Maryland: A Blue Oasis in a Red Desert

By Steve Charing

When the elections dust settled following the “shellacking” as characterized by President Obama, it is clear that progress on LGBT rights at the national level took a step backwards, perhaps several steps. And we didn’t help matters as an estimated 31 percent of LGBT folks voted Republican this year compared to 28 percent in ’08.

I am not certain that these numbers are completely accurate, but if true, it means more LGBT Americans voted for the GOP, ignoring the fact that the party continues to remand us to second-class citizenship. Sure, there were those who wanted instant gratification from President Obama and decided to “punish” him. He is to blame, according to critics, and Congress is as well, for not fast-tracking key LGBT legislation.

Obama campaigned on a pro-LGBT rights platform, and aside from a record-shattering number of LGBT appointments in his administration and the passage of a comprehensive hate crimes bill, we still have ENDA languishing in the Congress, and the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is very much in doubt thanks to John McCain and his band of merry bigots.

In retrospect, if Obama was dedicated to our issues, he could have pushed these initiatives when he had the window of opportunity knowing the mid-terms would likely be crippling, as they tend to be.

It seems that a third of our community would rather delay these rights indefinitely out of anger with the President. Do they really think they would have a better shot at success with a party that essentially despises us? Talk about voting against one’s own interests.

So there we have it. New House Speaker John Boehner with the gaudy score of zero out of a hundred by the Human Rights Campaign grading system will be keeping our issues in the closet. So forget any progress on the national stage for at least the next two years. We may even have to play defense with talk of another Federal Marriage Amendment rearing its ugly head.

Maryland, thankfully, was a different story. Anti-equality Bob Ehrlich saw his political career take a devastating hit as Governor O’Malley “shellacked” him by 13 percentage points—double the margin in 2006. For our community it means that should marriage equality or gender identity protections bills ever make it out of committee and passed by the legislature, O’Malley vowed to sign it.

There are a significant number of skeptics, including Attorney General Gansler, who feel such legislation will not take place. He is of the mindset that only the courts will provide that level of equality. We will see. But had Ehrlich regained his old job, it was a certainty that nothing would succeed legislatively for our community.

Bucking the trend nationwide, most other Democratic incumbents retained their seats in the legislature. But the one exception, Representative Frank Kratovil (1st Congressional District), could not hold on and lost to homophobic right wing extremist Republican Andy Harris. Hopefully, after the next two years, the voters in that district will wake up.

On a more positive note, we will no longer have to deal with one of the most anti-gay legislators of modern times, Alex X. Mooney. He was finally defeated after declining margins of victories in his past three campaigns by a pro-equality former Mayor of Frederick, Ron Young.

There remains other homophobes in the State House—Nancy Jacobs, Donald Dwyer, and Emmett Burns come to mind. We’re not out of the woods yet. But our chances were given a boost by the election of three LGBT candidates: Luke Clippinger, Mary Washington and Bonnie Cullison. They now join four other openly gay legislators giving Maryland one of the highest number of out gays and lesbians to hold statewide office.

In the case of Mary Washington, her victory was historic in that she became the first out African-American lesbian to serve in the Maryland legislature and only the second one in the nation.

Also historic was the election of Byron Macfarlane to Howard County’s Register of Wills. By winning this tight contest that was decided by counting absentee and provisional ballots ten days after the election, Macfarlane became the first openly gay county-wide official in Maryland history. He defeated a 6-term Republican incumbent Kay Hartleb.

Despite a few disappointing exceptions this election, Maryland remains a blue state oasis in a national desert of red. As we head towards Thanksgiving, that is something to appreciate.

Photo by Lisa Polyak

Photo caption: Our new LGBT caucus--from left: Sen. Rich Madaleno, Delegates Anne Kaiser, Heather Mizeur, Mary Washington, Maggie McIntosh, Luke Clippinger and Bonnie Cullison.

www.SteveCharing.blogspot.com.

No H8 Ad

With O'Malley's Win, it's Time to Deliver

By Steve Charing

When Governor Martin O'Malley concluded his remarks to the over 360 in attendance at Equality Maryland's annual fall fundraiser in College Park, the crowd responded with a generous round of applause. It was an effective campaign speech that was tailored to the LGBT audience. Seldom, if ever, did he ever discuss LGBT issues on the trail.

Appearing at the gala just 9 days before Election Day, he deftly drew contrasts between his positions on LGBT rights and that of his opponent, Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. “Two different governors, two different choices” was the theme. "I'm running against the alternative," the Governor affirmed. (These sharp contrasts led to Baltimore OUTloud's endorsement of Governor O'Malley's re-election on October 22—among the first newspapers in the state to do so.)

While the clapping continued as the Governor descended from the podium, some of the activists in the audience had to notice that the speech broke no new ground. Governor O'Malley reiterated his position that he would sign a marriage equality bill on the condition that it contained "religious protections." He also stated that Maryland "can and should" pass a bill that would offer anti-discrimination protections on the basis of gender identity and expression.

What was missing from his remarks was a full-throated endorsement of marriage for same-sex couples. That would have made news and upgraded his current position of favoring civil unions.

There is a difference between being proactive and being reactive. There is a difference between going out on a limb for a cause (like his fervent attempt to repeal the death penalty) and waiting for legislators to grind it out in the muck and then signing a bill.

He did not make such a declaration even to a LGBT/friendly audience that had a good number of other elected officials, including potential 2014 gubernatorial candidate, Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler, in attendance. Cautious not to alter the trajectory nearing the election, the Governor remained passive on the issue.

Leadership and courage –that's what we're asking for. Stop worrying about the religious protections, Governor. They have been in the bill for three years. Even the Baltimore Sun argued O'Malley should take a stronger stand, referring to marriage equality as a "key civil rights issue."

But O'Malley's passivity could all change if effectively lobbied.

O'Malley has won re-election and can serve his second term without the encumbrances of another campaign—at least for Governor. Recall how then Governor Parris Glendening in his second term and an approval rating as low as the Titanic's wreckage, managed to push through the hard-fought Anti-Discrimination Act of 2001 that offered key statewide protections to lesbians and gays. It would be a terrific addition to the O'Malley legacy if these landmark equality bills were enacted, but he needs to advocate for passage, not wait.

"We are on the cusp of pushing through gender identity protections and marriage equality."

That is the mantra repeated in a slew of fundraising e-mail blasts and press releases from Equality Maryland, the organization that has been the vanguard on LGBT issues in the state. Indeed, we do have momentum—or we should have—following the issuance of Mr. Gansler's opinion last February which concluded that Maryland should recognize the marriages of same-sex couples validly performed in other jurisdictions. Soon after, neighboring Washington, D.C. legalized marriages for same-sex couples.

But nothing of that nature materialized in 2010 for the nearly 16,000 gay and lesbian couples in Maryland. It was deemed a "transition year" by Equality Maryland, and their belief was that during an election year our legislature would not be keen on taking up the issue. This despite the fact that one Maryland couple after another trudged to D.C. (or elsewhere) to tie the knot, and dollars that could have boosted Maryland's sagging economy from wedding-related expenses were spent outside the state's borders.

Now is the time to act. There is no statewide election for four years. There is no "transition year." There is no re-election campaign.

Winning over legislators in both houses is crucial, of course. But why not try to meet with the leaders—Michael Busch, Thomas V. "Mike" Miller, and O'Malley himself? Hire a paid lobbyist or two to free this legislation out of the prison known as the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. If a bill isn't sent to the Governor, he can't sign one.

Despite the fact Equality Maryland has had three different executive directors during the past three years, the organization is stable and positioned to lead the fight. Equality Maryland should be well-financed to help achieve its goals. Former development director, Kevin Walling told Baltimore OUTloud upon announcing his departure in September that he helped raise an estimated $500,000 through grants, increased foundation gifts and general fundraising during his stint of less than two years.

The College Park gala was hailed a "success," and according to a report in the Washington Blade, raised an additional $20,500 beyond the receipts for the tickets and silent auction. Local bars and events have boosted Equality Maryland's coffers with a number of fundraisers. Moreover, their ongoing post card campaign has enabled the organization to expand its mailing list for future fundraising efforts.

Most importantly, Equality Maryland's leadership and staff are strong. The current director, Morgan-Meneses-Sheets, is an affable, high-tempo, hard-working leader who is capable of making LGBT equality history during the next couple of years.

We can't predict what lies ahead in 2014. Who anticipated that in two short years this country's political landscape would shift so dramatically? Let's see results on the two main issues—marriage equality and gender identity protections now—while we can.

As Equality Maryland, points out, "we're on the cusp." The ball is in their court, and now it's time to deliver.

www.SteveCharing.blogspot.com.

Halloween or the Nov. 2 Elections—Which is Scarier?

Sharron Angle, one of the darlings of the tea party movement and who is running as the Republican challenger against Democratic Senator Harry Reid in Nevada, has professed some interesting ideas. And as we approach Halloween and the general election a couple of days afterwards, these are scary ideas.

Angle, according to the AP, deemed "a BP fund of oil spill victims a 'slush fund;' suggesting tea party followers will resort to 'Second Amendment remedies' if Washington is not reformed; concluding that unemployment benefits have 'spoiled our citizenry;' and blasting Democrats for pushing public benefits to 'make government our God.'”

She has advocated the end of Social Security although her views have "moderated" to simply "transitioning out" Social Security, because her campaign has been subject to greater scrutiny.

Angle opposes abortion in all circumstances, including rape and incest. She is virulently anti-immigration, and clearly opposes most of the key LGBT issues, such as repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell (though she doesn't understand the process in the Congress) and same-sex marriage.

Even possessing what one would ordinarily characterize as an extreme right-wing ideology, Angle is actually ahead in the polls against the Senate Majority leader. She has a good chance of winning.

And so do other like-minded tea party-backed candidates for Congress—all Republicans. In some places they will surely lose. In others they will certainly win. The New York Times argued that regardless of the outcome of the November 2 elections, the tea party movement will enjoy broad influence in the Republican Party that will pull it further to the right as a result of the inevitable battle of ideology wages on.

This is profoundly scarier than any Halloween—especially if you are part of the LGBT community or an ally.

The GOP, for reasons that continue to escape me, is poised to regain control of the House of Representatives and even worse but less likely, the U.S. Senate. They want to make this election about President Obama; after all he stopped a sure depression, saved a million jobs that would have been lost had he not pushed for a bailout of major automobile manufacturing companies, and restructured health care that has been pronounced by independent economists as deficit neutral.

Until his refusal to use his authority to finally crush the nefarious Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy when a California judge opened that door, I had been a big supporter of the President. But his presidency—at least his first term—was doomed from the start when radio blowhard Rush Limbaugh emerged from his addiction problems to pray that the President and his policies should fail. This lends new meaning to the word patriotism from a man who had prides himself as a patriot.

When the Republican opposition had been relatively quiet at the outset of Obama's term, Rush gave them voice. They lined up behind this jackass and found their footing. The "birthers" re-emerged. You know, they are the ones who still feel Hawaii is a foreign country and the President is not a U.S. citizen. Then he has been accused of being a Muslim, forgetting their own demagoguery during the 2008 campaign against Obama's association with the Christian preacher, Reverend Jeremiah Wright.

This is what we are facing if the predictions of November 2 come true. A country that will be led in part by the likes of Queen of the Tea Party, Sarah Palin (at least through her own brand of demagoguery), Michelle Bachman, and perhaps Sharron Angle, Rand Paul and others of their ilk.

Say good-bye to the repeal of DADT. Despite Sen. Mitch McConnell's supposed willingness to allow the vote to once again take place following the elections, don't bet on a favorable outcome. Not if the sore-loser-in-chief Sen. John McCain has his way. The continued reckless discrimination against gay and lesbian service members will continue unabated despite 70 percent of the country and all of the top military brass favoring repeal.

Say good-bye to the Employment Non-Discrimination Act or ENDA, which had its best chance in the first term of President Obama, but that window shut in a hurry. The 30-year attempt to end discrimination in the workplace will continue to languish.

And for sure, say good-bye to any opportunity for repealing the Federal Defense of Marriage Act or DOMA. It really didn't have much of a chance to begin with but at least a dialogue and perhaps hearings may have started during Obama's second term (if there is to be one) and Democrats somehow remain in the majority.

Locally, we have squandered the past four years with a liberal Democratic governor and a huge majority of Democrats in the legislature. No same-sex marriage bill ever saw the light of day outside a committee. No transgender or gender identity protection bill was allowed to head to the floor for a debate and vote.

The upcoming election will unlikely result in any significant shift in the legislature, but the fight for governor is still up in the air with turnout in a two-to-one Democratic advantage in the state to be the key factor. Should Mr. Ehrlich prevail, the next four years will go as the previous eight—no tangible progress, no matter how many legislators sign their name to a pro-LGBT bill.

Yes, Halloween, especially for children could be scary yet fun. Whatever frightening costumes, pranks and tricks that are a part of the tradition will only last a day or night.

But with the upcoming election, the results could prove even scarier, the pranks are on us, and they will last for years to come.

www.SteveCharing.blogspot.com.

Trying to Unseat Foes of Equality

by Steve Charing

Maryland's legislative District 9A covers northern Howard County with numerous leafy neighborhoods and small businesses. Over 63,000 registered voters live in the district that includes Ellicott City. These voters are just about evenly split between the two parties with a fifth identifying themselves as Independents.

This used to be a Republican stronghold, but there have been changes in political leanings as new housing developments and jobs in the region have attracted younger professionals from the urban areas of Baltimore and Washington, D.C. who may hold a more progressive mindset.

As a result of this shift in demographics, there is a better chance now to unseat the two Republicans, Gail Bates and Warren Miller, than would have been thought possible only a few years ago.

As first-time candidates, business owner Jon Weinstein and Maryann Maher (pictured), a consultant with expertise in computer science, are challenging the two delegates in what has been described by most political pundits as an anti-incumbent election cycle. Still, it's always an uphill climb when trying to unseat incumbents, largely because of the name recognition that incumbency brings. In local elections, most voters don't focus on the issues as much as the identities and party affiliations of the candidates.

Bates has been in the legislature since 2002, and Miller has served since 2003. Both were appointed by then Governor Robert Ehrlich. They share conservative economic and social beliefs and are in lock-step in trying to thwart Governor Martin O'Malley's agenda.

They are also opponents of full LGBT equality.

Both Bates and Miller have joined forces with other far right wing legislative colleagues, such as Delegate Donald H. Dwyer, Jr., in attempting to pass, so far unsuccessfully, a constitutional amendment that would define marriage in Maryland as a union between a man and a woman.

Demonstrating that they do not possess even a semblance of open-mindedness concerning LGBT issues, neither Bates nor Miller allowed themselves to be available during "Lobby Day"—an annual effort to educate and perhaps influence legislators to embrace a more pro-LGBT point of view or to firm up existing support. LGBT folks and allies who are their constituents in 9A have tried to no avail to meet with Bates and Miller on these occasions. It was a basic snub of their constituents.

Moreover, several years ago, there was a hearing that took place at a Howard County Government building whereby constituents were permitted to testify for or against any proposed bill that may appear before the General Assembly. A sizable contingent from the Howard County chapter of PFLAG spoke on behalf of marriage equality for same-sex couples before the Howard County legislative delegation, which included Gail Bates.

One after another testified—perhaps a dozen or more—and not once did Gail Bates even extend the courtesy of providing eye contact with the speaker. Instead, her head was bowed as if she was praying, and her body language suggested that sitting in a burning car would have been a better place to be at the time.

Their legislative record confirms their repulsion towards LGBT people. In the 2009 General Assembly, Miller received a score of 0 out of 100 from Equality Maryland. Bates' score was a mere 5 out of 100.

In stark contrast, both Weinstein and Maher met with a variety of LGBT groups and attended their events. Both have been endorsed by Equality Maryland in the 2010 elections.

"Marriage equality to me is simply a matter of fairness, justice, and liberty," Maryann Maher told Baltimore OUTloud. "I know it will come one day and I would like to do my part, as a mother, citizen, and legislator, to make that happen sooner rather than later."

Maryland Attorney General Douglas Gansler, who has been a strong advocate for marriage equality and became more visible following his issuance of an opinion in February that stated that Maryland should recognize the valid marriages of same-sex couples performed in other locales, endorsed Jon Weinstein at a fundraiser several weeks ago.

Following the event in Columbia, the Baltimore Sun reported, "Gansler praised Weinstein as a 'former Republican' who has seen the light and become a 'pro-business, moderate, centrist Democrat who believes gay people should be able to get married.'"

Weinstein has been painting both Bates and Miller as Tea Partiers, and, as such, out of mainstream with the district's voters. He pounced on a published photograph that showed Miller at a Tea Party event last year wearing a t-shirt that read, "I'll keep my guns, freedom, and money. You can keep the change." Miller was also seen in the photo holding a sign that read, "Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire," presumably a swipe at President Obama.

This was brought up at a recent candidates' forum in Ellicott City. He responded by suggesting it was nothing more than "political hyperbole," which many voters think there should be less of and instead, more solutions to problems.

Weinstein feels his stance on equal rights is more suitable for the constituents of District 9A. "I believe that equality for the LGBT community is a matter of human rights," he stated. "Unlike my opponents who regularly seek to deny people their rights, I will work with people from the LGBT community in my district and around the state to find a path to full equality."

Both Jon Weinstein and Maryann Maher are seeking support from the LGBT community to help unseat Bates and Miller. Both can use donations as well as volunteer time. To help out, you may visit www.Vote4Jon.com and www.maryannmaher.com.

Partisan Vitriol, Entitlement Show Need for Political Changes

Letter published in the October 14, 2010edition of the Howard County Times

Quotes in two different political-related articles (Oct. 7) deserve comment. In the first article, Del. Warren Miller, after legitimately being called out for holding a sign at a Tea Party event last year that said, "Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire," responded, "I guess he's [challenger Jon Weinstein] never heard of political hyperbole."

The problem with the extreme partisan divide in this country is an over-abundance of political hyperbole. What we need is more political civility and a whole lot less hyperbole. Our nation must unite once again to face the myriad challenges before us and not remain split apart as a result of bitter, partisan and yes, childish name-calling.

To that end, I strongly support the candidacies of Jon Weinstein and Maryann Maher to replace delegates Warren Miller and Gail Bates. They are eminently qualified individuals who understand the values of their district and would, if elected become effective, mature lawmakers. A change is definitely needed in District 9A.

The other article, on the courthouse races, contained another curious quote. The clerk of the Circuit Court, incumbent Republican Margaret Rappaport said, "This has kept me sane, doing this work. Does he [challenger Jason Reddish] want to take it away from me? Is that what he wants to do?"

With all due respect, Ms. Rappaport, any job funded by the taxpayers is intended to serve the public. It is not meant to cling to it for many years simply to preserve one's sanity. Occupying the office is not an entitlement; it is won or lost through elections.

As is the case in District 9A, I believe a fresh approach is needed for the offices of both the register of wills office and the clerk of the court. I wholeheartedly support the candidacies of Byron Macfarlane for register of wills and Jason Reddish for clerk of the court. They would bring their intellect, technical skills and energy to these offices and serve the public for the right reasons.

Steve Charing

Clarksville

Lesbian Couple Ejected at Ravens Game

With the Baltimore Ravens clinging to a 14-10 halftime lead against the Cleveland Browns on September 26, Mary Kate Morris and Nicole Marchetto decided to hit the concession stand behind Section 538 of M&T Bank Stadium. Little did they know at that point that they would not get to see the second half of the game.

The couple, who reside in Hampden, saw a long line at the restroom and decided to buy some beer and fries until the line diminished. They spotted a plastic cup on the counter and used it to pour ketchup for the fries.

While waiting for their orders, the couple engaged in what Marchetto characterized as "casual kissing." Almost immediately a security guard and a supervisor told the women to "stop making a scene." They were warned on three occasions but they continued because, according to Marchetto, "the kissing was heartfelt and decent in the real sense and was not any different from what numerous law-abiding straight couples were doing all around us."

Soon afterwards, the security guard demanded to see their driver licenses, and then the women were told they need to leave the stadium immediately. Asking why they had to leave the guard accused them of first stealing the cup from the concession stand and then accused them of stealing the beer. A Baltimore City policeman intervened and told the guards they did not steal any beer. "Dude, that's not what they did," Morris recollected the officer's remarks to the guard. The couple still has the receipts from all the purchases.

Nonetheless, they were forced out of the stadium escorted by three police officers. As they left, Marchetto "looked the cop in the eye and told him that I am not only a paying customer and a law-abiding citizen." It was to no avail.

Mary Kate Morris and Nicole Marchetto strongly believe that their ejection resulted from the kissing and nothing else. "Straight couples were kissing all around us," concurred Morris who pointed out that no one complained about their own displays of affection. As a matter of fact, some fans were not only approving but cheered us."

Baltimore OUTloud contacted the Maryland Stadium Authority, the organization who employs security at M&T Bank Stadium and Oriole Park at Camden Yards to comment on the incident. After checking with security personnel, Jan Hardesty, a media spokesperson for the Maryland Stadium Authority, stated the ejection was a result of "unauthorized removal of inventory" (the cup). According to Hardesty, an employee of Aramark (company that runs the concessions) witnessed the removal of the cup to pour ketchup. Each item must be accounted for, according to Hardesty.

When asked does the use of a cup, for which the women offered to pay the full price of a fountain drink, justify removal from the game given the price of tickets, Hardesty had no comment.

The same question was posed to Patrick Gleason, Public Relations Manager for the Baltimore Ravens. He, too, did not respond. However, he did investigate the incident with the Ravens' senior vice president of public and community relations Kevin Byrne and vice president of stadium operations Roy Sommerhof.

The official response by Byrne: “We’re aware of the incident, and we’re satisfied with the action taken by the concessionaire, security and police.”

Gleason added, "Many of our game day concession stands are run by volunteer groups to raise money for their charities. Accounting for drinks sold is computed by the number of cups used. If cups are taken or missing once the game ends, then the respective volunteer group is responsible for reimbursement."

However, Mary Kate Morris and Nicole Marchetto believe the eviction was out of proportion compared to removal of a plastic cup and that the displays of affection were the true motive. The false accusation regarding stealing beer lends credence to their assertion.

At press time, the couple is considering legal options.

The Religious Right and the Suicides

The LGBT community is feeling the collective grief brought on by the recent tragic suicides of several gay or perceived to be gay teens. Each young person had a bright future taken away from him because of the antics of bullies—kids with low self-esteem who felt the need to inflict shame on the victims in a pathetic attempt to upgrade their own status. This didn't just occur last month; it happens all the time.

While the causes of bullying are complex, certainly the culprits include bad parenting, psychological problems in general, ineffective enforcement of anti-bullying laws if they even exist, or the tormenters just needed to have the power. Hate is a factor, too.

But it is the message put forth by homophobic politicians and religious groups, including clergy of all races, which contributes to the anti-gay culture that allows bullying to proceed unabated.

LGBT kids are told they can be "cured" through religion, even though there is no evidence of such a transformation. Impressionable kids pick up on the message that homosexuality is sinful and shameful. They act on it when they encounter a vulnerable teen. There is little, if any, intervention by others when it occurs. Today, cyber bullying is a dangerous weapon because it can be carried out anonymously or without anyone noticing it.

Most of these suicides following bullying occur in remote or exurban or suburban areas where there are few LGBT support groups available or other LGBT teens with which they can bond. The isolation plus the anti-gay propaganda from the religious right as well as other conservatives create a toxic and dangerous situation.

According to the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (www.GLSEN.org) from a 2009 study:

. 84.6% of LGBT students reported being verbally harassed, 40.1% reported being physically harassed and 18.8% reported being physically assaulted at school in the past year because of their sexual orientation.

. 63.7% of LGBT students reported being verbally harassed, 27.2% reported being physically harassed and 12.5% reported being physically assaulted at school in the past year because of their gender expression.

. 72.4% heard homophobic remarks, such as "faggot" or "dyke," frequently or often at school.

. Nearly two-thirds (61.1%) of students reported that they felt unsafe in school because of their sexual orientation, and more than a third (39.9%) felt unsafe because of their gender expression.

You can also add that studies indicate that LGBT students are much more likely to commit suicide than their straight counterparts.

Society has taken notice of this problem, and some locales have acted on it with laws that prohibit bullying based on certain characteristics—sexual orientation being among them.

About 45 states have some form of anti-bullying laws on the books. One would think that it's a no-brainer to allow all children in school to learn with the same advantages. Yet there are the religious right groups and like-minded bigots who must think bullying is acceptable—a right of passage for young boys.

In an effort to advocate for anti-bullying legislation and school programs, roadblocks are put up by Christian activists who characterize the initiatives as an attempt to "promote homosexuality to kids." Focus on the Family, as an example, has falsely accused gay-rights groups of using tolerance and anti-bullying programs to foster political goals in the schools such as same-sex marriage.

"What parents need to be aware of is there are activist groups who want to promote homosexuality to kids because they realize if they can capture hearts and minds of our children at the earliest ages they will have for all practical purposes won the clash of values that we are currently experiencing," Candi Cushman, education analyst for Focus on the Family, said on TrueTolerance.org. "They've started introducing homosexuality lessons, sometimes even sexually graphic information under the cover of tolerance or so-called safe school initiatives or even anti-bullying programs," she said.

These barriers to anti-bullying programs coupled with the messages young people receive from homophobes create a volatile situation.

When you have the then President of the United States, George W. Bush, publicly advocating discrimination against gays and lesbians by opposing marriage equality, it sends a message.

When you have politicians in TV ads implying that an opponent is gay as if it's the worst thing in the world, it sends a message.

When you have a minister standing at the pulpit waving the Bible in one hand and raising his fist with the other saying homosexuality is wrong and sinful and that those who are gay will go to hell, it sends a message.

And when you have religious right wing groups like Focus on the Family and the American Family Association—who raise millions of dollars in their fundraising communications using scare tactics against homosexuality—ignoring the tragedies of the suicides but instead blame the gay lobby for exploiting them, it sends a message.

Sadly, these messages are heard by misguided adolescents who tragically act on them and influence our vulnerable gay kids to take their own lives.

www.SteveCharing.blogspot.com.

Cruise on the Oasis Had Baltimore Feel

When Cruise Planners and Baltimore OUTloud assembled a group of a couple of dozen to sail on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas—the largest cruise ship in the world—we all thought we'd be leaving Charm City behind for a week beginning September 18. And there were reasons to believe that. The ship had over 6,000 passengers representing 80 different countries plus an international cadre of over 3,000 crew and staff. The ship visited the ports-of-call in the Western Caribbean Labadee, a Royal Caribbean International-owned peninsula on Haiti; Costa Maya and Cozumel—both in Mexico. None of these resembled Baltimore.

And yet, it did not take too long to find out that Baltimore was a recurring theme. First off, the event was arranged by Glen Burnie-based Cruise Planners (www.BelleCruises.com, 410-760-1589) who brought together gay and straight passengers including OUTloud's Leather columnist Rodney and his partner Steve. Cruise Planners booked our rooms and dining preferences, held a tour of the ship and hosted a couple of cocktail parties for the group.

There was the fabulous production of Hairspray—a theatrical marvel that is set in Baltimore and is based on Baltimore's own John Waters original movie. As an aside, the talented cast, staging and costuming were Broadway caliber. Special kudos go to the leads Tara Siesaner as Tracy, who possesses an amazing voice and hot looking Tommaso Antico, who played the male lead, Link Larkin. Link, if you remember, is a character that the girls drooled over (and so did some of the boys).

Not only did Antico offer a solid dose of eye candy, but he also is an extraordinary dancer and vocalist in his own right. Moreover, he played in the touring production of Hairspray when it visited Baltimore's Hippodrome Theatre a couple of years ago.

Also, the vocal performances of Tim Singleton (Edna), Joel Walker (Seaweed), April Monte (Penny), Robin Myles (Motor Mouth) and Mark Petit (Corny Collins) were outstanding.

Another theatrical extravaganza, Come Fly With Me, was simply breath-taking.

Then there was one of the two stand-up comics on board, Baltimore's own Rodney Johnson. He was hilarious as he focused his act on the inadvertent comedic behavior of the passengers. Trust me, there was enough material to cover a 4-hour set. The other comic, Al Romas, who was a little raunchier but quite effective as he parodied relationships, particularly married couples.

And if that wasn't enough Baltimore, the headliner act was native Baltimorean and veteran performer Tony Tillman. Tillman in a musical and comedy show kept the mood upbeat with his sparkling personality and singing talent. The climax occurred at the end when he paid tribute to his old hero and friend, Sammy Davis, Jr. with a moving rendition of the classic Mr. Bojangles.

Although this is classified as a "straight cruise," (which is different from the Atlantis or RSVP all gay, all-the-time adventures), there are a lot of opportunities for our LGBT friends. For one thing, Royal Caribbean is extremely gay-friendly, and a good portion of the crew is over the rainbow.

That leads me to the "Friends of Dorothy" get togethers. That code phrase is used, as it was pre-Stonewall, to identify as gay without explicitly saying so. A Community Bulletin Board, not unlike OUTloud's, is posted in the Guest Relations area where events, meetings and socials are announced. Someone arranged for "Friends of Dorothy" to meet every midnight at the Champagne Bar.

From there our group doubled in size as folks from Boston to Wichita and from New Orleans to Michigan as well as the U.K. gathered to make new friends and hang out and even dance together on the ship's Disco floor. I am assuming the moniker "Friends of Dorothy" is still being used to prevent would-be "critics" of the LGBT community from disrupting the pleasantries.

Being on a cruise ship this size seemed like living in a gigantic shopping mall/hotel and restaurant complex/playground on water. This mega-ship had its own Central Park, an ice-skating rink, a carousel, rock climbing wall, basketball courts, miniature golf, several swimming pools and spas, a complete gym, a two-story theatre, an Aquatheater where an amazing diving and acrobatic show took place, an entertainment area, a promenade, a Zip Line, Flow Rider surf simulators, numerous specialty restaurants plus its lavish dining rooms, night clubs and, of course, a casino with slots and table games. There is always something going on and you can choose to do whatever you want or simply do nothing.

The Oasis of the Seas is in its inaugural season. A twin ship, Allure of the Seas, will be ready to set sail in December.

A good time was had by all if one can judge by the smiles on people's faces. With all that distance traveled we still felt Baltimore in our presence. You can't get homesick that way.

www.SteveCharing.blogspot.com

30 Years and it Seems Like Yesterday

This issue marks my 30^th anniversary writing for the gay press in Baltimore. I know, "how can that be? You look 29!" Yeah, I get that all the time. But the fact is, it's true. I've been writing longer than some of our writers have been on Earth.

My first article (pictured) was about New Hope, PA in September 1980. To prove how long ago it was I predicted this locale would be a potential hot spot for the gay and lesbian community, and explained I left early on a Sunday to return home to visit the Baltimore City Fair. Ancient history here.

Writing was not a new endeavor for me as I had previously written for my college newspaper and in the military. I wanted to pen for the gay press, however.

I typed the New Hope review on an electric typewriter (remember what that was?). I handed in a hard copy to the then chair of the newspaper committee, Jeff McCrae, who ran The Gay Paper. I was in the closet then and didn't include my full name—just my first name and initial of my last name, as others writers typically did at the time.

It was during the pre-computer era that The Gay Paper was put together manually by using cardboard panels, X-Acto knives and hot wax. Text was produced on galleys from typesetting machines. Oh, how the process has transformed!

My next article was about the new volleyball league that formed in Baltimore. Then I proceeded to write about a wide range of other subjects to gain experience in other areas. I covered everything from ballet to murders. I reported on the crackdown on hustling in Patterson Park and critiqued books, theatre and television. I wrote about antiques, sports as it related to our issues, travel and politics at all levels of government.

Three years after my first article I became the editor or principal co-chair of the publication and re-named it Baltimore Gay Paper. We continued to toil with the crude tools at our disposal. But the horror for us as volunteers was that we were obliged to work in the dank, window-less firetrap known as the basement of the GLCCB—a situation that I couldn't tolerate anymore; therefore, I left but continued as a journalist for the paper.

The topics for stories covered over the past 30 years have varied, of course, but we are still dealing with HIV/AIDS, harassment towards LGBT people, police and government relations, health, entertainment, violence, hatred, and the ongoing struggle for equal rights and acceptance. Alas, some of these battles never seem to terminate.

While at Baltimore OUTloud, I launched my "OUTspoken" column and blog with the same name to offer commentary on politics as well as other topics affecting our community.

What has changed the most is how people obtain their news. Newspapers all over the country not only have to compete with TV and radio, but also have to lock horns with arguably the most amazing modern-day revolution in the media: the Internet. In our fast-paced, ever-busy world, the Internet has been like an extra room in our home or office. Many of us are so transfixed to this boundless source of information and depend on it to such a degree it has become a way of life. And there are as many reasons for using the Internet as there are websites. Not the least of which is obtaining news—in a hurry.

Thirty years ago, The Gay Paper was a monthly publication, so news was essentially stale by the end of a month. Today, Baltimore OUTloud is published bi-weekly which makes the news more current, but it's still not as up-to-date as one would like. Production and editorial costs for these free newspapers render a weekly publication impractical at this time.

There was a sense of apathy among the gay community early on which remains today, perhaps more so. Not only does this prevent members of the community from being informed about current issues, it hurts our cause since there is a great need for grass-roots advocacy to realize our goals.

People will casually pick up the gay newspapers at gay bars, bookstores, cafes, markets and other distribution points, as they did 30 years ago. But gone are the days when gay activist and GLCCB founder Harvey Schwartz would stand outside bars at closing and personally hand out copies of The Gay Paper to those exiting.

I am concerned that young LGBT individuals who have been raised on the Internet see no value in LGBT newspapers. If in fact they do have some interest in LGBT news, they probably get it from blogs, or some other web-based news service.

When I was asked to be Managing Editor of Baltimore OUTloud in the spring of 2009, I understood these challenges. I have made every effort to assemble a staff of dedicated writers who are diverse and talented and could appeal to every demographic. My goal has always been to offer our community excellence in local news coverage and to ensure there will be something for everybody within our pages.

For centuries, newspapers have provided an invaluable opportunity to read what one is interested in and skip those articles that do not appeal. But to be able to have news; advertisements of events, products and services; commentary; humor; features; reviews, etc. all in one location where individuals can peruse at their own pace, there is nothing better than enjoying the paper in a comfortable setting without having to move a mouse.

What hasn't changed throughout this 30-year journey is that my husband Bob has been with me every step of the way.

www.SteveCharing.blogspot.com.

When Coming Out, Timing Could Be Everything

Former Chairman of the Republican National Committee Ken Mehlman finally decided it was convenient for him to come out. He did so last month to Marc Ambinder, a blogger for The Atlantic. This was a Clay Aiken or Ricky Martin moment in that it was not a shocker that Ken Mehlman was gay. The difference is that these two singers never actively harmed LGBT individuals or families by overseeing policies and campaign strategies that demeaned gays. Mehlman did.

Besides his role at the RNC, Mehlman served in the first Bush Administration as White House Political Director. In 2004 he was the general chairman of the Bush reelection campaign. In this capacity, Mehlman oversaw the placement of anti-gay marriage amendments on the ballots of 11 states in 2004 to stoke fears among conservatives about same-sex marriage in an effort to drive up voter turnout and donations.

Many have credited (or blamed) this effort for the higher-than-normal turnout in Ohio that swung the state in Bush's favor, which was the tipping point of the 2004 election. He also orchestrated the failed strategy to pass the Federal Marriage Amendment—a cynical attempt to permanently enshrine bigotry against gays and lesbians—into the U.S. Constitution.

Despite Mehlman's occasional denials through the years that he was gay or his unwillingness to answer directly if he was straight, his being gay was an "open secret" in Washington, D.C. circles. Rumors were running rampant as far back as several years ago, and his unwillingness to address the issue fanned the flames, so to speak. Still, he continued as one of the most influential GOP operatives until the party lost badly in 2006 when he left.

His recent revelation was an attempt to conceal his past, closeted as it may be. “At least for me, it wasn’t like there was a light-bulb moment,” said Mehlman, a former Pikesville resident and who is now a partner and head of global public affairs for Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, a private equity firm. “The reality is, it’s taken me 43 years to come to terms with this part of my life.”

Even more disingenuous was his comment that if he were out, he could have held back the attacks on gays. Truth be told, had been out then, he wouldn't have been chair of the Republican National Committee.

Well the damage has been done, and now he wants to make amends by helping a group, the American Foundation for Equal Rights, which was formed last year to support a legal challenge to Proposition 8.

Some activists, such as blogger Michael Rogers who writes on blogActive.com, which has the objective to out closeted gay officials who promote anti-gay policies, are not satisfied.

"I want to hear from Ken that he is sorry for being the architect of the 2004 Bush reelection campaign," writes Rogers. "I want to hear from Ken that he is sorry for his role in developing strategy that resulted in George W. Bush threatening to veto ENDA or any bill containing hate crimes laws. I want to hear from Ken that he is sorry for the pressing of two Federal Marriage Amendments as political tools. I want to hear from Ken that he is sorry for developing the 72-hour strategy, using homophobic churches to become political arms of the GOP before Election Day."

Mary Cheney, the lesbian daughter of the former vice-president, is another tool. While her father and Bush were seeking re-election and all those anti-gay marriage amendments were part of the 2004 election landscape, Ms. Cheney was silent. She could have spoken out against these initiatives either publicly or privately because her father's party was relegating her and her partner to second-class citizenship. Who would have blamed her? Fearing such potentially damaging publicity, especially from someone who was actively working on the campaign, the GOP clearly was in prevent-defense mode by making her virtually invisible during the 2004 Republican Convention.

But her silence was deafening until…she emerged on a bookselling tour to make Mary Cheney rich. That was the moment she decided to publicly come out for marriage equality safely after the election. Here is where opportunism, greed and hypocrisy intersect. David Letterman called her out on this while she was a guest on his show. He asked that important question: why wait for the book tour? She was befuddled, and couldn't mumble a coherent answer while the audience cheered at an ear-splitting level.

This wasn't a matter of Mary Cheney's coming out of the closet as Ken Mehlman did; it was more about the timing of her "activism." Regardless, neither of these individuals came forward in time to do us any good, or in Mehlman's situation, to prevent any harm.

The more people that do come out of the closet, the better it is for us as we strive for equality and non-discrimination. Friends, neighbors, co-workers, business contacts, family members—all those touching our lives—are more apt to support us if they know us personally. This widens the circle of those affected by pro- and anti-gay policies so politicians are mistaken if they think it is limited strictly to the LGBT population. That is why we should welcome those who have taken that step.

But sometimes, as in the case of Ken Mehlman, the timing of the decision is more important than the decision itself.

www.SteveCharing.blogspot.com

Luke Clippinger and Mary Washington for House of Delegates

The City of Baltimore, the State of Maryland and the LGBT community would be best served if candidates Luke Clippinger and Mary Washington are elected to the House of Delegates. As progressive Democrats in Baltimore City, winning the primary on September 14 would almost certainly mean election in November.

Luke Clippinger, an assistant state's attorney in Anne Arundel County, is seeking to represent the 46^th District in the House of Delegates. The district encompasses such neighborhoods as Canton, Little Italy, Ridgeley's Delight, Brooklyn, Curtis Bay, Highlandtown, Butchers Hill, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Patterson Park, Otterbein and Locust Point.

Mary Washington, an Associate Director at an urban environmental education organization, is making her 2^nd attempt for Delegate in the 43^rd District. Included in that district are Charles Village, Waverly, Guilford, Morgan Heights, Lauraville, Montebello and Govans.

Both candidates are attractive, personable, engaging, competent and hard working. They have demonstrated to this newspaper their integrity as well as their willingness to roll up their sleeves to meet their constituents at every turn to explain their positions on safety, education, jobs and the environment.

The added bonus, of course, is that both Luke Clippinger and Mary Washington happen to be gay. Drawing from their personal experiences, they would bring to Annapolis first-hand knowledge and understanding of lgbt issues. Both are competing in districts that boast a significant LGBT population, so these constituents would be well represented.

Adding two LGBT legislators to join the ranks of Sen. Rich Madaleno, Del. Anne Kaiser, Del. Heather Mizeur and Del. Maggie McIntosh would bode well for lgbt citizens throughout the state. (Two more members of the lgbt community—Dr. Dana Beyer and Bonnie Cullison—are challenging Delegate seats in Montgomery County.)

The friendships, trust, and working relationships both Clippinger and Washington would generate among their colleagues would enable legislators to see gay individuals on a personal level, which could perhaps move them to be allies and support our initiatives. There remains much work to do in Annapolis with the two highest LGBT legislative priorities being marriage equality and transgender protections. Luke Clippinger and Mary Washington can only help give these initiatives a boost.

Both candidates have received endorsements from the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, Equality Maryland and the Stonewall Democrats of Central Maryland as well as other groups and organizations. They can now count Baltimore OUTloud as among those who strongly urge the citizens of Districts 46 and 43 to vote for Luke Clippinger and Mary Washington, respectively, on September 14.