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MARYLAND’S LGBT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER MARCH 18 - MARCH 31, 2011 VOLUME XXXIII, NUMBER 5 WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
LGBT HEALTH AWARENESS
WEEK PLUS: n
John Waters at Tenn Cent Fest
n
Cabaret Drag Performance
n
Gender Rights Bill Criticism
Elton John to appear at 1st Mariner
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March is Orchid Month Attend a repotting demo or simply enjoy Mrs. Post’s signature flower adorning the Mansion.
A Photographic Journey of the Ambassador’s Daughter, Moscow 1937-38
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3/10/11 PM 3 VOLUME 33, NUMBER 5• 4:02 PAGE
3/14/11 12:24 PM
ter
CONTENTS
letter editor’s
MARCH 18 - MARCH 31, 2011 VOLUME 33, NUMBER 5
H
ealth care is a tempting topic to ignore until something goes wrong. Many of us who are not in the medical profession may choose to avoid doctors, hospitals, or regular check-ups unless a medical concern arises. But we are learning more and more that prevention is the key to staying healthy. Keep active, eat well, stop smoking, drink in moderation, and visit your health care provider on a regular basis. But that last one is tricky: accessing quality health care is easier said than done, and it’s easier for some than others. This issue of Gay Life brings you a feature story on LGBT Health Awareness Week (March 28 to April 1) and this year’s theme: “Come Out for Health.” Read about why keeping open connections with medical professionals is essential, especially for individuals in our communities. Learn why it’s important to be completely honest with your doctor, and if you’re not comfortable being honest, why you should find another doctor. Check out our extensive list of resources, as well as the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association’s three top-ten lists of the most common health concerns for transgenders, lesbians, and gay men. This issue also includes articles about some very exciting upcoming events. As our cover reveals, Sir Elton John is visiting Baltimore for one night only! Read about his upcoming show on page 7. And whether your style is more “Pink Flamingos” or “The Glass Menagerie” you don’t want to miss John Waters at the “Tenn Cent Fest,” the festival celebrating the 100th birthday of gay playwright Tennessee Williams at Georgetown University (page 6). Or if you’re not up for the drive to D.C., check out the many wonderful shows playing in our area (page 7). Our Feb. 18 issue featured a compelling and insightful Op Ed from Owen Smith of Equality Maryland about the importance of passing the Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination Bill. In this issue we include a piece critical of the bill from columnist and transwoman Gwendolyn Ann Smith (page 15). Also in February, we gave you a story on programs supporting LGBT youth. Now we bring you additional resources from Kate Bishop of the University of Maryland’s Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine (page 18). So whether you’re looking to be educated or entertained, read on to enjoy these topics and much more!
14 Out Front
First Person
PAGE 5 CABERET: SCLGBTA at Hippo, Silent Auction. By Maggie Beetz
PAGE 15 TRANSMISSIONS: The Transgender Rights Bill that isn’t Right. By Gwendolyn Ann Smith
PAGE 6 FESTIVAL: John Waters at Tenn Cent Fest. By Kelly D. McClain PAGE 7 CONCERT: Elton John in Baltimore. By Kristi Metzer PAGE 7 THEATER: Theater Notes. By Maggie Beetz PAGE 9 DINING OUT: Emporio Grano. By John Cullen and Marty Shayt
Headline News PAGE 11 INTERNATIONAL NEWS: By Rex Wockner with Bill Kelley
PAGE 4 • MARCH 18 - MARCH 31, 2011
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STAFF
Gay Life is a publication of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Baltimore. Gay Life is published every other Friday in Baltimore, Maryland, 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.
PAGE 18 HUNTER ON THE PROWL By Mark Hunter PAGE 19 LEATHER TALES: Chesapeake Leather Awareness Pride By Sir Andy Liu
ON THE COVER
Elton John Photo courtesy Ernst Vikne
Feature Out Going
241 W. Chase Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 Phone: 410.837.7748 • Fax: 410.837.8889 Email: sales@baltimoregaylife.com
After Hours
PAGE 10 NATIONAL NEWS: By Rex Wockner with Bill Kelley
PAGE 12: LGBT Health Awareness Week. By Terri Solomon
Maggie Beetz, Editor
PAGE 18 LETTER TO THE EDITOR: The Den and Other Youth Resources. By Kate Bishop
VISIT US ONLINE AT BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
PAGE 14: DATEBOOK
Maggie Beetz Editor editor@baltimoregaylife.com
Advertising Sales sales@baltimoregaylife.com 410-837-7748
Michael Nguyen Art Director art@baltimoregaylife.com
National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media 212-242-6863
Marty Shayt Volunteer
Kelly D. McClain Intern
Contributors Kate Bishop, John Cullen, Ryan Davis, Mark Hunter, Bill Kelley, Sir Andy Liu, Kristi Metzer, Marty Shayt, Gwendolyn Ann Smith, Terri Solomon, Rex Wockner Newspaper Committee: Trevor Ankeny, Kelly D. McClain, Doug Rose, Craig Wiley
BALTIMORE GAYLIFE
3/14/11 12:24 PM
Auction benefits local youth program
outfront
No two people are alike.
CABERET
SCLGBTA Hosts Cabaret Drag Performance, Silent Auction BY MAGGIE BEETZ
The ACPA Student Educators International’s Standing Committee for LGBT Awareness (SCLGBTA) is hosting a Cabaret Drag Performance at Club Hippo, March 29. The organization is coming to town for their annual conference, held this year at the Baltimore Convention Center, March 26-30. Headquartered at the National Center for Higher Education in D.C., the ACPA and its 8,500 members strive to advance student affairs and lifetime learning. SCLGBTA aims to eliminate oppression of LGBT persons within ACPA and on campuses. They also work to reduce professional isolation and advocate for the rights of LGBT students and colleagues. On the last evening of each conference, SCLGBTA hosts a cabaret performance made up of student affairs personnel, resident managers, leadership development staff, and even high-level administrators.
“It’s always a diverse group that performs,” said Bill McCoy, vice chair for administration. “They range from glamour to camp to politically-informed drag.” In a related event, the group is raising money for Baltimore LGBT youth program of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center, Sufficient As I aM (SAIM) through a silent auction at their convention. McCoy said they donate silent auction proceeds to a local youth group in the conference’s host city every year. This year they found SAIM, which meets weekly at the Center to provide a safe place for LGBT youth and allies under 24 to have discussions, listen to guest speakers, and enjoy special activities and trips. n
DETAILS: Cabaret Drag Performance, Tuesday, March 29, 8pm. Club Hippo, 1 W. Eager St. ClubHippo.com.
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VOLUME 33, NUMBER 5• PAGE 5
3/14/11 12:24 PM
outfront FESTIVAL
John Waters Performs at Tenn Cent Fest BY KELLY D. MCCLAIN
Baltimore filmmaker John Waters joins other noteworthy presenters in honoring what would be the 100th birthday of gay playwright Tennessee Williams at the “Tenn Cent Fest” Centennial Weekend Celebration, March 24-27, 2011. “We reached out to Waters as fans and as admirers of his work,” said Dr. Derek Goldman, artistic director of the Georgetown University Tennessee Williams Centennial Festival. The weekend-long festival features fully staged productions, concerts, screenings, and discussions. “Our goal has been to put together a broad-based festival that examines and celebrates Williams from many different angles,” Goldman said, “and certainly his influence on an artist like Waters seemed central.” Waters will perform “This Filthy World” on Sunday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m. This one-man show, written by Waters, takes on such taboo topics as pedophilia and drug use, as well as newsworthy topics like gay marriage. The performance will be accompanied by an on-stage discussion with Waters about Williams’ influence on him, as depicted in Waters’ book “Role Models.”
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Waters came to know of Williams in the late 1950s when at age 12, he searched a suburban Baltimore library for Williams’ book of short stories “One Arm.” Williams’ work was kept off the library shelves because its content was infused with extremes of madness, rape, incest, nymphomania, as well as violent and fantastic deaths. “Tennessee never seemed ‘gayly-correct’ even then, and sexual ambiguity and confusion were always made appealing and exciting in his work,” Waters wrote in the introduction to Williams’ book “Memoirs.” Tennessee Williams was born Thomas Lanier Williams in Columbus, Miss., on March 26, 1911. In his youth, he made himself three years younger to
Baltimore Filmmaker John Waters Photo courtesy Greg Gorman
enter a writing contest and therefore his birth year is sometimes incorrectly recorded as 1914. His family moved to St. Louis, Mo., with his father, a travelling shoe-salesman. At 28, Williams moved to New Orleans, took on the name Tennessee, and began his life as a gay man. In a 1975 New York Times article, Williams is quoted as saying, “I never considered my homosexuality as anything to be disguised.” He won the Pulitzer Prize for drama for “A Streetcar Named Desire” in 1948 and for “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” in 1955. His 1952 play “The Rose Tattoo” (dedicated to his lover, Frank Merlo), received the Tony Award for best play. But the festival focuses mainly on one of his earliest and most famous plays, “The Glass Menagerie,” which opened in Chicago, Ill. in 1944. “This classic play is so hugely autobiographical,” said Goldman, who directs the production that will be performed during the festival. “We have been privileged to have access to hundreds and hundreds of pages of archived material, including dozens of drafts and alternate versions of this material.” “As someone who has fallen in love with the Baltimore arts scene through my recent experiences directing ‘Blackbird’ and ‘Shipwrecked’ at the Everyman Theater,” said Goldman, “I very much hope Baltimorians will make the short trip down to D.C. to fully partake in this extraordinary festival. n DETAILS: Tenn Cent Fest Centennial Weekend Celebration March 24-27. GU campus; John Waters’ “This Filthy World” Sunday, March 27, 7:30pm, Davis Performing Arts Center. Performingarts. georgetown.edu/tenncentfest. BALTIMORE GAYLIFE
3/14/11 12:25 PM
outfront CONCERT
THEATER
Theater Notes
Elton and his band stop in Baltimore on their 2011 tour Photo courtesy Ernst Vikne
BY MAGGIE BEETZ
The man who grew famous playing women on stage in 17th century England suddenly found himself unemployed when King Charles II lifted the ban on women actors. Fells Point Corner Theatre imagines the comedic path of revenge and reinvention that follows in “Compleat Female Stage Beauty” now through April 10. Speaking of gender role reversals, Shakespeare fans can see a woman play the vindictive, bloodthirsty Roman general Titus, and a man play the murderous seductress Tamora, Queen of the Goths, in “Titus Andronicus.” This performance of the Maryland Shakespeare Festival’s Season in Exile takes place at Frederick’s All Saints Episcopal Church, March 19 and 20.
Elton John comes to 1st Mariner Arena BY KRISTI METZGER
For the first time in over a decade Elton John will perform in Baltimore at the 1st Mariner Arena on Saturday, March 26. He and his band will be performing their “Greatest Hits Live” concert, highlighting chart-topping hits and classic album tracks spanning Elton’s epic five-decade career. Elton’s band is made up of Davey Johnstone on guitar, Bob Birch on bass, John Mahon on percussion, Nigel Olsson on drums, and Kim Bullard on keyboards. Known as one of the most successful live acts today, Elton and his band put on unforgettable concert experiences with the entire audience on their feet singing and dancing. The play list includes selections from Elton and Leon Russell’s latest album, The UNION, including “Your Song,” “Daniel,” “Rocket Man,” “Bennie and the Jets,” and many more of his much loved classics. The UNION features a variety of genres like R&B, Soul, Gospel, Pop, and Rock. Elton and Russell have been nominated for the Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals Grammy for “If It Wasn’t for Bad.” “We are honored to have a truly
prolific and iconic artist such as Elton John grace our stage again,” said Frank Remesch, general manager of 1st Mariner Arena. “This will be an unforgettable night for Baltimore’s music fans and is this year’s concert not to miss.” Elton’s extensive list of accomplishments includes being one of the top selling solo artists of all time, with 35 gold and 25 platinum albums, 29 consecutive Top 40 hits, and he has sold over 250 million records internationally. He still holds the record for the biggest selling single ever with “Candle in the Wind ’97,” which sold 37 million copies. Since he started his career in 1969, he has played nearly 3,000 concerts spanning the globe. Elton John is also the founder of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. This foundation exists to empower people affected by and at risk of HIV/AIDS, to alleviate their physical, emotional, and financial hardships, enabling them to improve their quality of life, live with dignity, and exercise self-determination. EJAF is one of the top independent AIDS charities in the world. n
DETAILS: Elton John in Concert, March 26, 8pm. 1st Mariner Arena. Tickets can be purchased through ticketmaster.com, livenation.com, or by calling (800) 551-7328. WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
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Another comedy of interest is Adam Bock’s “Swimming in the Shallows,” a play about three couples, one straight, one gay, and one lesbian, at the Iron Crow Theatre, March 31 to April 16. The Center Stage Play Lab is presenting James A. Williams and his one-man show, “A Walk in August,” March 17 to 20. The CS Cabaret Series features E. Faye Butler March 24-27, while the main stage shows “Snow Falling on Cedars,” an adaptation of David Guterson’s novel through April 3.
Timothy Elliott stars in Compleat Female Stage Beauty
Spotlighters Theatre presents “The Great American Trailer Park Musical,” a show that promises disco, agoraphobia, and spray cheese, from March 25 to April 24. The entirety of the Theatre Project’s public space will be the setting of Carrie Ahern’s “Sensate” March 25 to April 2. Attendees can come and go during this three-hourlong performance described as part dance-show, part museum-exhibit. UB’s Performing Arts Theater presents The Figaro Project, three world-premiere one-act operas written by Baltimore-based composers and featuring gay lead tenor Peter Drackley, April 1 and 2.
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VOLUME 33, NUMBER 5• PAGE 7
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BALTIMORE GAYLIFE
3/14/11 12:25 PM
outfront DINING OUT
Emporio Grano BY JOHN CULLEN & MARTY SHAYT
dishes (pasta, meatball, and veggies for $6). While rustic Italian bread served with garlic-infused organic olive oil is $2.50, a quarter liter of house wines is a bargain at $5. Our friendly, attentive waiter, Steven, got our attention with his recitation of the specials. (Or did we just enjoy staring at him? <wink>) Marty, John, and our guest, JT, each started with the soup du jour – a seafood stew overflowing over with clams, oysters, shrimp, and chunks of fish – a delicious “mini cioppino.” We shared a basket of bread, which we used to mop our bowls clean!
Gino Troia, owner of Café Troia in Towson, created Emporio Grano out of two Hampden row houses in 2010. (The original, tiny “Grano Pasta Bar” remains in business a few blocks west.) Even though the chef was formerly the head chef at the Italian embassy, Emporio Grano feels casual and intimate. There is a lounge and dining room on the main floor and two more dining rooms upstairs. The décor is “Italian farmhouse” with walls painted warm yellow and tables unadorned with fancy linens. Emporio Grano’s objective is to provide “an array of unadulterated, traditional and authentic Italian food using the best ingredients available.” Indeed, many ingredients come from local farms that avoid additives. The menu offers antipasti options ($4-8), “to be shared” plates of meats and cheeses ($13-14), pasta dishes ($15-20), carne (meat) entrées ($14-40), and several side
For his entree, Marty decided on Linguine Santa Lucia, pasta with six very large, wonderful shrimp complemented by a delicious red pasta sauce. JT settled on the Orecchiette alla Barese; the Orecchiette pasta (Italian for “little ears”) was tossed with chunks of very tasty sausage and broccoli rabe in a garlic-infused olive oil. John chose the veggie lasagna special, which was cooked and served “single portion” style in a very deep ceramic bowl; it proved incredibly rich brimming with melted cheese, sautéed spinach, and small chunks of acorn squash. The attentive (and attractive) men on the staff kept our water glasses filled and even brought extra bread. Despite feeling full, our waiter’s homemade nut cake recommendation tempted us into sharing a piece. The crunchy exterior with no frosting and a moist interior was an excellent decision that left John and Marty sparring over the crumbs! All in all, dinner at Emporio Grano left us with the certain glow that follows a particularly satisfying meal. Definitely a thumbs-up experience: we’ll come back to Emporio Grano! n DETAILS: Emporio Grano (Hampden) 3547 Chestnut Ave, 443-438-7521; Open for dinner 5-10pm (9pm on Sundays); full bar; vegetarian options; reservations for parties of 10 or more; www.granopastabar.com.
MORE DINING OUT RESTAURANT REVIEWS @ WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
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VOLUME 33, NUMBER 5• PAGE 9
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Kate Kendell of the National Center for Lesbian Rights reacts to Supreme Court ruling on Westboro Baptist Church
NATIONAL
Supreme Court OKs Phelps Funeral Pickets A
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 8-1 on March 2 that Kansas’ Westboro Baptist Church has a constitutional right to picket military funerals carrying signs that say such things as “God hates fags.”
The court said the church’s “speech” is “certainly hurtful and its contribution to public discourse may be negligible,” but the pickets are nonetheless protected by the First Amendment. “Speech is powerful. It can stir people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and – as it did here – inflict great pain,” the court said. “On the facts before us, we cannot react to that pain by punishing the speaker. As a nation we have chosen a different course -- to protect even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate. That choice requires that we shield Westboro from tort liability for its picketing in this case.” The church had been sued by the family of a fallen soldier whose funeral its members picketed. Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. disagreed with the court’s majority, saying, “Our profound national commitment to free and open debate is not a license for the vicious verbal assault that occurred in this case.” Most national gay organizations did not respond to the decision. Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, was the exception. “What is striking about today’s decision is not the court’s legal analysis, which does not break new ground, but the spotlight this case shines on the despicable character and hatefulness of anti-gay bigotry,” Kendell said. “Can you imagine fighting for the right to spew hatred at a funeral? What an appalling indictment of those who oppose our humanity and equality.”
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SAME SEX MARRIAGE
Gay Marriage Safe in New Hampshire for Now
SCORECARD
New Hampshire’s Legislature will not vote in 2011 on either of two bills aimed at repealing the two-year-old law that made same-sex marriage legal. Members of the House Judiciary Committee voted 15-0 without debate March 3 to place the bills on hold until 2012. The committee unanimously voted down a third bill that would have force-converted same-sex marriages into a new kind of civil union different from the civil unions New Hampshire used to have. Some 1,400 same-sex couples have married in New Hampshire.
DOMESTIC
GLOBAL
STATES THAT LET GAY COUPLES MARRY: Connecticut Iowa Massachusetts New Hampshire Vermont Washington, D.C.
11 NATIONS LET GAY COUPLES MARRY: Argentina Belgium Canada Iceland the Netherlands Norway Portugal South Africa Spain Sweden
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Wyoming Senate Kills Anti-Gay-Marriage Bill Wyoming’s Senate voted 16-14 March 2 to kill a bill banning recognition of same-sex marriages entered into in other states and nations. The bill was designed to counteract a state law that recognizes legal marriages from other states and countries. Wyoming lawmakers also recently killed a proposal to amend the state constitution to ban samesex marriage.
C
Immigration Equality to Sue Federal Government
STATES THAT HAVE GAY UNION LAWS EXTENDING SOME RIGHTS OF MARRIAGE: Colorado In Mexico Hawaii same-sex marriages are Maine allowed only in the capital Maryland city but are recognized Wisconsin nationwide. Numerous other nations have same-sex STATES THAT DO NOT civil-union laws. LET GAY COUPLES MARRY BUT RECOGNIZE OUT-OFSTATE MARRIAGES: Maryland New Mexico New York Rhode Island California (if married before Proposition 8 passed)
The LGBT group Immigration Equality is planning to sue the federal government over the Defense of Marriage Act because it prevents married U.S. citizens from bringing their foreign same-sex spouses to live with them in U.S. states that allow same-sex marriage or recognize same-sex marriages from elsewhere. The planned lawsuit follows President Barack Obama’s recent instruction to the Justice Department that it stop defending in court the section of DOMA that bans the federal government from recognizing states’ same-sex marriages. Immigration Equality said it believes there is a good chance the lawsuit will succeed, at least for legally married samesex couples in states that allow or recognize same-sex marriages.
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INTERNATIONAL
Report: Int’l AIDS Conference Shortchanges At-Risk Populations
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A new report charges that the biennial International AIDS Conference, the premier gathering for people working in the HIV field, shortchanges groups most likely to become infected with HIV, including gay men, transgender people, sex workers, and drug users.
An “audit” of conference programming, conducted by the Global Forum on MSM & HIV, analyzed last year’s gathering in Vienna and found that the percentage of sessions exclusively focused on such groups was 2.6 percent for men who have sex with men (MSM), 1.1 percent for transgender people, 3 percent for sex workers and 4.5 percent for drug users. “While the International AIDS Society turns a blind eye, HIV rates among these populations continue to climb around the world,” said the forum’s executive officer, Dr. George Ayala. “The IAC is the world’s most important opportunity for international exchange and collaboration on HIV and AIDS. Such abysmal representation of most-at-risk groups only serves to reinforce the invisibility, discrimination and disregard that drive the epidemic among these communities.” The report recommends that conference organizers ensure a transparent process for reviewing abstracts and designing programming, increase their support of authors developing abstracts focused on key populations, and broaden representation on the committees that develop conference programming. “It is incumbent upon the organizers to ensure that the IAC becomes a vehicle for change, shifting the global landscape so that funding, research, and programs are directed to those who need them most. Right now it’s part of the problem,” Ayala said.
Mozambique LGBT Group Still Unregistered
F
Mozambique’s only LGBT group, Lambda, said March 1 that it has been waiting three years for the government to complete its official registration. The group, also known as the Mozambican
Association for the Defense of Sexual Minorities, submitted its documents to the registry office in January 2008. The registrar responded that the group’s existence “offends current morality,” and forwarded the forms to the Justice Ministry for review. In early 2009, Justice Minister Benvinda Levi suggested a rewrite of one article of the group’s statutes, which the group agreed to. In early 2010, Lambda met with the deputy justice minister. He said there was no legal impediment to registration and suggested the group submit a recounting of facts and law to the ministry, which it did. Nothing has happened since then, which Lambda says amounts to a violation of its constitutional right to freedom of association.
Open Gays Elected to Irish Dáil Two gay men made history by being elected to Ireland’s lower house of Parliament, Dáil Éireann, on Feb. 25. Dominic Hannigan will represent Meath East, a parliamentary constituency in the northeast of the nation, for the Labour Party. And John Lyons will represent the constituency of Dublin North West for Labour. Hannigan currently is a member of the Seanad Éireann, or Senate. Members of that body are not directly elected, and its powers are weaker than those of the Dáil. Hannigan will have to give up that seat, to which he was appointed in 2007 by fellow politicians. Ireland’s only other openly gay member of Parliament– current or past–also is a senator. Since 1987, David Norris has represented voters who are graduates of the University of Dublin.
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Honduras Special Unit to Investigate Anti-LGBT Hate Crimes Honduras is creating an investigative unit and task force to tackle hate crimes against LGBTI people, women, youth, and journalists. The government ministers of human rights and public security will be directly involved in the undertaking, which will utilize 150 researchers.
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duran government to “vigorously investigate” five murders of LGBT people that took place since Dec. 18. The embassy expressed “great concern” about the killings and said “the protection of Honduran law extends to all citizens regardless of sexual orientation.” The government must “take all necessary steps to protect LGBT persons, who are among the most vulnerable to violence and abuse in Honduras,” the U.S. officials said.
Belarus LGBTs Hope to March in May Gay activists in Minsk, Belarus, applied to the city government March 4 for permission to hold a “March of Equality” on May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. Last year, the city’s Executive Committee banned a gay pride march and, when activists ignored the ban, several of them were aggressively arrested for taking part in an unsanctioned public action. Moscow Pride founder Nikolai Alekseev, who joined that march, said police were “brutal and violent.” This year, the organizers’ application expanded the scope of the proposed march to include several other minority groups in hopes of improving the odds of getting city approval and reducing hostility from anti-gay protesters. The march, if approved, will wrap up four days of “Festival of Equality” events that include a film screening, a photo exhibition and other activities.
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LGBT Group Forms in Montenegro An LGBT organization has formed and been officially registered in Podgorica, capital of the former Yugoslav republic of Montenegro. The group, LGBT Forum Progress, is pressing for a law granting gay couples the rights of marriage.
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Cuban TV Airs Glee
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Cuba’s Cubavisión channel is airing the übergay U.S. television series Glee, each Saturday at 5:45 p.m. State TV also recently aired Six Feet Under.
Officials estimate that Honduras has seen 200 anti-LGBTI killings in the past five years. In January, the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa urged the Hon-
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS PROVIDED BY REX WOCKNER WITH BILL KELLEY WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
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VOLUME 33, NUMBER 5• PAGE 11
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LGBT Health Awareness Week Highlights
COMMUNICATION
SUPPORT AND ADVOCACY BY TERRI SOLOMON
T
he Ninth Annual LGBT Health Awareness Week is March 28-April 1, 2011. This year’s theme, “Come Out for Health,” encourages LGBT patients to
communicate their sexual orientation and gender identity to their medical providers. Secondary goals include supportive medical, mental health, and social service environments, and federal and state advocacy. Dr. David Haltiwanger, director of clinical programs and public policy at Chase Brexton Health Services (CBHS), is a psychologist who works with health policy and advocacy issues. He is also secretary of the board of directors for the National Coalition for LGBT Health (Chase Brexton was a founding member of this coalition), which is sponsoring the upcoming Awareness Week. “People sometimes think, what difference does it make if my provider knows that I’m gay or lesbian?” Dr. Haltiwanger said. “But there are health disparities that affect the LGBT community more.” Some of these disparities include higher rates of smoking for LGBT people, higher rates of new HIV infections for gay and bisexual men, higher rates of obesity for AfricanAmerican and Latina lesbian and bisexual women, and higher rates of physical abuse by family members for LGBT youth. PAGE 12 • MARCH 18 - MARCH 31, 2011
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Because most federal health surveys do not gather information on sexual orientation and gender identity, it is hard to get an accurate picture of LGBT heath disparities. Section 4302 of the Affordable Care Act, signed last year by President Barak Obama, aims to address this issue. It authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to “require all federally funded health and demographic surveys to routinely collect and report sexual orientation and gender identity data.” Knowledge can also lead to a more accurate diagnosis. An uninformed provider may recommend birth control, which the average lesbian doesn’t need. In contrast, an informed provider assessing a gay man with a minor sore throat would ask questions about sexual activity, and possibly recommend an STD test. “There is shared responsibility—the provider should ask, but we can also take the power as individuals and bring the issue up,” said Haltiwanger.
Creating a supportive environment is another goal of this year’s campaign. “Medical providers are encouraged to be aware that this is another element of diversity. If they don’t do something to let people know it’s a safe place, some people won’t feel safe. Look at what kind of magazines and art are in the waiting room. What kinds of questions are asked? We would recommend that providers use language that doesn’t assume heterosexuality,” said Dr. Haltiwanger. This year’s “Come Out for Health” week is “a call to action for community members, advocates, service providers, and government officials to recognize health and wellness as an essential part of the social justice movement for LGBT individuals,” according to the National Coalition. “Marylanders are currently coming out to their legislators on marriage, so maybe this is a good time to tell stories to legislators so they understand the connection between health and rights,” said Haltiwanger. “When I have been in Annapolis, I’ve always been struck by the power of a personal story. Legislators will stop and listen to an experience with discrimination.”
daunting obstacles to health and wellness, medical and social awareness has improved, due to national and local campaigns and informative media, such as television and the Internet. Dr. Hersh welcomes the change: “There are now endocrinologists at Hopkins treating with hormones for gender transitioning. It is entering the realm of legitimate medicine. Now they are treating children with hormones with their parents’ consent. Fifteen years ago, if you had told me there would be a day when a parent would bring a son in and say we have to get him on hormones before his voice changes, I never would have believed it.”
HIV/AIDS Dr. Joel Gallant
Transgender Health Dr. Eva Hersh, chief medical officer at CBHS, has worked with hundreds of transgender people in the last decade. She identified several health issues pertinent to this community: access to healthcare, HIV/AIDS, depression, substance abuse, violence and murder. “Chase Brexton is the largest transgender practice this side of Philadelphia” with more than 300 transpeople in treatment, said Dr. Hersh. Providers receive special training, even though transgender individuals are only 2% of all patients seen at the practice. “Transitioning is the only treatment for being transgender. There are three local psychologists who diagnose transgender individuals and can send patients to Chase Brexton for hormones,” she said. In some cases, depression can be situational and improve with transition. However, Hersh cautions that “even if you do transition, Prince Charming may not come along” and further mental health treatment may be necessary. Transwomen also experience high rates of violence, in Hersh’s experience. Gender ambiguity “seems to set off rage, especially in men,” she said. “So in a way, by helping men and women transition, we are saving lives.” Although transgender people face
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend routine HIV testing for everyone between the ages of 13 and 64. In Baltimore, Dr. Joel Gallant is “seeing a lot of new HIV cases among gay and bisexual men, especially young African-American men.” According to statistics released by the Maryland AIDS Administration, the percentage of female cases has been increasing over time as well. Of all AIDS cases diagnosed in 1985, 10% were female. This proportion has steadily increased to 38% of AIDS cases in 2007. Gallant, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and associate director of the Johns Hopkins AIDS Service, is an expert in the treatment of people with HIV. “In our HIV clinics, everyone we see has already tested positive, often at a primary care site. Testing is also available at many other sites in the community, including Chase Brexton, Mercy Hospital, the Baltimore City STD Clinics and at home, with the Home Access test kit,” Gallant said. “Everyone should know their HIV status.” BALTIMORE GAYLIFE
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“Marylanders are currently coming out to their legislators on marriage, so maybe this is a good time to tell stories to legislators so they understand the connection between health and rights.” He considers HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment to be “extremely high priorities for the LGBT community.” Johns Hopkins has “LGBT and LGBT-sensitive healthcare providers” to administer treatment to patients seeking the safe and supportive environment espoused by the National Coalition for LGBT Health. Dr. Gallant acknowledges the current failure of traditional prevention efforts. He points out that there is growing support for “treatment as prevention”: treating almost everyone with HIV infection, not only for their own benefit, but also because HIV therapy may be the most effective form of prevention. “There is also interest now in using anti-HIV drugs (pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP) in HIV-negative people to prevent infection. However, there are many details to work out before PrEP can be implemented: Who will provide it? How will we reach the people at highest risk? Who will pay for it?” Until these questions are answered and PrEP is a reality in our city, condoms are the most important form of protection for HIV-negative people, according to Gallant.
The supportive space for LGBT and HIV positive individuals lets them concentrate on critical wellness objectives, not on anxiety about whether their health care providers are labeling or discriminating based on sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status. “Studies have shown that, when compared with the general population, gay and bisexual men, lesbians and transgender individuals are more likely to use alcohol and drugs and have higher rates of substance abuse,” states the CDC. Dr. Disney attributes this to coping with prejudice and stigma, which raises stress levels. Higher stress levels are associated with higher vulnerability to addiction. She also wants to call attention to cigarette smoking, “the most widespread and deadly addiction of all. I think we all have friends and relatives who have lost their health or their life to this corporate-sponsored addiction. Tobacco use is also higher for LGBT individuals.”
Substance Abuse and Addiction
Chase Brexton has a free smoking cessation program, called The Last Drag. This sixweek group meets on Monday evenings and provides free nicotine patches to group participants, paid for by the Baltimore City Health Department.
“Every week for us at Chase Brexton is an LGBT Health Awareness Week,” said Dr. Elizabeth Disney, psychologist and grants manager at CBHS for the past five years. “Our mental health and addictions programs were founded in Baltimore because our LGBT and HIV positive clients let us know that they were experiencing prejudice and discrimination in some other programs.”
“Participation in group support doubles the rate at which folks successfully quit tobacco, so even if you don’t like groups, it’s worth considering. Patches also increase the rate at which people are able to successfully quit, so I really encourage people to take advantage of this great, free assistance,” said Disney.
Following are the health issues The Gay and Lesbian
Medical Association’s health care providers have identified as the most common concern for lesbians, trangender persons, and gay men. While not all of these items apply to everyone, it’s wise to be aware of these issues, and to discuss them with your health care provider: LESBIANS 1. Breast Cancer 2. Depression/Anxiety 3. Heart Health 4. Gynecological Cancer 5. Fitness 6. Tobacco 7. Alcohol 8. Substance Use 9. Domestic Violence 10. Osteoporosis
TRANSGENDER PERSONS 1. Access to Health Care 2. Health History 3. Hormones 4. Cardiovascular Health 5. Cancer 6. STDs and Safe Sex 7. Alcohol and Tobacco 8. Depression/Anxiety 9. Injectable Silicone 10. Fitness (Diet & Exercise)
GAY MEN 1. HIV/AIDS, Safe Sex 2. Substance Use 3. Depression/Anxiety 4. Hepatitis Immunization 5. STDs 6. Prostate, Testicular, and Colon Cancer 7. Alcohol 8. Tobacco 9. Fitness (Diet and Exercise) 10. Anal Papilloma
Access detailed information at glma.org. WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
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–Dr. David Haltiwanger
HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS PRIMARY CARE SERVICES Chase Brexton Health Services Eva Hersh, MD, Medical Director Web: ChaseBrexton.org Medical Building 1001 Cathedral St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410.837.2050, ext. 4300 Health Care for the Homeless Danielle Robertshaw, MD, Medical Officer Web: HCHMD.org Baltimore City Center 421 Fallsway Baltimore, MD 21202 410.837.5533 FAMILY PRACTICE Jessica Sewell, PA-C 8817 Belair Rd, Ste 111 Nottingham, MD 21236 410.529.6440 Samuel Westrick, MD Lake Falls Adult Medicine Specialists 6080 Falls Rd, Ste 204 Baltimore, MD 21209 410.323.2757 REPRODUCTIVE AND SEXUAL HEALTH Planned Parenthood of Maryland John W. Nugent, President/CEO Web: PlannedParenthood.org/Maryland Baltimore City Health Center 330 North Howard St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410.576.1414 TRANSGENDER AND SEXUAL HEALTH Johns Hopkins Center for Sexual Health Fred S. Berlin, MD, PhD, Director Chris Kraft, PhD, Director of Clinical Services Chester W. Schmidt, Jr., MD, Medical Director Web: http://bit.ly/dJOw60 Sexual Behaviors Consultation Unit Meyer - 144 Johns Hopkins Hospital 600 N. Wolfe St. Baltimore, MD 21205 410.583.2688 Green Spring Station 2360 W. Joppa Rd, #219 Baltimore, MD 21210 410.616.7150 SUBSTANCE ABUSE/ ADDICTION SERVICES Chase Brexton Health Services Meade Eggleston, PhD, Addictions Psychologist Web: ChaseBrexton.org Mental Health Building 10 W. Eager St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-837-2050, ext. 2617; front desk 2428
HIV/AIDS CARE Institute for Human Virology Robert C. Gallo, MD, Director William B. Blattner, Assoc. Director Robert R. Redfield, MD, Assoc. Director Web: IHV.org/clinics Clinical Research Unit/JACQUES Initiative 725 West Lombard St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410.706.0162 Evelyn Jordan Center 16 S. Eutaw St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410.328.1900 Johns Hopkins HIV/AIDS Service John G. Bartlett, MD, Chief, Div. of Infectious Disease Joel E. Gallant, M.D., Assoc. Director Web: http://bit.ly/hst8oN Moore Clinic Carnegie 346 Johns Hopkins Hospital 600 N. Wolfe St. Baltimore, MD 21205 410.955.1725 DERMATOLOGY CRM Dermatology Ciro R. Martins, MD Web: CRMDermatology.com 1 Village Sq, Ste 165 Baltimore, MD 21210 410.532.SKIN GENERAL SURGERY University of Maryland Medical Center Patricia L. Turner, MD, FACS Web: http://bit.ly/ext8za UM Medical Center 22 S. Greene St. Baltimore, MD 21201 Patient Appointments/General Info. 410.328.2999 or 800.492.5538 PHARMACY Mt. Vernon Pharmacy Stephen Wienner, Pharmacist 100 W. Read St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410.539.8030 HOSPICE CARE Joseph Richey Hospice Charlotte Hawtin, Executive Director Web: JosephRicheyHospice.org 838 N. Eutaw St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410.523.2150 Stella Maris Ernestine Wright, MD, Medical Director Web: StellaMarisInc.com 2300 Dulaney Valley Rd. Towson, MD 21204 410.252.4500 VOLUME 33, NUMBER 5• PAGE 13
3/14/11 12:25 PM
outgoing SPOTLIGHT
Acoustic Darling Tom Goss Returns to Baltimore
Event Info Tom Goss “Turn It Around” CD Release Party With Mara Levi & The Pushovers Sunday, March 20, 7 p.m. GLCCB, 241 W. Chase Street Tickets: $12 at the door or visit TomGossMusic.com/tickets
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or the first time since February 2010, folk-rock artist Tom Goss returns to the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Baltimore (GLCCB) on Sunday, March 20, to perform and promote his latest album “Turn It Around.”
Originally from Kenosha, Wis., DC-resident Goss is a self-taught acoustic guitarist and vocalist. The singer-songwriter is known for his signature flip-flops (worn in all seasons) and his heartfelt love songs, often inspired by his recently-wed husband, Mike. Goss’s last album “Back to Love” (2009) made headlines as well as political statements about marriage equality and the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell.” With this new album, the artist really seems to find his groove: GAYRVA.com’s Andrew Cothern writes that “it’s nice to see Goss cut loose and have some fun with the music… You’ll be instantly singing along …” DC-based, all-lesbian Smart-Pop Folk Rockers Mara Levi & The Pushovers join Goss to celebrate the release of his new CD. To learn more about these artists, visit TomGossMusic.com and ThePushoversBand.com. – R.D.
DATEBOOK Friday, March 18
Ladies Night: Where the girls are… for Spring Break! 10pm. Club Bunns,608 W. Lexington St., BmoreGayPride.com
“The Long Christmas Ride Home”: Japanese puppetry meets Thornton Wilder’s classic in Paula Vogel’s play. Thru Apr 17. 7:30pm. $10-20. Single Carrot Theatre, 120 W. North Ave SingleCarrot.com
“Glam” Hosted by Top Model Bre: The annual Top Model walk-off competition; featuring exotic dancers and top DJs.plus FREE STD testing on-site. BYOB. 11pm. $10-18. Paradox, 1310 Russell St. BmoreGayPride.com
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas: Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington takes on the sassy, spirited musical. Thru Mar 20. 8pm. $25-50. GWU Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st St., NW, Washington, DC GMCW.org
Sunday, March 20
daBeats: Big LGBT meat up for Spring Break. 10pm. Club Bunns, 608 W. Lexington St., BmoreGayPride.com Blue Ribbon Ladies: Benefit for Miss Hippo and 1st Alternate to Miss Hippo.. 10pm. $7-10. Club Hippo, 1 W. Eager St. ClubHippo.com
Saturday March 19
International Women’s History Month Literary Festival: Panel discussion features four women writers from across the globe. 1pm. FREE. Enoch Pratt Central Library, 400 Cathedral St. PrattLibrary.org O’Malley’s March: Maryland’s community-friendly governor rocks out with his Celtic band to benefit Creative Alliance. Advance tix recommended. Two shows, 7 & 9:30pm. $20-25. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org Drag Bingo for Equality: Trixie hosts. Proceeds benefit Equality Maryland. PW’s Sports Bar, 9855 Washington Blvd N., Laurel PWsSportsBar.com Metamorphosis: Gilded Lily Burlesque presents a dramatic night of revelations, transformations, and debauchery! Special guests Rio and Deann A. Danger. 9pm. $10. The Windup Space 12 W. North Ave. TheWindupSpace.com PAGE 14 • MARCH 18 - MARCH 31, 2011
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Friday, March 25
King and Queen of Pride: “Leather and Lace” featuring Sue Nami, Araya Sparxx, Elora Frost, and others for the Pre-Pride event. 7pm. $7. Club Hippo, 1 W. Eager St. BaltimorePride.org Carrie Ahern’s “SenSate”: An installation piece with live music and a company of five dancers. The audience can move as it feels compelled, free to come and go. 7:30pm. $5-20. Theatre Project, 45 West Preston St. TheatreProject.org CLAP Weekend Meet and Greet: Kick off Chesapeake Leather Awareness Pride (CLAP) weekend with the Corps of Men Making a Noticeable Difference (COMMAND MC). 10pm. Triple L, 227 W. Chase St. HookerandBoys.org
Saturday, March 26
CLAP Contest and Show: Mid-Atlantic Leathermen and – women compete for various titles at this military-themed event. 1pm. $25. Club Hippo. 1W. Eager St. ClubHippo.com Elton John: Greatest Hits Live: (See article, p. 7) 8pm. $29-149. 1st Mariner Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. BaltimoreArena.com Diva Ball II- All divas, all night, with music and large scale video by VJ Darryl Strickland. Grand Central Station, 1001/1003 N. Charles St. CentralStationPub.com MAUL Cocktail Reception: Mid-Atlantic Uniform League (MAUL) hosts this event for CLAP weekend celebrants. 9pm. No cover. Triple L, 227 W. Chase St. LeonsLeatherLounge.com
Sunday, March 27
Victory Kocktail Party/Kinky Carnival: Sponsored by Females Investigating Sexual Terrain (FIST) of Baltimore and DC, the ShipMates Club of Baltimore, and DC boys of Leather. 1pm. $7. Playhouse Studio & Gallery. HookerandBoys.org
Tuesday, March 29
SCLGBTA Cabaret: Cabaret Drag Performance by the ACPA Student Educators International’s Standing Committee for LGBT Awareness. 8pm. $8-15. 1 W. Eager St. Club-Hippo.com
Wednesday, March 30
BINGO!: Hosted by Roger Dimick. Cash prizes and progressive jackpot. Proceeds benefit GLCCB. 8:30pm. Club Hippo, 1 W. Eager St. ClubHippo.com
Thursday, March 31
JEWISH PURIM HOLIDAY (FESTIVAL OF LOTS)
2011 ‘Best of LGBT Maryland’- THE ARGIES - RGroup Awards: Enjoy cabaret entertainment and celebrate the community’s best. Portion of ticket benefits Spotlighters. 6:30pm. $12-55. Cash wine bar. Spotlighters Theatre, 817 St. Paul St. http://bit.ly/hdqEFw
Purim Party and Gift Basket Auction: Congregation Beit Tikvah joins Bolton Street Synagogue for a Megillah reading and carnival for younger folks. Pre-teens practice tradition of giving by packing donation baskets for Healthcare for the Homeless. 10am. Bolton Street Synagogue, 212 W. Cold Spring Lane BeitTikvah.org
“A Streetcar Named Desire”: MICA’s student theater company performs gay playwright Tennessee Williams’ Pulitzer Prizewinning classic. 8pm. $10-15. MICA BBOX Theater, The Gateway, 1601 W. Mount Royal Ave. MICA.edu
Lil Wayne “I’m Still Music Tour” w/Nicki Minaj: Joined by Rick Ross, Travis Barker, and Mixmaster Mike. 7pm. $61.60-250 1st Mariner Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. BaltimoreArena.com
“Swimming in the Shallows”: Baltimore’s only queer-identified theater company performs Adam Bock’s fantastical and touching play. Thru April 16. $10-15. Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 811 Cathedral St. IronCrowTheatre.com
Tom Goss with Mara Levi & The Pushovers: (See article above.) 7pm. $12. GLCCB, 241 W. Chase St. TomGossMusic.com/tickets
Tuesday, March 22
“Out in the Silence”: See this film about gay teen bullying in small town America, then discuss. Sponsored by PFLAG Baltimore County. 7pm. FREE. Towson Unitarian Universalist Church, 1710 Dulaney Valley Rd, Lutherville. Registration: http://conta.cc/gpceS8 Full Moon Underwear Party: Free clothes check and drink specials for all who take off their pants and stay a while. Baltimore Eagle, 2022 N. Charles St. TheBaltimoreEagle.com
Wednesday, March 23
BINGO!: Hosted by Roger Dimick. Cash prizes and progressive jackpot. Proceeds benefit GLCCB. 8:30pm. Club Hippo, 1 W. Eager St. ClubHippo.com
Friday, April 1
GLCCB Volunteer Orientation: The Center needs inspired ideas, sharp skills, and generous abilities to make this year better than ever for the community; come find out how you can fit in! RSVP at info@glccb.org. GLCCB, 241 W. Chase St. GLCCB.org Who’s Bad: The World’s #1 Michael Jackson Tribute Band: From ABC to You Rock My World no song is forgotten in this electrifying revival of Pop Music’s Royal Highness. 8pm. $15. Ram’s Head Live, 20 Market Pl. RamsHeadLive.com
EMAIL CALENDAR INFO TO CALENDAR@BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM Compiled by Ryan Davis and Mark Douglas
BALTIMORE GAYLIFE
3/14/11 12:25 PM
firstperson TRANSMISSIONS
The Transgender Rights Bill that isn’t Right BY GWENDOLYN ANN SMITH
T
he Maryland House of Delegates Health and Government Operations Committee is holding a hearing on the Gender Identity Anti-
Discrimination bill. GINDA, also known as HB 235, would prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation. While the bill was introduced at the end of January, it has gained additional momentum after the murder of African-American transwoman Tyra Trent, whose body was discovered in Baltimore on February 19. Some are even seeking to have the bill named after Trent. On the surface, this sounds great. Perhaps as Maryland-based activist Sharon Brackett has said, this bill would protect those like Trent, and keep them safe in the future. It’s all good, right? Yes and no. While the bill does prohibit discrimination in employment and housing, the bill does not include provisions barring discrimination in public accommodations, for example restaurants, hotels, and gyms. It does not provide any accom-
How are we safer being forced to use a men’s room where we’ll be bigger targets for bigotry and prejudice? When looking back at the civil rights struggles of the 1960s, you may think of Greensboro, N.C. where AfricanAmericans staged a sit-in at a “whites only” Woolworth’s counter. Or perhaps you think of Rosa Parks not moving to the back of the bus. You may even think about the desegregation of schools, “whites” and “colored” drinking fountains, and even the Freedom Riders’ courageous test of Boynton v. Virginia. Each of these actions was a battle over public accommodations. One could argue that the struggle over public accommodations is the bigger issue here. Employment and housing are impor-
locker rooms as an issue with support from the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. It has become a common right-wing scare tactic to liken transgender public accommodation rights to allowing pedophilic males in public restrooms with young, female children. That truly is a straw man that needs to die. No transgender rights law is actually protecting pedophiles, or allowing them access to opposite gender restrooms. That logic is right up there with gay marriage paving the way for humans to marry their pet box turtle. Those in favor of the bill argue that the “political reality” in Maryland is that there’s no way we can get everything, and that transgender people will simply have to be happy with two out of three; and we’ll pick up the third later, in some future bill down the line. They argue that incremental change is the only way to achieve full equality. I can’t help but find this all too reminiscent of bills that have cut out gender identity and expression-specific language in favor of sexual orientation protections, and just how well the ar-
gument over incremental change has worked with these (but enough about the Employment Non-Discrimination Act). Now maybe I’m wrong in this, but I see no reason to provide a bill that only protects some rights. As transactivist Katrina Rose pointed out, activists in Maryland aren’t compromising on same sex marriage and settling for an easier-to-achieve civil unions statute. It might take a bit longer to get everything in one bill. I’m not going to argue that any bill is going to be an easy sell, and I’m sure that more protections will only create an uphill battle that’s that much tougher. Yet in the end, it will be a win we can all celebrate. If we want to honor the memory of Tyra Trent, we shouldn’t put her name on a bill that wouldn’t have provided her a full slate of protections. Really, it’s not only time to do this, but it’s time to do it right. n Gwen Smith wishes she lived in a world where she did not need rights bills to urinate. You can find her on the web at www.gwensmith.com.
“Without public accommodations protections, the bill simply does not go far enough.” modations for gender-neutral restrooms, nor does it allow transgender people to use restrooms that are appropriate for their gender identity or expression. Curiously enough, a similar bill has gone through Maryland for four years, which included public accommodations as well as housing and employment. This year, however, the language was stripped. For many in Maryland, this is a dealbreaker. Without public accommodations protections, the bill simply does not go far enough. We’re left, yet again, with the eternal struggle over what transgender people do in bathrooms. A hint for those who might be curious: we do what most people do there. Use the facilities. In all seriousness, how am I protected by not allowing transgender people like Tyra Trent use the women’s room? WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM
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tant protections, but public accommodations protections are the keystone. In the struggle for disability rights in the 1980s, it wasn’t employment and housing that got noticed; it was the need for handicap ramps and Braille signage. Again, it was about public accommodations. Over and over again, you see how important the issue of public accommodations is and why it is the key battleground, the most important part of the whole. It’s not that employment protections and housing protections are not needed – it’s that you need to be able to use a restroom and other public accommodations without fear of discrimination. Throughout this debate, people from both sides have sided against transgender people in regard to public accommodations. U.S. Representative Barney Frank (D-MA), has long made issue of transgender people in restrooms and VOLUME 33, NUMBER 5• PAGE 15
3/14/11 12:25 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 GAYLIFE
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VOLUME 33, NUMBER 5• PAGE 17
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firstperson
afterhours
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
HUNTER ON THE PROWL!
Dear Editor:
BY MARK HUNTER
Three cheers for Terri Solomon’s excellent article “Local and National Programs Support LGBTQ Youth” in the 2/17 edition of Gay Life. The resources listed in the article are wonderful, and I’d like to add a couple more. Hey Baltimore, do you know about The Den? It’s a new LGBTQ Youth DropIn Center project, a program of Fusion Partnerships Inc., which will soon offer social, physical, mental, scholastic and career development support to our young folks. And it can’t come too soon. As a queer Social Worker working with HIV-positive adolescents and young adults I see too many of our LGBTQ kids trip through the minefield of adolescence – school harassment, family drama, substance abuse, sexual decision making – feeling futureless, desperate, and so alone. Teenagers are indeed coming out younger and younger, leaving them exposed to rejection at the very moment in their developmental journey when they need social support the most. Solomon’s article rightly pointed out that LGBTQ youth are at much greater risk of homelessness than their straight and cisgendered* peers. Many of my clients acquired HIV through sexual activity that was consensual but unwanted – survival sex used to secure a safe place to sleep, a meal, some temporary affection. Our young folks deserve better choices. They need queer adult mentorship, stimulating creative and intellectual options, endless encouragement, and safe places to be with each other to explore the lives they want to create for themselves. The support group for young gay men mentioned under “City Steps” is still up and running, though some funding was lost for the program. It’s now led through LinQ at the University of Maryland Baltimore, open to gay, same-gender-loving, bisexual, queer, and questioning men 12-29 years old. Please contact Jamal Hailey (410-706-4162 or jhailey@peds.umaryland.edu) to refer a friend, client, or yourself. STAR TRACK is a special clinic that serves youth 12-24 years old at 120 Penn St., downtown on the UMB campus. The clinic focuses on the needs of sexual minority and gender-variant youth, with a subspecialty in HIV care, and many services are free. Screening for HIV and STIs is available free on a walk-in basis. Call 410-328-8336 for more information. Lastly, The Den needs you! An authentically diverse group of committed community members are working to find the right space, develop vibrant social/ cultural programming, recruit adult mentors, and make our online “virtual Center” relevant and enticing. We welcome more young people to lead the project and old(er) folks to guide and nurture their vision. Contact Lamont Bryant (410706-5312 or jhailey@lbryant@peds.umaryland.edu) or hit us up on facebook (The Den: Baltimore’s lgbtq Youth Center) to help create the safe space Baltimore’s LGBTQ youth urgently need and unquestionably deserve. Kate Bishop, MSSA UMB Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine and the Ad-Hoc Committee for The Den * cisgendered: The opposite of transgendered, someone who is cisgendered has a gender identity that agrees with their societally recognized sex.
Volunteer with GAYLIFE!
Many Intern/Volunteer spots available! Including:
Writers, Photographers & Clerical Email editor@baltimoregaylife.com for more details!
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As I was prowling around Baltimore to find entertainment for you, I met up with Brent Williams on Feb 27 to celebrate his birthday month at Leon’s. Later that night, I escorted Miss D’Marje, Miss Club Phoenix 2010, to Mixer’s Bar out on BelAir Rd. for a drag show, hosted by Miss Victoria Blair with many performers including herself, Miss Mixer’s 2010-Miss Anastisia, Miss Cha’nel Van Cartier Couture, Miss Anita Minett, Miss D’Marje and many others. The music for the evening was spun by DJ Joe Pipkin. The show was a huge success and a lot of fun for all! It’s March already; the year is off to a flying start. On March 4, I and my peeps, Ada Buffet and Timothy Phillips ventured up to Harrisburg, PA, for an overnight trip to support Miss Rising Star America 2010, Miss Sofanda Cox, who was giving up her title, and promoter Eric Gabbard of the 2011 contest at Liquid 891. The night was fun and very entertaining. At the end of the night, Miss Biance DeMonet was 1st Alternate and Miss Mya Cruz was crowned Miss Rising Star America 2011. Also at the contest was Mark Martin of Las Vegas Costumes & Supplies with all his beautiful jewelry! Eric Gabbard: another contest well done. We journeyed back to Baltimore, March 5, for Miss Mara Diamond’s (Miss Leon’s 2010) benefit show at The Triple L Bar. MC for the evening was the talented and funniest woman in Baltimore, The Queen of Comedy, Miss Shawnna Alexander. There were many entertainers including Miss Ada Buffet, Miss D’Marje, Miss Mara Diamond and Miss Shawnna Alexander. Miss Mara’s benefit was held for Brother Help Thyself. Another good fundraiser and show in Baltimore. Well boys and girls, until the next time Hunter on the Prowl is out and about, let’s all be safe out there! n
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Chesapeake Leather Awareness Pride Weekend 2011 BY SIR ANDY LIU, MID-ATLANTIC LEATHERSIR 2008
In one week’s time Charm City will be host to one of the Mid-Atlantic Region’s premier Leather Events: Chesapeake Leather Awareness Pride (C.L.A.P.) Weekend 2011. The centerpiece of the weekend is the Mid-Atlantic LeatherSIR / Leatherboy / Community Bootblack / Leather Woman 2011 Contests. The weekend will start with an official Meet & Greet hosted by C.O.M.M.A.N.D., M.C. (with open shine time for the Bootblack Contestants) at 9pm, Friday, March 25 at the Triple L. Proceeds from the night will benefit charities to be announced, and admission is free.
Call. Cruise. Connect. Baltimore
410.468.4000 Columbia
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443.558.0558 Washington, D.C.
202.822.1666
DESCRIPTION On Saturday, the contests and show will start at 1pm at Club Hippo with $25 OF CHANGE: admission. Emcees will be Jeffrey Payne – International Mr. Leather 2009, Shawnna Essex Alexander – Baltimore’s own Queen of Comedy, and Debbie Jones – ASL Interpreter. PLEASE BEGIN RUNNING: Saturday night after the contests will be a cocktail reception hosted by RunTFN. M.A.U.L. at the Triple L. Starting at 9pm, admission is free and proceeds from the night will benefit charities.
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First media/Hardline BALTIMORE GayLifE 1/4pg - 4.75 x 5.5” FC Right hand page/outside edge - with other ch Andy Liu Phone: 410.837.7748 Fax: 410.837. sales@baltimoregaylife.com
PUBLICATION ISSUE DATE: Friday (Bi-weekly) PLEASE OLD AD COPY AD DEADLINE: Friday before The weekend will finish with a Victory Kocktail Party / Kinky KarnivalDESTROY on USE FREE CODE 5359 Sunday. Sponsored by F.I.S.T of Baltimore and Washington, D.C., the ShipMates Club of Baltimore, and the DC boys of Leather, this event will be For other local numbers call www.MegaMatesMen.com at the Play House Studios & Gallery with admission being $7.00 per person TM and proceeds benefiting charities. n
DETAILS: C.L.A.P. 2011, March 25-27, Club Hippo (1 W. Eager St.) Clubhippo.com; Triple L (227 W. Chase St.) Leonsleatherlounge.com; Contestant Info: Hookerandboys.org; Donations: hookernboys@comcast.net; jmsentz@yahoo.com.
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