ANO INDEPENDENTU VOICE FOR THE T LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER COMMUNITIES December 25, 2015 | Volume XIII, Issue 19 that prohibits discrimination based on sex- from Johns Hopkins University and presi- ual orientation and gender identity. This is- dential candidate Dr. Ben Carson stated on sue also announced that Colette Roberts, CNN, when asked by Chris Cuomo if being the co-founder of the PFLAG-Columbia gay is a choice said, “Absolutely. Because / Howard County chapter who led the or- a lot of people who go into prison go into Looking Back ganization for 15 years would be inducted prison straight and when they come out, Cmledo pi by Rodney Burger into the Howard County Women’s Hall of they’re gay.” The year 2015 was filled with memorable Fame held by the Howard County Commis- March 11th – the Baltimore Symphony events for Baltimore’s LGBT community sion for Women. Orchestra announced their 100th season in and those in the surrounding area. Some February 4th – ViiV Healthcare an- Baltimore. The March 20th issue of Balti- events were happy and some were sad. nounced a four-year, $10 million program more OUTLoud included an interview with Some memories will last a lifetime and addressing the HIV epidemic among black Baltimore’s 2015 Pride coordinator who an- others will be quickly forgotten. We at Bal- at 2015 men who have sex with men. The program nounced that Pride would be held on July timore OUTLoud were proud to bring you care system, three organizations co-spon- will focus on men in Baltimore, Maryland 25th and 26th and not in June as in past another year of news and information. sored an information session for potential and Jackson, Mississippi, two cities hit years. He also added that the block party Here is a look back at some of the events foster parents. Hearts & Homes for Youth, hard by HIV/AIDS. would return to Mt. Vernon and the Pride we covered in 2015. PFLAG-Howard County, and Equality March 2nd – Mary- Festival would return to Druid Hill Park after Baltimore Maryland teamed up to co-host the event MARCH land Senator Bar- having been held in Mt. Royal in 2014. JANUARY OUTLoud at the Owen Brown In- bara Mikulski, whose strong efforts on be- March 15th, a group representing Bos- started the year be revisiting the attack of terfaith Center in Co- half of LGBT rights have been evident over ton Pride became the first openly LGBT Kenni Shaw who was assaulted on Decem- lumbia. the years, announced that she will not be group to march in the 114th annual South ber 25th, 2012, as he left a corner store The January 23rd seeking a sixth term. Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade. in the Oliver neighborhood. Shaw asserts issue of Baltimore OUT- On March 4th retired neurosurgeon —continued on page 3 that the attack stemmed from his being per- Loud contained a front ceived as gay. The assault received wide- page article on a new spread coverage in the media and gained equality organization Baltimore Pride: the attention of newly appointed Baltimore launched by former GL- Highlight of the calendar City Police Commissioner Anthony Batts, Kelly Neel CCB executive director credit: Outloud who established an advisory board to meet Kelly Neel. The North regularly with LGBT people. The police Baltimore Equality Cen- and the state’s attorney’s office declined to ter provides needed services and programs to categorize the assault as a hate crime. The residents of Baltimore’s Charles Village and only attacker arrested was released on bail Waverly neighborhoods. and after a number of postponements the January 29th – the Gay, Lesbian, Bi- case was dropped by the prosecutor. This sexual, Transgender Community Center of case only goes to show that the struggles Baltimore (GLCCB), announced that William of the LGBT community are not over. Redmond-Palmer was removed as GLCCB January 9th – Dimitria Blackwell president and will be replaced by Christopher (a.k.a. Paul Liller) was crowned Miss Hip- Adkins, the previous vice president. po 2015. Eva Couture was selected first The Feb- runner-up. FEBRUARY ruary 6th January 18th – author Linda Faus- issue of Baltimore OUTLoud cheered the net discussed her book Queen Henry at a news that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan meeting of PFLAG-Westminster. The nov- had reversed his early missteps related to el tells the fictional story of a homophobic non-discrimination provisions in Medicaid baseball player for the Baltimore Orioles and the removal of the words “gender iden- who takes an asthma treatment that mys- tity” from an executive order. After pres- teriously transforms him into a gay man. sure from FreeState Legal and Equality January 28th – in an effort to consid- Maryland, Governor Hogan re-issued the er the needs of LGBTQ youth in the foster executive order to reflect current state law

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 1 2 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com news // LOCAL

L oOKIng Back Woods Park in Hagerstown, Maryland. at 2015 Also on May 16 a big crowd at the – continued from page 1 Club Hippo saw 12 contestants compete for the title of Miss Gay Maryland Amer- On March 24th a bill that would allow ica with Sasha Renee from Hagerstown lesbian couples to receive the same health taking home the crown. Aryianna Myst was care benefits for artificial insemination as named first alternate. heterosexual couples do passed in the Washington, D.C., cele- Maryland Senate by a 37 to 10 vote margin. JUNE brated the 40th annual March 28th – the B’More Proud LGB- Pride on June 13th and 14th. The fifth an- TIA Leadership Summit was held at UMBC. nual Gay Pride at River Riders in Harpers The conference consisted of LGBTIA stu- Ferry, West Virginia, was held June 21th, dents from area colleges and universities and heavy rain in Frederick on June 27th and their allies. did not stop the fourth annual Frederick On April 9th the Pride. APRIL three-member Balti- Although Bal- more City Liquor Board unanimously de- timore’s Pride nied the new ownership group of the Bal- celebration was timore Eagle a requested liquor license not scheduled transfer, claiming that the renovations until July, it felt of the building was not completed in the like Pride night required 180 days, deeming the license in Baltimore on dead. the evening of Goodbye, Hippo Over 100 people attended the official June 26th as the re-opening of the GLCCB at the organiza- LGBT community tion’s new headquarters at the city-owner packed the bars to celebrate the Supreme Waxter Center. Court’s ruling on same-sex marriage. The April 25th – peaceful protest in down- decision upheld same-sex marriage across town Baltimore over the death of Freddie the nation and set off rainbow themed cel- Gray while in police custody turned violent. ebrations and light shows from the White On April 27th the violence and destruction House to Disneyland. spread to many parts of the city resulting Also making news during Pride month in Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake call- was Julie Baker, a homeowner in the Over- ing for a week-long curfew. Images of the lea community in Baltimore County who re- fires, looting, and destruction were shown ceived a note from a neighbor complaining all over the world on television and the In- the all the rainbow decorations in her yard ternet. were “relentlessly gay” and that she should On April 28th a Marriage Equality ral- “tone it down because this is a Christian ly was held in Washington at the U.S. Su- area and there are children.” Ms. Baker preme Court. turned to social media and started a Go- May 13th – members FundMe page to buy more rainbow deco- MAY of the LGBTQ commu- rations and rose over $43,000. nity were treated to a town hall conference July 6th saw the contin- hosted by Chase Brexton Health Care on JULY uation of staff turnover the subject of PrEP, a pre-prophylaxis drug at the GLCCB as executive director Joel that is designed to prevent HIV infection Tinsley-Hall resigned and was replaced by among HIV-negative people who engage in Paul Liller, GLCCB deputy director. Tins- high-risk activity. ley-Hall had served as executive director The front page of the May 15th issue since October 2014, succeeding Kelly of Baltimore OUTLoud confirmed the sad Neel, who was intern director following the news that had been circulating in Balti- resignation of Matt Thorn. more’s LGBT community for weeks. After July 8th – Mayor Stephanie Rawl- 43 years the Club Hippo was closing and ings-Blake fired Baltimore Police Com- would be converted into a CVS drug store. missioner Anthony W. Batts. Baltimore This issue also announced that Chesa- OUTLoud noted that Batts had made a peake Pride held in August at Mayo Beach real effort to reach out to Baltimore’s LGBT for the past nine years would not be held in community. 2015 due to financial difficulties. July 25th – Baltimore celebrated 40 On May 15th “A Night under the Stars” years of Pride. Besides the move from the LGBTQ prom was held at the Pier 5 June to July, other changes included mov- Hotel in Baltimore. ing the parade from Charles Street to Ca- On May 16th the 4th annual Hager- thedral Street and the block party from the stown Hopes, a festival in support of the parking lot at Charles and Eager to the LGBTQ community, was held in Doubs —continued on page 4 BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 3 news // LOCAL

L oOKIng Back renamed Chuck Bowers Way in honor of On No- at 2015 Mr. Bowers, “a major catalyst for the LGBT NOVEMBER vember – continued from page 3 community.” The bar was scheduled to 5th Baltimore OUTLoud lost a longtime close after 42 years. member of the family as Chaplain Edward parking lot behind the Hippo. Even with all The “Skip” Koritzer died. Chaplain Skip was well the changes, Baltimore Pride 2015 was by SEPTEMBER Sep- known in the local LGBT community and all appearances a big success as crowds tember 4th issue of Baltimore OUTLoud packed Mt. Ver- contained an interview with Jabari Lyles, non to hear head- the outreach specialist from FreeState Le- liners Cazwell gal project, teacher, and co-chair and edu- and Martha Wash. cation manager at GLSEN-Baltimore, who Baltimore Pride had recently taken the position of president attendees were of the board of directors at the GLCCB, the also blessed with 4th person to hold that position in the past wonderful weath- Baltimore Pride 2015 ten months. er on July 26th The same issue also said goodbye to for the Pride Festival’s return to Druid Hill Baltimore OUTLoud columnist and former Park. managing editor Steve Charing who re- was a photographer for this newspaper. Facing a severe tired from the At a town hall meeting on November AUGUST financial crunch newspaper after 10th the GLCCB gave an update on the fi- that led to the laying off of its director, many years. nancial results of the 2015 Baltimore Pride Carrie Evans, in June, Equality Maryland Looking to Festival and announce that the 2016 Bal- announced on August 3rd that the organi- improve care timore Pride Festival will be held on July zation would continue its work of being the for older LGBT 23rd and 24th. voice of Maryland’s LGBT community, but individuals November 20th many took time to would do so in a reduced fashion. who often live honor lives lost with the annual Transgen- At a press conference at Baltimore po- alone, Chase der Day of Remembrance. Members of the lice headquarters on August 6th Interim Po- Brexton Health transgender community and their allies lice Commissioner Kevin Davis announced Care launched participated in a march and rally in front of an arrest in the murder of transgender SAGECAP (Ser- Steve Charing (r.) and City Hall in Baltimore. woman Mia Henderson whose body was vices & Advoca- husband Bob Ford November 21st the first of what will found in an alley on July 16th, 2014. cy for Gay, Les- hopefully be many LGBTQ Jewish film fes- August 8th – thousands of fans bian, Bisexual, and Transgender Elders), tivals took place at Congregation Beit Tik- packed M&T Bank Stadium to see popu- an initiative that will provide resources, vah, a Reconstructionist synagogue in Ro- lar boy band One Direction. Included in the education and support for informal, unpaid land Park as they hosted a series of three crowd were many rainbow flags, beads, LGBT caregivers in the community. film screenings. and shirts as part of the band’s fan-driven Saturday, September 26th large On De- initiative known as Rainbow Direction, an crowds packed Club Hippo for one last DECEMBER cember organization dedicated to stamping out ho- dance followed by the final drag show on 1st groups all over the Baltimore area held mophobia in the band’s fan base. September 27th. The dance side of the events in observance of the 28th annual Also in August, three years after a club closed after the final show and the sa- international World AIDS Day. Many local botched robbery led to the murder of Lar- loon side served its last drink on October events were held under the “B’more Aware ry Peterson and Alex Ulrich in Mt. Vernon, 3rd. of HIV” banner. a Baltimore jury Senate Bill 743 December 3rd thousands gathered convicted Quinton OCTOBER and its com- in Mount Vernon Place for the 44th annual Decarlo Bass of panion House Bill 862 took effect on Oc- lighting of Baltimore’s Washington Monu- the crime. Ulrich tober 1st, making it easier for transgender ment kicking off the holiday season. With died from gunshot Marylanders to amend the gender on birth over 16,000 LED bulbs this local landmark wounds during certificates by eliminating the requirement has once again been the incident and that a person undergo surgery first. turned into the area’s Larry Peterson Peterson died The Center for Black Equity Baltimore, largest Christmas tree. & Alex Ulrich in May 2014 fol- the parent of the organization of Baltimore As another year lowing multiple Black Pride, celebrated its 13th annual comes to an end we surgeries and rehabilitation as a result of Pride with the theme: “Bridging the Gap, at Baltimore OUT- shots to his torso. Embracing our Uniqueness.” Loud look forward to On August 17th Arcadia Publishing re- The October 30th issue of Baltimore continuing to be your leased the pictorial book: LGBT Baltimore OUTLoud looked back 60 years at the Oc- independent source of by Louise Parker Kelley. tober 1st, 1955, raid of Baltimore’s Pepper news and events in the A ceremony was held at the intersec- Hill Club during which all 162 people at the area’s LGBT commu- tion of Eager Street and Charles Street on bar were arrested. The Pepper Hill was a nity as we have been August 22nd to honor Club Hippo owner segregated white gay bar and those arrest- for over 13 years. See Chuck Bowers. Mayor Stephanie Rawl- ed were charged with disorderly conduct. you in 2016! We hope ings-Blake announced that the intersec- The next day most of the charges were it will be a year to re- tion where the club is located would be dismissed. member. t

4 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 5

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM t 5 t 6 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBERDECEMBER 25,25, 20152015 •• BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COMbaltimoreoutloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBERDECEMBER 25,25, 20152015 •• baltimoreoutloud.comBALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM t 7 news // LOCAL

Mr. Jeffrey Hitt, director of the Infectious ing the dots matters,” she said. council vice chair, when asked about the goals Mayoral Candidates Disease Prevention and Health Services Bu- Former Baltimore mayor and mayoral of the event. “In January the PLWHA commit- reau of the Maryland State Department of candidate Sheila Dixon stated that “we have tee of the GBHHSPC will hold serious discus- Speak on HIV/AIDS Health and Mental Hygiene followed Dr. Wen, taken steps back,” referencing her adminis- sions about stigmatization, financial barriers, and spoke about the National HIV Strategy. “It tration, “and need to move to access to health care, aims to create a comprehensive, coordinated the next level.” “We need to stop health literacy, transporta- By Bill Redmond-Palmer response,” he said, “to ensure that HIV will putting politics before public ser- tion, and employment. We The Greater Baltimore HIV Health Services become rare, and when it does occur, that vice,” she said. must tailor a message from Planning Council (GBHHSPC) hosted a com- people will have unfettered access to care.” Lynda Dee, longtime HIV/ our voices on how to best munity discussion on HIV at their annual meet- Opening the statements by 2016 Balti- AIDS community advocate and eradicate HIV in the Balti- ing on Tuesday, December 15 at Chase Brex- more mayoral candidates, unaffiliated may- co-founder of AIDS Action Bal- more metropolitan area.” ton Health Services. The theme of the meeting oral candidate Conor Meek stated he was timore, posed a question and The evening ended was a Baltimore response to the White House’s there to connect with the community, and em- a challenge to the candidates, with thanks and commen- National HIV/AIDS Strategy. A standing room phasized the need for “less campaigning and asking what they would do to go dations to staff and retiring only audience heard two speakers from the City more action.” beyond rhetoric to address the GHHPB S C leaders: Jason members of the Planning and State health departments, as well as sev- Baltimore City Council member and may- crisis in Baltimore, as we need Simmons, nominating commit- Council. Numerous com- eral 2016 Baltimore mayoral candidates, who oral candidate Nick Mosby emphasized the a mayor who will be consistently tee chair; Carlton Smith, vice mendations to members each spoke to that theme. need to fight the stigma associated with HIV, visible and publicly active on the chair; Dale Brewer, chair and organizations from the Dr. Leanna Wen, Baltimore City Com- and stated, “We need to collectively come issue. Candidate Dixon suggest- community, thanking them missioner of Health, opened the evening and together to change the trajectory of HIV in ed that in her opinion the most ef- for their years of service to shared some of the relevant statistics about Baltimore.” fective approach would be to knock on doors, People Living With HIV/AIDS in the Baltimore the HIV epidemic in Baltimore. Those statis- Recent Harvard graduate and mayor- one by one, just as aspiring politicians do region were presented by the event hosts and tics estimate about 6,000 people in Baltimore al candidate Calvin Allen Young, III, said he when they are campaigning. Candidate Meek Planning Council chair Dale Brewer, vice chair are living with an AIDS diagnosis, another wants to “be an ally and advocate to provide was quick to point out that it is important that Carlton Smith, and nominating committee 13,000 have been identified as having HIV, support and resources”, not tell the communi- we hold whomever wins accountable for their chair Jason Simmons. and approximately 2,600 people are infected ty how they need to do things. campaign promises, and he pointed out that To learn more about the Greater Baltimore but do not know it. She made clear however, Mayoral candidate Catherine Pugh, ma- as the entire event was captured on video, it HIV Health Services Planning Council, to at- that from her perspective “we are not defined jority leader of the Maryland State Senate should help facilitate that process in the future. tend meetings, or to apply to join the Planning by the numbers of our past, but by the poten- said that we are our brother’s keeper. “Lead- “PLWHAs face many challenges when it Council or its PLWHA Committee, visit Balti- tial of our future.” ership matters. Experience matters. Connect- comes to care,” said Carlton Smith, planning morepc.org or call 410-662-7253 x120. t

8 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com beyond the beltway compiled by Jim Becker licing impacts transgender outreach workers nomic factors – as the gentrification of San Kathryn doing essential activities in HIV prevention Francisco raises rents, it forces less-affluent Knott such as delivering condoms and information queers out of the immediate surroundings. Criminalization to the community. We need to stop the arrest The subsequent interviews in Washington, of transgender outreach workers, end the D.C., New Orleans, and New York City all of sex work practice of using condoms as evidence, stop feel unique, and yet similar to the sentiments policing of medications and end the policing expresses in San Francisco. Economic hard- hurts HIV of trans people’s lives so that they can walk ship, diminished need for lesbian-specific down the street and reach health care cen- spaces, new technology and a shifting queer prevention ters when they need to access HIV related demographic are cited in each city as factors care.” The report is available at http://www. contributing to the demise of the once-vital Austin, Tex. – On December 12th, at bestpracticespolicy.org/nothing-about-us- lesbian bar scene. the U.S. Human Rights Network conference without-us/. (Press Release: Best Practices Scholars discuss how the changing land- in Austin, Best Practices Policy Project and Policy Project and Desiree Alliance) scape of social acceptance of homosexuality Desiree Alliance released the first ever report in the U.S. means women, more so than men, in the U.S. on sex workers rights, and HIV feel safer in a wider range of social settings. reckless endangerment against Haught. Her Interestingly, LGBT / pop culture sociologist four convictions are misdemeanors, each of Documentary Danielle Moodie-Mills draws a loose compar- which carries a penalty of up to two years in ison between integration of gays in our soci- prison and a fine of up to $5,000. She was tracks closing ety and the end of sanctioned segregation for cleared of two felony aggravated-assault African-Americans. “Segregation was good charges and two felony counts of conspira- of lesbian bars for black business, but bad for black people,” cy to commit aggravated assault, as well as she points out. “When black and white peo- one count of simple assault and one count nationwide ple were finally starting to integrate, black of conspiracy to commit simple assault. businesses died off.” The film also brings up Prosecutors said Knott was part of a Do you know where to find a lesbian bar? the question of layered identities emerging group that physically and verbally attacked This question pulses through the short docu- within the LGBTQ community, acknowledg- Haught and Hesse on September 11th, mentary The Last Lesbian Bars, which tracks ing labels such as “gay” and “lesbian” have 2014. The melee started, they said, when recent closings of lesbian bars across the begun to shift toward the more inclusive Kevin Harrigan, a friend of Knott, made a Let’s hear it for the pros country. If we were keeping score, the statis- “queer.” To view The Last Lesbian Bars, visit derogatory comment about the men being a tics for each city in the film are dismal: 8-0, Broadly.vice.com/en_us/video/the-last-lesbi- couple. Hesse told jurors that he and boy- created by sex workers themselves. The first 7-1 and 12-1. an-bars. (Echo Magazine – Danae Barnes at friend Haught heard a man – whom Barry report, Nothing About Us Without Us: Sex Artist and activist JD Samson, of Le Ti- Echomag.com) and Busico both stipulated was Harrigan – Work, Policy, Organizing, Rights, focuses on gre and current MEN fame, travels to four say, “What is that, your fucking boyfriend?” transgender sex workers. The report finds different cities – San Francisco, Washington Hesse testified that Harrigan shoved him, transgender people with experience in sex D.C., New Orleans and New York City – in he shoved Harrigan back and Harrigan then work and the sex trade are much more likely an attempt to understand underlying causes, Four convictions punched him. He testified that, after the to be living with HIV than transgender peo- and possible effects, of losing lesbian bars. initial encounter with Harrigan, he was sur- ple who have never been sex workers, or the The film opens with a voice-over and footage for woman in rounded by the group, had his arms pinned general population of the United States yet of gay bars from the turn of the century, trac- to his side and was punched about five sex work was entirely omitted from the Na- ing the evolution of the bar as a place for the assault on two times. “She was screaming ‘fucking faggot’ tional HIV/AIDS Federal Action Plan released community to gather and forge personal and in my face and swinging at me,” he testi- recently. romantic relationships. The film then shifts to gay men fied. “The girls were intense; I was really “Sex workers are part of the solution in present day San Francisco, where the 2015 surprised,” Haught told the jury when he addressing HIV, and the U.S. is out of step closure of the Lexington Club means there Philadelphia, Penna. – After 14 hours of testified “Everyone in the group was out to with global acceptance of the need to bring is no longer a women’s bar in the metropolis deliberations, a jury convicted Kathryn Knott make sure we knew we were dirty faggots.” t a human rights focus to the issues of sex that’s hailed as the nation’s “gay capital.” In of four misdemeanor charges Friday morn- (Philadelphia Gay News – Jen Colletta at work and HIV, while moving away from crim- her interview, the Lexington Club owner Lisa ing. Knott kept her hands folded and began Epgn.com) inalization,” said Sharmus Outlaw, co-author Thirkield ascribes the bar’s closure to eco- silently crying after the third “guilty” verdict of the report. “Transgender sex workers are was read. The victims in the case, Zachary now suffering the effects of the silence about Hesse, 29, and Andrew Haught, 28, didn’t what works to prevent and treat HIV.” react. Haught suffered multiple broken fa- These news notes have been compiled, The report finds that the policing of trans- cial bones during the incident. He underwent with permission, from the online version gender communities is rationalized in the surgery and had his jaw wired shut for eight of various newspapers and other web sites. We thank these publications for name of anti-prostitution efforts; and that weeks, losing 15 pounds. Co-defendants allowing us to bring you their news sto- this policing is directly at odds with scientif- Kevin Harrigan and Philip Williams accept- ries. Usually the reports have been sig- ically-based HIV prevention and outreach ed plea deals this fall and will receive no jail nificantly edited and you can read the efforts. “All across the U.S., transgender time; Knott rejected a similar plea deal. Knott full story by going to the web site men- women – especially those of color – are ha- will be sentenced Feb. 8 and remains free tioned following the item. Comments rassed and arrested by police officers as they until then. are strictly the opinions of Jim Becker go about their daily life,” said Monica Jones, Knott was convicted of simple assault, and not of Baltimore OUTloud or Pride reckless endangerment and conspiracy to a transgender rights organizer from Phoenix, Media. Arizona and advisor to the report. “This po- N o longer commonplace commit simple assault against Hesse, and

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 9 10 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com out in the valley Looking Back Holiday traditions are important. No matter what holiday you celebrate, there are certain things that we come to expect. Thanksgiving in my family includes a turkey and a particular list of side dishes. I’m welcome to substitution for the minor things, but the major things are set in stone. One year, I decided to leave the Jell-O off the menu. I rationalized that nobody really likes it. I was wrong. There was mutiny. I haven’t forgotten it since. I don’t know about your household, but we’ve been really busy getting ready for Christmas. This becomes a hectic time of year. We have the shopping and wrapping and baking and decorating and cards. The list goes on and on. And, of course, we have our favorite Christmas traditions. In our family, for example, we always have real trees. One is covered in white lights and Christmas. ily for almost eight years now. And, this year, ing why we do the things we do. Above all has all of the ornaments Other tra- we’re starting to see that he’s starting to ap- else, don’t worry so much about the tradi- we’ve collected throughout ditions include preciate what we share. tions that you forget to enjoy your family the years. I have a set of making candy As many in the LGBT family become during these special times. cross-stitch circles in gold, Parenting cane cookies adoptive parents of older children, we After all, the celebration of plastic frames that were and snowman need to remember that our children our many holidays is meant to given to me when I was in OUTloud trees and even have a background that we don’t nec- be just that – a celebration – high school. They represent Rev. Kelly Crenshaw an inflatable essarily know or understand. one that is filled with love and all of the interests I had at Mickey Mouse. They have memo- hope and promise. the time. And, there are Because we ries that they may Happy celebrating! t the ones my parents gave me when I was a have adopted older children, we have incor- not share. And, Rev. Kelly Crenshaw is child. The kids all have ornaments that rep- porated some of the traditions they remem- some of those the mom of 16 adopted resent who they were as they grew up. That ber, as well. Where we put Santa’s cookies memories in- kids, two biological kids, means that my blown glass spheres may and milk or how we coordinate gifts have all clude how hol- and guardian of one baby sit next to Superman or Cinderella. It is an grown out of the traditions that have come idays were (or girl and foster mom of eclectic gathering of memories. into our family over the years. We added weren’t) cele- dozens. Kelly founded Then, we have the other tree that is small snowman themed trees on either side brated. a K-12 day school where themed in blue. Originally, it was created of our front door to honor the tradition of one And, even kids could have a safe, when my oldest daughter’s husband planned new family member. if you’ve raised bully-free environment for to surprise her with a Christmas wedding. We Some of the kids have balked at our tra- your children since learning. She is co-own- decorated the tree specifically to give them a ditions. One of the older boys, in particular, birth, know that some er of a counselling agency beautiful backdrop for their vows. That back- never had any decorations in his home. They of the traditions that are that works with children and fired when the plans changed. They were never had special meals or Christmas cook- important to you, aren’t as their families. Feel free to married quite some time later, in Oregon, in ies. Santa never visited his home. So, for him, meaningful to your kids. Be send your parenting ques- May. We still decorate the tree and cherish our traditions of Christmas lights and trees is open to change. Be flexible. tions to her at pastor.kelly@ the memory of what almost happened that a little overwhelming. He’s been with our fam- And, be purposeful about explain- comcast.net.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 11 OUT in the Valley

girls in scouting. The Girl Scouts returned the donation; the backlash against the donor Beyond resulted in a pouring in of support for trans the girls to the tune of nearly $200,000. Said Girl Ice Scouts CEO Megan Freeland, “Girl Scouts is for every girl. And every girl should have the Machine opportunity to be a Girl Scout if she wants L:aura Anderson to.” Little by little we have been fixing society. Since Leelah’s death, a clinic was estab- lished for transgender children and teenag- Since Leelah’s ers at the Dallas Children’s Medical Center, the first such clinic in the southwest. The Death Obama Administration responded to a peti- tion in April saying it supports efforts to ban At the end of 2014 Leelah Alcorn, a young the use of conversion therapy on gay and transwoman in Ohio, pleaded in her journal transgender minors. In May, the American for us to “fix society.” In her final passage she College of Physicians (ACP) said that a pa- wrote, “My death needs to mean something.” tient’s assigned sex at birth cannot limit pre- Shortly after writing ventive care and called for those words she took comprehensive transgen- her own life. Her words der healthcare services resonate with us today to be included in public Contact Rich as we look back on the and private health benefits at progress made during Leelah plans. In addition, the na- (240)527-1026 this past year. Sadly, Alcorn tion’s largest supermarket Leelah’s death was chain announced plans to [email protected] one of many young provide full health benefits www.rab2.com transpeople who lost to transgender employees hope and ultimately ended their own lives. including coverage of gender-affirming sur- Much of the battle for transgender rights geries. is being waged by the young. Since Leelah’s Since Leelah’s death, there have also death the struggle for equality has contin- been setbacks. Hero (Houston Equal Rights ued in our schools as young people strive to Ordinance) was rejected by voters follow- carve out a measure of fairness and dignity. ing a campaign of fear and hate against the Since Leelah’s death, trans rights have been transgender community. The bathroom is- challenged and denied in schools in Virginia, sue was a major ploy by those seeking to Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky and elsewhere. It undermine the ordinance. In mid-November, is the children who are showing the courage a report by the Human Rights Campaign to step up and demand change. Even in the identified 21 transgender homicide victims, face of Federal mandates, schools and state nearly all women of color. Said HRC pres- legislatures are putting our children at risk ident Chad Griffin, “There are now more by denying equal access to public facilities. transgender homicide victims in 2015 than in Yet, since Leelah’s death, there has in- any other year.” It seems that with the battle deed been progress to fix society beyond won for marriage equality, the focus of ha- our schools. In 2015 we met the newly ap- tred is being shifted toward the transgender pointed Physician General of Pennsylvania, community. Dr. Rachel Levine, a transwoman. Homeless Since Leelah’s death, many achieve- and cold weather shelters last winter were ments have been gained in our struggle. Yet, instructed by HUD to accept all people in a year later, the question remains, how many need, including those who are transgender. more young people must die in the cause of A settlement was reached in South Carolina trans acceptance and equality? Fixing so- with a transgender teen who was told that for ciety will be a long struggle and will likely her driver’s license photo she could not wear never be fully achieved, but for the sake of make-up. Today she is carrying ID with her Leelah and countless others, our work will feminine image including mascara. continue. t Since Leelah’s death, Caitlyn Jenner Laura Anderson is an educator, author, came out as a transgender activist. Her im- researcher, parent, and granddad. Her years pact on transgender equality has been dubi- teaching in public school classrooms as male ous, but perhaps as she matures her role will provided the foundation for her more recent be one of increased support and acceptance. role educating future teachers. Living female Since Leelah’s death, a $100,000 donation for the past decade, she has come to appre- to the Girl Scouts of western Washington ciate the privileges she once held – both male State was made with the proviso that the and cisgender – privileges now replaced with money not be used to support transgender the fulfillment of living as her true self. 12 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com OUT in the Valley

cancer. I have two of these weight-related For me, I know something has to Here is what my initial strategy will be: conditions and have been on the brink of change. I am miserable in my own skin. I 20 to 30 minutes of exercise at least five diabetes as well over the past couple of think I’ve finally reached the point where days a week and writing down on paper years. the pain of staying obese is now worse everything that I consume. That’s it, add- Why are so many of us overweight or than the pain of making changes in my life- ing exercise and becoming more aware of Health obese? I blame my mother. Don’t we all? style. what I take in. When these changes be- Chat Well, maybe you don’t blame my mother, In AA terms, I’ve hit bottom. Like most come comfortable, routine, and my new Debbie Anne but you do blame your own mother. Or how people who have extra poundage, I plan on normal, then, and only then, will I think of about Ronald McDonald, high-fructose making some changes for the New Year. adding other strategies. corn syrup, sugar-laden soft drinks, salt- I’ve been looking at a number of strate- I’ll let you know how it goes, and if any The Obesity and fat-loaded convenience food, portion gies. I prefer strategies over diets; in fact of you make some lifestyle changes, let me sizes at most restaurants (think super- I hate, loathe, despise, and detest diets. know what they are and how you’re doing Epidemic sizing), that 600-calorie caramel-double Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D., from Psychol- too. cream-extra sugar every morning latte, ogy Today, reported on a study that made Write me at danne@frederickcoun- I am among the third of all Americans who and yes, genetics, too. food addicts out of rats that were alternat- tymd.gov Thanks for listening, and I’d love are obese. Another third of Americans are Seriously though, the answer is not ed between a healthy diet and a junk food to hear from you! overweight but not obese, and only one- simple, but according to a 2012 U.S. News diet. For more information about Body Mass third of Americans fall into the normal and World Report article, Walter Willett of She describes a cycle of starting a Index, obesity, and nutrition visit: weight category. Obesity is an epidemic in the Harvard School of Public Health says, diet, restricting food, and feeling deprived, • Health.usnews.com/health-news/ar- America second to none. So keep reading “The bottom line (is): cheap, unhealthy leading to anxiety and cravings, giving in ticles/2012/08/16/why-were-so-fat-whats- because I’m not alone, and this will pertain foods mixed with a sedentary lifestyle has to cravings, feeling guilty, and then doing behind-the-latest-obesity-rates specifically to two out of three of you. made obesity the new normal in America. it all over again. • Nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/ The definition of obesity is based on And that makes it even harder to change.” She says, “From the first forbidden lose_wt/ the Body Mass Index, a calculation using U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher says, food, a very tempting apple, prohibition • Health.usnews.com/health-news/ar- height and weight that places the person “This is probably the most sedentary gener- has led to problems. This study shows that ticles/2012/08/16/why-were-so-fat-whats- on a scale of normal weight, overweight, ation of people in the history of the world.” focusing on positive steps, not self-denial, behind-the-latest-obesity-rates t or obese. Depending on the person’s place So basically we’re looking at a combination can make you less likely to succumb to Debbie Anne is a public-health nurse with on the scale, certain weight-associated of taking in too many calories, up 530 cal- food-related stress and anxiety.” Frederick County Health Department in Fred- health risks can be predicted such a heart ories per day for the average person over After a lifelong problem with weight and erick, Maryland. In 2014 she was awarded a disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, high blood the past 30 years, and not doing enough diets, this makes total sense to me, and I’m Governor’s Citation for her work with Mary- pressure, type-two diabetes, and even activity to burn off those calories. going with strategies one step at a time. landers living with HIV/AIDS.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 13 Quality of Life

way. There are a zillion self-help books, part of your daily life. apps, blogs, TV shows, radio programs and Changes in drug and alcohol use re- Ask columns like this that provide information. quire support. Managing addiction is not Given that there are all these resourc- Open Wide a solo, do-it-yourself project. You may be Dr. J es, are you introspective and brave enough able to keep from using on your own for a to do a self and other analysis, both by ask Dr Eva while, but to stop using for the long term Janan Broadbent, Ph.D. yourself and together with the loved ones? Dr Eva Hersh and achieve sobriety you will need edu- Here are some questions to ponder: cation about the disease of addiction and Do you find it easy or difficult to apolo- support for recovery. Please seek help. Al- gize after a discussion or argument, when coholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anon- Your Relationship you might have been wrong or said some Useful, ymous are not the only way, but they are things you regret? Ability to say you are good places to start because they are free Looking sorry for what you said or did is a heal- Painless and can be found in most places. ing gesture that strengthens relationships. Here are a few easy resolutions that Presidential? The important point is that you do it with Changes for the will make you feel good! authenticity and once you do it, do not con- Spend 20 minutes outdoor in direct Confusing, thought-provoking, or silly title? tinue with the behaviors that gave rise to New Year sunlight on most days. This will improve I leave that judgment up to you but it has it. You probably know some people who your sense of well being and will also in- been almost impossible to avoid hearing say a quick “I am sorry” and then keep on Dear Readers, crease your vitamin D level. about what is going in doing the offensive Many people make New Year’s resolu- Twenty minutes’ brisk walking, out- the world around us. acts. That does not tions. When a person can’t stick with the door or indoor, on three or more days a And of course, this top- compute! Loving an- changes they planned - which is what usu- week can have surprisingly positive effects ic has an impact on our other person means ally happens - they may feel like double on depression and also on feelings of slug- relationships. accepting them as failures. Not only are they continuing the gishness, irritability, and constipation. If Most often, year- they are and present- behavior they meant to change, they have you can walk for longer, that’s even better. end columns focus on ing yourself as you also failed to keep their commitment. Bring out your positive mood. It is either what happened are, thereby introduc- Thinking about this, my first thought is worthwhile and in your best interest to back in the year past, ing vulnerability, yours that we should swear off the whole idea of seek out the things and people that make or look forward to the and theirs, into the re- New Year’s resolutions. Still, it would be a you feel good, positive, cheerful and ener- year ahead. It is pro- lationship. shame not to make good use of the moti- getic. Pay attention to the way different ac- ductive to assess what So how was 2015 vation towards positive change that many tivities, people, and places make you feel. happened already so you can continue the for you? High notes, low times, the excite- people feel at the start of a new year. If the TV annoys you, turn it off or go in journey with whatever changes may be de- ment of a new relationship, the sadness of Here are some suggestions to make another room. Is there music you love that sired. How did you handle issues between heartbreak? With all of that, are you look- your 2016 New Year resolution a success: you never listen to? Find your headphones you and your partner, and with families and ing forward to 2016? Many people make Successful behavior change is grad- and listen to it regularly. What about the friends? Are you pleased with yourself, or resolutions for the New Year, and we know ual, not sudden. For most people, a rea- friends or family members who you love think you could have done things better or from research that most of those last at sonable change is no more than 25% at a but never see? Get back in touch. When- differently? The business concept of “annu- most a month. For the LGBT community, time. This means, don’t try to change your ever possible, at work, school, and home, al performance evaluation” should apply in 2015 had many moments of joy and suc- behavior all at once. Don’t even try to cut spend more time with the people you en- our personal lives as well. We possess that cess. There is still a lot to accomplish in down by half. Instead, try cutting down by joy and less time with those who bring you fantastic computer called grey matter, a.k.a. 2016 and beyond. Some setbacks remind a quarter (25%). For example, instead of down. Mood has profound effects the func- the brain, that enables us to look at our feel- us of that. Focus on the progress and re- quitting smoking overnight, decrease the tion of both brain and body. Mood is also ings and behaviors and evaluate them. In member Norman Vincent Peale’s words: amount you smoke by one quarter. If you self-reinforcing: people who frequently feel Socrates’ wise words: “An unexamined life “It’s always too early to quit.” now smoke a pack (20 cigarettes) a day, cheerful get into the habit of feeling posi- is not worth living.” Counseling and therapy I wish everyone a year of smooth sail- decrease from 20 to 15 cigarettes a day. tive, and those who often feel annoyed, low provide one way to do this, but not the only ing as winners with their loved ones! t If you now eat meat with every meal and or negative can become habitually irritable want to cut back, start with one meatless or depressed. (I’m sure you know some ex- meal every day, or even one meatless amples.) No one knows better than you do meal every other day if that is what’s man- what puts you in a positive or a negative ageable. If you want to start exercising, mood. As much as possible, keep yourself start by exercising twice a week, not ev- positive for your own sake and for the peo- ery day. Continue with the small behavior ple around you. How you feel affects their change for at least one month before trying mood as well. t for more change. After a month, if you feel Eva Hersh is a Baltimore family physi- comfortable with your new behavior pattern cian. Send your comments and questions and it no longer feels like an effort, you can to her by email at dreva@baltimoreout- then decrease your problem behavior, or loud.com. increase your new, wanted behavior. Remember that if you are making changes for your health, the goal is to make changes that will last for the long term. Improving your health is not about rapid change. It’s about making gradual changes which will become an permanent 14 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 15 Lively Arts // out on STAGE West Side Story Afresh Land, Love, and Loss By Ryan Clark journey with these characters. Austin Col- By Ryan Clark (endearingly played by Helen Hedman), the Approaching Leonard Bernstein’s, Arthur by’s delivers a riveting performance as Three years ago, I was lucky enough to exposition unfolds as we learn of a land dis- Laurents’s, Stephen Sondheim’s, and Je- Tony – the “lost in love” protagonist in the visit the rolling hills and gorgeous vis- pute between the neighbors. Land contin- rorme Robbins’s seminal work West Side play. I went on a voyage with this charac- tas of Ireland. As I write this review, I am ues to play a principle role as Tony wrestles Story is no easy task. The ter thanks to Colby not looking at framed pictures of my about leaving the farm musical, which premiered on simply delivering a con- adventures that include the Cliffs to Anthony because Broadway in 1957, has become Signature clusive or result-driven of Moore, Blarney Castle, Trinity Outside Mulligar he has shown gen- a part of our American the- performance but rather College and more castles that I eral ambivalence for atre canon in much the same Theatre revives he allowed the audience could possibly count. When asked at Everyman the property. Next we way as the works by Eugene to take the ride with him about my experiences in Ireland, Theatre meet Rosemary, Ao- O’Neill, Tennessee Williams, a classic along the way. When I often respond that one cannot ife’s daughter played and Arthur Miller. Musical the- he sang, “Something’s comprehend the color green until by Everyman Compa- atre is a uniquely “American” invention that Coming,” I really believed that this young one visits Ireland. It is part of the energy ny Member powerhouse Beth Hylton. She has had a lasting contribution to interna- man was itching to move forward in life but of the people of the land – friendly, charm- becomes a central player in the property tional theatre. Theatre artists are constant- not quite sure what was about to happen. I ing, naughty and full of life. It is in that spirit dispute between the two families and a love ly rediscovering the genre as witnessed believed he was ready to fall in love for the that I saw the Baltimore premiere of John interest for the painfully introverted Antho- through countless revivals of musicals first time. Mary-Joanna Grisso introduces Patrick Shanley’s latest work Outside Mull- ny. Life unfolds for these four characters in over nearly 100 years. West Side Story is us to a fiery and defiant Maria upon her en- ingar at Everyman Theatre. Set on a cattle this 90-minute journey full of self-discovery surely one of theatre’s chief artifacts. The trance as the Puerto Rican girl who yearns and reconciliation. question is how can to be unbound Shanley’s play is not without problems. Outside we unpack a classic by the chains of The playwright who gave us Doubt and Mulligar like West Side Story Blood runs youth. I was trans- – stewing Moonstruck seems to wander through end- and make it come thicker in ported when Tony over less exposition until he finally figures out the alive for a 2015 au- the hood and Maria meet at property conflict of his play – the fraught unrequited dience. Signature the dance – the love between two people in their 40’s. The Theatre has accom- two actors let me entire time I watched the play, I was waiting plished this task by breathless at their for some surprise or mysterious character giving audiences a first kiss. Sean Ew- to appear which never happens. Different new reason to visit ing’s Bernardo is from Doubt (Shanley’s Pulitzer Prize win- this classic work. played so honestly ning play about sexual misconduct in the Having never and cool that he Catholic church) which has superb plot con- been to Signature is scary at times. struction, Outside Mullingar is a less a play Theatre in Arling- However, when about plot and more an exploration of the ton Virginia before, Bernardo kills Riff, human condition set in the fields of Ireland. I navigated the Friday evening traffic ex- Ewing’s cool bravado turns to panic, which Thankfully, Daniel Ettinger’s set keeps pecting to sit back in a cushy chair and be was truly genuine. Max Clayton delivers a and sheep farm outside of Killucan, Ireland, us completely immersed in that reality. A entertained for two-and-a-half hours. In my tough and sexy Riff, which we fall in love Outside Mullingar is a heart-filled piece “soft rain” falls gently throughout the play ignorance, I anticipated a proscenium the- with immediately in his first scene with his about loss, land, and love. We first meet our until the very end, which parallels the me- atre with a large stage and lush scenery as best friend Tony. Finally, Natascia Diaz protagonist Anthony – handsomely played teorological reality of Ireland. Phillip Ow- one would expect in a classic book musical conveys Anita with fire and heartache es- by Tim Getman and his cantankerous fa- en’s sound design keeps us squarely in the like West Side Story. How wrong I was. I pecially toward the play’s conclusion. ther Tony played by Everyman company world and helps the audience navigate the was escorted to my seat in a small thrust Parker Esse brings Jerome Robbins’s member Wil Love as they return from the passage of time. / black-box theatre space with accents of choreography to life in this production funeral of the a neighbor farmer. When the I would be remiss in again not point- metal everywhere. As the play unfolded I which is no easy task working in a thrust farmer’s widow Aoife arrives for a cup of tea ing out the strong acting company present literally felt I was on a park bench at 65th stage configuration. The music was skill- in this play under the direction of Donald Street and Amsterdam Avenue in New York fully directed and conducted by Jon Kalb- Hicken. The actors skillfully navigated the City watching the doomed relationship be- fleisch who navigates Leonard Bernstein’s Irish dialect and truly embody this life-weary tween Maria and Tony unfold. The ensem- challenging score as evident in the vocal people. ble entered from in front, behind and to the talents of the performers and the strong Performers have to sing, dance and act Despite its flaws,O utside Mullingar was side of me climbing up and down scaffold- sounds of the orchestra. Jason Lyon’s while conveying a genuine performance. I a welcome escape for me back to a world ing surrounding the theatre. The orchestra lighting design clearly delineates mood implore you to make the trip to Arlington, that is so different. If you are looking to visit was placed upstage on an elevated plat- and focus as we move through the one-day Virginia to see the great experiment of the the land of rolling hills and hot cups of tea, form as an omnipresent presence driving narrative that is the makeup of the plot of American Musical in practice in Signature Outside Mullingar is a delightful holiday in- the narrative forward. There was a naked West Side Story. Finally, I must pay spe- Theatre’s West Side Story. t dulgence. t boldness in the choice to strip down this cial tribute to Matthew Gardiner, who cre- West Side Story runs at Signature The- Outside Mullingar runs at Everyman play to its essential elements – an actor ated this magical theatrical event. Gardiner atre through January 24th. For tickets visit Theatre through January 10th. For ticket in- singing, dancing telling a story. took an old chestnut of musical theatre and their website at sigtheatre.org or call the formation visit Everymantheatre.org or call The performances in this production gave it edge and vigor bringing this review- box office at 703-820-9771. Ryan Clark is the box office at 410-752-2208. were so arresting that I literally collapsed er to a complete stop by the end of the per- an assistant professor and program coor- Ryan Clark is an assistant professor and at the conclusion of the production out formance. dinator of Theatre and Media Performance program coordinator of Theatre and Media of the sheer exhaustion of being on the Musical theatre can be a tricky genre. at Stevenson University. Performance at Stevenson University.

16 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 17 Lively Arts // out on screen Everything You Want it to Be by chuck Duncan der who has been seduced by Snoke and from the First Order as possible, but keeps pletely been consumed by the Dark Side, After Return of the Jedi opened in 1983, the Dark Side of the Force. Look closely getting sucked back into this quest to find but in one key moment he will become the those of us who were there to see it hap- and you’ll also glimpse Billie Lorde, Carrie Skywalker and the Resistance (and, I re- most despised character in Star Wars can- pen thought we’d never see another Star Fisher’s daughter, in a small role, as well ally liked the way Finn and Rey assumed on. The question is, will he be consumed Wars movie after that. But in 1999, George as Abrams’ pal Greg Grunberg as a Resis- Luke, Han and Leia were just some myth- completely or find redemption by the end Lucas “gifted” us with The Phantom Men- tance X-Wing pilot. ical legends until they started meeting of the trilogy? Ren is a cool new character, ace and ended a second trilogy in 2005, Of course, there are also the familiar them in the flesh). Daisy Ridley probably and Driver is very good, especially when after which, again, we faces as well: Han Solo (Harri- gets even more screen time than Boyega, he’s not masked, but I’m still not recovered thought we’d never see Star Wars: son Ford), Leia (Carrie Fisher), and you have to take her character with a from what Ren does. another Star Wars mov- more commonly known ie on the big screen. as General Organa The Force Old story Just more of Lucas’ tin- these days, Chewbacca gets new Awakens (Peter Mayhew), C-3PO kering with the films and legs releasing them as new- (Anthony Daniels) and er special editions every couple of years. R2-D2 (Kenny Baker). We even get But a funny thing happened when Disney to see Admiral “It’s a trap!” Ackbar suddenly announced out of nowhere that and Nien Nunb at the Resistance they had purchased Lucasfilm ... a new base! Star Wars movie was in the works! A new Watching Star Wars: The Force trilogy in fact, and several spin-off films as Awakens was like being transported well. But who would direct the first new Star back to 1977 when the original mov- Wars movie to come along in ten years? ie first opened. Abrams got every- That would be one J.J. Abrams, who thing right as far as the look and feel resuscitated the Star Trek movie franchise of the movie. Yes, of course there (although his second film in that series is is a ton of CGI, but it’s seamless, less than revered), and whom Disney be- and Abrams insisted on doing a lot lieved would be able to breathe new life of the effects work as practically as into Star Wars. And you know what? He possible so it didn’t just feel like a did, with nary a lens flare in sight. But let’s CGI animated movie. The environ- get to the story first ... and don’t worry, ments and everything within them we’ll keep this as spoiler-free as possible. feel completely real. It’s 30 years after the events of Return Abrams also kept to the classic of the Jedi and the Galactic Empire has opening shot after the title crawl, been replaced by the First Order, and the panning down to a planet which is Rebel Alliance is now the Resistance. Re- then completely obliterated from sistance pilot Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) sight by a massive star destroyer, has been entrusted with a very important all accompanied to John Williams’ piece of information – a map containing the thrilling new score which manages whereabouts of Luke Skywalker (Mark Ha- to weave in some classic themes mill), who seems to have gone completely throughout the film. But, while we’re used grain of salt. Rey seems to be a homeless When the original Star Wars came out, off the grid. As the First Order descends on to seeing C-3PO and R2-D2 at the start scavenger, waiting for her family to return no one knew if there would be a sequel, so the planet of Jakku, Poe gives the sort of of the film, we’re quickly introduced to the to Jakku (although deep down she knows the story is pretty self-contained with a begin- flash drive to his trusty droid BB-8, tasking new characters in the story. Abrams wisely they never will), living off of the parts taken ning, middle and end. With The Force Awak- it with getting the information to the Resis- spreads the nostalgia throughout the mov- from downed Star Destroyers. She some- ens, we know there will be more to come so tance. ie instead of just packing everyone into how also seems to know how to pilot the it ends on a major, major cliffhanger of a mo- The film is basically a “Where’s Luke?” one scene. Han and Chewie, though, are Millennium Falcon, which has been sitting ment (which also explains why Luke is not in story with new and old characters fight- the real anchors of the movie, with Leia a in a junk yard for years. It’s never explained any of the trailers). So, while the new movie ing to retrieve this significant piece of in- close second. This is really is their story how she’s acquired all of the mechanical is everything any Star Wars fan could want formation. Among the new characters are because of a connection to one of the new and technical skills she has, but if you start from the movie, you may feel a little more First Order Stormtrooper-turned-traitor characters. Even after all these years, the asking a lot of questions, not much of it is shell-shocked than elated when the credits FN-2187 (John Boyega), dubbed Finn by banter between Han and Chewie is still as going to make sense so just sit back and roll. That’s certainly not a bad thing because Dameron, Rey (Daisy Ridley), a scavenger amusing as ever. enjoy the ride. at least Abrams has left us wanting more. All who has quite a few tricks up her sleeve, Abrams has also done a great job of Adam Driver certainly has the most we can ask is that he, Disney and Lucasfilm General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson), a ruth- casting the new characters. While we real- interesting role of the new characters, maintain the quality and not let things go off less First Order officer, Captain Phasma ly don’t get to know too much about Poe, Kylo Ren. Masked for most of the movie, the rails while focusing not only on the trilogy (Gwendoline Christie), a silver-plated except that he’s the best pilot in the galaxy with some cool digital distortion applied to but the off-shoots as well. For now, everyone stormtrooper commander, Maz Kanata (but someone else might give him a run for his voice while in the Darth Vader-esque has given us an immensely satisfying movie (Lupita Nyong’o), owner of a cantina and his money), Oscar Isaac does a fine job mask, Driver puts the doltish screen per- that will thrill the new fans and bring back keeper of some special artifacts, Supreme with what he’s given to do. John Boyega sona he’s had up to this point far behind those feelings us oldsters had when we saw Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis), and Kylo Ren is really good as the ex-stormtrooper on him to portray someone who is almost pure the first movie. You can’t ask for anything (Adam Driver), commander of the First Or- the run, who just wants to get as far away evil. There is hope that he hasn’t com- more than that. t

18 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts // qmusic

and brave, as on “Not Good Enough” and away,” the song that opens Ryn Weav- “Woman (Oh Mama),” making Venus one er’s debut disc The Fool (Mad Love/In- of the most thrilling “comeback” albums in terscope), then you aren’t alone. In fact, Divas by the Dozen recent years. if there was anything as interesting on It’s hard to believe, but it’s been almost the latest Florence + the Machine album By Gregg Shapiro ing to this exhilarating tune. Glynne wisely ten years since Leona Lewis was crowned as there is throughout Weaver’s record, Even if you don’t listen to country music, chose to include the song on I Cry When the winner of the third season of Simon then it probably would have been better there’s no way to avoid the genre’s domi- I Laugh (Atlantic), her anticipated debut Cowell’s U.K. TV talent show The X Factor. received than it was. Comparisons aside, nance of the radio, the TV, the Internet, the album. Glynne doesn’t disappoint, apply- Her 2007 debut album yielded the massive Weaver’s no fool. On the contrary, she’s concert stage and various musical arenas. ing her powerfully soulful vocals to the 11 hit “Bleeding Love,” but Lewis failed to find able to combine cool influences with her Thankfully, it’s not all gun-toting Miranda songs (10 of which she co-wrote), touching much love from fans following that disc. equally noteworthy collaborators (includ- Lambert or wide-eyed TV talent-show-win- on dance pop and power ballads with equal Returning with I Am (Island/Def Jam), the ing writer / producers Michael Angelakos ner Carrie Underwood types. Fortunate- vigor. “Take Me Home” and the acoustic strongest disc of her career so far, Lewis of Passion Pit and Benny Blanco). Be sure ly, there’s Kacey Musgraves. Same Trail- tune “My Love” give Glynne the chance to declares on album opener “Thunder,” that to check out “Octahate,” “Pierre,” “Prom- er Different Park, her 2013 major-label show off her dramatic performance skills. she’s “coming back with a thunder.” On the ises,” “Free,” and “Here Is Home” to get a debut, containing songs But you also strength of the smoking “Fire Under My clearer picture of Weaver’s gifts. such as “Follow Your Ar- want her to give Feet,” the striking Diane Warren ballad “You The songs on Most of the Boys (Blue row,” co-written by lesbi- you a reason to Knew Me When,” the irresistibly rhythmic Plum), the debut album by Sasha Siem, an country artist Brandy move your body, title tune and the roof-raising “I Got You,” are less songs than free verse poems set to Clark, made it plain that something she Lewis is back in a big, stormy way. music. The titular opening track and “Kind Musgraves was a force does with ease On her fourth studio album, Currency Man’s Kiss” are good examples. In a situ- to be reckoned with. The on dance sen- of Man (Verve), the always awesome Mel- ation such as this, then, it’s important the follow-up, Pageant Mate- sations such as ody Gardot moves in yet another new music and the words work in harmony, and rial (Mercury), is every bit “Hold My Hand,” direction, best exemplified by the bluesy to Siem’s credit they do. Her wordplay skills as marvelous with Mus- “Don’t Be So edge of “Preacherman,” a song that will no are in evidence from start to finish, on the graves not mincing words Hard On Your- doubt have folks testifying to her talents. Regina Spektor-ish “Proof,” for instance, as about pot (“High Time,” self,” “No Rights The warm and luminous “Morning Sun” well as on “Seamy-side,” “My Friend,” and the title cut), staying true No Wrongs,” and is pure vintage Cali soul, complete with “See-Through.” to yourself (“Dime Store “You Can Find a lovely horn section and heavenly choir. We began with a Dixie diva named Kac- Cowgirl”), the dark side Me.” Gardot gets down and funky on “Same To ey and we’ll end with one named Kasey. of country living (“This Swampy and You” and then pulls out the stops on the But Kasey Chambers is no ordinary country Town”), getting along with sultry siren Ivy exquisite mini-epic “If Ever I Recall Your chanteuse. Like Keith Urban, Chambers is your fellow humans (“Bis- Levan earns Face,” which could be a kissing cousin of an Australian country artist. Whether you’ve cuits,” “Family Is Family,” the “parental Roberta Flack’s legendary cover of “The been listening to Chambers since her ac- “Cup of Tea”) and making advisory” label First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” It’s not claimed 2000 debut The Captain or are just it (“Good Ol’ Boys Club”). Torres: on her debut al- difficult to love the pretty album closer discovering her via her wonderful new al- Musgraves earns her This bum No Good “Once I Was Loved” more than once. bum Bittersweet (Sugar Hill/Essence), one crown and sash with Pag- diva’ll do (Cherrytree/In- Possibly the most playful of the di- thing is for sure, no matter where her roots eant Material. terscope). Think vas included here, Australian singer / are, Chambers is pure country. Just listen In the case of Carly of Levan as a songeriter Lenka shines vibrantly on The to “Is God Real?,” “House On A Hill,” “I’m Rae Jepsen, there’s sim- potty-mouthed Bright Side (Skipalong). Light and airy Alive,” “Stalker,” “Too Late To Save Me,” or ply no accounting for taste. The Canadian Lady Gaga, especially on tracks such as tunes such as “Free,” “Blue Skies,” “Get the Lucinda Williams-esque “Wheelbarrow,” pop princess hit the big time with her 2012 the suggestive “Biscuit,” as well as “The Together,” “Unique,” “My Love,” and “We and see if you can tell the difference. t major-label debut and inescapable hit Dame Says,” “Like A Glove” and “Cham- Are Powerful,” distinguish Lenka as a writ- Torres performs on January 19th in single “Call Me Maybe.” On the follow-up pagne Taste.” Of course, there’s more to er and performer of refreshingly cheery Washington, D.C. at Rock & Roll Hotel and disc E·Mo·Tion (SchoolBoy / Interscope) Levan than her use of language. She’s in songs. “Hearts Brighter” belies a slightly on January 20th in Philadelphia at Johnny Jepsen continues to sound derivative with- possession of an impressive set of pipes more serious side to Lenka and is a wel- Brenda’s. out showing reverence for the 80s pop tra- which gives these songs, particularly em- come diversion. dition that informs so much of her sound. powerment anthems such as “27 Club” and The songs on Sprinter (Partisan) At least Taylor Swift is that self-aware. “Best Damn Thing,” heft and substance. by Torres (a.k.a. Mackenzie Scott) are Like Us On Beginning with the Quarterflash-y brass She also has interesting friends joining as murky and sinister as the songs on the at the beginning of “Run Away With Me,” her, including Sting on “Killing You.” aforementioned Lenka album are incan- Facebook! and continuing with the Debbie Gibson-es- You may recognize Joy Williams’s descent. If PJ Harvey lived in Brooklyn, que quick-step beat of “I Really Like You,” voice (or her name) from when she was she might sound something like Torres on the bland blue-eyed soul of “All That” and one half of the Grammy Award-winning the remarkable title cut, opener “Strange the faux funk (complete with handclaps duo The Civil Wars. Venus (Sensibility Re- Hello” or “New Skin.” Torres eases up and big bass) of “Boy Problems,” Jepsen cordings/ Columbia), Williams’ first secu- some on the gorgeous “A Proper Polish makes mimicry an art. On “Warm Blood,” lar album as a solo artist since The Civil Welcome,” “Ferris Wheel,” “The Harshest the disc’s most daring track, Jepsen goes Wars parted ways, was co-produced by Light,” and the St. Vincent-esque “Cowboy for a Robyn vibe and succeeds. openly gay singer/songwriter Matt Morris. Guilt.” But on the whole, you might want The first time most of us heard Jess Williams, who wears her Tori Amos like a to stretch your muscles before listening Glynne supplying the vocals for the Clean tattoo, is alternately lush and emotional, as to Sprinter. Bandit hit “Rather Be,” we knew there on “One Day I Will,” “What A Good Woman If Florence and the Machine is the first was no place we’d rather be than danc- Does” and “You Loved Me,” and resilient thing you think of when you hear “Run-

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 19 lively arts

Nathan Vincent’s Locker Room, 2011, Lion Brand yarn over Styrofoam and wood Queer Threads Liz substructure, is a life-size locker room, Collins, By JOE GARVEY and Denmark. While international in scope containing eight lockers, three urinals, ‘Pride,’ three showers and two benches! Nathan The Maryland Institute College of Art and intergenerational, spanning 60 years, 2015 (MICA), the nation’s oldest continuously the exhibit gives the impression of being told Baltimore OUTloud that this was his degree-granting college of art (founded both iconic and iconoclastic, traditional Julia first “installment art.” He added, “As a skin- in 1826), hosted an eve- and experimental in concept and Vanna ny kid growing up, I felt exposed and vul- ning reception and opening and execution, close to home Belton nerable in a locker room. It was a place of Queer Threads: Crafting MICA Exhibits and global, presenting gay of anxiety. Many people have the same Identity and Community and lesbian themes and ideas feeling.” on Friday, December 11th. Queer in social-sexual roles and rela- Liz Collins’s massive reproduction of Several hundred people at- tionships that nearly everyone Gilbert Baker’s original 1978 gay pride tended this landmark artistic Fiber Art can identify with. event, celebrating contem- Among the masterpieces porary “queer fiber art prac- Masterpieces on display is Allen Porter’s Un- John Thomas Paradiso, ‘Pink tices” that “position queer- titled, from 1955, wool on cot- Leather Pansies,’ 2015 ness within the history of domestic crafts ton needlepoint, in which two male nude and fiber arts.” companions are depicted in idyllic repose This awe-inspiring exhibit was orga- on a blanket, one with his genitals fully ex- nized by the Leslie-Lohman Museum of posed. This is a remarkable piece consid- Gay and Lesbian Art in New York City, the ering how homophobic America was in the world’s first art museum devoted to pre- 1950s. serving and promoting gay and lesbian art Canadians Allyson Mitchell and Jessica as sexless or passive. Reading both as a and artists. MICA co-sponsored and pre- Whitbread’s, Fuck Positive Women, 2012, slur and a plea, the forcefulness of the text sented Queer Threads in the Fox Building’s yarn on plastic, commissioned by Toronto’s contrasts with feminine and craft stereo- Decker Gallery (1301 West Mount Royal AIDS Action Now group, can be interpret- types.” Avenue) in Baltimore. The exhibit features ed two ways, as curator John Chaich not- Poet and quilter, Melanie Braverman’s 26 LGBT artists and their artist-allies from ed because it challenges “the perception composition, Queer, 1999-2000, antique America, Canada, Argentina, South Africa, of HIV-positive (particularly queer) women fabric quilt patches, cotton thread, and silk ribbon, is both inviting and subtle. Using soft feminine colors, she has sewn into her quilt barely visible threads that spell out words that are harsh anti-gay slurs that cu- rator John Chaich calls both “archaic” and “caustic.” Maryland artist, John Thomas Paradi- so’s, Pink Leather Pansies, 2015, quilting thread on leather with wood embroidery rainbow flag includes two colors that have hoop, is unique as people do not normal- been omitted from the flag as we know it ly associate pansies with leather. When today, pink for sex and turquoise for art asked, “What does Pink Leather Pansies and magic. Pride, 2015, loomed during really mean to you?” John Thomas told Knitting Nation Phase 4: Pride, 2008, was Baltimore OUTloud, “Historically the word a collaborative effort. Regarding her exhib- ‘pansy’ was used as a disparaging term for it, Liz told Baltimore OUTloud, “I wanted to a man or boy who was considered either honor Gilbert Baker’s 1978 San Francisco effeminate or homosexual. The irony is that flag, and find out what people thought of the pansy is a very hardy flower. I use the the flag as part of gay pride. People have a pansy to reference all the derogatory slurs lot of feelings about what it means.” I have heard throughout my life. A slur that If threads can articulate queer dif- once was meant to be ugly and hurtful, re- ferences, then these works of fiber art maining resistant and pretty, really inspires speak volumes about our individual gen- me. The piece in the show took about four der-queer, transgender, gay, and lesbian months from start to finish, working on it identities, ultimately stitching us with pas- pretty much every day for the four months.” sion and patience into a family, a commu- In La Familia en la Fontana di Trevi, nity, a nation, and a queer world. 2011, (hand embroidery with cotton thread The exhibit is free and open to the pub- on fabric), Argentinians Leo Chiachio lic. The Decker Gallery hours are Monday and Daniel Giannone appear in their own thru Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and composition with their Dachshund-child Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The exhibit “Piolin”, as a distinctly “gay family” in a closes on Sunday, March 13, 2016. postcard-like setting, wearing eye masks For updates: follow Queer Threads similar to goggles, evoking images of their on Twitter and Instagram, or visit Queer- aboriginal Guarani ancestors. threads.net. t

20 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 21 dining out

down into Scramblers, French Toast, Pan- cakes, Waffles, Early Riser, Omelets and Breakfast Burritos. Nearly all the item avail- able were reasonably priced at $8.95 to Fuhr $11.95. A few items cost $12.95. the Love of Food You had four to ten choices under each of the headings. I wanted them all. There was the Garden Gourmet Scrambler with roast- ed zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried Toast Coffeehouse tomatoes and sautéed onions. The Western 242 East Main Street, Port Jefferson, N.Y. was filled with grilled ham, green peppers, 631-331-6860 mushrooms, onions and cheddar cheese. All Scramblers included home fries and toast. By Nick Fuhr Richard selected the decadent Graham Long Island is not a place I would want to live, Cracker French Toast ($11.95). It was made but it does offer some beautiful places to ex- with peanut butter, sliced bananas, and cara- plore. On a recent trip with my mother to visit mel sauce. All French toast options come with Richard’s family for Hanukkah, we stopped your choice of bacon, ham, sausage or tur- into the beautiful old fisherman’s town of Port key bacon. Richard chose the turkey bacon Jefferson. A hilly port town near Smithtown and it was the best I have ever had. Richard’s Bay on the north shore of Long Island, it is French toast was delicious with thick cuts of loaded with fun shops and wonderful eater- bread that were not at all soggy or smooshed. ies with tree and water views around every My mother and I each selected from Om- corner. elets section. She chose the Benedict Arnold One such place was Toast Coffeehouse. ($12.95). Two organic poached eggs top Located just off the main drag toasted English muf- of town, up a gentle sloped fins with grilled ham, side street, its small store- roasted red peppers front that could easily go un- and green onions. The noticed. It is a popular restau- hollandaise is flavored rant though, so we were told with a creole style sea- there was a 20-minute wait. soning. I chose the We gave the hostess our cell Avocado BLT Omelet. number and went off to ex- It was prepared with plore some shops. If you like Miss Shirley’s, you ripe avocado, crisp ba- Within 15 minutes we will love Toast con, spinach, plum to- received a call that our table matoes, and Vermont was ready and were quickly seated at the cheddar cheese. banquet located in the bay window at the Both entrees arrived warm and were de- front of the restaurant. Let me start by saying, licious. They were well prepared and came if you like Miss Shirley’s, you will love Toast. I with home fries and toast. The home fries am not a fan of Miss Shirley’s. I think they are were made with large chopped red potatoes, overpriced, a bit pretentious, and too big for seasoned wonderfully and included the slight- their britches. But, I do like the uniqueness of est bit of heat and the right amount of sautéed their breakfast selections, and that is where onions. Toast stands out, the menu. Mom and I enjoyed our breakfasts with a Not only is the menu unique, it is also ex- Blood Orange Ballini and Black Cherry Mimo- tensive. It includes something for everyone. sa ($5.95 ea). Richard had the fresh coffee. I cannot remember the last time I looked at Other menu items include homemade clas- a menu and had such a hard time making a sic pancakes, waffles, granola with fresh fruit choice. Reading through, I was impressed and yogurt; a Down Port Omelet with jumbo and excited to order. lump crab, asparagus, bacon, roasted red pep- Starting from the top of the menu, you pers and smoked Gouda; or the Bandito Borrito get the expected hot and cold beverages. with scrambled eggs, bacon, potato, roasted But when you get into it, you discover where red peppers, and smoked Gouda with salsa. the difference comes in. The teas are home- Whatever you decide to order, you can brewed and can be paired with fresh fruits count on ingredients that are fresh and se- and organic sugars. The juices are organic lected for their flavor and quality not because and fresh squeezed. The coffee is a Danish they are trendy or chic. If you find yourself in roast, and if you like them flavored, you can Port Jefferson, maybe you are going to catch choose from Vermont maple, cinnamon ha- the ferry to Connecticut, do yourself a favor zelnut, graham cracker, Swiss almond mo- and stop into Toast. They also serve lunch, cha, and vanilla. and both meals are offered with a seasonal The breakfast selections were broken specials menu with tasty looking items. t

22 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 23 24 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com Quality of Life

would have it, the general manager who You also have the option to use a provider hired me transferred, my mentor in our cor- such as Netzero that can provide wireless porate office left the company, and my role Internet using the same technology as you Fit as a national program manager dissolved. would on your cell phone but that is less for The world spun on and simultaneously my Tech reliable and much slower. Looking at ca- club finally exceeded its budget and had its Talk ble service versus DSL service you should Life come down to cost versus speed for most Joshua H. Buchbinder best month in two years. I continued to go David Sugar through my own training and hit some big people. If you are looking for better Inter- personal bests in my lifting. net speeds then you should consider going The club continues to succeed and with cable. If cost is the determining factor My Year in grow, and the team here continues to get Connection then DSL is the better option. better. My new manager has more energy Now let’s look at the options for Balti- Fitness than I’ve ever seen in an adult, which is in- Options more County. Baltimore County residents spiring and sometimes tiring. And through have the same options as Baltimore City Condensing a year into 700 words can be all the transitions it has become hard Dear Mr. Tech Answer Guy: residents to start but you also have the op- a bit daunting. My personal fitness jour- to maintain a regular workout and meal I have been without Internet service tion of FiOS provided by Verizon depend- ney over the past 12 months has been a schedule. I don’t say this for sympathy, at my house for the past month. My pre- ing on where you live. FiOS is by far the rollercoaster. Twelve months ago I was but to let everyone know even people who vious Internet service provid- option that will provide you opening a new club in Virginia with a new work in fitness struggle with consistency er went out of business and Cable, DSL, the fastest Internet connec- company, building a team, new relation- and balance. Yes, I strive to practice what now I am looking for a new tion speeds though FiOS ships, starting a life in Virginia, and mov- I preach daily, but sometimes life happens. option that is not only cost satellite oh my! also comes with the added ing from Baltimore. I had a regular training Life is not simple nor easy. Too many effective but will also work cost. schedule, striving fitness profession- and fit my Internet needs. Now that you have some for work/life balance “Life is about choices, als make statements Please help so that I can get work com- idea of the options out there, be aware that and moving into our like “life is about pleted and access the Internet. Internet service providers such as Com- home. This was my and sometimes I choose choices and you R.B. cast and Verizon will also sell different lev- plan, but life had oth- to go home and spend need to choose to els of cable and DSL service. Typically the er plans. By spring I make fitness a pri- Dear R.B.: more you pay the faster the service. You had been recruited time with my son ority.” I want to ask Depending on where you live deter- can get some DSL service that is compara- through the same these individuals if mines your options for Internet service. ble to some of the cable Internet services company to move rather than work out.” they have children, Most people will have at so if cost is a factor out to Colorado, al- spouses, high-stress least one of the following compare the service most 2,000 miles from everything and ev- jobs, deadlines, career aspirations, or if options available, cable, and costs side by eryone I know. After some negotiations I they have shortcomings they act out on DSL, FIOS, or one of the side. found myself packing my new house, los- like sweets, salty snacks, or alcohol. Many wireless Internet options. I My best sug- ing our roommate earlier than expected, fitness professionals have shaped their will focus primarily on the gestion for those saying goodbye to new-found friends, and entire lives around their workouts and ex- options in Baltimore City looking for Internet heading west with my family. I sat on the pect their clientele to do the same. This is and Baltimore County, so service is to do your deck of a restaurant in Colorado in March, not realistic for the average person. The gym if you live outside of these research. Find out looking at the snow-capped Rocky Moun- should make the rest of life easier, it should areas do your research and which companies tains, people-watching, and thinking this is not be an additional stress, and for most see what options you have provide Internet ac- where I want to be. In the process, exer- people it will never be their first priority. And available. cess in your area and compare costs and cise and work/life balance took a hit. On that’s okay. Life is about choices, and some- In Baltimore City your options are quite type of service before making a final deci- t the three-day road trip with a two-year- times I choose to go home and spend time limited. Your primary options are cable sion. old, wife, and two cats, we made okay with my son rather than work out. service provided by Comcast in Baltimore E-mail your tech questions to outloud- food choices, but definitely ate junk food, The point of this article is to let you City or DSL typically provided by Verizon. [email protected] too, because convincing a two-year-old know it is okay to make mistakes, fall off to eat cut vegetables is exhausting and your routine, slip on your diet, and have sometimes a cinnamon roll at a rest stop an extra drink from time to time. But you is easier and delicious. After we arrived, also have to balance that with exercise, slept on our air mattress, and ate carryout some form of spirituality, eating healthy the for a week, our things came and we were majority of the time and getting solid rest home. As anyone who has ever relocated and sleep. Maybe this past year was your knows, the business doesn’t stop running best fitness year ever, maybe it was your just because you’re moving; so balancing worst. It’s behind you, so don’t let that stop a massive rebuild of a business, moving you from starting 2016 with a healthy and into a new apartment, and adjusting to a conscientious start. Make a commitment to completely new area and way of life was yourself and not just a resolution! t stressful. Joshua H Buchbinder, M.S., is the fit- After some time I settled into a solid ness manager III, 24 Hour Fitness, Auro- workout routine, established some new ra, Colorado. He has been working in fit- relationships, and was steadily rebuilding ness, rehabilitation, and athletics for two our flagship club to its former glory. As luck decades.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 25 real estate Interest Rates Rising Byn Way e Curtis your smaller home and move into a larger The big news in the last few days has been one, your timing is fantastic. Realtors gener- that after nearly ten years of declining or ally expect buyers to react to this kind of in- steady interest rates, the Federal Reserve terest rate hike by jumping into the housing has begun to raise its Fed Funds rate: the market. The predictions are that this was the interest rate that it charges other banks. So, first of two or three more rate hikes we will if money were a manufactured product, this see in the next 12 months. Its a great time is the equivalent of the wholesaler raising to sell a house, because more buyers will be their prices. While this does not directly af- entering the market, and its a great time to fect the consumer, it can cause a chain re- buy a house because inventory will be larg- action of rising rates. When the wholesaler er and you’ll still have the advantage of very raises prices the retailer has to decide what low interest rates, by historical standards. they are going to do, raise the consumer Contact your real estate professional: price on the product, or accept a smaller homes represented by a realtor sell faster profit margin and keep the price at the same and for more money than homes sold by level. their owners alone. Buyers need the ex- The retailer, in the case of money, is the perience and guidance of a professional mortgage lender or the credit card company to successfully navigate the maze of rules, or the big savings bank. Credit card rates laws, and regulations that apply in a housing and auto loans are almost certainly going transaction. to rise as a result of the Fed’s action. Most I wish everyone a marvelous holiday mortgage lenders are also going to raise season, a safe and peaceful New Year cele- their interest rates on home loans, at least bration, and I hope that 2016 finds you in the for the average and least qualified buyers. home you love! t There may be some benefit to being a very Wayne Curtis has been a licensed real- well qualified buyer for awhile, because tor since 1998. He stopped sitting on San- you’re less of a risk to the lender. ta’s knee a long time ago, but there’s still So, if you have been thinking that 2016 grainy black-and-white photos of him when might be your year to buy a home, or to sell he did!

26 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 27 held each January in Washing- first runner-up Kevin Mi- ton Boulevard. It was interesting to see this ton, D.C. This year’s MAL was chael.) huge play space. even extra special for me as I On April 17th I attended The Loft continued to be the place to be was asked to judge the contest. the first of what would be- on Friday nights in August and Mr. Touché There were five contestants come Mr. Maryland Leather 1982, and current COMMAND MC President, Leather and we selected Mr. Connecti- 2015 Greg Kings’ monthly Mike McDonald was interviewed there on Au- Line cut Leather 2015 David Gerard “Leather Master Class” at gust 21st. On August 29th I sat next to Mike Rodney Burger as Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather The Loft at Grand Central at the 6th annual Chesapeake Leather and 2015. What a thrill to be seat- during which he interviewed Pride (CLAP) which was held this year at the ed at the judges’ table between a longtime member of Mary- Baltimore Playhouse and cheered as Jessi- . Another Year International Mr. Leather 2014 land’s leather community. ca Fidget was named Mid-Atlantic Leather Ramien Pierre and the ridicu- He started with Ms. Balti- Woman 2015, and in a new contest, Pup Gry- in Leather lously hot Mr. Laird Leatherman more Eagle 1999 Buz Nor- phn was selected Mid-Atlantic Puppy 2016, 2011 Luke Moon who came all wood and her spouse Lee and Vyvyan Saassafrass was awarded the Here we go again. Another year ends and an- the way from Melbourne, Aus- Rodney and Steve Norwood. It was a fun eve- title of Mid-Atlantic Handler 2016. other year is about to begin. I usually don’t tralia to judge. He made me ning and a real walk down On September 18th COMMAND MC write a year in review Leather Line. I always want to go down under- just Memory Lane. I did not miss founding member and Mr. Mid-Atlantic prefer to look forward at the coming year and saying. Plus MAL producers the any of the monthly inter- Leather 1989 Dan Noel was interviewed at write an events for the New Year column – Centaurs, MC went out of their way to make views and since Sir Steve and I could not go The Loft. The highlight of September was but that will have to wait. The holidays always sure Sir Steve was there as well. It was a fan- away over the weekends due to watching his not really a leather event but for me it was make me sort of melancholy and I thought tastic weekend. dad we could be found at the weekly leather very much leather related. On September that if I looked back over the past year I will In late January my good friend and Mr. night at The Loft every Friday. In April Balti- 26th Sir Steve and I waited in line for one see that 2015 for me was not really that bad Maryland Leather 2013 Bob Rose took me more OUTLoud continued to follow the story last dance on the dance floor at the Club after all, and let’s face it 2015 was not a good along on his business trip to New York City. of the Baltimore Eagle and the attempts for Hippo. I still cannot believe it has closed. It is year! With countless mass shootings all over You know we ended up at Eagle NYC (554 the new owners to reopen Baltimore’s iconic the spot where I became a leather titleholder the world and our own problems in my be- West 28th Street) and how perfect that Ex- leather bar. On April 9th the owners were met in 2001 and where Sir Steve stepped down loved Baltimore, this was a year that I will celsior MC were holding a bar night. I was with yet another setback as the Liquor Board as Mr. Maryland Leather in 2008. I even pro- cheer its exit. even warmly greeted by Mr. Eagle NYC 2015 denied the liquor license transfer. duced a leather contest there and appeared My close friends know that this is not an Laney Ballard. I was reminded once again On May 8th Greg King hosted his sendoff in countless 12 Days of Christmas shows. easy time of year for me and not because why I love the leather community so much. to the International Mr. Leather 2015 Contest Speaking of Mr. Maryland Leather, Eli my father died during Christmas week three I have friends everywhere. It really is a big at The Loft. The community turned out in force Fishburne was selected Mr. Maryland Leath- years ago. I don’t even try to think about that. family. to wish our Mr. Maryland Leather much suc- er 2016 at this year’s contest held on No- It is the time of year when I spend the most In February I got to make a trip to the cess. Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2015 Patrick vember 7th at Grand Central. The contest time alone. Although Sir Steve and I have SECC (Southeast Conference of Clubs) Smith would take the IML 2015 title in Chi- was part of a whole weekend of events been together for 14 years now, we have Leather Weekend that I had planned in 2014, cago over the Memorial Day Weekend. Greg sponsored by COMMAND MC in honor of never been together during the holiday sea- but couldn’t go due to a snow storm. The made Maryland proud and was in the top 20. their 27th anniversary. I had lots of fun host- son. As a merchant marine, Steve always weather at the Parliament House Resort in I returned to The Loft on May 15 because I ing a cocktail party with my fellow ShipMates left town in early November for Long Beach, Orlando was a little cooler than I would have really couldn’t miss Greg’s Leather Master at the Wyndham Peabody Court Hotel on California, where he would take a cargo ship liked, but I got a warm reception from many Class because the person being interviewed Friday, November 6th. to Asia each winter. Hey, all that stuff that’s old friends and made lots of new ones. Plus was me! I had a blast. If you didn’t see it you On November 22nd I found myself once made in China isn’t going get here all by it- Sir Steve made the trip up from Tampa. I even can find it on YouTube under my name. again at the D.C. Eagle. In keeping with tra- self. He would return to Baltimore in March. discovered some new leather clubs such as I had the honor of being invited by the dition the bar celebrated the 44th anniversa- Every Christmas I would always find myself at SRALL (Savannah River Alliance of Leather Centaur MC to join them on June 7th at Fogo ry of the D.C. Eagle and held the Mr. D.C. some holiday party being confronted by some & Levi) and the Leather Buccaneers of North- de Chao Brazilian Steak House in Washing- Eagle 2016 Contest. They could not hold the queen who would come up and say, “I wasn’t east Florida. Jeffery Williams from Virginia ton for a formal leather dinner in celebration 2015 contest in November 2014 because going to say anything but I notice Steve isn’t was selected Mr. SECC Leather 2015, Su- of the club’s 45th anniversary. Sir Steve was at that time the new D.C. Eagle was not yet with you.” Absence does make the heart grow zanna “Ripper” Stracener from Georgia was once again stuck at home with his dad. Bob open. Danny P. Hawkins from D.C. was se- fonder, and we all do what we have to do. selected Ms. SECC Leather 2015, and Kat Rose made a good leather clad replacement lected as the bar’s new titleholder. Now that Steve is retired we have another Vago also from Georgia became the first ever for my plus one. On June 19th Mr. Maryland On December 4th the ShipMates held situation. In September of 2013, Steve’s dad SECC Bootblack. Leather 1999 David Allen was interviewed at their annual Daddy Christmas event. This moved in with us. He is 97 and has extreme On March 21st I made my first trip to the The Loft and the ShipMates kicked off their year it was held at The Loft at Grand Cen- dementia. He really has problems with cold new D.C. Eagle and was there to witness Dan annual Daddy Christmas fundraiser with “Ho tral and was held on a Friday in keeping with and gray weather, so the past three winters Ronneberg be sashed Mr. D.C. Eagle 2015. I Ho in the Heat” at Leon’s. Mr. D.C. Eagle the bar’s leather night. I always stress out Steve has taken him to Florida. They return in also made sure I was there because I wanted 2015 Dan Ronneberg filled in for Santa and about this event, but when it arrives I always the spring. So for 14 years my holiday mov- to cheer Ramien Pierre as he stepped down posed for pictures with all the funds going to have a wonderful time. I could not be more ie has been Home Alone. To make matters as Mr. D.C. Eagle 2014. Health Care for the Homeless. pleased with how well it turned out and lots worse, my internet company went out of busi- March 26th through the 29th brought Mr. Maryland Leather 2000 Robert of money was raised for Health Care for the ness on November 3rd and I have been fight- the 5th annual Bears, Bikers, and Mayhem Guenther was July’s interviewee and July Homeless. ing to find a replacement. I could write this Weekend at the Eisenhower Hotel in Gettys- at last brought Baltimore Pride. The leath- So here we are again at the end of an- column on the return of magazines and VHS burg. My fellow ShipMates and I had a blast er community was thankful that the weath- other year. Looking back I guess it wasn’t tapes versus online “entertainment,” but that hosting a Peanuts themed cocktail party and er was mild on Saturday, July 25th for the all that bad. Sure taking care of Steve’s dad is for yet another article. For now let’s look Dan Barnett, who had recently moved to New parade. There was a huge Baltimore Eagle stopped us from going to the Mr. Double L back at 2015 in the leather community. Jersey from Baltimore, was selected Mr. May- float filled with many leather titleholders past Contest in Rehoboth or IML in Chicago, but The leather year always begins with the hem Leather 2015. (Months later Dan would and present. On July 31st I took a tour of it was still another year in leather. Hope your big Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend (MAL) step down and he has been replaced by his the Baltimore Playhouse at 3010 Washing- year went well too. See you in 2016! t

28 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 29 30 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 31 32 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMBER 25, 2015 • baltimoreoutloud.com