Gay Life Volume 34, Number 2

Black History Month is upon us, and in celebration of Baltimore's LGBT African American communities we spoke with a few local leaders. Phillip Lovett of Baltimore Heritage Foundation and Louis Hughes are finding ways to teach us about the history of LGBT community in Baltimore, plus Kevin Clemons outlines the various events and activities celebrating 10 years of Baltimore Black Pride, including the importance of youth taking an active role in assessing and addressing the needs of their peers.

A few other stories may interest our younger readers: the Gay Menís Chorus is devoting a show to youth issues plus three Goucher students have begun an ambitious new project that will help locals of all ages identify safe and welcoming places.

And whether you're blissfully in love, cynically bitter, or somewhere in between, this issue offers some great Valentine's Day topics—from the silly to the serious. She'Baltimore and The Vagina Monologues offer important insights specifically related to violence against women, both productions are supporting domestic violence organizations. On the lighter side, check out the Valentine's Day Gift Guide as well as the variety of events in and around the city.

Maggie Beetz
Editor