SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1979
MARYLAND’S LGBT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER MAY 27 - JUNE 9, 2011 VOLUME XXXIII, NUMBER 10 WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
GAYS & LESBIAN
ORDINATION NOW AT A PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH NEAR YOU PLUS:
n Dr. Gallo on 30th Anniversary of AIDS Diagnosis n “Word is Out” Screening, Cocktails & Discussion n Summer Theater and Iron Crow’s “Love & Human Remains”
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Bal imore welcomes your family wi h pride. There are so many surprises for families in Baltimore, even the
most energetic kids have a hard time keeping up. You can take them
to the dolphin show and the new jellyfi sh exhibit at the National Aquarium. Then explore dinosaurs at the Maryland Science Center. If they’re not too tuckered out, they can meet the polar bears at the Maryland Zoo, climb a three-story tree house at Port Discovery Children’s Museum, get up close and personal with pop culture icons at Geppi’s Entertainment Museum or ride the rails at the B&O Railroad Museum. To learn more about all of the unexpected things to do, call 1-877-Bal imore or visit Bal imore.org/lgb .
Celebra e Bal imore Pride, June 18-19, 2011 • Learn more a Bal imore.org/lgb .
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letter editor’s
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his issue of Gay Life offers a few highlights from the community, including Youth Pride. In addition to our piece on DJ Vjuan Allure, read about the Youth Ball—a safe space where youth and young adults can entertain and be entertained (p. 10). Young readers may also enjoy a review of Cris Bean’s novel, “I Am J,” a coming-of-age transgender story (p. 5). Check out a transgender tale pulled from real life in All About Chaz (p. 15). And whether you loved, hated, or have yet to experience your prom, everyone will enjoy photos from the Anti-Hate Prom (p. 18). Other hopefully-not-too-young readers may enjoy a preview of the Iron Crow’s production of the risqué play, “Love and Human Remains” (p. 6) and all theater lovers should check out our preview local summer theater (p. 7).
Two major milestones are covered in this issue: The Presbyterian Church has just opened the doors for gay and lesbian ordination (p. 12). Plus, read Dr. Richard Gallo’s reflections on the 30th anniversary of the first AIDS diagnosis (p. 15). Finally, I encourage readers to check out “Word is Out” (p. 17). This seminal film, which is still getting much praise, will be showing at the Creative Alliance, June 3.
18 Out Front
Out Going
PAGE 5 BOOK: Review of “I Am J,” a transgender coming-of-age story by Cris Beam. By Terri Solomon
PAGE 17: SPOTLIGHT: Word Is Out: Screening, happy hour, and discussion with prominent LGBT community members
PAGE 6 THEATER: Iron Crow puts sex and death on stage in “Love and Human Remains.” By Kelly D. McClain PAGE 7 THEATER: Preview GL’s snapshot of local & regional theater. By Ben Ryland PAGE 8 WEDDINGS: LGBT Wedding Expo in DC: Q&A with Tammy Freeman
Headline News
PAGE 18 BSCENE: Free State Legal Reception, Ride for the Feast, and Anti-Hate Prom
FEATURES PAGE 12:
Youth Pride
First Person
Youth Ball Provides Safe Fun. By Terri Solomon
PAGE 15 OP ED: One doctor who contributed to the diagnosis of AIDS reflects on the past 30 years, and the future. By Dr. Robert C. Gallo
PAGE 12:
Maggie Beetz, Editor
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After Hours
PAGE 8 NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS: By Rex Wockner with Bill Kelley
PAGE 15 SPEAKING OUT: All About Chaz: The sexual reassignment of Chastity Bono. By Rev. Irene Monroe
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DATEBOOK: Calendar of Events. By Arnesia Thomas
DJ Vjuan Headlines Youth Stage. By Michael Quander, Jr.
Presbyterian Church
Removes restrictions on LGBT ordination. By Terri Solomon
ON THE COVER DJ Vjuan Allure
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Contributors Tammy Freeman, Dr. Robert C. Gallo, Bill Kelley, By Kelly D. McClain , Rev. Irene Monroe, Michael Quander, Jr., Ben Ryland, Terri Solomon, Arnesia Thomas, Rex Wockner Photographers: Eleanor Dayhoff-Brannigan, Mark Douglas, GLCCB Newspaper Committee: Trevor Ankeny, Bud Beecher, Kelly D. McClain, Terri Solomon
BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER
5/25/11 7:28 PM
outfront BOOKS
‘I am J’ by Cris Beam The divide between old and young, with a transgender twist BY TERRI SOLOMON
What happens when you identify as an adolescent male on the inside, but the outside world—including your conventional Puerto Rican and Jewish parents, your classmates, and sometimes even your best friend— see you as female? Author Cris Beam longed to use fiction to tell “an emotional truth” through the character of a transboy. That vision eventually became the character of J in Beam’s newest novel, published last month. In J’s earliest memory, he is two years old, running through a sprinkler with no shirt on. When a neighborhood mom tells J’s father Manny, that his son is cute, Manny replies, “That’s my daughter” with embarrassment. The shame J absorbs from his father’s response is repeated in a number of encounters as he matures into a gangly seventeenyear-old. Whether he is at school, on the swim team, chopping off his curly
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pigtails or fighting bullies, J continually encounters a “world [that] seemed confused and backward to him.” There is much to celebrate in Beam’s writing—a detailed, visual style, a knack for capturing the innocence, arrogance and desire of a teenage transboy and an underlying theme that being true to his gender identity is integral to J’s survival. And any teenager, gay or straight, should be able to relate to the scenes of continued conflict between J and his “normal,” hard-working parents. It’s the age-old “You don’t understand” divide between old and young, with a transgender twist that makes readers root for J and his not-soimpossible dream. Read the full review online at BaltimoreGayLife.com and LambdaLiterary.org. n DETAILS: I AM J , by Cris Beam. Little, Brown and Company. ISBN: 978-0316053617 Hardcover, $16.99, 339p.
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THEATER Ryan Airey (left) as Kane, Timothy Elliot (center) as Bernie and, Steve Satta (right) as David
Photos by Katie Ellen Barth and Bryan Schlein
SOLID
Sex & Death with Iron Crow BY KELLY D. MCCLAIN
“Love and Human Remains” will be performed by Baltimore’s Iron Crow Theatre Company at the Swinnow Theatre during the month of June. Written by gay playwright Brad Fraser and first performed in 1989, the play was acknowledged by TIME Magazine as the “one of the best plays of 1991.” Some characters are openly gay. The other characters are still exploring or denying that aspect of themselves. Some are straight. Just like life. “There is just enough irony and camp to keep it spicy, without losing the grittiness of the world he’s created,” said Steve Satta, artistic director of the Iron Crow Theatre. The stage is set in a stylized representation of an abandoned Baltimore row house.
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Michele Minnick plays Candy, a heterosexual woman trying to meet the perfect man but who along the way finds herself experimenting with lesbianism. “This play is about the moments and the places where violence meets desire,” she said. David, played by Satta who selfidentifies as gay, is Candy’s homosexual roommate and no longer believes that love exists. “David left home,” said Satta, “returned, struggled to connect again, and dealt with the past while trying to build a future.” Meanwhile, a serial killer terrorizes the city. The killer represents the personal fears that haunt us, our mortality, and the risks of connecting to others, according to Satta. “For me, this play is about decay,” said Joseph W. Ritsch, associate director of the Iron Crow and director of the play,
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Michele Minnick (left) as Candy & Erin Gahan (right) as Jerri Christopher Zargarbashi (left) as Robert & Ryan Airey (right) as Kan
“the decay of relationships, of the past, of hope, of the bodies of the growing victims appearing throughout the city.” In a landscape of seven souls searching for connection, “[there is] a world where walls shift, shadows dance, sounds of the past echo, and the objects left behind become the place and things that inhabit these characters’ world,” said Ritsch. While most often gay playwrights write about the gay male experience, and lesbian playwrights write about the lesbian female experience, “what is wonderful about this play is how Fraser deeply and graphically examines the relationships that gay, lesbian, and bisexual people deal with in their lives,” said Ritsch, who is also gay. “It is rare in the entertainment industry that you find gay main characters of depth portrayed truthfully,” Minnick said. DETAILS: Love and Human Remains, June 2-18, Swinnow Theatre on the Homewood campus of Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St. $10-15. IronCrowTheatre.com. BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER
5/25/11 7:29 PM
Local Theater Takes the Stage this Summer BY BEN RYLAND
When most of Baltimore’s big-ticket theaters go dark for the summer, many community theaters take advantage of the warm temps and patrons looking for entertainment. Spotlighters Theatre continues its production of the Pulitzer Prize winning drama “Doubt’ through June 12, and will present the melodic musical, “A Little Night Music” with lyrics by Stephen Sondhiem, June 24 to July 24. Now through June 19, Everyman Theatre features George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion,” the hilarious tale of the dapper Henry Higgins and cockney Eliza Doolittle. The nation’s oldest community theater, the Vagabond Players in Fells Point, presents a ribald and risqué comedy, “Abducting Diana,” June 3 to 20. Fells Point Corner Theatre continues its production of The Seafarer through June 5. Theatre Project presents “What the Fool?!?” June 3 to 5, the “Deep Vision” of Deep Vision Dance Company June 10 and 11, and “Reefer Madness” June 17 to July 10. June 10 through July 10, Single Carrot Theatre is showing “Linus & Alora,” a visually rewarding stream of consciousness journey. Maryland Shakespeare Festival will perform William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” with a cast of professional actors, June 29 to July 10, under the stars in the Evergreen Museum & Library Meadow. The biggest theater news this summer is a coup by Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Baltimore. They will open on June 9 the east coast premiere of the recent Broadway hit, “Xanadu.” Campy, tuneful, and over-the-top, it’s a gay man’s dream on roller skates, and is not to be missed running through September 4. Outside of Baltimore, several shows of specific gay interest if not context will be hitting the boards at various locations: Toby’s Dinner Theatre Columbia will present the Cole Porter WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
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musical, “Anything Goes” June 16 to August 28 followed by their in the round version of “Chicago” opening September 1. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged)” can also be enjoyed outside in Ellicott City thanks to the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company June 10 to July 24. The outdoor venue in the Annapolis town center, the Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, has a full summer of musical offerings: “Chicago” plays through June 19, “The Marvelous Wonderettes” will be showing in July, and “Hairspray” August 4 to September 4. “Hairspray” is also the centerpiece of Cockpit in Court’s Summer Program at Essex Community College in a full-scale production July 22 to August 7. Their opening show June 17 to July 3 is the rarely produced musical, “The Secret Garden.” This lovely and emotional musical was written by Lucy Simon and was nominated for a Tony as Best Musical of the Year. Pulitzer winner, “Rent” is playing at the Laurel Playhouse through June 11. This past year’s Pulitzer Prize winner “Next to Normal” makes a stop on its national tour at the Kennedy Center with its Tony winning star, Alice Ripley, in the leading role. Don’t miss this unique production; it’s only a two week run, June 28 to July 10. Returning for its third area tour is the biggest of all show queen musicals: “Wicked” is playing at the Kennedy Center June 15 to August 21. The engagement is practically sold-out for the entire run but check for availability. If you haven’t seen this show how do you call yourself gay? Signature Theatre of Arlington, Va, winner of the Tony Award for Regional Theatre, is running a terrific production of “Side by Side by Sondheim” starring the accomplished Broadway star, Matthew Scott (who is not bad to look at for two hours) through June 12.
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WEDDINGS
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LGBT Wedding Expo Caters to All As we enter the height of wedding season, Gay Life spoke with Tammy Freeman, creator of the “Say I Do!” LGBT Wedding Expo:
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GL: How did you get into this work and why? TF: My partner and I were planning our wedding and realized how difficult it could be finding LGBT and LGBT-friendly vendors. Most bridal shows assume a man-woman pairing, and while there are great online resources, nothing beats face-to-face interaction. We would get our hopes up about a product or service, but there’s always that question of how we would be received as a lesbian couple. I knew we weren’t the only couple out there dealing with these issues, and that’s how Say I Do! was born. GL: What kinds of vendors can attendants expect to find? TF: First and foremost, attendees can find gay-friendly vendors. Vendors who don’t assume a heterosexual partnership and who celebrate same-gender love. Having said that, our guests will find event planners, stationary designers, attire, travel agents (for that special honeymoon) and more! Read the full interview on BaltimoreGayLife.com. DETAILS: Say I Do! LGBT Wedding Expo. June 5, 1-5pm. Adults $7-25, children FREE. The Hotel Palomar, Washington, DC, 20036. SayIDoExpo.com.
NATIONAL
Delaware Governor Signs Civil-Union Bill Delaware Gov. Jack Markell signed the state’s civil-union bill into law May 11 at World Café Live at The Queen theater in Wilmington. The law grants same-sex couples the state-level rights, benefits and obligations of marriage, and recognizes same-sex civil unions and marriages from other states, treating them as Delaware civil unions.
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Minn. House Sends Marriage Ban Amendment to Voters Minnesota’s House of Representatives voted 70-62 on May 21 to send voters a referendum to amend the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage. Gay couples already are prohibited from marrying, but supporters of the constitutional amendment said it would be stronger than the current statutory ban. Protesters outside the chambers could be heard chanting “Just vote no” as legislators pushed the buttons. The proposal had passed the Senate 38-27 on May 11. It will appear on the November 2012 ballot.
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Presbyterians OK Noncelibate Gay Pastors The Presbyterian Church (USA) has become the latest mainstream American Protestant denomination to allow noncelibate LGB people to become pastors.
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On May 10, a vote of a regional governing body in Minnesota pushed the number of “presbyteries” supporting the change over the halfway mark. The development effectively ratified a July 2010 vote of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church to end ordination discrimination against everyone who wasn’t either straight, married and monogamous, or single and celibate. The change removed from the Presbyterians’ constitution the requirement that pastors, elders and deacons be living “in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness.” Now the church will instead look at one’s “calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for the responsibilities of office.”
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The Presbyterian Church has 173 presbyteries, and the Twin Cities presbytery was the 87th to approve the constitutional revision. “While it has taken longer for our church to get to this amazing moment of entering into a new era of equality, this voting process has given us the opportunity to affirm that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons are part of God’s good creation and can be called by God to serve the church,” said Michael Adee, executive director of More Light Presbyterians. “The thousands of conversations, prayers and the sharing of hopes and dreams are all part of building a church that reflects God’s heart.” “Passing this amendment makes clear the good news that the Presbyterian Church welcomes and values every person—because Jesus does,” said the Rev. Mary Lynn Tobin, co-moderator of Covenant Network of Presbyterians. “Its passage removes an enormous stumbling block for many who would otherwise be drawn to following Jesus.” Sylvia Thorson-Smith of Presbyterian Voices for Justice added: “We rejoice that God’s justiceloving spirit has blown like a mighty wind through our church after long decades of struggle. For years we have wept for the many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Presbyterians who have left our church because their calls were denied. But today, we shed tears of jubilation that our church has finally said yes to their full participation.” Other mainline U.S. Protestant denominations that allow noncelibate LGB people to be pastors include the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the United Church of Christ, and the Episcopal Church.
BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER
5/25/11 7:29 PM
ScotsGay photo
INTERNATIONAL
Some 2,000 people took to the streets of Edinburgh, Scotland, on May 7 for gay pride.
Gay Pride in Scotland Some 2,000 people took to the streets of Edinburgh, Scotland, May 7 for gay pride. Officers from several Scottish police forces marched in uniform along with Deputy Chief Constable Steve Allen of the Lothian and Borders Police, who is the diversity and equality chair for the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland. Newly elected openly gay parliamentarian Marco Biagi also joined the parade. The Lothian and Borders Police area includes Edinburgh and about a quarter of Scotland’s population.
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Ugandan ‘Kill The Gays’ Bill Dies, for Now The Ugandan legislation that would have imposed the death penalty on repeat violators of the nation’s ban on gay sex died in Parliament on May 13 without seeing a vote. However, the Anti-Homosexuality Bill could be reintroduced in the next session of Parliament in June. The measure would have imprisoned for life anyone convicted of “the offense of homosexuality.” Repeat offenders, as well as HIV-positive people who had gay sex, would have been put to death. The bill was widely condemned around the world. On May 12, a spokesman for the U.S. State Department said, “No amendments, no changes, would justify the passage of this odious bill.” Should the bill be reintroduced, it “would be required to return to the beginning of the legislative process, including getting clearance from the minister of finance and facing public consultations
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by various parliamentary committees,” said Human Rights Watch’s Boris Dittrich.
Worldwide Gay Rights Report Released ILGA, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, released its “State Sponsored Homophobia Report 2011” on May 17 in conjunction with IDAHO, the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.
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The document welcomes the legalization of same-sex marriage in Argentina and Iceland, the Brazilian court ruling that created national civil unions, and the U.N. Human Rights Council’s statement, signed by 85 nations, condemning persecution of LGBT people. The researchers found that 76 nations still ban gay sex and seven of them have laws punishing gay sex with the death penalty: Iran, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Yemen, 12 states in Nigeria, and southern parts of Somalia. The report is “a tool for all activists, scholars and journalists to see ... where the world stands on laws related to sexual orientation and gender identity,” the group said.
Find complete news stories at BaltimoreGayLife.com/news.
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DJ Vjuan Allure Headlines Baltimore Pride Youth Zone BY MICHAEL QUANDER, JR.
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here are plenty of DJs-for-hire, many who can add a unique sound to your next event. But very few are making the kind of noise that this year’s headlining DJ is making for Baltimore Pride 2011’s Youth Zone. Legendary DJ Vjuan Allure, 33, is recognized for his talents worldwide, and his next stop is Baltimore, Md. His beats act as a pulse to the LGBTQ community, on and off the dance floor, keeping alive the celebration of diversity and creativity we identify with year round. DJ Vjuan was born in Puerto Rico, raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., moved to Italy, and currently resides in Maryland. Though he has lived so many places around the world, DJ Vjuan will always consider the club to be his home. He has lived on the club dance floor since the age of 11, where he competed in New York City dance battles. Later, with his love of music, dance, and creativity, DJ Vjuan Allure mastered the art of vogue, a highly stylized dance form, and made a name for himself within the Ballroom community. “Ballroom” describes the LGBT subculture where people compete, or “walk,” at events known
as balls. Those involved often belong to groups called houses. It is within this community that DJ Vjuan has been the most influential and original. “When they deemed me legendary, it was based on impact,” he said. According to DJ Vjuan, he has set trends in the ballroom community by being a DJ for his house, while also walking. “I’m the only DJ in the ballroom scene that walks balls, I’m not only in my house to DJ,” he said. DJ Vjuan enjoys generating the “wow factor” in everything he does in the ballroom scene. Like most successful DJ’s or music producers, DJ Vjuan credits both a prodigious mentor and interesting inspirations when it comes to creating his music. “My mentor is DJ Cedric because of his unique style and the way he makes the crowd go crazy,” he said.
Youth Ball Provides Safe Fun at Baltimore Pride BY TERRI SOLOMON
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altimore’s Pride Weekend will again feature a Youth Ball in collaboration with the Baltimore Ballroom Coalition
during Saturday’s outdoor block party. While last year was the first celebration specifically for youth at the block party, the University of Maryland has been sponsoring free balls during the Pride season since 2007, according to Jamal Hailey, a prevention manager for STAR TRACK’s LinQ HIV prevention program at the University of Maryland. “We wanted to create an atmosphere that was for youth specifically,” said Lamont Bryant, STAR TRACK’s project health coordinator. That means the lot across from the Belvedere Hotel (E. Chase St., between Charles and St. Paul Sts.) will be an alcohol and drug-free zone from 5-8:30 p.m. on June 18. Most people in attendance will be young adults under age 24. PAGE 10 • MAY 27 - JUNE 9, 2011
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BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER
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DJ Cedric is also known worldwide for setting trends and thinking outside the box. DJ Vjuan’s inspiration for making music derives from his love of dance, spending hours in his home dancing to the music he produces. “I make music that I like to dance to. If the song is really long, it’s because I like to dance to it!” he exclaimed. His inspiration and method of making music is very personal and true to the person he is today. DJ Vjuan is very excited to have the opportunity to share his music with Baltimore at one of the biggest celebrations of diversity and culture this year. He looks at pride celebrations as an opportunity to see that the LGBTQ community does not take
this for granted. More specifically in Baltimore, DJ Vjuan Allure enjoys the rich culture and artistic creativity that the city has to offer. “Baltimore is not scared to stand up and be Baltimore—as a dancer, I really understand Baltimore,” he said. The main reason he wants to participate in this year’s youth zone is to give back to the community and let all youth know: “you can do what it is you want to do.” For more information, bookings, or his latest project, Vacuum Paradise, visit VjuanAllure.com. DETAILS: Baltimore Pride’s Youth Zone Mini Ball, Sat., June 18, 6-9pm. Presented by Project Health and Baltimore Pride. One block north of Mainstage at Morton St. & Chase St. parking Lot. All ages. BaltimorePride.org.
Youth interested in walking and competing in a category in the ball can just show up, according to Bryant. Contestants dress in theme-appropriate costumes or formal attire, and compete in a number of categories. While this year’s theme is not yet announced, last year’s circus theme brought clowns and and ring masters to Chase St. “One popular category is runway, so you’ll have people battle back and forth doing runway poses and walks to determine who has the best one,” said Hailey. Community resource tables are available to youth at the event, providing information, games and give-aways from organizations such as TransUnited, Baltimore County and City Health Departments, Planned Parenthood, The Den, Baltimore Black Pride, LifeLynes, The Taylor-Wilks Group, and the STAR TRACK/LinQ Prevention Team While the predominantly African-American MSMs that Bryant and Hailey work with face violence, addiction, and discrimination on a daily basis, they see the Youth Ball as a safe space where all young adults can entertain and be entertained. “It’s definitely been a positive experience, and a powerful one, to see young people have fun and not worry about the typical barriers they usually have to deal with,” said Hailey. DETAILS: Youth Ball during Saturday’s outdoor block party, Baltimore’s Pride Weekend, June 18, 5-8:30pm. FREE. The lot across from the Belvedere Hotel (E. Chase St., between Charles and St. Paul Sts.). BaltimorePride.org.
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Qualified LGBT Leadership Candidates Forced to Stay in the Closet In 1978, the Presbyterian governing body, called the General Assembly, instituted a policy that “selfaffirming, practicing homosexual persons” could not be ordained as elders, deacons, or ministers in the church. Candidates who lied about their sexuality, or were “self-hating” rather than “self-affirming” were still eligible for leadership. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) had exclusionary language which stated: “Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness.”
Presbyterian Church Removes Restrictions on LGBT Ordinations Govans Presbyterian Church Celebrates Historic Vote BY TERRI SOLOMON
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t’s “More Light Sunday” at Govans Presbyterian Church, and the congregation is celebrating. By happy coincidence, or God’s perfect timing, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) voted to allow the ordination of openly gay and lesbian ministers on May 10, just five days before the already scheduled annual Sunday service.
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Since each individual church board elects elders and deacons, a welcoming congregation could sidestep the legalities of this amendment by simply not asking candidates their sexual orientation or gender identity. According to Rev. Tom Harris, pastor of Govans Presbyterian Church, his church has been ordaining gay and lesbian elders for years. But because presbyteries in each area ordain ministers who serve as the pastors of local churches, it was more difficult, if not impossible, for out members of the LGBT community to become the spiritual leaders of a church. Now, the Presbytery of Baltimore will be free to appoint candidates of all sexual orientations and gender identities who do not wish to hide their relationships and personal identities. “I see this as an opportunity to build a stronger church,” Rev. Dr. Janet Edwards said in a statement following the historic vote. In 2008, the Pittsburgh minister was tried and acquitted by a Presbyterian court for performing a same-sex marriage. “Faithful and qualified lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Presbyterians will be able to openly serve the church with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love.”
More Light Sunday is a Joyous Event The walls of Govans Presbyterian Church are decorated with liturgical stoles from a traveling collection, “Shower of Stoles;” each stole represents a LGBT person of faith who has a leadership position in their particular faith community. The New Wave Singers are here too, very appropriately singing “We Are One” with a diverse group of LGBT community members and straight allies.
people of faith in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)” since 1974, according to its website. Over the past three decades, advocacy by welcoming churches, in cooperation with pro-LGBT faith groups such as More Light, Covenant Network, and That All May Freely Serve, “finally changed hearts and minds,” said Rev. Harris. Harris is “ecstatic” that the church he loves finally stood on “the side of equality to counteract all the Christians on the side of prejudice.” Harris is not gay—he’s married to a woman and has two young children—but he believes religion should be a positive force in society, and not used to exclude anyone. A pivotal moment occurred for Harris when he saw the 2007 documentary “For the Bible Tells Me So” and realized the extreme impact of LGBT exclusion and condemnation by certain religious groups. “It really hit home how the church has not just been complicit in prejudice, but also in driving it,” Rev. Harris said. “One of the main reasons that society keeps thinking we have to discriminate is the churches, but it’s wrong for churches to advocate against fair treatment of LGBT people.”
Life-Long Presbyterian Believes the Church Should Welcome All Jeananne Stine describes herself as a “life-long Presbyterian” who grew up with no knowledge of the exclusionary language in the Book of Order. And while the wording did not exclude Stine, who is straight, married and has three children, she still found it at odds with her belief that “the church should welcome all.” “Now, more and more, society is accepting of LGBT people. We know them,” said Stine, who has a daughter who “identifies as queer” and a sister with a long-time partner. She’s been involved with More Light for five years, and is finishing up her first year on the National Executive Board. Stine was integral in recently organizing three phone banks at Govans Presbyterian through the faith advocacy organization. Members of other local welcoming congregations joined the members of Govans Presbyterian in calling presbyteries and urging them to vote in favor of Amendment 10-A. Stine characterized the campaign as “very successful.”
And guest Michael Adee is preaching the sermon, “Bridges, Not Walls: Being Family, Being Church.”
“Two of the presbyteries who switched their vote from no to yes were ones that we called,” she said. When Stine received the news that a simple majority of yes votes had been reached, she was out to dinner with her husband and another couple who had been involved with the issue for many years.
Adee’s visit to Baltimore couldn’t have been more timely. He’s the Executive Director and Field Organizer of More Light Presbyterians, an organization which has advocated for “the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender
“I ordered an Irish coffee and had the waitress take our picture,” Stine said. “It’s a very happy time. I can’t stop smiling.” She is hopeful that the amendment will bring men and women who left the Presbyterian Church because they felt excluded back to it, and also BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER
5/25/11 7:29 PM
Jeananne Stine
Lili Vélez
SAIM Moderator Danista Hunte and GLCCB President Trevor Ankeny accept a check from Govans Presbyterian to benefit youth programs
SAIM Receives Generous Donation from Govans Presbyterian Church By Terri Solomon
encourage new members to join a safe, spiritual space. “My LGBT friends are now happy that the church they love now loves them back,” said Stine.
New Wave Singers Celebrate at Govans Lili Vélez is a second tenor with the New Wave Singers, a gay chorus in Baltimore. “I got Dad’s voice,” she jokes. Her parents met while singing in a Presbyterian choir, and both were active in the church. Like Jeananne Stine, Vélez was initially unaware that the church she loved had exclusionary policies toward the LGBT community. She first learned about the advocacy group, Presbyterians for Gay and Lesbian Concerns, when she attended a church convention as a teenager. “I saw gay people who were also people of faith. So when I realized I was gay, I didn’t think God would have a problem with that,” said Vélez. “It was puzzling to learn that the rest of the church thought God did.” In the 1980s Vélez became active in Presbyterian youth groups in New Jersey, helping design and run youth retreats about metropolitan and global issues, including training youth representatives to attend regional and WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
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national church meetings. “The Presbyterian tradition has ministers and lay people work together to make policies. It was really transformative as a teen to be told that we could participate in that process,” she said. “It showed that change was possible....but usually slow.” Over the past four years, Vélez and her partner have been warmly welcomed by the congregation. And while Govans has always been an open-minded church, she sees the May 10 vote as freeing openly gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender members to participate in their faith without conflict. “Once, in church, there weren’t enough elders to serve Communion, and they came up to me with the plate,” she recalls. “I froze. I knew they didn’t care that I was gay, but I also knew the rules—as much as I wanted to serve that bread and wine, I also wanted to do it legally in the eyes of my tradition. I am so moved that I may finally be able to do that.” It’s More Light Sunday at Govans Presbyterian Church, and the New Wave Singers are belting out the lines, “One by one united, in this family we belong!”
Rev. Tom Harris of Govans Presbyterian Church presented Trevor Ankeny and Danista Hunte with a $1,000 check during the May 15 service, and pledged an additional financial gift for SAIM to follow. Ankeny is president of the GLCCB and Hunte is one of four adult facilitators for the youth group Sufficient As I aM, or SAIM. A long-time support group at the Center, SAIM provides a once weekly, safe discussion space for LGBTQ youth and their straight allies, ages 24 and under. It will be up to the youth group participants to determine how to use the donation. “What’s important is that participants realize the LGBT community and allies such as Govans Presbyterian Church truly value and respect them as an important part of this community,” said Ankeny. Find more information about SAIM on p. 16.
“It was an emotional song for me,” Vélez said. “We really do belong. The gates are finally open.” n
VOLUME 33, NUMBER 10 PAGE 13
5/25/11 7:29 PM
Photo by Terri Solomon
Rev. Tom Harris
Photo by Carolyn Kelley Klinger
Photo by Eleanor Smith
New Wave Singers with conductor Adam Koch at their Winter Concert, Dec. 2010
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BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER
5/25/11 7:29 PM
firstperson OP ED
SPEAKING OUT
BY DR. ROBERT C . GALLO
BY REV. IRENE MONROE
Reflections on AIDS After 30 Years Dr. Robert C. Gallo
It is almost impossible to think of any good that could come out of the horror and tragedy of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We must never become complacent about the devastation HIV/AIDS continues to wreak here in Baltimore and around the world. Nonetheless, it is important that we recognize some of the enormous positive impacts that the epidemic had in the midst of all the misery. After the release of our four publications in “Science” magazine (May 4, 1984, Vol 224 #4648) demonstrating HIV as the cause of AIDS, and our detailed article published a month later in “Lancet” magazine describing the world’s HIV/AIDS blood test (June 30, 1984, 1438-1440), my colleagues and I then at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) believed the general public would be relieved and, more or less, proud of us. After all, we had solved the problem of the cause of AIDS and developed the HIV/AIDS blood test. The blood test protected the blood supply and therefore helped blood recipients, especially hemophiliacs. It also allowed the epidemic to be followed for the first time and provided systems for the study of the virus in great detail, which contributed to the future study of drug therapy for HIV. However, before scientists and activists joined forces to effect change, these two groups were at odds. You see, scientists such as myself, didn’t understand the mental anguish the gay community was living every second of every day in those early years. It wasn’t until we were forced to come together through the AIDS epidemic that, together, we began to move scientific, social, and political change. The outcome of the gay community’s rallying together, pioneered patient advocacy in other areas, for example, among cancer patients today. I would also say that HIV/AIDS causes a far greater understanding of women’s rights, of differences in sexuWWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
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ality and, finally, contributed to a far greater involvement of America with still-developing countries. Another unprecedented outcome from HIV/AIDS includes not only increased social tolerance, but pioneering biomedical breakthroughs. Novel medical advancements that came out of HIV/AIDS research clearly and greatly impacted the whole field of immunology, especially what we might refer to as clinical immunology. Moreover, there is an increased incidence of some cancers with HIV/AIDS infection, and we have learned how and why this occurs. One might say that we can draw certain refuge in these positive effects that make the morbidity and loss of lives by people suffering from AIDS infection a catastrophe that is not lost in vain. Nothing is more important however than the impact HIV has had on treating viral diseases. In an unbelievably short time we did develop drug therapy against HIV. Some of the work that was carried out in my own laboratory, principally by the man who would soon become director of NCI for a short time, was advanced by Dr. Sam Broder. Sam and a few of his co-workers, including Dr. Bob Yarchoan, in collaboration with Burroughs Wellcome, brought AZT to the clinic in record time. Now the whole pharmaceutical industry understands the importance scientists play early on in an epidemic because if we know enough about a virus, how it reproduces, and what molecules it uses, we may be able to treat other persisting viral infections, such as hepatitis C and influenza. The future includes improved drug therapy and developing an HIV preventative vaccine. We are working on both quests here in Baltimore at our Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. We look forward to working together toward these ends. Robert C. Gallo, MD is Director of the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and is widely known for his discovery of the first human retroviruses (including one which causes a specific kind of leukemia), co-discovery of HIV, and the development of the HIV blood test.
All About Chaz The long-awaited film “Becoming Chaz,” a documentary about Chaz Bon’s female-to-male (FTM) gender reassignment, aired this month on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. And it captures not only the arduous trek of coming out as transgender, but it also captures the universal experience we all face of coming out as our true selves. As the only child of the world renowned pop duo Cher and Sonny Bono, many of us remember Chaz as their cherub-faced daughter Chastity, blowing kisses to the audience of her parents top-rated variety television show “Sonny & Cher.” In 1995 Chaz was outed as a lesbian. But this time Chaz is in control, and on his own volition announcing he’s now legally a man. But our trans men and women who have the courage to come out sadly and too often receive more criticism, sarcasm, and ridicule than praise. For example, in New York Times reporter Cintra Wilson’s article, “The Reluctant Transgender Role Model,” she attempts to comprehend the enormity of Chaz’s courage, and perhaps applaud his perseverance to undergo surgery. As a cisgendered person (one whose gender matches his or her biological sex) Wilson’s remark is, at best, insensitive and, at worst, insulting: “You come away with a palpable understanding of how unendurably he must be suffering in his body to want to have his own sex characteristics amputated,” Wilson wrote. And with the heterosexist assumption that the reason any child who is lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) might have something to do with inept parenting, Wilson ask these naggingly insulting questions in her article: “Could it be possible that the fact that Chaz is now a man is somehow Cher’s fault? Did the toxic culture of celebrity damage Chastity/Chaz’s gender identity? Did Cher’s almost drag queen-like hyper-female persona somehow devour Chastity’s emerging femininity? Could Chaz’s transition have been motivated by gender-bent Oedipal revenge? Is he reclaiming the childhood attention his
superstar mother always diverted? It is remotely possible that he needed to make the transition because his mom is Cher?” “I don’t think the way I grew up had any effect on this issue,” Chaz told Wilson. “There’s a gender in your brain and a gender in your body. For 99 percent of people, those things are in alignment. For transgender people, they’re mismatched. That’s all it is. It’s not complicated, it’s not a neurosis. It’s a mix-up. It’s a birth defect, like a cleft palate.” To no one’s surprise, social critic and self-described dissident feminist Camille Paglia, in a 54-second video by “Xtraonline” that went viral, had to volunteer her scurrilous viewpoint on Chaz’s choice to undergo gender reassignment as a form of bodily mutilation. Pagilia opines that Chaz’s unhappy and confusing childhood had nothing to do with him wanting a sex change, but she never states what Chaz’s unhappy and confusing childhood was about. Instead, Pagilia voices her worries. Pagilia’s biggest worry is that such an outrageous act of changing one’s gender would gravely influence children who feel born in the wrong body—an adolescent phase she disdainfully states she once experienced but overcame. And when we see in the documentary Cher—gay icon nonpareil—not celebratory about Chaz’s transition as her close friends and girlfriend Jenny are, it’s unnerving. But Cher, in my opinion, comes across more as a frightened parent than as an insensitive transphobic. Worried about the toil it will take— physically and mentally—on Chaz to endure ongoing male hormone shots for the rest of his life, Cher, still using the female pronoun, states “I’m afraid she’s not going to be healthy, I’m afraid it’s too much for her.” During the documentary, Cher is heard pining about what she perceives as the lost of her daughter forever when she stated she should have saved the familiar sound of Chaz’s voice on an answering machine before he began male hormone therapy. But Cher understands Chaz’s courageous act to transition. “If I woke up toContinued on page 18 VOLUME 33, NUMBER 10 PAGE 15
5/25/11 7:29 PM
the CENTER Page Welcome
Here is our schedule of free or low-cost support groups, meetings, and services. Unless otherwise noted, all events are held at the Center: 241 W. Chase Street, Baltimore. Please call (410) 837-5445 for more information or visit www.glccb.org. PROGRAMS FOR EVERYONE
TRANSGENDER PROGRAMS
ACHIEVE, CULTIVATE, & EDUCATE (ACE) SERIES ACE classes provide learning opportunities for the LGBT community in a safe and affirming environment to enhance and enrich community members’ lives! Interested in teaching? Contact us at info@glccb.org or (410) 837-5445
GENDER IDENTITY GROUP (GIG) A support group for transgender, gender queer, or anyone who varies from traditional gender expression. Meets the 2nd Saturday, 8:00 p.m. room 201 Email GIG@glccb.org or visit www.transmaryland.org
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Every Monday, 8:30 p.m. Every Thursday, 8:30 p.m. Every Saturday, 6:30 p.m. Room 201. Visit www.baltimoreaa.org for information, resources, and other meeting locations and times.
GIG: Baltimore Trans-Masculine Alliance (BTMA) GIG’s FTM support group meets the 4th Saturday, 6 p.m. room 202 Email BTMA@glccb.org or visit www.transmaryland.org
AA - POSITIVELY SOBER Alcoholics Anonymous open meeting centered on living a sober and healthy lifestyle. Focus is on HIV+ and health related issues affecting sobriety. Meets every Sunday, 6:00 p.m. Room 201 Contact Dave at BmoreDave@gmail.com BEGINNERS’ YOGA SUNDAY afternoons, 3:30 p.m in room 201. Gentle beginners’ yoga with instructor Tim Hurley, RYT. $9.00 per person. Walk-ins WELCOME! HIV & SYPHILIS TESTING with the Baltimore City Health Department Wednesdays 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 3rd Floor SCA - Sexual Compulsives Anonymous Every Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. Room 202 NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS Sunday Men’s Rap - Meets every Sunday at 11:30 a.m. in room 201. Visit www. na.org for information, resources and other meeting locations and times. PRIDE IN THE ARTS The GLCCB presents art receptions and movie screenings that showcase local LGBTQ talent. Check out the GLCCB’s calendar at www.glccb.org for upcoming Pride in the Arts events. Artists interested in submitting work for exhibit or screening contact us at info@glccb.org.
MEN’S PROGRAMS MEN LIKE ME Open support group for adult males who love other men. Come discuss issues of coming out, homophobia, relationships, etc. in a safe and supportive space. The objective is to empower participants to take better care of themselves and each other. Facilitated by a licensed clinician. Meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month, 6:00 p.m. room 201 Email Shane at MenLikeMe@glccb.org POZ MEN Peer support group for all HIV+ men. Meets EVERY WEDNESDAY, 7:00 p.m. room 202 Email POZMen@glccb.org
GIG: Tran*quility GIG’s MTF support group meets the 4th Saturday, 8:00 p.m. room 201 Email tranquility@glccb.org or visit www.transmaryland.org GIG: Partners of Trans People Group (PTP) A support and resource group for anyone in a relationship with a transgender person. Meets every 4th Saturday, 8 p.m. room 202 Email ptp@glccb.org
WOMEN’S PROGRAMS PEARLS OF WISDOM (POW) A coming out/peer support group for ALL womyn of the LBTQ community, engage in open and Anonymous/Confidential dissusions on relationships, families, self-identity, coming out, peers, deceit, and more! While visiting POW, you will experience mixed emotions of womyn from a variety of age groups and backgrounds from feminine to transgender. Meets the 1st and 3rd Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. room 202 For more information, contact “Q” at POW.Lesbian@yahoo.com WOMEN OF COLOR A collective group committed to providing a safe, confidential, and supportive space for lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning women of all colors. Meets the 2nd, 4th & 5th Thursday, 7:30 p.m. room 202. Email WOC@glccb.org WOMEN OUT AND ABOUT Social group for lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women who want to meet new people doing enjoyable activities. For more information on planned activities contact Ms. Kelly at BWOAEvents@ yahoo.com
YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT SUFFICIENT AS I aM (SAIM) A supportive group for youth and young adults 24 years of age and under. Youth are welcome to drop-in and try out this successful, long-running program which features a rap group, special activities, speakers, trips! Meets every Saturday, room 201 at 12:00 p.m. Email SAIM@glccb.org Part of the GLCCB’s mission is to provide quality support services, appropriate facilities and professional resources for the development and well-being of individuals and groups. While the GLCCB is committed to positive and enriching experiences for all who use its services, the group descriptions listed, content, and the views expressed are those of the facilitators or organizers and do not necessarily reflect those of the GLCCB. The GLCCB is a 501(c)(3) organization.
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BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER
5/25/11 7:29 PM
outgoing SPOTLIGHT
Word is Out: A Pride Celebration! Reception, Screening, and Discussion
T
he Creative Alliance kicks off Pride celebrations with a screening of the seminal 1977 documentary, “Word Is Out.” The screening will be preceded by a happy hour reception and followed by a Q&A and discussion with a panel of prominent LGBT community members.
Event Info Word is Out: A Pride Celebration! $7-12, Fri. June 3 6pm reception, 7pm show The Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave. 410.276.1651, CreativeAlliance.org
Creative Alliance’s new Film and Digital Media Director KJ Mohr said he was first introduced to the film when he was working for Outfest, the LGBT Film Festival in Los Angeles, Ca. He found the film empowering, informative and surprisingly progressive. “It’s totally riveting,” Mohr told Gay Life. “Once you start watching you can’t stop.” When first released, “Word is Out” startled audiences with its intimate interviews of gay men and lesbians of diverse backgrounds, speaking candidly about their lives. Join the Creative Alliance, Equality Maryland, and the GLCCB to celebrate Pride Month.
DATEBOOK Friday, May 27 Sunset on the Patio: Join the GLCCB for a fundraiser hosted by the Baltimore Eagle. 50/50 raffle, special guests, and more on the Eagle’s lovely patio. We’ll be giving a sneak peek of upcoming Pride 2011. Proceeds benefit the GLCCB. 509pm. FREE. Baltimore Eagle, 2022 N. Charles St. TheBaltimoreEagle.com or 410.837.5445 DC Black Pride: DC Black Pride celebrates 21 years of building a stronger Black LGBT community. Thru 5/29. Hamilton Crowne Plaza Hotel, 14th & K Streets, NW, Washington, DC. DCBlackPride.org.
Wednesday, June 1 BINGO!: Hosted by Roger Dimick. Cash prizes and progressive jackpot. Proceeds benefit GLCCB. 8:30pm. Club Hippo, 1 W.Eager St. ClubHippo.com Living the Full Rainbow Flag: Members relate significant developments in their lives and develop a topic of mutual interest based on one of the eight themes of the rainbow flag. 7:15pm. $20. Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church, 9601 Cedar Ln. Bethesda. 301.493.8300 CedarLane.org
Eclipse! at Club Orpheus: Dance to a mesmerizing light show with video projectors, lasers and strobes. 9 pm. 18+. Club Orpheus. 1003 E. Pratt St. ClubOrpheus.webs.com
Thursday, June 2
Saturday, May 28
Equality Md Listening Tour: Provide your opinion on the past legislative session and input on how Maryland moves forward in 2012. 6:30pm. The Gormet Goat, 41 N. Potomac St. Hagerstown EqualityMaryland.org
Baltimore Frontrunners and Walkers: Running and walking club for LGBT individuals and friends. 8:45–11:15am. Panera Bread, 3600 Boston St. BaltimoreFrontrunners.org
Sunday, May 29 NKOTBSB w/Jordin Sparks: Watch the world rejoice as two heartthrob boy bands, New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys, come together to rock Baltimore. 7:30pm. $30-94. 1st Mariner Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. BaltimoreArena.com Showtunes Video Madness: The best videos of Broadway shows and Hollywood musicals on huge flat screen hi-def monitors. FREE. 8:30pm-12 midnight. Club Hippo, 1 West Eager St. ClubHippo.com
Monday, May 30 MEMORIAL DAY
Tuesday, May 31 Equality Md Listening Tour: Provide your opinion on the past legislative session and input on how Maryland moves forward in 2012. 6:30pm. Prince George’s County Police Station, 7500 Livingston Rd, Oxen Hill EqualityMaryland.org Straight Eights Beach Ball Early Bird Registration Deadline: Riding On the Lap of Luxury’ is shaping up to be four days of fun in the sun, featuring CLUB BABALU – Costume Party & Dance 9/1518. $150 per person. Rehoboth Beach, Del. Straight8s.net
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DC Capital Pride: The annual celebration of the LGBT community in the Nation’s capital. Various events. Thru 6/12. CapitalPride.org
Pianist Emanuel Ax: The audience can expect a program of thrilling virtuosity and music-making. 8pm, $33-93. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Ln, North Bethesda. 301.581.5100 Strathmore.org “What The Fool?!?” This show of visual comedy and circus skills is inspired by vaudeville, silent film, and absurd theater. $10-20. Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St. 410.752.8558 TheatreProject.org
Friday, June 3 Word is Out – A Pride Celebration!: (See article above). 6pm. $7-12. Creative Alliance at The Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave. 410.276.1651 CreativeAlliance.org The Capital Jazz Fest: The 19th annual Capital Jazz Fest features live contemporary jazz and soul music on two big stages. Thru 06/5. $53-170. Merriweather Post Pavilion. 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia CapitalJazz.com
Saturday, June 4 The Lady Train tour (feat. The Pushovers & The Addy Janes): All seasoned singer-songwriters sing tight backing vocals, beat box, and charm the crowd with their self-effacing sarcasm. 10pm. $5 suggested donation. Joe Squared. 133 W. North Ave. JoeSquared.com Rihanna: The Loud Tour: Cee Lo Green and J. Cole join Rihanna on tour. 7:30pm. $22-72. 1st Mariner Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. BaltimoreArena.com Gunpowder River Artfest: A variety of fine art, crafts, food, and live music by Midlife Crisis, Jody Westerlund Band. 11am-8pm. $10-12. Boordy Vineyard, 12820 Long Green Pike, Hydes NBCAF.com Gay Men’s Chorus & Jennifer Holliday: Gay Men’s Chorus kicks off Capital Pride with “And I Am Telling You,” a celebration featuring Jennifer Holliday, Tony Award-winner for the role of Effie in Broadway’s Dreamgirls. 8pm. $20-25 Lisner Auditorium, George Washington University, Washington, DC. GMCW.org
Sunday, June 05 “Say I Do!” LGBT Wedding Expo: (See article p. 8) $7-25. 1-5pm. Hotel Palomar, 2121 P St. NW Washington, DC SayIDoExpo.com DC boys of leather Bar Night: Continue COMMAND’s anniversary celebration at this party, hosted by DC boys. 9pm. Leon’s Leather Lounge, 227 W. Chase St. LeonsLeatherLounge.com
Wednesday, June 08 CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY BINGO!: Hosted by Roger Dimick. Cash prizes and progressive jackpot. Proceeds benefit GLCCB. 8:30pm. Club Hippo, 1 W.Eager St. ClubHippo.com
Thursday, June 09 Mandy Patinkin with Paul Ford on Piano: Patinkin (AKA Inigo Montoya of “The Princess Bride”) is nothing short of electrifying. His interpretations of popular standards are superbly accompanied by Paul Ford at the piano. 8pm. Music Center at Strathmorem, 5301 Tuckerman Ln, North Bethesda. 301.581.5100 Strathmore.org Glee Live! In Concert: Live performances of some of the show’s most memorable musical numbers. 7:30pm. $53-93. Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW Washington, D.C. VerizonCenter.com Shodekeh and the Vocal Fest: Award-winning beat-boxer Shodekeh will produce and host a weekend devoted to discovering the range of the vocal instrument. 7pm. $10-20.Thru 06/11. Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St. 410.332.0033 CenterStage.org
Friday June 10 Iron Crow’s “Love and Human Remains”: (See article p. 6) Thru 06/18, Swirnow Theatre, Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus, 33rd & Charles St. IronCrowTheatre.com Linus & Alora: A visually rewarding journey is devised of a smattering of theatrical elements, including video projections that dance through Alora’s stunning stream of consciousness. 7:30pm. $35-70. Thru 7/10. Single Carrot Theatre, 120 W. North Ave. 443.844.9253 SingleCarrot.com “America, Bright & Gay”: Presented by the Harrisburg Men’s. Chorus. Come join us as we explore the many cultures and traditions that make America a vast melting pot. 8pm. $15. Theatre Harrisburg, 513 Hurlock St. Harrisburg, PA. HarrisburgMensChorus.org Catie Curtis in Concert: The vivid songwriting of Catie Curtis combines insightful lyrics with addictive melodies and energy. 8pm. $20. Charis Center for the Arts, 13010 8th St. Historic Old Bowie. CharisCenterArts.com Xanadu: A hilarious, roller-skating musical adventure. 6pm doors. $50-52. Toby’s Dinner Theatre, 5625 O’Donnell St. TobysDinnerTheatre.org Deep Vision Dance Company: An evening of visual, auditory, and physical stimulation. 8pm. $10-20. Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St. TheatreProject.org
Eclipse! at Club Orpheus: Eclipse! at Club Orpheus: Dance to a mesmerizing light show with video projectors, lasers and strobes. 9pm. 18+. Club Orpheus, 1003 E. Pratt St. ClubOrpheus.com
For additional details and more events, please visit the NEW Gay Life calendar online at BaltimoreGayLife.com/Events
“Seascapes” Artist Reception: Bonnie Sybert’s show, “Seascapes,” features recent works in watercolor and oil. FREE. 5-9pm. Exhibition runs through June 26. Art Gallery of Fells Point, 1716 Thames St. 410.327.1272 FellsPointGallery.org
EMAIL YOUR EVENT INFO TO CALENDAR@BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
Compiled by Arnesia Thomas VOLUME 33, NUMBER 10 PAGE 17
5/25/11 7:29 PM
afterhours
MAY 2011
BSCENE
Free State Legal Project Wine & Cheese Reception
Ride for the Feast: 140-Mile Moveable Feast Benefit
PHOTOS BY ELEANOR DAYHOFF-BRANNIGAN
PHOTOS BY MARK DOUGLAS
Anti-Hate Prom at the Windup Space
CHAZ from page 15
PHOTOS BY THE GLCCB
morrow in the body of a man, I couldn’t get to the surgeon fast enough,” she stated in the documentary. Chaz doesn’t walk away from the documentary without disturbingly turning a few heads in what many would agree are both sexists and misogynist remarks. “Jenny and I had to relearn how to be together,” Chaz states in the film. “I never really understood women before, to be honest, but I had a tolerance for women that I don’t have now. ...There is something in testosterone that makes talking and gossiping really grating. I’ve stopped talking as much. I’ve noticed that Jen can talk endlessly. ...I just kind of zone out. I just don’t care!” Chaz laughs. Unthinkingly, Chaz’s buys into the fallacious notion of “biology is destiny,” meaning we are slaves to our
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genes, and in his case hormones; he, also, is buying into the gender binary of male and female, which would categorically be dismissive of trans males and females. “I’ve learned that the differences between men and women are so biological. I think if people realized that, it would be easier. I would be a great relationship counselor. I know the difference that hormones really make.” Chaz isn’t realizing that espousing biological essentialist rhetoric, he’s categorizing people by a few fixed characteristics and not allowing for change or variation within God’s human tapestry. And I am by these remarks. However, I have to realize as a cisgendered lesbian, this is not my experience, and this is not my story. But rather I am reminded that the documentary “Becoming Chaz” is all about Chaz. BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER
5/25/11 7:29 PM
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