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MARYLAND’S LGBT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER APRIL 27 – MAY 10, 2012 VOLUME XXXIV, NUMBER 8 WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
Sharon Needles + Serves Subculture Realness
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THE PET ISSUE Maryland Film Festival
Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour The GLCCB Begins Strategic Planning Process
PAGE 2 • APRIL 27 – MAY 10, 2012
BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER
WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
VOLUME 34, NUMBER 8 • PAGE 3
letter editor’s
by Roger Dimick
Prizes and Progressive Jackpot
Proceeds Benefit
Ben was elusive. Some of my best friends had only caught glimpses of him over the many years he was my friend. But if you were let into his inside circle you understood: He was, in fact, the best cat ever. Ben knew how to love and to listen and it’s strange to think that he never talked back because I learned a lot from him, and his stares, and his cuddles. He loved books. He had a sense of humor, and a strange sense of timing. Sometimes Ben snored like an old man, which made sense because he wasn’t young. He would have turned 17 this month, but he passed away in February. His end was quick; we try to be grateful. But it’s only a small consolation now, in his absence. I loved making him happy, which I like to think I did most of the time, though I now regret every minute I didn’t spend with him. Or at least every minute he was awake. He was my one and only, and while I knew this was going to hurt, it was hard to predict how much. What’s helped the most is the empathy of others; if anyone thinks mourning a pet is silly, they certainly haven’t shown it.
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CONTENTS outfront
firstperson
PAGE 5 LEGAL
PAGE 18 5 THINGS
FSLP takes on local employment discrimination case.
Hairspray, housewives, the Go-Go’s and more.
By Elizabeth Kenderdine
By Daniel McEvily
PAGE 6 COMMUNITY
GLCCB requests community opinions for strategic planning project. PAGE 7 FILM
Maryland Film Festival shows LGBT flicks and John Waters’ pick.
outgoing PAGE 21 SPOTLIGHT
“I’m Hip!” a cabaret. By Rachel Roth
By Querin Brown
DATEBOOK
PAGE 8 CIRCUS
By Rachel Roth
Calendar of Events
Cirque du Soleil returns with Michael Jackson show, experienced performer talks to GL. By Frankie Kaye
afterhours PAGE 22 BSCENE
Lotta Art Show at Silo Point.
PAGE 10 DRAG
Sharon Needles of RuPaul’s Drag Race dishes on her upcoming Hippo show, ‘80s TV influences, and real freakiness. By Daniel McEvily
Photos by Jay W.
Miss Gay Maryland at Club Hippo. Photos By Anthony Moll
GLCCB House Party Fundraiser. Photos by GLCCB
PAGE 12 DINING OUT
Charles Village Pub celebrates 30 years. By John Cullen with Marty Shayt
Maggie Beetz
Editor
By Charlie Mumford
ON THE COVER
Drag Race finalist Sharon Needles Photo by Austin Young
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PAGE 14 NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS
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PAGE 4 • APRIL 27 – MAY 10, 2012
PAGE 13 BINGO TALK
Q&A at the Hippo with Frank & Beans.
FEATURE PAGE 16
The Pet Issue! Health tips, grooming info, events, and stories!
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.
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Contributors
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Anthony Moll, Jay W. Trevor Ankeny, Kelly D. McClain, Charlie Mumford, Terri Solomon
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BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER
outfront LEGAL
FSLP Takes on “Egregious” Employment Discrimination Case BY ELIZABETH KENDERDINE
While Maryland law prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation (for employers with 15 or more employees), such offenses continues to occur in the workplace. Sarah Rutledge learned as much when she was employed by the San Mar Children’s Home in Boonsboro, Md. San Mar is a group home that provides housing and other services for teenage girls who have experienced abuse, homelife dysfunction, and/or trouble with the law. Rutledge, who is married to a woman, was fired from her job as a direct care worker at San Mar in December 2011. On April 3, Rutledge filed charges with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) claiming that she had been discriminated against by her employer based on her sexual orientation and her gender expression.
FreeState Legal Project, which provides legal services to low-income members of Maryland’s LGBT community, learned of Rutledge’s situation through Lambda Legal, the oldest and largest national organization working for civil rights of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people. “I heard Sarah’s story and was horrified,” said Lee Ann Hopkins, executive director of the FreeState Legal Project. “I found the whole case so egregious, I moved quickly to find an attorney. Jessica Weber, [an] attorney from Brown, Goldstein and Levy, quickly volunteered.” In the charges filed with the EEOC and the MCCR, Rutledge states that she was placed on probation after receiving a positive 90-day performance review. She was made to sign a document entitled, “Probationary Action—Initial Report” that required Rutledge to meet certain “Measurable Outcomes” including
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not mentioning her personal relationship or discussing anything involving her spouse. According to Rutledge, no such restrictions were put on any of her coworkers whose significant others were of the opposite sex. In addition, Rutledge was discriminated against based on her outward appearance. Rutledge states in her charges that she dresses in a more stereotypically masculine manner. Many of the employees would bring in their own clothing for San Mar’s ����������� residents. Rutledge was told by her supervisor not to bring in her stereotypically masculine clothes for the residents who had requested just that type of clothing. Rutledge filed charges with both the EEOC and the MCCR because she is asserting claims under both federal and state law. Weber explained that even though federal law does not prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, it does provide remedies for discrimination based on sex. Federal courts have interpreted the law to include discrimination based on sex stereotypes. “This case stands out to me for two reasons,” Weber said. “First, the discrimination here is particularly blatant, as it was captured in writing. Second, while discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender expression is always wrong, discrimination by a recipient of state funding charged with providing a supportive and nurturing environment for children in need really raises a red flag. San Mar’s discriminatory environment affected staff and residents alike.” Since opening their doors in May 2011, FreeState has had over 10 cases involving workplace discrimination or harassment. “Employment decisions should be based on job performance, not on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression,” Weber stated. “Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP is proud to represent Ms. Rutledge in fighting back against unlawful discrimination. We look forward to continuing to work with FreeState Legal Project in serving the needs of lowincome LGBT individuals.” ■
VOLUME 34, NUMBER 8 • PAGE 5
outfront COMMUNITY
The GLCCB, at 241 W. Chase St.
Odette Ramos
GLCCB Begins Strategic Planning Process READERS ENCOURAGED TO VOICE OPINIONS The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center of Baltimore (GLCCB) has started a comprehensive strategic planning process. With the help of funding from the Goldseker Foundation’s Management Assistance Grants, the GLCCB has contracted with Baltimore-based womanowned Strategic Management Consulting, LLC to facilitate this planning process. “We are very excited to move through this process, which will help us plan for our future programmatically, operationally, structurally, and financially,” said Trevor Ankeny, chair of the Board of Directors. “This process will also help us answer some questions we have about the direction of our organization, and the best way to take the GLCCB to the next level. A good process and plan will help guide us in that direction.” “The process begins this April, with our consultant conducting confidential interviews and focus groups to capture information such as perceptions of the GLCCB, and opportunities we should be aware of,” said Gary Wolnitzek, director of the GLCCB. “This is information we really need to make great decisions. I am looking forward to learning and growing with this process.” Odette Ramos, president and CEO of Strategic Management Consulting, LLC, will be facilitating this planning process. The first step in the process is collecting information through interviews with key constituency groups and stakeholders, surveys, and research on national models. Gay Life readers can be involved in this process. A questionnaire is available on GLCCB.org where community members are invited to express confidential opinions about the GLCCB and what it should be PAGE 6 • APRIL 27 – MAY 10, 2012
doing moving forward, as well as visions for what the LGBT community in Baltimore should be and where the GLCCB fits in. Ramos will also be at the Pride Festival (Sunday, June 17), so readers can express confidential opinions there as well. The steps after this critical information gathering phase are as follows: (a) Ramos will share the summary results of the information gathering with the GLCCB Board of Directors, (b) the Board of Directors will make strategic decisions about the direction of the GLCCB, results and goals, and then (c) work with more specific goals and objectives, timelines and accountability. Ramos will then draft the plan and, once approved by the Board of Directors, the plan will be placed on GLCCB.org. Ramos will also help implement the plan, a process anticipated to last through October. “We look forward to celebrating our history, accomplishments, and what works, and building on these things to help plan for our future. Your help is really appreciated. Please participate in the survey, at the Pride Festival, or in any interviews where Ms. Ramos needs you. Your input is critical to the success of this, and we look forward to understanding what the LGBT community thinks we should be doing,” emphasized Ankeny. Gay Life readers will remain updated and informed on the process as it moves forward. ■ Interested in providing your ideas and suggestions to help inform the GLCCB’s strategic planning process? Please visit SurveyMonkey. com/s/W89XZKT and tell us what you think about the GLCCB. BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER
FILM
Maryland Film Festival Screens 3 LGBT Films, Plus John Waters’ Pick
WANDA
BY QUERIN BROWN
Celebrating its 14th running, the Maryland Film Festival (MFF) is gearing up for another spectacular line-up of films and videos. Launched in 1999, the festival takes place every May, right here in Charm City. Past years have attracted internationally know filmmakers such as Barry Levinson, David Simon, and Melvin van Peebles as well as celebrity appearances ranging from Harry Belafonte to Cal Ripken Jr. It’s a busy four days for all involved, including legendary filmmaker John Waters, whose cult classic film, Pink Flamingos, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Waters has been a key presence since the first festival debuted April 22, 1999. Waters, a MFF board member, also has the honor of selecting and hosting one favorite feature film each year, previously choosing works like Joseph Losey’s Boom! (1999) and Bobcat Goldthwait’s Sleeping Dogs Lie (2007). This year, Waters chose Wanda, a 1970 drama written, directed, and starring Barbara Loden and set in the coal mining regions of Eastern Pennsylvania. May 4, 7:30pm • Charles Theater 1 Three MFF films address overtly LGBT themes: Gayby, Love Free or Die, and Vito.
GAYBY
In this movie Jenn, a single, hot yoga instructor, has decided to have a baby. Without a husband or boyfriend, she decides to take up a college promise to have a child with her gay best friend, Matt. Humor and satire kick up when Matt and Jenn attempt to conceive the “natural” way as Matt battles writer’s block and a recent bad breakup. “I prefer work that couches its social agenda underneath humor…giving social issues universal significance through laughter,” said Gayby Writer and Director Jonathan Lisecki.
May 5, 8pm • Charles Theater 2 May 6, 5pm • Charles Theater 5
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LOVE FREE OR DIE
Winner of the 2012 Sundance Film Festival Special Jury Prize, Love Free or Die asks the question, “Can you preach love and discriminate at the same time?” Married with two children, Gene Robinson is the 9th bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire in the Episcopal Church. Bishop Robinson is also gay. Defining passions the world cannot reconcile, he refuses to give up his love for God or his partner Mark. Love Free or Die is a documentary about Bishop Robinson’s journey through religion, controversy, and his courageous stand for humanity. Director Macky Alston follows Robinson as he trailblazes a peaceful path to acceptance of gays in religion. From his rocky 2003 election to increasing gay bishop consecrations and expanding the recognition of same sex marriage, Bishop Robinson’s leadership has touched and moved all walks of people. Alston hopes to have Christians see themselves in this film and bring them to a realization that “they don’t have to leave their Christianity behind in order to stand on the right side of history.” May 6, 4:30pm • MICA Brown Center Hosted by Macky Alston and Bishop Gene Robinson
VITO
Younger LGBT generations may know only a little about the Stonewall riots and even less about a man named Vito Russo, but not for long. Director Jeffery Schwarz introduces a riveting documentary about one of the key pioneers of the gay rights movement. The Stonewall Inn was a bar in New York City’s Greenwich Village, where on June 28, 1969, a “routine” police raid resulted in the first violent demonstrations against the police. Russo was present that night and years later was inspired to write a book, The Celluloid Closet. In The Celluloid Closet, Russo explored the historical portrayal of LGBT characters in film. In 1995,
GAYBY
LOVE FREE
OR DIE
VITO
after Russo’s death, the book inspired a documentary of the same name. As an activist, Vito traveled the county lecturing for gay rights organizations. To advocate change in the way gays and lesbians are portrayed in media, he co-founded Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), where an award in his memory is presented to an openly gay or lesbian member of the media community for their outstanding contribution in combating homophobia. “Vito’s message of standing up, speaking
out, and living passionately and bravely in the face of adversity is something we can all aspire to, regardless of sexual orientation,” said Schwarz. May 4, 1:30pm • Charles Theater 1 May 5, 2:30pm • Charles Theater 2
MARYLAND FILM FESTIVAL
May 3-6 • Various times • $10 Charles Theater • 1711 N. Charles St. The Windup Space • 12 W. North Ave. MICA Brown Center • 1300 W. Mt Royal Ave. MD-FilmFest.com
VOLUME 34, NUMBER 8 • PAGE 7
outfront CIRCUS
Cirque du Soleil Returns with Michael Jackson Show PERFORMER TALKS TO GL ABOUT THE SHOW, PLUS DANCING WITH HEATHER MORRIS, KISSING BRITNEY SPEARS, AND HIS OWN MUSICAL ASPIRATIONS BY FRANKIE KAYE Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour moonwalks into Baltimore next month in all its glittering, one-gloved splendor. The performance, which is written and directed by famed choreographer Jamie King, has paired Michael Jackson’s signature music and dance moves with Cirque du Soleil creativity. The performance, which features more than 60 international dancers, musicians, and acrobats, fuses visuals along with dance and music allowing audience members to delve into the fantasy world that embodies the essence of Michael Jackson. Among the stunningly creative array of dancers, performer Leo Moctezuma provides his own dancing tribute to the King of Pop. In The Immortal World Tour, Moctezuma is one of the featured dancers in the performance. Born in Brooklyn, NY in 1980, Moctezuma discovered his passion for the arts
DANCER/SINGER
LEO MOCTEZUMA
PAGE 8 • APRIL 27 – MAY 10, 2012
as a teenager, and parlayed his extensive dance training into a career after being recruited to perform at Walt Disney World’s Pleasure Island. It was there that he was discovered by renowned Choreographer and Artistic Director Jamie King. Moctezuma was thrilled when King chose him to be part of Tarzan Rocks. “I was a fan, growing up, of Jamie. When I heard he was choreographing Tarzan Rocks, it was a must for me to audition for that show. Watching and working with him was unbelievable. The fact that he worked with both Michael and Madonna was a dream for me.” King, whose career began as a dancer performing in Jackson’s Dangerous World Tour in 1992, eventually went on to choreograph Madonna’s “Human Nature” video in 1995. After directing multiple world tours for such artists as Madonna, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera, King settled into the artistic director seat for The Immortal World Tour, bringing his signature style along with him. Moctezuma himself has also acquired quite the scintillating résumé. His dancing talents have been tapped for such performances as Ricky Martin’s Living La Vida Loca World Tour, Britney Spears’ Dream Within A Dream and Onyx Hotel tours, Christina Aguilera’s Stripped and Back to Basics tours, and Pink’s Funhouse Tour. Moctezuma enjoys dancing and appreciates that this current Cirque du Soleil performance will allow him to express himself artistically. “As a dancer you have to be in tune with your mind, body, and soul when you’re a real artist. I go to sleep dancing, thinking of music…thinking about art,” he said. Recently, Moctezuma has been delving head-first into the music industry with the release of two music singles. In his recent music video “2 Da Left,” Moctezuma is joined by fellow dancer and friend Heather Morris, known for her character of Brittany S. Pierce on Fox’s Glee. “We’ve had experience dancing together, and she worked with me before her career took off on Glee.” Moctezuma added that
Photos by OSA Images, Costumes by Zaldy Goco
dancing dynamo Morris is just as fabulous in real life as she is portrayed on screen. “The shoot was fun. We basically were just hanging out, acting silly and being sexy. She’s down to earth and that all comes through when she’s acting. But once she puts on a musical number, she turns into quite another beast.” When discussing the vast array of artists in which he has worked with, Moctezuma still holds the utmost respect for Pink. “I feel that she is kind of like the underdog of the pop world. I’ve choreographed for her and I’m friends with her. She’s one of the artists who I’ve seen on the road putting so much energy into her music. I’ve watched how hard the music industry can be, through her, and it pushed me to continue with my own music.” Music and performing, though, aren’t the only causes that are important to him. “I give total support [to the LGBT community].” Moctezuma explains. “As a dancer, stereotypically people believe that
most dancers are gay and that’s not always the case. Dancers have to be totally in tune with their sexuality. And sometimes, we have to partner with each other. We’re actors. We’re in 2012 right now, and it’s about equality, and I think that’s what most everyone wants in the world. They want to be equal.” Moctezuma discussed how dancers need to be comfortable with their own sexuality in order to translate into effective performances. “I’m very comfortable with my own sexuality. I’ve performed with Christina Aguilera during Stripped, where we’ve had male-on-male and female-on-female dancing. As entertainers, we want the viewer to feel comfortable and know its ok to be sexy in your own skin. If I can portray that to any one specific gender, then I’ve done my job.” Moctezuma was quite comfortable within his own skin when he shared quite the titillating role during Britney Spears’
BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER
Onyx Hotel Tour. The two made headlines in a sensual kiss during her performance of the song “Breathe On Me.” When asked how it was to share the stage with Britney during such a controversial moment, Moctezuma laughs, “Uh...amazing. I must say for six months of my life I was envied by so many men and women around the world. It was a time in which Britney was at the peak of her sexiness, however we entertainers know it’s all about the performance and the character we embody. Work is work, but when work is fun, you can’t go wrong.” When he arrives in Baltimore next month, Moctezuma is not only thrilled to be performing in The Immortal World Tour, but also to be performing alongside Mike Phillips, a band member within The Immortal World Tour, at Baltimore’s Sheraton Hotel. “Mike’s résumé is fabulous! In different cities, he has these amazing jam sessions with these local performers,” he said. “I’m excited that I get to actually sing and perform with some of the best performers from within our show and Baltimore.” Moctezuma is hoping that his perfor-
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mance in Baltimore leaves a lasting impact on audience members who are attending the show. “I’m looking forward to our show touching a lot of fans who are Michael’s and hopefully will give some more history to his voice and what he’s about.” As a performer whose range of projects has stretched across the last decade, Moctezuma is honored to portray such a role in The Immortal World Tour. “I’ve been a Michael Jackson fan since I was a kid. It’s unfortunate that he’s not here performing with us, but his spirit definitely is. It’s really magical.” ■
MICHAEL JACKSON: THE IMMORTAL WORLD TOUR
Saturday, May 5 • 8pm and Sunday, May 6 • 4pm • $52-250 1st Mariner Arena • 201 W. Baltimore St BaltimoreArena.com • CirqueDuSoleil.com
MIKE PHILLIPS LIVE IN CONCERT
With Leo Moctezuma & Taku Hirano Friday, May 4 • 8:30pm • $29.50 Sheraton Hotel Ballroom 1100 Old Elkridge Rd. • Linthicum Heights 443.858.9781 • CharmCityJazz.com
VOLUME 34, NUMBER 8 • PAGE 9
outfront
Hail Sharon DRAG
2
WIN FREE TICKETS TO SEE SHARON’S SHOW ON MAY 4! Visit BaltimoreGayLife.com for a Chance to Win!
BY DANIEL MCEVILY
If you called Sharon Needles the biggest “cunt” on RuPaul’s Drag Race, she would probably thank you for the compliment.
The cheeky pun, of course, is an acronym for the set of qualities series host RuPaul seeks when selecting “America’s Next Drag Superstar”: Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve and Talent. And Ms. Needles, with her glamorously ghoulish brand of drag and lightning quick wit, has served each of those qualities by the blood soaked bucketful. Ms. Needles (government name: Aaron Coady) instantly stole the hearts (and souls) of fans of the popular Logo reality show when the fourth season premiered in January. In the lead up to the finale (which delayed the crowning until the reunion on April 30), Ms. Needles called into Gay Life to dish about Drag Race, why she loves Baltimore, and her upcoming “Every Night Is Halloween” tour stop at Club Hippo on May 4.
Congratulations on making it to the final lap of Drag Race! Did you think you would make it this far when you first walked on the set? Thank you so much! You know, being a comedic, campy, shtick queen and seeing how far those types of queens made it in past seasons, I would have been shocked if I made it past the first day. [Laughs] I was just so humbled and pleased to be considered.
It’s pretty evident that you are the break out star of this season’s show. How did you expect to be received by Drag Race fans? PAGE 10 • APRIL 27 – MAY 10, 2012
I haven’t had a break out since I was 16! [Laughs] I knew times are changing. I’m seeing gay youth and subculture binding together once again. I knew that if there was ever going to be a season for me it would be this season. When things are a little bullshit backwards in politics and pop culture, it tends to have a reverse effect on subculture, which is a good thing. I think Nixon paved the way for John Waters.
You’ve described your style of drag as transgressive, which can delve into some really dark places. Do you feel like being on the show has caused you to negotiate the edginess of your art? Unfortunately, absolutely. Being in a national spotlight definitely puts a PG-rating on you. I feel like I’ve gone from Pink Flamingos to Serial Mom. You definitely feel the pressure to tone it down a bit and not alienate fans. There are days where I love that I can reach a mass audience and other days that I feel like I’m compromising my own artistic intentions in the name
DEEP IN THE GAME PRESENTS SHARON NEEDLES: EVERY NIGHT IS HALLOWEEN
Hosted by Schwarz, DJ Mark Brown and Cexman Friday, May 4 • Doors 9pm • 21+ $12 • $10 in advance. Club Hippo • 1 W. Eager St. 410.576.0018 • ClubHippo.com Facebook.com/SharonNeedlesIsDead Twitter: @Sharon_Needles
BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER
Photo by Mathu Andersen
Photos by Caldwell Linker except as noted
of other people’s pussy-footed feelings. It’s definitely a compromise now, but we’ll see. That’s all I can say.
I’ve read that you consider drag to be your armor. Can you explain that? It’s not just my drag. It’s also my tongue, wit, and sense of humor. I’m a sponge for hatred and I’ve been picked on my whole life. I take a lot of negative energy into my body just for being gay and weird, so the stage is definitely a punching bag for me to wring out my sponge of hate. It’s very therapeutic for me and I think for my fans as well.
How are you dealing with this barrage of fame? In a previous interview you said that “fame is not a feeling.” It’s definitely not a feeling, which I always thought it would be. I thought fame was the ultimate Band-Aid. It financially took care of you and made you feel externally beautiful. But it’s much more of a magnifying glass than anything. I’ve been doing nothing but touring and creating and jumping back and forth from New York to Hollywood and every small city in between, so when I have a chance to soak up and feel the fame, you’ll be the first person I’ll call! [Laughs]
As a child of the ‘80s, television must have played a big part in your childhood. Who were WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
some of your biggest influences? Peggy Bundy and Elvira were the biggest mainstream influences on me as a child. I didn’t understand why my mom didn’t look like them. I thought Peggy Bundy was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen and Elvira was just so smart, gorgeous, approachable and spooky. And every Friday and Saturday, I used to sneak out of my room late at night to watch Rhonda Shear on USA Up All Night. It’s almost ironically misogynist in the sense that these women had power for being heavy-chested, stupid, and gorgeous and that’s where their power came from. I was really attracted to that and it definitely got into the psyche of Sharon Needles to play up how dumb you are to show people how smart you are.
You draw from such a fantastically deep well of pop and subculture references, which many younger Drag Race viewers haven’t really been exposed to. Do you think LGBT children are stuck in a Lady Gaga/Ke$ha vacuum? Most definitely. I knew I could use this show as a platform to remind the children of subculture and underground references. We have the capacity to teach ourselves whatever we want, yet we tend to just want to listen to Lady Gaga or the new Britney album.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 23 VOLUME 34, NUMBER 8 • PAGE 11
outfront DINING OUT
Charles Village Pub Celebrates 30 Delicious Years BY JOHN CULLEN WITH MARTY SHAYT The original Charles Village Pub (not to be confused with its namesake in Towson) is a small, noisy, old-time sports pub with a narrow space filled by a long bar with 20 stools on one side and lined with booths along the other. The walls above the booths are filled with Baltimore sports photos; the booths fit at most four people and there are no tables. On the floor along the bar, the finish has been worn away after 30 years of bar stools pushing back and forth. The only nods to modernity are a half dozen LCD TV’s providing views of sports events. The unpretentious realness of the place combined with a mix of hunky Hopkins students, middle age straight couples, and 70+ year-old customers gave us a feeling similar to putting on some favorite old shoes. The humble-looking menu offers more than you might expect. A few homemade soups ($4 for a bowl of crab soup), 15+ munchies (most $6-9), burgers (ranging from a $6 veggie to the 13-ounce “Big Daddy” with cheese and bacon for $10), a dozen club sandwiches ($8+), a bunch of other sandwiches (most $8), and a dozen platters (most $10). We started by sharing an order of buffalo wings (12 for $8) with our friends Tom and Paul, and the wings proved to be finger-licking good and earned a “Thumbs Up” from all of us. On our waitress’ recommendation, John got the Greek salad with chicken ($10), Marty ordered a Cajun tuna steak sandwich ($9) with a side order of curly fries ($3), Tom opted for the fish and chips platter ($9) and Paul decided on the Ravens Club ($8). John’s salad arrived in a big bowl with lots of feta, olives, a sliced
PAGE 12 • APRIL 27 – MAY 10, 2012
chicken breast, and a really tasty house feta vinaigrette dressing, which earned another “Thumbs Up.” Ditto for the big chunk of nicely cooked tuna in Marty’s sandwich; Marty felt that his delicious curly fries were well worth the cost. Paul’s club included layers of Philly cheese steak and a pile of chips while Tom’s platter included three pieces of fried, but not overly greasy, cod and a mountain of regular French fried “chips,” both rated two more “Thumbs Ups.” Our friendly waitress checked in regularly and kept our drinks filled. Charles Village Pub has only two desserts: plain cheesecake and a homemade creation called the Apple Blossom (both $3.50). We were intrigued by the Apple Blossom and shared one order. It included two “blossoms”—artful petals of pie pastry encasing slightly tart and not overly sweet slices of baked apple with daubs of whipped cream. Yum! Somewhat to our surprise, we learned that the Charles Village Pub is 30 years old this year. We confess that our last visit was well over a dozen years ago, and we left wondering why the heck we hadn’t been back in so long. It definitely won’t be that long before our next visit! ■
CHARLES VILLAGE PUB
3017 St. Paul St. 410.243.1611 • CharlesVillagePub.net Open 7 days for lunch and dinner Brunch on weekends. • Full bar Vegetarian options • Kitchen open until 1am. Email DiningOut@BaltimoreGayLife.com and find past reviews at BaltimoreGayLife-DiningOut.info
BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER
BINGO TALK WITH FRANK & BEANS BY CHARLIE MUMFORD AND terra hiltner
Do you think your pet is homosexual? What tips you off about their sexual orientation? RACHAEL & DENALI “I think he goes both ways. Goes after everything. He sniffs and he mounts.”
RACHAEL & LEE LA “She’s a drag queen. Also, she’s a slutty puppy because she rolls over for practically anybody.”
RACHEL & COOPER “Yes, I think he is a homosexual. He often likes to hump my other male dogs. He likes to lick in their ears and mouth. Totally gay.”
DONNIE & JERSEY GIRL “Mine is gay for pay. Gay for treats.”
Bingo Talk takes place Wednesdays 8:30pm at Club Hippo’s Gay Bingo hosted by Roger Dimick. Why Frank & Beans? With Roger around you’re not likely to escape without a nickname either.
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VOLUME 34, NUMBER 8 • PAGE 13
headlinenews NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
A
First PTA for Gay Students Approved in Long Island
For the first time in history, a parent teacher association (PTA) chapter will be dedicated exclusively to the needs of LGBT students. WNYC News reports that the chapter, which is officially recognized by the National PTA, will serve all of Long Island, N.Y.’s 127 schools beginning next year. In addition to proposing curriculum changes to include information about the LGBT civil rights movement and its leaders, the new PTA chapter will work to educate teachers and administrators on the importance of faculty awareness and competency when dealing with the needs of LGBT students and their families.
BY RACHEL ROTH
C G F
B
A D E H
Voters Disproportionately B Transgender Impacted by Voter ID Laws New voter ID laws may be problematic for nearly 25,000 transgender voters this November. According to a new study by the Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and Public Policy, a think tank at UCLA School of Law, nine states are proposing strict requirements that may create substantial barriers to voting and possible disenfranchisement for transgender people. Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin have passed strict photo ID laws and could have them in place for the November election. Transgender voters face unique challenges to obtaining accurate government-issued identification. According to the new Williams Institute report, 41 percent of transgender citizens who have transitioned reported not having an updated driver’s license and 74 percent did not have an updated U.S. passport. Moreover, 27 percent of transgender citizens who have transitioned reported that they had no identity documents or records that list their current gender.
C Small Victory for Transgender Woman in Alaska While it appears that a measure to add protections for LGBT people from discrimination in employment, housing, and access to business serving the public has been rejected by Alaskan voters, the transgender community has won a small victory. Beginning in 2011, the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles stopped changing the sex designation on any transgender person’s licenses unless they could present proof of gender reassignment surgery. On March 12, a court ruled in the case K.L. v. State of Alaska that the practice unconstitutional. According to John Knight, staff attorney with the ACLU LGBT Project, the K.L. decision is the only in country where a U.S. court recognized a transgender person’s constitutionally protected privacy interests in having the sex designation on their driver’s license match their “lived gender expression of identity.”
D President Delays Executive Order President Obama has decided not to issue an executive order barring federal contractors from discrimination against LGBT workers “at this time.” In explaining the decision, administration officials have indicated that they are pursuing legislation, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) because they view it as a more permanent solution. “There is a well-established record documenting employment discrimination against LGBT Americans based on their sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Ian Thompson, said on behalf of the ACLU. “[We] continue to view this executive order as the single most important step President Obama could take this year to eradicate LGBT discrimination from our country’s workplaces [and] it is extremely disappointing that the administration has apparently decided to delay doing so.”
Carolina Gov. Speaks Out E North Against Anti-LGBT Legislation Bev Perdue, governor of North Carolina, posted a video speaking out against Amendment One, which would constitutionally ban same-sex marriage, civil unions, and domestic partnerships. In the video, Perdue says, “Whatever your personal, moral or religious views might be, writing discrimination into North Carolina’s constitution is just plain wrong…. The amendment I believe is dangerous for women. There is a real risk that some laws we have on the books now to protect the victims of domestic violence may no longer apply to many women in the state.”
SEE MORE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE AT WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM/NEWS PAGE 14 • APRIL 27 – MAY 10, 2012
F London Mayor Blocks Anti-LGBT Ads Boris Johnson, the mayor of London, has stepped in to block anti-LGBT advertisements from appearing on the city’s busses. According to the Guardian, the ads were paid for by the Christian organization Core Issues Trust, and by an orthodox Anglican group, whose supporters have equated homosexuality with alcoholism. The campaign and would promote the idea that gay people can be converted to heterosexuality, with ads declaring “Not gay!” “Post-gay, ex-gay and proud,” and “Get over it!” Within two hours of their contents becoming public, Johnson contacted the Guardian to say that he intended to prevent them from ever appearing on the busses. “London is one of the most tolerant cities in the world and intolerant of intolerance,” he told the Guardian. “It is clearly offensive to suggest that being gay is an illness that someone recovers from, and I am not prepared to have that suggestion driven around London on our buses.”
G Russia Rejects G8 Statement Affirming LGBT Rights Russia has continued its denouncement of LGBT rights by refusing endorse a joint statement by G8 foreign ministers on the fundamental human rights and freedoms of LGBT people. The Wall Street Journal reports that the statement of the G8 Foreign Ministers Meeting Chair said: “The ministers reaffirmed that human rights and fundamental freedoms are the birthright of all individuals, male and female, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender individuals. These individuals often face death, violence, harassment and discrimination because of their sexual orientation in many countries around the world.” The document came with a footnote saying “the Russian Federation disassociates itself from this language given the absence of any explicit definition or provision relating to such a group or such persons as separate rights holders under international human rights law.” Russia’s deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov justified the decision, saying; “under the pretext of protecting the so-called sexual minorities, in effect there’s aggressive propaganda and the imposition of certain behavior and values that may insult the majority of the society.” Earlier in the year, Gay Life reported that the parliament in St. Petersburg, Russia’s second largest city, approved a law banning “homosexual propaganda” directed at minors, with fines of up to $17,000 for offenders.
H Public Opinions Changing in Uganda Uganda, home to some of the world’s most stringent anti-LGBT regulations, is beginning to see a change in public opinion regarding LGBT rights. Four years ago Frank Mugisha begged his colleagues to join him for his first demonstration in support of gay rights in Uganda. Only four came along. At a recent march against gender-based violence led by the gay advocacy group Sexual Minorities Uganda, more than 30 of Mugisha’s colleagues walked the streets of Kampala holding pro-gay posters. It may seem like a small showing, but according to Mugisha—winner of the 2011Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award—it’s a sign of progress. The mere fact that Ugandans are now having a national conversation on gay rights is itself an achievement,” he told the International Lesbian, Gay, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA). “In the past, the subject was taboo.” “We see a shift in public opinion, and I guess it’s because many Ugandans are talking about homosexuality a lot,” he continued. “There are some local leaders who are now willing to meet and talk to us.” BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER
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VOLUME 34, NUMBER 8 • PAGE 15
HEALTH TIPS
THE GAY LIFE
By Pace Gillette and Howl staff
PET ISSUE
GRIEVING PET OWNERS FIND UNIQUE SUPPORT AT BALTIMORE HUMANE SOCIETY
By Wendy Goldband, Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Volunteer Coordinator Have you or a friend recently lost a pet? Or are you coping with a pet who is extremely ill? The loss of a pet is often as devastating as the loss of a human family member. Pets are sometimes our closest companions and their passing can leave a huge void for many people. Nicodemus Memorial Park at Baltimore Humane Society recognized the deep need that many families have for help through the grieving process and is now offering four services to the entire Baltimore community of pet owners. A free monthly pet bereavement support group is now being offered by a member of the clergy and the director of the Nicodemus Memorial Park. Anyone whose pet has passed away, been lost, sick, or dying is welcome to join the group at any time. The hope is that members will take comfort in sharing with others going through the same difficult experience. The group is a safe haven where individuals can freely talk about their pet knowing others are interested in hearing their story. It is a place of emotional and practical support helping participants cope with their loss. All that’s required to attend is an RSVP. Can’t make the pet grief group in person? You can Skype in! Just RSVP to amazan@bmorehumane.org to make the arrangements. An online support group has also been launched for those who want to communicate with others in more than just a once a month setting. The Nicodemus Memorial Park Bereavement Support Group can be found at Facebook.com/ BMoreHumanePetLoss. Pet owners are invited to post photos and stories about their lost pets. There is also a PAGE 16 • APRIL 27 – MAY 10, 2012
Notes page for discussions and helpful information. The page works to protect the privacy of its members by allowing posts only to be seen by group members. For those people who choose Nicodemus Memorial Park as their pet’s final resting place, immediate non-denominational private counseling is also available with an experienced member of the clergy. There is no charge for this service unless the bereaved chooses to continue with more sessions. Memorial services for loved ones are another important part of the grieving process. So Nicodemus Memorial Park at Baltimore Humane Society has decided to enhance its pet memorial services by including a complimentary option of a musical remembrance. A professional Cantor and a member of the clergy for over two decades, Ellen Schwab, sings a non-denominational psalm and one other selection of your choice at the memorial. It’s a spiritual addition to a service held on wooded, ethereal grounds. D PET BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP First Tuesdays, 7pm • FREE Nicodemus Memorial Park Baltimore Humane Society 1601 Nicodemus Rd. • Reisterstown RSVP: 410.833.8848 ext. 219 amazan@bmorehumane.org The Baltimore Humane Society is an independent, non-profit, no-kill animal shelter, which offers low-cost veterinary care to the public, and a pet cemetery with grief support services. For more information about BHS, and how you can contribute, volunteer, adopt, or foster, please visit BMoreHumane. org or call 410.833.8848, or text the word “PAW” to 80000 to donate $10.
Our pets are like family, and we want to keep them happy and healthy for as long as possible. But how do we make those noses wet and those coats soft and shiny? Here are some tips to keep your furry little friends purring and wagging. They are what they eat. Good health starts at the food bowl. Everything from itchy skin to stinky breath to diabetes can be managed or avoided altogether simply by feeding healthy, high quality food. Look for foods with meat near the beginning of the ingredient list; beware of foods containing by-products, artificial preservatives, and fillers such as corn.
THE IMPORTANCE OF GROOMING
By Katie Soistman
There are many important reasons to get your dogs groomed. Let’s start with the most obvious. Looks. Your dog will aesthetically be very pleasing. Nothing is nicer than snuggling up with a pretty, good-smelling pooch fresh from the groomer. To go along with their cute new ‘do, they will have a soft coat, and a cute bow or bandana. This alone is a great reason to get your dog groomed. Secondly, it is important to get your pet groomed for health reasons. Since we essentially touch every inch of your pet’s body during the grooming routine, we can be on the lookout for many harmful things: parasites such as fleas and ticks, inflamed or irritated skin, new or growing warts and moles, and something as serious as a tumor. Most groomers should keep note of problem spots on a pet and will be able to reference back to see if anything new has popped up that you should be concerned about. Lastly, grooming is important for your pet’s comfort. Matting and knots are very painful for pets. Not only do matts pull and tug on your pet’s skin constantly, but they can hide something harmful lurking underneath in an area that you can’t see or feel. Most pets are best on a 4-6 week grooming schedule. Whether it be for looks, health, comfort or all of the above, grooming plays a key role in your pet’s health. D Katie Soistman is the owner of SUMMER MEADOWS PET SPA 3700 Carrollton Rd. • Upperco, MD 443.340.6006 SummerMeadowsPetSpa.com Facebook.com/SummerMeadowsPetSpa
Keep those teeth pearly white. A dirty mouth can cause more than just stinky breath. It can also lead to lung, kidney, and heart disease. Try brushing your pet’s teeth, giving them raw bones to chew on, or adding special additives to their water to keep those teeth bright and shiny. Flea free is the way to be. A flea’s favorite place to be is in an unhealthy coat. Fortify your pet’s skin with essential fatty acids by adding salmon oil to their diet. That way their coat will be so nice those fleas won’t even look twice at them. If you notice that your pet has fallen prey to those pesky fleas, there are numerous ways to make those buggers flee such as chemical-based topical treatments, diatomaceous earth, and products with neem, citronella, and clove oils. Fight the battle of the bulge. It’s estimated that 54 percent of American cats and dogs are overweight. Luckily there are lots of ways to beat obesity. Try replacing some of that high calorie kibble with canned food or vegetables, serve meals from food dispensing toys, and play, play, play. A hands-free leash can turn your dog into a running partner; laser pointers are a good way to get even the laziest cat up and running. Break up the boredom. Most behavioral problems are a direct result of boredom. Keep both their mind and body active and occupied. Hiding treats in different locations around the house is a great way to appeal to a cat’s hunting instincts. Take your dog for a walk in a new neighborhood, set up a play date with a doggie buddy, sign them up for an agility class, or get them some puzzle toys. They will love you for it and thank you with good behavior. D
Howl is a natural pet store with foods, toys and supplies located in Hampden. 3531 Chestnut Ave • 410.235.2469 HowlBaltimore.com
See before-and-after pics, plus glamorous doggy ‘dos at BaltimoreGayLife.com. BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER
DIARY OF A SICK KITTY
MUNCHY: A MEXICAN IMMIGRANT FINDS A WELCOMING HOME
By Aureliano
MARCH 16 • Following the events of this evening, when the human I allow to reside in my domain summarily placed me in the small portable cage and whisked me off to that god forsaken place where the strange woman in the white coat did all manner of unspeakable things to me, I find myself now back in my kingdom. However the human has seen fit to keep me confined to my eating chamber by erecting a large gate at the entrance. I will find a way out. For now I rest as I don’t feel well, and my strength is weak.
(as told to Charlie Mumford)
Hola! Que ondas mis amigitos! Que tal? Mi nombre es Leah Munchita Mumford. I am what you call una perrita de la calle. Just your loveable street dog here. I’m from the streets of paradise in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. A couple of homosexuals found me on the streets during the rainy season, but they already had too many dogs so they gave me to this other gay guy, Charlie. Now, don’t get me wrong, but before I met these guys, I had very conservative feelings about homosexuals. But I think that my anti-gay thoughts disappeared when they decided to save me in the rain. I may come from Mexico, but I’m a French poodle, toy size to be exact. I do tricks in my sleep. That’s how smart I am. I am a jetsetter too. I’ve been on six planes in my life. That’s more than some humans I know! My first trip into the States was when I was smuggled in for a Passover Seder in 2010. A
short-while later when Charlie moved back to Maryland, I was smuggled in again. We got to Arizona and we were very anxious because that’s when all the boycotting of Arizona was happening. We were soooo nervous. But it all worked out. The best news? Charlie got my pet visa, so I’m totally legit. After living in Maryland for a year we found our favorite park (Robert E. Lee park), our favorite vet (Falls Road Animal Hospital) and our favorite new animals to chase down (deer and squirrels both of which I never saw in Mexico). Also, my most favorite groomer, Katie Soistman in Upperco. We should be friends on Facebook, no? Facebook.com/Leah.Munchy.Mumford. Que tengas un dia maravillosa! D
OVERCOMING PREJUDICE
(as told to his mommy, Terri Solomon) The first time I met my new mommies, it was a warm Saturday in May. I had spent most of the morning avoiding Sammy (name changed to protect the guilty), the black Labrador who liked to chase me and was three times my size. I heard the doorbell and immediately we all went running to see who was there. The two women outside looked happy to see me. I didn’t know why, and it wasn’t until the short, curly haired one put a leash on me and led me out the door that I knew we were going on a WALK! But we went on a car ride instead. When my two mommies brought me home, I ran around, eager to sniff every corner. The most curious thing about this new house was that it had cats. I didn’t know how I felt about this. Cats spend most of the day licking themselves and lying around like furry lumps. So yeah, I had some prejudices at first. What changed my mind? I learned that cats can be fun to play with, and are really a lot like dogs. Sunset Rodeo and I wrestle
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almost every day. I learned rather quickly not to mess with Georgie, the matriarch of the house. Also, cats are good snugglers. It makes me happy to sleep on the bed with my mommies and the cats because I never feel alone. Before I was adopted, I moved around a lot, but now I have lived in one house for almost two years and it feels like home. I know where all the good spots to sleep are and where the treats are kept. Best of all, we go for WALKS all the time and everyone in the neighborhood knows my name. “Vinnie,” they say, as they pet my head and rub under my chin. I have a really good life. D
PET EVENTS! SUNDAY, APRIL 29
10AM-2PM
The Maryland SPCA’s 17th Annual March for the Animals is a fun-packed day of demonstrations, contests, entertainment, and a 1.5 mile benefit walk. Last year’s event raised $367,000.
Druid Hill Park MarchForTheAnimals.kintera.org
FRIDAY, MAY 4
7:30-11:30PM
The Humane Society of Harford County’s Bow Wow Boogie features dancing, silent auction, and a Greece trip raffle.
Richlin Ballroom 1700 Van Bibber Rd. • Edgewood Harfordshelter.org
JULY 7 & JULY 8
Pets on Wheels will have its 7th annual Dog-a-Thon, a weekend-long series of events including a dog walk, seminars, a photo shoot, vendors, and animal shows. Pets on Wheels provides friendly visits from volunteers and pets in various institutional settings.
MARCH 17 • This morning, when I thought the human was about to provide me my morning meal, he instead proceeded to open two foreign containers. From the first he extracted a pill, from the second a syringe. He then got onto the floor and grabbed hold of me. He opened my mouth, dropped the pill into the back of my throat, and then held my mouth shut until I swallowed. Then came the syringe. He squirted the vile contents into my mouth forcing me to drink it. Oh, how I struggled with all my might! I managed to swipe at his fleshy arm with my claws and draw blood. MARCH 19 • I managed to escape today! Alas, it was all for naught. My plan was brilliant. I waited for the human to leave. I jumped onto the counter, then onto the refrigerator. From there I managed to jump over the gate. But upon his return, the human placed me back in confinement and blocked my escape route with a large box on top of the refrigerator.
Maryland State Fairgrounds 2200 York Rd. • Lutherville PetsOnWheels.org
3RD WEDNESDAYS 5-7PM
Camp Bow Wow hosts Yappy Hour with wine and cheese, friends and frolicking!
7165 Oakland Mills Rd. • Columbia 410.964.BARK CampBowWow.com
MARCH 23 • Each day the human forces me to take the poisons. I am still confined. However, I am beginning to feel better and my strength has begun to return. I plot the human’s demise; he will not usurp my rightful place as ruler of the kingdom. MARCH 26 • I was ready to make my move and bring down the human, when much to my surprise he released me from confinement. Also, an end has been brought to the daily administration of poisons. I will let him live, for now, as he has use to me. D
Vinnie came all the way from North Carolina through the efforts of Maryland Animal Sanctuary & Rescue Organization. Visit MASRescue.org, to view adoptable animals and learn more about this great organization.
VOLUME 34, NUMBER 8 • PAGE 17
firstperson 5 THINGS
5 Things to Keep You Entertained This Spring BY DANIEL MCEVILY April showers bring May flowers, and you, dear Gay Life reader, should be frolicking playfully outdoors before another excruciating Baltimore summer turns us all into lifeless puddles of sweat. But if you are an executive-level procrastinator like me, here are five fun, sugary-sweet pop culture nuggets to help you pass the time before you finally go out and worship spring by running around with joyful, carefree abandon in open meadows.
flipping Teresa Giudice and her fellow Garden State wives (Bravo, April 22, 10pm). As the Jersey housewives begin their fourth season, one of network TV’s longest running dramadies comes to an end with the two-hour series finale of Desperate Housewives (ABC, May 13, 9pm), which is sure to go out with as big a bang as it did when the show premiered eight seasons ago.
1
Some Baltimoreans may still be a little grumpy that virtually the entire 2007 filmadaptation of the Hairspray musical was shot in Canada (of all places). So, if you want a true meta-Baltimore experience of your favorite hometown musical, check out Toby’s Dinner Theatre’s production of the Broadway favorite, through July 1.
THE GO-GO’S IN CONCERT Rams Head • May 8 • 7pm • $45
One of my earliest childhood memories centers around my six-year-old self running around the house, snap-dancing to Head Over Heels on my Sony Walkman, complete in a homemade, Flashdance-inspired batwing sweatshirt. This was also when my mother first began to realize that I may be “different” from other little boys. So I was downright giddy when I heard that the Go Go’s were stopping off at the Rams Head on May 8. The show should serve as a perfect excuse to pull out your favorite fluorescent, spandexed ‘80s garb and give Belinda, Jane, Charlotte, Kathy and hometown girl, drummer Gina Schock a proper welcome.
4 HAIRSPRAY
Toby’s Dinner & Show, through July 1
2 THE GRAHAM NORTON SHOW BBC America • April 28 • 11pm
One of the U.K.’s most popular talk shows is back on BBC America, featuring out host Graham Norton getting personal with some of our favorite celebrities. In its eleventh season premier, Norton talks with Cate Blanchett about stunt bottoms and quizzes the yummy Ewan McGregor about getting naked onstage.
3 HOUSEWIVES OVERLOAD
Whenever I’m in civilized social circles, I politely sip my martini and engage in spirited discussions about the latest plot twists of high-brow television fare like Mad Men and Game of Thrones, but secretly I am at home frantically flipping between Don Draper and the score of both real and dramatized housewives programming Sunday night has to offer. The next few weeks has plenty to offer those who share in my guilty pleasure, including the season premier of Real Housewives of New Jersey starring table-
PAGE 18 • APRIL 27 – MAY 10, 2012
5 THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL Charles Theater, coming in May
For those of us going through withdrawal from Dame Maggie Smith’s turn as the sassy Dowager Countess on Downton Abbey, her role in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel should tide you over until the next season airs later this year. The comedy/drama follows a group of British retirees who decide to “outsource” their retirement to less expensive and seemingly exotic India are forever transformed by their experiences and discover that life and love can begin again when they let go of the past. ■ Each issue, we will reach our hand in the popculture hat and draw out a whacky topic and recount five things that amuse, horrify, befuddle and amaze us and present it for your reading pleasure.
BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER
WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
VOLUME 34, NUMBER 8 • PAGE 19
PAGE 20 • APRIL 27 – MAY 10, 2012
BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER
outgoing
ClancyWorks and The Collective: Diverse dance works. $10-20. 8pm. Thru 4/29. Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St., TheatreProject.org
Sunday, April 29 Marriage Equality LGBT Wedding Expo: LGBT-friendly wedding service providers to meet with couples planning a wedding. $10. 1-5pm. Club Hippo, 1 W. Eager St., MarryMeInDC.com/yes
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
The Power of Spirituals: Special program commemorates the spiritual, plus narratives, choral, organ, and solo arrangements of beloved spirituals. Dr. Eileen Guenther, guest conductor and lecturer. $5-15. First & Franklin St. Presbyterian Church, 210 W. Madison St., FirstFranklin.org
Monday, April 30 Queer Film Festival: Celebrates and screens work by and for LGBT media makers. FREE. 7pm. Thru 5/3. Towson University, Van Bokkelen Hall Auditorium, 8000 York Rd., Towson.edu/QFF
SPOTLIGHT
Tuesday, May 1 BY RACHEL ROTH
I’m Hip! A Cabaret with Show Tunes, Standards & Comedy Songs What does it mean to be considered ‘hip,’ and how does one become it? Washington D.C.-based Matt Howe attempts to answer those exact questions in his latest solo cabaret show, “I’m Hip!” Howe, a self-described “gay singer slash actor,” explores all things hip through an “eclectic” mix of show tunes, standards and comedy songs, with reinforcement from three-time Helen Hayes nominated and Broadway composer Daniel Sticco as the show’s music director. Singing tunes by the greats—from Stephen Sondheim to Rodgers & Hammerstein—Howe weaves together what he promises to be an entertaining evening of “song and patter, humor and pathos.” The show will also take place at Black Fox Lounge, 1723 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. May 10 & 12, 8pm.
Event Info CHASE BREXTON’S ANNUAL GALA
Saturday, April 28 • 7:30pm • $10 Germano’s Trattoria • 300 S. High St. • 410.752.4515 GermanosTrattoria.com • MattHoweSings.com
DATEBOOK Friday, April 27 Charm City Charm City Invitational 27: The annual NAGVA sanctioned LGBT Volleyball Tournament. Volleyball House, 5635 Furnace Ave., Elkridge., KentBaltimore@ yahoo.com, VolleyBaltimore.org
Saturday, April 28 Wine & Tapas Party: Harford Rainbow Society’s latest event. 5pm. 716 Monarchos Dr., Havre de Grace, HarfordRainbow@gmail.com Matt Lowe’s “I’m Hip”: (See Spotlight.) $10. 7:30pm. Germano’s Trattoria, 300 S. High St., 410.752.4515, GermanosTrattoria.com, MattHoweSings.com Rainbow Families DC’s Bi-Annual Conference: Workshops, discussion groups, and social networking opportunities for LGBT parents and prospective parents. $25-50. 8:30am-5pm. Georgetown Day School, 4200 Davenport St. NW, Washington, DC., RainbowFamiliesDC.org
Susan Vega: The sultry folksinger embarks on a project to re-imagine her own songbook in a stripped down and intimate manner. $50. 8pm. Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis, RamsHeadOnStage.com
Wednesday, May 2 BINGO! Come for happy hour, stay for 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., 410.547.0018, ClubHippo.com Transgender Issues Working Group: Meets every other Wednesday. Registration required. FREE. 7pm. Equality Maryland, 1201 S. Sharp St., Owen@ EqualityMaryland.org Registration deadline for MAC 1/2 Marathon/Relay for House of Ruth: Last day to register for Mother’s Day Race & Relay. Event is 5/19, 8am. $55-85. MACWellness.com.
House & Garden Pilgrimage: Tour 3 historic towns along the Potomac River. $30. 10am-5pm. St Mary’s County Welcome Center, 37575 Charlotte Hall School Rd., Charlotte Hall, MHGP.org Sacred Chichester Psalms & Carmina Burana: The inaugural concert event of three musical institutions includes more than 300 artists and is conducted by Edward Polochick. $28-38. 8pm. The Lyric, 140 W. Mt Royal Ave., LyricOperaHouse.com Michael Jackson- The Immortal World Tour: (See article p. 8) $65-195. 8pm. Thru 5/6. 1st Mariner Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St., CirqueDuSoleil.com/en/shows/ michael-jackson-tour
Sunday, May 6 ASO’s 50th Anniversary Gala Concert: Features internationally-renowned mezzosoprano Denyce Graves. $15-150. 5pm. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, University of Maryland, College Park, AnnapolisSymphony.org Chicago: One of the most successful American rock bands of all time perform their classics! $35-75. 6pm. Pier Six Pavilion, 731 Eastern Ave., PierSixPavilion.com
Tuesday, May 8 Rainbow Youth Alliance of Howard County: A support group for LGBT teens and allies. RYA is a safe place to ask questions, find mutual support, and learn information pertinent to their lives. Owen Brown Interfaith Center, 7246 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, 410.280.9047, rya_leaders@hotmail.com, PFLAGmd.org Rainbow Youth Alliance of Baltimore County: A support group for LGBT teens and allies. RYA is a safe place to ask questions, find mutual support, and learn information pertinent to their lives. FREE. 7:30-9:30pm. Towson Unitarian Universalist Church, 1710 Dulaney Valley Rd. Lutherville, RYABaltimoreCounty@gmail.com, PFLAGBaltimore.org Howard County PFLAG Monthly Meeting: Support group Q&A for parents of LGBT children. FREE. 7:30pm. Owen Brown Interfaith Center, 7246 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, PFLAGmd.org
Wednesday, May 9
Gaylarious!: Sidesplitting monthly stand-up comedy features Lori Sommer and Emma Willmann. Riot Act Comedy Theater, 801 E St., NW, Washington, DC., RiotActComedy.com
BINGO! Come for happy hour, stay for 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., 410.547.0018, ClubHippo.com
Thursday, May 3
Andrew Bird w/ Patrick Watson: The folk/indie/rock singer stops tours for his new album, “Break It Yourself.” $37.50. 7pm. Rams Head Live, 20 Market Pl., RamsHeadLive.com
20th Annual Equality Forum: The largest and premier national and international LGBT civil rights summit. Event features 25 panels, art exhibit, parties, and an International Equality dinner. FREE. Thru 5/6. Philadelphia, PA EqualityForum.com Maryland Film Festival: (See article p. 7) Thru 5/6. MD-FilmFest.com Rocky Horror & Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the Musical: Don’t just watch, sing along! Prop kits available. Proceeds benefit LGBT Alternative Spring Break. Suggestion donation $5. 7 & 11pm. Towson University, Van Bokkelen Hall Auditorium, 8000 York Rd., Towson.edu/QFF Kaddish: An eloquent meditation on human vulnerability and strength told through the eyes of a survivor of Hitler’s “Final Solution.” FREE. 7:30pm. Thru 5/6. Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St., TheatreProject.org. BSO Classical Concert: Baltimore-based, world-renowned pianist Leon Fleisher will perform Ravel’s Piano Concerto for the Left Hand. $29-68. 8pm. Thru 5/6. The Meyerhoff, 1212 Cathedral St., BSOMusic.org
Friday, May 4
Thursday, May 10 Hunks in Trunks: All male swimsuit fashion show benefits Marylanders for Marriage Equality. VIP packages available. $22-254. 6:30-10pm. Red Maple, 930 N. Charles St., Wix.com/in4859/hunks ArtWalk: Preview event for the 2012 MICA Commencement Exhibition, featuring the Preview Party & 3K tour of art by 400 of the nation’s most talented emerging artists. $25. 5pm. MICA, 1300 W. Mount Royal Ave., MICA.edu Alice’s Wonderland Garden Party: Fundraiser for the Evergreen Museum & Library. Wonderland-themed hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, silent auction, croquet, live music, and a fun and fierce Mad Hatter hat contest. $100-1,000. 6pm. Evergreen Museum & Library, 4545 N. Charles St., Museums.JHU.edu/evergreen The Meeting: Eloquent play depicts the supposed meeting of Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. $20. 8pm. Thru 5/13. Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St., TheatreProject.org.
“dream/JOB”: Adam Cooley brings his love of musical theater to the stage with a collection of Broadway songs that explore what drives us to perform our duties in the workplace. $15. 6pm. Germano’s Trattoria, 300 S. High St., GermanosTrattoria.com
André Watts Plays Rachmaninoff: Music Director Marin Alsop leads the BSO and Grammy Award-winning pianist André Watts in Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. $25-108. 8pm. Thru 5/13. The Meyerhoff, 1212 Cathedral St., BSOMusic.org
Confirmed Stock: A well-curated selection of high quality, mostly American-made menswear from some of the best brands around. FREE. 11am-5pm. 2640 Space, 2640 St. Paul St., ConfirmedStock.com
Las Vegas-Themed MD Food Bank Gala: Rat Pack act, big band, retro cocktails, supper club style, small plates, dancing, and late night casino tables. $250. 7pm. Maryland Food Bank’s HQ, 2200 Halethorpe Farms Rd., MDFoodBank.org
Friday, May 11
MD House & Garden Pilgrimage: The tour begins in Bolton Hill: Featuring Federal, Victorian, Queen Anne and Edwardian architecture and pocket gardens. $30 10am5pm. Baltimore City Pilgrimage, 1515 Park Ave., MHGP.org
Sharon Needles: (See article p. 10) $12. 9pm. Club Hippo. ClubHippo.com
Night of the Stars Featuring Christine Ebersole: Evening of entertainment benefits BHC’s religious school scholarships and youth programs. $75. 8pm. Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, 7401 Park Heights Ave., Pikesville, BHCong.org
Books for Kids Day: The new and gently-used children’s books you donate will be distributed by the Baltimore Reads Book Bank to children in need. BaltimoreReads. org/books-for-kids-day
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Saturday, May 5
Who Killed Don Giovanni?: At the end of Mozart’s Don Giovani, the black-hearted Don is dragged down to hell for all eternity. Find out what really happened as The Figaro Project unveils the truth of his tragic demise. $5-10. 7:30pm. Thru 5/12. Lucy & Vernon Wright Theater, 21 W. Mount Royal Ave., TheFigaroProject.com 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.comf VOLUME 34, NUMBER 8 • PAGE 21
afterhours BSCENE
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LOTTA ART BENEFIT 2012 BENEFIT AT SILO POINT ■ APRIL 21 PHOTOS BY JAY W
MISS GAY MARYLAND PAGEANT ■ APRIL 21–23 PHOTOS BY ANTHONY MOLL
GLCCB HOUSE PARTY FUNDRAISER ■ APRIL 21 PHOTOS BY GLCCB
PAGE 22 • APRIL 27 – MAY 10, 2012
BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER
outfront DRAG I know these kids who follow me are going to go straight to their computer and ask: “What is a GG Alin? What is an Amanda Lepore? What is Grey Gardens? What is Female Trouble?” I just want to remind the children that there is cool shit out there and you don’t have to be force fed American, money-created freakiness. There’s real freakiness in this world.
Let me pose a light-hearted, hypothetical situation. If you were forced to lip synch for your life, but were allowed to choose the song, what would it be? My favorite emotional song to perform is “Un-Break My Heart” by Toni Braxton. I can really give it way too much vibrato and way too much face, but that doesn’t really reflect my character. So my other choice would be “Queens of Noise” by the Runaways, because that song just reflects me.
Baltimore is anxiously awaiting your upcoming appearance at the Hippo on May 4. Will this be your first time visiting or performing in Baltimore? No, not at all! I think Baltimore and [my hometown of] Pittsburgh are like sister cit-
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ies. It’s in those kinds of places that spur some of the most creative, beautiful artists.
What can we expect from your show? Just picture the cheesiest, funniest Halloween party in May. It’s a great excuse to pull out the old Halloween box and have some fun. Everything’s better in a costume!
Indeed it is! Do you have any special requests on your rider? The only things on my rider are a casket and a six-pack of sixteen ounce PBR Pounders. Also, I demand that everyone has a good time and for just one day not take drag so seriously. I hope the audience realizes that we’re all just people in costumes and here to have a good time. Hopefully it’s a lot of laughs and campy humor. There will be no back flips and Nicki Minaj coming from me.
I will make sure that the Hippo gets your requests! Sharon, thanks so much for talking to us. Any closing thoughts? No problem! I’m a huge fan of Baltimore. Such beautifully underground creative things happen there, I’m excited to be coming! Hail Satan! ■
VOLUME 34, NUMBER 8 • PAGE 23