Looking Back on 2016
By Rodney Burger & Bill Redmond-Palmer Usually the start of a new year fills one with optimism and the hope that next year will be even better. As 2016 comes to a close many in the LGBT community are fearful of what 2017 will bring. We are all in this together. So let us hope for a happy New Year and take a look back at 2016.
JANUARY
As 2016 began Equality Maryland and FreeState Legal announced that the two influential organizations would merge to form one comprehensive statewide organization to address the needs of LGBT Marylanders. On January 18th Baltimore’s King and Queen of Pride, Kevin “Tyga” Holt and Chasity Vain, appeared in Baltimore’s Martin Luther King, Jr., Day Parade. Although it was the 16th year for the parade, it was the first appearance by the king and queen of Pride in the annual procession.
Pixel-perfect – artist David Roesner
On January 30th Brother Help Thyself awarded $76,000 in grants to 23 nonprofit organizations serving the LGBT and HIV / AIDS communities in the Baltimore / Washington area during the organization’s annual grant reception, held this year at Grand Central. On January 31st the Gourmet Goat hosted the seventh annual wine and cheese “Silent & Lively” Auction to benefit the Community Free Clinic of Hagerstown.
December 23, 2016 | Volume XIV, Issue 17 Frederick and featured DJ Urban Cowboy, Brazilian dancers, drag entertainers, and South American cuisine. The February 19th issue of Baltimore OUTloud announced an agreement with the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland (GLCCB) to purchase their Gay Life Gay Life and Baltimore OUTloud join forces newspaper and first ever LGBT-specific mayoral forum form one publiwith 12 of the over 30 candidates running cation. In the same issue Johns in attendance. On March 12th an event was held at Hopkins announced that it would become the first hospital in the Leon’s in Baltimore to raise funds for a U.S. to perform HIV-positive to monument to drag icon Divine in the city. On March 30th in Baltimore’s District HIV-positive organ transplants. On February 10th FreeState Legal Court, 2015 Baltimore Pride Coordinator (and Equality Maryland) announced that Paul Liller accepted a plea deal and plead on the heels of last year’s successful ad- guilty to a misdemeanor theft of less than vocacy that resulted in the elimination of $1,000 related to a charge of taking propthe transgender exclusion in most health erty from the GLCCB. insurance policies in Maryland that health insurance plans sold in Maryland on the individual, small group and student health insurance markets would no longer have On April 3rd four of the Mid-Atlantic’s best LGBT choral groups – Baltimore’s New transition-related care exclusions. In Hagerstown, New Light MCC cele- Wave Singers, Potomac Fever, the Gay brated 20 years of serving the LGBT com- Man’s Chorus of Washington, and Philadelphia’s SheWho – joined forces for a munity of Washington County. On February 23rd the People Living concert at Baltimore’s Brown Memorial with HIV / AIDS Committee of the Great- Park Avenue Presbyterian Church. Rebecca Blaqueout was crowned Miss er Baltimore HIV Health Services Planning Council hosted the fourth in a series of Gay Maryland America 2016 during a pagmeetings at Johns Hopkins to educate the eant held on April 23rd and 24th at the Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore. community. On April 26th to May 1st Randy Harrison from Showtime’s “Queer as Folk” appeared at the Hippodrome Theatre in On March 8th the GLCCB in partnership “Cabaret.” An editorial in the April 15th issue with ReVision, the poetry club at the University of Baltimore, hosted Baltimore’s —continued on page 4
It wasn’t the best of times, and some moments if felt like almost the FEBRUARY worst... On February 6th, the Frederick Center, the eponymous county’s non-profit LGBT support organization, hosted the second annual “Carnival” fundraising benefit. The 2016 fundraiser was held at the Hampton Inn in
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Co-Publishers Jim Becker • Jim Williams publisher@baltimoreoutloud.com Executive Editor Jim Becker becker@baltimoreoutloud.com editor@baltimoreoutloud.com Associate Editor & Director of Marketing & Production Mary Taylor taylor@baltimoreoutloud.com Theater Editor Ryan M. Clark rclark@baltimoreoutloud.com Leather Editor Rodney Burger rburger@baltimoreoutloud.com Restaurant Critic Richard Finger Contributing Writers for Baltimore OUTloud Ava Barron-Shasho • Nicole Bettis Janan Broadbent, Ph. D. • Josh Buchbinder Anthony Calo • Lee Carpenter • Jeffrey Clagett Wayne Curtis • Lynda Dee • Woody Derricks Deborah J. Draisin • Chuck Duncan • Barb Elgin Richard Finger • Joe Garvey • John Redmond-Palmer Rev. David D. Harris • Dr. Eva Hersh • Cheryl A. Jones Esq. Mark S. King • Brother Merrick Moses • Harvey O Frankie Kujawa • Sage Piper • David Placher Megan Sandwick • Mark Segal • Gregg Shapiro David Sugar • Bill Redmond-Palmer • David Egan Contributing Writers for OUT in the VALLEY Laura Anderson • Debbie Anne • Rev. Kelly Crenshaw Rev. Dr. Robert Apgar-Taylor • Brian George Hose E. A. Perper •Elizabeth Thompson Graphics Richard A. Bowe Jr. • Ramon Montiel Cartoonist Bruce Garrett • Angela Wren Photographer Bruce Garrett Web Editor Anja Saine webmaster@baltimoreoutloud.com The Fusio Group National Advertising Rep Rivendell Media 908-232-2021 Founders Jim Becker • Joe Berg • Mike Chase • Lee Mooney (1959-2007) • Jim Williams
Baltimore OUTloud PO Box 4887 Baltimore, MD 21211 410-802-1310 Baltimoreoutloud.com Additional Information Baltimore OUTloud is published every other Friday by Pride Media, Ltd. in Baltimore, Maryland. Readers comments and unsolicited materials are welcomed and may be sent to: editor@baltimoreoutloud.com. All materials appearing in this newspaper are the property of Pride Media, Ltd. and may not be reproduced without the written permission of the editor. The opinions expressed in Baltimore OUTloud are solely those of the writers unless otherwise indicated and do not necessarily reflect the views of Pride Media, Ltd., and the staff. © 2016 – All rights reserved Chair of the Board of Trustees – Jim Becker President – Jim Williams Secretary and Treasurer – Mike Chase
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DECEMber 23, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com
news // LOCAL
Project Presence: 2nd Installment Draws 70 to MICA The second installment of the Project Presence exhibitions, titled “#ProjectPresence2 – Presence Over Time,” drew over 70 people December 16th at MICA’s Gateway building. Project Presence aims to reduce stigma against LGBT people by showing how sexual
and gender stigma can imperil people’s lives. The program included visual stories of six diverse Baltimore LGBT people: Cheena “Sin” Brown, Jennifer Eden, Davon Epps, Ken Jiretsu, Ken Johnson, and Carlton Smith. Five of the multigenerational group of artists, parents, activists, and poets participated in a Q&A session during the event. Photographer Dick Mitchel accompanying show told stories of adversity and empowerment. The event is sponsored by the Baltimore City Health Department and supported by
the HIV prevention project IMPACT, bringing together health providers, community-based organizations, and Baltimore government to address prevention, access, care, and treatment in Baltimore’s LGBT community. Planning is underway for Project Presence 3. For updates, search for “Baltimore in Conversation” on Facebook. For more information, visit Baltimoreinconversation. com. t – Bill Redmond-Palmer
Penna among lowest, Maryland near top, on LGBT Equality Index Washington, D.C. – The Human Rights campaign has released its third annual report assessing how state legislation affects LGBT equality, and marked Pennsylvania as “High Priority to Achieve Basic Equality,” the lowest ranking. The other categories were from lowest to highest were “Solidifying Equality,” “Building Equality,” and “Working Toward Innovative Equality.” Maryland was ranked as “Building Equality,” the second best ranking. New Jersey and Delaware were among seven states that are “Solidifying Equality.” The report showed that opponents of equality in many states are proposing laws to undermine marital rights of LGBT couples, target transgender people, limit the ability of cities and towns to pass their own inclusive laws and undermine other existing protections. “State governments have a clear choice between sowing the seeds of division and discrimination or building an economy that works for everyone by fostering fairness and inclusion,” said HRC President Chad Griffin in a statement. “Unfortunately, too many lawmakers have decided to target LGBTQ people for state-sanctioned discrimination and to interfere with local protections for workers, customers and residents. Now more than ever, it is crucial that legislators across the country stand on the right side of history and ensure full equality for all their citizens – nothing more and nothing less.” Pennsylvania was recognized as “High Priority to Achieve Basic Equality” due to its lack of state-level workplace protections for LGBT employees. It is one of 28 states in the lowest-rated category.” The SEI evaluates the states’ laws and policies relating to parenting, nondiscrimination, hate crimes, youth, health, and safety. “People are still shocked to learn that there are no state or federal protections from discrimination at work, in housing, or in business services for gay and transgender people, and once again after more than a decade of consideration of this issue, another
legislative session just ended in Pennsylvania without passing LGBT nondiscrimination legislation,” said Ted Martin, executive director of Equality Pennsylvania, in a statement. “Lack of discrimination protections for LGBT people in our state hurts families and hurts our economy.” However, Martin also recognized how the report presented some positive information. He noted how Pennsylvania has “moved on discrimination legislation further than ever before” and worked on policies specifically for the transgender community. “There are definitely things that are positive but I think we still have work to do,” Martin said. t (Philadelphia Gay News – Jeremy Rodriguez at Epgn.com)
Finding their arty side
Local artists Frank Vit and Justin Osborne standing with one of their 20 prints now on display at the Hotel Brexton in Mount Vernon. With a combined experience of over 20 years in photography, the two decided to branch out into the more artistic side. The exhibit is on display now through late January. For more of their work see their website at Wlko.com
Lynda Dee Attorney At Law Serving the LGBTQ Community Since 1981
• DUI/Traffic • Criminal • Estate Planning • Wills • Powers of Attorney • Advance Medical Directives • Personal Injury • Automobile Accidents • Workers’ Compensation • Family Law and Divorce • Second Parent Adoptions 201 N. Charles Street, Suite 2300 • Baltimore, MD 21201 Office: 410-332-1170 • Fax: 410-837-0288 lyndamdee@aol.com • lyndadeelaw.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 23, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com t
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news // LOCAL
Looking Back on 2016
teers with the support of over 40 ally organizations, to call for sensible gun reform in response to the Orlando massacre. August 19th to 20th, Mid-Atlantic Leatherboy 2012 John Urso of Glen Burnie won the Atlantic States Community Bootblack title as part of the Atlantic States Leather Weekend, held in Baltimore. On August 25th, an overwhelming majority of Chase Brexton professional staff members voted to join the 1199 SEIU Healthcare Workers Union, despite the strong opposition of the agency’s management. On the 31st, the Baltimore City Police Department Commissioners LGBT Advisory Board held a listening session with local community members to solicit input on what they should be doing to meet community needs in the future.
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of Baltimore OUTloud endorsed Bernie Sanders for president and State Senator Catherine Pugh for mayor of Baltimore. On April 28th Baltimore was saddened to learn of the death of Demetrius Mallisham, the mayor’s LGBT community liaison. Mr. Mallisham was 46 and began working for the mayor’s office in 2009.
MAY
On May 1st Chase Brexton sponsored the annual AIDS Walk & Run. The Maryland Film Festival was held in Baltimore on May 4th to 8th and featured over 50 feature films and 75 short films. On May 19th Baltimore’s LGBT community was saddened to hear that the Baltimore City Board of Liquor License Commissioners had voted 2 to 1 to close The Drinkery, a Mount Vernon institution for over 44 years. On May 21st and 22nd the New Wave Singers of Baltimore rounded out their 30th anniversary season with a spring concert.
JUNE
A diverse group of LGBT community members met with Sgt. Kevin Bailey, the Baltimore City Police Department’s new LGBT liaison, on June 1st at a gathering held at Chase Brexton Health Services. At a June 2nd meeting of the Baltimore City Board of Liquor License the board reversed its decision to close The Drinkery after reviewing an appeal that one of the main witnesses in opposition to the bar’s liquor license should not have been allowed to testify because he holds a competing
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liquor license. The bar quickly reopened much to the community’s delight. On June 12th the unthinkable happened as 49 people were killed in a mass shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Nearly a thousand people gathered at the Ynot Lot in Baltimore for a candlelight vigil on June 13th as Baltimore stood with Orlando. There was a large turnout for Frederick Pride on June 25th as thousands filled Carroll Creek Linear Park in downtown Frederick, Maryland. Entertainment was provided by comedian Sampson McCormick, Trixie, Ethereal Jive, Miss Gay Maryland 2016 Rebecca Blaqueout, Christine Havrilla, Wicked Jezebel, and many others. On June 29th, Baltimore’s faith communities sponsored an interfaith vigil to remember those lost in the tragic shooting in Orlando. The next day, the organization created as the result of the merger of Equality Maryland and Freestate Legal Project held a gala event to announce their new name, FreeState Justice, as well as their new mission and vision.
JULY
On July 19th, FreeState Justice filed a lawsuit on behalf of a Maryland 14-year-old transgender boy who had been denied access to school facilities in accordance with his gender identity. The highlight of July was Pride 2016, including the Pride parade and block party with headliners CeCe Peniston and Crystal Waters on the 23rd, the Festival in Druid Hill Park on the 24th, as well as events throughout the community. Baltimore OUTloud’s own Jim Becker was one of the Pride parade’s grand marshals, together with DJ Rosie. The Baltimore TransgenJune 29th der Alliance was – Memorial named the 2016 for Pulse Organization of victims the Year, and
DECEMber 23, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com
SEPTEMBER Makayla Gilliam-Price and Bryanna A. Jenkins were named Activists of the Year. On July 21st at the annual Pride Interfaith Celebration, presentations were made, and a new award was created to honor Father E. “Skip” Koritzer, former longtime Baltimore OUTloud photographer and community advocate.
AUGUST
George “Gilbert” Remmers, proprietor of the Yankee Peddler antique story in Fells Point, passed away on August 5th. On August 6th, the GLCCB moved from the Waxter Center to new offices in Charles Village in an effort to improve their ability to provide quality services and support to the community. Around the same time, Chase Brexton Health Care terminated five longtime staff members, with large followings in the community, following steps by Chase Brexton staff to unionize, spawning rallies and protests against the healthcare provider. On August 8th, at a community meeting in the Sandtown-Winchester neighborhood, former home of Freddie Gray, representatives of the Department of Justice (DOJ) solicited community input into the consent decree being negotiated with the City of Baltimore over the allegations, described in a recent DOJ report, of misconduct by Baltimore Police. On August 13th, an estimated 10,000 people attended the “Disarm Hate” rally in Washington, D.C., organized by volun-
On September 2nd, Tom Bonderenko retired after nine years as the executive director of Moveable Feast and over 30 years working in human services in Baltimore. On the 8th, the LGBT Resource Center of Chase Brexton held a community meeting to discuss and allay concerns about recent events at the agency. On the 15th, Moveable Feast hosted Baltimore’s 23rd annual Dining Out For Life fundraising event, at over 47 restaurants across Maryland. On the 17th, over 300 people joined Chase Brexton at their Charm Ball to raise over $162,000 for their Hardship Fund that supports assistance for their clients. On the 18th, New Light MCC in Hagerstown held their annual “Homecoming” event to welcome back old friends and family. September 28th saw Chase Brexton host a mobile mammography van offering mammograms. On September 30th, Iron Crow Theater, Baltimore’s queer theater company, launched their new season called “Dark Play,” including productions of The Wild Party and The Rocky Horror Show.
OCTOBER
October 1st to 2nd, the LGBTQ United March Against Gun Violence, a candlelight vigil and rally, was held in Lafayette Park, across from the White House in Washington D.C. October 2nd to 11th, Baltimore Black Pride Week events took place around the city, including a Regional Black Trans Advocacy Conference, and the annual Baltimore Black Pride Block Party.
news // LOCAL October 5th to 10th, the third annual Baltimore International Black Film Festival screened over 80 films, many dealing with issues affecting black men who love men. David Zeidler, a.k.a. boy david, of Glen Burnie, was selected as American Leatherboy 2016 first runner up at the American Brother Weekend in Chicago, held October 7th to 11th. On the 16th, the GLCCB held its grand opening celebration at its new location. In its October 28th issue, Baltimore OUTloud issued its endorsements for several political offices, including Hilary Clinton for president, Chris Van Hollen for U.S. Senate, and Catherine Pugh for mayor. In that same issue, the GLCCB formally introduced its new co-directors: director of operations Mimi Demissew, and director of programs Kenneth Wernsdorfer. On the 31st, New Light MCC in Hagerstown held a “Trunk or Treat” as part of the city’s trick or treat night.
NOVEMBER
Peter Dayton, a.k.a. Pupboy Orpheus, was named the 26th Mr. Maryland Leather 2017 on November 5th.
From November 3rd to 13th the fifth annual Charm City Fringe Festival was held in Hampden and Station North, showcasing new and up-and-coming artists. Alex “Bear” Conley of Silver Spring, founder and president of the Queer Leather Alliance, became the 2017 Mid-Atlantic Leather Woman at a contest held on November 11th to 12th. On November 15th, embattled Chase Brexton CEO Richard Larison announced that he would not be seeking to renew his contract, prompting a search for a new CEO. On the 16th, the Chase Brexton management opened negotiations with 1199 SEIU Healthcare Workers Union. On November 19th, Dee A. Diamond was crowned the new 2017 Queen of Pride and Titan Legacy was crowned the new 2017 King of Pride. November 20th saw the annual Transgender March of Resilience, with a gathering to celebrate and remember those lost due to anti-trans violence on the Transgender Day of Remembrance.
DECEMBER
On World AIDS Day, December 1st, events were held across Maryland to honor those who have died while living with HIV / AIDS, and to recommit to the battle against the stigma and challenges of the disease. On the 3rd, the Shipmates Club held their annual Daddy Christmas event, raising funds to support the Audrey Herman Spotlighters Theater. On the 10th, the 18th annual “12 Days of Christmas” event raised funds for the Scott H. Stamford Memorial Fund of AIDS Action Baltimore, the Mid-Atlantic Deaf Interpreting Fund, the Allen Senior Center, and the GLC-
CB building endowment. On December 16th, the GLCCB held its Winter Gala Fundraiser to celebrate its 40th year serving Baltimore’s LGBT community. The same day, Project Presence honored the stories of six members of the LGBT community – Cheena “Sin” Brown, Jennifer Eden, Davon Epps, Ken Jiretsu, Ken Johnson, and Carlton Smith – through visual and oral stories. t
From all of us at Baltimore OUTloud we wish you the Happiest of Holidays and a very Merry New Year! See you in 2017!
BaltimoreOUTloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 23, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com t
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beyond the beltway compiled by Jim Becker
Cherokee Nation must recognize same-sex marriage Oklahoma City – Associated Press reports that the Cherokee Nation’s attorney general has legalized gay marriage for the country’s second-largest Native American tribe, saying its same-sex marriage ban violates a tribal requirement for all of its citizens to be treated equally. Attorney General Todd Hembree’s opinion says parts of a 2004 tribal law that d e fined marriage as “ a civil contract between one man and one woman” and prohibited marriage between two persons of the same sex violate the Cherokee Constitution, which requires the equal treatment of tribal citizens. “The right to marry without the freedom to marry the person of one’s choice is no right at all,” Hembree wrote in his opinion. Tribal Assistant Attorney General Chrissi Nimmo said that the opinion carries the force of law and legalizes samesex marriage and adoption by same-sex couples who are members of the Oklahoma-based tribe, which has about 300,000 members. Nimmo said the sovereign laws of the Cherokee Nation and other tribes were not directly affected by last year’s U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage and that Indian tribes are the only remaining governments in the U.S. that can prohibit or legalize same-sex marriage. But the Cherokee Nation Constitution contains similar due process and equal protection guarantees as the U.S. Constitution, rights that are reflected in the tribal opinion, she said. “It’s a very similar decision to that of the United States Supreme Court,” she said. Hembree’s opinion was requested by the director of the tribe’s tax commission. The matter arose when a person who was recently married outside the tribe’s jurisdiction offered a marriage certificate is-
sued to her and another woman as proof of her identity, according to the ruling. The Cherokee Nation was among 11 of the nation’s 567 federally recognized tribes that had explicit bans on gay marriage. (Bay Windows & The Associated Press – Tim Talley at Baywindows.com)
250,000 show up in Taipei to support samesex marriage
sider. This would avoid conflicts, they said. Opinions inside the governing Democratic Progressive Party remain divided, and are unlikely to coalesce any time soon. Previous attempts to enshrine marriage equality in Taiwan have failed but bills are pending. (Asia Times – Liu Hsiu Wen at Atimes.com/ article/250000-turn-taipei-gay-marriage/)
Louisiana court says governor’s LGBT job protections invalid
Taipei, Taiwan – As reported in the Asia Times, around 250,000 people gathered in front of Taiwan’s Presidential Office on December 10th, urging the government New Orleans – Louisiana Gov. John to legalize same-sex marriage. Singers, Bel Edwards’s executive order protecting public figures, concerned groups, and state LGBT employees has been declared legislators from various political parties unconstitutional by State turned out to voice their support. The rallyDistrict Judge Todd Hering call was for the government to amend nandez. Hernandez ruled Taiwan’s Civil Code. The event, which took Edwards’s order created the form of a concert, was staged to coinor expanded state law, cide with international Human Rights Day. something only the legisIt came a week after some 70,000 people lature can do. took to the streets of downtown Taipei to The state’s Republioppose same-sex marriage. can attorney general filed Taiwan has been tipped to become the lawsuit challenging the first place in Asia to legalize samethe Democratic goverLouisiana nor’s order. Edwards sex marriage, but public opinions remain Gov. John Bel divided. Debate has centered on whether Edwards plans to appeal. While the government should extend marriage Edwards’s order included rights to all by amending the Civil Code a non-discrimination provision for contractors, to insert gender-neutral terms in place of it contained an exception for religious organiones implying heterosexual marriage, or zations contracting with the state. pass a special law that merely grants leHernandez bought the argument that Edgal status to same-sex couples. Conser- wards’s executive order tried to create new vatives, religious groups, and many older protected classes of people that don’t exist citizens back the latter option: they worry under current state or federal law. In his dethat amending the Civil Code to let same- cision, he called it, “an unlawful usurp of the sex couples marry will destroy traditional constitutional authority vested only in the legfamily values and have urged a national islative branch of government.” (Dallas Voice referendum on the issue. Most progres- at Dallasvoice.com) sives and younger Taiwanese support the former proposal, however. They believe These news notes have been compiled, marriage is a basic human right and that with permission, from the online version any law that preserves segregation will reof various newspapers and other web inforce discrimination. sites. We thank these publications for In an ambiguous statement, Taiwan’s allowing us to bring you their news stopresident, Tsai Ing-wen, reiterated support ries. Usually the reports have been sigfor the push for equality. “Same-sex counificantly edited and you can read the ples also have the right to marriage,” she full story by going to the web site mensaid, while calling for “more discussion but tioned following the item. Comments less confrontation” on the issue. The govare strictly the opinions of Jim Becker ernment’s Executive Yuan and Ministry of and not of Baltimore OUTloud or Pride Justice both announced that they do not inMedia. tend to propose marriage equality bills, in any form, for the Legislative Yuan to con-
Brazil: squatters shelter LGBTers from violence Sao Paulo, Brazil – As reported by Reuters, a multi-colored gay pride flag hangs in a corner of a bare room in an abandoned Sao Paulo art deco building that was once the headquarters of Brazil’s social security agency. The room is home to several LGBT people seeking refuge from discrimination and hate crimes. They were invited to join some 300 squatters who have been living in the building for several months in an occupation organized by Front in the Fight for Housing, an activist group promoting rights of some 400,000 people without decent housing in Sao Paulo. “The occupation is a space where we can feel safe,” Rodrigo, a tall shaven-headed gay man says as he strokes his black beard. “In the LGBT movement, we just want to live our lives and that means not having to be afraid
Dancing while squatting in Brazil
of who is behind you.” Luciana Jesus Silva, a bisexual woman and organizer of the occupation, asked the FLM to offer space to LGBT people after she learned that one of her gay friends had been hospitalized after a hate attack only to have his mother throw him out of the house, saying he was the work of the devil. “We who are the most marginalized and repressed by society have to stand together,” said Silva, 45, a mother of four. More than two dozen LGBT people have joined the occupation, though many more come. Brazil has one of the world’s highest rates of LGBT hate crimes, despite a reputation for sexual tolerance. The country recognized same-sex marriage in 2013 and hosts some of the world’s largest gay pride festivals. Human rights groups say homophobic violence is endemic in Brazil, where there were 326 murders in the community in 2014. Some evangelical pastors, who are becoming increasingly popular in Brazil, have adopted overtly homophobic rhetoric. t (Reuters – reporting Nacho Doce, writing Daniel Flynn, editing Jim Finkle at Reuters.com/article/ us-brazil-lgbt-idUSKBN13X2EC?il=0)
BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 23, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com t
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Voice of the Center The Board and Staff of the GLCCB wish our LGBTQ Communities and family a safe and wonderful Holidays and Happiest of New Year!
Staff Profile Kevin Holt By: Jennifer Eden Kevin Holt is a 34 year old Richmond, Virginia native. He’s been in Baltimore for four and a half years. He began volunteering with the GLCCB in 2015 and is now an essential member of the Peer Navigator team. Kevin uses the knowledge he’s gained through life experience to help those in need. “Growing up in foster care not knowing who my real parents were, I thought the people I was with were nice, fun, and loving,” he said. “At the age of 8, I entered the foster care system and was adopted by a Caucasian family. Four years later, I was put back in the foster care system.” “When my journey started all over again, I started to feel like I was too different from other kids in the foster homes and group homes I was in. During the time I was in foster care again, I experienced rape, as well as mental and physical abuse in the foster homes and group homes. I had to endure the abuse. Some of the things I personally faced were beating, being locked in a closet, being called a ‘fag’ and other abuse because I identified as LGBTQ.” “I learned that some of the parents, some social workers, some teachers, some principals, and leaders in the community didn’t really understand me.”Kevin believes for this reason that the LGBTQ+ community is in need of safe space to heal, learn, and grow.
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Kevin Holt (left) and Terrence White (right)
Even though Kevin does not like being in the public eye, he served as Baltimore’s King of Pride 2016. His fun-loving nature showed in each of his performances throughout his reign. If Kevin were not the hardworking advocate for the LGBTQ+ community that he is, he would be working in security or event planning. When he is not giving back to the community to which he belongs, he enjoys going to church, horseback riding, and spending time with his fiancé.
DECEMber 23, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com
Volunteer Spotlight Dolores Velez
My name is Dolores Velez. I am a retired singer and divorced mother of four adults. I am the proud mother of Jennifer Eden, who works for the GLCCB and is also an amazing poet. I have spent most of my life volunteering. I started in high school as a candy striper. Since then, I have worked with children through schools, hospitals, and churches. I spent many years working with elders in senior centers and nursing homes. I love making people happy by reading, singing, helping to fix their hair, or putting on a little makeup. Art projects were always fun, making paper plate hats on Mothers’ Day or drums and guitars out of tissue boxes. The joy in sharJennifer Eden, daughter (left) and ing smiles and hugs is amazing. Several years ago, my daughter Dolores Velez, mother (right) came to me and told me she was gay. I acted like a fool. I screamed and said things that today don’t make any sense at all. Over the years, I was listening to others tell me that I should not even try to accept who she is and that I had to help “bring her back.” Now I ask, “Back from what?” Over the years I had to shed the hatred and negative attitudes that others had drawn me to. I started listening to my heart. Three years ago, I went through an emotional breakdown as I lay on the floor of my empty apartment. I asked God to break me all the way down and make me new. I weighed 300 plus pounds at the time. Every day after that was a process of mental and physical change. Two years later, I had lost 162 pounds and found my spiritual walk was what would guide me back to being a good mother to my daughter. I started volunteering at the GLCCB last May when she asked if I would help with packing for the move. Each and every day that I’ve walked into the center since then, I’ve felt a love that I never thought would be so overwhelming. I love the people. I love their spirit, their soul, and their smiles. I have grown so much through this amazing experience. I walked into my daughter’s office one day a few months ago and said. “Thank you for giving me time to grow up. I love you.” I have a much larger family now because everyone who walks in that door adds to my life. I hope to be volunteering at the GLCCB for a long time to come.
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A Night out with the GLCCB By Jennifer Eden On Friday December 16th, the GLCCB invited folks to dance the night away in celebration of 40 years of service to Baltimore’s LGBTQ+ community. The theme for the night was “The Future is Ours,” an appropriate affirmation as the center celebrated its longevity and all that is to come. It was a cold night, but the atmosphere inside Chase Court was warm and friendly. Built in 1879, the space boasts stone construction with arched, diamond leaded-glass windows, intricate woodwork, and high ceilings. Past the iron gates and through the garden, attendees found the Gothic-style doors that lead to the party. Folks were dressed in their best to enjoy the festivities and each others’ company. They took pictures in front of the fireplace between visits to the buffet and bar.
Rouge Catering provided the food for the event. There were tasty turkey meatballs in cranberry glaze and a creamy crab fondue. There were also chilled shrimp, crispy brown butter gnocchi, and grilled veggies. And for dessert, there were tiny pies topped with whipped cream. An open bar gave attendees the liquid courage they needed to keep the dance floor full all night. The DJ played a wide range of tunes, from hip-hop classics to popular line dances. GLCCB Peer Navigator Key’Ayshia Tucker gave a fun rendition of Tina Turner’s classic “Proud Mary,” featuring fellow Peer Navigator Kevin Holt and his fiance Terrence White as backup dancers. The evening’s entertainment also included the comedic stylings of Violet Gray. Their set surrounded the struggles of coming out and dating as a gender fluid individual. They were sure
to include few shots at the audience, too. Attendees bid on silent auction items to raise funds for the GLCCB’s year-round programming. The hottest item of the auction was a Buddha sculpture. Two attendees had their hearts set on the prize, but the highest bidder wrote in their final offer after it was too late and bidding had closed. With the spirit of giving in mind, the winner offered their prize to the other bidder if they agreed to double the winning bid, to which they eagerly agreed. Our 40th anniversary gala was an opportunity not only to acknowledge all of the organization’s past accomplishments, but also to recognize those propelling the GLCCB into the future. The board members and staff in attendance were met with a round of applause as board president Jabari Lyles introduced us each to the crowd. Volunteers were celebrated as
well, and thanked for their dedication to upholding the GLCCB’s mission. Since its inception in 1977, the GLCCB has worked “to be a catalyst for uniting and empowering sexual and gender minorities in Baltimore and Maryland, and to advocate for a better quality of life for the entire community.” The center wouldn’t be able to function without the help of those community partners who simply want to serve fellow LGBTQ+ people in their own city. The GLCCB wants to thank every single community member, donor, program facilitator, and volunteer who has made the past 40 years possible. It is because of you that we are able to sustain, grow, and thrive. This is just the beginning!
BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 23, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com t
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thinking outloud
Pointing it Out
By Sage Piper
Madonna’s Nod to her Muses
to “continue my career for thirty-four years in the face of blatant misogyny, sexism, constant bullying, and relentless abuse.” She noted that there was no internet when she began her career, so “people had to say it to my face.” She described the New York she arrived in circa 1979 as an extremely scary place in which she was assaulted, robbed, and suffered the loss of many close friends to drugs, AIDS, and violence. These experiences were actually gifts, she now reflects, which made her strong, but they also continue to remind her that “I am vulnerable, and in life there is no real safety except self-belief.” As she stands at age 58 as Woman of the Year in the cutthroat music industry, who does Madonna credit with nurturing that Self Belief, which evolved over the years into her own brand of superpower? Not surprisingly, her muse was David Bowie. “He embodied male and
female spirit and that suited me just fine. He made me think there were no rules,” and he was a powerful guide. She watched Prince beautifully cavorting in fishnets and high heels and lipstick, pushing every envelope and he was her guide,
... and the Haters
Last week, Madonna received Billboard’s 2016 Woman of the Year Award with a speech that was, well, quintessential Madonna: fierce, raw, defiant, in your face, and no holds barred. At the same time, it was vulnerable and halting, passionate, cynical, and brutally honest. Most notably it spoke to the power, the daring, of a woman surviving over the long haul. Madonna began her speech by thanking Billboard for acknowledging her ability
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Madonna too. Bowie and Prince did not embody male sexuality, they embodied Sexuality – and it was epic. Yes, she thought, I can do that – that’s who I am. But of course, Madonna couldn’t. Or rather she couldn’t without being criticized, vilified, and demonized in the eyes of the world. Much of her speech details her struggle as she understood that there were such different rules for her and for Bowie and Prince, that if as a woman, you “owned your sluttiness” and shared your sexual fantasies with the world – well, you would be demonized. People expected her to feel shame when youthful nude pictures leaked out and she was not; this unnerved them and made them uncomfortable. After her “Erotica” album and sex book were released, Madonna paid for that discomfort – and was dubbed a witch and a whore. Feminist Camille Paglia accused her of setting women back by objectifying herself sexually. The realization that women did not have the same freedom as men truly sunk in. And so, she retreated, taking comfort in the words of James Baldwin, the poetry of Maya Angelou, and the voice of Nina Simone. She rejected the strident feminism of the time, refusing to deny her sex-
uality. Instead Madonna branded herself a different kind of feminist. And she endured. “People say that I’m so controversial,” she mused, “but I think the most controversial thing I have ever done is to stick around.” At the end of her speech, she urged the women of 2016 to throw off their silent oppression and stop believing what men have to say about them, and to seek out and turn to each other for guidance and inspiration. To each other. “As women, we have to start appreciating our own worth and each other’s worth ... and to the doubters, the naysayers, to everyone who gave me hell and said I could not, that I would not, that I must not, your resistance make me stronger, made me push harder, made me the fighter that I am today, made me the woman that I am today. So, thank you.” Watching Madonna’s speech, it struck me as especially poignant that she should be given this award in the year which endured the tragic passing of both David Bowie and Prince. I also realized that there are many connections between Madonna and Hillary Clinton, persevering women and role models who have committed the ultimate sin of inhabiting who they are without apology. Perhaps this helps explain some of the boundless hatred they both engender in so many. This power, this ability to own their own lives in vibrancy despite the in-
finite ocean of demeaning words, false assumptions, judgments and vituperation leveled against them is remarkable. Through waves of bitter attacks, they have endured, transforming our perceptions of expression, power, and personal and professional evolution in the process. They have not been beaten down, neither have they allowed anyone of any sex to ultimately deny their worth. Madonna and Hillary. Go forth, Women of the Year. t
quality of life // health
Open Wide ask Dr Eva
Dr Eva Hersh
Nutrition
Puzzles Dear Dr. Eva, I am curious about vitamin D. It seems like everybody I know who is been tested for vitamin D has been told their level was too low and put on supplements. If everybody’s level is too low, is there something wrong with the normal ranges? Scientist Dear Scientist, Vitamin D is necessary for good health, especially for healthy bones. As you may know, vitamin D is made in the skin in response to sunlight. Artificial light doesn’t cause vitamin D production. Most people get enough vitamin D from their bodies’ own production of the vitamin and from vitamin D that is added to milk products, cereals, some soy products, and other foods. Severe vitamin D deficiency causes rick-
able approach is for people with very low vitamin D levels, below 20 ng/ml, to take 800 unit vitamin D supplements daily longterm and consider also taking a 12-week course of prescription-level supplements that physicians can prescribe. The usual prescription dose is 50,000 units once a week for 12 weeks. People with vitamin D levels between 20 and 30 should make their own judgment call. Everyone with vitamin D deficiency should spend at least 20 minutes in sunlight in the middle of the day to help their body make the most vitamin D that it can. Dear Dr. Eva, A few years ago you used to hear and read a lot about saturated and unsaturated fats in health magazines. It doesn’t seem to be as popular a topic these days. Is this an important thing to think about? How do you know which fats are saturated, or not? Lipid Lou Dear Lipid Lou, In general, saturated fats are solid,
like butter, margarine and lard, and are more likely to be turned into cholesterol that sticks to the walls of blood vessels (arteries) and causes dangerous blockages to blood flow, which results in heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease. Unsaturated fats are usually liquids, such as canola oil, olive oil, and other vegetable oils. Unsaturated fats are less likely to form cholesterol plaque in the arteries and cause disease. Dear Dr. Eva, Is honey better for you than sugar? Sweetie Dear Sweetie, Honey is only better for you in a philosophical sense, not in a nutritional sense. Natural food advocates often recommend
honey over sugar (sucrose). They believe that honey is natural and sugar is artificial. In fact, sugar is refined from sugarcane or beets by people, and honey is refined from pollen and nectar by bees. If you are looking for an unrefined, natural sugar, fructose, the sugar found in fruit, is a good choice. Another sugar that you might hear mentioned is lactose, which is the sugar that is a natural part of milk. Quite a few people, especially those of Northern European ancestry, cannot digest lactose, which causes them to have diarrhea. It’s important to know that children under one year old should not eat raw (unpasteurized) honey. This is because raw honey can contain botulin bacteria spores, which can cause paralysis in infants. t Eva Hersh is a Baltimore family physician. Send your comments and questions to her by email at dreva@baltimoreoutloud.com.
ets, softening of the bones, which in children causes curving of the lower legs. Prevention of rickets is the main reason that foods are supplemented with vitamin D. Although it’s hard to find a source in medical literature that directly says so, many doctors think that the accepted lowest normal level for vitamin D, which is 20 to 30 ng/ml, may be too high. The fact that most people who are tested do have vitamin D levels below the currently accepted normal range does put into question what the real normal is. Until there is more consistent scientific data, a reasonBALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 23, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com t
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quality of life
Ask
Dr. J
Janan Broadbent, Ph.D.
FAREWELL, 2016 ! You know that cliché of the old year (why always a man?) exiting stage left and the new baby year appearing? Well, here we are, counting the days till the end of this year of 2016, great for some, terrible for others, and perhaps so-so for most… Are you going to watch the ball drop at Times Square? Or the fireworks as other countries in differing time zones celebrate? The concept of time and how we relate to it, and to what extent we let it influence our decisions has a bearing on relationships. A person I know has to eat at 6 p.m. sharp, no flexibility in this. Ruling out any kind of medical (for example, diabetic) reason, put that person in a relationship with someone who does not observe any set schedule and voila! You have a ready-made conflict. You may say, well, so one eats at 6, the other, whenever… true! But then, you have built in the avoidance of an occasion that promotes intimacy connections. Eating together, or breaking bread, is a connection-maker. As we grow up, having that family dinner builds a sense of stability and strong ties. On the other hand, today’s life-
styles necessitate all kinds of adjustments. There may be long commutes to a job. Yet companies also offer flextime and telecommuting. Then there is the electronic gizmo tethering. Have you seen a couple sitting across from each other at a table and each looking at their phones? Funny, eh? Until you realize you do the same most of the time. So with the New Year, maybe we should all think of only one resolution: taking control of our electronic-connection-obsession. I am old enough to remember the days when there were no cell phones. If you wanted to reach out to someone, you had to call! How old-fashioned that was, says today’s mind. It will be quite some time before we will be able to reach conclusions, via research, about how relationships have been altered in their nature with the introduction of this technology. I am convinced that even the smartest of robots and AI will never replace humans. As much as there are apps that you can use for relationship counseling, my area of expertise, it will never substitute for a real live therapist with empathy and ability to respond to individual idiosyncrasies. Here is an example of what illustrates my point: Avclub.com/article/ais-attempt-write-christmas-carol-absolutely-bone--247140 (I can hear the groans already!) So while we get ready to send 2016 back into the dustbin, take a look at your relationships. Tell those who are important to you, face to face, that you love them, that you care about their well-being and happiness. It will be much more valuable than a text of ILU, or a heart emoji. May we all have a healthy and happy 2017! t
“The concept of time and how we relate to it, and to what extent we let it influence our decisions has a bearing on relationships.”
Hearts & Ears, Inc.
is a non-profit organization for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning individuals with mental health issues and concerns. We warmly welcome all sexual and gender minorities and offer a drop-in center open 32 hours a week. Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Closed Closed Closed 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hearts & Ears maintains a “warmline,” which is not an emergency crisis line. You are welcome to call us at 410-523-1694 when we are open. If we are not available, leave a message and we will get back to you as quickly as we can.
611 PARK AVENUE SUITE A BALTIMORE, MD 21201 • 410-523-1694 heartsandears.org
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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD
DECEMber 23, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com
’Tis the Season to Check In on Your Mental Health By Chase brexton LGBT Health Resource Center staff The winter holidays are one of the hardest times for many of us in the LGBT community. (Maybe that’s why Pride is always in the summer?) From dealing with family you may not necessarily enjoy (or who may not necessarily accept you!) to endless “festive” work parties to becoming more aware of just how little money you have, the holidays can feel less joyous and more like a burden. ’Tis the season for depression, but here are some ideas that may help: 1) Be realistic. Who among us hasn’t thought that this holiday will be the one that all those movies are about? Suddenly our family is supportive and loving, the love of our life appears, and for absolutely no reason we’ve got a billion dollars in the bank and paid off all our bills! (Plus, we lost ten pounds without even trying.) Reality: The holidays are not magic. Problems continue through them. Things likely won’t be perfectly perfect. And that’s normal. So, be prepared. It’s better to anticipate the norm than to be disappointed, well, the norm. 2) Be friends with your budget. So you’re not a baller. Now is not the time to spend like you are. In fact, now is probably the best time to use a budget because now is when most of us have more obligations and events that require funds. The holidays will be over before you know it – and gifts are not going to make anyone know you appreciate them, their friendship, or their love. 3) You can cry if you want to. Express your feelings and let it out. Crying to a stranger on the street might not be a good idea, but don’t bottle up your feelings. Express them in a safe environment, preferably with people you trust (or by yourself, if you need). Do your best to not wallow; that will only
make you feel worse and will counteract all the good that “letting it out” does! 4) Reach out. It’s not you, it’s the holidays. They really do make people feel lonelier and more isolated. Especially if their families don’t accept their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Check out the listing of community events in OUTLoud or find local church events to go to (there are plenty of LGBT churches around). Volunteer your time to help others – it feels good and you will meet people. Call the LGBT Health Resource Center and see what they can point you toward. You’re truly not alone. Just take that first step and make some new connections. 5) Make an appointment. So: you feel like you’re officially depressed (or well on your way there). Or maybe you realized: it’s time to come out but you just aren’t feeling sure how to. Or you’re ready to begin your transition but you want some guidance on, hey, all of the stuff. Or you just need to deal with whatever it is that has a hold on you emotionally. Make an appointment with a therapist and get the work going to help you make the changes you want to see in your life. (Chase Brexton and the LGBT Health Resource Center both have therapy appointments available to help!) You’ll make it through this and you have a community out there to help you! And next year, we’ll all be here with you, too! The LGBT Health Resource Center of Chase Brexton Health Care has expanded to include a uniquely tailored, dedicated, safe space for Behavioral Health for LGBTQ individuals, couples, and families. Behavioral Health services at the LGBT Health Resource Center include access to the staff of the Resource Center, who will help patients find expert health wellness information available to the community. Additionally, patients can learn firsthand about upcoming events and programs being organized for and by the LGBT community. For more information, call 410-837-2050 x8810. t
quality of life
My Fabulous
Disease By Mark S. King
The Compassionate Truce In the towering new novel Christodora, author Tim Murphy harnesses decades of personal and professional experience as an HIV journalist into a story that sweeps back and forth between the last several decades and beyond. It has the scope of great literature, but Christodora is also a deeply personal chronicle from a man who knows his terrain. The book’s namesake is a century-old apartment building in New York City’s East Village, silently weathering the indignities of time, economics, and social change that is mirrored in a host of characters connected to the building through the years. They include a privileged young couple – both of them artists – their adopted child, revelers of the gay dance clubs in the village, social activists, and fledgling health department professionals. Since the story takes root in the 1980s, we know our characters are poised to confront something they can never imagine. Yes, there are AIDS horrors here, of the multitudes who die around the edges of the book’s pages. But Murphy’s lens is more interested in close-ups, in the intimate impact of calamity, in various forms, on the lives of his characters. He also writes with the distance and maturity to know that AIDS wasn’t the only crisis in town for New Yorkers during this period, and even within it, AIDS greedily intersected with numerous other social ills and personal struggles. With hardly a false move, Murphy glides effortlessly among the worlds of addiction and recovery, the academic art scene, AIDS activism, and the darkened corners of mental illness. It is a gift for any writer to find the interior voice of a character – the cyclical doubts and fears, the ongoing internal debates in which we all engage that propel our lives and choices –
quality of life and so it is with Murphy, who has multiplied the feat by populating the novel with an astounding number of flesh-and-blood people who behave with all the faults and courageousness that humanity allows. Murphy is coy about providing too many historical names and places. The inner workings of ACT UP and its more establishment-friendly offspring, Treatment Action Group, are dramatized at great length but the groups are never mentioned by name. It releases Murphy from the job of shackling his story to actual people and organizations; this is not historical autobiography in the vein of Sean Strub’s Body Counts or Cleve Jones’s upcoming When We Rise. The emerging AIDS activism scene is portrayed, Murphy has us feel, because some of his characters happen to be there. They come first. That said, anyone familiar with the gay New York City scene from this era will enjoy the parlor game of spotting the real people who inspired several major characters. Some are transparent, others not. Christodora had me Googling the names and affiliations of my guesses more than once. The most searing passages in Christodora deal with the wreckage of drugs and those engulfed by them, calibrated for maximum heartbreak. For any of us who turned to substance abuse during or after the plague years, who live with the confusion and guilt of having survived a public health emergency only to surrender ourselves to small baggies of crystalized catastrophe, tMurphy knows us, and he intimately (and sometimes explicitly) offers us front row seats to the destruction of major characters. The brutality of addiction cannot be divorced from the story of AIDS. Christodora even has the audacity to look beyond the present, providing glimpses into years we have not yet seen. Audacious, because Murphy knows there is no AIDS survivor among us who hasn’t considered what lies ahead, as the crisis years continue to fade from view, and he delicately provides an answer that is rooted in the personal destinies of his characters. Ultimately, Murphy glides the reader to a gentle landing spot. After all the fury of AIDS activism, broken families and lifelong resentments, the flawed and sometimes flailing characters of Christodora are provided with a lovely parting gift. To all of this rancor, Murphy calls a kind of merciful truce. The final notes of charity in Christodora are all the more bittersweet given they were written by an HIV journalist who, one suspects, longs for moments of healing grace every bit as wistfully as we do. t
Getting the
Wedding
You Want David Egan
The Guest List
Young children often don’t understand what’s going on at weddings. There is a lot of sitting and listening, which is not the favorite activity of most kids. They’re frequently bored and restless. These kids – and you – will be happier if they’re somewhere else. Your guests who are parents may welcome the opportunity to simply be your guests, without having to divide their attention between participating in your wedding and caring for their children. From a cost perspective, everyone who takes up a seat is a guest as far as the catering is concerned. Each guest costs money and space. Even if you’re using a reduced-price children’s menu, the cost can add up. The presence and number of children on your guest list also has im- pact on your choice of venue, most directly in terms of size. If you’re self-catering, consider the need for more and sometimes different food (think chicken nuggets and french fries) and beverages. If you’re renting or borrowing equipment, you’ll also need more tables and chairs, and perhaps a high chair or two. Plus-ones – All of Guest lists etiquette writers without the the agree that inviting plusguesswork! ones is never the right thing to do. Why give someone else the ability to invite people to your wedding? Their plus-one knows nobody, so at your wedding your guest becomes their date instead of your guest, and you lose them both. Better to send them $100 and tell them to go out on a date! Your wedding is not like a dinner party, where there is no focus. Your wedding is an event with a clear purpose: your guests are coming to participate (not just watch) in the union of two people, and to celebrate that union with you. You’ve chosen those guests because you want them to be involved in your marriage, to bring you strength, growth, and happiness. This is no place for strangers. Plus one’s are the opposite of the people whom you love and who love you. Next time: More on how to create the perfect guest list for your wedding! t David Egan is the proprietor and steward of Chase Court, a historic Baltimore wedding and event venue. Visit Chasecourt.com, and follow ChaseCourtWeddingVenue on Instagram and Facebook. Send your comments and questions to david@chasecourt.com.
Part 2
Many couples hear, “You must invite…” from their parents or friends, or even from somewhere inside themselves. That’s simply not true. The universe will not come crashing down upon you if soand-so is left off of the guest list! So, let’s talk about specific types of potential wedding guests and how to manage them. Relatives – Those “weddings and funerals” relatives with whom you really don’t have a relationship? The cousins and aunts and uncles that you rarely see that you really don’t know? Let them go. They don’t want to come to your wedding. They don’t want to get dressed up, they don’t want to travel, and they don’t want you at their wedding, either! Great! Break the cycle of pain and let them off the hook. Better to fill the room with people whom you love and who love you. Your parents’ friends and colleagues – Your parents may want to show you off to their friends and colleagues. That’s a wonderful thing, to be sure. Some parents never get to entertain, and they might see your wedding as a great opportunity to do that. If you happen to know and love their friends and colleagues, then go for it. If not, consider suggesting that your parents throw a separate, dedicated party a few months after your wedding. At that party you can give your best attention to these good people, all of whom are important in your parents’ lives (but not yours). Children – You may have the kind of extended family for whom having the children around all the time is part and parcel of the family culture. If that’s your desire as well, then by all means, invite the whole clan! On the other hand, many couples are best served by limiting the guest list to adults (with the possible exception of their own children or their chosen flower children or ringbearers).
BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 23, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com t
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Thinking outloud // Letter to the editor
Chase Brexton’s Public Accountability Problem
Accountability. We demand it from our presidential candidates, police chiefs, Wall Street executives. What about those who lead our taxpayer-funded nonprofit organizations? Chase Brexton Health Care is a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center with deep roots in the LGBTQ community and a mandate to provide affordable, appropriate health care to Baltimore’s low-income people. It is funded by taxpayer dollars through the Bureau of Primary Care, Medicare, Medicaid, the ACA Exchange, and by the tax-free status conferred by the IRS on 501(c)(3) nonprofits. In return, we taxpayers expect Chase Brexton leaders to deliver on the organization’s mission and to soundly, ethically, and legally manage its public resources. Chase Brexton staff recently voted to unionize after a series of new administrative directives gravely compromised working conditions and patient care. The clinic’s collaborative, integrated care delivery model had been dismantled, salaries cut, and productivity-based bonuses instituted to shorten visits and increase patient numbers. In an unsuccessful attempt to stop the union, CEO Richard Larison fired five long-time managers – high-performing, widely respected leaders in
HIV, transgender, and elder care. The National Labor Relations Board is investigating the blatantly retaliatory firings. The Chase Brexton patient community has roundly condemned the loss of these beloved providers and their collective knowledge, networks, and voice for LGBTQ health in our city. They’ve held protests and taken to social media to describe the critical community impact of the firings and how the institutional changes threaten safe, comprehensive, quality care. CEO Larison and the Chase Brexton Board have ignored their stakeholders’ response, censored online comments and questions, and refused to publicly address the matter. In the wake of the firings, many other examples of mismanagement at Chase Brexton have come to light. A forged “resignation” letter was sent to patients, claiming to be from one of the fired five, a nine-year veteran nurse practitioner with a slate of devoted patients. A member of the Executive Leadership Team was found to have had his social work license suspended in another state for failing to disclose a criminal record including a conviction for embezzlement. In a video statement released to staff, the board president dismissed well-publicized concerns, affirmed the board’s
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unqualified support for Larison’s retaliatory behavior, and suggested that the dire management moves are merely business as usual. Chase Brexton, long one of Baltimore’s most cherished health care assets and a source of pride for the LGBTQ community, is now known for linking providers’ pay to their ability to meet unrealistic patient quotas. For firing exemplary staff in order to retaliate and intimidate. For sending forged letters to patients. For placing an individual convicted of financial fraud in a supervisory position. For scrubbing public organizational information and ignoring stakeholder feedback. Is this what we want from a taxpayer-funded nonprofit charged with serving our city’s most vulnerable people? Nonprofits are essential to our quality of life in Baltimore. They provide jobs and spur economic development, they catalyze knowledge and cultural creation, they fight for equity and justice, and they maintain the health and social services safety net so many depend on. For members of the LGBTQ community, these organizations are often life-saving. Most do a lot of good with few resources. We all benefit from a thriving nonprofit sector, and we’re all invested in ensuring nonprofits deliver on
their missions. We expect them to be good stewards of the public funds, grant dollars, and private donations that support their operation. This means transparent management, effective financial leadership, legal and ethical HR
“We all benefit from a thriving nonprofit sector, and we’re all invested in ensuring nonprofits deliver on their missions. We expect them to be good stewards of the public funds, grant dollars, and private donations that support their operation.” practices, and a governing board that is representative of and responsive to its constituents. Under current leadership, Chase Brexton has failed to uphold these expectations. It has demonstrated the inability to serve its organizational mission and federal mandate as a community health center. It has eschewed decent working conditions, patient outcomes, and community dialogue. Stakeholders have called for Larison’s resignation (which was finally announced on November 15th), the appointment of a new CEO with the wisdom and skills to repair and rebuild the organization, a re-examination of board composition, and the rehiring of the fired five. The CEO’s departure is a welcome first step, but until Chase Brexton leadership can demonstrate an unqualified commitment to integrity and responsible management, we will call on federal grantors, elected officials, and donors to withhold funding and shift their support to other organizations with the capacity to better serve our community. We may not be surprised when Fortune 500 companies mismanage funds, commit fraud, and exploit clients to line their executives’ and shareholders’ pockets. But Chase Brexton is not Wells Fargo. We – patients, taxpayers, citizens – can and should hold this publicly funded nonprofit and its Board of Directors responsible for its actions, its impact, and our dollars. As Senator Elizabeth Warren told Wells Fargo CEO and Chairman of the Board John Stumpf, explaining the obvious need for his immediate resignation, “this is about accountability.” Emily Sachs
Candlelight Service Sat. Dec. 24, 5:30 p.m. Christmas & New Year’s Day Worship Services Sun. Dec. 25 & Jan. 1, 11 a..m.
browndowntown.org
1316 Park Ave., Balt., MD, 21217 410.523.1542
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Lively Arts // Out on Screen
Rogue One Stands on its Own by Chuck Duncan BE FOREWARNED – it will be almost impossible to review Rogue One without divulging at least a few of the surprises, so consider this your Spoiler Alert. “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far way ...” Those are the familiar words we’ve come to know as Star Wars fans for almost 40 years. And those words lead off the new movie Rogue One, subtitled “A Star Wars Story” (although not on screen) for a very good reason. While Rogue One has been billed as a “stand-alone” story within the Star Wars universe, it really can be considered “Episode 3.5” as it bridges the events from Episode III to the original Star Wars (a.k.a. Episode IV). The plot is fairly straightforward: the evil Galactic Empire is in the process of building a new weapon that can destroy entire planets (yes, the original Death Star). The architect of this weapon was not happy with the Empire’s direction, built a hidden flaw into its design (yes, that little port that Luke Skywalker fired his lasers into), and then retreated to the life of a farmer with his wife
and young daughter. But the Empire comes calling, kills the wife and takes Galen Erso (Mads Mikkelson) to complete work on the Death Star, while his daughter is left alone, hidden in a cave, then rescued by an ally, Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker). Years later, the grown Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) is a prisoner of the Empire, but a daring rescue puts her into the hands of the rebellion, hoping she can help them contact Gerrera, who may know the whereabouts of Galen Erso ... without knowing that Jyn is Erso’s daughter. A defecting pilot for the Empire brings a message to Gerrera for Jyn, not even knowing if she is still alive, revealing the flaw he’s built into the Death Star. Armed with this information, Jyn reluctantly joins the Alliance and sets out to retrieve her father’s original plans to deliver them to ... well, if you know your Star Wars you know who ends up with those plans. Rogue One is probably one of the best, most satisfying Star Wars movies since The Empire Strikes Back. Last year’s continua-
tion of the Star Wars story proper was enjoyable enough on first viewing, but then thinking about it really made one see just how slavish it was to the original film. It was great seeing those familiar characters once again, but it was just a bit too familiar to be considered very original. Rogue One uses the familiarity we have with the series to carry on important plot points, but retains enough of its originality to be a true stand-alone film ... even though it is tied very tightly to the three prequels (with Jimmy Smits putting in a cameo as Bail Organa) and the original, with returning characters including Mon Mothma, Darth Vader (voiced by James Earl Jones!), and Moff Tarkin (with an eerily accurate digital recreation of the late Peter Cushing’s face). There are a few more here and there, but we won’t spoil things completely. Rogue One succeeds because it takes a story we’re familiar with and populates it with a host of new characters we’ve never met while using the classic characters to really tell the story. And they start off by giving us yet another strong female character in Jyn. Jyn has a bit of Han Solo in her, that’s for sure, more concerned with looking out for her own best interest before being dragged into the rebellion (thanks to the message from her father). Paired with Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) – who dresses like Starbuck from the original Battlestar Galactica – the two have a contentious relationship that almost always puts their mission in jeopardy. They are assisted by the droid K-2SO (Alan Tu-
... and as a terrific Star Wars movie
“Rogue One just might be the perfect way to introduce a new generation to the Star Wars universe.”
18 t
dyk), a reprogrammed Empire droid, who is a bit of a sarcastic smartass and is sure to become a fan favorite. The blind Jedi wannabe Chirrut Îmwe (Donnie Yen), starts off a bit grating with his almost too hip, too contemporary one-liners, but his skills and his BALTIMORE OUTLOUD
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willingness to step into battle, sightless, will eventually win you over. The movie is also filled with the tech we know and love, and it’s great to see the AT-ATs in action once again, this time on a beach. You may see a few familiar faces from the Mos Eisley cantina, and there are shots of the preparation to demonstrate the Death Star that come straight out of Star Wars (sorry, I still can’t refer to it as Episode IV, I saw it in 1977 when it was just Star Wars). Add to that Michael Giacchino’s terrific score, peppered with John Williams’s original themes but solid enough to stand on its own. There really is so much to absorb that the film demands several viewings to catch it all (and there are references to the animated Star Wars TV adventures if you follow those). But with Old a terrific script, some great action pieces, an engag- franchise now with new ing cast, and the thrill of characters! seeing a story that ends
where the whole thing begins does not make multiple viewings much of a chore. Best of all, Rogue One just might be the perfect way to introduce a new generation to the Star Wars universe. You can literally watch Rogue One back-to-back with the original, and you can even start with the prequels (well, maybe skip The Phantom Menace) to see Bail Organa and how Vader got into his current condition. Rogue One tells a story that has enough going for it that newcomers to the Star Wars universe can enjoy without being lost, and just the right amount of familiarity to keep the fans happy without insulting them. Fans may have been worried when Disney announced this slate of original, stand-alone stories (and make no mistake, this is a oneshot film), but if Rogue One is any indication, we can all breathe a little sigh of relief and look ahead at what’s to come. t
Lively Arts // Out on screen
La La Land is Pure Musical Bliss by Chuck Duncan Movie musicals used to be all the rage, from the dawn of talking pictures through the 1950s. But times and society changed after the first few years of the 1960s making bubbly, frothy musicals a bit of an anachronism in a time besieged by political assassinations, war, and civil unrest. The genre didn’t die out altogether, with a few musicals still making an impression (The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Little Shop of Horrors … even Xanadu), but most of them still followed the well-established formula. It really wasn’t until 2001’s Moulin Rouge came along that the movie musical got a big jolt, giving the genre a modern edge even with a story that took place in the 19th century. Musicals have had a bit Dancing of a resurgence with films like Chicago and Dreamon air and song girls, but those are based on Broadway shows. Recently, the original movie musical (or rather movie with music) Once became a Broadway musical, and even the non-musical movie A Christmas Story has been set to music for the stage. Aside from Once, the original movie musical has been a thing of the past. Until now. La La Land, set in a modern day yet somehow still retro Hollywood, tells the classic boy-meets-girl story (they say there are only five original stories out there and this is one of them) but gives it a modern spin as Boy and Girl’s first encounter is less than love at first sight, when they cross paths on a backed-up Los Angeles freeway: he honks at her for not moving with traffic, she flips him off. But they do cross paths again, as people often do in romantic movies, and even while they’re both very different people, there’s a spark. Ryan Gosling’s Sebastian is a jazz-loving musician who wants to save what he considers a dying genre by opening his own jazz club to play the music he wants to play, and Emma Stone’s Mia is an aspir-
ing actress always missing out on that big break. But as their romance develops, their lives also change as Sebastian is offered a gig playing keys in a new jazz combo put together by an old friend (played by John Legend) and Mia is inspired to write and perform in a one-woman show based on her life. The band is a success and Sebastian has to go on the road for months (and years) – but is it what he really wants? – and Mia’s show is less than a success but it leads to her getting a major audition. With their dreams coming true, will they be able to sustain their relationship? La La Land takes the classic MGM musical template and updates it with some modern touches, courtesy of director Damien Chazelle. The opening number, set on the backed up freeway, is a miraculous single take with drivers and passengers singing and dancing down several miles of road. The exhilarating number, with a catchy tune, really brings you into this world Chazelle has created. As in classic musicals, people start singing out of the blue, but it’s never jarring, seeming to be a natural part of whatever conversation is taking place. There is another big musical number as Mia and her friends get ready to go to and arrive at a party, and there are a few smaller numbers as well, in particular the duet/dance number set high atop the Hollywood Hills (a stunningly shot piece that was done in a single day as the sun was setting), and then Emma Stone simply kills it with a solo number as Mia tells her story during the audition. Unless you have the coldest of hearts, this moment may have you shedding a few tears or sobbing outright. Gosling also gets a solo number called “City of Stars” which is sure to be in the running for several Best Original Song awards. Chazelle and his team have crafted a beautiful film from the production and costume design to the cinematography
and outstanding songs and musical score. This is a film that demands to be seen in a theater that has an optimal sound system so you can hear the songs and every single instrument in the orchestra. A muddy sound system will not suffice. Stone and Gosling, already having worked together in two previous films, have an easy, undeniable chemistry. They really sell their characters because we believe in them and when they sing, they don’t sound like
trained professionals. The fact that they can carry a tune but don’t sound over-rehearsed really brings them down to earth and relatable to the audience. And while the movie does feel like a throwback to the classics thanks to the retro look of old Hollywood, it is undeniably modern, perfectly representing a moment in the movie where Legend’s character tells Sebastian he can’t save jazz, which was always innovative and experimental, by remaining so traditional. La La Land takes tradition and really innovates the movie musical into something modern and exciting. It is a beautiful thing to behold. t
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Lively Arts // personalities
Playing the Piano Man By Gregg Shapiro If Simon Helberg didn’t already have a substantial gay following from the comical interplay between his character Howard and Raj (played by Kunal Nayyar) on the beloved sitcom The Big Bang Theory, his Golden Globe Award-nominated portrayal of sexually ambiguous pianist Cosme McMoon in Florence Foster Jenkins (Paramount) will remedy that. Based on the true story of society hostess Jenkins (played by Meryl Streep), an opera fanatic with a tin ear when it came to her own operatic renditions. But that didn’t stop her from performing concerts, including a legendary one at Carnegie Hall. McMoon, hired by Jenkins and her paramour St. Clair Bayfield (Hugh Grant), to be her accompanist, is portrayed magnificently by Helberg. The actor gives the character dimension and depth in a stellar performance. I spoke with Simon about the film at the Faena Miami Beach Hotel. Gregg Shapiro: How aware were you of Florence Foster Jenkins before being cast as her accompanist Cosme McMoon? Simon Helberg: Zero. Zero awareness. But it felt familiar, this theme of delusions of grandeur. I always felt very attracted to those traits; people who aspire to be something much, much larger than they are and who have a complete misunderstanding of who they actually are. I think that’s kind of sweet and tragic. GS: Opera is featured prominently in the film. Are you an opera fan? SH: No. There’s that, too. It’s more that I’m unfamiliar than not a fan. There are pieces of opera, throughout the years, that I’ve been exposed to and that I enjoy. But I didn’t know much about it. I love jazz. That was a tough enough thing to like in high school; I didn’t need to go looking to opera. GS: What other kinds of music do you like? SH: Not to be cliché, but I do have an appreciation for all music. Opera fell under that umbrella just at the lower end of the spectrum of my experience. Aside from jazz, I love rock and pop and the Beatles; a lot of stuff that isn’t as current maybe, somewhere between the 60s and the 90s. The 40s, too. GS: Acting in a period piece means that you get to wear costumes that you wouldn’t ordinarily wear. What was that like and was there a particular suit of clothing that Cosme wore that you liked best?
SH: As he began to have little more money and sustain this job, his clothes did get nicer. The first outfit that he wore was kind of sad. It was shredding on the leg. Consolota Boyle was the costume designer – brilliant! He wore these little sweaters that were very sweet. At the end, the suits were so beautiful; they handmade some of them. What an era for clothes. The flies on the pants were so enormous; it was very ambitious. You had to unbutton forty buttons just to pee. I don’t know what was going on down there in the 40s. GS: What are the challenges involved in playing a real person? SH: There’s a sense of loyalty to the actual person that you want to be mindful of. In some ways, I think there are less challenges if you have less information. Too much information might be tricky or if the person is incredibly familiar in a pop culture context. But to play somebody that nobody really knows or that there are only a handful of facts about is actually the perfect balance [laughs]. You get a little more information than you would have in a fictional piece and nobody knows. This really was a combination of Nick Martin’s script and a handful of these facts that existed and imagining what this guy would be and what I would want him to be. GS: Cosme has to audition to play for Jenkins. As an actor, how do you feel about the audition process? SH: [Thoughtful pause] If I have the choice, it’s nice not to have to put yourself out there because it’s scary. But sometimes it can be very fun, too, as an opportunity to see how this thing fits. I’ve done thousands of them, but I still get pretty nervous. It’s always slightly inorganic because you’re in a room that usually has fluorescent lighting and you’re holding paper and reading off of it or miming a prop or whatever. It’s a very different technique than actual performing. GS: Cosme’s sexuality is kind of the pink elephant in the room. For me, the scene at the party in St. Clair’s apartment, when Cosme is cruised by that man who eventually attaches himself to Cosme, manages to be the subtle confirmation of what we’ve all been thinking. What was it
An interview with Simon Helberg
20 t
BALTIMORE OUTLOUD
DECEMber 23, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com
like to play a character such as Cosme who lived at a time when his actions and attractions could threaten his very being? SH: Yes, it was illegal. I read this Cole Porter biography just to understand what it was like in New York at that time to be not just gay but in the music world and arts world and what went on. Even though it’s not focused on in a heavyhanded way, it felt interesting also knowing where Cosme came from. How he moved from Mexico to Texas to New York; he must have already felt somewhat like an alien just based on where he was, speaking a different language and coming to a different country. Then there he is in New York. I felt like that there was also an interesting moment, having that guy put his arm around him and with other subtle references, I thought, maybe he doesn’t know, at this moment, what he is. Particularly in a time when not only didn’t people question things but you weren’t even allowed to express it even if you had the answer. Maybe when that arm gets thrown around him he has a moment of “What just happened?” I think the line before that, he says to St. Clair (Hugh Grant), about how all of his friends’ friends are so welcoming or inSimon teresting. I thought that Helberg would have been an incredit: iDominick teresting area to live in where this grown man at that time, maybe he gets married. Maybe he never knows. Maybe he knows but doesn’t (act on it). A question mark was more interesting to me (than the answer). GS: One of the most beautiful and powerful scenes in the movie occurs when Florence (played by Meryl Streep) comes to visit Cosme at his apartment. After talking for a bit they both end up at his piano where they play a duet. What was doing that scene with Meryl like for you? SH: It was kind of the Everest of the movie for me in a lot of ways. Having read the script, it was a scene that stood out in that moment, particularly with the duet. I didn’t even know if I was going to even be considered for the movie when I read the script, I thought maybe there would be a chance that I could audition or something. Is there a world in which my hand would be next to Meryl’s hand [laughs]? Meryl and I talked about the scene being an anomaly in some ways. This very long and intimate
scene, in his apartment, outside of the context of the world we’ve been in. We talked about it being the gentleman caller scene in The Glass Menagerie. It had this very human quality. It took its time. I remember there’s that moment where he asks if she wants a glass of water. In rehearsal, she took the water and drank the whole glass. She said to (director) Stephen (Frears), “It’s very important that you shoot me drinking the whole glass. The whole movie is about this.” I remember her saying that the whole movie is her drinking that glass of water. That’s her genius. It’s this abstract idea and yet it makes totally perfect sense. The thirst
“What if you could go all the way back to the year five? Sometimes I look at the clouds and I think those looked the same in the year five. That’s something that maybe binds us all together.” and the desperation... GS: Florence Foster Jenkins is a period piece. If you could live in another time in the past, when would that be? SH: Well, I don’t think about it that much anymore because I know it’s not going to happen [laughs]. Wow, that’s such a good question. There was a time when I was in high school where I thought, “The sixties seemed so cool! You could go to Woodstock and there was the Beatles and those bell-bottoms. The long hair was so awesome!” I think we’re in an interesting time, actually, more interesting even than it was ten years ago or that I ever realized. The advent of technology in our lifetime and what we’ve witnessed because of that, both good and bad. It’s a fascinating moment. I used to think nothing happened in the 80s or 90s. Okay, the TVs got flatter. I thought any moment where technology brings about a shift would be interesting. I feel like in the 20s and 30s, when it was quieter [laughs] and there was more space and cars were… but then there was a lot of war back then, but I guess that’s the same now. But wait, what if you could go all the way back to the year five! Sometimes I look at the clouds and I think those looked the same in the year five. That’s something that maybe binds us all together. t
Lively Arts // Out on Stage
A Gentleman Comes to Town BY Frankie Kujawa Every good story has an element of romance, comedy, tension, and maybe even murder. This rings true as A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder comes to Baltimore’s Hippodrome Theatre. Running from December 27th to January 1st, audiences are introduced to Monty Navarro, a distant heir to the D’Ysquith fortune and ninth in line for the Earldom of Highhurst. Monty will do whatever it takes to skip to the front of the line and inherit the fortune regardless of who stands in his way. “The show has something for everyone,” explained Matt Leisy, who plays multiple roles throughout the performance. “It’s a British farce set in 1909. It has intrigue and shows this sort of Downton Abbey kind of world with these zany characters mixed in for good measure.” Leisy describes the character of Monty as someone who doesn’t have many prospects in the beginning of the show. “The audiences follow his story as the anti-hero who accidentally knocks off one of the family members. Once he gets that in his head, he thinks to himself that there are only seven
more people in his way. It’s kind of like the character from TV, Dexter – he’s a good guy killing off all these bad guys, and he just may happen to inherit money and a title along the way.” Leisy went on to describe that he plays a myriad of characters in the performance – 15 in total. “The character I’m billed as is Tom Copley. He’s a drunk country man who is sick and tired of this rich guy taking all of the land. So he gives Henry D’Ysquith a piece of his mind. But I also play a newsboy, a guard in the prison, a mourner at many of the funerals,” Leisy laughs. “I’m constantly changing costumes, dialects, and characters while filling in the world of A Gentleman’s Guide.” Vocal work is something in which Leisy
is quite skilled. Born in Massachusetts to an English mother, Leisy’s family soon relocated across the pond. Growing up in England afforded Leisy a genuine En-
glish accent. After moving back to the United States, Leisy graduated high
school in Kansas City, followed by college at Northwestern University. He has been currently living in New York for a decade. “I spend a lot of my career playing British characters, so my accent comes back pretty easily.” Leisy adds. “It’s one of my unexpected skills that I came across that has really helped in my career.” Leisy has also garnered quite a Matt Leisy bit of success with his voi– multiple ceover talent. Having done personality work for companies such as Amazon, Capital One, Marriott Hotels, and ESPN, Leisy’s foray into the voiceover field was by total accident. “I had a friend who was an assistant agent for a voiceover department in New York. They asked if I had a voiceover reel and I told them of course I did,” Leisy laughs. “In reality I didn’t, so I created one. Obviously, it worked. Most of the stuff that I get, I get on my own and the clients contact me directly. It’s nice because it’s one of those careers that I can bring in my trunk on the tour. So I’ve been able to do some voiceover gigs in my hotel room or I’ll rent out a studio, if needed. It’s a fun, little way to keep this career going while on the road.” t
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out in the valley
Parenting OUTloud
Rev. Kelly Crenshaw
And then it’s Christmas I’m old fashioned about a lot of things. For example, I still send Christmas cards – lots of them – about 140 each year. I sign them by hand and address them by hand. Sometimes the kids help me stuff the envelopes. And, if I’m lucky, they make it to my friends’ homes before Christmas. And, in each and every envelope is a picture of the kids and one of those update letters. Usually, I sugarcoat everything. I make our life sound good. For example, in telling about an older child who had her children taken away by Child Protective Services, I will comment something like, “She is working with her social worker to regain custody” – even
if she isn’t making much progress. A few years ago, I was going through a pretty rough time. I was seriously depressed and was not in the mood to be creative enough to make the bad situations look happy. So, I wrote the letter and told it how it really was. It was my way of showing people what it’s really like to raise kids with drug and alcohol histories from when their moms were pregnant, severe abuse histories, behavioral challenges, limited IQs, and mental illness. Several of my friends contacted me to ask if we were okay. We were. But, there were a
Hagerstown Pride 2017 Logo Contest Winner
Richie Bowe
Please join us in congratulating local photographer and graphic design artist, Richie Bowe, for winning the Hagerstown Pride 2017 Logo Contest. As winner of this contest, Richie’s logo will be the official logo of Hagerstown Pride 2017 and used on all Hagerstown Pride 2017 media, marketing, and merchandise. Please be sure to visit his website rab2.com 22 t
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couple of strange things that happened that year. First of all, we found out that many of the envelopes were ripped open in the mail processing facility. More than half of our envelopes were delivered without a card, letter, or picture. We’d never had that happen before. I think that might have been God’s way of telling me that some people just can’t handle the truth – at least not the way I was telling it. The second thing was a little more disturbing. I got an email from a stranger who claimed she got our card in the mail and was going to pray for our family. She said her address in Washington state was on the envelope. I checked and double checked my list. I only have one friend in Washington, not in that town, and she received her card. We have no clue how it arrived at this woman’s home. I asked for more information about the card, but the woman was reluctant to share anything else. It was really disturbing. Lots of people write Christmas letters to include in their annual Christmas card. I’m certainly not unique in that aspect. But, like me, many of those letters describe the perfect life. They’re still with their childhood sweethearts and look like they barely graduated, despite it having been 20 years (or more) since high school. They have perfect children, who do perfect things and get perfect grades. Their outfits all coordinate in the charming photo they enclose. The parents have perfect jobs that they absolutely adore. The house has been totally remodeled and is gorgeous. Even their pets are perfectly adorable and well groomed. We’ve all received those types of Christ-
mas letters painting a picture of how everything is so wonderful in our friends’ and family’s lives. But even though we know that life is never that perfect, we get so focused on how everything appears perfect and that bleeds into our lives as we begin to yearn for the perfect life and this time of year, the perfect Christmas. This causes us to fall into the trap of what Cynthia Ewer, a household organization expert, calls “The Ghost of Christmas Perfection.” We dream of a Christmas where the food is worthy of its own Food Network special. We want to get the presents bought and wrapped early so that the house looks prepared weeks in advance. Our family members will all get along and be perfectly pleasant. We hope for a season that is so well planned – so perfectly executed – that everything will be stress-free. The problem is these are unrealistic expectations for any gathering, let alone Christmas. Last year, my Christmas Day sweater featured a melting snowman and proclaimed “It’s not a Family Christmas gathering until someone has a meltdown.” And, in our family, that tends to be reality. My advice? Cherish the memories. If nothing else, you’ll have entertaining stories to tell over the years. Have a wonderful holiday season! t Rev. Kelly Crenshaw is the mom of 16 adopted kids, two biological kids, guardian of one baby girl and foster mom of dozens. Some are lesbian, some gay, some straight, and some bisexual. Kelly founded a K-12 day school where kids could have a safe, bully-free environment for learning. She is co-owner of a counselling agency that works with children and their families. Send your parenting questions to her at pastor.kelly@comcast.net
out in the valley
Brian’s
Brain
Brian George Hose
By the Lights Things are different out in the valley. What always stands out to me most is the amount of time western Marylanders spend in the car. There’s a lot of land, which means lots of driving between Point A and Point B. For example, to get to my childhood home you would literally have to go over the river and through the woods, cross a mountain, and keep your eyes peeled for deer, possums, and sometimes stray livestock. The drive can range from relaxing to devastating, depending on
“From my place in the backseat, I barely made out a small, blinking red light in the sky. It was Rudolph. I was certain of it.” the weather and time of day. It was during one of these treks home that I saw Rudolph, the most famous reindeer in the history of reindeer being famous. I was young, not quite in kindergarten, and I understood that Christmas was coming, I just didn’t know when. My parents had explained it to me, telling me how many days were left, but fouryear-olds aren’t known for their mathematical prowess or patience, and I was feeling frus- trated. Then, from my place in the backseat, I barely made out a small, blinking red light in the sky. It was Rudolph. I was certain of it. Suddenly everything was different. Christmas was coming, and it was coming soon! The proof was in the cold night sky – Rudolph was leading Santa and his sleigh full of gifts to my house, his bright red nose lighting the way! I was excited, even joyful, sure that the next day was Christmas. (I was also thankful that I had willed myself to finish my brussels sprouts earlier in the year, a feat made more
impressive by the amount of crying and gagging that went into it). It turns out I was wrong and that Rudolph was actually just scouting the area for Santa, possibly from atop a radio tower. I was disappointed, but my parents told me that I’d know Christmas was coming by the lights. They improvised, telling me that as Christmas gets closer people decorate their houses with lights so that Santa will know that good girls and boys live there. At four, this made more sense to me than counting days and weeks, so I made a mental note to remember that the lights are a sign of good things to come. It’s been years since I last saw Rudolph, and in that time, I’ve developed a greater understanding of the holiday season. There are countless traditions, both religious and cultural, and despite their unique perspectives of the season, they all have something in common. The holidays are a time for us to come together, to find warmth and comfort during a cold, barren season of short days and long, dark nights. When the world is at its worst, we find the best in ourselves and give to each other, honoring the bonds and relationships we share with others throughout the year. We give hospitality in the most inhospitable of seasons. What better way to represent this than with light? For me, light is what the season is all about. A light in the darkness is the physical manifestation of hope, a sign that there is warmth and safety in an otherwise bleak midwinter filled with silent nights and gently falling snow. The light shows us the world through new eyes, illuminating houses, street lamps, and the main streets of the towns we call home. Everything we though we knew, everything that becomes normal with time, is suddenly reborn as something new, something different, something special. In the glow of twinkling lights, anything seems possible. I may have been wrong about Rudolph all those years ago, but the lesson I learned was true. The lights are a sign of good things to come because they represent the light inside us, the part of us that wants to be a good. It’s the part that gets so excited by the possibilities of a twinkling red light on the horizon that we can’t help but share our joy with those around us. Happy Holidays to you, dear Reader, and may your season be warm, merry and bright! t
Start Out Your New Year Advertising With Us!
Call Mary: 410-802-1310 taylor@baltimoreoutloud.com
Weekly worship is 10:30 a.m each Sunday morning. All are invited and welcome. To Contact the church at
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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 23, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com t
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out & ABOUT // David’s Thoughts
Brownsville, Texas | Borderline By David Placher Brownsville is located at the southern tip of Texas and it borders Matamoros, Mexico. It’s also close to South Padre Island, a major spring break destination in Texas. Traveling to Brownsville from Baltimore can be expensive and complicated because few airlines fly there and there’s inevitably a layover – no direct flights. Brownsville is a conservative city with a lot of potential. Although its downtown is filled with payday lenders and cheap knick-knack shops, its historical architecture is evidence of a once thriving area. There is potential for revitalization, if the right person with vision arrived. But the right person, may not be the right person for that area because it has a long way to go to attract LGBT people. Walkway to Matomoros
Texas in general is not LGBT-friendly. Texas state law does not protect persons from housing or public accommodations discrimination based on sexual orientation or
Enjoying Brownsville
gender identity or expression. There’s no statewide law banning anti-LGBT discrimination, only local ordinances. Brownsville’s LGBT protection is limited to city employees, though many private businesses also have supportive policies. With Brownville’s potential seeming so close, yet so far, does it make sense to continue policies that do not protect a diversified population and that may discourage people from relocating or visiting there? Brownsville, with a population around 200,000, has one of the highest poverty
Clouds gather over Brownsville, downtown
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rates in the nation, and the same holds for the surrounding county. It has a reputation for being pro-business and has a low cost of living. Brownsville’s and its surrounding areas’ economies are mainly based on international trade with Mexico under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). (President-elect Trump wants to scrap the NAFTA.) Brownsville has one gay club, Studio 69. It is owned and operated by a Johns Hopkins alumnus. It’s a large dance club that offers drag shows and cheap drinks. The LGBT population is small, so it is only open Thursdays through Saturdays. The demographics of the crowd are mixed, and it is packed by midnight. Downtown Brownsville has a small bridge to Matamoros, Mexico. Crossing the border is easy: there is a toll of four quarters to walk to Mexico and one quarter to return. Although you do not need your passport to leave, you need it to return. Matamoros has a population of over 760,000. It is one of the fastest growing cities in Mexico and home to automobile manufacturing plants that include General Motors, BMW, and Ford. It is also a historical site to many major battles: the Mexican Revolution, the Mexican American War, and the French Intervention. Unfortunately, there are no gay bars or gay venues that I could find. South Padre Island is just a short drive away from Brownsville. The Upper Deck Hotel & Bar (Upperdeckh o t e l a n d b a r. c o m ) is the only place in South Padre Island that is specifically a gay venue, which sports a communal, clothing-optional jacuzzi). Off season, the place is very quiet, but during peak season, it’s packed. The staff is friendly and accommodating and the owner plays an active role in managing it. With Brownsville
The border crossing into Matamoros
being close to the beach Upper Deck gay resort, and next to Mexico, it is located in an interesting area South Padre Island of the country. The potential to turn its downtown from an economically depressed area, to an area where there are coffeeshops, more restaurants, and higher end stores is within reach. But the first step, maybe, is for Brownsville to expand protections to the LGBT community and encourStudio 69, Brownsville’s age the LGBT folks to only gay club visit and live there. t
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870 Park Ave. Baltimore 410-539-4993
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quality of life
Violet’s Vet
Dr. Tony Calo
Baby it’s Cold Outside Violet loves being outside in the spring, summer, and fall. Her favorite pastimes – which include going on walks, going to the dog park, running at full speed in our yard, going swimming – are all outdoor activities. She gets to expend all of her energy and to experience all sorts of things thanks to being out and about in the world. She absolutely hates being outside in the winter, however. Her small body and her short coat make her very prone cold temperatures. She will literally run out to go to the bathroom, turn tail, and run back inside immediately to avoid being in the cold. In the months of December, January,
and February, this obviously leads to large periods of time spent in the house. Being stuck in the house, in turn, leads to pentup energy, boredom, and frustration. Unchecked, this can result in destructive behavior. It is not unusual for a bored dog to chew up shoes, remote controls, furniture. Violet and Henry especially loves destroying their dog beds in fits of boredom. So in an effort to keep the canine energy levels from building up too high and to keep boredom levels low, Connor and I have become innovative about ways to create winter quality time for the dogs. First and foremost, walking outside should not be completely eliminated from the routine. Even in blustery weather, dogs can spend brief periods of time outside.
“Making a big deal of the preparations to go outside can be fun and lead to running, jumping, and playing in the living room before making it out the front door.”
Violet’s New Friends Mekhi the puggle here! Happy to meet ya’. I am a sweet, laid-back, and adorable guy looking for my forever home. I like long walks because I enjoy being able to smell all the cool scents around me using my beagle nose. I also like people who will give me attention, like head scratches and butt rubs. I may become vocal at times especially if I think you are ignoring me. But I’m so cute – why would you want to ignore me? What you may normally find me doing is lounging around on my comfy and warm blankets so I can stay warm on these chilly days. I will be a loyal companion to you, I just know it. So, stop in for a visit and I’m sure you’ll agree. See ya’ real soon! t
k
Hello, I’m Henry, a senior front-declawed kitty who needs a forever home. I may be cautious with people at first, although I do like being pet. I will let you know when I’ve had enough, though. I love lounging around in comfy beds and watching laser pointers, but what I love most is food! You may even hear me grumbling while I’m eating if you try to talk to me or take my food – that’s how much I love it. In my previous home, I lived with children who liked me, but they had allergies so I could not live there anymore. My previous family called me “an awesome family cat.” Stop in soon and hopefully you will agree. t The adoption fee is $150, and $25 for Henry. For more information visit Bmorehumane.org.
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Even if in just mean walking to the end of the street and back. Violet always wears a sweater or a coat. Daisy and Henry only need coats on the very coldest of days. The cool crisp air, even if it is just for a few minutes, is always refreshing. Plus, the act of getting ready for the walk can be just as exciting as the walk. The dogs get extremely excited when the leashes and coats come out. Getting ready can be become a game. Making a big deal of the preparations to go outside can be fun and lead to running, jumping, and playing in the living room before making it out the front door. Getting back to the warm and cozy house can be just as exciting. The long periods of time spent inside should not be idle time, as the idle time is what leads to boredom and destructive behavior. So what’s to be done? Having set playtime is great idea. Knowing that you have at least 30 minutes a day to play indoor fetch or tug-of-war is wonderful to strengthen the bond you and your dog have while providing exercise and fun to all parties involved. Using a staircase as your fetch course can expend even more energy and add an extra level of excitement to the game. When playing with your dog in the house, make sure the play surface is not slippery and that there’s ample room. Also be sure that you’re nowhere near anything breakable. A running dog can’t always turn on the brakes, so colliding with something fragile could lead to some sort of disaster. If there’s not enough space in your house, an empty garage or a basement may provide for a good indoor playground for you and your dog. Interactive toys and puzzles is another great way to keep your canine companion happy and interested. You can hide treats as a sort of puzzle that your dog then has to “solve” in order to get the treat. For really smart or really
food-motivated dogs, this may be a short game, but this can be circumvented by having multiple puzzles and placing your quarries in different parts of your house for your dog to find. Alternatively, stuffing a hollow toy with peanut butter of cream cheese and then freezing the toy can provide hours of involvement for a dog’s attention. If space permits, building an indoor agility course can also be a fun game. It does not have to be fancy or intricate to be fun. One example is to set up a line of chairs, throw a blanket over it, and you have a makeshift tunnel for you dog to run through. Other examples can be And a doggone found online by searching good new for something like “at home year to all! agility obstacles for dogs.” Finally, a good way to a dog from getting bored during the winter months is going on field trips. You can take your dog to his or her favorite pet store to pick out a new toy. You can go to an indoor dog park at a doggy daycare center, or go to friend’s house that welcomes the company of you and your dog. Make sure that car is already warmed up and a comfortable temperature before putting your dog in the car. Equally important is to make sure that your pet is safe and well secured for the car ride. Make sure that you have a safety belt/harness to protect your dog in the case of accident. Overall, mental stimulation and indoor exercise are surefire ways to keep you and your dog from going stir-crazy. So be creative and be consistent. If you are, you and your dog will be destined to have fun all winter long even if you can’t make it outside. t
people in our neighborhood
Living & Loving through Adversity
BY JOE GARVEY June 14th is Flag Day commemorating the adoption of the flag of the U.S. by the Second Continental Congress on that day in 1777, and it is also the birthday of the U.S. Army. But that was not at the top of Ron Zimmerman and Steve Jackson’s agenda on Saturday, June 14th, 2014 after a hectic day at Weichert’s Realtors, picking up their cats, Nick and Nora, from the vet, and preparing to go to the Rowan Tree to participate in the festivities there. At 9 p.m. as Ron was setting the front door alarm prior to their intended departure, the alarm indicated there was a fire somewhere. He thought he was receiving an error message as the alarm “beeped back,” so he tried setting the alarm again … and that’s when smoke started permeating the ceiling, stairway, and entryway. He yelled to Steve, who was in the kitchen, telling him to grab the cats and leave immediately, which he did … just as the firemen were breaking out the front windows… just as Ron decided at the last second to run upstairs and save the “good jewelry,” a decision that nearly cost him his life. Within two minutes the entire upstairs was engulfed in acrid smoke making Ron cough, searing his eyes tightly so he could not determine the direction he was moving in. He was lost. And then “Divine Providence,” in the form of a handrail, appeared out of nowhere. Once safely outside, they witnessed their beautiful 1880s Victorian townhouse, their home since 1989 where they spent 25 years of their life, literally burning like a fireball – just like Gatlinburg, Tennessee, did three weeks ago. Everything was lost within minutes. Ron was dazed but Steve was highly distraught. They were homeless and had only the clothes on their backs. Yet, as Steve recalled for Baltimore OUTloud, “We were blessed! If I had set the alarm and we had gone to the bar, half the block would have burned down and the cats would have died.” They were blessed too that the apartment above the Rowan Tree was vacant, permitting them to rest there for four nights sleeping on a quilt on the floor and in the same clothes they were wearing
the night of the fire before going to their vacation home in Cape May, New Jersey. At the shore, Steve found the serenity and time he needed to collect himself to deal with the heartbreak associated with the enormity of their losses. Ron returned to Weichert Realtors the following week. Three months later, both Ron and Steve had recovered sufficiently from the fire that they were able to resume their charity work, providing a catered “gesture luncheon” at the beginning of the school year for the staff of Thomas Johnson Elementary / Middle School (TJEMS). But painful memories still lingered. “Cunsuela died in the fire,” Steve recalled for Baltimore OUTloud. “All her costumes were destroyed.” Cunsuela is one of Steve’s drag personas – the other is Elvis. When he said “Cunsuela died,” that means a part of Steve died in that fire, along with Cunsuela and her signature song “Proud Maria.” Cunsuela’s career started at the Stagecoach in 1994 and ended with her retirement party at the Rowan Tree in 2010. Following the fire, the firemen shoveled debris from the second floor out of the rear of the townhouse and into the two goldfish ponds, debris that included Cunsula’s dresses, high heels and purses. Amazingly, the goldfish were blessed, too, swimming among the debris and apparently unharmed. As they are avid animal lovers, Ron dutifully returned to their townhouse and retrieved all ten of them. The goldfish, some original and some new, now reside in a beautiful aquarium. Several fire companies responded to the alarm and determined the cause of the “flash fire” was corroded wiring on a wall sconce. Ron and Steve were also blessed to have an understanding and sympathetic insurance agent who arranged and paid for a furnished place for them to live until they moved back into their restored Victorian townhouse on October 24th, 2015. After facing a personal disaster of this magnitude, many people experience a fight-or-flight response due to stress, which can lead to making hasty decisions with enormous social and economic con-
A look at Baltimore power-couple Ronald Zimmerman and Steve Jackson, part 3
sequences, such as leaving behind lifelong friends and starting life over in an unfamiliar location. Unexpectedly, Ron and Steve had to make one of the most important decisions in their lives. Like the New England traveller in Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken,” they had come to the proverbial fork in the road: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by. And that has made all the difference.” Having debated the “moving vs. restoration” issue, restoration seemed wiser and more logical rather than risking a move to a different part of Baltimore, such
Ronald Zimmerman and Steve Jackson
as Bolton Hill, Charles Village, or leaving Baltimore altogether. Poetically speaking, if they had decided to leave Federal Hill, would it really have made a difference in their lives? In this case, “Yes.” It would have meant abandoning the place where Ron’s grandmother, Alice Power, arrived from County Cork, Ireland, in the 1930s and where she met and married Thomas Nolan, giving birth to Alice “Chris” Nolan who married Ronald J. Zimmerman. Ron’s roots are firmly planted in Federal Hill, roots that are inexorably linked to every breath he takes. Ronald F. Zimmerman is “Mr. Federal Hill.” With 2017 fast approaching, not only are Ron and Steve’s New Year Eve resolutions focused on improving their Victorian townhouse with a new guestroom and office in the basement, they are actually planning two new charitable initiatives. Ron revealed to Baltimore OUTloud, “We want to create a ‘Gay Day’ for seniors on Thursdays at the Allen Center, and we want to get more involved in education, helping to establish a program where kids get into business as entrepreneurs.” Outwardly, Ron and Steve’s Camelot has been restored. Their businesses, We-
ichert Realtors and the Rowan Tree are thriving; their charitable work and commitment to the Federal Hill community, Thomas Johnson Elementary / Middle School, and the Allen Senior Center, are stronger than ever – and their townhouse has new parking pads and landscaping in the backyard. Recently Steve performed as Elvis at the “12 Day of Christmas” gala on December 10th, singing a medley of Elvis’s songs from the 1970s, including “Jailhouse Rock,” Don’t Be Cruel,” and “Hound Dog.” After his performance, he learned he had just been chosen to serve as an honorary King of Gay Pride in July 2017. For their numerous charitable functions, in both the gay and straight communities, as well as for their “courage” that Hemingway aptly described as “grace under pressure,” Ron and Steve have achieved a Kennedy-like stature in Federal Hill and Baltimore. Inwardly, the fire never destroyed their relationship. That is because as Ron emphasized, “We live by a code built on honesty. It’s the glue that has held us together.” Steve quickly added, “Nothing has ever been an issue.” “Honesty” is definitely the key to their personal and business relationship. But, prior to that relationship, there had to be a magnetic connection when they had their first and only date at the Hippo. Perhaps it was coincidental that on that cold winter’s night of January 11th, 1981, the number one song in the U.S. was Kim Carnes’s song “Bette Davis Eyes.” Baltimore OUTloud isn’t sure who had those “special eyes,” Ron or Steve, although it may have been Steve as Ron laughingly-lovingly refers to him as “The trick who never went home.” Readers will have to decide for themselves as Ron’s eyes are blue and Steve’s eyes are brown. One thing is for certain, however, 35 years later this dynamic couple is still singing the number two song from 1981, Lionel Richie and Diana Ross’s duet “Endless Love.” t Everyone is welcome at the Rowan Tree Tavern (1633 South Charles Street), featuring karoake hosted by two multi-talented and titled divas: Anita Minett, Miss Rowan Tree 2016 (on the second and third Saturday) and Shawnna Alexander, a.k.a. The Queen of Benefits, and the Reigning Miss Mixers (on the first and last Saturday of the month). Show times are 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Free off-street parking passes are available.
BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 23, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com t
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dining out
Finger’s Food
Richard Finger
Nando’s Peri-Peri
109 Joppa Road, Towson 410-832-1380 Nandosperiperi.com
ExposE your BusinEss For rates and info Call Mary at 410-802-1310 BaltimoreOutLoud.com A small community with big rewards
•Everyone Knows Your Name Residents always feel right at home with a community that knows them (and sometimes their pet!) by name. •A Strong Sense of Community Lives On RPP offers a strong sense of "community" where everyone has a feeling of belonging and there are no strangers. Residents are well-connected and welcomed neighbors at RPP. Roland Park Place is the only full-service, accredited nonprofit continuing care retirement community in Charm City 830 W. 40th Street • Baltimore, MD 21211 410-243-5700 • rolandparkplace.org
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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD
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Last time we had ventured over to the mall in Towson, we noticed a new restaurant coming in, Nando’s Peri-Peri. While it’s now been open quite a while, we hadn’t ventured inside until last week, mainly because on weekends it’s so busy. We were lucky last week and found a quiet time on a weekday evening. Nando’s plays in that space between a fast-food joint and a full table-service restaurant. Much like Pei Wei, ordering is done at the register and a server brings your meals when ready. For those unfamiliar, Nando’s serves South African cuisine, and is mostly known for chicken, with a other offerings as well. What they are famous for is the fresh chicken marinated for 23 hours in peri-peri (an esteemed African chili) and flame-grilled to order. They serve one-half chickens ($12.75 with one side, or $14.75 with two), one-quarter chicken breast ($8.15 or $10.15), one-quarter chicken leg ($7.75 or $9.75), chicken thighs ($11.15 or $13.15), and boneless chicken breast ($11.75 or $13.75). Peri-peri is mixed with fresh herbs and spices to make a unique taste. There are various levels of heat to choose from – “plain-ish” is the mildest; lemon and herb or mango and lime offers a hint of heat, but not a tidal wave of flavor; medium, as Add some spice to they say, “hits the spot with- your bird out scalding your tonsils,” hot, which is highly combustible; and lastly extra hot, as described, “like tackling a ferociously fiery dragon.” Nando’s does serve chicken in other ways, such in wrap form, with prices varying from $9.15 through $16.25, depending on cut of chicken and side choices. There
are also salads, and if you are dining with a non-chicken or meat eater, they also serve a Portobello mushroom & halloumi wrap, a veggie burger, and a roasted vegetable wrap. For sides, they offer Peri Chips (a.k.a. fries), Garlic Bread, Portuguese Rice, Coleslaw, Red Skin Mashed Potatoes, and Macho Peas. What makes Nando’s unique from say, Boston Market,
“What Nando’s is famous for is fresh chicken marinated for 23 hours in peri-peri (an esteemed African chili) and flame-grilled to order.” besides the spice difference, is that they also serve a wide array of alcoholic beverages. I decided to order the one-quarter Chicken Breast (lemon & herb) with coleslaw and red skin mashed potatoes, while Nick ordered the chicken thighs (medium) with mashed potatoes and peas. We shared a pitcher of Red Wine Sangria ($15.95). Both of us thoroughly enjoyed our meals, and I for one was kicking myself for not dining there sooner. The chicken was absolutely bursting with flavor, the mashed potatoes were not only served hot, they had just the right amount of peppery-taste, and the coleslaw was not overly loaded with mayo. The sangria went down very smoothly. Interestingly enough, I had commented that it tasted very light, but after almost 3 glasses, when I stood up, I was a feeling a bit woozy, so it definitely packed a punch. Next time you are thinking of dinner and movie and find yourself over in Towson, stop into Nando’s for a bite. No, it isn’t the romantic setting you might crave, but it is lots of fun, with prices that won’t wound your wallet, and good-tasting food that will wake-up your taste buds! t
BIRROTECA 1520 Clipper Rd Baltimore, MD 21211 Phone. 443-708-1934 www.bmorebirroteca.com www.facebook.com/Birroteca
Wednesday
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5716 YORK RD. BALTIMORE, MD 21212 • 410 323 0300 BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 23, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com t
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your money The More you Know About
Business
Richard Finger
The Holdays and Time Off Many employees receive mixed signals about taking time off for the holidays. For example, in one recent company event, it had been relayed to me that the CEO told his employees to “Have a great Holiday … but make your numbers,” then turned to his head of HR, and asked, “Is that what you wanted me to say?” This CEO is a notorious non-stop work machine. Throughout the room, you could hear people murmuring, agitated by the words they just heard. The general takeaway from this audience was a question of whether or not taking time off from work for the holidays would be acceptable, or would it be perceived as taking their eyes off the ball. Knowing the CEO never
stops working, people were unsure if this was expected of them, too. Interestingly enough, statistics show over $200 billion of unused vacation time is sitting on the books across the U.S. With this particular company, the majority of unused v a c a tion time across the organization could be seen on the balance s h e e t s of the world headquarters office, as compared to other locations across the U.S. This provides with some evidence that there is fear of taking time off from work, with a large concern over negative consequences for doing so. Comparatively, if we were to look at the holiday behavior of our colleagues overseas, taking time off from work is often encouraged, and in fact, holiday time is written into the employment contracts of most employees. Perhaps our European friends have read the studies about plummeting employ-
The
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ee engagement and decreased productivity when suitable time off is not granted. These are sure signs of employee burnout. About ten years ago when I was on assignment in the north- ern part of England, the local Chester City Council met with our leadership team twice a year to discuss employment-related stress, and the proactive steps we were taking to decrease it. One of the metrics they looked at was our holiday policy, and use of such policy, as well as sickness and absenteeism rates, as well as a few other measures. I found myself fascinated by the discussion, as I could not recall any such conversations taking place back home. For those working in organizations that are on the fence about allowing for time off, here are a few reminders about the benefits of allowing employees to do so. One of the most common benefits of time off is increased energy and less burnout. After taking a few days away from the office, most return ready to deal what is facing them with a clearer mind. A clearer mind leads to more creativity and initiative. It is possible that while employees and managers
are taking time off, filling in for said managers and employees can turn into a talent development opportunity. Lastly, if winning the war on talent is something that interests you, a culture of encouraging time off will have a positive correlation to attracting the best candidates and the ability to retain them. According to Katie Denis, the author of results from Project: Time Off, “From the C-Suite down, managers need to embrace
“Statistics show over $200 billion of unused vacation time is sitting on the books across the U.S. That there is fear of taking time off.” the potential time-off holds for themselves and their employees. Choosing to ignore vacation is choosing to fall behind companies that appreciate its power. t To give credit where due, the content of this column is largely based on an article written by Stephen Miller in this month’s HR Magazine.
NEW YEAR Champagne Toast at Midnight
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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD
DECEMber 23, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com
BALTIMORE OUTLOUD DECEMber 23, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com t
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leather line
Leather
Line
Rodney Burger
A Leather Family Christmas The holiday season for most people is a roller coaster of emotions. It is filled with moments of joy and times of sadness. As you get older the season of cheer can evolve from a time that you look forward to into a time that you look forward to being over. Thank goodness there are three local holiday traditions that always help put me in the spirit. In Baltimore the first Thursday in December brings the annual lighting of the Washington Monument in Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood. It was the 45th annual this year and the festivities keep getting bigger. Sir Steve and I start-
ed at Leon’s for happy hour. (Hey, I like to be lit before the monument.) There we met several friends from COMMAND, MC who suggested going to Flavor for one more drink before the ceremony. As the choirs sang and fireworks filled the sky, I felt the holiday spirit and the brotherhood of the leather community. The first weekend of December brings the annual ShipMates’ Daddy Christmas charity fundraiser. This year it was held at The Loft at Grand Central and was a benefit for the Spotlighters Theatre. As a member of the ShipMates Club I always find myself stressing out as the event draws near. As always everything came together at the end and I could not be more pleased as the leather community turned out in force and many spent the evening dancing, laughing, and helping a good cause. My third holiday tradition takes place on the second Saturday of December. For 16 years the “12 Days of Christmas” benefit show filled the Club Hippo in Baltimore. Last year when the Club Hippo closed producer Rik Newton-Treadway was forced to shop around and find a new location that would hold the large crowds, serve adult beverages, and still have room for the big silent auction. Unable to find a location in
the city that was Wishing big enough or you leathery holiday cheer! that didn’t cost a fortune to rent, Rik selected the Conference Center at the Maritime Institute in Linthicum Heights, Maryland. The 18th annual “12 Days of Christmas” was held there on Saturday, December 10th and once again brought the leather community and drag community together for an afternoon of performances, socializing, and fundraising. This year’s beneficiaries were The Allen Senior Center, AIDS Action Baltimore, Mid-Atlantic Deaf Interpreting Fund, and the GLCCB Building Endowment. The place was packed when Sir Steve and I walked it. Sir Steve delayed his usual winter escape to Florida this year so that he wouldn’t miss seeing all of our friends who show up for “12 Days” every year. Emceed by Mr. Maryland Leather 1999 David Allen, Baltimore’s Queen of Comedy Shawnna Alexander, and Sarha Shaubach (owner and producer of Alaska’s only BDSM / Leather Conference: Northern Exposure), the afternoon was entertaining and fun. This year’s show had the theme: “8-Track Flashback with the Songs of the 70s.” I would have liked a few holiday songs. Maybe have a little less Donna Summer and a little more “Winter Wonderland,” but it was still a great show. COMMAND, MC opened the produc-
tion with a kinky twist on “The Brady Bunch.” Yes, there was a drama in the Brady household when Cindy’s new butt plug disappeared. (I’m so glad Florence Henderson didn’t live to see that!) Some of my other favorite performances included Mr. Baltimore Eagle 1997 (a.k.a. Rosie B’More, who made a perfect Ethel Merman), Mr. Woods Leather 2016 Todd Apple (who played keyboard and sang the theme from Love Story beautifully), and Miss Gay Maryland 2013 Chi Chi Ray Colby (who not only brought down the house but broke the stage as well). And you can’t have a Christmas event without getting your picture taken with Santa. Filling in for the jolly man again this year was FIST member “Butch” Lee Norwood. As an added treat The Grinch also appeared for pictures. Now as the weather turns colder and I have shopping to do, cards to write, and Sir Steve has escaped to the sunshine state, I can reflect on how much I have once again enjoyed my three favorite holiday gatherings and the warmth of the leather community. I hope you have a great holiday and I hope you will join me at a leather event in 2017. It looks like 2017 is already shaping up to be a roller coaster of emotions. Come out and have some fun! t
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12 Days 2016 Photos by: Jonathan Vadnais (widjit)
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12 Days 2016 Photos by: Corey Wesnitzer
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ATTORNEY
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND Club Club 1722 1722
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baltimore’s premiere diverse venue CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH US! We go Around the Clock: You Stay, We Stay Doors open at Noon - No Cover
5-10 p.m. Early Bird Specials 2 for 1 on all Rail & Domestics
Enjoy a Toast on the House at Midnight Mid-Night 2 Raffle Drawings
-Basket of Cheer for the Dog Rescue of MD -Drawing for the Thomas Johnson Elementary School
10 p.m. Shawnna’s Annual New Year’s Karaoke Bash 2 a.m. Hor D’oeuvers Being Served
4 a.m. ATTENTION SERVERS The Tree Hosts Late Night Regular Happy Hour till 7 p.m. NEW YEAR’S DAY Free Non- Alcoholic Beverages to ALL Designated Drivers
KARAOKE FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHTS STARTING AT 10 P.M. Bruce Bruce Colville Colville Host Host Every Every Friday Friday Night Night Shawnna Shawnna Hosts Hosts Firstand Firstand Last Last Saturday Saturday
WED WED NIGHTS NIGHTS MOVIE MOVIE NIGHT NIGHT FEATURING FEATURING HOLIDAY HOLIDAY THEMED THEMED MOVIES MOVIES Showtime Showtime At At 88 P.M. P.M. (Double (Double Features) Features) Free Free Popcorn Popcorn And And $2.25 $2.25 Pint Pint Drafts Drafts
SECOND SECOND SUNDAY SUNDAY OF OF THE THE MONTH MONTH Shawnna Shawnna Alexander’s Alexander’s Drag Drag Show Show 88 P.M. P.M. FOURTH FOURTH FRIDAY FRIDAY SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT SHOW SHOW 88 P.M. P.M. Hosted Hosted By By Amanda Amanda Chase Chase Blair Blair
RAVEN'S RAVEN'S SUNDAYS, COME AND WATCH THE GAME ENJOY FOOD, FUN, DOOR PRIZES AND 50/50 RAFFLES
FREE PARKING PARKING AVAILABLE AVAILABLE ASK ASK BARTENDER BARTENDER FOR FOR PARKING PARKING PASS PASS FREE
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