At the Center of LGBTQ Frederick

On a recent cool Saturday morning, there was a flurry of activity at the public library on E. Patrick Street in the heart of the historic district in Frederick, Md.  Several people were lugging pamphlets, name tags, business cards, beverages and pastries into the library’s community room while others were setting up tables and chairs and preparing a Power Point presentation. 

Outside the building, one can peer through the famous spires of Frederick and see the autumn colors on Maryland’s mountains in the distant west.  The foliage may as well have been rainbow colors as the folks performing these tasks inside were getting ready for the 2^nd annual general meeting of the LGBTQ Frederick Center or simply The Frederick Center (TFC).

Fifteen years ago, the idea of a gay center here would have been considered unimaginable.  Alex X. Mooney, a virulently anti-gay conservative Republican from Frederick was elected to the state Senate in 1998 using, in part, a message warning voters of the “homosexual agenda.”  He once said, “Homosexual activists have managed to gain legal recognition as a minority, based solely on their lifestyle choices, through so-called ‘hate crimes’ and domestic partnership laws.”

Employing divisive rhetoric like that, Mooney was elected two more times, reaffirming Frederick’s conservative leanings, but with decreasing margins each time.  Yet, with the help of changing demographics and a solid push by Equality Maryland, Mooney was finally unseated in 2010 by pro-LGBT former Frederick Mayor Ron Young. 

Frederick County, an exurb of Washington D.C. and Baltimore—a distance roughly equidistant to both—has seen a growth in population of around 25 percent since 2000.  Much of this increase is attributed to an influx of young married white collar workers and professionals or singles moving into new housing developments.  Indeed, the median age in the county is seven years younger than the rest of the state.

With the arrival of younger, more educated residents, a less conservative tilt exists, but the political landscape has not shifted to the point where it is like Montgomery County or Baltimore City.  Brian Walker, the president of TFC board said while there has been progress inside Frederick especially due to the increasing number of affirming churches, “the attitude towards LGBT folks outside of Frederick has been spotty.”

Nonetheless, a pro-LGBTQ mindset is on the rise.  Although in 2012 Romney defeated Obama by a 50% to 47% margin in Frederick County, voters affirmed Question 6 on same-sex marriage by 2,400 votes or 51% to 49%.

With positive support in Frederick increasing, it is no small wonder that The Frederick Center emerged; yet it did so because its founder realized something was missing.   “I felt there was a need for an LGBTQ center in Frederick because of my experience,” says Austin Beach, 21, who is also the Executive Director of TFC. “As a young man discovering my identity I had no resources that were easily available to me and I felt firsthand how that affected me. I didn't want anyone else to go through that same process of feeling there was no one there to help them.”  In January 2012, TFC was born.

The annual meeting on October 19 drew about 25 people from in and around Frederick.  It began with a report from TFC’s treasurer Peter Brehm where he proudly announced that during this fiscal year that will end December 31, there has already been an exponential increase in the fledgling organization’s coffers.  “Most of the money came from Pride where about 1,000 attended and through donations by couples in the name of marriage equality,” he explained.

Maureen Connors and Cindie Beach (Austin’s mother) discussed TFC’s upcoming anti-bullying campaign that will include a presentation of the film Bully and panel discussions from a legal and mental health perspective. 

Cindie heads up TFC’s youth group where “over the past two years, there had been a total of 70 youth and of those, seven were at one time homeless.”  She also performed four suicide interventions. “To succeed, the youth must have a roof over their heads and food in their mouths,” Cindie says passionately.   “We need emergency housing and long-term housing for these kids and a support system in place. Some get thrown out for being LGBT and appear at my door.  It breaks my heart.”

A survey conducted at Frederick Pride, which takes place at Utica Park, indicated an overwhelming desire for TFC to be in the forefront of youth services.  Among the activities for the youth group are topical educational events, socials, games and discussions.  They meet weekly, mostly at the Grace United Church of Christ.

Although LGBTQ youth is a significant focus for TFC, there is still a desire to reach out to LGBT adults and try to get them involved. Katherine Jones chairs the Adult Services Committee where such activities as social events, bike rides, hiking, plays and brunches take place. 

Austin announced noteworthy progress in improving relations with the Frederick police and LGBTQ folks. Three training sessions on LGBTQ issues have occurred and more will come.  Topics to be raised include: parental abuse of LGBTQ children, searches and pat-downs, handling domestic violence cases, searches of gender-variant people and those transitioning. 

“The police are very forward-thinking due to efforts by current chief Tom Ledwell and Training Coordinator Lt. Dwight Sommers,” adds Cindie.  “They seek us out for sensitivity training.  Sommers wants to connect us with security personnel at Frederick Community College, Ft. Detrick, and others.”

Jackie Zirkin announced the formation of a sexual abuse survivor peer support group called Peaceful Connections.  A Facebook page with that name exists so that people can connect.

Keiden Bren Stamoulis briefly discussed Trans-Variant—a leading support services provider in Central Maryland for trans-variant individuals—followed by a Power Point presentation on gender roles and identity using the “Genderbread” diagram.  Later Keiden and Ahlea Gavin appeared on a panel moderated by Katherine Jones that discussed a range of transgender issues.

So much progress has already been made including writing bylaws, and more is on the way.  TFC is filing for 501(c)(3) status.  A directory of businesses in and around Frederick that are either LGBTQ-owned or -friendly is being developed.  Also, a directory for LGBTQ-friendly health services, gyms, dentists and physicians is being compiled.  And the group is thinking of partnering with businesses in such ventures as a gay wedding expo.

“I have been incredibly proud of all we have accomplished in the first couple years,” says Austin. “We are way ahead of where most organizations are expected to be at this point in our development and what we have managed to accomplish through the hard work of a dedicated local community is creating a solid foundation for an impressive presence in the local community.”

TFC does not have a permanent home as of yet.  They hold events in Frederick’s affirming churches and other pro-LGBTQ business establishments.  But that could change.  “I envision the center being a focal point of support, resources, and education for Marylanders LGBTQ community both inside, but especially outside of the DC and Baltimore areas,” Austin points out. “I hope to soon see us having our own space, offering transitional services, counseling, shelter space, etc. to the LGBTQ community and if all goes well, being on the forefront of LGBTQ advocacy in Maryland in the ever-growing area of Frederick.”

For more information about The Frederick Center, click here.

PHOTO: The Frederick Center’s leaders, from left: executive director Austin Beach, board members Diane Iñiguez, Rev. Dr. Robert Apgar-Taylor, Katherine Jones, Brian Walker, Cindie Beach, Maureen Conners and Peter Brehm

Revenge, Justice or Insanity in 'Death and the Maiden'



Photo: Ken Stanek Photography

Chilean playwright Ariel Dorfman felt compelled to write about his own experiences as a witness to the ghastliness of the General Augusto Pinochet dictatorship in his country from 1973-1990.   He penned Death and the Maiden in 1990 to convey those horrors, especially the effects on the minds of the victims stemming from the torture and rape of political prisoners. 

Death and the Maiden first appeared in London in November 1990.  The original Broadway production opened at the Brooks Atkinson Theater in New York on March 1992 and ran for 159 performances. It was directed by Mike Nichols and starred Glenn Close, Gene Hackman and Richard Dreyfuss. 

The play, as part of the Audrey Herman Spotlighters Theatre’s 52^nd season, is a potent psychodrama that under the direction of Anthony Lane Hinkle and the sterling cast consisting of Kate Falcone, Steven Shriner and Mark C. Franceschini, keeps the audience spellbound throughout and wondering what will happen next—even following the play’s denouement.

For full review, visit MD Theatre Guide.

An Interview with Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

“We must be diligent in protecting all people”



With the Mayor at the 2012 Creating Change Conference

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake has been a longtime ally to Baltimore’s LGBT community. From her proclamations in support of LGBT Pride to her staunch backing of marriage equality, the Mayor has consistently been there for us.  She recently won an ICON award at Baltimore Black Pride’s 11^th annual gala in recognition of her contributions to the LGBT community. 

The Mayor has graciously set aside time from her busy schedule to speak with Gay Life on a wide range of issues.  They include: performing the first same-sex wedding ceremony in Baltimore,  homelessness among LGBT youth, non-discrimination based on gender identity and expression, her thoughts on the upcoming Transgender Day of Remembrance, bullying in schools, what the city is doing to help curb the HIV/AIDS epidemic and a personal message to our community.

Steve Charing: Madam Mayor, on October 12 you received special recognition from Baltimore Black Pride as part of the organization’s 11^th annual ICON Awards gala.  How do you feel about that honor?

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake: As an avid supporter of the LGBT community and a champion for equal rights for all, I am extremely humbled to have received the ICON award. It gives me great pleasure to be the first elected official to attend Baltimore Black Gay Pride.  It’s important for the LGBT community to know that they have the support of their government and political leaders, who took an oath to defend the rights and freedoms of every citizen.  I take that oath seriously and I’m very humbled to know the community is appreciative of those efforts.  I look forward to working in partnership to accomplish much more.

SC:  You have been one of the most popular elected officials among the LGBT community—from your recognition of and your participation in Pride celebrations to your unwavering support of marriage equality.  Was there any one person or event that led to your involvement in our community?

MSRB: The concept of civil rights for all was instilled in me from a very young age. It is an innate part of me and has made me the person who I am today. It was and still is, a part of my family’s belief system. If any person's rights are being denied based on race, creed, ethnicity, gender identification and expression, sexual orientation, age, disabilities, religious beliefs, or national origins, then it affects all of us.

Marriage Equality ensures that our LGBT brothers and sisters can express their love in the same way as everyone else. I applaud Maryland residents for voting for Marriage Equality. Hopefully, we can inspire other states across our great nation to do the same.

SC:  How fulfilling was it to you to have officiated one of the first, if not the first, same-sex marriage ceremony at City Hall on New Year’s Eve?

MSRB: Words cannot express my feelings. I was beyond elated to officiate the City’s first official same-sex marriages at midnight on New Year’s Day in City Hall. It was beautiful, amazing, loving, and gave me a sense of pride knowing that same-sex couples, including one of my staff members and his significant other, were able to be married legally. It was an historic moment in my career that I will always cherish.

SC:  Even with the success of achieving marriage equality, there is clearly more work to be done.  One such problem is the issue of homelessness among LGBT youth.  There is strong evidence that LGBT youth comprise a disproportionate number of all homeless youth with many of these being rejected by family members because of who they are.  What steps can the city take to address this issue?

MSRB: It breaks my heart, in general, to know about the many challenges that our homeless residents face. It is even more heart breaking when it involves our LGBT youth. They face extra challenges, such as being rejected by their own families like you mentioned. My administration is aware of the many barriers that they face and we are working to create a safe place where youth can receive services, as there are several non-profit agencies willing to collaborate with the City to help address the concerns of our LGBT homeless youth. I look forward to these collaborations to meet this urgent and critical need here in Baltimore.

My Administration is focused on ending homeless in Baltimore all together. I am excited to have Adrienne Breidenstine join my team recently as the director of The Journey Home, Baltimore’s 10-year plan to end homelessness. It is my desire that everyone have a roof over his or her head each and every night.

SC:  In addition to potential rejection by family members, a good number of LGBT youth experience harassment and bullying.  Baltimore City Public Schools has a mechanism in place to curtail bullying.  Are there any other measures that can be implemented to alleviate this problem?

MSRB: I believe that knowledge is power. I think that much can be gained by taking the time to educate people that are not accepting of the culture because they are merely unfamiliar with it. Having been a public defender for 10 years, I know that we must be very diligent in protecting all people, especially our youth who suffer discrimination and abuse because of their sexual identity. We must continue to change people’s attitudes. My Administration will continue to work to ensure respect and dignity for all.

SC:   In 2002 Baltimore City was the first of four jurisdictions in the state to enact protections based on gender identity and expression.  It appears that the experience in Baltimore and the three counties has not been problematic for the public.  How can we use this experience to achieve a statewide law?

MSRB: Hopefully, other counties in Maryland can look at Baltimore City and the counties that followed our lead as prime examples of the importance to protect all of our residents. Too many people have been denied the right of being treated with fairness and dignity because of gender identity and expression. I have faith that once people recognize the many positive contributions of the community, local and state laws will reflect a positive change toward equality.

SC: The 15^th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance is coming up on November 20.  As you know, it began as a memorial to trans woman Rita Hester who was murdered in 1998 and now it serves to memorialize those who have died at the hands of anti-transgender hatred and violence.  Please share your thoughts on this occasion.

MSRB: Transgender Day of Remembrance is extremely important. It gives transgender individuals and LGBT community advocates an opportunity to raise public awareness about this special group of people, bring attention to crimes against them and honor the memories of those whose lives ended due to issues relating to their sexual identity or expression. Transgender people deserve love and respect. Therefore, each year on November 20^th, I take time to think about and honor the victims of violence rooted in hate.

SC: Recognizing there has been progress in combating HIV, the epidemic continues.  Given the climate of tight budgets, what more can the city do to stem the tide of HIV?

MSRB: That's a great question. It's 2013 and we still face many challenges in combating HIV here in Baltimore City and across the globe. The Baltimore City Health Department, along with numerous non-profit agencies, has been doing a tremendous job of reaching out to our most vulnerable communities. Highly accessible mobile testing centers provide free and confidential testing throughout the City. However, we still have a lot of work ahead of us. Government alone cannot do it. With the support of the community leaders, the faith-based community and caring residents, we can win the fight. Just like the Phoenix Bird, we will rise again and beat HIV!

SC: In light of our achievements politically, the growing movement towards acceptance in our society and the problems that still need to be solved, what message would you like to send to Baltimore’s LGBT community?

MSRB: First of all, I want to applaud the LGBT community for their perseverance and strength to withstand the challenges they face on a daily basis. The LGBT community inspires and gives me hope that our society can overcome fear and bigotry with love, compassion and understanding. Continue to be the beacon of strength. Together, we are strong. Apart we are weak. I know at the end of the rainbow, there is something more valuable than gold and that is love.

 

Tarnishing the Memory of Matthew Shepard

Courtesy of NPR

It’s been 15 years since the brutal murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay 21 year-old college student.  For those who do not recall this seminal event in the LGBT rights movement, Shepard was in the Fireside Lounge in Laramie, Wyoming on the night of October 6-7 when he met two young men, Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson. Apparently, Shepard told these men he was gay, and needing a ride, they offered to drive him home. 

McKinney and Henderson left the bar with Shepard, robbed, pistol whipped and tortured him at a field on the edge of town, and left him to die, tied up to a fence.  He was so badly battered and bloodied that the person who discovered Shepard 18 hours later, Aaron Kreifels, a cyclist, at first thought he was a Halloween scarecrow.   He died on October 12 , never regaining consciousness.
The belief was that this murder took place because of Shepard’s being gay.  McKinney at one point even used a “gay panic” defense during the subsequent trial asserting that he had been so shocked by Shepard’s alleged sexual advances, he was somehow not culpable.  Both convicted killers are serving life sentences.

We do not have to look too hard to find a silver lining through the dark clouds of hatred, bloodshed and death: this heinous crime led to the passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act that was signed into law in 2009 by President Obama.  In addition, many locales around the U.S. also expanded hate crime statutes to include sexual orientation.

The needed legislation was accomplished mainly through the tireless work of Shepard’s parents, Judy and Dennis, as well as by LGBT organizations and activists.  The rest of society saw the image of this fragile-looking young man and imagining his being beaten senseless by two jerks who seethed with hatred.  This horror felt by ordinary citizens enabled the law that President Obama strongly favored to be passed in Congress.  Fortunately, it was accomplished before the Tea Party crackpots were voted in the following year.

This 15^th anniversary of the murder was supposed to be a poignant remembrance of the tragedy, a reflection on the hatred and violence that LGBT people have faced and continues to face at the hands of virulent and ignorant haters.  And yet, we note that not all of society has fully embraced tolerance of gays or the facts of history for that matter.  In the latter case, it is simply denial, and it’s used for political purposes.

Earlier in the month, while presenting The Laramie Project—a widely produced play about Matthew Shepard—at the University of Mississippi (better known as “Ole Miss” in the sports vernacular), some 20 athletes who were required to take a theater course, heckled the actors, calling them “fags” or “faggots” and insulting their body types.  This was an act of disrespect that was characterized by a faculty member as “borderline hate speech.”  The heckling was ironically disheartening given what The Laramie Project is all about.

“I was disappointed to see that a number of Ole Miss football players and others in the audience decided to interrupt a performance of the play using anti-gay slurs,” Judy Shepard told Queerty. “Using hate-filled words to interrupt a play about anti-gay hate is a sad irony that only reminds me of the work we at the Matthew Shepard Foundation and each of us as individuals must undertake to help stop hate.”

Though a single apology representing the students did not come off as sincere, driving one of the actors to tears, the school has taken steps to rectify the situation. The Chancellor and Athletics Director issued a joint statement pledging that the individuals involved will be “held accountable.” They concluded by saying: “On behalf of our 22,000 students, our faculty, and our staff, we apologize.” 

Officials see this incident as a learning experience.  “We will be engaging our student-athletes with leaders on the subject of individuality and tolerance, so we can further enforce life lessons and develop them to their fullest potential,” they said in a statement. 

Ole Miss has just celebrated LGBTQ month and held a Pride celebration as well.  The reaction to the incident and the measures taken should not to be shrugged off given the university’s less than stellar history with civil rights. 

Another stain on Matthew Shepard’s memory was the release last month of The Book of Matt: Hidden Truths About the Murder of Matthew Shepard by Stephen Jimenez.  He was the producer of the ABC News program 20/20 segment that aired in 2004 that claimed that Shepard’s murder was not because of his sexual orientation but rather a drug-related robbery that went violent.

The book revived and amplified those claims, which are contrary to the generally accepted version of events. Additionally, Jimenez claimed that Shepard and at least one of his killers (McKinney) had been occasional sexual partners.  Of course, many people have discounted Jimenez’s version citing McKinney’s earlier “gay panic” defense.

Seizing an opportunity to rail against gays, radio host and Fox News contributor Sandy Rios on October 12 spoke at the Values Voter Summit in Washington spouting anti-gay rhetoric.   She regurgitated the right-wing myth contained in Jimenez’s book by labeling Shepard’s murder “a total fraud” and that the murder was being used by liberals to foster acceptance of gay people by society.

There have been some reports that Matthew Shepard had been involved with drugs and that he may have known McKinney.  However, none of that was brought up at the trial.  I will continue to go with the police investigators and prosecutors that Shepard’s brutal murder was an act of hate based on his sexuality and I won’t allow revisionists or right wing extremists besmirch his memory.

To read more about discrediting  Jimenez’s version of history, visit here.

Federal Workers are Victims, Not Villains

Letter Published in Oct. 5, 2013 Edition of the Baltimore Sun

Dan Shannahan’s letter (“Federal workers shouldn’t complain about shutdown,” October 2) is as ignorant as it is callous.Writing that federal workers receive Flag Day as a holiday is blatantly incorrect and the Sun should not be publishing such a falsehood.  At least he didn’t mention Halloween.

Yet, I’m curious to know what he means by “all the federal holidays they enjoy that the civilian work force doesn’t get.”  Is he referring to New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc? The private work force does not get to enjoy those holidays along with federal workers?  He brings up, along with Flag Day, Presidents Day, Columbus Day and Veterans Day. While it is true that most private sector businesses do not treat those occasions as holidays for employees, the fact is that many do.

More to the point and what is disturbing most about Mr. Shannahan’s letter is his cavalier attitude about federal workers’ losing a few days’ pay.  It is more likely than not that the shutdown will last two weeks or more, not a few days.

Maybe Mr. Shannahan has oodles of money to endure such a hardship, but most federal employees have families with many sending their kids to college, have mortgages and must deal with myriad other expenses that yes, even the private sector must confront.  Losing that much income would be problematic for a significant number of these workers – a situation they did not cause.

And perhaps someday Mr. Shannahan will actually need the services federal employees can provide. I’m betting he already has.

Steve Charing

Clarksville

Mount Vernon's Safety Net

“The door to safety swings on the hinges of common sense.”—Author Unknown 

In the aftermath of a car slamming into a pickup truck containing white paint and then immediately the exterior of Grand Central on September 16, passions bubbled to the surface concerning safety in the Mount Vernon neighborhood.  Folks on both sides of the issue did not hesitate to register their opinions on blogs, Facebook and other social media.

Some allege the neighborhood with its sizable LGBT population that includes five gay bars (earning the moniker “Gayborhood”), several cultural venues, and a host of shops and restaurants, is becoming more and more unsafe while others don’t see a problem.  It’s an emotional tug-of-war with perceptions, rather than facts, driving the debate.

Let’s start with the episode that triggered the latest round of hand-wringing over safety.  This unfortunate, rather freakish incident, which inflicted extensive damage to the bar’s entrance and patio, could have occurred anywhere.  Grand Central was clearly not targeted; it just happened to be located at the point where the accident took place.  

On that Monday night at around 9:30, there weren’t many customers inside and luckily no one at the time was sipping drinks on the outside patio, which is otherwise very popular on weekends. Accordingly, the only injuries sustained (and they were minor) were to the drivers of the vehicles involved.  Everyone else was safe and the building’s repair work is well underway. The odds of a repeat occurrence are probably equal to or less than being hit by lightning.

Of course, Mount Vernon had been the scene of several high profile crimes over the past year or so.  The most significant that comes to mind is the double shooting on August 10 of last year in front of the Empire House Bed and Breakfast on East Chase Street whereby a gay man, Joseph Alexander “Alex” Ulrich Jr., died and another, Leon Peterson, was critically wounded.  The shooting took place just before 4 a.m., and police determined the motive to be robbery.

That incident plus the garden variety of lesser crimes don’t make the neighborhood generally unsafe.  Indeed, indications are that Mount Vernon has a lower crime rate than most other areas in the city.  That doesn’t call for complacency, however, as crime does and will continue to occur.

Acknowledging that probability, a safety net has been put in place.  The Mount Vernon Belvedere Association (MVBA), a neighborhood community organization, maintains a vigil with its Citizens on Patrol program or COP. 

“MVBA with our partner, Midtown Community Benefits District, continues to provide safety patrols throughout our neighborhoods by hiring off-duty police officers to ride with citizens on segways,” explains Jason Curtis, president of the MVBA.  “This COP program is very beneficial, and there are statistics which show this program has reduced crime in our neighborhoods by some 80 per cent over the past few years.”

Curtis adds, “Anyone interested in participating in the COP program should contact me at safety@mvba.org to arrange segway training then sign up for actual rides.”

The Baltimore City Police Department is also keeping a watchful eye on the Mount Vernon district.  Lieutenant Eric Kowalczyk, who is the liaison between the LGBT community and the city’s police, noted there have been an increase in foot patrols and surveillance in the neighborhood.  “It’s not because there is more crime,” he points out. “Mount Vernon is considered very important to the city.”

Both Lieutenant Kowalczyk and Jason Curtis agree that Mount Vernon, despite incidences of crime, continues to be a safe, pedestrian friendly place for residents, students, visitors and tourists.  “Mount Vernon, and more broadly Baltimore City, is no different than any other larger city in the U.S.A.,” says Curtis.  “One must always be aware of their surroundings and one must report any suspicious activity to 9-1-1.”

While there have been a few specifically targeted cases of violent crime, a majority of the crime in Mount Vernon continues to be cell phone robberies and auto larcenies.  “Pedestrians not paying attention to their surroundings or individuals sitting at bus stops texting have become easy targets by having their phones snatched,” says Curtis.  “Everyone is vulnerable, and the best way to prevent such an event is to be alert and know who is around you.”

MVBA will continue to work with the Baltimore Police Department to be as proactive as possible in communicating events that happen within the neighborhood.  Police representatives attend all of the MVBA meetings, which are held the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at The Belvedere.

Indeed, this safety net in Mount Vernon provided by the COP program and the police can only work if the citizens exercise common sense.  The best suggestion is not to be incapacitated by being intoxicated or high.  You lose reaction time, become oblivious of the surroundings and could be seen as vulnerable to a would-be mugger.

You should travel in pairs or in a group, if possible, and venture down well-lit sidewalks, continually being observant.  Curtis advises residents to close and lock their windows when they are not home.  “It is that time of year when we open our windows to get fresh cool air and often forget to close our windows before leaving for work or school,” he says.

Marty Hoegg, a 25 year-old resident of Pasadena, Md. visits the area regularly. “I haven’t ever felt not-safe in Mount Vernon but I’m also smart about traveling in groups and staying away from isolated areas,” he says.  “Don't look like you're lost and keep your guard up.  Pay attention to your surroundings.”

Iron Crow’s Dark, Eerie Apartment 213

Will Manning as the Victim and Joseph W. Ritsch as Jeff

“Hi, I’m Jeff.  Can I buy you a drink?  I’d like to take your picture…of poses and stuff.  I can pay $50.”

These were the pick-up lines that serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer used in bars around Milwaukee to lure young men back to his apartment.  The Iron Crow Theatre Company’s presentation of Apartment 213, currently playing at the Theatre Project, repeats those lines throughout Joseph W. Ritsch’s intense one-hour drama.  Apartment 213 has been brought back by Iron Crow with the same cast and director following a successful run in July 2011.  

Under the direction of Stephen Nunns, the play attempts to examine the dark, inner psyche of Dahmer using multi-media, imagination and proficient acting that raises more questions as to Dahmer’s motives than it answers.

For full review, visit MD Theatre Guide.

Photo: Daniel Ettinger

OUT in the Stands



GLoW folks are looking to fill the section next year

The Washington Blade recently devoted a special issue on sports and how they relate to the LGBT community.   It was guest-edited by former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and staunch gay rights advocate Brendon Ayanbadejo.  The effort covered all the bases—literally—and provided excellent insight into how the sports environment is changing in a positive way towards acceptance of LGBT athletes.

Of course, no active gay male athlete has come out in the four major professional team sports—baseball, football, basketball and hockey.  The closest was NBA player Jason Collins, who came out last spring, but he’s a current free agent, and no team has yet to sign him.  Others have come out after they had retired.

The biggest impediment, some theorize, for the reluctance of gay players to come out while still playing is the expected media attention.  I believe that would pose a problem but should vanish in short order as the novelty wears off. 

With most of these pro sports establishing anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, the feeling is that the athletes would accept a gay teammate.  Some individual players and representatives of management have vocally stated their support for a gay teammate with the point being made, if you can help the team win, that’s all that matters.

Unquestionably, there would be some negative reactions towards a gay player from fans, and it would not matter where it originates, defying conventional wisdom.  For instance, there are plenty of homophobes in New York City and Boston—two liberal strongholds—and solid support for LGBT rights in Atlanta and Dallas of the “red states” category.

Prejudice against a potential openly gay professional athlete is less likely considering there is more general acceptance of LGBT people.  This shift in attitudes, led by the younger generation and an increase in support from minorities, has culminated in significant LGBT political victories especially on the marriage front.  It’s becoming less and less cool to outwardly display homophobia, and the perpetrator will likely be called out on it.

 

Seizing upon this trend, many major league baseball teams have instituted “Nights Out at the Ballpark” events to market to LGBT fans.  Typically, the special night is announced on the stadium’s message board, the national anthem is performed by an LGBT or LGBT-friendly artist(s), and the ceremonial first pitch is tossed by a local representative of the community.

These LGBT events at major league ballparks have taken place over the years in such cities as San Francisco, Boston, Washington, D.C., San Diego, Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, St. Louis and Toronto.  The Los Angeles Dodgers has announced their first “gay night” to take place on September 27 that will feature a special guest performing with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles.

And the Seattle Mariners became the first major league team to fly a Pride flag at a major league stadium this past June. Rebecca Hale, Director of Public Information for the Mariners, told Seattle Out & Proud, “We're a part of this community. Our fans are a reflection of our community. We thought this was an appropriate gesture on a day that is very meaningful to the LGBT community.”

These events are so successful that the Washington Nationals staged two Nights Out this year with each drawing over 2,000 LGBT fans in the group.  But as one of the writers in the Blade sports issue correctly jabbed, Baltimore Orioles LGBT fans are still waiting.

As part of Pride festivities in June and serving as a modest fundraiser, the GLCCB through Facebook quickly assembled a group of about 40 to see the Orioles play the Angels. This was not a team-sanctioned event as far more tickets would need to be sold and more time for planning and publicizing would have to take place.  But it was done well and a good beginning.

Recently, a new Orioles fan page was formed on Facebook called “GLoW Orioles Fans Games Group” (facebook.com/groups/GLoW.OriolesGamesGroup).   It consists of friends—“gay, lesbian, or whoever”—who will get together for various Baltimore Orioles home games throughout the season.  The page was launched by gay activist and Baltimore resident Mike Bernard.

 “The idea for this group was inspired by a get together on July 12 when the Orioles played the Toronto Blue Jays,” Bernard explained. “We had so much fun together that we did not want to leave...and oh, yeah, the Orioles won that night, too.”  Paul D. Sanders from Staten Island, NY encouraged Bernard to start a “gay” Orioles group page, similar to his G-Mets group and other gay team pages.

The first outing after the page was created occurred on September 9 against the Yankees—the only win for the Orioles that series.  Ten from GLoW attended the game.  Though the Orioles’ chances for a 2013 post-season are sputtering, the group’s enthusiasm has not dimmed.  The next GLoW game is September 24 vs. the Blue Jays. 

Nonetheless, it would be great if, say, the GLCCB organizes a team-sanctioned “LGBT Night Out with the Orioles” with high visibility and full ceremonies.  I was told by a representative from the Orioles group tickets office, it would require a minimum of 1,500 tickets sold. 

A tough challenge to be sure.  But it’s high time that Baltimore joins the growing list of cities whose baseball teams hold such events. It doesn’t have to be the GLCCB doing the heavy lifting but they’re in a good position to make it happen. 

Baltimore should showcase its proud LGBT community with its big win on marriage equality as well as its love for sports.  Why not do so at Oriole Park at Camden Yards?

 

Hooray for 'Animal Crackers' at Center Stage

©Richard Anderson

“It’s hard to overstate the genius of the Marx Brothers,” says Center Stage Artistic Director Kwame Kwei-Armah during rehearsals for Animal Crackers. “This is high-flying, laugh-a-minute lunacy at its best, and I can’t wait to see families and kids of all ages come together to enjoy this remarkable musical comedy.” 

He was right on the money.  This one is a doozey that induces eye-tearing laughter from soup to nuts.  Opening its 51^st season, Center Stage brought to its Pearlstone theater stage the old Marx Brothers-led madcap musical comedy Animal Crackers.  The seemingly timeless production with music and lyrics by Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby and a book by George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind opened in 1928 towards the end of the vaudevillian era.  When sound pictures were gaining popularity, it was filmed as a movie in 1930.

For full review, visit MD Theatre Guide.

MTV's Role in LGBT Acceptance

Macklemore performing ‘Same Love’ at VMA’s

It’s a pity that Miley Cyrus’ near pornographic twerking, tongue and finger movements received so much attention following the recent MTV’s Video Music Awards extravaganza.  It overshadowed Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, and Justin Timberlake’s stunning performances and the fleeting reunion with the latter’s fellow ‘N Sync pals, as well as other highlights from the show. 

Also driven to the background by Cyrus but of significance to the LGBT community were the poignant remarks made by Seattle rapper Macklemore (Ben Haggerty) following his and producer Ryan Lewis’ receiving the award for Best Video with a Social Message for the gay anthem “Same Love” and the subsequent performance of the hit single.

“To watch this song in the last year spread across the world is a testament to what is happening right now in America on the forefront of equality,” said Macklemore while accepting his statue. “Gay rights are human rights, there is no separation.”  The video has over 70 million hits on You Tube alone.

Macklemore told The New York Times he composed “Same Love” in March 2012 after reading an article about a bullied gay teenager who committed suicide.  It was recorded during Washington State’s referendum battle for same-sex marriage to promote marriage equality, and it also condemned homophobia in hip hop, society and the mainstream media.  

“I just wanted to hold myself accountable and hold hip-hop accountable and bring up an issue that was being pushed under the rug,” Macklemore said. The video calls out other hip-hop artists for using gay slurs and religious leaders for refusing to support marriage equality.

As a straight man, he said he also wanted to show his support for his two gay uncles and his gay godfather. Indeed, the cover artwork for the single features a photograph of Macklemore’s gay uncle and his partner.

Jason Collins, the NBA player who came out earlier this year as gay, introduced the duo who performed the song with singer Mary Lambert and surprise guest Jennifer Hudson—another highlight-worthy moment in the show.

The MTV Music Video Awards has always been edgy and there were memorable moments for gay folks to enjoy throughout its run.  Remember 10 years ago the Madonna-Britney-Christina kiss?  Or last year, there was the recently out Frank Ocean singing “Thinkin Bout You”.  Or Ricky Martin, Ru Paul, Pet Shop Boys, Cher—the list goes on.

The point is, MTV, which debuted on August 1, 1981, has continually provided a platform for LGBT rights advocates and produced numerous shows with LGBT characters.  While the network has changed its format from wall-to-wall videos to a bevy of reality TV shows, it maintained its social consciousness especially in the LGBT sphere and included such related issues as bullying and teen suicide. 

Consequently, MTV in 2010 became the first network ever to receive an “Excellent” rating in GLAAD's Network Responsibility Index report.  GLAAD is the principal organization that works directly with news media, entertainment media, cultural institutions and social media.

From the early years of MTV’s iconic series The Real World, LGBT characters were a part of every installment.  That included the sad but inspiring journey of Pedro Zamora, a gay man in 1994 San Francisco who courageously came out to his housemates and to the world that he had HIV/AIDS and his brave but losing battle to live with the disease. 

The series depicted other LGBT folks with the same issues, personal problems, strengths, weaknesses, dreams, and the need for love as their straight counterparts.  Some were wonderful beings; others were loathsome— a mix that you would ordinarily find in straight America.

The True Life series on occasion discussed realities of LGBT life.  One episode in 2003 featured a gay teacher in Texas and in 2004 same-sex couples getting married.  In 2012 the network co-sponsored two specials for the “It Gets Better” project.  This past year, they also included a gay man struggling to come out as HIV positive in their special “I’m Positive,” which earned a Daytime Entertainment Emmy nomination.

The scripted show Awkward has two featured gay characters, and America’s Best Dance Crew has gay competitors.  Teen Wolf also includes two openly gay characters with a dose of homoerotic imagery and dialogue.  The straight characters shrug it off. 

The upshot of this LGBT-inclusive programming is that positive images of LGBT folks have been delivered to an entire generation since the early 1990’s.  The sitcom Will and Grace has been largely credited for allowing America’s heartland to view gays as normal, everyday people with the same problems and joys as the rest of the country.  When LGBT people are portrayed in that light, there is more acceptance on the part of the larger population making the environment more comfortable for LGBT folks to come out.  That puts a real human face on what was once considered abstract.

What MTV has done and continues to do is casting a positive light on LGBT people for a younger generation; the impressions on LGBT teens cannot be overstated.  It is no coincidence that issues, such as marriage equality, receive the highest level of support from teens and young adults.  And I wonder how many young LGBT lives have been saved by the positive reinforcement of MTV’s programming.    

“MTV has a long history of sharing groundbreaking and diverse portrayals of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people that help Americans understand our community,” said GLAAD spokesperson Wilson Cruz in response to my inquiry. “When other networks have shied away from stories that showcase the diversity of the LGBT community, MTV has been known to boldly discuss LGBT issues as well as include LGBT people of color and transgender people.”

The Video Music Awards and the platform it offers to pro-LGBT artists adds on to the already great body of work by MTV and keeps the momentum going on the side of equality and justice.  Thankfully, young people are influenced by this, and they represent our future.

The Right to BARE Arms

Just after midnight on September 1, Bob and I decided on the spur in the moment to stop by Maryland Live! Casino at Arundel Mills.  As I walked through the door, a “guard” at the door asked me to stop.  I thought for a second that I had dropped my bulging wallet containing cash that I was about to donate to the state of Maryland’s coffers over the next two hours or so. 

Instead, she said I cannot go in wearing the shirt I had on.  I asked, ‘what?’  She said that I needed to wear another shirt.  I told her I didn’t have another shirt and asked what’s wrong with this?  She said you can’t go in wearing a sleeveless shirt.  I said, ‘Bull----!  Look what those people inside are wearing (pointing to a few wearing dirty tee shirts and a woman also in a sleeveless shirt).”  I asked her if I look less neat then them?  She asked if I would want to speak to her supervisor and I answered in the affirmative.  Then she told me to stand to the side.

A few minutes later a man came over and asked me what the problem is.  I told him that she was preventing me from entering the casino.  He asked if I had read the dress code.  I responded by asking where is it.  He said it’s on the website.  I told him this was an impromptu visit and didn’t consider checking the website prior to coming in. 

We argued further when I told him this is discriminatory and that I referred to a woman in a sleeveless shirt already inside.  He asserted that women’s clothing is different from men’s.  (At least I learned something new out of all this.)  In other words, women’s arms can show but not a man’s.

He then ordered me to leave under the implied threat of having me arrested, humiliating me in front of a lot of people who were entering and leaving the premises so I exited, promising I would never be back.

I’ve been to casinos all over the country including the surrounding states of West Virginia and Delaware wearing sleeveless shirts—my favorite summer apparel—and never once being refused admission.  On this night, a hot one, I was wearing a clean, rather new light blue tank top (pictured), white shorts, white baseball cap and sandals.  I never thought of myself as a GQ model, but I immodestly believed I looked better than 90 percent of the men whom I saw inside and probably half of the women and would not cause such a distraction to keep people from losing their money.

Other than a capricious, arbitrary dress policy that contains racist and sexist innuendoes and an anti-Muslim, anti-Semitic tinge to it, there was no basis to refuse my entry and causing the embarrassment I received. The arbitrary nature is demonstrated at the beginning of the policy: “Management reserves the right to refuse entry to any person, at any time, for any reason at their sole discretion.”

In the future I plan to patronize the more tolerant casinos in West Virginia, Delaware, Las Vegas, on cruise ships and elsewhere who would welcome my lost dollars with open and yes, bare arms.   I wind up losing my shirt anyway.

UPDATE:

The following letter was sent to both Maryland Live! Casino on September 5, 2013 and the Cordish Cos (parent company of Maryland Live) with no response.

To whom this may concern:

I am writing to advise you of a disturbing incident that occurred at Maryland Live! casino just past midnight on September 1.  My spouse and I made an impromptu decision to visit the casino.  As we walked through the doors and began my entrance to the slot machines, a guard stopped me and said, “You can’t go inside.”  I asked why and she said I can’t go in with the shirt that I had on.

I was wearing a clean, fairly new tank top as this was a particularly warm night.  I pointed to a woman inside who was also wearing a tank top—not a halter top or anything that is characteristically feminine—but almost the identical article of clothing I was wearing except for the color.  In fact, there were a number of other women in similar attire. The guard said that’s the policy and offered me an opportunity to speak with a supervisor.

A man came over in a few minutes and I explained that I was being prevented from entering.  He reiterated that’s the casino’s policy and I asked where is it posted.  He told me it’s on the website.  I pointed out that most people don’t routinely check the website prior to going to the casino.

This casino does not post dress codes at the entrances.  One cannot assume that every patron has Internet access, so right away there is a deficiency in the policy.  (There are many others especially in the arbitrary enforcement of the policy as I later checked the website but will not discuss them at this point.)

After a brief discussion, the guard ordered me to leave with the implied threat of arrest.  There was no profanity on my part, although I was particularly angry.  I was not drunk or disorderly.  There were no threats or abuse on my part either.  The discussion was relatively respectful given the circumstances except for the rejection. 

This was a most embarrassing experience as this ejection was heard and witnessed by dozens of patrons entering and leaving.  To be told in public, “You can’t go inside” is degrading to say the least.  In fact, I was asked to explain what happened to a bunch of people in the garage elevator, and they shook their heads.

In my entire life, I had never been kicked out of any public establishment much less a casino.  And for what?  Wearing a tank top?  It is blatantly unfair, if not discriminatory, that women wearing the same shirt I had on can participate in the gambling activities and I was not permitted. 

The shirt was clean and fresh, had no offensive language (it was plain), and clearly I presented to threat to the patrons or employees.  I could in no way prevent anyone from gambling.   This humiliating ejection was ridiculous and any reasonable person would see it that way.

Wearing sleeveless shirts is my choice of attire in the summer and has been for years.  I’m comfortable in them and I don’t look bad in them either as I work out regularly.  I have worn these type shirts in casinos in Las Vegas, Washington, Colorado, Mississippi, Atlantic City, New York, Delaware and West Virginia, and not once was I ever prevented from entering.  I go to casinos in the summer so I always wear these types of shirts.  Yet, only at Maryland Live! does this shirt pose a problem.

I recognize your need to establish a dress code as a matter of decency.  But a sleeveless shirt worn by a male who intends to sit and spend money at a slot machine for a couple of hours is no legitimate basis for rejection.  The better course of action in this particular case is for the guard/supervisor to issue a warning/reminder about the policy and allowed my admission.  It would have been a gesture that would indicate the casino’s management was interested in retaining patrons and a reflection of good customer service.  I’m willing to bet the gross for the entire night there would have been no complaints.

Steve Charing

Clarksville, MD

In Memoriam - Darren Manzella (August 8, 1977 – August 29, 2013)

In remembrance of Darren Manzella who was tragically killed in a traffic accident on Aug. 29, 2013 at the age of 36, below is a re-post of my article I wrote when he was a guest presenter at PFLAG- Howard County on November 11, 2008.



Darren Manzella

Outfitted in a sharply pressed dark suit and flashing a megawatt smile that illuminated his square jaw, former Sergeant Darren Manzella spoke before nearly 70 people at the Veterans Day meeting of Columbia/Howard County Chapter of PFLAG—Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.

Darren Manzella, 31, helped mark the event by sharing his personal story and discussing the impact of the travesty known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT)—the military’s policy that prohibits openly gay men and lesbians from serving in the Armed Forces.

Manzella is a Policy Advocate and Major Gifts Officer for the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, of which he had been a client for two years. His moving soft-spoken presentation was at times somber, but it was also sprinkled with a few humorous asides and anecdotes.

“I enlisted the U.S. Army in 2002 following the attacks of 9/11 when there was a nationwide wave of patriotism,” he told the audience. Manzella, a medic, eventually deployed to Iraq in 2004 where he provided medical coverage, emergency treatment and evacuation during more than one hundred 12-hour duties on the streets of Baghdad.

While under fire, he gave medical care to his fellow soldiers, Iraqi National Guardsmen and Iraqi civilians. His care during an attack in Iraq earned him the Combat Medical Badge, and he is also the recipient of several other awards recognizing his courage and duty to service in the war zone.

It was while Manzella was serving in the Army that he realized he was gay. Sgt. Manzella had come out first to his roommate, then his other friends, and finally to his parents. Eventually his fellow soldiers and superiors knew, and their reaction ranged largely from indifference to fully supportive.

But there were exceptions. Following threats of outing and a DADT investigation by his command, Sgt. Manzella wrote in a letter that, “I don't think most people can understand how hard it is to have to hide their true self; to have to pretend to be someone that they are not; to be scared that you'll be ostracized for being different; to be told that you're wrong if you live a certain life . . . that concerns no one else but yourself. . . . I am proud of myself and of the accomplishments I have achieved in my life.”

To his surprise, the investigation into his personal life was closed, and the Army deployed Sgt. Manzella later that year for a second tour of duty in the Middle East - again in Baghdad and then Kuwait.

After receiving word that Leslie Stahl of CBS News 60 Minutes wanted to interview him in Kuwait with regards to DADT, Sgt. Manzella was conflicted. He knew that telling his story on such a public stage would likely end the career he loved.

On the other hand, this was an opportunity to help other gay and lesbian service members by publicizing the discriminatory nature of the policy in an effort to gain public support for its repeal. He decided to go through with it; the interviewed aired in December 2007.

In March of 2008 his commander at Fort Hood, Texas informed Manzella, that he was being recommended for discharge under DADT. A copy of the 60 Minutes transcript was attached to the discharge recommendation. On June 10, 2008, Iraq War Veteran and Army Sergeant Darren Manzella was separated from the military with an Honorable Discharge.

The repugnant DADT policy is responsible for the discharges of 12,000 able service members since its inception in 1993. At a time when the military is actively recruiting those with sub-standard intelligence as well as felony records to meet enlistment quotas and beef up troop levels, fully competent patriotic gays and lesbians continue to be shown the door, which impacts our efforts in the war on terrorism. Nearly 800 specialists with critical skills, for example, have been fired from the military under DADT, including several linguists who speak Arabic.

And the costs of the policy are staggering. U.S. taxpayers have paid $250 million to investigate and root out patriotic servicemen and women under DADT and as much as $1.2 billion in lost recruiting and training costs.

But the issue will always be about discrimination. “DADT impacts all families who have gay children,” said PFLAG-Columbia/Howard County chapter chair Colette Roberts. “It's horrible being told your son or daughter who is trying to serve in the military is being treated like a second class citizen, hiding who they truly are.”

Darren Manzella, who now resides in Washington, D.C. working with SLDN to continue the fight for the repeal of DADT, is optimistic that an Obama Administration will take a serious look at the policy and try to gain consensus among the military’s brass. “Polls are showing greater acceptance of gays and lesbians openly serving in the military,” he pointed out. “It is the older generation in the military who is resistant to the change.”

Indeed, more than two-thirds of civilians support allowing gays to serve openly in the military. And despite the fear-mongering about unit morale, nearly 3 in 4 troops say they are personally comfortable serving side-by-side with gays and lesbians.

Those in the packed meeting room, which included some from the chapter’s Rainbow Youth Alliance, were captivated by the compelling personal journey traveled by Darren Manzella.

“Darren's story about a small town boy who joined the military to see the world only to become a man was truly inspirational,” said Sean McGovern, a member of the PFLAG chapter’s Advocacy Committee. “It struck me funny that the one institution that discriminated against him helped him realize who he truly was and that his fellow soldiers had become honorable men of tolerance with him.”

Nothing would vindicate Darren Manzella’s sacrifice more than the repeal of the ban and the liberation of his fellow gay brothers and sisters.

hocoblogs@@@

Mystery Solved: A Lively 'Drood' at Beth Tfiloh

If you ever wanted to be part of solving a murder mystery then you will have that opportunity if you attend the Beth Tfiloh Community Theatre’s production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood.  The “solve-it-yourself musical comedy” skillfully directed by Diane M. Smith, is playing through August 25 at the Mintzes Theatre/Rosen Arts Center located at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School.  Given the short run and the high quality of the production, you would be wise to get your tickets fast.

This five-time 1986 Tony Award-winning farce (including Best Musical) is based on the novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Charles Dickens.  The well-known English author died before he could complete this work, and a variety of writers and playwrights attempted to create their own endings to resolve the unfinished mystery.   

For full review, visit MD Theatre Guide.