Royal Oak Group Attacks LGBT Citizens

Stoli Steps Up At Lansing’s Pride

Dev Chats Before Detroit Gig

Ross Mathews On Michigan Pride & His New Talk Show

WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM AUG. 22, 2013 | VOL. 2134 | FREE 2 BTL | Aug. 22, 2013 www.PrideSource.com COVER 20 Inside out Photo: Austin Young

Royal Oak Group Attacks LGBT Citizens

Stoli Steps Up At Lansing’s Pride Dev Chats Before Detroit Gig “

– Dev, page 24

Ross Mathews On Michigan Pride & HisAUG. New 22, 2013 Talk | VOL. 2124Show | FREE

WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM NEWS ” 4 F erndale mayor’s race more than Join The Conversation @ PrideSource.com just a gay ‘duel’ 5 Michig an companies make finalist SIGN THE PLEDGE ENTER TO WIN HELP WANTED list for Outie Awards 6 Stoli steps up at Michigan Pride 6 Cedar Point cancels wedding contest rather than include gay couples 7 Royal Oak group attacks LGBT citizens 8 T om Zerafa talks 40 years out of the closet 11 Gary Peters talks senate campaign at Harrisville Equalityfest 16 Mich. Health Dept. puts HIV criminal law review ‘on hold’ OPINION 14 Viewpoint Join The Voter Education Project Today Win Tickets To Les Michigan Pride Volunteers 15 Parting Glances Miserables At The Baldwin BTL is seeking volunteers for 17 Creep of the Week a community outreach project We’re at a pivotal moment with a ton of momentum – now’s the time to Win two vouchers to see Les throughout the June Pride season. LIFE act. Sign up at www.Pridesource.com/VEP.html to receive information Miserables, the theatrical Volunteers will work with BTL to 24 A different Dev about pro-LGBT candidates next election cycle and help the Unity sensation that has won standing collect contact information of those 27 Hear Me Out Michigan Coalition fight for discrimination at the state and local level. ovations in theaters around the who are interested in furthering 29 Performer finds ‘Other Voice’ in world! Performing at 8 p.m. nondiscrimination policies and cancer play Sept. 6 at the Baldwin Theatre. learning which candidates are pro- 30 Happenings Enter online at Pridesource.com/ LGBT come election season. 34 Cool Cities: Ferndale tickets_contest.html 40 Puzzle E-mail [email protected] for 41 Deep Inside Hollywood more information or to sign up.

VOL. 2134 • AUG 2, 2013 • ISSUE 828 EDITORIAL CREATIVE ADVERTISING & SALES Business Office Editor in Chief Art Director Director of Sales Diane Smith, [email protected] PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA GROUP Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 12 Benjamin Jenkins, [email protected] Jan Stevenson, 734.293.7200 x 22 Circulation & Distribution 11920 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48150 [email protected] [email protected] Phone 734.293.7200 Webmaster & MIS Director Diane Smith Entertainment Editor Kevin Bryant, [email protected] Sales Representatives PUBLISHERS Chris Azzopardi, 734.293.7200 x 24 Ed Bohach, 734.293.7200 x 15 ONLINE AT Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson [email protected] Contributing Writers [email protected] Charles Alexander, Michelle E. 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Between The Lines is supported by many Andrew Potter fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for claims Providing Content and Community to LGBT Media Calendar Editor made by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for Sign up online to receive our E–Digest Copyright 2013 Pride Source Media Group, LLC Shelby Clark, [email protected] materials provided by advertisers or their agents. www.PrideSource.com Aug. 22, 2013 | BTL 3 Ferndale Mayoral Candidates from left: Ferndale Mayor Dave Coulter, Sherry Wells, Linda Parton and Craig Covey will be running Nov. 5. Ferndale Mayor’s Race More Than Just A Gay ‘Duel,’ Four On Ballot For Nov. 5 BY CRYSTAL A. PROXMIRE demographics, the two lesser-known Parton filed petitions on Aug. 13. She opponents are women. is 55 years old and the mother of three FERNDALE - The Ferndale election Sherry Wells, who is a Democrat, sons, one daughter and two stepsons. has already garnered international has lived in Ferndale for 25 years She was the leader of the Ferndale attention. USA Today ran an article and was part of the Charter Revision Cub Scout Pack 1245 for five years about the challenge. The Detroit Free Commission in the 1990s. She and her and has held the positions of vice Press called it a “duel.” The Washington daughter live near downtown. She is a president and secretary for the Ferndale Times headline says “Michigan Mayoral former member of the Ferndale Rotary, Elementary PTA. She has volunteered to Race Pits Gay Man vs. Gay Man,” part of Ferndale Seniors, a former do photography for the Ferndale High and even says, “Some gays worry the member of the Ferndale Area Chamber School Musical program, and she is race might cause divide and suggest that former mayor Craig Covey’s run will actually turn back the clock on homosexual rights with his attacks on Having a gay candidate for mayor of Ferndale the current mayor Dave Coulter.” And while it is true that having is so late 1990s. It’s not a story anymore and Michigan’s first openly-gay elected “ mayor running against its second is a never should’ve been in the first place. rare occurrence, in Ferndale the focus is more about the issues. Most local residents care more about the issues ”- Ferndale resident Chris Ernest facing the city than about the sexual orientation of their elected officials. “Having a gay candidate for mayor of Ferndale is so late 1990s. It’s not a of Commerce and has been a consistent active at Woodlawn Church in Royal story anymore and never should’ve been presence at council meetings giving Oak. She works as a photographer and in the first place,” said Ferndale resident announcements about various events. is listed on her Facebook page as a Chris Ernest. “The people of the city of She was especially vocal on the issue of conservative. “One definite item I will Ferndale have always been a brother and creating a noise ordinance for the city. work on, will be to cost effectively sisterhood of kindred spirits that believe At a recent city council meeting she eliminate the new parking ‘Pay Stations’ we are all one. There is no such thing as said that she gathered 120 signatures by Digital,” she said. “No one likes gay, or black or white in Ferndale. It’s to get her name on the ballot, with 42 them, residents, visitors and businesses being a part of something cool!” percent of them are on the east side of alike.” the city. “Your mayor should be the face These two candidates, who have of Ferndale and I will do that for you,” significantly less experience with Two Other Candidates Wells said, noting that because she does campaigning and public office, are For one thing, the race is not just not work full time she has more time easily overlooked by the media. Both between two gay men. There are two to devote to community involvement. Coulter and Covey are seasoned other candidates running for the office. Linda Parton and her husband Joe politicians and public community For what it’s worth to those who track have lived in Ferndale for 23 years. activists. Not only have they worked for

4 BTL | Aug. 22, 2013 www.PrideSource.com Michigan Companies Make

Of course, it’s historic for Michigan and nationally and demonstrates Finalist List For Outie Awards “the degree of acceptance of openly LGBT candidates and elected Out & Equal Conference To Honor Excellence in Workplace Oct. 28 officials in Ferndale and Southeast Michigan. In many ways, their sexual orientation is no more of an issue than their height or hair color... BY BTL STAFF “The finalists for the The Out & Equal Workplace Outie Awards are people Summit will bring together 3,000 and groups who have - Mark LaChey, chair of the Michigan Democratic” LGBT Caucus business leaders in human resources and diversity professionals, employee brought real change resource group leaders, executive sponsors, LGBT employees and allies to the world. With for a four-day conference to examine the Employment Non- equality in the LGBT community of the Ferndale Community is no more of an issue than issues of sexual orientation and gender and ending the AIDS epidemic, Foundation, Ferndale Youth their height or hair color... identity in the workplace beginning Discrimination Act being Oct. 28 - Oct. 31 in Minneapolis, they have each worked on other Assistance and is leading the truly a non-issue. Especially considered in the U.S. issues that have nothing to do push to decriminalize marijuana when considering that the third Minn. with being gay. in the city. and fourth candidates are not On Aug. 15 the organization Senate, we look to leaders Coulter is involved in the “I am not running against running as the anti-gay or announced the finalists in three Democratic Party. He is one of anyone. I am running for the straight alternative to Dave and categories who will be considered for like the Outie finalists the vice chairs of the statewide people of Ferndale,” he’s stated Craig. This may be the ultimate the agency’s coveted Outie Awards. to make workplace LGBT caucus, but before that several times. His issues involve evolution of LGBT politics Out & Equal Workplace Advocates’ he served as chair of the 9th concern over government (or that of any other minority) annual awards recognizes individuals equality a reality,” congressional district. He served spending, including the new where candidates are judged on and organizations who are leaders in four terms as Oakland county parking system. He blames the their qualifications, records and advancing equality for LGBT people - Out & Equal’s Founder commissioner (2002-2010), was current council for the city’s high the issues,” LaChey said. in workplaces around the globe. and CEO Selisse Berry on the Human Rights Ordinance water bills and “the feeling that Residents are less inclined to Two Michigan based companies, Dow Chemical and Whirlpool will committee of 1999, and served some city government activities care, perhaps since they’ve had others to transform their workplaces.” on the library board from 2004- are getting more complicated, one gay mayor or the other for be considered for The Workplace Excellence Award which, “recognizes Individuals and companies were 2005. He was the executive more complex and less efficient.” over a decade now. “Sexuality nominated for the Outies during director of the Michigan AIDS has nothing to do with it, they an employer that has an ongoing commitment to workplace equality, the past several months. A selection Fund and is currently program are two very unique candidates. committee determined the finalists for officer for Children’s Hospital Friend Against Friend May the best one win,” said demonstrated by unquestioned leadership, dedication and innovation the each award. An independent panel of Michigan. He’s been mayor The race does pit friend Ferndale resident Keith Eagles. on behalf of LGBT employees of business and community leaders since 2011, and is running on against friend, and the salacious Having Covey running everywhere.” will determine the winners based on a platform of financial health national media may only be against Coulter may seem like Howard Ungerleider, a Dow information and references provided for the city, making it more doing what is expected of them. revolution or like drama to Chemical employee, has also been for each finalist. business-friendly, building Comments on regional and the larger press, but at a local named as a finalist for the Champion The awards given this year in three strong community through parks national news sites vary from level it’s no secret that the men Award, “which recognizes a non- categories are: and a clean sweep program, and jokes about missing Detroit city share many of the same friends LGBT person who has played a pivotal The Champion Award Finalists: looking at quality of life for council President Charles Pugh and voter base. The potential role in advancing equal treatment of Jenny Garretson VA (Jesse Brown residents. returning to Ferndale to make it a consequence of splitting that LGBT employees.” VA Medical Center) While Covey is also a threesome, to a quip about voting voter base may just mean that Through the Outies, Out & Equal Howard Ungerleider (Dow Democrat, he’s better known for for the one who has the most Liza the city could end up losing their provides the business and LGBT Chemical) the way he parties than sticking Minelli paraphernalia. And of status as the only city with a communities with examples of Eileen Taylor (Deutsche Bank) to party politics. His forte is course a slew of bigots hoping gay mayor. In that case it could innovative approaches and proven Cathy Bessant (Bank of America) creating grand events like the neither of them win, using the be the second time there has successes that create safe and equitable The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Ferndale Pub Crawl, the Ferndale contest as evidence that LGBT been a female one, with Mayor workplaces for the world’s LGBT Transgender Employee Resource Blues Festival and Ferndale people are dramatic. Pamela McCullough who was workforce. The award winners are Group of the Year Award Finalists: Pride, as ways to raise money But it also is indicative elected to serve as mayor in selected from a pool of highly qualified PRIDE (Lockheed Martin) for charities. Covey served on of a more peaceful larger 1994. And while there are many finalists. LGBTA Business Council (Target) city council from 2000-2007 circumstance – greater LGBT women in political offices, “The finalists for the Outie Awards GLBOAL (Johnson & Johnson) before becoming the first openly acceptance. the media still likes to portray are people and groups who have Working With Pride (Boehringer gay elected mayor in Michigan Mark LaChey, chair of the female leadership as rare and brought real change to the world. With Ingelheim) in 2008. In 2010 he gave up Michigan Democratic LGBT progressive. the Employment Non-Discrimination The Workplace Excellence Award the seat when he won the seat Caucus put the race in a broader Whether this turns into a Act being considered in the U.S. Finalists: on the county commission left perspective. “Of course, it’s clichéd battle of the sexes, a Senate, we look to leaders like the Whirlpool vacant by Coulter when Coulter historic for Michigan and duel between two gay men, or Outie finalists to make workplace Dow Chemical gave it up in an unsuccessful nationally and demonstrates an all-around royal rumble, to equality a reality,” said Out & Equal’s Bank of America run for State Senate. Covey was the degree of acceptance of those who live in the community Founder and CEO Selisse Berry. Eli Lilly & Company the CEO of Michigan AIDS openly LGBT candidates and the diversity and debate over “The Outie Awards are an important Prevention Project, which elected officials in Ferndale and everyday issues are all just For more information about the Summit opportunity to honor these leaders’ later became Michigan AIDS Southeast Michigan. In many Ferndale normal. and to register visit http://outandequal. commitment, celebrate their successes, Coalition. He’s on the board ways, their sexual orientation org/summit-2013. and most of all, an occasion to inspire www.PrideSource.com Aug. 22, 2013 | BTL 5 BRIEFS Stoli Steps Up As Michigan Pride KGLRC Partnership Provides Seniors Sponsor Amid Boycott

With Support BY CRYSTAL A. PROXMIRE “We at Michigan Pride believe such attitude and actions. Indeed, as a company that encourages transparency and The Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource LANSING - Stoli has been in a tough that Stoli is committed to fairness, we are upset and angry. Stolichnaya Center, in partnership with Area Agency on place lately. With LGBT people around the Vodka has always been, and continues to be Aging IIIA, will launch the Guide to Long world looking for ways to protest against the LGBT community. There a fervent supporter and friend to the LGBT Term Care Planning, Resources and Services Russian human rights atrocities against gays, have been constructive community. We also thank the community for the LGBT Community Aug. 27, along with some have taken to the idea of boycotting for having adopted Stoli as their vodka of a showing of the film “Gen Silent.” Russian Vodka. The problem is that Stoli is conversations between SPI preference,” Mendeleev wrote. “The guide will serve as a tool for the LGBT not the Russian government, and in fact the community and their allies as they navigate corporation that makes Stoli Vodka actually Group, Stoli, and the Michigan the unique financial, health and social needs supports LGBT equality. Pride board of directors to Michigan Pride Aug. 24 associated with the overlap of ageism with The company has gone to great strides to Michigan Pride takes place Aug. 24 in homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. The clear its name, and Michigan LGBT people express Michigan Pride’s Lansing, and is the perfect time for people intention of this project, which was made are among those Stoli wants to woo. To that input on how Stoli can better from all over the state to come together possible with funding from the Kalamazoo end, Stoli has come on as a Main Stage Level and march as one to the steps of the State Community Foundation, is to also support Sponsor for the Michigan Pride 24th Annual continue to support the LGBT Capitol. There is a march, rally and festival the training of care providers employed with Michigan Pride Diversity Festival. full of music, vendors and opportunities for nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home “This sponsorship will go a long way to community, here and abroad.” connection and advocacy. care agencies and other types of long-term care help Michigan Pride remain profitable, and of directors to express Michigan Pride’s Leading the event this year will be Ross providers,” read KGLRC’s press release. directly assist efforts to provide a much Matthews, who is known as “Ross the The film “Gen Silent” will be screened at input on how Stoli can better continue to needed LGBT Resource and Community support the LGBT community, here and Intern” by his fans. Ross the Intern started the Aug. 27 event at 4 p.m. at Little Theater Center to Lansing’s LGBTQ+ and allied out his career as an intern on The Tonight at Western Michigan University. Directed and abroad.” citizens,” said Michigan Pride organizers Those who visit the Stoli website will Show with Jay Leno, and has gone on to produced by award winning filmmaker Stu in a recent press release. make regular appearances on Celebrity Fit Maddux, this critically acclaimed documentary see statements about the Stoli relationship “Stoli’s has been a supporter of the LGBT with the LGBT community. A letter from Club, The Insider and Chelsea Lately. Ross invites viewers to walk with six LGBT seniors community and LGBT events around the is gay, and has written a book about his as they face the challenges of accessing services CEO Val Mendeleev explains that Stoli world for many years. By accepting this is actually headquartered in Latvia, an experience going from a small-town closeted in the long-term health care system. The award sponsorship, Michigan Pride, as well as kid and celebrity fan, to being famous winning documentary film, and its accompanying independent European Union state that was our organization’s additional sponsors, are once part of the Soviet Union. The letter himself. The book is called Man Up!: Tales cultural competency training curriculum, will confident that we are forging a relationship of My Delusional Self-Confidence, and it’s provide understanding and training for long- lists sponsorships of LGBT events over the with a company that reflects similar the core years and around the world, including in promoted as “a mission statement for anyone term care staff in Kalamazoo County, as well values of Michigan Pride. We at Michigan who doesn’t fit the mold.” as other health care professionals. South Africa, Vienna and Tel Aviv. They Pride believe that Stoli is committed to have many long-term partnerships in the Call 269-349-4234 to RSVP . the LGBT community. There have been Learn more about Michigan Pride at http://www. United States as well. michiganpride.org/. Learn more about Stoli at constructive conversations between SPI “I want to stress that Stoli firmly opposes Oshtemo Township Ordinance Group, Stoli, and the Michigan Pride board http://www.stoli.com/#lgbt. Reading Coming Up On Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. at 7275 West Main Street, the second reading of Oshtemo Cedar Point Cancels Wedding Contest Township’s nondiscrimination ordinance will take place. Anti-equality supporters voiced their opinions against the ordinance at the first Rather Than Include Gay Couples reading, and organizers want to make sure the Township Board knows how important BY CRYSTAL A. PROXMIRE Since receiving feedback from LGBT although in a statement to the Sandusky this ordinance is. They are asking for people couples, the theme park has decided to end Register, Cedar Point spokesperson Bryan who live or work in Oshtemo, to come speak, Sandusky, OH – Cedar Point, a theme the promotion. A brief statement on their Edawards said, “When the promotion write a letter, or just attend. RSVP for the park well-known to LGBT Michiganders website says, “It’s time to have a moment. logistics started to take on political meeting online (https://docs.google.com/a/kglrc. who flock to their unofficial Gay Day each “Real talk,” as people are calling it. undertones, as indicated by several guests org/forms/d/1LmZjEditRdxUPYd52OAFR53z June, has decided to cancel a wedding day “We’ve evaluated the 13 weddings who gave us feedback, it was decided that x2ehO3RXHtvY24huJJo/viewform) and make contest rather than open it up to same-sex promotion we recently announced and based now is not the best time for this event. Cedar sure to also join the Facebook event at www. couples. on your feedback, we’ve decided that this Point does not take any official stance on facebook.com/events/620149814673583/?utm_ The contest was for 13 couples to be isn’t the right time for the event. political issues.” source=KGLRC+Mailing+List&utm_ married in a horror-show-themed ceremony “However, on Friday the 13th, we do have The report indicated that not only were campaign=77de3ea40f-KGLRC_ on Friday the 13th of September, the kickoff a new haunted house for you to explore – and there to be new hetersexual marriages, but eNews_8_20_138_17_2013&utm_ for HalloWeekends. The rules of the contest in the coming days, you’ll get a seriously heterosexual couples who wanted to renew medium=email&utm_term=0_d7f8aadeb9- were clear however, due to marriage laws in sinister sneak peek. Stay tuned.” their vows could also have taken part in the 77de3ea40f-28988825 Ohio, weddings are limited to male-female Their “real talk,” mentioned nothing ceremony. couples only. about the reasons the contest was canceled,

6 BTL | Aug. 22, 2013 www.PrideSource.com Royal Oak Group Attacks LGBT Citizens

BY CRYSTAL A. PROXMIRE rights to gay people. But what it actually does is gives gay people the same access to public ROYAL OAK - The fight to protect businesses as everyone else. The ordinance Royal Oak’s Human Rights Ordinance is in does not force it upon religious institutions. full swing as both sides have launched their And under Health Concerns they cherry- websites and social media pages. pick statistics and studies sometimes over a Just Royal Oak, the group opposed to the decade old, to make the claim that, “Judging by human rights ordinance on the Nov. 5 ballot, the years of life at risk, homosexual behavior has launched a webpage showing their disdain is up to three times deadlier than smoking. for the “homosexual lifestyle” and trying to Although society condemns, restricts, and convince readers that gays are seeking “special spends millions of tax dollars to discourage rights” at the expense of the constitutional the use of tobacco, many citizens advocate rights of others. the social acceptance of homosexual behavior The site has sections for Privacy, Health that results in significant health risks. Our and Legal Concerns, all of which play off laws should discourage ANY behavior that stereotypes rather than giving complete increases risk of disease and shortens life information. expectancy.” Under Privacy Concerns they say, Just Royal Oak has also launched a “Traditionally society has protected women Facebook page, which had just 62 “likes” at and girls by setting aside ‘female-only’ areas, the time of this article’s production. Two local including restrooms; locker rooms; communal women seem to be dominating the posts. showers; hospital bed assignments; prisons; Fighting against the outdated data and sports competitions; support groups; rape stereotypes is the One Royal Oak campaign. crisis centers; women’s shelters; women’s Dave Garcia, Executive Director of colleges; sex-based crime statistics; and Affirmations, said, “If you want to motivate women’s health resources, statistics, and your friends, go to that website,” and One research endowments. So-called ‘human Royal Oak field organizer Megan Cece called rights’ ordinances, such as the one being it “disgusting.” placed before Royal Oak voters as Proposal A, institute ‘gender identity protections’ and eliminate sex-based protections for One Royal Oak Seeks women and girls. This means that any male To Educate So far the One Royal Oak campaign says Fighting against the outdated they have knocked on 5,000 doors and been data and stereotypes is the working to build bridges with local businesses and churches. “We need volunteer efforts,” One Royal Oak campaign. Cece said. “We are working out butts off 24/7.” Allison VanKuiken, who is leading the One can identify himself as ‘female’ and enter Royal Oak campaign, says that combating previously protected areas at will.” the negative information is a priority. “The Under Legal Concerns, Just Royal Oak only real issues we’ve run into are cases of gives several examples of pushback against misinformation at the doors or on the phones discrimination, only one of which is a case and even then most people are pretty polite,” where a local nondiscrimination ordinance she said. was in place. In 2012, Hands On Originals, a “As people are learning about the work we local printing company, refused to fill an order are doing and what’s at stake in Royal Oak, for a gay organization that wanted t-shirts for more folks have been expressing interest and a pride event. Because there was an ordinance asking about the campaign.” VanKuiken says in place, the organization was able to make getting volunteers involved to help spread the a complaint. Just like a business that serves proper information is what is most needed to the public is not allowed to turn away people make their campaign successful. because of their skin color, their age, their To learn more about the One Royal Oak religion or other factors that seem obvious, campaign, check out their website at http:// businesses that operate in communities with oneroyaloak.wordpress.com/. Their Facebook inclusive human rights ordinances cannot turn page has 595 “likes” at the time of this article’s away people just because they are gay. The production. Find them at https://www. Just Royal Oak site claims this gives special facebook.com/OneRoyalOak. www.PrideSource.com Aug. 22, 2013 | BTL 7 Janice Daniels Running For Troy Tom Zerafa Talks About His City Council 40 Years Out Of The Closet TROY - Ousted Troy Mayor Janice Daniels is back in the political ring, this time running BY CRYSTAL A. PROXMIRE for Troy city council. Daniels was recalled in November 2012 after bringing the city into OAK PARK - There are those in the LGBT the national limelight by famously posting on community who spend their lives working Facebook, “I think I am going to throw away tirelessly behind the scenes that make the small steps and big strides possible. Perpetual my ‘I Love New York’ carrying bag now that volunteer Tom Zerafa of Oak Park is one such queers can get married there.” man. And at 62 years of age one thing that is The group Recall Janice Daniels listed several interesting is not that he puts much thought reasons why the Tea Party Republican was unfit into his birthdays, but instead puts his focus to be their mayor. Among them, in an awkward on a 40 year milestone – the anniversary of attempt to explain her Facebook anti-gay slur, his coming out. she told a group of students she would “bring Each year he celebrates his coming out in psychiatrists who will tell you that the anniversary with a party to raise money for homosexual lifestyle is dangerous.” LGBT charities. This particular day has had The group was also offended by a “position such a profound effect on his life, and he paper” Daniels read at a city council meeting feels that sharing it with others is not only a joy, but a responsibility. “Coming out is where she avoided council rules and insulted the so important. The worst thing is to stay in a city manager and staff. Daniels also refused to perpetual closet and hate yourself,” he said. take an oath of office recognizing the city charter Zerafa was raised in a Catholic home, and and worked hard to undermine a Multi-Modal spent most of his career as a teacher and as a and Lesbian Council. He was a volunteer for international rights. We aren’t doing any work Transit Center that had been in the works for music minister at the Archdiocese of Detroit. Triangle, and among other things is currently with these groups. More often than not, I find over a decade. His parents learned of his sexuality when he on the Board of Michigan Coalition for that I’m the lone gay face and gay voice in Voters removed her from office with 52.2 was 22-years-old. He’d been sick and in bed Human Rights; is the Regional Coordinator some of these organizations. If we don’t start when they traveled to Michigan from their percent (20,763 votes) in favor of the recall, and for Move On.org, and is involved in the building these bridges now, how do we expect home in Florida. His mother came into his 47.8 percent (18,993 votes) opposed. Affirmations Faith Task Force. people to support us when we’re trying to bedroom, but his father remained in the living Now Daniels is back, running for one of three gain even basic civil room and took the opportunity to look at the open city council seats in a pool of 11 candidates. rights in this state? books and magazines on Zerafa’s bookshelf. The requirement to get on the ballot for Troy city These are people “I got a letter a couple of weeks later,” council is only 60 signatures, much fewer than that will support us, he said. “My mother was nice about it. She but we’ve got to the 9,000 signatures that were gathered to bring said she hoped that I was feeling better, and My life is not about me. It’s about service meet them half way. the issue of her removal onto the ballot in 2012. that my father had been ‘confused’ by the “I’ve been told by Terms last for four years. literature he saw in my apartment.” Zerafa and I intend to do just that until my last breath. My people I’m wasting She will face incumbents Ed Pennington said that while they struggled with it at first, “ my time. No I’m and Wade Flemming and newcomers Olimpiu they were never mean or judgmental with bags are packed whenever God is ready to take me. not. I’m building him and have long since been comfortable Apahidean, Steve Gottlieb, Ellen Hodorek, I have no regrets in my life, just work to do. bridges.” with who he is. Thomas Kuhn, Rodger Walters, Scott Welborn, His advice to With his parents in Florida, Zerafa took the Jim Werpetinski and Neil Yashinsky. young people faced family values he grew up with and applied - Tom Zerafa with coming out is them to the dynamics of his chosen family. ” simple and strong. “When I found ‘the family’ finally, I came out “Stay focused. Find of a strong ethnic background, and you pull something you have your own weight when you’re a member of passion to do. Make the family. Everybody’s got responsibility. “My life is not about me. It’s about service sure your passion isn’t just about you. Make You pay your dues. That’s what being part of and I intend to do just that until my last sure your passion helps someone else, don’t a family is. I grew up with that ethic,” he said. breath. My bags are packed whenever God hold it back. Life is too short. Share your “And when I came out and found my other is ready to take me. I have no regrets in my passion. Not just with one individual. The family, it was time to start paying my dues. I life, just work to do,” he said. community needs your gifts. And don’t let wasn’t going to sit around and be a bar fly or The lesson of the last 40 years is one he’s anybody tell you that you can’t do something. be the little sexpot, I had time for that later.” not quite been able to impart to others as well That’s so important. I know a lot of young Zerafa got involved with many as he’d like. people are very repressed.” organizations and projects over the years, “In many cases we’ve gone forward, that Zerafa is currently volunteering with including Triangle Foundation. He has we have organizations now that fit every the One Royal Oak Campaign, heading up also been involved in dozens of other need and breed in our community, but their faith-community outreach. He is also organizations and projects. Early on, he was we’re not doing any outreach to our allies. taking culinary classes in hopes of one day part of the Wayne State Gay and Lesbian I belong to three peace action groups. I starting up a soup kitchen in the Oak Park or Liberation Front from 1973-1986. In the 80s belong to the Sierra Club. I belong to several Ferndale area. he was also part of Dignity Detroit Area Gay other organizations that are talking about

8 BTL | Aug. 22, 2013 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Aug. 22, 2013 | BTL 9 The Gleave/Brewer family of Oscoda enjoying the Harrisville festivities. BTL photo: Crystal Proxmire. Harrisville Equalityfest Brings Pride To NE Mich.

BY CRYSTAL A. PROXMIRE Hammond has experienced warmth first hand in the community as well. “My daughter HARRISVILLE - Way up north along the and daughter-in-law were legally married in Lake Huron shoreline is a town of less than Connecticut. It’s their 11 year anniversary of 500 people called Harrisville, Michigan. The being committed, and they’ve been legally town became the home of the region’s first married five years. Our family picture is right Equalityfest last weekend, attracting over up on the wall of the church, and no one has 100 LGBT people and allies to the day of ever had anything negative to say about it,” celebration and education. he said. Guests came from as far away as the Detroit Patty Wackerly came up from Flint for area, with several being “up north” anyway to Equalityfest. The prior weekend she had escape the massive Woodward Dream Cruise. traveled down to Ferndale for the Transgender Others drove for miles through rural Michigan Pride in the Park picnic, and earlier this year to be part of the event. she went to Flint Pride. “I don’t consider Rev. Steven Hammond of Alpena myself transgender,” she said. “I’m just a Presbyterian Church came south about half guy who likes to dress up. But I feel for an hour to attend. He has lived in several places transgender people. I don’t struggle because through the country, but landed in Alpena nine I am comfortable when I am a man and when years ago. When asked if Alpena is welcoming I am a woman. But I think of the struggles to the LGBT community, Hammond said transgender people go through and I want to optimistically, “It is improving.” Recently a help support them, support their rights and so 25 year old drowned, and the tragedy brought they can feel accepted.” Wackerly has cross- the community together, he said. The young dressed in private at various times in life, but man was gay, and had been bullied in school. only began being Patty publically this past “His death made people rethink their behavior. year. “I love it,” she said. “Everybody’s been People were not kind to him, but this reminded nice so far.” She said she is careful about where them to think about how they treat people. It’s she goes, opting for art galleries and antique led to a lot of good conversations.” See Harrisville, page 13

10 BTL | Aug. 22, 2013 www.PrideSource.com U.S. Cong. Gary Peters Talks About Senate Campaign At Harrisville Equalityfest BY CRYSTAL A. PROXMIRE some unique characteristics. “I’ve got an interesting District now that winds through Congressman Gary Peters is expecting a the Greater Detroit Area,” Peters explained. tough battle as he vies for the U.S. Senate seat “It’s kind of an example of gerrymandering; that will be left vacant after 36-year-Senator in fact the New York Times did a story about Carl Levin ends his term in 2014. Peters, a the five ugliest Districts in America. My Democrat from West Bloomfield, is already District ranked number four on the list of the crisscrossing the state looking for support. And five ugliest Districts. But that’s only for the on Aug. 17 he made a surprise appearance at way it was drawn. It really is an incredibly the Harrisville Equalityfest to talk about equal diverse district, one that I’m very proud rights issues and the challenges his campaign to represent, that stretches from the city of faces. Pontiac, through West Bloomfield, Farmington “It’s going to be a long, tough race. There’s Hills, Southfield, into Detroit, all of the Grosse going to be a lot of money spent,” he said. Points, to the Downtown area south of the Ambassador Bridge. It’s a District that brings Oakland County and Wayne County together.” But regardless of who he represents, Peters sees commonalities. “I find that people all care about the same things. People want good paying jobs. They want to have safe neighborhoods, affordable health care, to be able to retire with dignity,” he said. “When it comes to LGBT issues… these are issues I fought for, for many, many years. In fact, I was a supporter of marriage equality before it was as popular as it is now. Years and years ago, in fact when I ran for Attorney General in 2002, I was very outspoken in support of marriage equality. And in fact, the number one ad they ran against me was the fact that I supported marriage equality in 2002. I was proud to take that position then, and I’m proud to take that position now. And thank God we’re making headway finally in that.” Peters is a member of the LGBT Caucus in U.S. Cong. Gary Peters addresses the Harrisville Congress, and one of the issues he fought for gathering Saturday. BTL photo: Crystal Proxmire. there was the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in “There is a slight Democratic majority in the the military. He served as a Lt. Commander in Senate, about five seats. There are a number the Navy and said that when he was there it did of seats that are going to be very difficult not matter what a person’s sexual orientation to hold… We will be targeted. I will have was, only that they were patriotic and willing millions and millions of dollars spent against to serve their country. me from these outside groups that come in, Along the lines of patriotism, Peters said, these Super PACs that will come in to try and “When you stand up for the U.S. Consitution, make sure that there is not a Democrat who when you stand up for equal rights, that means wins this U.S. Senate seat.” everybody in this country, not picking and So far, Peters’ main opponent seems to be choosing certain individuals. Everybody has former Secretary of State and former Kent equal rights. Bottom line, no exception.” County Clerk Terri Lynn Land, a Republican Watch the video of Peters at Harrisville from Byron Center near Grand Rapids. Equalityfest by visiting www.pridesource.com Currently Peters represents the 9th Learn more about his campaign at http:// Congressional District, which he says has petersformichigan.com. www.PrideSource.com Aug. 22, 2013 | BTL 11 Protestant Group Hires Trans Man As Executive Director

BY CHUCK COLBERT came out transgender to his ordination The new policy took effect in July committee last year. 2011. An LGBT advocacy organization The feature-length documentary film During a recent telephone conversation, within one of the nation’s foremost Out of Order chronicles the lives of three McNeill spoke about his appointment and Christian denominations announced its queer Presbyterians, including McNeill, plans for future advocacy within the new executive director, Alex McNeill, seeking to be ordained ministers in the Presbyterian Church (USA). who, in making history, becomes the first church. “Changing our standards around same- openly transgender leader of a mainline It was in July 2010 when Presbyterian sex marriage, allowing ministers to marry Protestant group. activists succeeded in dismantling a same-sex couples is a big priority,” he “I’m honored to join More Light gay ordination ban – dating back to said. Presbyterians, which has always been McNeill was referring to a 2012 on the forefront of the Christian tradition Pittsburgh gathering, or general of fostering acceptance for the most assembly, which failed to reformulate vulnerable among us,” said McNeil, church understanding of marriage to 30, in a press statement announcing his include gay and lesbian couples. appointment, which takes effect later Beyond securing marriage equality, this month. he said, “More Light wants to deepen “Following the risen Christ, and its welcome to LGBT people in our seeking to make the church a true churches. We know a lot of education community of hospitality,” the mission needs to be done, for example, to help of More Light Presbyterians (MLP), people feel better equipped to welcome based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, is “to transgender people. We also want to help work for the full participation of lesbian, folks who are believers in More Light gay, bisexual, transgender and queer to take their welcome out of the their people in the life, ministry and witness congregations and into their communities of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and and advocate for good causes and in society.” practices that affirms LGBT people as “Our search committee unanimously full citizens in the communities where chose Alex because he has a proven they live.” track record of leading and growing Alex McNeill is the new leader of More Light More Light Presbyterian’s operating Presbyterians. Photo Courtesy Alex McNeill organizations,” said Nathan Sobers, budget is approximately $300,000, and co-moderator of MLP. “We believe that McNeill’s salary is $78,000. he is uniquely qualified to lead More A North Carolina native and raised Light during this important moment in 1978 – during a meeting of the 2.1 “deeply Presbyterian,” McNeill said, the church.” million-member’s general assembly, a in addition to the denomination’s social In the secular arena, McNeill has gathering held in Minneapolis. There, justice ethic, “what my tradition has campaigned for ballot measures and the denomination’s highest governing taught me and reinforced is a belief that legislation to promote LGBT rights. For body voted to approve Amendment everyone has the ability to be a minister example, he served as communications 10-A, which deleted language in the or a change agent.” and development director and field denomination’s Book of Order that in “Ministers are people who are called director for Equality Maryland and was effect barred the ordination of non- out a community but not above a active last fall in the successful ballot celibate gay candidates by requiring community,” explained McNeill. “The measure that secured same-sex civil them “to live either in fidelity within the ability of people to be called, use their marriage in that state. covenant of marriage between a man and voices, and really make a difference,” Within his denomination, moreover, woman or chastity in singleness.” he added, “is one of my uniquely McNeill worked to secure ordination New language required that “the Presbyterian values.” equality for Presbyterians and celebrated governing body responsible for McNeill sees opportunities with that success by becoming the first openly ordination and/or installation shall congregations and communities for more transgender ministry candidate from examine each candidate’s calling, gifts, conversations and fuller discussions his home presbytery in western North preparation, and suitability.” about “what transgender means” and Carolina. But before the official change in “how we all have our identities and He holds a bachelor’s degree in church policy could be implemented, what can happen when we commonly religious studies from the University however, a majority of the 173 regional acknowledge” that reality, he said. of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and presbyteries were also required to “I like to encourage people to tell their a master of divinity from the Harvard approve the measure. gender stories and how they learned about Divinity School. That happened just over two years ago their gender identity,” said McNeill. McNeill came out as a lesbian at the when formal approval of Amendment “There are a lot of commonalities across age of 18 and to family and friends 10-A came with a favorable vote for it the transgender and non-transgender as transgender six years ago. At 22, by the Twin Cities presbytery, a regional spectrum.” he entered the ordination process and governing district.

12 BTL | Aug. 22, 2013 www.PrideSource.com Jessica Bassing of Germany with Zephry Gossett and Dawn Huaman of Harrisville.BTL photo: Crystal Proxmire.

Dawn Huaman says she gets strange looks ® Harrisville around town, but hasn’t had any problems. Continued from p. 10 Her friend Jessica Bassing happened to be in town from Germany and was excited to come shops where there isn’t much social pressure to the Harrisville Equalityfest. She’s been or interaction. to Pride events all over the world, including Harrisville itself is home to at least a handful Amsterdam the weekend before. of LGBT people. Dave Morey said, “As a gay “In Amsterdam the whole city gets involved man in northeast Michigan I like to see the in Pride. There are signs everywhere saying awareness there are LGBT people here. And ‘We’re with you,’” Bassing said. “This is not this gives a chance for us to invite the straight like Amsterdam, but it is nice to see this event people to come meet us and see what we’re and that people are trying to start one here.” like. We’re not here to steal your children or Many of the 100 or so attendees were allies whatever.” and people involved in progressive movements Morey grew up in Royal Oak, and spent in that area. The event was organized by much of his life out in California. He moved Harrisville Holistic Center, and the Alcona to Harrisville to “get away from it all,” and is County Democrats sold baked goods as a happy being single and spending time with fundraiser for their group. his friends, who are all straight. “I’ve met a Rev. Dr. Mel White of California came in few guys here and there who call themselves to be the keynote speaker, talking about his ‘bi-curious.’ No one uses the word gay up national movement called Soulforce and how here, it’s always ‘bi-curious.’ But apart from principles of Martin Luther King, Ghandi that there isn’t really any way for gay people and Jesus can be applied to the movement to meet each other. Craigslist a little bit, but for equality for all people. He stressed the even that is not very active. I’m okay with it. importance of loving one’s enemy and I’ve been fortunate that I’ve had a couple of recognizing the humanity that is in them. long term relationships in my life. I’m happy The event also attracted statewide political on my own.” attention, with State Sen. Rebekah Warren Though he is open about his sexuality, (D-Ann Arbor) giving a talk updating the Morey has only had two incidents where it public about what progress is being made was an issue. “There was one guy who I was towards equal rights. She has introduced bills friends with who said he couldn’t pal around for second parent adoption, marriage and civil with me anymore because he didn’t want rights protections, and said that a bi-partisan people to think he was gay. And I said ‘well move to amend Michigan’s civil rights law, okay,’ and that was it. Elliot Larson, is likely to happen in 2014. The other was one time I was up at the bar U.S. Rep. Gary Peters (D-MI 14) also and there was some women in bikinis on the spoke to the crowd about the need to support TV and one guy made a comment to me that candidates that are vocal about equal rights. a gal like that could turn a gay man straight. Peters is running for U.S. Senate and was on I had a good response to him though. I said an “up north” tour to meet potential voters. ‘You know what would really turn a gay man straight? A guy like you.’ That got a good laugh The Harrisville Holistic Center is the gathering and that was it. Most people up here are really place for progressives in the community. To follow laid back, or if they do have a problem with events happening there, check out their website at something they don’t say it.” http://www.harrisvilleholistic.org/. www.PrideSource.com Aug. 22, 2013 | BTL 13 Obama Awards Bayard Rustin The 50 years Of Marching And Still A Long Way To Go Presidential Medal of Freedom On August 8 the White House announced that Bayard Rustin, the trailblazing civil rights activist, would be posthumously positions that 50 years ago would have been to an elite few while more and more families awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, unthought-of and certainly unheard of. The slip into poverty; with LGBT employees living the highest civilian award in the U.S. roll call of change is lengthy but one name under the threat of losing their jobs just because Rustin was a key advisor to Martin sums it up – President Barack Obama. they’re gay; with women’s reproductive rights Luther King and the primary organizer of And it’s not just in the African American under attack; with LGBT families lacking legal the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs community, women have “come a long way protections of every other family; with voters and Freedom. Many Americans will be VIEWPOINT BY MICHELLE BROWN baby” with power houses like Meg Whitman, disenfranchised/disempowered and with our celebrating that event’s 50th anniversary Marissa Mayer, Ingrid Saunders Jones and of youth under attack physically, economically on August 28, and insisting that the country course the goddess of all things media Oprah and politically, it is safe to say that America complete the march’s unfinished business of hether you participated in the Winfrey. is still giving, as Dr. King said, “people a bad economic justice, full employment, voting historic March on Washington The LGBT community is taking it’s place check, a check which has come back marked rights, and equal opportunity. Win 1963, weren’t even a twinkle with more and more private individuals making 'insufficient funds.'" Honoring Rustin in your parents eyes or fall some were in it public (code for coming out) each day. And In 1963, Robert Avery was fifteen. With a with the Medal of between, it behooves each of us – black, at long last Bayard Rustin, civil rights activist, friend he hitch- hiked from Gadsden, Alabama Freedom tells us white, brown, young, old, gay and straight chief organizer of the March on Washington to Washington ,DC. He was interviewed and something about how to take a moment as we celebrate this 50th for Jobs and Freedom and gay activist received seen briefly in the documentary “The March.” far America has come anniversary to not only reflect upon where his long overdue recognition in August 2013 As part of NPR’s “Race Card Project” Avery as a nation in the past we have come as a nation but engage in when President Barack Obama posthumously was asked to share six words about the progress 50 years. After all, he real, heartfelt, even difficult conversations awarded Rustin the Presidential Medal of made since the March on Washington. Avery had four strikes against on the task before us to finish the work of Freedom. is on the city council of Gadsden and might be him. He was a pacifist, those 250,000 Americans who descended President Obama also announced that seen as symbolic of the progress since 1963, a radical, black and gay. on Washington DC August 28, 1963. Astronaut Sally Ride would receive the but his words speak the greater truth. His six Controversy surrounded him all his life. Although this March holds special Presidential Medal of Freedom. words “Not far, long way to go.” From the 1940s through the 1960s, Rustin significance for the African American Yes we’ve come a long way, but there is still This August 28, 2013 in Washington, DC marshaled his considerable talents -- as an community and its struggle for civil rights a long way to go. Because as Dr. King said , or wherever you find yourself, be you black, organizer, strategist, speaker and writer (a struggle that continues), it holds an even “When the architects of our republic wrote white, brown, young, old, LGBT, straight, it’s -- to challenge the economic and racial greater significance in the evolution of the the magnificent words of the Constitution time we come together and cash that check, to status quo. Always an outsider, he helped nation founded on the premise that “all men and the Declaration of Independence, they make good on that promissory note. We do this catalyze the civil-rights movement with are created equal.” were signing a promissory note to which by not only calling on/out our elected officials courageous acts of resistance. Rustin was a The evolutionary struggle of this every American was to fall heir. This note but by engaging in those real, heartfelt, even brilliant thinker and strategist, but given his country to become a more perfect union, was a promise that all men (of us)….would difficult conversations then finishing the work political liabilities as a gay, black, radical to expand upon the founding fathers’ be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, by being the change we want to see. pacifist, he also relied on his incredible literal interpretation of “men” to be more liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” charm to win converts to the causes of diverse and inclusive of all Americans, With women still lacking wage parity with Michelle E. Brown is a Public Speaker, Activist and peace and civil rights. A remarkable tenor, began before the ink was even dry on their male counterparts; with more African he frequently sang gospel and blues songs the “Declaration of Independence.” For Americans/POC incarcerated than in college; Author. Follow her at www.mychangeiam.com and for his audiences. Had he not become an women, immigrants, the poor, people of with the disproportionate distribution of wealth www.twitter.com/mychangeiam organizer, he could have become a popular color and African Americans the path to entertainer. equality was and is not easy. Rustin is not as well known as other The 1963 March on Washington for civil rights leaders in large part because of Jobs and Freedom was organized by civil his homosexuality and his brief flirtation, rights, labor, and religious organizations during his twenties, with Communism. for civil and economic rights for African Although highly respected in labor, pacifist, Americans. Approximately 75-80% of the and civil rights circles, he was typically a participants were African Americans. The behind-the-scenes organizer rather than a rest represented a cross-section of America public figure. who marched for freedom and heard Dr. But last year -- the 100th anniversary King’s message of racial harmony and of his birth and 25 years after his death equality. -- Rustin’s name was name is back in the The march is widely credited with helping news. A number of civil rights and gay rights to pass the Civil Rights Act (1964) and the groups honored Rustin with conferences, Voting Rights Act (1965). Legislation that museum exhibits and other events. In until recently have provided a gateway and addition, in the wake of President Barack protections to millions of Americans. Obama’s support for same-sex marriage last Dr. King’s words called upon those year, the issue of homosexuality within the 250,000 marchers, the nation and black community -- including the civil rights generations today, as individuals and a movement and the black church -- triggered nation, to rise up and live out the true some controversy. Now, with the with the meaning of the promise of America. Presidential Medal of Freedom, Rustin may Yes, we’ve come a long way. You can finally be getting the recognition he deserves find African Americans, women, people of as a human rights pioneer. color, and LGBT Americans in places and

14 BTL | Aug. 22, 2013 www.PrideSource.com My Blue Heaven ... New York Community Leaders Parting Respond To Apparent Anti-gay Attack BY BY RANDE IABONI about the victims’ sexual orientations, the attack. Both victims were on hand. Glances New York Police Detective Marc Nell “I am appalled by reports that two CNN - Police are searching for the said. men were senselessly beaten in Chelsea men involved in an apparent anti-gay The victims suffered facial injuries, simply because they were perceived to assault that had New York community Nell said, and were treated at Beth be gay,” Quinn said. She said the pair OPINION BY CHARLES ALEXANDER leaders coming together Thursday to Israel Hospital. were holding hands at the time of the raise awareness. “It makes me sick to my stomach,” attack. here’s a new genre of book that’s been on the New York New York State Sen. Brad Hoylman Michael Felenchak, one of the victims, She called the attackers cowardly Times Best Seller List for weeks. And weeks. And weeks. and City Council Speaker Christine told CNN affiliate WABC. “It scares and said they do not represent New I’m not sure whether so-called first-hand accounts of T Quinn handed out flyers Thursday me. It upsets me. It’s really awful.” Yorkers. She urged the community not Heaven and the “after life” are fiction or non-fiction. morning to spread the word about what Felenchak, 27, had to have multiple to be intimidated by such violence. I suspect the one by a three-year-old kid’s father relaying his police are calling a hate crime attack on stitches on his chin and suffered scrapes There have been nine hate crimes son’s “journey” to the sweet bye and bye might be, well, fantasy. two men Wednesday. across his stomach from the attack. against lesbian, gay, bisexual or But who am I to judge whether the little tyke did indeed see a The two officials asked the “First they punched me so hard, I feel transgender people in Manhattan happy and smiley faced Jesus in a “big chair”. community to stay vigilant and help brass knuckles,” the other victim, Peter since May 5, according to Hoylman’s An account by a bona fide, highly respected, neurosurgeon catch the men, according to a statement Nortman, 53, told WABC. “Then I fell statement. is another matter. He may have sniffed too much of Slumber released by Hoylman. on the floor, and I jumped back up and Hoylman, Quinn and police urge Land Ether 2000 (a good year, by the way). The victims were assaulted by two I got hit again. And then I tried to pull anyone with information about the I do know that these out-of-body accounts sell several men in the Chelsea neighborhood of them down.” assaults to come forward. No suspects thousands of copies, and make each author a tad bit of hard Manhattan early Wednesday morning. Quinn held a news conference have been identified as investigation cash. But Heaven only knows, I’m sure -- unsaved LGBT sinner The attackers used derogatory words Wednesday evening after hearing about continues. that I am -- if these authors’ intent isn’t to get rich from reader gullibility but rather is to provide inspiration. A celestial peek- a-boo at what’s to be expected when the old oaken bucket gets kicked. High heels or not. California Supreme Court Denies Latest Bid To More to the point: I’m a believer in such o-of-b travels. It happened to me recently in P’Town on a curiously busy and Revive Gay Marriage Ban surprisingly out-of-the-way, same-sex beach. Here’s my first- BY SONYA HAMASAKI AND GREG BOTELHO gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender until the U.S. Supreme Court could hand (manicured to be sure) account . . . advocacy group. “CA Supr. Ct. refuses weigh in. I’m strolling along modestly nude, humming, “I Was Born CNN - Those trying to reinstitute last remaining legal challenge. Freedom That happened June 26, when the This Way”. As I pause to admire a curious skyward mushroom Proposition 8 - the voter-backed to marry here to stay.” nation’s high court -- in a 5-4 decision -- cloud formation highlighted with a bright halo effect, I notice an referendum to ban gay marriage in Those on the other side of the debate, dismissed an appeal of the earlier lower intriguing bottle floating by. A wave rolls it to me. I pick it up. California - lost once again in court on meanwhile, lamented the ruling and court ruling on narrow, jurisdictional It reads SMELL ME! I open it. Oh, my! Goodness Gracious! Aug. 14, meaning no stop to such legal more generally criticized state leaders grounds. It’s patchouli! One deep whiff ... and woosh . . . unions that resumed a few weeks ago. who, in their view, had “silenced more Two days later, the Ninth U.S. ... before me are massive gates all a glitter in gold, pearls, In two brief rulings, California than 7 million Californians who clearly Circuit Court of Appeals officially leather hinges They swing open and I tremble before a huge Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Gorre expressed their views.” lifted the previous injunction, and sign in rhinestone and opal stone Gothic Letters: COSMIC Cantil-Sakauye dismissed attempts by “Though the current California same-sex weddings took place very INTERIORS by TRINITY ENTERPRISES. A smaller sign opponents of same-sex marriage. officials are unwilling to support soon thereafter. warns: Trinity Broadcasters! Use Rear Entrance! One was brought by ProtectMarriage. the state constitution, we remain Proposition 8 backers tried to get the An older, in-shape gentleman, spiritual top type, radiant com, the group that’s led legal efforts hopeful that one day Californians U.S. Supreme Court to again intervene, in shimmering gown, multicolored sequins, greets me. “My defending what’s known as Prop 8, will elect officials who will,” Alliance but Justice Anthony Kennedy refused name’s St. Peter. But you, mister newcomer, can call me Saint. and the other came from a San Diego Defending Freedom, a legal advocacy to do so. For the time being -- say the next ten thousand years -- I’ll call County clerk who’d argued the state organization, said in a statement. “... Efforts continued, though, in the state you Mary. The name works wonders here. had put him in an “untenable position” The court’s decision today ... does court system. “You’re in the Noah Rainbow Mansion, Cloud 69. You can by compelling him to sign off on not end the debate about marriage in One came from San Diego County showtime it in starry crown or tiara. As a journalist of deathless marriage licenses for gay and lesbian California.” Clerk Ernest Dronenburg, who last prose, you’ve earned both.” couples. In May 2008, California’s Supreme month asked the California Supreme “Uh, St. Saint,” I venture. “Is this, uh, some sort of gay The rulings were the latest in a spate Court struck down the state’s ban on Court to order Gov. Jerry Brown, Harris heaven?” “Well, Buddy Boy. Let’s just say it’s heavenly, as in of decisions - at the state and federal same-sex marriage, ruling that the and other state officials to abide by an Hymn #247, ‘Love Lifted Me.’ It’s impeccable! Other-worldly level, including the U.S. Supreme state’s constitution gives “this basic “immediate temporary stay” to once interior design! Why do you think our streets are gold? And, Court - that have gone against those civil right to (marry to) all Californians, again halt same-sex marriages. how about these swinging pearly gates! They’re not faux. No trying to restrict marriage in the Golden whether gay or heterosexual, and Dronenburg argued that he had siree! There is indeed a Queen of Heaven.” State to between one man and one to same-sex couples as well as to been “threatened with legal action by “Uh, say Petey: that sign about the broadcasters -- whisper woman. opposite-sex couples.” the attorney general for exercising his -- er, back entrance. What’s that all about?” “Don’t worry your Attorney General Kamala Harris was The tide turned a few months later, public duties consistent with state law pretty head, Mary. TV Trash is TV trash.” among those gay marriage supporters when 52% of voters backed Proposition defining marriage as the union between ... suddenly I jolt awake. I don’t know who he is, but wow, who cheered the ruling, much as they 8 to halt gay and lesbian marriages. one man and one woman.” the life guard’s awakening kiss is angelic. (NOTE: My full have the others in recent months. She Yet state officials declined to stand Yet the state Supreme Court account -- “Patchouli Bliss Beyond Belief” -- appears in book tweeted: “The CA Supreme court has behind the prohibition, even if private responded days later by denying the form in time for Halloween. $19.75, autographed. Bless you!) denied the #Prop8 proponents’ request parties did. A federal appeals court county clerk’s request to stop same-sex to halt same-sex marriages!” subsequently ruled that Proposition marriages immediately. On Aug.14, [email protected] “#Prop8 dead for good,” tweeted 8 was unconstitutional, though it still Cantil-Sakauye officially dismissed Equality California, the state’s biggest issued a stay on same-sex marriages Dronenburg’s petition. www.PrideSource.com Aug. 22, 2013 | BTL 15 Mich. Health Dept. Puts HIV Criminal Law Review ‘On Hold’ Move Comes As Abuses In Prosecution Discovered; Evidence Law Has No Deterrent Effect Mount

BY TODD A. HEYWOOD Oct. 1, according to a May 10 HIV criminalization as a problem, the virus or discussing their sexual MDCH memo from Melanie Brim, it is odd that Michigan's health health and activity with medical LANSING – A yearlong senior deputy director of health department has chosen to put their professionals. review of Michigan’s administration. review process ‘on hold’ with no In addition to the scientific controversial HIV disclosure "The recent reorganization timetable or plan for completion,” findings, the Global Commission of the Michigan Department of says Sean Strub, executive on HIV and the Law – a United law has been put “on hold” a Community Health does not justify director of Sero Project, a national Nations commission – issued a report spokesperson for the Michigan keeping people living with HIV in organization dedicated to ending last year calling for the elimination Department of Community Health the dark about their privacy rights HIV criminalization. “While the of such laws. Other organizations says. in Michigan. A full review of bureaucracy dilly-dallies, Michigan such as the National Association of “This review was put on hold Michigan's HIV disclosure law, MCL public health suffers.” State and Territorial AIDS Directors due to the internal reorganization,” 333.5210, must be done thoroughly "It would very discouraging for and the HIV Medicine Association Angela Minicuci, spokesperson for and without further delay. Equality the Department to discontinue have also called for the elimination MDCH said in an email. “Staff is Michigan calls on the MDCH to reviewing its policies to encourage of the laws. And in June, California checking to see if there are any make clear its intentions to review people to get tested for HIV, while Democratic Congresswoman plans to pick this up again anytime MCL 333.5210 and work with our at the same time protecting both Barbara Lee was able to attach an soon.” communities on how to best address their confidentiality and respecting amendment to the National Defense The reorganization of the this complex issue," said Emily their constitutional rights, " said Authorization Act requiring the department became effective Dievendorf, managing director of Jay Kaplan, attorney with ACLU Department of Defense to review May 13 and is Equality Michigan. Michigan’s LGBT Project. policies and prosecutions of service expected to fully The move is not The department has been members living with HIV. complete by sitting well with reviewing Michigan’s HIV specific Susan Grimes Gilbert, formerly some other anti- criminal law, MCL 333.5210, which Susan Grimes Munson, was a state criminalization makes it a felony for a person who Republican lawmaker who pushed advocates. knows he or she is infected with the 1989 disclosure law through the “At a HIV to engage in sexual penetration, legislature. She has since announced time when “however slight,” without first the law is not working and that she public health disclosing that status to partners. The is working on its repeal. officials review is in response, in part, to the According to documents obtained around the federal government’s National HIV/ from MDCH, the state began globe have AIDS Strategy released in July 2010. reviewing the laws in July of 2012. recognized That document encouraged states In December 2012, the state released to review the laws and directed the a July memo, as well as three drafts Department of Justice to provide all from November 2012, of an technical assistance internal report on the law. in the reviews. The memo, from Mikelle Michigan is one Robinson, director Bureau of Local of 32 U.S. states Health and Administrative Services, and two territories with was written July 23, 2012. Robinson such HIV specific laws, and writes that subjecting Section 52 of recent years, those laws have come the Public Health Code to legislative under increasing scrutiny. Academic action would be a poor choice at studies have found the laws have this time. no impact on risk behavior and "Recognizing the importance of transmission rates in states with Part 52 and the risk of untoward such laws and without them are amendments the division recommends comparable. A study in Ottawa against opening it up for revisions," Canada found that high profile Robinson wrote. Emphasis in the prosecutions also prevented a small original. She then proceeds to lay percentage of men who have sex out two options to address MCL with men who were most at risk 333.5210, Michigan's HIV-specific for infection from being tested for disclosure law.

16 BTL | Aug. 22, 2013 www.PrideSource.com The first option is to "rescind" the Center – an medical center dedicated targeting men who have sex Creep of the Week section altogether. The second option to treating HIV in Traverse City – with men in the region, found no is to amend the section to address about a man identified only as Mr. X. operations in 2009. A request to the OPINION BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI only those who are intent on infecting Simmerson alleged that the man office of the prosecutor uncovered their partners -- which she notes is was engaging in ‘unprotected’ sexual no written responses or memos "atypical and uncommon." activity with partners he met online from Schneider about the case. Russell D. Moore The draft reports, which were and at a local public restroom without The Thomas Judd Center declined written by a variety of staff in the HIV/ disclosing his HIV-positive status. to comment on the specifics of the ow do you solve a problem like a tranny? How do you catch a AIDS Prevention and Intervention Simmerson’s sole source of the case, or the requested actions gender and pin it down? Section (HAPIS), vary only slightly allegations comes as unsubstantiated from the health department to the H Those are the questions keeping Russell D. Moore up at from one and other – although statements from other, unidentified prosecutor’s office. night. And so Moore, president of the Ethics and those slight variations would have HIV-positive clients of the center. While health officials in the state Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern significant policy impact. continue to deny Hoppe’s Baptist Convention, took to the pages of the In the first draft, dated findings are accurate, cases Washington Post to ponder the “transgender Nov. 1 and the second, dated At a time when public health of prosecutions uncovered question” in the wake of California’s decision to Nov. 16, staff recommended by Hoppe are raising protect transgender students from discrimination. the adoption of the policy officials around the globe have eyebrows. “Ultimately,” Moore writes, “the transgender construction substantially “ For instance, in 2009, an question is about more than just sex. It’s about similar to recommendations recognized HIV criminalization as a adult entertainer working in what it means to be human.” from the Center for HIV problem, it is odd that Michigan's a strip club pleaded guilty Exactly! Wow. This guy actually gets it. The Law and Policy in New to one count of Michigan’s root of the matter is basic human dignity. I mean, York City as well as the health department has chosen to put HIV disclosure law and was what kind of person wouldn’t want to protect transgender teens, a group Global Commission on HIV sentenced to five months of kids who are often misunderstood and face ridicule and harassment? their review process ‘on hold’ with Moore continues, “Laws such as those in California will quickly and the Law. in prison. According to test the boundaries of society’s tolerance for a psychological and “In cases involving the no timetable or plan for completion. trial transcripts obtained individualistic definition of gender. There are reasons, after all, why willful and knowing spread by Hoppe and shared societies put boys and girls in different bathrooms, men and women on of HIV and other hazardous While the bureaucracy dilly-dallies, with Between the Lines, different sports teams. When gender identity is severed from biological communicable diseases,” the woman’s alleged Michigan public health suffers. sex, where does one’s self-designation end, and who will be harmed the MDCH staff wrote, penetration could not in the process?” “ensure that prosecution transmit HIV. requires proof of intent Uh oh. I take it back. He doesn’t get it. But don’t worry, it’s not like “[The confidential to harm, conduct that is Sean Strub, executive director he has anything against transgender people. of” Sero Project informant] would pay her “As conservative Christians,” he writes, “we do not see transgendered likely to result in that harm, twenty dollars a song for proof the conduct of the persons as ‘freaks’ to be despised or ridiculed.” a lap dance, and on this accused in fact resulted in Aww, how sweet. I mean, seriously, coming from him, this is Despite the fact the allegations occasion she was topless, she the alleged harm, and punishment that practically a Valentine. Because he basically thinks that transgender were second hand statements from began dancing, started grinding on is proportionate to the actual harm people are the anti-Christ. unidentified clients of the medical him, trying to arouse his penis,” the caused by the defendant’s conduct.” clinic, the health department initiated Or if not the anti-Christ, at least anti-Christ. investigation detective told the court “The transgender question means that conservative Christian In the third draft released by a health threat to others action against during a plea hearing. “At one point congregations such as mine must teach what’s been handed down to us, MDCH, dated Nov. 29, that the man. Such an action is a civil she exposed her vagina area to him that our maleness and femaleness points us to an even deeper reality, to recommendation is removed. action which can result in mandatory and placed it on the tip of his nose the unity and complementarity of Christ and the church,” he writes. “A In Michigan, Trevor Hoppe, a counseling, education or up to six and began grinding on his nose with rejection of the goodness of those creational realities then, is a revolt University of Michigan researcher and months civil confinement. Ph.D. candidate, has raised significant her vagina.” against God’s lordship...” “I suggest three options.” Keeslar The Prosecutor then asked, “Did Got that? If you’ve got a beef with your genitals, then you’ve got a concerns about the abuses of the state’s wrote to prosecutor Schneider in laws related to HIV. He has identified the confidential informant indicate beef with God. And God don’t make junk. Or give you the wrong junk. February 2009. “1. This Mr. X be 61 convictions in Michigan between that his nose actually went inside or Or something like that. Because God. warned by you and/or prosecuted 1992 and 2010, and reviewed just over penetrated her vaginal area?” Look, I know that the Christian church is all about the difference for failure to inform his sex partners 4,500 pages of trial transcripts from 46 “Yes, it did,” the detective testified. between “maleness and femaleness” and are hot to keep those categories of his HIV status. 2. There be a of those cases. There has never been a documented separate and unequal forever and ever, amen. But people are not "sting" operation by the police at the In February, Hoppe published a case of HIV transmission involving transgender just because they’re confused and are just rebelling against public bathroom where this person is study in the Journal Social Problems vaginal nasal penetration. God. Moore’s Washington Post piece completely disregards individual which found some local health reported to have had his encounters. "I think that the MDCH staff who experiences and circumstances, not to mention religious belief or lack departments participated in the 3. That I go public and inform the considered the problems with the thereof, and characterizes all transgender people as people who just prosecution of people living with HIV. public via the media that this activity existing law and proposed ways to need to get right with God. The study was the result of interviews is happening and that anyone who has modernize it deserve considerable “[W]e will love and be patient with those who feel alienated from Hoppe conducted with various local engaged in this behavior should get credit for their leadership and clear their created identities. We must recognize that some in our churches health agencies to discuss the use of tested for HIV and other STI. I would vision of the big picture. Rather will face a long road of learning what it means to live as God created HIV specific laws in the state. MDCH not divulge the name of the person or than assume, I and others at The them to be, as male or female. That sort of long, slow, plodding and vehemently denied Hoppe’s findings the public bathrooms. 4. All or two of Center for HIV Law and Policy, sometimes painful obedience is part of what Jesus said would be true were accurate. these options.” and members of the Positive Justice of every believer: the bearing of a cross.” But a 2009 memo from Grand No evidence exists that any of Project, will stay tuned to see In other words, we will never accept you as a human being worthy Traverse County shows Hoppe’s Keeslar’s recommendations were whether the reorganized MDCH of dignity or protection. We will, however, acknowledge your suffering findings were, in fact, accurate. In the followed. Freedom of Information will continue the work completed and applaud your courage to live your life in constant pain because we memo to Grand Traverse Prosecutor Act requests to police authorities in so far. We stand ready to support an say you should. Al Schneider, from Grand Traverse Grand Traverse County, including open, informed process of reform," Because when all is said and done, gender is a binary. You’re either Health Officer Fred Keeslar, Keeslar the city police, county sheriff said Catherine Hanssens, executive male or female and if you aren’t sure which one you are, just look tells of receiving a complaint from and state police, who frequently director of Center for HIV Law between your legs to see if you have a flibbertigibbet, or whatever kids Brian Simmerson of the Thomas Judd conduct sex sting operations and Policy. are calling it these days. www.PrideSource.com Aug. 22, 2013 | BTL 17 Lansing City Council Passes Resolution To Sever Ties With St. Petersburg Confusion, Politics Continue To Cloud Move TODD A. HEYWOOD have called the relationship “dormant,” Longtime LGBT ally Mayor Virg then two weeks ago announced the Bernero has opposed severing ties since LANSING – The Lansing City Council relationship was severed “some years the controversy erupted in July, but on voted 7 to 0, with Councilmember Kathie ago.” Monday night found the final paragraph Dunbar absent, to adopt a resolution But in an email to Washington, shared of the resolution something to oppose. condemning anti-gay violence and with Between the Lines, Barbara Roberts “The Lansing City Council requests laws in Russia, and calling for an Mason, the chair of the Commission, the City of Lansing Human Relations and end to the Lansing Regional Sister wrote, “At our January meeting in 2010 Community Service Department and/or Cities Commission relationship with St. the LRSCC reviewed our status with St Advisory Board prepare an annual report Petersburg. Petersburg, since the dissolution of the summarizing current human rights issues “The Lansing City Council strongly Kubyashi District. We did not vote to and challenges in each of Lansing’s sister condemns the widespread abuses of end/ sever the relationship, because no cities and submit the report to the Lansing human rights being perpetrated in St. relationship existed and there was no City Council by the beginning of each Petersburg,” the resolution reads. “The one in Russia to contact. Subsequently, calendar year,” the resolution concludes. Lansing City Council urges the Lansing the Lansing/St Petersburg relationship Bernero tells the City Pulse, a weekly Regional Sister Cities Commission was removed from the Sister Cities alternative newspaper in Lansing, that to sever all remaining ties, including International Membership Directory and won’t fly. references on its website and signage, the city hall list on the window on the 9th “It’s certainly idiotic,” Bernero told the with St. Petersburg.” floor. It is to be removed from the signs newspaper after saying he was studying Whether or not the city continues to at the entrances to the city, when the city whether he could “simply” ignore the have a relationship with St. Petersburg updates those signs.” resolution or would have to veto it. has been a matter of much confusion In other words, the relationship was The passage comes as top Russian since First Ward Councilmember Jody never formally severed, it was merely leaders have announced that the national Washington brought the issue forward in ended by benign neglect. Mason makes ban on propaganda will be enforced July. While the city continues to be listed no mention of the website, however, the during the 2014 Winter Olympics in on the city website for the Commission, group’s Facebook page indicated the Sochi, Russia in February. as well as on signs welcoming visitors website was out of date and needed to to the capitol, officials from the city be updated. Gay Rights Campaigners Petition IOC Over Russia’s Sochi Olympics BY LAURA SMITH-SPARK transforming Sochi into an amazing representatives of All Out, received platform for Russians and athletes to their petition and “engaged in an open CNN- A 320,000-signature petition defy the law and speak out on gay rights,” and constructive discussion.” protesting Russia’s stance on gay rights said All Out co-founder and executive The IOC reiterated its position “that ahead of the Winter Olympics in Sochi director Andre Banks. sport is a human right and should be early next year was presented to Olympic About 50 Swiss members of All available to all regardless of race, sex or bosses in Switzerland on Wednesday. Out joined leaders of the organization sexual orientation,” she said. The petition, delivered to the to present the petition, said All Out “The Games themselves should be International Olympic Committee spokesman Guillaume Bonnet. open to all, free of discrimination, and headquarters in Lausanne by gay rights The IOC said last week that it had that applies to spectators, officials, group All Out, calls on Russia to repeal “received assurances from the highest media and, of course, athletes. We would its anti-gay propaganda law in advance level of government in Russia that the oppose in the strongest terms any move of the Sochi Games. legislation will not affect those attending that would jeopardise this principle.” It also urges the IOC to condemn or taking part in the Games.” The All Out petition was accompanied the law and urged Russia to ensure But in a meeting Wednesday with by a letter from British actor Stephen Fry the security of all visitors, athletes and All Out representatives, senior IOC and thousands of signatures from former Russian people before, during, and after staff said they would pursue a stronger, Olympians and athletes collected by the the Games. written commitment from the Russian group Athlete Ally, to show solidarity Implemented last month, after Russian government on the issue, Bonnet told with the gay community. President Vladimir Putin signed it CNN. Four-time Olympic gold medalist into effect, the law bars the public Such direct meetings between senior Greg Louganis, NFL linebacker Brendon discussion of gay rights and relationships IOC staffers and protest groups are very Ayanbadejo, tennis player Mardy Fish anywhere children might hear. It has been rare, Bonnet said -- and a sign that the and Australian women’s cricket player condemned by Russian and international IOC is taking the matter “very seriously.” Alex Blackwell were among those to put rights groups as highly discriminatory. IOC spokeswoman Sandrine Tonge their name to the call for equal treatment “Ironically, the global outcry is told CNN the IOC had met with for all.

Read this entire story online at www.pridesource.com 18 BTL | Aug. 22, 2013 www.PrideSource.com

INSIDE OUT

Photo: Timothy White/E! Ross Mathews On Michigan Pride & His New Talk Show

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI became the comedian’s resident gay. Now, voice and the trick to keeping it together from the crowd. I think that message is more she’s letting him fly solo: Mathews launches when meeting Madonna. relevant and more welcome than ever, and oss Mathews is talking to me from his very own show, “Hello Ross,” with Handler that’s what I’ll be bringing to Pride. his own office in Hollywood and he co-producing, on Sept. 6 on the E! network. What kind of message do you plan on bringing Rcan’t believe it. “It’s the dream,” he Before the premiere, Mathews will serve as to Michigan Pride? When do you think you first felt like you could says, bubbling over with joy. “I’m getting to Michigan Pride’s grand marshal on Aug. 24, It’s a wonderful time to be gay. You look feel pride about being a gay man? do exactly what I’ve always wanted to do.” when he’ll spend the entire day in Lansing at what the Supreme Court just did and I felt it right away. The moment it became That dream began back in 2001 when the meeting the community and taking photos. what President Obama has said in terms of very clear to me, I was just full tilt. I was 100 pop-culture fanatic landed a spot on “The “Come say hi to me,” he insists. coming out in support of marriage equality, percent. No matter what, you have to love Tonight Show with Jay Leno” as the host’s In our recent chat, Mathew talks about and it really is a new world. My book, “Man yourself more than anybody else. buoyant intern. It wasn’t long before Chelsea how over-the-top gay his new show will be, Up!,” is all about celebrating what makes you Handler took him under her wing and he why he learned to embrace his high-pitched different and using it to make you stand out Your story of being this kid from a farm town who

20 BTL | Aug. 22, 2013 www.PrideSource.com INFO Chelsea Handler, and both of them have been so instrumental and crucial and supportive and Michigan Pride inspiring and have served as the most amazing 1 p.m. Aug. 24 mentors anybody in this town could ever have. I don’t know what I ever did to deserve them, The Capitol, Lansing but I will spend the rest of my life thanking www.michiganpride.org them. didn’t feel like he fit in, who was bullied and is Don’t forget about Mark-Paul Gosselaar, who you now the star of his own show, must be really interviewed recently when you guest hosted inspiring to young gay people. How do you hope “Chelsea Lately.” your story inspires those who are going through When I guest hosted and I said, “Please what you went through as a young gay kid? welcome Mark-Paul Gosselaar,” and he When I was growing up, I remember walked around the corner, it was like I needed thinking, “What is my life gonna be like?” I a time machine to go back to myself at 12 didn’t know what it meant to be a successful, years old in my bedroom and be like, “Oh my happy, grown-up gay person because I didn’t god, guess what he just said?” – because it was see that. I didn’t see that in my small town. the most surreal thing in the world. (Laughs) I didn’t see that represented on television. All of a sudden he’s there and he had heard Even when I started on television in 2001, me on “Howard Stern” talking about how, it was really at the beginning, before “Queer maybe, I had fantasized about him as a young Eye” and “Will & Grace,” before Ellen was kid watching “Saved by the Bell,” and he said out, before Rosie was out; it really wasn’t he heard that and told his wife and screamed, represented anywhere. I started appearing “Ross Mathews masturbated to me!” It really on national television as people like Rosie was like my head was going to explode. and Neil Patrick Harris came out and shows like those became relevant, and I was part No pun intended? of something. (Laughs) Hilarious! From this point forward, whenever kids are realizing they’re gay, they know what Tell me about the “interactive” element of your it means to be a happy, successful, openly new show. and unapologetically grown-up gay person, It’s a big party. This show is what I wish and what that looks like and what life can be existed when I was a little kid, when I could for them. And I hope people can see me on reach out and be a part of pop culture. The “Chelsea Lately” and see me on my show audience is joining the conversation, and I’ll and say, “Hey, look, he’s got a partner and a literally be in the audience with a microphone family and a dog and friends, and he never asking people’s opinions. When I have a guest, apologized for who he is and neither will I.” the people in the audience can ask the guest questions. We’re Skype-ing people in from all Do you realize that you are like the modern-day over the country so they can ask questions as Ellen and the modern-day Rosie? You are now well. Everybody’s welcome. that person that you once looked up to. OK, now that freaks me out! I have a lot There’s never been a show like this on TV then, more to achieve to reach anything like that, has there? but I will gladly fulfill that role for people, No, there hasn’t. I looked at all these shows whomever needs it. I feel like I have a big that sort of talk about pop culture and the ol’ wagon; everybody hop on it and let’s do majority of them, if not all of them, were kind this together. of saying, “Isn’t she a dumb bitch?” “Isn’t that stupid?” “He’s so lame.” There wasn’t a Who’s the tougher boss: Jay Leno or Chelsea show that was doing what I’m doing, which Handler? is saying, “I love this stuff, you guys love this (Laughs) Well, I would never categorize stuff, let’s talk it out.” either one of them as tough in terms of tough on me. I will tell you, though: They’ve both How gay and fabulous is your set? given me incredible platforms, which is Oh my god, it’s pretty great. It’s a little Palm very rare for comics to do. I take it very Spring chic-y, but very comfortable as well. seriously when they do that because they We’re trying to mix the two things. And it’s don’t do it lightly, and I know if they give all a little elevated because I am super gay, so me that opportunity, I gotta show up and it has to be; people would be disappointed if be on point. That’s how you get the next it wasn’t. opportunity. That’s how this town works. You get a shot, you deliver and you get Ellen has her dancing. Rosie had her Koosh balls. another one. What will be your signature thing on this show? I don’t know! I think that kind of thing just And now look at you in your own office. evolves, so I’ll figure that out. My thing is sort I know. Isn’t that nuts? And Chelsea is of interacting with the audience; this show is upstairs. You know, there’s been two pivots in really for the fans, so if that’s the legacy of this my life when it comes to my career: one was show, I’m thrilled with that. meeting Jay Leno and the other was meeting See Ross Mathews, page 22 www.PrideSource.com Aug. 22, 2013 | BTL 21 COLOR

Photo: Timothy White/E!

® Ross Mathews There was a point in my teenhood when I realized that the voice wasn’t changing. I Continued from p. 21 was this gay cartoon of a person and it was a crossroad for me: I could either hate myself or I How did you decide on “Hello Ross” as the name? could love myself, and it’s just not in my nature There was a lot of debate from a lot of people to hate, so I said, “Fine, I accept myself fully. Go about the name, but there was never a debate on 100 percent. Be you. Do you.” my end about the show. To me, it was always “Hello Ross.” That’s my Twitter, that’s my You talk about your Madonna encounter in your website, that’s the spirit of the show. book. What’s the trick to keeping it together when meeting Madge? Chelsea is a producer on the show. How involved will Clench your legs. Don’t just, like, lose it. And she be? if you’re a huge fan, perhaps bring a diaper, She’s been involved every step of the way. She because I have to tell you, that was so surreal. sees the whole process and she’s invested a lot in All I was thinking was, “Don’t say something this. Not financially or anything like that, but to that makes her kick you out.” I’ve shot pieces at say, “I pick Ross, I think the audience wants to zoos with animal keepers where they hand you hear from Ross, I get behind Ross” means more a snake and you think, “This is exotic, this could to me than she’ll ever know. bite me and this could kill me at any second.” It felt the same way when I met Madonna. What have you learned from Chelsea about having your own show? There’s already talk of a follow-up to your first That there’s a power in saying “I am what I am.” book. Where might you take the second one? Never second-guessing that thing that only you The first book was about this person who loves own and only you know, which is your point of pop culture and got plopped in the middle of view and your perception of things and your truth. it and tried to paddle and survive. I wanted to I know that sounds really hippy-dippy, but if you sort of establish who I was growing up, how I look at her, how many times do you think she’s got plopped in pop culture and why that was probably heard, “You can’t say that”? And I’ve such a big deal. heard, “You can’t be that gay, you can’t be that The next book is about what happens now. high-pitched, you’ll never host a show with that You achieved this dream; what’s it like? I voice.” But what I’ve learned from her is to use have a partner, we’re starting a family, I’m what makes you different to stand out. I could’ve trying to see the world and travel. Every day come to this town and taken hosting classes and I live this crazy life and I think to myself, done this and that and tried to lower my voice, “You’ve gotta write this down.” I mean, the but I would’ve looked like every other rock on fact that I’m sitting where I’m sitting and I the beach. The ones that work are those weird- walk by celebrities every day on this lot and looking rocks. Those are the ones you notice. amazing things happen, and I go to these celebrity houses and I just can’t believe it. I When did you start to really love and embrace your am this superfan, but I get to be on the inside. voice? I think that’s a story people want to hear.

22 BTL | Aug. 22, 2013 www.PrideSource.com Please patronize our advertisers and let them know you appreciate their support for the LGBT community!

www.PrideSource.com Aug. 22, 2013 | BTL 23 A Different Dev ‘Like a G6’ Singer On Androgyny, Lesbian Rumors & Upcoming Album BY JEROME STUART NICHOLS says, jokingly tearful. “It’s actually really INFO funny and cute. It didn’t offend me at all. When dance-floor mainstay Dev first Dev If anything, it’s a compliment.” hit the scene with her minimalist, bass- Although she’d never been linked to heavy, club-thumper “Booty Bounce” 10 p.m. Aug. 24 ($30-$50) any specific woman, her androgynous in 2010, she told the world, “I ain’t yo Royal Oak Music Theatre style and aggressive lyrics led some average bitch.” Some listened, but most www.royaloakmusictheatre.com people to make the erroneous logical didn’t, disregarding Dev as just another leap. pseudo-edgy, white girl rapper. Bay, that whole community took to me “Growing up, I was a big tomboy, “It was my first album,” she says before anybody, so I put a lot of my heart pretty much up until I got boobs, then I emphatically. “The first time anyone had into that community.” was like, ‘OK, I’m wearing a bra now,” really every heard my voice was on (Far And now, at 10 p.m. Aug. 24, she’ll she recalls. “It’s interesting – now that East Movement’s) ‘Like a G6.’ From perform for that community. Along with I’m an adult – I like carrying that over then on, everybody just sort of summed “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Raja and and also celebrating my feminine side. me up like that ... but I also like (being) Latrice Royale, Dev will appear during I like being strong and fierce but I also vulnerable.” Ice-At-Large: The Epic Reunion Party at like being sweet. I love being able to pair In just a year, “Booty Bounce” racked the Royal Oak Music Theater. But just my fiancé’s clothes with mine and do a up 12 million views on YouTube, many because she’s performing for a sea of crazy haircut and also wear lipstick. It’s of them from the gay community. Dev queers, don’t be fooled. Despite rumors, so fun for me.” says she owes her early success to the Dev isn’t a lesbian. Her love of androgyny doesn’t stop LGBT scene in the San Francisco Bay “I just felt bad because when I had a at herself; she also finds androgynous Area. “It’s been pretty much amazing baby, lesbian fans on Twitter were like, women to be beautiful and inspiring. having that support since day one. They ‘Wait a second, I thought you were a “Androgynous women are so still do (support me) and I appreciate it. lesbian. This is bullshit.’ And I was like, beautiful, and I really look to them so Coming up in San Francisco and in the ‘I’m sorry, I love you too, though!’ she See Dev, page 26

24 BTL | Aug. 22, 2013 www.PrideSource.com

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® Dev Continued from p. 24

much for inspiration,” she says proudly. “When Lady Gaga plays it up, I think it’s beautiful. She’s so fun.” But Dev is all about the men, especially the one she plans on marrying, skateboarder Jimmy Gorecki. While some would find the transition between jet-setting career and family difficult, for Dev, it’s a matter of balance. “I love being able to travel with my daughter or bring her to the studio or sit at home and watch ‘Bubble Guppies’ for 10 hours on repeat,” she says. “But what’s really cool is that I get to go and still be sexy and still be 24 and still get to celebrate. I want my daughter, one day, to feel just as powerful and sexy. I can have family time and I can also wear hot pants and it’s fucking sick. That balance is awesome.” After a baby, fiancé, tour, a mixtape, a couple hit singles, a viral video hit and three years, Dev is a decidedly different woman than during the recording of her debut. “I recorded the first album in 2011 when I was living in a loft with The Cataracs,” she recalls. “My situation then was very different than it is now. A lot of growth and a lot of interesting stuff have happened this past year that’s given me a lot to say, which is good. I definitely want it to still be quirky. I want it to also be a little bit grown. I want my music to grow as I grow.” She’s in no hurry to release the product of that growth – and despite it being pretty much finished, she’s tightlipped about its release. She is, however, quick to correct a rumor that the album will be called “IAMDEV.” “It’s currently in the works,” Dev says. “I’ve spent the last seven months writing and recording, meeting a bunch of new producers. I wanted to spend a good amount of time on it. I don’t know where the ‘IAMDEV’ rumor started; it’s probably not going to be called that.” Take that, Wikipedia.

26 BTL | Aug. 22, 2013 www.PrideSource.com Hear Me Out BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI The Civil Wars, Backstreet Boys has charm (and its video celebrates marriage equality), but aside from the acoustic-y verses, this is the same bland boy-band template these guys have been hawking their whole career. “Breathe,” however, is a harmony pleaser, and “Trust Me” – a Jason Mraz move that could benefit future outings – delights with its summery Starbucks vibe. Even “Soldier,” despite being innocuously cookie-cutter, decently works those stacked percussions into an earwormy hook. Hey, it’s the Backstreet Boys; no one’s expecting miracles. Grade: C Also Out Gregory Alan Isakov, ‘The Weatherman’ It’s easy to write off Gregory Alan Isakov’s third full-length because of the mellowness of these hammock- swinging songs. But Isakov has another The Civil Wars, ‘The Civil Wars’ on Coldplay-mounting guitars that feather in his hat with this sumptuous Credibility And Nitty-gritty details are few concerning eerily – and sadly – parallels the duo’s set: “The Weatherman” is a truly the highly publicized drama between personal lives: “Don’t say that it’s stunning release on which the South The Civil Wars twosome Joy Williams over / Oh no, say it ain’t so.” Because African-born singer-songwriter eases after this triumph, that would truly be Reach That Delivers and John Paul White, but the fallout into your conscious with little more devastating. Grade: A- was at least intense enough to cause than his thoughtful words (“If it a tour cancellation, talk of a possible weren’t for second chances, we’d all breakup and this album: a gothic-dark be alone”), that dreamy voice and the speculative set of neo-folk songs Backstreet Boys, ‘In a World Like magic of his melodies. strewn with wounded hearts, religious This’ undertones and the looming sense that Backstreet’s back this won’t end well. And if it doesn’t, Vince Gill & … but is it really if the only good that comes of their Paul Franklin, personal turmoil is this, then at least all right? It’s not, ‘Bakersfield’ unless you’re still they can be remembered for breakup Country king songs so good Adele is probably pissed holding onto the Vince Gill they’re not on her next album. “The nostalgia of them as boys. Then, they swings back to One that Got Away” aptly turns that could get away with a certain degree of old-time twang cliché on its head; swelling with red-hot cheese and artistic growing pains. But for “Bakersfield,” intensity at the chorus and then closing nearly two decades later, the original with a cacophony of telling guitar rips, quintet – Kevin Richardson returns! – his honky-tonk collaboration with steel it emotes post-split bitterness and are still all wink-wink with the same guitarist Paul Franklin. Tipping their regret. Williams takes lead on most shameless set of lovey-dovey pop and hats to a bygone era, the gents take of the tunes, with White shadowing fifth-grade-journal outpourings. The on tracks steeped in the early 1960s her vocals – they make harmonious worst offenders are “One Phone Call,” sound made famous by Buck Owens heaven on said single – or stepping in not even good enough to sound like a and Merle Haggard. All 10 songs to magnify the power of them. “Dust Lonely Island parody of the Backstreet are resurrected with fanboy delight to Dust” is raw and gut-wrenching with Boys, and “Feels Like Home,” which and know-how, and Gill’s vocals – just Williams alone, but that moodiness takes you around the world – name- especially when he falsetto dips on takes on a new, more sorrowful life dropping just about every major city Haggard’s lesser-known “I Can’t Be when White tiptoes in; the same – on the dullest expedition of your life. Myself” – are quite possibly the best goes for “Eavesdrop,” a beauty built The Max Martin-produced title track they’ve ever been. www.PrideSource.com Aug. 22, 2013 | BTL 27 28 BTL | Aug. 22, 2013 www.PrideSource.com Performer Finds ‘Other Voice’ In Cancer Play BY DANA CASADEI

Anne Frank once said, “I don’t think of all the misery but of the beauty that still remains.” For Alex Kip, that quote couldn’t ring more true. Enter his autobiographical show, “My Other Voice,” which makes its premiere Thursday, Aug. 15 at the University of Michigan’s Arthur Miller Theatre, and you’ll understand how he found the beauty in a situation when some would have only seen the bad. After being diagnosed with non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma two weeks before graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan, Kip would go on to lose not only his voice while getting treatment at the U-M Medical Center, but his identity as a performer. “When I lost my voice, (writing) sort of became my new creative outlet in a sense,” Kip said. “(The show) was allowing myself to explore whatever interested me and not judging it as far as I’ve never written a play before, and just seeing what happens.” Kip said the show covers an eight to nine month period and takes viewers from life before the diagnosis to him getting better and “everything that happens in-between.” His diagnosis in 2010, where he was given a 15-30 percent chance of survival, came as what Kip describes as a “relief Trevor St. John-Gilbert and Alex Kip rehearse a scene from “My Other Voice.” Photo: Amnon Steiner in a weird way.” After struggling vocally the entire year, the London Dramatic Kip said that the young adult cancer Academy graduate was finally able to PREVIEW movement is really starting to pick up, as identify what was going on. My Other Voice there are a lot of questions people don’t Then in 2012, when he was “done with have answers to. He also said that there everything,” Kip made the move to New AKip Productions at Arthur Miller Theatre within the Walgreen Drama Center, 1226 is a lot of controversy around it, leading York, where he was cast in a play Ari Murfin, Ann Arbor. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Laura Kreith was directing. to people really getting interested in the Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. specific age group. Kreith, who’s the artistic director at 15 - Sept. 1. $25. 614-832-8304. “I think (the show is) a way to expose Theatre 167 in New York and director www.myothervoice.org of “My Other Voice,” is primarily a new the problem in the system and expose works director and works with medical be something really meaningful and why maybe we aren’t getting better or students doing professional identity deserved to be explored,” she said. why people are dying, and to really look development, using theater as a tool to After readings in New York, the show at it more intensely – but in an interesting awaken their awareness. staged a workshop in Columbus, Ohio, way too,” Kip said. While discussing this with Kip, it led to Kip’s hometown, before coming to Ann The way that the show addresses a conversation about collaborating between Arbor for its premiere – and in a sense, cancer is also being done in a way that the first-time playwright and seasoned an out-of-town tryout. won’t make viewers think of a “movie- director. “I don’t think much will change after of-the-week tearjerker,” Kreith said. “We had a moment of ‘let’s just go get this, but it’s sort of our chance to really Something else they’ve heard a lot is how coffee,’” Kreith said. “So we walk down get to work at it a lot and really expose surprised people are by the humor in it. and literally, neither of us can remember it to a lot of people and go from there,” “He’s (Kip) someone who’s always who said it first, but we both said, ‘I think Kip said. proven to seeing the hopeful and we should write a play.’” Kip’s and Kreith’s hopes for this show sometimes the absurd in the moment,” Kip began writing and bringing in scenes go much beyond seeing it perform off- she said. “I think that’s one of the – and the rest, as they say, is history. Broadway or on Broadway, even though strengths of the play. Kreith said she had no idea what the that is a hope. There are dreams to turn it “It’s interesting because people think project was going to be when it began, into a film or TV series, a la HBO’s “The about this play as the ‘cancer play,’ and but as the piece evolved, she was “struck Big C.” But more importantly, the show it’s really a play where cancer catalyzes by the way that he (Kip) tells his story.” is about getting people to discuss and change,” Kreith said. “There’s a larger “It wasn’t so much me taking a chance ask questions about young adult cancer, sense where it’s an identity play, and on a piece, but reaching out to a person which is the number one killer of young it’s also a play about truly discovering and both of us discovering that it would adults today. what matters.” www.PrideSource.com Aug. 22, 2013 | BTL 29 Dog Hikes with Pro K9 2 p.m. GOAL, Canton. meetup.com/GOAL-Get-Out-And- Live-LGBT/events Happenings Conversation Station 5 p.m. GOAL, 714 S. Washington, Royal Oak. 248- 981-4227. [email protected] GetOutAndLive.me Video and Dance, 1247 Center St., Lansing. LezRead 4 p.m. Ann Arbors book group Facebook.com/events/617292391625801/ for Lesbians. Meets the last Saturday of OUTINGS every month. LezReads, 319 Braun Ct., Ann Monday, Aug. 26 Live Music at Stiletto’s: Mama’s Black Arbor. 734-995-9867. Lezread@yahoo. It’s Not Just Social: Using Social Thursday, Aug. 22 Sheep 9 p.m. Nationally touring lesbian duo. com LezRead.com Media in the Job Search 1 p.m. Savvy Stiletto’s, 1641 Middlebelt Road, Inkster. Focus Group Affirmations is conducting job seekers know that social media is a Meetup.com/GOAL-Get-Out-And-Live-LGBT T-Party 7 p.m. A great opportunity for those powerful tool for the job search. Discover focus groups to learn more about tobacco in the Transgender community and their use and effective quit tobacco messages how you can use your favorite social tools Saturday, Aug. 24 allies to get to know each other. Coffee, tea to build a network, promote your personal in the LGBTQ community. August 20 date and soft drinks available. Windsor-Essex specifically for LGBTQ women. Receive $20 Michigan Pride - March Michigan Pride, brand, and get access to great career Pride Fest, 422 Pelissier, Windsor. 519- opportunities. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine gift certificate for participating. Affirmations, Lansing. Michiganpride.org 973-4656 . windsorpride.com 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. 7105. Goaffirmations.org Michigan Pride - Rally Michigan Pride, The miPride 2013 After Party with Goaffirmations.org Lansing. Michiganpride.org RuPaul’s Dida Ritz 7 p.m. 18+. Spiral Counseling LGBT Parents and Their 2013 Artists’ Market 3 p.m. All products Shop for a Cause Purchase a $5 Savings Video and Dance, 1247 Center St., Lansing. handcrafted in U. S. and Canada. Market Children 8:30 a.m. Fran Brown, Psy. Facebook.com/events/692322444117667/ D., LP. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Pass for exclusive savings in every Macy’s benefits Leon & Lulu’s AIDS Walk Detroit Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. store and online at Macys.com on Saturday Team. Leon & Lulu, 96 W. 14 Mile Road, Goaffirmations.org August 24th. HARC keeps 100 percent of the Sunday, Aug. 25 Clawson. 248-288-3600. Leonandlulu.com proceeds from all $5 Saving Pass purchases. Birmingham Farmer’s Market 9 The Family & Friends Support Group 5:30 Plus, you can enter to win a $500 Macy’s Gift Board Meeting 6 p.m. Jim Toy Community a.m. 70+ booths featuring locally and Center, 319 Braun Court, Ann Arbor. 734- p.m. Support group for family and friends Card. HARC, Metro-Detroit. Hivaidsresource. regionally grown produce, plants, foods of people living with HIV. Community Health org/shop-for-a-cause-august-24th/ 995-9867. jimtoycenter.org Awareness Group, 1300 W. Fort St., Detroit. 313-963-3434. Men’s Film Group 7 p.m. Social group to meet and discuss films of interest Editor’s Pick to men. Meets every Thursday at Affirmations. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Ford’s Arts, Beats and Eats, one of the biggest Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Goaffirmations.org festivals of the year in Metro Detroit, begins Aug. 30. The long-running event moved from Pontiac to Wings 7 p.m. A support and social group for people living with HIV. Self-Run, 2441 Royal Oak in 2010 and has been more successful Pinecrest Dr., Ferndale. [email protected] than ever. Friday, Aug. 23 Celebrating Metro Detroit’s culturally unique group SCA Farmer’s Market 8 a.m. Those of artists, musicians and food exhibitors, the wishing to sell fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and eggs, including baked goods, festival came about over 16 years ago to provide cheeses, honey products, flowers, and outstanding family entertainment at a very low related food products made regionally or by the vendor should apply. A limited cost. Today, the festival pulls in over 400,000 people who bring nearly $40 million to the number of handcrafted items can be region. included; goods that relate to the serving or enjoyment of food products will The festival begins at 11 a.m. every day of the festival, from Friday, Aug. 30 through be given priority consideration in this Monday, Sept. 2 in downtown Royal Oak. Admission is $3, which goes toward area non- category. Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck. 269-857- profits. For more information, visit www.artsbeatseats.com. 2399. sc4a.org Lunchtime Live in Bronson Park 11:30 a.m. Grab lunch from a food truck at beautiful Bronson Park while listening to live music and doing a little pop-up retail Annual Membership Meeting 8 a.m. KICK, and more. Principal Shopping District, Higher Ground 6:30 p.m. Weekly support shopping. Fair Food Matters, Kalamazoo. 41 Burroughs St. 109, Detroit. 313-285- N. Old Woodward, Birmingham. group meetings for people living with HIV/ Fairfoodmatters.org 9733. E-kick.org [email protected] AIDS. Each meeting includes meditation Birminghamfarmersmarket.org and peer discussions. Self-Run, Ferndale. Jim Toy Center Golf Outing 8:30 a.m. All Friday Night Socials: evolution. An open 586-427-1259. [email protected] mic affair. 6 p.m. Snacking and beverages proceeds to benefit JTCC. Tickets: $99. Hug Detroit with Just a Little Love will be available for purchase. Affirmations, Jim Toy Center, 8768 N. Territorial Road, Day 9 a.m. One full day of celebrating Movement with Kristi Faulkner Dance 7 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- Plymouth. Jimtoycenter.org the accomplishments that have been p.m. A different genre of movement each made by the dynamic people of Detroit week, including modern dance, ballet, jazz, 7105. Goaffirmations.org LAHR Breakfast Club 10 a.m. Meet at Flap and thanking those who either chose hip hop/breaking, soft shoe tap dance, and Jack near Frandor. Lansing Association Summer’s a Drag 6 p.m. Join host Ace to stay here or have moved to Detroit stretch and strengthening. Workshops are for Human Rights, Lansing. beachlerb@ DeVille and special guest Maria from 6-8 to add to the power of resurrecting this designed for beginning/intermediate movers sbcglobal.net lahronline.org PM at the museum, followed by an after Great City. Free. Hug Detroit Movement, ages 16-55. Tickets: $5. Affirmations, 290 party at Spiral Dance Bar in Lansing. Free. Queer & Trans Yoga Series - Summer 227 Iron St., Detroit. 586-362-7460. W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- Broad MSU, 409 W. Circle Drive, East 2013 10:30 a.m. This all-levels class [email protected] 7105. goaffirmations.org Lansing. 517-355-7474. fortint1@msu. balances movement with held poses in Hugdetroitwithjustalittlelove.com One Voice Chorus 7 p.m. LGBT Choral edu Msu.edu an environment that is safe, friendly and Free Farm Stand @ Tabitha Urban Farm group. Meets every Monday. Affirmations, supportive of people of all genders and LGBT AA Meeting 6:30 p.m. Lansing Homestead 1 p.m. Free, fresh produce 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248- orientations. We will build strength and Association for Human Rights, 1120 S. is available at this urban farm stand. Fair 398-7105. Goaffirmations.org Harrison Road, East Lansing. lahronline.org stamina with standing poses, release with Food Matters, 111 Dixie Ave., Kalamazoo. twists, and foster joy with backbends, all Fairfoodmatters.org Sexual Compulsives Anonymous 7 p.m. Kiss My Gender: A DKR Reunion! 7 tailored to the level of the yoga student. A weekly anonymous 12-step group for p.m. DKR Reunion Show; unforgettable Admission: $10-15. Affirmations, 290 W. Hustle & Flo’s Second Summer Picnic those who are facing sexually compulsive show by the local Drag King Rebellion. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. 1 p.m. For mature lesbians, 25+. Hustle & behaviors. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Tickets: $10. Drag King Rebellion, Goaffirmations.org Flo, Metro-Detroit. Meetup.com/GOAL-Get- Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Ann Arbor. Facebook.com/#!/ Out-And-Live-LGBT GoAffirmations.org events/118001745067693/ Michigan Pride - Festival 11 a.m. 2013 Grand Marshall and Keynote Speaker: Ross Queer Women’s Committee Potluck 1 Sistrum, Lansing Women’s Chorus Polyqueer Womens Group 7 p.m. Mathews. Michigan Pride, 220 East Maple p.m. Monthly potluck on fourth Sunday 7 p.m. Lansing Association for Human Open meeting to lesbian, bisexual St., Lansing. Michiganpride.org of each month. All lesbian, bisexual, Rights, 1020 S. Harrison Road, Lansing. and transgendered women who are transgender, queer and ally women [email protected] lahronline.org polyamorous or curious about women- HIV Testing 1 p.m. Free. Affirmations, 290 welcome. Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian centered polyamory. Meets the last Friday W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- Resource Center, 629 Pioneer St., Woodward School Garden Nights 7 of the month. Jim Toy Community Center, 7105. Goaffirmations.org Kalamazoo. 269-349-4234. Kglrc.org p.m. If you’d like to meet other people who are interested in gardening and help 319 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. 734-995-9867. Canning Class 2 p.m. With expert canner, Volleyball 1 p.m. With warm weather. us keep the garden at Woodward School [email protected] JimToyCenter.org Lori Evesque. Tickets: $35. Fair Food Located north of the Lansing Mall. Lansing looking great and growing healthy food, Matters, 511 Harrison, Kalamazoo. 492- SHOP LGBT The miPride Pre-Pride GLOW Party with Association for Human Rights, Lansing. please join us. Fair Food Matters, Corner Morgan McMichaels 8 p.m. 18+. Spiral 0261. Fairfoodmatters.org [email protected] See Happenings, page 36

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BTL Advertisers Essential Massage...... 5 Just for Us...... 11 Premier Care Phamacy...... * Affirmations...... 1 Ferndale Chiropractic...... 6 Level One Bank...... 12 S.P.I.C.E...... 1 Allstate / Nick Schrock...... 2 Ferndale DDA...... 7 John D. Bistro...... 13 Suburban Buick GMC...... 16 Autometic Collision...... 3 Go Comedy...... 8 MCC Detroit...... 14 *Not shown above Comos...... 4 Green Thumb Garden Center...... 9 Michigan AIDS Coalition...... 15 Hodges...... 10 Schmidt Law Services...... 12

32 BTL | Aug. 22, 2013 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Aug. 22, 2013 | BTL 33 DIY Street Fair Sept. 13-15 The DIY Street Fair, running Sept. 13-15, is a free two-day, three-night event in Ferndale where Cool Cities local artists, crafters, businesses, groups and Who’s behind this? organizations, musicians, restaurants, brewers The street fair is organized by local business Ferndale and others who live and work with a do-it- owners who recognize the DIY ethic that yourself ethic converge for one big celebration. thrives throughout the local community and The event, which launched its first weekend fair enhances the quality of life in Detroit and in 2008, showcases the immense creative energy, surrounding areas. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET independent spirit and innovative talent that can Pinpoint your ad dollars where they will do the most good . . . be found throughout the area. Open to the public, free to attend and all are welcome. How is this event different? Advertise in the next Cool Cities TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 Among the many special characteristics that Highlights include: push this event beyond the traditional art fair, DIY Street Fair is about community growth and Live Music: regional, popular and up-and- support. It is a showcase for local, homegrown, coming original bands converge for one the forward-thinking solutions, original works, largest showcases of area talent over three innovative products, businesses and ideas. days, four nights and three stages. The Record Shop: Visit the UHF record Why Ferndale? shop near the Metrotimes Stage to purchase self-produced and/or self-released music and Ferndale has quickly become the areas hottest merchandise from the performing acts place to be, epitomizing the DIY ethic on so many levels – evident in the national success sample a wide variety The Beer Garden: of such companies as Garden Fresh Salsa, the of delicious craft beers brewed right here in local popularity of Woodward Avenue Brewers the Great Beer State and the Magic Bag, and the fertile creative soil The Restaurant Row: local restaurants that is home turf to so many artists, musicians, and food trucks cook up delicious dishes all entrepreneurs and activists. weekend long The Marketplace: local artists, crafters, Where is it? entrepreneurs and organizations present and sell their original work DIY Street Fair is located on E. Troy Street, off of Woodward Avenue, one block South of The Kids Zone: hands-on, DIY projects, E. Nine Mile Road in Ferndale. It will occupy educational demonstrations, music and the municipal parking lots just west of the entertainment for children of all ages Ferndale Public Library and south of Troy throughout the weekend Street behind Woodward Avenue Brewers. DIY 5K: charity 5K benefiting Ferndale Source: http://diystreetfair.com/about-diy-street- Public Schools’ art programs fair

Ferndale YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET Be included in our Ferndale Cool Cities Pages

Call us today: 734-293-7200 x13

34 BTL | Aug. 22, 2013 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Aug. 22, 2013 | BTL 35 COLOR

of care providers employed with nursing and Youth Program is in need of school ® homes, assisted living facilities, home care supplies. Please drop off items at the Happenings agencies, and other types of long-term Conner Kitchen. Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Editor’s Pick Continued from p. 30 care providers. Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian 4390 Conner, Detroit. Bit. ly/1cyfp2q Resource Center, Kalamazoo. Kglrc.org Head to Ferndale this week for coffee, Coping with Disabilities Group 1 p.m. An conversation and more with the Senior Koffee of North and Stuart St., Kalamazoo. Aff Action Night 6 p.m. Educating others ongoing discussion group for people who Fairfoodmatters.org about how to make Michigan an equality have any physical or mental illnesses who Klatch. Hosted by Affirmations, Senior Koffee state. Pizza provided for volunteers. struggle with day to day issues such as Writing Group 7 p.m. Different focus for Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, applying for benefits, relationships, being Klatch is a lively discussion and social group for each meeting. Meets fourth Monday of Ferndale. 248-398-7105. goaffirmations.org with people who understand. Affirmations, LGBT adults over 45. every month. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Positive Support Organization (PSO) 7105. Goaffirmations.org The group covers various topics each week, goaffirmations.org 6 p.m. A support group for people living with HIV. Free parking in the back. Meals Senior Koffee Klatch 1 p.m. A lively, ranging from subjects pertaining to age to provided. Self-Run, 2727 Second Ave., Suite discussion and social group for LGBT adults bringing in outside speakers. Other activities Tuesday, Aug. 27 101, Detroit. 313-341-5989. over 45. Group covers topics pertaining Grand River Connection Creative class. to aging and outside speakers. Potluck within the group include potluck dinners at Lansing Association for Human Rights, SWEAT 6 p.m. A weekly support/social dinners at members homes, lunches out members homes, lunches out and holiday Lansing. grandriverconnection.com group to encourage those of us who need and holiday parties. Meets ever Wednesday to achieve wellness and or weight loss. The on the upper level of the Affirmations parties. Gay Business Networking 8 a.m. Network, 343 Atlas Ave. SE, Grand Rapids. building. Senior Koffee Klatch, 290 W. Nine Networking for LGBT business owners 616-458-3511. Grlgbt.org Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Senior Koffee Klatch meets at 1 p.m. every Wednesday on the upper level of the and professionals. Every fourth Tuesday GoAffirmations.org Affirmations building, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. Event is free. For more of the month. Get Out And Live!, 290 W. Euchre at Esquire Club 6:30 p.m. Lansing Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Association for Human Rights, 1250 Turner Jam Sessions 3 p.m. Bi-weekly support information, call 586-573-9932 or visit www.goaffirmations.org. GetOutAndLive.me St., Lansing. 517-487-5338. lahronline.org group for youth (13-24) years of age living with HIV. The Horizons Project (WSU People of Victory 12 p.m. A bi-weekly Greater Lansing Gay Men’s Chorus School of Medicine/Children’s Hospital support group for all women living with Rehearsal 6:45 p.m. Lansing Association of Michigan), 3127 E. Canfield, Detroit. HIV. People of Victory, 4201 St. Antoine, for Human Rights, 510 W. Ottawa St., 313-966-2589. Beloved Hearts Grief Support Group Ave. SE, Grand Rapids. 616-458-3511. Jackson to Kalamazoo. There will be Detroit. 313-805-7061. Lansing. [email protected] 6:30 p.m. We cannot change what has Grlgbt.org historical stops, too with various guides. KGLRC Walk/Jog/Run Group 6 p.m. The Saline Farmer’s Market - Tuesdays 3 Women’s Social Group 7 p.m. Women’s happened, but we can support and walk Hear about recipes beyond mac & cheese Resource Center’s Health and Wellness Open Arms 7 p.m. Weekly support group p.m. Saline Farmer’s Market, 555 N. Maple discussion group. Plans a monthly group beside you as you grieve. We can give and baked brie. Pick up destinations in Committee is proud to offer our very own for all people infected and affected by HIV; Road, Ann Arbor. Cityofsaline.org/ activity such as dinner, movies, games. you hugs, help you cry and be the soft Novi & Wixom. Tickets: $70. Step On Bus Meets the second and fourth Tuesday group devoted to walking, jogging, and/or place for you to fall when you feel like you provides monthly informational speakers Tours, 215 W. Troy, Suite 2046, Ferndale. LGBT Elder Resource Guide & Gen Silent of every month. The Lesbian and Gay running. Everyone is welcome, regardless cannot take another step. For LGBT and and monthly dinners. Michigan AIDS 248-619-6692. steponbustours@gmail. Film Screening 4 p.m. Kalamazoo Gay Community Network , 343 Atlas Ave. SE, of physical ability and/or sexual orientation. allies grieving the death of a loved one Coalition (MAC), 429 Livernois, Ferndale. com Steponbustours.com and Lesbian Resource Center, 1903 W. Grand Rapids. 616-458-3511. Grlgbt.org/ Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian Resource (including pets). GOAL, 515 S. Washington 248-545-1435. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo. Kglrc.org Center, 4143 N. 10th St., Kalamazoo. Free to be Me 9 a.m. Bi-weekly support calendar/ Ave., Royal Oak. 248-515-2551. Significant Other Support 7 p.m. KGLRC.org getoutandlive.me group for ex-offenders living with HIV. Release of the LGBTQ Elders Resource Tea & Talk 8 p.m. Open discussion with Discussion and support group for friends Participants have been out of prison for Guide 4 p.m. The guide will serve as a free tea and treats. Triple Goddess New Age Marriage Equality Discussion 6 p.m. An Arcus Youth Group 7 p.m. This is for and loved ones of LGBT. Affirmations, 290 three weeks to 15 years. AIDS Partnership tool for the LGBT community and their Bookstore, 1824 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. affirming discussion on how the acceptance middle and high school age youth who W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- Michigan, 2751 E. Jefferson Ave., Number allies as they navigate the unique financial, 517-347-2112. triplegoddessbookstore.net of same-sex marriage impacts culture, enjoy socializing with people their own 7105. goaffirmations.org 301, Detroit. 313-446-9836. health and social needs associated with family, and religion. Ample free parking age, going through the same issues as the overlap of ageism with homophobia, Wednesday, Aug. 28 on the Bingham St. side of our accessible them. Some of the topics covered are Thursday, Aug. 29 Moms in Motion 11 a.m. Bi-weekly biphobia and transphobia. The intention of building, one block south of Sparrow, next to support group for parents living with HIV. current events, families, communication, Chocolate, Cheese & Churches 7:30 this project, which was made possible with Capuchin Soup Kitchen’s School Supply Rite-Aid. Free. Pilgrim Congregational United DMC/AIDS Partnership Michigan, 471 St. and decision making. No one over the a.m. This tour will experience all things funding from the Kalamazoo Community Drive Detroit’s children are heading back Church of Christ, Lansing. 517-484-7434. Antoine, Detroit. 313-993-3444. age of 20 please. The Network, 343 Atlas chocolate, cheese & churches from Foundation, is to also support the training to school soon and the Rosa Parks Children [email protected] Pilgrimucc.com

36 BTL | Aug. 22, 2013 www.PrideSource.com Free HIV Testing 5 p.m. Free, anonymous will be open late for students to enjoy an Pete Siers, timbales/coro/percussion. Cary HIV testing is available at S3 Safe Sex evening of fun with DJ Stinkwiggle. Free. Kocher, vibes/coro. Kurt Krahnke, bass. Brian Store every Thursday until 9 p.m. Testing Broad MSU, 409 W. Circle Drive, East DiBlassio, piano/coro. Al DiBlassio, congas/ is performed by HARC staff. Call to Lansing. 517-355-7474. Msu.edu vocal/percussion. Tickets: $5-25. Kerrytown schedule an appointment, but walk-ins Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave., Ann are more than welcome. S3 Safe Sex Arbor. 8 p.m. Aug. 23. 734-763-4186. Store and HIVAIDS Resource Center, 1209 kerrytownconcerthouse.com S. University, Ann Arbor. 734-741-1434. MUSIC & MORE [email protected] S3safesexstore.com Kerrytown Concert House “Manner Effect” COMEDY Sarah Elizabeth Charles, vocals. Caleb Lansing Community College Gay Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase “Comedy Curtis, saxophone. Logan Thomas, piano. PJ Straight Alliance 5:30 p.m. Bingo after Jamm” Thursdays it’s cut-loose comedy Roberts, bass. Josh Davis, drums. Kerrytown at Esquire. Lansing Association for Human as we present the comedy of 12 of the Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Rights, Lansing. [email protected] current rising stars in the Detroit Metro Arbor. 7 p.m. Aug. 25. 734-763-4186. lahronline.org area and beyond. Tickets: $5. Ann Arbor Kerrytownconcerthouse.com Connections 6 p.m. Open to all LGBTQ Comedy Showcase, 314 E. Liberty St., Ann Meadow Brook Music Festival “Lyle Lovett and Ally youth from 13-18. Join us to meet Arbor. Aug. 1 - Aug. 29. 734-996-9080. and His Large Band” Tickets: $20. 35-86. 65. other LGBTQ and Ally teens and socialize Aacomedy.com Meadow Brook Music Festival, 3554 Walton in a safe space. Kalamazoo Gay and Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase “Mike Blvd., Rochester Hills. 8 p.m. Aug. 25. 248- Lesbian Resource Center, 629 Pioneer St., Bonner” Tickets: $10-12. Ann Arbor 377-0100. Palacenet.com Kalamazoo. 269-349-4234. Kglrc.org Comedy Showcase, 314 E. Liberty St., Ann Olympia Entertainment “An Evening Transgender Helpline 6:30 p.m. Arbor. Aug. 23 - Aug. 24. 734-996-9080. with Diana Ross” Tickets: $68-98. A representative from Transgender Aacomedy.com Sound Board, 2901 Grand River Ave., Michigan is available to answer questions Detroit. 8 p.m. Aug. 25. 800-745-3000. on helpline. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine CONCERTS Olympiaentertainment.com Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. DTE Energy Music Theatre “Honda Civic goaffirmations.org Tour - Maroon 5 with Kelly Clarkson” Tickets: Royal Oak Music Theatre “Ariana Grande” $29. 50+. DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7774 All ages. Tickets: $29. 50-32. Royal Oak 7 p.m. Social group 20 Somethings Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. 7 p.m. Aug. 28. Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal for young adults. Followed by an 248-377-0100. palacenet.com Oak. 7:30 p.m. Aug. 28. 248-399-2980. evening out. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Royaloakmusictheatre.com Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. DTE Energy Music Theatre “Depeche goaffirmations.org Mode with Bat for Lashes” Tickets: $29. Saugatuck Center for the Arts “Summer 50+. DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7774 in the Studio: Sam Corbin & Jen Sygit” 7 p.m. A social Gender Non-Conformists Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. 7:30 p.m. Aug. Tickets: $15+. Saugatuck Center for the and discussion group for transgender, 22. 248-377-0100. palacenet.com Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck. 8 p.m. Aug. genderqueer, genderneutral and 26. 269-857-2399. sc4a.org gender-exploring individuals. Space also Grand Rapids Art Museum “Niel Jacobs” available to significant others. Meets Gypsy & world 12-string guitar. Event is Stars in the Park “Farmington Community every Thursday. Affirmations, 290 W. indoors because of Polish Festival in Rosa Chorus” Free. Heritage Park Ampitheatre, Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- Parks Circle. Part of GRAM on the Green Farmington Road, Farmington Hills. 7 p.m. 7105. [email protected] outdoor summer music series. Dancing, Aug. 22. 248-473-1848. GoAffirmations.org fitness, sketching and more prior to show. Static Network “The Akabane Vulgars Free. Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe 7 p.m. Weekly on Stong Bypass, White Shag, and The Weekly Support Group Center, Grand Rapids. 5 p.m. Aug. 23. 616- support group for members of the HIV/ Luckouts” Japanese all-girl power trio The 831-1000. artmuseumgr.org AIDS community. Wings, 2441 Pinecrest Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass return to Detroit with special guests, Detroit’s Dr., Ferndale. wingsmi.org Kerrytown Concert House “Los Gatos Latin Jazz Quintet” 15th Anniversary Concert. Welcome Back Students 7 p.m. Museum See Happenings, page 38

www.PrideSource.com Aug. 22, 2013 | BTL 37 Bloomfield. 7 p.m. Aug. 29. 248-432-5420. States and chronicles the rapidly changing ® Happenings www.Theberman.org American scene between the 1920s and 1940s. Flint Institute of Arts, 1120 E. Continued from p. 37 Closer Than Ever $29-$42. Mason Street Kearsley St., Flint. Aug. 1 - Sep. 22. 810- Warehouse at Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 234-1695. Flintarts.org 400 Culver St., Saugatuck. Aug. 16 - Sep. 1. own White Shag and The Luckouts 269-857-2399. www.sc4a.org Grand Rapids Art Museum “Saturday All joining the show. The Akabane Vulgars on Day with The Arts” Drop-in family activities. Strong Bypass made their Detroit debut David Fisher - The Rock N’ Rope Warrior Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe last September on their U. S. Return $7-15. The Acorn Theater, 107 Generations Center, Grand Rapids. May 4 - Dec. 28. of King Zero tour; this year, they are Dr., Three Oaks. 2 p.m. Aug. 25. 269-756- 616-831-1000. artmuseumgr.org 3879. www.Acorntheater.com back to promote their two new albums, Kerrytown Concert House “Kathy Kosins” Proclamation and the live release, Live in Fridays and Saturdays at Go Comedy! Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Brooklyn. 21+. Tickets: $6. The Corktown Go Comedy! Improv Theater, 261 E. Nine Ave., Ann Arbor. Aug. 6 - Sep. 4. 734-763- Tavern, 1716 Michigan Ave., Detroit. 9 p.m. Mile Rd., Ferndale. 248-327-0575. www. 4186. Kerrytownconcerthouse.com Aug. 22. 313-964-5103. Corktowntavern. gocomedy.net com Krasl Art Center “Philosophy of Art” 707 Golda’s Balcony $62-67. Berman Center Lake Blvd., St. Joseph. May 23 - Sep. 26. Summer in the Park “Fourth Friday for the Performing Arts, 6600 W. Maple Road, 269-983-0271. krasl.org Concerts” Variety of entertainment every West Bloomfield. Aug. 31 - Sep. 1. 248-661- fourth Friday of the summer. Times vary. 1900. www.theberman.org Lawrence Street Gallery “Printmaker X Campus Martius Park, Detroit. June 28 - 6” Six artists will present works displaying Aug. 23. Campusmartiuspark.org If You Give a Mouse a Cookie $18. Etico examples of traditional etching, drypoint Productions at City Theatre, 2301 Woodward etching, monotypes and monoprints, The Ark “Tuck & Patti” Tickets: $20. The Ave., Detroit. Aug. 23 - 25. 313-471-6611. collagraph prints, solar plate etching, Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. www.olympiaentertainment.com and silkscreens. Lawrence Street Gallery, Aug. 24. 734-761-1800. theark.org 22620 Woodward Ave. Suite A, Ferndale. Miles & Ellie $18.50-42. The Purple Rose The Ark “Hana Malhas & The July 31 - Aug. 31. 248-544-0394. Theatre Company, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Lawrencestreetgallery.com Overthinkers & Christopher Norman” Through Aug. 31. 734-433-7673. www. Tickets: $15. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., PurpleRoseTheatre.org Michigan State University Museum Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Aug. 22. 734-761-1800. “Michigan and the Civil War” Exhibit theark.org My Name is Asher Lev $22-$41. highlights Michigan connections in the Civil Performance Network Theatre, 120 E. Huron The Magic Bag “Said the Whale” Tickets: War. Michigan State University Museum, St., Ann Arbor. Through Sep. 8. 734-663- 409 W. Circle Drive, East Lansing. May 4 $10+. The Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward 0681. www.performancenetwork.org Ave., Ferndale. 7 p.m. Aug. 28. 248-544- - Oct. 31. 517-355-7474. museum.msu.edu 3030. Themagicbag.com My Other Voice $25. AKip Productions at Michigan State University Museum Arthur Miller Theatre within the Walgreen “Evolution in Action” New exhibit explores FESTIVALS Drama Center, 1226 Murfin, Ann Arbor. evolution of biological systems and DTE Energy Music Theatre “Rockstar Through Sep. 1. 614-832-8304. www. technologies - evolution in living things, Energy Uproar Festival” Featuring Alice myothervoice.org and also in computers and engineering. A in Chains, Jane’s Addiction, Coheed and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown new exhibit, “50,000” reveals an ongoing Cambria, Circa Survive, and more. DTE $20-50. Ann Arbor Musical Theater experiment where scientists have observed Energy Music Theatre, 7774 Sashabaw Works at Children’s Creative Center bacteria growing, competing, and evolving Road, Clarkston. 2 p.m. Aug. 24. 248-377- Theater, 1600 Pauline, Ann Arbor. Aug. for 50,000 generations in only 23 years. 0100. Palacenet.com 29 - Aug. 31. 734-546-5087. www. Michigan State University Museum, 409 W. Circle Drive, East Lansing. May 4 - Oct. 31. Jewish Gay Network “Gottlieb Family annarbormusicaltheaterworks.com 517-355-7474. museum.msu.edu Festival of the Arts” West Bloomfield Young Frankenstein $35. Barn Theatre, Jewish Community Center, 6600 W. Maple 13351 W. M-96, Augusta. Aug. 20 - Sep. 1. Pewabic Pottery “David Stark Design Road, West Bloomfield. Aug. 28 - Sep. 1. 269-731-4121. www.barntheatre.com and Culture Lab Detroit” Guided by David’s 248-432-5661. Jgnmi.org artistic vision, Pewabic has created an original piece that was inspired by a recent Meadow Brook Music Festival “Wine visit to Detroit. One-of-a-kind dinnerware and Food Festival” 21+. Tickets: $15. piece will be on display. Pewabic Pottery, 25-35. 55. Meadow Brook Music Festival, ART ‘N’ AROUND 10125 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit. June 7 - 3554 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills. Aug. 24 4731 Gallery “Laerrus Show” 4731 Sep. 30. 313-626-2000. pewabic.org - Aug. 25. 248-377-0100. Palacenet.com Gallery, 4731 Grand River, Detroit. July 20 - Aug. 31. Riverside Arts Center “Map It” People’s Michigan Renaissance Festival Choice voting will run throughout the month “Michigan Renaissance Festival” Cranbrook Academy of Art and Art with winners announced at the end of the Entertainment, food, drink, and various Museum “A Driving Force: Cranbrook and exhibit. Free. Riverside Arts Center, 76 North things to purchase. Various discounts the Car” Exploring the way Cranbrook has Huron Street, Ypsilanti. Aug. 1 - Aug. 24. available for tickets. Tickets: $9. 50-20. played a role in shaping the landscape 734-483-7345. Riversidearts.com 95. Michigan Renaissance Festival, 12600 of American life through the automobile Dixie Hwy., Holly. Aug. 17 - Sep. 29. 248- from the start of the twentieth century. Saugatuck Center for the Arts “Jeff 634-5552. Michrenfest.com Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Kraus” Abstract paintings. Saugatuck Ave., Bloomfield Hills. June 13 - Nov. 30. Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Pontiac Pride “Pontiac Pride” Our goal is 877-462-7262. cranbrookart.edu Saugatuck. Aug. 8 - Sep. 4. 269-857-2399. to promote the unique features that make Sc4a.org Pontiac, Michigan such an amazing city Detroit Artists Market “FIREPOWER -- and to help create a cleaner, safer and Ceramics 2013” Ceramics from different The Henry Ford “Designing Tomorrow: more financially sound Pontiac. Pontiac, angles. Detroit Artists Market, 4719 America’s World’s Fairs of the 1930s” Pontiac. Aug. 1 - Aug. 31. Pontiacpride.com Woodward Ave., Detroit. Aug. 2 - Aug. 30. Tickets: $17+. Members: Free. The Henry 313-832-8540. Detroitartistsmarket.org Ford, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn. May 4 - Sep. 2. 313-982-6001. thehenryford.org Detroit Institute of Arts “Bojaji” Korean THEATER women used traditional wrapping cloth or The Scarab Club “Focus Hope: Focus bojagi, to wrap, store, decorate, or carry on the Mission” This long-running annual CIVIC/COMMUNITY THEATER gifts and objects of everyday life. Use cotton diversity and leadership program uses Father Bingo $13-15. Spotlight Still Got fabric and markers to create one of your photography as the focus to bring together It Players at The Village Theater at Cherry own. All ages. Detroit Institute of Arts, 2100 students from the tri-county area. The Hill, 50400 Cherry Hill Road, Canton. Aug. Woodward Ave., Detroit. Aug. 6 - Aug. 27. students are mentored by some of the most 21 - 25. 734-394-5300. www.Canton-mi. 313-833-7900. dia.org respected and experienced photographers in Metro Detroit. The Scarab Club, 217 org/villagetheater Detroit Institute of Arts “Mosaics” A Farnsworth, Detroit. Aug. 7 - Aug. 24. 313- mosaic is a picture or decoration made of Ives Gotta Say Goodbye $10. Matrix 831-1250. Scarabclub.org Theatre Company, 2730 Bagley, Detroit. small pieces of stone or glass, Use a variety Aug. 23 - 24. 313-967-0999. www. of art-making materials to make one of your UMMA “Isamu Noguchi and Qi Baishi: matrixtheatre.org own. All ages. Detroit Institute of Arts, 2100 Beijing 1930” University Of Michigan Woodward Ave., Detroit. Aug. 1 - Aug. 29. Museum Of Art, 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor. PROFESSIONAL 313-833-7900. dia.org May 18 - Sep. 1. 734-763-4186. umma. umich.edu Bad Romance $20. Loud LLC at St. Downriver Council for the Arts “Acanthus Andrew’s Hall, 431 E. Congress, Detroit. 8 Art Society Meeting” Downriver Council for Yourist Studio Gallery “Thom Bohnert p.m. Aug. 24. www.badromanceshow.com the Arts, 81 Chestnut, Wyandotte. June 26 - Drawings and Sculpture” His evocative, Oct. 23. 734-720-0671. Downriverarts.org archaeological forms challenge viewers to $15. WickedGreen Productions Basheret expand their thinking about the possibilities at Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Flint Institute of Arts “Modern Dialect: of clay as medium. Yourist Studio Gallery, Ferndale. Aug. 30 - 31. 248-298-9617. from the John & Susan Horseman 1133 Broadway, Ann Arbor. Aug. 26 - Oct. 4. Collection” This collection of paintings 734-662-4914. Youristpottery.com Charles Strouse: The Berman Center for the focuses on images from across the United Performing Arts, 6600 W. Maple Road, West

38 BTL | Aug. 22, 2013 www.PrideSource.com To place a classified ad with us,visit PRIDESOURCE.COM/classifieds Classifieds or call us at 734-293-7200 x15

112 428 PROF. SERVICES - ANNOUNCEMENTS - MASSAGE VOLUNTEERING GROUP MASSAGE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR - For Gay and Bisexual Men. Learn some massage techniques and meet DIFFA: DINING BY DE- others in a safe and caring environ- SIGN & ArtWorks Detroit ment. Tuesdays and Saturdays at Detroit’s most original event, in- 8 p.m. Thursdays at 2 p.m. $10 volving members of our fabulous per session. 209 West Kingsley in design and art community. downtown Ann Arbor. (734) 662- Cocktails by Design - Thursday, 6282 or email Massage4@aol. Sept. 26, 2013 com. http://www.trymassage.com ArtWorks Detroit - Friday, Sept. 27, 2013 Dining by Design - Saturday, Sept. Licensed Swediah 27, 2013 Auburn Hills DIFFA: Design Industries Founda- Kansonn tion Fighting AIDS 248-672-0669 Benefits Michigan AIDS Coalition [email protected] - click on DIFFA Dining by Design and ArtWorks Detroit Located at the former Federal Reserve Building, 160 Fort St. Detroit, near Campus Martius For information, contact Monica Mills at (248) 545-1435, ext. 117, or mmills@michiganaid- scoaltion.org

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Solution to puzzle from page 40

www.PrideSource.com Aug. 22, 2013 | BTL 39 Across 56 F ormer “American Idol” judge 30 The number on top of a fraction Live From Rio Paula 32 Bloom of “The Producers” 1 One of the motorist’s aids 57 Lane of “The Birdcage” 33 On the down ___ 8 ___ Records (Etheridge label) 59 See 35-Across 36 Weight loss product 14 Artist Robert 61 Turn on 37 Textiles plant 15 Loch name 62 Tangled up 38 “...see ___ will believe...” 16 P ope who recently spoke in Rio 63 Interrupts, with “in” about gay priests 41 Bk. before Jeremiah 64 Bacon procurers 17 Cobbler containers 43 Quip source Kate

18 Uses the keyboard 45 Tickle pink 19 Where to put your meat, in a deli Down 46 NASA outing 47 Mystery writer Claire 20 Traveler’s info 1 Splits 48 Poet Frank 21 Studio stages 2 Way to serve your meat 49 Sea eagles 22 Start of how Pope Benedict XVI 3 Make fit 51 Confuse mentally labeled gay life style 4 Enjoys orally 52 German pistol 25 Coming soon 5 PC alternatives 53 Snow vehicles 27 Some sex-toy batteries 6 Singer DiFranco 56 Showing a tiny opening 28 Hook up 7 Audio systems, for short 58 Hold tight 31 Medicine dose 8 Acquire, as debt 59 Poet who inspired “Cats,” initially 34 Beantown tower, with “the” 9 Neighbor of Croatia 60 “Put ___ Happy Face” 35 Start of what 16-Across said 10 Tigers of the NCAA about gay priests 11 Taking stock of Solution on pg. 39 39 Prefix with classical 12 Capone colleague 40 Maria’s “Do-___” 13 Cul-___ 42 John, who played a transsexual in 19 Gas additive “The World According to Garp” 22 Problem for skin 44 Sixth sense 23 Cold war defense assn. 46 Gay porn director Francis 24 Catch forty winks 47 See 22-Across 26 Fresh 50 Good buddies 28 Putting your mouth on a stranger, 54 Half of a ballroom dance perhaps 55 Pitching stat 29 Vein filler

40 BTL | Aug. 22, 2013 www.PrideSource.com from them. And who better than Hoffman, a Deep Inside Hollywood Philip Seymour Hoffman and master of portraying miserable characters, John Cameron Mitchell are comic or not, to embody the anxiety of the BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE Then,” from the creative team behind “Next age? Can’t wait. to Normal.” He’ll reunite with former “Rent” ‘Trending Down’ co-star Idina Menzel Showtime has given a Amber Tamblyn is TV lesbian for the show, one that Pee-Wee Herman returns pilot order to something centers on a woman Usually when a series is as long in the tooth that sounds very 2014 is going to be an excellent year for about to turn 40 who as “Two and a Half Men,” the producers promising, something television because that’s when Pee-Wee moves to New York in bring in a cute kid to boost the ratings. that doesn’t involve Herman will be back on it. Children (and the hopes of starting But with Angus T. Jones all grown up and vampires or dragons. A adults) of the 1980s who worshipped at no longer a series regular (not to mention a brand new life. The dark comedy, “Trending the altar of “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse” will notoriously bad-mouthing his childhood musical opens March Down,” will star Philip see their hero return next year in a new TV job as “filth”), the hit sitcom’s producers 2014, which shouldn’t Seymour Hoffman as a project whose details aren’t fully known – already having replaced Charlie Sheen interfere too much with middle-aged man who just yet. Paul Reubens, Pee-Wee’s creator, with Ashton Kutcher – are playing by their Rapp’s need to promote finds himself facing is 60 now and still, thankfully, happy to put own rules once again. They’re bringing in a his new film, “Opening career obsolescence on that too-tight suit. And he isn’t spilling lesbian. Amber Tamblyn will join the show Night.” It’s a comedy when his advertising much information beyond the fact that, as Charlie’s long lost daughter Jenny, who from Ryan Dixon, Nena agency is sold into new along with the long-anticipated Pee-Wee moves to Los Angeles to become an actor Girsh and Jack Henry hands. Hoffman will co- movie – to be produced by Judd Apatow – and who shares all of her late father’s tastes, Robbins, with Robbins star with Kathryn Hahn the show is a go and it will not necessarily including his taste in women. It’s the coolest directing. Co-starring (“Revolutionary Road”) be a reboot of “Playhouse.” One off or not, of possibilities, a bad-girl lesbian on prime Cheyenne Jackson, and John Cameron any Pee-Wee is better than no Pee-Wee at time TV and not even wearing an “Orange Is the story centers on Mitchell (“Hedwig and all. And as for that movie, if the Muppets can The New Black” prison jumpsuit. Guess it’s a high school drama the Angry Inch”) will reboot successfully in theaters and remind time to watch our first episode of “Two and club, their teacher and direct the pilot that’s the world how much they loved “Rainbow a visiting B-list TV star, a Half Men.” Amber Tamblyn. being described as “a Connection,” now it’s “Tequila”’s time back which makes it sound Photo: Shutterstock.com blistering attack on in the sun as our national dancing-on-bars something like a kinder, our youth-obsessed anthem. Anthony Rapp has new jobs to gentler “Waiting for culture… a darkly Guffman.” It begins production this summer comic examination of what it means to Romeo San Vicente thinks lesbians should replace make the rent in Los Angeles so fans of anything that matter. Or matter not.” In other words, it’s his least favorite sitcom characters across the board. Original star of “Rent” Anthony Rapp smells “Rent”- or “Glee”-adjacent can begin about what’s going to happen to everyone He can be reached care of this publication or at has joined the cast of the new musical “If/ obsessing now. when the cast of “Girls” takes their jobs away [email protected].

www.PrideSource.com Aug. 22, 2013 | BTL 41 42 BTL | Aug. 22, 2013 www.PrideSource.com