Local
Frank praises Md. marriage law
Worked room of over 200 Democrats in Howard County with talk of financial reform, more
Gay Rep. Barney Frank suggested a bumper sticker slogan for his Democratic colleagues: ‘We’re not perfect but they’re nuts.’ (Blade photo by Steve Charing)
Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts received an enthusiastic reception as he addressed more than 200 Democratic partisans in Columbia on April 18. The event was part of a program sponsored by Howard County for Obama 2012.
In a 30-minute presentation that covered a wide array of issues, Frank condemned the potential referendum that would overturn the Civil Marriage Protection Act signed by Gov. Martin O’Malley on March 1. “I am looking forward to the people of Maryland showing that equality is alive and well here,” he said to a loud ovation.
Without referring to notes, Frank showcased his signature humor and sarcasm, poking fun at Republicans’ opposition to the Affordable Care Act, Wall Street reform, the Economic Recovery Act, consumer protection and bipartisanship. He defended the Dodd-Frank law and blamed GOP’s control of Congress from 1995-2007 for allowing the problems to develop in the financial sector.
He also chided GOP members of Congress for their desire to increase defense spending at the expense of social programs and the Supreme Court on the Citizens United ruling, calling it “the most significant threat to our Democracy since the Civil War.” Frank also strongly defended President Obama’s stance on Israel.
Frank, who has been in Congress since 1981 and is retiring and the end of this term, suggested a bumper sticker for his Democratic colleagues: “We’re not perfect but they’re nuts.”
On the subject of marriage equality, Frank noted, “Everywhere that same-sex marriage has taken place, after a year or more the opposition dissipates.” He pointed out that in his home state where same-sex marriage has been legal since 2004, there has been no impact whatsoever on others. Frank added that he “always thought men didn’t want to get married but women did, and when same-sex marriage was legalized, it proved it.”
Frank’s presentation was preceded by Jason Waskey, chairman of the Obama campaign in Maryland who urged volunteers to help in Obama’s re-election efforts in Maryland and the neighboring battleground states of Pennsylvania and Virginia. Howard County Executive Ken Ulman introduced Frank, whom he referred to as a hero, and he reiterated his support for marriage equality to thunderous applause.
District of Columbia
Blade welcomes fall intern
Alexis McLean is student at University of North Florida
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
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
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.
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