Vol. 30, No. 14, July 11 - July 24, 2008

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:23 PM

Page 1

JULY 11 - JULY 24, 2008 VOLUME XXX, NUMBER 14 W W W. B A L T I M O R E G A Y L I F E . C O M

IN THIS ISSUE PAGE 25

GALA CHORUSES CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY AT FESTIVAL 2008 IN MIAMI: NEW WAVE SINGERS TO REPRESENT BALTIMORE PAGE 26

RUE MCCLANAHAN: ‘SORDID’ LIFE PAGE 34

THE RIDICULOUSLY

LARGE CALENDAR OF FREE SUMMER EVENTS

THE RIDICULOUSLY LARGE CALENDAR OF FREE SUMMER EVENTS

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:23 PM

Page 2

WHAT’S INSIDE FEATURES

The Effort to Unite

By Casondra Rawls

PAGE 12

PAGE 26

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Rue McClanahan: ‘Sordid’ Life. Interview by Mikey Rox

PAGE 28 – DINING OUT

PAGE 34

The Yabba Pot. By John Cullen and Marty Shayt

The Ridiculously Large Calendar of Free Summer Events.

Compiled by Jerome J. Woodchuck

PAGE 28 - THEATRE

NEWS

PAGE 30 – PENCIL ME IN

The Queen is Back & Ready to Heat Up Summer in Baltimore: Marvelous Marva Interviews Donna Summer

On the Stage Calendar. By Maddy Dwertman

PAGE 5 – LOCAL NEWS Sister Funk Set to Rock the Crowd at Chesapeake Pride on July 19; AFSC Hosts Youth Empowerment Gathering; Baltimore Student Receives Point Foundation Scholarship.

Compiled by Maddy Dwertman Something’s in the Water at Baltimore Women’s Litfest

by Jerome J. Woodchuck

PAGE 6 – NATIONAL NEWS Obama Opposes California Marriage Amendment; San Francisco Politicians Boycott HRC; Jesse Helms Dies; Two Policemen Marry in Northern California; L.A. Mayor Marries Gay Couple. By Rex Wockner with Bill Kelley.

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

Brian Flottemesch President of GLCCB Editor

editor@baltimoregaylife.com

Michael Nguyen Art Director

PAGE 8 – INTERNATIONAL NEWS 3,000 March in Jerusalem; Police Stop First Cuban gay Pride March; Gays March in Dominican Republic; Court Considers Indian Gay-Sex Ban; Sweden Makes it Easier for Gay Iranians to Stay; Boy George Banned from the U.S.; Extremists Attack Sofia Pride, 60 Arrested. By Rex Wockner with Bill Kelley.

PAGE 25

art@baltimoregaylife.com

GALA Choruses Celebrates 25th Anniversary at Festival 2008 in Miami: New Wave Singers to Represent Baltimore

Maddy Dwertman Sales

HOME PAGE 38 – INTERIOR DESIGN Warm Weather Decorating in Cool Hues.

Courtesy of ARAContent

COMMUNITY & COLUMNS PAGE 10 – HEALTH Find Your Feet…

By Kelly D. McClain

PAGE 28 – FICTION Cereal: The Adventures of Pico Darling.

By Espy Robinson

PAGE 40 – FINANCE Financial Planning for Same-Sex Couples.

By Bradley Troy with Yoshiko Hayakawa

PAGE 41 – COMMUNITY CALENDAR PAGE 45 - MARKETPLACE

sales@baltimoregaylife.com

OPINIONS

National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media 212-242-6863

FOR FUN

PAGE 18

CONTRIBUTORS Casondra Rawls John Cullen Shayna Robinson Maddy Dwertman Mikey Rox Marry Elaine Marty Shayt Mario Fernandez Gwendolyn Ann Smith Bill Kelley Rex Wockner Marvelous Marva Jerome J Woodchuck Rev. Irene Monroe David Placher Gay Life is a publication of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Baltimore. Gay Life is published every other Friday in Baltimore, Maryland, with distribution throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

Copyrighted 2008. All Rights Reserved. Gay Life is copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of Gay Life or its publisher.

Transmissions: Building on Our Capital in the Capitol

By Gwendolyn Ann Smith

PAGE 31 – Q PUZZLE 2008 Tonys

Voice of One: Reflection-less Mirror

By David Placher

PAGE 42 – HOMOSTROLOGY

Speaking Out!: Black Media Fail Their LGBT Community

By Rev. Irene Monroe

PAGE 43 – QUOTE UNQUOTE

IMHO: The Vieja Chacha and Faygelah

By Mario Fernandez

PAGE 45 – PICKUPS

Let’s Have a Conversation

By Marvelous Marva

PAGE 46– BSCENE

PA G E 2 •

By Marry Elaine

By Rex Wockner with Bill Kelley A Place for Missed Opportunities Deer Park Lodge. Photos by Jay W

VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.BALTIMOREGAYLIFE.COM. July 11 - July 24, 2008

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

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:23 PM

Page 3

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

July 11 - July 24, 2008

• PA G E 3

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:23 PM

Page 4

FOR ALL YOUR MORTGAGE NEEDS

WHY ME? I’M GETTING PEOPLE OUT OF THE MESS...

THAT SO MANY OTHER MORTGAGE COMPANIES PUT PEOPLE IN... AND I'M PROUD TO BE A PART OF THE CLEAN UP!

4You get the best personal service imaginable…. I represent you…

Getting you the best mortgage is what is most important to me…and no one will work harder than I will to accomplish that for you.

4You get 15 years of finance experience… You have my personal commitment to handle your mortgage in the way that pleases you… You receive the personal attention you deserve…and this makes your process easy.

4My service to you… also includes continuing updates with the different mortgage programs…changes in interest rates…and all important information that becomes available in this fast-changing market…. This keeps you informed about your home and your money.

4Only the best will do… in taking care of these financial needs for you… So I am who should come to mind… I am an expert in financing…I am competent…I will provide good judgment on which mortgage is best for your individual needs… I will surpass your expectations of a mortgage loan officer and am committed to earning the respect and confidence of every client.

HOME REFINANCE “Better loan, rate, terms, cash out”

HOME PURCHASE “Turn your dreams into reality”

HOME EQUITY LOANS “Cash, especially for self employed”

MARVA J . LA W S “Committed to Earning the Respect of Every Single Client”

LOWER YOUR INTEREST RATE “Get the right mortgage for you”

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS “We have the perfect loan for you”

GET PRE-APPROVAL LETTERS “The best thing you can have before shopping”

DEBT CONSOLIDATION

410-734-6688 (Direct) 1-888-553-5513 (Toll Free) Fax: 410-734-9344 marva@afronline.com marvelousmarva@comcast.net PA G E 4 •

“Get rid of your high interest debt”

GET CASH NOW “Homeowners who need CASH...ASAP”

FHA, FANNIE MAE, FREDDIE MAC Servicing most states in the USA

July 11 - July 24, 2008

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

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:23 PM

Page 5

L OCAL NEWS Sister Funk Set to Rock the Crowd at Chesapeake Pride on July 19 olunteers, vendors, exhibitors and entertainers are preparing for Chesapeake Pride 2008, the only annual LGBT pride event in Anne Arundel, St. Mary’s and Calvert Counties. This year’s festival, sponsored by Metropolitan Community Church of the Chesapeake, BMW of Annapolis, ID Lubricants, Gay Life newspaper and The Washington Blade, will be held Saturday, July 19, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds (1450 General’s Highway, Crownsville, MD).

create the Sister Funk of today. Yep, we went from a five-piece to a sixpiece band. I must say that these girls have really brought a wonderful, welcoming new energy to the band. We are currently in the recording studio and hope to release our forth CD in the Spring of 2009.

Throughout the years, Denise and I have had several talented musicians on our roster and all of them have contributed in some way to who Sister Funk is today.

V

Your live performances have received great reviews. What’s the best part of performing, and do you have an all-time favorite performance?

Joining this year’s entertainment line-up is one of the nation’s hottest all-female (lesbian) bands, Sister Funk. Not only one, but five band members, told Gay Life about their favorite part of performing, second loves and what else is coming up for the ladies this year.

How did Sister Funk come to be?

Peepa (AKA Kristina/Tina): This is a hard question to answer. Denise and I are the only two original members of Sister Funk, which was created when a producer from New York called for auditions to do a show in Philadelphia. While doing the gig, we met the guitar player Vange, bass player Wendy, and drummer Barbara. We all had so much chem-

istry, that we decided to start our own band and came up with the name Sister Funk while hanging out in our hotel room. Very soon after, the drummer left and we added Blaze to the lineup. We went on to record two original CDs—Pursuit of

AFSC Hosts Youth Empowerment Gathering

American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), Middle Atlantic Region, will bring together participants and facilitators from its Help Increase the Peace (HIP) project and Alternatives to Violence Program (AVP) for a regional conference, Thursday, July 10 through Sunday, July 13, at Crowne Plaza Baltimore (2004 Greenspring Dr., Timonium, MD 21093). The gathering seeks to give the nation’s peacemakers an opportunity to share best practices and to celebrate over 17 years of work.

Within the Middle Atlantic Region of AFSC, The Youth Empowerment through Conflict Resolution project aims to work with youth and those that support youth to find peaceful resolutions to conflict and common ground on which to work, while at the same time teaching and encouraging youth to empower themselves. All are welcome to come and learn about conflict resolution, especially youth ages 12 and up.

The $60 registration fee includes meals. For additional information and registration, visit www.afsc.org/hipp/upcoming.htm.

the Groove and Girl. In 2006, Sister Funk recorded a third CD, Gossip, with a new bass and guitar player.

Shortly thereafter, Kathy (lead and rhythm guitar), Row (bass guitar), Sarah (lead and rhythm guitar), and Christine (drums) joined the band to

Peepa: The best part of performing for me is experiencing the love and energy of a live audience. One of my favorite performances was at the Ottawa Women's Music Festival in Canada. The audience was so into the performance and our music. We also had the opportunity to camp on the land. I’m not really into camping, so I made sure to bring a coffee maker— my most prized possession. But, the camping experience gave me a great opportunity to meet and hang out with fans and other incredible artists. so it was well worth it. continued on page 39

Baltimore Student Receives Point Foundation Scholarship On June 17, The Point Foundation, the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for LGBT students announced its 2008 scholar class. Djamika Smith, an incoming freshman at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), was awarded a Point Scholarship in recognition of her academic excellence, leadership skills, community involvement and demonstrated financial need.

Gay Life spoke with Djamika about her accomplishments, future goals and advice for other LGBT youth.

That you received a Point Foundation Scholarship speaks to both your academic accomplishments and your involvement in the community. What drives you to achieve your goals? And what kind of encouragement would you offer to other youth?

For me. the bottom line is that everyone should be equal. I grew up in Bali, Indonesia and I was able to see how people live there and how different it is from the way we live here. I think everyone should be given the same opportunities….and that transfers over to the gay community as well. So, my childhood in Bali has really driven my community involvement.

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

What exactly is the Point Foundation, for people who aren’t familiar with it, and what has been your experience as a Point Scholar so far?

The Point Foundation is the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for LGBT students.

The Point Foundation gives each scholar a mentor who gives them career guidance and also helps them hone their leadership skills…. You go to conferences and develop various skills.

You co-founded and co-led the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) at Ashland High School. What were some of the greatest rewards and challenges of forming and sustaining the GSA?

First of all, starting was really difficult. It’s been hard to get people to come because most people look at the club and automatically think it’s only for gay people. It was difficult trying to get it out there that it’s not only for gay people, but that it’s a gay-straight alliance and everyone can come.

One of our biggest accomplishments was going to all of the health classes and doing presentations about homophobia on campus. A lot of the students really appreciate that because a lot of them

July 11 - July 24, 2008

• PA G E 5

continued on page 29

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:23 PM

Page 6

NATIONAL NEWS

by Rex Wockner with Bill Kelly

Obama Opposes California Marriage Amendment a course that recognizes LGBT Americans with full equality under the law. That is why I support extending fully equal rights and benefits to same sex couples under both state and federal law. That is why I support repealing the Defense of Marriage Act and the 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' policy, and the passage of laws to protect LGBT Americans from hate crimes and employment discrimination. And that is why I oppose the divisive and discriminatory efforts to amend the California Constitution, and similar efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution or those of other states."

ing on whom he's talking to.

Obama has said repeatedly in recent months that he believes marriage is between a man and a woman, and that he supports civil unions, but not marriage, for samesex couples.

"His position on this amendment hurts gay and lesbian families," said President Patrick Sammon. "We ... do not believe he should have interjected himself into this state issue.

Supporting this amendment is inconsistent with Sen. McCain's belief in federalism. Backing California's ban sends the wrong signal to the independents who will decide this election because it creates the impression that he's pandering to social conservative leaders."

"I want to congratulate all of you who have shown your love for each other by getting married these last few weeks," Obama added.

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has come out in opposition to the California ballot measure that would amend the state constitution to undo the state Supreme Court's legalization of same-sex marriage.

marry since June 16.

Presidential candidate Barack Obama. Photo by Rex Wockner

Gay couples have been able to

In a letter to San Francisco's Alice B. Toklas Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Democratic Club, posted on the club's Web site July 1, Obama said: "I am proud to join with and support the LGBT community in an effort to set our nation on

So, his congratulating gay couples on getting married and his opposing efforts to limit gay couples to civil unions seem to mark a change in his position. At least that's how many anti-gay activists interpreted the letter.

Some gay activists, on the other hand, wondered if Obama wants to have his cake and eat it too, depend-

San Francisco Politicians Boycott HRC

Key gay politicians in San Francisco will boycott the Human Rights Campaign's 2008 San Francisco Bay Area Gala at the Westin St. Francis Hotel on July 26.

They include city Supervisors Tom Ammiano and Bevan Dufty, state Assemblyman Mark Leno and state Sen. Carole Migden.

The politicians are upset over HRC's support last year for a version of the federal Employment NonDiscrimination Act that would protect gay and bisexual people but not transgender people.

Nearly 400 local, state and national GLBT groups also oppose the measure, which has passed the U.S. House and now is in the Senate.

San Francisco city Supervisor Tom Ammiano. Photo by Rex Wockner

"The Human Rights Campaign should not be human rights cowards," Ammiano said at a news conference, according to a June 25 report in the San Francisco Chronicle.

HRC President Joe Solmonese told the paper that the organization felt obligated to support a bill that would protect gay, lesbian and bisexual people, "even though we ... would not have chosen that course" of leaving out protections based on gender identity.

PA G E 6 •

July 11 - July 24, 2008

Republican presidential candidate John McCain supports the push to amend the California Constitution.

"I support the efforts of the people of California to recognize marriage as a unique institution between a man and a woman, just as we did in my home state of Arizona," McCain said June 26. "I do not believe judges should be making these decisions."

In fact, Arizona does not have a constitutional amendment against same-sex marriage—the ban is just an ordinary law—although a proposed amendment will be on the ballot Nov. 4.

McCain's statement drew a rebuke from the GLBT group Log Cabin Republicans.

Jesse Helms Dies

they are repulsive."

The former U.S. senator from North Carolina—Congress' most vociferous homophobe ever -- passed away July 4 at the Mayview Convalescent Center in Raleigh. He was 86.

"I'm not going to comment on (activist Larry) Kramer.

Remember, he and that ACT UP put a giant condom on my house."

Jesse Helms is dead.

Among numerous other outrages, Helms was responsible for the U.S. ban on HIV-positive foreign visitors and immigrants, which remains in force to this day.

A search of this reporter's archives found he had written 164 stories about Helms for gay newspapers since 1985.

A few quotes from the late senator: "I despise the abuse of the word 'gay.' They are not gay;

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

"(Homosexuality is) deliberate, disgusting, revolting conduct."

"I don't hate homosexuals. I don't even know any homosexuals."

"There is a great big odor rising from the manner in which Congress is falling all over itself to do what the homosexual lobby is almost hysterically demanding."

"Homosexuals and lesbians are disgusting people, marching in our streets demanding all sorts of things, including the right to marry each other."

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:23 PM

Page 7

Two Policemen Marry in Northern California Two male cops have gotten married in Northern California.

Santa Rosa police officer Chris Mahurin, 25, and San Rafael police officer Alex Holm, 25, tied the knot June 20 at Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa.

"It's just a dream come true," Holm's mother, Claire Ann Boyce, told the local Press Democrat newspaper. "It makes me feel like this generation is on its way to have what everyone should have."

The ceremony was conducted by gay state Assemblyman Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, chief sponsor of the same-sex marriage bill that twice passed the state Legislature only to be vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The California Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage May 15 and the ruling took effect June 16.

L.A. Mayor Marries Gay Couple

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa conducted a City Hall wedding June 23 for "American Beauty" producer Bruce Cohen and his husband Gabriel Catone.

Villaraigosa, who is friends with the couple, called it an "honor" to officiate at the marriage.

The celebration following the vows was disrupted by Rosalyn Schultz of Hesperia, who took to the podium, identified herself as "the angel of the Trinity," called same-sex marriage wrong, and called Villaraigosa an "adulterer."

She later told the Los Angeles Times that legalization of same-sex marriage will cause earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes.

Cohen, who won an Oscar for "American Beauty," told City News Service the disruption "added spice" to his wedding and didn't "change the fact that we are legally married."

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

July 11 - July 24, 2008

• PA G E 7

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:23 PM

Page 8

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

by Rex Wockner with Bill Kelly

3,000 March in Jerusalem

Police Stop First Cuban Gay Pride March

Police in Havana stopped Cuba's first gay pride parade before it could start June 25. But the details of what exactly took place are far from clear.

Reports from activists in Miami said the organizers were beaten and arrested around 10 a.m. as they arrived at Don Quixote Park at 23rd and J streets in the Vedado neighborhood.

Fort Lauderdale's Sun-Sentinel newspaper, however, said the march was canceled just before its start time by activist Mario José Delgado González, who appeared at the park to report that two other organizers had been arrested a day earlier.

The Miami Herald, on the other hand, reported that nine organizers were detained the morning of the march, effectively aborting the event.

The Spanish Web site cubaencuentro.com quoted Delgado as saying: "Cuban homosexuals are victims of repression, we don't enjoy rights.

What we are doing has as its objective the reclaiming of our rights. We want equality of opportunity, equality of assembly, and that they don't expel us from parks, university centers, schools and work centers."

Some 3,000 people turned out for "Infinite Love," the Jerusalem Pride and Tolerance March, on June 26. Photo by Amit Lev

Some 3,000 people turned out for "Infinite Love," the Jerusalem Pride and Tolerance March, on June 26.

So did 2,000 police officers, who successfully protected the four-blocklong procession.

In a different part of the city, several hundred people demonstrated against the parade and set trash bins on fire.

Marchers set off from Independence Park, continued up King David Street, and finished with a rally at Liberty Bell Park.

"We have seen some success and advancement in acceptance and the rights of same-sex partners in issues such as inheritance and adoption," said Yonatan Gher, executive director of the Jerusalem Open House Gay Center, which organized the parade. "Still, we are struggling for full acceptance of same-sex partners and the equality of such couples to their heterosexual homologues."

The success of this year's march was especially welcome given last year's disaster.

Last year's parade traveled only about 500 meters before being aborted as ultra-Orthodox protesters fought to break through police lines that were manned by 8,000 officers attempting to protect the 3,000 marchers.

Before the parade, police arrested a man with a bomb, and the rally after the parade was canceled because firefighters went on strike and didn't provide a legally required fire truck.

PA G E 8 •

July 11 - July 24, 2008

With a theme of "You are not alone," the group had planned to walk to the Ministry of Justice and deliver demands to the government.

They sought an end to anti-gay violence and repression, an apology for the government's having incarcerated gays in work camps decades ago, acknowledgment that gays have been fired because of their sexuality, and a review of cases where homosexuals have been jailed for an offense apparently known as "dangerous levels."

At the march's end, the group planned to proceed to a diplomatic residence to hold a press conference and stage a concert.

Prior to the aborted march, Havana gay activist Aliomar Janjaque had told the Sun-Sentinel: "We want to raise awareness but we don't want to provoke a wave of repression against the gay community. If there is a hostile reaction from the government, we will stage a much larger demonstration. We will take to the streets."

The Herald report said Janjaque was one of the individuals detained before the parade's start.

Gays March in Dominican Republic

Around 50 people staged a gay pride march in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, June 20.

They carried rainbow flags and beat drums as they walked down El Conde Street in the historic downtown.

Local media said the marchers urged passage of legislation protecting gay and transgender people from discrimination.

They also spoke out against Roman Catholic Cardinal Nicolás de Jesús López Rodríguez, who, in an Oct. 27 interview with the newspaper El Nacional, reportedly referred to gays as "faggots" ("maricones").

López Rodríguez also has called gays "lacras sociales," according to a 2006 Associated Press report. The phrase could be translated as "social waste" or "social scum."

Court Considers Indian Gay-Sex Ban

The Delhi High Court was scheduled to resume hearing final arguments in the case against India's gay-sex ban on July 2.

"The Section 377 case is entering a critical phase," said activist Vikram Doctor. "A few years back, the Delhi High Court threw the petition out of court saying the petitioners had no locus standi. The petitioners appealed to the Supreme Court, which upheld their petition and sent it back to the Delhi High Court, saying that it was an important matter that merited attention. This is what is now being heard."

Plaintiffs in the case are the HIV organization Naz India and the activist group Voices Against 377.

Naz argues that the gay-sex ban hinders efforts to provide HIV-prevention information, a position that is being supported in court by the Health Ministry's National AIDS Control Organisation.

"The Naz India petition points to the contradiction involved with the government ... funding HIV/AIDS workers to do things like distribute condoms to men who have sex with men, which could also be seen as abetting these men to break 377," Doctor said.

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

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:23 PM

Page 9

Voices Against 377, a Delhi-based group, is arguing against Section 377 on human-rights grounds.

"Their argument is that this is an outdated Victorian-era law imposed on India that has now been changed even in the country, the U.K., that imposed it," Doctor said.

Arguing in favor of keeping the ban is the government's Home Ministry, which has cited socalled traditional morality as justification, even though the Health Ministry supports the plaintiffs—who ask that 377 be "read down" so it no longer applies to consensual sex between adults.

The law prohibits "carnal intercourse against the order of nature" with punishment of up to 10 years in prison.

Sweden Makes it Easier for Gay Iranians to Stay

Sweden's Migration Board ruled June 28 that Iranian gays who seek asylum in Sweden will get it if they were ever out of the closet while living in Iran.

Such individuals are at risk of persecution if returned to Iran, the board said.

Iran has the death penalty on the books for sodomy and is believed to have used it somewhere between a few and thousands of times since the Islamic revolution.

Western gay activists with an interest in Iran have debated at length for years on how often Iran executes adults for consensual gay sex, if it does at all. Accurate information on the question seems to be impossible to obtain.

At minimum, "We have documented brutal floggings imposed by courts as punishment, and torture and ill-treatment, including sexual abuse, in police custody," Human Rights Watch has said.

"The legal machinery of persecution is oiled, ready and operating in Iran," said Scott Long, head of the group's LGBT Rights Program.

Boy George Banned from the U.S.

The United States has refused to give British gay singer Boy George a visa to enter the country because he faces trial in Britain for allegedly chaining a male escort to a wall in his apartment.

George had planned a summer U.S. tour and also hoped to perform a free concert for New York City's Department of Sanitation, where he worked cleaning streets in 2006 as punishment for a drug offense.

George has pleaded not guilty in the ongoing British case.

Among those arrested was Bulgarian National Alliance leader Boyan Rassate. The alliance had plastered Sofia with anti-pride posters saying, "Be Intolerant, Be Normal."

The parade, organized by the gay group Gemini, began at the Lovers' Bridge behind the National Palace of Culture, proceeded down busy Evlogi Georgiev Boulevard, and ended at the Red House Center for Culture and Debate on Lyuben Karavelov Street.

In Paris, meanwhile, half a million people turned out for the pride parade June 28, including openly gay Mayor Bertrand Delanoë. A big dance party followed at the Place de la Bastille.

It rained on Berlin's parade June 28, but tens of thousands of people showed up anyhow. The parade began, for the first time, in the former East Berlin, then traversed the boulevard Unter den Linden to its destination—the Victory Column in the former West Berlin.

Extremists Attack Sofia Pride, 60 Arrested

More than 60 skinheads and other extremists were arrested for attacking the 150 marchers in the first gay pride parade in Sofia, Bulgaria, June 28.

They threw bottles, rocks, eggs, firecrackers, smoke bombs and Molotov cocktails at the marchers. No one was injured, thanks to the presence of as many police officers as there were marchers.

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

July 11 - July 24, 2008

What are

you

thinking?

editor@ baltimoregaylife.com

• PA G E 9

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:23 PM

Page 10

HEALTH Find Your Feet…

If I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), what type of exercises can I do to regain flexibility?

Stretching and exercise can be effective in reducing pain and increasing muscular strength and function in arthritis. Initiating rolls in the affected joints: neck (see box), shoulders, ankles and hips. Handclenches and wrist-bends are also effective.

RA is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. Early in the disease, people also suffer from pain and stiffness in the hands, feet, elbows, shoulders, neck, knees and hips. The result can be loss of function and disability.

Regular yoga practice provides physical and mental benefits and symptomatic relief of arthritis. A 1994 study, published in the British Journal of Rheumatology, chronicled that patients with RA who partici-

by Kelly D. McClain

pated in a yoga program over a three-month period experienced greater handgrip strength.

Yoga may help people with arthritis deal with pain and stiffness, improve range of motion and increase strength for daily activities.

Talk to your doctor before doing any exercise.

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

Try It Yourself…

Sit comfortably, either in a crosslegged position, or in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Lengthen your spine by imagining you are resting every part against a wall.

Make your chin parallel with the floor. Inhale deeply. As you exhale, draw your chin toward your chest and breathe 3-5 times. Feel the stretch in the back of your neck.

Inhale your right ear up to your right shoulder. Breathe 3 times feeling the stretch on the left side of your neck. Exhale. Return your chin to chest. Inhale and repeat on the opposite side. Continue rolling your neck from side to side, inhaling up and exhaling down. Rest with your chin drawn toward your chest, then inhale and slowly lift your head.

Benefits…

• Lubricates your neck and shoulder joints.

Kelly D. McClain is a registered yoga teacher (RYT) currently teaching Beginner's Yoga on Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. at the GLCCB. Send your questions or requests for more information at HaYoga.Kelly@yahoo.com.

Find Your Feet is a bi-weekly series featuring experiences in yoga. Also, visit Tim Hurley, RYT at the Center on Sundays at 3:30 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information call 410-837-5445.

PA G E 1 0 •

July 11 - July 24, 2008

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

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:23 PM

Page 11

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

July 11 - July 24, 2008

• PA G E 1 1

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:24 PM

Page 12

early two decades since Donna Summer’s last studio album, the “Queen of Disco” is officially back. With her new album “Crayons” just out, she is back on stage this summer with her “Stamp Your Feet” tour and the diva will not disappoint.

N

The woman known for "Love to Love You Baby” and "She Works Hard for the Money" will bring Baltimore crowds the classic “Summer” sound on Wednesday, July 16, at Pier 6. In a one-on-one chat with Gay Life columnist Marvelous Marva, Donna Summer shares how it feels to be a legend, offers hot tips for looking fabulous, and clears up age-old rumors of her having issues with her gay fans.

Marvelous Marva: I’ve got to ask you just one question. You look positively fabulous. Any hot tips real quick?

Donna Summer: Lots of make-up.

You know what I’m saying, girl?

What do you drink and what do you not drink?

I hardly ever drink alcohol. Once in a blue moon, I may mix a little beer into a lemonade, but that’s only if I’m really hot. And, sometimes if I’m out and someone’s celebrating I might have a glass of champagne, but not much more. I don’t smoke. I just try to live healthy. I take all kinds of vitamins…. I’m the vitamin and supplement queen.

You’re a legendary singer and songwriter, correct?

I guess.

I love your modesty, but you are. You’re a living legend. How does it feel?

I don’t think of myself as a legend. I think of Ella Fitzgerald as a legend. So when people say that to me, I get goose bumps all over.

I just blush and I don’t know what to say. I’m honored if someone thinks that. But I’m a girl out here working hard for the money.

In my mind, I’m still that girl.

Every day, I have to prove myself to someone else. I don’t see myself as having gotten there.

There are still so many places I

PA G E 1 2 •

need to go. In my own personal vernacular, I haven’t even gotten halfway on my journey.

The first thing that crossed my mind when you gave props to Ella Fitzgerald is the humbleness that is missing in so many entertainers today. They can be so cocky…. Modesty and being humble is a wonderful characteristic to have.

For me, it’s just right.

Every woman, every girl, every female singer…black, even white, any color…but especially my sisters—Aretha, Ella, Billie, Barbra Streisand, Dionne Warwick…

July 11 - July 24, 2008

Dinah Washington?

Oh, love her, honey. I can do some Dinah. (Sings)

All these ladies were like teachers, so there’s no way for me to go through my life thinking “I’m all that and a bag of chips, girl, ‘cause you know it’s all about me.”

That’s not me. So, I am constantly in the ultimate learning curve… whether it’s a young singer or an older singer, I’m just learning. My eyes and my ears …you know you see a dog sit up and its ears move around, that’s how my brain is.

You do reign as the queen of disco. You do take credit for that…

That’s what people call me.

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

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:24 PM

Page 13

In 1975, you came up with the lyric “Love to Love You Baby” and it ended up being your very first big hit in America. It reached number 2 on the Billboard hot 100. What was more interesting is that it only had a modest success when released in Europe. I wonder why…

I don’t think it was a big deal in Europe. It was banned…

OK. It was banned…. In America, it was like a free to be me song.

What has to be most flattering to you is that a 17-minute version of the song was made.

Well, back then, you know how that got made, right? Neal Bogart who was the president of the record company, at the time had taken the song home and he was playing it while he was…uh...in the act.

Get Out! (lol)

He just thought the song was such a good mood setter, like a Barry White song…that it needed to be longer. You know, you put Barry on….

If you can’t get some from Barry, you don’t need none.

Give me some Barry any day.

That song was labeled as being graphic and was banned from some radio stations for its lyrics. Time magazine reported that 22 orgasms were simulated in making this song and you were crowned by some in the music press as the “First Lady of Love. My question is, was it 22 orgasms when you made “Love to Love You Baby”?

I have no idea.

What were you doing? I know this was back in the day. You were a young girl. Twenty-two was doable.

When I did this song and this is the unfortunate part…I don’t want to bust your bubble. When I recorded that song, I had no intention on being the singer on the song. I was in the studio in Germany and I was recording lyrics that were not there.

I was simulating…the oohs and aahs actually came from places where there was supposed to be another lyric.

I would just get exasperated and go “oohh” when I didn’t have any lyric.

OK. So Ella Fitzgerald scatted and this is what you did.

The Queen is Back, how does that make you feel?... Did you ever go anywhere?

wrote that song, I wrote it kind of tongue-and-cheek because that’s what people have called me— queen—for all this time and they didn’t’ stop. It makes me feel good that people still want to come and see me…that something I did in my life remains in their heart and remains a part of their mental or emotional context as a cherished treasure. So, it’s an honor.

You have and have always had a strong gay following. At one point very early on, did you have an issue with the gay community?

I personally have never had an issue with them. I think someone had an issue with me. I think it came after I embraced my Christianity…. but I was always a Christian. But, I think that’s resolved at this point.

Somebody said that I said something that was not said. And you know how the press is…. It’s just like, wait a minute, what is this? I had no idea what was even going on. I was having kids.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

A good cup of coffee…. No, I get out of bed because I have stuff to do…but sometimes I stay in.

Was singing your first choice of a career?

Yes.

If it wasn’t singing, what would you have done?

Acting.

Do you still work hard for the money?

Absolutely. Every day. Let’s put it this way…now I work smart for the money.

You’re going to be here soon for the show. What do you think of Baltimore?

I have a direct connection to Baltimore. My daughter married a young man from Baltimore. I actually often go back and forth to Baltimore throughout the year. I’m excited to be performing in Baltimore.

I cannot even tell you how thrilled I am to be speaking to Donna Summer. I admire your humbleness and I think you’re positively incredible.

Thank you. I appreciate it. I hope I see you back stage.

I hope so too!

Come on girl!

It makes me feel great. But, when I

Don’t miss Donna Summer live in Baltimore on July 16 at Pier 6 Pavillion.

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

July 11 - July 24, 2008

• PA G E 1 3

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:24 PM

Page 14

PA G E 1 4 •

July 11 - July 24, 2008

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

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:24 PM

Page 15

Anne Arundle Country Fairgrounds 1450 General’s Highway (Route 178) Crownsville, MD

Saturday, July 19, 2008 11 AM to 8 PM

Tim Hartley, Stormy Vain, Ana Lockett, South Anne Arundel County Dance Conservatory, Capital Country Dance Club, Steven Gellman, Fusion, Tom Goss, Diane Daly, Antony Compton, Sister Funk, Nina Amaya and The Belly Dance Delight $5 suggested admission donation Children 12 and under, free with parent, (410) 353-5534 for information.

www.ChesapeakePrideFestival.org

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

July 11 - July 24, 2008

• PA G E 1 5

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:24 PM

Page 16

PA G E 1 6 •

July 11 - July 24, 2008

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

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:24 PM

Page 17

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

July 11 - July 24, 2008

• PA G E 1 7

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:24 PM

Page 18

OPINIONS TRANSMISSIONS

Building on Our Capital, in the Capitol

Something happened on Capitol Hill. Congress heard about transgender issues.

It was not the first time transgender issues were discussed in D.C., of course. Transgender people and their allies have been taking part in organized Lobby Days for well over a decade, and the issue of transgender rights has come up—in one form or another—for decades. I'm sure if one did the research, you'd find at least fifty years of references in the congressional record, stretching back to Christine Jorgensen's initial return to the United States in 1953.

It’s not that the topic was breached

by Gwendolyn Ann Smith

that is important here. What stands out is that this marks the first substantive hearing expressively on transgender workplace discrimination.

Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), a long time supporter of transgender rights, spoke. Barney Frank (D-MA), who supports us when it’s politically expedient, also took the microphone. Shannon Minter—fresh from his big California marriage victory— was there, as were a great many others from all across the country. It was a big deal, and a big, big step for the transgender community.

This meeting was, essentially, in

Take a deep breath…

It’s a busy world, to say the least.

Whenever we find ourselves multi-tasking - whether out of choice, necessity, or habit - our bodies, minds and emotions race in many directions at once.

For many of us, this high-speed, chronically stressful engagement begins the moment we awaken until we collapse back into bed at night.

We can’t sustain this level of constant busy-ness without experiencing negative consequences, and often we find ourselves feeling scattered, depleted, and breathless.

It’s important to create time to slow down and re-center ourselves regularly in order to return to a place of physical, mental, emotional, and subtle balance.

Hatha Yoga practice links deep, regular, soothing breathing with gentle, fluid, mindful movement to return body, mind, emotions, and spirit back to a place of balance and wellness.

Join Certified Yoga Instructors Tim Hurley and Kelly O’Neal each week at the Center for Gentle Beginner Yoga and enjoy the priceless benefits of feeling balanced, centered, and deeply relaxed.

Classes are held on Sundays at 3:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. (please arrive a few minutes early) in Room 201 at the Center.

Classes cost $9.00 each, and a portion of that cost is donated back to the Center.

For more information, check the Programs link at www.glccb.org or call 410-837-5445.

support of transgender rights in the workplace at a federal level, and is groundwork for another go at an Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). ENDA has been bouncing around congress for about 14 or so years now—nearly as long as I have been out as a transgender woman—and has yet to pass. ENDA has, for much of its history, excluded transgender people. For those who somehow missed it, it was a transinclusive ENDA which had transgender protections stripped out of it the last time it made it to the floor. I shall not rehash, yet again, all the issues surrounding this, except to note how darkly humorous it was when I read the Human Rights Campaign's press release touting this recent congressional hearing.

Will we see a trans-inclusive ENDA pass now that we've had this hearing?

In the short term, no. This may well have changed some minds, but no one is going to vote on a transgender rights bill in the midst of an election year. Perhaps, depending on who our next president is, we'll see a vote then. Will we again see transgender rights stripped from such a bill? Maybe. Will transgender people continue to see difficulties in the workplace? Certainly.

If you talk to a transgender person, any transgender person, they'll likely have a story about their own difficulties in the workplace. I've lost a job due to my own transgender status, and have had to fight my way into the workplace since. A decade since my transition, I still face challenges due to workplace discrimination—and others have had it far, far worse than I.

Women, minorities, the disabled and others still face challenges in the workplace. Legal protections alone do not solve the problem, and no law prevents discrimination from happening in the first place; it only allows for recourse in case it does occur.

Before I am accused of finding the dark cloud within the silver lining, however, consider that this meeting has two things of great value. For one, it is a step towards protections, and those protections can and will help all transgender or gender variant peoples. Even though there will likely always be challenges, employ-

ment protections would be great for all of us.

Secondly, that we had such a meeting is a testament to the hard work of so many who have come before.

Our community has had to go from being somewhere out on the fringe of a fringe, to being a group that could merit a congressional hearing.

This does not occur without a lot of blood, sweat, toil and tears from a great many people. Indeed, the groundwork could be said to have started decades ago, perhaps as far back as Jorgensen, but certainly as early as Stonewall. Indeed, it seems fitting that such a meeting would happen so close to the anniversary of the Stonewall rebellion. This has been a change not only in congress.

We've grown in all facets of life, going from invisibility to a largelyknown group. Even the word "transgender" was all but unknown when ENDA was first introduced, while a non-inclusive bill today elicits heated responses from all quarters.

For myself, knowing what the climate for transgender people was just five years ago, this shows just how fast we are moving. Imagine how unlikely such an event would have been in that period between September 11, 2001 and the Iraq War, let alone in years before. We still have a long way to go until we see true equality, but we should not forget that we've made great, great strides.

So what's next? Congress still needs to continue to be educated. Many are more focused on the elections than rights for any group, while others remain firmly against transgender rights. We can continue to press for change, and make additional inroads for our rights. We can continue to press for state and local protections, further proving that the country is ready for us. Also, of course, we need to continue to press for an inclusive bill that remains inclusive throughout the process. We simply cannot rest on our laurels.

Something happened on Capitol Hill. Now it is up to all of us to turn it into something that will last.

Gwen Smith is fresh out of laurels, and imagines they wouldn't be that comfortable to rest on, anyway.

You can find her on the web at www.gwensmith.com

Breathe easy.

PA G E 1 8 •

July 11 - July 24, 2008

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

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:24 PM

Page 19

VOICE OF ONE

Reflection-less Mirror

by David Placher

veryday, we awake to a new morning. This new morning starts a day filled with unique challenges, opportunities, dilemmas and the possibility of death. Most of the time, we foolishly believe we can control day-to-day experiences by pre-planning, prearranging and organizing our day.

We do this by creating schedules and developing daily timelines. Before we set off to start these daily activities, almost all of us spend a limited amount of time looking into the mirror. The mirror provides more than just a reflection; it reveals the fact that we are getting older and that death is slowly creeping its way into our lives.

The mirror acts as the hourglass of each of our lives, showing the wrinkles, the hair loss, the bags under the eyes and the happiness or sadness our faces naturally reflect. The mirror is the only tool available to mankind that is unbiased and supplies us with a complete and total image of ourselves. When one looks into the mirror, does sexual orientation play a role in how one views oneself? If so, why do we allow this feeling to control or dominate our perception of ourselves? Why is one aspect of our lives so large that it asphyxiates everything else we have to offer or have accomplished?

E

Most people’s individual life expectancy is around 80 years. The age of Earth is estimated to be 4.5 billion years old. We are alive for just a second, a blink of an eye, when com-

ATTENTION!

pared to the age of Earth. People you meet today—friends gained and lost, strangers on the streets—are people that have all been intentionally or randomly selected by some possible higher being to share this time and this place with your life.

There are billions of people that you will never meet, cultures you will never learn of, and places you will never visit. So many opportunities are lost to a limited time span of one’s lifetime. The world is so vast and large, yet sometimes we find ourselves entrenched in a position in which other’s problems, dilemmas or other’s troubles with our sexual orientation become overly important.

In the morning, when you look into the mirror, the thought of others’ perception of your sexual orientation should not even enter into your mind. If it does, you have allowed others to define you as a person by accepting the label they give you. This can be counterproductive to your development as a person because hateful or offensive statements pertaining to your sexual orientation may detract you from positive thoughts. The concept of simply ignoring negative statements does probably not exist in your mind as an option.

When other people’s negative opinions start encroaching into our lives, the consequences are seldom positive. The time we all spend together on Earth is so limited, that most people do not truly understand the saying, “Life is too short” until it is too late. The mirror that we look into on a daily basis, the reflection we recognize, the daily experiences we enjoy and cherish, will someday vanish.

One day, death will arrive and the following morning the mirror will remain, but the image will be gone.

The mirror will be reflection-less.

David Placher is an attorney. He enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and exploring the outdoors. His relationship classification is forever single.

Opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the GLCCB or Gay Life.

We welcome your letters and opinions. Submissions should include a name, address and phone number for verification and may be edited for content and length. Send submissions by e-mail to editor@baltimoregaylife.com or fax to 410.837.8889 or by mail to Editor, 241 W. Chase Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. www.baltimoregaylife.com • G A Y L I F E •

What are you thinking?

editor@baltimoregaylife.com July 11 - July 24, 2008

• PA G E 1 9

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:24 PM

Page 20

OPINIONS SPEAKING OUT! Black Media Fail their LGBTQ American organizations in this country that vow to protect and serve its community, she also experienced from black media.

The Duanna Johnson story will not be featured in Jet, Ebony or Essence.

by Rev. Irene Monroe

y now many in the LGBTQ community have heard of the news about the cop beat down of Duanna Johnson in a Memphis jailhouse that was captured on a surveillance video. Those of us, especially of African descent, who don’t know or haven’t seen a photo of Johnson, might pick up on a cultural marker—her name— assuming correctly she’s an AfricanAmerican sister. While police brutality is both unbridled and rampant in the African-American community, an officer hitting an AfricanAmerican woman several times with handcuffs wrapped around his knuckles, and an African-American nurse going directly to the offending white officer to see if he’s okay is another cultural marker—Johnson’s a transwoman.

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

Sundays 9 AM

Traditional Celebration

10 AM Hospitality Time - Community 11 AM Praise Celebration & Family Service

“While I applaud you [NAACP] for declaring a state of emergency over the treatment of AfricanAmericans by the police, I have yet to hear any NAACP local, state or national chapter speak up not only about this case, but about the verbal and physical hate attacks on African-American transpeople in general. As Duanna Johnson's case graphically points out, some of the problems we transpeople of African descent face are at the hands of the people who are supposed to protect and serve us,” wrote Monica Roberts in her blog, “Yo NAACP, NBJC...Where Y'all At?”, on the Bilerco Project website. Roberts is also the founder of the AfricanAmerican transpeople online group Transsistahs-Transbrothas.

Metropolitan Community Church of Baltimore - (410)NOW-MCCb Cb 401 W. Monument Street (at Eutaw) www.mccbaltimore.org

PA G E 2 0 •

July 11 - July 24, 2008

But the appalling silence Roberts experienced from major African-

And although I am thankful that the gay news media have captured the details surrounding Johnson’s arrest, the real story has not been told. And that story is how the intersection of racism and transphobia unleashes its rage on the body of black transgenders, triggering the type of violence Duanna Johnson experienced. It is this type of violence that is endemic in the black community and the reason why black media should have reported.

Very little is understood about transgender people because they are relegated to the fringes of society.

Crimes against transgender people often go unnoticed or are seen as lesser crimes. And, Johnson is lucky that she walked away with her life because transgender people are often subjected to extreme violence that results in murder.

For example, in 1998 Rita Hester, a 34-year-old African-American transsexual was murdered. Ms. Hester was a male-to-female pre-op transsexual woman who was mysteriously found dead inside her first floor apartment in Allston, just outside of Boston, with multiple stab wounds to her chest.

But the other crime committed in the Hester case, back then was the media coverage. While black media did not cover the case, the Boston Herald did, depicting Ms. Hester as he, or a transvestite, or William, or an enigma, stating that even her neighbors didn’t know who she was until the time of her death. This type of news coverage is not only damaging, disrespectful and demeaning to the entire transgender community, but also contributes to keeping transgender people constantly subjected to ridicule, confusion, ignorance and, ostensibly, hate crimes.

Johnson explained that the officer attacked her because she refused to respond to the derogatory names he called her.

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

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:24 PM

Page 21

"Actually, he was trying to get me to come over to where he was, and I responded by telling him that wasn't my name—that my mother didn't name me a 'faggot' or a 'he-she', so he got upset and approached me.

And that's when it started."

Calling a transperson out of his or her name is unfortunately a daily indignity most face. Racism adds another indignity.

Issues of race, gender expression and sexual orientation trigger a particular type of violence against all people of color that black media cannot afford to leave unreported. Not reporting what is going on their LGBTQ community not only subjects us to constant violence that goes unchecked, but it also puts the

larger African-American community at risk.

The lack of reporting on these types of hate crimes in black media stem from three reasons, all of which deal with homophobia and transphobia.

The first reason is the "politics of silence". Black media will not report hate crimes against its LGBTQ community, even if it results in death due to both homo and transphobias. But so too does the LGBTQ community often not report hate crimes, but for a different reason. Being openly queer and often estranged, if not alienated, from our communities of color, reporting attacks against us by other people of color in our communities, as well as by the police, can depict victims as race traitors. So, we

IMHO The Vieja Chacha and the Faygelah

o you would look at the title of this column and you might think it’s kind of like a fractured Aesop’s Fable. Um, not exactly.

It’s more like some misty water memories, bittersweet reminisces of a faygelah for his bubby. So you would ask, “He’s got a Spanish surname.

What does he know from Yiddish that he can be throwing these terms around? So let me tell you and I promise to keep it short and sweet.

No gantzeh megillah from me!

S

My bubby (grandmother) was a milliner in New York in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Most of the girls that she made hats with were Jewish. They worked all day together; they ate lunch together; they rode the train together; and they socialized on the weekends. So naturally, she picked up a lot of Yiddish. In her later years, she spoke a fascinating combination of Spanish, English and Yiddish. We were a hybrid household growing up. My parents spoke mostly Spanish with some English. The kids responded with mostly English and some Spanish. Throw in the Yiddish terms that used to pepper my grandmother’s vocabulary and conversations at my house were a veritable United Nations, a real kockeputzi!

by Mario Fernández

My grandmother met my grandfather, a Spaniard from Galicia, in New York; they married and moved back to Puerto Rico in the early 1930’s. She began making hats for a select few of Puerto Rican society ladies and soon opened up an upscale dress shop. Eventually, she had three shops in San Juan and became very involved in social and civic affairs.

My pet name for my bubby growing up was vieja chacha, which is Spanish for an old, but stylish woman. My fondest memories of this remarkable woman were of her always immaculately turned out, expertly made up, and loaded up with the most stylish accessories. She often told me stories www.baltimoregaylife.com • G A Y L I F E •

often end up colluding in the violence against us.

The second reason has to do with the dearth of openly LGBTQ reporters in black media writing on queer topics. This month, for the first time in the history of the Bay State Banner, an African-American newspaper in Greater Boston, the paper published an article on black queer culture titled "Pride, Family Values Shine in Hub's Gay Black Culture."

Why now? Because Katherine Patrick, the daughter of our governor, Deval Patrick, the second African-American elected as governor in the U.S., came out. The media attention surrounding her coming out finally underscored the fact that we have always been a part of the black community.

The third reason is the "politics of avoidance". Black media won't broach the topic of hate crimes against its LGBTQ population for fear it would be one more reason for white media to view violence as being synonymous with people of color.

The end result of this type of homo and transphobia in black media, however, is that it not only re-victimizes those of us targeted by these type of hate crimes, but also puts the entire community at risk by leaving out news that ought to be left in.

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

of Manuela, who was a nelly queen who worked in the household. My grandfather could not stand the sight of Manuela, who always had her long hair in a wave with expertly applied foundation and manicured eyebrows.

Manuela had to leave the house before he got home from work. A common argument between my grandparents went something like this…

“Honestly, why must you have that thing in the house?”

“Because she is best laundress I’ve ever come across. I know she wears my clothes (and often looks better in them than I do), but she never leaves a wrinkle or a lipstick stain. She stays!”

Another common argument centered around my mother not being allowed in the kitchen. My grandmother’s belief was that proper young ladies did not belong in the kitchen. This is a belief that my mother has adhered to her entire life. In fact, the woman bitches to this very day about even making reservations. I still have nightmares around Thanksgiving time; the one time my mother tried to cook Thanksgiving dinner, she left the giblets in the turkey and they made their way to my dinner plate. To this day, just the mere threat of “I’m going to cook for you!” is enough to stop my siblings and her grandchildren from pestering my mother too much.

So, with such strong women as role models in my family, is it any wonder that I turned out to be such a faygelah? Of course not.

That’s not to say that I never had my moments of terror, of abject fear at being found out. Even at age 6, knowing that one is gay makes one realize that one is different, not quite normal, not quite right, not quite like the rest.

At that age, my most fervent desire was to be like everyone else. But I knew, deep down, that I wasn’t like everyone else.

The one memory that stands out the most is of my brother and me at my grandmother’s house. Although we had been expressly forbidden to play in my grandmother’s bedroom, we found our way there one rainy afternoon. The lure of luxurious fabrics and shiny accessories soon proved to be more than I could bear. My brother began goading me to put on one of my grandmother’s dresses. I knew that I shouldn’t and that it wasn’t right, but I did not know why it wasn’t right. It certainly felt right.

I remember laughing (gaily, of course!), running from room to room in my grandmother’s dresses and high heels with my brother laughing hysterically behind me. Suddenly, I detected a presence in the doorway and my blood ran cold. I slowly turned around to gaze upon the icy and very disapproving stare of my grandmother with her arms folded tightly across her chest, tapping her pumps rhythmically in a tap-tap fashion that spelled certain doom.

Suddenly, her face softened and she purred…

“Oy! “Where do you think you're going, young lady, all ferpootzt? Shana punim! Have I taught you nothing? Why aren’t you wearing that belted?

Here, let’s potchki with this look. It’s just not richtikeh. We can’t have you going out in public like that; it would be an absolute shondah, I tell you. I can’t have you looking like a meiskeit. Let’s try this braided gold belt.”

Mario Fernandez loves drag queens, although he hung up his kitten heels years ago.

E-mail Mario at mfernandez@baltimoregaylife.com with your favorite drag name.

July 11 - July 24, 2008

• PA G E 2 1

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:24 PM

Page 22

OPINIONS LHAC

(Let’s Have A Conversation) some…mostly women who will remain stubborn for their own reasons and hold out, and a few others who will not vote for Obama. Well, I wish they would all go to a spa and get a massage... because the tension is scary.

The glass ceiling didn’t break this time for a woman... I wish they would get over it. Let’s collectively unite this country.

by Marvelous Marva

TODAY'S POLITICS: Barack Obama is the Democratic Nominee and Hillary Clinton Obviously Lost Her Mind in the Process

I have never seen anything like it.

Hillary Clinton attempted to hold the 17 plus million people who voted for her hostage. Her behavior was positively disgusting.... She wanted fair and equal treatment in the race, yet attempt to be treated differently and uniquely. She has changed and attempted to change all the rules to fit her benefit... She is clearly a sore loser. She just did not have it in her to concede to Barack Obama as any and every other competing candidate has and would have done... She, along with Bill, has thought and conducted herself like the whole election belonged to the Clintons.

They lost what they just knew was a sure win... and let’s not forget her self-centered concession speech.

One of her advisors should have told her: You never ever upstage the man who will soon be... The President of the United States of America. She has gone too far with her selfishness. They’ll probably have to drag her ass out of the convention kicking and screaming...

Now she wants to strong arm Obama into making her vice president. Unbelievable!

It is sad of her and some of her supporters to think that people who voted for her would not vote for the democratic nominee. Does she think she has them under her spell or something? Granted there are

I cannot believe that so many people are kissing Hillary’s ass and catering to her as if she were a child that they just want to stop yelling and crying. This is exactly why she is not the woman we need for president and why some people (mostly men) did not vote for her...‘cause she’s acting like a b*tch... and who wants to vote for a woman president who is already acting like a b*tch before she even gets into office? It’s just not going to happen. She was such a b*tch that even other woman said “Damn, b*tch, get yourself together,” after her loss in Iowa.

She seems to have forgotten that she and Obama were on the same democratic team.... The race was to decide who would represent the team. She lost and started throwing low blows and even publically put a hit out on Obama...with her sad comment referring to the assassinations of both John & Bobby Kennedy happening in June. Again, unbelievable behavior on her behalf. She actually said (looking quite delirious): “I find it curious that strange things happen in June...so I’m gonna stay in the race and see what happens.” Those of us who kept up with this election were literally gagging....

Even the media was in shock.

Reporters were shaking their heads... speechless... some calling it a shame, sad or disgusting. Others just out right could not believe that she basically said: Just in case Obama gets assassinated... I’m going to hang in here and continue to humiliate myself by not dropping out like any other politician would have gracefully done after being informed that there was no chance of winning.

I think she should retire.... Her per-

PA G E 2 2 •

continued on page 30

July 11 - July 24, 2008

The Effort to Unite

by Casondra Rawls

With all there is to discuss today about transgender issues, a topic that keeps surfacing is the lack of a united political effort here in Baltimore City and other parts of Maryland. Without political “know how”, political withstanding and political consent, we are left with a lack of political position— a dead end.

We must build for ourselves the unification that other minority groups have built for themselves. I look at it this way: Minority groups are a small community of people. This creates more of a reason for us to unite politically. We do have the numbers to make a difference. Keep in mind, if we do not communicate ourselves, then who will unite us? Who will testify more effectively in front of legislators than people who are living the reality of being transgender?

A new organization is in the works that will welcome all those who take a political view and seek justice on all issues in our lives. The new organization will be called Trans-United and will help all small or large groups come together to build unity on a regular basis. We will unite to discuss and review all that applies to us as a small group within the GLBT community. Keep your eyes open for our new ad coming soon in Gay Life newspaper.

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

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:25 PM

Page 23

ATTENTION

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

July 11 - July 24, 2008

• PA G E 2 3

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:25 PM

Page 24

PA G E 2 4 •

July 11 - July 24, 2008

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

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:25 PM

Page 25

GALA Choruses Celebrates 25thAnniversary at Festival 2008 in Miami: New Wave Singers to Represent Baltimore

More than 5,000 delegates and 120 choirs from 40 states and six countries will gather in Miami, Florida, from July 12 through 19, 2008, to help GALA Choruses celebrate its 25th anniversary at Festival 2008.

GALA Choruses Festival 2008 is the largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and trasgender (GLBT) performing arts event in the world. It will be highlighted by celebrity performances, including appearances by Alec Mapa, Ann Hampton Callaway, Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, Toshi Reagon and Ari Gold. The New Wave Singers, Maryland’s only GLBTS mixed chorus, will represent Baltimore at the festival.

GALA Choruses is an internationally recognized advocacy organization for GLBT choruses. The group’s week-long gathering of singers, choirs and clinicians boasts a full schedule of performances, commissioned works, workshops and social events. The event will be held at Miami’s Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, formerly known as the Carnival Center.

“We are exceptionally pleased to have the support of our visiting celebrities, our sponsors, and of course, the 5,000 delegates that will make Festival 2008 an event for the record books,” commented Sonelius Kendrick-Smith, President of the GALA Choruses Board of Directors.

“It is incredibly affirming to have a gathering of so many talented individuals standing behind and supporting the mission and objectives of GALA Choruses. For the past 25 years, we have endeavored to change the world through song.

This event confirms that the arts— and particularly the choral arts— are truly a medium that supports change and fosters understanding

in nearly every corner of society,” added Kendrick-Smith. Dr. Timothy Seelig, Artistic Director in Residence for GALA Choruses and Director Emeritus of the Turtle Creek Chorale in Dallas, Texas, reinforces the notion that choral singing is indeed a medium of change.

“Festival is a life-changing experience for choral singers. If you attend, you will cry. You will laugh.

You will get chill bump on top of chill bump. You will stand and applaud your brothers and sisters for sharing their very souls so proudly. Most importantly, you will go home a different person,” Dr. Seelig commented.

The special 25th anniversary celebration of GALA Choruses will honor and recall the accomplishments that have brought the group from its infancy to Festival 2008. It will also highlight outstanding examples of change that were made possible through the power of music. A multimedia presentation comprised of special video footage and commentary from exceptional speakers will mark the occasion.

The celebration will also provide an opportunity for all 5,000 Festival 2008 participants to raise their voices in song.

GALA Choruses’ membership includes more than 7,500 individuals drawn from every major metropolitan area in the United States, as well as several major cities in Canada, Australia and Europe. The organization’s 150 member choruses reach in excess of one million people annually through concerts, community appearances, Internet, radio and television appearances, and through recorded music.

For additional information, visit www.galachoruses.org.

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

July 11 - July 24, 2008

• PA G E 2 5

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:25 PM

Page 26

How Rue McClanahan became a TV icon isn’t classified information: For 20 years, the veteran actress has brought syndicated love and laughter to millions of people via The Golden Girls’ Blanche Devereaux, America’s favorite over-the-hill whore.

B

With the royalties that the 74-year-old McClanahan reaps from the still-popular sitcom—broadcast daily around the world to roughly 1.2 million viewers— you’d expect that the Healdton, Okla., native would be eager, at such a tender age, to sit back and count her cash.

Au contraire. The saucy septuagenarian continues to take on surprising—and sometimes scandalous—new roles. Her latest? Peggy Ingram, the matriarch of a colorful, crooked Texas clan in Del Shores’ Sordid Lives: The Series—based on Shores’ 1999 feature-length cult classic of the same name—premiering on Logo July 23.

In a new interview, McClanahan talks about her long-awaited return to series television; the gigs that got her there; fan mail from convicts; the problem with Shreveport, La.; her brave battle with breast cancer; her steamy Sordid Lives sex scenes; and the on-set drama that’s making everyone uncomfortable.

It’s dish that Rose, Sophia and Dorothy would definitely be down for.

Cheesecake, anyone?

PA G E 2 6 •

July 11 - July 24, 2008

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

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:25 PM

Page 27

Mikey Rox: You’ve been in show business for a long time. I won’t take you all the way back to the beginning, but I did read somewhere that while playing maniacal nanny Caroline Johnson on Another World, a fan sent a letter advising you on the best poisons with which to kill the character Pat. That’s kind of frightening to say the least, but what other sort of scary letters have you received over the years? Any one that comes to mind?

No, that’s the only one. That was enough. I got some letters from some convicts when I was doing Golden Girls, but I didn’t answer them. I’m not sure it would have been safe.

Speaking of Golden Girls, there’s no question that you’re best known for your role as Blanche Devereaux.

How did that affect your life?

It gave me a lot more self-confidence. I realized that she thinks she’s the cat’s meow, crazy about herself, very outgoing, thinks that she’s beautiful. I figured, I’m playing the part—why don’t I start feeling that way too? I became much less shy.

At what point during the Golden years did you know that the show had made its mark on television history?

Several years ago. It started running in reruns in 1988, and it hasn’t stopped since. It dawned on me then that this might be an ongoing proposition.

In the mid-1980s, talk of homosexuality on TV was quite taboo—and even today the introduction of a gay storyline creates a lot of buzz— but Golden Girls was a pioneer for gay issues way back then. Why was the show so committed to these issues?

I think because maybe we could get by with so much. I heard Betty White say this so many times—‘four old broads are so non-threatening.’

We could do and say a lot of things that shows with younger actors couldn’t.

You have quite a knack for playing excessive southern women, but in your new role as Peggy Ingram on Logo’s Sordid Lives: The Series— which will mark your return to series TV—your character is way out there, much different than anyone you’ve played before.

Considering that this role is such a departure from how we’re used to seeing you on TV, what made you decide to take on this project?

[Series creator] Del [Shores] sent me the script back in November. When I read it, I said this is the best thing I’ve read by far. It was a very funny script. Peggy is a departure, but of course she turns into a sexy maniac.

But she starts out as a church mouse, has never had a drink of beer, been married to the same man for 34 years, never had an orgasm. It’s about the growing up of Peggy, her blossoming. And she’ll grow up even more. In the second season Del has so much up his sleeve. Peggy starts out really boring, quiet-spoken, carrying her little purse in both hands. But she goes to the beauty parlor in the 11th week and wants to go blond, platinum. God knows what will happen in the second season.

Had you seen the movie prior to receiving the script for the TV series?

No, I received the script, then got the movie and watched it. I guessed that it had been directed by Del. Thank goodness. He’s just wonderful to work with. Almost all the people are wonderful to work with. There’s one person that isn’t awfully popular, but I won’t get into that right now.

But most everyone is professional and cooperative. There aren’t any prima donnas. Well, except that one person.

Behind-the-scenes drama? I love it!

I hear, too, that you have a steamy sex scene. And details? Would Blanche approve?

I have several steamy sex scenes— they’re wild and raucous. I suppose Blanche would probably approve. I also have a very sweet love scene.

Blanche would be envious, if anything.

The series debuts on Logo on July 23. But before the show becomes this summer’s guiltiest pleasure, what can you tell me about life on set? Any juicy details?

I think most of the juice is on the screen. But we were living under difficult conditions: bad food, low budget, long hours. Shreveport, [La.], is a pretty redneck town, and there aren’t very good places to stay.

We were working out of trailers, and during filming I was undergoing physical problems. I was dealing with a knee surgery that was only six months old. It was all swollen and there was a lot of limping. I was not at all happy with how I felt or how I looked, so for me it was very difficult.

Like so many women, you bravely battled breast cancer and beat the disease. What’s your health status today, and to what do you attribute your cancer recovery?

Excellent. I’m getting very, very healthy. Currently I’m at the Hipprocrates Health Institute in West Palm Beach, on a raw food diet.

I attribute my recovery to my husband, Morrow Wilson. His support helped me through it. We had just continued on page 30

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

July 11 - July 24, 2008

• PA G E 2 7

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:25 PM

Page 28

THEATER

FICTION Cereal: The Adventures of Pico Darling

by Espy Robinson

y Aunt Mae would say that I was born a pretty baby girl. According to my father, I’m the son he always wished he had. I’ve been called everything from sir to ma’am, from shorty to homey and every pronoun (and slur) in between. I’ve worn $100 hi-top sneakers and equally expensive pumps; I’ve shaved my legs and grown a goatee. I was voted captain of the football team, won the title of homecoming queen and went to prom in a tux and got lucky with the head cheerleader at the afterparty all in the same year.

M

Willy Wonka (Casey Kolb) displays the Wonka Bar that might contain the "golden ticket", in this summer's Cockpit in Court Royal Court Jesters' production of "Willy Wonka, Jr." playing from July 11 to July 20 at CCBC Essex. (Photo: Amy Jones Photography)

ON THE STAGE All Shook Up

If You See Something

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

Say Something

Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Through July 27 Olney Theatre Center 301-924-3400 www.olneytheatre.org

The Comedy of Errors Through July 13 Chesapeake Shakespeare Company 866-811-4111 www.chesapeakeshakespeare.com

Through July 20 Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, D.C. 202-393-3939 www.woollymammoth.net

The Storm is What We Call Progress Through July 20 Rorschach Theatre, DC 1-800-494-TIXS www.rorschachtheatre.com

Stuff Happens The Imaginary Invalid Through July 27 The Shakespeare Theatre Company, D.C. 877-487-8849 www.shakespearetheatre.org

Jerry Springer: The Opera July 23 through August 31 Studio Theatre, D.C. 202-332-3300 www.studiotheatre.org

Finding Fossils Through July 13 Fells Point Corner Theatre, Baltimore 410-276-7837 www.fpct.org

The Mousetrap

From this Life: Four Short Plays

The Mystery of Irma Vep

Through July 20 Olney Theatre Center 301-924-3400 www.olneytheatre.org

Through July 20 Olney Theatre Center 301-924-3400 www.olneytheatre.org

The Taming of the Shrew July 18 - August 3 Baltimore Shakespeare Festival 410.366.8596 www.baltimoreshakespeare.org

The Tempest Through July 13 Chesapeake Shakespeare Company 866-811-4111 www.chesapeakeshakespeare.com

Twelfth Night

July 18 – August 3 Vagabond Players, Baltimore 410-563-9135 www.vagabondplayers.org

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

West Side Story Red Noses

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

Through July 13 Baltimore Shakespeare Festival 410.366.8596 www.baltimoreshakespeare.org

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

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

Willy Wonka, Jr. Cockpit in the Court, CCBC Essex Through July 20 410-780-6369 www.ccbcmd.edu

PA G E 2 8 •

July 11 - July 24, 2008

But I have never, not even come close to being a father.

Evvi’s announcement was a quick blow to my chest cavity. I couldn’t breathe. I lost my hearing suddenly.

Evvi stood before me staring into my face, mouthing what I thought was “are you ok?” but I couldn’t be sure.

I waved her off and stared until my sight began to grow small. I blinked to clear them. But everything was still fuzzy. It seemed as if my irises drew closer and smaller and tighter until I could only see the eyelashes that lined their lids. My sight stood still at this vision. I tried to blink again but this time my eyeballs just gave up and detached, rolled back out of their sockets.

I saw the back of my skull; the two big holes where my eyes were usually and a pinhole image of the murky world just in front of my face. There, too, was the back of my nose, the nasal passages and sinus cavities, which were all gunky and green. A long tube that was attached to my mouth worked hard every three seconds to push little buckets of spit through its porous edge. I followed the tube down until I got to what looked like my heart.

It beat hard and fast, with the force of a yank on a pull-start lawn mower, but still harder and faster than that. My eyes waited there and watched it a bit. The long tubes coming off of the thing were like the pretty blue and red ones I remember learning about in fifth grade science class. They were grimier looking more like rolled up bacon, like the kind you buy at the store. I bid my heart “a job well done” as my eyes rolled on.

I saw my lungs, which were thin

and dark. I made a note to stop smoking, as it was disgusting to see the damage up close. Both the right and the left lung flapped every three seconds too, but never fully expanding or contracting all the way.

Behind that was my spine, and kidneys that were perhaps the most handsome feature I had seen inside my body thus far. The oversized crimson jellybean things would be an appreciated gift to anyone. “Get tested to see if you can donate one,” I thought and made another mental note that I would.

But the spine—its brilliance—I was not ready for. Its intricate web, its sturdy plates, its skeletal passageways was the stuff of great Egyptian pyramids, or Roman coliseums, or Incan cities. Detailed, precise, functional and overwhelmingly beautiful to view in its magnitude and totality.

My eyes rolled on again to my stomach and the long trail of intestine. The stomach bubbled like a witch’s cauldron while the intestine served as its drain. It pumped steadily with sudden jerky movements like the long hose at a gasoline pump or the garden hose with the water on full blast.

But my eyes grew curious as they lowered into my pelvic region.

Would there be a uterus there? A prostate? The tubes of a vagina or a penis? I had been convinced, early on as a child that if I had been born with a uterus, my mother had the doctors cut me open and remove it well before my first birthday. And if I had been born with testicles they had shriveled up and fell off the same time the rest of my belly button did. I always thought about what stuff was on the inside of me. I knew well what was on the outside and knew well how to use it, but the inside was another matter. So peering with my eyeballs inside my body, I was anxious to see. And as I neared there, I was giddy at the texture and tissue of what I saw not because it matched some biology outlined in a textbook, nor because it was a replica of anatomical charts and would subsequently confirm my girl or boy-ness. No. Down there, I was as unique as I had always imagined—flexible according to circumstance, capable of

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

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:25 PM

Page 29

change and adjustment, varying on a whim. Adaptable. Magnificent.

Brilliant. As some God intended.

The next time I saw through my eyes they were back in their sockets and had regained full vision. Zee phone was ringing. I was in my bed, naked, and apparently had been asleep for some time. Evvi was gone.

The phone continued to ring.

“Hello!” I yelled into Zee Phone, unaware of how to use my voice upon first waking up.

“Hey, is this Pico?” the voice said.

“Yeah! Who’s this?” I shouted, wiping eyelids of an oddly large amount of dried mucus and debris.

“Hey, its Charlie. I know it’s been a while but I read about your new book and I was hoping you would maybe want to do an interview for Gay Life newspaper.”

“Oh, sh*t.

Really?”

Charlie

Hartman?

“Yeah, I know we left off on not such a good note, but I thought I’d give you a call and tell you congratulations and see if you were into doing an interview.”

“Wow! I didn’t think I’d ever hear from you again. You want to do an interview? For what?”

“I’m the editor at Gay Life now and I just got a copy of your new book and its really good, Pico, and I want to do an interview with you about it. You’re about to be really famous and I’m sure people want to know how you’ve got Asha Hennessy so worked up that she’s shouting your name on every show and telling people you’re the next great American author. And she has a lot of influence over the literary world, you know.”

SMITH - continued from page 5

were freshmen and were questioning their own sexuality.

How was it working with faculty and staff?

It was…alright. When we first wanted to start the club, they suddenly found that there was a constitution and we had to get it approved. The constitution hadn’t been followed for the past four years. After that, it really felt like we weren’t part of the school. No faculty members were really opposed to it though.

What is your advice for other students who may be interested in starting up a GSA or other support group at their high school?

I would definitely say check with

“Oh right, the book! That’s funny actually; it’s a long story. I’ll tell you all about it. You won’t believe it.”

“So you want to do it?”

“This isn’t a set-up is it? You’re not gonna have some big dudes there waiting to kick my ass, are you?”

“No. Not at all.”

“Okay then. When? Where?”

“Meet me at the GLCCB tomorrow around one. I was thinking we could get some something to eat and talk.”

“Okay, cool. I’ll see you then.”

“Sounds goods, I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

We hung up.

Still half asleep, I took Zee phone to the bathroom and did the trick to check the voicemail. 41 messages!! I turned on the speaker and let the messages play, one by one, while I brushed and flossed, popped pimples and generally picked at my face, went poo, and took a shower. I was in my towel, working on my first bowl of cereal when the last message finished. All of them were from news stations and newspapers, talk shows and radio hosts, wanting to do interviews with me. They offered me cash, cars, vacations, everything to get an exclusive one on one. Ellen even sang a song, live, on air asking me to be her guest.

I shut Zee phone off. I couldn’t be bothered. I flicked the TV on. I ate my cereal. I thought about Evvi and the baby she was carrying.

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

Send your thoughts to picodarling@baltimoregaylife.com.

the principal and superintendent to see what is allowed. A lot of times when we wanted to have announcements, like for the Day of Silence, we had to learn that we couldn’t do that.

Find out if you can set up a table, can you visit classes, make announcements before you actually do it.

Where are you planning on attending college and what are your plans for the future?

I’m planning on going to MICA to study graphic design. I’m really excited because I’ve never done graphic design. I’ve done other art and for me graphic design is about communication. I want to work with humanitarian organizations using my graphic design skills.

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

July 11 - July 24, 2008

• PA G E 2 9

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:25 PM

Page 30

PENCIL ME IN Thursday, July 10 – Sunday, July 27

a treasure inspired by the elaborate wood designs on Hillwood’s French furniture. Ooh lala, c’est manifique!

Sundays are very popular, so reservations are required. Call 202-686-5807.

2008 Capital Fringe Fest

Exploratory artists bring creative, cutting-edge contemporary performances to the District July 10-27.

Come enjoy over 200 artist groups and celebrate the performing arts in the nation’s capital. Check out events and performances or download this year’s complete program at www.capitalfringe.org.

Thursday, July 10 – Tuesday, July 22

Wednesday, July 16 Donna Summer @ Pier 6

The Queen is back and her summer “Stamp Your Feet” tour is coming to Baltimore! Come hear the queen perform live both classic hits and the hottest tracks from “Crayons”, her first full-length studio album in 17 years. For tickets, visit www.piersixpavillion.com.

Harford Rainbow Society Dinner

14th Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival Get ready to race those ruby slippers up Broad Street for another spectacular summer of films and fun!

Don’t miss the Philadelphia Film Society’s 14th PIGLFF, with honorees Jane Lynch and Alec Mapa, queer punk pioneers Pansy Division, and 25,000 of your friends and neighbors at the East Coast’s largest LGBT film event. For a listing of films (ranging from award-winning documentaries to international features, slapstick comedy to horror), venues, tickets and additional information, visit www.phillyfests.com.

Saturday, July 12

The Harford Rainbow Society just keeps growing and growing. Come out to meet new people and dine at Primavera Restaurant (3920 Pulaski Highway, Abindgon, MD). Gather in the bar at 6:30 p.m., or, if you’re running late, show up to grab a seat at 7 p.m.

RSVP to harfordrainbow@gmail.com or 410-9377904. For additional details, visit www.harfordrainbow.com.

Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 20 Artscape

Waxploitation: Lost in Transit The Hip-Hop Theater Festival’s grand finale exhibit at Pacific Cafe' Lounge (1129 Pennsylvania Ave., SE Washington, DC) celebrates hip-hop’s age-old medium of the spiral groove from 10 p.m. -2 a.m. Curated

by Leonard Brady, the exhibit will feature works by Andy T., Billy Mode, Decoy, Ellington Robinson, Justin Angelos, Megan Buchanan, RVLTN & more. For additional information, visit www.hiphoptheaterfest.com.

RSVP is strongly encouraged to rsvp@solsource.org.

York Courts of Guilford Flea Market & Crafts Fair Ride up to the 3900 block of York Road (just north of 39th St.) between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to check out the York Courts 14th annual flea market & crafts fair. This year’s event will feature over 30 vendors, entertainment and refreshments for sale. All proceeds will benefit the court improvement projects. If it’s raining on Saturday, wait until the sun comes out on Sunday, July 13.

Sunday, July 13

Family Fun Bastille Day Celebration In celebration of Bastille Day, Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens (4155 Linnean Ave., Washington, DC) celebrates July with a French focus. Take the “Kings, Queens and Soup Tureens” audio tour of the Mansion and then step outdoors on the French Parterre for a touch of France in Washington, D.C. Bring the kids for family fun from 1-5 p.m. and create

Don’t miss the largest free public arts festival in the country right in Baltimore’s Mt. Royal Cultural District! Artscape 2008 will feature 150+ artists, fashion designers and craftspeople; visual art exhibits; incredible live concerts on four outdoor stages; a full schedule of performing arts. including dance, opera, theater, fashion, film, experimental music and performances by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; family events. such as hands-on projects, demonstrations, competitions, children’s entertainers and multiple street theater locations; and a delicious, international menu of food and beverages that is available throughout the festival site. To find out more about this year’s festival and performance times, visit www.artscape.org.

Saturday, July 19

Chesapeake Pride: Live. Love. Be. Sponsored by Metropolitan Community Church of the Chesapeake, Gay Life newspaper, The Washington Blade, ID Lubricants and BMW of Annapolis, Chesapeake Pride at Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds (1450 General’s Highway, Crownsville, MD) is the only annual pride event in Anne Arundel, Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties. Kicking off early at 11 a.m. and wrapping up at 8 p.m., there’s plenty of time to check out vendors while enjoying this year’s stellar entertainment line-up, which includes Tim Hartley, Stormy Vain, Ana Lockett, Fusion, Sister Funk, Nina Amaya, Belly Dance Delight and more. For additional information, visit www.chesapeakepridefestival.org or call 410-353-5534.

RUE - continued from page 27

met when I was diagnosed. He’s a brave man.

MR: All right, so you’re 74 years old and you’ve been working all your life, bringing joy and comedy to so many people around the world, but at some point don’t you just wanna sit back and relax?

RM: No, I want to work. Working is life—acting, writing; I like to write. I love acting in good things. I just shot a Hallmark movie with Ed Asner called Generation Gap that will premiere in late October. It’s things like that that keep me young. I don’t want to retire.

Who is Mikey Rox? Who gives a f*ck! But you can visit him at www.mikeyrox.com.

PA G E 3 0 •

sonality, behavior and thinking are ugly... and she is not who people want to be the first woman president. Money, power & greed make some people crazy!

Yes, she has made a mark on history and will be remembered as the first woman to run for president.

Shirley Chisholm, however, was the first woman to run for president... so Hillary is the second woman to attempt this feat.

Remember it took four times for a black person to run before winning the democratic nomination—Shirley Chisholm, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton.... and now, Barack Obama.

So yes, there absolutely will come a day when there will be a woman president. I just know it...but it did not happen this time around...and frankly speaking, Hillary was not that woman.

Fate will place the right woman at the right time…as it has done so in this race for the White House.

The very last thing Obama needs to do is put her on the ticket as VP. She is entirely too bitter…and with Bill as part of her luggage (along with all the other bags she has)…Put her on the ticket? Not no...but, Hell No! She should have thought about the possibility of wanting to be VP in case she lost. It wouldn’t work anyway though because Bill Clinton would be chasing women all around the White House... as usual. It would be a hot mess!

But in all fairness, there was an upside to her becoming president.

She probably would be the one who got the phone first. If it should ring at 3 a.m (because Obama is going to be where he should be tucked up under his beautiful wife Michelle), Hillary would be wide awake... pacing the floor...wondering when Bill is going to bring his ass home.

Sheeezzz... I needed to get that off my chest. Okay, I’ve calmed down...

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Do you believe in true love and does love last forever?

Karen , St. Louis, Missouri

Yes, I do, Karen…very much so.

In answering this question, I must start off by saying that I think of myself at times as being this hopeless romantic, so of course I believe in love... everlasting love... forever.

Love is something one must be open to. You must give love and be open to receiving love in return. I believe that in order for love to be...and last forever...you must first believe in love, want love, and claim it as a part of your life. We must enjoy love... savor the moments... keep thoughts of it fresh in our minds always... and never give up on the search for it until you are in

July 11 - July 24, 2008

it... and it is in you.

In spite of what may seem like failed attempts at love... which can be discouraging... we must remember that love is like a flower that will always bloom. It will often go year round without missing a bloom. But sometimes if it goes through a bad winter and seemingly dies... we must know that it will return in the spring. On occasions, love may seem to weaken during or after a bad storm. During the bad storms, however, love is actually (as it should be) drinking up the nutrients from the storm. Love can and will be much stronger afterwards. During the storms, we must hold on to love the tightest...but sometimes, sadly, we cannot hold on any longer… and love seemingly slips away. The connection is dropped. We throw our hands in on a love. We have given it our very best... in our hearts we know this. These are times when love doesn’t make it through a winter storm... We come to understand why… and we even sometimes make the choice to place a particular love in an inactive state because that is what is best for us.

Through the rest of the storm we survive. How & why we survive is really awesome...simply because we have experienced love at its finest. If only for a moment, it’s the knowing and remembering of how love once was... and can and will be again if allowed... that gets us through the storm of past love.

Again... recovered...we welcome the spring with all the new possibilities of a new love that it can bring again. Now, how wonderful is that I ask you... ;-)

Most importantly... having experienced love... we must stay excited about the certainty of the all the wonders that new love will always have when it shows up... often without prior notice... (smile)... Make no mistake about it: It may change its face, name and color, but Love... in itself will never fall short of showing up with one purpose—to fulfill our minds, bodies and souls with joy and happiness.

So Karen, I most certainly believe in true and everlasting love... Best wishes to us all!

P.S. Ladies, did I mention I was single... and accepting applications for a full time position in my life? lol… Hey, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.

Until next time,

Marva!

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

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

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:25 PM

Page 31

QPUZZLE "2008 Tonys"

Across

Down

1 What you touch getting to third base?

5 Peter's place 9 Lupone, who won the Best Performance by a Leading Actress Tony for 69-Across 14 Penetrating reed 15 Asian inland sea 16 Humped antelope 17 Where a cobbler puts the tongue 18 "Lesbians ignite!" e.g.

19 Big tops 20 Best Revival of a Musical Tony winner 23 Samantha's uncle 24 Posed for Catherine Opie 25 Hawk-chicken difference 28 Seminal computer 31 Big Lovely singer Toshi 33 They go at the bottoms of letters 36 PC drive insert 38 Stud fee?

39 Winner of a Lifetime Achievement Tony 43 Result of a sexually active Woody 44 Slim bear 45 Place for porking?

46 Women's music festival ___ Fair 49 Edna Ferber work about an erection?

51 They made laws against O. Wilde's love life 52 Official at a Houston Comets game 54 Witherspoon and others 58 Lyricist nominated for a Tony for The Little Mermaid 61 Org. for Etheridge and lang 64 Ballet supporters?

65 Prefix with gravure, in "Easter Parade" 66 Respond to Suzanne Westenhoefer 67 Ham cut 68 Caligula's way 69 See 9-Across 70 Mishima's continent 71 Richard of And the Band Played On

1 Nova opening 2 Can't bear 3 Date, with "with" 4 Foam at the mouth 5 A rainbow flag symbolizes this 6 Anthropology, to Margaret Mead 7 It might go right to the bottom 8 Fashion designer Perry 9 Not a dress size for 31-Across 10 Mapa of Desperate Housewives 11 Provincetown project 12 Stuff for a blow job?

13 Puts the finger on a bad man 21 Hump 22 Way out 25 Endora portrayer 26 Fly cry 27 Fred Phelps, to gay community 29 River of da Vinci's land 30 The bottom lines 32 Postcoital sigh 33 Reading at Metropolitan Community Church 34 "Take it off!"

35 Emulates a market bear 37 Con ___ (rather fast, to Copland) 40 Waikiki paste 41 Lincoln's state 42 Towels off 47 ___ boy (male escort) 48 Cut 50 Lou of Glenn Burke's sport 53 Jazzman Hines, contemporary of Billy Strayhorn 55 Hit, for Shakespeare 56 Enjoyer of Stephen Pyles 57 Make noise in bed 58 Fag ___ (women with gay friends) 59 Hoppers, in Barry Humphries' land 60 Prefix meaning "tenth" 61 Easy subj. for John Nash 62 Oral input 63 Bra half

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

July 11 - July 24, 2008

• PA G E 3 1

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:26 PM

Page 32

DINING OUT The Yabba Pot

by John Cullen and Marty Shayt

unting for a vegan-friendly restaurant, we stumbled across the “Yabba Pot”. (FYI – “vegan” regimen excludes any animal-based food sources like meat, fish, poultry, eggs, cheese, or dairy). Owner & head chef, Skai Davis, a vegetarian since her teens, started the business in 2003 and offers only vegan food— which is unique in Baltimore.

H

The townhouse on St. Paul near 25th St. is painted yellow and red and has a kind of Haight-Ashbury/San Francisco 1960’s feel to it. You’ll find signs outside promoting the eating of kale or raw foods! The owner’s young daughters are selling “smoothies” on the sidewalk out front. Marty asks “What’s in them?” The girls giggle and reply, “Love!”

Inside, you’ll find a long room painted bold tangerine orange with contrasting trim in brilliant avocado green. As you enter, you’ll find an area to view, order and pay for food (more about that below)! Opposite, there’s a long wooden stand offering local publications (including GayLife!) and community notices, and a refrigerated chest with frozen tofu desserts. (There are also vegan cookies and cakes if you have a sweet tooth.) At the furthest end of the room, you’ll find about 10 round café tables with wonderful hand-painted designs. The dining area walls include a huge boldly colored butterfly kite and Caribbean-inspired prints. (Looking for restrooms? Try the doors labeled “Nature Center I” and “Nature Center II”! )

PA G E 3 2 •

There are no menus here! Chef Skai runs her restaurant like her home kitchen—what fresh food is in the markets and what the chef feels like making is what’s available. You have a couple ways to go! You can look at a half dozen or so bowls of food in a glass-enclosed display. (Some have labels, some don’t, so don’t hesitate to ask questions! Trust your eyes and go with what looks good!) Pricing differentiates between “special protein” items—“Faux” Chicken, Barbequed Tofu, etc.—and pure veggie “sides”—Queens Greens (kale!), Channa Masala (chickpeas in sauce), Macaroni and “Cheese”, etc.. The “Royal” combo ($12) offers 1 protein with 2 sides plus rice; the “Garden” combo ($10.50) offers 3 sides plus rice; and the “Lunch Special” ($8.50) offers 2 sides plus rice; or try one

July 11 - July 24, 2008

“side” for $3.50. Be prepared! Yabba Pot style eating calls for any and all dishes you choose to be mingled in single large wooden bowl.

“Handfuls” $6 (aka wraps) are a bargain and recommended. Options include home-made veggie burgers, faux “fish” fillet, BBQ tofu, avocado salad and grilled portabella (but what’s available can vary, so be sure to ask). There are a variety of juices and smoothies ($2-6). Marty wanted a drink without added sugar and was disappointed to find out water is the only option. Once you’ve ordered, you pay for your food and carry it yourself to a table (picking up utensils, napkins and water if you want it at a station at the end of the counter).

Marty and John both try and are amazed with the faux “Chik-un” legs with taste and texture more like real chicken than anything we’ve ever come across (even including a wooden “bone”!) Our vegan guest opts for the “Garden” combo and tries West African Spinach, home fried potatoes with cabbage and “channa masala”.

He loves what he ordered! John tries the server’s recommendation of a faux fish “handful”. It looks like edible art with an intense blend of colors in a green spinach wrap overflowing with orange carrots, purple cabbage, avocado and what looks like a breaded fish fillet garnished with strawberries and orange slices. It’s delicious! (John would have sworn there was a real fish fillet in there! How do they do this?)

Marty and John both very much enjoyed “Yabba Pot” food. Marty, who prefers upscale over counterculture doesn’t like the atmosphere.

John, rooted in the suburbs, finds the funky bohemian coffee house atmosphere pleasantly evocative. Not the place for everyone but if you would like to try some wonderfully tasty vegan food, it’s a “must” to try!

BASICS: Yabba Pot Cafe (lower Charles Village), 2431 St. Paul St, 410-662-TOFU, www.theyabbapotcafe.com. Open: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Mon-Sat;, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Sun. Parking on St. Paul is metered, but usually available. Afterwards maybe catch a film at “The Charles” just 6 blocks south! Feedback or suggestions?

Email us at diningout@baltimoregaylife.com

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

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:26 PM

Page 33

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

July 11 - July 24, 2008

• PA G E 3 3

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:26 PM

Page 34

THE RIDICULOUSLY

LARGE CALENDAR OF FREE SUMMER EVENTS Compiled by Jerome J. Woodchuck Money is tight and gas is pricey. Here’s a big, huge list of free, local events so you can have fun on the cheap this summer!

Films on the Pier

Wednesdays, through August 20 8:45p.m.

Fells Point, Baltimore, MD 21230

Flicks on the Hill

Thursdays, through August 7 9 p.m.

American Visionary Museum 800 Key Hwy. Baltimore, MD 21230 Museum is free and open 5-9 p.m. on flick nights www.Avam.org

Music at Haymarket Square

Thursdays, through July 24 7 p.m.

Haymarket Shopping Center Haymarket, VA 20169

Music on the Mall

Fridays, through July 25 7 p.m.

The Grounds at St. Mary’s College of Maryland 18952 E. Fisher Rd.

Little Italy Film Fest 2008 Fridays, through August 29 9 p.m.

S. High and Stiles St. Baltimore, MD 21202

Jazz on the Potomac

Fridays, through August 29 6 p.m.

Lansdowne Resort 44050 Woodridge Pkwy.

Lansdowne, VA 20176 Lansdowneresort.com

Gaelic Gardens Free Music Series

Saturdays, through August 1-4 p.m.

Junction of Baron Cameron and Route 7 Reston, VA 20190

Thursdays, through August 28 Independence Visitor Center 599 Market St. Philadelphia, PA 19106

River Concert Series

St. Mary’s City, MD 20686 240-895-2024

2008 Harborplace & the Gallery Free Concerts Saturdays, through August 30 8 p.m. – 11p.m.

Inner Harbor Baltimore, MD 21202

Summer Sunday Concerts in the Park

Sundays, through July 27 4 p.m.

1468 Dolley Madison Blvd.

McLean, VA 22102 mcleancenter.org/alden

Free Outdoor Orchestra Concert

Fresh Music at the Market

July 12 7 p.m.

Sean T. Connaughton Community Plaza 1 County Complex Ct. Prince William, VA 22192

Baltimore Caribbean Carnival Festival

July 12 Stewartown Recreational Facility 19614 Goshen Rd. Gaithersburg, MD 20879

Fridays & Saturdays in August Noon - 2 p.m.

400 W. Lexington St. Baltimore, MD 21201

July 11- July 13 9 p.m.

Druid Hill Park 2600 Madison Ave., Baltimore, MD www.bmorecarnival.com

Bank of America Sounds of R&B Series featuring Fertile Ground July 11 7 p.m.

Penn’s Landing Great Plaza Columbus Blvd. at Market St. Philadelphia, PA 19106 pennslandingcorp.com

Smooth Jazz and R&B Concert

July 11 –July 12 7 p.m.

Marlborough Golf Club 4750 John Roger Blvd.

Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

25th Annual Stewartown Community Day Sedalia Blues Festival July 12 12p.m.

Sedalia Center 1108 Sedalia School Rd. Big Island, VA 24526 www.sedaliacenter.org

The People's Movie Night July 12 7:30p.m.

Wooden Shoe Books 508 S. 5th St. Philadelphia, PA 19147 www.woodenshoebooks.com

Smooth Jazz and R&B Concert

July 11 – July 12 7 p.m.

Marlborough Golf Club 4750 John Roger Blvd.

Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

McClean Central Park PA G E 3 4 •

July 11 - July 24, 2008

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

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:26 PM

Page 35

PLARS Kids Day

July 13 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Power Plant Live!, Baltimore, MD 21201 Powerplantlive.com

Annual Outdoors Summer Concert Series July 14 - July 15 6 p.m.

501 W. 30th St. Baltimore, MD 21211

Artscape

July 18 - July 20 Noon – 10 p.m.

1200 block of Mount Royal Ave. Baltimore, MD 21201

Billie Holiday & Cab Calloway Vocal Competition July 19 Noon - 3p.m.

1212 Cathedral St. Baltimore, MD 21201

Glenn Foerd Summer Music Concert Series

Art Festival and Shipley Hill Pride Day

Glenn Foerd Mansion on the Delaware River 5001 Grant Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19114 www.glenfoerd.org

July 26 12 p.m.

101 Willard St. Baltimore, MD 21223

Live Jazz in Broadway Square David Bach Consort

Arts on the Waterfront

July 24 6 p.m.

Broadway Square Baltimore, MD 21224

July 27 6 p.m.

Bladensburg Waterfront Park 4601 Annapolis Rd. Bladensburg, MD

July 26 Marvin Gaye Park 5200 Foote Street, NE Washington, D.C. liberatedmuse.com

July 31 6 p.m.

St. Luke's United Methodist Church 3655 Calvert St., NW Washington, DC 20007

Capital Hip Hop Soul Festival

Soul Music Beachfest

August 22 - August 23 24th Street Park Beachstreet Seaside Palladium at 24th St. Virginia Beach, VA

July 31 - August 3 Several locations in Philadelphia, PA www.bwafphilly.org

Baltimore International Festival August 2 - August 3 Noon

July 22 7 p.m.

August 8 7:30p.m.

St. Leonard Recreation Park 23145 Leonard Hall Dr. Leonardtown, MD 20650

August 9 Noon 8 p.m.

RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.

Black Women’s Art Festival

July 26 1p.m.

Market Square 301 King St. Alexandria, VA

St. Leonard Movie Night on the Lawn

18th Annual Stone Soul Picnic

Jazz in the Garden

Alexandria African American Heritage and Cultural Festival

Poly/Western High School Parking Lot Falls Rd. and West Coldspring Ln. Baltimore, MD

Royal Theater Music Festival and Cadillac Parade

August 30 Royal Theater Marquee Pennsylvania Ave. & Lafayette Ave. Baltimore, MD

MORE THAN COWHIDE AND A

HARNESS: Find luxury, comfort, convenience and style in both of our beautifully appointed all-suite hotels. We're just footsteps off historic Charles Street in downtown Baltimore.

Our suites are filled with world-class amenities and our personal attention to detail will make any stay a memorable experience. In addition to our comfortable features, we offer complimentary high-speed internet in every suite and your choice of two restaurants, a lounge, a gourmet deli and a dessert shop.

An Interview with Maryland Leather SIR/Leatherboy 2008

410.727.2222 www.TREMONTS.com www.baltimoregaylife.com • G A Y L I F E •

July 11 - July 24, 2008

• PA G E 3 5

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:26 PM

Page 36

PA G E 3 6 •

July 11 - July 24, 2008

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

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:26 PM

Page 37

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

July 11 - July 24, 2008

• PA G E 3 7

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:26 PM

Page 38

Interior

DESIGN

Warm Weather Decorating in Cool Hues

When the weather turns warm, we open our windows to let in the light and fresh air. But there are other ways to update living spaces to reflect the best of the summer season.

This summer's hottest hues are cool tones, particularly classic blue and white themes. Blue and white have been used as decorative accents throughout the ages to dress up everything from regal, formal spaces to country cottage homes.

Ancient Egyptians cherished blue and white lotus flowers as the key to creating spaces of spiritual enlightenment. Thought to enhance healing and create relaxing environments, blue and white flowers became popular patterns incorporated into fabrics, porcelain and rugs. In the 17th and 18th centuries, English and Chinese "Blue Willow" designs were introduced as everyday stoneware and serveware. Used in both formal dining areas as well as by the household staff, blue and white was appropriate in virtually every type of interior space.

Ruth Martin, director of merchandising for Ten Thousand Villages, offers design tips to incorporate the cool and classic hues of white and blue into your home:

Asian

A simple white vase with intricate blue details is a hallmark of Asian decor. Fill a large vase with bright red or yellow summer flowers for a beautiful and cheerful centerpiece.

Adding small blue and white accents to dark wood pieces of furniture, such as a traditional tansu (or step) chest, helps lighten them up and draw the eye.

PA G E 3 8 •

July 11 - July 24, 2008

Beach Cottage

Blue is the color of the ocean and white is the color of the sand, so the two together are a perfect complement to a beach cottage look. Swap out heavy rugs for breezy floor mats made of durable grass and add seating with blue and white ceramic garden stools. Frame personal photos of cherished summer moments in a simple white frame accented with a bit of blue.

Traditional

Remove darker throw pillows and blankets left over from colder months and replace them with crisp blue and white cotton and silk accents. Put heavy draperies in storage and hang light scarves in their place to open up, not only the windows, but the entire room. Set a lovely summer table with classic blue and white porcelain or ceramic dishes on top of white chargers and accented with crisp, white linen napkins.

Modern

Blue and white can have a distinctly modern look when you branch out into shades of aqua and indigo with pops of bright white. Stripes and polka dots are simple and contemporary and look great on tablecloths, napkins and placemats. A white chair amid a sea of blue furnishings (and vice versa) adds a graphic punch to any space.

"Whatever your style, blue and white fits in seamlessly, especially for cool summer decorating" says Martin. "While you're mellowing out your color palette for the hot season, make sure to support talented artisans and shop fair trade and sustainable. There's nothing hotter than your blue and white purchases being socially responsible."

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:26 PM

Page 39

SISTER FUNK- continued from page 22

Denise Troy: Our live performance can be both magical and contagious; an audience's response, whether it is from one or thousands, fuels me with an incredible energy. One surreal moment was when we were performing our final song and almost like it was on cue, fireworks in a nearby district started going off just behind the stage...pretty awesome.

Sarah: The best part of performing is having a great time playing music with friends and bringing the audience along for the ride. Helping the audience to forget about their problems and stresses and let their hair down for a little while…or winning over a skeptical audience that doesn't think they'd enjoy an all female/lesbian band. A favorite performance is hard to pick out.

Favorite? Probably that very first Webster gig in June of 2007 when Peepa and Denise called up Janice (drummer) and I and asked us if we wanted to play the show with them.

It was kinda cool because I felt like despite the craziness, we went over well and there was chemistry...the performance didn't feel contrived to me. To me, it felt very natural to be playing with the ladies again.

Kathy: I just love to play. I always have a great time on stage. The best performances are when the crowd is having as much fun as we are!

Row: The best part of performing is the response we get, not only from the audience, but from each other with each song we perform. My alltime favourite will always be my first time with Sister Funk.

How would you describe your music? Who do you sound like, if anyone? Do you have any major influences?

Peepa: Music theater… I know, my band mates make fun of me all the time…they jut have no taste at all!

Denise: Rock mostly, but many songs are infused with other genres & styles, especially our older stuff which has that old school dance/disco/funk bass and rhythm sections. Our original bass player, Wendy SimmonsTaylor loved that vibe.

Sarah: I don't think Sister Funk has ONE particular sound or influence, but that's what we aim for. We kinda sound like Pink, Maroon 5, a bit, but it's never one consistent sound. I

think it works to our benefit because I don't know any music lovers who have only one genre in their collection. People's song preferences generally vary with their moods...as does the Sister Funk repertoire.

Kathy: Our sound is a mix of everything—rock, pop, funk. I think our sound can be compared to Maroon 5 with a twist of Pink. As a band, our influences are very diverse which keeps our music on the edge and constantly changing while still maintaining that Sister Funk sound.

Row: This is a tough question since all of us have different music tastes and styles. I would say we are the perfect blend of a multitude of genres and influences. I am personally a huge Massive Attack fan, as well as the early Jamiroquai, which is where I get most of my bass influence Do you have a second love to music?

Peepa: Loving and being loved by family and friends…. Oh yeah, ice cream too.

Denise: I love, or rather have a small obsession with, the computer.

I spend hours upon hours on it doing mostly business: updating the Sister Funk web site, requesting friends to myspace, creating fliers/posters, and doing our monthly mailer.....

Sarah: If we're excluding people...

The beach!

Kathy: My wife for being so patient, supportive and understanding!

Row: My girlfriend.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

Peepa: Finishing our CD. It will be the best one yet!

Denise: I look forward to writing and recording our 4th upcoming CD, having more synergistic moments with the girls both on and off stage, traveling to new and familiar places and finally doing our first concept video.

Sarah: …more hot live performances!

For additional information about Chesapeake Pride, visit www.chesapeakepride.org. To check out Sister Funk, visit www.sisterfunk.com.

you thinking?

What are

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

July 11 - July 24, 2008

• PA G E 3 9

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:26 PM

Page 40

FINANCES

Financial Planning for Same-Sex Couples

by Bradley Troy with Yoshiko Hayakawa

Yoshiko, an associate of mine, who is Japanese, brought me her client and asked for my help: $128,000 in Maryland Estate Taxation.

Dentist, age 50, and a Magazine Editor, age 38; Income: Dentist - $200,000, Editor - $50,000 Assets House co-owned market value: Dentist’s Retirement account: Dental Practice Current Value: Joint Investment Account: Term Insurance:

$2,400,000 $650,000 $300,000, Beneficiary = Editor $1,000,000 $200,000 $250,000

Liabilities House Mortgage: Dentist’s Business Loan: Other short term Debt:

$600,000 $350,000 - $3,000 Monthly Payment $250,000 - $3,000 Monthly Payment $ 50,000 - $4,000 Monthly Payment

Net Worth:

$1,800,000

$250,000 Term Life Insurance Insuring Dentist Personally Owned, Editor is the Beneficiary; they have joint custody of their adopted son who is 5.

The Main Issue

Same-sex couples are not afforded the same privileges as married couples, particularly regarding financial and estate planning. Yoshiko, who also works with foreign nationals, has first hand experience with this.

The main remedies are: n Plan ahead to protect assets and employ a tax-efficient transfer of wealth n Use appropriate financial instruments with proper titling to implement such plan

n Create properly funded irrevocable trusts when it applies

What Happens if the Dentist Passes Away?

The short answer - Taxes, Taxes, Taxes!

The Dentist’s Retirement Account 4 Income Taxes are due The House 4 Ownership transfers subject to Estate Taxes, and the mortgage is still due.

The Debt 4 Business Debt is netted from the Liquidation of his Practice, Personal Debt must be paid off by the Estate and Mortgage Debt is inherited by the Editor The Joint Investment Account 4 Ownership transfers but there may be Estate taxes

The Dental Practice 4 Liquidation, possible Estate Taxes on any money

to the Editor

Federal Estate Taxes4$0 until 2010; 16% Maryland Estate Taxes are due on all Assets over $1,000,000!

Main Issue 4 the 38-year-old Editor is left to raise their 5 year old son without the Dentist or his income

In Maryland, the state has a different set of rules for Estate and Gift taxes than the Federal Rules, so it’s even trickier than it should be! It would be helpful to consult with an Estate Tax Attorney.

Under current statutes, a dying spouse’s wealth and assets may be transferred to a surviving spouse estate tax-free. There is no assessment on the federal or state level.

However, same-sex couples, do not receive the same favorable treatment under the tax code. Essentially, both partners in same-sex unions are treated—and taxed—as individuals.

n The federal government doesn’t waive gift and estate taxes on the transfer, forcing the couple to use annual exclusion gifts or their lifetime exemptions to avoid gift and estate taxes.

(Remark: Exemption levels over the next few years are in a state of flux: The current $2 million estate tax exemption rises to $3.5 million in 2009 and is due to be abolished for one year in 2010 [because the federal estate tax will be “abolished” for 2010]. However, in 2011, the federal estate tax exemption will decline to $1 million. The gift tax exemption stays at $1,000,000 throughout those years. )

What can Same-Sex Couples do today to avoid the Tax Nightmare?

A common solution is to create an irrevocable trust that holds permanent life insurance policies benefiting the other partner. Whole life or universal life policies are the preferred funding vehicles for this arrangement. Placing the insurance in the irrevocable trust removes the death benefit from the insured’s estate, thereby reducing the estate tax assessment upon the death of that partner.

n A deceased partner’s assets above the current federal exemption of $2 million are taxed heavily. The federal government can currently take a 45% share of the deceased’s estate, including all property and investments. n Many states add on their own levy—as much as 16% above the federal assessment in some cases. Maryland assesses a 16% flat tax on all assets over $1,000,000! In this case that is 16% on $800,000! Generating

PA G E 4 0 •

July 11 - July 24, 2008

1. The insurance provides liquidity to the surviving partner, an important feature when survivors need to gather up funds to pay for estate taxes, income taxes, make debt payments and cover funeral costs, and to replace the economic loss suffered from the partner’s death.

2. The trust will be equipped with an asset that grows in value over time and a distribution at the time of the insured’s death unaffected by federal income, estate and state death taxes.

3. With a properly funded permanent life insurance policy, distributions can be made to a partner under circumstances defined in the trust, including those needed to maintain health or provide income under pre-defined condi-

tions.

4. For professionals such as doctors or lawyers, trusts may be armed with an additional protection from lawsuits, thus keeping assets out of the reach of courts and creditors.

Case Summary

4 Add $2,000,000 Life Insurance policy in an irrevocable trust.

4 At death of the dentist, the editor receives $2 million benefit 4 Pay off House mortgage ($350,000) 4 Pay off short term loan ($50,000) 4 Net from Dentist’s Estate $1,000,000 + $2,000,000 From the Life Insurance Trust 4 Estate and Income Tax---$0 - $100,000

$300,000 Stretch IRA for the benefit of the Son (Reduce Tax) $3,000,000 remains to provide income of $150,000 annually to son and partner

Some Other Legal Pitfalls

Couples should work out wording and provisions of the trust carefully to ensure the greatest flexibility and maximum comfort for each partner.

The trust document will set out how the trust funds will be used for the benefit of the surviving partner and other heirs the parties want to protect. The trust terms should also spell out the disposition of assets should the couple break up.

Flexibility is also important for other reasons. Current estate tax rules are a labyrinth of complexity, primarily for political as opposed to practical reasons.

Same-sex couples who move, perhaps to live in a state with favorable domestic partnership laws, may further complicate their estate taxes. States with favorable domestic partnership laws may not translate to favorable tax treatment under the federal rules. Bear in mind that many state estate taxes that were once tied to federal rules have been “decoupled” from the federal estate tax, primarily because of negative consequences on state budgets that depend on estate taxes for revenue. A well-constructed trust should take into account the volatility of the federal and state tax rules.

To best protect you and your partner, you should consult with a legal or tax adviser who has experience in domestic partner estate planning.

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

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:26 PM

Friday July 11

Gay Father’s Coalition GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 info@gfcbaltimore.com 7:30 p.m.

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

Volunteer Orientation GLCCB 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-837-5445 x10 6-8 p.m.

Saturday July 12 Arts & Crafts

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

Page 41

Sufficient As I aM (SAIM)

Social Activity (Varies)

Youth & Young Adults 24 & Under GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 12:30 p.m.

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

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

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

Sunday July 13

New Image (Narcotics Anonymous) LGBT Community Hall 40 W. Church St. Hagerstown, MD 21740 6-7:30 p.m.

Spiral Dance Showcase Spiral Dance Womyn’s Center 2505 E. Oliver St. Baltimore, MD 21213 www.thespiraldancebookstore.com 7-9 p.m.

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

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

GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 $9/person 3:30 p.m.

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

Men Like Me

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

GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 www.myspace.com/btma 8 p.m.

Movie & Game Night

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

Alcoholics Anonymous

Beginners Yoga with Tim Hurley, RYT

Email terrileetg@yahoo.com for additional information 7 p.m.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Tuesday July 15

Gender Identity Group

Hagerstown TGs

Monday July 14

Community Triangle Book Club Second Season by Ali Vali Special Location Call Rainbow Connections @ 301-739 6629 for details 12 p.m.

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

Chesapeake Squares Club Square Dance Waxter Center 1000 Cathedral St. Baltimore, MD 21201 www.chesapeakesquares.org 8-10 p.m.

Consumer Planned Activity

Narcotics Anonymous Sunday Men’s Rap GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 www.na.org 11:30 a.m.

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

Alcoholics Anonymous

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

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

Pre-natal Yoga Lifeline Power Yoga 111 Allegheny Ave. Towson, MD 21204 www.lifelinepoweryoga.

com Suggested Donation 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday July 16 Beginners Yoga with Kelly D. McClain, RYT GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 $9/person 7:15 p.m.

Gay Bingo (to benefit GLCCB & Aids Action) Club Hippo 1 W. Eager St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-547-0069 8:30 p.m.

Power Inside Women’s Rap Power Inside Office 325 E. 25th St., 1st floor Baltimore, MD 21218 3-4:30 p.m.

Rapscallion Radical Art Collective 40 W. Church St. Hagerstown, MD 21740 http://www.rapscallionart.org/ 7 p.m.

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

Thursday July 17 Alcoholics Anonymous

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

JUMP (Just Us Making Progress) Confidential HIV Support Group The Portal 2419 Greenmount Ave., Suite 1 Baltimore, MD 21218 410-235-5241 www.theportalbmore.org 7-8:30 p.m.

Support Group for Individuals with Mental Health Issues Hearts & Ears 10 W. Biddle St. Baltimore, MD 21201

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

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

Wednesday July 23

Volleyball Out for Fun

Dual Recovery Anonymous

Beginners’ Yoga with Kelly D. McClain, CYT

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

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

GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 $9/person 7:15 p.m.

410-528-0444 www.heartsandears.org 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Women of Color Group

GLCCB 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 7:30 p.m.

Friday July 18

GED Study Group Spiral Dance Womyn’s Center 2505 E. Oliver St. Baltimore, MD 21213 www.thespiraldancebookstore.com 9-11 a.m.

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

Saturday July 19 Alex VoeGele

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

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

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

New Image (Narcotics Anonymous) LGBT Community Hall 40 W. Church St. Hagerstown, MD 21740 6-7:30 p.m.

Sufficient As I aM (SAIM) Youth & Young Adults 24 & Under GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 12:30 p.m.

Sunday July 20

Chesapeake Squares Club Square Dance

Alcoholics Anonymous

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

Narcotics Anonymous Sunday Men’s Rap GLCCB, Room 201 241 W. Chase St. Baltimore, MD 21201 www.na.org 11:30 a.m.

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

Monday July 21 Alcoholics Anonymous

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

PFLAG Columbia/Howard County Parent Forum Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way Columbia, MD 7:30-9 p.m.

July 11 - July 24, 2008

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

PFLAG Columbia/Howard County

Positive Influence

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

Alcoholics Anonymous

Consumer Planned Activity

Owen Brown Interfaith Center 7246 Cradlerock Way Columbia, MD 7:30-9 p.m.

Social Activity (Varies)

Tuesday July 22

Waxter Center 1000 Cathedral St. Baltimore, MD 21201 www.chesapeakesquares.org 8-10 p.m.

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

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

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

Gay Bingo (to benefit GLCCB & Aids Action) Club Hippo 1 W. Eager St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-547-0069 8:30 p.m.

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

Thursday July 24 Alcoholics Anonymous

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

JUMP (Just Us Making Progress) Confidential HIV Support Group The Portal 2419 Greenmount Ave., Suite 1 Baltimore, MD 21218 410-235-5241 www.theportalbmore.org 7-8:30 p.m.

Support Group for Individuals with Mental Health Issues Hearts & Ears 10 W. Biddle Street Baltimore, MD 21201 410-528-0444 www.heartsandears.org 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Women of Color

Confidential HIV/STI Testing & Counseling HERO

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 2-4 p.m.

Thursday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

1734 Maryland Avenue Baltimore, MD 21201 410-685-1180 • PA G E 4 1

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:27 PM

Page 42

HOMOSTROLOGY

by Marry Elaine

CANCER (June 21 - July 22)

Did you ever see a zamboni in a parking lot? Drive your life like that this week.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

Try for one week to not be selfish, and to not resent those you are considering before yourself. Also: Be a friend to make a friend. If Janet Jackson writes a bible, you should probably read it. Listen to Control every day.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)

Snickerdoodle. It’s an uncomfortable name but they are really good cookies. Cuddling. The word is designed to make you feel uncomfortable.

Find a new name for it so you can participate in it.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)

Maraschino cherries: More of them.

Your youthfulness is vibrant. Don’t stiffen against it. Make out in public.

SCORPIO

(October 23 - November 21) You’ve been thinking about cutting your hair. Don’t. Grow it out and let your love manifest in its longness. There are things lurking at its roots. Work to find a moment of self-love in a moment of feeling threatened. Also: We’re not a couple, but don’t talk like that to any lover of mine.

SAGITTARIUS

(November 22 - December 20) Be brave in your tenderness. If you continue to push them away, eventually they’ll go. You were born at age 443o it’s way past naïve. But still: Try to feel trust.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February

18) If there’s a chalkboard around, use it. Write in big letters three goals.

As your shoulders broaden, stay sweet behind your eyes. Test and expand your lung capacity.

PISCES (February 19 - March 19)

Don’t be scared to feel good. Be as accepting towards yourself as you are toward others. Get to know people better this week. Let people speak for themselves, and believe them when they do.

ARIES (March 20 - April 19)

Sidestroke. Stretch your joints and find a full stride. As strength builds in you, direct it out in ways that don’t undercut.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)

Draw your supporters near to you.

You offer a lot of strength to others.

Pull from the strength they want to offer you right now when you need it. Eat a big tuna melt.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)

As much as possible, surround yourself with the sounds of lapping water. You smell incredible. Offer your soft cheek every chance you get. Spending time with a cuspy pisces will feel luscious and bring a lot of wonderful into your life.

Marry Elaine is very psychic and a huge fag. You can email her at letspretendweremarried@baltimoregaylife.com

CAPRICORN

(December 21 - January 19) Refrain from bathing with lovers.

Don’t be afraid to touch.

Solution to puzzle, page 31 PA G E 4 2 •

July 11 - July 24, 2008

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

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:27 PM

Page 43

QUOTE UNQUOTE "I always worried what being out would do to my career. But the truth is I really didn't have a career until I was out—because I think it was the first authentic thing I had to offer."

—Actor Alec Mapa—who plays Gabrielle's gay best friend Vern on Desperate Housewives, and plays Suzuki St. Pierre, the host of Fashion Buzz, on Ugly Betty—to San Diego's Gay & Lesbian Times, June 26.

"Yes, we have set a wedding date.

How do I feel about it? I obviously feel like it's long overdue. I think someday people will look back on this like women not having the right to vote and segregation and anything else that seems ridiculous that we don't all have the same rights."

—Ellen DeGeneres at the Daytime Emmy Awards, June 20.

"We've gone from Jerry Falwell hissing at Ellen 'Degenerate' for coming out on prime time to the Republican candidate for president coming on to her daytime chat show to wish her well in her pending nuptials."

—Syndicated gay press columnist Chris Crain, June 25.

"Gay people get married in California, so why is God taking it out on the Midwest?"

—Host Jon Stewart on TV's The Daily Show, June 17.

"It is nearly summertime in the Year of Our Google, and here in the golden land known as California the following startling and onceinconceivable lament can now be heard: Dammit, with gas zooming toward five bucks a gallon and airlines doubling fares and charging me for a single checked bag, how the hell am I going to afford to travel to all my gay friends' legal weddings across the state this summer?

Please note the historic power therein. Because such a peculiar, momentous string of words hath never before been uttered by man.

Or woman. Or LGBT. Or 'Other'."

—San Francisco Chronicle columnist Mark Morford, June 18.

"It's (same-sex marriage in the U.S.) way overdue. It's something that

happened ... almost without a whisper in England, but it was basically because we weren't that concerned about the word 'marriage.' Because (the U.S.) is a much more religious society, there are a huge number of people who want (their) unions to be part of something that they can place in their religion, so (marriage is) much more important here. I think that's why it's so long in arriving here, but I think it's fantastic, obviously."

BY REX WOCKNER WITH BILL KELLEY

Martin, 87—lesbian activist icons— were the first same-sex couple married in San Francisco after same-sex marriage became legal in California on June 16.

"(John McCain) indicated that he would take seriously their requests that he choose an anti-abortion running mate and would talk more openly about his opposition to gay marriage—a pledge he carried out later in the day by endorsing a ballot measure in California to ban gay marriage."

—The Los Angeles Times, reporting on a June 26 meeting in Ohio between Republican presidential candidate John McCain and "several influential social conservatives who have been critical of him."

—Angels in America author Tony Kushner as quoted by New York magazine, June 22.

"When we first got together, and moved into the apartment, it was difficult because both of us had been living alone, we hadn't had this other person to trip over. And so we'd start arguments, and Del would just go out the front door and slam it and walk around the block then come back. I tried to teach Del to argue back. And then somebody gave us a kitten, which I've said kept us together for the first year, because we couldn't work out how to divide the kitten. But we kept ourselves busy and we bought the house and we got ourselves all wrapped up in each other, and we kept ourselves in love. And basically, that did it."

—Phyllis Lyon, 83, to Britain's Guardian, June 25. Lyon and Del

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

—Tales of the City author Armistead Maupin writing in The Advocate, July 1.

"I might think what you do, Anderson, is going to put you in hell, but I'm going to defend your right to get there."

—The Rev. Al Sharpton to CNN host Anderson Cooper on CNN, June 24.

—Singer George Michael to the Associated Press, June 18.

"Mark and I are going to get married in California very soon. Then we're going to be recognized in New York as legally married. ...

Like in Massachusetts, Californians will realize that gay people getting married is not a problem for anyone, and then the rest of the country is going to fall in line."

that can lose an election. Just look at the weak-kneed response from the Clinton and Obama camps when the California Supreme Court made its landmark decision overthrowing the ban on same-sex marriage. Both candidates hid behind a campaign spokesperson and both reaffirmed their 'separate but equal' policies of civil unions, thereby assuming a stance that would keep them in comfy solidarity with John McCain come November. The problem, of course, was that the California court had just ruled that separate was NOT equal and never would be, so Clinton and Obama both ended up looking like—there's no other way to put this—pussies."

"I have no idea of his sexuality. I was not talking about him as an individual anyway. It could have been anybody. ... I support same-sex marriage and have been lambasted by the right for it."

"Sexuality is a tricky question. You get into transgender—it embraces all of that—and you have people's fear and dislike of things that are different. Nobody is more different to an average person than a transgender person, and that makes them nervous."

—The Rev. Al Sharpton to New York City's Gay City News on June 26, following up on his remark to Anderson Cooper.

"God knows that a drag queen on roller skates makes for much more interesting photos and video

—Gay U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, DMass., to New York's Village Voice, June 17.

"Barney [Frank] is a hero in many ways, but he's hung up on trans issues. I was once too, so I know all these bullshit arguments inside out."

—Former National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Matt Foreman to New York's Village Voice, June 17.

"The sad truth is that gay rights has always been the disposable card of liberal politics. The very fact of our existence is still 'controversial' even to those who make a noise about being our friends. We're still the fly in the ointment, the 'divisive issue'

July 11 - July 24, 2008

footage than the Gay Alums of Yale or the hundreds of families who push strollers down 5th Avenue or the Gay Officers Action League, the organization of gay and lesbian law enforcement personnel in NYC."

—Former GLAAD Executive Director Joan Garry writing at The Huffington Post, June 29.

• PA G E 4 3

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:27 PM

Page 44

POSTAGE

No, Liz Smith, “gays don’t have the same rights as people on death row” (Quote, Unquote, June 27th). Gays have a lot more! For example, their right to live! I think it is ridiculous and terribly insensitive when people like Liz Smith stop at nothing to demonstrate how “terribly oppressed” they think gay people are because they can’t marry; especially when it involves comparing the rights of gay people to those of people on death row. That’s not okay. When will the Human Rights Campaign sponsored victim train that is the fight for gay marriage end? It’s jumped off the track and squashing real victims of state violence under its 2 ton wheels. Make it stop!!

Jackson in Seton Hill

I just wanted to write in and say that the new design of Gay Life looks great! I have been in the community for a long time and I can’t even remember the last time I was really excited for a new issue to come out. But now every other Friday, I can’t wait. I like a lot of the new writers and columns especially the fiction column “Cereal” and Homostrology. Marry Elaine is the best. The interviews with big stars like Kathy Griffin have been really fun to read. Keep up the good work.

The first Maryland Drummer and Drummerboy contest was February 1921, 1999 at the Hippo. That Year the Hippo hosted the Mid-Atlantic Regional Contest for the SIRS.

The Mid-Atlantic contest had been held at the Baltimore Eagle for years until 2001 when it was held at the Stagecoach and then the Hippo. Then the contest went to DC in 2003 and 2004 before returning to the Hippo for three years. It is now in Philadelphia.

The statement that our Leather community is fractured is a very untrue statement. This community in Maryland is one of the finest examples of people working together, no matter what club or organization they may belong to.

Many from around the country admire how Maryland’s GLBT community works hand in hand for a common goal.

And, this is not the first leather contest to allow transgender people to enter. Until now, the contest had always been for biologically-born gay men.

Sheila Washington

Dear Editor,

Rik Newton-Treadway Maryland Mr Drummer 1999, Executive Producer Maryland Drummer/LeatherSIr and boy contests 2000-2006, Executive Producer International LeatherSIr and Leatherboy Contests 2007

What are you thinking?

I want to say GREAT interview (“More than Cowhide and a Harness”) in the last issue, but I must make a few corrections.

The Maryland Drummer and Drummerboy contests, now the LeatherSIR and Leatherboy contest, were always held at the Hippo, with the exception of 2004, when it was held at the Phoenix. It then returned to the Hippo until this year’s contest.

SERVICE

DIRECTORY

ACCOMMODATIONS Baltimore Tremonts 222 St. Paul St. Baltimore, MD 21202 410-561-8886

ACCOUNTING Heiffner & Associates 6706 German Hill Rd. Dundalk, MD 21222 410-285-3920

AUTOMOTIVE Meineke Car Care Center 7604 Harford Rd. Parkville, MD 21234 410-665-0710 Tate Mini of Annapolis 25 Old Mill Bottom Rd. N. Annapolis, MD 21409 410-349-2131 BARS / NIGHTCLUBS Baltimore Eagle 2022 N. Charles St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-685-3219 Club Hippo 1 W. Eager St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-576-0018 Club Phoenix 1 W. Biddle St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-837-3906

CHORUSES

New Wave Singers PO Box 2012 Baltimore, MD 21203 410-558-4692

CHURCHES Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore 320 Cathedral St. Baltimore, MD 20201 410-547-5486 First & St. Stephen’s United Church 6915 York Rd. Baltimore, MD 21212 410-377-5224

St. John’s of Baltimore 2640 St. Paul St. Baltimore, MD 21218 410-366-7733

COMPUTER / TECHNOLOGY CONSULTING Computer Handyman of Maryland 443-827-0433 CONSTRUCTION Laurence Construction David Meltzer 6999 Reiserstown Rd., Suite 1 Baltimore, MD 21215 410-764-7100 NLT Construction 9216 Liberty Rd. Randallstown, MD 21133 410-922-6475

First Unitarian Church 1 W. Hamilton St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-685-2330

COUNSELING / THERAPY Patti Desert, LCSW-C Singular Pathways 208 E. Melrose Ave. Baltimore, MD 21212 410-435-3755

Metropolitan Community Church of Baltimore 401 W. Monument St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-669-6222

Laura June, Ph.D. Belvedere Towers, Suite 105A 1190 W. Northern Pkwy.

Baltimore, MD 21210 410-235-7899

Memorial Episcopal Church 1407 Bolton St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-669-0220

Jeff Klug, LCSW The Rotunda, Suite 108 711 W. 40th St. Baltimore, MD 21211 410-241-4215

St. Bernadette Parish 801 Stevenson Rd. Severn, MD 21144 410-969-2785 PA G E 4 4 •

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

editor@baltimoregaylife.com

200 E. Joppa Rd. Towson, MD 21286 410-583-8846 Robin Richardson, LCSW-C The Rotunda, Suite 412 711 W. 40th St. Baltimore, MD 21211 410-261-3323 Women’s Growth Center 5209 York Rd. Baltimore, MD 21212 410-532-2476

FINANCIAL SERVICES Yoshiko Hayakawa First Financial Group 401 Washington Ave., 6th floor Baltimore, MD 21204 410-828-5400 x4178 FITNESS Mt. Vernon Fitness 1016 N. Charles St. Baltimore, MD 21201 www.mvfit.com

JEWELERS Craig Coyne Jewelers 8113 Main St. Ellicott City, MD 21043 410-243-5544

LEGAL SERVICES Law offices of Constandin Alivizatos 111 S. Calvert St. Baltimore, MD 21202 410-385-5397 Lynda Dee, Attorney at Law 201 N. Charles St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-332-1170 National Adoption and Surrogacy Center Hilary Neiman, Esq. 30 Courthouse Square, Suite 106 Rockville, MD 20850 301-340-7228

FRAMING Fast Frame of Bel Air 1431 Rock Spring Rd. Bel Air, MD 21014 410-836-0017

HEALTH / DENTAL Chase Brexton Health Services 1001 Cathedral St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-837-2050

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

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

July 11 - July 24, 2008

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

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

LOCKSMITHS Robert’s Key Service 217 W. Read St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-728-7484

MORTGAGE SERVICES Marva J. Laws American Financial Resources Bel Air, MD 410-734-6688 1-888-553-5513 marva@afronline.com Richard Pazornik SunTrust Mortgage 410-561-4139 www.suntrustmortgage.com/rp azornik NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS Hearts and Ears 10 W. Biddle St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-528-0444 PHARMACIES Mount Vernon Pharmacy 900 Cathedral St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-539-8030 Park Avenue Pharmacy 1535 Park Ave. Baltimore, MD 21217 410-225-0800

Real Estate Nancy Corporon RE/MAX Advantage Realty 8815 Centre Park Dr. Columbia, MD 21045 410-740-1200

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

Stephen Johnson Long & Foster Real Estate 10805 Hickory Ridge Rd. Columbia, MD 21044 410-715-7891 David Ostrowski & Pat Stokeley Long & Foster Real Estate 410-931-6300 www.DaveMovesMd.com

RESTAURANTS / CATERING Café Boheme 401 E. Pratt St. Baltimore, MD 21202 410-347-9898 Sascha’s 527 N. Charles St. Baltimore, MD 21201 410-539-8880 Spice Company 4 W. University Pkwy.

Baltimore, MD 21218 410-235-8200

THEATRES Hippodrome Theatre France-Merrick Performing Arts Center 12 N. Eutaw St. Baltimore, MD 21202 410-547-SEAT Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Baltimore 5625 O’Donnell St. Baltimore, MD 21224 410-995-1969 Toby’s Dinner Theatre of Columbia 5900 Symphony Woods Rd. Columbia, MD 21044 410-995-1969

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:27 PM

Page 45

MARKETPLACE

as is a proven track record of raising funds for charitable causes through grants and donor solicitations. Proficiency with Microsoft Office products necessary. Desktop publishing and/or graphic design experience preferred. Some evening and weekend work related to special events expected. Send letter, resume, and salary requirements by fax to 410-837-4114; or by e-mail to exec@glccb.org; or by mail to Director, GLCCB, 241 W. Chase St., Baltimore, MD 21201.

It’s easy to place your Market Place ad.

Call us at 410.837.7748 We’ll do the rest!

25 words for $20!

25¢ per word after that.

Box it or add a graphic for $5 more.

For Sale

Employment.

DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE Nonprofit GLBT organization in Baltimore City has an immediate opening for a F/T Development Associate. Exciting opportunity for the right individual who is capable of managing all aspects of the organization’s fundraising events, annual giving program, external relationships and overall support. Event experience a must,

ANTIQUE FURNITURE FOR SALE Various pieces of furniture in good condition, including corner cabinet, farm table, chest of drawers, small desks. Pieces available for pick-up in Baltimore. Call 954-655-7498.

House or Apartment for Rent ROOMMATE WANTED Nicely furnished apt. Cable, quiet

area. Lots of Parking. Non-smoker.

Looking for quiet person. Antiques, stained glass. $390 plus 1/2 utilities. Call Rick 410-737-0755.

HOUSE FOR RENT Beverly Hills/Lauraville Text: 3 bedroom restored porchfront cottage, hardwood floors, fenced back yard, lovely older neighbor. Would prefer a 2-3 year commitment. $1200/mo. Susan @ 443-600-1158, suekssl@aol.com.

Massage BRAD'S SPECIAL TOUCH A hot full body/full satisfaction massage in your home, hotel, or my NEW waterfront studio. Guys or couples. Visa/MC. 443-695-0141, or www.specialtouchmassage.com GREAT MASSAGE Swedish or sensual, by attractive guy with awesome hands.

Incall/Outcall, reasonable rates, 15 years experience.

Craig 410-336-8956 or Craiginbaltimore@comcast.net

PICK UPS A PLACE FOR MISSED OPPORTUNITIES

You were cute. Short, wavyish brown hair and glasses. I have longish brown hair and was wearing shorts. I walked by you in the club and we sort of glanced at each other. I have no idea if you'll read this, but if so, wanna go dancing? :-)

—Club Girl

You really liked my car or so it seemed from the way you were hanging out of the window of the car you were riding in! I'd like to get together sometime and take you for a ride... ;) Let me know what kind/color of car I have and/or what kind/color of car you were in.

—Hot Rod

To the gentleman at the library downtown: We left at the same time... around 4...and were both parked on Franklin, but I got to my

black car before you reached your white car, closer to Park Avenue.

You're about 5'5, grey hair, 30s or 40s... I should have spoken to you when we were waiting to cross the street.

—Library Guy

Pink sweater vest at City Café last week.

You we're editing a paper of some sort.

You're gorgeous!

—Coffee Drinker

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

Are they talking to you? Send a note with who you are responding to in the subject line to pickups@baltimoregaylife.com and we’ll make the love connection.

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

July 11 - July 24, 2008

• PA G E 4 5

reach the local

gay market. advertise in gay life! sales@baltimoregaylife.com

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:27 PM

Page 46

BScene Deer Park Lodge Photos by Jay W *Baltimore Pride photos published on June 27 are also credited to Jay W

PA G E 4 6 •

July 11 - July 24, 2008

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

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:28 PM

Page 47

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

July 11 - July 24, 2008

• PA G E 4 7

gl 7 11 08

7/9/08

2:28 PM

Page 48