Volume 33, Number 19 by Baltimore Gay Life

SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1979

MARYLAND’S LGBT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 13, 2011 VOLUME XXXIII, NUMBER 19 WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

PLUS:

“TRAVELIN’ SHOES”

EXHIBIT FEATURES GAY

ARTIST

IRON CROW’S “PARALLEL LIVES”

NELLIE MCKAY

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FILMMAKER KIRK SHANNON-BUTTS

9/28/11 7:09 PM

www.reelaffirmations.org THU OCT 13

Opening Night: Screening of Dirty Girl 7pm, Lisner Auditorium Opening Night Gala: Immediately following film

OFFICIAL AFTER PARTIES

Follows each night of the Festival at a different bar or restaurant. Check the Official Reel Affirmations Program Guide or reelaffirmations.org for details.

SUN OCT 16

Women & Filmmakers Brunch: 11am, US Navy Memorial, 7th & Pennsylvania Ave NW (Navy Memorial Metro). Followed by 1pm screening of Hannah and the Hasbian

SAT OCT 22

Closing Night: Screening of Loose Cannons, Lisner Auditorium Closing Night Gala & Audience Awards: Immediately following film Official After Party at TOWN: Discounted admission to all RA20 ticket/pass holders

festival sponsors:

Visit www.reelaffirmations.org for all the festive details!

OCTOBER 13-22, 2011

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BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER 9/22/11 10:23 PM

9/28/11 7:09 PM

Baltimore Black Pride Xtravagana

I WAS BORN THIS WAY October 4 The Conversations of Race and Class in our Community Metropolitan Community Church of Baltimore 401 West Monument Street // 7pm - 9pm

October 5 Screening of BluePrint Film directed by Kirk Shannon-Butts Creative Alliance and Flickeria Showtime 7:35 pm // Donation $10

October 7 Kim Walker and her band Rapture

October 8 Baltimore Black Pride Cultural Affair and "ICONS WE LOVE" Awards

Honorees: Del. Mary L. Washington of the 43rd district & Archbishop Carl Bean of The Unity Fellowship Church Movement Featuring Artist : Mezzo Soprano Tona Brown Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center 847 North Howard Street // 7pm- 11pm DRESS ATTIRE SEMI-FORMAL....DRESS TO IMPRESS Lite Buffet, Open Bar, Live Entertainment & Dancing // Donation $50.00

October 9 Sunday Spiritual Service

Meet and Greet Black Out Party @ Club Bunns 606/608 West Lexington Street 6pm -9pm // FREE until 9pm / after 9 pm $10

Unity Fellowship Church of Baltimore // Sermon by Rev. Sam Offer Featuring Artist : Mezzo Soprano Tona Brown UFCB Voices of Life Choir and special guest performers Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center 847 N. Howard Street // 11am- 1pm

*YOUTH EVENTS: Where’s Your Voice?

Fall Festival

6pm- 9pm // Location : TBA // FREE

October 8 *YOUTH SUMMIT: Who Runs the World? UMB Student Center 2pm -4pm // FREE FOOD AND Entry

*FOR ALL YOUTH EVENTS : PLEASE CONTACT JAMAL HAILEY: jhailey@peds.umaryland.edu or 410-706-4162

Intergenerational Townhall Meeting:

All New Club Bunns 606/608 West Lexington Street // 4pm - 11pm

October 11 *National Coming Out Day Mixer

Youth and Young Adult Mixer GLCCB // 6 pm - 9 pm Proceeds to benefit “The Den” (a LGBTQQ Youth Drop-in Center)

National Coming Out Day / Thank You Party All New Club Bunns 606/608 West Lexington Street // 10 pm - 2 am

30 Years of African-American LGBT History in partnership with Baltimore Heritage Metropolitan Community Church of Baltimore 401 West Monument Street 1pm - 3pm // FREE For More Information:

www.blackpridebaltimore.org bmoreblackpride@yahoo.com

COME CELEBRATE YOUR PRIDE WITH US: OCTOBER 4th - OCTOBER 11th WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

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VOLUME 33, NUMBER 19 PAGE 3

9/28/11 7:09 PM

letter editor’s

by Roger Dimick

Prizes and Progressive Jackpot

HOME

LGBT

Benefit LESProceeds S

EPERSON

S/YO

UTH

MAYOR’S

LGBTN

R GENDE TRANSECTIONS PROT

LIAISO

When I first learned there was a Baltimore Black Pride, I—like others before me—wondered why we can’t ALL share June’s annual Pride celebration. After all, as diverse as we are, we’re all on the same side—the side that advances and celebrates the LGBT community. But I’ve come to appreciate what Black Pride organizers Carlton and Kevin explain (p. 12-13): While Pride organizers have tried to be inclusive, the uniqueness of Black LGBT Baltimoreans is not fully represented. While June’s Pride is indeed a celebration of the entire LGBT community, it makes sense to me that Black LGBT community members would desire an additional celebration in which their accomplishments, priorities, and goals are the main focus. Because even within the LGBT community, (and even within Baltimore, a city with a large African American community) minorities get marginalized. We can work toward a future in which we successfully represent every facet of Baltimore’s LGBT community during Pride; perhaps we can even dream of a time in which we won’t need Pride because we are all fully accepted by greater society. Until then, it is vital that we support each other and celebrate both our similarities and our differences. I will never know what it’s like to be a black lesbian in Baltimore; it would be silly to suggest otherwise. But I will try, through listening, to be a supportive ally. Maggie Beetz, Editor

ON THE COVER:

Filmmaker Kirk Shannon-Butts Photo by Charlie T. Vist us at www.baltimoregaylife.com

PAGE 4 • SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 13, 2011

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CONTENTS

Out Front

Out Going

PAGE 5 COMMUNITY: GLCCB Welcomes New Board Members. By Maggie Beetz

PAGE 17 SPOTLIGHT: Black Gay Filmmaker Shares “Blueprint” in his home town. By Rachel Roth

PAGE 6 FILM: Reel Affirmations’ independent LGBT films & shorts. By Rose D’Longcroi PAGE 7 MUSIC: Nellie McKay speaks on her beliefs and upcoming show with Madeleine Peyroux. By Kristi Metzger PAGE 8 THEATER: Iron Crow Theatre Brings “Parallel Lives” to Baltimore Theater Project. By Terri Solomon PAGE 9 ART: The work of gay artist Rams Brisueño is featured in a Hampden gallery. By Kelly D. McClain

Headline News

DATEBOOK: Calendar of Events. By Rachel Roth

After Hours PAGE 18 HUNTER ON THE PROWL!: Events at PW’s, LLL, and Remembering Lady Lisa. By Mark Hunter BSCENE: Free State Legal Project KickOff Cocktail Celebration. Photos by Eleanor Dayhoff, DayOff Images Visions for Tomorrow AIDS Awareness Benefit at Club Hippo. Photos by Samatra Johnson

PAGE 10: NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS: By Rachel Roth

First Person PAGE 14 TRANSMISSIONS: Of Dudes, Dancers, and Deadlocks. By Gwendolyn Ann Smith PAGE 15 SPEAKING OUT: Black Masculinity and Homophobia: Hardaway’s abot-face appears suspect. By Rev. Irene Monroe

FEATURE PAGE 12:

Self Determination: Baltimore Black Pride Celebrates 9 Years of Strength. By Rev. Mother Meredith Moise

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

Maggie Beetz, Editor editor@baltimoregaylife.com

Gay Life is a publication of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Baltimore. Gay Life is published every other Friday in Baltimore, Maryland, with distribution throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Copyright 2011. All Rights Reserved. Gay Life is copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of Gay Life or its publisher.

Scott FitzPatrick, Advertising sales@baltimoregaylife.com 410.837.7748 National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863

Michael Nguyen, Art Director art@baltimoregaylife.com

Marty Shayt Senior Volunteer

Contributors Rose D’Longcroi, Mark Hunter, Kelly D. McClain, Kristi Metzger, Rev. Mother Meredith Moise, Rev. Irene Monroe, Rachel Roth, Marty Shayt, Gwendolyn Ann Smith, Terri Solomon Photographers: DayOff Images, Samatra Johnson, Jay W Photos Newspaper Committee: Trevor Ankeny, Bud Beeler, Kelly D. McClain, Terri Solomon

BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER

9/28/11 7:10 PM

OF COPY.. DOES THIS HAVE AN AUTHOR?

outfront COMMUNITY

GLCCB Welcomes New Board Members Additional seats open to interested community members BY MAGGIE BEETZ

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland (GLCCB) recently appointed its latest board member, Jennifer Chapin. Chapin is a specialist with Xerox where she been employed for the past 13 years. She currently works with customers in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. areas. Chapin is also an active member of GALAXe Pride at Work, Xerox Corporation’s employee resource group for LGBT employees and allies. She serves as the chapter president for Greater Washington, D.C. and vice president of education. “I feel it is very important to do everything that I can to support the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and ally community where I live,” said Chapin. As a long-standing advocate for equality, she has presented on gender identity and sexual orientation at Stevenson University and the University of Maryland, and she regularly volunteers with Equality Maryland to educate others about equality issues in the community. “My goal is to assist the GLCCB by supporting their mission and vision to be fully inclusive of the community, and to ensure the future success the GLCCB for many future generations to come,” she said. Chapin’s appointment comes on the heels of the GLCCB board’s other recent appointments: G.C. “Bud” Beehler and Eric Lomboy. Beehler has been involved with the GLCCB since the early 1990s when he volunteered at the switchboard hotline. A member of the newspaper committee since 2010, he is also active in multiple community organizations including the Charles Village Civic Association, Moveable Feast, and numerous political campaigns. Eric Lomboy, head of the Building Subcommittee, joined the board in 2010. His background is policy development and administration. “My main goal is to help the Center update both its facilities and update its

Jen Chaplin

image in the community in order to let us best serve the fast-changing aspects of the community,” he said. Lomboy lives in Guilford with his partner and two Clumber Spaniels. Other board members include Simon Chia Hu, a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial; Board Secretary Kelly D. McClain, a Gay Life contributor, chair of Baltimore Pride’s 2010 and 2011 Marketing Committee, and former facilitator of Baltimore Women OUT and About (BWOA), an LBT social group and program at the Center; and Board President Trevor Ankeny, manager of property administration with Kimco Realty Corporation. “We are always looking for ways to improve our service to the community, whether it is through additional educational or social programs, partnerships with other local organizations, organizing events like Baltimore Pride, or simply by providing useful resources,” explained Ankeny. The board meets once a month to review updates from GLCCB and Gay Life staff, report activities of various subcommittees, and to plan future GLCCB endeavors. The GLCCB is currently accepting new board member applications and is especially interested in community members with development and financial experience. Interested parties should contact Trevor Ankeny at president@ glccb.org. n VOLUME 33, NUMBER 19 PAGE 5

WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

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Continued on page 18

9/28/11 7:10 PM

outfront FILM

Serving the Gay Community Since 1981 ◆

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Criminal Traffic DWI MVA Hearings Estate Planning Wills Power of Attorney Personal Injury Automobile Accidents Worker’s Compensation Family Law and Divorce Second Parent Adoption

201 N. Charles Street, Suite 2300 Baltimore, MD 21201 Office: 410-332.1170 • Fax 410-837-0288 Lyndamdee@aol.com • www.lyndadeelaw.com

Reel Affirmations Reaches 20th Year

LGBT film fest offers independent films & shorts BY ROSE D’LONGCROI

“Night Watch”

Reel Affirmations, a Washington, D.C. based, all-volunteer LGBT film festival, is one of the strongest community-created efforts to come out of the 1990s. The firstborn of One in Ten, a LGBT non-profits arts organization, Reel Affirmations is now one of the top three films festivals for the entire LGBT community. In its infancy, co-founders Barry Becker, Mark Betchkal, Matthew Cibellis, and Keith Clark, proud Washington, D.C. residents, desired to fill the lack of artistic expression that highlighted the multifaceted aspects of LGBT individuals. In their initial meeting, Reel Affirmations was born. Much in the style of film festivals, organizers begin scouting ideal locations capable of housing multiple screens. The selection team invites up-and-coming directors to submit their pieces as well as scour the film dailies for interesting silver screen poetry. Reel Affirmations begins this process shortly after the clean-up of their closing party for the preceding festival, which involves a lot of friendly carousing and enthusiasm.

www.embracehomeloans.com Licensed as Embrace Home Loans, Inc. NMLS# 2184

Now in its 20th year, this venue will provide over 100 independent LGBT films and shorts across several locations surrounding Dupont Circle. With nearly 200 hours of cinema to choose from, several offerings should sell out before the end of the month.

Jeffery A. Klug, LCPC Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor 2 Village Square, Suite 211, Baltimore, MD 21210 410 241 4215

JeffKlugCounseling.com

PAGE 6 • SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 13, 2011

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With a nod to the worldwide reach of the LGBT community, our local jet setters will be provided with a unique treat this year. A collection of foreign films will be viewed within the originating filmmakers’ embassies, giving the audience an almost home

“Queen Bitch”

atmosphere to heighten their senses. One embassy opening its doors is France with the film “Sister Smile,” a true story of the Singing Nun, Debbie Reynolds, and her life after the onehit wonder that made her famous. (Embassy of France, 4101 Reservoir Rd. NW, Washington, D.C.) This festival will not sweep through October without paying respect to All Hallow’s Eve. In honor of our current craving for the sensual bloodsucker, Reel Affirmations is offering two dripping selections in the form of “We Are the Night” by German Director Dennis Gansel and Mark Bessenger‘s “Bite Marks.” Prescreen viewings suggest that the plots of each are worth sinking your teeth into. If the kiss of Dracula does not offer enough thrill, allow Directors Gauillaume Nicloux and Emmanuelle Bercot to terrify you in their respective films, “Queen Bitch” and “Recipe for a Killing.” With their adaptations of two macabre French crime novels involving a hired cook and a disgruntled wife on one hand and a desperate transgender daughter in the other, you will never look at your neighbors the same way. If the darkness of the night is not your speed, check out the ample selection of dramas and documentaries including "We Were Here," the powerful documentary on the early days of AIDS; “Into the Lion’s Den,” a world premiere with an appearance from the film’s star Ronnie Kroell; or “Jitters,” a delightful coming-of-age story. n DETAILS: Reel Affirmations LGBT Film Festival. Oct. 13-22. Various times and ticket prices. Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C. ReelAffirmations.org BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER

9/28/11 7:10 PM

COOL CRAFTS MUSIC

Meet 2 5 Artisan 0 in Pers s on

Photo By Rick Gonzalez

GL: Tell me more about your latest project, I Want To Live! NM: It’s a very gay show. It’s about the third woman to die in the gas chamber at San Quentin. GL: I actually got the chance to see you open up for Cyndi Lauper a few years ago. What was that like? NM: Oh, I had so much fun opening for Cyndi. She just draws out the best in people.

by Cynthia Chuang

GL: You span a variety of genres, from jazz to rap. What are some of your biggest musical influences?

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NM: Oh gee! Tom Waits, I love Billie Holiday and Thelonius Monk.

Singer-songerwriter comes to Strathmore BY KRISTI METZGER

Nellie McKay’s eclectic blend of jazz, pop, and cabaret paired with witty and unorthodox lyrics has pretty much made her indefinable as an artist. Aside from her solo albums, she has also played Polly Peachum in the Broadway production of “The Threepenny Opera,” appeared as Hillary Swank’s sister in “PS I Love You,” has written for The New York Times Book Review, and has composed music for numerous movie and television soundtracks including “Rumor Has It,” “Weeds,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Nurse Jackie,” and “NCIS.” I was lucky enough to snag a few moments of her time to catch up with how she has been focusing her creative energy lately. Gay Life: You have recorded solo albums, tracks for movie and television soundtracks, and have performed on Broadway. Do you prefer any of these over the others? Nellie McKay: Oh boy, umm… Just recorded one that was the most bare bones track about a guy on death row about to be executed. “A Song for Troy Davis,” it should be on Youtube or Vimeo. [Troy Davis was executed September 21, one week after this interview.] WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

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NM: Oh boy, umm…I think, you know, well, there’s a great protection act coming up and it would be a great thing to end the use of primates in testing. Hopefully we can get some awareness through movies like “Rise of the Planet of the Apes.” [Stating she is also against the death penalty, she added:] Killing someone for killing someone doesn’t make sense. GL: You’ll be performing at the Strathmore for their Celebrating American Composers series. How do you feel about being a part of that? NM: Oh, gee that! Madeleine Peyroux, I love her! Like with Cyndi I’m going to try not to embarrass myself. She’s very talented. It’s like a gift from another time and place. She has such class. GL: What can fans look forward to from you in the future? NM: We would like to do another album and another cabaret show. McKay, who was a pleasure to speak with—so bright, bubbly, and polite— also said she loves Baltimore and its charm and that she loves the gay community here. n DETAILS: Madeleine Peyroux with opening act Nellie McKay. Friday, September 30. 8pm. $35-58. The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Ln. North Bethesda. 301.581.5100. Strathmore.org

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GL: You’re a vocal feminist and a proud PETA member. Are there any current issues you are really passionate about right now?

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VOLUME 33, NUMBER 19 PAGE 7

9/28/11 7:10 PM

outfront THEATER

Iron Crow Theatre Brings “Parallel Lives” to Baltimore Theater Project BY TERRI SOLOMON

Twenty-five years after Baltimore Theater Project first presented Kathy Najimy and Mo Gaffney’s “Parallel Lives,” the acclaimed sketch comedy show returns to Theater Project in a production by Iron Crow Theatre. Iron Crow, a relative newcomer on the Baltimore ensemble scene, has made a name for itself by performing unconventional works, according to director Paul Wissman. “We have a sensitivity toward LGBT productions,” said Wissman. “We really do anything from an outsider perspective.” The first-time director describes the play as “a funny origin story. It has bookend scenes with two heavenly beings who create humanity, and they have a skewed perspective of what humans do and who they are.” “Parallel Lives” is a sequence of short, humorous scenes featuring a host of characters, portrayed by actors Katie Ellen Simmons-Barth and Michele Minnick. Both Wissman and the show’s two stars agree that the script, which Wissman describes as reading like “the transcript of an improv,” makes this piece difficult to give good structure, and to memorize. “The pure stamina of having to embody this many different people and worlds in an hour and a half is challenging,” Minnick said. But she finds it rewarding as well. “It’s a show that can bring people with very different viewpoints together. Everyone will laugh

PAGE 8 • SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 13, 2011

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and recognize someone they know or something in themselves or their own situation.” “I have always loved this show,” said Simmons-Barth. “Kathy and Mo’s way of getting to people through humor is brilliant and unmatched in my opinion. They give you a chance to laugh, cry and just be with these issues, without letting the issues overtake you. It makes these subjects approachable and still very real.” Characters portray a “distinctly feminist vision,” said Minnick. She and Simmons-Barth parody male-female relationships, family dysfunction, the religious right, and gay rights throughout the show. And even though our world has changed since “Parallel Lives” was first conceived, its themes still resonate with modern audiences. “The show gives a perspective of where we were at the time, and how far we’ve come,” said Wissman. “There are a few pop references that some of the younger audience might not get, but the message and sentiment will always be relevant: Be proud of who you are. And underneath everything, love is what really counts.” DETAILS: “Parallel Lives,” September 29-October 15. 8pm. Sunday matinees 3pm. Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St. 410.752.8558. IronCrowTheatre.com.

BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER

9/28/11 7:10 PM

ART “conversations with flowers,” 2011

”Travelin’ Shoes” Tramp into Hampden Gallery BY KELLY D. MCCLAIN

Gay artist Rams Brisueño has been painting since 2000. In 2001, Brisueño debuted his work at Artscape and Donna’s Café where he became recognized as an artist in the community. Now his work is featured in the “Travelin’ Shoes” exhibit at the Fleckenstein Gallery in Hampden. His series, the painted boy, contains 25-30 small and large pieces. With a background in graphic design, Brisueño also created videos of the painted boy series which “show joy with pain.” “They go back to the past, imagining the past,” Brisueño said of the painted boy pieces, which are renditions of himself as a boy. The video series appeared at the Reginald Lewis Museum as part of the Black Male Identity Project—a project that engages multiple partners and participants to overcome the prevailing negative stereotypes of what it means to be a black male. Brisueño lived in New York and Washington D.C., where his mom was born, before moving to Baltimore. Most of his work is influenced by his childhood experiences with his mother. Brisueño’s work from the painted boy, and his more recent series, conversations with flowers, combine illustration, acrylic, watercolor, collage, and modeling clay. “Collage brings together, for me, the paths I have been and where I am going,” he said. The conversations with flowers series tells a story about communing with the flowers in a garden and what can WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

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Rams Brisueño with “Hold Me,” 2010

be learned from them: “perfume night / with longing, / wishing stars grace / dreams as blooms / hush softly / beloved (beloved) / come” “As long as I believe in what I want, I want you to believe in it as well,” he said. “Welcome to my garden.” Works from the painted boy and conversations with flowers will be featured at the Fleckenstein Gallery beginning October 5 in the “Travelin’ Shoes” exhibition along side works by artists Schroeder Cherry and Kylis Winborne. “Cherry’s work focuses on the black porters of the 1930s and 40s while Winborne creates colorful wall illusions,” he said. “Travelin’ Shoes” represents the movement of individuals in space and time. “We have that freedom—traveling. Each shoe is valid, [whether] gay, black, big man,” Brisueño said. n DETAILS: “Travelin’ Shoes” Exhibition. October 5–November 5, Artist Reception Saturday, October 15, 5-9pm. The Fleckenstein Gallery, 3316 Keswick Rd. 410.366.3669. FleckensteinGallery.com VOLUME 33, NUMBER 19 PAGE 9

9/28/11 7:10 PM

headlinenews NATIONAL

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For Gays and Lesbians in the Military, the Days of DADT Are Over The 17-year federal law that made it impossible for gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military officially ended on Sept. 20. For countless service members, the repeal of the controversial “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was met with great relief. Not only will gays and lesbians be able to serve without fear of being discharged, but those who have been discharged under DADT will be allowed to re-enlist. “Gay and lesbian Americans eager to serve the country but not willing to compromise who they are as individuals will, for the first time ever, be able to openly join,” said Joe Solmonese, Human Rights Campaign president, in a statement.

New Report Highlights Difficulties for Black Transgender People According to a new report, Black transgender and non-conforming people face some of the highest level of discrimination. The study, “Injustice at Every Turn: A Look at Black Respondents in the National Transgender Discrimination Survey” was conducted by the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and the National Center for Transgender Equality. Some of the key findings are as follows:

• Black people who attended school as transgender people reported alarming rates of harassment (49%), physical assault (27%), and sexual assault (15%) at school. Harassment was so severe that 21% of respondents left school and 6% were expelled due to bias. • Respondents who were harassed and abused by teachers in K-12 settings showed dramatically worse health and other outcomes than those who did not experience such abuse. • 32% of Black transgender people lost their jobs due to bias, and 48% were not hired due to bias. • 21% of Black transgender people are reportedly being refused health care due to bias. PAGE 10 • SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 13, 2011

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• 41% of Black respondents said that they had experienced homelessness at some point in their lives, over five times the rate of the general population. Of those who tried to access shelters, 40% were denied outright, 61% experienced harassment, 32% were physical assaulted, and 31% were sexually assaulted, all of which took place at a shelter. Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, calls the report “a critical call to action.” In a press release, Carey stated that policymakers need to confront these horrifying realities by enacting protections without hesitation. For complete results of the study, visit TransEquality.org.

Gay Marriage is in the Hands of N.C. Voters Lawmakers in North Carolina moved one step toward denying gays and lesbians the right to marry. An initiative—to appear on May’s primary ballot—will make marriage between one man and one woman the only domestic union recognized in the state. Marriage in North Carolina is already defined as being between one woman and one man, but the amendment will make the ban on gay marriage part of the state’s constitution. If the amendment is approved by voters, the state legislature and state courts would be unable challenge the law.

Bullying Among LGBT Youth Gets National Attention Treatment of LGBT youth has become a nationwide debate in light of the string of suicides stemming from bullying. Most recently, 14-year-old Jamey Rodemeyer of Buffalo, NY, took his life, allegedly due to constant abuse from peers. On Sept. 8, over a week before taking his life, Rodemeyer posted the following to his blog: “No one in my school cares about preventing suicide, while you’re the ones calling me [gay slur] and tearing me down.”

In response, The White House has named The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) a “Champion of Change,” and held a national Anti-Bullying summit on Sept. 21. “I and my colleagues are dedicated to identifying and implementing solutions to the problem that work for schools and for students, instilling hope and staving off despair,” said Eliza Byard, GLSEN Executive Director, in a statement on GLSEN’s website. However, not everyone is onboard with a national effort to combat bullying. Republican presidential candidate, Michelle Bachman (R-MN), dismissed the issue at a rally in Costa Mesa, Calif. According to the Washington Blade, when questioned about what she intends to do about the pervasive issue of bullying targeted at LGBT youth, Bachaman replied, “That’s not a federal issue.”

Iowa’s Marriage Equality Law in Jeopardy The balance of power is up for grabs in the Iowa state legislature, which could mean trouble for Iowa’s marriage equality law. Currently, Democrats have slim, one-seat majority, but that could change now that Sen. Swati Dandeker—who currently represents the Marion District—has been appointed by Gov. Terry Branstad to the Iowa Utilities Board. Although Dandeker is a Democrat, Marion is a district with more registered Republicans. According to DesMoinesRegister.com, if a Republican wins Dandeker’s seat in the special election on Nov. 8, there will be an even split in the senate, making it more difficult to pass more liberal legislation.

“It is a very good opportunity for Iowans to elect a pro-jobs fiscal conservative to get Iowa back on track,” said Senate Republican Leader Paul McKinley. The potential change-up could also give the GOP an opportunity to move forward on issues that have previously been blocked, namely a proposal to amend the state constitution and eliminate marriage rights for same-sex couples. Iowa Democrats recognize the gravity of the Nov. 8 election. “Maintaining our Democratic majority in the Iowa Senate is essential to protecting middle class Iowans and keeping our state moving forward,” said Iowa Democratic Chairwoman Sue Dvorsky in a statement on KeepTheMajority.com.

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS BY RACHEL ROTH BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER

9/28/11 7:10 PM

INTERNATIONAL

United Kingdom to Take Leadership Role in Fight for LGBT Equality

Wikileaks Reveals Info Uganda’s Anti-Gay Bill

Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone, has vowed to become a “champion for gay rights” and is aiming for gay marriage to be legal in the United Kingdom by 2015, according to UK paper, The Daily Mail. Under current law, gays and lesbians can enter into civil partnerships, which have most of the legal protections that come with marriage. However, same-sex couples cannot use the term “marriage” and are prohibited from getting married in a church. Featherstone is introducing a consultation in March that will outline how to implement equal civil marriage for same-sex couples. Prime Minister David Cameron is on board with marriage equality efforts both in the UK and abroad. Recently he gave his support to the Kaleidoscope Diversity Trust, a UK-based LGBT charity, which aims to influence gay rights around the world.

According to a recent Wikileaks report, Uganda’s First Lady Janet Museveni was behind the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. In a diplomatic cable obtained by Wikileaks, U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, Jerry Lanier, called the First Lady a “very extreme woman” and said that she was “ultimately behind this bill.” The bill, which was brought to Parliament in October of 2009, was aimed at criminalizing the act of same sex relationships. According to the language of the proposed legislation, the death penalty would be administered to people who have previous convictions of homosexual behavior, are HIV positive, engage in sexual acts with people of the same sex, or engage in sexual acts with anyone under 18 years of age. Ultimately President Museveni was persuaded by the U.S. to oppose the Bill and the plan was quietly shelved. However, the Ugandan government still has a number of laws that criminalize homosexual behavior.

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Death of Trans Man in Cuban Prison Brings Attention to LGBT Community

Gays fight for the Right to Parade in Prague

A young trans man died while in police custody in Cuba. According to Penúltimos Días, an expat Cuban blog, Nelson Linares García, 34, was arrested along with “about a dozen homosexuals, transvestites, and transsexuals in Old Havana” and died while under arrest. A doctor cited “respiratory arrest” as the cause of death, but the authorities did not conduct an autopsy, according to Penúltimos Días. Mariela Castro Espín, daughter of Cuban President Raúl Castro, has been at the forefront of the fight for LGBT equality in Cuba, and has started an organization, National Center for Sexual Education (NCSE). In an interview with the Havana Times, Espín argued that “the prejudices of Cuban society” are responsible for “holding back progress on LGBT human rights, and obstacles exist because prejudices dominate institutional decisions here.”

Days before the first-ever Gay Pride Parade was to take place in the Czech Republic, members of the government came out swinging. Most notably opposed to the event was President Václav Klaus’ senior advisor Petr Hajek. Hajek wrote in a statement on his website that homosexuals were “deviant fellow citizens.” He went on to say that “the prepared Prague gay carnival is a pressure action and a political demonstration of a world with deformed values.”

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The Czech Presdent, calling the parade a “manifestation of homosexualism” is standing by his senior staffer. In a comment on the President’s website, Klaus states; “I do not feel any pride in the event either.”

B C WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

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VOLUME 33, NUMBER 19 PAGE 11

9/28/11 7:10 PM

Carlton Smith

BY REV. MOTHER MEREDITH MOISE

Born out of a need for unity and cultural affirmation,

Baltimore Black Pride will celebrate its ninth anniversary October 4 through October 11. The week will be filled with activities and events focused and designed specifically for the African American LGBT community. Many within Baltimore’s gay community have questioned the purpose of Black Pride. Some call it racially divisive and separatist. Others believe it serves no real purpose other than a great party. Two Baltimore Black Pride founders and board members, Carlton Smith and Kevin Clemons, lay out a clear and persuasive argument for the cultural event’s significance and its benefit to Baltimore: Gay Life: Who are the founders of BBP? Kevin Clemons (KC): Dana Owens, Kevin Clemons (original), Carlton Smith, Leroy Burgess (since the association under the International Federation of Black Prides). GL: Why was BBP created? KC: BBP was created out of two issues: We needed to first recognize our uniqueness, talents, and contributions as Black LGBT people/community.

PAGE 12 • SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 13, 2011

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Historically, we had always had celebrations and some acknowledgements as far back as 1985, but we became a more recognizable entity when we joined the National Federation of Black Prides in 2002. Secondly, although our white LGBT community were having Prides and would invite the Black LGBT community, we still found that because they weren’t really in tune to what our unique culture was as a Black LGBT community, we still weren’t feeling completely included. So a few of us activists/advocates started to create our own way of expressing and celebrating, which has evolved to BBP. Carlton Smith (CS): We felt a need to change how Pride was perceived by Black folks. The Black gay and drag communities felt they were not being heard at Pride (in June). We wanted to create a space for us. GL: Were there any negative reactions to BBP? KC: Well always when you’re stepping out you will always get resistance from inside and outside. Inside—“Why are they doing that? Can’t you all just keep it quiet? What about your family? What about your church? What about your community?” We as Black folk have historically believed in keeping your stuff in the family (“its our business…nobody else”). And for some of our own LGBT folks, they wanted to remain out of the spotlight. But now there’s a group of people who want to acknowledge openly who they are and [they think]: “that scares me... because I may get outed.” Then from the outside (our white counterparts)—“Why is there a need to separate or create separate BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER

9/28/11 7:10 PM

Prides? We all have the same beliefs because we’re all gay!” And they felt that just because they were involved with Black LGBT they were somehow connected. They really didn’t have a clue. Their intention may have been good, but your “Black” experience is very different than mine.

Kevin Clemons

GL: State of Baltimore LGBT youth?

CS: There were cries from the white gay community that we are all the same. We said that Black Pride brings a sense of unity, telling us to buy black, be black, and fight for social justice. GL: Biggest challenges facing Baltimore’s Black gay community? KC: Realizing how vital we are as a community. We’re so much more than we think we are. We contribute on so many levels, but we still rather remain anonymous. Unfortunately it’s this anonymity that causes so many downfalls like substance abuse, suicide, bullying, sexually transmitted diseases, and AIDS. We have to understand that we have the power to make major changes if we learn more about what we’re worth. Discussing it openly without guilt and shame and constantly reinforce how great we are as a people. We owe it to our LGBT youth especially. They really need to understand our LGBT history and struggles that have not only got us here, but they have an obligation to continue when we’re gone. Black Pride is more than just “celebration.” We have a wealth of information— knowledge and contributions—issues and concerns that each of us in our community can address. So that when the week of Pride arrives, there is really something to celebrate. GL: What are the positive things working in the city’s Black LGBT community? KC: We have some programs that are addressing our needs. We have Gay Student Alliances (GSA) on the campuses of Coppin, Morgan, and Bowie State Universities. We have some social organizations, clubs [like] Club Bunns now in its 25th year serving our community, as well as the Club Paradox. Support groups, we have

and more young people that are a lot more focused and vocal, which is vital to continuing the work. The handful of us historians owe it to them to be mentors and go-tos to help them continue the work long after we’re gone. I can’t stress enough: “Don’t forget your history.” CS: They are looking for ways to express themselves and looking for mentors. We need to support our young, and it’s important to show we are behind them.

group facilitation’s to address the whole MSM experience. We have filmmaker Kirk Shannon-Butts who is bringing gay films to Baltimore. We have several youth initiatives that are making big strides. We have initiatives addressing the needs of the transgender community to name a [few]. Baltimore is growing and thanks to the social media network (Facebook and Twitter) it has opened up an entire generation of connecting and networking in our community. GL: When did you start your community activism work? And how has the community changed since you began your activism? KC: I started in community activism in 1985, working with a few local bars and social groups. Then I was hired by Johns Hopkins to work in the S.H.A.R.E. (Study to Help the AIDS Research Effort) which continues to be the longest running research study in the U.S. looking at HIV in gay/ bisexual men. I joined the Baltimore City Health Department in 1988 as one of its first outreach workers with concentration on Black LGBT. From there I started a support group “Positive Power,” one of the largest support groups focusing on HIV positive Black gay and bisexual men (there were over 300 men in our support group over its 13-year run). I was blessed to have spent 13 years with the BCHD and when I left in 2001 I was leaving behind my position as the Community AIDS Coordinator for the City of Baltimore. There are more

KC: There are some youth out there that are doing good work. We just need to encourage, lend our expertise and equip them to lead and encourage others. We really must teach them how to rally politically to make a real difference. GL: State of Baltimore LGBT elders? CS: Black Pride is focusing on baby boomers. We are focused on making sure our people get housing and creating safe spaces for them. We are reaching out to find out what they need. KC: The elders must give and lend support to our youth and anyone else who wants to get involved. We have lived it, contributed to it, but now we need an infusion of new blood. So we must go out and lend our expertise to the next generation so all this work has not been in vain. GL: Your hopes for BBP in the next 5 years? KC: That BBP becomes the premiere organization, politically, socially in Baltimore City being able to address the needs of its Black LGBT community. But also have more support from our Black Community as a whole. CS: I see us moving as a community, raising our voices. I see promoting health and wellness while having more of a political and economic voice. We will always promote our people, our culture: buying black, supporting black, and having our own space! n

ICONS DEL. MARY WASHINGTON

As the Associate Director at an urban environmental education organization, Mary oversees programs that build community greening efforts, educate children on environmental issues, and train and employ youth and adults in green careers. Through this work, Mary is able to take her deep commitment to matters of social and environmental justice, and, using her skills in putting people together to solve problems, has made effective strides in creating a healthier, safer, and sustainable Baltimore.

ARCHBISHOP CARL BEAN

Carl Bean is the founding prelate of the Unity Fellowship Church Movement, a liberal protestant denomination particularly welcoming of LGB African Americans. Before founding the first church of the denomination, the Unity Fellowship Church, Los Angeles, in 1975, Bean was a Motown and disco singer, noted particularly for his version of the early gay liberation song “I Was Born This Way” off of disco label West End Records. In 1982 Bean became an activist, working on behalf of people with AIDS. Bean’s autobiography, “I Was Born This Way,” came out in 2010. (Courtesy Wikipedia.)

“I WAS BORN THIS WAY: XPRESSION OF YO-SELF” BALTIMORE BLACK PRIDE 2011 EVENTS: Tuesday, Oct. 4: Conversations of Race and Class in Our Community 7-9pm Recurring 10/18, 11/1, & 11/15 Metropolitan Community Church 401 W. Monument St. Wednesday, Oct. 5: “Blueprint” Screening (See p. 17) WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

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Friday, Oct. 7: Black Out Meet and Greet (6-9pm) Kim Walker and her band Rapture “Sir, Yes Sir” author Michael Warren FREE ($10 after 9pm) All New Club Bunns 606/608 W. Lexington St. Where’s Your Voice? Youth Event GLCCB 241 W. Chase St. 6-9pm Contact Michael: 410.887.3380 or m_quanderjr@yahoo.com

Saturday, Oct. 8: Youth Summit: Who Runs the World? UMB Student Center FREE food & entry. 2-4pm Town Hall Meeting 30 Years of African-American LGBT History in Partnership with Baltimore Heritage, FREE Metropolitan Community Church 401 W. Monument St. 1-3pm

Cultural Affair and “ICONS WE LOVE” Awards with Del. Mary L. Washington, Archbishop Carl Bean & Artist Tona Brown. Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center, 847 N. Howard St. 7-11pm Sunday, Oct. 9: Sunday Spiritual Service Unity Fellowship Church of Baltimore

Sermon By Rev. Sam Offer feat. Tona Brown. Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center 847 N. Howard St. 11am Annual Fall Festival, 4-10pm All New Club Bunns 606/608 W. Lexington St. Tuesday, Oct. 11: National Coming Out Day

Youth & Young Adult Mixer GLCCB, 241 W. Chase St. 6-9pm National Coming Out Day / Thank You Party 10pm-2am All New Club Bunns 606/608 W. Lexington St. QUESTIONS? Visit: BlackPrideBaltimore.org Email: BmoreBlackPride@yahoo.com VOLUME 33, NUMBER 19 PAGE 13

9/28/11 7:10 PM

SPOTLIGHT Pikesville Silver & Antiques Your source for all things silver

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t MTVs video music awards, Lady Gaga took to the stage as her more masculine alter-ago, Jo Calderone. 629 Reisterstown Rd. · 410.358.3377 · M-F 10-5

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Calderone started the show with a performance of Gaga’s “You And I,” but only after a mock-tirade about his relationship with Gaga. The act itself was bold and showy and quite good overall. Gaga remained Calderone for the whole show, accepting a moonman as well as presenting one to Britney Spears completely in character. I do have to confess, I’ve never been a big Lady Gaga fan. I must admit, though, after seeing the VMA performance, Gaga can really put on a show. Unlike previous incarnations, Calderone is not in a meat dress or plastic bubbles. He sports a white t-shirt with rolled up sleeves, jeans, and slickedback hair: one might expect Calderon to start performing tunes from Grease rather than Gaga’s tunes. He struts around the stage, taking drags from a cigarette or swigs from a beer bottle. If you’ve ever seen a good drag king show, well, you’ll recognize the moves― and they’re done well. There’s a much bigger story here, though. When one watched the performance, cutaways to the star-studded crowed showed many politely shocked faces, and even a few frowns of disapproval for Calderone. Justin Beiber, for one, appeared to want to be anywhere but there. Later, when Calderone was presenting the Video Vanguard Award to Spears, he leaned in for a kiss―and Spears turned away. Many more in the media went on the attack, calling Calderone “disgusting” and “bizarre,” or even a “bizarro, gender-bending alter he-go” by Tirdad Derakhshani of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Some stories wanted to focus on whether or not Calderon wore a faux phallus, and worried over what restroom Calderone used that day. In short, the same stuff most other transgender people have to wade through. In the same week, reality show

“Dancing With The Stars” announced that Chaz Bono would be on the show this season. As expected, Bono’s casting has stirred up controversy, so much so that Chaz’s mom hopped onto her Twitter account to defend her son from hateful, transphobic comments. So in the course of one week we’ve seen two huge stories about two big celebrities. It’s big, big stuff, and even the obvious, queer-and-transphobic reactions only speak to the enormity of the story. But one more thing happened, and it won’t be found in Us or People. In a courtroom in Los Angeles the same city in which both the VMAs and DWTS are held a mistrial was declared in the shooting death of 15-year-old Larry King. It’s unclear if King was gay or transgender, but we do know that he was known to wear high heels, makeup, and other traditionally feminine attire, and to chat with males. One of these males, Brandon McInereney, had told at least six people he was going to kill King in the days before the murder. McInereney took a .22 caliber handgun to E.O. Green Junior High School and shot King twice in the back of the head in front of other classmates. It was cold and calculated. McInereney’s defense attorneys claimed that he felt threatened by a comment that King made in the hall― a simple “What’s up, baby?” ―and that McInereney could not control himself. Yes, transgender panic rears its head again―and again, it works. So I applaud the Gagas and Bonos out there for building awareness on the television screens of America. Maybe what they’re doing now will help lead us to a better future. Yet don’t believe for a minute that because Jo Calderone can swagger across a stage, or that Bono can cut a reality show’s rug that we’ve reached acceptance. For some, expressing one’s gender remains a death sentence. n Gwen Smith is no monster. You can find her at GwenSmith.com

BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER

9/28/11 7:10 PM

SPEAKING OUT

Black Masculinity and Homophobia: Hardaway’s about-face appears suspect BY REV. IRENE MONROE

n the African American community we desperately need public role models denouncing anti-homophobic bullying, vitriol, and discrimination. Since too few role models come from the Black Church, many of us lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) brothers and sisters of African descent look to black role models, especially males, in the areas of entertainment and sports. But sadly that list too is short. Tim Hardaway, a retired NBA All-Star player, has recently stepped forward. “It’s not right to not let the gays and lesbians have equal rights here,” Hardaway told the crowd at a press conference organized by “No Recall,” a group which opposes a recall of El Paso, TX city officials for their support to re-establish domestic partner benefits for same-sex and unmarried partners of city employees. Hardaway, however, is the last person one would expect to speak out on behalf of a LGBTQ social justice issue. In a 2007 interview on Miami’s sports radio station, “790 The Ticket,” Hardaway was asked how he would interact with a gay teammate. The topic came up after a fellow former NBAer John Amaechi announced, in his book “Man in the Middle,” that he is gay. “You know, I hate gay people, so I let it be known. I don’t like gay people and I don’t like to be around gay people,” Hardaway said. His vitriol, sadly, hurt more than just his post-career endorsements. It hurt the hundreds of young LGBTQ sports enthusiasts and athletes that revered him. For many of us in the African-American LGBTQ community, however, we were saddened by Hardaway’s remarks, but certainly not surprised. Former CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition H. Alexander Robinson commented on Hardaway’s sentiments: “His callous disregard for the dignity of the lives of gay Americans brings dishonor to himself and the many thousands who look upon him as WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

gl_v33_19_MB.final.indd 15

“HARDAWAY’S HOMOPHOBIA IS SHAPED BY A PARTICULAR TYPE OF BLACK MASCULINITY THAT NO LONGER HAS TO BREAK THROUGH THIS COUNTRY’S COLOR BARRIER TO REPRESENT THE RACE AND PROVE ATHLETIC PROWESS OR MANHOOD IN SPORTS.”

a role model for young black men and women, many of whom are undoubtedly gay or lesbian.” I do believe with the right intervention and rehabilitation that vile-spewing homophobes can change. But when their crossover appeal and multi-million careers comes to an abrupt halt, their mea culpas appear disingenuous, and their zealous LGBTQ advocacy appears suspect. Today’s society awards celebrity status to professional athletes of all races, and the popularity of African-American athletes has reached unprecedented levels. Hardaway’s homophobia is shaped by a particular type of black masculinity that no longer has to break through this country’s color barrier to represent the race and prove athletic prowess or manhood in sports. The aggressive posturing and repudiation of LGBTQ people allows athletes like Hardaway to feel safe in the locker room by maintaining the myth that all the guys gathered on their team are heterosexual, and sexual attraction among them just does not exist. This myth allows homophobic men like Hardaway to enjoy the homosocial setting of the male locker room

Reach the local gay market... Advertise in Gay Life!

Continued on page 19 VOLUME 33, NUMBER 19 PAGE 15

9/28/11 7:10 PM

COMPILED BY RACHEL ROTH

Building Community Since 1977 The GLCCB is proud to offer a wide range of free and low-cost programs, events, and services to the community. . Unless otherwise noted, all events are held at the GLCCB located at 241 W. Chase Street, Baltimore. For more information please visit www.glccb.org or call 410-837-5445.

WOMEN’S PROGRAMS PEARLS OF WISDOM (POW)

A coming out/peer support group for ALL womyn of the LBTQ community, engaging in open and confidential discussions on relationships, family, self-identity, coming out, peer relationships, and more. Meets 1st and 3rd Saturdays at 11:00am in room 202 For info contact POW.Lesbian@yahoo.com

WOMEN OF COLOR

A collective group committed to providing a safe, confidential, and supportive space for LBTQ women of all colors. Meets 2nd, 4th, and 5th Thursdays at 7:30pm in room 202 For info contact WOC@glccb.org

TRANSGENDER PROGRAMS GENDER IDENTITY GROUP (GIG)

A support group for transgender, gender queer, and anyone who varies from traditional gender expression. Meets 2nd Saturday at 8:00pm in room 201 For info contact GIG@glccb.org

GIG: Baltimore Trans-Masculine Alliance A support group for FTMs.

Meets 4th Saturday at 6:00pm in room 202 For info contact BTMA@glccb.org

GIG: Tran*quality

A support group for MTFs

WOMEN OUT AND ABOUT

A social group for LBTQ women who want to meet new people while enjoying fun activities.

Meets 4th Saturday at 8:00pm in room 201 For info contact Tranquility@glccb.org

GIG: SOFFA-T

Meets off-site, dates and times vary For info contact BWOAEvents@yahoo.com

MEN’S PROGRAMS MEN LIKE ME

An open support group for adult men who love other men with the objective of empowering participants to take care of themselves and each other. Topics of discussion include coming out, homophobia, relationships, and more provided in a safe and supportive environment.

A support and resource group for significant others, friends, family, and allies of transgender persons. Meets 4th Saturday at 8:00pm in room 202

HEALTH & WELLNESS PROGRAMS BEGINNERS’ YOGA

Gentle beginners’ yoga with instructor Tim Hurley, RYT. Drop-ins WELCOME!

Meets 2nd and 4th Mondays at 6:00pm in room 201 For info contact MenLikeMe2glccb.org

$9.00 per person, per class EVERY Sunday at 3:30pm in room 201

POZ MEN

HIV & SYPHILIS TESTING

Meets EVERY Wednesday at 7:00pm in room 202 For info contact POZMen@glccb.org

EVERY Wednesday from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on 3rd Floor

FREE and confidential testing provided by the Baltimore City Health Dept.

A peer support group for men who are HIV+.

YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT PROGRAM SUFFICIENT AS I AM (SAIM)

A supportive group for youth and young adults 24 years of age and under. Youth are welcome to drop-in and try out this successful long running program that features discussion sessions, special events, guest speakers, and trips. Meets EVERY Saturday at 12:00pm in room 201 For info contact SAIM@glccb.org

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS The GLCCB offers a wide range of community events including art shows, musical performances, variety shows, special events, and projects. For more info visit our website at www.glccb.org or look for separate ads in the Gay Life newspaper.

The GLCCB is the publisher of

The GLCCB is the producer of

RECOVERY PROGRAMS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

LGBTQ centered AA recovery groups, welcoming to all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Meets EVERY Monday at 8:30pm, Thursday at 8:30pm, and Saturday at 6:30pm in room 201

AA—POSITIVELY SOBER

an open meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous, which provides a safe place for those with HIV or other health related issues. All are welcome. Meets every Sunday at 6:15pm in room 201 For info contact woodylightandlove@gmail.com

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS

Men’s Rap group for men in recovery. Meets EVERY Sunday at 11:30am in Room 201

SEXUAL COMPULSIVES ANONYMOUS

Group for individuals recovering from sexual compulsion. Meets EVERY Tuesday at 7:00pm in room 202

www.glccb.org PAGE 16 • SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 13, 2011

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BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER

9/28/11 7:10 PM

Photo by Damani Washington

outgoing EMAIL YOUR EVENT INFO TO CALENDAR@BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM

“Church”: A church service’s innate element of theatricality is explored through the insight of four ministers in this powerful play. $10-20. 7:30pm. Thru 10/30. Single Carrot Theatre, 120 W. North Ave SingleCarrot.com

Saturday October 1 LGBT HISTORY MONTH BEGINS Free Fall Baltimore: More than 200 activities including dance, music, and theater performances, art exhibitions, festivals, workshops, and museums. Times & locations vary. FREE. Thru 10/31. FreeFallBaltimore.com. Tilted Torch: Choose Your Own Burlesque Adventure: Remember those “Choose Your Own Adventure” kids’ books? This is like that, but with less clothing. $11-6. 8pm. Creative Alliance at The Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org Baltimore Frontrunners: Running/walking club for LGBT individuals and friends. Assemble 8:45am, run 9am. Reassemble for brunch 10am. Panera Bread, 3600 Boston St. BaltimoreFrontrunners.org Human Rights Campaign National Dinner: Celebrity guests at HRC fundraiser. $275. 5:30pm. Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington DC HRCNationalDinner.org

SPOTLIGHT

BY RACHEL ROTH

BLACK GAY FILMMAKER SHARES “BLUEPRINT” Filmmaker and Baltimore-native Kirk Shannon-Butts is coming home to share his highly-acclaimed film, “Blueprint.” In conjunction with the 9th Annual Baltimore Black Pride, Shannon-Butts will screen the story of two college freshmen, fighting to make a romantic connection amidst the chaos of New York City. While Shannon-Butts has been making movies for 11 years, “Blueprint” is his first feature-length film. “When I discovered film and cinema, I quickly gravitated towards the gay and lesbian genre,” he said. “Soon thereafter, I realized there were basically no black gay films. None. So for me, that meant I did not exist,” he said. As the centerpiece event in the week-long Black Gay Pride celebration, Shannon-Butts hopes

Tuesday October 4

to send a message to viewers about what it means to be black and gay in 2011.

Conversations of Race and Class in Our Community: Dinner included. Recurring 10/18, 11/1 & 11/15. 7pm. Metropolitan Community Church of Baltimore, 401 West Monument St. BmoreBlackPride@yahoo.com, BlackPrideBaltimore.org

“My inspiration [is] not to be or to remain the ‘invisible man,’” he explained. “I chose to exist, and not as a sidebar on ‘Logo’ or ‘Queer As Folk,’ but as a centerpiece. That is the blueprint.”

Chesapeake Squares Club Square Dance: Gays, straights, and everyone in between can do-se-do at Baltimore’s premier square dancing club. ALL are welcome! $8. 8-10pm. Tuesdays. The Waxter Center, 1000 Cathedral St. ChesapeakeSquares.org

“Blueprint,” which debuted in London and was called “an important addition to gay cinema” by Metro Weekly, also received a “Best First Feature” nomination at San Francisco’s Frameline Film Festival. It was also screened at the Cannes Film Festival. After the film, Shannon-Butts will lead a question and answer session. Additionally, he will show “Love,” a music video from “Blueprint,” which shot straight to No. 1 on MTVMusic.com. EVENT INFO: “Blueprint” Film Screening, Wednesday, October 5, 7:35pm, $10 requested donation, Creative Alliance at The Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org

Wednesday October 5 Transgender Issues Working Group: Meets every other Wednesday. Registration required. FREE. 7pm. Equality Maryland, 1201 S. Sharp St. Contact owen@equalitymaryland.org BINGO! Enjoy drink specials, appetizers, and raffles. Come for happy hour, stay for Bingo and receive $5 off your Bingo package! Cash prizes and progressive jackpot. Proceeds benefit GLCCB. 8:30pm. Club Hippo, 1 W. Eager St. ClubHippo.com Blueprint: (See article on left) 7:35pm. $10 requested donation. Creative Alliance at The Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org

Thursday October 6 Baltimore’s Only Gay Male Review: Upscale nightclub/lounge with a full menu, drink specials, and giveaways. Thursdays at 8pm. The Backdoor Lounge, 5801 Pulaski Hwy. 410.483.3356 BackdoorLoungeBaltimore.com Matt Wigler Trio: The 17-year-old jazz pianist returns to the cabaret, old chum, bringing a unique blend of original music and jazz standards. 7:30pm. Germanos Trattoria, 300 S. High Street germanostrattoria.com

DATEBOOK

Baltimore Beer Week Opening Tap Celebration: Partake in the tapping of the first firkin and imbibe in unlimited samples of the area’s finest beers and tasty bites from local restaurants. 6-9pm. $30 Rams Head Live, 20 Market Place RamsHeadLive.com

Friday September 30

Friday October 7

Madeleine Peyroux and Nellie McKay: Peyroux performs tracks from her 2011 album, joined by Nellie McKay. $35-58. 8pm. Strathmore’s Music Center 5301 Tuckerman Ln. Bethesda 301.581.5100. Strathmore.org

Meet and Greet Black Out Party: Kim Walker and her band Rapture perform at the Baltimore Black Pride event. FREE. 6-9pm. Club Bunns, 606/608 West Lexington St. BmoreBlackPride@ yahoo.com, BlackPrideBaltimore.org

“Sankofa”: Screening and discussion of Haile Gerima’s powerful film about a self-absorbed Black American fashion model on a photo shoot in Africa, who is spiritually transported back to a plantation in the West Indies. Q&A follows w/ Dr. Leslie KingHammond, founding director of MICA’s Center for Race and Culture. $5-10. 7:30pm. Creative Alliance at the Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org

Where’s Your Voice: Baltimore Black Gay Pride Youth Event. FREE. 6-9pm. GLCCB. 241 W. Chase St. Contact Michael Quander: 410.887.3380 m_quanderjr@yahoo.com

Tea and Sympathy: Opening night of this gripping drama set in a boys’ boarding school in 1953 New England. The show explores hearts in torment set against the harsh realities of 50’s social stigma. $16-20. 8pm.Thru 11/6. Spotlighters Theatre, 817 Saint Paul St. Spotlighters.org

The Streets of Baltimore: Songs of Our City: Songs inspired by Charm City. Baltimore’s singer-songwriters perform hits by Bob Dylan, Randy Newman, and more. $13-15. 7:30pm. Creative Alliance at The Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave. CreativeAlliance.org

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Our Town: Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer-Prize-winning play. $1536. 8pm. Thru 10/30. Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park, 3691 Sarah’s Lane, Ellicott City ChesapeakeShakespeare.com

Saturday October 8 YOM KIPPUR Baltimore Black Pride’s History Town Hall Meeting: In partnership with Baltimore Heritage, 30 years of AfricanAmerican LGBT history. FREE. 1-3pm. Metropolitan Community Church of Baltimore, 401 West Monument St. BmoreBlackPride@yahoo.com, BlackPrideBaltimore.org Baltimore Black Gay Pride Youth Summit: Who Runs the World. FREE food and entry. 2-4pm. UMB Student Center. Contact Jamal Hailey: 410.706.4162, jhailey@peds.umaryland.edu Black Pride Cultural Affair and “Icons We Love”: Join honorees Del. Mary L. Washington and Archbishop Carl Bean plus Mezzo Soprano Tona Brown. Buffet, open bar, live entertainment, and dancing. $50 donation. 7-11pm. Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center, 847 N. Howard St. BmoreBlackPride@yahoo.com, BlackPrideBaltimore.org Monty Python’s SPAMALOT: Musical based on “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” $102-205. 2 & 8pm. Thru 10/9. Lyric Opera House, 140 W Mount Royal Ave. LyricOperaHouse.com Second Saturday in Station North: Enjoy acting workshops, arts exhibits, a staged reading, beer, pizza, and more at the all-day venue crawl through the District. FREE. 2pm. StationNorth.org/ calendar/second-saturday-in-station-north

Sunday October 9 Black Pride’s Unity Fellowship Church of Baltimore Service: Sermon by Rev. Sam Offer and featured artist Mezzo Soprano Tona Brown, UFCB Mass Choir and special guests. 11am-1pm. Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center, 847 N. Howard St. BmoreBlackPride@yahoo.com, BlackPrideBaltimore.org Baltimore Black Pride’s Annual Fall Festival: 4-11pm. Club Bunns, 606/608 West Lexington St. BmoreBlackPride@yahoo.com, BlackPrideBaltimore.org Indigo Girls: The Grammy-winning folk/roots rock duo performs new music from “Beauty Queen Sister.” 7pm. $45-55. The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Ln. North Bethesda. 301.581.5100. Strathmore.org

Monday October 10 Stoop Storytelling “Under the Influence”: Stories about the powerful effects of people, dogmas, and various substances. $20. Cocktails and live music by Felicia Carter & Amy Shook at 7pm, Show 8pm. Centerstage, 700 N. Calvert St. StoopStoryTelling.com

Tuesday October 11 NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY National Coming Out Day Mixer for Youth: 6-9pm. GLCCB, 241 W. Chase St. 410.837.5445. Glccb.org Howard County PFLAG Monthly Meeting: Support group Q&A for parents of LGBT children. FREE. 7:30pm. Owen Brown Interfaith Center, 7246 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, PFLAGmd.org Rainbow Youth Alliance of Howard County: A support group for LGBTQ youth and allies. 7:30pm. To confirm location, contact: rya_leaders@hotmail.com

Wednesday October 12 BINGO! Enjoy drink specials, appetizers, and raffles. Come for happy hour, stay for Bingo and receive $5 off your Bingo package! Cash prizes and progressive jackpot. Proceeds benefit GLCCB. 8:30pm. Club Hippo, 1 W. Eager St. ClubHippo.com Lisa Hannigan: Following up the success of her first album, “Sea-Saw,” the Irish-born folk singer performs new songs from her sophomore album “Passenger.” $25. Doors 7pm. Rams Head Live, 20 Market Pl. RamsHeadLive.com

Thursday October 13 Reel Affirmations Film Festival: (See article p. 6) International LGBT film festival runs through 10/22. ReelAffirmations.org

Friday October 14 Russian Festival: Authentic cuisine, music, and art and wares imported from Russia. Thru 10/16 Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church, 1723 East Fairmount Ave. RussFest.org VOLUME 33, NUMBER 19 PAGE 17

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afterhours BSCENE

Free State Legal Project Kick-Off Cocktail Celebration

Visions for Tomorrow AIDS Awareness Benefit at Club Hippo

PHOTOS BY ELEANOR DAYHOFF, DAYOFF IMAGES

PHOTOS BY SAMATRA JOHNSON

HUNTER ON THE PROWL!

Events at PW’s, Triple L, and Remembering Lady Lisa HUNTER on the Prowl is here to let you know of the entertainment that Baltimore and beyond has for you! As you all know I try to go to all events, but it’s not easy. PW’s Bar out in Laurel is a fun bar and has much to offer. There are drag shows every Friday night, a Bingo night and many other specials throughout the week and weekend. The bartenders are very friendly and will take care of most of your needs. PW’s also serves food from breakfast to all types of bar food. I have eaten there myself and the food is very good. Friday, September 9, PW’s held a benefit show for “Miss Gay MD at Large Pageant.” The show was hosted by Miss Regina Jozet Adams who once a month has a “SURVIVOR” Show. The contestants are eliminated based on tips collected during their numbers. The contestant with the lowest amount of PAGE 18 • SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 13, 2011

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tips gets voted off the remainder of the show until a winner is determined. This show the contestants were Ada Buffet, Gracie Freebush, Shawnna Alexander, Onyx D. Pearl, and Mahogany La’Mor. At the end of the show, Miss Shawnna Alexander was given “The Survivor” award. There were also other entertainers such as; Kedra Lattimore, Estella Sweet, Angelika Jozet Adams, and Ashlee Jozet Adams. This was a fun night for all! Saturday, September 10 at The Triple L (other side of Leon’s), Miss Ada Buffet hosted “The End of Summer Show.” Many entertainers including Marketta M. Buffet, Gracie Freebush (Miss Leon’s 2012), Veronyka Wynters, Jazmen Diamond, Anastacia Amor, Dee Attatood, Danielle Revlon, and of course Ada Buffet. This was another great show held at The Triple L!

BY MARK HUNTER

Speaking of the Triple L Bar, they have a lot to offer: Drag shows once a month, Bear Night, Karaoke Night, and “A Male Revue Show.” Happy Hour is till 10pm every night! On a sad note, on September 10, 2010 we lost a very SPECIAL Lady to the community, “Lady Lisa!” She was a daughter, friend, and a very special family member to a lot of us. She was taken from us way too early, but I guess the man upstairs had other plans for our “LADY” of the community. Lady Lisa was very special to me and my family. Lady Lisa and I were title holders (MR & Miss Club Phoenix 2005) and she was my Best Friend. She is missed immensely! May you Rest In Peace forever! Please be safe while you are out and about! Until next time boys & girls, see you when Hunter is on the Prowl! n BALTIMORE’S GAY LIFE NEWSPAPER

9/28/11 7:10 PM

MONROE from page 15

that creates male-bonding―and the physical and emotional intimacy that goes on among them displayed as slaps on the buttocks, hugging, and kissing on the cheeks in a homoerotic context―while such behavior outside of the locker would be easily labeled as gay. In his book, Amaechi states, “The NBA locker room was the most flamboyant place I’ve ever been. Guys flaunted their perfect bodies. They bragged about sexual exploits. They primped in front of the mirror, applying cologne and hair gel by the bucketful. They tried on each other’s $10,000 suits, admired each other’s rings and necklaces. It was an intense camaraderie that felt completely natural to them.” In August, Sports Illustrated writer Dave Zirin caught up with Amaechi to get his take on Hardaway’s turn around. “I was in contact with the people he did his ’emergency rehab’ with after his ’I hate gay people rant.’ They were underwhelmed to say the least. Back then his contrition seemed more to do with the financial and reputation hit he had taken in the aftermath. However, it seems to me that this is a far more genuine piece of outreach...I hope this is a story of true redemption rather than a savvy PR ploy. Either way, he is at least saying the right words, and that will make a positive difference,” Amaechi told Zirin. But as we know, a change of words does not necessarily bring a change of heart. n

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