JUNE 13 - JUNE 27, 2008 VOLUME XXX, NUMBER 12 W W W. B A L T I M O R E G A Y L I F E . C O M
IN THIS ISSUE PAGE 12
HAVING A GAY OLD TIME!: BALTIMORE PRIDE MEMORIES, ADVICE & WISHES
PAGE 13
BALTIMORE PRIDE 2008 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
PAGE 22
LET’S HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH NEW COLUMNIST MARVELOUS MARVA
WHAT’S INSIDE FEATURES
PAGE 27 - SPOTS
PAGE 12
Jay’s on Read: The Piano Bar with a Musical Heart. By Carlo Brando Zepeda
Having a Gay Old Time: Baltimore Pride Memories, Advice & Wishes. By Jerome J. Woodchuck
PAGE 31 – FEATURED PRIDE PARTIES
PAGE 13
PAGE 32 – DINING OUT
Baltimore Pride 2008: Live. Love. Be’More
The Oceanaire. By John Cullen & Marty Shayt
NEWS
PAGE 32 – EAT IN SEASON CHALLENGE Support the Brass Elephant as They Support Local Farmers and Purveyors. By Martha Lucius, Owner, Boheme Cafe
PAGE 5 – LOCAL NEWS Equality Maryland Executive Director Dan Furmansky Announces Year-End Departure; Organizations Urge Maryland Court to Throw Out Misleading Referendum Petition Seeking to Overturn Transgender Rights Law. Complied by Maddy Dwertman
PAGE 6 – NATIONAL NEWS Milk Bust Installed at San Francisco City Hall; Poll: Californians Support Same-Sex Marriage, Oppose Constitutional Ban; Boy Scouts Sue Philadelphia; McCain Appears on Ellen DeGeneres’ TV Show; Report: Jodie Foster has New Girlfriend. By Rex Wockner with Bill Kelley
241 W. Chase Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 Phone: 410.837.7748 Fax: 410.837.8889 Email: editor@baltimoregaylife.com
Editor Michael Nguyen Art Director art@baltimoregaylife.com
Maddy Dwertman Sales sales@baltimoregaylife.com
National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 CONTRIBUTORS Shayna Robinson John Cullen Marty Shayt Maddy Dwertman Gwendolyn Ann Smith Marry Elaine Rex Wockner Mario Fernandez Jerome J Woodchuck Bill Kelley Marvelous Marva Miss Prudence Worthington Rev. Irene Monroe Carlo Brando Zepeda David Placher 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. Copyrighted 2008. All Rights Reserved. Gay Life is copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of Gay Life or its publisher.
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COMMUNITY & COLUMNS PAGE 29 – FICTION Cereal: The Adventures of Pico Darling. By Espy Robinson
PAGE 30 – PENCIL ME IN Calendar. By Maddy Dwertman
Holocaust Gay Memorial Unveiled in Berlin; Argentine Government Seeks to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage; Russia Lifts Ban on Gay Blood; Malta Court: ‘Homosexual’ Not Defamatory; Hundreds March in Romania; Millions at Sao Paulo Pride; Retired Czech Gay Leader Runs for Senate.By Rex Wockner with Bill Kelley
PAGE 41 – COMMUNITY CALENDAR PAGE 43 – DO AS I SAY Prudence Responds to Your Letters. By Miss Prudence Worthington
PAGE 47 - MARKETPLACE
FOR FUN
PAGE 18
editor@baltimoregaylife.com
On the Stage
PAGE 8 – INTERNATIONAL NEWS
OPINIONS
Brian Flottemesch President of GLCCB
PAGE 40 – THEATRE
Marriage is a Transgender Right, Too By Gwendolyn Ann Smith
PAGE 35 – Q PUZZLE
The Voice of One: The Breakinator By David Placher
PAGE 37 - BSCENE
Speaking Out!: Black Pride Parties to a Different Beat By Rev. Irene Monroe
PAGE 42 – HOMOSTROLOGY
In My Homo Opinion: Just Keeping It Real By Mario Fernandez
PAGE 43 – QUOTE UNQUOTE
Absence of Sydney First Annual Pride Date Auction By Marry Elaine By Rex Wockner with Bill Kelley
Let’s Have a Conversation By Marvelous Marva
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 17 - PRIDE NEWS Read Street Books & Coffee Celebrates Pride with Women’s LitFest. By Maddy Dwertman
VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM. June 13 - June 26, 2008
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LOCAL NEWS Equality Maryland Executive Director Dan Furmansky Announces Year-End Departure
Equality Maryland Executive Director Dan Furmansky Dan Furmansky, Equality Maryland's Executive Director since 2003, announced he will leave the organization at the end of December. Furmansky has provided six months notice to the Board of Directors in order to allow for a smooth transition as he focuses on protecting a Montgomery County transgender civil rights law from a potential referendum challenge from the far right. "Serving at the helm of Equality
Maryland has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life," said Furmansky. "Though the decision to step down is a difficult one, after five years, I am ready for new professional challenges and to work on a variety of progressive issues in a consulting capacity. I leave with a sense of excitement about where our shared movement is going, confident that Equality Maryland will continue to guide us all towards full equality with the outstanding leadership of our Board of Directors, staff, and supporters." Furmansky's departure comes at a time when the organization is at its strongest point in history. Under Furmansky's tenure, Equality Maryland's budgets have grown tenfold and the organization has increased from one full-time staff to six staff, plus several lobbyists, interns and program consultants. Some legislative accomplishments during this time include: passage of a hate crimes statute covering sexual orientation and gender identitymotivated crimes; changes to advance
directives to benefit same-sex couples; enactment of domestic partner laws to grant medical decision-making rights and real estate transfer tax exemptions; implementation of a law requiring insurance companies to write health care benefits plans for domestic partners; and passage of a transgender anti-discrimination law in Montgomery County, as well as supporting passage of local marriage equality resolutions and domestic partner benefits. In addition, under Furmansky's leadership, Equality Maryland launched a statewide campaign for marriage equality with the ACLU; held more than 30 town hall meetings and hundreds of speaking engagements across the state; provided a new level of discourse to LGBT issues in local media; collaborated to create publications like Jumping the Broom: A Black Perspective on Same-Gender Marriage that are now used nationally; formed a Political Action Committee, the Religious Coalition for Civil Marriage Equality, and the Marylanders of Color Collective;
turned its annual lobby day and rally in Annapolis into one of the largest all year; and collaborated with local activists and the ACLU to launch the Maryland Black Family Alliance. "Thanks in large part to Dan's individual contributions, the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Maryland are immeasurably better than they were five years ago," said Board President Scott Davenport. "It is precisely because of the work Dan has done to build our organization that this will be an easy transition for us as we find the right person to take Equality Maryland into the future. The next Executive Director will come in with a sturdy ship to steer and find that we are on the precipice of achieving marriage equality and passage of a statewide gender identity anti-discrimination law. While we will miss Dan greatly and expect to see amazing things from him the future, I am confident Equality Maryland will continue to create an increasingly promising future in Maryland for LGBT people and our families."
Organizations Urge Maryland Court to Throw Out Misleading Referendum Petition Seeking to Overturn Transgender Rights Law On June 2, Lambda Legal and Equality Maryland filed a motion for summary judgment in the Circuit Court of Montgomery County asking it to invalidate a referendum petition seeking to overturn a law enacted unanimously by the Montgomery County Council that adds gender identity as a protected characteristic in their anti-discrimination ordinance.
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"There is a high standard that must be met when it comes to attacking a duly-enacted law by referendum," said Natalie Chin, Staff Attorney at Lambda Legal. "Thousands of the signatures on this petition do not meet that standard." On November 13, 2007 the Montgomery County Council unanimously passed a law, which adds gender identity as a protected characteristic under the County's anti-dis-
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crimination act. A group calling itself Citizens for Responsible Government (CRG) sought to collect the 25,001 required signatures to block the law from going into affect. Lambda Legal, together with Equality Maryland, is representing 12 Montgomery County registered voters that stand by the addition to the anti-discrimination act, and the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force has undertaken a major effort to assist in reviewing the thousands of signatures. In the court papers filed on June 2, Lambda Legal argues that referenda have historically been used to attack anti-discrimination laws and, according to Maryland law, should only be used when strict criteria are met. The criteria are not met in this case. The anti-discrimination law under attack was unanimously passed by the Montgomery County Council after June 13 - June 26, 2008
extensive public hearings. "The proponents of this law followed the democratic process to pass a common sense measure that is on the books in more than 90 jurisdictions nationally," said Dan Furmansky, Executive Director of Equality Maryland. "On the other hand, those seeking to repeal this basic anti-discrimination measure appear to have manipulated the signature-gathering process to puff up their numbers, all in an effort to roll back the clock for transgender residents of Montgomery County." Susan Sommer, Senior Counsel, and Natalie Chin, Staff Attorney, are on the case for Lambda Legal. They are joined by lead attorney for Equality Maryland Jonathan Shurberg. Arnold & Porter LLP is serving as cooperating counsel to Lambda Legal.
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NATIONAL NEWS by Rex Wockner with Bill Kelly
Milk Bust Installed at San Francisco City Hall A bust of slain gay city Supervisor Harvey Milk was unveiled in a ceremony at San Francisco City Hall on May 22, which would have been his 78th birthday. Until now, former mayors have been the only politicians honored with permanent sculptures inside City Hall. The inscription on the bust's granite base reads, in part: "I ask for the movement to continue because my election gave young people out there hope. You gotta give 'em hope." It is located outside the Board of Supervisors (city council) chambers in a ceremonial rotunda. "This tribute to Harvey Milk is long overdue," said Mayor Gavin Newsom. "It is indeed time for his legacy to be commemorated with a place of honor and distinction in San Francisco's City Hall."
Milk settled in the Castro district in 1972 and opened a camera store. He went on to pioneer a populist gayrights movement in the city and, in 1977, was elected to the Board of Supervisors, becoming the third openly gay candidate elected in U.S. history. He and Mayor George Moscone were shot to death inside City Hall on Nov. 27, 1978, by then recently resigned city Supervisor Dan White, who was angry that Moscone wouldn't let him un-resign and that Milk had lobbied Moscone not to reappoint White. White's lenient sentence for the killings (seven years and eight months with parole) led to the famed White Night Riots in San Francisco on May 21, 1979.
Poll: Californians Support Same-Sex Marriage, Oppose Constitutional Ban A California Field Poll released May 28 found that 51 percent of registered California voters support same-sex marriage, 42 percent oppose it and 7 percent have no opinion. The respected poll also found that 54 percent oppose amending the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage, 40 percent favor an amendment and 6 percent have no opinion. The California Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage May 15 and the weddings are scheduled to begin June 17. A voter initiative to amend the constitution to undo the Supreme Court ruling likely will appear on the ballot in the November election. The poll found that the biggest support for same-sex marriage comes from younger voters, Democrats, liberals, nonreligious people and residents of the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles County. The strongest opposition comes from older people, Republicans, conservatives, born-again Christians, Protestants and residents
of the Central Valley and Southern California counties apart from L.A. County. Women (53 percent) are more supportive than men (48 percent) with 8 percent of each having no opinion and the rest opposed. A majority of respondents up to age 49 favor same-sex marriage, while a majority of people over age 50 oppose it. This was the first poll in which a majority of California voters supported same-sex marriage, and Field Poll Director Mark DiCamillo said the Supreme Court ruling is the likely reason.
A bust of slain gay city Supervisor Harvey Milk was unveiled at a ceremony at San Francisco City Hall on May 22, which would have been his 78th birthday. Photo by Michael Petrelis, petrelisfiles.com
Boy Scouts Sue Philadelphia The Boy Scouts sued Philadelphia May 27 after the city insisted they stop banning gays or start paying $200,000 a year in rent on a city-owned space they now get for $1. The Scouts' Cradle of Liberty Council charges that the city is guilty of censorship, and claims it hasn't cracked down on other groups, such as churches, that discriminate against gays while getting reduced-rate leases on city properties. The city responded that it isn't aware of any similarly situated organizations but will investigate any complaints it receives. Mayor Michael Nutter said he will not tolerate any illegal discrimination when services are provided on city-subsidized property. In 2003, the local Scouts council agreed not to discriminate against gays anymore, but the national Scouts organization later forced the council to rescind the agreement. National Scouts policy bans gays and atheists from being members of the organization.
"We had this historic ruling of the state Supreme Court, and people may have been persuaded," DiCamillo told the Sacramento Bee. "We do see a shift. It looks like something happened to affect opinion." "The court is held in high esteem in California," he told The San Diego Union-Tribune. The poll questioned 1,052 voters and has a margin of error of 3.2 percentage points.
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Ellen DeGeneres and fiancée Portia de Rossi. GLAAD photo
McCain Appears on Ellen DeGeneres' TV Show Presidential candidate John McCain and Ellen DeGeneres got into it over same-sex marriage on her TV show May 22. Ellen said: "Let's talk about the big elephant in the room. ... I legally now can get married, like everyone should. ... So I'm obviously excited and, to me, this is only fair, and only natural. What are your thoughts?" McCain responded: "My thoughts are that I think that people should be able to enter into legal agreements and I think that is something that we should encourage, particularly in the case of insurance and other areas, decisions that have to be made. I just believe in the unique marriage between man and woman. And I know that we have a respectful disagreement on that issue." Ellen wasn't having it. "Uh-huh. Yeah," she said. "I think that it is looked at and some people are saying the same that blacks and women did not have the right to vote. I mean, women just got the right to vote in 1920. Blacks didn't have the right to vote till 1870 and it just feels like there's this old way of thinking that we are not all the same. We are all the same people. All of us.
You're no different than I am. Our love is the same. To me, what it feels like -- just, you know, I will speak for myself -- it feels when someone says you can have a contract and you'll still have insurance and you'll get all that. It sounds to me like saying, well, you can sit there (she points one direction), you just can't sit there (she points another direction). That's what it sounds like to me. It doesn't feel inclusive. It feels isolated. It feels like we are not owed the same things and the same wording." McCain responded: "Well, I've heard you articulate that position in a very eloquent fashion. We just have a disagreement and I, along with many, many others, wish you every happiness." "Thank you," said DeGeneres. "So, you'll walk me down the aisle, is that what you're saying?" "Touché," responded McCain. "Well, my hope is someday it won't be called a contract, it'll be called marriage," DeGeneres concluded. California's Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage May 15 and the weddings are scheduled to begin June 17.
Reports: Jodie Foster has New Girlfriend Actress Jodie Foster has broken up with her female partner of 15 years, Cydney Bernard, and taken up with a new girlfriend, Cynthia Mort, numerous media outlets, mostly of the tabloid variety, reported in late May. Mort, 41, was a writer and producer for Roseanne Barr's first TV show and a consulting producer for Will & Grace. Bernard has been, sporadically, a production manager, production supervisor and producer on lesser-known films and TV shows. Foster, 45, and Bernard, 55, have two kids together, Charles and Kit. They were born to Foster, who has not said how she became pregnant. The boys are ages 9 and 6, according to Wikipedia. Both have "Bernard" as a middle name. The reports said Foster and Bernard are still living together, though Foster plans to move. The reports said the couple has agreed to continue raising the children together. www.baltimoregaylife.com • G A Y L I F E •
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS by Rex Wockner with Bill Kelly
Holocaust Gay Memorial Unveiled in Berlin A memorial commemorating the tens of thousands of homosexuals persecuted by the Nazis was unveiled in Berlin May 27. The large, gray rectangular block— 11.8 feet (3.6 meters) tall and 6.2 feet (1.9 meters) wide—is breached only by a small window on one side through which visitors can view a 90-second black-and-white art film of two men kissing. "A simple kiss could land you in trouble," says a plaque associated with the $942,000 box, which was designed by the Danish-Norwegian duo Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset and paid for by the federal government. The plaque adds: "In many parts of the world people are still persecuted because of their sexual identity, homosexual love is a criminal offense and a kiss can spell danger."
Wowereit and the federal culture minister, Bernd Neumann, took part in the ceremony in the city's prominent Tiergarten Park. The memorial sits half a block from the Brandenburg Gate and just across from the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. "The Berlin memorial has an important symbolic value by being erected in the center of the city from where six to seven decades ago the policies of extermination of homosexual people—along with such groups as Jews, Gypsies, Jehovah's Witnesses and political dissidents— were conceived and the deadly orders were given," said the European Region of the International Lesbian and Gay Association. ILGA-Europe said an estimated 54,000 homosexuals were arrested by the Nazis and 7,000 were killed.
A $942,000 memorial commemorating the tens of thousands of homosexuals persecuted by the Nazis was unveiled in Berlin May 27. Wockner News photo courtesy of designers Elmgreen & Dragset
Openly gay Berlin Mayor Klaus
Russia Lifts Ban on Gay Blood Russia's health ministry has lifted the nation's ban on blood donation by gay men. The change was implemented in April but only became known publicly in late May. The decree by Minister of Health and Social Development Tatyana Golikova overturned a policy that had been in effect since September 2001. Similar bans targeting prostitutes and drug addicts also were lifted.
Argentina's presidential palace, the Casa Rosada. Photo by Rex Wockner
Argentine Government Seeks to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage A bill legalizing same-sex marriage was informally presented to Argentina's Congress May 22 by the head of the National Institute Against Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism. "The Casa Rosada (presidential palace) tells us we should do our work, and that's what we're doing," María José Lubertino told La Nación newspaper. "When I took this job, everyone knew that two of my priorities were the legislation on abortion and marriage for everyone. This is no surprise." The draft bill—unveiled at a gathering of activists, legislators and others in the Senate's Eva Perón Hall—moves next to the Ministry of Justice, Security and Human Rights, which will arrange for it to be formally introduced into Congress by the executive branch. If allowed to marry, same-sex couples would acquire new rights in areas such as adoption, inheritance, property, social security and pensions. PA G E 8 •
"We conducted our campaign against the ban for two years and it brought the results," said leading gay activist Nikolai Alekseev. "Not so many people believed in our success but we proved that actions can lead to serious results. "Russia will become an example in this respect for other countries, including Western democracies, where such restrictions are still in force." Alekseev said the ban was "the last direct discriminatory provision against homosexual people" in Russia. Authorities in numerous nations have justified keeping such bans by citing the brief period between when one gets infected with HIV and when the virus can be detected.
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However, many of these nations, including the U.S. and Canada, incongruously continue to ban blood donation by any man who ever had sex with another man, even if only one time 30 years ago.
Malta Court: 'Homosexual' Not Defamatory Calling someone a homosexual is not defamatory anymore, Malta's Court of Magistrates has ruled, according to a May 21 report in The Malta Independent. The decision came in a case where three newspapers reported that a homicide victim was homosexual, and the victim's brother sued over the characterization, claiming it defamed his brother's memory. Local police have said the victim's sexual orientation is relevant to their ongoing investigation of the unsolved killing. The brother plans to appeal Magistrate Michael Mallia's ruling.
Hundreds March in Romania More than 200 people marched in Bucharest's fifth gay pride parade May 24, protected by some 1,200 police officers. Anti-gay organizations failed in a legal effort to stop the march.
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More than 40 apparent counterprotesters were detained during the procession, two for carrying a knife and most of the others for refusing to show police their identification document. Thousands turned out to watch the parade. Some cheered while others booed. "Bystanders were rather curious, as opposed to outraged by the march," said Florentina Bocioc, executive director of the GLBT group Accept, which organized the parade. "Those living in the buildings along the streets on which we marched no longer threw eggs, tomatoes or stones at us; some of them even waved at us. This is a small step towards 'normality.'" The parade's goal was to draw attention to the need for spousal rights for same-sex couples, the organizers said. Marchers included European Parliament member Michael Cashman, Swedish Ambassador Mats Aberg, and, from the U.S., the Rev. Elder Diane Fisher of the Metropolitan Community Churches. A weeklong GayFest preceded the parade. Last year, more than 50 people were arrested for throwing bottles, rocks and eggs at the 500 marchers, and 10 people were injured in the fracas.
More than 1,000 protesters -- including nuns and priests carrying crosses -- targeted last year's march.
Millions at São Paulo Pride More than 3 million people turned out for the 12th gay pride parade in São Paulo, Brazil, on May 25. The city's pride celebration is the world's largest, in South America's biggest city. The parade went down Avenida Paulista, the heart of the financial district. Reports said pride generates $115 million in spending, creates 13,500 jobs and brings in 330,000 visitors.
Retired Czech Gay Leader Runs for Senate Czech gay leader Jirí Hromada, who retired from activism in 2006 after the nation's same-sex civil-union law came into force, is running for the Czech Republic Senate as a Green Party candidate in the fall election. According to The Prague Post, the announcement of Hromada's candidacy led to such a barrage of homophobic posts by users of online news portals that the discussion areas had to be shut down. He is the first openly gay candidate to run for the Senate in the nation's history.
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We don't debate, or simply tolerate; we celebrate your sexuality and spirituality!
Sundays 9 AM
Traditional Celebration
10 AM Hospitality Time - Community 11 AM Praise Celebration & Family Service
Metropolitan Community Church of Baltimore - (410)NOW-MCCb Cb 401 W. Monument Street (at Eutaw) www.mccbaltimore.org
www.glccb.org Services. Groups. Events. Our calendar is now online.
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A lot of Pride events go on in June so it can be confusing. The ones we are involved with are typically listed on the official Baltimore Pride website (www.BaltimorePride.org) and updated through Pride weekend. Of course, our main events are the Saturday Block Party in Mt. Vernon and the Sunday Festival in Druid Hill Park.
- Craig Wiley, Executive Director, GLCCB
Having a Gay Old Time! Baltimore Pride Memories, Advice, and Wishes by Jerome J. Woodchuck
1. What is your fondest memory of past Pride Weekends in Baltimore? I love seeing everybody in their parade costumes. My foremost memory has to be last year's parade when I was a parade judge. Watching the team from AIDS Action Baltimore coming up Charles dressed in high drag operating their "segways" and stopping at the parade grandstand to do their gay "segway" turns, was one of the funniest things I have ever seen.
- Lynda Dee, Attorney and Executive Director of AIDS Action Baltimore The fact that I have no memory of past Pride weekends is a very fond memory of the good times I've had during Pride weekends!
- Mario Fernandez, Gay Life columnist My first block party, in 2004, was a total trip for me. I had never seen so many randy people carrying meat-on-a-stick in one place! I also really enjoyed Pride a couple of years ago when all of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, along with the ACLU and EQMD, were grand marshals. It was nice to be in a celebratory pose, given the serious nature of our work together.
- Dan Furmansky, Executive Director, Equality Maryland My favorite memory from Pride was three years ago. I was standing in front of the stage, waiting for RuPaul to perform, when I met my boyfriend Josh for the first time. It's been three years as of this Pride, and I am glad to share not only my pride, but my love... every year at this time!
- Dimitria I remember the first Pride that I went to, either on Chase St. or in Charles Plaza. All of my friends were there and we were so happy that the gay community was finally out in public expressing itself. After the first early Pride, we moved to the Dell at Wyman Park. And, as the years grew on, Pride grew bigger and bigger. I feel that the best Prides we had were held at Wyman Park. It gave me, at least, a more intimate feeling of being with my people than I have at the big Pride at Druid Hill Park. I wonder sometimes whether being big is better than being small, as far as intimacy is concerned. But, nonetheless, I have attended Pride festivals every year since it started, unless I have unfortunately been away in another city.
It was Pride weekend 1998 at the block party. I was standing there taking in the Fabulous drag queen on stage, the beautiful crowd passing all around, the setting sunlight and loving it. Then, in a secondstory window of the Maryland Club I noticed three women wearing identical raspberry taffeta dresses leaning out the window taking in the same. A couple was attempting to hold their wedding at the Maryland Club on Pride weekend! As the girls watched they began to draw more and more attention from the crowd and began to wave like royalty. Soon a young man in a tux was egged on by the same three culprits to do a mock strip tease. Finally the bride and groom came to the window to greet the throng...she blew kisses, he gave a thumbs up and she threw her bouquet. Much to the chagrin of the truly fabulous drag queen, there was new royalty in town for the evening. The crowd went wild. The man next to me turned to me and said... “and THAT is why I love Baltimore.” Later, walking home, I ran into the three raspberry colored ladies and engaged them only to find out that the Maryland Club had tried to persuade the couple against the celebration and they went ahead anyway with full knowledge that they shared their special day with a large number of GLBT Marylanders.
- Rev. David B. G. Flaherty, Pastor, St. Sebastian Catholic Church One person in our organization, Prime Timers of Baltimore, could not describe his fondest memory unless it was in the course of last year. So, I polled a few of our members. According to most, there were two memories that stood out. The first was taking free digital photos of some of the participants and in turn sending the copies via internet. Why would this be a fond memory? Well, some of the Pride participants had some interesting costumes. We were put in stitches by the Wolfman and his keeper. They were the friendliest people we encountered at the Pride Festival in the park. We hope to see them again this year. The second fondest memory was meeting new members, who joined our organization at the Pride festival in the park. These new members we cherish very much as they have really taken an active role in their group.
Although, the streets of Baltimore are blocked off during the Block Party, the best way to navigate the crowd is simply to get there early and stake out a small area around Charles and Eager Streets. If you prefer, try going into one of the bars located there, relax, have a cocktail or two, and enjoy. When the parade is over, enjoy the vendors’ booths, purchase your favorite food or beverage, but don't forget to check out the wonderful crafts and other things you may not be able to live without. The Festival in the park on Sunday is much easier. Start, as Dorothy says, at the Yellow Brick Road--in this case the concrete sidewalk. It winds through practically all the booths. Then, when it is time for the afternoon entertainment, stake out a nice shady spot and enjoy the activities with a nice cold beverage.
- Prime Timers of Baltimore
3. What do you most look forward to during Pride Weekend? Groping drunk twinks at the block party; they forget all about the restraining orders they have out against me!
- Mario Fernandez, Gay Life columnist Because of the physical and mental demands of the event, I think I most look forward to putting that last piece of equipment away and going home on Sunday night. With that comes such a feeling of accomplishment having put another Baltimore Pride celebration under our belts. But it's also bittersweet because it means that six months of planning and working with some amazing volunteers has come to an end.
- Craig Wiley, Executive Director, GLCCB I most look forward to seeing and being with all segments of our community, gathering together to celebrate our diversity.
- Chuck Bowers, Owner, Club Hippo
I look forward to seeing all my friends in the gay community coming together in one place to share in this rich Baltimore tradition. Also, it is a great opportunity to meet new friends who would like to come and sing with the Baltimore Men's Chorus, a group of gay men who will be celebrating their 25th Anniversary Season starting this September. Stop by our booth at the Pride Festival.
- Scott Chapman, President, Baltimore Men’s Chorus The chance to reflect on how we have grown as a community, where younger people are so much more comfortable in their own skin because of the work we have all done to make society more accepting.
- Dan Furmansky, Executive Director, Equality Maryland
- Prime Timers of Baltimore
2. What are some tips for navigating Pride Weekend events? Leave the Jimmy Choos and Manolo Blahniks at home! The lesbians will spill beer all over them anyway. Who am I kidding? Lesbians never spill beer!
-Mario Fernandez, Gay Life columnist
Now, what we as a group most look forward to is meeting prospective members and future friends. We want every mature gay/bisexual man to know that we were established to promote social, educational and cultural interaction between them and their admirers. We want these men to enjoy getting out and just having some fun with other men like themselves. Our fine group of guys includes men from all walks of life. We don't want anyone to think that just because your past 40, life is over. So, we will be there in the park looking for friends to share our journey.
- Prime Timers of Baltimore
-Marty Shayt, Gay Life Administrative Assistant
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BALTIMORE
PRIDE 2008
Live. Love. Be’More. June 21 & 22
Block Party Lineup – Saturday, June 21, 2008 6:00 PM Sabrina White – Miss Gay America 2002 6:07 PM Fusion Dance Team 6:15 PM Chaka Convict
Pride Schedule of Events Check out www.BaltimorePride.org for a full calendar of Pride events throughout Baltimore this Pride season!
Official Baltimore Pride Events: Twilight on the Terrace Friday, June 20, 8:00 - 11:00 PM Hosted by Gertrude’s Restaurant at the Baltimore Museum of Art - Start Pride weekend in style! A night of hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, music, dancing and art. DJ Alex Funk will be manning the turntables at Baltimore's most unique cocktail party.
6:20 PM Parade Awards 6:20 PM Veronica Wynters – Miss Hippo 6:32 PM KC Sullivan 6:52 PM Vanity Starr – Miss EOY PA 2008 7:07 PM Charm City Boys 7:14 PM Danielle Revlon 7:21 PM Billy Morton – Voice of Pride 2008 7:31 PM Sue Nami 7:38 PM Marlowe Rainbow 7:48 PM Eddie Xavier 7:55 PM Tatiyanna Voche – Miss Gay Maryland America 8:00 PM Club Phoenix
Baltimore Frontrunners’ Fun Run/Walk Saturday, June 21, 9:00 AM Sundial Pavilion at Druid Hill Park - The Baltimore Frontrunners will host a 5k Pride fun run/walk in Druid Hill Park, followed by picnic brunch and prizes. Families, groups, and pets welcome. Bring a picnic basket.
High Heel Race & Parade Saturday, June 21, 4:00 PM Charles Street, between Centre and Chase Streets - From gay cowboys to lesbian bikers, from the King and Queen of Pride to leather daddies, it’s the epitome of Pride weekend. Featuring a variety of floats, bands, marching units and plenty of spectacle, the fun kicks off with a high-heel race up Charles Street. So grab your high heels – or we’ll let you borrow a pair of ours!
8:07 PM Shawnna Alexander 8:15 PM Wicked Jezabel 8:45 PM Justin Credible – King of Pride 2008 8:52 PM Karmella – Queen of Pride 2008 9:00 PM Odd Girl Out 9:30 PM Johnny McGovern & Team Pimp
Festival Lineup – Sunday, June 22, 2008 12:00 PM
New Wave Singers of Baltimore
12:30 PM
Baltimore Men's Chorus
1:10 PM
Tom Goss
2:00 PM
24 Karat Gold
2:30 PM
Mara Levi
Baltimore Pride Block Party
3:00 PM
Eric Himan
Saturday, June 21, 6:00 - 10:00 PM Mount Vernon at Charles and Eager Streets
3:30 PM
Julie Clark
4:00 PM
Brendan Velasquez
4:30 PM
Odd Girl Out
4:50 PM
Raffle
5:00 PM
Degenerrettes
5:30 PM
Undergear
Baltimore Pride Festival Sunday, June 22, 11:00 - 6:00 PM Druid Hill Park
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Anne Arundle Country Fairgrounds 1450 General’s Highway (Route 178) Crownsville, MD
Saturday, July 19, 2008 11 AM to 8 PM
Tim Hartley, Stormy Vain, Ana Lockett, South Anne Arundel County Dance Conservatory, Capital Country Dance Club, Steven Gellman, Fusion, Tom Goss, Diane Daly, Antony Compton, Sister Funk, Nina Amaya and The Belly Dance Delight $5 suggested admission donation Children 12 and under, free with parent, (410) 353-5534 for information.
www.ChesapeakePrideFestival.org
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Baltimore
PRIDE 2008 Read Street Books and Coffee Celebrates Pride with Women’s LitFest n Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21, Read Street Books and Coffee, along with Bold Strokes Books, will present Baltimore’s Women’s Litfest 2008. Other local sponsors include Women’s KISS (Kickass Independent Songwriter Showcase) and Gay Life newspaper. This twoday literary festival, featuring local and national lesbian fiction writers, will complement pride festivities while offering women a new and unique venue for women to celebrate and build community in a validating and supportive environment. With a full schedule of events—including live music and erotica readings, an author panel, author readings and a dance— planned for this year Chris Bittner, owner of Read Street Books, hopes that this year’s success will help make the Women’s Litfest an annual occurrence in Baltimore.
O
One of the world’s largest independent LGBTQ publishing compa-
nies, Bold Strokes Books has invited some of the most entertaining, informative and provocative authors of lesbian fiction to participate in the Women’s LitFest.
Radclyffe A retired surgeon and full time author-publisher, Radclyffe has over thirty lesbian novels and anthologies in print, including the Lambda Literary Award winners Erotic Interludes 2 (edited with Stacia Seaman) and the romance, Distant Shores, Silent Thunder. She is also the recipient of the 2003 and 2004 Alice B. Readers' award for her body of work and the president of Bold Strokes Books, one of the world’s largest independent LGBTQ publishing companies.
KI Thompson Local Maryland author KI Thompson is author of Heart of the Matter and House of Clouds. Her selections are also published in
www.baltimoregaylife.com • G A Y L I F E •
Erotic Interludes 2: Stolen Moments from Bold Strokes Books and subsequent Erotic Interludes anthologies; Best Lesbian Romance 2007; and Fantasy: Untrue Stories of Lesbian Passion.
Learning Curve was released by Bold Strokes Books in January 2008. In addition to attending school and writing, Spangler is active in PFLAG, PRIDE, FMLA and Safe Schools.
I. Beachem
Ali Vali
Born and raised in England, I Beachem first book, Sanctuary, will be published by Bold Strokes Books in 2009.
A Cuban-native, Ali Vali infuses her writing with her family’s native traditions and language. Vali released her first novel, Deal with the Devil and the Devil Inside, with Bold Strokes in April 2008.
VK Powell A member of the Golden Crown Literary Society and Romance Writers of America, VK Powell is the author of three erotic short stories published by Bold Strokes Books in Erotic Interludes anthologies. Her first novel, To Protect and Serve, was released in March 2008. Her second, Suspect Passions, is scheduled for release, also by Bold Strokes, in 2009.
Rachel Spangler Rachel
Spangler’s
first
June 13 - June 26, 2008
JD Glass JD Glass is the author of Punk Like Me, Punk and Zen, American Goth, and Red Light, which was recently released by Bold Strokes in January 2008. Although these names may not ring familiar to a large local crowd, KI Thompson’s partner, Kathi Isserman, explained that “these
novel
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OPINIONS TRANSMISSIONS
Marriage is a Transgender Right, Too by Gwendolyn Ann Smith
hanks to the California State Supreme Court, in just a couple weeks I'll get to preside over the wedding of two of my best friends. I'm sure that there are going to be plenty of similar situations in the next few weeks, as same-sex couples clamor for the altar, taking advantage of the newly-won freedom to marry in the Golden State. What makes my friends different is that they are both transgender.
T
Both of them, for whatever reason, are still classified under their birth gender on paperwork, including their birth certificates. Both of them identify with a gender different from that assigned to them way back
then. In either instance, they are a same-sex couple, and have had to delay their own marital ambitions. They could have, I suppose, had one of the two go through the legal and other formal processes necessary to change their gender, and married as a mixed-sex couple. This, however, would have been dishonest to their own realities. I can't fault them, even though my own situation is different. You see, I have been married for 16 years as of last month. Initially, ours was a mixed-sex marriage. At the time, I was still a male in the eyes of the law, while my
It’s a busy world, to say the least. Whenever we find ourselves multi-tasking - whether out of choice, necessity, or habit - our bodies, minds and emotions race in many directions at once. For many of us, this high-speed, chronically stressful engagement begins the moment we awaken until we collapse back into bed at night. We can’t sustain this level of constant busy-ness without experiencing negative consequences, and often we find ourselves feeling scattered, depleted, and breathless. It’s important to create time to slow down and re-center ourselves regularly in order to return to a place of physical, mental, emotional, and subtle balance. Hatha Yoga practice links deep, regular, soothing breathing with gentle, fluid, mindful movement to return body, mind, emotions, and spirit back to a place of balance and wellness. Join Certified Yoga Instructors Tim Hurley and Kelly O’Neal each week at the Center for Gentle Beginner Yoga and enjoy the priceless benefits of feeling balanced, centered, and deeply relaxed. Classes are held on Sundays at 3:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. (please arrive a few minutes early) in Room 201 at the Center. Classes cost $9.00 each, and a portion of that cost is donated back to the Center. For more information, check the Programs link at www.glccb.org or call 410-837-5445.
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A marriage is, first and foremost, a contract. We entered into a partnership agreement that makes us part of each other's family and that affords us certain rights and responsibilities for each other. Like all contracts, it can only be nullified if it is found that the agreement was invalid when entered into, or if both parties agree to the termination of the contract. We have had no reason to go against our vows, and our marriage was valid under law at the time it was entered into. Therefore, our legal status as a married couple did not change when I went through something as simple as a legal name and gender change. Unfortunately, few seemed to find that as simple as I did. We were able to file joint taxes, although this started to become a concern when the IRS began to look more closely at deductions for transgender-releated needs. Thankfully, this has not been a major issue for us.
Take a deep breath…
Breathe easy.
partner was and remains female. Two years after we wed, I began the process of changing my gender. It was not long before we found ourselves in a legal limbo thanks to the then murky state of affairs surrounding same sex marriage.
Indeed, the biggest issue we had was not with our government or any of the services they provided, but with private insurers. I am covered under my partner's medical and, while they do provide coverage for domestic partners that is on par with the services they provide mixed-sex married coupled, their finely-tuned systems could not handle the notion of a same-sex couple with a marriage certificate. It took a year for the compan and its computer systems to understand that there were no husbands to be found in our household and, furthermore, we could not file domestic partnership paperwork with them, given we were already legally married. It took copies of everything— including both of our birth certificates, our marriage license, my legal name change, and even a verbal agreement that I would understand I would lose coverage under her account should I seek genital reconstructive surgery.
point. Many look at the fight for same sex marriage as being a gay and lesbian issue, devoid of bisexual and transgender involvement. Indeed, several years ago during the initial fight over the now-nullified Proposition 22, I was told by those fighting against it that transgender people would be best best if they remained quietly tucked away until after the right to wed was gained. But this is a right that does affect me and people like me. Because of this ruling, my friends can be married regardless of a single letter on their legal paperwork. It now doesn't matter if there is a "M," an "F," or any of the other 24 letters in the alphabet. They can share their love as a married couple in spite of gender, and they can do so without having to try to "game" the gender binary. They can now enjoy being joined this June—the month most associated with both gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender pride as well as wedding ceremonies. Likewise, my partner and I can live without the concern of someone trying to take away our legal rights as a married couple. I don't have to worry about being barred from an emergency room. I don't have to worry about my insurance coverage—which will comply with California law—not covering either of us simply because they cannot figure out who wears the pants or why that is irrelevant in our relationship. Just like any other same sex marriage, my friends can now gain the same rights that mixed-sex couples have enjoyed, and my partner and I can no longer worry about someone denying our legal rights as a married couple. I need not remind anyone reading this that, really, that is all the fight for marriage equality is about. We simply want to be treated the same as any loving couple who is seeking a trip to the altar—no matter the nature of one’s legal gender. It's a simple notion—as simple as affording marriage for all in the first place. Gwen Smith notes that her 1992 marriage certificate does not have gender specific terms for the bride and groom. You can find her on the web at www.gwensmith.com/.
I provide both my own story, and that of my friends, to illustrate a
June 13 - June 26, 2008
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VOICE OF ONE
The Breakinator the other’s feelings because they may still hope for a future with you.
by David Placher hen someone decides to terminate a long term relationship, there are several factors that must be considered before executing the task of informing the significant other (the “other’). Some of these factors include current living arrangements and the degree of respect one holds towards the other. Breakups in general are especially difficult on the other because there is a sense of rejection and a feeling of abandonment. Often times, the person wanting to terminate the relationship will provide little hints, hoping that the other will hear the ending is near. Those hints, however, often fall on deaf ears. So, how does one end a relationship without projecting a cold-hearted, ruthless image to the other? What words need to be spoken to start the beginning stages of “closure”? What explanations and reasons need to be discussed? And, most importantly, How should one deliver the message?
W
Every couple measures the strength of their relationship according to different factors. Some people erroneously believe that the length of a relationship is an indicator of strength. This logic is derived from a naive perspective of: “Why would you stay with someone if you are not happy?” Often times an individual feels trapped because his or her personal belongings are commingled and located in the same home as the other. The problem is only compounded if the other has title to the home and there is confusion as to who actually owns what. If you have been in a relationship for 6 months or longer, regardless of living arrangements and you have concluded the relationship is unworkable, you need to express your desire to terminate the relationship. Living with the other may result in a hostility because you essentially force yourself into expressing a fraudulent feeling— hiding the fact that you are no longer interested. Also, you fail to consider
Direct interpersonal communication is the best method of ending a long-term relationship. Take your other to a park or restaurant—somewhere privacy is guaranteed. Thank the other for being a part of your life and let them know that the relationship has been a wonderful experience, but that the time for change is now. Generally, when you provide warm and comforting words, the other may be disappointed and saddened, but is less likely to have these feelings for a long period of time. Even though rejection is common, no one likes to feel rejected. The party preparing to inflict feelings of rejection on the other, has an even greater responsibility to demonstrate sensitivity towards the other. How one delivers the message can help one judge the character of the person ending the relationship. Although appropriate in very limited circumstances, if both individuals live in the same city or a short driving distance away from one another, ending a relationship by telephone is pusillanimous. The most shameful method of ending a long term relationship is by delivering the message through electronic mail, facsimile, carrier or thirdparty natural persons. There is nothing that demonstrates more of a cowardly spirit than expressing a desire to end a relationship on paper and having something or someone else deliver the message. In any community, even if the message is the most thoughtful, well-written message ever, you would be classified as the valedictorian of the spineless breakup class for that year. What is said and how it is delivered also reflects on the person ending the relationship. If you find yourself in a situation where your conscience is plagued by a haunting feeling that you may have delivered an inappropriate breakup communication, you probably did. The best way to remedy the situation is to learn from your mistakes and move forward while making an effort to not repeat them. Baltimore is a small community and everyone likes to gossip. How you terminate your relationship may affect future interests because people will be less-inclined to date someone with pre-existing communication problems. Also, a future other may turn your previous breakup conduct around on you; hence the saying, “What comes around, goes around.” David Placher is an attorney
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OPINIONS SPEAKING OUT!
Black Pride Parties to a Different Beat but the larger LGBT community that we are out here and taking control of our lives. Black Gay Pride New England speaks to who we are, and it represents the substance that pertains to our lives,” Philip Robinson, a teacher and community activist told me in June 2001. Seven years later that sentiment remains. And subsequently, as we all rev up each year for Pride so, too, unfortunately, do the fault lines of race and class.
by Rev. Irene Monroe hat started out in Washington, D.C., as the only Black Gay Pride event in the country in 1990 has grown to more than 35 gatherings nationwide.
W
Starting in April and going through October of each year, more than 300,000 LGBTQ people of African descent rev up for a weekend of social and cultural events. Just last year, more than 350,000 attended Black Gay Pride events throughout the U.S., with the largest events held in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and Atlanta, with smaller Black Pride events like the one in Boston providing an equally important sense of identity and cultural heritage. Sunday gospel brunches, Saturday night poetry slams, Friday fashion shows, bid whist tournaments, house parties, soul food, Caribbean cuisine and beautiful displays of African art and clothing are just some of the cultural markers that make Black Pride distinct. But cultural exclusion was just one of a few things gay revelers of African descent experienced in Pride events. Racism is the other. And so after decades of Pride events where many gays of African descent tried to be included and were rejected, Black Gay Pride was born. “We are not seeing ourselves culturally represented at Pride. We want to show not only ourselves,
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The growing gulf between whites and blacks, rich and poor can be seen in the HIV/AIDS epidemic that was once an entire LGBTQ community problem and is now predominately a black one. Another example of our division can be seen in the white gay ghettos that have developed and thrived safely in neighborhoods throughout the country. However, with homophobia in black communities, where most of us reside, we cannot carve out a black queer ghetto within our existing neighborhoods and expect to realistically be safe. But many LGBTQ people of African descent and Latinos argue that the gulf between whites and them is also a dominant queer community rewrite and continues to control the history of Stonewall. The Stonewall Riot of June 27-29, 1969 in Greenwich Village, New York City, started on the backs of working-class African-American and Latino queers who patronized that bar. Those brown and black LGBTQ people are not only absent from the photos of that night, but they are also bleached from its written history. Because racial prejudice was a dominant oppression all black people faced—straight or queer—during the troubling black civil rights era of the 1960's, Dr. Gerri Outlaw, an openly lesbian African-American professor of social work at Governors State University, just outside of Chicago, said, "Had those
• G A Y L I F E • www.baltimoregaylife.com
patrons been white, the cops would have harassed them, but there would not have been a riot." Because of the bleaching of the Stonewall Riots, the beginnings of LGBTQ movement post-Stonewall is an appropriation of black and brown queer liberation narrative absent of black and brown people. And it is the visible absence of these black, brown and yellow LGBTQ people that makes it harder for white queers to confront their racism. Our themes for Black Pride events are different from the larger Pride events. Black Pride focuses on issues not solely pertaining to gays, but rather on social, economic and health issues impacting the entire black community. For example, where the primary focus and themes in white Prides have been on mar-
riage equality, gay people of African descent have used Pride events to focus on HIV/AIDS, other health issues, gang violence and youth homelessness, to name only a few. By 1999, Black Pride events had grown into the International Federation of Black Prides, Inc. (IFBP). The IFBP is a coalition of 29 Black Pride organizations across the country. It formed to promote an African multicultural and multinational network of LGBTQ/Same Gender Loving Pride events and community-based organizations dedicated to building solidarity, health and wellness and promoting unity throughout our communities. In recognizing the need to network and build coalitions beyond its immediate communities, IFBP announced in April the formation of
IMHO Just Keeping It Real
was just telling one of my hags over sushi (which is as close to eating fish as I care to ever come) the other day that it really had been one of the nicer Baltimore springs in recent memory. We’ve had plenty of rain, the lawns were lush, the flowers were in full bloom, and the temperatures had been very moderate. Springtime in Baltimore usually consists of one glorious weekend in May before the heat kicks in, the rains stop, and the code red ozone alerts begin. So all in all, what a real spring should be.
I
by Mario Fernández
I’d even managed to get my fat ass off the couch and begin doing my best Daisy Gamble imitation in the garden. Now, I do realize that there may be queers (like those under 40) who don’t know who Daisy Gamble is. Well, look it up, bitches! Get off Manhunt and google something else other than Zac Efron shirtless. Anyway, as I was walking (or being walked, depending on whose point of view you take) my adorable canine companion, Hubbell, the other night, it occurred to me how much of this lovely spring I had spent indoors on the couch watching way too much reality TV. It had been another lovely Sunday, there had been a glorious sunset, and the air had that freshscrubbed smell after a cleansing spring shower. And where had I spent most of it? Watching another America’s Next Top Model marathon. This after I caught up on two episodes of Workout that I had missed because I was watching reruns of Groomer Has It. When did my life become so pathetic that I was reduced to watching other people’s lives? What does it say about me or about the cultural zeitgeist that we rush home from work, scarf down unhealthy food, hurriedly walk the www.baltimoregaylife.com • G A Y L I F E •
the Black/Brown Coalition. “The purpose of the National Black and Brown Summit is to identify areas for potential collaboration between African-American and Latino LGBT communities, leaders, organizations and grassroots movements, said Earl Fowlkes, president of the IFBP. BLACK PRIDE IS an invitation for the community to connect its political activism with its celebratory acts of song and dance in the fight for LGBTQ justice. The Bible is replete with examples of oppressed groups parading in the streets while struggling for their freedom. For example, “the Song of Mariam,” in Exodus 15:19-21 celebrates the Israelites crossing the Red Sea while they still journeyed in the wilderness toward the Promised Land.
The Promised Land for all LGBTQ citizens is full acceptance into society and Black Pride plays an important role in fulfilling that promise. Black Pride contributes to the multicultural aspect of joy and celebration that symbolizes not only our uniqueness as individuals and communities, but also affirms our varied expressions of LGBTQ life in America. Happy Pride! A native of Brooklyn, Rev. Irene Monroe is a graduate of Wellesley College and Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University. She served as a pastor at an AfricanAmerican church before a Ford Fellowship took her to Harvard Divinity School for a doctorate.
dog, and ignore our significant other/boyfriend du jour, or children just to turn on the TV to watch the finals of American Idol, or Top Chef, or Survivor, or Nanny 911? Are our lives so mundane, so hum-drum, so tragic that the only way we can escape the constipation of middle age is to watch those younger, perceived as less talented, or more stupid than ourselves? Because if that’s the case, then I can begin to understand the appeal of shows like A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila and Flavor of Love. I don’t know what’s worse: the fact that this is a country that elected (and I use that term very loosely!) George W. Bush as president for two terms or the fact that there are enough people watching to warrant additional seasons of A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila and Flavor of Love. Not that I can thumb my nose at those shows; indeed, I would need a designated driver to take that high road. After all, I’ve been a Real World junkie since the beginning. I have, however, only marginally watched Real World Sydney and have not gotten into Real World Hollywood at all. I suspect that’s because there were no gay cast members in either cast. And I’m so over watching young, straight, twenty-somethings getting drunk and acting stupid. I can see that every summer day in Ocean City. But I find that every time I turn on my TV nowadays, it’s always on Bravo. Why? Because that’s where I left it the night before, that’s why! Bravo was once a very prestigious channel with important and thought-provoking foreign and independent movies. Now, it’s populated with fare like Flipping Out, Welcome to The Parker, My Life on the D-List, Real Housewives of Pick a Coast, Project Runway, Make Me a Supermodel, Blow Out, Being Bobby Brown, and Hey Paula. And I watch; I will watch; I must watch. Sure, one the reasons that I watch is because queers are represented in most of these shows. And generally, the representations are fair and balanced. There’s all kind of queers on these shows: nelly collagen-injected lipped lisping queens, butch lesbians, lipstick lesbians, scary lesbians (if I ever run into Lisa from this year’s Top Chef in a dark alleyway, I will most assuredly pee in my pants. That’s one scary lesbian! And the fact that she packs knives gives me nightmares of the worst kind. Even worse that the nightmare I had where the 22nd Amendment was repealed and Dubya stole another election). I suspect, however, that I watch because viewing the train wreck that is another’s life makes my life seem better. I can feel better about myself because I’m not an up-tight, obsessive-compulsive queen like Jeff on Flipping Out. I’m not as materialistic or as shallow and pretentious as any of the Real Housewives. I’m not “my sh*t don’t stink” annoying and irritating as Dale from Top Chef. I’m not as “Please remove this stick from up my ass” pompous as Tim Gunn from Project Runway. In comparison, my life seems manageable, if a bit boring. It may be a life filled with quiet desperation, but it’s not a life that belongs on TV where others would watch to feel better about themselves. And as Mistress Martha would say, “That’s a good thing.” A very good thing indeed! Tell Mario all about your reality TV guiltiest pleasures and he’ll tell you all about his. E-mail Mario at mfernandez@baltimoregaylife.com. June 13 - June 26, 2008
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OPINIONS Let’s Have a Conversation The truth is... We’re not some freak of nature. We want and deserve equal rights like any other human being. We have ten fingers and toes... a nose, a mouth, two ears, teeth and so forth....
by Marvelous Marva ONE THAT’S INTRIGUING, EXCITING, BOLD, DIFFERENT, UNIQUE, GUTSY AND CANDID... Yes, I want to have conversations... In this new column I plan to share my thoughts, opinions, feelings and my position on issues, particular topics and life. I will naturally be intriguing, exciting, bold, different, unique, gutsy and candid in my writings... I may also at times ruffle some feathers. That too is one of my objectives—to awaken the parts in us that we sometimes suppress, because it’s uncomfortable or unheard of to have certain conversations publically. Well, fasten your seat belts and open your mind because in this column...we will have these conversations... I ask of you the one thing that I will give you in return... that is that we both stay flexible with accepting and giving new ideas to each other…. I write this column with great intimacy and passion. My hopes are that we can laugh, cry, learn and grow together... THE GAY LIFE REALITY (THE TRUTH IS...) You know being gay in America today, I imagine is certainly easier... I’m sure than it was for our gay brothers and sisters decades ago. Having said that, I also need to say that the gay life reality is still a struggle at...yes... most of us being very strong people who are willing to stand up for both what should be our equal rights as well as what is our truth... We can make it seem to be an easy thing to do... through the eyes of the outside world at times, when in all actuality it can be exhausting as hell...fighting...to be simply...who we are.
In fact, we have the same blood types as people who are not gay... Shocking to some, I’m sure. Now how would you explain such a freak of nature... lol! Some of us choose to be Republicans or Independents; some of us are Democrats; some are even Lesbians... oops my bad... I mean Libertarians... lol... and some of us actually choose not to participate in the political process at all. The bottom line is... We come in every make and model imaginable... We come from all backgrounds and upbringings... We’re everywhere and in everything... So how did it...? Why did it...? How could it have happened? Hummm... Who cooked this dish? The truth is... In most cases, we were conceived during a heterosexual couple’s beautiful expression of love making on a given night. So if we’re freaks, it was those heterosexuals that made us.... So let’s consider taking their rights away. My question is...what does that make the mothers and fathers of gays? Are they freaks too? Why are they getting off the hook? And since we’re talking about it, could there possibly be something wrong with people who we’re related to also... you know... our siblings & cousins? You might wanna keep your eye on them too! Hummm... God forbid if there’s something wrong with them... because you know most of us did come up in households surrounded by straight people. Did we look at a movie a young age that tripped us out? Is it hereditary? I can’t seem to figure this out.... The truth is... Most of us were not molested... most of us have normal IQ levels, if not higher than average... few people come from functional households anyway... so that’s not what caused it. We all drink the same water... Wait a minute. Wait a minute... I could be on to something here... We all eat the same food and breathe the same air... Right? We all came out of the womb of a woman. We also sleep about seven to eight hours a night. We celebrate similar holidays. If we cut ourselves, we say
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ouch! We celebrate and attend the gatherings of a new birth...we show up and have even participated in weddings...we’re at the hospitals when our loved ones are ill... we also go to funerals to say goodbye to those we love who have passed on...we laugh, and we cry... Hummm... I’m trying really hard, but I just can’t seem to figure this one out... What in the hell is wrong with us... uh oh... I think I’ve got it— Nothing! The truth is... What we do in our bedrooms with our lovers and partners is not some sick, perverted act at all... but quite the contrary. It is to us, the most pure form of making and expressing love to one another... It is as romantic as any couples intimate night together. In fact, rumor has it, that most of us are pretty good at love making I might add... lol. It is as mind blowing as two people being in bed... Personally, I happen to think it’s positively awesome and I wouldn’t have it any other way. In fact, let me be the first to say that I’m putting my bid in to be gay in my next life...before the line gets too long... lmao. Now I really bet people want to know what we do in bed (which by the way I could never understand why someone would be curious about what they consider to be freaky.... Interesting, huh?) Perhaps those are the real freaks... hummm... you got me on that one. The truth is... What we share with our lovers and partners emotionally, physically, and spiritually, is as beautiful... intense... passionate... and pure... as what any two people in love share. Whether they’re Black, White, Straight, Gay, Blind, Cripple, Rich or Poor. And this is what should be understood... as just being quite normal. A man or a woman who happens... just happens...to love someone...of the same sex. In this love for one another, what we share are the same conversations, dreams and hopes that many other couples share—that of having a family... kids... a home...our health...perhaps even a business. We also think about education, vacation spots, careers, promotions, retirement funds, investments, politics and the list goes on... Actually we’re quite normal... no kidding!
June 13 - June 26, 2008
The truth is... Sometimes we just
get sick and tired of explaining to people that this is how we were born... and it is completely natural. And yes, I believe it to be correct— God does not make mistakes... It’s the people who seem to think that there’s something wrong with being gay... the ones who’ve made the mistake... a very big one I might add…in questioning and wanting to change what is obviously nature for some... and perhaps not for others. For we know... that man does not and will not have the answer to all of everything...ever...here on earth. For those who believe that a God does existGod... who just don’t seem to get why people are gay—please take their issues to God... when and if they get there. And in the meantime, please stop imposing what they do not and will not understand or accept on society at large... I’d like to believe that all concerns of this matter will be cleared up and explained at the time that your life and works are reviewed by God.... Anyway...Man did not create mankind... but does everything he can to control and make mankind into who... and how... he seems to think... mankind should or should not be. I wish all the Dr. Frankenstein wannabes would get over their control issues...of wanting to be God and just practice some acceptance of what is! This, ladies and gentlemen, is some of My Gay Reality... the Truth... on a daily basis. Yes, it can be a bit much at times... But I wouldn’t trade it in for all the heterosexual tea in China! (lol) WHAT’S UP WWHAT’S UP WITH THE HETEROSEXUALS THIS WEEK (Truth & Humor) You know I don’t completely know how heterosexuals think or feel...but I would imagine that at times it could be similar to: How an American feels in comparison to foreigners who are working on and going through all the drama of becoming legal United States Citizens... I was at the department of immigration not too long ago... and trust me, legal citizenship in this country can make one feel at times...“Just a bit Fortunate...” How it feels standing in a long line for a seemingly endless amount of time, waiting your turn and someone pulls up in a limo and goes right
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in, in front of everybody—this someone happens to be...“Just a bit Fortunate...” How some people probably felt during slavery days... while watching the injustice and unfairness inflicted on others... the feeling of superiority... a feeling of being better than... some knowing in their heart of hearts that what they were witnessing was unfair, yet somehow at the time seemed to feel... “Just a bit Fortunate...” How those who no longer live in the hood, ghetto, inner city, crime & drug infected areas... those who have gotten an education, or landed the right job or had some lucky break... watch the evening news, while safely at home seeing what some people live and go through on a daily basis... gagging at how sad of a life it is for someone to live... and also thinking & feeling ... “Just a bit Fortunate...” How the prettier girl who ends up getting the job... instead of the other girl...who by the way everyone knows is more talented, smarter, dedicated, overweight, not so well dressed, not well connected, or from a prominent family. But everybody knows that the not so prettier girl was the better candidate all around for the position. I’m thinking...the pretty girl feels... “Just a bit fortunate...” So, you know at times being heterosexual is certainly easier than being gay. Heterosexuals are seemingly at times just treated differently...which probably explains why the closet is so full... It can be easier
sometimes not being who you really are. So why not pretend to be something you’re not? In the closet you can just fall in line with what is more acceptable... the way that’s not going to ruffle feathers...the path that least causes embarrassment to the family or others... and probably countless of other reasons which all seem to be reason enough. Sadly, some people really seem to struggle with just being who they really are. Which brings to my mind...bisexuals. I remember years ago when I thought that bisexuals were just confused, selfish human beings...and I had little understanding of how they could sleep or want to sleep with both sexes. I later came to the acceptance that there really is a bisexual community... Yep...there really is. And I think they’re wonderful people... I just have one serious issue with them—I truly wish that they’d just sleep with each other—other bisexuals—instead of straight or gay people...sleep with each other since there is a level of understanding. (Readers, Please let me know your thoughts on this one... Hummmm.) RELATIONSHIPS Most behavior in healthy relationships, I’m beginning to come to realize and understand, is not complicated at all. In fact it’s kinda simple, yet profound, because of its simplicity... once you know what it takes. The crucial behavior that is always needed to bond two people... for the healthiest relationship...is honesty….not just in the typical way most would think of... but in the much more personal and private intimate ways: The Truth about our
ATTENTION
Opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the GLCCB or Gay Life.
We welcome your letters and opinions. Submissions should include a name, address and phone number for verification and may be edited for content and length. Send submissions by e-mail to editor@baltimoregaylife.com or fax to 410.837.8889 or by mail to Editor, 241 W. Chase Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.
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insecurities (which by the way I believe all possess on some level or another); the Truth about our likes & dislikes in all areas; the Truth about our fears, that in some cases have been with us since childhood; the Truth about our dreams... the ones we’ve had for many years... the ones we no longer even talk about... yet still fantasize about in the privacy of our own minds... afraid to share these dreams for fear of sounding ridiculous or feeling silly; The Truth about what hurt us... and what still hurts today; The Truth about wanting to cry sometimes, and not know why... This level of honesty and truth is what will bond two people together in the most intimate way. So why do most people not do it…not share their most intimate parts? ‘Cause they really don’t know... It’s like a "Who Knew" moment... or a "Who would’ve thunk it" moment... Intimacy is not just getting naked and sharing each other’s bodies.... It’s also sharing the mind, heart and souls of one another. After trying everything... and I mean everything…most people don’t know that this is the key to what’s missing after the love making is done. What’s most important is to feel safe, comfortable enough, sharing honestly and asking for honesty in return... It must and should be given... in order to get. As far as advice is concerned, first thing is... Always look at the source of advice and what it’s based upon. In other words, my girlfriends or boyfriends who allow their spouses to walk all over them are not the ones I'd go to for advice when dealing with an issue that might involve two people compromising, being respectful and loving in a relationship... My girlfriends and boyfriends who are okay with sleeping around and do not want commitment (which is perfectly fine by the way, if that's where you are in your life) are not who I'd go to if I'm at a place in life of wanting to be with one person… in love with my ass settled down somewhere... and all the wonderful, seemingly corny things that go along with that lifestyle... I need the advice of someone who is not afraid of the challenge of what having that kind of relationship requires. And, I do not go to my boyfriends and girlfriends who are involved with "Ike Turner" or the female version of him.... if I'm being abused in any sense... It's a cliche but it is true for the most part... "Birds of a Feather do
tend to Flock together", so if you want healthy relationships along with healthy advice... Check the source! Key word is healthy... not perfect. Don't you think that Heidi Klum and Seal seem to have it together? I watched an interview with them and you could almost feel the spirit of their love through.... I thought to myself, what a wonderful thing.... I'll be so very happy when a gay couple is so okay with expressing that same love for each other publically. Oh, it's coming... and I'll be the one who does it, just as soon as...I fall in Love. Anyway, healthy, intimate relationships are so important in today’s world... Having a healthy, intimate relationship with someone seems to be the saving grace of making this life worthwhile at times... What I want to share with you is: We all can get up and go to work... and go through all the motions of daily life... but having that special someone to love and who loves us is just the best! I want for others what I want for myself... THE LOVE OF MY LIFE! IN CLOSING I enjoy writing this column because it’s such a wonderful way of expressing myself and some of my intimate thoughts...it’s a fantastic way of venting and sharing ideas and hopefully putting a different twist on issues. It is an attempt to get people to laugh, cry and lighten up... and maybe perhaps think about or look at things from another standpoint. I apologize in advance if I’ve scratched anyone the wrong way. Please consider that it’s possible that you may have had an itch... Lol... see, there I go again. I do hope that I continue to get the support of your readership... and anticipation of what will be in my next column— politics, business news, local and national news, answers to your questions…and much more! Please tell someone about this new column. This is what I’ll be doing while I preparing for my late night talk show... okay? In the meantime, I can’t wait to read your reviews! Finally, fasten your seat belts... It’s gonna be an interesting, funny, exciting and sometimes bumpy ride! Until next time... Marva! Email your question, comments and other feedback to marvelousmarva@ baltimoregaylife.com
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SPOTS JAY’S ON READ: THE PIANO BAR WITH A MUSICAL HEART by Carlo Brando Zepeda Among the beautiful parks, the historic homes, the lush gardens, the specialty boutiques and the multicultural restaurants that form part of the historic and cultural district of Mount Vernon, locals and visitors alike enjoy a true treasure called Jay’s on Read. Jay’s caters to everyone who is looking for a relaxing and entertaining time. Every night from Monday to Saturday, Jay’s is visited by young and old folks—new patrons and regulars, who are encouraged to mingle while enjoying the sounds of classical music, show tunes, pop, love ballads and jazz, while sipping the delicious martinis Jay’s is known for. Under new ownership, Jay’s on Read has made a few transformations: nothing drastic or pedestrian. Since Linda and Dave took over, every Monday through Friday the place now opens at 4, and on Saturday the guests are welcome to come in at 1. The comfort and friendliness of Jay’s is like no other in town. It is decorated with taste and furnished with some of the most comfortable and inviting leather chairs where one can rehab from a hectic day or simply share a sweet conversation with a date. Known for its sophisticated and cultured gay clientele, Jay’s on Read does not discriminate—straight couples and single customers feel at ease since this friendly piano bar is unpretentious, nonthreatening and everyone is welcome to come in. From the moment you enter this wonderful place, the staff and the new owners welcome you with a smile and warm hello. At the bar, the
ever-friendly bartender Donny or the iconic Seal or the sweet and funny Ricky offer delicious concoctions to your desire. Every night these folks will make you the special of the day; that could be anything from margaritas to mojitos, black-eyed Susans to cosmopolitans. And the domestic brews are equally important and available for you to drink in joy. One of the fun things to do at Jay’s is to sit at the back of the bar and hear the awesome sounds of the 1929 Mason and Hamlin grand piano being played by one of the many artists who call Jay’s their stage. Personally, the back of the bar is less congested, there is an easy access to the witty bartenders and you can enjoy a game or two at the video machine. Guests are always struck with the warm and intimate ambiance Jay’s offers. Here you matter and here you are wanted and welcomed. Dave, an affable and slightly shy New Englander confirms this point: “Jay’s is a destination for everyone,” he explains. Through special events and by supporting causes they believe in, Dave and Linda promise to make Jay’s on Read a place that can stand alone amongst the other bars in Mount Vernon. For example, during Baltimore’s Gay Pride, they will welcome everyone at Jay’s for special drinks and culinary treats. This is no joke.
New York or maybe even London comes to mind when you step in and comfortably settle into one of their hard to resist leather chairs. But if you wish, the bar is a great cozy place as well. Order a martini with three, four or more olives if you prefer, and you will see that the large chilled glasses are an immense and rich affair. Only at Jay’s on Read will you triumph over one of them. In many of the Mount Vernon establishments, it is often difficult to encounter a great glass of wine, but not at Jay’s. Here the wine is pretty good and the glass is perfectly the right size. Not too small, but not too large. Not average; just perfect. If you are from out of town and want to experience genuine Baltimore nightlife— one without pretentious folks or young people staggering out the door—then Jay’s is the place to be. Scott H., a visitor from Tucson, described his experi-
ence at Jay’s as “delightful and one of a kind.” Scott also proclaimed that, “Jay’s is a friendly place where the drinks are great and the guys are not too bad.” The friendly atmosphere is felt throughout the room. Linda, the gregarious and warm owner of the bar routinely walks around the room greeting patrons, making friends and inviting the guest to come back once again. At Jay’s people from diverse backgrounds meet to have a really good time. Neighbors, friends, dates, gay or straight, married couples and single people as well, enjoy this little gem found in the middle of Mount Vernon. Be merry. Say hello. Drink responsibly. Laugh loudly. Start a conversation. Eat your pretzels and trail mix. Chat with Donny. Ask Linda questions. At Jay’s On Read you can be anything, do these and other things. Nobody will look at you strangely and nobody will ask you to leave.
Jay’s on Read is not an “old mans club”, as some tend to believe; instead it is a place were sophistication and playfulness come together. This is neither the Drinkery nor the Hippo, but anyone should experience Jay’s at least once in their life.
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FICTION Cereal: The Adventures of Pico Darling ow Asha’a glasses sit atop her face speak to how we will fuck for the next three weeks. If she enters the room staring at me above the shiny rims, I know she wants a moment, quick and quietly. Sometimes she rushes them up the bridge of her nose to say she will play a good bottom. When they are flicked to the top of her head like a crown, I feel she wants to make me bleed. Removing them entirely is usually the first step in her stripping-down seduction that will lead to an all night private affair. I have become accustom to reading her glasses, to knowing her movements and anticipating her wants accordingly. I have become really good at my job. So good that I decide I am entitled to a raise.
H
So on the second night of my fourth week at La Maison, during
one of our airplane fantasy role plays, I engage the matter. The dialogue went something like this: Captain Sullivan: You’re late, Jones.
Jones: Yes, Captain. Just like that, that feels good.
Sullivan: Yes? Jones: Thinking.
Sullivan: Just relax, Co-Pilot Jones. I’ll take care of it.
Sullivan: Yes. Of what? Jones: Well…of you, Captain.
Jones: You always do.
Co-Pilot Jones: I’m sorry, Captain. Won’t happen again.
Sullivan: Why, Co-Pilot Jones, you seem to have a lift in your pants!
Sullivan: It better not. We’ve got 243 passengers aboard this flight and they’ve all been waiting for you.
Jones: Yes, Captain, I do. I’ve been thinking about you all day. I hoped I would be able to overcome it. I went to the bathroom to gather myself, but you see, I cannot. This thing just won’t go away.
Jones: Yes, Captain. I understand. Sullivan: So why are you late? Tell me. Jones: I don’t think you want to know. Sullivan: I do. Tell me. Jones: I was in the bathroom. Sullivan: What were you doing there? Jones: Sitting in a stall.
by Espy Robinson
Sullivan: Let me see, here. (The Captain examines between the CoPilots legs.) Here it is, I’ve found it. I’ve found the cause of all your distress. Jones: Yes, Captain! That is it! Sullivan: Let me rub it for you; maybe it will help. Then we can be on our way.
Sullivan: Yes, and I am scarcely compensated for it. I should have anything I want for putting up with a fool like you, Co-Pilot Jones. Jones: Yes, Captain, you should. I broke character. “Asha, I want, I need to go home,” I told her. She opened here eyes and stared at me. “I figured you would say that soon enough. I’ve made arrangements for you, that’s were I was this afternoon. That’s why I was late.” “You always know, even before I do,” I exclaimed, playfully pinching her sides and thighs. She dodged
Civil Ceremony Photography and Rolls Royce Limo Service Please call Dean 410-243-3441
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them and elbowed me off of her. “I got you a car,” she said. “I thought you’d like a drive back to Baltimore. The weather’s supposed to be perfect all weekend.”
you?”
I kissed her hard and ran my fingers along her cheeks. “And I thought you’d want to see her for her birthday,” she said standing up off the floor and buttoning up her pants. She pulled her top back up onto her shoulders and put her glasses back on. “There’s a gift for her in the trunk. From me or from you, either way, a gift.” She slipped her feet back into sling back shoes. She grabbed her leather bag from a chair and a set of keys from a table near the door. “Drive safely. Use Zee Phone for anything you need. Tell her I say, hello.” She opened the door of my suite and leaned out into the hallway. “Think of me,” she said, voice fading into the sound of the door shutting behind her. I expected I would.
I sucked my teeth and almost conceded defeat when I remembered Zee Phone. I grabbed it from the glove box and made moves to get out of the car. The cop moved her hand to her holster, quick to assume I was a threat.
I drove all the way from Chicago to Baltimore, Maryland in a vintage 1985 gold Jaguar Hypersport, the kind my mother always fantasized about owning, with cream-colored leather interior and a cherry wood dash that Asha Hennessy had gifted me. I was so excited to drive it that I only stopped to get gas. I took bathroom breaks and bites to eat while the tank filled. And then I was back in it, pushing 85 most of the way, flicking smoked-out cigarettes from the custom t-top. The weather was as perfect as Asha said it would be. As I approached the city at 6 that afternoon, a chill shot up my back. I was home. I hadn’t been to my apartment or my job or to the Eddie’s or the Sudsville in over a month. I got excited when I took the downtown exit off of 95. I made my way up Charles Street. I got stares from old men in their Mercedes. They smiled weakly at me in admiration of the automobile I was driving. I gave them the finger and accelerated. Around Saratoga Street, I noticed some commotion up ahead. The traffic slowed. I stretched my neck to see further. What seemed like thousands of people were walking north. I revved the engine but we, the drivers of cars, sat there. Finally, I got to Centre Street where the road had been blocked and all cars were being forced to detour to the right. I pulled up to a traffic cop. “What’s going on?” I asked. “It’s the gays. They’re having a parade. For their pride,” the cop said. “Well, let me through, I live right there, on Madison,” I said back. “Only folks in the parade can get through. You not in the parade, are
“No, but if I can just go right there, I will be home. “Sorry.”
“I don’t mean any harm. I just want to show you this.” I swiped my hand over it to dial Mayor Hinton. In three seconds, the Mayor’s holographic image jumped out of the phone and stood before the awe struck cop. “Hey, Mayor. It’s Pico. I’m standing here trying to get to my apartment and one of your bullies won’t let me though,” I said. “Let Pico through, hon,” Hinton said to the cop. Then to me, “I’m glad you’re back. Let’s do lunch real soon.” And the image was gone and the cop was moving quickly to push the barricade out of the way and I was hopping back into the Jag and then speeding up Charles Street past the Walters Museum. “F*ck with me!!” I yelled as I sped up the hill.
PENCIL ME IN Saturday, June 14 – Sunday, June 15 Capital Pride Parade
The 33rd annual Capital Pride celebration—History. Vision. Legacy.—culminates with the landmark parade, with celebrity Grand Marshall Bruce Vilanch, on Saturday and street festival on Sunday. Pop duo Jason & deMarco will headline Sunday’s afternoon of diverse local and national talent. For maps and additional information, visit www.capitalpride.org.
Monday, June 16
Gay Life Happy Hour @ Club Hippo Kick off pride week with Gay Life newspaper! Drop by Club Hippo (1 W. Eager St., Baltimore, MD) from 6-8 p.m. for drink specials, appetizers from Boheme Café and TONS of raffles. You’ll have a chance to win tickets to Twilight on the Terrace at Gertrude’s @ the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Donna Summer Concert! For additional information, call 410-8377748.
Wednesday, June 18 Pride Bingo @ Club Hippo
Don’t miss Pride Bingo at Club Hippo (1 W. Eager St., Baltimore, MD)! Cash Prizes! Progressive Jackpot! Play to win chances for a Caribbean cruise for two aboard the Carnival Victory from Odyssey Travel (September drawing). Early birds start at 8:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit the GLCCB and AIDS Action Baltimore.
Some folks thought I was part of the parade. They waved and blew me kisses as I slowly inched the car forward. I thought it was funny and waved back. The Event Staff even let me park right next to my building and then roped the area off.
Transit—MANHUNT 7 Sexy Sins Party Tour
I was home. I entered my building and started the hike to the fourth floor. It seemed as if in every apartment there was a party. Everyone’s door was open. A different genre of music blasted from each different room. Red plastic throw-away tumblers and sweaty tees lined the stairs. Finally at the door of 4F I braced myself. Inside, everything was different. Light poured in from floor to ceiling windows covering the outermost walls. New furniture, new floors, and paint. A total renovation. I was so impressed by the new décor I didn’t even notice her on the bed.
Friday, June 20
MANHUNT’s national summer tour hitting 40 cities comes to Grand Central (1001 N. Charles St. Baltimore, MD) to celebrate the 7 sexy sins of lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride…but with a sexy twist. The event will feature gift bags, door prizes and an appearance by Raging Stallion Exclusive RJ Danvers. For additional information, visit www.centralstationpub.com.
Twilight on the Terrace
Kick off pride weekend in style! Be sure to buy advance tickets to the official launch of Pride weekend at Gertrude’s Restaurant at the Baltimore Museum of Art (10 Art Museum Dr., Baltimore, MD). You can’t go wrong with an open bar featuring signa-
ture martinis by Stoli, decadent hors d’oeuvres and dancing on the terrace with everyone’s favorite DJ, Alex Funk. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 410-837-5445 x17 or email jfederici@glccb.org.
Saturday, June 21 Pride Parade & Block Party
The GLCCB presents Baltimore Pride 2008: Live. Love. Be’More.! For 33 years, Baltimore Pride has been bringing people together to dance in the streets—literally—and this year won’t be any different. With singers, dancers and female impersonators from all over the country, this year’s Block Party will be bigger and better than ever before! In between performances, take advantage of the more than 50 vendors lining the streets of Mt. Vernon. Come early for the high heel race and parade at 4 p.m., and be sure to stay for the headliner—Gay Pimp Jonny McGovern—who comes on stage at 9:30 p.m. For additional information, visit www.baltimorepride.org.
Sunday, June 22 Baltimore Pride Festival
Join thousands of people at Baltimore’s beautiful Druid Hill Park from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. to celebrate Baltimore Pride 2008! From local and national performers to more than 150 vendors throughout the festival grounds, the Baltimore Pride festival will feature music, games, drag performances, food, drinks & much more. For additional information about performers and vendors, visit www.baltimorepride.org.
Thursday, June 26 Red Carpet at Red Maple
Celebrity actor and model Marco Dapper will kick off Red Carpet Thursdays at Red Maple (930 N. Charles St., Baltimore MD) with a VIP meet and greet and a fashion show/auction. He, with several models from the "Ripped Genes" calendar will show collections from Kenneth Cole and Universal Gear. Come out at 8 p.m. for a VIP reception on the patio with Marco and enjoy complimentary top shelf martinis and hors d’oeuvres. The fashion show kicks off at 9 p.m. All of the proceeds from the auction will benefit amFAR, The Foundation for Aids Research. For tickets (VIP: $50; General Admission: $25), visit www.fashionenterprisesonline.com. General admission will also be available at the door.
“I like what you’ve done with the place,” Evvi said. She was different from my memory of her three months earlier. “Happy birthday,” I said, catching my breath from the shock. “Oh you remembered?” “How could I forget…” Want to see Pico go places you've only dreamed of. Send your thoughts to picodarling@baltimoregaylife.com.
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FEATURED PRIDE PARTIES Saturday, June 14 Destination Hippo: Miami
Baltimore’s Biggest Dance Party with DJ Alex Funk Club Hippo, 1 W. Eager St., Baltimore, MD Live Percussion by Warren H., Lights by freeze-fx, Visuals by AV Club
Wednesday, June 18
Taboo, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Presented by Firefly Entertainment 13th Floor @ the Belvedere, 1 E. Chase St., Baltimore, MD Featuring DJ India: Deep House, Lounge, Hip-Hop, Soul In appreciation, half of the proceeds from the evening will be donated to the GLCCB $10 donation
Thursday, June 19
For $10 advance tickets and additional info check out www.myspace.com/fireflyent and www.myspace.com/scandalsundays.
Drenched with Pride: Wet Underwear Contest, 11:30 p.m. Presented by Club Phoenix & Baltimore Pride Club Phoenix, 1 W. Biddle St., Baltimore, MD Hosted by Dimitria
Sweetest: 4 the Nice & Naughty Gurlz, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. Presented by Onyx Entertainment 5 Seasons, 830 Guilford Ave., Baltimore, MD Music by DJ 5 Starr Cash bar, $5 b4 10 p.m., $10 after
Twilight on the Terrace, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Pop Rocks: Come Party with the Stars Presented by Christopher Franzoni & Stan Kimmel in Association with The Depot The Depot, 1728 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD $1 Open Vodka Bar 10:30 p.m.-12 a.m.
Tasty: B-More Gay Pride Kickoff, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. Presented by Onyx Entertainment Club One, 300 E. Saratoga St., Baltimore, MD Hosted by celebrity video vixen & Eye Candy model of the year Angel “Lola” Luv Music by NYC’s finest DJ Mary Mac Cash bar, drink specials, $5 b4 10 p.m., $10 b4 midnight, $12 after
Friday, June 20
Presented by the GLCCB & Gertrude’s Restaurant Gertrude’s @ the Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr., Baltimore, MD Open bar, hors d’oeuvres, dancing with DJ Alex Funk For tickets, call 410-837-5445 x17
Saturday, June 21
Baltimore’s Biggest PRIDE Dance Party Club Hippo, 1 W. Eager St., Baltimore, MD DJ Ralphi Rosario hailing from Chicago
Best Package Contest Presented by Grand Central & Gay.com Grand Central, 1001 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD Underwear & prizes by Andrew Christiansen
Candyland, 9 p.m .- 2 a.m.
Blend: The Women’s Pride Kick Off, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. Presented by Firefly Entertainment & S.H.E. Productions The Kasbah, 2324 Boston St., Baltimore, MD DJ Sparkle spinning top 40, hip-hop, reggae, old school, electro & 80s Limited VIP Swing Seating; Reservations available, Hundreds of women from Baltimore, DC, Philly and NY will kickoff Baltimore’s annual Gay Pride festivities in one of the most unique nightclubs in the city. Firefly Entertainment and S.H.E. Productions have been throwing successful events in Baltimore for the past 5 years independent of one another. Together they present BLEND- THE Women’s Gay Pride Kickoff at the Kasbah, June 20th. This new collaboration seeks to “truly celebrate the diversity in the Baltimore Queer Women's Community.” The Kasbah offers 6,000 square feet of rich hardwood flooring, 16 foot ceilings, exotic VIP swing beds and private hookah lounges, multiple full bars and amazing drink specials. Philly's well-known DJ Sparkle spins an eclectic mix of house, hip-hop, top 40 and 80’s all night. Promoted as the most diverse women’s event in town, this promises to be a night to remember. “We are already minorities as queer women and it is a shame that we are often further divided by race,” says Tawni of S.H.E. Productions. “We hope to use this event as a spring board to further collaborate in the future.”
Presented by Onyx Entertainment Sonar, 417 E. Saratoga St., Baltimore, MD Hosted by Platinum Recording Artist Da Brat Performances by OOHZEE, Double-Up, Dallas, Neko & Summer Music by special guest DJ & DJ Nitro 3 cash bars, cheap drinks, 2 rooms $10 b4 10 p.m., $15 after
Pride Live: The Block Party After-Party, 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. Presented by Firefly Entertainment Eden’s Lounge, 15 W. Eager St., Baltimore, MD Featuring DJ Spontaneous: Hip-Hop, R & B, Reggae, House $10 b4 11 p.m.; Two-for-one Happy Hour 9-10 p.m.
Sunday, June 21
Pride Cookout & Beer Blast on the Patio, 6-8 p.m. The Baltimore Eagle, 2022 N. Charles St. $1 Drafts and cookout on the patio
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DINING OUT The Oceanaire Seafood Room by John Cullen and Marty Shayt good friend recently had a “milestone birthday” and we wanted to treat her to a special dinner out. The Oceanaire seafood restaurant in the new Harbor East area proved to be just the right place and full of pleasant surprises.
A
The goal of the Oceanaire chain is to emulate the environment of a luxury cruise ship dining room; the curved layout of booths and tables in dark woods and rich fabric felt very upscale, but relaxed. Customers are mostly casually dressed. We were seated right away and presented with large, single sheet menus that are printed up daily. Our menus had been printed up just for us and included a special birthday greeting for our guest by name! (Aha! That’s why they asked for the birthday girl’s name when we made the reservation!) Our waiter then appeared and congratulated our guest on her birthday! What a wonderful way to start our evening! While the waiter got our drinks, a busboy brought a loaf of sourdough bread and a complimentary tray with pickles, olives, and pickled herring. Mmmm! We found the menu to a bit challenging, offering many types of fish and different preparations (as well as a few non-fish items). For starters, our birthday guest ordered a Caesar salad ($6.95) while Marty and John opted to share “Red Chile Calamari” ($11.95). (Other appetizers range from $5-$19.) For the main course, our birthday guest ordered grilled New Zealand Bluenose Snapper ($29.95); Marty ordered Grilled Idaho Rainbow Trout ($24.95); and John opted for Cioppino—an Italian seafood stew ($22.95). (Other entrees range from $21-$40+) Side dishes are “ala carte” and come in small and large sizes. We decided to share a small “loaded” mashed potatoes ($5.95) and a large sautéed spinach ($7.95). The Caesar salad was large and came with an unexpected big slice of parmesan cheese! The calamari arrived piled high in a large dish (the portion is plentiful and nicely done, but what makes a distinctive difference is the pairing of the calamari with Asian slaw and thai chile sauce; the combination provides incredible tastes and texture!) The large easily lends itself to sharing between 2-3 people.
The grilled fish entree portions were large, cooked as ordered and got high marks. John’s Cioppino won some “Wows!” though for the heaping bowlful of mussels, scallops, white fish, and crab in a zesty tomato base broth. The potatoes were delicious (but the “small” size is more than enough for three to share!). Our birthday guest declares the sautéed spinach—cooked but not wilted—to be the best that she’s ever had (John seconds that!) As good as it is, a “small” size would have been ample for the three of us to share. Our waiter brought a complimentary dessert, “Baked Alaska”, in honor of the birthday, which ended our meal in spectacular way! A towering large 6”+ tall mound of white meringue (acting as icing for a mound of special blueberry and white chocolate ice cream) sat on a brownie and was covered in blue flames with a mix of flaming liquors that toasted the meringue a golden brown. Our promise to watch calories and only have a taste or two evaporated as we discovered how awesome this dessert tastes. Our Oceanaire birthday dinner may have put a dent in our wallets but exceeded our expectations on every level. We look forward to the next special event that brings us back here! BASICS: Oceanaire Seafood Room (Harbor East), 801 Aliceanna St, , 443-827-0000, http://www.theoceanaire.com. Open 5-10 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 5-11 pm Fri. & Sat. Seafood with a few beef options. Reservations recommended. Valet parking available for $10 & we felt it was worth it! Take time to visit the towering golden National Katyn Memorial for Polish soldiers massacred in WW II across from the entrance or walk around Harbor East. Feedback? Email us at diningout@baltimoregaylife.com.
Support The Brass Elephant, as They Support Local Farmers and Purveyors Enjoy Chef Maggitti’s creations as he meets the Eat in Season Challenge for June. The Eat in Season Challenge is an initiative of Slow Food Baltimore. The Challenge invites area establishments to serve— during one week of the month—a special three-course menu each night with the primary ingredients in each course to be locally sourced, and either currently in season or traditionally preserved. The metro-wide campaign encourages chefs to be innovative—to create food that otherwise may not be featured or showcased. The benefits of participating include the support of local farms, the local economy and the environment. The Challenge also teaches people about the powerful benefits of eating seasonally. The Brass Elephant (924 N. Charles St.) will take Slow Food Baltimore’s Eat in Season Challenge this month from June 17 - 26. Chef Andrew Maggitti and his team will put their culinary talents to the test and serve a special menu featuring what's in season this month in the Chesapeake region. The $35 menu will feature: Appetizer: Roseda Farm Beef Carpaccio With fried eggplant, grilled bruschetta, shaved parmesan reggiano cheese Suggested wine: Woodhall Wine Cellars, Chambourcin $9 Or Warm Capital Mushroom Salad Over mixed baby greens, topped with warm walnut-raspberry vinaigrette Suggested wine: Woodhall Wine Cellars, Seyval, $8 Entrée: Gunpowder Bison Ossu Bucco On a bed of barley risotto with wilted spinach Suggested wine: Woodhall Wine Cellars, Merlot $10 Or Springfield Farm Heritage Chicken Breast Stuffed with prosciutto ham, pine nuts and sundried tomatoes presented with herb risotto Suggested wine: Woodhall Wine Cellars Gunpowder Falls White, $8 Dessert: Springfield Farms Creamy Panna Cotta with Strawberry and Vanilla Bean Soup Suggested wine: Woodhall Wine Cellars, Late Harvest, Vignoles, $7 The Brass Elephant is the second restaurant to meet the Eat in Season Challenge. A diverse group of area restaurants has already stepped up to take the Challenge this year. For more information visit, www.SlowFoodBaltimore.com click on “Eat In Season.”
Feedback? Know a place we should try? Email us at diningout@baltimoregaylife.com
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What are
you
thinking?
editor@baltimoregaylife.com
June 13 - June 26, 2008
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QPUZZLE "Absence of Sydney"
www.baltimoregaylife.com • G A Y L I F E •
Across
Down
1 Stereotypical gay speech attribute 5 Izzard of stand-up and more 10 Thespian 15 Suffix with prefer 16 "___ we a pair?" 17 Dinah of a golf classic 18 Queens stadium name 19 After Delores author Schulman 20 Virginia Stephen's married name 21 Streisand film directed by 43-Down 24 Photographer Corinne 25 Veronica of Hill Street Blues 26 Salmon that has spawned 27 Peter the Great, for one 28 Olympian who makes points by touching the body 31 Noble in government 33 Targets for McCarthy and Cohn 34 Small bush 38 Like chubby chasers' targets 39 Title character in 2000 movie produced by 43Down 41 Up on 45 Remove the top from 46 Manhandle, with "with" 50 Turn on 52 Where the Pied Piper blew it 54 Leave a trail behind a boa? 55 Cover for Adam's privates 59 Cara of Fame 60 Tammy Faye's old club 61 43-Down played a gay guy's dad in this TV show 64 It goes on a queen's head 66 Like the subject of Gay and Gray 67 Lesbian character in No Exit 68 Come to mind 69 Bone to pick 70 Went lickety-split 71 David Sedaris book 72 Rear follower 73 Quite, to Colette
1 Type of bar or daddy 2 Like a muscle Mary 3 Connived like Scar in The Lion King 4 Herman and namesakes 5 Stephen McCauley's The ___ Way Out 6 Pull out your shooter 7 Patrick's role on Grey's Anatomy 8 Like someone blown away 9 Lucy's gal pal 10 R.E.M.'s "It's the End of the World ___ Know It" 11 Margaret of All-American Girl 12 Film about a cross-dresser directed by 43-Down 13 What Joan of Arc was maid of 14 One who whistles at Sheryl Swoopes 22 Hillary's Wellesley classmate MacGraw 23 Map 69, perhaps (abbr.) 27 '50s idol Hunter 29 Abbr. of old in Tatu's land 30 See-___ (like sexy clothes, for short) 32 Myrna of The Thin Man 35 Dog's head? 36 Merchandise ID 37 Vanilla 39 Gay guys, briefly 40 Emissions-watching org. 41 Screenwriter Christopher 42 Madonna album 43 Sydney of this puzzle's theme 44 Boy king that goes either way 46 Songwriter Stephin 47 She loved Franklin and Lorena 48 Straight 49 Sudden body fluid emissions 51 Giant ball-handler Manning 53 Top Gun target 56 Run off to California, perhaps 57 "Sphincter" author Ginsberg 58 Changed from red to pink 61 Beaver Cleaver's Dad 62 Campbell of The Company 63 Lincoln-Douglas debates subject Scott 65 Golden Girl McClanahan63 Cheer for Lorca
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First Annual Date Auction Photos by Jay W. The GLCCB’s first annual date auction at Grand Central was a great success, raising over $2,500 for Baltimore Pride. While a number of the gorgeous men and women auctioned off went for well over $100, Mr. Gilbert Morisette of the Hippo received the highest bid of the evening—$401.02. He will enjoy a dinner for two at Vin in Towson with the gentleman who outbid the others vying for the date. The support this year’s event received from local restaurants, bars and community members will likely make the date auction a new annual Baltimore Pride tradition.
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THEATER The newly-christened John Flanagan (John Dickson) shares his love of the Emeral Isle with the employees of the Erin Go Braugh Travel Agency (Brian Douglas, Jill Vanderweit, and Mary Schmidt) in The Polish Joke on stage at Spotlighters.
ON THE STAGE All Shook Up June 12 – August 24 Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia 410-995-1969 www.tobysdinnertheatre.com Anastasia Through June 29 Vagabond Players, Baltimore 410-563-9135 http://www.bcpl.net/~thevag/ Antony and Cleopatra Through July 6 The Shakespeare Theatre Company, D.C. 877-487-8849 www.shakespearetheatre.org The Arabian Nights Through June 29 Theatre Hopkins, Baltimore 410-516-7159 Art Through June 29 Everyman Theatre 410-752-2208 www.everymantheatre.org
301-694-4744 www.marylandensemble.org
301-924-3400 www.olneytheatre.org
866-811-4111 www.chesapeakeshakespeare.com
In the Heart of America Through June 29 Rep Stage, Howard County 410-772-4900 www.repstage.org
Polish Joke Through June 29 Audrey Herman Spotlighters Theatre, Baltimore 410-752-1255 www.spotlighters.org
Stuff Happens June 18 – July 20 Olney Theatre Center 301-924-3400 www.olneytheatre.org
The Imaginary Invalid Through July 27 The Shakespeare Theatre Company, D.C. 877-487-8849 www.shakespearetheatre.org
The Tempest Through July 13 Chesapeake Shakespeare Company
Tears in My Eyes June 14 – June 15 Lyric Opera House 410-457-SEAT
(Left to Right) Mollie Ralston (Julie-Ann Elliott) and Dective Sergeant Trotter (Andrew Grusetskie) in Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap at Olney Theatre Center.
The Internationalist Through June 22 Studio Theatre, D.C. 202-332-3300 www.studiotheatre.org Julius Caesar Through July 6 The Shakespeare Theatre Company, D.C. 877-487-8849 www.shakespearetheatre.org
The Comedy of Errors Through July 13 Chesapeake Shakespeare Company 866-811-4111 www.chesapeakeshakespeare.com
Measure for Pleasure Through June 29 Wooly Mammoth Theatre Company, D.C. 202-312-5261 www.woolymammoth.net
Company Through June 21 Maryland Ensemble Theatre, Frederick
The Mousetrap Through July 6 Olney Theatre Center PA G E 4 0 •
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• G A Y L I F E • www.baltimoregaylife.com
www.lyricoperahouse.com The Visit Through June 22 Signature Theatre, Arlington 703-820-9771 www.signature-theatre.org West Side Story June 19 – August 24 Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Baltimore 410-995-1969 www.tobysdinnertheatre.com
CALENDAR COMMUNITY Friday June 13 Body & Soul Connections
Spiral Dance Womyn’s Center 2505 E. Oliver St. Baltimore, MD 21213 www.thespiraldancebookstore.com 7-9 p.m.
Gay Father’s Coalition GLCCB 241 W. Chase St., Room 201 Baltimore, MD 21201 info@gfcbaltimore.org
Rebecca Katz with Kim Davidson Live @ Read St. Books 229 W. Read St. Baltimore, MD http://www.myspace.com/r eadstreetbooks 8 p.m.
Saturday June 14 Arts & Crafts
Hearts & Ears 10 W. Biddle St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-528-0444 www.heartsandears.org 4:30-6 p.m.
GIG: Baltimore TransMasculine Alliance GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 www.myspace.com/btma 8 p.m.
Movie & Game Night Hearts & Ears 10 W. Biddle St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-528-0444 www.heartsandears.org 6:30-8:30 p.m.
New Image (Narcotics Anonymous) LGBT Community Hall 40 W. Church St. Hagerstown, MD 21740 6-7:30 p.m.
Sufficient As I aM (SAIM) Youth & Young Adults 24 & Under GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 12:30 p.m.
Sunday June 15
Tuesday June 17
GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 www.aa.org 6:30 p.m.
LGBT Community Hall 40 W. Church St. Hagerstown, MD 21740 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Beginners Yoga with Tim Hurley, RYT GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 $9/person 3:30 p.m.
Narcotics Anonymous Sunday Men’s Rap GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 www.na.org 11:30 a.m.
Sailaway Pride Night Weather Rail Bar Loews Hotel 126 West St. Annapolis, MD 5-9 p.m.
Social Activity (Varies) Hearts & Ears 10 W. Biddle St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-528-0444 www.heartsandears.org 1-6 p.m.
Monday June 16
Alcoholics Anonymous GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 www.aa.org 8:30 p.m.
Gay Life Happy Hour @ Club Hippo 1 W. Eager St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-837-7748 6-8 p.m.
PFLAG Columbia/Howard County Parent Forum Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way Columbia, MD 7:30-9 p.m.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Dual Recovery Anonymous Hearts & Ears 10 W. Biddle St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-528-0444 www.heartsandears.org 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Chesapeake Squares Club Square Dance Waxter Center 1000 Cathedral St. Baltimore, MD 21201 www.chesapeakesquares.org 8-10 p.m.
Consumer Planned Activity Hearts & Ears 10 W. Biddle St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-528-0444 www.heartsandears.org 4-6:30 p.m. & 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Positive Influence LGBT Community Hall 40 W. Church St. Hagerstown, MD 21740 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Wednesday June 18
Beginners’ Yoga with Kelly D. McClain, CYT GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 $9/person 7:15 p.m.
Pride Gay Bingo (to benefit GLCCB & Aids Action) Club Hippo 1 W. Eager St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-547-0069 8:30 p.m.
Power Inside Women’s Rap Power Inside Office 325 E. 25th St., 1st floor Baltimore, MD 21218 3-4:30 p.m.
Rapscallion Radical Art Collective 40 W. Church St. Hagerstown, MD 21740
http://www.rapscallionart.org 7 p.m.
4:30-6 p.m.
‘Tini Lounge Happy Hour
Hearts & Ears 10 W. Biddle St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-528-0444 www.heartsandears.org 6:30-8:30 p.m.
GG’s Restaurant & Martini Bar 41 N. Potomac St. Hagerstown, MD 21740 4:30-10:00 p.m.
Thursday June 19
Alcoholics Anonymous GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 www.aa.org 8:30 p.m.
JUMP (Just Us Making Progress) Confidential HIV Support Group The Portal 2419 Greenmount Ave., Suite 1 Baltimore, MD 21218 410-235-5241 www.theportalbmore.org 7-8:30 p.m.
Support Group for Individuals with Mental Health Issues
Movie & Game Night
Tuesday June 24
Alcoholics Anonymous
Dual Recovery Anonymous
LGBT Community Hall 40 W. Church St. Hagerstown, MD 21740 6-7:30 p.m.
Hearts & Ears 10 W. Biddle St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-528-0444 www.heartsandears.org 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Live @ Read St. Books 229 W. Read St. Baltimore, MD http://www.myspace.com/r eadstreetbooks 8 p.m.
Sufficient As I aM (SAIM) Youth & Young Adults 24 & Under GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 12:30 p.m.
Sunday June 22
Consumer Planned Activity Hearts & Ears 10 W. Biddle St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-528-0444 www.heartsandears.org 4-6:30 p.m. & 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Positive Influence
GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 www.aa.org 6:30 p.m.
LGBT Community Hall 40 W. Church St. Hagerstown, MD 21740 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Women of Color Group
Narcotics Anonymous Sunday Men’s Rap GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 www.na.org 11:30 a.m.
Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way Columbia, MD 7:30 p.m.
Body & Soul Connections
Spiral Dance Womyn’s Center 2505 E. Oliver St. Baltimore, MD 21213 www.thespiraldancebookstore.com 7-9 p.m.
Pantera SaintMontaigne with Women’s LitFest Erotic Readings Live @ Read St. Books 229 W. Read St. Baltimore, MD http://www.myspace.com/r eadstreetbooks 8 p.m.
Saturday June 21 Arts & Crafts
Hearts & Ears 10 W. Biddle St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-528-0444 www.heartsandears.org
www.baltimoregaylife.com • G A Y L I F E •
Sailaway Pride Night Weather Rail Bar Loews Hotel 126 West St. Annapolis, MD 5-9 p.m.
Social Activity (Varies) Hearts & Ears 10 W. Biddle St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-528-0444 www.heartsandears.org 1-6 p.m.
Monday June 23
Alcoholics Anonymous GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 www.aa.org 8:30 p.m.
Rainbow Youth Alliance
Trans-United Hearts & Ears 10 W. Biddle St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-528-0444 www.heartsandears.org 6-8 p.m.
Wednesday June 25
June 13 - June 26, 2008
GG’s Restaurant & Martini Bar 41 N. Potomac St. Hagerstown, MD 21740 4:30-10:00 p.m.
Thursday June 26
Alcoholics Anonymous GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 www.aa.org 8:30 p.m.
JUMP (Just Us Making Progress) Confidential HIV Support Group The Portal 2419 Greenmount Ave., Suite 1 Baltimore, MD 21218 410-235-5241 www.theportalbmore.org 7-8:30 p.m.
Support Group for Individuals with Mental Health Issues Hearts & Ears 10 W. Biddle Street Baltimore, MD 21201 410-528-0444 www.heartsandears.org 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Women of Color Group GLCCB 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 7:30 p.m.
Beginners’ Yoga with Kelly D. McClain, CYT GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St.
Confidential HIV/STI Testing & Counseling GLCCB
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 5-8 p.m. 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-837-5445
HERO
Men Like Me Open Support Group GLCCB, Room 202 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 menlikeme@glccb.org 6 p.m.
‘Tini Lounge Happy Hour
Club Square Dance Waxter Center 1000 Cathedral St. Baltimore, MD 21201 www.chesapeakesquares.org 8-10 p.m.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Friday June 20
Club Hippo 1 W. Eager St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-547-0069 8:30 p.m.
Chesapeake Squares
Hearts & Ears 10 W. Biddle St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-528-0444 www.heartsandears.org 6:30-7:30 p.m. GLCCB 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 7:30 p.m.
Gay Bingo (to benefit GLCCB & Aids Action)
LGBT Community Hall 40 W. Church St. Hagerstown, MD 21740 6:30-7:30 p.m.
New Image (Narcotics Anonymous)
Sonya Heller
Baltimore, MD 21201 $9/person 7:15 p.m.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 2-4 p.m. Thursday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 1734 Maryland Avenue Baltimore, MD 21201 410-685-1180 • PA G E 4 1
HOMOSTROLOGY by Marry Elaine Since gay pride is all about vanity and self-celebration: here are some more lines along which to identify. i hope it might nourish/validate the ways your glamor manifests. Aries rules the head and the hair. Taurus rules the throat (expression) and neck (a supportive strength). Gemini rules the central nervous system, the lungs and respiratory system, arms and hands, shoulders and shoulder blades (wings). Cancer rules the stomach. Leo rules the heart, the upper back, and spine. Libra rules the lower back, lumbar region, kidneys and the appendix. Scorpio rules the bladder, urethra and anus. Sagittarius rules the thighs, hips, buttocks, sciatic nerves.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
CAPRICORN
Be sure you are playing the right roles, as you play them so well. Do something once a day that makes one part of you feel in touch with another part. Be sure to maintain your boundaries: Mother troubles are lurking.
(December 21 - January 19) Pay no attention to the past or future. Sometimes you like your melancholia, sometimes you should at least try to get to know somebody younger than you with longish hair and feet you find stunning.
LEO (July 23 - August 22) Try to forgo all temper tantrums for the next while. Share one of your rituals with someone.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22) Like Bethany the Real Housewife, you know what true support is: do not stray from your relentless honesty. Anyone you have ever felt close to is in love with you forever, and will love to wrap around you whenever you might be ready. Acknowledge fear, but be brave in its face: Its face is not your face.
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
Capricorn rules the bones and skeleton as a whole as well as the knees and skin.
There is only so long one can go without examining oneself. Indulge in the solitary pleasure of feeling how you feel. Play gay soccer.
Aquarius rules the legs from knee to ankle and the circulatory system.
SCORPIO
Pisces rules the feet, which connect to the entire body via pressure points. Virgo rules the abdominal region, the intestines, gall-
(October 23 - November 21) Replace a couple of your suspicions with some trust. Broaden your heart: Your Type may not be as strict as you think.
bladder and spleen.
SAGITTARIUS
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)
(November 22 - December 20) Quit one thing you are hating and start doing one thing you are thinking you might like. Pursuing one pleasure will prove exponential. Accept responsibility, failure, yourself, and love. Try really hard not to be two-faced, even when quitting.
Do not over-rationalize. Something you have been working towards and on is soon fruitful: give over to hope, dream and being wet all the time. Feel.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18) Murky lately: genius and delusional hysteria. If you are feeling lonely, express yourself. Let someone penetrate or know you like you never did before.
PISCES (February 19 - March 19) Pisces represents the energy of love, the power of creation and indeed procreation. Others find you porous, sensitive and lovely. Change up your routine a little so that you can encounter something that is waiting for you.
ARIES (March 20 - April 19) Love commitments are difficult--easier to quit than communicate. Sexual monogamy is not a worthwhile endeavor, but you might be glad to at least let longterm love remain an option for yourself. You are not as important as you think, and people are not paying as much attention as you might feel. Thus: do you. Enjoy the privacy.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) Harness your gluttony and blow it toward your femme-loving ways. Are you withholding in any way? Try to lessen the grip. Marry Elaine is very psychic and a huge fag. You can email her at letspretendweremarried@baltimoregaylife.com.
LITFEST - continued from page 17
women are the rock stars of the literary world. Their fans travel from all over the country to hear the authors read and visit with them. Authors, believe it or not, do have groupies.” A number of individuals have already made arrangements to travel across the country, and even across the Atlantic Ocean, to attend the event. The LitFest kicks off on Friday evening at 8 p.m. with live music by internationally-known musician Pantera Saint-Montaigne, accompanied by readings of women’s erotica by Bold Strokes Books authors. Attendees can enjoy a light buffet with the performance at Read Street Books (229 W. Read St.) for only $15. The festival continues on Saturday morning with the free Bold Strokes Books author panel from 10-11:45 a.m. at Night of the Cookers (885 N. Howard St., Baltimore, MD). “The panel,” Isserman commented, “may draw in a local crowd that’s not as interested in the readings, but is intrigued by the writing aspect of the event. In addition, a lot of les-
bians out there don’t realize that there is lesbian fiction. We’re hoping that this exposure to this crowd will enlighten some women to realize that there’s something for them out there.” Attendees can stay after the panel to enjoy a casual buffet lunch and social time with the authors for only $25. At 2 p.m., the authors will read favorite selections from each other’s works and participate in a question and answer session. The day time events wrap-up at 4 p.m., so participants will have time to walk down the street and show their pride at the annual Pride parade and block party. The Women’s LitFest wraps up with a dance from 8 p.m. to midnight at Sydonne’s (713 N. Howard St., Baltimore, MD). A DJ, cash bar and opportunity to mingle with the authors will make this a fun and memorable evening. Tickets to the events can be purchased separately or an “all event” pass can be purchased for $50. For tickets and additional information, call 410-669-4103.
PA G E 4 2 •
June 13 - June 26, 2008
Solution to puzzle, page 35 • G A Y L I F E • www.baltimoregaylife.com
thank you most sincerely for brightening my day and implore you to brush up on your grammar.
DO AS I SAY Prudence Responds to
Your Letters
by Prudence Worthington
Dear Mrs. Worthington, This is not really a question. Yesterday I was reading through one of those artsy magazines about the local music/bar/arts scene and ran across an article that “sounded” just like you. I actually read it 3 times to make sure it wasn’t you. So much of the article seems to borrow your style and turn of phrase, especially when you tell us to look up the big words we don’t understand. The funny thing is that the article is about style, so why is this kid borrowing your style? Just thought you would like to know you have an imitator out there. If you want to see it online go to www.senbaltimore.com, the article is called “Decadent Designs”. Faithful Follower Sweet FF, Do forgive me, for initially I took no notice of your correspondence due to the obvious lack of inquiry. Rosita and Traxie, however, seemed much in dismay regarding the topic. Following some rather egregious encouragement on their part, I acquiesced and perused the article; how deliciously ironic that I should submit to the advice of a reader. I must confess, Dear Reader, that your observations are accurate, for the similarities are acute. Even Traxie detected the likeness. In spite of Rosita’s thirst for blood, I find, as always, I must stride upon the moral high road. One simply must accept that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. This young man paid me one of the highest compliments by mimicking both the style and spirit of my meager scribblings. Assuredly, there exist annals enough to divert readers from the similarities of our work. Ostensibly, he will be blazing a path of good taste in design, leading his readers to the land of milk, honey and sophistication. Quite the Herculean feat for so young a lad; I hope he doesn’t spill his pretty up drink along the way. Bon chance to you, my pet. Furthermore, I must confess that SEN Baltimore (pronounced Scene) is a delightfully informative guide for the young and stylish set. I would, however, suggest a revision to their mission statement. Now that my disciple’s work is featured, it can no longer be considered “an unpretentious guide to Baltimore’s nightlife, styles and culture”. Thank you for your enlightening correspondence, Prudence
Prudence, Who the f*#@ do you think you are with your high falootin advice and stupid stories. It seems to me you’re a drunken bitter b*tch who goes around telling everyone what to do. Why should anyone give a s*#^ about what you think or say? I think you are a racist c*%# who is old and alone cuz your so damn mean. Kiss my a#@ you old fart! Well readers, this is a banner day for Prudence! Two flattering letters in one day! Perhaps I should clarify. You see, journalistic superiority is marked in two manners: death threats and Pulitzers. This charming little note might not elicit jealousy from Salman Rushdie, but the spirit is evident. I surmise, dear reader, that bushels of thought went into your composition, so do allow me the same in my response. I suggest you open your interweb browser to www.wikipedia.com at this juncture, for you will surely need it. I dispense my advice for one very simple reason: Most of you share parentage akin to Romulus and Remus, yet very few go on to such lofty heights as those feral boys. It may not have occurred to you that more than just speech and opposable thumbs separate us from the rest of the animal kingdom. Civility, manners and proper conduct also distinguish us from those who walk on all fours. While you may consider my advice rather lofty, I do provide an accurate blueprint for conduct. Indeed, I enjoy my cocktails, but at my age one must consider alcohol consumption as the simple act of embalming. Should I condemn you for the daily consumption of a 12 pack of Natty Boh before you beat your loved ones? I do marvel at how you people banter around descriptions one generally reserves for use in a kennel. There is, indeed, no canine ancestry in my family and I hope you may claim the same. At this point, darling, you must confess you do care what I say. Why would you read my epistles if not for some form of self-improvement? Perhaps it’s just your simple curiosity towards the unknown like most primitive creatures. Your portrait of me as racist is confounding; did you mean classist? Honestly, Lamb, you have not been reading carefully, for I have railed against the wars on illegal immigration, Islam and Festive marriage. Let us not forget that I am the widow of a remarkable Jewish man. No, my dear, I support freedom, equality and good manners for all, including you. In closing, I
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Kiss kiss, Darling Dear Prudence, I am just starting out in my career and I took your advice and saved my pennies to go to my first big charity event this April. The dress code was “black tie optional”, which made me nervous ‘cause I don’t own a tux, so I wore my black suit and a tie. There is this older guy who is nice to me and I sort of respect him. He showed up in a white shirt with a printed pattern and sequins across the chest and it didn’t fit that well. I heard people talking about him all through cocktail hour and I felt embarrassed for him.Then during dinner, when everyone else was sitting down, he got up and walked all the way around the room to sit at the honorees table where I know he was not invited. I thought this was odd, and as soon as the presentation was over the people around me really started trashing him. I heard everything from “shallow suck up” to “sycophant”, which I had to look up. I mean a lot of people were talking really bad about him and I found out a whole lot more about him.So here is someone I thought was super cool and it turns out he’s an asshole. I feel really stupid, so what should I do? And could you explain “black tie optional”? Confused Reader My dear boy, On the journey that is life, many a hero will fall and you must not flagellate yourself for missing their character flaws. As a young girl at school, I thought Amelia Earhart was “super cool”, but ultimately she couldn’t land the plane. I applaud you for not only following my advice on matters charitable, but also possessing the wisdom to learn from the missteps of those who marched before you. If there were more children like you, we could, perhaps, end Republican tyranny in my lifetime. The man you describe is obviously not the proper mentor for you. Indeed, selective one must be in choosing role models and I propose you look to your own parents, for they produced a reasonably sensible child. I would also recommend that you volunteer your time and efforts to a philanthropic cause, for you will surely meet others with worthy qualities and compatible perspectives. Rare is the person who will possess all admirable traits, and I implore you to look past minor flaws in character; perfection rarely occurs in nature, so waste no time chasing that elusive butterfly. The topic of “black tie optional” leaves much room for interpretation in this day and age. One must not discount the attention you Festives sometimes apply to your appearance, which may skew the category to “creative black tie”. Simply stated, black tie optional means tuxedos (with black tie) or dark suits with conservative ties. This is often stretched to more creative lengths including colorful ties, or no ties at all. For the record, I abhor cummerbunds and suggest we abolish the affectation as the Europeans have none of it. Obviously April is too early for white dinner jackets, so save them for summer events or your next cruise. Now you see, my Dove, your couture instincts were correct. Pity about that other matter, but I am sure you will rise above it! Kisses to you my dove,
Prudence P.S. You may forward enquires regarding today's everchanging etiquette to prudence@baltimoregaylife.com.
June 13 - June 26, 2008
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QUOTE UNQUOTE "You know, I'm wishing everyone good luck with their (same-sex) marriages and I hope that California's economy is booming because everyone is going to come here and get married."
—California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger addressing an Environmental Defense Fund event in San Francisco, May 20.
"$160 million to the Department of Defense for developing a device that can jam gaydar. Now I don't know if this is anti-gay or pro-gay or if such a device would even work. But I do know this: Jamming gaydar is not a federal responsibility. That's something that's best left to state and local governments."
—John McCain talking about pork-barrel spending on TV's Saturday Night Live, May 17. "My thoughts are that I think that people should be able to enter into legal agreements and I think that is something that we should encourage, particularly in the case of insurance and other areas, decisions that have to be made. I just believe in the unique marriage between man and woman. And I know that we have a respectful disagreement on that issue."
—John McCain on Ellen DeGeneres' TV show May 22 when she asked him: "Let's talk about the big elephant in the room. ... I legally now can get married, like everyone should. ... So I'm obviously excited and, to me, this is only fair, and only natural. What are your thoughts?" "Uh-huh. Yeah. I think that it is looked at and some people are saying the same that blacks and women did not have the right to vote. I mean, women just got the right to vote in 1920. Blacks didn't have the right to vote till 1870 and it just feels like there's this old way of thinking that we are not all the same. We are all the same people. All of us. You're no different than I am. Our love is the same. To me, what it feels like -just, you know, I will speak for myself—it feels when someone says you can have a contract and you'll still have insurance and you'll get all that. It sounds to me like saying, well, you can sit there (she points in one direction), you just can't sit there (she points another direction). That's what it sounds like to me. It doesn't feel inclusive. It feels isolated. It feels like we are not owed the same things and the same wording."
—Ellen DeGeneres in response to John McCain (previous quote) on her TV show, May 22. "Brad and I have shared our lives together for over 21 years. ... He is my love and I can't imagine life without him. Now, we can have the dignity, as well as all the responsibilities, of marriage. We embrace it all heartily. ... No more 'separate but equal.' No more second-class citizenship. Brad and I are going to be married as full citizens of our state."
—Actor George Takei (Star Trek's Sulu) announcing his engagement to partner Brad Altman, May 16. "A court striking down a law supported by large majorities is not antithetical to our system of government. Such a judicial act is central to our system of government. That's because, strictly speaking, the U.S. is not a 'democracy' as much as it is a 'constitutional republic,' precisely because constitutional guarantees trump democratic majorities. This is all just seventh-grade civics. ... Anyone who argues that a court is acting improperly solely by virtue of the fact that it is striking down a popular law is someone who doesn't believe in the American system of government created by the Founders."
--Salon.com columnist Glenn Greenwald writing about the California marriage decision, May 22. "Well, first of all, I made a statement when I was governor and I stand by it today. Love is bigger than government. Who the hell are we as a government to tell people who you can fall in love with? I think it's absurd – the fact that it's even being debated. We can solve the problem simply. Government only acknowledges civil unions, then you don't have to put your sex down. Let the churches acknowledge marriage. They're the private sector. If they don't want to acknowledge it, they have every right to do so. How on earth can we even entertain the fact that government should
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BY REX WOCKNER WITH BILL KELLEY
have the ability to tell you as an individual who you can fall in love with? Ridiculous. ... You can't take a civil rights issue and put it up to a vote. If you did that, we might still have slavery if it was allowed to be voted on."
—Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura discussing the California voter initiative to amend the constitution to undo the Supreme Court's legalization of same-sex marriage, on MSNBC, May 22. "Gay men and lesbians have prospered because they've refused to acquiesce to the notion that they should hide their lives from public view. Two by two they've adopted children, bought homes, volunteered in their communities and slogged through life together just the way hetero couples do, except without preferential tax codes, inheritance rights and the automatic assumption that they can make decisions for one another in emergency situations. Too often, without legal protection, they have found themselves dependent on the kindness of those who were not kind, like the man in Indiana who became severely disabled and whose parents prohibited his partner of 25 years from visiting him in their home."
—Newsweek columnist Anna Quindlen, June 9 issue. "Not only do we have gay characters, but one of the central themes is a very gay conceit, which is your family is not the family you came from. Your family (develops) when you come to a place you always wanted to be and you meet people who are like you, and you create your own family. You notice in the series that we almost never meet anybody's family. Once we met Charlotte's brother. We heard about Miranda's father after he was dead. But we never meet anybody's parents or family. And they really wanted to keep it about the family you create."
they recognise that my beliefs are my beliefs and that I have no opinions separate from the Bible. There are areas that we agree to disagree on. It's as simple as that. I don't have a problem with them having their beliefs, because my feeling is that God gives each and every one of us the right to not even believe in him. So who am I to try to take that away from somebody? I will always try to share my faith with any person who is willing to listen. When I feel a wall go up, we can talk about something else ... and I will pray for you."
—'70s disco diva Gloria Gaynor to London's The Guardian, May 20. "I certainly owe my beginning to gay men because I started out in Greenwich Village and gays were the first ones who thought I was funny."
—Comedian Joan Rivers to the Pittsburgh gay newspaper Out, June issue. "My policy is don't ask because it's not my business, and don't put me in the position to make it my business. I don't condone it, but I also am not sitting in judgment on anyone. I don't think I'm intolerant, I just don't condone the lifestyle. Your personal lifestyle should be nobody's issue but yours. It's not a civil rights issue, it's a personal choice issue."
—Birmingham, Ala., Mayor Larry Langford refusing May 24 to issue a permit for the gay pride parade. He later backed down, acknowledging that the mayor's office is not where such permits come from.
—Openly lesbian Sex and the City star Cynthia Nixon (Miranda) to Towleroad.com, May 26. "A lot of people ask me if they feel that I'm playing a gay man in New York, and if I am, I am having the most fabulous time as a gay man in New York. I don't personally think that, but I think it's a fun thought. I was very happy to be on the cover of The Advocate. I feel like I have arrived in some ways. But there has been a tremendous amount of support from the gay community, and I'm grateful for it."
—Sex and the City star Kim Cattrall (Samantha) to Towleroad.com, May 26.
"The [2008 International Mr. Leather contest] ceremony opened with a genial speech by IML founder Chuck Renslow, who set the tone for the evening by assuring us that '(Leather play is) still a power exchange. It's still about trust and learning.' (Throughout Renslow's speech, several guys in the audience actually said 'Amen,' while others raised their hands as if in prayer, tent revival-style. Now that I think of it, the whole IML experience reminded me just a bit of my fundamentalist Promise Keepers days back in the mid-'90s. Except, of course, with less laying-onof-hands and more fisting.)"
"I had a backlash from gay fans for a tiny period. Because they didn't understand where I was coming from. Now
June 13 - June 26, 2008
• G A Y L I F E • www.baltimoregaylife.com
—Chris Jensen writing in The San Francisco Examiner, May 26.
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June 13 - June 26, 2008
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MARKETPLACE
Employment.
P/T PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR Hearts and Ears, Inc. is seeking a dynamic individual to provide administrative support to a small non-profit. For more information about Hearts and Ears please visit www.heartsandears.org. Tasks include bookkeeping, facilitating communication with stakeholders, maintaining collaborations, volunteer management, and fundraising activities. Qualified candidates will have familiarity with QuickBooks, Microsoft Office, and at least 2 years of administrative experience. 10 hours per week at $16/hour. Send resume to gwolnitzek@hotmail.com or mail to Hearts and Ears, 10 West Biddle Street, Suite 1F, Baltimore, MD 21201. Last day to apply is Friday June 30th. DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE Nonprofit GLBT organization in Baltimore City has an immediate opening for a F/T Development Associate. Exciting opportunity
SERVICE
DIRECTORY
ACCOMMODATIONS Baltimore Tremonts 222 St. Paul St. Baltimore, MD 21202 410-561-8886
ACCOUNTING Heiffner & Associates 6706 German Hill Rd. Dundalk, MD 21222 410-285-3920
AUTOMOTIVE Meineke Car Care Center 7604 Harford Rd. Parkville, MD 21234 410-665-0710 Tate Mini of Annapolis 25 Old Mill Bottom Rd. N. Annapolis, MD 21409 410-349-2131 BARS / NIGHTCLUBS Baltimore Eagle 2022 N. Charles St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-685-3219 Club Hippo 1 W. Eager St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-576-0018 Club Phoenix 1 W. Biddle St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-837-3906
for the right individual who is capable of managing all aspects of the organization’s fundraising events, annual giving program, external relationships and overall support. Event experience a must, as is a proven track record of raising funds for charitable causes through grants and donor solicitations. Proficiency with Microsoft Office products necessary. Desktop publishing and/or graphic design experience preferred. Some evening and weekend work related to special events expected. Send letter, resume, and salary requirements by fax to 410-837-4114; or by e-mail to exec@glccb.org; or by mail to Director, GLCCB, 241 W. Chase St., Baltimore, MD 21201.
Vendors Wanted FLEA MARKET and CRAFTS FAIR VENDORS & VOLUNTEER ENTERTAINERS WANTED The York Courts of Guilford Annual Flea Market & Crafts Fair Sat. July 12th, 9am to 3pm (rain date - July 13th). 3900 Blk York Rd, just north of 39th St. Over
CHORUSES
New Wave Singers PO Box 2012 Baltimore, MD 21203 410-558-4692
CHURCHES Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore 320 Cathedral St. Baltimore, MD 20201 410-547-5486 First & St. Stephen’s United Church 6915 York Rd. Baltimore, MD 21212 410-377-5224
St. John’s of Baltimore 2640 St. Paul St. Baltimore, MD 21218 410-366-7733
COMPUTER / TECHNOLOGY CONSULTING Computer Handyman of Maryland 443-827-0433 CONSTRUCTION Laurence Construction David Meltzer 6999 Reiserstown Rd., Suite 1 Baltimore, MD 21215 410-764-7100 NLT Construction 9216 Liberty Rd. Randallstown, MD 21133 410-922-6475
First Unitarian Church 1 W. Hamilton St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-685-2330
COUNSELING / THERAPY Patti Desert, LCSW-C Singular Pathways 208 E. Melrose Ave. Baltimore, MD 21212 410-435-3755
Metropolitan Community Church of Baltimore 401 W. Monument St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-669-6222
Laura June, Ph.D. Belvedere Towers, Suite 105A 1190 W. Northern Pkwy. Baltimore, MD 21210 410-235-7899
Memorial Episcopal Church 1407 Bolton St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-669-0220
Jeff Klug, LCSW The Rotunda, Suite 108 711 W. 40th St. Baltimore, MD 21211 410-241-4215
St. Bernadette Parish 801 Stevenson Rd. Severn, MD 21144 410-969-2785
Samuel J. Kelly, LCSW-C Ellen Schwartz Patterson, LCSW-C The Shell Building, Suite 108
30 vendors expected. Minimal fee for vendors. Entertainment expected and refreshments sold. Proceeds to benefit court improvement projects. For info: 410-235-3860 or philreely@aol.com
For Sale ANTIQUE FURNITURE FOR SALE Various pieces of furniture in good condition, including corner cabinet, farm table, chest of drawers, small desks. Pieces available for pick-up in Baltimore. Call 954-655-7498.
GREAT MASSAGE Swedish or sensual, by attractive guy with awesome hands. Incall/Outcall, reasonable rates, 15 years experience. Craig 410-336-8956 or Craiginbaltimore@comcast.net
House or Apartment for Rent ROOMMATE WANTED Nicely furnished apt. Cable, quiet area. Lots of Parking. Non-smoker. Looking for quiet person. Antiques, stained glass. $390 plus 1/2 utilities. Call Rick 410-737-0755. NORTHWEST BALTIMORE PEACE & QUIET Very quiet, LARGE 2 Br unit w/ full size living room, dining room, eat-in-kit & newly renovated. $700/mo. William, 443-744-1891, williamhackett@mac.com.
Massage BRAD'S SPECIAL TOUCH A hot full body/full satisfaction
200 E. Joppa Rd. Towson, MD 21286 410-583-8846 Robin Richardson, LCSW-C The Rotunda, Suite 412 711 W. 40th St. Baltimore, MD 21211 410-261-3323 Women’s Growth Center 5209 York Rd. Baltimore, MD 21212 410-532-2476
FINANCIAL SERVICES Yoshiko Hayakawa First Financial Group 401 Washington Ave., 6th floor Baltimore, MD 21204 410-828-5400 x4178 FITNESS Mt. Vernon Fitness 1016 N. Charles St. Baltimore, MD 21201 www.mvfit.com
FRAMING Fast Frame of Bel Air 1431 Rock Spring Rd. Bel Air, MD 21014 410-836-0017
HEALTH / DENTAL Chase Brexton Health Services 1001 Cathedral St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-837-2050 Dr. Samuel Westrick 3100 St. Paul St., Suite 5 Baltimore, MD 21218 410-243-5544
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massage in your home, hotel, or my NEW waterfront studio. Guys or couples. Visa/MC. 443-695-0141, or www.specialtouchmassage.com
HEALTH INSURANCE Trey Ellison III Alliance for Affordable Services Baltimore, MD 443-468-6171
JEWELERS Craig Coyne Jewelers 8113 Main St. Ellicott City, MD 21043 410-243-5544
LEGAL SERVICES Law offices of Constandin Alivizatos 111 S. Calvert St. Baltimore, MD 21202 410-385-5397 Lynda Dee, Attorney at Law 201 N. Charles St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-332-1170 National Adoption and Surrogacy Center Hilary Neiman, Esq. 30 Courthouse Square, Suite 106 Rockville, MD 20850 301-340-7228 Mark Scurti Hodes, Pessin & Katz, PA 410-938-8718 www.hpklegal.com Zavos Law Group Washington, DC Baltimore, MD 443-570-6205
June 13 - June 26, 2008
reach the local
gay market. advertise in gay life! sales@baltimoregaylife.com
LOCKSMITHS Robert’s Key Service 217 W. Read St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-728-7484
MORTGAGE SERVICES Marva J. Laws American Financial Resources Bel Air, MD 410-734-6688 1-888-553-5513 marva@afronline.com Richard Pazornik SunTrust Mortgage 410-561-4139 www.suntrustmortgage.com/rp azornik NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS Hearts and Ears 10 W. Biddle St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-528-0444 PHARMACIES Mount Vernon Pharmacy 900 Cathedral St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-539-8030 Park Avenue Pharmacy 1535 Park Ave. Baltimore, MD 21217 410-225-0800
Real Estate Nancy Corporon RE/MAX Advantage Realty 8815 Centre Park Dr. Columbia, MD 21045 410-740-1200 • PA G E 4 7
Stephen Johnson Long & Foster Real Estate 10805 Hickory Ridge Rd. Columbia, MD 21044 410-715-7891 David Ostrowski & Pat Stokeley Long & Foster Real Estate 410-931-6300 www.DaveMovesMd.com
RESTAURANTS / CATERING Café Boheme 401 E. Pratt St. Baltimore, MD 21202 410-347-9898 Sascha’s 527 N. Charles St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-539-8880 Spice Company 4 W. University Pkwy. Baltimore, MD 21218 410-235-8200
THEATRES Hippodrome Theatre France-Merrick Performing Arts Center 12 N. Eutaw St. Baltimore, MD 21202 410-547-SEAT Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Baltimore 5625 O’Donnell St. Baltimore, MD 21224 410-995-1969 Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia 5900 Symphony Woods Rd. Columbia, MD 21044 410-995-1969