Local
New leadership for community center
“The GLCCB is a truly historic center,” Beehler told the Blade. “As one of the oldest five in the nation, we are proud of our history.”
Trevor Ankeny, who served as board president for three years, was replaced by Bud Beehler, a retired school principal who had served as the board’s secretary for the past 11 months. (Washington Blade photo by Steve Charing)
On June 19, just two days after Baltimore’s Pride celebration, the board of directors of the 35-year-old Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Baltimore (GLCCB)—the producer of Pride—announced changes in leadership effective immediately. Trevor Ankeny, who served as board president for three years, was replaced by Bud Beehler, a retired school principal who had served as the board’s secretary for the past 11 months.
“The GLCCB is a truly historic center,” Beehler told the Blade. “As one of the oldest five in the nation, we are proud of our history. Like many LGBT centers, we have had a bumpy path that has been magnified for us in the past few years. The board spotted some problems in how the Center was being managed and because the current board is committed to due diligence, we made some important changes.”
Jay Day was appointed board secretary. Matt Newcomer and Mike McCarthy will continue as treasurer and vice president, respectively. Chuck Bowers, Rachael Stern and Sharon Brackett were appointed as members of the board, and Mike Robertson, Charlie Mumford and John Flannery will continue in the positions of members-at-large.
The board held a town hall meeting in Baltimore on June 25. It was the first such meeting since 2000. More than 25 members of the community attended, and after Beehler introduced the new board and current GLCCB staff, he explained that this is a “reset” for the GLCCB, and said the board is committed to “striving for transparency and engagement.” He indicated that this is the first of a series of town hall meetings with the next one to take place in 90 days.
One of the top priorities for the GLCCB is to increase diversity on the board. This issue was raised by several in attendance as a key to establishing credibility among people of color as well as transgender individuals. Beehler said that the Center is actively seeking to diversify the board. Finances are another major concern for the Center and its leadership. Net revenues from Pride cover operating expenses for about six months in a fiscal year. Many expenses and initiatives, such as renovations to meet ADA requirements and other improvements must be met by other revenue sources.
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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