Michigan Nurse Weighs In

Motor City Pride Holds June 6 Virtual Pride Celebration

COVID-19 Crisis Care Michigan Nurse Weighs In

PRIDESOURCE.COM MAY 28, 2020 | VOL. 2822 | FREE

VOL. 2822 • MAY 28, 2020 ISSUE 1147 PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA GROUP 20222 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152 Phone 734.293.7200 PUBLISHERS Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson EDITORIAL 16 Editor in Chief Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 102 [email protected]

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Sales Representatives MICHIGAN NEWS NATIONAL NEWS Ann Cox, 734.293.7200 x 103 6 Motor City Pride Holds June 6 Virtual Pride 16 Congressional LGBTQ Equality PAC Endorses [email protected] Celebration Biden National Advertising Representative Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 6 ‘Stay Home, Stay Well’ Initiative Aims to Address Mental Health Challenges During Pandemic LIVING MEMBER OF Michigan Press Assoication 18 Janelle Monáe Doesn’t Know Time Either National LGBT Media Association 8 Hotter Than July Advances Growing LGBTQ National Gay & Lesbian Chamber Black Consciousness 22 Detroit Gallery Hosts Virtual Exhibit to Benefit Q Syndicate Ruth Ellis Center 10 Michigan Nurse Weighs in on Reality of COVID-19 Care 24 Deep Inside Hollywood: Jamie Lee Curtis is coming to your wedding 12 Parting Glances: A Stroke in Time 25 Q Puzzle: Music Royalty 12 Viewpoint: Living in the Shadow of COVID- 19:Sowing Seeds for My New Normal 26 Michigan Community Resources “Between The Lines Newspaper” 13 Creep of the Week: Alex Azar COVER ONLINE Follow us @YourBTL 10 Michigan Nurse Weighs in on Reality of 14 Donating Blood in the Time of Coronavirus: Election News 2020 COVID-19 Care Activists Say Gay Men Still Face Discrimination Email your op–eds to CoVaid 19 Resources and News Coverage [email protected] 15 Affirmations LGBTQ Community Center Offers Free Food Box Pick-Up and Delivery Service Sign up online to receive our E–Digest

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08 IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY® This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace (bik-TAR-vee) talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: � Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have � Those in the “Most Important Information About both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if BIKTARVY” section. you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY � Changes in your immune system. Your immune system without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they may get stronger and begin to fight infections. Tell your will need to check your health regularly for several months. healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY. ABOUT BIKTARVY � Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription provider should do blood and urine tests to check your medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY. have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are � Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. provider determines they meet certain requirements. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach that causes AIDS. pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains: feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. � Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. HUGO � dofetilide Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these � rifampin symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 1995 � any other medicines to treat HIV-1 dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY � The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%). Tell your healthcare provider if you: These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. � Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any hepatitis infection. new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. � Have any other health problems. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of � Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch KEEP BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare or call 1-800-FDA-1088. provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your � Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY. breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. CONNECTING. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY you take: Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food. Because HIV doesn’t change who you are. � Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter GET MORE INFORMATION medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider � This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used and pharmacist. BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more. to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. � BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about � Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you. medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is � If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines. for program information. See Hugo’s story at BIKTARVY.com. Featured patient compensated by Gilead.

Get HIV support by downloading a free app at BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, DAILY CHARGE, the DAILY CHARGE Logo, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2020 Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important MyDailyCharge.com © 2020 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0218 04/20 warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.

BVYC0218_BIKTARVY_B_10X11_BetweenTheLines_Hugo_r1v1jl.indd All Pages 5/8/20 4:01 PM IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY® This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace (bik-TAR-vee) talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

BVYC0218_BIKTARVY_B_10X11_BetweenTheLines_Hugo_r1v1jl.indd All Pages 5/8/20 4:01 PM ‘Stay Home, Stay Well’ Initiative Aims to Address Mental Health Challenges During Pandemic

BY ELLEN SHANNA KNOPPOW And if a real crisis emerges where the “The app emphasizes these person expresses suicidal thinking or mindfulness exercises and helps people tress from the stay-at-home order, other serious mental health concerns, walk through guided meditation-like growing fears of the unknown they would then be referred to other thinking, shorter or longer, Pinals said. about one’s livelihood or life itself call centers that handle crisis calls. “There’s exercises you can do in the S— those are just some of the reasons Since the warmline was rolled out morning and exercises you can do at the coronavirus pandemic is taking April 13, well over 2,000 Michiganders night…to help you sleep. There is data a toll on the emotional well-being have received assistance. It operates that looks at mindfulness as a way of of countless Michiganders. For that seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 2 helping people relax, helping people reason, the Michigan Department a.m. at 888-PEER-753 (888-733-7753). deal with some anxiety symptoms, and Photo by Andrew Cohen. of Health and Human Services is this Headspace kind of operationalizes promoting several easy-to-access Crisis Text Line exercises to help people utilize resources that are designed to assist mindfulness.” Motor City Pride Holds June 6 To accommodate those who prefer those in distress, which are all part to communicate via text for privacy of the state’s “Stay Home, Stay Well” Problem Gambling Help or for any reason, Michigan residents Virtual Pride Celebration initiative. And while these resources are now able to have a confidential Due to social distancing protocols, aren’t LGBTQ-specific, they are conversation with a crisis counselor casinos are temporarily shuttered. And suitable for anyone dealing with BY EVE KUCHARSKI by texting the keyword RESTORE with decreased access to gambling, mental health concerns as a result of, to 741741. The text line is provided stress and anxiety can increase the or exacerbated by, the pandemic and hile summer Pride festivals are a great opportunity for by Crisis Text Line, an organization urge to gamble for someone who have staff trained to point individuals celebration, they’re also annual reminders of LGBTQ established in 2013 that provides this struggles with a gambling addiction. to other, more appropriate options if history and the important strides that activists have made type of support worldwide. Because the lottery, online gaming and Win the fight for full equality. In that spirit, Motor City Pride is hosting needed. Information about one such Trained counselors are available sports betting remain concerns, those resource, the Transgender Michigan a Virtual June Pride event on Friday, June 6, from 3 to 5 p.m. in order 24 hours a day, seven days a week who head up the Michigan Problem helpline, can be found here. to “spotlight the LGBTQ community as plans for a physical festival to respond to texts from Michigan Gambling Helpline want community continue to evolve” in light of new coronavirus health concerns. residents who are facing a mental members to know there is always help “It’s a two-hour event that we’re planning, and during the event, Peer-Run Warmline health crisis — everything from for anyone trying to manage urges to we’ve asked eight of the performers who we were going to have at gamble. Warmlines, in contrast to psychiatric anxiety and financial issues to suicide the festival to do a little four-minute segment,” said Motor City Pride Trained and experienced counselors hotlines, are designed to provide early and domestic violence. While the text Chairperson Dave Wait. “We have four different hosts who are going are available 24 hours a day, seven days intervention with peer specialists and line is starting during the pandemic, to be filling in between those segments on air and talking about the a week by phone or virtually to provide avoid severe emotional distress that can MDHHS intends to continue offering things that we do at the festival. We’ve asked, and are in the process of immediate help to address issues lead to tragic outcomes. Individuals are the service in the future. asking, some elected officials and celebrities to submit little welcomes related to gambling disorder, including connected with certified peer support “We on the back end are able to and greetings and that type of thing.” screening services and referrals to specialists who have lived experiences understand the types of texts that Wait said that those interested in tracking updates for both this event treatment or support groups. Call of behavioral health issues, trauma are coming through from people and upcoming plans for a 2020 Motor City Pride sometime later in the 800-270-7117 for crisis intervention or personal crises, and are trained to in Michigan in terms of level of year are encouraged to consistently check back on motorcitypride.org, and referral to treatment. support and empower the callers. Dr. distress and information that they’re which is being consistently developed to highlight upcoming plans. seeking,” Pinals said. “The crisis text “All of our vendors are invited to submit information so people can Debra Pinals, psychiatrist and MDHHS medical director for behavioral health, responder…will both be able to link National Resources be connected with them in a virtual marketplace,” he said. “We’re going them to national databases including to have a kind of a live Instagram social media feed so that people can explained that the warmline is meant If you are thinking of taking for people with mental health issues databases in Michigan to show them make comments, we’re working to have some are submissions to be a where there’s resources as well as help your life, the National Suicide section on the website, and then we’re also [displaying] our history that that pre-date the pandemic, such as Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 depression, anxiety or a substance use provide us at the state information shows our movement, primarily in Michigan, over the past 50 years.” about the nature of the texts that are at 1-800-273-8255, or text TALK to Ideally, he said, the virtual event will be as close of a replication to disorder. 741741. For more information visit “The peers do what’s called active coming through, in a global sense.” a physical day spent at the festival as possible. And because attendees None of the personal information is suicidepreventionlifeline.org. For those won’t be able to join together this year, Wait said that the organization listening for the most part in terms of who are deaf or hard of hearing, a video their calls, where they would just talk identifiable, she emphasized; it only is encouraging social media involvement to show individual Pride serves to identify broad trends to better relay service is available. Call 1-800- support at home. to the person about what’s going on 273-8255 (TTY 1-800-799-4889) for them and how that’s a challenge,” understand the needs of residents of “Probably at the start of Memorial Day weekend, we’ll be asking the state. The National Disaster Distress people just to submit to us via social media what they’re doing during Pinals said. “In [a] scenario where Helpline is intended for those Pride month. Maybe they’re decorating their house or putting up they’re saying they haven’t seen their experiencing emotional distress due to colors at their home,” Wait said. “And we want to have individuals therapist they might direct them to Headspace COVID-19-related issues. Individuals sending in their artwork. … Art can be very healing during these resources to help them access more Headspace is a global leader in may call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week challenging times we have.” support and care.” mindfulness and meditation; many at 1-800-985-5950 or text the keyword Wait added that anyone, even those who aren’t artists, are encouraged Because of their lived experience, the know of it as the first meditation app TALKWITHUS to 66746. to share their artwork because Pride is a celebration designed to bring peer professionals are trained to help and available by paid subscription. For those seeking mental health people together. others on their journeys of recovery Now, Michigan has partnered with assistance in their own communities, “This is a celebration until we can meet again so that we can all from mental health and substance use Headspace to give residents free access dial 211 or visit the Community connect to celebrate and continue working toward full equality for conditions, Pinals explained. They are to a curated selection of evidence- Mental Health Association of Michigan everybody in the state of Michigan,” he said. able to identify what type of response is based guided meditations along with directory at cmham.org/membership/ needed in any given situation, be that at-home workouts that guide people cmhsp-directory/. All of the above Keep up with updates online at motorcitypride.org. support, help with wellness and coping through mindful exercises. Sleep and Stay Home, Stay Well resources can skills or finding additional resources. kids’ content is available, too. be found at michigan.gov. 6 BTL | May 28, 2020 www.PrideSource.com CAGE FREE 24 / 7 HAPPY HOUNDS

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www.PrideSource.com BTL | May 28, 2020 7 Hotter Than July Advances Growing LGBTQ Black Consciousness

BY RHIANNON CHESTER-BEY emerging.” Robert Tate, who has been involved Through pain and with Hotter Than July since its inception, o be black and lesbian. To be black and suffering, lack of medical explained the importance of “being gay. To be black and bi-attractional. solutions and other creative and having fresh ideas,” as he To be black and trans. These double- systemic issues, organizers chaired the Sunday Brunch committee. Tminority identities present a multi-dimensional in Detroit took on the Tate, a Billionaire Boys Club founding challenge for all of us in the crosshairs of challenge of creating member, has 25 years of involvement intersectionality for generations. an event that not only that affords him the insight that, By the late 1980s, black LGBTQ institutions, holds space for pain but “volunteering is an investment.” clubs and groups started to mobilize around celebrates life. “You might not have the money, but the intersections of health and identity as Hotter Than July, you can volunteer for a lot of things, and organizing centers for the community. These starting at the plateau of that helps out a great deal,” Tate said. community gatherings were not only social a major health crisis that David Nelson, former chair of the gatherings where friends could see each other put gay life on display in Saturday picnic committee shared his and check on their well-being, but they became the media, confronted thoughts on the importance of having spaces where ideas were generated and plans stereotypes about who the people at the table. were made. black LGBTQ community “No matter how much work you put Curtis Lipscomb, executive director of was with a right to an in each year, some people will still be LGBT Detroit, recalls how the HIV epidemic authentic life. Community unhappy. You have to come to the table,” devastated the LGBTQ community, calling for leader, activist and original Nelson said. the community to organize. Hotter Than July planning A present-day barrier is “stigma and “Black Pride started as an early ‘90s committee member, Dr. poverty,” Lipscomb said. phenomenon, centered around LGBT black Kofi Adoma, said Hotter Many of the black LGBTQ consciousness,” Lipscomb said. “Historically, Than July made space for organizations and venues that were the there was always LGBT black consciousness, the vastness of identity and backbone of Hotter Than July have since but it developed and manifested in various ways expression. Photo by Chris INPAQ Sutton. dissipated. Their absence leaves a void based on contemporary conditions.” “We were a part that presents a challenge to the gathering Lipscomb recounted the development of of something major, “The challenge then was, were people of interested parties, and ultimately, the “LGBT black consciousness” through the lens something to showcase our organizations, and willing to be outed in their neighborhoods attendance of the varied events. of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the losses and the something to showcase our black LGBTQ+ as opposed to feeling more comfortable while “Regine’s and Innuendo were close to Palmer trauma experienced that impacted all of us. communities,” Adoma said. being themselves in and outside of city limits?” Park,” Korona said. “People could get there “Mothers, fathers, boyfriends, girlfriends, According to the activist, Hotter Than Lipscomb said. “Prior to 1996, the thought was, easily and weren’t going to catch the bus or neighbors — you have people who you didn’t July gives the world a chance to see the black ‘If I wanted to be myself, I have to go to some drive across the city.” even know that they were gay and had died,” LGBTQ community as multi-dimensional. remote area to do simple things like barbeque “There are always lessons in organizing, Lipscomb said. “Additionally, you didn’t know “Often times the stereotype is that if you’re and play volleyball.’” because each time you gather it’s going they were in the closet. There was not only the LGBTQ+, you’re single, you don’t have family, The concern presented by the community to be different, but what do you do with issue of being out, but also the issue of being you don’t bring your kids [to events], you only is real and valid as, “There was internalized that information? How do people get that infected with HIV.” go out to the clubs, have fun, party, and that’s homophobia and you had those who were information? Email, text, through the Lipscomb recalls it as an “identity crisis and all there is to you as a gay person,” Adoma said. victims of hate crimes,” Lipscomb said. grapevine? That’s always the challenge,” a health crisis at the same time that fueled this “So having a space that was kid-friendly was Hotter Than July supporter and photographer, Lipscomb said. reality of proclaiming life. We wanted to live!” really important.” Miz Korona, reflected on her experience of Black LGBTQ Pride celebrations were a part being an attendee “afraid to be outed” and of the catalog of community-based responses to Hotter Than July Faces its Own capturing photographs at the Saturday picnic the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the black LGBTQ at Palmer Park. community. As consciousness rose, so did the Challenges “It was interesting to see it from that response to conditions. viewpoint,” Korona said. “I was very aware of “We were arguing to be free. I believe that While Pride itself has confronted the external where I pointed my camera lens when I’d see being free was to stand up physically in spaces stereotypes and issues through celebration and somebody’s facial expression or that look in and proclaim freedom,” Lipscomb said. “That’s organizing around the realities of LGBTQ life their eyes that they didn’t want to be captured; why you have people starting to write, starting and culture in Detroit, it also came with its maybe because they needed some anonymity.” to take pictures, starting to document, because own set of challenges. Hotter Than July organizers had dissenting by the late ‘80s, there was an increased amount LGBTQ identities are more visible and, in opinions on where Pride should be held. of black death. It wasn’t until the late ‘80s that some cases, accepted today. Hotter Than July Although Palmer Park won, “We had to there became this awakening, and it manifested fostered the idea that black, gay people can convince people you can be yourself in Palmer into a number of organizations and social clubs openly celebrate in Detroit, instead of traveling Park because we were always ourselves at Rhiannon Chester-Bey is a cultural visual artist, being developed, conversations with elected to other cities. The climate was different in the Palmer Park,” Lipscomb said. writer and healing arts practitioner born, raised, officials occurring, and new health activists ‘90s than it is today. “There’s a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get and educated in and by Detroit. She is a long people together,” Adoma said. time activist, advocate and contributor in the Traditionally, a volunteer committee plans Detroit LGBT community. and executes the vision for each Hotter Than July event.

8 BTL | May 28, 2020 www.PrideSource.com

COVID-19 Crisis Care: Michigan Nurse Weighs In BY EVE KUCHARSKI “And there will be definitely a resurgence, I can almost guarantee that. And it’s a sad thing, n a seemingly positive trend overall, too, because these people just don’t want to Michigan headed into Memorial Day 2020 listen to what the doctors have to say. The with the fewest reported novel coronavirus doctors are trying to tell them the truth, and Ideaths since March. And while Gov. Gretchen yet, in Lansing the other day there was a protest Whitmer has been called “cautiously optimistic” against Gov. Whitmer,” he said. “They’re saying about those results, she’s noted that “we’re not how she’s being unfair with the lockdown and out of the woods yet” and has extended the they have their guns in their hands, and they’re state’s stay-at-home order until June 12 and mad and they have no masks on. They were so its “state of emergency” until June 19. In total, close to each other and I thought, ‘My goodness, there have been just over 5,000 deaths in the that’s just asking for a problem ... and the kids state and cases across Michigan number just over 54,000. It’s clear that Southeast Michigan has been hardest-hit by COVID-19, with Wayne County reporting the most cases at 19,771 and There’s two people when 2,329 deaths, and surrounding counties like Oakland and Macomb coming in at second “ I was a younger guy that and third places with 8,215 and 6,499 cases respectively. both came down with the So while the statewide news is promising, AIDS virus and ended up it’s important to remember that thousands of people remain sick in Michigan and that dying from it ... It kind of the respiratory virus can still be passed on. brings you back to years That’s the advice of 30-year nursing veteran John Floros. He said that the best way to curb ago when I was with my infection is still to adhere to social distancing guidelines because “everyone you come into friends battling that virus at contact with is a potential vector.” the time. “What you want to do is wear a mask, cover your nose and your mouth — because those ” are both areas where you can absorb the virus [present] didn’t have masks on either. It was — you want to maintain your distance from so sad.’” the person, six feet or more, and you don’t John Floros is a 30-year nursing veteran. He urges the public to be cautious and follow the CDC guidelines, On a personal level, this is something want to go anywhere where you have to have practicing social distancing, washing your hands frequently and wearing masks in public. Floros has “never experienced before.” But a lot of people around you like in the grocery as both a nurse and an openly gay health care store,” he said. for personnel and mandating extra personal more than just one shift is considered not even practitioner, he has had experience dealing protective equipment — as early as late safe because the integrity of the mask will break with the AIDS epidemic in the ‘90s, “which February or March to help mitigate the influx down after a time.” really brought people together.” He said that Treating the Compromised of infected people. Despite that, it was still a while treating immunocompromised patients Floros works as an administrative nursing “fiasco” due to a previously several-day wait Personal Toll of Providing Care currently is not the same, there are similarities. supervisor at the Karmanos Cancer Institute. time for test results. “There’s two people when I was a younger While he normally specializes in cancer care, “[When] these patients started rolling in the While he has remained at his job despite his guy that both came down with the AIDS virus he said his patients usually have compromised door we were almost overwhelmed by them, daily risk of exposure — even volunteering and ended up dying from it. I was very close to immune systems, meaning that they have a because here it was so busy for all patients [who his time at the Novi Civic Center that was them, and they were dear friends,” he said. “... predisposition “to catching things a little more had to wait when] we were trying to rule out converted to help provide drive-through It’s stayed with me for the majority of my life so easily than a normal person with an active COVID,” he said. “Now, the tests they have now testing — Floros said the bleak reality of far, and when I see people that are in situations, immune system.” come back within maybe an hour or so — I’m limited safety equipment and daily interaction especially at Karmanos where they’re dying of “When you’re talking about the patients that not quite sure what the latest test is that they with COVID-19 has made many nurses seek cancer or they’re compromised in some way come to Karmanos, they have a lot going on,” have — but at the time it was taking days when employment elsewhere. because of diabetes or low white blood cell he said. “They have a lot against them.” these patients were on COVID precautions.” “There are many, many people who have count, you know that probably they’re going to In recent months, many of Floros’ patients The lack of immediacy around test results families, and I know many nurses that have quit have a very hard time fighting this virus. … It have turned the focus of their fight from also resulted in a higher rate of precautionary their jobs and moved on,” he said. “I don’t know kind of brings you back to years ago when I was cancer to COVID-19. And because of the lack usage of extra PPE when supplies were already where they’ve gone, but they’re not nursing with my friends battling that virus at the time.” of a vaccine and the virus’ unpredictability low. anymore, at least for right now, because of the So Floros’ long-term advice is clear: be — COVID-19 is a respiratory illness but it “When we started off, we had some personal fact that they don’t want to get it and they don’t cautious. has been shown to be capable of attacking protective equipment handy, PPE, but as it went want to bring it home to anybody around.” “At this time, listen to what the doctors say, everything from the brain to the placenta in on we realized that we were going to run out When asked if he feels that the public is doing what the CDC says, you have to protect yourself, pregnant women — he stressed that doctors shortly,” Floros said. its part to curb the disease’s spread, Floros said [because the person who transmits COVID-19] don’t fully “know how to treat it.” Today, despite some public donations, there that he too often sees people talking with each could be your daughter, that person could be Floros is unsure of the exact date he still isn’t enough equipment. other with no masks on. He said that while it your husband.” encountered COVID-19 for the first time, but “We use one mask over, I think, seven shifts,” might be difficult to believe, a short visit to he said Karmanos began taking preventative Floros said. “I know, it’s ridiculous, it really is, even a very close friend or family member can Visit cdc.gov for regularly updated information steps — like restricting areas of the hospital because you have to make sure that the supplies leave everyone involved vulnerable — even about how to prevent the spread of COVID-19. are going to last you, and yet, using a mask for after immediate stay-at-home orders are lifted.

10 BTL | May 28, 2020 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com BTL | May 28, 2020 11 Parting Glances BY CHARLES ALEXANDER A Stroke in Time t was a year ago this Memorial Day 2019 that I had a stroke and spent two weeks in Detroit Receiving Hospital and a month in physical rehab in the Senior Care Center in IHenry Ford Village, where I am now living in its Berkshire Gardens units. My recovery has been steady, thanks to the excellent rehabilitation care, exercising pacing and challenging encouragement to get better I have been given. COVID-19 was not yet then a horror on the horizon of worldwide pandemic. In March of this year, my medical check-up registered pluses for pulse, breathing, blood quality and 180 pounds, waist 34 inches. Again, COVID-19, the fear thereof was not a factor. Perhaps there’s a touch of long-range irony here, but today’s need for wearing masks and practicing social distancing reminds me of when, just out of Cass Tech High School I trained as an OR Tech at Harper Hospital, where I happened also to be born in 1936. In the mid-1950s many metropolitan city hospitals had acute shortages of surgical nurses. This was very, very much the situation during World War II. In both instances it was found that laypersons could be trained to pass surgical instruments reasonably as well as surgical nurses As an OR Tech at Harper, I learned sterile procedure: how to scrub my hands, how to keep sterile procedures while putting Viewpoint on surgical gloves and gowning to pass instruments. During my year-long tenure at Harper I passed instruments and sutures on several caesarian sections, countless tonsillectomies, a few D&Cs — dilatation and curettages — and, the one surgery I hated, sub-mucous resections — cracking by scapel of nostril bone. There were 13 operating rooms at Harper, numbered 1 through 14, no number 13, I also witnessed a craniotomy, where four holes drilled into the skull, and was in attendance when I patient died on the operating table. Living in the Shadow of COVID-19: Another OR Tech and I tagged his thumb and big toe, and put his body into a freezer unit. To break our first such encounter Sowing Seeds for My New Normal with death, we tried to make jokes about its seriousness. And, what may well be an item for the Guinness Book of World Records, I actually got to scrub with the doctor who BY MICHELLE E. BROWN brought me into this crazy, wonderful, at times horrible and baffling world, Dr. Leonard Heath. The moment of recognition understandably amazed us both. alone 24/7. each morning, but I walked around Perhaps all of this backgrounding is appropriate as it coincide t wasn’t until the governor’s I like being busy! I have books to read, in my pajamas wondering what I was with this BTL’s interview with my friend of 30 years John declaration that we had to stay books to write, research to do, people going to do. Floros, the head R.N. at Karmanos Hospital, and the current home that I stayed home. I had to interview and projects. I could easily I have used this time to reset, to think Ibeen following the progression of the stay busy, but I need to move, be out about not just how I could work smarter nurse at Novi State Hospital. Fortunate for myself, John Floros was my principal care pandemic, but I had decided with social and about. No gym. No movies. No but how I would redefine the things giver for this past year of my stroke recovery. distancing, hand-washing and other restaurants. Don’t get me wrong, I love that really mattered to me and make John was there at my bedside at Detroit Receiving Hospital recommended practices I would be OK. being home, but the additional hours them the engine driving my activities on my first day of admission, watching over me, monitoring I also knew that, since my partner spent in the house quarantined seemed moving forward. and reporting on my day-to-day progress. lived with her mother who has some like a recipe for decline. These days when the news cycle He has since run countless errands for me and encouraged medical conditions putting her at risk, That first week I developed a close is primarily filled with stories of the my recovery with good-natured, metaphysical understandings the quarantine directive meant I would personal relationship with my couch, pandemic, I have used my weekly blog and comments. John! My heartfelt gratitude! at home alone. Netflix, Cool Ranch Doritos and radio podcast, through its guests, to I’m good being alone normally but guacamole (go figure). I was still I then had options. I didn’t have to be getting up when the alarm went off See next page See Viewpoint, continued on next page 12 BTL | May 28, 2020 www.PrideSource.com ® Viewpoint Being in quarantine means not Continued from p. 14 being with the community, but Creep Of The Week it has also opened new doors highlight ways communities are planting Alex Azar BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI the seeds for our new reality. The to community. As LGBTQ centers t the time of this writing, 89,564 people conversations with the guests from across across the country had to close On May 17, when Azar appeared on CNN with Jake the state and country have been hopeful, have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. Tapper above a chyron that read, “CDC expects U.S. An uninterrupted moment of silence for inspiring and incredible. their physical doors, virtual to surpass 100,000 virus deaths by June 1” to tell the Aeach person would last 62 days. And yet there We have talked about politics, diet, American people they basically have only themselves connecting with others, poetry and yoga doors opened. is no state of national mourning, which is the — lots of yoga! loudest thing I have ever heard. to blame, it was a special kind of infuriating. Being in quarantine means not being By the time you read this, the number of with the community, but it has also opened dead will have grown. And this is only the new doors to community. As LGBTQ number of KNOWN cases. And Trump and a projected 100,000 deaths was considered toured my brother and his girlfriend’s his Republicans want you to believe that “only” a reckless overestimation by the Trump centers across the country had to close new home. I have been watching my son their physical doors, virtual doors opened. 100,000 deaths would be something to celebrate. administration. parenting and my granddaughter grow. How did we get here? Well, first of all, we “Unfortunately,” Azar continues, “the Like the book club and discussion group I FaceTime my partner and we have with lesbians across the country hosted by elected an incompetent egomaniac to lead American population is a very diverse, and waved at one another from our cars the country. A bad move. And then that it is a population with significant unhealthy ZAMI NOBLA: National Organization maintaining the proper social distance. of Black Lesbians on Aging based in incompetent egomaniac surrounded himself comorbidities that do make many individuals It’s not the same, but we’re all keeping it safe with people who don’t dare say no to him or in our communities — in particular African Atlanta, Georgia, and an evening of virtual so we can live, laugh and love another day. comedy with Karen Willliams attended give him news that conflicts with his conspiracy American — minority communities, particularly But best of all, in a world of social media theory-driven view of the world, lest they be at risk here because of significant underlying by an audience of over 200 from across and texting, I have rediscovered the joy of the country. fired. disease, health disparities and disease hearing the human voice by picking up Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex comorbidities and that is an unfortunate legacy Monday through Friday evenings, the the phone and calling friends. The joy in Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice in Azar is a perfect example. While thousands of in our health care system that we certainly do hearing their laughter, the slight change people die, Azar, the head of an agency that has need to address.” New Jersey brings LGBTQ authors, artists of tone in their voice, hearing about life and other notables including former U.S. rolled back Obama-era protections for LGBTQ Huh. OK. So he’s saying that more Americans in more than 160 characters, a GIF or a people, makes the rounds on TV news to assure are dying, particularly African Americans, Sen. Al Franken virtually to computer meme, and responding with more than a screens for LGBTQ audiences in many everyone that, “Hey, it could be worse.” because of the 100 percent intentional and by- thumbs-up, heart or emoji. According to Slate, Azar is to blame “for the design inequities in our health care system that, states. Even SAGE Metro Detroit virtually “Reach out and touch someone” has celebrated National Poetry Month. We may woeful federal response that has resulted in a golly, we should probably take a look at some never been more important. horrifying under-identification of cases, the day, but in the meantime, those folks wouldn’t be alone, but we aren’t alone. We will get through this. Social Let’s not forget Zoom, which has allowed actions of public health officials that may have be dying if they took better care of themselves. distancing, personal protective equipment actually exacerbated the crisis and the many The look on Jake Tapper’s face at this point me to participate in board meetings in and virtual events/activities will probably Atlanta, attend an open mic in Princeton, lies and misleading statements he has told to is priceless, by the way. remain a part of our reality but, hopefully, the public as the disaster has unfolded.” “I want to give you the opportunity to clear it New Jersey, and share poetry with in the future we will stop to smell the roses audiences across the U.S. and work with That was on March 13. And things have only up,” Tapper says, “because it sounded like you and reach out to care for one another in a gotten worse. were saying the reason that there were so many an artist in India. way where we can all prosper and thrive. I’ve met new people in these virtual So on May 17, when Azar appeared on CNN dead Americans is because we’re unhealthier I am keeping busy, but, in this time of with Jake Tapper above a chyron that read, than the rest of the world. I know that’s not settings who shared their talents and social isolation, I am finding the time and ideas with me. Working collaboratively, “CDC expects U.S. to surpass 100,000 virus what you meant ...” space to sow the seeds of my new normal, deaths by June 1” to tell the American people Azar jumps in to say that, yes, he meant what we have been able to identify needs in our because we aren’t there yet! communities, bring together resources to they basically have only themselves to blame, he said. it was a special kind of infuriating. “There are, like, tons of fat people, pun- assist those providing essential services and Michelle E. Brown is a public speaker, get those funds to them quickly. There is a “Every death is a tragedy,” Azar says, “but...” intended,” he says — I’m paraphrasing. activist and author. Her blog radio Now, if I were, say, an aide for Azar, I would Tapper replies, “That doesn’t mean it’s the fault lot of good going on out there in the real podcast “Collections By Michelle Brown” world. Crisis builds character. probably run up and tackle him to the ground of the American people that the government airs every Thursday at 7 p.m. Current and saying, “Hold up. I’m gonna stop you right failed to take adequate steps in February...” Like so many others my biological family archived episodes can be heard on Blog Talk is spread out across the country — my there...” in the hopes that I could prevent “Jake please, please don’t distort,” Azar Radio, iTunes, Stitcher or SoundCloud. whatever is going to follow. interrupts. “One doesn’t blame anyone for their brother in Los Angeles, my son in New Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/ York. Thanks to FaceTime, I virtually But, of course, Azar doesn’t work with anyone health conditions, that would be absurd.” CollectionsbyMichelleBrown/. who cares about him that much. Except the Republican party as led by the “But,” he continues, “the results could’ve been Trump administration has done exactly that vastly, vastly worse.” in countless arguments against the Affordable Care Act. A running theme has been, “If we and caring for others in good times as Well, no shit. My twin sister has a habit of give the poors health insurance then they’re ® Parting Glances well as the unseasonable times we are now saying, “Worst-case scenario,” as in, “Well, not going to have any incentive to take care Continued from p. 14 experiencing. This too shall pass. Pride will worst-case scenario, we get there a few minutes of themselves because they can just go to the last. One can only hope. late.” And I always point out to her that is actually NOT the case and offer up something doctor whenever they want.” May I also extend many, many like, “No, worst-case scenario, on our way there And, by the way, Trump is still actively working to destroy the ACA as millions of appreciative thanks to those who wished Charles Alexander is prolific both as a we rear-end a truck hauling pigs to slaughter Americans are losing jobs and health insurance me well on line and on my Facebook page. BTL columnist (700-plus columns) and as and are killed when hundreds of pigs fall onto in the middle of a pandemic. The Republican Your remarks were pluses of healing for me. a well-known LGBT community artist (1000 our car, crushing us and then for years our Party is a death cult. Vote them out. Or die. The simple truth of the matter is we all need Facebook images). He is a Spirit of Detroit family says, ‘It’s ironic that they were killed by Literally. each other. Especially during this time of Award recipient and an Affirmations LGBT pigs since they’re both vegetarian.’” unintended isolation and fear. CENTER Jan Stevenson awardee. Connect Anyway, I’m old enough to remember when We share our LGBTQ pride by loving with him at [email protected]. www.PrideSource.com BTL | May 28, 2020 13 Donating Blood in the Time of Coronavirus: Activists Say Gay Men Still Face Discrimination

BY ELLEN SHANNA KNOPPOW that are based upon sexual orientation,” that I had just had an HIV test — I even brought “A broad ban against MSM blood donors Garcia says that is exactly what it does: it bases my test with me,” Garcia said. “And it wasn’t does not take into account the actual risk eligibility primarily on sexual orientation, not enough. I was turned away from giving blood.” behavior in question that could jeopardize on the type of sexual behavior. For example, He pointed out that ironically, after 9/11 blood supply safety — very recent condomless The Need is Great gay men in monogamous sexual relationships the need for blood was not nearly what had anal or vaginal intercourse with a partner with Only about 38 percent of the U.S. population remain unable to donate, as do gay men who been anticipated because there weren’t many HIV viremia — engaged by those regardless is eligible to donate blood. That’s because of of sex, gender, and/or sexual orientation,” the various restrictions like age and physical health letter reads. of the potential donor plus factors intended to Instead of relaxing standards that would protect the blood supply from blood-borne compromise the safety of the blood supply, pathogens such as HIV. Men who have had they advocate for scientifically-driven standards sex with men within the past three months are that uphold its safety while promoting equity among those who are ineligible — a deferral and ending discrimination in blood donation. period recently reduced from a wait of one Likewise, 20 state attorneys general, including year. This change was announced in early April Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, signed and it comes at a time of greatly increased a letter dated April 22 that pushed for a risk- need for donated blood due to the coronavirus based, gender-neutral screening model. pandemic, as so many blood drives had to be The medical director of Detroit’s Corktown canceled. Many in the LGBTQ community Health Center, a clinic focused on serving the find deferral policies related to blood donation LGBTQ community in Southeastern Michigan, arbitrary and homophobic in general. Dave weighed in as well. Garcia, executive director of the Affirmations “It would be OK for questions to be asked LGBTQ community center in Ferndale is about sexual behavior so that there can be a among them, and he was quick to call the risk stratification strategy,” Dr. Latonya Riddle- policy “asinine.” Jones said via email. “This would require a new “It doesn’t make any sense,” Garcia said. system, and creatively thinking outside of our “It is arbitrary. It’s an archaic, asinine policy current box. This new system would not create that is steeped in bigotry and prejudice and barriers for those [who] wanted to donate, but ignorance. And frankly, any time you have a it could allow those testing [to keep] the blood … health policy with that kind of prejudice supply as safe as possible.” and ignorance associated with it, [it] leads to In contrast to the U.S., Brazil, which has death. People are dying because of this stupid been especially hard-hit by the coronavirus, policy,” he said, implying that lives might be fully lifted its ban against MSM donating blood saved by ending the acute blood shortage if earlier in May. Likewise, Chile, Italy, Mexico the deferral policy were abolished. and Russia are among several other countries To be clear, it is the Food and Drug engage in sex that does not put them at risk survivors. that have no deferral period for MSM. Administration that establishes guidelines for HIV. regarding blood donation, not organizations “Basically, what they’re saying is that I can like the American Red Cross, which is not a go have sex with a woman today, or a hundred A Plea to the FDA Updated, But Not Yet government agency. An official from the Red women in a week, and I can go give blood,” Garcia’s not alone in his frustration. He has Implemented Cross declined to be interviewed for this story, Garcia surmised. “If I have sex with one man, the backing of hundreds of doctors and other instead they emailed a statement from national deal’s over, whether you’re on PrEP or not. If medical professionals who signed an open letter The abovementioned Red Cross headquarters dated April 2. The statement I’m a gay man on PrEP, who just got tested three to the FDA dated April 16 calling on them to announcement stated that it, and presumably expressed thanks to the FDA for updating the months ago … you’re one of the safest people overturn the “scientifically outdated ban against all blood banks, would work aggressively to rules regarding men who have sex with men, to give blood, frankly. All that matters is [that] MSM blood donors.” implement the many eligibility changes outlined among other recent changes to their policies. … you’re gay. There’s no other way to wrap Further, “…we are on the precipice of by the FDA as soon as possible, but that it will “These changes will potentially allow more your mind around that than discrimination a critical nationwide shortage of blood take time to implement. individuals to donate and help ensure blood and ignorance.” products,” it reads. “This severe shortage Indeed, the new guidelines are not yet collection organizations across the country It should also be noted how rigorously could be alleviated if antiquated restrictions enforced systemwide; in fact, it was reported continue to meet patient needs throughout this blood banks screen donations for blood-borne lacking scientific data were responsibly lifted. earlier in May that a state senator in New York pandemic and beyond,” the statement reads. diseases such as HIV, hepatitis and syphilis. According to a 2014 study by the Williams who is gay was turned away from donating “… This is the first and important step toward At the same time, none of these tests are 100 Institute at UCLA School of Law, eliminating blood. a greater goal of an equitable blood donation percent accurate, and they can produce faulty the MSM ban would result in an estimated “I found, as a gay man, it was entirely process that treats all potential donors with results. For example, despite current restrictions 360,600 MSM donors being able to donate an insulting to be turned away by the New York equality and respect, and [it] ensures a safe, and testing of approximately 12 million units additional 615,300 pints of blood per year.” Blood Center,” Sen. Brad Holyman said. “The sufficient blood supply is readily available of blood donated each year, 10 HIV-infected With HIV testing that is now nearly 100 federal government is encouraging citizens to for patients in need. The Red Cross remains units have slipped through, according to data percent sensitive to the virus, the window donate blood during this pandemic. The fact committed to building an inclusive environment provided by the Human Rights Campaign. period of infection has been narrowed to that I couldn’t do so makes me feel like a second- that embraces diversity for all those who engage Garcia has personal experience with approximately 10 days from the time of class citizen. It’s completely discriminatory. It’s with our lifesaving mission…” attempting to donate blood and being turned infection, according to data cited in the letter. not based on science. It’s insulting to LGBTQ away. It was after the 9/11 tragedy when a However, it should be noted that the window people, and it sends a really negative message.” lifetime ban against gay men from donating depends on the type of test, as described by the For his part, Garcia agreed that it sends the Orientation Versus Behavior blood was in effect. It was revised to a one-year Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. wrong message. Still, when asked if he would donate blood if the restrictions were lifted, he While the statement specifies that the deferral in 2015. At that time, Garcia said he Again, like Garcia, the signers of the open letter answered without missing a beat, “Of course Red Cross “does not believe blood donation was aware of the policy. to the FDA emphasize the difference between I would.” eligibility should be determined by methods “I told them then it was a stupid policy and sexual orientation and sexual behavior.

14 BTL | May 28, 2020 www.PrideSource.com Affirmations LGBTQ Community Center Offers Free Food Box Pick-Up and Delivery Service

BY BENJAMIN DECKER on their own, all are welcome to use the service. deliver to their front door,” Garcia said. great way to lessen the risk of leaving home “This is great because the more people who As of now, there are no fundraisers to aid for necessary groceries. he Affirmations LGBTQ community hear about it, as long as we have the funding this service. The only money it has raised is “The future is uncertain. The Affirmations center has teamed up with Gleaners and we have the partnership with Wayne State with the grants given from the government. delivery service helps us have a better lockdown Food Bank and Wayne State University and Gleaners, we can continue to provide the As long as the grants keep getting renewed, by decreasing trips to the store and reminding Tto offer free food box pickup every Friday for service,” Garcia said. Affirmations plans to help as many LGBTQ us that our community cares even if we can’t be any LGBTQ person in need. From 10 a.m. to Garcia also mentioned Affirmations has people as possible. face-to-face right now,” Dee said. “Any money 2 p.m., recipients can drive up to the back of another type of grocery service where it Brianna Dee, a disabled transgender woman we save on groceries can be used to pay other the community center and volunteers will hand is delivering perishable groceries — like in Pontiac, is just one of the many people being bills, including medical care. The doorside them a box of nonperishable food that should vegetables, fruits and meats — directly to helped by this service. service also helps mitigate our chronic pain last two weeks. Each box also includes toiletries, LGBTQ individuals’ front doors. To receive “Aff[irmations] delivered Instacart groceries since even getting groceries is strenuous.” like shampoo and conditioner. Condoms and this service, anyone in the LGBTQ community for our household of three, including two other But beyond being physically nourished, Dee lube are available upon request. can email Garcia with their grocery list and he disabled transgender people, one poz, and one said that the service has provided a tangible Affirmations Executive Director Dave Garcia will send an Instacart order to their homes. diabetic,” she wrote in an email statement. “We positive impact on other aspects of her life. explained, “Gleaners and Wayne State gather “Because it is kind of a sensitive issue, getting also went to last Friday’s pickup and got three “It’s not just food. It’s the feeling of the supplies and put the boxes together, then food and being secure, we ask the community boxes of nonperishables to stock the pantry.” community love and support that we cherish. send them to Affirmations Community Center to keep their lists at around $75 each,” Garcia She said that using the service was easy and This lockdown is very isolating. We can’t access so we can distribute them to the community.” stated. that staff was supportive. the family and support systems we built after The availability of the food boxes is on a first- Although it is primarily focused around the “Very easy. We sent a wish list of groceries being rejected when we came out. Affirmations come, first-served basis. Last Friday was the southeastern part of Michigan, any LGBTQ and they were delivered in about a week,” Dee is our community epicenter,” Dee said. “Because first time this service was available and over 20 person from around the state can be helped said. “Dave was very helpful and we coordinated of this program, we know with certainty that boxes were handed out to the community, but by this service. Last week was the first run of the delivery easily. The curbside food box our meals are literally cooked with love from Affirmations is expecting to give out more this this program and already 20 households were pickup was done with social distance in the our friends and neighbors, whether we have week. Affirmations started this program to help served. alley behind Aff[irmations].” met them yet or not. That nourishes our souls, out any members of the LGBTQ community “It actually started with delivering to our She added that because her household not just our bodies.” who are suffering from the impacts of the LGBT seniors, but became much bigger than has several people in high-risk groups for new coronavirus. Whether they cannot afford that quickly. If I were to have a call from an contracting COVID-19 — two members are To receive this service, email dgarcia@ groceries due to being laid off or have high-risk LGBT person from the west side of the state, over 50 years old, one is HIV-positive and goaffirmations.org. complications preventing them from shopping I could still have the grocery delivery service another is diabetic — the service has been a

www.PrideSource.com BTL | May 28, 2020 15 Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) speaks at a press conference for the Equality Act. Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key

There are hundreds of businesses that advertise Congressional LGBTQ Equality PAC Endorses Biden in BTL and welcome everyone. BY CHRIS JOHNSON Democrats across the country to secure group to endorse Biden. Others who the pro-equality Democratic majorities declared their support this month alone Invest in equality and The Equality PAC, the political action needed in the House and Senate to see are the Human Rights Campaign and work with businesses that committee led by openly LGBTQ the Equality Act become a reality.” the National Center for Transgender support Michigan’s LGBTQ members of Congress, has thrown its Biden has indicated passage of Equality Action Fund. community! support behind Joseph Biden in the the Equality PAC would be his No. 1 Reggie Greer, LGBTQ+ vote director 2020 presidential election. legislative priority if elected president. for the Biden campaign, said the former In a statement exclusive to the Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), another vice president is “deeply proud and Washington Blade, Rep. David Cicilline co-chair of the Equality PAC, recalled honored to receive the support of (D-R.I.) said the Equality PAC, which in a statement Biden declaring support Equality PAC.” he co-chairs, is backing Biden because for same-sex marriage on “Meet the “For years, Equality PAC has worked he “has been a strong leader on LGBTQ Press” eight years ago. tirelessly to ensure LGBTQ+ people issues over his career and as president “Throughout his career Joe Biden has have a critical voice in Congress to fight will continue to be a champion for our been a fierce advocate and steady ally for back against discriminatory policies and community.” LGBTQ people and those living around advance pro-equality measures,” Greer “Too many LGBTQ Americans can around the world, from supporting our said. “Their leadership led to the most still get fired from their jobs or kicked right to marry when it wasn’t popular pro-equality Congress in history as well out of their homes just because of who to promoting acceptance of our youth as the historic passage of the Equality they are,” said Cicilline. “This is wrong through his work as a private citizen Act in the House of Representatives, and it’s why electing Joe Biden is critical at the Biden Foundation,” Takano said. which occurred exactly one-year ago in our fight for full equality.” “His commitment and character is t o d ay.” The endorsement was timed to desperately needed right now.” “As we work towards our shared coincide with the anniversary of U.S. Takano also drew on the International mission of improving the lives of all House passage of the Equality Act, Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia LGBTQ+ people, we stand committed a comprehensive LGBTQ bill that a & Biphobia in declaring support for and ready to work with Equality PAC chamber of Congress approved for Biden. to ensure we usher in a wave of pro- the first time in history last year, “As we recognize International Day equality champions into government and the International Day Against Against Homophobia, Transphobia & this November and elect Joe Biden our Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia. Biphobia today, I say it’s time to fight next president,” Greer continued. “ One year ago the House made back, it’s time to restore the soul of our history and passed the Equality Act, nation, and it’s time we make the United This article originally appeared in the which protects all LGBTQ Americans States a global leader in human rights, Washington Blade and is made available from discrimination — but the Senate and I say, ‘Let’s go, Joe!’” Takano said. in partnership with the National LGBT has failed to act,” Cicilline said. “Joe The Equality PAC is the latest LGBTQ Media Association. Biden’s candidacy will help elect 16 BTL | May 28, 2020 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com BTL | May 28, 2020 17 Photo: Netflix Janelle Monáe Doesn’t Know Time Either Queer Icon Talks ‘Too On the Nose’ Pandemic, LGBTQ Representation and Pride Plans

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI joy within that album as I prepared for our like another life when Monáe opened the How are you coping with everything that’s virtual chat. Songs from “Dirty Computer” Oscars and celebrated diversity and being, as happening right now? really hadn’t planned on telling queer had my boyfriend and I bopping in the kitchen. she proclaimed on national TV during her I don’t know. I probably won’t know until, powerhouse singer-actress-activist Janelle Emerging from her face was a smile so wide performance, a “black queer artist.” Previously, like, next month. Time is not real to me. I Monáe that I made food for my boyfriend I could almost see my reflection in it. It was in 2018, she came out as pansexual, after years feel like I’m in a warped, alternate universe, Ithe night before I got on Zoom with her. like I’d cracked a code. A pandemic-era topic of telling the press she was dating androids. especially watching everybody walking That afternoon, Monáe was feeling it all. universal enough that it got even Janelle Monáe So no wonder she was looking forward to around with masks and avoiding each other, This global pandemic, the quarantining. She curious that she, during a promo tour for a headlining NYC Pride Island on June 27. In a and dealing with an administration who hides told me she can’t even create right now because TV show, couldn’t help but ask me a question statement, she called it a “dream.” But summer information and is putting capitalism above she doesn’t have the mental bandwidth. When everybody is asking everybody because all we gatherings, including NYC Pride Island, have the health and well-being of our people. I we linked up, her mind was understandably do is cook now: “What were y’all eatin’?” been canceled. have no grasp of reality right now. heavy and momentarily adrift. While talking Monáe’s in isolation too of course, trying Monáe is still doing what she can; recently, about Amazon’s second season of its thriller to navigate not merely how to be an artist but she took part in a special performance for It’s like living in the twilight zone. “Homecoming,” Monáe accidentally called if that’s even possible for her right now. From Verizon’s Pay It Forward Live, when she and Yeah. I write too much science-fiction to be her character – a war vet who we first meet lockdown, she at least looks put together. Verizon made donations to small businesses dealing with this shit right now. It’s too on the on a boat, alone and drifting, unsure of how Greeting me like the bots she sings about, she owned by those in the LGBTQ community nose. (Laughs.) she got there – an “ex-veterinarian.” “I said says, “Hi, I’m Janelle and I don’t know who I and other minorities affected by COVID-19. veterinarian,” she started, realizing her slip-up. am today.” She appears to be reclining on a “Stay up, Chris,” she gently consoles as we How does “Homecoming” fit into the kind of “It’s that quarantine mind!” couch, a white top hat perched on her head; wrap, offering the same kind of bright-eyed stories you want to be telling? Then I diverted her attention to her neo- her virtual backdrop is appropriately one for hopefulness contained in “Americans,” one We’re on a journey with her as she discovers soul album “Dirty Computer,” a life-affirming “Homecoming.” In August, Monáe leads the cast of the songs that, for a few dazzling minutes, her identity, and I think when you go back celebration of queerness released in 2018. of the slavery-themed horror film “Antebellum,” took me out of life as we now currently know into her past there are some decisions that she I began by telling her about my night before which was initially scheduled to be released it. She continues: “And send my love to your makes that I just would not make as a human. we Zoomed, when my spiraling mind happened in April. boyfriend.” Even in a pandemic, even when But when I was creating her backstory and to find a rare moment of pure, unencumbered And though it was just in February, it seems she’s not creating, Monáe has so much to give. 18 BTL | May 28, 2020 www.PrideSource.com understanding her motivation I realized that the pronoun that I use. Absolutely. this person could have been dealing with a lot of childhood trauma, and it gave reason to Over the years you’ve gradually taken on more why she is the way she is. of an activist role, both as a vocal advocate but I think that this show has a lot to say about also in the way you’ve chosen projects. Your art Holiday Market capitalism over citizenship and community, is clearly a conduit for your messaging of unity and the well-being of our citizens. I think it and empowerment. How do you see yourself has a lot to say about how we treat ex-vets and evolving as an activist and artist? mental health. And it’s a character study on I never considered myself an activist. I think IS OFFERING minorities and those who are marginalized there are really people out on the front lines and how they go on their rise to being who are doing that groundwork in our powerful and also having their freedom communities. I have a mic; I have a studio; through living in their truth, so that was I’m doing film. I’m doing all those things. super important to me. And I’ve never considered myself that. People have kind of placed that label on me, JOBS And the show’s queer representation – how is the fact that your character just happens to be but I don’t feel pressure. I think I feel more in a relationship with a woman meaningful to pressure just as a citizen to lend my support and my voice. I think even if I never wrote TO you? another song in my life, if I saw something Like you said: representation. It always happening to someone who couldn’t protect matters. You think about the number of shows themselves or take care of themselves and that are greenlit and films that are greenlit, they were in a marginalized group, then I’m AWESOME and we’re still in that minority. It’s still not gonna say something about it. That’s just been equal in terms of storytelling. There are so me since I’ve been little. I’ve never allowed many cis, het-normative stories, and that’s people to bully my little sister or people who not a reflection of the real world. I don’t want were helpless and couldn’t defend themselves. to give away too much, but there is a strong I’m just not gonna stand for that. I guess I PEOPLE presence of (queerness) in “Homecoming.” I look at myself as anti-bully, and I will whoop hope the folks feel seen. your ass in different ways if you try to oppress How would this kind of representation have or harm other people that I love and I care COME JOIN THE HOLIDAY MARKET CREW! about. And I care about my community. changed your life as a young woman growing up in Kansas City? How do you feel about where we’re at now with What once started as a small neighborhood butcher shop I would probably feel less alone. I’d be more LGBTQ representation? And what do you hope is and specialty store in 1954, grew each year, aisle by intrigued. When you grow up in small towns next in that regard? and you have large families, and when being I think it’s getting better. I think we have a aisle, from our loyal customers’ requests. Holiday Market Baptist and going to church is the center of long way to go. I think it’s a more nuanced focuses on high quality products coupled with friendly your family and your household – in addition conversation because we’re dealing with to going through that and trying to love sexuality and we’re dealing with gender. A neighborhood service. We are voted one of the best yourself and finding out who you are and lot of it is a journey, it’s not just a destination. markets in Metro Detroit, year after year. what you want to be and deciding how you And there’s new terminology that’s coming, want to live your life – I think that having that and we have to be open and nonjudgmental representation would have made things easier within our community. for a lot of us. I’ve definitely received a lot of judgment, FAMILY OWNED, When was the first time you identified with and I can’t say that I haven’t judged myself, but at this point I think that life is a mystery. someone from the LGBTQ community and what FUN ATMOSPHERE We are uncovering truths about us, just like did that mean to you? this show does, and the more information That’s a really good question. There were, of we have, we should never feel ashamed to course, a lot of artists who have come before lean into that gray area. Don’t become a me that have walked in their truth, like prisoner or a slave of your past. Move forward (openly queer singer-songwriter and activist) accordingly once you discover who you are BENEFITS Meshell Ndegeocello. Even if they didn’t say, and what it is that you want to be. “Hey, I’m gay,” there was just a certain freeness But I want to say that I think that we still AVAILABLE that I got when I looked at David Bowie, a have a lot more work to do in terms of allies. freeness I got that blurred the lines of gender. Folks who are more privileged, who are the And I’ve always felt a part of everything, and majority and the minority, I think that they as I find out more about myself and who I am, can share the mic. I look at myself and all of us as experiences. I just don’t believe in those binaries. But I Are you currently creating? And while I have APPLY IN PERSON love identifying as a woman, and I’m not mad “Dirty Computer” on my mind – will you make OR ONLINE when I’m not called a woman. I feel so a part music with the queer community in mind for of everything, and I am a part of everything. your next work? Earlier this year, you tweeted #IAmNonBinary. I don’t know what kind of music I’m gonna Does that mean you’re using they and them make. I’m not in a musical space. I’m not inspired. I’m just not inspired right now. I HOLIDAY MARKET • 1203 S MAIN ST ROYAL OAK pronouns now? I use free-ass-motherfucker pronouns. That’s 248.541.1414 • HOLIDAY-MARKET.COM • CONNECT WITH US FB IN See Janelle, continued on p. 20 www.PrideSource.com BTL | May 28, 2020 19 ® Janelle Continued from p. 19

mean, I want to be; I want to be using this time and come out with five albums. But my heart is just so broken right now with everything that’s going on. So I’ve been DJing; that’s been inspiring. Deconstructing songs, my favorite songs. And I’ve been listening to Childish Gambino, and I love Megan Thee Stallion’s Savage remix with Beyoncé. Been listening to that. But I’ve just been trying to figure out how to put my boots on the ground and how to thrive in a pandemic. It’s affected me. I’m not a black, single mom with five kids or a single parent trying to make ends meet because she got laid off. I’m not in that position. We’re in this, but we’re not all in the same boat. And for me, I feel a sense of urgency to figure out how we can come together as citizens. Once I get that down pat and understand what this all means and I can get some foundation then maybe I can go to a creative space, but Photo: Netflix right now my mental real estate is dealing with this pandemic. performers taking part in NYC’s virtual pride celebration on June 28.) You were supposed to perform at NYC Pride Island this summer. And to answer your last question: I did say I wasn’t really What message would you like to send out to all the dirty inspired to make music, but because I am a dirty computer computers of the world who will be celebrating Pride in a very at heart, whatever I do is always going to be through the lens different way this year? of being a part of the LGBTQIA+ communities. That is who I love you. I was looking forward to being there, but all of our I am, so I can’t help but to have that perspective. So I’m sure health is important. I would hate to be irresponsible and hold whenever I start making music (laughs) I will still be a free- a concert and bring people together and then people pass away ass-motherfucker making music. as a result of us trying to have a concert right now. But I have As editor of Q Syndicate, the LGBTQ wire service, Chris Azzopardi a feeling that in the future I will come back. The organizers of has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Cher, Pride New York are trying to put together something special Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. His work has also that I may be a part of, so just keep your ears glued. (On appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, GQ and Billboard. May 15, it was announced that Monáe would be among the chrisazzopardi.

Puzzle p. 25

20 BTL | May 28, 2020 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com BTL | May 28, 2020 21 Detroit Gallery Hosts Virtual Exhibit to Benefit Ruth Ellis Center BY JASON A. MICHAEL and Kennedy Yanko. And there’s a charitable Detroit’s most historic architecture, while also element to the exhibit, too: a total of 10 percent supporting the legacy of one of Detroit’s most n a blend of the virtual and tangible, of sales will go to aid the Ruth Ellis Center significant pioneers, Ruth Ellis. We are honored the Detroit-based gallery Library Street — a Detroit nonprofit that provides help and to share in this partnership.” Collective has created a new digital housing for LGBTQ at-risk youth. Exhibit organizers say that the exhibit shows Iexhibition platform called SITE: Art and “Ruth Ellis Center has extraordinary partners “a unique digital connection between the visual Architecture in the Digital Space. Set in in the Detroit community, and Anthony Curis, arts and the built environment, incorporating Detroit’s historic State Savings Bank, the show co-founder of the Library Street Collective is aspects of storytelling, architectural history features an array of animated works that seem no exception,” said Mark Erwin-McCormick, and an artist’s unique perspective through the to interact with their real-life environment. director of development and advancement for presentation of SITE.” of the show’s proceeds when he saw how the Its featured artists include Daniel Arsham, REC. “Through SITE: Art and Architecture To help Library Street Collective realize organization was navigating the “stay home, Kadar Brock, Greg Fadell, Simphiwe Ndzube, in the Digital Space, guests will experience its vision for SITE, the gallery called upon stay safe” order that resulted from the novel Jose Parla, Rachel Rossin, Phillip K. Smith III important artwork framed within some of architectural photographer James Haefner. coronavirus. Haefner is the co-creator of the books “As LGBTQ young people continue to face “Michigan Modern: Design that Shaped barriers to housing, health and wellness, America” and “Michigan Modern: An even more so during the coronavirus global Architectural Legacy.” Similarly, those works pandemic, support from our community has display images in places in “often private never been more critical,” Erwin-McCormick realms not open to the public to explore the said. “All funds raised through the exhibition innovative and often breathtaking design will support the center’s critical programs, solutions presented on these pages.” including the Ruth Ellis Health & Wellness And beyond simply offering an artistic Center, Ruth’s House – Residential Foster Care, glimpse into places rarely visited, Library and Ruth’s Pantry, providing food and safety Street Collective asserts that the online resources to LGBTQ young people twice weekly. presentation “carries with it an important SITE: Art and Architecture in the Digital Space environmental benefit” that helps to reduce not only brings visibility to some of Detroit’s the gallery’s carbon footprint.” historic buildings, but it also brings visibility “SITE is entirely digital, and so the art to some of our city’s most vulnerable.” displayed is skillfully and seamlessly rendered into its environment,” said exhibit organizers. Learn more about the exhibit online at lscgallery. Curis himself chose to give REC a portion com.

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22 BTL | May 28, 2020 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com BTL | May 28, 2020 23 Deep Inside Hollywood BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE More ‘American Horror Jamie Lee Curtis is coming Story,’ plural to your wedding The things you learn from Instagram. TV supermogul Ryan You probably don’t Murphy recently got on know the name Sara a Zoom call with cast Cunningham yet. But you members from his series will soon enough. See, “American Horror Story,” about 10 years ago, the and when posting about conservative Christian it on IG, he dropped mom got a bit of a shock the news that another when her son came out as “AHS” project was gay. She sought support underway, an anthology on Facebook from other series called “American parents of queer kids, as Horror Stories.” Each her questions and worries episode of the “Twilight slowly became pro-queer Zone”-styled project will activism. Then she hit be a standalone tale of Pride parades to give out spooky stuff – and will “free mom hugs,” and, after Jamie Lee Curtis. Photo: KathClick also probably involve that, same-sex weddings to major helpings of Ryan stand in for absent, anti- Murphy’s favorite things: LGBT parents. Her memoir, “How We Sleep At campy/creepy horror imagery, pop stars, a Night,” was an immediate hit, and now Jamie handful of young actors who look like Matt Lee Curtis has optioned the rights and will play Bomer, although to be fair we’re just guessing Cunningham in an original TV movie of the here – with a familiar cast of AHS regulars. The same name for the A+E Networks brand. Sally COVID-19 pandemic shut down production Robinson will write the script. It’s a passion of just about everything in the entertainment project for Curtis, and though the production business, so the project is currently on stoppage in Hollywood has put everything in indefinite hold with very little information limbo, we’ve tagged this future night-in-with- available. But the folks on that Zoom call, basic-cable as must-see television already. people like Sarah Paulson, Emma Roberts, There will be crying. Kathy Bates, Denis O’Hare, Finn Wittrock and Angela Bassett, can probably expect an offer Kim Cattrall owns from their agents soon enough. everything in ‘Filthy Rich’ Jim Parsons produces a Tate Taylor, the gay director behind “The Help” and “Ma,” has a new show coming soon lesbian sitcom from Fox called “Filthy Rich,” and from the HBO Max has put “Beth & Sam” into sound of it, it’s something we need to see right development, a half-hour single-camera this minute. A cross between “Empire”’s take comedy from Emily Wilson (“The Conners”), on “King Lear” with a huge helping of Jim “My Boys” creator Betsy Thomas, and Jim Bakker and a dash of the moneyed tackiness Parsons (who’s currently slashing and burning of HBO’s comedy “Righteous Gemstones,” his way through Netflix’s wild-eyed Ryan it’s the story of an Evangelical televangelism Murphy series “Hollywood” as the gay villain media empire in chaos. The recently deceased to end them all). “Beth & Sam” is a romantic patriarch (Gerald McRaney, “Major Dad”) comedy about two female friends – one queer, leaves behind children nobody knew about, one heterosexual – who are not a couple, but children he included in his will, and widow who’re doing what sounds like a “When Harry Kim Cattrall must step in and take control of Met Sally” dance around the inevitable. There’s all that money, even if it means playing dirty. no cast and there’s no timetable, but we will “Filthy Rich” is based on a New Zealand series watch literally any series about lesbianism of the same name, and the retro soapiness conquering all, especially while we’re waiting includes religious mania, plane crashes, for another season of the new “L Word.” Advice vengeful cocktail waitresses, weed farmers, to this show: keep them apart until at least the sexy secrets and, we’re just going to assume, beginning of Season 2, and while we know some extreme costuming for Cattrall. It’s that Hollywood loves a femme lesbian at all coming soon from Fox. Just not soon enough. times, please give us at least one handsome butch woman to root for, even if that person is a sidekick-style character. We, the future fans, are a demanding bunch.

Romeo San Vicente is wearing his mask.

24 BTL | May 28, 2020 www.PrideSource.com 41 More of the quote 21 Rudy Galindo’s milieu 43 Characters in the navy 22 Homophobes, e.g. 44 Winter product prefix, in ads 25 Kid-lit elephant 45 Lawyers’ thing 26 “You’ll Never Walk ___” 46 ___ Paolo Pasolini 27 Sees to 48 Normandy city 28 Kind of fingerprint 49 Eagle’s org. 29 Queer spelling of an Alaskan 50 Stand next to Cassatt dome 54 End of the quote 31 Loads of 60 Suspect’s defense in an Ellen 32 Public spectacle Hart novel 33 “Rubber Capital of the World” 61 “But of course!” 36 Lesbos, e.g. 63 Solemn sound 37 Meas. of speed 64 Sch. for your first mate 39 Schooner features 65 Went head to head 42 “Kinsey” title role portrayer 66 Makes more bearable Neeson 67 Cho’s “I’m the One ___ I Want” 47 Discuss to death 68 Dumbo’s “wings” 48 Cut 49 Source book for “Dreamcoat” 51 Allstate rival Down 52 Dottie did this behind the plate in There are hundreds of 1 Hermit’s home “A League of Their Own” businesses that advertise Q Puzzle 2 Arthur of the AIDS Quilt 53 Cont. of Ibiza and Mykonos in BTL and welcome Music Royalty 19 Prevent, with “off” 3 Rupert Everett’s “___ Life” 54 Overdo it at South Beach everyone. 20 Start of a quote by Little Richard 4 Government sponsored pirate 55 Bone in a limp wrist (1932-2020) 5 Nuts 56 Butch lesbian accessories Across 23 Perfect serves from Billie Jean 6 Affleck’s “Chasing Amy” crush 57 Carpenter’s connector Invest in equality and 1 It requires several G-strings 24 Language suffix 7 Future queen of “Star Wars” 58 “East of Eden” director Kazan work with businesses that 5 Start of a “South Pacific” song 25 Pancake mixture 8 Dr. Jones’s nickname 59 NY Met, for one support Michigan’s LGBTQ 9 One who often screws actors 28 Understand, to Kerouac 9 Targets of tops 62 Meas. of a braggart? 14 Friendly opening community! 30 Poet Gidlow 10 Have an O 15 Genie portrayer Barbara 34 Toward shelter 11 Porter’s “Well, Did You ___” 16 Cut 35 More of the quote 12 Campbell of “The Company” 17 Ethnic cuisine type 38 Lisa of “The Lathe of Heaven” 13 Threesome for Marcella Hazan 18 Police incursion at Stonewall 40 Sailor’s tool? Clues P. 18

www.PrideSource.com BTL | May 28, 2020 25 26 BTL | May 28, 2020 www.PrideSource.com