FREE | MAY 17, 2012 | VOL. 2020

ROMNEY: HIGH SCHOOL BULLY

PREP WORK FOR ELLIOT-LARSEN

EXPERIENCE QUEER COLUMBUS

OBAMA PROCLAIMS ‘SAME-SEX COUPLES SHOULD THANK YOU BE ABLE TO MARRY’ MR. PRESIDENT

PRIDESOURCE.COM 2 BTL \ May 17, 2012 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com May 17, 2012 / BTL 3 5.17.2012

10 | Heard on Facebook Cover story Could Obama turn the tides? 4 | President Obama completes ‘evolution’ on 11 | Parting Glances gay marriage Pages past tense #1 11 | Speak Out News Yes he did! 4 | Gay rights backers see history in 12 | North Carolina approves ban on same-sex Obama’s stand marriage 31st state in 8 years to deny rights 5 | Romney bullying story comes to light 5 | State Senate Democratic Leader: Life ‘Romney owes students an apology’ 15 | Columbus... queer? 6 | Department of Civil Rights seeks stories Hey, it’s not just cornfields! as Elliot-Larsen amendment considered 22 | Book Marks 6 | Let your legislators know how you feel at Reviews of “A Queer and Pleasant Danger” and May Lobby Day “Purgatory” 20 | Cool Cities: Birmingham 7 | Motor City Pride: Educate, liberate & celebrate June 2-3 23 | The tears of a clown at MOT

9 | Michigan gay prisoner wins 24 | Happenings discrimination case Featured: Dignity Detroit’s 38th anniversary celebration May 19 Opinions Rear View 8 | Viewpoint Marriage: We fall down but we get up 26 | Puzzle

9 | Creep of the Week 27 | Horoscopes Mitt Romney 10 S/he Said 28 | Classifieds Reactions to Obama 30 | Deep Inside Hollywood

JOIN THE CONVERSATION @

Get breaking news updates. Email your op–eds and letters to Follow us @YourBTL [email protected]

Receive our E–Digest – just sign up Chat on our FB Fan Page. Search today online “Between The Lines Newspaper” 4 BTL \ May 17, 2012 \ Michigan News www.PrideSource.com Gay rights backers see President Obama completes history in Obama’s stand

BY DAVID B. CARUSO thought maybe the city could protect ‘evolution’ on gay marriage its employees or job candidates from NEW YORK (AP)–At a discrimination. BY LISA KEEN us all. They remind us that we are all- error was 3.5 points, making the birthplace of the modern gay rights In 1972, he became among -as a People and a Nation--striving to difference as small as 4.5 points. movement, patrons of New York the majority of council members to WASHINGTON D.C. – form a more perfect Union.” Although there were many big City’s Stonewall Inn said they felt adopt an anti-discrimination measure President Obama said in a White The interview, according to news stories erupting at the same like they were living history. In in hiring practices for the city - the House-arranged interview Wednesday numerous media reports, was pre- time--including news that the CIA had Wyoming, the mother of a man first such ordinance in the nation. afternoon that “same-sex couples arranged by the White House to stopped a plot to blow up a plane--the beaten to death because of his He experienced little backlash should be able to get married.” take place with ABC Good Morning mainstream media swarmed all over the sexuality said words couldn’t within the communities of East The statement, in an interview America anchor Robin Roberts of Biden story. CNN media commentator express her gratitude. An 82-year- Lansing and Michigan State with ABC, marks a significant and long Good Morning America. The media Howard Kurtz wrote, in a DailyBeast. old photographer who chronicled University, he said, though he expected “evolution” for President speculated the interview was set up com blog, “There is absolutely no protests in the 1960s called it “a recalled occasional criticism by Obama in his political position hastily and deliberately to quell the question that Biden’s response was new dawn.” voters during subsequent - but concerning same-sex marriage. political conflagration that erupted cleared by the White House. Vice President Barack Obama’s successful - campaigns for higher “I’ve always been adamant that Sunday, when Vice President Joe presidents are not allowed to freelance declaration Wednesday that he office. He served as Ingham County’s gay and lesbian Americans should Biden told NBC Meet the Press that he on talk shows, especially on such a supports gay marriage may have drain commissioner for 12 years, be treated fairly and equally,” said lacked the urgency of Kennedy’s retiring in 1993. Obama. “...I had hesitated on gay 1963 push for the Civil Rights Griffiths sees Obama’s marriage, in part because I thought Act, or the force and finality of the announcement as a natural civil unions would be sufficient.” But “I think same-sex couples Emancipation Proclamation, but it progression from the steps he and after talking to friends and family, was still being greeted as a major his colleagues took 40 years ago. neighbors and staff, he said, “I’ve just milestone among people who care “It’s a glacial movement,” he concluded that for me personally it should be able to get married.” about gay rights. said, “but I think people are coming is important for me to go ahead and “It signifies a history-changing around.” affirm that I think same-sex couples moment when a president finally should be able to get married.” President Barack Obama May 9, 2012 says, ‘I’m on your side.’ It’s a Reactions were dramatic. critical moment,” said Stacy Lentz, Vermont Evan Wolfson, head of the a co-owner of the Stonewall, a Holly Puterbaugh, 65, and national Freedom to Marry group, is “absolutely comfortable” with gay sensitive issue. So Obama was sending reincarnated version of the her partner, Lois Farnham, were said, “The President’s support marks a couples marrying and that he believes out Biden to further mollify the gay unlicensed gay bar in Manhattan’s among the three Vermont same-sex historic turning point for the freedom they should have the “exact same community without having to actually West Village that was the site of riots couples who sued the state in 1997 to marry movement.” rights” as straight couples to do so. take a stand himself.” MSNBC’s news following a police raid in June 1969. after they were denied a marriage Incoming Human Rights Prior to Wednesday, President anchor Chuck Todd said the White Just how big of a moment license. Their lawsuit led to the 1999 Campaign President Chad Griffin Obama has not previously expressed House was being especially “sensitive” remains to be seen. While public court decision that made Vermont said Obama’s remarks today would be pro-active legal support for same-sex about the remarks because “gay opinion polls show an increasing the first state to recognize same-sex “celebrated by generations to come.” marriage equality. In October 2010, money, in this election, has replaced number of Americans are receptive civil unions. “For the millions of young gay he told gay political blogger Joe Wall Street money.” to gay marriage, and accepting Back then, Puterbaugh never and lesbian Americans across this Sudbay that he was “unwilling to sign Interest in Obama’s position on of homosexuality in general, the would have believed a president nation, President Obama’s words onto same-sex marriage primarily” same-sex marriage was in the news movement hasn’t fared well at would someday back same-sex provide genuine hope that they will be because of his “understandings of the even prior to Biden’s remarks. The the ballot box. On Tuesday, North marriage, she said in a phone the first generation to grow up with the traditional definitions of marriage.” Obama re-election campaign had Carolina voters overwhelmingly interview Thursday. freedom to fully pursue the American He said “attitudes” about same-sex issued a statement in March, opposing approved a constitutional amendment “We’ve come a lot further a dream,” said Griffin. “...As President marriage “evolve, including mine.” the North Carolina Amendment One, defining marriage as between a man lot faster than I thought we would,” Obama recognized today, the fight to And he reiterated that position two which bans legal recognition of any and a woman. she said. “In ‘99, civil union was secure marriage equality is the defining months later, in an interview with The same-sex relationship. The statement Still, at mileposts and bastions considered the most outrageously element of our generation’s search for Advocate’s Kerry Eleveld, saying, said: “While the President does not in the struggle, Obama’s words were liberal thing going. Now it’s the greater freedom.” “My attitudes are evolving onthis.” weigh in on every single ballot measure being welcomed. conservative fallback. MSNBC commentator Chris Numerous times since then, in every state, the record is clear that “That tells me people are Matthews called it “earthshaking” and Obama and White House Press the President has long opposed divisive looking, they are thinking, they are predicted right-wing conservatives Secretary Jay Carney have been and discriminatory efforts to deny Michigan starting to really examine this as a “will use everything they can to exploit asked whether the president’s position rights and benefits to same sex couples. In the early 1970s, a waiter left true issue,” she said. this” politically in the November had yet evolved. With the Republican That’s what the North Carolina ballot his shift at a restaurant in the college Another couple in that landmark campaign. presidential race settling onto Mitt initiative would do - it would single out town of East Lansing, Mich., and lawsuit, Nina Beck and Stacy Jolles, Ted Olson, lead attorney for Romney, one national poll indicated and discriminate against committed was greeted affectionately by his had also viewed same-sex marriage the same-sex couples challenging the public didn’t see much difference gay and lesbian couples - and that’s boyfriend. His manager saw. The as a romantic ideal, and maybe a California’s Proposition 8 ban, between Obama and Romney on same- why the President does not support waiter was fired on the spot. It was legal longshot, when they took up said, “Today is a proud day for all sex marriage. it.” The campaign sent out a similar legal. the fight. Now, things have changed. Americans.” The ABC-Washington Post poll, statement April 9 in opposition to a George Griffiths, who turned 83 “When we went to the city “The bedrock American conducted in early April, found 46 similar ballot measure before voters on Thursday, was a member of both hall in South Burlington to ask for a principles of freedom and human percent of 1,103 adults nationwide in Minnesota in November. the local American Civil Liberties marriage license, it was very simply dignity are central to the political thought President Obama would Asked about same-sex marriage Union board and the East Lansing the first step on what we thought and legal convictions of Republicans, “do a better job” at “dealing with on the campaign trail, Republican City Council at the time. would be a very long road, but we Democrats, liberals, and conservatives social issues such as abortion and Mitt Romney said he supports neither He knew the ACLU couldn’t alike,” said Olson. “President Obama’s gay marriages,” and 38 percent said same-sex marriage nor civil unions. regulate a private employer - but words remind us that marriage and Romney would. But the margin of See Gay rights backers, page 7 equality are universal values that unite www.PrideSource.com Michigan News / May 17, 2012 / BTL 5 Romney bullying story comes to light BY LISA KEEN

Just one day after President Obama’s big The Washington Post said four announcement that he supports the legal right of the other students who of gay couples to marry, Republican nominee apparent Mitt Romney was scrambling to hurry participated in the attack past an unexpected revelation. A close friend of Romney’s, when the two confirmed it. One recalled it were attending Cranbrook, a private boarding as “vicious.” Friedemann said school outside Detroit during their high school years, said Romney forcibly held down and cut Romney organized and led the the hair of a fellow student despite the student’s screams for help. attack. The Romney friend, Matthew Friedemann, told the Washington Post, in a story published over one eye. That, according to Friedemann, May 10, that the victim of the attack had tears led many students to presume Lauber was gay. in his eyes and was screaming for help when he, Friedemann said Romney saw Lauber’s Romney, and several other students tackled the hairstyle and said, “He can’t look like that. That’s non-conforming student whom many presumed wrong!” A few days later Friedemann said he to be gay. found Romney leading a group of students into The Washington Post said four of the other a room where Lauber was. Friedemann recounted students who participated in the attack confirmed how Romney and the group grabbed Lauber, it. One recalled it as “vicious.” Friedemann said pinned him to the floor, and enabled Romney Romney organized and led the attack. to cut his hair. Asked about the Post story, Romney told The Washington Post got confirmation FoxNews Radio Thursday that he didn’t recall of the attack from five of the students who the incident but added, “I certainly don’t believe participated in it. that I ... thought the fellow was homosexual.” Alex Shriver, a Romney campaign Although he didn’t remember the spokesman on MSNBC Thursday afternoon, incident, he characterized the attack as a prank, blew off a question about the incident, calling acknowledged that it might have gone “too it a “temporary media distraction, with sort of far,” but said he considers himself to be “a very questionable timing.” different person” now. But the Washington Post found another The victim of the 1965 attack, according fellow student of Romney’s, Gary Hummel, to the Post, was John Lauber, who died in 2004. who was gay at the time and recalled Romney In high school, Lauber had grown his hair long, mocking him with “Atta girl!” whenever we bleached it, and wore it in a style that it draped spoke out in class. State Senate Democratic Leader: ‘Romney owes students an apology’

LANSING - Senate Democratic Leader bullying and even an attack on a fellow student in Gretchen Whitmer spoke on the Senate floor which Romney had him pinned down on the floor May 10 to denounce Republican Presidential and cut his hair off simply because he thought Candidate Mitt Romney after media reports the student was a homosexual. The victim of that detailed stories in which Romney bullied and attack described in later years that the incident attacked a fellow classmate while a student at was “horrible” and something that had stayed Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills. with him throughout his life. “What kind of message does it send to our Whitmer pointed out that this is the exact students when Republicans continue to support type of behavior the Legislature worked to a candidate who thought it acceptable to bully a prevent when they passed Matt’s Safe School classmate while in high school and shrugs it off law in 2011. with a laugh when asked today,” said Whitmer. “It appears Mitt Romney believes he had his “Romney needs to not only own up to his past own personal license to bully and that he is above mistakes but listen to our students who struggle having to apologize to those he hurt,” added far too often today with this exact type of bullying Whitmer. “Perhaps this explains why Governor so he understands the terrible impact it can have Romney eliminated a program designed to help on their lives.” implement bullying prevention programs in Reports from classmates of Romney Massachusetts schools. It’s a disturbing pattern describe detailed incidents of harassment, of behavior.” 6 BTL \ May 17, 2012 \ Michigan News www.PrideSource.com Department of Civil Rights seeks stories as Elliot-Larsen amendment considered BY CRYSTAL A. PROXMIRE job performance – especially in this uncertain strength of her voice in this issue. “I think that economic climate,” the statement said. It went on it is important to realize that there are plenty of The push to amend the Elliot-Larsen Civil to say “Diversity helps to keep our cities strong, signers to this letter that are openly LGBT elected Rights Act is on, and the Michigan Department and our gay and transgender residents are a part officials. Their voice hasn’t been made nearly as of Civil Rights needs your help gathering of that diversity. prominent as I think would be ideal, considering information on instances of discrimination in “We know that young, bright, creative- that they are in the best position to speak for their the state. minded professionals are more likely to choose community. I am always happy to lend my name, On April 17, Senator Rebekah Warren places that foster diversity and inclusion. They my voice and answer any questions that are sent introduced Senate Bill 1063 which would are just the kind of workers, thinkers, and doers to me about this topic but I do want to insure add “Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and that Michigan needs to help revitalize our that those that this amendment directly impacts Gender Expression” to the list of groups that economy.” and that this is even more personal for get their Let your legislators are protected against discrimination by law. The Mayor of Grand Rapids, George voice represented.” Michigan’s Civil Rights law currently prohibits Heartwell, was among those who took a stand. While LGBT elected officials are important know how you feel discrimination in employment, housing, and “Especially in these days when bigotry and in the fight and serve as good role models for the public accommodations based on religion, race, homophobia seems to be settling back in to community, it’s going to take allies standing up to color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, plague communities, Grand Rapids’ ordinance, really create change. Suidan signed for the same at May Lobby Day familial status, or marital status. Senate Bill 1063 adopted 17 years ago, stands as a hallmark of reason that more and more allies are stepping hopes to add sexual orientation, gender identity open-mindedness and welcome. The rich arts and forward in the fight for equality, and should be On Thursday, May 24 over 100 people and gender expression to this law. culture of our city, the robust design and research noted for their efforts. and their allies will meet in Lansing for Lobby Currently, 21 states and Washington industry and the expansive higher education “I don’t view my particular community as Day where they will have a chance to meet with DC prohibit discrimination based on sexual presence benefit from the inclusiveness signaled entirely welcoming,” she said. “My decision to elected officials and talk with them about gay orientation and 16 states and Washington DC by our ordinance. sign this letter, as an ally, as a young woman and transgender issues. prohibit discrimination based on gender identity. “Our ordinance has no enforcement teeth and as a local elected official, was in hopes The day is organized by Unity Michigan, In Michigan there are local ordinances that without state statute. While it represents an that maybe it does make my community even a coalition which inclues ACLU of Michigan, protect these groups in some manner in Ann important symbol, its effectiveness is otherwise slightly more welcoming. I want to make it so Affirmations Community Center, Equality Arbor, Birmingham, Dearborn Heights, Detroit, minimized until Elliot-Larson is amended. people know that they aren’t alone, no matter Michigan, KICK, The Michigan Roundtable for Douglas, East Lansing, Ferndale, Flint, Grand “We had a tragic case in our metro area where you live.” Diversity and Inclusion and the Ruth Ellis Center. Ledge, Grand Rapids, Huntington Woods, where a teacher was fired by a suburban The Unity Michigan Coalition works to Roland Leggett, field director for Equality Kalamazoo, Lansing, Muskegon, Saginaw, district simply because he was gay. The LGBT ensure that all Michiganders are treated fairly in Michigan is one of the organizers. “We Traverse City and Ypsilanti. community, together with allies in the straight the workplace by advancing nondiscrimination want people to get in the practice of having The Michigan Department of Civil Rights community, came together to publicly support policies. conversations with their representatives is gathering information on the proposed him. Unfortunately, he died of a heart ailment consistently,” Legget said. The event will begin amendment, and they are asking that people before the School Board could address the issue,” with training at the AFL-CIO Office in Lansing at share their opinions and experiences around Heartwell said. Coalition partners LGBT discrimination. “Do you think protections 419 Washington Square South, where attendees It isn’t just leaders of affirming communities The Unity Michigan Coalition includes for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender will be taught how to stay on message, how that are getting involved. Elected officials from the ACLU of Michigan, Affirmations, Equality people should be added to the ELCRA? Have to set up phone banks, and other methods for School Boards and Library Boards have signed Michigan, KICK, the Michigan Roundtable you experienced discrimination in Michigan communicating with legislators and the media. on too. Jennifer Suidan sits on the Library Board for Diversity and Inclusion, and the Ruth because of your sexual orientation or gender Equality Michigan has done similar events in White Lake. She’s not gay or transgender Ellis Center. LGBT people and allies are identity? Please consider sharing your thoughts on a smaller scale, once bringing a group of and her community does not have inclusive welcome to get involved. Check out http:// on the proposed amendments to this law. We are LGBT seniors to the capitol, and more often protections. “I signed onto this letter because I dontchangeyourself.com. arriving with student groups. “This is the first interested in hearing from individuals in favor of believe firmly that it is beyond time for Michigan time we have organized a group like this, with and opposed to such changes to the law. to protect all of our residents. This shouldn’t be a other LGBT leaders. Our Policy Director and Please email, anonymously if you prefer, task handled municipality to municipality. Every To send your opinion or experience to the Michigan PAC President will be there as well as several of [email protected] to share your opinion,” Michigan resident deserves the same protections Civil Rights Department, email calcagnor@ the elected officials who are part of LEAD, which said a recent request for information. under the law.” michigan.gov is our Local Electeds Against Discrimination Surprisingly, Suidan underestimates the movement.” Once training is complete, the group will Unity Michigan march to the capital building and have a rally. Across the state, local officials have joined Check out http://dontchangeyourself.com After listening to the speakers, attendees will together through Unity Michigan to show support be free to stop by their representatives’ offices, for the bill. Their LEAD (Local Electeds Against mingle with other activists, and practice speaking Discrimination) statement has 70 signatures from about equal rights. elected officials at many levels of government. Members of the public are encouraged to “All hardworking people in our state, including come out and get involved. For more information those who are gay or transgender, should have go to http://equalitymi.org/take-action/events/ the chance to earn a living and provide for equality-action-day. themselves and their families. No one should have to live in fear that they could be legally For more information, visit www.equalitymi.org. fired for reasons that have nothing to do with their www.PrideSource.com Michigan News / May 17, 2012 / BTL 7

Stinging Mad.” ® Gay rights backers In the story that followed, about Continued from p. 4 riots in a gay neighborhood following the police raid at Stonewall Inn, the had to take the first step,” Beck paper taunted the club’s patrons as said. “I don’t think either of us ever “little girls” and “ladies-in-waiting.” imagined that we necessarily would They didn’t speak or walk, they be, you know, 15 or 16 years later in “lisped” and “pranced,” and were the position of hearing the president described as being more concerned of the United States come out in about their hairdos being disturbed support of same-sex marriage. But than social justice. it’s an amazing and wondrous thing That kind of disparaging that, here we are.” language hasn’t disappeared from the American dialogue quite yet, and even as Obama’s remarks were Wyoming celebrated, gay and lesbian leaders To social conservatives and like Christine Quinn, the speaker of some church leaders, the debate New York’s City Council, noted that over gay marriage is partly about they came shortly after the hurtful government intrusion on an vote in North Carolina. institution that, at its core, is based “It is an upsetting thing, to in the deepest religious traditions. think about people going into the To others, it’s about eradicating voting booth and casting a vote that, Motor City Pride: Educate, hate. in essence, is against who I am and In late 1998, Matthew Shepard, against what my family is. That’s a slender, 21-year-old student at the upsetting,” she said. “Whether you’re University of Wyoming, was robbed, the speaker of the City Council or fatally beaten and tied to a fence by a 13-year-old girl, that hurts. Who liberate & celebrate June 2-3 likes to think about people not liking two men he met in a bar in Laramie. The killers, police said, targeted them? ... It’s something that eats at BY CRYSTAL PROXMIRE The Pride Stage will be home the civil rights march took place down you, whether you want to admit it of the Affirmations Prevention Ball Woodward Avenue followed by a rally him because he was gay. His death prompted changes. Congress passed or not.” DETROIT - After last year’s as well as performances by dance- at Kennedy Square. A party took place Quinn said the president’s packed turnout at Hart Plaza, Motor pop superstar Kimberly Cole, folk at the McGregor Center on the campus hate crimes legislation bearing his name in 2009. words were an emotional salve after City Pride planners are looking for duo Nervous But Excited, and the of Wayne State University following that ballot-box loss _ a sentiment another year to “Educate, Liberate iconically beautiful Detroit rock lady, the rally, organized by a small number Now, Shepard’s mother, Judy, hopes Obama’s words might get that was shared by patrons at the and Celebrate” Detroit’s LGBT Barbara Payton. Plus there will be of dedicated Gay and Lesbian groups Stonewall, where a sign outside the community with the biggest party of Motor City Drag presented by Sabin, and volunteers.” Over the years the people thinking again, and not just about marriage. door Wednesday night said, “Obama the year. Dave Wait, who chairs the and something called Hyper Crush, event has moved around a bit, at supports gay marriage. Let’s drink.” planning committee, said there’s a which the website describes as “Live times occupying the parking garage “To me, that’s what this issue is _ a matter of civil rights,” she said. “We’ve never had a president lot to look forward to in Downtown and Direct from the Honky Tonk in Downtown Royal Oak and other that stood up for us,” said patron Detroit this June 2 and 3. of Electro. Three shit-faced extra- times filling up Downtown Ferndale. “He’s following the change of the nation as a whole, I think,” Nancy Pizarro, as she sat with friends “We’ve got some great corporate terrestrials known amongst the elite But last year the event was so large at the bar. “I feel like I’m living support this year, especially from the simply as Donny, Preston and Holly. that it fit perfectly in Hart Plaza, in the Shepard said of Obama. “But to have the actual president say he’s in favor history.” Big Three [Ford, Chrysler and GM] A couple of real gentlemen and one heart of the Motor City. The event now New York last year became the who have pooled together, and we’ve broad with a steady diet of cotton benefits Equality Michigan, a group of it, when our previous president was so public about being against it, largest state to recognize same-sex got the UAW. Amp Radio will be there candy and flat soda pop to calm the dedicated to fighting for equal rights, marriage, with a surprise vote in the and we’ve got more groups coming nerves.” ending discrimination and providing is just so big. I can’t even ... there’s no words.” legislature, quickly signed into law in doing little things to add activity,” The Underground Stage is the services for victims of hate. by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Wait said. spot for super-hot club music, with Motor City Pride is the largest The Wyoming Legislature, “We added a lot more activities mixes from some of the area’s most gathering of LGBT people and allies where Republicans outnumber this year, because we want everyone to renowned DJS, including DJ Maestro, in the State, attracting over 44,000 Democrats 76-14, last year Virginia be comfortable and have a good time,” DJ Jace and DJ Lena. Necto, MGM people last year. considered but ultimately rejected Lilli Vincenz, 74, was one of Wait said. Saturday will be the family Gand, Gigi’s and Perfecto all have a proposal that would have barred There is still time to get involved! about a dozen people who were part picnic, and there will also be puppet representation in this weekend-long recognition of same-sex marriages of the first gay rights protest in front shows, stilt walking, a dinosaur area, lineup. Volunteers, visitors and vendors performed in other states. of the White House in 1965, back in and face painting. The schedule is not yet finalized can find more information at www. State Rep. Cathy Connolly, an era when almost no one in power On Saturday, over a dozen same- for the main festival stage, but Wait motorcitypride.org. D-Laramie, a lesbian, said she took the issue seriously. sex couples will exchange vows in the promises that more will come as Motor believes that feelings about gays and “It was so important that we annual commitment ceremony thanks City Pride weekend draws near. lesbians in the state are different than become visible, because we weren’t to collaboration with Metropolitan The history for this massive they were in 1998. Even in a state really visible before,” said Vincenz, Community Church, and a large event, according to the Motor City Check out BTL’s Legislature that could be defined as who now lives in Arlington, Va., and parade will cap off the weekend. Pride website, goes back to 1985 very conservative, she said anti-gay for decades has driven a car with a “Affirmations is getting involved when, “a relatively new organization, complete June Pride measures are seen as inappropriate. license plate that reads “Change.” as well, with their youth program the Michigan Organization for Human “Times have changed,” Vincenz said she was proud to hosting a Prevention Ball, which Rights (MOHR) hired an Executive coverage of events Connolly said. march that day, and she is thrilled that is a ball-style dance-off mixed Director from Ohio, Craig Covey, in Obama has embraced gay marriage. with positive messages,” Wait said. part because of the large and successful around the state online New York “It’s very important, and it’s “They’re really working hard to put Gay and Lesbian civil rights marches very important for the rest of the this together.” he organized in Columbus. In 1986, In 1969, the New York Daily at www.pridesource.com United States,” said Vincenz, who There will be three stages of Craig Covey and MOHR organized News trumpeted the dawn of the gay was discharged from the Army in entertainment for Motor City Pride- Michigan’s first Gay and Lesbian rights movement with this headline: march in Detroit. From 1986-1988, “Homo Nest Raided, Queen Bees Are goers. See Gay rights backers, page 12 8 BTL \ May 17, 2012 \ Opinion www.PrideSource.com Viewpoint Vol. 2020 • Issue 764 Marriage: We fall down but we get up May 17, 2012 Carolina Families showed that when voters communities (and I mean OUR communities understood how far-reaching Amendment One where we live, work and raise our families side PUBLISHERS BY MICHELLE E. BROWN was, they turned against it – but only 40 percent by side with the same people who would deny us Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson re you feeling even knew the amendment banned civil unions. equal rights), when OUR communities know us, good about Although there was record primary know our stories, they are against far-reaching, EDITORIAL Aour chances in turnout, that turnout represented only 34.37% discriminatory legislation. Editor in Chief November? Still sitting on the sidelines because of eligible voters - sad in comparison to the Remember “Don’t ask. Don’t Tell.” We Susan Horowitz you’re just not that into politics? Are you leaving 70% turnout when President Obama took North told our stories again and again. When Congress [email protected] all the heavy lifting to your local and national Carolina in 2008. Then the turnout in North asked, we told of serving in fear of being organizations? Are you still waiting for equality Carolina was among the states with the highest discovered, stripped of not only benefits and Entertainment Editor to come to you, instead of grabbing the bull by voter turnout in the country. years of service but our self-respect. They asked Chris Azzopardi the horns? and we told. They asked and our comrades, [email protected] With a larger turnout, it’s just possible Well listen up people. Here’s your wake up this thing could have been defeated. But with superiors and allies testified on our behalf joining Associate Editor call. no contested Democratic race and the GOP our voices for the end of this discriminatory Benjamin Jenkins On Tuesday, May 8, 2012 North Carolina nomination all but a “done deal,” we (liberals, policy. [email protected] voters passed a sweeping ban on gay marriage with progressives, etc.) didn’t take care of job one - DADT provided a level of discourse, a teachable moment and ultimately a defining Arts & Theater Editor Amendment One enshrining discrimination in their getting out the vote. Donald V. Calamia, state constitution. Just look at the statistics and it becomes moment where America saw that the LGBT [email protected] Our movement has seen tremendous progress clear why Amendment One was put on a community was not asking for special rights but and growing support in recent years. Since 2008 primary ballot – when voter turnout is expected reclaiming our place as an integral part of the CREATIVE Connecticut, New Hampshire, Iowa, Vermont, to be low. It was no coincidence. The people fabric of America. New York, Washington DC, and most recently behind this Amendment and every other assault So maybe the time has come for us to take Art Director Maryland have embraced marriage equality. And on our civil rights know exactly what they on a “Do ask! Do tell!” campaign. Let’s ramp up David Ano, [email protected] after a crushing defeat in California, LGBT families are doing. It’s called strategy - a strategy to our ground game and take it to the streets. Webmaster & MIS Director were given new hope when the 9th Circuit Court of systematically turn back the hands of time and We need to show up at every neighborhood Kevin Bryant, [email protected] Appeals declared Prop 8 unconstitutional. dismantle any progress for full LGBT equality. meeting, town hall, and candidate forum, in Contributing Writers Support for constitutional amendments It’s how they have been able to keep their collaboration/cooperation with our friends, Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown, banning same-sex couples from marrying has been issues in the fore-front for months during the allies and progressive partners, take advantage Zach Childree, Jack Fertig, Lisa Keen, dropping as support for marriage equality continues long drawn out GOP primary/caucus cycle of every teachable opportunity to dispel the Jeremy Martin, Anthony Paull, Andrea Poteet, to rise. Reportedly 52 percent of Americans now gaining free press for divisive issues. fear and ignorance about our community while Crystal Proxmire, Bob Roehr, support marriage equality. While we’ve been waiting for the big reclaiming our place as valued members of every Hannah Schwab, Jody Valley, community. D’Anne Witkowski, Rex Wockner, Dan Woog Our unions, our relationships, even without dance in November, they - the bigoted far-right marriage, are real. And at long last are receiving are using every opportunity to cement their On May 8th in North Carolina we fell Cartoonists recognition and acknowledgement particularly at down, but we got up. And, with President Paul Berg, Dave Brousseau, Joan Hilty stranglehold on American politics; wrapping the federal level where benefits have been extended fear, bigotry and prejudice in a cloak of religious Obama’s endorsement of marriage equality, Contributing Photographers to partners of Federal employees, including hospital self righteousness that is contrary to the very there will plenty of opportunities to engage in Andrew Potter visitation rights; and issuing diplomatic passports beliefs this country was founded on and far conversations that will not only educate but ADVERTISING & SALES and benefits. Small steps, yes, but progress none- from WWJD. change hearts and minds in 2012 and beyond. the-less. So how do we fight future challenges It’s on and poppin’ folks! So roll up those Director of Sales The long arc of the moral universe at last to our civil rights by these discriminatory sleeves and let’s get busy. Jan Stevenson, [email protected] seems to be bending toward justice for LGBT amendments? We must be as strategic, as Michelle E. Brown is a Public Speaker, activist and Sales Representatives couples and families. We have not made it to the opportunistic, and as vocal as the other side. author follow her activities at www.mychangeiam. Ed Bohach, [email protected] proverbial Promised Land, but we have been to We say it again and again. When our Ann Cox, [email protected] the mountain top and have tasted that better day com National Advertising Representative in LGBT history. Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 And then North Carolina passed Amendment One joining 30 other states having some sort Business Office of constitutional amendment banning same-sex Diane Smith, [email protected] Nancy Blankenship marriage. I don’t hate North Carolina. As a matter of Circulation & Distribution fact I have North Carolina roots. Although my Diane Smith mother was born in Michigan, the rest of her/my Pride Source Media Group family came to Detroit as part of the great Northern 11920 Farmington Road migration. Livonia, Michigan 48150 I have friends in North Carolina - some Phone 734.293.7200 • Fax 734.293.7201 transplanted from Michigan some native born. www.pridesource.com Our rate cards are available online All are out, proud and, while not ignoring the challenges of being gay in a southern state, were All material appearing in Between The Lines is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without for the most part pretty optimistic about life for the the permission of the publishers. Between The Lines is supported LGBT community in North Carolina. by many fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for North Carolina - it’s a part of me. It’s a state claims made by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility I had considered for relocation; and the ancestral for materials provided by advertisers or their agents. home I had planned to visit this summer but all of Copyright 2012 Pride Source Media Group, LLC that was before North Carolinians voted to deny my community our civil rights. So what the hell happened in North Carolina? Polling by the Coalition to Protect All North www.PrideSource.com Michigan News / May 17, 2012 / BTL 9 Creep of the Week Michigan gay prisoner wins Mitt Romney discrimination case BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI As you surely already know, President Obama came out of the closet last BY KATE OPALEWSKI enough facts to raise a claim of sexual week as totally gay – for gay marriage, anyway. Obama’s support for orientation discrimination in the public marriage equality had been, let’s face it, an open secret of sorts. I mean, CINCINNATI - The American Davis also claimed that works program of the Department of everybody knew that he supported it, but he pretended to be all conflicted about the issue, going so far as to say he believed Civil Liberties Union received a the public works officers Corrections. favorable decision last week from “That when someone raises a marriage was a one-man one-woman operation. This, in spite of the fact that back in 1996 he told the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals sexual orientation discrimination were looking for a reason, Outlines, a gay newspaper, “I favor legalizing same- in a case on behalf of the plaintiff, claim as violating the Equal Protection sex marriages, and would fight efforts to prohibit such Ricky Davis, a gay prisoner at the “even if that reason Clause of the Constitution, gay people marriages.” Needless to say, Obama’s painfully slow constitute an ‘identifiable group’ for Florence Crane Correctional Facility was invalid,” to have him “evolution” on the issue was a sore spot for many in Coldwater. the equal protection challenge. What lesbian and gay folks. Davis filed an employment removed from the public happened in the Davis case is that Hell, even after he said publicly and on purpose into District Judge Bell had improperly discrimination case on his own works program in order a TV camera that marriage equality is cool with him, it’s alleging that he was improperly treated Davis’ complaint for sexual still a sore spot for some. The Log Cabin Republicans removed from his employment in orientation discrimination as a ‘class Mitt Romney, to “eliminate the need Cranbrook were quick to piss all over the announcement and the the prison public works program of one’ claim. Class of one claims or student Internet was atwitter with grumblings about the whole because of his sexual orientation, to have to deal with a legal claims that allege that someone thing being too little, too late. claiming that it was in violation of was ‘arbitrarily treated differently’ his rights under the Equal Protection homosexual.” from others, not for the reason that Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. they belong to a particular identifiable Evoking that terrifying scene from Mommie A federal judge in the district court, unit manager ordered that Davis group. Bell failed to recognize gays without the benefit of any briefing, be removed from the public works as an identifiable minority subjected Dearest, Romney hacked the kid’s hair off with dismissed the complaint pursuant program. Davis alleged that the public to discrimination in society,” said Jay scissors while Romney’s friends held him down. to the Prison Litigation Reform Act works officers persuaded the prison Kaplan, ACLU of Michigan LGBT stating that Davis failed to claim health unit manager, apparently either Project Staff Attorney. that he was treated differently from by colluding with her or providing What this means for LGBT people But I say, screw all that. The bottom line is, for the first time in history other similarly-situated prisoners. her with false information about the in Michigan is if they file a complaint we have a sitting president who acknowledges that our families not only exist, but they are valid and should be afforded equal treatment enshrined According to court documentation, incident, to use concerns about his for discrimination in the federal in law. And this is huge. Davis, an insulin-dependent diabetic, diabetic condition as the pretext for court, based on sexual orientation Oh, but that Newsweek cover with the neon rainbow halo over Obama’s was screened and medically cleared removing him from the program. discrimination by local, state or federal head with the headline, “The First Gay President?” That shit is crazy. Obama Davis further alleged that because governments, they have alleged an for his off-site assignment by prison is no more gay than Bill Clinton is black. of his sexual orientation, the public health officials. Although there were equal protection argument and the court Still, with Obama giving the thumbs up to marriage equality and talking other insulin-dependent diabetics who works officers supervising his crew has to make a determination of whether about repealing the Defense of Marriage Act, the choice between him and participate in the public works program, treated him differently than other the government has a rational basis to Mitt Romney is starker than ever. Davis claimed that he is the only one inmates, ridiculed and belittled justify that discrimination. After Obama’s pro-gay marriage announcement, Romney told the who is gay. him, and “made a spectacle” of him “What’s important about this audience during a commencement address at Liberty University, “Culture Davis also claimed that the when they brought him back to the case is that the sixth circuit has made matters. As fundamental as these principles are, they may become topics of public works officers were looking correctional facility after the incident it clear that LGBT people are an democratic debate. So it is today with the enduring institution of marriage. for a reason, “even if that reason was occurred. He provides specific details identifiable group of people who have Marriage is a relationship between one man and one woman.” invalid,” to have him removed from of the defendants’ anti-gay animus by been subjected to discrimination by On May 10 Romney said, “And if two people of the same gender the public works program in order to alleging that the public works officers our government. This means that want to live together, want to have a loving relationship, or even to adopt a “eliminate the need to have to deal were uncomfortable with his sexual complaints that allege discrimination child - in my state individuals of the same sex were able to adopt children. with a homosexual.” When Davis orientation and sought to avoid strip- based on sexual orientation by the In my view, that’s something that people have a right to do. But to call that suffered from what he believed at the searching, or otherwise interacting with government have to go forward and marriage is something that in my view is a departure from the real meaning time to be a diabetic episode while on him because he is gay. He also alleges cannot be dismissed based on the of that word.” duty, he was deemed a security risk that heterosexual diabetic prisoners pleadings themselves,” said Kaplan. The very next day Romney backpedaled, saying that he was just saying because his diabetic episode caused were allowed to perform identical jobs “This is an opportunity for the case that same-sex couples adopting kids together was something that does the public works crew to return to the in the public works program without to be briefed on its merits and to give happen, not something that should. And then there’s that horrifying Washington Post report about Romney facility early. Davis alleges that he did being labeled as a safety risk. Mr. Davis his day in court, which he bullying a kid everybody thought was gay in high school, complete with an not return to the facility early and was Davis argues that the district court deserves.” episode recalled by “five students, who gave their accounts independently of able to finish the remainder of his shift erred in dismissing his complaint at The lawsuit names the Prison one another.” Evoking that terrifying scene from Mommie Dearest, Romney the pleading stage. The Michigan’s Health Services Department, Health after receiving a honey packet. hacked the kid’s hair off with scissors while Romney’s friends held him down. ACLU Chapter stepped in to represent A public works officer had Davis Unit Manager Scharfnaar, Public Works Oh, and don’t forget that Romney’s foreign policy advisor, Richard fill out a medical health care request Davis on appeal arguing that, as most Supervisor Decline and Corrections Grenell, was given the ol’ heave ho after right-wing conservatives pitched and meet with a nurse upon his return to courts across the country have held, Officer Kast as the defendants. Davis is a fit because Grenell is a homo. the facility. His episode was determined the government cannot discriminate represented by Michael Steinberg and It’s no wonder that Bill White, a “well-known, openly gay supporter of by the nurse to be a “false alarm.” Davis against any LGBT person when there Kary Moss with the ACLU of Michigan Mitt Romney” according to CNN, switched teams. White, who now supports claims that he had never previously is no rational basis for the adverse in Detroit, Joshua Block and Leslie Obama, even demanded Romney refund his big campaign contribution. experienced a low blood sugar episode treatment. Cooper at the ACLU Foundation and Ouch. while on a public works assignment. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Miriam Aukerman with the ACLU of My guess is that White isn’t the only LGBT defector. And with good Despite these facts, the prison health agreed and held that Davis alleged Michigan in Grand Rapids. reason. Even this early in the 2012 election, it’s pretty clear that any LGBT person who votes Romney might as well beat themselves with a wire hanger. 10 BTL \ May 17, 2012 \ Opinion www.PrideSource.com

“What I’d like to see Obama do next is turn the tables on conservative S/he Said opponents of gay marriage, whose position has never made sense to me. Reactions to Obama Republicans are supposedly about Reports are saying local LGBT communities small government and individual are stepping up the pressure on politicans to COMPILED BY HOWARD ISRAEL liberty, and the GOP has dug in deep follow Obama’s stance on same-sex marriage. to oppose what it calls a creeping Do you think Obama’s announcement could encroachment of government into Stephen people’s personal choices on issues play a key role in the tide turning? Henderson such as health care. But how can the same party believe it’s okay for the government to deny equal treatment under the law to an entire class of citizens, based solely on who they are, Maybe in the deep South where religion trumps all and who they love? How can freedom in the most personal else, but not so much in the rest of the country sense (who we marry) be less cherished than the economic where people are trying to find a job or save their freedom to choose whether or not to buy health insurance?” home from foreclosure. -Stephen Henderson, Detroit Free Press Editorial –Ken Warnock Page Editor, in his column titled “President Obama and gay marriage,” www.freep.com, May 09. “It is an honor to witness our President take such a strong stand in I think the states will look at it differently now. support of gay and lesbian couples –Jeremy Mcconnell across the country. This affirmation reinforces the Administration’s ongoing commitment to LGBT His stance could play a key role, because he Americans and our families. Here is has the power to say, “It is unconstitutional to President Obama, the nation’s first pass legislation that prevents/withholds rights.” I Black president, taking a position that no sitting president in history haven’t heard him playing the hand he is actually Sharon Lettman- Hicks has had the fortitude to ever take. dealt being the head of the executive branch. The If anyone in America has ever fact is, it’s not a matter of “could,” but of “should.” Dianne Feinstein wondered what courageous leadership looks like, here it is.” He should be changing these things at local and state levels, because it’s a federal issue directly -Sharon Lettman-Hicks, Executive Director/CEO, “From a personal point of view, I can tell you what happened National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), in a statement connected to the Bill of Rights. because it happened to me. You get to know more and titled “NBJC Applauds President Obama’s Endorsement –Shelby Clark more gay couples and you see the happiness. You see the of Marriage Equality,” http://nbjc.org. May 09. economic security that marriage brings. And even more “NCLR applauds President Obama fundamentally, you can see children who otherwise would for his historic remarks expressing not have an adopted home being able to have that home. support for marriage equality. It’s a ploy to gain support during an election year. And so same-sex couples raise children, they do a fine This issue is about doing the right He’s changed his position from four years ago. job. And I think when you see this - and it has happened thing and being on the right side The decision should not be up to the government. in California - more and more people say, ‘What is wrong of history. Ensuring fairness and It’s a social issue. Social issues have no place in a with people being happy?’ “ equality while protecting people civic realm. I personally believe the government -Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), in a column from discrimination is at the heart shouldn’t recognize any marriages, gay or titled “Dianne Feinstein Defends Obama On Gay of NCLR’s mission. Like other straight. But since they are, banning marriages Marriage,” www.huffingtonpost.com, May 15. Janet Murguia Americans, Latinos have shifted amounts to state sanctioned discrimination. Gay their views on LGBT issues in marriage needs to be decriminalized. recent years. Acceptance and support for loving couples –Jay Topham to have the right to marry is now shared by a majority of Latinos. We celebrate this historic moment with our allies in the LGBT community and with the millions of LGBT Latinos across the nation, and we look forward to working together to advance equal rights for all in the days ahead.” Comments may be edited for grammar and length. -Janet Murguia, President/CEO of National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest national Hispanic civil rights Join the conversation ... and advocacy organization in the U.S., in a statement Search: “Between The Lines Newspaper” titled “President Obama Joins Majority of Latinos in Support of Marriage Equality,” www.nclr.org, May 09. www.PrideSource.com Opinion / May 17, 2012 / BTL 11 Parting Glances Pages past tense #10 Speak Out

BY CHARLES ALEXANDER wo popular Rosemary Clooney hits Yes he did! of the late-1950s were “Come ona Tmy house” and “Sisters.” Both took over the air waves, juke boxes and drag queen lip-synch stage routines. BY ERIC W. RADER As a lark my friends Richard, a pharmacist assistant, and Gary, a would-be writer (one story published in Scholastic he evolution of President Ultimately, achieving marriage equality nationally will Magazine), and I (a soon-to-be OR Tech, six weeks in training) Obama is complete. After require a U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning anti-gay as a joke would hold hands, sashay unseen down a Toledo street, Tmonths of speculation about and sing, “There were never such devoted sisters.” his position on same-sex marriage, the marriage laws and declaring them to be a violation of the Of the three of us gay “siblings” Gary was the least, might one president announced last Wednesday charitably say, “marketable.” Over weight and facially uneventful, that he does indeed support the right Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. he would often sigh with envy, as blond Richard and occasionally of gay and lesbian couples to marry. lanky, 175-pound, 29” waist me – hey! I had a good run for the Earlier in his political career, Obama pocket money – got lucky. for civil rights in the early to mid-20th What happens next? Many leaders supported equal marriage rights, but Gary said he made out when he was alone, and had what he Century, presidents were reluctant to in our community pushed the president then backed away from this view when claimed was a sure fire gimmick for attracting potential romantic give a full-throated endorsement to hard to change his position on gay he ran for the U.S. Senate in 2004. Now suitors. (“Only if they’re intelligent,” he stressed.) Gary, who took the quest for equal rights for African marriage. Now that he has “evolved,” he is once more squarely in the equal the bus to and from work daily, would sit next to an empty seat, Americans. Over time, our leaders it’s our responsibility to work hard to marriage rights camp, and we in the carrying a book with an intriguing title. became stronger in their opposition to ensure that the president’s decision LGBT community should welcome He told me he got lucky twice flashing “Gone With the the Jim Crow system in the American is not a lonely one. We should all the president back to our side of this Wind” and had a week-long affair that resulted from an in-depth South. But it took a long time before recognize how courageous the president important issue of equality. conversation about “War in Peace,” all 650 pages of it in hard presidents announced their support is for taking this issue on during a cover edition. His contactee spoke Russian and immigrated here Of course, the president’s decision for full legal desegregation in this contentious election year. It appears at the end of World War l. to come out in favor of equal marriage country. that the contest between President rights doesn’t change the current On the issue of gay civil rights, the Obama and former Massachusetts legal status of gay people. In most My grandmother lived in England during the country has actually moved far pretty Governor Mitt Romney will be very states in this country, it is illegal, quickly. In 2004, Massachusetts became close. On the same day the president infamous three Wilde trials. She was 19 either by statute or constitutional the first state to legalize same-sex came out for marriage equality, his amendment, for two people of the same marriage, while that same year, then- Republican opponent once again stated gender to marry each other. Presidents It was with Gary’s literary ploy in mind that one late spring San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom his unequivocal opposition to changing cannot alter existing laws through day I took a Michigan Avenue street car out to see Richard at work began marrying same sex couples in the definition of “traditional marriage” executive orders, but they can direct at his pharmacy on Detroit’s west side. My choice for conspicuous his city, even though no law permitted to include same-sex couples, and even their executive powers toward bringing reading consumption was Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian it; California courts quickly stopped the stated that he opposes civil unions about change. Several years ago, Gray.” mayor. Later that year, a number of anti- and domestic partnerships. While the Obama asked Congress to repeal the (My grandmother Mary Petty took me as a nine-year-old to gay marriage amendments were passed economy remains the number one so-called “Defense of Marriage Act.” see the 1945 movie, starring Hurd Hatfield as Dorian and Angela in several states, including Michigan. concern of most voters, we in the Since congressional action has not Lansbury, as his ill-fated paramour. My grandmother lived in Many, if not all, of these amendments LGBT community should consider been forthcoming, his administration England during the infamous three Wilde trials. She was 19. were initiated by groups and people the candidates’ positions on LGBT There’s a slight possibility – very slight – that seeing the stopped defending the law in court close to President George W. Bush, equality very carefully. Last week the movie made me gay.) when LGBT citizens brought legal whose campaign saw this as a wedge president took a strong moral stand in Making sure that the Wilde book cover was face up on my challenges against it. Ultimately, issue that could divide the Democrats. favor of equal rights for all of us. A lot lap I pretended to be looking out the window. “Am I fortunate to achieving marriage equality nationally Less than a decade later, we now have a more work needs to be done on equal find this seat next to you vacant,” said – and I mentally caught my will require a U.S. Supreme Court president who supports the right of gay rights, and it will take cooperation breath – a handsome thirty-something guy smiling at me. “Do you decision overturning anti-gay people to get married. Barack Obama between the LGBT community and think you, like Dorian, can become eternal through degradation,” marriage laws and declaring them to has brought equal marriage rights into our political leaders to accomplish it. he continued. be a violation of the Equal Protection the political mainstream of the United President Obama showed last week Never having been degradated (at least I was certain I Clause of the 14th Amendment. The States. that he is more than willing to work hadn’t), I answered, “I saw the movie as a kid. I liked Hatfield’s need for federal court review of the performance,” and, dropping a hair pin, “actor George Sanders with us, and we should return the favor. constitutionality of these laws became was a bit of a camp.” even more critical last week. On During the twenty stops remaining I learned that my Now that he has “evolved,” Thank the President companion Jack Jacobs, was an artist, and that were I available Tuesday, voters in the state of North he would like to see me again and take me to a “g-a-y” party in Carolina enshrined anti-gay bigotry it’s our responsibility to Thank President Obama for endorsing in their state constitution by approving Ann Arbor Saturday next. equal marriage rights: “You’ll fit right in for sure,” said Jack, beaming like a an amendment outlawing same-sex work hard to ensure that Pepsodent ad, not unlike the one facing across from our seats. marriage, civil unions, and even the president’s decision is E-Mail: www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ “It’s college profs, grad students, scholars. They’ll simply adore domestic partnerships. submit-questions-and-comments you. You like the right kind of books.” What’s most important about not a lonely one. I couldn’t wait to tell Gary. Saturday Jack picked me up as Obama’s statement last week is its Phone: 202-456-1111 promised. Unfortunately his “Miss Liberties” came later. historical significance. In the struggle [email protected] 12 BTL \ May 17, 2012 www.PrideSource.com ® Gay rights backers about marriage equality in school. “They always look for other Continued from p. 7 role models to help tell the story, North Carolina approves and what better role model than to 1963 for being gay. have the president of the United Vincenz and her partner, States stand up for their two Nancy Ruth Davis, held a papas,” he said. commitment ceremony in Key “President Obama has ban on same-sex marriage West, Fla., in 1986, but they are legitimized our marriage and not legally married. Obama’s also the word that comes to mind announcement got her thinking is normalcy. It feels like it’s one about marrying legally, she said, step closer to normalcy,” Wilson 31st state in 8 years to deny rights though she doesn’t particularly said. “So this is just one more want to travel to one of the six way for the country to see our BY LISA KEEN church to bring the will of god, the law passed in February by the Maryland states and the District of Columbia relationships, our marriage, as righteousness of god, the teachings legislature have until June 30 to collect that allow same-sex marriage. not just legal, but legitimate and For those in the LGBT community of scripture to bear on the political more than 55,000 signatures. And Kay Tobin Lahusen, 82, a normal.” who have watched state after state process.” opponents of a newly passed marriage photojournalist who chronicled the pass constitutional amendments to Amendment One was on the ballot equality law in Washington State have early gay rights movement in the ban same-sex marriage, the results in Tuesday by virtue of approval by the until June 6 to turn in more than 121,000 1960s and marched in many early San Francisco North Carolina were expected: Voters state legislature last September. signatures to put Referendum 74 on the protests, called the president’s approved the ban by a margin of roughly The latest campaign finance ballot there, seeking to prevent the new There were limits to Obama’s announcement “a new dawn for 61 percent to 39 percent, as of late reports available through the state law from taking effect. support for gay marriage. our movement.” Tuesday night. elections division showed the anti-gay On the ballot, Amendment One Notably, he said he believed that She said that during one of the Passage makes North Carolina the National Organization for Marriage had stated: “Marriage between one man and it was up to individual states early protests at the White House, 31st state to pass a state constitutional contributed more than $100,000 for one woman is the only domestic legal to decide whether they would demonstrators handed a letter to amendment to block legal recognition Amendment One support by the end union that shall be valid or recognized legalize same-sex marriages. That someone at the White House gates, of same-sex marriage. And North of March. But the News Observer of in this state.” contrasted sharply with President hoping it would get to President Carolina’s ban goes even farther - Raleigh-Durham said the organization A second sentence, which did not John F. Kennedy’s forceful Lyndon Johnson. They never banning recognition for any relationship contributed more than $400,000 by the appear on the ballot, stated “This section condemnation of segregation in learned if it did. other than a male-female marriage. end of the campaign. The paper said does not prohibit a private party from a nationally televised address in In those early days, she said, Local papers reported record the Human Rights Campaign “and its entering into contracts with another 1963, during which he called for gay marriage seemed “out of the turnouts for the vote Tuesday, even affiliates” had contributed $500,000 to private party; nor does this section federal legislation to end racial question” and “the impossible though some had anticipated a lighter defeat the measure. prohibit courts from adjudicating the discrimination, and said states dream.” turnout due to the lack of a contest in the An election finance report filed by rights of private parties pursuant to such couldn’t be left to deal with matters “Much of the movement Republican presidential primary vote. the Vote for Marriage coalition pushing contracts.” on their own. thought it was just impossible and But interest was apparently high the initiative showed it raised $1.2 According to the Independent At low-key celebrations in fanciful and perhaps just a little - spurred in part, perhaps, by robo- million by April 30. The Coalition to Weekly newspaper of Chapel Hill, San Francisco’s historically gay bit trivial,” she said. “I felt it was calls from former President Clinton Protect NC Families raised $2 million many voters did not understand that Castro District on Wednesday absolutely key to our movement. I (against the amendment) and other by April 30, according to state records. Amendment One will affect heterosexual night, Cleve Jones, a protégé of always believed it was something advertisements from the Rev. Billy couples, as well as same-sex ones. slain gay rights pioneer Harvey we should fight for.” Graham (for it). The Obama campaign “Local governments, including Milk, said he spent time trying Lahusen, who now lives in issued a statement in March, saying, The polling trends those in Durham and Orange counties, to explain “how long it’s taken Kennett Square, Pa., never married “While the President does not weigh would be forced to drop health insurance us to get to this point” to young HRC tried to look at the bright her partner of 46 years, Barbara in on every single ballot measure in and other benefits now offered to people who reacted cynically to the side of Tuesday’s numbers, noting that, Gittings, who died in 2007. But every state, the record is clear that the the domestic partners of unmarried president’s announcement. in 2004, similar ballot measures passed she said the two were “married in President has long opposed divisive employees, gay or straight. Other local He said the closest historical by margins of 71 percent to 29 percent, our hearts.” and discriminatory efforts to deny governments would be precluded from precedent to Obama’s statement and noted that the average for southern rights and benefits to same sex couples. offering these benefits.” was the opposition from then- states has been 75 percent to 25 percent. That’s what the North Carolina ballot Jeremy Kennedy, campaign President Jimmy Carter and his As late as April 24, Public Policy Massachusetts initiative would do - it would single out manager for Protect All NC Families, soon-to-be successor, Ronald Polling reported that momentum was Politically, Obama might and discriminate against committed gay issued a statement late Tuesday night Reagan, to a 1978 California turning against Amendment One. The be taking a big risk by weighing and lesbian couples - and that’s why the saying the group was, naturally, ballot initiative that would have poll, taken April 20 to 22, showed 54 in on gay marriage, just as the President does not support it.” “disappointed” in the results, but vowed, prevented gays and lesbians from percent said they would vote for the presidential contest is taking shape. Also lining up against the “our fight for fairness is not over.” teaching in the state’s public ban while 40 percent said they would David Wilson, 68, one of amendment were the state’s governor, “This fight was about more than schools. vote against. Six percent said they the first gay men to legally marry the state NAACP, U.S. Senator Kay marriage,” said Kennedy. “Amendment “It is historic. It would were unsure. When PPP first polled on in Massachusetts, said he would Hagan (D-NC), and many of the state’s One was overreaching and will have be difficult to overstate the Amendment One, in October 2011, 61 have been content if the president big city mayors. unintended consequences for families, significance of it to the movement,” percent of respondents said they would waited until after the election One of the state’s most popular children, women, and seniors in North Jones said. vote for it, 34 percent against. to declare his support, but was native sons, Rev. Billy Graham, Carolina. We will continue to work with Stuart Gaffney, a plaintiff in Polls in Minnesota, where a similar ecstatic he didn’t. 93, issued a statement in support of our partners across the state to ensure a lawsuit challenging the legality constitutional ban will be on the ballot “It was a complete validation Amendment One that appeared in many fairness, equality, and common sense of a California constitutional in November, currently show a much of all the work that we’ve done,” of the state’s daily newspapers Sunday. prevail.” amendment outlawing same-sex closer contest. A PPP poll in January he said. Graham said, “The Bible is clear - God’s unions, also said there was much showed 48 percent for and 44 percent Wilson and his husband, Rob definition of marriage is between a to celebrate in the president’s against, with eight percent unsure. Compton, 62, were married on man and a woman. I want to urge my remarks. A PPP poll in Maine, where a pro- More coverage on May 17, 2004, the first day they fellow North Carolinians to vote for the “I have never felt so proud to active measure seeking to establish a North Carolina can be could legally wed. They now live marriage amendment.” be an American,” he said. “I think statutory law allowing same-sex couples in Provincetown, Mass. In a television ad, Mark Creech, found online at the president looked at this with his to marry, reported that 54 percent of Wilson said he thought most executive director of the Christian heart, not as a political calculation, respondents were in favor of allowing www.pridesource.com of all about what the announcement Action League of North Carolina, but what’s the right thing to do? gays to marry and 41 percent opposed, says to his five adult children and told viewers that Amendment One “is That’s what any president should as of March. seven grandchildren, who talk an unprecedented opportunity for the do. He stood on the side of love.” Opponents of a same-sex marriage www.PrideSource.com May 17, 2012 / BTL 13 14 BTL \ May 17, 2012 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Travel / May 17, 2012 / BTL 15

Hey, it’s not just cornfields! COLUMBUS … queer ?

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI the wheel, heading to Columbus on my own all, ranking among infamously ’mo meccas like but Ohio is cool. And queer. For a Columbus for an LGBT-only media excursion, hosted San Francisco and New York. It was already quickie, here are my recommendations. hio has this reputation of being flat, by the good folks at Experience Columbus there. cornfield-crazy nothingness: the kind (experiencecolumbus.com). I thought I’d seen Gay was everywhere: Over martinis during Best Bites Oof place people drive through… only to everything in Ohio (you know, cornfields) until happy hour at Hyde Park (hydeparkrestaurants. get somewhere else. I got to this cozy college town, recently named com), a premier place for steaks and chops. Foodies should have no trouble satisfying their It was always the longest strip of vacant the Best NewNowNext Up-and-Coming LGBT In Sugardaddy’s, a place with brownies so cravings. North Market is full of deliciousness: a land on the drive down South, where I’d gone Travel Destination – an award bestowed upon delicious Ellen DeGeneres served them for a one-stop shop for a smorgasbord of eats from local a couple of times as a kid. It’s where I’d tucker the city by Orbitz and LogoTV. During my time to her show’s guests. Scattered about the butchers, fishmongers, greengrocers and farmers. out just in time for a new state. summer stay last year, though, it didn’t seem like nooks in the 32-room literary-lovers’ dream But not this time. I couldn’t. I was behind Columbus was on its way to being a gay city at house called The Book Loft. Crazy to think, See Columbus, page 16 16 BTL \ May 17, 2012 \ Travel www.PrideSource.com

® Columbus Sugardaddy’s brownies: yum! Continued from p. 15

Over 30 vendors reside here, including Best of the Wurst, Flavors of India, Pam’s Market Popcorn, Heil’s Family Deli and Holy Smoke Barbecue. It’s the place to be if you’re with a bunch of picky, penny- pinching eaters, or if you’re looking for a quick bite – perhaps a pastry or gourmet sandwich – for breakfast or lunch. Set in historic German Village, Barcelona (barcelonacolumbus.com) is the dinner go-to with its posh sophistication, Old World European charm and refreshing seaside sangria. Paellas and gazpachos, fishes and filets – expect all that and more from the menu. Wanna make it easy? Just do the tapas tasting. Like to chow and sightsee? Milestone 229’s patio (milestone229.com) is in the epicenter of one of Columbus’ most popular parks, Bicentennial Park, facing a remarkable illuminated, 15,000-square-foot fountain along the Scioto River waterfront. Expect to get your nom-nom on, too, with the restaurant’s scrumptious twists on traditional cuisine. Contemporary and chic and glass-wall enclosed, Milestone is comfort food done differently, all reasonably priced and made from local produce: Skillet Mac ’n Cheese with double-smoked hickory bacon, Really Good Hummus that keeps its promise and hearty salads (do than 40 species of palms. Beautiful gardens Looking for one-of-a-kind antiques the Roasted Gerber Chicken with dried and floral displays surround the locale. or quality furniture? Try ReVue, a cranberries, candied pecans, goat cheese and Hop on a segway for a two-hour tour 12,000-square-foot consignment store house-made apple cider vinaigrette). Other of the city along High Street, and see the housing modern and old-fashioned finds. highly suggested stops: Surly Girl Saloon quaint parkland along the Scioto River, the Hundreds of items arrive daily, and there for premium microbrews and pizza pies, Short North area and the historic downtown are lots of good buys. Want something for zesty wraps and cupcakes; Northstar Café, (segawaytoursofcolumbus.com). It’s a your animal friends? Posh Pets Boutique a healthy locale known particularly for their zippy way – and lots of fun – to explore (poshpetsboutique.com), with funky pet breakfast foods; and the European-inspired the city for anyone unfamiliar with all the apparel and toys, is a cute retail store for Vienna Ice Cafe. must-sees: The Peanut Shoppe, Veterans the at-home critters. Save time for Flower Sweet eaters must not miss out on Plaza, the Mona Lisa mural, the Santa Child (flowerchildvintage.com), a vintage Sugardaddy’s (sugardaddys.com): all Maria and the Ohio Theatre, among others. store overflowing with mid-1990s trinkets, brownies, all the time. And not just straight Up for some gay-peep schmoozing? accessories and clothing. Each nook is like a up. Outside the (brownie) box with its You got it. A study done by the William time warp, with furniture, art and house wares brownie biscotti, bites, bark, cheesecakes Institute at UCLA Law School reported that spanning decades. More than just a store, and ice creams, the pink boutique boasts a 50,250 gay citizens reside in Columbus, Flower Child is a neat experience. Shout- whopping 20 signature flavors. The place – outnumbering the percentage in Chicago. outs also to Tigertree (shoptigertree.com), a owned, of course, by two gay men, partners And there are plenty of homo happenings hip clothing and odds-and-ends space that’s Tom Finney and Mark Ballard – is a Food to make you believe it: along High Street, almost an indie take on Urban Outfitters, Network fave. It’s no wonder. and nearby, are establishments such as and TORSO (torsoonline.com), the town’s Exile (for leather lovers), Axis Nightclub proverbial gay-aimed underwear store. (where all the Ohio State boys go), Level Over in German Village is Book Loft Keeping Busy (a swanky dining club), Club Diversity (the (bookloft.com), which is more than just You won’t go bored in Columbus, at place for martinis) and Wallstreet (for the any readers’ retail establishment: It’s a 32- night or during the day. Hang with hundreds girls). And the people? A strong sense of room maze of books. In this post-Borders of exotic butterflies in a breathtaking community, where people are ultra friendly age, it’s nice to see a local bookstore still exhibit at the Franklin Park Conservatory and charmingly Midwestern, is among thriving. Other stops that take pride in and Botanical Gardens (fpconservatory. them. You’ll feel right at home. being local include Middle West Spirits org), a supremely beautiful nature walk (middlewestspirits.com), an urban micro- that feels otherworldly – not like Ohio at distillery notable for using all Ohio all. Built in 1895, the historical landmark is Super Shopping ingredients (take a tour, and don’t leave two miles east of downtown Columbus and Besides three shopping malls, there are without a bottle of their smooth-tasting showcases exotic plant collections, special lots of walkable opportunities to throw down Vanilla Bean Vodka), and Brothers Drake exhibitions and a signature collection of more money than you have in the Short Meadery (brothersdrake.com), a popular work by glass artist Dale Chihuly. Set North arts district (shortnorth.org/shopping). – and very charming – hangout with a fine within the 88 acres of Franklin Park, the The tree-lined downtown, a charming Ann selection of organic meads. Bottoms up! Conservatory houses 400 species of plants Arbor-like strip, is where the city houses from a variety of global climate zones and a mishmash of specialty shops that offer features a Victorian palm house with more a delightfully unique shopping excursion. See Columbus, page 19 www.PrideSource.com May 17, 2012 / BTL 17 COLOR

18 BTL \ May 17, 2012 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Travel / May 17, 2012 / BTL 19

® Columbus Continued from p. 16 Peace & Quiet Paradise… in Ohio? Look no further than Hocking Hills, a natural sightseeing retreat that’s a gorgeous middle-of-nowhere getaway only an hour drive from Columbus. Their motto: “Close to home. A million miles from ho-hum.” No kidding. Waterfalls, caves and some of the prettiest hiking trails – this is not the sleep-through-state I grew up with. It’s also natural setting. After two-and-a-half years in the not, for better or worse, the kind of place for making, the vision became a reality when the inn uninterrupted Facebooking or Grindr access. opened in 1987. But it wasn’t without hiccups. Expect spotty cell-phone service and Internet Friends, however, believed in Anne’s dream and (but hey, they have an iPod dock in the rooms!), turned it into a reality. Now her family, who runs though that’s the point – to disconnect from the inn and spa, likes to think of it as a place everyday craziness, to “status update” with where guests “come home.” They certainly do real faces (even strangers), and to sit around a everything to make it feel that way. board game or a crackling fire. My stay at the One night wasn’t enough, but in that time Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls (innatcedarfalls.com), I browsed the gift shop, took a nature walk in its 25th year, was pleasantly out of touch through the flowery fields and had one of my with everything but myself and the welcoming favorite meals ever – filet prepared by in-house community, including the lovely innkeepers chef Anthony Schulz (not to mention a sinful themselves: married couple Ellen Grinsfelder cotton-candy martini) – at their lovely log-cabin and Terry Lingo, both accommodating and super restaurant. My stay in one of their cute cottages gay-friendly. off in the woods was peaceful and reinvigorating, The backstory made the experience that and I adored flipping through the journal – one’s much more interesting: The site began as a vision kept in every room – to read handwritten notes of Anne Castle, a well-respected businesswoman on what other people had experienced in the very (and Ellen’s mother) who gave up her corporate place I stayed in. This oasis of serenity is a little life to establish a place where the ever-growing gem of Ohio that’s not to be missed. Who knew? number of urban dwellers could retreat to a 20 BTL \ May 17, 2012 \ Birmingham www.PrideSource.com

Cool Cities Birmingham

ES ES W PAG W PAG YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET LGBT YELLO LGBT YELLO S S MICHIGAN’ MICHIGAN’

M M

I I C IN PRINT C IN PRINT H NE & H NE & I I G ONLI G ONLI

A A N N

P P R R

I I D 3 D E / 201 E / 2013 2 2 S 201 S 201

O O U A v a a b e a P r d e U R i l l t i R

C C

E E

D D

I I R R

Pinpoint your ad dollars where E E

C C

TO TO

R R

Y Y

• •

2 2

0 0

1 1

1 1

- -

2 2

0 0

1 1 they will do the most good . . . 2 2 Advertise in the next Cool Cities

RS OF RS OF TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 x 13 LISHE BLISHE E PUB E PU OM TH OM TH FR rce.com FR rce.com PrideSou PrideSou www.PrideSource.com Film / May 17, 2012 / BTL 21 ‘The Dictator’ is no good Baron Cohen’s shtick gets old in latest film BY CHRISTY LEMIRE, AP MOVIE CRITIC game that allows him to kill Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympics (anti-Semitism has In analyzing Sacha Baron Cohen long been a main target of Baron Cohen, and the array of offbeat characters he’s who’s an observant Jew). A helicopter created, it’s clear that it’s become a matter ride over Manhattan that Aladeen takes of diminishing returns. with his former nuclear weapons expert In 2006’s “Borat: Cultural Learnings of (Jason Mantzoukas) creates some cultural America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation misunderstandings that freak out the pasty of Kazakhstan,” the observations of his tourists sitting across from them “ that’s bumbling, thoroughly inappropriate foreign good for some uncomfortable laughs. TV journalist provided sharp, satirical insight But more often, “The Dictator” relies on into our prejudices and foibles. Three years crass sexual jokes and easy fish-out-of-water later, “Bruno” felt like a one-note gimmick, hijinks. At times, it even plays like Eddie with his flamboyantly gay Austrian fashion Murphy’s “Coming to America,” which was correspondent merely trying to shock amiable enough but didn’t exactly represent everyone with his flamboyant gayness. to survive as a commoner. Stripped of his cutting-edge comedy. About two-thirds of Now, Baron Cohen is back with trademark thick beard, Aladeen is rendered the way in, Kathryn Hahn shows up out of “The Dictator” (now playing at the unrecognizable and ends up working at an nowhere, with no introduction, for the film’s Birmingham Palladium), his least-focused organic grocery store in Brooklyn run by the most graphic sight gag. Surely, there must film yet, despite the fact that it has an androgynous, ultra-politically correct Zoey have been more from this reliable comic actual script compared to the guerrilla-style (Anna Faris, who’s nearly unrecognizable actress, and her brief inclusion feels like the mockumentaries that preceded it. herself with short, dark hair). product of an awkward edit. Baron Cohen stars as Admiral General For a long time, it’s hard to tell what As always, Baron Cohen fully commits Aladeen, who has ruled the oil-rich, fictitious Baron Cohen’s point is in spoofing this type to this character and even manages to find north African nation of Wadiya cruelly and of despot: that torture and rape are bad? Could some glimmers of tenderness beneath the cluelessly since he was 7 years old. Aladeen it really be that simple? A climactic speech cold exterior. Like Kim Jong Il (to whom oppresses his people from the comfort of his Aladeen gives toward the end highlighting “The Dictator” is dedicated), who was at sprawling, opulent palace, sleeps with movie the benefits of a dictatorship hits close to the center of the brilliant puppet musical stars (including Megan Fox in a cameo) and home, but it’s a long slog through hit-or-miss “Team America: World Police,” Aladeen is orders the execution of his underlings for the gross-out gags to get there. just plain lonely. But playing this type of out- silliest of perceived offenses. Baron Cohen is once again working there satirical figure has really run its course. But when he travels to New York to with Larry Charles, who directed “Borat” Clearly, Baron Cohen is a smart, gifted make a speech before the United Nations, and “Bruno,” but the results are more and versatile actor; it’s time for him to he finds he’s been double-crossed by his scattershot than ever. An early bit works stretch his abilities and dictate to himself right-hand man (Ben Kingsley) and forced in which Aladeen plays a personalized Wii a new kind of challenge.

1 12 7 11 5 10 8

9 6

4 3 2

BTL Advertisers Blossoms...... 3 First Presbyterian Prudential HWWB...... 10 Astrein’s Creative Jewelers...... 1 Claymore Shop...... 4 Church Of Birmingham...... 7 Robert Kidd Gallery...... 11 Birmingham Ballroom...... 2 Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel....5 Golling Fiat Of Birmingham...... 8 Schakolad Chocolate...... 12 Comprehensive Women’s Health.6 Hall & Hunter...... 9 22 BTL \ May 17, 2012 \ Books www.PrideSource.com Book Marks BY RICHARD LABONTE “David Hockney, The Biography, 1937-1975: A Rake’s Progress,” “A Queer and Pleasant by Christopher Simon Danger: The True Story Sykes. Doubleday, 364 of a Nice Jewish Boy pages, $35 hardcover. Who Joins the Church of Scientology and Leaves Kudos to this first volume Twelve Years Later to about famed British artist Become the Lovely Hockney: the biography Lady She Is Today,” by never shies away from Kate Bornstein. Beacon addressing and assessing Press, 258 pages, $24.95 how central being queer is to both his assuredly hardcover. flamboyant life and his often-vividly homocentric Back before she was art. How queer? Hockney’s cheeky 1962 work, Kate, a well-deserved genderqueer celebrity, “Life Painting for a Diploma,” featured a he was oft-married Al. For more than a decade, beefcake model drawn from the muscle mag through the 1970s, Bornstein – still seen as a “Physique Pictorial.” Sykes’ breezy take on handsome man by the world, but struggling the artist’s life is an engaging blend of chatty with the woman within – was a committed artist-as-a-young(ish)-man anecdotes and Scientologist, first a crewman aboard founder cogent analysis of several of his career-making L. Ron Hubbard’s Sea Organization flagship paintings, among them 1967’s “A Bigger vessel and then a top salesman of the church’s Splash” and 1968’s “Christopher Isherwood cultish offerings. The author’s account of her and Don Bachardy.” The author’s overview of Scientology years is both sobering and chilling, the artist’s art satisfies a need for critical (but even more so when she reveals that she hasn’t never stuffy) analysis; his account of Hockney’s been in touch with her daughter – now a high- often-unsettled love life – particularly of his first level Sea Org official – for years, nor has she real relationship with artist Peter Schlesinger, 18 ever seen two grandchildren, also Scientologists. when he enrolled in a UCLA class that Hockney, Post-church, and “first a girl” at 38, Bornstein a decade his elder, was teaching – satisfies writes about feminist and lesbian activism and the standard of candor for a well-wrought her performance career, about integrating gender biography. Vol. 1 is an expansive, entertaining desire with real life, about bouts of anorexia and illuminating (and lavishly illustrated) half- and “orgasmic” self-cutting and, with beguiling a-life, heralding what is likely to be an equally matter-of-factness, about a passion for S&M. authoritative Vol. 2. This memoir manages to be both wrenchingly “Fugitives of Love,” by Lisa Girolami. Bold transformative and luminously wondrous, a Strokes Books, 228 pages, $14.94 paper. sumptuous literary combination. When a romance’s story arc is preordained – lesbian one and lesbian two, despite impediments, “Purgatory: A Novel of the Civil War,” by Jeff are destined to be together – the reason to read Mann. Lethe Press, 286 pages, $18 paper. the story stems from twists in its plot and a distinctive setting. Girolami’s fifth novel attains Larry Townsend, Jack Fritscher and John Preston, both those goals nicely. Lesbian one is art S&M literary masters (and Masters) of yore, gallery owner Brenna Wright, once-bitten by have a worthy heir. First with “Fog” and now love and now relationship-shy, committed to her with this Civil War-set second novel, Mann – a gallery’s success to the exclusion of anything prolific contributor to erotica anthologies as well like a personal life. Lesbian two is Sinclair as a profoundly sensuous poet and an elegantly Grady, a reclusive creator of sea-polished-glass personal essayist – merges deliciously erotic art eschewing the possibility of love while and decidedly literary writing with whiplash shielding a horrific past. When Brenna spots precision. The premise: young Confederate one of Sinclair’s pieces hanging in a Manhattan soldier Ian Campbell, slight but wiry and hiding window, she’s determined to track her down for a a hankering for man-love, is tasked by his spiteful show. But when gallerist meets artist, more than squad-commanding uncle with guarding captured art appreciation ensues; both women get past Yankee Drew Conrad, a Herculean hunk whose their romantic inhibitions and, for a while, revel tortured fate – after he’s been bound, gagged, in uninhibited sex, until Sinclair’s past intrudes. whipped, bloodied and near-starved for Rebel Cue a truth-telling reveal, a loutish stepbrother, soldier amusement – is to die. That the two young and a pushy but effective attorney, and, hey, the soldiers fall in love is a given. But the majesty of impediment to true love is vanquished in this Mann’s masterful storytelling is that he depicts slight but seductive tale. their transformation – from dominant captor and submissive captive to a couple determined to Richard Labonte has been reading, editing, selling, realize their romantic destiny – with a sublime and writing about queer literature since the mid- blend of accomplished research and intense S&M ‘70s. He can be reached in care of this publication, action. Elegant historical fiction meets orgasmic or at [email protected]. queer prose in this nuanced (if predictably- ending) novel. www.PrideSource.com Theater / May 17, 2012 / BTL 23

Michigan Opera Theatre’s “I Pagliacci” continues through May 20. Photo: John Grigaitis The tears of a clown at MOT MICHAEL H. MARGOLIN and ends the opera with that magnificent REVIEW line, “The comedy is finished.” Hawkins In 1904, Enrico Caruso’s recording I Pagliacci last appeared at MOT in 2006’s “Porgy of “Vesti la giubba,” the aria from the and Bess.” conclusion of Act One of Ruggero Michigan Opera Theatre at Detroit Opera As Nedda, soprano Jill Gardner Leoncavallo’s 1892 opera “ I Pagliacci,” House, 1526 Broadway St., Detroit. May appears here for the first time. Initially, became the first million-selling record in 16, 18-20. $29-$121. 120 minutes. 313- 237-SING ironically reflecting her line about the history. “shrill screeching” of birds, she warmed www.michiganopera.org It is a justly famous aria, dramatizing up to provide forceful, dynamic singing, the irony of men who love too well – Canio, be the 1920s (it debuted in 1892). The and in Act Two, a beautifully delineated the “clown,” like Othello, is tortured by pantomime, set to Leoncallo’s music impersonation of Colombina in the play jealousy and it ends badly, while Tonio, from “Zaza,” shows a stage upon which within the play. who reveals his wife Nedda’s inconstancy, Nedda’s development, portrayed by three In that play, her Pagliaccio was gets off, as does Iago. But while Othello’s progressively older actresses, is nurtured transformed from second banana, the jealousy is forefront, Canio is one of the by Canio, Pygmalion to her Galatea. The actor Beppe, into a facile, romantic tenor, clowns, men who betray their humanity. accompanying music is very much like whose balcony serenade revealed a light, And so the title of the opera, “The Clowns,” a band of the era. This morphs smoothly attractive tenor – sung by Phillipe Pierce, is more Everyman than hero. new to MOT. As Silvio, Nedda’s loverboy, That is where the Romantic movement into Act Two, as the stage moves forward to become the portal on which the final Luis Ledesma – who sang a solid, affecting in opera shades into Verismo opera, that Germont in MOT’s 2008 “La Traviata” – is style in which reflections on the reality drama is enacted. good-looking with a suave baritone. of the lives of rather ordinary people – Cleverly rethought, it stands alone as In the pit, Steven Mercurio returned meanness, pettiness, revenge without a work of drama and music – rich, urgent, for his 17th podium assignment with MOT. greatness or ideals – creates a much-loved demanding of singers. He brought out the great intensity of the genre in opera. Antonello Polombi returns to MOT score, and the musicians of the MOT Traditionally, “I Pagliacci” is paired (2010’s smooth, powerful Cavarodossi in Orchestra gave him what he asked for – with “Cavalleria Rusticana,” another “Tosca”) to play the consummate clown. verismo piece in which machismo leads The role is written with high tessitura, though the low strings were not as strong as to a tawdry finale. This time out Michigan and Polombi delivers golden, sustained they needed to be. Again, Suzanne Mallare Opera Theatre has chosen Bernard Uzan’s notes tapering many into beautiful near- Acton, the chorus master, encouraged the production, enhanced with a 10-minute pianissimo, and, importantly, imbues fine MOT chorus to produce gorgeous pantomime at the beginning of Act Two, the character with real humanity. His singing. as a stand-alone. Uzan has supported his aria “Vesti...” which means “put on the For the most part, Cynthia Savage’s vision with two clowns in the commedia costume,” tells all we need to know about costume design hit the vernacular nail on dell’arte style, one in black and one in this man and his ego, his devotion to his the head (though plaid walking shorts for white, comedy and tragedy, who act as art while bristling with regret and sorrow. 1920 Italy looked absurd). Claude Girard’s commentators on the action, in mime. A great performance. set design was the real thing, and Donald Uzan takes a line of Canio’s to the There are two other major roles and Thomas’ lighting design was exquisite. effect that he discovered Nedda (a poor, two important supporting roles. As Tonio, MOT, even in the toughest of financial young girl), took her under his wing and who forces the central action of the plot, times, continues to produce singular opera, made her into a performer in his traveling Gordon Hawkins opens the opera with beautifully cast, a dynamic orchestra and company, roaming the environs of southern his plangent baritone, describing actors one of the best choruses one could ask for Italy, here updated to what appears to who have the same feelings as all people, – at the top of Michigan’s cultural pyramid. 24 BTL \ May 17, 2012 \ Happenings PrideSource.com

Editor’s Picks Alternative Prom 7 p.m. A safe and group for those who are facing sexually supportive night of fun for LGBTQ high compulsive behaviors. Affirmations, 290 schoolers and allies. For additional W. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. OUTINGS information or to RSVP, check Facebook/ GoAffirmations.org West Michigan Alternative Prom or e-mail Outings Thursday, May 17 [email protected]. Fountain Street Tuesday, May 22 Legal Referral Services 4 p.m. Weekly Church, 24 Fountain Street NE, Grand Rapids. [email protected] Transgender Life Support 7 p.m. Dignity Detroit celebrates 38 years of advocacy program and referral services Offering support, education, resources ministry to the LGBTQ community of the provided by AJ Skillman. AJ Skillman P.C., Dignity Detroit’s 38th Anniversary and a social structure for Transgender 290 W. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- metropolitan Detroit area with an evening of Dinner/Dance 7 p.m. Dignity Detroit individuals. Facilitated by Arlene Kish, 7105. Goaffirmations.org celebrates 38 years of ministry to the Lorraine Brown, Jessica Manko, Tracy dining and dance as well as a special liturgy KGLRC Youth Group 7 p.m. The Resource GLBTQ community of the metropolitan Hoover, Helena Blakemore, Marty Howland during the weekend of May 19. Center Youth Group helps young people, Detroit area. Festivities include silent and Colt Stacer. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Dignity Detroit is a faith community of ages 13 to 18, who are trying to come to auction, cocktails, dinner, dancing and Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. terms with their sexuality in a sometimes- a raffle. Guest speaker John Corvino. Transgenderlifesupport.org gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and allied unaccepting society. Meets every Thursday Tickets: $50. Dignity Detroit, 23400 Park Catholics rich with diversity that worships in from 7-9 p.m. at a confidential location. To St., Dearborn. 313-274-4499. Dignity Wednesday, May 23 [email protected] an affirming and supportive setting. Dignity’s attend, call or e-mail the resource center. 5th Annual Detroit River Cruise 12:30 Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian Resource festivities begin with dinner and dance at Sing Yes to Michigan! 8 p.m. Out Loud p.m. Join AIDS Walk Detroit and MIC for Center, 629 Pioneer, Kalamazoo. 269-349- sings the music of Michigan. Songs by an afternoon cruise along the Detroit Park Place Banquet Hall in Dearborn. Along 4234. Kglrc.org Michigan artists, Motown and classics like River. Tickets are $25 per person and all with cocktails, food, dancing and a silent “I’ve Got a Gal in Kalamazoo.” Tickets: proceeds benefit AIDS Walk Detroit and auction, guest Dr. John Corvino, a noted Friday, May 18 $13 advance/$16 at door, $10 students/ Motown Invitational Classic. AIDS Walk 2012 Season Grudge Match 6 p.m. seniors/unemployed. Out Loud Chorus, 911 Detroit, 13000 Denmark St., Detroit. 248- author and Between The Lines contributor, will attend the celebration to speak. Dr. Corvino See one of the final games of the Detroit N University, Ann Arbor. 734-265-0740. 399-9255. Aidswalkdetroit.org [email protected] olconline.org has educated and entertained professional organizations, government contractors, churches Derby Girls 2012 Season. The Grudge Coping with Disabilities 1 p.m. For and hundreds of college and university audiences. Match pits the current third and fourth Genesee County PFLAG Bowling anyone with a mental or physical place teams against each other for what The banquet begins at 6:30 p.m. May 19 with dinner served at 7 p.m. No tickets at the door. Fundraiser 9:30 p.m. $20 minimum illness that makes every-day life more promises to be an exciting bout. Detroit donation for bowlers covers two games, challenging. Discussions about LGBT While the liturgy is open to anyone interested in attending, tickets are required for the dinner/ Derby Girls, 500 Temple St., Detroit. 313 shoes, pizza and pop. Reserve your lanes friendly doctors, counseling, health dance. The tickets are $50, are available until May 13 and will not be sold at the door. Heart 832 7100. [email protected] by donating today. Genesee County PFLAG, benefits, and activities. Every second and Brownpapertickets.com/event/222093 Chapel of Marygrove College is located at 8425 W. McNichols in Detroit. Park Place is located 750 S. Center Road, Flint. 810-547-1911. fourth Wednesday. Affirmations, 290 W. Bisexual Peer Group 7 p.m. Meets [email protected] Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. at 23400 Park St. in Dearborn. For further information, e-mail [email protected]. monthly on the third Friday of each Goaffirmations.org month. Discuss relating to bisexuality, Sunday, May 20 Wild Wednesday 5 p.m. A supportive pansexuality, and/or omnisexuality. Allies Football Camp 12 p.m. Weekend event LGBT youth group that meets every Music & More are encouraged and welcomed to attend. open to anyone interested in playing flag Wednesday. All youth are welcome. Meeting usually followed by dinner at aut football. From beginners to pros. Includes Dedicated to Make a Change, L3C, 319 Out Loud Chorus is singing “Yes” to Bar, two doors down. Bisexual Peer Group, social activities outdoors and local Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. 734-657-1792. Michigan May 18 and 19 at University of 319 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. 734-678-2478. establishments. Contact MDFFL for details. [email protected] [email protected] Facebook. Michigan in Ann Arbor during their state- Metro Detroit Flag Football League, Contact com/groups/110918256984/ for location, Ann Arbor. 248-910-7200. Dinner & Drinks Como’s Patio 7 p.m. Get themed concert, “Sing ‘Yes’ to Michigan!” Out and Live invites all to dinner and drinks at OutGirls 7 p.m. An offshoot of OutCenter’s [email protected] MDFFL.org Out Loud Chorus is a non-auditioned Como’s patio in downtown Ferndale. Get Out women’s support group, designed to be a Equality Band of Michigan Rehearsal 4 And Live!, 22812 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. LGBT and allied community chorus. OLC will relaxed and supportive dinner gathering p.m. Join the Equality Band of Michigan as 248-548-5005. GetOutAndLive.me be singing a variety of songs either Michigan- for the LBT and allied community. E-mail we rehearse for June Pride events in Detroit, to RSVP. OutGirls, 190 Territorial Road, Grand Rapids, and Lansing. We are open to Network Men’s Group 7 p.m. A support themed, such as “I’ve Got a Gal in Kalamazoo” Benton Harbor. Glosunhine1751@ all skill levels and no auditions are required. group for bisexual, gay, and coming out and the “Michigan Rag,” or by Michigan artists comcast.net Equality Band of Michigan, Corner of Turner men, 21 and up. Single or partnered are invited to join the group. Weekly discussion such as Verve Pipe, Bob Seger, Madonna and Womyn’s Film Night 7 p.m. Film: “Tipping and Grand River Ave., Old Town Lansing. 517-525-1732. [email protected] topics and issues. The Network, 345 various Motown artists. the Velvet – Part 1 and 2” An unusual love Atlas Ave., Grand Rapids. 616-458-3511. story told in three episodes charts the OCL will perform 8 p.m. May 18 Conversation Station 5 p.m. LGBTQI (and Grlgbt.org course of Nan, who discovers a sexually allies) 25 and over, join GOAL each week and 19 at the Michigan League Building’s charged world of male impersonators, for discussion, food and fun. This week’s Suicide Prevention in LGBT Youth 7 Koessler Room, 911 N. University St., in actors and affluent women looking for topic: Who is the strangest or weirdest p.m. Farmington Hills hosts a community female companionship in the usually person you ever knew? Get Out And Live!, conversation focusing on LGBT youth Ann Arbor. Tickets are $13 in advance, controlled and corseted 1890s. Affirmations, 714 S. Washington St., Royal Oak. 248- suicide prevention. The event is targeted at $16 at the door and $10 for students, seniors or people who are unemployed. For more 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- 981-4227. [email protected] parents, youth, teachers, the faith community, 7105. Goaffirmations.org/ GetOutAndLive.me service club members and others with information, go to OLConline.org. regular contact with young people. Featuring Drag Queen Bingo 8 p.m. “This ain’t your Dignity Detroit’s 38th Anniversary Liturgy speakers Naomi Khalil, Frances Brown, grandma’s bingo.” Hosts Sabin, Trixie 6 p.m. Dignity Detroit celebrates 38 years Mike Neubecker, Dave Garcia and GSA reps. Theater Deluxxe or September Murphy. Open to all of ministry to the GLBTQ community of the Farmington Agea Suicide Prevention Task 18+. Refreshments and bingo food fare. metropolitan Detroit area. Liturgy open to all Force, 3155 W. 11 Mile Road, Farmington Ann Arbor Civic Theatre’s Junior Reservations available by phone. Five15, interested in attending. Dignity Detroit, 8425 Hills. 248-871-2500. FHgov.com 515 S. Washington, Royal Oak. 248-515- Theatre will present a stage version of W. McNichols, Detroit. Dignity Detroit74@ 2551. Five15.net yahoo.com Norton Juster’s beloved children’s book Thursday, May 24 MDFFL Mixer 9 p.m. Meet the MDFFL Civic Engagement Committee 1 p.m. “The Phantom Tollbooth,” adapted by football players the night before our Monday, May 21 Fourth Thursdays, May 24, 1PM at Susan Nanus and directed by Jenny Anne football camp begins. Come join and Should the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights the OutCenter. Empowering people to support Metro Detroit Flag Football. Koppera and Ariel Jones. Performances Act Be Amended? 6 p.m. The Michigan advocate and speak out for themselves Metro Detroit Flag Football League, 8070 Department of Civil Rights will co-host and the LGBT community is key to creating are at 7:30 p.m. May 17-19, and at 1 p.m. Greenfield Road,Detroit . 313-581-8913. a public hearing on the Elliott-Larsen effective change. Our Civic Engagement May 19-20 at WCC’s College Theater. [email protected] MDFFL.org Civil Rights Act with the Jackson Human committee organizes to educate and “The Phantom Tollbooth” tells Relations Commission. A number of resource our community members to Saturday, May 19 guest speakers with expertise on the make a difference in our community. the story of a young boy named Milo Champagne Brunch 10 a.m. In Braun current nondiscrimination law and related E-mail to learn more. OutCenter, 132 Water who is bored by school and studying. Courtyard (or ShAut in the event of bad issues will be present. The general St., Benton Harbor. CivicEngagement@ He receives a mysterious package weather), there will be brunch, catered public is encouraged to attend the forum, OutCenter.org OutCenter.org by Aut Bar, and live music! Tickets: particularly those who wish to provide containing a magical tollbooth and sets $25, purchasable online or at Common testimony on whether and how ELCRAs Friday, May 25 off on great adventures in the Land Language Bookstore. Jim Toy Community lack of protections for the LGBT population has affected them personally. Both written Womyn’s Film Night 7 p.m. Film: of Wisdom. Milo encounters, among Center, 319 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. 734- “Tipping the Velvet – Part 3” An unusual 678-2478. Jimytoycenter.org and verbal testimony will be accepted. To others, the Mathemagician and the Princesses Sweet Rhyme and Pure Reason. Milo’s provide written testimony, please email it love story told in three episodes charts the course of Nan. Affirmations, 290 W. adventures continue as he’s dispatched to rescue the princesses from the Land of Ignorance, Football Camp 12 p.m. Weekend event to [email protected] before May open to anyone interested in playing flag 18. Michigan Department of Civil Rights- Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- and his thinking about thinking will never be the same. football. From beginners to pros. Includes Jackson Human Relations Commission, 7105. Goaffirmations.org/ All tickets are $5 and are available by calling or visiting the A2CT office 734-971-2228, social activities outdoors and local 161 West Michigan Ave., Jackson. MDFFL Mixer 9 p.m. Meet the MDFFL or at the door of WCC’s College Theater before each performance. establishments. Contact MDFFL for details. 517-241-4319. [email protected] football players. Come join and support Metro Detroit Flag Football League, Contact Michigan.gov/mdcr Metro Detroit Flag Football. Metro Detroit for location, Livonia. 248-910-7200. Info@ Flag Football League, 23365 Hoover Road, MDFFL.org MDFFL.org Sexual Compulsives Anonymous 7 p.m. A weekly anonymous 12-step Warren. 586.806.2390. MDFFL.org www.PrideSource.com Happenings / May 17, 2012 / BTL 25 For expanded listings & to add a listing, visit our website

Saturday, May 26 to bring his club anthems on the road with Auditorium, 329 S. Park St., Kalamazoo. evening. $7 for most readings; “8” is standards as well as those of time projects the images of a classic painting the “AVICII-LE7ELS Tour.” Tickets: $30-75. Through May 27. 69-343-1313. free, $15 for “A Connemara Ceili.” Flint honored tradition. Ann Arbor Art Center, from the Western tradition by Claude ALIVE Youth Group Meeting 2 p.m. All Joe Louis Arena, 19 Steve Yzerman Drive, Kazoocivic.com Youth Theatre, 1220 E. Kearsley St., 117 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. April 1-June Monet and an ink painting from the LGBT and allied youth 14-20 encouraged Detroit. 8 p.m. May 22. 313-396-7000. Flint. Through May 29. 810-237-1530. 10. 734-995-8004. Annarborartcenter.org Eastern tradition by Korean artist Sochi. As to join. 4th Saturday of every month is Olympiaentertainment.com Honus and Me $12-23. Kalamazoo Civic FlintYouthTheatre.org the projected images change and interact, Social Justice Saturday. As some meetings Theatre at Parish Theatre, 329 S. Park St., Canvas Studios “Open Creativity Time” the artist brings the paintings to life. are held around town, contact ALIVE The Ark Jonathan Edwards. Tickets: $25. Kalamazoo. May 18-26. 269-343-1313. Now That I Can Dance-Motown 1962 Open creativity is an opportunity for Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 314 S. Park prior to attending meetings. ALIVE Youth The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Kazoocivic.com $20. Mosaic Youth Theatre at Detroit Film individuals and groups to gather in a , Kalamazoo. May 1-Aug. 18. 269-349- Group, 132 Water St., Benton Harbor. May 17. 734-761-1818. Theark.org Theatre, 5200 Woodward Ave. (John R. loving and supportive environment for 7775. KIarts.org [email protected] Little Shop of Horrors $16-18. entrance), Detroit. Through May 20. 313- creative and artistic activities. Admission The Ark Michelle Shocked. Shocked Farmington Players, 32332 W. 12 Mile 872-6910. mosaicdetroit.org $12. Canvas Studios, 306 1/2 S. Main St., Lawrence Street Gallery “Nora came on the scene with her “Short Sharp Road, Farmington Hills. Through May 19. Royal Oak. March 11-Aug. 12. 248-759- Mendoza-My Life Through My Paintings” Shocked” album in 1988 and recorded 248-553-2955. Farmingtonplayers.org Nunsense $18. The Encore Musical 4633. thecanvasstudios.com A sweeping retrospective exhibition of four albums for the Mercury label. Tickets: Theatre Company, 3126 Broad St., Palmer Park $14-$16. Stagecrafters at member artist Nora Chapa Mendoza, $25. The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor. 8 Dexter. May 17-June 10. 734-268-6200. Charles H. Wright Museum of African former recipient of the “Michigan MUSIC & p.m. May 21. 734-761-1800. TheArk.org Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette, Royal theencoretheatre.org American History “Great American Governor’s Arts Award” which named her Oak. Through May 20. 248-541-6430. Artists-Part II: The Branches” Exhibition of The Ark Marcia Ball. Tickets: $30. The Ark, Stagecrafters.org Other Side of the Rainbow Paul Robeson artist of the year in 1999. Lawrence Street new figurative works by artists Christopher Gallery, 22620 Woodward Ave., Suite A, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. May 26. Ensemble Theatre Company at Northwest Batten, Endia Beal, Halima Cassells, Alonzo 734-761-1800. TheArk.org Romeo and Juliet Guest speakers begin Activities Center’s Paul Robeson Theatre, Ferndale. May 2-May 26. 248-544-0394. MORE at 6 p.m. $5. Warren Civic Theatre Youth Edwards, Sydney James, Gregory Johnson, 18100 Meyers Road, Detroit. May Lawrencestreetgallery.com CLASSICAL The Palace Eddie Money is an American and Teen at City Square Park at City Hall, Richard Lewis, Mario Moore, Sabrina 18-20. 313-578-7500. Facebook.com/ Nelson and Senghor Reid Charles H. Wright Motor City Comic Con “Motor City Comic Detroit Symphony Orchestra “The rock guitarist, saxophonist and singer- 1 City Square, Warren. May 26-27. 586- PaulRobesonTheater Museum of African American History, 315 Con” Novi, MI: Motor City Comic Con, Pines of Rome” The 2011-12 Classical songwriter who found success in the 268-8400. WarrenCivic.org E. Warren, Detroit. May 3-Sep. 1. 313-494- Michigan’s original Comic Convention, Season ends in roaring fashion when 1970s and 1980s with a string of Top 40 Raven’s Seed $20. Matrix Theatre The Odd Couple $16-20. Emergent Arts 5853. TheWright.org celebrates its 23rd Anniversary. The 2012 Leonard Slatkin and the DSO perform hits and platinum albums. Tickets: $10 Company, 2730 Bagley, Detroit. Through Theatre Company at The Arthur Miller event brings together a stellar roster four symphonic blockbusters: Ravel’s “La lawn, $34.50 pavilion. DTE Energy Music May 20. 313-967-0599. MatrixTheatre.org Theatre in The Walgreen Drama Center, Flint Institute of Arts “Abstract of Comic world luminaries, as well as Valse”, Cindy McTee’s Symphony No. 1: Theatre, 7774 Sashabaw , Clarkston. 7:30 1226 Murfin, Ann Arbor. May 24-27. 734- Red $22-41. Performance Network Expressionism” Abstract expressionism a glittering array of iconic TV, film stars Ballet for Orchestra, John William’s Cello p.m. May 25. 248-377-0100. Palacenet. 985-0875. emergentarts.com Theatre, 120 E. Huron St., Ann Arbor. was the first specifically American art and fan favorites. Admission: $22-55. Concerto with DSO Principal Cello Robert com Through May 26. 734-663-0681. movement to achieve international Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 deMaine, and Respighi’s thunderous “The The Phantom Tollbooth $5. Ann The Palace LMFAO and the Park Rock PerformanceNetwork.org influence and put New York City as Grand River Ave., Novi. May 18-May 20. Pines of Rome,” a musical tour of the titular Arbor Civic Theatre’s Junior Theatre at Crew, with special guests Far East the new center of the western art MotorCityComicCon.com city. Tickets: $15. Max M. Fisher Music Movement, The Quest Crew, Sidney Washtenaw College Theatre, Washtenaw Sundays at Go Comedy! Go Comedy! world. Drawing on works from the Center, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit. May Samson, Eva Simons and Natalia Kills. Community College, Ann Arbor. May 17- Improv Theater, 261 E. Nine Mile Road, FIA’s permanent collection, along with Riverside Arts Center “Through Women’s 17-May 19. 313-576-5111. DSO.org Tickets $35-65. Palace of Auburn Hills, 20. 734-971-2228. a2ct.org Ferndale. 248-327-0575. gocomedy.net important loans from regional museums, Eyes” This exhibition features the the exhibition surveys the art movement collected works of the Painting Section Detroit Symphony Orchestra “Chamber 5 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills. 7 p.m. The Producers $18. The Players Guild The Altruists $15-18. Magenta Giraffe from its origins in the post World War II of the University of Michigan’s Faculty Works of Mozart and Prokofiev” Join DSO May 23. 248-377-0100. Palacenet.com of Dearborn, 21730 Madison, Dearborn. Theatre Company at The Furniture Factory, period to the latest developments in the Women’s Club, covering a large variety of for a dynamic, varied program of chamber Through May 20. 313-561-TKTS. 4126 Third St., Detroit. Through May 26. 21st century. Flint Institute of Arts, 1120 E. styles and media. Riverside Arts Center, music featuring the Mozart duo for violin OTHER PlayersGuildofDearborn.org 313-408-7269. Magentagiraffe.org Kearsley, Flint. May 5-Aug. 19. 810-234- 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti. May 3-May 26. and viola and virtuosic Prokofiev Oboe Olympia Entertainment Carlos The Red Velvet Cake War Dinner served The Cemetery Club $26-30. Tipping 1695. Flintarts.org 734-483-7345. Riversidearts.org Quintet. Tickets: $15. Max M. Fisher Music Mencia, Tickets: $40-53. Sound Board one-hour before showtime. $20-33. Point Theatre, 361 E. Cady St., Northville. Center, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 7:30 Theater, 2901 Grand River Ave, Detroit. Starlight Dinner Theatre at Waverly East Through June 17. 248-347-0003. Flint Institute of Arts “The Golden Age The Detroit Institute of Arts “Patti Smith: p.m. May 24. 313-576-5111. DSO.org 7:30 p.m. May 20. 866-752-9622 . Cafetorium, 3131 W. Michigan Ave., tippingpointtheatre.com of Painting, 1600-1800 from the Speed Camera Solo” This is the first American Olympiaentertainment.com Art Museum” The treasures on loan from museum exhibition to focus on the Kerrytown Concert House “Phoenix Lansing. Through May 19. 517-243-6040. The Divine Sister $10-15. The Ringwald the permanent collection of the Speed Art photography of artist, poet, and performer Phest Faculty Concert” PhoenixPhest! is a Penn Theatre “The Man Who Knew Too starlightdinnertheatre.com Theatre, 22742 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Museum of Louisville, Kentucky, include Patti Smith. Smith’s photographs are 3-day chamber music festival held on the Much” 1956 film for Penn Theatre’s May The Secret Garden $19. Village Players, Through June 4. 248-545-5545. works by artists from The Netherlands, infused with personal meaning and campus of Eastern Michigan University classics. Tickets: $3. Penn Theatre, 760 34660 Woodward Ave., Birmingham. theringwald.com Flanders, France, Spain, Italy, Germany highlight the rich relationships between in Ypsilanti, MI. PhoenixPhest! provides a Penniman Ave., Plymouth. 6:30 p.m. May Through May 27. 248-644-2075. and England. Highlighted in the show art, architecture, poetry and the everyday. unique opportunity for musicians of all ages 24. 734-453-0870. PennTheatre.com birminghamvillageplayers.com The Rise and Fall of Little Voice $20. are paintings that illustrate the popular Detroit Institute of Arts, 2100 Woodward to play with and be coached by experienced Planet Ant Theatre, 2357 Caniff St., subjects of that age, such as: landscapes, Ave., Detroit. June 1-Sep. 2. 313-833- professional musicians in pre-formed, St. Mary’s Preparatory “St. Mary’s Hamtramck. Through May 19. 313-365- portraits, still lifes, religious paintings, 7900. DIA.org or “Phoenix-phormed” groups Since its Polish Country Fair” Nation’s largest high PROFESSIONAL 4948. PlanetAnt.com interpretations of classical antiquity and formation as a nonprofit organization in school country fair returns to Orchard A Few Good Men $20. What A Do Theatre, scenes from every day life. Flint Institute University of Michigan Museum of Art 1998, The Phoenix Ensemble has been a Lake. Pierogies, Polish apparel and 4071 W. Dickman Road, Springfield. The Understudy Previews May 17-20 of Arts, 1120 E. Kearsley, Flint. May 5-Aug. “Fluxus and the Essential Questions of resource for artists and the educational Texas Holdem to benefit Orchard Lake Through May 19. 269-282-1953. & 24 ($15). $20-25. Williamston 19. 810-234-1695. Flintarts.org Life” Fluxus emerged in the early 1960s community. Donations appreciated. St. Marys Preparatory. Officially kicks off WhatADo.org Theatre, 122 S. Putnam St., Williamston. summertime on Memorial Day Weekend. as a loose, international network of Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth May 17-June 17. 517-655-7469. Goldner Walsh Garden & Home artists, composers, and designers “led” by More information at website. St. Mary’s Avenue Q $25. The Box Theater, 51 N. williamstontheatre.org Ave., Ann Arbor. 7:30 p.m. May 26. 734-769- Walnut, Mount Clemens. Through May 19. “Containers and Cocktails” Join the Lithuanian-born American artist George 2999. KerrytownConcertHouse.com Preparatory, 3535 Indian Trail, Orchard Lake. 11 a.m. May 25. 248-683-0514. 586-954-2311. theboxtheater.com Wednesdays at Go Comedy! Go Comedy! creative design team fora hands-on Maciunas (1931-1978) that was noted for Stmaryspolishcountryfair.com Improv Theater, 261 E. Nine Mile Road, workshop and demonstration of design blurring the boundaries between art and CONCERTS Beyond Therapy $18. The Detroit Ferndale. 248-327-0575. gocomedy.net direction and professional planting soil. life. University Of Michigan Museum Of Art, Blind Pig Joe Pug, The Ark and the The Scarab Club “Musing” Poetry and Ensemble Theatre at Michigan Actors Registration: $22 per person. Attendees 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor. Feb. 25-May Blind Pig are partnering for the first music gathering hosted by Ann Holdreith. Studio, 648 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. White Buffalo $17.50-40. The Purple can bring their own pot or choose from 20. 734-764-0395. Umma.umich.edu time to present Joe Pug at the Blind Pig. Hosted at the Scarab Club the third May 18-June 3. 877-636-3320. Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park St., an eclectic collection from around the University of Michigan Museum of Art Tickets: $13. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St., Sunday of every month. The Scarab Club, detroitensembletheatre.org Chelsea. Through June 2. 734-433-7673. world. Attendees will be able to fill their “Peter Campus: Kiva” Pioneer of video Ann Arbor. 9:30 p.m. May 25. 734-761- 217 Farnsworth, Detroit. March 18-Aug. purplerosetheatre.org containers with a wide selection of plants Boogie Stomp! $25. Stormfield Theatre, art who experimented with the medium 1800. TheArk.org 19. 313-831-1250. Scarabclub.org and flowers from greenhouses of Goldner 201 Morgan Lane, Lansing. Through May Wolverine Will $10 adults, $7 children. in the 1970s alongside other notable 20. 517-351-6555. stormfieldtheatre.org Performance Network Theatre, 120 E. Walsh. Goldner Walsh Garden & Home Kerrytown Concert House “Dobbins/ Zumba Fitness with Chandra Floyd Greenhouses, 559 Orchard Lake Road, artists Bill Viola, Bruce Nauman, and Joan Krahnke/Weed Trio Jazz Masters Series” “Zumba Fitness in Midtown Detroit” Huron St., Ann Arbor. 1 p.m. May 26. 734- Jonas. Campus created both large-scale Dead and Buried $17-20. Detroit 663-0681. performancenetwork.org Pontiac. 5 p.m. May 17. 248-332-6430. The trio welcomes jazz master and De-stress and party yourself into shape Repertory Theatre, 13103 Woodrow Goldnerwalsh.com projections and a series of little-seen celebrated bassist Rodney Whitaker for with this calorie scorching, exhilarating, Wilson, Detroit. Through May 20. 313- installation works that employ live video the annual Jazz Masters Series. Guests and easy to follow workout with Latin and 868-1347. detroitreptheatre.com Grand Rapids Art Museum “Cities in feeds, of which Kiva (1971) is one. will enjoy an evening of jazz accompanied international music. Admission: $8 per Transition” This suite of interdisciplinary University Of Michigan Museum Of Art, by informal dialogue with the artists, class. International Institute, 111 E. Kirby, Ernie $20-25. City Theatre, 2301 Woodward exhibitions and programs explores the 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor. May 5-Aug. receiving a rare glimpse into the artists’ Detroit. April 25-Sep. 26. 313-587-6203. Ave., Detroit. Through July 29. 1-800-745- ART ‘N’ many ways art, design, and history shapes 12. 734-763-4186. Umma.umich.edu musical lives in jazz. Tickets: $5-30. Facebook.com/ZumbaWithChandraMI 3000. olympiaentertainment.com our understanding and appreciation of the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth urban environment. A variety of vantage Fridays and Saturdays at Go Comedy! “Urbanity” A multidisciplinary series Ave., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. May 18. 734-769- points provide insights into how the Go Comedy! Improv Theater, 261 E. Nine investigating the complex dynamics of 2999. KerryTownConcertHouse.com constant evolution of cities responding to Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-327-0575. AROUND living peaceably and sustainably together. “Young, Wild and Free in shifts in population, industry, and land use gocomedy.net 4731 Gallery In celebration of UICA’s 35th anniversary, Michigan Philharmonic, Indian the D” A celebration of art, music, fashion brings both challenges and opportunities. Singers, Musicians and Percussionists THEATRE the Urbanity exhibition is inspired by the I Pagliacci $29-121. Michigan Opera and youth, as it opens its 2012 season Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe “Bollywood in the D” Celebrate the CIVIC/COMMUNITY THEATER Center, Grand Rapids. June 1-Aug. 26. fact that nearly 80 percent of Americans Theatre at Detroit Opera House, 1526 in Detroit. With the focus on new and now live in urban areas. Urban Institute for vibrant music of Bollywood cinema with a A Little Work $10-12. SRO Productions at 616-831-2904. Artmuseumgr.org Broadway St., Detroit. Through May 20. emerging talent, in a variety of disciplines, Contemporary Arts, 2 West Fulton, Grand multi-cultural multi-media fusion festival The Burgh, 26060 Berg Road, Southfield. 313-237-SING. michiganopera.org the audience will have the opportunity Kalamazoo Institute of Arts “A Rapids. May 3-July 5. 616-454-7000. of Indian song and classical music. Music Through May 20. 248-796-4645. to once again energize itself in the Conversation between Money and Sochi: UICA.org Hall, 350 Madison St., Detroit. 7:30 p.m. SROTheater.org M. Butterfly $36-43. The Jewish festive air of the historic 4731 building. Video Art” In this exhibit Lee-nam Lee May 19. 734-451-2112. MichiganPhil.org Ensemble Theatre Company at Aaron 4731 Gallery, 4731 Grand River Ave., Avenue Q Due to adult situations, DeRoy Theatre, 6600 W. Maple Road, West Olympia Entertainment B.B. King with Detroit. 7 p.m. May 19. Facebook.com/ including sexual content and explicit Bloomfield. Through May 27. 248-788- Thornetta Davis. Tickets: $32-65. Fox events/395659687120857/ language, the show is considered PG-13. 2900. JETTheatre.org Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit. $25-28. The Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Ann Arbor Art Center “the PRINT” 7:30 p.m. May 23. 313-471-6611. Adrian. Through May 20. 517-264-SHOW. Mamma Mia! $27-67. The Whiting, 1241 The Ann Arbor Art Center’s annual Olympiaentertainment.com Croswell.org E. Kearsley St., Flint. May 18-19. 810- exhibition the Print invites artists to 237-7333. thewhiting.com showcase experimental print techniques Olympia Entertainment AVICII, Grammy- Dirty Rotten Scoundrels $12-19. encompassing those of contemporary nominated DJ and producer AVICII is ready Kalamazoo Civic Theatre at Civic May Festival of Readings Every Tuesday 26 BTL \ May 17, 2012 \ Rear View www.PrideSource.com

Across 44 Some are urban 9 Needed some Viagra? First Lesbian 46 Hispanic family org. 10 Honolulu hello 1 Four-posters for foreplay, for some 50 Robin Williams’ “ ___ Photo” 11 Patricia Highsmith and others 5 Deep throat sound 52 Simpson case judge 12 Playwright Arthur 9 Astronaut Schirra 54 Nuts or bananas 13 Ft. trios 14 Carbon compound 55 See 20-Across 21 Concern of Todd Oldham 15 Soft drink favorite 58 Chew the ass of 22 Changes, as the Constitution 16 Homer-erotic tale? 59 Edible pocket 26 To God, to Caesar 17 Barry Humphries’ Dame 60 Bit to split 28 Syllables of triumph 18 One that attacks the fly with the tongue 61 Long in the past? 30 Dressing type 19 Fruit of Greek myth 62 Tops a cupcake 33 Pretend to have an erection? 20 With 55-Across, short title of the History of a Lesbian Community 63 Wang in fashion 35 Track shape coauthored by 36-Across 64 Transvestite boast? 36 It can’t go long enough to get to Uranus 23 JFK info 65 Pub projectile 37 She played tomb raider Lara 24 Angular opening 66 Biblical garden 38 Having balls 25 Bad-mouthed 39 “ ___ Me” (Lily Tomlin movie) 27 Like some porn 40 Illegal same-sex vow, in most states 29 Brought into alignment Down 44 Cheap wheels 45 She doesn’t have sex with men 31 Request to Sajak 1 Director Kidron of _Oranges Are Not 47 Chewed the scenery 32 “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” mountain the Only Fruit_ 48 Aplenty 34 Son of Prince Valiant 2 Agnes Moorehead role 49 One who’s out 35 “Beatle Bailey” dog 3 Anonymous dads for some lesbian 36 Teacher of the first course on families 51 Makes oneself hard to find lesbianism in the US 4 Supporter of bedroom activity 53 Say “Bottoms up!” 40 New York college 5 One who gets screwed by an agent? 56 Costa ___ 41 Mandela org. 6 Go on foot 57 Became a donor 42 P. Hearst’s kidnappers 7 Jerusalem server 58 Cost-of-living meas. 43 One that’s hairy and has a master 8 Took no chances Solution on pg 28

Meet Roxy!

his beautiful 8-year-old tortoiseshell cat loves to be around people Tand enjoys being petted. Roxy prefers to be the only cat in your life. She has been waiting for a loving home for almost three months, and would love to meet you today! The adoption fee includes microchipping, sterilization, age-appropriate vaccinations, the MHS Adoption Guarantee and much more!

For more information, please visit or call the MHS Berman Center for Animal Care at (734) 721-7300 and provide the pet ID number, 702752. www.PrideSource.com Rear View / May 17, 2012 / BTL 27

Horoscopes You’ll be OK, Taurus!

BY JACK FERTIG

A lunar eclipse in Gemini has people blabbing about feelings, revealing too much. Be quiet, attentive and philosophical. Learn what you can.

ARIES (March 20 – April reparations will give you credit 19): Long bottled-up energy for honesty and grace. Stewing comes out like gangbusters. You over problems can undermine should be able to focus that into your health and credibility. constructive work and healthy SCORPIO (October 23 – exercise, but overdoing it can November 21): Few people want be harmful. Think, prioritize and to be with a pessimist. Finding pace yourself! Give yourself an others who share your bleak occasional break. You need them view may offer some assurance more than you know. now, but they’ll likely drag you TAURUS (April 20 – May down later. Find a creative outlet, 20): Your ruler Venus turning perhaps scribing a romantic retrograde can exaggerate tragedy or dystopian sci-fi story. worries about money. Focus on the root of your anxieties and SAGITTARIUS (November 22 explore constructive solutions – December 20): Open honesty and improvements with a with your partner could reveal a confidante. Sometimes things lot more than either or both of you Visit our website! have to unravel a bit to be ever wanted to know. Keeping http://www.pridesource.com properly mended. You’ll be OK. your relationship together may require revising agreements. Add our fan page! GEMINI (May 21- June 20): You can make it work; this could Search: “Between The Lines Newspaper” When little things that worried improve things over the long run. your mother come back to Follow us! haunt you look at how her CAPRICORN (December 21 @YourBTL anxieties might have seeded – January 19): Whine, moan your own. Facing that can be and criticize about your job with challenging, but clarity can your friends. Get it together, make you a lot stronger. sharpen those observations, take responsibility for your share of CANCER (June 21- July 22): the problem and then take that Anxiety about your career and back to your boss and colleagues. your future are exaggerated. Well-considered, constructive Sure, your friends are painting observations will be appreciated. an optimistic picture just because they’re your friends, but they AQUARIUS (January 20 – could be right! Schedule time February 18): You will be in the coming weeks for long, heard! Don’t worry about that warm, soul-nurturing soaks. but rather about what people will hear. Make an effort to be LEO (July 23 – August 22): kind and thoughtful. Remember If too much work has you the Golden Rule. Some of your neglecting your partner, get ready insights may reveal more about to hear about it and make some you than you’d intended. changes! A recent good run on the job may have ended with you PISCES (February 19 – March hitting a brick wall. Some time 19): Unlike the Trojan princess off will give you a fresh start. Cassandra, you can find friends who will at least listen to your VIRGO (August 23 – September bleak foresights and maybe even 22): Being so sure of the “facts” believe them. At least get it all will get you more points for off your chest with someone confidence than for accuracy. who can sympathize and help You will soon realize your own you make a plan. mistakes even if nobody else does. When you really want to Jack Fertig, a professional challenge others with information astrologer since 1977, is available challenge yourself first. for personal and business LIBRA (September 23 – consultations in person in San October 22): Competitiveness Francisco, or online everywhere. should push you to your limits. He can be reached at 415-864- You may have gone a bit 8302, through his website at beyond, offering more than you www.starjack.com, and by email can deliver. Quick apologies and at [email protected]. 28 BTL \ May 17, 2012 \ Rear View www.PrideSource.com Classifieds 101-ANNOUNCEMNTS 410 PROF. SERVICES 1109 EROTICA - LGBT AA MEETINGS - GENERAL ADULT PRODUCTS

Ann Arbor-Friday RON & KEN’S GARAGE Sexy Black Women 7:30 pm, St. Andrews Episcopal Licensed Master Mechanics For free samples of the hottest Church Gay AA, 306 N. Division LAWNMOWER/SNOW amateur female talent of the St. Closed/Discussion. BLOWER SALES AND Mid-West and/ or interested SERVICE.248-477-2922 attractive females (18+). Call Bloomfield Hills- FARMINGTON HILLS. I.G.P. now at 313-289-2008. Thursday 7:00 pm ,Sobriety in The Hills 428 PROF. SERVICES Gay AA, Kirk in The Hills Church, 1340 W. Long Lake Rd. Closed/ - MASSAGE Discussion. Detroit-Tuesday / Friday GROUP MASSAGE 8:00 pm, Downtown Gay AA, - For Gay and Bisexual Fort Street Presbyterian Church, Men. Learn some massage 631 West Fort St. Closed/ techniques and meet others in Discussion (Open 1st Friday of a safe and caring environment. every month). Tuesdays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Thursdays at 2 p.m. Farmington Hills- $10 per session. 209 West Monday Kingsley in downtown Ann Arbor. (734) 662-6282 or 8:00 pm, Suburban West Gay email [email protected]. AA, Universalist Unitarian http://www.trymassage.com Church, 25301 Halstead (Between 10 & 11 Mile Roads) Closed / Discussion. 1102 EROTICA - Ferndale-Monday / MASSAGE To place a Wednesday / Friday classified ad 11:30 a.m., Brown Baggers Gay with us, AA, Affirmations, 290 West 9 Erotic Massage Mile Rd. Closed/Discussion. Caress Now offers discreet visit PRIDESOURCE.COM/ sensual and erotic massages. classifieds or call us at Ferndale-Wednesday Call 406-686-6669 248-678- 1361 www.caressnow.com 888.615.7003x22 8 p.m., Diversity Wednesday Gay AA, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 540 W. Lewiston @ Livernois. Closed/Discussion. Ferndale-Saturday 1 p.m. Brown Baggers Gay AA, Affirmations, 290 West 9 Mile Rd. Closed/Discussion.

8 p.m. Go After Your Sobriety Gay AA, Drayton Ave Presbyterian Church, 2441 Pinecrest. Closed/ Discussion. Livonia-Friday 8 p.m., West Side Story’s Gay AA, Providence Medical Center, 7 Mile & Newburgh. Closed/ Discussion. Pontiac-Tuesday / Thursday / Sunday 8 p.m., Pontiac Gay AA, Shrine of St. Joseph, 400 West South Blvd. Closed/Discussion. Solution to puzzle from page 26 PUZZLE SOLUTION Warren-Monday 7:30 p.m., Eastside Serenity Gay AA, Faith-Trinity United Church of Christ, 12221 Martin Rd. East of Hoover. Closed/Discussion.

To place a classified ad with us, visit PRIDESOURCE.COM/ classifieds or call us at 888.615.7003x22

30 BTL \ May 17, 2012 \ Rear View www.PrideSource.com Deep Inside Hollywood BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE

T.R. Knight. Photo: ABC The return of T.R. Knight Wentworth Miller joins Killer There was that “f-word” scandal, he quit “Grey’s behind the camera Anatomy” and then… whatever happened to T.R. Knight? Well, first he took some time off, Maybe you were one of the vast throngs of gay appeared on “Law & Order” the way everyone guys who thought that Wentworth Miller’s talents does eventually, and then spent time under the were limited to looking hot on “Prison Break.” If media radar doing theater – the perfect route to so, then that just shows how much you know. Are insure that Hollywood will ignore you for as long you aware that he also wrote the screenplay for the as you like. But now Knight is back on the screen upcoming film “Stoker,” starring Nicole Kidman in “42,” the upcoming Jackie Robinson biopic from and Mia Wasikowska? Or that his latest scripted Legendary Pictures. In the role of Robinson will be effort, “The Disappointments Room,” has been Chadwick Boseman (“The Express”), while Knight picked up by power-lesbian Christine Vachon’s will portray Harold Parrott, the Brooklyn Dodgers’ Killer Films, which will join forces with Voltage traveling secretary. Meanwhile, Harrison Ford Pictures (“The Hurt Locker”) to produce the will star as Branch Rickey, the man who signed project? Well, now you do. The brief plot synopsis Robinson to the Dodgers in 1947, making him the for “Disappointments” makes it sound like a very first black Major League baseball player and typical haunted house/something-bad-happened- ending segregation in the sport. In other words, here movie – family moves into mysterious old baseball fans would do well to bring something to dwelling where dark secrets lie – but the fact that discreetly sniffle into when the film opens in the Killer (“Mildred Pierce,” “Boys Don’t Cry”) is spring of 2013. into it means there’s already some sort of secret wrinkle we don’t know about. This is a company that puts vision before money, so we’ll be happily Amber Heard machetes her following the progress of this one. way through Hollywood Hey ladies, Robert Rodriguez has a new movie in Set that DVR: Margaret Cho the works. Of course, you’ll have to look past its finally returns to ‘30 Rock’ most obvious qualities to see what’s specifically in store for you, since it’s called “Machete Kills” When Margaret Cho played North Korean and is, in fact, the sequel to the “Grindhouse” dictator Kim Jong Il on “30 Rock” last season, director’s crazy, Danny Trejo-starring revenge- kidnapping Avery (Elizabeth Banks) and setting sploitation film of last year. And OK, yes, it also a bizarre plot line in motion for Jack Donaghy stars Mel Gibson, which is clearly a turnoff. But (Alec Baldwin), it was pretty clear she’d be before you go looking for a third strike against back this season to renew the role. And then it, know that in all things there exists a balance. Kim Jong Il died. What to do? And the answer In this case it’s lesbian bombshell Amber Heard, to that long-simmering question is: bring back who’s taken a role in the violent action movie. Margaret Cho as Kim Jong Il, of course. This is Plot: Machete battles an arms dealer who wants a show, after all, that successfully and hilariously to launch weapons into space. She’ll be featured tackled Tracy Morgan’s real-life offensive anti- alongside Jessica Alba (straight) and Michelle gay statements during a stand-up routine, so the Rodriguez (on the books as straight at the time death of a real-life character isn’t going to slow of this writing), both reprising earlier roles in the them down. Just how this will all shake out is first installment of the intentionally pulpy fiction. under wraps right now, but Cho will return to It comes out sometime in 2013; plenty of time the show for the May 10 and May 17 episodes. for you to figure out once and for all how Jodie And as long as she’s playing a dead man now, Foster manages to enjoy Gibson’s company. who’s to say she won’t do it again in the future? www.PrideSource.com Rear View / May 17, 2012 / BTL 31