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There are few things as exciting as getting to take a top-of-the-line, world-class international trip to one of the most incredible tourist destinations in the world. GayTravel.com’s gay travel guru Bryan Kosarek experienced the thrills of travel recently on his incredible trip to Thailand. Throughout his journey to Bangkok, Chiangmai, and Phuket, he soaked up all Thailand has to offer while scoping out the gay scenes in around these areas for gay travelers everywhere.

A few weeks ago, I found out that my mother-in-law passed away. Her death was not unexpected; she had been bed-ridden for ten months and had been in significant pain. I wanted her suffering to stop, and I feel badly that that meant she’d be leaving us. She was always very good to me, and I loved her. Rest in peace, Elinor!

This spring, Rev. Tim Hughes was ordained and installed as Associate Pastor of Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church, located in the historic Bolton Hill neighborhood of Baltimore.

Those struggling with their sexuality or gender identity often feel a strong sense of obligation to their family, friends, and/or themselves to adopt a label such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning or queer. It can be based on a belief, informed by external and internal influences throughout their lives, that if we don’t, can’t or, God-forbid, won’t provide a convenient descriptor for an essential aspect of our being, we are inherently defective.

This June, as the community celebrates the anniversary of Stonewall and the first Pride March in 1969, we in Maryland have many things that have changed in the past couple of years thanks to the dedicated efforts of many people. Unfortunately, we can’t stop here.

As the summer heat creeps in, my thoughts instantly turn to the beach and languid afternoons spent listening to the sounds of the surf as I quietly read a book in the rays of the warming sun. To help you get into the summer mood, I’ve listed a few dandy suggestions that will help you fill an afternoon of sun and literary fun.