Baltimore Gay Life September 2014

SEPTEMBER 2014 BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

Read it. Live it.

Love it.

Get to know the

Fabulous Beekman Boys B’MORE 8 2014-2015 THEATRE SEASON

OUT. 9 DINE FIGHT AIDS.

LOCATION 10 NEW FOR BOOK FEST

THE ALL-NEW

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 LEASE FOR

$329* [ STARTING AT $29,900

**

]

*Lease based on total MSRP of $33,925, 36 monthly payments and 10,000 miles per year. First month’s payment $329, $2,499 down payment, $795 Acquisition fee, tax, tags, title and $299 dealer processing charge due at lease signing. On approved credit. No Security Deposit Required. Available only to qualified customers by Mercedes-Benz Financial (where applicable to advertised lease) through 8/31/2014. Advertised lease rate based on a gross capitalized cost of $33,925. Includes destination charge and optional Premium Package1,Beker MAP PILOT®-pre wiring, and Becker MAP PILOT®.

Excludes title, taxes, registration, license fees, insurance, dealer prep. and additional options. Total monthly payments equal $329. Cash due at signing includes $3,623 capitalized cost reduction, $795 acquisition fee, and first month’s lease payment of $329 Total payments equal $11,844. Subject to credit approval. Expires 8/31/2014. ** Price plus tax, tags, title, $925 freight and $299 dealer processing charge. See dealer for details. Expires 8/31/2014

In Stock Now!

Mercedes-Benz of Annapolis 324 Sixth Street Annapolis, MD 21403 1.866.583.9862

www.mercedesofannapolis.com

Lease the All-New

2014 smart electric drive coupe with Battery Assurance Plus**

$139/month for 36 months*

MSRP $19,990

smart center Annapolis 324 Sixth Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21403 1.866.583.9862 | smartcarMaryland.com

*Available only to qualified customers through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services at participating dealers through 8/31/2014.

Not everyone will qualify. Advertised 36 months lease payment based on MSRP of 20,740.00less the suggested dealer contribution resulting in a total gross capitalized cost of $20,740. Dealer contribution may vary and could affect your actual lease payment. Includes Destination Charge, Air Conditioning and smart Entryline Radio. Excludes title, taxes, registration, license fees, insurance, dealer prep and additional options. Total monthly payments equal $139.00. Cash due at signing includes $434.00 capitalized cost reduction, $295 acquisition fee, first month’s vehicle lease payment of $139, and the one-month battery assurance plus lease payment of $80 plus tax.

No security deposit required. Total payments equal $5,299. At lease end, lessee pays for any amounts due under the lease, any official fees and taxes related to the scheduled termination, excess wear and use plus $0.25/mile over 0,000 miles and a $395 vehicle turn-in fee. Purchase option at lease end for $12,892.00plus taxes (and any other fees and charges due under the applicable lease agreement) in example shown. Specific vehicles are subject to availability and may have to be ordered. Subject to credit approval. See participating dealer for details. Please always wear your seat belt. Drive safely and obey speed limits.**With Battery Assurance Plus, the smart electric drive battery is rented separately on a month-to-month basis for $80 plus tax per month. Initial battery lease term is one month. The maximum number of month-to-month renewal is for a total of 119 months. Subject to credit approval. See dealer for complete details.

For more information on Battery Assurance Plus, call 1-866-700-9853.

2

GAY LIFE / SEPTEMBER 2014

BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

IN THIS GAY Life Feature

LGBT Books 10 2014 Baltimore Book Festival Preview by Anthony Moll 11 GLCCB to Host Book Reading with LGBT Authors by Corey Lacey 11 Review: Prelude to a Bruise by Anthony Moll 16 In the Beginning by Courtney Bedell 16 I Have a Secret by Justin B. Terry Smith 17 Profile: Fabulous Beekman Boys by Allison Schoenauer

The Beekman Boys: Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge

10 Departments

Photo on this page and cover by Tate Tullier

Our Life

Local Life

22 out-skirts by Danielle Ariano 22 Spilling the Tea by Carlton R. Smith and Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington 23 Spiritual In-To-Me-I-See (Spiritual Intimacy) by Coach Maq Elé

High Life

23 24

Non-Profit Helps Parents Through the Surrogacy Maze by Sam Everingham Reading is Fundamental (To Your Mental Health)

by Alicia Gabriel; Reviewed by Julie Eastin, Director of Behavioral Health

6 6

8 9 9

GLCCB September News by Kelly Neel GLCCB Hosts Public Board Meeting by Steve Charing

Dine Out. Fight AIDS. by Ted Blankenship DiningOUT: Sammy’s Trattoria by John Cullen and Marty Shayt 2014/2015 Baltimore Theatre Season Preview by Timoth David Copney

Real Life

18 20

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

baltimoregaylife.com

Better Life

24

Keeping a Financial Crisis from Derailing Your Planning Goals

by Amanda Wooddell

Social Life

25 Datebook by Rachel Roth 26 BScene: Night Out at Club Hippo August 15 Photos by Eric Randolph

GAY LIFE / SEPTEMBER 2014

3

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

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

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

Trans Programs

Women’s Programs

AKANNI

SILHOUETTE

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

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

BALTIMORE TRANSMASCULINE ALLIANCE

A support group for trans* men (FTM).

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

TRAN*QUILITY

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

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

Recovery ACCESS TO RECOVERY

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

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

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

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

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS

WOMEN OF COLOR

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

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

Youth & Young Adult Programs RAINBOW YOUTH ALLIANCE BALTIMORE

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

Tuesdays - 7-9pm RYABaltimore@gmail.com Facebook.com/groups/ RYABaltimore (QUEER YOUNG ADULT GROUP) A discussion, support, and social group for young adult LGBT identified or questioning individuals and their allies.

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

Community Programs

Health & Wellness

POZitive PEOPLE

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

HIV & SYPHILIS TESTING

FREE and confidential testing from the Baltimore City Health Dept.

Wednesdays - 5-8pm

continued in next column u

GAY LIFE / SEPTEMBER 2014

‘Tis the Season to Read Hello Gay Life readers!

Autumn is upon us, and with the turn of seasons comes another issue of our fine magazine! This month, we’re focusing on LGBT books. We’ve got a little something for everyone—kidlit, trans*autobiographies of days yore, poetry, and cookbooks.

We’re also covering two book events that will take place in Charm City this month.

First up is a book reading by authors James Magruder and Gregg Shapiro, who will be visiting the GLCCB on Sept. 17 (p. 11).

Then, the 2014 Baltimore Book Festival takes place on the last weekend of September. Be sure to check out our preview of LGBT friendly panels and events taking place during the Festival weekend (p. 10).

Gay Life will be at the festival once again

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

Wednesdays - 7-8pm POZpeople@glccb.org

this year, so be sure to stop by our table and say hello! We’re also looking for volunteers for the weekend. If you’re interested, drop me a line at editor@baltimoregaylife.com Have a safe September!

Dan McEvily Editor

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

Dan McEvily, Editor

editor@baltimoregaylife.com

Cory Burgess, Art Director

MIXED COMPANY

Men’s Rap group for men in recovery.

Sundays - 11:30am

BEGINNERS’ YOGA

4

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

1st and 3rd Tuesdays - 7pm

eDIToR’S LIfe

National Advertising Rep.

GAYLIfe Read it. Live it.

Love it.

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

cory@coryburgess.com Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863

Contributors

Danielle Ariano, Courtney Bedell, Ted Blankenship, Steve Charing, Timoth David Copney, John Cullen, Dr. Julie Eastin, Coach Maq Elè, Sam Everingham, Alicia Gabriel, Corey Lacey, Anthony Moll, Kelly Neel, Rachel Roth, Allison Schoenauer, Marty Shayt, Carlton Smith, Justin B. Terry-Smith, Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington, Amanda Wooddell

Photographers

John Kardys, Samatra Johnson, Kelly Neel, Eric Randolphn, Richelle Taylor, Jay W.

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

BOOK CLUB

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

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

BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

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

Fall is

Fabulous A legendary home.

Spectacular gardens.

And you’re invited.

Don’t miss this series of engaging and welcoming programs throughout the month of September Sponsored by

Family Picnic in Partnership with Rainbow Families DC Sat, Sept 6, 11am–2pm Connect with other LGBT families in Hillwood’s unique setting at this family celebration. Picnic on the lawn, play garden games, and much more.

Gay Day 2014 Sun, Sept 14, 1– 5pm Be dazzled by Cartier: Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Dazzling Gems, hear from Hillwood curators, explore private spaces, and enjoy lively performances by DC Lambda Squares, The Rock Creek Singers, and Not What You Think at this 13th annual Gay Day.

The Dina Merrill Film Program Presents Divas Outdoors: Classic Films Under the Stars featuring Some Like It Hot Presenting Partner Reel Affirmations Thu, Sept 18, 6:30–10pm Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon star in this camp classic. Help set the scene by coming in character or entering our elaborate picnic competition.

Where Fabulous Lives

For more information call 202.686.5807 or visit HillwoodMuseum.org 4155 Linnean Ave. NW, Washington DC Free parking BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM HIL-0024_Gaylife_4.75x11.25_Sept1_v2.indd

1

8/25/14 5:19 PM

GAY LIFE / SEPTEMBER 2014

5

LOCAL Life GLCCB board members Stromberg, Derouin, Higgins, Adkins, McCarthy, McClernan, Tinsley-Hall, and Moore

GLCCB Board Conducts Open Meeting by

Steve Charing

R

GLCCB September News by

KELLY NEEL Interim Executive Director, The GLCCB

6

S

eptember marks a month of change here at the GLCCB. We have been working diligently to address the issues of transparency to the community, starting with an open board meeting last month and the addition of past board minutes to our website. We plan to continue this course of action leading into September and beyond, and hope to start rebuilding a constructive and positive relationship between our board, our staff, and the members of our community.

Since the open letter was released in July, we have received quite an outpouring of support from the community. With more willing and able volunteers, the Center is beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We are beginning to streamline our volunteer coordination to allow for more structure and better efficiency. We are looking to reestablish and reenergize our advisory council and begin preliminary Pride 2015 planning meetings by the end of October.

In addition, we have a few new programs in the works that will be implemented on a trial basis, as we assess interest and need.

The first new program will be a six-week conversational American Sign Language (ASL) workshop offered at the Center to bolster communication and promote

GAY LIFE / SEPTEMBER 2014

inclusivity of our deaf and/or hard of hearing LGBTQ community. The workshop will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 6-7pm and continue each Wednesday for six weeks giving participants the opportunity to learn basic words and phrases in ASL. We are also looking at ways to establish new, sustainable fundraising and social events to echo the success of our “Orioles Outings.” Our last outing in August was sold out at 100 tickets, generating approximately $700 for the Center! On Oct. 1, we will kick off the first of what we hope to be quarterly LGBT restaurant/happy hour nights in locations throughout Baltimore, in which a portion of sales will be donated to the GLCCB. The kick-off event will take place in Canton at Baltimore Magazine’s “Best New Bar,” The Chasseur on Foster Ave., offering drink and appetizer specials and hopefully a few more surprises to be announced this month!

While this is just the tip of the iceberg, we hope that the GLCCB continues to move in a positive direction. We have a lot of rebuilding to do and the changes ahead of us will take time; however, we are excited about the positive steps we are taking, no matter how big or small they may be. As always, thank you for your continued support!

esponding to community insistence that the GLCCB becomes more open and transparent, the organization board of directors held their first public board meeting in years on Aug. 11. Following a town hall meeting in July that was at times contentious, the Center moved quickly to invite the public to its board meetings and posted the invitation to the Center’s website. Past copies of 990 tax forms and previous board meeting minutes to the extent they were located were also posted online.

Fifteen members of the LGBTQ community witnessed the meeting that featured an ambitious agenda. An important order of business was the installation of three new board members: John McClernan, Michael Derouin, and Scott Tinsley-Hall. They join Mike McCarthy (President), Daniel Moore (Treasurer), Gilles Stromberg (Secretary), Chris Adkins (Memberat-Large), and Shelly Higgins (Member-at-Large).

Following the board members providing updates to action items and the status of the Center’s financials, Kelly Neel, the interim executive director, discussed a robust list of events and activities that the GLCCB will be participating in, which include upcoming meetings with community leaders and representatives.

Scheduled events include an LGBT Exclusive Transformational Workshop from Sept. 12- 14 that the GLCCB is helping to promote; a book reading with authors Gregg Shapiro and James Magruder on Sept.

17; and a happy hour at The Chasseur in Canton on Oct. 1. The GLCCB will also be a sponsor of the Fell’s Point Music Festival on Sept. 21 and participate in AIDS Walk D.C. on Oct. 25.

There are also programs in the works, including a six-week conversational ASL Workshop; a youth theatre project with Iron Crow Theatre in conjunction with the Rainbow Youth Alliance; a youth arts program involving MICA; and a LGBT domestic violence/ sexual assault support group.

Following the business discussions, the board opened up the floor to questions from the public that included questions about inclusivity and finances.

Bill Redmond-Palmer, a former board member was in attendance. “This meeting was a laudable first step that should be followed by holding community meetings in accordance with their bylaws, and seriously considering opportunities to truly engage community participation, especially reinstating community membership in the Center,” he said.

The next board meeting is Sept. 8 at the GLCCB located in the Waxter Center (1000 Cathedral St.).

Visit GLCCB.org/about-us/our-board-minutes for more information. baltimoregaylife.com

THE ATRIUM AtriumApts.net - 410.696.5972

THE STANDARD TheStandardApts.net - 410.994.5991

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

39 WEST LEXINGTON 39WestLex.com - 410.753.4499

CHARLES TOWERS CharlesTowers.com - 410.702.4517

PARK CHARLES ParkCharles.com - 410.942.6830

GALLERY TOWER GalleryTower.net - 410.846.3803

Steadfastly committed to providing the ideal apartment living experience for ALL Baltimoreans.

A diverse mix of apartment communities in Baltimore City AND County — each with its own unique character and charm.

MARLBORO CLASSIC & REDWOOD SQ. MarlboroSquare.com - 410.698.6684

HORIZON HOUSE HorizonHouse.net - 410.753.4171

ROLAND RIDGE RolandRidge.com - 410.394.5627

SMCbaltimore.com

SOUTHERN’S APARTMENT LOCATOR SERVICE

baltimoregaylife.com

If these options are not what you’re looking for, just contact our FREE Apartment Locator Service. They can give you information about various other apartment homes in and around Baltimore.

please contact us today

888.470.4254

GAY LIFE / SEPTEMBER 2014

7

HIGH Life

Presenting the 2014-2015 Baltimore Theatre Season by

TIMOTH DAVID COPNEY

C

urtain up! Light the lights! The 2014/2015 local theatre season starts this month and what a season it’s going to be.

The home-grown talent pool of our own theatre community—the mostly unpaid pros (and don’t you dare call them amateurs) who volunteer their time and talent—form the backbone of the Baltimore theatre scene.

But one only has so much space so, to name only a few…

Iron Crow Theatre, led by Sean Elias, presents innovative, gay-themed productions.

This year we can look forward to: 4.48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane and directed by Ryan Clark; The Revelation of Bobby Pritchard by Rich Espey and directed by Steven J. Satta; and The Well of Horniness by Holly Hughes, directed by Julianne Franz.

IronCrowTheatre.org/season

At Vagabond Players, the 99-year-old Grande Dame of local theatre anchored at Fells Point: Art by Yasmina Reza, directed

by Howard Berkowitz; Ain’t Misbehavin, the Fats Waller musical, directed

by Richelle Howie Lacewell; Interlock

by Ira Levin and directed by Roy Hammond; Rabbit Hole by David Lindsay-Abair, directed by Eric C. Stein; Side by Side by Sondheim directed by Shannon Wollman; and Born Yesterday by Garson Kanin, directed by Steve Goldklang. Also in that part of town is the venerable Fells Point Corner Theater. Their season opens with Public Affairs by A. R. Gurney and directed by Lynda McClary, followed by a full season of seriously entertaining productions.

VagabondPlayers.org/season.html FPCT.org

Woodbrook Players, steered by Ron Oakes, will present a couple of all-time favorites. First up this fall is Man of La Mancha. In the spring, it’s Arms and the Man. Both productions are directed by Mr. Oakes.

WoodbrookPlayers.wix.com/home

Glass Mind Theatre’s season boasts three world premieres. Starting with Welcome to

8

GAY LIFE / SEPTEMBER 2014

the White Room by Trish Harnetiaux, followed by a new play by acclaimed playwright Joshua Conkel, and finishing with a bona fide Greek drama adapted and directed by Lynn Morton and Ann Turiano, The Orestia.

Glassmindtheatre.com/mission

If big box musicals are your thing (and who doesn’t like a showtune?), then this year promises to be a fantastic opportunity to see some of Baltimore’s best talent in several terrific shows. Artistic Synergy, headed by Ken Ewing, presents the scarily fun, cautionary tale of a boy and his alien plant, Little Shop of Horrors directed by Lisa Wood, opening Oct. 3.

Artistic-Synergy.com

The always outstanding Dundalk Community Theatre, led by Tom Colona, will rev its high-energy motor with Leader of the Pack. Directed and choreographed by Tom Wyatt, it’s a doo-wop, bee-hived, tune-filled salute to the girl groups of the ‘60s. Ride with them Oct. 24–Nov. 3.

CCBCmd.edu/performingarts/dct.html

Katie McIntyre Sheldon and her merry band of thespians at Heritage Players will make us all think twice about the value of water in the quirky Urinetown, directed

by Stephen Deininger. Catch it Nov. 7–23.

And don’t forget Silhouette Stages, where Mo Dutterer, Connie Trump Ross and Debbie Mobley will continue their tradition of delighting audiences. This year, we’ll have Big River directed by Steve Fleming, Spamalot directed by Connie Trump Ross and Debbie Mobley, and Godspell directed

by Steve Deninger. It doesn’t get much better than that.

HeritagePlayers.com SilhouetteStages.com

We covered Audrey Herman’s Spotlighters, led by Fuzz Roark, in the March issue of Gay Life. The musicals there are: Rocky Horror Picture Show, Jekyll and Hyde, Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, and Altar Boyz. And of course there’s a full

slate of comedy and drama as well.

Spotlighters.org

For kids, Liberty Showcase Theatre’s production of Rapunzel, directed by Michael Khan will be just the thing. As usual, Pumpkin Theatre will present a full season of quality, family-friendly productions.

LibertyShowcaseTheatre.org PumpkinTheatre.com

But it just may be the Shakespeare crowd who takes the jewel this year. The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company will be putting down permanent stakes right here in the city. Their much-anticipated move to new digs this month in downtown Baltimore has been the talk of the theatre crowd for some time. With an extensive line-up that includes some of the Bard’s best works, A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Richard II and Romeo and Juliet are on the bill of fare. But there are also classics, like Uncle Vanya, The Importance of Being Earnest, and A Christmas Carol.

ChesapeakeShakespeare.com

So here’s to the bevy of artists who work so hard to bring the rest of us quality, affordable entertainment—these tireless folks who put on show after show, season after season. And our thanks in advance for the joy to come. See you at the theatre.

baltimoregaylife.com

Dine Out. Fight AIDS. by

TED BLANKENSHIP

O

n Sept. 18, the simple act of going out to eat can help fight HIV/AIDS and save lives right here in Maryland. Dining Out for Life is an international event that, through partnerships with local restaurants and the support of thousands of diners, raises money across the country for HIV/ AIDS service organizations. The idea is simple—make a reservation at a participating restaurant and between 25 and 100 percent of your bill will be donated to help fight HIV/AIDS. In Baltimore, by dining out for life, you will be supporting Moveable Feast. The mission of Moveable Feast is to provide nutritious foods and other services in order to preserve quality of life for people with HIV/ AIDS and other life-threatening conditions.

This year marks the 25th year that Moveable Feast has been providing their life-saving services to the community.

Moveable Feast was founded in 1989 in response to the AIDS crisis and has evolved

with the epidemic. Since the beginning, they have treated food as medicine and worked to ensure that people have their nutritional needs met while fighting a serious illness. Each week, Moveable Feast delivers nutritious meals directly to the homes of their clients. In addition to meals, they bring a fresh bag of produce, a box of sweet treats, and a bag consisting of essential, shelf stable items. Moveable Feast services clients in Baltimore City, the five surrounding counties, and the nine counties on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Dining Out for Life has been Moveable Feast’s longest running fundraiser, with 2014 being their 21st year. Approximately 50 restaurants get involved annually—mostly for dinner, but several do participate for breakfast and lunch as well. You don’t need to buy a ticket; you just need to make a reservation at a participating restaurant.

And there is something for everyone—from coffee shops and casual dining, to some

of the best restaurants in the city. Several restaurants in the heart of the community have been longtime supporters of Dining Out for Life—Brewers Art and City Café have been involved for many years, and The Mt. Vernon Stables have participated for all 21 years of the event.

Last year, Moveable Feast provided 700,000 meals to 3,600 of our neighbors here in Maryland. Their goal this year is to provide 100,000 additional meals, for a total of 800,000 meals, to people who are critically ill. An event like Dining Out for Life helps make that possible. Make your reservation today!

For more information and to see a full list of the participating restaurants, please visit DiningOutForLife.com/baltimore.

DINING OUT

Sammy’s Trattoria by

JOHN CULLEN with MARTY SHAYT

S

ammy’s Trattoria in Mt. Vernon was aptly named as Baltimore’s “Best Italian Restaurant” last year by the City Paper. Sammy—yup, there is a real Sammy—worked at Chiapperelli’s in Little Italy as a teenager. Sammy’s lifelong passion for food is clearly on display in his eponymous eatery, where the combination of good food and personal attention harked back to legendary restaurants of Little Italy’s storied days of yore.

Sammy’s dining room is a bright, two-story space of neatly arranged tables, an original fireplace left over from its origins as an upscale Baltimore townhouse, an open kitchen at the rear and another smaller, additional dining room above the kitchen.

We enjoyed baguettes with olive oil while reviewing our menus. Offerings included nearly a dozen appetizers ($8–12), several side salads ($8– 12), and three-dozen pasta offerings and entrees ($15–25). Our party of four (which included our friends Marta and JT) began by splitting two dishes, the Julia salad and Antipasti Freddi ($10). The Julia salad is the restaurant’s take on the once-

baltimoregaylife.com

famous Chiapperelli’s salad, and one of Marty’s favorites. The Antipasti Freddi—with prosciutto di parma, fresh tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, and capers—was a hit with John and JT. Delicious!

For the main course, Marta selected the gnocchi ($16); Marty opted for Linguini Con Vongole ($18); JT decided on Judge Oshrine’s Eggplant Lasagna ($16); and John ordered Jimmy’s Seafood Fra Diavolo ($24).

Marty’s linguini was topped with over a dozen clams. He decided to try out his new low carb approach to eating pasta and picked up one strand of pasta at a time carefully taking one bite before taking the next. The result was that he only ate a third of his pasta! Bravo Marty!

Marta’s gnocchi was simply prepared with the potato dumplings in a cheese sauce. JT’s Eggplant Lasanga was ordered without pasta, but arrived as a generously tall serving with lay-

The Brewer’s Art (above) has supported Dining Out For Life for years

ers of pasta, eggplant, broccoli rabe, and lots of mozzarella. He much enjoyed it! John’s Seafood Fra Diavolo earned his “Thumbs Up!”—the spicy marinara sauce was not overpowering, and the dish came with jumbo shrimp, crab, scallop, and tender calamari mixed with pappardelle pasta.

While the dish was satisfying, it could have included a bit more seafood and pasta considering the hefty price.

We enjoyed our dinner at Sammy’s. The service was attentive, the food was very good, and we couldn’t even think about ordering dessert.

Hey, with food and service this good, who needs to go to Little Italy?

Sammy’s Trattoria 1200 N. Charles Street in Mt. Vernon SammysTrattoria.com Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner Dinner only on Saturday & Sunday • Full Bar Valet Parking on Friday and Saturday evenings Walking distance to the Meyerhoff and Lyric

Email DiningOut@BaltimoreGayLife.com and find all prior reviews at DiningOut4GayLife.Wordpress.com.

GAY LIFE / SEPTEMBER 2014

9

LGBT BOOKS

NOW IN THE INNER HARBOR:

Baltimore Book Festival It’s that time of the year again: Baltimore Book Festival is just around the corner.

Bill T. Jones

The three-day event celebrating books, reading, and all things literary is back for its 19th year. This time, bibliophiles will find all of their favorite elements of the festival still intact—readings from local and national authors; panels of all sorts; workshops; storytelling; hands-on activities for both kids and adults; live music; and both typical and non-traditional festival food—yet there are big changes to the festival in 2014.

Foremost, don’t get caught standing by yourself at the monument in Mt. Vernon.

Due to restoration and the related construction at the Washington Monument, the festival has temporarily relocated to the Inner Harbor this year, and will stretch along the water from the Baltimore Area Visitor’s Center to Rash Field.

Just because the festival is out of the gayborhood this year, it doesn’t mean that it’s short on LGBTQ content. From big names of page, screen, and stage to radical activism, this year’s BBF is full of queer content for folks throughout the community.

Celebrated dancer, choreographer, and Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones discusses his new book Story/Time: The Life of an Idea, which explores both the creation and the content of Story/Time, the author’s acclaimed dance and storytelling performance. The book is filled with brilliant photographs of the production, and has been described as “a work of art,” the performance “hallucinatory,” and the author “genius.”

Ryan Conrad Against Equality: Queer Revolution, Not Mere Inclusion Radical Bookfair Pavilion Saturday 6 p.m.

Artist and academic Ryan Conrad discusses Against Equality: Queer Revolution, Not Mere Inclusion, a new anthology of essays published as a project of queer arts collective Against Equality. The group focuses on publishing criticism of mainstream gay and lesbian politics. Specifically, their aim is to shift the focus of LGBTQ discourse away from inclusion in the military, marriage and the prison industrial complex. This collection, published by the worker-ran AK Press, explores these three themes from a variety of radical authors, emerging and established.

10

GAY LIFE / SEPTEMBER 2014

by Anthony Moll

Story/Time: The Life of an Idea

The Beekman Boys: Josh Kilmer-Purcell & Brent Ridge

The Literary Salon Sunday 2 p.m.

The Beekman 1802 Heirloom Vegetable Cookbook

#WeNeedDiverseBooks Panel Enoch Pratt Children’s Stage Saturday 3:30 p.m.

Spurred by the lack of diversity in children’s literature and the all-white, all-male panel

Food for Thought Stage Saturday, 5 p.m.

Bill Jones will discuss his new book on Sept. 28 at this year’s BookCon, #WeNeedDiverseBooks is a grassroots movement aimed at expanding and celebrating a miscellany of experiences and identities in Kidlit. Forged in an online campaign to ask readers why they need diversity in books, the group calls for the representation of “diverse experiences, including (but not limited to) LGBTQIA, people of color, gender diversity, people with disabilities, and ethnic, cultural, and religious minorities” by means of conversations with authors, publishers, librarians, readers, and more. This panel discussion, with authors Jabari Asim, Lulu Delacre, Shadra Strickland, and moderated by Deborah Taylor, will discuss both the movement and the need for children to see themselves and their families reflected in the books they read.

Artist and academic Ryan Conrad will discuss his anthology of essays on Sept. 27

Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell of The Fabulous Beekman Boys fame, the reality television show documenting the couple’s exodus from city living to become novice famers, present their latest cookbook, the The Beekman 1802 Heirloom Vegetable Cookbook, the third in the series named after the couple’s farm and lifestyle brand. The two are known as much for their delicious recipes as they are their ability to craft a good story. (See profile on page 17)

Local and national authors of all sorts All Over All weekend long

Don’t get stuck in literary rut while you are out this year. Although there is plenty of not-to-miss LGBTQ content at this year’s festival, there is also a choir of other voices you will want to catch too. From rising Baltimore voice D. Watkins, to literary rock star Chuck Klosterman and National Book Award winner Alice McDermott, this year’s festival will make you want to spend the whole weekend in the Inner Harbor.

There are plenty of other LGBTQrelated events throughout the weekend, so be sure to check the full schedule to catch panels, readings and signings. As always, Gay Life and the GLCCB will have a tent at the festival too, so swing by and say hi while you are visiting. We’ll see you there.

19th Annual Baltimore Book Festival September 26 – 28, 2014 Baltimore Inner Harbor BaltimoreBookFestival.com

baltimoregaylife.com

One Common Thread

SHAPIRO & MAGRUDER REFLECT ON THEIR CRAFT FOR WRITING

James Magruder and Gregg Shapiro are well-known LGBT writers who are shaping the literary field today. Shapiro faces a common challenge that most writers eventually face: trying to remain close to their roots after undergoing change within themselves.

Shapiro, who is releasing Lincoln Avenue: Chicago Stories this month, hopes that his sense of humor has remained intact over his span of work.

“I really hope that my sense of humor has gotten better over the years,” Shapiro joked.

Shapiro does not lack for inspiration when it comes to writing. Constantly surrounding himself with books, he is always reading new stories. He is currently reading three books at once while working as an entertainment journalist.

Whenever an idea strikes for writing a short story or a poem, Shapiro immediately begins to write down his thoughts as soon as they come without hesitation. He finds it easier to write poetry over fiction because of

Photos by Faust Fernos and Miriam Berkley.

On Sept. 17, two authors who have written stories about LGBT life ranging from the 1970s to the present day, will read and present their newly released books at the GLCCB.

Authors James Magruder and Gregg Shapiro will appear at The GLCCB the “involvement” with a larger body of work.

He doesn’t have a preference in what he writes. Fiction is enjoyable to write, he says, but he has a passion for poetry. Shapiro has been recognized for his talent in the field with numerous awards, including an entry into the 1999 Chicago’s Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame and the 2003 Outstanding Support Outmusic Award.

Outside of writing, Shapiro loves traveling and music. After visiting multiple major cities across the country, he finds Florida to be among his favorite places to live.

Baltimore native James Magruder knew from an early age that he was going to be a

writer. In the sixth grade, he discovered that he could write extremely well. So well, in fact, that he was writing on a college level.

He did not begin writing until years later when he discovered he was HIV positive.

Now, Magruder released Let Me See It, a collection of linked fictional stories based on gay cousins Tom Amelio and Elliott Biddler. His career as an author, playwright, and translator has led him to receive the Individual Artist Award from the Maryland State Arts Council along with appearances in multiple print publications.

Magruder comments that the diagnosis forced him to become more serious and re-

by Corey Lacey

turn to his earlier childhood promise. At that moment, he became aware that writers must tell themselves that they are going to write.

“You have to give yourself permission to become a writer,” he explained. As a teacher, he gives his students that same advice when they are pondering a career in writing.

Magruder has found an upside to the tribulations of being a writer. After spending time in Uganda with his partner, he realizes he enjoys having charge of his own schedule.

“I am lucky enough that my time is my own,” says Magruder.

James Magruder & Gregg Shapiro Book Reading Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014 • 7:30pm • Free The GLCCB 1000 Cathedral St., 3rd Floor 410.777.8145 • GLCCB.orG

BOOK REVIEW

Prelude to Bruise To say that Prelude to Bruise, the full-length debut of poet and Buzzfeed editor Saeed Jones, is about sex and violence doesn’t do it justice.

Although it wouldn’t be too far off either.

This collection of poems is both brutal and carnal in its exploration of the queer, Black body and identity. The poems wander, often intoxicated, through the subjects of youth, race, Eros, loss, family, fear, and of the nebulous intersections of these themes. This journey forces readers to resist oversimplification; this is queer poetry, no doubt, but like any good queer verse, it’s much more too.

That the poems are a blend of historical,

baltimoregaylife.com

political, and personal is perhaps most present in the way that Jones stretches language, such as the way he does with the word “bo throughout this collection. Early in the book, “Boy” is a youth, a character slipping into dresses and lingerie while in fear of his father’s notice. Later, the word is used as address from a dominant lover. In that poem, the titular “Prelude to Bruise,” readers are forced to examine the word’s dual history of kink and racism. By the end of the collection, “Boy” has returned to childhood, this time poised on a background of violence ready to explode.

Prelude to Bruise is diverse in its violence.

Familial violence between a father and his queer son. The violence of youth. Historical

by Anthony Moll

violence, like that present in the lines Jones has written in memory of James Byrd Jr., the Texas man murdered by being dragged behind a pickup truck by white supremacists.

Of course, there is also the violence of sex, and the juxtaposition of these passions is upsetting in the most compelling way.

The sex in this collection comes as rhythm.

In the spondaic “Thralldom II” the cadence of the lines in inescapable, and it is the force binding Jones’ two principal themes.

“Bluegrass, horsewhip, blue moon, bruise./All fours, steel bit, steel gag, work. Good hurt, hurts good,/ his lap, smack.” This heartbeat is present throughout the collection, but is heard most loudly in these unambiguously sexual poems. Perhaps though, it is the

rhythm itself that generates the erotic qualities of these works.

As a whole, Jones’ collection is more than a song; it is a howl, the sort that readers cannot distinguish between as one of anguish or ecstasy. This collection hurts to read, and for that reason, it is worth spending time with.

Prelude to Bruise

by Saeed Jones published by Coffee House Press coffeehousepress.org • $16

GAY LIFE / SEPTEMBER 2014

11

LGBT BOOKS

In the Beginning In the beginning there were…

BOOKS! Long before the Web blinked into existence, books were the only source for non-mainstream information about transsexuality.

Nowadays, the Internet includes a plethora of information, some good and some not so good. But, when I was planning on transitioning in the early ‘90s, I found solace in books, particularly biographies.

One morning when my gender dysphoria had reached an unbearable level, I was home sick from work and I happened to catch a talk show on transsexuality that was serendipitously being aired. I watched men and women who had found their true selves in various stages of transition and I was inspired to finally take action. I turned to the only other source available at the time— books—to give me the initial information I needed to pursue my change. I perused the local library and found several tomes by the few transsexuals who had written about their experiences. So began my own journey into the realm of wholeness and self-fulfillment.

The first book I read was Christine Jorgensen, A Personal Biography, about a “trans-pioneer” who went to Sweden in the early ‘50s to obtain the first widely reported sex-change. I will never forget the newspaper headline featured in the book: “Ex-GI Becomes Blonde Bombshell! Operations transform Bronx Youth!” Corny yes, but how great is that? Because the phenomenon was unknown and she was so pretty, feminine, and unique she didn’t receive the kind of prejudice that would follow TG women in later years. Next, I read Second Serve, the story of tennis pro Renee Richards who in 1975 gained notoriety when she fought to play professional tennis as a woman.

Through these two books I found role models who had the will and courage to be true to themselves and pursue wholeness.

British journalist Jan Morris in 1974 penned Conundrum, a candid autobiography about her progression and transition. She turned her journalist skills inward to reveal the thoughts and feelings of one suffering from gender dysphoria. I found her book especially helpful in sorting out my situation.

Interestingly, she had the distinction of having climbed Mt. Everest with Edmund Hillary in 1953—so much for gender stereotypes.

by Courtney Bedell

There was one other book, In Search of Eve, by Anne Bolin (no relation) that was immensely important to me during transition. It gave accounts of a number of trans women during and after their transitions showing me that there were people just like me (that were not famous) that were successfully going through the process.

Today there are dozens of books written by and about transsexual men and women and I have read many of them. But, those several early books I read when I was going through the process meant everything to me.

They are still worth reading if for no other reason than to see how far we have come in the years since. Now, the Internet is probably all anyone needs, but for those of us who still love the feel and smell of paper, these are definitely worth a look.

Courtney Bedell is the author of a Gay Life advice/insight column that covers all aspects of transgender life ranging from the practical aspects of transitioning, to employment, family, and social concerns.

She hopes that, through the column, her insight, knowledge, and experience as a transgender woman will help others in their quest for wholeness. Have a question?

Trying to solve a problem? Want some feedback? Let Courtney know about it by emailing advice@baltimoregaylife.com.

I Have A Secret Some of you might know that I’m a children’s book author.

Buy online at www.bit.ly/haveasecret

16

GAY LIFE / SEPTEMBER 2014

In 2011 I came out with a book called I Have a Secret. There isn’t anything more difficult for a child than keeping a secret. In this heartwarming tale, a young boy named Jay is forced to keep his own HIV status a secret from his friends and schoolmates. The need to tell someone becomes so great that he almost loses his best friend. Finally, after talking to someone, he is given the chance to share his secret. His life is forever changed, as are the lives of those around him.

The first edition of the book sold out. I was so excited, but then there was the bad news. My publisher, Creative House International Press (CHIP), when bankrupt. With the coming of online books versus traditional

books, there was a major decline in sales.

Even though my book sold out its first edition it wasn’t enough, so CHIP had to close its doors. I was very upset by this and didn’t know what my next move was going to be.

My husband and I came up with the great idea to move the book over to lulu.com, which allows books out of publication to stay in circulation. After months of formatting issues and many hours of planning we finally did it. I Have a Secret can be now found on lulu.com!

I Have a Secret is one of my proudest achievements. Since becoming a father myself, I have made it a point to reach out to children who need my help. I’ve met children with HIV who have really touched my heart. After I published the first edition of I Have A Secret, an orphanage in Thailand

by Justin B. Terry-Smith

reached out to me to help them spread the word about the good works they were doing with the orphans of the Baan Gerda community, they even sent me their documentary called “Living with the Tiger”. The book continues to do good work around the world.

I want it to live on even after I am gone. So check it out on the link below.

P.S. Stay tuned for some big news about the book in 2015!

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

baltimoregaylife.com

Getting to Know the Beekman Boys

By Allison Schoenauer

Husbands Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge are the Beekman Boys.

he was eating vegetables. Were there any vegetables that you had difficulty eating as children?

Brent’s distaste for eggplant is long enduring, but we try to include at least one eggplant recipe in each book. You can believe that if an eggplant recipe is ‘Brent-approved”, then it is absolutely amazing.

Transplants from New York City to pastoral Sharon Springs, N.Y., Josh and Brent turned the historic Beekman farm from their country retreat into one of the fastest growing lifestyle brands in the country. Their empire includes television, decor, gardening, social media, and most recently, cookbooks for every occasion and season. Their message of sustainability and community support is packaged in brown paper and twine: humble, simple, and with a memory of fabled country ovens and smell of freshly turned soil.

Appearing at the Baltimore Book Festival this month to promote their latest work, The Beekman 1802 Heirloom Vegetable Cookbook, Gay Life was chatted with the duo about their favorite recipes, their least favorite vegetables, and what they think about bigbusiness farming.

You two have seen huge success in your first careers and in your adventure with the Beekman 1802 farm.

Does that take a certain kind personality, or do you think anyone can achieve similar kinds of success?

We do think that success is self-determined.

We both grew up in lower middle class families who instilled in us the power of hard work, determination, and tenacity.

With those things and a passion for what you are doing, success is inevitable.

Baltimore has a strong farm-to-plate food culture. Do you think more communities should adopt this ideology?

We love Baltimore’s commitment to this.

Obviously, our urban and suburban populations have grown so large that it is not feasible for all of the food for a community to be locally sourced, but we encourage everyone to take 5 or 10 percent of their weekly grocery budget and earmark that for use in support of local agriculture.

The food in your cookbooks looks amazing. Which recipes are your favorites?

Because so much of our life is dictated by what is being harvested on the farm at any given time, we are very seasonal eaters. Right

baltimoregaylife.com

There is something subversive about a gay couple espousing the ideology of down-home Americana, since one tends to exclude the other. Was there any resistance from neighbors when you first moved to Sharon Springs or from critics when the brand started growing? If so, how did you overcome those issues?

One of the things we loved about doing the Fabulous Beekman Boys show (now on Cooking Channel) is seeing how it influenced people, particularly heterosexual couples in the heartland of America. We get at least one email or letter a week in which someone says that they never would have watched a show about a gay couple, but happened across the show and now are hooked. It only takes a couple of viewings to see that all couples are alike. We have the same struggles and the same arguments.

Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell are known as The Beekman Boys now it is all about the tomato. The tomato tart recipe in the new cookbook is easy and a real crowd-pleaser.

You have published three cookbooks now. Does is get harder to come up with more recipes with each volume, or does the feedback from your online community and your neighborhood and your day-to-day life take away some of the stress?

We are a company that is very driven by social media [Ed: Beekman1802Boys on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram]. We use our conversations with our “neighbors” as market research, and they’ve never steered us wrong.

The customer really is always right! We cook dinner almost every night that we are at home, and we are always riffing on traditional preparations. This is how the recipes that make it into the cookbooks are born.

American farming tends to get flak for its reliance on big business and genetically modified foods. Do you think companies like Monsanto are harmful or are they a necessary evil, and is there a way to turn the stereotype around?

It will be hard to turn the stereotype around.

The truth of the matter is that we DO need big agribusiness to feed the number of people that we have living in the U.S. Our demand for more and more food and cheaper and cheaper prices has led to what Monsanto is today. The free market always dictates, and we have to put some of the blame upon ourselves for valuing “cheaper” over quality.

Your most recent cookbook focuses on recipes featuring vegetables. It opens with an anecdote about a child visiting your farm and not realizing

You’re going to be in Baltimore for the book festival this year. Are there any books you’ve been excited about this year?

Josh is loving Provence 1970 by Luke Barr and the MBA in Brent loves business books.

Right now he’s reading How the World Sees You by Sally Hogshead.

What’s next for the Beekman Boys?

In the fall of this year we are launching our first bedding and furniture collection inspired by the farm and our tiny village of Sharon Springs, N.Y. We hope everyone loves it as much as we love the places that inspired it.

The Beekman Boys: Josh Kilmer-Purcell & Brent Ridge The Beekman 1802 Heirloom Vegetable Cookbook Food for Thought Stage Saturday, 5 p.m.

Shop online at Beekman1802.com

GAY LIFE / SEPTEMBER 2014

17

ReAL LIfe MICHIGAN OREGON UNITED KINGDOM

UTAH

LUXEMBOURG

OHIO NEW JERSEY vIRGINIA KENTUCKY

CALIFORNIA FLORIDA ARIZONA

COLORADO

UGANDA

OKLAHOMA

TENNESSEE

TEXAS INDIA

National & International News Va. A.G. requests stay in marriage equality ruling vIRGINIA

Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring (D), formally requested that the U.S. Supreme Court stay a lower court’s ruling against the state’s marriage equality ban.

Herring, a supporter of marriage equality, asked for the stay to avoid “unintended negative consequences if the Court later rules against marriage equality.” Many other LGBT advocates have pushed the court to allow the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling that invalidated the ban to go into effect immediately.

Court of Appeals hears pro-marriage equality arguments from multiple states KENTUCKY, MICHIGAN, OHIO & TENNESSEE

A three-judge panel from the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments in six marriage equality cases out of Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee. The three-

18

GAY LIFE / SEPTEMBER 2014

hour oral arguments marked the first time a single court heard challenges to marriage bans in four states in one day. The decision on the bans will likely come down to Judge Jeffrey Sutton, who was appointed to the bench by then-President George W. Bush, but there has been no indication of when a decision will be reached.

Fla. marriage ban unconstitutional FLORIDA

A Florida federal judge struck down the state’s ban on same-sex marriage, calling it “unconstitutional.” U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle, in Tallahassee, joined the growing list of judges ruling in favor of marriage equality, when he ruled that the ban violates the 14th Amendment’s guarantees of equal protection and due process.

Hinkle issued a stay delaying the effect of his order, meaning no marriage licenses will be immediately issued for gay couples. That also means gay couples legally married in other states will not immediately have their marriages recognized in Florida.

by

RACHEL ROTH

Utah, Okla. marriage equality cases appealed to SCOTUS

Judge strikes down Colo.’s marriage equality ban

UTAH & OKLAHOMA

COLORADO

More than 1,000 couples in Utah continue to wait in limbo for a decision regarding the state’s status on marriage equality. As Living Out previously reported, Utah’s same-sex marriage ban was ruled unconstitutional in December and couples rushed to get married. In May, a different federal judge ruled Utah must grant benefits—such as child custody—to those couples, but the decision was also put on hold. Last month, Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court asking justices to overturn lower-court rulings striking down the state’s ban on same-sex marriage. The petition, which was filed seven weeks before its Sept. 23 deadline, is the first marriage equality lawsuit to be filed with the court since it struck down part of the Defense of Marriage Act last year. An Oklahoma marriage equality case was also filed with the court as lawyers for Tulsa County clerk Sally Howe Smith asked the court to review a 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling striking down that state’s ban.

Adams County District Court Judge C. Scott Crabtree struck down Colorado’s marriage equality ban, determining that the ban violates the constitutional right of equal protection. Crabtree immediately stayed his ruling, meaning LGBT couples will still not be able to marry. “The final chapter of this debate will undoubtedly have to be written either in Denver, Colorado or Washington, D.C.,” Crabtree wrote in his ruling. “While the striking down of laws banning same-sex marriages has been progressing at a rapid rate, it will take time for this issue to be finally resolved.”

Super PAC spends big NATIONWIDE

The Republican-led group American Unity plans to spend at least $2 million by Election Day to support pro-LGBT congressional candidates. Founded by billionaire Paul Singer, the super PAC has already spent $700,000

BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

defending pro-LGBT Republicans including U.S. Reps. Richard Hanna of New York and Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania. The group is also supporting Richard Tisei, who is running for a U.S. House seat in Massachusetts.

Repeal of Houston equal-rights measure won’t make ballot TEXAS

Opponents of Houston’s Equal Rights Ordinance have dropped their request for an injunction that sought to force a repeal referendum on the November ballot. After the organizers failed to collect enough signatures to bring a referendum up for public vote, a lawsuit was brought against Mayor Annise Parker and the city by opponents of the ordinance, which ensures protections for LGBT people against discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations. Parker, who played a pivotal role in the passage of the ordinance, has agreed to suspend its implementation until issues around it are worked out.

Ore. to offer coverage for transition-related care through Medicaid OREGON

Oregon’s Health Evidence Review Commission, which oversees a prioritized list of health services for the state’s Medicaid program, has announced that the state’s low-income health insurance plan will begin to cover transgender-transition-related care.

The decision follows similar actions taken in California, Vermont and Washington, D.C. The new coverage, which will go into effect Jan. 1, is estimated to affect the lives of 175 Medicaid patients each year with a cost estimate of less than 0.0015 percent of the Oregon Health Plan’s total budget.

Transgender Arizonans and Californians see marriages recognized ARIZONA & CALIFORNIA

Two courts in the past month ruled in favor of recognizing transgender people’s gender identity and marriages. In Arizona, the Arizona Court of Appeals ruled that the marriage of Thomas Beatie and Nancy Beatie is valid in a case where the couple is seeking a divorce. In order for recognition of their marriage, the court needed to recognize Thomas’ male gender identity, as Arizona does not have full marriage equality.

A second, similar case was that of a California transgender man seeking recognition

baltimoregaylife.com

of his gender in order to have a marriage recognized before it could be terminated.

Transgender N.J. student can return to school NEW JERSEY

A transgender student who was reportedly told she would not be allowed back at school because of her new gender identity will be starting this year with her classmates.

Rachel Pepe, 13, previously attended Thorne Middle School in New Jersey as a male student. However, when her mother told a school official she would be returning to the classroom this year as Rachel, the school reportedly said she would not be allowed back and that it would not find her an alternative school to attend, according to New Jersey’s Asbury Park Press.

After the story went public, the superintendent of the school district, William O. George, announced that he would work with staff to make sure Rachel could attend school in a safe environment. According to Garden State Equality, George said Middletown Township Public Schools staff would undergo lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender sensitivity training.

to force a vote on putting it back in place, despite regulations preventing them from doing so. Pink News reported that, as of press time, the petition has gathered above the 207 signatures required to change regulations, and allow Parliament to re-pass the law.

In related news, the first-ever Pride Parade was held in Uganda on Aug. 2, days after the court overturned the law. According to Buzzfeed, there were few law enforcement officers present and no protesters.

India moves toward same-sex adoption ban

HIV criminalized in Uganda UGANDA

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has signed a bill into law criminalizing HIV transmission, which activists fear will undermine efforts to fight HIV in the country by making it harder for people to access treatment. While the exact date of presidential assent is not known, BuzzFeed reported a copy of the signed legislation obtained by health activists is dated July 31. According to reports, in Uganda government papers are frequently back-dated, meaning it is possible that President Museveni only recently signed.

INDIA

India’s federal Cabinet on Wednesday voted to bar same-sex couples from adopting children as part of a bill that heads to Parliament for approval. Currently, LGBT Indian citizens older than 30 are able to adopt children as single parents but with no legal guardianship extended to their same-sex partners.

WANT MORE LGBT NEWS?

Visit BaltimoreGayLife.com

Gay Luxembourg PM engaged LUXEMBOURG

Luxembourg’s out Prime Minister has revealed that he will marry his partner “soon,” after his country passed a same-sex marriage law. Luxembourg became the first country to have an out Prime Minister and an out Deputy Prime Minister at the same time last year, when Prime Minister Xavier Bettel came to power. The country’s parliament passed an equal marriage bill in June by a vote of 56-4.

Marriages are expected to start before 2015.

U.K. lawmaker calls for update on blood-donation rules UNITED KINGDOM

Michael Fabricant, a member of Parliament from the Conservative Party, in an article for the Guardian writes that “outdated, illogical and unequal” rules forbidding gay men from donating blood if they have had sex in the last 12 months are in need of reform.

“The rules on blood donation need to be changed to reflect modern medical science.

Safety for the donor and recipient of blood transfusions must of course be respected, but fairness and equality need to be considered too,” he wrote.

Uganda’s attorney general will defend anti-LGBT law UGANDA

The Ugandan attorney general indicated that he plans to appeal a recent court ruling that struck down a law criminalizing homosexual behavior. The country’s Constitutional Court struck down the Anti-Homosexuality Act, finding that speaker Rebecca Kadaga acted illegally by moving ahead with an initial vote on the law despite at least three lawmakers objecting to a lack of quorum. However, after the law was struck down, a group of Ugandan MPs gathered signatures in order

GAY LIFE / SEPTEMBER 2014

19

REAL Life

Baltimore Local News FreeState Legal, Center for Black Equity-Baltimore Announce Partnership The Center for Black Equity-Baltimore and FreeState Legal Project, Inc. announced a strategic partnership to engage Black LGBTQ individuals in the Baltimore community. This partnership will include the Speak Fire! Dialogues, a series of panel discussions about issues relevant to the Black LGBTQ community.

“The Center for Black Equity Baltimore is building partnerships between various communities to promote visibility and

20

GAY LIFE / SEPTEMBER 2014

leadership in the Black LGBTQ community in Baltimore,” said Carlton Smith, Executive Director of CBE-Baltimore.

Smith is a member of the planning committee that also includes local activists Reverend O.M. Moise of the Apostolic Catholic Church; Monica Yorkman, Founder of Sistas of the T; and Saida Agostini, Director of LGBTQ Resources at FreeState Legal Project, as well as the President of the Maryland and D.C. Chapter of Black Trans Men Incorporated.

The first panel, “Celebrating Our Community: Building Brave Spaces for Black Transgender Folks,” will take place during

by

STEVE CHARING

The Center for Black Equity— Baltimore marching in the Baltimore Pride Parade Photo by John Kardys

Nov. 2014. The panel will be dedicated in the memory of all the transgender women murdered in the last year. More information will be forthcoming on both organizations’ websites, CenterForBlackEquity.org and FreeStateLegal.org.

FreeState Legal’s Merki to Step Down Aaron Merki, one of the founders of FreeState Legal, will be stepping down from his post as executive director, which he has held for two years. FreeState Legal is a Baltimore-based non-profit legal services organization that works to improve the lives of

Maryland’s low-income LGBT community.

Hon. Shannon Avery, Chair, FreeState Legal Project, Inc., said in a statement, “This has been an incredibly exciting time, and we—all of us—have built the organization into a national model for LGBT legal services and systemic advocacy. The work we do on behalf of low-income LGBT Marylanders is cutting edge, and our caseload and national recognition continue to grow as we fight discrimination in employment, housing, health care, schools, and public accommodations, and provide essential family law and immigration services to LGBT Maryland residents.”

baltimoregaylife.com

Avery, an Associate Judge in the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore City, stated that Merki “has decided to move on to the next phase of his career. Under his direction, FreeState Legal has developed into an incredibly strong and effective nonprofit, and we look forward to Aaron’s continued involvement over the long-haul.”

Merki will continue as executive director until Oct. 2014. Judge Avery and the Board of Directors have convened an executive search committee. Any questions or concerns should be sent to Judge Avery at saveryhome@aol.com.

“Serving as the Executive Director of FreeState Legal has been an enormous privilege,” Merki said. “When I accepted the role two years ago—for the purpose of getting the organization up and running—I couldn’t have imagined the progress that we have made. It’s amazing to see the difference that we make in hundreds of lives each year through LGBT-focused legal and social services. FreeState is on track to continue growing at a fast pace, and to developing into a model for LGBT services nationwide.”

Although Merki is leaving the executive director position, he pointed out that he will continue to “be very much involved.”

FreeState was founded in 2007 by a group of attorneys and law students who recognized that the specific needs of the lowincome LGBT population were not being effectively met. To date, FreeState is one of only a few direct service LGBT advocacy organizations in the United States. FreeState began accepting cases in 2008 and began

building a network of pro bono attorneys who volunteer their time to assist clients.

For more information about FreeState Legal, visit FreeStateLegal.org.

Report: Maryland LGBT Youth at Risk The Youth Equality Alliance (YEA) issued a report on Aug. 12 titled “Living in the Margins: A Report on the Challenges of LGBTQ Youth in Maryland Education, Foster Care, and Juvenile Justice Systems.” Formed in May 2013, YEA is a statewide coalition of various service providers, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and individual advocates that seeks to identify policy and regulatory solutions to problems faced by LGBTQ youth in Maryland.

“Although the Maryland LGBTQ community has recently secured several new rights, including marriage equality and the Fairness for All Marylanders Act, there is much work to be done to protect the rights of LGBTQ youth,” said Aaron Merki, Executive Director of FreeState Legal Project, one of the founding members of YEA, in announcing the report’s release.

LGBTQ youth are at a heightened risk of entering the “school-to-jail pipeline”. Public institutions and systems—primarily the education, foster care, and juvenile justice systems—are among the toughest environments for LGBTQ youth. YEA’s report briefly outlines the current barriers facing LGBTQ youth as they navigate these three

systems, and proposes specific recommendations for addressing these challenges.

Statistics from GLSEN put the problems in perspective. For instance, approximately 64 percent of LGBTQ students feel unsafe in their schools because of their sexual orientation, and 44 percent because of their gender expression. One-third of LGBTQ youth will never finish their high school education.

“When youth enter spaces in which they are to be supervised as well as protected by adults, they expect that professionals will be knowledgeable about individual youth rights and needs, as well as sensitive, respectful, and effective in their interactions with all youth,” said Diana Philip, Policy Director for FreeState Legal Project. “LGBTQ youth in Maryland are no different.”

The work to achieve the goals and implement the recommendations in the report is expected to take several years. To view the report, visit FreeStateLegal.org/what-wedo/policy.

The Quest Closes its Doors

FreeState Legal’s Executive Director Aaron Merki will step down from post Photo by Steve Charing

baltimoregaylife.com

The Quest, a Highlandtown pub with a neighborhood feel and a frequent venue for drag performances, closed its doors during an emotional final show weekend on Aug. 9-10. Owner Tom Mathison, who had been in the bar business for 32 years including his ownership of a Fells Point gay establishment called the Unicorn, had sold The Quest, which had existed since March 2000.

Mathison lamented the plight of gay bars in the city, citing a lack of support due to higher prices, the smoking ban, the ability for people to hook-up via the Internet and apps, and the fact that many young gay people now patronize straight bars with their friends.

The Quest’s location being away from the bustling Mount Vernon gayborhood may have been a factor as well. The Fleet Street structure will be razed in favor of new town houses.

GAY LIFE / SEPTEMBER 2014

21

ouR LIfe ouT-SKIRTS

Art & Science by

DANIELLE ARIANO

J

ust a few months ago, a handwritten index card appeared in our recipe box. At the top, written in all caps were the words HARD BOILED EGGS. For years, I’d thought that the recipe for hard boiled eggs was contained in the name, but according to the card, written in my wife’s delicate scrawl, there were five steps. Google it, you’ll see. Who knew?

My wife, Lindsay, is a scientist through and through. She likes things exact and orderly. When she helps with the prep work for our tofu stir-fry, she hunches over the cutting board, delicately moving her knife through the zucchini with measured precision. It’s something of a wonder to witness, but it’s also part of the reason that I do most of the cooking—if Lindsay was the head chef in our household, we might never eat.

Which is not to say that I’m a good cook.

My approach in the kitchen is more food artist than food scientist. I fancy myself a regular Jackson Pollack—adding a splash of this, a dash of that and making things up as I go. Lindsay, on the other hand, might liken me more to the Peanuts character Pig Pen or that ever beloved, whirling dervish of Tasmania. Even when I follow recipes, I tend to estimate amounts more than I

measure. Who has time to make sure that a tablespoon is perfectly leveled off anyway?

In reality, this means that when I create a really successful (or terrible) dish, I have only a vague and murky notion of what I did to achieve the deliciousness (or horridness).

My ability to replicate results is seriously lacking, which only serves as a reminder that there is only one scientist in our family.

One day as we prepped the stir-fry for dinner, I watched Lindsay out of the corner of my eye. Her knife moved carefully through each piece of zucchini while I chopped the carrots, peppers and broccoli and sliced the tofu.

“You could work for America’s Test Kitchen,” I joked with her.

“Work for who?” she asked, looking at me blankly until I explained that America’s Test Kitchen is a laboratory where teams of cooks and food scientists experiment with recipes until they find the optimal one.

“Oh, sounds cool,” she said, her eyes wide.

I could just see her in there, a lab coat wrapping her thin frame, a pair of safety glasses sliding down the bridge of her nose.

She’d neatly write the exact amounts of each ingredient and meticulously analyze the results

before presenting to a panel of peers. “Batch number 2106 has too much paprika,” she’d say. “Let’s cut that by 34 percent.”

When we finished our prep work, I looked at our two piles. My veggies varied in size and shape. I’d accidentally left the sticker on the pepper (my interpretation of Dada). Lindsay’s zucchinis, however, consisted of perfectly replicated wedges. They probably weighed the same down to a hundredth of a gram. They were the most beautiful zucchini I’d ever seen. My scientist’s version of art.

Danielle Ariano is a writer and cabinetmaker. Her work has been featured on Huffington Post, Baltimore Fishbowl and Cobalt Review. Her debut memoir, Getting Over the Rainbow, will be published this fall by Shebooks. Ariano lives in Lutherville, Md. with her wife and their two dogs. She blogs at Daniwrites.org.

ALL TeA, No SHADe: DISHIN’ WITH THE DUCHESS

God Made Me Who I Am

by CARLTON R. SMITH and REV. DR. JAMIE WASHINGTON

Hey Family, What’s the latest tea in the gayborhood? This month, I wanted to stir it up with some of spiritual vibes. I asked my friend and pastor of Unity Fellowship Church of pastor, Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington, to pen a few words for this month’s column.

His message to the community is, “God made me who I am.” With that, I give you a few words from Rev. Washington.

Have you ever wondered about caused your same-sex attraction, or why you might have been assigned a sex at birth that you don’t feel is who you really are, or you don’t feel comfortable expressing your true self? Well, I have good news for you: God made you who you are.

For many of us who are a part of the LGBTQI and same gender loving communities, the question of cause has been—and continues to be—on the table. As a young person, I wondered why I had the same feelings for boys that my sisters did. It didn’t

22

GAY LIFE / SEPTEMBER 2014

make sense to me. I went to church and school trying to understand what those feelings were about.

It was hard and often scary. I believe this is true for many in our communities. I have met with many people who don’t know who they are. As a result, they sometimes resign themselves to believing, “I’m just this way,” or believing their sexuality is a mistake by God, or the spirit of the Devil.

I remember one evening in Bible study at my church, where the pastor was teaching a very homophobic message. I was an adult and out in most spaces, including the church, but we did not discuss it. The preacher said, “God, didn’t make homosexuals, it makes my God sick.” There I was in my seat—angry and afraid—when a 15-year-old

gay child spoke up. “Who made them then?” That simple question was the beginning of my liberation in the church. In that moment, I realized that for 40 years of my life I had accepted neglect and abuse.

I suspect many of you are in similar situations. Just know that you are not alone. You don’t have to accept the idea of loving the sinner and hating the sin. Your sexual orientation and gender identity are not sins. It is part of God’s design for humanity.

Jeremiah 1-5 reads, “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” This scripture saved my life and launched my ministry of healing and reconciliation. I know it’s not easy, but you are not a mistake. You are beautifully and wonderfully made in the image of Divine Creation. God made you who you are, and I so glad God did.

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

Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington is the co-pastor of the Unity Fellowship Church of Baltimore. He can be reached at Dr.jamiewashington@comcast.net.

BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

BeTTeR LIfe Non-Profit Helps Parents Through the Surrogacy Maze by

SAM EVERINGHAM

I

never thought that my own desire to be a parent would turn into my life’s work. But so goes the journey, one couple’s struggle becomes the pathway for those that follow. And this is how Families Through Surrogacy (FTS) came about.

Our non-profit organization was founded after my partner and I struck a range of unforeseen obstacles in our path to parenthood. As hundreds of IPs around the world started visiting the blog we started in July 2010, it soon became clear that there were thousands of singles and couples who were turning to surrogacy and immersed in tough journeys without much support or reliable information.

FTS expanded from a website, to hosting multiple social media forums, and then best practice conferences run by volunteer parents around the world who were interested in helping others.

SpIRITuAL IN-To-Me-I-See (SpIRITuAL INTIMAcY)

CHANGING LAWS, CHANGING DESTINATIONS

What’s Your Story? by

COACH MAQ ELÈ

W

e all have a story—the circumstances that have transpired in our lives that have molded us into the people we are today.

For those of us within the LGBTQ community that story more than likely includes our coming out journey and how we first accepted our own sexualities. For many of us this story is rooted in pain, hurt, loss or isolation that we experienced during our childhood such as abuse, the loss of a parent, or maybe even the loss of a childhood.

Early on in my training to become a spiritual life coach, I began to realize that the pain I experienced during my childhood was inextricably linked to the work that I do in the world as a coach. It occurred to me that I no longer had to operate as a victim of the circumstances that plagued my childhood and that I could choose to become a victor instead. I chose to no longer share my story from a place of brokenness, but to share it from a place of love. I chose to share what those experiences taught me about myself and about the world. I focused on who I had become and not who I was. And most importantly, I made peace with my past!

I believe that the Universe has divinely set it up that one person’s story can be used to heal another from their story. I believe there are people that need to hear your story, are you willing to share it? And from which

BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

place would you be sharing your story? Are you sharing your story as a victim or as a victor? If you’re in a place where you have yet to make peace with your story, I invite you to seek professional support to process your emotions around it. There may be a little girl or boy who is waiting to hear all about how you overcame the pain or troubles in your past. You may be the only light they will ever see or the only memoir they ever read… think about it!

BE-LOVED! ~Coach Maq

Coach Maq Elè is a certified Spiritual Life and the facilitator for the GLCCB group SILhouette (Spiritually In-Tuned Lesbians).

For more information about Coach Maq and SILhouette please visit www. gstringliving.com.

To contact Coach Maq with your coaching questions email coachmaq@baltimoregaylife.com.

As the costs of agencies, attorneys, hospital care, and health insurance in the U.S. continues to rise, many intended parents are turning to overseas options to fulfill their dreams. India had been the overseas destination of choice, based on their excellent medical skills, laws, low costs, and availability of surrogates. However the introduction of restrictive surrogacy visas two years ago effectively banned access for gay singles and couples.

Two years ago, enterprising Thai surrogacy agencies rapidly reached out to fill the unmet need amongst US gay singles and couples. Despite Thai laws that do not recognize surrogacy and a birth certificate that must retain the surrogate as the legal mother, hundreds of US citizens put their faith in Thailand. Unfortunately that option is looking seriously dangerous with a military junta in control now declaring all compensated surrogacy illegal.

Overnight, the Thai government banned gender selection, payment to egg donors, payment to surrogates, and makes surrogacy contracts illegal.

While contracts for foreign intended parents with a pregnant surrogate are expected to be honoured, the status for others remains unclear.

GAY coupLeS eNGAGING IN MeXIcAN SuRRoGAcY Enter Mexico. Enterprising clinics are already creating families in Cancun.

Mexico’s advantage is its proximity to the U.S., its affordable medical and legal processes, as well as arrangements with Californian IVF clinics to create and ship embryos. Thomas Chomko is one gay dad who has just had a son born in Mexico. Jonathan and Humberto Bresner have also had success in Mexico. We expect to see a lot of continued interest in the years ahead. All these guys will be speaking at FTS’s conference on Sept. 13 in Alexandria, Va..

uS opTIoNS BRoADeNING At this one day event, leading surrogacy professionals will also discuss best practice options within the U.S. Experts will provide updates on medical, legal, and safety considerations, as well as legal recognition options.

Gay couples with fascinating surrogacy journeys include Tennesseebased Jason Warner (of Christian pop-band Jason & DeMarco) and New York-based Jerry Mahoney, whose new book Mommy Man provides terrific albeit hilarious insights into U.S. surrogacy. Nothing is quite as valuable as sharing first hand experiences with parents who have already gone through the process. Both these guys are presenting at our Alexandria, Va. event.

For more info, visit FamiliesThruSurrogacy.com/us-conference-program

GAY LIFE / SEPTEMBER 2014

23

BETTER Life

Keeping Your Financial Crisis from Derailing Your Planning Goals

by AMANDA

WOODDELL

W

Reading is Fundamental (To Your Mental Health)

by ALICIA GABRIEL Reviewed by Dr. Julie

Eastin, Director of Behavioral Health — Chase BREXTON HEALTH SERVICES

Y

ou’ve probably been there: your brain can’t turn the worry off, you feel hopeless, or you just can’t get motivated to do the stuff you like anymore. It’s no secret that the LGBT community faces higher rates of mental health issues due to discrimination, victimization, and heightened scrutiny. (And, by the way: when you’re struggling, you really shouldn’t try to tough it out and do it alone— go ahead and call your primary care provider or find a great therapist to help you.)

Sometimes, though, it’s a short case of the blahs. Or maybe you just need some “preventive medicine” in addition to your scheduled therapy. Well, research is showing that, among other steps you can take in your mental health self-care, reading is an effective way to turn your mood around and reduce stress.

Reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by more than two-thirds, according to a study by the University of Sussex in England. It found that reading was the best cure for stress—more effective than listening to music, having a cup of tea or coffee, taking a walk, or playing video games.

Because your mind is concentrating on reading, the distraction eases tension in your muscles and heart. When you are consumed by a character’s life, it is easy to forget about your own daily stressors.

When you are depressed, you may start to become consumed by negativity. Reading can help give your mind a break and remind

24

GAY LIFE / SEPTEMBER 2014

your brain what it feels like to be happy, according to another article in Psychology Today.

Another reason a book is one of the best medications—it can be shared.

If you have people in your life who may not understand what you are going through, share a book with them that relates to your own experience. People who read are better empathizers, according to a recent Ohio State University study.

Reading makes people imagine themselves in other people’s shoes, which in turn, can make them more compassionate.

Psychologists also found that when people identify with a fictional character, they subconsciously change their behaviors and thoughts to match the character.

Hate reading? Have a short attention span for words on a page? Maybe you have a learning disability and reading IS stressful.

It’s okay. You don’t have to pick up Moby Dick to achieve stress reduction; try a magazine, short story, comic book, or graphic novel. Or, listen to music, take a walk, or play a video game. After all, those work too!

So, on your way to work or to your next therapy appointment, consider making a pit stop at the library to check out some stressreducing books!

For book recommendations with LGBT characters, check out the multiple lists of books featuring LGBT protagonists or themes on Goodreads.com.

hen people think of events that create financial emergencies, the first thing that comes to mind is losing one’s job.

While this can cause a devastating blow to your finances, the reality is that a financial emergency can be caused by many things, and can happen at any time.

From a long-term illness of the household breadwinner or worse, their unexpected death, to even a natural disaster, a financial hardship could lie just around the corner.

Everyone should have a financial emergency management plan in place, whether you are just starting out in life, or you are already on a path to accumulating wealth.

Although effectively saving money can be daunting, the secret is to be fully prepared by taking the following steps:

Understanding Your Financial Situation

From assessing your insurance plans to understanding your current earnings and cash reserves, it is vital to have a clear perspective on your overall financial situation.

Implement a Budget

Do you really know what your income and outflows are? What are your essential expenses (i.e., mortgage/rent payment, utilities, food) versus discretionary spending (i.e., entertainment, vacation)? Now is the time to develop a comprehensive budget that provides the right insight on earnings and spending habits.

Eliminate Unproductive Debt

Most individuals have some type of debt, be it a home mortgage, a college loan, or credit card debt. While having a mortgage in place can be leverage to building your assets, non-secured debt such as credit cards are toxic. Liberate yourself from such debt immediately. Once these debts are paid off, the additional cash flow can be used to accumulate your emergency reserve.

Build Emergency Funds

Having funds set aside to rely on in a crisis is crucial to one’s financial planning. You should have three to six months’ worth of ordinary living expenses saved in the bank.

These funds should only be touched in an emergency.

Find the Right Financial Advisor

The right financial advisor can help you correctly assess your current budget situation, and build out the best plan for keeping you on solid financial ground in case of an emergency.

The reality is that many of us need assistance when it comes to developing a successful savings and financial emergency plan. At the end of the day, financial worries should not keep you up at night. Seek the help of a qualified financial advisor. An experienced professional can provide you with the right financial plan and peace of mind to trust that you can weather any monetary crisis.

Amanda Wooddell is a Manager at SC&H Financial Advisors, the Personal Financial Planning practice at SC&H Group, which is an audit, tax, and consulting firm based in Sparks, Md. To learn more about SC&H Group, visit www.scandh. com. Note: Securities offered through Triad Advisors, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through SC&H Financial Advisors, Inc. SC&H Financial Advisors, Inc. and Triad Advisors, Inc. are unaffiliated entities.

baltimoregaylife.com

SocIAL LIfe BSceNe

Night Out at Club Hippo August 15 by

JAY W.

Your Pet Deserves the Best!

Comprehensive Exams Accurate Diagnosis Exceptional Treatment Capabilities Kind-Loving Staff Make an appointment for your pet today.

410-633-8808 BaltimoresBestVets.com

visit us 6404 Eastern Ave. Minutes from Bayview, Essex, Harbor East, Canton, Highlandtown, Fells Point and Federal Hill BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

GAY LIFE / SEPTEMBER 2014

25

SOCIAL Life

Datebook

by

Recurring & Ongoing Events

Sundays Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar Every Sunday 7am-Noon Jones Falls Expressway Holliday & Saratoga Sts. PromotionAndArts.com Dog Hikes with the Doctor First Sunday of the month 11am-Noon • $2 Baltimore Humane Society 1601 Nicodemus Rd. • Reisterstown BMoreHumane.org Metropolitan Community Church Services Every Sunday 9am and 11am MCC Baltimore • 401 W. Monument St MCCBaltimore.org League of Women Bowlers Every Sunday 4:30pm AMF Marlow Heights Lanes 4717 St. Barnabas Rd. • Temple Hill LeagueOfWomenBowlers2@verizon.net Rise Up, Honoring Women’s Spirituality Fourth Sundays 12:45-2:15pm First Unitarian Church of Baltimore 1 W. Hamilton St. FirstUnitarian.net Westminster PFLAG Monthly Mtg. Third Sundays 7pm St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 17 Bond St. • Westminster PFLAGWCC.org Heterosexual Friendly Gay Brunch First Sunday Frederick’s on Fleet • 2112 Fleet St. FredericksOnFleet.com ASGRA Monthly Trail Ride First Sundays 10:30am • $25-30 Piscataway Stables 10775 Piscataway Road • Clinton ASGRA.org Charm City Volleyball: Competitive Play Every Sunday 10am-1pm • $7 Volleyball House 5635 Furnace Ave. • Elkridge VolleyBaltimore.org Service of Worship First Sundays 10:30am First & Franklin • 210 West Madison St. FirstFranklin.org Service of Worship Every Sunday 10am Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church • 1316 Park Ave. BrownDowntown.org

26

GAY LIFE / SEPTEMBER 2014

RACHEL ROTH

Mondays Interfaith Fairness Coalition Mtg. Second Mondays 3-4:30pm First Unitarian Church of Baltimore 1 W. Hamilton St. IFCMD.info PFLAG Howard County Parent Forum Third Mondays 7:30pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way • Columbia PFLAGMD.org

Tuesdays Howard County PFLAG Monthly Mtg. Second Tuesdays 7:30pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way • Columbia PFLAGMD.org Senior Pride: Discussion Group for Men 55+ Tuesday evenings Chase Brexton Health Services www.bit.ly/SeniorPride Karate-Dō (LGBT-friendly classes) Every Tuesday 5:30-7:30pm Johns Hopkins Homewood Campus Bob Remington — MDShoto@aol.com Csskshotokan.com Meditation Group Every Tuesday 6:15-7:45pm First Unitarian Church of Baltimore 1 W. Hamilton St. FirstUnitarian.net PFLAG Baltimore Co. General Mtg. Fourth Tuesdays 7pm Towson Unitarian Universalist Church 1710 Dulaney Valley Rd. PFLAGBaltimore.org Parents of Transgender Kids Fourth Tuesdays 7:30-9pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way • Columbia cvhyde@gmail.com PFLAGBaltimore.org Rainbow Youth Alliance of Baltimore County 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 7-9pm Towson Unitarian Universalist Church 1710 Dulaney Valley Rd. RYABaltimoreCounty@gmail.com Rainbow Youth Alliance of Howard County 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 7:30pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way • Columbia 410.280.9047 rya_leaders@hotmail.com

Rainbow Youth Alliance of Baltimore City 1st, 3rd & 5th Tuesdays 7-9pm The GLCCB • 1000 Cathedral St. RYABaltimore@gmail.com Facebook.com/groups/RYABaltimore Teen Program at JCC Second Tuesdays 6pm Owings Mills JCC 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave. JoinTeens.org Trans Parents Forum, Baltimore Co. Third Tuesdays 7-9:30pm Towson Unitarian Universalist Church 1710 Dulaney Valley Rd. PFLAGBaltimore.org

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

Wednesdays Charm City Volleyball: Social Play Every Wednesday 6:30-9:30pm • $3-30 Mt Royal Recreational Center 137 McMechen St. Living Well with HIV Support Group Every Wednesday 10:30am Institute of Human Virology 725 W. Lombard St. Jacques.umaryland.edu/support.html Spiritual Development with Rev. Sam Offer Every Wednesday 7pm Unity Fellowship Church of Baltimore 4007 Old York Rd. UFCB.org GEM: Gender Empowerment MD Every other Wednesday 7pm Equality Maryland • 1201 S. Sharp St. Owen@EqualityMaryland.org Support Group for Transgender Adults Third Wednesday 7:30pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way • Columbia hoctytransgroup@gmail.com

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

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

THIS MONTH Free Fall Baltimore More than 90 Baltimore arts and cultural organizations provide hundreds of free events.

FreeFallBaltimore.org

Monday, Sept. 1 Men’s Naked Yoga $18 • Every Monday 6:30-7:30pm Vitruvian Gallery, LLC 734 7th St., SE, 2nd fl. • Washington, D.C. VitruvianGallery.com Karaoke Sing your heart out every Monday and Tuesday night.

Grand Central Nightclub 1001/1003 N. Charles St. GrandCentralPub.com

Wednesday, Sept. 3 Gay BINGO! Every Wednesday 8:30pm Club Hippo • 1 W. Eager St. ClubHippo.com Neighbors Night at Marquee Lounge Every Wednesday 5pm The Patterson • 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org

Thursday, Sept. 4 Rene Marie sings Eartha Kitt 2nd show at 9pm • $20-25 The Patterson • 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org

HAVING AN EVENT?

Email full calendar details to Editor@BaltimoreGayLife.com

baltimoregaylife.com

First Thursdays: Concerts in the Park Feat. Grizfolk, Strand of Oaks, and Lydia Loveless • FREE • 6-10pm Canton Waterfront Park • 3001 Boston St. WTMD.org

Transformational Training Three-day LGBTQ+ exclusive, life-changing workshop • Thru Sept. 14 Marriot Key Bridge • Arlington TheFordInstitute.com

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

Art To Dine For: Ahoy Matey!

Feat. Heavy Seas Alehouse Chef Scott Hines • $75 • 6:30-7:30pm The Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org

Saturday, Sept. 13

Thursday, Sept. 18

Star-Spangled Spectacular: Bicentennial of Our National Anthem Feat. the BSO, Kristin Chenoweth, Melissa Etheridge, and more • $79-175 • 5:30pm Pier Six Pavilion • 731 East Ave. PierSixPavillon.com

Protecting Your Legacy: A Panel Discussion on LGBT Rights Info. on the legal and financial issues the LGBT community. FREE. 6-7:30pm Walters Art Museum • 600 N Charles St. TheWalters.org

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

Saturday, Sept. 20

Friday, Sept. 5 St. Mary’s Rummage Sale Everything and more! FREE • 10am-2pm Saint Mary’s Church 1 St. Marys Church Rd., Abingdon StMarysHarford.org Wine Tasting FREE • Fridays 5-8pm Spirits of Mt Vernon Wine Shop 900 N. Charles St. SpiritsOfMtVernon.com First Fridays FREE • First Friday of every month 6:30pm Eastern & East Ave. CreativeAlliance.org

Sunday, Sept. 14 “Chick Chat” A singles group for lesbians age 50+.

FREE • 2-4pm Brookside Gardens 1800 Glenallan Ave, Silver Spring woernerc@yahoo.com

elektroschock First Saturday of every month 9pm • $6 Grand Central • 1001 N. Charles St. CentralStationPub.com

3rd Annual Pet Memorial Sunday Ceremony For anyone who has experienced the loss of a beloved pet • FREE • 11am-Noon Baltimore Humane Society Memorial Park 1601 Nicodemus Rd, Reisterstown BmoreHumane.org

Wednesday, Sept. 10

Monday, Sept. 15

Saturday, Sept. 6

GLCCB Book Club The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman.

FREE • 7pm Wexter Center, 3rd Floor 1000 Cathedral St. GLCCB.org

Vow of Silence Short Film Screening Followed by Q&A and after lounge • 7pm 2640 Space • 2640 St. Paul St. Facebook.com/VowofSilenceFilm

Friday, Sept. 12 Star-Spangled Friday Nights Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Baltimore • $18.12 • 7:30-9:30pm National Aquarium • E. Pratt St. Aqua.org REVIVAL A monthly hoedown • $6 • 21+ • 7pm Grand Central • 1001 N. Charles St. CentralStationPub.com Art to Dine For: Make It or Break It! Piñatas and food! $65 • Kids $25 • 6-9pm The Patterson • 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org

baltimoregaylife.com

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

Wednesday, Sept. 17 PLWH/A Community Forum The ACA and its impact on persons living with HIV/AIDS • FREE • 5:30-8pm Chase Brexton Health Services 1111 N. Charles St. ChaseBrexton.org “Pentagon Papers” Whistleblower and author, Daniel Ellsberg headlines Constitution Day Symposium.

FREE • 7-9pm Brown Center’s Falvey Hall 1301 W. Mount Royal Ave. MICA.edu

Inaugural Baltimore Seafood Festival Experience Baltimore’s best. $29 • Noon-6pm.

Canton Waterfront Park • 3001 Boston St. BaltimoreSeafoodFest.com

Friday, Sept. 26 Baltimore Book Festival The mid-Atlantic’s premier celebration of the literary arts.

FREE • Noon-8pm • Thru Sept. 28 Pratt & Light Streets.

BaltimoreBookFestival.org Film Audition: Landlords and Lovers The story of a young lesbian navigating life.

10am-4pm • Also on Sept. 28 GLCCB • 1000 Cathedral St. Baltimore Bike Party The biggest party on two wheels!

FREE • 7pm St. Mary’s • Seton Hill BaltimoreBikeParty.com Burl-eoke!

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

Saturday, Sept. 27 National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day AIDS.gov David London’s Magic and Mayhem Show Magic + Hijinks • $16+18 • 8pm The Patterson • 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org Dogfest Featuring Paws On Parade Walkathon A doggone great day! $10 • 10am-5pm Baltimore Humane Society 1601 Nicodemus Road • Reisterstown DogFest.org Fall Harvest & Craft Festival Raine or shine • $10 • 11am-4pm Thru Sept. 28 Steppingstone Museum, 461 Quaker Bottom Road, Havre de Grace SteppingstoneMuseum.org

Spotlight

Protecting Your Legacy A Panel Discussion on LGBT Rights Join the Walters Art Museum for a discussion on the legal and financial issues members of the LGBT community face as individuals, couples, and families.

Professional advisors will address current topics and give examples on how personal choices can be protected.

Panelists include Paul A. Ferrara, U.S. Trust; Michele Zavos, Esq., Zavos Juncker Law Group, PLLC and Jer Welter, Esq., FreeState Legal; moderated by Anthony McCarthy, public radio WEAA 88.9 FM, Morgan State University. A question-and-answer session will be held following the presentation. This program is sponsored by U.S. Trust.

Drinks will be available for purchase in the Café before the event.

Pre-registration is requested.

Please RSVP to Ashley Mancinelli, JD at 410-547-9000, ext 387, or email amancinelli@thewalters. org.

Protecting Your Legacy: A Panel Discussion on LGBT Rights

Walters Art Museum Graham Auditorium 600 N. Charles St. Thursday, September 18, 2014 6:00 to 7:30pm • Free TheWalters.org

GAY LIFE / SEPTEMBER 2014

27