Volume 33, Number 24

SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1979

MARYLAND’S LGBT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 9 – DECEMBER 22, 2011 VOLUME XXXIII, NUMBER 24 WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

GAY Ultimate

GIFT GUIDE + Holiday Shows

FROM THE KINSEY SICKS,

GAY MEN’S CHORUS, AND JOHN WATERS!

Paula Poundstone SPEAKS WITH GL

HOLIDAY CARDS FROM LOCAL ARTIST

Bill Coolahan

PAGE 2 • DECEMBER 9 – DECEMBER 22, 2011

BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER

Serving the Gay Community Since 1981 ◆

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Criminal Traffic DWI MVA Hearings Estate Planning Wills Power of Attorney Personal Injury Automobile Accidents Worker’s Compensation Family Law and Divorce Second Parent Adoption

201 N. Charles Street, Suite 2300 Baltimore, MD 21201 Office: 410-332.1170 • Fax 410-837-0288 Lyndamdee@aol.com • www.lyndadeelaw.com WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

VOLUME 33, NUMBER 24 • PAGE 3

letter editor’s

About a year ago I let a stranger stay in my home. At first it seemed like a step too far. (I’m generous, but a stranger?

In my home? Nah…) But when I volunteered for Equality Maryland, I filled out a form that asked if I’d house an out-oftown activist. I marked “maybe” (though I thought “probably not”). I soon learned that some guy from Ohio was coming to work for equality in my state, and he needed a place to stay while he searched for more permanent housing. So (after Googling the heck out him) I said yes.

As you can guess, it turned out fine.

I was neither murdered nor robbed. In fact, he worked such long hours I barely knew he was there. I think it was a good choice, not only because it helped him, but also because it was during his short stay that I was offered this position working for Gay Life.

I’m not suggesting that kindness is always rewarded, or that opening your home will get you a new job. But what seemed at first like a step too far, turned out to be a rather simple act of hospitality.

As the 24th annual Creating Change conference draws near (see story opposite page) consider what small steps you can take to help out. Learn more by visiting CreatingChange.org/volunteer.php.

CONTENTS

9 outfront

firstperson

PAGE 5 FAMILY

A trans child and parent story of understanding and acceptance.

By Terri Solomon

PAGE 15 TRIBUTE

David Haltiwanger leaves Chase Brexton.

By Alicia Gabriel

SPEAKING OUT

COMMUNITY

Queer Politics for the Birds.

Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination Bill in Howard Co.

By Rev. Irene Monroe

Community housing volunteers requested for Creating Change Conference.

outgoing PAGE 17 SPOTLIGHT

PAGE 6 DINING OUT

A John Waters' Christmas at the Lyric.

Meet 27, a new neighborhood bar dishes out veg and gluten-free deliciousness.

By Rachel Roth

By John Cullen with Marty Shayt

DATEBOOK

Calendar of Events.

PAGE 7 COMEDY

Comedian, cat lover, and NPR panelist Paula Poundstone speaks to GL.

By Rachel Roth

By Kristi Metzger

afterhours

PAGE 8 ART

Local gay artist shares his story and his Baltimore-themed holiday cards.

By Adam Kelley

PAGE 9 MUSIC

Ellen Greene and the Gay Men’s Chorus celebrate the holidays with everything from Christmas standards to Lady Gaga.

PAGE 18 BSCENE

Bed & Breakfast Holiday Tour.

Photos By John Kardys

B’More Aware of HIV on World AIDS Day. Photos courtesy Moveable Feast

By Frankie Kaye

MUSIC

Oy Vey in a Manger: Dragapella group Kinsey Sicks visit Patterson theater.

Maggie Beetz Editor

ON THE COVER

Brewers Hill by artist Bill Coolahan

PAGE 4 • DECEMBER 9 – DECEMBER 22, 2011

By Anthony Moll

headlinenews

FEATURE PAGE 12

The Ultimate Guide to Gift Giving.

PAGE 10 NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS

By Mikey Rox

By Rachel Roth

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

Maggie Beetz, Editor

Gay Life is a publication of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland (GLCCB). Gay Life is published every other Friday in Baltimore, Md., with distribution throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Copyright 2011. 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.

Scott FitzPatrick, Advertising

editor@baltimoregaylife.com

M. Cory Burgess, Art Director cory@metroscapemedia.com sales@baltimoregaylife.com 410.837.7748

National Advertising Rep.

Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863

Marty Shayt

Senior Volunteer

Contributors

Ted Blankenship, John Cullen, Alicia Gabriel, Frankie Kaye, Adam Kelley, Kristi Metzger, Anthony Moll, Rev. Irene Monroe, Rachel Roth, Mikey Rox, Marty Shayt, Terri Solomon

Photographers

John Kardys, Jay W Photos

Newspaper Committee

Trevor Ankeny, Bud Beehler, Kelly D. McClain, Terri Solomon

BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER

outfront FAMILY

COMMUNITY

Trans Children ONE FAMILY'S TALE

Howard County Council Passed Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination Bill

BY TERRI SOLOMON

"Our story is we did everything wrong,” said Catherine Hyde. Hyde is the Transgender Network Coordinator for Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) in Columbia-Howard County, Md. But she wasn’t always waving the purple flag for her child, Will Gullucci, who was born a male eighteen years ago.

“Will was 4 when he told me that something went wrong in my belly,” recalls Hyde. “We went to a psychiatrist. He was threatening suicide at age 6. We went back to a mental health professional, but no one was talking gender expression back then. We tried to make Will a boy.”

Hyde forced her son into karate and only allowed him to wear girl’s clothes as a costume on Halloween. His gender identity repressed, Will pulled away from his family, immersed himself in video games, and sank into depression. It was a dark time in his young life, and one he now has no memory of.

By the time Will was 15, Hyde had given him free rein to decorate his new basement bedroom pink. She was willing to accept that her son might be an effeminate young gay man who excelled at dance, but nothing more, telling Will, “You can be gay, but don’t you ever go trans on me.”

And then a radio program changed the lives of both Hyde and Will.

“I was listening to an NPR interview on transgender individuals that had the same language Will had been using to try to tell me what was wrong. I heard a trans child use almost the exact words he had used, saying, ‘Something went wrong in my mother’s belly. I was supposed to be a girl.’”

Will had already tried to explain to his mother that he had the best of both worlds; he was a boy on the outside and a girl on the inside. But Hyde didn’t get it, or didn’t want to get it. Now, hearing transgender men and women publically speaking their truth made Hyde recognize the truth of her son’s gender identity. Will

WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

Will Gullucci as a baby and in 2011

was a girl on the inside. The real question was, what was Hyde going to do about it?

“I brought up the topic of puberty blockers, used to treat pre-teen and teen trans children, so their bodies won’t develop the trait of the ‘wrong’ gender,” said Hyde.

Will was initially resistant because “gender conversations in our house had become so raw.” But two hours later, he came out of his room and told his mom, “I want those things that can pause time.”

It took Hyde and Will a year to find a gender psychologist and a provider who would prescribe puberty blockers. The difficult experience of seeking other parents with gender-variant kids, as well as medical and emotional support, made Hyde want to serve as the Transgender Network Coordinator for PFLAG. “It’s hard to wrap your head around your kid being another gender,” Hyde said.

“If there are any parents out there with gender non-conforming kids, letting them express is more important than shaping them into what we want them to be.”

As coordinator, Hyde is responsible for connecting parents to supportive resources, most importantly other moms and dads who have had similar experiences to her own. Their monthly forum has grown to 17 parents of children ranging in age from 3 to 29 who “support each other on this journey,” she said. It’s a role that has been very fulfilling and enlightening for

Hyde. In a way, she’s passing on her moment of transgender truth from that radio show years ago.

“Every time I talk, people hear me and find me. My therapist said I started to do this for Will, then I did it for myself, and now I do it for other people,” Hyde said.

And what about Will? She’s a freshman at Towson University now, with a stripe of pink hair and a fierce personality. She studies dance, wears short skirts, and argues with her mom over getting a college degree and living at home. She glows when performing in drag as Miss Whitney Gucci Goo. “I see Will as the next RuPaul. In twenty years, I hope we’re not fighting,” said Hyde. “I hope Will is comfortable in her own skin, productive, and a real beacon for kids.”

“I see myself as a better version of RuPaul,” said Will, who wants to pursue drag as a full-time career. Whatever the future holds for this bright young woman, one fact stands out—her mom will be there to encourage and embrace her “special snowflake of a child.” ■

PARENTS OF TRANSGENDER KIDS SUPPORT GROUP

4th Tuesday of each month Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way, Columbia • 7:30-9pm Contact Catherine at cvhyde@gmail.com

In a 4-to-1 vote, Howard County Council passed legislation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression in the areas of housing, law enforcement, public accommodations, financing, employment, and health and social services on December 5. The bill was initiated by Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG) and Gender Rights Maryland (GRMD), an organization dedicated to enacting similar statewide protections.

“We see this legislation as just a basic civil right,” said Catherine Hyde, Transgender Network Coordinator for PFLAG in ColumbiaHoward County. “I really believe legislation leads to education. It’s frightening for parents and it’s hard to be a trans child.” Looking forward, she urges all parents to come out to Annapolis in the spring to attempt to pass Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination legislation for the entire state.

The bill will now be forwarded to County Executive Ken Ullman who is expected to sign it.

The measure will take effect 61 days following the signing. ■

Community Housing Volunteers Needed for Conference Visitors The host committee for the Creating Change Conference is looking for community members who can provide housing (spare bedrooms, couches, etc.) to help house the influx of LGBT visitors who will be attending the January conference.

“We strive to make Creating Change accessible to all and, for some, no-cost community housing makes attendance possible,” said Host Committee Chair Matt Thorn in a statement to community stakeholders.

“This conference has allowed and will always allow the opportunity for dialogue and consensus on how we as individuals have the ability to make this world safer, livelier, and more accepting for those who do not have the means to stand up for themselves… We, as a community, need to take a stand for each other, for the Chrissy Polis’s, for the Jamey Rodemeyer’s, for the Kellie Ryan’s, and Lucy Truman’s, for the parents of teens and young adults of the LGBT community. These are the reasons why we move forward, we fight and we motivate, we educate.”

To host an out-of-town guest, please register by visiting CreatingChange.org/volunteer or by emailing CreatingChange@theTaskForce.org. ■

VOLUME 33, NUMBER 24 • PAGE 5

outfront DINING OUT

Meet 27 NEW NEIGHBORHOOD SPOT OFFERS CHOICES FOR ALL

BY JOHN CULLEN WITH MARTY SHAYT

Visiting Meet 27 for the first time had us trying to make sense of a brightly lit “Sweet Sin Bakery” sign curiously perched hanging over the main entrance to the restaurant on the corner of Howard and 27th (turns out the bakery is next door and is operated by the wife of one of Meet 27's owners). Inside the entrance, a handsome long bar lit by chandeliers stood empty (Meet 27 is BYOB as a result of a year-plus long effort from some neighbors to block a liquor license).

Up a half flight of stairs, a large dining room overlooking the bar is eye catching with colorful wall murals done by local MICA students, hand-crafted rustic tables (incorporating pallets from the local Federal Reserve office) and a pleasantly diverse mix of customers.

The menu offers an eclectic mix of Indian/Asian, Caribbean, and basic American with a half dozen appetizers ($5-8), eight entrees ($14-21) and five burger variations ($11-$12; beef or veggie choices and come with sweet potato fries). We decided to start by splitting the vegetable fritters appetizer ($6). Marty decided to try a basic burger while John was taken by pork vindaloo, an Indian mainstay usually made with lamb ($14).

The five fritters reminded us of pakora; a gently spiced chickpea fried shell was filled with minced eggplant, potato, and spinach, which were nicely complemented by tamarind and mint sauces (the tamarind was particularly good). Marty’s eyes grew wide spying his veritable burger fantasy— a huge burger, well done (as requested), PAGE 6 • DECEMBER 9 – DECEMBER 22, 2011

and smothered in fried onions next to a tall pile of his favorite sweet potato fries.

John’s vindaloo made an unexpectedly artful presentation: a heaping bowl of pork in a deliciously spicy sauce next to sautéed beets, spinach, and carrots arranged thoughtfully over a mound of rice.

Appetizer and entrees won our unqualified thumbs up! They were so good that we decided to try a vegan chocolate mousse with berries and orange sauce ($6). Regretfully, lacking any chocolate flavor and with just two small berries and a smidgen of bland orange sauce, the dessert seemed an unsatisfying mistake and left us wary of trying other vegan desserts.

On the way out, Marty spotted a couple of friends who praised their generous hummus plate appetizer, which did look wonderful (a large entrée salad at another table also caught John’s eye). Marty’s friend said that he loved the burgers.

Meet 27 impressed us with its friendly staff and pleasant casual atmosphere. We were impressed by “thumbs-up” level appetizers and entrees (if not the desserts…) and we’re looking forward to returning and getting to sample more menu items that we have yet to try! ■

MEET 27

127 W. 27th St. (Charles Village) 410.585.8121 • Meet27.com Sun–Thurs: 4-10pm • Fri & Sat: 4-11pm BYOB • Vegan & gluten-free options Email DiningOut@BaltimoreGayLife.com & find past reviews at BaltimoreGayLife-DiningOut.info BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER

COMEDY

Paula Poundstone Comes to Annapolis

BY KRISTI METZGER

Known for her razor sharp wit and her ability to interact spontaneously with audience members in conversations that invoke riotous laughter, Paula has been doing comedy for 33 years and is still on a mission to make people laugh. I had the opportunity to have some spontaneous conversation with Paula myself:

What would you say inspired you to pursue a career in comedy?

I like the sound of laughter. I like thinking of funny things and saying them. I guess I did that all my life. My kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Bump, wrote in a letter to my parents: “I have enjoyed many of Paula’s humorous comments about our activities.”

You are known for having very interactive performances with your audience. How did that come about?

Mostly through having a bad memory.

Being a little ADD, I would go on stage thinking I was prepared for my big five minutes at open mic night. I would get distracted. I don’t know at what point I realized this was the good part, to tap into the stories in the room and uncork that great bottle. It makes every show unique.

Congrats on being inducted into the Comedy Hall of Fame. How did you feel about receiving this honor?

Well thanks. There’s really not much to it to be totally honest with you. There’s

PAULA POUNDSTONE Saturday, December 10 6:30pm & 9:30pm • $38.50 Rams Head On Stage 33 West St., Annapolis 410.268.4545 • RamsHeadOnStage.com PaulaPoundstone.com

WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

Pikesville Silver & Antiques Your source for all things silver

not even an event for it. Just a lot of interviews. I love talking about my job.

I love that I get to do this for a living.

The audience is my absolute best friend.

I don’t have much of a social life; I have some. I don’t have camaraderie of coworkers. Several years ago now, when I had a TV show with a staff, [it] was such a thrill to work with other people. When I bused tables for a living—and I really do have a gift in that area—I liked the camaraderie of smelling like rotten vegetables with other people.

Tell me a little about NPR’s news quiz show, “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me.”

I’m one of the luckiest performers in the world. I got hired out of the blue. There are three panelists each week, 15 of us that rotate in no order that I’m aware of. I’m on about once or twice a month maybe. There are little games that make up the show. We vie each week for “most informed.” Along the way we are encouraged to make jokes. It’s like being

a batter in the batting cage. Sometimes swing and miss, sometimes I get a piece of it. This show we’re really encouraged to say whatever you want. Great chemistry between a great group of people. The only thing that is scripted are the questions. None of the panelists are scripted.

It airs on NPR on the weekends.

629 Reisterstown Rd. · 410.358.3377 · M-F 10-5

You are pretty much synonymous with ties. How many do you own?

I’ve been working with an organizer, so I own less ties than I did two weeks ago. I wear the same ones over and over again.

The organizer said that people only wear about 20 percent of their wardrobe regularly. I am excited that it’s almost December. I have a “3 Stooges” tie where they are in Santa hats, and a Grinch tie.

Have you ever thought about starting your own line of ties?

That’s a ******* great idea! I haven’t but CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 VOLUME 33, NUMBER 24 • PAGE 7

outfront ART

Holiday Cards Display Beloved Baltimore Landmarks

LOCAL GAY ARTIST SPEAKS TO GL ABOUT HIS PAST AND CURRENT WORK AND HIS UPCOMING “STELLA THE HON” SERIES

BY ADAM KELLEY

The Washington Monument and Hampden’s 34th Street may still be Charm City’s top two Christmas traditions, but there’s a challenger closing in on ’em.

Since 1995, Marylanders have been marking Yuletide by sending out Balto-centric cards designed by hometown artist Bill Coolahan, 53. The cards include whimsical depictions of Santa Claus visiting local landmarks like Raven’s Stadium, the Domino’s sign, and the Natty Boh tower.

Ironically, the artist almost never sends holiday cards—whether his own or anyone else’s—to his own friends and family.

“It’s terrible,” he sighs. “I really have no excuse at all.”

So were you just sitting around one day in 1995, doing nothing, and you thought, "Hmm, I think I’m going to whip up some Christmas cards”?

[Laughs] No. What happened was, I did an illustration of Santa Claus coming to my brother’s house as a Christmas present for him and his wife and kids, and they went crazy over it. Everyone loved it so much. So then I thought, “Well, shoot, I should market this concept.” So the next Christmas, I did my first card, which was Camden Yards. I probably only sold, like, 1,000 or 2,000 cards in four or five shops, but all the shops were really encouraging and told me they wanted to see [cards with] other landmarks. So the next year, sales went up to maybe 10,000 cards, and I kept doing it year after year.

And once you started doing the cards, did you keep coming up with new designs every year?

Artist Bill Coolahan PAGE 8 • DECEMBER 9 – DECEMBER 22, 2011

I did, until [around 2004], when I had a stroke. Once that happened, I was out of commission for a year—I couldn’t work, I couldn’t do anything, and I had some financial problems because of that.

And it takes a lot of money to get these cards made in the first place—you have to pay up-front for everything. And a lot of times, the shops take the cards “sale or return,” so if they don’t sell, you get ’em back. One year I was left with 20,000 cards. And I have almost that many friends [laughs], but I was just shy, so I still had some left over.

Are you doing just one design a year?

Right now it’s just one design a year. I do plan on doing more in the future. Back when everything was going really well, I was doing five to eight new images year, with cards for Ocean City, Annapolis, Baltimore, and the lighthouses around the Chesapeake. In total, I think I’ve done around 30 images from all around Maryland. And the concept is always Santa zipping through a local landmark. This year it’s the Natty Boh tower in Canton.

So what exactly are the images?

Are they paintings?

It’s called Prisma Color. It’s colored pencils that are kind of waxy. So basically what I do is, I go out and take a photograph of whatever landmark I want to use.

So then I enlarge the picture and draw the landmark with the pencils.

You draw on top of the picture?

No, it’s an original artwork. I just draw what I see on the picture, and then add it whatever original elements I want. Typically I take the pictures during the day, so I have to add in nightfall to make it a night scene. And I add Santa.

Do you really not send out any Christmas cards yourself?

You know, hardly ever.

That’s too bad. I have a lot of questions about Christmas card etiquette.

[Laughs] You know not to ask Bill Coolahan for etiquette on anything! But one nice thing about this is, people always tell me they stopped sending out Christmas cards, and then they saw mine in a shop, and the landmark I used made them think of something special, so they bought some cards to send out to special people.

I think that’s nice. But no, I’m not your etiquette man. I’m sorry.

So what’s next? How are you going to keep the creative fires burning once the Christmas season is over?

Well, I’m actually coming out with a new series in the spring called Stella the Hon. It’s a series of Hon cards with a character named Stella. I’ve been working on it with Denise Whiting. Anyway, it’ll be a series that carries year-round, as opposed to just Christmas. There will be birthday cards, Easter cards, St. Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day, as well as congratulations and “thinking about you” cards, that kind of thing. It’s a real Hon/Baltimore thing.

I’m having a great time with it. ■

Find Bill’s Cards at Hontown (Hampden), Zelda Zen (Federal Hill) and 2910 on the Square (Canton), or on BaltimoreChristmasArt.com.

READ THE EXTENDED INTERVIEW ONLINE AT WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM. BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER

MUSIC

Oy Vey in a Manger

THE KINSEY SICKS VISIT PATTERSON THEATER

BY ANTHONY MOLL

Gay Men's Chorus of Washington Perform Red & Greene Concert

BY FRANKIE KAYE

‘Tis the season to be fabulously festive this winter as we join The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington for their upcoming holiday performance titled Red & Greene. The show, which features Broadway’s original Audrey from Little Shop of Horrors, Ellen Greene, will dazzle and delight audiences with spirited production numbers and illuminous holiday songs. Greene, also known for her role as Vivian from the ABC television series Pushing Daisies, will be joining the stage as a special guest alongside the Chorus of more than 250 members.

Kicking off their 31st season with the production of Red & Greene, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington continues its proud tradition of advocating gay equality and rights while entertaining audiences with stunning vocals and artistry. Over the course of the last two seasons, the Chorus has more than tripled their number of subscribers, which has allowed for some of the highest quality productions the group has ever been able to achieve on stage. Red & Greene opens with a large production number in style of the musical A Chorus Line. However, that’s where the traditional numbers end and the contemporary ones begin.

“The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington is not a ‘stand and sing’ Chorus,” explained Taunee Grant, director of marketing and communications for the GMCW. “Red & Greene packs the vocal punch of one of Broadway’s biggest voices with a mix of glittering production numbers, lush choral arrangements, and wonderful winter songs.”

The production continues with highlights such as an ensemble of singing and dancing nuns, a swing dancing take on "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" and a wildly staged version of Lady

Gaga’s "Born This Way." Musical theater legend Ellen Greene, along with her musical director and accompanist Christian Klikovits, and Grammy Award-winning cellist Steve Erdody, will perform a beautiful lullaby of encouragement to LGBT youth. This, along with a breathtaking piece in memory of friends who have passed on from HIV/AIDS, balances out the production with both awareness and support for the entire LGBT community.

“Her care for the LGBT people and our families is obvious in [both] her song choices and her generosity,” explains Grant.

As the performance season continues, the GMCW follows up their production of Red & Greene with a fully staged version of the Broadway musical, Rocky Horror Show, in March. The season also features a tribute to boy bands and teen idols in Heart Throbs, and celebrates gay equality for youth and adults with The Kids Are All Right. As always, the GMCW continues to support the community through its three formal outreach programs (Select Vocal Outreach Ensembles, GenOUT Program, and Partner’s in Harmony Program) as well as individual involvement through various community volunteer organizations. ■

GAY MEN’S CHORUS: RED & GREENE

got an allure that keeps audiences of all sorts coming back for more. For those who need a respite from the typical holiday madness, the show’s unique blend of melody and raunch may be the perfect prescription to get us through from now until after the January gift-return rush.

Aside from all the over-the-top satire and adult humor, the group is gifted with truly charming voices. Their a cappella harmonies shine brightly through the make-up and costume, and illuminate their ‘50s-style drag to a sound somewhere between barbershop and doo-wop. Experiencing their one-of-a-kind performances, one can sense a hint of the Andrews Sisters lending inspiration to each show.

The quartet will present two performances of Oy Vey: one at 7:30pm and one at 10pm. Both promise to be unforgettable holiday spectacles, so attendees may wish to get their tickets in advance. The doors at the Patterson open 30 minutes to an hour before curtain time, and patrons can explore the theater’s art gallery or bar before the show. Valet parking will be available for the event, and reduced ticket prices are available for Creative Alliance members. See you at the show! ■

OY VEY IN A MANGER

Friday, December 16 • 7:30pm & 10pm • $22-27 The Patterson • 3134 Eastern Ave. 410.276.1651 • CreativeAlliance.org

Photo by Maurice Molyneaux

Photo by Ward Morrison

The Kinsey Sicks, the over-the-top queens of camp whose Dragapella performances have filled seats from Studio 54 to the Las Vegas Hilton, are bringing their holiday darling, Oy Vey in a Manger, to the historic Patterson theater on December 16.

Presented by the Creative Alliance, the folks who have brought LGBT favorites from Hedwig to Kate Clinton into Highlandtown, Oy Vey in a Manger is a 70-minute a cappella assault on the holiday season and all its inanity.

The one-night-only engagement at the Patterson hijacks a long list of classic holiday songs (neither Christmas nor Chanukah are safe), turns them on their head and dresses them up in the most fabulous of drag. The performance includes such hits as “God Bless ye Femmy Lesbians” and “I Had a Little Facial”, as the story explores the group’s attempt to sell their manger during hard times—the same manger they used to rent from the Christ family.

It may go without saying that as a swearing, irreverent quartet of a cappella singers in drag, the Kinsey Sicks aren’t for everybody. Even among largely LGBT audiences, their songs possess a certain cringe-worthy flavor that is an acquired taste. Yet 17 years of performances and sold out shows across the country are a good indication that the group has

Friday, December 16 • 8pm Saturday, December 17 • 3pm & 8pm Sunday, December 18 • 3pm (ASL) $25-50 • Lisner Auditorium George Washington University 730 21st St. NW, Washington, DC 202.293.1548 • GMCW.org

The Kinsey Sicks: Trixie, Winnie, Rachel and Trampolina WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

VOLUME 33, NUMBER 24 • PAGE 9

headlinenews NATIONAL

A Barney Frank to Retire

D

E

C

Barney Frank, a 16-term congressman from Massachusetts and the most prominent openly gay elected official, announced on Nov. 28 that he will not seek reelection in 2012. The outspoken Democrat cited fundraising and Congressional redistricting as a few of the reasons he has chosen to retire.

“Introducing myself and learning about the new area while continuing to give the existing area the full representation it deserves would make demands of my time that would detract from my focus on the national issues,” Frank said in a statement on his Website, frank.house.gov. “Starting on a series of projects only to be passing them along in various stages of incompletion to a successor two years later is not a responsible way to act.”

Frank also expressed frustration with politics as a whole.

“Our politics has evolved in a way that makes it harder to get anything done at the federal level,” he said, “I now believe that there is more to be done trying to change things from outside than by working within.”

In addition to his relentless advocacy for LGBT rights, Frank chaired the Financial Services Committee from 2007 to 2011 and co-authored sweeping Wall Street reforms with Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn) after the 2008 financial crisis. His decision to retire came shortly after the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act was signed into law. Although he will not seek reelection, Frank does not intend to disappear from politics stating, “In some ways I believe I may have more impact speaking, writing and in other ways advocating for the changes that I think are necessary than trying to bring them about inside our constricting political process.”

B NJ State Senator Flip-Flops on Gay Marriage Two years ago, New Jersey State Senator Jennifer Beck (R-Monmouth) voted against gay marriage. Not only has she changed her vote, but the New Jersey paper, The Auditor, reports Beck is planning to co-sponsor marriage equality legislation when it is introduced. According to The Auditor, Beck has expressed that she will support efforts to override Gov. Chris Christie’s expected veto of the bill. At present, the case for gay marriage is currently in the state Superior Court. If the Senate and Assembly can pass the bill and override Gov. Christie’s veto with a two-thirds majority, gay marriage proponents will not have to win in court.

Gay Marriage Advocate C Former Appointed to VT Supreme Court On Nov. 28, Beth Robinson became the first openly gay person to serve on the Vermont State Supreme Court.

Robinson was the head of the Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force and in 1999 argued before the court for the right of gays and lesbians to marry. As a result, civil unions, and eventually gay marriage, became legal in Vermont. According to BurlingtonFreePress.com, Robinson is replacing another historical judge. Justice Denise Johnson was the first female to serve on the state’s top court. She is retiring after serving on the bench for 20 years.

D LGBT Activists Fight to Repeal Sodomy Law The Kansas Equality Coalition, a group that advocates on behalf of LBGT rights, is calling for the repeal of a law that criminalizes “unnatural” sex. According to the law, both anal and oral sex are considered “unnatural.” Even though the law—and others like it—is unenforceable due to the 2003 U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Lawrence vs. Texas, Thomas Witt, chairman of the Kansas Equality Coalition, told the Lawrence Journal-World that it is “an affront to thousands of law-abiding gay and lesbian Kansans.”

“This law technically criminalizes our relationships and leaves us open to harassment by unscrupulous authorities who may still make arrests under the provisions of this statute,” he said. An AP report on the same issue states that Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback created the Office of the Repealer in January 2010 in an effort to get rid of outdated, unreasonable laws. However, Brownback’s endorsement of GOP presidential hopeful Rick Perry and opposition to same-sex marriage makes it unlikely that he will be sympathetic to the repeal of this particular law.

PAGE 10 • DECEMBER 9 – DECEMBER 22, 2011

A

F G B

I

K H

J

Marriage Equality Legislation

E Will Not Be Introduced in Iowa Think Progress is reporting that Iowa House Speaker, Republican Kraig Paulsen will not introduce “social issues” in the next legislative session. Abortion and marriage equality legislation will have to take a backseat to the economy and job creation.

“We’re not afraid to address those issues, but we’re also not interested in squandering Iowans’ time,” said Senate Majority Leader, Michael Gronstal (D) who last year blocked a resolution passed by the House calling for a referendum to deny marriage to gays and lesbians. He went on to state that “Iowans would prefer that we all work on things that would get 100,000 Iowans back to work.”

Not all Iowan politicians agree with Paulsen’s decision. Iowa’s Republican senate minority leader Jerry Behn expressed displeasure that there won’t be a popular vote on gay marriage. Gronstal responded to his colleague by arguing that “people’s rights should not be put to a popular vote.”

Romney Announces Support F Mitt of “Traditional Marriage” GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney is making sure his position on gay marriage is crystal clear. In an interview with the Nausha Telegraph, Romney stated that while he does not want to discriminate against LGBT people in employment or other opportunities, he is “in favor of traditional marriage.”

“I oppose same-sex marriage,” he said, “I favor gay rights; I do not favor same-sex marriage. That has been my position all along.” When he was governor of Massachusetts, he fought against gay marriage. He has also stated that he supports a federal amendment to define marriage as between one man and one woman.

G Marine Chief “Pleased” with DADT Repeal Top officer of the U.S. Marines, Gen. James F. Amos is “pleased” with how smoothly the adaptation of repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell has gone. Amos initially opposed the repeal of DADT, telling Congress that it would “have disruptive effects on unit cohesion.”

Politico.com reports that Amos has witnessed the opposite to be true during a recent trip to Afghanistan where he attended more than a dozen town-hall meetings with Marines. In an exclusive interview with the Associated Press, Amos said that he was not once asked about the repeal.

He recounted to the AP an interaction at the Marine Corps’ annual ball in Washington, D.C., earlier this month. When a female Marine approached his wife and introduced herself and her lesbian partner, Amos said that “Bonnie just looked at them and said, ‘Happy birthday ball. This is great. Nice to meet you.’ That is happening throughout the Marine Corps.”

BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER

BY RACHEL ROTH INTERNATIONAL

Amnesty International Urges Cameroon H to Release Men Charged with Being Gay Amnesty International is calling for the release of two Cameroonian men who have been sentenced to five years in prison for alleged homosexuality. A third man was sentenced without being present after jumping bail. The men were arrested in July after police alleged they were caught in a sexual act in a car.

“The Yaounde court must overturn this shocking sentence, which punishes these three men solely on the basis of their perceived sexual orientation,” Erwin van der Borght, Amnesty International’s director for Africa, said in a statement. “People accused of such crimes in Cameroon often face abuse and violence from other detainees or prison officers in detention. The two men must be released immediately and the Cameroonian authorities must repeal the country’s discriminatory anti-homosexuality laws.”

In addition to prison time, each man was fined 200,000 CFA francs—the equivalent of $400. Homosexuality is currently illegal in the African country, and Amnesty International reports that at least ten others have been arrested under the discriminatory anti-gay laws in the past year.

Banning Homosexual Relationships I Bill Passes Nigerian Senate Gay Life reported in the Nov. 25 issue on Nigeria’s kiss-in protest against a bill that would criminalize samesex relationships. The legislation, called the “Same-Gender Marriage” bill passed the Senate on Nov. 29. It now goes to House of Representatives for approval, after which it will be sent to the president. The language of the bill not only makes it illegal to be in a relationship with someone of the same gender, but also punished those who “witness,” “aid,” or “abet” such relationships. Amnesty International is speaking out against the bill, and calling for members of the House to kill it. In addition to the potential human rights impacts, the human rights organization is concerned that passage of the legislation will result in LGBT people with HIV, who already suffer stigma for their identity or consensual sexual behavior, will be pushed further underground.

www.embracehomeloans.com Licensed as Embrace Home Loans, Inc. NMLS# 2184

Elections in New Zealand Big Win J for LGBTI Community The general election in New Zealand has been a boon for LGBT candidates after seven were elected to Parliament. Five of the seven are incumbents, and according to GayNZ.com, are extremely highly placed in their parties. One is set to become deputy leader of the Labour Party. GayNZ.com reports that while the candidates were not elected to represent the LGBTI community, their very presence in the house increases the likelihood that LGBTI issues will be taken more seriously. Additionally, their visibility “sends out a reaffirming message to LGBTI New Zealanders from Kaitaia to Oban, and a rebuff to homophobes everywhere.”

K Pakistan Text Message Ban Includes LGBT Words On November 14, the Pakistani Telecommunication Authority put out a list of 1,600 words and phrases considered to be obscene, and mandated that phone companies block them in text messages. The list of “dirty” words ranges from mild words like “fart” and “idiot,” to words that directly impact LGBT rights.

“Lesbian,” “homosexual,” “fairy,” and “condom” are now considered “pornographic or offensive” to Islam, the Huffington Post reports. If phone companies do not cooperate in censoring the 1,600 words, they will be subject to legal action. While homosexuality is not explicitly mentioned in Pakistan’s penal code, under Islamic laws in Pakistan, homosexual acts are punishable by whipping, imprisonment, or death, according to the United Nations.

SEE MORE HEADLINE NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD ONLINE AT WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM/NEWS WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

VOLUME 33, NUMBER 24 • PAGE 11

Nobis Outerwear

MIKEY ROX’S

Ultimate Guide to Gay Gift Giving

They say that heat escapes the head faster than any other part of the body, which is why it’s good advice to wrap it up when the weather outside of frightful.

Nobis—whose Fall 2011 Collection includes beanies, berets, caps, and hats (there’s a difference, y’all) for everyone on your list—is the epitome of winter luxury featuring soft, detailed, handmade pieces on the cutting edge of style and comfort.

■ $30-$98; NOBIS.CA

What do you get a gay who has everything?

Take your pick from these ideas, perfect for LGBT homebodies, adventurers, activists and more.

Wantful

Still don’t know what to buy your bestie? Enter Wantful, an online gift service that allows you to assemble a wish list based on the holiday you’re celebrating and other personal information about the gift recipient, including his or her age and gender, your relationship to that person, in what type of dwelling they live, and some of their favorite activities. Wantful will cultivate a list of gift recommendations using your answers, along with the amount of money you’d like to spend. Once you click customize and checkout, Wantful will send a printed catalog to the recipient displaying the items specifically chosen by you for them. Santa wishes he had it so simple.

■ PRICING VARIES; WANTFUL.COM

Nikon J1

Combining the portability of a point-and-shoot with the interchangeable lenses of a DLSR, the Nikon 1 introduces a new way to capture photos and high-def video. A touch of the shutter button instantly captures a high quality image while simultaneously recording Full HD 1080p movies, and the exciting new Motion Snapshot mode captures fleeting moments like never before with a combination of moving and still images, bringing memories to life. Wonder if spokesman Ashton Kutcher tested his out that night in San Diego.

■ $650; NIKONUSA.COM

Loaded Questions

Be careful what questions you pluck from the pack with this exciting, multiplayer Q&A game—you might uncover a secret you never wanted to know. One of the best-selling games on the market, players can choose from more than 1,000 questions designed to spark laughter, creating discussions, and lasting memories among friends, family, and uncover lovers.

■ $24.99; FAMILYANDPARTYGAMES.COM

Pig of the Month

Perhaps we chose this because of its tongue-in-cheek approach to pork, but we can honestly vouch for its quality, too. Rib enthusiasts will start salivating the moment they receive this finger-liking gift that offers customizable packages that can include up to 10 slabs of six styles of ribs, including Memphis Baby Back, Key West Citrus, Carolina Mustard, Carolina Red, Hawaiian, or Texas— along with bottles of sauce that compliment each style.

Sides and desserts—like slow-roasted baked beans red velvet cake —make the gift a hearty meal.

■ $15 AND UP; PIGOFTHEMONTH.COM

PAGE 12 • DECEMBER 9 – DECEMBER 22, 2011

BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER

Stonewall Equality Bracelets

Lyon Fine Jewelry’s Stonewall Equality Bracelet deservers a special place in every stocking this year. Made of leather with silver detailing that resembles the equality emblem, the bracelet is a stylish accessory for the LGBT community and its straight allies. Twenty percent of the proceeds from the sale of each Equality Bracelet will be donated to Friendfactor, a gay-rights organization for straight supporters, which is building a movement to end discrimination.

■ $95; LYONFINEJEWELRY.COM

Archangel Academy Series

Zip-It

■ $9.95; KENSINGTONBOOKS.COM

Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book 2012

Veteran oenophiles and wine newbies alike will enjoy the 35th edition of this best-selling guide from famed connoisseur Hugh Johnson. Highlights include a full-color supplement on wines from the South of France, reviews of major brands and newly available brands, quick reference vintage charts, and suggestions for matching food with wine—a skill that every self-respecting gay should possess.

■ $14.99; AMAZON.COM

Just Dance 3

In a touch-screen world, winter can throw us for a loop.

Ever tried to keep your hands warm and text at the same time? It’s impossible—unless you have specially designed gloves. Available in an array of styles—like ragg wool, soft shell, fleece, and leather—Freehands offers protection for your fingers and hands against the ele-

out plans and playlists to help you stay fit, and Dance Crew Mode with up to four concurrent dance routines so even more people can join in on the fun.

■ $39.99: GAMESTOP.COM

Make that long flight to Ibiza a bit more bearable with Zip-It, a two-player crossword race game that can be played anytime, anywhere in as little as 20 second. From the makers of Bananagrams, Zip-It features 24 highquality letter cubes package in a unique cloth, zippered pouch that stores easily in your carryon or day bag.

Consider this series of supernatural novels “Twilight” for the homo set. Michael Howard and Ronan GlynnRowley meet at Archangel Academy, an all-boys school in Eden, a rural town in northwestern England. The boys are outcasts—Michael for being gay; Ronan for being a hybrid vampire. When Ronan turns Michael into a vampire without his consent, both are drawn into a dangerous and sexy new world full of secrets. Two books of three, “Unnatural” and “Unwelcome,” are available now; the third, “Unafraid,” will be released in early 2012.

Holiday Spirits

■ $18-$75; FREEHANDS.COM

■ $14.95; BANANAGRAMS.COM

Freehands Gloves

ments while allowing you to type away thanks to removable or padded tips compatible with touch technology.

The booty-shaking sensation is back just in time for the holidays. Just Dance 3—available for Wii, Kinect for Xbox 360, and PlayStation Move—gets the party started with more than 45 top hits, including LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem,” “Forget You” by Cee-Lo Green, Scissor Sisters’ “I Don’t Feel Like Dancing” and more. Game highlights modes such as Just Sweat It Out, with work-

Computer Apparel Laptop Sleeve

American Apparel is the undisputed champ when it comes to too-tight V-necks in colors you’ve never seen before, but when you want a coordinating top for your laptop, Computer Apparel has the market on lock. Handcrafted and machine washable, the Original V_Neck Sleeve is made from high-quality fabric and features thermal-knit padding for a tablet and a 13-, 15or 17-inch laptop, and convenient pockets to stow chargers, documents, and phones or MP3 players. While is the Original V_Neck is, by nature, fashion-forward, it also adds a level of unexpected security: Your sleeve will thwart would-be computer thieves—unless, of course, they also have a cotton fetish.

■ $59.99; COMPUTER-APPAREL.COM

Cloud 9 Living

Reduce your carbon footprint this holiday season. The thoughtful and extremely fun activities offered by Cloud 9 Living eliminate the need to stand in line at a store and gives the recipient the gift of a consumable experience—like a hot-air balloon ride or a snow-tubing adventure—that reduces landfill and time waste; there won’t be any packaging to toss out or the need to return a tangible item that nobody wanted in the first place.

Just pure enjoyment for outdoor lovers and adventurers everywhere.

■ PRICING VARIES; CLOUD9LIVING.COM

The perfect holiday party is only as good as the spirits the shirtless mixologist serves.

This year, stock your bar with the best of the best.

Rokk Vodka

Stoli Elit

A Swedish liquor crafted with pure spring water and a freeze-filtration process, Rokk Vodka is chilled to subzero temperatures and charcoal filtered. Rokk is also a proud supporter of LGBT initiatives, most recently sponsoring the 22nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards.

■ $12.99; ROKKVODKA.COM

You’ll want to wait until the party bois say goodbye to uncap Stoli Elit, an ultra-premium, velvety smooth vodka ranked as The Best Tasting Vodka in the World by The Beverage Tasting Institute. It’s best shared with that special someone.

■ $59.99; ELITBYSTOLI.COM

Java and agave marry in Patron XO Café’s blend of premium tequila and coffee essence to create an exquisite flavor that’s perfect in cocktails and delicious on desserts.

■ $24.99; PARTONGIFT.COM

It’s Maker’s Mark, but with a lot more body. Maker’s 46, a fullflavored addition to the line, is bigger and bolder thanks to the addition of seared French oak staves.

■ MAKERSMARK.COM

Patron XO Café

Van Gogh Blue Triple Wheat Vodka

Ultra-premium and artfully crafted, Van Gogh Blue Triple Wheat Vodka is a smooth and inviting blend of premium European wheat sourced from Holland, Germany, and France. Its distillery, recently renovated under the supervision of the Holland Monument Society, was given “Royal Appointment” in 2005 by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. Totally enough reason to wear your tiara.

■ $29.99; VANGOGHVODKA.COM

WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

Maker's 46

Q Tonic & Q Ginger

Unless you plan to serve your bevs straight (as if), you’ll need mixers.

Q Tonic and Q Ginger are the safest bet this season—especially for those watching their weight. The Tonic contains just 24 calories per serving with seven grams of carbs, while the Ginger has 60 calories and 15 grams of carbs. Compared to other leading national brands, Q is in a class of its own.

■ QTONIC.COM

VOLUME 33, NUMBER 24 • PAGE 13

firstperson TRIBUTE

Chase Brexton Health Services Says Farewell to a Key Leader DR. DAVID HALTIWANGER RETIRES THIS MONTH

BY ALICIA GABRIEL

Dr. David Haltiwanger is saying goodbye to his work-home of more than 17 years, Chase Brexton Health Services, as he joins his partner in retirement. After a significant career, his service with Chase Brexton will not be forgotten.

Receiving his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1979 and caring for both LGBT and HIV positive patients, David Haltiwanger had a rich understanding of both LGBT and HIV mental health needs when he joined Chase Brexton in 1994 as the Director of Mental Health Services. For the next nine years, Dr. Haltiwanger provided administrative and clinical oversight for the expansion of mental health services.

In 2003, Dr. Haltiwanger accepted a new position as Chase Brexton’s Director of Clinical Programs and Public Policy.

In this position, Dr. Haltiwanger worked as an advocate in state and national health issues, especially focused on HIV/AIDS and LGBT health care issues.

Dr. Haltiwanger notes, “In recent years, the biggest part of my time was devoted to policy advocacy at the federal and state level, but at different times, I have also had oversight responsibilities for behavioral health, HIV counseling and testing, health promotion and disease prevention, public relations and marketing, case management and outreach, and most recently, research.”

Indeed, Dr. Haltiwanger has also been instrumental in the implementation of numerous HIV/AIDS grant-funded programs (Ryan White, SPNS, CDC, CSAT), which also involved a research and evaluation component. Further, Dr. Haltiwanger regularly lectured on the mental health aspects of HIV/AIDS or on gay-affirmative psychotherapy at local PAGE 14 • DECEMBER 9 – DECEMBER 22, 2011

Dr. David Haltiwanger universities and national conferences and held an adjunct faculty appointment in the Psychology Department of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Throughout his 17 years with Chase Brexton, Dr. Haltiwanger continued to provide direct mental health services to clients, almost all of whom are living with HIV/AIDS or are members of the LGBT communities. Saying goodbye to his patients has been one of the hardest parts of his retirement, he observed.

But saying goodbye to the organization has not been easy either. Reflecting on his time with the organization, Dr. Haltiwanger points out, “Chase Brexton has grown and changed over the years, and I am proud to have been part of the leadership that kept us on track. There has been a lot of hard work, but it has also been so rewarding. Often, it has also been a lot of fun, and that has mostly been about the team of individuals who have been attracted to work at this special place.”

For Chase Brexton Health Services, David Haltiwanger’s retirement is felt deeply. Notes Dr. Tracey Gersh, Chief Program Officer, “David brought me into the Chase Brexton family 14 years ago. His work has taught us all about the value of quality patient care, advocacy, and commitment to a mission.”

David Haltiwanger has helped Chase Brexton Health Services better serve the community and his work with advocacy is irreplaceable. “While I am excited about being able to join my partner in retirement, and I am looking forward to the adventures that are ahead, there is still a sadness in leaving,” says Dr. Haltiwanger. “Consolation comes from the knowledge that a place in my heart will always be filled by Chase Brexton.” ■ BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER

SPEAKING OUT

Queer Politics for the Birds

BY REV. IRENE MONROE

Homophobia runs deep! So deep that it also impinges on the animal world.

Toronto’s zoo is splitting up a pair of same-gender penguins. These “Happy Feet” males, Pedro and Buddy—jokingly referred to as “Brokeback Iceberg”—have been nesting with each other for a year.

The reason for the boys’ split-up, a zoo official says, is because African penguins are an endangered species. The pair has what’s known as a “social bond,” but it’s not necessarily a “sexual bond,” Tom Mason, the zoo’s curator of birds and invertebrates told the Associated Press.

“Penguins are so social they need that... company. And the group they came from was a bachelor group waiting for a chance to be paired up with females,” Mason stated. “They had paired up there, they came to us already paired, and it’s our job to be matchmakers to get them to go with some females.”

But Buddy, I opine, may have been involuntarily “on the down low” for breeding purposes until he was able to express his true penguin passion with Pedro.

According to the zoo’s curator, Buddy, who’s 21, had a female partner for 10 years and produced offspring, but his female partner died. Pedro, on the other hand, who’s 10, has yet to produce offspring. While we can banter and bicker about the heterosexist actions of a zookeeper, our actions on animal homophobia aren’t any better.

For example, who would have thought that the politics of same-sex coupling of birds would be a debatable topic in the marriage equality state of Massachusetts?

But during the summer of 2005, more than a year after same-sex marriage became legal in the state, Boston’s beloved pair of swans in the Public Garden—named Romeo and Juliet—had been having a love affair that dares not speak its name. And as Bay Staters bantered and bickered over whether the two should be allowed to stay together or be separated, these swans were being subjected to the same queries that have plagued same-sex couples in heterosexist societies for centuries.

Assuming that the swans were heterosexual until one of the couple’s eggs went unfertilized, Boston’s Parks and RecreWWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

ation Department decided to conduct a “detailed gender test” by examining the swans’ reproductive organs. The findings disclosed that Romeo and Juliet were really more like Juliet and Juliet.

The city disclosed its findings, but very reluctantly, “for fear of destroying the image of a Shakespearean love story unfolding,” as reported in The Boston Globe. But some people thought like Laura Elsheimer of Hudson, Mass., who told the Globe that the city “should have a Romeo.” And spokeswoman Mary Hines of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department told the Globe, “Each year when the swans go in, the kids immediately come to us and say, ’Which one’s Romeo and which one’s Juliet?’”

Where the public might think a male is needed to make them a complete or authentic couple, neither of the girls seems to be lamenting, “O Romeo, Romeo!

Wherefore art thou Romeo?” Why? Because on any given day at the Public Garden you saw them swimming happily together in the lagoon.

Moreover, the swans have been cohabiting for two years. Animal scientists have observed the monogamous nature of swans whether they are in oppositesex or same-sex coupling—they stay with their mates until death, which can occur between 20 to 30 years.

While there was also debate whether Romeo should be renamed to reflect the swan’s gender, I can imagine Juliet saying about all this much ado, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”

Same-sex coupling is not a new phenomenon in the animal world. However, its disclosure and acceptance of it comes in a homophobic society that will attempt to pathologize it.

But in fact, scientists at Oregon Health & Science and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Sheep Experiment Station are discovering that all sexualities may be biologically driven. In a recent study on rams, researchers at OHS found that 8 percent are gay, but with such a low percentage finding, the Christian Right can still hold to its premise that homosexuality is an aberrant behavior and found only in those lost few.

More controversial studies on animal homosexuality, being denounced

by Christian conservatives, are Bruce Bagemihl’s Biological Exuberance: Animal Homosexuality and Natural Diversity and the findings of Deric Bownds, a University of Wisconsin-Madison zoology professor. In fact, Bagemihl’s book was cited by the American Psychiatric Association in a “friend of the court” brief submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court in the Lawrence v. Texas case that lead to state anti-sodomy laws being found unconstitutional.

According to Bagemihl, homosexual activity occurs in more than 450 species of animals both in the wild and in captivity, and same-sex couplings in animals can be as enduring and life-long as they are in humans.

For the religious fundamentalists, however, these findings are discarded on the premise that man can fight such instincts whereas animals cannot because God has given us the capacity to reason.

“Yes, animals can be forced to perform

homosexual acts, by depriving them from the possibility to perform their reproductive function in the natural way,” Shams Ali wrote in Homosexuality Among Animals and Humans. “All this means is that animals are not free —they are driven by their instincts. ...But the difference between a man and an animal is that Man has reason, which he uses to control his instincts and urges.”

Let’s not forget how we have seen many religious fundamentalists express their disdain for same-sex coupling in us humans with the well-known vitriolic protest placard: “Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.”

As for the fate of Pedro and Buddy, being allowed to stay together is swimming in a homophobic tide.

But for us humans, the lesson here is that a heterosexual-only view of love not only constrains and constricts our human capacity to love one another, but it also limits our capacity to tell the whole story about the birds and the bees. ■ VOLUME 33, NUMBER 24 • PAGE 15

PAGE 16 • DECEMBER 9 – DECEMBER 22, 2011

BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER

outgoing E M A I L YOUR E V E NT INFO TO C ALENDAR @B ALT I MO R EGAY LI F E.CO M

Ruth. Come in your comfys, sip some wine and get some holiday shopping done. $60-65. 6:30-9:30. About Faces Canton, 1501 Clinton St. 3rd floor., JingleBellePJParty2011.eventbrite.com

enactment of the birth of Jesus, part church service, and part Christmas concert, composed entirely of gospel versions of traditional carols mixed with a few original tunes. 8pm. Arena Players, 801 McCulloh St., 410.728.6500

Burlesque-A-Pades Presents Holiday Inn: Witness a cavalcade of stars direct from NYC celebrating the season with a hefty dose of mistletoe and snowbiz. $15. 8pm.

The Otto Bar, 2549 N Howard St., TheOttoBar.com, Burlesqueapades.com

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington: Red & Greene: (See article p. 8) $25-50.

8pm. Thru 12/18. Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University, 730 21st St. NW, Washington, DC, GMCW.org

Charm City Craftivists Last Chance Holiday Craft Show: Juried show featuring 25 best local indie crafters including members of the Queer Etsy Team. Food and beverage sales, free craft activities for the kids, plenty of free street parking. FREE. 11am-5pm. Maryland State Boychoir Center for the Arts, 3400 Norman Ave, CharmCityCraftivists.blogspot.com

Simply Sinatra Christmas: A festive new holiday show featuring pop sensation Steve Lippia and the music of Ol’ Blue Eyes. $10-45. 8pm. Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, 801 Chase St., Annapolis, AnnapolisSymphony.org

Baltimore Frontrunners: Running/walking club for LGBT individuals and friends.

Assemble 8:45am, run 9am. Reassemble for brunch 10am. Panera Bread, 3600 Boston St., BaltimoreFrontrunners.org

Christmas for Kids: New holiday program introduces Pepito the Clown and features the ever-popular Ronnie the Reindeer, a festive sing-along, and a special visit from Santa! $13. 11am. Kraushaar Auditorium at Goucher College, 1021 Dulaney Valley Rd., Towson, BaltimoreChoralArts.org

Sunday, December 11 SPOTLIGHT

BY RACHEL ROTH

A John Waters Christmas Baltimore’s favorite son puts the “X” in Xmas in his one-night-only oneman show.

The writer/director of cult classics like Hairspray, Crybaby and Pink Flamingos explores—and explodes—traditional holiday archetypes as he shares his compulsive desire to give and receive perverted gifts, a religious fanaticism for Santa Claus, and an unhealthy love of true crime holiday horror stories.

“The Pope of Trash” began performing this rapid-fire monologue 11 years ago at the Castro Theater in San Francisco. Inspired by the

“Why I Love Christmas” chapter in his book, Crackpot, Waters tells the Arizona Republic that the holiday extravaganza is updated constantly.

According to Waters, he is always adding content based on musing like, “how to act at Christmas, Christmas crime stories, what I want for Christmas, what I’d like to give you for Christmas.

What would happen if I were Santa Claus? Is Christmas becoming gay?

Is Santa erotic?”

Don’t miss the opportunity to get yourself, or those you love, the gift of smut this holiday season! ■

Event Info

A JOHN WATERS CHRISTMAS

Wednesday, Dec. 21 • 8pm • $30-80 Patricia & Arthur Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric • 140 W. Mt. Royal Ave. • LyricOperaHouse.com

DATEBOOK Friday, December 9 Miss Free State Pageant 2012: Official preliminary to Miss Gay Maryland. $7. Club Hippo, 1 W. Eager St., 410.547.0069, ClubHippo.com

Songs of Mary: A Christmas concert featuring “Magnificat” by John Rutter and the musical stylings of The Chancel Choir, a 17-member chamber orchestra and the Handbells of Grace. Grace United Methodist Church, 5407 N. Charles St., GraceUnitedMethodist.org

Monday, December 12 Beauty & the Feast Cut-a-thon Fundraiser: Balance the Salon is hosting a fundraiser for Moveable Feast. ALL of the proceeds from haircuts will go to the organization. 4-8pm. Balance the Salon, 409 W. Cold Spring Ln., 410.366.6169, Balance-thesalon.com

Tuesday, December 13 Howard County PFLAG Monthly Meeting & Annual Holiday Party: Celebrate the holidays with the Baltimore Mens’ Chorus and help those in need by donating new hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, and coats – in both kid and adult sizes – to be donated to the Grassroots Crisis Center. Drinks will be served, but feel free to bring deserts.

FREE. 7:30pm. Owen Brown Interfaith Center, 7246 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, 443.280.9047, PFLAGmd@gmail.com, PFLAGmd.org Rainbow Youth Alliance of Howard County: A support group for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and questioning teens and allies. RYA is a safe place to ask questions, find mutual support, and learn information pertinent to the lives of LGBTQA youth. Owen Brown Interfaith Center, 7246 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, 410.280.9047, rya_leaders@hotmail.com, PFLAGmd.org

Wednesday, December 14 BINGO! Cash prizes and progressive jackpot. Enjoy drink specials, appetizers, and raffles all night. Hosted by Roger Dimick. Proceeds benefit GLCCB. 8:30pm. Club Hippo, 1 W. Eager St., 410.547.0069, ClubHippo.com Transgender Issues Working Group: Support group for those who identify as transgender. Meets every other Wednesday. Registration required. FREE. 7pm. Equality Maryland, 1201 S. Sharp St., Owen@EqualityMaryland.org Another Hot & Sweaty Holiday: Holiday-themed comedy variety show presented by Laugh Index. $15. 7:30 & 9:30pm. Woolly Mammoth Melton Rehearsal Hall, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC, WoollyMammoth.net

MICA Art Market: Shop for original work by students and staff, including jewelry, illustrations, paintings, prints, posters, sculptures, mosaics, stationery, T-shirts, ceramics, toys, and wrapping paper. FREE. 10am-6pm. Thru 12/10 Leidy Atrium and Falvey Hall: Lobby of Brown Center, 1301 W. Mount Royal Ave., MICA.edu

Friday, December 16

Wine Tasting: Get your weekend started off right with complimentary tastings of wines from around the world. Discounts on bottles included in tastings. FREE. 5-8pm. Fridays.

Spirits of Mt Vernon, 900 N. Charles St., 410.727.7270, SpiritsOfMtVernon.com

Sing-Along Messiah: Tom Hall leads the Chorus, Orchestra, and audience in the magnificent Choruses of Handel’s “Messiah.” Bring your own musical score or purchase one at the concert and participate! $25. 7:30pm. Kraushaar Auditorium at Goucher College, 1021 Dulaney Valley Rd., BaltimoreChoralArts.org

Brooklyn, The Musical: Sidewalk fairytale about a young girl’s quest for truth and love. $20. 8pm. Thru 12/11. Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St., TheatreProject.org, Teatro101.com

Saturday, December 10 13th Annual 12 Days of Christmas: Hooker & Boys presents annual charity gala with 27 performers, food, drinks, and a silent auction. $13. Noon-6pm. Club Hippo, 1 W. Eager St., 410.547.0069, ClubHippo.com Jingle Belle PJ Party: Get pamper and support the children of the House of

WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

Team DC Holiday Party: Free food, No cover, and 2 for 1 drinks until 10! FREE. 6:30pm. 30 Degrees/Cobalt, 7th and R Sts. NW, Washington, DC, TeamDC.org

A Christmas Carol in Concert: The BSO presents a new twist on Dickens’ classic tale performed as a concert with a full symphony orchestra. Delight as this timehonored tale of Mr. Scrooge comes to life with a choir, a rock/pop rhythm section, a narrator and soloists. $32-57. 7:30pm. Thru 12/17. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., BSOmusic.org Kinsey Sicks in “Oy Vey in a Manger”: (See article p. 9) $22-27. 7:30 & 10pm.

Creative Alliance at the Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave., CreativeAlliance.org Black Nativity: The Christmas classic written by Langston Hughes is now part re-

Saturday, December 17

The Nutcracker: The Moscow Ballet presents a Christmas tradition. Set to Tchaikovsky’s famous music, this holiday favorite features 200 lavish costumes, largerthan-life puppets and 9 hand-painted backdrops with 3-D effects. $35-100. 3 & 8pm.

Thru 12/18. The Lyric Opera House, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave., LyricOperaHouse.com Lotus Uprising Holiday Extravaganza: The musical yoga supper club puts on a party! Featuring yoga taught by Colin Brightfield with live jams by Collin Crowe, vegan comfort food and yes, and ugly holiday sweater contest. $15-50. 6-11pm. Lotus Uprising, H Street - Atlas District, Washington, DC, LotusUprising.com The Swingin Swamis: The eclectic band performs everything 1930’s jazz to 1970’s funk with special guest, Kerra Holtgren. FREE.8-11:30pm. Meli Restaurant, Minoan Room, 1636 Thames St., TheSwinginSwamis.com, KalisMeli.com Diary of a M.I.L.F. (Mom I’d Love to FOLLOW): The Indie-Mom of Comedy, Meshelle, presents her new one-woman show taking on the all things holiday, from the freaky white Santa Clause that traumatized all the black kids who sat on his lap, to the newly “released” relatives that show up to dinner. $10-15. 7pm. Theatre Project, 5 W. Preston St., TheaterProject.org

Sunday, December 18 Gender Edge Punk Arts Show: A rad night of indie/solo/experimental/punk/metal/ noise/lo-fi music, spok...en word, zine readings, and information sharing. Performances by Rahne Alexander and others. Plus Hollaback Bmore! discusses genderqueer sexual harassment. $5-10. 7pm. The 2640 Space, 2640 St. Paul St.

Monday, December 19 Eli Conley and Constance Sisk: The Richmond-based cellist, guitarist, singer, composer, arranger, and general creative expression enthusiast performs with Baltimore’s acoustic blues and R&B; QueenEarth and Brooks Long. Gallery 788, 788 Washington Blvd., Gallery788.com

Tuesday, December 20 PFLAG Howard County Parent Forum: Support group and Q&A parents of LGBT children. FREE. 7:30-9pm. 4th Tuesday of the month. Owen Brown Interfaith Center, 7246 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, cvhyde@gmail.com, PFLAGmd.org Rainbow Youth Alliance of Baltimore Co.: A support group for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and questioning teens and their allies. For more info, contact RYABaltimoreCounty@gmail.com. FREE. 7:30-9:30pm. Towson Unitarian Universalist Church, 1710 Dulaney Valley Rd., Lutherville, PFLAGBaltimore.org

Wednesday, December 21 Gift Box Bingo: Win one of 20 mystery gift boxes! Cash prizes and progressive jackpot.

Enjoy drink specials, appetizers, and raffles all night. Hosted by Roger Dimick. Proceeds benefit GLCCB. 8:30pm. Club Hippo, 1 W. Eager St., 410.547.0069, ClubHippo.com

Thursday, December 22 Trixie and Monkey’s Holiday Spectac-U-Thon: Neo-burlesque, technicolor tribute to the season of giving is more nuts than the Nutcracker, more cheese than a cheese log and more fruitcakes than your family reunion. $17-22. 8pm. Thru 12/23. Creative Alliance at the Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave., CreativeAlliance.org An Evening With The Irish Tenors: Enjoy the holidays with remarkable sound of Ireland’s premier ambassadors of song. $35. 8pm. Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric, 110 West Mount Royal Ave., ModellPAC.com, TheIrishTenors.com

VOLUME 33, NUMBER 24 • PAGE 17

afterhours BSCENE

BED & BREAKFAST HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR ■ DEC 4

BLUE DOOR ON BALTIMORE

CELIE'S WATERFRONT INN

PHOTOS BY JOHN KARDYS

THE INN AT 2920

RACHAEL'S DOWRY

WORLD AIDS DAY ■ DEC 1

SCARBOROUGH FAIR

outfront COMEDY

Paula Poundstone Comes to Annapolis CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 I’m calling my manager after this! That’s a brilliant idea.

You’re known for referencing cats in your material and a good portion of your website is dedicated to them.

How did you end up with so many cats?

APPROXIMATELY 1,200 PEOPLE MADE UP THE LIVING RED RIBBON AT COPPIN STATE UNIVERSITY ON WORLD AIDS DAY, DEC. 1, AS PART OF MOVEABLE FEAST’S B’MORE AWARE OF HIV EVENT. PAGE 18 • DECEMBER 9 – DECEMBER 22, 2011

‘Cause I’m an idiot. That’s the honest truth. I have a callous on my hand from sifting litter boxes. The amount of work I do to maintain a livable space. I had a couple cats growing up and certainly I like them. In the early 80s I was working in Virginia Beach. We were walking through the mall and there was a pet store in the mall. They had a cage of kittens outside the store and they were

clearly cut rate merchandise. So my manager bought me a kitten. She was a great cat. After I got her it was like a floodgate that opened.

You’ll be headed to our area to perform two shows at Rams Head on Stage in Annapolis. What should fans expect?

That’s one of my favorite dates of the year! I have been doing it for several years. There’s a lot of government workers and navy people. It’s a great little room. Tremendous amount of really fascinating jobs to talk about. I haven’t found a crowd that I didn’t enjoy…maybe one or two in the past 33 years. That Rams Head room is just really great. ■ BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER

Beginner Yoga With Yoga Therapist Tim Hurley

Sundays at 3:30pm (please arrive a few minutes early) Room 201 at The GLCCB 241 W. Chase St. Cost is $9 www.glccb.org 410.837.5445 A portion of the cost is donated back to The GLCCB

8:30 pm wednesdays

by Roger Dimick with Prizes and Progressive Jackpot.

Proceeds Benefit Club Hippo 1 W. Eager St.

WANT MORE GREAT CONTENT? Visit us online for web exclusives!

www.BaltimoreGayLife.com WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

VOLUME 33, NUMBER 24 • PAGE 19