‘Suspicious OUT December 30, 2011 | Volume IX Issue 17 THE 2011 OUTSPOKEN OUTIES Conversations’ Reported in 2011’s Best, Worst, Biggest & Smallest Charles Village By Steve Charing to recovery to- Hate Crimes Bill, the re- Happy New Year! It’s day. And he still peal of Don’t Ask, Don’t By Dana LaRocca time to look back at doesn’t see him- Tell, was a lead sponsor On December 13 the Baltimore Sun the events and per- self as a hero. of the Employment Non- reported that the “Northern District sonalities of this past Best Step Discrimination Act and a reli- police plan to use everything from year in the areas of Towards Equal- able outspoken ally in Congress. Barney’s stings to warning letters to stop politics and culture ity: New York departure will hurt GOP fundraising. what they say is a persistent prob- and present an un- State legaliz- Good-Bye and Good Riddance: The lem of transgender prostitution in apologetic, subjec- ing marriage for end of the discriminatory, homophobic south Charles Village.” tive, slanted list of same-sex cou- Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. Two women Concerned citizens are report- winners (and losers) ples. sailors’ public kiss caps off the year in ing suspicious conversations to who are deserving of Sorry to See style. the authorities. The Sun reports the OUTIES trophy. You Go: Frank Biggest Near Death Experience: that one resident said “…people In no particular order, Kameny for his Equality Maryland. Following the failure to on crime walks at midnight in the tireless work to achieve its goals in the 2011 General As- I welcome you to the Daniel Hernandez meets the president neighborhood have witnessed con- OUTspoken OUTIES achieve LGBT sembly, the organization ran out of money, versations that they suspected were of 2011. rights over five fired its executive director along with most between prostitutes and would-be Most Understated Hero: Gay staffer decades. RIP Frank—we will someday be of the staff, and overhauled the board. But clients.” (emphasis ours) Daniel Hernandez for aiding Rep. Gabri- treated equally. the one-time leading statewide LGBT civil The Sun also reported, “Resi- elle Giffords immediately following her be- Honorable Mention: The announced rights group is poised to make a comeback dent Odette Ramos, who ran unsuc- ing shot. His brave action was a significant 2012 retirement of Rep. Barney Frank. in 2012. It needs to. cessfully for City Council this year, reason the congresswoman is on the road Flaws and all, he championed a federal —continued on page 8 offered to convene a meeting with some transgenders, who she said complained to her that police and AN INTERVIEW WITH BEN FOLDS residents are erroneously targeting them.” Subsequently Ms. Ramos Ben Folds: I have to say helped to facilitate a meeting with Ben’s Best kind of neither – both to the transgender activists, the Northern same degree, which is a cop District police, and a representative By Gregg Shapiro out. In that I write the whole of the mayor’s office. As the lead singer of the trio Ben Folds song myself and that I’m Activists met with Major Sabrina Five in the 1990s and later as a solo artist, American, Billy Joel. Maybe Tapp-Harper on December 21, ad- singer/songwriter and premier piano player in terms of style of harmony dressing concerns that transgender Ben Folds has developed a devoted legion and, not the presentation sex workers were being targeted. of followers. When settled in at the judge’s like I wear crazy glasses and The major explained that law en- table on the competition TV show The stilts or anything like that, but forcement will focus on the “Johns,” Sing-Off, he raised his profile considerably. there’s something that I have (customers) in a method that has The new three CD anthology The Best Imi- in common with Elton John Ben Folds proven successful in the past. tation of Myself (Epic/Legacy), consisting that I feel a real bond over in Kevin Cleary, the deputy director of a “best of,” a live and a rarities disc, has the way that he did things. I Newman. I think I use humor in a little dif- of the Mayor’s Office of Neighbor- something for everyone, those new to the listened to a lot of Elton John when I was ferent way than Lehrer, although I’ve dab- hoods, pointed out that 10 out of 14 Folds fold and established Ben-heads. The a kid, just because that was what I bought bled in that, with songs such as “All You transgender sex workers that entered Best Imitation of Myself is out now and The at a yard sale. I didn’t really have Billy Jo- Can Eat.” The way that I use funny is more the Prostitution Diversion Program Sing Off airs on Monday nights on NBC. I el’s records until later. I think Billy Joel’s a to highlight what’s not funny. People make had successfully completed the pro- spoke with Ben in September 2011. fucking genius songwriter. the effort to crack jokes, but why the ef- gram. Currently, however, that pro- Gregg Shapiro: In the pantheon of GS: Because of the wit and humor fort? Maybe you’re going to get your ass gram is only available to those who piano men, do you consider yourself to in your work, does Tom Lehrer count as kicked or you’re really nervous or some- have been arrested. Arrest and in- be more closely aligned with Elton John an influence? thing really bad happened or you’re trying carceration, even if just overnight, is or Billy Joel? BF: [Laughs] Yeah. Tom Lehrer, Randy —continued on page 15 —continued on page 3 Gay Rights & American Foreign Policy all races, all faiths; they are doctors and teachers, farmers and bankers, soldiers Never the twain should meet and athletes; and whether we know it, or whether we acknowledge it, they are our Co-Publishers By Justin Raimondo the world that view the West with mistrust family, our friends, and our neighbors. Be- Jim Becker • Jim Williams [email protected] Antiwar.com or hostility. ing gay is not a Western invention; it is a Executive Editor The announcement that the US govern- “Recalling how large demonstrations human reality. And protecting the human Jim Becker ment will henceforth push the achievement broke out in Pakistan in June after staff at rights of all people, gay or straight, is not [email protected] of “gay rights” internationally, as a key ele- the U.S. Embassy held a gay pride cele- something that only Western governments Managing Editor ment of its foreign policy, gives new mean- bration there, he said that Obama’s sincere do. South Africa’s constitution, written in Dana LaRocca [email protected] ing to the phrase “blowback” – and cut out commitment to improving the gay rights the aftermath of Apartheid, protects the the snickering! Because the self-righteous- picture globally could inadvertently make equality of all citizens, including gay peo- Production Director Bill Andriette ness and narcissism of American policy- life worse for gays and lesbians abroad. ple. In Colombia and Argentina, the rights Sales Director “’This cannot be seen as a of gays are also legally protected. In Ne- Mary Taylor U.S.-only issue because at the pal, the supreme court has ruled that equal [email protected] end of the day that would be rights apply to LGBT citizens. The Govern- Leather Columnist counter-productive,’ said Grun- ment of Mongolia has committed to pursue Rodney Burger gas, who was in the audience for new legislation that will tackle anti-gay dis- Contributing Writers Clinton’s speech. ‘In countries Shawn Bradley • Cathy Brennan • Terrence Brower • crimination.” Steve Charing • Jeffrey Clagett • Jeffrey Clouser • Chuck Duncan where U.S. moral leadership is Homosexual behavior has existed as • Gerry Fisher • Eva Hersh MD • Sam Kunz • Jessica Lemmo • not high and where increasingly long as history itself, and it knows no geo- Jay Loane • Meredith Moise • Vann Mills • Colin Riley • Gregg Shapiro • Western values are negative… graphical boundaries: on the other hand, there is a real danger people gay identity is indeed confined not only Graphics can use this issue and say, ‘No, geographically but in time. In the Muslim Joe Velasquez • Bob Wellington we are cleaning up here, we are world, for example, homosexual relations Cartoonist going to reject this American im- between men are widespread – on account Bruce Garrett (www.brucegarrett.com) position of decay.’” of the unapproachable status of women – Photographers Never mind what actually and tacitly sanctioned, as long as the re- Bruce Garrett • Jay W Photos • Justin Nixon helps gay people in, say, Paki- lationships are discreet, i.e. “closeted,” in Web Editor Anja Saine Secretary of State Clinton stan: it’s what makes Hillary Western parlance. This means men who [email protected] Clinton feel morally pure – and identify as fully heterosexual regularly en- Managed Web Services helps the Democrats stay in of- gage in sexual relations with other men – The Fusio Group 866-322-7498, www.thefusiogroup.com makers, in this instance, will have very real fice. to a far greater degree than is true in West- National Advertising Rep consequences for gay people throughout What Hillary had to say in her speech ern countries. The only difference is that Rivendell Media the world, and it isn’t going to be pretty. epitomizes the unhinged moral hubris of a there is no desire – and no need – on their 908-232-2021 If anything underscores the bedrock woman who sees herself as some kind of Founders principle of what I call “libertarian realism” – Historic Force, destined to alter the stars in “It is only a short Jim Becker • Joe Berg • Mike Chase • the concept that the real roots of American their course. The lecturing tone: for thou- Lee Mooney (1959-2007) • Jim Williams foreign policy are determined by the vaga- sands of words she catalogues the abuses hop, skip, and a jump Baltimore OUTloud ries of domestic politics – it is this proclama- heaped on gay people the world over, and P.O. Box 3640, Baltimore, Maryland 21214 tion, enunciated in one of Hillary Clinton’s denounces these as violations of the most from “fighting for gay 410-244-6780 www.baltimoreoutloud.com more bombastic and self-regarding tirades, basic human rights – but what is the US rights” rhetorically to delivered in front of the UN “Human Rights government prepared to do about it? With- Additional Information Council.” With the President’s political base hold “foreign aid” from countries that hurl intervening in other, Baltimore OUTloud is published every other Friday by Pride dispirited, and his reelection chances in- gays off cliffs, as in Saudi Arabia? Cer- Media, Ltd. in Baltimore, Maryland. Readers comments and less benign ways – unsolicited materials are welcomed and may be sent to: editor@ creasingly doubtful, what Democratic strat- tainly not: the new “policy,” as described baltimoreoutloud.com. All materials appearing in this newspaper egists perceive as a gay voting bloc is being in a memorandum from the White House to including militarily.” are the property of Pride Media, Ltd. and may not be reproduced energized for the battle to come. The prob- all agencies, specifies no such action – in- without the written permission of the editor. lem is that the new US policy is going to deed, it specifies no particular action, just hurt gays abroad, and, perhaps, place them a general statement of “principle.” part to “come out,” a Western ritual of po- in mortal peril. While the gay wing of the After subjecting her audience to this litical correctness that would impose gay Democratic party organization was shout- burst of self-righteousness, Madame Clin- identity on those who reject such a label ing hosannas at Clinton’s moral preening, ton then launches into an absurdly one- for cultural-religious reasons. the Chicago Sun-Times reported a different dimensional assault on the idea that im- The second point to be made is that reaction coming from those gay rights advo- posing American values on the rest of the gay identity, as opposed to gay sexual- cates fighting in the trenches: world on a sensitive subject might be in the ity, is a very recent phenomenon even in “Other activists focused on gay rights least bit counterproductive: the West: its emergence as a cultural and The opinions expressed in Baltimore OUTloud are solely those of internationally were more restrained in “The second issue is a question of now a political force can be traced to the the writers unless otherwise indicated and do not necessarily reflect their praise. Neil Grungas, founder of the whether homosexuality arises from a par- “cultural revolution” of the 1960s, and the views of Pride Media, Ltd. San Francisco-based Organization for Ref- ticular part of the world. Some seem to the “liberation” of women, combining the uge, Asylum and Migration, which repre- believe it is a Western phenomenon, and prevalent hedonism of the post-Woodstock © 2011 – All rights reserved therefore people outside the West have Chair of the Board of Trustees – Jim Becker sents gay asylum-seekers, said it was criti- era with the cultural Marxist categories of President – Jim Williams cal for the administration to secure allies grounds to reject it. Well, in reality, gay class-race-and-gender “oppression.” Abra- Secretary and Treasurer – Mike Chase on every continent to avoid looking like it people are born into and belong to every ham Lincoln could sleep in the same bed was imposing American values on parts of society in the world. They are all ages, —continued on next page

2 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com news // LOCAL New Years Eve New Year’s Day Start Your Night Off with Our Kick off the year with Gay Rights and American ‘Suspicious Early Bird Special Foreign Policy Conversations’ 2-4-1 on All Rail Drinks, Domestic the Ravens @1pm – continued from page 2 – continued from front page Beers, Drafts & House Wines 5-10pm Party Chow 10pm Karaoke with his favorite hunk for years and no one problematic for transgender people, since Kicks Off for The Night & Goes On Raffle of the would have thought to call him “gay.” Spar- they are incarcerated with the opposite sex. As Long As You Go On Flat Screen TV tan soldiers could bugger their comrades Activists are concerned that a focus Midnight on the battlefield and then go home to their on this particular demographic will cause Champagne Toast on The House wives and children with nary a thought harm to an already marginalized com- about their “sexual identity.” munity. During the course of the meeting 2pm is Chow Time Those were the Good Old Days. Today, members of the transgender community w/Buffet to Give You Staying Power a romp in the hay is a political act, and 4am The Tree Rolls Back The Time to the non-Western reaction to this evolution “Sex workers should Happy Hour Pricing is bad news for the “gay” underground in Till 8pm January 1st those countries. It means demagogues learn the simple art arising to wipe out this “Western menace,” while Western politicians capitalize on it of etiquette. Shouting here in the US by getting up on their high to a friend from a horses. This is the irony inherent in the only solid action item in the administra- block away draws tion’s pro-gay memo: instructing US em- unnecessary attention.” 1633 South Charles St., bassies abroad to facilitate applications for asylum in the US. First stir up the hornets Federal Hill nest – and then rush to the aid of those committed to going on ride-along’s with 410.468.0550 stung. That just about sums up the course the police to gain a further understanding www.therowantree.net of US “human rights” diplomacy in modern of day-to-day operations. All through the season the tree offers one era. Cynde Kimbrough, representing Women stop donation boxes. Just drop a toy for our No one denies that the oppression of Accepting Responsibility (WAR) suggested hiv children. Just drop a nonperishable food gays – often quite horrific – in non-West- that the sex workers should learn the simple item. We take it from there. ern countries is deplorable, immoral, and art of etiquette. Shouting to a friend from a all the rest. Yet there are many injustices block away draws unnecessary attention. in the world, most of which are beyond the The workers fail to grasp, sometimes, that power of the US government – or anyone they share the neighborhood with others, – to correct. Certainly the US interven- she suggested. Moreover, drawing attention ing in the moral life of foreign countries, to themselves puts them, and others, at risk. about whose customs and history we can WAR’s mission, is to offer women and ado- only have a limited understanding, is a pre- lescent females whose lives have been shat- lude to other far less benevolent forms of tered by crisis and transition a safe haven. meddling. It is only a short hop, skip, and Their goal is to advance positive behavioral a jump from “fighting for gay rights” rhe- change, and, among other things, to reduce torically to intervening in other, less benign the spread of HIV/AIDS. ways – including militarily. Owen Smith, field organizer for gen- American foreign policy is supposed der equality issues at Equality Maryland, to protect America’s interests abroad, and discussed the issue of transwomen being those interests are hardly served by alienat- stopped by police while doing nothing un- ing those non-Western countries where ho- toward. Major Tapp-Harper was unaware mosexuality is understood differently, and is of those incidents. Baltimore OUTloud will in many cases illegal. Nor are the interests continue to monitor those developments. of gay people in those countries served by Activists are concerned about the the posturing of American politicians who safety of transgender sex-workers, as well are simply pandering to domestic constitu- as the safety of transgender citizens who encies. In this case, as in all others, the best may be targeted as sex-workers simply be- policy for the US internationally is to mind its cause of their gender nonconformity. They own damned business. t are similarly concerned with the manner Copyright © Antiwar.com 2011. Re- in which local media have reported these printed with permission from the publisher. events. t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 3 news // 2011 in review New Years’ Revolution – The State of Civil Rights in America The Bill of Rights Suspended? ThinkProgress reported that in Decem- spouse under Vermont law in April. The other civil rights groups recently argued The National Defense Authorization Act ber a Tennessee a 93-year-old woman was authorities are telling her she must return that the law, scheduled to go into effect of 2012 (NDAA) has been passed by both told her state ID did not meet new stan- to her native Japan because her marriage Jan. 1, was unconstitutional and that it in- the House and the Senate and now sits on dards and that she would be unable to vote is not recognized under DOMA. Had they terferes with federal laws. President Obama’s desk. His advisors rec- for the first time in decades. Last October been a heterosexual couple she would U.S. District Court Judge Richard Ger- ommend that he not veto this they similarly reported that have gained status as “relative alien” as gel also said that sections of the law, in- legislation. The Act contains an 86-year-old veteran was the spouse of a U.S. citizen. cluding those criminalizing the failure to provisions that would allow the obligated to pay a fee, which carry “papers” at all times were also likely president to order the military amounted to an unconstitu- Immigration and the to be found unconstitutional. to imprison, without charge or tional poll tax. Fourth Amendment The ruling came shortly after the U.S. trial, civilians anywhere in the “Under the law, any resi- Supreme Court decided to take a case in- world, including within U.S. dent without a photo ID is On December 23, U.S. District Court volving parts of Arizona’s notorious anti- borders. supposed to get one free of Judge Murray Snow ruled that a lawsuit to immigrant law, SB 1070. In a statement released on charge. But when the citizen end a policy of the Maricopa County Sher- December 14, Laura W. Mur- asked for an ID, he was told iff’s Office of racial profiling. The sheriff’s phy, director of the ACLU Washington Leg- he had to pay an $8 fee.” ThinkProgress office was “stopping and arresting Latinos Employment islative Office stated, “If President Obama reported. based only on suspicion of unlawful pres- Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) signs this bill, it will damage both his leg- On December 13, Attorney General ence in the United States and without any The revolving door of ENDA has come acy and American’s reputation for uphold- Eric Holder spoke about these concerns evidence of criminal activity, ruling that before the Congress almost every year ing the rule of law. The last time Congress in a speech in Austin, Texas. He said that such detentions violate constitutional guar- since 1994. It would prohibit discrimina- passed indefinite detention legislation was despite our tradition of extending voting antees against unreasonable search and tion against employees based on sexual during the McCarthy era and President rights to minorities, “a growing number of seizure,” according to a press release from orientation or gender identity by civil- Truman had the courage to veto that bill.” our fellow citizens are worried about the the ACLU of the same date. ian, nonreligious employers with at least By signing this bill, the president will same disparities, divisions, and problems,” The judge ordered that the case pro- 15 employees. It had its best chance of abolish habeas corpus and abrogate the that raised our concerns during the John- ceed as a civil class action, enabling La- passage in 2006. In 2007 gender identity Bill of Rights as addressed in the Sixth son presidency. tino persons who were stopped, searched protections were first added but sponsors Amendment: “Since January,” he said, “more than a or detained unconstitutionally to seek civil who believed that including them would “In all criminal prosecutions, the ac- dozen states have advanced new voting remedy as part of the action. hurt the passage of the bill clipped those cused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and measures. Some of these new laws are “The court’s injunction on our illegal protections from the bill. Massachusetts public trial, by an impartial jury of the State currently under review by the Justice De- seizure claim is a significant step toward Congressman Barney Frank supported and district wherein the crime shall have partment, based on our obligations under stopping the sheriff’s office from violating the stripped bill, as did the Human Rights been committed, which district shall have the Voting Rights Act.” people’s civil rights,” said Cecilia Wang, Campaign (HRC). been previously ascertained by law, and director of the ACLU Immigrants’ Rights At that time, 113 national and state to be informed of the nature and cause of Project. “The court’s order makes clear LGBT organizations signed a letter pledg- the accusation; to be confronted with the Marriage still unequal that MCSO violates the Fourth Amendment ing to oppose ENDA until gender identity witnesses against him; to have compulsory Senator Dianne Feinstein is the chief spon- when it stops and detains merely based on protections were included. President Bush process for obtaining witnesses in his fa- sor of Senate Bill 598, which would repeal a suspicion that a person is in the United would have vetoed the 2007 bill, regard- vor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel DOMA, and would require marriages made States unlawfully.” less of the language. for his defense.” in marriage equality states to be recog- The ruling comes in a 2008 lawsuit filed The bill is re-introduced each year, Similarly, it violates the principle of due nized nationwide. A third of the Senate has on behalf of five individuals and the Somos once again this year by Congressman process in the Fifth Amendment. already signed on to the bill. No Republi- America immigrants’ rights coalition chal- Frank. In a recent press release from HRC, cans have yet stepped forward. lenging racial profiling by the sheriff’s of- President Joe Solmonese said, “Sup- DOMA denies same-sex couples more fice. port for employment protections for LGBT Voting Rights Still Under Siege than 1,100 federal rights and benefits that Alessandra Soler Meetze, executive workers is tipping the scale even further to- Thirteen states have enacted laws requir- are provided to all other legally married director of the ACLU of Arizona, said, “The ward fairness for all people. What is most ing state issued photo identification in or- couples, including rights to Social Security Sheriff’s Office has used the excuse of im- promising is that people of all political, reli- der to vote. According to the ACLU, the spousal benefits, protection from estate migration enforcement to systematically vi- gious, and ideological persuasions clearly research indicates that one in four African- taxes when a spouse passes away, and olate the civil rights of Latinos in Maricopa support non-discrimination laws protecting Americans of voting age do not have gov- the ability to file taxes jointly and claim County, including U.S. citizens and lawful LGBT people.” ernment issued photo identification, and certain deductions, according to sponsor immigrants.” Congressman Frank, as recently as that senior citizens and low-income folks Feinstein. For more information on the case, Nov 29, was still blaming transgender in- lack ID at disproportionate rates. These The Obama administration’s an- Melendres v. Arpaio, go to www.aclu.org/ clusion as a reason that the bill has not laws tip the balance of power by making nouncement last February that the Justice immigrants-rights/ortega-melendres-et-al- passed. In a press conference on that day it more difficult for the poor and minorities Department would no longer defend DOMA v-arpaio-et-al. he also said, “The only way you can get to exercise the franchise. There may be in court was a major step forward in 2011. In similar news, on December 22, any law passed that fights discrimination some light at the end of the tunnel as the However, DOMA’s reach goes beyond the U.S. District Court Judge Richard Gergel based on sexual orientation and/or gender Justice Department begins to take action. courts. Federal administrative agencies blocked parts of South Carolina’s anti-im- identity is if you have a Democratic presi- On December 24, the Justice Depart- are still bound by the law. migrant law. The law included a provision dent, House and Senate.” ment used Section 5 of the Voting Rights Federal immigration authorities are that required drivers to prove they were We had that for two years under the Act against a South Carolina law that re- splitting up a lesbian couple in Vermont. citizens or legal residents at traffic stops. Obama, administration, yet that did not quired voters to show photo ID at the polls. Takako Ueda was legally married to her The American Civil Liberties Union and happen. t

4 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com news // NATIONAL Supporters Hail as Hero US Soldier Tied to Wikileaks By Nico Colombant began Friday. Voanews.com “I can tell from seeing him in court that Fort Meade, Maryland – While a case he is a strong guy and he should just stay against a young U.S. soldier blamed for strong and keep focused the way he is do- leaking thousands of classified and sensi- ing,” Tobocman said. tive official documents resumed in a mili- The hearings are to determine wheth- tary court Saturday, supporters gathered er prosecutors have enough evidence to outside to hail him as a hero. bring Manning to a military trial. The day was also Private First Class “We are going to do everything to free Bradley Manning’s 24th Bradley Manning, by sup- birthday. porting the legal team, by Hundreds of protesters changing public opinion said they wanted to give so people realize Bradley Manning all the support Manning is a true whistle- they could, and marched blower, in every sense of along the base’s gated the definition, in democracy compound where the hear- both American and around ing is taking place. the world,” said Paterson. Some drivers honked His supporters say in support, while others some of the leaked infor- rolled down their window mation inspired the Arab yelling “traitor.” Spring protests which But army veteran Ellen already toppled several Barfield said Manning was authoritarian regimes in a hero to many. North Africa and the Mid- “People who have in- dle East this year and led side information that the to the Occupy movements public should know about in the United States, which and they disclose it, I con- target corporate greed and sider heroes,” she said. inefficient governance. “We do not know if that is Bradley Manning Many of the protesters what Bradley Manning did Saturday in Fort Meade but that is what he is accused of and a lot were bused in from Occupy movements of us, all of us here, consider him a hero.” from different U.S. cities. They said the Cartoonist Seth Tobocman who was fight to free Bradley Manning was part of a drawing new protest signs said Manning larger movement, which they hoped would had continued to impress him since the lead to what they called “an American hearings, expected to last about a week, Spring” in a few months. t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 5 beyond the beltway compiled by Jim Becker would not sign the legislation as he asked sons with a subordinate, steady boyfriends, view the video submissions. the legislature to take back the bill and anonymous sex partners, a hustler and oth- “’Glee’ has always been about the im- Pennsylvania change it to prohibit the law from stopping ers. “Got some death threats of the crank portance of arts education, and... I have felt legislators form universities from providing similar ben- level, but have moved to a safe house until strongly from the beginning that the show efits due to constitutional considerations. it calms down,” Maxey told Dallas Voice. has a responsibility to give back,” com- LGBT caucus “In a signing letter Head Figure Head – The Search for the mented the show’s co-creator and execu- to the legislature, Hidden Life of Rick Perry is the product of tive producer Ryan Murphy. “We congratu- Harrisburg, PA – More than two – dozen Snyder reiterated Maxey’s work with a reporter from The Huff- late the winners and want the thousands of members of the Pennsylvania General As- the fact that higher ington Post and the frustration he felt when students across the country who submitted sembly are stepping up to the plate for education institu- publisher Arianna Huffington killed what the to know how impressed we were with their LGBT equality. The state legislature an- tions would not be former legislator claims was a completed passion and talent. Music programs were nounced this week that it has formed an included in H.B. story approved by editors and ready for incredibly important to me growing up, and LGBT Equality Caucus, comprised of 26 Gov. Rick Snyder 4770 as the con- publication. When it became clear the story we hope that our show and initiatives like members of the Pennsylvania House of stitutional autono- would never be published, Maxey started ’Give a Note’ continue to demonstrate how Representatives and Senate, a first for the my of universities has been reviewed and writing his boo much they mean to our kids.” state. affirmed many times by the courts since In his book Maxey does not name any “Music education plays such a critical The caucus, first proposed earlier this the adoption of the 1963 Michigan Con- of the sources he cites that claim knowl- role in the development of our children, yet year by Equality Pennsylvania, will serve stitution,” Snyder said in a press release. edge of Perry’s alleged sexual escapades. its place in our schools is not assured due as a resource for lawmakers and the pub- Members of classified state civil service He concedes a high – priced call boy who to dire budget situations across the nation,” lic on LGBT issues. “This is the first time are also not covered by the terms of H.B. claimed to have engaged in sex with Perry said Michael Butera, executive director of there would be a consistent voice within 4770 as the constitution gives the Michi- and another man for hire in hotel rooms the National Association for Music Educa- the legislature,” said Ted Martin, executive gan Civil Service Commission responsibil- several times never went on the record. But tion. “Bold and generous acts, like FOX’s director of Equality PA. “It’s finally a state- ity for setting rates of compensation and he maintained there was already enough Glee Give a Note campaign, validate its ment that LGBT rights have a place at the regulating all conditions of employment in documentation to justify publication. And he importance and bring a sense of hope to table and are going to be discussed.” the classified service.” said that he is not worried about Gov. Perry thousands of educators and students. We Rep. Dan Frankel (D-23rd Dist.) and Kary Moss, executive director of the filing a lawsuit against him, and doubts that are deeply grateful for the funding and Sen. Daylin Leach (D-17th Dist.) will serve Michigan ACLU was critical of Snyder’s he would lose a lawsuit if Perry filed one awareness this campaign has created.” as co – chairs. Frankel has been the prime decision. “The decision to take healthcare against him. “Everything I said in this book (Bay Windows – Hannah Clay Wareham at sponsor of the LGBT nondiscrimination benefits away from families just in time for is my opinion,” Maxey said. “I believe Rick Baywindows.com) bill and Leach, the state’s first marriage the holidays is mean – spirited and cruel. Perry is homosexual or had relations with – equality bill. Frankel said the caucus Governor Snyder had an opportunity to gay men. The evidence points to that con- members will work to advance such mea- show real leadership and put an end to clusion.” Maxey said at the time he wrote Killer of gay sures but will also be heavily focused on the political games; instead he approved the book there were only a dozen men education. “We have a vigorous agenda, an extreme policy that sets our state back, known who had claimed to have had sex classmate accepts but it’s an agenda that we’re not in a posi- jeopardizes our economy and puts our with Perry. Now, there are twice that many, plea & faces 21 years tion to move forward at this time given that families at risk,” she said. and new tips come in daily, he said. (Dallas conservative members of the Republican Policy director at Equality Michigan, Voice – David Webb at Dallasvoice.com) Oxnard, CA – A Southern California teen- caucus control both chambers,” Frankel Emily Dievendorf, was also not pleased ager faces 21 years in state prison for kill- said. “But at the end of the day, many of with the new legislation. Gov. Snyder’s ing a gay student during a computer lab us understand that things will only hap- support for these bills is appalling. To- Glee awards go to class three years ago. In a deal reached pen with persistence and a sustained ef- day, the Governor told unmarried public with Ventura County prosecutors last fort. So we want to educate our colleagues employees that they could no longer care four Boston are month, 17 – year – old Brandon McInerney and the citizens of Pennsylvania about for their partners or children. He has put high schools agreed to avoid a retrial and plead guilty why it’s important for Pennsylvania, for a hardworking gay and lesbian couples and to second – degree murder, as well as one myriad of reasons, to support these LGBT their children into harm’s way by eliminat- Boston, MA – Four Boston-area schools count each of voluntary manslaughter and equality measures. That’s the most impor- ing important health care coverage. He have extra reason to be gleeful this holiday use of a firearm. McInerney had just turned tant aspect of this.” The caucus will meet has spent the last two years talking about season. Andover High School, George- 14 when he shot and killed 15 – year – regularly, Frankel said, and there will like- creating a welcoming state with an attrac- town Middle – High School, Chelmsford old Larry King at E.O. Green Junior High ly be occasion for events with the LGBT tive business climate, and these bills fly in High School, and Millis High School have School in Oxnard. Leading up to the killing, community. All members are Democrats. the face of those goals.” (Bay Windows & all won grants from the “Glee Give a Note teachers and students saw a feud growing (Philadelphia Gay News – Jen Colletta at Edgewire – Jason St. Amand at Baywin- C a m p a i g n , ” between King and McInerney, who would Epgn.com) dows.com & Edgeboston.com) which funds at – shoot King in the head before stunned risk school music classmates in a computer lab. McInerney programs across had reached an emotional breaking point Domestic-partner Former Texas the country. The after King made repeated, unwanted sex- benefits banned in legislator: Perry campaign, in- ual advances toward him and other boys, spired by Twen- defense lawyers said. Michigan had gay affairs tieth Century A mistrial was declared in September Fox’s popular when jurors couldn’t reach a unanimous Ann Arbor, MI – Republican Michigan Austin, TX – Life is changing quickly for musical television show “Glee,” launched decision on the degree of guilty. The panel Gov. Rick Snyder, has signed a law which gay former Texas Rep. Glen Maxey since three months ago. Applicant schools were took a series of votes, the last one with bans unmarried public employees from ex- the publication last week of his memoir required to submit video submissions il- seven jurors in favor of voluntary man- tending benefits to their partners, reported chronicling a five – month investigation of lustrating their individual music program’s slaughter and five supporting either first Pride Source. Some believed that Snyder Gov. Rick Perry’s alleged homosexual liai- need. Visit www.GleeGiveANote.com to – degree or second – degree murder. The 6 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com beyond the beltway trial had been moved from Ventura County friends. This year, in its fourth year, Stew- cussing details of the investigation or the has embraced science and rationalism, the to Los Angeles because of pretrial public- art’s creation – OUTdoors gay camp – con- charges, Chinese community activist Eliz- DPRK recognizes that many individuals ity. Several jurors said after McInerney’s tinued to grow, attracting a record number abeth OuYang, president of the New York are born with homosexuality as a genetic trial that he shouldn’t have been tried as of LGBT youth from chapter of the Organization of Chinese trait and treats them with due respect. Ho- an adult. Arizona and around Americans, said that according to infor- mosexuals in the DPRK have never been Ventura County Chief Deputy District the country as it be- mation gleaned from emails, Facebook subject to repression, as in many capitalist Attorney Mike Frawley said prosecutors came one of the most posts, discussions with cousins and pages regimes around the world. However, North agreed to the plea deal because of uncer- important experienc- of Chen’s journal that have been released Koreans also place a lot of emphasis on tainty about what es offered to the com- by the Army, Chen faced incessant bullying social harmony and morals. Therefore, might result from a munity. Stewart ac- based on his ethnicity. OuYang said Chen’s the DPRK rejects many characteristics of second trial. Fraw- knowledged that the fellow soldiers dragged him across the floor, the popular gay culture in the West, which ley said at the time idea for OUTdoors threw rocks at the back of his head and many perceive to embrace consumerism, that prosecutors stemmed from her mocked him by calling him “Jackie Chen” classism, and promiscuity.’ took into account own struggle to be – a reference to Chinese martial arts star This statement seems to insinuate that Brandon McInerney how much time in accepted as a lesbian Jackie Chen – in a bad Chinese accent. homosexuality may not be illegal, but public jail for McInerney would protect the com- as a youth. “But that Caleb Laieski OuYang also said that once after Chen left displays of affection, gay-themed clubs, gay- munity. “The total time in custody for 25 can’t sustain why you do it,” she said. the water heater on after showering, the rights activism, and sexual promiscuity are years will do that,” he said. McInerney will “You keep doing it because it’s awesome.” other soldiers forced him to hold liquid in probably all be released just before his 39th birthday. Campers must agree, as the event near his mouth while hanging upside down. frowned upon. (Bay Windows & The Associated Press at Prescott has grown from about 40 young Bullying and hazing directed at Chen GlobalGayz. Baywindows.com) people the first year to a record 150 this was reportedly based on his Chinese eth- com, a gay- year. (Echo magazine at Echo.com) nicity, with no mention made of anything owned chari- related to his sexual orientation, But bul- table travel and lying is bullying, no matter what the bully- culture web- Echo magazine ing is based on, and bullying kills. But if a site focused names man and trained soldier stationed in Afghanistan can on LGBT life be bullied into suicide, what chance does in countries woman of the year a lonely kid questioning his or her sexual around the orientation or gender identity have against world, said, Phoenix, AZ – Echo magazine has named those who think might makes right? (Dallas ‘The concept youth activist Caleb Laieski Man of the Voice – Tammy Nash at Dallasvoice.com) Kim Jong Il of same – sex Year and gay camp founder Kado Stew- attraction hard- art as Woman of the Year. Both have been ly exists in the minds of people. Even with instrumental in improving the lives and op- people who feel this attraction, there is igno- tions for sexual minority youth. Gay life in North rance about what it means or how it can be Ask Caleb Laieski about the highlight Korea is one of expressed in behavior.’ It is also unclear what of his year and he immediately responds Pvt. Danny Chen the age of consent, if any, for homosexual ac- that it was the opportunity to meet the secrecy tivity is. Article 153 of the criminal law states leader of the free world. And even though that a man who has sexual intercourse with the meeting with President Barack Obama Soldiers charged in Pyongyang, North Korea – On December a girl under the age of 15 shall be ‘punished during the White House LGBT Gay Pride bullying death of 17, Kim Jong Il, the leader of North Korea, gravely,’ but the law is unclear about the age Month reception didn’t last much longer died. Life inside North Korea is not gener- of consent for boys or for same-sex sexual than it took to snap a photo, Laieski used another soldier ally well understood. The nation is among activity. North Korean propaganda has spo- the moment to lobby for LGBT youth. He the most isolated in the world. ‘Reclusive’ radically portrayed homosexuality as a char- suggested that the president would be well Kandahar, Afghanistan – Eight U.S. Army only begins to scratch the surface of what acteristic of Western (particularly American) served to appoint an adviser on LGBT youth soldiers are facing charges including in- one could say about the DPRK’s obses- moral degeneracy. North Korea opposed issues. It was the latest of several initiatives voluntary manslaughter, negligent homi- sion with secrecy. And because people of- both the U.N. declaration on sexual orienta- that the 16 – year – old from Surprise has cide, assault, dereliction of duty, reckless ten fear what they don’t know, North Korea tion and gender identity, which called for the embarked upon since he fought back after endangerment, communicating a threat, isn’t exactly on the best of terms with Asia worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality being bullied in his high school. In the past maltreatment and making a false officials – or the rest of the world, for that matter. and the exclusion of sexual orientation as dis- year, Laieski testified for bullying protec- statement after having allegedly bullied Researching gay life in North Korea criminatory grounds for execution. Its precise tions for LGBT students at the Arizona Cap- and hazed another soldier until he was is like navigating your way through a dark reasons for doing so remain unclear. t (Se- itol, and then took the fight to Washington driven to suicide, according to reports pub- tunnel without the aid of a flashlight – you attle Gay News – Shaun Knittel at Sgn.org) to lobby for federal protections. It is for his lished in the New York Times and Wash- don’t know which way to turn, dead ends work at the local, state and national levels ington Post. Pvt. Danny Chen, 19, born are common, and little ground is gained. to make schools safer for LGBT youth, that and raised in Lower Manhattan, was as- However, there is some information that These news notes have been compiled from the on he was given the award. signed to the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry has been made available to the public line version of various newspapers and other web Growing up in a small town in the Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat about their views on homosexuality. Al- sites. We thank those publications that have allowed Midwest, Kado Stewart remembers that Team, 25th Infantry Division. Although though it is difficult to report definitively on what made her different also isolated her based in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, the divi- what the legal status for LGBT North Kore- us to bring you their news stories. Usually the reports at home and at school. Years later, for a sion is serving in the Kandahar province in ans is, the official government statement have been significantly edited and you can read the college project, she got the idea for some- Afghanistan. Chen was found dead of an is as follows: ‘Due to tradition in Korean full story by going to the web site mentioned following thing that would help other young people apparently self- inflicted gunshot wound culture, it is not customary for individuals the item. Comments are strictly the opinions of Jim who were suffering that same kind of inside a guard tower on Oct. 3. of any sexual orientation to engage in pub- Becker and not of Baltimore Outloud or Pride Media. isolation to become empowered and find Although military officials are not dis- lic displays of affection. As a country that BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 7 THINKING OUT LOUD

THE 2011 OUTSPOKEN 2011 General C’mon NHL. Get the puck OUTIES A s s e m b l y , with the program! – continued from front page the intense Best Celebrity Allies and often an- (tie): Lady Gaga has been gry divisions magnificent and once Most Premature Victory Dance: Also among the OUT again, Neil Patrick Harris. goes to Equality Maryland for staging “cel- c o m m u n i t y Spoken Honorable Mention: ebration” events following the successful members, the All those who have partici- state Senate vote on marriage equality but M c D o n a l d ’ s Steve Charing pated in the “It Gets Bet- prior to the travesty in the House of Del- beating video, ter” campaign and have egates. Timing is everything. So is percep- the formation appeared in videos support- tion. of a new organization and the success in ing same-sex marriage in New York and in Most Unexpected Ally: State Sen. Al- securing a gender identity bill in Howard Maryland. Thank you all. lan H. Kittleman for bucking his Republi- County—provided much to write and talk Top Mindless Movie: can Party dogma and supporting marriage about. Friends with Benefits— Best Drag Act: Shawnna Alexander equality in Maryland. If you know him, this Best New Organization: not exactly a block- is not really a surprise. Thanks Senator. Gender Rights Maryland—it’s buster—but when Most Mercurial Delegate: Tiffany motivated, mobilized and al- you have a — Great message, good beat, easy to Alston of PG County angered marriage ready has a victory to tout. chiseled (and dance to. equality advocates with her antics last Biggest Game nude) Jus- Best Gay Bar: All of them for providing a C h a n g e r : tin Timber- space for LGBT folks to congregate, network Viral video lake and and socialize among ourselves without hav- of beating a likable ing to depend on social media for interaction. of trans- gay char- Nothing tops gay happy meetings. w o m a n acter in Best Drag Act: Shawnna Alexander Chrissy Lee the same owns this category. Polis at a m o v i e , Best LGBT-Friendly Restaurant: R o s e d a l e that’s all I Brewer’s Art (again). McDonald’s. need. If only Best LGBT-Friendly Theatre in Balti- It graphically one of the more: The Spotlighters. Dependably good pointed out how Twilight guys productions that are well-acted and direct- trans-folks are was gay. ed in the tight confines of the in-the-round in need of protec- Best Opening stage. tions, and hopefully the Number: Neil Patrick Best Gay-Themed Musical: La Cage incident will open some Harris’ “It’s Not Just aux Folles at the Hippodrome was a winner minds. For Gays Anymore” at in every aspect. It was the best of times. t Smallest Minds for Prez: the Tony’s was one for the ages. Steve Charing’s OUTspoken blog is at Anti-gay Republican candi- Sample lyric: “If you feel like someone that www.SteveCharing.blogspot.com. dates Bachmann, Santorum, this world excludes, it’s Biggest Game Changer: Viral video of beating of trans- Gingrich, Perry and Romney. no longer only for dudes woman Chrissy Lee Polis at a Rosedale McDonald’s. Best at Carrying a Lucky who like dudes. Attention Horseshoe: President Barack every breeder, you’re in- session. She was a co-sponsor of the bill Obama. Low approval ratings, failure so vited to the theatre.” and then changed her mind. Now, with an far to motivate his base, economy in the Worst Audience: indictment hanging over her head and her dumper, no influence in Congress despite Those attending GOP anger concerning the governor’s redistrict- recent tax success—certain precursors to debates who find it in ing plan, it will be interesting in 2012. defeat, right? But look at the field of poten- their hearts to boo an Biggest Topic of News: The transgen- tial opponents! American gay soldier der community—the failure to pass a gen- A Movement Needing Motion: Occu- and urging a hypothetical der identity non-discrimination bill in the piers with their noble cause must do more uninsured coma patient than camp out. Using the political system to simply just go die. to realize their goals, if they are ever clari- Best TV Show for fied, would be far more effective. The win- LGBT (tie): Glee and dow may be closing. Modern Family Worst Muddling of an Issue: Homo- Most Disappointing phobic extremists trying to equate pedo- TV Show: Desperate philia to homosexuality during the Penn Housewives in its final State sex scandal. run. Dark plot all sea- Most Altruistic Organization: Brother son about a murder and Help Thyself raises much needed money cover-up while reducing for non-profit LGBT orgs in a slow econo- the gay couple to a pair my. Great work and they do it every year! of buffoons. Where was Best Sports Progress: NFL, NBA and Andrew? MLB for including LGBT non-discrimination Best Song: Lady Best Song: Lady Gaga’s ‘Born This Way’ — Smallest Minds for Prez – Perry ranks high! provisions in their new labor agreements. Gaga’s “Born This Way” Great message, good beat, easy to dance to. 8 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com cause of sex discrimination. form solid and stable partnerships with our Sex discrimination impacts females, all allies to accomplish these daunting reali- females. We might suffer in degrees, but ties. Ladybug’s the root is the same. The root is our sex, Although the challenges we face are Political and how society used and grooms females. Crossroads great, there has rarely been a time in our Smackdown Call it sexism or misogyny – sex discrimi- Chronicles history as a nation that a group of people Cathy Brennan nation is the air we breathe and the water Rev. Mother Meredith Moise have made such profound progress in a we drink. it is so pervasive that females (and short amount of time. From Stonewall to males) don’t see it. When we do see it, when the present, the LGBT community has all the filters are lifted, you might feel crazy. made tremendous strides in a relatively Females First Your 20/20 vision will earn you contempt Eyes on short amount of time. Our progress has from the majority of females (and males) been many fronts: legal, medical and even The last thing females want to be called is who ignore how much “being female” hurts. the Prize socially. Despite gains, we still need to “feminist” – because that might mean “man Think about every way in which “so- move our equality agenda forward in the hating.” That’s bad for straight ladies, be- ciety” disadvantages females. Laws dic- Moving forward in 2012 hearts and minds of our neighbors. cause then someone might think them les- tate what we can do with our bodies. We For many gays and lesbians, remain- bian. Even though lesbians don’t want to are sold a bill of goods on Femininity that By Rev. Mother Meredith Moise ing in the closet is the preferred existence. couple with males, lesbians are “supposed” makes us hate ourselves. We must be porn Season’s Greetings! Another year has There are kids being tossed out on the to be socially available to them and not “man sexy and slutty. “Traditionally” female oc- zipped by. With warp speed, we watched street because they are LGBT. Ultimately, haters.” (I know I‘ve been called “man hater” cupations are low wage. earthquakes; experienced earthquakes, legislation will not solve these challenges before!) So heaven forfend if you’re feminist! Once you’ve taken inventory, know, fe- cheered marriage equality in New York of the heart and mind. Time, dialogue and Patriarchy socializes Females to dis- males, that I love you. I don’t like to get while remembering the disappointment of persistence lead to internal change. Talk- trust other Females. And we do. Females mushy with you, but I feel like you need to falling short here in Maryland. ing to our neighbors, family, and friends ul- fall into other Identity Communities – away know. Focus on females. Yes, other forms As we reflect and remember 2011, the timately reveals the inherent human digni- from – and often at odds with – each other. of oppression exist. No doubt. prize remains before us. The prize is not ty of our lives. Our challenges are rooted in Goddess forbid females actually used fem- What would happen if females started just the prospect of marriage equality, but basic ignorance. Misconceptions and out- inism to advance rights for females. What to organize based on our female-ness? a broader, comprehensive agenda for Bal- right lies about our lives support homopho- about the males? What if we organized around those agenda timore’s LGBT community. Non discrimi- bia. We can destroy these myths at a root Because of our socialization, females re- items that benefit females? level by sharing ourselves. We don’t have sist coming together, or even identifying, as We’d need to identify our agenda. Before As we reflect and to be covered in rainbow regalia. Simply a class. Accordingly, females are the most we did that, we’d have to let go of whatever by being, we are shattering myths. Simply dissolved, invisible ingredient in the Great identity to which we cling, as these identities are remember 2011, the by being, we pave the way for others to be American Melting Pot. We hear of white, gay, obstacles to organizing as females. After that prize remains before themselves. black, or poor people. When discussing poor work, ask, “what do females need”? Females We are at a tipping point in the equality people, nobody asks whether they are male have concerns related to pregnancy, childbirth us. This next year will movement. Although the polls show us that or females (even though – as a class – the and abortion because of biology. Controlling a majority of Americans believe gays and poor are female and the rich are male). Only our bodies is a key element of Female Lib- require us to work lesbians should be able to get married and when discussing females do concern trolls eration. Females that have control over fertility together in new ways trans people should be protected, there come calling to ensure you discuss poor fe- have greater education, employment and po- are still bastions of ignorance. Much of this males, brown females, vegan females, gay litical participation than females who lack that to protect and nurture is based on so-called religious perspec- females, and (fill in the blank) females. That’s control. Females must dictate our sexuality be- tives formulated in times when superstition no coincidence. Patriarchy places these filters cause sexuality has dire consequences for us. ourselves.” ruled the day. Folks use these beliefs to in front of females to prevent us from perceiv- I understand why Females do Identity support their prejudice. Similarly, people ing each other as members of the same op- Politics. It’s “easier” to localize the “problem” nation protection for transgender citizens, who affirmed their bigotry in scripture often pressed class. These obstacles destroy the in a smaller identity group (wherein I might a drop in center and shelter for homeless opposed movements for racial equality and need for further derails by patriarchy because become a White Butch Dyke). It does noth- gay and trans youth, a new focus to end equality for women. As more of us walk in females don’t talk to each other as members ing for females. Your little Identity Group the HIV/AIDS pandemic are among the is- the truth of who we are, these attitudes will of the same class. It divides females. might be safe for you, but it’s not enough. sues that our community needs to focus eventually fade away. This is not an instant Baltimore has no “Women’s Commu- Females need each other. Females on. process, but time is on our side. nity.” We have the Choice Community, should prioritize the good of females. Fem- This next year will require us to work 2012 is sizing up to be an interesting Domestic Violence Community, White inism provides a new lens through which to together in new ways to protect and nur- year. Wishing the community upward and Lesbian Community, Black Lesbian Com- analyze What Females Need. What would ture ourselves. The New Year asks us to onward progress... ever forward! t munity, and Peace Community, to name a happen if all females were feminist? few – but females inhabiting these worlds Maybe we’d have an Equal Rights don’t generally mix. What would happen if Amendment – “Equality of rights under the females talked to each other about what law shall not be denied or abridged by the Rev. Mother Meredith Moise, ordained Old Catholic priest, connects us – our female-ness? United States or by any state on account As a lesbian, here’s a truth anathema to of sex.” The Equal Rights Amendment still specializing in weddings, baptisms, funerals, home the gay community and one that does not hasn’t been adopted. The U.S. Constitu- reflect “the law.” Sexual orientation discrimi- tion does not explicitly protect and extend nation doesn’t exist. That’s right. Sexual ori- rights equally without regard to sex (except blessings, spiritual direction. For more information, entation doesn’t exist anymore than “gender the Right to Vote). Really. identity” discrimination exists. When I am Females, we could do this. What if 410-900-2021 or [email protected] treated badly because I “look butch,” that’s we got together in 2012 and realized how sex discrimination. Heterosexual women much power we have? lose promotions to less-qualified men be- Females – we’re worth it. t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 9 ple are talking about LGBT equality out- ing what is best for the children. The Governor has committed to mar- side of the “civil rights” meme, with a more Getting laws passed to mitigate bul- riage equality, whereas last year he only global perspective. Even locally, activists lying is relatively easy; no one wants to said he would sign it if it came to his desk. are framing marriage equality and gender see children hurt. The ease with which the After the bill failed he said, “I think an is- rights in terms of “human rights.” Howard County gender identity law was sue like this was bound to go before the With this past year’s emphasis on chil- passed had much to do, in my view, with people in a referendum, and I would have dren in the arena of LGBT equality, both the involvement of parents, the parents of hoped that we would have been able to opponents and proponents have moved for- transgender children in particular. have accomplished that….” ward from civil issues of marriage and work- I hope he has changed his view that he place discrimination to issues of identity. “This cultural change hopes it will go to a referendum. This year National coverage of bullied gay youth and did not come about the Maryland Catholic Conference is fight- Everyday People transgender children has taken the discus- ing harder against the bill than last year, sion to a new level. The president and first through activism or perhaps spurred by the governor’s strong The past year has seen a cultural change lady took no political risk when they stood up response to Archbishop O’Brien, where he in the direction of a global conversation, against bullying in March; it was a feel-good litigation. It came refused to back down. (See “A Parent’s Re- a change that took place over only a few measure that, while promoting LGBT rights, about because of sponse, Questioning the Church on its pam- weeks, the result of the Occupy movement. was larger than that. When very young chil- phlet ‘Religious Freedom and the People of The world has not changed overnight, but dren identify as gay or transgender the lan- everyday people Maryland’ on page 12 of this issue.) the conversation has. Influence is shifting guage of choice begins to sound a little silly. The gender identity bill, as long as pub- away from moneyed interests and lobby- Bobby Montoya knew she was a girl deciding what is best lic accommodations are not stripped from it, ists, to on the street activists and everyday when she was two years old. Her recent for the children.” will be easier than last year. Gender Rights people. A similar change is taking place in acceptance by the Girl Scouts of Denver Maryland, founded this year, will have a the LGBT world, where everyday people Colorado came with the official statement, The rights of children are an easier pill chance to test their skills, not only their skills are more in the public view than ever be- “Girl Scouts is an inclusive organization to swallow for those who are still on the in the State House, but their skills at working fore, as instruments of change. and we accept all girls in kindergarten fence concerning LGBT rights. They are, in with other organizations and activists. The language of LGBT discourse has through 12th grade as members. If a child Hillary’s words, “human rights.” Both bills, if passed, face the threat of changed over the past year, and, inter alia, identifies as a girl and the child’s fam- Locally, our legislative session begins in referendum. It is important, now, that our lo- so has what parties can take for granted ily presents her as a girl, Girl Scouts of less than two weeks. Last year the City Desk cal organizations recruit strong grassroots in a conversation. With a single utterance, Colorado welcomes her as a Girl Scout.” predicted that both the marriage bill and support. We will need on the street activists, “gay rights are human rights,” Hillary Clin- This cultural change did not come about the gender rights bill would pass. Epic fail. and they are lot harder to find than financial ton redirected the way that people talk to through activism or litigation. It came Therefore, this year I will refrain from making donors are. Unlike lobbyists, they cannot be one another about LGBT issues. Now peo- about because of everyday people decid- a prediction. I am optimistic, however. bought, but rather must be persuaded. t NEWNEW YEARSYEARS EVEEVE PARTYPARTY SaturdaySaturday DecemberDecember 31st31st Hats,Hats, Horns,Horns, NoisemakersNoisemakers ChampagneChampagne ToastToast •• PartyParty BuffetBuffet OOPENPEN AALLLL NiNiGHTGHT Happy Hour Everday 4 - 9 pm KARAOKE Friday & Saturday 8 pm - 2 am The Little Corner Bar With The Great Big Heart 205 W. Read St. - Corner of Read St. & Park Ave. 410.255.3100 Package Goods 11am-2am ATM Available

10 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com health & wellnesS

you are able to take every day. Smoking tobacco. Tobacco constricts but true that health insurance does not cover Taking extra doses of your medication blood vessels for 90 minutes after each the cost of home blood pressure cuffs, but is a bad idea, especially if you take them cigarette. Narrowing of the blood vessels it’s an important investment to make in your without checking your blood pressure first. causes the blood pressure to rise. health. Good blood pressure cuffs are avail- Even if a person does check their blood Overweight, especially recent weight able at most large drugstores or online for $40 Open Wide pressure at home and it is elevated (mean- gain. Every pound of fat includes many to $60. The ones worn around the upper arm ask Dr Eva ing over 140/90), it’s not smart to take extra small blood vessels, and the heart must are usually more accurate than those worn on Dr Eva Hersh doses before discussing with their health work harder to pump blood into them. the wrist. It’s a good idea to bring your cuff to care provider whether it makes sense to Lack of exercise. If your body is not used your health care provider’s office to check its do that with the particular medicine they to being active, your blood pressure tends to accuracy before relying on the results. take. In most cases the answer will be that be higher even at rest, and any exertion will A long-term study recently proved that High Blood if pressures are elevated it would make raise your blood pressure more. people with well controlled hypertension more sense to increase the daily dose of Emotional stress, especially if it is live an average of five years longer than Pressure and medication, or add another medication. ongoing. The stress causes adrenaline people with hypertension that is uncon- Since most blood pressure medicines last (epinephrine) release, which constricts the trolled. And that does not take into account all day, if you take an extra dose when your blood vessels. the lower quality of life of those living after Problems with pressure is high, the extra dose may cause Alcohol use: having more than 2 drinks strokes or heart attacks. your blood pressure to be too low later in a day doubles a person’s risk for high blood Despite this, only about half of people Control the day. Low blood pressure can cause pressure. The risk gets worse as the num- with high blood pressure have it under lightheadedness and even fainting. ber of drinks per day gets higher. good control. This is due to both patients Although it’s a common belief that Some medicines increase blood pres- and health care professionals not taking the Dear Dr. Eva, high blood pressure (which is also called sure, especially ibuprofen (Motrin and others), problem seriously enough. I’ve been on high blood pressure medi- hypertension) causes headaches, it’s not naproxen (Advil and others), prescription ar- It is hard for people to be consistent in cation for several years. When I get a true. Hypertension is called the silent killer thritis medicines, and birth control pills. taking medicine for a silent problem. But headache, since that is a sign of high blood because there are no symptoms except You can find out for yourself whether your if you make the effort to keep your blood pressure, I take an extra pill. I also take an for the complications that happen after blood pressure goes up with headaches, and pressure under control every day, your life t extra dose when I eat pork, because I’ve years of uncontrolled high blood pressure - take more control over your blood pressure, will be healthier and longer. heard it increases blood pressure. Since stroke, heart attack and kidney failure.Any by checking your blood pressure at home. Eva Hersh is a Baltimore family physi- I’ve noticed some problems with sex from kind of pain, including a severe headache, Reporting your home blood pressures to your cian. Send your comments and questions my medicine, if I expect to be having sex I can raise a person’s blood pressure, but health care provider will lead to better man- to her by email at editor@baltimoreout- skip the dose that day. I know that’s proba- it’s the pain that triggers the rise in blood agement of your high blood pressure. It’s sad loud.com. bly bad, but sex is important to me. My doc- pressure, not the rise in blood pressure tor recommended a home blood pressure that causes the pain. cuff, but my insurance doesn’t cover it so Besides pain, other common causes of I haven’t gotten one. What do you advise? worsening high blood pressure include: CELEBRATE THE SEASON John R High intake of salt. Most fast foods and many snack foods contain unhealthy AND GIVE THE GIFT OF FITNESS! Dear John, amounts of salt. Pork only increases blood I agree that sex is important! Have you pressure if it is preserved or prepared with discussed this problem with your health salt. For example, ham, bacon and cold care provider? You should, because there cuts are preserved with salt and should are many kinds of blood pressure medi- be avoided by people with hypertension. cines, and you could switch to one that Fresh pork, like pork chops, does not doesn’t have sexual side effects. It’s im- cause a rise in blood pressure as long as portant for you to be on a medication that no salt is added in cooking or at the table.

APPY HOU Join now and receive a R Y R! 1-month gift member- FO Meet adoptable S animals from MAS Rescue * U the first Tuesday of Every month ship for a friend! from 5:00–7:30 at Meadow Mill! N Beer, wine, compimentary *Offer expires Dec. 31, 2011. I O appetizers and puppies! *Certain restrictions apply. J (Kittens, dogs , and cats, too!)

www.meadowmill.com • 410.235.7000

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 11 FAITH

bishops finally acknowl- “I was thrilled when Pastor Tom called A Parent’s Response edge what they know A Joyful Song me to ask about possible musicians only to in their heart of hearts find out that our hope was that we would Questioning the Church to be “naturally true,” that millions of children, By Reverend Tom Harris be able to work together! Through rehears- including Catholic children, are born with a When Adam Koch accepted the job of artis- ing with New Wave at Govans I was able on its pamphlet ‘Religious sexual orientation that is not chosen, but must tic director for the New Waver Singers, he to learn from the sidelines about Govans be lived with? However, it became obvious as did not expect it to open another musical Presbyterian Church. The idea of being a Freedom and the People of I continued reading (page 9) that this was not door in a few years. Before coming to Bal- part of a congregation that has strong mis- the case at all. timore, he served as the assistant organ- sion and outreach programs has always Maryland’ Rejecting the needs and yearnings of ist of the Church of the been of interest to me. those who have grown up in the bosom Holy Trinity (Episco- Christianity goes be- By Erma M. Durkin of the church, the bishops have decided pal) in Manhattan and yond the stone walls of How does one respond to a document en- to use their considerable influence and was also the Artistic a church building and titled “The Most Sacred of All Property: Re- monetary resources to block, again, any Director and Conduc- the Govans commu- ligious Freedom and the People of Mary- state law that would permit civil marriage tor of the Lehigh Val- nity exemplifies this in land”? It’s a large, very attractive booklet for same-gender couples, and even invited ley Gay Men’s Chorus. worship and beyond. of 12 pages, made available to all parishio- “the people of Maryland” to join them in do- Mr. Koch has been the I was also very aware ners as they left church recently. And since ing so. artistic director of New that this is a congre- it is addressed to the people of Maryland, Gay and lesbian couples, and their par- Wave Singers, Balti- gation that is a strong they will be uppermost in my mind as I re- ents, have gotten the message, loud and more’s premiere LG- supporter of social ply to this statement. clear, that their bishops, and the other “peo- BTS Choir, since 2008. justice; straight, gay, Initially I was very impressed with what ple of Maryland” who agree with them, are Under his leadership bisexual, transgender, I was reading. The colorful photos and the determined to deny them not only a church they have grown to does not matter – we quotations carefully selected and highlight- wedding (which the church has the freedom over 50 voices provid- are all God’s children!” ed in text-boxes, all supported the primacy to do) but even the possibility of entering ing an eclectic reper- At Govans Mr. of conscience, the freedom of religion, or into a civil marriage contract that would toire from madrigal to Koch hit the ground from religion, according to ones convic- honor the couple’s commitment to each pop, classical to jazz, running. The choir tions. This sounded very adult and encour- other and lawfully protect their civil rights. in many different lan- has grown and they aging. The text emphasized that neither Upon reading this document carefully, I guages. New Wave are performing a va- church nor state has the right to coerce learned that the bishops are concerned that practices weekly in riety of new music. A anyone to act contrary to their conscience. the state is intruding into their spiritual au- the Govans Presbyte- children’s choir has I was beginning to think that the bish- thority. They say, “The separation of church rian Church fellowship hall which is where formed and Mr. Koch organized a brass ops were about to deliver a message of and state we so cherish here in America is as Adam met Rev. Tom Harris the pastor at and organ concert featuring the local group understanding and hope to all those very much about protecting religious bodies from Govans. A few years later when the mu- Sounding Brass. many Catholic families that have gay, les- government interference as it is the other way sic director position at Govans came open, Govans Presbyterian Church has been bian and transgender children. Were the around. We cannot freely worship (or choose Mr. Koch was the first person Rev. Harris an advocate of LGBT equality for some- bishops about to remind these faithful par- not to worship) God if government officials called. time. ents that their gay children, as well as their have the power to tell us how to do so.” “I had seen and heard the good work “We signed on to the amicus brief in straight children should be cherished with- To heal this wound of ambiguity that Adam was doing with New Wave Singers. 2005 when marriage equality went before in their church as well as within their fami- festers in our church, we parents would like I called under the pretext of asking for his the Maryland Supreme Court. We send lies? Were the bishops going to acknowl- our bishops to find a way to be in conver- recommendations for people to fill the po- advocates to the State House when the edge the primacy of their conscience when sation with us regarding our “gay” children. sition. I was hoping he would say that he legislature is in session to speak for LGBT our adult gay children want to be married? Bishops must let us know our concerns are was interested in the job. And he did!” causes. We are advocates in our own de- If not by the church, at least by the state? being heard. We do not want our children nomination for equality in ordination and With the Legislative Assembly soon to to be hurt, neither physically, nor psycho- marriage. Last but not least, we welcome meet in Annapolis, the issue of same-gender logically, nor spiritually. Too many gay chil- ing to the families of GLBT kids? Parents all people into the life and leadership of our marriage will again be debated. Would the dren simply drift away from the church, feel they stand alone, and, not only alone, church regardless of their sexual orienta- some disgusted with re- but looked upon as adversaries when they tion or identity.” ligion altogether, others stand up for the rights of their children. The Though they are very pleased to have into welcoming mainline members of our church can and must work the stronger connection with the LGBT churches which are happy together to heal this division in its body. community through Mr. Koch’s connection to bless their unions and Emotional wounds inflicted by demanding to New Waver Singers, “We are most ex- nurture their spiritual lives. from others what they cannot give, or de- cited to have a musician of Adam Koch’s What can they hope for if nying to them what they deem necessary caliber leading our music program,” says they want to remain Catho- for life, will eventually lead to conflict and Harris. “His skills on the pipe organ are di- lic? an alienation akin to death. We must work vine!” It will take a great deal together for life. t For Mr. Koch the feeling is mutual, of thought and honesty The pamphlet “The Most Sacred of “Govans has a strong tradition of high on the part of bishops to All Property: Religious Freedom and the quality music in worship. Being able to have this conversation. People of Maryland” can be downloaded lead such amazing and diverse music on We know lawyers are do- here: http://www.mdcathcon.org/library/ a weekly basis and having the opportu- ing all in their power to resources/RLLaunch/ReligiousLibertyS- nity to work with the wonderful musicians protect church proper- tatementbyMdBishops.pdf. This article is within the congregation is an honor and ties and its freedoms. But available in a longer version at our website I am proud to be a part of this faith com- who, honestly, is minister- baltimoreoutloud.com. munity.” t

12 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com Christmas Eve Midnight Mass is at 10:30pm Visit us at EmmanuelDowntown.org Christmas Day Masses are 9:30am & 12 Noon New Years Eve Mass is at 6pm EmmanuEl New Years Day Masses are 9:30am & 12 Noon God with us If You are OUT, then You are IN with Us! “ALL ARE WELCOME!” St. Michael The Archangel all of us Catholic Church without ExcEption 3701 4th Street, Brooklyn, MD 21225 sunday sErvicEs 443-869-5548 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM Sunday Mass 9:30am and 12:00 Noon A Parish of the New Catholic Church of North America

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AN INCLUSIVE AND PROGRESSIVE CHURCH COMMUNITY. www.govanspres.org

A Reconciling Congregation with open hearts, open minds, and open doors. Being a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered person is a gift from God! Mt. Vernon’s Church of the Arts

811 Cathedral Street at read Street Grace United Mount Vernon’S ChurCh of the artS Methodist chUrch EMM2011_Outloud_Feb.inddAll Are 1 Welcome1/28/11 11:25 AM 5407 N. Charles St. at Northern Parkway All Are Welcome www.bmorethical.org Baltimore, MD 21210 St. Bernadette 410-433-6650 Roman Catholic TH E BALTI MOR E Church ETH ICAL SOCI ETY www.GraceUnitedMethodist.orG SUNDAYS AT 10:30 A.M. — FREE & OPEN TO ALL Our Weekend Mass Schedule: SATURDAY JANUARY 1 5:30 p.m. Pancake Breakfast & Winter Festival SUNDAY JANUARY 8 9:00 a.m.,10:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m. “The Immigrant Experience— Contact Ann McDonald, Pastoral Life Director a Psychological View” 410-969-2785 Deepan Chatterjee, PhD, Clinical Psychologist 801 Stevenson Road - Severn, MD 21144-2299 410-969-2783 306 W. FRANKLIN ST., STE. 102 Unity Fellowship Church of Columbia www.stbernadette.org new years service at 10am Our Services are held at: Locust Park Neighborhood Center Come Celebrate with us! The Byzantine Rite Old Catholic Church is pleased to announce 8995 Lambskin Lane, Columbia, MD 21045 the opening of our Cathedral of Saint Antony Rev. Dorothy Harris, Founding Pastor We are no longer at First Unitarian. Divine Liturgy is now Saturdays 2 PM at Long Green Center, 115 E. Melrose, Avenue in Baltimore, MD. For more information, Contact us to Join our mailing list: [email protected] contact [email protected] or 443-691-4926. www.ufccolumbia.org http://church.revdanielromanos.com

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 13 Lively Arts // out on screen

drawback: Reichenbach Falls. If you’re familiar with the Ten Best Popcorn Flicks of 2011 Holmes mythology, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Not that it ruins the movie, but you have to wonder what will by Chuck Duncan cleverly tying the film to happen if there’s another. 2011 has not been a great year for the movies. Looking the first one. The theatri- Super 8 – If you’re a film buff who came of age in the lat- back on the titles released between January and May, it’s cal version also boasted ter part of the 1970s, then this movie was made for you. Di- very hard to find anything that really excited me … or mov- the best use of 3D to date, rected by J.J. Abrams, the film has producer Steven Spiel- iegoers in general. It really wasn’t until May and the kick- and while the story was fa- berg’s filmic DNA all over it, from the family dynamic to the off to the summer movie season that things got hot at the miliar, the character deaths absent parent plot device to the pure sense of wonder seen box office. Looking back at my list of films seen this year, were extremely creative. in many of his earlier films, particularlyC lose Encounters of I decided to focus on a specific type of movie to consider Certainly not everyone’s the Third Kind and The Goonies. In fact, the first two-thirds for my top ten this year. My criteria for selecting the list cup of tea, but it was prob- of the film could have been directed by Spielberg himself, of films below was simply this: they had to entertain me. ably the best time I’d had in with Abrams picking up the last third with the introduction of They aren’t typical Oscar bait movies or the ones that will a theater all year. the Cloverfield inspired alien. A lovely film that will resonate end up on any other mainstream film critic’s list, but of the Mission: Impossible with anyone who was a kid back then. movies I saw in 2011, these ten are the ones that made – Ghost Protocol – After Transformers: Dark of the Moon – Believe it or not, this me enjoy going to the movies. The Top Ten Popcorn Flicks breathing new life into the really was one of the best action films of the summer. Af- of 2011, in alphabetical order are: franchise with M:I 3, J.J. ter the disastrous second film, Michael Bay and company Bridesmaids – Hands down, the funniest movie of the Abrams turned producer (minus Megan Fox) seem to have actually listened to the year. Yes, funnier than The Hangover Part II, Horrible for the fourth installment and gave director Brad Bird a critics and the fans who universally called that film a steam- Bosses and Hall Pass put together. Kristin Wiig and An- chance to spread his wings from animation (The Incredi- ing pile of crap (even Bay eventually copped to that con- nie Mumolo’s script was simply brilliant, going from out- bles) to live action. What a ride he took us on, from Russia sensus) and made a third film rageous comedy to deep character examination without to Dubai, from the depths of the Kremlin to the top of the that had a real story to it. It ever becoming sappy or maudlin, and the cast, including tallest building in the world, the film is clever and funny didn’t overpower everything Wiig, Maya Rudolph and breakout star Melissa McCarthy, with edge of your seat, nail with another new robot in ev- showed us that raucous, raunchy comedy is not simply a biting scenes of Tom Cruise ery scene that really gave the man’s territory. scaling that tower. Truly an characters something to do Captain America: The First Avenger – In the summer exhilarating thriller, and the and then pulled on our heart- of superhero movies, this one stands out simply for the addition of IMAX only made strings when it seemed our fact that everyone involved made the brilliant decision to it all the more intense. Best heroes had been obliterated. keep the character’s film of the series so far. The 1960s-set prologue was origin faithful to the Rise of the Planet of the also a stroke of genius, and comics and left the set- Apes – This film had no right was the second film of the ting in the 1940s during to exist, or to be any good. summer to incorporate real World War II. The ef- Tim Burton already screwed historical events into its story. fect of Chris Evans as a up with his take on the Apes Even at nearly three hours, 98-pound weakling was story, so how could this new the addition of 3D was never jaw dropping, and Hugo movie – that actually mess- tiresome and added greatly to Weaving chewed up es with the original series immersing the viewer in the every last bit of scen- timeline – be worth seeing? story. After thinking the fran- ery as the villain, Red I don’t know how they did chise had been put down for good after movie number two, Skull. Great fun, and a it, but I was pleasantly sur- the third one rose triumphantly from those ashes and gave terrific cliffhanger end- prised with the film from be- new life to the Autobots. ing to tie in to next sum- ginning to end. The script was clever enough to not tie X-Men: First Class – The first film of the summer to mer’s The Avengers. itself to the original series, but scattered enough homages weave 1960s history into its story (the Cuban Missile cri- Drive Angry – I wor- to the original throughout to please the fans. Best of all sis) – as well as some World War II history – this was ship at the altar of Todd was the very subtle set-up for a possible sequel in a head- one of the finest superhero films of the year. Yes, in hind- Farmer, screenwriter scratching moment that makes you go “Aha!” once you sight it does have some problems (especially in how the extraordinaire. I feel realize what just happened, followed by an extended end film treats some of the minority characters), but a strong like he and his cohort, credit sequence of events that spells out exactly where performance by James McAvoy as Charles Xavier (played Patrick Lussier, are making movies just for me. I loved the next film is going. Huge credit also goes to Andy Ser- by Patrick Stewart in the original X-Men trilogy). A star- their re-do of the 80s slasher film My Bloody Valentine, kis for his portrayal of the ape Caesar, achieved through making turn by Michael Fassbender (in the Ian McKellan and I am still gaga over their latest effort which seems like the motion capture process that helped create a fully re- role) gave the film some real human emotion amongst all a play on the 70s car exploitation films (and done much alistic CGI creature (in fact, all of the various apes were the mutant abilities. The real surprise was the film’s just better than Tarantino’s Death Proof), but throws in a bit of CGI, an amazing accomplishment in itself). Even with average box office performance. The film certainly gives the supernatural and some sly literary references to boot! James Franco badmouthing the finished film, this was a us enough insight into the characters to bring us up to They’ve given Nic Cage his best role in years. Trust me, true surprise well-worth seeing. the events of the original trilogy, but I really am hoping to don’t write this one off. Just enjoy the ride. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows – If you loved see the further adventures of the young Professor X and Final Destination 5 – Yes, I’ve really put this on my list. the first Holmes film, then you will eat this one up. The Magneto and their team of mutant X-Men. You’d think that after the fourth film, which was met with plot is complicated and requires the viewer to really pay All of these films, except Mission: Impossible – Ghost mild revulsion by audiences tired of the same old, same attention, the banter between Holmes and Watson makes Protocol and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (both old, director Steven Quale and his writers have managed this one of the best buddy films in quite some time, and still in theaters) are available on home video. If you’re just to breathe some life into the series by adding an escape the introduction of Moriarty to the series after the tease looking for an evening of entertainment, you really can’t clause to the standard “You Can’t Cheat Death” plot, and in the first movie was a very welcome addition. The only go wrong with any of these. t

14 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts // personality

AN INTERVIEW lights were fluorescent and everyone looked pale and zitty WITH BEN FOLDS would be such a force in your life? and nasty. I thought, these kids are living out these dra- – continued from front page BF: No. And that’s the way your career works. It’s like matic formative moments in their lives under fluorescent the theater thing. You can premeditate these things and light in a fucking place called “food court.” That’s horrible. go, “That makes so much sense – chocolate and peanut to cheer people up or assume your composure. There’s Then I see a skinny kid with a mullet and his pasty little butter, it should go together.” And then it doesn’t. Some- always some reason for it because humor is a definite girlfriend and I thought, these kids are breaking up at food times you just step into it. I move intuitively. And when defense mechanism. I’m not making as much a theme or court [laughs]. You’re supposed to do that in a romantic I saw that there were kids doing my music, it was a no a point as much as I’m using it for an emotional effect. field or at least a bus stop or a graveyard or something. I brainer. I knew immediately that I had to get this on tape. GS: Maybe this ties into Elton John and Billy Joel, wanted to capture that. It went through all these different By the time I’d gone to bed that night after realizing that but there is a theatrical quality to a number of your incarnations because I thought it was poignant. We had a there were all these versions there, I was making plans. songs. So, in the footsteps of Elton, Billy, Duncan slow version and a faster version, which is on the record, This needs to be for music charities, because you’re not Sheik or Green Day, is there a Ben Folds Broadway that’s intended to be as cheesy as the food court itself. It’s going to get all these universities involved and give each musical in the works? not a romantic view of kids growing up in the ’50s. member of the group five bucks after all is said and done. BF: I was talking to all those people, Broadway pro- GS: If it had been the ’50s, they’d be breaking up You take the whole profit thing out of the equation. No ducers, loads of them, I was approached a lot – and it in a malt shop. one I was working with at the time thought I needed to be was radical back then in 1995, 1996. And we would be- BF: Yes, that’s right! They’d be in a malt shop in that wasting time on that shit. I like a cappella because that’s gin. And I have this whole list of produc- little “Back To The Fu- whose doing it. When we went to record it, everyone want- ers that I think are wonderful that we’ve ture” town square instead ed it to be all slick. I just wanted a field recording. When started down the road. I probably have a of next to Wok’n Roll. we go to Africa or the Caribbean or Haiti and we make a reputation as someone who seeks a few GS: Would you say field recording of a local tribe, you’re going to have them meetings about it, starts off and then that Bette Midler’s 1998 tune up and do their parts 800 times. You put the fucking quits. I think that’s unfortunate. It’s just cover of Boxing had an mic out on the field and you make a record, a document of that I’ve gotten so busy and I haven’t impact on your stock what they do. That’s what I did with University A Cappella. been exactly sure of what I was doing. in terms of your LGBT That’s the kind of stuff that’s important to me. It just hasn’t happened yet. But I’ve got following or were you GS: How does it feel to have a box set such as something that I feel is pretty solid at already aware of a fan- The Best Imitation of Myself to represent your musical the moment. I’ve heard myself say this base in that commu- contributions of the past 15 years? over and over again in interviews over nity? BF: It’s kind of weird. I worked really hard on it be- the years. Duncan was opening up for BF: Now, I wasn’t cause – it’s on Legacy Records –and I did view it as a me at the time he was writing the mu- (aware of one). But I legacy. I know I’m not going to have time to go through sical (“Spring Awakening”) and he was know there is and I love tapes and all this kind of support system and schedule spending a lot of time on that. I thought that. I think that’s part of and ability to do it. I took it seriously. We had a room full of it was cool because he wasn’t coming the reason that I’ve been DAT players, quarter inch cassette decks, ADAT, Tascam from the deal memo first. He was work- trigger shy on a musical, DA-88 players, because all these formats had crossed ing on what he was doing. My stuff al- because I feel like want over, just cleaning up the cassettes. We went through ways came from the deal memo. I would to do a good one. I’m loads of stuff because I wanted to make sure that it was be approached by a production compa- kind of choking in fear something that I could – I don’t plan to kick off – leave ny, but did I actually have a solid idea of what I wanted to every time I start to go out. There’s something theatrical and be OK with until I get to the next phase of my career. do. Maybe in some ways I’m fulfilled by the stories that I’m about music and there’s something musical about theater. This is going to sum it up. It wasn’t a cavalier process able to put into the songs themselves. I want to find a way They don’t always have to go together, but they kind of co- at all. Now because I’ve put so much time into it, I think, to make those songs bigger or to give you another insight exist. There’s a real art to making them co-exist. And I was that other version should have gone and maybe we could into them or write completely new stuff. It’s been a long really thrilled that Bette Midler did my song. For no other have sequenced this and I should have mastered this one journey with all this musical theater stuff and I do realize reason than that I want people to cover my music. Delu- differently; all kinds of stuff like that. I can’t help it, that’s that it became a thing. Now everyone’s done a musical sionally, I expected that when I set off down the yellow what you do when you work that hard on something. But if and I could have probably jumped on it in ’95 and been the brick road of musicianship, that I’d be a covered writer and I didn’t get the point across in the 60 (songs) on the disc first, but I didn’t because I didn’t have a good idea. I wasn’t. It didn’t happen until Bette did that. Of course, and the 55 online in the songs the Ben Folds Five Vault, GS: You mentioned “All You Can Eat” and I want I bragged about that for years [laughs]. And then a cap- then I’m fucked [laughs]. t to ask you about food and eating in your songs, such pella groups at universities as “Still Fighting It,” “All You Can Eat,” “Free Coffee,” started doing my songs “Army,” “Song For The Dumped.” Is it something that and there were hundreds you’re conscious of or did it just work its way into and hundreds of versions your songs? floating around. BF: I don’t know. I know that Weird Al (Yankovic) has a GS: I’m so glad that lot of food songs, too [laughs]. No one’s ever asked me that you mentioned that be- or noticed that. Over the course of the day, you do some cause interviewed Chris eating and I seem to be big on mundane details. I like that Rishel of the U of C a small things that you do during the day indicate somehow cappella group Voices In where your head is. Or something you notice or do reso- Your Head when the Uni- nates in a way that you can’t explain. Often it’s something versity A Cappella disc about dinner or there’s a song on the retrospective that came out. Before that we never really finished and released, that never made it disc and your current in- past demo form, called “Break-up At Food Court” [laughs]. volvement with The Sing I was walking through a food court in a mall at a time when Off, did you ever think they were kind of new. It seemed so fucking sterile. The that a cappella music BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 15 Lively Arts // music iMusic: Winter Dance Party songwriter prancing around as if he had a By Gregg Shapiro UTI, the way he did when he opened for As if to improve on imperfection, the Erasure during their 2011 tour. Not even a 14-track Born This Way: The Remix guest appearance by Natalia Kills on “No (Streamline/Interscope) serves up remixes Champagne” can revive this DOA disc. of nine of Born This Ways tired tunes, Speaking of Na- with a few songs appearing twice, as talia Kills, the poor well as the BTW bonus cut “Black Je- girl sounds like she’s sus/Amen Fashion.” Some of the remix- trying to find a ray of ers do what remixers do best and that (spot)light peaking is to inflate and expand on the original through the massive versions. Such is the case with Foster shadow cast by Lady The People’s remix of “The Edge of Gaga on her debut Glory,” the Guena LG Club Remix of disc Perfectionist “Scheiße,” Gregori Klosman’s remix of (Will.i.am / Cherry “Americano” and Twin Shadow’s remix Tree / Interscope). of “Born This Way.” But the cracks really But if Natalia (Keery- begin to show when the songs are slowed Fisher) really was a perfectionist, would or stripped down. Those of us still waiting she really need ubiquitous professional in- to see what Lady Gaga’s really made of terloper (and label-head) Will.i.am on the probably have a long wait ahead. song “Free” (from which the disc gets its The aforementioned Foster the People title). The answer is no, because the song are the real dance music delight of 2011 is best when he’s nowhere near it. But the (and beyond). Causing a stir at Lollapaloo- ultimate insult is the Lady Gaga rip-off za and on Saturday Night Live, FTP is a trio “Mirrors.” Are there really no original ideas of straight white dudes with a knack for de- left in the world of dance music? lirious dance numbers on their aptly titled Yes, of course, there are original ideas hot debut disc Torches (Star Time/Colum- in dance music. Take Katy B’s On A Mission bia). This is the kind of disc you throw on (Columbia), for example. With nary a trace at a party to get the guests off their asses of Will.i.am or Frankmusik, this young, UK and dancing, beginning with the pounding dubstep diva’s album gives dancers plenty pulse of “Helena Beat.” “Pumped Up Kicks” of excuses for moving their feet. Whether lives up to its name and in spite of its guns it’s straightforward dance cuts such as and bullets theme, it’s an infectious track. “Power On Me,” “Witches’ Brew,” “Hard “Call It What You Want” brings the joyful To Get” and “Movement,” or dubstep spe- funk, “Waste” is anything but, “Houdini” cific numbers such as “Katy On A Mission,” is inescapable, “Warrant” is arresting and “Why You Always Here,” “Lights On” and “Life on the Nickel” is sure to have folks (the fittingly repetitive) “Broken Record,” shaking their moneymakers. Katy B accomplishes her mission. David Guetta’s 2009 One Love disc Passive Me, Aggressive You (Universal (and its subsequent 2010 expanded re- Republic), the full-length domestic debut mix reissue One More Love provided the disc by New Zealand’s The Naked and Fa- French dance master with the mainstream mous mixes club-style dance tracks such crossover audience that he craved. The as “Punching in a Dream” and “Girls Like disc was notable for a pair of tracks with You” with dance rock numbers such as vocals by out singer Chris Willis. Guetta’s “Young Blood,” “All of This” and “Spank.” dismal follow-up Nothing But the Beat There’s also an ’80s pop homage (“Eyes”) (Astralwerks / Capitol) sounds like the and some respectable experimentation soundtrack to a night out at the sleaziest (“The Sun”). strip club in town. It should come with its Before he cofounded Fountains of own STD testing kit. Class acts such as Wayne, Adam Schlesinger had already Chris Brown and Will.i.am are among the logged time as one third of the trio Ivy. male-dominated headliners. Even more Ivy’s first half-dozen discs, with vocals disappointing is the way that tracks by Jen- by French chanteuse Dominique Durand, nifer Hudson (“Night of your Life”) and Sia were pop pastries, sweet and sticky and (“Titanium”) are buried in the rubble. easy to digest. On All Hours (Nettwerk), Even more inadequate is Do it in the Ivy takes an unexpected turn in the dance A.M. (Cherry Tree / Interscope), the gener- direction. It’s a nice fit, with Durand trans- ic and sophomoric sophomore release by forming herself into a sort of disconnected Frankmusik. Without a single redeeming disco diva on songs such as “World With- facet, at least the disc spares the listener out You,” “Distant Lights,” “How’s Never” the sight of the overrated producer and and “She Really Got To You.” t

16 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts // screen SAVOR

or Dare,” shot in a Lower East Side bodega and back- out to play,” or when she Divas Come Alive stage at Madison Square Garden. Gaga gets emotional in celebrated gay pride in front of the make-up mirror, saying that she still feels like “Boys Boys Boys” and by Gregg Shapiro “a fuckin’ loser kid high school.” But like Dorothy leaving called for “hands up for Filmed in December 2010 at The Tabernacle in Atlan- Kansas, Gaga’s concert stage Oz is in living color. equality,” her commit- ta, Margaret Cho’s latest concert doc Cho Dependent Lady Gaga’s journey to the Monster Ball involves a ment rang true. (Clownery) combines her celebrated stand-up comedy/ broken down car, an F train subway, and a stroll through Nevertheless, there’s monologist style with music. Cho central park to get her to the last of real talent underneath takes the audience on another her five MSG shows. It also features all the distractions. Her of her characteristically side- elaborate sets (a subway car, a bro- vocals never felt canned splitting (and occasionally gross) ken down Rolls Royce with a key- the way that Britney’s or journeys, beginning with the time board under its hood, a fame mon- Fergie’s do. And when she spent as a competitor on ster) and almost a dozen costume she sat at the piano for a Dancing with the Stars. Stressing changes, including killer shoul- couple of tunes, includ- the difficulty of the process, Cho der pads, a latex nun getup and ing “Speechless,” one delivers plenty of laughs, telling the moving dress and headpiece could glimpse her poten- tales of her battle with homo- for “So Happy I Could Die” and a tial. DVD bonus content phobic Bristol Palin and her evil spark-firing brassiere and panties includes “Backstage at mother Sarah, her pronounced for “Paparazzi,” among others. The Monster Ball,” a camel toe, how her own mother There is lots of posing and strut- photo gallery and more. (who often emitted a low pitched ting, as well as laughable, but well- Don’t forget about: Adele’s DVD/CD set Live at the moan of dread that only Margaret meaning, dialogue. Lady Gaga’s Royal Albert Hall (XL/Columbia) is almost too good to could detect) was at every show potty mouth earns her parental advi- be true. A consummate professional, Adele is so at ease and the olive oil trick that she sory sticker with references to dick, on stage you’d think she was born there. The true story learned. cocks, motherfuckers and more. behind “Turning Tables” is worth the price of admission Cho also covered Provincetown, spending her money She also expresses her gratitude to alone. in LGBT businesses, what it’s like to live in suburban At- her Little Monster fans, maybe a little Get Along (Vapor/WB) from lesbian lanta, attending Bonnaroo (and the detailed feces routine too much, making her sound disin- twin sisters Tegan and Sara contains a that it entailed), her family (including her strong bond with genuous. There’s more than a little 15-track live album as well as a DVD her grandfather), boyfriends, sexting, online sex and ad- bit of ego in her storytelling, which consisting of three short films. “States” dictions. She also does a priceless Cyndi Lauper imita- come off as the kind of showbiz war by Danny O’Malley combines summer tion, indicating that her impressions extend well beyond stories you’d expect from someone 2010 tour footage with interviews with her mother. who’s been at it for longer than she’s the sisters and more. Elinor Svoboda’s The Cho Dependent tour was one of her gayest shows been. But it’s obvious that her fans “India” follows Tegan and Sara on their ever. Identifying a s a member of the LGBT community (including Liza Minnelli and Marisa first concert tour of India. “For The Most as well as being a fag hag, Cho cemented her standing Tomei, who get shout-outs) worship Part” by Salazar was filmed during two as a champion of queer community causes. The addition her. When Lady Gaga says jump, the days of shows in Vancouver, BC. of music, in which Cho performed the songs “I’m Sorry” Little Monsters ask, “How high”? VH1 Storytellers: Dixie Chicks (Co- (about a former crush who killed his wife), “My Puss” (a Unlike Donna Summer, who lumbia) is a live DVD containing the full duet with gay comedian John Roberts, in which they sing turned her back on the gay follow- VH1 program performed by the outspo- as their respective mothers), “Your Dick” (on which she is ing that made her career in favor of ken country trio along with previously joined by the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus) and “No Offense” “capital H-I-M.” Lady Gaga’s devo- unseen performances. (performed as the encore) from her Cho Dependent CD tion to her LGBT fans seems genu- The deluxe two DVD concert film set were also a pleasant addition to the show. ine and boundless. Throughout the Beyonce: Live at Roseland-Elements The concert DVD Lady Gaga presents The Monster show, in moments such as when of 4, features 26 live songs and a DVD Ball Tour (Streamline/Interscope), filmed in early 2011, she celebrates a gay unicorn and anthology of videos from Beyonce’s “4” opens with black and white pre-concert footage a la “Truth the New York area gays who “came disc. t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 17 DINING

cooked crab cake will come alive. This recipe was developed by Shirley Phillips, co-founder and co-owner of Phil- lips Foods and Seafood Restaurants. This Adventures is the original recipe first used in Phillips in Baltimore Crab House in Ocean City, Maryland, in Restaurants 1956, and is the same recipe used in all Jessica Lemmo Phillips seafood restaurants today.

Shirley Phillips Famous Crab Cakes Philips Seafood • 8 ounces Phillips crab meat • 1⁄2 teaspoon Phillips Seafood Sea- 601 E. Pratt Street soning Baltimore, MD 21202 • 1 egg • 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce Shirley Phillips famous crab cakes from • 1/8 teaspoon dry mustard Phillips Seafood restaurant • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise What better way to warm you up during the • 1⁄2 teaspoon lemon juice long winter days then bring some sunshine • 1 1⁄2 teaspoon mustard filled days back by • 1 1⁄2 teaspoon melted butter putting Chesapeake • 1⁄2 teaspoon parsley flakes Bay crab cakes on • 1⁄4 cup bread crumbs your table from Phil- 1) In a large mixing bowl, combine all lips seafood restau- ingredients except for crabmeat. rants. They’re one 2) Gently fold in the crabmeat, but be of the most popular careful not to break up the lumps. items on American 3) Shape into cakes. restaurant menus. 4) Pan fry or bake at 375 degrees for They are easy to 12 to 15 minutes or until evenly brown on make at home too! Just add a little salsa, each side and reaches an internal temper- some aioli or even a slaw – and your home ature of 165 degrees. t O serfecR srivate sarty Now booking for Holiday Parties, Happy Hours & Corporate events. • Private Room • Dance Floor • Full Bar • Lounge Seating • PA System • Great Food & Drinks!

look for our daily deals on living social and yelp. now accepting online reservations. open regular hours christmas eve & new years! www.mariluna.com | 410.637.8013 dining | carry out | private events | catering 1225 cathedral street | baltimore, md 21201

18 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com Helps to Support Crepe Du Jour French Mountain Branch Sabatino’s Italian Restaurant Italian Ten Ten American the Journey Home. 1609 Sulgrave Avenue Grille & Pub American 901 Fawn Street 1010 Fleet Street Baltimore, MD 21209 1827 Mountain Road Baltimore, MD 21202 Baltimore, MD 21202 Baltimore's 10 — Phone: 410-542-9000 Joppa, MD 21085 Phone: 410-727-2667 Phone: 410-244-6867 year Plan to End Visit: www.crepedujour.com Phone: 410-836-9600 Visit: www.sabatinos.com www.bagbys1010.com Homelessness Dinner Menu Price: $30 Visit: http: www.mountainbranch.com Lunch Menu Price: $15 Lunch Menu Price: $15 Della Notte Ristorante Italian Lunch Menu Price: $15 Dinner Menu Price: $30 Dinner Menu Price: $30 For a list of all Dinner Menu Price: $30 801 Eastern Avenue Salt Tavern New American The Americana in Canton American participating Baltimore, MD 21202 900 S. Kenwood Avenue restaurant go to Phillips Harborplace 2127 E. Pratt St. Phone: 410-837-5500 Restaurant Seafood Baltimore, MD 21231 Baltimore, MD 21224 Visit: www.dellanotte.com Phone: 443-708-8466 www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com 601 E. Pratt Street Phone: 410-276-5480 Lunch Menu Price: $15 Visit: www.americanacanton.com Baltimore, MD 21202 Visit: www.salttavern.com Here are just a few... Dinner Menu Price: $30 Lunch Menu Price: $15

Week Dinner Menu Price: $30 Phone: 410-685-6600 Dinner Menu Price: $30 Gertrude’s American Visit: www.phillipsseafood.com

Aldo’s Ristorante Italiano Italian 10 Art Museum Drive Lunch Menu Price: $15 Sascha’s 527 Restaurant The Black Olive Greek 306 S. High Street Baltimore, MD 21218 Dinner Menu Price: $30 New American 814 South Bond Street Baltimore, MD 21202 Phone: 410-889-3399 527 N. Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21231 Phone: 410-727-0700 Visit: www.gertrudesbaltimore.com RA Sushi Bar Restaurant Japanese Baltimore, MD 21201 Phone: 410-276-7141 Visit: www.aldositaly.com Dinner Menu Price: $30 1390 Lancaster Street Phone: 410-539-8880 Visit: www.theblackolive.com Dinner Menu Price: $30 Kali’s Court Seafood/Mediterranean Baltimore, MD 21231 Visit: www.saschas.com Lunch Menu Price: $15 Phone: 410-522-3200 Blue Agave Restaurant Mexican 1606 Thames St Lunch Menu Price: $15 Dinner Menu Price: $30 Visit: www.rasushi.com 1032 Light Street Baltimore, MD 21231 Dinner Menu Price: $30 The Owl Bar American Dinner Menu Price: $30 Baltimore, MD 21230 Phone: 410-276-4700 Sotto Sopra Italian One East Chase St. Phone: 410-576-3938 Visit: www.kaliscourt.com Regi’s American Bistro American 405 N. Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21202 Visit: www.blueagaverestaurant.com Dinner Menu Price: $30 1002 Light Street Baltimore, MD 21202 Phone: 410-347-0888 Dinner Menu Price: $30 La Tasca Spanish Tapas Baltimore, MD 21230 Phone: 410-625-0534 Visit: www.theOwlBar.com Brewer’s Art Eclectic Bar & Restaurant Spanish Phone: 410-539-7344 Visit: www.sottosopra.us Lunch Menu Price: $15 Dinner Menu Price: $30 1106 N. Charles Street 201 E. Pratt Street Visit: www.regisamericanbistro.com Lunch Menu Price: $15 Baltimore, MD 21201 Baltimore, MD 21202 Lunch Menu Price: $15 Dinner Menu Price: $30 Tio Pepe Spanish Phone: 410-547-6925 Phone: 410-209-2563 Dinner Menu Price: $30 10 E. Franklin Street Tabrizi’s Mediterranean Visit: www.thebrewersart.com Visit: www.latascausa.com Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Asian Fusion Baltimore, MD 21202 Dinner Menu Price: $30 500 Harborview Drive Phone: 410-539-4675 Lunch Menu Price: $15 720-B Aliceanna Street Cazbar Turkish Dinner Menu Price: $30 Baltimore, MD 21230 Visit: www.restaurantetiopepe.com Baltimore, MD 21202 Phone: 410-727-3663 316 N. Charles Street Lunch Menu Price: $15 Lebanese Taverna Mediterranean Phone: 410-659-0099 Visit: www.tabrizis.com Baltimore, MD 21201 Dinner Menu Price: $30 719 S. President Street Visit: www.roysrestaurant.com Dinner Menu Price: $30 Phone: 410-528-1222 Baltimore, MD 21202 Dinner Menu Price: $30 Tir Na Nog Bar & Grill New American Visit: www.cazbar.pro Phone: 410-244-5533 Talara Latin Fusion 201 E. Pratt Street Dinner Menu Price: $20 Visit: www.lebanesetaverna.com Rusty Scupper Restaurant Seafood 615 President Street Baltimore, MD 21202 402 Key Highway Phone: 410-483-8968 Restaurant Chameleon Café New American Lunch Menu Price: $15 Baltimore, MD 21202 Dinner Menu Price: $30 Baltimore, MD 21230 Phone: 410-528-9883 Visit: www.tirnanogbaltimore.com 4341 Harford Rd Phone: 410-727-3678 Baltimore, MD 21214 Visit: www.talarabaltimore.com Dinner Menu Price: $30 Marie Louise Bistro Eclectic Visit: www.rusty-scupper.com Phone: 410-254-2376 Lunch Menu Price: $15 Waterfront Kitchen American 904 N. Charles Street Lunch Menu Price: $15 Visit: www.thechameleoncafe.com Dinner Menu Price: $30 1417 Thames Street Baltimore, MD 21201 Dinner Menu Price: $30 Dinner Menu Price: $30 Phone: 410-385-9946 Baltimore, MD 21231 Tapas Adela Spanish Chazz: A Bronx Original Italian Visit: www.marielouisebistrocatering.com Ruth’s Chris Steak House - Phone: 443-681-5310 Lunch Menu Price: $15 Pikesville Steakhouse 814 South Broadway Visit: www.waterfrontkitchen.com 1415 Aliceanna Street Baltimore, MD 21231 Dinner Menu Price: $30 1777 Reisterstown Road Lunch Menu Price: $15 Baltimore, MD 21231 Phone: 410-534-6262 Pikesville, MD 21208 Dinner Menu Price: $30 Phone: 410-522-5511 Meli American Bistro New American Visit: www.tapasadela.com Phone: 410-837-0033 Visit: www.chazzbronxoriginal.com 1636 Thames Street Lunch Menu Price: $15 XS Eclectic Visit: www.ruthschris-pikesville.com 1307 North Charles St. Lunch Menu Price: $15 Baltimore, MD 21231 Dinner Menu Price: $20 Dinner Menu Price: $30 Phone: 410-534-6354 Dinner Menu Price: $30 Baltimore, MD 21201 Phone: 410-468-0002 Créme Restaurant Visit: www.kalismeli.com Ruth’s Chris Steak House - Tatu Asian Restaurant Asian Fusion & Lounge American Dinner Menu Price: $30 614 Water Street Visit: www.xsbaltimore.com Water Street Steakhouse Lunch Menu Price: $15 518 N. Charles Street Michael’s Steak & Baltimore, MD 21202 600 Water Street Dinner Menu Price: $30 Baltimore, MD 21201 Lobster House American Phone: 410-244-7385 Baltimore, MD 21202 Visit: www.tatuasianrestaurant.com/ Phone: 443-869-3381 6207 Eastern Avenue Phone: 410-783-0033 Yellow Dog Tavern American Visit: www.crloungebalt.com Baltimore, MD 21224 baltimore 700 S. Potomac Street Visit: www.ruthschris-waterst.com Dinner Menu Price: $30 Dinner Menu Price: $30 Phone: 410-633-6485 Dinner Menu Price: $30 Baltimore, MD 21224 Visit: www.michaelssteakandlobster.com Phone: 410-342-0280 Lunch Menu Price: $15 Visit: www.yellowdogbaltimore.com Dinner Menu Price: $20 Dinner Menu Price: $30 January 20, 2012 to January 29, 2012 29, BaltimoreJanuary to 2012 20, January

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 19 your money Key Elements of the Treasury Department’s

Annual Report to Congress Private domestic final demand (the sum of consumer spending and private fixed in- Department of the Treasury, December Home sales and residential construction the third quarter, rising by 1.8 percent at an vestment) accelerated sharply in the third 27, 2011 – The pace of U.S. economic have been held back by a number of fac- annual rate, following a tepid 0.7 percent quarter to a 3.4 percent annual rate, from growth slowed markedly during the first tors, including excess supply, relatively gain in the second quarter. Business fixed just under 2 percent in the first half of the half of 2011, to just 0.9 percent at an an- tight lending standards, uncertainty about investment also grew at a faster rate, ac- year. Trade was also a bright spot in the nual rate, due partly to temporary factors, future house prices, and the high level of celerating to a 13.0 percent pace from 9.2 third quarter, as exports once again grew then picked up in the third quarter to a 1.8 unemployment. Still, food and energy price percent in the second quarter. The pickup faster than imports. The resulting decline percent annualized rate of growth. Private inflation has moderated in recent months, reflected stronger growth of equipment in the net export deficit contributed 0.4 per- sector forecasters are projecting growth which should provide some support for and software spending. Growth of outlays centage point to real GDP growth. of 2.25 percent in 2012. Unemployment is consumer purchasing power and relieve for nonresidential structures moderated The pickup in underlying private de- still high at 8.6 percent, although 2.9 mil- pressure on business input costs. in the third quarter, but was still relatively mand and improvement in the trade bal- lion private sector jobs have been added The economy is expected to expand at strong. Even so, the level of investment in ance was partly offset by a marked slow- over the past 21 months. Boosting growth a moderate pace through the end of 2012. A business structures remained very low, at down in private inventory accumulation, and creating jobs in the near term remains consensus of private forecasters expects real just 10 percent above the 33-year low re- which subtracted 1.4 percentage points a key Administration priority. GDP to grow at a 2.7 percent annual rate in corded in early 2010. from third-quarter real GDP growth after Significant deficit reduction was recent- the fourth quarter of 2011 and at a 2.2 percent Residential investment edged higher trimming 0.3 percentage point from growth ly ensured by the Budget Control Act, which annual rate over the four quarters of 2012. in the third quarter, but made very little in the second quarter. Government pur- became law on August 2, 2011, but addi- The deeper crisis now facing Europe, contribution to real GDP growth. Housing chases edged down at a 0.1 percent annu- tional deficit reduction is clearly necessary however, is a significant risk to the U.S. activity has been essentially neutral for al rate in the third quarter as a 2.1 percent to restore long-term fiscal sustainability. outlook as our recovery remains fragile growth since mid-2009, shaving 0.03 per- increase in Federal government outlays Following modest global growth in the and vulnerable to events abroad. A tight- centage point per quarter, on average, off was slightly more than offset by continued t first half of 2011, driven principally by emerg- ening of financial markets in Europe can real GDP growth from the third quarter of cutbacks at the state and local level. ing market economies, rising financial stress adversely impact the willingness of U.S. 2009 through the third quarter of 2011. In Source: Treasury.gov. Full report: in the euro area dampened the global out- banks to lend and invest. Our trade con- the previous four years, residential invest- http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/ look. Economic and financial stresses in the nections with Europe are broad and deep. ment reduced growth by an average of 0.8 international/exchange-rate-policies/Doc- euro area have spread to some of its largest It remains of critical importance to the U.S. percentage point per quarter. uments/FX%20Report%202011.pdf. economies, with sharp increases in sover- and the global economy that Europe mobi- eign bond yields and indicators of banking lize the resources needed to respond ef- stress. This has adversely affected credit, fectively to economic and financial stress. Jeffrey Tessmer • J�m m����� m����� confidence, and growth in the euro area. Many private sector forecasters are now pro- U.S. economic growth 701 s. Broadway • Baltimore, mD 21231 jecting negative growth over the next several moderated in the first half of 2011 quarters in some euro area economies. The Bureau of Economic Analysis’s an- jeffrey.tessmer@�Nf.COm • jim.mikula@�Nf.COm Global financial markets are strongly nual revisions to the national income and interconnected. The deepening of Europe’s product accounts, released in late July, crisis has already influenced global capital showed that the Great Recession was flows and the currency markets. Although even more severe than previously esti- most emerging market currencies appreci- mated. From the GDP peak in late 2007 ated against the dollar in the first half of through the trough in June 2009, real GDP 2011, in many cases that appreciation was fell by a cumulative 5.1 percent (revised more than unwound in the second half of down from a 4.1 percent decline). Growth 2011 as risk aversion increased. The Euro- was slower in 2008 as well as 2009, re- pean crisis remains a significant risk to the flecting weaker consumer spending and global recovery. Growth forecasts for 2012 business investment. have been repeatedly reduced. Consensus The economy began to grow again in Forecasts in early December projected just the second half of 2009, and over the four 2.7 percent global growth in 2012, down quarters of 2010, real GDP expanded by from 3.2 percent projected in September. 3.1 percent. The pace of growth slowed Real GDP grew by 3.1 percent during sharply in the first half of 2011, to just 2010, but the ongoing recovery slowed 0.9 percent at an annual rate, as a num- markedly during the first half of 2011 as a ber of temporary factors including surging number of temporary factors weighed on energy prices, supply-chain disruptions Happy New Year from us to you! economic activity (most notably the Japa- stemming from the disaster in Japan, and nese earthquake and tsunami). The pace poor weather early in the year curtailed of expansion picked up in the third quar- economic activity. The absence of these ter of 2011, led by stronger growth of con- factors in the second half of 2011 set the sumer spending and business investment. stage for a stronger pace of growth and, in Nonetheless, the unemployment rate re- the third quarter, real GDP growth acceler- mained elevated, and the housing sec- ated to a 1.8 percent annual rate. O - 410-675-5500 Jeffrey C - 410-218-5235 Jim C - 410-960-2836 tor continued to be a point of weakness. Consumer spending strengthened in

20 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com Happy New Year from Happy New Year to All Your Howard County Real Estate Resource

Brian Hannon Your Dedicated Real Estate Professional 410 925 9330 (cell) 410.480.3546 • Cell: 410.935.9605 • Main office: 1.800.989.7101 410 464 5500 (office) PenFed Realty Email: [email protected] • [email protected]/david.ark

Have a Happy New year!

Carole S. LeVine, CRB, CRS Associate Broker, licensed in MD & VA Residential Brokerage Coldwell Banker Commercial • Ellicott City and Leesburg, VA COMMERCIAL DIVISION [email protected] • 410.461.7600 Main • 410.480.3593 Direct 410.530.7584 Cell • 800.989.7101 x3593 Toll Free www.3122-24Greenmount.com

Embrace Diversity

Maybe you and your partner are ready to purchase that first home? Maybe you’d like to leverage your equity to consolidate debt at a lower interest rate - maybe take a little extra cash for a much-needed vacation? In a tough economic climate, when Wishing you & yours other lenders look for reasons to say no – we see no reason but to say yes. Richard B. Pazornik a Safe & Happy New Year! Senior Loan Officer & Steve Jackson At Embrace Home Loans, we NMLS# 225367 Ron Zimmerman Plus Years Domestic Partners 30 appreciate your commitment; we 443.600.1282 Professional & respect your point of view. Let us [email protected] help you reach your financial goals. 888 Bestgate Rd, Ste 417 Annapolis, MD 21401 Call today! 443.600.1282

www.embracehomeloans.com Licensed as Embrace Home Loans, Inc. NMLS# 2184 1234 Light St. ~ Baltimore, MD 21230 ~ 410-752-1050 ~ email [email protected]

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 21 on your new 2012 calendar. Please circle ty by the CSRA Leather Bears, a reworked Saturday, December 1, 2012 for the 14th “Pig Pen” play space, a dinner, and much annual 12 Days of Christmas Show. There, more. Even adult film star Michael Brandon now you have a whole year to get your act will be there. Check out www.secclubs.org together. for all the details. You know I plan to start the New Year There is a fun leather weekend a little in full leather. What better place to ring closer to home in March. Mark your cal- in 2012 then with my friends from COM- endar for March 9, 10, and 11. It will be MAND, MC at Leon’s Leather Lounge. I “Bears, Bikers & Mayhem 2” up in York, missed the party last year because of my Pennsylvania. The Red Roof Inn is the Looking Forward nephew’s wedding. Everyone told me what host hotel with room rates at $69.95 and a great time I missed! I am not going to just $99 for a weekend pass for all the miss it this year. I plan to pull on my leather events. I was invited to attend the dinner to 2012 pants and be a Leon’s when the ball drops. dance last year at Altlands Ranch and I Some of the gang is even staying next had a ball! The event kicks off on Friday This is the time of year when many people door at the Brexton Hotel. (You know my night with a cocktail party at the hotel fol- like to look back over the past year. I was leather pants are kind of like the Brexton lowed by the Black or White Party (Leather never one for looking back. There is noth- Hotel. They’re old, they’ve been shined up, or Underwear) at Club XS. There is a Sat- ing I can do about the past. I would rather but they still have no ballroom… ) I hope to urday night dinner followed by “Deliver- dream about the future. As the curtain see you at COMMAND’s New Year’s Eve ance! The Backwoods Bear Party” at The went down on the 13th Annual 12 Days of party at Leon’s. It will be a great way to Ranch with an afterhours party at Club XS. Christmas Show at the Hippo on Decem- start the New Year! Sunday there is a brunch at Club XS and ber 10, 2011, I was already thinking about The other big start to the year is the the Bye Bye Bear Brunch Comedy Show. an act for the ShipMates for next year. Centaur’s annual Mid-Atlantic Leather for the Mr. SECC (Southeast Conference This really sounds like a fun weekend. Visit I got a little annoyed at a friend of mine Weekend. I would not miss being in Wash- of Clubs) Leather Weekend. Can you say SVBears.com for tickets. recently who said that he had never been ington, D.C. on January 13-15 for any- road trip? I have even been asked to per- Welcome 2012! I am already looking to the annual Hooker & Boys extravagan- thing. I have already made my hotel res- form my stand-up comedy act at the con- forward to a great year! Hope your New za at the Hippo. How could someone who ervation at the beautiful Hyatt Capitol Hill. test. I’m excited. A full weekend of fun is Year is the best yet! It can be, start circling lives in Baltimore miss it? I had the plea- This year the Centaur’s have reserved the planned including a welcome cocktail par- that calendar. t sure of hosting leather icon Mama Sandy entire hotel and will not be sharing it with Reinhardt (www.mamasfamily.org) and other conventions. You will want to make American Leatherwoman 2011 Trinity who your reservation soon (888-421-1442). It is flew in from San Francisco on Friday and going to sell out. MAL Weekend includes left Sunday just to be in Baltimore for this a fantastic Saturday night leather cocktail annual celebration that brings the Drag, party with open bar and fantastic food. (It is Leather, Straight, Bisexual, and Transgen- my favorite event of the year. Did I mention dered Communities together for an after- open bar?) There is also a Sunday brunch noon of music, comedy, and way too much followed by the Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather fun! I saw friends I had not seen in years. 2012 Contest and the Reaction Dance on Plus, not only did everyone have a wonder- Sunday night at the 9:30 Club. Plus there ful time, but $11,400 was raised! Hooker & is a huge leather vendor mart. Start your Boys Productions informs me that $3800 year off right. Visit Leatherweekend.com will be going to each of this year’s chari- for all the details. ties: The Carter Johnson Leather Library It is also fun to go to an event that I “Sir Robert Davis Travel Fund,” Leather have never attended before, but have Archives and Museum “Woman’s Leather heard nothing but great things about it. On History Project Mid-Atlantic, and SPEAK February 17-19, some of my fellow Ship- (Suicide Prevention Education Awareness Mates and I will be motoring down to the for Kids). So here is the first item to put Parliament Resort in Augusta, Georgia

S Ng New Sale DvDS Starti $5 Off $25 at $1.95 Or MOre

GREENMOUNT BOOKSON eleCti HUge S BOOtHS Private 2 LOCATIONS: 3222 Greenmount Ave. Baltimore MD • 410.467.0403 Rte. 1 News • 106 Washington Blvd. South • Laurel MD • 410.880.4253

22 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com Travel Ten Great Places I Would Spend New Year’s New York and it’s most spiritual accent in the cut loose, a Reykjavik city, were $10 will buy world; you can’t trip to Lon- you your beer and a miss the fun of don for New ride home with change New Year’s in Year’s Eve back. Scotland! promises to 3) Reykjavik Ice- 7) Miami – be a blast. land’s über-gay-friendly Just in time as Well we and party-happy capi- Miami joins the saved the tal. With around four global ranks of best for last. Siem Reap mere hours of daylight super cities, as its Just a short hop from B’more sometimes the party New Year’s Eve 10) New York City – You have to expe- starts early and just keeps on going. Celebrations are simulcast around the globe rience at least once in your life New Year’s by Mary taylor 4) Melbourne – Skip the crowds and for the first time. Can you hear me now!!!! Eve in Times Square. The lights, sounds The end is near!!!! The end of 2011 and it’s head instead to the artsy city and ring in 8) San Francisco – Could we find our- and people – oh so many people– too many time to ring out the old and ring in the new. the New Year in a more alty queer way. selves in a better place at the beginning for me. So it’s back to the plane and home- Here are just a few places we can go. So 5) Chicago Boystown, Andersonville, of a New Year? Wow the Bay Area! Leg- ward bound we go. Well there is one more let’s jump on the corporate jet, now watch or somewhere a bit more mixed, a New endary for its nightlife and stunning scen- to add to the list, Baltimore. Inner Harbor your head buckle in, Year’s eve in ery makes our visit is the place to have some champagne Chicago is sec- here one to remember. be so they say. and fly off to…. Edinburgh ond to none. Well we have two more Power Plant Live 1) Rio de Janeiro Well hold on to stops to go before out another. – When wearing white your hats or in trip is done. Let us see Me? Well I after Labor Day is ok, this case your what is next. Did you think I will spend as long you have a kilts we are hear that loud bong, my night warm caipirnha in hand. headed to there it is again… and cozy at home 2) Siem Reap – 6) Edin- 9) London – with friends and Ring the New Year in burgh – Voted Whether you’re here family. See you Cambodia’s gayest London the third sexiest to see Big Ben or just in 2012. t

QUEST New Year’s Eve PrESEnTS: complementary Hat’s, Horns & champaign “The Lite buffet @ 1am Shawnna OPEN Till … Alexander Show” JanUary 14 2012 @ 9:30Pm with special guests Majic Alexander, Mama Fonda, Kyrstal Nova Blair, Mara Diamond, and more! music by DJ “Lord Byron” $8 @ The Door • $7 Advance Sale Call 410-563-2617 • Doors Open @ 8:30 PM Favorite! Baltimore’s 3607 FLEET ST., BALTIMORE, MD • 410-563-2617 AMPLE PARKING •B ATMALTIMORE AVAILABLE.cOM www.Qu ESTBAR Pm HaPPy HoUr Daily 4-8 BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 23 also the speed of your “internal process- People We Like ing” (thinking). Take a deep breath and clear your mind. Pause slightly before you do something, or slow whatever it is you A Look Back at 2011 Getting are doing. Next, focus on and really notice the By Jay Loane 200 convertible from Don White’s for the Unstuck sensations of something as you are doing Memories, like the corner of my.... GLCCB but I also had the opportunity to Gerry Fisher it. Then, appreciate the feelings. For ex- As we approach the New Year this get to know one of my Facebook friends ample, showering feels really good. Place weekend, let’s take a look back on the past better. your attention on it as you are doing it, and year. I interviewed Jonathan Jackson (a.k.a. notice the good feelings; the temperature I spent last New Year’s Eve and New Tatiyanna Voche) and featured him in our Revolutionary of the water and how it feels splashing and Year’s Day delivering the paper. This year, pride issue. It was after a performance at running down your body, the lather of the I can enjoy ringing in the New Year without Toby’s, which happened to be at Hallow- Hedonism soap and shampoo, and how they smell, that task in mind. een, that he dressed in drag and went out the feeling of your hands rubbing against I featured Kevin Via back in January. with friends from the theatre. It was then, My goal is to turn my life coaching clients your body. Your fingers massaging your The father of a gay child, Kevin made you in a matter of speaking, that Jonathan’s al- and you column readers into hedonists! scalp as you wash your hair. Just pay at- realize that there are a few parents out ter ego – Tatiyanna Voche, was born. Mind you, not the kind of hedonist who tention to these simple feelings and appre- there who care about their children wheth- July brought to you at the time, the lapses into laziness and gluttony. How- ciate them. er they are gay, straight, bi- reigning Miss Gay America ever, the kind of hedonist who uses her It doesn’t take much longer to shower sexual or transgendered. 2011 Coti Collins. “internal compass” to chart the course of in this way; the main difference is in how “I don’t know how any “How did you ever get her life… and the needle of this compass “fast” things seem to unfold in your mind as parent, in their right mind, Coti” is the standard com- directs her toward love, peace, happiness, you’re showering. could let this happen. I mean ment I receive from emails and pleasure! The opportunities for feeling more dai- that when your child is at regarding the article on Coti I’ve been on a Positive Psychology ly pleasure are many, but here are a few their largest need, that you Collins. My reply is simple – kick lately, writing about appreciation in my examples: Eating something tasty, drink- as a parent would fail them. right place at the right time. last column. So, I thought I’d continue that ing a cool drink on a hot day, listening to Kicking them out of your Coti was appearing at the trend and move on to another way to music, hearing birds sing, laughing at a house because they are not Miss Gay Pennsylvania com- increase feeling good: savoring. silly billboard or ad, seeing a beauti- what you want them to be is petition in Harrisburg. A mere As a quick review, Positive ful sunset, noticing a hot guy, tak- stupid,” stated Kevin during hour drive from my abode; I Psychology is the study of ing in the smell of leather, feel- our interview. couldn’t pass up the oppor- what makes us happy. As ing the warmth of your coffee February I interviewed tunity. you can imagine, the first cup and the rich aroma of Eric Gabbard. Let me first After spending only a few step is to define what we its contents, running your say that it was because of minutes with Coti, I knew in mean by “happy.” Follow- hand across your forearm, Eric, that I had a rare opportunity for an- the end that I gained more from meeting ers of Positive Psychology giving your woman a hug, other person to focus on in this column her alter ego David than she did; by taking make a distinction between running your hand through (see July). time from her busy schedule with a lonely two types of happiness: plea- your hair, and appreciating how “It was through a conversation I had reporter from Baltimore. sure and gratitude. Both are im- good it feels to stretch or move your with Michelle Leigh Sterling one day,” com- After a slight leave of absence, I fea- portant parts of enjoying life. body. mented Eric during our interview, “I told her tured Mark Hunter in the November edi- Gratitude is a deep appreciation and I know that things are more compli- that I was interested in learning all I could tion. It was through his daughter Saman- connection to life, often in the context of cated and nuanced than just savoring daily when it came to promoting a show.” After a tha, that I learned the most about Mark. feeling purposeful—that you know who you pleasures, but a great place to start is to while and with much confidence, Eric took December brought on more change for are, what you love doing, and how wonder- respect our bodies, nurture them, and lis- over Miss Gay Pennsylvania America. me. With the assistance of good friend Mi- fully connected you feel when you apply ten to them. Many times, our bodies “get As spring was trying to pop into our chael Serio, who has helped me with my your skills and love out in the world. it” a lot quicker than our minds do, and our lives, I sat down with Melissa Ray. A bar- wheelchair, getting around is not as diffi- Pleasure is… well… pleasure: brief, of- minds can often over complicate things. tender to many in Baltimore, Melissa is a cult as it has been. ten sensual joy. So, anything that you en- Whether I’m helping someone with career friend we should all have. The way she Though trying to adhere to my disabil- joy while eating, smelling, tasting, touch- strategy, relationship advice, or stress re- meets her newly intended boyfriends, is ity and limitations and being the victim of ing, or feeling with your body would be a duction, we always start with reconnecting definitely a way to find out quickly, if they a robbery recently, for the most part has pleasure. I also think that having a brief with our internal compass, our hearts and are keepers or not. ruined the holidays for me. Trying to get in good time would be a pleasure: laughing at guts. “They must be okay with my lifestyle the spirit of things with all that I had been a joke, enjoying a television show or book, As members of the LGBT communities, and friends. I take them out to a gay bar through just wasn’t to be. or feeling good after finishing an item on we have had to face a conflict between our usually on the first date and if they have a So, I look toward the future, hoping that your to-do list. internal compass and what “the world” is problem with that, then I have a problem this year will finally be a good one. I look So, as is the case with much of my life telling us “we should feel.” I do think that with them.” forward to introducing you to a few more coaching approach, the key to successful that is the greatest crime that society com- April showers bought us to May. I did interesting people from Baltimore and be- savoring involves learning to focus differ- mits against us: the systemic attempts to 99% of an interview on the phone with Las yond. ently. We have an amazing number of op- disconnect LGBT people from our hearts Vegas costume jewelry designer and own- And I would also like to take this op- portunities to appreciate pleasure every and guts, the insidious invitation to mis- er Mark Martin. portunity to thank a few people. First and single day, but we can’t take advantage of trust our deepest, truest selves. Mark has such a talent when he de- foremost, to you who read my column. I what we can’t see. It’s not as if you have I know that savoring a ripe strawberry signs many of the jewels you see on many enjoy introducing you to members of our to go out of your way to stop and smell the or appreciating the warmth of a shower for female illusionists. From the big titles of community. Second, to my editor Dana roses; you need to smell the roses that a few minutes doesn’t seem like a revolu- Miss Gay America to the little clubs, Mark’s LaRocca and former editor Steve Charing, you’ve been habitually ignoring. tionary LGBT act. Think again. t jewelry is worn by the best. who make writing an easier task. Pride brought us into warmer weather. As I leave you, let me be the first to Before you can focus, you need to slow Learn more at BaltimoreLifeCoachGer- t down, not just the pace of your actions but ry.com Not only did I get to drive a 2011 Chrysler wish you all a happy and safe new year! 24 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

January 1 The!Walters!Art!Museum “Highlights!of!the!Walters”!explores!painting,!sculpture! January 13 and!the!decorative!arts,!from!antiquity!to!the!19th!century.! Creative!Alliance!at!The!Patterson! No!reservations!are!required.!Just!walk!in.!600!N.! Bad!Luck!Improv!from!Baltimore!Improv!Group Charles!Street,!Baltimore,!MD.!1:00!p.m.!to!2:00!p.m.!Free. The!quick-thinking!jokesters!of!Baltimore!Improv!Group! embrace!Murphy’s!Law!with!a!Friday!the!13th!show,! January 4 because!they!know!nothing’s!funnier!than!a!disaster…! Grace!United!Methodist!Church when!it’s!happening!to!someone!else.!So!step!under!a! Invites!to!join!with!leaders!from!Equality!Maryland! ladder,!cross!that!black!cat,!or!hold!your!breath!past!the! to!write!letters!to!our!state!delegates!and!senators!to! cemetery,!but!don’t!miss!this!show!!3134!Eastern!Ave.! urge!them!to!vote!for!marriage!equality!in!Maryland! 8:00!p.m.!$13,!$8!mbrs. during!this!General!Assembly!session.!Persons!from! all!welcoming!and!affirming!congregations!of!any! January 14 denomination!as!well!as!anyone!who!is!interested! is!invited!to!join!us.!5407!N.!Charles!St.!at!Northern! Creative!Alliance!at!The!Patterson Parkway.!Enter!through!the!glass!door!on!the!side! Elvis’!Birthday!Fight!Club parking!lot.!7:30p.m.!For!questions!Call!410-433-6650. A!burlesque!mashup!of!party!and!performance!art,! January 7 EBFC!offers!“a!little!less!conversation,!a!little!more! action.”!Co-Hosted!by!“Elvis”!and!DC’s!femme-cee! Killer’s!Kiss Kittie!Glitter,!old-school!heroes!duke!it!out!against! A!rarely!seen!early!film! subversive!villains!in!ridiculous!home-grown!costumes.! noir!by!Stanley!Kubrick.! Between!bouts,!burlesque!entertainers!keep!the!crowd! Triple LLL Leon’s LeaTher Lounge This!1955!film!noir!thriller! “all!shook!up”!and!the!audience!competes!with!Elvis! 227 W. Chase Street 410-539-4850 www.LeonsLeatherLounge.com set!in!New!York!City!was! trivia!and!a!“rock-a-hula!hoop”!contest.!Co-produced! Stanley!Kubrick’s!second! by!L’il!Dutch!Burlesque!and!ABJ!Productions.!3134! film!but,!because!Kubrick’s! Eastern!Ave.!8:00!p.m.!$16,!$11!mbrs. first!film!Fear!and!Desire! Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays remains!un-released!by!the! Kubrick!estate,!represents! Male Review Bear Happy Hour Karaoke the!earliest!Kubrick!feature! 8:30 pm 4 to 10 pm 8 to Midnight available!for!audiences!to!enjoy.!Pratt!Library!400! Drink specials Cathedral!Street,!Baltimore,!MD.!410-396-5430.!2:00! p.m.!Free.!(English!language!film/French!Poster!Art) CusTomer January 10 AppreCiATion PFLAG!Howard!County!! pArTy Rainbow!Youth!and!Allies Saturday Dec. 17 Rainbow!Youth!and!Allies!provides!a!safe!space!for!youth!(up! Free Buffet at 6pm to!age!22)!who!are!Gay,!Lesbian,!Bisexual,!&!Transgendered! Extended Happy Hour (GLBT),!as!well!as!their!allies.!Meetings!are!on!the!2nd!&! January 14 4th!Tues.!of!the!month.!Owen!Brown!Interfaith!Center.!7246! Till Midnight NAUCZYCIEL FREDERIC CREDIT PHOTO Cradlerock!Way,!Columbia,!MD.!7:30!p.m.!Free. The!Strand!Theater!Company Continues!its!first!annual!Second!Saturday!Reading! Join Us for January 11 Series!with!One!Glitz!Wish!by!Maryland!native! neW yeAr’s eve Kristin!Harrison.!Audience!members!are!encouraged! Transgender!Issues!Working!Group to!provide!feedback!to!the!playwright!after!the! Champagne Toast at Midnight The!input!and!perspective!of!our!transgender!supporters! performance.!Doors!open!a!half!hour!prior!to!the! And Much More is!vital!for!the!advancement!of!transgender!issues,! performance.!1823!N.!Charles!Street,!Baltimore,!MD.! legislation!and!education!in!our!community.!The! working!group!meets!every!other!Wednesday!at! 7:00!p.m.!FREE!and!open!to!the!public. the!Equality!Maryland!offices.!1201!S.!Sharp!Street,! VOTED ONE OF THE BEST BARS IN BALTIMORE 2010 Baltimore,!MD!21230.!7:00!p.m.!Free,!registration! Leons [email protected] 870 Park Avenue 410.539.4993’ Baltimore’s Best Happy Hour BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 25 Professional Services

counseling consulting LAWN

Get Unstuck STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT ...at work, in love, for life! CONSULTING Strategic Planning Implementation, and Problem Solving = Strategic Results 410-949-7888 Lawn Master Baltimore office Strategic Management Meadow Mill, Hampden Consulting, LLC, a certified You grow it We mow it MBE, ensures non-profits, small businesses, and other • All Yard Work Gerry Fisher groups run more efficiently in order to accomplish their • Trees and Shrubs Pruned Life Coach goals effectively. • Leaf and Debris Removal Odette Ramos Founder, President and CEO • Winter Residential Snow Removal [email protected] www.strategicmgmt.net Call Jamie 443-913-6575 www.BaltimoreLifeCoachGerry.com 443.801.8137

photography massage HANDYMAN

C&J Handyman Services NO JOb tO Small • Roofing • Painting • Gutters & Downspouts Cleaned • Trash Removal • All Around the House Jobs

Call Jamie 443-913-6575

cleaning Support GROUP books & gifts

WHEN U WONT SETTLE FOR LESS... spring cleaning special Call Michael for Free Phone Quotes 410.426.1628

Call 410-244-6780 to list your business in the Professional Services directory. 26 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com Professional Services tax services travel attorney

financial ELECTRICIAN

Call 410-244-6780 to advertise. pet supplies HELP WANTED PHOToGRAPHY Free photography for LGBT events. Special rates for models and IndependentAVON SaleS RepReSentatIveS entertainers. Complete WantW chooseant to choose your yourhours, hours, your your income income,and yourand your rewards? rewards? WE WE DO!! DO!!! discretion for personal photos. Images for all your photographic needs and fund-raising $$$$$$ opportunities. Contact John Redmond/Bill Palmer AISR jaywphotos@ (443) 421-9091 / (443) 421-9090 comcast.net [email protected] 410-952-6724

Call 410-244-6780 to list your business in the Professional Services directory. BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 27 Through its Creating Change conference, the Task Force gave me, and many others, the confidence, skills and help I needed to be a leader in my community.

Rep. Laurie Jinkins 27th LD, Washington State Legislature

The largest annual gathering of activists, organizers and leaders in the LGBT movement January 25–29, 2012 Hilton Baltimore Maryland www.CreatingChange.org

Opening Keynote Address Benjamin Todd Jealous President and CEO of the NAACP Thursday January 26, 8:00 PM

See you there!

We’re looking for community housing hosts and volunteers. If you live in the Baltimore area, go to www.CreatingChange.org and look under “Wanna Help?” to volunteer and under “Where to Stay” to offer community host housing to a guest.

Gold & Platinum Conference Sponsors

Build Power Take Action Create Change

28 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 30, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com