Join the Baltimore Human Society on February 14 for Valentine’s Day nuptials between Tippy and Fuschia, two of their adoptable shelter dogs, and King Julian and Elena, two of their adoptable shelter cats. It is a celebration of hope, caring, and friendship in the lives of animals who have lost the love and support of their families, but who tirelessly search for it again. The public is invited.

Many boys and girls grow up hoping that one day they will meet the Prince Charming or the Cinderella of their dreams. For real life couple, Eddy Zeidler and Johan Lundqvist, true love graces the ice this month as the two skaters of Disney on Ice’s: Treasure Trove dazzle audiences.

The following news stories of LGBT interest happened around the world in the weeks leading up to our February issue.

The following news stories of LGBT interest happened in the United States in the weeks leading up to our February issue.

Each month, Gay Life will feature outstanding individuals who have made Baltimore a better, more inclusive, and enlightened place to be proud.

Wedding bells will be ringing for two lucky men this February as the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. (GMCW), presents My Big Fat Gay Wedding. In celebration of both Valentine’s Day and the recent marriage equality wins at the polls, two lucky Maryland grooms, GMCW Board Member J.T. Hatfield-Charles and his partner Dixon Charles, will be married on stage during the performance. The one-night only performance will conclude with party favors and cake in the lobby. Singer-songwriter Matt Alber will join the chorus in serenading the duo.

Leg warmers and dancing dreams provide, oh, what a feeling this February as the national touring company of Flashdance The Musical begins its local engagement at the Hippodrome Theatre.

Most of us don’t talk about this part of our body often. Of course, there aren’t many opportunities to talk about it. Even with our medical providers. But just like any other part of our bodies, the anal canal is important to your health. And anal papilloma is one health risk you should know about. So don’t be shy—read all about anal papilloma and then talk with your provider about your risks.

We started the new year with a visit to the vegan Great Sage restaurant in Clarksville, and we were wowed by a gourmet vegan dining experience unlike anything we’ve encountered.

Seventeen local, state, and national organizations have joined with individual activists to form the Maryland Coalition for Trans* Equality (MTCE), in the most broadly based effort the state has ever seen for trans*rights. The formation of the coalition represents the fruition of a year of intensive outreach, organizing, listening, and discussion.

People come from far and wide to visit the historic Lexington Market, but they might not know the unsuspecting treasure that is quietly tucked just a block away. A careful stroll across the Light Rail tracks and a brief descent to the sub-basement of a stylish Howard Street building, and you will find 13 years of expressive, eclectic creations, created by veteran artist, Jeffrey Kent. A knock on the door, a kind handshake, an espresso, and our interview leads to a tour of the studio and a sneak peek of Kent’s upcoming exhibition, Preach! New Works by Jeffrey Kent.

On Feb. 14, Baltimore will join activists around the world for One Billion Rising, the largest day of action in the history of V-Day, the global movement to end violence against women and girls.

While February is usually the month we devote to love, this month turn that love around and shower it on yourself, baby! This is one of the many messages that can be found in The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, playing Feb. 7-23 at The Strand Theater.

In Gay Life’s first-ever BProud Awards, readers of Gay Life and friends of The GLCCB cast their votes online to name their favorite places to live, work, and play. Preferred LGBT-friendly organizations and businesses were selected in 29 categories. We congratulate this year’s winners and runners-up.