Baltimore OUTloud • August 19, 2016

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AN INDEPENDENT VOICE FOR THE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER COMMUNI-

Chase Brexton Labor Strife Leads to Firings & Protests

By Bill Redmond-Palmer The firing of five staff members at Chase Brexton Health Services has raised qutestions and concerns throughout Baltimore’s LGBT and HIV-impacted communities.

The timing of the firings appears to many in the community – and the Chase Brexton workers in question – to be related to a recent move by a large group of employees to create a union bargaining unit of SEIU District 1199 Healthcare Workers East. The SEIU began talking to workers in mid-June and on August 1st, the SEIU filed for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), scheduled for August 25th.

A week later, Chase Brexton management fired four prominent staff members: • Warren Conner, senior manager for HIV care • Catherine Fowler, Mount Vernon center nurse manager • Bethany Henderson, program manag-

er of the LGBT Health Resource Center • Ken Ruby III, director of psychosocial services and HIV care.

Ruby and Conner began working at Chase Brexton more than two decades ago and have helped thousands of people living with HIV. Henderson spearheaded the development of many programs to support LGBT people, especially underserved elders.

Two days after the firings, the SEIU filed a charge against Chase Brexton with the NLRB, alleging that management had done so “in order to interfere with, restrain, and coerce the employer’s professional employees in the exercise of their rights” and to “invade upon the professional employees’ self-organizational rights to form a union.”

Each of the fired staff members were

managers, meaning they themselves could never have joined the union. “It’s an ageold union busting tactic,” said Brian Owens of SEIU District 1199, “for management to fire managers who might be seen as supportive of unionization, in an effort to intimidate other employees who may want to join the union.”

That same day, Chase Brexton CEO Richard Larison sent an email to staff, stating that “as your employer, we have an obligation to give you the facts. Over the next couple of weeks, we will be conducting group and individual meetings to educate you on the realities of unionization – and tell you the other side of the story that the SEIU is probably not telling you. We hope that when all is said and done, you will have the facts so you can make an informed decision, rather than an emotional decision. We believe after everyone weighs both sides and has the facts, you will agree with us that you do not need a third party to represent you, and you will vote ‘NO’ on August 25th.”

In that same email, the CEO stated that “the union often uses misleading tactics such as telling supervisors they can be included in the voting unit, the union can

By Frankie Kujawa Summer is traditionally a time when many begin to ease back on their workloads and enjoy vacations in the warm sun.

Baltimore Arts tour de force Ron Legler, however, has been humbly working behind the scenes to bring positive changes to the city of Baltimore. As

president of the Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, Legler’s vision and mission reflects his community approach and tireless work ethic. The Tony Award voting member of the Broadway League candidly shared with Baltimore OUTloud the great work going on at the Hippodrome, as well as his own story of how he became a leader in the arts.

Growing up in Erie, Pennsylvania, Leg-

Management digs in as some in community protest

He co-founded Pulse. Now he’s helping transform Baltimore through the arts

Ron Legler at the Hippodrome

August 19, 2016 | Volume XIV, Issue 8

Bethany Henderson, one of the fired Chase Brexton managers

guarantee wage increases for employees, the union can establish the work schedule for the employees.”

On August 11th, a fifth employee, Jill Crank, assistant medical director and nurse practitioner, was fired after almost nine —continued on page 4

Meet Ron Legler ler was always interested in student government and getting involved with his community. As a teenager, Legler honed his leadership skills as captain of both his water polo and swim teams. Soon after, Legler was awarded a leadership scholarship to attend Thiel College, a small Lutheran school outside of Pittsburg. “I was the first —continued on page 19

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Back to School Backpacks

Otakon – Last time in Baltimore

By Bill Redmond-Palmer It’s back to school time, and Chase Brexton Health Services (CBHS) wants to help parents and kids get ready for a healthy and successful school year with back-toschool check-ups. Everyone three through 17 who comes in for a check-up between now and September 9th, 2016, will receive a free age-appropriate backpack filled with school supplies.

CBHS launched this new program this year on July 15th at their Mount Vernon, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Randallstown centers. Their goal is to encourage their existing pediatric patients to get the year off to a happy, healthy start, and to attract new patients looking for a primary care provider. As of August 10th, they have already distributed approximately two hundred backpacks.

Caregivers should call CBHS to schedule their check-up, sports physical, or vaccination at 410-837-2050 x4300 (en Español x4301) at the center nearest them.

The elementary school backpack for kids ages three through ten, includes a pencil box, glue stick, eraser, pencil sharpener and pencils. The junior high / high school backpack includes notebook paper, a spiral notebook, red, black and blue pens, a highlighter, eraser, pencil sharpener, and folder.

“We are pleased to see the overwhelming response to the Chase Brexton BackTo-School Initiative, and even more thrilled to help our children, and parents, get the school year off to a healthy start with physicals, immunizations, and school supplies,” said Deborah Thomas, program analyst at CBHS Population Health Department.

“Back to school planning can be a stressful time for many families, and this effort has served to relieve some of that stress and promote the health of children in our schools and communities.”

To learn more about CBHS pediatric services, visit Chasebrexton.org/our-services/pediatrics. t Bill Redmond-Palmer is the community outreach liaison for Baltimore OUTL oud, and a longtime community advocate for HIV/AIDS, interfaith, and queer-related issues. Have a community news story idea?

Email bredmondpalmer@baltimoreoutloud.com.

By Anthony Calo Otakon, the East Coast’s biggest anime convention, occurred this past weekend at the Baltimore Convention Center. Otakon has been held in Baltimore since 1999 and has been one of the biggest and most popular events held in Charm City. An estimated 34,000 people attended this year.

Although many people visiting the Inner Harbor during Otakon are aware of the vibrant, elaborate, and sometimes goofy costumes that many attendees wear, they may not know exactly what Otakon is all about. Otakon the word is a combination of the Japanese word otaku, a Japanese term for people with obsessive interests, and the English word convention. The “obsessive interest” in this case is all aspects of Japanese pop culture, with special focus on anime, manga, music, and film. Anime is hand-drawn or computer animation originating from Japan. It is characterized by colorful graphics, vibrant characters, and fantastical themes. Manga is the Japanese word used to refer to comics and cartooning.

One of the biggest attractions of Otakon is the cosplay, which is the act of dressing up as your favorite anime or manga character.

The costumes are generally creative, beautiful, bright, colorful, big, and occasionally goofy. They are all fun. Whenever there are elaborate costumes based on beautiful, mystical, and fantastical characters, the gay community cannot be far behind.

Another major element to the convention is the dealer’s room. The avid fans of Japanese pop culture can buy action figures, videos, and clothing associated with their favorite characters. Finally, the panels and discussion groups will attract all types and ages of fans.

Otakon is a spectacle not to be missed by any serious fan but is also a great opportunity to go out and watch and meet people.

Unfortunately, Otakon will be moving to Washington, D.C., next year. Although it will be near enough to get to, it will no longer be right in our own backyard. Still, I recommend attending this wonderful and magnificent convention. The sights seen there are not to be missed even if you have to wait another year and travel to another city to see them. t

BCPD Deserves Our Thanks

By Baltimore OUTloud Staff In a world of uncertainty, when even the places we traditionally consider safe spaces for LGBTQ people have become targets for those who hate us, it’s important that we show our appreciation to those who help keep us safe. The staff of Baltimore OUTloud wants to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Special Events Section of the Baltimore Police Department and the Baltimore City Police Department LGBT liaison, Sergeant Kevin Bailey, for working hard to ensure a safe and Thanks for successful Baltimore Pride Parade a peaceful Pride and Festival this year. “The Baltimore Police Department’s Special Events Section works tirelessly to safeguard the security needs at city events, ensuring citizens can experience carefree fun,” said Sergeant Bailey, when we reached out to him for comment.

“The Pride Parade and Festival is a staple event in Baltimore and I was proud to be a part of the festivities and be of service to my LGBT family. My mission is to educate police department personnel and bridge the gaps between the LGBT community and law enforcement in Baltimore city. Events like the Pride Parade and Festival are great for bringing everyone together.” t

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Chase Brexton Labor Troubles —continued from page 1

years with the organization.

One patient who saw Crank as their primary-care provider for close to eight years, said that “with Jill gone I felt a great loss.

Not only for my own well-being, but for that of others. It was traumatic. I sat at my desk at work crying because she had become like family to me.”

Crank was primary-care provider to this patient’s transgender spouse as well, including during the gender transition. “I realized that so many other transgender patients had lost someone they trust with their care,” the patient added.

“As a gay, transgender man, finding a caring, non-judgmental health care provider who not only understands my medical needs but makes it their business to be an expert in the LGBTQ health field is nothing short of a miracle,” said another of Crank’s patients. “Jill Crank was my miracle. And I know many others who feel similarly. I am devastated that the Chase Brexton leadership would fire her, as she is an indispensable asset to our community.”

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On August 12th, a Chase Brexton patient created a Facebook event to organize a protest rally with the goals of getting the fired managers rehired, support workers’ organizing efforts, and called for the replacement of the current CEO. The protest will be held in front of Chase Brexton’s building at 1111 North Charles Street on Friday, August 19th from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Also on August 12th, 13 organizations serving the Baltimore LGBT community signed on to a statement drafted by FreeState Justice, that included the following: “We believe that workers’ rights are an LGBTQ issue, and we support the rights of all workers to form a union…. Fostering a healthy work environment is essential to recruiting and retaining the best team possible, which we believe is a key component of countering structural marginalization against the communities we serve.”

As well, the Pride Foundation of Maryland – which maintains a map of “LGBT Safe Spaces” – based on the allegations of union busting, said they would be “taking the extraordinary step of removing” Chase

Brexton from that map, “until such time” as the organization “resolves this matter in a way that does not threaten the livelihood of LGBT employees pursuing their legal right to unionize.”

A recent Change.org petition calls for Chase Brexton to “rehire these employees,” to “stop interfering with the right to unionize,” and to “take the health of” their “employees and patients seriously.”

“I was initially skeptical of the community responses to Chase Brexton’s actions, as I think that based on allegations, one should never take rash actions,” Lexa Newman Fisher told Baltimore OUTloud.

“I have great regard for Chase Brexton, as they were instrumental in getting my son’s father a second chance at life. I have a lot of respect for them for making health care accessible and helping disabled people get benefits due them. However, in light of recent findings, my opinion of ... management may have changed a bit. Every person there is valuable, and the team needs everyone on it to provide services at the level people need.”

Baltimore OUTloud reached out to several community members who had expressed misgivings about the unionization efforts and the community’s response to Chase Brexton’s actions but we did not obtain responses before presstime.

Grievances piled up A Chase Brexton physician outlined some of the conditions that had prompted the union organizing effort.

“Patients are currently double-booked for the first and fourth appointment slot of every session, which makes it impossible to run on time for my patients. I don’t want patients to feel rushed. I want to listen and to help. If all my scheduled patients show up, their visit length would be less than 17 minutes. This includes folks with complex healthcare needs, including HIV.” This physician noted the intense scheduling particularly impacted LGBT youth. “As outlined in a recent CDC report on ‘sexual minority’ youth, my LGBTQ teenagers are facing exorbitant levels of bullying at school, dating violence, depression, and substance use. It’s extremely difficult to support patients through these myriad health challenges when we are constantly being asked to do more with less, in less time. I want to give my patients the time and support they need to achieve their best health.”

A Chase Brexton therapist cited senior management decisions as the cause of an exodus of well-respected providers over the past three years, through resignations, layoffs, and demotions – leading to decreasing levels of care, resulting from “curtailed case

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management services and increasing productivity requirements on medical providers with diminishing support.”

“Our Mount Vernon headquarters still lacks a psychiatrist after more than two years,” this therapist noted. Replacements for many of the departed staff will be illequipped to serve the LGBT community, most especially transgender patients, the therapist added, saying that senior management is unresponsive to departmental requests for training in this area. This therapist cited one example of a new provider who, “while having experience in child and adolescent behavioral health services, had no prior experience or training specifically in LGBT child and adolescent therapy.

During the week of Baltimore Pride, this individual inquired of colleagues as to what ‘Pride’ was.”

Baltimore OUTloud contacted senior management at Chase Brexton to request comment, but it was not available prior to presstime. t Because of the sensitive nature of patient- and employee privacy, Baltimore OUTLoud has concealed the names of certain quoted individuals.

news // LOCAL

The Baltimore Eagle Takes Flight

By MILES CRAKOW After more than three years of being shuttered due to the City of Baltimore taking away the liquor license during the lengthy and extensive renovations, the Baltimore Eagle is getting ready to soar once more sometime in the very near future. In fact, it will be much larger than its past incarnation and will serve not just the leather community but also the entire Baltimore community. The times have changed and The Eagle’s new owners and the communities surrounding it have adapted accordingly.

For more than two years, owners Bob Gasser and Charles King have worked hand-in-hand with the Parrish family to bring The Eagle back to life. It’s notable that the Parrish family has been a strong ally to the LGBTQ community, which speaks to the different times and the changing communities we are now living in. Though they still hold out hope of regaining the original license, the team worked together to pool their money in order to secure The Hippo’s old license, which exemplifies how determined they are to reopen to the public as soon as possible.

Despite multiple hurdles, the partners have remained committed to bringing this iconic space back to life and with a modern sensibility. The bar itself will not just be one bar, but rather a collection of bars, restaurants, a leather and adult retail store, a package goods store, a lounge featuring a collection of leather community history and artifacts, and an event space inspired by Bohemian Romance and Cabaret Nostalgia that will bring the N.Y.C. and Montreal music scene to Baltimore – all on multiple levels and taking a much larger footprint than the previous Eagle. General Manager Charles King also promises lots of incredible surprises that will be revealed upon the grand opening weekend and in the months that will follow.

Will there be a leather bar? Absolutely! It is the heart and soul of The Eagle’s rebirth and it will stand shoulder to shoulder with the other new businesses, all supporting each other.

The Baltimore Eagle Team is extremely enthusiastic about resurrecting all facets of the new commercial space, but especially the leather bar. Baltimore has been missing a leather bar since the original demise of The Eagle in 2012 and, in fact, has not seen a new LGBTQ nightclub in years. The consensus is that it’s time for Baltimore to have an upgraded modern new nightclub and the current plan is to bring in New York sensibilities with DJs,

performers, and other artists, which should make the new Eagle the place to see and be seen.

In regard to the food being planned, the team has pulled out all the stops. The Eagle has hired Master Chef Ed Scholly, who trained i n

France, grew up in Germany, spent time in South Africa, and currently works in the Culinary Institute of Baltimore. He’s a Master Chef, of which there are only about 100 in the U.S. and he’s committed to opening it and running the food program for at least the first year.

Catering will be available in the event space upstairs.

Starting immediately, and in the weeks leading up to the grand reopening, the owners are offering several enticing gifts to their customers to thank them for their patient wait. The gifts include special pre-opening gift cards that have added value for free. For a very limited time only, $25 gift cards can be purchased for only $20; $60 gift cards for $50; $120 for $100, and so on. Exclusive opportunities are also being offered for private Founder’s Club and Chairman’s Club parties featuring customized menus for guest lists of up to 25 people. Additionally, the soon-to-be bustling business is offering pure silver commemorative pins.

Get all the information at TheBaltimoreEagle.com One of the things that the entire team behind the new Baltimore Eagle is most proud of is the support they have received from various civic organizations. After drawing up very specific plans and meeting many times, they are pleased that the Charles North Community Association, the Charles Village Civic Association, and the Old Goucher Community Association have

pledged their support.

As they get closer and closer to the reopening, Charles and Bob want to reiterate that none of this would have been possible without the help and support of the Parrish Family and many other allies. They strongly believe that diverse allies (like the many civic groups supporting the Baltimore Eagle’s renaissance) are as important to The Eagle as its own place in the rich history of the leather and LGBTQ communities. The new Eagle is about melding these different cultures and times together to make a bigger, more diverse community.

Finally, Charles and Bob would be remiss if they didn’t give a shout out to their beloved husbands who have been supporting them in this almost quixotic journey – they didn’t name their business “Four Crazy Guys” for naught – so special thanks to Greg King and John Gasser, who have been so wonderfully supportive.

If you are interested in joining the growing team at The Eagle or just want to be kept up to date on our opening date and all the new features, visit Thebaltimoreeagle.com. Also, like the Baltimore Eagle Facebook page as it’s updated regularly – Facebook.com/TheBaltimoreEagle. t

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beyond the beltway compiled by Jim Becker

Protest held as Trump, Rubio headline antiLGBT event Orlando, Florida – Equality Federation member Equality Florida, faith leaders, and family members of victims of the Pulse shooting were joined by nearly 200 local advocates on August 11th outside the “Rediscovering God in America” conference in Orlando to call out Marco Rubio and Donald Trump.

Exactly two months after the Pulse Nightclub shooting, presidential candidate Donald Trump and Senator Marco Rubio

appear at this gathering, so close in time and distance to an event that has forever changed our community, is nothing short of offensive and heartless. That is why we came together as a community today, to call for an end to hatred and bigotry of all kinds,” said Hannah Willard with Equality Florida. “Clearly, Trump and Rubio are trying to downplay their own record and distance themselves from the hateful rhetoric of those behind this event. But we are not going to allow them to demean and dehumanize LGBTQ people and our families, least of all in our city that is still mourning the horrific result of homophobia and senseless gun violence.” (Equality Federation – Mark Snyder at Equalityfederation. org/2016/08/equality-florida-orlando-community-condemn-trump-rubio-speaking-anti-lgbtq-event)

Rude welcome for Rubio and Trump

were the headline attendees for a conference, just miles from where the shooting that shook Orlando and the nation took place.

The conference was hosted by the American Renewal Project, whose leader has likened gay people to Nazis and called on Christians to “risk martyrdom” to block gays from marrying. The event was sponsored by the American Family Association and features the Liberty Counsel, both notoriously anti-LGBT organizations dubbed hate groups by the Southern Poverty Law Center. In addition to their long history opposing adoption, marriage, and even basic legal protections for LGBT people, Liberty Counsel’s president drew widespread condemnation for threatening to bring a Glock .45 to the bathroom in Target in case she encountered a transgender person.

At the counter-rally organized by Equality Florida, and joined by community partners and victims of the Pulse shooting, the community came out to peacefully and forcefully call out these two leading national Republican politicians for their reprehensible anti-LGBT message propagated by their campaigns. “For Donald Trump and Marco Rubio to support and

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD

Test results no one should get

Human Rights Watch urges ban on forced anal exams Geneva, Switzerland – Forced anal examinations on men and transgender women accused of consensual same-sex conduct have been reported in at least eight countries in the last five years, Human Rights Watch said in a report released on July 12th. These examinations lack evidentiary value and are a form of cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment that may

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in some cases amount to torture. International human rights law prohibits torture as well as cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment. The United Nations special rapporteur on torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment has found that the exams are “intrusive and degrading” and “medically worthless,” amounting to “torture or ill-treatment.”

The International Forensic Expert Group describes them as “a form of sexual assault and rape.”

The 82-page report, “Dignity Debased: Forced Anal Examinations in Homosexuality Prosecutions,” is based on interviews with 32 men and transgender women who underwent forced anal examinations in Cameroon, Egypt, Kenya, Lebanon, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, and Zambia. The examinations, which have the purported objective of finding “proof” of homosexual conduct, often involve doctors or other medical personnel forcibly inserting their fingers, and sometimes other objects, into the anus of the accused.

Victims of forced anal testing told Human Rights Watch that they found the exams painful and degrading; some experienced them as a form of sexual violence. “I felt like I was an animal. I felt I wasn’t human,” said “Mehdi,” a Tunisian student subjected to an anal exam in December 2015. “When I got dressed, they put handcuffs on me and I went out, feeling completely in shock. I couldn’t absorb what was going on.”

“Forced anal exams are invasive, intrusive, and profoundly humiliating, and clearly violate governments’ human rights obligations,” said Neela Ghoshal, senior researcher in the LGBT rights program at Human Rights Watch. “No one, in 2016, should be subjected to torturous and degrading examinations that are based on invalidated theories from 150 years ago.” The exams are rooted in discredited 19th century theories that homosexuals can be identified by the tone of the anal sphincter or the shape of the anus. International forensic medicine experts have found that the exams are useless, in addition to being cruel and degrading. All counThese news notes have been compiled, with permission, from the online version of various newspapers and other web sites. We thank these publications for allowing us to bring you their news stories. Usually the reports have been significantly edited and you can read the full story by going to the web site mentioned following the item. Comments are strictly the opinions of Jim Becker and not of Baltimore OUTloud or Pride Media.

tries should ban the practice Human Rights Watch said. (Human Rights Watch at Hrw. org/news/2016/07/12/ban-forced-anal-exams-around-world)

Olympic icon Greg Louganis to receive award Dallas, Texas – As the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio progress and Outsports.com reports that there is a record number of 49 publicly out LGBT and intersex athletes and three coaches, Black Tie Dinner officials are getting in the spirit by announcing that openly gay Olympic gold medalist Greg Louganis will receive the 2016 Elizabeth Birch Equality Award. Louganis will receive the award at the 35th annual black tie dinner, set for October 1st. The Birch Award is given in recognition of “demonstrated national impact on LGBT rights.” In 1988 Louganis first tested positive for HIV. He did not disclose his HIV status – or come out as a gay man – until 1995 when he released his autobiography, Breaking the Surface, which spent five weeks at number one on the New York Times bestseller list.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Louganis’s first Olympic appearance: He placed second in the tower event in the 1976 Summer Greg Olympics in Louganis Montreal.

He went on to win a total of five Olympic medals – gold medals in spring board and tower diving in Los Angeles in 1984, and again in Seoul in 1988. Those victories in Seoul came despite the fact that Louganis hit his head on the diving board during the springboard preliminaries, suffered a concussion, but refused to drop out of the competition. In addition to his Olympic victories, Louganis has won five world championship titles and 47 national titles – more than any person in U.S. history – and his records remain unbroken.

Black Tie Dinner is a non-profit organization that raises funds for LGBT supportive organizations serving North Texas. t (Dallas Voice – at Dallasvoice.com & Outsports.com)

Voice of the Center2016

Community Center Hours of Operation: Monday and Friday 10am -6pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10am-10pm Saturday Closed Sunday 10am-6pm

01 02 03 04 05 06

YAO 4:30-6:30pm

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Silhouette (3) 7pm-10pm Giovanni’s Room(1) 7pm-10pm

Glccb Move Giovanni’s Room(1) 7pm-10pm

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07 08 09 10 11 12 13 Glccb Move N/A main/(3) 11-1pm Yoga (3) 3pm-5pm

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thinking outloud

Pointing it Out

By Sage Piper

the fallout has often been wrenching, polarizing, and deeply frightening. The outof-control Trump campaign caters to and stokes these dark fears. So on the international Olympic stage in the breath of a fortnight, the chance to pause, step back, and simply identify as Americans united behind our national athletes, those chiseled beautiful bodies pulsing with grit, daring, and national spirit, was simply too good to resist. It is simple, and it is powerful – though it is not free of complications. But at this point, we’ll take it.

There were some compelling Olympic scenarios which played out as powerful metaphors for what is happening on our national stage. The first week showcased sports like gymnastics, swimming, and basketball – those which Americans have traditionally dominated, and we were going strong. Our national pride was pumped, and it felt good to be able to stoke that national pride. It felt in some ways – dare I say it – like the comforting and familiar “good old days” of the

Smashing the Trumpian World View Rio e h t t A ics Olymp

There is no denying that the long hot summer of 2016 boils on across the country, fiery and unabated.

However, the advent of the Olympic Games in Rio this month provided some welcome and sorely needed relief from the weighty issues that divide us – the violence and the tragedies, the revelations and the protests, the political ugliness. As a nation this summer we are being forced, on many levels, to confront who we are even if we are not ready to fully acknowledge it, and

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Olympics when America was “great,” when USA could strut our stuff and lead the world, including beating out the Russians in the age-old battle for gymnastic domi-

nation. I had to check myself when feeling this way, haunted as the air is these days with Trump’s Make America Great Again codes and triggers.

But something happened to block this possible Trumpian analogy – the composition and the spirit of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team. What a beautiful sight to behold. The group of incredibly strong and powerful young women was a full-throated celebration of American diversity – African-American, Hispanic, Caucasian.

The makeup of this squad, in some clear distillation, is the America that Donald Trump is afraid of.

As such, their confidence, their victories, their commitment to each other was all the more sweet and remarkable. This squad reflects us in all the ways that matter – this is what we look like, this is who we are – and when tiny powerhouse Simone Biles soared and landed, our national heart was in our throats. Then, we soared.

For me the beautiful and vibrant gold medal winning performance of Simone Manuel in the 100 meter was the shining moment, and the strongest blow to the Donald Trump vision of America. Without a lot of hype and hoopla, without superstar buildup, Simone swam victorious and emerged an American hero, in the best sense of the word – joyful, incredulous, having put in her dues and still mostly celebrating the dues of those who came before her, those who did not go on to reap such rewards. The emphasis on the fact that she was the first African-American gold medalist was impossible to prevent and she dealt with it, but possibly even

she did not realize just what her victory meant. For it was a beautiful breakthrough against decades of Trumpian-style racism in the arena of swimming pools – of racist fears which led to the private white pool clubs and affluent suburban Hail centers which the rain- literally kept African-Americans bow out of the pool for generations.

As we careen forward into the future in this uncertain world, our fears about the challenge make us susceptible to stepping backward, to anything that seems familiar. But the American swimmers and gymnasts in Rio are living proof that we do not have to fear what’s ahead. The future looks like diverse teams of American athletes, integrating even the sports long known for being only accessible to the richer and whiter strata of society, and it’s beautiful. There are glistening black and brown and white bodies careening out of the pool and embracing each other in group Simone Manuel

hugs and tears, and they are now the heroes and symbols of wide-open possibility to this generation of American children.

It felt fitting that even as Americans had our collective day in the sun the first week of the Olympics, we were already careening into the second, where feats of track and field would give way to wider open fields, runners from rich and poor countries alike, where athletes from tiny islands without tracks could come and be a part.

Running may be the most democratic sport of all, and the best metaphor for the way the world has become so global, so immediate, so intense.

Americans will not always dominate in this field. But taking our place among the best athletes in the world, straight and gay, is what we do – fearlessly and with our best selves. t

Thinking OUTloud

Narratives on

New Beginnings Merrick Moses

Transformed Beliefs I can be a person of great extremes. I either have long dreads, a head full of hair, or no hair at all. I am not a gray person at all. My philosophy has been “Pick a side.” So with this, it’s no surprise that in order to remain in the closet, I picked an extreme philosophy to mirror the revulsion I had for my own gender dysphoria.

My foray into radical feminism was a way for me to escape inner torment and loathing.

I truly believed that trans antagonism was founded in reason and survival. I believed that all these butches were becoming transmen because this was some nefarious attempt by the medical establishment to destroy gays and lesbians. Yes, I believed it because I didn’t want to believe my own heart.

I surrounded myself with said propaganda and folks involved in the propagation of this philosophy. What seemed like empowerment for “womyn born womyn” was really not what I thought it was.

There were elements of racism, which I discovered. And in the end, what brought me to my senses is what seemed like an inordinate hatred for men. Checking in with myself through prayer and meditation, as well as a great mental-health counselor, I realized that the man truly hated the most was myself. I couldn’t face him. And I hated him because I was afraid of him. I was afraid of Merrick. I was afraid to let go of the paradigms and ideas that kept me depressed and bound up. But when I prayed for congruence and to live a life of authenticity, the rug was literally yanked from under me. I was tired of being filled with fear, self-doubt, and anger. When I let go of that, the God within me showed me who I really was, unfettered by fear and emboldened by courage.

It was damn near like a twelve-step program. I apologized to those I hurt by espousing trans antagonistic radical feminism. But there is one last group of folks I have not apologized to. And that was to you, the readers and my OUTLoud family. I deeply apologize for the hurt that I caused because I was not in tune

with myself. Not to go backward, but to set the record aright, I was asleep to who I really was and now I am wakened to who I really am. I thank you for forgiveness, love, and acceptance.

For me, there is no end to my transition.

I am always learning and growing, seeking to become a man of my own design, as Tiq Milan would say. I am always cultivating my masculinity with the hope and expectation that this energy would be a reflection of the Divine’s work in my life. I am a work in progress as we all are. I am emboldened and buoyed by the profound love I have surrounding me. I am also acutely aware of the loss that I have suffered because I choose to live authentically. I have lost home, friends, possessions. This is not unlike other trans folks who have lost so much and even life because of their bold declaration of self. I am not alone. The road is hard but the taste of freedom is ever so sweet. The blessing of looking in the mirror and seeing the miracle of my life is priceless. For all that I have loss, I count as gain to be able to travel in this life as who I really am. I now am present, living in my body, as a free man. The dream of an Afro-Latino Catholic queer kid from Queens is made manifest by an Afro-Latino Catholic queer man walking the streets of Baltimore. It is a surreal blessing for which I am so thankful. To the Divine, my ancestors, and spirit guides be the glory.

My constant prayer is that the work of my hands blesses those around me and gives hope to those like myself. I pray that whatever life I have left is used to serve others, making my parents and ancestors proud. The servant is worthy of His hire. Lord, let Your will be done and Your love shine through the prism of my life so that all will know that the love always wins! t

“What seemed like empowerment for ‘womyn born womyn’ was really not what I thought it was.”

Truth & Love

Outreach

Rev. Jeffrey D. Harris

The Doctor Said...

For many, whatever the physician says is absolute. People have given up on life because they received negative doctor reports.

We all know someone who had a scary doctor visit. The physician found a lump, blood clot, or something indeterminate. In turn, the doctor requested blood before his diagnosis. Those were the worst hours in a person’s life! They didn’t sleep or eat but struggled with the conditional statements of “what if.” In some cases, the diagnosis was not good but others were better.

Let’s see what the “the doctor said” about homosexuality!

Physicians and clinicians have tried for many years to cure “homosexuals.” This particular article, my research extends to the 1940s, when homosexuality “was discussed as an aspect of psychopathic, paranoid and schizoid personality disorder.” Physicians defined homosexuality as pathology while psychiatrists made bold claims about treating and curing the “illness.”

James Harrison, who produced Changing Our Minds in 1992, noted “the medical profession viewed homosexuality with such abhorrence that virtually any proposed treatment seemed defensible.” Many horrific forms of treatment were forced on persons of our “Community.” Lesbian’s were forced to receive hysterectomies and massive amounts of estrogen, only for a “negative” result of “no change in her sexual orientation.” Gay men were massacred too! Same documentary: a gay man was forced to “undergo a transorbital lobotomy.” The video shows a small ice pick-like object being inserted in his eye socket, above the eyeball into the brain. The pick, then moved back and forth, reducing the prefrontal lobe to a hemorrhaging pulp.

Another gay man was strapped down with electrodes to his head and a male voice says, “We’re going to help you get better.” The power switch is thrown and the man’s body jerks violently as he screamed.

Castrations and varied aversion therapy –

none of them produced change in sexual orientation. These horrifying incidents only caused many LGBTQ persons to be mangled and lose their lives.

We honor heavenly Creator and the wisdom He’s given doctors advancements in medical sciences, including psychiatry.

Dr. Evelyn Hooker, a young psychologist, presented a study to the American Psychological Association in 1956 and changed the minds of current and future colleagues regarding homosexuality. “Her study was the first of many showing homosexuality could not be defined as pathology.” Therefore, “in 1973 the American Psychiatric Association established that they would remove ‘homosexuality’ from its official Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, signifying the end of homosexuality’s official status as a disease.”

Many who study psychiatry don’t try to change a person’s orientation and they are trained to not regard homosexuality as a disease.

Moreover, in 2014 an article written by Ian Sampler, published on RawStory.com, 400 gay men were study subjects who gave fresh evidence that male sexual orientation is influenced by genes. The subjects DNA was studied and revealed that “a region on the X chromosome called Xq28 had impact on men’s sexual orientation behavior.” Also, chromosome 8 contributed to a male’s orientation.

In light of it all, I have wonderful news!

“The Doctor said” – and I do mean, Jehovah God – impressed me to relay this message, “Tell my people, all who read this: ‘I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you a future and an expected end.”(Jeremiah 29:11) God loves all his creation, including the LGBTQ community. God claims us as His own! (Psalm 24:1) “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof and they that dwell there.”

No matter what mainstream religion says, we will deal with that later, but know that the Creator, Jehovah God loves You! We at Truth and Love Outreach Center love you too. t For more information, email truthandlovefellowship@gmail.com, or on the web at Truthandloveoutreachcenter.com.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD august 19, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com t

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thinking outloud // David’s Thoughts

Wanted: More Openly Gay Olympians

By David Placher Many gay Olympians live their lives discreetly, because their sexual orientation is not socially accepted or legal in either their countries or local communities. In the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, 205 countries participated with 10,444 athletes, but only a shockingly 13 countries with a grand total of 42 openly LGBT Olympians – 31 women and 11 men – with Great Britain and the U.S. in a tie as the most openly LGBT Olympians on their teams. It is without question that there are more gay Olympians, just not known to the public. As future Olympians watch and wonder if publicly disclosing their sexual orientation benefits or hinders their careers, the public should understand why a vast majority of today’s gay Olympians choose to stay closeted when reviewing a brief history of known gays in the Olympics.

The first known gay Olympian (although not out at the Olympics when he competed) is Otto Peltzer, born on March 8th, 1900, a German runner that competed in the middle-distance races in the 1928 Amsterdam and 1932 Los Angeles Olympic Games. In 1933 he joined the Nazi Party, but two years later, he was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for

homosexual acts. He was released early on condition he would stop competing in races.

His running career was over. He left Germany to live in Denmark and Finland, but returned to Germany in 1941 after he received assurances he would not be arrested again, but he was arrested upon his return and was sent to Mauthausen-Gusen Concentration Camp where he remained until the camp was liberated on May 5th, 1945. Peltzer died on August 11th, 1970.

Dr. Tom Waddell, born November 1st, 1937 in Paterson, New Jersey, participated in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics in the track and field and he placed sixth among the 33 competitors. He was not out at the Olympics.

When he lived in San Francisco in 1972, he joined a gay bowling league and thought its inclusiveness and competitiveness could be a model for an international gay sporting event.

In 1982, he started the Gay Olympics with its first competition in San Francisco. Although the U.S. Olympic Committee allowed other groups to use the term “Olympic” in their titles, the USOC sued Dr. Waddell, forcing him to create another name: Gay Games. In 1987,

the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-to-4 decision, ruled in favor of the USOC. The USOC tried to collect legal fees from Waddell by placing a lien on his home. In 1987, a few weeks before his death, the USOC waived its legal fees and removed the lien.

Gregory “Greg” Louganis, born January 29th, 1960, is an American diver who won gold medals at the 1984 Los Angeles and 1988 Seoul Olympic Games on both the springboard and platform.

There were rumors at the time that he was gay, b u t he was not out at the Olympic Games. At the Seoul games, he suffered a concussion after his head struck the springboard during the preliminary rounds, which caused his blood to enter the pool water. At the time of the accident, he did not disclose he was HIV-positive, a diagnosis he received six months prior. During the 1980s and 90s, the public was still trying to understand HIV and its mystery installed fear into the public because it is incurable, and at that time, barely treatable.

In 1995, he disclosed his HIV-positive status, and to no surprise, lost most sponsors, except for Speedo, which retained him until 2007.

At the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, with a newspaper confusing cheap tabloid stories with actually news, the Daily Beast ran a story that focused on drossip (drama and gossip), when it should have kept its focus on the athletes and their performances. Nico Hines – a straight, married man – took a huge unethical leap by creating a profile on a gay dating app and luring unsuspecting closeted Olympians to disclose their identities to him, so he could

write a story. The headline of the story was “The Other Olympic Sport in Rio: Swiping” and he descried the people he encountered with enough details that the public could figure out the Olympians’ identities. Although the Daily Beast did remove the article and issued an apology, it did not publish the steps it would take to remedy (e.g. financial support, counseling) to the victims of the ill-conceived article.

As more Olympians consider the risks of coming out and whether their respective countries will accept them if they do disclose their sexual origination, a discreet list of the countries that did accept its openly LGBT Olympians for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games is necessary: (1) Australia, Michelle Heyman (soccer); (2) Brazil, Isadora Cerullo (rugby), Larissa França (beach volleyball), Mayssa Pessoa (handball), Julia Vasconcelos (taekowndo), Ian Matos (diving); (3) Canada, Stephanie Labbe (soccer), Marie-Eve Nault (soccer); (4) Finland, Ari-Pekka Liukkonen (swimming); (5) France, Mélanie Henique (swimming), Alexandra Lacrabère (handball); (6) Germany, Martina Strutz (pole vault), Nadine Müller (discus); (7) Great Britain, Nicola Adams (boxing), Helen Richardson-Walsh (field hockey), Kate Richardson-Walsh (field hockey), Carl Hester (equestrian), Spencer Wilton (equestrian), Tom Bosworth (race walk), Tom Daley (diving), Susannah Townsend (field hockey); (8) Netherlands, Carlien Dirkse van den Heuvel (field hockey), Hans Peter Minderhoud (equestrian), Jeffrey Wammes (gymnastics), Edward Gal (equestrian), Maartje Paumen (field hockey); (9) New Zealand, Katie Duncan (soccer), Robbie Manson (rowing); (10) South Africa, Sunette Viljoen (javelin); (11) Sweden, Lisa Dahlkvist (soccer), Nilla Fischer (soccer), Hedvig Lindahl (soccer), Caroline Seger (soccer); (12) U.S. Seimone Augustus (basketball), Kelly Griffin (rugby), Brittney Griner (basketball), Elena Delle Donne (basketball), Angel McCoughtry (basketball), Jillion Potter (rugby), Megan Rapinoe (soccer), Ashley Nee (kayak whitewater slalom); and (13) Tonga Amini Fonua (swimming). t

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quality of life

My Fabulous

Disease

By Mark S. King

The Dangerous Toll of Chase Brexton’s AntiUnion Efforts Jill Crank misses her patients terribly. And she is worried about them.

“The last thing I want is for them to think I abandoned them,” Jill said. “I’m afraid they might not know what to do.”

During almost nine years as a nurse practitioner at Chase Brexton Health Care in Baltimore, and more recently as their assistant medical director, Jill had a caseload of about 600 clients. It included patients, largely from the LGBT community, who were being helped with mental health issues, HIV treatment and prevention, transgender health, and addiction and recovery services.

They are the kind of patients who rely on the trust built between them and their healthcare provider. They are often awash in social stigma and barriers to quality care. They count on people like Jill Crank.

“They trusted me, yes,” Jill says. She is still finding it difficult to discuss them without getting emotional. “That trust translated into our making positive decisions about their health together. So many of them were in the middle of life-changing issues, like choosing to recover from addiction or deciding on new HIV treatment.

These issues are not easily resolved by a quick fix-it visit with a new provider.”

Those crucial relationships were abruptly broken last week, when Jill and four other management-level employees at Chase Brexton, the largest provider of clinical services to Baltimore’s most vulnerable populations, were unceremoniously fired from their jobs.

All five employees had exemplary records of service, some dating back decades. They have been honored for their work, received glowing performance reviews, and had virtually no warning their

careers at Chase Brexton were about to end.

That end came as the result of a chillingly vindictive move on the part of Chase Brexton senior management. With a union organizing effort underway by employees – who cite an unreasonable workload that is having an effect on the quality of patient care – senior management evidently tried one of the oldest, and most cruelly transparent, tricks in the playbook. They fired managers (who are not eligible to join the union themselves but might be seen as supportive of the change) in an apparent effort to intimidate those seeking to join the union.

To speak to those five employees, who were interviewed individually for this story, is to hear a litany of confusion and heartbreak. The word “devastated” is used by all of them.

Without exception, they mention a deep concern for their paJill tients, who were notified of the Crank disappearance of their provider without explanation.

“I had dedicated my life to that agency,” said Warren Conner, a case management supervisor who began his career at Chase Brexton as an intern more than 21 years ago.

His statement is hardly an exaggeration for someone who considered his professional co-workers part of his family. “I met my husband there, years ago. He was working in the mental health department. We’ve been together ever since. I really thought I would retire from there,” he said.

Fired without severance pay despite stellar performance reviews, Warren fears for his future. The seniority he had achieved isn’t easily translatable to the current job market. “I’m working on my resume,” he said. “But I haven’t looked for a job in 21 years. I’m not sure how to do it, honestly.”

Ken Ruby, the fired director of psychosocial services who devoted 22 years of his life to the agency, still has great pride in the agency and his work there, despite the circumstances.

“Chase Brexton has been a huge player in HIV treatment and prevention,” he said, noting their recent efforts to educate the community about the prevention strategy PrEP, the pill proven to prevent HIV transmission.

“I saw Chase Brexton helping to achieve zero HIV transmissions. That was our goal. I just don’t see how that won’t be slowed down, since several of us who were fired were really involved in setting

up PrEP services.”

“I had so many ideas, so many projects left to do,” Ken said, and then his emotions well up again and his voice breaks. “I feel like I’ve lost a piece of me, and it’s still there, in that agency,” he said.

Brian Owens is lead organizer for SEIU 1199, the service employee union that Chase Brexton employees are trying to join. He believes the firings were an attempt to “coerce and intimidate employees eligible to join the union,” but that the move has backfired tremendously. “It has galvanized the employees to speak up for themselves and for their co-workers who were fired,” he said.

Brian points to the union-

ization of Whitman Walker 20 years ago, the capital’s largest provider of HIV services.

In that case, management allowed union organizing to take its course without their interference.

By contrast, Chase Brexton employees received an email earlier this month from Richard L. Larison, the now-embattled CEO, urging them not to join the union and promising educational sessions that would convince them not to. Instead, those meetings have become an outlet for employees to express their outrage over the dismissals.

Community backlash has been swift and unified. More than a dozen local LGBTQ organizations have signed an open letter denouncing the firings and urging Chase Brexton to support the rights of workers. A petition stating that CEO Larison is “failing the community” and calling to reinstate the fired employees has already gathered more than 1,000 signatures.

And coming on Friday, a community rally is scheduled on the steps of Chase Brexton’s Mount Vernon location. Even Maryland State Delegate Maggie McIntosh has posted her displeasure with the union-busting, asking Chase Brexton to “rehire the terminated employees and allow the union election process to proceed

free of intimidation or interference.”

What makes the union pushback by Chase Brexton management so curious is the fact that unionizing is just the sort of progressive value that one would expect from an agency that was founded as a health clinic for gay men. “At this point,” said union organizer Brian Owens, “the folks who are running Chase Brexton do not share those progressive ideals.”

That shift is being laid firmly at the feet of CEO Larison, who is widely viewed as having abandoned the collaborative culture Chase Brexton once enjoyed, replacing it with a hard-hitting management style that has seen the departure or firing of dozens of employees at every level during his four-year tenure. His office did not respond to an interview request and there has been no formal response to recent events from senior management.

The silence has left the five terminated employees to sort out their emotions, and their lives, on their own. “Over the past week I have felt sad, angry, and extremely frustrated,” said Catherine Fowler, a nurse manager who was fired.

“I’m very concerned for my patients, for my nursing team, and for the organization and its future.”

“I don’t want to go somewhere else,” said fired programs manager Bethany Henderson. “There’s nothing else like this.

I want my job back. I would go back in a heartbeat.”

Others are not so sure. They are conflicted, caught between wanting to support the efforts to reinstate them while still feeling the bruises inflicted by an agency they no longer trust.

They are not paralyzed by their confusion, however. The five employees have retained an attorney who has filed action with the National Labor Relations Board in an effort to stall the terminations, citing unfair labor practices.

Meanwhile, at the main offices of Chase Brexton in Mount Vernon, where all five of the former employees worked, the main pavilion is undergoing repairs. The loud and messy activity is a fitting metaphor for the turmoil the agency is experiencing.

Enormous jackhammers are destroying the foundation. Bulldozers are collecting the concrete debris. The destruction is reverberating through the underground garage and thunderous shudders can be felt in the offices several floors above.

The sound is deafening. t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD august 19, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com t

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quality of life

The Law & You

Lee Carpenter

Changing Your Legal Name “It ain’t what they call you,” said W.C. Fields.

“It’s what you answer to.” The hard-drinking American comedian knew what he was talking about. Throughout his life, Fields would answer to many names, including Otis Criblecoblis, Mahatma Kane Jeeves, and Uncle Claude.

Many of us in the LGBTQ community are also fond of “stage names,” which our friends may use out of affection or sheer playfulness!

A legal name, on the other hand, is an important part of our identity, and taking on a new name is usually done only for serious reasons. Often, these reasons include major life events.

For example, a recently married couple may want to change their last names to reflect their new union. Without traditional rules of etiquette to follow, they may hyphenate their surnames, one partner may take the other’s name, or each could adopt the other’s last name as his middle name. When a marriage ends, at least one of the former spouses may want to revert to his previous name.

Same-sex couples who adopt a child may want to change the child’s last name to help him identify as a member of the family. For a very young child, the couple may choose to change the entire name, perhaps honoring the birthmother by incorporating part of her name in some way.

Someone who is transgender or in transition will likely want a new name that reflects

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD

their new gender, or that is agreeably gender-neutral. In this case, the individual will want to have the gender marker on their birth certificate changed as well. The person can then be issued a new birth certificate – not an amended one – that shows the new name and the changed gender. A legal name change can occur at any time, regardless of the stage of the person’s transition.

So when the time comes, what’s the best way to change your legal name? The process can start with a call to a lawyer, who will prepare the necessary documents. These include a petition to your county’s Circuit Court requesting the change. The petition will be submitted with proof of your current name, such as copies of your birth certificate and passport, as well as any documents related to the reason behind the change, such as a marriage license.

Notice of the petition is published in a local newspaper, giving the public an opportunity to raise any objections to the change. This rarely happens, but if it does – or if the court has any questions about your petition – the judge may schedule a hearing. Your attorney can attend the hearing with you to ensure that your interests are represented fairly. If all goes well, the judge will eventually sign a decree granting the request to make your name change official.

Once the change is final, you should notify Social Security and the Motor Vehicles Administration of your new name. Having a driver’s license and Social Security card bearing your new name will make it easier for you to have other agencies and businesses update their records as well.

Dale Carnegie once said, “A person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.” With the help of a lawyer and the courts, you can change your name to align with your gender, your marital status, or simply your sense of who you are. And nothing could be sweeter or more important than that. t

august 19, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com

Ask

Dr. J

Janan Broadbent, Ph.D.

In Praise of Communal Tables Have you noticed that cafes and restaurants are putting communal tables in more frequently? Now surely we know that profit-making motivates a business establishment, and so this must have something to do with their goal. Nonetheless, I take it that the hospitality business is understanding that there are zillions of single people in the world who live alone and like to dine out. So instead of reserving a two-person or a four-person table for one, why not install a large long table where several folks who may not know each can sit together?

The best part of this is that it also promotes a community spirit. I personally know a number of people, and possibly more women, who do not like to sit by themselves at a table. So a communal setup allows a more “group” atmosphere. Now lest I am accused of unnecessary generalizations, I am not talking about what one of our local prestigious universities used to have: A table where only men used to be allowed to preside. That tradition has been disposed

of some time ago. Further, a group of ten to 12 may want to eat together, thereby taking up the whole table. I would think though that more often than not, this practice may facilitate chatting with fellow diners and make for a more pleasant and friendly time.

I bring this up because it is impossible to be unaware of the polarized and increasingly nasty encounters between people especially on social media. What the hell is going on?

Why is this country, and in fact, the world, has become a hostile place? There are many viewpoints on the complicated reasons for this, and then there is the historical perspective of whether equally unsavory periods existed before or whether the ptresent is worse or as bad as the past. What I want to advocate is that each of us, with those we care about, and even with those we don’t, we try to make better, more gracious and civilized conversations that promote solid relationships.

It is not possible to maintain emotions on a positive level at all times. We do get annoyed, angry, and frustrated. But unlike a toddler who can vent with impatience and immediacy, as adults, we can control temper tantrums, and to quote a saying, engage the brain before the mouth. In any relationship, when cruel words are uttered, once the storm is over and the clouds disappear, unfortunately you find the debris that stays.

Not only on an emotional level, but physically as well, the benefits of close and positive encounters have much research behind them. So whether sitting at a communal table, or at a party with others, it is for your own good health and mood that even casual and meaningful talk enhances the well-being of everyone. And I must say, life seems even better when someone cracks a joke. Let’s hear it for the witty among us! t

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In Memory of George ‘Gilbert’ Remmers July 3rd, 1925 – August 5th, 2016 GEORGE GILBERT REMMERS was born on July 3rd, 1925 to parents Louis Otto Remmers and Anna Mills. He was known to his family and Lutheran church family as Gilbert.

He grew up and lived in Baltimore and served in the Coast Guard stationed in Hawaii during the Second World War. After the war he attended college and became a very popular school teacher and taught sixth grade in the Baltimore school district.

After retirement he moved to Fells Point and opened an antique shop called the Yankee Peddler and became a very popular character in the Fells Point community.

He loved to drive to flea markets all over the Baltimore area to find things to sell in his store.

Remmers was very active in his beloved St. John Lutheran church located in Brooklyn, Maryland, a suburb of Baltimore. He loved to sing and sang in the church choir and also with the Baltimore Men’s Chorus. He recently was an important part of the church’s 100th anniversary celebration with his recollections of his early years in the church read out by his good friend Sue Calvert in June of this year.

He loved local and national theatre and the arts and supported many local theatres in the area right up until his death.

He was a loyal volunteer at Movable Feast from its beginning and was dedicated

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to helping others, especially people suffering with AIDS, delivering food to housebound clients always giving a big ol’ hug before he left. He loved travel and travelled extensively all over Europe. In 2002 he suffered a debilitating stroke, which affected his left side but after extensive therapy at Johns Hopkins hospital he was able to walk again with a cane, but was unable to return to his beloved home on Aliceanna Street in Fells Point.

He went to live with good friends Phil and Ron in the Mount Vernon area of Baltimore after his stroke and was there until just before his death in Dallas. Despite his stroke he continued to travel with his friend and partner Mike, going on an Alaskan cruise, a trip to Mexico, a seniors conference in Las Vegas, and frequent trips to Dallas, Texas.

He was always a very positive person and always looked at the bright side. He was an inspiration to all of us that knew him. He was visiting Mike in Dallas for his 91st birthday when he got sick. He is survived by his partner and friend Mike Jackson and cousins Catherine Jorgensen and Eric Matuszewski, and many friends in Baltimore, Dallas and the United Kingdom. He was loved by so many and will be sadly missed. t

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD august 19, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com t

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Lively ArtS // qmusic

Time Warped

By Gregg Shapiro Twenty years after the original, four-person line-up of The Monkees released its final album, and four years after Davy Jones died, remaining members Mike Nesmith, Mickey Dolenz, and Peter Tork have regrouped for Good Times! (Rhino). Produced by Adam Schlesinger (of Fountains of Wayne fame), who also contributed a couple of tracks, the album has the kind of hipster glow to it that helped artists such as Glen Campbell, Mavis Staples, Johnny Cash, Bobby Womack, and Loretta Lynn, gain renewed credibility among a whole new generation of fans. It also helps that new songs written for the disc

by Rivers Cuomo (of Weezer), Andy Partridge (of XTC), Ben Gibbard (of Death Cab For Cutie), and a collaboration by Noel Gallagher (of Oasis), and Paul Weller (of The Jam and The Style Council) make up the bulk of the material.

Additionally, there are new songs by Nesmith, Dolenz, and Tork, as well as new recordings of tunes by songwriters who played a role in The Monkees’ success, including Carole King and Gerry Goffin, Neil Diamond, (Harry) Nilsson, and Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart. Of course, all of these details wouldn’t matter in the least if the music wasn’t any good. Yes, it’s good, especially “You Bring The Summer,” “Me & Magdalena,” “She Makes Me Laugh,” “Whatever’s Right” and “Birth of an Accidental Hipster.”

Rogue Wave returns after three years with the wonderful new album Delusions of Grand Fur (Easy Sound). There’s more fun to found on the disc than just the wordplay of the title. Led by Zach Rogue, Rogue Wave makes timeless modern pop that can be traced all the way from the 1960s (hello, Monkees!) to the present day. Songs such as “California Bride,” “In The Morning,” “Ocean,” “The Last Picture Show,” “Frozen Lake,” and “What Is Left To Solve” are some of the best examples.

“Falling” deserves mention for being one of the most beautiful songs of the year.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Seattle band The Posies proved that power pop and grunge could not only co-exist, they could

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also crossbreed. Nearly 30 years after its debut, and six years since its prior studio album, original band co-founders Jonathan Auer and Ken Stringfellow have reunited under The Posies banner for Solid State (My Music Empire). Displaying a softer (but still rocking) side with wonderful harmonies and a catchy set of tunes, Solid State is indeed solid. Even if you weren’t a part of the previous Posies pack there is plenty to recommend on this sweet album including “Squirrel VS. Snake,” “Unlikely Places,” “Titanic,” “Scattered,” “Rollercoast Zen,” “Radiance,” “The Plague,” and “M Dolls” (which could reach a whole new audience with the right remix).

After a three year gap between albums, Goo Goo Dolls is making an effort to remind us that it’s still around. The 20th anniversary expanded reissue of A Boy Named Goo got things rolling and now co-founding members Johnny Rzeznick and Robby Takac return with Boxes (Warner Brothers). There are some pleasant surprises under the lid of Boxes such as “Flood” (a duet with Echosmith’s Sydney Sierota), the light pop of “The Pin,” and the title track, and the galloping dance beat of “Reverse.”

Six seems to be the magic number for experimental band Autolux. Its debut album and follow-up came out six years apart. Autolux’s new disc Pussy’s Dead (30th Century/Columbia) has arrived six years later.

Falsetto vocals, glitchy, twitchy beats and buzzes, fuzzy funk, ominous guitars and keyboards, and vocal distortion collide in a Radiohead-meets-The Flaming Lips setting for music that is alternately welcoming (“Soft Scene,” “Brainwasher,” “Change My Head”), and challenging (“Junk For Code,” “Listen To The Order”).

The four years that passed between the time Deftones released its previous album and the arrival of Gore (Reprise) doesn’t seem to have dulled the band’s aggressive, but melodic, screamo metal attack. If you like it loud and crunchy, Deftones deliver on “Doomed User,” “Rubicon,” “Pittura Infamante,” “Prayers/Triangles,” and the title cut. t

Lively Arts // out on screen

Laughs & Deep Questions Florence Foster Jenkins

by Chuck Duncan You know when you’re watching a movie with Meryl Streep that she’s going to do an exceptional job. Sometimes she’s completely effortless, embodying the character so that you forget it’s Meryl Streep. Other times, all you can see is Meryl Streep acting her heart out in the hopes that yet another Oscar nomination comes her way (I’m looking in your direction August: Osage County). Thankfully this is not the latter of the two Streeps.

Florence Foster Jenkins tells the true(ish) story of the New York grande dame and patroness of the arts who so loved music that she founded the Verdi Club, a place in the city where like-minded folks could go and enjoy an evening of musical presentations complete with various tableaux featuring Jenkins enacting scenes from such classics as “Ride of the Valkyries.” But what Florence really wants to do is return to her singing, and she convinces her husband St. Clair Bayfield (Hugh Grant) to contact her old vocal coach and employ a new pianist to accompany her. Young Cosme McMoon (Simon Helberg) gets the pianist job and is shocked to discover that Mrs. Jenkins can’t carry a tune in a wet paper bag. Yet her coach, her husband, and her friends at the club encourage her because they all know how much she loves music. After several successes, Florence takes it upon herself to book a concert at Carnegie Hall for the servicemen bravely fighting in World War II. The question is will an audience of 3,000 be as appreciative as her small circle of friends?

Florence Foster Jenkins is a delightful film full of humor, usually at the expense of the title character. When she first opens her mouth in song, it will elicit laughter, especially from Cosme’s stunned reactions. But then you begin to wonder if you should keep laughing or instead feel sorry for Florence.

The film makes no bones about the deep love she and St. Claire have for each other ... even though he has his own apartment and a mistress (only because of Florence’s health issues). But as the story progresses, again you are left to ponder just how healthy that relationship truly is. St. Claire spends every waking hour coddling Florence, and

when he decides to take a little time for himself one weekend, she takes charge unaware of the potentially disastrous results awaiting her. Despite Cosme’s directness with St. Claire and the obvious hintings of her vocal coach, and famed conductor Arturo Toscanini, St. Claire refuses to be forthright with Florence. Instead, he cajoles Cosme to continue to play Finding the tune

along, even when things get completely beyond his control, putting Florence at risk of ridicule and destroying any career aspirations Cosme may have.

This is a rare comedy that really hits you hard on an intellectual level by the end.

While the story leaves you questioning St. Claire’s motives, you won’t have any doubts about the caliber of talent on display.

Streep gives a bravura performance as the passionate music lover, seemingly oblivious to her lack of musical ability. She works brilliantly with both Grant and Helberg, showing that deep love for her husband – and understanding above and beyond what any relationship should withstand – and a deep affection for Cosme. She could have taken Florence very much over the top, but she keeps her grounded in even the more humorous moments and makes you root for her to succeed. And for someone who can really sing, spending an entire movie singing completely off key is a feat in and of itself.

This is the kind of role for which Streep is routinely rewarded.

Grant is also very good, again working well with Streep, making you believe in their romance even as he goes home to his mistress every night. Grant also manages to not allow St. Claire to become the villain of the piece because of his romantic situation or by the way he coddles Florence. The lengths he goes to in order to protect her from harsh criticism could almost be seen as abusive,

and he may be taking advantage of her status in order to share the spotlight when she takes to the stage. It’s a role that requires some real balance and Grant manages to tread that line with grace.

Helberg, best known for his role on The Big Bang Theory, is a delight. He plays Cosme with soft-spoken, slightly fey characteristics, but he’s able to project pretty much everything that’s on his mind simply through his facial expressions. He allows himself to be almost bullied by St. Claire into protecting Florence at the risk of his own reputation, but Helberg also conveys that deep admiration and friendship that Cosme has for her, even if the musician’s dream of playing Carnegie Hall could end up being his musical swan song.

The supporting cast is also top-notch, the direction is assured and not flashy, and

the production design captures the era of 1944 New York City well, and if I didn’t know better, I’d swear Nina Arianda as a sort of 1940s floozy/golddigger, time traveled from that year just to make this movie – a testament to her performance and the spot-on hair, make-up and costuming. It’s interesting that a film like this would be released at the tail end of the summer blockbuster season, and perhaps the studio hopes that word of mouth will carry it into the fall and keep it on people’s minds come awards season. It is a film that deserves to find an audience, so if you’re looking for an antidote to superheroes, supervillains, sci-fi spectacles, and talking animals, Florence Foster Jenkins should be the ticket.

And if you think you’ve already seen this film, it’s quite possible you have – as there was a French film by the title of Marguerite released earlier this year which appropriated the Florence Foster Jenkins story to create its own fiction. t

“A delightful film full of humor, usually at the expense of the title character.”

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PEOPLE IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Meet Ron Legler —continued from page 1 in my family to go to a traditional college. I was very fortunate to be there and I didn’t want to waste any of that experience.” It was while attending Thiel that Legler’s advisor suggested that he try his talents in theatre as an elective. “My advisor said, ‘You look like you’d be in theatre. You’d be good.’ But I never had any exposure to Broadway or any kinds of shows. So I went to the class and I instantly felt like it was supposed to be.”

Legler credits his professor and longtime friend, Dr. Robinson, as the one who opened this world up for him. “I saw Les Miserables in the Benedum Center and it changed my life. At that moment, I knew had to be part of this Broadway thing.”

Legler attributes his participation in theatre in helping him to grow and develop into the person he is today. “Living your life in this Broadway bubble there’s such a protection. As a young person growing up in Erie I didn’t really know what being gay was, which is kind of disappointing. Broadway protected me from the bullying. It was ok to be gay because you were in Broadway and lived within that bubble.”

After college, Legler moved to New York City and worked for a while as a booking agent. It was in 2001 when Legler relocated from New York City to Orlando. “I had just come from New York and I wanted to go to some of the gay bars, and there were like two in Orlando at the time – Parliament House and Southern Nights. Both were very dated, and I thought it was time that we bring this martini bar sensation to Orlando. And that’s how Pulse was really born.”

Legler, who co-founded Pulse with Barbara Poma, was heartbroken after the events of June 12th, 2016 in which 49 people were massacred in the hate-filled attack. “In the way Broadway protected me, Pulse became sort of that bubble for many people.” Legler explained. “When you go to gay bars, you feel that you can be yourself and you don’t have to be judged. Which

was really wonderful. And having that bubble popped two months ago was devastating.” Tearing up, Legler shared, “My heart is with those people. It’s difficult because it was the place that makes you feel safe. It was a sanctuary for many people. To have that interrupted, and have those people brutally murdered, it’s very difficult to think that could have happened within those four walls.”

Switching gears to discuss his cultural impact in Orlando, Legler went on to explain that upon his arrival he found much of the downtown district suffering tremendously.

“Church Street was once this bustling, fun area but as Disney opened Downtown Disney and Universal opened City Walk, many tourists stuck to those areas. So downtown just became desolate.” As the president/CEO of the Florida Theatrical Association, Legler was instrumental in re-imagining how to use these areas to help the community. “So what happens when you go into these areas where you have all these empty buildings? theatre happened. Art started happening. Popup restaurants. Life started to slowly get breathed back into these places.”

Since his arrival at Baltimore’s Hippodrome in May 2014, Legler instantly began to analyze thetheatre’s potential in Baltimore. “The community is your audience.”

Legler explained. “Think about Baltimore and the cultural assets in a relatively small community. We have over 21 museums!

What city in the world has 21 museums?

A harbor city with one of the most beautiful baseball stadiums in the world. You have the Lyric Opera House, the Hippodrome doing National Touring Broadway, the BSO with its beautiful space. This city is filled with culture! I think that’s what we have to rely on to build Baltimore into a safer city.”

Legler’s passion and mission at the Hippodrome has already begun to take effect on the facility. Receiving a much needed facelift from years of wear and tear, the Hippodrome’s recently installed carpet was a multi-million-dollar project designed

“Baltimore is a city where there is so much history and beauty.

But at the same time so much suffering and anguish. I think that we at the Hippodrome have to be the relief valve for that. We have a responsibility to be that.”

by an artist in order to make it historically accurate to the theatre’s history. The conversion from incandescent to LED lighting is also adding a new feel. This fall, patrons will be able to enjoy the newly renovated Hippodrome Cafe, which has a more bistro feel with a new menu. Legler, along with the Hippodrome Foundation, is currently working on the “Reimagining of the M&T Bank Pavilion.” This project would open up more unused space at the Hippodrome for more community events. This drastic change will allow the Hippodrome to serve as a bridge to the community for self-expression.

“We have to be accessible. We have to be reachable.” Legler explained. “We have to be the outlet of steam for these communities. We have to be the bridge that if you think you can’t get somewhere from here, you can. I think the arts are the way to do it.”

Reflecting back on the spring performance of Beauty and the Beast, Leger recounted that through the Hippodrome Foundation and a sponsorship from BGE, the theatre was able to welcome 2,200 at-risk kids from the Baltimore area to a matinee performance. “It was such a proud moment because kids that would never have this opportunity were able to experience this show.

These kids were hanging on every single

word.” The experience affected adults, too.

“In the middle of the performance, I went back stage and the actress who played Belle was crying. I asked her, ‘Is everything alright?’ and she responded with ‘I’ve never had this experience in all my time being an actress.’ The cast was literally crying backstage because the power of these kids and the experience they had. They’ll never forget it.”

Legler’s job, however, is just beginning. His investment in both Baltimore and the community transcends into his work.

“There’s a lot of work to do. All the plans we’ve made here for the future is the key to becoming a true performing arts center where you give the community a very big part. When those doors are open, and the answer is always yes, change can happen.

I believe these community spaces are the need.”

Legler also reflected on both past and current events in Baltimore. “You look at Baltimore and it’s on the edge. Baltimore is a city where there is so much history and beauty. But at the same time so much suffering and anguish. I think that we at the Hippodrome have to be the relief valve for that. We have a responsibility to be that.

And our work is just beginning.” t

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out in the valley

Parenting OUTloud

Rev. Kelly Crenshaw

Real Parenting Simone Biles is a gymnast. In fact, she’s a very talented gymnast who is competing at a world level. She’s amazing to watch and has impressive athletic abilities. That’s how she made it into the Olympics.

But, Google her name and you’ll see as many articles about her personal life as you will about her competitive one. She doesn’t have a criminal past. She hasn’t committed herself to some philanthropic cause. Her newsworthy reality is that she’s adopted. Yep! That’s all there is to it. She’s adopted.

People who aren’t familiar with adoption like to ask questions and make assumptions.

They want to know about the “real” parents.

They assume there is some sordid story behind the scenes and that there is no real connection between adoptive parents and their children. Many in the LGBTQ community

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD

choose adoption as a way to build their families. And, many are subjected to the questions and insensitive remarks made by strangers, friends and family.

As an adopted child and an adoptive mom of many, I’d like to set the record straight by answering some of the more common questions. But, even as I do this, I want to make it clear that these answers relate to my adoption experience. Others would answer in different ways.

First of all, my parents are my parents.

They are not my foster parents or my step-parents. Foster parents are temporary. Mine are permanent. Step-parents marry someone who

august 19, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com

already has children. My parents’ names are on my birth certificate. I am their child. They are my real parents – the ones who changed my diapers, practiced multiplication tables, encouraged me when I was hesitant, punished logical family members could not care for them me when I was out of line, sat up all night and keep them safe, but honestly, that’s no one when I had surgery and drove me to a myri- else’s business. So, it’s best not to ask. If you ad of after-school activities. They are the ones would not dream of asking about the gory dewho taught me to read and put up with my tails of a childbirth, then you don’t need to ask hormonal, teenaged, opinionated self. They about the gory details of an adoption journey.

Speaking of asking, it’s not the best idea to loved me, nurtured me and worried about my future. They are real parents in every sense of ask about my children’s ethnicity. I remember a time, about 15 years ago, the word. when someone approached And yes, I have met my me about my infant daughter. birthmother. She is a lovely She was a beautiful baby with woman, who later married and creamy brown skin and curly raised two sons. She is a strong, dark hair. After complementing independent woman who gave the baby, this stranger looked me traits. I call her by her first me in the eye and asked, “What name and respect the fact that is she?” Without batting an she gave birth to me. She has a eye, I replied, “A little girl.” The distinct place in my life. We have stranger walked away looking developed a friendship over the slightly embarrassed, although years. Before I met her, I wanted Care over genes I’m not sure if she was embarthe medical questions answered. rassed for herself or for my obAt least, that’s what I told myself.

The funny thing is that even after I got the med- vious stupidity in not understanding her question. ical answers, they weren’t correct. The informa- But seriously, if I want to discuss my children’s tion that was provided by the court, 30 years af- ethnic heritage with you, I will. Otherwise, it reter my adoption, was filled with misinformation. ally is none of your business. And honestly, why And, even the information I received directly would you ask?

Finally, I think the most important thing to from her didn’t seem to make that much of a remember is that each person’s adoption expedifference after 30 years of life.

But, like all adoptees, my story is unique rience is different. Respect that we define family to me. Out of all of the adopted people in my in our own unique way. Respect that some may family, I am one of the few to have a positive interpret adoption in a way that doesn’t meet relationship with my birthmother. Some of us your understanding. Respect that some have don’t want to know our birthparents. Some of great relationships with both biological family us remember them as unkind and abusive peo- and adoptive family. Respect that some may ple. Some of us want to re-establish a relation- know their biological families, but do not want to ship in order to heal the past. Some of us have be reminded of that relationship because of constayed connected through the years. Many of tinuing pain. Respect that some adoptees do not us have continued to be hurt by birth family. have a good relationship with either adoptive or Unlike popular fiction where adoptable kids are biological family. Respect that adoptees have a orphans with no extended family, most children right to privacy, just like everyone else.

And most of all, respect that family can be who are available for adoption have biological family somewhere. In fact, most are available built in many ways. What matters most is that for adoption because in some way, their bio- family is created. t

out in the valley

Brian’s

Brain

Brian George Hose

The In’s & Out’s of Joking If you ask a person what they look for in a relationship, chances are they’ll say they want a partner who can make them laugh. It turns out there’s a good reason for this. Laughter isn’t just the best medicine or a way to relieve stress, it’s also a way of connecting and identifying with a person. The reason is simple: sharing a similar sense of humor means that you find the same things to be funny, that you share a similar world view.

All of this came to light recently when Donald Trump made a veiled “joke” suggesting “the Second Amendment people” (people who like guns) do something about Hillary Clinton, who he claims wants to abolish the Second Amendment, and her choice of Supreme Court judges should she be elected president. Whether he was suggesting assassination or an armed revolt is unclear, just like most of what The Donald says, but what is clear is that this kind of humor isn’t acceptable, especially from a presidential candidate.

In response, Dallas attorney Jason P. Steed explained in a series of 23 tweets why “just joking” doesn’t excuse this kind of humor. Before becoming an attorney, Steed was an English professor who wrote his PhD dissertation on “the social function of humor,” so he knows what he’s talking about.

In a nutshell, Steed says that humor organizes people by creating an “in” group and an “out” group because humor is a social act that always involves more than one person. Laughing at a joke means that you agree with the content or subject of the joke, putting you in the “in” group. If you don’t think the joke is funny, you’re in the “out”

// health group. This is why it stings when one of your jokes bombs, because it means people don’t agree with you and that, by making a bad joke, you’ve put yourself in the “out” group while attempting to get “in” with your audience.

Steed goes on to say that there is danger in mean-spirited humor, like racist jokes, because there is always a bit of truth in this kind of humor. Humor allows us to say something unacceptable and get away with it by adding “just joking” afterward, as if that erases what was said. The trouble is, this kind of humor normalizes ideas. In Trump’s case, he’s normalizing the idea that it’s okay for people to commit violence against those they disagree with. He’s creating an “in” group that accepts the idea. The “just joking” is an apology to the “out” group that was never meant to accept the idea in the first place. The “in” group knows that the apology is meaningless, which just reinforces their membership in the “in” group, whose enemy is, you guessed it, the “out” group.

There are exceptions, of course. Parody and satire can use mean-spirited humor to draw attention to social problems, like racism. This is a bit more advanced because the purpose of this humor is to alienate ideas instead of people. Comedian Sarah Silverman is a master of this, often making herself the butt of her own jokes to highlight bigotry, ignorance, and social attitudes.

Another example would be Tina Fey’s spot-on impression of Sarah Palin, which pointed out the absurdity of a politician whose response to questions on foreign policy was, “I can see Russia from my house.”

All this talk of “in” and “out” groups has made me wonder if there is such a thing as non-offensive humor. If every joke leads to an “in” or “out” group, does that mean that everything could be offensive to someone?

Probably. Does it mean we should stop laughing? No. The important thing to remember about humor is that, though it can be divisive, it more often brings us together and makes us happy. The key is in knowing what kinds of humor are appropriate for the setting and the individuals involved so that everyone feels included, part of the “in” group.

As for Trump and his “joke” about gun violence, I’m happy to count myself “out.” t

“All this talk of “in” and “out” groups has made me wonder if there is such a thing as non-offensive humor.

If every joke leads to an ‘in’ or ‘out’ group, does that mean that everything could be offensive to someone?”

Health Chat

Debbie Anne

Crisis Averted For years now, those of us who work in public health have been keenly aware of a looming crisis – the ever increasing resistance of bacteria to current antibiotics – from Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) to Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) to Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis, to Multi-Drug Resistant Gonorrhea. From a public-health perspective, the prospects have looked pretty frightening and people would surely die for lack of an antibiotic treatment. And then came the most welcome medical breakthrough since the discovery of penicillin – the first new antibiotic in 30 years – teixobactin.

In the past few decades pharmaceutical companies have stopped developing new antibiotics because there wasn’t as much money to be made in them as in the newest designer drugs for auto-immune diseases as well as drugs for cancer, diabetes, HIV, and hepatitis C. So teixobactin was not developed by a pharmaceutical company but through a collaborative effort between the University of Bonn in Germany and Northeastern University in Boston. An article in Readers Digest reports that the new drug “has the potential to work against a broad range of fatal infections … and is highly unlikely to lead to drug resistance,” as has been seen in other antibiotics.

An article in Medical News Today describes the details of the breakthrough, “Most antibiotics used today come from soil microbes … there is a major problem with researching soil microbes – they are very difficult to culture in the lab.” It’s estimated that about 99% of soil microbes have not been researched because of this problem.

Microbiologist and professor at Northeastern, Kim Lewis, and her colleagues have changed the game by developing a way to culture the bacteria in a setting that replicates its natural environment. They have successfully cultured 10,000 colonies, and

these led to 25 potential new antibiotics including teixobactin which is believed to be the superhero of them all.

Teixobactin works differently that many other antibiotics because it breaks down the cell walls of other microbes destroying their line of first defense. This means that unlike other antibiotics that trigger resistance in the other microbes because the microbes are able to build alternate defenses, teixobactin will always be able to achieve destruction of the other microbes because it shuts down the first line of defense and doesn’t allow the development of mutations.

Don’t go to your doctor today and ask for teixobactin though. It’s probably going to be about five years before there is FDA

approval of the new drug. Expect that for the next few years your doctor will still refuse to prescribe antibiotics for your cold or flu. And even if she suspects that you may be developing a secondary bacterial infection, she will want you to give it about ten days to see if you will recover without antibiotic intervention. She will tell you to let your immune system do its work. If she does prescribe an antibiotic she will tell you how very important it is to finish your course of antibiotics completely. All of these measures work to slow the development of resistant bacteria, and we need to be mindful of that until we have the newly developed drugs in hand.

In the meantime, we can rest knowing that with the development of teixobactin and the new technology to study many more soil microbes, a medical disaster has been averted. Thanks to the folks at Northeastern University and University of Bonn! t Debbie Anne is a Public Health Nurse with Frederick County Health Department in Frederick, Maryland. In 2014 was awarded a Governor’s Citation for her work with Marylanders living with HIV/AIDS.

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD august 19, 2016 • baltimoreoutloud.com t

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out in the valley // FAITH

Spirit Speaks Being Family

By Rev. Kelly Crenshaw Walk into most churches and you are likely to hear someone say, “This is my church family.” For some, this is simply a way to define our church friends in a way that implies closeness. For others, it’s merely a term that is used without much thought or meaning. However, for those in the LGBTQ community who have been ostracized by their -families of origin, a church family may be much more significant.

Church family members of- All in ten assume traditional familial roles. There may be a matriarch or patriarch who exhibits strong leadership qualities.

There might be temperamental, young people who closely resemble teenage siblings.

There are those who are intimately involved in the life of the church (immediate family), those who enjoy being more on the fringe of things (distant cousins) and those who fall somewhere in between.

New Light MCC takes pride in being a family to its members and friends. We don’t claim to be the perfect family. In fact, we are like most families. We get along most of the time, and don’t always see eye to eye. But, we know that when times get tough, we can turn to each other for support.

Our church members have supported members of the church family as they’ve planned weddings, prepared for the birth or adoption of a child, and provided support after a relationship fell apart. They have given of their time and attention when it was needed most.

Recently, our co-pastors conducted a funeral for one of our founding members. He and his husband had recently returned to the church, after several years’ absence. The widower commented that he was sure everyone had forgotten them and was thrilled to discover that not only were they remembered, they were welcomed with open arms. It was not long after they returned to the congregation that the medical problems increased and the man died. And, how did the church family respond? The widower was thrilled to report that people called.

They visited. They made sure that he, as the surviving spouse, was supported throughout the grieving process until he felt strong enough to be alone with his memories for long periods of time.

And, even though there was family support, the church family was there, providing an additional layer of protection to make this difficult transition a little easier to bear.

We can talk all day about the problems with churches. We can talk about the difficult church members or the ones who step on our last nerve. We can mention the questionable decisions or the inclusion of something new and different into the worship experience. But, we can’t forget about the family. Whether we act like warring siblings or the black sheep, we are still in relationship with each other.

And, we can hope and pray that when times get tough, family will be there to support us – giving us words of hope from scripture and hugs of encouragement from the heart. t For more info about New Light contact one of the co-pastors at 301-797-5698 or newlightmcc@hotmail.com.

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quality of life

Violet’s Vet

Dr. Tony Calo

Run, Violet Run! Connor and I love spending time with our dogs. This means going on walks, enjoying quiet time, and the excitement of mealtime.

Of course, the most entertaining is playtime. We have a big yard and we also have an empty field nearby which works well for playing with dogs. The biggest part of playing with our dogs involves running of some sort. Running in some ways is primordial to dogs. In the wild, a good run resulted in a good meal. Then when dogs became domesticated, it was their skill at running that made them such an asset to humans.

Dogs could run after sheep to keep the flock moving or they could find and chase after prey. They are made to run. Running is a great way to let off steam, to let loose and act crazy, and most of all it is just plain old fun. There are several ways that a dog may enjoy running and each of our dogs has her or his own favorite.

Violet loves a good game of chase and be chased. This may start with her getting our attention in a traditional play bow. The play bow is a universal sign for dogs that want to initiate play with another dog – or with their favorite human. Anyone that has witnessed this behavior knows exactly what I am talking about.

The dog will stretch their front paws out in front of the body and place the front legs and the sternum on the ground while the hind end and the tail are up in the air. The play bow is an invitation to play to which no one can say no! It’s even more irresistible when it is coming from a front-heavy little French Bulldog! Once in this position, the game is on. First you have to decide if you are going to chase or be chased. I usually chase after her first. All it really takes is a few

quick steps in her direction with my arms stretched down towards her. She then takes off as fast as she possibly can take those little legs of hers. She often takes off in one direction and runs in a huge circle-eight pattern around our yard and after that last turn, she heads right back in my direction. This is the signal that it is now my turn to be chased. I only have to run a few yards until she has caught up with me and she hurls her stout body into my legs.

She usually bounces off my legs and lands directly back in paly bow. At this point, the game chase and be chased starts all over again. She loves every second but I think I love it more. She is so happy and so funny. The joy she is exuding during the game permeates through her, across the distance between us, and then becomes my own joy. No matter how many times we play this game, I laugh.

Daisy, on the other hand, enjoys a good game of keep away. To her, there is no sense and no fun in running unless she has a toy that everyone else wants. To be honest, Connor and I really don’t want the toy or the Frisbee that she is keeping away from us, but we give chase anyway.

She loves knowing that she has it and that someone else wants it. She will often try to entice Violet or Henry to chase after the toy she has in her mouth. This is not often successful, however, as they find it easier to get one of the many other toys in the yard. So it is up to us, her human pack members, to chase the prized possession.

When Daisy was younger, this game could last hours. Now that she is 11, she tires more easily but even when the chase is over, don’t expect her to give up the toy!

Henry’s running game of choice is Daisy and Henry fetch. He is ready to run selective in the fact that it has to be a tennis ball.

Frisbees and sticks are somehow not worthy of this attention.

Tennis balls however, garner serious attention to the point of obsession.

We can throw the ball all day and he will never get tired. He will never give up the chase, and he will never not bring that ball back for one more throw. We have, on occasion, thought that he was exhausted his spirit of the fetch but with a five-min-

Violet’s New Friends Hello, I’m Maxx. If you are looking for a sweet older gentleman who needs a loving home where he can spend his golden years, then I’m the one for you. I may be almost 14 years old, but I am still a spunky guy, if I do say so myself. I love people and being held and carried around, and will also give you kisses that will make you melt. In my previous home I lived with everything – dogs, cats, and kids! Needless to say, they all loved me. I am a staff favorite and if you stop in soon to meet me, you will find out why.

k

You can find me at Baltimore Humane Society (1601 Nicodemus Road, Reisterstown, Maryland), or look me up at Bmorehumane.org. t Maxx

ute reset, he is off and running again. I marvel at both his energy and his tenacity. The best part of his running game of choice is that I get to stand still. I don’t have to chase a small French Bulldog that wants me to catch her or a big yellow lab that is teasing me. All I have to do is throw a ball 100 times in a row until I can’t lift my arm anymore.

So Violet, Daisy, and Henry all love to run. The details of their favorite running

activity may differ, but it they all love the activity, the exercise, and the time we get spend together as a family. t Please e-mail your stories and questions to violetsvet@baltimoreoutloud.com.

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dining out

September 15th: Dine Out for Life

By Bill Redmond-Palmer Mark your calendars and make your reservations now for Thursday, September 15th’s Dining Out For Life (DOFL), to benefit Moveable Feast. So far 47 restaurants and eateries have committed to partnering with Moveable Feast to support the event, now in its 23rd year and with thousands participating.

Here’s how it workd: Diners can visit any of the partnering restaurants or eateries throughout the area, for breakfast, lunch, or dinner on September 15th, and at least 25 percent of the cost of their meal will be donated to Moveable Feast.

This year, among Baltimore eateries, the Brewer’s Art (1106 North Charles Street in Baltimore) will contribute 35 percent. The Woodberry Kitchen (2010 Clipper Park Road) and Gertrude’s (10 Art Museum Drive) will contribute 50 percent. Two incredibly generous restaurants will even donate 100 percent of the cost of all meals: Pascal’s Chop House (22 South Harrison Street in Easton) and the Shake Shack (400 East Pratt Street, in downtown Baltimore). A complete listing of participating restaurants can be found at Diningoutforlife.com/baltimore/restaurants.

There’s still time for restaurants and eateries to sign up (see the “sign up your restaurant” tab on the Diningoutforlife. com. “As restaurant owners, hospitality is our business and mission,” said John

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Shields, “Chief Cook and Bottle Washer” at Gertrude’s at the Baltimore Museum of Art, when asked why his colleagues in the restaurant business should support DOFL. “Hospitality means taking care of the guest, which is something Moveable Feast does oh-so-well day after day, year after year. From the business side of things, it’s a smart move as well. Moveable Feast knows their stuff when it comes to marketing. They get the word out and drive traffic to partner restaurants in a big way. And the word of mouth, and good will garnered by being aligned with this event is priceless.

We are delighted with our mutually beneficial relationship.”

Moveable Feast is the sole provider of meals for people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other life-threatening illnesses, delivering to Baltimore City, the five surrounding counties, and all nine counties on the Eastern Shore. In 2015, they delivered 847,680 nourishing meals to 5,721 clients, at no cost to the client. Their vision is to feed people, fight disease, and foster hope. The nutritious meals they provide to their clients help them fight the serious illnesses that they are confronting. The personal care Moveable Feast provides fosters hope in their lives and lets them know that they are not alone in their struggles.

Last year, 56 restaurants participated to raise over $75,000 for Moveable Feast programs and services. This year, the goal is to raise $85,000.

For more information about Dining Out for Life, visit Diningoutforlife.com/baltimore or call 410-327-3420 x52. To learn more about Moveable Feast, visit Mfeast. org. t

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quality of life

Fit

for

Life

Joshua H. Buchbinder

Road Trip Workout When we travel it becomes easy to find excuses to not exercise, “There’s no gym, there’s no space, my kids are here, etc.”

These are just excuses … fitness isn’t about time, space or gyms – it’s about choices. Here is an easy workout you can do anywhere – First we need to activate our core to get ready to work: • Planks: four sets for 30 to 60 seconds • Floor bridges: four sets for 15 repetitions • Cobras: four sets for 15 repetitions Next it’s time to do some work!

• Air squats: three sets of 12 to 15 repetitions

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• Single leg balance and toe touch: three sets of 12 to 15 repetitions per side • Bird dogs: three sets of 12 repetitions per cross angle • Push-ups: three sets of 12 to 15 repetitions • Archer push-ups (if you can): two sets of 20 (switching from one side to the next) • Super-mans: three sets of 12 to 15 repetitions • Tuck-ups or V-ups: three sets of 20 repetitions • Bicycle crunches: three sets of 30 repetitions • Heel drivers: three sets of 20 repetitions Side Planks: three sets of 30 seconds per side Simple, concise, effective and total body! With body weight workouts we can easily achieve a workout anywhere we go. I know how hard it can be to maintain our workouts and healthy nutrition choices while traveling. Below are some super easy snacks and food choices to keep

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your metabolism running the right way.

Obviously bring or fill bottles of water to stay properly hydrated, I can be all too easy to choose sodas and juices because they’re at every rest stop. Hard-boil eggs before the trip, put them in a cooler for a quick, protein rich pick me up.

Obviously protein shakes (my preference is non-dairy) are an easy way to get the protein our bodies need to keep our muscles from breaking down. Other healthy snacks can be cut up vegetables and fruit, nut or soy butter for healthy fats. At the rest stops it can be tempting to hit the fast food – I like to get grilled chicken sandwiches and throw out the bun as they are nothing but processed white flour (translation: sugar). For healthy carbs we can have some pre-prepped, cooked, and cut sweet potatoes (not while driving!).

Bring oatmeal with you as many hotel rooms have microwaves. There are also lots of veggie chip options or gluten free pretzels or crackers for those of us who crave saltier snacks.

If you make the right choices and do a

little prep-work before you travel you can stay on track, avoid temptation and have a healthy, happy trip. Good luck and remember it’s not about time, space or a lack of healthy options it’s about choices. t Joshua Buchbinder, M.S. is the owner and operator of B-Strong Fitness and Medi-Fit. He can be reached at jbuchbinderfitness@gmail.com follow him on Instagram @jbuchbinderfitness and follow his programs, clients, and personal fitness journey.

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leather line

Leather

Line

Rodney Burger

A New Start in the Atlantic States I can’t remember the very first time I saw a copy of Drummer magazine, but I will never forget how it made me feel. I grew up in a time when gay men were only portrayed in the mainstream media as effeminate or as cross-dressers. I knew that I was attracted to men – but I was attracted to hairy, muscular, masculine men and in my naive world those men could not be gay.

In 1975 with a dream, $2,000, and leased production facilities in Los Angeles, John H. Embry and Jeanne Barney started a magazine that would change my life.

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The title comes from a quote from American author, poet, and philosopher Henry David Thoreau: “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears, however measured or far away.” Drummer magazine had a major impact on spreading the gay leather lifestyle and the idea of masculinity as a gay ideal. Its pages were filled with stories about BDSM and pictures of leather men. In 1977, due to harassment by the Los Angeles Police Department, the magazine moved to San Francisco. Drummer flourished as it highlighted the growing leather scene in the Bay Area. In 1978 Jack Fritscher took on the job of editor-in-chief and introduced such iconic artists as Tom of Finland and Robert Mapplethorpe. Embry’s publishing company, Alternate Publishing, continued to grow and added other magazine titles such as Mach, Foreskin Quarterly, and Alternate. He also opened a leather shop and a bar called The Drummer Club.

In 1979 Chuck Renslow, owner of Chicago’s Gold Coast leather bar started the International Mr. Leather Contest in Chicago. The following year Drummer publisher John Embry selected legendary porn star Val Martin as Mr. Drummer 1980 and sent

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him to Chicago to compete at the second IML. He was selected 1st-runner-up and Mr. Leather Australia 1980 Patrick Brooks was selected International Mr. Leather 1980. The Mr. Drummer title continued to be successful and Mr. Drummer 1982 Luke Daniel would go on to be sashed International Mr. Leather 1982.

In 1986 John Embry sold Drummer to Tony DeBlase. Tony was bothered that the International Mr. Leather Contest each May in Chicago was such a big event compared to the Mr. Drummer contest. In 1988 Tony moved the Mr. Drummer Contest to September so that it would be the same weekend as the popular Folsom Street Fair, which had started a few years earlier. Joining forces with another leather event created Leather Pride Week in San Francisco and increased attendance for the contest. In 1989 a second Drummer title was added, Drummerboy. In 1991 Drummer magazine was sold to Martijn Bakker of Amsterdam. By this time the magazine had become less about well written stories, leather lifestyle articles, and art and more about pictures of hot leather guys. The Drummer contest had feeder contest and regional titleholders. Not only did this make the contest bigger, but the new titleholders provided fresh meat for the magazine.

The International Mr. Drum- mer Contest continued in San Francisco. On September 25th, 1999 Mid-Atlantic Drummer 1999 Fraser Picard from Virginia would be selected as International Mr. Drummer 1999 and Mid-Atlantic Drummerboy 1999 Woodie Barnes, a member of the ShipMates Club of Baltimore, would take home the International Drummerboy 1999 title. This would be the last Drummer contest in San Francisco. By the end of 1999 Drummer magazine had ceased publication and the contest was sold to Master Mike Zuhl of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who moved the contest to the Sun Coast Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida and held the event over the Columbus Day Weekend.

The following year the Drummer title became even more important to me. I never dreamed back when I first discovered Drummer magazine all those years ago that I would be selected Maryland Mr. Drummer 2001! The International Mr. Drummer / Drummerboy contest was once again held in early October in Florida. Many of my co-workers thought I was crazy to get on an airplane so quickly after 9/11- but I had to be there! It was a spectacular event with the contest held in a big circus tent, contestants brought on stage on motorcycles, and the

Drummer logo projected in the sand around the pool. It was also another Mid-Atlantic sweep as Mid-Atlantic Mr. Drummer 2001 Gary Vandeventer from Washington, D.C., was selected International Mr. Drummer 2001 and Mid-Atlantic Drummerboy 2001 Mark S. Greene from Baltimore was selected International Drummerboy 2001. It was a wonderful weekend. It would also turn out to be the last Drummer weekend.

In 2002 the name of the contest was changed by Master Zuhl to International LeatherSIR and International Leatherboy.

Attendance started to fall. In 2003 the title of International Community Bootblack was added. The contest was moved from St. Petersburg to Atlanta and finally to Dallas where it is held today. The contest had been sold by Master Zuhl. The current executive director of ILS/Lb is International Mr. Leather 2009 Jeffrey Payne of Texas.

But the Drummer story is not over! In Chicago during the American Brotherhood Weekend, another contest that was held at the Leather Archives & Museum on October 11th, 2014, the rebirth of Drummer was announced.

Master Mike Zuhl joined forces with Master Brandon Matheson of Toronto, Ontario and brought the Drummer leather title back rebranding the International Mr. Drummer title as Drummer North America (DNA). During last August’s Chesapeake Leather and Pride Weekend, producer Rik Newton-Treadway retired the Mid-Atlantic Leather Sir/boy titles since he is now co-producer of the Mid-Atlantic Drummer Contest. This left the Mid-Atlantic area without representatives in the International LeatherSIR / boy/ Community Bootblack Contest. That will change this weekend as president of the ShipMates, Alex Lemaire, and Sir Robert Chandler will present the premier Atlantic States Leather Sir/boy and Community Bootblack Contest with the winners going to Dallas in 2017.

The event will be held at the Charm City Play Space located at 252 West 23rd Street. On Friday, August 19th doors will open at 8 p.m. for the “Meet & Greet” event complete with vendors, a jockstrap auction, live demo’s, and music by Ryan Doubleyou. The contest will be held on Saturday, August 20th. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets for both nights will be available at the door. I am proud to have been selected as a judge for this new regional leather title. It should be a great weekend.

Come out and join me as a new tradition is started. t

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