Baltimore OUTloud | LGBT Community News

Friday, 27 August 2010 00:00 Staff Local News

Local Couple Competes in Freedom2Wed Contest

Carl Cox (l.) with Darin Henderson In celebration of the passing of the same–sex marriage law in Washington, D.C., Freedom2Wed, an exclusive group of the top wedding vendors in the metro area, is offering one lucky couple the wedding event of a lifetime in a nationwide same-sex wedding contest. Darin Henderson and Carl Cox (North East D.C. residents) were chosen to be one of the six finalists from hundreds of entries.

Now through online voting, the winning couple hopes to represent the District of Columbia to receive a complete wedding package that includes wedding rings, attire, ceremony, invitations, decorated reception location, catering for 150 guests, elaborate table settings and flowers, photography and video services, specialty lighting, live music and professional event coordinating.

Darin Henderson & Carl Cox — Together 4 years

“We realized early on that while individually imperfect, our strengths complement one another," said Darin. "Couple that with the love we share…we are twice as strong. But at long last, as the direct result of decades of activism and a groundswell of community support, we feel blessed, grateful and are thoroughly excited to be engaged and preparing for marriage…right in D.C.!”

Josh Strickland: Southern Comfort

By Deborah J. Draisin

Twenty-seven year old Southern boy Josh Strickland has been performing steadily since he was a preteen. He was a member of the Charleston Youth Company during middle and high schools. After graduating from the Charleston County School of the Arts, he studied voice with the esteemed Deanna McBroom at Charleston College. He came out to The Advocate earlier this year.

Although growing up gay down south may not seem quite as challenging as it did say, 30 years ago, what was Josh’s personal experience like? “Charleston is a more liberal place, but I grew up Southern Baptist; it’s looked down upon, that’s just people’s mentality. I remember thinking ‘Why do I feel this way, why am I like this?’” he admits.

In 2007, Strickland landed a 14-month gig as the lead in the Broadway play, Tarzan, which also led to a cameo appearance as himself in an episode of All My Children alongside Mary Poppins lead, Ashley Brown. After the show closed, he understudied for the roles of Mark and Roger during the national tour of Rent and starred as Will in the jazz musical, Play It Cool, in 2008. He then hit the road with The Broadway Boys with the likes of Danny Calvert and Michael Scott, to name just a few.

Target to LGBT Community: We Won't Make it Right

After two weeks of good-faith discussions – and two tentative agreements – with Target Corporation, the company has informed the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lgbt civil rights organization, that it will take no corrective actions to repair the harm that it caused by contributing $150,000 to an organization supporting a vehemently anti-gay candidate. The gubernatorial candidate in Minnesota, Tom Emmer, is closely associated with a Christian rock band that advocates death and violence to gay people.

In response, HRC announced that it will devote $150,000 of its own resources to help elect a pro-equality governor and legislature in Minnesota. The next governor will likely have the opportunity to either sign or veto marriage equality legislation in the North Star State.

“All fair-minded Americans will now rightly question Target’s commitment to equality," said HRC President Joe Solmonese in a statement. "If their initial contribution was a slap in the face, their refusal to make it right is a punch in the gut and that’s not something that we will soon forget. However, with full marriage equality hanging in the balance in Minnesota, regardless of Target, it’s important that we as a community send a message that we will work tirelessly to elect pro-equality candidates.”