Amending Michigan's Civil Rights Law: Is A Ballot Initiative On The Horizon?

EEOC Advances On Employment Protections

Hotter Than July Kicks Off

Hilary Duff On Marriage Equality, Grindr & Why She Took A Break From Showbiz

WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM JULY 23, 2015 | VOL. 2330 | FREE

Being able to see the community grow and see young people working with folks from my age group for the movement is what keeps me going. Hotter Than July is a space where a lot of this work

happens. – Robert Tate, “Party With A Purpose” COVER See page 14 18 The Long, Duff Road NEWS 4 Married Same-Sex Parents Now On Birth Certificates Cool Cities 4 Ending Gerrymandering Ferndale 6 Is A Ballot Battle On LGBT Equality GATHERING IN FLINT COOL CITIES CALENDAR Coming In 2016? 7 Out In Flint 8 Sexual Orientation Is Protected By Federal Civil Rights Law 8 Obit: Sharon Gittleman 12 Coming: Local Film Documentary For Trans Youth 13 Largest Trans Survey Calls For Participants OPINION 10 Landmark Advances In Nondiscrimination Employment, With Limitations YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET 10 Parting Glances A great Sunday gathering in Flint celebrated victories and talked challenges ahead Learn More About This HTJ Special Coverage for Michigan’s LGBTQ community. Pinpoint your ad dollars where 12 Creep of The Week: Ryan Anderson Week’s Cool City: Ferndale See page 14 - 17 they will do the most good . . . Marriage Equality, Amending Elliott-Larsen Access the online Cool City pages LIFE See page 7 Advertise in the next Cool Cities 20 Cool Cities: Ferndale TOat PLACEPridesource.com AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 to learn about upcoming events, featured Publicize Your Events Online 23 The Outfield: Extreme Sports Seek advertisers and community news LGBT Acceptance And In Print Today focused on each of our Cool Cities. 24 Happenings Head over to Pridesource. 25 Theater: Bawdy ‘Beaches’ Dispels com/Calendar.html and tell Movie Version’s Sentimentality us about your concerts, social gatherings, rallies and more and 29 Deep Inside Hollywood we’ll promote them online and in 30 Q Crossword Puzzle: You Can’t Tie print with our calendar! the Knot? NOT! 30 Comics: A Couple of Guys

VOL. 2330 • JULY 23, 2015 • ISSUE 924 EDITORIAL CREATIVE ADVERTISING & SALES ONLINE AT Editor in Chief Graphic Design Director of Sales PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA GROUP Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 12 Benjamin Jenkins, [email protected] Jan Stevenson, 734.293.7200 x 22 “Between The Lines Newspaper” 20222 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152 [email protected] [email protected] Phone 734.293.7200 Webmaster & MIS Director Entertainment Editor Kevin Bryant, [email protected] Sales Representatives Follow us @YourBTL PUBLISHERS Chris Azzopardi, 734.293.7200 x 24 Ed Bohach, 734.293.7200 x 15 Contributing Writers Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson [email protected] [email protected] Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown, Email your op–eds to MEMBER OF Assistant Editor ED English, Todd Heywood, Jason Michael, Ann Cox, 734.293.7200 x 13 [email protected] Michigan Press Assoication Shelby Clark Petkus, [email protected] Jerome Stuart Nichols, Gwendolyn Ann Smith, [email protected] National Gay Media Association Christopher J. Treacy Donelle Kremke, 734.293.7200 x 16 Sign up online to receive our E–Digest Q Syndicate Calendar Editor Shelby Clark Petkus, [email protected] Cartoonists [email protected] Paul Berg, Dave Brousseau Staff Writers National Advertising Representative Our rate cards are available online. All material appearing in Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 Between The Lines is protected by federal copyright law and AJ Trager, [email protected] Contributing Photographers may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission Andrew Potter of the publishers. Between The Lines is supported by many fine Tony Lowe advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for claims made Copyright 2015 Pride Source Media Group, LLC by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for materials provided by advertisers or their agents. www.PrideSource.com July 23, 2015 | BTL 3 NEWS Hoadley, Moss Introduce Proposals To End Gerrymandering State Now BY AJ TRAGER In setting up a nonpartisan LANSING – State Rep. Jon Hoadley, commission, we would be taking D-Kalamazoo, and State Rep. Jeremy Moss, the politics out of redistricting. Recognizing Married D-Southfield, are introducing proposals to help end gerrymandering by creating a nonpartisan -Jon Hoadley Same-Sex Parents commission that would oversee the drawing of political boundaries. Gerrymandering is the expense of proportionality and fair the practice of drawing district lines to favor representation, ballotpedia reports, and are On Birth Certificates one political party, individual or constituency. sometimes drawn to minimize the influence The proposals come in the wake of a recent of minority voters. BY AJ TRAGER U.S. Supreme Court decision that found In the 2014 election, roughly 51 percent similar nonpartisan commissions in other states of all votes cast for state House Democratic LANSING – The State of Michigan constitutionally valid. candidates resulted in only 43 percent of Vital Records Department has decided to “Our democracy needs to be more elected House seats. Republican candidates allow the spouse of a biological parent to responsive to voters. Voters sense the process received roughly 48 percent of the votes, be placed on a child’s birth certificate for is broken. Let’s fix it,” Hoadley said. “Voters which resulted in 63 Republican House seats, female married couples. should select their politicians rather than or 57 percent of elected seats, according to Confirmed by Jennifer Smith, public politicians picking which voters they want macombpolitics.blogspot.com, a blog run by information officer with the Michigan in their district. In setting up a nonpartisan Macomb Daily journalist, Chad Selweski. Department of Health and Human commission, we would be taking the politics Respectively in the state Senate, Democratic Services, if a female couple was legally out of redistricting.” candidates received 11 seats with 49 percent of the vote and Senate Republican candidates married in any state prior to the child’s The bills call for the creation of a nonpartisan State Rep. Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield and State Rep. birth, the non-biological parent will not redistricting commission comprised of regular Jon Hoadley, D-Kalamazoo want to see an end to resulted in 27 seats with 50 percent of the vote. have to file for second-parent adoption citizens who would be tasked with creating gerrymandering. BTL file photo Republicans control the state House, 63-47, with the current way districts are drawn and and will be listed as the second parent on district maps that are constitutional, compliant up with changing populations. Michigan has hold a supermajority in the state Senate at the child’s birth certificate. with the Voting Rights Act, contiguous, lost five congressional seats since the 1980 27-11. Any lesbian couples that were geographically relevant, compact, nested and U.S. Census. Federal law stipulates that all The U.S. Constitution does not determine unmarried at the time of the child’s birth not drawn to protect incumbents. districts, state or congressional, must have state legislative redistricting. SCOTUS issued will still be required to apply for second- “In a healthy democracy, voters pick their approximately the same population and must a series of rulings in the mid-1960s to clarify parent adoption. elected representatives. Gerrymandering turns not dilute the voter power of racial or ethnic standards for state legislative redistricting, “My understanding is yes, if two that on its head by allowing politicians to pick minority groups. in which it found that “the Equal Protection women are married and one of them gives their voters,” Moss said. “That’s not right, no However, there are conflicting opinions. Clause (of the U.S. Constitution) demands no birth, that both parents will be listed on matter which party is in charge. I urge my According to ballotpedia.org – a nonprofit, less than substantially equal state legislative the certificate,” Smith told BTL. “If they colleagues to back our plan to make Michigan nonpartisan collaborative encyclopedia representation for all citizens, of all places as were legally married at the time of the politics more responsive to people. This is designed to connect people to politics and well as of all races.” child’s birth, then we would amend the government by the people, for the people and elections at the local, state and federal level – Michigan’s maps were redrawn in 2011. birth certificate without an adoption.” of the people.” redistricting is a fiercely contested issue due Both parties, Democrats and Republicans, The Michigan Department of Health Michigan is comprised of 38 state Senate to gerrymandering. have been accused of gerrymandering state and Human Services is going through districts and 110 state House districts. State Political parties or incumbents are said and congressional seats. significant changes as the Department of legislative and congressional maps are to draw district lines for their benefit at Community Health and the Department redrawn every 10 years and are meant to keep of Human Services continue to merge. Smith reports that the state is looking Equality Michigan Announces New Senior Staff for a consistent system that is uniform nationwide and is looking at what other BY BTL STAFF campaigns in Michigan, Illinois and Missouri. Judd said. “I have states are doing to verify that there are no Over the course of the summer, Judd been meeting with complicating factors. Equality Michigan, the statewide LGBT attended Motor City Pride, Kalamazoo Pride regional leaders “Hospitals will still issue temporary political advocacy organization, has announced and Up North Pride in Traverse City and listening to the mother/father certificates, but they are the appointment of new senior staff. has spoken with hundreds of new EQMI needs of these welcome to change that — they can cross Advocate and political strategist Jennifer supporters and volunteers in the state. communities it out. Then we are made aware and we Judd joins Equality Michigan as the newest LGBT advocates and supporters in the and discussing will file a replacement and issue a birth addition to the team, serving as director of state still have much work to do before the how Equality Jennifer Judd joins Equality certificate that says ‘parent and parent,’” field operations. LGBT community has full equality. Efforts Michigan can Michigan as the director of field operations. Smith said. “I am honored to be part of the largest will include working with both Democratic be effective and Unfortunately, for gay male same-sex LGBTQ Anti-Violence and Advocacy and Republican politicians so that state laws relevant in these couples with children, a second-parent Organization in the great state of Michigan,” reflect the majority opinion of strong LGBT regions.” adoption is still necessary if both parents Judd said in a recent EQMI Newsletter. support in Michigan. According to EQMI, Judd believes it is time to mobilize and want legal recognition of the child. Judd was born and raised in Saginaw County Michiganders support an amendment to the begin educating Michiganders by having tough and has extensive background working on Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, the state’s conversations with neighbors and family and issue campaigns such as the Detroit Council by civil rights act, to reflect protections for sexual by engaging members of the legislature to let District Initiative and other political candidate orientation and gender identity by a three-to- them know it is time to modernize ELCRA to campaigns. She has worked in fundraising for one-margin. include sexual orientation and gender identity. a national political party, worked for former “I have been touring the state on an Contact Judd for more information on her Extended briefs are available online at: governor of Illinois Pat Quinn, lobbied for the Equality Michigan ‘Listening Tour.’ I have upcoming work at Equality Michigan at jjudd@ >> www.PrideSource.com Affordable Health Care Act on Capitol Hill in been to Marquette, Traverse City, Alpena, D.C. and has worked on numerous political Grand Rapids, Saginaw and Kalamazoo,” equalitymi.org. 4 BTL | July 23, 2015 www.PrideSource.com

Analysis Is A Ballot Battle On LGBT Equality Coming In 2016?

BY TODD HEYWOOD address redistricting issues in the state. “This is part of the conversation,” said tate Rep. Brandon Dillon, D-Grand Sommer Foster, policy director at Equality Rapids, had barely starting warming Michigan. “I don’t think we can put Elliott- Sthe chairmanship seat of the Michigan Larsen on the ballot if it’s going to be on there Democratic Party last week when he started a with seven other things.” very public conversation among advocates and “You don’t go into a ballot initiative unless politicians. That discussion had been occurring you know you can come out on top,” said for months, to be certain, whispered about in Lonnie Scott, executive director at Progress corners of the Capitol. Michigan, a liberal advocacy group in The question: With a recalcitrant GOP Lansing. “You want to know that this is the dominated legislature which refuses to move best strategy and that you have exhausted all on LGBT equality, and with a positive ruling the other legislative options.” from the Supreme Court of the United States, Scott said the legislature “has not done its is it time to ask Michigan voters to amend job to protect the LGBT community.” the state civil rights act, Elliott-Larsen, to For nearly a decade, the LGBT community include sexual orientation and gender identity has argued that the ballot box is not the place as protected classes? to address the rights of any group of people “I think that this is probably the moment,” in America, so that plays into the political Dillon said in an interview Sunday in Flint. calculus as well, said Kary Moss, executive “I don’t think the conversation is done, but director of the ACLU of Michigan. we will have to make the decision very, very “There’s a concern about subjecting rights soon.” to a popular vote,” Moss said. “The legislature Making that decision however is going to should have gotten this done.” require the players at the table taking into Foster agreed with Moss. account a lot of moving parts, political leaders “It is wrong to vote on minority rights; but interviewed for this story said. that being said, if putting it on the ballot is the How much money will it take? Conservative only way to protect people, then we need to estimates come in at least $7 million, whereas do it,” she said. most put the cost at $18 to $25 million. That’s serious money in a tight political year which is expected to see multiple questions and a Post-Marriage Exuberance contentious presidential battle. While there is an exuberance related to And the more ballot questions put before LGBT equality, post-marriage decision, that the voters, the more likely they are to reject excitement may not translate to the ballot box. all of them out of hand, said leaders. Petitions Writer, activist and radio host Michelangelo are currently circulating to legalize marijuana, Signorile calls “victory blindness” a significant and there are discussions about an initiative to stumbling block to full LGBT equality in his new book, “It’s Not Over.” National polling still shows that in spite State Rep. Brandon Dillon, D-Grand Rapids, is the new chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party. He is With a recalcitrant GOP of recent high profile gains in the courts, a addressing a gathering of LGBT and allies in Flint Sunday, emphazing the commitment the state Democratic majority of Americans still have a fundamental Party has to helping amend Elliott-Larsen. BTL Photo: Todd Heywood dominated legislature which discomfort with homosexuality and gender refuses to move on LGBT identity. That discomfort, Signorile points out, back, refusing to endorse a noninclusive Another strategy that could play out is is fueling a new movement among right-wing, amendment, and the legislative process died. allowing a redistricting proposal to take front equality, and with a positive anti-gay advocates he likened to the battle to “I think if you were to look at amending it and center. Michigan’s legislative districts reverse Roe v. Wade. He said activists will for gays and lesbians in Elliott-Larsen, many have been tightly drawn to create very ruling from the Supreme Court use that discomfort to find wedge issues with Republicans would go for it,” Munem said. “I Republican districts and drive an ongoing voters, to separate the community and watch don’t think they are all the way there yet on GOP domination of the legislature. Right now, of the United States, is it time initiatives for equality fail. gender identity.” the legislature redraws legislative districts – to ask Michigan voters to Joe Munem, a Michigan based GOP political with the party in control directing the process. consultant, said there is such a separation in Strategy Legislative districts are drawn every decade amend the state civil rights Michigan already. He pointed to the very following the census. public battle over an inclusive Elliott-Larsen Also at play are questions of long term and If that proposal were to pass, it could set act, Elliott-Larsen, to include amendment in last year’s lame duck session of short term strategy. There are several variables the legislature on a path towards loosening the legislature. The GOP was ready to move playing out there. What happens if the voters control of the body from the grasp of right- sexual orientation and gender forward with sexual orientation, but refused reject an initiative? Leaders said it could wing extremists by creating more moderate to push for inclusion of gender identity. The delay protecting LGBT people with laws by districts which provide more potentiality for identity as protected classes? LGBT and progressive communities pushed a decade or more. See Ballot Battle, next page

6 BTL | July 23, 2015 www.PrideSource.com From left to right in back: Michael Freeman (an elected Trustee for Mott Community College), Mark LaChey (MDP LGBT&A Caucus Chair), U.S. Congressman Dan Kildee, State Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich, State Rep. Sheldon Neeley, Flint Mayor Dayne Walling, State Rep. Jon Hoadley. Front: Dale Weighill (former Flint City Council VP) and Stevi Atkins (CEO of Wellness AIDS Services in Flint). Photo courtesy: Drew Marsh Lawmakers Voice Support For LGBT Community

BY JAN STEVENSON and public accommodation,” said Mark LaChey, the chair of the Michigan Democratic FLINT – Over 200 Genesee County Party LGBT and Allies Caucus. residents and political leaders came out on “It also reminds us that there’s a lot further a sunny afternoon to discuss how to move we have to travel when it comes to housing, forward on LGBT issues July 19. A hot credit or employment,” said U.S. Rep. Dan topic was how to move forward to amend Kildee. “It’s still possible that people can be Michigan’s civil right’s legislation, the Elliott- discriminated against just because they happen Larsen Civil Rights Act, to include LGBT to be a LGBT member of our community, and people and gender identity. that’s wrong.” “There’s a lot of friends and allies out there The new MDP chair, state Rep. Brandon that support equality, and we want to make sure Dillon, attended the summer mixer. He said that they know that there’s people standing he is excited about his new leadership position with them. Until we get full equality in this and the chance to work closely with the Party’s country, we’re going to keep fighting,” said LGBT Caucus. state Sen. Jim Ananich. The event was hosted by Ananich, former “What we need here in Michigan first and Flint City Council Vice President Dale foremost, and it can come from Washington or it Weighill, and the LGBT & Allies Caucus of can come from Lansing, is (a) nondiscrimination the Michigan Democratic Party. The mixer was statute that protects for employment, housing on the terrace of the Flint Farmers’ Market.

® Ballot Battle was heavily involved in the 2004 initiative to Continued from p. 6 amend the state constitution to forbid same- sex marriage, did not respond to inquiries from progressives to win elections. BTL on where the agency stood on a ballot The flaw in this plan? It would take until initiative to amend Elliott-Larsen. 2024 at the earliest to start reaping the harvest Community leaders will continue to of the initiative. discuss the political options in the coming Also playing a role, said Dillon, is who weeks. Something Dillon said the Michigan exactly will be the opposition to such an Democratic Party will be a part of, but does initiative. Munem identified the Michigan not seek to “lead.” Catholic Conference as well as some of the “There are serious concerns on this,” said smaller small business advocacy groups as Foster. “But nothing has been ruled out yet. likely opponents. We’re all committed to coming to the table The Michigan Catholic Conference, which and having these conversations.” www.PrideSource.com July 23, 2015 | BTL 7 NEWS EEOC Rules Sexual Orientation Is Obituary: Sharon Hope Gittleman Sept. 16, 1958 – July 7, 2015 Protected By Federal Civil Rights Law BY JAN STEVENSON BY AJ TRAGER employees. RELATED OP-ED Sharon Hope Gittleman, 56, had been a writer for Between “The fight for basic civil rights The Lines until she became disabled eight years ago due to WASHINGTON D.C. – The United protections for lesbian, gay and Landmark Advances In kidney disease. After two failed kidney transplants and an States Equal Employment Opportunity bisexual people just took a big step Commission July 15 issued a decision forward,” said James Esseks, American Nondiscrimination Employment, With extended illness, she ultimately succumbed to complications Limitations of dialysis July 7. that employment discrimination based Civil Liberties Union’s LGBT Project on sexual orientation is a form of sex Director. “Lesbian, gay and bisexual by ACLU Staff Attorney Jay Kaplan Gittleman grew up in Detroit and >> See page 10 graduated from Roeper High School discrimination that is outlawed by people all across the country now have in Birmingham in 1976. She went on existing federal law. a place to turn if an employer fires them to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in 1980 The EEOC is responsible for because of their sexual orientation. This from the University of Michigan and enforcing anti-discrimination laws is a significant development because “Employers as well as employees later graduated from law school at the in the workplace and has held in a protections for gay and transgender deserve the clarity that comes with University of Detroit. After passing 3-2 decision following a complaint people are almost nonexistent in federal express federal and state protections her bar exams, Gittleman worked brought by a Florida-based air traffic law, and 28 states also lack state-level that everyone understands,” added at several law firms and insurance control specialist against Secretary protections.” Esseks. “That’s why we’ll continue to companies in the greater Detroit area of Transportation Anthony Foxx that Both rulings are landmark advances work for express and comprehensive until she discovered her true passion discrimination against LGB employees for civil rights. Now anyone who protections. The EEOC ruling is a Sharon Gittleman – journalism. is sex discrimination, specifically works for an employer with 15 or monumental step forward and provides In 1987, Gittleman left her legal career to become the banned by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. more employees can file a charge important protections for millions of editor at the Royal Oak Mirror where she remained for 11 “Discrimination on the basis of of sex discrimination with the Americans, and that’s something to years until the paper was sold in 1998. “She loved being a sexual orientation is premised on EEOC if they can prove they were celebrate.” journalist,” said her brother, attorney Steven Gittleman, who sex-based preferences, assumptions, discriminated against because of their “This historic ruling by the EEOC described his sister as both intelligent and stubborn. “While expectations, stereotypes or norms. sexual orientation or gender identity or makes clear they agree workplace at The Mirror, Sharon always insisted that the paper have at ‘Sexual orientation’ as a concept cannot expression. discrimination on the basis of sexual least one ‘feel-good’ story.” be defined or understood without Despite the EEOC ruling, neither orientation, much like gender identity, After the 1998 sale of The Mirror to Hometown reference to sex,” the EEOC explains. Congress nor state legislatures have is illegal,” said HRC President Chad Newspapers she continued her journalism career as a “It follows, then, that sexual orientation passed explicit civil rights protections Griffin in a statement. “While an successful freelance writer for many publications including is inseparable from and inescapably for LGBT employees. The ACLU important step, it also highlights the the Detroit Free Press, the Macomb Daily, the Oakland linked to sex and, therefore, that argues that these protections should need for a comprehensive federal law Press and BTL. Her editors appreciated her clear writing allegations of sexual orientation not be left to the courts because they permanently and clearly banning LGBT style, attention to detail and her ability to understand and discrimination involves sex-based may not all interpret this ruling with discrimination beyond employment communicate complex stories, particularly if they involved considerations.” an even hand, and rulings like this to all areas of American life. Such a legal issues. In 2012, the EEOC issued a similar one cannot provide comprehensive law would send a clear and permanent Steven described Sharon being fearless as a reporter. He ruling that discrimination based on protections against sexual orientation signal that discrimination against recounted when he and Sharon attended the 2001 North gender identity or expression is also a discrimination in contexts such as LGBT people will not be tolerated American Auto Show at Cobo Hall in Detroit during the form of sex discrimination that violates public accommodations and federal under any circumstances in this country, height of the domestic partner debate. “Sharon marched right federal law, which set an important funding, where there are no bans on sex and we remain fully committed to up to all the CEOs of Toyota, Daimler, Ford and GM and precedent for protecting transgender discrimination to piggy back on. making that happen.” demanded to know what they were doing for their LGBT employees, specifically on DP benefits. The Toyota CEO was left open-mouthed,” said Steven. Pilot LGBT Youth Workforce Development Program Steven, who was a devoted caregiver to Sharon throughout her illness, said they had a close yet fiery relationship. “We would fight all the time,” he said. “One story I love to tell Launches At Affirmations Community Center about Sharon was when we went on a family trip to Israel BY BTL STAFF with 15 Metro Detroit youth, ages 16- job training, will complete the second in 1979. We were in Beersheba near the Negev desert at a 24, in participation. 12 weeks of course work, where youth huge Arab market. Everything was for sale. This Bedouin FERNDALE – XTL Youth Key program components will will participate in working together as a guy came up to me and kept asking ‘how much’ in Hebrew. Workforce Development Program is include soft skills development or team to successfully launch and manage It took me a while to realize he was asking about Sharon a 24-week pilot program designed to “Skills To Pay The Bills,” which has and that he wanted to trade his camel for her because he empower LGBT youth in Metro Detroit been adapted from the Department of a business housed in the Affirmations was drawn to her red hair – a rarity in the Middle East. As with primary and secondary skills Disability Employment Policy, utilizing Marketplace. In addition to serving I continued the negotiations, Sharon came up, and when necessary to be successful in workforce interactive skill building activities as mentors, a member of the Business she figured out what was going on, she started screaming. navigation. based on up to date, researched job Advisory Council will provide youth It was hysterical. I still think about that camel,” said Steven Youth will be exposed to theoretical skills. Areas of focus will include with ongoing guidance and counsel. with a laugh. and practical applications of a plethora communication, problem solving and Those interested in the opportunity Sharon loved needlepoint and knitting. She was an of skills used everyday by the Michigan critical thinking, professionalism, should contact Affirmations’ Youth avid animal enthusiast and active member of the Detroit workforce. The program will provide enthusiasm and attitude, networking Zoological Society. She is survived by her brother, Steven 12 weeks of interactive training and 12 and teamwork. Youth will learn how Program Manager, Lilianna Reyes, Mark Gittleman. The funeral was at the Hebrew Memorial weeks of on-the-job training. to write a resume and cover letter and as soon as possible. Reyes can be in Oak Park July 9. The pilot period will begin in August improve interview skills. reached at 248-398-7105 and by email 2015 and run through January 2016, Hard Skills Development, or on-the- at [email protected]. 8 BTL | July 23, 2015 www.PrideSource.com

Other Voices, Other Back Rooms Parting Glances OPINION BY CHARLES ALEXANDER

or over 50 years Life magazine informed Americans about what was happening here and abroad. Photos and content were dramatic. FMostly conservative. Occasionally controversial. Once in awhile downright shocking. Life folded in 1973; circulation 13 million. Readership, 10 times that amount. Its sister publication, Time, continues to this day. Five years before the Stonewall Riots of 1969, Life tackled a scary taboo: “Homosexuality in America.” An expose focusing on the gay underworld of New York, Chicago and San Francisco. America’s collective Sodom and Gomorrahs. Middle Class Americans woke up to the realization that homosexuals were growing in number. Becoming alarmingly visible. A social threat to be somehow remedied. In 1964, San Francisco was not the dynamic gay center of Castro/ Market Street, clone-look militancy. It hadn’t the high-density population complex of the 1970s and pre-AIDS 1980s, but Life’s wide-audience article – unintentionally, to be sure – served as a catalyst for early gay migration there. Life opened its expose head on: “Homosexuality shears across the spectrum of American life: the professional, the arts, business and labor. It always has. But today, especially in big cities, homosexuals are discarding their furtive ways and openly admitting, even flaunting, their deviation. “Homosexuals have their own drinking places, their special assignation Viewpoint streets, even their own organizations. And for every obvious homosexual, there are probably nine nearly impossible to detect. This social disorder, which society tries to suppress, has forced itself into the public eye because Landmark Advances In Nondiscrimination it does present a problem – and parents especially are concerned. “The myth and misconception with which homosexuality has so long Employment, With Limitations been clothed must be cleared away, not to condone it but to cope with it.” Accompanying the 14-page belly shock are a dozen photos. Nameless OPINION BY JAY KAPLAN gay men clustered in dark bars or milling about on dimly lighted streets: “These brawny young men in their leather caps, shirts, jackets and pants are practicing homosexuals, men who turn to other men for affection and These rulings are landmark advances for LGBT civil rights. That is because protections sexual satisfaction. They are part of what they call the ‘gay world,’ which is actually a sad and often sordid world.” against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity are almost Gay bars are exposed: “As each new customer walks into the dimly nonexistent in federal law and lacking in 28 out of 50 states, including Michigan. lit room, he will lock eyes with a half dozen young men before reaching his place at the bar. Throughout the evening there is a constant turnover of customers as contacts are made and two men slip out together, or ast week was a very important step forward made several negative comments to him about his individuals move on to other bars in search of better luck. for nondiscrimination protections for LGBT sexual orientation, which included admonishing him “As 2 a.m. closing time approaches, the atmosphere grows perceptibly people. The Equal Employment Opportunity for mentioning his partner with, “We don’t need to hear more tense. It is the ‘frantic hour,’ the now-or-never time for making a L Commission, the federal agency assigned to investigate about that gay stuff.” contact.” Sound familiar? complaints of employment discrimination in violation Both these rulings are landmark advances for Here’s the early version of the gay agenda: “As part of its anti- of federal law, issued a decision that employment LGBT civil rights. That is because protections against homosexual drive the Los Angeles police force has compiled an discrimination based on sexual orientation discrimination discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender ‘educational’ pamphlet for law enforcement officers entitled, ‘Some is a form of sex discrimination in violation of Title VII identity are almost nonexistent in federal law and Characteristics of the Homosexual.’ The strongly opinionated pamphlet of the Federal Civil Rights Act. Back in 2012 the EEOC lacking in 28 out of 50 states, including Michigan. includes the warning that what the homosexuals really want is a ‘fruit issued a similar ruling that transgender employment Now anyone, in any part of the country, who works world.’” (Not a cocktail.) discrimination, based on gender identity or expression, for an employer with 15 or more employees, can file a Gays in the military, 1964: “If we didn’t throw them out, we’d is also a form of sex discrimination in violation of charge of sex discrimination with the EEOC if they are be condoning homosexuality. The services’ position has to be that federal law. The basis for both of these decisions is discriminated against because of their sexual orientation homosexual practices prejudice morale and discipline.” that in each of these cases the discrimination was and gender identity, where the facts indicate gender Life warns, “For the first time the Supreme Court has agreed to hear the motivated by gender stereotyping, in other words the stereotyping occurred. homosexual case, but no legal procedures are likely to change society’s employer’s perspective that the gay or transgender A huge step forward, but there are limitations. basic repugnance to homosexuality as an immoral and disruptive force employee failed to conform to the employer’s notions First of all, while the EEOC’s interpretation of sex that should somehow be removed.” of gender conventions. In Complainant v. Department of discrimination is now clear, not all federal courts Life and Times have changed for the better. We’ve come a long way. Transportation Safety, a gay male alleged that he was not agree that this theory applies to LGBT people. Second, What’s next? selected for a permanent position as Front Line Manager [email protected] because he is gay. He also alleged that his supervisor See Employment, next page

10 BTL | July 23, 2015 www.PrideSource.com ® Employment The ruling doesn’t address all Continued from p. 10 incidents of discrimination that the ruling doesn’t address all incidents of LGBT people face in every day in discrimination that LGBT people face in every day in Michigan. The rule is not binding on Michigan. The rule is not binding businesses with fewer than 15 employees (which make up the majority of Michigan on businesses with fewer than 15 employers) and it doesn’t change the fact that employees (which make up the under current Michigan law, LGBT people can be discriminated against in housing and majority of Michigan employers) public accommodations (including a hotel or and it doesn’t change the fact a restaurant or accessing medical services). We need to continue our efforts to amend that under current Michigan law, Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to specifically include the categories of sexual LGBT people can be discriminated orientation and gender identity. We also against in housing and public need support efforts to pass federal laws that specifically prohibit LGBT discrimination accommodations (including in employment, credit, housing and public accommodation so that we have clarity a hotel or a restaurant or within all our federal courts. We believe that accessing medical services). everyone should be provided with one set of clear rules that everyone knows and everyone can follow. The public support is there. Seventy whole enchilada. Let’s keep working for percent of all Americans, including 65 percent comprehensive LGBT civil rights protections of Republicans, support comprehensive so that there can be no disagreement that nondiscrimination protections for LGBT LGBT people are entitled to fairness and people. With such strong support, we need dignity in all aspects of life. to both encourage and persuade our elected leaders to pass legislation that accomplishes Jay Kaplan is the staff attorney at the ACLU of this. Make no mistake, the EEOC ruling Michigan’s LGBT Project. For more information is definitely something to celebrate and about ACLU of Michigan’s LGBT Project, go to it is definitely progress. But it’s not the www.aclumich.org/courts/lgbt-project.

www.PrideSource.com July 23, 2015 | BTL 11 Coming: Local Film Documentary For Trans Youth BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI Ryan Anderson BY AJ TRAGER

ow that the rainbow dust is starting to settle after all the big YPSILANTI – Local trans gay parades celebrating the Supreme Court decision, we can masculine youth, Alia Ismail, spent Nfinally get down to the real business of marriage equality: his youth discovering who he was, aborting babies. moving to multiple cities around The two things social conservatives detest most the state and attending Crestwood in the world are abortion and same-sex couples High School in Dearborn Heights, getting married. On the surface, the two are not all while growing up in a bi-cultural linked in any clear way. It takes a special kind of family. Now living on his own and twisted logic to connect the two. attending college, he has begun Thankfully Ryan T. Anderson, a senior research filming and sharing his transition in fellow at The Heritage Foundation, has the kind a documentary titled “Crossing The of skills one needs to blame the gays for abortion. Divide,” set to launch in October In a July 20 column on TownHall.com, your 2016. source for right-wing quackery, Anderson claims When he first came out as trans that “the breakdown of the family” is what drives Ryan Anderson in his freshman year of college abortion, and since the Supreme Court redefined at Eastern Michigan University, parenthood by legalizing same-sex marriages, Ismail had a hard time seeing how children are now at greater risk than ever before. he fit into the trans community. “The best protectors of unborn children are a strong marriage culture The only trans people he had heard and people who take the virtue of chastity seriously,” writes Anderson. about were rich white people with But with marriage now reduced “to a mere contract,” America is supportive families. Ismail is a essentially flipping chastity the bird. And, Anderson warns, “Without 20-year-old Arab-American with an a culture of chastity, we will never have a pro-life culture.” estranged father and a little brother In a “culture of chastity” people would only have sex after they who looks up to him. He didn’t were married and that sex-having would only go on in order to make feel mis-gendered as a child and babies. Anderson argues that since same-sex couples can’t make babies, didn’t identify with the “born-in- they not only shouldn’t be allowed to get married, but they obviously the-wrong-body” narrative that is so should not have sex and should not be allowed to pursue reproductive often told. technology in order to have kids. “What do Caitlyn Jenner and Chaz “The more children that are conceived for same-sex couples through Bono have to do with me? I’m just assisted reproductive technology, the more children that will be a queer kid with student debt who conceived explicitly and intentionally outside of a relationship with works at a coffee shop,” Ismail said. both their mother and father,” Anderson laments. He looked for other trans stories Never mind the fact that all credible research has found that two that he could relate to, but couldn’t dads or two moms are just as good, if not in some cases better, than a find any. mom and a dad. And that children conceived via assisted reproduction “Most things I watched just made to these couples are never an “oops.” These are wanted, carefully me feel like an outsider, or it was planned for children. explaining what transgender is. So I “A just society makes sacrifices to ensure that children are known was like, ‘Why don’t I tell my own and loved by their own mother and father, while doing what it can to story?’ I want to be the little Laverne Alia Ismail has begun filming and sharing his help children denied that blessing by misfortune,” Anderson writes, Cox for young trans guys.” apparently unaware of or unconcerned by how unjust our society is Ismail had a different presentation transition in a documentary titled “Crossing when it comes to children who experience “misfortune.” Our foster in high school and recounts his care system, for example, is a mess. Read “To the End of June: The time there to be very segregated, The Divide,” set to launch in October 2016. Intimate Life of American Foster Care” by Cris Beam and you’ll see bouncing between the white and how misguided Anderson is in claiming that the best way to help Arab communities in the school. children is to keep them away from gays. He grew up not knowing how to Of course, then Anderson reveals why he really hates reproductive discuss his gender identity, but was me until I had my first girlfriend,” to, something raw and unguarded. technology: unused embryos, which each count as an abortion in his naturally drawn to boys clothing and book. No surprise, he is against stem-cell research or using these Ismail recounts. “They are now We want to talk about things like aggressive sports while reluctantly using male pronouns. He first told me the feeling that you’re not ‘trans- embryos for anything other than makin’ babies. He’s against birth wearing girls clothes, per his control, too, by the way. A “culture of chastity” has no need for it, when we were dating. I didn’t know enough,’ and how confusing it is mother’s request. Around the age of anything about being trans.” when society starts treating you like obviously. 9, things began to solidify. So there you have it. Since gays can get married now, straights A year later he came out. a different gender.” “I always viewed myself as one of After Ismail told his therapist that Production on the documentary are going to just start extra-maritally humping up a storm, creating a the boys. When I imagined myself bunch of babies to abort while the gays “manufacture” (Anderson’s he wanted to make a documentary has already begun. It will follow in my head ... I imagined myself at about his transition, he put Ismail in Ismail through his first year of word, because the children of gays aren’t human apparently) kids and a young age with short hair,” Ismail de-facto embryo abortions: hence marriage equality “puts unborn touch with Lorne Clarkson, a trans transition as he begins hormone said. “I always wore my hair in a man and documentary filmmaker. replacement therapy and navigates children at risk.” ponytail. It wasn’t until I hit puberty Airtight logic. Everybody can go home now. Ryan Anderson has “We were on the same page right his new social identity. He’s excited where I felt a little uncomfortable.” from the start,” Clarkson said about to have started hormone therapy but won this round of Insane Arguments. Stay tuned for Anderson’s next Ismail came out as lesbian his column about how the global warming “hoax” is perpetuated by hipster his first meeting with Ismail. “We is also nervous. senior year, lost a lot of friends and both just want to tell a story that “I have no idea what my life is beard length. started dating his first LGBT partner. other young trans* people can relate See Film, next page “There wasn’t anyone trans around

12 BTL | July 23, 2015 www.PrideSource.com Largest Trans Survey Calls For Participants

BY AJ TRAGER If we reach our goal of 20,000 Beginning Aug. 19, transgender and non- binary identifying people will be able to log completed surveys, we will onto www.ustranssurvey.org and take the 2015 U.S. Trans Survey. have the kind of data we need The U.S. Trans Survey is a followup to to make our case to elected the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, a resource for helping researchers, leaders, the media and funding policymakers and advocates see the experiences of trans people over time, how sources even more compelling. things are changing and what can be done to improve the lives of trans people. - Char Davenport, chair of the Michigan The NTDS was developed and conducted tri-cities chapter of Transgender Michigan. by the National LGBTQ Task Force and the National Center for Transgender Equality in 2008-2009 and has provided key information HIV/AIDS, disabilities, immigration, sex regarding the number of trans people who work and police interactions. Many of the have faced discrimination or harassment in questions included in the USTS have never employment, housing, school, health care and been asked of trans people before. Like other areas of life. The results were released last time, the data set will be shared with in the 2011 report, “Injustice At Every Turn.” advocates, organizations and academics for The U.S. Trans Survey will be the largest, years to come. most comprehensive survey in the history of In anticipation of the release of the U.S. trans history, seeking a goal of 20,000 survey, the National LGBTQ Task Force has completed surveys by trans, gender queer designated July 28-30 as “2015 U.S. Trans or non-binary identified people from around Survey Awareness Week,” and is requesting the country. that the trans community and allies of the trans “Over the years, transgender people have community help find as many people who will bravely told their stories in a monumental pledge to take the survey as possible. community wide effort to make the case for Tuesday, July 28 will be social media day trans health care, program funding and equal and all advocates for the survey can take to the protection of our civil rights. If we reach our internet and spread the word through graphics goal of 20,000 completed surveys, we will and statements provided by NLGBTQTF. July have the kind of data we need to make our 29 will be “email day,” and supporters can use case to elected leaders, the media and funding the email template on the Task Force website sources even more compelling,” said Char to send around to members of the trans and Davenport, chair of the Michigan tri-cities non-binary community. Blog Day will take chapter of Transgender Michigan. place on July 30, where people are encouraged The USTS will cover a wide range of to share their first-hand experiences online. topics that reflect the lives and experiences of trans people and is designed to more fully examine specific issue areas that disparately Check out the website www.ustranssurvey.org for impact trans people, such as unemployment more information, sign up to the email list and and underemployment, housing, health care, plan out Awareness Week activities.

less isolated,” Clarkson said. “I feel I have a ® Film responsibility to make this film. I know how Continued from p. 12 lonely transitioning can be and how easily feelings of shame and self doubt can develop. going to be like a year from now, but I’m really I’m passionate about this film because it’s a hopeful. I feel like I’m getting a fresh start in story I know would have helped me when I life,” Ismail said. was transitioning.” Crossing the Divide has launched a Clarkson will attend Ismail’s therapy and Kickstarter campaign at www.kickstarter. hormone appointments, with aspirations of com/projects/1373141071/crossing-the-divide adding in a trip to the Ivory Coast, where to raise $10,000 that will be used to buy film Ismail’s father lives, to capture the multi- equipment and continue filming through cultural world Ismail has lived in his whole spring 2016 to capture Ismail’s first full year life. of transition. “I wanted to show that you can transition “This film is a passion project of good will; at any stage of your life — it doesn’t have to I don’t expect to make money from it. I really be through puberty. I am going to take this believe the project will help trans youth feel journey by myself and do it, and if you want www.PrideSource.com July 23, 2015 | BTL 13 Party With A Purpose

BY ROBERT TATE was down the street from Menjo’s and it helped us to understand that on Six Mile Road. I had a blast that we were doing community work As the LGBT community night, and I danced and partied and through entertainment. celebrates 20 years of Hotter Than have not missed a beat ever since! About 20 years ago, BBC was an July, I can’t help but reminisce about I have been entertaining people annual weekend event. Soon after what the community looked like for 40 years. Most folks know me that, we merged that occasion with when I was younger. I can’t help through entertainment, and it seems Men of Color Motivational Group but smile at how we got here, and like that’s the way that I have been (MOC), another social organization. how far we’ve come. I also can’t able to keep people engaged. I told MOC was already active in the help but to feel a sense of pride in my friends a long time ago that movement and I liked their vision. having been involved with Hotter anywhere I go, come with me. I I thought that joining them would ll we wanted to Than July, initially. I am filled with still have most of my friends here be a good idea. At the time, being do was entertain the so much joy that our community with me today entertaining the partnered with a successful entity A still has this magnificent event 20 community. like Men of Color helped us to community. We didn’t years later! Twenty-eight years ago, we really bridge community and Being able to see the community started a black, LGBT social club entertainment. We began to partner intend to break barriers, grow and see young people working called the Billionaire Boys Club with additional organizations but we did. We reached with folks from my age group (BBC). We had our events at places to support them in their events. for the movement is what keeps that most of our attendees had Working with community based so many people, and it me going. Hotter Than July is a never been and ultimately enjoyed organizations led us to start Imagine space where a lot of this work talking about the experience for This Productions about 15 years ago helped us to understand happens. We didn’t have this type days afterwards. We made sure that to help those organizations improve that we were doing of organization when I first started everyone had a good time and met in their efforts. event planning. I can remember that new people who walked away from I now realize that I am an activist community work through all of my life; I wanted my own the event with a smile on their face. in a different kind of way. My way is entertainment space to entertain. When I turned We never knew that we were doing to bring people together and network 21, I moved into my own home anything special. All we wanted to with community organizations. and one of my friends asked me to do was entertain the community. We Entertainment and community are go to a bar with him. He took me didn’t intend to break barriers, but - Robert Tate . to this bar called Gagan’s, which we did. We reached so many people, See next page

14 BTL | July 23, 2015 www.PrideSource.com ® Party With A Purpose Continued from previous page different now, but they can be brought back together with the same flavor but for a different era. We did it 20 years ago and it can be done again. Twenty years is a long time to be doing this work, but it’s also something that needs to be celebrated. People that were a part of this historic development need to be out celebrating something they were at in the beginning. Things have changed from back then, but I like what I see. It’s not perfect, but it’s still moving. At the end of the day it’s all about the community and the space that we make for ourselves. It’s all well and good to party, but let’s party with a purpose and continue building our community!

Robert Tate has been entertaining in Detroit for over 30 years. He is a founding and longstanding member of Billionaire Boys Club (BBC). The BBC has been entertaining the LGBT and allied community for over 20 years. They broke barriers for the LGBT community by having regal events at establishments that have not had African- American gays and lesbians attend. They sponsored and partnered with various organizations, such as Men of Color, KICK Magazine and Hotter Than July. In 2000 Robert started an event planning and social company called Imagine This Productions (ITP). ITP held a fundraiser for Doorstep, a homeless shelter, and had partnered with Ladies with A Current Affair, Picnap Productions and Pink Ice. ITP had various educational and promotional events tied to the community, such as the HTJ fundraiser, “An Evening of Art at The Charlevoix Gallery.”

www.PrideSource.com July 23, 2015 | BTL 15 HTJ Events

This year’s HTJ starts I’m looking forward to the memories. To those who were here in as always with the 1996 sharing, and I’m looking forward to having people who were not candlelight vigil in Palmer “ Park on Tuesday. Speaking here in ‘96 listen and share their thoughts. I’m also looking forward at this year’s vigil will be controversial Detroit City to hearing the memories of loved ones who are gone. A lot of people Council President Brenda who were a part of Hotter Than July are no longer here. Jones. A highlight of this event will be the installation of a memorial plaque in the park made of stone and bronze. The plaque will be installed at the blue spruce - LGBT Detroit’s Executive Director Curtis Lipscomb discussing the 20th anniversary of memorial tree in recognition of community members HTJ, saying it is all about memories – both reliving old ones” and making new ones. who are no longer living. For the first time in a few years, an official HTJ opening party took place Wednesday, July 22. The theme of the party held at The Woodward, was “Wet & Wild.” Thursday (July 23) is the annual HTJ Film Festival. This event will feature the Detroit premiere of the documentary “Collective Voices: Wisdom of our African American Lesbian Elders.” The film is directed by Debraha Watson, who will attend the screening and take questions afterward. Also showing will be the musical classic “The Wiz” starring Diana Ross. The location for the festival is the Cass City Cinema, located at 3420 Cass Ave. in Detroit.

The Annual Gathering on LGBT Issues, which was for many years known at the Genesis Summit, will take place on Friday (July 24) at the Michigan State University Detroit Center, which is located at 3408 Woodward Ave. in Midtown. Presenters include Noel Gordon, foundation project manager at the Human 2009 Rights Campaign; Marvell Terry, II, also of HRC; Lisa 2007 Whitmore Davis of AARP Michigan; and Phillip A. Simmons of Phillip A. Simmons & Associates. Rev. Roland Stringfellow of Metropolitan Community Church Detroit will present a keynote address. The four former presidents of Detroit Black Gay, Inc. and the Black Pride Society will be honored. They are Johnny Jenkins, Hank Millbourne, Kim Jones and Robert Clark, who will be honored posthumously.

The biggest event of the week will undoubtedly be Saturday’s (July 25) picnic in Palmer Park. DJ Tone, DJ Darryl G and DJ Matt Holidaye will play for the crowd and there will be an HTJ showcase featuring Fantaysa Dior, Raven Devine, Samantha Brazil, Davana Couture- Malone, Cierra Dior Malone, Innocence Rodeo, Jasmine Dior, Romeo Milliown and Rajhn Star-Studded King. 2003 - Divia & Gang There will also be performances by Charlie B. Keys, Tia Taylar, J-Leeb and Chalice B. Keys as well as a fashion show presented by Austin Christopher featuring the work of designers DL Perrett and LCM Glam Boutique.

Things wrap up on Sunday (July 26) with two events. The first is a worship service organized by Whosoever Ministries. It will be begin at 11 a.m. and take place at Ecumenical Theological Seminary at 2930 Woodward Ave., Detroit. The second is the annual brunch. Produced by Imagine This Productions, the brunch will take place at 1917 American Bistro, located at 19416 Livernois Ave., Detroit. This event is likely to sell out, so tickets should be purchased in advance. For more information on Hotter Than July, visit www. 2002 - Blair performing at picnic 2005 - Robert hotterthanjuly.org. 16 BTL | July 23, 2015 www.PrideSource.com 2002 - Imani Willams at Kids Fair

2004 - Darren McCarroll 1999 - Ashanti

BTL Photos: By Jason A. Michael

2014 Cruise

BTL will be covering the 2015 events and posting online throughout the week.

2003 Fashion Show View the Online Gallery www.pridesource.com www.PrideSource.com July 23, 2015 | BTL 17 house tonight for my assistant / best friend. We Lately you’ve been a Tinder enthusiast; have you And what are those stories? Hilary Duff On just worked through her birthday during album experienced Grindr? (Laughs) I mean, I don’t wanna put him on release week, and I feel so bad, so we’re finally Well, I haven’t physically actually blast. You know what’s crazy is, I feel like Marriage Equality, celebrating at my house tonight. But we’ll be experienced it, like I don’t have it on my you guys hook up a lot more freely. I don’t celebrating (marriage equality) as well, I’m phone or anything, but it’s basically the same know if that’s just me because I’m a little Grindr & Why She Took sure. It definitely deserves a big toast. Do you thing as Tinder, right? I know because my more cautious, I guess. I don’t know what it’s have a partner? makeup artist, who’s one like to be a totally normal girl who doesn’t of my best friends, give a fuck about anything. I don’t have a partner, no. Is being on A Break From Showbiz has used Grindr a Tinder key to finding “the one”? lot and he’s told Because of your celebrity status? BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI Perhaps you can give me some me all about I think so, yeah. And also, I’m a mom and dating advice. What are Hilary it. I get to I’ve always been a relationship girl. I’m ’m like the dorky kid on the bus who’s Duff’s tips for finding a hear all the always surprised when he’s like, “Yeah, I was like, ‘Hiiii.’” husband? stories. just in France and I met a dude on Grindr and “I Wait a minute. Is that you, Lizzie (Laughs) Obviously, I went over to his house,” and like, they got it McGuire? Maybe? No. haven’t been so lucky. done. I’m so fascinated by it. It’s Hilary Duff, razzing on her cold-ridden, No – I don’t know. Are you still on Tinder? congested-sounding self as she does a nasally I would not, uh – I nerd impression. And though Duff is known would not go with I’m not still using it. It was really fun for to millennials (and their moms) for originating me on Tinder. I me for a minute; I wanted to experience the dorky Disney icon in 2001 – which, don’t know! God. something totally normal and also shock she admits during our interview, has been Geez. Maybe the people. No one thought I was really on it – “torturous” – the 27-year-old is ready to move right thing will and I was really on it! So I integrated that into on. Actually, she’s been ready. It’s the rest of be in the air my video (for “Sparks”) and showed a side the world that just can’t seem to let Lizzie go. tonight. of me that’s really real, really normal. I strive During an insightful and surprisingly candid for normalcy in my life every day. conversation, Duff spoke about her career as a whole just hours following June 26’s landmark Do your gay friends ever set you up? Supreme Court ruling, which granted full Not so much. We go out a lot together, but marriage rights to LGBT Americans. The child honestly, when I go out I’m not on the prowl. star-turned-music maker also talked about her I just wanna go out and have a good time, latest album, “Breathe In. Breathe Out.,” eight and a lot of times I feel like having someone I years in the making; the long break she took don’t know around would interfere with that. to find her true self; and not knowing how I only have a certain amount of time to enjoy to be a “totally normal girl who doesn’t myself. give a fuck.” What’s a good night for you? You’re a longtime ally of the LGBT Being with four or five really good friends community, and you also have many that all know each other, so we all have a gay friends, so you must have been lot in common. Laughing a lot, having a thrilled about the Supreme Court few drinks and maybe dancing a little bit. ruling on marriage equality. What does Having a good meal. A lot of times we go to the Hollywood Bowl – that’s always that momentous moment mean to a good time for me. There’s something you? about that place that’s magic. Oh my gosh. I’m so excited. What a big day. It’s a huge step toward Speaking of venues, will you be touring for this equality. Everyone should be able record? It’s been too long. to be who they are, love who they Yes, I will tour. It took me so long to want and marry who they want. It’s make my record because it wasn’t where 2015; for us to still have judgment it needed to be. When I started making the about people being gay is ridiculous, record, I wasn’t like, “I have to get it out at so I can’t believe it’s taken this long. It’s this time”; I was like, “It’s gotta be right – definitely a big day in history, and I’m just after seven years, why be in a rush now?” so excited. Halfway through the process of making my record I signed onto the show “Younger” (on Considering you’re not feeling well, you probably TV Land) and that was really good for me won’t be celebrating just yet. because I think it helped get me out of – you Actually, I do have a party happening at my know when you just need to shake it up? I was

Photo: Ben Cope 18 BTL | July 23, 2015 www.PrideSource.com terrified. My son had just started school if I had all those outlets to pay attention was still Lizzie McGuire to people and and obviously I was going through a to and all that babble shit. It’s kind of that was super annoying. Now it’s not. I separation and I was like, “I can’t just up scary. It scares me raising my kid. don’t care now. I’m grateful for it. and continue work,” and then I was like, The industry is very fickle, and you just “Actually, I can and I’m going to.” This is do what you can and know that all this stuff What would Lizzie be like now as an adult? a great project, and I love New York and doesn’t mean anything. I mean, obviously, She’d be pretty rad. She would have it was really good for me. I put a pause appreciate the opportunities and work stayed in school a little bit longer, on the record and then came back to it hard, but there’s so much more to life. This and I feel like she’d be a sous chef or after Christmas; it was a great thing for industry is a tough one to crack, but then I working at an architectural firm trying me. It helped turn the record into a proper look at someone like Miley, and as crazy to make her way up but still fucking up direction. So, now, “Younger” got picked as people might think the whole thing is, at all times. (Laughs) I feel like she’d up for a second season. I’ll shoot from I commend her. She’s so wholeheartedly be cool – she wasn’t always a nerd! September until December and then I’ll being herself and is unapologetic about She was just, like, a nice girl. I feel like tour after Christmas. that and she’s doing a great job. she’d still be that same way, but I think she would be getting drunk and doing A world tour? By just being herself, she’s become an idol normal things that everybody does. I think it’ll be a world tour. I don’t know for the queer community. She loves who if I can set it up like how I used to for she loves unapologetically, and that’s a Is getting drunk a normal thing you do? five months at a time. Obviously my huge statement, don’t you think? Yeah, on occasion, of course. You gotta child is my number one priority, but I Yeah, I do. And she’s wickedly talented, let your hair down every once in a think I can do a month at a time and then so there’s that. As much as people while. come back and then go back out for a wanna hate on her for wearing this After “Lizzie McGuire,” was it hard to make month. And it’ll have to be a world tour or doing that or whatever it is people the next move? Is it still hard to make the because some of my biggest markets hate on her for, I think she gets the last are in South America and Australia and laugh. At the end of the day, her talent next move? Asia, so we’ll see. No promises, but backs it all up. I don’t always relate to It is hard. Instead of me trying to that’s what I want to happen. everything that she’s doing, but I love calculate how to do it and how to be that she’s unapologetically herself. successful at it – a lot of people chose Your 3-year-old son, Luca, is so cute, by different ways than I did, like Lindsay the way. Your show, “Younger,” revolves around a Lohan and the Olsen twins and even He’s naked right now and covered in single mom who realizes the effect age has Miley Cyrus – I just chose to bow out tattoos. on starting a new career. But how about for a minute. maintaining a career, because you started If he were to come out to you one day, Why bow out? young. You’ve been in this business for more what would you tell him? than half your life. From your own experience, I really needed it personally. I grew up Oh my gosh. I would be so accepting. what is it like to maintain relevancy in an in the spotlight and on tour and with I just had a long conversation with one everyone just knowing me and knowing ever-changing business like show business? of my adult friends who has grown me a certain way. At some point I was children who are about to go off to Yeah, gosh. There is no secret code that like, “I don’t even know if I’m that college, and he’s like, “I haven’t really works, as lovely as that would be. I think person anymore, and I don’t even have had this conversation yet,” and I’m like, I have a few things working in my favor. the time to figure that out.” I was just “You better do it now because if a kid As torturous as it has been at some points making records and touring and making doesn’t feel accepted by his family, in my life to be Lizzie McGuire, I think movies, and then doing it all over again. and they’re getting ready to move into that when that show came out, it was such I basically did a cycle of that four times, a new town, it will just create a divide. a part of who I was, I didn’t feel like I and by the end of it, I was like, “I’m He’ll go find his life and you won’t be was playing a part. The writers all knew done. I don’t enjoy this anymore. I’m Find us on FacebookTwitter a part of that. He’ll go find where he is me so well and were writing things that not who I wanna be.” accepted.” were happening in my life and things that So, I just took a break. Everyone Between@YourBTL The Lines Newspaper Ah, it could almost make me cry. I I would say, and I was dressing exactly thought I was just absolutely nuts feel like... that must be such a lonely like I wanted. It was so me. because I was really successful and place if you don’t feel accepted by For whatever reason, that show making a lot of money. And it was your family. I can’t imagine. So, 100 grabbed people at a time in their life scary, because there was no guarantee percent, I feel like I would notice all when they really needed her or related that my career was still gonna be there. the signs and be the first one to bring to her, so obviously I think I got a lot of I think, personally, it was very healthy, it up if I had to, and I would want him fans from that who followed me into my and I’m proud of where I am now. My to wholeheartedly be himself and know music career. I’ve always been a very new record being top 5 on Billboard that that was accepted by me. open and reachable person for them to after working on it for eight years – I’m relate to, but that’s one thing that has proud of that. I don’t need to be No. 1. I What advice do you have for youth who really tied us together and why I’ve need to just do things that fulfill me and want to pursue showbiz? kept fans for such a long time who have make me happy and hopefully connect Honestly, I don’t know. It’s a really hard really followed my career and stuck by with people at a certain level. road, to be honest. To make a transition me and grown up with me. Desperation is a dangerous road, isn’t it? from that is… I feel like even more so In what regard was being Lizzie McGuire now than it was, your youth is totally Yeah. And having a child, too, puts a lot “torturous”? taken away. You see these girls dressing into perspective. I’m definitely grateful like they’re 20 when they’re 14. With I don’t think during the filming it was to still have a spot, and I wanna be an Instagram and all this – it’s a youth- torturous. I loved it during the filming. actress too and do a show. I can’t be sucker. Being 14 in 2015 is intense. I I just didn’t know what a success the where I used to be. I just have to be who don’t know what I would’ve been like show was gonna be, and after that I am now and be grateful for that. It’s – four years, five years after that – and I good. I’m happy. www.PrideSource.com July 23, 2015 | BTL 19 12

BTL Advertisers 2 3 Affirmations...... 1 Cool Cities Allstate / Nick Schrock...... 2 9 American Fireplace...... * 8 Ferndale Autometic Collision...... 3 Chess Roofing...... 4 4 YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET Evergreen...... * 1 Pinpoint your ad dollars where Ferndale Chiropractic...... 5 13 10 6 Ferndale DDA...... 6 they will do the most good . . . Fido...... 7 Advertise in the next Cool Cities Green Thumb Garden Center...... 8 11 5 TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 Hodges...... 9 Just for Us...... 10 Level One Bank...... 11 MCC Detroit...... 12 Mejishi Martial...... 13 Michigan AIDS Coalition...... 14 Schmidt Law Services...... * Premier Care Phamacy...... * S.P.I.C.E...... 1 Suburban Buick GMC...... 15 *Not shown above 7

14

SHOP LGBT SHOP LGBT

20 BTL | July 23, 2015 www.PrideSource.com Ferndale’s Grasshopper Underground Celebrates 5 Years Of Championed Sounds And Diverse Music Programming Cool Cities If you’ve ever been to downtown their favorite records for open vinyl them,” says owner Troy Ramroop in a Ferndale, you’ve noticed the little night; Tuesday is industrial night; recent conversation with Metro Times Ferndale spot on the Nine Mile strip full of Wednesday begins with a yoga class reporter Alysa Offman. lights dripping Woodward avenue from 7-8 p.m. in partnership with a u When asked about the five-year run, YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET in a swirl of colors and heavy dance x e t i c’s “Sound & Yoga” series and Ramroop says, “It’s been amazing. Pinpoint your ad dollars where music carrying through the streets. sets the scene for hometown heroes Tough at times. An absolute roller Grasshopper Underground has become to assume the decks; Thursday nights coaster. The situation has gone from they will do the most good . . . an essential part of metro people laughing at the name Advertise in the next Cool Cities Detroit’s music scene and has Grasshopper when we first started contributed significantly to its to being recognized around the TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 growth. The boutique-sized elebrating five years of business, world.” venue provides patrons with an Grasshopper Underground is offering He continues, “Personally, for intimate party experience but C me, I don’t know how to describe brings in talent comparable to diverse music programming this summer, it. Others say I am too personally a multi-million dollar nightclub. attached to this business but this is Celebrating five years culminating in a massive Five Year my dream and spending the past of business, Grasshopper Anniversary Party at the end of August. five years realizing this dream just Underground is offering makes me want another five years.” diverse music programming Celebrating five years this summer, culminating in a of championed sounds, the massive Five Year Anniversary Grasshopper Underground is the Party at the end of August. Unlike most 98.7 FM AMP Radio takes over with premier destination in metro Detroit entertainment venues, Grasshopper Top 40; and, finally, it all culminates for fans of electronic dance music. Underground is open seven days a with Fridays and Saturdays, which are From chart-topping international artists week. While many venues are defined reserved for world-class house and to Detroit’s hometown heroes, this by the big acts they bring in, this is only techno music. boutique nightclub hosts the most in- one facet of Grasshopper’s operation. No matter what kind of music you’re demand DJ talent seven nights a week. The newly renovated upstairs lounge into, there’s something for everyone at gives patrons a perfect happy hour Grasshopper this summer. Located at 22757 Woodward Ave., the spot, full of people watching right on With the rise and fall of many venues Grasshopper Underground hours of operation Woodward and Nine Mile. over the past five years, Grasshopper is Monday-Saturday from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Besides being open for a daily happy has sustained because of management’s Sunday 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, hour, the venue is keeping it fresh passion for the music and their sterling including a list of upcoming events, visit them at with a new vibe every night. Sundays professional reputation. “The talent thegrasshopperunderground.com or facebook. are Reggae/Hip-hop night; Mondays we bring in love the club as much com/thegrasshopperunderground.com. patrons are encouraged to come with as those patrons that come to see

www.PrideSource.com July 23, 2015 | BTL 21

The OutField Extreme Sports Seek LGBT Acceptance

BY DAN WOOG For more than a decade, Bowler community,” Bowler explains. “Most tired of walking around every year at In addition, many sports says, “I’ve been able to fully enjoy lesbians probably keep quiet. They Pride, feeling like I’m ignored,” she organizations march in the Pride ive-year-old Tedi Bowler was extreme sports.” don’t want one more issue to contend says. “This is a real sport.” parade. “The rugby boys are “totally into” sports. But in She’s worked two or three jobs at with.” The celebration at Loring Park favorites,” Belstler says. WHAM FDuluth, Minn. in the 1980s, a time, since she was 19. Her Fetal She assumes there are “tons” of already includes several sports, – the Women’s Hockey Association she says, “girls were not allowed Alcohol Syndrome made it hard to lesbians – and “probably plenty Bowler notes. Minneapolis and St. of Minnesota – “marches” on to do that.” So she grew wary of keep any one job, she says, so she of gay guys too.” But, she says, Paul are filled with gyms; cross- rollerblades. following her passion. has done mostly temp work. The extreme sports is one place where training is very popular. Why not add Professional and amateur teams Two years later, she rode her first variety appeals to her. “Otherwise, homosexuality is still not discussed. extreme sports into the mix? staff booths in Loring Park, including BMX bike. That too was a bit odd she says, “I’d be bored and agitated.” She recalls one “aggressive” inline She also hopes her work will the Minnesota Lynx of the Women’s for a girl. But she loved everything “Boredom” is not something that skater who came out in the 1990s. bring visibility to the Fetal Alcohol National Basketball Association, about it – the tough terrain, the BMX riders, skateboarders and Bowler says his disclosure did not go Syndrome community. If others can and two women’s full-tackle football danger, the adrenaline rush – and other extreme sport athletes suffer over well. see that she’s gotten involved in teams: the Minnesota Vixen and she kept riding. from. They constantly seek the next Google searches for “gay or lesbian something athletic, daring and fun, Minnesota Machine. Minnesota In seventh grade, Bowler came challenge. BMX riders” come up empty. There they might be tempted to ride a bike United FC – a professional team in out as a lesbian. “It was a mess,” she For Bowler, that challenge means are a few online discussions about or skateboard too. the North American Soccer League recalls. “I was a loner. Plus, I had getting extreme sports into the Twin whether anyone is out in the sport. Dot Belstler is in charge of Twin – offers demonstrations. anger issues.” Being biracial, and Cities Pride celebration. And not just The level of discourse is not high. “It’s Cities Pride. Her title is executive But, Belstler says, adding extreme born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, for the traditional participants: men. too manly a sport,” is one comment. director, but it’s not as if she runs a sports may be easier said than done. added to her stress. About 10 years ago, Bowler says, Speculation about a rider with a pink huge staff. Virtually everyone else is Ramps and other equipment must Yet she kept riding. On a women’s skateboarding was added bike is another. a volunteer. be trucked in, and Loring Park is BMX bike – also called “bicycle to the X Games. However, BMX After Tim Von Werne’s career was She points with – well, pride already filled to capacity. motocross” – she felt free. She racing still has not made it into cut short under what one magazine – to the day-long men’s volleyball Still, Teri Bowler is undeterred. She performed tricks. And Bowler was ESPN’s annual homage to extreme called “a cloud of controversy,” gay tournament held on Saturday has a year to “ride” to the rescue of getting much-needed exercise. sports. skateboarders seem to have remained every year. On Sunday there are extreme sports. Bowler gained the confidence Bowler says that, very quietly, in the closet too. tournaments for soccer, rugby, touch Dan Woog is a journalist, educator, to join team sports. She played ice women have become a presence in Bowler has vowed to increase football, softball and men’s and hockey, flag football, softball and the extreme sports world. But she visibility of extreme sports, and of women’s basketball. The “Studs vs. soccer coach and gay activist. His latest basketball, but extreme sports were knows of very few who self-identify the lesbians and gay men who love it. Femmes” women’s basketball event book is “We Kick Balls: True Stories the best. as lesbian, or are open about it. She envisions BMX racing, creates particular energy; bleachers from the Youth Soccer Wars.” He can At 35, after watching the X Games, “We’re already being judged skateboarding and more as part of the are brought in to handle the crowds be reached care of this publication or Bowler began skateboarding. as women by the extreme sports 2016 Twin Cities Pride festival. “I’m that watch. at [email protected]. www.PrideSource.com July 23, 2015 | BTL 23 Dr., Three Oaks. 269-756-3879. . [email protected] Lake Effect Pride 6 p.m. Pride in July. Acorntheater.com Mittenmavens.net/join/bootcamp DJ Dance party with wedding bells. OutCenter, 201 Graham Ave., Benton Harbor. 269-925-8330. Outcenter.org The Starr Commonwealth presents the Second Saturday, July 25 Tuesday, July 28 MAC Yard Sale 11 a.m. $1 T-shirts, Karaoke and Half Off Wine \aut\BAR, Annual Starr Summer Youth Festival. The festival dance CDs, GLBTQ DVDs, 25 cent 315 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. 734-994- Saturday, Aug. 1 showcases the talents of Detroit’s youngest jewelry, plus male posters; 12 3677. Autbar.com Take It From The Top Musical theater packs of assorted greeting cards, workshop. Wharton Center, 750 E. Shaw artists in a daylong celebration of the arts. art work from our past events, plus MAC Health 2 p.m. Michigan Lane, East Lansing. 800-WHARTON. Featuring hundreds of artists and performers other miscellaneous items. Cash AIDS Coalition (MAC), Detroit. Whartoncenter.com Michiganaidscoalition.org ages 6-20 in music, dance, theater, visual art, or check sales only, Michigan AIDS Coalition, 429 Livernois, Ferndale. turnIT aut \aut\BAR, 315 Braun Ct., Ann film and a Young Artists’ Market, the event also Michiganaidscoalition.org Wednesday, July 29 Arbor. 734-994-3677. Autbar.com includes a tribute to Detroit artist Tyree Guyton Great Lakes Bay Pride 12 p.m. Free Pool and $1 Off Beer \aut\BAR, Washtenaw Pride Picnic 12 p.m. Jim who will receive the Starr Art of Resilience Great Lakes Bay Pride, Saginaw. 315 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. 734-994- Toy Community Center, Pauline and 3677. Autbar.com Fifth, Ann Arbor. Jimtoycenter.org Award for his work in supporting Detroit’s Greatlakesbaypride.org/home2.html MAC Health 6 p.m. Michigan AIDS communities and mentoring young artists. Gay Straight Alliance in Berrien County 2 p.m. LGBTQ youth, friends and Coalition (MAC), 290 W. Nine Mile MUSIC & MORE allies, ages 14-18. OutCenter, 124 Water Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. The free, family-friendly event also includes hands-on art activities and free lunches on a first-come Michiganaidscoalition.org Mo Pop Festival “Mo Pop Festival” St., Benton Harbor. 269-925-8330. Tickets: $99.50-199. West Riverfront basis for young people up to age 18. Starr Commonwealth is a social services agency serving Outcenter.org Thursday, July 30 Park, Detroit. July 25 - July 26. Detroit youth and families for more than 100 years. Pride Mini Ball 6 p.m. StatusSexy.com, Mopopfestivaldetroit.com A Prairie Home Companion with Detroit. Statussexy.com The festival will run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 25. Paradise Valley Park (formerly Garrison Keillor and special POPULUX “Sunday Matinee” Soulful Harmonie Park) is located at 311 Grand River Ave., Detroit. Find more information at artofresilience. Ides of March 8 p.m. Tickets: $30-40. guest Sarah Jarosz Tickets: $38+. & classic house on the patio with DJs The Acorn Theater, 107 Generations Wharton Center, 750 E. Shaw Lane, Al Ester & John “Jammin” Collins. No org/festival. Dr., Three Oaks. 269-756-3879. East Lansing. 800-WHARTON. cover. 21+ welcome. POPULUX, 4120 Acorntheater.com Whartoncenter.com Woodward Ave., Detroit. June 28 - July 26. Populuxdetroit.com Trivia with Terry and Thirsty Thursday Monday, July 27 Half off beer and well drinks with Quicken Loans “Free Summer in the Operation Kidsafe Safety Week student ID. \aut\BAR, 315 Braun Ct., Parks” Running through Sept. 2, will Operation Kidsafe, 37720 Amrhein Ann Arbor. 734-994-3677. Autbar.com be held in: Campus Martius/Cadillac Road, Livonia. 734-237-1052. Square, Capitol Park, Grand Circus and [email protected] MAC Health 2 p.m. Mondays Paradise Valley. Four historic parks, by appointment only. Michigan Detroit. June 4 - Sep. 2. Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga Meadow AIDS Coalition (MAC), Ferndale. Brook Music Festival, 3554 Walton Michiganaidscoalition.org Sound Board “Tower of Power with & Peter, 7096 E. 14 Mile Road, Warren. Ball Chene Park, 2600 Atwater, Detroit. Blvd., Rochester Hills. 248-377-0100. Average White Band”. Sound Board, 586-268-3200. Neptix.com Cheneparkdetroit.com Palacenet.com Friday, July 31 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit. OUTINGS 8 p.m. July 23. 800-745-3000. Second Annual HIR Golf Outing/ Lansing Capital Roller Derby Summer Bistro Fridays Special menu. \aut\BAR, Motorcitycasino.com Thursday, July 23 Friday, July 24 Fundraiser 7 p.m. Holland is Ready, Boot Camp 6 p.m. Six week, 12 315 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. 734-994- Pearl, Katya, Trixie and Violet 8 p.m. A Night to Remember: Disco Divas 4600 Macatawa Legends Blvd, Holland. session Roller Derby basic skills training 3677. Autbar.com The Ark “The Ark: 50 Year Fling” Murray & Peter, 7096 E. 14 Mile Road, boot camp. $60 due day 1 of camp, Five-night celebration. The Ark, 316 S. Chene Park, Detroit. 313-393-7128. Hollandisready.org Michigan Warren. 586-268-3200. Neptix.com accepting cash or check. Open to both Ferndale Pub Crawl Main St., Ann Arbor. July 22 - July 26. Cheneparkdetroit.com AIDS Coalition (MAC), Blinddog Smokin’ 8 p.m. Tickets: $25. men and women. Lansing Capital Roller Ferndale. Season 7 Contestants from RuPaul’s Michiganaidscoalition.org Divas Night Out: The King & Queens The Acorn Theater, 107 Generations Derby , 7868 Old M-78 , East Lansing Drag Race 8 p.m. Tickets: $25+. Murray See Happenings, page 26

See Happenings, page 30

24 BTL | July 23, 2015 www.PrideSource.com Bawdy ‘Beaches’ Dispels Movie Version’s Sentimentality BY TANYA IRWIN INFO

If you are expecting many similarities Beaches Be Trippin’ between the PG-13-rated movie “Beaches” The Ringwald Theatre and the over-the-top raunchy parody 22742 Woodward Ave., Ferndale “Beaches Be Trippin’,” you might be July 11-Aug. 3, 2016; Saturday and Monday disappointed. The emphasis is definitely on evenings at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. the raunchy, and it’s definitely a show to hire $10-20 a babysitter for. And don’t bring grandma, 248-545-5545 either, unless she can handle a plethora of F-bombs, blowjob jokes and a champagne TheRingwald.com glass that doubles as a dildo. However, if you’re a fan of drag, quick wit and even a little improv, you’ll be right test, as when Hillary and CC sit in the waiting at home at The Ringwald Theatre’s annual room waiting for the doctor to appear. Hillary “Summer Camp” production: director and confides to the audience that the doctor has writer Brandy Joe Plambeck’s take on the missed his cue to enter, as he has done in every sappily sentimental “Beaches.” single rehearsal in the previous week. It all Even the 10-year-old characters at the works to the delight of the audience. beginning of the performance are over The off-script banter with the audience and the top. CC Bloom (Joe Bailey) smokes a the obvious improv deviations from the script cigarette and quizzes the lost-on-the-beach are some of the most entertaining elements of Hillary Whitney (Richard Payton) about the play. Early in the performance, Hillary’s the size of her father’s penis and whether spike heel goes through the floorboard on his pubic hairs are bushy or neat (in a set. She gracefully recovers as CC harps on questionable exercise of trying to determine character John Pierce for not keeping the which hotel the hapless Hillary might be fictional set in better condition. staying at based on such characteristics In another on-the-fly crack, CC ribs Hillary of her father.) This is bread-and-butter, of about being too permissive in allowing 7-year- course, for the Ringwald, so regulars of the old Victoria to get so many tattoos (which theater surely won’t plotz at all over the aren’t hidden by the child’s dress Herwat has bawdy material. donned.) Hewat’s body art had been on full Interspersed amidst the acting are display in a previous scene where the lean and videos of the two main characters’ pen- attractive actor is wearing nothing more than pal correspondence over the years (with Daisy Duke shorts, cowboy boots and a smile. CC’s laden with R-rated language.) The Musical numbers are lip-synced for the correspondence is read aloud by the characters, most part, with the exception of Hillary’s mini- which is the voiceover to videos. CC’s letters rendition of “Free At Last.” Payton has a lovely are riddled with profanities and vulgarities voice which is underutilized in the production while Hillary’s are more earnest – yet both – but hey, she’s not the one who is supposed to elicit chuckles. (Hillary talks about Jew camp be a singer/actress; that’s CC’s shtick. and the wonders of her first crush while CC There is no intermission and the scenes talks about having to sleep with people in order quickly flow between live acting and the video- to get acting parts.) projected letters as the characters quickly age. The actors are the highlight of the play, Anyone who is even vaguely familiar with the which has very few props and one constant movie knows Hillary dies at the end, and the backdrop: a painted wall of palm trees in a blue play makes no attempt to keep the inevitable sky with a few white clouds. Bailey and Payton ending a secret. Once she births the baby that reunite after last year’s turns as Jane and CC will end up taking custody of at the end of Blanche Hudson in “Whatever, Baby Jane!” the performance, Hillary coughs into a hanky Bailey is hysterical as the bawdy, breast- and then reveals a bloodstain to the audience. shaking, wise-beyond-her-years CC Bloom. It’s hard to believe impending death could Payton has a sassy side of his own, often be a comedic device, but somehow in this displayed in his expressions of exasperation production it is, with the bloody handkerchief in dealing with the ever narcissistic CC. prompting a chuckle whenever Hillary shows it Brenton Herwat and Scott Jason Alexander to the audience. Cook do a terrific job of playing every Even after Hillary’s matter-of-fact death, the remaining character, including CC’s mom jokes continue to fly until the very last word Leona, love interest John Pierce, Hillary’s of the very last scene. Nothing is sacred, and husband Michael Essex and Hillary’s daughter that’s OK, because laughter is contagious. Victoria. Their ability to quickly change costumes and personas is sometimes put to the See more theater reviews at Encoremichigan.com. www.PrideSource.com July 23, 2015 | BTL 25 Noted Detroit painter Tom Parish brings a collection of paintings that abound with the essence of Venice to Robert Kidd Gallery in Birmingham. Inspired by the shimmering canals and architectural beauty of Italy’s “Serenissima” (the old serene one), Parish’s stylized realist paintings are constructed from blocks of sturdy modernist color. The shimmer of roiling water, depths of captivating linear vistas and the classicism of craft are elements moored to the heart of Parish’s timeless imagery. In addition to a career of full-time studio work, professor Emeritus Tom Parish taught painting at Wayne State University’s school of art for over 30 years. Parish’s works are represented in many important public, private and corporate collections both in the U.S. and abroad. Tom Parish’s “Venezia!” will be displayed in the gallery until Aug. 15. Robert Kidd Gallery is located at 107 Townsent St., Birmingham. Call 248-642-3909 or visit robertkiddgallery.com for more information.

2972. wsushows.com 188 Park Ave., Frankfort. Through July 24. lakesideshakespeare.org ® Happenings Hay Fever Tickets: $15-24. Hope Continued from page 24 Summer Repertory Theatre, DeWitt The Taming of the Shrew Tickets: $10 Theatre, 141 E. 12th St., Holland. July 24 by reservation only. Slipstream Theatre - Aug. 6. 616-395-7890. hope.edu/hsrt Initiative, 20937 John R., Hazel Park. 734-761-1800. Theark.org July 19 - Aug. 4. slipstreamti.com Invasive Species Tickets: $27-32. The Magic Bag “Bob Schneider: The Tipping Point Theatre, 361 E. Cady St., The Tempest Tickets: $8-15. Upper King King Tour” Tickets: $18+. The Northville. July 23 - Aug. 23. 248-347- Peninsula Shakespeare Festival, Presque Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., 0003. tippingpointtheatre.com Isle Bandshell, Peter White Drive, Ferndale. 8 p.m. July 26. 248-544-3030. Marquette. July 18 - July 26. upshakes.org Themagicbag.com Jeff Daniels’ Onstage & Unplugged Tickets: $75-125. The Purple Rose Theatre The Winter’s Tale Tickets: $8-15. The Palace of Auburn Hills “The Company, Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company, Eagles” Tickets: $63.60-208.05. Joe St., Chelsea. Through Aug. 1. 734-433- Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St., Louis Arena, 19 Steve Yzerman Dr., 7673. Purplerosetheatre.org St. Joseph. 7:30 p.m. July 25. 269-983- Detroit. Sep. 21 - July 24. 313-396-7000. 3688. boxfactoryforthearts.org Olympiaentertainment.com Jihad Jones and the Kalashnikov Babes, by Yussef El Giundi - Michigan To Kill a Mockingbird Tickets: $15-24. The Wharton “Garrison Keillor” Tickets: Premiere! Tickets: Pay-what-you-can; Hope Summer Repertory Theatre, $38. Wharton Center for the Performing suggested donation $20. Theatre Nova, DeWitt Theatre, 141 E. 12th St., Holland. Arts, Michigan State University, 750 The Yellow Barn, 416 W. Huron St., Ann Through Aug. 8. 616-395-7890. hope. E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing. July 30. Arbor. July 24 - Aug. 16. 734-635-8450. edu/hsrt 800-WHARTON. Whartoncenter.com https://artful.ly/theatre-nova/store/ events/6413 Warped Tour “Warped Tour”. The Palace of Auburn Hills, 5 Championship Junie B. Jones: The Musical Tickets: ART ‘N’ AROUND Dr., Auburn Hills. July 24. 248-377-0100. $15. Hope Summer Repertory Theatre, N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Palacenet.com DeWitt Studio Theatre, 141 E. 12th St., Art “ Susan Aaron-Taylor: Journeying”. Holland. Through Aug. 7. 616-395-7890. N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art, hope.edu/hsrt 52 E. Forest, Detroit. June 12 - Aug. 22. THEATER Old Love Tickets: $20. The Snug Flint Institute of Arts “Beauty, Passion 2AZ The Purple Rose Theatre Company, Theatre, 160 S. Water St., Marine and Bliss: 19th Century Masterworks”. 137 Park St., Chelsea. Through July 26. City. Through July 26. 810-278-1749. Flint Institute of Arts, 1120 E. Kearsley 734-433-7673. purplerosetheatre.org riverbanktheatre.com St., Flint. May 17 - Aug. 16. 810-234- 1695. Flintarts.org American Idiot Tickets: $37. Barn Opera Outdoors Tickets: Free. Michigan Theatre, 13351 West M-96, Augusta. Opera Theatre, Grand Circus Park, Hotworks “Orchard Lake Fine Art Through July 26. 269-731-4121. Woodward Ave. at Adams St., Detroit. 7 Show” Tickets: $5. Children 12 and barntheatreschool.com p.m. July 23. campusmartiuspark.org under are free. West Bloomfield, 6900 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Banana for Turtle Tickets: $5-10. Pippin Tickets: $12-33. Tibbits Summer PuppetART, 25 E. Grand River Ave., July 25 - July 26. 248381-0079. Theatre, 14 S. Hanchett St., Coldwater. Hotworks.org Detroit. Through Aug. 15. 313-961-7777. July 23 - Aug. 1. 517-278-6029. tibbits. puppetart.org org MOCAD “The Obama Paintings and the Lincoln Monument”. Museum Beaches Be Trippin’ Tickets: $10-20. Rumplestiltskin Tickets: $8. Tibbits of Contemporary Art Detroit, 4454 The Ringwald Theatre, 22742 Woodward Popcorn Theatre, Tibbits Summer Ave., Ferndale. Through Aug. 3. 248- Woodward Ave., Detroit. May 15 - Aug. 2. Theatre, 14 S. Hanchett St., Coldwater. 313-832-6622. Mocadetroit.org 545-5545. theringwald.com Through July 25. 517-278-6029. tibbits. Buyer & Cellar Tickets: $36-43. Mason org N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art “Sam Gilliam: Prints”. N’Namdi Center Street Warehouse, Saugatuck Center for Smokey Joe’s Cafe Tickets: $15-30. the Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck. July for Contemporary Art, 52 E. Forest, Hope Summer Repertory Theatre, DeWitt Detroit. June 12 - Aug. 22. 24 - Aug. 9. 269-857-2399. sc4a.org Theatre, 141 E. 12th St., Holland. Through “Tom Parish: Cymbeline Tickets: Free; suggested Aug. 7. 616-395-7890. hope.edu/hsrt robert kidd gallery donation of $15. Lakeside Shakespeare Venezia”. robert kidd gallery, 107 The Art of Murder Tickets: $15-35. Townsend St., Birmingham. July Theatre, Tank Hill, 188 Park Williamston Theatre, 122 S. Putnam Ave., Frankford. Through July 23. 17 - Aug. 15. 248-642-3909. Road, Williamston. Through Aug. 23. Robertkiddgallery.com lakesideshakespeare.org 517-655-SHOW. williamstontheatre.org “Cool & Warm: Scott Ernie Tickets: $20-25. City Theatre, The Scarab Club The Great American Trailer Park Dolan & Jeanne Ruzzin”. The Scarab 2301 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Musical Tickets: $34-36. Farmers Alley Through Aug. 2. 313-471-6611. Club, 217 Farnsworth, Detroit. July 1 - Theatre, 221 Farmers Alley, Kalamazoo. Aug. 29. 313-831-1250. Scarabclub.org olympiaentertainment.com Through Aug. 9. 269-343-2727. “Hana Hamplova: Meditations on Gruesome Playground Injuries farmersalleytheatre.com UMMA Paper”. University Of Michigan Museum Tickets: $10. The Underground Theatre, The Taming of the Shrew Tickets: The Studio Theatre in the lower level of Of Art, 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor. Feb. Free; suggested donation of $15. 21 - Aug. 9. 734-763-4186. Umma.u the Hilberry Theatre, 4743 Cass Ave., Lakeside Shakespeare Theatre, Tank Hill, Detroit. July 23 - July 25. 313-577-

26 BTL | July 23, 2015 www.PrideSource.com See Violet, page 32

www.PrideSource.com July 23, 2015 | BTL 27

Deep Inside Hollywood BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE Ellen Page: ‘Lioness’ Ellen Page’s next project is called “Lioness,” and it sounds like the kind of film we need a lot more of. She’ll play US Marine Corps Lance Corporal Leslie Martz, a real-life American soldier in Afghanistan, and leader of a Female Engagement Team. Her job was to work with Afghan women, provide them with skills that would allow them to become more independent, and to gain secret information about their husbands, most of whom were Taliban. Martz’s story took place during the time of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” however, so her second battle, as a lesbian, was with the very military she was serving. It also makes the story something of a period piece, even if the hairstyles don’t have to change. The film was written by Rosalind Ross (the El Rey Network’s action series “Matador”) with more casting and director to come. Until then, at ease. Ellen Page. then committed to a mental hospital (for Tig Notaro is ‘Punching The both the attack and for the “insanity” of lesbianism) where she died a few years later. Clown’ The case became one of the tabloid tragedies Still don’t know who Tig Notaro is? You of the era, and was responsible for cementing will, and very soon. “Tig,” the documentary the idea of lesbians as violent, frustrated men about the lesbian stand-up comic’s year of in the culture. So… not exactly reflective of cancer and heartbreak, a brutal rough patch the current love-fest surrounding same-sex that galvanized her career, brought her marriage, but in Kent’s capable hands, it’s immense amount of media attention. The film going to make a fascinating film. made her, ironically enough, funnier and more successful than ever, and is already up and streaming on Netflix after premiering at Los Somebody is still watching Angeles’s Outfest. Building on this buzz, she’ll ‘Project Runway.’ Is it you? co-star in the indie feature “Still Punching The Clown,” from comic Henry Philips and We have never given up on loving “Project co-writer/director Gregori Viens. Philips, Runway.” Sure, it hasn’t produced a viable whom you may know from “Jimmy Kimmel fashion professional since Christian Siriano Live,” stars as a – what else? – stand-up comic – and that was so long ago people were struggling to make it. The film co-stars Sarah still throwing the word “tranny” around on Silverman, Academy Award-winner J.K. broadcast television and somehow getting Simmons, Mike Judge, Michaela Watkins and away with it – but no matter, we love all the Clifton Collins Jr. Look for it to punch its way stitching and bitching and the way Tim Gunn into arthouse theaters later this year. has gone from most-valuable-sideman to Boss of Everybody. Heidi Klum, Zac Posen and Nina Garcia are back, of course, and the list of ‘Babadook’ director takes on guest judges is, as usual, a mix of people whose opinions matter and those who have something lesbian tragedy to promote, even if it’s only the urgent message For her next project, Jennifer Kent, the that they still exist. They include Kiernan filmmaker behind last year’s critically Shipka – who apparently transformed into an acclaimed horror indie “The Babadook,” adult when we turned our head for a second – is taking on a different sort of horror: the as well as Paula Patton, Bella Thorne, Tracee destruction of 19th-century lesbians in Ellis Ross, Ashley Tisdale, Coco Rocha, Ciara, “Alice + Freda Forever.” Based on the designer Lisa Perry and Spice Girl Mel B, non-fiction book by Alexis Coe, “Alice + among others. The new season begins Aug. Freda Forever” concerns 19-year-old Alice 6, and remember: don’t bore Nina. Mitchell, a Tennessean who pretended to Romeo San Vicente’s next challenge involves be a man in order to marry her 17-year-old girlfriend, Freda Ward. Separated by force you making him a very stylish sandwich. He after their love letters were discovered, Alice can be reached care of this publication or at slashed Freda’s throat with a razor, and was [email protected]. www.PrideSource.com July 23, 2015 | BTL 29 30 Threesome member for 8 Butler’s last words Q Puzzle Dumas 9 Affluent, to Lorca 34 Gaza Stripper, e.g. 10 Walter portrayed by Danny Kaye 38 Rick’s old flame 11 Where cross-dressers race 40 Frame of mind 12 He did Moor good, then harm 41 “Wedding Serenade” singer 13 Perfect serves from Mauresmo 44 Bound by routine 14 It’s sometimes more 45 Mishima’s continent 23 “Coffee, ___ Me?” 46 ‘50s talk-show pioneer 25 Floorboard supporter 47 Homosexuality and more, in 26 Earthen pot Leviticus 27 Biblical prophet married to Gomer 48 Sea eagles 31 “If I Only ___ Brain” 50 LBJís veep 32 Poet Broumas 52 “Beautiful Day” singer 33 One available for future reference? 57 What the four songs in this 34 In the center of puzzle celebrate for LGBTs 35 Butch Janet 61 Frightfully strange 36 “The Spell” author Hollinghurst 62 Architecture, to Julia 37 Gay honeymoons won’t contribute Morgan to this 63 Blue material, but not porn 39 Cruising, maybe 66 Persona non ___ 40 Had in mind 67 Diplomacy breakdown 42 Kind of bar 68 De Wolfe of design 43 Al who blew it 69 Rob on the screen 49 Pete of folk 70 Lambda Legal Defense 51 Hell for the Greeks? suit, e.g. 52 Head-oriented group 71 Shirt spoiler 53 Left page, in a manuscript 72 What a chicken hawk may raid 54 Muse for Millay 55 Removal of the foreskin and more You Can’t Tie the Knot? NOT! 56 It helps a baker get it up 18 Cara of “Fame” Down 57 “South Park” composer Shaiman Across 19 Right on the button 1 Cathedral of Hope topper 58 Vehicle for the high C’s? 1 Protection for one’s head 20 What Dorian Gray never does 2 Claire McNab’s inspector Ashton 59 New York Liberty game officials 6 Sweet dream spoiler 21 Porno film “ ___ 69” 3 Alaskan tongue 60 Moola 11 Prepare for phone sex 22 “I Do” singer 4 Slow, to Saint-Saens 64 Caesar’s three 15 “I am ___ than grass...” (Sappho) 24 “Chapel of Love” singer 5 Emulates a peacock 65 Queens on a chessboard, 16 Hub-to-rim lines 28 You betcha 6 “We ___ Family” ironically 17 Event for Geert Blanchart 29 Like sex for one 7 Overly permissive Solution below Classifieds ANNOUNCEMENTS - COMMUNITY SERVICES

MAC YARD SALE MAC Yard Sale: Saturday July 25, 11am-3pm BIG CLEARANCE SALE! Michigan AIDS Coalition, 429 Livernois at Fielding. $1.00 T-shirts, dance CD’s, GLBTQ DVD’s, 25 cent jewelry, plus male posters; 12 packs of assorted greeting cards, artwork from our past events, plus other miscellaneous items. Cash or check sales only, no credit cards.

Puzzle on this page

428 PROF. SERVICES - 412 PROF. SERVICES - MASSAGE MEDICAL GROUP MASSAGE - For Gay and Bisexual Men. Learn some massage techniques and 420Cabby.com meet others in a safe and caring Delivering Michigan’s Premier environment. Tuesdays and Saturdays Cannabis to your Home or Office. at 8 p.m. Thursdays at 2 p.m. $10 248-574-9(420) per session. 209 West Kingsley in downtown Ann Arbor. (734) 662- 6282 or email [email protected]. http://trymassage.com

30 BTL | July 23, 2015 www.PrideSource.com