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TOUGH ISSUES TOUGH TALKS DETROIT TALKS 30 YEARS LATER PRIDESOURCE.COM KICK TACKLES SOME KICK TACKLES AIDS: STILL A CRISIS AIDS: STILL DRAG STAR COCO PERU COCO PERU STAR DRAG www.PrideSource.com December 1, 2011 / BTL 3

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Cover Story 20 | Heard on Facebook Last week’s Abby Dees Editorial 10 | HIV at 30: Epidemic continues to try resources and government policies Life News 27 | Cuckoo for Coco 11 | The fire this time Drag star talks Detroit and being a queen of all trades 12 | Max Fisher to speak at free fundraiser luncheon for MAC 30 | Cool Cities: Ann Arbor Old and new friends at 35th annual 13 | KICK tackles tough issues in discussion Ann Arbor Folk Festival series 33 | Transgender character grounds ‘Fugue’ 14 | Senate passes ‘weak’ anti-bullying bill, Shared tragic event launches search for identity lacks enumeration 34 | Theater Reviews of “The All Night Strut Holiday 14 | OBITUARY: Rev. Darren McCarroll Show” and “Silent Night of the Lambs” 14 | BTL contributor named to POZ Magazine 36 | Michelle Williams shines in ‘My Week top 100 list With Marilyn’ Actress transforms magically as 15 | Gay teen murder illustrates US schools’ legend in brilliant biopic challenge 37 | Aging and gay? 18 | NH same-sex marriage push highlights Emagine screens topical film Dec. 7 GOP shifts 38 | Happenings 24 | Remembering World AIDS Day Featured: Noel Night from 5-9:30 p.m. Dec. 3 in Midtown Detroit’s Cultural Center area Opinions 39 | General Gayety Kiss and sell 16 | BTL Editorial 30 years later, still a crisis Rear View

17 | Parting Glances 40 | Classifieds My Argentine knees

18 | Creep of the Week 41 | Horoscopes T.I. 42 | Puzzle 20 | S/He Said Discrimination, baseball 44 | Cocktail Chatter

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Chat on our FB Fan Page. Search ABOUT THE COVER “Between The Lines Newspaper” This issue’s World AIDS Day cover is by community artist and BTL Parting Glances columnist Charles Alexander. It is his fifth cover to commemorate the yearly Dec. 1 Get breaking news updates. remembrance date. “Those in their twenties today have no Follow us @YourBTL idea of the panic, fear, bewilderment – horror – that the onset of GRID (Gay Related Immune Disorder), later AIDS, Receive our E–Digest – just sign up was met with 30 years ago. Today hope for a complete today online cure just may be on the horizon,” says Alexander. 10 BTL \ December 1, 2011 \ Feature www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com News / December 1, 2011 / BTL 11

1987 ACT UP protests the $10,000 per year cost of AZT. It adopts the motto, SILENCE=DEATH. President Reagan makes his first speech on AIDS. The U.S. forbids immigration by people with HIV, a policy later signed into law by President Clinton Liberace dies of AIDS The fire this time! tackle this trend though. In October, the CDC tus, complacency about transmitting the virus, get sidetracked.” 2008 Infection rates failed to renew funding for REC Boyz, APM’s alcohol and drug use and the failure of regular While still in operation, the staff running The CDC says improved surveillance shows highly acclaimed HIV prevention program for prevention messages to reach this population as the REC Boyz program heard stories such as In 1986 AIDS patient and AIDS in America is worse than we’d thought: young men of color who have sex with men. With possible causes. But the real root of this problem LeBlanc’s all the time. advocate Ryan White, 15, wins 1.1 million infected, up 11% from 2003. among young, reduced funding in the face of rising numbers of goes even deeper. “We conducted a pretty robust evaluation battle to attend school. New HIV infection rates soar among men infections among this group of young men comes “I get annoyed with people who dismiss this and part of that looked at self-esteem,” Mill- who have sex with men. a conundrum that few know just how to handle. phenomenon as, quote, the natural recklessness bourne said. “What was surprising to us is that on black men soar “It makes me think, is the work that we’re of youth,” said longtime AIDS activist Cleve self-esteem measures, our young men measured 1998-2000 AIDS treatment doing beneficial?” questioned Theus. “Is that Jones, Equality Michigan’s 2011 Catalyst Award very high. But when we looked at self-worth – worked – but it meant many why they’re taking all the money they were giv- winner for Lifetime Achievement. “There’s this what they thought they were worth to themselves different pills, many times a day. AIDS Memorial Quilt displayed on the past all other ing us and moving it down south? Because from kind of dismissive way of looking at it, particu- and their communities – those measures were National Mall in Washington, D.C. in 1987 the outside looking in, it would look like we’re larly with young gay men of color. I think this very low. If you tease out the difference between populations not really doing our job. They see all the money is a consequence of despair and fatalism that what you think about yourself and what you think they’re pouring into prevention and education comes from lack of opportunity and the continual your worth is to the world or the community, and they’re not seeing a change, so why would marginalization of these populations.” those are really two different types of things.” BY JASON A. MICHAEL they give us money? But it’s not that we’re not DeJuan LeBlanc was just looking for a Adding yet another layer to this quagmire doing the work, it’s that the consumer has the little affection. His search resulted in him testing is a recent marketing trend that promotes un- It is a global pandemic that has claimed safe sexual practices – barebacking – as sexy, HIV at 30: Epidemic continues to try the lives of more than 33 million men, women stimulating and the new norm. By the late 80s, and children since 1981. It is an indiscriminate, all mainstream porn companies had begun us- insidious killer. But here in the States, AIDS is ing condoms in their videos. But in recent years beginning to be looked at by a new generation there’s been a bumper crop of internet start-ups of young adults as not so big a threat; and one specifically promoting sex without condoms. resources and government policies subset, in particular, has taken a dramatic lead Sites such as RawRods and Breed It Raw are in new infection rates while experts remain un- multiplying daily. These sites are often advertised certain how to reach them. in and cross-promoted with events at clubs that BY TODD A. HEYWOOD There is some good news when looking this year that if would shift funding priorities medication is limited to those who have already According to data recently released by the cater to black MSMs. at the long-term review of HIV cases in Michi- for HIV prevention away from traditional pro- tested positive for the virus. National Center for HIV/AIDS at the Centers One such local company, ThugSeduction, LANSING – The HIV epidemic reached its gan. The number of newly diagnosed cases has gramming that targets HIV-negative persons or Ingham County, home to the state’s capitol, for Disease Control, the rate of infection among announced in September that raw porn was not 30th anniversary earlier this year, but in Michi- dropped since peaking in 1992, but it has held persons who do not know their status to funding has the highest prevalence rate of HIV outside African-American gay and bisexual men aged for them. The site had long had a partnership gan the battle against the crisis continues to be relatively steady in the decade since. The number prevention for positives programming. of Detroit. The health department announced in 18-29 increased 50 percent from 2006-2009. with Mpowerment Detroit that provided them hampered by misguided and out of date policies of AIDS deaths has also dropped dramatically Prevention for positives focuses cash and 2010 that it would offer n-PEP and the drugs are This group was the only segment of the popula- with condoms. and funding cuts. since the 1996 advent of anti-retroviral medica- prevention messaging on those who know their now covered by the county’s health plan for low tion to experience a significant increase in new “Someone this morning told me ‘don’t lose tion treatments. HIV-positive status, but critics have raised con- income residents, says Renee Canady, interim infections during that period and the numbers are my integrity ‘cause that’s all you have,’” said Many of the people with HIV have their cerns the programming contributes to stigma and health officer for the county. shocking. In 2008, for example, 75 percent of all site owner Andre Perkins on his FaceBook page. By the numbers drugs - which can cost $15,000 or more a year - could contribute to increased HIV infections. diagnosed HIV infections in youth ages 13-19 “That’s the motivation I needed to continue to do were among black youth, even though blacks According to the October 2011 statewide paid for by the AIDS Drug Assistance Program. condom porn.” Disclosure and stigma represented only 17 percent of the population in analysis, Michigan has an estimated19,500 cases ADAP is a federally funded program which Within weeks, though, Perkins had changed A shift in policy that age group. of HIV, but only 15,000 have been identified. Of combines drug discount prices, some state cash Access to prevention medications is not the his tune. Locally, the trend is the same. these, 49 percent are men who have sex with men, and federal money to provide the life saving While the funding picture for HIV appears only issue the state has faced in terms of policy “People rather see raw porn than condom “The prevention messages that we’re giving with another four percent not only MSM but also medication. The program costs millions of dol- muddied at best, the state department of health in the last year. A multi-year investigation by porn,” Perkins posted. “If I don’t throw my mor- are not landing on deaf ears, but there are a lot of intravenous drug users. Heterosexuals account lars a year to provide medications to just fewer has made moves to bring Michigan HIV policies Michigan Messenger and Between The Lines als out the window I will go out of business.” people who are of the mindset that, ‘If I get HIV for 18 percent of the cases, intravenous drug us- than 2,000 residents. in line with current science. found that many counties were having persons On Oct. 5 R.E.C. Boyz staff and volunteers took to the streets in downtown Detroit to protest the closing Millbourne said this trend is a definite cause I can just take a pill and that’s not so bad,’” said ers account for 10 percent, while a whopping 18 After over a year of delay, the Michigan who tested positive for the virus sign documents of the program due to lack of federal funding. The five year program run by AIDS Partnership Michigan was for concern. Royale Theus, program director for the Michigan demonstrating critical life saving results in one of the most at-risk communities, African American men who have percent have an undetermined transmission route. Department of Community Health launched which outlined supposed legal obligations for the “We’re seeing a proliferation of raw and Uncertain funding future AIDS Coalition. “They’re not afraid.” sex with men. Photos courtesy of APM. The epidemic is concentrated on the lower protocols for administration of non-occupational HIV-positive person. Many of these documents bareback porn nationally,” he said. “It’s disturb- Hank Millbourne, associate executive end of the age spectrum. Thirty-four percent of Funding for Michigan’s financial programs post-exposure prophylaxis (n-PEP). This is the were legally inaccurate, resulting in the MDCH ing. It’s counter to the message we’re trying to director and director of prevention services for the cases were diagnosed in people 30-39, while is under assault due to both federal and state use of powerful anti-retroviral medications for directing local health departments to review their right to do what they want to do. They still have positive at 17. put out there for people. I can’t say how much AIDS Partnership Michigan, agreed that as the 13-19 year olds account for five percent, 20-24 budget challenges. With an exceptionally anti- 28 days following a sexual or needle sharing documents. to make that choice to wear a condom or not “It was an emotional thing,” said LeBlanc, that influences behavior, but I do think it does younger generation begins to view HIV/AIDS year olds account for 14 percent and 24-29 year gay and hostile Republican legislature, Michi- exposure to HIV. The medications have to be “The Michigan Department of Community wear a condom.” now 19. “I craved attention because I didn’t get have some influence. “ as a chronic disease and not a deadly one, they olds account for 17 percent. In short, 36 percent gan has seen an attempt by Rep. Dave Agema administered within 72 hours of exposure or the Health (MDCH) does not endorse or encourage Theus said feedback from counseling ses- it as a child. That’s how I got into this situation. Millbourne is not alone in believing this. feel less compelled to protect themselves. They of those living with HIV in Michigan are under (R-Grandville) to defund the Healthy Michigan medicine does not work. the use of ‘Client Acknowledgment Forms,’” sions even prompted APM to change the type of Me wanting to please everybody first before I “If that’s what they’re watching, they’re often fail to consider the challenges that come the age of 30, and 70 percent are under 40. Fund Initiative. This fund provides the entire The CDC and the World Health Organiza- wrote Amna Osman, director of the Division of condoms they distribute. pleased myself. “ gonna mimic that behavior,” said Theus. “They with taking antiviral medications over long-term The epidemic is centered in Detroit - with cash match the state has to provide for HIV fund- tion issued guidance for n-PEP administration Health, Wellness and Disease Control. “We do “I’ve heard that the condom is being used In a situation that’s not rare among young, see it’s so seemingly enjoyable when there’s no periods, the risk of reinfection and varied strands 65 percent of the identified cases. And the epi- ing programs. Agema introduced legislation in in 2005 and 2006, respectively. But the state did not support or endorse any practice or policy but the condom is being taken off because of the black men who sleep with men in Detroit, LeB- barrier being used, and they think, ‘I should be of the disease and the fact that AIDS still claims demic is crushing in some areas of the city, with January that would have transferred the funds to not adopt a policy until after a 2009 investigation which may contribute to stigmatizing HIV or feeling,” he explained. “The regular condoms lanc was raised by a single parent. And in his able to do the same thing.’ This is the mindset the lives of 1.8 million people every year. prevalence rates of three, four and five percent airport upkeep. The bill has gone nowhere, but by Michigan Messenger found access to the life associated risk behaviors as this may serve as a aren’t working. So we looked at giving them the case, his parent suffered from substance abuse of someone who hasn’t even matured mentally. “I think that’s a message that you have to in over half of the city’s zip codes, while one zip continues to float in the legislature. saving medication was dependent on where one deterrent to individuals seeking testing to learn thin condoms because they want something that issues that only compounded his problems. These are teenagers who are trying to figure out keep telling young people over and over and in code has a prevalence of six percent. On a federal level, a new formula to de- was in the state. their HIV status, or from seeking care, if they feels like it’s not there. So we’ve been trying to “It isn’t like I didn’t know about the safe what sex is, let alone how to do it properly.” several different ways in several different types Of the identified cases, 54 percent are Af- termine HIV funding priorities will result in a While the state has an official policy, access know they are HIV-infected.” change the behavior from that end.” sex thing,” he said. “I knew everything about While experts agree there is no surefire way of settings,” Millbourne said. “What I think the rican American men and 39 percent are white 33 percent cut to Michigan’s share of federal to the medications is limited. The MDCH has Osman also indicated in the letter that such Key to changing the behavior, of course, safe sex. I knew to use a condom. I knew to to curb the trend of rising infections numbers in REC Boyz and Mpowerment Detroit has been men. Women are heavily weighted to African prevention cash. announced that there is not a program to assist in forms are not required under Michigan law. is understanding the cause of it. The reasons, get tested. It’s just an emotional thing. When this community, there are strategies. trying to do is influence community norms Americans with 78 percent of the cases, while On top of this, the Centers for Disease Con- paying the $1,000 price tag for the medications, “We strongly encourage LHDs – local it seems, are many. CDC materials on the topic somebody gives you attention or says that they “We now know that people who are being around that. That takes time.” white women represent 19 percent. trol and Prevention in Atlanta announced earlier and the federal programs for medical access to list individuals lack of knowledge of their sta- love you, holds you or something ... well, you See HIV 30, page 23 Time is not on the side of those trying to See Fire, page 22 12 BTL \ December 1, 2011 \ News www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com News / December 1, 2011 / BTL 13 Max Fisher to speak at free KICK tackles tough issues in discussion series

BY CRYSTAL A. PROXMIRE Some sex workers do it because they enjoy it, and it affirms be treated like women but they don’t act like it.” their attractiveness as a female, while others do it because they “We want to understand why people are doing this, and how fundraiser luncheon for MAC DETROIT – Transgender sex workers and Detroit’s Red don’t have any other way to get by. “When you are 13 years old we can help,” said KICK board president Tiffany McLean. KICK Light District was the topic of discussion at Live and Learn, a and there is nowhere else for you to go, it may sound glamorous held two discussions on the topic and as a group hopes to set up BY CRYSTAL A. PROXMIRE Fisher CARE (Clinical AIDS Research After the Washington, DC presenta- weekly discussion group hosted by KICK. and the money might be good, but it is not a choice.” more of a community dialogue by inviting sex workers to come and Education) Fund to support long-term, tion, Hicks spoke with Max Fisher and Members of KICK, mainly black gays and lesbians of all “What is it that these women need? We know it is a problem, to the table and share their needs and concerns. Those involved FERNDALE – How did Michigan outcomes-based research for the care of thanked him for his service. They talked ages, gather at The Center in Detroit (41 Burroughs St) each week but what can we do to help?” These were some of the questions with Detroit’s LGBT sex worker industry who are willing to talk AIDS Coalition swing getting Max people living with HIV, especially women. about the fight for funding in Michigan, to share food and enjoy frank discussions about topics that affect raised by Curtis Lipscomb, executive director of KICK, and dis- at a future meeting or forum, or just to share information privately, Fisher, son of Mary Fisher, to come for In Africa, she established support groups and Hicks ended up asking him to come them. Sometimes the talks are lighthearted, like the upcoming cussed by nearly 30 attendees. can contact KICK at [email protected]. a free luncheon and talk on Dec. 15, and where women infected or affected by HIV/ to the state and help. “Holiday Recipe Night” on Dec. 6 or “Tis the Season to be Merry “I can’t speak for everybody, but if I could do anything for In addition to building community dialogue, KICK is plan- how will this vibrant second-generation AIDS can earn a living wage, producing The talk will be a donation-based and Gay, Tools for Enjoying the Holidays” on Dec 13. But other the black transgender community it would be more programming ning a Holiday in December fundraiser for Saturday, Dec. 10 from AIDS activist help to renew interest in the hand-beaded bracelets that Mary designed lunch, with the first 60 to RSVP enjoying times topics touch on the core of community problems, such as to help them get jobs and get ahead, medical, housing, substance 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the First Congregational Church. Tickets are cause of AIDS prevention and research and markets in the United States. food from the Matt Prentice Restaurant an evening of “Coming Out Stories” held Oct. 11, “Dating, Com- abuse help and a transitional style charm school, teaching girls $75 or $125 for patrons. in Michigan? Hicks said she was “dazzled” by group. The lunch will be held at the MAC mitments, Polyamourism and Everything Else” held Oct. 18, and how to better themselves. …There are a lot of girls who want to Find out more about KICK at www.e-kick.org. According to MAC CEO Helen Hicks, Fisher, and impressed with her son who headquarters at 429 Livernois in Fern- “Sex Sells” Parts I and II, held Nov. 22 and 29. it was a heart-warming series dale on Dec. 15 at noon. There On Nov. 22 the group heard from Bré Campbell, a 26 year of coincidences that con- is no charge, but donations are old transgender woman from Detroit who earns her living doing nected the state-wide agency suggested. HIV testing for the Horizons Project. Campbell talks with sex with the nationally-known “We’re doing this here be- workers who come in for testing, and also is friends with other Salvation Army anti-gay policy protested by locals speaker. cause we want to keep the costs low young transwomen who sell sex as a way to earn their living. “In When Hicks and Ann so that the money can go directly the community I feel like a minority because I don’t do sex work. FARMINGTON HILLS – Like most of us at the Duke, who serves as vice- into MAC programming,” she said. In a way it is glorified and there are a lot of young transgender holidays, Susie Symons and John Glick have passed lots of chair of Michigan AIDS “Some organizations can afford to women that do fall into that stereotype. In the transgender com- Salvation Army bell ringers. But instead of feeling compelled Coalition’s Design Industry rent a hall or bring in expensive munity it is so glorified. I feel that because I don’t participate in to donate, they have wanted to confront the solicitors about Foundation Fighting AIDS entertainment, but we want to keep certain things, I act like I think a lot of myself….And I do. But it’s their group’s anti-gay policies. Now, the couple has devised a event, flew to New York as it simple.” not that I’m up here looking down. I think a lot of everyone who simple, respectful and non-confrontational way to protest the guests of DIFFA, they had no Matthew Prentice, proprietor is out there in our community,” she said, adding that “while there group’s discriminatory corporate policies without attacking idea who the speaker would of the Matt Prentice Restaurant are a lot of young women that sell their bodies, there are also a the freezing cold person who is stuck with the bell ringing job. be. Whoppi Goldberg was the Group, is donating the food for the lot of transgender women that don’t. The majority of transgender Instead of putting money into the kettle, they are putting mistress of ceremonies for the event. “When he heard this was people have other jobs and a lot you wouldn’t even recognize as slips of paper that read in part, “I refuse to give to Salvation surprise guest, and the ladies going to fight AIDS he immediately transgender. It’s just that transgender sex workers are out there Army because of its expressly discriminatory policy towards Visit our website! were already “thrilled to see Mary Fisher is seen here speaking at the 1992 Republican Convention came forward and wanted to help,” and that’s what people see on the street and on TV. The rest of us gays and lesbians.” Symons and Glick want others to join them where she told her audience they should be ashamed at how they had Hicks said. “We rely on monetary http://www.pridesource.com such a big star,” Hicks said. in placing these paper protests into the Salvation Army kettles “It was a big deal when handled the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Her son Max Fisher will be speaking donations that come from events in hopes it will raise awareness within the group’s manage- on Dec. 15 at the MAC offices in Ferndale. Add our fan page! they announced the speaker. like this, but when businesses help “When you are 13 years old and there ment that they are insulting a large group of potential donors.. It was Mary Fisher, who is a like Matt does, by donating food Search: “Between The Lines Newspaper” The Salvation Army website cites Christian dogma as big name in the AIDS com- and keeping costs down when we is nowhere else for you to go, it may came to speak with her. Fisher was just a justification for their anti-LGBT policies. This quote is from munity. She’s the woman, the housewife, use him for other events, it makes a differ- child when his mother became an activist, sound glamorous and the money might their website: Follow us! who was a spokesperson for a community ence too. Every generosity helps us with and he’s grown up now and taken the cause “Scripture forbids sexual intimacy between members of @YourBTL needing heightened visibility. She went to our mission.” to heart himself. be good, but it is not a choice.” the same sex. The Salvation Army believes, therefore, that Washington (in 1992) and told the Repub- The luncheon will also include the To learn more visit www.salvationarmy.org/ind/www_ind.nsf/ “He walked out with Mary Fisher Christians whose sexual orientation is primarily or exclusively licans ‘shame on you’ for letting so many showing of a clip of Mary Fisher speak- vw-sublinks/80256E520050A2E280256CBA0028A203?openD and I recognized him,” Hicks said. “I was same-sex are called upon to embrace celibacy as a way of life. people die before taking the AIDS epidemic ing at the Republican National Conven- - Bré Campbell ocument so surprised. Earlier this year we had a There is no scriptural support for same-sex unions as equal to, seriously. I mean people were getting sick tion in 1992. “We hope that events like DIFFA event here in Michigan, and Max or as an alternative to, heterosexual marriage.” and dying, and the government wasn’t do- this will remind people that AIDS has not Fisher had been here, volunteering just ing anything. But Fisher put a face to the gone away, there is still more work to be aren’t as prominent.” like anybody else. He told me his name, issue. She went with her young children done,” said Hicks. Though she doesn’t participate in sex work, several friends but it didn’t register that he was related and campaigned to bring attention to the and acquaintances do. “I’ve been in a room and friends say, ‘um… PLEASE GIVE THIS TO THOSE AT SALVATION ARMY WHO TAKE to the Mary Fisher. But there he was, not To RSVP, contact Hicks at hhicks@ fact this affected everyone. Every family there’s a guy coming, can you hide in the bathroom or sneak out COLLECTIONS. DO NOT THROW AWAY. making a big deal or trying to be in the michiganaidscoalition.org. To learn could be touched by AIDS.” the back?’ and I don’t want anything to do with it so I say ‘see limelight, just in the pit doing volunteer After contracting HIV from her sec- more about MAC, go to http:// ya later’ and leave. I get stopped on my way out, and I say ‘no, work like everyone else.” ond husband, Fisher founded the Mary michiganaidscoalition.org. you’re not here to see me, she’s in there.’ And that’s it. That’s just how life is for some people.” Campbell said she feels lucky that she “passes” as a woman I am a generous, moral person who gives to many charities, and I do volunteer community U-M Dearborn appoints new LGBTQ coordinator and that she was able to find a job doing something she is pas- sionate about, helping others. She credits waiting until she was 24 work in my city. I would ordinarily donate at the holidays each time I see a red donation BY BTL STAFF provide housing and home services to HIV/ and have already had the opportunity to to begin the process of transitioning with her ability to get good kettle. AIDS individuals. attend Gender Sexuality Alliance (LGBTQ HOWEVER, I REFUSE TO GIVE TO SALVATION ARMY BECAUSE OF ITS EXPRESSLY work and make good choices. “If I would have transitioned at 16 Richard “Rick” Robinson, Ph.D., Robinson has worked extensively organization) meetings. I’m impressed by I would not be here right now,” she said. “Because I was older it DISCRIMINATORY POLICY TOWARD GAYS AND LESBIANS. YOUR POLICY IS UNFAIR, has been appointed part-time LGBTQ with many LGBT anti-violence and activ- their perspective, their willingness to create gave me more options.” UNEQUAL AND HURTFUL TO GAY FAMILIES, AND THAT’S WHY I DO NOT SUPPORT Coordinator at the University of Mich- ists organizations. Most notably he was an an active awareness of LGBTQ persons At Horizons she works with sex workers who are as young S.A.. igan-Dearborn. advisory board member for the Triangle on campus. as 13 and 14 who test positive for HIV. “I know a 13 year old girl Robinson, a well-known anthropolo- Foundation for 13 years. “The leadership at University of who was thrown out of her home and had nowhere else to go. gist, lecturer, political consultant, Chief of “The University of Michigan-Dear- Michigan-Dearborn places a high priority She’s living in a home with other transpeople. This girl is HIV This is my form of protest. I hope you will change your policy to INCLUDE ALL Staff to Detroit City Council Member Mel born is a thriving academic setting with on campus diversity and inclusion. In the positive. Heavy into drug use. And she feels like if she goes into PEOPLE , EQUALLY in your organization. Ravitz for 15 years, is also an HIV/AIDS bright and eager students from many near term, I will be focusing on creating care people won’t understand where she’s coming from. But there A citizen in ______activist/advocate and founding member diverse backgrounds. I am very excited to and fine tuning programs and supporting on the street, it’s normal. She sees the older girls on the stroll and of Wellness House of Michigan, the first assume the role of LGBTQ coordinator. a safe, nurturing environment for LGBTQ so that’s what she does too.” AIDS hospice during onset crisis years to I’ve been warmly welcomed on campus, students.” 14 BTL \ December 1, 2011 \ News www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com News / December 1, 2011 / BTL 15

BTL contributor named to ® Anti-bulling Continued from p. 14 POZ Magazine top 100 list Senate passes ‘weak’ anti- Gay teen murder illustrates to ask of their Government for far too long now.” Sen. John Gleason (D-Flushing) who led BY BTL STAFF bullying bill, lacks enumeration a protest at the Capitol in October after Senate Republicans blocked attempts to add anti-bullying Todd A. Heywood, a Between The Lines contributor and legislation to charter school reform legislation, US schools’ challenge BY TODD HEYWOOD the technical term for listing the groups, data showed the initial bills had failed. This senior reporter for the American Independent News Network, has which are protected, and Republicans have kind of delay is not an acceptable response also weighed in. been named to POZ magazine’s POZ 100 list for 2011. Heywood “This bill as passed today finally honors the LANSING – The Michigan Senate argued that including such language would to Michigan’s bullying crisis.” with school officials four days before the February “I believe the staff did what they were lives in Lansing and is an investigative journalist. memory of Matt Epling and the other Michigan BY GREG RISLING Tuesday morning approved what advo- exclude some groups. Equality Michigan was not the only 2008 shooting, hoping they would help tone down supposed to do,” Dannenberg said, calling it “Known for breaking investigative stories that focus on students who took their lives due to bullying and cates call a “weak” anti-bullying bill. “We’re disappointed by the weak group to respond to the passage. her son’s behavior. She said she was told King had a horrific event. “If we could have changed it, the criminalization of people living with HIV, Heywood is harassment, and hopefully ensures that Michigan LOS ANGELES (AP) – There were many The Michigan House passed the bill two version of the bill passed today. Directed “Over the last year, the Senate Re- a civil right to explore his sexual identity. we would have done it.” what all good journalists students will no longer find themselves in such dire missed opportunities to prevent the murder weeks ago. by the biases of a few, our Senate missed publicans have largely ignored public One teacher said should be: a watchdog situations,” said Gleason. “Implementing a state- of a 15-year-old gay The legislation does not include the another opportunity to do right by our outcry over their efforts to cut school she gave King her and a burr under the wide anti-bullying policy in Michigan finally puts student who was shot so-called “license to bully” provision kids,” said Emily Dievendorf, policy direc- funding and raise taxes on seniors, and daughter’s homecom- establishment’s saddle us on par with the rest of the country and hopefully in the head in front of passed by the Senate earlier in the month. tor for Equality Michigan. “Today’s bill I am hoping that today’s action signifies ing dress. Another said pad,” editors of the in- diffuses the national embarrassment and outrage stunned classmates. That exemption lead to national ridicule will do little to stem the tide of bullying that they have turned a corner in embrac- he did nothing when ternational magazine Senate Republicans evoked with their previous Defense lawyers for Michigan lawmakers, and Republican because it doesn’t enumerate commonly ing compromise and plan to be more King walked around in wrote of Heywood’s ‘anti-bullying legislation’ that actually did more say the shooter, then leaders promised the exemption would not targeted characteristics. Case studies have responsive to the people they represent,” makeup and high heels contributions. harm than good.” 14-year-old Bran- move in the House. found that school employees are unlikely said Senate Democratic Leader Gretchen in front of McInerney In the magazine’s don McInerney, had While the new legislation will require to recognize and report incidents when Whitmer (D-East Lansing). “While this the day before the shoot- introduction to the list, reached an emotional local districts to adopt a policy to address bias bullying is not placed deliberately on legislation is far from perfect, it at least “We’re disappointed by the ing because he assumed editor’s explained the breaking point after bullying, it requires no requirements for their radar. Both Oregon and Washington puts Michigan on the right path toward a school administrator list’s meaning: “This Larry King, wearing reporting bullying incidents to the state, passed weak bills like this one and had to giving our students the protections from weak version of the bill who had watched what year’s list celebrates 100 heels and makeup, and is not enumerated. Enumeration is go back and revise them years later when bullying and harassment that they’ve had was going on would people, things and ideas passed today. Directed by the made repeated, un- take care of the situ- that reinvent—and im- See Anti-bullying, page 14 wanted sexual ad- ation. prove—how we tackle biases of a few, our Senate vances toward him Some teachers tes- HIV.” and other boys. missed another opportunity Teachers and tified that their concerns December 2011 issue can be found Others on the list OBITUARY: Rev. Darren McCarroll weren’t addressed by online at www.poz.com include Mark S. King, to do right by our kids.” students saw the sim- school officials when who blogs at TheBody. BY JASON A. MICHAEL minister of music. home and set him loose in the pulpit. Mc- mering feud between they tried to report es- com; The Positive Justice Project of the Center for HIV Law and “I just welcomed him in and he began Carroll stayed with the church three years, the teens but said ad- calating tensions be- Policy in New York; and Edwin Bernard, a blogger who has the DETROIT – Rev. Darren McCarroll, to work free of charge,” said Bean. “I don’t leaving in late 1999 to return to school. ministrators at Cali- - Emily Dievendorf, policy tween the two teens, most extensive reporting on HIV criminal cases in the world. a champion for social justice and longtime think he ever got a salary. It wasn’t that he He began working for the City of Detroit, fornia’s E.O. Green something Dannenberg As a result of investigation’s he has conducted, Michigan minister with the Unity Fellowship Church wanted to be paid. He just volunteered it.” most noticeably in the Mayor’s Office for Junior High School director Equality Michigan. denied. has adopted a policy related to access to non-occupational post Movement, succumbed to a year-long bat- McCarroll soon became involved Targeted Business Development, in 2000, ignored the concerns, and people did little Byard’s organi- exposure prophylaxis (n-PEP). n-PEP is the use of anti-retrovi- tle with colon cancer Nov. 27. He was 48. with the Minority AIDS Project as well, and remained with the city for 10 years. He Left: Lawrence King. Right: Brandon McInerney to intervene. King’s zation has created an rals to prevent infections with HIV following an exposure. In Born and raised in the city of De- completed his law degree at Wayne State Katy Butler and Carson Borbely, two bullied mother said she plead- anti-bullying policy addition, The Michigan Department of Community Health has troit, McCarroll studied electronics and University in 2004 and went on to teach Michigan students who started a petition that called ed with school offi- and training to identify ordered local health departments to withdraw the use of HIV instrumental music at Cass Technical High at Wayne County Community College as on legislators to pass a strong bill, said they were cials to help tone down her son’s increasingly “I knew, gut instinct, that something serious harassment. Last week, the group released a notification documents which are not reflective of Michigan School. By the time he graduated in 1980, an adjunct professor. relieved that the legislature stripped the “license flamboyant behavior. On the other hand, one was going to happen,” she told the Los Angeles guide for school districts to adopt or modify law. In Missouri, his reporting resulted in state health officials McCarroll was already involved with the Eventually, McCarroll even returned to bully” language, but were disappointed that teacher encouraged King to explore his sexual- Times newspaper on Monday. “They should have policies dealing with transgender and gender in there to cease using a document for HIV positive persons Shrine of the Black Madonna. to pastoring, which Bean says was his state lawmakers failed to pass a stronger bill that ity and gave him a dress. contained him, contained his behavior.” nonconforming students. which acknowledged the state’s criminal law. Without signing “That’s where he met my brother,” first calling. enumerates the reasons why students are bullied Nearly four years later, the death il- “The cost of not acting when bullying that document, HIV positive persons were denied access to said Kofi Adoma, a longtime friend. “He “He was clearly a called man when and requires that schools report back on how well lustrates the difficulty U.S. schools have in and harassment occurs is astronomical,” Byard federally funded programs including the AIDS Drug Assistance helped Darren learn to play the keyboard, it came to spiritual love and compassion they’re protecting kids – provisions that Butler and protecting gay students’ civil rights while “The cost of not acting when said. “We lost two people because of the failure Program (ADAP). A similar investigation turned up troubling play the organ and music theory, and and concern for the least of them, those Borbely assert are necessary to actually protect teaching tolerance to those who feel threatened to act.” documents in Indiana. Darren just took off with it. He was so that were marginalized, and especially for Michigan students from bullying. bullying and harassment by someone who’s different. King’s family has settled a wrongful death Heywood’s work has appeared in the American Indepen- naturally gifted.” same-gender attracted people,” said Bean. “As students who have been bullied in the “Something was brewing, and lots of lawsuit against the school district, McInerney, dent News Network system, BTL and other publications. In In 1986, McCarroll moved across Mark Young first met McCarroll past, we know what we need to be protected,” said occurs is astronomical. We people were uncomfortable and people didn’t a gay rights organization, a shelter and others. addition, Heywood authored “The Bloggers’ and Journalists’ country and settled in Los Angeles. He was when the two were in the band together Butler, a 16-year-old junior at Greenhills High know what to do and where to turn,” said Eliza lost two people because The suit claimed that everyone from King’s Guide to Reporting on the HIV Epidemic in the United States,” working as a technician for Xerox when at Cass Tech. It was the beginning of a School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. “Unfortunately, Byard, executive director of the Gay, Lesbian teacher to his social worker failed to urge the the first guidance for reporting on the disease ever produced. He he discovered the mother church of the friendship that lasted 35 years. the legislature has chosen to ignore our voices & Straight Education Network. of the failure to act.” teen to tone down flamboyant behavior. also was featured in the 2011 Woodhull Sexual Freedom Alliance UFCM and attended a Friday night service. “He was confidant, my cheerleader, in the debate over a law that directly impacts our The now 17-year-old McInerney pleaded Most details of the settlement were kept Sexual Free report with his ground breaking “Viral Apartheid: “He kind of sat toward the back May 20, 1963 – Nov. 27, 2011 my support team,” he said. “We were in- lives every day.” confidential. The Ventura County Star news- Sexuality and Discrimination Involving HIV.” because it was a new setting for him to terwoven in each other’s lives.” guilty this week to second-degree murder and Within a few short weeks, over 50,000 people paper reported the majority of the settlement As a person living with HIV, Heywood has spoken to groups see people with HIV and AIDS talk about Because she was the older of the two, two other counts for killing King, which will –Eliza Byard, executive director joined Butler’s and Borbely’s campaign on Change. – just over $200,000 – was paid by a home- in Missouri, Rhode Island, Detroit, Indianapolis and Chicago. being positive,” recalled Archbishop Carl leaving Xerox to take a position with MAP Adoma said she considered McCarroll send him to prison for 21 years. He’s scheduled org, which received coverage from CBS, the of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight owner’s insurance policy held by McInerney’s He is also a frequent guest lecturer at Lansing Community Col- Bean, founder of both UFCM and the as a client advocate. But McCarroll felt a a younger brother – yet still she looked to be sentenced next month. Detroit News, Michigan Public Radio, and other grandfather. lege and Michigan State University. He will be presenting his Minority AIDS Project, which were then higher calling still and confided in Bean up to him. Testimony during the trial centered on major news outlets. Education Network A bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Jared research into HIV related criminalization on World AIDS Day housed in the same building. “He had been that he wanted to enter the ministry. “He was an inspiration to me,” she McInerney’s growing rage. Prosecutors said at “While we’re disappointed that the legislature Polis is pending before the House Education at Grand Valley State University. diagnosed and I guess he kept it very close “I was just beginning to develop a said. “He taught me how to love uncon- least six people heard him make threats against decided to do what was easy instead of doing what and Workforce Committee that would prohibit “Todd Heywood is simply the most talented reporter I’ve to the heart and the breast, and then he diaconate class for those who wanted to ditionally. He taught me how to be coura- King in the days before the shooting, including was right, Carson and I couldn’t be more proud,” discrimination in public schools against lesbian ever known,” says Ed Brayton, former editor of Michigan came into this setting where people were learn more about liberation theology,” geous about who I was, and how to love one who said the teen told him he planned to said Butler. “All along, this campaign has been and gay students. Messenger, part of the American Independent News Network. saying they were living with HIV and Bean said. “He became a part of that class. my enemies regardless of how much they kill King. Hueneme School District Superintendent about providing a voice for students who suffer If passed, violating the Student Non- “He is the best evidence imaginable against the old canard that AIDS and they were welcome to do that.” He was a brilliant mind, probably one of despise me. And he taught me how to use In the weeks before the shooting, school Jerry Dannenberg told The Associated Press every day at school, but haven’t had the opportunity Discrimination Act could lead to districts losing a reporter is supposed to be aloof, disinterested and without a Before long, McCarroll confided my most brilliant students ever.” my anger about oppression as an opportu- administrators allowed King to wear heels and he was not aware of that meeting. He said an to speak out. Our petition helped stop a dangerous federal funding. Polis said he had King and point of view. Todd is passionate about the things he writes about, in Bean that he had found his “spiritual In 1996, when a pastorship opened up nity to lift people up.” makeup because federal law provides the right outside investigator hired after the shooting bill from becoming law. Next time, we’ll help pass other teens like him in mind when he wrote which is why his reporting has a real impact on public policy.” home” and began offering his services at what was then Full Truth Unity Fellow- of students to express their sexual orientation. determined there was no wrongdoing by any a bill that actually protects students.” the bill. to the church. He eventually became the ship in Detroit, Bean sent his young student King’s mother, Dawn King, said she met of the teachers or staff. 16 BTL \ December 1, 2011 \ Opinion www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Opinion / December 1, 2011 / BTL 17 BTL Editorial Parting Glances Vol. 1948 • Issue 741 Dec. 1, 2011

PUBLISHERS Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson My Argentine EDITORIAL knees Editor in Chief Susan Horowitz 30 years, still a crisis [email protected]

Entertainment Editor hirty years into the HIV epidemic, it is with some one with HIV, 45 percent say they putting it ahead of other sources like school, their Chris Azzopardi BY CHARLES ALEXANDER [email protected] easy to pretend the crisis is over. After would be uncomfortable having their food doctors, friends and family, and the church,” all, fewer people are dying. There are prepared by someone who is HIVpositive, 36 the report says. It found that mainstream media ’ve a friend, Wardell, who shamelessly flatters new acquain- Arts & Theater Editor Tmiracle drugs that breath new life into those who percent with having an HIV positive roommate, coverage of HIV is often shallow and reinforces tances in oddball ways. “You’ve got exciting toes,” he’ll tell Donald V. Calamia, are desperately ill. stereotypes. Culturally sensitive prevention mes- [email protected] a guy wearing sandals. So fewer people are being newly infected. sages are rare, and the number of stories that deal I “Your earlobes indicate you’re well endowed,” he’ll remark to Calendar Editor Right? with HIV related issues is disproportionately low a party guest. “I’d kill for those elbows,” he’ll chat up a gym buff. Benjamin Jenkins Wrong. Over 50 percent of new HIV compared to the severity of the epidemic. [email protected] Recipients of these left-field compliments don’t know wheth- Michigan’s epidemic continues, people infections are in men who have “Media is the top information source on er to laugh, say thanks politely, or fall off the bar stool. Mostly CREATIVE are dying from AIDS still, and the medications HIV across racial/ethnic groups and for younger they just wonder: Is there something wrong with my hearing aid sometimes work, but have horrible side effects sex with men in Michigan. That is and older adults alike. Substantial shares of the or this guy’s bifocals? and the virus itself can develop resistance to them public, and much larger shares among blacks and Art Director an unacceptable number of new Exciting toes? Endowment earlobes? Sexy elbows? Wardell David Ano, [email protected] if they are not taken properly. Why haven’t we Latinos, say they’d like to have more informa- just blathers on. “I don’t suppose you get many compliments like Webmaster & MIS Director heard more about the epidemic? infections for any community. tion on a variety of HIV related topics, including mine; but it’s true: your elbows are sexy. Is it your genes, or do Kevin Bryant, [email protected] Because some in the gay community believe how to prevent the spread of HIV, how to know you work out? our own rhetoric that the epidemic is no longer But making this worse, the virus whether to get tested and where to do so, and “Why do you say goofy things like that?” I ask Wardell (after Contributing Writers a gay disease. Some believed that as infection how to talk with children, partners, and doctors Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown, spending minutes in front of my full-length mirror, looking at my Zach Childree, Jack Fertig, Lisa Keen, rates increased among heterosexuals that we is preying on men of color who about the disease,” the report says. Argentinean tango knees). “Aren’t you afraid people will think Jeremy Martin, Anthony Paull, Andrea Poteet, could let down our guard. But we were wrong. have sex with men, many of Pridesource.com is launching this HIV you’re a nut case?” Crystal Proxmire, Bob Roehr, Over 50 percent of new HIV infections are in portal in order to help address these stunning “Sure; but there are plenty who find my come-ons fun. Be- Hannah Schwab, Jody Valley, men who have sex with men in Michigan. That numbers and provide accurate, current informa- D’Anne Witkowski, Rex Wockner, Dan Woog them in the age group of 13-24. sides, who secretly doesn’t mind hearing they’ve got eyebrows like is an unacceptable number of new infections for tion about the epidemic in Michigan. Together, a NASA rocket scientist or the rebel wrists of a hard rock guitarist? Cartoonists any community. we can, as Secretary of State Clinton said in No- “Doesn’t everyone like to feel special in special ways? Paul Berg, Dave Brousseau, Joan Hilty Further exasperating efforts to stem the vember, fulfill the dream of an AIDS-free world. 29 percent having their child in a classroom with Anybody can be handsome. Anyone can be beautiful. (Anybody tide of new infections in MSMs, the virus is But it will take all of us to get there, and we are Contributing Photographers an HIV positive teacher, and 18 percent working can be a bottom. You should know.) But how many can own Andrew Potter spreading most quickly among some of the most stepping up to the plate. What are you doing? with someone with HIV. up to charismatic urban nostrils? Affluent suburban upper lips? vulnerable and least resourced of us. Young men ADVERTISING & SALES The problem of ignorance is linked to an- Sisyphean-induced triceps? A continentally butch basket?” of color who have sex with men – many of them other reality: where people get their information Kaiser Family Foundation report: http:// “Yes, but Wardell; come on now. What you’re saying in the age group of 13-24 – are more likely to Director of Sales on the virus. thinkprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/ makes little syntactical or physiological sense. What in heck are Jan Stevenson, [email protected] have little access to economic or social service “Six in ten Americans say most of what they ‘Sisyphean-induced triceps’ and ‘a continentally butch basket’?” resources. As infection rates spiral out of control HIV-AIDS-Public-Opinion.pdf Sales Representatives know about HIV/AIDS comes from the media, “What’s that got to do with it? (Just because you obviously Ed Bohach, [email protected] in this community, there is little in the way to haven’t got either.) The important thing’s that it sounds like some- Ann Cox, [email protected] stop new infections. A program that was in the thing manly. Sounds sexy. You want to believe you’re one in a way of rising infections was lost this fall - REC National Advertising Representative million. You begin to wonder how you can use it, make out with Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 Boyz – due to lack of federal funds. A simply it, show it off in public. maddening decision. “The trick’s adding to your compliment by linking it to an Business Office Apathy is perhaps the worst enemy in the important person or persons. Say: Did you know it’s a political Diane Smith, [email protected] fight against new infections. The virus has be- given that Wall Street bankers have similar testicular outcroppings Nancy Blankenship come nothing to fear in the minds of many, and like yours, more so than Euro Dollar counterparts. How about Circulation & Distribution in others, HIV infection and being gay go hand in buying me a drink, Big Guy?’” Diane Smith hand – an inevitable fatalism of failed moralistic I wish I’d nerve enough to use Wardell’s technique of offense prevention programs which have written off men Pride Source Media Group kissy footing (as opposed to my defense back scratching), but I’d 11920 Farmington Road who have sex with men and ceded them as an feel real stupid going up to a stranger and saying,”Hey, dude, that’s Livonia, Michigan 48150 acceptable loss to the battle. really one monumental botox lip job you’re sporting!” Phone 734.293.7200 • Fax 734.293.7201 That is why Between The Lines is launch- But, I do find Wardell’s ploy works miracles with 30-watt www.pridesource.com ing the PrideSource.com interactive HIV/AIDS Fundies, pinhead theocrats, right-wing poop deckers, who - be- Our rate cards are available online portal this month. We believe that you are either cause they truly believe they’re the only ones who’ll win God’s All material appearing in Between The Lines is protected by federal part of the problem or part of the solution, and we Heavenly Bingo Game - like being told they’re very, very special copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without stand squarely on the side of solutions. the permission of the publishers. Between The Lines is supported in no uncertain, “isn’t that special,” Church Lady ways. by many fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for The continuing epidemic is a crisis. In part “Has anyone told you your Garden of Eden coccyx is divinely claims made by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility it is a crisis of communication. prehensile, and your cherubic nose is sweet Shinola shined to utter for materials provided by advertisers or their agents. A Kaiser Family Foundation study released holy perfection? And, good gracious me, those marvelously hairy in June 2011 found that while the epidemic has Copyright 2011 Pride Source Media Group, LLC grapes-of-wrath toes ... And your left behind’s quite rapturous ... been around since 1981, the public’s understand- Amen! Got any 3-in-1 lube?” ing of how the virus is spread remains poor. Of the respondents in the study, 25 percent thought one could get HIV by sharing a drinking glass [email protected] 18 BTL \ December 1, 2011 \ News www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com December 1, 2011 / BTL 19 Creep of the Week NH same-sex marriage push have the right to be gay in peace, and T.I. if you’re against it you should have the right to be against it in peace.” highlights GOP shifts BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI Ah, there you go. If only anti- gay folks were left to be anti-gay in ttention gays: recently pa- peace things would be fine. Never BY STEVE PEOPLES “We will be using all the tools Press” host David Gregory that states roled felon and rapper T.I. mind the fact that the only reason at our disposal to lobby the New should be allowed to make up their thinks you are too sensitive. gays can’t be “gay in peace” is be- CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – Hampshire legislature and the broader own minds. AAnd maybe he’s right. Maybe cause of the anti-gay folks who not Whether they like it or not, Republican population,” said Christopher Plante, “I wouldn’t seek a constitutional only want to deprive gays of their years of being treated like second- presidential candidates are joining New regional director for the National Or- ban for same sex marriage, but I am class citizens and being accused of rights, they also want to deny that ganization for Marriage. “One of those Hampshire’s intensifying gay marriage pro traditional marriage,” Cain told and equated with with pedophilia gays are fully human and would tools is the echo chamber of presiden- debate. Gregory. and bestial- prefer that they disappear. That, to State lawmakers plan in the tial candidates continuing to show their In Perry’s case, the Texas gover- ity and be- me, seems like a difficult position coming weeks to take up a measure support of marriage as defined by one nor says he supports the New Hamp- ing at risk of to maintain “in peace.” to repeal the law allowing same-sex man and one woman.” losing jobs T.I.’s aforementioned favorite couples to wed and a vote is expected Plante concedes that for some shire repeal. But in July he said that or homes joke comes from an anti-gay rant at some point in January – the same candidates, “there has been an evolu- New York’s move to legalize gay mar- or family Tracy Morgan went on during a June month as New Hampshire holds the tion on a number of fronts” on this riage was “fine by me.” A week later, and being 4, 2011 stand-up gig. Kevin Rogers, nation’s first Republican presidential issue. facing social conservative criticism, he bullied and a gay man in the audience, detailed primary contest. Romney was the Massachusetts walked back the comments. beaten and Morgan’s remarks on Facebook after Already, candidates have been governor when his state legalized gay Former House Speaker Newt the show. even killed put on the spot over the divisive hot- marriage. The Romney administration, Gingrich has another problem. Morgan made plenty of anti gay just for be- button social issue when most, if not as directed by the courts, granted nearly Earlier in the fall, he told an Iowa remarks, including that lesbians just ing gay has all, would rather be talking about the 200 same-sex marriage requests for gay T.I. pretend to be lesbians because they audience that gay marriage is a “tem- made gays economy, voters’ No. 1 concern. and lesbian couples in 2005. hate men, kids learn to be gay from porary aberration” likely to go away a little sen- The impending focus on gay mar- Campaign spokesman Ryan Wil- the media, and that being gay is a because it defies convention. Gingrich, sitive. riage carries risk for several of White liams said the former governor had choice. However, all of this paled who has been married three times, has Combine all of this with a love House contenders - including former little choice but to follow the state for Barbara Streisand, Broadway, a half-sister in a same-sex marriage. Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Supreme Court ruling at the time. and Bette Midler and yeah, I can “The truth is that you’re living Texas Gov. Rick Perry and former He noted his candidate’s consistent see where sensitivity overload might in a world that no longer exists,” Can- So maybe T.I. is just businessman Herman Cain - whose opposition to both civil unions and be an issue. gay marriages, adding that Romney inconsistencies on the topic are well dace Gingrich-Jones wrote the former I mean, a person can’t even saying he loves his openly supports the New Hampshire documented. The GOP candidates’ speaker in a letter posted on the Huff- tell a little gay joke these days with- repeal effort. dick jokes good and increasingly vocal support for “tra- ington Post in 2008: “In other words, out the Gay and Lesbian Alliance But Romney has reversed himself ditional marriage” also threatens to stop being a hater, big bro.” Against Defamation putting out a on whether gay marriage should be gay. alienate a growing number of younger Despite the presidential candi- press release. addressed at the state or federal level. Republicans and independents here dates’ support for the New Hampshire Thankfully, T.I. has an excep- This past June, he said during a who support legal recognition of same- tionally insensitive sense of humor, debate that he favors a federal con- repeal, younger Republicans in this sex couples. That note of divisiveness which he shared in a recent interview in comparison to what Morgan said stitutional amendment banning the state are skeptical, especially as voters could bode poorly for the eventual with Vibe magazine. about his son. practice. That’s been his position at are focused on the economy. “Man, I will say this, the funni- Rogers wrote, “[Morgan] said GOP nominee come the general elec- least since the beginning of his 2008 “Why is the NH House wasting est joke I ever heard Tracy [Morgan] that if his son was gay he better come tion. presidential bid, when he was the only time trying to repeal gay marriage? say during a stand-up was, ‘C’mon home and talk to him like a man and Even so, the Republican can- major Republican candidate to support Capital ugh,” Robert J. Johnson, chair- not [he mimicked a gay, high pitched didates aren’t shying away from the man, I think gay people are too such an amendment. man of the New Hampshire College voice] or he would pull out a knife topic as they run for the nomination of sensitive,’” T.I. said. “‘If you can But as a Massachusetts Senate Republicans, wrote on Twitter. take a dick, you can take a joke’ and stab that little N (one word I a GOP dominated by conservatives and candidate back in 1994, Romney told refuse to use) to death.” pushed further to the right by the tea Polling suggests it may not be a That shit was funny to me. And it’s a Boston-area gay newspaper that winning issue. kind of true.” Got that? If Morgan’s son was party over the last few years. same-sex marriage is “a state issue A recent University of New I know, right? It’s so true! I an effeminate gay man, Morgan “As conservatives, we believe in as you know – the authorization of Hampshire poll found that 62 percent can’t stop LOLing at the hilarious- would murder him in a gruesome the sanctity of life, we believe in the marriage on a same-sex basis falls ness of it. and violent way. This certainly goes sanctity of traditional marriage, and under state jurisdiction.” Aides say it’s of state residents oppose repealing the Actually, I don’t get it. How are against the T.I. claim that you should I applaud those legislators in New unfair to scrutinize Romney’s position same-sex marriage law. And nationally, taking “a dick” and taking “a joke” be anti-gay “in peace.” There’s really Hampshire who are working to defend in 1994 – when there was virtually no public opinion has gradually shifted related? Maybe he’s saying that both nothing peaceful about Morgan’s marriage between one man and one discussion of a federal amendment. toward supporting same-sex marriages, dicks and jokes go in the same place? comments. Or funny, for that matter. woman realizing that children need And they suggest Romney’s rivals even among Republicans. As far as gays being too sensi- In this case he’s talking about the to be raised in a loving home by a have far more blatant inconsistencies An August Associated Press- tive, Rogers wrote, “I figured at butt. And there certainly are a lot of mother and a father,” Perry told a New in recent months. National Constitution Center poll some point the gay jokes would fly butt-related jokes out there, not to Hampshire audience recently, becom- Both Perry and Cain have drawn found that 53 percent of Americans and I’m well prepared for a good ing the latest contender to address gay mention dick jokes. So maybe T.I. conservative criticism for recent com- favor legal recognition of same-sex is just saying he loves his dick jokes ribbing of straight gay humor. I marriage directly. ments related to gay marriage. marriages; 32 percent of Republicans good and gay. have very thick skin when it comes While the issue hasn’t yet become Asked in mid-October whether say same-sex couples should get some In the same interview T.I. ac- to humor; I can dish and I can take.” a regular talking point on the campaign he supports a federal marriage amend- legal recognition from the government, cuses gays of being un-American for But threatening to stab your son trail, most Republican candidates ment, Cain told the Christian Broad- protesting anti-gay slurs. to death for being gay? That’s not declare support for the effort to repeal casting Network that federal legisla- compared with 71 percent among Dem- “They’re like, ‘If you have an a joke. And it’s not funny. Morgan the law. And groups like the National tion is necessary to protect traditional ocrats and 50 percent of independents. opinion against us, we’re gonna shut has since apologized for the anti-gay Organization for Marriage hope to marriage. That seemed to be a direct Democrats hope to use the Re- you down,’” he says. “That’s not rant. T.I., on the other hand, seems force the presidential contenders to contradiction from his statement of just publican contenders’ positions against American. If you’re gay you should determined to keep this “joke” alive. publicly embrace the repeal. six days earlier, when he told “Meet the them in the general election next fall. 20 BTL \ December 1, 2011 \ Opinion www.PrideSource.com

“Most of us are still Neanderthals.” –An anonymous New York Mets S/he Said baseball player, about the comfort level of Major League Baseball Discrimination, baseball (MLB) players knowing openly Last week in Abby Dees’ gay teammates, responding to COMPILED BY HOWARD ISRAEL the new collective bargaining Editorial, she wrote, “I agreement between the Major League Baseball Players an MLB adding “sexual orientation” to the don’t believe there will be league’s non-discrimination policy, a better time than now to www.nydailynews.com, Nov. 23. make our next bold move

toward equality.” BTL Asks: “In the larger picture, homosexual activists are trying to have their Do you agree?” ideology become dominant, not only in the most liberal segments of society, like academia, but in the most conservative institutions, such as the We agree. But the Roberts-Scalia court is not where military, the church, and now in the next blow to end marriage discrimination will sports. Liberals attack conservatives be struck. It will be at the ballot box. Join the fight for the idea of legislating morality, at lovehonorcherish.org Peter Sprigg but this is exactly what’s happening –@Lesteraponte when one of these codes is adopted. It’s saying that anyone who disapproves of homosexual conduct, for whatever reason, is a bigot and we are taking Mr. Scalia attends the same Catholic Church in a moral stance against that. This is not a neutral act. It’s Virginia as Brian Brown, President of the National taking sides in the culture war.” Organization For Marriage. I know that their decision –Peter Sprigg, Family Research Council, www. will come down to one nice meal (between them), citizenlink.com, Nov. 25. CitizenLink is the and when the Supreme Court hands us our ass, political arm of the Family Research Council. our own community will be too busy shopping or Rafael McDonnell watching a TV show to even notice. –Michael “I ask as an LGBT fan and on behalf of the center that “You’re probably wondering to you both please add sexual orientation provisions to yourself, ‘How did so-called Christian the MLB’s new collective bargaining agreement, and conservative group Family Research encourage each team owner to add sexual orientation, Council show their gratitude this gender identity and gender expression protections to their Thanksgiving weekend?’ The answer: What Michael says is true about our community team’s employment nondiscrimination policies. The National they didn’t. Instead they spent their not getting off their asses long enough to care Football League added a provision that the league would holiday blasting major league baseball about their civil rights. But I hope Michael, and not discriminate against a player based on his sexual for including sexual orientation non- Lester, are wrong about the Supreme Court. orientation to the collective bargaining agreement approved discrimination rules in its collective –Billy Bradford earlier this summer. The National Hockey League added Andrew bargaining agreement. But to FRC, similar protections for its players in 2005, as did Major Belonsky baseball is simply cowering before League Soccer in 2004. By adding the sexual orientation the gay agenda. Even if baseball nondiscrimination language ... these leagues send a strong were a bastion of right wing conservatism - depending on This is a Supreme Court that could look at Kraft signal to the league’s LGBT fans that they are supported the region and fan base, some teams may be - it does not and say “Yep, that’s a person.” I think we can wait and affirmed, since professional sports have been described belong to conservatives. FRC, Sprigg and other anti-gay a little longer. as one of the last bastions of homophobia.” activists forget that baseball is all of America’s pastime, not –Jay Kay –Rafael McDonnell, communications and advocacy just right-wing fundamentalist bigots’ pastime.” manager for Dallas’ LGBT community center, in –Andrew Belonsky, in his column titled “Conservative letters to Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Group Spends Thanksgiving Griping About Baseball’s Selig and Major League Baseball Players Association Gay Love,” responding to comments made by Peter exec director Matthew Weiner, www.dallasvoice.com, Comments may be edited for grammar and length. Sprigg, www.deathandtaxesmag.com, Nov. 25. Nov. 22. The agreement will add “sexual orientation” Join the conversation ... to the league’s anti-discrimination policy. Search: “Between The Lines Newspaper” 22 BTL \ December 1, 2011 \ News www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com News / December 1, 2011 / BTL 23 ® HIV 30 ots of laughs, food and drinks Continued from p. 10 were enjoyed by the clients of 2751 E Jefferson Ave, Ste 301 Detroit MI 48207 Royal Oak dentist Dr. Ron Wil- health departments – that are currently using Client Acknowledgment MAIN OFFICE: 313-446-9800 | www.aidspartnership.org | HOTLINE: 800-872-AIDS Lliamson who hosted a holiday open forms to review this practice immediately,” Osman wrote. house Nov. 18. Photos: First Impres- But even as the state was directing counties to stop using the sions Photography legally inaccurate documents, it was continuing to use an obscure Top Right: Dr. Williamson with his section of the public health act to track and challenge those living with friendly office staff the disease. The Health Threat To Others program is a civil procedure In the belief that all people have dignity and worth and are entitled to the highest quality of life, to force those with HIV to disclose their status and to engage in safer AIDS Partnership Michigan is committed to Bottom Left: Crazy times in the on- sex behaviors. The program follows a strict process of warning, being an effective and powerful voice; site photo booth providing leadership and education; followed by a list of sanctions. Failing to fulfill the obligations of a and providing support services and programs Bottom Right: Happy patients enjoy- warning and sanctions can result in civil confinement for up to six for those infected and/ or affected by HIV/ AIDS. ing the refreshments months. In addition, those under observation under the program are listed in a statewide database of HTTO orders. Trevor Hoppe, a doctoral student at the University of Michigan November 2011 studying the application of Michigan’s disclosure statute by public officials, reported at the CDC’s National HIV Prevention Conference Dear this summer in Atlanta that he had documented health officials using sensitive health information to assist in their health threat investiga- I have always been of the opinion that serious, downtrodden AIDS activists are not tions. Interviews with health officials showed that some were actively particularly appealing. A sense of humor and laughter has always been considered a great cross-referencing the state’s name-based database of known HIV- weapon in the arsenal. That’s probably why I have a framed award from APM staffers for infected persons with partner services referrals to identify potential the “Loudest Laugh.” HTTO cases. In addition, Hoppe reported that some officials said Well, I must not be laughing much lately because Connie … my next door office mate … they would identify as a health threat any HIV-positive woman in announced to all in the office yesterday that I had finally laughed … loudly. And you know their jurisdiction who became pregnant - something advocates say im- what? She is right. pinges on the sexual and reproductive rights of those living with HIV. While the HTTO program appears to be the preferred tool of Thanks to the failed vision at the Centers for Disease Control, we shut down one of the Michigan’s health officials, a felony law remains hanging over the most effective HIV prevention programs I have seen in my 22 years here … the REC Boyz. heads of any HIV-positive person. That law requires an HIV-positive Every Day We Live Up The program is a peer leadership program designed by the University of California Center To a Promise We Made for AIDS Prevention Studies. We worked with 300 young African American men ages 13 to person to disclose his or her status prior to sexual penetration, “how- 28 Years Ago ever slight.” However, it does not require disclosure prior to sharing 24 each year. These are young men who have sex with men and are frequently homeless needles. Failing to disclose is a felony punishable by up to four years because their families disown them. Educational activities designed by the REC Boyz have reached an average of 5,000 Detroit young people each year. Our CDC proposal in prison in Michigan. 1983 - 2011 was “approved but not funded.” Criminalization has become a major issue for advocates who note that research shows the law has no impact on the behavior of But … every other day or so one of the REC Boyz come to my office … Curtis, Darius, HIV-positive people, and may in fact be hampering prevention and Delicious, Angelo … and THEY MAKE ME LAUGH! testing initiatives. Advocates say more and more people who are SO - WE ARE NOT DONE YET! The APM conference room is now the REC BOYZ DROP ® Fire engaged in high-risk behavior are unwilling to get tested in order to IN CENTER … complete with television … and amplified rabbit ears! We will have a REC Continued from p. 11 prevent being held criminally liable for their behavior. Boyz Holiday dinner shortly, and we will continue to provide our highly targeted, user friendly HIV testing to the social networks of these young men. treated successfully are not capable of Testing issues If you make a gift right now, we will be able to streamline and continue this highly transmitting the virus,” said Jones. “So successful prevention effort. It is absolutely worth it. This is exactly how we will Stop AIDS. I think a new slogan for years to come People who refuse to get tested hampers efforts to slow the Be generous my friend. I know the economy is awful. I know you have 10 other letters is that ‘treatment equals prevention.’ We progress of the disease. Strong scientific evidence has shown that asking for money … but they are not like this one. need to turn the complacency into a real those on successful medication treatment are extremely unlikely to desire for people to learn their status and transmit the virus. This has lead to high impact drives to increase LAUGH! Write a Check! … because, WE ARE NOT DONE YET! get treatment. testing and access to care in a program federal authorities call test With Love and Much Laughter, “I think it’s also important to remem- and treat. ber that we do know some things that Part of the test and treat strategy is a requirement from the fed- work,” Jones continued. “We know that eral government that state governments track viral loads of persons prevention education campaigns – when living with HIV. The goal is to reduce the community viral load and Barbara Murray … and the Incredibly Talented APM Staff and REC Boyz they are targeted, when they’re explicit in the process reduce the new incidence rate of infections. PS REC Boyz graduates have earned their GED degrees, they have jobs, several are and when they’re prevalent – are effective. In some jurisdictions, health officials are beginning to use viral attending college and one has been deployed to the Middle East with his National Guard They are hampered by a lack of funding load testing to find people who are not on treatment and to confront Unit. These young men are the future! and by censorship, but when we pay atten- them about it. tion to these populations with appropriate Michigan tracks viral loads, but MDCH says those results are messages and involve the community in not used for anything. YES! I WANT TO END AIDS! creating these messages, it does make a “Currently MDCH collects HIV viral load, western blot and difference. “ CD4 results for epidemiological surveillance of HIV disease in Enclosed is my gift of: $25 $50 $100 or $______(other) AIDS Partnership Michgan has been Michigan,” says Angela Minicuci, spokesperson for the MDCH. PREFER TO MAKE YOUR GIFT ONLINE? USE OUR SECURE SERVER AT WWW.AIDSPARTNERSHIP.ORG. trying to develop such messages. Photos courtesy of APM. “Physicians will follow up with their patients on any positive HIV “In the last two years we’ve imple- test results (such as a detectable viral load and reactive western blot) Please send me information on: Please deduct my donation from my: mented three strategies that just target and environmental conditions in which But maybe the biggest cause of this and will then report that case to the MDCH for the epidemiological Automatic Monthly Giving Volunteer Opportunities American Express MasterCard Visa young MSMs,” said Millbourne. “We have behaviors happen,” he said. “I don’t think problem is that these young, black men surveillance. Additionally, viral load (detectable and undetectable) ______a social networking strategy, we have a text we can downplay how the economic situ- aren’t being looked at all by the LGBT and CD4 results are aggregated and used to identify areas of the state Name Credit Card Number messaging type program that we run and ation that we are in now disproportionately community at large. And maybe the solu- where there may be gaps in service for persons living with HIV. This ______then the Status Sexy campaign. They see impacts young people and their ability to tion lies, at least in part, in giving them the helps us to make well-informed funding decisions.” Address City, State Zip Expiration Date Security Code # those efforts and get tested.” live independently. It impacts their choices, attention they crave. ______To develop such messages effectively in terms of whether or not they may par- Jones summed it up succinctly. Phone Email Name (please print) and stop these risky behaviors, Millbourne ticipate in a riskier behavior for survival. “We need to tell them that their lives ______Signature said we have to realize why young, black We don’t often look at that but I think it matter and we value them greatly and that Make check payable to “AIDS Partnership Michigan” I have noted my updated contact information on back MSMs are engaging in them. has an impact in behavior in ways that are we want them to live and grow.” “We need to look at the contextual detrimental to our youth.” 24 BTL \ December 1, 2011 \ World AIDS Day www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com World AIDS Day / December 1, 2011 / BTL 25

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Remembering World800-872-2437 AIDS Day 26 BTL \ December 1, 2011 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Performing / December 1, 2011 / BTL 27 Cuckoo for Coco Peru Drag star talks Detroit and being a queen of all trades BY SAMANTHA WHITE was a lot of innuendo to it that was really funny.” Coco took all that inspiration from her ecember in Detroit is going to heat up childhood and, years later, gave birth to the this holiday season with a shot of hot alter ego Coco Peru. But even industry veterans Coco. Coco Peru, that is. The beautiful spend time arduously writing engaging and Dand talented drag queen – with a capital Q – will entertaining shows. Comedic genius takes time bring her New York attitude and flavor to Detroit – and can be scary as hell. and perform a “best of” her work “I literally sit in front of my computer for Coco got a taste of the hometown hospitality hours. It can be terrifying, and I think to myself, a few months ago while in town shooting for a ‘Do I have a show here?’ It’s scary until you now-defunct TV show. And now she’ll get a taste get into it.” of our winter weather when she performs at 7 Peru is well into it, with critically acclaimed p.m. Dec. 4 at Five15 in Royal Oak. one-woman shows like “Miss Coco Peru in My “I am going to come from this nice warm Goddamn Cabaret,” “Miss Coco Peru: A Legend weather to Detroit,” says Coco, who lives in Los in Progress” and “Miss Coco Peru’s Liquid Angeles. “It’s cold in Detroit right now, isn’t it? I Universe.” The latter garnered her one of several had the chance to meet some local peeps when I GLAAD Award nominations. In 2004, she won was filming an episode of ‘Detroit 1-8-7.’ I love for “Miss Coco Peru is Undaunted.” the people in Detroit – they’ll keep me Her most rewarding moment came from warm!” the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center in Coco is a 2009, winning the Board of Directors Award for quadruple threat – her activism in the LGBT community. singer, comedian and Peru has many accomplishments onscreen, actor. Not to mention, in addition to her stage and activism endeavors. she writes all her She has appeared on “Arrested Development,” material. “Will & Grace,” “New York Undercover” and Looking back, “I “How I Met Your Mother.” would change those one-night “I really enjoyed working on ‘How I Met stands. I gave it away for free Your Mother’ because everyone is happy there,” for too many years!” Peru says frankly Coco says. “There’s nothing worse than an when asked about her groundbreaking unhappy cast who complains about everything. 20 years in the business. What do you have to complain about? You are Inspired by the humorous making millions of dollars. I hate when they grownups in her life, Coco, born complain. It makes me want to smack them across Clinton Leupp, knew while the face. But, that show has a really lovely cast.” growing up in the Bronx that She goes on: “I told myself I’d never she wanted to perform. play a tranny-hooker because that’s one of the “I grew up surrounded stereotypes in our community. And, I ended up by adults who I thought were playing one on the show! Hey, they dangled funny. I liked being around money in my face. I’m only human.” adults more than children,” Two decades in the business has afforded she says. “From the time I Coco dozens of accolades and fans, great was small I knew. I loved opportunities to work with some of film and being around them and I television’s biggest stars and a few one-night liked making people laugh.” stands here and there. She gets the spotlight, but It helped that Coco had Clinton just likes being at home in the backyard. parents who encouraged her “I like watering the plants in my backyard enthusiasm for performing. and pulling weeds. I like to talk to my fruit trees “I was very fortunate, and I have a beautiful lime and lemon tree,” because my parents realized Coco/Clinton says proudly. I had a love for the theater. The multi-talented performer was born My parents took me to to perform but enjoys the simple life with a Broadway shows, Radio City husband of 16 years. The key to being together Music Hall, all of that. It made for so long? “A mortgage.” me realize, ‘Hey, I can do this!’” The city itself also played a vital role in her desire to perform Coco Peru and make a career out of being 7 p.m. Dec. 4 ($25) funny. “There was this edginess that New Five15, 515 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak Yorkers had back then. Their sense of www.five15.net humor was borderline blue and there 28 BTL \ December 1, 2011 \ Ann Arbor www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Ann Arbor / December 1, 2011 / BTL 29

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folk, country, and album-rock-inspired arrangements filled with ringing guitars, Old and new friends at 35th soaring harmonies and heartfelt melodies. Also playing: Carbon Leaf, Elephant annual Ann Arbor Folk Festival Revival, Sunny War and David Wax Museum YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET SATURDAY, JAN. 28: Be included in our Ryan Adams, Emmylou Harris among performers Emmylou Harris

Ann Arbor Cool Cities Pages The annual Ann Arbor Folk Festival, country scene. Prolific, with ideas coming as and totally original blend of popular music. In Nashville they call her the conscience organized yearly by The Ark, recently fast as he could write and record them, Ryan The members of DeVotchKa spent their of country music, but there’s no label large Ryan Adams. Photo by David Black announced the lineup for the two-day event released an album a year (or even more) over early career fostering musical connections enough to encompass Emmylou Harris. Over at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 27 and 28. much of the past decade. His latest release, with fellow explorers like Calexico and a career that’s lasted more than 40 years, evergreens in this country and around the thoroughly. On Nanci’s own 18 albums Call us today: Highlighting a selection of the “Ashes & Fire,” marks his return to recording gypsy punks Gogol Bordello. DeVotchKa’s Emmylou has influenced musical movements world. But what’s sometimes forgotten is that she draws on personal confessions, a world’s finest traditional and contemporary following the disbanding of backing band the major break came when Nic Harcourt of from country-rock to the bluegrass revival Glen’s songs remain fresh because they were photographer’s eye for Texas landscapes, performers, each night of the Festival Cardinals in 2009 and a quiet period in which KCRW introduced his listeners to a then- to Americana, which she helped make into innovative in the first place. Glen released and social and political themes, forging a 734-293-7200 x22 includes a blend of well-known and up- he married singer and actress Mandy Moore. unknown rock band on his daily radio an ongoing genre with her remarkable the first of his roughly 70 albums, “Big kind of homespun but often complex Texas and-coming artists (and comedian Heywood Of “Ashes & Fire” Ryan says: “The record is show, “Morning Becomes Eclectic.” 1995 album “Wrecking Ball.” In the 1970s Bluegrass Special,” in 1962, and he emerged poetry that nobody else has quite matched. Banks as emcee both nights), providing obsessed with time. I believe that there is a and 1980s, Emmylou helped reenergize as a top-notch instrumentalist who played She also has a portfolio of songs that became you with an opportunity to hear artists you kinder view of the self. I’m passing through traditional country music with her silvery guitar on the Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds.” His major country hits for other artists. This know and love while discovering great new my own life as a ghost, and looking at these Dawes voice. Emmylou Harris has long been a friend latest album, “Ghost on the Canvas,” and his is Nanci Griffith’s fifth appearance at the talent. Here’s a taste, according to The Ark’s pieces and places in my life. I’m looking at to The Ark – one of the great performers in current tour, featuring members of his family Ann Arbor Folk Festival; her first was in With admirers like Jackson Browne the 35-year history of the Festival who has in his band, will be his last. 1985, and new facets of this diamond have website, of what you can expect: California, and the idea of being lost and and Tom Petty keyboardist Benmont found at the same time.” been instrumental in supporting them with appeared every time since then. Tench in their corner, this self-described her stunning performances. “American rock ‘n’ roll band” has drawn Nanci Griffith Also: Joe Henry, Sarah Jarosz, Caravan DeVotchka instant acclaim for its rootsy revitalization of Thieves and Seth Glier Enter to win tickets for lots of FRIDAY, JAN. 27: of classic L.A. rock. Dawes is a classic Glen Campbell “Nanci Griffith,” writes Jon Cummings For more than a decade, the Denver rock ‘n’ roll ensemble: four talented friends of Popdose, “is arguably the most important Tickets are on sale now. For information holiday concerts and events Ryan Adams band DeVotchKa has welded its influences making music together, fueled by a shared With 17 gold albums and 27 top-10 folk-music artist of her generation.” You on all artists and tickets, including special – from Eastern European wedding bands to belief in the power of their songs. They pop and country singles, he has brought us can make a good argument for that: no As co-leader of the band Whiskeytown, discounts for Ark members and students, at PrideSource.com Mexican norteño ballads – into an authentic blend singer/songwriter reflection with songs – “Gentle on My Mind,” “Galveston,” other songwriter has fused introspective Ryan Adams emerged into the 1990s alt- “Wichita Lineman” – that are familiar folk songwriting with popular roots so visit www.theark.org. 32 BTL \ December 1, 2011 \ Ann Arbor www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com December 1, 2011 / BTL 33 Transgender character grounds ‘Fugue’

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET Shared tragic event launches search for identity in The New Theatre Project production

While Loveless has not attended any of Be included in our BY BRIDGETTE M. REDMAN REVIEW the readings or workshops that have led up to YPSILANTI – In Audra Lord’s play Fugue this premiere, she was one of the early readers Ann Arbor Cool Cities Pages about memory and identity, only one character of the script. She observed that the Stephanie of is fully comfortable with herself and who she The New Theatre Project at Mix “Fugue” doesn’t speak or act like her, but that is: Princess Stephanie, a transgendered rock Studio Theatre, 130 W. Michigan Ave., she is honored to have inspired the part. Ypsilanti. $15. Friday-Sunday, Nov. “I told Audra to make it big so I can ride on singer who doesn’t need a life history to fit into 30-Dec. 18. Call us today: her own skin. 734-645-9776. her coattails,” Loveless said. The four main characters in “Fugue,” a The fugue “Silently Falling” that she www.thenewtheatreproject.org 734-293-7200 x22 new work that is premiering at The New Theater composed for the play was based on a love song Project in Ypsilanti, have all suffered severe that she had written for a girlfriend. Written in “She wants to be a woman. It memory loss. Throughout the course of the play a Baroque style, she played with her original was really important that I not they learn their names, and bits of their histories piece until she developed the theme that works play Stephanie as a drag queen float back into their awareness. for “Fugue.” or a gender performance, but as a Each character responds in a different “A fugue is kind of like a musical jigsaw Be included in woman. She has a few lines about way to the memory loss, some with anger and puzzle where you are trying to weave together how she doesn’t want to be a man, our Ann Arbor frustration at not knowing who they are, others more than one melodic line,” Loveless explained. that she never felt like she was a with excitement about what they can now create “Fugue,” directed by Luna Alexander, man.” Cool Cities Pages out of their lives. It is only Stephanie who lives features Jon Ager, Don Johnson, Medelis, Linda While Stephanie has her campy completely in the present, fully aware that she Rabin Hammell and Jamie Weeder. The New moments where she performs as Enter to win tickets for lots of is transgendered even while lacking knowledge Theatre Project first did a reading of “Fugue” a musician, Medelis said what of any of her past or of the people who were nearly a year ago as did Performance Network, was more important was making holiday concerts and events once in her life. both experiences that gave Lord opportunity to Call us today: sure he portrayed a character who “This character grounds it,” said playwright rework the script. was comfortable living in the in- at PrideSource.com 734-293--7200 x22 Audra Lord. “I don’t think that she’s the center “It’s a great drama with really poetic stuff,” between space of being born one of the play, because she’s not, but she has this said Medelis, referring to the play as an intense gender and identifying as another. wonderfully zen energy in which she is the one and emotional piece. “We have almost the same Lord drew inspiration for character who is perfectly good with where she cast as when we did a reading of the first draft Stephanie from a Ferndale artist, is. She has no idea who she is, but everything is last December. It was magical when we first read Keith Paul Medelis plays Stephanie in Audra Lord’s “Fugue.” Photo: Stephanie Loveless, publisher of good. She is probably the most stable character Janine Woods Thoma it and was very funny. We knew that this was “Ferndale Friends.” Loveless had in the piece.” something we wanted to do.” been composing what she called She stated that Keith Paul Medelis, the for the role by researching transgenderism and “inventions” that Lord felt captured the ideas group’s artistic director, is the perfect person to what it means. of the “Fugue.” She asked Loveless to compose play Stephanie because he has the grace and soul “It doesn’t matter what parts you have, music that could be played in the production. to properly portray her. Medelis said he prepared it’s what you desire to have,” Medelis said. Play packs a punch at Planet Ant Theatre

BY DONALD V. CALAMIA REVIEW coat, hat and nothing else. The reaction she gets, however, is NOT what she anticipated. “You saw One aspect of Michigan’s professional theater The Sunday Punch me naked, and you screamed,” the stunned wife community that makes it stand out from others says to her shell-shocked husband. The reason, around the country is this: the willingness to take Planet Ant Theatre, 2357 Caniff St., Hamtramck. we soon discover, has nothing to do with her Friday-Saturday through Dec. 17, plus Sundays age-related imperfect body, but with a lifetime of risks. In particular, I’m referring to the fact that Dec. 4 & 11 and a Community Night Tuesday, Dec. many of our theaters both big budget and small are 6. $20. 313-365-4948. verbal abuse Gordon has been subjected to by his willing to take chances on producing original works 75-year-old father, Arthur (Clement Valentine), a www.planetant.com that may or may not bring in an audience, or scripts self-described prick he’s about to spend a weekend written by new and/or untested playwrights. While with at a family gathering that includes his Chicago and other cities may have broader support celebrated or prolific in their chosen profession if it Wendy Katz Hiller, Sean Paraventi, Eric Bloch and successful brother Max (Sean Paraventi), sister- or may move a play to New York every once in a wasn’t for some producer at some theater deciding Sonja Marquis in “The Sunday Punch.” Photo: Planet in-law Sarah (Wendy Katz Hiller), and mother while, none of them is a haven like Michigan is to give them their first shot on a major stage. Ant Theatre Rose (Dominique Lowell). As Max says, there’s for creative souls needing to express themselves Hamtramck’s Planet Ant Theatre has no biblical provision for flattening thy father or through a new live stage play. long championed original works, and its latest As “The Sunday Punch” opens, we find dueling with thy elderly parent, but nevertheless, Sure, many of the locally produced original offering carries on that proud tradition. And if the a long-married couple having problems in the Gordon decides a physical confrontation with works end up as one-shot projects – and a few world premiere of “The Sunday Punch” is any bedroom. Gordon (Eric Bloch), it seems, is in the the old man is inevitable. And Arthur is ready for will hopefully never be seen again on any stage indication, I predict Linda Ramsay-Detherage midst of an unspecified midlife crisis and is unable the challenge. But will the end result turn out as – local playwrights such as Kitty Dubin, Joseph may soon find herself included among the list to perform his husbandly duties. So Claire (Sonja either planned? Zettelmaier, Kim Carney and even some guy of important local playwrights mentioned earlier. Marquis) decides to spice up their lovemaking named Jeff Daniels would never have become (Along with a handful of others, of course). by entering their bedroom wearing a trench 34 BTL \ December 1, 2011 \ Theater www.PrideSource.com Have yourself a swingin’ little Christmas

BY JOHN QUINN REVIEW The store displays have been up The All Night Strut since Halloween, but I’m just now getting into the holiday spirit. “The All Night Holiday Show Strut Holiday Show,” now on stage at The The Gem Theatre, 333 Madison St., Detroit. Gem Theatre, is partially responsible. Wednesday-Sunday through Dec. 31, plus That can’t be attributed to nostalgia; this Dec. 26-28; no shows Christmas Eve or revue is not the music of my youth. I, like Christmas Day. $20-45. 313-963-9800. www.gemtheatre.com most of the opening night audience, am at least a generation too young. Could its appeal lie in the fact it’s a joyous, The four performers are Lianne seasonal celebration of some of the best Marie Dobbs, Marja Harmon, Jared popular music America has to offer? Joseph and Denis Lambert. The singers Celebrate the holidays with “The All Night Strut It’s been a little over 20 years since are pitch-perfect and easily handle Holiday Show” at Detroit’s Gem Theatre. Photo: the unprecedented relocation of The the complexities in the score, whether Santa Fabio Gem Theatre, and the first offering in singing solo or in harmony. If the at work in the musical arrangement, the restored venue was 1991’s “The All choreography isn’t served up with but bottom line, those guys have a Night Strut!” The revue is a salute to the same authority as the vocals, just syncopation fascination. One familiar the music of the ‘30s and ‘40s, when consider dancing as window dressing for with the Glenn Miller Orchestra’s composers took the playful rhythms of the “haute couture” music. rendition of Joe Garland’s big band icon ragtime and doubled the beat – “eight There are some real standouts “In the Mood” might be surprised just to the bar,” Daddy! That and close among the numbers, especially a first how good it sounds played by a jazz harmony orchestrations produced the act medley of World War II songs in trio. The song is great, natch, but serious multi-textured, sophisticated styling of which Johnny Mercer’s boogie-woogie credit is due to the talents of percussionist “swing.” “GI Jive” morphs into the wistful “I’ll Rob Emanuel, Ralphe Armstrong on bass For this revival, Gary Thompson has Be Home for Christmas,” one of the and musical director Sven Anderson recreated author Fran Charnas’s work. most evocative seasonal songs ever. tickling the ivories. It may be cliche, but Act I is a selection of the best numbers Also of note are the unexpected comic there’s never a dull moment. of “The All Night Strut!” that carries the possibilities in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed “The All Night Strut Holiday Show” audience through the Depression, World Reindeer” as the quartet moves through has all the class of a Macy’s window War II and the post war boom. Act II is musical genres, baroque to swing to doo- display at Christmas. What better way “A Strut! Christmas Concert,” featuring wop to rhythm and blues. to have a “Kool Yule?” some old standbys and a few new twists. There were many hands and ears You better watch out for Santa Lecter!

BY BRIDGETTE M. REDMAN REVIEW The Santa stalking the Who Wants Silent Night of Cake? stage in Ferndale is far creepier than just a brightly dressed home invader who the Lambs spies on children throughout the year to Who Wants Cake? at The Ringwald Theatre, gauge their naughtiness levels. 22742 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Friday- No, their Santa is in a high-security Monday through Dec. 19. $10-20. prison where he is subjected to psychological 248-545-5545. tests by a rude elf. His crime? Killing www.whowantscaketheatre.com and eating several naughty children one Christmas Eve while making his rounds. creepiness of Anthony Hopkins. Both are Melissa Beckwith is Clarice Starling and Dave Now, as Clarice Starling, the daughter of delightfully humorous in their recreation of Davies is the psychotic Santa Claus in “Silent Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, comes FBI recruit Clarice Starling and serial killer Night of the Lambs” at Ferndale’s Ringwald to him for help in solving the Skinner serial Hannibal Lecter. Then there is the talented Theatre. Photo: Colleen Scribner. killings, he wants her help to rehabilitate him ensemble who fully commits to each groaner so that children will believe in him once more. of a plot twist, whether it is the recreation on projections and video that provided a “Silent Night of the Lambs” is a of a Christmas Carol, a drunken Rudolph- myriad of backgrounds so that a unit set can campy romp through famous Christmas turned-wife-beater, a Blitzen who is horny in accommodate all of the play’s scenes with stories such as “A Christmas Carol,” more places than just her head, or the Lady only a few speedy set changes. “Frosty the Snowman,” and “The Little Gaga making ludicrous demands. Genevieve At times the script feels a bit forced, Match Girl” while following the plot line of Jona is the perfect victim as Macy Penney, and it is only the commitment of the actors the thriller novel and movie “Silence of the daughter of JC Penney, who whines and that keeps the play from eroding into sketch Lambs.” Ryan Landry’s script also mixes cries while held hostage by Chris Berryman’s comedy. Landry seemed unable to resist in a few other stories and modern political character – the Skinner. throwing in extraneous bits of pop culture figures for good measure. “Silent Night of the Lambs” takes and political humor that fell flat. Fans of the 1991 movie will appreciate aim with a double-barrel shot gun at When Landry sticks to the story arc of Melissa Beckwith’s spot-on imitations of both the horror genre and the touching “Silence of the Lambs,” the play is effective Jodie Foster’s voice and mannerisms and Christmas morality movies. Director Joe as a spoof and thoroughly entertains in true the way in which Dave Davies invokes the Plambeck and Dyan Bailey collaborated Who Wants Cake? style. 36 BTL \ December 1, 2011 \ Film www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Film / December 1, 2011 / BTL 37

Aging and gay? Photo: Weinstein Company Emagine screens topical film Dec. 7

Visit our website! Michelle Williams shines BY CRYSTAL A. PROXMIRE The film will be followed by information http://www.pridesource.com about the LGBT Older Adult Coalition and ROYAL OAK – What would you do if you time to discuss what issues are important to the Add our fan page! were old, disabled or ill and the person feeding community. According to the film’s producers, Search: “Between The Lines Newspaper” you put down the spoon and said that you are there are almost 38 million LGBT Americans Follow us! in ‘My Week With Marilyn’ going to hell unless you change your sexual over 65, or 12.6 percent of the population. This @YourBTL preference? What if your partner could not be at will nearly double by 2030. They also say that your side in the hospital or be close to you out 50 percent of nursing home workers said their shooting the Olivier film in England – of fear that a caregiver might see? What if you fellow workers would be intolerant of LGBT Monroe was seemingly flubbing lines so Actress transforms The actress walks a could not find housing that would allow you to people in a recent survey. often on set that Olivier's intense scrutiny grow old with the one you love? What if you The LGBT Older Adult Coalition consists crippled her spirit and drove her into the mile in Marilyn’s heels were abused or neglected by nursing home staff, of groups and individuals, including ACLU magically as legend arms of big-dreaming boy Colin Clark or harassed by other care home patients? These of Michigan, Adult Well Being Services, (a charming Eddie Redmayne), the third for an hour-and-a- are the problems faced by aging LGBT seniors Affirmations, Citizens for Better Care, Equality assistant director on the film. in brilliant biopic who are unable to find the support and care they Michigan, Jewish Gay Network, the Jim Toy He pushes her to perfection, and half, embodying every need in the sunsets of their lives. Community Center and S.P.I.C.E. This coalition she – using her flirtiness most inventively BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI But a new coalition is being formed to help is working to create the SAGE chapter and is – seduces him every which way she can: aspect of Monroe: the seniors in Southeast Michigan unite and address being funded with a grant from the HOPE Fund, skinny dipping in a lake and scheming him Some like it hot, and some like it these issues. Service and Advocacy for Gay administered by the ACLU of Michigan. into “accidentally” seeing her fresh out of with a little more oomph. “My Week With floozy, the diva, the Elders is a national organization that provides In addition to the upcoming movie and the shower. Undeniably, there's a loveliness Marilyn,” an Oscar shoo-in for the ever- research, resources and support for those looking meeting, there currently are programs available forged within their give-and-take rendezvous, fabulous Michelle Williams (“Brokeback codependent. to make a difference in the lives of older LGBT for older adults through the Affirmations but is it enough to sustain Monroe's aplomb Mountain”), is remarkably made to appeal individuals. A Detroit chapter is in the works, and community center. Young @ Heart is a socializing so she can finish this movie? Enough for him to whatever Marilyn you adore. you believe that you're not actually seeing the group behind it, LGBT Older Adult Coalition, and conversation group for those aged 45 and to not feel used? This Marilyn, shooting a feature by Marilyn Monroe onscreen in all those iconic is hosting a documentary film screening at 7 p.m. older, which meets 7-9 p.m. each Wednesday “My Week With Marilyn” is more than Sir Laurence Olivier (Kenneth Branagh, moments: the toes-in-the-air tub scene and Dec. 7 at Emagine Theater in Royal Oak. at Affirmations. The Senior Koffee Klatch is a an insightfully candid and often funny-by- hilariously cutthroat), is a hot mess of flashy song-and-dance numbers, for instance. There will be a free showing of the discussion group that also plans outings to places way-of-awkwardness snapshot of one of the insecurity and codependency, with her The actress walks a mile in Marilyn's documentary “Gen Silent,” directed by Stu like the Detroit Zoo, The Henry Ford Museum most famous women ever; it's an allegory omnipresent acting coach always hanging heels for an hour-and-a-half, embodying Maddux. The film follows six gay seniors for a and Frankenmuth. Koffe Klatch meets each on fame – the power, the pressure and how in the wings and a man at her side for every aspect of Monroe: the floozy, year as they try to navigate a health care system Wednesday from 1-2:30 p.m. Outskirts is a social both can destroy a human soul. Monroe, as confidence boosts. the diva, the codependent. Marilyn, in that is not sensitive to their situation or needs. It group for women aged 45 and over. Events and we know and as depicted in director Simon The pressure for Norma Jean Baker Williams’ handle, isn't just a sex kitten; she's gives an eye-opening look at the discrimination meetings are organized through volunteers Paula Curtis' film, finds refuge in drugs and alcohol. to be Marilyn Monroe was sabotaging her empathetic and real, sensitive and sweet. The they face and the challenges that come from or Kristen, who can be reached at 586-243-1005. That pain was hidden securely behind a from the inside out, and she was cracking. resemblance is uncanny as she recreates the going “back in the closet” in order to have an wink and a smile. Williams captures that For more information, contact Kathleen LaTosch During the particular time captured in life of a legend that so few of us actually easier time receiving the care they need. “My Week With Marilyn” – in 1956 while so ingeniously that not for one second do ever knew. of Affirmations at 248-398-7105. 38 BTL \ December 1, 2011 \ Happenings www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Happenings / December 1, 2011 / BTL 39 For expanded listings & to add a listing, visit our website Editor’s Picks Screening and Panel 3:30 p.m. Free Reception 6 p.m. Moment of silence, screening of Bad Blood. Meet the candlelight vigil, and the film “Untitled” a producer and directory, Marilyn Ness film about HIV/AIDS activism by Jim Hodges, OUTINGS and cast members Dana Kuhn and Eric Carlos da Cruz & Encke King. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, . 248-398- General Gayety Outings Weinberg. World AIDS Day Detroit, 2115 Ferndale Wednesday, Nov. 30 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Eventbrite.com/ 7105. Goaffirmations.org the Chinese or the Venezuelan a better kisser. score. Deputy press secretary Eric Schultz said in a dignity of the pope and the Catholic church, but Anti-Gay and Anti-Transgender Hate event/2365770082/efbevent Midtown Detroit’s Cultural Womyn’s Film Night 7 p.m. Film: The The photos were expertly doctored. The men statement, “The White House has a long-standing also to the sensibility of believers.” Center celebrates the 39th Noel Crimes in Michigan 5:30 p.m. Join The Criminalization of HIV/AIDS 4 p.m. Queens of Comedy-Following in the Kiss Equality Michigan for a panel discussion In this presentation, Todd Heywood will footsteps of The Original Kings of Comedy, have their eyes closed, their lips meet meaningfully policy disapproving of the use of the president’s Who don’t want to see their pit bull of Night with over 60 Midtown venues, on anti-gay and anti-transgender hate explore the intersection of the criminal these four brassy black women give the and noses stay out of the way. name and likeness for commercial purposes.” homophobia kissing another fella. such as the Detroit Institute of Arts, crimes and their impact in Michigan. law, social justice concerns and HIV boy jokesters a run for their money here. Speakers will include Nusrat Ventimiglia, Above their heads is the word—if it is a Presidents who died long ago, however, are Benetton immediately withdrew the image Charles H. Wright Museum, Detroit stigma. Grand Valley State University’s Comediennes Adele Givens, Mo’Nique, and Sell Equality Michigan, the Department of LGBT Resource Center, 215 Eberhard Sommore and Laura Hayes go off on word—”Unhate.” Clearly by pairing the leaders available to sell cars in February. from everywhere. “We reiterate that the meaning Public Library, West Willis Village Justice Community Relations Service, FBI Center-Pew Campus, Allendale. 616-331- everything. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine of countries that have tense relations, the ad sends Obama, Hu and Chavez aren’t the only ones of this campaign is exclusively to combat the and Cass Café. Civil Rights Investigators, and the U.S. 2530. Gvsu.edu/lgbtrc Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. BY LESLIE ROBINSON Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District Goaffirmations.org a message about world peace. to get the Benetton treatment. In a momentary culture of hatred in all its forms,” said the These venues will open their of Michigan. Free and open to the public. Wine Cellar Fundraiser 5:30 p.m. Clearly by pairing heterosexual men, the display of heterosexuality, French President company. “We are therefore sorry that the use doors to the public Dec. 3 and present Equality Michigan, 471 W. Palmer, Detroit. Commemorate World AIDS Day and S.P.I.C.E. 7:30 p.m. S.P.I.C.E. works to Equalitymi.org support local HIV/AIDS services by joining empower and enhance the lives of women ad sends a message that at Benetton they know, Nicolas Sarkozy kisses German Chancellor of the image of the pope and the imam has so horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday HARC for the 8th annual Wine Cellar. Enjoy of color in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, when it comes to shock value, it’s hard to beat a Angela Merkel. Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu offended the sentiments of the faithful.” shopping, family craft activities Detroit World AIDS Day a tasting of holiday wines supplied by Transgendered and Questioning community iplomacy suddenly got a whole lot gay twist. This is their variation on “Gay is Good.” plants one on Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. Naturally they’re sorry. So, so sorry. So, so, so, and performances by over 120 area Commemoration 7 p.m. Join the Everyday Wines, delicious appetizers from in Metropolitan Detroit, by eradicating the Ecumenical Theological Seminary in local caterers, European style chocolates, health, social and educational barriers friendlier. Leaders of nations and leaders During past ad campaigns, Benetton In the image that has created the biggest terribly down-to-their-socks sorry. It never occurred music, theater and dance groups free gathering to remember the dead, pray and live jazz performed by the Jesse facing them. Meetings are on the first of faiths, instead of shaking hands, are earned a reputation for shocking. Previous uproar so far, Pope Benedict XVI locks lips with to them that giant posters of the pope smooching of charge. Expect performances from for the living, and draw strength for Kramer Trio. Tickets: $50 in advance Friday of every month. S.P.I.C.E., 290 W. the journey. Detroit World AIDS Day Dkissing each other on the lips. images included parents grieving over a man Egyptian imam Mohammed Ahmed al-Tayeb. a man might offend their fellow Italian Catholics. bands such as The Blind Boys of or $60 at the door. HIV/AIDS Resource 9 Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Commemoration Planning Committee, Center, 220 Felch St., Ann Arbor. Goaffirmations.org Global warming, indeed. dying of AIDS, a priest and a nun kissing and The two haven’t been on the best of terms all They’re surprised that the Vatican raised a stink. Alabama, The Tartan Terrors, Melvin 2930 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 313-964- Hivaidsresource.org All this intimacy is courtesy of Benetton, a black woman breastfeeding a white baby. year, but to see this “Unhate” ad is to assume one It never dawned on them that the uproar would Davis and The United Sound and Breathe Owl Breathe. 3113. Worldaidsdaydetroit.com HIV/AIDS Research Symposium 6 Saturday, Dec. 3 the Italian clothing company, whose new ad In recent years, various Obama-haters of them said, “Let’s kiss and make up.” generate free worldwide publicity. The Silence is Broken Volume I 7 The 39th annual Noel Night is 5-9:30 p.m. Dec. 3 in Midtown Detroit’s Cultural Center area. p.m. Hear presentations from speakers 39th Annual Noel Night 5 p.m. Over 40 campaign features unlikely duos smooching. have depicted him as a Muslim, a chimpanzee, The Guardian reported that after posters of this And Julius Caesar founded Versace, and For more information and a complete list of participating venues and their planned activities, p.m. Producer, Composer and Pianist, who have done research and work with institutions, including the Detroit Institute Conductor and Musical Director Patrick HIV and AIDS. Talks will vary in subject, of Arts, the Detroit Science Center, the In one image, President Obama kisses a zombie and the devil. That was to sell a image went up around Italy, the Vatican responded Sophia Loren is in line to be the next pope. visit detroitmidtown.com/05/noelnight. Gandy is on a mission to halt the spread showing the variance of work being Charles H. Wright Museum of African Chinese leader Hu Jintao. In another, Obama philosophy, not Christmas bras. unusually quickly, condemning such provocative of HIV in our communities. He is using the Leslie Robinson would be pleased to see a Pope Sophia. done in the field. Presenters include American History and more. Activities busses Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. It’s unknown whether this queer depiction advertising, and promising legal action to stop the creative and performing arts to deliver his Robert Wyrod, Michael Woodford, and include horse-drawn carriage rides, Email Leslie at [email protected], and visit Art ‘n’ Around message that HIV is on the rise. Minority the Sexuality and Health Lab. HIV/ holiday shopping, family craft activities Needless to say, the pictures are fakes. So irritates Obama any more than the others did; the use of a photo “in which the Holy Father appears groups, specifically black women, are AIDS Awareness Committee as part of and performances by over 120 area www.generalgayety.com for more funnies. being afflicted disproportionately amongst it’s no use wondering whether Obama considered White House expressed displeasure on a different in a way considered to be harmful, not only to the Take a stroll through Meadow Brook the University of Michigan’s Red Cross music, theatre, and dance groups, with women. Tickets: $20 Charles H. Wright Club, 530 S. State St., Ann Arbor. special performances Midtown Detroit, Museum of African American History, 315 Hall for the holiday season with the Hall’s Worldaidsweekum.wordpress.com Midtown Detroit’s University Cultural month. Plymouth Lesbian Supper Meet up Free, secure parking. Fort St. Presbyterian Tickets: $37.50 advance, $40 at the door. Arts Center, 311 E. Grand River Ave., Theatre of Detroit at Detroit Film Theatre, and Wilson family’s winter traditions and E. Warren Ave., Detroit. 949-240-4225. 40th annual Holiday Walk, this year Center District, Detroit. 313-420-6000. Group, 27862 Novi Road, Novi. 248-344- Church, 631 W. Fort, Detroit. Dec. 3-Dec. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W Fourth Detroit. Through Dec. 31. 313-593-0926. 5200 Woodward Ave. (John R. entrance), activities they enjoyed while living on the Thesilenceisbroken.org Harm Reduction 6:30 p.m. A presentation Detroitmidtwon.com/05/noelnight 8166. Meetup.com/Plymouth-Lesbian- 4. 313-865-6306. Fortstreet.org St, Royal Oak. 8 p.m. Dec. 3. 248-399- plowsharestheatre.org Detroit. Dec. 9-11. 313-872-6910. Meadow Brook estate. Includes Tour and themed “The Games They Played.” on the sole public health response to Supper-Group/ 2980. Royaloakmusictheatre.com mosaicdetroit.org lunch, as well as a Round-trip on motor drug related HIV/AIDS facing challenges Wings and Wishes Tree Lighting 5 p.m. Meadow Brook is the historic home Thursday, Dec. 1 The Detroit Symphony Orchestra Ain’t Misbehavin’ $30-$46; $75 New coach. Tickets: $65. Flint Institute of Arts, as such programs focus on decreasing Third Downtown Ferndale Holidate: Join Ozone House’s QueerZone 6:30 p.m. “Handel’s Messiah” DSO’s performance of Year’s Eve. Performance Network Theatre, built by one of the automotive aristocracy’s World AIDS Day Mayor’s Breakfast 1120 E. Kearsley St., Flint. 10:30 a.m. the harm associated with drug use in this special celebration that will help QueerZone is an Ypsilanti-based program Handel’s Messiah, with conductor Warren- 120 E. Huron St., Ann Arbor. Through Jan. 1. with Jeane White-Ginder 8 a.m. Mayor’s Dec. 7. 810-234-1695. Flintarts.org most remarkable women, Matilda Dodge without necessarily focusing on reducing children and add even more brilliance to that provides a safe space for LGBTQ Green, soprano Klara Elk, and the University 734-663-0681. performancenetwork.org Breakfast with keynote speaker and Wilson, widow of automobile pioneer John drug consumption. Grand Valley State Downtown Ferndale. Music, Festivities and youth to congregate, socialize, build Medical Society Choral Union. Tickets: Kerrytown Concert House “Perennials: mother of Ryan White, Jeanne White- University’s LGBT Resource Center, 215 the lighting of the Ferndale’s long-growing Christmas in NY $35. Wharton Center’s ART ‘N’ community and access support services $15, $50 and $100. 3711 Woodward Ave., THEATER Drawings and Paintings by Nora Ginder. World AIDS Day Detroit, 2115 Dodge, and her second husband, lumber Eberhard Center-Pew Campus, Allendale. pine tree at Woodward & Nine. Downtown as needed. LGBTQ youth ages 13-20 Detroit. Dec. 8-Dec. 10. Dso.org Pasant Theatre, Michigan State University, Ventureli” Born in Rosario, Argentina, Woodward Ave., Detroit. 313-961-5451. CIVIC/COMMUNITY THEATER broker Alfred Wilson. Constructed between 616-331-2530. Gvsu.edu/lgbtrc Ferndale, Corner of Woodward Ave. and are also encouraged to join Queerzone’s East Lansing. 7 p.m. Dec. 4. 1-517-432- Nora Venturelli immigrated to California Worldaidsdaydetroit.com University Musical Society London A Christmas Carol $16. Farmington 2000. whartoncenter.com 1926 and 1929, for $4 million, Meadow Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-546-1632. private, confidential Facebook group to Players, 32332 W. 12 Mile Road, with her family in 1968. 415 N. 4th Ave., Ignorance Kills 7 p.m. Watch a short downtownferndale.com Philharmonic Orchestra returning for its first AROUND Michigan Department of Community keep in touch with other queer youth. Ann Arbor. Nov. 2-Dec. 4. 734-769-2999. video and engage in conversation about appearance since 2006, under the direction Farmington Hills. Dec. 2-18. 248-553- Donny & Marie-Christmas In Detroit 323East “The Brooklyn-Detroit Brook represents one of the finest examples Health World AIDS Day Meeting 9:30 Ozone House, 1705 Washtenaw, Ann Kerrytownconcerthouse.com prevention of HIV and how to break the of the young Vladimir Jurowski. Performing 2955. farmingtonplayers.org $30-100. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Connection” 323East’s The Future is Now of Tudor-revival architecture in America. a.m. MDCH hosts community meeting Arbor. 734-662-2265. Ozonehouse.org stigma and misconceptions surrounding Sunday, Dec. 4 Mozart and Tchaikovsky. Ticket information Ave., Detroit. Nov. 29-Dec. 4. 313-471- Part II. Kimyon Huggins, AVONE, and Ellis “Small Works for Detroit-area schools and community Christmas Belles $18. PTD Productions Lawrence Street Gallery For the holidays, the gorgeous HIV. Free to the public. CoitusLove, 419 S. Conversation Station 5 p.m. LGBTQIA available at ums.org. Hill Auditorium, 825 N. 6611. olympiaentertainment.com G all Brooklyn based artists in the Motor Exhibition” Annual “Think Small” juried members with educational sessions, at Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron State Street, Ann Arbor. Worldaidsweekum. 25 and over, join GOAL each week for Saturday, Dec. 10 University Ave., Ann Arbor. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6. City Spotlight. 323East, 323 E. 4th St., exhibition, over 75 local artists will Meadow Brook estate is redecorated in workshops and special 30 years of AIDS St., Ypsilanti. Dec. 8-17. 734 483-7345. Engagement Rules $17 in advance, $20 at wordpress.com discussion, food and fun. Topic: “What Perceptions’ 10th Annual Holiday Party 734-764-2538. Ums.org Royal Oak. Nov. 5-Jan. 4. 248-246-9544. submit work in all media, two and three- era-specific decorations and opened to the presentation. Michigan Department of ptdproductions.com the door. Detroit Repertory Theatre, 13103 function does religion serve in our lives? 6 p.m. Tickets: $30 general, $20.00 323east.com dimensional. The only limiting factor is Community Health, 18100 Meyers Road, World AIDS Day Detroit Ceremony 7 Woodrow Wilson, Detroit. Through Dec. 23. public for a guided tour. Can a person be good without religious students. This is a Holiday party with The Five Golden Rings $15. Riverwalk size -- no piece will exceed 12XX in any Detroit. Worldaidsdaydetroit.com p.m. Join World AIDS Day Detroit for a CONCERTS 313-868-1347. detroitreptheatre.com Cranbrook Art Museum “No Object is an beliefs?” GOAL, 714 S. Washington, Royal dinner buffet and silent auction and live Theatre, 228 Museum Dr., Lansing. direction. Lawrence Street Gallery, 22620 Tours run daily Nov. 30-Dec. 22. For special presentation on this 30th year of Fox Theatre “Celtic Thunder Christmas” Island: New Dialogues with the Cranbrook Oak. 248-981-4227. MarciLWilliams@ auction. Perceptions Saginaw Valley, 2470 Dec. 10-Dec. 11. 517-482-5700. Escanaba in da Moonlight $25-$40. The Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Nov. 30-Dec. 24. Annual World AIDS Day Program 12 AIDS featuring Jeanne-White Ginder, a “The Celtic Thunder Heritage Tour.” Tickets: Collection” First exhibition in the newly more information, go to meadowbrookhall.org/visit/holidaywalk. Admission is $20 for adults, yahoo.com GetOutAndLive.me Bridge Rd. , Bay City. 989-891-1429. riverwalktheatre.com Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park 248-544-0394. Lawrencestreetgallery.com p.m. This annual event is hosted by the 30-year commemorative video, musical $37.50-65. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward renovated and expanded museum $5 for youth ages 2-17 and free for children 2 and under. [email protected] PerceptionsSV.org St., Chelsea. Through Dec. 31. 734-433- WSU Community Advisory Board (focused performances and candlelight vigil. Ave., Detroit. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7. 313-471- exploring Cranbrook’s continued influence on research) and the Holistic Care Tuesday, Dec. 6 COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY 7782. purplerosetheatre.org Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit Tickets: $10-125. The Fillmore Theater, Motor City Bears 7 p.m. Social group for 6611. Olympiaentertainment.com THEATER in the world of Contemporary Art and “Stephanie Nava: Considering a Plot (Dig Community Advisory Board and supported Spectrum Center 40th Anniversary Film Fugue $15. The New Theatre Project at Theater 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit. eventbrite. metro area bears. Meets every second Fox Theatre “The Ultimate Doo Wop Design. 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield for Victory)” A work in progress, developed by the entire clinical team at the WSU Series Screening of “Untitled” 6:30 An Evening of Futurism and DaDa Mix Studio Theatre, 130 W. Michigan Ave., com/event/2458583690/eorg Saturday of the month. Motor City Bears, Show” Combining the genre’s most Hills. Nov. 12-March 25. 877-462-7262. by French artist Stephanie Nava. 4454 Adult HIV/AIDS Program. This event is for p.m. “Untitled” is a non-linear montage $10. MSU Dept. of Theatre at Auditorium Ypsilanti. Through Dec. 18. 734-645- The Farmington Players 290 W. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- memorable hits with the classic standards Cranbrookart.edu Woodward Ave., Detroit. Sep. 16-Dec. 30. all persons infected and affected by HIV. of archival and pop footage recalling the Arena Theatre, MSU Auditorium Bldg., 9776. thenewtheatreproject.org Friday, Dec. 2 7105. goaffirmations.org of the holiday season. Tickets: $32.50- 313-832-6622. Mocadetroit.org will bring Charles Dickens’ WSU Adult HIV/AIDS Program Community passionate activism sparked by the early East Lansing. Dec. 2-4. 1-800-Wharton. Downriver Council for the Arts “Holiday 75. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., classic ghost story to life in a and Holistic Care Community, 4717 Getting to Zero: How Youth Can Stop years of the AIDS crisis. Spectrum Center, KGLRC Winter Gala: Award Ceremony whartoncenter.com Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The at Hudson’s” Speaker Lucas McGrail is The Detroit Institute of Arts “Rembrandt St. Antoine, Detroit. 313-993-8703. HIV/AIDS 4 p.m. This is an AIDS week and Fundraiser 7:30 p.m. Kalamazoo Detroit. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8. 313-471-6611. Mystery of the Magi’s Gold $18-40. a local Architect, Detroit Historian and University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. 734- Late Night Broadway $20. University and the Face of Jesus” Dutch master whole new way Dec. 2-18. This [email protected] event put together for teenagers to Gay and Lesbian Resource Center Winter Olympiaentertainment.com Century Theatre, 333 Madison St., Lecturer. A display of Hudson’s artifacts 763-4186. spectrumcenter.umich.edu/ Theatre at Gilmore Theatre Complex’s Rembrandt van Rijn’s finest paintings, learn more about HIV/AIDS from the HIV/ Gala: Award Ceremony and Fundraiser. Detroit. Through Dec. 31. 313-963-9800. will accompany the event. Tickets: $25 prints and drawings that portray Jesus fresh approach to “A Christmas NOH8 on World Aids Day 2 p.m. In The Ark Judy Collins, American singer Williams Theatre, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., AIDS Resource Center of Ann Arbor. Catered by Food Dance and Cupcake Zoo; gemtheatre.com per person. Downriver Council for the Arts, and events described in the Bible. Tickets: Carol” finds Dickens himself conjunction with World AIDS Day Detroit, and songwriter, known for her eclectic Kalamazoo. Dec. 1-3. 269-387-6222. There will be music, slam poetry, stories Friday, Dec. 9 Cash bar available. Retail, Education, Ally, 81 Chestnut, Wyandotte. 1 p.m. Dec. 3. $16 adult, $8 youth. Group rates available NoH8 will have an open photo shoot at tastes in the material she records (which wmutheatre.com The All Night Strut Holiday Show hosting a Christmas Eve party from positive speakers, as well as a Holiday Ice and Winterfest Market 4 Community and Humanitarian of the Year Downriverarts.org via [email protected]. Detroit Institute the Fillmore. This is the first time the has included folk, show tunes, pop, rock $20-45. Gem Theatre, 333 Madison St., performance by the Corner Health Centers p.m. Downtown Ferndale Holidate: Bigger awards announced. Tickets: $25 prior, $30 of Arts, 2100 Woodward, Detroit. Nov. 20- in 1843 for friends and family. NOH8 Campaign has traveled to Michigan. and roll and standards) and for her social Trouble in Mind $12. Studio Theatre, Detroit. Through Dec. 31. 313-963-9800. Downriver Council for the Arts “The Theatre Troupe on relationships and and better than ever, Motor City Casino at the door. KGLRC, 401 E. Michigan Ave., Jan. 29. 313-833-7900. dia.org They ask him to tell a story, but Reservations for photo shoots are not activism. Tickets: $49.50. The Ark, 316 S. Hilberry Theatre, Detroit. Through Dec. 3. gemtheatre.com Colors of Winter “ Winter Mixed Media Fine HIV/AIDS. All teenagers who attend are Hotel presents a 5-story ferris wheel, a Kalamazoo. 269-349-4234. Kglrc.org necessary. Solo portraits are $40 and Main, Ann Arbor. 9:30 p.m. Dec. 1. 734- 313-577-2960. wsustudio.com Art Show at the Wyandotte Arts Center. he refuses to. So, if they are to encouraged to showcase their talents at choo choo train, a local green’s market The Importance of Being Earnest $28- Yourist Studio Gallery “Annual Holiday couple/group portraits cost $25 per 761-1800. theark.org Work inspired by winter and activities that this event through music, slam poetry, and tents filled with local artisans and Twelfth Night $15. Bonstelle Theatre, $30. Tipping Point Theatre, 361 E. Cady Sale” Show and sale of works by studio be entertained they will have to person. Come camera ready, wear white, relate to the season. Downriver Council photography, or personal stories. HIV/ their holiday decor. On Saturday, Dec. 10 The Ark Shawn Colvin Tickets: $40. The 3424 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Dec. 2-11. St., Northville. Through Dec. 18. 248-347- members, with everything from beads to pose and make a statement. NOH8 and for the Arts, 81 Chestnut, Wyandotte. Dec. improvise their own tale. They AIDS Resource Center and Corner Holiday Ice hits the streets with fantastic Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Dec. 3. bonstelle.com 0003. tippingpointtheatre.com sculpture to functional ware. Free admission. soon transform into the familiar the Fillmore Theater, 2115 Woodward Health, 591 Armstrong Dr., Ypsilanti. Michigan on Ice themed-sculptures by 734-761-1800. Theark.org 1-Jan. 13. Downriverarts.org Yourist Studio Gallery, 1133 Broadway St., Ave., Detroit. Noh8campaign.com Worldaidsweekum.wordpress.com World Champion Carver Tajana Rakaur. MUSIC & PROFESSIONAL This Wonderful Life $20-$25. Ann Arbor. Dec. 9-Dec. 11. 734-662-4914. Flint Institute of Arts “Meadow Brook characters of to perform a play The Ragbirds “Ebird and Friends” Tickets: Williamston Theatre, 122 S. Putnam St., Youristpottery.com/news/index.html World AIDS Day Concert 2 p.m. The Wall Downtown Ferndale, Corner of Woodward A Christmas Carol $16. Flint Youth Hall Holiday Walk” Explores the Dodge Riot Youth Weekly Meeting 4 p.m. $15. The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor. 8 Williamston. Through Dec. 24. 517-655- within a play. The story unfolds Clocks will be playing a concert to help Ave. and Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248- Theatre, 1220 E. Kearsley St., Flint. Dec. with 10 cast members handling more than 40 parts and Dickens doubling as Scrooge. Riot Youth is a youth-led, safe space for 546-1632. Downtownferndale.com p.m. Dec. 10. 734-761-1800. Theark.org 2-24. 810-238-1350. flintyouththeatre.org 7469. williamstontheatre.org spread awareness to the global epidemic lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, MORE “‘The Christmas Carol’ allows audiences to see within the heart and soul of Dickens,” AIDs. GSA will be selling red AIDs ribbons queer, questioning youth and their allies at Dinner at Tin Fish in Novi 6:15 p.m. The Whiting Chris Isaak Tickets: $25-59. A Christmas Carol $25-40. Meadow Wicked $39-$99. Broadway in Detroit CLASSICAL The Whiting, 1241 E. Kearsley, Flint. 7 p.m. says director Nancy Cooper. for $1, and all proceeds will go to the the Neutral Zone, Ann Arbor’s youth-driven Meet other like-minded people who enjoy Brook Theatre, 2200 N. Squirrel Road, at Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project. Schoolcraft teen center. Meets every Friday. The food, friendship and good conversation. Fort St. Chorale and Chamber Dec. 8. 810-237-7333. TheWhiting.com Rochester. Through Dec. 23. 248-370- St., Detroit. Dec. 1-31. 313-237-7464. Tickets, $16 for adults and $14 students, are available now at the box office at 248-553-2955. College GSA, Schoolcraft College, Livonia. Orchestra “G.F.Handel’s Messiah” Fort BroadwayinDetroit.com Neutral Zone, 310 E. Washington St., Ann Everyone welcome; group will meet for Royal Oak Music Theatre “Comedians 3316. mbtheatre.com Facebook: GSA-Schoolcraft College dinner and networking at a different Street Chorale and Chamber Orchestra The Farmington Players Barn is located at 32332 W. 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills. Arbor. 734-214-9995. Neutral-zong.org of Chelsea Lately” Sarah Colonna, Chris Woodward Wonderland: A Detroit restaurant on the second Friday of each in downtown Detroit present Handel’s A Jazzy Christmas $32-$38. Plowshares “Bad Blood” Documentary Public AIDS Memorial Quilt Viewing and Messiah. Tickets: $20, general admission. Franjola, Jen Kirkman and Brad Wollock. Theatre Company at Virgil H. Carr Cultural Holiday Celebration $20. Mosaic Youth 40 BTL \ December 1, 2011 \ Rear View www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Rear View / December 1, 2011 / BTL 41 Classifieds Horoscopes Focus on elegance, Leo! 101-ANNOUNCEMNTS 303 EMPLOYMENT - 428 PROF. SERVICES LGBT AA MEETINGS SALES - MASSAGE BY JACK FERTIG

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Across Down 1 Nuts 1 Dipstick word 5 “West ___ Story” 2 Sneaky Pie cry 9 Little fairies 3 Earthenware pot 13 Where you can eat a hero 4 Long piece of meat 14 Bipedal dino 5 Deep throat problem 15 Egypt’s lifeline 6 Jeremy of “M. Butterfly” 16 Distribute sparingly 7 Young women who have balls 17 Garb for Mychal Judge 8 Business VIP 18 Secluded valley 9 Director Bergman 19 Character who recently kissed John 10 Guy that shot off at Lexington, e.g. Cryer’s character on TV 11 Got on one’s knees and asked for it 22 Dances to jazz 12 Tickled pink Pet of the Week 23 Cheerios essence 20 Mafia figure 24 Nut for pies 21 Valet employer 27 Big bird 24 Strokes from Spencer-Devlin Meet Taz! 31 AfterEllen.com and AfterElton.com 25 “Desert Fox” Rommel 32 One who runs the show 26 It gives a drag queen smooth legs 9-year-old Miniature Pinscher, Taz is a puppy 34 Shipping magnate Onassis 27 Estefan’s eight 35 TV show with John Cryer 28 Penn of “Milk” Aat heart and still has lots of energy. At just 10 38 Contraction in a carol about gay apparel 29 Wave top pounds, Taz’s favorite place to hang out is in your lap, 39 Writer Chekhov 30 Dropped hankie and such especially on those cold winter nights. Come meet 40 Magi origin 32 Poet St. Vincent Millay him today! The adoption fee includes sterilization, 41 Give a cocky look to 33 “Today” cohost Lauer 43 What Mickey Mouse has down below that 36 Drug agent, for short age-appropriate vaccinations and much more. For Donald Duck lacks 37 Like a boa more information, visit or call the Michigan Humane 44 Cul-de-___ 42 Has dinner at home Society’s Rochester Hills Center for Animal Care 45 “Stop it!” 43 Snapshot 47 Actor who plays 19-Across 45 “We’re here, we’re ___ ...” (Cryer’s at (248) 852-7420 and provide the pet ID number, 53 Afternoon socials response to the kiss) 704096. Photo by Heidi Waeschle-Gabel. 54 R.E.M.’s “The ___ Love” 46 Scrabble piece that often goes with Q 55 Wax-covered balls from Holland 47 Razor choice 57 Sitarist Shankar 48 Clothes line 58 Stagger from a Cukor film? 49 _Cheers_ barfly 59 ___ Mae Brown 50 You may go down on one 60 Pious ejaculation 51 Falco of _The Sopranos_ 61 No better than 52 ___-tat 62 Winetaster’s guess 56 Put a scuff on

Solution on 41 44 BTL \ December 1, 2011 \ Rear View www.PrideSource.com Cocktail Chatter Water of Life BY ED SIKOV

I once found myself at a meeting of urine drinkers. No, under no circumstances – including Chinese water torture and being strapped to a chair and forced to listen to Ke$ha – would I ever in a trillion years drink my own piss. But I was accompanying someone who was HIV-positive, and I swore there would be no outbursts, groans, or wretching noises. We both were willing to try anything to keep him healthy. The group called itself “Water of Life.” They believed, like the late Prime Minister of India Morarji Desai (he lived to be 100; something must have worked), that a glass of pee was like a good Chablis, a healthy tea, a drink that’s free, a tonic for thee… you get the drift. Before you stop reading, I assure you that this column’s featured cocktail is not urine based, nor does it contain half a teaspoon of urine- infused syrup, nor does urine float on top like a yellow Tequila Sunrise. This column is actually about water, which those of us who drink alcohol regularly should consume in large quantities. spiritual. Dullsville. But for this brief period it Hydration! Hangovers are less severe if you drink was worth the painful monotony of better health. water while tying one on. Water flushes out those I kept imagining those nasty toxins exiting my nasty toxins they’re always mentioning – those body through my favorite organ, my overworked vaguely criminal substances we’re said to be full kidneys bathing in a clear wash of something of in our natural state and must rid our systems other than vodka – something cleansing and of daily. (Silly me. I thought urine contained the healthy and tedious as hell. toxins, and getting rid of them involved peeing The Best Plain Water: Ignore the know-it- them into the toilet and not a tumbler. Boy, am alls who insist that tap water is as good as bottled I dumb!) water. It isn’t. It may start out dandy in the hills I’ve been drinking a lot lately: friends have upstate or the underground springs that serve been taking us out to celebrate our marriage; I your community, but after it passes through all spent some boozy days drowning my sorrows at those corroded pipes and lands in your glass, it’s closing the beach house; it’s getting colder and acquired a distinct tang. So drink Deer Park or darker by the day, which led to sneaky passes by Evian. (Did you know that Dasani comes from the liquor cabinet on my way anywhere in the municipal water supplies?) My vote goes to apartment. So, I decided to take a week off and Poland Springs. drink water. No flavored stuff. Just plain water. The Best Sparkling Water: My vote once I regret to say that I felt better immediately. again goes to Poland Springs, but only the plain, No, I’m not staying “on the wagon,” an expression unflavored kind. Pellegrino and Perrier are too that comes from horse-drawn water wagons at the flat; Canada Dry is manufactured. Poland Springs turn of the 20th century. I felt good but bored. is naturally and generously carbonated. Oh, sweet Sauterne, sobriety is dreary! Your And if you’re bored by a refreshing glass mind improves – never a good idea. Reality of chilled Poland Springs Sparkling? You can comes into sharper focus – big mistake in these always pee into it, add some ice and call it an wretched times. You gain clarity, both mental and all-natural cocktail.

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