June 2012
BaltimoreGayLife.com
WE’VE GONE MONTHLY!
GAYLIFE Read it. Live it.
Love it.
BLOCK PARTY HEADLINER
NEON HITCH (Yes, that’s her real name!)
2 1 0 2 E D I R P E R O M I T BAL o t e d i u G E F I L Y The GA
PARAD
E R O M & L A V ES TI F , Y T R A P E , BL OCK
!
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GAY LIFE MAGAZINE
BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
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JUNE 2012
GAY LIFE MAGAZINE
IN THIS GAY LIFE
LOCAL LIFE
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JUNE 2012
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Kristin Chenoweth’s Rare Tour
By Frankie Kujawa
Theater in Rehoboth Beach
By Terri Solomon
12 Tommy Tune Talks to GL
By Daniel McEvily & Charlie Mumford
15 Pop Culture Round-up
18
The Gay Life Guide to Baltimore Pride 2012
Here’s everything you need to know about the weekend full of activities and entertainment at Twilight on the Terrace, High Heel Race, Pride Block Party, Pride Parade, and Pride Festival.
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Neon Hitch Set to Electrify the Baltimore Pride Block Party
BY DANIEL MCEVILY
This up-and-coming singer-songwriter is taking pop music on a bumpy, gyrating ride that you won’t soon forget.
By Daniel McEvily
Café Hon’s New Makeover
By John Cullen with Marty Shayt
REAL LIFE
34 National & International News
By Rachel Roth
OUR LIFE
36 Black Ministers Follow Obama
By Rev. Irene Monroe
BETTER LIFE
38 Roadmap to Financial Success
BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
Boy Crushes Come Alive in Heart Throbs
9 Iron Crow’s Latest: The Typographer’s Dream
BY DANIEL MCEVILY
The Broadway sensation and television star stops by the Hippodrome Theatre on June 9.
By Kristi Metzger
HIGH LIFE
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NOW Coming to Maryland
By Paula B. Friedman
40 Queer Health: Pride & Equity
By Alicia Gabriel & Tracey Gersh
SOCIAL LIFE
42 Datebook
By Rachel Roth
44 Bscene: Pre-Pride Events
Photos by Anthony Moll
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
46 WAR’s Beautiful Me Sorority By Britany Chong
JUNE 2012
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EDITOR’S LIFE
Welcome to the All-new, Monthly Gay Life Magazine! As regular Gay Life readers will notice, things have changed around here. Gay Life is now a monthly publication with improved paper quality, expanded distribution, and extended editorial coverage. With this move we aim to offer a comprehensive lifestyle publication for Maryland’s LGBT community. We’ll still bring you the great coverage you’ve come to expect from Gay Life—there will just be more of it! Plus, each issue will be divided into new categories with a greater variation of content. This issue is also your Official Guide to Baltimore Pride 2012! Here you will find lines-ups and schedules, Block Party and Festival maps, performer bios, and information on everything from Twilight on the Terrance to the Pride Parade. Oh, and a profile on Pride Headliner Neon Hitch! In short, everything you need to enjoy Baltimore Pride. My excitement for Pride season echoes my excitement about the holidays, and sometimes sporting
events—there is something wonderful about strangers and friends alike celebrating together, as if we’re all finally on the same team. Pride means laying aside our struggles, cynicism, and any thoughts of our opponents, and celebrating our united vision of a truly equal world. I’m really proud to be a part of it. As Pride weekend approaches, check out BaltimorePride.org for information and updates. Also visit us on Facebook (Glccb) and Twitter (@ glccb). While you’re there, leave us comments and let us know how you like our new look. And don’t forget to pick up our July issue (published 6/29/2012) which promises to have the best of Pride weekend photos! Subsequent monthly issues will be available on the final Friday of each month. In the meantime… enjoy!
MAGGIE BEETZ Editor
ON THE COVER Pride Block Party headliner Neon Hitch
GAYLIFE Read it. Live it.
Love it.
241 W. Chase Street Baltimore, MD 21201 410.837.7748 Phone 410.837.8889 Fax sales@baltimoregaylife.com www.baltimoregaylife.com
Maggie Beetz, Editor editor@baltimoregaylife.com M. Cory Burgess, Art Director cory@metroscapemedia.com Sabre Chase, Advertising sales@baltimoregaylife.com National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 Marty Shayt Senior Volunteer Contributors Adrian C., Britany Chong, John Cullen,
Paula B. Friedman, Alicia Gabriel, Tracey Gersh, Paige Hunter, Frankie Kujawa, Daniel McEvily, Kristi Metzger, Rev. Irene Monroe, Charlie Mumford, Rachel Roth, Marty Shayt, Terri Solomon
Photographers terra hiltner, Anthony Moll Newspaper Committee Trevor Ankeny, John Cullen, Charlie Mumford, Marty Shayt, Terri Solomon
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 2012. 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.
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GAY LIFE MAGAZINE
Eleonora Sears
LOCAL LIFE
Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection.
Eve Ensler
Krystal Ball
Sandra Fluke
Dr. Heidi Hartmann
Tamika Mallory
Dr. Vivian Pinn
BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
National NOW Conference Heading to Baltimore BY KRISTI METZGER
“Energize! Organize! Stop the War on Women!” That is the theme of this year’s National NOW (National Organization for Women) Conference being held in Baltimore, June 29 through July 1. NOW is the largest feminist advocacy group in the United States. Their goal is to bring women into full participation in society by sharing equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities with men, while living free from discrimination. The 2012 Conference will feature keynote speaker Eve Ensler, plus commentator Krystal Ball, Woman of Courage Honoree Sandra Fluke, Woman of Vision Honoree Heidi Hartmann, Ph.D., National Action Network Executive Director Tamika Mallory, and NOW Foundation Victoria J. Mastrobuono Women’s Health Award Honoree Dr. Vivian Pinn. Eve Ensler is known for being the Tony Award winning playwright, performer, and activist who authored The Vagina Monologues. She is also the founder of V-Day, the global movement to end violence against women and girls. MSNBC contributor, political writer, activist, and former congressional candidate, Krystal Ball has appeared on The Ed Show, Good Morning America, The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell, To The Contrary, The O’Reilly Factor, and Hannity as a political commentator. She regularly speaks about women in politics and is active in combating media misogyny and was one of the first to call for a boycott of Rush Limbaugh’s advertisers after his smear attack on law student Sandra Fluke. Sandra Fluke is completing her final semester at Georgetown University Law Center as a Public Interest Law Scholar. She advocates for gender equality in all sectors of society and recently testified before the House Democratic Steering and
Policy Committee on the need to provide access to contraception. Fluke holds a B.S. from Cornell University in Policy Analysis and Management, as well as Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Heidi Hartman is the president of the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR). The Washington-based institute is a scientific research organization that she founded in 1987 to meet the need for women-centered, policy-oriented research. She is also a research professor at The George Washington University. Tamika Mallory is the national executive director of the National Action Network (NAN) which is one of the nation’s leading civil rights organizations founded by preacher and activist Rev. Al Sharpton. She has also worked closely with the Obama administration on various civil rights issues. Dr. Vivian Pinn made extraordinary contributions to women’s health and the field of women in science and medicine. She has dedicated two decades to ensuring that women’s health was a top priority at the National Institutes of Health as the first fulltime director of the Office of Research on Women’s Health at the NIH. For the conference agenda, details on hotel facilities, costs, childcare and dining services, volunteering, and exhibition information, visit NOW.org/organization/ conference/2012.
2012 NATIONAL NOW CONFERENCE
June 29–July 1 Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport 1739 West Nursery Rd. Linthicum Heights Register at the door or online at NOW.org
40 Years of Title IX This June also marks to 40th anniversary of Title IX, the 1972 federal law mandating gender equality in high school and college sports. Eleonora “Eleo” Sears pioneered the concept behind Title IX. The great-greatgranddaughter of Thomas Jefferson, Sears, a lesbian, became a nationally ranked tennis player in the 1910s. She was also the first female squash champion and the first woman to play on a men’s polo team. A biography on Sears, Prides Crossing by Peggy Miller Franck, details her life. For more on female athletes visit WomensSportsFoundation.org. The Women’s Sports Foundation is a non-profit that advances the lives of women and girls through sports and physical activity.
Become a NOW Member! The members of the Steering Committee to reactivate the Baltimore Chapter of NOW are holding meetings on the first floor of the GLCCB building at 241 W. Chase Street. For upcoming meeting times as well as discussion and action items contact Marlene at 702.655.2146 or adrianmjlv@ gmail.com. Rejoin and reinvolve yourself with NOW by affiliating with the Baltimore Chapter and the Maryland State NOW.
JUNE 2012
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HIGH LIFE
ON STAGE
Capital Pride Kicks Off with GMCW’S Heart Throbs BY FRANKIE KUJAWA Dust off that old copy of Tiger Beat magazine and join reminiscent audience members for the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC’s high-energy performance of Heart Throbs. This flirtatious concert will wrap up the GMCW’s 31st season, as well as kick off D.C.’s Capital Pride week, with an over the top celebration of teen idol fantasies, spanning the last six decades. “No matter our age, we’ll never forget our first fantasy dream date or boy crush,” explains Artistic Director Jeff Buhrman. “From Frank Sinatra to Ricky Martin to Adam Levine, GMCW will be singing the songs of some of the most celebrated male singers and groups of all time.” Featured musical selections include songs like ‘Moves Like Jagger’ by Maroon 5 and ‘Sexy Back’ by Justin Timberlake. The Chorus will also be performing songs from idols such as Ricky Martin, Backstreet Boys, N’Sync, and Boys II
Men, as well as vintage crushes like Elvis Presley and The Beatles. Chorus member Eric Peterson gushes, “What I love about this show is that it’s really sexy and really innocent at the same time.” Audience members from all age groups will find something artistically delicious to enjoy during this jubilant performance. During the June 2 performance, GMCW will honor U.S. Rep. Barney Frank with the 2012 Harmony Award. The Massachusetts congressman is being honored specifically for his significant contributions advocating for the rights of LGBT people nationwide. “I’m very gratified [in regards to] receiving this award,” Frank explained to Gay Life. Frank, who plans to retire from Congress at the conclusion of his term in 2013, became the first member of Congress to voluntarily come out as a gay man in 1987. He plans to marry his partner in Massachusetts this July.
HEART THROBS
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Saturday, June 2 • 8pm • $15-50 Sunday, June 3 • 3pm • $15-50 Lisner Auditorium The George Washington University 730 21st St. NW • Washington, DC 202.994.6800 • GMCW.org
ON STAGE AT THE BEACH Did you know you could have your beach and theater too? Clear Space Theatre Company in Rehoboth Beach is producing three shows this summer, which run in two-day rotations June 28–Sept. 2.
ANNIE
Opens June 30 Join Annie as she dodges the conniving Miss Hannigan, charms and befriends the president, and finds a new home and family at the Warbucks mansion.
BROADWAY AT THE BEACH
Opens July 5 From pop hits to show tunes, Broadway at the Beach is packed with the all of the infectious and irresistible songs you want to hear! PAGE 8
JUNE 2012
CABARET
Opens June 28 In 1930’s Germany, American writer Cliff falls for the seductive chanteuse Sally Bowles and becomes entangled in a world of decadence and ever-increasing fear.
CLEAR SPACE THEATRE COMPANY
20 Baltimore Ave. Rehoboth Beach, DE 302.227.2270 ClearSpaceTheater.com GAY LIFE MAGAZINE
The Typographer’s Dream by Adam Bock
IRON CROW’S PRODUCTION IS MULTI-LAYERED BY TERRI SOLOMON
What do you call a play where “you are not supposed to feel you are watching a play”? According to Iron Crow Theatre’s Michele Minnick, it’s The Typographer’s Dream by Adam Bock. Minnick, who successfully directed last year’s Swimming in the Shallows, is back in the director’s chair again for another work by the acclaimed contemporary playwright. “One of the things Bock is exploring is the way in which we are attracted to our jobs because of who we are. These jobs shape who we are, how we behave, the way we understand the world and how we operate in it. There are many layers on which the text is operating,” said Minnick. The play features a geographer, a stenographer and a typographer “talking about their jobs,” Minnick said. Sound boring? (Who hasn’t been at a party and regretted asking the innocuous, “So what do you do?” of a stranger?) Far from it. The playwright “aims to capture the way people talk, with self-interruption and unfinished sentences,” she said. Along the way, “multiple layers of reality” are revealed. “Bock has said that he loves actors and what they do, and the text isn’t really about what they are saying, it’s about what happens in the spaces between the words,” said Minnick. Her challenge as a director is to “stage something precisely but have it look like it wasn’t staged at all. His text dictates the rhythm of the play, so a lot of my job is making sure the actors live inside that rhythm.” Even though Dave, the stenographer, is a gay character, and Bock himself is gay, The Typographer’s Dream doesn’t “scream gay play,” said Minnick. “Bock understands the world as it is, and he presents gay and straight characters in the world. I would characterize it as queer in the way he uses theatricality itself, in the way it questions how we identify ourselves and relate to one another.” Bock has said he likes to tell the stories of “people who are normally on the side” of society: “The truth of the world to me is that there are gay people, there are straight people, all different kinds of people, all different genders; everybody’s mixed. That’s what I’m always looking for. And then I’m looking for how can I tell the story differently so you’ll notice the story.” BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
Photo by Katie Ellen Simmons-Barth
Consider typography’s focus (and Bock’s focus on the importance of both forms of language, and an obscure profession) in the words of the character of Margaret: “Typography is also a tool. Of communication. When we talk, the words float out, language is ephemeral and intangible, it’s hard to capture, it can disappear as soon as it’s out of…It’s a breath which… Written language, on the other hand, is language captured.” So type captures language, and any play by definition needs to marry spoken and written language, the hard to capture and the captured. The written word becomes the spoken word and the words become a story. In the case of The Typographer’s Dream, the lesson is clear for Minnick: “Learn to notice the story—the story the world tells about you, the story you tell about yourself and the world. Because until you learn to change the way you tell the story, you can’t change the story, and until you learn to change the story, you can’t change anything about the world around you, no matter how big or small.”
THE TYPOGRAPHER’S DREAM
by Adam Bock June 1-16 • $10-15 Johns Hopkins University’s Swirnow Theater in the Mattin Center • Charles & 33rd Sts. 443.637.2769 IronCrowTheatre.com
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HIGH LIFE
ON STAGE
If it was a sin to be short, what would I do? Well I’d be right on the hell bus. I don’t believe God makes mistakes, and that includes a person’s sexuality.
Kristin Chenoweth Stops in Baltimore for Rare Concert Appearance BY DANIEL MCEVILY Emmy and Tony Award winning singer/ actress Kristin Chenoweth is bringing her spring tour to the Hippodrome Theatre Saturday, June 9 for a one-night-only concert performance. Her 19-date North American tour, which began May 9 in Seattle, Wash., is the first concert tour of her career. After appearing at the Hippodrome, the tour will continue on to Washington, D.C., Toronto, Chicago, Ill., Minneapolis, Minn., Atlanta, Ga., and will wrap up in Chenoweth’s hometown of Broken Arrow, Okla. on June 24. “I’ve sung all over the place, but I’ve never committed to a tour because of my schedule,” Chenoweth told The Associated Press. “So now I’m finally doing it.” The concert appearance will feature Chenoweth performing songs from her latest country-pop album Some Lessons Learned, as well as her most beloved songs from stage and screen including “Popular” from Wicked and songs from her appearances on TV’s Glee. “If I don’t do ‘Popular,’ I will probably go out on a stretcher. I know that,” she told the AP, laughing. “I’ve accepted it, and you know what? I’m thankful for it. I’m glad that I have songs that I’m known for.” Chenoweth has had an extraordinarily diverse career and found success across many entertainment mediums. After earning a master’s degree in Opera Performance from Oklahoma City University, she headed to New York for the bright lights of Broadway. She quickly found success, where she won a Tony Award for her role as Sally Brown in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown in 1999. She later originated the role of Glinda in the smash musical Wicked, which earned her a Tony nomination and catapulted her to national prominence. She last appeared on Broadway as Fran Kubelik in Promises, Promises, alongside Sean Hayes, in 2010. PAGE 10
JUNE 2012
No stranger to television audiences, Chenoweth won an Emmy Award for her performance as Olive Snook in the dramedy Pushing Daisies in 2009. She is also known for her roles as Annabeth Schott in The West Wing and April Rhodes in Glee, for which she earned two Emmy nominations, in 2010 and 2011 respectively. Chenoweth’s film credits include Bewitched, The Pink Panther, Running With Scissors, Stranger Than Fiction, Four Christmases, RV, and upcoming films Ed Zwick’s Family Weekend and Hit & Run. Chenoweth recently charmed television audiences with her starring role in ABC TV’s dramedy GCB. Based on the Kin Gatlin novel Good Christian Bitches, the show follows the lives, loves, and exploits of a group of affluent Texas women. The show was not without controversy, as Christian critics derided the original series name. The title was eventually changed from Good Christian Bitches to Good Christian Belles and, finally, GCB. Reviews for the show were mixed, but critics praised Chenoweth’s performance as the devoutly sassy and conniving Carlene Cockburn. GCB found a small but loyal fan base. Despite its cult-following, the show struggled to find its footing with Sunday night audiences and ABC announced GCB’s cancellation on May 11. An online petition, SaveGCB.com, has been launched by fans hoping to convince ABC to bring the series back next season. “Our entire ensemble of actors on GCB are saddened,” Chenoweth tweeted in response to the cancellation.
Photo by Jeremy Cowart
Many may be surprised to find out that Chenoweth is both a long time outspoken supporter of LGBT community and a devout Christian. While many may perceive that to be contradictory, Chenoweth insists it’s possible to be both. “If it was a sin to be short, what would I do? Well I’d be right on the hell bus. I don’t believe God makes mistakes, and that includes a person’s sexuality,” she recently told Piers Morgan in an interview with CNN. Chenoweth expounded on that later when she told ABC News: ‘Why is being gay bad?’ “I didn’t understand it. So I asked my grandma, who is the best Christian I ever knew. I’d say ‘What about my friend Denny, he’s gay, is he going to hell?’ She told me, ‘I read the Bible like
I eat fish. I take the meat that serves me well and I don’t choke on the bone.”
KRISTIN CHENOWETH IN CONCERT
Saturday, June 9 • 8pm • $55-350 Hippodrome Theatre 12 N. Eutaw St. • 410-547-SEAT France-MerrickPAC.com Ticketmaster.com
GAY LIFE MAGAZINE
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ON STAGE
Stepping Out with Tommy Tune: A Broadway Legend If you’re looking to be a creative person,
BY DANIEL MCEVILY AND CHARLIE MUMFORD Towering at 6 feet 7 inches tall, Tommy Tune’s height can only be eclipsed by the hefty weight of his accomplishments: a recipient of the prestigious National Medal of Arts, eight Drama Desk Awards, nine Tonys, and an astounding 50 years of nonstop singing, dancing, choreographing, and directing. While reading his curriculum vitae might give one cause to stop and take a breath, Tune, at 73 years young, doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. Tommy Tune (and yes, that is in fact his real name) will give two performances of his high stepping show Tommy Tune: Steps in Time, A Broadway Biography in Song and Dance at Strathmore’s Music Center in Rockville June 2. Acclaimed by New York Magazine as “Ninety minutes you fervently wish would never end... as big as anything on Broadway,” the show highlights the first five decades of the legend’s celebrated and distinguished storied career. Backed by long time collaborators the Manhattan Rhythm Kings, Tune sings, dances, and laughs his way through his life in the footlights. Gay Life spoke to Tune recently, where he discussed everything from his upcoming show and his love of Lady Gaga to being a neo-luddite. Your show, Steps in Time, spans 50 years of your career. How did you choose what would be highlighted in the show?
That was the hardest part! The most difficult part was deciding what to leave out. I really wrestled with that. I tried to include the most amusing and dramatic parts [of my career]. It’s all under the heading of ‘song and dance,’ which is a rare commodity. In fact, I don’t know if there are song-and-dance men anymore. The show is a combination of singing and dancing—the “and” part is communicating [with the audience]. PAGE 12
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How did your band, the Manhattan Rhythm Kings, get involved in the project?
I met them about 38 years ago. They were street entertainers playing on 55st [St.] and Broadway when I came up from the subway. They were so good that I put my card in their hat. They called me back and we’ve been together ever since.
you’re not going to find inspiration in a reality show.
You’ve been touring with your show for a while. How has the content of your show evolved?
I get rid of numbers, I add numbers, and I’m always working on it. A theater piece is like a living organism, so I still continue to work on it. It’s constantly evolving, morphing really. Your promotional material for the show features you wearing a pair of fabulous red cowboy boots. Was incorporating those boots an homage to your Texas roots?
Here’s the way it worked: I started working on the show in my tap shoes and they didn’t feel right for telling my back story. So I called my sister down in Texas and came up with the idea of using cowboy boots. But, have you ever danced in cowboy boots? They’re not dance boots, so we put the taps on the boots. Now I’m performing in cowboy boots and it works great. Being in the business for 50 years, how have you seen the industry change?
Oh my gosh! The whole world has gone technological and so has the theater. When I started my career, microphones weren’t invented! Also, Broadway is now produced by a committee. Plays on Broadway used to be presented by one producer, now there’s a list of about 20 people producing.
You’ve worked with virtually everyone on Broadway—are there any contemporary performers that you would like to work with?
Lady Gaga. She’s just it!
When you’re not performing, how do you relax? Is it ever possible for you to “turn off”?
Well, I love to cook. My father was a really good cook, so I like to prepare meals for friends. I like to paint. I have a studio on the High Line in Chelsea. I also read a lot. I just read Madeline Miller’s Song of Achilles and Frank Langella’s memoir Dropped Names. I just started In One Person by John Irving last night. I also write letters. I am a neo-luddite—I’m computer illiterate. And I don’t have a cell phone. Everybody is amazed that I don’t have a cell phone. We live in a reality-showcompetition/instant star culture. Do you have any advice for young performers trying to break into show business and in particular, Broadway?
Don’t live in that reality. Find your own. It doesn’t exist on television and on the net.
If you’re looking to be a creative person, you’re not going to find inspiration in a reality show. It’s not reality. It’s very tricked up reality. That’s not reality. I think people are accepting reality shows as reality and it’s not real, it’s tricked out. Do you have any upcoming projects that you can share with our readers?
What I’m doing right now is performing Steps In Time. I’m just going all over the world doing this show right now. Five different decades of my life and this one is the most successful, it’s very personal. It’s an accumulation of a lifetime of theater. I do Gershwin, Cole Porter, Carol King, and Green Day.
STEPS IN TIME: A BROADWAY BIOGRAPHY IN SONG AND DANCE
Saturday, June 2 • 2 & 8pm $28-$58 Music Center at Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda 301.581.5100 • Strathmore.org
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GAY LIFE MAGAZINE
HIGH LIFE
ENTERTAINMENT
Pop Culture Round Up BY DANIEL MCEVILY
Summer is upon us, and with June being Pride month, many of us will spend our weekends partaking in the many festivals and parades celebrating diversity. Here are a few things to check out in your downtime while nursing those Pride celebration hangovers. SNOW WHITE & THE HUNTSMAN IN THEATERS JUNE 1 • PG-13
As the first film this spring/summer movie season that I have been truly excited for, Charlize Theron initially sold it in the trailer when she hissed, “I will give this wretched world the queen it deserves.” Theron’s screen time in the preview as Queen Ravenna, the wickedest stepmother ever, is so deliciously, fiercely frightening that one almost forgets about the titular Snow White, played by perpetual frowner Kristen Stewart. The action-fantasy film promises to be a darker reimaging of the classic Disney-fied tale we knew as children and more in line with the original, gritty Grimm fairy tale. As the promotional material for the film suggests— this is no ordinary fairy tale. TRUE BLOOD
SEASON 5 PREMIER • HBO • JUNE 10
If you don’t get HBO, you better become besties with someone who does—as you can’t possibly get through a Sunday night (or Monday morning) this summer without watching or hearing about True Blood. One of the highlights of this season promises to be the addition to the cast of Chris Meloni (of Oz and Law & Order: SVU) who has signed on to play the ancient and revered vampire Roman, who serves as the Guardian of the Vampire Authority. For anyone who still needs to catch up on season’s past, the fourth season becomes available on DVD May 29. TONY AWARDS
CBS • JUNE 10 • 8PM
With the Oscars and Grammys already behind us, award show junkies can look forward to the 66th Tony Awards airing on CBS June 10. Neil Patrick Harris returns to host for a third time from New York’s Beacon Theater as Broadway recognizes the season’s best and brightest in New York BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
theater. The musical Once, based on the 2006 Irish film of the same name, leads the pack of contenders with eleven nominations. Musicals The Gerschwins’ Porgy and Bess and Nice Work If You Can Get It follow with 10 nominations each. Drama nominations were led by Peter and the Starcatcher and Death of a Salesman, which nabbed nine and seven nominations, respectively. Broadway fans have noted the obvious snubs of the nominating committee, including Ricky Martin’s role as Ché in the Evita revival and Angela Lansbury’s turn as a Southern political doyenne in Gore Vidal’s The Best Man. However, the evening will prove to be star studded, with Judith Light (Other Desert Cities), John Lithgow (The Columnist), and Cynthia Nixon (Wit) nominated in several major acting categories. ROCK OF AGES
IN THEATERS JUNE 15 • PG-13
Wanna hear Tom Cruise croon “Pour Some Sugar on Me”? Cruise stars in the film adaptation of the five-time Tony nominated 2006 Broadway musical. Joining him in the all-star cast are country singer and former two-time Dancing with the Stars champion Julianne Hough, Russell Brand, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alec Baldwin, and Mary J. Blige. The film, which features a plethora of classic ‘80s rock tunes you used to tease your hair to, including hits from Bon Jovi, Guns N’ Roses, and Def Leppard, follows waitress Sherrie Christian (Julianne Hough) and busboy Drew Boley (Diego Boneta) who fall in love during the pop metal era of the 1980s. RUPAUL’S DRAG U
SEASON 3 PREMIER • LOGO • JUNE 18
Fans going through fits of depression from the conclusion of the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race a few weeks ago, won’t have long to wait before Mother Ru is back on their TV screens as RuPaul’s Drag U kicks off its third season on June 18. The show features biological women given dramatic drag makeovers by Ru’s tenured “drag professors” to access their inner divas. Additions to this season’s cast of professors include fourth season Drag Race favorites Latrice Royale, Chad Michaels, Willam, and Sharon Needles, fresh from her win as America’s Next Drag Superstar. “If behind every great, glamorous woman there’s a gay man, then the contestants on RuPaul’s Drag U have hit the jackpot,” RuPaul said in a recent press release. “It’s a truly life-changing experience for these lovely ladies to learn beauty secrets from the most talented and fashionable drag queens in the world.”
DINING OUT
Classic Café Gets a Makeover, Hon BY JOHN CULLEN WITH MARTY SHAYT We haven’t been to Café Hon in a long time, so we talked four friends into joining us in order to discover what difference the recent Chef Gordon Ramsay makeover had on the restaurant. (The Café Hon Kitchen Nightmares episode aired February 24.) The main dining room has an old-fashioned counter along one wall, booths along the opposite wall, and a dozen or so small tables squeezed in between. Café Hon has grown over time, with a small spillover dining room on one side and the popular Hon Bar on the other. The Hon theme is evident in the Pepto-pink walls, a life-size Elvis statue, faux leopard skin booth upholstery, two huge “Hon face” paintings, and teapots on the walls. Ramsay’s influence is evident in the pared-down menu with just eight appetizers ($5-11), seven sandwiches ($7-14), a few salads ($5-8; additions starting at $5), and eight entrees ($12-19, plus a Monday-through-Thursday single crab cake special for $13). We ordered the fried oysters appetizer to share. Marty and three of our friends opted for the crab cake special, while John ordered a classic burger ($8 with fries). Our other friend decided on a Reuben sandwich ($9 with chips; fries cost an extra $3). Our appetizer included eight nice cornmeal-crusted, variably sized oysters, but the accompanying tartar sauce was overly sweet and didn’t enhance them at all. The crab cakes were good sized and included a pile of hot fries (lightly dusted with Old Bay) and coleslaw. Marty and our friends liked the “cakes,” which were mostly crab with a hint of Old Bay. While the slaw got a “Thumbs-up,” Marty thought that the fries were average at best. Our waitress brought one friend a saucer-sized salad in place of his fries for no added cost. John’s burger was a big eight ounces, and it arrived
medium rare as ordered; both the burger and hot, freshly cooked fries earned a “Thumbs Up” from him. While our waitress brought our friends both the chips and the fries (which arrived unsalted, as requested), the skinny Reuben was big disappointment with under-stuffed corn beef that had dried out edges. Fortunately, the unexpected homemade kettlestyle chips heavily dusted with Old Bay proved addictive. Our waitress (friendly and obliging, though not a classic “Hon”) talked us into sharing an order of bread pudding. While the threeinch-tall, wide chunk of bread pudding looked darn impressive with whipped cream piled on top surrounded by caramel sauce, the sauce was too thin and the pudding was too thick, and it proved less than a hit with us. While the food and service at Café Hon has thankfully improved, and the touristy Hon schitck can be a hoot, Hampden offers a half dozen competing restaurants within walking distance that offer as good (or better) similarly priced dining opportunities.
CAFÉ HON
1002 W. 36th St 410.243.1230 • CafeHon.com Open 7 days for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Full bar • Vegetarian options Saturday & Sunday brunch Email DiningOut@BaltimoreGayLife.com and find all prior reviews at BaltimoreGayLife-DiningOut.info.
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FRIDAY, JUNE 15 • 7-11PM • $100
TWILIGHT ON THE TERRACE GERTRUDE’S RESTAURANT • BALTIMORE MUSEUM OF ART
The seventh annual Twilight on the Terrace benefit cocktail party will be held at Gertrude’s at the Baltimore Museum of Art on Friday, June 15. This Baltimore Pride fundraiser kicks off a full weekend of Pride events. Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a four-hour open bar, and dancing to music by DJ Alex Funk. This year’s silent auction offers a chance to bid on dozens of treasures including artwork from Baltimore artists including Kelly Walker, gift certificates to restaurants and shops, themed gift baskets, a Myrtle Beach vacation, an autographed photo of Doris Day, and “dates” with local celebrities including… • A behind-the-scenes tour at Charm City Cakes with the TV crew, Chef Duff, or Mary Alice • Coffee with State Delegates Maggie McIntosh, Keiffer Mitchell, or Mary Washington • Behind-the-scenes tour of WJZ-TV with news anchor Adam May • Write-your-own-obit session with the City Paper’s “Best Ever” Obit Writer Fred Rasmussen of the Baltimore Sun • A tour of Charles Village led by Baltimore Sun writer and lifelong resident, Jacque Kelly
• Coffee with Kevin Naff, owner and editor of the Washington Blade …and much more! All guests will receive gift bags with free goodies. Guests will enjoy another special treat as well: a special appearance by Baltimore actor Vincent de Paul! De Paul has appeared in such films as The Artist, Baby Jane, Walk a Mile in My Pradas, Riding in Cars with Boys, and John Waters’ Hairspray. This Highlandtown native has also appeared in a variety of TV shows (Mad Men, Nip/Tuck, The West Wing, Carnivale, Fraiser, As the World Turns, Six Feet Under) and has performed on Broadway. (Read more about him in Gay Life’s March 30 issue.) De Paul rubbed elbows with Hollywood elite at both Golden Globe and Oscar parties—and now Twilight guests can rub elbows with him! Attendants also get a chance to meet Max Gonzalez—Argentine Tango teacher for Te Queer Tango—who will perform same-sex-couple authentic Argentine Tango dancing throughout the evening. He’s even on hand to teach these techniques to interested guests. “This event has a very loyal following,” said GLCCB Board President Trevor Ankeny. “Not only do people have an incredible time and return every year, but
WHAT PRIDE MEANS TO US STATEMENTS FROM GLCCB STAFF & PRIDE COMMITTEE
The GLCCB would also like to thank all Baltimore Pride Committee volunteers including Samantha Flottemesch, Brian Snowden, and Rachel Stern, and GLCCB Board Members Trevor Ankeny, Bud Beehler, Jay Day, John Flannery, Mike McCarthy, Charlie Mumford, Matt Newcomer, and Mike Robertson. PAGE 18
JUNE 2012
Vincent De Paul
Photo by John Lair
SHAWNNA ALEXANDER
PRIDE COMMITTEE CHAIR, KING AND QUEEN OF PRIDE To me, Pride has always meant being proud of who you are and what you are, be it rich or struggling, pale skinned to the very dark skinned, male, female, and those in between. Now Pride brings a lot to mind: Happy, United, Friends, Family, Excitement, plus Labor, Work, Time, Responsibilities, Funding, Budgets, Slight Anger, and most of all Volunteering!
GAY LIFE MAGAZINE
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Silent Auction Items
SATURDAY, JUNE 16 3:30PM
HIGH HEEL RACE CHARLES & READ STREETS
Maggie McIntosh
Adam May
also Twilight continues to attract more and more people.” More than 200 guests attended last year, and the GLCCB is aiming for 250 people this year. “If you are LGBT and in Baltimore, Twilight is truly the place to be,” he said. While Twilight is an enjoyable occasion for everyone, the evening especially appeals to a segment of the population who may not be able to come out to the Saturday Block Party or Sunday’s Pride Festival. But the event has something for everyone: Twilight first lets guests relax, mingle, and eat amidst art and nature, but as sun sets and the candles are lit, the music soon encourages dancing (and, occasionally, mild debauchery). “My favorite part of the evening is the change of a summer day to a summer night,” said Ankeny. “As the sun goes down, the event inevitably transforms from a cocktail party to nighttime party.”
Jacque Kelly Gertrude’s Restaurant has hosted Twilight on the Terrace annually since 2006, the event’s second year; the first Twilight was a house party. “Gertrude’s continues to be an amazing supporter of the GLCCB and Baltimore Pride,” said GLCCB Director Gary Wolnitzek. “The fact that this event remains such a hit is due in large part to both the picturesque setting and the irresistibly delicious hors d’oeuvres. Could we throw this fabulous event elsewhere? Let’s just say it would be tough.” In short, Twilight is the perfect way to start off Baltimore Pride weekend. Tickets can be purchased through BrownPaperTickets.com. For more information visit BaltimorePride.org or Facebook/Glccb. Questions? Contact Trevor Ankeny at chair@baltimorepride.org. Buy tickets online at BaltimorePride.org/ pride-events/twilight-on-the-terrace
Artist Kelly Walker
TREVOR ANKENY
FLEESIE HUBBARD-COURSEY
To me Pride is a time to come together as a community to celebrate our successes and what makes us stand out as valued citizens. At the same time, we can temporarily forget about how much more work there is to be done to have true equality for all segments of our community and just revel in the vast support network that is available to us all.
Happy Pride, Baltimore!! For me, Pride is a time to celebrate the LGBT community, our presence and contributions and all things fabulous, our partnerships and our friendships, our tiny dogs in Swarovski-studded collars, our president supporting same-sex marriage, cold beer in Mt. Vernon, sequins, and equality.
GLCCB BOARD PRESIDENT
BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
Charm City Cakes
Who said you had to wait for the fun to begin? Don’t bother showing up fashionably late, you can watch madness unfold minutes into the Block Party at the race that must be seen to be believed. Men, women, queens, and everyone in between can try their luck running approximately two blocks up Charles Street for the honor of being crowned the 2012 High Heel Race winner! This year’s winner will receive a gift basket of cheer from area bars, as well as a $100 gift certificate, trophy, and a bottle of Champagne from the 2012 High Heel Race sponsor, Mt. Vernon Wine and Spirits. Bring your own heels, or borrow some of ours! Sign-ups start at 3pm in front of the main stage. Participants must sign a waiver to enter the race. This race is open for those over the age of 21. NOTE: Organizers are collecting high heels! If you want to donate a pair of eight-inch (or shorter) high heels, please contact the GLCCB at 410.837.5445 or gwolnitzek@glccb.org. Beware—the competition is fierce!
PRIDE COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR, ENTERTAINMENT
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SATURDAY, JUNE 16 • 4PM
PRIDE PARADE
CHARLES STREET FROM MT. VERNON PLACE TO CHASE STREET RAIN OR SHINE! Join hundreds of proud Baltimoreans for the 2012 Pride Parade. The Parade kicks off at the corners of Monument and Charles streets in Mount Vernon, and travels four blocks north up Charles Street to Chase Street. Dykes on Bikes will kick off the Parade again this year, followed by dozens of floats, cars, walkers, and performers. Some new faces will include the Charm City Pedal Bike, a 12-person “bike” that carries people through Baltimore. A three-hour bar crawl on the Charm City Pedal Bike will be auctioned off at the Twilight on the Terrace fundraiser the previous evening (see page 16). Onlookers will also get a chance to catch Turtle Creek Fitness t-shirts, which the sports and fitness group will be tossing into the crowds. Pride Parade Coordinator Don Young hints that one will be hiding a special surprise!
EMCEES, GRAND MARSHALLS, AND JUDGES (OH MY!)
This year’s Parade will be emceed by organizer Don Young—who has been coordinating the Parade for the last three years—along with Baltimore’s Queen of Comedy, Shawnna Alexander. “I always get excited when the month
of June comes around,” said Young. “It is not only summertime and time for the beach and cookouts, but it is time to shine for Pride!” This year’s Pride Parade Grand Marshall is PFLAG’s June Horner. “I am pleased beyond measure or words to be chosen for this honor,” said Horner, who founded PFLAG Baltimore in 1984, the year she learned her son was gay. Within a year, the nascent chapter had 60 paying member and a mailing list of some 300 names. In 1994, Horner was one of the founding members of the Columbia-Howard County chapter, which was started by Colette Roberts and Linda Linton. “The chapter is going strong today and doing good work,” said Horner. “I continue to work as a member of the steering committee.” Then in 2011, Horner worked with Carroll County residents to establish PFLAG Westminster-Carroll County. Judging the Pride Parade this year will be Head Judges Bob Viau and Sandy Freed, with the talents of Jeremy Freed, Vernon Brewer and a guest judge from the GLCCB: Lynora Lawless. They will review the entries based on crowd appeal, best design, and overall participation. The winners will receive trophies.
NICOLE JONES
PRIDE COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR, ENTERTAINMENT What Pride Means to Me: An opportunity to bring together, in a festive way, the various walks of life “in the life.” The food stands are great too! I look forward to them every year.
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GET INVOLVED!
Businesses, organizations, and other groups may enter the Parade under one of three categories: Best Float, Best Walking Group, and Best Car/Motorcycle. Each parade entry costs $50 per unit (defined as a distinct, visible entity that can be judged). To enter the Parade, or to volunteer as a Pride Parade Captain, please visit BaltimorePride.org. So come and join cowboys, community organizers, the King and Queen of Pride, leather daddies, and maybe a float or two. It is guaranteed to be the perfect start to the Pride weekend!
ANNE KOTLEBA
PRIDE VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE CHAIR, GLCCB PROGRAM ASSOCIATE There are so many exciting things happening in our state and country right now. I can’t wait to gather together as a community to celebrate, advocate, and amplify our collective voice! It is literally the best year to be proud!
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PRIDE PARADE GRAND MARSHAL JUNE HORNER
IN HER OWN WORDS
When we learned that our youngest son, Mark, was gay back in 1984, we quickly became aware of the frightening and horrible amount of misunderstanding and discrimination against LGB individuals and the community (transgender wasn’t even on our radar at that time). I felt I simply had no choice other than to jump in and tell the world as best I could, within whatever limited capacities I might have, that good people are being hurt and that this has got to stop. This message has been my passion and my purpose for more than 25 years now, and counting. Families suffer from the same pain and injustice that their LGBT members experience. The pain of parents and families who feel powerless as they watch the suffering of their LGBT loved ones is exquisite and intense. Any parent can attest to the feeling, “If I could only bear the pain for my child, if I could only make it better.” Helplessly watching loved ones suffer somehow seems to increase the pain exponentially.
PFLAG
In 1984, I discovered PFLAG. Here was a place where parents, friends, and family members are empowered to work together with the LGBT community to create change one heart at a time. At the time, there were a relatively small number of chapters, and this one was operating out of the basement of one of the founders. I was inspired by the work of those who had come before me, and emboldened—because I would not be working alone—to make a start toward creating change by doing those things that PFLAG does best.
BALTIMORE PRIDE PARADES
I am truly proud of my gay son and have always been ready to tell the world. In 1986, marching in the Baltimore Pride Parade seemed the perfect place to begin. What a thrill! We also had an unexpected family coming out experience when The Baltimore Sun published my picture the next day. In 1988, PFLAG of the Baltimore Area was awarded Best Marching Unit in the Baltimore Pride Parade— another thrill! In 1996, PFLAG was honored as the Grand Marshal of the Baltimore Pride Parade. I’ve had the pleasure of marching in countless Pride parades over
the years including D.C. Pride, NYC Pride, San Francisco Pride, Philly Pride, and of course Baltimore Pride.
BEYOND PARADES
Marching in Pride Parades is the easy and fun part. Not so easy, but most essential, is changing the law. Old discriminatory laws need to be changed. New civil rights and protections have needed to be added. We’ve come a pretty long way, but we’re not done yet. In 1989, we worked on the addi-
tion of sexual orientation as one of the groups to be protected against discrimination under the proposed Human Relations Commission for Baltimore County. In 2012, PFLAG members and I worked tirelessly to do our part to achieve passage of Maryland’s Marriage Equality Bill. Now we’re preparing for the referendum which will surely come. And we will be trying our best to spread the word to vote for the Maryland Civil Marriage Protection Act in the November election.
ANTHONY MOLL
LYNORA LAWLESS
For me, Pride is a renewal of our promise to each other to stand together in good times and bad. It is a brief moment our communities take each year to gather over revelry and libations to remind each other “we are family.” Our communities having come so far since the days of whispers and euphemisms, it means the world to me to see us all standing together, in the open, showing the world that we are proud of who we are.
Pride for me means freedom of expression and an opportunity to pull back the veil of anonymity that covers this minority. “After all, sexuality is not as recognizable as skin tone.” Since I stepped on the scene through the Women of Color group, I’ve kept the GLCCB as my resource on Baltimore’s LGBT community. I find that the multi-functioning aspects of the Center allow me to reach the largest audience.
GAY LIFE CONTRIBUTOR, PRIDE COMMITTEE VOLUNTEER
BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
PFLAG’S Judy Gaver, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, and June Horner
GAY LIFE CONTRIBUTOR, PRIDE COMMITTEE VOLUNTEER
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SATURDAY, JUNE 16 • 6-11PM
PRIDE BLOCK PARTY CHARLES & EAGER STREETS • RAIN OR SHINE! Following the parade, fun will be had by thousands as the streets of Mount Vernon are transformed into a “nightclub without walls” at the 2012 Baltimore Pride Block Party! Twelve regional artists will perform throughout the night, leading up to 2012 Pride headliner Neon Hitch! (See p. 22 for more.) Last year’s Block Party included an estimated 7,500 people who danced, consumed great food and drink, enjoyed local and regional acts as well as
SATURDAY, JUNE 16 6-9PM • FREE
YOUTH ZONE! 1030 MORTON ST. BY PAIGE HUNTER
Get ready to strike a pose, and dust off your fans, because the University of Maryland’s Project LINQ and the Baltimore Chapter of Pinklady are hosting a ball at the Youth Zone at Baltimore Pride!
a performance from headliner Deborah Cox. This year’s attendants can expect some of their favorite returning performers, many of the same great vendors, a VIP area, and a rockin’ Dance Tent (located at 905 N. Charles)!
VIP AREA
For $55, those 21 and older will get to enjoy private bars, premiere viewing area, private restrooms, drink specials and more!
For those not in the know, a ball is a competition that lets LGBT youth express creativity, confidence, and skills in various categories. The event will focus on unity among the LGBT community and prevention of HIV throughout Baltimore. It may be old hat to seasoned members of the LGBT community in Baltimore, but for youth reeling from bullying, discrimination, and feelings of hopelessness, it’s a beacon of hope to find a welcoming place to openly compete, perform and just have fun during Baltimore Pride. LGBT youth and allies under age
JUNE 2012
DUNKING BOOTH! Who would you pay to
relax in the midst of the madness? Charm City Hospitality introduces the Swagger Stage—a special lot featuring casual, laid back music located next to Mt. Vernon Stable.
dunk? Stop by this booth and check out the (un)lucky guy or gal inside.
ADULT ZONE! Also new this year, is an
In addition to the treasured adventures of the annual Block Party, this year has a few new areas to explore:
DDR! Need more competition (or recognition) than you’re finding in the Dance Tent? Then play Dance Dance Revolution with your partner, friend, or that sassy looking dancer you’re certain you can blow out of the water. Oh, and it’s free!
SWAGGER STAGE! Looking for a place to
24 should brush up on vogueing, so if you go, stop by and strike a pose. If you are over 24, please be aware that since this is a zone for youth, certain rules and restrictions will be enforced and there will be a strong security presence. In addition to the ball and various activities held in the daytime, the Youth Zone will also have tables for various nonprofit organizations to share information about youth and community services as well as safer-sex materials. Project LINQ is a communitybased and youth-focused pro-
adult zone, courtesy of TLA. This zone, available to those ages 18 and older, will be a sexy getaway where attendants can meet and mingle with adult performers who will be signing autographs.
A fee may be required to enter some special tents and zones; check BaltimorePride.org for details.
gram that focuses on STD and HIV prevention education, free confidential STD community-based testing, sexual and minority youth programs, and education services with HIV testing for small to moderate sized groups. The Baltimore Chapter of the International House of Pinklady is a casual house system in the ballroom community scene, emphasizing a sense of playfulness in addition to being safe and healthy. For more information on Project LINQ, visit UMaryland.edu or call Jamal Hailey at 410.706.4162.
E. SEAN PENN
MARTY SHAYT
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve on the 2012 Baltimore Pride Planning Committee. Pride to me is a time for the community as a whole to come out and celebrate our individuality whether you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or straight. Pride is a time to have fun and celebrate our accomplishments and honor the pioneers in the LGBT movement.
When I first acknowledged to myself that I was gay (over 45 years ago), there were no LGBT organizations and of course no Gay Pride day or weekend in Baltimore. I have attended Gay Pride since it started and seen it evolve from a one day block party to what it is now: a weekend where everyone can enjoy being who they are. Congratulations to us all for making this possible!
PRIDE COMMITTEE CHAIR, VENDOR RELATIONS
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NEW THIS YEAR!
GAY LIFE SENIOR VOLUNTEER
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SUNDAY, JUNE 17 • 11AM-6PM
PRIDE FESTIVAL
DRUID HILL PARK IN NORTHWEST BALTIMORE • RAIN OR SHINE! The Pride festival is held in beautiful Druid Hill Park. The festival features many regional and local performers, vendors, the Lady Lisa Memorial Drag Stage, a Family Zone, and plenty of fun for the whole community to enjoy. An estimated 5,000 celebrants come out on Sunday for the fun and festivities.
PRIDE FESTIVAL HEADLINER J POPE & FUNK FRIDAY!
J Pope & Funk Friday [JPFF] have been rocking on the Baltimore indie scene since 2010. Their well mixed mash-up of hip hop, funk, and soul music have carried them from the basement parties of college campuses to the National Mall and beyond. They’ve shared stages with Kindred and the Family Soul, The Lubriphonics, Asheru (Boondocks theme song), and national figures such as actor Matt Damon. JPFF is led by singer/emcee J Pope who has been described as an artist who “doesn’t shy away from political, social, and religious issues, and frames them with a positive vibe that makes [her work] incredibly appealing.” (Baltimore Magazine) Backed by guitarist Jake Kohlhas, bassist Ron Saxton, keyboardist Rob Fontana, drummer Dan Samuels, and percussionist Gabe Pickus, JPFF, “presents an interesting mix of straight funk, complex fusion-y riffs, slow-jam R&B, and an ample dose of hip-hop.” (Andy DeVilbiss, MusicMarauders.com)
For the second year in a row, the Pride Festival is featuring a special Family Zone catering to proud families with kids. Because last year’s Family Zone was such a hit, the Zone has expanded for 2012 with more organizations and activities just for kids.
CARNIVAL GAMES FROM CAMP HIGHLIGHT!
Didn’t get a chance to go to Camp Highlight last summer? Don’t worry, the summer camp, exclusively for kids 8-15 with one or more LGBT parent, is coming to YOU! Co-directors Chris Hudson and Jackie McGowan are bringing one
LADY LISA’S DRAG STAGE BY ADRIAN C. (AKA ADA BUFFET)
The band formed after front woman J Pope joined with the other band members on the campus of Goucher College in Baltimore, to promote her second solo project, “The Reconstruction.” JPFF has been working non-stop recording their first album, touring the East Coast, and growing their devoted fan base. jpopemusic.com • reverbnation.com/jpope Facebook: Jpopeandfunkfriday Twitter: @jpopemusic
Lady Lisa (born Alicia Wright) was a biological self-identified heterosexual female. An ally of the LGBTQ community, she was a longtime volunteer for the GLCCB’s Pride events and supported many other events, including Club Hippo’s annual 12 Days of Christmas. Sadly, on September 10, 2010, we unexpectedly lost this ally to a massive heart attack, just a few short months after undertaking the task of raising funds and producing the Drag Stage at Pride in 2010. In April of 2011, Rik Newton-Treadway and I met with GLCCB Board President Trevor Ankeny and proposed to raise the funds and produce the stage for Pride Weekend 2011. That proposal was accepted and we chose to name the stage in honor of Lady Lisa, a dear
of camp’s most popular activities—the Carnival—to Baltimore Pride. Stop by their Carnival and try your hand at ring toss, see if you can knock all of the cups down with one beanbag, win tickets and cash them in for prizes!
ARTS, CRAFTS, BOOKS, AND MORE!
If games aren’t your thing, head over to the arts & crafts table and make something to remember the day. Baltimore Reads will be handing out free books, the Family Equality Council will have lots of goodies and giveaways, the Home Depot will be conducting their kids’ workshops, and much more! personal friend and long time ally. The stage’s goal is to bring to the community the best in entertainment in memoriam of Lady Lisa. After raising the funds needed in just six short weeks, with Mystique Summers from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 2 headlining The Lady Lisa Drag Stage at Baltimore Pride 2011, 40 performers from Baltimore and beyond entertained the crowd. And we’re going to do the same this year! It is with YOUR support and generous donations that we will be able to bring this entertainment to Baltimore’s Pride Festival in 2012, as The Lady Lisa Drag Stage is funded solely through benefit shows and fundraising events held prior to Pride weekend. Port in a Storm Benefit June 1 • 10pm Mixer’s Bar Benefit June 3 • 10pm Leon’s/Triple L Benefit June 9 • 10pm
GARY WOLNITZEK
DON YOUNG
For me, Gay Pride is a celebration of the beautiful mosaic that composes our community. Each year, I’m blown away by the ever-growing numbers of celebrants who come out to the Pride events the GLCCB produces. As I look out across the gathering of our community at our Pride events, I’m humbled and inspired to be a part of a community so dedicated to fighting for equality, in both big and small ways.
Ever since I came out of the closet, Pride Month has always been a great time of the year for me. This is a time for the LGBT community to come together in celebration of life, love, and pride. There are tons of parties, including Pride marches, street parties, and other kinds of celebrations. There is a lot to celebrate this month, so show your pride by coming out and having a great time at Baltimore Pride 2012.
GLCCB DIRECTOR
BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
PRIDE FESTIVAL FAMILY ZONE
PRIDE COMMITTEE CHAIR, PARADE
JUNE 2012
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NEON HITCH SET TO ELECTRIFY BALTIMORE PRIDE You may not be completely familiar with Neon Hitch just yet, but fasten your seat belts, boys and girls, because this up-and-coming singersongwriter is taking pop music on a bumpy, gyrating ride that you won’t soon forget. Baltimore better buckle up, as Neon Hitch (her real, birth-given name, in case you were wondering) is the headlining act for this year’s Baltimore Pride, performing the annual Block Party on June 16. British-born and New York-based Hitch garnered industry buzz with the release of her promo single, “Get Over U,” co-written by the fantastically brilliant Sia, last year. Further singles, including the reggae tinged “Silly Girl” and upbeat “Bad Dog” soon followed. Hitch also became a viral video sensation with her unique cover of Kreayshawn’s “Gucci Gucci” and a gorgeously sublime rendition of Mike Posner’s “Cooler Than Me.” (Seriously, go check it out on YouTube. You will not be sorry.) Hitch has also lent her songwriting talents by co-writing hits for Ke$ha (“Blah Blah Blah”) and 3OH!3 (“Follow Me Down”). 2012 has been shaping up to be Hitch’s year. She started the year by collaborating with Gym Class Heroes on their hit track “Ass Back Home.” But don’t peg Hitch as an artist who will just be singing hooks. The deliciously naughty electro-pop “Fuck U Betta” recently went to number one on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Charts. The Benny Blanco track is the lead single of her upcoming debut album, Beg, Borrow, and Steal, which features collaborations with Imogen Heap, Mike Posner, and Bruno Mars. Neon Hitch’s back story is just as fascinating as her electrifying stage persona. Born on the same day that her parent’s house burned down (talk about making an entrance!), Hitch spent the better part of her childhood as a cirPAGE 24
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L & MOR E !
BY DANIEL MCEVILY
cus performer, touring Europe in a nomadic gypsy caravan where she became skilled in the art of trapeze, fire swinging, and stilt walking by her teens. After spending several years exploring India, Hitch returned to London to start her music career. After a brief stint on Mike Skinner’s The Beats label (and once opening for 50 Cent) before it closed down, Hitch was eventually discovered by mega-songwriter/ producer Benny Blanco on MySpace and was quickly signed with Warner Bros. Records by former American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi. Already a critical darling, the New York Post commented that Hitch “has all the elements of an A-list female pop queen,” while Spin. com predicts to “expect household name status by year’s end.” “I want to be the kind of artist that people feel like they can relate to,” Neon said in recent statement on her website. “Maybe my music will make them feel a bit less lonely. They may not be able to relate to my story, but they’ll be able to relate to me as a person. The album is going to be me, inside and out, because I’m a very honest person. I’ve been through so many bad patches, but having the opportunity to do this makes it seem like it all happened for a reason. I want people to know that, yeah, times are tough, but you know what? There’s a light at the end of the tunnel. I’m living proof.” Hitch is already well on her way to building a strong LGBT fan base, having gone on a U.S. gay club tour last year, as well as performing at Las Vegas Pride. She was also honored earlier this spring with the “Brink of Fame Music Artist” award at Logo’s NewNowNext Awards. Watch her videos and hear her music online at NeonHitch.net. GAY LIFE MAGAZINE
BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
JUNE 2012
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SATURDAY BLOCK PARTY ENTERTAINERS CHARM CITY BOYS
The Charm City Boys began their genderful journey in May, 2002, in the Greatest City in America, Baltimore, Maryland. They have continuously graced numerous stages through Charm City and all over the country and Canada. The Charm City Boys will celebrate ten years of gender performance in Baltimore. Ongoing support from a constantly growing fan base has enabled the Charm City Boys to become the secondlongest running Drag King troupe in the world.
DJ INDIA
DC’s premiere female DJ, DJ India has held the attention of music lovers for over two decades. Her father’s extensive collection of eclectic music helped generate her obsession with music at the tender age of 10. The observation of hip-hop DJ pioneers such as Jazzy Jeff, Spinderella, Marley Marl, and DJ Kool motivated India to develop her own DJ skills. She began to spin hip-hop and R&B at many house parties and cabarets. As a result, she emerged as one of the most admired female DJs in the United States.
DJ ROSIE
Rosie “DJ Rosie” Hicks might be new to the Pride Mainstage this year, but she certainly isn’t new on the scene. Coming from Baltimore, DJ Rosie can be regularly heard at Club Hippo for their weekly Hip Hop night as well as Spin, a monthly women’s party. She makes monthly appearances at both Cobalt and Apex in Washington, DC. With over 10 years in the game and spinning a diverse blend of Hip Hop, Top 40 and Old school, DJ Rosie has earned her reputation as the one to keep you moving!
CHARM CITY CABARET
Charm City Cabaret is Baltimore based contemporary cabaret group founded by sisters, Aimée & Missi Real. “We are a diverse group of women from various backgrounds in dance and music who have come together to create and perform contemporary cabaret pieces. We cover an eclectic mix of songs from jazz standards and R&B, to pop and rock. Our choreography is a fusion of contemporary/lyrical, jazz, hip hop, and ballroom. Our goal is to provide the audience with sultry, fun, cool, intelligent entertainment. We are always looking to network with local promoters in order to perform at various Baltimore clubs, lounges and festivals.”
THE COOLOTS
The CooLots are the original all female Rock and Soul band hailing from the Washington, DC area. A melting pot of different styles and talents, The CooLots come together to create feelings never experienced before. These creations embody sincerity, musicality, rock, funk, and soul, with influences including: N.E.R.D, Me’Shell N’Degeocello, Sade, Stained, Erykah Badu, Kanye West, and System of A Down. The Coolots are Awesome Rita (vocals/bass), Crystal (vocals), Dappho the Flow-Er (bass/vocals), Huggie (electric guitar/vocals), Yaz (vocals/keys), and Boom-Clak (percussion). Find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr.
DDM The Baltimore native, who made his name on the local battle rap circuit, manages to
straddle the fence between cool kid and weirdo with a charming accessibility. Fusing together Baltimore club, hip hop and ball culture, the self proclaimed renegade is garnering significant critical acclaim with his mixtape series ‘Muse: A Collection Of Cool.’ The hypnotic lead single ‘Velvet Limousine,’ with its sassy chorus and drum and bass influenced production, is a catchy and witty ode to the female anatomy. Featured in the City Paper for the tracks accompanying music video, Dappa Dan Midas (DDm) is being championed as the most significant vocalist for Baltimore club since local legends Ms. Tony and Jimmy Jones.
DAMIEN CRAWFORD
Singer, songwriter, and entertainer Damien Crawford is a gifted and versatile performer who has been dominating the stage with electrifying performances. His musical genre is hip-hop, mixed with pop and a touch of R&B. The talented singer released his self-written, debut EP, “The Crawford Chronicles,” in June 2011. The album has reached downloads in the thousands and has been critically acclaimed one of the best musical collections of 2011. In February 2012, Damien released his highly anticipated new album “The Reign” to iTunes and Amazon. This album gained him features in DBQ , Bleu, and Krave magazine! DamienCrawford.bandcamp.com, Twitter: @DamienCrawford
DRY SEA
The Dry Sea is a mostly instrumental “Strange Rock” group from Baltimore. Their early incarnations were an exploration of post-rock and noise that relied heavily on improvisation and the importance of tone. More recently, there has been a much stronger emphasis on composition and demonstration of each member’s musical strengths. With the release of Eromi Tlab, the band has discovered a driving and eccentric edge to match the intensity of their live performances. The Dry Sea brings every influence at their disposal to the table, from the profound to the absurd.
GILDED LILY BURLESQUE
Gilded Lily Burlesque has been entertaining audiences up and down the East Coast for the past five years. Having graced the stage with some of the biggest and best names in the business it’s no wonder that Gilded Lily was named “Best of Baltimore” by the City Paper.
FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE ENTERTAINMENT LINE-UPS AND TIMES, CHECK BALTIMOREPRIDE.ORG AS PRIDE WEEKEND APPROACHES PAGE 26
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CHECK BALTIMOREPRIDE.ORG REGULARLY FOR UPDATES AND DETAILS!
MISS GAY MARYLAND AMERICA STEPHANIE MICHEALS “Hello and welcome to Pride
2012! I’ve been in the art of female impersonation for 33 years and have rode in past parades under differ titles, thinking that one day I would ride in the parade as Miss Gay Maryland America. Well, my dream came true after 14 years of competing. I’m from Hagerstown, Md. where my partner James and I share our lives together. I hope that each one of you keeps your dreams alive and never gives up. May your Pride this weekend be full of fun. Remember to play safe and happy Pride 2012! With all my love, Miss Gay Maryland America.”
SHAWNNA ALEXANDER
Miss Shawnna has held several titles including former Queen of Pride, Entertainer of the Year, Miss Gay Baltimore, Miss Stage Coach, Baltimore Apollo Amateur Winner, Miss Club Phoenix, a three-time City Paper Drag Performer of the Year, and is a two-time ARGIE (Drag Performer of the Year).
SUNDAY FESTIVAL ENTERTAINERS BIG GAY BAND (BGB)
Big Gay Band aka BGB is a professional LGBT wedding and events band! “Our mission is to perform at LGBT and LGBT-friendly weddings, ceremonies, and events all across the county. We’re here to spread the message that LOVE should NOT have a sexual orientation and neither should marriage! From pop, R&B to show tunes and everything in between, BGB aims to entertain, and we want to work with your event and themes to make them the best that they can be.” Featuring off-Broadway and national touring performer Vincent Leggett! Facebook.com/VincentBGB, @biggayband, vincentbgb@gmail.com
CHARM CITY KITTY CLUB
The Charm City Kitty Club is an all volunteer run collective whose mission is to carve a unique social and cultural niche for lesbian, dyke, bisexual, transgender, and transsexual women and all our allies. Three times a year the Charm City Kitty Club presents a knock-out line-up of dancers, burlesque performers, drag kings and queens, poets, authors, acrobats, comedians, performance artists and musicians in a cabaret show at the Creative Alliance. Check them out at CharmCityKittyClub.com!
SHIRAGIRL After rocking many stages across the US and
Canada with her all-girl band Shiragirl, including support slots for Rancid, NOFX, Juliette Lewis, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Taylor Dayne and Joan Jett herself, Shira realized it was time to break out in a new direction. Shira and drummer/musical director Rainey P teamed up with hip-hop superproducer Swizz Beatz on “Stomp it Out,” a song for breast cancer awareness, featuring Lil Wayne. In the summer of 2011, Shira returned to Warped Tour and blew away the crowd with a new musical sound, highlighting her background as a dancer and an in-your-face theatrical performer. Journalists and fans compare Shira’s energetic onstage persona to Gwen Stefani, Madonna, and Pink.
SUE NAMI
“Twelve years ago I left my home country of Indonesia to come to America for freedom. I was in the audience at a cabaret show five years ago produced by Josie Foster and Sabrina White. With a little encouragement and inspiration, I got ready for what was going to be a one-time thing! I was fortunate to have the opportunity for some amazing rewarding experiences as Miss Gay Maryland 2009, 1st Alternate to Miss Gay Mid-Atlantic 2010, and Miss Ziegfeld’s 2011.”
TATIYANA VOCHE
Tatiyanna Voché is the current reigning Miss Mid-East America and the Queen of the house to Washington, DC’s premiere show bar: Ziegfelds & Secrets. In her quest to become Miss Gay America, placing in the top ten the past two years—one as Miss Gay Maryland America—Baltimore has always been considered home.
KARL MARKS
Karl Marks has hosted and performed at countless clubs, YWCA assemblies, comedy shows, and stages of ill repute, including last year’s Baltimore Pride Festival. Donning wigs, animal hats, roller skates, and anything else that fits on his body, Señor Marks works crowds into frenzies with his exotic, exciting and questionable talent. Coming off performances this past year at the International Drag King Extravaganza in Baltimore and select cabaret nights in “that other city,” he can also be seen drinking cans of “sprepper” and re-interpreting scenes from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 3 at Charm City’s finest thrift stores. Most recently, he was featured in Baltimore’s Transmodern Festival.
NEW WAVE SINGERS
New Wave Singers of Baltimore is Maryland’s only GLBTS chorus. NWS is a mixed chorus, made up of men and women who embrace diversity and strive to be an all-inclusive chorus working toward making music that matters. NWS has an incredible repertoire of music that encompasses the environment, the passion of people, to losing a loved one, different languages, spirituality, and even humor.
FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE ENTERTAINMENT LINE-UPS AND TIMES, CHECK BALTIMOREPRIDE.ORG AS PRIDE WEEKEND APPROACHES BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
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2 1 0 2 E D I R P E R O M I T L BA de to i u G E F I L Y The GA
PARAD
IVA ART Y, FES T E , BL OCK P
L & MOR E !
PRIDE BLOCK PARTY
SATURDAY, JUNE 16 • 4PM TO 10PM
PARADE BEGINS AT 4PM • ENTERTAINMENT STARTS AT 6PM
BALTIMORE PRIDE IS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR SPONSORS PAGE 28
JUNE 2012
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CHECK BALTIMOREPRIDE.ORG REGULARLY FOR UPDATES AND DETAILS!
ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP SATURDAY PRIDE BLOCK PARTY* 6-10PM
PRIDE FESTIVAL
SUNDAY, JUNE 17 • 11AM TO 6PM DRUID HILL PARK
Charm City Boys Charm City Cabaret The Coolots DDm DJ India DJ Madscience DJ Rosie Damien Crawford Danielle Revlon Dry Sea Gilded Lily Burlesque King of Pride, Marshall Roberts Lazer Libby Miss Gay Maryland Stephanie Micheals Queen of Pride, Sue Nami Shawnna Alexander Shiragirl Tatiyana Voche Youth Mini-Ball featuring DJ Lucky Plus headliner NEON HITCH! * Not listed in order of performance. Please check BaltimorePride.org for times and updates.
SUNDAY PRIDE FESTIVAL* NOON-6PM
“Celebrity” Festival Host: Carla DelVilaggio as Barbara Streisand! Big Gay Band Candy Hearts Charm City Kitty Club Dorothy Milone Humble Trip Interfaith BlessingKarl Marks New Wave Singers Transcendance Tribal Belly Dance Collective Plus headliner J. POPE & THE FUNK! and more! * Not listed in order of performance. Please check BaltimorePride.org for times and updates.
FOR DRIVING DIRECTIONS AND MASS TRANSIT OPTIONS TO GET TO THE BLOCK PARTY AND FESTIVAL, VISIT BALTIMOREPRIDE.ORG/VISITORINFO
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REAL LIFE
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS
BY RACHEL ROTH
ENGLAND
MARYLAND
COLORADO
WASHINGTON, D.C.
CALIFORNIA
NORTH CAROLINA
IOWA
ISRAEL
NEW ZEALAND
CHILE ARGENTINA
MD recognizes out-of-state marriages MARYLAND
On May 18, the Maryland Court of Appeals ruled unanimously that the state recognize same-sex couples who lawfully wed in other states. In a 7-0 decision, the court said recognition is required under the legal doctrine of “comity” because samesex marriage is neither “repugnant” to the state’s public policy nor expressly prohibited by state law. The case granted a divorce to a same-sex couple who were married outside of Maryland. The ruling declares that married same-sex couples are entitled to divorce under Maryland law. The court’s decision will stand even if a November ballot defeats the Civil Marriage Protection Act slated to go into effect January 2013.
No negative impact from repeal of DADT WASHINGTON, D.C.
After much debate about the impact of repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT),
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the Pentagon reported on May 10 there has been no impact on morale, readiness, or unit cohesion in the eight months since the ban on homosexuals was lifted. According to Reuters, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta credited the military’s “gradual preparation” for the appeal, which included sensitivity training.
Same-sex marriage ban added to NC constitution
Anti-bullying group barred from Catholic school ceremony
Controversial Amendment 1 was approved in North Carolina, May 8. The constitutional amendment defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman, effectively prohibiting same-sex marriage. The amendment also bans civil unions. According to The Associated Press, 61 percent of North Carolina voters supported the amendment.
IOWA
The Diocese of Davenport Iowa is refusing to allow The Eychaner Foundation, an anti-bullying group, to present a scholarship at one of Dioceses’ schools. Keaton Fuller, a senior at the Prince of Peace Catholic School was awarded a $40,000 scholarship—named after Matthew Shepard—by the foundation. The school reportedly agreed to allow a representative from the Eychaner Foundation to present Fuller with the award during his May 20 commencement ceremony, but the school reneged, apparently after the Diocese intervened saying, “the foundation’s mission is ‘contrary’ to the teachings of the Catholic Church.”
NORTH CAROLINA
Obama supports gay marriage WASHINGTON, D.C.
On May 9, in an exclusive interview with ABC News’ Robin Roberts, President Barack Obama said he believes that samesex couples should have the right to marry. The president credited his daughters with helping him come to this conclusion. The reactions to Obama’s announcement have been mixed. The Washington Post reports a flood of donations to both the Obama
campaign and the Democratic Party, but others have chastised him for not going far enough by not announcing that he will sign and executive order sanctioning same-sex marriage.
Protests in NC, petition to move DNC NORTH CAROLINA
Just two days after North Carolina became the 30th state to limit marriage to heterosexual couples, nine gay and lesbian couples sought marriage certificates at a Register of Deeds office in Winston-Salem, N.C., according to The Associated Press. After they were refused, one woman, Mary Jamis refused to leave the office. She and a friend, who was there for moral support, were arrested and charged with second-degree trespassing—a low-level misdemeanor— and released without bond. Additionally, Gay Marriage USA launched a petition on Change.org calling on the Democratic National Convention to be moved “to a state that upholds values of equality and liberty, and which treats ALL citizens equally.” The convention is set for September 3 and will take place
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in Charlotte, N.C., one of the few cities in which voters opposed the amendment. Though the petition has gathered more than 50,000 signatures, it is unlikely that there will be a venue change.
support of Gov. John W. Hickenlooper, who ordered the special session in hopes the Legislature would reconsider.
Kerry, senators urge protections on same sex deportation
LGBT Iranians speak out against homophobic regime
WASHINGTON, DC
ENGLAND
On the heels of the president’s announcement supporting marriage equality, Sen. John Kerry, along with 16 of his senate colleagues, renewed their call for the Obama Administration to protect married gay and lesbian couples facing possible deportation. In a letter sent to the U.S. Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kerry renewed his request to “hold green card applications in abeyance” for dual-national gay couples while the Defense of Marriage Act is being challenged in the courts and legislation is pending in Congress to overturn it.
On May 16, at an event at Amnesty International’s Human Rights Action Centre in London, Small Media and the Peter Tatchell Foundation host the event, and a handful of LGBT Iranians had the opportunity to publicly speak about their experiences living in a repressive, homophobic nation. Many LGBT Iranians are routinely harassed by both the society and the state. Many have been physically tortured and punished, and some have been sentenced to death solely because of their sexual orientation.
Gay men face high rates of hate-motivated physical violence CALIFORNIA
According to a new study from the Williams Institute, gay men face higher rates of hate-motivated physical violence than lesbians, bisexuals, or other federally protected groups with high rates of hate crimes. This new study deviates from previous FBI data that indicated lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals, Jews, and African-Americans experience similar levels of overall victimization. The results also indicate that gay men are also the second highest at risk for being victims of hate-motivated property crime.
CO Legislature rejects civil union bill COLORADO
A Colorado bill that would have let same sex couples enter into civil unions was shot down by the state’s Republican-controlled Legislature. In a special session on May 14, lawmakers voted against the bill, which passed the State Senate and has
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Argentina adopts landmark gender identity legislation ARGENTINA
The most progressive gender identity law passed Argentina’s Senate on May 9, with 55 votes in favor, one abstention, and no votes against. The new law gives selfidentified transgender people access to critical services without the need for medical intervention and provides for specific human rights protections.
Queer Avengers organize antibullying rally NEW ZEALAND
A New Zealand group called The Queer Avengers took to the streets in Wellington on May 15 in support of Pink Shirt Day, an international event that protests bullying in schools. The Queer Avengers,
who organized the march, support the formation of Queer-Straight Alliances in all schools, education on sex and gender, and recognition of all gender and sexual identities. “We’re opposing all forms of oppression, but in particular we’re challenging homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic bullying,” Queer Avengers spokesperson Kassie Hartendorp said in a statement. “We’re here to say that in schools and everywhere else, it doesn’t get better until we make it better.”
Chile passes hate crime bill CHILE
Chile’s Congress passed a hate-crimes law that includes protections for sexual orientation, gender, race, ethnic origin, and disability. The May 9 passage of the law is the first of its kind in Chile and comes months after a group of alleged neo-Nazis were arrested in connection to the brutal murder of Daniel Zamudio, a gay man. According to ABC News, the law sat in stalemate for seven years but President Sebastian Pinera put it on the fast track after the murder of Zamudio, who was found dead in a park with swastikas carved into his body.
Israeli newspaper supports marriage equality ISRAEL
Israeli newspaper, Haaretz, is the latest publication to call on its government to support marriage equality. According to PinkNews, Israel recognizes same-sex unions that were performed outside of the country, but does not allow them to take place within its borders. The Editorial Board of Israel’s most influential newspaper cited President Obama’s announcement in support of marriage equality as an indication that the time has come to allow all couples, regardless of sexual identity to take part in “one of the most fundamental civil liberties.”
FIND MORE LGBT NEWS ONLINE AT
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OUR LIFE
SPEAKING OUT
Black Ministers Follow Obama BY REV. IRENE MONROE
African-American ministers have come out for, and against, Obama’s stance on marriage equality. LGBTQ activists of African descent have pondered what would be the catalyst to rally those African-American Christian ministers to support same-sex marriage and engage the black community in a nationwide discussion. Last week the answer arrived in President Barack Obama’s support of marriage equality. Obama told Good Morning America’s news anchor Robin Roberts in an exclusive interview: “We are both practicing Christians, and obviously this position may be considered to put us at odds with the views of others, but, you know, when we think about our faith, the thing at root that we think about is, not only Christ sacrificing himself on our behalf, but it’s also the Golden Rule, you know: treat others the way you would want to be treated…I figure the most consistent I can be in being true to those precepts…” Just as Obama could no longer shrewdly fence-sit on the issue while winking a stealth nod to LGBTQ voters, black ministers—who quietly professed to be an ally to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community—could no longer stay closeted from their congregations. For these African-American ministers, the liability of Obama losing his 2012 re-election bid is far greater than being publicly outed for not being in lockstep with their homophobic brethren. “The institution of marriage is not under attack because of the president’s words,” Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago told his church on Sunday. Moss is the successor of President Obama’s former and infamous pastor, Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright. But for many African-American ministers in opposition to Obama’s stance on marriage equality the institution of marriage, at least within the black family, PAGE 36
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is under assault, and LGBTQ people further exacerbate the problem. These ministers (some who are allies for LGBTQ civil rights, but draw the line on same-sex marriage) espouse their opposition to same-sex marriage as a prophylactic measure, to combat the epidemic level of fatherlessness in black families. By scapegoating the LGBTQ community, these clerics are ignoring the social ills behind black fatherlessness such as the systematic disenfranchisement of both African-American men and women, high unemployment, high incarceration, and poor education, to name a few. In his homily Moss also stated, “Gay people have never been the enemy, and when we use rhetoric to suggest they are the source of all our problems, we lie on God and cause tears to fall from the eyes of Christ… We must stay in dialogue and not allow our personal emotional prejudices or doctrines to prevent us from clearly seeing the possibility of the beloved community.” Immediately following Obama’s public support for marriage equality, a coalition of African-American civil rights leaders signed their names to an open letter affirming their solidarity with President Barack Obama on marriage equality. Signees include Dr. Joseph Lowrey, of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference; Melanie Campbell, of the National Coalition for Black Civic Engagement; Julian Bond, of the NAACP; and Rev. Al Sharpton. Since Obama has come out with his support, many in the black community are working tirelessly to counter the barrage of attacks he has received from opposing black clerics. For example, Dr. Pamela R. Lightsey, Associate Dean of Community Life and Lifelong Learning at Boston University School of Theology, has a petition going around the country asking African-American clergy and
When we think about our faith, the thing at root that we think about is, not only Christ sacrificing himself on our behalf, but it’s also the Golden Rule, you know: treat others the way you would want to be treated.
scholars for their support on behalf the president’s stance to counter the stereotype that “black folks are against homosexuality and gay marriage.” Another petition going around the country aimed at reaching and informing African-American voters, particularly black Christian voters, about wedge strategies to divide the community this 2012 election year is NoWedge2012.com In stressing that the black religious community is not theologically monolithic, the petition states, “There is a great diversity in Black America on the cultural and theological understanding of sexual orientation than the media or popular culture give credence (recent polls show that African-Americans are equally divided on marriage equality). We acknowledge that it was President Obama’s faith that guided his shift in embracing marriage equality. Our community has the ability to hold different positions and not demonize what is perceived to be the “other.” In light of this complexity Black America should hear from candidates with policy positions
that are holistically beneficial for our community as a family.” Right wing organizations, like National Organization for Marriage (NOM), which support presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, are actively courting black churches for their strategic 2012 election game plan to drive a wedge between LGBTQ and African-American voters. And the black community mustn’t fall prey. The thought of the first African-American president losing his re-election bid because of homophobic views on marriage equality led by black pastors will be tragic. And their action that will be remembered throughout history. Obama is president of the United States and not pastor of the United States. He’s president of all the people, not some of the people. And as African-Americans who have battled for centuries against racial discrimination, we have always relied on our president and his administration to fight for and uphold our civil rights, because too many pastors across the country and throughout centuries wouldn’t. GAY LIFE MAGAZINE
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BETTER LIFE
FINANCE
A Roadmap to Financial Success BY PAULA B. FRIEDMAN, MBA, CFP, AIF GLASS JACOBSON DIRECTOR OF RETIREMENT PLAN SERVICES
When travelling to a new place for the first time, it is difficult to get there without proper directions. The same concept applies to attaining financial success. Whether you make a substantial amount of money and want to handle it more efficiently, or you are working with a very small income, being educated and having a plan can help you arrive safely at your destination of financial success.
Starting Point: Your Current Location
Your roadmap to financial success cannot begin until you’ve taken a good long look at where you are now. Take some time to assess your current financial situation so you have a point of reference to move forward from. Give yourself an entire month to monitor your spending to get a well-rounded idea of your current habits.
KEEP CLOSE TABS ON YOUR RECEIPTS
Maybe you already do this, but if not, keep ALL of your receipts for a month in a centralized location, and when the month is over, go through them. See
Paula B. Friedman
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what amount of money you’ve spent on groceries, entertainment, dining out, and other activities to help figure out where cuts can be made. There are smart phone apps you can use, or online banking tools to help you with this task.
EVALUATE THE ESSENTIALS
Make a list of exactly what amount of money comes into your household each month, what you pay in bills and how much you are actively saving. You may find that you are not saving as much as you could.
Choosing Your Destination: Setting and Prioritizing Goals
Now that you have a handle on your spending and saving habits, how do you prioritize?
SHORT TERM GOALS
you receive the best financing available to you. Generally, lenders believe your mortgage should not take up more than 28 percent of your income. But you have to ask yourself realistically, can you budget for that much debt?
happen after the emergency and retirement fund. When you feel that you are financially secure, start saving money for college. Look into 529 plans and other tax preferred vehicles that can help you save for your child’s education.
Avoiding potholes: Vehicles for a smooth road to financial success
Insurance is one of the best ways to help you manage risk. Many types of insurance—including life, disability and homeowner’s/renter’s—can help you in different ways.
When you go on a long trip, you always pack to be prepared, right? You make sure you have enough gas, a spare tire and jack just in case, your cell phone charger and maybe some food and water in the car. You should also have a backup plan in the case of financial emergency or unexpected bumps in the road.
Pay yourself first—Set aside a percentage or specific dollar amount from your paycheck that will go right to your savings account. Many banks will even let you divide your direct deposit between numerous accounts. By paying yourself first, you are sure to save more, and adjust your budget accordingly, rather than just save what is left over after all of your bills are paid.
HAVE AN EMERGENCY FUND
LONG TERM GOALS
The most important thing to remember about retirement savings is that there are no loans for retirement! It is recommended for a person in their 30s to be saving 10-15 percent for retirement. If you have a retirement plan at work, take advantage of it or set up your own Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
Debt management—Choose what you want to pay down first. It could be credit card debt, student loans, your mortgage or any number of things. Think about how much each of these debts are costing you in terms of interest rates. You should try to pay the debt balances with the highest rate of interest first. Buying a home—If buying a home is one of your long term goals, make sure to keep your credit rating in mind so that
An emergency fund should be a savings account separate from your primary savings account. Your fund should be at least three months of expenses per each salary in your household. This money should be used for emergency medical bills, unplanned vehicle repairs, loss of a job, or the demise of a large appliance.
SAVE FOR RETIREMENT
START A COLLEGE FUND
If you have kids, it’s never too early to start a college fund, but this needs to
INSURANCE
Documenting the Trip
There are four essential legal documents everyone should have in place to protect themselves and their legacy from unforeseen tax consequences, the grueling process of probate or family turmoil. These documents are especially vital for same sex couples, and if you have children under the age of 18: Will General Durable Power of Attorney (POA) Medical Power of Attorney (POA) Advanced Medical Directive (AMD)
Co-pilot: Working with an advisor or financial planner
Glass Jacobson’s financial advisors can work with you to set goals and priorities, build a plan and stick to it. Our team can help you avoid unexpected income tax consequences, maximize your return on investment, and make smarter financial decisions. You can find tools on our website at GlassJacobson.com/tools-resources to help you. GAY LIFE MAGAZINE
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BETTER LIFE
QUEER HEALTH
Pride & Equity BY ALICIA GABRIEL, MARKETING MANAGER, AND TRACEY GERSH, PhD, CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER, CHASE BREXTON HEALTH SERVICES Baltimore Pride usually brings up images of drag queens and kings, craziness at the intersection of Charles and Eager, and a hot, but pretty, day at Druid Hill Park every Father’s Day. Health care may be the last thing most of us think during Pride season. LGBTQ health, for the heterosexual world, is often synonymous with HIV/ AIDS. Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has HIV/AIDS prominently displayed on its landing page for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender health. (This is not to suggest that HIV is not important; it is still a monumental health issue in our communities.) But drill down a bit. There’s more to
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LGBTQ health. And it’s big, but it seems so simple: equity. As we remind the city and state that we are here, as we listen to politicians and activists argue marriage equality, as we march to the beat of our many drums, Pride is a reminder that we are still fighting for equity. And in health care, equity is a big deal. What does health care equity really mean? It means being able to be ‘out’ to all of your providers—being and feeling safe to tell them your sexual orientation, gender identity, or anything, for that matter. In a perfect world, it would mean your sexual orientation and gender identity were never
assumed by (or even bear implications to) your providers. It means having culturally-competent care. This means everyone from the front to the back of your provider’s office should treat you with the same respect as all patients—including calling you by your preferred name, pronoun, and gender. It means your providers are aware of health concerns that are prominent in our communities. Men who have sex with men, women who have sex with women, transgender individuals, and questioning individuals have differing health concerns that need to be recognized. It means having access to health insurance, employment, housing, marriage, adoption, and retirement benefits—because each of these ‘benefits’ has a profound impact on our health. It means safety for youth and adults to be open and honest in their communities without risking harm, bullying, or any other negative consequence.
No matter how we identify, who we are, or where we’re from, as one united LGBTQ community, we can affect health care equity. It starts with each of us being honest with our providers, being honest with our families, and being honest with our friends. All of this honesty comes with a big caveat: we must feel safe. If we do not, it means finding that safe space or helping others to get the stability they need to be open, honest, and to begin the dialogue with our providers about LGBTQ health care. LGBTQ health equity is a priority of the National Coalition of LGBT Health, Human Rights Campaign, Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, and many other organizations. To learn more about the issues in LGBTQ health, check out a great, simplified resource—HealthyPeople.gov, or visit ChaseBrexton.org. And, take a look at this column every month for more insight on the issues and concerns that affect LGBTQ health.
GAY LIFE MAGAZINE
BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
JUNE 2012
PAGE 41
PRE-PRIDE EVENTS SATURDAY, JUNE 2
Howard’s of Mount Vernon
This fun event goes to support the GLCCB, the producer of Baltimore Pride. There will be a 50/50 raffle, food, cash bar, and a fantastic DJ to help you get your groove on. Special guest appearances throughout the evening. $40 requested donation • 7-10pm Howard’s of Mount Vernon 900 Cathedral St. Facebook.com/pages/Howards-ofMount-Vernon/258659976878
SATURDAY, JUNE 9
The Lezz Party at Mixers
Calling all the ladies! Entertainment includes corn hole, volleyball, beer pong, DJ Fly’n Brian (2-5) and DJ Tracy (8-2) with the band The Qi Lo (5-8) and a wet T-shirt contest! Food vendor on site. This is an outdoor event under a tent in Mixers’ parking lot; parking at 6005 Belair Rd, one block away. $5 • 2pm Mixers Bar • 6037 Belair Rd. Facebook.com/MixersBar
THURSDAY, JUNE 14
SOCIAL LIFE
DATEBOOK
FRIDAY, MAY 25 DC Black Pride
More than 25,000 gather for this cultural and historical event. Thru 5/27 • Washington, DC DCBlackPride.org
Wine Tasting
Comp. tastings and bottle discounts. FREE • 5-8pm • Fridays Spirits of Mt. Vernon • 900 N. Charles St. 410.727.7270 • SpiritsOfMtVernon.com
BIG’s Memorial Madness
Evan the Loyal, Pteradon SarahJon, Gus, and Plan B will give you something to remember. Thru 5/26 • $8-10 • 8pm Mobtown Theater at Meadow Mill 3600 Clipper Mill Rd. BigImprov.org
SATURDAY, MAY 26 Baltimore Frontrunners
Running/walking club for LGBT individuals and friends. Every Saturday Morning 8:45am • Brunch 10am Panera Bread • 3600 Boston St. BaltimoreFrontrunners.org
LBGT Family Picnic
Fun-filled day in the park with food and great people. Bring a dish or non-alcoholic beverage to share. FREE • 1pm Mariner Point Park • Joppa HarfordRainbow@gmail.com
Grand Central
SUNDAY, MAY 27
$5 • 9pm Grand Central • 1001 N. Charles St. CentralStationPub.com
Flagrant Conduct by Dale Carpenter is the story of Lawrence v. Texas. Open to those who haven’t read the book. FREE • 6pm Westminster Station Coffee House 250 Englar Rd. • Westminster PFLAGWCC.org
S.H.E. Productions is proud to present a killer kick-off event for Pride 2012.
THURSDAY, JUNE 14
Pazo
Enjoy drink specials and dancing all night long to a DJ set and live performance by Ultra Nate. Benefits Pride 2012 and the GLCCB. $25, $30 at the door • 9pm Pazo • 1425 Aliceanna St. PazoRestaurant.com Missiontix.com (search for “Baltimore Pride”)
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JUNE 2012
LGBTQ Bookclub
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30 Capital Pride Festival
200,000 gather annually for this 11-day event. Pennsylvania Ave. • Washington DC CapitalPride.org
BINGO!
Cash prizes and progressive jackpot. Drink specials, appetizers, and raffles. Every Wednesday Evening Benefits GLCCB • 8:30pm Club Hippo • 1 W. Eager St. 410.547.0018 • ClubHippo.com
BY RACHEL ROTH
Transgender Issues Working Group
Meets every other Wednesday. Registration required • FREE • 7pm Equality Maryland • 1201 S. Sharp St. Owen@EqualityMaryland.org
Wear it Out Wednesdays
Fashion, art, spirits, aesthetic ambience, and self-expression. $50 • 7-10pm Intercontinental Harbor Court Hotel Rooftop Terrace • 550 Light St. Wear-it-out-Wednesdays-Baltimore. ettend.com
MD PFLAG State Chapter Meeting
Bent
Play follows Max to the depths of a concentration camp as he avoids accepting who he is. $12-15 • 8pm • Thru 6/23 The Mobtown Theater at Meadow Mill 3600 Clipper Mill Rd. MobtownPlayers.net
Heart Throbs
(See article p. 8) Thru 6/3 • $25-50 • 8pm Lisner Auditorium 730 21st St. NW • Washington, DC GMCW.org
Dance With the Delegate
For parents and friends of LGBT children. FREE • 7pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way • Columbia david@mdfme.org • PFLAGMD.org
Great music, friends, and openly gay legislator Bonnie Cullison. Recommended contribution: $20 8-11:30pm • 11324 Fern Ave. • Wheaton
THURSDAY, MAY 31
SUNDAY, JUNE 3
Keeping the Arts Essential
A celebration of arts education. $40-45 • 8am-2:30pm Center for the Arts Towson University • 8000 York Rd. Towson.edu
FRIDAY, JUNE 1 Wine Tasting
(See listing under May 25)
Stop by Sugar
Pride Service
Special worship service with communion. FREE • 10:30am First and St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ • 6915 York Rd. First-StStephens.org
Say I Do! LGBT Wedding Expo
FREE • 1-4pm • Hotel Palomar 2121 P St. NW • Washington, DC Wix.com/PinkDotConcepts/ sayidolgbtexpo
Best of Burlesque(er)
10% of purchases go toward Equality Maryland. 6-9pm Sugar in Hampden • 927 W. 36th St. SugarTheShop.com
The area’s best queer burlesque! $5-10 • 7pm The Wind-Up Space • 12 W. North Ave. TheWindUpSpace.com
The Hot l Baltimore
Live music, arts & crafts, food & drink, wine tastings, and more. FREE • 11am-7pm Federal Hill • Cross & S. Charles Sts. HistoricFederalHill.org
Brilliant, award-winning off-Broadway drama. $10 • 8pm • Thru 6/24 Spotlighters Theatre • 817 St. Paul St. Spotlighters.org
“Well” by Lisa Kron
Noted solo performer’s first multicharacter play is Artistic Director Rain Pryor’s directorial debut. $10-25 • 8pm • Thru 6/16 The Strand Theater • 1823 N. Charles St. Strand-Theater.org
SATURDAY, JUNE 2 Baltimore Frontrunners
(See listing under May 26)
The Collective: Prime
Biggest show of the year. $10-15 • 2pm & 8pm Balt. Museum of Art • 10 Art Museum Dr. Collective-Dance.com
Jazz & Blues Wine & Art Festival
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6 BINGO!
(See listing under May 30)
THURSDAY, JUNE 7 Equality Federation Pride Cocktail Party
Meet with the leaders of LGBT equality organizations nationwide. $50-500 • 6-8pm DC Jewish Community Center 1529 16th St. NW • Washington, DC EqualityMaryland.org
GAY LIFE MAGAZINE
St. Nicholas Greek Folk Festival
Thru 6/10 • FREE • 12:30-10pm Greek Ortho. Church • 520 S. Ponca St. GreekFolkFestival.org
FRIDAY, JUNE 8 Caribbean American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
AIDS.gov
HRS Singles Mixer
Singles only event for those looking to make a special connection. FREE • 5pm TGIF Patio • 615 Baltimore Pk. • Bel Air HarfordRainbow@gmail.com
Wine Tasting
(See listing under May 25)
Rainbow Youth Alliance of Baltimore County
Support for LGBTQ teens and allies. FREE • 7:30-9:30pm Towson Unitarian Universalist Church 1710 Dulaney Valley Rd. RYABaltimoreCounty@gmail.com PFLAGBaltimore.org
For parents and friends of LGBT children. FREE • 5pm St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 17 Bond St. • Westminster PFLAGWCC.org
Howard County PFLAG Monthly Meeting
$30-75 • 6pm. Pier Six Pavilion • 731 Eastern Ave. PierSixPavillion.com
For parents and friends of LGBT children. FREE • 7:30pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way • Columbia PFLAGMD.org
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13 Transgender Issues Working Group
(See listing under May 30)
SATURDAY, JUNE 9 Baltimore Frontrunners
See listing under May 26
MD Catholics for Marriage Equality
Forum and conversation. FREE • 1-4pm Goucher College • 1021 Dulaney Valley Rd. Joanna@mdfme.org
Maryland Fashion Awards
Celebrate those who have made contributions to the MD fashion industry. $32-100 • 4:30-10pm • Kay Theatre Clarice Smith Perf. Arts Center University of MD • College Park FashionAwardsMD.com
Kristin Chenoweth
Westminster PFLAG Monthly Meeting
BINGO!
(See listing under May 30)
Star-Spangled Sailabration
International parade of ships sails launch commemoration of Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and penning of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Thru 6/19 • Inner Harbor StarSpangled200.com OurFlagWasStillThere.org • OpSail.org
FRIDAY, JUNE 15 Wine Tasting
(See listing under May 25)
Twilight on the Terrace
Bonnie Raitt with Mavis Staples
MONDAY, JUNE 18 PFLAG Howard County Parent Forum
Group for parents of LGBT children interested in support or helping others. Meets on the third Monday of each month. FREE • 7:30-9pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way • Columbia PFLAGMD.org
TUESDAY, JUNE 19 Diana Krall
Award-winning pianist and singer. $60-110 • 7:30pm Meyerhoff Symphony Hall 1212 Cathedral St. BSOMusic.org
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20 BINGO!
(See listing under May 30)
Yappy Hour
(See article p. 10) $55-350 • 8pm Hippodrome Theatre • 12 N. Eutaw St. France-MerrickPAC.com
Wine, cheese, and four-legged friends. FREE • Camp Bow Wow 7165 Oakland Mills Rd. • Columbia CampBowWow.com
SUNDAY, JUNE 10
Mamma Mia!
FRIDAY, JUNE 22
Philadelphia Pride Festival
252 South 12th St. PhillyPride.org
MONDAY, JUNE 11 Shake, Shake, Shake with Delegate Mary Washington
50th Birthday celebration and dance party fundraiser. $50-250 • 7pm The Metro Gallery • 1700 N. Charles St.
TUESDAY, JUNE 12 Rainbow Youth Alliance of Howard County
Support for LGBTQ teens and allies. Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way, Columbia 410.280.9047 • rya_leaders@hotmail.com PFLAGMD.org
SATURDAY, JUNE 16 Baltimore Frontrunners
(See listing under May 26)
Baltimore Pride 2012 Parade and Block Party!
(See article p. 18)
Maryland Pride Festival
Sailwinds Park 200 Bryn St. • Cambridge MarylandPride.Eventbrite.com
Beatle Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band
$59-250 • 7pm Meyerhoff Symphony Hall 1212 Cathedral St. BSOMusic.org
TUESDAY, JUNE 26 Rainbow Youth Alliance of Howard County
See listing under June 12
Rainbow Youth Alliance of Baltimore County
Wine Tasting
Parents of Transgender Kids Support Group
Support and Q&A for parents of transgender kids. Meets on the 4th Tuesday of every month. FREE • 7:30-9pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way • Columbia cvhyde@gmail.com • PFLAGBaltimore.org
PFLAG Baltimore County General Meeting
For parents and friends of LGBT children. FREE • 7pm Towson Unitarian Universalist Church 1710 Dulaney Valley Rd. PFLAGBaltimore.org
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27 National HIV Testing Day
AIDS.gov
BINGO!
(See listing under May 25)
(See listing under May 30)
Aziz Ansari
FRIDAY, JUNE 29
Comedian and “Parks & Rec” star. $49 • 7:30pm Meyerhoff Symphony Hall 1212 Cathedral St. BSOMusic.org
Marc Irwin and Piano Jazz Trio Urbnergy
$10-15 • 8 & 9:30pm An die Musik LIVE! • 409 N. Charles St. AnDieMusikLive.com
SATURDAY, JUNE 23 Baltimore Frontrunners
Wine Tasting
(See listing under May 25)
Big Show 2012
Jaw-dropping, life affirming, once-a-year chance to celebrate the Creative Alliance. $5 • 7:30pm The Patterson • 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org
SATURDAY, JUNE 30 Baltimore Frontrunners
(See listing under May 26)
(See listing under May 26)
SUNDAY, JUNE 17 Baltimore Pride Festival
(See p. 27)
BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
SUNDAY, JUNE 24
See listing under June 12
(See article p. 17) Baltimore Pride kicks off in style: Hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, music, and art. 21+ • $100 • 6-11pm Gertrude’s at the BMA • 10 Art Museum Dr. BaltimorePride.org
ABBA’s timeless songs propels the enchanting tale of love, laughter, and friendship. $35 • 8pm • Thru 6/17 The Hippodrome • 12 N. Eutaw St. France-MerrickPAC.com
Equality Garden Party
Celebrate the marriage equality bill! Dancing, dinner, and something for all. $100-500 • 4-10pm • Samet Chateau 1000 Parrs Ridge Dr. • Spencerville EQMD.org/gardenparty
Chesapeake Pride River Cruise
Benefits Chesapeake Pride Festival. $40 • 5:30pm • Discovery Village Marina 4800 Atwell Rd. • Shady Side ChesapeakePrideFestival.org
Have an event perfect for our readers? Send us all the details!
CALENDAR@ BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM Deadline is the 15th of the month preceding the event. Subject to available space.
JUNE 2012
PAGE 43
SOCIAL LIFE
BSCENE King & Queen of Pride Pageant PHOTOS BY ANTHONY MOLL
Rainbows & Unicorns at PW’s PHOTOS BY ANTHONY MOLL
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JUNE 2012
GAY LIFE MAGAZINE
m. cory burgess print and web designer + logos + marketing materials + advertisements + publications + etc email
cory@metroscapemedia.com web
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JUNE 2012
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
A Labor of Love BY BRITANY CHONG
Transgender African-American women between the ages of 13 and 29 often face discrimination in education, employment, housing, and health care. These young women frequently have to deal with violence while also searching for family and social acceptance. Beautiful Me Sorority works to give young African-American transgender women the holistic support that they need to flourish. Lauren Stokeling, program director of Beautiful Me Sorority, explained that the sorority evolved out of need. Beautiful Me is a service offered by Women Accepting Responsibility (WAR), a nonprofit community-based organization for women in crisis and transition. Stokeling was working with WAR when a transgender woman came in search of services. At the time, WAR was unable to provide her with services. There were not many options available to transgender women in Baltimore, so she was referred to the health department Men’s Clinic. As a transgender woman herself, Stokeling felt strongly that WAR should offer a program to transgender women, so she worked with Executive Director Bernice Tucker to develop a plan. Last year the CDC finally offered W WAR funding for a transgender program.
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JUNE 2012
After years of searching for funding, Beautiful Me Sorority was born, and it has been growing ever since. Beautiful Me Sorority focuses on developing young transgender AfricanAmerican women into successful women. Each of the women involved in the sorority acts as a mentor. Every mentor is an example of a successful transgender woman; they each possess a bachelor’s degree, and they are all pursuing a master’s degree. These dynamic women lead by example as they provide support to the young women who come to Beautiful Me in search of services. Aside from helping young AfricanAmerican transgender women navigate the ups and downs of life through the sisterhood of a supportive sorority, Beautiful Me provides these young women with a myriad of services. Beautiful Me offers health services, counseling, help with name changes, education, and various interventions. The sorority uses a holistic approach to teach young women healthy ways of living. Beautiful Me reaches out to the Baltimore community in a variety of ways. One such way is through the use of a mobile van. Much like a gang of superheroes aboard a magical craft, members
Photo by terra hiltner
Clockwise from top left: Outreach Specialist Sabrina Bennett, Board Member Edward Canty, Prevention Specialist Bryanna Jenkins, Executive Director Bernice Tucker, and Program Director Lauren Stokeling
of Beautiful Me travel through the city at night in search of African-American transgender women (and almost anyone else) in need of rescue. They offer food, STD testing, and genuine kindness to people in need. Beautiful Me also works to help families learn how to cope with the changes that transitions bring about. They provide counseling and solutions to families in an effort to prevent crisis situations. Parents do not always know how to help when their child is transitioning. Sometimes they do not know how to understand or process the dramatic changes that take place. “When you know better you’ll do better,” said Stokeling, so Beautiful Me works to provide education and support to families working through transitions. Young transgender women often struggle with social acceptance, but they also struggle with self-acceptance. Stokeling explained that Beautiful Me Sorority works to help young women develop a sense of self-worth. “When they tell me stories of discrimination I ask, ‘But how did it make you feel?’ It brings about a lot of emotion because it is often the first time anyone
asked,” she explained. Beautiful Me Sorority is a place where young African-American transgender women can let their guard down. The sisterhood provides an environment in which members can support one another on the road to success. In joining the sisterhood, members pledge to succeed. Each sorority member believes “Success is who we are; it is in our blood.” Beautiful Me has served between 40 and 50 young African-American transgender women so far, but the sorority is expanding. By August, Stokeling would like to reach at least 100 transgender women. Stokeling is dedicated to Beautiful Me; she works tireless hours and helps countless young women. Her labor of love enables Beautiful Me Sorority to blossom. “When you work in a field that you love and with a population that you love, it’s less like work,” she said. Beautiful Me Sorority
a program of WAR (Women Accepting Responsibility) 2300 Garrison Blvd. Ste. 150 410.878.0357 WomenAcceptingResponsibility.org
GAY LIFE MAGAZINE
BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
JUNE 2012
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