Baltimore Gay Life April 2014

April 2014

BaltimoreGayLife.com

GAYLIFE Read it. Live it.

Love it.

Burlesque and Queerlesque and Boylesque, Oh My! The All-American Genderf*ck Cabaret Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Presents Built to Amaze Camp Highlight Shady Grove Fertility Clinic In Memory of Ada Buffet

Courtney Act RuPaul's Drag Race's

Star from Down Under

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APRIL 2014

GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

Pride Shines Bright at Camp Highlight

On Aug. 16, Camp Highlight (a one-week overnight camp for kids 8 to 15 with LGBT parents or guardians) will start its fourth season.

By Rachel Roth

Shady Grove Fertility Clinic Helps Same-Sex Couples Grow Families By Frankie Kujawa

10

GLCCB Program Spotllight

By Kelly Neel

HIGH LIFE

11

Burlesque, Queerlesque, and Boylesque, Oh My!

By Lyn Muldrow

12

F*ck Gender, Says The All-American Genderf*ck Cabaret

Catching Up with Drag Race's Courtney Act

International News

By Rachel Roth

17

Baltimore News

By Steve Charing

OUR LIFE

18

Both Sides Now

Family Life

By Courtney Bedell

By Justin B. Terry-Smith

BETTER LIFE

19

By Alicia Gabriel

Dining Out: My Thai

Clownin' Around

By John Cullen with Marty Shayt

By Frankie Kujawa

SOCIAL LIFE

20 Datebook 23 BSCENE: A Night Out in Baltimore Photos by Jay W.

But wait — there's more! Visit BaltimoreGayLife.com for additional features and an extended version of our Courtney Act interview.

BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

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By Lyn Muldrow

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APRIL 2014

GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

EDITOR’S LIFE

Springing Forward

Gestational Carrier & Donor Egg LGBT Family Building Options

Hello once again Gay Life readers!

After a season of random snowstorms, I’m sure that everyone is more than ready for spring to arrive. To help you get ready for the lush rebirth that springtime brings, we’ve compiled an action packed issue of Gay Life this month, including a few wonderful write-ups of some fantastic events around Baltimore this month. Be sure to check out Lyn Muldrow’s stories on the Glass Mind Theatre’s performance of The All-American Genderf*ck Cabaret (p. 12) and MICA’s upcoming exhibition on the history of Baltimore burlesque, Workin’ The Tease (p. 8). Additionally, one of our favorite arts writers, Frankie Kujawa, interviewed some of the out-and-proud performers from the Barnum & Bailey Circus, which comes to Baltimore March 26–April 6.

Also this month, the GLCCB is unveiling its newest program—a dynamic, new community garden initiative. Kelly Neel, the GLCCB’s deputy executive director, is spearheading the effort as volun-

teers take a vacant lot in Barclay and make it a little greener. For more information on our community garden, and other GLCCB programming updates, check out Kelly’s article on p. 10.

As much as I am looking forward to spring, much of my time this month will be focused on the June’s Baltimore Pride. This year’s Pride festivities will take place over 10 days beginning June 13 and ending with the traditional Parade and Block Party on Sat., June 21 and our Pride Festival on Sun., June 22. For further information on all things related to Baltimore Pride ‘14, please email GLCCB Development Director Kate Hull at khull@glccb.org, and she will point you in the right direction.

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ON THE COVER

RuPaul's Drag Race season 6 contestant Courtney Act. Photo by John McRae. FACEBOOK.COM/GLCCB • TWITTER.COM/GLCCB • YOUTUBE.COM/THEGLCCB

Dan McEvily, Editor editor@baltimoregaylife.com

GAYLIFE Read it. Live it.

Love it.

1000 Cathedral St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410.777.8145 Phone 410.777.8135 Fax sales@baltimoregaylife.com www.baltimoregaylife.com

M. Cory Burgess, Art Director cory@metroscapemedia.com National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 Contributors Courtney Bedell, Steve Charing, John Cullen, Alicia Gabriel, Frankie Kujawa, Lyn Muldrow, Kelly Neel, Rachel Roth, Marty Shayt, Justin B. Terry-Smith, Arnie VandeBrake

Photographers John Kardys, Samatra Johnson, Kelly Neel, Richelle Taylor, Jay W.

Magazine Committee Maggie Beetz, John Cullen, Doug Rose, Marty Shayt, Richelle Taylor, Matt Thorn

Gay Life is a publication of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland (GLCCB). Gay Life is published monthly in Baltimore, Md., with distribution throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved. Gay Life is copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of Gay Life or its publisher.

BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

APRIL 2014

PAGE 5

LOCAL LIFE

GLCCB Program Spotlight

BY KELLY NEEL, GLCCB DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Program groups are settling in nicely at the GLCCB’s new, third floor Waxter Center location. Last month, the Center saw the re-instatement of its free, walk-in HIV/syphilis testing (care of the Baltimore City Health Department), and a sense of excitement around potential new programs that we will be announcing this spring. In addition to the new programs on the horizon, the GLCCB is partnering with local organizations to produce a multitude of special events this month.

In the coming weeks, the GLCCB will play host to a town hall event in partnership with Johns Hopkins University to discuss the new HIV prevention drug PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). The event will feature speakers from the local medical community on the pros and cons of PrEP, and serve as an open forum to learn more about this new preventative measure. Please visit Facebook.com/glccb for further details.

In the second week of April, JQ Baltimore—the local Jewish LGBT outreach and support organization—will be collaborating with the GLCCB to host a Queer Passover Seder conducted by Rabbi Gila Ruskin. The LGBT community, along with their friends, families, and allies, are welcome to join in and celebrate the Jewish liberation from Egypt and the broader liberation from the oppressive bonds of intolerance. The Seder will be held in the GLCCB’s third floor Waxter Center space April 8 at 6:30pm. Light vegetarian-friendly fare and traditional foods will be served. For ticket pricing and other information about the Queer Seder, please email kneel@glccb.org.

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APRIL 2014

GLCCB BOARD TREASURER JILL STROMBERG (CENTER) ATTENDS CENTER STAGE’S NIGHT OUT EVENT

Finally, just in time for spring, the GLCCB will be kicking off its community garden initiative in the Barclay neighborhood in north Baltimore. After being awarded a small neighborhood greening grant from The Parks & People Foundation, the GLCCB is set to host a variety of greening volunteer days and garden-focused workshops in order to transform the vacant lot. The mission is to not only bring together members of the LGBT community, but also residents of the surrounding neighborhoods. Members of the Greater Greenmount Community Association and the Greater Homewood Community Corporation have expressed their interest in the project and the GLCCB looks forward working together to make a difference in our neighborhoods. In addition, the Community Greening Resource Network (CGRN) has offered to host a raised-bed building workshop on the GLCCB’s Barclay site. Volunteers will be invited to spend Saturday, April 19 with the GLCCB and CGRN, learning the tips and tricks to creating and installing raised-beds for the ideal urban garden! For more information about the community garden and CGRN event, please e-mail garden@glccb.org.

In other program news, the GLCCB would like to extend their many thanks to Center Stage for allowing us to be the beneficiaries of last month’s “Night Out” event. Thanks to the hardworking staff and the generous patrons of Center Stage, the GLCCB was able to raise $138 towards the purchase of healthy snacks and meals for the weekly LGBT youth support group, Rainbow Youth Alliance (in partnership with PFLAG).

GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

HIGH LIFE

ON STAGE

GLBT Community Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland Serving the LGBT Community of Maryland for 35 years

1000 Cathedral St. • Baltimore, MD 21201 • 410.777.8145 • GLCCB.org

Burlesque and Queerlesque and Boylesque, Oh My! THE ART OF BALTIOMORE BURLESQUE

BY LYN MULDROW Burlesque, the vaudevillian offshoot of striptease, comedy, and counterculture, tickled many a bootlegger’s fancy back in the Roaring ‘20s. This month, the risqué art of storytelling takes center stage in Maryland Institute College of Art’s (MICA) Workin’ The Tease: The Art of Baltimore Burlesque. The exhibition, which highlights burlesque’s scintillating history in Baltimore will be on full frontal display April 22–May 7 at the Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric.

With over 70 intricate pieces of living history on display, Workin’ the Tease will include historical artifacts from The Block in Baltimore, as well as contemporary costumes, posters, and photographs. Additionally, several companion events are scheduled during the exhibitions run, including a Best of Baltimore Burly-Q reception and performance at the Lyric on April 22, which will highlight the city’s best and barest in contemporary and classic burlesque.

The idea for the exhibition was conceived by the practicing art curators of MICA’s Exhibition Development Seminar (EDS) and serves as a means for MICA students and patrons to learn more about the evolution of burlesque in Baltimore, from Baltimore Street’s bustling scene in the early 20th century to its current raunchy redux.

“Workin’ the Tease is first and foremost an art exhibition, and the students are basically training to be art curators,” said Jeffry Cudlin, EDS Instructor at MICA. “The night of burlesque is a component of the larger show­—a major one, to be sure.”

As a precursor to drag and one of the oldest art forms to embrace unique gender expressions, burlesque exudes progressive thinking by way of comedic caricatures of society. Included in the exhibition’s Best of Baltimore event are queerlesque and boylesque performances, to emphasize the generational and historical importance of gender fluidity in this art form.

“Though not recorded in many of the history books, queerlesque, boylesque, and their corollary drag have always been a part of burlesque,” said Sydney Lewis, a performer who will be part of Workin’ The Tease and veteran BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

of the queerlesque and burlesque scenes. “As burlesque became more about the stripping, drag queens, transwoman, and cisgender burlesque performers often appeared side-by-side especially in the carnival and roadshow circuits. [Now,] many of the shows I have been involved in emphasize queerlesque, boylesque, and drag as integral parts of burlesque.”

As part of the exhibition, Lewis, who transforms into Dr. Ginger Snapz on stage, will be performing Prince’s “Baby I’m a Star.” Many acts use contemporary music—particularly pop music—combined with a classic burlesque aesthetic. “I like the juxtaposition of old glamour with contemporary music,” Lewis mused.

Additionally, the exhibition will include a panel discussion with burlesque performers and a workshop on the history of printing and historical burlesque posters as presented by the Globe Poster Printing Corporation and hosted by MICA. “The best contemporary Baltimore performers are definitely out to reclaim and re-deploy the elements of traditional burlesque that seemed threatening to early audiences,” said Cudlin. “Baltimore Burlesque can be funny, and can feel like old time vaudeville, but it also offers a space for reflection on gender, sexual identity, and transgression.”

WORKIN’ THE TEASE Tues., April 22–Weds. May 7 • Free The Patricia and Arthur Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric 140 W. Mount Royal Ave. TWorkinTheTease.com

All programming is now located on the 3rd floor of the Waxter Center building at 1000 Cathedral Street. For more information please visit www.glccb.org.

Trans Programs

Women’s Programs

AKANNI

SILHOUETTE

A safe, respectful, confidential environment where all transmen can share their story and their journey.

2nd Wednesdays - 6pm vmillhouse@blacktransmen.org BlackTransmen.org

BALTIMORE TRANSMASCULINE ALLIANCE

A support group for trans* men (FTM).

3rd Thursdays - 6:30pm BTMA@glccb.org

TRAN*QUILITY

A support group for trans* women (MTF), but anyone who varies from traditional gender expression is welcome.

2nd & 4th Saturdays - 8pm Tranquility@glccb.org

Recovery ACCESS TO RECOVERY

Care-coordinators will offer recovery support services for LGBT individuals.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 2-7pm Please contact Latif Karim at outreach.latifkarim@gmail.com

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS LGBTQ centered AA recovery groups, welcoming to all.

Mondays - 7:15pm Thursdays - 8:30pm Saturdays - 6:30pm

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS

WOMEN OF COLOR

A safe, confidential, and supportive space for LBTQ women of all colors.

2nd, 4th, & 5th Thursdays - 7:30pm WOC@glccb.org Meetup.com/Baltimore-LesbiansOf-Color

Youth & Young Adult Programs RAINBOW YOUTH ALLIANCE BALTIMORE

A support, social, and discussion group for LGBTQ teens and allies ages 13-19, in partnership with PFLAG Baltimore.

Tuesdays - 7-9pm RYABaltimore@gmail.com Facebook.com/groups/ RYABaltimore

MIXED COMPANY

(QUEER YOUNG ADULT GROUP) A discussion, support, and social group for young adult LGBT identified or questioning individuals and their allies.

Tuesdays - 5:30-6:30pm Facebook.com/groups/GLCCB. mixed.co

Men’s Rap group for men in recovery.

Sundays - 11:30am

Community Programs

Health & Wellness

POZitive PEOPLE

BEGINNERS’ YOGA

Gentle beginners’ yoga with instructor Tim Hurley, RYT. $9 Sundays - 3:30pm

HIV & SYPHILIS TESTING

FREE and confidential testing from the Baltimore City Health Dept.

Wednesdays - 5-8pm

SEAN SCHEIDT, PACO FISH, BURLESQUE, DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

SILhouette (Spiritually In-tuned Lesbians) is a spiritual community of women who love women desiring to discover, embrace and live as their spiritual-authentic self.

1st and 3rd Tuesdays - 7pm

continued in next column u

A free, weekly, peer-led support group for HIV-positive individuals in the LGBT community.

Wednesdays - 7-8pm POZpeople@glccb.org

BOOK CLUB

A welcoming book club for LGBTQ individuals to discuss selected readings. Due to snow cancellation last month, the selection will again be Local Souls by Allan Gurganus 3rd Mondays - 7pm Facebook.com/ groups/139583666184199

The GLCCB is the publisher of Gay Life and the producer of Baltimore Pride

APRIL 2014

PAGE 11

HIGH LIFE

ON STAGE

F*ck Gender, says The AllAmerican Genderf*ck Cabaret

BY LYN MULDROW At the intersection of male and female humanity stands gender*ck, the idea of defying antiquated definitions of gender expression to reveal the intricacy and eccentricities of the human spirit. This serves as the impetus of The All-American Genderf*ck Cabaret, premiering at the Glass Mind Theatre this month. The Cabaret follows the stories of a group of twenty-somethings as they navigate sex, love, and relationships while affirming their authenticity and transcending the tiny boxes marked male or female. A raucous menagerie of raunch and label disassociation, the play challenges the audience to imagine and exist in a post-gender utopia.

Conceived by Maria MacCarthy, winner of the Doric Wilson Independent Playwright Award and Lotos Foundation Prize,

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APRIL 2014

The All-American Genderf*ck Cabaret began as a senior project that explored masculine and feminine sociology. Steeped in hope and saturated in curiosity, the play took form as a collection of diverse actors were assigned a stereotype, and then tasked with demolishing said stereotype through creative choreography and improvisation.

The cabaret is directed by Susan Stroupe, a Baltimore-based theater artist and nationally touring puppeteer making her local directorial debut. Stroupe noted that the show is “about an interesting visual concept, which has become a lot about how we spend our leisure time in the middle class, which can definitely be gendered or stereotyped depending on what labels you are given or give yourself.” Stroupe wanted actors who would

be willing to go out of their comfort zone and take risks with outrageous stereotypes that, over the course of the play “get physically and metaphorically stripped away.”

Both MacCarthy and Stroupe’s conviction and passion for the subject matter stems from personal revelations and progressive thinking as it regards the fluidity of gender in today’s society. Director Susan Stroupe is excited by the gender nonconformist movement occurring socially.

“Although I think we are in a bit of a gender and feminist recession right now, there is a growing public discourse about gender identity and sexual orientation as two separate categories, and I think that conversation is only going to gain more momentum,” Strope said. “People who do not conform to ‘traditional’ gender roles are taking up more and more visual space, and I believe that can only be a great thing.”

Playwright Mariah MacCarthy’s personal gender exploration, in part, fuels the play.

“I burp out loud and I really enjoy swearing, and I have short hair and run my own company,” McCarthy said. “[Noted sociologist] Michael Kimmel says he thinks that traits, not people should become more ‘androgynous,’ that we should cease to think of certain traits or activities as being inherently masculine or feminine. That wearing dresses or bringing home the bacon, or crying when we’re sad, or being vulgar can simply be things that humans do.”

So, for an evening, leave your preconceived notions of gender at home and immerse yourself in the lives of characters who seek freedom from the societal chains of gender conformity in this lively, soul affirming performance.

THE GLASS MIND THEATRE PRESENTS THE ALL-AMERICAN GENDERF*CK CABARET April 11–19 • $10-15 Gallery 788 • 3602 Hickory Ave. TGlassMindTheatre.com

GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

HIGH LIFE

DRAG

Catching Up With Drag Race's Courtney Act

BY ARNIE VANDEBRAKE It’s that magical time of the year when the forces of charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent converge and render audiences riveted to their TV screens. The beloved reality-talent competition RuPaul’s Drag Race is back again for a sixth turn this spring, with many fans of the show arguing that this season bears the toughest competition yet. Among the contestants in this illustrious group is Australian-born, L.A.-based Courtney Act (government name: Shane Jenek). No stranger to reality TV or drag fandom, Shane/Courtney comes into the competition after becoming a household name in his native Australia, as a contestant on the first season Australian Idol. Shane/ Courtney called into Gay Life to dish about what fans can expect next on Drag Race, what ‘fishy’ means to him, and his message of love to Russia.

How many times did you audition for the show? I auditioned [last year] for season five. I put in a tape, but they said that my visa wasn’t valid. I had a visa to work in America, but not valid to be in the

Photo by Magnus Hastings

BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

competition. So, this year they opened up the rules to allow girls with working visas. I guess I’m the first non-US citizen to be on the show.

Wow, changing the rules for you?

Well, changing the rule for everyone!

You have a level of professional accomplishment that has not been seen before on Drag Race, and many fans slated you as a shoein to win the competition before it even started. With all of that pressure, what was your biggest challenge going into this competition? I like a saying I heard recently. I think it’s from the Bible, which I don’t follow, but I like the saying: “Exalt yourself and be humbled. Humble yourself and be exalted.”

I remember kind of thinking that I was a shoe-in myself before I got there. But then I got [to the show], and I was blown away by the talent of the other girls. Adore Delano is just a raw talent, great energy, and a great personality. Bianca Del Rio has a brilliant wit and is just fabulous. Kelly Mantle is a brilliant comedian.

So, I got there and thought, “Oh f*ck.

There are some really talented people here.”

Bianca was kind of my yardstick. We had met before Drag Race briefly. I think she and I are kind of on the same wave length. Oddly, we both have a similar sense of humor.

You’ve been referred to as the ‘fishy’ queen here. How do you feel about the term? It’s interesting. Being complimented on being ‘fishy’ or ‘pretty’ seems somewhat two-dimensional, but I think people have got to experience it on face value.

I am looking forward to getting further in the show, and people seeing different aspects of my talent. And also, everybody else’s talent. At the moment, I know so much about all of the [other] girls and how talented they are in different areas, but everybody’s like, “she’s the this one,” and “she’s the that one,”— just fitting us into our appropriate boxes. It will be fun to watch it unfold. I think we’ll

Photo by Magnus Hastings

see a lot of viewers’ opinions change about different girls. I love it when you think someone’s going to be one way and then they end up being another.

Speaking of talent, you recently released a new single, “To Russia, With Love.” How did it come about? [It’s] a song I wrote last year.

Russia was in the headlines and I was writing music. People get angry when they see injustices, which is completely understandable, but what people do with that anger sometimes can either help or hinder what they’re trying to change. A lot of people got angry and directed hate back at Putin and Russia. I understand that, but what people who get angry are trying to do is change things for the better, but I think that’s not bringing about change. [“To Russia, With Love”] is only a pop song and a cute video, but I decided that I would try to direct the intention of love at Russia rather than hate. And not just for LGBT people, but for all the people of Rus-

sia. Women’s rights in Russia are absolutely horrific. Everybody in Russia is having a hard time. It was a message of love for everybody in Russia, and even Putin. Obviously for him to be feeling and acting this way, he is lacking some love in his life. I feel like the only possible solution is to fill that deficit with love. I know it sounds a little bit ‘peace, love, and mung beans’ but it really seems like the only solution to me.

Can we expect more music from you soon? Yeah! I am planning on an EP in June and then an album later in the year.

I am planning on a few singles in between now and then. It’s so cool to be in this position now, with however many weeks on television and all the gigs.

Want more of our exclusive interview with Courtney Act? Log on to BaltimoreGayLife.com to read the extended interview, and don’t forget to catch RuPaul’s Drag Race on Logo, Monday nights at 9 pm.

APRIL 2014

PAGE 13

HIGH LIFE

DINING OUT

My Thai

BY JOHN CULLEN WITH MARTY SHAYT

We were regulars at My Thai in Mount Vernon before their building burned down back in December 2010. When it reopened in January 2013 on Central Avenue in Little Italy, we confess wishing it would have returned to its original Mount Vernon home. The new My Thai feels different from its former location. The main dining room is large, but narrow, with tall ceilings. Rows of tables line one wall, and a long bar lines the other. Additionally, there’s a big—but undecorated—back dining room.

The menu is large, yet sparing in detail.

However, if you’re unfamiliar with Thai cuisine, the friendly staff will happily detail the food preparation for you. We found a dozen appetizers ($6-9), six soups ($5-6 per cup), and six salads ($4-9). There are a dozen traditional noodle and rice dishes ($12-15), eight vegetarian entrees ($11), five curries (mostly $12), and a mix of a dozen entrées ($11-17).

We tried two appetizers to start: the crispy green beans ($7) and shimp cakes ($8). The lightly battered green beans came with a sweet black pepper dipping sauce and had us making ‘all gone’ in record time. The shrimp cakes were a bit of a surprise. The six fried golden brown cakes were packed with minced shrimp and served with a tangy sweet & sour sauce that made a great counterpoint. Both earned our enthusiastic “Thumbs Up!” We were always great fans of the soups at the Mount Vernon location, and the two soups that we tried were as “Thumbs-Up!” worthy as we remembered. Marty’s ‘My Thai’ soup came with a spicy tomato, mushroom, and lemongrass broth, and topped with copious amounts of mussels, shrimp, and calamari. John’s Tom Ka Gai was a total contrast to Marty’s ‘My Thai’, with a coconut, cilantro, and lemon soup, and completed mushrooms and white meat chicken. Both were memorable and both received our “Thumbs Up!” Entrees proved to be equally satisfying. The traditional pad Thai ($12) was as good as any we’ve had at other Thai restaurants, with a generous portion of rice noodles, chicken, bean sprouts, peanuts, and chives in a creamy tamarind sauce. We tried a papaya salad ($6) as a side dish for our pad Thai. We expected PAGE 14

APRIL 2014

Clownin' Around

THE CIRCUS RETURNS TO BALTIMORE

BY FRANKIE KUJAWA pieces of papaya, but received thin shreds of green papaya in a spicy sauce. The salad was interesting, but we’d probably try a different sides next time.

The Ka Pow ($12) was memorably good with chicken, basil, Thai peppers, carrots, and broccoli in a spicy brown sauce and was quick to earn our “Thumbs Up!” Panang curry ($12) with chicken in a creamy sauce highlighted with Kaffir lime and Thai veggies was another memorable entrée.

Surprisingly, we had room for a shared dessert after our meals. We chose to sample the Thai doughnuts ($6) (which came with chocolate sauce) and the crispy banana rolls ($5), which Marty described as spring rolls stuffed with banana. The rolls were served in an glass sundae dish with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce—and easily shared by two! Both desserts calmed our mouths after the range of flavors that came before.

The re-born My Thai with excellent food and attentive, friendly servers is definitely a winner.

MY THAI

Edge of Little Italy • 1300 Bank St. W410.327.0023 T MyThaiBaltimore.com Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Open until midnight on Friday and Saturday Full bar • Vegetarian options On-street parking Note: The main entrances for My Thai is actually around the corner at 323 Central Avenue and not on Bank Street.

Interestingly, My Thai shares rest rooms with the adjacent Heavy Seas Pub! Email DiningOut@BaltimoreGayLife.com

The circus is coming to town, literally.

This month, the 143rd edition of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will delight and astound Baltimore audiences with their new performance, Built to Amaze! Audiences can expect to be dazzled by performers from around the globe with amazing feats of strength, agility, and courage. As always, the iconic clowns of the show entertain children of all ages with their timeless wit and hilarious tricks. Gay Life recently spoke with two LGBT-identified performers, LaRena Rose and Taylor Albin, who discussed life on the road, the level of work it takes to be a clown, and the enjoyment they get from entertaining all different types of families around the world.

“Every clown story is completely different,” explained LaRena Rose about her journey to the art of becoming a professional clown. “As long as I can remember, I always wanted to be a performer.”

Rose began her foray into circus life after college when she worked with a playwright on a comedy about the backstage life of a circus.

The experience sparked her interest in clowning and, subsequently discovered the San Francisco Circus Center and their ‘Clown Conservatory,’ a full time clown training program. “I knew that was where I needed to be,” she said.

While Rose was in clown school, she learned about Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. “I auditioned after I graduated, and I’ve been here ever since!”

Taylor Albin grew up attending Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey performances as a child growing up

in Dallas/Ft. Worth. “Going to the circus each year was a huge tradition. I remember at a young age seeing the clowns and how everyone around me would laugh when they would be performing.”

The memory of the audience’s joy inspired Albin to eventually choose circus performance as a career.

“From then on out, it became my dream,” he said.

During his senior year of college, Albin auditioned for the Ringling Bros. Clown College. He had to wait over a year for the call to join the group. This year marks his fifth anniversary performing with Ringling Bros. and is, “loving every second.”

Both Albin and Taylor appreciate the fact that the circus is an inclusive environment where all types of families can come and enjoy the show.

“Getting to meet audiences and hang out and make personal memories that last a lifetime is truly circus magic,” said Albin.

“Laughter has no boundaries!”

“If I see an LGBT couple or family at the preshow, I always try to make it over to them to meet and get a picture,” said Rose. “Not that they would necessarily know that I’m gay, but I am always excited to meet them and make sure that their experience at the circus is magical!”

RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS PRESENTS BUILT TO AMAZE

March 26–April 6 • $10-70 Baltimore Arena 201 W Baltimore St. T Ringling.com

and find all prior reviews at BaltimoreGayLife-DiningOut.info.

GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

Pride Shines Bright at Camp Highlight ~ BY RACHEL ROTH ~

On Aug. 16, Camp Highlight will light its lanterns, marking the start of its fourthannual session. This one-week overnight camp for kids age 8 to 15 is unique in that it is exclusively for children with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) parents or legal guardians.

One of the few of its kind, Camp Highlight is tucked in the Pennsylvania mountains, and offers an experience like no other.

This is a passion project for life-long campers Chris Hudson and Jackie McGowan, both social workers who met 11 years ago while volunteering at Camp CANDO, a camp for kids who were the siblings of cancer patients.

During long car rides to and from the campsite, the self-proclaimed “best counselors around” discussed starting their own camp. They recognized part of the reason CANDO was successful because it filled a need; it supported an underserved population.

These discussions about starting their own camp coincided with the 2008 presidential elections, when LGBT families were a front and center issue. Hudson and McGowan watched—along with the rest of the world—

a presidential candidate attack gay parents.

“I just thought how terrible it must be to be 7,8,9,10 years old and hear from the person that wanted to be the president say your family wasn’t ‘real.’ to score points with America,” Hudson said.

Thus Camp Highlight was born, or rather, ignited.

Hudson McGowan cited Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere (COLAGE) as a wonderful organization dedicated to the specific needs of kids with LGBT families, but didn’t think it was enough.

“There are plenty of resources today,” he said. “But this population that [ Jackie and I] work with still has a lack of many services.”

Hudson and McGowan decided to fill the void and, in August 2011, Camp Highlight opened its doors for the first time. Since then, it has more than tripled in size.

“It’s a fun, exiting recreational-based program,” McGowan explains. “Kids can do it all; swim, play Quidditch, perform in the talent show, do archery and arts & crafts, and weird science.”

But for Camp Highlighters, the experience is about more than fun. For some kids,

Shady Grove Fertility Clinic Helps Same-Sex Couples Grow Families ~ BY FRANKIE KUJAWA ~

Many LGBT couples harbor a strong desire to begin a family. Now, thanks in part to current technological advancements, these families have many options to bring that endeavor to fruition. One option for many local families is the use of the Shady Grove Fertility Center. This inclusive fertility center is proud to help gay and lesbian couples create families through the assistance of a plethora of different fertility treatments.

“The center began in the early ‘90s and it continues to expand each year,” explained Dr. Howard McClamrock, a participating

BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

doctor at Shady Grove Fertility Center. “We have added more and more practices and locations.”

Dr. McClamrock has worked with many LGBT couples, even prior to coming to Shady Grove five years ago. He does, however, believe there has been an increase of LGBT couples to his patient caseload because of working with Shady Grove.

“All couples are their own special situation and are handled as such. I think they do get a sense of comfort from our practice because we do have a lot of experience with working

Photo by Joe Dulude II

attending camp is the first time they meet others with families just like theirs.

“Camp Highlight is cool because you can actually fit in without people judging you,” Mariah Carmody, 13, a returning camper from Baltimore said.

In addition to the “amazing” activities program, which is run by the counselors, McGowan and Hudson strive to make better people and they do this—in part—with the virtues project.

“Virtues like respect, peace, responsibility, and acceptance, are infused in everything we do throughout the week,” said McGowan.

“We not only engage campers in discussion about bigger-picture values, but provide them with opportunities for them to become better people over the week at camp.”

The beating heart of the virtues project is the “house system.” Campers are divided into four houses and all week they compete to be the house with the most exemplary use of the virtues.

“The feedback we get from parents after the kids go home has been really phenomenal,” Hudson adds.

“We work hard to train the staff to create this environment that is really caring, very loving, very accepting and it seems to us, from the information we receive back, that the children take that home with them and I think that’s what makes Camp Highlight really super special and super important to the community.”

To learn more about Camp Highlight, visit CampHighlight.com.

with couples from all walks of life,” he said.

Dr. McClamrock notes that every couple’s need are different, and the center accommodates everyone with best practices. “When we see female couples, it depends on which partner wants to carry the pregnancy. We don’t see a lot of male couples. That’s a bit rarer; however we do see males, too. Most female couples know what is available to them, and we provide information and education as needed. Some couples have alternate ideas, whether it would be traditional insemination, or sometimes they want to do in vitro fertilization (IVF) and transfer eggs from one another. While we can do this, sometimes it can be more difficult. However, whatever is possible to do, we try to help many couples with their choice.”

Susan McDonough and Rachel Dawson, a Baltimore couple who used the Shady Grove Fertility Center to aid them in the conception of their 22 month-old son, attest to the supportive and welcoming atmosphere at the fertility center.

“My partner, Rachel and I, used the Shady Grove Fertility Center when we were referred to Dr. [Eugene] Katz. We really hit it off with him. He was warm and very matter of fact. He didn’t promise us anything, but he didn’t make it feel like it was a daunting process.” McDonough went on to describe that Dr. Katz laid out all of their options, and allowed them to make choices for what their goals were. “I always felt that we were supported by our choice.”

McDonough further explained. “From our experience, Rachel mostly met with Dr. Katz, as I went in for the various procedures.

I don’t feel like we were treated any different than if we were a straight couple. We love the practice! Everyone uses totally gender neutral language. Nobody assumes anything from you, and they are really good at what they do in terms of paying attention to you. That’s really across the board, in our experience. They just want to help you make a family.”

For more information, please visit ShadyGroveFertility.com

APRIL 2014

PAGE 15

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS BY RACHEL ROTH

REAL LIFE

ILLINOIS ENGLAND

SWEDEN

MASSACHUSETTS

RUSSIA

NEW YORK SOUTH CAROLINA CALIFORNIA INDIA VATICAN CITY

ARIZONA

UGANDA

Beers dump parades NEW YORK & MASSACHUSETTS

Sam Adams, Heineken, and Guinness declined to sponsor Saint Patrick’s Day parades in New York and Boston in protest of anti-gay policies. Lesbian and gay organizations, including MassEquality, one of Massachusetts’ largest gay activist groups among them, were banned from participating in the events.

Parade organizers justified their decision to exclude openly gay participants because it would “conflict with their Roman Catholic heritage.”

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and Boston mayor Marty Walsh also declined to march in their respective parades.

Gov. vetoed controversial anti-gay bill ARIZONA

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer vetoed a bill Feb. 26 that would have allowed businesses the right to deny service to gay and lesbian customers due to religious beliefs.

Brewer was under intense pressure to veto the legislation, known as SB 1062.

Businesses also criticized the measure, saying it would be bad for Arizona’s economy and could lead to discrimination lawsuits, boycotts, and other disruptions, CNN reported.

PAGE 16

APRIL 2014

Brewer—who was also under pressure from conservative Republicans and religious groups to sign the bill into law—said she had to “do the right thing for Arizona.”

HIV can spread through sex between women NATIONWIDE

It rarely happens, but it is possible for HIV to be transmitted by sexual contact between women. According to a paper published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a case has surfaced in which the virus was spread through sexual activity that included unprotected sex, the use of sex toys, and sexual contract while menstruating. The CDC said this is the first confirmed case of its kind.

The Los Angeles Times reported that the women were in a monogamous relationship and other risk factors like intravenous drug use, transfusions or transplants, were absent.

The CDC recommends that all couples where one person is HIV-negative and one person is HIV-positive should receive counseling regarding safer sex practices, even if both parties are female.

Find more LGBT news online at

BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

CrossFit sued for discrimination CALIFORNIA

A transgender woman in California is suing the company behind the popular CrossFit workouts for refusing to let her compete in the female division of its annual fitness competitions.

The Associated Press reported that Chloie Jonsson, 34, was born male but has been living as a woman since she was a teenager.

Jonsson underwent sex reassignment surgery eight years ago and, per California law, she has satisfied the state’s requirements for her to be recognized as female.

A letter provided by CrossFit’s attorney defended the company’s decision. The letter argued that regardless of surgery, Jonsson still has “genetic makeup that confers a physical and physiological advantage over women,” the letter added.

Colleges punished for gay-themed books SOUTH CAROLINA

The South Carolina House voted to reduce funding for the College of Charleston and the University of South Carolina Upstate because the schools assigned materials with LGBT themes.

According to The State, $52,000 has been deducted from the College of

Charleston’s budget and $17,142 from USC Upstate. The cuts are only fractions of the universities’ proposed state funding for next year, but the decision to penalize the schools has drawn outrage from students, faculty, and alumni from both institutions.

House minority Democrats attempted pass amendments to restore the money, but they were rejected soundly by near 2-to-1 margins in the GOP-controlled House.

Majority of Americans say gay marriage is ‘Constitutional Right’ NATIONWIDE

Support for gay marriage and adoption rights for gay couples in the U.S. is at an all-time high. According to an ABC News/Washington Post poll, 59 percent of Americans back marriage equality. Additionally, people overwhelmingly oppose a right to refuse service to gays, including on religious grounds.

Ill. can marry now, AG says ILLINOIS

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced that county clerks across the state can begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples immediately, despite GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

the fact that the state’s marriage equality law does not take effect until June.

Madigan said that her office would intervene on the side of the plaintiffs and argue that the denial is unconstitutional.

LGBT activists attacked at Moscow rally RUSSIA

A group of LGBT protesters were harassed and pelted with eggs for holding rainbow flags at a rally for International Women’s Day in Moscow, Gay Star News reported.

Shortly after the protest started, Russian police demanded all rainbow flags be immediately removed from the rally. Posters with anti-homophobia slogans were allowed to remain.

In Russia, LGBT “propaganda” is banned and punishable by fines up to 1 million Rubles (roughly $27,000).

Pope says church must “evaluate” same-sex civil unions

and asylum.”

The United States, Uganda’s largest donor, has also suspended some of its aid to Uganda’s ministry of health in response to Museveni’s decision to sign the law. The amount of money that was withheld is unknown, but it U.S. gave $3.9 million last year.

Dalai Lama endorses gay marriage INDIA

The Dalai Lama expressed support for marriage equality and condemned acts of homophobia during a recent interview with Larry King.

“If two people—a couple—really feel that way is more practical, more sort of satisfaction, both sides fully agree, then OK,” the spiritual leader told King. He also said he believes that each country had the right to choose for themselves whether to legalize gay unions.

Gay, Swedish couple being run out of town

VATICAN CITY

SWEDEN

Pope Francis has once again called on Catholic leaders to be more accepting of gay and lesbian Catholics. He implored leaders to explore the possibility of tolerance for same-sex civil unions in situations where couples’ economic and health security is at stake.

“We have to look at the different cases and evaluate them in their variety,” the pontiff said in an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere delle Sera. The pope, however, did not say that the Vatican should endorse civil unions outright.

A gay couple in rural Sweden have said they have considered leaving town after they were subjected to a third allegedly homophobic attack in as many weeks.

According to The Local, the couple, who live in the town of Kinna, had the back window of their car smashed with a large stone and had the word “fag,” and other expletives, scratched into the side of their car. One of the men was attacked while walking their dog.

Local residents, however, attempted to make a stand against the attacks, holding a demonstration in the town square against hate crimes. No one has been arrested for any of the crimes

Ugandan leader signs harsh anti-gay bill, faces consequences UGANDA

Ugandan President Yoweri ­Museveni has signed the draconian anti-LGBT law that imposes tough penalties for homosexual acts. As Living Out reported the legislation imposes a 14-year prison sentence for first-time offenders and life sentences for repeat offenders found guilty of “aggravated homosexuality.”

A number of countries including Sweden, Norway, and Denmark have cut aid to Uganda and political leaders and human rights organizations across the world have condemned the law. The European Parliament vows to “take immediate action in regards to political cooperation, aid, BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

Debate on homosexuality in Islam axed ENGLAND

The BBC received criticism for its decision to drop a planned debate about homosexuality in Islam from Free Speech, BBC3 politics show.

Pink News reports that the show, which aired a live show from Birmingham Central Mosque, was supposed to feature debate on when it will be acceptable to be Muslim and gay. However, the show’s host Rick Edwards announced at the beginning of the episode that due to “deep concerns” from the mosque, the subject would be dropped.

BALTIMORE NEWS BY STEVE CHARING Popular Drag Performer Ada Buffet Dies

Adrian L. Cowan, better known as Ada Buffet, died on Feb. 28 at the age of 37 in Baltimore. Three weeks earlier, Cowan was hospitalized from a fall at his fiancé’s home that caused injuries to his brain and required a ventilator. After his condition worsened, his family authorized that life support be terminated.

As the drag performer Ada Buffet, Cowan was beloved in Baltimore’s gay community. A host for numerous drag shows, Cowan provided opportunities for other performers and raised money for local charities and organizations.

He also coordinated the Lady Lisa Drag Stage at Pride—a venue named after another fallen drag icon. This year’s Lady Lisa Stage will be dedicated to the memory of Ada Buffet.

A benefit was held at Leon’s on March 1 that raised $1,200 to help the family pay for medical expenses.

Scores of comments, photos and tributes have been accumulating on Ada Buffet’s Facebook page. A special service and wake were held at The Quest—a venue for many of Ada’s performances—on March 23.

Casino Night to Benefit Moveable Feast

“Play for the Feast” will take place on April 5 to benefit Moveable Feast, a Baltimore-based non-profit that provides nutritious meals and other services at no cost to people living with HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, and other life-threatening conditions.

The event, which will include casino-style games, a money wheel, silent auction, and a 50-50 raffle, will occur from 7 -10 p.m. at Silo Point, 1200 Steuart St., Baltimore 21230.

Food from local establishments and beverages are included in the admission cost of $15.

Play for the Feast is an annual event produced by The Shirley Temples, an official cycling team for Moveable Feast’s Ride for the Feast, the 2-day, 140-mile bike ride through the state of Maryland, from Ocean City to Baltimore City. This year’s Ride, slated for May 10-11, is a special Mother’s Day edition, dedicated to mothers who are supporters or cli-

ents of Moveable Feast.

Moveable Feast provides healthful meals to affected persons and their families, and allows clients to focus on their health and overcome their life-threatening conditions. For more information, visit RidefortheFeast. org or MFeast.org.

Poll: Marylanders Favor Trans* Equality

A new poll finds that 71 percent of Marylanders support proposed legislation that would prohibit discrimination based on gender identity in the areas of employment, housing, and public accommodation. The Goucher Poll, conducted by the Sarah T. Hughes Field Politics Center at Baltimore-based Goucher College, found that of those supporting, 39 percent strongly support the measure. Of the 20 percent who oppose the legislation, only 10 percent strongly do so. A total of 861 Marylanders with interviewed and the margin of error was plus/minus 3.3 percent.

The bill was approved March 4 in the Senate and is awaiting action in the House of Delegates.

Hearts & Ears Moves to New Location

Baltimore-based non-profit organization Hearts & Ears, Inc. will move its Wellness and Recovery Center to a new location at 611 Park Ave., Ste. A on April 2. Hearts & Ears, founded in 1998, provides support to members of the community with mental health issues and concerns.

Support is aimed at helping those who feel stigmatized by being LGBT, intersex, or questioning, and have mental health problems.

The standard operating hours for visits to the Center are Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. More information on weekly support groups can be found at their website at HeartsAndEars.org.

The organization is also expanding its programming for transgender individuals. Beginning April 5, weekly support group meetings will take place at their new venue each Saturday from noon to 2:00 p.m. The “Support In Transition” (SIT) group is open to all trans*, genderqueer, and questioning individuals, and aims to serve as a unique, safe space to meet, exchange valuable experiences, and gain support during all phases of transition.

APRIL 2014

PAGE 17

OUR LIFE

TRANSMISSIONS

Both Sides Now

BY COURTNEY BEDELL

Joni Mitchell once sang, “I’ve looked at love from both sides now.” Those words always resonated with me as I have experienced life and love from both sides of the gender divide. It’s been an enlightening journey. I love the story from Greek mythology in which Zeus and his wife Hera turned their soothsayer, Tiresias into a woman for seven years. He was to report back to them whether sex is more pleasurable for man or woman? Tiresias adapted well to the role becoming rather promiscuous and after seven years of “dating” he reported that “out of ten parts a man enjoys one only.” This angered Zeus, but hey—he asked. I’m confident that if the story had been the reverse the same conclusion

would be true. In other words, whether you’re a man or a woman, you’ll likely take the subjective view that for your sex making love is the most pleasurable. Not to refute old Tiresias, but it seems logical that the one experiencing the orgasm is likely to feel their pleasure is the greatest.

The argument really is like comparing apples to oranges. Having experienced sex from both sides I have to say as a woman it is different. It is also a little better, but that’s probably just my bias at work. Let’s review; for men the climax is a monstrous explosion, fairly short in duration but with a wonderful afterglow. A woman’s is a series of “little earthquakes,” as songwriter Tori Amos once put it, coming in luscious wave

after wave after wave. Perhaps each wave is a little less intense than our brother’s “big bang,” but the aftershocks seem never ending. Maybe we can agree that making love is good for both sexes and leave it at that. Zeus and Hera can argue the point all day long if they wish, but until humans can choose a gender in utero, we might as well appreciate the wonderful gift “the gods” have seen fit to bestow upon us!

Courtney Bedell is the author of a monthly advice/insight column that covers all aspects of transgender life ranging from the practical aspects of transitioning, to employment, family, and social concerns.

Courtney transitioned more than 20 years

ago while employed at John’s Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory ( JHUAPL). “Naturally, there were the inevitable bumps in the road, but it was the most extraordinary and positive experience of my life; no less than a personal renaissance and rebirth,” she says. “I was very lucky to have had support from work, as well as the acceptance and love from my family and friends.”

Courtney hopes that, through this column, her insight, knowledge, and experience as a transgender woman will help others in their quest for wholeness.

Have a question? Trying to solve a problem? Want some feedback? Let Courtney know about it by emailing advice@baltimoregaylife.com.

eloping to Provincetown, Mass. On Aug. 7, 2009 we spoke our vows in front of our gods, two witnesses, and spiritual leader.

In 2012 we began foster parent training.

After criminal checks and physicals, we were approved and received a call about a 15 year-old LGBT boy named Lundyn. We agreed to meet up with him at a group home in Baltimore, where we fell head-over-heels for him. Lundyn is now a well-adjusted teenager, and as of Jan. 30, 2014, officially my legally adopted son.

Family is what you make of it, especially if you are LGBT; which sometimes allows us to have both a chosen and biological family. For it isn’t what your family looks

like, but the love that you share amongst each other that makes you a family. Phil, Lundyn and I are a family, in which love is exemplified.

JUSTIN'S HIV JOURNAL

Family Life

BY JUSTIN B. TERRY-SMITH

Family is one of the most important things to me. When I was a little boy, I wanted a wife and kids. That was the only concept of “family” that I was exposed to.

Things began to change after I met Ruben.

He was the first guy I ever dated. We’re still good friends today, and he taught me a valuable lesson early on: There is more to life than the dichotomy of traditional marriage and family.

In 2006, I met a man named Phil Terry.

Our first meeting was at the Eagle in D.C. I love bad boys with tattoos, that’s what sparked my attention. We talked for a good two hours and I disclosed my HIV status. He didn’t seem to mind and flinch one bit. Later, when I first went over to his house, I noticed he had a Ph.D, and I thought, “Wow, a bad boy with a brain.”

From that moment on our relationship quickly grew and I eventually admitted to PAGE 18

APRIL 2014

him that I was in love with him, and he admitted his feelings were mutual. At this point he was getting divorced and I was learning how to live with my HIV status, so we took our time.

I decided to introduce him to my biological family and they accepted him as my mate. Years later, after an argument he surprisingly proposed marriage to me, and I happily accepted. Later, we went to San Francisco where we playfully picked out engagement rings.

On our return flight to Maryland, I had a long talk with Phil about what I truly wanted out of life, and that was to be a father. Phil and I decided being parents would be a good choice for the both of us.

At this point our friends became our chosen family. They also agreed with the match and help solidify the union of our deep love for one another. We only told our close friends and family that we were

Justin B. Terry-Smith is a noted HIV and gay civil rights activist and the creator of ‘Justin’s HIV Journal,” a popular blog in which he shares his trials and tribulations of living with HIV. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Justin resides in Laurel, Md. with his husband, Dr. Philip Terry-Smith and their son Lundyn.

Photographer: Don Harris. Don Harris Photographics, LLC, © 2011 All Rights Reserved.

GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

BETTER LIFE

We Are Family

BY ALICIA GABRIEL, CHASE BREXTON HEALTH SERVICES

“Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.”

—George Burns It doesn’t matter how crazy our family of origin made us, people simply want families—we want that support structure that we can turn to for anything.

The American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) says that families are (or should be) a source of emotional support and comfort, warmth and nurturing, protection and security. It’s human nature to want families like these—non-dysfunctional, non-smother-y— close by. We don’t want to have in another city. So, how can we make that happen?

Though many of us grew up with the idea of family as genetic relationships of a man and woman who are married with children, the definition of family has been changing. In the 2000 U.S. Census, we learned that one type of family—same-sex couples with children—had grown to nearly 95,000 families nationwide. Though this number counted for only 1 percent of the total number of families counted by the Census, to LGBT communities (and to many against us) this was a strong 1 percent.

In the past decade or so, the validity of LGBT families has taken a front seat in the realm of public discourse. While the debate itself can be difficult to listen to, the importance of it cannot be overlooked. Acceptance of all family types is vital to our health. Not simply the idea of being “normal”, but that our family—however we define it—is protected in society.

The American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) states that children with gay and/or lesbian parents are just as happy with them-

BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

selves and their own gender as their friends with heterosexual parents.

And ultimately, family is (or should be) what teaches us, supports us, and helps us become our strongest selves. It doesn’t matter what age, we need this source of support for our own mental and physical health. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) found in their 2013 survey that seniors believe that connectedness with family and friends is more important to their wellbeing than financial stability.

So, your family: how do you define it? Do you still have a strong relationship with your family of origin or have you built your own ideal family? A unit of friends you can rely on for everything? Two moms, two dads, adopted/fostered/birth children? No kids, but lots of dogs/cats/birds/rabbits/fish? Maybe you’re still coming to terms with what you need in a family.

Defining, accepting, finding, and strengthening your family is a part of the LGBT experience. Find support in your quest (which will help you define your family!) either with a counselor or friends.

SPRING IS HERE… Fleas, Worms, Ticks OH MY! Bring your pet to Eastern Animal Hospital to prevent those little pests from taking over.

6404 Eastern Avenue 410-633-8808 EasternAnimalHospital.com

visit us Minutes from Bayview, Essex, Harbor East, Canton, Highlandtown, Fells Point and Federal Hill

SOURCES OF SUPPORT Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays T PFLAG.com Chase Brexton Health Care Behavioral Health T ChaseBrexton.org Family Acceptance Project T FamilyProject.sfsu.edu

APRIL 2014

PAGE 19

SPOTLIGHT

SOCIAL LIFE

DATEBOOK BY RACHEL ROTH

Recurring & Ongoing Events

SUNDAYS Dog Hikes with the Doctor First Sunday of the month • 11am-Noon • $2 Baltimore Humane Society 1601 Nicodemus Rd. • Reisterstown BMoreHumane.org Metropolitan Community Church Services Every Sunday 9am and 11am MCC Baltimore • 401 W. Monument St MCCBaltimore.org

Indigo Girls at Maryland Hall The Grammy award winning duo Indigo Girls have sold more than 12 million albums worldwide over the span of almost three decades as national recording artists. The duo broke into the national spotlight in the early ‘90s with hits such as “Closer to Fine,” and “Galileo,” and has since built a fervent, devoted fan base through constant touring and dedication to a number of social and environmental causes.

Decades into their career, the Indigo Girls still amaze conventional pundits with their ability to grow and thrive no matter what the state of the music industry is at any given point. Bandmates Emily Saliers and Amy Ray began performing together in high school, transferred their honest, urgent performing style onto the stages of countless small clubs, then saw their public profile take off with the 1989 release of their self-titled breakthrough (an album that included the first hit, “Closer To Fine,” and went on to win Best Contemporary Folk Recording at the 1990 Grammys).

INDIGO GIRLS

Saturday, April 19 Doors 7pm • Show 8pm • $45–55 Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts 801 Chase Street Annapolis, MD, 21401 T MarylandHall.org

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APRIL 2014

League of Women Bowlers Every Sunday 4:30pm AMF Marlow Heights Lanes 4717 St. Barnabas Rd. • Temple Hill LeagueOfWomenBowlers2@verizon.net Rise Up, Honoring Women’s Spirituality Fourth Sundays 12:45-2:15pm First Unitarian Church of Baltimore 1 W. Hamilton St. FirstUnitarian.net Westminster PFLAG Monthly Mtg. Third Sundays 7pm St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 17 Bond St. • Westminster PFLAGWCC.org Heterosexual Friendly Gay Brunch First Sunday Frederick’s on Fleet • 2112 Fleet St. FredericksOnFleet.com ASGRA Monthly Trail Ride First Sundays 10:30am • $25-30 Piscataway Stables 10775 Piscataway Road • Clinton ASGRA.org Charm City Volleyball: Competitive Play Every Sunday 10am-1pm • $7 Volleyball House 5635 Furnace Ave. • Elkridge VolleyBaltimore.org Service of Worship First Sundays 10:30am First & Franklin • 210 West Madison St. FirstFranklin.org

MONDAYS Interfaith Fairness Coalition Mtg. Second Mondays 3-4:30pm First Unitarian Church of Baltimore 1 W. Hamilton St. IFCMD.info PFLAG Howard County Parent Forum Third Mondays 7:30pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way • Columbia PFLAGMD.org Senior Pride: Discussion Group for Women 55+ Monday evenings Chase Brexton Health Services www.bit.ly/SeniorPride

TUESDAYS Howard County PFLAG Monthly Mtg. Second Tuesdays 7:30pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way • Columbia PFLAGMD.org Karate-Dō (LGBT-friendly classes) Every Tuesday 5:30-7:30pm Johns Hopkins Homewood Campus Bob Remington — MDShoto@aol.com Csskshotokan.com Meditation Group Every Tuesday 6:15-7:45pm First Unitarian Church of Baltimore 1 W. Hamilton St. FirstUnitarian.net PFLAG Baltimore Co. General Mtg. Fourth Tuesdays 7pm Towson Unitarian Universalist Church 1710 Dulaney Valley Rd. PFLAGBaltimore.org Parents of Transgender Kids Fourth Tuesdays 7:30-9pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way • Columbia cvhyde@gmail.com PFLAGBaltimore.org Rainbow Youth Alliance of Baltimore County 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 7-9pm Towson Unitarian Universalist Church 1710 Dulaney Valley Rd. RYABaltimoreCounty@gmail.com Rainbow Youth Alliance of Howard County 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 7:30pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way • Columbia 410.280.9047 rya_leaders@hotmail.com Rainbow Youth Alliance of Baltimore City 1st, 3rd & 5th Tuesdays 7-9pm The GLCCB • 241 W. Chase St. RYABaltimore@gmail.com Facebook.com/groups/RYABaltimore Teen Program at JCC Second Tuesdays 6pm Owings Mills JCC 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave. JoinTeens.org Trans Parents Forum, Baltimore Co. Third Tuesdays 7-9:30pm Towson Unitarian Universalist Church 1710 Dulaney Valley Rd. PFLAGBaltimore.org

WEDNESDAYS Charm City Volleyball: Social Play Every Wednesday 6:30-9:30pm • $3-30 Mt Royal Recreational Center 137 McMechen St.

Living Well with HIV Support Group Every Wednesday 10:30am Institute of Human Virology 725 W. Lombard St. Jacques.umaryland.edu/support.html Spiritual Development with Rev. Sam Offer Every Wednesday 7pm Unity Fellowship Church of Baltimore 4007 Old York Rd. UFCB.org GEM: Gender Empowerment MD Every other Wednesday 7pm Equality Maryland • 1201 S. Sharp St. Owen@EqualityMaryland.org Senior Pride: Discussion Group for Men 55+ Wednesday evenings Chase Brexton Health Services 410-837-2050 ext. 2428 www.bit.ly/SeniorPride Support Group for Transgender Adults Third Wednesday 7:30pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way • Columbia hoctytransgroup@gmail.com

THURSDAYS HIV Support: Substance Abuse & HIV Every Thursdays 2-3pm Institute of Human Virology 725 W. Lombard St. IHV.org Karate-Dō (LGBT-friendly classes) Every Thursday 5:30-7:30pm Johns Hopkins Homewood Campus Bob Remington — MDShoto@aol.com Csskshotokan.com

FRIDAYS HIV Support: Just Between US Every Friday 11am-Noon Institute of Human Virology 725 W. Lombard St. IHV.org

SATURDAYS Baltimore Frontrunners Every Saturday 8:45am • Brunch 10am Panera Bread, 3600 Boston St. BaltimoreFrontrunners.org HOPE DC Monthly Brunch First Saturdays 11am Rosemary’s Thyme Bistro DC 1801 18th St. NW • Washington, D.C. HopeDCSocials-owner@yahoogroups.com In the Company of Women First Saturdays 10am-Noon First Unitarian Church of Baltimore 1 W Hamilton St. FirstUnitarian.net

GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

Datebook

TUESDAY, APRIL 1 Back Spin DJ Vince Christopher 10pm • 21+ Club Hippo • 1 W. Eager St. ClubHippo.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 5 Back Spin DJ Vince Christopher • 10pm Club Hippo • 1 W. Eager St. ClubHippo.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2

Ms. Goose and the Naughty Tails Glittering, sensual Vega-style • $35-40 • 8pm The Patterson • 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org

Gay BINGO! Every Wednesday 8:30pm.

Club Hippo • 1 W. Eager St. ClubHippo.com

Stoop Storytelling: It’s Complicated Everyone has a story • $18 • 8pm Center Stage • 700 N. Calvert St. CenterStage.org

Twelfth Night Opens Shakespeare’s most perfect comedy. $19-59 • 8pm • Thru April 6 Center Stage • 700 N Calvert St. CenterStage.org

Play for the Feast Casino-night fundraiser for Moveable Feast. $15 • 7pm Silo Point Games Room • 1200 Steuart St. RideForTheFeast.org

THURSDAY, APRIL 3

elektroschock First Saturday of every month. $6 cover • 21+ • 9pm Grand Central • 1001 N. Charles St. CentralStationPub.com

The Homo Poe Show “Queering” Poe • $18-23 • 8pm • Thru April 5 Theatre Project • 45 W. Preston St. TheaterProject.org Omega Thursdays Every Thursday 9pm-2am Grand Central • 1001 N. Charles St. CentralStationPub.com The New Black Documentary featuring activists, families and clergy on both sides of the campaign to legalize gay marriage and examines homophobia in the black community’s institutional pillar, The Black Church.

Free • 7pm Morgan State University 1700 E. Cold Spring Ln. Events.Morgan.edu

FRIDAY, APRIL 4 4 by Chekhov The master’s most beloved one-acts in one! $15-20 • 8pm • Thru April 6 Fells Point Corner Theater • 251 S. Ann St. FPCT.org Clowns ‘n’ Gals Clown Cabaret with a dash of Burlesque. $12-17 • 8pm The Patterson • 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org Five Course Love A deliciously over-the-top musical comedy. $15-20 • 8pm • Thru April 6 Spotlighters Theatre • 817 Saint Paul St. Spotlighters.org Chocolate Happy Hour Weekly chocolate-fest • 6:30pm Ma Petite Shoe • 832 W. 36th St. MaPetiteShoe.com First Fridays First Friday of every month 6:30pm • FREE Eastern & East Ave. CreativeAlliance.org Fridays After Five Every Friday 5pm • $12 National Aquarium • 501 E. Pratt St. Aqua.org

BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

Hippo Karaoke Star Monthly karaoke competition. $2 • 10pm-2am Club Hippo • 1 W. Eager St. ClubHippo.com

MONDAY, APRIL 7 Spot Light Mondays Drink specials & drag shows! 9pm Club Hippo • 1 W. Eager St. ClubHippo.com Men’s Naked Yoga Every Monday • $18 • 6:30-7:30pm Vitruvian Gallery, LLC 734 7th St., SE, 2nd fl. • Wash. D.C. VitruvianGallery.com

TUESDAY, APRIL 8 Ghost The Musical Opens 8pm • $25-90 • Thru April 12 The Hippodrome • 12 N. Eutaw St. France-MerrickPAC.com Facebook.com/SheProductions

FRIDAY, APRIL 11 The All American Genderf*ck Cabaret Traditional sexuality combusts. $10-15 • Thru April 19 Glass Mind Theater • 3602 Hickory Ave. GlassMindTheater.com Katt Williams: Growth Spurt Don’t miss this hilarious show • $48-128 • 8pm Baltimore Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. BaltimoreArena.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 12 DJ Sean Morris Drink specials all night • 10pm Club Hippo • 1 W. Eager St. ClubHippo.com

SHE Productions Presents REHAB 2nd Saturday of Every Month 9pm • $5 • 21+ Grand Central Disco and Sapphos 1001 N. Charles St. CentralStationPub.com

TUESDAY, APRIL 15 Baltimore Green Week BaltimoreGreenWorks.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16 POZ DC Happy Hour Mixer For HIV+ men • 7pm Green Lantern 1335 Green Court NW • Washington, DC HopeDC.org

FRIDAY, APRIL 18 Baltimore’s New Faces Contest Hosted by Josie Foster • $7 • 10pm Club Hippo • 1 W. Eager St. ClubHippo.com The Foreigner Opens Full of outrageous fun and surprises. $15-18 • 8pm Vagabond Players • 806 S Broadway.

VagabondPlayers.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 19 Drop Three Improv/Comedy Laugh ‘till you need medical attention • $10 Spotlighter’s Theatre • 817 Saint Paul St. Spotlighters.org Polkats & Two Legs Epic Dance Show! $12-17 • 8pm The Patterson • 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org Hot Sauce Feat. Rich Morel • $10 • 9pm • Monthly Grand Central • 1001 N. Charles St. CentralStationPub.com

MONDAY, APRIL 21 Boy George The Boy is back • $30 • 8pm 9:30 Club • 815 V St. NW • Washington, DC 930.com Giant Monster Monday Movies & drink specials • 8pm-Midnight The Wind Up Space • 12 W North Ave. TheWindUpSpace.com

TUESDAY, APRIL 22 Christina Perri “Jar of Hearts” singer • 7pm 9:30 Club • 815 V St. 930.com Night Out: Vanya and Sonia Pre-show happy hour for LGBTQIA patrons. $10-39 • 6:30pm Centerstage • 700 N. Calvert St. CenterStage.org

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike Opening Night Chekhovian themes with modern wit. $10-59 • 8pm • Thru 5/25 Center Stage • 700 N. Calvert St. CenterStage.org

THURSDAY, APRIL 24 Galantis More than your average DJ set • $30 • 10pm 9:30 Club • 815 V St. NW • Washington, DC 930.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 25 Miss Gay Maryland America 2014 Legally Blonde! Thru April 27 Club Hippo • 1 W. Eager St. ClubHippo.com Burl-eoke!

Burlesque & Karaoke collide • $10 • 8pm The Brass Monkey Saloon • 1601 Eastern Ave. Incorruptible Opens The Dark Ages still look pretty dark. $10 • 8pm Spotlighter’s Theatre • 817 Saint Paul St. Spotlighters.com Baltimore Bike Party The biggest party on two wheels!

FREE • 7pm St. Mary’s • Seton Hill BaltimoreBikeParty.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 26 Marquee Ball: Road to Rio! Experience Carnival nightlife! $30-40 • 5:30pm The Patterson • 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org Ani DiFranco Don’t miss her! $40 • 8pm Rams Head Live! • 20 Market Place RamsHeadLive.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 27 March for the Animals Walk-a-thon and Festival • FREE • 9am-2pm At Druid Hill Park • 3001 East Dr. MarchForTheAnimals.org

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30 GLAA’s 43rd Anniversary Reception Honoring winners of GLAA’s 2014 Distinguished Service Award $55 • 6:30pm Policy Restaurant and Lounge 1904 14th St. NW • Washington DC GLAA.org

YOU CAN FIND GLCCB EVENTS ON PAGE 11

Have an event perfect for our readers? Send all the details to CALENDAR@BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

APRIL 2014

PAGE 21

LaPlacaCohen Publication: Insertion date: Size: 212-675-4106 BALTIMORE GAY LIFE APRIL 1, 2014 4.75” x 11.25" 4C NP

Spring is

Fabulous

.

Now on view Don’t miss the special exhibition, Passion of the Empress: Catherine The Great’s Art Patronage

Spring Garden Tours Begin April 1

Where Fabulous Lives

For more information call 202.686.5807 or visit HillwoodMuseum.org 4155 Linnean Ave. NW, Washington DC Free parking HIL-0024_Gaylife_4.75x11.25_April1_v3.indd PAGE 22 APRIL 2014

1

3/21/14 12:59 PM

GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

SOCIAL LIFE

BSCENE

A Night Out in Baltimore PHOTOS BY JAY W

BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

APRIL 2014

PAGE 23

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