Local
‘Honor Our LGBT Elders Day’ a success
SAGECAP seeks to improve care for older residents
Nate Sweeney addressing National LGBT Elders Day attendees. (Photo by Aaron Cahall)
While some local LGBT organizations have focused their mission on LGBTQ youth, the LGBT Health Resource Center (LHRC) of Chase Brexton Health Care has recognized the need to address the rapidly aging LGBT population.
The organization launched a program last September called SAGECAP Baltimore to improve care for older LGBT individuals who often live alone. SAGECAP is an initiative that will provide resources, education and support for informal, unpaid LGBT caregivers in the community.
Most recently, LHRC decided to pay homage to LGBT elders by launching the first-ever National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day on May 17. The inaugural event, which featured multi-media tributes, including portraits of LGBT elders adorning the walls, took place in and around the community room at Chase Brexton where more than 70 attended.
The goal of this occasion was to acknowledge the lives of older LGBT adults who changed the tide in our society and hear their stories, said Nate Sweeney, executive director of LHRC, at a ceremony prior to unveiling portraits of two elder transgender individuals. Monica Stevens and Jean-Michel Brevelle were honored for their work in raising awareness of the plight of transgender individuals in Maryland.
In addition, several other elder LGBT individuals were honored through digital storytelling as a result of a partnership between LHRC and the University of Maryland Baltimore County who sought to record the life stories of older LGBT adults. Those featured included Louise Parker Kelley, Lou Hughes, Breezy Bishop, Ken Gault and Greg Grenier.
The presentations were followed by an LGBT Elder Day pinning ceremony where commemorative pins were given out to mark the event.
“We were absolutely thrilled that the LGBT Health Resource Center of Chase Brexton Health Care was able to launch National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day,” Sweeney told the Blade. “It is so easy to get caught up in all the work of LGBTQ equality and miss the chance to stop and think about all those who have worked in the years before us.”
Sweeney pointed out how LGBT elders paved the way for progress. “Some of our elders were at the forefront of the fight, and some quietly lived their truths, sharing their identity with friends, families and coworkers,” he said. “Both of these narratives have changed what life is like today, and we as a community need to show our gratitude by making sure those who came before us can live their truth in their elderhood.”
Community activist Merrick Moses agreed. “We have to celebrate our elders. Unfortunately, many young people don’t know the deep and rich history of Baltimore’s LGBTQ communities. Our elders deserve honor, love and respect.”
This celebration will occur every May 17.
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.
Blade welcomes fall intern
PHOTOS: Miss Gay Old Bay
SUNFESTIVAL takes center stage as Rehoboth Beach closes out summer
Anne Arundel schools now need parent permission to call trans students by preferred names
Shooting outside gay bar in Ariz. leaves three dead
San Francisco, long a queer safe haven, remains competitive for homebuyers
Calendar: August 28-September 3
‘Teenage Sex and Death’ has never been more entertaining
Actor Tim Curry dies at 80
