Baltimore OUTloud - Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trangender - LGBT - Equality - News - Arts - Culture - Baltimore OUTloud - An Independant Voice for the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community

I was born in 1956 right here in Baltimore, so I guess that makes me very young! Yes I am the youngest of twins, she was about five minutes older than me. Growing up we were very close and that bond remains today we go shopping and everything. My sister is very accepting which actually makes me very nervous at times. The funny part is I remember while growing up I used to unconsciously hold my hand with a bent wrist. She would get really upset, saying, “That irks me!” My sister had a teacher in the fourth grade who was killed and I inquired why would someone do this to such a nice man. My mother said, “You don’t know about ‘’those kind of people.” So I was informed early on that gay and transgender people are not accepted and their lives were often taken because they were out in the open about who they were.

Andy Cross Sashed IML 2013

Leather folks from all over the world flocked to Chicago over the Memorial Day Weekend for the 35th annual International Mr. Leather Contest. Mr. San Francisco Leather 2013 Andy Cross was selected over fifty other contestants for the title of International Mr. Leather 2013. Joining him on stage as 1st Runner-Up to IML 2013 was another charming man from the Bay Area – Mr. Santa Clara County Leather 2012 Thib Guicherd-Callin. Proving that over 50 can still be fabulous was Mr. Leatherman Toronto 2013 Robert Miller, who was selected as 2nd Runner-Up. Our own Mr. Maryland Leather 2013 did a fantastic job representing our local leather community. The crowd of 1,500 plus packed into the Harris Theatre clapped approvingly as Mr. Maryland Leather 2013 Bob Rose was announced as a top-twenty finalist. Also making it into the top twenty was Mr. D.C. Eagle 2013 Nigel Williams.The title of International Mr. Bootblack was awarded to “Sammy” from Portland, Oregon who was selected over two other contestants including “Fuzzy Buns” from Palm Springs who was competing for his ninth year!

Travis Rice
February 24, 1986—May 3, 2013

Travis A. Rice, who worked in gay bars in both Baltimore and D.C., died suddenly from medical-related problems on May 3 in Baltimore. He was 27.

So I had worked a long shift at my wonderful restaurant, the Waterfront Kitchen in Fells Point. A double. Work. Not a drink, really.  All the shops were closed except for the Save Goodwill store on Broadway.

Now this was 12 midnight. What was that doing open I wondered, Well, I had to go in, you all know I love a bargain. Midnight sale anyone? Well I stepped in. There was an old man with 1800 clothing on. Looked like he should be doing a ghost tour. Did I mention the lights were flickering? I felt like I was in a Stephen King wet dream waiting to happen.