Transgender Pride in the Park Aug. 11 DOJ Touts Anti-LGBT Views, Task Force at ‘Religious Freedom’ Summit Emma González’s Summer of Activism

Mich. Supreme Court Race Offers LGBTQ Ally Sam Bagenstos

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COVER 6 Michigan Supreme Court Race Offers LGBTQ Ally NEWS 4 BTL 25th Anniversary History Wheel 4 6 LGBTQ Ally Vies for Seat on Michigan Supreme Court 36 LGBT Certification Offers Businesses More Exposure 10 Transgender Pride in the Park on Aug. 11 37 Detroit Artist Siena Liggins Debuts Single ‘Flowerbomb’ 10 DOJ Touts Anti-LGBT Views, Task Force at See Page 36 See Page 22 ‘Religious Freedom’ Summit 14 Emma González’s Summer of Activism 20 SEMHAC Hosts Project L.E.A.P. to Increase Awareness On HIV Funding MARRIAGE OUR HISTORY POLITICS 20 Remembering Beth Brant OPINION 12 Parting Glances 12 Viewpoint 13 Creep of the Week LIFE 22 I Spy Justin Theroux 32 Sisters in the Name of Love to be Staged at Gigi’s 34 Deep Inside Hollywood COOL CITIES: LANSING/ANN ARBOR Parisian Proposal Puts Couple on 24 Wharton Center’s ‘School of Rock — The Remembering Beth Brant Emma Gonzalez’s Summer Path Toward Intimate Wedding Musical’ Tickets Now Available of Activism 24 MDC 2018 Home Tour Tixs 27 Ark Hosts Community Sing Featuring Matt See Page 18 See Page 20 See Page 14 Watroba 27 Zingerman’s Delicatessen Hosts Summer Pantry Essentials Event

VOL. 2632/2633 • AUGUST 9 - 22, 2018 EDITORIAL News & Feature Writers ADVERTISING & SALES ONLINE AT ISSUE 1074 Editor in Chief Emell Derra Adolphus, Michelle Brown, Todd A. Director of Sales Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 102 Heywood, Ellen Knoppow, Jason Michael, Drew Jan Stevenson, 734.293.7200 x 101 “Between The Lines Newspaper” PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA GROUP [email protected] Howard, Jonathan Thurston [email protected] 20222 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152 CREATIVE Phone 734.293.7200 Entertainment Editor Sales Representatives Follow us @YourBTL Webmaster & MIS Director Chris Azzopardi, 734.293.7200 x 106 Ann Cox, 734.293.7200 x 103 Kevin Bryant, [email protected] PUBLISHERS [email protected] [email protected] Email your op–eds to Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson [email protected] Columnists Feature News Editor Donelle Kremke, 734.293.7200 x 104 MEMBER OF Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown, Kate Opalewski, 734.293.7200 x 108 [email protected] Michigan Press Assoication Mikey Rox, D’Anne Witkowski, Sign up online to receive our E–Digest [email protected] National LGBT Media Association Gwendolyn Ann Smith National Advertising Representative National Gay & Lesbian Chamber Editorial Assistant Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 Q Syndicate Cartoonists Eve Kucharski, 734.293.7200 x 105 Paul Berg, Dave Brousseau [email protected] Our rate cards are available online. All material appearing in Between The Lines is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publishers. Between The Lines is supported by many Contributing Photographers fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for materials provided by advertisers or their agents. Andrew Potter, Alexander Godin, Andrew Cohen Copyright 2018 Pride Source Media Group www.PrideSource.com August 9 - 22, 2018 | BTL 3 Anti-LGBT Legislation Successful Merger 9 0 S – June – Gov. John Engler signed ‘ 1 9 legislation in Lansing that makes April – Wellness Networks, E 9 same-sex marriage illegal in Michigan. Inc. in Ferndale and AIDS Care H 6 Michigan was the 13th state to have Connection in Detroit merged T enacted such legislation since the on April 1 to become AIDS beginning of 1996. Partnership Michigan (now UNIFIED - HIV Healthy & Beyond), the largest AIDS service provider in Michigan with an estimated annual budget in excess of $3 million, and a staff of around 38.

Capitol Commitment

June – Billed as Capitol Commitment, the 1996 Michigan Pride March held FLASHING its fi rst mass commitment ceremony on June 22 on the state Capitol steps. Presiding over the ceremonies was the BACK TO Rev. Dr. Mel White, justice minister of the Metropolitan Community Church. 85 THE PAST: couples participated.

Gays in Politics Under Attack August – Michigan Democratic June – Lansing State Journal sports Party selects fi rst openly gay writer Bob Gross was found brutally delegate, John Burchett, to murdered in his downtown home on go to the Democratic National June 27. His body was mutilated, Convention in Chicago. then the body and his home were set on fi re. Gross’ murder is one of several high profi le murders of gay men that year. His murder was discussed in a historic meeting

HISTORICAL MOMENTS FOR COMMUNITIES Pontchatrain in downtown Detroit. 1996: The Joyful Sounds of Soul was 1995: The Black community saves and selected as one of the groups to open the OF COLOR supports Harmon House AIDS Agency, 1996 Centennial Summer Olympic Games in which lost a large part of its funding in Atlanta from July 19 through August 4. This April. Donations of food, medical supplies, marked the fi rst time that any Detroit group 1994: Detroit’s Full Truth Unity Fellowship had opened at the Olympics. Their debut on serves the urban gay community. The Soul City Records, “Hold On,” featured the church, founded by pastor Rev. Renee vocals of Donnie Mark. McCoy, a native Detroiter, was in the forefront of all progressive and social 1996: The gay Latino/a group LLEGO - changes for African Americans. Latino Lesbian and Gay Organization for household items, linens, furniture, and Southeast Michigan - was formed to provide 1995: Black community leaders united to money poured in. The Harmon House was physical and emotional support within establish Detroit’s fi rst gay pride for people founded by Stephen Turner and Herb Knight. LGBTQ Spanish-speaking communities, as of African descent. Hotter Than July, hosted Cornelius Wilson was hired as the Program well as Latino/a programming in and around by the Billionaire Boys Club, was set for Director. Detroit. It was founded by Tony O’Rourke- the last week of July at the Crowne Plaza Quintana, and disbanded in 2013.

4 BTL | August 9 - 22, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com August 9 - 22, 2018 | BTL 5 LGBTQ Ally Vies for Seat on Michigan Supreme Court Candidate Sam Bagenstos ‘More Committed Than Ever to Fighting for Equal Rights’

Editor’s note: This is the first of two pieces on the I have, but LGBT issues would be one of those election for Michigan Supreme Court Nov. 7. issues. So, I was really happy to work on the BY KATE OPALEWSKI HIV discrimination stuff in the ‘90s.” Bagenstos’ background could also lead potential voters to believe that he would vote onsidered by some to be the most to protect the LGBTQ community. He twice important race for the people, the filed briefs in the U.S. Supreme Court to defend campaign for justice of the Michigan members of the LGBTQ community against CSupreme Court can often be overlooked discrimination. Once for the G.G. v. Gloucester when the public is particularly focused on the County School Board case when a federal judge gubernatorial and congressional races. This in Virginia found in favor of transgender year, two of the court’s seven seats are up for student, Gavin Grimm, who had to fight to consideration and following the November use the boys’ bathroom at school. With the election, 25-year strong civil rights attorney ACLU’s help, Grimm sued the school district for Sam Bagenstos is hoping to fill one of them. violating his rights under the constitution and “Why people should care has really come Title IX, a civil rights law protecting students into very sharp relief in the last few weeks as from sex discrimination. we’ve seen Donald Trump making his second The other is the Masterpiece Cakeshop appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court,” he v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission case said referencing Brett Kavanaugh. “We have when the Supreme Court ruled in favor of come to rely in the civil rights world on the a Colorado Baker who had refused to create federal courts as the place that we can go to a wedding cake for a gay couple. The court’s enforce our basic rights, and I think we have decision was narrow, and it sparked a national to face the reality that – thanks to Donald debate about whether or not a business can Trump – the federal courts are going to be discriminate against LGBTQ couples based closed for business for the protection of our on rights protected by the First Amendment. basic rights for the next generation. I’m not “I signed a brief of scholars arguing against being hyperbolic here. I think that’s really true. a free speech defense to discrimination. He’s appointed a bunch of very young, very The argument being that discrimination in ideological judges to the lower courts. He’s the marketplace is not an exercise of First about to cement control of the Supreme Court Amendment rights,” said Bagenstos. “Obviously with this second nomination.” Sam Bagenstos the Supreme Court ducked a big issue there, And as this becomes an important moment but we thought it was an important position for justice in America, the only place, according to take.” to Bagenstos, that people are going to be able their party is in office. They leave before the worked on LGBTQ cases, and as a young Bagenstos also testified in 2012 in Congress in to look for protections of their basic rights is end of their term so the governor can appoint attorney, Bagenstos argued the precedent favor of the Employment Non-Discrimination to the state courts, and particularly the state someone with an incumbency advantage,” setting case Bragdon v. Abbott . In its first case Act, which would protect workers against Supreme Courts. Bagenstos said. “That’s what happened here. addressing HIV, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled discrimination based on sexual orientation “I really do think this is a crucial moment The two people we’re running against (Kurtis 5-4 that the federal Americans with Disabilities and gender identity. for our state Supreme Court,” he said. “We’re Wilder and Elizabeth Clement) are Snyder Act prohibits discrimination against people Under President Barack Obama and Attorney at a crossroads about whether this is a court appointees who replaced Republicans who left living with HIV, whether or not they show any General Eric Holder, he served as the Principal that can be counted on to fill the gaps created in the middle of their term.” visible symptoms or have an AIDS diagnosis. Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Civil by a conservative dominated federal judiciary This year, Bagenstos is running with Megan Growing up, Bagenstos was raised by a single Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice. or not.” Cavanagh. mother in the ‘70s and ‘80s who was involved LGBTQ rights were a huge part of his work The current Michigan Supreme Court “We have a chance to flip the Michigan in the feminist movement. He said that this at that time, too. He was involved in the initial makeup is 5-2 with a Republican majority, Supreme Court this year with those two Snyder was perhaps the reason that social justice issues implementation and the constitutional defense four of whom were appointed by Gov. Rick appointees up for election for the first time,” have been important to him for a long time. of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Snyder, and one by former Gov. John Engler. he said. “If we take both of those seats then we “I remember the time then when a lot of Hate Crimes Prevention Act signed into law Both Democrats, Bridget Mary McCormack can flip control of the court. It seems like an her friends came out, and hearing their stories in October 2009. This marked the inclusion and Richard Bernstein, were elected in 2012 incredibly important moment to try to do that.” of what it was like at a time when there was of language for sexual orientation and gender and 2014, respectively. a supportive community within the LGBT identity and expression into the federal hate The seven justices of the Michigan Supreme community and maybe within my mother’s crimes law. Court are chosen in nonpartisan elections and The Evidence circles, but not so much outside,” he said. “I Bagenstos participated in the deliberations they serve eight-year terms and must be re- remember having friends in law school who within the Department of Justice about whether elected if they wish to continue serving. In Bagenstos has built a reputation for were out at law school, but had to be closeted or not to defend the Defense of Marriage Act the event of a mid-term vacancy, the governor defending workers’ rights, protecting the right at the firms they worked at during the summer. - which defines marriage for federal purposes appoints a temporary replacement to serve until to vote, defending the rights of Americans with Those were important experiences for me so as only between a man and a woman - in court the next general election. disabilities, fighting for women’s rights and when I got into civil rights law, I wanted to in Windsor v. United States. “Justices seem to tend to time their pursuing LGBTQ rights. Since the beginning of his career, he has work on a whole range of civil rights issues, as departures so they leave when a governor of See Mi Supreme Court, continued on p. 8 6 BTL | August 9 - 22, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com August 9 - 22, 2018 | BTL 7 ® Mi Supreme Court highest honors and highest distinction from the Beyond Obergefell, Bagenstos points to work since the beginning of his career, but Continued from p. 6 University of North Carolina, and was first in discrimination in the workplace or in the when he had a son with a physical disability his class at the Harvard Law School. Early in his marketplace where he knows these issues will he, “Certainly got a richer understanding of the career, Bagenstos was a law clerk to Justice Ruth be moving ahead to the Michigan Supreme discriminatory attitudes and barriers that are Bader Ginsburg on the U.S. Supreme Court. Court. For example, should the Elliott-Larsen ever-present in the daily lives of many disabled Civil Rights Act cover discrimination against p e op l e .” individuals based on their sexual orientation In addition to the LGBTQ rights work he’s What’s to Come or gender identity? been doing since the ‘90s, when his daughter When asked about which social justice “This is bound to get to the Michigan who worked through her own sense of identity issues might be most important if he is elected, Supreme Court in a couple of years so the as a teenager and ultimately came out as a Bagenstos said he was worried about one in Michigan Supreme Court matters enormously. lesbian, Bagenstos said he “Saw the pressures particular. It matters much more now than it did before on LGBT young people in a very direct way.” “While I can’t say how I would rule on Donald Trump because before Donald Trump “Of course I came away from those parental particular issues, I can talk about the issues that we could at least see the federal courts as open experiences more committed than ever to are going to come up, which the community to hearing claims about the protection of basic fighting for equal rights,” he said. should care a lot about,” said Bagenstos, adding rights,” he said. “With Trump’s appointees, that When asked why members of the that there is a real chance that Obergefell v. door is closing pretty fast at the federal level community should remember to vote for him, Hodges will be overruled. and state courts are more important.” Bagenstos reiterates that with Donald Trump’s “That’s worrisome,” he said. “Even if not, Bagenstos lives with his wife, Margo appointments, the federal courts are going to be “That was sort of an amazing experience there are all these questions that have come Schlanger - the Wade H. and Dores M. McCree under the control of ideological, conservative to sit in the command center of the justice up about the scope of Obergefell. What does it Collegiate Professor of Law at the University of judges for decades to come. department with Eric Holder and a whole mean for adoption and child custody and child Michigan Law School - and their two teenage “The state courts are going to be the only bunch of folks across the justice department welfare issues, and divorce rights? ... they could children in Ann Arbor. place we can go to protect our basic rights,” arguing out what you should do. I was really say that it’s going to fall on the state courts to He was a civil rights attorney before he was he said. “The Michigan Supreme Court is proud,” he said. “We did a lot of work trying decide what are the rights of LGBT individuals a husband or a father, so it’s not like being a going to be a crucial location for this fight. to find the spaces within existing law to extend who enter into marriage or who are parents of husband or father was what motivated him to I’ve been fighting for civil rights for my whole protections to LGBTQ individuals whether kids outside of marriage or in the context of a do civil rights work; that came much earlier. career, which makes me the right person for under the Family Medical Leave Act or under divorce or dissolution of marriage ... all those “But it’s true that I’ve had some experiences this position right now.” the Fair Housing Act or Title VII. It was a great things are up for grabs in a world where we as a father that helped me see the civil rights experience.” have a Donald Trump Supreme Court. It’s really issues I had been working on from a different Show your support for or find more Bagenstos is now a professor of law at the the Michigan Supreme Court that’s going to be perspective,” he said. information about Sam Bagenstos online at University of Michigan. He graduated with crucial to deciding them.” For example, he’s been doing disability rights bagenstosforjustice.com.

8 BTL | August 9 - 22, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com August 9 - 22, 2018 | BTL 9 NEWS DOJ Touts Anti-LGBT Views, Task Force at ‘Religious Freedom’ Summit

BY CHRIS JOHNSON

summit at the U.S. Justice Department on Monday ostensibly intended to promote religious freedom, including Athe creation of a Religious Liberty Task Force, often highlighted efforts to enable anti-LGBT discrimination. At the summit in the Justice Department’s Great Hall, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of the task force to Transgender Pride in the implement “religious freedom” guidance he issued last year. Park in Ferndale on Aug. 11 “The task force will help the department fully implement our religious liberty guidance BY BTL STAFF by ensuring that all Justice Department components — and we got a lot of components s the summer rolls to a close, around the country — are upholding that so does pride season, but not guidance in the cases they bring and defend, before Transgender Michigan the arguments they make in court, the policies Ahosts its annual, Transgender Pride and regulations they adopt and how we conduct in the Park. On Saturday, Aug. 11 at our operations,” Sessions said. Ferndale’s Donald Red Geary Park from According to the Justice Department, noon to 6 p.m., attendees can enjoy a Sessions will serve as chair of the task force, day of food, vendors and community. which will be co-chaired by Acting Associate Event organizer Rachel Crandall- Attorney General Jesse Panuccio and Associate Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of a Religious Liberty Task Force. Washington Blade photo by Michael Key Crocker said she expects record high Attorney General for the Office of Legal Policy Beth Williams. levels of attendance this year. Sessions said a primary mission of the freedom,” Sessions said at the start of his urged a commitment to religious freedom to “It’s our gift to the transgender Religious Liberty Task Force will be ensuring remarks. “There can be no doubt, it’s no little advance anti-LGBT discrimination. community and we got people from Justice Department employees “know their duty matter. It must be confronted intellectually and Archbishop of Louisville Joseph Edward all over our country. It isn’t only a is to accommodate people of faith.” politically, and defeated.” Kurtz, who formerly served as president of Michigan event anymore,” Crandall- “This administration is animated by the same LGBT rights supporters said in response the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said Crocker said. “And I want people to American view that has led us for 242 years to the creation of the Religious Liberty Task religious freedom is facing challenges that that every American has a right to believe and know it’s the largest transgender event Force its purpose was to further the Trump amount to “power-seeking for the purpose of worship and exercise their faith in the public in Michigan and surrounding states.” administration’s goal of compromising LGBT imposing one’s will on others.” square,” Sessions added. She also emphasized that the event rights. Kurtz cited as an example Catholic adoption The underlying guidance on which the is a free one. Louise Melling, deputy legal director for agencies being “targeted for closure” for refusing task force is based seeks to allow individuals “One main way it’s different and we the American Civil Liberties Union, said the to place children with LGBT families out of and businesses to act in the name of religious do this purposely is that everything agenda of the Religious Liberty Task Force “isn’t religious objections. freedom — often used as an exercise for consistent with religious freedom.” “One of the biggest concerns is the ability of is free, and that’s really an important anti-LGBT discrimination — without fear of “Religious freedom protects our right to our our child welfare providers to continue to be difference. A lot of trans people government reprisal. Nowhere in the guidance beliefs, not a right to discriminate or harm able to place children with foster and adoptive experience so much discrimination is there a limiting principle assuring the right to others,” Melling said. “Jeff Session’s Department families consistent with our teaching,” Kurtz that they can’t afford anything at all and free exercise of religion should be an excuse to of Justice is again turning that understanding said. there are some prides that cost $10 to engage in anti-LGBT discrimination. of religious freedom on its head.” Although no government is actively seeking Announcing the new task force, Sessions get in and then you have to buy food Lucas Acosta, director of LGBTQ media for to close Catholic adoption agencies, they have referenced the Masterpiece Cakeshop case and we just didn’t think that was right,” the Democratic National Committee, said in a threatened to shut their doors on their own in which a Colorado baker was sued after he She said. “It really excludes a lot of statement the task force is “just the latest assault in the wake of the legalization of same-sex refused to make a custom-made wedding cake people, and I really want to emphasize in this administration’s continued campaign marriage because they feel they’ll be forced to for a same-sex couple. The U.S. Supreme Court the discrimination. We didn’t want to against LGBTQ people and our civil rights.” place children with gay couples who marry. narrowly ruled in his favor based on the facts of exclude anybody, we are completely “By creating this task force, Sessions is As a result, a growing number or states have his case, citing anti-religion sentiment on the establishing a unit dedicated to undermining enacted anti-LGBT adoption laws allowing inclusive. And that’s something that Colorado Civil Rights Commission. LGBTQ rights and giving anti-LGBTQ far-right taxpayer-funded agencies to refuse to place we’re very, very proud about. Also, Sessions commended Phillips for having extremists like task force head Jesse Panuccio children with LGBT families over religious it’s out in the open, however it is in endured an “ordeal faced so gravely,” touting an a taxpayer-funded platform to push their anti- objections. House Republicans have inserted an a park where people can feel safe and amicus brief the Justice Department filed on his equality agenda,” Acosta said. “Rather than amendment in a pending appropriations bill that protected.” behalf before the Supreme Court. U.S. Solicitor ensuring every person has equal protections and would penalize states and localities for having General Noel Francisco also argued in favor opportunities, Sessions is shamefully doubling policies barring anti-LGBT discrimination More information about the event and of Phillips before justices in oral arguments. down on bigotry.” among adoption agencies. Transgender Michigan can be found online “Let’s be frank: A dangerous movement, But the creation of the Religious Liberty Task Phillips, the owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop, undetected by many, but real, is now challenging Force was just one portion of the summit, which was himself present at the summit and took and eroding our great tradition of religious also included the voices of participants who part in a panel of individuals who say they are 10 BTL | August 9 - 22, 2018 www.PrideSource.com facing challenges to their religious freedom. Department, and Asma Uddin, senior scholar Moderating his panel was Justice at the Religious Freedom Center of the Department spokesperson Kerri Kupec, Freedom Forum Institute, who talked about formerly a spokesperson for the anti-LGBT anti-Muslim sentiments. Alliance Defending Freedom. At a time when Singh said his agency has found hate that term is used as justification for anti-LGBT crimes against minority religions have been discrimination, Kupec said in her introduction increasing, which he said is substantiated by of the panel religious freedom is often “housed the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s annual in scare quotes, as if it’s not a real thing, or even reports and studies from universities, although worse, a bad thing, which is tragic.” “there’s a lot of underreporting going on.” Much of Kupec’s questioning of Phillips But other speakers on the panel railed sought to elicit sympathy for him, which against efforts to uphold LGBT rights as they meant his act of refusing to make a custom- face compromise in the name of religious made wedding cake for a same-sex couple freedom, including Emilie Kao, director of the who entered his store was glossed over as he Richard & Helen DeVos Center for Religion explained his commitment to his religious & Civil Society at the anti-LGBT Heritage views. Foundation. In addition to refusing to make a same-sex Kao was critical of litigation filed by the wedding cake, Phillips said his religious beliefs ACLU against the Michigan law enabling compel him to close on Sundays, refuse to Catholic adoption agencies to refuse placement service Halloween celebrations or make cakes to LGBT families over religious objections. with denigrating messages. Asserting same-sex couples seeking to adopt “It’s the message of the cake that I evaluate, face no problem in access to adoption, Kao not the person who ordered the cake,” Phillips said the plaintiff in the lawsuit drove past four said. “In one instance, I had a man who wanted other adoption agencies to reach St. Vincent’s me to make a cake basically telling his boss Catholic Charities, which she said “still holds that he was a jerk, so I wouldn’t do that, but the belief that they should put every child with I’ve also had people asked me to do cakes that a mother and father.” would disparage gay people, the gay lifestyle, “The lesbian couple says they were but I wouldn’t do that either because they’re personally offended by St. Vincent’s not placing hurtful cakes.” a child with them,” Kao said. “I think it’s As the litigation went forward, Phillips important for us to recognize that throughout said he received death threats as well as a the history of our country and the Supreme threat over the phone against his daughter. Court’s cases, we have always protected the As a result, Phillips said he wouldn’t allow right of people to follow their religious beliefs, employees to answer the phone at Masterpiece and we’ve never protected the right not to have Cakeshop and would only take calls himself. your feelings hurt.” Noting the U.S. Supreme Court only takes Michael McConnell, a law professor at a few select cases each year, Phillips became the Constitutional Law Center at Stanford emotional when he recalled news that justices University, warned of the growing compromise had agreed to take up his petition after the that religious liberty faces in the wake of state of Colorado ruled against him. growing “sexual freedom.” Even though the result of the case was “An extremely popular argument in religious narrowly in his favor and didn’t open up circles has been that religious accommodations a First Amendment right for anti-LGBT are necessarily unconstitutional if they lead to discrimination, Phillips said it was worth the so-called third-party harm,” McConnell said. effort. “If there’s anyone whose rights or interests… “True tolerance has to be a two-way street,” are interfered with, that that means the Phillips said. “We’re thrilled that the United accommodation is simply unconstitutional. States ruled in our favor, this ruling solidifying To my mind, that’s an extremely implausible religious freedom in our country, but it’s not argument because virtually every just for me, it’s for all us, every American accommodation, and indeed, virtually any should now be able to live and work freely application of any constitutional right — free and according to their conscience without speech, property, due process — there’s always fear of punishment from the government.” someone on the other side of ledger who’s Other speakers at the summit expressed interests are being harmed.” concerns about threats to religious minorities in a manner that progressives would likely agree is a threat to religious freedom. This article originally appeared in the Among them was Harpreet Singh, who Washington Blade and is made available in works with Muslim, Arab, Sikh, South Asian partnership with the National LGBT Media and Hindu religions on behalf of the Justice Association. www.PrideSource.com August 9 - 22, 2018 | BTL 11 Parting Glances

BYLINE Lights (and Gurgles) Remembered

“I’m burning my candle at both ends. It will not last the night. But, oh, my foes, and, ah, my friends. It gives a lovely light!” These words are by bisexual poet Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892-1950), the subject of a fascinating best-selling biography called “Savage Beauty,” by Nancy Milford (Random House). Millay’s poetry — touching, independent, light, feminist, sardonic — is once again reaching new, younger audiences, many LGBTQ. My acquaintance with her poetic gifts began with her sonnets. When I was getting over my first “big gay affair,” I memorized Millay’s words: “Time does not bring relief/ All you have lied who told me time would ease me of my pain./ I miss him in the weeping of the rain/ I want him in the shrinking of the tide ....” Pain indeed. I was 23 and into my fourth year of a rewarding affair when I was dumped by my partner Ernie for a soldier on leave named Joe (Ernie and I were Pain indeed. I was 23 and into my fourth working at Discount Transmissions Records in downtown year of a rewarding affair when I was Detroit and Joe was a dumped by my partner Ernie for a soldier hunky customer). on leave named Joe (Ernie and I were Soon, I met new working at Discount Records in downtown friends at Detroit’s Detroit and Joe was a hunky customer). Woodward Bar, circa 1959: Tom, Paul and Their Past, Our Present Jonya, each of whom I found out was a bona fide candle queen. My first dinner in their enlightened company was midsummer. It could just as well have been Christmas for all the flickering- fairy, highlighted enchantment I walked into. I think I counted a dozen candles of varying sizes, shapes, BY GWENDOLYN ANN SMITH scents in strategic places of the living room. The effect was wonderful, but I began to worry. recently happened upon a photo from 1921. In it, a quartet These books were the remains of the Institut für Was a group seduction planned? Was all this flicker and flare of people stands outside an imposing stone structure. All Sexualwissenschaft. Four days earlier, the staff had been to enhance the taste of mediocre food (another tuna-potato- four look as if they were in conversation with each other beaten, and the windows smashed. Hirschfeld himself was chip casserole!)? Were we going to have an impromptu rosary? Imoments before the camera came out, and now they face on a speaking tour outside of the country. He never returned, The simple truth is that these guys loved candles. Jonya, the lens. One wears an immaculate three-piece suit and tie, and passed in exile. who was Dutch, took pride in a family silver heirloom, once while the other three wear fashionable frocks, hats and heels Those identity passes that allowed transgender people to hidden during the Nazi occupation of his country. He called befitting the time. exist publicly in Germany, too, were made obsolete. the candle holder a “SHANdalabra,” which made his lover Paul Willie Römer took the photo in front of the Institut für I’ve had that first photo sitting on my hard drive lately. These smile indulgently. Sexualwissenschaft, during the First International Congress four people, and their resolute expressions strike me as they I think I saw Jonya genuflect as he lit the candles gracing the for Sex Reform on the Basis of Sexology, pioneered by Magnus stand along the street. Aside from clothing nearly a century dining table. A carpenter by trade, his rough hands lovingly Hirschfeld. The four people in the photo are, in modern out of date, the people themselves feel oddly contemporary. arranged flowers as well, of which there was also an abundance parlance, transgender. After the election of Donald Trump, a mad dash started to on display that festive night. Hirschfeld was a pioneer in the study of both homosexual get one’s paperwork in order. People feared swift changes on Tom, who was with Paul before Jonya (and the son of a Detroit and transgender people, and his Institut was well known. It the part of the incoming administration. There was a push to precinct police captain), took pleasure in an elaborate dime was a refuge for both, and a place not only of scientific study, quickly to correct passports, which allowed an updated gender store-bought fountain in the living room. He called it Miss Trevi. but also of community and support. It even led to a lot of marker that would be valid for the next few years, hopefully It held plants, glass beads, ice cubes, gold fish. The water’s color great advances in trans rights for the time, including the first longer than Trump might cling to power. varied from party to party, augmented by leftover Manhattans. modern examples of trans identity documents. I was one of those who hurriedly got my papers in order, Little wonder that Miss Trevi gurgled, occasionally burped Yet just 12 short years after this photo was taken, another, begging my mother and sister to get notarized letters on my and wheezed. Compliments given to this bubbling contraption more famous one was snapped. In it, a large assembly of behalf, acquiring the services of a friendly local physician usually resulted in amply free-poured drinks by proud-owner Germans, many wearing uniforms of the Nazi party, stand at to do the appropriate consultation, and spending a couple attention, giving the infamous straight-armed salute. In the See Headline, continued on p. 13 foreground, a large pile of books and papers burns. Next Page 12 BTL | August 9 - 22, 2018 www.PrideSource.com ® Transmissions I look at that photo from 1921, at those Continued from p. 13 Creep Of The Week proud, resolute transgender people from nearly 100 years ago. How many of them were BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI months on high alert, wading through the various Voter Suppression layers of bureaucracy. able to escape what was happening around It is a matter of record that It finally arrived on the 17th of January, 2017 hey say if you don’t vote you can’t — three days before the inauguration. them, or were they forced into hiding? We’re complain. This is actually not Republicans do not like it when I don’t know how many other trans people did any of them amongst those beaten when true. You can complain all you people vote, especially when it’s the same, but there were enough that massive Twant. Especially if you’re someone who brown and black people voting. crowd funding sources popped up overnight, the Institut für Sexualwissenschaft was has been blocked from voting. And in helping people to get their paperwork in order destroyed? Dare I even ponder if these folks the U.S., we block a whole lot of people They holler and cry about “voting as quick as they could. from voting. It’s supposed to be a super integrity,” claiming that onerous Yet nothing happened. Passports seemed enjoying a nice day in the sun would, just a important right, but it’s often easier to forgotten, as the administration instead attacked buy a gun than it is to vote. voter ID laws are the only way to few years later, be forced to wear the pink our military fitness in between despicable attacks Around every election, especially protect this cherished institution. on immigrants and non-whites. Then, in July, that triangle and live out their remaining days in a presidential ones, we hear about voter shaky peace was shattered. roll purges on the news. Often, these And yet they also work behind One friend of mine was told that paperwork of concentration camp? purges are performed in Republican- the scenes to make it as hard as hers from 20 years ago would need to be reviewed controlled states and the people purged before she could use her passport, while another just happen to be — oh gosh wouldn’t possible, or at least stand in the friend got a call from the State Department, saying was happening around them, or were they forced you know it — people in heavily way of making it easy. that the letter from her doctor was, seemingly, in into hiding? We’re any of them amongst those Democratic areas. When these people error. As of this writing, some 10 trans people beaten when the Institut für Sexualwissenschaft show up to vote, not knowing that their be crossed off the list, using your have had their passports challenged. was destroyed? Dare I even ponder if these folks name has been thrown off the list, they own reliable transportation while on Tucked in between tweets asking for donations enjoying a nice day in the sun would, just a few can’t. your lunch break from your job that and a call supporting transgender healthcare for years later, be forced to wear the pink triangle and It is a matter of record that gives its employees time off to vote, veterans, the National Center for Transgender live out their remaining days in a concentration Republicans do not like it when people congratulations. Please note your Equality has a notice. They have been investigating camp? vote, especially when it’s brown and privilege and keep it in mind when the issue, and say that all of them so far feature It would be too easy to think I’m being black people voting. They holler and you judge other people for not voting. “unusual circumstances” and “bureaucratic melodramatic, and that we’ve come too far to see cry about “voting integrity,” claiming And be very skeptical of anyone who mistakes,” while reminding the community that such horrors revisited, Then I remember than this that onerous voter ID laws are the only says that the problem with elections the rules haven’t changed. I hope that’s true. is an administration that is more than willing to way to protect this cherished institution. in this country is voter fraud, because Nevertheless, people are scared and — to be lock young children in cages with nary a flinch, And yet they also work behind the that is simply not true. Trump may say honest — I’m amongst them. The president is and I feel far less assured. scenes to make it as hard as possible, that 3,000,000 “illegals” voted in the continuing to attack transgender people, and his So now, we need to fight back. In 100 days, or at least stand in the way of making 2016 election, thereby denying him the whole administration has worked to chip away give or take, we need to vote — and every day we it easy. popular vote, but there is absolutely no at our rights little by little. After all, the executive need to be willing to fight back, arm-in-arm, with Remember way back in 2000? The evidence of that. Not to mention the fact branch isn’t just one person, and this one is chock immigrants, people of color, sex workers, Muslims hanging chad fiasco? Lawmakers that it would have required a conspiracy full of people willing to do the bidding of some of and everyone else fighting these same struggles. declared that we needed better laws among election officials on an epic scale. the most vile people imaginable. I don’t want — in a century from today — for about voting! So the Help America Vote But then, of course, Trump is a big fan On top of that, the actions of this administration some future someone to view a photo of the Act was passed in 2002. And it solved of conspiracies. have emboldened other citizens to revel in their transgender activists of today, and have to wonder all of our problems, the end, goodnight. Voter suppression, however, is very bigotry. In short, the monsters are revealing what happened to our proud faces. Just kidding. HAVA established some real. People who scheme to find ways themselves, as they have no fear of being seen standards for elections and created to get fewer people to vote are anti- as monsters. Gwen Smith wishes to spend more days in the sun. the Election Assistance Commission. American and anti-Democratic. If a I look at that photo from 1921, at those proud, You can find her at www.gwensmith.com. It also got rid of punch card ballots. person wants to make it easy for you resolute transgender people from nearly 100 years However, all the HAVAs in the world to get an assault rifle but wants to make ago. How many of them were able to escape what can’t help when one of the major parties it hard for you to cast a vote, then that is actively hostile toward voting rights person can stop claiming that they (and welcomed interference from Russia care about is constitutional right. Also, the president of a successful video arts recording into our elections to boot). they’re probably a Republican. company. His third partner for over 40 years, Tom ® Parting Glances It also doesn’t help that Democrats As I write this it is the eve of the 2018 Stewart, died a year ago. Tom was a give-from-the- Continued from p. 12 have often ignored this issue, taking primary election. By the time you read heart kind of guy. for granted that a large swath of their this, people who want nothing more Me? I’m still burning my candle at both ends. supporters often have to jump through than to destroy the civil rights gains And — if you really must know — my vanilla- Tom. extra hoops to get to the polls. The more LGBTQ people have made (and those flavored wick has waxed somewhat shorter. But it Alone in my cluttered art studio these days, I hoops a person has to jump through, people will mostly be Republicans) will flickers ever so brightly. Now and then. often light a candle and watch shadows dance softly, the less likely they are to vote. And it’s be real contenders for offices far and silently, so sadly empty, on my walls. Images of the not because they’re lazy. It’s because wide. Find out who is running where past appear, wink and vanish. they’re tired. you live and for what offices. And don’t Charles Alexander is prolific both as a BTL columnist Paul has been married almost 50 years to Susan, And if you have never found voting wait until November. Find a candidate (700-plus columns) and as a well-known LGBT “a wonderfully understanding wife.” Jonya died to be a challenge at all, if you’ve always you support and get involved in their community artist (1000 Face Book images). He is a of a heart attack aboard ship during a return visit been able to breeze in and out of campaign. Voting alone is not enough. Spirit of Detroit Award recipient and an Affirmations to Amsterdam. Tom, who in 1972 was told that your polling place to use shiny new If you don’t vote, go ahead and LGBT CENTER Jan Stevenson awardee. Connect because he had an abused pancreas his next drink voting equipment, never worrying complain all you want. But chances are with him at [email protected]. “would be it,” ignored the warning. He was 36. about whether or not you had the you’ll have a lot less to complain about Ernie and I are in touch. He lives in New York, proper ID or that your name might if you are part of the process. www.PrideSource.com August 9 - 22, 2018 | BTL 13 Emma González’s Summer of Activism

BY KAREN OCAMB and they wanted to hold onto me like that. But I wanted to be with the people at my school who LOS ANGELES – Emma González is famous had experienced that. I wanted to be with my now. She’d rather be enjoying the summer friend who had sat next to me the whole time. before college hanging out with friends. It’s a different sort of connection and because But the Valentine’s Day massacre at Marjory of that, it’s easier for us to connect with the Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, people around the country because we know, Florida, stole away that carefree freedom, we’ve all experienced the same thing.” morally forcing the survivors to take on the González noted that LGBT people are heavily responsibility of doing something about the involved in the March For Our Lives movement. gun violence that has impacted more than “A lot of the people in our organization are 150,000 students in the two decades since the LGBT+ so we bring it up in discussions and we mass shooting at Columbine High School. make sure that people in the LGBT community The 18-year-old senior first caught America’s are present in discussions,” she said. “I do attention as the furious-faced warrior, fighting believe, personally, that like we have brought back tears, chastising politicians beholden to those topics to light in conversation [but] the the National Rifle Association. solutions that we have will directly affect and “All these people should be home grieving. support the LGBT community.” But instead we are up here standing together González said she feels like she’s been because if all our government and President threatened “generally,” as much as in the context can do is send thoughts and prayers, then it’s of conservative verbal attacks on the Parkland time for victims to be the change that we need survivors. to see,” González said at an angry rally at the never complain to me about piano practice,” different approach to public encounters: be “Anything is up for grabs to anybody around, Federal Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale three she said, a catch in her voice. “Aaron Feis would authentic, have facts in hand, truly listen to the ya know?” she said. “Like I’m a female. I’m a days after the shooting. “To every politician never call Kyra ‘Miss Sunshine.’ Alex Schachter other person, and reply as a “human person.” short female. I live in Florida. I’m Cuban and I who is taking donations from the NRA, shame would never walk into school with his brother González talked about coping and their have family members that live with me. I have on you!” Ryan.” intention to connect. survived a school shooting and I speak out González let loose: González went on, naming the names of “I’m a mess and I’m messy,” she said in an politically and I’m bisexual—and all of these “Politicians who sit in their gilded House those shot dead that Feb. 14. And then she interview after the panel. “I’m very, very bad things are not desirable things to the people and Senate seats funded by the NRA, telling us stopped. For 6 minutes and 20 seconds—the at organizing myself…We do eat whenever we who are in power and especially the people nothing could have ever been done to prevent time it took for the shooter to kill 17 people get to restaurants. But we don’t think about who are getting money from other people who this: We call BS! and wound 15 others—she stood silently, letting eating as much, especially because the topics are in power. They say that tougher gun laws do not the confused crowd gradually absorb what we’re talking about kinda take appetites away “But I’m an 18-year-old girl, at the end of the decrease gun violence: We call BS! that silence signified, filling the silence in their and like sadness fills your stomach more than day,” González said. “I’m a human person and They say a good guy with a gun stops a bad own imaginations with the screams of terror food can. But then you smell food and you’re so are the people that I work with. And a lot guy with a gun: We call BS!” that must have accompanied the gunshots. like rrrr I need that.” of times, we either get put on a pedestal or we A string of public appearances followed, Many wept. “It’s hard to get enough food in the day and get treated like we’re untouchable, like we’re not helping generate funding for a national March “Fight for your lives before it’s someone else’s hard to get enough sleep at night,” González human, we’re undefeatable. But a bullet could For Our Lives tour to spread the message about job,” she said before leaving the stage. “One said, “because we have like 19-hour workdays, take down any of us just as much as anybody gun violence prevention and nullifying the final plug: Get out there and vote.” essentially. And we ride the bus. We ride the else. And it’s statistically more likely to happen power of the NRA. “ The Parkland students’ 20-state summer bus bus a lot and it’s easy to sleep on the bus but it’s nowadays. On Feb. 26, Harpers Bazaar published tour, March For Our Lives: Road To Change, not a full night’s sleep, you know what I mean? “But I mean, like we’re all the same and we an essay by González, with photos of her at stopped in NRA-loving towns to have civil It’s choppy and blocked up.” all have the same amount of potential,” she said. a Valentine’s Day event one hour before the conversations with gun-lovers, noting that Meeting with people who have faced gun “Anybody could have done what I had done. I shooting and another (with hair) decked out they do not want to take away guns, but create violence is “an incredible experience” but “it’s didn’t even know what I was doing at the time. for Pride week at school last year. common sense regulations to prevent gun hard and it’s sad to know that so many people I looked back and saw what had happened. I “My Name is Emma González. I’m 18 years violence. The tour hit Los Angeles in July and are affected by gun violence. And of course we did not think forward at all. None of that was old, Cuban and bisexual. I’m so indecisive that I included a meeting with Mayor Eric Garcetti, knew that they were. But hearing it is a whole like an intentional kaboom that had happened, can’t pick a favorite color, and I’m allergic to 12 who pledged to work with high schools and different experience. it just did.” things. I draw, paint, crochet, sew, embroider— colleges for a voter registration drive on Sept. “We share our experiences as they share Most importantly: “Get out and vote. If you anything productive I can do with my hands 25. theirs—but it’s also incredibly healing to know can’t vote then register other people to vote. Get while watching Netflix. But none of this matters But the town hall at the California African that you’re not alone,” González said. “That’s the people to the polls, make sure that people who anymore,” she wrote. “What matters is that the American Museum on July 19 illuminated number one rule after you lose someone is go to need to vote, can vote,” González said, adding a majority of American people have become another aspect of Emma González. The somebody else, go to the people around you, be plug for their merchandise. “Buy the shirts on complacent in a senseless injustice that occurs Parkland students served as a draw but they also with the people that you love. And as you can our website because they can register people all around them.” shared their platform with coalition partners see in ‘Big Hero 6,’ that doesn’t always happen. to vote. Electronics are lovely, lovely.” González next caught America’s attention on and expanded the discussion to guns used A lot of people push away the people around ‘Get out and vote. If you can’t vote then March 24 at the “March for Our Lives” rally in during domestic violence, suicide and police them because they feel like they’re alone. register other people to vote,’ says Emma Washington, D.C., the main rally of about 800 shootings. “In our case, all we could do was be with the González. student walkouts and rallies around the country. And Emma González listened. When a people around us because they were the only Head held high, tears streaming down her face, question was asked of the panel, she reached people who knew what we had gone through,” This article originally appeared in the Washington she stood before thousands of marchers and for the microphone, paused, and then deferred she said. “I wanted to be around my family Blade and is made available in partnership with millions watching on TV. to the community panelist. It was as if González because I knew that they wanted me to be with the National LGBT Media Association. “Six minutes and 20 seconds with an AR- 15 and the Parkland students were modeling a them and they wanted to know that I was safe and my friend Carmen (Schentrup) would 14 BTL | August 9 - 22, 2018 www.PrideSource.com

Harris, Carper introduce bill to include Gay Teen Kicked Out LGBT questions on U.S. Census of Home Will Pay $0 to In the wake of the Trump administration’s decision not to allow Americans to identify as LGBT on the U.S. Census, two Democratic senators have introduced legislation that would Attend Georgetown require those questions in major federal surveys. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — After raising nearly Sens. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) and Tom Carper (D-Del.) $130,000 to cover tuition, the gay Florida valedictorian announced on Tuesday they had introduced in the U.S. Senate who says his parents kicked him out will pay nothing to go the Census Equality Act, which would begin the process of to college this fall. adding questions allowing respondents to identify their sexual News outlets report Georgetown University adjusted orientation and gender identity in both the decennial U.S. Census 18-year-old Seth Owen’s financial aid package, reducing his and the annual American Community Survey. expected out-of-pocket contribution from $20,000 to $0. Harris said in a statement the legislation is necessary because His aid package had been calculated based on his parents’ “the spirit of the census is that no one should go uncounted and ability to pay. But he says they kicked him out in February, no one should be invisible.” following disagreements over his sexuality and an ultimatum: attend their Southern Baptist church or leave. Read the whole story online at pridesource.com. Seth Owen will attend Georgetown University in the fall. (Photo Having initially refused to adjust aid, Georgetown has courtesy of Seth Owen/GoFundMe) now enrolled Owen in its scholarship program. Georgetown New GOP Bill Would Ban Flying of Pride released a statement Friday in which Owen says he hopes create scholarships for LGBTQ students facing similar Flag at U.S. Embassies to use the GoFundMe set up by his biology teacher to circumstances. A Republican lawmaker in the U.S. House has introduced Indiana School Must Allow Transgender Student to Sse Male Bathroom legislation that appears to be aimed at barring U.S. embassies EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — A he was told to use the female restroom in a state that won’t do that unless a from flying the Pride flag in recognition of the LGBT community. federal judge has ordered an Indiana or bathrooms in the nurse’s office. He surgery takes place. The ACLU says With little fanfare last week, Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) quietly school district to allow a transgender says his rights were violated . the teen is under a doctor’s care and introduced the measure, which seeks to “prohibit the flying of student to use male bathrooms. School officials said the student getting hormone therapy. any flag other than the United States flag over United States Judge William Lawrence signed could use the male bathroom if his The teen says he experiences distress diplomatic and consular posts, and for other purposes.” an injunction Friday, just days before birth certificate was changed to identify when forced to use the female restroom. classes resume in the Evansville him as a male. The judge found the claims credible. Read the whole story online at pridesource.com. Vanderburgh school district. The American Civil Liberties Union The 17-year-old student sued after of Indiana says the student was born

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BY JASON A. MICHAEL not so well and I remember talking to a friend of mine, bemoaning my relationship hen Josh Winowiecki and We’re just now delving and her advice was, ‘You just need to go on Andrew Morton planned a trip “ into this crazy wedding another date,” Morton recalled. “So I went to Paris, they planned it with on a handful of dates over a few months. Wtheir mothers in mind. planning business,” But when I met Josh I definitely felt it “We took our moms with us because was something different, it was very easy. they both turned 60 this year,” said Winowiecki said. “We There was plenty to talk about. Something Winowiecki. talk about this a lot I admired about Josh and found attractive The trip, which took place in May, was is the way he would talk about his work. different from the start. but it’s very exciting He’s a nurse and he would talk about it “We sort of joked a lot about doing the with such passion.” trip with our mothers,” Morton said. “So where marriage Winowiecki, too, knew things were we had been joking a lot not to expect a equality has gone and getting seriously quickly. proposal. I certainly convinced myself of “I think when I met Andrew I knew that as well. We had talked about getting the opportunity that that something was different, for sure, married and I think we both knew it was with our connection,” he said. “As the inevitable at some point fairly soon.” exists. next two years went along not only our But on May 12, at the Musée de kind of view on the world and important l’Orangerie in Paris, Winowiecki popped ” - Josh Winowiecki issues lined up very well. But we didn’t the question. agree on everything, which I kind of “I think it was a lovely way to do it,” appreciate. I appreciate the back and forth said Morton. “It’s a great memory. And it Winowiecki continued. “So it’s been that we have and that we can intellectually was nice to have my mom there as well.” exciting to determine what we wanted our discuss important issues and not always Now, back in their downtown Detroit wedding to look like but there’s no frame agree. Andrew helps me see things from home, the couple is busy planning a work to follow. We’re looking at a small a perspective I might not see normally.” wedding. They’ve set the date for May 31, ceremony, just immediate family. Then for When not comparing world views, 2019. the reception maybe about 100 people.” Morton and Winowiecki can often be “We’re just now delving into this crazy found traveling. wedding planning business,” Winowiecki “We travel a lot,” Winowiecki said. “We said. “We talk about this a lot but it’s very Flashback Three Years haven’t given our honeymoon a whole lot exciting where marriage equality has gone “We met on OK Cupid,” said of thought. Andrew is British, so there are and the opportunity that exists. When I Winowiecki. “We went out for coffee and family and friends who will not be able came out in 1996, for years I thought I’d then fairly quickly after that we started to come over for the wedding. So we’re never be able to be married. seeing each other. We moved into together planning on having a second celebration “But it’s also terrifying because there’s about a year after that.” in the UK for our friends and family there.” Andrew Morton and Josh Winowiecki in Paris. not a lot of tradition to fall back on,” “I had been in a relationship that ended

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Call 734-293-7200 ext. 22 www.PrideSource.com August 9 - 22, 2018 | BTL 19 stand-alone anthology. NEWS A decade after its initial publication Brant described the issue in her 1994 collection Writing Remembering Beth Brant as Witness as an “earthquake.” She noted, “When SEMHAC Hosts Project Natives have the opportunities to do our own L.E.A.P. to Increase editing and writing, a remarkable thing can happen. This thing is called telling the truth for Awareness On HIV ourselves — a novel idea to be sure.” In the mid-1980s, Brant began to see her Funding writings published in books of her own. In 1985, Firebrand Books published Brant’s collection of BY BTL STAFF poetry and prose Mohawk Trail. It was one of the earliest books from the iconic feminist publisher. The Southeastern Michigan In 1991, Firebrand published Food & Spirits, a HIV/AIDS Council is an collection of short fiction simultaneously released organization dedicated to with Press Gang publishers in Canada. bringing community awareness In May 1993, Brant spent six months as the to fighting HIV and AIDS, and Writer-In-Residence at Ka:nhiote Library at this year they plan to go a step Tyendinaga in southern Ontario, where she further and teach people how to interviewed Tyendinaga tribal elders. These advocate for people living with oral histories were gathered in I’ll Sing `til the HIV through Project L.E.A.P. Day I Die published by McGilligan Books in 1995. “Sharpen your knowledge Brant’s writings also appeared in numerous with a unique opportunity BY JULIE R. ENSZER AND TIM RETZLOFF Organization for Women, to be predominantly Native and feminist journals and anthologies offered in Detroit,” wrote white, middle-class and “lesbian-hating.” in Canada and the U.S. She wrote about family, event organizers. “Beginning hen writer Beth Brant died on Aug. 6, Then she began attending the Women’s class, the struggle to love another and the this year, SEMHAC sponsors 2015, she left behind a loving family and Liberation Coalition, authors of the Fourth struggle to survive. Her other recurring themes Project L.E.A.P. (Learning, a vibrant literary legacy documenting World Manifesto, and felt welcome. The group included recovering from racism, recovering from Empowerment, Advocacy, Wher life as a Native American lesbian. A mother, was diverse and strongly feminist and she embraced colonialism and recovering from addiction. Participation), the most grandmother and longtime Melvindale resident, her sexuality as a crucial part of her being. “Beth Brant’s legacy continues to make an comprehensive advocacy Brant is remembered as a pathbreaking lesbian “I’ve never been closeted,” she told Roey Thorpe. impression on younger writers today and will training program in the nation author, poet, essayist, editor, lecturer and literary “I feel that it would be a betrayal of who I am, of surely be held tightly by writers in the generations for people living with HIV. activist. women that came before me.” to come,” poet and literary activist Christopher Training hosted by SEMHAC.” Due to the lack of availability of her books, She also recognized the transformative impact Soto said of Brant. “For the native, queer, feminist, The six week-long program however, Brant’s legacy has risked being forgotten. of the Red Power Movement, which politicized literary world: Beth is a home, reminding us that we will provide participants Many of her works have fallen out of print. A new Native Americans in the early 1970s, though she are not alone in our movements towards liberation. with information about who copy of one title is currently offered on Amazon found it was dominated by men and reflected a We are thankful for her writing and mentorship and needs HIV-related services, for nearly $1,500. For someone whose public life considerable amount of homophobia. activism, the nuance that she brings to our lives.” the specific needs of the HIV centered on words, finding new generations of In 1977, Brant met Denise Dorsz, co-founder of In addition to writing, Brant performed her community in Detroit, how readers is key to being remembered. a short-lived feminist performance venue called poetry at the Detroit Women’s Coffeehouse and HIV organizations receive Thanks to the Sapphic Classics series published Poor Women’s Paradise. Dorsz moved in with her traveled around the U.S. and Canada speaking and funding, who makes decisions by the journal Sinister Wisdom, Brant will soon and the two were partners for over 20 years. reading from her work and talking about lesbian, regarding funding, where find new readers and become available to familiar Brant began writing at the age of 40 following a feminist and indigenous writing. She critiqued HIV funding originates, how readers as well. Three years after Brant’s passing, deeply profound encounter with a bald eagle while attempts of the women’s movement to appropriate government decisions affect Sinister Wisdom plans to issue a collection of on a motor trip through the Mohawk Valley in symbols and histories from other cultures, noting the community and how Brant’s work, edited by Janice Gould and with upstate New York. She recounted the moment in “one can only come from one’s own culture and participants can impact these a preface by Deborah Miranda, to be published a 1996 interview she did with Ann Perrault and class.” decisions. The program will in 2019. Jackie Victor for Between The Lines. Racism, sexism, classism and homophobia were begin meeting from Oct. 18 Born May 6, 1941, Brant was a Bay of Quinte “A bald eagle passed in front of our car and regular subjects. through Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. Mohawk from Deseronto, Ontario and Tyendinaga landed in the white pine in front of us. I got out Brant was two-time recipient of the Michigan to 2 p.m. Mohawk Territory. Her father moved from the of the car and looked at the eagle and he looked Council for the Arts Creative Artist award. She To participate, interested reservation to Detroit just prior to World War II at me,” she said. received an Ontario Arts Council award, a Canada people must fill out an online to find work in an auto factory. He was perhaps For an unknown amount of time as she looked Council grant and a National Endowment for the application that can be found the earliest Native American member of the UAW. at the bird, Brant was transfixed and transported Arts Literature Fellowship. She also taught at the online at semhac.org/leap, or by Brant found herself attracted to female friends to another place. University of British Columbia and the University having the application mailed as a teenager in the 1950s. “I thought about that a lot and keep wondering of Toronto. by calling 313-638-2891 or by “I didn’t know what it was, really,” she explained about that eagle because I had never seen a bald Brant was survived by three daughters, including emailing ugoodwin@semhac. in a 1992 oral history interview with Roey Thorpe. eagle before and especially that circumstance of Jennifer Kierszkowski (Leonard) and Jill Walden, org. “I just had nothing to call it, except queer.” being so close together. I felt the eagle brought five grandchildren including Nathanael German At the time she associated the term queer mostly me the gift of writing,” Brant said. “When I got (Kelly), Benjamin Walden, Alexander Walden, More information about with men. home I just started writing and have kept writing and Olivia Walden, and two great grandchildren, SEMHAC and Project L.E.A.P. At the age of 17, Brant got heterosexually ever since.” Hazel German and Luke Walden. can be found online at semhac. married because she was pregnant and dropped Not long after, Brant’s friends Adrienne Rich and org and semhac.org/leap. Any out of high school. After having three daughters, Michelle Cliff, then editors of Sinister Wisdom, Check out the Queer Remembering blog online at questions about the class should she divorced her husband and supported the family invited Brant to editing a special issue. The result queer-remembering.blog for more queer history/ be directed to ugoodwin@ with a variety of jobs including salesclerk, waitress, was Sinister Wisdom no. 22/23. It was published herstory through obits. This is a companion semhac.org or by calling the sweeper, cleaning woman, Title IV coordinator in 1983 and entitled “A Gathering of Spirit.” blog to Michigan LGBTQ Remember, a website SEMHAC office of support at and working a soda fountain. Recognized as a groundbreaking collection of at michiganlgbtqremember.com dedicated 313-638-2891. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Brant writing and art by Native women, the issue soon to documenting the diverse lives of LGBTQ discovered the emerging women’s movement in sold out. Firebrand Books and Women’s Press of Michiganders and their allies who are no longer Metro Detroit. She experienced NOW, the National Canada later published A Gathering of Spirit as a with us. 20 BTL | August 9 - 22, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com August 9 - 22, 2018 | BTL 21 Photo: Lionsgate

When Not Fashioning Crop Tops for Gay Guys, the Actor Is the Spy You Wouldn’t Mind Being Dumped By

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI during his two-decade career, from Marshall ex (Mila Kunis) and her best gal pal (Kate fashion you one.” in 2000’s “The Broken Hearts Club” to an McKinnon) embroiled in his messy assassin- o straight man has ever offered to make assortment of gay Englishmen in numerous fighting mission. Let’s talk about how you invented sweatpants. me a crop top, but Justin Theroux is no New York theater productions. Significant gay Things are tamer in a hotel suite in New (Laughs) I invented the grey sweatpants! ordinary straight man. If you’ve seen cred aside, his acting instincts have resulted York City on the day Theroux sits across from I brought them back, I know! You know, I Nhim in all his shirtless, ripped, oiled glory in in an impressive mix of unpredictable career me with his rescue pit bull Kuma. Theroux was the one who made a shirt for Jonathan. 2003’s “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” or bore choices rooted in pathos and humor, David – imagine if he dumped you; what an honor We were going to gay Pride and he was like, witness to all that was bouncing around in his Lynchian mystery and Herculean ruggedness: – is not wearing sweatpants. But my mock “Fuck, I gotta go out,” and so I made him a grey sweatpants in HBO’s “The Leftovers” (I from 1997’s “Romy and Michele’s High School disappointment isn’t sweatpants-related; shirt. I was like, “I wanna make one of those know you saw that; you haven’t stopped seeing Reunion” on through “Mulholland Drive,” it’s knowing that he made “Queer Eye” guy crop top t-shirts with the tassels,” and he that), you have likely wished him gay. “Strangers with Candy,” “Sex and the City,” Jonathan Van Ness a crop top but didn’t bring ended up wearing that. The vers 46-year-old actor is, at least, the “Zoolander” and, most recently, “The Spy Who me one. And do I let Justin Theroux wreck closest a straight man can get to being gay, Dumped Me.” Directed by Susanna Fogel, the the shirt on my back? I do, right? “I would so Do you regularly make crop tops for your gay palling around with the new “Queer Eye” posse action-comedy caper stars Theroux as Drew, do it,” he politely insists. “If you have a t-shirt friends? and portraying a deep well of gay characters an on-the-run spy who inadvertently gets his and a pair of scissors, I’m happy to quickly No, that was the first one I’ve done. It was just

22 BTL | August 9 - 22, 2018 www.PrideSource.com like, “It’s a perfect moment in time. I’m with of, or had seen – just a normal relationship. Jonathan and I have a t-shirt and we have No one’s dying of a disease, no one’s fighting scissors and I think I could pull it off.” with their parents. It felt like a great episode of We’ve become a good little clutch. Tan, “Thirtysomething” or a great episode of “This Antoni and Jonathan have come over a bunch Is Us.” (Its gay themes were) just built into of times and we’ve gone back and forth, and the fabric of the movie, as opposed to being I’ve disappeared into the bathroom with the fabric of the movie. There weren’t big Jonathan and we’ve talked products. red arrows pointing at each character going, “Oh, and by the way, they’re gay!” They were Can a straight guy have a queer eye? functioning, normal people in their lives, Keeping my fingers crossed. Season 3! Maybe which is reality. In a weird way, it’s normalcy we should do a whole thing where it’s like, was the thing that made it special and that felt “Straight Eye for the Gay Guy.” Find some gay like a good reason to do it. guy who’s not got his shit together and I can go and help him out. I don’t know if I’d be that Growing up in Washington D.C., what was your helpful. introduction to the LGBTQ community? God, you could argue it was probably Catholic I must say, you’ve got your shit together. school and noticing the priests. Not their I put a little effort in sometimes. (“Queer Eye” behavior; I didn’t think anything nefarious guy) Tan’s trying to get me to wear some color. was going on. I don’t think they were doing I’m pretty much blacks and greys. White is anything horrible to the boys of the school, technically a color for me. but I remember thinking, “These men seem effeminate and they carry themselves in a We need to get you in floral. different way, and I think these guys like I don’t think it’s gonna happen! I just can’t other men, like other gay men I’ve seen.” pull it off. I keep looking for a Hawaiian shirt that’s 95 percent black with just a little pop of They didn’t fit the typical heteronormative color in the flowers. archetype. Recently, Jonathan was obsessing over your Yeah, exactly. And it was an odd kind of thing, where I thought, “Oh.” I’ve since come to shirtlessness in “Charlie’s Angels.” Is that the think maybe the priesthood is like an enclave role most gay men fangirl over when they meet for people who aren’t comfortable with their you? sexuality and they wanna shut it down and I mean, the first one was actually “The Broken they think, “Please make it go away. I’m just Hearts Club,” which was a movie I did years gonna go to this place and go to seminary and years ago. I remember being at gay Pride school and hope that this feeling leaves me,” and people being like, “Oh my god, this is which is a shame. the guy from ‘Broken Hearts Club’!” (Playing You strike me as the kind of guy who’s gay) was kind of my bread and butter in New York on stage. I would do Joe Orton plays, or surrounded by gay men for various reasons. “Shopping and Fucking.” I’d do all these gay Yeah, of course. I went to a very progressive Englishmen. That was my thing, that was my high school that had gay boys in it. In college, calling card. it becomes quickly normalized. But you can’t live in New York and not be friends with Why go for the gay roles? every kind of person, whether they’re gay, It was something that just happened. It trans, straight, whatever. When this sort of wasn’t like I was seeking them out. It was just cultural shift started to happen, started to something that presented itself. At the time, spread into the middle of the country in a way there was that kind of question when you’d that became in the public consciousness… go into the audition: “Are you comfortable kissing a guy?” “Yeah, of course.” You were ahead of the game? Well, I think most people in the city or in In 2000, some actors were being told not to play pockets of the country were kind of ahead of gay characters for the sake of preserving their the game. It felt like, “Wait, this conversation careers. Was there any pressure on you not to is still happening? Oh yeah, I guess it still play that role? is. I guess we do need to keep having this No. My agent at the time was gay, so it was discussion.” (I) marvel at people who are never a discussion. It always boils down to, still made uncomfortable by it. Like, how on is the part good or is the play good? If the earth? It’s like being made uncomfortable by material is good, I’m happy to do it. If it’s bad, a sofa; you’re like, “It’s a sofa.” It couldn’t be then I don’t wanna do it. But I wouldn’t want more normal. do it for a straight part either. You should know that you’ve been called a “gay Did it feel like an important movie at the time men’s dream” by the National Enquirer, probably for the LGBTQ community? their most accurate reporting. It didn’t, because it’s not necessarily my Cut to 10 years later: Ew, who’s that old guy? community. But it was one of those I was (Laughs) happy (about). It was the first (LGBTQ) movie that showed – at least that I had been a part See Justin, continued on p. 28 www.PrideSource.com August 9 - 22, 2018 | BTL 23 MDC 2018 Home Tour Tixs BY BTL STAFF

Tickets are now on sale for MDC’s third- annual home tour called Smart Solutions. It will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will allow participants to guide themselves through a variety of homes around Southeast Michigan. “The self-guided tour includes stunning homes designed by Diane Hancock, Ann- Marie Anton, Rita O’Brien and Carrie Long, all of whom will be on the premises to answer questions,” write event organizers. “Residences Wharton Center’s ‘School of Rock are in the Birmingham, Bloomfield and Franklin areas and include architectural styles — The Musical’ Tickets Now Available ranging from Cape Cod to contemporary. Ticket holders may visit the homes in the Entertainment Weekly, who gave the BY BTL STAFF order of their choice.” show four stars. Tickets are $35 each, or a pair for $60. Based on the 2003 hit film of the The show follows the story of All proceeds benefit the Junior League same name, “School of Rock — The Dewey Finn, a failed rock star who of Birmingham, which partners with Musical” will make its way to the decides to get some extra money by organizations to train women to act as Wharton Center for Performing Arts’ pretending to be a substitute teacher. catalysts for lasting community change. stage this September. Guests interested His first gig is at a prestigious prep in the rock comedy can now purchase school where he turns his class into a Tickets may be purchased online only through tickets which start at $35. bonafide band. Sept. 17 at michigandesign.com. Ticket buyers “’School of Rock — The Musical’ will be mailed a brochure and blue wristband, opened on Broadway to rave reviews More information about ticketing which will serve as a ticket. Organizers suggest on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015. This Ben for the performance can be found at to remember to wear wristbands on the day of Brantley New York Times ‘Critics’ whartoncenter.com, or by calling 517- the tour and to buy tickets early as the last two Pick’ is an inspiring jolt of energy 432-2000. The performance will be held years have sold out. and mad skillz,” said Jesse Oxfeld of at the Cobb Great Hall. Cool Cities Lansing

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET Pinpoint your ad dollars where they will do the most good . . . Advertise in the next Cool Cities TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200

24 BTL | August 9 - 22, 2018 www.PrideSource.com MDC 2018 Home Tour Tixs

www.PrideSource.com August 9 - 22, 2018 | BTL 25 13

10 Cool Cities 6 3 18 11 17 Ann Arbor 9 YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET 16 4 14 Pinpoint your ad dollars where 20 1 they will do the most good . . . 21 15 12 5 Advertise in the next Cool Cities 22 TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 2

19 Ann Arbor Advertisers Bassett & Associates...... * (Harc)...... * People’s Food Coop...... 16 Common Language...... 6 Humane Society of Huron PFLAG Ann Arbor...... * Abracadabra Jewelry & Delux Drapery...... * Valley...... * Rock Shoppe...... * Gem Gallery...... 1 Dependable Collision Center. * Iglesia Martell Law...... 11 Spectrum Center...... 19 Anderson, PLLC, Mary K...... 2 Esquire Interiors...... * Jim Toy Resource Center...... 6 Three Chairs Co...... 20 Ann Arbor City Club...... 19 First Unitarian Church Lewis Jewelers...... 12 Tios Mexican Cafe...... 21 Ann Arbor Civic Theatre...... 3 of Ann Arbor...... * Lord of Light Lutheran Church.* Trillium Real Estate...... 6 Ann Arbor Symphony Gail van Langen Ph.d...... 9 Merkel Carpet One...... * UMHS Comprehensive Orchestra...... 4 Greene, LMSW, ACSW, Marge.. Michigan Theater...... 12 Gender Services Program.... * The Ark...... 5 10 Necto...... 15 University Musical Society....22 /aut/ Bar...... 6 HIV/AIDS Resource Center Orion Automotive Services Inc.* * Not shown on map Brookside Veterinary Hosptial.*

26 BTL | August 9 - 22, 2018 www.PrideSource.com The community sing event will start at 8 p.m., doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10 for the general public and $5 for Ark members. More information both about the event and The Ark can be found online at theark.org.

Zingerman’s Delicatessen Hosts Summer Pantry Essentials Event Ark Hosts Community Sing s summer winds down and the height of the harvest and market seasons pick up into full swing, Zingerman’s Delicatessen is hosting an event on Wednesday, Aug. Featuring Matt Watroba A22, to prepare its customers for any culinary requirement in the coming months. nn Arbor’s venue The Ark has hosted everyone in “Do you wish you could be prepared to handle surprise drop- Americana from Mary Chapin Carpenter to The Avett in guests at any time or want some new flavor combinations Brothers and even The Carolina Chocolate Drops — to experiment with? If you want your foods to have more zing Aand that’s barely scratching the surface. Now, scheduled for or wonder what you should have in your pantry to add great Thursday, Aug. 16, is a chance for the community members taste to any dish you make, then this is the tasting for you!” who enjoy The Ark’s sound to contribute their own voices for write event organizers. the 3rd Annual Ark Community Sing. The event will be hosted by Zingerman’s Managing Partner “The Ark is widely known to have one of the best singing and professional chef Grace Singleton. audiences in the country. For the third year running, we “We’ll be in the height of the market season for Michigan celebrate that with a full night devoted to songs that everyone foods and I’ll show you several different simple recipes using can sing,” write event organizers. “Michigan’s own Matt Watroba local ingredients and my favorite foods to have around ‘just has devoted the last few years of his musical work to spreading in case’ some friends stop by,” she said. “We’ll taste seasonal community singing throughout the country. Matt will transform dishes that highlight the favorite foods I always keep on hand the audience in to a spontaneous choir.” in my pantry to pair with summer foods.” Matt Watroba is a Detroit-born, Plymouth-raised musician, teacher and radio host, and he will be hosting this year’s event. The event is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and costs $35 for all attendees. He said he’s excited to see everyone join in, regardless of existing To reserve a spot visit gaybe.am/mO online. All tastings include singing experience. a 20 percent off coupon to shop at Zingerman’s Deli to purchase “Community singing is not performing,” Watroba said. either items included in the tasting or or things to take home “It exists so that all willing singers, at all levels of skill, can and experiment. Zingerman’s Deli is located at 422 Detroit St., experience the power of song and musical participation. Ann Arbor. Performing choruses and musical groups often spring out of the community singing experience, but that is not the purpose — it’s just a welcomed consequence!”

www.PrideSource.com August 9 - 22, 2018 | BTL 27 ® Justin Continued from p. 23 characters, because it’s way more interesting just playing the relationship and playing the story than it is playing the orientation. If you were to date any of the guys you have No way. Our gay icons never age. played in your career, which ones might you go Oh yeah, that’s right! for? Personally, I’d shack up with Joe from “Six Feet Under.” So this movie: Was the title “The Spy Who Dumped On Me” ever considered? Joe in “Six Feet Under” was a sweetheart. But if I dated Joe, he was straight, and so I think (Laughs) It’s the James Bond they never that would problematic. made! Idris Elba, Daniel Craig, why wouldn’t you do that movie? He’s only straight till he drinks four beers. Susanna’s friends call her the “lesbian Until he drinks four beers, then all bets are whisperer.” And, of course, Kate McKinnon is off! The bondage gear comes out. Like, we all know Joe liked being tied to the bed. (Laughs) queer and one of two leading ladies in this film. I don’t know if there’s anyone I’d really wanna It’s so cool. date. And it’s weird to think about dating yourself. Just visually awkward. Did you get a lesbian read on Kate McKinnon’s Actually, Matt McGrath’s “Broken Hearts” character, Morgan, in the movie? character was an adorable character. But I Yeah. But what I liked about her character: question.” “Two more,” Theroux whispers, don’t know, I played some pretty fucked up again, it wasn’t the focal (point). It’s kind of You’re long overdue for a gay role. giving me two fingers. guys, so they all seem like they’re not great ambiguous. What she brought to the part What’s the last one I’ve done? Maybe relationship material. was super hilarious. She works really hard on (my character) Kevin Garvey from “The specific jokes, beats, alternate lines, trying to Leftovers” is, who knows. Don’t tell anybody. What would you look for in a gay role now? come up with other stuff that isn’t necessarily No, I’m joking. (Laughs) You could argue I don’t know. It’s really always the story. I want As editor of Q Syndicate, the international on the page or in the direction. Kate really he was really put-upon and maybe that was the story to be good and compelling. I want LGBTQ wire service, Chris Azzopardi has goes in and scribbles on the sides (of her the reason why, ’cause he was in a hetero the character to be good and compelling, and interviewed a multitude of superstars, including script) and it looks like “A Beautiful Mind” marriage. that could be anything. A la “Broken Hearts Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. Reach on her script. She approaches her work (in) Club,” you do sort of hope that eventually him via his website at www.chris-azzopardi.com really sort of (an) academic way. Theroux’s handler peeks in to say, “One last these all become just the background to the and on Twitter (@chrisazzopardi).

Cool Cities

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET Pinpoint your ad dollars where they will do the most good . . . Advertise in the next Cool Cities TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200

28 BTL | August 9 - 22, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com August 9 - 22, 2018 | BTL 29 Stand with Trans 2018 Support Groups August 11, 11 a.m. The 7th Annual Fine Art – Macomb County 6:30 p.m. Macomb Fair returns to a new location, Detroit’s Teen/Youth Support Group: All youth are Old Miami on Cass Avenue in Midtown. welcome to attend this FREE group. Come Featuring 20 of Detroit’s best artists and meet other trans* youth and teens showcasing sculpture, photography, fine and support each other through your art, metals, wood, textiles, ceramics and journeys. We meet the 2nd Monday of Old Miami, 3930 Cass Ave.,Detroit. 313- each month. Dakota High School, 21051 831-3830 www.oldmiami.com http://www. 21 Mile Road,Macomb. 586-723-2700 detroitfaf.com http://www.chippewavalleyschools.org/ schools/high-schools/dhs/ Saline Antiques Market August 12, 9 a.m. Since the Saline Antiques & Vintage Market debuted a few years ago, it has Wednesday, August 15 been our goal to offer a quality monthly Stand with Trans Support Groups – market for your buying enjoyment. Livonia – Wayne County 6:30 p.m. Free Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, to all, group meets the 3rd Wednesday 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road,Ann of each month @ Emmanuel Lutheran Arbor. 734-761-2796 salinemarket@ Church. Parent Support Group Faciitators gmail.com [email protected] Karen Sessler, [email protected] www.foodgatherers.org http://www. or 734-673-3590 and Scott Sessler, salineantiquesmarket.com/ [email protected] or 734-673-2485 Trans Youth Support Emily Rose Album Release Concert Group (12+). Emmanuel Lutheran Church, August 18, 8 p.m. Award-winning 34567 7 Mile Road,Livonia. http://www. singer-songwriter Emily Rose will mark standwithtrans.org the release of her third full-length studio album with a concert. Opening the show Punch Brothers Come to is Scott Fab and Carmel Liburdi. The Ant Sunday, August 19 Hall, 2320 Caniff St.,Hamtramck. 313-365- PFLAG Greater Lansing 3 p.m. PFLAG 4848 www.planetant.com https://www. Royal Oak Music Theatre Greater Lansing has a new meeting facebook.com/events/193887094614221/ address. Founded in 1973 after the simple On Friday, Aug. 10, fans can come to the act of a mother publicly supporting her World Humanitarian Day Networking Royal Oak Music Theatre to see acoustic gay son, PFLAG is the nation’s largest and Fundraiser Event August 19, family and ally organization. National 4:30 p.m. World Humanitarian Day quintet the Punch Brothers in concert. The information: https://www.pflag.org/ Salus recognizes and honors the incredible group has been nationally celebrated for Center, 624 E. Michigan Ave.,Lansing. work and sacrifices of humanitarian their experimental and enthusiastic sound 517-580-4593 Greaterlansingpflag@ aid workers worldwide. Our event will google.com Greaterlansingpflag@google. also be a great time to network with that has largely changed the face of what is com saluscenter.org other global thinkers. Join us! $10 suggested donation. Bobcat Bonnie’s, expected in standard Americana, hailed by 1800 Michigan Ave,Detroit. 313-962-1383 such publications as The Washington Post. Wednesday, August 22 [email protected] Info@unadetroit. Tickets start at $33. More information can SAGE Metro Detroit and Affirmations org www.bobcatbonnies.com https:// Host Dual Fundraiser 6 p.m. Affirmations www.eventbrite.com/e/networking-and- be found online at royaloakmusictheatre. LGBTQ Community Center will host a fundraiser-on-world-humanitarian-day-in- com. dual fundraiser for itself and SAGE Metro detroit-tickets-47965512138 Detroit-an advocacy organization for LGBT Elders. Refreshments will be provided, GEORGE BEDARD’S “FROM SWING TO including beer and wine. All proceeds SURF” August 25, 8 p.m. Bedard will be support both organizations. Affirmations, joined by two longtime friends and former 290 W. Nine Mile Road,Ferndale. 248- bandmates, Pianist Mark “Mr. B” Braun 7 p.m. All youth are welcome to attend https://speakout.toastmastersclubs.org/ be providing hot dogs and complimentary 398-7105 http://wwww.goaffirmations.org and guitarist Steve Nardella. The Ark, 316 OUTINGS this FREE group. This group meets the desserts of Achatz Handmade Pie Co. S.Main St.,Ann Arbor. 734-763-TKTS www. 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month Saturday, August 11 Memorial Park, 31050 Woodward,Royal theark.org http://www.theark.org at Orchard United Methodist Church. Oak. Saturday, August 25 Thursday, August 9 Satori Circus presents “The Choir” Oakland United Methodist Church, 30450 Transgender Pride in the Park 12 p.m. Golden Girls Trivia Night at Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber August 25, 8 p.m. SATORI CIRCUS will Farmington Road,Farmington. 248-626- Celebrating Transgender Pride since 1997! RuPaul’s Drag Race – Werq the World Affirmations! 3 p.m. Test your knowledge of Commerce Merge & Mixer 6:30 present almost 30 years of original music 3620 www.oaklandumc.org http://www. All Trans-people and Allies welcome! 9 p.m. The Official RuPaul’s Drag Race on the hilarious hit show, win fun prizes p.m. Michigan Employee Resource with a new twist-by performing them with standwithtrans.org Picnic, Free Food, Free Fun and Great World Tour returns with an all new and support your LGBTQ Community Groups for Equality (MERGE) Monthly Friends! We will provde the hot dogs, show for 2018! Hosted by celebrity Center. Teams should consist of 2 to 5 a choir! SATORI CIRCUS, accompanied by Networking Event. All are welcomed to Toastmasters International SpeakOUT! hamburgers and stuff. Please bring a judge Michelle Visage with sickening people. Contact Kyle Taylor at Affirmations a slew of Detroit and Port Huron friends, network. Host by: Detroit Regional LGBT LGBTQ Meeting 7 p.m. Professional side dish if you wish. Donald Red Geary performances by your favorite drag for more information. Affirmations, 290 W. will reinterpret original tunes for you. st. Chamber of Commerce. Check website & personal communication skills Park, 1198 Earl Blvd,Ferndale. http:// superstars! Motor City Casino Sound Nine Mile Road,Ferndale. 248-398-7105 albertus, 4231 St. Aubin,Detroit. 313-831- for monthly location, RSVP is Required. development. With better communications transgendermichigan.org/events/tgpride/ Board, 2901 Grand River Ave.,Detroit. http://www.goaffirmations.org/programs- 9727 www.stalbertus.org https://www. Soho, 205 W. 9 Mile Road,Ferndale. skills, you’ll better your leadership style index.html 313-309-4700 www.motorcitycasino. services/community-events-activities facebook.com/events/418413538678610/ 248-542-7646 info@detroitlgbtchamber. as well as your relationships. Warm & com/soundboard.aspx https://www1. com [email protected] welcoming members. Find out what Sunday, August 12 ticketmaster.com/rupauls-drag-race-werq- www.ferndalesoho.com http://www. Toastmasters can do for you. Jim Toy world-tour-detroit-michigan-09-12-2018/ Tuesday, August 28 1 p.m. detroitlgbtchamber.com Community Center, 319 Braun Court,Ann Stand With Trans Family Picnic event/0800546DA5CC433E Strand with Trans Support Groups Come join the Stand with Trans community Arbor. 734-995-9867 lawrencemoebs@ – Ann Arbor – Washtenaw 6:30 p.m. Stand with Trans 2018 Support Groups at their family picnic. Attendees can bring gmail.com [email protected] Trans Support Group meeting the 4th THEATER – Farmington Hills – Oakland County a side dish to share. Stand with Trans will Monday, August 13 Tuesday of each month @ Journey of Michigan Shakespeare Festival Faith Christian Church. Parent Support Presents The Rover August 4, 2 p.m. Group Facilitator – Yma Johnson, Three Englishmen-a soldier, a gentleman, [email protected] or 734-780-4092. and a stoic-are banished from Cromwell’s Journey of Faith Christian Church, 1900 England and head to Naples to Manchester Road,Ann Arbor. http:// experience Carnevale and find adventure. www.standwithtrans.org The Village Theater at Cherry Hill, 50400 Cherry Hill Road,Canton. 734-394-5300 ext 3. gm@michiganshakespearefestival. com gm@michiganshakespearefestival. com http://www.cantonvillagetheater. Michigan Comic Con Hits Detroit org/439/Performances-by-Month http:// MUSIC & www.cantonvillagetheater.org Fans of pop culture can rejoice as Michigan Comic MORE Michigan Shakespeare Festival Con comes to Detroit’s Cobo Hall. This year the Presents Measure for Measure August Royal Oak Summer Concerts 2018 4, 7:30 p.m. One of Shakespeare’s most event will be held Aug. 17 through 19 and will August 9, 6 p.m. Royal Oak Summer problematic comedies, Measure for feature such names as John Rhys-Davis, Ray Park, Concerts 2018, presented by the Royal Measure rings true with legal, social, Oak Commission for the Arts, will take and political issues we are still battling Nichelle Nichols, Billy West and many more. For place at Center Street Pop-Up Park today, all tempered with a darkly-comic more information and photo-op pricing, visit on Thursdays this summer beginning wit. Check website for more details. The July 5. Royal Oak Pop Up Park, 4th and michigancomiccon.com. Village Theater at Cherry Hill, 50400 Center Street,Royal Oak. https://www. Cherry Hill Road,Canton. 734-394-5300 romi.gov/218/Summer-Concert-Series ext 3. gm@michiganshakespearefestival. https://www.romi.gov/218/Summer- com gm@michiganshakespearefestival. Concert-Series com http://www.cantonvillagetheater. 7th Annual Detroit Fine Art Fair org/439/Performances-by-Month http://

30 BTL | August 9 - 22, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Eastern Market Hosts Detroit Sushi Festival Fans of perhaps Japan’s most famous culinary creation can now pre-register to take part in the Detroit Sushi Festival. This 21+ event features access to local sushi vendors, live entertainment, access to giveaways and souvenir chopsticks, not to mention tastings of a variety of sushi creations. Tickets start at $40, but VIP passes are also available. More information can be found online at eventbrite.com.

www.cantonvillagetheater.org com Housemanager@waterworkstheatre. but from a different angle. Detroit Opera com http://shakespeareroyaloak.com/ House, 1526 Broadway St.,Detroit. 313- A Night of Stars with Tennessee category/shows/ 237-SING https://www.broadwayindetroit. Williams by Maxim Vinogradov August com/shows/wicked 4. 8 p.m. Asking if he lived the right life, Michigan Shakespeare Festival Tennessee and his assistant guide the presents The Tempest August 5, 3 Spinning Dot Theatre presents “The audience through the museum of his p.m. Shakespeare’s final masterpiece, Mountain” August 16-26, 7 p.m. The hazy mind, revisiting lovers, siblings, The Tempest is a stirring fairy tale Mountain deals with anti-immigrant and stars upon stars. Theatre NOVA, of depraved royalty, foolish clowns, feelings from the lens of two eight-year- 410 w Huron,Ann Arbor. 7346358450 languishing lovers, and the quest to make olds, a quiet Canadian boy and a spirited [email protected] things right in the face of terrible wrongs. Arab girl, on a Canadian playground. [email protected] http:// The Village Theater at Cherry Hill, 50400 Theatre NOVA, 410 w Huron,Ann Arbor. gaybe.am/2o Cherry Hill Road,Canton. 734-394-5300 7346358450 [email protected] ext 3. gm@michiganshakespearefestival. [email protected] http://www. Shakespeare Royal Oak Present “Much com gm@michiganshakespearefestival. spinningdot.org Ado About Nothing” August 4, 8 p.m. com http://www.cantonvillagetheater. William Shakespeare’s comedy “Much org/439/Performances-by-Month http:// Ado About Nothing” was written in www.cantonvillagetheater.org/439/ 1598 and 1599. Benedick and Beatrice Performances-by-Month are tricked into confessing their love for each other, and Claudio is tricked Wicked is Flying Back to Detroit! August into rejecting Hero at the altar. Star 8, 8 p.m. Back By Popular Demand!! Jaycee Park, 13 Mile Road,Royal Oak. WICKED, the Broadway sensation, looks Housemanager@waterworkstheatre. at what happened in the Land of Oz …

www.PrideSource.com August 9 - 22, 2018 | BTL 31 Sisters in the Name of Love to be Staged at Gigi’s

the only possible choice. more respect for female impersonation Roles of Gladys, Patti, “No one else could embody Dionne because down here pageantry is very like Fantaysa,” he said. “I couldn’t see this prevalent.” production without her.” Diva, who once told Between The Lines Dionne Revived And most Detroiters know that the she had retired from drag at age 30, shows city’s premier Patti LaBelle impersonator no signs of slowing down now that she’s BY JASON A. MICHAEL is the legendary April Summers. in her 40s. “I first reached out to April Summers “The love of the art form keeps me t’s been 32 years since HBO first aired and after talking with her she gave me going,” she said. “And now that I’m in the iconic Sisters in the Name of Love the blessing to ask Diva to play the role,” a new spot it’s like all is new again. So concert. The television special starred said Ross. “Next to April nobody, in my moving down here revived me a little IGladys Knight, Patti LaBelle and Dionne opinion, comes close to doing Patti like bit to keep it going. They love me down Warwick and was both a critical and Diva. And DeAngela was chosen to play here and I love it.” rating success. Now, local event producer Gladys because I felt that she could do the Despite that fact that Diva is in Florida, El Ross is putting on the special in Gigi’s part justice. I have seen her do Gladys as the ladies, said Ross, are having no trouble Cabaret Room with local drag legends. a character on two occasions and it was preparing for the show. DeAngela “Show” Shannon will play epic to watch.” “They are in constant contact with one Gladys, Diva will play Patti LaBelle and another and myself,” he said “All the ladies Fantaysa will play Dionne Warwick. are professional and legends and all you “I grew up watching the concert over Diva to Make Return have to do is give them their parts and and over,” said Ross. “My mom and Appearance in Detroit directions and let them go from there. brother always had it playing in the house. I’m learning so much from them. They I was at work one day listening to it and I While DeAngela and Fantaysa live in all have seen the original concert and are thought this would be great idea to bring the city, Diva relocated to Jacksonville, bringing their own flavor to their parts.” back to the stage. Although it has been Florida, seven years ago. There, she Ross said the choosing the venue for done before it hasn’t been seen in some recently bought a new home and the show was a no-brainer. time and I just thought it was time to continues to perform regularly when “I choose to have the show at Gigi’s bring back a great classic.” she’s not working her day job as a senior because Gigi’s is legendary in our All three stars of the show have makeup artist for MAC Cosmetics. community,” he said. “It has stood the experience playing their roles. “I was assistant manager for a year test of times for over 40 years and to bring “Dionne has always been a part of my when I first came down here but I started this type of show and production it could career,” said Fantasysa, who first started doing drag so had to let that go,” she said. only be at Gigi’s.” performing in the 1970s. “When I first “When I moved down here I thought I started doing this type of entertainment was going to retire. But that wasn’t the The one and only performance of Sisters in you really had to do a character to fit into case, obviously.” the Name of Love will take place Sunday, a cast. And the individual who booked the Diva said she performs on average five Aug. 19. Gigi’s is located at 16920 Warren shows, she looked at me and said ‘Dionne times a week. Ave. in Detroit. Tickets are $15 and may Warwick.’ And it pretty much stuck with “I love performing in Florida because be purchased at the door. me. I was taught to emulate her.” they have a different respect for drag,” said Ross said that casting Fantasysa was Diva. “In the south. Period. They have 32 BTL | August 9 - 22, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com August 9 - 22, 2018 | BTL 33 Deep Inside Hollywood

BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE Indya Moore. Photo: FX from New York, whose short films have picked up numerous awards and ‘Moonlight’ writer whose self-published comic McCraney ‘Makes book series, “Rigamo,” is about a young black female Man’ for OWN superhero whose tears bring “David Makes Man” is the people back to life. But that’s name of a series from OWN, not why she’s news right now. currently in production, a She is also the driving force coming-of-age drama from behind a new, currently Academy Award-winning untitled, anthology series, the “Moonlight” writer Tarell pilot for which, called “Magic Alvin McCraney. This will Hour” will star “Pose”’s Indya be his scripted television Moore as a Frankenstein-like debut and there’s an impressive cast led creature in search of her humanity and possibly by Phylicia Rashad and young actor Akili love. Now, usually, pilots are only memorable McDowell. Set in South Florida and inspired when they become actual shows. But this one by McCraney’s own life, “Man” will revolve feels special, mostly because Moore’s star is around teenage David (McDowell), living in currently on the rise. The “Vogue” model- poverty with a single mother, finding his way turned-actress is one of the breakout stars toward adulthood, attending a magnet school of the series (recently renewed for a second for academically gifted students, and trying to season – watch it now, it’s great, seriously), survive. Rashad will play a teacher who takes and her acting talent has made for some of an interest in David and becomes his advocate. that show’s most moving, resonant moments. No word on whether or not this young man She’ll serve as a producer on “Magic Hour,” will be a queer character, but a supporting role as well, so we hope that whatever clout she’s will involve a gender non-binary neighbor currently earning will get this fresh idea of a who helps David’s mother watch and raise series looked at and placed. We are rooting for him. Keep this one in mind for its eventual more queer TV, and we’d be thrilled if Moore 2019 bow. were on our screens regularly. One to Watch: Nicole Maines A salute to Utah’s ‘Quiet Laverne Cox kicked open the door, “Pose” Heroes’ sashayed through it, “Sense 8” made it so If you lived through the 1980s, you probably cool it got itself cancelled, and now Nicole remember it as a time of fear and struggle for Maines is going to be a superhero. Forgive the LGBT community. Ronald Reagan was the that one-sentence-long, woefully incomplete President, and his administration ignored the primer on the current state of transgender AIDS crisis as most of an entire generation of actors and stories on TV, but it’s important gay men lost their lives. To live in the country’s to remember that we are currently in a pop biggest cities with HIV/AIDS was bad enough, culture revolution of sorts and it’s very exciting but at least in those places there was a queer to see it unfold on our screens. Next in line? community and medical help. Meanwhile, in “Supergirl,” the little superhero show that keeps the rest of the country, the fear of AIDS and on kicking. We already reported that the series the failure of many members of the medical planned to add a transgender character, and field to even work with AIDS patients meant now that incoming additional superhero, Nia that people like Salt Lake City’s Dr. Kristen Nal/Dream Girl, has an actress to play the role. Ries became experts in the field of care. Ries Nicole Maines, the focus of a groundbreaking and assistant Maggie Snyder made house calls, lawsuit when she was in school (surprise, they provided education, and helped patients in the didn’t want her using the bathroom, so she extremely conservative and religious area when sued and won) and the subject of the book others shunned them. Earlier this year, at the “Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an Sundance Film Festival, a documentary about American Family,” has been cast in the part. Ries, “Quiet Heroes,” from directors Jenny She’s still new on the acting scene – she’s played Mackenzie and Jared Ruga, debuted to standing a trans teen in one episode of Royal Pains – so ovations. Now that film about one woman’s we can’t really tell you much about her, but fight against ignorance, bigotry and time will we’re going to assume she’s here to stay. Next debut Aug. 23 on Logo. If you weren’t there, stop: find a trans man to fill that ScarJo role. you owe it to your sense of history to watch it. ‘Pose’ star Indya Moore will Romeo San Vicente can, from memory, and serve Frankenstein realness for the sake of journalism, rank all Comic- Con cosplaying Wolverines in order of animal Che Grayson is a young black filmmaker attraction. 34 BTL | August 9 - 22, 2018 www.PrideSource.com 40 Quinto, who is developing a biopic 10 Vigoda of sitcoms about 33-Down for Paramount 11 1955 film of 33-Down 42 Norma, in a Field film 12 Bone-chilling 43 Persian Gulf port 13 Drag queen’s garment 45 “___ Lady” (cross-dressers’ show 21 Prudential rival of old) 22 Smart-mouthed 46 Memory unit 26 Boxing ref’s end to a butt- 47 Rose fruit whipping 49 Sometime label of Dusty 28 “If I Were a ___ Man” Springfield 29 Colette’s “The ___ One” 51 Evans of “Bewitched” 31 Guy who cheats on his boyfriend, 54 Two threesomes in bed? e.g. 58 The O of BYOB 32 Big Columbus sch. 59 Partner of 33-Down 33 Gay icon who died July 8, 2018 62 Sib of David “Six Feet Under” 35 Merit badge site for the “morally 64 “The Lion King” sound straight” 65 End of a farewell from Frida 37 “Cabaret”’s Kit-___ Klub 66 Just makes, with “out” 38 “Got it?” 67 “Tickle-me” doll 40 “Button your lip!” or “Check 68 It puts people out your fly!” 69 Maryland athlete 41 Erect 70 Sound like Harvey Fierstein 44 Earhart milieu 71 “Growing Up Gay in the South” 46 Windy-day toy author James 48 Wicks making a basket, e.g. Of Paramount Importance 50 Case of the jitters QPuzzle 51 Contemporary of Bonheur 20 1958 film of 33-Down Down Across 52 Back from dreamland 23 Contraction in a gay apparel carol 1 Male deliveries? 53 ___ Gay 1 “The Queen of Mean” Helmsley 24 Brosnan TV role 2 Ostentatious display 55 Campbell of “Martin” 6 They aren’t straight 25 Brian Epstein managed them 3 Beginning of a carol about 56 Penetrate 10 In the sack 27 Fashionably nostalgic orgasm? 57 Peter the Great, and more 14 Come to mind 30 Cook in the microwave 4 Hamlet told Ophelia to go there 60 Tasty tubers 15 Penetrate the cracks 31 Brand name for a drag queen, 5 Diamond design 61 Broadway stage piece perhaps 16 Jethrene Bodine portrayer Max 6 The A in GLARP (abbr.) 63 Sixth sense 17 As a companion 34 Minor bones to pick 7 Smell awful 18 Enjoy a bear market 36 Gets ready to shoot off 8 “Advocate” cover, often 19 French existentialist’s word 39 Nutty-fruitcake filler 9 Baudelaire collection, “Paris ___”

www.PrideSource.com August 9 - 22, 2018 | BTL 35 LGBT Certification Offers Businesses More Exposure COMMUNITY CONNECTION

BY BTL STAFF satellite office in Detroit will help him secure city contracts as his business expands from little recognition can go a long way installing and repairing residential garage doors and open a lot of doors. And getting to installing commercial and residential entry properly certified as an LGBT-owned doors. Abusiness enterprise can have many benefits for It’s a proactive move he wanted to make for business owners. his 16 employees to help keep the work flowing While it is not a new concept, it is one that and his 22-year-old company thriving. continues to pick up momentum as LGBT Care One, Inc. has been LGBT-certified business owners look for ways to increase for a little over one year, and while supplier exposure for their companies, connect with diversity is an undeveloped marketplace for leading corporations as partners and suppliers, LGBT businesses, Coleman agreed, for him interact with other LGBT-owned businesses, it’s also another opportunity to promote LGBT and promote overall awareness of LGBT-owned inclusion by changing the hearts of people one enterprises. conversation at a time through education and David Coleman of Care One, Inc. said he advocacy efforts. became aware of the certification through the Still, Coleman, a straight man who strongly National LGBT Chamber of Commerce as supports gay rights, said the decision to seek he was researching hospital systems for new LGBT certification wasn’t an easy one. The LGBT Chamber hosted a MERGE Networking Mixer Sponsored by GM Plus and BASF Employee Resource Groups. A diverse crowd including Chamber members, Corporate partners, and LGBTQ employees across SE business opportunities. Headquartered in “There is still a stigma to being LGBT in a Michigan. Ypsilanti, Care One, Inc. is a premier health certain part of the business community,” he care staffing provider, matching highly qualified said. “There was an unspoken concern about nurses and other health care professionals with how this would impact our business, but it an application as well as his facilities in need of their time and talent. It turned out to be an unfounded fear.” marriage certificate and other was founded by President and CEO Steven Jones said he focuses on operating a fair and documents for certification. After Cook in 1993. honest business, and if customers don’t want an on-site interview to verify his As Coleman reviewed supplier programs, to deal with his company because it is owned documentation and a review the term “LGBT supplier” piqued his interest. by a gay man, then it is their loss. by the National Certification He delved into the topic a bit further and The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce Committee, it didn’t take much his initial thought was that it would be a good reports that slightly more than 1,000 businesses time at all to become certified, opportunity to pursue in order to help open nationwide are LGBT-certified, with the largest said Coleman. the door and compete for contracts against concentration of those businesses in California. Certification can be earned larger companies. What he discovered is that According to the Detroit Regional LGBT in as little as 60 to 90 days with while achieving LGBT certification is a way to Chamber of Commerce, only a small number proper documentation, said gain more business, the benefits go far beyond of Michigan businesses – 11 to be exact – have Heard, but it is possible to take dollars and cents. achieved LGBT certification. up to six months. Heard is working diligently to increase those “I was impressed by the Should Your Business Consider numbers across southeastern Michigan. certification process,” said David Coleman of Care One, Inc. said he Coleman. “It is not easy to slip through the became aware of the certification through LGBT Certification? cracks.” What it Takes to Become LGBT- the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce as LGBT certification provides businesses a Certified he was researching hospital systems for new stamp of approval to bid for certain projects, The Benefits of LGBT said Kevin Heard, president of the Detroit To prevent people from stating they are LGBT business opportunities. Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce board simply to gain diversity supplier status, there Certification of directors. is a fair amount of vetting to the procedure. Suppliers that hire LGBT-certified businesses said Heard. As more and more companies seek diverse Businesses are eligible for LGBT certification directly have a positive impact on local Coleman is pleased that they sought the suppliers to provide products and/or services, if they are: communities. As Heard explained, when these certification, saying that he has experienced LGBT certification is the first step in the process • A member of their local LGBT Chamber small businesses earn contracts, they are able many intangible benefits as a result. The most to help differentiate businesses, he said. of Commerce chapter, such as the Detroit to hire and re-invest in the neighborhoods important of these assets, he said, is meeting However, owners still have to work to earn Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce they live and work in, some of which are and making connections with people who contracts, make professional connections and • A legal LLC or corporation in the United underserved communities. Boosting the local advocate for LGBT inclusion. grow their business. States economy in this manner can have a long- “Everyone involved with this is moving That’s exactly what Claude Jones, owner of • At least 51 percent owned, operated, reaching affect which can extend way past the LGBT issues forward,” he said. Town & Country Door LLC in Bloomfield managed and controlled by an LGBT individual contract deadline. Township is working toward. Currently in the who is a legal resident of the U.S. In addition, businesses can expand their For more information about becoming a process of becoming LGBT-certified, Jones offerings by teaming up with other LGBT- certified LGBT-owned business, visit the Detroit sees tremendous growth in the downtown Care One’s president and CEO, Steven certified suppliers for contract opportunities, Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce at www. area and believes opening a minority-certified Cook, is married so he was able to submit detroitlgbtchamber.com.

36 BTL | August 9 - 22, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Detroit Artist Siena Liggins Debuts Single ‘Flowerbomb’

BY EVE KUCHARSKI Inspired mostly by real-life events,

ress off. Hair down. “Flowerbomb.” even the song’s title is a nod to Like many sexual experiences, there’s an intimate moment that actually a slow but powerful build, and it takes DSiena Liggins’ brand-new song a full minute to happened in Liggins’ life. drop. But at that point, it’s still far from over. As an openly lesbian artist, it’s no mistake sexuality and speaking about sex from their that she chose “Flowerbomb” as her debut own lens. Men get to make all types of songs single. Liggins said that she wanted to write about sex, I hope there will be more visibility an unapologetically sex-positive song for the for women doing the same — especially for many other “girls who like girls” in the world. girls who like girls.” “I wanted to write a song that encapsulated The Detroit-based artist spends much of her the high feelings of sex with someone creative process at the indie development hub untouchable because girls like to have sex, Assemble Sound in the city’s historic Corktown too, and sometimes it’s just a beautiful mess,” neighborhood. There, she’s collaborated Liggins said. “For me, the best connections are with “a gang of other residents and artists” the ones where you remember every detail; like Flint Eastwood, Sam Austins, Tunde the way her hair felt, what perfume she was Olaniran, Nydge and others. And though the wearing, when she left … and when she came fully-formed single dropped on Friday, July back.” 27, Liggins said she’d been working on it as Inspired mostly by real-life events, even the “recently as a month ago” with friend and song’s title is a nod to an intimate moment that producer Nydge. actually happened in Liggins’ life. “I’m really excited to see all of us bring our “Flowerbomb is literally the name of the projects to life because there’s great music fragrance worn by the person who inspired coming out of that place,” Liggins said. this song. I guess it’s my way of honoring Liggins said that fans of Flowerbomb can that experience and that person with my art,” start to get excited about more music from Liggins said. “I like to hide little gems in my her soon. songs that will be a call out to the person who “An EP sounds like a lot of fun and is inspired this song.” definitely on the horizon,” she said. “But for However, Liggins said that she hopes that now, this song is very single ladies.” this track will not only serve as a “racy,” fun, And, intentionally or not, her news about an summer playlist addition but a true attempt at upcoming EP hinted at her ideal collaboration. bringing visibility to the LGBTQ community. “As far as dreams go, I know this is my debut “My hope is that a pop song like this will but is it too soon to say Beyoncé?” she said. reach other girls, women, femme-identifying individuals, lesbians and bisexuals (and) so on Find “Flowerbomb” on all major music and so forth who have been looking for songs streaming sites. More information about her and like this on their playlists but haven’t quite her music can be found online at assemblesound. found them yet,” she said. “I stand (for) women com or by following her on Facebook, Instagram unapologetically owning their bodies and and Twitter. www.PrideSource.com August 9 - 22, 2018 | BTL 37 38 BTL | August 9 - 22, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com August 9 - 22, 2018 | BTL 39