Ride for the Feast Set for 12th Annual Outing Laura Benanti and GMCW Bring Broadway to DC GLCCB Introduces Leadership Changes and New Board Members
May 2014
BaltimoreGayLife.com
3 ANNUAL CHARM CITY RD
3134 EASTERN AVE. BALTIMORE, MD 21224 410 276 1651 CREATIVEALLIANCE.ORG
LGBT
FILM FESTIVAL MAY 29-JUN 1
Presented in partnership with GLCCB, Gay Life, Equality Maryland, and Aids Action Baltimore. OPENING NIGHT! THU MAY 29 | 7:30pm
IAN HARVIE SUPERHERO Director: Liam K. Sullivan
Transgender comedian Ian Harvie is the focus of this hilarious yet self-aware doc. Film sponsors: Christy Bergland, Shirley Parry
Cocktails & comedy in the Marquee Lounge before the film!
SAT MAY 31 | 4pm
GORE VIDAL: THE UNITED STATES OF AMNESIA Director: Nicholas Wrathall
No twentieth-century figure has had a more profound effect on literature, film, politics, historical debate, and the culture wars than Gore Vidal. Film sponsors: Gina Caruso and Charles Freeman
FRI MAY 30 | 7:30pm
SAT MAY 31 | 7:30pm
WILL YOU STILL LOVE ME TOMORROW
Director: Stephan Lacant
Director: Arvin Chen
In this madcap and lighthearted comedic romp, introverted optometrist Weichung begins to question his marriage with his wife when she shares her desire to have another baby.
FREE FALL Torn between his family and his new feelings for a fellow policeman, Marc sees his world careening more and more out of control. Film sponsors: Jeff G. Knox and Hector Manzano
(Mandarin w/ English subtitles)
FRI MAY 30 | 9:45pm
VALENCIA: The Movie/s Valencia is a collaboration between a national community of 20 queer filmmakers to adapt the underground classic memoir into a kaleidoscopic vision of San Francisco’s Mission District in the early ‘90s.
SUN JUN 1 | 4pm
FIRE IN THE BLOOD Director: Dylan Mohan Gray
The story of how Western pharmaceutical companies and governments aggressively blocked access to affordable AIDS drugs for the countries of Africa and the global south in the years after 1996 - causing 10 million unnecessary deaths.
INDIVIDUAL FILM: $12, $7 for members | WEEKEND PASS: $60, $35 for members For full list of films & more info visit CREATIVEALLIANCE.ORG PAGE 2
MAY 2014
GAY LIFE MAGAZINE
MAY 2014
IN THIS GAY LIFE
14
3rd Annual Charm City LGBT Film Festival
Creative Alliance’s Film Festival Committee meticulously selected six award-winning films that have premiered at the most renowned national and international LGBT film festivals, including the Sundance, Berlin, and Tribeca film festivals, among others. These outstanding documentaries and features hail from the U.S., Taiwan, Germany, Africa, and India, and explore a variety of fascinating themes.
By Lyn Muldrow
LOCAL LIFE
10
GLCCB Program Spotllight
By Kelly Neel
11
GLCCB Announces Leadership Changes
12
Ride for the Feast Set for 12th Annual Outing
By Ted Blankenship
HIGH LIFE
12
By John Cullen with Marty Shayt
13
Interview: Laura Benanti Checking In at Spotlighters Theatre
By Timoth David Copney
REAL LIFE
16 National &
International News
By Rachel Roth
Baltimore News By Steve Charing
OUR LIFE
18
The Normal Heart (Eff Reagan!)
Kyle Suib
By Justin B. Terry-Smith
Ambassador to Gender Nation By Courtney Bedell
Spiritual In-To-MeI-See (Spiritual Intimacy) By Coach Maq Elè
BETTER LIFE
19
By Frankie Kujawa
DINING OUT: Trinaceria Italian Café
17
Life Insurance: Planning for the Certainties in Life By Amanda Wooddell
SOCIAL LIFE
20 Datebook 23 BSCENE:
Miss Gay Maryland Finals
Photos by Jay W.
But wait—there’s more! Visit BaltimoreGayLife.com for additional features, including Louise Parker Kelley’s fourth installment of “True Colors,” the series that looks back at Baltimore’s LGBT movement over the past 35 years. BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
MAY 2014
PAGE 3
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*Available only to qualified customers through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services at participating dealers through 4/30/14. Not everyone will qualify. Advertised 36 months lease payment based on MSRP of 20,740.00less the suggested dealer contribution resulting in a total gross capitalized cost of $20,740. Dealer contribution may vary and could affect your actual lease payment. Includes Destination Charge, Air Conditioning and smart Entryline Radio. Excludes title, taxes, registration, license fees, insurance, dealer prep and additional options. Total monthly payments equal $139.00. Cash due at signing includes $434.00 capitalized cost reduction, $295 acquisition fee, first month’s vehicle lease payment of $139, and the one-month battery assurance plus lease payment of $80 plus tax. No security deposit required. Total payments equal $5,299. At lease end, lessee pays for any amounts due under the lease, any official fees and taxes related to the scheduled termination, excess wear and use plus $0.25/mile over 0,000 miles and a $395 vehicle turn-in fee. Purchase option at lease end for $12,892.00plus taxes (and any other fees and charges due under the applicable lease agreement) in example shown. Specific vehicles are subject to availability and may have to be ordered. Subject to credit approval. See participating dealer for details. Please always wear your seat belt. Drive safely and obey speed limits.**With Battery Assurance Plus, the smart electric drive battery is rented separately on a month-to-month basis for $80 plus tax per month. Initial battery lease term is one month. The maximum number of month-to-month renewal is for a total of 119 months. Subject to credit approval. See dealer for complete details. For more information on Battery Assurance Plus, call 1-866-700-9853.
PAGE 4
MAY 2014
GAY LIFE MAGAZINE
EDITOR’S LIFE
Spring is In the Air
Gestational Carrier & Donor Egg LGBT Family Building Options
Hello Gay Life readers! It’s May—and springtime is finally in the air! As we thaw out from the harsh winter, we are once again providing you with an issue chock full of news, events and opinion pieces! This month, we are featuring the upcoming LGBT Charm City Film Festival (May 29–June 1). Gay Life is once again a media sponsor for this fantastic event, and I’d like to extend many thanks to the team at the Creative Alliance, particularly Gina Caruso and Heather Keating, for selecting a wonderful collection of diverse, unique LGBT films for screening. It’s a wonderful event—and I’m proud that Gay Life is once again involved. Be sure to head over to the Creative Alliance later this month. I’m also happy to announce the introduction of two new writers to the Gay Life crew. On the theatrical front, we welcome Timoth Copney. Timoth has been a stalwart in the Charm City theatre community for years, including serving on the board of Spotlighters Theatre (which he featured this month). Timoth will bring reviews, profiles and interviews from Baltimore’s
thriving theater front. I can’t wait to see what he uncovers. We also welcome a new columnist—Coach Maq Elè—who will be writing a monthly spirituality column for Gay Life (Spiritual In-ToMe-I-See). Coach Maq is a certified life coach with a unique LGBT perspective. She’s also looking for questions from the community, so if you have an inquiry on life, love or where you stand in the world, be sure to send it to askcoachmaq@ baltimoregaylife.com. I'm also pleased to announce that Carlton Smith (known to many as Baltimore's Queen Mum) will be joining the Gay Life writing crew in June. Carlton, former GLCCB board member and longtime supporter of the Center, will be "spilling the tea" in a monthly column, All T, No Shade. Welcome Carlton! Until our June Pride issue, be safe!
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Dan McEvily, Editor editor@baltimoregaylife.com
GAYLIFE Read it. Live it.
Love it.
1000 Cathedral St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410.777.8145 Phone 410.777.8135 Fax sales@baltimoregaylife.com www.baltimoregaylife.com
M. Cory Burgess, Art Director cory@metroscapemedia.com National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 Contributors Courtney Bedell, Steve Charing, Timoth David Copney, John Cullen, Coach Maq Elè, Frankie Kujawa, Lyn Muldrow, Kelly Neel, Rachel Roth, Marty Shayt, Justin B. Terry-Smith, Amanda Wooddell
Photographers John Kardys, Samatra Johnson, Kelly Neel, Richelle Taylor, Jay W.
Magazine Committee Maggie Beetz, John Cullen, Doug Rose, Marty Shayt, Richelle Taylor, Matt Thorn
Gay Life is a publication of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland (GLCCB). Gay Life is published monthly in Baltimore, Md., with distribution throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved. Gay Life is copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of Gay Life or its publisher.
BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
MAY 2014
PAGE 5
GLBT Community Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland
LOCAL LIFE
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
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
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
PAGE 10
MAY 2014
EQUAL GREEN SPACE COMMUNITY GARDEN
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
GLCCB Program Spotlight BY KELLY NEEL, GLCCB INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Programming is thriving at the GLCCB this year. New program groups are being established and current programs are continually building. The Access to Recovery program is being revitalized at the GLCCB in partnership with Maryland Recovery Net and HealthCare Access Maryland, and will provide those who qualify, the services and support needed to achieve recovery from addiction. The GLCCB is also working to expand program opportunities for Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings and hoping to provide a space for a women’s NA group. We hope to reach out to even more people in the community and provide a wide range of services to the diverse LGBT population of Baltimore, in both a supportive and social role. Mixed Company, the GLCCB’s queer young adult group for early to late 20-somethings, has seen its numbers more than double since its inception last December. Getting younger generations excited and involved in our programming is another positive step forward for us. This youthful influx allows the organization to inspire young minds that can grow with the organization over time and bring fresh ideas into the mix. In addition to growing their programs, the GLCCB will soon be growing vegetables and flowers in the new Equal Green Space community garden in the Barclay neighborhood of Baltimore! With the cooperation of the Parks & People Foundation and CGRN, we held a raised bed-building workshop last month that was a great success. A group of dedicated volunteers and the CGRN bed-building instructors got together on April 19 and finished constructing three out of four raised beds that will
complete the vegetable garden planned for the site. The fourth bed is slated to be finished by early May, and a planting day is in the works. In addition to bed building and seed planting events, the garden group meets every Thursday at 6pm to clean and green the lot. If you are interested in joining the volunteer group please e-mail garden@ glccb.org for more information. Another exciting program in store is the creation of a monthly LGBT Orioles Outing. The Orioles Outing program works functions twofold. It serves as a social event that will bring the LGBT and sports communities together, as well as serving as a fundraising event that helps support the organization in its efforts to provide the community with a safe and welcoming place for LGBT individuals. The GLCCB is also working with the GLoW (Gay, Lesbian, or Whoever) Orioles fan group founder, Mike Bernard, in order to drum up support from the community to establish a proper Orioles-sanctioned LGBT Night Out, like those held at Nationals Park in D.C. The successful kickoff of the GLCCB’s first Orioles Outing event had a turn out of about 25 members of the LGBT community; a number we hope will grow steadily over the season. The next Orioles Outing will take place this month on Sunday, May 25 at 1:35pm against the Indians. To purchase tickets please visit www.bit.ly/oriolesouting. Together we can make the LGBT Night Out at Camden Yards a reality; all we need is your support! For more information on the GLCCB programs offered please visit us online at www.glccb.org, or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/glccb. GAY LIFE MAGAZINE
LOCAL LIFE
GLCCB Announces Leadership Transition, New Board Members The GLCCB announced several leadership changes in late April, including the resignation of GLCCB Executive Director Matt Thorn and the appointments of Stephanie Baker and Daniel Moore to the GLCCB Board of Directors. “It has been a tremendous honor for me to serve as executive director over the past year,” Thorn said. “I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to work alongside a dedicated, passionate group of staff members and volunteers, and I offer my best wishes for the Center’s continued success.” Thorn joined the GLCCB Board of Directors in September 2012 and was selected to serve as the organization’s executive director in March 2013. Thorn cited personal family matters for his departure.
KELLY NEEL
The GLCCB Board of Directors, under President Mike McCarthy, appointed Kelly Neel as the organization’s interim executive director. Neel previously served as the organization’s deputy executive director and program coordinator and will serve as the primary point of contact for the community center’s day-to-day operations, financial management, and program administration. “We thank Matt for his dedication and service and wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” McCarthy said. “The Board has every confidence that Kelly will step up to the challenge of her new role, and will help foster the organization’s mission in uniting and empowering sexual and gender minorities in Baltimore and Maryland.” The GLCCB is also happy to announce the appointment of two new board members, Stephanie Baker and Daniel Moore. BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
DANIEL MOORE
Daniel Moore is a CPA candidate and finance professional with 20 years of corporate accounting and management experience and 12 years working with various non-profit organizations, with expertise in strategic planning, fiscal management and financial and analytic reporting. He earned his Master of Business Administration from Franklin University, where he currently serves as an adjunct professor of finance. Moore will serve as the Treasurer for the GLCCB Board of Directors. Stephanie Baker currently serves as a facilitator of the Rainbow Youth Alliance, a social and support group for young LGBTQ people ages 13-19 that is housed at the GLCCB. With a professional background in education and programming, Baker currently works as an education analyst at the Maryland Higher Education Commission. She received her Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the Ohio State University and Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies from the University of Maryland College Park. Her previous experience includes working as a lifeline counselor for The Trevor Project and as a residence director for the Office of Student Affairs STEPHANIE BAKER at Pitzer College in Claremont, Calif. For a complete list of GLCCB staff, please visit GLCCB.org/about-us/glccbstaff; for a complete list of the GLCCB Board of Directors, please visit GLCCB. org/about-us/board-of-directors.
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MAY 2014
PAGE 11
LOCAL LIFE
HIGH LIFE
DINING OUT
Ride for the Feast Set for 12th Annual Outing BY TED BLANKENSHIP
This Mother’s Day weekend, more than 300 cyclists will pedal from Ocean City to Baltimore in Ride for the Feast, the two-day, 140-mile bicycle ride that benefits Moveable Feast. The event has grown tremendously over the past 12 years, from a small, dedicated group of cyclists and volunteers, to the largest fundraiser that Moveable Feast holds annually. This year, Ride for the Feast is projected to raise $650,000 to support Moveable Feast as they provide nutritious meals to people who are homebound and fighting HIV/AIDS, cancer and other lifethreatening illnesses. “This is so much more than a cycling event or a fundraising event,” says Moveable Feast Executive Director, Tom Bonderenko. “In addition to the outstanding fundraising efforts of individual riders and all the teams, the most incredible part of this event is the way in which riders personally connect with the mission of Moveable Feast. The riders see their engagement with the Ride as an opportunity to educate the community about the responsibility we all have to FEED people, FIGHT disease and FOSTER hope for those with HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses. Their extraordinary commitment and efforts on behalf of the individuals served by Moveable Feast is so far beyond what I could ever hope for. ” To participate in the Ride, each participant commits to raising a minimum of $1,500. By doing so, they will provide Moveable Feast with the resources to feed one of their clients for an entire year. It’s a
powerful connection for the riders to know that they can have such an impact for one of their neighbors here in Maryland. It’s also something for them to focus on, as they struggle through the physical challenges of riding their bike for 140 miles. The ride represents the furthest distance that Moveable Feast travels to provide meals to clients. Most riders join one of the 29 bike teams that ride annually. The teams train and fundraise months before the event. While the weather is cold, Meadow Mill Athletic Club holds indoor training rides to help riders prepare. In April, rides transition outside and are led by volunteers. Over the months leading up to the Ride, there are over 60 ancillary events that raise money for the riders and teams to participate. These events include happy hours, dance parties, game nights, burlesque shows, and more. In addition to the 300 riders who are participating, there will be 150 volunteers who support the riders along the route. Pit stops—where riders get food, beverages and cheerleaders—are placed every 20 miles. Support vehicles monitor the route to respond to any riders who need assistance. The riders and crew are also supported by a full medical team and bike technicians available to help with bike maintenance issues (which are usually flat tires). Moveable Feast handles all of the Ride logistics internally, including preparing and serving meals for over 400 people. By doing so, it helps to keep the costs of the Ride lower than if it were outsourced to an events company. Last year Moveable Feast delivered over 702,000 meals to 3,600 neighbors across the State of Maryland.
RIDE FOR THE FEAST
May 10 & 11 T MFeast.org
PAGE 12
MAY 2014
Trinacria Italian Café BY JOHN CULLEN
The Trinacria Italian Deli is near-legendary as a source for reasonably priced Italian bread, sandwiches, wine and more. One longtime gripe was that there was no proper place to sit down with your food. They’ve recently addressed that deficiency with the recent opening of the casual Trinacria Italian Cafe on the first floor of the tall Gallery Tower apartment building a block away from the Walters Museum and Mt. Vernon Square. Tri Nacria is roughly translated as three points, and if you look at a map of Sicily, you’ll see that the island is roughly triangular with three points or promontories. Inside, it’s a large space with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the intersection of Park Ave and Centre Street and 20 wood-topped tables. There’s a cooler with some unusual beverages, shelving with incredibly tempting ‘made here’ desserts, and jars of Trinacria tomato sauces. Scattered around, there are photos of Baltimore from the early 1900’s. The menu features Italian Wedding and minestrone soups ($3 for small, $4 for large), salads ($5-$9, add $2 for Italian tuna or $3 for marinated chicken breast), a large assortment of hot, cold, panini sandwiches ($7-$10), rustic pizzas ($9-$11), pasta dishes including lasagna, linguini and gemeli ($8$9). Refreshments include fountain drinks (with refills), San Pelligrino canned sodas, and (American) coffee (all about $2). After pondering the choices, John decided on the Italian sausage sub ($8), with a can of San Pelligrino grapefruit soda ($2). Our friend Tom decided on a sweet and salty, thin crust pizza ($9) with a San Pelligrino blood orange soda ($2). We decided to share a gorgonzola and apple salad ($9) as an appetizer. We discovered that the staff brings
your meal to your table. Our salad was big with lots of crumbled gorgonzola and chunks of Granny Smith apple scattered in mixed field greens, with the house vinaigrette on the side. Tom’s pizza was an impressive 10” diameter and generously topped. The salt was offset by the sweetness of sautéed onions. With the exception of one slice that he shared with me, he enjoyably managed to finish off the rest all by himself! When John’s sausage sub arrived, it got the attention of everyone sitting nearby! It was huge and huge. It was also every bit as good as it looked with lots of melted cheese, big pieces of sautéed red pepper and sliced onions. It struck him as the very definition of how a “Thumbs Up!” sub should leave you feeling! We were delighted and impressed with what we sampled at Trinacria Italian Café. My one regret was that I felt too full after devouring my sausage sub to even think about sampling any of delicious-looking cookies, pastries, or Italian gelato. On our next visit, the challenge will be to attempt to order something other than the sausage sub that wow-ed me so during our last visit.
TRINACRIA ITALIAN CAFÉ
Mt. Vernon 110 W. Centre St. in Mt. Vernon T Facebook.com/pages/Trinacria Italian-Deli/111994512151749 Open 8 am to 8 pm Monday–Saturday Closed Sunday • No liquor Vegetarian options • On street parking Email DiningOut@BaltimoreGayLife.com and find all prior reviews at BaltimoreGayLife-DiningOut.info.
GAY LIFE MAGAZINE
HIGH LIFE
ON STAGE
Checking In At Spotlighters Theater
A CHARM CITY THEATRICAL INSTITUTION
Laura Benanti and GMCW Bring B'way to DC BY FRANKIE KUJAWA
Broadway royalty Laura Benanti will join the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC (GMCW) in a performance of “A Gay Man’s Guide to Broadway” on Sunday, May 18, at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Benanti, who dazzled Broadway in her Tony-award winning performance of Louise in Gypsy, also is an acclaimed television actress who has a recurring role on Law & Order: SVU as Detective Nick Amaro’s wife. Benanti recently sat down with Gay Life to talk about her upcoming performance, her friendship with Patti LuPone, and her link to Baltimore-native Josh Charles. Your upcoming performance at the Kennedy Center with GMCW is quickly approaching. Can you share some of the songs that audiences will hear? I am doing a number from Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown called “Model Beahvior.” I‘m obsessed with Stephen Sondheim, so I’m also doing a medley of his songs. There are also some other songs I’m performing, but I’m not sure how much I can actually share. [Laughs] What kind of energy will you be bringing to “A Gay Man’s Guide to Broadway?” Well, I mean for me with concerts, it’s a matter of being yourself. It’s about bringing your own fun and energy to the evening so people feel like they are hanging out with their friends. But, also, you are sharing the stage with other people. So I try to pick up with whatever energy the other performers are bringing. I think this [performance] is going to be a pretty fun evening. These guys are so much fun. The last time I sang with them it was a fun and hilarious experience. I’m sure it’ll be that much fun this time around. Your debut album, entitled In Constant Search of the Right Kind of Attention: Live at 54 Below, is absolutely amazing and your voice is incredible. What was it like putting this album together? It was so great. Photo by Magnus Hastings I mean it was really just doing the perfor-
BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
BY TIMOTH DAVID COPNEY
Photo by Ken Browar
mance. I was able to kill two birds with one stone (laughs). I had a wonderful time doing it. I’m glad the album is out there and that people can hear it even if they couldn’t come to the show. I’m very proud of it. In 2008, you won the Tony Award for you role of Louise in Gypsy alongside Broadway icon Patti LuPone. What was it like working with Patti? Patti is an incredibly brilliant and dedicated performer. She’s also such a loyal friend and ally. She taught me how to be a better actor. She really taught me. She brought my acting game up. I really had to step it up in order to hang with her. Are you still close with Patti today? Absolutely! We’re really good friends! You recently filmed an episode of The Good Wife that was directed by Baltimore native Josh Charles. Can you tell us about your character? The experience was fantastic! They’re really wonderful people. They’re pros and really welcoming. Josh was especially welcoming and patient for me. I was having a hard time understanding the character, and Josh really helped me navigate through some tricky scenes. What other upcoming projects can you share with our readers? I’m on this season of Showtime’s Nurse Jackie. I just shot a small spot on an episode of Law & Order SVU. I also have some concerts coming up this summer. For details, readers can check them out on my website at www. laurabenanti.com.
GMWC PRESENTS “A GAY MAN’S GUIDE TO BROADWAY”
Sunday, May 18 • 4:00pm (ASL) The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall 2700 F Street N.W. • Wash., D.C. W 202.293.1548 T GMCW.org
Any discussion of the Audrey Herman Spotlighters Theater has to start with its Executive Director and Producer, Fuzz Roark. Fuzz has ably guided the theatre as Executive Director since 2005. Last month found him producing the current show, Incorruptible, directed by Sherrionne Brown. Opening April 25 and running till May 18, it’s the fifth offering in a season that included the critically-acclaimed Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolfe?, and the box office recordbreaking production of Into The Woods. And he is already hard at work on the next season. With a background in theater that began in a South Carolina tap class at five years old, Fuzz has followed a fairly round-about route to Baltimore. He did his first equity tour at age 12, playing Winthrop in a touring production of Music Man. Though a graduate of Francis Marion College with a MFA from the Southern Theological Seminary, he now devotes himself fulltime to the theater, after a series of jobs in the social sector. Hands down, a win for the Baltimore theater community. Spotlighters has been a stalwart fixture on the local theater scene for more than 50 years. Under Roark’s direction, it has continued its mission to present quality entertainment and provide a venue for emerging talent to be shown off to its best. From the unlikely locale in the basement of an apartment building on St. Paul Street, Spotlighters has a well-earned reputation for outstanding productions running the gamut from traditional classics from Shakespeare, Ibsen, Albee, and Shaw, to cutting-edge musicals like Assassin and Bat Boy, as well as premiers of first-time local playwrights. Roark and his husband, frequent musical director Michael Tan, consistently deliver dramas, musicals, and comedies with an unerring commitment FUZZ ROARK & MICHAEL TAN to honoring the vision of Ms. Herman. The 2014/2015 season will be no exception. First up in September is Game Show, a new comedy during which the audience gets to play along. Following that is The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the now venerable classic, always appropriate for the Halloween season. Next comes the wonderful The Man Who Came to Dinner, the classic comedy about the dinner guest that won’t leave. The musical tale of good and evil, Jekyll & Hyde, with its soaring melodies and dark themes, follows. Adding balance to the season is The Beauty Queen of Leenane, a dark comedy full of deceptions, secrets, and betrayals with a lot of surprises along the way. Spotlighters has always been a home for social commentary and staying true to that course is the production of Dog Sees God, the confessions of a teenage blockhead—tackling homophobia, bullying, coming of age, and surviving high school. Jacques Brell is Alive and Well and Living in Paris is a musical revue of romanticism, cynicism, and world-weariness that careens from whimsy to melancholia. Which leads into the disturbing and riveting One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest—one man’s journey into madness. The season concludes with Altar Boyz, a high energy concert tracing the stories of the members of a Christian boy band, with a distinctly contemporary score. In addition to producing the season, Roark directs two or three productions a year at Spotlighters, with occasional forays into directing productions for other local theatres. Tan is one of the most sought-after music directors in the area. Together, they balance their married life, individual careers (Michael has a string of accomplishments outside of theatre, including a law degree), with their stewardship of one of Baltimore’s best theatrical institutions. Spotlighters is a little theatre with a huge impact on the local scene.
THE AUDREY HERMAN SPOTLIGHTERS THEATRE
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by Lyn Muldrow
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haring a slither of Sundance in our sublime city, the Creative Alliance brings award-winning films in an collection of international expressions of love, diversity and uniqueness. From May 29– June 1, the 3rd Annual Charm City LGBT Festival will seek to delight, inform, and tantalize with six features and documentaries hand-picked for your viewing pleasure. Conceived in January 2012 by KJ Mohr, a veteran film programmer who has organized LGBT film festivals across the county, the Charm City LGBT Film Festival’s reigns have been passed to Gina Caruso, managing director of the Creative Alliance whose film career spans over 20 years. Inundated with inventive and awe-inspiring films from around the globe, Caruso shares the planning and film selection process for the film festival: “Organizing a successful film festival takes knowledge of film, some film industry experience, excellent organizational, fundraising, and marketing skills, a wide network, and lots of sleepless nights before the festival and afterwards,” Caruso said. The films for the festival were selected by the Charm City LGBT Film Festival Committee, including supporters Jeff Knox; Hector Manzano; Jennifer Williams, Assistant Professor of English and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Morgan State University; Creative Alliance resident artist Chris Kojzar; and actor Terry Barnes. “The Charm City LGBT Film Festival addresses our mission, which is to act as a positive force in our community, and PAGE 14
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advocate for cultural expression rooted in a sense of place,” Caruso noted on Creative Alliance hosting the event. In addition to the film selection—which spans from deeply moving dramas (Free Fall) to playful comedies (Ian Harvie Superhero, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow)— guests are invited to enjoy cocktails and comedy on opening night at the Marquee Lounge, inside of the Creative Alliance. A discussion and introduction of each film will follow. Included in the list of queer films for this year’s film festival is Valencia, a homogeneous adaptation of Michelle Tea’s memoir by the same name which debuted as a featured selection in film festivals around the country. Filmmaker and artist Hilary Goldberg, who has created films with and about marginalized queers since the 90s, shares the menagerie of artistic expression that is Valencia: “Our goal was to create a work of art with a cinematic zine aesthetic,” said Goldberg. “It’s a vast array of diverse work.” Also premiering at the festival is Fire in the Blood, a weighty documentary that delves into the controversial practice of western pharmaceutical companies preventing access to life-saving medications in Africa. Nominated in the World Documentary category at the Sundance Film Festival in 2013, the documentary became a passion project for director Dylan Gray, an Indo-Canadian filmmaker based in Mumbai. “I developed a great personal interest in this story, which more or less fell into
my lap, long before I seriously thought of making a film about it. It was primarily my background in history which led me to do so, since in my academic research I had seen many examples of exceptionally important episodes in history which were all but forgotten because they had not been properly documented.” said Gray. “That was certainly the case with this story. Apart from contemporary news reports, there was very little to be found on it. That really shocked me, and ultimately led me to make Fire in the Blood.” A visual buffet of the finest queer cinema from across the globe, the Charm City LGBT Film Festival at the Creative Alliance is sure to leave your senses satiated. ●
Gina Caruso
Dylan Gray
GAY LIFE MAGAZINE
Ready for some movie magic, Baltimore style? On the heels of May’s Maryland Film Festival comes the third annual Charm City LGBT Film Festival, presented by the Creative Alliance. Creative Alliance’s Film Festival Committee meticulously selected six award winning films that have premiered at the most renowned national and international LGBT film festivals, including the Sundance, Berlin, and Tribeca film festivals, among others. These outstanding documentaries and features hail from the U.S., Taiwan, Germany, Africa, and India, and explore a variety of fascinating themes. This year’s line-up includes:
IAN HARVIE SUPERHERO
Director: Liam K. Sullivan USA, 2012, 75 mins. Transgender comedian Ian Harvie is the focus of this hilarious, yet self-aware 2013 documentary. His facile sense of ease, not just his gender-bending presence, makes his humor groundbreaking. It’s these very qualities that attracted comedian Margaret Cho, who produced this film and has publicly raved about Ian’s work, besides including him in her opening act for years. Filled with clips of Ian’s stage shows (and his inclusive, relatable humor), he explores everything from acquiring male privilege to navigating gendered bathroom politics. OPENING NIGHT EVENT & FILM Thursday, May 29 • 7:30pm $12, $7 mbrs.
who, though also married, is living the high life as a younger, single gay man. When Stephen teases Weichung for his newly straightlaced lifestyle, dormant emotions are awakened in Weichung, setting him off on a quest for true romance and desire. (Mandarin w/ English subtitles) Friday, May 30 • 7:30pm $12, $7 mbrs
FREE FALL
VALENCIA: THE MOVIE/S
USA, 2013, 105 mins. Valencia is a collaboration between a national community of 20 queer filmmakers to adapt the underground classic memoir into a kaleidoscopic vision of San Francisco’s Mission District in the early ‘90s. A punk lesbian diaspora told through the experiences of Michelle, a single rootless twenty-something searching for sex and love, drugs, and adventure. Adult content. Friday, May 30 • 9:45pm $12, $7 mbrs
Director: Arvin Chen Taiwan, 2013, 106 mins. In this madcap and lighthearted comedic romp, introverted optometrist Weichung begins to question his marriage with his wife Feng when she shares her desire to have another baby. At his sister’s engagement party, Weichung bumps into his old friend Stephen, a wedding photographer
BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
Director: Stephan Lacant Germany, 2013, 100 mins. Marc’s life seems to be right on track with a promising career in the police department and a baby on the way. Then he meets fellow policeman Kay, and during their regular jogs Marc experiences a neverbefore-felt sense of ease and effortlessness, and what it means to fall in love with another man. Torn between his family and his new feelings for Kay, Marc sees his world careening more and more out of control. Suddenly, his life is in free fall and he realizes that try as he may, he can’t make everyone happy—least of all, himself. Sat, May 31 • 7:30pm $12, $7 mbrs
and malice,” this film tells the story of how Western pharmaceutical companies and governments aggressively blocked access to affordable AIDS drugs for the countries of Africa and the global south in the years after 1996 - causing 10 million or more unnecessary deaths. It is also the inspiring story of the improbable group of people who decided to fight back. Shot on four continents and including contributions from global figures such as President Bill Clinton, Bishop Desmond Tutu and economist Joseph Stiglitz, this film is the never-before-told true story of the remarkable coalition which came together to stop ‘the Corporate Crime of the Century’ and save millions of lives. As the film makes clear, this story is by no means over. With dramatic past victories having given way to serious setbacks engineered far from public view, the real fight for access to life-saving medicine is really just beginning. Sun, June 1 • 4pm $12, $7 mbrs
This year’s festival is presented in partnership with The GLCCB, Gay Life, Equality Maryland, and AIDS Action Baltimore.
Charm City LGBT Film Festival
GORE VIDAL: THE UNITED STATES OF AMNESIA
WILL YOU STILL LOVE ME TOMORROW
dinary opportunity to share his view on America in the 21st century, his overview of the current state of the Republic, and the health of US democracy. Sat, May 31 • 4pm $12, $7 mbrs.
Director: Nicholas Wrathall USA, 2013, 89 mins. No 20th century figure has had a more profound effect on literature, film, politics, historical debate, and the culture wars than Gore Vidal. Anchored by intimate one-on-one interviews with the man himself, this film is a fascinating and wholly entertaining portrait of the last lion of the age of American liberalism. Commentary by those who knew him best blends with footage from Vidal’s legendary on-air career to remind us why he will forever stand as one of the most brilliant and fearless critics of our time. Gore Vidal’s professional life spans more than 50 years of American politics and letters. This film represents an extraor-
FIRE IN THE BLOOD
Director: Dylan Mohan Gray India, 2013, 87 mins. An intricate tale of “medicine, monopoly
May 29–June 1 $7-12, weekend passes $35-60 Creative Alliance at the Patterson 3134 Eastern Ave. 410.276.1651 CreativeAlliance.org
MAY 2014
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REAL LIFE
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS BY RACHEL ROTH ILLINOIS
NORTHERN IRELAND
GERMANY
MICHIGAN
RUSSIA
OHIO TEXAS
WASHINGTON
CHINA NEVADA
INDIA NEW MEXICO
ETHIOPIA
SSA updates transgender policy NATIONWIDE
The Social Security Administration announced that it updated its regarding transgender individuals’ eligibility for survivor benefits. This change—which will make it easier for trans people to receive benefits—resulted from a case involving Robina Asti, a 92-year old transgender widow. A veteran of World War II and pilot, Asti has lived as a woman for nearly 40 years, and was denied benefits for two years after her husband’s death because she was born a man.
Judge to end Ohio marriage ban OHIO
Federal Judge Timothy Black ordered Ohio to recognize the unions of samesex couples performed in other states. In his decision, Judge Black wrote that the state’s refusal to recognize legallypreformed marriages violates the plaintiffs’ constitutional rights. The decision does not mean that gays and lesbians can marry in the state. State officials will file an appeal challenging the decision. Black says he intends to issue a delay on his ruling pending the state’s appeal.
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Boy Scouts ban church because of gay troop leader
SCOTUS rejects gay wedding photography case
WASHINGTON
NEW MEXICO
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) disbanded a chapter in Seattle because they refused to replace an openly gay Scout troop leader. Beach United Methodist Church said that it could no longer host troops under the Boy Scouts name when they stood by Geoff McGrath, 49, a Seattle software engineer and Eagle Scout. According to the Associated Press, the organization told McGrath that it had “no choice” but to revoke his registration after he said he was gay while being profiled by NBC News.
The Supreme Court announced that it wouldn’t hear a case involving a New Mexico photography business that refused to photograph the commitment ceremony of a lesbian couple in 2006. The New Mexico Supreme Court had already ruled that Elane Photography violated the state’s nondiscrimination protections. The company was seeking an appeal, asking the U.S. Supreme Court to consider the lawsuit based on First Amendment protections.
Trans pioneer dead at 51
Texas school rejects child with two moms
TEXAS
TEXAS
Christie Lee Van De Putte, a transgender woman considered by many to be a pioneer in the transgender rights movement, died on March 15. She was 51. A cause of death was not announced. Van De Putte challenged a Texas court ruling that invalidated her marriage to her late husband. Ultimately she was unsuccessful in her legal efforts, but Texas law now allows a person who has physically and legally transitioned to enter into a legally binding marriage with someone of the opposite sex.
A lesbian couple in Texas alleges that their child was denied admittance to a school because of their sexual orientation. Tracy and Dawn Keller said they were promised a spot for their 3-year-old son at New Beginnings Montessori School in Bedford, According to WFAA-TV (Dallas-Fort Worth), the offer was rescinded shortly after. Shamain Webster, the school’s director, reportedly told the women that their son wouldn’t be enrolled in the school because “it’s against [her] religion, and we don’t live that way.” The school later backed
away from its decision and announced that it would allow the couple to submit an application, but the mothers declined the offer.
Mich. Married couples to receive federal benefits MICHIGAN
Eric Holder vowed that the federal government would recognize gays and lesbians who married in Michigan, even though the state won’t. More than 300 couples were wed in a brief window after a US district judge declared the state’s ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional. The Attorney General, Bill Schuette (R), put the kibosh on marriages and Gov. Rick Snyder said the state would not recognize the newlyweds’ marriage. All of the couples are in legal limbo while the governor challenges the reversal of the state’s marriage equality ban.
House kills effort to ban ‘conversion therapy’ ILLINOIS
A measure seeking to outlaw “conversion therapy” on LGBT minors failed to pass the Illinois House. The measure, which states that being lesbian, gay, or bisexual is not a disease, and that mental health practitioners should not be treating it as such, lost on a 44-51 roll call. GAY LIFE MAGAZINE
Nevada GOP drops platforms against abortions, gay marriage
emy Hunt has begun an appeal the ruling saying; “banning ‘gay blood’ is needed to ensure public safety.”
NEVADA
Ethiopia expected to toughen anti-LGBT laws
Republican delegates in Nevada voted to remove opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion rights from the party platform at their convention in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that state chairman Michael McDonald said that the decision reflects the increasingly diverse views regarding marriage equality within the GOP.
Lesbian-only cemetery inaugurated in Berlin GERMANY
A new burial area exclusively for lesbians was created in a two-century-old cemetery in the German capital last month. A 400-square-yard area of the Lutheran Georgen Parochial cemetery, established in 1814 in central Berlin, will be reserved as a graveyard for up to 80 lesbians. A spokeswoman for the Safia Association—a national group primarily for elderly lesbians—says the patch of land is “a space where the lesbian community can live together in the afterlife.” The group was reportedly given use of the cemetery area in exchange for cleaning up and landscaping it.
Teen takes on Chinese government CHINA
Nineteen-year-old gay rights activist, Xiang Xiaohan from Hunan Province, is suing the Chinese government, making him the first gay man to do so. According to the BBC, Xiang filed suit after the government declined to register his gay-rights organization, Same-Sex Love Assistance Network. In a written reply to Xiang’s request, the Hunan government said; “homosexuality had no place in Chinese traditional culture and the building of spiritual civilization.” Homosexuality was illegal in the country until 1997 and defined as a mental disorder until 2001.
Northern Ireland called on to defend gay blood ban
ETHIOPIA
Legislators in Ethiopia are expected to pass a bill that would prohibit the president from pardoning people who have been convicted of crimes related to their homosexuality. Presently, same-sex acts are punishable by up to 15 years in prison. A 25-year jail term is given to anyone convicted of infecting another person with HIV during same-sex acts. The bill was sponsored by the Ministry of Justice and is slated will be put to a vote at the end of April. Public opinion is on the side of the legislation, and an anti-gay rally—spearheaded by the government-affiliated Addis Ababa Youth Forum and a religious group associated with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church—is scheduled for April 26 to protest the “rising incidents” of homosexuality in the conservative Horn of Africa nation.
India recognizes a third gender INDIA
India’s top court ruled that Transgender people are now officially considered a third gender. According to The Washington Post, transgender—along with male and female—will be a gender option on all government documents. The Supreme Court also ruled that people who identify as transgender must be granted access to social programs offering career, educational, and health care support
Anti-gay law spreads RUSSIA
After Russian annexation of Crimea, Crimea adopted ant-LGBT laws. According to Gay Star News, Crimean authorities banned a planned Pride march on the basis of Russia’s gay propaganda law. Last year, Ukrainian Member of Parliament Yuriy Syrotyuk said he feared respecting LGBTI people would lead to the secession of Crimea.
NORTHERN IRELAND
A ban on gay men donating blood in Northern Ireland is under fire, forcing the Northern Ireland Health Secretary to defend his decision. Gay Star News reported that, in October, a judge in Belfast ruled the ban ‘irrational.’ Health Secretary JerBALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
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BALTIMORE NEWS BY STEVE CHARING Gender Identity Bill Passed, Awaits Signature The long-fought battle to secure non-discrimination protections based on gender identity in employment, housing, credit and public accommodations moved one step closer to reality. On March 27, the House of Delegates voted 82 to 57 to approve SB212, the Fairness for All Marylanders Act, sending it to Governor Martin O’Malley’s desk for final approval. Luke Clippinger (D-Baltimore City), who is openly gay, introduced it in the House. The measure had been approved by the Senate on March 4 by a 32-15 vote. The Maryland Coalition for Transgender Equality hailed the victory as the culmination of many years of work by the transgender community and allies. The group praised the bill’s lead sponsors Senator Rich Madaleno and Delegate Luke Clippinger for their hard work and thanked them for their leadership. “I could not be happier that today, after years of hard work, the General Assembly sent a reaffirming message throughout our state CLIPPINGER that prejudice and discrimination will no longer be tolerated or exempted from law,” said Senator Rich Madaleno (D-Montgomery) in a statement. “With enactment of SB212, Maryland will be the 18th state in the nation—plus Washington, D.C.—to ensure equal civil rights protections for transgender persons.”
B’more Proud LGBTIA Leadership Summit Shines Over 200 LGBTQ students and allies registered for the B’more Proud LGBTIA Leadership Summit, which took place at Johns Hopkins University on March 30. The theme for this year’s installment was “Breaking Boundaries.” Three potent speakers fired up the crowd throughout the 10-hour summit. Oakland, California-based author, performer and trans-bi activist Julia Serano delivered the morning keynote with a high-tempo PowerPoint presentation on gender and associated stereotypes. Zach Wahls, who in 2011 at the age of 19 testified before the Iowa state legislature on behalf of marriage equality in support of his two moms, presented the afternoon keynote. The evening’s entertainment was provided by comedian Julie Goldman who irreverently delivered a roaring monologue on her life as a Jewish lesbian, receiving roars from the crowd.
Police Commissioner Batts Reports on Progress Baltimore City Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts addressed a group of LGBT community activists and residents at a town hall meeting on April 14. Over 30 individuals including several police officers and staff from the Mayor’s office attended the event at the Northwest District Community Action Center. At the meeting Batts stated that progress is being made on crime in the city but as a result of external and internal surveys, there is a lot more work to do and that the “culture’ in the department needs to change. He acknowledged that there are some young officers who are not fully sensitive regarding LGBT issues and “more tools need to be added to the toolbox” to remedy the problem. Following that presentation, audience members argued the need to change the policy and culture within the department with regards to the LGBT community. Noting there had been a sometimes adversarial history between the police and LGBT community members, several areas of concern were raised. Some of these involved mistrust between the police and transgender individuals, domestic violence police response, mental illness among homeless LGBT youth, policies that protect gender variant individuals when interacting with the police, dispatch policies, a reporting mechanism for negative interactions between the police and the community, and fear of reprisals if such interactions are reported. The new LGBT-police liaison is Sergeant Sarah Avery, a lesbian who trains the department on LGBT issues. She can be COMM. BATTS reached at 443-984-7411 or sarah.avery@baltimorepolice.org. MAY 2014
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OUR LIFE
JUSTIN'S HIV JOURNAL
The Normal Heart (Eff Reagan!) BY JUSTIN B. TERRY-SMITH
HBO has come out with some amazing, critically acclaimed films and series over the years that deal with HIV/AIDS, like, And the Band Played On, Angels in America, and The Origin of AIDS. Indeed, media and film has played a pivotal role in the acceptance, education, and information of living with HIV/AIDS. I’m particularly excited about a new film coming to HBO called The Normal Heart, based on Larry Kramer’s Tony Awardwinning play. The new series comes to you with some heavy-hitting talent such Academy Award winner Julia Roberts, Emmy Award winner Jim Parsons, Mark Ruffalo, Matt Bomer, and Taylor Kitsch. The series takes place at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic. Ruffalo plays Ned Weeks, a gay man who is trying to raise awareness of the (then relatively unknown) disease AIDS. Weeks reaches out to family and friends for help, and partners with a polar opposite, Bruce Niles (played by Taylor Kitsch). Weeks and Niles fruitlessly seek out politicians that may able to help in stopping the epidemic that is killing homosexual men. They are rejected. The activists then turn the tables on the politicians and point the finger at them for not listening, and for indirectly killing the gay community. The film, like the play, is based on actual events that happened. It focuses on the betrayal of the government when it was thought AIDS was only going to affect and infect homosexual men. The film takes place during the Reagan era, when the government was transformed into a conservative circus. At the time, The Washington Post famously quoted from Congressman Henry Waxman who said, “It is surprising that the president could remain silent as 6,000 Americans died, that he could fail to acknowledge the epidemic’s existence. Perhaps his staff felt he had to, since many of his New Right supporters have raised money by campaigning against homosexuals.” Regan did not address the AIDS issue until 1987, When Reagan finally made his speech on AIDS on March 31, 1987, at the Third International Conference on AIDS in Washington DC., 36,058 Americans had been diagnosed with AIDS, and 20,849 had
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already died. Not many of my heterosexual friends know about HIV/AIDS, except when I open my mouth to shout or speak. They don’t know about the history of the battle and ignorance. I’ve found that one of the best ways to educate people is to draw them in through film. When Regan died I wasn’t mournful at all. My friends wondered why I wasn’t watching on TV. I said to them, “You will not understand the pain and suffering that the neglect of that man did to millions. You will not understand the prominent futures he could have saved just by simply making a speech. You will not understand how much money we could have raised for AIDS to help fight this disease earlier on. You will not understand the generation of gay mean that were killed by this disease. You will not understand, and since I wasn’t there, neither will I.” All the more reason to educate yourself, be it through the history books or the silver screen. The Normal Heart will premiere Sunday May 25 at 9/8c on HBO. It is rumored that HBO is in talk of a sequel.
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 TerrySmith and their son Lundyn. Photographer: Don Harris. Don Harris Photographics, LLC © 2011 All Rights Reserved.
TRANSMISSIONS
Ambassador to Gender Nation BY COURTNEY BEDELL
I asked myself whether I would be a force for good or evil. As a transgender woman will I go out there and reinforce negative stereotypes or try to help change perceptions? I accepted the role as “Ambassador to Gender Nation.” My identity is that I am a woman but I also happen to be a transwoman. This affords me an opportunity as I go about my life to represent my sisters and me in a positive light. Maybe I can make things a little better for us changing one mind at a time. So, when I transitioned at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and the word spread throughout the 3,500 employees, I drew much attention and was besieged with many questions. I tried to patiently “educate” anyone who was genuinely interested in understanding transsexuality. There were some who were always going to be hostile but most co-workers really wanted to know and even be supportive. Most of my colleagues were engineers or scientists with PhDs, which meant either they were too preoccupied to care, or were piqued by intellectual curiosity. Either way that made it a good place to transition, and fortunately JHU has an LBGT friendly employee policy. If I was to be a representative of the gender community I needed to be aware of how I was perceived by the public. Transwoman and men want to be treated with sensitivity, but that also works both ways. Years ago in a support group a crossdressing fellow who could transform into a very attractive woman told me about an encounter earlier that day. He said he was wearing a sexy dress and a man walked up and said “you’re just about the prettiest thing I’ve seen all day!” He proudly replied, “And I’m really a man!” The admirer probably walked away feeling embarrassed and tricked thinking transgender people are out to “fool” the public. He will likely carry that feeling with him always and will probably share his story with others. If the cross-dresser needed to tell that he was really a male instead of just enjoying the compliment, he could have handled it with more diplomacy and sensitivity. He could have kept the experience for his admirer positive rather than a negative one that will be repeated to others and re-affirm that
TG folk just want to deceive and embarrass the public. Of course, most of us just want to blend in and disappear into the community. But, during transition we are vulnerable to being “read” and that gives us an opportunity to help change impressions of who we are. You might be asking why the responsibility falls upon you to change the world? Like the brave men and women who helped change America’s view of LGBT to the point where we now have same-sex marriage, it we who will make things better for us. We can’t change the whole world but we do have an opportunity to improve relations one person at a time. At work one day my supervisor sent me to the clean room help test a satellite instrument. I happened to have been in a dress that day and when I walked in ten out of the thirteen guys in the room made a bee line for the door—like rats leaving a sinking spaceship. Three brave men stayed to face the “monster,” and engaged me in thoughtful conversation about my sex- reassignment. All three had an earnest desire to understand and at the end they declared their support for me. Early on co-workers often chose to avoid me but gradually when they saw I was still essentially the same person and that I was not going to go away they began to accept me. When my supervisor said he would do what he could to “smooth the waters” I knew I was in the right place. I continued my dedication to educating anyone interested in understanding what I was going through. A year later an employee in another division looked me up and said she was TG and went through her transition there. It went well for her and I can’t help thinking part of the reason was that I had acted as an ambassador to the gender nation while working there! 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 MAGAZINE
SPIRITUAL IN-TO-ME-I-SEE (SPIRITUAL INTIMACY)
Rated A for Authenticity... Reader Discretion is Advised
BY COACH MAQ ELÈ
Since I began my training as a spiritual life coach I have found myself being the culprit of people’s judgments on how I should behave. I have received gasps and looks of shock when I would say a curse word, seen drinking alcohol, or talking about sex. I even had someone say to me, “you watch the Kardashians, but you’re so pure?” I was frustrated that people were placing me on this pedestal and were projecting their ideas of how I should act onto me… similar to how typecasting happens in Hollywood. Several months ago I was editing the book I am writing, and re-read some of my journal entries from the previous year. As I re-read one of the entries, I found myself worrying about what people would think about me when they read it. What would my friends think? What would my clients think? What would my mother think? It disturbed me, and so I made many attempts to rewrite it, to make it “fit into my wholesome image,” with no success. It was inauthentic and did not honor the truth of who I was. Throughout that day, I felt disconnected and was experiencing great turmoil within myself about the entry. I spent some time in meditation about my feelings, and that’s when it hit me, I felt like the Universe had smacked me upside my head. The very thing that I said people were doing to me—typecasting me into a role—I was in fact doing to myself! The Law of Mind Action states that
everything we hold in our mind, we create. So because I held myself to this role of being “perfect, good, wholesome,” I then attracted people who would do the same. Needless to say, I chose to leave my journal entry in its original form because it honored who I am authentically. So, beloved, if your life were a film, what role are you playing? The lead actor, supporting actor, an extra, or the director? Are you taking an active role in your life or are you sitting in the theater, watching your life flash before your eyes while scarfing down popcorn with extra butter and Twizzlers with a 32-oz Coke? In other words, are you living the life you desire to live? Or are you living the life you think you’re supposed to live because it is what everyone else thinks you should be doing? If you could live the life you’ve always desired, what would it look like? If you could be who you long to be in your heart, who would you be? If you’re looking for a sign, to live the life you’ve always dreamed, then this is it: Choose you, choose to be authentically you, choose to be the person your Creator created you to be. BE-LOVED! Coach Maq Elè is a certified Spiritual Life and the founder of G-STRING Living (Gracefully Standing True Receiving InNer Guidance) where she supports people within the LGBTQ community in living as their authentic selves. For more information about Coach Maq, please visit www.gstringliving. com or email. your coaching questions tp askcoachmaq@baltimoregaylife.com.
SOURCES OF SUPPORT Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays T PFLAG.com Chase Brexton Health Care Behavioral Health T ChaseBrexton.org Family Acceptance Project T FamilyProject.sfsu.edu
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BETTER LIFE
FINANCE
Life Insurance: Planning for the Certainties in Life BY AMANDA WOODDELL
As Benjamin Franklin once said, the only certain things in life are death and taxes. Managing these certainties is critical to your fiscal health, which is why life insurance should be a vital component of each individual’s personal finance plan. The basic premise behind life insurance is that, in exchange for premiums, your insurance company will provide a lump-sum payment— also known as a death benefit—to the beneficiaries in the event of the insured’s death. Proceeds can be used to pay off large debts, such as mortgages, cars and credit cards, as well as cover funeral expenses and potential estate taxes, while leaving other assets for your family to use. Of course, not all life insurance plans are created equally. There are a number of factors to consider, which are often based on your needs. Marital status, the size of your family, the nature of your financial obligations, your career status and overall estate planning goals need to all be considered when shopping for a plan. In addition, before you purchase life insurance, you should consider these basic questions: yy What immediate financial expenses would hit your family upon your death? yy How much of your salary is devoted to current expenses and future needs? yy How long would your dependents need support if you passed tomorrow? yy Do you wish to leave any inheritance to your children or gifts to a charity? The cost of your policy can also vary based on the amount of coverage you seek, your age and your health. In addition, there are two more options, which are term and permanent life insurance. Term life insurance is designed to provide financial protection for a specific period of time, such as 10 or 20 years. After that period, policies may offer continued coverage,
usually at a substantially higher premium rate. Term life insurance is generally a less costly option than permanent life insurance. Furthermore, if you die during the coverage period, then your beneficiaries receive the death benefit payment. Permanent life insurance generally provides whole life protection as long as you pay the premium to keep the policy in force. As a permanent life insurance program is designed to pay out a benefit in all cases, the premiums are much higher than for term insurance. For this option, you must name a beneficiary, which can be a person, corporation or a legal entity. You also have the option of naming multiple beneficiaries. Finally, if you were recently married, it is an ideal time to review the beneficiaries of your policy, as you can now leave other assets gift-tax free to your new spouse. As such, you may not need this type of insurance to ensure that your spouse receives some sort of inheritance if you were to pass away. Purchasing life insurance, while it is a reminder of our limited time on this earth, is a critical component of any sound financial planning effort. By choosing the right policy based on your needs, health and stage of your career, it is possible to provide the necessary safety net for your family and loved ones. As a reminder of Ben Franklin’s famous quote, it is possible to best prepare for the certainties of life by purchasing a life insurance policy.
Amanda Wooddell is a Manager 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.
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SPOTLIGHT
SOCIAL LIFE
DATEBOOK BY RACHEL ROTH
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
National Police Week in D.C. National Police Week in D.C. takes place May 12–18. This year, the LGBT Fallen Heroes Fund will once again be hosting a series of events, including a survivor’s seminar, a candlelight vigil, and social outings. “What was once just a time for LGBT police to come together for support has turned into a week where we honor our LGBT fallen police, fire, EMS and military members, and recognize their significant others the way they should have been all along,” says organizer Scott Gunn, who has been organizing LGBT-inclusive events during National Police Week for the past ten years. The week of events will be highlighted by a memorial service in DuPont Circle, honoring six LGBT firefighters, police officers, and military members who were killed in the past 18 months.
LGBT FALLEN HEROES
Memorial service • FREE • 2pm Dupont Circle • Wash., DC T LGBTFallenHeroesFund.org
Howard County PFLAG Monthly Mtg. Second Tuesdays 7:30pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way • Columbia PFLAGMD.org Karate-Dō (LGBT-friendly classes) Every Tuesday 5:30-7:30pm Johns Hopkins Homewood Campus Bob Remington — MDShoto@aol.com Csskshotokan.com
League of Women Bowlers Every Sunday 4:30pm AMF Marlow Heights Lanes 4717 St. Barnabas Rd. • Temple Hill LeagueOfWomenBowlers2@verizon.net
Meditation Group Every Tuesday 6:15-7:45pm First Unitarian Church of Baltimore 1 W. Hamilton St. FirstUnitarian.net
Rise Up, Honoring Women’s Spirituality Fourth Sundays 12:45-2:15pm First Unitarian Church of Baltimore 1 W. Hamilton St. FirstUnitarian.net
PFLAG Baltimore Co. General Mtg. Fourth Tuesdays 7pm Towson Unitarian Universalist Church 1710 Dulaney Valley Rd. PFLAGBaltimore.org
Westminster PFLAG Monthly Mtg. Third Sundays 7pm St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 17 Bond St. • Westminster PFLAGWCC.org
Parents of Transgender Kids Fourth Tuesdays 7:30-9pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way • Columbia cvhyde@gmail.com PFLAGBaltimore.org
Heterosexual Friendly Gay Brunch First Sunday Frederick’s on Fleet • 2112 Fleet St. FredericksOnFleet.com ASGRA Monthly Trail Ride First Sundays 10:30am • $25-30 Piscataway Stables 10775 Piscataway Road • Clinton ASGRA.org Charm City Volleyball: Competitive Play Every Sunday 10am-1pm • $7 Volleyball House 5635 Furnace Ave. • Elkridge VolleyBaltimore.org Service of Worship First Sundays 10:30am First & Franklin • 210 West Madison St. FirstFranklin.org
MONDAYS
PFLAG Howard County Parent Forum Third Mondays 7:30pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way • Columbia PFLAGMD.org
MAY 2014
TUESDAYS
Metropolitan Community Church Services Every Sunday 9am and 11am MCC Baltimore • 401 W. Monument St MCCBaltimore.org
Interfaith Fairness Coalition Mtg. Second Mondays 3-4:30pm First Unitarian Church of Baltimore 1 W. Hamilton St. IFCMD.info
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Senior Pride: Discussion Group for Women 55+ Monday evenings Chase Brexton Health Services www.bit.ly/SeniorPride
WEDNESDAYS Charm City Volleyball: Social Play Every Wednesday 6:30-9:30pm • $3-30 Mt Royal Recreational Center 137 McMechen St. Living Well with HIV Support Group Every Wednesday 10:30am Institute of Human Virology 725 W. Lombard St. Jacques.umaryland.edu/support.html Spiritual Development with Rev. Sam Offer Every Wednesday 7pm Unity Fellowship Church of Baltimore 4007 Old York Rd. UFCB.org GEM: Gender Empowerment MD Every other Wednesday 7pm Equality Maryland • 1201 S. Sharp St. Owen@EqualityMaryland.org Senior Pride: 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
Rainbow Youth Alliance of Baltimore County 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 7-9pm Towson Unitarian Universalist Church 1710 Dulaney Valley Rd. RYABaltimoreCounty@gmail.com
HIV Support: Substance Abuse & HIV Every Thursdays 2-3pm Institute of Human Virology 725 W. Lombard St. IHV.org
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
Karate-Dō (LGBT-friendly classes) Every Thursday 5:30-7:30pm Johns Hopkins Homewood Campus Bob Remington — MDShoto@aol.com Csskshotokan.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 Teen Program at JCC Second Tuesdays 6pm Owings Mills JCC 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave. JoinTeens.org Trans Parents Forum, Baltimore Co. Third Tuesdays 7-9:30pm Towson Unitarian Universalist Church 1710 Dulaney Valley Rd. PFLAGBaltimore.org
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
GAY LIFE MAGAZINE
In the Company of Women First Saturdays 10am-Noon First Unitarian Church of Baltimore 1 W Hamilton St. FirstUnitarian.net
Datebook
THURSDAY, MAY 1
Wine Tasting FREE • Fridays 5-8pm Spirits of Mt Vernon Wine Shop 900 N. Charles St. SpiritsOfMtVernon.com Chocolate Happy Hour Weekly chocolate-fest • 6:30pm Ma Petite Shoe, 832 W. 36th St. MaPetiteShoe.com
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike Chekhovian themes with modern wit. $10-59 • 8pm • Thru May 25 Centerstage • 700 N. Calvert St. CenterStage.org
First Fridays First Friday of every month. FREE • 6:30pm Eastern & East Ave. CreativeAlliance.org
Hepatitis Awareness & Screening “Kick-off” Event Keynote speaker & Dinner • 5-9pm Wexter Center • 1000 Cathedral St.
Fridays After Five Every Friday 5pm • $12 National Aquarium, Baltimore 501 E. Pratt St. Aqua.org
Once on this Island Glorious, Caribbean-infused family musical. $32.50-65 • 7pm Oleny Theater 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd., Olney OlneyTheatre.org Air Heart A solo aerial performance that recreates Amelia Earhart’s final flight. $17-22 • Thru May 4 Theatre Project • 45 W. Preston St. TheaterProject.org Omega Thursdays Every Thursday 9pm-2am Grand Central • 1001 N. Charles St. CentralStationPub.com
FRIDAY, MAY 2 Sankofa: Community Conversations on Black SWM Learn about heath care • FREE • 2-5pm Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing • 525 N. Wolfe St. Sankofa.Eventzilla.net The Carnivalesque Roadshow A spectacle of Burlesque, Circus & Sideshow. $18-22 • 8:30pm The Patterson • 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org FlowerMart at Mount Vernon Flowers, big hats and lemon sticks. FREE • 11am-8pm • Thru May 3 Mount Vernon Park & Wash. Monument 699 N Charles St. Baltimore.org
SATURDAY, MAY 3 Sankofa: Community Conversations on Black SWM Building a Black LGBT community. FREE • 10am-4pm Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing • 525 N. Wolfe St. Sankofa.Eventzilla.net 16th Annual Kinetic Sculpture Race Human-powered works of art. AVAM • 800 Key Highway KineticBaltimore.com
SUNDAY, MAY 4 Same Love, Same Rights LGBT Wedding Expo Fabulous giveaways, LGBT-ceremony tips and more! FREE • 12:30pm Crowne Plaza Rockville 3 Research Ct. • Rockville RainbowWeddingNetwork.com
MONDAY, MAY 5 Men’s Naked Yoga Every Monday 6:30-7:30pm • $18 Vitruvian Gallery, LLC 734 7th St., SE, 2nd fl. • Wash., D.C. VitruvianGallery.com
TUESDAY, MAY 6 Peter and the Starcatcher Opens Swashbuckling prequel to Peter Pan. $28-75 + fees • Thru May 18 Hippodrome Theatre • 12 N. Eutaw St. France-MerrickPAC.com
Levi & Leather Leather or Bear attire gets you a discount. Fridays 8pm Grand Central - The Loft • 1001 N. Charles St. CentralStationPub.com
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7
The Foreigner Full of outrageous fun and surprises. $15-18 • 8pm Vagabond Players • 806 S Broadway VagabondPlayers.org
Maryland Film Festival Presenting film and video from all over the world • Thru May 11 Various Locations MD-FilmFest.com
Incorruptible The Dark Ages still look pretty dark. $10 • 8pm Spotlighters Theatre • 817 Saint Paul St. SpotLighters.com
The Mob and the City The mafia’s historic role in gay nightlife. FREE • 7pm Enoch Pratt • 400 Cathedral St. PrattLibrary.org
BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
Gay BINGO! Every Wednesday 8:30pm Club Hippo • 1 W. Eager St. ClubHippo.com
FRIDAY, MAY 9 Market Day Preview First pick of all the quality plants and wares. $30-35 • 4:30-7:30pm Cylburn Arboretum 4915 Greenspring Ave. CylburnAssociation.org
SATURDAY, MAY 10 Market Day Rain or shine! FREE • 8am-2pm Cylburn Arboretum 4915 Greenspring Ave. CylburnAssociation.org SHE Productions Presents REHAB 2nd Sat. of Every Month • $5 • 9pm • 21+ Grand Central Disco and Sapphos 1001 N. Charles St.
TUESDAY, MAY 13 LGBT Fallen Heroes Memorial service • FREE • 2pm Dupont Circle • Washington, DC LGBTFallenHeroesFund.org WYPR presents an evening at the National Aquarium Explore the Blacktip Reef • $10 • 7:30pm National Aquarium • 501 E. Pratt St. WYPRAquarium.EventBrite.com
THURSDAY, MAY 15 ArtWalk 2014 Annual preview party for the Commencement Exhibition • $30 • 5-9pm Cohen Plaza • 1303 W. Mount Royal Ave. MICA.edu
FRIDAY, MAY 16 Embracing Our LGBT Community Speakers, discussions & food! 8am-2pm Carroll County Board of Education Bldg. 125 N. Court St • Westminster PFLAGwcc.org MICA Commencement Exhibition 2014 Highlights emerging artists in the undergraduate class of 2014 • 11am-8pm Cohen Plaza • 1303 W. Mount Royal Ave. MICA.edu
SATURDAY, MAY 17 International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) DayAgainstHomophobia.org MICA Masters Benefit Art Sale Annual benefit art sale • 11am-4pm Graduate Studio Center • 131 W. North Ave. MICA.edu
Brooke Johnson is EXTRA ALIVE A cathartic experience for anybody who’s mortal • $20-25 • 8pm. The Patterson • 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org Hot Sauce Feat. Rich Morel • $10 • 9pm • Monthly Grand Central • 1001 N. Charles St. CentralStationPub.com
SUNDAY, MAY 18 HIV Vaccine Awareness Day AIDS.gov
MONDAY, MAY 19 Giant Monster Monday Movies & drink specials • 8pm-Midnight The Wind Up Space • 12 W North Ave. TheWindUpSpace.com
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21 POZ DC Happy Hour Mixer For HIV+ men • 7pm Green Lantern • 1335 Green Court NW Washington, DC HopeDC.org
FRIDAY, MAY 23 Burl-eoke! Burlesque & Karaoke collide • $10 • 8pm The Brass Monkey Saloon 1601 Eastern Ave. IMPOSSIBLE! A Happenstance Circus The Circus set against a backdrop of hard times • $12-22 • 8pm • Thru June 1 Theatre Project • 45 W. Preston St. TheaterProject.org
THURSDAY, MAY 29 3rd Annual Charm City LGBT Film Festival Cost varies • 7:30pm • Thru June 1 The Patterson • 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org
FRIDAY, MAY 30 Midsummer Night’s Dream Opens Symphonic premiere of the Shakespearian classic. $29-94 • 8pm • Thru June 1 Meyerhoff • 1212 Cathedral St. BSO.org Baltimore Bike Party The biggest party on two wheels! FREE • 7pm St. Mary’s • Seton Hill BaltimoreBikeParty.com
YOU CAN FIND GLCCB EVENTS ON PAGE 10
Have an event perfect for our readers? Send all the details to CALENDAR@BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
MAY 2014
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MAY 2014
GAY LIFE MAGAZINE
SOCIAL LIFE
BSCENE
Miss Gay Maryland 2014 Finals PHOTOS BY JAY W
The Neverland you never knew...until now.
PHOTO BY JENNY ANDERSON
“MIRACULOUS. SPECTACLE, WIT & JOY” NEW YORK MAGAZINE
Hippodrome Theatre May 6-18 BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com • 800.982.ARTS • Hippodrome Theatre Box Office (M-F, 11A-3P) Groups 10+ Save! Call 866.577.7469
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Due to the nature of live entertainment; dates, times, performers, and prices are subject to change. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. No exchanges or refunds. Tickets are subject to additional fees.
BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
MAY 2014
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