Local
Marylanders thank Obama for marriage support
“President Obama has shown his courage in evolving as a public figure on same-sex marriage while maintaining respect and dignity for both his office and the LGBT community.”
‘The way forward is always to be found through greater respect for the equal rights and human dignity of all,’ said Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley. (Blade photo by Michael Key)
In the wake of President Obama’s revelation on May 9 that he supports marriage equality, a number of elected officials and leaders of LGBT organizations weighed in.
Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley said, “Today, President Obama affirmed that for a people of many different faiths—a people who are committed to the principle of religious freedom—the way forward is always to be found through greater respect for the equal rights and human dignity of all. In Maryland, we agree.”
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake intoned, “This afternoon, President Obama boldly voiced his support for marriage equality. I am grateful that the president added his voice to the millions of Americans who are fighting to ensure all people and families are treated equally under the law. This year, Gov. O’Malley signed legislation to expand the rights and responsibilities of marriage to all Marylanders. President Obama’s statement today reinforces our argument that marriage strengthens society and protects children.”
Trevor Ankeny, board chair of the Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Baltimore said, “The president of the United States supporting marriage equality is an amazing and historic event. Regardless of his timing or even his political motivations, this is a truly momentous occasion.”
Carrie Evans, executive director of Equality Maryland, said, “The president came out in support of the freedom to marry for same-sex couples. Although this statement does not undo the results of [the] vote in North Carolina, it does provide us with hope—the hope that people’s hearts and minds can evolve on this issue. And though this evolution may not always be on the timetable we would devise, we must embrace this historic declaration by President Obama.”
Sharon Brackett, board chair of Gender Rights Maryland, said, “We are very pleased to hear the president’s views on same-sex marriage. The reality is this has impact on any trans person who is married today, or contemplating marriage in the future.”
Lea Gilmore, founder of the Maryland Black Family Alliance, said, “This is a momentous occasion that should not be diminished in any way. I am proud that the president of the United States has clearly stated his beliefs that gays and lesbians have the right to marriage. After years of ‘evolving’ he has evolved on the side of fairness and justice. Thank you, Mr. President.”
Mark Patro, president, PFLAG-Baltimore County, said, “President Obama has shown his courage in evolving as a public figure on same-sex marriage while maintaining respect and dignity for both his office and the LGBT community. We applaud his leadership on this issue.”
Dwayne Jenkins, International Federation of Black Prides: “As he has done on so many other important and historical occasions during his political career and his first term, President Obama has again shown America the promise of possibility and equality by coming out in support of marriage equality.”
Mary Ellen Russell, executive director of the Maryland Catholic Conference: “For us in Maryland, the vote on marriage this November has nothing to do with politics. It will be a vote on the issue of marriage itself.”
District of Columbia
Gay D.C. police lieutenant arrested on child porn charges
Matthew Mahl once served as head of LGBT Liaison Unit
D.C. police announced on April 14 that they have placed one of their lieutenants, Matthew Mahl, on administrative leave and revoked his police powers after receiving information that he was arrested in Maryland one day earlier.
Although the initial D.C. police announcement doesn’t disclose the reason for the arrest it refers to a statement by the Harford County, Md. Sheriff’s Office that discloses Mahl has been charged with sexual solicitation of a minor and child porn solicitation.
“On Tuesday, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office contacted MPD’s Internal Affairs Division shortly after arresting Lieutenant Matthew Mahl,” the D.C. police statement says.
“The allegations in this case are extremely disturbing, and in direct contrast to the values of the Metropolitan Police Department,” the statement continues. “MPD’s Internal Affairs Division will investigate violations of MPD policy once the criminal investigation concludes,” it says.
“MPD is not involved in the criminal investigation and was not aware of the investigation until yesterday,” the statement adds.
Mahl served as acting supervisor of the MPD’s then Gay & Lesbian Liaison Unit in 2013 when he held the rank of sergeant. D.C. police officials placed him on administrative leave and suspended his police powers that same year while investigating an undisclosed allegation.
A source familiar with the investigation said Mahl was cleared of any wrongdoing a short time later and resumed his police duties. Around the time he was promoted to lieutenant several years later Mahl took on the role as chairman of the D.C. Police Union, becoming the first known openly gay officer to hold that position.
NBC 4 reports that Mahl, 47, has served on the police force for 23 years and most recently was assigned to the department’s Special Operations Division.
Records related to Mahl’s arrest filed in Harford County District Court, show Sheriff’s Department investigators state in charging documents that he allegedly committed the offenses of Sexual Solicitation of a Minor and Child Porn Solicitation on Monday, April 13, one day before he was arrested on April 14.
The court records show he was held without bond during his first appearance in court on April 14. A decision on whether he would be released while awaiting trial or continue to be held without bond was scheduled to be determined during an April 15 bond hearing. The outcome of that hearing could not be immediately determined.
Maryland
Evan Glass is leaning on his record. Is that enough for Montgomery County’s top job?
Gay county executive candidate pushing for equitable pay, safer streets, and cleaner environment
By TALIA RICHMAN | During a meet-and-greet at Poolesville Memorial United Methodist Church, Evan Glass got his loudest applause of the night with a plan he acknowledged was decidedly unsexy.
“Day one, I’ll hire a director of permitting services,” the county executive candidate said.
Doing so, he added, is a step toward easing the regulatory burdens that can stifle small businesses in Montgomery County.
The only problem? At least one of his fiercest competitors is making a similar pledge.
The rest of this article can be read on the Baltimore Banner’s website.
District of Columbia
D.C. bar, LGBTQ+ Community Center to mark Lesbian Visibility Week
‘Ahead of the Curve’ documentary screening, ‘Queeroke’ among events
2026 Lesbian Visibility Week North America will take place from April 20-26.
This year marks the third annual Lesbian Visibility Week, run by the Curve Foundation. A host of events take place from April 20-26.
This year’s theme is Health and Wellness. For the Curve Foundation, the term “lesbian” serves as an umbrella term for a host of identities, including lesbians, bisexual and transgender women, and anyone else connected to the lesbian community.
The week kicks off with a flag-raising ceremony on April 19. It will take place in New York, but will be livestreamed for the public.
“Queeroke” is one of the events being held around the country. It will take place at various participating bars on April 23.
As You Are, an LGBTQ bar in Capitol Hill, is one of eight locations across the U.S. participating. Their event is free and 21+.
On April 24, the D.C. LGBTQ+ Community Center will hold a screening of “Ahead of the Curve,” a documentary about the founder of Curve, Franco Stevens. The event is free with an RSVP.
April 25, is Queer Women in Sports Day. And on April 26, several monuments in New York will be illuminated.
Virtual events ranging from health to sports will be made available to the public. Details will be released closer to the start of Lesbian Visibility Week. Featured events can be found on the official website.
Some ways for individuals to get involved are to use #LVW26 and tag the official Lesbian Visibility Week account on social media posts. People are encouraged to display their lesbian flags, and businesses can hand out pins and decorate. They can also reach out to local lawmakers to encourage them to issue an official Lesbian Visibility Week.
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Comings & Goings
Minimal version of ‘Streetcar Named Desire’ heading to Dupont Underground
