Vol. 30, No. 15, July 25 - August 7, 2008

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JULY 25 - AUGUST 7, 2008 VOLUME XXX, NUMBER 14 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 11: 60 LGBT & ALLY YOUNG ADULTS GATHER AT TOWSON U. FOR 2ND ANNUAL CAMPUS PRIDE LEADERSHIP CAMP

PAGE 12: MUSIC FOR YOUR LIFE: AN INTERVIEW WITH TOSHI REAGON

PAGE 34: BARE THE MUSICAL OPENS IN BALTIMORE ON AUGUST 8

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WHAT’S INSIDE FEATURES

PAGE 32 – DINING OUT My Thai. By John Cullen and Marty Shayt

PAGE 12 Music for Your Life: An Interview with Toshi Reagon. Interview by Maddy Dwertman

PAGE 34 - THEATRE

PAGE 14

bare the musical Opens in Baltimore on August 8

British Bad Boy George Michael Back in the U.S. Interview by B. Voss

PAGE 36 - MUSIC

NEWS Local Resident Kip Castner Honored for Educational Excellence; Montgomery County Judge to Determine Fate of Transgender AntiDiscrimination Law. Compiled by Maddy Dwertman

PAGE 6 – NATIONAL NEWS McCain Doesn’t ‘Believe’ in Gay Adoption; Attempt to Block California Vote on Marriage Fails; Kern County Supes Reject Marriage Ban; Massachusetts May Approve Marriage for Out-ofStaters; US Senate Votes to Repeal HIV Travel/Immigration Ban; Census Won’t Count Married Gays; ABC, FX Get High Marks from GLAAD. By Rex Wockner with Bill Kelley.

editor@baltimoregaylife.com

Michael Nguyen Art Director art@baltimoregaylife.com

PAGE 29 – DO AS I SAY Gay Marriage: Your Country Needs You. By Miss Prudence Worthington

OPINIONS

PAGE 40 - FROM THE TOP

Baltimore Pride 2008 Recap Video on SEN Baltimore’s Website

PAGE 27 – FICTION Cereal: The Adventures of Pico Darling. By Espy Robinson

In Three Words. By SIRK

The Trans-Candidate. By Gwendolyn Ann Smith

PAGE 41 - COMMUNITY CALENDAR

And Then the Rain Came. By David Placher

FOR FUN PAGE 28 – Q PUZZLE

National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media 212-242-6863

The Work-athon. By Casondra Rawls

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Find Your Feet… By Kelly D. McClain

60 LGBT & Ally Young Adults Gather at Towson U. for 2nd Annual Campus Pride Leadership Camp

Speaking Out!: Obama’s Turn to the Right Leaves Out Poor LGBTQ Americans. By Rev. Irene Monroe

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.

PAGE 17 – HEALTH

PAGE 11 – LOCAL NEWS

sales@baltimoregaylife.com

CONTRIBUTORS David Placher John Cullen Casondra Rawls Maddy Dwertman Espy Robinson Marry Elaine Marty Shayt Mario Fernandez Gwendolyn Ann Smith Bill Kelley B. Voss Marvelous Marva Rex Wockner Kelly D. McClain Rev. Irene Monroe Prudence Worthington

COMMUNITY & COLUMNS

Wedding Announcement: Firefly Got Married

Ending Gaysploitation. By Chuck Griffith

Maddy Dwertman Sales

The Fed Takes on Corrupt Lenders with New Rules and Regulations. Courtesy of GayRealEstate.com

Half a Million at London Pride; Large, Violent Attack on Budapest Pride; Council of Europe Executive Committe to Support Gay Rights; Anti-Gay Marriage Registrar Wins Discrimination Case; Hundreds of Thousands at Madrid Pride; Wowereit Would Welcome Obama to Brandenburg Gate. By Rex Wockner with Bill Kelley.

PAGE 18

Editor

PAGE 38 – REAL ESTATE

PAGE 25 - THE GAY LIFE

PAGE 8 – INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Brian Flottemesch President of GLCCB

Pop Music - Past, Present, Future. By DJ Alex Funk

HOME

PAGE 5 – LOCAL NEWS

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

On the Stage

Men Up There With Nothing Down There

PAGE 42 – HOMOSTROLOGY

By Marry Elaine

The New Yorker Lampooning Obama Insults Muslims.

By Rev. Irene Monroe

PAGE 43 – QUOTE UNQUOTE

By Rex Wockner with Bill Kelley

IMHO: A Fag and His Dog. By Mario Fernandez

PAGE 45 – PICKUPS

Let’s Have a Conversation. By Marvelous Marva

A Place for Missed Opportunities

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 46– BSCENE International Week. Photos by Jay W

PAGE 16 - TRAVEL Mid-Atlantic Hotels Offer Discounts to LGBT Travelers

PAGE 30 – PENCIL ME IN Calendar. By Maddy Dwertman

VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM. July 25 - August 7, 2008

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LOCAL NEWS Local Resident Kip Castner Honored for Educational Excellence aron Treatment Centers held its 2008 Washington Metropolitan Area Community Service Awards Breakfast on Friday, June 27 at Maggiano’s in Washington, D.C. The leading addiction nonprofit organization recognized individuals and organizations that conduct substance abuse prevention and treatment.

Baltimore resident Kip Castner received Caron’s Educational Excellence Award for his efforts to enhance the delivery of substance abuse treatment and to confront shame and isolation as obstacles to the health of gay men.

C

Earlier this year, Castner organized a free halfday conference in D.C., called “Sexual Health in Recovery: A New Vision for Effective Addiction Treatment”, to help addiction professionals better understand the role healthy sexual behavior plays in recovery from drug addiction. The event was well attended and provided needed information and training on issues of sexuality for local addiction programs.

“When you treat people for the disease of addiction, it is important to understand the situation in

which they use and their motivation for using,” said Susan Blank, M.D., Vice President of Clinical Services at Caron. “Kip is helping to raise awareness that will help more people in the gay community find treatment and recovery.”.

Castner was also recognized for having authored RISE—Rewriting Inner Scripts—a psychoeducational workshop aimed at eliminating shamebased beliefs among gay men. RISE is offered at AIDS Action Baltimore and the Portal / Empowering New Concepts and has been of great assistance to many men.

“We must continue to confront stigma and oppression coming at us from the outside,” Castner said. “You can measure the damage of heterosexism and homophobia in our disproportionate rates of depression, isolation, partner violence, and substance abuse. As a first step toward improving the health of our community, we must make certain that we ourselves uproot any negative beliefs or stereotypes about ourselves we may have internalized over the course of a lifetime of exposure to identity-based oppression.”

Kip Castner

Montgomery County Judge to Determine Fate of Transgender Anti-Discrimination Law On July 9, Mongtomery County Circuit Court finished hearings on the petition seeking to overturn the recently passed transgender anti-discrimination law. Equality Maryland, joined by Lambda Legal, urged the Court to invalidate a referendum petition seeking to overturn the ordinance passed unanimously by the County Council last November. The law bars “discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations, cable television service and taxicab service on the basis of gender identity.”

After the passage of the bill, opponents, led by the group Citizens for a Responsible Government, sought to collect signatures from 5% of registered voters in the county—the number required to block the law from going into effect and force a referendum. Election officials calculated the necessary number of signatures at 25,000—this figure did not include registered voters listed as “inactive”.

In the latest hearing, Jonathan Shurberg, an attorney for Equality Maryland, argued that the county should have included 52,000 inactive voters in its total because they accepted the signatures of inactive voters on the petition.

According to this more inclusive calculation, opponents fell 700 signatures short.

Circuit Court Judge Robert A. Greenberg is expected to issue a written opinion in coming weeks. In the meantime, Equality Maryland is preparing to defend the law, regardless of the Court’s ruling, with a voter education campaign.

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NATIONAL NEWS

by Rex Wockner with Bill Kelly

McCain Doesn't 'Believe' in Gay Adoption advantages to children. They have been described as more tolerant of diversity and more nurturing toward younger children than children whose parents are heterosexual."

Republican presidential candidate John McCain told The New York Times that he opposes gay adoption July 13.

"I think that we've proven that both parents are important in the success of a family so, no, I don't believe in gay adoption," he said.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) accused McCain of having "an outdated prejudice about what a family may look like."

Forty-five states and the District of Columbia have no restrictions on gay adoption, according to the Family Equality Council.

"Sen. McCain's position is out of sync with the research and science and out of step with what is in the best interests of children waiting for a home and a family," said Executive Director Jody Huckaby.

Florida prohibits "homosexual" individuals from adopting, Michigan bans same-sex couples married in other jurisdictions from adopting, Mississippi prohibits same-sex couples from adopting, Nebraska bans gay individuals and unmarried couples from adopting, and Utah blocks unmarried, cohabiting individuals from adopting.

Six states—California, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey and New York—have laws or policies prohibiting discrimination against gay people in the adoption process.

Contrary to McCain's suggestion, there are no studies showing that adopted children of gay couples find themselves in less successful families.

In fact, "30 years of scientifically valid research universally demonstrates that LGBT families are just as nurturing for children's growth and development as heterosexual families," said the Family Equality Council.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Psychiatric Association (APA) the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) all have issued statements supporting same-sex

"We are disappointed and saddened that a public leader who is himself an adoptive father would deny the children in America's foster care system the opportunity to thrive as part of a welcoming family."

On July 15, McCain's communications director, Jill Hazelbaker, attempted to backpedal on McCain's statement to the Times.

Arizona Senator John McCain parents.

"Gay and lesbian parents are as likely as heterosexual parents to provide healthy and supportive environments for their children," the APA has said.

The AAP has said "scientific literature demonstrates" that kids with gay parents "fare as well in emotional, cognitive, social, and sexual functioning as do children whose parents are heterosexual.

[They] seem to develop normally in every way."

"In fact," the group has said, "growing up with parents who are lesbian or gay may confer some

"McCain could have been clearer in the interview in stating that his position on gay adoption is that it is a state issue, just as he made it clear in the interview that marriage is a state issue," she said.

"He was not endorsing any federal legislation.

McCain's expressed his personal preference for children to be raised by a mother and a father wherever possible. However, as an adoptive father himself, McCain believes children deserve loving and caring home environments, and he recognizes that there are many abandoned children who have yet to find homes. McCain believes that in those situations that caring parental figures are better for the child than the alternative."

Attempt to Block California Vote on Marriage Fails The California Supreme Court denied a petition July 16 to remove from the November ballot the voter initiative to amend the state constitution to re-ban same-sex marriage.

Lawyers for Equality California, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Lambda Legal, and the American Civil Liberties Union had argued that the proposed amendment, if passed, would actually amount to a "revision" of the constitution.

While the California Constitution can be amended via a ballot initiative, it cannot be "revised." A revision of the document requires a proposal by the Legislature or by a constitutional convention, followed by popular ratification.

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The groups also argued that the initiative should be stricken from the ballot because people who signed petitions to put it there were not given accurate information on the proposed amendment's impact.

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Those petitions claimed the amendment would not change California law on marriage—which was true when the petitions were being circulated but is false now that same-sex marriage is legal.

The petitions also claimed the amendment would have no fiscal impact, but it will, because marrying gay couples from across the country brings money into California—both for counties and for businesses that cater to visitors.

While the court rejected removing the initiative from the ballot, it is possible the court would give renewed consideration to the groups' arguments should voters actually approve the amendment.

Polling suggests Californians do not support writing marriage discrimination into the state constitution, though that's no guarantee they won't do so in the privacy of the voting booth.

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Kern County Supes Reject Marriage Ban Supervisors in Kern County, Calif., voted unanimously July 8 to do nothing with a proposed ordinance to ban same-sex marriage in the conservative county.

The measure was proposed by the Campaign for Children and Families.

The supervisors acted after the county counsel informed them the ordinance would be unconstitutional. They expressed fears the illegal move would cost the county money.

The supervisors also set aside a proposal to investigate whether neighboring San Bernardino County could deputize Kern County employees who are willing to perform same-sex weddings.

In mid-June, Kern County Clerk Ann Barnett stopped offering any civil marriage ceremonies to avoid having to marry gay couples once the California Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage took effect on June 16.

In proposing the San Bernardino solution, Supervisor Don Maben likened Barnett's behavior to that of Southern school districts that closed schools rather than admit black students.

tee, then goes to President George W. Bush, who is eager to see PEPFAR re-funded.

"We applaud the Senate for rejecting this unjust and sweeping policy that deems HIV-positive individuals inadmissible to the United States," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "We call on the leaders of the House and Senate to retain the Kerry-Smith provision in conference and ensure it is included in the final legislation sent to the president's desk."

"The HIV ban is ineffective, unnecessary, and simply bad public health policy," said Rachel Tiven, executive director of Immigration Equality. "It is especially harmful to gay and lesbian families, who do not benefit from the waiver available to opposite-sex couples. The Senate's change is welcome, and long overdue."

PEPFAR will send $48 billion to Africa over the next five years to fight AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., called the bill "the single most significant thing the president has done."

Census Won't Count Married Gays

"You throw out everybody to shun a few. I believe it's morally wrong," Maben said, according to the Bakersfield Californian newspaper.

The U.S. government will not count married gay couples in the 2010 census, the San Jose Mercury News reported July 12.

No one seconded Maben's proposal.

Instead, same-sex couples who accurately report that they are married will have their response tabulated by the Census Bureau as if they had checked "unmarried partners."

Massachusetts May OK Marriage for Out-of-Staters Massachusetts' legislature is considering repeal of a 1913 law that prohibits people from other states from getting married there if the marriage wouldn't be allowed where they live.

The law—which stopped interracial couples who couldn't marry in their own states from marrying in Massachusetts—was resurrected after Massachusetts legalized samesex marriage in 2004.

The speaker of the House, the president of the Senate and Gov. Deval Patrick all support the law's repeal.

U.S. Senate Votes to Repeal HIV Travel/Immigration Ban The U.S. Senate voted 80-16 on July 16 to repeal the nation's ban on HIVpositive foreign visitors and immigrants.

Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., and Gordon Smith, R-Ore., secured a provision to repeal the ban in the Senate's legislation to reauthorize PEPFAR, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

The measure now moves to a House-Senate conference commit-

Same-sex marriage is legal in California and Massachusetts. In addition, New Yorkers who marry in those states or abroad are recognized as married in New York State.

The Mercury News said the Census Bureau's decision was based on the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) "and other mandates."

DOMA, signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1996, states, in part: "In determining the meaning of any Act of Congress, or of any ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various administrative bureaus and agencies of the United States, the word 'marriage' means only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and the word 'spouse' refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife."

Gary Gates of the Williams Institute, a think tank at the University of California Los Angeles law school, told the newspaper that the bureau's decision "goes against everything the census stands for."

"It's a systematic hiding not only of married gay couples, but gay couples as families, which I would argue is a fundamentally political decision," Gates said.

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NATIONAL NEWS ABC, FX Get High Marks from GLAAD critical and commercial success."

ABC and the FX cable network do the best job of representing gay Americans, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation said July 14.

Each of the 6,151 hours of TV was reviewed for any on-screen GLBT representations, and networks were assigned a grade of excellent, good, adequate or failing.

GLAAD's Network Responsibility Index tracks the quantity, quality and diversity of images of GLBT people on television.

ABC and The CW rated good, with 24 percent and 21 percent of their primetime programming hours inclusive of GLBT representations. CBS rated adequate, with 9 percent. NBC and Fox received failing grades for their 6 percent and 4 percent of programming hours with GLBT images.

ABC, with shows like Brothers & Sisters, Desperate Housewives and Ugly Betty, received the highest marks of the five broadcast networks. NBC and Fox scored lowest.

Among 10 of the highest-rated cable channels, FX aired the largest number of GLBT-inclusive hours of original programming, while TNT offered the fewest.

GLAAD examined all primetime programming—4,911 hours—on the five major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and The CW) from June 1, 2007, to May 31, 2008.

Cast members of TV's Ugly Betty. GLAAD photo The group also reviewed all original primetime programming—1,240 hours—on the 10 cable networks.

"Time and again we see that what people watch on TV shapes how they view and treat the lesbian, gay,

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bisexual and transgender people around them," said GLAAD President Neil Giuliano. "ABC and FX are ... showing other networks that including images of our community can go hand in hand with

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Of the 10 cable networks evaluated, FX, HBO and Showtime each received a grade of good, with FX leading with 45 percent of programming hours featuring GLBT representations. Lifetime and MTV ranked adequate. A&E, Spike, TBS, TNT and USA received failing grades.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS Half a Million at London Pride

by Rex Wockner with Bill Kelly

Around half a million people turned out for London's gay pride parade July 5, led by Mayor Boris Johnson, who wore a pink cowboy hat.

Members of the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force marched in uniform. The Ministry of Defence offered free travel for servicemembers who wanted to attend the parade.

Well-known activist Peter Tatchell carried a poster with a doctored, gayedup photo of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

"Ahmadinejad leads a regime that arrests, jails, flogs, tortures and sometimes executes gay people," Tatchell said.

MP Harriet Harman, minister of equality and deputy leader of the Labour Party, reportedly was booed as she spoke from the main stage at Trafalgar Square.

Tatchell said the crowd was unhappy over the UK's treatment of gay asylum-seekers from homophobic nations.

Around half a million people turned out for London's gay pride parade July 5.

ScotsGay photo via Wockner News

Prior to the parade, Prime Minister Gordon Brown met with activists, including actor Sir Ian McKellen, at his residence.

They discussed homophobic bullying in schools, and Brown's spokesman said he was "delighted" to have met with the group.

Large, Violent Attack on Budapest Pride Right-wing extremists attacked the 1,500 marchers in Budapest's gay pride parade and fought with police for several hours afterward on July 5.

Openly gay actor Sir Ian McKellen, second from right, and friends at London Pride.

Justin Piperger photo

Hundreds of counterdemonstrators reportedly threw rocks, eggs, bottles, firecrackers, feces, acid, paint and Molotov cocktails at the marchers and the police. They also set a police van on fire and damaged three media trucks.

At least 45 of the attackers were arrested. Riot police unleashed tear gas and water cannons on the protesters at points during the mile-long march down Andrássy Road.

At least 25 people were injured, including 17 of the 2,100 police officers protecting the event.

A post-parade concert was canceled.

"There was one street where literally a shower of eggs and stones was poured on us," said activist Gábor Kuszing. "I was lucky to have a placard in my hand, and others used umbrellas."

Around half a million people turned out for London's gay pride parade July 5, led by Mayor Boris Johnson (pictured). ScotsGay photo via Wockner News www.baltimoregaylife.com • G A Y L I F E •

A rock crashed through the window of a car carrying Hungarian July 25 - August 7, 2008

Euro MP Katalin Lévai.

"It is unacceptable in our democracies that microscopic groups of the extreme right may threaten and attack an important minority while it practices the universal right to freedom," Lévai said. "We must step up against groups advocating hatred and violence."

The European Parliament's Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights denounced the violence and the fact that it was allowed to occur.

"I am deeply disappointed and concerned of Hungary's inability to deal with extremists," said Intergroup President Michael Cashman. "This must be referred to the European Commission and the commission's president."

Intergroup Vice President Sirpa Pietikäinen said: "Police forces again, like last year, failed to protect citizens exercising their fundamental rights to peaceful assembly, probably due to inadequate resources. I will demand an explanation from the Hungarian government and I will raise this issue with the European Commission."

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"Miss Ladele's dignity and created an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment."

Int’l

NEWS

Council of Europe Executive Committee to Support Gay Rights

The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe plans to issue a formal declaration in support of GLBT rights and to engage the entire organization in combating discrimination against GLBT people.

Activists called the move groundbreaking. The committee is composed of the foreign ministers of the CoE's 47 member nations.

The ministers will address the need to ensure respect for the human rights of GLBT people, instruct an intergovernmental expert committee to examine measures to avoid discrimination against gay couples, and instruct all committees involved in intergovernmental cooperation to propose specific actions to strengthen GLBT equality.

"Much of the credit for this great step forward goes to LGBT human rights defenders in Central and Eastern Europe," said Nigel Warner,

A determination of damages will be made later. adviser to the CoE for the European Region of the International Lesbian and Gay Association.

A spokesman for the council said the borough may appeal the ruling, which he called disappointing.

"Their courageous work in advocating for LGBT rights has revealed the appalling extent of homophobia and transphobia in many countries, and shocked the Council of Europe into taking action," Warner said.

"We consider our approach was the right one," Councilor John Gilbert, the executive member for human resources, told the BBC. "The wider issue of whether councils should be able to expect employees to carry out civil partnerships doesn't seem to have been fully addressed."

Anti-Gay-Marriage Registrar Wins Discrimination Case

Gay leader Peter Tatchell denounced the ruling, saying it "sanctions the right of religious people to discriminate against others who they disagree with."

A marriage registrar in the London borough of Islington who refused to perform same-sex civil partnerships was bullied, harassed and discriminated against for her Christian beliefs, the Central London Employment Tribunal ruled July 10.

Lillian Ladele had complained she was shunned, picked on and ridiculed. She praised the tribunal's decision as "a victory for religious liberty."

The tribunal said Islington Council, the borough government, violated

"We could soon find religious police officers, solicitors (lawyers), firefighters and doctors refusing to serve members of the public who they find morally objectionable— and being allowed to do so by the law," Tatchell said.

The United Kingdom's civil-partnership law grants all the rights and obligations of marriage, but under a different name.

Hundreds of Thousands at Madrid Pride Led by Equality Minister Bibiano Aido, hundreds of thousands of GLBT people marched in Madrid's pride parade July 5.

This year's theme was "Lesbian Visibility."

The Socialist Party of Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez entered a double-decker bus in the parade.

Spain is one of six nations where same-sex marriage has been legalized.

Wowereit Would Welcome Obama to Brandenburg Gate Openly gay Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit said July 9 he would be "delighted" for Barack Obama to speak at the city's famed Brandenburg Gate.

Although no firm plans have been made, Obama's campaign inquired about the procedures for such a speech during an upcoming European trip by the Democratic U.S. presidential candidate.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, however, said she doubts it would be appropriate to use the gate as a campaign backdrop.

Yoga for Immune Support at the GLCCB If you’re alive and conscious and living in modern America, the high stress and fast pace of American life are taking a toll on your immune system.

The messages all around us that urge us to do more and more, faster and faster are hard to ignore, and they’ve raised the productivity bar so high that continually elevated stress levels are now considered by many to be a “normal” experience.

We aren’t machines, and we weren’t designed to operate like machines. Our physical bodies, minds, and emotions, as well as our subtle and spiritual aspects, require a period of genuine rest and renewal daily if we are to experience long-term abundant health.

Yoga practice deeply relaxes and reinvigorates body, mind, and spirit.

Yoga classes dedicated to Immune System Support offer a unique opportunity to counterbalance our experience of chronic stress and strengthen our immune system - no matter who we are, or however else we otherwise cope with stress.

Join Certified Yoga Instructor’s Tim Hurley at the Center for an hour and a half of Yoga for Immune Support to release stress, strengthen the immune system, and improve flexibility and core physical strength, among the many other healthy benefits.

This innovative series of Yoga classes will be offered again on Sundays in room 201 beginning 13 July through 24 August 2008 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. (please arrive a few minutes early). You must pre-register for these classes, and maximum enrollment is 10 individuals. The cost of the series is $45.00 all of which is donated directly to the Center.

For more information call 410-837-5445.

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LOCAL NEWS

Top to bottom: Pride Leaders Courtney D'Allaird (SUNY Albany, NY), Colin Riley (Goucher College, MD), Brad Thomison (Wichita State U., KS) and Adrian Herrera (Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA) arrived early to prepare for Campus Pride.

60 LGBT & Ally Young Adults Gather at Towson U. for 2nd Annual Campus Pride Leadership Camp Sixty LGBT and ally young adults from nearly 50 colleges and universities gathered at Towson University Saturday, July 19 through Thursday, July 24 for the second annual Campus Pride leadership camp.

Campus Pride is the only camp in the nation for LGBT and ally college students.

Referred to as “Happy Campers”, this camp is definitely like no other.

The 5-day camp experience blends traditional camp activities with a core curriculum of skill building in leadership development, social justice and civic involvement. The end goal is to equip campers with the knowledge and tools for grassroots change and to enact LGBT-inclusive policies, programs and practices on campus. Campers also shared in a range of social activities, including premier movie nights and coffeehouse entertainment, as well a day trip to Washington, D.C., to meet with leaders of national LGBT and ally organizations and other social justice groups.

“Camp was an amazing, lifechanging experience for me. The things I learned and the people I met have inspired me this past year and helped me to make my student organization the best it's ever been,” said Shane Medina, a Happy Camper and current student leader at Old Dominion University in

Norfolk,Va. “I have never spent a better week in my life.”

Keynote highlights this year included Donna Rose, national civil rights leader and transgender advocate, Christian DeLaHuerta, bestselling author of Coming Out Spiritually, Vernon Wall, noted author and social justice advocate, Reverend Mother Meredith Moise, national human rights advocate, and author Jessica Pettitt from I Am… Social Justice.

Skill-specific workshops were conducted by a number of national organizations, including the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), Soulforce Q for Young Adults, Out for Work and the Human Rights Campaign.

“Camps are a long-held ritual in American culture. Campus Pride is proud to sponsor the only national camp like this,” said Shane Windmeyer, Campus Pride Executive Director and Camp founder. “The lessons learned and lifelong friendships developed at camp are the most valuable way to invest in the future of our movement—to educate, empower and enlighten young adult leaders.”

For additional information about Campus Pride and programs, visit www.campuspride.org.

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Music For Your Life An Interview with Toshi Reagon

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ixing folk, rock, funk and gospel, socially conscious singer-songwriter Toshi Reagon crosses genres like few artists in today’s commercial music industry.

She draws both her dedication to social justice and penchant for diverse musical styles from her family. Her parents, Cordell Reagon and Bernice Johnson Reagon, were founding members of the SNCC (Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee) Freedom Singers of the early Civil Rights era. Bernice Johnson Reagon went on to found the all-female a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock.

Toshi, who has been writing songs since childhood, has not only released 6 full-length albums, but also produces music, and even composes opera. Before heading off to Miami to work with youth choruses at GALA Choruses 25th Anniversary Festival, Toshi took time out to speak with Gay Life about her musical influences, genre-blending and the importance of “finding your goodness” in life.

You grew up around a lot of wonderful musicians, so it’s always been a part of your life. When did you decide you to pursue music as a career?

When I was a teenager, I was really into sports and thought that sports would be what I would do. Unfortunately, I had a bad sports injury when I was 13, which ended that path. So I thought, “OK, I’ll do music.” I just moved right into it and became one of those kids that always went to shows, always tried to be interning with a production company.... My mom had told me to learn all aspects of the business and not just be a musician. So, I dove right into it.

Have you drawn influence from Sweet Honey in the Rock?

What Sweet Honey demonstrates to anybody is that you

can actually take your voice and make a group that is a constant action. I remember thinking when I was really young that these were my mom’s friends getting together and singing. As I grew up, I understood better the commitment involved.

People united in a voice, people working really hard to create the sound they created…. There was no one before them doing what they did. They were always being trailblazers.

Their business structure was also really unique. When you’re an artist, you’ll hear a lot of people tell you that you can’t do this and you can’t do that and you have to do things this way or that way. What Sweet Honey showed me is that whatever I had was good enough, and that if I worked really hard, I could make my living being an artist…and really be committed

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to speaking up for my community and for things that are important. I appreciate them so much for that. It was such an important thing for me to have in my life.

Time passes so quickly…32, 33, 34 years later they are still around. It’s so amazing to me.

You have performed so many different types of music in such a diverse array of venues. What is it like navigating all of these multiple spaces and genres of music?

That’s more impressive to other people than it is to me. That is another Sweet Honey influence. I have always liked a lot of different kinds of music. As a kid, my mom took me to a lot of folk festivals and I got to hear music from all over the world. Then, I was really into Hendrix. When I was 4, I was into Hendrix. I love the Temptations and Jackson 5. And then I love Black Sabbath and Kiss and I love Led Zeppelin…. I love Chaka Khan. I love the Cars. The Ramones. I love so many different bands. So, I’ve just never thought that I couldn’t do anything. Anything that is accessible to me, I could have and do. I don’t know if that has made me less successful than I could have been if I had picked a genre and stuck to it…but, that’s boring to me.

I’ve done some of everything, but I think all of the music is very connected and has a very common base. That I am black and a woman makes people go “Oohh.” I think if you’re a white guy and you do a lot of different things, people say, “He’s rock.”

So, it also has to do with how society markets things…. A few years ago, Beck came out with a really cool pop record…then he did a completely different record…then he came back with another pop record. But, if you go to a store, all of those records are together and in either the pop or rock section. Nobody pulled apart “this is where he sounded bluesy” and “this is where he sang folky”....

I think a lot of people, given the opportunity, like performing different kinds of music. It’s not that people don’t have the talent to express different styles…. People want you to be one thing so they can market you in one way and make money. I’ve never been that artist where someone’s been concerned about how many millions of records that they’re going to sell and said, “OK, Toshi.

Just this.” I love it, and I love that when people write about me, they actually take the time to think about what I’m doing. When writers ask what I call my music, I usually respond: “I call it good. You call it whatever you want.” It’s really about wherever the music hits that particular person.

How has it been working with Righteous Babe Records?

They’re a small little engine. It’s a bunch of nice people in an office working really hard. I think they’re great. I have a lot of fun with them.

It’s a lot of artistic independence and they never tell you what you can and can’t do. That’s a really nice place to be as an artist. I am very grateful for that. Ani is wonderful as well.

One of your newest projects is an opera—The Temptation of St. Anthony. Can you speak a little bit about this and how it came to be?

This is an ongoing project that started in 2003. It is directed by Robert Wilson. My mom is the libretto for it.

My band, BIG Lovely, has been the orchestra for it and I’ve been the music director. That’s been amazing. It’s traveled all over the world and done really well. It’s only been in the state’s one in New York at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music). It’s an expensive show to try to get around the U.S. My mom and I are writing another opera that is going to be at the New York City Opera in September 2009.

What do you do when you’re not working?

I have great friends and have a lot of fun. I have a 13-year-old daughter, so I’m a parent. That’s enough.

How did you get involved with GALA Choruses?

I’m really honored to be asked to participate. I have a lot of friends who are in choruses and who have participated in the conference. It is a huge, gigantic meeting of the minds of choruses from all over the place and very, very exciting. I am looking forward to having the experience. So many times when someone has told me that they want to sing, I’ve suggested that they join a chorus. Choruses are great places for people to find community and find their voices. I am honored that I’ll be working with the youth choruses. That young people are celebrated and given the space to raise their voices is very important to me...

It’s important for everyone to find your goodness. When you find something that you do and that you do really well…. When you make the connection of reason why you’re on the planet…what you’re supposed to do, you never stop doing it. It’s not something you did when you were young, or something you used to do as a teenager. You do it all the time.

It’s your revolutionary spirit….that you’re doing something good and helpful for your good and the good of others.

To check out Toshi’s sound and upcoming tour dates, visit www.toshireagon.com.

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Interview by B. Voss fter performing more than 80 shows in Europe on his latest tour, George Michael has returned for his first U.S. tour in 17 years. The 25 Live tour, coming to the Verizon Center in Washington, DC on July 29, will feature songs from his new album Twenty-Five, released this April. The 44year-old pop star will continue producing music, but considers the tour a “way of saying thank you to everybody before I move on.”

Gay Life has the exclusive on Michael’s coming out, the U.S. tour and his recent foray into acting.

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Have you altered your tour for North American audiences?

I’m making adjustments. There are a few more tracks from Faith, but other than that, not really. I’ve got to play to the fans that have been buying my stuff that hasn’t been on the radio for the past 15 years. In other words, I’ve got to not play down to anybody. Ultimately, there’s enough old stuff in there for people who don’t know the newer stuff, so they’ll be alright.

Is there any song you’ve officially retired?

Not really, but there are only a couple of Wham! songs I can get away with—“Everything She Wants” and “I’m Your Man”. Other than that, there’s nothing that I have a real objection to.

Did you feel a special connection with gay fans even before you came out in 1998? Surely you must’ve known that it wasn’t just girls eyeing your butt in the Faith days.

Oh God, yeah, I knew that. With all those number one club records and stuff, I really have had a great amount of support from the gay community in America in the last 15 years…so absolutely that’s special. I actually write about my real experience now, and I think that’s one of the things that makes my music easier for gay people to listen to.

Have you gotten any positive feedback from a gay fan that made coming out professionally worth the drama?

Quite a few people have written to me over the years on that basis. From the moment I outed myself, when I wrote “Outside”, I thought, “Wouldn’t it be great to make a video for all those kids that are now where you were 25 years ago, with your only experience being cruising—and feeling terrible about it because you’re 16 or whatever?” If someone had made a video like that for my entertainment when I was a young guy, I would’ve loved it.

Can a gay artist succeed if he’s out from the beginning?

It’s happening in Europe—Will Young was out from day one and it didn’t hurt him at all—but it’s still very tricky in America, where you’re categorized as soon as people realize you’re gay.

Would you advise a closeted performer in America to stay in the closet?

Absolutely not. There is no career that’s worth that. I’d just say, “Come out and accept that you’ll lose some of your audience.”

You recorded a great cover album, Songs from the Last Century, in 1999. Is there any

artist you’d like to hear do a George Michael cover?

Maybe Amy Winehouse, although I think my stuff is a bit straightforward for her.

How did you feel about Carrie Underwood’s cover of “Praying for Time” on American Idol’s “Idol Gives Back”?

I thought it was very flattering. She really sung her heart out, didn’t she?

I’m going to find some opportunity to thank her. That’s probably why they invited me on to the American Idol finale.

Do you wish more Idol contestants sung George Michael songs?

Well, normally Simon Cowell tells them, “You just don’t touch a George Michael song,” which I thought was quite complimentary.

Earlier this year you made your American acting debut on Eli Stone. On which other American show would you like to appear?

I prefer watching TV. I don’t think I’d like a career in it. It was just a remarkable thing because they wanted to name all of the episodes after my songs and write me into the actual storyline, but the music was the main reason I did it. People think because I did Extras and Eli Stone that maybe I’m trying to make a foray into acting, but I’m not.

How do you maintain such a good sense of humor about your mishaps?

Well, with the stuff that I get up to, if I didn’t have a sense of humor, I’d really be up shit creek, as they say. I can always see the funny side, especially if it’s about sex.

25 Live comes to the DC Verizon Center on Tuesday, July 29. For tickets, visit www.georgemichael.com.

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TRAVEL Mid-Atlantic Hotels Offer Discounts to LGBT Travelers Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront Still dying to go to the beach, but don’t want to travel far? The Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront hotel is offering off-peak rates and discounts this travel season to LGBT travelers. LGBT guests who book their overnight, upscale accommodations will enjoy 30 percent savings on standard rates, a guaranteed room with ocean view and 20 percent discount on dinner for 2 at the hotel’s oceanfront Surf Club Ocean Grille restaurant.

Discounted hotel rates on select dates in August begin at $149 for a standard room and $189 for a suite.

If you’d rather miss the heat and the crowds, rates drop to $111 and $149 respectively in September, and as low as $69 and $109 in November and December.

“This is a great opportunity to rec-

ognize an important group of travelers with special savings and demonstrate that we value their business,” said Mike Kreider, hotel general manager. “Guests will also enjoy our richly appointed ocean view rooms and suites, each with a private balcony or patio, as well as convenient amenities including microwaves and refrigerators.”

Pier 5 Hotel at the Baltimore Inner Harbor For additional information or to book your stay, call 1-800-365-3032 or visit www.wyndham.com.

Harbor Magic Hotels, Baltimore Looking to check out Baltimore, a charming city famous for its crabs and a divine filmmaker that immortalized flamingos and hairspray forever? Wondering where you can find LGBT-friendly accommodations?

This summer, Harbor Magic Hotels launched a “Stay Gay Baltimore” ini-

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tiative. LGBT travelers can purchase a discounted “Baltimore Pride Getaway”, which includes overnight accommodations in the Harbor Magic hotel of your choice, 2 free passes to Club Hippo, a copy of Gay Life newspaper and an exclusive guide to LGBT life in Baltimore.

Harbor Magic consists of 3 unique boutique hotels located in and around Baltimore’s famous inner harbor. The trendy, South-Beach style Pier 5 Hotel (711 Eastern Ave.)

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is situated directly on the waters of the Inner Harbor adjacent to the National Aquarium in Baltimore; the modern Brookshire Suites (120 E. Lombard St.) is nestled in Baltimore’s bustling downtown; and the historic Admiral Fell Inn (888 S. Broadway St.) is located in the waterfront village of Fell’s Point.

You can check out “Stay Gay Baltimore” on the web at www.staygaybaltimore.com. Or, call 1-800-311-2397 for additional information.

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HEALTH Find Your Feet...

by Kelly D. McClain

Why do I feel pain when I raise my arms?

You may feel pain for various reasons; one may be the need to stretch your shoulder muscles.

When you raise, reach and lift with your arms, you are using the four muscles of your rotator cuff: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis (SITS). These muscles surround the bones associated with your shoulder: clavicle, humerus and scapula (shoulder blade).

The supraspinatus is located at the top of the shoulder. It raises the upper arm and moves it away from the body. The infraspinatus and teres minor are in the back of the shoulder and externally rotate the shoulder. The subscapularis is at the front of the shoulder and internally rotates the shoulder. Each muscle moves the shoulder in a separate direction, though they work together to stabilize the shoulder joint.

In my full-time position, where I am a graphic designer, I am required to spend a lot of hours in front of a computer screen. Many times I find myself slouching over my keyboard, and I found a way I can quickly remedy it. Still seated, I raise my arms to reestablish my posture, thereby eliminating stress in my neck and shoulders that may have occurred.

Try It Yourself…

Stand with your feet parallel and hip-width apart. Stack every part of your body in line with your heels.

Imagine that the back of your knees, hips, tailbone, entire spine, shoulder blades and back of your head are all resting comfortably on a wall. With your hands at your sides, turn your palms toward your thighs. Envision

the tips of your shoulder blades, located in the middle of your spine, almost touching. Inhale and begin to lift your arms up to a 90° angle.

Exhale. Keeping your shoulders where they are, inhale and lift your arms up until your hands reach eyelevel or above (depending on the natural motion your shoulder). As you continue to breathe, begin to create space between your neck and shoulders. After 3 complete breaths, inhale deeply and raise your hands up higher to make yourself even taller for one final stretch. Exhale your arms down and return them to your sides.

Arms at your sides.

Raise arms to 90 degrees.

Lift your arms higher, and avoid squeezing your shoulders toward your ears. This can cause pain.

Create space with shoulder blades down.

Return arms to your sides.

Benefits…

Increases the range of motion of the shoulder Lubricates your shoulder joints Strengthens your shoulder muscles Encourages healthy posture for reaching and lifting Remember: Check with your doctor before performing any exercise.

Yoga is non-competitive. Work at your own ability level and be sure to respect your body and its limitations. Use props and ask your teacher for modifications.

Kelly D. McClain is a registered yoga teacher (RYT) currently teaching Beginner's Yoga on Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. at the GLCCB. Send your questions or requests for more information at HaYoga.Kelly@yahoo.com. Find Your Feet is a bi-weekly series featuring experiences in yoga. Also, visit Tim Hurley, RYT at the Center on Sundays at 3:30 p.m.

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OPINIONS TRANSMISSIONS The Trans-Candidate

by Gwendolyn Ann Smith ith only a few months to go until the November election, I find myself with little to actually delve into when it comes to the two major party's presidential candidates stance towards the transgendered. I can play some guesswork, sure, but actual "on the record" statements are slim.

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For John McCain, I can look at his stance on the Employment NonDiscrimination Act and the Matthew Shephard Act. He does not support either of them. Of course, I should note that he does not support them in either a transgender-inclusive form or a nontransgender-inclusive form. He is

also opposed to gays and lesbians in the military, as well as same-sex marriage. So while I cannot find a single solid statement from John McCain regarding transgender rights, it seems pretty clear that you won't find a friend of the community in the senator from Arizona.

On the other hand, Barack Obama was one of the more transgenderpositive candidates amongst the Democratic field during the primary.

When he was asked directly about inclusion in the Matthew Shephard act, he was clear: "The transgender community has to be protected," said Obama. "I just

Take a deep breath…

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.

don't have any tolerance for that sort of intolerance. And I think we need to legislate aggressively to protect them." His campaign also went on record about transgender inclusion within the Employment NonDiscrimination Act. Of course, much of this was said some time ago, long before he was the presumptive nominee for his party. It is likely, given this change, that he will be a lot less direct on the issue of transgender rights today.

Such is the nature of politics.

Neither Obama nor McCain have picked a running mate (that we know of), so it's hard to see the influence that their vice president may have on transgender rights. Again, we can surmise that the democratic choices are transgender-positive— both Edwards and Clinton have made statements about transgender rights, though the latter has tended to be a bit on the vague side—while the GOP choices are less so.

In 2004 and previous presidential elections, it broke down about the same, with Kerry, and before him, Gore, appearing much more transgender-friendly than George W. Bush. Unfortunately, what I've felt in practice is that we simply cannot win either way: While the GOP candidate is definitely against us, even hostile at times, the democratic candidate is often willing to support us only as long as it is politically expedient, and will jettison us at the first moment of resistance. We've certainly seen this on the struggle for transgender-inclusion on the Matthew Shepherd Act and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, as well as broader GLBT rights issues such as "Don't Ask Don't Tell” (signed into law by a Democratic), and the fight over same-gender marriage.

It's the frustrating nature of baby steps that we are still faced with a choice of enmity versus opportunity, and still deal with argument over incremental rights form a party that is supposedly more progressive than the other. Some of the more truly progressive voices from some third party candidates were marginalized out of the mainstream election process.

In 2000, with the contested victory of George W. Bush who, at the earliest stages of his presidency, was viewed as a very weak, ineffective president, there were still hopes of

continuing some of the strides we had made during the Clinton years.

While many knew that there would be an uphill battle, the assumption was that we had momentum on our side. Although the momentum had already slowed to a crawl before then, September 11, 2001 helped demonstrate to us that this would simply not be the case. There were too many fires to be put out to really focus on forward motion.

By the time of the 2004 election, with gay marriage drawing a new, fervent breed of post-9/11 religious conservatives to the polls, receving much federal support for transgender rights became even more difficult. We were not only assured a defeat from the Republican congress and president. Even leading democrats were unwilling to take a step in support of the transgendered.

Again, we had democrats willing to support us as long as it did not seem to really matter. The only true exception to this at the federal level has been Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) who has been willing to go out on a limb for transgender rights.

There is still a great deal to do.

We as a community simply need to continue to do more to address our needs in Washington. We need to continue to press on, if not individually, then through the National Center for Transgender Equality and other transgender groups, as well as via groups support of transgender individuals, such as the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. With a Human Right Campaign that remains more than willing to throw transgender people under the bus as its own needs and pocketbooks merit, it remains very important to actively express that we must keep transgender rights as part of the total package.

With a new president to come into power in only a few months, now is the time to press the candidates on transgender rights. Get them to commit to a stance, and find out what they really stand for. Discover for yourself if they do indeed support your views on this and all issues— and in November, vote accordingly.

Gwen Smith asks that you don't blame her, as she voted for Kodos. You can find her on the web at www.gwensmith.com.

Breathe easy.

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assigned destination is Iraq. He telephones home with a warm greeting: “Hello, Mom! How are you and dad doing?”

VOICE OF ONE

And Then the Rain Came days in southern Illinois, where you can feel the air becoming heavier before it rains, the young soldier knows the weather is about to become nasty. The soldiers form a single line as they enter the military bus.

The mother is stricken with joy. “I am doing wonderful. Nothing has changed around here. Your father is still trying to fix the upstairs bathroom sink. The neighbors are still driving us crazy. Other than that, everything is the same. How are you?”

“Well, Mom, I have been assigned to Iraq.”

The mother pauses, says nothing.

A cold chill suddenly develops down her back, a lump in her throat.

by David Placher

As the rain starts to fall, the young soldier avoids getting wet by taking shelter in the military bus. His parents and friends, however, experience no such luck as they passionately wave goodbye, their emotions creating a sense of immunity that allows them to ignore the weather.

young soldier is about to enter the military and depart from a small town. The young soldier looks to his mother: “Goodbye, Mom, I will try and make it home for the holidays.” The young soldier then turns to his father: “Dad, please!” And then he jokingly says, “Don’t be a wimp. Don’t cry.”

The young soldier dares not show any feelings, though holding tears back is starting to become emotionally draining.

“The first few months at training camp were difficult,” the young soldier writes to a friend. He summarizes his experiences in the letter by simply stating: “They worked us hard and often. We were forced to run until we could run no more. We were forced mock fight, until we could move no more. A couple of new soldiers were unable to cut it.

They went home. I was able to cut it, but I wonder if they got the better deal. I miss my family.”

The weather outside quickly and unexpectedly begins to change.

Lightning consumes the sky. Winds gasp against the outside walls, making strong and loud noises.

At this time of year, the weather starts to change. Like hot and muggy

A couple months thereafter, the young soldier learns that his

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The young soldier, breaks the silence, “Mom, I have all the confidence in the world. I entered a child and became an adult. I am ready!”

“Honey, you ok?”

“Yes, Mom. In Oklahoma, the weather can be weird. I am sheltered from the bad weather, but I have to get off the telephone in case lightning hits a telephone line. I will talk to you guys soon. Love you.”

Six months later, the young soldier is serving his eighth week in Iraq.

Ending Gaysploitation income, the festival screened films that are hardly anything to be proud of, much less celebrate.

By Chuck Griffith his month the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Outfest, celebrated 26 years of LGBT cinema. Outfest is one of the premiere film festivals that focus on the LGBT community and the filmmakers who supply it with its programming. With Hollywood Agays, agents, buyers and the penniless filmmakers sipping goblets of sponsored liquor and targeted corporate advertising aimed at that urban myth of gay disposable

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Films like Boys in the Band, Longtime Companion, and the recently restored Parting Glances were a queer America’s response to dealing with the AIDS crisis of the 1980s. We didn’t know what was killing us at first, and then when we started going to more funerals than birthdays, a discourse to take action permeated throughout the community.

Filmmakers, armed with cellophane, documented and scripted some of the most moving stories of our times. Films of the late 1980s and early 1990s had purpose and crossed many demographic barriers, even if there always seemed to be a death in the end.

Studios still seem intent on financing gay-themed films only if the homosexual dies in the last reel, but the real death you see on the screen these days is the suicide of the LGBT film. Gregg Goldstein with The Hollywood Reporter recently made a

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poignant observation at this year’s 20th anniversary of New York’s gay and lesbian film fest, Newfest: “For despite breakthroughs like Brokeback, gay films already are well down the same path as 1970s black films, where quality projects like Sounder were the exception and blaxploitation flicks were the rule. Cable's demand for cheaply-made gay movies has ushered in an era of gaysploitation that only the most talented filmmakers and daring companies are likely to resist.”

As the democratization of filmmaking continues with cheap camcorders and DIY editing, anyone can be in Circuit City today and come out a “filmmaker” tomorrow; begging the question, just because you can, should you? Who can blame them when the LGBT community has turned itself into a marginalized affinity market of lemmings over the years? There’s no near-term justification to invest in more modest budg-

The soldier is with three other friends, riding in a jeep along a back road, just outside Baghdad. With the music playing, he laughs and talks with the other soldiers. “Turn up the radio,” the young soldier yells. “I love this song! Have you guys heard it?”

BAM! Ambushed by several insurgents, a small roadside bomb flips the Jeep. The driver and front passenger are instantly killed. The young soldier and other passenger escape from the blast, but find themselves severely hurt. An insurgent walks out from behind bushes and delivers a deadly blow to the other surviving passenger’s head. The insurgent turns to the young soldier, lying on the ground in extraordinary pain, and shoots him in the chest. As the young soldier watches the insurgents leave, he notices his blood mixing with the sand. He looks at his surroundings, but sees only his fellow soldiers’ corpses.

At this very moment, the soldier hears the sound of thunder and feels the air start to change. Rain is approaching. As the young soldier begins to lose consciousness, he thinks about home—hallucinating, hopeful that his mother and father will be there shortly to rescue him.

His breath lightens and his eyes begin to close. The rain comes.

David Placher is an attorney.

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 email 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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OPINIONS SPEAKING OUT! Obama’s Turn to the Right Leaves Out Poor LGBTQ Americans lenge Obama faces today that is “too big to solve alone” is winning evangelical Christians.

And the poor, in this instance, become Obama’s political pawn to win over this important demographic group.

by Rev. Irene Monroe he senate’s most left-leaning member, presidential hopeful Barack Obama, is now turning to the right.

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And the turn, he’s finding out, is not as easy as calculated.

On July 1, Obama announced partnering with communities of faith. His proposed plan is to dole out $5 million a year in federal funds through churches and other religious organizations to God’s most disenfranchised—American’s poor.

“The challenges we face today— from saving our planet to ending poverty—are simply too big for government to solve alone,” Obama announced outside a community center in Zanesville, Ohio.

While the moral imperative in any presidential hopeful’s campaign should be to help the poor, the chal-

By prohibiting these evangelical churches and religious charities, however, from considering religion in their employment hiring and firing practices and in their service to the poor, this constituency group is not buying Obama’s sales pitch.

“For those of us who believe in protecting the integrity of our religious institutions, this is a fundamental right,” Richard Cizik, vice president of government affairs for the National Association of Evangelicals told the Associated Press. “He’s rolling back the Bush protections. That’s extremely disappointing.”

But Obama’s sales pitch is also extremely disappointing for a voting constituency within his targeted group—poor LGBTQ Americans.

While the requirements for receiving federal funds in Obama’s faith-based program are to protect those in need from religious organizations’ proselytizing, preaching and religious instruction, poor LGBTQ Americans would unlikely seek or receive help from not only anti-gay, but also gay-friendly religious organizations.

Why? Because implementing a theocratic model for government to affect laws and government structures in this country according to one’s Christian ideal would not work, on the best of days, in the favor of LGBTQ Americans.

The inherent discrimination in religious organizations, such as the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and Bush's faith-based initiatives, has shown how uncompassionate Christian organizations can be.

And why would Obama’s be any different?

For example, I remember a fundraising letter in November 2002 from Elizabeth Birch, former executive director of the Human Rights Campaign that stated: “The Salvation Army was in secret negotiations with the White House to win the legal right to discriminate against gay and lesbian workers in exchange for supporting President Bush's faith-based charity initiative."

In terms of which groups get picked for funding and which ones don't, LGBTQ activists and our allies have also shown the slim likelihood that queer faith-based groups, like Metropolitan Community Church or Dignity, would receive funding when compared to Christian rights groups.

While many federal programs are in need of prayer, as Bush’s faithbased Hurricane Katrina and Rita disaster relief organizations have shown, these organizations highlight unfortunately the fault lines of heterosexism, homophobia and faith-based privilege.

When you have an administration that believes in less government involvement and more participation of faith-based groups, it slashes needed government programs by calling on churches and faith-based agencies, at taxpayer expense, to provide essential social services that would also impact the lives and well-being of its LGBTQ citizens.

And, with many of these faith-based agencies touting anti-gay religious vitriol, LGBTQ taxpayers and their families will be denied help, services and needed medical care, or be mistreated or denied shelter.

Faith is a necessary attribute to possess when engaging in acts of goodwill. Faith derives out of our shared human experiences of struggle, especially in the face of social wrongs, human atrocities and natural disasters. But who would have ever thought that the hard-earned gains that have been won to separate the church—an institution that summarily can and has excluded LGBTQ people—from the institution of the state—an institution that we have leverage to be included in—would show up in Obama’s candidacy as it has in Bush’s presidency?

A native of Brooklyn, Rev. Irene Monroe served as a pastor at an African-American church before a Ford Fellowship took her to Harvard Divinity School for a doctorate.

After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, for example, LGBTQ evacuees

The Work-athon

by Casondra Rawls

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and their families faced discrimination at the hands of many of these faith-based relief organizations because of their sexual orientation, gender identity and/or HIV status.

For many, many years transgender individuals have fought for equality from employers and staff to be hired and remain on the job, after transitioning. Now we feel that the reality to hold employment is clear for takeoff. Or is that true for just a hand full of us? Due to the lack of public accommodations, safety concerns and discrimination by employers and staff, that reality is not cleared for take-off. For most of us, though, we act like it is.

July 25 - August 7, 2008

Sorry, but I call it like I see it—there is a complete lack of jobs for and business ownership by trans-people.

But, what if there was a place that reflected such opportunity? Would we feel accepted and equal when it relates to our safety and discrimination? Hmmmmm. I guess we will never know until we keep a political dialogue with our legislators and let them know that we will always fight for access to accommodations and equal employment, and strigg;e diligently against discrimination. And only then we will see that workathon

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The New Yorker Lampooning Obama Insults Muslims

by Rev. Irene Monroe he old adage “A picture is worth a thousand words," is not so on the July 21st cover of The New Yorker’s satirical lampooning of presidential hopeful Barack Obama robed in Muslim garb, fist-bumping his Angela Davis afro-wearing, machine-gun toting wife Michelle Obama. And, if you want to either chuckle some more or gasp in fear of The New Yorker cartoon either poking fun at the question of Obama’s patriotism or driving an unflattering point about it, then the American flag burning in the fireplace with a picture of Osama bin Laden hanging above it evokes visceral reactions.

T

“Stop whining! The magazine is doing what is does—poke fun. It’s much ado about nothing. There’s no racial or ethnic slur attached,” Gladys Jones told me. Jones, a Chicagoan, is an African-American lesbian and not an Obama supporter.

Obama supporters, however, feel differently about the controversy.

“It undercuts Obama’s campaign, diminishes his chances and it exploits the fears people have about Obama,” said Nigel Jenkins, an African-American gay male, friend of Gladys and also a Chicagoan.

While The New Yorker states that the intent of Barry Blitt’s cartoon titled “The Politics of Fear” is to satirize “the use of scare tactics and misinformation in the presidential election to derail Barack Obama’s campaign...and it is meant to bring things out into the open, to hold up a mirror to prejudice, the hateful, and absurd,” the magazine has not only fallen short in its intent, but also in holding up a mirror to itself.

During an appearance on CNN's Larry King Live Tuesday night, Barack Obama addressed the firestorm: “Well, I know it was The New Yorker’s attempt at satire. I don’t

think they were entirely successful with it...You know, this is actually an insult against Muslim-Americans, something that we don’t spend a lot of time talking about. And sometimes I’ve been derelict in pointing that out. You know, there are wonderful Muslim-Americans all across the country who are doing wonderful things. And for this to be used as sort of an insult, or to raise suspicions about me, I think is unfortunate.”

And unfortunate it is, because a viewer, after hearing Obama’s remarks, still thinks he’s a Manchurian Muslim.

“Finally, Obama comes out as the pro-Muslim terrorist he is. I respect him for that. His pro-Muslim stance scares me, but his honesty is refreshing.... He's bringin' Muslim back,” a blogger wrote on on Chistopher Frizzelle’s blog SLOG. It would be too simplistic and morally irresponsible to summarily justify these fears and acts of prejudice based on the dangerous times we now live in or to place the blame on a few paranoid individuals. We need to examine at least one of the root causes: Islamophobia.

I remember, on a national television talk-show in November 2002, Christian fundamentalist, the Rev. Jerry Falwell, unapologetically stating, "The Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, was a terrorist . . . a violent man, a man of war."

While many of us can dismiss Falwell's Islamophobic diatribe, we cannot ignore centuries of polemical Christian Orientalist literature that excoriates Muslims.

We don't debate, or simply tolerate; we celebrate your sexuality and spirituality!

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Viewed as a people of the antiChrist who are theologically misled, Muslims are viewed as a fanatically violent people of faith journeying on the road to Hell.

And, for many Christian preachers, theologians, and writers, Hell is continued on page 22

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MONROE - continued from page 21

the place where Muslims belong.

One such writer of that view was Dante Alighieri. In his classic text, The Divine Comedy, Dante reflects the attitudes and Christian views about Muslims during the Middle Ages, and those views, we find, have not altered that much today. Dante depicts Hell as a hierarchy of evil, consisting of nine circles. With his depiction of Muslims as the sowers of scandal, schisms and heresy to the Christian faith, Dante places the Prophet Muhammad and his disciple Ali in the eighth circle, just one above Lucifer. Today's attitudes about Muslims would now place them in Dante's ninth circle.

In an interview on CNN, Ayman Gheith, a Muslim, said, "I learned that injustice, regardless against whom, is wrong. It is against us today, tomorrow it could be against you."

As I ask myself the question Gheith poses about who will be America's next suspect, I am reminded of the pink triangle, a symbol known to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community worldwide. The pink triangle dates back to the Nazi Holocaust when gay men were prisoners and confined to death camps because of their sexuality. Relegated to the lowest rung in the death camps' hierarchy, gay prisoners were forced to wear the symbol which sig-

IMHO A Fag and His Dog

f you are a faithful reader of this column (and if you’re not, why aren’t you?!), you will know that I am the proud owner of an adorable and hopelessly spoiled Cairn Terrier named Hubbell. I say I am Hubbell’s owner only in the loosest of terms. It is clear to me, as it is to any devoted dog owner, that I am the one who is owned. Just as I am the one who is walked and the one who fetches balls stuck under sofas for hours on end. The second that Hubbell is on the leash, he will

by Mario Fernández take it in his mouth to make it clear to any passerby who is walking who. And the fact that I will repeatedly retrieve balls that are deliberately nosed under sofas is clear indication of who is being trained in the fine art of fetching.

I

Hubbell is not named after the telescope; I have little interest in stars.

The only stars that I’m interested in are related to the stars that I see after having mind-blowing sex. From what I remember anyway… It’s been so long since I’ve had mind-blowing sex that I’ve forgotten who gets tied up.

Anyway, the original plan was to have a boy and girl dog. I thought that it would be cute to have a pair named after some famous gay or gayiconic pair. Like Batman and Robin; or Bert & Ernie; or Frodo and Sam Gamgee. You’ll have to decide who is the butch top and the nelly bottom in those relationships. I finally decided on the very romantic pair of Hubbell Gardiner and Katie Morosky from The Way We Were. I did my research and decided that a Cairn Terrier was the proper choice for me.

First of all, Toto from “The Wizard of Oz” was a Cairn Terrier. How gay is that? It just doesn’t get any gayer. Secondly, Cairns were a good fit sizewise for my living situation. Hey, I grew up with Doberman Pinschers. I PA G E 2 2 •

nified their rank; thus, making them among the first to die.

did not speak out because I was not a Jew.

I see the symbol of the pink triangle everyday on a poster on a wall beside my computer. Beneath the symbol are the words of Pastor Martin Niemoller. Niemoller was once an early supporter of the Nazis, but eventually led the church's opposition to Hitler. He wrote:

Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak for me.

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I

Suspicion of the "other" has always abounded in the psyche and soul of this country. And, oddly, the suspicion of the "other" does not have to be a person who is an alien to this country or a person who is stranger to this country's morals or mores.

Suspicion of the "other" is predicated simply on being different.

Barack Obama is the “other” to most Americans because he’s a presidential hopeful we have never seen until now.

know what kind of loads they can leave for you in the morning. I was not looking for pie-sized loads. I was thinking more along the lines of Tootsie Rolls for easier clean-up. Thirdly, I knew that Cairns were happy, loyal, affectionate and very social with other dogs and humans. I had just broken up with Misha (if you were a loyal reader, you would know who Misha is) and I needed happy, loyal and affectionate. I can’t tell you how good it was for my mental health to come home and have someone there who was so happy to see me that his wagging tail was a blur. And fourthly, I knew that Cairns came in Wheaten colors. Like any good homo who must coordinate his colors, it was a given that I would have to have a dog who had the same light, shaggy hair as Robert Redford.

I am so glad that I decided to get one dog first and not both. There’s no way that they would ever have been on the same eat, sleep, play, and poop schedule. I know that I would have felt like the single mother of quintuplets. My life would have been reduced to an endless cycle of prepping food, walking several times a day, and cleaning up accident after accident.

I don’t understanding parenting in general. I’m a fabulous uncle, but that’s because it’s not 24/7. When my nieces and nephew annoy me, I tell them to go play in traffic or go into the kitchen and play with knives. I can send them home to their parents when it’s time for Uncle Mario to pop a pill and go to his happy place.

My nieces and nephews are now in their teens and early 20s. I was hands-on uncle and I changed my share of diapers. I had forgotten how nasty it all is. I don’t know when the highlight of my day became my dog’s bowel movements. Probably around the same time that I found myself examining doggie turds to ensure that they were firm to ensure that his gastrointestinal health was intact. Trust me, I am not channeling Divine; I have absolutely no desire to consume doggie turds. But once you become a parent, the relative health of poop becomes of paramount importance.

So it soon became apparent that Hubbell would be a single child.

Puppies playing in their first snow is adorable; 4 AM pee sojourns in the freezing cold of winter are not. A playful puppy is a beautiful thing; chewed electric cords to Bose I-POD docking stations are not.

In addition, housebreaking dogs is not for sissies. I’m very fortunate that Hubbell was housebroken in short order. He was also generally amenable to training. He quickly got the sit, stay and come commands down. It’s amazing how quickly they learn when given the proper motivation. Much like me; wave a Grey Goose Cosmopolitan in my general direction and see how quickly I sit, stay, and ahem, come. But that’s a story for another column.

So accidents, misbehavior, chewed cords, barking all aside, I do know when I realized how much I loved my dog. It was the day that I picked him up at the breeder and he looked into my eyes and said “You’re my bitch now!” And I said, “Yes, I am.”

E-mail Mario at mfernandez@baltimoregaylife.com with your favorite dog stories.

July 25 - August 7, 2008

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ATTENTION

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THE GAY LIFE

Wedding Annoucement - Baltimore’s Website Baltimore Pride 2008 Recap Video on SEN If you happened to miss the Baltimore Pride Festival, then you’ll want to check out this video. SEN Baltimore’s cameras were there at Baltimore Pride and can give you an inside look of what you may have missed. Even if you didn’t miss the festival, should still check out the SEN Baltimore video because it gives an excellent glimpse into the event.

Firefly got married! Melissa Coursey of New Jersey and Fleesie Hubbard of Maryland legally tied the knot on June 27, 2008 in Toronto, Canada. Partners of 6 years, and cofounders of local LGBT event promotion company, Firefly Entertainment, both women look forward to sharing a lifetime of love, laughter and happiness.

Want to share a marriage announcement, anniversary celebration or obituary with our community? Email images and text (250 words or less) to editor@baltimoregaylife.com?

As always, SEN captured the essence of the music offered at the Baltimore Pride Festival, from the live performance from Odd Girl Out to the DJ providing irresistible beat for people in the street to dance to. SEN also got inside explanations of some of the organizations, businesses and artistic groups that set up exhibits.

SEN Baltimore’s video of the Baltimore Pride Festival is the next best thing to being there that you will find. So whether you missed it or you went and want to relive the fun, check out the video at www.senbaltimore.com and search “pride 2008” to see the sights and sounds of the Baltimore Pride Festival.

The video is also coming soon to Comcast Searchlight On Demand channel 888.

GRIFFITH - continued from page 19

ets that brought us films like Trick, Broken Hearts Club, or Boys Don’t Cry (all films made for around $500K to $1m respectively) when you can make ten or fifteen flicks at $25,000 a piece and turn a quick buck.

Distributors of these arguably questionable works put these films out into a theater for a day as a publicity stunt and then quickly rush them to television or DVD so the title is fresh in the memory of the gay cinema junkie looking for their next fix. Film festivals are left with programming the best they can given the saturation of poor quality content arriving by the truckloads. Filmmakers who aspire to make actual films (the ones actually shot on film that use bona fide actors) find themselves at a loss for financing in a world of diversified hedge funds where the bottom line of next year outweighs the profit of the long-term investment.

The justification that distributors give to filmmakers trying to raise enough capital to make their films is the calculation of the break-even point based on domestic box office receipts rather than ancillary DVD or on-demand sales; however, if the distributor is releasing a low-quality film for one day or a week, then the financial performance is a self-fulfilled prophecy. Based on this Shylockian algorithm, the real auteur directors are being robbed the

opportunity to make films that will actually inspire the LGBT community and mainstream audiences to get up off the couch and actually see a film worth one’s two hours. We’ve gotten so comfortable with ourselves that we’ve been making films with inside jokes and juvenile stories for our inner-teenager rather than reaching for more universal aspirations. There’s always room for a Bmovie here and there, but as a community we are maturing from the rainbow-waving gay adolescence of 1995 and it is time to show that we are contributing members of a society ready for responsibilities like marriage, children and family. While it is important to maintain our identity, we will need to elevate ourselves to show that we’re much more than fodder about two 20-something’s repeating the word “gay” over and over again.

Goldstein’s comparison of blaxploitation to our gaysploitation is a deft one. It took the black community almost twenty-years for a Do The Right Thing. Let’s hope it doesn’t take that long for us.

Chuck Griffith, a film director, is the founder of Roaring Leo Productions, a film production and distribution company based in New York City. He recently released a collection of gaythemed short films, Best of Breed.

Volume 1”, available on Netflix.

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OPINIONS LHAC

(Let’s Have A Conversation) “That was augly wave”? No, you probably haven’t…not even when it hits the rocks. It’s crashing sound is wonderful to the ear. What about marble or flowers? No two are the same. The imperfection is what gives each its unique personality. How about music? Is there only one love song that reminds us of the one we love, or are they many that we can relate to and dedicate to her or him?

by Marvelous Marva

Hot Tips (Good old Advice... That nobody talks about anymore) Hot tip #1 Stop looking for perfection in your Superman or your Superwoman... not in the sense that so many of us have and some still do. I have come to accept my own imperfections as the woman I am... as well as the imperfections of others...especially those in a partner.

Think about it: Some of the most beautiful things in life and nature are those things that are imperfect…like an ocean wave... it comes up and goes down and never comes back in the same way. Yet each time a wave comes, it’s a beautiful sight, which is why we can sit and watch waves for hours on end with no complaints.

Have you ever heard anybody say,

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July 25 - August 7, 2008

I guess what I want to say is…do I not go to the ocean because the waves are crooked and never perfect? Do I not want marble in my bathroom because the pattern is not in sequence? Will I not want see the beauty in flowers because they’re not all identical? Then why would I throw away a man or woman with flaws? A man or woman who without the flaws...would actually be perfect. Some flaws in people... key word is some...lol...are actually what makes them unique in their own way. A beautiful flaw in something or someone that would otherwise be perfect.

And if you think flawless...get over yourself!

you’re

Hot Tip #2 If you are a slime ball... I do understand your purpose in this world. I mean, after all, we wouldn’t know how to appreciate those of us who do possess things like self-respect, respect for others, integrity, values, trust-worthiness, a decent level of class, some regard for the feelings of others... some kind of principals and

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FICTION Cereal: The Adventures of Pico Darling

by Espy Robinson or why. I didn’t even know what was in it. The first time I had seen it was yesterday when Evvi showed it to me. Evvi!

“Charlie, do you remember Evvi?”

I interrupted her.

“I think so. Cristo’s friend? She was a year behind us, right?”

Twenty minutes past the hour the next day, I sat across from Charlie Hartman thinking of what exactly the reason was for my being there in the first place.

“So how did the book come about?” Charlie asked setting a small electronic device in front of me to record my answer.

“You know, I don’t actually know.

One day I had a book. That’s about it.”

“Did you always want to be a writer? Have you always written?”

“It’s not like it was a goal of mine.

I did always write, though, and I guess the right people got their hands on my stuff and liked it.”

“The right people being Asha Hennessy?”

“Yeah. I got a job working for her that had nothing to do with writing and I guess as a gift, an appreciation for the good work that I had done, she published my work.”

“What kind of job were you hired to do?”’

“Ummm…as an assistant…to the show…I mean, the production company. An assistant to her production company.”

“And do you have a relationship with Asha herself? Or is it just professional?”

“I know her…but in a professional way.”

“Is she a lesbian?”

“Yes.” I hit the button to make the little red light on the device go off.

“Well after moved out of the house with you, Darin and Rico, we ran into each other and we started talking and, you know, things changed, I was going through a tough time and so was she and then we moved in together and then we broke up, but then she just showed up at my house after three months to tell me she’s pregnant.”

Charlie looked dumbfounded.

“She’s having my baby.”

“Really?!? Are Congratulations!”

you

excited?

“Yeah, I am kinda.”

“So where is she now? Are you moving back in together?”

“I honestly don’t know. She just came by yesterday.”

Charlie flicked the recorder back on and pushed it back in front of me.

“Is there anything else you want to say for the record?”

“Well, I guess just that celebrity is a very, very weird thing. Somehow, out of nowhere, for no apparent reason, I’m kind of famous and connected to famous people and it’s weird.”

“Do you regret having published the book and exposing yourself to celebrity?”

“Not really. It’s just weird. Like I never thought I would be sitting across a table from you again. Fame has a way of changing people’s minds, I guess. It’s a long and crazy story how it all came to be, though.

Sometime I’ll write it down and send it to you.”

“I’d love to read it.’

“Umm…I don’t know.”

Charlie asked me more questions about the book that I continued to answer vaguely. The truth was that I didn’t have any answers. I didn’t know how the book got published,

“Cool, so we’re done?”

Charlie flicked off the recorder again. “Yeah, we’re done. And sorry again about how I was an asshole continued on page 30

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standard of our behavior... along with a reasonable ability to be unselfish.

It is and should be understood that slime balls care nothing about having any of these characteristics...so this particular hot tip is directly to slime balls. You know who you are...

Slime ball hot tip: You really should not break bread with anyone, ask for and accept favors from anyone, smile and grin like a wolf in sheep’s clothing at someone, practice deceit at the highest levels with anyone, sliver around like the coward snake you really are in the dark of night in the homes and hearts of someone...all the while allowing someone to become fond of your sorry ass... and knowing that one day, someone will find what was hidden—your very sharp dagger in their back.

You really shouldn’t do these things...

Now, having said that... We know that this is what slime balls do...and that it cannot be helped. It’s in your nature. So, we’re only asking one thing—for you to show the hidden dagger that comes in many forms...the one you know that you will place in one’s back without prior notice and feel nothing. We ask that when we first meet your slimy ass...you know, in the beginning of the game... that we at least are given and have an opportunity and a fair chance of experiencing just how cruel and selfish you can and will be to any and everyone who makes the huge mistake of allowing you... the slime ball that you are... into their life. That’s all. Do you think you can do that?

Be cool. We’re not asking that you stop being slimy, because we know that will never happen... We know that you have no heart and that no blood, only a foul liquid, runs through your veins. We just wish we had a fair shot at not having to experience you. Personally, I have more respect for a complete stranger who robs someone that they do not know!

we have little or no control over...so take it easy and relax... literally kick back and smell the roses, the rain and anything else pleasant you can get your nose to appreciate while you’re still breathing... lol.

Really, I’m serious. Lighten up a bit. Sometimes we really need to get over taking ourselves so seriously.

Try laughing at something you normally might turn your nose up at... like reading my column... lol. See what I mean... Wasn’t that fun? I do think that it will add years to your life and contribute to good health and mental fitness. Here are some of my suggestions on lightening up: Slow down just a little bit when you drive... stop at the yellow light instead of speeding up to make it through. Just relax and watch the other cars go by and look at the people in them. Stop rushing everywhere you go... f**k it.... wherever you’re going will more than likely still be there when you get there.

Kick back on your couch...cross your legs and twiddle your toes. Once you start relaxing your mind and body, pass some gas.

It’s alright...you may just have to, cause you could be full of sh*t... which will contribute to a bad attitude for no reason. Then treat yourself to a bath... not a shower... a hot bath with something sweet in it... and soak for at least 15 minutes. Turn on a music station that plays easy listening music. It’ll bring back memories of the good ol’ days. Take the back road home and avoid the traffic. Take a scenic walk with a long twig in your hand... tapping it along the ground as you walk kinda like a kid. Make a plan that you keep... and visit the ocean... and one evening, with the one you love or perhaps alone, watch the waves, breathing in and tasting the salty air as the sun goes down. And allow yourself to experience the levels of gratitude and all else that you may feel... in just... being alive!

Get back with me after you try these things and let me know how you feel... okay? (Smile)

Hot Tip # 3

Marva!

Lighten up and start being aware of not taking yourself so seriously. I think it’s a rather healthy way to be.

There is enough drama in life that

Email me with any questions or comments at Marvelousmarva@baltimore gaylife.com.

ANSWERS TO Q PUZZLE

QPUZZLE "Men Up There With Nothing on Down There"

Across 1 "How queer!"

5 Minnesota state senator Spear 10 Little biker in a Gay Pride march 14 Hint in an Ellen Hart mystery, e.g.

15 Copland composed for it 16 Come and go 17 "If Michelangelo ___ ..."

20 Reproach 21 Part 2 of quip 22 Gives the once-over 23 Caesar, for one 25 Ball holder 26 Part 3 of quip 33 Word after "penis" 34 Take advantage of a California vacation 35 Move the ball between your legs 37 "Don't ___ step further!"

38 Part of a chorus line?

39 High-pitched cry, doggy-style 40 Doesn't rent 42 Bel ___ cheese 44 Bruce Davison played with his in Willard 45 Part 4 of quip 48 Source of spicy meat 51 Foamed at the mouth 55 In-your-face 56 "Out" in Oberammergau 59 General under Lincoln 60 Part 5 of quip 63 R.E.M.'s former record label 64 Hard shaft material 65 Queen's "Another ___ Bites the Dust" 66 Men Behaving Badly writer Simon 67 Avoided tricks 68 Poet who inspired Cats, initially

Down 1 Sound in a Star Canyon restaurant?

2 Gay, even to heteros 3 Subject of autoerotic fantasy?

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4 Composer Claude 5 Very hairy swinger 6 Navel fetish accessory?

7 S/M unit 8 Date opening?

9 Edvard Grieg's land (abbr.)

10 Muscle Mary's pride 11 Madonna taught this in The Next Best Thing 12 Madeline of Young Frankenstein 13 They're trained to use paddles 18 Some guys do it nocturnally 19 Where to find Moby Dick 24 Soft in the head 25 Gay Talese's ___ Neighbor's Wife 26 Type of balls 27 Sergei of The Opposite of Sex 28 Concerning one's coming out?

29 Screwed up 30 Market bear's fear 31 Singer on Lord of the Rings soundtrack 32 Renee Vivien's milk 33 A porn star may have a big one 36 It may come at the end of a love letter 41 Like testimony at Leopold and Loeb's trial 42 Had sexual partners, with "out" 43 Stud site 44 Transsexual Richards 46 First word in a motto for Richard Hatch 47 Paraded like a drag queen 48 Author Tyler, source of the quip 49 New York Rangers Sean 50 They go down south for the winter 52 Ouija alternative 53 I Dream of Jeannie's Barbara, and others 54 "Fiddle-___!" (Scarlett O'Hara) 56 It's for skin 57 Bone below the elbow 58 Hot ___ (Michael Craft mystery) 61 Ticket abbr. on a Cherry Grove ferry 62 "We ___ Family"

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DO AS I SAY Gay Marriage:

Your Country Needs You!

by Prudence Worthington

As Miss Worthington’s faithful readers have grown exponentially over recent months, it has been brought to our attention at Gay Life that new devoted followers desire access to her prior missives. In light of California’s same-sex marriage ruling, we have decided to take reprint Miss Worthington’s thoughts on the issue while she is away at Mrs. Ford's clinic for a little touch up.

Darling Devotees, Matters of economy rarely enter my homes in East Hampton or Manhattan, but obviously things are getting tight for so many of late. Even I am not immune, for the unpleasant topic of money invades my domicile by way of daily consultations with my accountants. The Court of Bush has made quite a mess of things and with such a lack of style. I haven’t witnessed a debt grow so fast since I left Traxie at Manolo Blahnik with my American Express.

One assumes that a woman of my means would tow the line Republican, but I do suffer fiscally during their regimes. Gone are the days of the Clinton administration when money was abundant and we drank to celebrate rather than anesthetize. Following the third accounting consultation (and martini) my threshold of pain was breached so I opt for a course of action. I will therefore do what I do best and dispense the wisdom required to rectify our nation’s economic woes! Perhaps my greatest challenge to date.

Initially I thought the legalization and heavy taxation of marijuana would provide the solution.

Traxie was a little too enthusiastic about this remedy and further investigation revealed a far more effective means of bolstering our failing economy: gay marriage. It seems such a simple antidote I am astounded that our government hasn’t thought of it yet! Do allow me to illuminate you.

Gay Weddings: The nation’s cash cow As you may know, retail is a prominent indicator of our economy. Isn’t it obvious that gay marriage will launch this sector through the roof? Three words darlings: gay bridal registry. Tiffany’s, Bergdorf’s, and Macy’s will show record profits as soon as this is instituted throughout the country.

The same could be said for Home Depot thanks to our Sapphic sisters.

Vera Wang will start a new man-sized line for you boys who insist on wearing a dress. The collection will be shown only in ivory as none of you could

actually pull off white. The new flannel line for the lesbian crowd will provide a fresh source of revenue as well. Your mothers will be so thrilled when, at last, they can help you select a wedding gown.

Imagine the profits from tuxedo sales, florists, bakers, wedding planners, limo rentals, caterers and all the gifts. Because you people throw such fabulous parties, I predict that all your extravagant weddings could lower the national deficit by half!

Remember, you are doing this for your country, so ladies, no pot luck receptions. Should you honeymoon abroad, you will be bolstering the economies of other nations too. How very smart of you.

Real Estate: Good taste finally reaches the suburbs Now that you are married, purchasing real estate is much simpler and you will want to buy a home together right away. Your newly combined incomes will provide the second wave of economic growth attributed to gay marriage. Since most heterosexuals neglect their interiors, the home décor industry will flourish as you tastefully feather your love nests. You may comfortably spare no expense in outdoing your friends and neighbors, for after all, you are gay and healing the nation’s economy.

Don’t forget to landscape your cozy cottage as tastefully as possible for this particular attribute is so often overlooked by the straights. Set a good example and hire a landscape designer from within your community. The neighbors may just follow your example and finally do the same. One last thought: When you buy a vacation property, you may consider yourself a true patriot!

Children: And baby makes three Congratulations! Now that your home is wellappointed and your grounds verdant, you may sleep soundly knowing you have reduced our nation’s debt by 75%. You are a true American. At this point, you are ready for the ultimate gay accessory: an adopted Asian baby. China provides us with so many wonderful things, so importing children in bulk should not be a stretch.

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When you consider the cost of raising a child from infancy through college, you will begin to realize how this will bandage America’s fiscal hemorrhage. Clothing, furniture, nannies, ponies, dance lessons, therapists, cars, private schools and college are all essential components of the wellheeled adopted child and you wouldn’t want little Joshua or Annie to go without. Raise your child in the Hebrew faith and the bar mitzvah alone could contribute $30,000 to our now booming economy.

Let us not forget the trip to their homeland when they come of age. The airlines may finally recover from their financial woes too.

Divorce: Your new civil right.

As they say, nothing lasts forever and many a new gay marriage will fall into disrepair.

Before you call it quits, I recommend couples therapy. Why shouldn’t the psychiatric community prosper from gay marriage? Ultimately, some of you will end up in divorce court and, in doing so will line the pockets of numerous lawyers. While this is unfortunate, you must remember that every penny spent in the process of unraveling your failed relationship trickles back to our now stellar economy. Thanks to your efforts, the country will once again be a shining example to other nations and you will be free to start the process all over again.

A closing note to the non-gays.

You obviously have NOT figured this out so allow me to expose two very basic truths: 1. Gay marriage will come to this country sooner or later so resistance is futile. It has been accepted for numerous years in foreign countries and we are lagging tastelessly behind the world. I therefore recommend you devote your energies to real philanthropic causes. Perhaps you could try feeding, clothing and educating children, especially your own.

2. Those of you who vehemently oppose gay marriage will continue to receive bad hairstyles, poorly decorated homes and spit in your food at most restaurants. In short, you will live a lackluster life. The gays are everywhere, darlings, and they can hold a grudge. Isn’t it just easier to do the right thing and support a fundamental civil right?

In closing, I am so gratified to know that my scribblings provide you some source of hope outside of a vodka bottle. Now go forth and do as I say.

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PENCIL ME IN

and a bad friend to you back then. It wasn’t right and I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry too.”

“It was good to hear from you, and good to see you again,” I said as I pushed out onto Chase Street.

“You too. And don’t forget to send me your story. Maybe I’ll publish it,” Charlie called after me as I crossed into the parking lot of Rite Aid. I gave a dorky and uncharacteristic thumbs-up in response.

Tuesday, July 29

Jenny Scheinman Live @ Rams Head Tavern Acclaimed composer, violinist and singer Jenny Scheinman opens for Jimmie Dale Gilmore at Ramshead Tavern in Annapolis, MD (33 West St.). Featuring songs from her recently released selftitled vocal debut album, Scheinman’s performance is one you won’t want to miss. For tickets ($25) and additional information, visit www.ramsheadtavern.com.

Through Saturday, August 2

Tuesday, July 29

Christopher Peterson’s Eyecons

This is Our Land

Discover America and the world through original illustrations from children’s books at the Central Branch of Enoch Pratt Free Library (400 Cathedral St., Baltimore, MD). This traveling exhibition from the Meridian International Center in Washington, DC includes 80 original artworks by well-known illustrators depicting pastimes and natural wonders from all 50 U.S. state, plus images of life in 20 countries around the world.

Saturday, July 26

North America’s foremost female impersonator brings his live one-man show to Club Hippo. Come see Marilyn Monroe, Carol Channing, Madonna, Patsy Cline, Bette Davis, Tina Turner, Barbra Streisand, Cher and more come to life right before your eyes.Doors open at 9:30 p.m.; show starts at 10 p.m. For tickets (reserved seating, $17; general admission $12) and additional information, call Club Hippo @ 410-962-0283.

Wednesday, July 30 Free Financial Seminar

2008 Follies: Poodle Parade

The Rehoboth Beach Convention Center hosts the 7th Annual CAMP Rehoboth Follies with celebrity guest host Christopher Peterson. Proceeds from the event support the ongoing work of CAMP Rehoboth. For tickets ($25 general admission; $50/$75 premier seating), call 302-227-5620.

Salsapolkalooza!

Creative Alliance & Por la Avenida/ On the Avenue present a free bilingual neighborhood festival from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. outside on Eastern Ave. and at The Patterson Theatre (3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore, MD). The block party showcases the great music, dance and art of Highlandtown. Take a dance lesson. Listen to live salsa, polka and Caribbean music. Bring the kids out for art-making projects from around the world. Grab lunch and a cold beer from outside vendors. In the event of rain, events will be moved inside The Patterson.

For additional information, visit www.creativealliance.org.

Sunday, July 27

Seductive Sundays for the Ladies HerShe82 Entertainment presents Seductive Sundays at the Latin Palace (509 S. Broadway, Fells Point) every Sunday from 9 p.m. til 2 a.m..

With music by DJ Money, 2 levels, 2 dance floors, pool tables and a light buffet, this is the hottest ladies spot on Sundays. It’s only $5 for ladies before 10 p.m., $8 after; guys, you’re $10 and you must have a female escort at the door. For additional information, visit myspace.com/hershe82.

Join Ameriprise Financial at the GLCCB (241 W. Chase St., Baltimore, MD) for a FREE discussion on “Weathering Market Volatility.” Diversification is especially important when market volatility is high.

What steps shall you take to create an all-weather portfolio? What shall you do to lower the risk and get competitive returns? Come find out. To register

by June 29, call 410-837-5445 x10.

Thursday, July 31

Community Triangle DinnerOut Washington County Community Triangle returns to the Gourmet Goat (41 N. Potomac St., Hagerstown, MD) for DinnerOut. Come socialize, have a martini and enjoy a delicious meal with Hagerstown’s LGBT community from 6:30-9:30 p.m. For additional information, visit www.communitytriangle.org.

Sunday, August 3 Sexy Sunday Ladies Tea

It only comes around once a month, so mark your calendar now for Ladies Tea @ Club Hippo (1 W. Eager St., Baltimore, MD) with DJ Rosie. Look out for big changes—drink specials, theme parties & entertainment. Doors open at 7 p.m. No cover before 8 p.m. For additional information, visit www.clubhippo.com.

Thursday, August 7 Jazz in the Park

Queen Anne Arts Council invites you to enjoy an evening of exceptional jazz music with the Unified Ensemble in Millstream Park (Centreville, MD). The show begins at 7 p.m., so arrive early to unfold a chair or blanket. For additional information, call the Arts Council at 410-758-2520.

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I love Rite Aid. I especially love 24hour Rite Aids and I particularly am obsessed with the 24-hour Rite Aid at the intersection of Chase, Howard and Read Streets. I would say that I have patronized that particular store at least once a day for the two years that I have lived in Mt. Vernon.

Mostly, I would go there for cigarettes and this time was no different until I remembered my newfound commitment to quitting nicotine. So, instead of heading straight for the register where who ver was working would reach for a pack, I went back to the refrigerator and got a tall can of Mucho Mango, my favorite. I felt a little awkward standing there at the register and not asking for a pack of Camel Lights, so I got a pack of strawberry Mentos instead, accepted my change, and kept it moving.

Outside, I saw an unexpectedly familiar sight—an oversized duffel bag slung over the slightly buff shoulder of someone I knew. Their stride was wide and heavy like hers when crossing Chase Street and walking down Read. I followed her, though I couldn’t really be sure it was her because I couldn’t get a straight on look at the face. And besides, what the hell would she be doing in Baltimore anyway?

I stalked about a half block behind her down Cathedral, watching her traipse along until finally she walked straight to my building on Madison. As she encountered the door, Josh from the second floor came rushing out. He stopped for a moment and held the door for her and grabbed his crotch as his eyes traced the backside of her walking in. He jumped into the back a double-parked, hazard light-flashing car. It sped away as I reached the stoop, but not before I heard him yelling to the driver, “Do you know who that was!?!”

On the third floor landing, I could hear someone knocking on a door.

The sound of paper rustling followed moments later. As I got to my floor, I saw her kneeling down, in front of my door shoving something under it. She didn’t see me coming so when I let out a “hey”, she shrieked.

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“What the hell are you doing here, Heather?” I said, quickly going to kiss her cheek and then to open the door so we could enter and be private.

Once inside she said, “Pico, you’re not mad at me, are you? For just showing up like this? I was visiting my brother in DC and I thought I’d come up so see you.” She talked fast and mumbled some of her words. I took her bag and threw it on the floor, grabbing her other hand and led her to my new chaise lounge. “I like your place a lot. I’ve never been to Baltimore, well, actually I’ve been to the airport here once. I like the city though.”

I pushed her back on the chair and straddled her. I pushed my tongue into her mouth with no notice. She inhaled me and pulled my body down into hers. “Okay, I’m lying,” she huffed between bites at my neck.

I pulled off my shirt then pulled off hers. “I don’t have a brother in DC. I came here just to see you, but it took the whole plane ride here for me to figure out a good excuse.” I pushed my tongue back into hers until she pushed me back with her arms. I was surprised by her strength. She stood up lifting me like a child on her hip, twirled us around and then gently placed me back down on the chaise. “I want to f*ck you like this,” she said. I threw my head back and surrendered.

Some time later, a few hours, only minutes or seconds, I couldn’t keep track, I heard someone other than Heather calling my name. I sat up.

“What’s the matter?” Heather asked.

“Shhh…” We put our lips together and stared each other in the eyeballs, listening.

“Piiiiii-cooooo!” The voice went again. I got nervous and wiggled out of Heather’s grip to go to the window where I thought the sound was coming from. Leaning out of it, I saw Evvi down below with suitcases by her side.

“Come down and help me bring up this stuff,” she yelled to me.

“Who is that?” Heather asked from behind me.

“I…ummm…okay…there is a situation, hold on let me think.”

“Pico!” Evvi shouted again.

“Why are they shouting at you in the middle of the street?” Heather pushed me aside to lean out the window to see for herself.

“Who the f*ck is that, Pico?” Evvi screamed.

“Uhh, who the f*ck are you?”

Heather erupted.

I reached for my pack of Mentos and swallowed two whole.

Need to catch up? Read the full story at theadventuresofpicodarling.blogspot.com.

Send your thoughts to picodarling@baltimoregaylife.com.

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DINING OUT

My Thai

by John Cullen and Marty Shayt e were intrigued when My Thai took over the basement space on the corner of Charles and Madison Streets. at the edge of Mt. Vernon Square. My Thai’s consistently good food, atmosphere, reasonable prices and convenient location contributed to quickly making it our favorite Thai restaurant in the Mt Vernon area. (FYI: It’s in a basement and there are no alternatives to navigating a flight of stairs to access the restaurant!) Once past the stairs, you’ll find an open urban space with a mix of natural red and white painted brick walls, colorful ceiling pendant lights, interesting arches, niches and a sushi bar. It’s easy to forget that My Thai is in a basement! (But then Marty is easily distracted when the Asian bus boys walk past or he’s flirting with our waiter!)

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The menu offers a mix of Thai food as well as sushi, but we feel that Thai food is where this restaurant really excels. Their motto, “Taste the Flavor”, really applies to the Thai offerings, which are consistently flavorful and spicy. Don’t, however, confuse spicy with how “hot” the food is. Thai food can be prepared at different levels of “heat”. Menu items without a “chili” are the mildest. Any menu item marked with a “chili pepper” can be prepared with 1 to 5 “chili peppers” of “heat”.

A friend who is experienced with Thai food opted for 3 “chilies” on one dish and found it was just too hot!

Our guess is that many people will find that 1 “chili” is hot enough and 2 “chilies” is more than “hot” enough even for those who love “hot stuff”.

We’ve enjoyed dining at “My Thai” a number of times over the past month and we like some items so much that picking out a single appetizer is tricky! “My Thai” soup ($5) is our big favorite—with shrimp, mussels, & more in a wonderfully tasty broth. It’s very easy to fall into a pattern of ordering it without thinking about alternatives!

Fortunately, friends’ selections have introduced us to other appetizers that we’ve become equally fond of.

One friend, who visited Thailand while on military duty, praised “Tom Ka Gai” soup ($5) as a “perfect blend of heat and coconut milk mellowness”, noting that the lemongrass hubs, galanga root and kafir lime leaves were chopped so fine that they became part of the soup PA G E 3 2 •

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(instead of laying at the bottom of the bowl as is more typical).

Another new favorite is Crispy Green Beans ($6); the beans are dipped in batter and deep-fried quickly leaving the beans crisp, while the crunchy batter leaves a tangy tingle in our mouths (and the portion is big enough for two of us to share!). The Fish Lettuce Wrap ($8) offers pieces of grilled fish with mint leaves and ginger that you wrap up as you will in large crisp iceberg lettuce leaves. Another friend opted to have several appetizers for dinner—which makes great sense if you find the appetizers too appetizing to pick just one!

Entrees, with most between $10-14, offer yet more tough decisions! Marty has enjoyed a Sushi Sampler ($17.99) which comes with Miso Soup (or salad), Pad Thai with tofu, rice noodles, broccoli and scallions ($10), and deep-fried Spicy Eggplant in garlic sauce ($10). John has opted for Mixed Veggies with Chicken ($11) a couple of times—the stir fry veggies and chicken in a tangy sauce are delicious and the portion size is satisfying. A house specialty, “Chicken Hot Plate” ($12), was our one disappointment: Chicken tenders proved to be dried out “chicken toughs” w/wilted sea weed and undercooked onion on a “sizzling” platter that was cool to the touch—Avoid it! Our friends have sampled dishes which they enjoyed and would order again: “Pad See Ieew” w/Beef and egg noodles in a sweet soy sauce ($11) and Duck Curry w/ pineapple, peas & tomatoes ($14).

Looking for mild dishes?

Try “Drunken Noodles” w/Shrimp ($14)—rice noodles w/tomatoes in a basil sauce—or “Asparagus Shrimp” in light garlic sauce ($14).

We rarely have room for dessert here, but a friend tried and enjoyed “Mango w/Sticky Rice” ($5.50), which provided a large portion of ripe mango with sweetened rice.

BASICS: My Thai (Mt Vernon), 800 N. Charles St, 410-528-8737, www.mythaibaltimore.com. Open 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., 5 - 10 p.m. daily; until 11 p.m. on Fri & Sat. Parking in the evening can be difficult with several theaters nearby. Take time for a stroll around Mt Vernon Square or sit on a bench and enjoy the classic Baltimore view.

Feedback? Know a place we should try?

Email us at

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(L to R): Joe Frollo, Kevin Bender, Kevin Korczynski and Madonna Refugia.

(Photo: Amy Jones)

THEATER

Daniel Townsend as Tom Sawyer and Sam Ludwig as Huckleberry Finn in Big River, on stage at Olney Theatre Center through August 3. (Photo: Stan Barouh)

bare the musical Opens in Baltimore on August 8

ON THE STAGE All Shook Up

www.olneytheatre.org

The Taming of the Shrew

Through August 24 Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia 410-995-1969 www.tobysdinnertheatre.com

The Mystery of Irma Vep

Through August 3 Baltimore Shakespeare Festival 410.366.8596 www.baltimoreshakespeare.org

Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Through July 13 Arena Players, Crystal City, VA 410-728-6500 www.arenastage.org

There’s a Run in My Ozone Layer

Red Noses

Through August 3 Olney Theatre Center 301-924-3400 www.olneytheatre.org

Through July 20 Washington Shakespeare Company, Arlington 1-800-494-TIXS www.washingtonshakespeare.org

Through August 8 Maryland Ensemble Theatre, Frederick 301-694-4744 www.marylandensemble.org

From this Life: Four Short Plays

Richard III

West Side Story

Through August 3 Vagabond Players, Baltimore 410-563-9135 www.vagabondplayers.org

I Never Sang for My Father Through August 3 Audrey Herman Spotlighters Theatre, Baltimore 410-752-1255 www.spotlighters.org

Through August 3 Single Carrot Theatre, Baltimore Load of Fun Gallery 443-844-9253

The Skin of Our Teeth Through August 10 Rorschach Theatre, DC 1-800-494-TIXS www.rorschachtheatre.com

Through August 24 Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Baltimore 410-995-1969 www.tobysdinnertheatre.com

Urinetown Cockpit in the Court, CCBC Essex Through August 3 410-780-6369 www.ccbcmd.edu

James Kinstle and Dawn Ursula star in Baltimore Shakespeare Festival’s production of The Taming of the Shrew, on stage through August 3.

The Imaginary Invalid Through August 2 The Shakespeare Theatre Company, D.C. 877-487-8849 www.shakespearetheatre.org

Jerry Springer: The Opera Through August 31 Studio Theatre, D.C. 202-332-3300 www.studiotheatre.org

n October, 2000 bare the musical received its World Premiere in Hollywood, California. It was supposed to run for 32 performances at an 87-seat theatre on Santa Monica Boulevard. Four months later, it had become a multi award-winning sensation. In 2004, bare premiered on the East Coast in NYC with a limited engagement run. Soon the strong following that had started in California steadily grew and, again, the critics were raving and the show was a sellout. Now, this passionate and inspiring show is coming to Baltimore for the very first time in a production featuring the best creative and performing talent Baltimore has to offer!

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bare is a contemporary new musical that tells the story of a group of students at a Catholic boarding school struggling to find their own voices in a modern world that both embraces and isolates them. In their search to be “seen” and “heard”, these teenagers confront coming of age, coming out and coming to terms with the often contradictory but always high expectations of parents, peers and the Church. In the spirit of shows like Rent and Spring Awakening, bare the musical speaks through an urgent pop/rock-influenced score that is the ceaseless pulse for the “operatic love story.”

“Even though most of the show’s action is centered around contemporary teenagers,” explains Kevin Bender, who plays Peter, “it is a timeless story, and the situations and conflicts are applicable to any age. bare encompasses such a spectrum of human actions, emotions and questions, and is chock full of universal themes that I guarantee will affect each audience member in a different

Maria/Stuart August 18 – September 14 Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, D.C. 202-393-3939 www.woollymammoth.net

The Mousetrap Through July 20 Olney Theatre Center 301-924-3400 PA G E 3 4 •

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way.” Neither does the central story of two boys who cannot come out and be themselves overshadow other characters’ conflicts. The character of Nadia, who is played by Kristen Zwobot, struggles with her weight throughout the show. “This role is my life,” Kristen stated. “It’s nice to not play a role other than a really flamboyant, big-haired crazy girl.

Nadia is a girl who is real and who people can relate to.”

Produced by Conejo Productions, sponsored by Metropolitan Community Church of Baltimore and Gay Life newspaper, and directed by James Howard, The Baltimore Company of bare the musical also includes: Emily Biondi, Sara Collison, Esther Covington, Ryan DeVoe, Erin Donovan, Stacey Eckler, Josh Kemper, Kevin Korczynski, Chelsea Mitchell, Tajuan Randolph, Madonna Marie Refugia, Chris Rudy, Robin Samek and Jason Wilson. bare will be performed at the Baltimore Theatre Project (45 W. Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21201), Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. August 8 through August 31. Tickets are $20 for adults and $17 for students (with valid ID).

Group rates are available for groups of 15 or more. To purchase tickets, visit www.barethemusicalinbaltimore.com or call 443-847-3135. The August 8th performance includes a post-opening reception with the cast and creative team. The August 9th performance (all tickets $25) is a special benefit for the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Baltimore. A portion of proceeds from all shows will be donated to the GLCCB to support programming and services for LGBT youth.

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MUSIC Pop Music – Past, Present, and Future but the beauty of this album lies not in the singles, but in the album as a whole. If you own a copy of this on CD, vinyl or cassette, pull it out. If you don't own it, buy it. Turn off the TV. Log off the Internet. Start at track one. Listen till the end.

Present

by Alex Funk e live in an age of ringtone bands, iTunes playlist obsession and pop music with the depth of a thimble. I don't think all modern radio pop is bad, but there was a time when pop music was original content produced with live musicians—before the age of the sampler and the drum machine. Much of the music on the radio now is a series of bits and samples from live music of the pop past. I'm hardly one to criticize remixing and sampling, but I think there has been something lost in this modern era. There is a sense of depth, realism and emotional resonance in much of the mainstream pop music of the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s that seems to have vanished from the modern corporate radio music. In hopes of waking up your ears to great music, I will present here in each issue an album I think is important in the past of modern pop, an album that I think is significant for the present, and a track that I think points towards the musical future.

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Past Lou Reed – Transformer (1972) RCA Records This is one of the most important modern pop musical statements ever recorded. Lou Reed has produced some of the most influential music both with The Velvet Underground (1965-1970) and as a solo artist (1971present). Transformer was Lou Reed's second solo album effort and one of the finest collections of recorded music that can be found on any album. The songs are unashamedly personal and unabashedly presented in glam-rock style. Most people will be familiar with “Walk on the Wild Side” describing a world of trannies, drugs and male prostitution in “clean” enough language to get it massive national and international radio play. Other notable singles are “Satellite of Love” and “Perfect Day”, PA G E 3 6 •

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Robyn – Robyn (2008) Konichiwa Records Leave it to the Swedes to turn pop music upside-down—again. Robyn is the sound of right now. Robyn is also the sound of 1997 with “Show Me Love”, which was drilled into our brains relentlessly on the radio and in the bars. Her 1990s work collaborating with fellow Swede, Max Martin (mega-producer for NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, Pink, etc), reflects perfectly the bubblegum sound of the time. In 2004, after clashing with longtime label RCA about moving her sound away from bubblegum toward more cutting edge electronic, Robyn started her own record label, Konichiwa Records. Her self-titled album Robyn is the kind of musical reinvention most artists simply can't pull off. The pretty voice is still there, but gone is generic over-produced radio sound; this album absolutely throbs, sizzles, boils and gasps with emotion coming through in tracks across rock, electronic and ballad genres. There is a careful balance between the organic sounds of rich pianos and strings set off by electronic beats that range from sweet to downright sinister. The album is a bit choppy from beginning to end, but it comes across as intentional and real. While I don't think this album is destined to be a classic, it's great pop that pumps with the sound of right now. Definitely worth buying the whole album. Hot uptempo picks: “Konichiwa Bitches” and “Cobrastyle”. Best tear-jerker: “With Every Heartbeat”.

Future Martin Solveig – “I Want You” (2008) Mixture Records Rock is back and it has a euro-mullet. Martin Solveig has been cranking out amazing dance music for years now with heavy influence from James Brown, Prince and classic house music, but this track is something else entirely. “I Want You” is not a clever knock-off of classic funk pop with a house beat—this is another kind of animal. It grooves like Fedde leGrande; it pops like Prince; and rocks like classic Rolling Stones.

Check it out for yourself.

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REAL ESTATE The Fed Takes On Corrupt Lenders with New Rules and Regulations The Federal Reserve—which regulates many lending institutions and is taking an ever-widening role in supervising financial institutions in the USA as the mortgage crisis continues—unveiled new mortgage rules this month.

For months, government officials have been hammering out the rules and regulations in an effort to tighten supervision of mortgage lenders, prevent fraud, and protect consumers from the kinds of high-risk loans that created the subprime crisis. The unveiling of the new and stronger rules sent a message of strength, integrity, and prudent oversight to the mortgage industry and was extremely timely. Just days before the new policies were announced the major mortgage lending bank IndyMac collapsed, leaving many depositors in limbo regarding whether or not they will

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ever again see the money they had entrusted to the thrift.

But the troubles at IndyMac appear to be isolated, and can be traced directly to the fact the company invested heavily and recklessly in the hazardous market for bad credit loans. The institution is, in fact, a spin-off and remnant of the troubled and controversial Countrywide Mortgage, whose unsavory reputation for predatory sales tactics and corrupt dealings with customers helped to cripple it last year.

Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke announced the new rules by saying that they are "intended to protect consumers from unfair or deceptive acts and practices in mortgage lending, while keeping credit available to qualified borrowers and supporting sustainable homeownership."

He also added that "Besides offering broader protection for consumers, a uniform set of rules will level the playing field for lenders and increase competition in the mortgage market, to the ultimate benefit of borrowers."

Here are the main highlights and a summary of the new changes: n The bulk of the new regulations relate to special mortgages that charge higher interest in exchange for lending to consumers with bad credit. n Rules will ultimately protect bad credit customers by making it much harder for them to borrow amounts that cannot be reasonably managed and repaid. n Those with good credit have little to worry about in terms of qualifying for loans under the new rules, but will benefit from the fact that mortgage lenders will now be held to a higher standard of disclosure. n The Fed also severely limited the use of prepayment penalties.

Prepayment penalties are stiff fees imposed on borrowers who choose to pay off their loans early in order to save money. n Lenders will also have to maintain escrow accounts for property taxes and homeowner's insurance. That will help manage those responsibilities for homeowners while also limiting the risk that could arise from forgetting to pay obligations on time or not having adequate funds to make tax and insurance payments. n More importantly, it will prevent fraudulent lenders from collecting money from homeowners and then failing to forward it on as promised to insurers and tax-

ing authorities. n Creditors and mortgage brokers are now forbidden from pressuring real estate appraisers to artificially inflate or deflate a home's actual value. n Companies that service mortgage loans must credit customer payments immediately and will have less flexibility regarding charging exorbitant late fees. They must also respond promptly to requests for itemized customer account statements. n Creditors must provide a good faith estimate of the loan costs, including a schedule of payments, within three days after a consumer applies for any mortgage loan, including home improvement loans or mortgage refinances. n Until they receive the written estimate, consumers cannot be charged any fees except for a reasonable fee for doing a credit history check. n Lenders must also provide more disclosure and be more accurate and honest when placing advertisements for their loan products.

While these new mortgage regulations are not intended to help rescue homeowners who are already delinquent—and the rules will not go into effect until late next year—they were supported by many consumer rights groups.

Some of the strongest praise from national housing advocacy organizations was for a new rule that no longer requires borrowers who feel preyed upon to prove a pattern or practice of such illegal predatory behavior. Doing so in the courts can be nearly impossible. Now it will be much easier for borrowers to seek recourse from the justice system for wrongs lenders may have committed such as steering unwary consumers into inappropriate loan instruments.

The mortgage industry also welcomed the new regulations, because tougher oversight will help to weed out unethical or illegal lenders who have tarnished the reputation of good, reliable, resourceful professionals.

The final approval of these long overdue regulations is a positive sign. When the nation's mortgage sector emerges from the current economic crisis and subprime meltdown it will do so as a revitalized and more respected industry. And that is encouraging news for those who want to buy or refinance a home with added confidence and fairness.

www.baltimoregaylife.com • G A Y L I F E •

July 25 - August 7, 2008

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FROM THE TOP In Three Words their boys to be seen and not heard, not talk until they are spoken to— you know, the kind of thing that your parents told you when you were eight-years-old? New school boys are the opposite. They will not allow a Sir to control them unless he’s given permission. How do you sum all that up in three words?

by SirK ecently, I traveled to the MidAtlantic LeatherSIR/leatherboy competition where I was asked many questions during the interview portion of the event. There was one I remembered and for good reason. I froze. Describe—in three words—the difference in ideology between the “old school” and the “new school.” For those of you not in the know, old school Sirs expect

R

HONOR. Honor the traditions and heritage of our past. Our community has a long history. Many of our clubs like the Highwayman and the Shipmates have been in existence for over thirty years. These clubs recognize and respect our traditions and values. They understand that the true heart and soul of a leatherman beats much deeper than the clothes he wears. And, the tradition that I am now a part of, being the 2008 Maryland LeatherSIR, stems back to the days of the Drummer contests that now span more than twenty years.

ing at the past or we will never move forward. Staring into the future as if it were a crystal ball and wondering what it will be like isn’t forward motion either.

For example, our competition rules have changed this year. FTM transgenders are allowed to be candidates for the LeatherSIR/boy titles. There was a major rift between the “old school,” who thought it cheapened the name of the contest and protested it, and the “new school”, who were more open-minded.

Two transgendered people won the 2008 titles and Hell has not become a skating rink. Now, I don’t believe any FTM should be chosen to prop up a politically correct agenda, but I do believe that FTMs should be given the same shot as anyone else.

As our community took sides, many forgot to enjoy the one thing that brings the separate fragments of our community together: the competition.

LIVE. Live in the NOW. Obviously, we can’t always be star-

PA G E 4 0 •

July 25 - August 7, 2008

LOOK. To the future. You must

remember this: a kiss is still a kiss; a sigh is but a sigh…”

Some things never change. I take a great deal of comfort in that. But if there were no change…how boring!

The leather/fetish lifestyle is everevolving. As new men and women come out (as leather-identified), they become our future.

So what should we be looking for in the future? That new person who requires a more experienced hand to guide them. To younger men who are searching, do not disparage a man as a “tired, old queen.” Let an older man give you the benefit of his experience. Similarly, men who have the ability to mentor , you have a unique opportunity to mold and shape the future of our community.

So I’m taking my own advice. Have a question about anything leather or fetish but too afraid to ask? Contact SirK at MDLeatherSIR2008@thebaltimoreeagle.info.

• G A Y L I F E • www.baltimoregaylife.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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Friday July 25

Jennifer Richman

Live @ Read St. Books 229 W. Read St. Baltimore, MD http://www.myspace.co m/readstreetbooks 8 p.m.

Saturday July 26 Arts & Crafts

Hearts & Ears 10 W. Biddle St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-528-0444 www.heartsandears.org 4:30-6 p.m.

GIG: Tran*quality MTF Support Group GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 www.transmaryland.org 8 p.m.

GIG: Baltimore Trans-Masculine Alliance FTM Support Group GLCCB, Room 202 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 www.myspace.com/btma 6 p.m.

Matt Rodela

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Martinsburg, WV Email HOTTT@nationwide.com for details 3 or 4 p.m.

Sunday July 27 Alcoholics Anonymous

Boyds Al-Anon

GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 www.aa.org 6:30 p.m.

Beginners Yoga with Tim Hurley, RYT GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 $9/person 3:30 p.m.

Living Sober (AA) Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church 100 W. Washington St. Shepherdstown, WV 25443 3 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

Movie & Game Night

Social Activity (Varies)

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.

Volleyball Out for Fun War Memorial Park

Alcoholics Anonymous

LGBT Community Hall 40 W. Church St. Hagerstown, MD 21740 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Live @ Read St. Books 229 W. Read St. Baltimore, MD http://www.myspace.co m/readstreetbooks 8 p.m.

Hearts & Ears 10 W. Biddle St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-528-0444 www.heartsandears.org 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Tuesday July 29

Weather Rail Bar Loews Hotel 126 West St. Annapolis, MD 5-9 p.m.

Hearts & Ears 10 W. Biddle St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-528-0444 www.heartsandears.org 1-6 p.m.

Monday July 28 Alcoholics Anonymous

GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 www.aa.org 8:30 p.m.

Men Like Me GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 menlikeme@glccb.org 6 p.m.

Open Door Metropolitan Community Church 15817 Barnesville Rd. Boyds, MD 20841 www.al-anon.org www.opendoormcc.com 7:30 p.m.

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. & 7:308:30 p.m.

Positive Influence LGBT Community Hall 40 W. Church St. Hagerstown, MD 21740 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Pre-natal Yoga Lifeline Power Yoga 111 Allegheny Ave. Towson, MD 21204 www.lifelinepoweryoga.com Suggested Donation 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday July 30 Ameriprise Free Financial Seminar GLCCB 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 6:30 p.m.

410-837-5445

Beginners’ Yoga with Kelly D. McClain, RYT GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201

$9/person 7:15 p.m.

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.

‘Tini Lounge Happy Hour GG’s Restaurant & Martini Bar 41 N. Potomac St. Hagerstown, MD 21740 4:30-10:00 p.m.

Thursday July 31 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.

upport Group for Individuals with Mental Health Issues Hearts & Ears 10 W. Biddle St. 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.

www.baltimoregaylife.com • G A Y L I F E •

Friday August 1 Marcus Dagan

Live @ Read St. Books 229 W. Read St. Baltimore, MD http://www.myspace.co m/readstreetbooks 8 p.m.

Saturday August 2 Arts & Crafts

Hearts & Ears 10 W. Biddle St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-528-0444 www.heartsandears.org 4:30-6 p.m.

Marcus Dagan Live @ Read St. Books 229 W. Read St. Baltimore, MD http://www.myspace.co m/readstreetbooks 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.

Volleyball Out for Fun War Memorial Park Martinsburg, WV Email HOTTT@nationwide.com for details 3 or 4 p.m.

Sunday August 3

Alcoholics Anonymous GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 www.aa.org 6:30 p.m.

Living Sober (AA)

Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church 100 W. Washington St. Shepherdstown, WV 25443 3 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.

‘Tini Lounge Happy Hour

Consumer Planned Activity

GG’s Restaurant & Martini Bar 41 N. Potomac St. Hagerstown, MD 21740 4:30-10:00 p.m.

Hearts & Ears 10 W. Biddle St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-528-0444 www.heartsandears.org 4-6:30 p.m. & 7:308:30 p.m.

Thursday August 7

Positive Influence

Alcoholics Anonymous

LGBT Community Hall 40 W. Church St. Hagerstown, MD 21740 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Pre-natal Yoga

Social Activity (Varies) Hearts & Ears 10 W. Biddle St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-528-0444 www.heartsandears.org 1-6 p.m.

Monday August 4 Alcoholics Anonymous

GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 www.aa.org 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday August 5 Alcoholics Anonymous

LGBT Community Hall 40 W. Church St. Hagerstown, MD 21740 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Boyds Al-Anon Open Door Metropolitan Community Church 15817 Barnesville Rd. Boyds, MD 20841 www.al-anon.org www.opendoormcc.com 7:30 p.m.

Lifeline Power Yoga 111 Allegheny Ave. Towson, MD 21204 www.lifelinepoweryoga.com Suggested Donation 1:30 p.m.

Rainbow Youth Alliance Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way Columbia, MD 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday August 6

Beginners’ Yoga with Kelly D. McClain, CYT GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 $9/person 7:15 p.m.

Gay Bingo (to benefit GLCCB & Aids Action) Club Hippo 1 W. Eager St.

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.

Confidential HIV/STI Testing & Counseling

GLCCB Tuesday, Wednesday 5-8 p.m.

241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201

Dual Recovery Anonymous

410-837-5445

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.

July 25 - August 7, 2008

Baltimore, MD 21201 410-547-0069 8:30 p.m.

Baltimore, MD 21201 www.chesapeakesquares.org 8-10 p.m.

HERO 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

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HOMOSTROLOGY

by Marry Elaine

LEO (July 23 - August 22) An intimate, silent dance you routinely perform is tense. Be clear and be kind. Your steady patience allows you to maintain a vision with a grand scope. Tend to your health. Momentary excitements and long-term commitments can coexist.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22) Make noises and hear noises. Avoid words. Wear bright colors. Wink at everyone you think you might want to wink at. Someone from a long time ago misses you. When people approach you, genuinely converse.

Hopefully you will encounter and let in a spirit that misses you and you will realize you have missed as well.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22) Your gentle desires urge to be engaged. Be brave in realizing them.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21) Nurture your good heart. Direct and honest communication is vital right now, with yourself and with others. Prioritize sexuality. You are confident in embodying roles how you want; take it a step further and be bold in creating the roles you choose to embody.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20) You should probably quit your job or do the closest thing to it. Your grandeur is not being adequately acknowledged and that is just a shame. Walk quickly away from that and don’t hold back any energy you feel; there will be plenty more to come by.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19) Your feelings are very loud in your own head and it can be easy to forget that others can’t hear them unless you express them. Groom your ability to hear honesty and speak honesty. Someone wonders when they will walk with you again. Look to your past selves and consider which you would like to walk as. You and a Scorpio will get along very well.

AQUARIUS

(January 20 - February 18) Swim. In whatever way available.

Locate wetness and move in it.

Make wetness and move in it.

Avoid mirrors and the din of gossip. Stretch. Traipse thoughtfully to avoid throwing away the good PA G E 4 2 •

July 25 - August 7, 2008

with the bad. You and Gemini: volatile and wonderful.

PISCES (February 19 - March 19) Feelings of exhaustion are traps.

Feelings of love are propelling.

Ride them. Hard. This is no time to be shy. Purging old habits makes rooms for new commitments.

Celebrate your purging by letting new in. It is a good time right now to allow yourself to be caught up.

You can think later; go with your most honest and feeling responses.

ARIES (March 20 - April 19) Others’ needs are loud; do not compromise your own. Wearing glitter helps. Eat frosting, wear frosting, love like frosting. Do not save the best for last: let it come first. Soon I think it might be all that does come.

You and a Pisces might be best friends soon. The color orange seems important.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) Now is a time to make family and enjoy the family you have made. If you feel lonely in your pursuits, it is only because you are pursuing in the wrong directions. Make time to feel the love people are sending to you. French kiss as much as possible. Success wants very badly to come your way.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20) Visit. Forgive. Utterly give over and let someone kiss you. Don’t worry about how messy the results are.

Lately might be painful. Open yourself up to all the many ways you can relate; it will be easier to feel that you are already touching than to reach out. Go for a very long walk with a very big lemonade and have very nice conversation, in your head or out loud.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22) A newfound independence is revealing itself to you. There is no reason to stifle pride in yourself. New romance will feel better than it ever has.You may feel you know yourself more, and that may make relationships feel more honest, because you are more genuinely aware in them.

Others open their arms to you. Now is a good time to revel; big change can happen later.Î Marry Elaine is very psychic and a huge fag. You can email her at letspretendweremarried@baltimoregaylife.com.

• G A Y L I F E • www.baltimoregaylife.com

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QUOTE UNQUOTE

"It's a very empowering thing to be able to preside over these ceremonies. We've been working on this for such a long time. ... I'm very happy to preside over all the ceremonies that I can."

—Comedian Margaret Cho, who got deputized and is performing marriages for her gay friends, to E! Online, July 11.

"You know, the old thing about if gays get married, then it somehow threatens heterosexual marriage? It just so doesn't track on any level, but then again, any sort of homophobia doesn't really track on any logical level. It probably comes largely from religion; if it wasn't in the Bible, they would not really have any leg to stand on—not that I consider that much of a leg."

—Bill Maher, host of HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher, to the Portland, Ore., gay newspaper Just Out, July 3.

"It's one of the contradictions of contemporary gay identity that we clamor to join the mainstream while glancing back enviously to a time when we were unbound by its rules.

But the decision of the California supreme court on May 15, effectively legalizing same-sex marriage, has finally put my misplaced and empty nostalgia into perspective. Because I now realize that the past is not a better place, no matter how downright dirty, sexy, and rebellious it was."

—Out magazine Editor in Chief Aaron Hicklin, in the August issue.

"I will transfer. I am not going to compromise my beliefs or standards for anyone, not even the Supreme Court of California. ... I do respect the rights of other citizens who are now asserting same-sex marriages but I also need to assert my right to

BY REX WOCKNER WITH BILL KELLEY "From the beginning, my whole scene broke out in the gay clubs. ... I have to give credit where credit is due."

"No, not at all. As a matter of fact, I think the Supreme Court made a decision there. It was apparently unconstitutional to stop anyone from getting married. It's like 1948, the interracial marriage, when the Supreme Court of California has, you know, decided it was unconstitutional and then later on the Supreme Court of the United States followed, I think 10 or 12 years later. So I think it's good that California is leading in this way. I personally believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman. But at the same time I think that my, you know, belief, I don't want to force on anyone else, so I think we should stay with the decision of the Supreme Court and move forward. There are so many other more important issues that we have to address in California. So I think to spend any time on this initiative I think is a waste of time."

—Singer Donna Summer in an interview published by the Northampton, Mass., gay newspaper The Rainbow Times, July 3. "'I've Got So Much to Give'—a Barry White song works well in every room of the house."

—Donna Summer when asked by Out magazine in its August issue, "What's the perfect song to have sex to?"

"The only thing Republicans really have going for them this year is fear—fear of terrorists coming over the ocean and fear of immigrants coming over the border and fear of homosexuals coming over your back."

—Bill Maher, host of HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher, to the Portland, Ore., gay newspaper Just Out, July 3.

—California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on TV's Meet The Press on June 29 when asked if he supports the Nov. 4 ballot initiative to amend the state constitution to re-ban same-sex marriage

religious freedom. ... I also want to clarify that my refusal to perform these ceremonies is based only on my personal morals and beliefs, and it doesn't come from intolerance."

—Excerpts from e-mails sent by San Diego county clerk employees deputized to perform marriages, when County Clerk Greg Smith gave them the chance to opt out of performing same-sex marriages. The heavily redacted e-mails were published July 9 by The San Diego Union-Tribune, which used the California Public Records Act to obtain them. Twenty-four of the clerk's 112 deputized employees raised objections, but 18 later backed down after learning they would be transferred elsewhere within the county government bureaucracy.

"The nature of being gay is that you are forced to challenge the general perception, otherwise you have to accept that something is wrong with you. Maybe that gives gay men the perspective that many have turned into art."

"Is it ... not fascinating in this day and age that our most powerful capitalist companies, those most associated with mainstream, dumbed-down, unhealthy, rather uninformed Republican Americana, even these megacorps are now openly and rather shamelessly supporting gay rights and tolerance?"

"If I'm in a room of 100 people it will be the guy that's giving me no attention that will get my attention. It's like that Morrissey song — 'The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get' — he could have written that about me. I like a challenge."

—Boy George to Britain's The Observer, July 6.

"I thought innocent until proven guilty also applied in U.S. law. It seems sad when, as everybody who has had a drug problem knows, it takes supreme effort to get where I am today. I was really looking forward to doing my first live tour for a decade, and to be told that after all this hard work, I am not welcome in the U.S. for even six short weeks is heartbreaking."

—Boy George to Newsweek on July 7, after being denied a visa to enter the United States because he faces trial in the United Kingdom for allegedly chaining an unwilling male escort to the wall of his apartment.

—Singer George Michael to the Los Angeles Times, June 29.

www.baltimoregaylife.com • G A Y L I F E •

—San Francisco Chronicle columnist Mark Morford, July 11.

"The anti-gays need to be kept in secure areas [at the pride parade]. By allowing them to walk free this year, they provoked some gays and that resulted in arrests by the police. Tell me this: Would a white man carrying a noose be allowed to march along the sidelines of the [black] Bud Billiken Parade? For their own protection and out of respect for the parade, the anti-gays with huge and hateful signs should have their area to protest, surrounded by police.

This really could have escalated in violence and death."

—Windy City Times Publisher Tracy Baim in a July 9 opinion column.

July 25 - August 7, 2008

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POSTAGE Dear Editor: I was horrified to see Donna Summer on the cover of Gay Life. She not only made some of the most insipid music of the disco era (and that's saying something!), but she was also a vocal homophobe in the 1980s. Your interviewer grazed this subject, asking: "At one point very early on did you have an issue with the gay community?" Summer dodged, saying in part: "After I embraced my Christianity... Somebody said that I said something that was not said."

Summer certainly did make homophobic remarks; I remember them being widely reported in the gay press at the time. It was actually not "very early on"--it was in the mid-80s (Summer's first hit was in '75 and her last was in '82). At the time she had found a more mainstream (i.e. straight) audience, and was playing arenas. She had become a born-again Christian. Some Summer quotes I found on-line from the Advocate include: "It was Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve," and "I've seen the evil homosexuality come out of you people.... AIDS is your sin," and "God loves you, but not the way you are now."

I understand that bigoted people can change. However, many believe that Summer changed her tune when she realized the homophobia was hurting her career. And now she's completely denying making such remarks! If she was honest, and would admit that she said these things in a haze of bornagain craziness, and now deeply regrets them, I might believe her. But since she's still lying I have to wonder what she really believes in her heart.

The parade this year lasted around 55 minutes (a good length), and for the most part was a parade that I could invite my straight friends to. (The two exceptions were the leather men showing off bare asses and the cringe leather whippings.) They proved that they could march and do it respectfully.

I didn’t stay for the block party but I did go to the festival in the park and I was delighted to see many various booths.

One thing though: When I suggested to a gay community center member that I thought a container of some sorts should be placed up near the stage for donations, the response that I got was that it was tried before and that no one gave. I can believe that some wouldn’t donate or maybe even most, but that NONE gave? I know for one that my partner and I would surely donate something to the Center and something is better than nothing.

I was also glad to see that the festival had the opening almost completely blocked off so that you could not sneak in without donating or without looking like a complete dodo. I mean, come on guys, if you can afford the liquor you can afford a few bucks to help this cause that you come to each year.

Overall a very well run parade and festival this year. Thanks.

Joseph Kortash

What are you thinking?

Jim Maher, Baltimore

editor@baltimoregaylife.com

Dear Editor:

SERVICE

Anyone who remembers me, I was the guy who wrote in last year complaining about everything that was wrong last year. What a difference a year makes!!!

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

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 PA G E 4 4 •

Samuel J. Kelly, LCSW-C Ellen Schwartz Patterson, LCSW-C The Shell Building, Suite 108

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

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

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

Mark Scurti Hodes, Pessin & Katz, PA 410-938-8718 www.hpklegal.com

Dr. Samuel Westrick 3100 St. Paul St., Suite 5 Baltimore, MD 21218 410-243-5544

July 25 - August 7, 2008

HEALTH INSURANCE Trey Ellison III Alliance for Affordable Services Baltimore, MD 443-468-6171

Zavos Law Group Washington, DC Baltimore, MD 443-570-6205

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

• G A Y L I F E • www.baltimoregaylife.com

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

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MARKETPLACE It’s easy to place your Market Place ad.

Call us at

410.837.7748 We’ll do the rest!

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For Sale

Roommate Wanted

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.

ROOM FOR RENT Room for rent in Southwest Baltimore. Great location: 10 min. from downtown, 15 min. from 95 & 6-95. Bedroom, private sitting room with TV and full use of house.

Ample parking. Rent negotiable.

Call 410-947-1159.

House or Apartment for Rent

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APARTMENT FOR RENT Everyone loves this 1 BR in Lauraville. 2nd floor, detached house, nearly new appliances, refinished floors, extra room, 12 windows. $799/month includes heat, water, satelitte TV. Small pet(s) welcome. References! Call 410-404-9411.

BRAD'S SPECIAL TOUCH A hot full body/full satisfaction massage in your home, hotel, or my NEW waterfront studio. Guys or couples. Visa/MC. 443-695-0141, or www.specialtouchmassage.com

HOUSE FOR RENT Beverly Hills/Lauraville, 3 bedroom restored porchfront cottage, hardwood floors, fenced back yard, lovely older neighbor. Would prefer a 2-3 year commitment. $1200/mo.

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the local

sales@baltimoregaylife.com

PICK-UPS You were at Pride. We had the same haircut. I liked your sunglasses. I saw you again the other day at the library. Let’s meet up.

—Sexy Fade So you had a situation where your girl was away. Thank you for an incredible night. We surprisingly had a lot in common, and I just wanted to know more... You really are great and your girlfriend is a lucky girl.

—Unlucky One At Artscape watching Dave Nada on Friday nite. I was with two friends. I told you "I like your hat." You thanked me. I wish I would have talked to you afterwards and asked for your number. Could I be so lucky to see you again?

—Dancin’ Machine You were walking west on Madison and passed by last Wednesday. You were wearing a red shirt and have brown hair that was in a ponytail. You were walking with another lady (who I'm hoping is just a friend!). You are really cute and you smiled at me as you walked by. I was sitting on the step just past Donna’s. I'm hoping I'll have the chance to smile back.

—Smiley Face

Couldn’t get it up to ask them out on the spot? Send a note to pickups@ baltimoregaylife.com and we will publish your best pick-up lines for free.

Are they talking to you? Send a note with who you are responding to in the subject line to pickups@baltimoregaylife.com and we’ll make the love connection. www.baltimoregaylife.com • G A Y L I F E •

gay market. advertise in gay life!

July 25 - August 7, 2008

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July 25 - August 7, 2008

• G A Y L I F E • www.baltimoregaylife.com

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www.baltimoregaylife.com • G A Y L I F E •

July 25 - August 7, 2008

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