Drag performer Sharon Needles, who was recently named the winner of the 4th season of the popular competition-style reality series, RuPaul’s Drag Race, appeared at Club Hippo on May 4. GL writer Daniel McEvily filed this report on the event.

How and when did Moveable Feast's garden come about?

I have a couple flower gardens and a vegetable garden—plus herbs in boxes on my deck. I like them all! I try to spend a little time in my garden every day—it's a refreshing time for me. I love to plant—HATE to weed! I love the spring, when things start to "show up." I know what is there but I am always a little surprised.

When I purchased the property, the side garden was a plot of overgrown grass and rat infestation. The brick wall had collapsed and the cast iron fence was stolen. The Historic Commission gave me permission to restore the wall and railing and to add another three feet to the height.

Raised in a small West Virginia town, Paul Fowler grew up gardening. "I've been gardening for as long as I can remember, probably since I was 8 or 9. So I've been doing it for 35, 40 years." He learned how to garden by approaching it hands-on as well as by talking to other gardeners. And he seeks opportunities to educate himself: Paul and Frank have gone on several trips that include tours of private gardens.

Alondra Sancheez, of Frederick, was crowned Miss Gay Maryland America in a ceremony held at the Hippo nightclub on April 23. Nine drag queens from across the state competed for the top prize.

Hola! Que ondas mis amigitos! Que tal? Mi nombre es Leah Munchita Mumford. I am what you call una perrita de la calle. Just your loveable street dog here.

Our pets are like family, and we want to keep them happy and healthy for as long as possible. But how do we make those noses wet and those coats soft and shiny? Here are some tips to keep your furry little friends purring and wagging.

They are what they eat. Good health starts at the food bowl. Everything from itchy skin to stinky breath to diabetes can be managed or avoided altogether simply by feeding healthy, high quality food. Look for foods with meat near the beginning of the ingredient list; beware of foods containing by-products, artificial preservatives, and fillers such as corn.

Keep those teeth pearly white. A dirty mouth can cause more than just stinky breath. It can also lead to lung, kidney, and heart disease. Try brushing your pet's teeth, giving them raw bones to chew on, or adding special additives to their water to keep those teeth bright and shiny.

Flea free is the way to be. A flea's favorite place to be is in an unhealthy coat. Fortify your pet's skin with essential fatty acids by adding salmon oil to their diet. That way their coat will be so nice those fleas won't even look twice at them. If you notice that your pet has fallen prey to those pesky fleas, there are numerous ways to make those buggers flee such as chemical-based topical treatments, diatomaceous earth, and products with neem, citronella, and clove oils.

Fight the battle of the bulge. It's estimated that 54 percent of American cats and dogs are overweight. Luckily there are lots of ways to beat obesity. Try replacing some of that high calorie kibble with canned food or vegetables, serve meals from food dispensing toys, and play, play, play. A hands-free leash can turn your dog into a running partner; laser pointers are a good way to get even the laziest cat up and running.

Break up the boredom. Most behavioral problems are a direct result of boredom. Keep both their mind and body active and occupied. Hiding treats in different locations around the house is a great way to appeal to a cat's hunting instincts. Take your dog for a walk in a new neighborhood, set up a play date with a doggie buddy, sign them up for an agility class, or get them some puzzle toys. They will love you for it and thank you with good behavior.

Howl is a natural pet store with foods, toys and supplies located in Hampden.
3531 Chestnut Ave • 410.235.2469
HowlBaltimore.com

In celebration of their mission to the gay and lesbian community, The First and Franklin Street Presbyterian Church is hosting a section of the AIDS Memorial Quilt. The 54-ton, handmade tapestry honoring more than 90,000 individuals lost to AIDS will be exhibited in Reid Memorial Chapel. The Quilt began with a single 3 x 6 foot panel created in San Francisco in 1987. Today, it is composed of more than 47,000 individual 3 x 6 foot panels, each one commemorating the life of someone who has died of AIDS.

Ronald, 23, is an African-American gay man from Baltimore. When he walks outside of his east Baltimore apartment building every day, he comes face to face with discrimination, rejection, and stigma. While he says these are tough "elements to his life," the toughest one yet is coming face to face with the reality that HIV adversely affects his community, his friends, and himself.

Hearts & Ears, a wellness and recovery center for the LGBT community in Baltimore, closed its doors on Pennsylvania Avenue in February and will reopen in May at a new Mt. Vernon location. The organization has been serving LGBT mental health consumers since Paula Lafferty founded it in 1998. Tony Wright, executive director of On Our Own of Baltimore, has been acting as temporary executive director for Hearts & Ears since December.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) have developed the top ten health issues lesbian and bisexual women, gay and bisexual men, and transgender people need to discuss with their providers. Among those issues is a high occurrence of and concern about breast cancer.

April has been National Poetry Month since 1996, when the Academy of American Poets initiated the celebration of poets and their writing. Gay Life recently spoke with two gay poets: David Bergman, professor of English and Cultural Studies at Towson University, and Reginald Harris, Poetry in the Branches Coordinator for Poet's House, a library and literary center in New York City.

5 Common Identity Theft/Tax Frauds

Identity Theft — Identity thieves obtain a taxpayer's identity and personal information to file a fraudulent tax return and claim a refund.

Despite the good news coming out of Annapolis this month, same-sex couples will remain separate and unequal compared to opposite-sex couples, at least in the eyes of the federal government.

As we close in on the 2011 filing deadline for individual tax returns, make sure you aren't missing out on key credits and opportunities that could reduce your tax burden. For some of these, it may be too late to take advantage in 2011, but keep them in mind for 2012!

Family Planning

1 — Tax Tips for Married Couples and Same-Sex Couples

Since DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) is still on the books, same-sex married couples are considered unmarried for federal tax purposes, regardless of state laws. Until this law is repealed, the federal tax advantages of filing jointly as a married couple are unavailable to same-sex married couples.

For example, when one (federally recognized) spouse earns all or most of the income, the higher-earning spouse's income is typically taxed at a lower rate, resulting in a lower tax bill. Also, because of the "marital deduction privilege," when one spouse dies, the surviving spouse can be left an unlimited amount free of estate taxes. While same sex couples cannot yet enjoy these tax benefits, they also don't have to…

Watch out for the "Marriage Penalty!" When both spouses earn healthy incomes, the married couple can end up with a bigger combined federal income tax bill than if they were still single. In this scenario, a married couple could benefit from filing separately. A same-sex couple that is considered married under state law could actually benefit tax wise from DOMA by being considered unmarried for federal tax purposes in this instance.

2 — Kids? Tax Tips for Adoption and Childcare

If you went through the process of adopting in 2011 (or are planning to in 2012) the IRS is allowing a refundable tax credit. You may also be eligible to claim an exemption for amounts paid to you, or for you by your employer, for adoption expenses under a qualified adoption assistance program.

Some qualified expenses include adoption fees; lawyer fees; travel, lodging, and meal expenses; and any other expense related to the process of adopting your child. The adoption credit is worth $12,650 in 2012, down from $13,360 in 2011.

Watch out for duplicating your claim. You cannot claim the tax credit and an exemption for the same expense.

If you have a young child in need of care while you, or you and your spouse, are looking for work or working, you may be entitled to a child care tax credit. The credit is calculated as a percentage of the expenses you paid to the person or business that took care of your child. The percentage is chosen based on your adjusted gross income.

3 — Tax Credits for Caring for Aging Parents

As the baby boomer generation ages, many of us will be caring for our aging parents in some capacity. There is help from the IRS in the form of tax exemptions. You or your significant other can claim an elderly parent or step-parent as a dependent as long as that person lived with you for the duration of the last year and was considered a member of your household. In 2011, the exemption is worth $3,700.

Watch out for your dependent's income. The gross income must be less than the amount of the exemption you are claiming. This includes social security and pension benefits.

Credits & Positive Karma

Giving back to the community, the less fortunate, or the environment goes a long way to evoke that "warm fuzzy feeling." Here are some good ways to help those around you and save money on your taxes.

4 — Charitable Donations

Donations of clothing, household items, or money to qualifying organizations can help lower the amount of your taxable income. Generally, as long as you itemize, you can deduct cash contributions and the fair market value of most property you donate.

Watch out because not all charitable organizations qualify. Visit IRS.gov for a list of qualifying organizations. Also, only contributions made during the tax year are deductible. For example, if you pledged an amount to a charity in 2011, but didn't contribute the full amount in that year, you can only deduct the amount you actually donated.

Contributions of over $250 require a written acknowledgement from the organization. Furthermore, for the donation of items valued at more than $500, you must complete IRS Form 8283. For contributions of noncash property valued at more than $5,000, you generally must obtain an appraisal.

5 — Energy-Efficient Home Improvement Credits

If you made improvements to your home's energy efficiency in 2011, you can potentially claim a federal income tax credit for qualified improvements, such as new windows, doors, insulations, roofs, and central air-conditioners. The credit is up to $500. If you claimed this credit in previous years, it will be subtracted from the $500 limit.

Watch out if you put off these improvements until this year (2012). At this point, there are no available credits for 2012 onward.

6 — Credits for Energy Efficient Property

However, if you are thinking about taking a bigger step at your residence than new windows or insulation, and installing qualified alternative energy equipment, such as solar hot water heaters, geothermal pumps, or wind turbines, there are federal tax credits available to you for 2012. The credit actually runs through 2016 and is worth 30 percent of the cost of the qualified property.

Watch out if you have multiple properties. The credit only applies to your principal residence.

7 — Energy Efficient Vehicle Credits

Thinking of purchasing an electric vehicle? The IRS is offering the Plug-In Electric Drive Vehicle Credit which qualifies all electric drive vehicles purchased in or after 2010. This credit, which runs through 2014, is currently worth between $2,500 and $7,500 depending on the battery capacity of your electric vehicle.

Watch out; this credit is not for hybrid vehicles. Also, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) begins phasing out the credit for individual manufacturers after they sell 200,000 of a vehicle model. Learn more about the credit values currently available at FuelEconomy.gov.

Protecting Your Nest Egg

There have been some messy trends in the economy in the last couple of years, and what better to motivate you to ensure a secure financial future? Here are a few tax tips to help you with your financial planning.

8 — Capital Gains Taxes

The stock market is doing some good things for us recently, and when you sell investments, you pay capital gains taxes. Long-term capital gains continue to be taxed at favorable rates through 2012, so now may be the time to make some moves in your portfolio. In 2012, middle- and higher-income investors are taxed at a maximum rate of 15 percent.

Watch out for Congress! It remains to be seen what Congress will do about the capital-gains increase in 2013 and, absent of any action, tax rates will go up.

9 — Qualified Retirement Plans

One quick strategy to reduce tax liability is to make a contribution to a traditional retirement account (IRA, 401(k), 403(b), SIMPLE IRA or SEP plan) and take advantage of the deductions.

The Retirement Savings Contributions Credit is designed to help low-to-moderate income workers save for retirement. You may qualify if your income is below a certain limit and you contribute to an IRA or workplace retirement plan, such as a 401(k) plan. The Saver's Credit is available in addition to any other tax savings that apply. For more information on Individual Retirement Arrangements visit IRS.gov.

Watch out for early withdrawal penalties! If you try to use the contributed money before the government considers you eligible, the tax penalty for an early withdrawal from your IRA is 10 percent, and you must also report your distribution to the IRS.

2012 and Beyond

Somehow, every year tax time manages to sneak up on us. While you're scrambling to pull together all of your records and documents for filing this year, why not make things easier on yourself going forward.

10 — Record Keeping

Here's a list of what documents to keep and for how long. If you are ever audited, you'll be grateful for this list!

Income Tax Returns and Related Items—Keep all federal and state income tax returns and supporting documents (i.e., those items confirming your income and/or deductions) for a minimum of three years after the return's filing date.

Mailing Receipts—Keep with your file copy of each tax return the U.S. Postal Service receipt—i.e., the registered mail receipt—showing the date the return was mailed. If your return is filed electronically, keep a copy of the electronic filing confirmation with a printed copy of the return.

Residential Property Records—Keep settlement records from all of your home purchases and sales in a safe place. In addition, keep records of the amounts that you spend for home improvements with this file.

Stock and Bond Records—Keep records of your investment (e.g., stock, mutual funds, and bonds) purchases.

Depreciation Records—For any rental real estate or depreciable business property that you own, keep records of the property's cost, the purchase date, the method used to calculate depreciation, and a schedule of all depreciation claimed on the property in previous years. Maintain these records until you sell or dispose of the property. Once you sell the property, keep these records with the tax return on which you report the sale.

Personal Records—Keep a permanent file of personal records—such as divorce agreements, copies of estate and gift tax returns under which you received property, etc.

Glass Jacobson is an accounting and wealth management firm with offices in Owings Mills and Rockville, Md. Glass Jacobson has redefined the accounting firm model by combining tax, accounting, and sophisticated wealth management services under one roof. This approach better coordinates all personal and business financial activities to optimize the financial success of clients.

This year's Women's History Month theme, established by the National Women's History Project (NWHP), is "Women's Education—Women's Empowerment." Learn more at NWHP.org. Throughout Women's History Month, there are ample opportunities to meet and learn about women being honored for their achievements and contributions to our society.

March is Women's History Month, a time to reflect upon and honor women. Do you have role models and "sheroes" in the LGBTQ community? Sheroes are the She Heroes in your life, in the state, in our nation, and in the world.

Marty was a member of the Finance Committee of the Gay Community Center of Baltimore (now the GLCCB) in the late 1970s. He currently volunteers at the Center two days a week, and contributes to the Dining Out column in Gay Life.

A new report from Caring and Aging with Pride, the "first national federally funded project to examine LGBT aging and health," reveals some startling facts about our community elders.

Christmas just ended, but there's another gift-buying season right around the corner. The best thing about Valentine's Day, however, is that it really is the thought that matters. (People lie about that at Christmastime, ya know.) To help you pick the perfect gift for your sweetie this Valentine's Day, here's our list of wallet-friendly but sometimes still-frisky ideas that he or she will love to unwrap.

The Past is Prologue for Baltimore Heritage

There is queer history contained in the city buildings we drive, bike, or walk past on a daily basis, but most of us don't know it. Now, a local historic and architectural preservation organization is delving into the stories of Baltimore's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community members, and featuring noteworthy locations through a walking tour.

"At Baltimore Heritage, we believe in preserving Baltimore buildings that tell the history of the city," said Phillip Lovett, who joined the 52 year-old nonprofit organization as a Baltimore City Neighborhood Fellow. Lovett, a graduate student at the University of Maryland's School of Social Work, was attracted to the mission of Baltimore Heritage and eager to examine Baltimore's LGBT past.

Baltimore Heritage had previously focused on civil rights based projects, such as the city's historical connection to its Irish immigrants and the African-American history of segregation and civil rights. With Lovett, a "same-gender loving male and African-American" on staff, Baltimore Heritage decided to "explore that component of our history," he said.

The group started a historical exploratory study that researched the rich LGBT history for both African-Americans and community members of other races in Baltimore. Lovett spoke to local community members with decades of knowledge about Charm City's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender happenings. Interview subjects included an activist, a transgender business owner, a journalist, a religious leader and an attorney, and ages ranged from 40-85 years old.

Among those who contributed to the initial exploratory study, Lovett names Paulette Young, Louis Hughes, Richard Olozia, Jeffrey Grabelle, Monica Stevens, Anne Gordon, Jim Becker, Evelyn Eldredge, Carlton Smith, Andre Powell, and Michael Slatkin as being particularly helpful in telling their stories and creating a timeline of LGBT history in the city.

Louis Hughes calls himself an "activist emeritus." At age 67, he's shaped much of the early history of the African-American LGBT community in Baltimore. Hughes helped to start a local chapter of the National Coalition of Black Gays in the city in 1978. Meetings occurred at the original public site of the GLCCB, at 2133 Maryland Avenue. Before that, Dana Rathmayer was hosting meetings of the GLCCB in his apartment at 930 N. Charles St.

"I really felt moved to start an African-American LGBT group," said Hughes. "We needed our own space and our own voice." He was involved with the National Coalition's March on Washington, D.C. in 1979, as well as the Third World Conference, which discussed issues of integration and organization for LGBT people of color.

"I'm not the only voice. There are many more voices," said Hughes. He likes this latest venture of Baltimore Heritage because "it involves all segments of the community, interviewing people who were there. Those who will give this tour lived this."

"We found that not only is Baltimore a rich place in its people, but it is also very rich in the fact that LGBT people made a home here," said Lovett. "The first LGBT meeting (part of the Gay Liberation Front from 1969-1975) to take place here was in a Little Italy apartment, and from there it branched out to Charles Village and then to Mt. Vernon. There were no gay organizations and no government funding, but they still found ways to connect and organize."

He noted that there were several places in Baltimore where African-American LGBT members congregated. The Portal, a now defunct African-American LGBT center at 302 Park Avenue, and Club Bunns, a popular hangout for LGBT African-Americans at 608 W. Lexington Street, were highlighted as spaces significant for LGBT people of color in Baltimore.

And although Hughes found early black leadership at the Center "like assimilation to me," with mainly white, gay men in control and no resources for African-Americans listed in any guide, he does consider it historically significant.

"It was an incubator for many gay and lesbian events. The first forum for LGBT African-Americans was at the Center, with Billy Jones coming to Baltimore to speak."

Hughes also notes the importance of churches in early black LGBT gatherings. "The Gay Health Clinic [now Chase Brexton Health Services] started at the Metropolitan Community Church of Baltimore, at 23rd and St. Paul streets, where people of color were ministers or assistant ministers. Many of them were African-American women," said Hughes.

Baltimore Heritage and Lovett are in the midst of creating an LGBT history walking tour that will focus on areas of interest in Charles Village, and will later highlight buildings in Mt. Vernon. The tour is scheduled to begin in April 2012 at Normals Books in Waverly; participants would walk down to North Avenue and stop at significant buildings along the way. There is currently a planning group, composed of LGBT community members and allies, but Lovett needs more community input to make this venture a success.

"We would love for people to become more involved in these conversations about how to shape a walking tour around LGBT history," said Lovett. He urges everyone with a desire to get involved to call Baltimore Heritage at 410.332.9992 or to email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

"Because people are working hand in hand with creating this tour through Baltimore Heritage, they are very excited to share information, give advice and offer support," said Lovett. "It's a very open environment and there has been a positive response."

Back to the Basics with Black Pride 2012

It's been ten years since the first Black Pride in Baltimore, and while much has changed in our city and our world, many issues affecting the LGBT African-American community remain the same. Kevin Clemons, the newly nominated chair of Baltimore Black Pride, is also one of the original founders of the weeklong celebration.

"Back then, the intention was to have more social things, and we worked on workshops for health, finance and self-esteem," said Clemons. "Over the years, the challenge has been that people use all the new technology available to get information instead of coming to workshops."

Along with the challenges of a digital age, Baltimore Black Pride has faced the same stereotypes people associate with over-the-top Pride celebrations—excessive drinking and dancing the night away at the expense of educating a younger generation, working on political issues or giving back to the community.

"There is a perception that Pride is all about party, but I know with us there has been a push to get back to workshops. We are finding that it goes beyond a party, and issues are there long after the party is over," Clemons said. "There is still no escaping diabetes and heart disease for African-Americans, and STIs and HIV in the gay community."

To address many of these daily struggles, the organizers of Baltimore Black Pride 2012 plan to sponsor a community activity in every month leading up to Pride, focused on health, social and economic issues affecting the African-American LGBT community. "Then there is a reason to celebrate in October," said Clemons.

And let's not forget the contributions of the next generation! Last year's Black Pride featured a Youth Town Hall meeting, a summit, and a mixer and fundraiser for youth. Clemons, who describes himself as "being young a thousand years ago," sees African-American elders giving young LGBT individuals more responsibility and opportunity to play an active role in Pride planning.

"Part of our mission is equipping our young people to become leaders, so that there will be an infusion of new blood. We have two youth on our board, and because they are active, we let them come up with workshops and activities for young people," he said. "Youth know their agenda better than we do, and they are starting to get some ownership because we are giving them that role. It's theirs anyway."

This year's Baltimore Black Pride will feature youth gatherings, workshops, an annual fundraiser, and a variety of fun and educational events. Community members who want to become involved in planning should call 443.691.9669, or go to BaltimoreBlackPride.org, where you can follow a link to their Facebook page.

"Once the fanfare is over and the dust settles, you need to keep the message and the movement going. Part of our goal for this year is to address the needs of the community and to be focused on the political component," said Clemons. "You have more voice than you think you have."

Sue Hyde, director of The National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change, took some time to talk to Gay Life about the weekend's speakers, panelists, and programming. It's a full schedule that includes some big names, and some lesser-known activists from around the world.

JC Calciano brings his film, eCupid, to Baltimore's Queer Film Fest at the Creative Alliance, Saturday, January 21. Calciano talked with Gay Life about his movie and his life:

Bye June recently premiered their eagerly awaited new music video, “Shades of Purple,” on YouTube. The track from their album My Life is an Independent Film is available now at all leading digital retailers.

Thanks to the economic situation in the country, real estate values have fallen sharply, for the first time in years making it possible for many gay singles and couples to consider entering into home ownership. We all know of the gay enclaves like Bolton Hill, Mount Vernon, and Federal Hill. They are cool areas, but prices can be totally out of reach. Not to mention challenging issues like parking and high property taxes. But where are the lesser known locales that offer good value and convenience without high prices? Read on community members and you just may find out.

On January 19, the Maryland Corporate Council (MCC) will officially launch to establish a new standard in the LGBT community in regards to business and corporate networking. The Council will allow LGBT professionals to take part in a unique group which provides mentoring and networking services and opportunities within the Maryland business community.

To give Baltimore a taste of the best queer filmmaking of the past year, Creative Alliance brings you the 2012 Charm City LGBT Film Festival! Funny, thought-provoking and innovative, these films represent variety of cutting-edge work from Baltimore to Jakarta to Ecuador to the planet of Zots!

We told you our favorite places to shop—now check out the first in a series of issues highlighting some of our favorite places to dine! Between our staff and board, we've dined at quite a few local spots. Add to that the plethora of restaurants our Dining Out restaurant reviewers, John Cullen and Marty Shayt, have visited, and we've covered most of the state! So take a look at the first installment of our favorite places to eat!

As colder weather finally rolls into our city, the men, women, and children who hunker down in makeshift homemade shelters outside or seek temporary housing indoors have one thing in common—Being homeless places them in one of the most disadvantaged social groups in country.

What do you get a gay who has everything? Take your pick from these ideas, perfect for LGBT homebodies, adventurers, activists and more.

Every 9.5 minutes someone in the US is diagnosed with HIV. Stop and really think about that. Every 9.5 minutes. That’s the time it takes to blow dry your hair in the morning, to shave your beard, or to grab a cup of coffee and get your day of work started. In that time, one person’s life is turned upside-down.

How can we educate people about this disease, encourage testing so they know their status and change that alarming statistic?

There’s out, and then there’s OUT, a distinction that politician Evan Low learned the hard way back in 2004, when he was running for a spot on the City Council of Campbell, a suburb of San Jose in his native California. “I was 21, and I just didn’t have the experience to realize that when you’re running for office, everything’s out on the table,” he recalls. Long story short: a local paper attended one of his fundraisers, and the next day, the big story was about the “young, Chinese-American, openly gay” candidate in the City Council race.

Pikesville Silver & Antiques is a family affair. Just ask owner Jory Newman, who runs the “Ma and Pop shop” along with his wife Barbara and his father Jay. The Newmans do everything related to silver imaginable, from plating, polishing, and engraving pieces to selling new gifts and restoring broken family treasures.

For members of the LGBT community living in a large city, such as Baltimore, the best chances for socializing in gay-friendly environments have traditionally centered on bars and nightclubs. In this aspect, gays, lesbians, transgender men and women, and bisexuals are not much different from their straight counterparts.

But for those who find the bar scene a little less than appetizing, Gay Life is highlighting four area social clubs where a welcoming atmosphere often shares center stage with friends, fun, and a variety of passions—from antique cars to bowling.

Having trouble meeting someone? Or the right people? Maybe you’re not going to the right house. Try a salon. It worked for writer Marcel Proust in 1894. He found one of the great loves of his life, the pianist and composer Reynaldo Hahn. In 1917, exotic society painter—and lesbian—Romaine Brooks found a long-time companion in hostess and poetess Natalie Barney. No less does Baltimore pair and mingle in lovely homes around town. Art, friendship and food inspire rich gatherings. 

Born out of a need for unity and cultural affirmation, Baltimore Black Pride will celebrate its ninth anniversary October 4 through October 11. The week will be filled with activities and events focused and designed specifically for the African American LGBT community.

Many within Baltimore’s gay community have questioned the purpose of Black Pride. Some call it racially divisive and separatist. Others believe it serves no real purpose other than a great party. Two Baltimore Black Pride founders and board members, Carlton Smith and Kevin Clemons, lay out a clear and persuasive argument for the cultural event’s significance and its benefit to Baltimore:

The end of September in Mount Vernon traditionally brings cooler nights and the annual literary extravaganza of the Baltimore Book  Festival, now in its 16th year.

Easter, Passover, and Sp ring Magick give believers hope and support

What do we believe?

Modern religious and spiritual faiths provide a variety of paths for LGBT individuals to find a welcoming home. While the following churches, synagogues, and covens are not the only places in town for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgender men and women to commemorate the holidays of spring, they do offer our community options for inclusive sacred spaces.

Gay parents tend to fall into two categories— those who became parents before coming out and those who came out before becoming parents.

Support for gay and lesbian parents in either category can come from different places—groups, books, online communities, legal assistance, and peers. Outside of these support systems, many gay parents must navigate through a world in which their family is still a minority.

By now, you may have heard the end of the world will be happening soon. I’m sure some of you already have the perfect outfit picked out—that special hat that says, “Armageddon’s coming and I look fabulous!”

Then again, if you’ve been out of the evangelical loop, you may have missed the news that Pastor Harold Camping and his friends at Family Radio have been sharing. According to his biblical calculations, the good reverend figured out that on Saturday, May 21, 2011 the Almighty is going to show up for one last curtain call before the whole show ends and some pretty angry angels strike the set.

Compositions of Reynaldo Hahn inspired by lover Marcel Proust, and by the stormy affair of poets Verlaine and Rimbaud, performed in concert at An die Musik

Two of the most dramatic love stories of late 19th and early 20th century France will come to life on a Baltimore stage when An die Musik LIVE! presents mezzo-soprano Alexis Tantau in a program of songs by French composer Reynaldo Hahn on Sunday, May 22.

Ken Roberson returns to Baltimore and Center Stage for the final Cabaret of the season May 19-22. His Cabaret focuses on what it was like to grow up black and gay in the south.

Roberson was born and raised in Thomson, Ga. by a family that allowed him to express himself by dancing and clowning around every waking hour. He jokes that he made a seamless transition from college life to becoming successful on stage in New York, “if one skips over the years of struggling to make ends meet by holding down various and sundry jobs including foreign exchange transactions on Wall Street, marketing research, and playing a dancing shark at various bar mitzvahs.”

Creating Change 2012 Projected to Bring 3,000 Attendees to Charm City

A Quidam performer’s tale of acceptance 

With the whirlwind of the last Maryland General Assembly still settling, Gay Life wanted to examine the various transgender support and advocacy groups available to our community.

Re-Live Pride Weekend with Photos from the Parade, Block Party, Festival, and more!

It’s late June in The City that Reads. Pride has passed, and perhaps your escapist thoughts have turned to vacation plans, or at least a relaxing weekend.

Sorry I’ve been away but I am back and here we go on a ride of entertainment! A new venue opened up in April: The Backdoor Lounge at the Gold Club, 5801 Pulaski Hwy, Baltimore’s only gay male revue! Plenty of parking, food, drink specials, and giveaways. Open Thursdays. Enjoy yourselves boys!

In September 2010, Americans turned their attention to a series of teen suicides that were a direct result of homophobia and bullying. These losses were used as a catalyst for awareness of a bullying epidemic and led to campaigns such as the “It Gets Better” video campaign among others.

By age 12, R&B/pop singer-songwriter Deborah Cox was already performing professionally. Having won a local TV talent contest, she started singing jingles for commercials, then hooked up with local live bands. With her high school friend, Lascelles Stephens, she began writing songs and making demos, and eventually landed a position as a backup singer to Celine Dion.

Pride fundraiser offers cocktails, silent auction, and music

The sixth annual Twilight on the Terrace benefit cocktail party will be held at Gertrude’s at the Baltimore Museum of Art, Friday, June 17.

It’s “More Light Sunday” at Govans Presbyterian Church, and the congregation is celebrating. By happy coincidence, or God’s perfect timing, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) voted to allow the ordination of openly gay and lesbian ministers on May 10, just five days before the already scheduled annual Sunday service.

There are plenty of DJs-for-hire, many who can add a unique sound to your next event. But very few are making the kind of noise that this year’s headlining DJ is making for Baltimore Pride 2011’s Youth Zone. Legendary DJ Vjuan Allure, 33, is recognized for his talents worldwide, and his next stop is Baltimore, Md.

Snapshots of LBT Women in Maryland History

In March 1911, more than one million women and men attended rallies in Europe to campaign for women’s rights to work, vote, be trained, hold public office, and to end discrimination against women. As this movement to demand equality for women expanded globally, March 8 became recognized annually as International Women’s Day. But until the 1970s, “Women’s History” was unheard of as a subject of study in most American public schools—or even among most American people.

The teen years promise growing pains for all young adults, regardless of sexuality. However, LGBT youth also struggle with identity issues, family rejection, and bullying, not to mention increased rates of suicide, mental health problems, and homelessness.

Civil marriage and gender identity are main concerns for LGBT community

Imagine having a price tag on your forehead. An African-American man could be sold for less than $400 during the slave trade in the early 1800s. An African-American woman was worth less than $300.