The Rise Of ‘License To Discriminate’ LGBT Baby Boomers Face Tough Retirement Hurdles Lesbian Judge To Speak At Interfaith Service

WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM DEC. 11, 2014 | VOL. 2250 | FREE

COVER STORY 20 Wait wait ... do tell me! When we opened ‘Transparent’ in Los Angeles,

The Rise Of 'License To Discriminate' that line where Maura says, ‘All my life I’ve been LGBT Baby Boomers Face Tough Retirement Hurdles

Lesbian Judge To Speak At Interfaith Service dressing up as a man,’ the audience broke out into applause. It was unbelievable.

– Jeffrey Tambor, page 24

FREE DEC. 11, 2014 | VOL. 2250 |

WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM

NEWS 4 The rise of ‘license to discriminate’; the failure of LGBT civil rights YELLOW PAGES ENTER TO WIN HEARD ON FACEBOOK 5 Civil rights amendment dead, says speaker 10 Between bass and treble: an alto story 12 Therapist discusses sexualities of LGBT and straight men in new book 16 LGBT baby boomers face tough retirement hurdles 18 Worship Guide: Lesbian judge to speak at Ann Arbor interfaith service OPINION 14 Parting Glances 14 Transmissions Pick Up Your Copy Of The Pride Source Yellow Pages Win Tickets To See ‘Cirque Join The Conversation With 15 Creep of the Week Dream Holidaze’ At The Fox Between The Lines, 24/7 Pick up the new 2014 Pride Source Yellow Pages at our drop sites Enter to win two tickets to see Join over 7,000 others and tap LIFE throughout southeast Michigan. Don’t forget! You can also access “Cirque Dream Holidaze,” Dec. into national news, breaking 22 HoliGAY giving the directory anytime online at Pridesource.com. 17 at the Fox Theatre. Enter stories and riveting discussion 24 Transforming minds only at www.pridesource.com/ on the “Between The Lines 27 Slipstream does Shakespeare tickets_contest.html Newspaper” Facebook! 28 Happenings 30 Out of the labyrinth, into the light 34 Puzzle

VOL. 2250 • DEC. 11, 2014 • ISSUE 893 EDITORIAL CREATIVE ADVERTISING & SALES ONLINE AT Editor in Chief Art Director Director of Sales PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA GROUP Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 12 Benjamin Jenkins, [email protected] Jan Stevenson, 734.293.7200 x 22 “Between The Lines Newspaper” 20222 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152 [email protected] [email protected] Phone 734.293.7200 Webmaster & MIS Director Entertainment Editor Kevin Bryant, [email protected] Sales Representatives Follow us @YourBTL PUBLISHERS Chris Azzopardi, 734.293.7200 x 24 Ed Bohach, 734.293.7200 x 15 Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson [email protected] Contributing Writers [email protected] Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown, Email your op–eds to MEMBER OF Arts & Theater Editor Todd Heywood, Jerome Stuart Nichols, Ann Cox, 734.293.7200 x 13 [email protected] Michigan Press Assoication Donald V. Calamia, Eric W. Rader, Gwendolyn Ann Smith, [email protected] National Gay Media Association [email protected] Christopher J. Treacy Sign up online to receive our E–Digest Q Syndicate National Advertising Representative Assistant Editor Cartoonists Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 Shelby Clark Petkus, [email protected] Paul Berg, Dave Brousseau Our rate cards are available online. All material appearing in Between The Lines is protected by federal copyright law and Calendar Editor Contributing Photographers may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission Shelby Clark Petkus, [email protected] Andrew Potter of the publishers. Between The Lines is supported by many fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for claims Staff Writers made by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for Copyright 2014 Pride Source Media Group, LLC AJ Trager, [email protected] materials provided by advertisers or their agents. www.PrideSource.com Dec. 11, 2014 | BTL 3 BRIEFS The Rise Of ‘License To Discriminate’; ANN ARBOR WCC Expands LGBT Protections At its Nov. 18 meeting, the Washtenaw Community College (WCC) Board of Trustees voted The Failure Of LGBT Civil Rights unanimously to expand protections for transgender, lesbian, bisexual and gay students, faculty and staff for the first time in over 20 years. LAME DUCK ANALYSIS This historic action is the result of decisive action by WCC President Rose Bellanca, at the direction BY TODD HEYWOOD leadership experience in southeast Michigan, has referred to being attacked by “leftists” of the Trustees, following public remarks from Jim and other business owners. No transgender over this move. He removed himself from Toy Community Center namesake Jim Toy, and long LANSING – The last weeks of any people were allowed to testify – despite the participation in the workforce coalition after time LGBT advocate Andre Wilson at the October legislative session are often full of lawmaking fact they were at the center of the controversy his own employer, AT&T, announced it would WCC Board of Trustees meeting. chicanery, and this session is no different. over an inclusive bill. only support a fully inclusive bill. “WCC plays a crucial role serving our community As the so-called lame duck session was The Commerce Committee adjourned as a strong economic driver,” said Brad O’Conner, gaveling in, the Michigan LGBT community without a vote, and Speaker Bolger declared President of the Jim Toy Community Center. “It is No Gay Cakes important that policies at WCC reflect the values believed that they would finally, for the first amending the state’s civil rights act dead. of our diverse community. We applaud President time since 1981, have civil When Bolger announced the Bellanca and her team for their swift action to rights protections added to religious freedom bill – officially bring four policy change recommendations to the state law known as the known as the Michigan Restoration the Board in just three weeks, and we thank the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights of Religious Freedom (MiRFRA) – Board of Trustees immensely for their decisive Act. Now, with just over he said that businesses should not action to protect students, faculty and staff from a week left in the session, refuse to hire LGBT people, but that discrimination.” amending the state’s civil they should be able to refuse to bake a This is the third success of the Jim Toy rights law is off the table, and cake for a gay wedding. That was, he Community Center in the last 18 months working in its place is a legislative said, religious freedom and freedom with local government entities to ensure full sleight of hand – civil of conscience. protection inclusive of gender identity and gender rights protections based on The legislation however is much expression. Washtenaw County updated the “religious freedom.” broader than simply refusing to county’s non-discrimination policy in September So what is religious bake a cake. Under this law, a of 2013 and the city of Ann Arbor updated TLBG freedom? According to baker who participates in Christian protections in October of 2014. House Bill 5958, “‘Exercise Identity, a religious system used by “Credit should also be given to the WCC of religion’ means the extreme racists to support their white Political Science Club and OutSpace students who practice or observance of supremacy, could refuse to bake supported this effort internally at the college by religion, including an act sending letters to Trustees and especially to those a cake for an interracial couple’s or refusal to act, that is who spoke at the meeting in support of these wedding. A paramedic could refuse substantially motivated by policy changes,” said Jim Toy. “These students to provide emergency medical showed leadership and helped give the trustees a sincerely held religious care for a transgender person. And the support they needed to make these historic belief, whether or not because Rep. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann changes possible.” compelled by or central Arbor) attempted to amend the bill on to a system of religious the House floor to include a provision Affirmations Seeks LGBTQ-Friendly belief.” The legislation exempting genital mutilation from was introduced by Speaker Jase Bolger But Bolger’s religious freedom bill got a religious freedom protections – and the GOP Healthcare Providers (R-Marshall) to “balance” the civil rights of hearing two days later in the House Judiciary rejected that amendment – if this bill becomes Affirmations is looking for healthcare providers religious people in Michigan and the civil Committee, chaired by Speaker-elect Kevin law, a young woman can have her clitoris cut to list themselves in their Health & Wellness rights of the LGBT community. Cotter, a tea party aligned Republican who off in the name of “sincerely held religious Network. At the same press conference in early counts among his allies Rep.-elect Gary Glenn, beliefs.” Since 2005, Affirmations has hosted a network November, Frank Foster, a Republican who the former head of the American Family This is the same legislative language that of LGBTQ friendly healthcare providers in lost his bid for re-election over his support for Association of Michigan. Glenn is part of a trio forced Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer to veto a Southeastern Michigan and has recently moved LGBT equality, announced he was introducing of extreme right wing politicos to be sworn in similar bill in that state. And Kansas, despite this network onto a new online platform. This a bill designed to extend civil rights to lesbians, for two year terms on Jan. 1. The trio includes having lost in the legislature, is preparing to network offers a chance for providers to connect to gays and bisexuals – while excluding the Glenn, Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat. bring a new version of the bill in that state. The members of the LGBTQ community while offering transgender community. Foster’s bill, along Bolger’s team has blamed “leftists” for Kansas Senate stopped the bill in the prairie LGBTQ people a connection to healthcare providers with a comprehensive and inclusive bill the failure to amend the civil rights act – but state this year. that fit their needs. introduced earlier in session by Sam Singh BTL has reported previously that is not really And in Michigan, Senate Majority Leader “Do you know of a healthcare provider that (D-East Lansing), received a hearing before the case. Gender identity and expression Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) appears to has offered sensitive, culturally competent care?” the House Commerce Committee. were not issues on the table or horizon be the barrier on this legislation in the super Affirmations asks. “Nominate them for the Health & That hearing went on for over an hour and for the Speaker and his cohorts this past Wellness Network! Nominating a provider creates majority controlled state senate. In a Nov. a half, featuring five people testifying for the spring when talk of amending Elliott-Larsen opportunities for others seeking competent care in 12 story in the subscription-only capitol need for the legislation and at least two who southeastern Michigan.” ramped up. But then, Jim Murray, president newsletter Gongwer, Amber McCann – who To nominate a healthcare worker or to learn opposed the bill. Those speaking on behalf of AT&T Michigan, started going “off script” did not return multiple calls from Between The more about the Health & Wellness Network, email of the Singh bill included Jay Kaplan and from the Michigan Competitive Workforce Lines – said the leader had no personal “desire [email protected], call 313-749- Kary Moss of the ACLU of Michigan, Allan Coalition and encouraged lawmakers to or need” for a broad religious exemption. He 8831 or visit www.goaffirmations.org. Gilmour, the former president of Wayne State support legislation that expanded civil rights had earlier told Gongwer that he would have University, vice chair of Ford Motor Co. protections only to the LGB community while to scrutinize any bills sent over with such and an out gay man with extensive business dropping the T community. Murray himself See License To Discriminate, page 15

4 BTL | Dec. 11, 2014 www.PrideSource.com Civil Rights Amendment Dead, Says Speaker Religious Protection Bill Advances, Would Protect Right To Discriminate

BY TODD HEYWOOD “At no time has the Speaker talked about tying the bills together,” said Adler. “He stated LANSING – House Speaker Jase Bolger today in committee that he is saddened that the (R-Marshall) says legislation to amend path for Elliott-Larsen was closed yesterday Michigan’s civil rights act to include but that MiRFRA should continue on its protections for the LGBT community is dead. separate path as it, too, is important.” “The Speaker and I have both been quoted Responding to MiRFRA moving out of saying the Elliott-Larsen amendment bill the House Judiciary Committee, Kaplan will not be voted on this year because there said the bill is both unnecessary and very isn’t enough support to get the bill out of dangerous.”Religious freedom is fundamental committee,” says Bolger’s spokesman Ari and is protected by both our U.S. and state Adler. constitutions. However, that religious freedom The bills were given a hearing Dec. 3 does not give a person the right to justify before the House Commerce Committee. harming others. This broadly and poorly The Committee heard testimony for an hour written law allows individuals to use their and a half, then adjourned without voting religious beliefs as an excuse to discriminate either of two bills to amend the civil rights and to ignore laws that the rest of us follow,” act to the floor for a vote. One bill would stressed Kaplan. “This measure would open be fully inclusive of the LGBT community, a Pandora’s Box of lawsuits challenging any while a second, promoted by Bolger, would law, policy, government decision or regulation have excluded gender identity and expression that an individual believes conflicts with their from protections. Bolger claims transgender religious exercise.” people are protected from discrimination under Equality Michigan Executive Director federal court rulings – something attorney Jay Emily Dievendorf talked about how if Kaplan of the ACLU of Michigan has said is MiRFRA were to become law it could untrue. deny Michiganders access to services by Meanwhile, a second bill to create a government officials, people could be turned Michigan Religious Freedom Restoration Act away from a business or evicted from their – which would allow people to discriminate home simply because of who they are. “House based on “sincerely held religious beliefs” Bill 5959, the so-called ‘Religious Freedom – was voted out of the House Judiciary Restoration Act,’ is unnecessary, and Michigan Committee on Dec. 4 where the full House citizens don’t want to see it become a reality. passed the MiRFRA bill 59-50, falling directly Religious leaders and victim advocates agree, on party lines. if this bill becomes law, it will provide licenses “We are extremely disappointed by both to discriminate to people who decide that the House Judiciary committee’s action and anti-discrimination laws, child abuse laws and the Speaker’s statement. Speaker Bolger has domestic violence laws do not apply to them.” stated on numerous occasions that he thinks “Rep. Kevin Cotter has shown his true LGBT discrimination is wrong and he has it colors today and foreshadowed the type of within his power and authority as Speaker to behavior we can expect from his tenure as advance the ELCRA bill to the full House for Speaker of the Michigan House,” said Lonnie a vote. We urge him to do so, consistent with Scott, executive director of Progress Michigan. his stated beliefs. It’s the right thing to do for “Michigan residents have been clear that they Michigan,” said ACLU Attorney Jay Kaplan. want equality for everyone in our state and Bolger held a press conference a couple of instead Republicans are moving to enshrine weeks ago to announce the Religious Freedom discrimination into state law.” This was legislation in conjunction with a non-inclusive Cotter’s first act after being elected as the new Elliott-Larsen amendment bill. He said the House Speaker. Religious Freedom legislation was designed to balance rights in Michigan. He declined at the time to tie bar the legislation to Elliott-Larsen. INFO Tie barring is a legislative move that requires two or more bills to be passed together in order Read more online @ for one or the other to advance. >> www.pridesource.com www.PrideSource.com Dec. 11, 2014 | BTL 5

IN FOCUS First Trans Helpline In USA Is In Michigan Between Bass And Treble: An Alto Story

BY AJ TRAGER BY AJ TRAGER As reported this week by the Advocate, a new trans lifeline began taking calls in November and claims to be YPSILANTI – Amidst the cobblestone the first in the U.S. However, the transgender helpline roads and waterways of Dusseldorf, provided by Transgender Michigan (TGMI) has been Germany, Barbara Zmich-McClellan offering services long before 2014. and Celeste McClellan-Zmich met while Transgender Michigan was started 17 years ago. working in the instrumental arts. They kept Co-Founder Rachel Crandall noticed that there was a running into one another throughout Europe need for a helpline for individuals to call and get help, at various functions or coffee houses. to be heard or to just come out to an understanding ear. “There was something; there was just “I noticed that a lot of people were in crisis, had this moment where I thought, ‘This is the problems and had no one to talk to,” Crandall said. “It was person I’m going to spend the rest of my the first transgender helpline in the country. And there’s life with,’” Barbara said. never been another one until right now. They are starting Thirty-one years later, the couple one in San Francisco. So, it’s one of the many ways that Michigan was far ahead of the rest of the country.” celebrated their anniversary on Dec. 4 Today the Michigan hotline is answered by three here in the United States, with wine from individuals who take calls from Michigan, the rest of the Vinology, chocolate from Schakolad and country and as far away as Dubai. a re-polishing of their wedding rings “It’s not weird that we get a call from someone who from Abracadabra where they originally says, ‘I’ve never told it to anyone else in the world, purchased them, all located in Ann Arbor. however, I am a transexual.’ So very often we are the Both musicians play in what is considered Celeste McClellan-Zmich (L) and Barbara Zmich-McClellan (R) pose for a photo for BTL in their Ypsilanti home. very first person that someone ever says that out loud the alto clef, located between the treble and Their minature Schnauzer, Tuko, while very much a part of the family, is not pictured. BTL Photo: AJ Trager to,” Crandall said. the bass clefs on the music scale, which With the addition of the Californian hotline, the country allows them to move in the middle and now has two numbers for the transgender community to work as a connective force in an orchestra. Thirty-one years later, the couple utilize for help and support. Crandall would like to see “Alto is so neat because you bridge upper celebrated their anniversary more of these services pop up around the country so and lower clefs,” Celeste said. that trans individuals have a place to call in their specific “Sometimes we’ll play our parts together on Dec. 4 here in the United region, if not their own state. to see how things fit in and pace our National statistics have long stated that transgendered stamina,” Barbara added. “We don’t often States, with wine from Vinology, individuals are twice as likely to be unemployed, have a lot of melody where we are. We chocolate from Schakolad and with more than 40 percent reporting that they are provide a lot of rhythmic support and underemployed and are subject to wage inequities, sometimes we’ll get some fantastically a re-polishing of their wedding lack of legal protections, the inability to update identity cool melodies. If that voice is brought out, documents, unequal access to health insurance benefits rings from Abracadabra where it brings a lot of seniority that otherwise and denial of personal medical leave. But aside from employment discriminations, you might miss. It adds a lot to the body of they originally purchased them, the orchestra.” performance by the Ann Arbor Symphony. the transgender community faces higher rates of all located in Ann Arbor. suicide, rejection by family and friends, discrimination, Barbara began playing the viola in her “It’s an amazing thing to be able to play victimization and violence, the Williams Institute reports. Birmingham middle school and Celeste music at such a high level that you can play A nationwide survey by transgenderlaw.org (http://www. began her French horn study around the professionally and make your living off of that we haven’t figured out yet,” Barbara said. transgenderlaw.org/resources/transfactsheet.pdf) found same time in her home state of Texas. it,” Barbara said. “We played in full time After moving back to the states, Barbara that from 1985 to 1998, 20 percent of all murders and While in Europe, they played for large orchestras in Europe, and when we came and Celeste pursued applied powers of 40 percent of all police-initiated violence was against a orchestras like the Netherlands Chamber back we decided that we didn’t want to do attorney, joining trust accounts and estate trans person, 85 percent reported physical or emotional Orchestra, the Dutch Radio Orchestra and that anymore. But we still wanted music to planning, and years later in September of abuse for their gender identity and close to half of trans the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Today be a big part of our lives.” 2013, they married. women and men are without health insurance. they both work as freelance performers for They lived together in Europe for a total “In the arts, it (prejudice or discrimination Many things have changed since the 90s and various groups around the state, Barbara of 12 years before returning to the U.S. and of LGBT people) tends to be less so than statewide and federal policies are expanding to include contracted with the Ann Arbor Symphony say that living in very open, LGBT-friendly in corporate America,” Celeste said. “I’ve trans protections and rights, but America has a long way and the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra cities like Amsterdam helped to establish a never felt like that, even in Holland. But to go before it reaches full equality for all people. and Celeste performing with the Dodworth good foundation for their identities and their “What’s so exciting for me is that every caller is a one of my colleagues in Holland did make a Saxhorn Band, the Ann Arbor Symphony and relationship. In the Netherlands, a couple, or rude comment to me as I was getting on the little different,” Crandall said. “Two callers may feel the Christ Church Grosse Pointe. any two people, sharing household expenses alike, however, we are all very very different. And I find bus. You never know where it is going to “It’s really exciting to play with the Ann and a residence under the same roof are come from. It could come from enlightened that exciting. We never know what we’re going to get. It Arbor Symphony because sometimes you’ll granted all the rights and benefits as a couple really keeps me on my toes.” peoples, those who know other gay people.” just get those moments where things will who are legally married. A big part of the work for Crandall is how rewarding In January, they will travel to Japan happen in a performance that you don’t “I had a hard time adjusting to the different it is for her and her team. Transgender Michigan will for a 26-day tour, playing 14 concerts continue to work in Michigan and promote other trans anticipate are going to happen,” Barbara said. culture when I came back,” Celeste said. with the Hollywood Festival Orchestra, services because the more people who are served, the “It’s everybody getting into a mental groove, “The big thing for me coming back was accompanying three Japanese singers. more lives that are potentially saved. and it’s really thrilling and the audience picks health insurance, because they had fantastic Barbara and Celeste started learning the “We really want to make sure the quality of the helpline up on that.” health insurance. It’s not an issue at all. We Japanese language earlier this year during is as high as it can be. We actively listen, empathize The couple was married at Martha’s think America is so progressive, that we are a trip they took out west and are excited and help the caller make the decision (to come out) Vineyard in Massachusetts, and for the such an advanced culture, but their culture to travel abroad again to play with other themselves.” first time since they said their vows, they has been around a lot longer than ours and musicians from around the globe. will take the stage together in an upcoming they really have figured a lot of things out

10 BTL | Dec. 11, 2014 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Dec. 11, 2014 | BTL 11 Therapist Discusses Sexualities Of LGBT And Straight Men In New Book

BY AJ TRAGER “It is imperative that LGBT people examine

n his latest book, “Is My Husband Gay, Straight or Bi?,” the injuries and insults they experienced certified relationship therapist and clinical sexologist while growing up. Even if you are someone Joe Kort, PhD, MSW, MA, with the help of Alexander IP. Morgan, PhD, illustrates diverse male sexuality and how who never experienced gay bashing directly, every experience from childhood onward affects personalities, and for some, their sexual appetites. Designed as a self-help listening to the news, the media, those in book for wives concerned about their husbands’ physical your family who are LGBT-negative goes engagements with other men, Kort and Morgan describe a range of seemingly gay entanglements and how the stigmatization directly into your psyche and shapes your of homosexuality, the dangers of learned homophobia and the deep psychological segregation between “gay,” “straight” developing sense of self as an LGBT person.” and “bi” affect male sexuality. Kort has written three other books addressing the lives of gay men and the importance of affirmative therapy vs reparative therapy, and this guide follows expressing bisexuality that it was hard to write about. Writing those same principles of “seek to fully understand where your that out in a clear way was a challenge for both myself and partner is coming from and address their needs.” With the help my writer. I think I did an OK job, but it could have been of case studies and descriptions of various relationship styles better. and how to improve intra-relationship communication skills, Kort and Morgan show male sexuality as a fluid experience, 2. Perhaps the hardest thing for me to get used to is the keeping a thick distinction between gay men and men who bashing I get from gay men who attack me for writing that a have sex with other men. straight man can have gay sex. They claim that I am keeping As a gay man and sexual therapist for over 20 years, Joe closeted gay men in the closet and reinforcing a false belief Kort offers workshops for couples and singles, run various that they are straight. The difference is that, for the gay or bi therapy groups, teaches at the University of Michigan’s guy, he moves onto a gay or bisexual identity whereas the Sexual Health Certificate Program, speaks and conducts straight guy never does. I always say that straight men who workshops internationally and maintains and contributes to Please patronize our advertisers have gay sex is a guy thing, not a gay thing. blogs, magazines and newspapers. In a recent interview with and let them know you BTL, Kort describes the challenges in writing the self-help appreciate their support for the guide for concerned wives and the differences in LGBT and What hurdles does the LGBT community face that their straight straight therapy. counterparts do not in terms of sexual health? LGBT community! Because our sexual orientation and behaviors are not You’ve been in practice since 1985. What would you say is the heteronoramtive, we deal with a lot of shame. I see a lot of biggest change in therapeutic approach for the LGBT community shaming of each other about how we engage in sex. Amongst gay men there is quite a bit of judgment around what other since you started? gay men do in terms of open relationships, bathhouses and The biggest change I have noticed is that LGBT people in their being on gay apps like Grindr. There is an increase of sexual teens and early 20s are coming to me with regular problems, liberation and freedom as well. It has always been there, but not (just) related to being LGBT. The coming out process I see more LGBT people enjoying the fact that there are no 8645 E. 10 Mile Rd., Center Line 24455 Telegraph Rd., Southfi eld occurred earlier for them, and they didn’t need therapy. So sexual expectations of us and we get to make our own rules 586-758-7400 248-353-9100 by the time they come to me they just have mainstream of what is healthy or not for ourselves. 24465 Gratiot, Eastpointe 1728 Maplelawn Dr., Troy problems such as relationships, family issues and depression 586-774-3455 248-637-7700 and anxiety. I noticed the change in the early 2000s and was Is there one thing you can suggest to a broad group of LGBT people 818 N. Main, Royal Oak 23222 Woodward Ave., Ferndale pleasantly surprised. 248-398-0200 248-542-8400 on how to be more in tune with their sexual self? 490 S. Telegraph Rd., Pontiac What motivated you to write this book? It is imperative that LGBT people examine the injuries and 248-338-6000 insults they experienced while growing up. Even if you I decided to write “Is My Husband Gay, Straight, or Bi?” 580 S. Telegraph Rd., Pontiac are someone who never experienced gay bashing directly, 248-332-0600 because I have been seeing an increase of straight men who listening to the news, the media, those in your family who 43933 Van Dyke Rd, Utica were caught by their wives looking at gay porn and putting are LGBT-negative goes directly into your psyche and shapes 586-726-0300 ads on and answering Craig’s List ads for sex with men. I your developing sense of self as an LGBT person. We were wanted to provide a book that was a resource for these men born LGBT children. We don’t arrive here from a gay planet and women, for them as a couple, to not let it destroy their and infiltrate the straight world. Most of us come outand relationships. move on as if coming out in and of itself is enough. It is not. Looking at the dust bunnies left in that closet is imperative. What was the most difficult aspect of writing this book? You can reach Joe Kort at 248-399-7317. Email him at joekort@ www.autometriccollision.com There are two things that made this book difficult to write: 1. Writing about bisexuality. There are so many ways of joekort.com or check out his website @ www.joekort.com.

12 BTL | Dec. 11, 2014 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Dec. 11, 2014 | BTL 13 Santa Comes Out Parting Glances

OPINION BY CHARLES ALEXANDER

‘Twas New Years Eve and Santa Closet – lavender quill pen in hand, Gucci trifocal sunglasses on his merry nose – was double checking his private list to see who’s straight, and who’s – hopefully, er, – gay. Unbeknownst to almost everybody – the exceptions: Christmas Carol and a near-retirement elf named Crisco – Santa Closet, who usually goes by Claus 363 days, felt entitled to party. Solo. Mrs. Claus, who hadn’t slept with her hubby since bubble lights and artificial tinsel trees broke family values tradition, couldn’t care less that she’d have one less mouth to feed on New Year’s day at the North Pole. Forty elves, the usual party-crashing, fur-lined eskimos and those caterwauling chipmunks were enough for Mrs. Claus. She was frankly tired of hearing another round of travel adventures. Boring. (Especially those concerning the Middle East.) Year after year. “It’s my only pleasure,” she hummed to herself, taking freshly baked Alice B. Toklas gingerbread cookies from the oven. “Especially without that flighty Rudolph poking around where he shouldn’t be. That wet- nosed sniffer is a bit much. Heaven knows what my Nicky sees in him.” Truth is, it was Rudolph, with his shiny nose so bright, that put Claus into the Closet; but, to be fair to the antlered, addled-headed kid, it was all Santa’s doing. He bought the bouncy, happy-go-lucky, sky-dancing critter from Gene Autry, the singing cowpoke who ranched and raised Rudolph from a young’n. Story is that Autry, who met Santa at a Rodeo Ho-Ho-Ho-down, suspected Santa might take to Rudolph, if for no other reason than No One’s Mister Sister Rudolph’s sled-mates-to-be each had questionable, funny names. Dasher. Prancer. Comet. Cupid. Vixen. (“Vixen, indeed!” twanged Autry.) when you’re a beautiful girl, a beautiful girl.” It’s hard It was probably a big mistake from the start to let Rudolph lead OPINION BY GWENDOLYN SMITH to take this in any way seriously given that a whole Santa’s team. But, let’s face it. That nose so bright. Well, fellow lot of things can hurt for transwomen, “beautiful” or consumers, chalk it up to conspicuous consumption. And – a real plus ate Pierson, long a member of the seminal new otherwise – and to make such a light message of this all – the nose did match Santa’s red outfit. But Santa was pleased as pink wave group the B-52s, is releasing a new album feels hollow at best. holiday punch. Especially as he recalled ten Christmases ago. It was called “Guitars and Microphones” in early 2015 Now I’m not expecting something deep out of a pop Santa’s last stopover at Palm Springs, Calif., the gift-giving, oasis-in- K– and has recently released the first single. The song – a song, and there’s decades of vapid, cliched tunes out the-desert, party drop off before hula-hula, grass-skirt Hawaii. Like catchy tune with a great beat and memorable hook – is there. Honestly, it would be silly to expect great depth everybody else who’s overworked, Santa was plumb pooped from what one might expect from an artist known for hits on such a song. I do, however, expect that when someone under-pricing and tamper-proof Walmart packaging. dating back to the late 1970s. claims their tune is a “trans anthem” that it not be quite “Rudy,” winked Santa, in need of a perk up, “use your twinkle nose. While I am a long-time audiophile with hundreds of so problematic. Find us a spot where I can get a quickie hot toddy. Or, two.” No sooner vinyl records and compact discs to my name – not to For one, this “trans anthem” seems blind to anything said than done, Rudolph to the Rescue, attracted by the distant clarion mention MP3s and other digital releases – this column but male-to-female identities. You’ll find no equally call of that old favorite carol “Jingle Bell Rock” blaring through the is not a music review. While it is as solid a track as cliched lyrics about young transmen getting stuck with star filled night, set Santa’s sleigh cozily down in an almost full-to- one might expect for a musician with Kate Pierson’s Barbie dolls or trying on their dad’s ties. There’s nothing capacity parking lot. pedigree, it’s the lyrics of this tune that raise an eyebrow. beyond a fairly simple notion of transforming into that “I shan’t be long,” said Santa, as he peeped into the red-and-green, The song in question is named “Mister Sister,” a title “beautiful girl.” bright neon-lighted bistro. Bruce’s Cell Block Cafe & Tackle Lounge. that should already raise some red flags for many who At the same time, I can hardly say that the tune treats “Keep an eye on Dancer and Prancer. And, whatever you do, Rudy, are transgender. Pierson herself has high hopes for the male-to-female gender identities in a very affirming don’t let Vixen out of your sight!” track, telling the Huffington Post, “I hope it becomes a fashion – and that starts from the very title of the song. “Hey, mister, whoever you are in that Santa get up, we’ve got rules trans anthem, but it’s really meant to empower anyone “Mister Sister” sounds like “She-Male” or “He-She,” here,” barked a rather burly, unshaven guy guarding the joint. “No who feels ‘betrayed by the mirror.’” both of which are considered offensive by many in the leather. No go!” Santa, ever jolly, quick of wit, grinned, “Hey, Mikey, Much like reducing transgender people to someone transgender community. Likewise, lines about digging you remember me. I brought you a Barbie doll for Christmas when “betrayed by the mirror,” the lyrics read like a virtual in closets for fishnets make this sound like artifice, not you were ten.” smorgasbord of transgender cliches and tropes. For identity; a disguise one is putting on to end up on those “O Shingles!” said pink-faced Mikey, taken aback. “You really are example, lines about “They make you play with toy party lists. Santa. Beats tarnation and tarp out of me. Go on in. Your leather belt’ll soldiers” or “You raid her closet for fishnets.” The whole I cannot talk about the song, too, without discussing do. If anybody asks, it was Kenny – not Barbie – I wanted.” song reads as a simple story of someone who escapes the video. It largely features Kate singing the song against Three hot toddies later Santa was on his way. Cheery like all get up. the tribulations of their life to blossom into “Debbie a white background, as well as comedian Fred Armisen All get out. “You know somethin’, Rudy. I’ve been lettin’ the wrong Delicious” and end up on “everyone’s party list.” and a small number of others including Alyson Palmer. age and dress code sit on my lap. Oh, well, it’s never too late to be Then there’s the chorus: “You hear the words, ‘You naughty and nice. Why’s Vixen gigglin’? You two been decking the make a beautiful girl, a beautiful girl.’ Nothing hurts See Mister Sister, next page halls of parking lot holly?” 14 BTL | Dec. 11, 2014 www.PrideSource.com This is the problem with the whole track in ® Mister Sister a nutshell. I feel as if everyone was, in their Continued from p. 14 own way, well-meaning. I suspect that Pierson wrote a catchy anthem and used what she Armisen, known for being on “Portlandia” felt she knew about trans people to fill in the OPINION BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI and “Saturday Night Live,” spends much of lyrics. I really do feel she did this with good Stacy Swimp only for black people, obviously. the video admiring various items of traditional intentions, but lacked even the foresight to GBT people aren’t covered under “As a minister of the Gospel, and as a black feminine attire, including some large drop think that maybe some of her choices were Michigan’s anti-discrimination law. American whose parents participated in the earrings and a slinky, too-small red dress. The bad ideas. Meaning you could, for example, be Freedom Rides — my ancestors were slaves others mime into mirrors, spread makeup on I’m not going to say that Pierson should L fired for being gay in plantations in the state of South Carolina, their faces or simply dance about. have left making a “trans anthem” to, oh, and your employer Arkansas, Tennessee, Indiana and Mississippi As another transgender activist notes, actual transgender people. You don’t have would be perfectly — I (sit) here today rather offended.” the inclusion of Alyson Palmer is also to be transgender to understand where we’re in his or her rights. As he should be! I mean, who wouldn’t be problematic, given her response Your legal recourse offended while recounting his family’s direct to transgender activists who This has been a year where great divisions have would be, to use a connection to our nation’s deep racist history? called for a boycott of the technical term, jack Not to mention the continued oppression of Michigan Womyn’s Music crept up between the transgender movement shit. people of color in America. Festival in 2013. I doubt For a minute it Ah, but that’s not what he’s talking about. Palmer’s inclusion was a and drag culture. The battle over “RuPaul’s looked like that He’s talking about the comparison between deliberate slap in the face of Stacy Swimp Drag Race” and their use of “She-Male” on the might change. The “gay rights and black civil rights.” these transwomen and others, Michigan House was “Lesbian, homosexual, bisexual and and was likely because she is show – and RuPaul’s vehement defense of it poised to vote on a bill to add sexual probably a friend of Pierson as the phrase “Tranny” – still sting for many. orientation (but not gender identity) to In other words, if we protect and wanted to lend her support the law. The Commerce Committee heard and have some fun in front of testimony about the bill, including the the queers, then there the camera. testimony of Stacy Swimp, president of the would be consequences for This has been a year where National Christian Leadership Council. coming from. Yet you cannot pen an anthem great divisions have crept up between the Before he began speaking, he promised discriminating against them without at least understanding those you are transgender movement and drag culture. to shorten his remarks so that he would not supposedly writing it for. and such discrimination is a The battle over “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “regurgitate” what others had already said The song itself, musically, isn’t bad. At best, their use of “She-Male” on the show – and during the hearing. “Regurgitate” was an she may have made a great song for the drag sacred right for Christians. RuPaul’s vehement defense of it and the phrase excellent word choice since his words were community, replacing some very scratchy old “Tranny” – still sting for many. Both sides of basically ignorant hate vomit. this particular kerfuffle are not yet willing to recordings of “We Are Family” in the process. “This proposed legislation is yet another step transgender Americans have never been give the other much ground. Heck, lyrically the song could work well in in the assault on religious freedom,” Swimp denied their voting rights, nor have they been This song may do a lot to reignite this drag circles. began. “I ask the Commerce Committee denied the right to assemble,” he continues. debate, intentional or not. The inclusion of It is not, however, in any way a trans today, and the Michigan legislature, can you “No one from the LGBT community has ever Palmer in the video will also inflame people anthem. begin to clearly define sexual orientation? had fire hoses turned on them by the police still angry over the continuing issues with the Do you truly know what you are potentially department, they have never had to drink out MWMF. In short, a “trans anthem” that treats Gwen Smith thinks Laura Jane Grace could be an aligning yourselves with?” of an LGBT water fountain. There is no public transgender people as those who only want anthem writer. You can find Gwen on twitter at Swimp doesn’t attempt to answer these record of LGBT (people) being forced to sit to be called a “beautiful girl” and be on party @gwenners. questions, though I can’t help but guess that at the back of the bus in an LGBT section. lists is no anthem at all. he has some sinister picture in his mind of Black Americans were publicly lynched lesbian sister wives triple-gay-marrying and specifically excluded from moving into during a Wiccan handfasting ritual. neighborhoods, prohibited from sitting on a He says that protecting LGBT people from jury and denied the right to sue others.” ® License To Discriminate Meanwhile, with amending the civil discrimination has “resulted in Christian I doubt he sees the irony in mentioning Continued from p. 4 rights act essentially a dead deal in the state churches, pastors and church members being denied the right to sue considering he legislature this session, Freedom Michigan’s being discriminated against, fired, fined, is, in fact, arguing that LGBT people should exemptions because he had heard concerns expenditures on a significant ground force expelled from school and pressured to violate continue to be denied the right to sue for the language could be misused. of 24 field organizers is done. Freedom their conscience and moral opposition to discrimination. But he is right – the black Emily Dievendorf, executive director of Michigan was a coalition of national LGBT homosexual marriage and homosexual civil rights movement and the LGBT civil Equality Michigan, is holding out hope that organizations that formed to educate the behavior itself.” rights movement have been different in some Richardville will be the dike that holds back public. On Sunday, those field organizers were In other words, if we protect the queers, ways and the treatment of black people in this the religious exemption wave. She worked all laid off. The money to fund those organizers then there would be consequences for country has been deplorable and continues closely with the Monroe Republican while was provided by HRC in Washington D.C. To discriminating against them and such to be. she was on the staff of former State Rep. Andy top it off, with the state house likely to become discrimination is a sacred right for Christians. But using that history as evidence to Coulouris. significantly more conservative in the next As examples he uses Julia Ward, an support discrimination against gay people “Senator Richardville is a faithful Catholic legislative session, MiRFRA will likely be Eastern Michigan University student who is wrong. Swimp apparently thinks that who believes strongly in religious freedoms on the agenda – and Richardville will be gone was expelled from the counseling program civil rights are a rare commodity and there as do most Michiganders – Democratic or from the Senate, having fallen to term limits. after she refused to council a gay kid on just aren’t enough to go around; he’s pitting Republican, gay or straight,” Dievendorf said That is going to put Michigan in the legislative the grounds that her religion forbade her black people and LGBT people against each in a text message Monday. “Richardville’s crosshairs, and the likelihood of passage of from treating gay people like human beings other as if there is no overlap between the office has already acknowledged that MiRFRA is nearly certain. The question is, deserving of compassion. He also refers to two groups. additional religious protection is unnecessary can the LGBT and ally community build the Crystal Dixon, fired from the University of There’s a whole lot of hate to go around to protect those freedoms. Michigan citizens opposition infrastructure to encourage Gov. Toledo after writing an anti-gay op-ed in the in this world. More than enough. If no one is agree that our state and U.S. Constitution have Rick Snyder enough to prevent him from Toledo Free Press. Both of these women, as free while others are oppressed, those who us covered and a RFRA would only open the signing such legislation into law? he makes sure to mention, are black. want a pass to oppress others are in a jail of door to harm against our most vulnerable.” Which is important because civil rights are their own making. www.PrideSource.com Dec. 11, 2014 | BTL 15 LGBT Baby Boomers Face Tough Retirement Hurdles

BY KEN SWEET collect Social Security benefits based on the higher earner’s work history. Not so for many NEW YORK (AP) – For Kathy Murphy, gay spouses. Only widows or widowers in the difference between being gay or straight states that recognize same-sex marriage can is $583 a month. get that higher income. Retirement should have been a “slam dunk,” Why? Social Security differs from most the 62-year-old Texas widow says. She saved, federal programs in that the law requires bought a house with her spouse and has a it to use individual states’ definition of pension through her employer. marriage. That requirement is why the Obama But Murphy’s golden years have not been Administration was unable to extend Social as secure as they should have been. She is Security benefits to all same-sex couples missing out on thousands of dollars a year in nationwide, even after the Supreme Court Social Security benefits simply because she struck down the Defense of Marriage Act last was married to a woman, not a man. year. Before then, the federal government Murphy fell into a loophole in Social did not recognize same-sex marriage at all, Security that denies survivor benefits to even in states where it was legal. Domestic same-sex couples depending on what state partnerships are still unrecognized by the they live in. Had Murphy and her wife, Sara federal government. Barker, lived next door in New Mexico, a state In Florida, Arlene Goldberg faces a that does recognize same-sex marriage, this retirement of significantly less income. When wouldn’t have been an issue. her partner of 47 years, Carol Goldwasser, died “If I had been straight, getting widow’s in March, Goldberg was denied her wife’s benefits would have been a slam dunk,” Social Security survivor benefits on the basis Murphy says. “I never thought I would that Florida does not recognize same-sex live to see same-sex marriage, but the In this Oct. 16 photo, Jim Albaugh picks basil leaves from a plant in his window while cooking dinner at the west marriage. side Manhattan apartment that he shares with two roommates in New York. Albaugh could be thought of as just government still minimizes my marriage and one of the working poor, untold millions in the baby boomer generation who are not prepared for retirement. But Goldwasser’s death certificate said “single, my relationship of 32 years.” he represents something more as one of thousands of gay and lesbian baby boomers confronting a retirement never married,” even though the couple wed Murphy could be thought of as just one of of greater financial hardship than his straight peers. AP Photo Julie Jacobson in New York in 2011. Had they been living in the many baby boomers who are not prepared New York, Goldberg would earn $800 more for retirement. But while the group overall and financial needs,” says Michael Adams, who face wage discrimination because of both in monthly benefits. is not ready to stop working, gay boomers executive director of SAGE, a national their gender and sexual orientation, are even “The Social Security problems were bad, face challenges that make them even more organization focused on social services and more vulnerable. but the fact they listed Carol as single was the vulnerable, experts say. advocacy for LGBT seniors. Being LGBT “just amplifies the financial worst possible thing they could have done to For many, decades of workplace When financial firm Prudential asked LGBT problems women already face in the me,” Goldberg says. discrimination impaired their earning power. adults aged 25 to 68 last year if they were “well workforce,” says Ineke Mushovic, executive The State of Florida revised Goldwasser’s The AIDS crisis caused lasting financial and prepared” for retirement, only 14 percent said director of the Movement Advancement death certificate in October to recognize the psychological damage, particularly for gay they were, compared with 29 percent of the Project, a Denver-based LGBT-focused think couple’s marriage, but Goldberg still has not men. And legal pitfalls within Social Security, total population. tank. received any Federal benefits. the cornerstone in any senior’s financial And in a sad irony, many of the aging The Gallup poll found that 15.9 percent “The Social Security Administration knows planning, have left gay boomers ill-equipped pioneers of gay rights are too old to reap the of gay men over 65 were near or below the this is a problem, but there is little they can for retirement. retirement benefits from the marriage laws Federal poverty line, compared to 9.7 percent do, because they’re bound to the letter of the Same-sex couples in general are likely they championed. of heterosexual men in the same age group. law,” says Karen Loewy, a senior attorney at to have saved far less for retirement than While the Gallup poll showed poverty rates Lambda Legal, a national organization that their straight counterparts, according to an for straight and gay women to be statistically focuses on legal issues affecting the LGBT exclusive analysis of the Federal Reserve’s Lower Earnings similar, other studies, including a 2009 report community. Survey of Consumer Finances by the AP- In the case of Murphy and Baker, the couple Gays and lesbians have faced higher by the Williams Institute, showed lesbian NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The got married in Massachusetts in 2010. Baker unemployment, lower wages and a workplace couples over the age of 65 were twice as likely center is jointly operated by The Associated died in 2012, and since then Murphy has been where discrimination based upon sexual to live below the poverty line as opposite-sex Press and NORC, a leading research center at unable to collect her wife’s benefit of $583 a orientation was common. While many couples, and were much more likely to be the University of Chicago. month. Same-sex marriage has been legal in corporations have non-discrimination policies on public assistance programs such as food The median retirement savings for a same- Massachusetts since 2003, but it’s not allowed now, it is still legal to fire someone for their stamps. sex couple is roughly $66,000, while straight in Texas, and the federal government is sexual orientation in 21 states according to the married couples have roughly $88,000, required to use the couples’ state of residence American Civil Liberties Union. according to the data, which looks at the Married Without Benefits to determine benefits. Two polls, one by Pew Research in 2013 finances of straight and same-sex couples aged “I try not to worry about money, but it’s and one by Gallup in 2012, reached the same Gay couples were only recently extended 19 to 95 going back to 2001. about fairness,” Murphy says. conclusion: LGBT individuals were more the core elements of the retirement safety This data, as well as other studies, show that This isn’t the first time state marriage laws likely to make less money than their straight net available to married straight couples: lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults and Social Security have been at odds. The peers during their careers. Gay men earned inheritance of a spouse’s Social Security tend to be poorer, in worse health, and most denial of benefits to mixed-race couples was as much as 32 percent less than straight men, benefits and pensions. But even with the often, alone – with no family to care for them cited by the Supreme Court in 1967 when it according to research by the Williams Institute, recent expansion of gay marriage, same-sex when they reach old age. struck down laws that barred black and whites a California-based think tank that focuses on couples still face discrimination when it comes “In the aging world, there has been little from marrying. For gay couples, the state laws LGBT issues. to benefits. regard for even the existence of LGBT As a result, gay men and women over 65 When a husband or wife in a straight older people, let alone their particular social See Boomers, next page are more likely to end up in poverty. Lesbians, marriage dies, their spouses can typically

16 BTL | Dec. 11, 2014 www.PrideSource.com ® LGBT Boomers Continued from p. 16 that block federal benefits amount to similar discrimination, advocates say. Government agencies have little understanding of the scope of problems facing the LGBT demographic. The Administration on Aging, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, collects data on aging minority groups such as African Americans, Native Americans and Hispanics, but not on gay individuals. This is important because the federal government allocates money Texas resident Kathy Murphy (left) is suing the federal government for spousal benefits after the death of her toward specific elderly programs based on wife, Sara Barker (right), in 2012. these surveys. The White House has called for legislation to allow same-sex couples to access survivor benefits in all states. It also has asked for stuck in some relatively permanent status an update of the Older Americans Act to of financial disarray,” says Sean Strub, the authorize data collection on LGBT individuals. founder of POZ, a New York-based magazine However, there has been little momentum in focused on the HIV-positive community. Congress to take up these issues. Jim Albaugh is one of these people. “We’re not talking about some fringe benefit Diagnosed with HIV in 1987, then AIDS in here,” says SAGE’s Adams. “Social Security 1990, Albaugh was in and out of hospitals. But is the most important financial resource for after coming back from the brink of death, he older Americans in this country, and this is just faces a different crisis: He can’t work as much as true for LGBT older Americans.” as before he was sick and has little savings. When the 55-year-old former actor does save, “something pops up and it’s gone.” The Shadow Of AIDS Recently, he says, he was “lucky” to buy a new pair of shoes. Without the public support Bill C. was never supposed to reach programs that help him with his New York retirement. Diagnosed with HIV in the City rent, he would not be able to get by. late 1980s, he spent three years in and out Albaugh has 10 years before he hits of hospitals with AIDS-related infections, retirement age. But when asked about it, he watching helplessly as dozens of his friends says: “I don’t think about retirement because died. I don’t believe I will have one.” The 67-year-old, who did not want his He can’t work as much as before and has last name used for fear his HIV status would fallen behind on saving for retirement. negatively impact his acting career, chose to “I was working 40 hours a week and I ended live for what moments he thought he had left. up twice in the hospital,” he says. “It took me He cashed in his retirement savings and bought a long time to realize I couldn’t work as much a waterfront home on Long Island he knew he as I really wanted.” couldn’t afford. There he thought he’d spend Albaugh hopes to wean himself off some his days sailing, fishing and riding horses until public aid programs in the next couple of years the disease took him. but acknowledges that he’ll need others, like He nearly died a handful of times, spending Social Security disability. much of 1995, 1996 and 1997 in the hospital. “I’ll work as hard as I can until I can work He had to shutter his fabric business. no more. After that,” he says, his voice trailing And the dream house where he was off, “I don’t know what I will do.” supposed to live out the rest of his life? It was taken by the bank in 1995. Like Bill C., many long-term AIDS MICHIGAN RESOURCES survivors interviewed by the AP talked about poor financial decisions they made in the 1980s and 1990s – when they believed they LGBT Older Adult were facing a death sentence – and are now Coalition paying for as they enter retirement. >> http://lgbtolderadults.com The advent of life-prolonging antiretroviral “cocktail” therapies in the late 1990s helped The website has a SE Michigan Rainbow Resource end that fatalistic outlook, but by then, HIV- Guide for Older Adults and Caregivers positive baby boomers had lost a decade or more of savings time. Those who had cashed in their retirement funds had to start saving For more information, contact Project Director Kathleen LaTosch at 248-812-9202 or email again. Those who had AIDS-related infections [email protected]. went on workplace disability, stunting their savings potential. “A lot of people who had jobs and financial resources before they became sick were then www.PrideSource.com Dec. 11, 2014 | BTL 17 Lesbian Judge To Speak At Ann Arbor Interfaith Service BY BTL STAFF a political issue.” of Ann Arbor, Jim Toy Community Center, “I’ve been very fortunate,” she added. Interweave at First UU of Ann Arbor, Lord of U.S. District Judge Judith Levy, one of only A University of Michigan graduate, Levy Light Lutheran Church, Michigan Unitarian seven openly gay federal jurists in the nation, Your entire life is laid bare in worked at University Hospital, where she Universalist Social Justice Network, OASIS will discuss her remarkable journey at the First served for six years as bargaining chair for TBLG Outreach Ministry, Rainbow Crossing Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann what the Senate Judiciary Committee the American Federation of State, County of the First United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor for the fifth annual “Interfaith Service “ and Municipal Employees. After getting her Arbor, Shining Lakes Grove, ADF, Saint of Affirmation” for lesbian, gay, bisexual and seeks, including everything you have law degree from U of M in 1996, she spent Clare of Assisi Episcopal Church and Trinity transgender individuals (LGBT) and their ever said in public or written. I’m four years as a trial attorney for the Equal Lutheran Church. families, friends and allies. Employment Opportunity Commission, Read more about the service’s musical line-up Her keynote address and the following thankful that my nomination did not specializing in civil rights cases. in BTL’s previous piece on the event, “Tidings reception are scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Levy became an assistant U.S. Attorney in Dec. 16. UUAA is located at 4001 Ann Arbor- become a political issue. 2000 and was chief of its civil rights unit from of Comfort & Justice.” (www.pridesource.com/ Saline Road, at the corner of Ellsworth. The 2010 until her appointment to the bench. article.html?article=69223) That and other event is free and open to the public. She has also been an adjunct professor of Ann Arbor events can be seen on Pridesource’s “I am planning to talk about my personal - U.S. District” Judge Judith Levy law at U of M since 2000. “Neighborhoods” page. story,” she said, “why I think diversity on the The service of affirmation will include bench matters if we are to have a meaningful a group blessing of same-sex couples who justice system, and a little on why we can be have been able to marry as well as those who INFO hopeful about the future.” wish to be. Levy, 56, who is celebrating her 29th Music will be provided by Katie Geddes, Religious & Spiritual anniversary with Janet Johnson, married her adult life and has followed a career path that Kath Weider Roos, Laz Slomovitz, David partner last summer in a civil ceremony in could have put her in conservative Republican Vaughn, Lori Fithian, Jean Chorazyczewski Washington, D.C. They have three children: cross-hairs. and Brandy Sinco. Please check out the PrideSource Yellow Pages Rianna, a sophomore at Yale, and twins Micah “I was nervous,” Levy said. “Your entire In addition to UUAA, the event’s co- for a complete listing of welcoming congregations and Kayla, juniors at Pioneer High School. life is laid bare in what the Senate Judiciary sponsors include: Beth Israel Congregation, across the state. Levy was confirmed in a 97-0 vote of the Committee seeks, including everything Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, First U.S. Senate last summer even though she you have ever said in public or written. I’m Congregational United Church of Christ of >> www.PrideSource.com has been a gay rights activist for most of her thankful that my nomination did not become Ypsilanti, First United Methodist Church

18 BTL | Dec. 11, 2014 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Dec. 11, 2014 | BTL 19 Comedian Paula INFO Paula Poundstone Poundstone Talks 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 Royal Oak Music Theatre 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak Sex, Tech & Cats royaloakmusictheatre.com

BY CHRISTOPHER TREACY finished with that phase and he’s still here,” she jokes. or decades now, Paula Her tone shifts to something Poundstone’s been the more genuine when we discuss her Fsubject of sexual speculation. feelings about the Internet, which, Wherever you stand on that debate, it turns out, she feels is about as one thing’s certain: The comedian’s productive as sex. And perhaps with not getting any from anyone. good reason: the almighty web is Speaking before her gig on Dec. the root of current problems with 13 at the Royal Oak Music Theatre, her son. Poundstone says, ”I don’t talk about “He has an electronics addiction, sex a lot because I don’t actually so he’s not allowed to use the have sex, and my act is largely computer at all,” Poundstone autobiographical.” says. “He really is an addict in Is sex too messy? the classic sense – the craving, “I think so, yes – it’s very the lengths he’ll go to. I think the messy,” she concedes. “It involves whole world is in denial about much more work than I’m willing this problem. Most people live to put out. The idea that I’d go to with electronics addicts and don’t my room after everything else I go realize it, or they won’t blow the through in a day and that there’d whistle because they’re too close be someone in my room that might to it themselves.” expect something like that from Poundstone noticed her son’s me – I just can’t even.” compulsion a few years ago and And trust her – she’s had enough says it’s been terribly difficult practice to know. “I did some to “get a hold on it” because experimenting early on, enough the world of psychology isn’t to know I’m right,” she continues. emphasizing electronics addiction “Sometimes I marvel at the rest in this country. In China, she says, of you; I think, ‘Wow, they must it’s considered the No. 1 threat to have nothing else going on in their youth and cultural well-being. lives.’” On a recent flight to Chicago I ask if it’s possible that maybe to tape NPR’s “Wait Wait … this is all just a defensive cover-up Don’t Tell Me,” a news quiz and that, deep down, she would show for which Poundstone is a secretly love to wake up and face regular contestant, she sat beside each day with a companion. Or, a communication studies professor perhaps she has one that she’s kept heading to an academic conference hidden all these years. in the Windy City. No dice. And no procreation, “She told me that the most either. common fear people have in their “Jesus, no. Not at all,” Poundstone what an audacious, delusional another sign of her need to nurture. sure there’s any love in it at all! daily lives now is one-on-one says. “I really just think I’m more thought that is. Still, in her own self-deprecating It’s the seedy underbelly of having communication,” Poundstone says. of a rational thinker than others. But despite this, Poundstone has way, she’s quick to let you know pets. I’m an idiot and it’s totally “We’ve gotten very used to hiding We don’t need more people on this a very active nurturing instinct. In that it’s all much more than she my fault.” behind these devices. Personally, earth. Is it helping get things done? keeping with her feelings about bargained for. With regard to her son, the I want to be able to look people No! It’s not helping with global procreation, she became a foster “I do not in any way advocate humor comes with a grain of salt in the eye, shake their hand, stand warming. It’s not helping deal with mom in the early ’90s, helping a large cat census; they’re a pain ... we hope. beside them ... and I love making water shortages and drought.” upwards of a dozen needy kids and in the ass,” she advises. “You “It’s so hard – you simply people laugh. But it’s best in a I reluctantly confess I’d been eventually permanently adopting discover somewhere along the way wouldn’t believe it. I wanted to crowd – waves of laughter, shared hoping for more of a breakthrough, three. The youngest, Thomas, 16, that you’re an ‘animal caretaker’ take care of him, yes, but I’m bitter experience. That’s the part of and we have a good laugh about lives with her and their 15 cats – not an ‘animal lover’ – I’m not nonetheless … because we’re comedy that’s so healthy.”

20 BTL | Dec. 11, 2014 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Dec. 11, 2014 | BTL 21 Cool Cities Ferndale YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET Pinpoint your ad dollars where they will do the most good . . . Advertise in the next Cool Cities TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200

HoliGAY Giving Affirmations Offers Opportunities To Help Those In Need

BY SHELBY CLARK PETKUS participants have been contacted prior Dec. 13. Due to limited storage capacity to gift-giving. at the center, we ask that items only be Affirmations is conducting two special The options for area LGBTQ and allies dropped off on this date.” They ask that projects this holiday season to benefit to participate are the following: all LGBTQ and allies please consider local LGBTQ and allies in need. One of making a difference in someone’s life the projects, “We Are All One Family,” • Be the person willing to purchase this season by being part of the much- has been created for those looking for gifts or a meal depending on the needed program. For more information a meaningful way to offer support to request. Volunteers will then be on “We Are All One Family,” contact a family, as the program is designed to matched with one of the identified Davidson at [email protected] assist low-income LGBTQ and ally- families and provided with details or Jon Fitzgerald at JFitzgerald@ identified families. about that family. goaffirmations.org. According to Affirmations, “The For those unsure of the time or service end-of-year season is often filled with • Sign up to help wrap gifts at they can offer, Affirmations is also hosting tremendous generosity and joy, but it can Affirmations on Dec. 13. their Second Annual Holiday Wish List also be challenging for many families Drive. The Volunteer Development that are in need. There are programs that • Sign up to help deliver the gifts Committee at the community center is exist to ensure a happy year-end season; between Dec. 21-24. looking for help to collect coats, mittens, however, identifying as an LGBTQ gloves, hats and other items on the wish family often results in no longer being Affirmations urges all reading to list for Affirmations’ Youth Program. eligible for many of these programs.” participate, be it anonymously or Items can be dropped in the box near the Families and those in need were more publicly, noting, “If you choose front desk at the center. selected earlier this month. For any to participate anonymously and not Affirmations is located at 290 W. Nine further questions or concerns on those communicate with the family directly, Mile Road, Ferndale. More information needing help, contact Syeda Davidson then all purchases will need to be on the center and its projects can be at [email protected]. All dropped off at Affirmations on Saturday, found at www.goaffirmations.org.

22 BTL | Dec. 11, 2014 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Dec. 11, 2014 | BTL 23 Photo: Amazon Transforming Minds performance from Jeffrey Tambor, the show is meeting – and then that afternoon I saw her With so few representations of transgender How ‘Transparent’ Is being heralded as an Emmy contender for its movie “Afternoon Delight,” and I called her people in the media, and trans visibility authentic look at trans life. again. You know, in the pilot, I don’t have being at the forefront culturally, what kind of Changing Lives With In a recent interview, Tambor and associate that big of a role, but you could just see how responsibility did you feel to Maura and to the producer Zackary Drucker, an MTF herself, beautiful that family and their dynamic was. trans community? talked about the power of “Transparent.” You could see that Jill was after big themes, Tambor: A huge responsibility. I had nervous but the people were so real, so authentic and ‘Light, Love & Warmth’ self-tappings on my shoulder the whole time. Jeffrey, what drew you to the Maura character? so accessible, and so I just said, “I’m in.” I don’t think I have been as nervous as when Jeffrey Tambor: I was coming into Los I did the scene when I had to come out to BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI Angeles from my home in New York, and I Even though your role is slight during the pilot, my daughter Sarah (Amy Landecker). I was was doing a talk show and my representatives, your presence is massive. shaking, and not because I was nervous about When a show makes its mark on society, it’s who are tremendous, are always on the Tambor: Thank you. The key scene, I being good, or nervous about being talented, more than just TV – it’s history. lookout for really good things. They sent me think, in that pilot is around that table. That or nervous about learning the lines – I wanted In 2014, we met Maura, the protagonist of this script by Jill Soloway, and I got off the barbecue scene – I could watch that on a loop to do it right. I turned to Jill many times the brazen, boundary-breaking “Transparent,” plane – I had about a 15-minute drive to my for the rest of my life. I remember when we during the making of this, and to Zackary and a dramedy centered on a 70-something male- hotel – and by the time I got to the hotel, I were filming that and every face I looked (co-producer) Rhys Ernst many times, and to-female’s journey in coming out to her family. had read this. I called them and I said, “I’m into was just filled with genius and light and said, “This is big. This is huge.” You would Written by Jill Soloway (“Six Feet Under”) in, I’m in, I’m in. Let me meet Jill.” quicksilver moods. It’s really a real coup of feel it at times and think, “This is so much and produced by Amazon with a standout lead Jill and I met the next day – we had a great casting. more than all of us put together. This is a big

24 BTL | Dec. 11, 2014 www.PrideSource.com movement.” plays my friend Davina – a great actress Zackary Drucker: Jeffrey brings a and also a member of the trans community. tremendous amount of humanity to this We had so many scenes together and she role, and from a very internal place without helped me so much – not by anything she falling into stereotypes or tropes of other said overtly, but by just playing together in representations of trans people that we’ve the scene. Everything was so delightful and seen. I think that this show is a huge step I learned so much. Her stamp of approval in the right direction, and as a trans person, meant so, so much to me. One of the most I have a lot of hope, actually, that there are generous performers I’ve ever worked with. many more to come. This is one big step for bringing trans people into pop culture and Were there any concerns, Jeffrey, that people into television and film. would have trouble taking you seriously as transgender after dealing with gender identity What’s been problematic about the way issues in a more comical setting during transgender people are portrayed in the media? “Arrested Development”? Drucker: First of all, trans people have Tambor: I don’t mean to be glib about this, but been relegated to victims or villains. Then, I was so protected by Jill and Jill’s direction, outside of that, there are a few more recent but mostly her writing, which is so authentic. examples, but they’re People’s first sentence to still being written by me is, “I didn’t know what cisgender people. The to expect,” and the second bigger problem in our sentence has some praise, representation is that it’s like, “... but I thought it not inclusive to the trans I had to find out was so fantastic.” So I am community; (there’s a lack where the Maura was in sure there is skepticism of) collaboration with the “ from some people, or, trans community to create me, and there is a Maura in “Oh, that’s the guy from a more authentic portrait. me and I love her. But this production, ‘Arrested Development’ from the bottom up, was and he’s gonna be a (trans very inclusive. I mean, person),” but we just keep one of the first things – Jeffrey” Tambor saying, “Take a look at we implemented was a it.” And people are really “trans-affirmative” action (finding it) praise-worthy. program to hire as many trans people in as When we opened “Transparent” in Los many departments as possible, which created Angeles, that line where Maura says, “All a certain amount of spontaneous authenticity. my life I’ve been dressing up as a man,” I think that Jeffrey was really able to immerse the audience broke out into applause. It was himself in our community as an incredible unbelievable. So I didn’t have that (concern). cisgender ally. We’re lucky to have Jeffrey I felt very protected by the writing. That’s Tambor on our side. some good writing. I mean, there’s good writing and there’s good writing, but this is Jeffrey, how did working with three consultants off the charts. from the trans community, including Zackary, affect your performance? What do you hope non-trans people take away Tambor: The humanness. The authenticity. from “Transparent”? The vulnerability. You know, I had a Tambor: I would like for them to take away real awakening, because I thought the something Jenny Boylan (a consultant to the exteriorization actually took care of itself. production) said to me the other day – to all Zackary and Rhys were very helpful in that of us, rather. She said, “For the first time, I’m area, but most of the work was, as Zackary looking at the television screen and I’m seeing mentioned, interior. I had to really plum them myself represented.” I hope that is what people of their (experiences). I would ask very deep feel. But I also hope that we go away and play questions, and then I had to ask myself deep our part in the dispelling of ignorance, prejudice questions. I had to go within. and phobias. I hope we shed light on a subject This is not a walk in the park. You either that needs light, love and warmth. have to go into yourself or you don’t. I mean, I had to find out where the Maura was in me, Drucker: One of the amazing things about and there is a Maura in me and I love her. It’s the trans community is how diverse it is. It’s a been one of the most incredible experiences. tremendous challenge because we’re starting This was not in my technical bag of tricks. I from zero and creating representation, and it had to dig a bit. But I had such wonderful help may be impossible to truly represent everybody, and such allies, and there was no one on the but we hope that this show expands everyone’s set with crossed arms and raised eyebrows. notion of difference. We all have trans people People were really in my corner and that in our extended families – that’s increasingly meant a lot. I was scared with a capital “S,” I something I hear in conversation – and this gotta tell you, especially the first week or so. show has the power to really change everyone’s By the way, I have to give kudos to a perceptions of trans people. We’ve been so splendid actress, Alexandra Billings, who invisible, and I think America’s ready. www.PrideSource.com Dec. 11, 2014 | BTL 25 26 BTL | Dec. 11, 2014 www.PrideSource.com Slipstream Does Shakespeare

BY JOHN QUINN

“A sad tale’s best for winter.” So says young Mamillius, heir to the throne of Sicilia and character in William Shakespeare’s romance, “The Winter’s Tale.” “Out of the mouths of babes ...” they say. Except Mamillius doesn’t say that line, or any other line, in Slipstream Theatre Initiative’s reinvention of Shakespeare’s story. He’s still a babe in arms. That’s one of the more minor alterations in Bailey Boudreau’s adaptation. This performance script is a lean abridgement, shedding scenes and characters to focus on the core story. Spoiler alert: Shakespeare kills Mamillius off in Act III, Scene ii; Boudreau would have him spirited off to prosper in anonymity only to emerge to Slipstream Theatre Initiative’s inaugural production, “The Winter’s Tale,” continues through Dec. 31 claim his birthright. “The Winter’s Tale” at Michigan Actors Studio. Photo: STI is considered a comedy; how better to assure “And they all lived happily ever REVIEW Leontes is redeemed; Othello is doomed. after” than by assuring us “And they all This production of “The Winter’s Tale” lived?” The Winter’s Tale might be described as “bohemian.” It is “The Winter’s Tale” concerns the performed at the Michigan Actors Studio intertwined fates of the royal houses of Slipstream Theatre Initiative in Ferndale with minimal set, lights and Sicilia and Bohemia, but we might just at Michigan Actors Studio costuming. Shakespeare performed in as well start, “Once upon a time in a 648 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, 21, 28 full regalia can end with the technical faraway land ...” King Leontes of Sicilia 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, 22, 29 aspects distracting from the drama. I quote (Steve Xander Carson) has been hosting a 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, 23, 30 again a college professor from my callow state visit from his childhood companion, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, 17, 31 youth: “One goes to the theater not to see Polixenes of Bohemia. Polixenes (Ryan 1 hour, 30 minutes Shakespeare, but to hear Shakespeare.” Ernst) has stayed nine months and really $10 Aye, there’s the rub. The performance needs to get home to his throne. Leontes 248-298-9617 www.slipstreamti.com space is a two-story-high cavern, and lot of is unwilling to see the party end, so he dialogue is lost in the rafters. Soliloquies, implores his queen Hermione (Luna too, are lost; a character talking to him or Alexander) to apply a little sweet talk. “The Winter’s Tale” as “Shakespeare herself is never really alone – the audience She’s too successful – seeing his wife and Lite.” Bailey Boudreau is directing his has to be in on the “conversation.” best friend so “familiar,” Leontes literally adaptation, and really knows how to tell Noticeable in line deliveries is a snaps. In short order he accuses his wife the story. But, consider that in my Howard tendency to actively break the meter of of adultery, sends a loyal retainer, Camillo Staunton edition of the “Complete Shakespeare’s poetry. On the upside, it (Graham Todd), to poison Polixenes, Works,” “The Winter’s Tale” is 66 pages makes the dialogue more conversational and orders his newborn daughter to be long. This show runs about an hour and a and thus more modern. On the downside, it abandoned in the wilderness. half. “Antony and Cleopatra” is 67 pages interferes with the audience’s interpretation Camillo instead warns Polixenes and long in the collection and Shakespeare in of the text. These plays are playable 400 spirits the Queen and her children to – Detroit’s March production ran a tad over years later because the playwright knew of all places – rural Bohemia. Paulina three hours. One may conclude, then, that exactly where to place the accents – on the (Jaclynn Cherry), a woman loyal to the a lot of text has been jettisoned. Is that a key words of the text. Resistance is futile; Queen, tells the tyrant that his entire bad thing? Shakespeare wins every time. family is dead. It won’t please the diehard A “winter’s tale,” to an Elizabethan, “The Winter’s Tale” jumps 16 years Shakespearean devotee. And, truth be is one in the tradition of folk tales to find a scandal in Bohemia (take that, told, a lot of brilliant material hit the everywhere: rather outlandish, superficial; A. Conan Doyle!). Polixenes’ heir, cutting-room floor. The editing, though, something tossed out to while away the Florizel (Ryan Ernst, now playing his has produced a nimble, accessible text that dark hours of long, cold winter nights. previous character’s son), is courting neatly wraps up the core story while still The Starks are right – “winter is coming.” a beautiful shepherdess named Perdita observing The Bard’s themes. I guess the nearest modern equivalent to (Luna Alexander – do you sense a pattern “A Winter’s Tale” is a counterbalance legends around the hearth is organizing here?) who is, of course, the newborn to “Othello”; two noble men, guilty of our Netflix stream. There are alternatives from the first act, grown to womanhood. the deadly sin of jealousy, bring ruin on to “Game of Thrones” binges. Michigan Madness is healed, identities revealed, themselves and those around them. The Actors Studio is toasty, the audience fidelity is rewarded and “They all lived difference, of course, is that Leontes affable, the fare entertaining. Just bundle . . .” etc., etc. repents. Saved from damnation by faithful up for the drive so you won’t freeze your I’m not casting stones when I describe servants (and 16 years of purgatory), winter’s tail. www.PrideSource.com Dec. 11, 2014 | BTL 27 Thursday, Dec. 18 Saturday, Dec. 20 Berman Center for the Performing Arts “The Sphinx Virtuosi”. Berman Free HIV Testing 2 p.m. Free Family Fotos Exhibition honoring all Center for the Performing Arts, 6600 anonymous HIV testing in-store at S3 families. OutCenter, 132 Water St., W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield. 8 every Thursday 2-8. Call to make an Benton Harbor. 269-925-8330. www. p.m. Dec. 13. 248-661-1900. www. appointment, or walk-ins welcome. Outcenter.org Theberman.org S3 Safe Sex Store and HARC, 1209 Bright and Gay Cabaret 3 p.m. Winter Hills. 248-855-6070. www. feedback. OutCenter, 132 Water St., S. University, Ann Arbor. 734-741- Chamber Music Society of Detroit 1434. [email protected] www. Concert. Sistrum, 215 N. Capitol Ave., “Signature Chamber Series”. Seligman OUTINGS Chambermusicdetroit.org Benton Harbor. 269-925-8330. www. Lansing. www. Sistrum.org Outcenter.org S3safesexstore.com Performing Arts Center, 22305 W. 13 Thursday, Dec. 11 LCC GSA Drag Show 8 p.m. The LCC LGBTQ-Friendly Yoga Class Just B Mile Road, Beverly Hills. Sep. 20 - Jan. Gay Straight Alliance is proud to present Transgender Women of Color 17. www. Chambermusicdetroit.org (TWOC) 7 p.m. Focused on embracing Yoga, 106 Island Ave., Lansing. www. Holiday Bazaar The charity is collecting our annual Drag Show. The esteemed Tuesday, Dec. 16 Justbyoga.com new toys, clothing and other gifts to Kathie Dunbar will serve as our Mistress Talk Tuesdays 6 p.m. Free. KICK, 41 womanhood and developing sisterhood. Detroit Symphony Orchestra distribute during its third annual Holiday of Ceremony. Proceeds will help fund Burroughs St. 109, Detroit. 313-285- TWOC, Detroit. 313-931-2975. Home for the Holidaze 12-Songwriter “Zarathustra!”. Max M. Fisher Music Bazaar. For The Seventh Generation, the Gay Straight Alliance throughout 9733. www. e-kick.org Showcase & Charity Drive 9 p.m. Center, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Ladies Night 10 p.m. Third Thursdays: Dec. 12 - Dec. 13. 313-576-5111. www. Multiple. 313-529-1813. www. the semester. Special thanks to First For women who love women. Pronto Static Network has been hosting this Fortheseventhgeneration.org Congregational United Church of Christ Interfaith Service of Affirmation Love night of song for the past eleven years Dso.org & Justice 7 p.m. Interfaith Service of Video Bar, 608 S. Washington Ave., of Grand Ledge (an affirming place to Royal Oak. to benefit the community’s homeless Friday, Dec. 12 worship for the holidays) for sponsoring Affirmation for TBLGQI people and their citizens and pets. The event brings Concerts families, friends and Allies. Theme for together six local singer-songwriters EVolution @ The AFF Cafe, Store snacks at the performance. Contact GSA 101 WRIF “Steel Panther”. Royal Oak this annual service is Love & Justice Friday, Dec. 19 in one evening of acoustic music for a & More 6:30 p.m. POETRY NIGHT Adviser John Stratton at strat2@lcc. Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal with keynote by Honorable Judith E. Piston’s Pride Night Tickets: $45. good cause. The Congregation of Every featuring Rose Mare ONE SINGLE edu for tickets. Tickets: $5-10. Lansing Oak. Dec. 14. 248-399-2980. www. Community College Gay Straight Levy, recently installed as U. S. District Detroit Pistons, 5 Championship Dr., 1-Local artist and philanthropist Jeff ROSE WILSON, JOHN TRIMBLE and Judge for the Eastern District of WRITER L. BUSH. Open mix - bring Alliance, 500 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing. [email protected] www. Lccgsa.org Michigan. Music by Jennifer Marshall your A game - sing, recite poetry, tell Evens, Katie Geddes, Kath Weider Roos, some jokes, dance. We are looking W. E. T 10 p.m. W. E. T, 315 Laz Slomovitz, David Vaughn, Lori for a co-host and will be holding open Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. 734- Fithian and Jean Chorazyczewski. The auditions. Suggested donation $3-$5 994-3677. wetannarbor@gmail. service will include a group blessing benefiting the artists and The Aff Stores com www. Facebook.com/ of all the same-sex couples who were Deck the halls with drag this weekend to food donations. Organization Name, events/359901910855068/ recently able to be married and of support Lansing Community College’s Gay 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. same-sex couples who still yearn to Straight Alliance. The group’s annual drag 248-398-7105. [email protected] www. Sunday, Dec. 14 be. Followed by a reception. Free will Goaffirmations.org offering for The Jim Toy Center. First show will be held to help fund the GSA L2L Book Club 2 p.m. Lansing Lesbians Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Holiday House Party 7 p.m. Ann Arbor - L2L, 2820 Towne Cenre Blvd., Lansing throughout the next school semester. LGBTQA Young Professionals’ Social Ann Arbor, Inclusive Justice Together Charter Township. www. Meetup.com/ In Faith and co-sponsoring faith Meetup, 401 Snyder Ave., Ann Arbor. Lansing-Lesbians-L2L The event will be lead by the esteemed www. Meetup.com/Ann-Arbor-LGBTQA- communities, 4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Young-Professionals-Social-Meetup/ Transitions 2 p.m. Free transgender Road (corner of Ellsworth), Ann Arbor. Kathie Dunbar. The First Congregational events/ support group. Transitions, 1055 E. 734-395-7133. mdawsonpekarek@ United Church of Christ of Grand Ledge is South Blvd., Rochester Hills. 586- gmail.com Womyn’s Film Night 7 p.m. Film: 838-0825. sponsoring snacks for the performance and also offers an affirming place of worship for Reform School Girl - When juvenile Transgender Life Support 7 p.m. the holidays. delinquent Vince gets in trouble with Celebrate Christmas with the Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, the cops, loyal gal-pal Donna takes the Langsford Men’s Chorus 4 p.m. Ferndale. 248-398-7105. www. The LCC GSA Drag Show begins at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 at Dart Auditorium, 500 fall and ends up in a training center for Tickets: $12-15. Langsford Men’s Goaffirmations.org troubled ladies. Affirmations, 290 W. Chorus, 36375 Joy, Westland. www. Wednesday, Dec. 17 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing. Tickets are $5 in advance, $10 at the door. For more information, Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- LangsfordMensChorus.org visit www.lccgsa.org or email GSA Adviser John Stratton at [email protected]. 7105. www. Goaffirmations.org/ Trans & Gender Queer Group 12:30 Holiday Ruth Ellis Benefit Concert p.m. Eastern Michigan University, Celebrate Christmas with the 7 p.m. Suggested Donation: $10-20. Ypsilanti. 734-487-4149. www. Emich. Langsford Men’s Chorus 8 p.m. One Voice Chorus, 23925 Northwestern edu/lgbtrc Royaloakmusictheatre.com Tickets: $12-15. Langsford Men’s highway, Southfield. 248-354-4488. Auburn Hills. 248-377-0100. www. Hocking started the secular community Chorus, 2600 Harvard, Berkley. www. www. Ruthelliscenter.org HIV/AIDS Research Colloquium 1 p.m. Palacenet.com group turned charity to help the Detroit Symphony Orchestra “Michael homeless and also contribute goods Feinstein”. Max M. Fisher Music Center, LangsfordMensChorus.org Cost: $20. Equality Research Center, Mini Farmers Market 11 a.m. Drag Queen Addictions 10:30 124 Quirk, Ypsilanti. 734-487-3032. to other homeless shelters for people 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Dec. 14. p.m. LaBelle and Aretha Franklin Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 and also animal rescue groups. 18+. 313-576-5111. www. Dso.org [email protected] Culver St., Saugatuck. 269-857-2399. Saturday, Dec. 13 impersonator April Summers brings www. emich.edu/equality Admission is $6 or $5 with one can of Holiday in December Gala 6 p.m. her big personality to the stage as she www. Sc4a.org people or pet food or winter clothing Detroit Symphony Orchestra “Home Celebrate the holiday in sexy silver and introduces a lineup of drag stars. 18+. Senior Koffee Klatch 1 p.m. A lively, item. Boots, blankets, socks and hats Alone with the DSO”. Max M. Fisher Week End @ SOHO 6:15 p.m. Gay Music Center, 3711 Woodward Ave., black. Tickets: $75-140. KICK, 33 E. Inuendo Nightclub, Corner of Nevada discussion and social group for LGBT Professionals Social Group, 205 W. Nine are much needed this year. Static Forest Ave., Detroit. www. E-kick.org St. and Southbound I-75, Detroit. adults over 45. Group covers topics Network, 2932 Caniff, Hamtramck. Detroit. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17. 313-576- Mile, Ferndale. www. Meetup.com/Gay- 5111. www. Dso.org https://www. facebook.com/inuendo. pertaining to aging and outside Professionals-Social-Group-MI 313-874-0909. [email protected] Own Your Gender 7 p.m. The Network, nightclub?rf=118209121607517 speakers. Potluck dinners at members www. Paycheckslounge.com Ferndale Public Library “Cello- 343 Atlas Ave. SE, Grand Rapids. 616- homes, lunches out and holiday parties. Womyn’s Film Night 7 p.m. Film: The 458-3511. www. Grlgbt.org Bella Holiday Benefit Concert” Join Monday, Dec. 15 Meets ever Wednesday on the upper Fish Child. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine us for a free secular holiday concert Paula Poundstone 7:30 p.m. Tickets: level of the Affirmations building. Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. to benefit Ferndale Public Library!. TransPeace 7 p.m. Ruth Ellis Center, 77 Senior Koffee Klatch, 290 W. Nine Mile www. Goaffirmations.org/ MUSIC & MORE $29. 50. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 Victor St., Highland Park. 313-867- Ferndale Public Library, 222 E. Nine W. Fourth St., Royal Oak. 248-399- Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. www. Classical Mile, Ferndale. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 11. 6932. www. Ruthelliscenter.org GoAffirmations.org Pride Friday 9 p.m. The one and only 2980. www. Royaloakmusictheatre.com gay night. 18+. Guys with college ID Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra 248-546-2504. www. Facebook.com/ Whole Lives, Healthy Lives Adult HIV Testing 6 p.m. Free. Affirmations, get in free before 11 p.m. Cover: $5+. “Holiday Pops”. Hill Auditorium, 825 events/297092797155734/ Heidi Grant Murphy and Menahem 7 p.m. This one-of-a- Support Group 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. Necto, 516 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. N. University Ave., Ann Arbor. Dec. Pressler 8 p.m. Tickets: $15-30. kind program in Berrien County helps Lansing Symphony Orchestra 248-398-7105. http://www. 734-994-5835. www. Thenecto.com 13 - Dec. 12. 734-761-1800. www. Chamber Music Society of Detroit, attendees support each other in healthy 22305 W. 13 Mile Road, Beverly goaffirmations.org/events/event_details. A2so.com ways through active listening and caring asp?id=430531 See Happenings, page 30

28 BTL | Dec. 11, 2014 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Dec. 11, 2014 | BTL 29 www. Theark.org Road, Grosse Pointe Farms. Dec. 13 - 22. The Christmas Schooner $7-15. The A Christmas Carol $19-42. Meadow Buzz $17-20. Detroit Repertory ® 313-881-4004. www.gpt.org Twin City Players at Lake Michigan Brook Theatre, 2200 N. Squirrel Road, Theatre, 13103 Woodrow Wilson, Detroit. Happenings The Ark “Over the Rhine” Tickets: $30. College Mendel Center Mainstage, 2755 E. Rochester. Through Dec. 21. 248-377- Through Dec. 28. 313-868-1347. www. Continued from p.28 The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Leading Ladies $14-16. Farmington Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor. Dec. 19 - 3300. www.mbtheatre.com detroitreptheatre.com Dec. 11. 734-761-1800. www. Theark.org Players, 32332 W. 12 Mile Road, 21. 269-429-0400. www.twincityplayers. Farmington Hills. Through Dec. 20. 248- org And The World Goes ‘Round $34-36. Christmas Caroled $15-32. The Encore “Holiday Pops” Guest Artists: MSU Youth The Lansing Concert Band “Holiday 473-1856. www.farmingtonplayers.org Farmers Alley Theatre, 221 Farmers Alley, Musical Theatre Company, 3126 Broad Chorale. Side-by-Side Student Orchestra. Festival” Tickets: $5-12. Charlotte The Desk Set $15. Barefoot Productions, Kalamazoo. Through Dec. 28. 269-343- St., Dexter. Through Dec. 21. 734-268- Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, Performing Arts Center, 378 State St., Rock n’ Roll Santa $10. Spotlight on 240 N. Main St., Plymouth. Through Dec. 2727. www.farmersalleytheatre.com 6200. www.theencoretheatre.org Michigan State University, 750 E. Shaw Charlotte. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13. 517-655- Youth at Inspire Theatre, 5767 Executive 14. 734-560-1493. www.justgobarefoot. Lane, East Lansing. 3 p.m. Dec. 14. 8447. www. Cpacpresents.com/boxoffice Dr., Westland. Dec. 12 - 14. 734-751- com Annapurna $12-42. The Purple Rose ComedySportz Michigan Actors Studio, 800-WHARTON. www. Whartoncenter.com 648 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 877- The Magic Bag “Adrian Belew Power 636-3320. www.comedysportzdetroit.com Riverwalk Theatre “Celtic Holiday” Trio” Tickets: $24+. The Magic Bag, Tickets: $12. Riverwalk Theatre, 228 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Dec. 18. Cornwell’s Christmas Carol $42 with Museum Dr., Lansing. Dec. 13 - Dec. 14. 248-544-3030. www. Themagicbag.com meal; $37 show only. Cornwell’s Dinner 517-482-5700. www. Riverwalk.com Theatre, 18935 15 1/2 Mile Rd, Marshall. Other Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit will take Through Dec. 20. 800-228-4315. www. Sound Board - Motor City Casino turkeyville.com “Chrisette Michelle”. Motor City Casino, Saugatuck Center for the Arts “Real to audiences back into time to the J.L. Hudson’s 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit. Dec. 18. Reel: Shoot Me - Elaine Stritch” Tickets: 12th floor “Toyland” in downtown Detroit for its Fridays and Saturdays at Go Comedy! $5-7. Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Go Comedy! Improv Theater, 261 E. Nine 866-782-9622. www. Motorcitycasino. seventh annual holiday production of “Woodward com Culver St., Saugatuck. 7 p.m. Dec. 11. Mile Rd., Ferndale. 248-327-0575. www. 269-857-2399. www. Sc4a.org Wonderland: A Detroit Holiday Tradition.” On gocomedy.net Sound Board - Motor City Casino “Chris Isaak” Holiday Tour. Motor City Casino, The Acorn Theater “Street Carols & stage at the Detroit Institute of Arts’ Detroit Film Gift of the Magi $25-41. Performance 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit. Dec. 12. Jingle Bell Rocks”. The Acorn Theater, Theatre Thursday, Dec. 11 to Sunday, Dec. 14, Network Theatre, 120 E. Huron St., Ann 866-782-9622. www. Motorcitycasino. 107 Generations Dr., Three Oaks. 7:30 Arbor. Through Dec. 21. 734-663-0681. com p.m. Dec. 13. 269-756-3879. www. the original play brings Detroit holiday traditions www.pntheatre.org Acorntheater.com to the stage, with scenes featuring Noel Night, The Ark “A Johnnyswim Christmas” Home for the Holidays $35-41. The Dio Tickets: $25. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., The Berman Center for the Performing the Thanksgiving Day Parade and ice skating in Campus Martius Park. - Dining and Entertainment, 135 E. Main Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Dec. 12. 734-761-1800. Arts “Great Expectations on Film” St., Pinckney. Through Dec. 23. 517-672- www. Theark.org Dickens classic tale live from the West “This production is a true celebration of Detroit, bringing together professional caliber youth talent 6009. www.diotheatre.com End on the big screen! This Jo Clifford The Ark “Josh Shilling & Tim Shelton adaptation has been universally acclaimed along with the legendary stories of the city’s past and today,” said Rick Sperling, Mosaic’s founder. Home for the Holidays $35. Tipping Perform Christmas Classics” Tickets: $15. as a triumph on its sellout tour of the UK “‘Woodward Wonderland’ has become a holiday classic for Detroit families and those who hold a Point Theatre, 361 E. Cady St., Northville. Dec. 18 - 27. 248-347-0003. www. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. ahead of its West End debut. The event fondness for this beloved city.” Dec. 15. 734-761-1800. www. Theark.org will form part of the global celebrations tippingpointtheatre.com surrounding the 200th Anniversary of Tickets ($16-32) for all performances can be purchased at the DIA box office by calling Improv Mondays $5 at the door. Planet The Ark “Delbert McClinton” Tickets: the Dickens birth. Berman Center for the $50. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. Ant Theatre, 2357 Caniff, Hamtramck. Performing Arts, 6600 W. Maple Road, 313-833-4005. 313-365-4948. www.planetant.com 8 p.m. Dec. 17. 734-761-1800. www. West Bloomfield. Dec. 17 - Dec. 17. 248- Theark.org 661-1900. www. Theberman.org Invasion! $10-20. Planet Ant Theatre, The Ark “Trinidad Tripoli Steel Band” 2357 Caniff, Hamtramck. Through Dec. The Magic Bag “Found Footage Festival” 7057. www.inspiretheatre.com The Neverending Story $8-12. Theatre Company, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets: $15. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., 20. 313-365-4948. www.planetant.com Tickets: $10. The Magic Bag, 22920 Stagecrafters at Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Through Dec. 20. 734-433-7673. www. Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Dec. 16. 734-761-1800. Woodward Ave., Ferndale. 8 p.m. Dec. 17. Shrek, the Musical $13-24. The Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak. Dec. 11 - 14. purplerosetheatre.org It’s a Wonderful Life $12-15. Great www. Theark.org 248-544-3030. www. Themagicbag.com Kalamazoo Civic Theatre at Civic 248-541-6430. www.stagecrafters.org Escape Stage Company, 155 W. Michigan Auditorium, 329 S. Park St., Kalamazoo. Anne of Green Gables $20. What A The Ark “The Lone Bellow w/sg Robert Ave., Marshall. Through Dec. 14. 269-781- Through Dec. 14. 269-343-1313. www. The Truth About the Holidays, a Musical Do Theatre, 4071 W. Dickman Road, Ellis” Tickets: $20. The Ark, 316 S. Main 2700. www.greatescapestagecompany. kazoocivic.com Cabaret $30. Peppermint Creek Theatre Springfield. Through Dec. 20. 269-282- St., Ann Arbor. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14. 734- com THEATER at Miller Performing Arts Center, 6025 1953. www.whatado.org 761-1800. www. Theark.org The Best Christmas Pageant Ever $13. Curry Lane, Lansing. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18. Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol $8-15. Civic/Community Theater The Franke Center Children’s Theater at Annie $34-69. Wharton Center for “The Ragbirds Holiday Show” www.peppermintcreek.org Thunder Bay Theatre, 400 N. Second Ave., The Ark The Franke Center, 214 E. Mansion St., Performing Arts, 750 E. Shaw Lane, East Tickets: $25. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Irving Berlin’s White Christmas $24. Marshall. Dec. 11 - 14. 269-781-0001. Lansing. Dec. 16 - 21. 800-WHARTON. Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Dec. 13. 734-761-1800. Grosse Pointe Theatre at Grosse Pointe War Memorial Fries Auditorium, 32 Lakeshore www.Frankecenterforthearts.org Professional www.whartoncenter.com See Happenings, page 32 Out Of The Labyrinth, Into The Light BY CHARLES ALEXANDER and determination for fulfillment and a better An accompanying FIA brochure says of life. I hope that museum visitors will come to “LABYRINTH”: “Carl Demeulenaere aims to After two decades, “Unto Us A Child is acknowledge through my paintings the standard take the viewer on a visual journey, exploring Born,” a same-sex family portrait by well- I’ve sought to uphold through so many years historical, religious and social ideas that he known gay Michigan artist Carl Demeulenaere, of personal darkness and infrequent light in my has been engaged with in a personal way. His is openly out and proudly on display at the Flint own journey as an artist.” more recent works focus on life’s uncertainty Institute of Arts through Jan. 4, 2015. Demeulenaere’s Flint Institute of Arts and death’s inevitability and bring the viewer The once controversial miniature, originally exhibition is titled, “LABYRINTH: The full circle from beginning to end.” acquired by the Founders Society for the Circuitous Life of A Miniaturist.” This Of his own journey as a gay man, permanent collection of the Detroit Institute of masterful collection is intimately presented Demeulenaere says, “Coming from a small Arts in 1993, was reluctantly, rarely – perhaps on a Title Wall and in seven separate spaces. and closely-knit family, my philosophies about even grudgingly – presented for public viewing There are 115 radiant and exacting miniatures, art and life markedly changed in the early 1990s since its DIA purchase. 22 amulets, 17 origami pieces and 12 drawing as a result of the tragic losses of my mother Truth be known, “Unto Us” was a highly “correspondences.” to cancer and several friends to AIDS-related closeted DIA acquisition. Demeulenaere’s art, while LGBT timely causes. I began doing volunteer work for AIDS “The painting,” says Demeulenaere, “depicts and contemporary – somewhat reminiscent research organizations, and as an artist became a male couple who have conceived a child from of gay Magic Realist painters George interested in examining the public’s perception their love. The ‘new Christ child.’ A star of Tooker and Paul Cadmus – draws on of the homosexual community. Bethlehem shines over the baby’s head. Both inspiration from Northern and Italian “I decided that there was a need to to use my artistic abilities to make an appeal partners exchange visual vows symbolizing Renaissance masters, French Neoclassical communicate a positive message about my for understanding, tolerance, respect for and spiritual commitment to a better life for all and British Pre-Raphaelite traditions. His community and to show, in turn, how all between all minorities.” same-sex-attraction persons. many past installations and exhibits have communities are universally linked. The legacy “The gold brocaded frame suggests been noteworthy, well-attended and critically of compassion and understanding left to me by For Flint Institute of Arts information call 810-234- transcendental sanction of their mutual respect acclaimed. my mother and my many lost friends impels me 1695 or visit www.flintarts.org/exhibitions.

30 BTL | Dec. 11, 2014 www.PrideSource.com

Puzzle solution on pg. 34 Avenue Plant, 461 Piquette, Detroit. Dec. 13 - Dec. 13. 313-872-8759. www. Fordpiquetteplant.org James Pearson Duffy Department of Art Ann Arbor’s Yourist Studio Gallery gets the gift- and Art History “Menagerie, or Artwork giving season going with their holiday festivities Not About Love”. Elaine L. Jacob Gallery, this weekend. Fresh and unique ceramic pieces 480 W. Hancock, Detroit. Oct. 24 - Dec. 12. 313-577-2423. www. Wayne.edu will be shown and available for purchase. Janice Charach Gallery “ Pictures of In addition to holiday cheer, the gallery offers local Resistance: The Wartime Photographs of Jewish Partisan Faye Schulman” and national ceramic artists a place to work. The This exhibition presents one partisan’s studio workspace has allowed various ceramic wartime story. Joining the partisans was Faye Schulman’s path to survival and her artists to flourish and provide works for the general chance to avenge the deaths of her family public to view and own. members. Jewish Community Center of Metro Detroit, 6600 W. Maple Road, West The holiday show and sale begins at 5 p.m. Friday, Bloomfield Township. Oct. 19 - Dec. 14. Dec. 12. The free event is at Yourist Studio Gallery, 248-661-1000. www. Jccdet.org 1133 Broadway, Ann Arbor. For more information, Michigan State University Museum “Michigan and the Civil War” Exhibit visit www.youristpottery.com or call 734-662- highlights Michigan connections in the 4914. Civil War. Michigan State University Museum, 409 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing. Aug. 4 - Dec. 31. 517-355-7474. www. museum.msu.edu 31. 313-961-7777. www.puppetart.org 23 - Jan. 25. 877-462-7262. www. MOCAD “Prospect. 3 Tour”. Museum of Cranbrook.edu Contemporary Art Detroit, 4454 Woodward ® Happenings Sundays at Go Comedy! Go Comedy! Ave., Detroit. Dec. 10 - Dec. 14. 313-832- Improv Theater, 261 E. Nine Mile Cranbrook Art Museum “The Cranbrook 6622. www. Mocadetroit.org Continued from p.30 Rd., Ferndale. 248-327-0575. www. Hall of Wonders: Artworks, Objects gocomedy.net and Natural Curiosities”. Cranbrook Neighborhood Service Organization Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave., “Through Our Eyes Gallery Opening” It is an Alpena. Through Dec. 14. 989-354-2267. The Rainmaker $27-32. Tipping Point www.thunderbaytheatre.com Bloomfield Hills. Nov. 23 - March 22. 877- emotional experience to see life through the Theatre, 361 E. Cady St., Northville. 462-7262. www. Cranbrook.edu eyes of the once homeless. Neighborhood Mame $20. Riverbank Theatre, 358 S. Through Dec. 14. 248-347-0003. www. Service Organization (NSO) Bell Building Water St., Marine City. Through Dec. 21. tippingpointtheatre.com Cranbrook Art Museum “Warhol On tenants took to photography earlier this Vinyl: The Record Covers, 1949-1987+” 810-278-1749. www.riverbanktheatre.com The Winter’s Tale 10. Slipstream Theatre year to tell their stories as part of the NSO Drawing from the world’s preeminent Bell-Oakland University PhotoVoice Research Miracle on South Division Street $15- Initiative at Michigan Actors Studio, 648 collection of record covers by Andy 35. Williamston Theatre, 122 S. Putnam E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. Through Dec. Project. Their photos makeup the Through Warhol, this exhibition showcases how Our Eyes exhibit that will be showcased at Road, Williamston. Through Dec. 28. 517- 31. 248-298-9617. www.slipstreamti.com Warhol used the record cover as a means 655-SHOW. www.williamstontheatre.org the NSOs Through Our Eyes Gallery Exhibit, This Wonderful Life $27. Performance to popularize his name and directly impact whose opening is at 6 p.m., Thurs., Nov. 20. Old Jews Telling Jokes $41-48. The Network Theatre, 120 E. Huron St., Ann popular culture. Cranbrook Art Museum, PhotoVoice is a research methodology that Jewish Ensemble Theatre Company at Aaron Arbor. Through Dec. 18. 734-663-0681. 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills. uses photography to empower people to DeRoy Theatre on the campus of the Jewish www.pntheatre.org June 21 - Feb. 28. 877-462-7262. www. show their journeys and struggles. Please Cranbrookart.edu Community Center, 6600 W. Maple Road, Thursdays at Go Comedy! Go RSVP to [email protected] by Nov. West Bloomfield. Through Dec. 21. 248-788- Comedy! Improv Theater, 261 E. Nine Detroit Artists Market (DAM) “Art for 17. Swords into Plowshares Gallery, 33 E. 2900. www.jettheatre.org Mile Rd., Ferndale. 248-327-0575. the Holidays” The gallery transforms Adams St., Detroit. Nov. 20 - Dec. 13. 313- 961-4890. ww. Nso-mi.org Pinocchio $12-18. Flint Youth www.gocomedy.net from a fine art exhibition space to a fun, Theatre, 1220 E. Kearsley St., Flint. energetic gift market. Detroit Artists River’s Edge Gallery “Virgo Rising” Wednesdays at Go Comedy! Go Market, 4719 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Through Dec. 21. 810-237-1530. www. Comedy! Improv Theater, 261 E. Nine Patricia Izzo and Martine MacDonald. flintyouththeatre.org Nov. 26 - Dec. 30. 313-832-8540. www. River’s Edge Gallery, 3024 Biddle, Mile Rd., Ferndale. 248-327-0575. www. Detroitartistsmarket.org gocomedy.net Wyandotte. Nov. 22 - Dec. 31. 734-246- Red $15-20. Open Book Theatre 9880. www. Artattheedge.com Company at Penelope’s Venue, 12219 Dix Detroit Institute of Arts “Guest of Honor: Wicked $49+. Broadway in Detroit, Monet’s Waterlily Pond, Green Harmony”. Toledo Road, Southgate. Through Dec. 13. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway St., Saugatuck Center for the Arts 734-288-7753. www.openbooktc.com Detroit Institute of Arts, 2100 Woodward “Permeated Surfaces” Original works Detroit. Dec. 10 - Jan. 4. 313-237-SING. Ave., Detroit. Oct. 1 - Jan. 4. 313-833- www.broadwayindetroit.com from three Chicago based artists. Romeo and Juliet $10-31. Hilberry 7900. www. Dia.org Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver Theatre, 4743 Cass Ave., Detroit. Through Woodward Wonderland $16-32. Mosaic St., Saugatuck. Dec. 12 - Feb. 6. 269- Dec. 13. 313-577-2972. www.finearts. Flint Institute of Arts “Labyrinth” Youth Theatre of Detroit at Detroit Film The circuitous life of a miniaturist. Flint 857-2399. www. Sc4a.org wayne.edu Theatre inside the Detroit Institute of Arts, Institute of Arts, 1120 E. Kearsley St., Flint. Yourist Studio Gallery “Yourist Studio Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Dec. 11 - 14. Nov. 1 - Jan. 4. 810-234-1695. www. 313-833-7900. www.mosaicdetroit.org Gallery Annual Holiday Sale” Come Mystery of the Magi’s Gold $38. City Flintarts.org browse fresh ceramic pieces by Yourist Theatre, 2301 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Ford Piquette Avenue Plant “2014 Studio Gallery resident artists while you Dec. 11 - 14. 313-471-6611. www. enjoy abundant holiday cheer at our olympiaentertainment.com ART ‘N’ AROUND Piquette Holiday Open House” We will be serving hot cocoa and cookies. During the festive opening Dec. 12. Free. Yourist Snow Queen $10 adults, $5 children. Cranbrook Art Museum “Iris Eichenberg: event, gift shop items will be 10 off! Dress Studio Gallery, 1133 Broadway, Ann Arbor. PuppetART at Detroit Puppet Theater, 25 Bend”. Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 warmly, as the museum isn’t heated. Dec. 12 - Dec. 14. 734-662-4914. www. E. Grand River Ave., Detroit. Dec. 6 - Jan. Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills. Nov. Tours are two for $10. Ford Piquette Youristpottery.com

32 BTL | Dec. 11, 2014 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Dec. 11, 2014 | BTL 33 33 Camille screenwriter Akins 12 Group for same sect’s marriage? Q Puzzle 34 Poet Seward 13 Emissions-watching org. 35 With 59-Across, Elizabeth Taylor 16 Title character for Barbra Change For Nichols movie 18 Affirms orally 39 Upfront amount 23 B in Leviticus 42 Aardvark entree 24 Place on piles 43 Gets rough with 26 Prince Hal, to Henry IV 47 Williams-Lane movie, with “The” 27 Palm Pilot, e.g. 50 “Long Walk to Freedom” writer 29 Copied a kitty 51 La mer, essentially 30 Needing Cialis? 52 Part of Q and A (abbr.) 31 Went in ankle-deep 53 Tracks in mud 33 Billy of “Cleopatra” (1999) 54 Pro Bowl side 36 Doesn’t stay up 55 Langston Hughes’ “Life Is ___” 37 First name in mystery 57 Long division subject 38 Justice Fortas 58 All possible starting words 39 “Guys and Dolls” co-creator 59 See 35-Across Burrows 62 He played Grace’s dad 40 Peeples of “Fame” 63 Military muff 41 Oral treat 64 Actor Auberjonois 44 White caps 65 First to be counted 45 Hay for a stallion, perhaps 66 Actor Malcolm-___ Warner 46 Diplomatic 48 Like a real bitch Down 49 “End of” tail 1 Setting for Cather’s “My ¡ntonia” 50 Pirate uprising 2 Doing a show based on “La 53 Took away in cuffs Boheme”? 20 Totals 56 Bizet opera title character 3 Boxer Johansson Across 21 Straight, in a bar 57 Nichols, who directed the movies 1 Rainbow maker 22 Type of job 4 Pansy supporter in this puzzle 6 “Mamma Mia!” band 23 Tournament passes 5 Baudelaire’s “Fleurs du ___ “ 58 Hebrides island 10 Like sex with a condom 24 Type of meeting 6 Puts up with 59 Water sports accessory 14 Hertz ___-Car 25 AOL or MSN, e.g. 7 Stock counterparts 60 Would-be master’s test 15 Falsies? 28 Needing to be set straight 8 Wraps around drag queens 61 Daily, for bears, for short 17 TV movie in which Patrick Wilson 30 Movie in which Cher played a 9 SDI weapon played a gay Mormon lesbian 10 Barely move? 19 Agenda listing 32 Wetland birds 11 “Aida” solo Solution on pg. 32 Classifieds 428 PROF. SERVICES - Say Hello To MASSAGE Todd! GROUP MASSAGE - For Gay and Bisexual Men. Learn some massage techniques and meet others in a safe and caring environment. Tuesdays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Thursdays at 2 p.m. $10 Say hello to Todd! This 1-year-old per session. 209 West Kingsley in Chihuahua mix is a playful boy. downtown Ann Arbor. (734) 662- 6282 or email [email protected]. He loves everyone and is sure http://trymassage.com to quickly become your new best buddy! The adoption fee includes sterilization, age- appropriate vaccinations, the MHS Adoption Guarantee and much more. For more information, visit or call the MHS Rochester Hills Center for Animal Care at (248) 852-7420 and provide the pet ID number, 792732.

Please patronize our advertisers and let them know you appreciate their support for the LGBT community!

34 BTL | Dec. 11, 2014 www.PrideSource.com