ANO INDEPENDENTU VOICE FOR THE TLESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER COMMUNITIES February 7, 2014 | Volume XI, Issue 19

Sen. Rich Madaleno, who introduced SB212, testifies, director of Equality Maryland, which is part while Del Heather Mizeur (r.) waits to mount the podium credit: Steve Charing ‘It’s Time, Maryland’ of the Maryland Coalition for Transgender Equality, told Baltimore OUT- By Steve in employment, housing, credit and public loud prior to the hearing, Charing accommodations on the basis of gender “Momentum is behind us. GLCBB On February 4, in- identity and expression. In doing so, the We had ENDA (Employ- moves to dividuals on both bill failed to reach ment Non- Waxter sides of the Fair- the Senate floor Advocates and foes of Discrimi- Center ness for All Mary- and the House of nation Act) page 4 landers Act of 2014 Delegates for de- trans rights bill appear pass the (SB212), argued bate and up and U.S. Senate their positions in down votes. before Senate panel with bipartisan front of the Maryland In 2013, the support and marriage equal- Senate’s Judicial JPR voted to kill the bill by a slim 6-to-5 ity passed last year with Republican sup- Proceedings Com- margin. Of the senators who voted against port.” mittee (JPR). This it, three were Democrats: Anthony C. Muse Liz Seaton, a pro bono counsel for the committee, over the (Prince George’s), Norman R. Stone, Jr. National Center for Lesbian Rights and years, has blocked (Baltimore County) and James Brochin who later testified, said, “It’s as important various versions (Baltimore County). to protect people for who they are as much of a bill that would Asked if there was any reason for op- as who they love.” protect Marylanders timism this year, Carrie Evans, executive —continued on page 14

growth of my own imagination. I based the characters on the really colorful Entertaining Readers of All Ages people in my life and then changed By Gregg Shapiro mer Broadway dancer and I was on staff Things Come Back their names so they wouldn’t sue Gay writer Tim Federle knows that readers for Billy Elliott on Broadway, working with and he also wrote me. Nate is very much me. I was come in all ages. For his two Young Adult kids who were nine to 14 years old. I was this upcoming book picked on and bullied, all the ste- novels, Better Nate Than Ever and its se- inspired by how funny they were, but also called Noggin. I’m reotypical stuff that can happen quel Five, Six, Seven, Nate (both from Si- how un-jaded they were. I had lived in New also a huge Roald to any boy who knows all the mon & Schuster), Federle has created one York since I was 19 and I was 30 when I Dahl fan from the old lyrics to Phantom happened of the more endearing fictional characters started writing the book. I thought there’d days. to me. It all happened to me in recent memory. Titular character Nate be something really cool about revisiting GS: How much, and I have the great knowl- will keep you in stitches as he navigates that point of view, of being in New York if any, of Tim is in edge that a lot of kids don’t his way out of his dull, dead end home- when everything is possible and it wasn’t Nate, or any of the have which is that there is a town, onto a Broadway stage and towards just gritting your teeth and walking down other characters? day and there is a place that his first kiss. For somewhat older read- the street. The second reason was that TF: Since I’m a for- you will get to where you don’t ers, Federle serves up Tequila Mocking- kids still read more than adults do and I mer actor I’m pretty good have to change anything about bird (Running Press), consisting of cock- felt like I had a great shot at getting pub- at trying on the mindset yourself and you are exactly tails with literary themes. I spoke with Tim lished which I know can be really hard. So of somebody else. So all —continued on page 18 about his books in early 2014. I thought it would be a practical way of get- the characters Gregg Shapiro: Tim, both your first ting published [laughs]. I was lucky enough are kind of Tim and second novels, Better Nate Than for that to happen. an out- Federle Ever and Five, Six, Seven, Nate respec- GS: Who are some of your favorite tively, are Young Adult books. Why did YA authors? you decide to work in the YA genre? TF: I love Rebecca Stead. She wrote a Tim Federle: I decided to write in that book called Liar and Spy. I love John Co- genre for two reasons. First, I am a for- rey Whaley. He wrote a book called Where

—continued on page 10 FEBRUARY14 Grand Central Leatherboys of Maryland will hold a bar night/ cigar social at Grand Central starting at 10 p. m. 50/50 raffle, skittleshots, bootblack, etc Co-Publishers Jim Becker • Jim Williams 14 CCBC Essex [email protected] Executive Editor FACULTY RECITAL Jim Becker [email protected] Professional on the CCBC Music faculty will present selections from classical ManagingMana Editor to jazz, in solo and ensemble. FREE.! No tickets or reservations needed. 12:20 p.m. [email protected] Director of Marketing & Production Arts and Humanities Hall, Recital Hall, CCBC Essex, 7201 Rossville Boulevard Mary Taylor [email protected] Sales Representative 15 Date Night at National Aquarium Rodney Burger Love is not only in the air this Valentine’s Day – it’s in the water! LeatherL Editor Rodney Burger Experience the intimate ambience of the Aquarium after hours. Local News Editor Couples 21 and older will dive deep into love as they enjoy crowd-free exhibits, live Steve Charing [email protected] music, dessert and other light fare, wine and beer, as well as a champagne toast. Restaurant Critic Throughout the evening, guests will also learn fun facts about mating and love in the Richard Finger ContributingCo Writers aquatic world from Aquarium experts. 7-10 p.m. 501 East Pratt Street Baltimore, MD Joey Amato • Nicole Bettis • Sharon Brackett • Josh Buchbinder • Ada Buffet • Rodney Burger • Carol V. Calhoun • Lee Carpenter • Steve 21202 Tickets are $99 per couple for non-members and $69 per couple for members, Charing • Douglas Chay • Jeffrey Clagett • Jeffrey Clouser • Wayne Curtis • Woody Derricks • Deborah J. Draisin • Denise Duarte • Chuck and can be purchased at aqua.org/love. For more information, visit aqua.org/love or call Duncan • Wyatt O’Brian Evans • Bruce Garrett • Dr. Eva Hersh • Bonnie (410) 576-3833 Lane • Jay Loane • Vann Mills • Marla Seymour • Gregg Shapiro GraphicsGr Amy Ray • Joe Velasquez Cartoonist 2/21-23 & Dundalk Community Theatre: DRIVING MISS DAISDAISY James Faison 2/28-3/2 February 21, 22, 28, March 1 at 8pm; February 23, March 2 at 3pm, College Communi- Photographers ty Center, John E. Ravekes Theatre, CCBC Dundalk, 7200 Sollers Point Road Bruce Garrett • Daniel McGarrity • Jay W Photos Web Editor Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, this heartwarming tale of the unlikely friendship Anja Saine [email protected] that blossoms between a prickly, elderly Southern matriarch and her kindhearted Managed Web Services The Fusio Group chauffeur. 866-322-7498, Thefusiogroup.com TICKETS: General admission $23; seniors $20; students, children 12 and under $15. National Advertising Rep Rivendell Media Call the CCBC Box Office at 443-840-ARTS (2787) for tickets and information. 908-232-2021 Founders MARCH Jim Becker • Joe Berg • Mike Chase • 3/27-30 Bears, Bikers & Mayhem 2014 Lee Mooney (1959-2007) • Jim Williams Baltimore OUTloud Mr. Mayhem Leather will be a contest like no other! Along with the new contest, BBM is PO Box 4887 Baltimore, MD 21211 410-244-6780 a full weekend of parties and activities that include our expanded vendor market, laser Baltimoreoutloud.com tag, go-carts, mini golf, pool party, cigar party, after-hours parties, plenty of food and Additional Information Baltimore OUTloud is published every other Friday by Pride Media, Ltd. much, much more! Prices start at $115 per person with VIP 3 and 4 day passes in Baltimore, Maryland. Readers comments and unsolicited materials are welcomed and may be sent to: [email protected]. All available. Visit our website for tickets at www.bearsbikersandmayhem.com materials appearing in this newspaper are the property of Pride Media, Ltd. and may not be reproduced without the written permission of the All proceeds benefit Black & White Party, INC. Host hotel is Eisenhower Inn and editor. Conference Center (you MUST mentions Bears, Bikers & Mayhem to book a room). UPCOMING Contact us- Bears, Bikers & Mayhem, c/o Black & White Party, 9600 Groveton Cir. 313, Owings Mills, MD 21117 (717)814-8862 EVENTS 4/11-13 ShipMates 40th Anniv. Weekend The opinions expressed in Baltimore OUTloud are solely those of the writers unless otherwise indicated and do not necessarily April 11, Leather Dance at Grand Central, April 12: Dinner at McCormick & Schmick's, reflect the views of Pride Media, Ltd., and the staff.

Fethish Ball at Club Orpheus, April 13: Sunday Brunch. Plus cocktail parties during the © 2014 – All rights reserved Chair of the Board of Trustees – Jim Becker weekend at the host hotel :The Wyndham Peabody Court. Full Weekend is $155. President – Jim Williams Details and tickets at: www.shipmatesclub.com Secretary and Treasurer – Mike Chase

2 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com

news // LOCAL

New Website for what they have to do, what they can do BHT’s president Jim Slattery in remarks to protect their children,” Catherine Hyde, just as the reception was closing noted “what PFLAG Valentine’s the transgender coordinator for PFLAG- really makes this annual event so wonderful, Trans Youth Howard County and a member of PFLAG’s on top of the awarding of the actual checks, Day Dances national board of directors, told the Balti- is the opportunity for our grantees to network By Steve Charing more Sun. and connect. They all do such great work and The Howard County and Westminster chapters A new website, “Trans*youth@md” Hyde, who is a mother of a trans child, their expertise and best practices are vital to of PFLAG will be celebrating Valentine’s Day by (Theme.wordpress.com/credits/transy- added, “As parents move through their our community and each other.” hosting dances as part of outhmd.wordpress.com) has been estab- journey from shock and into acceptance Presentations of four special annual their monthly meetings. lished to answer legal questions posed by and celebration of their kids, more and awards were also made. The Billy Collison On Tuesday, February trans youth and their parents. The site was more parents are coming to me and ask- Award, BHT’s underdog award, was given to 11, the Howard County created by FreeState Legal in partnership ing, ‘How do I change my kid’s name? How Baltimore’s Hope Springs. The George Dod- chapter will hold its dance with local Maryland chapters of PFLAG. do I change the gender marker?’” Both son Business award, which goes to a busi- billed, “A Night for All FreeState provides legal services to low questions are answered on the site. t ness doing great work for the community, was Ages,” from 7:30 p.m. income members of the LGBT community. given to GayRVA.com for their help promoting to 10 p.m. at the Owen gay and lesbian night at Kings Dominion. The Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way, Founder’s Award, given to an organization Columbia, Maryland. BHT Awards doing great work with very little funding, was The Westminster chapter will feature its presented to Casa Ruby LGBT Community dance -- also for all ages -- on Sunday, Febru- Center. And, the Anthony J. Bachrach Award, ary 16 from 5 p.m. to 9 pm. at St. Paul’s United $75K in Grants which recognizes an individual doing out- Church of Christ, 17 Bond Street (corner of Bond standing work on behalf of the community, was and Green Streets), Westminster, Maryland. The On January 25, Brother, Help Thyself (BHT) presented to David Mariner, executive director chapter suggests a $5 donation for Adults and $2 awarded over $75,000 in grants to 31 non- of the D.C. Center. for Students. profits serving the LGBT community in the Treasurer Mark Clark said that this year’s In both events, snacks, music and games DC / Baltimore region. Over 125 attended the grant reception, an annual event, was “our will be offered and will be adult-supervised. For grant reception which took place at Ziegfeld’s best ever.” more information visit pflagmd.org and pflagwcc. / Secrets Nightclub in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit Brotherhelp- org for Howard County and Westminster, respec- The event featured performances by thyself.org. t tively. t the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and legendary drag performer Billie Ross. Also featured were Catherine Hyde (Mid-Atlantic Catherine Hyde, Transgender regional director of PFLAG) and Benjamin Coordinator, PFLAG –Howard Takai (of the D.C. Department of Health’s HIV County credit: Steve Charing / AIDS, Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention and Intervention Services Division). Lynda Dee “Several parents of transgender youth Hyde spoke about her journey from denial approached FreeState, asking if we could to advocacy after discovering her then four- Attorney At Law create an accessible, easy to use resource year old son identified as a girl. Takai spoke Serving the Gay Community Since 1981 that would guide trans youth and their fam- to the District’s HIV/AIDS prevention efforts. ilies through the legal world of transitioning BHT’s Secretary Andrew McCarty, who repre- from one gender to another. We developed sents COMMAND, M.C., on the board, orga- • Criminal the trans youth website in response to that nized the event and acted as master of cer- • Traffic request,” Aaron Merki, executive director emonies. of FreeState, told Baltimore OUTloud. Starting their 36th year, BHT awarded • DWI The website, which is still under de- grants to the following organizations: • MVA Hearings velopment, offers such resources as: laws AIDS Action Baltimore, Audrey Herman about legally changing name and gender; Spotlighters Theatre, Black Men’s XChange • Estate Planning the steps to change name or gender on National, Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, Char- • Wills official documents, like Social Security lie’s Place, Damien Ministries, the DC Cen- cards, driver’s licenses, and passports; ter’s HIV Working Group, D.C. Rape Crisis • Powers of Attorney rules about signing up for Selective Ser- Center, D.C.’s Different Drummers, Equality • Personal Injury vice if one is trans; and civil rights. “We Maryland Foundation, Free State Legal Proj- anticipate adding information and materi- ect, Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, Heart • Automobile Accidents als on a constant basis, and continuing to to Hand, Helping Our Brothers and Sisters, • Worker’s Compensation develop this site into a more and more use- HIPS, HOPE DC, Hope Springs, Latino GLBT ful resource over time,” says Merki. History Project, New Ways Ministry, PETS DC, • Family Law and Divorce However, the website does not pro- PFLAG of Carroll County, MD, PFLAG of How- • Second Parent Adoptions vide information about the medical or psy- ard County, Maryland, Rainbow History Proj- chological aspects of transition, although ect, Rainbow Youth Alliance, SMYAL, Thank- it displays links to additional resources ful Paws, Third Millennium Ensemble, United 201 N. Charles Street, Suite 2300 • Baltimore, MD • 21201 which might be able to provide some an- Ministries, Wanda Alston Foundation, Wash- Offices: 410-332-1170 • Fax 410-836-0288 swers. ington Renegades Rugby Football Club, and [email protected] • www.lyndadeelaw.com “We want to help parents figure out Washington Scandals Rugby Football Club. BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 3 news // LOCAL GLCCB Moves to Waxter Center B y Steve Charing is affordable.” Commissioner The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Trans- The GLCCB’s regularly scheduled pro- Anthony Batts gender Community Center of Baltimore gram meetings will remain at the 241 W. and community and Central Maryland (GLCCB) an- Chase building until Feb. 9. Beginning Feb. members took nounced it was finalizing details to move 10, meetings will take place at the Waxter place. Several its administrative offices and program Center. Updates on directions to the new years ago, the meeting space to the third floor of the location, access to the building, and meet- GLCCB had Waxter Center building (1000 Cathedral ing room numbers will be continuously up- partnered with Street) in the Mt. Vernon neighborhood, dated on the GLCCB’s website (GLCCB. the Waxter according to Gay Life magazine, a publi- org) and Facebook page (Facebook.com/ Center to im- cation of the GLCCB. glccb). prove the exte- “We’re overjoyed to finally announce The new Waxter Center space occu- rior lighting in this exciting next step of the GLCCB,” pies approximately 4,700 square feet of the the vicinity. said Matt Thorn, the GLCCB’s executive third floor of the building, and is accessible The build- director. “The Waxter Center is a perfect fit by elevator. Drop-in opportunities and ac- ing at 241 West for the needs of our organization and the cess to the Center’s community computer Chase Street communities we serve.” lab will be made available Mondays-Fri- was sold in late Negotiations to lease the space in the The Waxter Center days from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Additionally, May 2013 after credit: Daniel McGarrity Photography Waxter Center, which is owned by the city the organization will be hosting an open serving as the of Baltimore, began in the late summer of house in March to unveil the new space. Center’s head- 2013. The deal was expected to be com- There have been historical ties between quarters since 1980. In a statement re- “The 241 West Chase Street building is pleted on Feb. 5 after the Baltimore City the GLCCB and the Waxter Center. Sev- leased by the board of directors at the time old, in need of continuous repair, has limited Board of Estimates meets for final ap- eral large GLCCB-led meetings had taken of the building’s closing, the decision to sell accessibility and sorely needs to be updated proval. place on the Waxter Center’s ground floor the building was made to address ongoing to accommodate the community needs, in- Other venues were explored, Thorn meeting space to accommodate large num- community concerns with the inadequacy cluding ADA compliance all of which have told Baltimore OUTloud, but “the Waxter bers of community members. Most recently of the GLCCB’s present space to meet the significant costs associated with them,” the Center offers the best possible space that in October, a forum with Baltimore Police goals outlined in its strategic plan. board said in a statement. t

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4 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com news // LOCAL Anne Arundel Couple Free Tax Services Offered By Steve Charing Free tax services are available every Several organizations have partnered to Thursday through April 4 from 3 to 6 p.m. Dead in Murder-Suicide provide free tax-preparation services to at the First Floor Community Room, Chase low-income members of the LGBT com- Brexton Building, 1111 North Charles By Steve Charing two men were residents of the upper por- munity. FreeState Legal Project, which of- Street, Baltimore. Michael Allen Nelson, 51, and Thomas tion of the house. fers free legal services to the LGBT com- Those needing assistance should bring Alan Goat, 52, were found dead in the top Nelson, the apparent shooter, had munity; the Baltimore CASH Campaign, an the following: a social-security card for level of their home in the Marley section of been involved in a criminal case the week organization that works to “increase the fi- each family member, a photo ID for each Glen Burnie on January 27. Anne Arundel before. According to police reports, on nancial security filer; W-2 forms for all jobs County’s Office of the Chief Medical Ex- January 19, police responded to a com- of low-income worked in 2013; child-care pro- aminer has ruled the cause and manner of plaint by a 27-year-old woman in the area individuals and vider name, address, and tax ID death as a homicide/suicide with both vic- of Wendover Road and Summit Avenue in families”; Chase number; all banking account in- tims killed as a result of gunshot wounds. Glen Burnie. She alleged a man had a gun Brexton Health formation (a voided check and/ “The two were believed to be involved pointed at her at her car window and yelled Care; and PNC or savings deposit slip) to direct for the victim to get out of the area. The Bank, which is deposit your refund; a copy victim immediately notified 911. funding the proj- of last year’s tax return; any Upon canvassing the area, the sus- ect, are provid- document or information about pect was immediately located, stopped, ing this service. money received from the IRS and detained. Officers recovered a loaded “We viewed or Maryland; all 1099 forms for Taurus PT Semi-Automatic handgun from the project as other income, if any; and any the suspect, who was determined to be particularly important this year, follow- other tax-related documents. In addition, Michael Allen Nelson and who appeared ing the achievement of marriage equality every adult on the return must come to to be intoxicated. Nelson was transported because LGBT families may now be sub- sign the return. to Northern District and charged with First ject to different rules and benefits under Those interested in signing up for Degree Assault and Second Degree As- federal and state tax laws,” Aaron Merki, free help filing 2013 taxes should contact sault. He was due to appear in court next executive director of FreeState Legal told FreeState at 410-625-5428 for an appoint- week. t Baltimore OUTloud. ment. t

SET YOUR LOVE The 2014 B’More Proud IN STONE Give her your heart- LGBTQIA Leadership Summit faithfully, forever, (the following to be announced) strong and pure and true- on a strand of Keynote Speakers sterling silver lit up Breakout Sessions by the shimmer of Resources Fair mother of pearl. Entertainment Michael Allen Nelson was arrested a week prior to being found dead in his home. credit: Anne Arundel County Police at Johns Hopkins University, Levering Hall in a domestic relationship. At this time, Sunday, March 30th there is no motive in the shooting,” accord- Heart’s Desire Necklace, $99 Check-in starts at 10:00 AM ing to a police statement. Sources believe HANDCRAFTED IN PERU an exquisite Valentine’s gift that the two men were gay. Open to all university students At approximately 5 p.m. on January in the Baltimore area 27, officers from the Anne Arundel Coun- ty Police Department’s Northern District responded to the unit block of Wendover GIFT’S THAT GIVE TWICE Fair Trade Retailer Since 1946 B’More Proud creates a educated and Road in Glen Burnie for a report of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers learned the Fells Point, 1621 Thames St. empowered population of LGBTQIA home was set up like an apartment with Baltimore, MD 21231 two separate living areas. 410-342-5568 student leaders engaged in a city-wide The residents in the lower portion of www.tenthousandvillages.com student leadership alliance, while fostering the home called the police. The witnesses Fri, Feb 7-Fri, Feb 14 reported that they heard shots in the upper BUT ONE, a supportive and welcoming environment portion of the home, and it appeared that GET ONE 50% OFF for all college students. someone was shot. Police concluded the all jewelry and accessories.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 5 bdeyon the beltway compiled by Jim Becker “causing a campus disturbance” because risk. “For me growing up, I always felt the of the bullying. After several national news biggest thing that caused my depression Texas jails sources picked up the story and Marucci’s was the feeling of being alone,” Mertens High school schoolmates spoke out on social media said. “I hate the stereotypes that go along address safety in an effort to get him reinstated, school with liking the same sex.... I made the deci- student, 18, officials reversed their decision. Adminis- sion that if I could help anyone else avoid of LGBT inmates trators now say Marucci’s porn work was feeling the way I felt, I would.” He said that suspended for never the reason for his suspension, with he was never the target of homophobia. He Houston, Texas – Black eyeliner rings Tynie- Cocoa High spokeswoman Michelle Irwin happily dated girls and never let on he had sha Stephens’ large brown eyes. Her long, porn job telling a local TV station that the school a secret. “I had a smile on my face all the dark hair is pulled back in a ponytail, and “would never suspend a student for his job time as a kid, but I was dying on the inside. she excitedly shares pictures of herself in the Cocoa, Florida – A high school senior in or job-related activities.” In my hometown, you have to fit in or you’ll blonde wig and skirts she dons when she’s not Florida turned to gay porn as a source of Marucci’s mother remembers things be exiled. If somebody had come out that in orange jail garb. Yet Stephens lives among revenue in an effort to help his mom finan- differently. “She flat-out told me that he I looked up to in the town, I would have men in a Texas jail where she is serving a cially – a decision that almost halted his was expelled,” Melyssa Lieb told WKMG been a lot hap- sentence for prostitution. And she knows she graduation, according to numerous local Tuesday. “Not just suspended, but he was pier. Last night is nothing like them. “I am feminine, a femi- reports. Robert Marucci, an 18-year-old expelled, due to his explicit adult lifestyle he tweeted a nine person, a transgender woman, and some who attends Cocoa High School in Bre- career.” “I did this to help my mother out, lengthy letter guys look at me, you know, with that eye,” Ste- vard County, Florida, did five scenes for get us in a better economic level,” Marucci to his home- phens, 28, said. “I feel very uncomfortable.” gay porn producer Sean Cody as “Noel” in told WKMG. Irwin declined to provide an George Takei town in hopes She has been taking hormones for ten years 2013. The week of January 14, the teen alternative reason for Marucci’s suspen- of changing and is partly transformed into a woman. She’s was suspended from school for creating a sion, citing privacy laws. Marucci was al- hearts and hopeful that soon, she can serve out her time campus disturbance. lowed to return to campus January 22. minds and giv- in a women’s jail. But how soon – or if – that A Reddit user first posted the news (The Advocate – Kevin O’Keffe at Advo- ing local LGBT can happen is in question. cate.com/youth/2014/01/21/watch-senior- youth some- The Harris County Jail in Houston, the high-school-suspended-then-unsuspend- one they can third-largest in the country which processes ed-gay-porn-gig) point to with some 125,000 inmates annually, is one of pride: many nationwide implementing changes to Conner Mertens “It’s al- the way it treats its gay, lesbian, bisexual and ways been transgender population. The changes stem College football the football from a law passed by Congress under former community that scared me the most when President George W. Bush that requires fed- player comes out I’ve thought about coming out,” Mertens eral, state and local lockups to eliminate rape said. “Coach [Fowles] didn’t blink an eye,” in part by adjusting regulations about how the publicly Mertens said of his revelation. “He talked population lives behind bars. It’s not easy. As about how they don’t build football play- jails sort out how to put the law into place, con- Salem, Oregon – Conner Mertens, the ers at Willamette, they build men, and flicts are arising between existing state laws Willamette University football team‘s up- that he was proud that I could tell him and the federal rules, making the implementa- and-coming kicker, had asked head coach this about myself.” Fowles said, “Conner tion process slow and difficult. Housing is one Glen Fowles for some office time to dis- has friends here and he feels comfortable of the most difficult questions. Until now, gays, R obert Marucci cuss something important. Fowles and his telling us, and I think that speaks well of lesbians and transgender inmates were often special teams coordinator feared Mertens our program. He feels safe and well-liked housed separately, but based on their biologi- of Marucci’s suspension on a gay-related would tell them he was transferring to an- and comfortable around us.” Fowles had cal gender. Stephens lives with gay men. The section of the site. The poster claimed that other school and started a subtle soft-sell a meeting with 16 team leaders. At the new rules say it is discriminatory, as well as Marucci had been severely bullied after on the school. Mertens laughed. “I’m not end of the meeting Fowles let them know potentially unsafe, to house people based on his classmates discovered his after-school going anywhere, coach,” Mertens said. about Mertens’ impending public revela- sexual orientation and gender, and so now job, causing school administrators to sus- Mertens asked Fowles if he was a good tion. There was a moment of silence in they hope to house inmates based on where pend him apparently claiming that he was kicker. Fowles confirmed and made clear the room… followed by a parade. One by they will be safest, and consider gender iden- that Mertens would be judged only on his one the players stood up and voiced their tity when making that decision. kicking ability. At that point Mertens told love and appreciation for Mertens. “It was “Transgender women have to be eligible Fowler, “I’m bisexual. I like dudes. I have a unwavering support,” Fowles said. “They for women’s housing. That is where they will These news notes have been compiled, boyfriend. And next week, I’m going to tell were supportive because he’s one of their be safest,” said Harper Jean Tobin, director of with permission, from the online version the world.” teammates. “It’s been insanely incredible,” policy for the Washington-based National Cen- of various newspapers and other web Mertens didn’t easily arrive at his deci- Mertens said a couple hours after a sub- ter for Transgender Equality. “These are wom- sites. We thank these publications for sion to come out to his coach or team, let sequent meeting of the entire team. Text en who are psychologically women.” But Texas allowing us to bring you their news sto- alone publicly. No college football player messages and phone calls poured in from law requires a person to be housed according ries. Usually the reports have been sig- in the U.S. at any level has ever come the team, all offering their love and sup- to their biological gender, said Brandon Wood, nificantly edited and you can read the out publicly while still playing. Some have port. “I’m speechless. That is the only word executive director of the Texas Commission on full story by going to the web site men- come out to their team, many have come I can use to describe this. Even a lot of Jail Standards. “Female inmates do not want tioned following the item. Comments out to friends, but none has said publicly the guys on the football team I was most someone who identifies as a woman, but isn’t, are strictly the opinions of Jim Becker they are gay. scared of are the ones who have been the in their housing,” Wood said. “The potential and not of Baltimore OUTloud or Pride He was taking a big risk. Yet for Mertens, most amazing.” (Dallas Voice – Cyd Zei- for something very bad to go wrong does ex- Media. the potential gain for both himself and oth- gler & Steve Ramos at Dallasvoice.com & ist.” t (Dallas Voice & the Associated Press er youth like him simply outweighed the Outsports.com) – Steve Ramos at Dallasvoice.com) 6 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com N EWS // EAStern panhandle w.v.

used for music offerings and limoncello tast- tional park. Peppered with small shops and Valentine’s Day in the Panhandle ings on Friday nights. Most of the music is food venues, rife with historic markers and folk and quite good. And the liqueur manu- natural loveliness, it is easy to kill an entire Bay Marl Seymour ebrate a holiday that is one of a few with factured here is exceptional. Just check out day here, just walking around. There are So are we all aware of the fact that we which the Roman Catholic Church has their international awards! several short hikes, of all varieties of diffi- celebrate romantic love on a day of the blessed us. And the only one that we have Saturday daylight. culty, recommended from the AT headquar- year upon which St. Valentinius died for at- to celebrate affairs of the heart. Access the Appalachian Trail in several ters with Harpers Ferry as the starting point. tempting to convert the emperor Claudius But what about those of us who are places. Take the same 115 out of Charles Or check out Martinsburg. And don’t to a Christian life, circa 270 C.E.? His sen- alone on this holiday? Especially those of Town, cross the Shenandoah, and drive un- wait on anyone else – buy yourself some tence was to be beaten to death and then us (like me) who have been recently and til you cross the Virginia state line. Just after chocolates at DeFluri’s Chocolates (Deflu- to be beheaded. rudely dumped? that, you will see a pull-off to your left. This ris.com). Enjoy the cases upon cases of Apparently, though, the guy could My simple answer to all of you in the is parking for trail access. Do what moves handmade goodies. And select your favor- charm. After being arrested for being a Baltimore region is to step outside of your you about being out-of-doors and in wilder- ites. Tour the town. This day is yours. Spoil Christian in Rome, a judge who was to sen- comfort zone. Drive. East or west, it doesn’t ness environs. Bird watch. Light a campfire yourself. matter. But don’t sit on and fix some cocoa or make some soup. Then head out to The Club. Relax for your patootie at home Absorb the solitude and make it your own. a while. When the bar starts serving food and cry. And I urge you The peace and this natural world is your ef- for the evening, eat a bite… the food is to drive west. To West fort to amuse you. Ommmmmm. quite good for bar food! House-made potato Virginia, that is. If you If you know nothing of the trail, or wish chips, for example. The place doesn’t start don’t drive, take a train to take a long walk rather than one to sim- to get busy until at least 10 p.m. But there is or rent a car. Bring a ply access a natural peace, take yourself to a billiard / TV lounge in an entirely separate buddy to distract you... the headquarters building in Harpers Ferry. area to help to pass the time. or if you’re the outdoor There, you will find maps, journals, reading Whatever your style, there is something type, bring your dog. material, advice, and a few, select bits of to amuse a lonely heart in the Panhandle. Since Valentine’s hiking apparel/sustenance. Most importantly, you aren’t rattling around Très romantique! Day is on a Friday this Or walk through “historic Harper’s Ferry” in your abode, in solitude. And who knows, year, let’s assume that itself. Bordered by the Shenandoah and Po- you might just charm a native – or even an- tence him was smitten when Valentinius you will spend the evening and the night in tomac Rivers, most of the old town is a na- other tourist – during your stay! t healed the judge’s daughter of her blind- the area. Have dinner at a couple of pretty ness. The judge released the future saint tasty venues – Dish Bistro (Wvdish.com) or and martyr, who went on to marry young Alfredo’s Mediterranean Ristorante (Aal- men and women in Jesus’s name. Claudi- fredosmedcafe.com) in Charles Town. Dish 9619 Stauffer Road us ordered Valentinius arrested, and actu- makes a real effort to be a farm-to-table res- ally spent some time with him, enjoying his taurant, and I can attest that the food here Walkersville, MD company, until Valentinius crossed the line is quite good. Alfredo’s is good, as well, (301) 845-2705 by proselytizing Claudius. Don’t we all feel with his Middle-Eastern offerings eclipsing [email protected] a bit used when that happens? the Italian. To bring us up to date (sorta), somehow Head out to Sweetshine Distillery Owned and Operated by: both of these incidents of – if you ask me (Bloomerysweetshine.com) after dinner. Off Kimbrey Havens – ancient homophilic affection were trans- of Route 115 out of Charles Town (old Route lated during the Middle Ages into a day of 9) toward Leesburg, just before you reach celebration of “courtly love.” Since at that the Shenandoah River, you will reach the A Recreational Homestead for time most marriages were arranged to en- gravel-road entrance to the distillery. Put sure access to property, maybe “courtly your vehicle into low gear to climb the drive. love” is as close to our “romantic love” as Charming and remote, there is a small old Your Best Friend folks could get during the Middle Ages. log structure (very small – arrive early to Anyway, here we are – about to cel- avoid a claustrophobic environment) that is Offering Supervised, Off-leash Daycare TYRE’S REPAIR and Boarding for Dogs AUTO Quality Workmanship Prices Include All Amenities Shuttle Transport Available 410.252.8001 24/7 Towing 410-583-8888 NOW ACCEPTING Voted Baltimore’s Best Auto Repair – City Paper 2000 RESERVATIONSRESE Next to Timonium Business Park Lightrail Stop 1955 GreeNSPriNG Drive www.ADogsHaven.com @ /ADogsHaven

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 7 Thinking OUTloud

protests from some old-line is that it is just problem, one needs to be part of a solution traditionalists, was to find a that, history. and not just grouse from the sidelines. new place rather than sink- The future is a This pattern needs to stop. I know the ing scarce resources into separate matter new leadership is earnest in their desire to OUT a deteriorating structure, but a successful have a flourishing Center that is sensitive Spoken which had once been con- future depends to the needs of the entire rainbow and truly verted from a warehouse to on learning wants diversity. Steve Charing the current office building. from the past A number of years ago, the Center’s To be sure, these tra- and building on leadership had a conflict with those running ditionalists recalled the it. Black Pride. It wasn’t pretty as the ensuing joyous days when Harvey The Waxter Center That’s what dispute divided the community. Last year, Moving credit: Daniel McGarrity Photography Schwartz, then the execu- the new leader- the new leadership at the Center reconciled tive director of the Center, ship of the GLCCB plans to do: not ignore their differences to the extent that both com- Forward led the effort to raise money in a grass roots history but learn from earlier miscues and ponents became partners in their respective appeal to the community and purchased the start anew. It’s patently unfair to blame past endeavors. That accomplishment cannot be The long anticipated move of GLCCB’s head- building. Baltimore then became one the mistakes on the current leadership when the overstated as it led to a better relationship quarters will have finally taken place by the first cities in the country with a gay center – original building was purchased before most between LGBT African-Americans and the time you read this. The GLCCB sold the ven- a place the community could call its own – of the leadership were born. Trust me; they GLCCB and serves as a template for future erable off-white, brick, four-story edifice at with unlimited potential. So when news of the have a very good notion as to what went unity. 241 W. Chase Street just weeks before Pride building’s sale broke last June, there was a wrong over the years and are dedicated to The Center should continue this path in after serving as its home since 1980. Its new mix of sadness, anger and resignation among not repeating the same errors. forging relationships with the community. digs, effective February 5, are located on the those who, over three decades ago, helped The move, of course, does not automati- Many LGBT folks who regularly attend Pride 4,700 square-foot third floor of the familiar coax Baltimore’s gay community out of the cally wipe the slate clean. But if the commu- aren’t aware that the annual celebration is run red-brick Waxter Center on Cathedral Street closet and into its own space. nity gives the GLCCB a chance, that earlier by the GLCCB and many weren’t even born – a mere couple of blocks away – where it’s Sadly, for reasons discussed in earlier vision of a center that fully embraces our di- when the Center was formed or even knowl- being leased by the Center. commentaries, that potential was never real- verse community can not only be realized edgeable of its troubled past. The older building outlived its useful- ized at 241 W. Chase Street. The Center had but exceeded. There’s a lot of work yet to be The best way to attract this new pool of ness and required tons of money to make it a rocky history with some bad apples running done, and the Center can and should play a energy is to hold a series of well-publicized ADA-compliant as well as other needed re- the place and with some good apples mak- major role. community meetings at the Waxter Center. pairs and upgrades. The best option, despite ing bad decisions. But the thing about history To be successful, the GLCCB needs to There should be a different subject or theme gain the confidence of the community and at each. For example, a meeting on com- the community needs munity activities, to get involved. The “To be successful, the or one on issues of way the Center’s lead- concern to youth, ership can accomplish GLCCB needs to gain or transgender is- this is to follow through sues, or seniors on its stated pledge for the confidence of the could attract folks more transparency and community and the interested in solv- Every Monday accountability. Nothing ing problems. Yes, says you’re welcome community needs to these community more than complete meetings often lead openness and encour- get involved. The way to shouting match- aging the community’s the Center’s leadership es, and individuals input on everything from like to promote their planning to programs can accomplish this is own agendas. But and how best to utilize to follow through on the Center needs It’s the best time of the year to come see your favorite bartenders its new space. If the to prove that it is dress in drag and perform their favorite songs! various components its stated pledge for worthy of being the of the community feel focal point for the Get pre-sale tickets from any bartender!! $8 for individual tickets, that it is respected, it more transparency and LGBT community $45 for a high-top table of 3, and $60 for a floor table of 4. will invest in the Center accountability.” and may have to un- with volunteer work and dergo some painful hopefully, much needed moments to dem- donations. onstrate the leader- GRAND CENTRAL Another way to succeed is for the Center ship is sincere. No pain, no gain. THE DISTINGUISHED ALTERNATIVE to do what it can to encourage women and And the community should step up and get minorities to be included. This has been a dif- involved. Attend these meetings. Serve as a 1001/1003 NORTH CHARLES ST. BALTIMORE, MD 21201 (410) 752-7133 ficult challenge over the years because a wide volunteer. Be a board member. Donate to the swath of the community believed they had not cause. Make the original vision a reality. Check Us Out! been welcome. That certainly had been the As the Center leaves the ghosts of West We Launched a New and Improved Website! case for much of the Center’s history. On the Chase Street behind, the new headquarters other hand, efforts to attract more women and will afford an opportunity for the Center – Events, Specials, Pictures, Blogs and Much More! minorities have been thwarted by a feeling of hopefully with a new name – to make a fresh http://www.centralstationpub.com/ “why bother?” by these very groups. To fix a start and move forward. We need it to. t 8 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com Thinking OUTloud REAL TRANS TALK: Cash Out! bagger.” My guess is she believes she can by Vann Michael ering and I could finally trump a heated de- do a better job than the incumbent. Last I “A lot of trans relationships don’t make it,” bate, thank goodness, yet his listening ear checked that is why anybody runs against an is what she repeatedly heard from people was one using his ears versus his heart. He Rational incumbent, they think they can do a better and articles. In the beginning she could not cared with the same intensity but showed T-hought job. We have a name for that, too – “democ- fathom what could be so hard and as she less emotion, sending me to figure out how Sharon Brackett racy.” If you want only one candidate in an moved into the second year of the ‘transi- he really felt since he did not show me his election to vote for as a rubber stamp I am tion’ she started to understand why many ‘heart ears.’ Although these changes were sure there are plenty of countries where you relationships did not make it past the break- beneficial the change made it a struggle. can go to do that. ing point. Sincerely happy to see her mate When he lived as a dominant lesbian I Grow Up There are many who have questioned blossom into a whole person, the other side worried about people viewing him as trying the timing of her announcement and have of the coin revealed her struggle. It was to be a man. Now as a transgender person, This past week a friend of mine, Dr. Dana somehow linked her announcement to caus- so intense she could not find the words to I became increasingly burdened with the Beyer, announced she would be running ing issues with the current gender-identity express the depth of her feelings. Eventu- thought that someone in the community wit- for Maryland State Senate in District 18. bill, SB212. Some have charged outright that ally, she inwardly admitted, “I cannot make nessed the change and people would start Normally I would expect news of any trans she is trying to sabotage things. No specif- heads or tails of this experience without to talk about us and/or want to ‘see how person running for office be greeted with ics, just charges. Knowing the composition help.” After several pro- much of a man’ he was. enthusiasm by the LGBT community. I of the Senate Judicial Proceedings commit- cessing sessions with I was ready to move but would have to say, tee I am pretty sure their therapist, a couple’s what he shared was that not so much in this “I cannot speak for there is no senator counselor was recommend- people are ignorant to what case. My friend who is changing his/ ed. is transgender. Not everyone is challenging the Senator Madaleno but I her vote because a Recalling as if it were yes- knows what I know. Men spoke incumbent Sena- trans woman is chal- terday she recounts, they en- to him as one of the guys and the tor Rich Madaleno, am certain he believes lenging a gay senator tered the office smiling, but I did ladies were flirtatious or moved Maryland’s only out himself to be much who is not part of the not know how we would walk out. toward him, the woman’s defense gay senator. And for committee. Further The magical question, “What brings mechanism in the world. In my mind many in the commu- more than just the ‘gay I suspect there is no the both of you in today?” I had been it felt different, so he made me aware nity somehow that senator who feels waiting for a moment like this for so long of his experiences in the world to show is not OK, but in my senator.’” the same way about I started talking right away, which was not how the transition happened on his end. mind I think the no- changing their sup- like me at all! I didn’t know how much I Going out in public with him also helped tion of it is great. Mind you I am not going port of the bill because of that either. The needed to talk about the transition. me see first-hand what it felt like to have a to talk about either candidate or their posi- only person who might have angst about her I rambled, I am struggling with the tran- transgender husband in the straight world. tions much. Allow me to explain. candidacy should be Senator Madaleno who sition. I feel left out because everything he Some of my friendships shifted, one The first complaint from many is: “How I am pretty sure will not be withdrawing the talks about is related to transitioning and friend in particular said, “People want to could you do that?” The sentiment seems to bill or dropping his sponsorship either. The the transgender community. It’s like nothing deal with you but don’t want to deal with be that the intent of Dr. Beyer is to somehow whole thing looks like a “red herring” to me. else matters. There is no time for us, he is that.” Implying that my husband was a ‘that.’ inflict an injury on the sitting senator. And I Lastly I am hoping we are now getting always doing something for the community. Other people have called him a “he-she” or think this is a reflection on the notion that to the point where we can abandon identity I find myself holding my breath until he re- challenged his manhood because he was each of them is only a single-issue candidate. politics and move on to issues. Imagine if turns home because I have safety concerns without certain body parts. Together we I cannot speak for Senator Madaleno but I am these two candidates were persons of color. that someone would hurt him if they find out learned to build my voice as a partner of a certain he believes himself to be much more Would the challenger be offered comments that he is transgender? When he is home trans person. When necessary I tell them than just the “gay senator.” He is a ranking like “you can’t run against the incumbent be- he’s constantly pursuing me, yet I am not “It’s not the gender that keeps me here it is member of the Budget and Tax Committee cause he is black, Hispanic, female?” How always in the mood which can be over- the person. The person I fell in love with is and has provided two terms of service to his about you look beyond that fact and see whelming. At first it was exciting but actually still here.” district. Yes, he was a strong force for mar- what they stand for and what are their is- living with someone who constantly desires Comments like, “You should have riage equality. But to consider him on only sues and positions are. The notion that you you makes me feel like an object versus stayed with a man,” are frustrating but that point is a disservice to him and any other should not run against a person because of the subject. How his body feels, the way he are no longer infuriating. Answering ques- candidate in that district. Neither candidate their demographic composition is actually smells and his hair, it’s all different. I just tions about my orientation and has gotten is monolithic. They have distinct policy differ- quite offensive to me. It says that your label miss the softness, the total essence of a easier to explain when someone genuinely ences, which I will let informed voters in that is the most important thing about you. Yes, woman, I miss us. inquires. I am a lesbian who is married to district sort out. I am trans but that does not define most of All of that came out in several sessions a transgender person. His identity does not Along those lines there have been some what I am. Neither should being gay or les- and really started an ongoing dialogue we define my orientation! that say why run in that district against the bian. needed to have. He was unaware that I The good news, it gets better with time. incumbent. Well, that is where she lives. She The bottom line is she is running, as is struggled because I did not say anything. I Talking honestly and openly is the greatest has run for office there twice, both times for Senator Madaleno. The only folks who have explained that I did not know how to be sup- key. Don’t be afraid to try counseling it does delegate. She missed being elected in 2010 a say in that outcome are the voters in their portive and tell him I was uncomfortable at not mean the relationship is weak it just by 1306 votes coming in 4th in the primary district. The fact that we have two commu- the same time. I did not want to hinder his needs help. Go early and not when the re- with 5450 votes cast in her favor. To say she nity members running only says to me that growth so I remained quiet or lashed out. lationship is filled with bitterness and regret. should move elsewhere is a tad insulting I LGBT candidates of any persuasion are now Over the course of several months I real- Definitely reach out for support from other think. The assumption that you are just seek- viable in the eyes of the general public. How ized I did not know him, meaning he was the mates, seeking those who are seasoned. ing office, and do not really have an interest is that a bad thing? So gang we wanted to all same but different. The way he interacted Build a relationship with them. in the community you live in, so you should be in the mainstream, accepted, equal, and with me and the world was new and gener- I currently co-facilitate a Relationship move out of there to run is a bit nuts. They be taken seriously. Guess what? We are get- ated some anxiety. He was calmer, gentler, Building Group, get more information at mil- have a name for that kind of thing – “carpet- ting there. It is time to grow up. t and he listened more. There was less bick- [email protected]. You are not alone! t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 9 THINKING OUTLOUD

for ya, Bro: 1) effective, open communica- intimacy and emotional connection.” positive balance. tion; 2) truly valuing one another; and 3) So, is there a particular recipe for nur- 5) They have fun with life and try not keeping them fires burnin’ hot!” (Of course, turing and preserving a successful, lasting to take things so seriously. “Successful he was referring to physical intimacy – S- relationship? The answer is “no,” accord- couples are those that are playful with Mood E-X!) ing to The Gay Love Coach. “One of the each other, enjoy a humorous banter be- These certainly are the ingredients beauties of being gay is that we can cre- tween the two of them, and feel energized Swings necessary for nurturing and sustaining a ate our own definitions of what constitutes by such things as tickling, cracking jokes, Wyatt O’Brian Evans healthy, satisfying and fulfilling relation- an ideal relationship for ourselves as we pulling pranks on each other, and being ship. Additionally, I consulted an expert: are not hampered down by restrictive gen- perverted with each other.” certified personal coach Brian Rzepczyn- der roles and norms like our heterosexual 6) They enjoy a sensual and sexual Top Ten ski, columnist for the Gay Love Coach. counterparts. Each couple develops their camaraderie that helps them to meet their Rzepczynski states, “Our society cer- own unique partnership that works for erotic potential. “The happiest couples tainly doesn’t make it easy for us as gay them.” tend to report enjoying nonsexual affection Qualities for men to date and mate with all the ho- The Gay Love Coach adds, “That be- in their daily lives through spontaneous mophobia and discrimination that exists. ing said, there are some universal quali- touch, verbal strokes, holding hands, cud- Gay Super Though this is slowly starting to change in ties that can promote a more solid and dling, and massage. They also understand many parts of the world, man-to-man love functional relationship over the long haul the importance of keeping their erotic lives Couples continues to be stigmatized and this back- for partners seeking long-term connection energetic and enjoyable.” drop of cultural oppression and hatred can and happiness.” 7) They have a supportive network put a strain on a gay couple’s budding rela- Next, Rzepczynski gives his top ten of family and friends who honor their In celebration of Valentine’s Day, I want to tionship that many heterosexual pairs may qualities of gay super-couples. Actually, it relationship. “Having the backing and en- ask the question, “What makes a healthy take for granted.” would behoove the entire LGBT commu- couragement of loved ones can be a great and enduring long-term gay relationship He continues, “As a gay community, nity to adopt these standards, which are so impetus for reinforcing as gay couple’s successful?” we lack adequate and visible positive role crucial. They are: commitment.” To help find the answer, I had a conver- models of gay couples that provide hope 1) They share compatible interests 8) They are comfortable with their sation with one of my good buddies, Denis. for lasting relationship success. As men, and philosophies of life. “It’s important that sexuality and not afraid to show it. He’s been in a thriving relationship for a we’ve been conditioned to define our mas- partners have similar interests and hob- “Confident and successful gay couples are number of years. I inquired as to how he culinity in rigid and narrow ways as part of bies to share in common to build experi- comfortable being in a relationship with and Derrick (his partner) do it, how they’ve the socialization process growing up and ences with together, but it’s also essential each other no matter the setting or public managed to “kept it together” for so long. this can create conflict when pairing two to have some differences as well to com- domain.” Denis’s response: “Lemme boil it down individuals of the same gender looking for plement each other. This helps to keep the 9) They possess the following in mystery and intrigue alive in the relation- their partnership: trust, commitment, ship that exists with contrast.” honesty, openness, flexibility, loyalty, dedi- 2) They openly communicate with cation and devotion, quality time, sensi- each other and stay engaged in each oth- tivity, nonjudgmental attitudes, loving and Study to Help the AIDS Research Effort er’s lives. “This involves direct and hon- unafraid to express their feelings and pas- est dialogue about the mundane aspects sionate side, etc. “Gay men in particular are of life to the serious thoughts and feelings vulnerable to power struggles, competition, that get triggered as a part of relationship and issues surrounding intimacy and close- dynamics. The partners create a climate ness due to male socialization in their man- in their home where each feels safe and to-man relationships. Successful couples comfortable sharing vulnerable aspects are aware of these pitfalls and work hard of themselves with each other and are at- to embrace a holistic masculinity that coun- tuned to each other’s needs.” ters the stereotypes they’ve been ingrained 3) They manage conflict productively. with.” “Healthy gay couples recognize that con- 10) They place a high premium on flict is an inevitable and normal part of a their lives together and are focused on not relationship, seeing these ‘rough spots’ taking each other for granted. “Successful as opportunities for growth and positive gay couples realize that the busyness of change in their partnership. They deal with life can very easily put their relationship on their anger in constructive ways. They are the back shelf, but they don’t let it! They en- open to compromise and sacrifice and al- sure that they devote quality time together, ways keep a teamwork stance in negotiat- schedule special ‘date nights’ with each oth- ing their differences.” er, and are attentive to each other’s needs.” 4) They have a balanced lifestyle So, there you have it! I’ve just given you comprised of both individual and couple a very special “hearts and flowers” V-Day identities. “In relationships it’s important gift. Embrace it, and put it to work for you – to have time devoted to nourishing the re- and your special someone! t lationship and also to focus on individual Wyatt O’Brian Evans is a journalist, in- interests and pursuits. Too much ‘couple structor, motivational speaker and author identity’ causes both partners to feel suf- of the new novel, “Nothing Can Tear Us focated. Too much ‘individual identity’ cre- Apart – Rage” For more, visit Wyattevans. ates a feeling of being disconnected and com and follow him at Facebook.com/wyat- living as roommates.” You have to strike a toevans.

10 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com THINKING OUTLOUD Fighting for Transpeople, Not Imagine all the people Living life in peace Among Ourselves You may say I’m a dreamer But I’m not the only one all Marylanders. Since then, the only pub- I hope someday you will join us lic statements by the Coalition have con- And the world will be as one cerned plans for passing gender-identity – John Lennon protections. The Coalition deserves credit for their singular public focus on the goal. byg An ela Gender Rights Maryland has chosen a It’s no secret that I am critical of the trans- different approach. Although my editorial gender advocacy groups in Maryland. They contained no mention of Gender Rights are divided between two factions. One, the Maryland, board chair Sharon Brackett felt Maryland Coalition for Trans Equality, con- compelled to publish a rebuttal to my call sists of Equality Maryland and more than for unity, in which she stated that Gender 50 national, state-wide, and local trans- Rights Maryland “has one goal – [sic] to gender and allied organizations. The other pass antidiscrimination [sic] legislation.... is an alliance consisting of Gender Rights That is all we do. Period.” At the same time, Maryland and the Howard and Baltimore she launched a series of attack articles County chapters of PFLAG. The conflict against Equality Maryland in this newspa- and competition between these two fac- per under the title “A House of Cards.” tions is one of the biggest obstacles that Notably absent from the public state- the transgender community faces in its ments by Gender Rights Maryland is dis- quest to pass statewide legislation protect- cussion of passing anti-discrimination ing transgender people’s basic civil rights. legislation. And there has been no expla- The need for these protections in Mary- nation for their choice not to set aside their land is obvious. The National Transgender grievances with Equality Maryland and Discrimination Survey results for Maryland work with the more than 50 organizations state that 71% of transgender Marylanders in the Coalition. have experienced workplace mistreatment Gender Rights Maryland, Equal- because of their gender identities, 42% ity Maryland, and the Coalition can all have been fired or suffered other adverse be justly criticized for their histories with job actions, and more than half (54%) re- the transgender community. Among other ported harassment in public spaces. Most things, all have played a role, both publicly tellingly, the same survey reported that and privately, in dividing the community. nearly half (43%) of transgender Maryland- All have a history of promoting infighting ers reported attempting suicide, compared and individual egos over protecting trans- to 1.6% of the general population. These gender people. I too deserve a measure of levels of discrimination are catastrophic. blame for being a part of it during my time Civil rights legislation is crucial to lower- on the Coalition’s steering committee. But I ing them. learned that divisiveness and infighting are History shows that unified approach- counterproductive. I promised myself that I es to advocating for civil rights legisla- would work to unify the community. tion work. For example, marriage equal- It is time for all of the other advocates ity came to Maryland when its advocates to learn the same lesson. All of them must joined together to advocate for it. Recently, learn that infighting is a distraction from I met with a delegation of LGBT advocates the goal of passing anti-discrimination leg- from Central and South America as part of islation. Their quarrels harm their ability the State Department’s International Visi- to achieve the goal. In essence, the advo- tor Leadership Program. They emphasized cates are doing much of their opposition’s that unity was key to their successes too. work for them. Where they lacked unity, they also lacked But just as they can choose to fight, so success. they can choose to set aside their differ- Transgender people and their allies can ences and cooperate. Transgender Mary- achieve similar successes if they cooper- landers deserve a unified, cooperative, ate. Or, by competing with one another, and cohesive effort to protect them. Advo- they can cancel out one another’s efforts, cates should either choose to deliver that making it that much harder to achieve their effort, or they should choose to step aside. goals. Choosing to fight among themselves is no On December 9, 2013, I published an longer an option. It’s time for the infighting editorial in another forum calling on gen- to stop. t der-identity advocates to unify and cooper- The author has requested we not print ate to pass gender-identity protections for her last name. BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 11 THINKING OUTLOUD

companies, and airlines; and e-commerce at which time our filters become more de- sites like Amazon, eBay, and Netflix. You The fined and refined. If you are never going to may also have your own website or blog. Labor let a certain situation happen again, then Make a list of this information and keep of wouldn’t it stand to reason that you would The Law it in a safe place. You may want to go the attempt to avoid people with similar char- & You low-tech route and prepare a simple writ- Love acteristics of the Enemy? Social filtering Lee Carpenter ten list, or you could put the information Douglas Chay can be functional and necessary at times, in an electronic file you store on a thumb but unless we periodically examine the drive. Whatever form it takes, the list rep- process we can end up being a victim of Planning Your resents the keys to your virtual kingdom it: keeping trustworthy and loving people at and should be prevented from falling into Categorizing arm’s length, or making ourselves overly- Estate the wrong hands. vulnerable to those who are happy to take Digital Consider giving the list to a trusted the People in advantage of us. friend or your attorney for safekeeping. The real problems start when our cat- Most Americans do not have a will. They Storing it in a fire safe or safe deposit box egorizations are wrong. What if one of the haven’t prepared a financial power of at- is also an option. Higher-tech storage is Our Lives friendly acquaintances is actually an un- torney, and they aren’t even sure what also available. Free software and internet- tapped close friend (or vice versa)? If you an advance directive is. If you are among based services like Last Pass, Roboform, People-categorizing can be useful until we are in need of a friend and don’t think to them, then preparing an estate plan should 1Password, Dashlane, KeePass, and start making mistakes. We filter the people reach out, you will never know. For those be at the top of your to-do list. Keeper will store your passwords electron- in our lives into Friendly Acquaintances, who are willing to consider that certain firm- But even if you have an estate plan in ically. Just be sure that whatever option Lovers, Best Friends, Distant Family, Es- ly held beliefs about others are less clear place, it may be missing a crucial element you choose, the person who will be man- tranged Exes, Beloved Significant Others, than they thought, it may be time to re-eval- -- provisions for your digital assets. These aging your digital assets can get to it when Unpleasant Coworkers, Enemies, and so uate. This can be a difficult task, since re- include the electronic data stored on your the need arises. on. assessing how we see the world challenges computer or smart phone, your Internet Next, think about how these assets The phrase, “I like everyone until they our beliefs about how we fit in it. accounts like LinkedIn and Gmail, and should be managed if you were to die. For give me a reason not to,” means “I’m going How do you approach it? As always, your online pictures and documents. example, you might prefer to have your to put new people in a pleasant-but-cautious experiment. Take an Unpleasant Coworker Managing your digital assets during a email account deleted, or it could be es- box until they reveal their true selves. Then to lunch; ask a favor from a Friendly Ac- period of incapacity or upon your death sential to have it monitored for messages I can categorize them definitive- quaintance. The pay- could be more important than you might from customers of your small business. ly.” Some people allow off may be that you think. Some of these assets, like your Pay- You may want your digital photographs these categorizations gain a friend, an ally Pal or Amazon accounts, may have mone- shared with your family, your personal blog to be fluid to some de- or an edge at work tary value. Others, like your email account taken over by your partner, or your online gree, but don’t usually by having the co- or personal blog page, could be of great documents left to a trusted colleague. revise them significant- worker on your side, sentimental importance. Even your voice- It is worth mentioning that some web- ly unless something or that you find the mail account may be valuable if it includes based companies have their own policies dramatic happens. Friendly Acquain- messages from potential customers or ex- that dictate what happens when an account This mental process tance is eager to pressions of support from loved ones dur- owner dies. For example, Google, Hotmail, is often informed by spend time with you ing a final illness. and Yahoo will not grant a deceased ac- previous hurtful relation- because you are Without your passwords or lawful con- count owner’s family access to his ac- ship experiences, e.g., a perceived unknowingly in their sent, your partner, spouse, or trusted friend count, but they may release the account’s best friend betrays you, rides away on your Close Friend box. You may find it impossible to manage your digi- contents under special circumstances. tricked-out motorcycle, never to be seen may end up re-categorizing them as a tal assets if you become unable to. Your Facebook also denies survivors access but or heard from again. Positive experiences Best Friend. password-protected iPad or smartphone will “memorialize” the account of someone can also play a role, but those who keep It takes courage to deliberately make may become useless, your social media who has died. In a helpful development, their social categorizations locked the tight- yourself vulnerable in ways that could leave sites could be inaccessible, and your blog Google users can now set up an “Inactive est often do so as a form of perceived self- you leave emotionally hurt, possibly feed- or website may be left to languish. Account Manager” to direct what happens preservation due to feelings of vulnerability. ing into long-ingrained automatic negative Having a valid will or power of attorney to their online data after they die. Being deeply emotionally hurt by some- self-talk. Your efforts at this experiment is unlikely to be helpful unless it includes The final step, and one of the most one leaves us with the ingrained message may not yield the desired effect in the time specific language addressing digital as- important, is to update your will and “I’m not going to let that happen again,” frame you might hope, but it’s important to sets. This area of law is so new that most power of attorney to include provisions think of this as a process, have patience, go estate-planning documents are unhelpfully for managing your digital property. At the at your own pace, and follow your instincts. silent on the topic. very least, your will should grant some- Note to readers: Some of you may What should you do? The first step one the specific power to handle these Whether you are having your first will have noticed my absence. I was busy look- toward protecting yourself is to conduct a assets—either your personal representa- prepared or updating an old one to include ing at my own boxes, albeit not by choice: digital inventory. What electronics do you tive (executor) or someone who may be provisions for digital assets, look for an the people that came to my side when I own that require a password? These could more tech-savvy. You may also want to estate-planning attorney with experience lost my vision showed me that I had many include a laptop, smartphone, tablet, DVR/ reference your external list of digital as- in this area. t more close friends than I realized. I can see TiVo, and even your home burglar alarm. sets and logon information. But don’t put Lee Carpenter is an associate at the much better now. t What internet accounts do you maintain this information in the will itself because law firm of Semmes, Bowen & Semmes Douglas Chay (dchay@pridecounsel- that require you to log on? These might it will become public upon your death. An and can be reached at 410-576-4729 or ing.net) specializes in LGBT-focused coun- include email, Facebook, LinkedIn, and updated power of attorney will grant your [email protected]. This article is seling and practices in the Pride Counseling YouTube accounts; mortgage, banking, attorney-in-fact similar authority in case intended to provide general information Center in Ellicott City, Maryland (410-744- and investment sites; credit cards, utility you become incapacitated. about legal topics, not legal advice. 4867; Pridecounseling.net). 12 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com quality of life // health & wellness

forms of placebo include sham operations and sham acupuncture, not using actual On Mental Health & Wellness acupuncture points. Many studies have shown that 20-30% more people, for many By Tanisia Smith break any limited or self-destructive cycles conditions, will improve with placebo than I was seven years old the first time I re- that we find we’re embroiled in. Open Wide with no treatment. Just to be clear, the “no member being depressed. I was living in a The truth is that what happens to us is ask Dr Eva treatment” group includes all the people small Southern town, with elders who were determined by the sum of our experiences Dr Eva Hersh who are self-healing with no intervention. so deeply religious that they believed un- and their interpretation. In other words, we Before readers get indignant, let me buttoned shirt cuffs and interracial dating take the meaning from the content of the tell you that no, placebos are not currently had an impact on where a person would story we’re telling ourselves. The story is prescribed in the U.S., except as part of spend eternity – so it would not be an un- our internal commentary; the way that we research studies in which the study partici- derstatement to say that my treatment op- assign meaning to events. Human nature The Placebo pants are told they may receive a placebo. tions were severely limited. is to keep recreating, and embellishing, the The placebo effect is more effective My symptoms – sleep disturbances, same story until we’re willing to tell our- Effect in improving self-reported symptoms, like mood swings, memory loss, appetite distur- selves a new one. We don’t do it because pain, nausea, and shortness of breath, bances, and the crushing weight of melan- we like the outcome. We do it because it’s Dear Dr. Eva, than in changing measureable physiologic cholia – were interpreted as ways in which familiar, and because it’s familiar, it “just Please explain the placebo effect. I markers, like blood pressure and lab tests. I was being tested, in the style of Job. A feels right” to us. have always been interested in this but However, some studies have shown mea- better person, according to the beliefs of We have all known people who have even though I’ve done some reading on surable physical changes that occur with my family members, would not have these one attitude, and who keep coming back to it, I don’t really understand it. Is “placebo” the placebo effect. For example, the pla- problems. But, de- that attitude no mat- just another way of saying the body can cebo effect can cause an increase in blood spite the teachings ter what happens to heal itself without medical interventions? levels of endorphins, one of the body’s of my elders, there “We have all known them. If they think No disrespect to your profession, but that natural pain relievers. is no way to pray everyone is out to certainly seems the better way. The placebo effect may also be part of away real symptoms people who have one get them, then even Natural the effect of medications in general. For or conditions. That if someone offers example, in one study, medications for meant I was in for a attitude, and who keep them an umbrella Dear Natural, pain and anxiety given IV without the pa- good deal of suffer- coming back to that on a rainy day, a I completely agree that spontaneous tients’ knowledge were less effective than ing. free ride to work, healing is better than medical treatment. when the patients were told they were re- As it turned out, attitude no matter what or a winning lottery Almost every medical intervention has ceiving them. the limiting beliefs ticket, there is noth- side effects in some people, and many in- Researchers are now experimenting to didn’t stop with my happens to them.” ing you can say to terventions are very expensive. I’d rather determine if the non-deceptive use of pla- forebears. Both convince them that heal on my own whenever possible, and cebos can be effective. In a 2008 study, black culture and the offer, or event, have my patients do the same. The prob- placebo given without deception improved Southern culture isn’t an elaborate lem is, spontaneous healing doesn’t hap- symptoms of patients with irritable bowel made seeking psy- ruse. Sometimes we pen for everyone or for every disease, and syndrome (IBS). In plain language-these chotherapy, in the individual, couple, or have been that person. (Just think back so far we have no way of predicting which patients were given pills, informed that the group varieties, something of an invisible to the period immediately following your people are able to heal without treatment. pills contained no medication, and told, option. It wasn’t something you would last breakup.) This is what happens to us If a person has an illness that is potentially “Placebo pills, made of an inert substance, seek, if you even believed that depres- when we are feeling traumatized; when we crippling or deadly, no doctor, and few pa- like sugar pills, have been shown in clinical sion was a valid condition – which, at the can’t – or won’t – look at our patterns, or tients, will take the risk of going without studies to produce significant improvement time, neither culture would admit to. The when we’re not willing to change. It’s like treatment in the hope the person will heal in IBS symptoms through mind-body heal- fact was, the cultures told us, that attend- being frozen in position. There’s not even on their own. ing processes.” There was also a control ing psychotherapy was clearly something enough room to change your mind. Some diseases, like the common cold, group, who received no medicine and no people would only do if they were born But we don’t have to stay in that place. will clear up for almost everyone without placebo. Although they knew they were not “crazy,” or if they’d had the kind of trauma Attending therapy is one of the many any treatment. Other diseases, like ovar- receiving medication, significantly more of that meant they were too fragile to function tools in our wellness “toolbox.” Seek- ian cancer, are fatal for almost everyone the placebo patients than the control pa- in the world. Black culture went one step ing treatment of any kind – which can be who develops them, even with the most tients improved in severity of symptoms, farther, by suggesting therapy was exactly anything from making virtual contact with aggressive treatment available. Yet even adequate relief, and global improvement the kind of outlandish treatment that black a therapist once, to beginning a series of with ovarian cancer, occasionally a patient The placebo effect is currently thought people did not do. (There were a great sessions with a trusted professional – can will spontaneously recover. to work through the brain neurotransmitter many things on this list.) make our lives better by adjusting the lens The placebo effect is not the same as dopamine, which is involved in reward- Although both cultures have adopted that we see through. We can make the the body’s ability to heal without treatment; driven learning (as well as many other new approaches since my childhood, it lens wider, so that we can see more; we it is something even more powerful. The functions.) In 2012, genetic analysis of the took a lot of energy to undo the beliefs can adjust the angle, so that we can exam- placebo effect boosts the body’s self-heal- IBS patients in the 2008 study identified a I had absorbed from the old paradigm. ine different areas; we can clean the lens ing powers by engaging the power of the variant in a gene in the dopamine break- Eventually, I came to believe that emo- so that we can see more clearly. brain to help in healing. This is done by down pathway that was associated with tional health is an important part of our However you choose to create support introducing the idea that an effective treat- the highest placebo response. In the fu- overall wellness. Our mental health cre- for your mental health, remember that ment is being given. The placebo effect oc- ture, genetic analysis might be used to of- ates an important lens through which we mental health is just another area of well- curs when a patient is given a treatment fer placebo treatment to those most likely see the world. Choosing to explore our ness. And wellness is all about creating which they believe is effective for the prob- to respond. t own thoughts and experiences can give choices and flexibility that will serve us. lem they are having, but which actually Eva Hersh is a Baltimore family physician. us invaluable knowledge about how and Choose allies, treat yourself well, is inactive. Placebo medications are also Send your comments and questions to her by why we come to make our choices. That and remember: It’s easier when we have called dummy pills or sugar pills. Other email at [email protected]. empowers us to change our patterns, and help. t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 13 faith Like Us On

Ao dv cATes and foes of Delegate Heather Mizeur (Montgom- including Peter Sprigg of the Family Re- Facebook! trans rights bill appear ery) pointed out the Chrissy Polis beating search Council. Sheila Wharam who de- before senate panel incident at McDonalds led to passage of scribed herself as a “citizen” said there – continued from page 1 a gender identity law in Baltimore County were only 154-300 transgender people liv- and argued it should be statewide. “Pro- ing in Maryland. Over 30 individuals testified on Febru- tections against discrimination should not Anitia Schatz stated that transgender ary 4 on behalf of the bill while less than depend on ZIP codes,” she said. people have “deep-seeded psychologi- a quarter of that total spoke out against it. Courtney Watson, a Howard County cal problems.” and the common argument SB212 had been introduced by Senator councilperson, and Tom Quirk a council- all the opponents used was that males Richard S. Madaleno, Jr., (Montgomery) man from Baltimore County told of the ex- posing as women would enter women’s on January 16 with 25 sponsors and was periences in their respective jurisdictions rest rooms. Some committee members the first to testify. Calling the measure a where gender identity anti-discrimination expressed skepticism regarding those “civil rights bill for transgender people,” laws were enacted. They both said that claims. t Madaleno urged the committee to support there have been no complaints as a result it, saying, “It’s time for Maryland to pass of the new laws. this legislation.” He explained that trans- Several witnesses representing reli- gender protections exist in Baltimore City gious organizations and churches testified and Baltimore, Howard, and Montgomery emphasizing the Church’s teachings on counties as well as the city of Hyattsville. social justice. Moreover, the neighboring state of Dela- Compelling personal stories and ex- ware has passed a similar nondiscrimina- amples of discrimination were offered by tion law. a number of transgender individuals in- Another bill sponsor, Sen. Jamin cluding Carolyn Temmerand, Monica Yor- Raskin (Montgomery), followed by remind- kman, Jenna Fischetti, Sharon Brackett, ing the committee members that the JPR and Keith Thirion. Parents of transgender was responsible for adding protections children, Bonnita Spikes and Jennifer Cul- for other groups to Maryland law includ- linane, also spoke before the committee as ing sexual orientation. “The committee can did representatives from government civil do it again,” he said. “The presumption in rights organizations. America is for equality.” Several opponents of the law spoke Grace and St. John's United Methodist Churches A Cooperative Parish with The Rev. Dr. Amy McCullough, Lead Pastor and The Rev. David Shank, Associate Pastor Grace United Methodist Church 5407 N. Charles St at Northern Parkway 410-433-6650 www.graceunitedmethodist.org SYNAGOGUE Join us each Sunday for worship at 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. Beginning February 2, join us for any one or all four weeks of a Sunday study at 12:00 noon on "Love in many forms: A Christian Conversation about Relational Life"... singleness, marriage, divorce, and same sex marriage. Please call the church to indicate your interest in attending. St. Johns United Methodist Church 2640 St. Paul St. 410-366-7733 wwwww.stjohnsbaltimore.org Join us each Sunday for worship at 11:30 a.m. Beginning February 2, join us for any one or all six weeks of a Sunday course at 10:15 a.m. called "Saving Jesus" with video and discussion.

The first Sunday of each month after 11:30 a.m. worship enjoy "Coffee with the Pastor" at a local coffee shop.

14 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com We are a diverse church, open to all. Old Otterbein United Methodist Church Spiritual 112 West Conway Street Batlimore, MD 21201 (410) 685-4703

Directory http://oldotterbeinumc.org/ Find us on Facebook!

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 15 one The for me COMPLERA. A complete HIV treatment in only 1 pill a day.

COMPLERA is for adults who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before and have no more than 100,000 copies/mL of virus in their blood.

Ask your healthcare provider if it’s the one for you.

Patient model. Pill shown is not actual size. What is COMPLERA? Who should not take COMPLERA? These are not all the medicines that may cause problems if you take The most common side effects reported with COMPLERA are trouble sleeping Do not take COMPLERA if you have ever taken other anti-HIV medicines. COMPLERA. Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription and (insomnia), abnormal dreams, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, rash, ® COMPLERA is a prescription HIV medicine that is used as a complete regimen COMPLERA may change the effect of other medicines and may cause serious side nonprescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are tiredness, and depression. Some side effects also reported include vomiting, stomach to treat HIV-1 in adults who have taken HIV medicines before who have never and effects. Your healthcare provider may change your other medicines or change their doses. taking or plan to take. pain or discomfort, skin discoloration (small spots or freckles) and pain. an amount of HIV in their blood (this is called “viral load”) that is no more than Do not take COMPLERA if you also take these medicines: 100,000 copies/mL. COMPLERA contains 3 medicines – rilpivirine, emtricitabine Before taking COMPLERA, tell your healthcare provider if you: This is not a complete list of side effects. Tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist • anti-seizure medicines: carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol-XR, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. It is not known if COMPLERA is safe and effective • Have liver problems, including hepatitis B or C virus infection, or have if you notice any side effects while taking COMPLERA, and call your healthcare Teril, Epitol); oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), phenobarbital (Luminal), phenytoin (Dilantin, in children under the age of 18 years. abnormal liver tests provider for medical advice about side effects. Dilantin-125, Phenytek) • Have kidney problems COMPLERA® does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. To control HIV-1 infection and • anti-tuberculosis medicines: rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifater, Rifamate, • Have ever had a mental health problem You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the decrease HIV-related illnesses you must keep taking COMPLERA. Avoid doing things Rimactane, Rifadin) and rifapentine (Priftin) • Have bone problems FDA. Visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. that can spread HIV-1 to others: always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower • proton pump inhibitors for stomach or intestinal problems: esomeprazole • Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if COMPLERA the chance of sexual contact with body fl uids; never reuse or share needles or other Additional Information about taking COMPLERA: (Nexium, Vimovo), lansoprazole (Prevacid), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), omeprazole can harm your unborn child items that have body fl uids on them, do not share personal items that may contain (Prilosec), pantoprazole sodium (Protonix), rabeprazole (Aciphex) • Always take COMPLERA exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. • Are breastfeeding: Women with HIV should not breastfeed because they can bodily fl uids. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to reduce • • Take COMPLERA with food. Taking COMPLERA with food is important to help get the more than 1 dose of the steroid medicine dexamethasone or dexamethasone pass HIV through their milk to the baby. Also, COMPLERA may pass through the risk of passing HIV-1 to others. right amount of medicine in your body. (A protein drink does not replace food. If your sodium phosphate breast milk and could cause harm to the baby • St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) healthcare provider stops COMPLERA, make certain you understand how to take your IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION COMPLERA can cause additional serious side effects: new medicine and whether you need to take your new medicine with a meal.) If you are taking COMPLERA you should not take other HIV medicines or other What is the most important information you should know about COMPLERA? • New or worsening kidney problems, including kidney failure. If you have had medicines containing tenofovir (Viread, Truvada, Stribild or Atripla); other medicines Stay under the care of your healthcare provider during treatment with COMPLERA COMPLERA® can cause serious side effects: kidney problems, or take other medicines that may cause kidney problems, your containing emtricitabine or lamivudine (Emtriva, Combivir, Epivir, Epivir-HBV, Epzicom, healthcare provider may need to do regular blood tests. and see your healthcare provider regularly. • Build-up of an acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical Trizivir, Atripla, Stribild or Truvada); rilpivirine (Edurant) or adefovir (Hepsera). • Depression or mood changes. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you emergency. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include feeling very weak or tired, unusual Please see Brief Summary of full Prescribing Information with important warnings on In addition, tell your healthcare provider if you are taking the following have any of the following symptoms: feeling sad or hopeless, feeling anxious or (not normal) muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain with nausea or vomiting, the following pages. feeling cold, especially in your arms and legs, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or a medications because they may interfere with how COMPLERA works and may restless, have thoughts of hurting yourself (suicide) or have tried to hurt yourself. fast or irregular heartbeat. cause side effects: • Changes in liver enzymes: People who have had hepatitis B or C, or who have • Serious liver problems. The liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and fatty • certain antacid medicines containing aluminum, magnesium hydroxide, or calcium had changes in their liver function tests in the past may have an increased (steatosis). Symptoms of liver problems include your skin or the white part of your carbonate (examples: Rolaids, TUMS). These medicines must be taken at least risk for liver problems while taking COMPLERA. Some people without prior liver eyes turns yellow (jaundice), dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored bowel movements 2 hours before or 4 hours after COMPLERA. disease may also be at risk. Your healthcare provider may need to check your (stools), loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, and/or stomach pain. • medicines to block stomach acid including cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine liver enzymes before and during treatment with COMPLERA. • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or serious liver problems if you are (Pepcid), nizatidine (Axid), or ranitidine HCL (Zantac). These medicines must be • Bone problems can happen in some people who take COMPLERA. Bone problems female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking COMPLERA for a long time. taken at least 12 hours before or 4 hours after COMPLERA. include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures). Your In some cases, these serious conditions have led to death. Call your healthcare • any of these medicines: clarithromycin (Biaxin); erythromycin (E-Mycin, Eryc, healthcare provider may need to do additional tests to check your bones. provider right away if you have any symptoms of these conditions. Ery-Tab, PCE, Pediazole, Ilosone), fl uconazole (Difl ucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), • Changes in body fat can happen in people taking HIV medicine. • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you also have HBV and stop taking ketoconazole (Nizoral) methadone (Dolophine); posaconazole (Noxafi l), telithromycin • Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger COMPLERA, your hepatitis may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking COMPLERA (Ketek) or voriconazole (Vfend). and begin to fi ght infections that have been hidden in your body for a long without fi rst talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your • medicines that are eliminated by the kidneys like acyclovir (Zovirax), cidofovir (Vistide), time. Tell your healthcare provider if you start having new symptoms after Learn more at www.COMPLERA.com health. COMPLERA is not approved for the treatment of HBV. ganciclovir (Cytovene IV, Vitrasert), valacyclovir (Valtrex) and valganciclovir (Valcyte). starting COMPLERA.

16 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com PALIO Date: 10.4.13 • Client: Gilead • Product: Complera • 9731_pgitvd_standard_updtd_tav_BaltOUTloud3.indd PALIO Date: 10.4.13 • Client: Gilead • Product: Complera • 9731_pgitvd_standard_updtd_tav_BaltOUTloud3.indd Ad page 1 • Trim: 9.875” x 9.6” Baltimore OUT loud Ad page 2 • Trim: 9.875” x 9.6” Baltimore OUT loud one The for me COMPLERA. A complete HIV treatment in only 1 pill a day.

COMPLERA is for adults who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before and have no more than 100,000 copies/mL of virus in their blood.

Ask your healthcare provider if it’s the one for you.

Patient model. Pill shown is not actual size. What is COMPLERA? Who should not take COMPLERA? These are not all the medicines that may cause problems if you take The most common side effects reported with COMPLERA are trouble sleeping Do not take COMPLERA if you have ever taken other anti-HIV medicines. COMPLERA. Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription and (insomnia), abnormal dreams, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, rash, ® COMPLERA is a prescription HIV medicine that is used as a complete regimen COMPLERA may change the effect of other medicines and may cause serious side nonprescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are tiredness, and depression. Some side effects also reported include vomiting, stomach to treat HIV-1 in adults who have taken HIV medicines before who have never and effects. Your healthcare provider may change your other medicines or change their doses. taking or plan to take. pain or discomfort, skin discoloration (small spots or freckles) and pain. an amount of HIV in their blood (this is called “viral load”) that is no more than Do not take COMPLERA if you also take these medicines: 100,000 copies/mL. COMPLERA contains 3 medicines – rilpivirine, emtricitabine Before taking COMPLERA, tell your healthcare provider if you: This is not a complete list of side effects. Tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist • anti-seizure medicines: carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol-XR, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. It is not known if COMPLERA is safe and effective • Have liver problems, including hepatitis B or C virus infection, or have if you notice any side effects while taking COMPLERA, and call your healthcare Teril, Epitol); oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), phenobarbital (Luminal), phenytoin (Dilantin, in children under the age of 18 years. abnormal liver tests provider for medical advice about side effects. Dilantin-125, Phenytek) • Have kidney problems COMPLERA® does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. To control HIV-1 infection and • anti-tuberculosis medicines: rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifater, Rifamate, • Have ever had a mental health problem You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the decrease HIV-related illnesses you must keep taking COMPLERA. Avoid doing things Rimactane, Rifadin) and rifapentine (Priftin) • Have bone problems FDA. Visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. that can spread HIV-1 to others: always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower • proton pump inhibitors for stomach or intestinal problems: esomeprazole • Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if COMPLERA the chance of sexual contact with body fl uids; never reuse or share needles or other Additional Information about taking COMPLERA: (Nexium, Vimovo), lansoprazole (Prevacid), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), omeprazole can harm your unborn child items that have body fl uids on them, do not share personal items that may contain (Prilosec), pantoprazole sodium (Protonix), rabeprazole (Aciphex) • Always take COMPLERA exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. • Are breastfeeding: Women with HIV should not breastfeed because they can bodily fl uids. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to reduce • • Take COMPLERA with food. Taking COMPLERA with food is important to help get the more than 1 dose of the steroid medicine dexamethasone or dexamethasone pass HIV through their milk to the baby. Also, COMPLERA may pass through the risk of passing HIV-1 to others. right amount of medicine in your body. (A protein drink does not replace food. If your sodium phosphate breast milk and could cause harm to the baby • St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) healthcare provider stops COMPLERA, make certain you understand how to take your IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION COMPLERA can cause additional serious side effects: new medicine and whether you need to take your new medicine with a meal.) If you are taking COMPLERA you should not take other HIV medicines or other What is the most important information you should know about COMPLERA? • New or worsening kidney problems, including kidney failure. If you have had medicines containing tenofovir (Viread, Truvada, Stribild or Atripla); other medicines Stay under the care of your healthcare provider during treatment with COMPLERA COMPLERA® can cause serious side effects: kidney problems, or take other medicines that may cause kidney problems, your containing emtricitabine or lamivudine (Emtriva, Combivir, Epivir, Epivir-HBV, Epzicom, healthcare provider may need to do regular blood tests. and see your healthcare provider regularly. • Build-up of an acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical Trizivir, Atripla, Stribild or Truvada); rilpivirine (Edurant) or adefovir (Hepsera). • Depression or mood changes. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you emergency. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include feeling very weak or tired, unusual Please see Brief Summary of full Prescribing Information with important warnings on In addition, tell your healthcare provider if you are taking the following have any of the following symptoms: feeling sad or hopeless, feeling anxious or (not normal) muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain with nausea or vomiting, the following pages. feeling cold, especially in your arms and legs, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or a medications because they may interfere with how COMPLERA works and may restless, have thoughts of hurting yourself (suicide) or have tried to hurt yourself. fast or irregular heartbeat. cause side effects: • Changes in liver enzymes: People who have had hepatitis B or C, or who have • Serious liver problems. The liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and fatty • certain antacid medicines containing aluminum, magnesium hydroxide, or calcium had changes in their liver function tests in the past may have an increased (steatosis). Symptoms of liver problems include your skin or the white part of your carbonate (examples: Rolaids, TUMS). These medicines must be taken at least risk for liver problems while taking COMPLERA. Some people without prior liver eyes turns yellow (jaundice), dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored bowel movements 2 hours before or 4 hours after COMPLERA. disease may also be at risk. Your healthcare provider may need to check your (stools), loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, and/or stomach pain. • medicines to block stomach acid including cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine liver enzymes before and during treatment with COMPLERA. • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or serious liver problems if you are (Pepcid), nizatidine (Axid), or ranitidine HCL (Zantac). These medicines must be • Bone problems can happen in some people who take COMPLERA. Bone problems female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking COMPLERA for a long time. taken at least 12 hours before or 4 hours after COMPLERA. include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures). Your In some cases, these serious conditions have led to death. Call your healthcare • any of these medicines: clarithromycin (Biaxin); erythromycin (E-Mycin, Eryc, healthcare provider may need to do additional tests to check your bones. provider right away if you have any symptoms of these conditions. Ery-Tab, PCE, Pediazole, Ilosone), fl uconazole (Difl ucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), • Changes in body fat can happen in people taking HIV medicine. • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you also have HBV and stop taking ketoconazole (Nizoral) methadone (Dolophine); posaconazole (Noxafi l), telithromycin • Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger COMPLERA, your hepatitis may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking COMPLERA (Ketek) or voriconazole (Vfend). and begin to fi ght infections that have been hidden in your body for a long without fi rst talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your • medicines that are eliminated by the kidneys like acyclovir (Zovirax), cidofovir (Vistide), time. Tell your healthcare provider if you start having new symptoms after Learn more at www.COMPLERA.com health. COMPLERA is not approved for the treatment of HBV. ganciclovir (Cytovene IV, Vitrasert), valacyclovir (Valtrex) and valganciclovir (Valcyte). starting COMPLERA.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 17 PALIO Date: 10.4.13 • Client: Gilead • Product: Complera • 9731_pgitvd_standard_updtd_tav_BaltOUTloud3.indd PALIO Date: 10.4.13 • Client: Gilead • Product: Complera • 9731_pgitvd_standard_updtd_tav_BaltOUTloud3.indd Ad page 1 • Trim: 9.875” x 9.6” Baltimore OUT loud Ad page 2 • Trim: 9.875” x 9.6” Baltimore OUT loud Brief Summary of full Prescribing Information • Worsening of Hepatitis B infection. If you have hepatitis B virus (HBV) Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take: The most common side effects of COMPLERA include: infection and take COMPLERA, your HBV may get worse ( are-up) if you stop • an antacid medicine that contains aluminum, magnesium hydroxide, or COMPLERA® (kom-PLEH-rah) • trouble sleeping (insomnia) taking COMPLERA. A “ are-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns calcium carbonate. If you take an antacid during treatment with COMPLERA, (emtricitabine, rilpivirine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) tablets in a worse way than before. COMPLERA is not approved for the treatment of take the antacid at least 2 hours before or at least 4 hours after you • abnormal dreams Brief summary of full Prescribing Information. For more information, please see HBV, so you must discuss your HBV with your healthcare provider. take COMPLERA. • headache the full Prescribing Information including Patient Information. – Do not let your COMPLERA run out. Re ll your prescription or talk to your • a medicine to block the acid in your stomach, including cimetidine • dizziness healthcare provider before your COMPLERA is all gone. (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), nizatidine (Axid), or ranitidine hydrochloride What is COMPLERA? • diarrhea – Do not stop taking COMPLERA without rst talking to your healthcare (Zantac). If you take one of these medicines during treatment with • COMPLERA is a prescription HIV (Human Immunode ciency Virus) medicine provider. COMPLERA, take the acid blocker at least 12 hours before or at least 4 hours • nausea that is used to treat HIV-1 in adults after you take COMPLERA. – If you stop taking COMPLERA, your healthcare provider will need to check • rash – who have never taken HIV medicines before, and • your health often and do blood tests regularly to check your HBV infection. any of these medicines (if taken by mouth or injection): • tiredness – who have an amount of HIV in their blood (this is called ‘viral load’) that Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may – clarithromycin (Biaxin) • depression is no more than 100,000 copies/mL. Your healthcare provider will measure have after you stop taking COMPLERA. – your viral load. erythromycin (E-Mycin, Eryc, Ery-Tab, PCE, Pediazole, Ilosone) Additional common side effects include: Who should not take COMPLERA? – (HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunode ciency Syndrome)). fl uconazole (Difl ucan) • vomiting Do not take COMPLERA if: – itraconazole (Sporanox) • COMPLERA contains 3 medicines – rilpivirine, emtricitabine, tenofovir • stomach pain or discomfort • your HIV infection has been previously treated with HIV medicines. disoproxil fumarate – combined in one tablet. It is a complete regimen to – ketoconazole (Nizoral) • skin discoloration (small spots or freckles) treat HIV-1 infection and should not be used with other HIV medicines. • you are taking any of the following medicines: – methadone (Dolophine) • pain • – anti-seizure medicines: carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, It is not known if COMPLERA is safe and effective in children under the age – posaconazole (Noxafi l) of 18 years old. Tegretol-XR, Teril, Epitol); oxcarbazepine (Trileptal); phenobarbital Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that (Luminal); phenytoin (Dilantin, Dilantin-125, Phenytek) – telithromycin (Ketek) does not go away. • COMPLERA does not cure HIV infection or AIDS. You must stay on continuous These are not all the possible side effects of COMPLERA. or more information, therapy to control HIV infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses. – anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) medicines: rifabutin (Mycobutin); rifampin – voriconazole (Vfend) (Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane, Rifadin); rifapentine (Priftin) ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. • Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to • medicines that are eliminated by the kidney, including acyclovir (Zovirax), Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side Do not share or re-use needles or other – proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medicine for certain stomach or intestinal cidofovir (Vistide), ganciclovir (Cytovene IV, Vitrasert), valacyclovir (Valtrex), prevent passing HIV to other people. effects to DA at 1-800-DA-1088 (1-800-332-1088). injection equipment, and do not share personal items that can have blood or problems: esomeprazole (Nexium, Vimovo); lansoprazole (Prevacid); and valganciclovir (Valcyte) dexlansoprazole (Dexilant); omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid); pantoprazole body  uids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades. Always practice safer How should I take COMPLERA? sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual sodium (Protonix); rabeprazole (Aciphex) What are the possible side effects of COMPLERA? • Stay under the care of your healthcare provider during treatment with contact with semen, vaginal  uids or blood. – more than 1 dose of the steroid medicine dexamethasone or dexamethasone COMPLERA can cause serious side effects, including: COMPLERA. sodium phosphate • See “What is the most important information I should know about What is the most important information I should know about COMPLERA? COMPLERA?” • Take COMPLERA exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. – St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) COMPLERA can cause serious side effects, including: • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure, can happen in • Always take COMPLERA with food. Taking COMPLERA with food is important • If you take COMPLERA, you should not take: • Build-up of an acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis can some people who take COMPLERA. Your healthcare provider should do blood to help get the right amount of medicine in your body. A protein drink is not happen in some people who take COMPLERA or similar (nucleoside analogs) – Other medicines that contain tenofovir (Atripla, Stribild, Truvada, Viread) tests to check your kidneys before starting treatment with COMPLERA. If you a substitute for food. If your healthcare provider decides to stop COMPLERA medicines. Lactic acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to and you are switched to new medicines to treat HIV that includes rilpivirine – Other medicines that contain emtricitabine or lamivudine (Combivir, have had kidney problems in the past or need to take another medicine that death. Lactic acidosis can be hard to identify early, because the symptoms tablets, the rilpivirine tablets should be taken only with a meal. Emtriva, Epivir or Epivir-HBV, Epzicom, Trizivir, Atripla, Truvada, Stribild) can cause kidney problems, your healthcare provider may need to do blood could seem like symptoms of other health problems. Call your healthcare tests to check your kidneys during your treatment with COMPLERA. • Do not change your dose or stop taking COMPLERA without fi rst talking with provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms which could – rilpivirine (Edurant) • Depression or mood changes. Tell your healthcare provider right away if your healthcare provider. See your healthcare provider regularly while taking be signs of lactic acidosis: – adefovir (Hepsera) you have any of the following symptoms: COMPLERA. – feel very weak or tired What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking COMPLERA? – feeling sad or hopeless • If you miss a dose of COMPLERA within 12 hours of the time you usually take – have unusual (not normal) muscle pain it, take your dose of COMPLERA with food as soon as possible. Then, take your Before you take COMPLERA, tell your healthcare provider if you: – feeling anxious or restless next dose of COMPLERA at the regularly scheduled time. If you miss a dose – have trouble breathing • have or had liver problems, including hepatitis B or C virus infection, kidney – have thoughts of hurting yourself (suicide) or have tried to hurt yourself of COMPLERA by more than 12 hours of the time you usually take it, wait and – have stomach pain with nausea (feeling sick to your stomach) or vomiting problems, mental health problem or bone problems then take the next dose of COMPLERA at the regularly scheduled time. • Change in liver enzymes. People with a history of hepatitis B or C virus – feel cold, especially in your arms and legs • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if COMPLERA can infection or who have certain liver enzyme changes may have an increased • Do not take more than your prescribed dose to make up for a missed dose. harm your unborn child. – feel dizzy or lightheaded risk of developing new or worsening liver problems during treatment This Brief Summary summarizes the most important information about Pregnancy Registry. There is a pregnancy registry for women who take with COMPLERA. Liver problems can also happen during treatment with COMPLERA. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare – have a fast or irregular heartbeat antiviral medicines during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect COMPLERA in people without a history of liver disease. Your healthcare provider. You can also ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for • Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems can happen in people who take information about the health of you and your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your liver enzymes before and during information about COMPLERA that is written for health professionals, or call COMPLERA. In some cases, these liver problems can lead to death. Your provider about how you can take part in this registry. treatment with COMPLERA. 1-800-5-3235 or go to www.COMPLERA.com liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and you may develop fat in your liver • are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. You should not breastfeed if you • Bone problems can happen in some people who take COMPLERA. Bone Issued: June 2013 (steatosis). Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the have HIV because of the risk of passing HIV to your baby. Do not breastfeed problems include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to following symptoms of liver problems: if you are taking COMPLERA. At least two of the medicines contained in fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do additional tests to check – your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) COMPLERA can be passed to your baby in your breast milk. We do not know your bones. whether this could harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the – dark “tea-colored” urine • Changes in body fat can happen in people taking HIV medicine. These best way to feed your baby. changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck – light-colored bowel movements (stools) Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the main part of your body (trunk). – loss of appetite for several days or longer prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. The cause and long term health effect of these conditions are not known. – nausea • COMPLERA may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how COMPLERA works, and may cause serious side effects. If • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can – stomach pain COMPLERA, the COMPLERA Logo, EMTRIVA, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, HEPSERA, STRIBILD, you take certain medicines with COMPLERA, the amount of COMPLERA in your happen when you start taking HIV medicines. Your immune system may get TRUVADA, VIREAD, and VISTIDE are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if body may be too low and it may not work to help control your HIV infection. stronger and begin to fi ght infections that have been hidden in your body for ATRIPLA is a trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC. All other marks referenced you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking COMPLERA The HIV virus in your body may become resistant to COMPLERA or other HIV a long time. Tell your healthcare provider if you start having new symptoms herein are the property of their respective owners. for a long time. medicines that are like it. after starting your HIV medicine. ©2013 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. CPAC0061 10/13

18 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com PALIO Date: 10.4.13 • Client: Gilead • Product: Complera • 9731_pgitvd_standard_updtd_tav_BaltOUTloud3.indd PALIO Date: 10.4.13 • Client: Gilead • Product: Complera • 9731_pgitvd_standard_updtd_tav_BaltOUTloud3.indd BS page 1 • Trim: 9.875” x 9.6” Baltimore OUT loud BS page 2 • Trim: 9.875” x 9.6” Baltimore OUT loud Brief Summary of full Prescribing Information • Worsening of Hepatitis B infection. If you have hepatitis B virus (HBV) Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take: The most common side effects of COMPLERA include: infection and take COMPLERA, your HBV may get worse ( are-up) if you stop • an antacid medicine that contains aluminum, magnesium hydroxide, or COMPLERA® (kom-PLEH-rah) • trouble sleeping (insomnia) taking COMPLERA. A “ are-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns calcium carbonate. If you take an antacid during treatment with COMPLERA, (emtricitabine, rilpivirine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) tablets in a worse way than before. COMPLERA is not approved for the treatment of take the antacid at least 2 hours before or at least 4 hours after you • abnormal dreams Brief summary of full Prescribing Information. For more information, please see HBV, so you must discuss your HBV with your healthcare provider. take COMPLERA. • headache the full Prescribing Information including Patient Information. – Do not let your COMPLERA run out. Re ll your prescription or talk to your • a medicine to block the acid in your stomach, including cimetidine • dizziness healthcare provider before your COMPLERA is all gone. (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), nizatidine (Axid), or ranitidine hydrochloride What is COMPLERA? • diarrhea – Do not stop taking COMPLERA without rst talking to your healthcare (Zantac). If you take one of these medicines during treatment with • COMPLERA is a prescription HIV (Human Immunode ciency Virus) medicine provider. COMPLERA, take the acid blocker at least 12 hours before or at least 4 hours • nausea that is used to treat HIV-1 in adults after you take COMPLERA. – If you stop taking COMPLERA, your healthcare provider will need to check • rash – who have never taken HIV medicines before, and • your health often and do blood tests regularly to check your HBV infection. any of these medicines (if taken by mouth or injection): • tiredness – who have an amount of HIV in their blood (this is called ‘viral load’) that Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may – clarithromycin (Biaxin) • depression is no more than 100,000 copies/mL. Your healthcare provider will measure have after you stop taking COMPLERA. – your viral load. erythromycin (E-Mycin, Eryc, Ery-Tab, PCE, Pediazole, Ilosone) Additional common side effects include: Who should not take COMPLERA? – (HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunode ciency Syndrome)). fl uconazole (Difl ucan) • vomiting Do not take COMPLERA if: – itraconazole (Sporanox) • COMPLERA contains 3 medicines – rilpivirine, emtricitabine, tenofovir • stomach pain or discomfort • your HIV infection has been previously treated with HIV medicines. disoproxil fumarate – combined in one tablet. It is a complete regimen to – ketoconazole (Nizoral) • skin discoloration (small spots or freckles) treat HIV-1 infection and should not be used with other HIV medicines. • you are taking any of the following medicines: – methadone (Dolophine) • pain • – anti-seizure medicines: carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, It is not known if COMPLERA is safe and effective in children under the age – posaconazole (Noxafi l) of 18 years old. Tegretol-XR, Teril, Epitol); oxcarbazepine (Trileptal); phenobarbital Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that (Luminal); phenytoin (Dilantin, Dilantin-125, Phenytek) – telithromycin (Ketek) does not go away. • COMPLERA does not cure HIV infection or AIDS. You must stay on continuous These are not all the possible side effects of COMPLERA. or more information, therapy to control HIV infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses. – anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) medicines: rifabutin (Mycobutin); rifampin – voriconazole (Vfend) (Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane, Rifadin); rifapentine (Priftin) ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. • Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to • medicines that are eliminated by the kidney, including acyclovir (Zovirax), Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side Do not share or re-use needles or other – proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medicine for certain stomach or intestinal cidofovir (Vistide), ganciclovir (Cytovene IV, Vitrasert), valacyclovir (Valtrex), prevent passing HIV to other people. effects to DA at 1-800-DA-1088 (1-800-332-1088). injection equipment, and do not share personal items that can have blood or problems: esomeprazole (Nexium, Vimovo); lansoprazole (Prevacid); and valganciclovir (Valcyte) dexlansoprazole (Dexilant); omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid); pantoprazole body  uids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades. Always practice safer How should I take COMPLERA? sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual sodium (Protonix); rabeprazole (Aciphex) What are the possible side effects of COMPLERA? • Stay under the care of your healthcare provider during treatment with contact with semen, vaginal  uids or blood. – more than 1 dose of the steroid medicine dexamethasone or dexamethasone COMPLERA can cause serious side effects, including: COMPLERA. sodium phosphate • See “What is the most important information I should know about What is the most important information I should know about COMPLERA? COMPLERA?” • Take COMPLERA exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. – St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) COMPLERA can cause serious side effects, including: • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure, can happen in • Always take COMPLERA with food. Taking COMPLERA with food is important • If you take COMPLERA, you should not take: • Build-up of an acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis can some people who take COMPLERA. Your healthcare provider should do blood to help get the right amount of medicine in your body. A protein drink is not happen in some people who take COMPLERA or similar (nucleoside analogs) – Other medicines that contain tenofovir (Atripla, Stribild, Truvada, Viread) tests to check your kidneys before starting treatment with COMPLERA. If you a substitute for food. If your healthcare provider decides to stop COMPLERA medicines. Lactic acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to and you are switched to new medicines to treat HIV that includes rilpivirine – Other medicines that contain emtricitabine or lamivudine (Combivir, have had kidney problems in the past or need to take another medicine that death. Lactic acidosis can be hard to identify early, because the symptoms tablets, the rilpivirine tablets should be taken only with a meal. Emtriva, Epivir or Epivir-HBV, Epzicom, Trizivir, Atripla, Truvada, Stribild) can cause kidney problems, your healthcare provider may need to do blood could seem like symptoms of other health problems. Call your healthcare tests to check your kidneys during your treatment with COMPLERA. • Do not change your dose or stop taking COMPLERA without fi rst talking with provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms which could – rilpivirine (Edurant) • Depression or mood changes. Tell your healthcare provider right away if your healthcare provider. See your healthcare provider regularly while taking be signs of lactic acidosis: – adefovir (Hepsera) you have any of the following symptoms: COMPLERA. – feel very weak or tired What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking COMPLERA? – feeling sad or hopeless • If you miss a dose of COMPLERA within 12 hours of the time you usually take – have unusual (not normal) muscle pain it, take your dose of COMPLERA with food as soon as possible. Then, take your Before you take COMPLERA, tell your healthcare provider if you: – feeling anxious or restless next dose of COMPLERA at the regularly scheduled time. If you miss a dose – have trouble breathing • have or had liver problems, including hepatitis B or C virus infection, kidney – have thoughts of hurting yourself (suicide) or have tried to hurt yourself of COMPLERA by more than 12 hours of the time you usually take it, wait and – have stomach pain with nausea (feeling sick to your stomach) or vomiting problems, mental health problem or bone problems then take the next dose of COMPLERA at the regularly scheduled time. • Change in liver enzymes. People with a history of hepatitis B or C virus – feel cold, especially in your arms and legs • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if COMPLERA can infection or who have certain liver enzyme changes may have an increased • Do not take more than your prescribed dose to make up for a missed dose. harm your unborn child. – feel dizzy or lightheaded risk of developing new or worsening liver problems during treatment This Brief Summary summarizes the most important information about Pregnancy Registry. There is a pregnancy registry for women who take with COMPLERA. Liver problems can also happen during treatment with COMPLERA. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare – have a fast or irregular heartbeat antiviral medicines during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect COMPLERA in people without a history of liver disease. Your healthcare provider. You can also ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for • Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems can happen in people who take information about the health of you and your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your liver enzymes before and during information about COMPLERA that is written for health professionals, or call COMPLERA. In some cases, these liver problems can lead to death. Your provider about how you can take part in this registry. treatment with COMPLERA. 1-800-5-3235 or go to www.COMPLERA.com liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and you may develop fat in your liver • are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. You should not breastfeed if you • Bone problems can happen in some people who take COMPLERA. Bone Issued: June 2013 (steatosis). Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the have HIV because of the risk of passing HIV to your baby. Do not breastfeed problems include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to following symptoms of liver problems: if you are taking COMPLERA. At least two of the medicines contained in fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do additional tests to check – your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) COMPLERA can be passed to your baby in your breast milk. We do not know your bones. whether this could harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the – dark “tea-colored” urine • Changes in body fat can happen in people taking HIV medicine. These best way to feed your baby. changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck – light-colored bowel movements (stools) Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the main part of your body (trunk). – loss of appetite for several days or longer prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. The cause and long term health effect of these conditions are not known. – nausea • COMPLERA may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how COMPLERA works, and may cause serious side effects. If • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can – stomach pain COMPLERA, the COMPLERA Logo, EMTRIVA, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, HEPSERA, STRIBILD, you take certain medicines with COMPLERA, the amount of COMPLERA in your happen when you start taking HIV medicines. Your immune system may get TRUVADA, VIREAD, and VISTIDE are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if body may be too low and it may not work to help control your HIV infection. stronger and begin to fi ght infections that have been hidden in your body for ATRIPLA is a trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC. 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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 19 PALIO Date: 10.4.13 • Client: Gilead • Product: Complera • 9731_pgitvd_standard_updtd_tav_BaltOUTloud3.indd PALIO Date: 10.4.13 • Client: Gilead • Product: Complera • 9731_pgitvd_standard_updtd_tav_BaltOUTloud3.indd BS page 1 • Trim: 9.875” x 9.6” Baltimore OUT loud BS page 2 • Trim: 9.875” x 9.6” Baltimore OUT loud Lively Arts // personalities

Enta ert ining Readers to be an overeater or he might grow up to eventually go well but that process is a lot easier time within the family unit? of All Ages figure out how to curb his doughnut appe- harder than the first book because of the TF: I was lucky enough by the time – continued from page 1 tite. I wanted the LGBT undercurrent to be kind of expectations that go along with now I was 12 that I knew I was gay and that more of a light touch. More than anything, you’ve got this thing that’s gotten great re- I would be coming out one day. I never what you should be. It might not be this and I feel very lucky for this, I wanted his views. I was very lucky because the first totally understood people who came out minute. It’s a little bit of “it gets better.” The gayness to be the fifth most interesting book got a lot of press, a lot of attention very late in life. I didn’t get how people problem with “it gets better” is that it’s hard thing about him. I wanted people to come and it was nerve-racking. I’ve been very didn’t know that about themselves. In to wait. It hurts to wait. Nate is very much to the book who aren’t just gay. I wanted to lucky because the second book has been the process of becoming a writer I real- a part of me and an outgrowth of my own have a broader audience because I think getting even better reviews [laughs], which ized that about myself so late that it made story. that’s the most effective way to reach a lot I hate to say is actually important. sense to me once I started writing. I didn’t GS: I’m glad that you mentioned the of people. If all of our stories about gay GS: Both Better Nate Than Ever and start writing seriously until I was 29. It “it gets better” concept, because both people are tragic and melodramatic or only Five, Six, Seven, Nate have clever titles. certainly wasn’t because I wasn’t around of your books have a similar message about how gay they are, we potentially turn At what point in the writing process did writers. I was dating a writer and living in in regards to being yourself. For exam- off an audience who wants to know more you come up with them? New York. It’s that interesting thing that ple in Better Nate Than Ever, you write than that. That was important for me; that TF: Great question! I came up with the identity can come to you in some differ- about him being “a kid who might have that element was there for his character, title Better Nate Than Ever when I was ent ways and at so many different ages. found someplace where he doesn’t have but I didn’t want it to be the defining ele- hanging out with a best friend, who’s a To be totally honest, my own struggles at to change anything about himself to fit ment. I wanted his resilience to be the de- writer, and we were talking about poten- home weren’t because I maybe was gay, in” and in Five, Six, Seven, Nate a char- fining element, which I think it is for a lot of tial TV shows. That title just came to me. they were because I was a smart ass and acter advises Nate to “Just keep being gay people. Five, Six, Seven, Nate was kind of a joke. I a bad student. I think we already live in you.” Do you think that being yourself GS: Were both books written at the was going to call it Better Nate Than Ever, an era when there are lots and lots of is the ultimate message of the books? same time? Act 2, and my publisher came back to me kids, more and more, who are accepted TF: First of all, I so appreciate your TF: No, I wish they were, because that and said, “We think you can do better than by their families for being however they close reading, Gregg. The real truth is would’ve been easier. The first book was that.” I threw them Five, Six, Seven, Nate want to be. And yet, one doesn’t have to that I did not go into writing them with a written as a standalone. I didn’t intend for as a joke because “five, six, seven, eight” look much further than the news to see message. If there was any message, the it to necessarily be a series. But then it did is a theater term. stories. For that reason, when I set out to message was that I wanted to write an as- well enough to warrant a sequel, which GS: It’s the count off. write this book, I really wanted to include pirational tale about a kid who had a huge was lovely and I am so grateful for that. TF: Yes, of course, it’s the count off. a character who just happened to be gay. I dream and just happened to possibly be The second book was written months and A Chorus Line fan in the house! All of that questioned if it was a story that needed to gay. In the same way that he may grow up months later. I was lucky enough for it to said, I wanted something that would stand be told and if I had a fresh way of saying out. The same holds true with my adult it. I ultimately feel that it is a necessary cocktail book, Tequila Mockingbird, which story. I still get messages from parents is obviously not for kids. It’s got literary saying that their kids are so picked on and cocktails in it. I like to have a little bit of beat up and bullied for their classmates fun with my titles and do something slightly perception of them being gay or whatever, pithy. fill in the blank. Here I am, an author who GS: Friendship plays an important got out of his own small mindset home- role in the novels. Nate’s best friend town situation and, in the book, here’s a Libby is pretty special. Do you have a kid, a character they can relate to. For Libby of your own? those reasons I think we’re closer to a day TF: What a sweet question. Yes I did when it’s more accepted. I also think if I and I do. I see a lot of Libbys in the kids were a gay teenager I’d be noticing the that I work with on Broadway. There’s a lot Supreme Court repeal (of gay marriage) in of Libbys and Nates running around. I had Utah and I’m sure I’d be feeling less than a Libby named Missy when I was growing equal. up who was this really bossy, funny the- GS: Although in their lifetimes as ater girl, two years older than I was. When in our lifetimes so much has changed you’re our age, two years older is nothing. for our community in a short period of But when you’re a kid, two years older time. is really senior. She bossed me around, TF: Hugely, absolutely, totally. It can’t taught me tons about the theater, she kind change fast enough but, yes, I totally of got there before I did. In my later years, agree. in my 30s, I have two very close friends. GS: When coming up with a musi- A friend named Karen who gives me a re- cal for the novel, how did you decide ally tough time on my manuscripts. She’s on E.T.? always the person to go, “eh, I don’t think TF: Because I felt like an alien myself this joke is good enough.” I got this friend when I was growing up. Because having Cheri who’s like my writing guardian an- worked on the Broadway shows Chitty gel. She was the one, several years ago Chitty Bang Bang and The Little Mermaid, while we were working on a musical to- I knew that movies that are beloved are gether, to say to me, “You are a writer and very difficult to get right on stage, and for you need to start writing.” that reason it’s really fun to poke fun of GS: Family also figures prominent- the process. t ly. Do you think there will come a time Browse to Baltimoreoutloud.com for when a character such as Nate has an the complete version of this interview. 20 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts // out on stage Find Your Grail at Toby’s

By Steve Charing with his Knights), and “I’m Alone” were stellar We’ll never know if King Arthur, his subjects, performances. and rivals actually behaved as they did on Demonstrating the true disciplined star the stage of Toby’s, the Dinner Theatre of that he is, Mr. Munsey manages beyond all Columbia, but if they had, it would have been odds to keep a straight face throughout the one uproarious era. In the musical theatre’s non-stop insanity of the plot and the antics of version of the 1975 film ’sSpa - the other cast members. malot (with a number of differences from the Also performing fabulously is another film), director Mark Minnick and his cast and Toby’s veteran David James. It’s one thing to crew offers up one hilarious, laugh-a-second commend him for his role in this production as production to the delight of the audience. Historian (narrator). But he is also tasked with The book and lyrics were by who five other roles with my favorite being Prince also composed the music with John Du Prez. Herbert. You see, Prince Herbert, much to the Mike Nichols directed the original Broadway chagrin of his father, played wonderfully by production of Spamalot in 2005 garnering Nick Lehan, does not want to marry the girl three Tony Awards including Best Musical his father had arranged for, mainly because among 14 nominations. It ran for over 1,500 he is, well, gay. performances, and the show has been seen The always campy Mr. James played in over a dozen countries. Prince Herbert to the hilt as he did at the Exquisitely costumed and staged, the beginning of the show when he played Not Not guaranteed to be pork-free performers at Toby’s have as much fun as Dead Fred. His Prince Herbert’s back-to- credit: Kirstine Christiansen the patrons, as the zaniness of Monty Python back numbers “Where Are You?” and “Here consisted of brick castle walls around the Lighting designer Colleen M. Foley is executed to near perfection. Spamalot’s Are You!” are fun. The production number perimeter of the theater. Stage entrances makes effective use of color lights and sud- goofy irreverent plot, eschewing any sem- that follows, “His Name is Lancelot,” with the are used proficiently to keep the action sus- den illumination to augment the action. blance of political correctness, centers on ensemble attired in flamboyant garb, is one of tained and balconies are in place for various Sound designer Drew Dedrick also does a King Arthur’s quest for the Holy Grail. But the highlights of this show. scenes. Props were a key element in this nice job of creating echoes when authorita- that merely serves as a vehicle to string to- Other cast members performed extreme- production that included such items as a pull tive pronouncements are made (such as gether a series of oddball encounters and ly well – most playing multiple roles – making wagon, an oversized wooden rabbit, fake hu- when God is talking) and clasps of thunder shtick augmented by a deliciously funny and this production so well-rounded. David Jen- man limbs, barnyard animals, candles that on occasion. All the performers are effective- clever score. nings played Sir Lancelot splendidly as well effectively simulated burning and lots more. ly mic’d so that the lyrics and dialogue are Ross Scott Rawlings, who earned a as the hilarious French Taunter during a par- The costume team coordinated by Law- clearly audible. well-deserved ovation at show’s end on the ticularly funny scene. rence B. Munsey and Marianne VanStee Spamalot is classic slapstick comedy night it was reviewed, led the excellent six- Darren McDonnell played Sir Robin with outfitted the cast in a dazzling array of medi- with an extraordinary cast and technical crew piece orchestra that supported the talented flair especially during the side-splitting num- eval chain mail costumes originally designed that is ably directed by Mr. Minnick. There vocalists as they conquer each number with ber “You Won’t Succeed on Broadway” as by Tim Hatley and other attire that ranged is no better way to kick the winter doldrums aplomb. First and foremost in that regard is well as “I’m Not Dead Yet.” Nick Lehan turned from French maid costumes to a “very gay” than with this totally enjoyable, fun journey to Helen Hayes Award-winner Priscilla Cuellar, in an excellent performance as Sir Dennis Broadway production number apparel to a find that elusive Holy Grail. t who plays the role the Lady of the Lake. Galahad delivering one funny line after an- sparkling Cher gown (Bob Mackie would ap- Spamalot (145 minutes, with intermis- As the only female lead in the cast, Ms. other, and as Prince Herbert’s overbearing prove) to Laker Girl Cheerleading outfits to a sion) runs through March 23 at the Din- Cuellar demonstrates her sensational vocal father who had to come to grips that his son woman clad in just underwear. Yet, the pe- ner Theatre of Columbia, 5900 Symphony talents with clarity and strength. She hits the is gay in a riotous scene. riod costumes worn by King Arthur and his Woods Road, Columbia, Maryland. For info right notes in such group numbers as “Come Jeffrey Shankle’s primary character, Knights as well as the ensemble are simply and tickets: 410-730-8311 or Tobysdinner- With Me,” “Find Your Grail,” and “The Song Patsy, dutifully follows King Arthur around as outstanding with their detail and authenticity. theatre.com. That Goes Like This.” But her magnificent his servant banging two coconuts shells to- solo, “The Diva’s Lament,” is a show stopper. gether simulating horse’s hooves as King Ar- The astoundingly versatile Lawrence B. thur “rides” before him. He excelled in “I’m All Munsey, who plays the central character, Alone” as a counterpoint to Munsey’s King Ar- Healing For The Whole Self King Arthur, is the production’s rock. Never thur. Notables in the production also include disappointing throughout his professional ca- Shawn Kettering, Heather Beck, Jay Garrick reer, Mr. Munsey plays every part with verve and Jimmy Mavrikes and the other members Pain Relief and magnificent attention to detail. His per- of a very energetic and talented ensemble. Stress Reduction formance in Spamalot is no exception using Director Mark Minnick, who also serves Tanisia Smith Energy Medicine his commanding stage presence and muscu- as choreographer, put his dancers through the BA, LMT, NCBTMB, MBLEX lar voice. paces, and they excelled in several numbers Massage Therapist Couples’ Massage Instruction Consistently a fine actor with a penchant especially “Knights of the Round Table” with Reiki Master for well-timed and delivered comic lines when much of the cast and ensemble participating. Intuitive www.GoddessWithinHealing.com called upon, Mr. Munsey’s singing voice also As precise as the dancers were, the influence 8700 Old Harford Road, Suite L5B shines. “King Arthur’s Song,” “Come With of a zany Marx Brothers movie seeped in Me” (with Ms. Cuellar), “Always Look on the making it a classic visual experience. 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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 21 Lively Arts // OUT ON SCREEN There are Better Places to Spend a Day than At Middleton By Chuck Duncan ing questions during the tour just to embarrass at some video online. Stressed out by not movie I saw her in, Running Scared (with At Middleton, the first feature from writer/di- her daughter. Audrey isn’t much better, veering being there, the students offer the adults a Paul Walker), but she’s been great in The rector (and Baltimore native) Adam Rodgers, from one emotion to the other at the drop of a bong to relax and they proceed to act how Departed, Source Code, The Conjuring, tells the story of two parents accompanying hat. Conrad is laid back and is plainly humor- someone who has never been stoned thinks and Bates Motel. The key to those perfor- their children on a campus tour of their poten- ing his father, and George mances was a good, experienced direc- tial college. Edith (Vera Farmiga) is against is the supposed voice of tor who knows how to control his actors. In her daughter Audrey (Taissa Farmiga, Vera’s reason when Edith suggests At Middleton, Farmiga has to contend with real life sister!) attending Middleton because it one Lucy Ricardo shenani- mediocre dialog and a director who insists just seems too small for her tastes. Yes, it’s all gan after another. The two on having her laugh one of the most annoy- about Edith. George (Andy Garcia) is pushing start their journey by steal- ing laughs in movie history. Several times. his son Conrad (Spencer Lofranco) to attend ing a couple of bikes, then I’m sitting there going “tone it down” and I Middleton because it really is a lovely, intimate walking into buildings and could imagine Rodgers nodding his head, college. During the tour, George and Edith butt rooms where they don’t be- saying “give me even more of that!” While I heads, get separated from the group, spend long, many times. Edith was love Farmiga, she is apparently one of those time together exploring the campus and fall- probably on the right track actors who really needs a great director to ing in love… remember, this all happens in the to be concerned about the guide her performance. space of a couple of hours. school’s security if they can With this being my second film in less I hate to diss a first-timer (and local boy), practically get away with than a week with a first-time director at the but if I hadn’t been at a screening for the sole murder. But it’s all just the helm (That Awkward Moment being the oth- purpose of reviewing the film, I probably would conveniences of the script that allow the two stoned people act. They giggle, dance, sing er), I think I’m ready for some big piece of have walked out midway though. Rodgers’ to look deeper into their lives and see what and carry on… while the students simply Hollywood entertainment by a major director. script, co-written with Glenn German, piles on they’re missing with their absent spouses. mellow out and watch. It’s a pretty embar- That being said, I’m glad that these newcom- every bad cliché in the book and feels more like At one point, George and Edith end up rassing scene for the two actors who are ers are getting the opportunity to make films a Lifetime made-for-TV movie than anything back in a dorm room with a girl and her boy- probably just following Rodgers’ direction. and have them distributed, but someone, else (surprise… the two have one other writing friend. George is also a surgeon and he has And speaking of directing, I have come somewhere really should have gone over the credit for a Lifetime made-for-TV movie). a patient in dire need of an operation, but all to enjoy Farmiga’s performances over the script before handing them millions of dollars Edith is a totally unlikable character, ask- he can do is make judgment calls by looking years. I really couldn’t stand her in the first to make these overblown TV movies. t

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22 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts // imusicout on sCREEN Dundalk Community Theatre Auditions

Auditions are by appointment only There are Few Things Worse Saturday, February 8th - 1pm - 4pm Sunday, February 9th - 1pm - 4pm than That Awkward Moment Monday, February 10th - 7pm - 10pm (Cagelles only) By Chuck Duncan think a women is merely a receptacle for Guys are douchebags… at least they are their “junk.” This movie is really insulting For an audition appointment contact Lisa Boeren at in Hollywood movies about relationships to women, which it depicts simply as crea- [email protected] or 443-840-2787 and the guys afraid to be in them. Take tures who need a man in their lives. They Please prepare an audition song of not more than the new rom-com-dram That Awkward Mo- can have careers, but their lives just aren’t 32 bars ment. Please. (Ba dum bum.) In the film, complete without a man. Readings will be done from the script and will be we meet Jason (Zac Efron), Daniel (Miles Many people in my screening audience Teller), and Mikey (Michael B. Jordan). were laughing loudly throughout the movie, available at the sign in table Jason has a roster of women he goes but I think I may have chuckled once and Please wear comfortable clothing and bring dance through once they get to the “So where are someone nearby was actually snoring. At shoes we going from here” question, Daniel uses one point, one of the guys gets hit by a cab CCBC Dundalk Campus his female best friend as his wing man, and and I nearly cheered, hoping the movie K Building Theatre Mikey – the only one in a relationship – would suddenly give us a twist and turn 7200 Sollers Point Road has just been Baltimore, MD 21222 blindsided by his wife’s Production Dates infidelity and May 2, 3, 9, 10 at 8pm divorce pa- May 4, 11 at 3pm pers. TechT Week April 26th - May 1st All three guys are at- Please do not audition if you have a conflict with any of the above dates tractive (well, For character breakdown and complete details visit two of them are and one http://www.ccbcmd.edu/performingarts/Auditions.html is average at best) and have good jobs judg- ing by their Dundalk Community Theatre clothing and fabulous New Celebrating Their 40th Season York City apartments. But Jason and Dan- into another chapter in the Final Destina- presents iel are jerks and Mikey is just needy and tion franchise (I also hoped that maybe Ja- teetering on becoming a jerk as well, es- son’s girlfriend would reveal that she was Driving Miss Daisy pecially after the guys make a pact that a vampire in one scene – she looked like none of them will fall in love and enter into she was about to bite him in the neck with February 21, 22, 28 & March 1 at 8:00 pm a relationship, thus breaking up the friend- her bizarre pointy teeth – really flipping the February 23 & March 2 at 3:00 pm ship. Of course, they all do end up falling script and making the story much more in- for someone, then lying to each other, and teresting). Adult Individual Tickets: $23 eventually hurting the women in the pro- That Awkward Moment certainly looks cess (although Mikey has the opposite slick and gives us another fantasy version Senior Individual Tickets: $20 trajectory as he is used and hurt again by of New York City, but I should have sniffed Student/DCT Actor/Child: $15 his ex). And, spoiler alert, by some con- out the fact that this is writer/director Tom trived miracle, Jason and Daniel are for- Gormican’s first feature credit… after pro- given and Mikey sets up a date with some ducing the notorious Movie 43. This is, in All performances take place in the John E. woman who gave him her number months fact, the second movie I’ve seen in a week Ravekes Theatre, College Community ago. Yes, she had apparently been sitting by a first timer (At Middleton being the oth- Center by the phone awaiting his call. er) and they both make all the same mis- That Awkward Moment is pure Holly- takes by filling the movie with cliché after wood, straight-male wish fulfillment fan- cliché. Both movies just made me angry at CCBC Dundalk Campus tasy. Jason and Daniel are awful people, the waste of talent on screen (and the loss 7200 Sollers Point Road especially Jason who treats the one wom- of my time sitting through them). Not even Baltimore, MD 21222 an he’s totally interested in like dirt. Mikey Zac’s dreamy blue eyes and chiseled phy- is the only one who garners any sympathy sique can save this one, especially when For further information, directions, or a campus map, because he was already in a relationship the best moment comes from the last out- that failed, but you kind of hope it will even- take (none of the others are particularly call the box office: 443-840-ARTS tually work out in the end. Regardless, I funny), with a Baltimore connection, which or go to the CCBC Dundalk information page found at don’t know anyone who would really want plays during the end credits. That Awkward to spend any time with these self-cen- Moment may end up being awkward for ev- http://www.ccbcmd.edu/performingarts/dct.html tered, narcissistic assholes who seem to eryone involved. t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 23 lively arts

that beautiful mass wedding during the perfor- mance by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis!? As Macklemore performed their hit “Same Love,” he was joined by , (who simply ignited Drag social media with pictures of her on the red car- pet, being compared to the Reverend Henry Stage Kane in the movie Poltergeist!), singing a ver- Ada Buffet sion of her hit “Open Your Heart.” The duo was joined mid-melody by Queen Latifah, who was sworn in as a commissioner, by the State of Be My Valentine California, specifically to perform the ceremony and to declare these couples legally wed. Greetings Everyone! Oh my – I am sooooo glad Now, can I tell you – (not that I have to) – to be back! I have missed bringing my antics just how monumental that performance and and so many important events to you guys over moment in history was?! – I was instantly over- the last few issues. I’ve finally started feeling come with so many emotions as I watched; my better and kicked those winter blues to the side, goose bumps began to get goose bumps. so away we go… I mean – later on I was relaxing, thinking of Oh! – wait! my own upcoming nuptials, and I am not really Before I go any further, I want to send a sure whether it was tears of joy for those cou- big shout-out to Miss Anastacia Amor for ples, (33 couples from various backgrounds), a phenomenal and fan-tab-u-lash reign as pride in how far we have come as a society, that Miss Freestate 2013! – I heard that there was a we could all share in this moment, thanks – to some truly wonderful competition going on at those who have come before me, have gone The Hippo (1 West Chase Street, Baltimore) before me, but most importantly – paved the that night. Congratulations to your new Miss way for me, or a mix of all these things and then Freestate 2014 -Jayden Elyse and her 1st some, but tears poured down my face. alternate, Chasity Vain. These ladies have I have been told that I have “the voice of the grabbed their golden tickets, and with just two community.” When it was asked to explain this more prelims to go before Miss Gay Maryland statement – It was simply stated – “You have in April. the balls to say what the community feels.” This Friday, February 7th, – This Friday, and overwhelmed me. I must say, this momentous every 1st Friday, The Lodge (21614 National event had me in tear – for those of you who Pike, Boonsboro, Maryland) brings you Latin know me personally, you know this is not some- Fever. Hosted by DJ Michael Brandon & Miss thing to occur often. Alondra Sancheez, This month’s fever has When I think of the society I grew up in as guest performances by Sasha Renee & Kristal a young teen; coming to terms with my own Smith. With just a $5 cover, this is one party not sexuality, and then to the acceptance in many to be missed. social atmospheres; I find myself jealous of Saturday, February 8th – Triple LLL (227 the exposure to “someone like me” that many West Chase Street) will be playing host to a young adults have today. I am fortunate to have benefit for the Adkins/Burns Family who lost experienced watching as society has changed, their Locust Point home, all of their belongings, though there is still a lot further to go; we have and several pets in a fire which occurred in Jan- come a long way in and towards acceptance by uary. This show is being hosted by Shawnna mainstream society. Alexander, with performances by many local And how can I not mention February 14, entertainers and more. 2014? – I want to wish a very Happy Valen- On Sunday, February 9th – I want to wish tine’s Day to my fiancée Timothy Phillips a.k.a. (Former Mr. Youth Prince), Johnny Starr aka Vegas-Nova Buffet – Who would have thought Devilla Spikes, a very happy and liquored up that after eight years, we would still be proving (cause I know you will be!) birthday! See you at our haters wrong? – I love you more than words Happy Hour? or actions can ever show. It’s you & me against Tuesday, February, 11th – Happy Birth- the world. day to a very beautiful and talented lady, who Anyway, let me stop being all emotional one day I hope to be as skinny and beautiful and get back on track. as – (Miss Hippo Latina 2013) – Tamia Gisele Friday, February 21st – New Faces compe- Mykles. tition, as it is every third Friday hosted by Josie Gosh, there really aren’t many more events Foster at The Hippo. Featuring performances that I know of going on to talk about. I know I by current reigning Miss New Faces: Brooklyn for one would not be attending anything via oth- Heights, Miss New Faces of January: Sha- ers’ Facebook posts (Kinda like the Grammy’s meeka Moore and others. Facebook newsfeed!) – It’s too damn cold out That’s all I have for now, but as the cold there! weather moves out – I hope to see you all – out Speaking of the Grammy’s – How about & about! t

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Adding FLAVOR to the neighborhood SINCE 1984

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 25 dining out

meatball sliders ($8.99), served with mari- New Neighbor nara sauce and an option of provolone cheese. They are served grilled with a tinge Wins Hearts & of crispness. I did like the taste of them and thought a perfect starter to compliment my Tummies beverage. Other appetizer items include chips & salsa ($4.99), pretzel dog ($5.99), calamari ($9.99), and mussels ($9.99). All Tavern on the Hill appetizers come in at a price point of $9.99 900 Cathedral Street or less. Baltimore, Maryland Given the party of 20, there was a signif- 410-230-5400 icant delay in serving our respective main Tavernonthehillmtvernon.com courses. Steve and Ed did come to visit our table many times in between to explain the By Richard Finger delay, and to refresh our drinks. We were I must have walked by Tavern on the Hill in no rush, simply enjoying our chat and (TOTH) many times in the past few weeks, the ambiance. For such a crowded res- without taking much notice. Nestled be- taurant, I could hear the murmur of many tween Mt. Vernon’s Milk & Honey and conversations around me, but the volume City Cafe, perhaps easy to overlook? We never became loud enough that we needed walked in for a late(ish) dinner after 8:30 to shout to be heard. I decided to try one p.m. on a Friday. The bar and the restau- of the specials, Bubbie’s BBQ brisket plat- rant were packed with patrons. I could see ter ($15.99), served with mashed potatoes a large party of 20 off to one side, and and a choice of vegetables (squash or as- plenty of tables filled by couples, friends, paragus). The brisket was tender enough to and families with young children. In other pull apart easily when cutting, and the BBQ words, a very sauce added mixed crowd. great flavor. The The look and asparagus was feel of TOTH served whole, is very similar the inherit flavor to many Paris not lost in the brasseries. cooking process. We were Unfortunately, seated at a the mashed po- table for two tatoes were too next to the cen- salty to try more terpiece of the than a taste. TOTH, the bar, The other by Steve, one highlighted items of the owners. on the menu in- We were quite clude a spring lucky to find an Think Parisien brasserie apple salad available table, ($8.99) made of albeit nearby a window and slightly darker mixed greens, walnuts, apples, cranber- than other parts of the dining area. Sit- ries, crumbled blue cheese, and balsamic ting at this table did not at all impact our vinaigrette; Roseda burger ($12.99) made dining experience there. Our waiter, Ed, with local, all natural black angus, dry brought us some menus while we accli- aged beef topped with lettuce and tomato; mated ourselves. There was some funky three’s company ($8.99), sandwich of tur- beat background music playing, which key, roast beef, and corned beef topped created a nice uplifting vibe. Of course, with Thousand Island dressing; and the once Ed brought us over some drinks (I Baltimore hot dog ($6.99), split and grilled had Bacardi rum and Coke), I was much all beef hot dog wrapped in bacon and more relaxed and ready to enjoy a nice topped with yellow mustard and coleslaw. evening with my sweetheart. The menu In conclusion, I would encourage Bal- offers a very wide range of options from timoreans to give TOTH a try. The restau- salads, sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, rant provided for me, a wonderful way to pastas, and main course platters. A unique end a taxing work week. feature is the “breakfast served all day” The TOTH is only open for six months, menu. With this type of variety, it is simple and quickly establishing its residency in the to see how the TOTH would draw such a area. I think the next time I will try some- mixed crowd. thing from the breakfast menu, and will ask We decided to share the mini turkey for a little less salt. t 26 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com REAL ESTATE JGR REALTORS The Right Questions to Ask Coal Infantino and Ron Rhodes When Buying or Selling a Home byl Coa Infantino & Ron Rhodes cal contracts and the only difference is that one Buying and selling your home is a large under- buyer is financing with an FHA loan and the taking and for many of us, this transaction will other buyer is conventional are they equal? As be the largest purchase of the year. Knowing you can see knowing the financial piece is im- what to expect when you are shopping your portant to you, whether you’re buying or selling. financing options will help you make a better Our first piece of advice is work with a local long term decision. Fully understanding all the lender. Many agents can give you the name of ins and outs in this ever changing side of real a local lender that you can meet in person and estate would take a great deal of time; time that address your questions. They more than likely most of us just don’t have and that is why it is have worked with them in the past and have so important to have a reliable finance profes- built a relationship based on their accomplish- sional. Here are just a few questions that you ments. You should ask your realtor why they should ask when interviewing a mortgage lend- are recommending that lender. Why should you er. What types of financing options do I qualify use a local lender instead of a big institution? [email protected] [email protected] for? Do you offer any special programs? What Large lenders can come with more challenges are points, and how do they work, are they good in communication, not because they want to Coal: 717-676-5545 Ron: 717-578-7821 in my situation? How much money do I need give you bad service; but because they are so to put down? What are all the costs associated overwhelmed with customers and call volume. Office 717-854-9242 with doing business with your institution? Why I tell you this from our own transactions cover- does the interest rate change so often and why? ing more than 20 years of buying and selling 1499 South Queen St. York, PA 17403 What is PMI, how much does it cost, how long homes. You will find that most local lenders are www.jgr.com do I have to pay for it? How many transactions vested in your community; they support small have you closed in the city that we are purchas- business and are often available for meetings CallCoalorRingRon.com ing? Why should I work with you instead of with you when you have questions. More im- www.jgr.com another lender? If you want a specific monthly portantly they understand your local real estate payment as for them to work with you in deter- market, and what is required by law in your mining how much you should borrow, getting a state. pre-approval may be more than you really want A good loan officer will ask detailed ques- to spend. Most importantly, ask what you can tions to best determine how long you will stay in expect from them. Setting expectations goes the property, dig into your investment strategy a long way when your mortgage person does and help you choose the right way to finance not get back to you in what you feel is a timely your purchase based on your long term needs. manner. Remember that you are making a 30- Buying a home that you plan to stay in for a year decision; you need the right team in your long time can have a different financing strat- corner! egy than purchasing a home that you plan to Knowing how loans are structured and live in for only five to ten years. what is required is important; not only when Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask questions. The you are buying but also when you’re selling. Do only dumb question is the one you don’t ask. you know how much money a buyer can ask You should be smarter after your transaction for if they are using a VA loan? How about the closes then when it started. t importance of knowing what types of repairs an Coal Infantino & Ron Rhodes are real es- FHA appraiser will call for before your transac- tage agents with JGR Realtors (717-854-9242) tion can settle. If your agent presents two identi- in York, Pennsylvania.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 27 my leather family grew too! I think that this taur, MC in 1984. Yes, as noted on this was the first year that I did not take advan- year’s MAL run pin this was the 30th an- Mr. Mid- tage of the free shuttle bus service to the niversary of Leather Cocktails for the Cen- Atlantic D.C. Eagle and Green Lantern provided to taur, MC. If the International Mr. Leather Leather full package holders on Friday and Satur- Weekend in Chicago each May is the 2014 Joe Leather day nights. The parties at the hotel were Academy Awards of the leather commu- Birdwell Line so much fun that there was no reason to nity, Leather Cocktails with its open bar Rodney Burger leave! is the Golden Globes! Picture a gleaming On Friday night there was the Meet ballroom full of leather folks dressed to the & Greet gathering where the contestants nines. It is my understanding that a few and judges were introduced, the D.C. folks who were unclear on the term “for- Steel boys of Leather party, and the Highway- mal leather” were turned away at the door. men’s “Gear Up Rubber-Leather-Sports- (Sorry, you can put on a bowtie with your Town Streak Jock-Military” party. Plus I was invited to jockstrap- but that does not count as formal the private Onyx party that was held in leather!) It was a beautiful evening with Continues! a suite in the hotel. There is no question wonderful food, drink, and brotherhood. as to why the Men Saturday also brought Mr. Pittsburgh Leather Fetish 2014 Joe of Onyx club was “On Monday morning many other parties and Birdwell, a 37-year-old architect who now awarded the 2013 as many leather folks events. The judges for resides in Tampa, Florida, was named Mr. Large Club of the May’s International Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2014 during the annu- Year Award at the were checking out Leather Contest were al Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend held over Pantheon of Leather introduced at a recep- the weekend of January 17-19, 2014 at awards. These guys of the Hyatt, a large tion with IML founder the Hyatt Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. really know a thing group of nuns were Chuck Renslow, who This makes the fourth year in a row that a or two about broth- was very ill last year, in Pittsburgh titleholder has advanced to the erhood and hospital- arriving for the annual attendance. There was Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather title. Guess that’s ity. There was good a SIGMA BDSM demo, why they call Pittsburgh the “City of Cham- food, drinks, and anti-abortion march a big Onyx cocktail party pions.” Baltimore’s own Thomas Idoux, the a warm welcome on the National Mall. that included a live auc- current president of the ShipMates Club from everyone in the tion, the Mid-Atlantic of Baltimore, was selected first runner-up room! Mid-Atlantic Leather Kennel Korps Puppy and second runner-up was Mr. Connecticut I often tell folks Weekend is all about Mosh, the Mid-Atlantic Leather 2014 Omar L. Boots. Also compet- in Baltimore that it Uniform League party, were very surprised that a ShipMate was ing for MAL 2014 was Jeffery Williams, a is worth the drive to brotherhood; as for and two dances – the asked to swear in the officers of the highly member of the Knight Hawks of Virginia. D.C. during MAL just Manhunt party and the respected Centaur, MC. What a thrill and The judges for Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather to visit the Leather sisterhood – that is for Blackout party that went an honor! That my friends is what leather 2014 were International Mr. Leather 2013 Mart alone! Shop- another column!” until the wee hours. This brotherhood is all about! I also have to ap- Andy Cross, Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2013 ping was such a big year’s parties had great plaud my ShipMate brother Thomas Idoux Bryce Caine, Mr. Atlanta Eagle 2010 Chan- part of the weekend music, perfect lighting, who brought down the house with the an- dler Bearden, Mr. Maryland Leather 2008 that the escalators going to the mart in the and a real energy. swer to his on stage question. When asked Kristopher DeBlase, Mr. D.C. Eagle 2009 lower level ballrooms actually had to be After a buffet brunch on Sunday morn- to rewrite the score of The Sound of Music John Harris, Mr. Philadelphia Leather 2007 closed several times on Saturday due to ing, everyone continued on to the contest. to fit the leather community, Thomas sang John Loesch, and American Leatherwom- capacity crowds. This is not a bad thing. Although there were only four contestants a medley that included such numbers as an 2008 Joan Norry. Tally Masters were Events cannot succeed without money this year, they were four strong contes- “Anal Twice” and “You Are 16 Going on 17 Mr. D.C. Eagle 2013 Nigel Williams and coming in and those cash registers were tants. Traditionally Mr. Double L Leather Come Back in Two More Years.” The per- founding president of the new Bay Area ringing! I also must applaud the Centaur, competes at MAL. Since the bar closed formance ended with a standing ovation! boys of Leather Ryan Mattson. (I must ad- M.C., for reaching out to the younger gen- this year the current Mr. Double L, absent (And people thought Carrie Underwood ru- mit that I was thrilled a few months back eration when putting on this event. There a sponsor, did not hit the stage. I wish he ined The Sound of Music!) when this judging panel was announced. was a time when one of the largest clubs would have gone on anyway to represent, Sunday’s night Reaction Dance was Not only are they all very qualified, several in attendance was AARP! The hotel lobby if nothing else, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. held at the 9:30 Club. Thomas and I were of them are very dear friends!) was packed with beautiful young people Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 1993 Frank Nowicki very warmly greeted at the door by a still It was another amazing and incred- all weekend. The Centaurs did something did an outstanding job keeping the contest beaming Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2014 Joe ibly fun Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend. else that was really smart too. On Sunday rolling along. Absent any filler entertainment, Birdwell who ushered us to the VIP area Someone recently informed me that he afternoon when the contest was half over, the contest moved along quickly. The con- and hung up our leather jackets. That is didn’t go to MAL this year because “it is they allow those curious folks who were test started with an introduction of our host what I call brotherhood and Joe is a won- just about drinking.” When it comes to MAL hanging outside the main ballroom to come club the Centaur, MC. In keeping with tradi- derful new addition to my leather family. It not only did that person miss the boat, he on in and see what a leather contest is all tion a large candelabra is placed on stage is enough to make this big Raven’s fan ap- was nowhere near the water! At Christmas about. What a great idea! It may have been with all the candles aglow. As the outgoing plaud Pittsburgh! I know that I will visit my birth family and the first time seeing a leather contest for executive board is introduced, each member What a great Mid-Atlantic Leather get caught up on what everyone has been some and hopefully next year they will re- puts a candle out. When the new board is Weekend! On Monday morning as many doing. When January arrives I look forward turn and buy a ticket. introduced, each member lights a candle. I leather folks were checking out of the Hy- to traveling to Washington, D.C. to see my The centerpiece of MAL is the formal had been asked back in November if I would att, a large group of nuns were arriving for leather family. My birth family is growing leather cocktail party held on Saturday come to the stage at MAL and administer the the annual anti-abortion march on the Na- with several new members recently added night called Leather Cocktails. This event oath of office to the 2014 Centaur, MC, offi- tional Mall. Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend or on the way and at this year’s MAL I en- was started in 1976 by Links, MC in New cers. I was seated in the front row in the audi- is all about brotherhood; as for sisterhood joyed meeting some new leather folks and York and was first presented by the Cen- ence and several of my ShipMate brothers – that is for another column! t 28 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com BAR GUIDE

BALTIMORE, BALTIMORE, MARTINSBURG, MARYLAND MARYLAND WEST VIRGINIA Club 1722 Triple LLL The Club 1722 North Charles Street 227 W. Chase Street 5268 Williamsport Pike 410-727-7431 410-539-4806 Martinsburg, WV 25404 www.club1722.com 304-274-6080 PW's Sports Bar & Grill www.theclubwv.com Club Bunns 9855 Washington Blvd. N. 608 W. Lexington St. Suite N 410-234-2866 Laurel, MD 20723 REHOBREHOBOTH 301-498-4840 Drinkery BEACH, www.pwsplace.com 203-207 W Read St. DELAWARE 410-225-3100 HARRISBURG, Big Sissies Bar & Grill The Gallery PENNSYLVANIA 37385 Rehoboth Ave 1735 Maryland Ave. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 410-539-69654 SStallions 302-226-7600 706 N 3rd St HIPPO FroggF Pond Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 1 West Eager St. 3 S. 1st St (717)232-3060 410-576-0018 Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 www.stallionsclub.com www.clubhippo.com 302-227-2234 Bar 704 Grand Central Blue Moon 704 N 3rd St 1001-1003 N. Charles St 35 Baltimore Ave HarrisbuHarrisburg, Pennsylvania 410-752-71334 Rehoboth Beach, DE (717)234-4228 www.centralstationpub.com 302-227-6515302-22 Jays on Read Liquid 891 Inc www.bluemoonrehoboth.com 891 Eisenhower Blvd 225 W. Read Street Cloud9 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 410-225-0188 234 Rehoboth Avenue (717)939-3590 Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Leon’s www.liquid891.com 870 Park Ave 302-226-1999 The BBrownstone Lounge 410-539-49934 The Purple Parrot 412 Forester Street 2472 Rehoboth Ave Mixer’s Harrisburg, PA 17102-1714 Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 6037 Belair Rd 717-234-7009 302-226-1139 410-599-1952 Station North Arts Cafe Gallery SPRING GROVE, Rigby’s Bar & Grill 1816 North Charles Street PENNSYLVANIA 404 Rehoboth Avenue 410-625-6440 Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 www.stationnortharts.comww Altland's Ranch 302-227-6080302-22 8505 OrchardO Rd www.rigbysbarandgrill.com The Lodge Lounge & Spring Grove, PA 17362 Iguana Grill Dance Club 717-225-4479 21614 National Pike 52 Baltimore Ave Boonsboro, MD 21713 YORK, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 301-591-4434 302-227-0948 PENNSYLVANIA www.iguanagrill.com The Quest 3607 FleetFle St. LUX Night Lounge 410-563-2617 1327 N. Duke St YYork, PA 17404 The Rowan Tree 717-793-3770 1633 S. Charles Street www.luxnightlounge.com 410-468-0550 www.therowantree.net

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 29 Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2014 Photos by Rodney

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 31 Seven Days a Week Happy Hours 4pm to 10pm Buy One Get One Welcome Back Shawnna Appearing February 8th with her Valentine’s Show DJ Sundays Join DJ Normal and Dance with our Adorable Bearettes Marc,M Joe, Oz, Billy, and Jarod Karaoke Wednesdays Singalong Thursdays Classics, Showtunes, Just a Good Ole Time with DJ Normal! Every First Friday Mary's Party , Live Music Every First Saturday AdaA Buffet Drag Show Leons Voted Best Gay Bar 2013; City Paper

Saints and Sinners St. Valentines Day Masquerade Ball Friday February 14th

32 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD FEBRUary 7, 2014 • baltimoreoutloud.com