisted police harassment that had become all too com- “The MCC is a Christian Church mon for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender proclaiming God’s love to the Lesbian, (LGBT) community. Out of this resistance, the LGBT rights move- Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered ment in America was born. During LGBT Pride Month, we commem- communities and anyone who is willing orate the events of June 1969 and commit to achieving equal justice to walk with us in our journey of faith,” under law for LGBT Americans. according to its website. The church is located at 401 West Monument Street. LGBT Americans have made, and continue to make, great and last- In a letter to his parishioners and ing contributions that continue to strengthen the fabric of American friends, Rev. Smith wrote, “I honestly society. There are many well-respected LGBT leaders in all profes- believe that you have the best oppor- sional fields, including the arts and business communities. LGBT tunity for thriving in the future with new Americans also mobilized the Nation to respond to the domestic leadership and that you currently have HIV/AIDS epidemic and have played a vital role in broadening this a strong Board of Directors to facilitate country’s response to the HIV pandemic. this transition.” An interim pastor will bring the full spectrum of equal rights to LGBT Americans. These be selected shortly. Due in no small part to the determination and dedication of the measures include enhancing hate crimes laws, supporting civil Under Rev. Smith’s leadership LGBT rights movement, more LGBT Americans are living their lives unions and Federal rights for LGBT couples, outlawing discrimina- the MCC bought and moved into its openly today than ever before. I am proud to be the first President tion in the more workplace, ensuring adoption rights, and ending the current building, developed several to appoint openly LGBT candidates to Senate-confirmed positions existing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy in a way that strengthens our ministries, and saw the congregation in the first 100 days of an Administration. These individuals embody Armed Forces and our national security. grow from 32 to over 100 members. the best qualities we seek in public servants, and across my Ad- We must also commit ourselves to fighting the HIV/AIDS epi- He believes that with the refinancing ministration -- in both the White House and the Federal agencies demic by both reducing the number of HIV infections and providing of the building’s mortgage, the MCC is -- openly LGBT employees are doing their jobs with distinction and care and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS across the better positioned to move forward in a professionalism. United States. These issues affect not only the LGBT community, transition. but also our entire Nation. As long as the promise of equality for all As he steps down, Rev. Smith is The LGBT rights movement has achieved great progress, but there remains unfulfilled, all Americans are affected. particularly proud of the diversity of is more work to be done. LGBT youth should feel safe to learn with- MCC Baltimore and prays that it will be out the fear of harassment, and LGBT families and seniors should If we can work together to advance the principles upon which our part of his legacy from his 15 years as be allowed to live their lives with dignity and respect. Nation was founded, every American will benefit. During LGBT leader. Rev. Smith pointed out in the Pride Month, I call upon the LGBT community, the Congress, and letter: “As far as I can tell even from My Administration has partnered with the LGBT community to ad- the American people to work together to promote equal rights for all, the earliest years MCC Baltimore has vance a wide range of initiatives. At the international level, I have regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. been a diverse people embracing joined efforts at the United Nations to decriminalize homosexuality -- contined on page 29 around the world. Here at home, I continue to support measures to -- contined on page 34 Others celebs, such as Rosie O’Donnell, Melissa Ether- idge, T.R. Knight, Clay Aiken, Lance OUtsPOKEN Publisher Bass and Lindsay Mike Chase Lohan came out [email protected] with varying effects Executive Editor on their careers. But Jim Becker in every case, it was [email protected] a positive development Sales Safe or Out? for the lgbt community. Mary Taylor, Director Most recently, Adam [email protected] The hesitancy on the Lambert, the runner-up in Managing Editor American Idol’s 8th season, Steve Charing [email protected] part of gay people to came out officially and pub- licly in Rolling Stone magazine. Leather Editor Rodney Burger fully come out proves No shocker there. But why did he wait? Writers we still have a long way Jeffrey Clagett Josh Aterovis Obviously, it was a calculation Chuck Duncan Rickie Green to go. that while the AI contest was still in Eva Hersh MD Marty Hoegg play, he didn’t want to risk losing the Doug Ireland Jay Loane potent “tween” vote if he had been P.S. Lorio Jim Lucio By Steve Charing more up-front about his sexuality. the “Night Meredith Moise Sandy Rawls Ben Ryland MIA - Alexander St. John It turned out he lost that vote as Out for Equality” event, we Nate Sweeney Larry Walker It’s pretty much a foregone conclusion well as others amidst the swirling learned through an intermediary that the Graphics that the more lgbt folks who come out, the rumors fueled by his guy-liner, wild costumes Cynthia Nixon camp did not want to release Hannah-Love Shibley, Director more likely our march towards equality will and enlightening photos. the text to the press because they were wor- [email protected] strengthen. When straight neighbors, co- Would it have changed the results had ried that the words would be taken out of Carol Baker workers, family members and friends know he come out during the show’s run? Not context. Bryan Sullivan you as a person and then learn that you likely. While some would have given Lam- That’s as mystifying as it gets. If the Photographers are lgbt, they are prone to be on the side bert props for his courage, those voters who spoken word is not considered vulnerable Michelle Alpert equality and justice because of YOU. With were inclined to vote for Kris Allen would to misinterpretation, why would the writ- Skip Koritzer Harry Lowinger straight allies, we will make progress. It’s a have continued to do so. ten word be taken out of context? This safe National Advertising guarantee. They just need to find that com- Lambert’s coming out is welcome to be and cautious approach mitigates the gutsy Rivendell Media fort zone. sure, but his comment to Rolling Stone, “I’m pronouncements from other celebrities who 908-232-2021 TV shows like Will & Grace presented trying to be a singer, not a civil rights leader,” come out unambiguously. Web Services images of our community through the antics tempered the enthusiasm some. It’s bad enough that gay and lesbian Drew Saine of the likable characters. Clever and witty as Other “out’ celebrities have been even elected officials tend to remain in the closet. [email protected] the show was, it did tend to reinforce stereo- more reluctant. They are known Distribution/Circulation types that gay men are screaming queens or to be gay but don’t want to push Jay Loane they are loveless. But all in all, we benefited the envelope. One prominent lo- “This safe and cautious [email protected] since the show provided a needed comfort cal celebrity who had come out approach mitigates the gutsy zone for an audience that in many cases in the Baltimore Sun declined Baltimore OUTloud never knew any out gay people. an interview with OUTloud lest P.O. Box 3640, Baltimore, MD 21214 pronouncements from other 410-244-6780 When celebrities or other public figures she be defined by her sexual www.baltimoreoutloud.com come out—voluntarily—it gives our cause orientation. Despite the fact she celebrities who come out an added boost. Ellen DeGeneres’ coming would have been embraced as unambiguously.” Additional Information out was the talk of the whole world. Although a role model, this iconic figure is Baltimore OUTloud is published every other Friday by Pride it wasn’t a complete surprise that she is a ostensibly “playing it safe.” Media, Ltd. in Baltimore, Maryland. Readers’ comments lesbian, the public still saw this as a bold and Also puzzling was the rationale given by Gay professional athletes fear coming out. and unsolicited materials are welcomed and may be sent largely welcome step. Her career has since the staff of Sex in the City’s Cynthia Nixon Other gay and lesbian celebrities stay clos- to: [email protected].