Baltimore Gay Life October 2012

October 2012

BaltimoreGayLife.com

GAYLIFE Read it. Live it.

Love it.

i r o T THE SINGER, SONGWRITER, PIANIST, AND FORMER MARYLANDER TURNS 20 YEARS OF MUSIC INTO GOLD DUST

ALSO INSIDE...

THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO

BALTIMORE BLACK PRIDE

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GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

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OCTOBER 2012

GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

LOCAL LIFE

IN THIS GAY LIFE

OCTOBER 2012

7

GLCCB News, Voter & Election Info

8

Out & Equal Workplace Summit

By Daniel McEvily

HIGH LIFE

9 Interview: Tori Amos

17

By Daniel McEvily

10 Wicked Actor

Ryan Jackson

The Official Guide to

Baltimore Black Pride

By Frankie Kujawa

11 Iron Crow's Bad Panda

A week full of workshops, parties, art shows and a gala fundraiser will bring the community together to celebrate this annual event's 10th anniversary.

By Joseph Ritsch

"Identity" at Gallery 788

12 Patti LuPone On Stage

By Daniel McEvily

13 5 Things: October TV

By Daniel McEvily

14 Museum Restaurant

By John Cullen with Marty Shayt

REAL LIFE

26 National & International News

By Rachel Roth

OUR LIFE

31 Obama and the Black Vote

By Rev. Irene Monroe

33 The Dream Act

By Carrie Evans

BETTER LIFE

34 Queer Health: Coming Out

By Alicia Gabriel

SOCIAL LIFE

Baltimore Black Pride's cofounders Carlton Smith, Kevin Clemons, and Leroy Burgess jump for joy over their 10th Anniversary.

Photos by John Kardys

35 BSCENE: Light Brigade

By John Kardys

36 Datebook

By Rachel Roth

ARTFUL LIFE

38 René Treviño & Open Studios

By Danielle Ariano

BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

OCTOBER 2012

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EDITOR’S LIFE

Legacies In this issue we’re proud to bring you the Official Guide to Baltimore Black Pride 2012!

We are also proud to continue our partnership with Baltimore Black Pride, Inc. (BBP) in part because we’re thrilled to have multiple Pride celebrations throughout the year. This October is the 10th anniversary of Baltimore Black Pride, Inc., and celebrations, events, and workshops are taking place all over Baltimore. The 10th anniversary theme is “Legacy: Celebrating HerStory & HiStory” an important message not only for BBP, but also for the larger community.

As voters are about to make so many important choices about the future, it’s imperative that we all understand where we came from and what came before us. This task is not always easy—especially for younger generations who must learn instead of remember—but an

understanding of the past is essential to appreciate where we are today and how we can move forward.

With the Nov. 6 election on the horizon, and issues like marriage equality and the Dream Act hanging in the balance, I imagine a future in which younger generations can’t remember living in a world that would allow bullying, discrimination, or intolerance. While these problems may never be fully eradicated, there have been significant improvements over that last few decades. Events like Baltimore’s Pride celebrations give us many reasons to hope that we’ll continue to move in a positive direction.

MAGGIE BEETZ Editor

ON THE COVER

Singer, songwriter, and master pianist Tori Amos. Photo by Danielle Levitt.

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

Maggie Beetz, Editor editor@baltimoregaylife.com M. Cory Burgess, Art Director cory@metroscapemedia.com Sabre Chase, Advertising sales@baltimoregaylife.com

GAYLIFE Read it. Live it.

Love it.

241 W. Chase Street Baltimore, MD 21201 410.837.7748 Phone 410.837.8889 Fax sales@baltimoregaylife.com www.baltimoregaylife.com

National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 Marty Shayt, Senior Volunteer Contributors Danielle Ariano, John Cullen, Carrie Evans,

Alicia Gabriel, Frankie Kujawa, Daniel McEvily, Rev. Irene Monroe, Joseph Ritsch, Rachel Roth, Marty Shayt

Photographers John Kardys Magazine Committee John Cullen, Daniel McEvily, Doug Rose, Marty Shayt, Terri Solomon, Gary Wolnitzek

Gay Life is a publication of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland (GLCCB). Gay Life is published monthly in Baltimore, Md., with distribution throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Copyright 2012. All Rights Reserved. Gay Life is copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of Gay Life or its publisher.

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OCTOBER 2012

GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

LOCAL LIFE

What's New at Your Community Center OCTOBER EVENTS

Many exciting events are taking place at the GLCCB during October: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3 • 8-11PM Presidential domestic policy debate viewing at GLCCB. FREE. Soda, beer, wine and snacks will be on sale.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5 • 7-10PM First Fridays at the Center! Stop by for the inaugural edition of the Center’s new monthly cultural/social event. Get in the Halloween mood with this free screening of the 2006 critically acclaimed horror movie Slither by James Gunn (Dawn of the Dead remake and Super) starring Nathan Fillion (Firefly, Castle), Elizabeth Banks (30 Rock), and Jenna Fischer (The Office). Slither is a throwback to the offthe-wall horror-comedies of the 1980s in the vein of Night of the Creeps, Evil Dead 2, and Return of the Living Dead. Popcorn, snacks, soft-drinks, and beer (must show ID) will be available for sale.

Movie begins at 7:30pm.

RSVP at bpt.me/280345.

Seating limited!

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7 • 12-5PM Football! The 2nd Tailgate Party: Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs. $20 per person.

We will be serving BBQ, beer, and snacks. RSVPs appreciated: visit Facebook.com and search Ravens vs. Chiefs Tailgate at the GLCCB. MONDAY, OCTOBER 15 • 7PM Book Club: Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugen-

ides. Hosted by John Woods. Middlesex is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and a bestseller chronicling the impact of a mutated gene on three generations of a Greek family.

Themes include nature versus nurture, rebirth, the pursuit of the American Dream, and gender identity.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16 • 8-11PM Presidential debate town hall viewing at GLCCB. FREE. Soda, beer, wine and snacks will be on sale.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23 • 7-8:30PM Trans 101: The GLCCB will be offering a Trans 101 tutorial to interested parties, friends, and allies. Our gender identity is how we see ourselves. Some of us see ourselves as women, some as men, some as a combination of both, some as neither. Some of us have complex identities that may even be fluid and change over time. Everyone has a gender identity. And everyone expresses their gender identity. Come learn about trans people, who we are, and what challenges we face in both the LGBTQ and greater community. The talk will be presented, and discussion led, by GLCCB Board Member Sharon Brackett.

Like us on Facebook to learn more about the GLCCB and its programs as well as a wide range of local, national, and worldwide LGBT news.

THE GLCCB

241 W. Chase St. 410.837.5445 • GLCCB.org

League of Women Voters Host Debate at MSU The November elections are important to the LGBT community and to YOU! Join the League of Women Voters at Morgan State University for a forum and a debate on marriage equality and the Dream Act. Come out and show your support! There will be an opportunity for members of the audience to submit questions to the speakers.

“We believe it is very important for the Maryland electorate to understand the referendum on the Dream Act and marriage equality and make their voices heard on November 6,” BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

said Ruth Crystal of the League of Women Voters Baltimore City.

FORUM AND DEBATE AT MSU

Tuesday, October 9 • 7-9:10pm MSU’s Student Center Theater 1700 E. Cold Spring Ln. ERuth at ruth@cramercrystal.com WMarvin at 443.865.4441 The Dream Act: 7pm Civil Marriage Protection Act: 8:10pm

Voter Information and Registration for Nov. 6 Election On the first Tuesday of November, Marylanders will go to the polls and be asked to vote on Question 6, which would uphold the Civil Marriage Protection Act. The Act will grant same-sex couples the right to be married in the state, effective Jan. 1, 2013.

In order for your voice to be heard on Nov. 6, you must be registered to vote. Individuals who are residents of Maryland, but have not yet registered, must do so before Oct. 16. Registration information and online and printable applications are available on the Maryland State Board of Elections’ website: Elections.state.md.us.

BALLOT LANGUAGE ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY LAW

In August, the Maryland State Board of Elections released the language that will be included on Maryland’s ballots Nov. 6. The text of Question 6, which will ask voters if they are for or against the Civil Marriage Protection Act, will read:

QUESTION 6 Referendum Petition Civil Marriage Protection Act (Ch. 2 of the 2012 Legislative Session)

Establishes that Maryland’s civil marriage laws allow gay and lesbian couples to obtain a civil marriage license, provided they are not otherwise prohibited from marrying; protects clergy from having to perform any particular marriage ceremony in violation of their religious beliefs; affirms that each religious faith has exclusive control over its own theological doctrine regarding who may marry within that faith; and provides that religious organizations and certain related entities are not required to provide goods, services, or benefits to an individual related to the celebration or promotion of marriage in violation of their religious beliefs.

The vote choices read as follows: FOR the Referred Law AGAINST the Referred Law

REGISTER ONLINE AT ELECTIONS.STATE.MD.US OCTOBER 2012

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LOCAL LIFE

Baltimore Set to Host Annual Out & Equal Workplace Summit

BY DANIEL MCEVILY More than 2,500 LGBT employees, human resource professionals, and organizational representatives will meet at the Baltimore Convention Center Oct. 29 –Nov. 1 for the fourteenth annual Out & Equal Workplace Summit. The Out & Equal Workplace Summit is touted by organizers as the world’s largest educational and network event focused on LGBT workplace equality.

The Summit will offer several full-day training seminars, special receptions and luncheons, and the Out & Equal Workplace Awards, also known as the “Outies,” awarding leaders in LGBT workplace advocacy.

The schedule this year includes more than 140 workshops and caucuses that will focus on an array of diverse LGBT workplace issues, including employee healthcare, domestic partnership benefits, engaging older LGBT workers, and transgender workplace education.

The Out & Equal program qualifies as training in compliance with 5 U.S.C. Chapter 41 and is open to any federal employ­ee.

The conference will feature training and workshops in areas such as diversity and inclusion, policy and benefits, personal and professional development, social networking, and leadership skills.

The annual Out & Equal Workplace Summit has taken place annually in various cities throughout the U.S. since 1999. Last year’s event was held in Dallas, Texas.

Founding Executive Director Selisse Berry told Gay Life that the opportunity to hold this year’s conference in Baltimore was timed perfectly for the upcoming Nov. 6 election, where Marylanders will vote on legalizing same-sex marriage.

“Although we could not have foreseen the precise local circumstances that would exist, we are especially grateful that our convening in Baltimore allows us to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Maryland community as it makes a stand for marriage, equality, and fairness,” said Berry.

After twelve years of staging the conference, Berry is enthusiastic about its meteoric growth and the strides that have been made in the advancement of LGBT rights in the workplace.

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OCTOBER 2012

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

Beth A. Brooke, Judy Shepard, Vladi Luxuria, Zach Wahls, Vernice Armour, and Selisse Berry

“This past year alone, we have seen the demise of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’, the EEOC has broadened protections for federal transgender employees, and we are confident that a fully inclusive ENDA [Employment NonDiscrimination Act] will gain real traction in the next Congress,” Berry said.

Zach Wahls, the 20-year old child of two lesbian mothers who recently addressed the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., will be among the speakers at the event.

Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard and longtime LGBT advocate will deliver the event’s keynote speech. Another keynote speaker is Beth Brooke, Global Vice Chair of Public Policy at Ernst & Young and on the list of Forbes’ “World’s 100 Most Powerful Women.” Other featured speakers include former Italian Parliament member Vladimir “Vladi” Luxuria, the world’s second openly transgendered member of Parliament, and Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour, the first African-American female combat pilot.

For more information and to register for the conference visit OutAndEqual.org/ summit-2012.

OUT & EQUAL WORKPLACE SUMMIT

Baltimore Convention Center Oct. 29 – Nov. 1 TOutAndEqual.org/summit-2012 GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

HIGH LIFE

MUSIC

Tori Amos Turns 20 Years of Music Into Gold Dust

BY DANIEL MCEVILY Singer, songwriter, master pianist (and oft-regarded LGBT ally and icon) Tori Amos has spent the better part of the past two decades touching lives, challenging the patriarchy and delighting critics and fans alike.

Now, twenty years after the release of her game-changing debut record Little Earthquakes, Amos comes full circle, with an orchestral twist, on Gold Dust, her thirteenth studio album which features a reimagining of 14 songs from her expansive catalogue. Featuring the renowned Dutch Metropole Orchestra and conducted by Jules Buckley, Gold Dust is Amos’ second recording on the German classical Deutsche Grammophon label, following 2011’s classically infused concept album Night of Hunters.

Amos called into Gay Life ahead of the Oct. 2 release of Gold Dust to discuss how the album came about, working within the regiment of an orchestra, and the ties that bind her to Baltimore.

I was thrilled to learn that I would be getting the chance to speak with you. I was introduced to your music by my first boyfriend, whose mom was your English teacher at Richard Montgomery High.

No way! Who was this?

Susan Barrett.

Susie Barrett! Oh, let’s talk about Susie Barrett! She was the teacher that grabbed me by the collar and believed in me, but didn’t accept any kind of nonsense. She inspired me to read poets and works that I had been maybe rolling my eyes at because I was hormonal and a pain in the ass and I thought I knew everything. She gave me a nice kick in the pants and I needed it. She was the greatest teacher of English and literature that I had.

“Jackie’s Strength” turned into my mourning hymn for months after I broke up with Susie’s son, so it

BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

was nice to see it included on Gold Dust. Speaking of Gold Dust, how did the concept for the new record come about?

The Metropole had invited me to play a show and those were the first round of songs that got chosen for [long-time collaborator] John Philip Shenale to orchestrate.

Then when we were in rehearsal in October 2010, Deutsche Grammophon was there because I had been composing Night of Hunters over that summer and was planning to record in spring 2011. Dr. Alexander Buhr, the German musicologist, was there and he was hearing the rehearsals.

The thing is, I’ve never played live with an orchestra. On all of the records, my portion would be recorded first, usually weeks before and then the orchestra or the strings would play to my performance.

Now 80 people were listening in and you’re baring your soul. [Laughs] So everybody was listening in as I was responding to the orchestra playing and I was seeing different pictures when I was performing and because the circumstances were so extreme for me, I had never done anything like this, the pictures were changing in my mind.

And it was Alex who said, “Well, we need to record this properly. We need to document this conversation and chemistry you’re having with the orchestra to acknowledge the 20 years.” That’s what you do for 20 years, right? Not just put out an old anthology of compiled things from all the records.

The concept was a memory box, not something you leave behind that people open when you die, but while you are all still alive and can share it. I wanted to cover different events and songs that had a unique narrative so I wasn’t repeating myself all of the time.

Some songs did not step forward. “Me and a Gun” did not want an orchestral arrangement. However, years ago during the Doll Posse Tour, Pip did a cover of her

Photo by Danielle Levitt

with the band. So she has stepped forward, but she didn’t want this type of read. But “Precious Things” stepped forward.

You studied at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore from ages five to eleven, when your scholarship was discontinued in part because of your dislike for reading sheet music.

Did you ever learn to enjoy it?

Yeah, it was a requirement, so I learned.

I’m not the best sight-reader for sure. I met up with the Dean not long ago in New York City and he invited me to come and see all the changes that they’ve made.

So I just might pop on by there in the next few months.

You definitely should.

I think that would be a wonderful full circle moment.

to see the vinyl, but when I saw the name at the time, I just knew that name [Ellen Amos] was never gonna work. That’s a loser. I looked at it and just said, “No that doesn’t look right. It’s imbalanced.”

I saw the ‘O’ in my last name Amos and thought I needed something to balance it out. It took me a while [to figure it out].

A friend of mine was dating a guy who just came up to me when I was 17 and said, “You’re a Tori. That’s what you are,” and I said “You know what? You’re right.

That’s right.”

And here we are.

And here we are [Laughs].

Visit BaltimoreGayLife.com to read more exclusive content from our interview with Tori.

I think so too.

I wanted to go way back and ask about your first single “Baltimore” [Released when Amos was still a teen and going by Ellen Amos].

What do you remember about recording it and how did it feel seeing your name pressed on vinyl for the first time?

[Laughs] It was my father’s idea to do it.

You know, he would come up with these angles and so without him encouraging me to do it I don’t think I would have had the gumption. He can be very persuasive.

I remember feeling thrilled and excited

GOLD DUST

Deutsche Grammophon Available Oct. 2

OCTOBER 2012

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HIGH LIFE

ON STAGE

Wicked: The Witches of Oz Fly into Baltimore

BY FRANKIE KUJAWA This October, Charm City glimmers emerald green as Wicked hits the stage at Baltimore’s Hippodrome Theatre. Prepare to defy gravity with Elphaba, better known as the famed Wicked Witch of the West, in a tale of friendship, courage, acceptance, and the search for one’s inner bliss.

Ryan Jackson, one of the performers from Wicked, recently called into Gay Life to discuss the production, the enchanting musical numbers, and how each of us could benefit from having a dash of Wicked in our lives.

Could you describe your role in Wicked?

I’m what’s considered a ‘swing.’ I’m an understudy for the ensemble and basically know eight parts within the show. I’m ready at all times to go on stage. Many of us in the ensemble play many characters within the show. At some point, everyone has to be mob members, students in the Emerald City, or monkeys. For the first six months it can be very nerve-wracking learning all those parts. Once you learn them, though, it’s very fun.

As a performer, what do you bring to your role in Wicked?

I find that bringing your own ideas into a role is what makes it exciting. We perform eight shows a week for 52 weeks a year.

You add something different each time you perform. You can go out there with an idea, try it, and if needed change it by the

Christine Dwyer and Jeanna de Waal star as Elphaba and Glinda in the touring cast of Wicked Photo by Joan Marcus

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OCTOBER 2012

next performance. It’s all about how you approach each scene and each character.

For example, my Emerald City costume we affectionately refer to as the ‘gay pirate.’ It is, by far, my favorite costume in the show. I love performing in it!

What kind of work goes into preparing for such a performance?

You definitely do your homework! You practice and perform and learn a lot of it on stage. Your dance captains are who put you in your show. They teach you all the routines and all about your craft in the performance. They instruct you so you know where to stand and go during the show.

Once you you’re out there, and know the foundation, it becomes really fun!

Is there a scene or song in Wicked that is your favorite?

I love “Wizard and I” because it’s a song about hope and potential. It’s the first song where Elphaba, who you may know as the Wicked Witch of the West, feels a hint of acceptance in her life. She basically is singing “the world is your oyster.” Christine Dwyer [who plays Elphaba] is incredible and a force to be reckoned with. Watch out Baltimore!

When did you realize that you wanted to work on Broadway?

I started dancing when I was ten. It was right around the time I saw Disney’s Newsies.

I also used to watch a show called Roundhouse on Nickelodeon [which inspired me].

Even though I was from Long Island, N.Y., I didn’t know what Broadway was, but I decided I could dance. I knew that dancing was something that I really wanted to do.

As an openly gay artist, have you ever faced adversity, either personally or professionally?

To be honest, I feel like you always come across small when compared to the entire world, but [by being gay] it’s our job to be ambassadors. I love what I do, and I’m good at my job. I’m very blessed to have a great family, friends, and boyfriend.

Ryan Jackson, a swing in the touring cast of Wicked, coming to Baltimore Photo by Leon Le

What would be your dream role, or experience, at this point in your career?

Wicked, to me, is a dream role. I get to travel around North America (the United States and Canada) with my boyfriend, who also performs in Wicked. I get to spread this wonderful message that’s in the show. I get to dance and to sing these amazing songs.

It’s all a wonderful experience.

Have you ever been to Baltimore before? Is there anything specific you’d like to accomplish while you’re here in town?

I came through Baltimore a few times in high school with my older brother because he was an All-American lacrosse player. I didn’t come through again until I took a brief hiatus from college to tour with the musical Cats. I’m excited to come back again with Wicked, because Baltimore is a great city. We are also excited to see a former Wicked member, Shylo Martinez, who is from the Baltimore area. She recently returned to have her first child and is currently teaching at Barbara Ingram School of the Arts. She is a gorgeous dancer and will hopefully be equally good as a tour guide.

Could you describe some of your work with Broadway Cares? Are you doing anything in Baltimore (i.e., workshops) that people may be interested in attending?

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is a charity near and dear to our community.

While we are in Baltimore, the cast will be offering master classes at local studios to raise money for BC/EFA. All the proceeds from these classes will go directly to char-

ity which helps men, women, and children fighting HIV and AIDS. BC/EFA also helps support the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative, which helps women battling breast and ovarian cancer.

Although our producers are very supportive of this charity, these classes are offered by the cast as individuals and do not represent the show itself.

It’s cool to be a part of a show that has become a global phenomenon. The cast will also be performing in a cabaret-style benefit. We will also auction off cast memorabilia and one-of-a-kind experiences like seeing the Wicked Witch get green in her private dressing room prior to the show.

The company is thrilled to get to town and get started with all these great events. We hope Baltimore is as excited as we are.

A final message for those in Baltimore interested in seeing the performance?

It truly is a great show for everyone! Bring the guys and bring the girls. Regardless if you’re gay or straight, old or young, everyone grew up with The Wizard of Oz. Wicked has a great message that transcends all ages and groups of people about friendship and how you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.

WICKED

October 3–November 4 Hippodrome Theatre 12 N. Eutaw St. $35-145 W410.547.SEAT TMarty France-MerrickPAC.com Shayt TWickedTheMusical.com

GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

HIGH LIFE

ON STAGE

Pandas Behaving Badly!

IRON CROW THEATRE DEBUTS ITS 2012-2013 SEASON WITH BAD PANDA Gwo Gwo and Marion are the last two pandas on Earth. It’s mating season. Gwo Gwo falls in love with Chester, a crocodile, who is gay. And then the baby comes.

In this sweet celebration of non-traditional families, Gwo Gwo must balance his new found desire for Chester the crocodile with his obligations to his prescribed panda mate, Marion. The animals eat, mate, splash around in identity politics, meditate on their impending extinction, and love one another as only families can.

Iron Crow opens their 2012-2013 with the world premiere of this smart and hilarious new play by Megan Gogerty. The production’s director, Joseph Ritsch, associate director of Iron Crow, discusses playwriting, gay pandas, and modern families with the Iowa based playwright Megan Gogerty.

How did you end up a playwright?

I started out as an actor, but for some reason, there weren’t a lot of roles for awkward, pear-shaped blondes with the face of a twelve-year-old. So I started writing my own roles. And then I realized that being a playwright was way more fun than being an actor, in part because I didn’t have to get anybody’s permission to do my work. I started doing monologue plays in college, then graduated to multi-actor, more conventional plays. Eventually, I came

back to solo work. Now I do a nice mix of monologues and multi-actor plays. It’s super fun.

How did the idea for Bad Panda come about?

I hate this question, because the story is ridiculous. This was originally supposed to be my 9/11 play. I wanted to write about fear and terrorism and all this stuff. And so I made my main character a panda because, hey! Endangered! And I made him gay because… I have no idea. He just came out (pardon the pun) that way.

But after working on it for a long time, I realized that while I considered Gwo Gwo to be a panda who happened to be gay, everyone else saw him as a gay man who happened to be a panda. And I was really straining to make this terrorism thing work, but the play was clearly wanting to be about these relationships. And once I finally gave into that, the whole thing clicked into place.

The relationship between Gwo Gwo and Marion really interests me. The subject of gay men and straight women having a connection and a special intimacy is so beautifully and interestingly explored.

should all have the freedoms, rights, and legal protections that come with marriage no matter what equipment our partner is packing. I’m also really interested in “found” families—families that spring up when, for whatever reason, your biological family is not able to fill the familial need. This happens in the theater quite a lot. I have people in my life I consider my family who aren’t related to me by blood. There’s that famous quote about how family are the people who, when you go home, have to take you in. That about sums it up for me.

What is your personal view on the marriage equality issue and what makes up a “family” in your world?

Directed by Joseph Ritsch October 13-27 • $13-18 The Baltimore Theatre Project 45 W. Preston St. TIronCrowTheatre.com

I believe marriage should be between one man and one woman. KIDDING! I think that anyone who has ever actually met a gay person understands that we

BAD PANDA

BY MEGAN GOGERTY

Performed by Katie O. Solomon, David Brasington, and Adam Cooley

Queer Show at Gallery 788

ART

Photo by Mark Wagner

BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

I really love Gwo Gwo and Marion’s relationship because, for me, it’s really obvious that A) they really truly care for each other, and B) they are absolutely wrong for each other as mates. And it’s only circumstances that make them believe they should be lovers in that way.

I have a friend who thinks Marion is a lesbian; I don’t know if it matters in this play. I don’t think she has much of a sex drive at all. She wants to climb trees and romp around and have a fabulous time, which I think a lot of people want to do regardless of orientation. And she has it in her head that she has to have a baby and be a mother because that’s what good pandas do.

Identity, a queer-oriented art show, is the first annual event at Baltimore’s Gallery 788 that will focus primarily on LGBT artists throughout the midAtlantic region.

The brainchild of Eduardo Rodriguez, the event will showcase the breadth and depth of talent and high quality art produced by Baltimore’s LGBT community—providing an opportunity for friends, families, and the interested to come out and support.

Local artists will be exhibiting

works across all media including film, painting, photography, poetry, and performance arts that highlight the richness and diversity of queer life.

IDENTITY

Exhibit: Oct. 4-27 Opening Reception: Oct. 4, 7-11pm Gallery 788 218 W. Saratoga St. • FREE TG788.org Econtact@g788.org

OCTOBER 2012

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HIGH LIFE

ON STAGE

Win a Chance to Witness Broadway Legend Patti LuPone Pull on Heart Strings at Strathmore Performance

BY DANIEL MCEVILY Brazen. Powerful. Brassy. Funny. Mesmerizing. Beloved.

When it comes to describing Patti LuPone, one can never fall short of adjectives to append to the Broadway superstar’s name.

LuPone will bring her bravado and big voice to Strathmore’s Music Center Oct. 5 and 6 for Matters of the Heart, a veritable tour-de-force in which the twotime Tony winner explores, well, the many matters of the heart through a selection of

love compositions from some of the most beloved musical theater and contemporary songwriters.

From theater greats Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein, and Stephen Sondheim to contemporary songwriters Randy Newman, Joni Mitchell, and Cyndi Lauper, LuPone covers all the bases of romance, passion, and even betrayal. The Associated Press recently hailed LuPone’s performance of the revue by saying, “here is a performer

in total command of her voice, the material she sings and the audience who cheers her number after number.”

LuPone is best known for her awardwinning Broadway performances as Eva Perón in the 1979 stage musical Evita and as Rose, the ultimate stage mother, in the 2008 revival of Gypsy, as well as for her turn as Fantine in the original London cast of Les Misérables.

Her most recent Broadway appearances include staring opposite her Evita co-star Mandy Patinkin in An Evening with Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin, and for creating the role of Lucia in the musical Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, for which she was nominated for Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards. In 2010, LuPone recounted her life and career in the New York Times best-seller Patti LuPone: A Memoir.

In addition to her storied theater career, LuPone’s has also appeared in the films Union Square, Parker, City by the Sea, Heist, State and Main, Summer of Sam, Driving Miss Daisy, and Witness. LuPone’s television credits include Glee, 30 Rock, Ugly Betty, Will & Grace, Oz, Frasier, Law & Order and ABC’s Life Goes On. LuPone will appear at Strathmore in advance of her Broadway run this fall opposite Debra Winger in the new David Mamet play The Anarchist, opening December 2012 at the Lyceum Theatre.

PATTI LUPONE TICKET GIVEAWAY!

For a chance to win a pair of tickets to Patti LuPone’s 8pm show on Oct. 6, visit BaltimoreGayLife.com!

Deadline to enter is 5pm on

Tim Miller's Glory Box Performance artist Tim Miller is bringing his solo show, Glory Box, to UMBC. Miller tackles both marriage equality and the struggles of LGBT immigrants in a show that recounts Miller’s own efforts to keep his Australian partner in the United States. Glory Box takes its name from the Australian term for hope chest.

This “funny, sexy, and politically charged” show arrives just as Marylanders head to the polls with the chance to vote on both the Marriage Equality Act and the Dream Act. Miller has preformed all over North America, Australia, and Europe in such prestigious venues as Yale Repertory Theatre, the Institute of Contemporary Art (London), the Walker Art Center (Minneapolis), and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. He is the author of the books, Shirts & Skin, Body Blows, and 1001 Beds, which won the 2007 Lambda Literary Award for best book in Drama-Theatre.

Look for an interview with Tim Miller in the coming weeks at BaltimoreGayLife.com.

Monday, October 1, 2012. Winners will be notified soon after the drawing.

PATTI LUPONE MATTERS OF THE HEART Photo by Ethan Hill

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OCTOBER 2012

$45-85 • 8pm • Thru 10/6 Music Center at Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Ln. • North Bethesda TStrathmore.org

GLORY BOX

Friday, November 2 • 8pm Univ. of Maryland Baltimore Co. PAHB Proscenium Theatre $10-20 TArtsCalendar.UMBC.edu TMissionTix.com

GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

HIGH LIFE

ENTERTAINMENT

The cast of 30 Rock Photo by Art Streiber/NBC

Five Things: October Television Preview

BY DANIEL MCEVILY When I was a wee tyke, the pinnacle of each September would arrive in the form of TV Guide’s annual Fall Preview issue.

Racing to my bedroom after returning from the grocery store with my new Bible in hand, I would quickly dissect the revered tomb and carefully annotate which new shows I would dare indulge in and which would be relegated to my “garbage television” list (I’m looking at you, 1993’s Mommies). At the end of my culling, I had a beautifully highlighted, organized grid schedule of programming that would serve as my calendar of entertainment for the year. And before you ask: yes, I didn’t get out much as a kid.

Flash forward twenty-something years and it is that time again when network and cable television unveil their annual offerings on their fall schedule. September is usually packed with the most new television season programming, but fear not, dear reader, because October has some pretty amazing things to offer as well.

Here are the five things I have highlighted and organized on my grid schedule for October. And before you ask: yes, I still don’t get out much.

30 ROCK

NBC • OCT. 4 • 8PM

Liz Lemon and crew return to the offices of 30 Rock for thirteen episodes in the series’ seventh and final season. Show creator and star Tina Fey has been tight lipped about how the show will wrap up, but viewers can be sure to expect plenty of hi-jinx, celebrity cameos, and awkward Lemon-isms as the show takes it’s bow.

BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

NASHVILLE

ABC • OCT. 10 • 10PM

ABC will debut its musi-drama offering with Nashville, created by the Academy Award winning writer Callie Khouri.

Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights, American Horror Story) stars as Rayna James, a fading, fortyish diva who is forced by her record label to go on tour with country music’s Next Great Thing, the impetuous and bratty Juliette Barnes, played by Hayden Panettiere (Heroes).

Comparisons of Fox’s Glee and NBC’s Smash are sure to abound, but a score of original music and the sheer awesomeness of Britton make Nashville a show worthy of at least checking out.

THE WALKING DEAD AMC • OCT. 14 • 9PM

After two seasons of critical praise, fan adoration, and record breaking Nielsen ratings (the season two finale became the most-watched basic cable drama telecast in history), AMC’s post-apocalyptic zombie drama (Zombra?) returns for the first part of its third season with eight episodes airing in the fall, and the remainder of season three airing in spring 2013. The third season will pick up where it left off, with the survivors, lead by Rick Grimes, making their way into the prison and also encountering a new nemesis, the Governor, played by British actor David Morrissey.

AMERICAN HORROR STORY: ASYLUM FX • OCT. 17 • 10PM

Just in time for All Hallows’ Eve, produc-

ers Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk (Glee, Nip/Tuck) will deliver the second piece of their gothic anthology. Departing from last season’s Harmon family and their deadly (yet gorgeously restored) haunted mansion, season two will bear some familiar faces, albeit as new characters, in an entirely new setting: a mental asylum in the 60s. Jessica Lange, who created buzz in season one as Constance Langdon, the chain-smoking, fallen Hollywood B-list starlet and nobody’s nomination for ‘Mother of the Year,’ will return as Sister Jude, a sadistic nun. Ryan has noted that Asylum will not feature any apparitions that go bump in the night as season one did, instead focusing on the theme of sanity and showcasing ‘real life’ horrors. Something tells me that Constance would approve.

RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE: ALL STARS AND UNTUCKED: ALL STARS

LOGO • OCT. 22 • STARTS AT 9PM

Fresh off the heels of the fourth season of Drag Race in April and the third season of Drag U in August, RuPaul returns to our hearts and TV screens for a third time this year with a Wonder Womanworthy, all star edition. Twelve former contestants will rub their war paint on and throw around shade as they compete for the honor of being proclaimed the ultimate queen of all queens (oh—and also winning $100,000 and a whole lotta free spackle from cosmetic sponsor MAC).

Celebrity guest judges include Rosie Perez, Janice Dickinson, Elvira, and Beth Ditto. Start your engines…

OCTOBER 2012

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HIGH LIFE

DINING OUT

The Museum Restaurant & Lounge

BY JOHN CULLEN WITH MARTY SHAYT The Museum Restaurant & Lounge emerged this summer from the remains of what had once been the Brass Elephant.

The first floor is very reminiscent of the former occupant—a formal space with chandeliers, ornate sconces, and lots of molding—but with some notable additions: a burly doorman carding patrons, newly installed LCD TVs, a bar protruding into the middle of the main dining room, and an unexpected mix of jazz and new age music which seemed at odds with the traditional atmosphere. The second floor has undergone more changes, completed by white leather, ultra-contemporary high-back settees.

The single page menu includes 10 appetizers ($8-13), chicken Caesar and cobb entrée salads ($16), 16 entrees ($13-29), and eight side dishes (ranging from a $4 baked potato to a $9 lobster mac and cheese). We decided to start by sharing firecracker prawns ($8). Marty ordered grilled lamb chops ($22) while John opted for the black and blue chicken penne ($15). The waitress returned 10 minutes later telling Marty that they were out of the lamb. Marty then ordered the New York strip steak, but, five minutes later, learned that the kitchen was out of that too. Ditto when he tried to order the rib eye steak. Discouraged (and ready to walk out in frustration), Marty’s fourth try was for a quarter roasted chicken ($13) which was—thank gawd!—available. Our server offered that the menu was changing, but she didn’t know what direction it was taking. Incidentally, the upstairs lounge also has a separate tapas menu.

Fortunately, our prawns turned out to be a “Thumbs Up” winner: six large, nicely cooked prawns rested on triangles of warm pita covered in a delicious sweet chili sauce and were delightfully presented on a large round plate. Marty’s entrée arrived with two good looking pieces of chicken, mashed potatoes (though the menu specified risotto) and sautéed spinach. Marty really liked the chicken; the potatoes were PAGE 14

OCTOBER 2012

buttery and clearly homemade, while the spinach was nice, but unseasoned. John’s plate of pasta proved delicious in a creamy sauce with lots of blue cheese crumbles; after searching, he finally found a couple of chicken tenders buried under the pasta (the “black and blue” description led him to expect grilled or blackened chicken, but the tenders were so white that they might have been poached). Overall, we felt that the kitchen showed some promise, but still has a way to go.

Our server described the two available desserts—apple pie and a plate of nine different flavored cheese cake bites. We opted for the latter but were shocked when what arrived 15 minutes later was a huge piece of plain cheese cake topped by whipped cream and a strawberry. The confused server apologized and explained that she had served exactly what she described the previous evening, but this is what the kitchen gave her. We really didn’t want it and, to her credit, she quickly removed it from our check.

Having come on a Thursday evening, we were the only diners for most of our meal (one other couple showed up as we finished our entrees). Service-related glitches detracted from our experience: When we were seated, Marty complained (three times) that the dining room was uncomfortably cold and asked—to no avail— if the thermostat could be turned up; our server’s response to Marty’s request for the price of a glass of Riesling (no prices on the wine list) was “probably between $7 and $9” (it turned out to cost $9); John’s iced tea arrived as unwanted sweet tea (the waitress offered a refill but John was charged extra for it); and in general the server seemed genuinely confused about how to set down or remove plates.

We concluded that The Museum is in flux and still struggling with the challenges of being a new restaurant. The kitchen shows some promise and deserves watching, but the dining room needs a much better trained staff (and a manager).

Black and Blue Chicken Penne

Quarter Roasted Chicken

The menu and atmosphere currently suffer from an identity crisis where the owners apparently haven’t decided whether to aspire to upscale traditional fine dining or to be a casual restaurant with moderately priced food in an architecturally interesting space. We don’t know of any which have successfully pulled off doing both in the same dining room. It will be interesting to see how The Museum evolves!

John Cullen

THE MUSEUM RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE

924 Charles St. W410.528.8632 T MuseumRAndL.com Open 7 days for dinner Full bar • Street parking

Email DiningOut@BaltimoreGayLife.com and find all prior reviews at BaltimoreGayLife-DiningOut.info.

Marty Shayt

GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

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GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

WELCOME TO BALTIMORE BLACK PRIDE’S 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

The Baltimore Black Pride (BBP) Board of Directors would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt greetings as we invite you to participate in our 10-Year Anniversary Celebration. Our theme for this year’s celebration is, “Legacy: Celebrating HerStory & HiStory!” It’s a weeklong celebration in which we will reflect on where BBP has come from, and look forward to where it’s heading.

Over the past 10 years, BBP has made some significant partnerships with its community. To quote one of our allies, “Celebrating blackness isn’t limited to African-Americans, and celebrating all aspects of Pride simply cannot be limited to one event. Regardless of what Pride you represent, it’s not a competition, rather we are all working together to transcend racial and cultural boundaries while simultaneously celebrating diversity.” We continue to value the leadership and guidance we get from the International Federation of Black Prides (IFBP). BBP has new leadership and new board members (the majority of whom are women). We’ve forged new relationships while cultivating and growing past ones. We are optimistic that BBP’s new focus and commitment will place our group in a position of being one of Baltimore’s lead premiere organizations charged to take on the needs of not just our own African-American LGBT community, but

the community’s needs as a whole.

Also, BBP has become very involved in voter registration, same-sex marriage, and helping the community to have a better understanding of the politics that impact our community. Throughout the next twelve months, the BBP organization will be focusing intensely on those pertinent issues that will help us make more conscious decisions about our well being as African-American LGBT community stakeholders.

The BBP organization has worked very diligently and with great attitudes over the last few months to bring you what we feel is our best Black Pride yet. The future looks bright for BBP as long as we continue to work in partnership and be mindful and respectful of everyone’s contributions to make our community a much better place. That’s what legacy is: Celebrating Our Stories.

We say, “Thank You” and GOD Bless! 

BALTIMORE BLACK PRIDE’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY! “LEGACY: CELEBRATING HERSTORY & HISTORY”

OCTOBER 1-7, 2012

This October marks the 10-year-anniversary of Baltimore Black Pride. This year’s theme is “Legacy: Celebrating HerStory & HiStory.” Events at this year’s event include workshops, spiritual services, fashion shows, and happy hours. Black Pride will once again culminate with the annual “ICONS We Love” awards gala. Read on to find event information, history, photos, and everything else you need to celebrate Black Pride.

Baltimore Black Pride is a proud member of the International Federation of Black Prides.

BALTIMORE BLACK PRIDE OFFICIAL PARTY HOSTS Ziascoz 1313 E. Pratt St. 410.276.5790 Facebook.com/ Ziascoz

Paradox 1310 Russell St. 410.837.9110 TheDox.com

Club Hippo 1 W. Eager St. 410.547.0069 ClubHippo.com

CONTACT & LEARN MORE

BlackPrideBaltimore.com • Twitter.com/bmoreblackpride Facebook.com/OfficialBaltimoreBlackPride2012 BMoreBlackPride@yahoo.com • 443.691.9669 P.O. Box 23004 • Baltimore, MD 21203

BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

OCTOBER 2012

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OCTOBER 2012

GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

WELCOME & CONGRATULATORY LETTERS BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

OCTOBER 2012

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BALTIMORE BLACK PRIDE EVENTS OCT 1-7 MONDAY, OCT. 1

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 3

Family Law Workshop

This workshop covers legal issues of concern to any family (wills, powers of attorney, adoption, parenting). Speakers include Byron E. Macfarlane, Mark F. Scurti, Susan Francis, Michele Zavos, and Derrick G. Hamlin.

Facilitated by Angela Alexander, Esq. 621 W. Lombard St., Room 311 Free • 7-8pm

TUESDAY, OCT. 2

FRIDAY, OCT. 5 Ladies Happy Hour

Youth Expressions Karaoke

What’s a cooler way to get together, have fun, laugh, and sing than karaoke? We might find the next American Idol, Voice, or X Factor! For more information on this event presented by STAR TRACK call 410.706.5313.

The Triple L 227 W. Chase St. Free. 7-10pm. 21+

THURSDAY, OCT. 4 “Shhh… A Series of Paintings Showing Women Loving Women”

Presented by Lizzie Spaceship and Baltimore Black Pride, this art show features work by artist Elizabeth Wilson.

GLCCB 241 W. Chase St. • $5 • 6-10pm LizzieSpaceship.com

DJ Ms. Tiff spinning Hip Hop, Reggae, and R&B. $3 martinis, $5 pretzel shots, and light fare. Stay tuned for the Iron Bartender Competition, and find out “What’s the Secret Ingredient?”

Ziascoz 1313 E. Pratt St. • $5 • 5-9pm

MGM: Meet-n-Greet Casual Affair of Art, Music, and Fun

Come out and meet the Board of Baltimore Black Pride. Enjoy food and good company in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

Station North Arts Café 1816 N. Charles St. • Free • 7-10pm

Hosted by Septimius the Great!

The Museum Restaurant & Lounge 924 N. Charles St. • Free • 6-10pm

Project S.E.L.F. for African American Men

This workshop will introduce African American men to empowerment through skills building to help them understand themselves and adjust positively to different types of change. Facilitated by Kevin Clemons and Carnelle Thomas.

Light Health and Wellness 112 E. 25th St. • Free • 6-8:30pm

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OCTOBER 2012

The Secret of Self-Defense

Walk with confidence in the world. Come and learn some basic self-defense skills.

Dress comfortably for easy movement.

This youth-focused event is presented by STAR TRACK. For more information, call 410.706.5313.

University of Maryland, Baltimore 601 W. Lombard St. Lower Level, Distance Learning Rm Free. 6-8pm

Status Vodka Presents: “Status: The Runway Show— Fashion for AIDS” The Museum Restaurant & Lounge 924 N. Charles St. • Cover • 8-10pm

Free. 11am-1pm.

Spiritual Empowerment Center 2129 N. Charles St. • 410.244.7321 SpiritualEmpowermentCenter.org Unity Fellowship Church of Baltimore 4007 Old York Rd. 410.244.0884 • UFCB.org Metropolitan Community Church of Baltimore 401 W. Monument St. 410.669.6222 • MCCBaltimore.org Interfaith Fairness Coalition of MD 410.233.5555 • IFCMD.org

Friday Night Lights

Soka Gakkai International Buddhist Center 1583 Sulphur Spring Rd., Ste. 118, Arbutus 410. 536.5766 • SGI-USA.org SGIBaltimore@comcast.net

1313 E. Pratt St. • $5 • 9pm-3am

Holy Nativity Episcopal Church 4238 Pimlico Rd. • 410.542.9554 HolyNativityBaltimore.org

The party continues with DJ David Robertson (House Music) and Live Broadcast from WPBRadio.com - Sound Café.

Ziascoz

SATURDAY, OCT. 6 The Cultural Affair & ICONS We Love Awards

Thirsty Tuesday

of places of worship and fellowship in Baltimore City and surrounding areas.

10th Annual Gala & Fundraiser Legacy: Celebrating HerStory & HiStory Light buffet fare, cash bar, live entertainment, and dancing.

Formal attire (dress to impress!)

Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute & Cultural Center 847 N. Howard St. • 7pm-12am $50 individual, $85 couple For tickets contact Carlton Smith at 443.691.9669 or BMoreBlackPride@yahoo.com or via PayPal by visiting BlackPrideBaltimore.org/Events

SUNDAY, OCT. 7 Spiritual Services

Services are being provided at a number

Ravens Ladies Tailgate Party

Put on your purple and come play!

Ziascoz 1313 E. Pratt St. • $2 • 2-7pm

The Finale: Legacy Global Village & Music Fest

Join hundreds of your friends as we wrap up a week of Black Pride celebrations! Cash bar.

Paradox 1310 Russell St. $8 before 11pm, $12 after. 10pm-3am

THURSDAY, OCT. 11 Just when you thought the party was over, it’s time to regroup and celebrate…

National Coming Out Day

Come out for Happy Hour!

Ziascoz 1313 E. Pratt St. Free. 5-10pm

GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

THE ICONS WE LOVE 2012 AWARD WINNERS Each year Baltimore Black Pride (BBP) recognizes outstanding icons nominated by the community. The 2012 Icon Award winners will be recognized and honored for their contributions to the growth and advancement of the African-American LGBT Community at our annual Cultural Affair Fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 6.

We will honor five recipients this year:

COMMUNITY ICON WINNER

Shelly Higgins

Shelly Higgins in the facilitator of Women of Color (WOC), a discussion and social group for lesbian, bisexual, and queer women of color from over the age of 20.

They meet face-to-face every second, forth, and fifth Thursday of each month at the GLCCB. One of the longest tenured groups at the Center, WOC has was founded in 1989. Their mission is to provide a safe, healthy, and welcoming environment where women in the life can come and talk about whatever is on their mind.

Topics range from current affairs, social issues, personal relationships, children, and the community. Confidentiality is strictly required. The group also engages in various social events in and around Baltimore.

• Permanent Housing Program provides subsidized housing and supportive services for disabled individuals and families living with HIV. • Baltimore County Samaritan Program provides subsidized housing and supportive services for disabled individuals and families living with HIV, the first of its kind, in Baltimore County.

• Un Nuevo Comienzo serves HIV positive, non-English speaking individuals with connections to health care and supportive housing.

• At the Door provides supportive housing as well as job training and placement to HIV positive individuals leaving prison.

• Don Miller Homes provides personal in-home care for 10 single, medically fragile adults with AIDS with services 24 hours a day.

• Restoration Gardens provides permanent housing and support services for homeless or housing unstable young people between the ages 18-24.

AIRS 1800 N. Charles St. Ste. 700 410.576.5070 • AIRSHome.org

underserved around the world. Gilmore is a winner of the W.C. Handy Award (The “Grammies of the Blues”), “Keeping the Blues Alive” Award, for her historical work on the contributions of women and the blues from The Blues Foundation.

She was recently named as one of the first recipients of the James Baldwin Medal for Civil Rights.

Gilmore served four terms on the Maryland Advisory Board for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. She has worked for reproductive justice for Native American women, and is a staunch and vocal supporter for marriage equality and gay and lesbian rights. In 2011, she was awarded the “Ally of the Year” award from Equality Maryland for her dedication and work for the LGBTQ communities.

Gilmore is currently the Social Justice Fellow at the Robert W Deutsch Foundation and Director of Network Coordination for the Moving Maryland Forward Network (MMFN), and she serves as the Cultural Editor for the Marc Steiner Radio Show, where she co-hosts once a month.

COMMUNITY ICON WINNER

AIRS (AIDS Interfaith Residential Services)

Council recognized his one-man show, FREEda Slave: Mask of a Diva, which addressed issues of cross-dressing and intradiscrimination in the gay community. He has hosted and performed spoken word at various gay prides across the country.

Madison played a pivotal role in the Baltimore gay African-American movement during the early 1980’s, particularly in his work with HIV prevention and education. He was one of the first to address the impact HIV was having on black gay men in Baltimore, and was one of the original members of M.O.C.A.P.P. (Men of Color AIDS Prevention Project) and M.O.C.A.A. (Men Of Color Against AIDS).

In light of this year’s theme, “Legacy: Celebrating HerStory & HiStory,” BBP organizers are honored to present the Charman’s Award to Dale Madison.

Learn more at DamnGoodMan.com.

YOUTH ICON WINNER

Keith Holt

The Youth Icon Winner is a person who aids in raising the awareness of AA LGBT youth including providing services and assisting with youth LGBTQ awareness programs, youth suicide assistance programs, youth bullying awareness programs, etc.

This year, community member Keith Holt is recognized for this award.

In 1987, AIDS Interfaith Residential Ser-

vices (AIRS) was founded by the Central Maryland Ecumenical Council as the faith community’s response to the AIDS epidemic.

The first Don Miller House—which provides housing and 24-hours-a-day care—first opened its doors in 1988, when it served four men with end-stage AIDS. Through strategic planning and community support, AIRS has expanded its program to provide supportive housing to the most vulnerable populations throughout Baltimore City and Baltimore County.

Specific supportive housing programs include the following:

BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

The Cultural Affair & ICONS We Love Awards CHAIRMAN’S AWARD ENTERTAINMENT/POLITICAL ICON WINNER

Lea Gilmore

Named by Essence magazine as one of 25 Women Shaping the World, Lea Gilmore is one of the world’s most respected and in demand gospel, blues, jazz, and inspirational vocalists and lecturers on human rights. Gilmore is also a social activist who has lent her voice to advocacy for the

Dale Guy Madison

In addition to the “ICONS We Love” award, Baltimore Blace Pride also bestows the BBP Chairman’s Award to an individual who exemplifies leadership, love, spirit, and sense of community .

This year’s recipient is Dale Guy Madison. Madison is an activist, artist, educator, and entrepreneur. He wrote a memoir, Dreamboy: My Life as A QVC Host & Other Greatest Hits. The Maryland State Arts

10th Annual Gala & Fundraiser Legacy: Celebrating HerStory & HiStory Light buffet fare, cash bar, live entertainment, and dancing.

Formal attire (dress to impress!)

Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute & Cultural Center 847 N. Howard St. • 7pm-12am $50 individual, $85 couple

For tickets contact Carlton Smith at 443.691.9669 or BMoreBlackPride@yahoo. com or via PayPal by visiting BlackPrideBaltimore.org/Events

OCTOBER 2012

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MEET OUR BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Carlton R. Smith

President & Founder Smith has served on various committees providing outreach, leadership, and representing the needs of LGBT people at the local, state, and federal levels. Smith places emphasis on the African-American LGBT community, specifically men who have sex with men (MSM). He is the community cochair of the MSM Response Team convened by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and a member of the Maryland Black Family Alliance, the National Black Gay Men’s Advocacy Coalition, and the National Association of People with AIDS. He is the former vice president of the GLCCB and an ordained deacon with UNITY Fellowship Church of Baltimore.

Kevin T. Clemons

Chairman & Founder Clemons has worked as an activist and advocate on behalf of people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS since 1985. He has provided prevention education, HIV counseling and testing, and consultation at the local, state, and federal level. He served as the Community AIDS Coordinator for the Baltimore City Health Department for 13 years. He also provided oversight to 20 HIV counseling and testing sites in Baltimore, served as a founder and facilitator of “Positive Power,” a support group for African-American men who have sex with men, and in the 1990’s was one of the co-founders of M.O.C.A.A. (Men of Color Against AIDS).

“I have been involved with my AALGBT community for almost 30 years,” Clemons said.

“It’s a calling!”

Reverend Mother Meredith Moise

Co-Chair Mother Meredith is an Old Catholic priest, writer, teacher, and activist. This Morgan

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OCTOBER 2012

State University alum was a co-chair of “Creating Change 2012”, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s conference on LGBT equality. She is currently the vice chairperson of Baltimore Black Pride and the first woman to hold that position.

Her opinion editorials and articles can be found in Baltimore OUTLoud, Baltimore’s independent voice for the LGBT community.

Kim H. Walker

Treasurer Native Chicagoan Kim Walker has been the vocalist for the Kevin Robinson Ensemble and Rapture. Walker is licensed through the United Centers for Spiritual Living as a spiritual practitioner and is owner and principal accountant of Certified Business Services, LLC, providing accounting, business, and tax services in the Baltimore/DC area.

“I joined Baltimore Black Pride to aide its leadership in developing and maintaining fiscal responsibility, tax compliance, and fostering greater partnerships throughout the state of Maryland,” Walker said.

Phylis Lagree

Secretary Lagree is 60 years young and retired from the IRS, and belongs to the Christian-based missionary group E. B. O. B. She loves reading, hand dancing, volunteering, and helping others less fortunate than herself.

“Baltimore Black Pride is all about making a difference, that’s why I wanted to be a part of it,” Lagree said.

AT LARGE BOARD MEMBERS

Kevin Brown

For over 25 years, Brown has been a staple in the Baltimore community in communications, media and public relations, advertising, event and

meeting planning, and community outreach.

In addition, he owns, operates, and manages a diverse portfolio of successful businesses including a café/restaurant, multi-unit apartment buildings, and a communityfocused real estate development company.

Francis-Johnson is married to Minister Carla Johnson of the Unity Fellowship Church Movement.

Leroy Burgess

Executive Assistant Lagree-Simmons is married to Kimberly E. Simmons. Together they have two children: Ariel, 13, and Matthew, 22. She is a Reservoir Hill resident and the wholesale executive for A People United of Mount Vernon. A graduate of both Morgan State University and University of Sedona, Lagree-Simmons holds a certification in Conflict Analysis and is a pastor with Grace Restoration Life Ministries.

Burgess, founder and current member at large, has been involved in the community for years.

Burgess Entertainment Group is one of Baltimore’s longest standing promotional companies for the AfricanAmerican LGBT community, and Burgess Entertainment Events caters to a melting pot of individuals in the larger LGBT community, providing some of the best after hour events for well over a decade.

Jamal Hailey

Hailey has spent the last four years working to improve the lives of adolescents and young adults living with, or most at risk for acquiring, HIV. His major focus has been working within the LGBTQ community to ensure that youth have safe spaces to be themselves. He has served as a sexual health educator, HIV counselor, outreach worker, and case manager. Recently, he assumed the role as director of programs of the STAR TRACK Adolescent HIV Program at the University of Maryland. Hailey hopes to help create safe spaces for LGBT youth through his work with Black Pride.

Joi Francis-Johnson

Francis-Johnson is the first president of the Alpha Alpha Chapter of Beta Phi Omega Sorority, Inc. She completed her undergraduate education at Rutgers University where she obtained a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice. She was awarded a second Bachelors degree in Sociology at Rutgers University and is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice at Boston University-Metropolitan College.

Kimberli LagreeSimmons

Reverend Samuel R. Offer

Rev. Sam Offer serves as vice president of the Washington Consulting Group, a Multicultural Organizational Development Firm in Baltimore. Sam has served as an educator and administrator in education for over 25 years. Sam is a noted consultant, facilitator and trainer on diversity, multiculturalism, religion, leadership, and community development issues.

He has a way of engaging participants that will foster effective change in both their personal and professional lives. Sam is an ordained minister with Unity Fellowship Church, Baltimore.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION

Angela A. Alexander, Esq.

Alexander is an attorney practicing in Baltimore City. Born and raised in West Baltimore, Angela was educated in the public school system before attending college in Rhode Island. With a strong commitment to public service and helping others, it was no surprise that she felt drawn to Baltimore Black Pride. Angela wishes to use her skills and education to give back to Baltimore.

GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

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COMMUNITY VOICES Black Gay Men's Lives Matter!

What do black gay and bisexual men in the United States have in common with countries in sub-Saharan Africa? New HIV infection rates!

New figures from the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) places new HIV infection rates for black gay and bisexual men at 2.8 percent, and 5.9 percent for black gay and bisexual men 30 years old and younger. Figures from Baltimore’s ‘BESURE’ study place unrecognized HIV infection among black men who have sex with men at almost 77 percent in their study (2008)—up almost 14 percent from 2004/5.

Yet, these numbers, startling, heartwrenching, and even embarrassing are NOT surprising. The deafening silence with which these figures have been met by mainstream media, activist groups, and public health officials isn’t either! The lack of a coordinated, ‘official’ response or even a grassroots, ‘home grown’ response sends a message that is all too clear—the lives of black gay/bi men in Baltimore do not matter! Our lives can’t matter if we are routinely reduced to sexual acts, labeled as vectors of disease, portrayed as pathological and then simply surveyed and discarded.

WE must believe and show that the lives of black gay/bi men do matter. We must imagine and create a new agenda for responding to the unacceptable rates of HIV infection, unemployment, and homelessness—an agenda that would by a mere necessity call for social change in Charm City.

The way we talk about and are talked about in policy, research, and funding

circles would have to change if the lives of black gay/bi men mattered. If black gay/bi men’s lives mattered we would see that we can no longer be silent on issues that reinforce isolation and promote a compromised self-image. Institutional and systemic racism, classism, and homophobia in the very organizations, institutions, and communities which claim to share this struggle would be exposed and re-imagined.

If black gay/bi men mattered, HIV prevention funding and policy-making would be adequately and strategically targeted.

If we mattered, the fact that there is not a single community-based organization with the infrastructure and resources to organize, educate, and mobilize black gay men to care for their own and each other’s health would be wholly unacceptable.

If we believed our lives mattered, we would protect each other! We would get off the barstools at The Drinkery or Club Bunns, get off of Adam4Adam and Black Gay Chat, and find each other, connect with each other, and start a movement to save our lives!

The lives of black gay/bi men do matter, and the responsibility for stemming the tide of the HIV epidemic in one of the hardest hit cities in the country must be a shared responsibility. 

Tea Time

connections. In keeping with this tradition, TEA TIME provides group and individual level interventions and outreach services to the transgender community.

Our group level intervention gives participants an opportunity to openly network with fellow transgender people in a safe environment. These groups are geared to promote HIV prevention, while addressing social and political issues. Furthermore, sessions are both educational and entertaining. 

AIDS Action Baltimore’s TEA TIME (Transpeople Empowerment in Action) provides a safe space for transgender people to openly discuss their life concerns without fear of discrimination or harassment.

The name “TEA TIME” hails from an early twentieth century tradition within some transgender and drag communities, who hosted tea parties or dances as safe nonsexual venues to gather and express sisterhood and make important peer-networking

PAGE 24

OCTOBER 2012

Black Gay Men’s Lives Matter!: A Town Hall Meeting Saturday, October 20 • 1–3pm GLCCB • 241 W. Chase St. BlackPrideBaltimore@yahoo.com

TEA TIME 3rd & Last Wednesdays 10 E. Eager St. • 410.837.5573

GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

OCTOBER 2012

PAGE 25

REAL LIFE

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS

MARYLAND

BY RACHEL ROTH

UNITED KINGDOM

MASSACHUSETTS WASHINGTON, D.C.

FRANCE

NORTH CAROLINA

AUSTRALIA

Transgender pilots cleared for takeoff NATIONWIDE

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has revised its policy of requiring transgender pilots to undergo a litany of psychological examinations in order to receive necessary clearance for flying. The Associated Press reports that a pilot’s license has two parts: 1. the actual pilot certificate, which establishes identification and privileges and never expires, and 2. the airman’s medical certificate, which must be renewed every five years. Prior to the recent change, the FAA required that transgender pilots looking to renew their airman’s medical certificate take a total of five neurocognitive tests, which cost “several thousand dollars.”

States Stand Up for Marriage Equality NATIONWIDE

The federal government does not yet recognize gay and lesbian marriages even in the six states, plus the District of Columbia, which have legalized same-sex marriage.

According to the Christian Science Monitor, Vermont, New York, and Connecticut filed an amicus brief arguing that the federal government cannot “unmarry”

PAGE 26

OCTOBER 2012

gay couples who are wed in states that sanction same-sex marriage. Shortly thereafter, Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and 144 fellow Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives filed a separate brief calling Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) “unconstitutional.”

The brief was filed in large part due to a New York case involving a lesbian widow.

When Edie Windsor’s partner died, the federal government demanded $350,000 in estate taxes. The brief contends that the action is a violation of states’ rights, arguing that “states regulate marriage and family relationships and that Congress doesn’t have constitutional authority to interfere with that license at any level.”

On Nov. 6, citizens in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington state will vote on marriage equality.

Report: Bullying LGBT Youth on the Decline NATIONWIDE

For LGBT youth, it is getting better at school, according a report released by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). Based on the 2011 National School Climate Survey, the GLSEN report found that the use of “anti-gay language” continues to decline.

Additionally, for the first time since 1999, violence predicated on sexual orientation has begun to drop. The 2011 survey includes responses from 8,584 students, ages 13 to 20 who represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 3,224 unique school districts.

MD Delegate Blasts Pro-LGBT Football Player MARYLAND

Maryland state Delegate Emmet C. Burns, Jr. (D – Baltimore) publicly condemned Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo for supporting marriage equality. Ayanbadjo has been a staunch supporter of Question 6, which would amend Maryland’s constitution to allow same-sex couples the right to marry.

He recorded a video for Marylanders for Equal Marriage and offered two tickets to the Ravens’ home opener for a fundraising event. In response to his donation, Burns wrote a letter to Ravens owner Steve Biscotti saying that it was “inconceivable” that a player would support gay marriage and called for Biscotti to “inhibit such expressions from [his] employee.” According to The Washington Post, Burns, the founder and pastor of Rising Sun First Baptist Church, also suspended

his support of President Barack Obama after he spoke out in favor of marriage equality in May.

Transgender Inmate Ruling to be Reviewed MASSACHUSETTS

A Massachusetts judge is the first in the nation to rule that states must pay for sexual reassignment surgery for transgender inmates.

The case involves Michelle Kosilek, who was born male. In 1990, Kosilek was convicted of killing her wife and sentenced to life in prison. Since then, Kosilek has begun transitioning, receiving numerous hormone treatments while living in an all-male prison.

U.S. District Court Judge Mark Wolf ruled surgery was necessary to treat Kosilek’s “serious medical need.” Surgery would also make it possible for Kosilek to be transferred to a female prison.

The Washington Post reports that Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick’s administration is reviewing the decision. While Patrick called the judge “thoughtful and scholarly”, the state legislature opposed the surgery. U.S. Senator Scott Brown (R– Mass.) and U.S. Senate hopeful Elizabeth Warren both oppose the decision.

GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

Frank Calls Pro-Gay GOPs “Uncle Toms” MASSACHUSETTS

Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) compared Log Cabin Republicans to “Uncle Toms” in early September, drawing criticism from the organization. The openly gay congressman, who is not running for reelection, defended his criticism of the group in an open letter.

Arguing that the group “pretends to be successful in advancing LGBT rights,” Frank wrote: “My use of ‘Uncle Tom’ was based not simply on this awful fact that they have chosen to be actively on the wrong side of an election that will have an enormous impact on our right to equality.

“The damaging aspect of the Log Cabin argument, to repeat the most important point, is that they mislead people who do not share their view that that tax cuts for the wealthy are more important than LGBT tights into thinking that they are somehow helping the latter by supporting Mitt Romney and his Rick Santorum platform,” he added.

LGBT Presence at DNC More Visible Than Ever NORTH CAROLINA

For the first time ever, LGBT support at the Democratic National Convention took center stage. Not only were a record number of LGBT delegates prominently featured in key speaking roles, but the Democratic Party officially endorsed a platform that included marriage equality.

In contrast, at the Republican National Convention, LGBT issues were largely unmentioned and no openly gay delegates spoke from the stage. The New York Times reported that unlike previous Republican conventions, this year did not feature a “chorus” of attacks on gay rights.

Mikulski Supports Women’s History Museum WASHINGTON, D.C.

U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (DMd.) announced support for the National Women’s History Museum Commission Act, legislation being introduced

by Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine)

BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

that would help establish a museum in Washington, D.C., dedicated to women’s history. “Women’s history is American history,” said Mikulski. The legislation would create a panel to examine and recommend how and where to best establish a museum in the nation’s capital dedicated to women’s history.

Australian Activist Calls Smoking Healthier Than LGBT Lifestyle AUSTRALIA

Australian Christian Lobby Head Jim Wallace reportedly said that health statistics among the gay community were worse than the health statistics for smokers. According to an article in The National, Wallace made the statement during a debate on same-sex marriage at the University of Tasmania.

“I think we’re going to owe smokers a big apology when the homosexual community’s own statistics for health, which it presents when it wants more money for health, are that it has higher rates of drug-taking, of suicide, it has the life of a male reduced by 20 years,” he told the audience. “The life of smokers is reduced by something like seven to 10 years and yet we tell all our kids at school they shouldn’t smoke.”

New British Cabinet Appointee to Meet with LGBT Advocates UNITED KINGDOM

Maria Miller, Britain’s new culture secretary, has offered to meet with LGBTrights groups who are concerned about her parliamentary voting record on sexual equality and abortion. According to The Independent, Miller opposed a measure that would ban discrimination and harassment in the workplace based on sexual orientation. She also voted in favor of an amendment that would have lowered the abortion time limit and has made statements indicating that she believes children should be raised by parents of both genders.

Find more LGBT news online at

BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

London Assembly Passes Marriage Equality Motion UNITED KINGDOM

The London Assembly is the latest governing body in England to support marriage equality. The measure, which was proposed by Liberal Democratic Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon, passed with support from all parties. Labour AM Tom Copley, who seconded the motion, released a statement hailing the decision: “Our society has moved a long way towards greater tolerance and acceptance since I first came out as gay 11 years ago when same-sex marriages seemed a distant prospect.”

In related news, London Mayor Boris Johnson filmed a message in support of marriage equality for the advocacy group Out4Marriage.

France Close to Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage, Adoption FRANCE

The French government has confirmed plans to introduce legislation that would grant gay and lesbians the right to marry and adopt. Justice Minister Christiane Taubira told La Croix, a Catholic newspaper, that a draft of the bill will be presented to the cabinet at the end of October.

France is presently one of the few European countries that does not allow lesbians and gays to adopt. Taubira said that the language of the bill will allow for same-sex partners to become the legal guardian of their partner’s biological child. It will also allow gays and lesbians to adopt either as a couple or as a single parent.

Int'l Commission Appoints New ED WORLDWIDE

The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC), a 22-year-old organization dedicated to strengthening LGBT rights worldwide, announced on Sept. 24 the appointment of Jessica Stern as executive director. Stern, who previously served as IGLHRC’s acting executive director and director of programs, is an emerging and innovative leader in the international human rights movement.

OCTOBER 2012

PAGE 27

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OCTOBER 2012

GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

OUR LIFE

TRANSMISSIONS

A Tangled Web of Hair

BY GWENDOLYN ANN SMITH When I was at the cusp of my teenage years, my parents decided to snoop around my room one day. There, in one drawer of my dresser, hidden under towels, was a stash of women’s attire. When I came home, I spotted that my “stash” was gone, and realized I’d have to come up with some really good story for why all that was there.

I quickly came up with some half-baked excuse involving listening to rock and roll music or some such. Because clearly listening to too much Queen on my portable cassette player would cause that, right? For whatever reason, my parents chickened out about confronting me, which meant my poor attempt at subterfuge never had to be used.

I’d forgotten all about this somewhat embarrassing moment in my life until recently, when the story of a woman named Mandi started to hit the news after appearing on Anderson Cooper’s talk show, Anderson Live.

Mandi, a 38-year-old living in Tampa, Fla., began taking Finasteride, the generic form of Propecia, a drug primarily used to treat male pattern baldness. Not coincidentally, the drug is also said to have some anti-androgen properties, which have caused some to use it as part of hormone replacement therapy. In this use, it’s a lot less effective than medications like spironolactone.

Yet, after some months of taking Finasteride , Mandi claimed her body was feminizing, that she was experiencing breast growth, and that her emotions were changing. Eventually, it all became too much for her: she sought out therapy and eventually transitioned.

She claims she never once questioned her gender before; that she’d never worn any clothing or did anything that would be viewed as crossing gender lines. She did question her sexuality when she was younger, wondering if she might be bisexual, but feelings of being transgender never once entered her mind.

Of course, I suppose anything is possible, but the story strikes me as odd, and there are just too many inconsistencies. It feels too much like someone caught in a lie and having to keep it up.

But what bothers me most is not that BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

Mandi may have chosen to concoct a world where her anti-balding pills turned her into a transsexual, but that the story has become a media spectacle. Her appearance on Anderson Live, while the most visible, is not the first place her tale of woe has appeared in the media.

If this were merely the story she chose to tell family and friends to explain away her transition, then only those amongst her family and friends may be harmed.

But we live in an era where the media has a worldwide reach. Her story, for good or ill, will influence quite a few others.

There may be transgender people who may now be placing their own internet orders for Finasteride , assuming that they may have the same “miraculous effects,” while putting themselves at an increased risk for both prostrate cancer and male breast cancer.

More than that, we will certainly see this as a blow to transgender people who are legitimately going through their own transition, or even those who are simply opting to present whoever they choose, gender-wise.

Mandi could quickly become the poster child of the anti-transgender rights movement. This is a high stakes game.

I do wish Mandi well. This is not an easy journey. Yet if this is going to be her story, I’d rather it not be foisted on an already-skeptical public.

Gwen Smith still regularly listens to Queen.

You can find her at GwenSmith.com

OCTOBER 2012

PAGE 29

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OCTOBER 2012

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GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

OUR LIFE

SPEAKING OUT

Predicting the Gay Vote WILL OBAMA'S SUPPORT OF MARRIAGE EQUALITY KEEP SOME BLACKS HOME ON ELECTION DAY?

BY REV. IRENE MONROE African-Americans have worked hard to get the vote, and to get a man of African descent in the White House.

In 2008, we came out in unprecedented numbers with Obama taking 95 percent of the black vote, thanks to the help of his biggest support base: AmericanAmerican ministers and their parishioners.

In this 2012 presidential election, Obama’s biggest support base will drop precipitously����������������������������� as a result of the Democratic Party’s and Obama’s pronouncement on marriage equality.

Before the opening of the Democratic National Convention, the Democratic Party released its 2012 platform and its theme, “Moving America Forward:” “We support the right of all families to have equal respect, responsibilities, and protections under the law. We support marriage equality and support the movement to secure equal treatment under law for same-sex couples.”

Many Obama supporters embrace the platform’s theme, but feel that the party’s support of same-sex marriage is risky, if not outright political suicide, in such a tight and contentious race for the White House.

“We also support the freedom of churches and religious entities to decide how to administer marriage as a religious sacrament without government interference.”

With one of Obama’s largest and most loyal voting blocs being African-Americans, who are also largely Democratic and conservative Christians, the big worry is not that they will now cast ballots for Mitt Romney; it’s that they might not come out to vote at all.

“This is the first time in black church history that I’m aware of that black pastors have encouraged their parishioners not to vote,” Rev. Jamal-Harrison Bryant of Baltimore told The Associated Press. Bryant has formed the Empowerment Network, a national coalition of about 30 denominations working to register African-American parishioners. Bryant, too, opposes same-sex marriage, and has stated that BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

Obama endorsement of marriage equality is “at the heart” of the problem for black Christians.

In 2008, according to the Pew Research Center, approximately 95 percent of the African-American populace cast their ballot for Obama, and only 26 percent were in favor of same-sex marriage.

Before Obama publicly announced his support for marriage equality in May, according to Pew results in April, 49 percent of African-Americans were not in favor of same-sex marriage while only 39 percent were in favor. Since Obama’s announcement, the numbers of those in opposition to same-sex marriage have not declined among the black churched populace. In fact, some African-American ministers have come out more forcefully against Obama.

For example, the Rev. William Owens, president and founder of the Memphisbased Coalition of African-Americans Pastors, is one of them. Given his influence and clout among black clerics in the area, Owens feels that the president has gone too far. Owens told The Associated Press in late July that he “would lead a national effort to rally black Americans to rethink their overwhelming support of the president over the same-sex issue and ‘save the family.’”

While I would like to dismiss Owens’ rant as just another homophobic minister and an outlier in what I perceive will be a huge turnout of black voters for Obama, sadly, to date Owens has parlayed his outrage into a small but growing movement.

He has over 3,742 African-American ministers and their churches on board with his anti-Obama vote campaign.

Why are African Americans, especially conservative Christians, still stuck on this issue?

One reason is that church doctrines throughout African-American denominations haven’t changed on the topic of homosexuality, keeping the church tethered to an outdated notion of human sexuality, and a wrong-headed notion on what constitutes civil rights.

Another reason is that many AfricanAmerican ministers still believe the institution of marriage, at least within the black family, is under assault, and LGBTQ people further exacerbate the problem.

For these ministers, some of whom support LGBTQ civil rights but draw the line on same-sex marriage, espouse their opposition to same-sex marriage as a prophylactic measure to combat the epidemic of fatherlessness in black families. In scapegoating the LGBTQ community, these clerics are ignoring the social ills behind black fatherlessness, such as the systematic disenfranchisement of African-American men and women, high unemployment, high incarceration, and poor education.

Some African-American ministers have come out in support of Obama’s stance on marriage equality. For these ministers, the liability of Obama losing his 2012 reelection bid seems far greater than being publicly outed for not being in lockstep with their homophobic brethren. But their efforts to get their conservative parishioners to the ballot box must far exceed those in opposition.

If the first African-American president loses his reelection bid because of certain pastors’ homophobic views on marriage equality, that would be tragic, and history would not look kindly on their actions Obama is the president of the United States, not the pastor of the United States.

He’s the president of all the people, not some of the people.

As African-Americans who have battled for centuries against racial discrimination, we have always relied on our president and his administration to fight for and uphold our civil rights, because too many pastors across the country and throughout centuries wouldn’t “move America forward.”

Our Sista Circle

A FREE ONLINE RESOURCE FOR LESBIANS OF COLOR Nicole Breedlove had the idea to create OurSistaCircle.com, the first social networking site for lesbians of color, before she even owned a computer. When she launched in 2009, she was her first and only member. But she knew there must be other African-American, Asian, and Latino lesbians who were looking for a social networking website that united all lesbians of color, and she was right. OurSistaCircle.com (OSC) now has more than 8,300 members worldwide.

“Lesbians of color have very unique issues that need to be addressed,” explained Breedlove.

“We deal with gender and sexuality and class and race.”

So what does her website offer?

“You can post photos and videos, instant message, join or create a group or forum, blog, post events, submit questions, or join the dating portal and meet beautiful and supportive lesbians of color in places like Jamaica, Suriname, Germany, Japan, Trinidad, Brazil, France, Puerto Rico, Africa, and, of course, here in the U.S.,” she said.

While members can connect with other lesbians from all over the globe, OSC does have one rule: “I wanted to not only launch a social networking website of this magnitude, but also ensure that it was a site with integrity,” she said.

“To ensure this I strongly enforce a no-nudity policy on member profiles. And as a result of this one small rule, OSC is full of respectful, intelligent, and nurturing women.”

OURSISTACIRCLE.COM

OCTOBER 2012

PAGE 31

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GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

OUR LIFE

POLITICS

Supporting a Dream

WHY LGBT MARYLANDERS SHOULD SUPPORT THE DREAM ACT

BY CARRIE EVANS The mission of Equality Maryland (EQMD) centers on making life better for all LGBT Marylanders. To this end, EQMD supports Question 4 (The Dream Act) and we urge Maryland’s LGBT communities to do the same.

There are several reasons why EQMD supports Question 4. One centers on our mission—to work for equality for all LGBT Marylanders, including undocumented immigrant LGBT students. These individuals are a segment of the LGBT community that many people never think about. Many of them came to the United States as children where they had to learn a new language and adapt to a new culture. On top of everything, they also had to come to terms with being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.

Now, most LGBT folks in Maryland did not have to confront the challenges of a new language and culture, but all of us can identify with the challenges of sharing our lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender identities with our families and friends.

We know how difficult the coming out process can be, in our own experiences, and in the experiences of others we care about. Many incredible undocumented immigrants who EQMD is working with did exactly that. They live openly as LGBT, even though they lack the legal protections that come with documented immigration status.

Another reason EQMD supports The Dream Act is to show solidarity with Maryland’s immigrant communities and the organizations that serve them. For example, the immigrant advocacy organization CASA of Maryland, has publically, consistently, and unapologetically supported LGBT equality. Further, polls have shown that a majority of Latinos in Maryland support Question 6 (Civil Marriage Protection Act) and view marriage equality as an issue of fairness. EQMD views the Dream Act the same way; it is an issue of fairness.

To help you understand why we view Question 4 as one of fairness, let me share the details of The Dream Act: BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

Beginner Yoga With Yoga Therapist Tim Hurley

Sundays at 3:30pm

LGBT Dreamers Ivette and Edwin Photo courtesy of Equality Maryland

If voters approve Question 4 in November, it would allow Maryland’s undocumented immigrants who graduate high school the accessibility to pay in-state tuition at the state’s public universities, but only if they satisfy some pretty formidable criteria. One, their parents must have filed three or more years of income tax returns. Second, students must first go to a community college where they must earn 60 credits or an associate’s degree. Third, students must be admitted to a Maryland public university, having met all academic requirements for admission. Thus, only after having established a history of filing tax returns, studying at a community college, and academically earning admission to a four-year college would an undocumented student be afforded the opportunity to pay in-state tuition. And, because undocumented transfer students would count as non-residents, even though they pay in-state rates, they would not compete for college slots with other qualified Maryland resident students.

Allowing Maryland’s undocumented students, including those who are LGBT, to pay in-state tuition is the right and fair thing to do; it is why Equality Maryland supports these students and urges the larger LGBT community to do the same.

Stand with us and this segment of our community by voting for Question 4 on Nov. 6.

(please arrive a few minutes early) Room 201 at The GLCCB 241 W. Chase St. Cost is $9 www.glccb.org 410.837.5445 A portion of the cost is donated back to The GLCCB

Carrie Evans is the Executive Director of Equality Maryland.

OCTOBER 2012

PAGE 33

BETTER LIFE

QUEER HEALTH

Coming Out— It's Healthy to Be Happy

BY ALICIA GABRIEL, CHASE BREXTON HEALTH SERVICES Everyone’s coming out story is different.

I was nearly 30 when I came out. An uber-religious family, an engrained understanding of my role in the world, and, well, that long-term boyfriend, all led to a lot of self-denial and self-deprecation.

If you’re struggling with coming out, this article is for you. Why is this subject covered in the health column? Because being honest and living openly leads to better health. And being honest with your health care providers leads to more appropriate care.

WHY COME OUT?

You deserve to feel comfortable in your own skin. Hiding your sexual orientation and gender identity can be painful and exhausting. Though it can be an overwhelming proposition, coming out can also have benefits: • • • •

A free blender (…just kidding) Reduced internal stress Being able to live a whole, open life Developing honest, supportive relationships • Self-acceptance and confidence • Helping to change social misconceptions about LGBT individuals • Being a part of an open, proud community

COME OUT TO YOURSELF FIRST.

Your sexual orientation and gender identity don’t define you. But, it may feel like they do. You may feel scared, confused, ashamed, and powerless. There’s no simple process for coming to terms with your sexual orientation and gender identity. You may need to talk with a therapist, someone you trust, or find others who’ve gone through the process to help you. In the end, this is really between you and you. Once you accept yourself, you may feel empowered, proud, exhilarated (I may, on occasion, sing “I’m gay!” out loud… at work).

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OCTOBER 2012

PLAN YOUR COMING OUT.

No, this doesn’t have to be a grand, pinktaffeta party. It can be done quietly, if you’d like. Things to consider: • Who do you want to tell?

• Who will likely be the most supportive?

(They should probably be first.)

• Is the timing right? (Stressful times can make this process more difficult.)

• Will you be physically safe?

• What would you like to say?

• Do you have support after you’ve come out?

FEAR IS NATURAL.

Fear of bad reactions is totally normal— but don’t let fear control your life.

If the people in your life are abusive, however, it’s best to not come out to them and, instead, find support in transitioning your life away from dysfunctional or destructive situations.

THEIR REACTIONS ARE THEIRS.

Keep in mind that another person’s reaction belongs to them. They have their own feelings. These feelings are not caused directly by you and do not need to affect how you feel about yourself.

Expressions of support are wonderful.

Sometimes, though, people need more time to deal with their own issues before they can provide support. Sometimes, you may not get any support from the family and friends you love. How much time you invest in a relationship with people who don’t support you is not simple to decide and can only be decided by you.

WHAT WILL YOUR COMING OUT STORY BE?

Coming out is about you. So, you decide who you want to tell, when you want to tell them, and even where you tell them.

If you can’t talk about it yet, it’s okay. If you need support, visit ChaseBrexton. org or GLCCB.org for links to LGBT resources.

GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

SOCIAL LIFE

BSCENE

Howard County Light Brigade PHOTOS BY JOHN KARDYS

BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

OCTOBER 2012

PAGE 35

SPOTLIGHT

SOCIAL LIFE

DATEBOOK

MONDAY, OCT. 1 Baltimore Black Pride

See official guide p. 17 Thru Oct. 7 BlackPrideBaltimore.org

Hispanic Heritage Month Begins

New Ghost Tour Explores Federal Hill Federal Hill is infused with as much history as it is with spirits of the dead.

Thankfully, Barry Werner of Scarborough Fair Bed & Breakfast has teamed up with spiritual medium Rob Gutro and Margaret Perry Ehrlich of Inspired Ghost Tracking to create a tour that combines science, technology, spirituality, and legend into a unique exploration of this historical neighborhood.

“This is a great way for people to learn about our wonderful neighborhood for the first time or to get reacquainted with not only what makes it so charming and fun, but the decades of history that happened on our streets, not to mention the dearly departed who still choose to hang around,” Werner said.

During this one-hour guided walking tour, spirits of the past commune with the explorers of the present. Hear tales of murder, mystery, and legend. Discover the techniques and the science behind ghost hunting while walking the old cobblestones and modern paved streets of this wonderful neighborhood filled with taverns, shops, and restaurants.

HISTORIC FEDERAL HILL GHOST TOUR

Saturdays through Nov. 17, 6 & 8:30pm • $10-15 Scarborough Fair B&B 801 S. Charles St. W 1.877.954.2747 TScarboroughfairbandb.com TFederalHillGhostTour.ticketleap.com TInspiredGhostTracking.webs.com Tickets must be purchased 48 hours prior to tour. Rain or shine. Arrive 10 minutes early.

PAGE 36

OCTOBER 2012

Free Fall Baltimore kicks off month-long, free, city-wide arts extravaganza.

FreeFallBaltimore.org

Jazz Cabaret with Rain Pryor

An evening of jazz and blues by the Strand Theater’s artistic director. $35 • 7pm Germano’s Trattoria • 300 South High St. Strand-Theater.org

Stoop Storytelling: Believe It Or Not

Hear and share stories about finding and losing faith. $18 • 7pm CENTERSTAGE • 700 N. Calvert St. StoopStorytelling.com

TUESDAY, OCT. 2 Regina Spector

The “anti-folk” singer/songwriter will “Break Your Heart” with her quirky, highly eclectic, personal music. $53-70 • 8pm • The Lyric Opera House 140 W Mount Royal Ave. LyricOperaHouse.com

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 3 Gay BINGO!

Cash prizes and progressive jackpot.

Drink specials, appetizers, and raffles.

Every Wednesday Evening Benefits GLCCB • 8:30pm Club Hippo • 1 W. Eager St. 410.547.0018 • ClubHippo.com

GEM Gender Empowerment MD

Meets every other Wednesday.

Registration required.

FREE • 7pm Equality Maryland • 1201 S. Sharp St. Owen@EqualityMaryland.org

Wicked

See article p. 10 Thru Nov. 4 Hippodrome • 12 N. Eutaw St. France-MerrickPAC.com

FRIDAY, OCT. 5 Sugarloaf Crafts Festival

250 of the nation’s finest artisans. $8-10 • 10am-6pm Maryland State Fairgrounds 2200 York Rd. • Timonium SugarloafCrafts.com

BY RACHEL ROTH

Fridays After Five

Latino heritage and traditions in art, music, literature, dance, and cuisine.

Every first Friday thru March 2013 $12 • 5-8pm National Aquarium • 501 E. Pratt St. Aqua.org

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Howard County PFLAG Monthly Meeting

For parents & friends of LGBTQ children.

FREE • 7:30pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way • Columbia PFLAGMD.org

This September, GMT is going to uncover a whole new side of the woods. $8-12 • 8pm • Thru Oct. 7 LOF\t • 120 W. North Ave. GlassMindTheatre.com

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 10

Patti LuPone: Matters of the Heart

THURSDAY, OCT. 11

The showstopper performs love songs by a wide range of composers. $45-$85 • 8pm • Thru Oct. 6 Music Center at Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Ln. • North Bethesda Strathmore.org

SATURDAY, OCT. 6 Baltimore Frontrunners

LGBTQ running/walking club.

Every Saturday Morning 8:45am • Brunch 10am Panera Bread • 3600 Boston St. BaltimoreFrontrunners.org

Dogfest 2012

A dog-day extravaganza benefits Baltimore Humane Society. $10 • 10am-5pm Baltimore Humane Society 1601 Nicodemus Rd. • Reisterstown DogFest.org

Younger Women’s Conference

Sponsored by Baltimore NOW. $15-50 • 10am-3pm University of Baltimore William H. Thumel Sr. Business Center Mt. Royal Ave. & Charles St. MarylandNOW.org

Gay BINGO!

(See listing under Oct. 3)

National Coming Out Day The Lit Show

Mixing late-night talk show, literary reading, and variety extravaganza. $5-10 • 10pm Creative Alliance at The Patterson 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org

FRIDAY, OCT. 12 Bus Stop

Open the season with the show that launched Spotlighters 50 years ago. $15-20 • 7:30pm • Thru Nov. 11 Spotlighters Theatre • 817 Saint Paul St. Spotlighters.org

Bad Panda

Find out what happens with the last two pandas on earth during mating season. $11-22 • 8pm • Thru Oct. 13 Theatre Project • 45 W. Preston St. TheaterProject.org

Loni Love

TUESDAY, OCT. 9 Rainbow Youth Alliance of Howard County

Loni Love

Support for LGBTQ teens and allies.

Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way • Columbia 410.280.9047 • rya_leaders@hotmail.com PFLAGMD.org

One of Variety’s top ten comics to watch. $17 • 8pm • Thru Oct. 13 Magooby’s Joke House 9603 Deereco Rd. • Timonium Magoobys.com

Rainbow Youth Alliance of Baltimore County

SATURDAY, OCT. 13

Support for LGBTQ teens and allies.

FREE • 7:30-9:30pm Towson Unitarian Universalist Church 1710 Dulaney Valley Rd. RYABaltimoreCounty@gmail.com PFLAGBaltimore.org

Baltimore Frontrunners

(See listing under Oct. 6)

Reel Affirmations Film Festival

One of the largest LGBT film festivals.

Thru Oct. 22 Washington D.C. ReelAffirmations.org

GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

Baltimore Running Festival

Marathon, 1/2 Marathon, 5K and Relay.

TheBaltimoreMarathon.com

MONDAY, OCT. 15 National Latino HIV/AIDS Awareness Day PFLAG Howard County Parent Forum

Group for parents of LGBTQ children interested in support or helping others.

Meets on the third Monday of each month.

FREE • 7:30-9pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way • Columbia PFLAGMD.org

TUESDAY, OCT. 16 BSO’s Open Rehearsal

A unique opportunity to experience the rehearsal process.

FREE • 10am Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall 1212 Cathedral St. BSOmusic.org

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 17

Ignite Baltimore

16 artists, technologists, and thinkers get five minutes on stage. $5 • 6:30pm MICA • Brown Center 1301 W. Mount Royal Ave. IgniteBaltimore.com

TUESDAY, OCT. 23 Rainbow Youth Alliance of Howard County

(See listing under Oct. 9)

Rainbow Youth Alliance of Baltimore County

(See listing under Oct. 9)

FRIDAY, OCT. 19 The Lantini Party!

Parents of Transgender Kids Support Group

A groovy, not-for-kids lantern-making workshop for the Halloween Lantern Festival & Parade. $10-15 • 8-11pm Creative Alliance at The Patterson 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org

Support and Q&A for parents of transgender kids. Meets on the 4th Tuesday of every month.

FREE • 7:30-9pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way • Columbia cvhyde@gmail.com • PFLAGBaltimore.org

SATURDAY, OCT. 20

PFLAG Baltimore County General Meeting

Baltimore Frontrunners

(See listing under Oct. 6)

Charm City Kitty Club

The queer collective presents "When Hairy Met Sally: Queer Beards & Merkin Jerkin" $10-15 • 7pm Creative Alliance at The Patterson 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org

Black Gay Men’s Lives Matter!

A Town Hall Meeting FREE • 1–3pm GLCCB • 241 W. Chase St. 410.837.5445

For parents & friends of LGBTQ children.

FREE • 7pm Towson Unitarian Universalist Church 1710 Dulaney Valley Rd. PFLAGBaltimore.org

Night OUT: The Completely Fictional—Utterly True—Final Strange Tale of Edgar Allan Poe

A night especially crafted for the LGBT community. Enjoy the newest show at a discounted rate, plus a preshow cocktail party. $10-31 • 8pm CENTERSTAGE • 700 N. Calvert St. Centerstage.org

David Sedaris

Indigo Girls

Grammy-winning folk-rock duo performs. $35 • 8pm.

Rams Head Live • 20 Market Place Ramsheadlive.com

SUNDAY, OCT. 21 Westminster PFLAG Monthly Meeting

Gay BINGO!

GEM Gender Empowerment MD

MONDAY, OCT. 22

Love Your Body Day

LoveYourBody.NowFoundation.org

(See listing under Oct. 3)

(See listing under Oct. 3)

Yappy Hour

Wine, cheese, and four-legged friends.

FREE • Camp Bow Wow 7165 Oakland Mills Rd. • Columbia CampBowWow.com

THURSDAY, OCT. 18 Shout, Shuffle and Stomp

Learn hot classic solo jazz moves of the ’20s, ’30s, and ’40s. $40 • 6:30-8:30pm Creative Alliance at The Patterson 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org

BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

Photo by Anne Fishbein

Hear the delightfully sardonic author weave his meandering tales. $48-58 • 8pm The Music Center at Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Ln. • North Bethesda Strathmore.org

Photo by Jonathan Barkat

Do You Dream in Color?

Blind, lesbian, opera singer Laurie Rubin performs.

FREE • 6pm The Kennedy Center • 2700 F Street N.W. Washington, D.C. Kennedy-Center.org

Find out what happens when the dead pay a visit to make mischief amongst the living. $15-20 • 8pm Creative Alliance at the Patterson 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org

SATURDAY, OCT. 27 Baltimore Frontrunners

(See listing under 10/5)

Out & Equal Workplace Summit

(See article p. 8)

Halloween Lantern Parade & Festival

Celebrate phantasmic creatures of earthly delight.

FREE • 3:30pm Patterson Park CreativeAlliance.org

Glow Ball After-Party

After the kiddos are in bed, come to the mad costume and dance Halloween Parade After Party. $10-15 • 8:30pm Creative Alliance at the Patterson 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org

Run for your lives in this zombie-infested 5K. $20-87 • 5pm • Also Oct. 29 Camp Ramblewood 2564 Silver Rd. • Darlington RunForYourLives.com/ baltimore-md-2012

SUNDAY, OCT. 28 Poets Billy Collins and Mary Oliver

(See listing under Oct. 3)

Enjoy readings from the Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize Winner respectively. $40-55 • 3pm The Music Center at Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Ln. • North Bethesda Strathmore.org

THURSDAY, OCT. 25

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 31

Papers: Stories of Undocumented Youth

Halloween

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 24 Gay BINGO!

Laurie Rubin

Gilded Lilly All-Star Dia de los Muertos Review

Zombie Run & Obstacle Course

A Night with David Sedaris

For parents & friends of LGBTQ children.

FREE • 5pm St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 17 Bond St. • Westminster PFLAGWCC.org

DIY Lantern & Art to Dine For

Create your very own luminary work of art to carry in the Halloween Lantern Parade. $50 • 7pm Creative Alliance at the Patterson 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org

Screening and town hall discussion on undocumented immigrant students.

(See ad p. 28) FREE • 6:30pm Charles Theater • 1711 N. Charles St. PapersTheMovie.com

FRIDAY, OCT. 26

Gay BINGO!

(See listing under Oct. 3)

Transgender Issues Working Group

Meets every other Wednesday.

Registration required.

FREE • 7pm Equality Maryland • 1201 S. Sharp St. Owen@EqualityMaryland.org

OCTOBER 2012

PAGE 37

René Treviño Barye's Donkey in Carmine Red

ARTFUL LIFE

2012 • Acrylic on Mylar • 11x14 in.

Rainbows, Archetypes and Open Studios

BY DANIELLE ARIANO As any artist knows, your first solo exhibition is kind of a big deal.

For René Treviño, that big deal took place in 2005 at Baltimore’s School 33 Art Center. Treviño was fresh out of graduate school at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and looking to make a mark in the Baltimore art scene when he was chosen to have his work exhibited at the center.

In the years since that debut, Treviño, who identifies as a gay artist, has successfully carved a niche for himself in Charm City and beyond. In addition to receiving the prestigious Trawick Prize in 2009, Treviño has shown his art both locally and abroad in galleries as far away as London.

Much of Treviño’s work has to do with re-envisioning famous historical images and archetypes. The iconic Aztec calendar appears repeatedly in his art, but Treviño’s renditions of this monument are often painted in brilliant rainbow colors. Given the recurrence of the colorful image, it’s a bit surprising to hear Treviño admit that for many years he had a palpable distaste for the rainbow flag as a symbol of gay culture.

“I thought it was ugly,” he says, “but then there came this real shift in me.”

As Treviño tells it, the change came on an airport shuttle bus with a cadre of grouchy travelers after returning home from a trip. Travel weary and anxious to get to his car, Treviño was stunned when he looked out the window and saw a beautiful double rainbow bending across the sky.

“It sort of made every single person on the bus look outside. We were in awe and it changed us; and it just hit me then that the rainbow is such a powerful, universal symbol.”

Another of Treviño’s images depicts a silhouette of the Greek god Atlas with a rainbow colored Aztec calendar hoisted onto his shoulder in the place where PAGE 38

OCTOBER 2012

the earth traditionally resides. Treviño believes that history is too often told through the lens of those who emerged as victors, but that this narrative is not necessarily the best or most accurate. He knows that he can’t rewrite history, but as an artist Treviño feels that he can give voice to the things that might have been left behind or forgotten.

For his part, Treviño never forgot School 33 Art Center or his first solo exhibition. He maintained a fondness for the center over the years even as his career grew. When the opportunity arose to work at the center as exhibitions coordinator, Treviño felt like things had come full circle. He applied for the job and was hired.

“It’s been really great to be able to come here and work and be able to offer similar opportunities to other artists.”

THE OPEN STUDIO TOUR

In addition to the 18 exhibitions School 33 hosts each year, they also sponsor the annual Open Studio Tour, which offers the public a unique opportunity to see the spaces where artists work.

During the self-guided, city-wide tour, artists are available to answer questions and guests are free to browse and buy as they please. Attendees are encouraged to choose their own adventure by mapping out a route according to what suits their particular interest.

This year’s event will feature over 100 diverse visual artists who work with a variety of mediums ranging from acrylics and oils to wood, metal, and stone. A Friday evening kick-off event will be held in Baltimore’s Hampden neighborhood with live music and tours of local galleries.

Trevino, who will be focused on the administrative end of the Open Studio Tour, will not—unlike other years— show his work this year, but he’s looking

René Treviño Propaganda Series

Detail • 2005-present Acrylic on Mylar • 11x14 in. each

forward to the event.

“It’s just a great way to meet folks that you might not otherwise meet and to support the art center.”

Find participating studios and an interactive city map at School33.org.

OPEN STUDIO TOUR

October 19 • 5-10pm Kickoff Event in Hampden October 20 & 21 • 10am-6pm Self-guided Studio Tour T School33.org Free admission

René Treviño Balancing Elephant (Red)

2012 • Acrylic on Mylar • 11x14 in.

GAY LIFE MAGAZINE

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OCTOBER 2012

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