Nate Sweeney Departs LGBT Health Resource Center - Baltimore ...
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April 13, 2018 | Volume XV, Issue 25
Nate Sweeney Departs LGBT Health Resource Center
a Gay Environment) to meet the needs of trained more than 3,500 medical and so-
by Bill Redmond-Palmer LGBT older adults. This work has led to cial service providers on best practices for
April 6th was Nate Sweeney’s final day as “Elder Pride” becoming a part of the June meeting the needs of LGBT individuals.
head of the LGBT Health Resource Cen- celebration, and May 16th, National Honor “Filling the role Nate has created will be
ter (LHRC) at Chase Brexton Health Care. Our LGBT Elders Day, has grown from a difficult,” said Patrick Mutch, Chase Brexton
This followed almost four years of work, Baltimore idea to a nationwide movement. CEO. “He is a dynamic leader who has been
building many of the center’s innovative Another hallmark of Sweeney’s ten- instrumental in building a vital center that fills
programs from the ground up. ure was the establishment of the Gender a great need for our patients and our com-
“When I joined Chase Brexton in Sep- Joy program for transgender and gender munities. We are saddened to see him leave
tember 2014,” said Sweeney, “the LGBT non-conforming youth, one of the first of its but are grateful for the work he has done.”
Health Resource Center was a series of kind. Working with the renowned Dr. Elyse “It has been an honor and a thrill to be
plans and possibilities on paper.” Thanks Nate Sweeney
Pine, the program has now served over part of the launch and growth of Chase
to dedicated staff, he continued, “we’re a 1,000 gender diverse children and adoles- Brexton’s LGBT Health Resource Cen-
vibrant department making a real differ- cents and their families. ter. In knowing the incredible team here, of turning 40, I am so glad to have played
ence for the communities we’re honored to Under Sweeney’s tenure, the center- I expect that the center will continue to ex- a small part in the overall story of this or-
serve.” enter formed a variety of support groups pand, continue to work for the health and ganization.”
One of the center’s first major pro- for LGBT individuals and formed partner- wellness of our communities, and keep Sweeney’s last day at Chase Brexton
grams, SAGE Caring and Preparing ships with Baltimore’s other LGBT organi- innovating for improvement. Chase Brex- was April 6th, after which he assumed a
(SAGECAP), a partnership with the advo- zations. Since opening in October 2015, ton has such an incredible and rich history, managerial position at an elder care facility
cacy organization SAGE (Senior Action in the LGBT Health Resource Center has and as it reaches the incredible milestone in Rochester, New York. t
By Frankie Kujawa
Singer, songwriter, dancer, choreogra-
but they still get a story with people
playing characters. So, it’s a very Todrick Hall Brings
‘Forbidden’ Tour to
pher, and Youtube personality Todrick Hall unique experience in that way.
brings his new visual album Forbidden tour What’s it like being on stage
to Baltimore on April 27th at the Baltimore and feeling that energy from the
Soundstage. Hall’s performance comes audiences?
weeks after the March 27th release of his
album Forbidden, which
tackles the politics of race
Politics of race and
It’s awesome. I always tell people that I
am a very non-traditional art-
ist. I had to work so hard to get
Charm City
and sexuality. Hall chatted each and every fan and follow- So many people have been blown away from
with Baltimore OUTloud sex in song er. When people are learning the message in the documentary, as well as
about his upcoming tour, songs that you wrote by your- how hard we work to create these projects.
his inspiration, and how close friend Tay- self, it’s such a different experience than if it Getting such great reviews has been amaz-
lor Swift influenced his new album. came from writers in a studio. I wrote every ing. There have been some viewers who
Frankie Kujawa: Can you tell our single lyric and every single song I put out it weren’t fans until they watched it. I’m also so
readers about your upcoming perfor- means a lot to me. When people know the lyr- happy that my mom, who is my biggest hero,
mance of the “Forbidden” tour? ics it’s a flattering feeling. I’m so very grateful. is in it and now people get to see her there on
Todrick Hall: They can expect the How do you feel about the recent re- a major platform and how great she is.
visual album live plus some fun num- lease of your Behind the Curtain docu- Who are your idols? Who do you look
bers from my Youtube channel. I refer mentary from your Straight Outta Oz tour to for inspiration?
to my tour as the perfect hybrid of a live that’s now running on Netflix? I love Beyoncé so much. I love who she
concert and Broadway show. There I am super excited about it. So many of is as an artist, as well as how kind she is to
are moments where my fans already saw it on iTunes, but being her staff and dancers. I just love that. Taylor
Todrick people can stand up now on Netflix it has opened it up to people Swift is a close friend of mine, and she gives
Hall and hoot and holler, who may not been able to buy it in December. —continued on page 22
Co-Publishers
Jim Becker • Jim Williams
publisher@baltimoreoutloud.com
Executive Editor
Jim Becker
becker@baltimoreoutloud.com
editor@baltimoreoutloud.com
Associate Editor & Director of Marketing & Production
Mary Taylor
taylor@baltimoreoutloud.com
Arts and Entertainment Editor
Frankie Kujawa
FKujawa@Baltimoreoutloud.com
Leather Editor
Rodney Burger
rburger@baltimoreoutloud.com
Contributing Writers for Baltimore OUTloud
Ava Barron-Shasho • Janan Broadbent, Ph. D.
Josh Buchbinder • Anthony Calo • Lee Carpenter
Jeffrey Clagett • Wayne Curtis • Woody Derricks
Chuck Duncan • John Redmond-Palmer • Dr. Eva Hersh
Mark S. King • Brother Merrick Moses
Frankie Kujawa • Sage Piper • David Placher
Mark Segal • Gregg Shapiro • Bill Redmond-Palmer
David Egan • Elyse Buchbinder • Dr. Loren Olson
Alex “Bear” Conley • Brynn Deveraux
Contributing Writers for OUT in the VALLEY
Laura Anderson • Rev. Kelly Crenshaw
Rev. Dr. Robert Apgar-Taylor • Brian George Hose
Elizabeth Thompson
Contributing Writers OUT in Asbury Park, NJ
Rai Guerra-Nelson • Christy Girlington
Graphics
Ramon Montiel
Web Editor
Adam Romanic
Computer Solutions for Less
Photographers
Corey Brent
Eric Randolph
National Advertising Rep
Rivendell Media
908-232-2021
Founders
Jim Becker • Joe Berg • Mike Chase •
Lee Mooney (1959-2007) • Jim Williams
Baltimore OUTloud
PO Box 4887 Baltimore, MD 21211
410-802-1310
Baltimoreoutloud.com
Additional Information
Baltimore OUTloud is published every other Friday by Pride
Media, Ltd. in Baltimore, Maryland. Readers comments and
unsolicited materials are welcomed and may be sent to:
editor@baltimoreoutloud.com. All materials appearing in this
newspaper are the property of Pride Media, Ltd. and may
not be reproduced without the written permission of the editor.
The opinions expressed in Baltimore OUTloud are solely
those of the writers unless otherwise indicated and do not
necessarily reflect the views of Pride Media, Ltd., and the
staff.
© 2018 – All rights reserved
Chair of the Board of Trustees – Jim Becker
President – Jim Williams
Secretary and Treasurer – Mike Chase
2t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 13, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com
news // LOCAL
Gubernatorial mation and services on issues including
Forum April 28th
housing discrimination, tenant and land-
lord rights, criminal record expungement,
home weatherization and energy efficien-
Join the GLCCB April 28th from 4:30 to cy, renters and homeowners tax credits,
6:30 pm for a conversation with the candi- and senior housing opportunities.
dates for governor of Maryland in the 2018 Keynote speaker is author D. Watkins,
● Elder Law
election. The event will be at Lovely Lane an editor-at-large for Salon, professor at ● Estate Planning
Methodist Church (2200 St. Paul Street). the University of Baltimore, and founder of ● Family Law
The moderator is Anthony McCar- the Bmore Writers Project.
The panel discussion “Fair Housing: ● Guardianship
50 Years Later,” is set for 11:30 am, and ● Mediation
moderated by Marc Steiner. It will fea-
ture Michael Bullis of The Image Center
● Medicaid Planning & Qualification
of Maryland, Ruben Chandrasekar of the ● Personal Injury
International Rescue Committee, Jennifer ● Probate
Eden of the GLCCB community center,
thy and all questions will come from the and Cleveland L. Horton II of the Maryland ● Veteran's Benefits
audience. Commission on Civil Rights. ● LGBTQIA Matters
Featured topics include affordable The second panel, “Health and Hous-
housing, healthcare, and school safety. t ing,” will be at 1 pm and will be moderated Call ERA Law Group Today
by Terri Fleming. It will feature Olivia D. (410) 919-1790, or visit us at
1997 Annapolis Exchange Pkwy,
Fair Housing Forum, Suite 300, Annapolis, MD 21401
April 28th Valerie E. Anias, Esq.
vanias@eralawgroup.com
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Fair
Housing Act of 1968 at “Ache For Home,”
on April 28th from 11 am to 4 pm at Colling-
ton Square Elementary School (1409 North
Collington Avenue, Baltimore).
The event, sponsored by Baltimore
Neighborhoods, will offer free giveaways,
and info on educational opportunities,
housing resources. It will provide infor-
Certified Public Accountants
Farrow of the Baltimore City Health De-
partment, Michelle Spencer of the Johns
Hopkins Bloomberg American Health Ini-
Bees in their tiative, and Aileen Tinney of Keswick Com-
Bonnets munity Health.
The event will also feature exhibi-
tions and information from 26 govern-
ment and community agencies including
the GLCCB, and an art and garden proj-
ect by Arts+Parks and the Community Lot
Team.
Wild Thyme, a local food truck, will be Making a Difference for Businesses & Individuals
present advocating for food accessibility
as a key component to social change. With client focus as the base of every service, Bridges & Associates, CPA’s
Wild Thyme will also be hosting an art of Baltimore, MD offers area businesses and individuals specialized CPA
market at the Flower Factory, a neighbor- services tailored to the industry, business entity and targeted needs.
ing local urban farm.
The event is sponsored by the US De- Services for Business Services Tax Services
partment of Housing and Urban Develop- Individuals -Small Business Accounting -Tax Preparation
ment, Associated Black Charities, Civic -Estate Planning -Online Payroll -Tax Planning
Works, and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg -Elder Care -QuickBooks Services -Tax Problems
American Health Initiative. -Payroll - Bank Financing
Tickets are free, but you are en- New Business Formation
couraged to register for tickets through
Eventbrite at Bit.ly/2JAg9bA. 835 Hollins St. Baltimore, MD, 21201 • 410-908-8134
Hats off! – Reveler at the Easter Bonnet
Extravaganza and parade on April 1st For more information, visit Bni-mary- jbridges@bridgescpas.com • bridgescpas.com
credit: Perry Cooper & Kevin Smiffy land.org.t
BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 13, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 3
news // local
Outlaws:Queer PrEP
Legal Awards, Town Hall
April 19th
The 12th annual Cobalt Awards, spon-
sored by Outlaw at the University of Bal-
timore School of Law, is set for April 19th
from 6 to 8 pm on the 12th floor of the
Angelos Law Center (1401 North Charles
Street, Baltimore). They will be honoring
Be PrEPared! – Participants at the March
28th PrEP Town Hall Meeting sponsored
by AIDS Action Baltimore
Health Resource HIV Cure Research ‘Arts of Pride’ 2018
individuals and an organization for work in
the local LGBTQ community.
Center Fundraiser, Forum, April 25th Seeks Entries
This years awardees are Wyatt Oroke,
Lauren Fleming, and FreeState Justice.
April 19th AIDS Action Baltimore will host a Commu- In line with the theme for this year’s Balti-
nity HIV Cure Research Forum on April more Pride, “United We Shine,” the Baltimore
For more info, visit Facebook.com/
Join Chase Brexton Health Care’s LGBT 25th from 6:30 to 8 pm at the Waxter Cen- Pride 2018 Events and Outreach Committee
UBOutLaw. t
Health Resource Center on April 19th from 5 ter (1000 Cathedral Street, Baltimore). Join is announcing “The Arts of Pride 2018,” four
to 10 pm for amazing food that helps support them for dinner and a forum with Johns opportunities to showcase the talents of Bal-
HIV ‘Listening a great cause at their Community Night at
Gertrude’s (at the Baltimore Museum of Art,
Hopkins researcher Dr. Deborah Persuad,
who will provide and update on the status
timore’s sexual
and gender mi-
Session,’ April 17th 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore).
When you dine with them, a portion of
of HIV cure research.
Dr. Persuad was a prominent research-
nority commu-
nity.
er in the case of the “Mississippi Baby,” The Arts
The Greater Baltimore HIV Health Ser-
who for a time was in HIV remission and of Pride will
vices Planning Council will host their Lis-
did not require any HIV medications to be comprised
tening Session on HIV, rescheduled from
control her HIV disease. Dr. Persuad will of four events,
last month due to snow, on April 17th at
highlighting
5:30 pm, at the Baltimore War Memorial
different talents. Organizers are seeking con-
Building (101 North Gay Street, Baltimore
testants for each category to represent many
– across from City Hall).
aspects of pride. Participation is open to all
Every year the planning council con- Dine at Gertrude’s for a good cause, April 19th
who are interested. Prizes will be awarded to
ducts a process to help provide services
the winner of each contest.
for people living with HIV in Baltimore City,
the proceeds from your bill will be donated • “The Voice of Pride” is open to all vo-
and in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll,
to help support the work of the LGBT Health calists
Harford, and Queen Anne’s counties. As
Resource Center with Older Adults. That • “The Dance of Pride” is open to dancers
part of that process, this listening session
work includes programs like monthly Lunch in all dance forms, and
will provide people living with HIV, con-
& Learns, social events, and intergenera- • “The Words of Pride” is open to all spo-
cerned citizens, and service providers a
tional programming. The center helps link ken-word artists.
chance to give input on the services most
elders to LGBT-friendly community services, Dr. Deborah Persuad sums up state-of-the-art Winners of each of these contests will be
needed by the community.
training for service providers, and Alzhei- in AIDS treatment, April 25th provided with an opportunity to perform at the
While tickets are free, organizers ask
mer’s support group, the HIV Long Term Sur- pre-show opening of the Block Party on Sat-
the those interested obtain free tickets
vivors Group, and the 50-plus LGBT Support review other such cases of HIV remission, urday, June 16th.
through Eventbrite at Bit.ly/2GK6tta. For
Group – not to mention National Honor Our followed by a discussion of what is com- • “The Vision of Pride” is an open call to
more info, visit Bit.ly/2v1YkyO. t
LGBT Elders Day and Elder Pride at Balti- mon in these cases, and where we are in visual artists. The winner’s artwork will be dis-
more Pride. the cure research effort. played on Pride weekend.
Make your reservation using Open Ta- The event is free, but AIDS Action Bal- Venues and dates for each contest will be
ble at Bit.ly/2uUkMtA. For more info, contact timore asks that you RSVP so that they announced soon. Join in! Visit Bit.ly/2ITK1zp
Monte Ephraim at lgbt@chasebrexton.org or have enough food. RSVP to baltoaids@ and submit a contact request. Organizers will
410-837-2050 x1104. t aol.com or more info call 410-837-2437. t follow up with info when available. t
4t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 13, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com
news // local
Show Your Colors: LGBT Wedding
Women’s Pride Expo, April 22nd
Fundraiser, Spring is here, at least technically, and the
Rainbow Wedding Network invites to join
April 21st them on April 22nd from noon to 3 pm for
the seventh annual Baltimore Maryland
The Baltimore Pride 2018 Committee in- LGBTQ Wedding Expo, at the BWI Airport
vites you to attend “Show Your Colors,” Marriott (1743 West Nursery Road, Linthi-
the third annual women’s night out official tour that will stop in each of the 23 coun- cum Heights).
Baltimore Pride fundraising event, on April ties in Maryland and Baltimore to broad- The expo will feature dozens of
21st at The Attic at Flavor (15 East Centre en GLSEN Maryland’s reach and under- LGBTQ-friendly wedding and travel spe-
Street #2, Baltimore). standing of the needs and experiences of cialists. If you are planning a 2018 wed-
“We will be kicking off the Baltimore LGBTQ youth in Maryland’s K-12 schools. ding, now is the time to speak to these
Pride fundraising season with this event,” They invite students, parents, educators,
said Chris Weis, Baltimore Pride 2018 and concerned community members to
join them. For more info on the Baltimore
event, visit GLSEN Maryland’s Facebook
event page at Bit.ly/2GKTaN4. For info
about other locales, visit Facebook.com/
GLSENMaryland. t
LGBT
Biz Expo
Women’s New Moon
Gathering Lee Johnson-Lowe, coordinator of the first
Maryland LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Business Expo on March 28th
fundraising coordinator. “We’re excited to “For thousands of years women have been ‘I do!’ – Wedding extravaganza at the
bring something new to the women of Bal- gathering at the time of the new moon to BWI Airport Marriott, April 22nd
timore and central Maryland this year by connect with each other and to honor the
partnering with QueenEarth, Lez Link, and divine feminine energy that flows through vendors, as most book popular wedding
DJ Tezrah.” creation,” say organizers of the Women’s dates early.
From 7:30 to 9:30 pm, LezLink will co- New Moon Gathering. “In the Jewish cal- This LGBTQ Wedding expo welcomes
host a mixer with QueenEarth performing endar, the new moon marks the beginning couples at all budget levels. Even if you
acoustic ballads and hors d’oeuvres. From of a new month with its own distinct heal- are planning a smaller wedding, you can
9:30 pm to 2 am dance and party to the ing, challeng- still hire some of the best LGBT-friendly
sounds of DJ Tezrah. es, colors, professionals in the area.
All the door cover goes to support Bal- and beyond.” Raffle tickets for prizes will be available
timore Pride, the largest fundraiser for the All fe- three for a $5 donation. The first one hun-
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender male-identi- dred visitors will be entered to win a $50
Community Center of Baltimore and Cen- fying, queer, Visa gift card to be awarded at the expo.
tral Maryland (GLCCB). trans, and Tickets are free, but you must register
All Baltimore Pride and GLCCB events gender non- to attend. Visit RainbowWeddingNetwork.
are open to everyone in the sexual and Sheer lunacy! – New moon conforming com and click “expos” at the top of the
gender minority community, including al- gathering , April 16th people are page to order tickets. t
lies! welcomed at
There’s a $10 cover for all night. You
must be over 21 to attend. For more info,
this month’s Women’s New Moon Gather-
ing in celebration of the month of Lyar, on Hearts & Ears, Inc.
it’s Bit.ly/2GPu4bJ. t April 16th from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. The lo- is a non-profit organization for Gay,
cation has not yet been announced. One Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender,
need not identify as Jewish to take part in Intersex and Questioning individuals
the rituals.
GLSEN 24 Tour Hits Tea and snacks will be provided. Bring
with mental health issues
and concerns.
anything that makes you “feel holy,” say or-
B’more April 24th ganizers, such as a prayer shawl, crystals. We warmly welcome all sexual and
Join the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education
Bring a notebook if you like. ”You are en-
couraged to invite your holy sisters, moth-
Wellness and gender minorities.
Network (GLSEN) Maryland for the Balti- ers, daughters, and friends.” Recovery Center Sun. through Tues. Closed
more edition of their “24 Tour” at 6:30 pm For more information visit the Facebook Wed. through Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m
on April 24th at the GLCCB community event page at Bit.ly/2GOexJr, or email coor- 611 PARK AVENUE SUITE A BALTIMORE, MD 21201 • 410-523-1694
center (2530 North Charles Street). dinator Shani Yael at symink93@gmail.com heartsandears.org
The 24 Tour is a statewide listening with questions or to receive updates. t
BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 13, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 5
6t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 13, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com
TAKE THE LEAD
Take an active role in your health.
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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 13, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 7
10/3/17 10:34 AM
beyond the beltway
compiled by Jim Becker
legal liability. back some day. To the millions of spouses,
SESTA / FOSTA upends that balance, partners, and couples who met through
Internet aw opening platforms to new criminal and civil Craigslist, we wish you every happiness!”
liability at the state and federal levels for Craigslist was founded in 1995 by Craig
forces ISPs their users’ sex trafficking activities, in- Newmark. It became a web-based classi-
cluding trafficking that took place before fieds service in 1996 for the San Francisco
to censor sex the law passed. The bill also expands ex- Bay Area. In 2000, the site began to ex-
isting federal criminal law to target online pand to other US cities. It is now available
content... platforms where sex trafficking content in about 700 cities in 70 countries world-
appears and expands federal prostitution wide. (Gay Star N ews – Rafaella Gunz
Washington, DC – The Electronic law to cover those who use the Inter- at https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/ Omar Mateen – Pulse killer didn’t target gays
Frontier Foundation says March 21st was net to “promote or facilitate prostitution.” craigslist-announces-closing-sites-person-
a dark day for the Internet. The US Senate Many experts have chimed in to point out als-section/#gs.3Vsr=PU) got angry after seeing “two men kissing.”
just voted 97-2 to pass the Allow States the danger that SESTA would put all sex Mateen, who pledged allegiance to ISIS
and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking workers, including those who are being before the shooting, was killed during
Act (FOSTA, H.R. 1865), a bill that silenc- trafficked. Sex workers themselves have the massacre. (Gay Star News – Joe
es online speech by forcing Internet plat- spoken out too, explaining how online plat- Investigators: Morgan at https://www.gaystarnews.com/
article/confirmed-pulse-massacre-shoot-
forms to censor their users. As lobbyists forms have literally saved their lives. In all
and members of Congress applaud them- of Congress’ deliberations on SESTA, no Pulse murderer er-not-gay-never-used-grindr/#gs.2VrrC-
Jo)
one spoke to the experiences of the sex
workers that the bill will push off of the not gay
Internet and onto the dangerous streets.
(Electronic Frontier Foundation – Elliot Orlando, Florida – Eighteen months
Harmon at Eff.org//deeplinks/2018/03/ after 49 people were killed at Pulse, a gay Man had so
how-congress-censored-internet) nightclub in Orlando, the shooter’s motiva-
tions have finally been made clear. Shortly many prostate
after the massacre, many believed theo-
ries the mass murderer Omar Mateen was orgasms that he
… And it’s secretly gay. Conspiracy theories spread
couldn’t stop
as fact saying the shooter had privately
already used Grindr and had been to Pulse sev-
London, England – It is possible for
eral times before. It was assumed Mateen
happening! targeted Pulse as it was a gay club. It was someone with a prostate to orgasm by
suggested this was motivated by his ha- massaging it through their anus. But it’s an
selves for enacting a law tackling the prob- Craigslist drops tred of his own homosexuality. understudied phenomenon, and a British
lem of trafficking, let’s be clear: Congress Investigators have confirmed there is researcher who is interested in sex named
just made trafficking victims less safe, not personals no evidence he was a closeted gay man. Roy Levin has just published a review
more. They found nothing on his electronic de- paper about it. At the paper’s center is a
FOSTA was combined with the Stop San Francisco – Popular classifieds vices suggesting he was ever on Grindr. case study about a 63-year-old man with
Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA, S. site Craigslist announced on March 23rd Instead, he looked at porn involving older a normal prostate and high sex drive. He
1693) to become SESTA / FOSTA. The that it will no longer be operating the site’s women and had extramarital affairs with purchased an Aneros helix, a fancy butt
combined bill undermines Section 230, personals section. How come? This move two women. There was also nothing in his plug, to massage his tender prostate after
the most important law protecting free is due to the United States Senate’s ap- internet history related to homosexuality. an infection. Combined with his daily pre-
speech online. Section 230 protects on- proval of new legislation to stop sex traf- He did search, daily, about ISIS.
line platforms from liability for some types ficking. The legislation, called the Stop Mateen had never been to Pulse. His
of speech by their users. Without Section Enabling Sex Traffickers Act, would allow original target was the Disney Springs
230, the Internet would look very differ- for a new provision of Section 230 of the shopping and entertainment complex.
ent. It’s likely that many of today’s online 1996 Communications Decency Act to let However, because the security was tight
platforms would never have formed or victims of sex trafficking sue the websites there, he decided to google “downtown
received the investment they needed to that facilitated their abuse. Orlando nightclubs” an hour before the
grow and scale. Similarly, noncommercial Now, when one attempts to view the attack. He did not include “gay” or “LGBT”
platforms like Wikipedia and the Internet personals section of Craigslist, they are in the search. A security guard recalled
Archive likely wouldn’t have been founded redirected to the following message: Craig- Mateen asked where all the women were,
given the high level of legal risk involved slist personals section announcement: “apparently in earnest,” in the minutes be-
with hosting third-party content. Section “‘US Congress just passed HR 1865, FOS- fore he began the shooting. When he was
230 does not shield platforms from liability TA, seeking to subject websites to criminal informed it was a gay club, prosecutors
from criminal law and civil suits across-the- and civil liability when third parties (users) say he may have considered this a “plus.”
board. Rather, it strikes a careful balance misuse online personals unlawfully,” the This means Mateen did not specifically
between enabling the pursuit of justice statement reads. “Any tool or service can go to Pulse to target the LGBT commu- scription of an erectile dysfunction and uri-
and promoting free speech and innovation be misused. We can’t take such risk with- nity. However, there is reason to believe nary tract infection drug, the sex toy made
online: platforms can be held responsible out jeopardizing all our other services, so he was homophobic. He supported ISIS. the infection go away. But naturally, he
for their own actions, and can still host us- we are regretfully taking craigslist person- His father, an FBI informant currently un- also began having extreme orgasms of the
er-generated content without fear of broad als offline. Hopefully we can bring them der criminal investigation, said his son “Super-O” category, says the paper. He felt
8t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 13, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com
beyond the beltway
them everywhere – his penis, his anus, his Erika is “married” to the Eiffel Tower in Par- ing motorist on March 26th, although of-
pelvis, and his perineum (the place between is, whom she believes to be a woman. Erika ficials say they are not certain the crash
the anus and the scrotum). He became ad- traveled from San Francisco to “marry” the occurred that day. The bodies of married
dicted. And soon, he was able to rewire his tower in a commitment ceremony in 2007, couple Jennifer and Sara Hart, both 38,
brain so that lying flat and putting on a con- however she also has intimate relationships were found in the 2003 GMC Yukon with
dom was enough to get him off, no butt plug with a bow, that helped her become a world- their seatbelts on. The bodies of three of
required. class archer, and a piece of fence she likes the couple’s six adopted children – Mark-
This man found that while the orgasms to keep in her bedroom. Amanda Liberty, a is, 19, Jeremiah, 14, and Abigail, 14 – also
were extremely enjoyable at the time, he 33-year-old woman from Leeds, England, were found in the car but were not wearing
could easily spend too much time experi- fell in love with a chandelier she named Lu- seatbelts. Three children – Hannah, 16,
encing them. It has proved difficult to stop miere. Linda Ducharme No welcome mat for cops at Toronto Pride Devonte, 15 and Sierra, 12 – remain miss-
experiencing these orgasms and ‘unwire’ married her “husband,” ing, and a massive search of the area was
himself back to normal. Eventually, the man Bruce, in 2013 after a ficers would make members of the LGBTQ underway. The family last lived in Wash-
figured he should go back to masturbating 30-year relationship full community feel unsafe. Chief Mark Saun- ington state and before that in Oregon.
and having regular sex. He still had up to of ups and downs, lit- ders says in a statement that he hopes
10 non-stimulatory orgasms before ejaculat- erally. Bruce is a Fer- the move “will be received as a concrete
ing during these encounters, but was able to ris wheel. Last year example” of the fact that he is listening
stop having these random orgasms for a few Irishwoman Aman- closely to the community’s concerns.
months at a time. da Teague married a The announcement comes a day after
There are few papers about prostate or- 300-year-old Haitian ghost pirate Pride Toronto and other LGBTQ commu-
gasms. These orgasms “appear to be more named Jack Teague who died by execution nity groups posted an open letter online
powerful and pleasurable” than penile or- in the 18th century. Los Angeles-based Aar- asking police to withdraw from the parade.
gasms, writes Levin. “There have been no on Chervenak eloped to Las Vegas to marry Pride Toronto executive director Olivia
published laboratory-conducted investiga- his smartphone after developing a deep and Nuamah says the organization wants po-
tions of the orgasms induced by prostate emotional relationship with the device. lice to better communicate with the com-
stimulation alone.” And Levin thinks it is However, Chris Sevier was denied the munity rather than focus on participating
time for scientists to fill these gaps in our right to marry his laptop by a federal judge in the summer parade.
knowledge. “Why, for an obvious example, in Utah because he was not actually in Nuamah notes that the force’s han- Doomed family – did lesbian moms
have we still not had any brain imaging of love with the computer, but was, in fact, at- dling of several high-profile deaths drive kids off cliff?
prostate-stimulated orgasms so that we can tempting to make a mockery of same-sex connected to the city’s gay village, in-
compare them with penile orgasms?” Levin marriage. Sevier had argued that marrying cluding the disappearances of six men The crash came as the couple faced
writes. “Who will lead the challenge?” (Giz- someone of the same sex is comparable allegedly murdered by an accused serial another in a series of child abuse inves-
modo.com at Gizmodo.com/man-had-so- to marrying his laptop, and has filed similar killer, have shaken the community’s rela- tigations. The Washington State Depart-
many-prostate-orgasms-he-couldnt-stop- lawsuits in several other states, in an ap- tions with police. (M ontreal Gazette - at ment of Social and Health Services said
accor-1821441931) parent attempt to overturn the US Supreme Montrealgazette.com/news/pride-toron- CPS opened an investigation into the Hart
Court’s Obergefell v. Hodges ruling that to-wants-police-to-talk-to-lgbtq-communi- family March 23 after being notified by a
made same-sex marriage legal nationwide. ty-rather-plan-to-march-in-parade/wcm/ neighbor who said at least one child had
All of this has prompted early post-Stonewall d1a97cff-71dd-4ef3-be71-33fcab683fc0) claimed the parents were withholding food
Can ‘OS’ activist David Thorstad to comment, “Mar- as punishment. Complaints date back to
riage and insanity come together with this 2008, and in 2010 Sarah Hart pleaded
be coming form of psychosis. The LGBT crowd now Death of lesbian guilty to domestic assault involving at least
needs to add “OS” (Objectum sexuals) to one of the children. She was sentenced
to ‘LGBTQ’ couple and three
its already idiotic and endless list of sexual to 90 days in jail but wasn’t required to
alphabet soup? identities. So, this is what the middle-class
push for same-sex marriage has opened up:
children may be serve time under terms of her probation.
t (USA T oday – John Bacon at Usatoday.
people ‘coming out’ as marriage partners crime com/story/news/nation/2018/04/05/sher-
Berlin – One woman’s inanimate object to Ferris wheels, the Eiffel Tower (a lesbian iff-suv-crash-killed-california/488649002)
is another’s one true love. At least that’s the marriage), their smartphones, chandeliers, Mendocino County, California – USA
case for the growing number of “objectum ghost pirates.... You couldn’t make this stuff Today reports that a mysterious crash that
sexuals,” i.e. people who fall in love with and up.” (RT News at Rt.com/news/422203-peo- killed at least five family members when
often marry what most deem to be an insig- ple-married-inanimate-objects) an SUV raced off a scenic Northern Cali-
nificant other. These people identify as “ob- fornia cliff and slammed onto rocks along These news notes have been compiled,
jectum sexuals” or objectophiles and believe the Pacific Ocean below was intentional with permission, from the online version
their love is reciprocated by telepathic com- and criminal, authorities say. “I’m to the of various newspapers and other web
munication. Many OS people view Swed- Police agree not to point where I no longer am calling this sites. We thank these publications for
ish-born Eija-Riitta as a pioneer for their
people after she married the Berlin Wall in
march in Toronto an accident; I’m calling it a crime,” Men-
docino County Sheriff Tom Allman said
allowing us to bring you their news sto-
ries. Usually the reports have been sig-
1979 and officially changed her name to Ei- Pride Parade Wednesday on HLN’s Crime & Justice with nificantly edited and you can read the
ja-Riitta Berliner-Mauer. She is also credited Ashleigh Banfield. The vehicle’s software full story by going to the web site men-
with naming the sexuality, according to an Toronto, Ontario – The Montreal Ga- indicated the SUV stopped at a scenic tioned following the item. Comments
online group set up to connect people who zette reports that Toronto police say they pull-over area, then roared at speeds of up are strictly the opinions of Jim Becker
identify as OS. will withdraw their application to march in to 90 mph before plunging more than 100 and not of Baltimore OUTloud or Pride
No prizes for guessing the partner of the city’s Pride parade after event orga- feet into the Pacific Ocean. Media.
Erika La Tour Eiffel. As her name reflects, nizers said the presence of uniformed of- The wreck was discovered by a pass-
BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 13, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 9
Voice of the Center
GLCCB Volunteer of the
Month Award - March 2018
The Volunteer of the Month Award was Dolores Velez
created to honor volunteers who are reli- (affectionately known as “Mama D”)
able, helpful, and dedicated to helping the
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender
Community Center of Baltimore and Cen-
tral Maryland (GLCCB) achieve its mission.
Each month, a “Volunteer of the Month”
is selected by the GLCCB Staff. The winner
will be highlighted in Baltimore OutLOUD
Newspaper and on our Facebook page as
the GLCCB’s Volunteer of the Month and
presented with a $25 Gift Card.
Criteria
• All who have served in a volunteer ca-
pacity within the calendar month are eligi-
ble for the award.
• The volunteer upholds the values and
mission of the GLCCB.
• The volunteer displays consistent I can’t pick just one! Mainly the people and
adherence to their chosen schedule: vol- knowing they feel my love for them. I love
unteers should arrive on time and check what the GLCCB does for the community, the
in with a GLCCB staff member to receive variety of programs available. I’ve also been
instructions. able to help at every Giovanni’s Room Open
• The volunteer has a cooperative at- Mic since it started. I want to be a part of the
titude & contributes to the Center’s suc- GLCCB as long as possible and share in its
cess. love and commitment to the community
• The volunteer has demonstrated out-
standing contributions to the Center & Tell us about your work with the Helping
went above and beyond expectations. Hands Clothing Closet.
• The volunteer has helped build com-
munity capacity by encouraging others, in Helping Hands Clothing Closet is where I
helping them to achieve their potential. started. I began volunteering when the GL-
CCB was in the process of moving from the
The GLCCB is proud to acknowledge Waxter Center building to the new location on
Dolores Velez (affectionately known as Charles Street. I helped out by sorting, fold-
“Mama D”) as our first GLCCB Volunteer of ing and packing things to transport. After the
the Month. Mama D has been a consistent, move, I wanted to see what the Clothing Clos-
hard-working volunteer at the Center since et was all about and now I always want to be a
early 2016. Currently, she is in charge of part of what it represents to the community - a
our volunteer-led initiative, the Shawnna warm jacket, treating everyone with love as
Alexander Helping Hands Clothing Closet. they come in to find something special, and
making sure they have toiletries and food. All
What inspires your work with the GLC- of these things are really important to me. I
CB? am so happy to do everything I can - with the
help of other amazing volunteers - to help as
First, it was my daughter Jennifer Eden. many folks as possible each month. The Help-
I had so much to make up for that I thought ing Hands Clothing Closet has been great for
this was a good way to show my support. As our GLCCB family members and even greater
I continued to volunteer I fell in love with the for me!
people, the stories and the feeling of their love
as we grew together. I learn more each and
every day.
What is your favorite thing about volun-
teering for the GLCCB?
10 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 13, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.comTHE LATEST UPDATES FROM THE GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER
COMMUNITY CENTER OF BALTIMORE AND CENTRAL MARYLAND
Events Calendar: April 2018
Sundays Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays Fridays Saturdays
04/17 04/18 04/19 04/13 04/14
04/15 04/16 Mankind Project
Teen Art Group Baltimore Trans-Masculine Crystal Meth Anonymous MOCHA Men’s Group
Narcotics Anonymous Youth Against Oppression 6:45pm – 8:45pm
5:30pm – 7:30pm Alliance [CMA] 4:00pm – 7:00pm
[NA] (YAO) Sexual Compulsives Anony- 6:30pm – 9:00pm 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Poetry Workshop mous [SCA]
11:00am – 1:00pm 4:00pm-6:00pm 04/21
7:30pm – 9:30pm ($5 sug- 7:00pm – 8:00pm Breaking Bread/BMX
04/22 gested donation) 04/26 6:30pm – 10:00pm Rainbow Families Potluck
04/23 SILhouette – Spiritually 11:00am – 3:00pm
Narcotics Anonymous Meet for a Cause Dance 04/20
[NA] Helping Hands Clothing In-tune Lesbians 04/25 Fitness
7:30pm – 9:30pm Crystal Meth Anonymous
11:00am – 1:00pm Closet Mankind Project 5:00pm – 9:00pm
6:45pm – 8:45pm [CMA]
1:00pm – 5:00pm
04/24 Sistahs of Pride – Wom- 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Sexual Compulsives Anony-
Youth Against Oppression en’s Group
Teen Art Group mous [SCA] Healing BMore Activists
(YAO) 7:00pm – 8:00pm 7:00pm – 9:00pm
5:30pm – 7:30pm 6:30pm – 8:30pm
4:00pm-6:00pm
FreeState Justice Legal
Meet for a Cause Meet &
Clinic 04/27
Greet 4:30pm – 6:30pm
6:00pm – 8:00pm Crystal Meth Anonymous
Vogue Practice with STAR
TRACK [CMA]
New Volunteer Orientation
6:30pm – 9:30pm 6:30pm – 8:30pm
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Breaking Bread/BMX
6:30pm – 10:00pm
Trans Outreach Night
Initiative
11:00pm – 2:00am
February 13,
Police Invoice that shows as open for 12,146.27k, Aug 2015, that 6. Executive Officer should be changed to executive director Annual report will include a financial report
we paid from 2016, made an inquiry to the police for the overtime 7. Short term goal to get something done and approved and long 1. Snapshot of 2016 and full report of 2017
pay term goal of looking at how the board functions to see where we Talk about the programs and activities
2018 minutes
Open Invoice with the City but not sure what it’s for 14,475.30 need policies Meeting next week with the consultant to go over the exact quote
(12/08/2016) 8. Plan to give feedback within two weeks and vote next meeting Also, getting another quote to compare
Police invoice for Pride 2017 has been paid 11,444.72 9. Chris thinks priority be a Third-party contract policy Kenneth invited anyone to join him
There are people who owe but we will talk about it in closed session 10. Jabari suggests we have a call to have a robust conversation Want to capture all the giving, like volunteers
1. Opening activities Do a financial review for 2016 and full audit for 2017 about the bylaws, we can start emailing now and take it from there Not ready to give a timeline
a. Call to order [Jabari] A review is $4500-5000
6:45pm 5. Old business 6. New business
b. Roll call [Kayla] 4. Committee Reports a. Consideration for new board member- A. Rancier
Present a. Leadership Council/Advisory Council [Jabari] On the board for MD LGBT Chamber of Commerce
1. Jabari Lyles a. Pride [Mimi] Community advisory board was supposed to meet but couldn’t find Employment Attorney
2. Vanna Belton New sponsorship package by marketing and communications a time for everyone to talk. She has legal expertise being an attorney
3. Lorena De Leon committee Kenneth and Jabari talked about membership and community Thinks she can pull in some funding
4. Kayla Tullis Finalizing local entertainment voices, these are just thoughts
5. David Sugar Events is working on doing some outreach If membership was reinstated we didn’t want it to be a financial wall. 7. Upcoming Events
6. Chris Weis Next week selecting for the Art Theme You could pay the membership and get on the community advisory Starting in the spring, April 12th, there will be an LGBT Kickball
7. Anthony McCarthy April is the designated date for the ICE meeting, with the city board. league on Thursday evenings in Hampden, 21+ that is open to the
Absent departments They would meet quarterly and evaluate the center based on public. Week 6 is fundraising week for the GLCCB.
1. Merrick Moses One change is we will be working with the Charles North and Old strategic goals
Goucher community associations Give us a report card to the community Black Voice is honoring
2. Approval of last month’s meeting minutes [Jabari/Kayla] Board can send out sponsorship to anyone we know Participate in the town halls J. Pope
$100,000 for ViiV b. Development [Chris W./Lorena] Seen as a pathway to join the board committees Kalimah Young, founder of Star Trek
YAR Grant 2,660 No report Committee chair can appoint someone who is not a member Carlton Smith, CBE
Time frame on the board getting the agenda, it has been agreed Allow them to select their own leadership Jamie Alexander B. Tran Alliance
3. Reports upon a week (agenda, materials, etc.) Finance would stay anonymous Cody Lopez
Email Kayla with suggestions Committee will have their own set of bylaws Kevie Smith- Joyner
a. Programs [Kenneth] c. By-Laws [Merrick, Chris W., David] ED would make themselves available for the meetings Feb 23rd 5:30 doors, 6-8pm Impact Hub, BMX sponsoring along
Program committee is meeting every Tuesday Time TBD We looked at ours and then looked at 3 other LGBT centers (LA, They would be a non-voting member on our board with us
610 people came through the building (600-650 is the goal) Champagne, etc) They can vote on a pride co-chair from the community Artivism Day, bring 250 artists together on how artist can make
Increased to 2-3 programs Saturday and Sunday Seemed that our bylaws are very in depth, more than other centers Small group come together to meet about the notes Baltimore a safer place, March 4th, Impact hub 5-8pm
Increase of case load has become a challenge and trying to close Started like the MD Nonprofits sample bylaws but seemed that we Applications in end April first meeting July 1 The mayor is looking to add members to her LGBT Commission
or hand off cases ended trying to solve operational problems within the bylaws Anthony doesn’t think that a treasurer is needed because it will be Anthony, Servants Spirit is having a LGBTQ Conference May 4th
For the document that was sent out to the board, anything in yellow kept track by the center and 5th, LGBTQ leaders across the state
b. Finance/Treasurer [Mimi, Lorena, Chris S.] is an edit to the MD Nonprofit version Community member said they think it is an amazing start from them March 17th, we are doing a partnership with Rainbow Families,
Expenses are outpacing income 1. Red, something we think we should take out hearing what the community has been saying having a brunch
We have a significant of outstanding liabilities 2. Blue, special circumstance because there is a board member Lorena suggests that they have participation in the community April we are having the democratic runners for the governor’s race,
PRIDE bills that have not been collected on by city who is engaged to a staff member, there is a understanding that if survey Town Hall
The last audit was in 2011 but it is an annual requirement any staff issues come up that board member will step aside Bill wants to know where the board stands on community having a
3 proposal from audit firms 3. Failure to miss three meetings would remove you, it is highlight- say in who sits on the board 8. Public Comments
Reinstating our MD nonprofit membership ed in yellow because they think it should change to review their Committee will continually evaluate the gaps and flaws of the Article in outload reviewing a board member
Any future recommendations for income and funding will go status organization Board needs to answer the questions that Mimi sent out
through the finance committee 4. Regular board meetings monthly but other centers meet quarterly b. Annual report [Jabari] Anthony moved that we adjourn
Mimi and Chris S. have reached out to outstanding liabilities 5. They are proposing that their board development committee/gov- Directors have identified a professional for the annual report Lorena second the motion
Discrepancy of 10,000 between us and city dynamics ernance committee. They would manage policy/procedures. Make Quote of $400 for the graphics, $1,500 overall budget, will come Adjourned at 9:16pm
$26,000/$16,000 sure the bylaws are being implemented. out the BCF grant
BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 13, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 11thinking outloud
Jon, left, celebrates
keeping score. I will beat you, bad- another victory
ly, and then I will smile and tell you because he insists I need to stay
what a good player you are. hydrated. It’s nice of him to watch
Jon won’t play ping-pong with out for me. He says he knows
me. But he’s oh-so-eager with a text CPR, when the time comes.
My Fabulous to invite me to the racquetball court. I don’t want Jon to let me win.
Disease
By Mark S. King
We began this misery because I’m
now in my late 50s – closer to 70
That would infuriate me even
more. So, I play, again and again,
than to 40, as occurred to me late and measure my spiritual fitness
one night just prior to a full-on ex- against my response to anoth-
istential meltdown – and I’ve been er crushing defeat. Sometimes I
Racquetball as forced to the conclusion that cardio
exercise is more appropriate for a
am philosophical about it. It’s all
good. Calories are burned.
an Exercise in man of my age than lifting weights.
I mistakenly called it “aerobic” ex-
am
gasping and furious at my own
left My friend Doug gave me two racquets
for Christmas this year, knowing the tragic
Humility ercise once, to Jon, and he laughed and
asked if I was enrolled in jazzercise class-
es. Jon is very annoying. He’s in his early
decrepitude and failure to make this shot
or that, often pausing a game to smash my
racquet against the cement walls of the
end of my equipment in the past. Very fun-
ny of him. Doug doesn’t even play. I think
he believes that, if there is an activity that
My friend Jon is a gracious winner, as well 40s, so time is about to have its way with court. is actually teaching me humility, it should
he should be. He’s had a lot of practice. him, by God. These angry outbursts don’t bother be supported at all costs.
During the months we have been playing I came late to the gym scene, in my 30s. Jon. He waits patiently until I’ve calmed I might argue that the ego of this aging
racquetball together, I have never won a Once it had become clear that the HIV I down or tried to reassemble my bent rac- queen is already being cut down to size,
game. Not one. have lived with since I was 24 wasn’t going quet, and then he serves again, just as thanks, but life lessons go beyond simply
I hate Jon so much. to kill me as quickly as I had feared, I hired hard as the last time, in a smug matter-of- getting older, even if they are discreet.
I like to play games I can win, which is a trainer and, with a questionable helping fact way that reeks of victor privilege and
why I have a ping-pong table in the base- of steroids and testosterone injections, be- forty-somethingness.
ment and will invite anyone who visits to came the muscled gay ideal, dancing the Jon doesn’t say much, not ever, really. “Once it had become
play a game. I’m a great ping-pong player. night away at circuit parties. The muscles I suppose, then, that I should appreciate
If you say you haven’t played in years or and the nightlife were my ruin, in time, his few words of support, telling me after
clear that the HIV I
that you aren’t very good, I will talk you into but that’s another story. a game that “we had some good volleys,” have lived with since I
a friendly game anyway and yes, we will be Anyway, Jon wins every game, and I before he coaxes me to the water fountain
was 24 wasn’t going to
kill me as quickly as
I had feared, I hired a
trainer.”
There is something to learn from losing a
game, not just once but always, and from
an opponent whom you claim to hate but
who has actually become a close friend, in
spite of it and because of so many things.
It’s possible to love the friend who has a
competitive nature equal to yours, who ex-
ercises it with ruthless consistency.
Jon wants to play racquetball today. I
am going to take a deep breath, and I am
• ArchitecturAlly-stunning going to show up.
wedding venue • Mark
PS – My Fabulous Disease was just
• indOOR & OuTdOOR wedding nominated for a third GLAAD Media
CeReMOnieS, ReCePTiOnS, Award in the category of Outstanding
And eLOPeMenTS • Blog. Speaking of losing, I have never won
• OveR 30 SAMe-Sex weddingS a GLAAD award, either (although the ad-
age is true: it’s an honor to be nominated).
SinCe 2013 • But GLAAD judges, if you are reading this,
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at there are lessons to be learned from actu-
ChaseCourtWeddingVenue ally winning something after a few losses,
410-727-1112 • chasecourt.com too. Don’t you think? Winners will be an-
1112 Saint Paul Street, Baltimore, MD nounced this spring. t
Owned and Operated by David Egan,
wedding columnist for BaltimoreOUTloud.
12 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 13, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com// mark my words
VP Mike Pence is on My Radar, Wonder Why?
By Mark Segal though it were personal. Someone I’ve worked with worked for
Is Vice President Mike Pence a closeted, Guess I could prove the point by listing a while in the Trump White House, so I
deep-in-self-hate raging homo? all the anti-gay Republican elected officials asked him about my theory.
Is that self-hate so intolerable for him who work against our community, but that All he would do was roll his eyes.
that he’s become the commander in chief list is longer than my There was a “Sat-
at the White House in pushing the most column allows. But “When they witness a urday Night Live”
homophobic agenda since McCarthy’s maybe a few to re- joke that went like
un-American hearings in the 1950s and fresh your memory:
rabid homophobe, many this: Donald Trump
the George W. Bush anti gay-marriage re- The former Alabama people believe that looking around af-
election bid? Attorney General ter everyone in a
When they witness a rabid homophobe, Troy King, former they’re acting out due room talks about
many people in our community believe that Idaho Sen. Larry all his misdeeds,
they’re acting out due to their own sexu- Craig, a gaggle of
to their own sexuality and they suggest
ality issues. I’ve never subscribed to that congressmen such issues. I’ve never that he might be im-
point of view, but Mike Pence is about to as Mark Foley … peached. Trump re-
change my position. and that would only subscribed to that view, sponds, “That’s why
Like you, I’ve heard the rumors that be the beginning. I picked Mike Pence
he went through conversion therapy, and We know the ho-
but Mike Pence is about as my vice president
that’s why his wife is almost attached to mophobic push in to change my position.” – he’s my insurance
him at the dinner table, but I’m still not the White House is policy.”
completely won over to this view as yet. driven by Pence since we’ve heard it in the Jokes aside, insurance doesn’t mat-
But hey, I’m getting there. president’s own words. ter. Either way, the LGBT community is
In my years of activism, I’ve dealt with Pence was the one who brought in screwed. t
almost every kind of political being and some of the most homophobic people in Mark Segal is publisher of Philadel -
their position, both pro and con, but never the administration. Trump has no ideology, phia G ay N ews . His new memoir A nd T hen I
have I seen a man so full of hate trying to so he gave Pence the crumbs he wants D anced is out now. This was first published
push an anti-LGBT agenda in almost every for being his lap dog, and Trump also gets in the Philadelphia Inquirer. Whatta mess – VP Mike Pence:
department in the federal government – as brownie points with his right-wing base. closeted, deep-in-self-hate raging homo?
Self Management and Recovery Training
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Free Mount Vernon Meeting:
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Info: George Bowden 443-224-8500
BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 13, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 13quality of life // Health and Wellness
Why I Support AIDS Walk
mind without sex? Literature is full of de-
scriptions of looking into the beloved’s
eyes and losing oneself in the pool of ab-
& Run Baltimore: Shawn Carrick
solute intoxication. So yes.
Ask With any situation that creates an is-
Dr. J sue in a relationship, I look at how to re-
solve the problem, and how to bring the
Janan Broadbent, Ph.D. connection to a better place. Let’s set
By Sharon Cooper-Kerr Mark your calendars for May 6th, aside the possibility of illness or physical
Chase Brexton Health Care concerns. What if your sweetheart no lon-
Teams are forming now for the AIDS at the Maryland Zoo
Walk & Run Baltimore on Sunday, May 6th
at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, and com-
you honor through these efforts? No Sex in ger wants to be close? What if you don’t?
It doesn’t help to get judgmental about
Relationship?
HIV and AIDS has affected the lives of it or start the blame game if you want to
petition is heating up! far too many people in Baltimore and be- improve your life. So, the first step to sit
One of the first teams assembled in- yond. In my mind, each step I take down and openly discuss what is going on.
cludes Shawn Carrick, who will
during the AIDS Increasingly, I hear from couples that after In other columns in this publication, I have
participate in the
Walk & Run in Bal- the initial few years, the sex drive of one or referred to “I-statements.” That is crucial.
event for a fourth
timore is reflective the other starts to wane and then comes a Present the concern as your being worried
year. Last year,
of one more person period of feelings of rejection on the party about it. Hopefully that will make it possi-
Shawn achieved his
helped. that wants more and pressure on the one ble to understand the dynamics of what is
personal goal of rais-
In your view, who wants less. What is going on? I have going on. Sometimes it is
ing more than $750
how significant met people who hav- a misunderstanding that
for Chase Brexton
is the need in en’t been physically has been internalized,
Health Care’s HIV
outreach and testing
Baltimore for in- intimate in years. Of never discussed so it has
programs. He’s upped creased aware- course, it’s possible festered. Other times,
that goal for this year ness of HIV and that there may be it is some behavior or
to $1,000, and has al- AIDS testing and physical issues or ill- habit of your beloved
ready raised $400! treatment? ness that prompt this that is annoying, but you
Shawn shared Very signifi- kind of a situation. haven’t been able to ac-
some of his reasons cant, especially in Regardless of what cept it or keep taking it
for participating in the the gay communi- the reasons are, some personally. Or yes, it is
AIDS Walk with us. ty, with gay males of which may bring on something that annoys
Why do you sup- representing the more resentment than you. Bring it up. Accep-
port AIDS Walk & Run majority of new the others, how do you tance of one another
Baltimore? infections. While deal with this? is the key to a strong
The AIDS Walk & Shawn Carrick – ‘Each the number of Sexual interaction connection. None of
But maybe you’re
year, I hear of people finding new cases has
Run in Baltimore brings attention to the is not only a health is- not British... us likes to hear what
out that they are infected
prevalence of HIV in Baltimore, but more with HIV. With testing, PrEP, decreased over sue but it also allows gets to another person
importantly, it calls on those who are at risk and treatment as prevention, the years, there us to re-connect with as bothersome but if
to get tested and to get treatment. Funds this could be prevented.’ are so many op- one another, to not only there is trust that you
raised through this event improve access tions available feel close physically but care about each oth-
to HIV testing and education for those who now that these numbers should be much also emotionally. Our er, you would want to change
might not have a network of support. lower. Chase Brexton has programs to hormones, oxytocin and others, create the behavior so as not to continue the irri-
Year after year, you’ve been one of help everyone, regardless of their financial that “glue” that gives us the warmth and tation, and vice versa.
the first people to sign up for the event. situation, to receive testing, treatment, or stability of being together, and highlight Relationships grow and blossom with
PrEP and prevent the spread of this dis- the feeling of being in love. Is it possible sunlight, and wither and mold in darkness,
ease. to have those same feelings and state of just like in nature. t
“It’s possible that in Why should others get involved and
the next generation, we sign up for AIDS Walk & Run Baltimore?
To help increase awareness around
could completely stop the need to get tested, get treatment, and
take preventative measures. More so, to
any new infections.” end the stigma around the disease. It’s
What drives you to get so involved?
Each year, I hear of people finding out
possible that in the next generation, we
could completely stop any new infections. Lively ARTS is the place to be
that they are infected with HIV. With test-
ing, PrEP, and treatment as prevention,
To sign up for the AIDS Walk & Run
Baltimore and register your team, visit Bal-
timoreaidswalk.org. t
for all your theatrical needs
this could be prevented. I participate in
this event every year because I know that Call Mary at 410-802-1310 or
preventative measures and stopping the
stigma associated with HIV are the keys to taylor@baltimoreoutloud.com
stopping the spread of this disease.
Is there someone in particular who
has been affected by HIV or AIDS who
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14 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD APRIL 13, 2018 • baltimoreoutloud.comYou can also read
