Muhmmad Ali once said, “True giving happens when we give from our heart.” In today’s world, where narcissism and selfishness run rampant, it’s refreshing to find people in our neighborhood who give from the heart because it’s the right thing to do. For David Perruzza, the manager of JR’s Bar in Washington, DC, helping others has become part of his everyday norm.
Lost River, West Virginia
A fall getaway that ‘found’ Kevin Willner and his partner 18 years ago As the autumn leaves begin their tawny transformations, it may be the perfect time for a fall weekend getaway to recharge before the frenzied buzz of the holidays. Lost River, West Virginia, the fabulous jewel nestled in West Virginia’s Hardy County, has steadily grown to become the unofficial rural LGBT area in recent years. Baltimore OUTloud exclusively sat down with Kevin Willner, co- owner of Lost River Grill, Motel, and Bed & Breakfast to find out what draws many LGBT vacationers to the area.
Charles Shively • 1937-2017
CHARLEY SHIVELY, one of the pivotal figures in the gay liberation movement, died Friday, October 6th at the Cambridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Home, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He had been a resident since June of 2011. He would have been 80 on December 8th 2017.
Sean Elias • Keening the Razor’s Edge of Queer Theatre in Baltimore
Iron Crow’s guiding light asks if Baltimore theatre is spreading itself too thin. This summer, the Iron Crow Theatre was recognized by Baltimore magazine as “Breakout Theatre Company” in their annual “Best of Baltimore” issue. Much of Iron Crow’s recent success is owed to artistic director and CEO Sean Elias. Along with his successful collaborative team, the humble Elias has helped Iron Crow re-establish itself as a creative force in Baltimore’s Arts District. Under his leadership, Elias’s first year with Iron Crow broke every record possible. Its most recent 2016-2017 season, “The Season of Dark Play,” ended with 34 awards […]
A Royal Wedding Rodeo Style
Scion of Irish royalty settles into Country-Western matrimony Once upon a not-so-very long time ago, in the arena of the Inaugural Keystone State Gay Rodeo, two cowboys declared their love for each other. As the glittering assemblage of cowboys, cowgirls, and rodeo royalty looked on, the wedding of Floyd and Mark Zwiers was celebrated with thunderous applause. Chatting exclusively with Baltimore OUTloud, both Floyd and Mark reflected on how they met, their ties to the Keystone State Gay Rodeo (KSGRA) and their recent June nuptials.
A Royal Wedding Rodeo Style
Scion of Irish royalty settles into Country-Western matrimony Once upon a not-so-very long time ago, in the arena of the Inaugural Keystone State Gay Rodeo, two cowboys declared their love for each other. As the glittering assemblage of cowboys, cowgirls, and rodeo royalty looked on, the wedding of Floyd and Mark Zwiers was celebrated with thunderous applause. Chatting exclusively with Baltimore OUTloud, both Floyd and Mark reflected on how they met, their ties to the Keystone State Gay Rodeo (KSGRA) and their recent June nuptials.
In Memoriam: Sir Morgan Nagrom Monceaux
May 9th, 1945–May 31st, 2017 An elder who walked among many worlds left us on May 31st, 2017 – Morgan (to the art world) a.k.a. Sir Nagrom Monceaux (to the leather community) passed away recently leaving behind family, friends, and a huge body of internationally acclaimed artwork. Born Morgan Monceaux in Louisiana on May 9th, 1945, he was drafted by the Navy and served in Vietnam. Before the war he had extensive training as a singer and dancer and also studied theology. Nagrom was a self-taught painter – putting to use some paints he’d found while homeless in the Bronx […]
Queen of Hagerstown Pride Ashley Bannks
The reigning Queen of Hagerstown Pride, Ashley Bannks, is set to entertain and electrify the masses at this year’s event. Hosting the celebratory Block Party, being held from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 15th, Bannks is thrilled to be able to give back to her hometown. “I’m originally from Hagerstown!” Bannks explained. “Hagerstown is near and dear to my heart, considering that I was born and raised in the area.”
Baltimore’s LGBT Pioneer Paulette Young
Harvey Milk once said, “All young people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, deserve a safe and supportive environment in which to achieve their full potential.” The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center of Central Maryland (GLCCB), celebrating its 40th anniversary, has acted as this haven for many of Baltimore’s residents. GLCCB co-founder and the Center’s first president, Paulette Young, recently sat down with Baltimore OUTloud to chat about her role as a Baltimore LGBT pioneer and what Pride means to her.
Leatherman Rodney Burger
Do you remember the Deer Park Lodge? The Renegade in Rehoboth? The NoMad bar between OC and Rehoboth? The fried chicken at the Gallery? Mr. Marcus? Rodney Burger does! I recently had the pleasure of talking with Rodney under the guise of using the interview to teach someone how to do a short oral history. And now I am going to tell you a bit about the amazing leatherman who keeps the entire Mid-Atlantic region up to date about the goings on in our community.