Local
Demolition forces move of Pride block party
New location secured behind Hippo
The last Baltimore Pride block party was held in 2013. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)
Just as locals thought the 2015 Baltimore Pride block party was returning to its familiar Eager and Charles streets locale after a one-year absence, a scheduling snafu by the City of Baltimore threw a wrench into those plans. Officials issued a permit to perform demolition and repaving of the parking lot (adjacent to Club Hippo and Grand Central Station nightclub) that has traditionally been used to host Pride vendors during the block party.
Additionally, the building on the north side of the parking lot (1010 N. Charles St.) has been demolished. Pride coordinator Paul Liller said he was notified of the parking lot construction in early June. News of the construction permit came months after Baltimore Pride submitted its permit to use the space. This can be seen as an oversight by the city, says Liller, which essentially issued two permits for the same space during the same period of time.
After meeting with city officials, the fire department and the permit office in mid-June, it was discovered that the construction would not be completed in advance of the block party on July 25, and an alternate location needed to be secured. Baltimore Pride secured the parking lot at the corner of Cathedral and Brexton streets, traditionally dubbed “the lesbian lot” as well as an adjoining parking lot on Charles Street, in front of Mt. Vernon Stable. Those lots are connected by a path.
Alcohol will be served in the space. Anyone who wishes to drink in the space will need to purchase a wristband. Bands will be available for sale on site, at the Hippo, and through a pre-sale at the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland (GLCCB) in the week leading up to Pride. Vendors have been notified of the new footprint. A detailed map will be released in advance of the block party.
Baltimore Pride, a function of the GLCCB, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. After receiving community feedback that criticized its move to a two-day event in the Mount Royal area in 2014, GLCCB officials decided to return to the Mount Vernon area in 2015.
“The discovery of a construction permit being issued after we submitted our own permit was upsetting, but I’m confident that the new space, which is mere feet away from our traditional footprint, will still deliver all the fun and excitement that Baltimore Pride revelers have come to expect,” Liller, who is also GLCCB deputy director, told the Blade.
The annual parade and block party will occur on July 25 with the Sunday festival to return to Druid Hill Park on July 26. The parade, which traditionally took place along Charles Street, will march along Cathedral Street instead — another change.
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.
‘Here the Whole Time’ delivers queer coming-of-age comedy
Pentagon expands testosterone screening as trans troops face hormone therapy restrictions
Calendar: September 4-10
Swiss government backs nationwide conversion therapy ban
Gloria Steinem dies at 92
Shooting outside gay bar in Ariz. leaves three dead
PHOTOS: Miss Gay Old Bay
Anne Arundel schools now need parent permission to call trans students by preferred names
‘People don’t see me. They see a trend’
