Baltimore Gay Life June 2014

JUNE 2014 BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

inside

Everything you Need to Know about Baltimore Pride 2014!

PLUS MAPS TO OUR NEW LOCATION!

14 TORI AMOS

15 WILD WITH HAPPY

18 BIAnCA DeL RIO

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GAY LIFE / June 2014

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GAY LIFE / June 2014

BALTIMOReGAYLIfe.COM

in THis GAy Life The Gay Life Guide to

Baltimore Pride 2014

Over the past four decades, Baltimore Pride has evolved from a small celebration of a few dozen activists to a full-fledged festival that welcomes 30,000 revelers annually. This year, to better accommodate the growing crowds of celebrants, Pride is moving into larger digs along Cathedral Street and Mt. Royal Avenue.

25 26 26 27 28 30 34 35 35

High Heel Race, Pride Parade, and Street Festival Activist of the Year: Sharon Brackett Grand Marshall: Tom Patrick Youth Zone and Mass Wedding Info Maps Entertainer Bios Lady Lisa Drag and Dance Stages Getting Around 6-Pack Calendar

18

Bianca Del Rio flashback to Baltimore Pride Parade 2013

Departments LOCAL Life

12 12

GLCCB June News 3rd Annual LGBT Visitors Guide Released

HiGH Life

14 15 16 18 20 22

Interview: Tori Amos Releases Unrepentant Geraldines by Mike Correlli Wild With Happy at Center Stage by Arnie VandeBrake Corner BYOB by John Cullen and Marty Shayt Interview: Bianca Del Rio Talks Back by Matthew Joseph Palumbo New Wave Singers Ryan Haase Directs The Stillpointe Theatre Initiative by Timoth David Copney

reAL Life

36 38

National & International News by Rachel Roth Baltimore Local News by Steve Charing

Tori Amos photo by Amarpaul Kalirai

OUr Life

BALTIMOReGAYLIfe.COM

39 39 40 42

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Tori Amos releases 14th album before new tour

Spilling the Tea by Carlton R. Smith You Can Do This by Courtney Beddell Know (And Show) Your Status by Justin B. Terry Smith Spiritual In-To-Me-I-See (Spiritual Intimacy) by Coach Maq Elé

BeTTer Life

43

Active Versus Passive Investment for Retirement by Robin Patalon

sOCiAL Life

44 47

Datebook by Rachel Roth BScene: Charm City LGBT Film Festival at Creative Alliance Photos by Samatra Johnson

GAY LIFE / June 2014

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ediTOr’s Life

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

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

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

Trans Programs

Women’s Programs

AKANNI

SILHOUETTE

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

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

BALTIMORE TRANSMASCULINE ALLIANCE

A support group for trans* men (FTM).

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

TRAN*QUILITY

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

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

Recovery ACCESS TO RECOVERY

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

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

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

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

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS

WOMEN OF COLOR

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

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

Youth & Young Adult Programs RAINBOW YOUTH ALLIANCE BALTIMORE

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

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

MIXED COMPANY

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

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

Men’s Rap group for men in recovery.

Sundays - 11:30am

Community Programs

Health & Wellness

POZitive PEOPLE

BEGINNERS’ YOGA

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

HIV & SYPHILIS TESTING

FREE and confidential testing from the Baltimore City Health Dept.

Wednesdays - 5-8pm

continued in next column u

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

1st and 3rd Tuesdays - 7pm

GAY LIFE / June 2014

June is Busting Out All Over— With Pride!

Welcome to our Official Gay Life Guide to Baltimore Pride 2014! Pride coverage (beginning p.25) includes everything you need to know about the three-day-long festivities from Twilight highlights to Parade kick offs, High Heel Race prizes to Festival details.

Plus, a full listing of our exciting performers and detailed looks at our Activist of the Year, Sharon Brackett, and our Grand Marshal, Tom Patrick.

But that’s not all! This issue also covers many other local happenings including the Center Stage’s last show of the season, Wild with Happy, a look at the innovative Stillpointe Theare Initiative, and the world premiere concert from the New Wave Singers.

As always, we have way more stuff to cover than we have space to fit it, so check

out BaltimoreGayLife.com for more great local coverage and a few words from one of our favorite columnists, Rev. Irene Monroe.

Pride weekend is quickly approaching and the final details are still being worked out, for the latest and most up-to-date information, check out BaltimorePride.org. Also visit us on Facebook.com/Glccb and Twitter (@glccb).

Have a safe, wonderful Pride. Until next month!

Dan McEvily Editor

fACeBOOK.COM/GLCCB • TWiTTer.COM/GLCCB • yOUTUBe.COM/THeGLCCB

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

Wednesdays - 7-8pm POZpeople@glccb.org

BOOK CLUB

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

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

Dan McEvily, Editor

GAyLife read it. Live it.

Love it.

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

editor@baltimoregaylife.com

Cory Burgess, Art Director National Advertising Rep.

cory@coryburgess.com Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863

Contributors

Courtney Bedell, Steve Charing, Timoth David Copney, Mike Correlli, John Cullen, Coach Maq elè, Kelly neel, Matthew Joseph Palumbo, Robin Patalon, Rachel Roth, Marty Shayt, Carlton R. Smith, Justin B. Terry-Smith, Arnie VandeBrake

Photographers

John Kardys, Samatra Johnson, Kelly neel, Richelle Taylor, Jay W.

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

BALTIMOReGAYLIfe.COM

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

Special exhibition Opening June 7 See the exquisite jewelry and luxury objects collected by and specially designed for Marjorie Merriweather Post, style icon and Cartier’s most important American client. #CartierMMP

Where Fabulous Where FabulousLives Lives

For more information call 202.686.5807 or visit HillwoodMuseum.org 4155 Linnean Ave. NW, Washington DC Free parking

BALTIMOReGAYLIfe.COM HIL-0026-GayLife_4.75x11.25_June1_v2.indd

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GAY LIFE / June 2014

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LOCAL Life

GLCCB Unveils 2014 LGBT Visitors Guide The GLCCB recently released the third annual Baltimore LGBT Visitors Guide, a result of a strong strategic partnership with Visit Baltimore, the city’s official destination marketing organization.

JohnMark Robbins brings his 75-minute Big Boi Yoga Workshop from Austin, Tex. to The GLCCB in Baltimore

GLCCB June News by

KELLY NEEL Interim Executive Director, The GLCCB

In addition to the upcoming annual Baltimore Pride festivities, The GLCCB has much going on this month. From program workshops to events around town, we hope to see everyone out and about celebrating Pride month!

First up, The GLCCB will welcome JohnMark Robbins of Austin, Tex. and his Big Boi Yoga Workshop. Big Boi Yoga welcomes any and all who are interested in participating in the workshop’s all-levels, hatha flow class, which are modified for the bigger “bear” body, mind, and heart. The 75-minute workshop begins at noon on Sunday, June 8 and spaces must be secured in advance for $10 a person. All that is needed for the class is an open mind and willingness to move around. Mats will be available for use but everyone is encouraged to bring their own!

To learn more and secure your spot, please visit the Big Boi Yoga Facebook event page at Facebook.com/events/275898899253028.

The GLCCB Orioles Outing events are also gaining steam! The first two months have been a blast and with growing numbers

The volunteer presence and neighborhood engagement of the Equal Green Space communitiy garden is expanding

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GAY LIFE / June 2014

we hope the momentum continues. At the May outing, the group received free O’s swag for being among the first 20,000 fans to enter the park. This month’s outing, scheduled for Saturday, June 28, is slated to offer another taste of free Orioles-themed merchandise. In addition to the chance for free swag, this month’s outing will be Pridethemed and everyone who buys a ticket is encouraged to wear their best Pride shirts to the game. Whether it is a volunteer shirt from this year’s Pride, last year’s Pride, your friend’s Pride gear, or just plain old proudly pride gear, we want to see it! Baltimore Pride 2014 T-shirts will also be available for pre-sale on the baltimorepride.org website prior to the event, so be sure to pick one up before June 28. By being more visible in the broader community, we can help fight discrimination and make our community safer for the LGBT community so please consider showing your support at the next game.

Last but certainly not least; the Equal Green Space community garden is now growing, figuratively and literally. Not only are our vegetables planted and growing, but our volunteer presence and neighborhood engagement is also expanding. Our four raised beds have now been planted and feature both herbs and veggies, from cilantro to arugula, carrots to snap peas. Plus, our friends at Moon Valley Farm CSA in Cockeysville graciously donated five organic, heirloom tomato plants to the garden—all of which are happily basking in the sun.

Next up on the list for the garden is flower planting. For the most up-to-date information on how to help and what is going on in the garden, please join our facebook group at Facebook.com/groups/421612867975636.

“The 2014 LGBT Visitors Guide showcases the best that Baltimore has to offer, with something for everyone—from the LGBT traveler planning a Charm City getaway, to the longtime resident who wants to discover accepting and inclusive businesses in their own backyard,” said GLCCB Deputy Executive Director Kelly Neel.

The 60-page, full-color glossy guide includes over 450 listings of LGBT-friendly accommodations, attractions, restaurants, nightlife spots, and retail shops, as well as an extended wedding planning guide that lists welcoming venues and vendors.

Readers can also find neighborhood profiles, maps, essential travel and weather information, and a 2014/2015 calendar of events that lists the best things to do and see while staying in Baltimore, including the annual Pride celebration in June.

“Putting this year’s guide together was a true labor of love,” said Dan McEvily, editor of The GLCCB’s monthly publication, Gay Life. “We’ve spent the last twelve months carefully researching, pounding the pavement, and listening to our community members to create a guide full of active, supportive, and engaged businesses, people, and resources for visitors and residents alike.”

Gay Life also profiled prominent locals to find out where they take their LGBT friends who visit Baltimore. These profiles, found throughout the 2014 Guide, include; Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake; Julio Hernandez, PNC bank manager; DJ Rosie Hicks; Jason Hisley, La Cakerie owner; Lee Johnson, Lord Baltimore Hotel director of sales and marketing; Jacq Jones, sex educator and the owner of Sugar; Demetrius Mallisham, LGBT liaison to the mayor; Kelly Neel, deputy executive director of the GLCCB; Jennifer Newell, local pin-up model; and Carlton Smith, executive director for the Center of Black Equity – Baltimore.

Visitors can read and download the 2013 Baltimore LGBT Visitors Guide by visiting BaltimoreGayLife. com/visitorsguide. To order a physical copy of the guide, visit Baltimore.org/lgbt-baltimore. The guide is also available at the GLCCB office in Mount Vernon (1000 Cathedral St.) and the Baltimore Visitor Center at the Inner Harbor (401 Light St.).

baltimoregaylife.com

The outrageous new comedy

with

tickets start at $19

Happy May 28–Jun 29

By Colman Domingo

Gil’s boyfriend has left him.

His acting career is a bust.

And his mother just passed away. But with the help of his friends, he’ll face grief in a whole new way.

“sweet, funny,

and cartoon-bright!”

–The New York Times

Colman Domingo GLAAD Media Awardwinning playwright and Tony-nominated actor of The Scottsboro Boys

call 410.332.0033 or visit www.centerstage.org.

BALTIMOReGAYLIfe.COM

GAY LIFE / June 2014

13

HIGH Life

My Own Personal, Private, Idaho: Tori Amos by

MIKE CORRELLI

M

aryland’s own Tori Amos released her new album, Unrepentant Geraldines, last month. Being the fourteenth studio album by Amos, it captures a new energy, combining her southern heritage with family life. Amos called into Gay Life to discuss her creative process, the joys of working with her daughter, and the return to solo performance.

Congratulations on finishing your new album!

Thank you.

What was your inspiration behind it?

The truth is, I wasn’t under contract to make this album. These songs were written as my own, personal, private, Idaho. I played them for my husband and he said to me, “You need to record these. This is your next record.” I said, “Ok!”

When people leave the show, you want people to be inspired to create. That’s what pushes me to strive and make the best music that I can.

Was there anything you did differently while writing or recording this album?

Yes. Because there were two projects with Deutsche Grammophon, there wasn’t time to carve out a big recording session with musicians. [Husband] Mark, [collaborator] Marcel and I made the record and then we pulled [daughter] Tash in on the action. It became very much a family record. Mark and I played everything.

Speaking of your daughter—she’s very talented for someone so young. What went into the writing process to record a song with your own daughter?

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GAY LIFE / June 2014

We were talking about mother-daughter relationships. She’s in boarding school and was talking to me about good and bad motherdaughter relationships that she’s seen. It’s complicated! We were talking about how to learn from each other and how to listen to each other—unconditional love; does a parent love their child enough to allow them to make mistakes?

Did your work on The Light Princess affect how you wrote and produced this album?

Writing with Sam Adamson, my writing partner, we learned to move the narrative on, move that dramaturgical line forward. We learned this from working with Marianne Elliot, the director of War Horse and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

She’s an incredible director. Sam and I had to make sure we were moving the plot forward and telling a story through songs.

What made you choose “Trouble’s Lament” as your single off of this album?

I love the southern gothic energy of it. No matter where I am, there’s something about being a southern gal. There’s something about it that runs in my bones. I like trouble being personified as a young woman running from a corporate Satan. We all know those corporate Satans don’t we? They have very long arms.

With Unrepentant Geraldines released, are there any music videos planned?

A music video is coming for “Trouble’s Lament.” We made it a couple of weeks ago and it’s very much a narrative. I’m looking forward to it coming out.

You’re about to embark on another tour—are you looking forward to playing solo?

I love playing with a band and I love playing with an orchestra. It’s thrilling to be able to play with other musicians but when you play by yourself, you’re dependent on

a conversation with your audience. You can change songs in the middle of the show but it’s imperative that you’re very in touch with where you are and with the audience at all times.

Unrepentant Geraldines

Do you think this tour will be different from your last tour?

Mercury Classics Available Now ToriAmos.com

I think so. Energetically, I think each tour has to reflect the time we’re in. What we’re feeling, what we want to hear, and I think there is real energy on the planet. I’m feeling this ancient feminine energy and working with it. When people leave the show, you want people to be inspired to create. That’s what pushes me to strive and make the best music that I can.

It’s been wonderful—no, inspiring—talking to you.

[Laughs] I do what I can.

baltimoregaylife.com

Center Stage Gets Wild with Coleman Domingo

by

ARNIE VANDEBRAKE

C

oleman Domingo is a tireless and versatile performer. Perhaps you caught his Tony-nominated turn in The Scotsboro Boys, or his performances in Passing Strange or Chicago. You may remember his face from such films as Lee Daniels’ The Butler or Lincoln. You might have seen him imitate Maya Angelou and RuPaul, among other characters during his two-season stint on Logo’s Big Gay Sketch Show. But Coleman Domingo is more than an actor.

Dubbed by some as a ‘theatrical overachiever,’ he is also a Lucille Lortel and GLAAD Media Award-winning playwright.

His new play Wild With Happy, which premiered to great acclaim at the Public Theatre in 2012, is currently in production at Center Stage this June. Wild With Happy is a boisterous comedy “that examines faith, the grieving process and the little light in the window called hope.” It follows Gil, an out-of-work actor whose boyfriend has left him while simultaneously dealing with the passing of his mother. Forrest McClendon, Domingo’s Tony-nominated The Scotsboro Boys co-star, takes on the lead role in the production. Gay Life spoke with Domingo about his play, the healing powers of theatre, and what “pride” means to him.

Critics have called your new play “absurdly amusing” and “cartoon-bright,” but it also revolves around what is one of the saddest moments in anyone’s life: the death of a mother.

How did you come to this approach for the subject?

It is my experience that with the passing of a loved one there is inextricably a bottomless well of unpacking of emotion, rivalries, planning, and execution of ceremony that leans toward the brink of absurdity.

Do you believe this play has healing qualities?

I hope so. Death is that universal subject matter that we all have to process. Hopefully I’ve written a play that examines faith, the grieving process, and the little light in the window called hope. Theater is a church. It is a place to be in communion and heal with comrades around you.

You began your career as an actor.

baltimoregaylife.com

Actor/playwright Coleman Domingo once impersonated the late Maya Angelou on LOGO’s Big Gay Sketch Show

Did you always know you would eventually write as well?

Funny enough, I was a journalism student long before I became a professional actor. I never imagined a career as an actor up until third year of college after taking a class. I began my playwriting career because at the time I believed and—to such an extent— still believe that there is a deficit in positive tales that come from my experience as a gay black educated man that was raised in the inner city. Most of my stories do not deal with crime, poverty, drugs, et al, because that was not part of my reality. It was something that I saw on television. The reality of my neighborhood was working class people who wanted their children to have healthy prosperous lives. There are such complexities in one house in my neighborhood and I wanted to tell those stories.

What are you hoping that Baltimore audiences will take away from Wild With Happy?

I want them to unpack their own issues with a touch of comedy on how we deal with the

process of grief.

What are you looking forward to seeing from Forrest in the role of Gil? Everything that this magician brings to Gil. Forrest is an incredibly gifted performer with such depth of emotion. A master of language and a close, dear friend and colleague.

Do you have plans for Pride this June?

My Pride will be on set in Atlanta shooting the feature film Selma. I guess in a way as I portray famed civil rights leader Rev. Ralph Abernathy, I am doing my part. Portraying a leader who did all he could for all of our rights as human beings.

Do you think Pride is still relevant to our community?

It is absolutely relevant to our community. I am always too thankful that we have a Pride celebrations around the world for folks to gather at least once a year and say “YES, I matter!” Whether we are showing who we

are as men, women, transgender, young, old, married, bi, bi-curious -- you name it, we show the world on one day in June and honor those that have paved the way and those that are still in the fight for our dignity.

Do I go to pride parades? No. I do my Pride at a quiet hotel bar!

What makes you wild with happy?

Or who. My partner Raul Aktanov. Being loved by someone for almost 10 years is such a blessing. It will make me even more wild with happy when we put a ring on it very soon.

Wild with Happy

Thru June 29 • $19-59 Center Stage 700 N. Calvert St. 410.332.0033 CenterStage.org

GAY LIFE / June 2014

15

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SUMMER SPLASH 2014

HiGH Life

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GAY LIFE / June 2014

C

orner BYOB has finally managed to acquire its liquor license, making it both a BYOB and a BuyYOB. With a prime location on Hampden’s “Avenue,” Corner BYOB provided some delicious food, questionable service, and decidedly mixed feelings. It is currently open for dinner six days a week, closed on Tuesdays, with a special $25, three-course meal every Monday.

The dining room is plain and undecorated, a small and narrow space with barely one dozen tables crammed together making movement rather difficult throughout the restaurant. The chef ’s fourteen-year old dog wanders the dining room, providing some post-appetizer, pre-entrée, entertainment for my guests.

The menu is somewhat limited with only eight appetizers ($9-15) and eight main courses ($21-36). The menu varies frequently and is not available on Corner BYOB’s web site. We ordered two appetizers, the “Kangaroo Tartar” and the “Bowl of Invention,” both of which were delicious. For our main course we ordered the “Top Butt Strip,” “Filet of Trout,” and the “Braised Ham Hock” with a side of bread (yes, they charge for bread).

All of the food was incredibly tasty, but our favorite by far was the “Butt Strip” cooked medium rare to perfection with a delicious black peppercorn sauce. The trout was served with an incredibly tasty risotto that appeared almost black. We found out later it was dyed with spinach. The ham hock couldn’t have looked better, sitting tall on a bed of peas and a potato puree, but our delight was quickly diminished as the hock was ninety percent rind and fat with a mere

two pieces of meat underneath.

When discussing our hock-disappointment with our waitress, she was forcefully defensive stating, “I told you that it was covered in fat!”

While I must admit that this is undoubtedly true, hams are naturally covered with rind and fat. I don’t think anyone would order this dish knowing they would receive two tiny pieces of meat for $25. Furthermore, my table was struck by our waitress’ irritability. The way Corner BYOB handled the situation was a real turn off as we were not offered compensation, substitution, or any explanation.

As I stated before, my table’s experience was mixed—delicious food with a sub-par experience. I suggest for those interested in attending that Monday night may by the best day of the week to visit Corner BYOB as they offer a three-course meal for $25. This option might give the consumer a chance to receive a meal worthy of what was paid. Lastly, I want to state for the reader: if you do chose to attend, the management strongly prefers cash payment, charging two dollars for the use of credit cards. I found this rather odd.

COrner ByOB

850 W 36th St. in Hampden 443.869-5075 CornerBYOB.com diningout4gaylife.wordpress.com $25 prix fixe Monday • Closed Tuesday Full dinner menu Wednesday–Sunday Full bar (corkage fees for BYOB) No vegan options Street parking only

BALTIMOReGAYLIfe.COM

baltimoregaylife.com

GAY LIFE / June 2014

17

HIGH Life BIANCA DEL RIO

The B*tch Talks Back by

MATTHEW JOSEPH PALUMBO

B

ianca Del Rio, the freshly anointed winner of the sixth season of the wildly popular Logo TV series Rupaul’s Drag Race, became the first contestant in herstory to never lip-sync for her life.

In advance of her upcoming appearance at Town Danceboutique in Washington, D.C., Ms. Del Rio (government name: Roy Haylock), called into Gay Life to serve tea, shade, fish, tilapia, and salmon while discussing her infamous rolodex of hate and kooky encounter with John Waters.

Congratulations for your success on Drag Race!

Thank you.

Not everything can make it in the final show; were there any one-liners that wound up on the cutting room floor?

It’s funny, as I watch the show I can’t remember half of the sh*t I said. We filmed last summer and I’m shocked by what made it in the show. “I said that? I don’t remember.” I didn’t realize I was so helpful with people packing. I don’t remember it at all.

[Laughs]

Prior to airing, people described you as the ‘Queen of Mean.’

How does it feel to have shown your softer side?

By no means do I sit back and say, “Oh my God, now they know I’m nice.” You can’t be a bitch every day, it doesn’t work that way. You start to crack under pressure and I’m not worried about how they caught me with or without makeup. It’s just part of the deal.

While I was doing some research I came across the headline, “Killer Drag Queen Shuts Down Heckler Who Calls Her Racist.”

That’s an amazing headline, but what happened?

I was doing my [usual] show where I bring up all types of people—black men, white girls, Asians, whatever. Someone in the audience complained, so I called him to the stage and told him that if he had an opinion, he should say something. He told me I should be grateful because Latin people pay my bills. I said “well do me a favor, if you’re Latin, pay your own fucking bills.” I have the microphone, I’m on stage, and you have the option to leave.

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GAY LIFE / June 2014

In one episode, Jamie Pressly said that she wanted you to insult her. It appears that people are clamoring to be insulted by you.

I wouldn’t go anywhere near me so I don’t understand the fascination with it. If I don’t wear make-up, I’m called a hateful queen, but when I wear make-up, I’m called hysterical. It’s the packaging to get away with murder.

Switching the conversation a little bit, I noticed you received praise from one of our Maryland demigods, John Waters.

I met John Waters 15 or 16 years ago. I was working at this really horrid bar (I’ve worked at several) and said to myself “oh my God, this guy looks like John Waters.” A friend of mine said to me “who’s that?” (I thought to myself “we can’t be friends.) After the show Waters came to me and said, “I thought you were really funny, how do you do this? How do you come up with all of this sh*t?” I responded, “because of crack!” Years later, a friend of mine was watching Polyester with the director’s commentary. As we were watching it, Waters goes on this whole thing about how he met this queen in New Orleans. I’m like “are you fucking kidding me?! That was me! That was the night that I met him!” Fucking John Waters! Hello! As to the queen who didn’t know who John Water was, we still haven’t spoken.

What’s next for you as America’s newest drag sweetheart?

I would like to do my own one manwoman show, which comes with the territory. I have some video stuff that I have planned, but these past few weeks have been crazy. Everybody is like “are you tired?” I’m like “girl, I am grateful.” There was a time where I wasn’t doing anything and this is an amazing opportunity. Who am I to bitch?

Rest when you’re dead.

If I don’t wear make-up, I’m called a hateful queen, but when I wear make-up, I’m called hysterical.

It’s the packaging to get away with murder.

PRIDE: Bianca, Darienne, Adore, & Courtney

Saturday, June 7 • 9:30pm • $25 Town Danceboutique 2009 8th St., NW • Washington, D.C. TownDC.com/events

Exactly! I can sleep then.

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GAY LIFE / June 2014

19

HIGH Life

The New Wave Singers of Baltimore Announces World Premiere

T

he New Wave Singers of Baltimore, under the direction of Adam P. Kock, will present a benefit concert titled “The Road Traveled” at St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on June 7. The concert will feature the world premiere of Nathan Hall’s work for chorus, piano, and baritone soloist, “I Am in Love with the World”, based on Maurice Sendak’s moving interview with Terry Gross on NPR’s Fresh Air. The soloist will be William Morton-Ortega. A Second premiere, “Sing Your Song”, written by accompanist Michael T. Clark, will also be presented, along with other music about the journeys of life.

Founded in 1985, The New Wave Singers of Baltimore is Maryland’s only gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and straight chorus.

The group’s mission is, “to make music that matters by performing songs of hope, diversity, inclusion, and humor.” New Wave is a 501(c)(3) organization supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council. New Wave is a member of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA), which comprises more than 170 choral groups in the United States and Canada working for a world where all voices are free.

50 percent of ticket sales from the performance of “The Road Traveled” will support Moveable Feast, which brings food, hope and dignity to people suffering from HIV/ AIDS, cancer, and other illnesses. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at NewWaveSingers.org, or at the door. The media partner for this event is WYPR, the public radio station of Maryland.

“I Am in Love with the World” is a tribute

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GAY LIFE / June 2014

to Sendak’s inexhaustible spirit. As Nathan Hall explains, “Sendak could express a world of emotions in just a few words or a simple illustration. He never lost his childlike wonder, even in his last days. I wanted to convey this kind of spirit in my work.” Sendak as also a gay man who lived in a quiet but open life with his partner of over fifty years. “I think he is a role model to many more people than he ever imagined,” Says Hall. Although The New Wave Singers have performed many original works in their 29 years, Greg Zechman, President of the organization, says this will be the most significant to date. “Our reflections of such a respected and beloved author/illustrator. We are honored that Nathan Hall selected us to premiere this work for the world.”

Hall is a composer and artist whose works include traditional classic music as well as experimental works and collaborations. Hall is recent Fulbright Fellow to Iceland, and has received his doctoral degree in music (DMA) from the University of Colorado Boulder. His collaborative works have been exhibited around the world, and his music has won numerous awards. For more information about Nathan’s career, visit his website, Nathan-Hall.net.

The Road Traveled

The New Wave Singers St. Mark’s Evangelical Luth. Church 1900 St. Paul St. Saturday, June 7 • 7pm • $20 NewWaveSingers.org

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for being neighborly.

PNC is proud to be a part of the Baltimore Gay Pride celebration. Because we know a community that

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ALL ABOUT BALTIMORE. MORE APARTMENTS. MORE SERVICE. MORE CHARACTER. MORE PRIDE.

HAPPY PRIDE 2014!

Congratulations and best wishes to Tom Patrick on his retirement from Moveable Feast.

Thank you for 23 years of dedicated service to the community.

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GAY LIFE / June 2014

21

HIGH Life

GAY OF THRONES

RYAN HAASE

Ringleader of a ‘Pretty Stellar Circus’ by

TIMOTH DAVID COPNEY

The founding members of The Stillpointe Theatre Initiative

W

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GAY LIFE / June 2014

hen I asked Ryan Haase, the wunderkind who’s one of the driving forces behind The Stillpointe Theatre Initiative, how they arrived at the name, he said, “We settled on the name Stillpointe because it means that moment between two breaths, or a moment between shock and awe. That’s what we wanted to create with this theatre.

We just added the ‘e’ at the end to be fancy!”

The 27-year old Texas-born Haase, a military brat, spent time in Texas, Kansas, Germany, and a handful of other places. It was in Hawaii, of all places, that the theatre bug bit him hard. “When you’re a young kid and just starting to try to figure out the whole gay thing, you feel like you’re kinda weird.”

But when he discovered the world of likeminded drama geeks, it was as though they were saying, ‘You’re weird? Come on over here!” At around the same time, he started taking piano lessons and began to write his first songs, usually musical theatre based. He majored in theatre design at Towson University, and is frequently busy, “arranging order out of chaos” as a set designer, a role that carries over into his personal space as well.

The troupe certainly doesn’t let little issues like the lack of a permanent home or a pittance in funding slow them down. They are aggressively pursuing 501(c)(3) status so they can solicit tax-deductible donations.

And they have a line on a space that will offer a more stable address.

The upcoming season includes a number of ambitious offerings, kicking off with Avenue

Q, the bawdy tale told by puppets and live actors in a hard-luck, Sesame Street-type neighborhood. Next up is a production that Haase says is on his bucket list of shows he really wants to bring to stage, Caroline, Or Change. Following is a straight play, written by local playwright Kimberly Lynn, The Benefactor. A New Brain by William Finn will be their spring production, and they wrap up the season with Urinetown, the cautionary tale of what happens when water has become such a scarce commodity that using the facilities is pay-for-use, controlled by ruthless officials.

Ryan Haase and the rest of The Stillpointe Initiative production staff started out with a simple mission: to bring quality musical theatre productions to life and appeal to not just the millennial demographic that they all belong to, but to the greater Baltimore community. By offering a blend of popular plays, alongside more quirky productions, they are carving a niche for themselves. If grit and determination are the qualities needed, then they will achieve their goal. As the ‘ringleader of a pretty stellar circus’, Haase wants to create a company on par with the best regional theatres in the area.

I have no doubt that is exactly what The Stillpointe Theatre Initiative and Ryan Haase will do.

The Stillpointe Theatre Initiative StillpointeTheatre.com

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GAY LIFE / June 2014

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BALTIMORE PRIDE 2014

WE ARE FAMILY

The Gay Life Guide to Baltimore Pride 2014 We Are Family

PRIDE 2014: New Home—Same Charm Welcome to the 2014 Baltimore Pride Celebration! Over the past four decades, Baltimore Pride has evolved from a rally of a dozen activists to a full-fledged festival that welcomes 30,000 revelers annually. This year, to better accommodate the growing crowds of celebrants, Pride is moving into larger digs along Charles St. and Mt. Royal Avenue.

Located steps away from MICA, the University of Baltimore and Penn Station, many may be familiar with the space as the annual host of ArtScape. We’ll be celebrating there all weekend with a fabulous set of local and regional entertainers performing on the main stage outside the historic Mt. Royal Station on both days.

Also new this year is the introduction of two beverage gardens with easy-to-access check-in points near the Pride performance spaces. Please note that consumption of alcohol will be relegated to the beverage gardens. It’s a slight change from our previous Pride celebrations, but just think of it as front-row access to our Pride stages!

For a full calendar of events throughout the Baltimore Pride Celebration Weekend, please visit BaltimorePride.org

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TWILIGHT ON THE TERRACE

Friday, June 13 • 8–11PM

Hosted by Gertrude’s Restaurant at the Baltimore Museum of Art, start Pride weekend in style! A night of hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, music, dancing and art. DJ Shawn Q will be manning the turntables at Baltimore’s most unique cocktail party.

HIGH HEEL RACE

Saturday, June 14 • 12:45PM Charles and Eager Streets Watch as Baltimore’s bravest women, men, queens, and everyone in between try their luck racing up Charles Street for the honor of being crowned the 2014 High Heel Race winner!

This year’s winner will receive a fabulous trophy, a bottle of champagne, and a $100.00 gift certificate

by High Heel Race Sponsor Spirits of Mt. Vernon.

Participants can sign up online, or on the day of the race at Eager and Charles Street, beginning at 11am. All racers must sign up by noon.

For more information, and to register online, please visit Baltimorepride. org/high-heel-race.

PARADE

Saturday, June 14 • 1PM Charles St. from Eager St. to Mt. Royal Ave. to Oliver St.

Rain or Shine Hundreds of proud Baltimoreans are expected to show up for the 2014 Pride Parade. The Parade will kick off at the corners of Eager and Charles Streets in Mount Vernon and travel four blocks north up Charles Street to Mt. Royal Street, turn left on Mt. Royal and end at Oliver Street. Parade participants can compete for one of Pride Parade trophies: Best Car/Motorcycle, Best Float, and Best Walking Group.

Judges this year include WEAA Radio’s Anthony McCarthy, Julio Hernandez from PNC Bank, Lori Yagjian from Mt. Vernon Stables and the legendary Tia Chambers.

Baltimore Pride Street Festival

Saturday, June 14 • 2-8PM Sunday, June 15 • 11-6PM Mt. Royal Ave. & Cathedral St.

This year, the Pride Street Festival will be held on Mt. Royal Avenue, steps away from the Maryland Institute College of Art, the University of Baltimore, and Penn Station. This year’s event will once again feature an array of regional and local performers, vendors, and plenty of fun for the whole community to enjoy.

Performers will begin on the main stage in front of the Mount Royal Station building (1400 Cathedral Street) at 2pm on Saturday, and 11am on Sunday. For a full lineup, see page 30.

GAY LIFE / June 2014

25

BALTIMORE PRIDE 2014

WE ARE FAMILY

ACTIVIST OF THE YEAR

SHARON BRACKETT This year, the Baltimore Pride Committee and GLCCB Board of Directors are thrilled to honor Sharon Brackett as the 2014 Baltimore Activist of the Year. Brackett is the founder and Board Chair of GenderRightsMaryland, a trans civil rights organization and has been instrumental in helping get The Fairness for All Marylanders Act, also known as SB 212, which recently passed into law.

The Fairness for All Marylanders Act bans discrimination based on sexual orientation and sexual identity and defines gender in terms of a person’s consistent and sincere expression of sexual identity based on appearance, expression or behavior, regardless of biological sex at birth. The law goes into effect Oct. 1.

“Sharon’s tireless effort in getting SB 212 passed is only the latest example of the activism she leads every day,” the GLCCB Board of Directors said in a statement. “Her leadership is an asset to our community.

Instead of lamenting the state of things and wishing other people would figure out how to make it better, she articulates the best path forward and leads the way to making it happen.

In addition to heading GenderRightsMaryland, Brackett is a serial entrepreneur who serves as the President/CEO of Tiresias Technologies and was as one of Washington’s Smart Magazine’s 100

CEOs for 2010 and then again, after transition, in 2011. She is a founder of TransParent Day, a former board member of The GLCCB, and a current board member of the Point Foundation. In her spare time she works with youth groups with technical interests such as rocketry and robotics.

Brackett spoke to Gay Life in advance of her appearance at this year’s Pride festivities.

What are some “next steps” you believe need to be taken in Baltimore to be more trans-inclusive?

My focus has been the entire state, so we are talking about more than just Baltimore. One key area is educating law enforcement about the rights that have been secured by trans persons in this state. Passing the law is only the start, you have to inform and educate to make it effective and enforced.

What is one of your current projects that you are working on that you’d like the community to know more about?

We tend to work directly with officials to move the ball for trans rights. We have been working on making sure the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is implemented in Maryland without any discrimination for trans care. We are not there yet, but I am hopeful that we can see this next step and eventually have transition costs supported by the ACA and all insurance plans in the state.

What experiences led you to become an activist?

I am an “accidental activist.” At a trans conference in 2009, my first such event, I found myself in a confrontation with a person who had decided to prevent another conference attendee from using the restroom she identified with. At that point, I found myself being asked by others to help them. That escalated over time and I then experienced discrimination myself that led me to believe I could contribute something to advancing our rights.

Do you have any additional comments or thoughts you’d like to share with our readers?

I am very happy that after a 13-year wait Trans persons will finally be on an equal legal footing with our LGB peers in Maryland. I am grateful to all who helped make this a reality. There is still much work to be done but for the moment, let’s savor this win for equality.

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GAY LIFE / June 2014

BALTIMORE PRIDE PARADE GRAND MARSHAL

TOM PATRICK The GLCCB and Baltimore Pride Planning Committee are thrilled and honored to have Tom Patrick as the Grand Marshal for the 2014 Baltimore Pride Parade.

For the past 24 years, Patrick has been the heart and soul of Moveable Feast, serving as their volunteer manager. Moveable Feast was founded 25 years ago in response to the AIDS epidemic. Their mission was—and still is—to deliver nutritious foods to people living with HIV/AIDS. Under Patrick’s guidance, Moveable Feast has brought not only healthy food, but also loving and compassionate care to the sick.

“I am thrilled by the Pride Committee’s choice of Tom Patrick as the Grand Marshal of the 2014 Pride Parade,” said Moveable Feast Executive Director Tom Bonderenko. “Not only is it a great testimony to Tom and a recognition of his years of service in this Baltimore community and at Moveable Feast, but it’s a tribute to our LGBT community as well when we recognize one of our own home-grown heroes who has been a passionate voice for all of us.”

Early on in the AIDS epidemic in Baltimore, Patrick engaged every bar he visited, every person he met, but especially the LBGT community, to get involved and to make a difference in the lives of people who were sick. Tom has always been the gentle ‘nudge’ to each person’s conscience to do what is right and needed.

“It’s the greatest honor to have been part of Moveable Feast for the past 24 years and to be the Grand Marshal for this year’s Parade,” said Patrick. “I’m so proud to have been part of an organization that has helped the community throughout the AIDS crisis. I’m looking forward to celebrating pride and Moveable Feast’s 25th anniversary of service.”

Not only has Patrick engaged thousands of individuals, corporations, churches, and schools to volunteer at Moveable Feast, but he has challenged them to think about their fears and stereotypes of the LBGT community, and especially people living with HIV/AIDS. He has been an untiring advocate in the LGBT community, a voice for those living with HIV/AIDS, crying out for nothing more than compassion for the sick.

“Tom has taught us all the virtue of courage, by stepping out to embrace a people who were ostracized by many of their own, just because of a disease; and the value of kindness, by keeping his words and actions thoughtful, considerate and genuinely loving,” Bonderenko said.

BY TED BLANKENSHIP

baltimoregaylife.com

BALTIMORe PRIDe CeLeBRATeS MARRIAGe eQuALITY en MASSe Are you ready to take the plunge? Baltimore Pride will once again be hosting a wedding en masse this year. If you’re interested in participating, please e-mail Pride coordinator Wendy Ingram at info@glccb.org, and check out the following tips before saying I do in front of 5,000 of your closest LGBT community friends.

WHat to Do BEFoRE SaYINg WE Do... gEt YouR lICENSE!

Couples do not need to be Maryland residents to marry, but they must obtain a marriage license from the Baltimore City Circuit Court Clerk’sf office before June 13 (to accommodate the 48-hour waiting period).

For location and hours of operation, please call 410.333.3790 or visit www.baltocts.state.md.us.

The marriage license fee in Baltimore City is $85, cash only.

Anyone obtaining a license between 18 and 21 must provide on identification (either a drivers license or birth certificate).

Only one applicant needs to be present.

Organizers recommend bringing valid identification even if over the age of 21.

For people previously married, the city of Baltimore requires that you show your divorce decree, or have information regarding date, county and state of death of your previous spouse.

PRoJECt HEaltH YoutH zoNE

Saturday, June 14 • 2-8Pm FREE • ages 13-24 A drug-and alcohol-free area

Contact kurt Ragin at 410.706.6000

The University of Maryland Baltimore’s STAR TRACK program and the GLCCB will again collaborate this year to host the Project Health Youth Zone.

The Project Health Youth Zone is a fun, safe, alcohol-free social space intended for youth and young adults ages 13-24, and one that has become an essential component of Baltimore Pride festivities over the past four years.

BALTIMOReGAYLIfe.COM

PlaN all tHE FuN WEDDINg StuFF!

Celebrate your happy day in style. Make sure to check out the Baltimore LGBT Visitors Guide for information on beauty and grooming, hotels, caterers and photographers. Find a link to the Guide on BaltimoreGayLife. com or visit www.bit.ly/10W8AxH.

SHoW uP!

The ceremony will begin at 2:00pm on the Main Stage in front of Mt. Royal Station (1400 Mt. Royal). Participants must show up at 1:00pm.

This year, the Youth Zone will feature a dance floor with DJ and field day of activities including games, relays, frisbee, hooping, crafts, face painting, and (free!) cotton candy.

Mobile HIV testing will be available in partnership with Women Accepting Responsibility (WAR)—20 minute results, no blood, no needles. Community based organizations who serve youth will staff tables to connect young people with health education and needed services, as well as talk with parents and other adults seeking information and resources for youth.

The Youth Zone is a highlight of Pride for many teens and young adults, visited by approximately 200-400 young people every year.

The Interfaith Fairness Coalition of Maryland and Faith Communities of Baltimore present our annual

Pride Interfaith Service “WE ARE FAMILY” Thursday, June 19th, 2014 7:30 p.m.

Metropolitan Community Church of Baltimore 401 W Monument Street Baltimore MD 21201

For information contact Bill Palmer at w.j.palmer@gmail.com or (443) 421-9090

GAY LIFE / June 2014

27

BALTIMORE PRIDE 2014

WE ARE FAMILY

PARADe

Saturday, June 14 • 1Pm Charles Street from Eager Street to mt. Royal avenue Rain or Shine

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GAY LIFE / June 2014

BALTIMOReGAYLIfe.COM

STReeT feSTIVAL Saturday, June 14 • 2-8Pm Sunday, June 15 • 11-6Pm mt. Royal avenue & Cathedral Street

Brown Building

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YOUTH Preston Street

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Preston Street

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North Charles Street

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Maryland Avenue

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Maryland Avenue

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North Charles Street

MIC/A Main Building

Key:

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Bathrooms Vendors

Festival Area Stages

Youth Zone

Bars/Liquor Vendors

Food Vendors

Light Rail

BALTIMOReGAYLIfe.COM

GAY LIFE / June 2014

29

BALTIMORE PRIDE 2014

WE ARE FAMILY

Blaqstarr DJ

At the age of 13, the Baltimore-born DJ, producer, and artist began spinning records at local house parties. In just a short period of time, his catchy club tracks made him one of the most anticipated beat-makers in the world, from Europe to Japan. Blaqstarr has earned his spot as a DJ legend, taking his once confined hometown sound and bringing it to the global frontier.

Danielle Revlon Drag Entertainer

Danielle Revlon knew that she wanted to be an entertainer at an early age. Beginning her entertainment career in 2004, she quickly became a recognized name throughout the DMV area, and has held several pageant titles, including Miss International Plus 2008, Miss Unlimited at Large 2012, and Miss National ICON at Large 2013.

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GAY LIFE / June 2014

Dalonte France Male Entertainer

The reigning Mr. Scorpios 2014, Dalonte has graced various stages including Washington D.C.’s Remingtons, Cobalt, the Bachelors Mill; The Marquette in Atlanta, Ga.; and Club Bunns in Baltimore. This year’s Baltimore Pride will be Dalonte’s first performing, but has assisted other performers at D.C. Black Pride, Atlanta Pride, and Capital Pride.

Ganivah Cache Sephora

Queen of Pride 2013/2014 Originally from Boston, Mass., Ganiviah has been a resident of Baltimore for over 17 years.

Ganivah has been a female illusionist for 3 years and has met several great artists who inspire her to do and be her best. Her passion lies in dance and choreography. She has also choreographed for several illusionists. Ganivah plans to continue in the field of female illusion hope to become one of the greats.

Edgar Allen Josh

Singer

Songwriter, singer, dancer, model Jerel is more than a threat when delivering real music.

Hailing from the Washington D.C. metro area, Jerel loves to sing everything including pop, R&B and country With his distinct runs and haunting vocals . Jerel has preformed at numerous concerts and churches along with opening up for RUN DMC.

KOTIC COUTURE

Poetry/Spoken Word

A Baltimore native, Josh has continuously pushed for poetry to be more involved within his community by curating poetry events and performing at several venues such as high schools, colleges, churches and fashion shows all over Baltimore City. His creative love for poetry originally began with experiences from his deployment to Iraq and hasn’t stopped since.

Jerel

Inferno Lee Sephora King of Pride 2013/2014

Inferno Lee Sephora is a 29 year old born in Baltimore, MD. He is a former Mr. Leons 2008 and Miss Leons 2012—the first in history to hold both titles. He is currently a member of the Sephora family and is thrilled to be Baltimore’s King of Pride 2014.

Rapper

If the assonance and flow of his music isn’t enough to catch your ear, his style will catch your eye, Kotic Couture is a blend of attitude, music and fashion who’s presence is growing in the LGBT community. Raised on Maryland’s eastern shore with little outlet for self expression, it was 2007 when Couture realized his knack for writing lyrics.

baltimoregaylife.com

ENTERTAINMENT Saturday Performers

Nova Gray Poetry

Nova is a 31-year old poet, spoken word artist, writer, and community activist that was born and raised in Baltimore. “I started writing to put my vision on paper; from paper to my voice,” said Nova. “Writing saved my life and I’m just using it to save others.”

Lady Mysterious

Vodkatrina DJ

Skyy Sensation

DJ

Drag Entertainer

A Baltimore native, Lady Mysterious the CEO of Lady Mysterious Entertainment and has been deejaying since the age of 13.

She broke through the male dominated industry over 19 years ago and refuses to look back. Lady Mysterious has mixed in clubs throughout the DMV area, worked for several radio stations, and was featured in Slantress Magazine.

Learning to DJ in the clubs in front of a live audience, Vodkatrina has been packing dance floors for over four years. Her mixes are a fun variety of club, 90’s jock jams, Motown, pop, mash-ups, and crazy surprises all over. Resident DJ at Grand Central & SHE Production’s monthly party Rehab, you can occasionally find Vodkatrina throwing down some tunes at The Ottobar as well. Oh yeah, and she really likes vodka.

Sabrina Blue Drag Entertainer

Lemz DJ

As a producer, Lemz slides between a myriad of genres with a grace enviable by many. His original productions pull from electro, progressive house, Baltimore club, techno, industrial, minimal, deep house, and straight up pop music - sometimes all on a single tune.

baltimoregaylife.com

Sabrina Blue has been performing for the past 15 years in the Maryland/D.C. area as Patti Labelle, Jennifer Holiday, Whitney Houston, and Tina Turner to name a few.

She has won audiences over in places such as Las Vegas, Canada, Atlanta, Canada, Las Vegas, L.A., and New York and has hosted shows on Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean ships. She is currently holding the title of Black Togetherness in Pride 2013/14.

Trenton Alexander Male Performer

Trenton is one of the most creative up and coming male leads in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and performs at various clubs and Pride events across the East Coast.

In a few short years, Trenton has captured the titles of Black National Prince, Mr. Divo International Newcomer, and Mr. Gay Capital City United States.

Yellow North Band

When Miele and Mike became Yellow North 14 months ago, they had no idea it would mean debuting at Artscape, extensive shows through the D.C., Maryland and Pennsylvania, and even finding themselves headlining a show in Shibuya, Japan. The indie pop /hip hop duo is gearing up to release their debut EP When Patterns Are Broken this upcoming summer/fall.

GAY LIFE / June 2014

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BALTIMORE PRIDE 2014

WE ARE FAMILY

Cornflake DJ

ByancaRaye LoveStorm-Prime

Cornflake’s introduction into house music came in 1986 with DJ Frank Ski. After that he was hooked—and has been since.

Drag Entertainer

A’quarius Noir Dupree

B. Jack

Male entertainer

Singer

A’quarius began as a male entertainer in 2013 and s the current reigning Mr. Philadelphia Black Gay Pride. He loves to perform gospel, hip-hop, and old school throwbacks. He recently performed for D.C. Black Pride and has performed in D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Philadelphia, and Memphis, Tenn. His background in dance and theater has developed his passion for male entertainment and pageantry.

B. Jack presents, “The Rush: Dare to be You,” a truly cultivating show promoting self-expression and equality through a truly unique dance experience. Watch as Washington D.C. native Calvin Pickett transforms into the character known as B. Jack. B. Jack will give you live dance entertainment as if you were at concerts of the industries greatest icons. Sit back and enjoy the experience as he takes you on a journey through dance!

A Jersey City, NJ native, ByancaRaye incorporates gospel, R&B, pop and comedy into her energetic performances. Over the last seven years, she has won five pageant titles and performed at clubs, charity functions, and special events across the East Coast.

DJ Rosie DJ

Ariel Rios

Drag Entertainer

Performing for the first time in drag at this year’s Pride, Ariel is up for the challenge.

“After attending to last year’s Pride festival for the first time and discovering Rupaul’s Drag Race, I was so inspired to make my own persona and make it special,” Ariel said.

“My persona is something that my boy self is not­—crazy, outrageous ,and completely passionate.” Ariel (government name: Edward Rios) is a high school and cosmetology student as well as a makeup artist.

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GAY LIFE / June 2014

Brinjal and the Aubergine Dancers

The CooLots

Last year at Pride, Heather Amos drummed and Nina Amaya danced as a Rainbow Fairy. This year, they brought the whole band! Brinjal plays belly dance music for you and the Aubergine dancers. After this year’s Pride, you can see them at Avalon Faerie Festival June 21 and at the Maryland Renaissance Festival in August.

The CooLots are an original all-female rock and soul band hailing from the Washington, D.C. area. A melting pot of different styles and talents, the CooLots come together to create feelings never experienced before.

You can hear all these influences on The CooLots EP—their debut effort, which was released in January 2014.

Belly dancing

Band

Rosie “DJ Rosie” Hicks is a Baltimore native and well known figure in the LGBTQ community as a popular Resident DJ at several clubs in both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., including Club Hippo, Baltimore, and Cobalt, DC. Winning the title of “Best DJ” in the 2012 reader’s poll for the Washington Blade, Rosie continues to entertain crowds of all ages and backgrounds, but has a strong love for performing at events benefiting members of the LGBTQ community, their friends, and allies. She has DJed for thousands of people during her 13 year career, including Baltimore Pride 2011, 2012, and headlining in 2013, Capital Pride 2013 and 2014, many local colleges and their LGBTQ groups, The Mautner Project’s 2013 and 2014 Gala, HRC, GLCCB, Chase Brexton, Equality Maryland, GLSEN events for high school aged youth, and countless fundraising events supporting various causes affecting our community. Playing for the various pride events in the DMV each year gives her the chance to support the community that has supported her, which in her opinion is the essence of what pride represents! 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!

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enTeRTAInMenT SunDAY PeRfORMeRS

quEEN Singer

JEFF taYloR DJ

With music in his blood since birth in the nation’s capital, Jeff rey Taylor began teaching himself to mix and blend while still in high school. After moving to Baltimore City at the age of 18, he played his first booking at the legendary Redwood Trust. Jeff rey’s sound is heavily influenced by greats like Danny Tenaglia, Victor Calderone, Junior, and of course the legend himself, Peter Rauhofer.

Baltimore-based singer-songwriter and spoken word artist Queen was inspired to sing from her musically-inclined father who passed away when she was nine. Queen has produced for the Lisa Lopes Foundation and Competed and one the 2012 Battle of the Beats Competition for D.C. Queen’s songs, often emotionally charged, have been considered a mix of Adele, Usher and Frank Ocean. Her latest single, “Perfect,” draws on her experiences as a lesbian growing up in a judgmental, Christian upbringing.

SHaDINa Singer

Baltimore’s own Shadina is a singer, writer and producer, who is also the goddaughter of The Temptations Otis Williams. She has performed at Madison Square Garden,the Apollo,and the House of Blues and has opened for the likes of Alicia Keys, Emerlie Sandes, Icona Pop and Jennifer Hudson.

REACH THE LOCAL LGBT MARKET. Advertise in

SIlvER PHoENIx DaNCE ComPaNY Dance troupe

FRaNz FIDDlER

SEPtImIuS tHE gREat

Fashioned from a classically trained violinist and LSD (aka lead singer disorder), Franz Fiddler is one of the last active drag kings of the late Charm City Boys. Fanning the flames of professional faggotry for five years and counting, he knows how to walk tall and carry a big bow. All fabulousity and innuendo are always intended.

Maryland based dance artist Septimius is an international, multi-award Winning entertainer and creative innovator. Known around the globe for his dance music, he has worked with some of the industry’s biggest names including Fantasia, Chrisette Michele, Lil Kim, Lil Mo, Pat Benetar, Patti Labelle, Crystal Waters, and Ultra Nate’ just to name a few.

Drag Entertainer

BALTIMOReGAYLIfe.COM

Singer

Led by director Candice Kemp, the Silver Phoenix Dance Company has danced for several female illusions for Pride events in the region, as well for several prelims and international pageants.

alSo PERFoRmINg tHIS WEEkEND:

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GAYLIFE Read it. Live it.

Love it.

email sales@ BaltimoreGayLife.com to place your ad today!

GAY LIFE / June 2014

33

BALTIMORE PRIDE 2014

WE ARE FAMILY

Baltimore Pride Dance Stage

Saturday, 3–8PM Charles Street and Mt. Royal Avenue

After almost a decade of hosting events, most notably MIXOLOGY, the Mid Atlantic’s premier dance music event, the Baltimore Music Collective (BMC) is proud to host the Dance Stage at this year’s Baltimore Pride Festival.

Dance in the streets to the tunes of the Siliconeshakers, Figment, DJ NCeption, Jonathan Fell and DjPowerline and enjoy performances by Cosmos Crew Entertainment as we celebrate love and diversity through dance!

The BMC is a community minded organization, dedicated to the promotion, growth and well-being of dance music in Baltimore.

Designed to serve as a forum for DJs and those within the industry and also for the fans of these art-

ists as we seek to get dance music to the masses and help support our local artists.

Advocates of dance music, BMC hosts workshops and networking events to unite the dance community and build a voice for the underground as well as various parties and events throughout the year including MIXOLOGY in Baltimore, an annual conference and festival dedicated to dance music and BMC @ WMC, an annual party in Miami during Miami Music Week to promote music and artists from Baltimore and the surrounding areas.

MORE INFO

BMoreMusicCollective.com MixologyBaltimore.com

THE LADY LISA DRAG STAGE

GREAT MOMENTS FROM BALTIMORE PRIDE 2013

Sunday, 12–5PM Charles Street and Mt. Royal Avenue

The Lady Lisa Drag Stage (LLDS) has been an integral part of the Pride festival for many years. The stage got its name from a wonderful person who decided to battle fate to keep this tradition alive—Miss Club Phoenix 2005, Lady Lisa.

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 LGBT events and functions.

After funding was cut for this performance outlet, Lady Lisa took it upon herself to keep it going.

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.

The show continued on and will be back at Pride 2014 for another amazing set.

The process of booking an army of performers, coordinating tables, chairs, tents, and finding a willing DJ to brave the heat is a daunting task, but the current LLDS Committee has tried to give it their all in an effort to emulate the determination of its namesake.

Thousands took to the hillside to see the entertainment provided on the stage when it was held at Druid Hill Park in previous Prides past.

As the group moves the arena to a new space this year, they hope everyone will stop by to see what the LLDS has to offer. You definitely won’t be disappointed!

TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR TWILIGHT ON THE TERRACE, visit BaltimorePride.org

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GAY LIFE / June 2014

baltimoregaylife.com

MT. VeRnOn SIX-PACKS On DISPLAY In neW CALenDAR Need a sexy reminder of your favorite neighborhood bartender? If so, you’re in luck! Local photographer Robert Mercer, Jr. is releasing his latest calendar—6-Pack— this year at Pride. Featuring bartenders from established LGBT bars around Baltimore and central Maryland, the calendar serves as a six-month, mid-year calendar (admit it—that Kittens in Baskets calendar your Grandma Pearl got you during the holidays just isn’t cutting it anymore).

Mercer, Jr. has produced a similar calendar, with local models—Ripped Genes—

for the past nine year. This year, along with Ripped Genes, Mercer, Jr. wanted to pay homage to the LGBT community he’s a part of by producing 6-Pack. “There were many sources of inspiration for this project, but mainly the community,” said Mercer. “Baltimore is a melting pot full of life and energy.”

The calendar features favorite bartenders from Mt. Vernon’s Grand Central, Jay’s on Read and City Café; Mixers in Bel Air, PW’s Sports Bar and Grill in Laurel; and The Lodge in Boonsboro.

The 2014 calendar is the first edition of the 6-Pack Calendar. Mercer hopes to produce new editions every six months, featuring other local bars and bartenders.

Mercer will be on hand at the GLCCB table at this year’s Pride Celebration selling the calendar. Cost of the calendar is $6, with one dollar from each calendar donated to The GLCCB. Calendars will also be available for purchase online as well at 6packcalendar.com.

GeTTInG TO PRIDe Getting to Baltimore’s Pride festival is easier than ever before! Our new location on Mt. Royal Avenue is easily accessible by light rail, bus and train. There are also several public parking lots and garages in the area surrounding the festival.

You can also easily hail a cab or uber driver as well.

FoR a ComPlEtE lISt oF RESouRCES, PlEaSE vISIt BaltImoREPRIDE.oRg/ vISItoR-INFo.

SPeCIAL THAnKS TO THe SPOnSORS WHO MAKe BALTIMORe PRIDe 2014 POSSIBLe

BALTIMOReGAYLIfe.COM

GAY LIFE / June 2014

35

reAL Life ALASKA CYPRUS FRANCE

PENNSYLVANIA WASHINGTON, D.C. OREGON

JAPAN

IDAHO

AUSTRALIA

MISSOURI ARKANSAS

UGANDA

National & International News Judge Strikes Down Oregon’s Gay Marriage Ban OREGON

A federal judge overturned Oregon’s ban on gay marriage at noon on May 20, and couples began exchanging vows within the hour. U.S. District Judge Michael McShane declared the prohibition of marriage equality unconstitutional and ordered it lifted immediately. Oregon is 18th state to legalize same-sex marriage; almost 10 years to the day Massachusetts made history by being the first to do so.

And they all fall down PENNSYLVANIA

Lesbian and gay couples can now marry in every state in the Northeast. Just one day after Oregon became the 18th state to legalize marriage equality, Pennsylvania became the 19th. U.S. District Judge John Jones declared the state’s ban on gay marriage unconstitutional, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.

“By virtue of this ruling, same-sex couples who seek to marry in Pennsylvania may do so, and already married same-sex couples

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GAY LIFE / June 2014

by

RACHEL ROTH

will be recognized as such in the Commonwealth,” Judge Jones said. The state is expected to appeal the ruling to the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, though Gov. Tom Corbett will have to do so without the help of his own attorney general who has previously refused to defend the “unconstitutional” statute.

because they fear patients will fail to follow the drug regime as directed and more of them will abandon condoms, causing the spread of other sexually transmitted diseases, Bloomberg reports.

CDC takes new approach to fight against AIDS

Michael Sam became the first openly gay player in the NFL when the St. Louis Rams drafted him last month. The SEC Defensive Player of the Year and All-American was chosen in in the seventh round and made waves when he gave his boyfriend a celebratory kiss.

People took to Twitter to decry the display of affection, which was aired on ESPN. Don Jones of the Miami Dolphins was fined and suspended for his anti-gay tweet and Washington lobbyist Jack Burkman has vowed to prepare legislation that would ban gays from playing in the NFL. Sam is also receiving support from players around the league and President Obama publicly congratulated him for “taking an important step forward today in our Nation’s journey.”

NATIONWIDE

In an effort to combat the growing HIV/ AIDS epidemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that groups deemed most at risk of AIDS start taking a daily pill. According to the CDC, these groups include gay men who have sex without condoms, those who inject illicit drugs and share equipment, and heterosexuals with at-risk partners. The Truvada pill has been shown to vastly reduce infection rates, but the CDC warns that it should also be used with a condom or other barrier method.

Some, like the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, oppose the CDC’s recommendation

Football player makes history MISSOURI

Gay marriage equality upheld ARKANSAS

Lesbian and gay couples in Arkansas are finally allowed to marry. Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza ruled that the state’s ban on gay marriage was unconstitutional, but enacting the decision hit a few speed bumps because he didn’t add language to overturn the legislation that bars clerks from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Piazza quickly added language to his decision to overturn that law as well.

Both he and the state Supreme Court denied requests from the state to delay marriage equality pending an appeal.

Legislation seeks to boost Social Security benefits for same-sex couples NATIONWIDE

The Senate is considering a bill that would to ensure that same-sex couples have access to Social Security benefits such as survivor and retirement benefits regardless of which state they live in. Sens. Patty Murray, DWash., and Mark Udall, D-Colo. introduced

BALTIMOReGAYLIfe.COM

the Social Security and Marriage Equality (SAME) Act. It would also include couples who were legally married in other countries.

Hagel “open” to reviewing transgender policy WASHINGTON, D.C.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said in an interview with ABC’s This Week that he is open to reviewing the Pentagon’s ban on transgender people serving in the military.

He said that every American who is qualified and wants to serve should be able to, but he noted that the issue was “a bit more complicated because it has a medical component to it.” A San Francisco State University panel has indicated that more than 15,000 transgender people are currently serving in the United States military.

Idaho marriage ruling delayed by appeals court IDAHO

On May 13, U.S. Magistrate Judge Candy Wagahoff Dale issued a sweeping opinion that knocked down Idaho state laws and a state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. Two days later, a threejudge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals granted Idaho Gov. Butch Otter’s request for a temporary stay of Dale’s decision. Additionally, the court is considering extending the stay until the state finishes appealing the decision.

Chelsea Manning may be allowed treatment for gender transition WASHINGTON, D.C.

In an unprecedented move, the Pentagon is going to attempt to transfer convicted national security leaker Pvt. Chelsea Manning to a civilian prison so she can get treatment for her gender transition, defense officials said. Manning, formerly named Bradley, was convicted of sending classified documents to anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks and is serving a 35-year sentence. The soldier has asked for hormone therapy and to be able to live as a woman, which is the first request of its kind.

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Alaska marriage ban faces court challenge ALASKA

Alaska has joined the ever-growing number of states that are challenging anti-marriage equality laws. A lawsuit was filed on behalf of four couples who were married outside of the state and one unmarried couple. According to The Human Rights Campaign says that at present, only three states — North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana do not have legal challenges pending to same-sex marriage bans.

Japan’s first lady marches in Pride parade JAPAN

Japan’s first lady Akie Abe joined the annual gay parade in Tokyo to show her support for the LGBT community. The Agence France Presse reported that the 51-year-old wife of conservative Prime Minister Shinzo wrote on her Facebook page that she strives to “help build a society where anyone can conduct happy, enriched lives without facing discrimination.” Abe also wrote that she has been involved LGBT activism since joining a commission set up by UNAIDS and the Lancet medical journal last year.

Activist takes pride to new heights UGANDA

A California activist and business owner expressed disdain for Uganda’s Draconian anti-LGBT laws in a unique way. Neal Gottlieb, the founder and owner of San Rafaelbased Three Twins Ice Cream, planted a rainbow flag atop Mount Stanley’s 16,753 foot tall Margherita Peak, the highest in the East African country. Gottlieb said that he planted the flag to protest the recent passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, which calls for life imprisonment for LGBT people and criminalizes the so-called promotion of homosexuality.

School for trans students reopens UGANDA

An Islamic school in Indonesia, which is exclusively for transgender students, has reopened after a brief closure when the school’s founder died. According the Jakarta Post, the school—known locally as a Pesantren Waria—opened in 2008 and was the first of its kind. It is now housed in the

home of a local LGBT activist and serves 35 students who learn Islamic studies and are given a chance to work and earn money.

New law addresses homophobia CYPRUS

Lawmakers in Cyprus are considering a bill that would punish homophobic behavior with fines and possible jail time. The legislation, introduced by the House Legal Affairs Committee offenders could face a €5,000 —approximately $6,800—fine and prison sentence of up to three years.

AKEL MP Aristos Damianou told the Cyprus Mail that the time has come to address homophobic behavior, especially because racist and xenophobic behavior are already criminalized.

In related news, a bill regarding allowing civil unions should be ready for vote some time this summer.

France sees spike in anti-gay violence FRANCE

Hate crimes in France have drastically risen in the past year following the country’s legalization of same-sex marriage.

Accordong to SOS Homophobie, an LGBT group that helps people who have been the victim of hate crimes, a physical anti-gay attack was reported every two days, a rise of 54 percent from the previous year.

Attacks on the whole rose by 78 percent.

The organization also said that the number of distress calls to its helpline has increased by 25 percent from 1,977 in 2012 to 3,500 in 2013.

Lawmakers to consider recognition of marriages performed overseas AUSTRALIA

The Australian Senate’s Legal and Constitutional Committee will hold an inquiry on legally recognizing same-sex marriages performed overseas. Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young introduced a bill that would recognize them if passed, Gay Star News reports. The senate inquiry will examine the legal and constitutional aspects of recognizing overseas same-sex marriages while Australia’s Marriage Act continues to ban them at home and also the economic and social aspects of any reform. The Australian government already recognizes heterosexual marriages performed in other countries.

GAY LIFE / June 2014

37

REAL Life

Baltimore Local News 2nd Victim in 2012 shooting dies Lawrence Peterson, a victim in the August 10, 2012 shooting that killed Joseph Alexander “Alex” Ulrich, Jr. died on May 15. Both Ulrich, Jr. and Lawrence R. Peterson were standing on the front steps of a bed and breakfast called the Empire House near the Belvedere Hotel on East Chase Street just before 4 a.m. on that day when shots rang out. Both victims were taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital where Ulrich died several hours later.

The men were allegedly shot by Quinton Bass, who had come to Baltimore from Raleigh, N.C. in 2012 and lived in homeless shelters and vacant buildings. He was arrested on gun charges three weeks after the double shooting.

Peterson was in critical condition and underwent multiple surgeries and rehabilitation as a result of shots to his torso, but he eventually succumbed after a long struggle.

Longtime friend Don Davis, owner of the Grand Central nightclub, said of Peterson’s death, “He was a fighter, but surgery after surgery I guess his system could not take it any longer. So sad.” He died at 58.

Police determined robbery was the motive for the attack and not a hate crime though both victims were gay. Bass’ trial had been postponed on several occasions and has been postponed again as a result of Peterson’s death.

He will be charged for double homicide.

On May 18, a memorial took place at East Park at Mount Vernon Place followed by a celebration of Peterson’s life with a walk to East Chase Street and a block party in front of Peterson’s house. A popular figure in the Mount Vernon neighborhood, Peterson had been referred to as “the Mayor of Mount Vernon” because of his desire to keep the neighborhood clean and safe.

A fund has been set up to finance causes Peterson was interested in. To donate to the Larry Peterson Fund, visit www.MVBA.org/ Default.aspx?pageId=1859763.

Gender Identity Bill to be Challenged MDPetitions.com, a conservative group chaired by Delegate Neil Parrott, R-Hagerstown, announced on April 29 that it plans to gather a sufficient number of signatures to force the Fairness for All Marylanders Act (FAMA) to be placed on November’s ballot. The bill, which easily passed both chambers during the Maryland General Assembly primarily with Democratic votes and signed by Governor O’Malley on May 15, is

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GAY LIFE / June 2014

aimed at banning discrimination in employment, housing, credit and public accommodations based on gender identity.

MDPetitions.com spearheaded similar referendum efforts in 2012 to overturn three laws including the one that legalized same-sex marriage in Maryland. All three attempts failed as voters upheld the legislation in a referendum.

The group and its supporters would need to amass roughly 18,500 signatures by May 31 and if successful, a total of 55,736 validated signatures by June 30. MDPetitions.com has dubbed the legislation “the bathroom bill” because the bill, according to opponents, will allow men to disguise themselves as women and enter a women’s restroom, locker room or similar private spaces.

AIRS Celebrates 25th Nearly 200 people attended the AIRS 25th Anniversary Gala on April 26 at the M&T Bank Pavilion. AIRS (AIDS Interfaith Residential Services) began in 1987 by the Central Maryland Ecumenical Council as the faith community’s response to the AIDS epidemic. The first Don Miller House, which opened in 1988, served four men with end-stage AIDS. AIRS became a 501(c)3 in 1989.

Programs and services include supportive housing emphasizing self-sufficiency for low income and homeless individuals and families, assistance accessing healthcare, job training and placement and support for disabled individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS and other disabilities. Restoration Gardens, a $6 million, 43-unit housing project for homeless youth ages 18 to 24 located in the west side of Baltimore that opened in 2011, has been the organization’s crowning achievement.

“Along our journey, we began using our housing and service expertise proactively, by serving homeless youth in an effort to break the cycle of homelessness before it starts and reduce the high rate of new HIV infection,” said F.T. Burden, CEO of AIRS.

GLCCB Hosted a Town Hall on PrEP On April 28, the GLCCB held a town hall meeting at the Waxter Center with 30 people in attendance to discuss the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection. PrEP is medicine taken daily

by HIV-negative people who are at high risk of exposure to HIV, to prevent becoming

by

STEVE CHARING

infected with HIV. Tenofovir-emtricitabine, or Truvada, manufactured by pharmaceutical company Gilead, is currently the only medication approved to use as PrEP. Truvada is also widely used as part of HIV treatment. At this time, daily pills are the only form of PrEP. Every3-month injections and medication implants are being studied as alternatives.

The panelists included Brian M. Palmer, D.O., M.P.H., of Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Patrick Ryscavage, M.D., of University of Maryland Medical Center; Renata Arrington-Sanders, M.D., of Johns Hopkins Hospital; and Deb Dunn, P.A.-C, of Chase Brexton Health Services.

The Mafia and NYC’s Gay Bars Discussed at Pratt A standing room only crowd packed the Poe Room of the Enoch Pratt Free Library on May 7 to enjoy an informative talk given by author C. Alex Hortis on “The Historic Role of the Mafia in Gay Life.” The event was co-sponsored by FreeState Legal and the Enoch Pratt Writers LIVE! Series.

Fresh off the release of his new book, The Mob and the City: The Hidden History of How the Mafia Captured New York (Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books, 2014), Hortis offered a multi-media presentation including old stills and audio clips that discussed how the Mafia was able to control many of New York’s gay bars and virtually all of them in the Village.

Because homosexuals were driven underground especially after the Prohibition, rather than disappearing they sought sanctuaries in bars, which were illegal. “The New York State Liquor Authority labeled any establishment that served homosexuals to be a ‘disorderly premises’ and threatened to pull its liquor license. Meanwhile, the City of New York banned the employment of gays and lesbians in bars,” said Hortis.

“Any cop on the street could threaten to shut down bars for violating such laws, he said.” Only the mob had the clout and the money to pay off the police, and make these establishments highly profitable.

“With little competition, the Mafia could charge high prices for substandard amenities,” Hortis added. “Mobsters were often willing to sacrifice their gay customers during staged police raids to appease the public, too. These frustrations boiled over on Saturday, June 28, 1969, when patrons of the Mafia-owned Stonewall Inn fought back against a police raid.”

2012 shooting victim Lawrence Peterson

Republican lawmakers launch petition drive

F.T. Burden, CEO of AIRS, at 25th Gala Photo by Bob Ford

Panelists on GLCCB town hall on PrEP Photo by Steve Charing

Author C. Alex Hortis discussing the Mafia in NYC gay bars Photo by Bob Ford

baltimoregaylife.com

OUR Life ALL TEA, NO SHADE

Dishin’ with the Duchess A BUTCH QUEEN’S PERSPECTIVE OF CULTURE AND HIP-HOP IN BALTIMORE’S LOVING COMMUNITY by

CARLTON R. SMITH

Editor’s note: Just in time for Pride, we are proud to welcome Carlton Smith to our roster of writers with his monthly “All Tea, No Shade column.” He has been a long-time staple and strident activist in Baltimore’s LGBT community for over 30 years, including being a former GLCCB board vice president and health committee member, 2001’s King of Pride and one of the founders of Baltimore Black Pride.

Be warned: Carlton is going to say his truth and let you have it. Buckle you seat belts and welcome Carlton!

Hello Gay Life! Happy Pride to everyone!

“We Are Family” is Baltimore’s 2014 Pride theme, and I hope that you welcome me into your family. When attempting to write this column I realized that Sister Sledge’s record was released 35 years ago. A mere ten years prior, June 1969, the LGBT liberation known as Stonewall hit New York City. June 28 will mark Stonewall’s 45th anniversary, the event largely regarded as a catalyst for the LGBT civil right movement throughout

TRANSMISSIONS

You Can Do This by

COURTNEY BEDELL

After I had been seeing my therapist for long enough for him to determine that I was indeed transsexual, he spoke some words to me that had transformative power. He simply said, “You can do this.”

It’s not that I needed permission exactly; it was more that I needed to feel confident that it was possible to create a life for myself that was not marked for disaster. For the 35 years prior to my transition, I perceived transsexuals as fodder for media exploitation—treating them as curiosities.

I remember reading about Wendy Carlo, who gained fame after the release of Switched on Bach and for scoring A Clockwork Orange. Her transition was featured in Playboy in 1979 and while they portrayed her sympathetically, I think she was still chosen for sensational value. She was a celebrity and I was just an ordinary person from Baltimore,

baltimoregaylife.com

the United States.

Many of our LGBT youth may not know the history, so I’d like to give a little history lesson. In 1969, New York had laws prohibiting homosexuality in public. Many gay businesses and establishments were raided and shut down. At the Stonewall Inn, June 28, 1969, a group of LGBT customers took a stand against the police. The shouts of “gay power” could be heard throughout the city as members of the gay and lesbian community came to support their brothers and sisters at Stonewall.

Today, Maryland celebrates anti-discrimination bills as well as marriage equality. Our community supports Pride and will continue to do so till death do us part. What makes me proud is our community’s embrace of a “true” rainbow coalition: gender, race, identity, and expression. We all need, want, and deserve the right to be happy.

I have been a community activist for nearly thirty years and have participated in nearly every Pride. The ongoing value I have

seen over the years is “love” and “respect.”

This uncompromising value triumphs throughout our personal stories and dreams.

Until next month!

Carlton R. Smith has worked in LGBT issues for many years. He has served on various committees providing outreach, leadership, and representing the needs of LGBT people at the local, state and federal levels. Carlton places emphasis on the African American LGBT community, specifically men who have sex with men (MSM).

so what made me think I could go through a similar transition?

I thought MTF transsexuals were already women in every way except for being “anatomically incorrect.” I knew something about transitioning, but despite always feeling I was a girl, I somehow didn’t know how I could become a woman when I was already leading a male life.

At 35 had I missed the boat? If transsexuals were already women who just needed SRS surgery, how was that going to be me? I hadn’t yet made the leap in my head that said I could go through a transition and come out the other side a woman, both physically and socially. Transsexuality is much more commonplace these days but in the early ‘90s, and it required a leap of faith that my therapist knew what he was talking about for me to believe I could do this. How could I actually go through this sexchange and not completely destroy my life?

Truth is, at this point I really had no choice but to follow the dictates of my heart and mind. I had recently come to that point that many of us reach where we cannot go on being stuck in gender limbo any longer. This is a place where for us it will

What makes me proud is our community’s embrace of a “true” rainbow coalition...

We all need, want, and deserve the right to be happy.

either get better or get worse. You get help and make changes, or you go down the rabbit hole of deep depression, maybe drugs and alcohol, and even suicide for some.

I was 35 years old and still felt as if my life had not yet begun. I knew I was beginning to lose the ability and the will to repress my feminine identity any longer. So when my therapist said those words to me they had a powerful effect. I needed to hear that not only was it possible to reconcile this situation, but that I was capable of doing it. I needed to believe that I could actually begin a new life as a woman. I was scared, but transition was the only option I would accept and my therapist helped give me the confidence I needed. I am living proof that “you can do this.”

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

Want some feedback? Let Courtney know about it by emailing advice@baltimoregaylife.com.

GAY LIFE / June 2014

39

OUr Life JUsTin’s HiV JOUrnAL

Take Pride in Knowing— And Showing— Your Status by

JUSTIN B. TERRY-SMITH

p

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GAY LIFE / June 2014

ride can be an amazing experience. You have new places to go and new people to meet. The subject I’m about to address may be unfamiliar to a lot of you. We all know that the red ribbon is a symbol of HIV Awareness, but there is another symbol you may see around Pride that is just as important—the biohazard symbol. For many who wear it (often in tattoo form), it serves as a way of telling others you have HIV. I have one on my back. It’s my way of owning my status, even though I’m already very open about it. My husband and I have an open relationship and I’m open with my all sexual partners, new and old.

Once, a friend asked why I got a biohazard symbol as opposed to an AIDS ribbon tattooed. I replied that this is my personal journey and I am the only one that holds the cards. My friend pointed out that the biohazard sign gives HIV positive men a negative image. I don’t look at it as a negative, but as a symbol. The biohazard sign is a part of our history as gay men. We need to make sure that we own it. With my tattoo, I pay tribute to the millions of gay men that have died in the AIDS epidemic. Most of those courageous men who are gone went through the worst of the epidemic, and they will not be forgotten—least not by me. My friend was right—many folks interpret the biohazard symbol as a celebration of bareback sex. However, for me it doesn’t mean that at all. That is indeed the meaning for some and that is their choice to make. Do not look down upon them because that is what they choose to do.

The AIDS ribbon is a symbol of awareness that a lot of us use when wanting to bring attention to the epidemic. When (or if ) I am ever diagnosed with AIDS, then and only then will I get the AIDS ribbon tattooed on my body.

I take pride in knowing my status, as should everyone. Everyone should get tested and know their status. Be proud and not afraid of getting tested, no matter what the result may be. This is the time to set an example. Wear that sticker that says, “I got tested.” Just by wearing that sticker, you are bringing attention to something people are frightened of. It makes people think about their own HIV status and maybe they will get tested themselves.

Remember it only takes about 20 minutes for an OraQuick test. While you are at Pride think about what makes you proud and know that it could be as simple as knowing your HIV status.

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

Photo by Don Harris, Don Harris Photographics, LLC © 2011 All Rights Reserved.

BALTIMOReGAYLIfe.COM

The Sun’s resource for LGBT-related news and features

gayinmaryland.com Follow us on Twitter: @gay_matters Visit our blog: www.baltimoresun.com/gaymatters

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GAY LIFE / June 2014

41

OUr Life spiriTUAL in-TO-Me-i-see (spiriTUAL inTiMACy)

Spiritual P.R.I.D.E.

BGE volunteers make

our community

better.

by

COACH MAQ ELÈ

W Through charitable contributions, outreach and volunteer projects, more than 3,400 BGE employees work together with our customers to help make central Maryland a better place to live and work. Now that’s smart energy. To learn more visit, BGE.COM/COMMUNITY

THE POWER TO DO MORE

together

ithin the last few years, I have seen more people committing to spirituality rather than religion. This is particularly true for those of us within the LGBT community. For me, spirituality represents being in relationship with my spirit and recognizing that we are all in this together and are governed by a Higher Being. We are all here to learn, heal, and grow together. Each one of us has a unique piece to the puzzle. The way we identify what our piece is, where and how it fits into the puzzle requires us to put certain tools into practice. Here are the spiritual tools that have supported me in identifying my piece of the puzzle:

Discover and live your Purpose As a spiritual being having a human experience, you have been sent to this planet, at this time to fulfill a purpose. This purpose may be learning how to give and receive love, starting a non-profit, serving as a volunteer for The GLCCB, or even driving the neighborhood ice cream truck.

Take Responsibility for what you have been given It is your responsibility to discover what your purpose is! The good news is that your soul knows your purpose and the Universe is continually giving you “signs” to point you along the way. The question is…Are you paying attention?!

Be clear on your Intentions Pay attention to what is motivating the choices that you are making. Are you making choices from a place of fear or love?

Making choices from fear will result in negative consequences, and making choices from love will result in positive consequences. Whatever fuels your intention will impact the experience that you have.

Operate from a place of Discernment (intuition) Within you there is a quiet, gentle voice that nudges you towards the directions that are for your highest good. This voice, which

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GAY LIFE / June 2014

sounds like YOUR voice, says things like “don’t go down that alley,” “I am unhappy,” or “something is missing from my life.”

You are responsible for the Energy you bring into a space Everywhere you go, you take YOU with you! Your energy is like a magnet—it draws experiences that match the frequency of the energy you hold. If you’re holding anger in your energy field, then you will attract experiences and circumstances to be angry about. Conversely, if you’re holding joy in your energy field, then you will draw to you joyful experiences and circumstances.

If you would like support in discovering your purpose, email me at coachmaq@ baltimoregaylife.com and I will send you the three questions I use with my clients to support them!

BE-LOVED! ~ Coach Maq

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

BALTIMOReGAYLIfe.COM

BETTER Life Active Versus Passive Investment for Retirement by

ROBIN PATALON

A

ccording to a sobering report called, “The Retirement Savings Crisis,” by the National Institute on Retirement Security, the typical American family only has a few thousand dollars saved for retirement. It’s never too late to start. The first step is to determine if an active or a passive investment strategy is right for you.

Active Investing

Active investing is a strategy where you try to beat the market and such pre-determined benchmarks as the S&P 500. This means investing in funds run by individuals or teams who determine which securities to buy and sell, and when to do so.

Professional active fund managers typically devote a significant amount of time studying company financials and the latest economic reports in an effort to predict interest rates and corporate earnings. These investors fundamentally believe that the market is inefficient—and that it’s possible to beat the market benchmarks and generate a greater return.

The bottom line: Some fund managers are able to outperform the market—though usually only for short periods of time.

There are other caveats, too. Total fund expenses can be high, which will lower your return, and actively managed funds aren’t always tax efficient. As fund shareholders redeem their holdings, positions may need to be liquidated, which can create taxable income, even when you haven’t sold your interest.

A Blended Approach

For some people, a blended approach may be the best option. This involves placing the bulk of your investments in passive funds to capture returns in the market, while allocating the remainder to active funds.

Conclusions

At the end of the day, your investment strategy should take into account your personal financial goals, your risk tolerance and how much time you have until retirement.

Nobody wants to wake up one day in their golden years with only a few thousand dollars in the bank. Start today to keep that from happening to you.

Passive Investing

Also known as indexing, the passive approach assumes that market prices constantly adjust to available information; therefore it’s difficult to gain an advantage over other investors.

This means investing in exactly the same securities, and in the same proportions, as an index such as Dow Jones Industrial Average or the S&P 500. Portfolio managers also don’t make decisions about which securities to buy and sell, and they follow the same methodology of constructing a portfolio the indexes use.

Since index funds have lower expense ratios and trading costs, this is a much more cost-efficient strategy.

baltimoregaylife.com

Robin Patalon CPA, CFP® is a Principal at SC&H Financial Advisors, the Personal Financial Planning practice at SC&H Group, which is an audit, tax, and consulting firm based in Sparks, Md. To learn more about SC&H Group, visit www.scandh.com.

Securities offered through Triad Advisors, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through SC&H Financial Advisors, Inc. SC&H Financial Advisors, Inc. and Triad Advisors, Inc. are unaffiliated entities.

GAY LIFE / June 2014

43

SOCIAL Life

Datebook

by

Recurring & Ongoing Events

Sundays Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar Every Sunday 7am-Noon Jones Falls Expressway Holliday & Saratoga Sts. PromotionAndArts.com Dog Hikes with the Doctor First Sunday of the month 11am-Noon • $2 Baltimore Humane Society 1601 Nicodemus Rd. • Reisterstown BMoreHumane.org

RACHEL ROTH

PFLAG Howard County Parent Forum Third Mondays 7:30pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way • Columbia PFLAGMD.org

Teen Program at JCC Second Tuesdays 6pm Owings Mills JCC 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave. JoinTeens.org

Senior Pride: Discussion Group for Women 55+ Monday evenings Chase Brexton Health Services www.bit.ly/SeniorPride

Trans Parents Forum, Baltimore Co. Third Tuesdays 7-9:30pm Towson Unitarian Universalist Church 1710 Dulaney Valley Rd. PFLAGBaltimore.org

Tuesdays

Wednesdays

Metropolitan Community Church Services Every Sunday 9am and 11am MCC Baltimore • 401 W. Monument St MCCBaltimore.org

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

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

League of Women Bowlers Every Sunday 4:30pm AMF Marlow Heights Lanes 4717 St. Barnabas Rd. • Temple Hill LeagueOfWomenBowlers2@verizon.net

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

Rise Up, Honoring Women’s Spirituality Fourth Sundays 12:45-2:15pm First Unitarian Church of Baltimore 1 W. Hamilton St. FirstUnitarian.net

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

Westminster PFLAG Monthly Mtg. Third Sundays 7pm St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 17 Bond St. • Westminster PFLAGWCC.org

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

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

Parents of Transgender Kids Fourth Tuesdays 7:30-9pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way • Columbia cvhyde@gmail.com PFLAGBaltimore.org

ASGRA Monthly Trail Ride First Sundays 10:30am • $25-30 Piscataway Stables 10775 Piscataway Road • Clinton ASGRA.org Charm City Volleyball: Competitive Play Every Sunday 10am-1pm • $7 Volleyball House 5635 Furnace Ave. • Elkridge VolleyBaltimore.org Service of Worship First Sundays 10:30am First & Franklin • 210 West Madison St. FirstFranklin.org

Mondays Interfaith Fairness Coalition Mtg. Second Mondays 3-4:30pm First Unitarian Church of Baltimore 1 W. Hamilton St. IFCMD.info

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GAY LIFE / June 2014

Rainbow Youth Alliance of Baltimore County 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 7-9pm Towson Unitarian Universalist Church 1710 Dulaney Valley Rd. RYABaltimoreCounty@gmail.com Rainbow Youth Alliance of Howard County 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 7:30pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way • Columbia 410.280.9047 rya_leaders@hotmail.com Rainbow Youth Alliance of Baltimore City 1st, 3rd & 5th Tuesdays 7-9pm The GLCCB • 1000 Cathedral St. RYABaltimore@gmail.com Facebook.com/groups/RYABaltimore

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

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

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

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

THIS MONTH

Sunday, June 1 Wizard of Oz See the wonderful Wizard of Oz. $86-337 • 1 & 6:30pm Lyric • 140 W. Mount Royal Ave. Baltimore-Theater.com Midsummer Night’s Dream Symphonic premiere of the Shakespearian classic • $29-94 • 3pm Meyerhoff • 1212 Cathedral St. BSO.org Incorruptible The Dark Ages still look pretty dark. $10 • 8pm Spotlighter’s Theatre • 817 Saint Paul St. SpotLighters.com IMPOSSIBLE! A Happenstance Circus The Circus set against a backdrop of hard times. $12-22. 8pm.

Theatre Project • 45 W. Preston St. TheaterProject.org 3rd Annual Charm City LGBT Film Festival Cost varies • 4pm The Patterson • 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org

baltimoregaylife.com

Tuesday, June 3

Tuesday, June 10

Wednesday, June 18

NightOUT: Wild with Happy A pre-show happy hour for LGBTQIA patrons • $19-39 Center Stage • 700 N. Calvert St. CenterStage.org

The New Wave Singers present The Road Traveled World premiere concert to benefit Moveable Feast • $20 • 7:00 pm St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1900 St. Paul St. NewWaveSingers.org

DEVO A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. $45-100 • 7pm Rams Head Live • 20 Market Place RamsHeadLive.com

Wednesday, June 4 Sister Act Opens A wannabe diva’s life takes a surprising turn! $25-75 +fees • 8pm • Thru June 15 Hippodrome Theatre • N. Eutaw St..

Hippodrome.TheatreBaltimore.com

Thursday, June 5 Xander Dumas & Elliot Mittens of The Dandy Vagabonds Showcasing Ruby Moon: A Parade of Vintage Elegance • 7pm Alchemy of Art, 1637 Eastern Ave. Facebook.com/AlchemyOfArt

Friday, June 6 Lady Gaga vs. Madonna vs. ALL the Divas A dance party with DJ lil’e • $15 • 8pm 9:30 Club • 815 V St NW • Wash., DC 9:30.com Pinot & Augustine A classic clown duo inspired by the golden age of Circus • $12-22 • 7pm • Thru June 8 Theatre Project • 45 W. Preston St. TheaterProject.org

Saturday, June 7 PRIDE: Bianca, Darienne, Adore, & Courtney $25 • 9:30pm Town Danceboutique 2009 8th St., NW • Washington, D.C. TownDC.com/events

Saturday, June 8 Big Boi Yoga Workshop For the bigger, “bear” body • Noon-1:15pm The GLCCB • Waxter Center 3rd Floor 1000 Cathedral St. DawgYoga.com Iron Crow Theatre Presents Bareback Ink $18-23 • 8pm • Thru June 14 Mattin Center for the Arts Johns Hopkins University IronCrowTheatre.com

HAVING AN EVENT?

Email full calendar details to Editor@BaltimoreGayLife.com

baltimoregaylife.com

Thursday, June 12 The Wills of LGBT Icons From the debt-ridden estate of Oscar Wilde to the substantial fortune of Andy Warhol, discover what lessons can be learned from the administration of these and other famous estates • Free • 6pm Walters Art Museum • 600 N Charles St. TheWalters.org Casablanca: Movie & Music BSO plays alongside the classic film. $29-84 • 8pm • Thru June 14 Meyerhoff • 1212 Cathedral St. BSOMusic.org

Friday, June 13 Twilight on the Terrace Pride benefit cocktail party • $125 • 7-11pm Gertrude’s • 10 Art Museum Dr. BaltimorePride.org

Saturday, June 14 High Heel Race All are welcome! FREE • 12:45pm Charles & Eager Sts. BaltimorePride.org Pride Parade Show your pride! FREE • 1pm Charles & Eager Sts. BaltimorePride.org Pride Block Party Rain or shine! FREE • 2-8pm Mt. Royal Station BaltimorePride.org Pride 2014 Morabito • $10 • 8pm Club Hippo • 1 W Eager St. ClubHippo.com

Sunday, June 15 Pride Festival Rain or shine! $5 suggested donation • 11am-6pm Mt. Royal Avenue & Cathedral St. BaltimorePride.org Gay Pride Tea Dance No Cover! 4pm Club Hippo • 1 W. Eager St. ClubHippo.com

Thursday, June 19 LGBT Lecture: Protecting Your Legacy Presentation on personal financial planning and estate planning for same sex couples.

Free • 6pm Walters Art Museum • 600 N Charles St. TheWalters.org Baltimore Pride Interfaith Service Presented by the Interfaith Fairness Coalition of Baltimore and Faith Communities of Baltimore • FREE • 7:30 pm Metropolitan Community Church of Baltimore • 401 W. Monument St. w.j.palmer@gmail.com

Friday, June 20 Trouble in Stubble: A Night of Boylesque Presented by Trixie Little • $17-20 Shows at 7:30 & 10pm The Patterson • 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org

Saturday, June 21 Out-Fit Challenge LGBT Mud Run • $55 • 8am-3pm Tuxedo Ridge Ski Resort 581 Route 17A West • Tuxedo, NY Out-FitChallenge.com World Refugee Day Films, exhibition, activities, and performances • FREE • Noon-2:30pm Walters Art Museum • 600 N Charles St. CreativeAlliance.org Summer Solstice Sun Salutation Celebration Welcome the Earth’s longest day.

FREE • 9pm-Midnight AVAM • 800 Key Hwy AVAM.org

Friday, June 27 Burl-eoke!

Burlesque & Karaoke collide • $10 • 8pm The Brass Monkey Saloon • 1601 Eastern Ave.

Spotlight

Business Over Breakfast Join the Maryland Corporate Council for “business over breakfast,” as LGBT professionals and political leaders network and hear remarks from Hudson Taylor, founder and executive director of Athlete Ally.

Taylor will discuss the new meaning of “leaving it all out on the field” and give an inside story of inclusiveness in professional sports.

Learn about the impact of inclusiveness on professional sports.

What does the future hold for LGBT athletes?

The Maryland Corporate Council strives to set a new, unique standard in LGBT business and corporate networking. The group is dedicated to bringing together LGBT professionals and thought leaders for networking, business advancement, and educational and charitable events.

Maryland Corporate Council “Business Over Breakfast” Tuesday, June 10 8–10am Lord Baltimore Hotel 20 West Baltimore Street Members $75 Non-Members $90 Marylandcorporate.org

Saturday, June 28 The BIG Show, BIG Dance Party!!

Giant art opening, homecoming week, & wild dance party.$5. 5:30pm The Patterson • 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org

GAY LIFE / June 2014

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sOCiAL Life BsCene

Charm City LGBT Film Festival Happy Hour in the Marquee Lounge by

SAMATRA JOHNSON

FRIDAY JUNE 20 2 SHOWS! 7:30 & 10PM

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GAY LIFE / June 2014

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