OUT November 18, 2011 | Volume IX Issue 14 Creating an AIDS-Free Generation of the American people through organiza- tions like the Clinton Foundation, which By Dana LaRocca She also spoke of access to treatment that she mentioned as one of her favorites, and In advance of the December 1 World AIDS helps prevent them from developing AIDS the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Day 2011, Secretary of State Hillary Rod- and passing the virus on to others. “At a time when people are rais- ham Clinton spoke about her goal for an The President’s Emergency Plan ing questions about America’s role in the C arrie Evans “AIDS Free Generation,” a goal which spearheads the work that lies ahead for world,” she said, “our leadership in global aligns with the AIDS Relief (PEP- health reminds them who we are and what Equality Maryland National HIV/ FAR), which was we do, that we are the nation that has done AIDS Strategy. launched in 2003 by more than any other country in history to Names New Clinton an- President Bush. save the lives of millions of people beyond nounced the goal The Secre- our borders.” Executive Director of creating an tary explained that The National Institutes of Health, where AIDS free gener- at that time only the Secretary spoke, was the focal point of ation. Speaking at 50,000 people in the earliest research at a time when doctors By Kevin Naff the National Insti- Sub-Saharan Africa knew very little about the disease. That was Washington Blade tutes of Health, in were receiving the three decades ago. Now we know a great Equality Maryland has selected vet- Bethesda Mary- drugs that would deal more the Secretary said, “Thirty years eran activist Carrie Evans, a former land she said that keep them alive, later, we also know a great deal about the Human Rights Campaign staffer, as the United States now that number virus itself. We understand how it is spread, its new executive director after con- is committed to a Hillary Rodham Clinton has exceeded 5 mil- how it constantly mutates in the body, how it ducting a national search. generation where photo: Michael Gross / US State Department lion. Much of the hides from the immune system. And we have In an exclusive interview with virtually no chil- funding for those turned this knowledge to our advantage – the Washington Blade, Evans ex- dren are born with the virus, and where drugs has come from PEPFAR. In addi- developing ingenious ways to prevent its pressed confidence that Maryland as children become teenagers and adults tion to government funding, funding for transmission and dozens of drugs that keep will become the next state to enact they will be at a far lower risk of infection. research has come from the generosity —continued on page 2 same-sex marriage rights. “The stars are aligned this year,” Evans said. “We have the votes in the Senate … and in the House the Mayor Focuses on the Transgender Day of Remembrance governor, along with a coalition of supporters, will work the House like By Corey Reidy ed speeches by Reverend David Carol Ol- faith inherently speak with a moral and it wasn’t worked last year.” On Tuesday, November 15, 2011, at 10 son, Minister of the First Unitarian Church ethical voice.” Evans previously worked for a.m., members of Baltimore’s transgender of Baltimore and Ms. Falina Laron, HIV He declares that it is true, faith com- Equality Maryland as director of pol- community and their allies came to Balti- Outreach Worker from AIDS Action Balti- munities do speak from an ethical stance, icy and planning from 2007-2009. more’s City Hall to hear Mayor Stephanie more. Reverend and that those who proclaim She left the organization shortly af- Rawlings-Blake make a proclamation in Olson has long themselves moral must, “… re- ter its then-executive director, Dan honor of this year’s Transgender Day of been an ally to new the promise to walk with Furmansky, resigned in late 2008. Celebration and the annual Transgender the transgender them [the trans-community] in Prior to that experience, Evans Day of Remembrance. community, not ways that are just, and free, and spent time at both HRC and the Na- “It pains me when I hear stories of dis- only through host- filled with love.” tional Gay & Lesbian Task Force. crimination, biased hatred and violence ing the weekend’s Falina Laron spoke to the au- She served as state legislative law- against transgender individuals. And, I activities at his dience both from a well-versed yer for the Task Force in the early know it’s important, particularly since we church, but also activist’s perspective, around 2000s and later in a similar role at lost one of our Baltimore City community by solidly organiz- trans-issues, and as a transwom- HRC, where she worked from 2003- members this year, that we have this day ing around the two photo: Clayton Conn an who immediately recognizes 2007. of remembrance to bring awareness and days’ numerous that a disproportionate majority Since leaving Equality Maryland make sure that people understand that it’s details. Olson made it apparent his fully of people, targeted for hate crimes, are in 2009, Evans has worked for the not acceptable to scapegoat and to target embraced conviction that the faith com- low-income, transgender, and from com- City of Baltimore in the housing de- transgender individuals,” Mayor Stephanie munity has an extreme amount of power munities of color. Her speech was weight- partment. Rawlings-Blake, in an exclusive interview when it comes to politically and socially ed by the call to accept the reality that, “... “It feels like coming home,” Ev- with Baltimore OUTloud. controversial trans-issues because the stigma, disrespect, and even violence, are ans said. “This is an organization The Mayor’s Press Conference includ- public assumes, “... that communities of —continued on page 4 —continued on page 4 news // INTERNATIONAL Ellen DeGeneres Named Envoy for Global AIDS Awareness During a major address on November 8, AIDS-free generation. The enormous plat- are thrilled that we have someone like El- Co-Publishers 2011 on HIV/AIDS at the National Institutes form of your television show and your social len DeGeneres on our team to raise aware- Jim Becker • Jim Williams of Health, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham media channels will enable you to reach ness that we are on the path to beating this [email protected] Clinton announced that Ellen DeGeneres millions of people with the strong and hope- devastating disease. We at PEPFAR look Executive Editor has been named as a Special Envoy for forward to working with her to deliver a Jim Becker ful message that we can win this fight.” [email protected] Global AIDS Awareness. “I’m honored to have been chosen by positive and hopeful message that we can Managing Editor In this role, Ms. DeGe- Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton work together to put an end to AIDS.” Dana LaRocca neres will use her celebrity as Special Envoy for Global AIDS aware- Through “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” [email protected] platform to raise aware- ness. The fight against AIDS is something Ms. DeGeneres reaches millions of people Production Director ness about the global fight that has always been close to my heart. every day, including 8 million followers on Bill Andriette against AIDS. In a letter to And I’m happy that I can use my platform Twitter and 5.8 million Facebook fans. On Sales Director Ms. DeGeneres, Secretary and off screen, the Emmy award-winning Mary Taylor to educate people and spread hope. Now, [email protected] Clinton stated, “By lend- if you’ll excuse me, I have to go look up entertainer is involved in several humani- Ellen Leather Columnist ing us your energy, com- DeGeneres what “envoy” means,” said talk show host tarian causes including anti-bullying; ani- Rodney Burger passion, and star power mal rescue and rehabilitation; and breast Ellen DeGeneres. Contributing Writers to serve as our Special Envoy for Global Ambassador Eric Goosby, head of the cancer awareness. Ellen has previously Shawn Bradley • Cathy Brennan • Terrence Brower • AIDS Awareness, your words will encour- President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Re- worked with the advocacy organization Steve Charing • Jeffrey Clagett • Jeffrey Clouser • Chuck Duncan • Gerry Fisher • Eva Hersh MD • Sam Kunz • Jessica Lemmo • age Americans in joining you to make their lief (PEPFAR), said, “At this historic mo- ONE to raise awareness about the fight Jay Loane • Meredith Moise • Vann Mills • Colin Riley • voices heard in our campaign to achieve an ment in our global fight against AIDS, we against AIDS. t Gregg Shapiro •

Graphics Joe Velasquez • Bob Wellington Creating an AIDS-Free Cartoonist ple do become HIV-positive, recent science Warren said that in the coming months, Bruce Garrett (www.brucegarrett.com) Generation has shown that treatment with anti-retrovi- it would be critical for the Obama Admin- – continued from front page Photographers ral drugs helps prevent the transmission of istration to build on the plan that she out- Bruce Garrett • Jay W Photos • Justin Nixon the virus to others. Effective treatment of a lined. “This is truly a new era in the AIDS millions of people alive.” Web Editor person living with HIV reduces the risk of response, with unprecedented opportuni- Anja Saine She said that in Sub-Saharan Africa, transmission to a partner by 96%. ties. Research has brought us a host of new [email protected] where 60 percent of the people with HIV Managed Web Services In her remarks, Secretary Clinton is- ways to prevent HIV, but we have a long The Fusio Group are female, it has left a generation to grow sued a specific call to action to the world to way to go before realizing their full poten- 866-322-7498, www.thefusiogroup.com up without mothers, fathers and teachers. achieve the goal of an AIDS-free generation. tial. Having identified these key areas, the National Advertising Rep In some communities, she said, “the only Rivendell Media Mitchell Warren, head of AVAC, the US needs to continue to show leadership growth industry was the funeral business.” 908-232-2021 AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition, praised by articulating a clear plan with milestones “Finally, after 30 years, we know a great Founders Secretary Clinton’s remarks saying that for progress. Other developed and develop- deal about ourselves. The worst plague of Jim Becker • Joe Berg • Mike Chase • she, “rightly recognized that this is an era ing country governments, communities and Lee Mooney (1959-2007) • Jim Williams our lifetime brought out the best in humanity. of unprecedented opportunity for changing donors need to show leadership, ownership Around the world, governments, businesses, the course of the AIDS epidemic and mak- and initiative as no single nation can end Baltimore OUTloud faith communities, activists, individuals from t P.O. Box 3640, Baltimore, Maryland 21214 ing an AIDS-free generation a reality.” the epidemic on its own,” he added. 410-244-6780 every walk of life have come together, giv- www.baltimoreoutloud.com ing their time, their money – along with their heads and hearts – to fight AIDS,” she added. Additional Information Three key scientific interventions have Baltimore OUTloud is published every other Friday by Pride Media, Ltd. in Baltimore, Maryland. Readers comments and been identified as pivotal in achieving an AIDS unsolicited materials are welcomed and may be sent to: editor@ free generation: stopping mother-to-child trans- baltimoreoutloud.com. All materials appearing in this newspaper mission, expanding voluntary male circumci- are the property of Pride Media, Ltd. and may not be reproduced without the written permission of the editor. sion, and scaling up treatment as prevention. 1) Prevention of mother-to-child trans- mission: Today, 1 in 7 new infections world- wide occur through mother-to-child trans- mission. In 2010, PEPFAR helped prevent 114,000 babies from being born with HIV. In June, PEPFAR and UNAIDS launched a global plan for eliminating new infections among children by 2015. 2) Voluntary medical male circumci- The opinions expressed in Baltimore OUTloud are solely those of sion: This low-cost procedure reduces the writers unless otherwise indicated and do not necessarily reflect Panel discussion on marriage equality – Cedarhurst Unitarian Universalists (CUU), a the views of Pride Media, Ltd. the risk of female-to-male transmission by welcoming congregation based in Finksburg, Maryland in Carroll County, launched more than 60 percent. It is a one-time in- its first installment in the series Issues on Social Justice. On November 13, following tervention with a lifelong benefit. PEPFAR © 2011 – All rights reserved the screening of the film I Can’t Marry You, a panel discussion on the status of mar- Chair of the Board of Trustees – Jim Becker has financed three-fourths of the one mil- riage equality in Maryland took place. Seated on the panel from left: PFLAG icon June President – Jim Williams Secretary and Treasurer – Mike Chase lion male circumcisions for HIV prevention Horner, contributing writer for Baltimore OUTloud Steve Charing, and an engaged cou- around the world since 2007. ple Allison and Stephanie. For more information about CUU, visit Cedarhurstuu.org. 3) Treatment as prevention: Once peo- photo: Bob Ford

2 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com Through its Creating Change conference, the Task Force gave me, and many others, the confidence, skills and help I needed to be a leader in my community.

Rep. Laurie Jinkins 27th LD, Washington State Legislature

The largest annual gathering of activists, organizers and leaders in the LGBT movement

January 25–29, 2012 Hilton Baltimore Maryland www.CreatingChange.org

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We’re still looking for host committee members and volunteers. If you live in the Baltimore area, go to www.CreatingChange.org and look at “Wanna Help?” in the main menu.

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 3 news // LOCAL

Equality MD Names New essential.” according to Polyak. She added that the of gender nonconforming and transgender Executive Director If the marriage bill passes, many are organization is debt-free and operating in lives stolen through suicide, in recognition – continued from front page concerned about a likely referendum to re- the black. that discriminatory hate enacts homicide peal the measure in 2012. Evans acknowl- In addition to Evans, the organization via multiple methods. that is like a dear friend to me… and the edged the uphill fight in taking on a refer- employs two full-time staff members – an The Transgender Day of Celebration stakes are high, marriage is on the table, endum fight. office manager and a field organizer. (TDoC) is set for November 19, 2011, in as well as the gender identity bill. We have “In referendums, wins are few and far Evans lauded the efforts of the mar- an effort to visibly honor a community that a whole new board of tremendously ac- between,” she said. “ It takes an infusion riage coalition. is often publicly incorrectly defined solely complished people and I can hit the ground of resources that may not transpire. It’s re- “I think this is where we’re going as a through tragedy; as well as to empower running – it’s full speed ahead.” freshing that the coalition is together now, movement,” she said. “We saw it in New gender nonconforming/transgender indi- The board expressed confidence in its so that come April when the session ends York. All the players get to the same table viduals to advocate for their rights/realities. new executive director. we can move into executing a plan to keep and work as partners. I think it’s a good Owen Smith, activist and Field Organizer “The executive director search com- this off the ballot or win at the ballot box. thing.” for Equality Maryland, encapsulated the im- mittee, led by board treasurer Rosemary It’s winnable but will take a large effort and Evans, 41, starts her new position the portance of TDOR and TDoC, saying, “TDoR Nicolosi and comprised of local and nation- the community will have to step up like first week of December. She lives in Bal- is something that we always have to do. We al leaders in the LGBT movement, spent never before.” timore with her spouse, Pam Bennett, a don’t move forward without recognizing the hundreds of hours sifting through resumes It’s been a tough year for Equality professor at Johns Hopkins University. The spirit of those who’ve come before us and and conducting interviews,” said Equality Maryland, which saw both a transgender two married in 2009 on their 10th anniver- what they’ve done – their experience and Maryland board chair Lisa Polyak. “We t rights bill and a same-sex marriage mea- sary. their lives lived. TDoR is a really important were charged with finding a leader who sure fail in the 2011 legislative session. Lou Chibbaro Jr. contributed to this re- thing and we’re glad that it happens annu- possessed courage, intelligence, strategic And the announcement of the new execu- port. ally. This Day of Celebration came from a de- thinking and passion for achieving justice tive director comes less than a year after sire of people here, in the trans-community, for the LGBT community of Maryland – and Equality Maryland struggled with financial wanting to do more. Not only to remember we believe we have found that leader in problems and disagreements among board people but also, ‘What do we do from here? Carrie Evans.” members that led to the firing of its execu- Where do we go? What can we do?’ A Day As for the marriage bill, Evans said the Transgender Day of tive director and the layoff of most of its of Celebration is a way of having an action to House of Delegates will become her focus. Remembrance staff due to a lack of funds to pay sala- go along with this memory.” “It’s a freshman class in the House that ries. Its former board chair, Charles Butler, – continued from front page I’ll have to get acquainted with,” she said. stepped down in May just one week after Political power “The House is where we need to pick up he publicly blamed the group’s former ex- far too often the shared [transgender] ex- 2011 brought local visibility to transgen- some votes.” ecutive director, Morgan Meneses-Sheets, perience.” She made a distinct appeal for der issues, in a manner unforeseen. Mani- Reflecting on the 2011 effort to pass a for the organization’s financial problems. the trans-community and its allies to make fested through the failure of last year’s HB same-sex marriage bill, which died in the Meneses-Sheets, whom the board fired a commitment to working together, utilizing 235 Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination Act, House after passing the Senate, Evans in April, rejected Butler’s claim that she en- all methods from education to legislation, the tragic death of Tyra Trent, and the mass- said there was a lack of familiarity with the tered into expensive contracts on behalf of in order to make a Baltimore safe place for publicized gender-based attack on Chrissy freshman class. Equality Maryland and hired staff without all of its citizens. Lee Polis – the political terrain is now pow- “The House changed more than folks the board’s approval or knowledge. In a Transgender Day erfully aware of trans-issues. had realized,” she said. “So we were used messy public fight, Butler and Meneses- of Remembrance and The organizing of this year’s to the old House, but we had more Repub- Sheets each told the Blade that the other Transgender Day of Cel- TDoR/TDoC is stirred with the licans and untested Democrats, like Tiffany shared the blame for a funding shortage ebration. vehement emotion of setting Alston, so … it was a crap shoot with the that threatened to force the group to close November 20th, 2011, fire-to-flames and begetting vote count.” its doors. marks the 13th anniver- real and lasting change. For One key difference looking ahead to In the wake of the group’s troubles, sary of The Transgender TDoR’S organizers, it is obvi- the 2012 session, which begins in Janu- a new organization called Gender Rights Day of Remembrance ous that creating real change ary, is the overt support of Gov. Martin Maryland was launched to lead efforts (TDoR). The memorial be- plays out through a diversity O’Malley. for a comprehensive gender identity non- gan in 1999, to remember of tactics. Many state their “It’s a totally different ballgame this discrimination bill and a new coalition of the yet unsolved murder of desire to work more closely year with the governor behind it,” Evans groups including HRC came together to Rita Hester, on November with the city. Many state said. “The governor’s office is going to be advocate for a same-sex marriage bill in 28, 1998. Rita Hester’s life their belief that legislation more hands on.” 2012. was cut short due to anti- is the pivotal goal in achiev- The marriage bill isn’t Equality Mary- photo: Clayton Conn But several recent developments sug- transgender fear, discrimi- ing trans-rights. Others state land’s only priority. It’s also pushing a gest that Equality Maryland is getting back nation, and hatred. education, community based measure to bar discrimination based on on its feet. The group held a fundraiser TDoR serves to mourn those lost at advocacy, and grassroots activism is the gender identity and expression. headlined by Gov. Martin O’Malley in Sep- the hands of hatred. The day also aims to method most effectively utilized. “They took out public accommodations tember that brought in about $70,000. An- remember the lives of those that are his- As the press conference ended and this year because of the misinformation other fundraiser is planned for December torically erased, on mass-scale, by a world the crowd dispersed, there were tangible about bathrooms and locker rooms… so in Baltimore. Last month, Equality Mary- that habitually refuses to accept gender certainties: Mayor Rawlings-Blake publicly we just have to give voice to our trans- land announced the appointment of 16 nonconforming and transgender individu- declared her commitment to working for gender supporters,” Evans said. “We have new members to its board of directors and al’s innate humanity. trans-rights. She also attracted media and work to do in forging those relationships its tax-exempt educational arm, the Equal- Baltimore has annually observed TDoR political attention to TDoR and TDoC. An- so it’s a lot of heavy lifting; hopefully the ity Maryland Foundation. by reading the names of those whose lives other tangible certainty is that this weekend governor will put his support behind the Equality Maryland is a full partner in were taken because of their gender identi- various individuals will gather to celebrate, trans bill like he has for the marriage bill. the Marylanders for Marriage Equality co- ty or expression. This year, the organizers remember, and mourn human lives lost for We want to move him to that place, that’s alition and part of its steering committee, of TDoR have agreed to include the names inhumane reasons. t 4 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com news // LOCAL World AIDS Day in B’more

The Living Red Ribbon The B’more Aware of HIV: The Living The Partnership for Life, a joint venture Red Ribbon event will be held on World between AIDS Interfaith Residential Ser- Aids Day, December 1, at the Physical Ed- vices, Moveable Feast, and Chase Brex- ucation Complex at Coppin, from 9 a.m. to ton, is collaborating with Coppin State Uni- 3 p.m. 2500 W. North Ave, Baltimore, MD versity in an event; B’more Aware of HIV: 21216 The Living Red Ribbon. The event will feature a Guinness Choirs & candles World Record attempt to gather more On the evening of December 1, the Steven than 3,800 individuals standing in solidar- Kaufman AIDS Outreach Project and the ity in recognition of HIV/AIDS to create Creative Alliance’s H. Alexander Satorie- the World’s Largest Robinson will host Living Red Ribbon Choirs & Candles in Formation. The day honor of World AIDS will also include free Day. Lea Gilmore will HIV testing, refresh- join with Baltimore ments, entertain- Men’s Chorus, New ment, a health fair Wave Singers, and and workshops. Positive Voices for this The Baltimore event at the Creative Metropolitan Area Alliance at 7:30 p.m. has been dispropor- Creative Alliance at tionately affected by The Patterson, 3134 HIV/AIDS due to in- Eastern Avenue, Balti- creasing numbers of sexually transmitted more Maryland. The proceeds benefit Broth- diseases and intravenous drug use. Over er, Help Thyself. 29,000 in this area are living with AIDS and Brother, Help Thyself is a community- Maryland has the fourth highest number of based organization that provides financial new cases in the United States. There may support to non-profit organizations serving be as many 9,000 Marylanders that are the GLBTQ and HIV/AIDS community in the HIV positive that do not even know it. Baltimore/Washington, D.C. metro area. t copyright Bruce2011 © Garrett

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 5 news // national Michigan Attempts License to Bully Shelley Hillard Brutally Murdered Backs down under pressure 19 year old Shelley Hillard’s body was The body of Shelley Hilliard, a trans- found, burnt, and covered with a mattress, gender also known as Henry, was found on Michigan’ anti-bullying bill, SB137, granted an stripped of the amendment. on November 10, on the Detroit’s east side on Be- exception in an amendment that said, “This Some had speculated that the chickens east side of Detroit, Michi- wick, just a torso that had section does not prohibit a statement of a sin- could come home to roost; with budding gan. The teen had been been set on fire and cov- cerely held religious belief or moral conviction young Jihadists attacking those they perceive missing since October 23. ered with a mattress. of a school employee, school volunteer, pupil, to be the Infidel. That may have been Sword All that remained of her was Detroit’s Transgender or a pupil and parent or guardian.” of Damocles that caused State Senator Rick her torso, identifiable only Day of Remembrance will While the bill was largely meant to pro- Jones, the sponsor of the amendment, to say, by a tattoo. She had been be held on Friday, Novem- tect LGBT students the Republican backed on November 14, that he would drop the lan- decapitated, dismembered, ber 18, where she will be amendment had provided a way out for any guage from the bill. and burned. Police had remembered. So far this student who chose to terrorize another to do For a while, the chances seemed good searched for Shelly, who year about 20 people have so with impunity. They need merely to state that Michigan would be the first state in the also goes by Treasure, for S helley Hillard been identified as having that they have a religious or moral convic- union to write into law a code that would al- over two weeks. lost their lives as a re- tion. The Michigan Messenger reported that low children and teachers to do direct harm Shelly’s mother, accord- sult of being transgender, State Senator Glenn Anderson said, “I have to children they just don’t like very much. ing to a report in the Detroit Free Press, said or perceived to be transgender. This will been working for years to pass legislation to Christian teachers would have been able to that three men had waited for her when she be the ninth year that the day has been provide a safe school environment for all of publicly ridicule Muslims and Jews with the arrived home. She had attempted to call the memorialized in Detroit, which began 13 our students. This bill goes in the exact oppo- same level of ignorance as fundamentalists cab driver who had just dropped her off. years ago internationally. t site direction and in fact provides a license to handing out Chick Tracts on the corner. The bully.” Now the amendment has earned that difference being that the children are a cap- title. He also said, “To the families of the ten tive audience. They cannot just walk away. reported suicides that were directly linked to The giant step backward has been avert- bullying and the countless others that have ed for now. However, the legislature is in re- gone unreported, this bill adds insult to injury.” cess until November 29, it remains to be seen At 26-11, the bill passed with the Li- whether the Republicans will allow the bill to cense to Bully amendment. It went to pass in the Senate without the religious lan- the House on November 10 where it was guage. t Experience save the date: 12.01.2011 Bryn Mawr: at the Physical Education Complex of Coppin State University A legacy of innovative education for girls. The 2011 Living Red Ribbon event brings greater awareness about HIV/AIDS on the 30th Anniversary of the first reported infections. Come and be a part of history as we get set to break the Guinness World Record for the Largest Living Red Ribbon Formation. This evenT includes: healTh Fair hiv screenings reFreshmenTs enTerTainmenT and more!

Bryn Mawr’s Fall Visiting Days Baltimore Grades 6–8 Grades 9–12 OUTAN INDEPENDENT VOICE FOR THE LESBIAN, GAY,loud BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY November 30 December 1 Registration is on-site only from 9 a.m. -11:30 a.m. at the Physical Education Complex of Coppin Information and registration: State University. Participants will receive a red hooded poncho to wear in the ribbon formation. www.brynmawrschool.org/fvd 410-323-8800 x1232 www.bmoreaware.org

6 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com beyond the beltway compiled by Jim Becker Europe’s economic Phoenix Arizona State lesbian Massachusetts crisis has deadly Transgender center sorority holds Woman charged in effect buys building Founder’s Week murder of spouse

Athens, Greece – (Reuters) – ‘Conta- Phoenix, AZ – This is HOW, a nonprofit Phoenix, AZ – Arizona State University’s Granby, MA. – Just after 7 p.m. on March gion’ is the label financial markets use for crisis intervention agency that provides Gamma Rho Lambda Sorority will cele- 28, 2010, in Granby, Massachusetts, po- the economic spread of the Greek crisis. services to transgender people in need, brate its first Founder’s Week with a talent lice responded to a 911 call and discov- For hundreds of is celebrating show to raise money for Maricopa Coun- ered Annamarie Cochrane Rintala’s life- people in an in- the success of ty Animal Care and Control. The show less body in her basement, covered in creasingly cha- its “Our Own on Nov. 18 also will be hosted by Delta paint. Her wife, Cara Rintala, was holding otic society, the Place” capi- Lambda Phi, the university’s LGBT frater- her body on her lap, crying “Oh my God, word has a dead- tal campaign nity, and MU she’s dead.” The couple were married and lier meaning. with a new After Dark, lived with their 4-year-old daughter. Cara In 2009 Greece home and an the ASU Me- Rintala told police her wife had slipped. had detected not open house on morial Union The medical examiner’s report determined a single case of a mother transmitting the Nov. 26. “We organization that Annamarie Cochrane Rintala’s death AIDS virus to her child, according to the achieved what that stag- occurred between noon and 2 p.m. that Hellenic Center for Diseases Control and e v e r y b o d y es events. day. The cause of death was strangula- Prevention, a public health agency fund- thought was M e m b e r s tion and the body showed evidence of ex- ed by the Health Ministry. But no longer; i m p o s s i b l e , ” from the sorority also plan to volunteer tensive bruising and deep, jagged scalp this year a Ukrainian woman and her baby said Antonia at the animal shelter on Nov. 19 and col- wounds. On October 19 after an 18-month tested HIV positive. D’orsay, execu- lect donations and pet supplies, such as investigation, police arrested Cara Rinta- Greece’s safety net is fraying, nowhere tive director of blankets and toys, for the organization la while she was driving in Rhode Island, more so than in the health system. Spend- This Is HOW. “We don’t believe in impos- throughout Founder’s Week. where she now lives. The couple’s daugh- ing by Greeks on health is falling 36 per- sible.” Melissa Lillo, a member of the sorority ter was in the car at the time of the arrest cent this year, according to the National The group launched its fundraising ef- since 2008, said through its philanthropic and is reported to be with family. School of Public Health. fort in late July after learning that the owner events the sorority hopes to broaden its Cara Rintala pleaded not guilty in Including the government and private of its rental property was losing the home community and get more people involved Hampshire Superior Court to a charge of individuals, the country spent around 25 to foreclosure. Rather than risk another in its charity and activist efforts. On Nov. first-degree murder. Northwestern Dis- billion euros, or roughly 10 percent of rental, D’orsay said This is HOW chose to 20, the sorority will have a banquet for so- trict Attorney David Sullivan said he has GDP, on both public and private health in invest in its future by purchasing its own rority members and alumni. enough evidence to make a conviction in 2010; in 2011 that will be 16 billion. Just 10 residence. The group had just weeks to Founder’s Week will celebrate the the case. billion or so is government spending on the raise $20,000 as a down payment or else emergence of the first chapter in the first This appears to be the first alleged ho- public health sector. risk shutting down, potentially leaving its national lesbian sorority in the nation. micide in Massachusetts involving a mar- The effect of that is most visible on the residents homeless. Donors rallied, con- The group was organized by 12 women in ried same-sex couple. Cara Rintala told edges of society. Heroin use and prostitu- tributing $20,000, including a $5,000 grant 2003. Ashley Carter, secretary of Gamma police that the day of the murder she was tion are up. Drug addicts and illegal immi- from Phoenix Pride. Phoenix Pride’s dona- Rho Lambda and a member since 2010, out shopping with the couple’s daughter so grants with HIV say clean needles, heroin tion will be recognized with a plaque on the said that the sorority has 12 active mem- Annamarie could sleep. substitutes and antiretroviral treatments front of the house. “Our capital campaign bers and eight pledges. The Gamma Rho Prosecutors say the cell phone records are harder to come by. The pace of HIV was a complete success,” said D’orsay. Lambda national sorority has eight chap- tell a different story, with many texts and infection is surging. The latest available “We owe it all to the community. And we ters and three colonies. phone calls from Cara to Annamarie, none United Nations figures, from 2009, show are ecstatic to have had this opportunity Janette Smith, one of the founders of answered. They also allege the crime that 11,000 people, or 0.1 percent of the and we’re so thankful to everybody.” the ASU Gamma Rho Lambda, said that scene had been cleaned up by the time the Greek population, had HIV/AIDS, a third Paying down a mortgage instead of the sorority began as a space for young police arrived. A laundry basket covered a the rate in the United States. But in the paying rent to a landlord gives This is HOW women to develop friendships with other bloodstain. first five months of 2010, Greece had 255 a solid financial basis, D’orsay said. The LGBT females and serve the LGBT com- The couple was together for nearly 10 new HIV cases. Over the same period this group will soon host classes and provide munity. years, and both worked as paramedics for year, there were 384 new cases – an in- training on trans issues for social service Smith said that she initially didn’t plan local fire departments. Prosecutors de- crease of more than 50 percent. agencies, first responders and other LGBT to join the sorority. She said that she be- scribe the relationship as one headed for By comparison in the United States, organizations. The group is also launching came one of the original members be- divorce with mutual physical and emotional cases are increasing by around 7 percent the AZ Trans Awards, a program to honor cause she had developed strong bonds abuse. annually. trans people and allies, and is opening an with other members. “When it came time The couple was also in financial trou- The World Health Organization recom- affiliate house in the Los Angeles area, to be inducted, I realized what a great little ble. Each had taken restraining orders out mends that 200 clean syringes are provid- D’orsay said. “We are truly ahead of every- family we had,” Smith said. “We developed against the other and an investigation by ed per drug user per year, to limit HIV in- body else in the United States right here,” strong friendships that exist today.” Smith the Department of Social Services found fection. Greece has been providing three, D’orsay said. “We’re the only ones who said the sorority has served as a support that their daughter had been neglected. In the Hellenic Center says. “It is proven that have the programs we have, we’re the only system for LGBT people and allies, includ- an alarming trend, domestic violence ad- the more money spent on health, the lower ones who have the capabilities we have. ing those lacking a family support system. vocates have identified seven domestic the fatality (rate). Cuts in health will affect Now that we’re in a better position we’re She said that the sorority helped her to violence-related homicides involving LGBT lives,” said epidemiologist Georgios Niko- going to continue to grow, move forward develop conflict resolution, communication couples in Massachusetts in the past 18 lopoulos, who tracks HIV rates at the Hel- and make a difference nationwide.” (Echo and leadership skills. (Echo Magazine – By months. (Bay Windows – Sue O’Connell at lenic Center. (Reuters) Magazine – at Echomad.com) Laura Latzko at Echomag.com) Baywindows.com) BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 7 b heyond t e beltway

PA gay community New Jersey decades of existence, the WTT Smash turing and Reinventing approved two bills Hits have raised over $10 million for char- that would eliminate benefits for unmarried in dispute over marriage suit ity. Funds benefited the Elton John AIDS partners of public employees. The bills youth groups moves ahead Foundation and the AIDS Taskforce of would prevent government bodies from of- Greater Cleveland with a third or $180,000 fering the benefits, and block unions from staying in Cleveland. Taskforce execu- including them in collective bargaining Philadelphia, PA – The Pennsylvania Stu- Trenton, NJ – A New Jersey Superior tive director Tracy Jones said, “We are so agreements. The bills passed along party dent Equality Coalition is pressing Equality Court judge last week allowed a lawsuit thrilled to have been a part of it. . . We can- lines. A month earlier, the bills passed the Pennsylvania to shutter its Student Net- that seeks to secure marriage equality in not thank Sir Elton John, Billie Jean King Michigan House of work Across Pennsylvania program, from the state to proceed. Superior Court As- and all of the players enough for helping Representatives which PSEC developed. Six months ago, signment Judge Linda Feinberg ruled last us raise these much-needed dollars. Every on a 64-44 vote. students involved with SNAP broke from Friday that the plaintiffs, a group of same- penny will be put to work helping our cli- McMillin’s bill, Equality PA sex couples and LGBT organization Gar- ents live healthier, stronger lives and con- which is identical to launch den State Equality, should be allowed to dem- tinue to help us fight the further spread of to one passed last the inde- onstrate in court that the state’s civil-union HIV,” she continued. spring in Tennes- p e n d e n t , law is failing. A trial date was not yet set. In addition to the exhibition games see, would pro- s t u d e n t - In 2006, the New Jersey Supreme featuring some major tennis names, a live hibit municipali- run PSEC. Court ordered the state legislature to pro- auction sold off some hugely impressive ties from passing Rep. Tom McMillin Jason Lan- vide same-sex couples the same rights items. Included among these were two pia- rights protections dau Good- afforded to heterosexual couples, which no benches signed by Elton John, 45-min- beyond what is offered at the state level. man, PSEC executive director, asserted lawmakers did by legalizing civil unions. In ute hitting sessions with Andy Roddick and It would void LGBT anti-discrimination pro- that the similarity of the missions of the two 2010, after the legislature failed to extend Martina Navratilova, packages with tickets tections in 14 Michigan cities. McMillin’s entities has become problematic. “We liter- full marriage rights to same-sex couples, and accommodation for the French Open, statements in favor of it are also identi- ally came from this program but this pro- the plaintiffs, represented by Lambda Le- the U.S. Open, cal to ones used by bill sponsors in Ten- gram is now being used to duplicate our gal, filed suit, arguing that the law is not Wimbledon and nessee: to create uniform laws across the work,” Landau Goodman said. widely understood, leading to discrimina- the Super Bowl, as state. He also cried discrimination against According to its mission statement, tion. The suit argued the civil-union law well as two nights the Boy Scouts and Christian business SNAP, launched in 2007 and revived last violates same-sex couples’ constitutional at Caesar’s Pal- owners who would deny service to LGBT year, provides “resources and opportuni- rights to equal protection and due process ace in Las Vegas, people because they found their lives or ties” to enable members to become “in- and state guarantee of equal protection. In along with two events sinful. volved” and “educated” about the LGBT- her ruling last week, Feinberg allowed the tickets to Elton “Discrimination is happening right now,” rights movement and to “enact change” state argument to proceed but dismissed John’s new show. countered Jon Hoadley, executive director on campuses and in communities through the federal claims. Team Billie of Unity Michigan, to the Michigan Messen- leadership development. PSEC’s mission Haley Gorenberg, Lambda Legal deputy Jean was com- ger. “If local leaders don’t want to wait for statement describes that it provides “re- legal director, said the agency was “delight- prised of Billie Jean King, John McEnroe, Lansing to do the right thing by protecting sources and support” to LGBT youth and ed” the judge gave the OK for the organiza- Martina Navratilova, Jan-Michael Gambill all people – including our gay and transgen- schools, works for “social support and co- tion to “demonstrate how the legislature’s and Coco Vandeweghe. Team Elton was der neighbors – from discrimination while ordinated campus-community organizing” crafting of a status other than marriage made up of Sir Elton John, Andy Roddick, making Michigan a better place for busi- for LGBT rights and strives for Pennsyl- for same-sex couples has failed to provide Amélie Mauresmo, Mark Knowles and Lau- ness, then cities should have the ability to vania to respect diversity issues, with the them the equality promised by the New Jer- ren Davis, who lives in the Cleveland suburb step up and lead.” Among the local laws in “primary focus” being on local, state and sey Constitution. Civil union relegates New of Gates Mills. The event took the coed team danger is the one in East Lansing, home of federal safe-schools legislation. Jersey’s same-sex couples to a second- format, with one set each of men’s and wom- Michigan State University. Passed in 1972, Ted Martin, Equality PA executive di- class status that keeps them and their fami- en’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, it is the first city ordinance in the nation to rector, said that while the goals of the lies vulnerable.” Gorenberg said dismissal and mixed doubles. In the celebrity match bar discrimination by sexual orientation. two entities are similar, he believes they would have prevented plaintiffs from illus- which did not count towards the final score, Gov. Rick Snyder’s legal counsel, Michael should be able to function separately and trating the harm the civil-union law causes Elton John and Martina Navratilova defeated Gadola, sent a May 18 letter to senate and cooperatively. same-sex couples. (Philadelphia Gay News John McEnroe and Amélie Mauresmo. (Gay house leaders indicating that the benefit “There is enough work to go around,” – Jen Colletta at Epgn.com) People’s Chronicle – Anthony Glassman at bills were unconstitutional and unenforce- Martin said. “What’s the problem with hav- Gaypeopleschronicle.com) able because of the way they infringe on ing more than one youth organization or the authority of public universities. t (Gay program in Pennsylvania? There are cer- Elton John and People’s Chronicle – Anthony Glassman at tainly enough things going on for more Gaypeopleschronicle.com) than just one organization to be working out tennis stars in Michigan moves to on these issues.” PSEC leadership, how- charity event cancel DP benefits, ever, has contended that Equality PA lead- These news notes have been compiled from the on ers have made negative remarks about gay rights laws line version of various newspapers and other web PSEC to other LGBT agencies in the state C leveland, OH – Elton John and Billie Jean King brought their World Team Ten- sites. We thank those publications that have allowed – charges Martin said were “completely Lansing, MI – The Michigan legislature nis Smash Hits tournament to Cleveland baseless and groundless.” Efforts to medi- took a step towards barring municipalities us to bring you their news stories. Usually the reports on October 27, raising a half-million dollars ate have failed. The peaceable collabora- from granting domestic partner benefits to have been significantly edited and you can read the for charity and breaking a 9-9 tie in pre- tion of SNAP and PSEC is still a goal for public employees after Rep. Tom McMillin full story by going to the web site mentioned following vious events. The event, in its 19th year, Equality PA, Martin said.” There’s enough introduced legislation to strike local gay- nearly doubled the amount raised last year the item. Comments are strictly the opinions of Jim work for both of us.” (Philadelphia Gay inclusive rights ordinances. The Michigan in Baltimore/Washington. In its almost two Becker and not of Baltimore Outloud or Pride Media. News – Jen Colletta Epgn.com) Senate Committee on Reforms, Restruc-

8 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com right when she said that around the world, where HIV infection is highest, sub-Saha- some alleged sex workers had an issue faith communities have come together to ran Africa, the majority of those infected that should have been addressed to the fight AIDS. Coming together results from are females. They have no need for facts. police. However, many people in the trans- dialogue, and positive dialogue results In the transgender community, right gender community do not trust the police, from holding your opponent in positive wing fanatics attack us too. They are not because of prior negative experiences, so high esteem. our worst enemy; our worst enemies are they do not say anything. Community ac- In the transgender community, that the enemies from within. I call them the tivists took the problem to the Mayor’s of- dialogue is taking place also. Some of you Keyboard Cowgirls. Their role, as they see fice. Kevin Cleary, the Deputy Director of may recall that the City Desk was on the it, is to tweet and Facebook war against the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhoods, and warpath last year concerning the Gender those who share a slightly different view of Sheryl Goldstein, the Director of Mayor’s Truckin’ Identity anti-discrimination bill. I had ig- how equality should be achieved. They do Office on Criminal Justice, took immediate nored my mother’s best advice, “God gave not listen except with a view towards find- action to work toward solving the problem. This issue of Baltimore OUTloud is an is- you two ears and one mouth, so that you ing fault, like most of the cat’s mentioned in President Barack Obama once said, sue of hope. Behind the twin tragedies of would listen twice as much as talk.” Well, the Grateful Dead song Truckin’, “Most of “On every front there are clear answers out transgender murders and AIDS infection, that has changed. the time they’re sittin’ and cryin’ at home. there that can make this country stronger, we look toward a future where we will end People are working together now. On but we’re going to break through the fear lawful discrimination against transgender Monday November 21, the Howard County Out on the street, and the frustration people are feeling. Our Marylanders, and where we will create an Council will discuss an anti-discrimination job is to make sure that even as we make AIDS-free generation, worldwide. bill that includes the language, “Public ac- taking direct action, is progress, that we are also giving people a Men and women of goodwill, many of commodations does not include accom- sense of hope and vision for the future.” which have no skin in the game, are work- modations that are distinctly private or the work of hope. One way to break through the fear and ing for a better world. Some disagree as personal.” Perhaps they have been read- frustration that people are feeling is to get, to strategy, but when people work together ing Cathy Brennan’s columns in Baltimore “out of the door and down on the streets,” toward a common goal, and listen to one OUTloud. Whomever they were listening One of these days they know they gotta as Gerry Garcia suggested. another, positive change can be achieved. to, it is clear that they were listening; en- get goin’, out of the door and down on the Bring the skills that you have to the ta- Even the Catholic Pope has finally re- gaged in positive dialogue. streets all alone.” ble and do the real work of change. Don’t lented, somewhat, on the use of condoms On the other side of both of these is- Out on the street, taking direct action, fault the other person for having a differ- “with the intention of reducing the risk of sues, there are people who have no inter- is the work of hope. ent set of skills. If you have the skill of infection,” is almost O.K. It should seem est in positive change. On the Christian Some of our hope comes from allies bringing people together, be a community unimportant what a single man thinks, but right we still have those who proclaim that that do not directly have skin in the game. organizer. If you have the skill of negotia- when Joe Ratzinger speaks, much of the a “loving” god created AIDS to punish folks We rarely give our civil servants credit tion, lobby. If you can write, write, but don’t t world listens. The Secretary of State was for being gay. The fact that in the areas for their efforts. I saw this recently when gripe. HAPPY HOUR 4pm-9pm | Everyday KARAOKE 8pm-2am | Friday & Saturday

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heartfelt speeches given, workshops on key topics, town hall-style meetings, enjoy- C andlelight vigil as part able musical selections, and a bounty of of Transgender Day of food. It was followed by a moving candle- Remembrance in 2010 photo: Steve Charing light vigil outside the church whereby there OUT was a reading of the names and brief bi- Spoken ographies of transgender persons or those perceived to be transgender who had died Steve Charing as a result of hate and prejudice. Much of the discussion at TDOR cen- tered on violence that target transgender What a individuals, homelessness, police harass- ment, discrimination, the effects of HIV/ AIDS on the transgender community and Difference a other concerns. I recall the passion of San- dy Rawls, Kevin Clemons, Donna Plamon- Year Makes don, Jean-Michel Brevelle, Bill Palmer and others who dedicated themselves to this Last November 20, Baltimore was among moving experience as well as the extraor- the many cities that participated in the dinary concert given by Tona Brown later 12th Annual International Transgender that evening. Day of Remembrance (TDOR). The pro- TDOR 2010 was mostly a reflective, ceedings took place mainly at the First emotional experience and an opportunity Unitarian Church of Baltimore on Franklin to hold a conversation on important issues. and Charles Streets although there were There had been few victories to tout. Most several other related events around town. notably in November 2002, Baltimore be- This happened only a year ago, yet came the first jurisdiction in Maryland to pro- it seems like eons considering what has hibit discrimination in employment, housing, ing similar protections, and such attempts protections based on gender identity. transpired since. In 2010, a few dozen public accommodations, and credit practices have been unsuccessful since 2007 and A community vigil and rally was quickly trans-activists, supporters and city officials based on gender identity or expression. continued through the 2011 General As- organized and took place a week later outside attended TDOR. There were a number of There is no statewide statute offer- sembly in Annapolis. Nonetheless, a bill the McDonalds. It drew over a hundred activ- introduced during the 2011 session to pro- ists from the LGBT community, allies and me- tect Marylanders from discrimination in dia. And the perpetrators of the assault were housing and employment based on gender brought to justice with the adult, Teonna Mo- identity advanced further than ever before. nae Brown, sentenced to five years in prison. The decision to exclude “public accom- With the wind at its back, the transgen- modations” in the bill was a tactical political der community should finally see a much- decision, which was aimed at increasing the deserved legislative victory in the form of odds of passage. It fell short anyway, and a comprehensive bill in 2012. No one can the controversy surrounding the language predict the outcome, but I’m one who be- of the bill, HB 235, sharply divided the lieves the governor will sign the measure transgender community and its supporters. into law, and it would withstand a possible Upon completion of the 2011 session, petition to referendum. the prevailing feeling was that efforts to Unlike the issue of same-sex mar- ensure transgender rights in Maryland riage that will also take place next session, would have to be amped up. Following transgender rights do not bring to the de- the near collapse of Equality Maryland, a bate much in the way of religious dogma. new group, Gender Rights Maryland, was There are no organized groups, to my formed to push for new legislation in 2012. knowledge, that have been formed to fight On April 18, 2010, a seminal event – the end of discrimination against a margin- horrific to be sure – took place that prob- alized segment of society. ably changed the dynamics and altered In Howard County, a sweeping bill has the trajectory for achieving rights for trans- been recently introduced in the county gender individuals. Chrissy Lee Polis, a 22 council by four of the five council members. year-old trans-woman, was an unwitting Therefore, it will be interesting to see what, if hero in the cause. She was caught on vid- any, opposition forms and could be a gauge eo being pummeled for what seemed like as to what to expect in Annapolis next year. an eternity by two young women – one a So as we approach the 13th Annual 14 year-old – in a Rosedale McDonalds. Transgender Day of Remembrance, there As the shocking video went viral, em- is a renewed hope that wasn’t evident last phasis was dramatically placed on the need year that important progress will be forth- for protections for transgender individuals coming. But we will not forget those victims and garnered the attention of elected of- that paved the way for this progress. t ficials. Governor Martin O’Malley promised Steve Charing’s OUTspoken blog is at to work with lawmakers to achieve those www.SteveCharing.blogspot.com. 10 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com wanted pregnancy). Now, I don’t think any The rash of gay suicides over the past individual male or women of trans* experi- three and a half to four years is our call to ence are more likely than not to harm fe- action. Some of our youth have taken their Ladybug’s males – but law is about compromise, and lives by violence and left suicide notes. Political it is reasonable to expect some compro- Crossroads Others have engaged in unprotected sex to Showdown mise that preserves female safety. Chronicles fill the void of being unloved and thoughts Cathy Brennan In non-LGBT circles, the rationale for Rev. Mother Meredith Moise of worthlessness. Others have turned to preserving sex-based protections is glar- striking out against people, which creates ingly obvious. Males and females are dif- a series of events leading to violence and ferent. These differences are manifested murder. Left to emotionally fend for self, Preserving the Distinctly in our biology. Males as a class cannot What about they succumb to messages of damnation, become pregnant; females – as a class limitation and stagnation. Private & Personal – can. Non-LGBT people get this immedi- Doing Then there are other youth who con- ately. “Yes,” females say, “of course I don’t the kids? tinue to successfully swim against the tide want to shower in a single-sex locker room of homophobia to islands of hope. Hope On November 21, the Howard County with a bepenised person.” But in LGBT more for LGBTQ youth comes in supportive and affirming mes- Council will take up County Bill 54-2011, land, particularly the G and the T, this is a sages delivered by compassionate people. which intends to ban discrimination based harder sell. Many females, including me, “This is for the kids, honey,” in my “Paris These youth having felt the value in their on “gender identity” in housing, employ- have been denounced as bigots for dar- is Burning” voice. The queer youth need own lives inwardly strive to see and ex- ment law enforcement, financing and pub- ing to suggest that having a penis doesn’t us. They need the caring, committed and perience another day. Often their journey lic accommodations. Like many of the bills make you a female or entitled to penetrate daring adults in our community to give a to health, healing and wholeness begins pushed by the National Gay and Lesbian female-only space. damn! with people, places and things that have Task Force and others, the bill defines Enter Gender Rights Maryland, which ap- We have to take this beyond the anti sparked the spirit of self-awareness and “gender identity or expression” as “a gen- parently has taken the lead on the Howard bullying laws and their merits. We are be- self-love. der-related identity or appearance of an County bill. GRMD has signaled that it will ing called right now to stand in the gap for At some point, almost all teens and individual regardless of the individual’s as- work to enact a comprehensive statewide our queer kids. Beyond the usual squawk young adults experience an angst particu- signed sex at birth.” gender identity bill that includes public ac- of identity politics, which my friend Cathy lar to their age. This may be coupled with Huh? Does the bill define gender? No – commodations. If the Howard County bill pro- Brennan so eloquently wrote about last discovery of sexuality and physical ex- but, of course, say advocates, we all know vides any kind of roadmap to what will hap- week, the welfare of LGBTQ youth is of pression that is outside of the theological this means a way of act or presenting your- pen at the state level, it bears examination. vital importance to the existence of our and ideological norms of society. Within self that is stereotypically associated with Interestingly, the county bill also side- community. The future of our community this framework, success can be hard to the opposite sex. Except if you are trans, steps single-sex accommodations. Specifi- lies with capable LGBTQ youth. All of our achieve without support. This is where we you do the OPPOSITE stereotype. cally, the bill provides that “discrimination efforts for relationship protections and come in. Right? Ugh. (in employment) does not include provid- its most worthy manifestations will go for The response of supportive videos is Despite the accusations that I am a big ing facilities to employees that are dis- naught if we ignore the suffering and pain obviously not enough to solve this tragedy. meanie who hates people of trans* experi- tinctly personal or private in nature.” The of our queer kids. Their pain is a palatable Our youth need people in their actually ence, in the 2011 General Assembly session, bill further states, “Public accommodations reminder that much of the work that still lives, LGBTQ mentors and straight allies, I strongly supported House Bill 235, which does not include accommodations that are needs to be done is internal. who tangibly and publicly show care and would have banned discrimination in employ- distinctly private or personal in nature.” Our communities with all their rainbow concern. No amount of legislation can re- ment and housing based on gender identity, Huh! Interesting! Some things are dis- diversity need to show our youth that they place the loving care of a supportive adult. even with its similarly meaningless and over tinctly private or personal! Like, say, my body! are truly loved and treasured. Some of us No law can replace adults who stand in the broad definition that solidifies stereotypes The county bill suggests that although have abused and used our young people. gap to advocate for the well-being of queer about females into law. This offends me. no one wants people of trans* experience Then we are left to wonder why they are kids in their actual lives. Donating money This offends many females. Hell, it even of- to face irrational discrimination; it is some- joining gangs, engaging in unsafe behav- to LGBTQ youth causes may be a first fends many males. Yet, the LGBT Movement times rational to discriminate because of iors and killing themselves. We need to step for some. But nothing can replace the continues to advance the idea that there are sex. That is, some facilities or accommo- be mentoring them, showing them how to presence of compassionate human beings “ways of being” that accompany your biologi- dations are “distinctly private or personal” lead successful, whole lives in opposition in the life of a queer young person. Giving cal sex – or not. Yey! Progress! in nature and should fall outside of the am- to piecemeal lives centered around sex the gift of ourselves provides our commu- But there’s another issue lurking in the bit of anti-discrimination protections. promoted by media. Showing our LGBTQ nity with the tangible assurance of a future gender identity concept. All state antidis- Like the county bill, Maryland law cur- youth what it means to be “in the life” is the of equality, perseverance and pride. t crimination laws ban discrimination in public rently permits single-sex accommodations. most valuable and vital gift we can give accommodations, but most exempt single- Specifically, the Maryland Human Relations them, a life which values pride, faith and sex accommodations, finding as a matter of Title does not apply, with respect to sex dis- hope over hedonism, shallowness and Rev. Mother Meredith Moise, public policy that it is rational to discriminate crimination, to a facility that is (i) uniquely self-centeredness. based on sex in certain private settings. HB private and personal in nature; and (ii) de- ordained Old Catholic priest, 235 did not include public accommodations, signed to accommodate only a particular specializing in weddings, and thus sidestepped the issue of allow- sex. A key issue in 2012 for females is to not. Say what you mean, elected officials. I ing non-females in female-only bathrooms, ensure that this exception is preserved in know it’s hard, because the T of the LGBT baptisms, funerals, home locker rooms, showers, hospital bed assign- a comprehensive gender identity bill – un- community has some extremely vocal – blessings, spiritual direction. ments, support groups, rape crisis centers, less, of course, you have thoroughly con- and, dare I say, violent – members, but fear shelters, and other single-sex spaces. sumed the LGBT Kool Aid and find it tasty. not – most of us recognize that you cannot For more information, Why are single-sex accommodations Both the state law and the county bill achieve equality for one group by gutting t important? Why do females in particular protect sex-segregated space rather in- protections for 50% of the population. 410-900-2021 or need these spaces? Males as a class harm elegantly. What does “distinctly private or You can find Cathy Brennan on Face- [email protected] females as a class based on female biol- personal” mean? Sure, I think I know, but book at http://www.facebook.com/ladybug- ogy (think rape, sexual violence, and un- laws should be clear – and these laws are spoliticalsniffdown.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 11 reader feedback ••• In my second long-term relationship, my partner and his best friend, Bill, had Homophobia in Health Care made a promise to each other that, if either Getting of them got sick with AIDS, one would take We, the LGBT community, have achieved a walked out without acknowledging the doc- care of the other. As it turns out, Bill be- great deal in the past few years. A few states tor, without the customary salutations. To Unstuck came HIV positive, and, in 1993, he grew granted us the right to marry and our mili- me, he did not deserve such social niceties. Gerry Fisher sick enough that he couldn’t live alone. He tary personnel are no longer forced to hide My partner and I were shocked. We were moved in with us, we cared for him, and he their sexual orientation. We seem closer to in a nightmare involving our medical care, passed away approximately a year later, social equality. Unfortunately, complete so- homophobia, discrimination, and religion. Carpe Diem, Dude! shortly before I began reading something cial equality is an illusion at this time. An I have written letters to his supervisor about a new “cocktail” of medications be- encounter I had with a supposed medical and informed the American Civil Liberties What follows are some memories. I’ll get coming available. professional will serve to illustrate my point. Union of Maryland concerning this en- them all to make sense by the end of the I remember at first that Bill had a lot of Our primary care physician at Johns counter. I am not sure of what the outcome column. Promise! friends and coworkers visiting. As he be- Hopkins White Marsh did not have any open will be. But I do know this: We, the LGBT ••• came weaker, more forgetful and frazzled, appointments on November 1, 2011. We communities, must not become compla- When I was 22 years-old, I came out and more physically frail, fewer and fewer chose another doctor who could see us that cent. We must be vigilant and fight against in the spring of 1983. As you can imagine, people visited. day. We had previously consulted with this social injustice, discrimination, and ho- health was a primary concern. In response Months after he died one of his friends doctor and even considered asking him to mophobia. We must challenge authority, to LGBT activists, they had just changed who had faded away early called us. She become our primary care physician. At the especially when that authority thinks/be- its name from GRID (Gay Related Immune was drunk and babbling about how she close of the appointment my partner asked lieves that we are inferior because of our Deficiency) to AIDS (Acquired Immune De- had just seen Philadelphia and how great the doctor if he was accepting new patients. sexual orientation. I, personally, will chal- ficiency Syndrome). We were still worried we were for taking care of Bill. I soothed The doctor told us that he had strong lenge anyone, regardless of credentials, that poppers or kissing might spread the her and couldn’t wait for the phone call to Christian values and that he did not con- who tries to make me feel inferior, who disease, and we began guessing that us- end. It was one of the saddest moments done our relationship. He told us that he tries to undermine my sense of self and ing condoms might help. of my life. treated a man once who requested Viagra. worth as a human being using religious Friends were dying between six and 18 ••• But, according to the doctor, because the rhetoric. I encourage you to do the same. months after diagnosis, and the number My sister recently turned me onto the man was not married he refused to pre- Do not condone such blatant, overt acts infected and dead were doubling every six book, A**holes Finish First. It’s a memoir scribe the medicine. I asked the doctor if of homophobia and discrimination through months. Our President and country didn’t of a hilarious-yet-despicable narcissist he thought what he just said contradicted passivity and complacency. Act! have our back. It was scary. who describes his drinking and hetero- his oath to do no harm. The doctor told me Jeffrey Dieter In the early years, some guys gave up sexual exploits. (I love my entertainment that we did not have time to discuss that. I Nottingham, Maryland sex altogether for a long while. Some re- extremely highbrow or low brow, nothing in treated to monogamy. Being largely influ- between.) enced by the literature and culture of the late Having been raised as an Irish Catholic, 70s, I was a part of the group that tried to closeted gay boy who constantly felt inferior balance sexual liberation (“we’re not going and who was continually compelled to cover to imitate the straights!”) and staying alive. it up by trying to be perfect, I felt exhiliarat- During the 80s, I remember thinking ed at this guy’s amazing ability not to care calmly to myself how cool it would be to what other people think. In no other way did reach my 30th birthday. I admire this creep, but I covet his freedom ••• from the tyranny of other’s opinions. I used to do Diversity workshops for ••• a high-tech company in the 80s, and I’d This issue of Baltimore OUTloud dis- worked closely with the HR department. cusses topics related to the National Trans- One of the HR reps once called and told gender Day of Remembrance and World me that there was an employee transi- AIDS Day. I’m not an expert in either topic, tioning from male to female, and that he which made me wonder what I could con- needed my help to manage what used to tribute with my column. I finally decided to be called “pronoun day”: the transition share some remembrances of my own and from androgyny to asking people to refer my recent musings about the brevity of life. to her as “she.” As I said to a life coaching client re- Well, you know, all of us LGBT people cently who kept saying to me that she are experts in all LGBT issues, right? (Not.) knew what she should do: “It’s time to take The first thing that I did when I met with what you know and put it into action.” Do it her was to admit that I didn’t know anything now, do it today, do it very soon. about transgender issues. She was very And don’t let anything get in your way. gracious, and I suppose she appreciated a Not the inherent unfairness of life. Not in- compassionate listener or a witness. convenient timing. Nothing! Your life is too I made a new friend. We all learned a important. t lot and worked well together. Moreover, Learn more at BaltimoreLifeCoachGer- her pronoun day went very smoothly. ry.com

12 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Many reported being harassed and abused by teachers. Family acceptance has a protective effect. Transgender people who reported they felt acceptance by their family had Open Wide lower rates of HIV infection and lower ask Dr Eva rates of suicide attempts. Not surprisingly, Dr Eva Hersh those who were accepted by their families were much less likely to have experienced homelessness. But less obviously, those who felt accepted were also less likely to Transgender Days of have been incarcerated, less likely to have done sex work or other underground work Celebration and for income, and were less likely to smoke or use alcohol or drugs. Unfortunately, only Remembrance 43% were able to maintain their family con- nections. The other 57% experienced re- Dear Dr. Eva, jection by their families. In the publicity about the Transgender Because of their loss of educational Day of Remembrance, I read that depres- opportunities due to harassment and the sion is a major problem among transgen- difficulties getting legal work when one’s der people. The trans people I know seem Social Security number is one gender and pretty upbeat and have a great sense of one’s appearance is another gender, trans humor. What do you think? people live in extreme poverty. The rate Plain Jo of unemployment is twice as high among Dear Jo, trans people as in the general population; I agree with you that many trans peo- with the rate of unemployment among ple have a great sense of humor. Humor trans people of color four times that of the is a good defense against depression. It’s general population. The study found that a great way of coping if you can laugh at participants were four times more likely yourself louder than the people who are to have a household income of less than laughing at you. $10,000 a year compared to the general Despite their frequently positive atti- population. tudes, it’s a fact that transgender people When they do find work, trans people have an exceptionally high rate of suicide have a special set of workplace problems. attempts. Let me tell you some of the rea- Most transgender people cannot afford sons why life can be depressing for trans gender transition surgery, so they can- people. The information below comes from not have their gender with Social Security a questionnaire study of 6450 transgender changed. This means that they’re forced participants, published this year. to identify themselves in the workplace as To begin with, 41% of the respondents transgender, a piece of private information reported attempting suicide, as compared that often doesn’t stay private. Ninety per- to 1.6% of the general population. That is, cent of those surveyed reported harass- trans people were 25 times as likely as ment, mistreatment, or discrimination on others to attempt suicide were. Suicide the job, or hiding their identities to avoid it. attempt rates were highest for those who Half reported being fired, not being hired, lost a job due to anti-transgender bias, or being denied a promotion because of were harassed and bullied in school, had being transgender. low household income, or were a victim of Some might be asking at this point, is physical or sexual assault. it really worth it? Is expressing your true The experience of anti-trans discrimi- gender worth this level of discrimination? nation begins early, in the home and at Apparently the answer is yes, it is worth school. Most transgender people are it. The great majority of those who had aware of their different gender status, transitioned from one gender to the other meaning that they have a sense of them- reported that they felt more comfortable at selves as being the gender opposite from work and their job performance improved, their physical sex, at a very early age, of- despite mistreatment. ten before starting school. In this survey, In fact, trans people show a lot of re- those who showed their transgender feel- silience. Although fewer younger people ings in elementary or high school reported were in school than in the general popula- almost universal harassment (78%) and tion, many respondents returned to school high rates of physical assault (35%) and later. Twenty-two percent those aged 25 to sexual violence (12%). Fifteen percent of 44 were currently in school, compared to respondents reported leaving school at only 7% in the general population. Of those some point because of the harassment. —continued on page 14 BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 13 FAIH T Catholics Support Transgender Rights A Season of Thanksgiving No Surprise! By Nancy J. Webb accomplished on the state, federal, and working towards the achievement of sexu- Goodness and blessing are a part of each denominational levels if justice, fairness, al equality,” and that male exploiters of the of our lives, year round. We may encounter and full inclusion are to be achieved. Bys Tomá “transsexual trade” need to consider the challenges of one magnitude or another that We at Grace United Methodist Church, The Public Religion Research Institute re- “clear condemnation of their sins and the may seem to eclipse the goodness and bless- Baltimore City, 5407 N. Charles St. at cently published a study that showed that injustice they commit.” ing, but God’s good gifts never stop coming. Northern Parkway, celebrate the progress 93 percent of Catholics believe that Con- Here the Church was attacking the As allies and members of the lesbian, that has been made this year and give gress should pass employment nondiscrim- men who exploit transgender persons; gay, bi-sexual, and transgendered com- thanks for each of you who is working hard, ination laws to protect transgender people. it was not attacking the trans-persons. munities, we have much to be thankful for where you can, so that justice will be done. This should come as no surprise to Church leaders have said, however, that since last Thanksgiving. We pray for those LGBT persons who devout Catholics. The Church’s teachings they object to the notion of “gender iden- Through their form of church gover- feel alone and separated from the love on social justice are very clear. It is in the tity,” saying, “The theory of gender iden- nance, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in of families during the Thanksgiving and Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC): tity is opposed to biology and implies that America has voted that all qualified candi- Christmas seasons, and we would wel- “Respect for the human person entails masculine and feminine distinctions are dates for ordained ministry, regardless of come them into a church family that is sup- respect for the rights that flow from his dig- a social construction, therefore additional sexual orientation, are eligible to be con- portive and caring especially during this nity as a creature. These rights are prior to genders can be created.” sometimes-difficult time. There is hope! society and must be recognized by it. They From a biological point of view, they Evangelical Lutherans Thanks be to God! t are the basis of the moral legitimacy of ev- are simply mistaken. Nevertheless, these ery authority: by flouting them, or refusing statements are not official Church teach- have voted that all to recognize them in its positive legislation, ing. There is no “official” church teaching qualified candidates Dr. EVA on gender identity. Saint Augustine opined – continued from page 13 There is no “official” on cross-dressing, not on gender identity. for ordained ministry, Catholics have the Catechism of the church teaching on Catholic Church to guide them in all spiri- regardless of sexual gender identity. Saint tual matters. The teaching authority of the orientation, are eligible who reported losing a job due to anti-trans Church, called the “magisterium,” and two discrimination, 58% reported they were Augustine opined on thousand years of writings by Doctors of to be considered.” now employed. Of those who reported fac- the Church, Augustine, Aquinas, Teresa ing housing discrimination in the past, al- cross-dressing, not on of Avila, and the like. For those of us who most all currently have housing. gender identity. believe, their wisdom supersedes what a sidered for ordination. So for this Transgender Day of Re- handful of 20th and 21st century bishops Likewise, since last Thanksgiving, the membrance, let’s remember not only the have to say. Presbyterian Church in the United States trans people who have died from violence, a society undermines its own moral legiti- “Dogma” is only a fetter if you allow has followed their denomination’s proce- suicide, and drug abuse, but also those macy.” (1930 CCC) it that role. It is actually quite useful, like dures and voted for an inclusive welcome among us who are surviving well and with “Respect for the human person pro- grammar. It has a unifying characteristic to all who are called to serve. their heads up, against the odds. t ceeds by way of respect for the principle that enables us (Catholics, in this case) to The United Methodist Church will be The statistics in this article come from that “everyone should look upon his neigh- communicate better. The more things that considering a similar change at its upcom- the report, Injustice at Every Turn, which bor (without any exception) as ‘another can be taken as “given” or “understood” ing General Conference in late April 2012. was jointly published this year by the Na- self,’ above all bearing in mind his life and the less that needs to be defined in each Over 1000 United Methodist clergy tional Center for Transgender Equality and the means necessary for living it with dig- new conversation. Like grammar, too, the across the United States have signed a the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. nity. No legislation could by itself do away rules can be broken in good faith as long pledge that it is their intention to perform Dr. Eva Hersh is a physician at Chase Brex- with the fears, prejudices, and attitudes of as everyone knows what the rule was that same-sex weddings in states and districts ton Health Services. Send questions to editor@ pride and selfishness which obstruct the was broken and why. where that is legal in order to provide pasto- baltimoreoutloud.com, or to Eva Hersh MD, establishment of truly fraternal societies. Our Catechism gives us the obligation ral care to all their members and neighbors. Chase Brexton Health Services, 1001 Cathedral Such behavior will cease only through the to break the rules if it is a matter of con- There is so much more needed to be St., Baltimore, MD 21201 charity that finds in every man a “neigh- science. “A human being must always obey bor,” a brother.” (1931 CCC) the certain judgment of his conscience. If “The duty of making oneself a neigh- he were deliberately to act against it, he bor to others and actively serving them be- would condemn himself. (1790, CCC) comes even more urgent when it involves “Idem velle, idem nolle, wanting the If You are OUT, then You are IN with Us! the disadvantaged, in whatever area this same things, rejecting the same things, or “ALL ARE WELCOME!” may be.” (1932 CCC) put in a negative fashion; the same will be “This same duty extends to those who unwilling to the same, sums up the truth of at St. Michael The Archangel think or act differently from us.” (1933 social justice. We are a community; we all CCC) want the same goods internal to the prac- Catholic Church The statements of Catholic writers and tice of community. 401 Pontiac Avenue, Brooklyn, MD 21225 individual pastors notwithstanding, the With all that said, I am not surprised 410.644.0566 Church has remained quiet on the issue that 93% of Catholics have chosen to obey Sunday Mass at 12:00 Noon of gender identity. Although in an official the moral law that was written on their statement concerning the pastoral care hearts by a loving God. The 7% who failed A Parish of the New Catholic Church of North America of street women the Church announced, to answer God’s call to love one another “Men have an important role to play in deserve our most fervent prayers. t

14 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com Grace United Methodist Church invites you and Visit us at EmmanuelDowntown.org your family to join us in giving thanks with our neighboring congregation, Church of EmmanuEl The Redeemer Episcopal God with us (5603 N. Charles St.), all of us on Wednesday, without ExcEption sunday sErvicEs November 23 at 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM 7:30 p.m. for a Thanksgiving Eve service.

Grace United Methodist Church

5407 N. Charles Street at Northern Parkway Mt. Vernon’s Church of the Arts Baltimore, MD 21210 • 410-433-6650

811 Cathedral Street at read Street WWW.GRaCEUNiTEdMEThodiST.oRG Mount Vernon’S ChurCh of the artS

The Byzantine Rite Old Catholic Church is pleased to announce EMM2011_Outloud_Feb.inddAllAll AreAre 1 WelcomeWelcome1/28/11 11:25 AM the opening of our Cathedral of Saint Antony www.bmorethical.org We are no longer at First Unitarian. Divine Liturgy is now Saturdays 2 PM at Long St. Bernadette Green Center, 115 E. Melrose, Avenue in Baltimore, MD. For more information, Roman Catholic contact [email protected] or 443-691-4926. THE BALTIMORE Church ETHICALSOCIETY http://church.revdanielromanos.com SUNDAYS AT 10:30 A.M. Our Weekend Mass Schedule: SATURDAY NOVEMBER 20 — “Spiritual Nakedness” 5:30 p.m. Catherine Bordeau, Leader-in-Training SUNDAY at the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture

9:00 a.m.,10:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m. NOVEMBER 27 Contact Ann McDonald, Pastoral Life Director “Hastening Death: An Argument with Society” 410-969-2785 Lawrence Egbert, Former Medical Director, Final Exit Network 801 Stevenson Road - Severn, MD 21144-2299 410-969-2783 306 W. FRANKLIN ST., STE. 102 Unity Fellowship Church of Columbia www.stbernadette.org Our Services are held at: Locust Park Neighborhood Center Come8995 Lambskin Celebrate Lane, Columbia, MD with 21045 us! Rev. Dorothy Harris, Founding Pastor Contact us to Join our mailing list: [email protected] PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH www.ufccolumbia.org AN INCLUSIVE AND PROGRESSIVE CHURCH COMMUNITY. www.govanspres.org

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 15 Live rt ly A s // out on STAGE Who Doesn’t Want to be a Gay Icon? Byt S eve Charing the Iron Crow company and has performed in Hedwig, For There are various ways to write a dissertation for a Mas- Whom The Southern Belle Tolls and will appear in 2012 ters in Liberal Arts at Johns Hopkins University. But Sarah production of The Soldier Dreams – next on tap for Iron Lynn Taylor chose to pen a musical, and drawing on her Crow. vocal gifts, proceeded to perform in I Want To Be a Gay Taylor, a magna cum laude graduate of Towson Uni- Icon. versity, has significant local theatre, TV and radio experi- Taylor led the audience through a journey that was ence. Her ease in front of an audience was quite evident part autobiographical and part gay history with songs as she commanded the stage, which she shared with three that had been associated with several gay icons over the fine back-up singers and accessories to lighter moments years. Using narration and song she argues that being during the show – the Iconettes (Ines Nassara, Amanda a gay icon takes more than being a star performer but Rife and Katie O’Solomon). one also needs to be an activist, which she unabashedly In addition, four excellent on-stage musicians – The claims that she is. Gay Icon Band (Sam Palmer, Paul Huesman, Corey Zook In its second year, Iron Crow Theatre (ironcrowthe- and musical director/guitarist Nick Jewett) – effectively atre.com), a Baltimore company that has produced sev- complimented Taylor’s vocals. eral unconventional shows and focuses on queer / LGBT The concept of integrating music, biography and his- issues, produced Taylor’s I Want To Be a Gay Icon in co- tory was an ambitious undertaking. Generally, there was operation with Johns Hopkins University. a good flow but at times it seemed random and out of The show was limited to three days (November 10-12) sequence. at the Baltimore Theatre Project and did not charge ad- Landmarks in gay history, such as the Stonewall up- mission because purchasing the rights to the songs would rising, the AIDS epidemic, the removal of homosexuality have been prohibitive if it ran as a for-profit production. from the list of mental disorders by the American Psychi- Instead, the audience was requested to donate funds to atric Association and Harvey Milk’s passion were high- cover expenses. lighted, with the songs representing gay icons of the era Sarah Lynn Taylor is no stranger to Iron Crow having added a nostalgic connection to the events. appeared in Durang’s Shorts and Hedwig and the Angry During the Stonewall segment, instead of singing S arah Lynn Taylor wants to be a gay icon Inch. Director of Icon Joseph Ritsch is also a member of “Cabaret” – a song from the musical that had been play- ing on Broadway at the time – I thought Judy Gar- the licensing for her music, and she stated Lady Gaga, land’s “Get Happy,” which whom she greatly admires, didn’t receive her request. The Theatre at CCBC presents … Taylor did sing a bit later, Other gay icons who may not fit Taylor’s definition should have performed at completely or because of a lack of time were not men- that point since Garland tioned. Among them were Gloria Gaynor, Diana Ross, had died a few days be- Barbra Streisand, Carol Channing, Cyndi Lauper, and fore the Stonewall events. Donna Summer before she went anti-gay Christian on us. To her credit, Taylor noted And you can add comediennes Kate Clinton, Margaret the Stonewall patrons were Cho, Joan Rivers and Kathy Griffin to the list. already mourning over Gar- Unquestionably, Sarah Lynn Taylor’s musical perfor- land’s death that may have mance was the show’s strength. shortened the fuse when Although her narrative about history, her upbringing, the police raided. and family was passionate, earnest and very well deliv- The music and its icons ered, the audience was eagerly waiting for the next num- were adored by the gay ber. In an important segment Taylor became serious when and lesbian community, but she reminded the audience that HIV/AIDS was prevalent MusiC By Harvey sCHMidT how many of them were ac- in Baltimore and urged people to get tested and engage in tivists for the cause? From safe sex practices. Book & LyriCs By ToM Jones Taylor’s perspective, most. Taylor showcased her versatility in performing both She singled out Judy Gar- ballads and high tempo songs with flair and emotion. december 1st, 2nd and 3rd at 8pm land, Liza Minnelli, Bette “Constant Craving,” “Cabaret,” “If I Could Turn Back Time” Midler, Elizabeth Taylor, and “I’m The Only One” were delivered especially well. december 5th at 1oam Cher, k.d. Lang and Me- Her rendition of “The Way We Were” was somewhat dis- december 6th at 1pm lissa Etheridge as those appointing, and with “New York, New York,” Taylor took superstar entertainers be- some liberties with the lyrics. loved by the gay and les- Overall, this was an enjoyable production and was CCBC essex, B Building Theatre bian community but also well received by the audience. Sarah Lynn Taylor dis- active in LGBT rights – to played outstanding vocal skills, energy and enthusiasm 7201 rossville Blvd whom Taylor aspired. and a good sense of LGBT history, which can never be Taylor noted that Ma- understated. BoX oFFiCe 443.84o.arTs donna should be included Can Taylor be an actual gay icon? She has the po- Tickets: $8 general admission; $5 students, faculty, staff & alumni among those icons but she tential, and at the very least, I’m sure she nailed her dis- couldn’t afford to acquire sertation. t 16 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com Live rt ly A s // PERSONALITIES

G S: As you mentioned, you ple. I think they make my music better, it makes it more AN INTERVIEW WITH XIMENA SARIÑANA started your performing career as rounded. I like what each artist can bring out of you with an actress. Which would you say each song. is a truer expression of who you GS: What excites you the most about your new Delightfully ‘Different’ are, music or acting? disc? XS: I really think they’re both XS: Right now, I think it excites me a lot to see where Byg Greg Shapiro very personalized to who I am. I grew up on acting basi- it takes me. Your second record is such a different experi- On her self-titled English language debut disc on Warner cally and I have most of my career consolidated. It’s defi- ence from the first. People already know who you are in Brothers, Mexican actress turned singer/songwriter Xime- nitely a big part of who I am and it’s also involved with my a way and they’re going to compare your two sounds. It na Sariñana an unforgettable impression. First and fore- family. My dad is a filmmaker and my mom is a screenwrit- helps you define yourself more as an artist, I think. I’m most, it’s an alluring set of sparkling electro-based tunes er. We’re all interested in the arts and in film in particular. just excited to see where it takes me and where I’m able that will inspire listeners shake their culos. Beginning But I can just be so honest and so open when it comes to to tour with it and what I’m going to be able to do with it. my music and I love that. I love being like GS: The first single from the disc, album opener that and it’s important to have both of them. “Different,” was co-written with Tim Armstrong (of GS: Would you say that the more Rancid). Why was that track selected? electronic nature of your self-titled sec- XS: First of all, it’s a very upbeat song and people ond disc was a way to distance yourself like that, especially people at labels and in radio [laughs]. from your Spanish language debut “Me- They like a powerful first single. The theme of the song, diocre”? what it’s talking about, it summarizes the entire experi- XS: I love growing with each record. ence of working on that record which was this constant I think that’s really important to be able feeling of being alienated, of working in a country that is to branch out, especially at such a young not your own and speaking in a language that is not your age. I’m only 25; I’m still figuring myself first language, just branching out from your comfort zone. out. I love to just try different instruments. It And what that makes you feel. It can either make you feel would be boring for me to do the same thing happy or very empowered and it can also make you feel over and over; I really wanted to try out dif- dark and sad, too, just out of place. I think it’s a feeling ferent influences. I also listen to electronic that we can all relate to in one way or the other. Feel- music just as much as I listen to jazz. I al- ing out of place or judged or that you don’t really belong ways thought it was important to have that somewhere. represented in my music too. GS: Of the 11 tracks on the new disc, “Tu Y Yo” is GS: We talked sung in Spanish. What was the mo- about collabora- tivation behind including a song in tion earlier and Spanish? you worked with Baltimore’s Favorite! XS: Spanish is such a big part of who some amazing Happy Hour Daily 4-8pm I am. I needed to include at least one c o l l a b o r a t o r s song in Spanish for it to make sense to with the delectable “Different,” and continuing through on the new disc, me. It’s a personal feeling. I also really the moody “The Bid,” the sunny “Shine Down,” the funky including Greg Kurstin (Bird wanted to work with Natalia Lafourcade, fiction of “Lies We Live In,” and the heart-racing “Love & The Bee), Matt Hales (Aqua- the producer of that song. I showed her Again,” Sariñana also serenades us in Spanish on “Tu Y lung), Dave Sitek (TV On The that song and she loved it and she agreed Yo.” I spoke with Ximena shortly before the release of the Radio) and Tim Armstrong to produce it. I thought that was such an disc. (Rancid), to name a few. How important experience in my life and in Gregg Shapiro: I was at your show at Metro in Chi- did that collaborative process OPEN at 6pm my career that it needed to be included cago a few months ago. What was it like to be on tour work? in the record, no matter what language it with Sia and Oh Land? XS: One of the things I re- was in. I like that about my record label, Ximena Sariñana: It was a lot of fun. Those girls are ally like about myself is when it thanksgiving Day they’re very open when it comes to sug- amazing. It’s always a different vibe to tour with girls espe- comes to music I’m pretty giving gestions and they let me include it. cially when it’s girls calling the shots. It was cool to share and easy going. I like to feed GS: Because of the electronic the stage and get to see their performances up close. off of each songwriters’ way is component of some of the songs, are GS: Could you ever foresee a songwriting collabo- of working. It varies a little bit. there plans for club remixes for your ration with Sia or Oh Land? I always want to collaborate in growing legion of gay fans? XS: Yeah, for sure, I would love to! Nanna (of Oh everything and be a part of the XS: Oh my God, I would love to I Land) is really open to anything and I’m sure they would music as much as I am a part would love to have a remix! One of the be happy to write music together. of the lyrics. There’s musicians reasons I made more upbeat songs in GS: Sia has a sizable LGBT following. In fact, there that will have input in the music this record because I love dancing and was a same-sex marriage proposal during Sia’s set. but then stop at the lyric process I love going out. Also, I love listening Do you feel like you are reaping the benefits and es- and just let you do your thing. to that kind of music, too. So it’s some- tablishing or adding to your following in the LGBT But then there’s other musicians thing I wanted represented in me. I community? who are more lyric prone like 3607 FLEET STREET don’t have any near plans to make a Matt Hales. His lyrics are great remixes but I love remixes and I would XS: Well, yeah. In Mexico I had a big following as well. BALTIMORE, MD 410-563-2617 t I don’t know why that is, but I think it’s maybe because of and he came up with the title of love anybody to make a remix. the identification with me or the lyrics. In Mexico, the thing the song and the concept, which AMPLE PARKING • ATM AVAILABLE Ximena is performing on Dec. 9 at was that I also played in one of my movies I played a les- is “Wrong Miracle.” I love being Soundstage in Baltimore, on Dec. 10 at bian and I think that really added to my following. able to work with different peo- Check us out on Facebook Rams Head in Annapolis

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 17 Lively Arts // Screen Savor

DVD bonus features include a “making safe sex and the rise of vari- of” featurette and more. ous AIDS organizations and True Stories Jean Carlomusto’s Sex in an Epi- programs. DVD bonus fea- demic (Outcast Films), an East Coast tures include delete scenes By Gregg Shapiro companion, if you will, to David Weiss- and more. L’Amour Fou (Sundance), Pierre Thoretton’s odd and non- man and Bill Weber’s San Francisco- Illuminating and vivid, traditional doc about the relationship between gay fash- based AIDS doc We Were Here is as Cameraman (Strand), Craig ion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his life-partner of 50 enlightening as it is emotionally pow- McCall’s doc about “the life years, Pierre Bergé, is an unexpectedly removed erful. With an em- and work” of the late Jack and frosty affair. The doc begins with YSL, the phasis on “honest, Cardiff (1914-2009), is a creator of the modern woman’s wardrobe and a comprehensive sex moviegoers delight. Cardiff, liberal quoter of Proust and Rimbaud, at a press education,” the doc the first cinematographer to conference where he announces his retirement. begins by tracing receive an honorary Oscar Shortly thereafter, we are at his 2008 funeral. important 20th century events, includ- (presented to him in 2001 by Dustin Hoffman) began his From there, L’Amour Fou intersperses the ing the Kinsey Report, the introduc- career as a child actor in 1918 England. Eighty years later story of Saint Laurent and Bergé’s lifetime to- tion of the birth control pill, the Stone- he was a guest of honor at the Cannes Film Festival. gether, beginning with how they met following wall riots and birth of gay lib, Roe v. In between, he came to be known as the cinema’s key the death of Christian Dior, with the preparations Wade and the 1980 election of Ron- innovator in color photography. With film credits including for the auction of the couple’s massive art collec- ald Reagan, that got us to where we Black Narcissus (1947), The Red Shoes (1948), The Af- tion. It’s a strange juxtaposition. One can’t help were when AIDS first arrived on the rican Queen (1951), The Prince and the Showgirl (1957), but wish there were two separate docs to watch shores of New York. as well as later fare such as Conan The Destroyer (1984) because their romantic and business partnership Consisting of period footage from and Rambo (1985), Cardiff’s work speaks for itself. But really does deserve its own platform. Berge’s the early 1980s to the present (includ- how wonderful is it that we get to hear Cardiff’s own words AIDS and gay rights activism alone was worthy ing President Obama’s contributions as he regales us with the stories of his groundbreaking of more time. As for the amazing collection of ob- to the fight against AIDS) and inter- career in and on film? Among those also singing Cardiff’s jects they acquired over the course of their part- views with important figures in the praises in interviews are Martin Scorsese, Kirk Douglas, nership, it too deserves its own focus, so that scene (such as Larry Kramer, Larry Lauren Bacall, Kim Hunter and Moira Shearer. There are they viewer can fully appreciate the extraordinary works Mass, Edmund White, Richard Berkowitz and many oth- a multitude of DVD bonus features, including an interview of art. As it is, neither the love story nor the other points ers), Sex In An Epidemic succeeds in its mission. This is with director McCall and Cardiff’s “behind-the-scenes” of interest really get the attention they so justly deserve. especially true when the doc addresses the “invention” of movies. t

OUT ON SCREEN Jack and Jill: Are two Adam Sandlers better than one? By Chuck Duncan larly successful with her in 50 First Dates). Jack and Jill guy), Billy Blanks, Bruce Jenner, Dennis Dugan (the film’s Adam Sandler returns to the big, co-starring with him- goes for the brash, the loud, and the bodily functions more director), Richard Kline (Larry from Three’s Company) self in the new comedy Jack and Jill. The story goes a often than not, but by the end there is just enough love and Johnny Depp! As for that major star (spoiler alert!) little something like this: Jack and Jill are twins (frater- between the characters to warm your heart. – Al Pacino shows up in what seems to nal/identical?), but instead of sharing that twin bond that I have to admit that I did laugh be a cameo but turns into a full blown co- most twins seem to have, Jack can’t stand Jill (although out loud many times during the starring role as Jill’s suitor. It’s funny and Jill has an unhealthy affinity for Jack). She’s loud, braying, movie, whether it was during an disturbing at the same time. needy… but underneath it all, she only wants to be loved. uncomfortable Thanksgiving dinner Comedy certainly is subjective, and When Jill arrives in LA for a Thanksgiving vacation, scene where even a homeless man you either like Adam Sandler or you hate she decides to hang around through Hanukkah because couldn’t handle the tension between him. I’m kind of in the middle, but I have to she’s lonely (their mother has recently passed away). Jack and Jill, Jill just being Jill, or say I had a pretty good time with this movie Jack decides the only way to get rid of her is to fix her the major star poking fun at himself. (and this is one you really want to see with up with an internet date, but Jack’s advertising client Yes, I actually enjoyed Jack and Jill a large audience or a group of friends). The (Dunkin’ Donuts) wants a major celebrity to endorse their more than I ever expected. I always effect of Sandler playing the two charac- new Dunkacino beverage, and that star finds a soul mate enjoy spotting Sandlers buddies ters is pretty flawless, and make sure to in Jill, much to Jack’s dismay. in his movies – David Spade, Rob stay through the credits to see a collection I really had zero hope for this movie going in. I’ve Schniedier, and Dana Carvey – and of real twins talk about their relationships seen enough Adam Sandler movies to know what to ex- this one was loaded with friends, (they open the movie as well). This cer- pect, from the good (The Wedding Singer) to the bad celebrity cameos, sports figures and tainly isn’t a movie that “mainstream” crit- (Little Nicky) and everything in between. Sandler caters that major star. ics are going to applaud – and as of this to the “low-brow” comedy crowd, relying on his annoying Watch closely and you may spot writing, the film has a 3% rating on Rotten child voice and fart jokes way too much to get a laugh. (some are more prominent than oth- Tomatoes – but I think general audiences But Sandler can somehow manage to win over audiences ers) Tim Meadows, Norm MacDon- looking for a few good laughs (and who when he puts a little heart into his movies instead of just ald, Gary Valentine, Regis Philbin, doesn’t need a few laughs right about now) going for the toilet humor. Dan Patrick, Shaq, Drew Carey and Sandler’s fan base will find Jack and The Wedding Singer worked because of the relation- (there’s a whole Price is Right scene), John McEnroe, Jill to be a funny, enjoyable and, yes, heartwarming ex- t ship between Sandler and Drew Barrymore (and was simi- Christie Brinkley, Michael Irvin, Jared Fogle (the Subway perience.

18 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts //usic m

prolific year, 1980, som’s followers and a bit of an acquired taste, songs such iMusic: Sounds like nostalgia she also released as “Baby Come Close,” “Ode To The Monarch,” the organ- Irons In The Fire powered “Come On Babe Let’s Dance’ and the piano-driv- Byg Greg Shapiro (Hip-O Select/Motown), newly reissued and expanded to en title track and “Higher Than High” have a pleasant and A pair of Pauls – Paul McCartney’s intimate 1970 solo include five live cuts. Irons In The Fire not only featured unexpectedly timeless quality to them. debut disc McCartney (MPL/Hear/Concord) opens with the dramatic title cut and the lovely “Young Love,” but also the sweet, if insubstantial, “The Lovely Linda,” and fea- the amazing dance classic “I Need Your Lovin’,” making it tures a multitude of family-oriented photos, one of the hottest albums of her career. Dueling dudes many of which were taken by his photogra- Piano-playing goddess Alicia Keys wasn’t With his 2001 debut album Musicforthemorningafter pher wife, the late Linda McCartney. That’s born until a year after Teena Marie’s 1980 dou- (Columbia/Legacy), Pete Yorn set the bar pretty high for something of a tipoff that McCartney was ble whammy, but you can Marie’s himself. The proof is that none of the discs as interested in being a musician as he influence on Keys. The attrac- that followed, while each has its own mer- was in being a family man. As with each of tively packaged 10th anniversary its, never really matched the promise of the Beatles’ initial solo records, the guys collector’s edition of Keys’ 2001 his first record. The expanded 10th anni- sound determined to make their individu- major-label debut Songs in A Mi- versary edition features a remastered ver- al mark and McCartney is no exception. nor (J/Legacy) includes the origi- sion of the original disc, including the hits Solid selections such as “Every Night,” nal album, as well as second CD “Strange Condition” and “Life On A Chain,” “Maybe I’m Amazed,” “Junk,” “That Would of mostly previously unreleased along with a second live disc that also four Be Something” and even “Teddy Boy,” tracks and a DVD containing mu- additional bonus songs consisting of a B- grounds the disc, adding weight and room sic videos as well as a doc about Side, a demo and more. for the lighter tunes. The special two CD the making of the album. Songs Surf-pop stud Jack Johnson’s 2000 edition review includes a seven-track bo- in A Minor was a thrilling introduc- debut disc Brushfire Fairytales (Everlov- nus disc with outtakes, live cuts and more. tion to a very talented artist that ing) received the reissue treatment via an Arriving a little more than 10 years lat- went on to earn Keys numerous edition remastered by studio legend Ber- er, McCartney II (MPL/Hear/Concord) is essentially a one- Grammy Awards and still sounds fresh today. In addition to nie Grundman using the original analog tapes. The album, man affair like its namesake. McCartney, who arrived late including her brilliant rendition of Prince’s “How Come You which includes the songs “Bubble Toes” and “Flake,” still to the synth/dance scene, although he did have something Don’t Call Me,” the album features hits such as “Fallin’” and sounds like the soundtrack for a late-night beach bonfire of disco hit with the 1979 Wings 12” single “Goodnight To- “Girlfriend,” as well as “Troubles,” “Rock Wit U,” “Why Do I and getting busy in the sand. t night,” sounds a bit out of step here. As if he was creating in Feel So Sad” and “Caged a bubble, minus the “winged” influence. The single “Coming Bird.” Up” was certainly catchy and “Waterfalls” beautifully washes Of course, where over listeners, while the instrumental “Frozen Jap” could al- would Teena Marie and most function as influence for what was to come later during Alicia Keys be without Ella the synth-powered early 1980s. A bonus disc includes live, Fitzgerald? A true musi- full-length and edited versions, among others. cal pioneer, Fitzgerald’s Like McCartney, Paul Simon also had his work cut out for absence is still felt today. him when releasing his 1972 self-titled Columbia Records The expanded reissue solo debut disc, newly reissued by Legacy in expanded of Easy Living (Concord editions with four other titles (1973’s “There Goes Rhymin’ Original Jazz Classics/ Simon,” 1974’s “Live Rhymin’” and 1975’s “Still Crazy After Pablo), Fitzgerald’s third All These Years”). With a little luck and a lot of talent, this collaboration with jazz gui- bold post-Simon & Garfunkel recording allowed Simon to tarist Joe Pass may be the stretch and strut in different directions, laying the important weakest of their pairings. groundwork for his future output. A masterpiece of maturity, Recorded a dozen or so the album delivered accessible and considerable hits (“Me years before her passing, and Julio Down By The Schoolyard,” “Mother and Child Re- Fitzgerald’s voice was not union,” “Duncan”) amidst the deeper cuts including “Peace at its best, even for a set Like A River,” “Run That Body Down” and “Armistice Day.” of jazz vocal renditions of Simon maintained this level of mastery over the course of standards and is a mild the next two studio discs, striking a balance between being disappointment. At the very a hit-maker and a singer/songwriter of substance, and with least, Fitzgerald’s interpre- only a couple of exceptions, throughout the course of his tive skill still shine through career, right up to the present day. throughout the disc. More than just a nov- elty (or an oddity), harpist Dueling divas and folky soprano Carol The late Teena Marie was as beloved by followers of Kleyn’s limited pressing, soul and R&B as she was by the gay men who shook their self-released, 1976 album bodies to a song such as “Behind The Groove,” from her Love Has Made Me Stron- reissued and expanded 1980 album Lady T (Hip-O Select/ ger (Drag City) has been Motown). As comfortable belting out a ballad (“Aladdin’s given a second chance Lamp”) as she was “dancing all night long” (“You’re All The to reach listeners in a CD Boogie I Need”), Marie wasn’t just an interpreter of others’ reissue. Definitely meant songs, but an accomplished songwriter. And in her most to appeal to Joanna New-

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 19 YOUR MONEY // REAL ESTATE So What Exactly is a Short Sale? by Jeff Hammerberg bank to allow the borrower to sell the prop- In today’s economic crisis and down real erty at a discounted price. estate market this is a term that comes up The homeowner will hire a real estate a lot. But what exactly does it mean? In agent and put the house on the market just simple terms, a short sale is a tool that is like any other sale, except the home will used by banks and borrowers who have be priced according to current market val- come on difficult times, as an alternative to ue and conditions, which is typically much foreclosure when a borrower cannot repay less then the homeowners owes on their their loan. mortgage. Buyers will come and tour the When a homeowner takes out a mort- home and make offers. gage loan to purchase their house, they In the end, the bank will have to ap- agree to pay a certain sum of money, prove any “short sale” offer made by a po- known as the principal. This principal bal- tential buyer before the sale can continue. For Sale! 4007 Hamilton Avenue ance is paid over the course of 15, 20 or 30 Once the bank has made that agreement, Offered for $339,900 years plus interest. the property can be sold just as it would In the event the homeowner is unable normally. Unique is an understatement! Spacious to, or stops making their mortgage pay- The bank is essentially agreeing to ac- brick Colonial on a hilltop with outra- ment, the bank, or lending institution will cept the purchase price as a payment in geous lot size for Baltimore City. A true start the foreclosure process. full on the loan that is owed. showstopper featuring 3 finished levels The bank will always give the home- It frees up the borrower to walk away w/the perfect mix of authentic character owner along the way several opportunities from the property without a foreclosure & creature comforts. Beautifully refin. to pay the back-owed payments, and stop on their credit, and it keeps the bank from hardwoods, pocket doors, detailed mill- the process. having to take the property back. work. Entertainer’s delight w/4 bdrms, 2 In the event the homeowner cannot It’s my opinion that a short sale is a ½ baths, 2 car garage, big fenced yard. catch-up their payments, the bank will pro- better option than a foreclosure, as you’re ceed with the impending foreclosure. cooperating with the bank in selling a home Tina Castronovo, Realtor Prudential Carruthers REALTORS At this point homeowners have a few they loaned you money on, that you can no O: 410.464.5500 C: 410.812.9070 www.TinaSellsBaltimore.com options to consider. longer afford ~ short sale or foreclosure, • They can simply wait for the bank to expect your credit to be damaged. take their home or walk away from it. Additionally, it’s important as part of • They can try to get a loan modifica- the short sale agreement, that the bank Jeffrey Tessmer • J�m m����� m����� tion, where the bank will change the condi- agrees not to come after you for the “short tion of their loan and either lowers the prin- payoff”… in some cases with foreclosure 701 s. Broadway • Baltimore, mD 21231 cipal amount owed, the interest rate they or short sale, the bank may attempt to col- are paying, or the term of the loan and thus lect from you the negative balance and or jeffrey.tessmer@�Nf.COm • jim.mikula@�Nf.COm lowering their monthly payments to an af- 1099 you for the “gift”, which you’ll pay fordable amount. taxes on. • They can give the property back to Always consult a professional realtor the bank (known as a deed in lieu of fore- and or tax and legal professionals that are closure) or experienced in “short sales” to analyze • The final option is that the bank can your best options. t authorize a “short sale” Jeff Hammerberg is the founding CEO A short sale is an agreement by the of www.GayRealEstate.com

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 21 25TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION AT GRAND CENTRAL — NOV. 6, 2011 PHOTOS BY JUSTIN NIXON PHOTOGRAPHY / JUSTINNIXONPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

22 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com I am involved with my community. Whether JBTS: Well, there are orgs that work with JBTS: With the political climate, it has it’s a leather man, author, a writer, video LGBT youth. For one there is SMYAL. The improved. Because we are gaining, slowly blogger, a gay rights activist, HIV activist, sexual minority youth assistance league in but surely we are getting the rights we de- I am just like any other man. I like to wear Washington D.C. In Baltimore there is SIAM, serve as human beings. It is our duty to Sam many hats. I love to wear the Church Lady Sufficient as I am. They meet in Baltimore. make sure the next generation of GLCCB Unfiltered hat only because my husband is ordained The GLCCB sponsors that. Also there is people to know what we went through and Sam Kunz and he performs marriages in the DC area. SPEAK, fighting against Gay youth suicide. how we went through it. When I go to a marriage he is ordaining I in- SK: I met you through the leather SK: I understand you wrote a book, troduce myself as the preacher’s wife with a community, how active are you in that please tell our readers about it. southern accent, because I scene? JBTS: The book is a children’s book. Justin B. love my husband and what JBTS: I would say I am pretty About a little boy named Jay who is HIV he does. And the role I love active. I go to fundraisers. I go to dif- Positive. The book is called I have a secret. Terry Smith most of all is being the ferent leather events and contests. I wrote it to inspire young children who have husband of Dr. Philip Terry Veterans Day Weekend I will be in HIV, not necessarily to be open about their How do you introduce someone who wears Smith. Cincinnati for Mr. Tri-State Leather status. But to not be ashamed by it. Also, for so many incredible hats? I had the pleasure SK: What would you where I will be a judge. You have to HIV negative children to know HIV positive of talking to this true Renaissance man, an say is the most pending be open and you have to be seen, are children too. author, gay rights activist, HIV/AIDS educa- crisis affecting our com- because it opens up dialog for peo- SK: Well as usual, I give my subjects tor just to name a few. Here is what Justin munity at this point? ple who might not be in the leather the final word, so what do you want Bal- had to say. JBTS: Is the inability community. timore and points beyond to know about Sam Kunz: First, I want to thank you for parents of young LGBT SK: How has the gay commu- you? so much for taking the time to talk to us youth not loving or accept- nity changed from when you first JBTS: As long as there is a breath left here at Baltimore OUTloud. How are you ing them for who they are. came out until now? in my body. I will continue to fight HIV and today? Because when you are JBTS: Not much. It changes as adversity. For all of those newly infected and Justin B. Terry Smith: I am doing good, young, you need that ac- you get older. You get more mature. those already infected with HIV; Don’t give really, really good. I just got back from doing ceptance, you need that love. Without it, The next generation comes up behind you. up. Fight the good fight because life is worth rehearsals for “The Infection Monologues” you will find that fulfillment in other avenues, You become a mentor for those who are living. SK: I stated before that you wear so whether it is alcohol, drugs or sex. That all younger. The roles kind of change in your Watch for my new book rape and do- many hats and do so much for our com- will come out when you are an adult un- 20’s you aren’t thinking of activism. In your mestic abuse under “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” munity. How would you describe your- less you feel that acceptance when you are 30’s you become more serious about the The Justin B. Terry Smith Story. Look for it self? young and impressionable. community you serve. in 2012. I love all my fans and my readers. JBTS: Wow. How would I describe my- SK: What would you say is the first step SK: Would you say it has improved or Take care of each other. Because that’s all self? I am a person just like everyone else. we need to take to rectify the situation? declined since then? you got. t Daddy Christmas 2011 Proceeds Benefit S.P.E.A.K. Suicide Prevention Education Awareness for Kids * Raffle for “The Wagon of Cheer” * Photos with “Santa” * Silent Auction * Our Famous Porn Flea Market * ShipMates Beer Bust! Dec. 3, 2011 9pm Baltimore Eagle

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 23 opening cocktail party presented by Contest, which will see the MML First run- prior Mr. Maryland Leather titlehold- ner-Up as a contestant. ers at the Hotel Brexton. The Ship- This year’s Mr. Maryland Leather con- Mates followed will killer margaritas test was very well attended and for me that (Thanks to a secret recipe that I is often a reflection on the outgoing title- was given by Mr. Maryland Leather holder. Mr. Maryland Leather 2011 Alex Le- 2011 Alex Lemaire.) After the cock- maire had such a wonderful year and it is no tail parties, the official Meet and secret to readers of this column how much Greet Reception was held at Leon’s I love that young man. He plans to continue Leather Lounge. The above contes- to be active in the Leather Community and tants were introduced as well as the already has plans in the works for a 2012 MML 2012 is Joseph judges. COMMAND put together a fundraiser for SPEAK (Suicide Preven- very impressive panel of judges this tion Education Awareness for Kids) which year: Leather icon “Mama” Sandy he hopes will be much like his successful Chmielowski-Liu! Reinhardt came all the way from “Speakeasy” fundraiser this past year. San Francisco, Columnist and Con- After the contest and a buffet dinner at During what could only be described as one test Producer Vern Stewart, Presi- the Hippo, it was another full night of cock- of the best weekends ever produced by COM- dent of the D.C. boys of Leather tail parties at the Hotel Brexton and the Of- MAND, MC, Joseph Chmielowski-Liu of Bal- boy ky, Mr. SECC Leather 2011 Ben ficial MML Victory Party at Leon’s Leather timore was selected Mr. Maryland Leather Carter, J.P. Halford of the Centaur, Lounge. 2012. The title of First Runner-Up to MML MC, Mid-Atlantic Leather Woman COMMAND’s 23rd Anniversary Week- 2012 was awarded to ShipMates’ Club Secre- 2011 Morgaine, and Mr. Maryland end ended with a wonderful breakfast buf- tary Thomas Idoux and Hurley Reese of COM- Leather 2011 Alex Lemaire. fet at the Mt. Vernon Stable. After a few MAND, MC came in Second Runner-Up. Saturday morning started early speeches and presentations, it was time I always feel funny checking into a with leather demos and presenta- to check-out of the hotel and go home. hotel room in Baltimore. After all, I live in tions at Playhouse Studios and Congratulations to Event Coordinators boy Baltimore! I must say, however, it was won- Gallery a few blocks away from the andrew mccarty and Mr. Maryland Leather derful staying at the Hotel Brexton over the hotel. It is a great idea to include 2008 Kris DeBlase for a great event. I had weekend of November 4-6 with all the fun education as part of a leather week- a fantastic little weekend getaway and I of COMMAND, MC’s Mr. Maryland Leather end. Floggers and paddles don’t only had a 15-minute drive to get home! t 2012 Weekend only steps away from my usually come with instructions! I Joseph Chmielowski-Liu, room. COMMAND had reserved all twenty- do hope that COMMAND will con- Mr. Maryland Leather 2012 eight rooms of this beautiful historic hotel tinue to do this – just not in the early conveniently located just next door to Le- morning after a hard night of party- (I would love to tell you all about the taste- on’s Leather Lounge. In is no secret that I ing. Hopefully next year the seminars will ful little number that the COMMAND Players can be found at Leon’s for happy hour on be at a more convenient time so that more provided, but I feel that I must keep it a Vic- any given Friday night that I am in town, but folks will attend. It is a wonderful way to torian secret. I have a feeling I am going to there was something magical about Leon’s train some of the newer members of the see it again during the 12 Days of Christmas during MML Weekend. It was packed with community. Plus you can sometime teach Show at the Hippo on December 10. I hope hot out of town leather men! You can often an old puppy some new tricks! to stop laughing by then!) MML contestants see leather vest with COMMAND or Ship- The centerpiece of the weekend was competed in interview (earlier in the day), Mates’ back patches at Leon’s on a Friday the Mr. Maryland Leather 2012 Contest jock, formal leather, and an on stage ques- night, but how often do you see New Jer- held Saturday afternoon at the Hippo. Mr. tion. I was disappointed to hear that on the sey boys of Leather, Philadelphians, MC, Michigan Leather 2004 Bob Rose did an night before the contest producers scrapped Excelsior, MC of New York, and Centaurs outstanding job as emcee. He was able to the speech category due to fear of having TOMMIE MATTOX of D.C.? There were also wonderful cock- be amusing and yet still give the proper re- the contest run long. This is an important Dog Walker & Pet Services tail parties at the hotel on Friday night. Mr. spect to the occasion. Positive Voices, Chi category at the International Mr. Leather » Insured and Bonded Maryland Leather 2007 Sir Steve worked Chi Ray Colby, Shawnna Alexander and the Contest in which the new MML will compete the bar and got the party started with the COMMAND Players provided entertainment. as well as at the Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather » Daily dog walks/cat and small pet care » Overnight pet sitting in your pet’s home New SaleS DvDS StartiNg PLEASE CONTACT US AT 443.422.DOGS $5 Off $25 at $1.95 [email protected] Or MOre TommiesTailWaggers.com GREENMOUNT BOOKS HUge SeleCtiON Private BOOtHS 2 LOCATIONS: 3222 Greenmount Ave. Baltimore MD • 410.467.0403 Rte. 1 News • 106 Washington Blvd. South • Laurel MD • 410.880.4253

24 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com MR. MARYLAND LEATHER 2012 AT CLUB HIPPO — NOV. 5, 2011 PHOTOS BY RODNEY BURGER

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 25 D IninG

¼ inch pieces • 2 packets Instant Apple Cinnamon Adventures Quaker Oats • ½ gallon ultra premium vanilla ice in Baltimore cream Restaurants Directions: Preheat oven to 350 de- Jessica Lemmo grees. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, rum, salt, brown sugar, vanilla ex- O wl Bar tract, and ground cinnamon. Fold in toast- ed croissants, apples, raisins, and oatmeal 1 East Chase Street packets until croissants are moist. Spray a Baltimore, MD 21202 9x12inch baking dish with cooking spray and pour in mixture. Bake at 350 degrees One of my favorite things about fall is ap- for 45 minutes. Let sit ~20 minutes. Serve ples! I love them in desserts, in main en- in 2x2 squares with a scoop of ultra pre- trees, on their own, on pizza (had that the mium ice cream. other night and loved it) and did I mention About the chef: Chef Tucker’s sense dessert yet? This recipe from Chef Tucker of culinary creation is in his blood – at from the Owl Bar will surely get everyone the age of seven Chef Tucker was in the at the table to “oh and ah” not just from the kitchen watching his mother and grand- smell alone but the mouth-watering taste. mothers cook and soon after began cook- ing on his own. Influenced by Southern Cinnamon Apple styles and Cajun Creole Tucker has per- Bread Pudding à La Mode fected his craft working in top dining spots across Baltimore and the east coast. Chef • 3 eggs, beaten Tucker is self-taught and credits Southern • 2 cups heavy cream and Creole Cajun as his strongest Influ- • 2 oz Spiced Rum (Captain Morgans ences. Each dish he creates comes from for example) Chef Tucker’s heart and is full of his pas- • ¼ teaspoon salt sion and vision as a chef. He was awarded • ¼ cup brown sugar a Veal Oscar for Best Demo at the Atlantic • 6 cups lightly toasted croissants, City Food Show. cubed into ½ inch pieces, about 4 large The Owl Bar is a historic Speakeasy croissants in the Belvedere in downtown Baltimore. • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract The Owl Bar offers brick oven pizza and • ½ cup raisins paninis, the famous Owl Bar crab cake, • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 18 beers on tap, delicious cocktails, and Join us for • 3 red apples, peeled and diced into much more. t Thanksgiving Buffet at 4:30 !

26 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com CELEBRATE THE SEASON AND GIVE THE GIFT OF FITNESS!

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 27 Professional Services

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Call 410-244-6780 to list your business in the Professional Services directory. BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 29 CAN LE DAR Baltimore 2011 World AIDS Transgender Day Day Events of Remembrance Events December 1 – Zeta Phi Beta World AIDS Day Guest speakers, light refreshments, and N ovember 19 – a question and answer session. the Ameri- Transgender Day of Celebration can Brewery building at 1701 n gay street 21213, 6:30 p.m to 8:30 p.m. Organized by the Transgender Re- sponse Team in partnership with First December 1 – Unitarian Church of Baltimore, Interweave, Carroll Community College this event includes: World AIDS Day Practice “Getting to Zero – Zero AIDS • A community building dialogue on Related Deaths” by visiting the information unpacking privilege; table in the Great Hall. Also, receive a HIV/ • Town hall meeting on homelessness AIDS mouth swab test, from the Carroll and transgender communities County Health Department, in A125. Great • Viewing of the Pioneering Voices ex- Hall 1601 Washington Road, Westminster, hibit featuring stories of transgender people MD, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Workshops for community and per- sonal healing and empowerment December 1 – • Interactive community art and expres- People’s Community Baptist Church sion project World AIDS Day • New public service announcement A community dialogue about the (psa) addressing violence and discrimina- increase in HIV cases among african tion against transgender Marylanders american men 30-59 years of age who This event is open to the public. Food live in Montgomery and refreshments will be served. First county. On site Unitarian Church of Baltimore, Enoch Pratt testing. People’s Parish Hall, 514 N. Charles Street, Balti- Community Baptist more, MD 21201, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Church, 31 Norwood Rd, Silver Spring, MD, 6:30 p.m. to November 20 – 9:30 p.m. Transgender Day of Remembrance This memorial event includes: • An interfaith memorial service In Baltimore • Reading of the names • Candle lighting ceremony December 1 – First Unitarian Church of Baltimore The Living Red Ribbon 12 W. Franklin Street, Baltimore, MD The event is an attempt to gather more 2120, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. than 3,800 individuals standing in solidarity in recognition of HIV/AIDS to create the World’s Largest Living Red Ribbon Formation. Transgender advocacy events The day will also include free HIV testing, refreshments, entertainment, a health fair and November 21 – workshops. Coppin State University, Physi- Howard County Gender Identity cal Education Complex, 2500 W. North Ave, Public Hearings Baltimore, MD, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The County Council will hold public hearings on the issue and we need to send December 1 – a clear and visible message to the council Choirs & Candles at the – and the state – that Marylanders support Creative Alliance these basic rights. George Howard Build- The proceeds benefit Brother, Help Thy- ing, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, self. Lea Gilmore will join with Baltimore Men’s MD 7:30 p.m. Chorus, New Wave Singers, and Positive Voices for this event at the Creative Alliance November 30 – at The Patterson, 3134 Eastern Avenue, Bal- Transgender Issues Working Group timore Maryland. 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices $17 The input and perspective of our trans- ($12 for members).The event is an attempt to gender supporters is vital for the advance- gather more than 3800 individuals standing in ment of transgender issues, legislation and solidarity in recognition of HIV/AIDS to create education in our community. The working the World’s Largest Living Red Ribbon Forma- group meets every other Wednesday at the tion. The day will also include free HIV testing, Equality Maryland offices 1201 S. Sharp refreshments, entertainment, a health fair and Street, Baltimore, MD 21230). 7 p.m. Free, workshops. Coppin State University, Physi- registration required. For info contact cal Education Complex, 2500 W North Ave, [email protected] Baltimore, MD, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

30 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com Community Bulletin Board

Friday November. 18 Santa Arrives in Baltimore November 26 - January 1 Wednesday, December 7 Winter Wonderland, Holiday Lantern Parade, Santa’s Arrival and Winter Around the Harbor Premiere of the Power Plant Holiday Light Show Spectacular are Miracle on 34th Street Join the National Aquarium in Baltimore in celebrating the all a part of the fun-filled festive day on the Waterfront. 1 PM —5 PM One block in Hampden puts on a Christmas light display that lights around the Harbor. Enjoy a special Polar Express Winter Wonderland with free, fun-filled family festivities. 5:30 is surely visible from space. Neighbors in this block of row- screening, hot cocoa, and cookies at the waterfall. www. PM Parade and Santa’s Arrival at 7 PM. Power Plant Light Show. houses string Christmas lights across 34th Street. Inflatable aqua.org. National Aquarium in Baltimore Family activities at West Shore Park Parade leaves West Shore snow-globes, musical trains and blinking angels adorn Park and travels the Inner Harbor Promenade to Santa’s Place. homes. A few even allow visitors to peek inside. The lights Friday, November 18 Light Show to take place at Power Plant. are on every night from Thanksgiving weekend to January 1st, including all night on Christmas Eve. FREE. www. Join Equality Maryland and Marylanders for christmasstreet.com. Hampden. The 12 Days of Christmas Marriage Equality with Vince Gill and Amy Grant Find out how you can get involved in the effort to pass Wednesday, November 30 Amy Grant and Vince Gill bring their “Twelve Days of marriage equality at 6:00 PM. UMBC Theatre will present The Laramie Project. Christmas” tour to the Lyric stage this December. This marks RSVP to join us in Baltimore: $10 general admission, $5 for students and seniors, and the fifth year the couple —who celebrated their eleventh Spirits of Mt Vernon $3 for the preview. Tickets are available at http://www. wedding anniversary this year —has performed the holiday 900 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 missiontix.com or 410-752-8950. special. The set will feature traditional holiday songs, as well Performances: as some of Amy and Vince’s biggest hits. Saturday, November 19 Wednesday, November 30 at 8 pm (preview) The Lyric Opera House, Chuck Johnson … Sunday November 20 Thursday, December 1 at 4pm (free for the UMBC community, www.lyricoperahouse.com PFLAG Westminster-Carroll County with a talk back session following the performance) is making a Baltimore stop as a part of Friday, December 2 at 8 pm (opening night) his solo acoustic album release tour. General Meeting 5:00 p.m. Two chapter members will Saturday, December 3 at 8 pm Saturday, December 10 Doors open @ 8:30pm. $6 discuss coming out around the holidays, what that means, Sunday, December 4 at 2 pm Paula Poundstone The Red Room at Normals Books & why it happens, and how to handle different situations. Thursday, December 8 at 8 pm There will be small group discussions and opportunity for Show times: 6:30PM & 9:30PM Records, Friday, December 9 at 8 pm Tickets: $38.50 Call: 410-268-4545 interaction. Contact: June Horner, 410-795-2418, e-mail: Saturday, December 10 at 8 pm [email protected], Rams Head On Stage Sunday, December 11 at 2 pm 33 West Street Annapolis, MD 21401 Fellowship Hall, St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Corner of UMBC Theatre, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250. Saturday November 19 Bond & Green Streets, Westminster, MD www.ramsheadonstage.com Ken Kolodner (hammered dulcimer, mbira and Wednesday, November 22 Thursday, December 1 fiddle) with Brad Kolodner (clawhammer banjo, PFLAG-Baltimore County Meeting Washington Monument Wednesday, December 28 gourd banjo, banjola, guitar) and guests. Lighting “Media Impressions & Influencing the Legislative Process of Jeff Dunham CHESEPEAKE ART CENTER, Gender Rights in Maryland.“ All meetings free, confidential Baltimore’s aglow for the holiday 194 Hammonds Lane Brooklyn Park, Maryland 21225 and open to the public. 7p.m - 9p.m. Towson Unitarian season with the official lighting of the 7:30PM. Universalist Church, 1710 Dulaney Valley Rd., Lutherville, MD Washington Monument, which features 1st Mariner Arena/SMG 201 W. Baltimore St. Studio 194 Theatre 21093. Info.: pflagbaltimore.org. an evening of choir performances, strolling entertainment, and more. The $15 ($12 CAC Members) For tickets call 410-636-6597 Friday-Sunday, Nov. 25-27 event ends with a colorful fireworks [email protected] finale choreographed to music. www. Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Festival of Trees promotionandarts.com Saturday, November 19 Even with all those elves, Santa himself couldn’t have Magic Workshop designed a better fantasy world than Kennedy Krieger Saturday, December 3 Institute’s Festival of Trees. It’s a three-day extravaganza of With David London 4th Annual Mustache (Mock) Beauty Pageant for charity fairyland forests, gingerbread towns and toy train gardens, 6pm-9pm. Noon – 3:00 PM. $30 (Price includes complemented by over 100 craft boutiques, holiday goodies Come out and support the brave volunteer mustache all materials and props). and activities for kids of all ages. You can also enjoy a growers of Mustaches for Kids as they compete for the title of Charm City Movement Arts special line-up of nightly entertainment for the whole family! “Sweetest Stache proceeds benefit Baltimore City Schools. 600 S. Clinton Street Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, PBR Baltimore, 34 Market Place, Baltimore, MD (@Power Baltimore, MD 21224 Plant Live) November 25-December 31 Holiday Festival of Trains Sunday December 4 Celebrate the holiday season at Baltimore’s largest holiday 39th Annual Mayor’s Christmas Parade display of toy and model train layouts. Santa arrives by Join the Baltimore’s Mayor’s Annual Christmas Parade! locomotive to the Roundhouse at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, From the Baltimore Marching Ravens, to Harley Davidson November 25. Weekend train rides and photo opportunities motorcycles, marching bands, and Santa Claus, the music- Send your with Santa through December 21. Weekend train rides filled event marches its way through several Baltimore and photo opportunities with Frosty the Snowman through neighborhoods. It’s a great chance to get the kids out to see information for December 31. It’s a train load of fun that’s become an annual the city and start the holiday cheers. In Hampden. www. holiday tradition! mayorschristmasparade.com upcoming events to Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, www.borail.org [email protected]

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com q 31 GRAND CENTRAL and S.H.E. PRODUCTIONS present The Black Party | Saturday, November 26th, 2011

CONTEST fOR THE mOST fABULOUS BLACk ATTIRE music by Deejay Arturo and DJ katrina 21+ | 9pm | Advance Tix $10 | $12 at the door | Coat Check Available

Visit cetralstationpub.com | sheproductionsevents.com for more info Advance tix available at grandcentralblackparty.eventbrite.com Sundays 2-4-1 Drinks Excludes top shelf Country & Western 5-9pm 70s & 80s 9pm-Close In the Disco

Grand Central nightclub 1001-1003 north Charles st. Baltimore, MD 410.752.7133 www.centralstationpub.com Visit us on Facebook

32 q BALTIMORE OUTLOUD NOVEMBER 18, 2011 • baltimoreoutloud.com