AN INDEPENDENT VOICE FOR THE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER COMMUNITIES OUT May 15, 2015 | Volume XIII, Issue 1 The Hippo Set to Close and Comprehensive Car Care, a long-time Christmas, an annu- BY STEVE CHARING staple on Eager Street. al affair that benefits After 43 years, the Club Hippo, one of Bal- The Hippo, which opened on July 7, local non-profit orga- timore
s oldest and most iconic LGBT insti- 1972, possesses one of the largest dance nizations. The Hippo tutions, is poised to close its doors. floors of any club in the state. During dis- had also served as As confirmed at a meeting co
s heyday, the Hippo flourished with the venue for Gay with employees on May 9, Hippo End of huge crowds dancing to the beats of Bingo  a weekly owner Chuck Bowers has negoti- vintage and newer disco hits on its event whereby non- ated to convert the building at the an Era spacious rectangular floor bathed in profit organizations southwest corner of Charles and glimmering, colorful lights. As musical shared in the pro- Eager streets into a CVS store. tastes changed in succeeding years, so ceeds. To broaden The negotiations between CVS and did the music. The Hippo kept up. its appeal, the Hippo Bowers began early in 2014. Under the The club also features a popular video has held weekly Hip- arrangement Bowers will retain ownership bar where karaoke and weekly show tunes Hop nights the past of the building and lease it to CVS. There The Hippo video presentations occur and a saloon few years. credit: Bob Ford is no date certain for the anticipated last area that had been renovated several There have been dance, but it will likely take place sometime years ago. Those renovations dispensed numerous specialty after the summer at the earliest. with the two pool tables near the bar
s events held at the Hippo with well-known been a popular stop to herald in the New Upon completion of the deal with CVS, large glass windows and added more seat- DJs and drag performers entertaining the Year that frequently attracted local celebri- it would mean an end of an era for an es- ing at tables within the saloon. masses. Many of these individuals began ties  LGBT and straight  to the club. tablishment seen by many as the epicen- Through the years, the Hippo, whose their drag careers at the Hippo. Though the Hippo does not have a ter of Mount Vernon
s gayborhood. Re- motto is Where everyone is welcome, The club
s Halloween celebrations are large political footprint, it has been the host cently, that area has also been jolted by hosted such extravaganzas as the Miss legendary showcasing the community
s venue for fundraising events throughout the expected closing of Jays on Read, a Gay Maryland pageants and Mr. Maryland vast cache of creativity, and the Hippo
s the referendum battle in 2012 in an effort to piano bar that had a loyal LGBT following Leather contests as well as Twelve Days of annual New Year
s Eve gala has always —continued on page 3

BY MARTI WORMUTH Washington Monument State Park, located WESTERN MARYLAND IN FOCUS Did you know that there
s more to do in the about four miles east of Boonsboro. Obvi- Hagerstown and Cumberland Valleys than ously, this isn
t the big monument that you just going to The Lodge or The Club? It
s go and see in D.C., but a modest little one true! In this new section, I
m going to be that was put together in order to honor the sharing some of the best low-cost and free father of our country. The town of Boons- Fun in the places to visit in Western Maryland, South boro actually sponsored the tower
s build- Central Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. ing back in 1827. One of the reasons that I fell in love When you get to the park, there
s lots with the Valley is because I went on a to do. There are several pavilions, picnic Valley sites, and even a camping site that you can hike on the Appalachian Trail in 2011. My friend and I started at Caledonia State reserve. (Bathroom facilities are very nice Scenic Park (which is between Chambersburg and clean! There
s also a playground area, view from and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) and ended with lots of equipment, where any kids you Washington at Harper
s Ferry, West Virginia. It took us have along can let some of their energy out Monument, several days to do, but it was one of the after the drive. Boonsboro best experiences of my life. My hiking buddy and I missed the mu- credit: Elizabeth Sheltra I want to tell you about one of the most seum (open only Thursday to Monday from beautiful places that we went through  the —continued on page 11 We want YOU to help us create new programs for Baltimore
s LGBT community.

Thanks to the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, we are creating new programs and services for Baltimore
s DO IT IT DO CAN
T CAN
T LGBT older adults and those who care for them. ALONE! BUT WE WE BUT IF YOU ARE... 50+ and LGBTQ OR... Caring for an LGBTQ individual who is 50+ OR... LGBTQ (any age) and provide care for anyone who is 50+(LGBTQ or not) OR... A service provider to older adults and/or the LGBTQ community JOIN US FOR ONE OF OUR COMMUNITY CAFE DISCUSSIONS TO TALK ABOUT WHAT SERVICES AND PROGRAMS ARE NEEDED.

Tuesday, May 12th Saturday, May 16th Friday, May 22nd 5:30pm-7:30pm 11:30am-1:30pm 11:30am-1:30pm 1st Unitarian Church 1st Unitarian Church The 29th Street of Baltimore of Baltimore Community Center

Food & drinks will be served. Please RSVP CALL: Bethany at 410-837-2050, X1216 OR VISIT: tinyurl.com/SAGECAP-talk

The LGBT Health Resource Center of Chase Brexton Health Care lgbt-hrc.org SERVICES & ADVOCACY FOR GLBT ELDERS (SAGE) www.sageusa.org

2 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM NEWS // LOCAL

THE HIPPO our difference. Yes: we are both same and SET TO CLOSE different! – continued from page 1 She adds, Where would we be but for the openness and distinctiveness of the secure marriage equality. Baltimore Mayor leather daddies, the drag queens, and the Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, who had ap- drag kings? That
s why we need to be ac- peared at some of those events, customar- cepted for our work as well as our play. ily spends her birthday at the Hippo for one That
s why we need the Hippo, the Balti- of their charitable Bingo nights. more Eagle, the GLCCB, and all LGBT ref- For his part, Bowers, who recently uges in Baltimore! turned 70, has donated sizable amounts A person identified as 1/619K com- of money to LGBT non-profits, primarily to mented on Baltimore Brew, an online daily Baltimore Pride and its sponsor, the Gay, news journal, With The Hippo
s presence Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Com- on Baltimore
s major artery, straight Bal- munity Center of Baltimore and Central timore has had a slice of gay life main- Maryland (GLCCB). The Hippo has been streamed into their everyday experience one of the focal points for the annual Pride for 40 years. Early on, that really mattered. block parties along Eager Street. Chuck Bowers
vision and tenacity created In addition, he has allowed other or- something groundbreaking and important. ganizations to hold fundraising events at Gutting it for a CVS just doesn
t seem fit- the club. Early in the 1980s when the AIDS ting. crisis began, Bowers was one of the first to As for Chuck Bowers, there is much help raise money to fight the disease. nostalgia. When I come into the bar on a Other than special events, there has daily basis it
s quiet, no one is here yet. I been a decline in gay bar patronage over walk through the building and look around. the past few years for a variety of reasons, I hear the music, I see the lights, I hear the and the Hippo was impacted by that trend glasses clinking... and then I stop, he said as well. Nonetheless, many folks in and in a statement. out of Baltimore
s LGBT communities view And then I see the people whom I the Hippo as more than just a bar with so have met over the years. This is to me, the many stating that the Hippo was the first most valuable asset this club provided me. gay bar they patronized. It had also been Their laughter, their smiles and more im- a strong visitors
destination whereby out- portantly their friendship over these years. of-towners discovered Baltimore as a gay- I want each and every one of you to know friendly city. how much you have meant to me and for To others, it meant much more. The your ongoing support and friendship that Hippo is an anchor of LGBT openness in has encouraged me to keep the club open Baltimore, Tree Turtle, a Baltimore resi- for you. t dent, told Baltimore OUTloud . It routinely brings together a broad cross-section of Baltimore of all colors and creeds. Regard- less of the progress of LGBT human rights, regardless of the mainstreaming of queer people, and no matter how tough the eco- nomic climate is, we still need community havens! We still need people to love us for

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM t 3 NEWS // LOCAL

LGBT History on of identified people and events that help loud .
But we understand that she was re- tell the continuously evolving story of Balti- leased only because she was able  with Headliners Display at Creative more
s LGBT community. the help of friends  to post the remark- A reception and LGBTQA Film Festival ably high bail that was set in her case, not Announced for Alliance Kick-Off will take place on Friday, May 15 because either the judge or correctional of- from 5 to 7 p.m. followed by a Gallery Talk ficials recognized that it is dangerous and Baltimore Pride on May 16 at 2 p.m. The exhibit will be on unlawful to confine transgender inmates in gender-specific correctional facilities sim- BY STEVE CHARING view from Tuesday to Saturday, 11a.m. to ply based on their sex assigned at birth. The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans- 7 p.m. from May 15 through May 30 at the Statistics released this past December BY STEVE CHARING gender Community Center of Baltimore Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Avenue, by the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics An eclectic group of talent has been assem- and Central Maryland (GLCCB) will be Baltimore. show that one third of transgender people bled to headline this years Baltimore Pride. showcasing a collection of photographs For more information you may contact who are incarcerated are sexually victim- Transgender entertainer TS Madison will host and other items from the GLCCB Archives the committee at [email protected]. t ized by another inmate or by correctional the entertainment at the Block Party on July beginning May 15 at the Creative Alliance. staff within 12 months after they are ad- 25 on Charles and Eager Streets and on July This exhibit is called Picture It, and it will mitted to a prison or jail. Because of this 26 at Druid Hill Park. present historical images as well as doz- risk, national prison standards issued by At the Block Party Martha Wash,
The ens of unidentified photographs from the Trans Woman Held in the Justice Department effectively prohibit Original Weather Girl (
Its Raining Men), collection. placing transgender inmates in gender- will perform as will rapper/songwriter Cazwell. Also on display will be a selection of specific facilities based simply on their The festival at Druid Hill Park will feature posters, apparel, Pride memorabilia, his- Men’s Detention Unit birth sex or whether they have had geni- singer/songwriter and model Steve Grand torical documents and other items repre- tal surgery, and at least one federal court whose music video
All-American Boy went senting the history of Baltimore
s LGBT Released (in neighboring D.C.) has concluded that viral in 2 013. Grand, staunch advocate of community. incarcerating a transgender woman in a marriage equality, is believed to be the rst We are asking members of the LGBT BY STEVE CHARING male prison population is unconstitutional. openly gay male country musician to attract community to come help identify any peo- Deairra Venable, 30, a transgender wom- Yet, Marylands Department of Pub- mainstream attention in the U.S. ple, places, or events in the photographs an, was released from police custody af- lic Safety & Correctional Services contin-
I am so excited that Baltimore Pride is to ensure their proper preservation and ter being arrested while photographing the ues to violate these standards and place going to be celebrating 40 years with some documentation, said Patrick Alexander, a looting that occurred on April 27. She was transgender inmates and arrestees at risk, of the biggest names in the history of Pride, member of the GLCCB Archives Commit- held on the male side of Central Booking as Ms. Venables case shows, according beams Paul Liller, the GLCCBs development tee, which is coordinating the exhibit. although she to Welter. FreeState coordinator.
What is unique this year is that The mission of the Archives Committee has identified Legal is committed to we have found a wide variety of entertain- is to preserve the GLCCB
s over 40 years as transgender bringing Marylands ment that will appeal to a broad range of the of service to Baltimore
s LGBT Community. since age 14. treatment of prisoners LGBT community. My goal for Baltimore Pride In partnership with the Special Collections Her at- who are transgender has always been to bring our many diverse Department at the University of Baltimore, torney, Astrid in line with national groups together into a single community fo- they have been organizing and caring for Munn, told standards, and mak- cused on making Baltimore a better place for memorabilia, historical documents, photo- Mashable. ing sure our statewide everyone. graphs and other items accumulated over com that she commitment to trans- To keep up with ongoing developments, a the decades. was originally gender equality ex- Facebook page for Baltimore Pride has been The committee has accomplished booked as fe- tends to people who established. You may visit and like the page many goals since beginning their work in male, but after are incarcerated and at Facebook.com/baltimorelgbtpride. t 2012  most significantly, the acquisition learning that most vulnerable. and organization of almost every issue of she was trans-
The $100,000 bail the Baltimore Gay Paper (now Gay Life ) gender, author- in Ms. Venables case, from 1979 to present with the ultimate goal ities then forced the woman to remove her apparently for a charge of non-violent of professionally digitizing the issues and bra and hand it over to officials, and she fourth-degree burglary, also seems to be making them available online. was forced to wear the semi-transparent an example of the unusually high bails that This exhibit features hundreds of un- shirt that reveals the outline of her nipples, have been set for many people arrested identified photographs from the GLCCB the lawyer said. this week in Baltimore for alleged property archives, said Alexander. It will also fea- For four days Venable was held and her crimes, in connection with the civil unrest ture many historically significant images body was exposed to male detainees and and protests following the death of Freddie guards.
In every respect, shes a wom- Gray, says Welter. an, Munn said.
She stood in stark con-
Unduly high bail effectively deprives trast to the [men] in the jail. She added low-income people (who disproportionately that officers and detainees in Baltimores are LGBTQ, particularly trans, and people Central Booking facility bullied her client, of color) of the right to be free from incar- and that the commissioner told her client, ceration until and unless they are convict-
You dont look like a man, when she was ed of a crime. The Baltimore criminal jus- being assigned bail. tice system sorely needs to show that it will
FreeState Legal is relieved that Ms. provide equal accountability under the law Venable has been released, Jer Welter, for all, regardless of color, income, sexual deputy director and managing attorney orientation, gender identity, or position of authority. t for the organization, told Baltimore OUT- Steve Grand will be performing 4 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM NEWS // LOCAL FreeState Legal Eagle Introduces New Supporters Rally Executive Director

BY STEVE CHARING Last month, the three-member Baltimore BY STEVE CHARING City Liquor Board refused to grant the The president and board of directors at owners of the Baltimore Eagle a liquor- FreeState Legal have invited the public to license transfer, claiming that the work on welcome its new executive director, Pat- renovations was not completed within the rick Paschall, into the Baltimore legal com- requisite 180 days. Hundreds of thousands munity at a cocktail event on May 20 from of dollars have been invested by Charles 5 to 7 p.m. Venable, LLP will be hosting the and Ian Parrish in renovations, permits and reception on its terrace and lounge space. other expenditures in an effort to re-open The address is 750 East Pratt Street, Balti- the bar on the corner of Charles and 21st more. Beer, wine, and light hors doeuvres Streets that had been a popular venue for will be provided. the leather community since 1991.
An activist on LGBTQ issues for over
We disagree with the decision of the a decade Liquor Board, says the message on the Patrick Paschall at the lo- bars website, TheBaltimoreEagle.com. Flier distributed to help bring back The Baltimore Eagle credit: Bob Ford cal, state,
We believe that the city should honor its and na- promise to us. Although their stated rea- bar there, wed have to oppose because a tional level, son for extinguishing our license is that gay bar could bring gay prostitution. When Chesapeake Pride P a t r i c k The Eagle has been closed for renovations asked by Baltimore OUTloud to comment, brings pas- for more than 180 days, theyve set aside Donahue denied making the statement but Cancelled for 2015 sion, en- the 180-day guideline dozens of times for multiple witnesses insist he did. t h u s i a s m , other bars. And although there is no pen- Accordingly, Friends of the Baltimore BY STEVE CHARING and vision alty in law that requires the Liquor Board Eagle is urging the community to write the Citing financial difficulties, the Chesa- to lead to revoke our license, they concocted the governor, mayor and city council requesting peake Pride festival, which usually occurs F r e e S t a t e harshest punishment available. Why are that they overturn the boards decision. The on the first Saturday in August, will not be into a future they selectively penalizing The Eagle? Eagles website, mentioned above, pro- celebrating their 10th annual event this of expand- Despite the Li- vides a simple form to use that year. ed services quor Boards deci- includes a sample message of
It takes $8,000 to $10,000 in donations and deeper sion, which many support, which, when completing to make the festival happen each year, impact in Marylands LGBTQ community, believe was unjust, the persons name and email ad- John Petrosillo, the festivals publicity di- wrote Jer Welter, deputy director and man- capricious and even dress, will be transmitted directly rector, told Baltimore OUTloud . The mon- aging attorney for FreeState Legal, in an discriminatory, the to those ofcials by clicking the ey and needed personnel, he said, arent email. ownership group Submit button. there.
We plan to hold smaller events this FreeState Legal is a non-profit legal and supporters has devised a three-
We are asking Baltimore City for jus- year, he added,
some of which will be advocacy organization serving low-income pronged strategy to bring the Baltimore tice, Ian Parrish told Baltimore OUTloud fundraisers, in order to make Chesapeake LGBT individuals. Eagle back. That strategy to recover The in an email.
The city knew our plans, the Pride Festival 2016 possible. Paschall earned his J.D. at Hofstra Eagles license will include pressuring city took our money, then the city took our The festival takes place at picturesque University School of Law, where he was elected officials, filing a reconsideration or license  and thats neither ethical nor Mayo Beach in Edgewater, Maryland. It is awarded a coveted LGBT Rights Fellow- appeal and launching an all-out grassroots legal. We as businesspeople have been the only annual Pride event held in Anne ship  the only law school fellowship in campaign. wronged, the LGBT community has been Arundel, St. Marys, or Calvert counties. the country dedicated to training the next That endeavor has already been un- wronged, and area residents who need this To help out, you may call Kim at 410- generation of legal advocates on LGBT is- derway. A group called Friends of the Bal- major revitalization have been wronged. 599-0CPF (0273) or email at info@chesa- sues. timore Eagle, which is not afliated with the
The Liquor Board has delivered noth- peakepridefestival.org. t An LGBTQ ally, Paschall has had a Baltimore Eagle LLC, has distributed iers ing but broken promises, conflicts of inter- varied career in LGBTQ activism that in- mostly through social media urging mem- est, and selective applications of the law cluded working for the National Center bers of the community and allies to support  blunder after blunder at the worst pos- for Transgender Equality, Lambda Legal, the effort. The ier, titled “PLEASE HELP sible time for our city. We are asking the Family Equality Council, Pride at Work, US SAVE THIS LANDMARK TAVERN, ex- community to rise up and join us in our and was the senior policy counsel at the plains what transpired and why the Liquor request to Mayor Rawlings-Blake to right National LGBTQ Task Force. Boards decision was tainted by a biased this wrong and to show us that business Paschall is also a local elected official, member. investment and diversity are truly welcome having served on the City Council for Hy- In addition, the ier states that Charles in Baltimore. attsville, Maryland, since 2013. Village Civic Association and Charles North Parrish points out that renovations to To RSVP, email tmendelsohn@ Community Association President Don the bar have resumed and are moving for- freestatelegal.org. For questions about Donahue said in opposition to the license ward. He urges supporters to sign the peti- this event, call 410-625-LGBT (5428). t transfer,
If youre planning on putting a gay tion at TheBaltimoreEagle.com. t The scene at Mayo Beach but not this year credit: Steve Charing BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM t 5 NEWS // LOCAL Baltimore B4U-ACT Confab: Minor-Attracted Persons Dialog with Mental-Health Workers

BY PAUL CHRISTIANO fessionals (MHPs), identify the shortcom- On March 20, 2015, B4U-ACT  a Mary- ings of current treatment modalities, and land-based non-profit advocacy group pro- suggest possible solutions, all by way of moting compassionate mental-health ser- constructive, in-person dialogs between vices for people who are emotionally and the two groups – is most vividly reected sexually attracted to minors  resurrected in the impact of its workshop initiative. This its workshop series. years face-to-face effort packed an insight- Despite a three-year conference hiatus, ful punch from start to nish, as reected in this latest event, entitled
Working with minor- the overwhelmingly positive post-workshop attracted people and their families: Facing evaluations submitted by participants. dilemmas together, hosted in Baltimore, gar- Workshop objectives focused on how to nered the highest participant turnout in the or- widen the circles of personal and profession- ganization’s 12-year history. For the rst time, al support for MAPs who otherwise risk grap- in addition to its minor-attracted contingency pling with their attractions in a self-loathing and a record number of clinicians, profes- vacuum, cultivating a compassionate, trust- sors, and students hailing from as far as San worthy therapeutic haven not only for MAPs Francisco and Montreal, B4U-ACT welcomed to openly and honestly discuss the tragically several photo essayists and documentary inconvenient challenges of being sexually lmmakers interested in shedding sympa - attracted to young people, but for family and thetic light on minor-attracted people (MAPs) friends to confront the implications of their in the general population  an encouraging loved ones sexual identities, distinguish ra- sign that alternative therapeutic perspectives tional concerns from irrational fears, and ul- on minor attraction are gaining public interest. timately rally in support of the MAPs in their The success of B4U-ACTs mission  to lives, serving as enlightened models of com- address the barriers to mutual understand- passion for the general public. t ing between MAPs and mental health pro- For more info visit B4uact.org.

6 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM t 7 BEYOND THE BELTWAY compiled by Jim Becker to take care of ourselves. He really paid Apple as the location of its attention to what we said. forthcoming museum fa- Lawrence S. Krasner, Grahams de- cility. The museum, Gold fense attorney, praised the law project for said, examined a number facilitating such a favorable outcome.
I of possible sites and held think Ronda Goldfein, Adrian Lowe, and meetings with elected offi- Charges dropped their organization were the real reason that cials and LGBT community this outcome was achieved. They deserve leaders. for sex without all the credit in the world. They persuaded
[New York City] is the D.A.s Office to handle the case ap- both the site of many piv- disclosing HIV propriately. Krasner said the complainant otal events in the history of wasnt at risk of acquiring HIV from Gra- the U.S. LGBT civil rights status ham.
My client had a zero viral load, he movement as well as a said.
My understanding of the science, top destination worldwide Carlisle, Penna.  In January 2014, after consulting with experts, is that the for LGBT tourists. We are points. Transgenders [sic] are worth 150 Julie Ann Graham was charged with two complainant had zero risk of acquiring HIV excited about siting the museum in this points. Killing a straight person subtract felonies and two misdemeanors for alleg- through Julie. I appreciate that prosecutors great world city, Gold said in a release. 100 points. edly having sex with a man without disclos- who are not necessarily experts in this field The group also announced that Kevin Jen- The game was created by Skaldic ing her HIV-status. Even though the man were willing to listen  and eventually rec- nings had been elected as its board co- Games,
an independent game studio that didnt become HIV-positive and Grahams ognize the science. The law project also chair.
A New York City resident, a histo- strives to bring unique game and app ideas viral load was zero, she was charged with helped Graham in civil matters, ensuring rian by training, and a long-time leader in to life since 2012. Skaldic Games is based simple assault, aggravated assault, sexual that she received unemployment compen- the LGBT movement, Kevin is the perfect in Los Angeles, according to their website. assault, and reckless endangerment. She sation, had continuous health-care cover- partner to help lead the effort to establish
Kill the Faggots was uploaded to was suspended without pay from her job as age and was reinstated to her job in April. this museum in New York City, Gold said. Steam Greenlight, an online gaming com- a nurse, and her HIV-status was divulged (Philadelphia Gay News – Tim Cwiek at Jennings is a native of Winston-Salem, munity where developers can test its new in the local news media. But when she re- Epgn.com) N.C. He is the founder of the Gay, Les- products. Steam pulled the game off its ceived help from the AIDS Law Project of bian and Straight Education Network, cur- site after complaints and said it didnt vet Pennsylvania and other advocacy groups. rently serves as executive director of the games before they were uploaded to the In February 2014, prosecutors agreed to Arcus Foundation and served as assistant site. Skaldic said an apology wasnt going withdraw three of the criminal charges National LGBT deputy secretary for the Office of Safe and to happen. They were going for outrage lodged against Graham. Thirteen months Drug-Free Schools at the U.S. Department and attacking political correctness. Their Museum to be of Education from July 2009-June 2011. next game, they promise, will be more The museum said it will now work to offensive. (Dallas Voice – David Taffet at located in New identify funding sources, staff, and a physi- Dallasvoice.com) cal location in the city. The group wants the York City museum to be open in time for the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in June New York City, N.Y.  The National 2019. Learn more at Nationallgbtmuseum. Hawaii Passes LGBT Museum has chosen New York City org. (Q Notes Online – Matt Comer at as its permanent host city and elected a Qnotes.com) Transgender North Carolina native as its board co-chair. The museum, founded by Tim Gold, mar- friendly Birth ried spouse of North Carolina furniture later, prosecutors agreed to withdraw the maker and philanthropist Mitchell Gold, Game ‘Kill Certificate Bill remaining charge of reckless endanger- announced that it had chosen the Big ment  upon completion by Graham of a the Faggots’ Honolulu, Hawaii  The Hawaii state diversionary program. legislature has passed a bill that eliminates Ronda B. Goldfein, executive direc- launched by barriers for transgender people to update tor of the law project, said its wrong to vital identification documents. If signed by use criminal statutes against people with ‘Christian’ HIV/AIDS who engage in consensual sex.
Consensual sex between adults isnt the developer business of the government, she said. These news notes have been compiled, with permission, from the online version
And criminalization of HIV isnt an effec- Los Angeles, Cal.  A so-called Chris- of various newspapers and other web tive way to deal with a public-health issue. tian game developer has created a game sites. We than k these publications for In March, Goldfein and law project staff at- called
Kill the Faggots. Heres the game allowing us to bring you their news sto- torney Adrian M. Lowe met with Lebanon description:
Hate gays? W ant to unleash ries. Usually the reports have been sig- County District Attorney David J. Arnold your frustration with the
LGBT commu- nicantly edited and you can read the Jr.
We are grateful and appreciate that nity? Well now is your chance. Murder full story by going to the web site men- [Arnold] took the time to meet with us and gays and transgenders [sic] while avoiding tioned following the item. Comments give real thought to our concerns, Gold- killing straight people. Get points before are strictly the opinions of Jim Becker fein said.
We told him it wasnt his job time runs out. The directions read, Mur- and not of Baltimore oUt loUd or Pride to take responsibility for someone elses der as many gays as you can under the Media. sexual health. We all have a responsibility time limit. Fag homo queers are worth 100

8 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM BEYOND THE BELTWAY

Governor David Ige, the law would enable medically necessary treatment for her gen- Philadelphia boasts nearly 17,000 hotel transgender people to update their birth der transition. rooms across nearly 70 properties. certificates to accurately reflect their gen- Massachusetts Governor Charlie Bak- Tiffany Newmius, director of diversity der by providing a doctor
s note  instead er, a Republican who took office in Janu- and community engagement with PHL of the current required proof of expensive ary, said he was pleased with the high DNC 2016, said a national RFP was put medical procedures. court
s decision. In this particular case I out for the 2016 housing provider. AMG Millions of transgender people across was not in favor of using taxpayer money and EVS, both based in Atlanta, jointly the country live in constant fear of discrimi- to pay for this surgery, Baker said. Coun- oversaw housing for the 2008 and 2012 nation. In the workplace alone, 90 percent tered Jennifer Levi, director of the trans- DNC conventions, as well as for the 2013 of transgender people experience discrimi- gender Rights Project for GLAD (Gay and presidential inauguration. They essen- nation, harassment and mistreatment. For Lesbian Advocates and Defenders), who tially manage all of the housing blocks and transgender people who don
t have identi- represented Kosilek, This is a terrible and reservations and all the moving parts to Herschel Weisfeld fication that truly corresponds to their gen- inhumane result for Michelle. Levi said the housing for the DNC, Newmius said. der identity, applying for a job, registering even though Kosilek has exhausted all the Newmius said the companies work for school, and checking into a hotel while legal avenues available to her, the fight for starts immediately. They have to gear up so could have enhanced the penalty by on vacation can be scary, embarrassing, other inmates will continue. But it is just a and prepare for the influx, she said. Once increasing the crime from a Class C to a and an impossible process, said Kylar matter of time before some prison some- the delegates are selected, they arrange Class B Misdemeanor. The $500 maximum Broadus, Transgender Civil Rights Project where is required to provide essential sur- for their housing, so theres a lot of legwork fine assessable for a Class C misdemean- Director, National LGBTQ Task Force. gery, meeting the minimal Constitutional they have to start now to prepare for that. or would have increased to a $2,000 maxi- Broadus added, Hawaii legislature
s obligations of adequate medical care for AMG is A frican-American-owned and EVS mum with the hate crime charge added, removal of the unnecessary and expensive transgender people in prison, she said. is LGBT-owned; it
s helmed by Todd Lam- and maximum jail time would have jumped surgery requirement was very important Kosilek first sued the Massachusetts bert, who has worked at Marriott, Inter- to 180 days. At the courthouse on the and the right thing to do. A medical proce- prison system in 2000, charging that the continental, Wyndham and Starwood hotel day of trial, Yen yelled at Weisfeld, You dure doesn
t determine ones
gender iden- state
s failure to provide transition care groups. It
s important to everyone working scumbag. Same smile. After Yen saw the tity.... We urge Governor Ige to sign this amounted to a violation of the Eighth on the DNC convention to have diversity at arresting police officer as well the bank measure into law. (The National LGBTQ Amendment ban on cruel and unusual the forefront, Newmius said. Everyone is employee involved in the incident and We- Task Force at Thetaskforce.org) punishment. She won that suit in 2002, looking at each step of this along the lines isfeld, he decided to plead no contest. and was given hormone therapy and coun- of diversity. (Philadelphia Gay News – Jen The judge imposed a $400 fine sentenced seling. She then filed eight other lawsuits Colletta at Epgn.com) Yen to 90 days probation. The city attorney asking for additional treatments, includ- prosecuting the case had asked for 120 ing electrolysis and surgery. In 2012, U.S. days. District Judge Mark Wolf ruled that she LGBT people are often threatened with was entitled to surgery, and his decision Man who violence simply for who they are. Weisfeld was initially upheld by a panel of the First reacted to his threat by calling the police, Circuit Court. An en banc hearing of the threatened gay filing a report and following through by appellate court reversed Wolf
s decision, speaking to city attorneys who would be however, leading to Kosilek
s appeal to the man is convicted prosecuting the case and traveling back Supreme Court. (Seattle Gay News – Mike to Dallas at his own expense for the trial. Andrew at Sgn.org) Dallas, Tex.  Herschel Weisfeld While the fine for the defendant was small doesn
t know why Stephan Yen singled  equivalent to some traffic tickets  and him out. Weisfeld was standing in a Wells probation just means Yen needs to stay Michelle Kosilek Fargo branch watching TV while waiting out of trouble for the next three months, LGBT company to speak to his bank officer, when a man the sentence does say that Dallas doesn
t he had never met approached him and stand for these sort of threats or intimida- Supreme to manage demanded, Stop checking out my ass. tion. t (Dallas Voice – David Taffet at Dal- Weisfeld, who said he had been paying lasvoice.com) Court rejects housing at 2016 no attention to the man, later identified as Yen, continued to ignore him until Yen ap- transgender Dem Convention proached him a second time. Aren
t you a Christian? he asked Weisfeld, who is Jew- inmate’s surgery Philadelphia, Penna.  An LGBT- ish, and then said to anyone who would Like Us On owned company was selected again as listen, He
s an abomination. When Yen appeal the housing provider for next year
s Demo- approached him a third time and said, I
m Facebook! cratic National Committee Convention, going to knock your teeth out, you fucking Washington, D.C.  The U.S. Supreme to be held in Philadelphia. The DNC has faggot, Weisfeld called 911 as the bank Court has turned down an appeal from a announced that EventSphere (EVS), an manager escorted Yen into her office. She transgender inmate seeking gender reas- LGBT-owned business, will work coopera- tried to diffuse the situation. When the po- signment surgery in a brief order. The high tively with Akintayo Management Group lice came, Weisfeld said, Yen went ballis- court did not comment on its reasons for (AMG) as the convention
s housing pro- tic: He started raging at the cops. rejecting the appeal of Michelle Kosilek, vider. The companies will secure and over- The incident ended with Yen being ar- who is currently serving life without parole see hotel-room blocks for convention par- rested for making a major disturbance in a Massachusetts state prison for the ticipants. Thousands of political delegates (violence) and charged with a Class C 1990 murder of her wife Cheryl McCaul. and reporters are expected to flock to Phil- misdemeanor. Weisfeld questioned why She had been fighting for 15 years to get adelphia in July 2016 for the convention. hate crime charges weren
t added. Doing

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM t 9 NEWS // NATIONAL Woman Does Not Represent

God, Judge Rules her God
s legal representative so that she could sue all LGBT people on his behalf. In a hand-written doc- Lincoln, Neb.  A federal judge has dis- missed a lawsuit brought by a Nebraska ument, Driskell lamented that Never be- woman who wanted to be named the legal fore has Our great Nation the United State spokesperson for God and Jesus Christ. of America and Our great State of Nebras- U.S. District Judge John Gerrard dis- ka been besiege by sin, (capitalization missed the suit May 6. and grammatical errors in the original). Sylvia Driskell asked the court to name I
m 66 years old, she continued, and I never thought that I would see the day in which Our Great Nation or Our Great State of Nebraska would become so compliant to the complicity of some peoples lewd behavior. In a strongly worded opinion, the judge said his court lacked subject mat- ter jurisdiction because federal courts cannot de- cide what is sinful. Driskell did not set forth a factual or legal basis for a federal claim, he contin- ued. The United States Federal Courts were cre- ated to resolve actual cases and controversies arising under the Consti- tution and the laws of the United States, Judge Ger- rard wrote. A federal court is not a forum for debate or discourse on theologi- cal matters. Gerrard also declined to allow Driskell an opportunity to amend her complaint. t Pen, paper, (Seattle Gay News – lawsuit Mike Andrew at Sgn.org)

OUT in the Valley is Coming to The Frederick Area! Watch for our Distribution Locations!

To advertise in these local a reas call Mary 1-410-802-1310

10 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM OUT IN THE VALLEY

Welcome to the inaugural issue of OUT in the Valley , the newest addition to Baltimore OUTloud . From Frederick West to West Vir- ginia, Virginia and throughout the Panhandle and Southern Pennsylvania OUT in the Valley will be covering your local news, entertainment, health and well- ness, and much much more. We would like to welcome the first of many writers to this section Rev. Dr. Robert Apgar- Taylor, who will be our spiritual writer, Martina Marti L. Wor- FUN IN THE tiful views. Learn more from the Maryland her partner in Chambersburg, Pennsylva- muth who will be telling us about VALLEY Department of Natural Resources website: nia. Marti frequently visits the Hagerstown the fun things to do in The Val- – continued from page 1 Dnr2.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/ Valley as well, and is very involved in the ley, and Helen Larkin, who will western/washington.aspx. t LGBT community in the region. Her web- May to September), but if you
re into Civil Marti Wormuth is a freelance writer site can be found at Martis-miscellany. be finding the quaint little shops War history, you can learn about the Battle who has resided in the Cumberland Val- com. to explore while you
re out and of South Mountain, one of the first major ley since 2003. She currently resides with about. ones to occur in Maryland, and other bat- We hope to be adding more tlefield sites nearby. The highlight of the entire trip, howev- writers as the word gets out. If er, is the hike up to the Washington Monu- you have a thought or a special ment itself. The monument is at the top of a interest give Baltimore OUTloud a call. Talk to Mary, and together “The monument is at get your voice heard or at least the top of a mountain read. Mary will be at the Pride rise, and it gives you events in your area this year so stop by the Baltimore OUTloud an amazing view of booth and visit with her. the entire valley. The Your business will also have picture that I have here the opportunity to advertise in doesn’t do it justice at this section. Get your name out into the LGBT community. Let all – it’s one of the most the people in your area know breathtaking views in about your coffee shop where Western Maryland.” they can sit and chat with their friends, the play your community mountain rise, and it gives you an amazing theatre is doing, the great food view of the entire valley. in your restaurant or the cozy The picture that I have here doesn
t do candle store on the corner. We it justice at all  it
s one of the most breath- taking views in Western Maryland, in my have prices to fit everyone
s opinion. The hike up to the monument is budget. Our salesmen will be neither that long or that difficult. In the fall calling you soon. especially, there
s great bird-watching  eagles, hawks, and other raptors are the The best part of all this is most common avian visitors to the area. it
s your Valley, your news, your Washington Monument State Park of- paper, it
s all about you ! t fers history, outdoor enjoyment, and beau-

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM t 11 Frederick Pride: MEDIA SPONSOR June 27, 2015 Noon - 6pm Carroll Creek Linear Park Downtown Frederick MD www.thefrederickcenter.org/frederick-pride

12 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM OUT IN THE VALLEY // HIDDEN GEMS Ann’s Paperworks: Lost Art of Writing

BY HELEN LARKIN antique manual typewriters available for Have you ever received a handwritten let- in-store use. A hub of community activity, ter? The kind your grandmother tied up in Anna
s hosts many events such as Maker small bundles with a ribbon. If you have, you Tuesdays, Poetry Night, Stamp Club, Art know it
s a wonderful thing, something you Journaling. can treasure and re-read over the years. A Anna
s Paperworks is a full-service cus- little shop in Greencastle, Pennsylvania, is tom printing shop, and also a quaint shop full valiantly striving to bring back the handwrit- of local artists
works, many of whom teach ten letter. Anna
s Paperworks encourages classes and workshops there. At the time of writing through luscious Crane papers, deli- this writing, there are 11 classes available, cate pens, and beautiful note cards. With running the gamut from kids
painting classes their recent addition of a coffee bar, The through soldering and lettering. Write Cup, a visit leaves you itching to sip LGBT friendly, Anna
s Paperworks is a hot beverages and daydream with a pen in wedding stationer who can take you from your hand. announcements through invitations, guest Formerly a hardware store on the square books, and thank-you notes. Proprietress De- of historic Greencastle, the decor hearkens nise Urban and in-house artist Rebekah Joy back to a slower time. Polished wood, heavy Walck work together with the clients to help iron pipe, a farmhouse kitchen table, and make their special day unique and unforget- comfortable chairs strewn about invite shop- table. Both accomplished artists, Denise and pers and authors alike to linger. At home in Rebekah bring polished, innovative ideas to a lovely old building in a town full of historic the table, while still having respect for impor- buildings, there is a variety of ne dining, ve tant traditions. antique shops, and a diverse selection of So drop in and enjoy the ambience and a stores all within walking distance allowing for cup of mint chocolate mocha, and learn how shopping at a relaxed pace. to write those letters that will be so treasured For those of us who are too attached to by your loved ones for years to come. t our keyboards, Anna’s has wi-, as well as Learn more at Annaspaperworks.com.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM t 13 OUT IN THE VALLEY // FAITH

lives through both good times and bad. It Hagerstown Pride to Hold is not about feeling love but about deciding to love. I am committed to be with my hus- Pride Interfaith Service band through whatever life brings us, not just when it feels good to do so. As a person of Hagerstown Hopes, the sponsor of Hag- Woods Park at 11 a.m. Our service will last Spirit faith, I promise to love him, even in those erstown Pride, is proud to announce that approximately 45 minutes. Please bring a Speaks moments when I don
t feel loving or when this year
s Pride festival will include its first chair or blanket for your seating comfort. t Rev. Dr. Rob Apgar-Taylor either of us are not being very lovable, and Pride Interfaith Service. The ser- in so doing, I strive to mirror for him just a vice is being sponsored by local glimpse of what God
s love is like. Let me be churches and will include partici- Why Gay clear: being gay or lesbian is not a choice. pants from New Light Metropoli- The choice is in living an authentic life that tan Community Church, Veritas Marriage is gives witness to the love of God in and United Church of Christ, the Uni- through all our relationships. Marriage is the tarian Universalist Church of Hag- Good for highest of those relationships. erstown, Unity of Hagerstown, and Perhaps the root of the problem this the Tibetan Buddhist Meditation country has had with marriage is not the Center of Frederick. America gender of the couple involved, but the self- The service will include songs, centered narcissism that pervades our cul- Who would have thought that gay marriage prayers and readings from a vari- ture that says that unless it is about me, I would become reality across so much of ety of spiritual traditions, as well am not investing in it. And when it stops the nation in such short time? In just as meditations from community making me feel good, I can discard it like it one month we anticipate a decision from religious leaders. never really mattered at all. SCOTUS that is expected to make broad The highlight of this years
Does this decision mean that churches changes in the way the entire nation
s service will be a candle lighting will be forced to marry same-sex couples? practices marriage equality. One quote I ceremony including readings from No. It simply means that any couple can hear often is that this threatens the institu- famous writers in the LGBT com- be civilly married at a courthouse and that tion of marriage in America. How exactly? munity. churches reserve the right to refuse to As an openly gay man who was legally Join us for the service at Daubs marry any couple in keeping with their reli- married over nine years ago in Massachu- gious tradition, much as the Roman Catho- setts, I am still baffled when people say lic Church has done with divorced couples my marriage threatens theirs. And as an for decades. In short: The State makes it ordained Christian minister I believe that legal and the Church makes it sacramen- marriage equality may tal. What each church indeed be the best (and each pastor) thing for our country chooses to do about as a whole. Let me same-sex marriage explain: is completely up to This discussion them. has forced us to con- Having full mar- front the true meaning riage equality is not of marriage. I heard a a threat to marriage. politician on the news Not having it is. This a few years ago state, decision (hopefully) Everyone knows forces us to celebrate marriage is about and come to terms having children. It with the reality that has nothing to do with marriage is not about love! Really? I hope romantic love, happi- he has informed his ness and years full of wife of this. Marriage wine and roses. That in fact is not about is Hallmark, not reality. Don
t misunder- having children nor is it really about love stand me: Feeling romantic love is won- as an emotion. It is about covenant, mu- derful. Children are indeed a blessing. But tual respect and commitment. It is not an marriage is really about two persons com- institution that depends on emotional state mitting themselves to each other in ways or on procreative abilities. (If it were, we that mirror true unconditional love, mutual would have required fertility testing prior to respect and support through whatever marriage long ago.) And to be honest, can storms life brings their way. Then, and only anyone really say that his or her marriage then, is the institution of marriage strength- is personally fulfilling and loving every mo- ened as God intended it to be. t ment of every day? Are you always happy The author is pastor of Grace United to be married? Of course not. Church of Christ, Frederick, and Veritas Marriage is about coming together as United Church of Christ, Hagerstown. two people and committing hearts and 14 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM THINKING OUTLOUD

press, the mainstream media por- We understand in this modern age that trayed homosexuals in a negative more folks, especially the younger genera- light, focusing on stereotypes. Gays tion, receive their news from online sources or were seen as unhappy, lonely, am - are sent links to articles via social media. With OUT boyant, promiscuous and incapable the changing technology, newspapers need Spoken of having relationships. Society
s at- to be nimble to keep up with these changes titudes towards gays and lesbians and trends. News travels fast, and no one can Steve Charing were negative; the media simply afford to be left behind. To that end, Baltimore reinforced them. OUTloud has, besides its website, a Twitter There was a setting straight of account and a Facebook page to satisfy the LGBT Press the record
energy in the early days thirst for instant news. of the gay press, says Tracy Baim, Nonetheless, when someone opens a link Editor of Gay Press, Gay Power and to a particular story, he or she tends to stop Needed More Publisher/Editor of Windy City Me- there. The remainder of the publication, which dia Group. It was all about repre- contains useful and informative stories, com- Than Ever sentation and making sure that we mentary and ideas to improve the readers were heard and seen. The straight quality of life, is not necessarily read. By not media forced the formation of the opening and perusing a newspaper, people Two years ago, on the occasion of Baltimore gay press just like they forced the The author showing off copies of our papers at the will miss those. OUTloudʼs 10th anniversary, I marveled how so need of an African-American press BʼMore Proud LGBTQ Leadership Summit There is no substitute for experiencing all much has changed over that time in terms of because they stereotyped or ig- credit: Bob Ford the information contained within a newspa- progress for LGBT individuals locally and else- nored blacks and gays. voices could be heard. per. Knowledge is important especially infor- where while at the same time acknowledging The LGBT press was needed then and There will never be a dearth of stories for mation that is provided to LGBT readers and there was plenty of work remaining. I expressed it
s needed now more than ever. When a us to do. There is always going to be more allies that you wont see elsewhere. my gratitude for the opportunity to be an eyewit- mainstream media outlet does a story on us, news for a particular community than can be That is why there is tremendous value in ness to those historical developments. it doesn
t always seem to be complete. LGBT had in a generalized newspaper, Baim points publishing newspapers, such as Baltimore Now as we celebrate the paper
s 12th newspapers tend to provide more depth to a out. I feel very strongly that there will con- OUTloud , for 12 years and counting. As the anniversary, more progress has been noted story a nd offers added context. tinue to be a need for the gay press. The chal- old adage goes,
We here, were queer, get and much work still needs to be done. What
The role of gay media continues  be- lenge is for us to do a better job of it. used to it. t should be considered somewhat remarkable cause there are ... many cases where the is the fact we are still here as a publication mainstream media are simply parachuting and not only hanging in there against strong into a story and therefore providing an in- headwinds, but expanding. complete and thus inaccurate picture for their That
s right, expanding. Baltimore OUT- readers, said Baim. loud with its new Out in the Valley section has Michael Lavers, a reporter for the Wash- turned into a regional publication that will now ington Blade , agrees.
The LGBT media cover LGBT news and events from Freder- brings a unique perspective and insight to an ick west to the West Virginia panhandle and LGBT-specic story that mainstream media southern Pennsylvania. This has traditionally simply cannot, he explains.
For example, been an underserved area as far as LGBT the rst issue of the [ Washington ] Blade was newspapers are concerned, and the hope is published in October 1969  four months af- that Baltimore OUTloud can ll that void. ter the Stonewall riots. We have continuously Despite the mainstreaming of LGBT news reported on LGBT-specic stories that directly (a welcome development in that past cover- impact the community here in D.C. and be- age from the straight press had been focused yond since then. The LGBT media shed light on the more controversial elements of our on these issues long before the mainstream communities) and the onset of mobile devices media ever did. to nd and receive news in an instant, LGBT Some of these topics would include hold- publications remain useful and valued. ing our LGBT leaders accountable and pro- Lest we forget, consider how the gay viding useful LGBT-specic health informa - press stepped up when mainstream media tion and news about HIV/AIDS and the latest chose not to report on such huge points in treatment regimens. Rarely is that found in our history. Examples include: Stonewall the mainstream press. (mainstream press coverage at the time mar- We explore intra-community homopho- ginalized those who participated in the upris- bia, transphobia and racism with greater ing), the AIDS epidemic, key court rulings, candor than you would nd elsewhere. On anti-discrimination efforts, the repeal of don
t the positive side, we shine a spotlight on the ask- don
t tell, the battle for marriage equality good works of LGBT individuals and allies as (though mainstream coverage has improved well as the organizations that serve our com- considerably in the last few years), trans munities. equality, hate crimes, international oppres- Moreover, with our diverse communities, sion, the ght for sexual freedom, and so on. the LGBT press provides a platform for com- While these were covered by the LGBT munity members to air their views so their

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM t 15 THINKING OUTLOUD QUALITY OF LIFE

Milestones in general give us a good feel- ing; they somehow bring to mind images of progress, and even better, of comple- equal rights, equal love for everyone. tion. Recovering from an illness, or from Recent studies have actually shown Ask an addiction, or fulfilling requirements for that,
Non-heterosexual woman as a Bi- a degree, or surpassing a level of expecta- group, have far poorer mental health that Dr. J Lines tion you had set. heterosexual woman, and bisexual woman Nicole Bettis Janan Broadbent, Ph.D. In relationships, one issue that can report even worse mental distress than make for conflict is how anniversaries are lesbians. Now why on earth could this be? handled. I know families who celebrate Well, according to the same study,
Bisex- Double Milestones very few occasions, and those where any ual people are at a particular risk of invis- occasion you can think of gets notice. ibility and marginalization from both gay/ and When you put two people together who dif- Whammy lesbian communities and mainstream so- fer in this regard, then you have the issue ciety. Also, it was founded that bi woman Anniversaries of birthdays forgotten, cards and flowers I believe, with all of my being  and I are more likely to remain in the closet and that were expected never received, gifts know Im going to get a lot of backlash (but are more likely to experience discrimina- You are reading the 12-year anniversary that are seen as not given much thought. I dont care)  that no one is born straight, tion from friends . There it is in black and edition of Baltimore OUTloud . In the age End result: Hurt feelings, disappointment, or only attracted to members of the oppo- white. All of you, on both sides of the spec- of fast and instantaneous everything, this anger, and resentment. So it is best to dis- site sex. Just like, in my opinion no per- trum, with your double standards, bigotry, is a huge accomplishment and even more cuss this issue openly. If you find that your son is born racist, sexist, etc. People are and hidden hypocrisy are driving us ba- so, given the subject matter. Longevity partner is of the school that does not make born simply capable of unconditional love nanas! Sheesh  can you just let us live? means a number of people have put a lot a big deal out of such dates, and you do, and acceptance, pe- For a while (ten of thought, and persevering effort into an then instead of setting up an expectation riod. Bisexual people years to be exact), I “Bisexuals do not need endeavor. Which segues to how we treat that, maybe this time he/she will remem- have just held on to considered myself to relationships and the people in our lives. ber, use a reminder. It is basically an issue their natural capacity be a lesbian. Even to sleep with more than There are anniversaries that remind us of taking care of your own need to be to love uncondition- though I was never of remembering those who have left this rec- ognized in a way you ally , no matter what one partner at a time. completely uninter- world but live in our hearts. In that sense, want. Do not equate society deems ac- ested in certain men, We are not inherent we did not lose them but keep their what you expect ceptable at the mo- whenever I noticed presence in a special place. with the thought to ment. It doesnt mat- it, Id dismissed what cheaters. Twice as There may also be have your mind ter whether a person I could (and sur- people whose ab- read! And too, has a penis, a vagi- many options does not prised the rest) be- sence you do not do not fall into na, both, or neither. cause I believed, at equal twice as much notice, sometimes the trap of: I Let me address that time, most of the because too much give my partner the elephant in the crap that had been sex, (unfortunately). We time has passed. I thoughtful gifts to show room: Bisexuals do drilled into my head had a conversation my love, and expect the same not need to sleep are not confused and over the years, like, where my friend and I in return. Some people just have not with more than one
Bisexual women are we do not want to have acknowledged that we been raised with that kind of attitude, or partner at a time. nasty, greedy, dirty, really do not think of our great- perhaps do not even value such habits. We are not inherent a threesome with you etc. And I guess I grandparents whom we did not know. Again, talking this out ahead of time saves cheaters. Twice as acted accordingly. I Memories linger when there are strong a lot of hurt and anguish. many options does and your girl.” know, sad but true. emotions attached to them. There may So in the spirit of the 12-year-old young not equal twice as I was actually just even be people you are content that they adolescent Baltimore OUTloud , with many much sex, (unfortu- speaking with a are not around any more. more to come, may everyone have anni- nately). We are not confused and we do friend about this when she shocked me Anniversaries of losses that have left a versaries to cherish and celebrate, and not want to have a threesome with you and by admitting that,
Im secretly bi too but, hole in your life may bring up thoughts of milestones to cheer. t your girl. I identify with gay because you know gays good times that were shared, and a yearn- Most people who perpetuate most of judge you if youre bi. Does anyone else ing for wanting more of them. Alas, it is not the negative, nonsensical,
noise that Ive see how overwhelming troubling this is? to be. heard about bisexual people are just igno- Here, one of our very own is afraid to be Then there are milestone dates of Like Us On rant, misconstruing bisexuality altogether. herself with us ? This is not okay. We cant reaching a certain age, succeeding at a They readily blend it with other unrelated advocate for equality, fairness and toler- stage of some feat, or accomplishing a Facebook! (and often misunderstood) concepts such ance while simultaneously locking the latch task that spurs on to greater gains. Why as, polygamy, promiscuity, swinging, etc., on the closet door with our family members is any age with a zero or a five significant? until the perfect picture of muddle is paint- inside. If we continue not acknowledging Of course 18 or 21 means being able to ed. Often I find myself wondering where that these types of internal problems exist, do things you couldnt do before, so they these silly notions come from. Is it envy? how can we attempt to correct the external make sense. But 25? 30? 40? 45? These Do you think that bisexuals somehow have issues? days there is acceptance of getting older it easier? Or is it that most of us dont come So in short, family being bisexual its with a twist: 50 is the new 30? How do you out of the closet ready to just jump right not about making up your mind; its about deal with such age issues in your relation- into an even tighter (label) box? I dont having your own mind  breaking free from ships? Do you look for a partner younger, know but, whatever it is, cut it out  its societys mental shackles and then unlock- much younger, older, or much older than maddening. We are all on the same side  ing your neighbors. t you? How do you feel about your age? 16 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM QUALITY OF LIFE

mons. Despite those rare cases, even the vast majority of people with psychotic de- Fit pression do not harm others. for ing about the what-ifs and should-haves. Second: your letter shows that you are Pay attention to the people your with, put Open Wide very concerned to make sure you do not Life down your phone and really listen, if you ask Dr Eva endanger others. That is, you are protec- Joshua H. Buchbinder find your mind wandering become aware of Dr Eva Hersh tive of the rights and wellbeing of your pas- it and bring yourself back into the present sengers. This is part of who you are  be- moment. Forms of meditation focusing on ing depressed does not change a persons Stress : Too your breathing and heartrate can improve Depression values. this. Third: dramatic violent acts, like terror- Much of a 2) Stretch  whether via yoga or on and Violence ist attacks, do not happen suddenly, with your own, its important to loosen those no thought or planning. Flight records have Good Thing tight muscles. Many of us internalize our Dear Dr. Eva, been found showing that the pilot you men- stress and this shows up as stiff necks, I was diagnosed with depression seven tioned practiced for the crash by nearly sore backs or tight hamstrings. Either sep- years ago and have been taking anti-de- crashing other planes he was piloting. He Stress can save your life or end it early, the arate from your workout or after its com- pressant medication ever since. I havent planned his murder/suicide in advance; it choice is yours! Its not every day someone pleted take time to hold each stretch for had any severe episodes since was not done on sudden impulse. tells you stress can be a good thing, how- 30 seconds per position while taking long, the first one. For the last five Is there Fourth: unfortunately, having one ever, I want to break down the myth
All deep breaths. years, Ive been employed as a illness, like depression, does not mean stress is bad. 3) Interval training  short burst of hard bus driver. I like my job and want a link? a person cannot have other problems Lets look biologically at how certain work paired with less intense work has to keep it. I am very safety-aware. as well. The pilot may also have had stressors affect the body in our modern been shown to be more effective at burn- Since the disaster caused by a condition commonly associated with world compared to our ancestral design. ing fat and increasing muscle mass while the German airline pilot who deliberately violent behavior, such as post-traumatic We arent running from lions or marauders, also reducing the stress on joints caused crashed his plane, killing all aboard, I am stress disorder (PTSD), antisocial person- but a blaring car horn as we step off a curb by long bouts of endurance training. Those worried I might lose my job if my supervi- ality disorder, borderline personality disor- without looking isnt much different. Luck- long runs/jogs can actually hinder our sors were to find out I have depression. der, or alcohol abuse. ily, our natural stress response keeps us bodys ability to produce important hor- Ive never had above ground. If youve ever had a near mones like testosterone and cortisol. thoughts of harming car accident and had to pull off the road 4) Lift heavy, lift less  for years people anyone other than my- Glum but from heart palpitations, the shakes and in- professed
Light weights and high reps self, and I guess that peaceable ability to think about anything else  this is for weight loss, causing exercisers to do occurs to most de- your brain signaling your adrenal glands to more work and put stress on our muscles, pressed people, and flood your system with cortisol and adren- tendons, and ligaments, all leading to in- even a lot of people alin giving you excessive energy needed jury, movement distortions, a lack of mus- who are not depressed, to defend yourself on a very primal level. cularity, and weight gain from the inflam- at some point. We have no choice in this, it just happens! mation and hormonal disruption. On the Now I am starting In reality, these stresses happen dai- flip side, heavier weights performed for to second-guess my- ly, even multiple times a day. It may not fewer repetitions causes strengthening of self. be as intense but our sensory system is the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Lift- If I go through a overloaded with car horns, loud music, ing can be a stressor, but when done right light on yellow, I won- overbearing employers, deadlines, spou- it creates a lean, muscular physique pro- der if Im trying to kill sal spats, caffeine, excess exercise, riots, moting production of necessary hormones myself and my passen- social media, alcohol, etc., and it all adds such as testosterone, growth hormone, gers. Do these kinds up over time. and insulin-like growth factor. of destructive feelings Ill admit I can be a little high-strung 5) Practice self-care  whether its (like the pilot had) and the hustle and bustle of the corporate getting your nails done or getting a mas- come on all of a sudden? Should I find I hope there will never be rules limiting world gets to me from time to time. In no sage do things that make you feel good! work that doesnt put others at risk? the kinds of work people with depression way am I suggesting we give up our mod- A weekend trip to unplug and spend time Was Depressed, Now Anxious can do. Not allowing people with depres- ern lives to go live off the land in the wil- with nature or simply spending a few hours sion to work in transportation because of a derness removed from the stress of mod- with someone we care about can help re- Dear Anxious, misplaced concern that they might become ern society. But balance is necessary and set our minds and lower our stress levels There are several reasons I dont think violent would not make sense. It would when we hold on to too much we let it ruin to normal. you need to worry about this. make less sense than (for example) not our relationships, jobs, and even our bod- Lift, love, and let go to live well and live First: most people with depression are allowing diabetics to drive because they ies. By letting go of all the outside stuff poi- long! t not likely to harm others. Rare exceptions might go into a coma from overly high or soning our bodies and minds we can help Joshua H. Buchbinder, M.S., is Fit- can occur, such as in severe depression low blood sugar, or not allowing people with restore our lives. ness Manager at 24 Hour Fitness in Fair- with psychosis. Psychosis, which occurs high blood pressure to drive because they We dont have to be monks to let go! fax, Virginia. He has worked in fitness for when a person loses touch with objective might have a heart attack or stroke. There Each of us has the ability to learn to re- 19 years and is a Master Instructor for reality and has delusions or hallucinations, are no driving restrictions based on diabetes lax and alleviate the mountains of stress Kettlebell Concepts. His real passion is is a rare complication of depression. For or blood pressure. t we feel. Below are five methods of stress in improving fitness education for profes- example, some individuals with psychotic Eva Hersh MD is a Baltimore family management to make each day better: sionals and enthusiasts. Contact him at depression have killed family members physician. Send your comments and ques- 1) Practice mindfulness  be present in [email protected] or 703-828- because of a delusion that if they did not, tions to her by email at dr.eva@baltimore- the moment! Often we spend time worry- 3422. their loved ones would be destroyed by de- outloud.com . BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM t 17 THINKING OUTLOUD Unraveling Codewords: High Court Parses Gay Marriage divide your assets among your nieces and nephews. This is a favorite option. You BY ANNA S. SHOLL, ESQ. & same as the  the same sex couple. They The Law might also want to benefit an aging parent. CHERYL A. JONES, ESQ share household expenses and household If the parent is receiving Medicaid bene- Just over two weeks ago, the Supreme chores the same way. They care for each & You fits, the bequest should go into a
special- Lee Carpenter Court heard oral arguments in favor of, and other the same way. Is there any reason needs trust to avoid jeopardizing your par- against, same sex marriage. As expected, why the law should treat the two groups ents public assistance. the Justices actively questioned the law- differently? If you do have children, you should yers on both sides of the argument, and in  John Burch (counsel for the states) Taking Pride consider setting up a childrens trust. Rath- doing so, triggered a great deal of specu- says marriage is all about the children . er than receiving their inheritance outright, lation as to whether or not their questions Mr. Burchs main argument against same- in Your your children would have the money man- indicated how they would ultimately vote. sex marriage essentially boiled down to aged by a trustee who would make dis- Here are some of the key excerpts from asserting that the States interest in mar- Legacy tributions for their health, education, and the transcripts of the oral arguments. riage has nothing to do with love or emo- support. Each child would also receive a  Chief Justice Roberts pulls out his tion; rather, the States are interested in portion of the principal at a certain age  dictionary to define marriage . The attor-
binding children to their biological moms Say the word legacy and what springs say, half at 25 and the remainder at 30. ney arguing in favor of same-sex marriage and dads. Therefore, same-sex marriage to mind? A stately home passed down Whether you have children or not, es- began by pointing out that same-sex cou- does not advance the States interest of through the generations? Or a trust fund tate planning is especially important for ples are being denied the equal right to join binding biological parents to their children. that keeps a rich mans descendants in those of who are partnered but not yet mar- in the institution of marriage. Chief Justice This argument was vehemently attacked gracious comfort? Or perhaps an endow- ried. When an unmarried partner dies, the Roberts quickly reframed her statement, by the four more liberal justices. Notably, ment that promotes some noble cause? survivor is effectively disinherited unless a suggesting that same-sex couples do not Justice Ginsburg question how same-sex Instead, think of the people you care will states otherwise. Unmarried couples wish to join the institution; instead,
theyre marriage would harm this interest. She noted about. What will you leave them? Your leg- who plan carefully can also take advantage seeking to redefine the institution. He went that by allowing same-sex marriage,
youre acy might include the values you instilled of special laws that will give them medical on to comment that
[e]very definition that not taking away anything from heterosexual in them, the memories decision-making rights and exempt their I looked up, prior to about a dozen years couples. They would have the very same in- you made together, house from the ago, defined marriage as unity between a centive to marry, all the benets that come or the worldly goods Maryland in- man and a woman as husband and wife. with marriage that they do now. they inherit from you. heritance tax.  Justice Scalia focuses on history  Justice Kennedy alludes to giv- When it comes Prepar- (no surprise!) and who gets to decide. ing same-sex couples the dignity of to the worldly goods, ing an estate Echoing the Chief Justices remarks, marriage. Justice Kennedys remarks, part of your legacy plan also en- Justice Scalia observed that
[f]or millen- however, were the most closely watched, will be how much ables you to nia, not a single other society until the as it is predicted that, as in Windsor , he thought you put into make provi- Netherlands in 2001 accepted same-sex will serve as the deciding vote. Early on, planning your estate. sions beyond marriage. He also took the opportunity to during Ms. Bonautos arguments in favor Will it be a legacy of saying who reframe the issue as being who should de- of same-sex marriage, Justice Kennedy well-managed wealth gets what. For cide whether same-sex couples can marry: seemed to focus on the lack of time that and clear instructions example, who the people, through referendums, or the the States and the Federal Government or one of confusion should settle courts, pointing out that only in 11 states have had to debate same-sex marriage. and uncertainty? Re- your estate? If has same-sex marriage been chosen by However, later, during Mr. Burchs argu- gardless of the extent of your assets, hav- you have minor children, who should serve the people, rather than decided by judges. ments, Justice Kennedy seemed more ing a well thought-out estate plan can save as their guardians and trustee? And who  Justice Alito wonders if polygamy sympathetic. Pointing out the inherent dig- your loved ones time, money, and a lot of would manage your finances if you be- is next, compares same-sex marriage nity of the institution of marriage, Justice stress. came incapacitated? to incest. Justice Alito began the
slip- Kennedy stated,
[s]ame-sex couples say, A basic estate plan includes a will, fi- It is important to address these ques- pery slope argument, asking if the Court of course, we understand the nobility and nancial power of attorney, and advance tions now, while you are healthy and clear- were to hand down a decision re-defining the sacredness of the marriage. We know medical directive. These documents will headed, rather than waiting until the unex- marriage, whether it could lead to
a group we cant procreate, but we want the other enable someone you trust to manage your pected happens. consisting of two men and two women ap- attributes of it in order to show that we, too, finances and health care if you become A quick phone call to an estate-plan- plying for a marriage license, and wonder- have a dignity than can be fulfilled. unable to. They will also provide for the ning attorney is all it takes to get started. ing if there would be any grounds for deny- In our next article, well tell you how we efficient transfer of your assets upon your In the course of two appointments, one to ing them a license. He also made the most think the Justices will decide the issue  death  your legacy to the people you care plan your estate and one to execute the offensive comment of the day, comparing and why. t about. documents, you can protect yourself and same-sex marriage to incest: Anna S. Sholl, Esq. and Cheryl A. Exactly how your assets should be the people you care about.
Lets think about two groups of people. Jones, Esq. are attorneys at Pessin Katz transferred is up to you. For example, if What will your legacy be? t The first is the same-sex couple who have Law, P.A., whose practice includes estate you have partner, the two of you will prob- Lee Carpenter is an associate attorney been together for 25 years, and they get planning for same-sex couples, second ably want to name each other as your pri- at the law firm Semmes, Bowen & Semmes marriage either as a result of a change parent adoptions, and other family building mary beneficiaries. Thats easy enough. and can be reached at 410-576-4729 or in state law or as a result of a court deci- issues. Anna can be reached at 410-769- Many couples are at a loss, however, when [email protected]. Learn more sion. The second two people are unmar- 6152 or [email protected] and Cheryl can it comes to deciding who should inherit about LGBT estate planning at Mdlgbtes- ried siblings. Theyve lived together for 25 be reached at 410-769-6141 or cjones@ when the surviving partner dies. tateplanning.com. This column offers gen- years. Their financial relationship is the pklaw.com. If you dont have children, you could eral legal info, not specific legal advice.

18 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM t 19
HIV, life s a game, and with treatment, I m winning it day by day.  Christopher - Washington, DC Living with HIV since 1987.

I was only 16 years old when I discovered that I was born with HIV. My mother passed away from the disease, but until getting tested at a community health fair, I had no idea, that I too, was living with HIV. Within a few months of my diagnosis, I got on treatment to control my viral load. Since then, I
ve stayed on treatment and in good health. Getting tested saved my life and I
ve u sed my experience to help youth learn about HIV prevention, testing and ghting stigma. Today, I enjoy friends, family and living life to the fullest. Christopher 1, HIV 0.

20 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM HIV TREATMENT WORKS

Get in care. Stay in care. Live well.

cdc.gov/HIVTreatmentWorks

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM t 21 LIVELY ARTS // OUT ON STAGE

From left: Jeffrey Shankle BY STEVE as John Adams, Brendan CHARING McMahon as Thomas If you think our Spirited 1776 at Toby
s Jefferson, and John modern Congress is dysfunctional, you ployed the in-the-round cozy connes of the Stevenson as Benjamin Franklin should have been around when the found- Tobys stage to the productions advantage. credit: Jeri Tidwell ing fathers of our nation conducted busi- Although in reality, there were 56 signers to ness in the 2nd Continental Congress in the Declaration of Independence, 1776 only the summer of 1776. Arguments can lead depicted one to three from each colony. to physical scufes. Personal insults and To convey Independence Hall, the set name-calling were commonplace including includes tables with green table cloths to ac- branding a colleague a
landlord or worse, commodate the delegates, wooden chairs, a
lawyer! A delegate from New York had a podium where the President of the Con- never voted on any matter because he can- gress John Hancock sits, feather pens for not understand what the people of his state the delegates, candle chandeliers on the are saying. ceiling, a tally board indicating the vote for Actually, you can be around because the each colony on the main issues, and win- hilarious three-time Tony Award winning mu- dows around. sical 1776 that puts a human face on these Costumes from A.T. Jones & Sons t iconic gures is currently playing at Toby’s, the company in authentic 18th-century garb the Dinner Theatre of Columbia. With music that include canes for the older delegates. and lyrics by Sherman Edwards and a book Period coats, waistcoats, cravats, breeches, by Peter Stone, 1776 the Musical is more of stockings, hats, and wigs add mightily to the a play with music included (good songs at visuals. Hand fans are used to reinforce the that) rather than a typical musical whereby oppressive heat going on that summer. Then, a lovely duet with his wife, Abigail of instruments required by the agreement to the plot is incidental to the score. A musical In this setting, members of the audience (played by Santina Maiolatesi), for whom present the show. Therefore, recorded mu- comedy would be a are witnesses to the he pines and sees in a dream;
The Lees sic is used. more apt description “Toby’s production zany proceedings of Old Virginia, an amusingly entertaining Tobys stalwart Lawrence B. Munsey given the reliance on of the Continental number he performs with Mr. Blaustein and romps through his role as John Hancock dialogue and banter. under the co-direction Congress, the pas- John Stevenson (Benjamin Franklin); and a who presides over the 2nd Continental Con- Tobys production of Jeremy Scott sion and pettiness group number
Is Anybody There? gress. In a lusty performance, Mr. Munsey under the co-direc- from the delegates Thomas Jefferson, played admirably by amusingly displays his annoyances and im- tion of Jeremy Scott Blaustein (he plays and the humor that is Brendan McMahon, was designated to write patience with the delegates using an abun- Blaustein (he plays sprinkled throughout. the Declaration. He, too, dearly misses his dance of sarcasm. Richard Henry Lee of Richard Henry Lee of Where the issue of wife, which is a distraction, and Adams asks John Stevenson as Benjamin Franklin Virginia) and Shawn Virginia) and Shawn independence from her to come to Philadelphia so that he could, portrays a grandfatherly goofy character in Kettering, works England was debat- well, do his husbandly duties and focus on the rst half of the show with comedic pro - beautifully with an in- Kettering, works ed through countless the Declaration afterwards. ciency, but Franklin demonstrates wisdom credible attention to motions, each colo- Martha Jeffersons role played sweetly when it became crunch time to get the Dec- detail and precise tim- beautifully with an nys delegation had by Mary Kate Broulliet, allows her to show- laration drafted and signed. ing from the predomi- incredible attention their own sovereignty case her excellent vocal talents in
He Plays The remainder of the cast is too numer- nantly male company. in mind, which col- the Violin. ous to name but they all performed superb- Set in steamy, to detail and precise ored the discussions. The musical highlight of the show be- ly. Notable among them, however, are Ariel hot Philadelphia in timing from the To demonstrate their longs to Dan Felton as Edward Rutledge, Messaca, Chris Rudy, Darren McDonnell, what is now called approval on a mat- the young delegate from South Carolina. In Scott Harrison, Andrew Horn, David James, Independence Hall, predominantly male ter, the delegates the powerful ballad
Molasses to Rum, Mr. Ben Lurye, Russell Silber, Will Emory, and the story centers on tapped their desks Felton, who sparkled as Jean Valjean in To- Matthew Hirsh. John Adams and his company.” or stomped on the bys production of Les Misérables last year, 1776 is not your conventional musical as attempts to persuade oor with their feet or brings fervor and dazzling vocals to the fore evidenced by the fact the show does not end his colleagues to declare independence canes as opposed to applause. in deantly challenging the abolition of slav - with a song or a kiss but instead the increas- from the British monarchy. Not only was Ad- In addition to the superb setting, costum- ery, which would have scuttled the Declara- ing din created by the clanging of the Lib- ams challenged to make the case, he had ing, excellent sound design by Mark Smed- tion had the clause remained. erty Bell as each signature is afxed to the to negotiate through hundreds of wording ley  and effective lighting by Coleen M. Despite Mr. Feltons extraordinary solo, document. Not everyone may be interested changes as well as to cope with the South- Foley  the production is further enhanced only half the audience applauded the night in the arcane procedural matters of formal ern colonies desire to maintain slavery. by the efforts from the cast, and in particular, that this performance was reviewed osten- gatherings like the Continental Congress. In the 1776 version of history, Adams the tour de force performance by Tobys vet- sibly because of the message in the song, But Tobys fabulous cast and crew make was seen as
obnoxious and disliked with eran Jeffrey Shankle. His acting props are on which advocates the triangular slave trade such matters comical and entertaining and a the phrase being repeated a number of display as he passionately tries to convince and points out northern hypocrisy. The slav- must-see worthy of a 13-star salute. t times early in Act I to establish the charac- his colleagues to vote for independence. ery issue is clearly the most dramatic point 1776 runs 165 minutes with an intermis- ter. In one of the funnier lines in the show, Mr. Shankles brilliant comedic timing, in the shows storyline. sion and plays through July 5 (go gure) Benjamin Franklin, who had been suffering movements, and delivery during numer- Though an orchestra conductor is listed at Tobyʼs, the Dinner Theatre of Columbia from gout, told Adams that his voice is mak- ous exchanges excel. Not to be overlooked in the program, there is no live orchestration (5900 Symphony Woods Road, Columbia, ing his toe hurt more. is his ne singing voice in such numbers to back up the vocals. The theatre does not Maryland). Call 410-730-8311 for tickets or David A. Hopkins superb set design em- as
For Gods Sake, John, Sit Down;
Till have the space to accommodate the number visit Tobysdinnertheatre.com.

22 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM LIVELY ARTS // QMUSIC Female -Fronted BY GREGG SHAPIRO of the title cut has a way of getting under the Every few years a band releases an album listeners skin and staying there. that takes longer than expected to catch The eponymous debut by Haerts (Co- on with listeners. No Doubts Tragic King- lumbia) also has a distinctly `80s feel to it dom , from 1995, is a good example. Talk- (does anyone else hear TPau on the song ing Dreams (WB), the 80s-inuenced debut
Wings?). Lead singer Nina Fabi is a power- disc by sibling act Echosmith, is another house vocalist and fabulous, but melancholy one. Powered by the inescapable hit single songs such as
Giving Up,
Heart,
Hemiple-
Cool Kids, Echosmith, and Talking Dreams gia,
No One Needs to Know,
All the Days, were climbing the charts nearly a year after and
Be the One may have more than a few the record was released. As it turns out, this people dancing with tears in their eyes. kind of delayed reaction can be a good thing Betting its name, Danish band the As - as the band now has a big tour planned for teroids Galaxy Tour sprinkles its bubbly pop 2015. Keeping it in the family, Echosmith with psychedelic dust on the album Bring (sibs Sydney, Graham, Noah, and Jamie Us Together (Hot Bus / Rough Trade). That Sierota) co-wrote all off the songs on the doesnt mean that you cant move your body album with their father Jeffery David, a pro- like theres no tomorrow to the slinky
My ducer and songwriter. In addition to the hot Club,” navigate your way to the dance oor
Cool Kids, other standout tunes include on
Navigator, and get spooked by
Zom-
Lets Love,
March Into The Sun,
Come bies. Out of this world lead vocalist/co- songwriter Mette Lind- berg can def- initely handle whatever it is that shes called on to do. H e l l o M e m o r y (Capitol) by Brooklyns Little Day- light, with Nikki Taylor on lead vo- cals, takes its time becom- ing memora- The siblings Echosmith ble. Skip
My Life and the hazy
Over- With Me,
Tell Her You Love Her, and dose altogether and go directly to unforget-
Nothings Wrong. table tracks such as
Siren Call,
Nothing Like Echosmith, Wild Moccasins is a To Lose,
Love Stories,
No One Else But band with a female lead singer proudly wear- You (featuring Atlas Genius),
Mona Lisa, ing its 1980s pop inuences on its neon col - and the dreamy
Belong. ored sleeves. The Houston bands brilliant Sleeper Agent is proof that not everyone second full-length disc 88 92 (New West) who comes from Kentucky is as evil as rep- features sophisticated songwriting and ener- tilian politician Mitch McConnell. On About getic performances, spotlighting lead vocal- Last Night (Mom+Pop / RCA), featuring lead ist Zahira Gutierrez and her co-songwriting vocalist Alex Kandel, Sleeper Agent goes band-mate Cody Swann. The retro-disco from making a Flamin Groovies reference sensation
Eye Makeup features a video (
shake some action on opener
Be Brave) lmed in a Galveston, Texas, drag bar. “Open and saying goodbye to California (
Waves) Sesames recalls Prefab Sprout in the best to giving singer Kandel a chance to belt one way possible,
Sponge Wont Soak will give out (
Me On You). Sleeper Agent rocks rau- your hips a workout, as will
Emergency cously (
Good Job) and then makes its way Broadcast, and
Painless Mouth.
When I deantly to the dance oor (“Eat You Up”). Said I Saw it Coming” adds an Eastern inu - Aja Volkman, lead singer of Nico Vega, ence to the proceedings and the dark poetry —continued on page 24 BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM t 23 LIVELY ARTS // CELEBRITY INTERVIEWS The Singer Talks New Music, Reality TV, and Husband-Hunting Lisa Loeb Doesn
t Believe in Fairy Tales
BY ERIK RAYMOND played a lot on the radio, requests from my they are keen and will see if the person Lets face it , any mention of Lisa Loeb albums, and a couple of brand new songs. I you
re introducing them to is a mentsch or Lisa Loeb instantly elicits credit: Juan Patino like to talk to the audience, too, so we
ll see not. You can often meet a mensch through the reaction of belting out Photography what happens during the show. We
ve done another mensch.
Yeeeeeaah, I missed you. everything from writing a song together to do- E.R.: Youʼve done countless in- Loeb rst exploded onto the ing a question and answer session. I can
t terviews over the years; whatʼs a pop culture radar in 1994, think of any songs I wish I didn
t have to sing, question you havenʼt been asked when her debut single but there are songs of mine I need to study that you wish someone would? turned Billboard hit
Stay up on, because I can
t remember how to play L.L.: Wow. that
s a big question. I
ve been (I Missed You) appeared a few of them. asked so many things. What
s my favor- on the soundtrack to the E.R.: What goes into mak- ite ride at Disney World? I like the Dumbo Gen X movie Reality Bites . ing a great love song? ride. It reminds me of a long, long time Twenty-one years later, the L.L.: That
s a great question. Probably a ago. t song is still ever-present great lyric and mostly a great melody. I think Lisa Loeb performs at Rams Head On as are her trademark cat- a longing melody sticks in people
s minds the Stage, Annapolis, June 4. For tickets visit eye glasses. The song re- most, even more than a lyric. Lisaloeb.com. For more from Erik Raymond, cently made a cameo on E.R.: Your songs are always so visit TheFireDownBelow.com . the Emmy Award-winning hopeful and happy, if you will – even Netix series Orange is the when youʼre singing about heartbreak. New Black . I have to ask, what really ticks you off? While it may seem L.L.: I don
t really think of my songs as hap- FEMALE-FRONTED outs him to his entire school. The problem, Loeb has faded out of the mainstream, the py as much as hopeful. Lots of things tick – continued from page 22 savvy songstress has been very active; from he doesnt know whether hes gay or not. me off, like being disorganized, disrespectful, appearances in movies, TV shows, reality Loeb wrote and performed three songs for lazy, having a job done half way, wasting time, shows - including the 2006
s Number 1 Sin- the soundtrack, including the lead track
3, 2, and there
s probably a whole lot more too. has a quality to her voice that is reminiscent gle on E! to producing. Thanks in part, no 1, Let Go and stars as teacher
Mrs. Moore. E.R.: Have you ever thought about of lesbian singer/songwriter/producer Linda doubt, to her notorious glasses, in 2010, she Loebs US tour will bring her to Maryland doing reality TV again – say maybe The Perry (formerly of Four Non Blondes), so it
s launched the Lisa Loeb Eyewear Collection. with a stop at Rams Head On Stage, in An- Celebrity Apprentice? I mean, you do not all that surprising that Perry worked with Each frame is named after one of her song napolis June 4. We chatted with the 47-year- have your own charity Camp Lisa and all. the trio on its 2009 debut album. Five years titles. If that
s not enough, Loeb also sells a old pop-rocker about the new lm, reality TV, L.L.: There are denitely things I’d love to later, the band has left Perry behind for its brand of coffee called her Wake Up! Brew. and husband-hunting. share with a larger audience, but not sure if second album Lead to Light (Five Seven Mu- All prots go to her non-prot, launched in Erik Raymond: I see youʼve been reality is the way to go for me. I don
t really sic), which contains noteworthy songs such 2008, The Camp Lisa Foundation, designed busy in the studio lately. Is it safe to think of The Celebrity Apprentice as reality as I Believe (Get Over Yourself), Back Of to help underprivileged kids attend summer say there is new music coming soon? If TV as much as super produced reality-based My Hand, a respectful cover of the Cher hit camp. All the while, Loeb made time to get so, can you tell me any more about it? competition. Those shows are interesting to Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down), and married and start a family. The Maryland na- Lisa Loeb: Im always working on new me. I do like being a producer on TV and the simmering dance track Lucky One. tive now resides in L.A. with her husband, songs. [In May, I had] a song called
3, 2, helping tell the story we mean to tell. It can Deep Fantasy (Domino) by Canadian producer Roey Hershkovitz and two children, 1, Let Go coming out in conjunction with be really time consuming to be the star of and noise-punk act White Lung couldn
t be more Lyla and Emet. the release of the new lm, Helicopter Mom , also produce a show. It doesn
t leave a lot different than any of the aforementioned After three successful adult contempo- also out this month in select theaters. Its the of time for creating or family, which are two albums. The common factor is that White rary albums - including the Grammy nominat- song I wrote with Chris Unck as the title track! huge parts of my life. Lung has a female lead singer, Mish Way, ed Firecracker - Loeb delved into the world of If you come to shows, youll hear songs Im E.R.: It seems music has been a big part in addition to a female drummer, Ann Marie children
s music in the 2000s, releasing four working on. too. of your life, even since childhood. Are your Vassiliou. If you like it aggressive, blistering albums and two books. E.R.: How do you mentally pre- children embracing the same musicality? and abrasive, this one
s for you. 2013 marked the release of Loeb
s sev- pare yourself before going on tour? L.L.: My kids love music, they feel very com- Also keep in mind The Way and the Color enth studio album No Fairy Tale. Co-pro- L.L.: I think about the audience and what its fortable walking up to any instrument and try- (Carpark), the brilliant second album by the duced by New Found Glory
s Chad Gilbert, like to be in the audience. I think about my ing it out, and have opinions of their own re- all-female band Teen, as well as The Spark the album returns the 90s rocker to her roots, purpose, and make an intent/goal for myself garding music. I love that they know so much & The Fire (leftovercuties.com) by Leftover especially evident on the single The 90
s, for the show like,
Connect with people, or about it and love it so much. Cuties, Donʼt Trip on the Glitter (Chipsnip) with an edgy pop/punk sound. The title track,
Sing from my heart, or
Have fun. I put to- E.R.: Now that you have your by Amy Lynn and The Gunshow, Fatten The she says, is about how life is more rich than gether a set list that usually ends up chang- “fairy tale,” what advice can you of- Leeches (Kandy Kane) by Cancers and the a fairy tale. ing once Im on stage, eat something, and fer to nd the perfect mensch? distinctive twang of The Stray Birds on Best This year, Loeb returns to the big screen, head out there. L.L.: Find someone who
s thoughtful, inter- Medicine (Yep Roc) and Carnival (Blue Pig) lending her musical talents and acting creds E.R.: What can fans expect with this ested in their family and friends and yours, by Norah Jane Struthers & The Partyline. t to the LGBT coming-of-age comedy, He- performance? Surely, youʼll be performing someone who always does the right thing, Echosmith performs on June 19 at Fire- licopter Mom, starring Nia Vardalos. The some of your hits, but is there a song you and who values the same things you do. You y Music Festival in Dover, Delaware, on movie centers around Vardalos as an overly wish you didnʼt have to sing ever again? know it when you nd it. Have your friends September 8 and 9 at Echostage in Wash- invasive mother, who is so accepting of her L.L.: Ill perform songs from my entire cat- and family meet that person, even if you
re ington, D.C., and on September 11 at Festi- son
s choices - even being gay - that she alog, including the songs that have been scared of their opinions. That usually means val Pier in Philadelphia. 24 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM LIVELY ARTS // OUT ON SCREEN Hot Pursuit : Fizzles, Not Sizzles BY CHUCK DUNCAN her own which really serves no purpose to the It
s a common belief in Hollywood that women story overall. It
s more of a Convenient Plot can
t carry a comedy movie. It took Brides- Device. (Although Rob Kazinski is certainly maids to change that perception, but female- easy on the eyes.) The lm’s biggest problem, led comedy buddy movies are still few and however, is that if you
ve ever seen a movie far between. Sandra Bullock and Melissa with this plot, you will know exactly who all of McCarthy managed to bring a lot of laughs the bad guys really are. Seriously. They don
t to their cop comedy The Heat , but McCarthy bother to be subtle about it at all, but at least and Susan Sarandon
s pairing in Tammy was two of them are revealed early on while the a bit limp. Now we have Reese Witherspoon, identity of a surprise co-conspirator should an actress not known for delivering a lot of come as no surprise. laughs, and Soa Vergara, who can deliver There
s also a ridiculous scene where comedy gold on Modern Family , pairing up as the women end up on a senior bus tour that a cop and a witness about to testify against turns into a car chase complete with gun play, a drug lord in the buddy comedy Hot Pursuit . Beware of The story is fairly straightforward drug lords in  Daniella Riva (Vergara) and her hus- Hot Pursuit band are to be transported to Dallas to testify. Ofcer Cooper is sent along to escort Mrs. Riva, but two pairs of bad guys show up at the Riva mansion killing Mr. Riva and Cooper
s partner, sending the two women on the run. Police reports are calling both of them fugitives, so it
s up to Cooper to deliv- er Mrs. Riva to Dallas and clear their names. Hilarity ensues. yet all of the seniors on the bus are behaving Except hilarity doesn
t ensue. If you
ve as if they
re on an amusement park ride! The seen the trailer or any of the TV commercials, bus loses its driver, Cooper and Riva try to you
d think the movie was going to be a laugh man the controls while shooting at the bad riot. Unfortunately, all of the funniest moments guys, bullets are ying, the bus is swerving, FREE Estate Planning Seminar & are in those advertisements  along with one and no one except the two women are in a of the bloopers shown during the credits! As panic. I have to tell you, though, many folks is the case with most of these comedies that at my screening thought the scene was hi- Luncheon for the LGBT Community include outtakes, those bits end up being the larious. funniest part of the movie. Maybe they should Admittedly, I did laugh a couple of times, Sunday, June 14, 2015 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm just release a feature lm version of all the mostly at Vergara
s shenanigans, and many screw-ups. in the audience seemed to have had a great Both Witherspoon and Vergara do what time. They say comedy is subjective, and this they can with what they
re given, and Vergara is certainly one of those examples. It probably Followed by a performance of Bernstein’s Candide gets the most laughs with her patented man- also helps if you have not already seen all of gling of the English language. Witherspoon
s the movie
s best bits beforehand. For me, the Cooper also has to get a romantic subplot of lm was more tepid than hot. t Learn about the basics of estate planning and the unique concerns of the LGBT community, OUT in the Valley is Coming to the presented by Semmes attorney Lee Carpenter. Eastern Panhandle! SPACE IS LIMITED! RSVP by June 10th 410.783.8074 or [email protected] Watch for our Distribution Locations!

To advertise in these local For tickets to Candide , contact Tim Lidard a reas call Mary at 410.783.8016 or [email protected] 1-410-802-1310

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM t 25 LIVELY ARTS // SCREEN SAVOR Boy Gets Girl, Boy Loses Girl

BY GREGG SHAPIRO It
s that kind of intimate detail that sepa- stein) is the perfect alternative to Fifty There is much to admire about straight rates Boy Meets Girl from the pack. Shades of Grey , especially for LGBT au- writer/director Eric Schaeffer
s new film Boy Meets Girl also turns the tradi- diences. Really, who else is going to see Boy Meets Girl . First, the film
s lead char- tional romance suggested by the title on its this movie? Based on the stage musical by acter, pre-op transgender female Ricky, is pierced ear. Francesca, who claims to be Jason Robert Brown, The Last Five Years portrayed by transgender actress Michelle saving herself for marriage, is engaged to features Anna Kendrick in her most mature Hendley, making her film debut. As if that U.S. Marine David (the stunning Michael role (and potentially best performance) wasn
t enough, Schaeffer gets one of the Galante). However, David and Ricky have as shiksa goddess Cathy, a struggling most riveting and unforgettable perfor- enough of a secret history that it infuriates actress/waitress. Cathy and nice Jewish mances out of Hendley, making it a debut David when he finds out that Felicia and boy Jamie (the gorgeous, and often par- with promise and resonance. Ricky are socializing. Meanwhile, Ricky tially clothed, Jeremy Jordan), a success- Ricky, born in the wrong body and the and Felicia
s relationship is quickly mov- ful young novelist, meet, marry and then wrong town, lives at home in Kentucky ing beyond the friend stage. This is sure split-up. with her father and younger brother Sam, to confuse more than a few people, but it
s In this mostly sung-through musical, while she takes hormones and waits to find handled carefully and tastefully, and makes each character sings their version, provid- out if she
s been accepted to the Fashion sense in context. Through it all, Robby ing alternating perspectives. To make it Institute in New York. She
s an aspiring stands by Ricky, who must also come to more interesting, Brown constructed the fashion designer and a waitress at a cof- terms with his own feelings for Ricky. show so that Cathy is telling her version feehouse. Her best friend, straight Robby Smart, sensitive and enlightening on from the end to the beginning, while Ja- (Michael Welch), has been her champion many fronts, it
s no wonder that Boy Meets mie
s account is from the beginning to the A non-traditional modern movie musical and defender since they were kids. Girl was the recipient of numerous awards end. They meet in the middle on the duet Everything in Ricky
s world is upended at an array of LGBT film festivals. Audi- The Next Ten Minutes. ingly one-note Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting). when local rich girl (and politician
s daugh- ences from all walks of life would be wise With a relatively small cast and only With only ten days to prepare, including ter) Francesca (Alexandra Turshen) comes to get acquainted with this film. The DVD a few choreographed numbers, The Last getting into character as well as round- in for a beverage. The two young women contains no significant bonus material of Five Years is an incredibly economical mu- ing up groomsmen, Jimmy and Doug have strike up a fast friendship, leading to Ricky which to speak. sical. While there aren
t any tunes that you their work cut out for them. telling Francesca about herself by text  The non-traditional modern movie mu- walk out of the theater singing, Kendrick Gross-out and physical comedy rules; while Francesca is sitting right next to her! sical The Last Five Years (Radius/Wein- and Jordan sing the heck out of the songs. Doug suffers a series of face-plants as Director Richard LaGravenese (who wrote well as an unfortunate interaction between the screenplay for the cracked Barbra his genitals and a Basset Hound. Nothing Streisand vehicle The Mirror Has Two Fac- is off limits to co-writer/director Jeremy es ) does a decent job of bringing the musi- Garelick. Vulgar and mean-spirited jokes cal to life. DVD bonus features include a about women, race, stuttering, rape, dis- conversation with composer/lyricist Jason abilities and especially gay folks are the Robert Brown and a sing-a-long version of order of the day. The homophobia is so the musical. rampant in The Wedding Ringer , you have Perhaps the least funny comedian who to wonder if craft services were provided ever lived, diminutive comic Kevin Hart, by Indiana
s Memories Pizza. plays the titular character in the nasty The Poor Cloris Leachman, as Gretchen
s Wedding Ringer (Sony Pictures Home En- grandmother, is reduced to spewing blue tertainment/Screen Gems). Jimmy (Hart) is language and being set on fire. How will enlisted by pitiful and friendless Doug (a Gad ever be able to look his theater friends dull Josh Gad) to be the best man, for a in the eye again? How can Cuoco-Sweet- fee, at his wedding to Gretchen (a surpris- ing ever face Jim Parsons after this? t

Keeping older adults active, engaged and healthy regardless of their ability to pay. Dynamic aging. Exciting choices.

26 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM LIVELY ARTS // OUT ON STAGE // BETWEEN THE BOOK COVERS The Broadway A Challenging Mark

BY MEGAN SANDWICK working-through of the pain and sin the Tenors in Concert Reviewing the synopsis of The Holy Mark , boys have faced in their broken lives. by Gregory Alexander (Mill City Press), The book is an illustration of Father To- The Edward A. Myerberg Center will pres- in Les Misérables on Broadway. John was the novel of an exiled Catholic priest from ny
s downfall in his duplicitous lifestyle. On ent the Broadway Tenors in Concert, an recently awarded the Chicago Joseph Jef- a rich New Orleans family, I was eager one hand Father Tony
s passion became evening of favorite musical theatre hits, ferson Award for Best Actor in a Musical to read what happened to Father Tony. I a personal and unsanctioned church min- at its annual fundraising event Thursday for his performance as Jean Valjean in Les was ready to get involved in a page-turner istry to broken boys. On the other hand, June 4, 2015 at 7 p.m., at Baltimore He- Misérables at the Marriott Theater. Kyle and wanted to be spellbound by the his role gave him accep- brew Congregation (7401 Park Heights Av- Dean Massey currently appears as Kevin drama. The Catholic imagery made tance and power over the enue, Baltimore). Bicks on ABC
s Nashville. His Broadway visions of my favorite four years at church like never before. The Broadway Tenors bring the great- roles include the title role in Pippin , Gabe Saint Mary
s College race through On the other hand, he est Broadway songs to life in this enchant- in Next to Norma l, Fiyero in Wicked , and my head. was an academic with ing evening  from the classic Some En- Thalia in Xanadu . The Holy Mark became a chal- a passion for education chanted Evening from South Pacific to Proceeds from the Broadway Tenors lenging, difficult, eye-opening, and and reading, obtaining newer favorites, like Oh, What a Night! in Concert will benefit the Edward A. My- exciting book to read. With all of this his Masters and desir- erberg Center
s pro- self build-up it was a letdown to be- ing a PhD that was not grams and services for gin the book with a super slow pace, approved by the church. older adults in Balti- reading about Father Tony
s family He was controlled in his more. backstory instead of exploring a de- learning, teaching, and We
re thrilled to veloping plot. Sometimes the book was snobbish about the have the tenors pro- felt like a personal memoir as op- type of subjects and stu- vide an enjoyable eve- posed to a novel with an active sto- dents he taught. He is not ning of musical enter- ryline. Anytime there is a promise of pleased with the caliber tainment to benefit the scandal I expect lying, cheating, stealing, of students, knowing that administrators Myerberg, said execu- or sex. For a while at the beginning I had are referencing their parents
credit reports tive director David Go- to bribe myself with a Butterfinger to con- as opposed to their learning abilities. He laner. Through this fun tinue reading. Fortunately after the candy had no control over where he lived or what night, we
re able to get bar I had finally made it beyond the family he did in his life. the word out about the explanation including of why this man was One part of the story which made me Myerberg
s unique mis- chosen to be a priest by his grandmother think is the church leaders knew what sion and values. at birth because of what she called a holy happened, catching his actions twice. Throughout the mark on his head. In the novel they reassigned him to new year, the Myerberg Cen- I encourage you to read this book un- positions in the church, never address- ter provides more than derstanding that is not a light read but a ing the boys or providing them with help. 140 classes, programs, book that can challenge your thoughts if The closing part of the story is the priest Singinʼ the Broadway classics and special events for you allow yourself to look at the journey realizing he was in a new small town but over 1,200 participants. of a person that is not apologizing for his the experience of being exiled only made from the hit Jersey Boys . The renowned Every day, active adults age 55 and over en- actions. This story is Father Tony
s expe- him stronger. I had the feeling that he was tenors Brent Barrett, John Cudia, and Kyle joy stimulating classes, supportive services, riences of the personal and physical rela- committed to his calling in the future and Dean Massey add additional Broadway fun and a warm, friendly environment where tions he has with young boys that come would find another opportunity. Though and flair with special medley material writ- they feel welcome. Among these sophisticat- from the streets, broken homes, and hor- this was a novel I once again felt it could ten just for them, and a fully-staged and ed educational experiences and innovative rible situations. The relationships are in be a memoir. Maybe that is what made it choreographed theatrical show. programs are college-level classes in litera- three different physical settings. For him, a challenge? It made me think the reason David Lindauer of the Capital Gazette ture, history, music, and art, tness classes, it is not just about sex. In his mind his re- it was so good to read is because of the said of the tenors, Individually, each is a and painting and drawing classes. The My- lationships are a physical and emotional questions it raised in my mind. t spectacular artist; together, they present erberg
s social services offerings include an infinite and kaleidoscopic range of mu- health screenings, an on-site social worker, sical possibilities.The three talented tenors and monthly programs to help older adults tantalized our sensibilities with beautifully avoid social and physical isolation. Its Eating rendered offerings from Broadway shows Together program is the largest in Baltimore of the past century. There was such a com- City and serves 11,000 meals each year. prehensive range of music that there was The bright, beautiful facility in northwest something for everyone. Baltimore features a large state-of-the-art The three tenors bring years of Broad- tness center, sun-lled art studios, and way, off-Broadway and television experi- well-appointed lounges perfect for casual ence to every performance. Brent Barrett conversation. Knowledgeable instructors is a versatile performer whose Broadway and friendly staff make sure that every credits include Billy Flynn in Chicago – The question is answered and every member is Musical . John Cudia holds the distinct hon- included. or of being the first and only actor to have To purchase tickets to the event, visit performed both the roles of the Phantom Myerberg.org/broadway or call the Myer- in Phantom of the Opera and Jean Valjean berg Center at 410-358-6856. t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM t 27 LIVELY ARTS // IREAD

trademark sense of humor, as well as his and is told in two voices  the first is that sensitive and witty observations over the of the late gay writer Jonathan Ascher, and Spring Book Club course of more than 30 poems. we hear from him through his journals. The BY GREGG SHAPIRO and friends of the LGBT community such Non-fiction section – Youʼre Not Edith second belongs to his widow Martha who Illustrated men and women – The Com- as Patti Smith and Carol Burnett, among (George Braziller, 2015) by lesbian essay- learns more about Jonathan than she ever pletely Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan others. ist Allison Gruber is a splendid collection imagined, while reading the journals after Green (Northwest Press, 2015) by Eric Based on cross-dressing artist, potter, of
autobiographical essays, mainly set agreeing to help a biographer of her late Orner, a gay cartoonist who appears to be and Turner Prize recipient Grayson Per- in Chicago and Milwaukee, at the heart of husband. influenced as much by Alison Bechdel and ry
s Reith Lectures, Playing To The Gal- which is the authors cancer battle. Orient (Harper, 2015), the second nov- Howard Cruse as he is by Linda Barry and lery (Penguin, 2015), features the artist/ As
feisty as the man himself, Frank el by Interview Magazine editor Christo- Nicole Hollander, collects Orners comic author
s colorful and comical illustrations by (Farrar Straus strips, in black and white and in color, and text to aid gallery-goers in the pursuit Giroux, 2015) by about his (mostly) unlucky-in-love charac- of understanding what his hanging on the out retired con- ter, which ran in a variety of publications walls. gressman Barney from 1989 to 2005. Photographer Kike Arnal trains his lens Frank, allows the The intimate photos in Lyudmila and on Mexico City
s transgender community outspoken politi- Natasha (The New Press, 2015) by pho- in Bordered Lives (The New Press, 2015) cian to tell his story, tojournalist Misha Friedman follows a les- and in doing so attempts to challenge so-
from Bayonne to bian couple living in St. Petersburg, Rus- ciety
s preconceived notions of sexuality, Boston, in his own sia, as their relationship develops during gender, and beauty in Mexico and beyond. words  you can the period of a year. Poetsʼ corner – Queer poets Mark almost hear his dis- Described as
a book for kids  and Doty, C.P. Cavafy, James Merrill, Richard tinctive voice while their parents, teachers, and cool grown-up Blanco, Thom Gunn, W.H. Auden, Frank you read. friends, Rad American Women A-Z (City O
Hara, Elizabeth Bishop, and Allen Gins- Actress, activ- Lights, 2015) by Kate Schatz with illustra- berg, as well as Stephen Sondheim, are ist and writer Ma- tions by Miriam Klein Stahl, features queer among the folks getting a nod from poet ria Bello, author of heroines such as Angela Davis and Billie David Lehman in The State of the Art: A Whatever…Love Jean King in just the first couple of pages, Chronicle of American Poetry, 1988- 2014 is Love: Question- as well as trans activist Kate Bornstein, (University of Pittsburgh, 2015), which ing the Labels We collects all 29 of the forewords written by Give Ourselves Lehman for the annual Best American Po- (Dey Street, 2015) OUT in t etry anthologies. asks and answers he Angel Park (Tincture, 2015), the fabu- a series of a series Va lous debut poetry collection by Oakland- of questions such i lley based gay poet Roberto F. Santiago, a wel- as
Am I A Part- s coming come and refreshing voice on the scene, ner?,
Am I A Good features poetry touching on geography, Mom?,
Am I A Hu- to culture, sexuality, heritage and more. manitarian?,
Am I On Elizabeth Bishop (Princeton, 2015) A Feminist?,
Am I Enough? and
Am I pher Bollen, is a taut murder mystery set in by gay writer Colm Tóibín blends biogra- LGBT or W?, in this unusual take on the a community of transplanted artists in the Eastern phy and literary appreciation for the cel- memoir. titular
isolated town on the North Fork of ebrated lesbian poet as the author writes Jacqueline Roses Women In Dark Long Island. P anhandle about the connections he feels to Bishop, Times (Bloomsbury, 2015) examines the Set in a
pitiless, bleak, futuristic particularly in the way that her
experienc- lives of nine women: revolutionary socialist America, Haw (Harvard Square Editions, es of loss and exile resonate with his own. Rosa Luxembourg, painter Charlotte Sa- 2015), the debut novel by North Carolina- Dark Sparkler (Harper Perennial, lomon, movie star Marilyn Monroe,
honor based Sean Jackson is described as a Watch for our 2015), a poetry collection by actress and killing victims Shafilea Ahmed, Fadime
Brave New World for modern times by tribution writer Amber Tamblyn, focuses on the Sahindal and Heshu Yones, and visual art- writer Mitch Cullin. D is ons! theme of the
lives of women who glim- ists Esther Shalev-Gerz, Yael Bartana and Wendy Lees second novel, Across ocati mered on-screen and crashed in life, in- Thérèse Oulton, in a tome about establish- A Green Ocean (Kensington, 2015), in- L cluding Sharon Tate, Marilyn Monroe, Brit- ing
a new template for feminism. troduces us to closeted and un-tethered To advertise in these tany Murphy, Jayne Mansfield, Dana Plato, Subtitled
Conversations about Sexual gay man Michael and his immigration law- Frances Farmer, Jean Harlow, Dominique Orientation & Gender Identity, The Human yer sister Emily, coming to terms with the l ocal areas call Dunne and Anissa Jones. Agenda (Trans Über, 2015) by writer and death of their father. Prolific and award-winning gay poet activist Joe Wenke, features interviews A collaboration between trans writer Mary Jim Elledge returns with a brand new col- with The Noonday Demon author Andrew T Cooper, whose 2006 Lipschitz 6 or 1-410-802-1310 lection, Tapping My Arm For a Vein (Lethe Solomon, trans comedian Ian Harvie, Ru- Two Angry Blondes is a must read!, and Press, 2015), with several poems featuring Paulʼs Drag Race contestant Carmen Car- his wife Allison Glock-Cooper, Changers: more than a dozen poems about his char- rera, hip-hop artist Y-Love and others. Book Two – Oryon (Black Sheep/Akashic, acter
Mister. Fiction shelf – The fantastic JD (Uni- 2015) is the second in a series of YA nov- In More Money Than God (University versity of Wisconsin, 2015) by acclaimed els about
an ancient race of humans who of Pittsburgh, 2015), poet and childrens gay writer Mark Merlis ( American Studies ), must live out each year of high school as a book author Richard Michelson brings his is the writers first novel in a dozen years, completely different person. t

28 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM t 29 30 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM Ma

Jul

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM t 31 DINING OUT

the sweet potato fries and broccolini were wonderful compliments for the chicken. Nicks salmon was also tasty, and Nick es- pecially enjoyed the soy citrus glaze. Finger
s For dinner entrees, the Towson Tav- ern offers a variety of selections, ranging Food from Seared Ahi Tuna Steak ($25) served with soba noodles, ginger, grilled aspara- gus, red peppers, with soy sesame sauce; Towson Tavern Grilled Lamb Chop ($30), three double-cut 516 York Road chops, lyonnaise potatoes, braised broc- Towson, Maryland colini, with red demi glace; and Sausage 410-337-7210 & Pepper Tortellini ($18) served with cri- Towsontavern.com mini mushroom, shallot, grana padano with marinara. Of course it wouldnt be BY RICHARD FINGER a tavern if a traditional burger wasnt on Located nearby the college bar strip of the menu. The Tavern Burger ($16) con- York Road, the Towson Tavern makes it- sists of Creekstone Farms Black Angus self clear that it caters to an adult clientele, and comes with sweet potato fries, and just by the appearance. With sturdy brick, the
works, and claims to be voted Balti- stone, and wood decor, the structure looks mores Best! Well, perhaps Ill go back and inviting, and this was demon- strated by the cheerful mood of the patrons and the sincere welcome we received. On this warm spring evening, we opted to sit outside with a view of the roundabout. We were shown to a table and provided dinner and drink menus in short order. With most of the work week behind us, I was more than ready to relax and decompress. For me, a martini seems to do the trick. I decided on a choco- late one ($8.50), and my gosh, These days, smart seniors with one sip, I could already feel the stress in my brain be- are going back to class. gin to diminish. In my new pur- Bar grub? Au contraire! Fare for the palais sophistiqué suit of single-tasking, I decided At Roland Park Place. to let go of any work-thoughts, put my phone away, and be present with be the judge of that? my fiancé. I do think the combination of the The Towson Tavern also offers a vari- atmosphere and the wonderful martini was ety of appetizers, salads and sandwiches, It’s a smart choice to move into a carefree, continuing care community, conducive to this. After a few minutes of all of which will appeal to any appetite. with all its benefits. It’s an even smarter decision to choose Roland Park Place catching up on our weeks our server, An- Some of the sandwiches that caught my as your new home. thony, came to take our orders. attention are the Cajun Sirloin Baguette Towson Taverns executive chef is Ty- ($14), the Dill Chicken Salad ($9), and the Yes, Roland Park Place offers all the features you’re looking for in a premier son Splangler. While I hadnt heard of him Chipotle Shrimp Salad Wrap ($12). Prices senior lifestyle. The amenities are superb. The apartment homes and cottages before this visit, I was quite impressed with are quite reasonable, and I am sure will are well appointed. Roland Park Place also offers something you won’t likely his menu. From the dinner menu, I ordered make for an excellent lunch. find in other communities. Life here is like going back to class. Many residents the Half-Roasted Chicken ($19), I substi- The Towson Tavern is open daily and tuted the Gouda mac-n-cheese with sweet- serves lunch Monday through Friday from are former university professors, educators, business leaders, entrepreneurs potato fries, and the meal was served 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dinner is served Sunday and artists. So there are always stimulating activities, and the enriching with braised broccolini. Nick ordered the through Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m., Fri- company of like-minded individuals. Gruyere Crusted Salmon ($22), served day and Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m. The with roasted fingerling potatoes, blanched bar is open later. An added bonus is there haricot vert, with a soy citrus glaze. I was is complimentary valet parking, and in that Why not learn more right now? pleasantly surprised by the ample portion area of Towson, thats a really good thing. Call (410) 243-5700 or visit RolandParkPlace.org of both meals. I had joked that the chicken I highly recommend using the website had the appearance of Shake-n-Bake, but to make reservations for your visit. I can 830 W. 40th St. Baltimore, MD 21211 The educated choice. I assure you, it tasted like anything but. imagine as the weather improves, it will be (410) 243-5700 rolandparkplace.org Mixed with spices that give it a pleasant tough to score a table in this busy enclave kick, the chicken was wonderful. I thought of Towson. t

32 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM t 33 YOUR MONEY

high-performing organization that reaped the benefits of learning from itself. It is not necessary to have the big bud- The More you get of a pharmaceutical company, or the add or change files. Blu-ray burners start Know About buy-in from top leaders to get things start- Tech at about $90. Blu-ray 25 and 50 gigabyte ed. For example, when I managed a team Talk media have gotten quite reasonable  un- Business in the past, I challenged each member of der a dollar per disk either one  but 100 Richard Finger the team to forward an article about our David Sugar gigabyte media are still $10 to $20 a pop. business or our profession to be discussed Rewritable Blu-ray media offer a good op- during meetings. I found the team really tion for backup. A Culture o’ looked forward to sharing what they had Optical If you are running Mac OS X, Windows taken from the articles, and the discussion 7, or any other modern operating system was rich and fruitful. We then discussed Drive Options then using these portable optical drives is Learnin’ how any learning from the article could be as easy as connecting them to your com- applied to our organization. In a time where for New puter. Burning Blu-ray media may require A llittle while ago I came across an article we are all trying to do more with less re- special software, but there are free, open- about
A Culture of Learning in the May sources, it is often difcult to take the time Computers source options. Some Blu-ray burners re- issue of HR magazine that caught my in- to look outside and do the research. I set quire the power of two USB connections, terest. What is a learning culture? As de- the expectation with my direct reports that but at least one Samsung model gets by on fined by this article, it is a
community of learning was part of their jobs. Recently a co-worker of mine purchased a a single hookup. workers instilled with a growth mindset. Some leaders lack the humility it takes new laptop and came to me asking what Your other option if you dont want to A true learning organization creates the to learn from others. When leaders and to do since no optical drive was built into go out and purchase an external optical environment where continuous learning is managers are more approachable, employ- the laptop. As most you of may be aware drive would be to use one off of a desktop. instilled, knowledge is shared, and infor- ees are more likely to share their thoughts as computers have become more tablet- Now this assumes that you have a desktop mation is used to help in the organizations and learnings. A case in point is the Pikes like and portable its getting harder and with a CD- or DVD-ROM. Assuming that success. Place Fish Market in Seattle. The Fish Mar- harder to find an optical drive that can this is the case the easiest option here is I have been a part of many companies, and ket was going broke when the owner asked read or write CDs or DVDs included. And to take a USB key and copy the contents have heard of many companies that publicize his employees for ideas to generate more now Blu-ray disks are also available, both of the optical disk onto your USB key. In themselves as
high business. Fast- for watching movies and using for data most cases this should work if you are just performance orga- forward this backup, with capacities up to and soon ex- trying to retrieve documents from a CD or nizations. Some get story to present ceeding 100 gigabytes. So what are your install a program. away with this when day, and the options for accessing information off of I know that the options here are lim- nancial targets are Fish Market is all those old CDs, burning music to CDs, ited but keep in mind that these days less hit, but if one were to now the envy of burning a DVD, or using Blu-rays? and less software is being distributed on peel back the onion corporate Amer- The first and easiest option for most optical disks. Instead most software is re- just a bit, it isnt often ica, with leaders people would be to purchase an exter- trieved from the Internet. In fact these days that companies are asking them- nal DVD-ROM, running from around $20. when you purchase a copy of Microsoft Of- supporting a learn- selves how they These drives typically connect to a USB fice instead of getting a CD or DVD you get ing environment, or did it? I have port on your computer and they can burn a license key and information on how to supporting learning seen the owner both DVDs and CDs. (Luckily the format download the software to your computer. and development interviewed on wars between DVD-R and DVD+R are over Most programs for the Mac OS X can be initiatives. television many  the former standard is dominant and any- found through the app store and if you are Ideally, when Priming for business success? times over the way, current drives can handle both me- looking for Windows programs most can creating a cul- years, and he dia.) DVD-RW or CD-RW media can be be retrieved online. t ture of continuous does confess it erased and reused  but you have to erase E-mail David Sugar at outloudtech@ learning, securing buy-in from top leader- took a large effort for him to exhibit humil- the entire disk and cant incrementally gmail.com with your tech questions. ship in the company certainly helps, set- ity, and for him to actually listen to what his ting a tone and expectation that knowledge employees were saying. The story of the sharing is of utmost importance. My first sh market is a powerful one, and he also B4U-ACT promotes experience working with an organization testies that creating a coaching culture as professional services and whos philosophy was based on effective a key ingredient of its success. resources for self-identified collaboration to benefit the business was Regardless of organizational size, cre- when I held an HR position at a prominent ating a learning culture will be benecial. If individuals (adults and pharmaceutical company. Our Chief Infor- you are currently taking a course, signed up adolescents) who are sexually mation Officer supported the creation of a for a conference or seminar, or even if you attracted to minors and desire small Knowledge Management (KM) team. read an interesting article recently, share it such assistance. We educate The KM team was instrumental in assist- with your co-workers. You may be pleas- B4U-ACT, Inc. mental-health providers ing the organization to learn from previous antly surprised with the discussion. More- P.O. Box 1754 about understanding and failed attempts with the FDA for new drug over, taking this step will show others, and Westminster, MD 21158 responding to individu als with patents by utilizing a Lessons Learned your company, that you care about them these feelings. Come join the technique. Capturing the outcome of the enough to share your new knowledge with • 410-871-8156 conversation! discussion helped the organization file them. As Gandhi once said,
Live as if you • [email protected] b4uact.org several consecutive new drug patents for were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were many years. This is a great example of a to live forever. t

34 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM REAL ESTATE

Baltimore : in any effective way. The legal system had difculty qualifying abandoned property for city takeover at speeds faster than a crawl. Shades of Gray Baltimore’s government real estate ofce had too many bureaucrats, rules and tra- BY WAYNE CURTIS ditions for anyone to cut through them ef- The events in Baltimore City over the last ciently and make things happen, both for Jeffrey Greer & Gary Klicpera four weeks make writing about real estate the individual renovator or homeowner and difcult, because the unrest reminds every - for the large commercial real estate devel- Jeffery: 410-952-9943 Gary: 410-916-3866 one in this business that in no other eco- oper who had bigger ideas for entire blocks nomic area are the differences between of buildings. [email protected] or [email protected] wealth and poverty as stark as in real es- Its time for true reform in the ways this 6031 University Blvd 100 Ste, Ellicott City, MD, 210433533 410-740-7100 tate. There are huge swaths of the east city taxes its property, regulates its property, and west sides of Baltimore where massive and controls the property it owns. This will hulking wrecks of what were once spacious require a great deal of cooperation with An- elegant homes are vacant, boarded up and, napolis to cut through some of the red tape in some cases, falling in on themselves. and make it easier to condemn and take What does a city do when its population abandoned properties by eminent domain, declines by 400,000 people? How does it while at the same time reducing the barri- handle the exodus of wealth, the drop in tax ers to the resale and redevelopment of such revenue, the increase in poverty, the loss of properties  especially in the commerce- middle-class jobs that accompanies such a hungry communities of the east and west decline? sides. Reliable and safe public transporta- Baltimore, faced by a situation where tion needs to become a priority, so that all there were no proven solutions, chose to residents in the city can have access to the renovate its old industrial harbor and make jobs and economic centers that might help it a gleaming showcase that would rehabili- them improve their lives. tate the citys image, make it a tourist des- There will need to be an overhaul of a tination, and lure businesses back to the tax system that rewards property owners for central city. This approach, it was hoped, boarding up and holding on to dilapidated would spread out properties by lowering from downtown, their tax bills to insig- and give economic nicance, while pun - hope and pros- ishing with huge tax perity back to the increases the long- neighborhoods. For time owner-occupants a while it seemed who want to stay in to be working, but the city when its time too slowly. Water- to either upsize or front areas and downsize their living neighborhoods spaces. Large down- near educational town developments and cultural as- should no longer be sets were able to able to command successfully hold enormous, decades- their own and even long tax abatements come back from the that rob the city of depths of neglect. revenue in the areas Get farther away where its economy is from the longstand- thriving and starve the ing areas of eco- Not a laugh riot back in ʼ68, either areas that need gov- nomic health and ernment support to you found yourself barely get by. in a totally different world, where people had None of this will be easy or immediate. no transportation, no way to earn a living, But how can we, nearly fty years out from and where hope was fading. the riots of 1968, argue that the time has Efforts to push the good fortune fur- not come? t ther out into the brick forests of the east Wayne Curtis has been a licensed real and west sides, with names like
Vacants estate agent since 1998. In November, to Value,
Project 5000, or SCOPE (
Sell- 2012, he was named a Realtor Hero by the ing City Owned Property Efciently”), were National Association of Realtors for his work small-scale and just were not able to move promoting homeownership in Baltimore. fast enough or have enough capital behind Send questions to him at wayne@charmci- them to tackle the problems of Baltimore tyrealestate.com.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD MAY 15, 2015  BALTIMOREOUTLOUD.COM t 35 another leather title, Maryland Mr. Drum- know a very if some leather mer 2001. I won and the climb up the pyra- basic piece of titleholders are mid was complete, but the view was not information. It not. what I had imagined. surprised me The prob- Leather Fourteen years have gone by and the because not lem starts at Line view that this old leather titleholder is see- only is this per- the beginning. Rodney Burger ing is getting cloudier and more obstructed. son a member Contest pro- Some have even questioned the relevance of at least two ducers are so of leather titleholders in 2015. I still see a leather clubs, desperate for need. A good leather titleholder bridges the but he is also contestants Who Wants to gap between those who are members of a leather title- that anyone is the leather community and those who are holder. When I being encour- be a Leather apprehensive about leather folks. I can confronted him age to run for still remember an evening in 1999 when about this he a leather title. Titleholder ? I was at The Hippo and International Mr. explained that There is noth- Drummer 1999 Fraser Picard was walking no one taught ing wrong with across the room to say hello to me. I was him anything being relative- In a few days leather titleholders from all thrilled and couldnt imagine that Interna- and that his ly new to the over the country and even some from out- tional Mr. Drummer was walking up to me! leather title was leather com- side the U.S. will gather in Chicago for the (But that is what a good titleholder does.)
only a camp- munity. I love to International Mr. Leather 2015 Contest. I can also clearly remember an evening in ground title. So see someone There was a time when I really looked up 2001 when I was a leather titleholder and not all leather new take home to all leather titleholders. When I was first went up to speak to a young man at Grand titleholders need to know about leather? a title. It is how the family grows. (I only en- starting to get involved in the leather com- Central. He beamed and told me that I was Smaller titles dont count? When my leath- joy recycling on Tuesdays when I take the munity I felt that there was a hierarchy in the first leather titleholder who had ever er club started to add some new members can to the curb.) But the titleholder has to the community. First you had those who at- spoken to him! I was fortunate to have that were very new to the leather communi- be a little more than a person in an outfit. tended events and went to the leather bar. good mentors. ty, I started giving a little quiz at the begin- One may look really hot in a bus drivers They dressed in leather and were into the We also still need leather titleholders ning of each meeting. My thinking was that uniform, but at some point he is expected scene. Next were those who were mem- to produce fundraisers and events. I have if one is going to be a respected member of to actually drive the bus. A leather title is a bers of leather clubs. They worked the judged many contests and often contes- a leather club, that person should be able wonderful step on a leather journey, but it events and knew everyone. Above them tants have a current or prior title. It is al- to answer basic leather related questions. shouldnt be the first step. were the leaders of leather clubs. These ways disturbing to me to read those appli- There is so much information out there on Before clipping on that contestant num- folks produced the events and made things cations which contain what that person has the Internet that one really no longer has ber, do a little research. Dont just attend happen. At the top of the pyramid were the done during a title year. They often list ma- an excuse to be clueless. an event or bar night, introduce yourself. leather titleholders. These creatures had jor events that they have attended. I have Speaking of the Internet, Im grateful Do a little multitasking. Socialize and learn. be selected by their peers and were held attended Mamma Mia!, A Chorus Line, and that I didnt have all this social media to Unfortunately for some their multitasking up as role models and leaders. They were The Phantom of the Opera, but that does worry about during my title year  although skills are limited to peeing in the shower. ridiculously handsome and their leather not make me a Broadway performer! So if used correctly, Facebook can be a great No one expects a leather titleholder to was flawless. They were at the top of the you attended International Mr. Leather  way to promote events. Ive only been on know everything, but everyone expects a game. well, so did 15,000 other people. That is Facebook for over a year but have seen leather titleholder to know something. I re- I continued to attend leather events, not an accomplishment. Dont just attend way too much negativity and ugliness. Ive cently judged a leather contest and prior met lots of people, and in 1997 I joined something: volunteer, host a cocktail party, seen leather titleholders posting every little to the interview the producer informed the Marylands oldest leather club, the Ship- do something! I went to the movies the thought. Ive always lived by the motto that judges that he did not want any leather his- Mates. I became vice president and later other day, but I dont think Ill get an award public image is everything. Why post that tory questions asked. At first I didnt agree, president. In November of 2000 I was come Oscar time. you are very upset because someone told but after I thought about it awhile, he was thrilled to have been selected First Run- A leather titleholder should have some someone that you are not a good titlehold- right. The interview during a contest is so ner-Up to Mr. Maryland Leather 2001. In knowledge about the leather community. er? (Im sure it has nothing to do with your short and knowing names and dates tells March of 2001 I was encouraged to run for Last weekend one of my friends did not daily complaints. Ive been to Napa Valley very little about the contestant. Not that twice and didnt see that much wine. When leather history isnt important but the appli- I was not happy with my club I ran for of- cant can always learn that information as fice and worked to change it, but I guess he continues his journey. It is more impor- that was because I didnt have Facebook.) tant to learn about the individual and what People want a leader who will work for makes him tick. change not someone who complains about On Friday, May 8 folks gathered at The how things are while doing nothing. Loft for a benet for Mr. Maryland Leather And dont even get me started about 2015 Greg King as he prepares to head the pictures that get posted! The ones that for Chicago and represent our area in the irk me the most are the guys in khakis and International Mr. Leather 2015 Contest. I t-shirts wearing a big old leather sash that have already spoken to a few people who reads: Mr. Leather So-And-So. Really? The are thinking about entering the Mr. Mary- only picture more painful was the one of a land Leather 2016 Contest in November. I man who is not a leather titleholder wear- encouraged them to enter, but between now ing his friends sash. This was a major faux and November I hope they do a little prepa- pas in my day and I would hope that it still ration. It is quite a view from the top of that is. Leather titles need to be respected even pyramid  but it is well worth the climb! t

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