Baltimore Gay Life December 2015 by Baltimore Gay Life

DECEMBER 2015

GAYLIFE Read it. Live it.

Love it.

A NEW ERA

Jabari Lyles Shares His Hope For Your Communit y Center REMEMBERING 10 SKIP

THEATRE 11 HOLIDAY GUIDE

22 DATEBOOK

速

New Genvoya is now available

GENC0002_GayLife_9.75x11.25_Sprd.indd 1-2

Actual Size

One pill contains elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). Ask your healthcare provider if GENVOYA is right for you. To learn more visit GENVOYA.com

Please see Brief Summary of Patient Information with important warnings on the following pages.

11/19/15 10:55 AM

Brief Summary of Patient Information about GENVOYA GENVOYA (jen-VOY-uh) (elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide) tablets Important: Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with GENVOYA. There may be new information about GENVOYA. This information is only a summary and does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment.

What is the most important information I should know about GENVOYA? GENVOYA can cause serious side effects, including: • Build-up of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis may happen in some people who take GENVOYA. Lactic acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Lactic acidosis can be hard to identify early, because the symptoms could seem like symptoms of other health problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms, which could be signs of lactic acidosis: • • • • • • •

feel very weak or tired have unusual (not normal) muscle pain have trouble breathing have stomach pain with nausea or vomiting feel cold, especially in your arms and legs feel dizzy or lightheaded have a fast or irregular heartbeat

• Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems may happen in people who take GENVOYA. In some cases, these liver problems can lead to death. Your liver may become large and you may develop fat in your liver. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms of liver problems: • your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) • dark “tea-colored” urine • light-colored bowel movements (stools) • loss of appetite for several days or longer • nausea • stomach pain • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking GENVOYA for a long time. • Worsening of Hepatitis B infection. GENVOYA is not for use to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV). If you have HBV infection and take GENVOYA, your HBV may get worse (flareup) if you stop taking GENVOYA. A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. • Do not run out of GENVOYA. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your GENVOYA is all gone. • Do not stop taking GENVOYA without first talking to your healthcare provider. • If you stop taking GENVOYA, your healthcare provider will need to check your health often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you stop taking GENVOYA.

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What is GENVOYA? GENVOYA is a prescription medicine that is used without other HIV-1 medicines to treat HIV-1 in people 12 years of age and older: • who have not received HIV-1 medicines in the past or • to replace their current HIV-1 medicines in people who have been on the same HIV-1 medicines for at least 6 months, have an amount of HIV-1 in their blood (“viral load”) that is less than 50 copies/mL, and have never failed past HIV-1 treatment HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. GENVOYA contains the prescription medicines elvitegravir (VITEKTA®), cobicistat (TYBOST®), emtricitabine (EMTRIVA®) and tenofovir alafenamide. It is not known if GENVOYA is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age. When used to treat HIV-1 infection, GENVOYA may: • Reduce the amount of HIV-1 in your blood. This is called “viral load”. • Increase the number of CD4+ (T) cells in your blood that help fight off other infections. Reducing the amount of HIV-1 and increasing the CD4+ (T) cells in your blood may help improve your immune system. This may reduce your risk of death or getting infections that can happen when your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections). GENVOYA does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. You must stay on continuous HIV-1 therapy to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses. Avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 infection to others: • Do not share or re-use needles or other injection equipment. • Do not share personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades. • Do not have any kind of sex without protection. Always practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to prevent passing HIV-1 to other people.

Who should not take GENVOYA? Do not take GENVOYA if you also take a medicine that contains: • alfuzosin hydrochloride (Uroxatral®) • carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Epitol®, Equetro®, Tegretol®, Tegretol-XR®, Teril®) • cisapride (Propulsid®, Propulsid Quicksolv®) • ergot-containing medicines, including: dihydroergotamine mesylate (D.H.E. 45®, Migranal®), ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot®, Migergot®, Ergostat®, Medihaler Ergotamine®, Wigraine®, Wigrettes®), and methylergonovine maleate (Ergotrate®, Methergine®) • lovastatin (Advicor®, Altoprev®, Mevacor®) • midazolam, when taken by mouth • phenobarbital (Luminal®) • phenytoin (Dilantin®, Phenytek®) • pimozide (Orap®) • rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifamate®, Rifater®, Rimactane®) • sildenafil (Revatio®), when used for treating lung problems • simvastatin (Simcor®, Vytorin®, Zocor®) • triazolam (Halcion®) • the herb St. John’s wort or a product that contains St. John’s wort

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What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking GENVOYA? Before taking GENVOYA, tell your healthcare provider if you: • have liver problems including hepatitis B infection • have kidney or bone problems • have any other medical conditions • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if GENVOYA can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking GENVOYA. Pregnancy registry: there is a pregnancy registry for women who take HIV-1 medicines during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take GENVOYA. – You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. – At least one of the medicines in GENVOYA can pass to your baby in your breast milk. It is not known if the other medicines in GENVOYA can pass into your breast milk. – Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Other medicines may affect how GENVOYA works. Some medicines may interact with GENVOYA. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. • You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of medicines that interact with GENVOYA. • Do not start a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take GENVOYA with other medicines.

How should I take GENVOYA?

• Take GENVOYA exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. GENVOYA is taken by itself (not with other HIV-1 medicines) to treat HIV-1 infection.

• GENVOYA is usually taken 1 time each day. • Take GENVOYA with food. • If you need to take a medicine for indigestion (antacid) that contains aluminum and • • • •

magnesium hydroxide or calcium carbonate during treatment with GENVOYA, take it at least 2 hours before or after you take GENVOYA. Do not change your dose or stop taking GENVOYA without first talking with your healthcare provider. Stay under a healthcare provider’s care when taking GENVOYA. Do not miss a dose of GENVOYA. If you take too much GENVOYA, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away. When your GENVOYA supply starts to run low, get more from your healthcare provider or pharmacy. This is very important because the amount of virus in your blood may increase if the medicine is stopped for even a short time. The virus may develop resistance to GENVOYA and become harder to treat.

What are the possible side effects of GENVOYA? GENVOYA may cause serious side effects, including: • See “What is the most important information I should know about GENVOYA?” • Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicine. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the middle of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. The exact cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known. • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having any new symptoms after starting your HIV-1 medicine. • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before you start and while you are taking GENVOYA. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking GENVOYA if you develop new or worse kidney problems. • Bone problems can happen in some people who take GENVOYA. Bone problems may include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your bones. The most common side effect of GENVOYA is nausea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. • These are not all the possible side effects of GENVOYA. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. • Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. General information about the safe and effective use of GENVOYA. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use GENVOYA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give GENVOYA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. This Brief Summary summarizes the most important information about GENVOYA. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about GENVOYA that is written for health professionals. For more information, call 1-800-445-3235 or go to www.GENVOYA.com. Keep GENVOYA and all medicines out of reach of children. Issued: November 2015

EMTRIVA, GENVOYA, the GENVOYA Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, TYBOST, and VITEKTA are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.

11/19/15 10:56 AM

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Proud to support the 2015 Baltimore Pride Festival. S:5”

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Comments: Final format, PDF Magenta, Yellow, Black Inks: Fonts: Apex Sans, Neue Haas Grotesk Text Std Images: vz_pri_g_k.ai

GAY LIFE / DECEMBER 2015

BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

IN THIS GAY LIFE Departments LOCAL LIFE

GLCCB Spotlight

by Danielle Ariano

Spiritual In-To-Me-I-See

by Yusuf Ansumana Ariyibi

19 19

Obit: Skip Koritzer

by Justin B. Terry-Smith

by Jim Becker and William Redmond-Palmer

The W.O.E. Report

by Wyatt O'Brian Evans

by Jabari Lyles

9 10

Op-Ed: Town Hall

HIGH LIFE

Theatre Holiday Spotlight by Timoth David Copney

18 Out-Skirts

OUR LIFE

Crossing T's

by Angela Wren

Spilling The Tea

by Carlton Smith

by Coach Maq Elé

Justin's HIV Journal

BETTER LIFE

Charitable Giving

by Amanda Wooddell Wilhelm

SOCIAL LIFE

22 Datebook

by Rachel Roth

17 Transmissions

by Courtney Bedell Eckler

C A ME RON M AC K I N TOSH’S S P E CTA C U L A R N E W P ROD U CT ION OF

A N D R E W L L O Y D W E B B E R ’S

On the Cover GLCCB Acting Executive Director and President of the Board of Directors Jabari Lyles

FACEBOOK.COM/GLCCB • TWITTER.COM/GLCCB • YOUTUBE.COM/THEGLCCB

Dan McEvily, Editor

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

editor@baltimoregaylife.com

National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 Contributors Danielle Ariano, Yusuf Ansumana Ariyibi, Jim Becker, Timoth David Copney, Courtney Bedell Eckler, Coach Mac Elè, Jabari Lyles, Wyatt O’Brian Evans, Bill Redmond-Palmer, Rachel Roth, Carlton Smith, Justin B. Terry Smith, Angela Wren, Amanda Wooddell Wilhelm

Photographers

John Kardys, Samatra Johnson, Asia Kenney, Kristi Metzger, Eric Randolph, Richelle Taylor, Jay W.

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 2015. 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

TICKETS MAKE GREAT GIFTS! JANUARY 27–FEBRUARY 7 BALTIMOREHIPPODROME.COM • 800.982.ARTS

GAY LIFE / DECEMBER 2015

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LOCAL LIFE

GLCCB Spotlight A Word From Jabari Lyles, the New Acting Executive Director by

JABARI LYLES

ear Community,

printed out a list of all of the LGBTQfriendly spots in the area that I could think of, and there we sat, in my office at the GLCCB, chatting and giggling about drinks and boys and gay bars. They found a safe space in my office, and a glimmer of hope for their new future in America. They thanked me profusely, and headed to Central. As I watched them leave, confidently crossing Cathedral to get to Eager, I whispered to myself, “This is why we’re here.” For the past 47 days, I have served as acting executive director of the GLCCB. I offered to do this temporary work without salary as a service to our community. I am doing this because, in my experience and in my heart, I know Baltimore needs and deserves a strong, thriving community center for its vibrant LGBTQ population. I am doing this because I love this city, and I often find and share strength in being “queer”. I am doing this because I believe in what is possible. Some say that we should do away with our center. I say, give our community a chance to lead its

A few weeks ago on a rainy evening, two men wandered into my office here at the GLCCB. I invited them to sit, and we began to chat. Quietly, and a bit nervously, they told me that they are lovers, had been in the United States for a little over a month, and fled their home country of Nigeria for fear of “getting in trouble.” They explained: “at home, if you are gay, you can be jailed, or even worse: killed for being with who you love. We had to pack our things and go.” They had a bittersweet disposition—heads hung low, peppered with a few fleeting grins. I could tell they were upset about having to leave their home country, but excited about the idea of finding a community here in the U.S. where they can feel safe. I told them a little about my experience as a gay, black man in America, and assured them that although we still have some work to do, being LGBTQ is not illegal (per se), and places exist where one can find love, acceptance and community. I excitedly

own revolution. Let us begin to heal, learn, grow, and build together. Let us celebrate our pride, our strength and our differences, but let us also mobilize around the issues that underscore our collective, intersectional struggle. The world may have lots still to learn about us, but we have plenty to learn about each other. Trans women are harassed daily in our city and cannot find jobs, housing or appropriate health care. We aren’t talking enough about the experiences of trans men, bisexualoriented people and other sexual orientations, mental health, or domestic violence in our community. LGBTQ students are routinely mistreated and underserved in our schools, and hundreds of LGBTQ youth in Baltimore do not have a place to call home. Aging members of our community are too often forgotten about. The worldwide HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to be felt exceptionally hard in Baltimore. Racism, colorism and classism have stained our values and divided our community. There is work to be done. We are on a journey to becoming Balti-

more’s LGBTQ community center. We are not there yet. I did not stumble into this work, I was made for it. But with all of the passion and determination that I possess, I do not have a magic wand, and I know fully that the success of this community center will not depend on the talents and dreams of one person, but the dedication of the entire community. Without your interest, we fail as an organization, but more importantly, we fail the people who we could serve. Let’s get back to uniting and empowering sexual and gender minorities in Baltimore and Maryland. I invite you into our journey and into our mission. Healing, learning, growing, building, together. In Pride, Jabari M. Lyles

Op-Ed: GLCCB Town Hall A Success by YUSUF ANSUMANA ARIYIBI GLCCB Offices at 1000 Cathedral St., Baltimore, MD

had the opportunity to attend the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland (GLCCB) town hall meeting last month, and found it not only informative, but it succeeded in its goal of allowing the community to express themselves and their ideas for the community center. I have only been living in Baltimore city for four months and was surprised to hear that a city of such great capacity and also such a large LGBTQ population only had one gay and lesbian community center. Finding that out, I wanted BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

to learn more about the GLCCB and what it offers our community. At the meeting, I really appreciated the fact that new board members for the community center wanted to make sure that the GLCCB was more seen in the LGBTQ community in Baltimore and they also made it a point to strive to become more diverse internally and externally, to include all sexual identifications and orientations, all races, ages, and cultural backgrounds. As a gay community center, I believe that it should be the most open and free place for anybody to come to, share ideas

and access resources. I believe that the new leadership at the Center has that same set of forward thinking, which was made clear by the town hall meeting. Community members that spoke had some very interesting and eye opening things to discuss. There was a moment which community members and the board were giving a brief history of the GLCCB through their personal perspective, which was very interesting. I also saw that there were community members from almost every sector of LGBTQ community speaking almost as a

representative for that community which was great because allowed for a diverse representation of Baltimore’s LGBTQ public. My overall experience at the town hall meeting was a great one and I have since visited the Center and tried to participate in the growth of the community center as much as possible. I do hope that the GLCCB continues to do events and meetings with the community to unify us so that we all function as one.

GAY LIFE / DECEMBER 2015

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

Trans Programs

Women’s Programs

BALTIMORE TRANSMASCULINE ALLIANCE

SILHOUETTE

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. 4th Saturdays - 8pm Tranquility@glccb.org

Recovery ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS LGBTQ-centered AA recovery groups, welcoming to all. Thursdays - 8:00pm Saturdays - 6:30pm

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS

Men’s Rap group for men in recovery. Sundays - 11:30am

Health & Wellness BEGINNERS’ YOGA

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

HIV & STI TESTING

FREE and confidential testing from the Baltimore City Health Dept. and University of Maryland. Wednesdays - 5-8pm

HIV SUPPORT GROUP

2nd & 4th Saturday - 6-7:30pm

MIND TRAVEL MEDITATION

Develop sense of self through stillness and meditation. 1st and 3rd Sundays – 2pm thehealingsanctuary444@gmail.com

Youth & Young Adult Programs

by JIM BECKER and BILL REDMOND-PALMER

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 & 3rd Tuesdays - 7:30pm Meetup.com/silhouette

SISTAHS OF PRIDE

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

Men’s Programs THE MANKIND PROJECT (MKP)

Peer-support group that is open to men of diverse race, background, sexual, and gender expression who consciously and compassionately challenge, mentor, and model the type of growth that honors and celebrates the full-spectrum of the mature male. Wednesdays - 6:30pm Bmoi1000@gmail.com

Community Programs BOOK CLUB

A welcoming book club for LGBTQ individuals to discuss a selected reading. 3rd Monday - 7pm

Support ADULT SURVIVORS OF CHILD ABUSE (ASCA)

Community based self-help support group designed specifically for adult survivors of neglect, physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse.

Thursdays – 6:30pm ASCA-Baltimore@hotmail.com ASCA-baltimore.tumblr.com

YOUTH GROUP

Social group for LGBTQ youth ages 18-25

Saturdays – 4pm For more information on our programs, please contact Danny Carbo at dcarbo@glccb.org

GAYLIFE Read it. Live it.

GAY LIFE / DECEMBER 2015

Love it.

2013

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

Remembering Edward ‘Skip’ Koritzer GBTQ community icon Rev. Fr. Edward "Skip" Koritzer died on November 5 following a cardiac arrest. Skip, Father Skip or Chaplain Skip, as he was known by everyone throughout the Baltimore and Maryland LGBTQ communities, was a lifelong community activist for many causes, a clergy person at two Independent Catholic parishes, and a long time photographer for Baltimore OUTloud. For several decades, he photographed all of the important community and bar events. He attended the first Pride Festival in Baltimore 40 years ago and was a visible presence at Baltimore’s Pride Festivals and Block Parties for many years as the head of security. He also was a strong supporter of Baltimore Black Pride. No matter why or how you knew him, no one can deny that Skip had a deep and abiding love for, and dedication to, the LGBTQ community in our state. Whether it was supporting people living with HIV, Leather, Trans, Faith or Drag community events, or just taking pictures of people in the bars, over the years Skip was so often there, camera in hand, often in his clericals, and with his heart on his sleeve. Skip was a founding member of the Interfaith Fairness Coalition of Maryland and served as its President for the past eight years. The Coalition was formed to advance the cause of social justice for LGBT persons within the state of Maryland by working through religious bodies. Through his work with the Interfaith Fairness Coalition, Skip demonstrated his strong commitment to the most inclusive concept of interfaith work possible. He was always available at Baltimore LGBT Pride and Baltimore Black Pride, to offer communion to anyone who asked for it, despite being criticized by other Catholics in the community for doing so. Upon learning of Skip’s death, Pat Tomkins, Board Advisor for the Interfaith Fairness Coalition of Maryland, said, “Father Skip had such a beautiful loving spirit. His gentle caring and warm hugs gave me so much support and love. My heart is heavy, but I feel that his life was a gift to my life.” Tom Bonderenko, Executive Director of Moveable Feast, expressed his gratitude for Skip’s longtime commitment to the organization. “Since its beginning in 1989, Moveable Feast has been fortunate to have Fr Skip as a supporter, promoter, and photographer

for anything Moveable Feast related. We have lost a true advocate in our community.” Echoing these sentiments, Interfaith Fairness Coalition of Maryland Vice President Bill-Redmond Palmer said, “Father Skip was one of our irreplaceable community elders, and his loss is one that will be felt by the entire community.” Despite his generous spirit, or perhaps because of it, Skip experienced extreme homophobic oppression during his life. However, he had an immense capacity to rise above adversity and abiding faith in the basic goodness of people. He truly, “turned the other cheek.” In reflecting on Skip’s death, Baltimore OUTloud co-publisher Jim Becker said, “I have known Skip forever, actually before he was Father Skip. His tireless photographing of LGBTQ community events for Baltimore OUTloud, traveling far and wide on his own dime, was emblematic of his approach to life. He did for others and expected little in return. I will miss him dearly as an activist, colleague, and most importantly friend.” Bill Redmond-Palmer is coordinating a community celebration of Skip’s life. To volunteer, make a donation, or for information, please contact Bill at (443) 421-9090 or at info@ifcmd.org. Bill said that it is important for the community to memorialize “Father Skip in a way that befits the great gift he gave the community for so many years.” In the spirit with which Skip treated everyone, everywhere he went, all are welcome at the celebration. Visit BaltimoreGayLife.com to read an extended version of this tribute.

BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

HIGH LIFE THEATRE SPOTLIGHT

Holiday Show Spotlight by

ell, it’s the Holiday season already! December is here and the Baltimore theatre community is bringing us some early gifts. Looking for something to go see? There are always the traditional offerings of Nutcracker and Scrooge, but let’s take a look at some excellent alternatives.

Audrey Herman’s Spotlighter’s Theatre kicks off the list with their excellent production, A Tuna Christmas. Fuzz Rourke expertly directs four guys playing 22 characters in this holiday salute to the denizens of Tuna, Texas. I saw it opening night, and trust me, it’s one of the best things on stage for this holiday season. Catch it until December 20th. Theatre Project is serving up Total Verruckt! by Joanna Caplan. The story of Jewish cabaret performers held in a Dutch transit camp. Might be a little dark for the kiddies, but how many Hallmark Christmas movies can you watch? Go see something that makes you appreciate how lucky you are to not be one of the people in those conditions. But only until the 6th of December so go already! Fells Point Corner Theatre presents C*ck (yea, it’s exactly what it looks like), a contemporary take on the old boymeets-boy, falls in love, then boy-meetsgirl, falls in love, and how these three handle an emotional ménage a trois. Steven Goldklang directs and it runs until December 19.

TIMOTH DAVID COPNEY

listening to some of Charm City’s best vocalists, then you have a couple of surefire great options. December 18th and 19th, Kim Hart launches her inaugural effort to present cabaret as a theatrical venue via her Bmore Musical organization. With some of the best theatre talent in the city singing songs about the season, see it at The Ideal Arts Space, 905 W. 36th Street in Baltimore. And if you’ve never seen one of Quae Simpson’s holiday cabarets at Sammy’s Tratoria in Mt. Vernon, then Martinis, Mistletoe and Music on December 20th is a don’t miss event. Quae not only showcases the established cabaret singers in the city, he also lets us hear some of his best vocal students. This annual song fest is always worth the admission, and you can eat at one of the best restaurants in town while enjoying a great cabaret. There is such a bounty this holiday season, from Single Carrot’s Year of the Rooster, to Annex Theatre’s Impassioned Embraces, to Pasadena Theatre Company’s A Miracle on 34th Street, to Theatrical Mining Company’s Middletown, to Dundalk Community Theatre’s A Taffeta Christmas, there is something for everybody.

Artistic Synergy is bringing us The Nunsense Nutcracker Christmas Musical, directed by Melissa Broy Fortson. This addition to the Nunsense franchise brings back Hoboken’s Little Sisters, surprisingly talented for nuns, this time dealing with Secret Santas, The Nutcracker Ballet and a whole lot more. It’s only on until December 13th so don’t wait to get tickets. If you’d like to spend an evening or two A Tuna Christmas as Audrey Herman's Spotlighters Theatre

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GAY LIFE / DECEMBER 2015

HORSESHOE BALTIMORE PROUD SUPPORTER OF BALTIMORE PRIDE

GAY LIFE / DECEMBER 2015

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GAY LIFE / DECEMBER 2015

When the community works together, the community works A vibrant community depends on the participation of its members. The more diverse their backgrounds, experience and skills, the more unique their contributions to the community can be. Bank of America supports the GLCCB for celebrating individuality while supporting the common goals that bring progress to everyone. Visit us at bankofamerica.com/local Life’s better when we’re connected®

GAY LIFE / DECEMBER 2015

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GAY LIFE / DECEMBER 2015

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GAY LIFE / DECEMBER 2015

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OUR LIFE

SPILLING THE TEA

The Art of Forgiveness

TRANSMISSIONS

For Islan Nettles

by CARLTON SMITH

by COURTNEY BEDELL ECKLER

ello family! I'm glad to be back from a long sabbatical and offered to pick up writing my favorite column. Yea, I know some of the people heard what happened to me over the hot month of July. However, I received your love and support at the recent GLCCB Town Hall last month that many of you in the community attended. I truly appreciated it. I learned to forgive those who tried to defame my character and decided to move towards becoming a community builder, rather than a community separatist. We need healing in the community and love -- after all we are the true rainbow coalition! To quote Maya Angelou: "Rainbows are people whose lives are bright shining examples for others." This is a powerful message to me. It reflects the true meaning of being a shining example for our young people and elderly community whose shoulders we all stand on. Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts,

writing and journaling is a healing process. Just one more thought. I’m a big fan of The Ellen Show. At the end each show, she ends by reminding her viewers to be kind to one another. That sticks with me. You never know how your kindness may change someone. And remember, love is for everyone! Have a great and prosperous holiday season. His Majesty/QM /Duchess

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t’s December and I would love nothing more than to write about the joy and beauty of the holidays, but there is something else lingering in my consciousness I need to address. A few weeks ago, on November 21st we observed Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR), and for one day we paid our respects by honoring those who had fallen to trans-violence. The ceremony was held at the First Unitarian Church of Baltimore, and there were speakers and there was singing. Towards the end of the ceremony, the congregation filed up to the sanctuary to light a candle for each of the fallen as their names were read aloud. The procession went on forever as we heard hundreds of names of those we lost. This was a beautiful way to honor their deaths, but somehow one day of mourning just doesn't seem to be enough. My sister recently sent me an article from the Los Angeles Times about her city’s TDoR ceremony, and it reminded me of the breadth of this issue. It’s not just nationwide but worldwide; and of course the violence is often worse outside the U.S. I wish I could keep this column light all the time, but I often play the heavy talking about issues, mounting my soapbox. I know it sometimes comes off as preachy, but I tend to think the more voices the better. A cisgender friend of mine asked me recently why I write about trans issues. She said, “Nobody questions your womanhood, so if you don’t have to identify as trans why complicate your life?” I told her a story about an incident in New York that I have repeated to others who have asked me why I chose to begin writing about trans issues so many years after transitioning. It was Janet Mock’s brave memoir and Lavern Cox’s commitment to activism that inspired me, but it was this story that moved me from emotion into action. In 2013, Islan Nettles, a beautiful 21-yearold transgender girl, was attending beauty school and working full-time to pull herself out of the poverty she was born into. She was a beautiful woman and one evening at a club a boy asked her to dance. After she left the club one of his friends informed him that he had been dancing with a transgender woman. They teased him that he had been attracted to

a “tranny.” In some confused form of gay panic, he tracked down Ms. Nettles and within the hour and one block of an NYPD station, he beat her unconscious. She died sometime later from complications. The killer confessed to the crime, but was not charged until almost two years after the murder, and then only with manslaughter and felony assault. So far there have been no convictions for her brutal murder. I have cried many tears for Islan, but tears alone don’t change anything. It is by sharing her story and speaking out against this kind of hatred that we raise people’s consciousness and begin to make change. So, I cannot and will not stay silent and simply enjoy my fairly uneventful life without concern for my sisters. I have decided to fight the good fight every day by being active in my community and seizing every opportunity to be a diplomat for transgender people verbally and through writing. Once I transitioned and disappeared into my ordinary life, but now I’m using whatever voice I have been given to help prevent the Islan Nettles’ of the world from fearing for their lives simply because they are women. Enjoy whatever peace and love you have in your life this holiday season, but remember to care about those in our community who are not yet there! Peace and Love for the Holidays! Courtney Bedell Eckler is the author of a Gay Life advice/insight column that covers all aspects of transgender life ranging from the practical aspects of transitioning, to employment, family, and social concerns. She hopes that, through the 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.

GAY LIFE / DECEMBER 2015

OUR LIFE OUT-SKIRTS

Cleavage Consult Gone Awry

There was an edge to my voice and if I’ve learned anything in my years as a lover of women, it was that arguments could and frequently did spring up right before one’s very eyes, like magical by beanstalks, when a thing was said in the wrong DANIELLE ARIANO tone. “Why do you have to do that?” she asked. “I “I hope neither of us dies today!” I scream to my really wish you’d be patient and just answer my wife, Lindsay, before slamming the door. question.” Fifteen minutes ago it had been a regular I rolled my eyes. “Well, why do you have to ask morning full of regular morning things: toothbrushes, showers, coffee and good morning kisses. me the same thing over and over? It feels like you Lindsay had come downstairs to ask me how don’t believe me or you’re just not listening.” her new black shirt looked. “Really?” she steamed. “It’s infuriating that you’d “Good,” I told her, as I poked at my bagel, evalu- say that. And I don’t appreciate you rolling your ating its toastiness. “I really like it.” The previous eyes.” With that she stormed up the stairs and I day she’d come home with a bag full of new continued gathering my things for work. clothes, which I’d oohed and aahed over, the black “Are you going to come say goodbye or not?” I shirt included. I love it, I’d said when she’d put on called up to her in my most antagonizing tone. a mini fashion show, it really looks nice. There was a long pause during which I could “Is it too low cut for work?” almost hear the wheels of her mind turning, gears I looked at her cleavage, which was barely clicking, pistons popping. showing, and considered. “I don’t think so,” I “I have no response to that,” she said in a flat said, “but I guess you’ll know for sure if you see tone. anyone’s eyes doing this when you talk to them.” I “Okay, fine. Have a nice day! I love you.” I didn’t turned my gaze downward toward her chest then wait to hear if she responded, I just snatched my returned to her eyes. Chest. Eyes. Chest. Eyes. lunch and headed for the door, where I found She was not amused. myself screaming the brilliant line about hoping She went back upstairs and I finished feeding that neither of us died that day. This had flown the dogs. When she came back down, I was getup from the nether world of my death obsessed ting ready to leave. subconscious which constantly reminds me that “So the shirt looks okay?” she asked again. I could die at any time moment and because of “I already told you, it’s fine,” I said. this, along with always wearing clean underwear, This is where our trouble began. I should never part ways on bad terms with the I should have said, yes. Yes, babe, the shirt person I love. looks great. In fact, you look like a million bucks. By the time I reach the bottom of the three A million, very professional, well dressed, not too wooden stairs of our side porch, I’m filled with low cut wearing, bucks. regret and embarrassment at my irrationality, my That is what I should have said. temper, my lack of patience and my childishness. But that is not what I said because: 1. I never Why couldn’t I have just told her how nice she call her babe and 2. I was annoyed by the fact looked? Three times, three hundred times, who that she’d asked me the same question multiple cared? times, which is a thing that happens from time It was times like these that I found myself to time—and on the rare occasions when I tell indulging in fantasies about men. In the most her that I don’t think the outfit goes together or elaborate and steamy of these, my husband would that the shirt is too tight or too loose or insert any come downstairs wearing a mismatched tie and other unenthusiastic adjective here, she typically I’d send him right back up to put on the one responds by pointing out the merits of the chosen with blue stripes. Instead of a long, drawn out shirt, which makes me wonder why she asked me conversation about whether the yellow in the tie in the first place. he’d picked was a good accent, he’d simply shrug If, for example, I say, “I think that sleeveless his shoulders, grunt and go change. shirt is a little too casual for your meeting,” she’ll There’d be no conversations overly wrought point to a quarter inch of material that would not with emotion, no debates about outfits, no tête-àqualify as a sleeve under any circumstance and say, tête’s around whether a shirt was or was not too “But this has sleeves.” low cut, no evaluative consults about cleavage. That is why on this morning, instead of saying And that was the exact point where my fantathe thing that I should have said, I said this other sies always fell apart. No cleavage consults. thing. And perhaps worse than what I said, was how I said it. Danielle Ariano is a writer and cabinetmaker. Her work has been featured in North Dakota Quarterly and on Huffington Post and Baltimore Fishbowl. She lives in Lutherville, Md. with her wife and their two dogs. When she is not writing or building, you can usually find her at the beach surfing. Find out more at www. danielleariano.com or follow her on Twitter @dariano19.

GAY LIFE / DECEMBER 2015

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SPIRITUAL IN-TO-ME-I-SEE (SPIRITUAL INTIMACY)

Some Will, Some Won't. So What? by COACH MAQ ELÉ

he other day I was grocery shopping in Safeway. When I went into the frozen food isle there was a little girl, approximately 5 or 6 years old, playing with a toy car. She was racing the car down the aisle and celebrating how far it went. She was raising her hands in the air, jumping up and down as if she had just been told she won the race and would receive a lifetime supply of candy. Her joy was contagious; I was overcome with joy, excitement and laughter. She was the highlight of not only my shopping experience, but of my day! This experience made me think about how as children we are untainted from the judgments of the world. This little girl was not concerned with looking silly or being judged by others; she was present in her moment of engaging in an experience that brought her joy. How do we, as adults, lose that innocence? Why have we become so overly concerned with what others will say about us or their judgment of us?

So, my love, what is it that you desire to do, be or have that you have denied yourself due to what others will think or say? Are you willing to do it anyway? What if that thing you so desire is one of the very reasons you were created… are you willing? What I know is that people operate from their own fears and insecurities and that 99% of the time they will project that onto others, which prevents them from hearing your experience from an objective and loving space. 2015 is coming to a close; will you allow yourself to do what it is you desire in 2016? In saying “YES” to yourself please know that some people will judge you, and some won’t judge you, but at the end of the day… SO WHAT! BE-LOVED! ~Coach Maq *If you find yourself crying uncontrollably on a daily basis, please contact a mental health care professional immediately for support.

Coach Maq Elè is a certified Spiritual Life and the facilitator for the GLCCB group SILhouette (Spiritually In-Tuned Lesbians). For more information about Coach Maq and SILhouette please visit Maqele.com. To contact Coach Maq with your coaching questions email CoachMaq@baltimoregaylife.com.

JUSTIN’S HIV JOURNAL

The Gift of Purity and Slut Shaming by JUSTIN B. TERRY-SMITH

any people this holiday season will get what they want and what they don’t want. My gift to you this year, dear reader, is the gift of purity. Many of us think of the word purity and automatically think of virginity. I am by no means a virgin, and neither are the majority of you reading this column. With that idea in mind, I ask - why on earth do we engage in slut shaming? At the recent Mr. Maryland Leather contest one of the contestants gave a speech about slut shaming in the gay community and I was truly touched. He talked about how two of his friends had committed suicide because of the constant slut shaming (which is another form of bullying) they endured from their so-called friends. As I do every year, I took the stage with all the former Mr. Maryland Leathers, and as my name was being called I heard the words, “Whore” being yelled at me. I stopped and realized that this was not right because to look on my husband’s face was the look of embarrassment and shame. When the contest was over, I marched up to those three people and told them to stop slut shaming me. The whole time I thought to myself this doesn’t just affect me but it affects my husband. If they don’t have any respect for me at least respect my husband and in turn respect my marriage. I really didn’t deserve it, neither did my husband or my son. For HIV negative people, slut sham-

ing can lead to a lowered self-esteem, which could make them at greater risk of contracting HIV. Having people shame you because of your sexual appetites only leads you to keep them secret and pushes them back into the closet. This also can be said for people who use preventative measure like Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). People think because you are on PrEP means that you do not use a condom and you have promiscuous sex, which is not the case at all because this is a form of HIV prevention. People will do with their own bodies as they would like and it is not up to us to tell them what to do. It takes two (sometimes more) to tango and if it’s consensual then who the hell are you to tell them what they cannot do. I suggest to all of you reading this column to keep that in mind before you shame someone into thinking that what they do sexually is wrong. People need to wake up to the ways of the world and get their head out of their behinds and other people’s personal lives; because frankly it’s none of your damn slut shaming business.

Justin B. Terry-Smith MPH 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. Presently Justin is working towards earning his Doctorate in Public Health. Visit his main Web site at www. justinbsmith.com. He welcomes your questions at jsmithco98@ Photo by Don Harris, Don Harris Photographics, LLC © 2011. All Rights Reserved.

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GAY LIFE / DECEMBER 2015

OUR LIFE

BETTER LIFE

THE W.O.E. REPORT

Give Those Holiday Blues a Swift Kick in the… by

WYATT O’BRIAN EVANS

“O

h, Gawd!” You’re an LGBTQ guy or gal simply dreading THAT time of year—the holidays! Why might you be in a major funk? Well, maybe you feel you can’t be your authentic self around family: you’re still closeted. Or, you might be alone, feeling isolated. All of this can throw you into a nasty tailspin. And where do you crash land? Into one “helluva” depression! Research bears out that the rates of depression and stress definitely increase during the holidays. To counteract that, here are ten tools to help you vanquish those holiday blues--courtesy of Dr. Barton Goldsmith, a multi-award winning psychotherapist: • Keep your expectations balanced. “You won’t get everything you want, things will go wrong, and you won’t fell like Bing Crosby singing ‘White Christmas’. Remember that everything doesn’t have to be perfect and don’t worry about things that are out of your control.” • Don’t try to do too much. “Fatigue, over scheduling, and taking on too many tasks can dampen your spirits. Learn to say no, delegate as much as possible and manage your time wisely. If you choose to do less you will have more energy to enjoy the most important part of the season--friends and family.” • Don’t isolate. “If you’re feeling left out, then get out of the house and find some way to join in. There are hundreds of places you can go to hear music, enjoy the sights or help those less fortunate.”

• Don’t overspend. “Create a reasonable budget and stick to it. Remember it’s not about the presents. It’s about the presence.” • It’s appropriate to mourn if you’re separated from or have lost loved ones. “If you can’t be with those you love make plans to celebrate again when you can all be together.” • Many people suffer depression due to a lack of sunlight because of shorter days and bad weather. “Using a full spectrum lamp for twenty minutes a day can lessen this type of depression called SAD (Seasonal Affectiveness Disorder).” • Watch your diet and remember to exercise. “It’s normal to eat more during the holidays, but be aware of how certain foods effect your mood. If you eat fats and sweets, you will have less energy, which can make you feel more stressed and run down.” • Be aware of the Post-Holiday Syndrome. “When all the hustle and bustle suddenly stops and you have to get back to the daily grind, it can be a real letdown. Ease out of all the fun by planning a rest day toward the end of the season.” • Learn forgiveness and acceptance. “If some of your relatives have always acted out or made you feel bad, chances are that won’t change. If you know what you’re getting into, it will be easier to not let them push your buttons. If things get uncomfortable, go to a movie or for a drive and adjust your attitude.”

Wyatt O’Brian Evans is a journalist, radio host (“The Wyatt O’Brian Evans Show,”), instructor, advocate/motivational speaker, lifestyle expert and author of the latest novel, “Nothing Can Tear Us Apart—RAGE!” (Gay/ ethnic). You may visit Wyatt at his on line home, www.wyattevans.com. Follow him at The Wyatt O’Brian Evans Official Fan Club on Facebook, and on Twitter at @MisterWOE.

GAY LIFE / DECEMBER 2015

Charitable Giving Extends Beyond Just Donating Money AMANDA WOODDELL WILHELM

As we approach the holiday season, charitable giving is often a high priority. Last year, I discussed how it is ideal to follow your heart when giving, while also protecting yourself from scams that prey on your good intentions. This year, I would like to outline how charitable giving can extend well beyond simply writing a check to your favorite nonprofit or foundation. Here are some non-money-related charitable donation ideas, and the tax benefits for you. Donate Almost Anything From household goods and vehicles to old clothes, you can donate almost any item to charity that is in relatively good condition as long as the charity is able to accept the item. If the property does not relate to the charity’s mission, in order to receive a tax deduction for items such as clothing and household items, you may deduct the amount you paid for it or the property's current reasonable fair market value (whichever is less). Consider Donating Securities You can also donate assets such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, to charity. Typically, you can deduct the fair market value of appreciated long-term securities that you have held for more than one year. If the stock has increased in value from the time of purchase, the owner is also removing the future tax bite on the capital gain that

would be incurred if the securities were held and then sold. Utilize Donor-Advised Funds A donor-advised fund is a charitable giving fund established and administered by a public charity. It allows donors to make charitable contributions by depositing cash, appreciated securities, or other assets, that are then distributed to charities over time. The donor receives an immediate tax benefit but can distribute funds to charities over time. This offers tax savings to individuals who have a large income tax event in a year and wish to fund their future charitable giving. It also is a simpler alternative to a private foundation for those who are charitably inclined. Give Your Time While donating your time or professional services to a charity for pro bono work is not deductible, you can deduct as a charitable contribution certain “out of pocket” expenses incurred in providing donated services – if the expenses are not reimbursed to you by the organization. In addition, current law allows for volunteers to deduct up to 14 cents per mile that is incurred in the line of charitable work. It is not always easy to donate money, but there are other ways to help. Whether it is personal goods, securities donations, or your time, giving back during the holiday season is a wonderful thing. And, while achieving tax savings is great, the big picture is all about furthering your values and bettering our world. Have a wonderful holiday season! Amanda Wooddell Wilhelm is a Manager with SC&H Financial Advisors, the Personal Financial Planning practice of SC&H Group, which is an audit, tax, and consulting firm based in Sparks, Md. To learn more about SC&H Group, visit www.scandh.com. Note: Securities offered through Triad Advisors, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through SC&H Financial Advisors, Inc. SC&H Financial Advisors, Inc. and Triad Advisors, Inc. are unaffiliated entities.

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GAY LIFE / DECEMBER 2015

SOCIAL LIFE

Datebook

RECURRING & ONGOING EVENTS

Sundays Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar Every Sunday 7am-Noon Jones Falls Expressway Holliday & Saratoga Sts. PromotionAndArts.com 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 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

RACHEL ROTH

First & Franklin • 210 West Madison St. FirstFranklin.org Service of Worship Every Sunday 10am Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church • 1316 Park Ave. BrownDowntown.org

Mondays Interfaith Fairness Coalition Mtg. Fourth Mondays 7:30pm Contact info@ifcmd.org to confirm meeting location 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 Call 410-837-2050, ext. 2428 for details www.bit.ly/SeniorPride

Tuesdays Howard County PFLAG Monthly Mtg. Second Tuesdays 7:30pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way • Columbia PFLAGMD.org

Heterosexual Friendly Gay Brunch First Sunday Frederick’s on Fleet • 2112 Fleet St. FredericksOnFleet.com

Karate-Dō (LGBT-friendly classes) Every Tuesday 5:30-7:30pm Johns Hopkins Homewood Campus Bob Remington — MDShoto@aol.com Csskshotokan.com

ASGRA Monthly Trail Ride First Sundays 10:30am • $25-30 Piscataway Stables 10775 Piscataway Road • Clinton ASGRA.org

Meditation Group Every Tuesday 6:15-7:45pm First Unitarian Church of Baltimore 1 W. Hamilton St. FirstUnitarian.net

Charm City Volleyball: Competitive Play Every Sunday 10am-1pm • $7 Volleyball House 5635 Furnace Ave. • Elkridge VolleyBaltimore.org

PFLAG Baltimore Co. General Mtg. Fourth Tuesdays 7pm Towson Unitarian Universalist Church 1710 Dulaney Valley Rd. PFLAGBaltimore.org

Service of Worship First Sundays 10:30am

Parents of Transgender Kids Fourth Tuesdays 7:30-9pm

GAY LIFE / DECEMBER 2015

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 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 Call 410-837-2050, ext. 2428 for details www.bit.ly/SeniorPride

Support Group for Transgender Adults Third Wednesday 7:30pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way • Columbia hoctytransgroup@gmail.comf

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

DATEBOOK

Tuesday, Dec. 1 World AIDS Day AIDS.gov BarCrawler Karaoke Sing your heart out every Tuesday night. Grand Central Nightclub, 1001/1003 N. Charles St.

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GrandCentralPub.com

Wednesday, Dec. 2 "The Secret Garden" An enchanting coming-of-age story. $19-59. 8pm. Thru 11/29 CENTERSTAGE, 700 N. Calvert St. CenterStage.org NightOUT: "X's and O's (A Football Love Story)" A reception and night at the theater for Baltimore's LGBTQA community. $10-39. 8pm CENTERSTAGE, 700 N. Calvert St. CenterStage.org

Thursday, Dec. 3 A Monumental Occasion The annual lighting of the Washington Monument. FREE. 5:30pm Mount Vernon Place, 600 Block of N. Charles St. PromotionAndArts.org Monument Lighting After Party Celebrate the lighting of the Monument. 8pm-2am Grand Central, 1001 N. Charles St. GrandCentralClub.com Polka Christmas Party with the Alex Meixner Celebrate the season with the world’s greatest polka bands. $9-15. 7:30pm Creative Alliance at The Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org

Friday, Dec. 4 "A Christmas Carol" opens A holiday classic with a Baltimore twist. $25-50. Thru 12/23 Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, 7 S. Calvert St. ChesapeakeShakespeare.com Ama Chandra: I Lived Damnit A night of performance dedicated to the audacious human spirit. $17-23. 8pm Creative Alliance at The Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org Daddy Christmas To benefit the heath care for the homeless. 9pm-2am Grand Central, 1001 N. Charles St. GrandCentralClub.com Chocolate Happy Hour Weekly chocolate-fest. 6:30

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Ma Petite Shoe, 832 W. 36th St. mapetiteshoe.com

Thursday, Dec. 10

BSOMusic.org

Levi & Leather Leather or Bear attire gets you a discount. 8pm. Fridays Grand Central - The Loft, 1001 N. Charles St. CentralStationPub.com

Holiday Swing w/Michael Mwenso, Brianna Thomas, Charenee Wade, and The Shakes. $15-21. 8pm Creative Alliance at The Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org

Trixie & Monkey's 11th Annual Holiday Spectac-u-thon Trixie Little, Monkey, and naughty elves are reunited $22-2. 8pm. Thru 12/19 Creative Alliance at The Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org

Friday Nights at the National Aquarium Get in for half price! 5-9pm National Aquarium, 501 E. Pratt St. Aqua.org

'Tis the Season with Brian Stokes Mitchell Tony Award-winning phenomenon joins BSO SuperPops. $25-99. 8pm. Thru 12/13 Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. BSOMusic.org

Wine Tasting FREE. 5-8pm. Fridays Spirits of Mt Vernon Wine Shop, 900 N. Charles St. SpiritsOfMtVernon.com

Saturday, Dec. 5 Zodiac Saturdays No cover... if it's your sign. 9am. Every Saturday Club Hippo, 1 W Eager St. ClubHippo.com elektroschock First Saturday of every month. $6 cover. 21+ 9pm Grand Central, 1001 N. Charles St. CentralStationPub.com

Sunday, Dec. 6 DigiTour Slaybells Ice feat. BruhItsZach, Nick Bean, Timmy Connors, Rudan C, Edwin Burgos. $25-30. 4pm Rams Head Live, 20 Market Place RamsHeadLive.com RamsHeadLive.com

Tuesday, Dec. 8 "The Sound of Music" opens The hills are alive! US $42-147. 8pm. Thru 12/13 Hippodrome, 12 N. Eutaw St. France-MerrickPAC.com

Wednesday, Dec. 9 4-Play! 2 comedians + 2 sex experts talking sex. $12-18. 7:30pm Creative Alliance at The Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org

Friday Dec. 11 Bear Happy Hour 2nd & 4th Fridays. No cover! 6pm Rock and Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE Washington, DC BearNonsense.com REVIVAL A monthly hoedown. $6. 21+ 7pm Grand Central, 1001 N. Charles St. CentralStationPub.com

Friday, Dec. 17 Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker A holiday classic. $46-198.50. 7pm. Thru 12/19 The Hippodrome, 12N. Eutaw St. France-MerrickPAC.com

Monday, Dec. 21 Giant Monster Monday Movies & drink specials. 8pm-Midnight The Wind Up Space, 12 W North Ave. TheWindUpSpace.com

Thursday, Dec. 24

Saturday, Dec. 12

Christmas Eve

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

Friday, Dec. 25

Sunday, Dec. 13 Baltimore Gamer Symphony Orchestra A night of orchestral video game music. $7-13. Shows at 7 & 8:30pm Creative Alliance at The Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org

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

Christmas Day

Thursday, Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve

New Year's Eve Spectacular Celebrate 2016 with music, food, and fireworks. FREE. 9pm-12:30am Baltimore Inner Harbor, 100 Light St. PromotionAndArts.org Cirque de la Symphonie World-class acrobats and gymnasts and music by the BSO. $19-73. 8pm. Thru ½ Meyerhoff, 1212 Cathedral St. BSOMusic.org

Thursday, Dec. 17 A Gospel Christmas with the Morgan State University Choir All the holiday favorites. $19-57. 7:30pm. Thru 12/18 Meyerhoff 1212 Cathedral St.

GAY LIFE / DECEMBER 2015