Local

Lawmakers weigh in on Md. marriage bill

Clippinger, one of eight openly gay or lesbian members of the Maryland Legislature, is optimistic the marriage bill will pass

Published

15 years ago

January 19, 2012

Steve Charing

Luke Clippinger, gay news, gay politics dc

Openly gay Md. lawmaker Luke Clippinger is optimistic. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Just as the 2012 Maryland General Assembly got underway, Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller and House Speaker Michael Busch—both Democrats—appeared on the Marc Steiner radio show to discuss the chances of marriage equality passing during the session. Busch, who represents Anne Arundel County, sees same-sex marriage as inevitable. But he said, “You will have to convince about 10 people” who ostensibly favor civil unions but not marriage to change their position from last year.

For his part, Miller, who represents Calvert County, opposes same-sex marriage, calling himself a “traditionalist.” He would not stand in the way of a vote nor would he try to influence the outcome, he said. Miller conceded the 25-21 vote in the Senate last year to advance the measure would likely hold up again this time. However, he warned that if the legislation passes both houses and is signed into law it will likely be overturned through a referendum.

Miller predicted that “a coming together of Evangelicals, Catholics, African Americans” will oppose the measure. “If it goes to polls, the other side is more motivated, and I think they will get their voters out, and I think it goes down to defeat.”

Luke Clippinger, one of eight openly gay or lesbian members of the Maryland Legislature—the highest total of any state in the U.S.—is optimistic the marriage bill will pass.

“The establishment of Marylanders for Marriage Equality is a big step forward as we move forward on marriage equality legislation in the 2012 session,” Clippinger said. “The work that is being done now is laying down the foundation for defending the bill at referendum, if the legislation actually goes to referendum. The coalition has field organizers in key districts. The coalition also has the benefit of polling, of media advisers, of people with statewide political experience, and of a finance committee that has already raised a considerable amount of money. All of these things—field, polling, media, experience, finance—are essential parts of a successful campaign and they are already in place.” He added, “We are only hampered by those people who do nothing other than doubt that we can do this.”

Clippinger, an assistant state’s attorney from Anne Arundel County, is in his second year as a delegate. He represents the 46th District that encompasses such southeastern Baltimore neighborhoods as Canton, Little Italy, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Patterson Park and Locust Point.

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District of Columbia

Blade welcomes fall intern

Alexis McLean is student at University of North Florida

Published

22 hours ago

September 2, 2026

Staff reports

Alexis McLean (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)

The Washington Blade this week welcomed Alexis McLean as its fall intern.

Alexis is studying political science at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Fla. She is interning with the Blade as part of a continued partnership with the Washington Center.

“I am looking forward to spending my time in the fall with the Washington Blade, as this is a new experience for me,” said Alexis. “I have not experienced any journalist jobs in the past so this would be my first time, and I am excited to better my writing and communications skills with this internship.”

Alexis’s internship with the Blade ends in early December.

Rehoboth Beach

SUNFESTIVAL takes center stage as Rehoboth Beach closes out summer

Labor Day Weekend bustling with events, including David Archuleta performance

Published

2 days ago

September 1, 2026

Thomas Weaverling

David Archuleta headlines this year’s SUNFESTIVAL on Saturday in Rehoboth Beach. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer in Rehoboth Beach, but there will be no shortage of LGBTQ events, with CAMP Rehoboth’s annual SUNFESTIVAL taking over town this weekend.

Thursday (9/3)

Get your Labor Day Weekend started early Thursday night with happy hour from 5-7 p.m. at Diego’s Bar & Nightclub, followed by Naughtee Bingo hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 8:30 p.m.

After bingo, the party continues with Dancing at Diego’s from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Aqua Bar & Grill will also kick off its Labor Day Weekend festivities Thursday with a DJ spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Friday (9/4)

The weekend ramps up Friday night at Aqua, where DJ Matt Bailer will keep the dance floor moving from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Over at Diego’s, DJ Steve Sidewalk will then take over Diego’s for Freedom Friday from 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.

Saturday (9/5)

The main event of the weekend arrives Saturday with the opening night of CAMP Rehoboth’s SUNFESTIVAL.

Billed as the ultimate party to close out the summer, SUNFESTIVAL has become one of Rehoboth’s signature Labor Day Weekend events. The annual celebration sells out each year, with proceeds benefiting CAMP Rehoboth.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments available at the cash bar while attendees are invited to socialize and find their seats.

Saturday night will feature local singer Ashley Williams as the opening performer, followed by headliner David Archuleta. The event will also feature a live auction.

Back across town Saturday, Aqua will continue its Labor Day Weekend DJ lineup from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Diego’s will also have plenty happening, with ‘Splash Party’ hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 5 p.m., followed by a Saturday Dance Party with Brett Oosterhaus from 9 p.m.- 1:30 a.m.

The Blue Moon hosts its popular Legends Show at 9 p.m. It’s an all-live singing show by the Blue Moon cast of celebrity impersonators.

Etienne Pilon has taken Rehoboth by storm this summer. Check out the talented singer/pianist at The Pines from 7-10 p.m.

Sunday (9/6)

Sunday’s SUNFESTIVAL event will shift the focus to the dance floor, with globally renowned DJs Robbie Leslie and James Anthony scheduled to perform. Doors open at 7 p.m., with dancing continuing until 1 a.m.

On Sunday, Aqua will throw its annual White Party, with DJs spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Guests are encouraged to dress in white for the holiday weekend celebration.

Diego’s will host its Sunday High T-Dance with Pamala Stanley at 5 p.m. Later that evening, DJ Tannr will be spinning at 9 p.m.

John Flynn is on the piano from 6-8 p.m. at the Blue Moon.

Monday (9/7)

The final day of Labor Day Weekend brings one last chance to hit the dance floor before summer officially winds down.

Aqua will close out its five-day Labor Day Weekend celebration with DJ Biff from 3-7 p.m.

Maryland

Anne Arundel schools now need parent permission to call trans students by preferred names

Conservative groups challenged system’s policy

Published

2 days ago

September 1, 2026

Baltimore Banner

Anne Arundel County Public Schools has issued new internal guidance for students who ask to be addressed by gender-affirming names and pronouns. (Photo by Eric Thompson for the Baltimore Banner)

By JESSICA CALEFATI | Anne Arundel County Public Schools staff cannot use transgender students’ preferred names if their parents oppose it, according to an internal document reviewed by the Banner, a change that comes after conservative groups challenged the school system’s approach to gender identity.

Teachers union president Kristina Korona told members in an Aug. 20 email that the new guidance undermines district policy on acceptance and inclusivity and “will begin harming affected students immediately.”

Previously, the district didn’t require parental permission to use a high school student’s chosen name and pronouns corresponding to their gender identity, the internal document says. Now it does. The change comes as parents challenge the suburban school system’s gender identity policy and regulation in court and the Trump-Vance administration threatens the district’s funding.

The rest of this article can be found on the Baltimore Banner’s website.