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
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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