Jen Michalski is the author of Close Encounters, a collection of short stories published in 2007 by So New Media. The title comes from the “strange little world lurking in a lot of my writing,” said Michalski.

It’s “More Light Sunday” at Govans Presbyterian Church, and the congregation is celebrating. By happy coincidence, or God’s perfect timing, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) voted to allow the ordination of openly gay and lesbian ministers on May 10, just five days before the already scheduled annual Sunday service.

Baltimore’s Pride Weekend will again feature a Youth Ball in collaboration with the Baltimore Ballroom Coalition during Saturday’s outdoor block party. While last year was the first celebration specifically for youth at the block party, the University of Maryland has been sponsoring free balls during the Pride season since 2007, according to Jamal Hailey, a prevention manager for STAR TRACK’s LinQ HIV prevention program at the University of Maryland.

The divide between old and young, with a transgender twist

What happens when you identify as an adolescent male on the inside, but the outside world—including your conventional Puerto Rican and Jewish parents, your classmates, and sometimes even your best friend— see you as female?

The teen years promise growing pains for all young adults, regardless of sexuality. However, LGBT youth also struggle with identity issues, family rejection, and bullying, not to mention increased rates of suicide, mental health problems, and homelessness.

Civil marriage and gender identity are main concerns for LGBT community

Gay American Autobiography, Writings from Whitman to Sedaris, is an anthology I’d been meaning to tackle for a while. Edited by Towson University professor and author David Bergman, the book features life writings primarily from professionals, but also from a handful of writers he characterizes as “not especially literary.”