Q&A: Andrew Rannells On ‘Girls,’ ‘Book Of Mormon’ Dilemma For Upcoming Historic SCOTUS Case Matt Shepard Movie Comes To Detroit

MISSION MISINTERPRETED DSO-Bound Organist Cameron Carpenter Takes On His Critics, The Word ‘Flamboyant’ & That Stripping Video

WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM FEB. 19, 2015 | VOL. 2308 | FREE 2 BTL | Feb. 19, 2015 www.PrideSource.com COVER 18 Mission misinterpreted Sometimes I look at her and all that she does

’ ‘Book Of Mormon’ Q&A: Andrew Rannells On ‘Girls, Dilemma For Upcoming Historic SCOTUS Case and all that she accomplishes and I’m just very Matt Shepard Movie Comes To Detroit let down with myself and annoyed with her. I’m like, ‘I should’ve written a couple of books by now. MISSION MISINTERPRETED What am I doing with myself?!’ DSO-Bound Organist Cameron Carpenter Takes On His Critics, The Word ‘Flamboyant’ & That Stripping Video – Andrew Rannells on “Girls” co-star Lena Dunham, pg. 20

FREE FEB. 19, 2015 | VOL. 2308 |

WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM

NEWS 4 Looming dilemma for upcoming historic SCOTUS marriage case SAVE THE DATE FACEBOOK TWITTER 5 LGBT successes provide a bright spot for Democrats at Cobo hall gathering 10 Conference discusses status of LGBT youth in schools 13 Creating Change 2015: a black lesbian intersectional account 15 New Matt Shepard movie to screen in Detroit 16 Is this the beginning of the end for conversion therapy? 17 Affirmations community center announces new executive director OPINION Save The Date: BTL’s LGBT Wedding Expo Returns Like The Wedding Expo Tweet Us At @YourBTL 12 Parting Glances For Updates And More 12 Viewpoint Join the conversation online 14 Creep of the Week BTL’s fifth annual Ultimate LGBT Wedding & Anniversary Expo returns Head over to Facebook and like “The Ultimate LGBT Wedding & by tweeting us at @YourBTL. March 21, 2015 at the Southfield Civic Pavilion! Tickets are already Spread the news with us, let LIFE online at www.BTLWeddingExpo.com Anniversary Expo” for updates on the expo schedule, vendor us know what you want to 20 Riverwalk Theatre awarded two read about, or comment on a MCACA grants info and wedding-related content! breaking story! 21 Closet, Hollywood gossip collide in Riverwalk Theatre production 23 Screen Queen 25 Ladies’ man 30 Puzzle

VOL. 2308 • FEB. 19, 2015 • ISSUE 903 EDITORIAL CREATIVE ADVERTISING & SALES ONLINE AT Editor in Chief Art Director Director of Sales PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA GROUP Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 12 Benjamin Jenkins, [email protected] Jan Stevenson, 734.293.7200 x 22 “Between The Lines Newspaper” 20222 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152 [email protected] [email protected] Phone 734.293.7200 Webmaster & MIS Director Entertainment Editor Kevin Bryant, [email protected] Sales Representatives Follow us @YourBTL PUBLISHERS Chris Azzopardi, 734.293.7200 x 24 Ed Bohach, 734.293.7200 x 15 Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson [email protected] Contributing Writers [email protected] Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown, Email your op–eds to MEMBER OF Arts & Theater Editor Todd Heywood, Jerome Stuart Nichols, Ann Cox, 734.293.7200 x 13 [email protected] Michigan Press Assoication Donald V. Calamia, Eric W. Rader, Gwendolyn Ann Smith, [email protected] National Gay Media Association [email protected] Christopher J. Treacy Sign up online to receive our E–Digest Q Syndicate National Advertising Representative Assistant Editor Cartoonists Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 Shelby Clark Petkus, [email protected] Paul Berg, Dave Brousseau Our rate cards are available online. All material appearing in Between The Lines is protected by federal copyright law and Calendar Editor Contributing Photographers may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission Shelby Clark Petkus, [email protected] Andrew Potter of the publishers. Between The Lines is supported by many fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for claims Copyright 2015 Pride Source Media Group, LLC Staff Writers made by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for AJ Trager, [email protected] materials provided by advertisers or their agents. www.PrideSource.com Feb. 19, 2015 | BTL 3 BRIEFS Looming Dilemma For Upcoming WASHINGTON D.C. Commission On Civil Rights Appoints LGBT Community Leaders In Michigan The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights announced the Historic SCOTUS Marriage Case appointment of two openly LGBT advocates to the Michigan Advisory Committee Jan. 29. Jon Hoadley, state representative for Michigan’s 60th House District representing Kalamazoo, and Emily Choosing Two Advocates For The Honor And Burden Dievendorf, executive director for Equality Michigan, will join 12 other Michigan residents to be appointed to the BY LISA KEEN committee. Members conduct reviews and produce reports Just beyond the Feb. 27 deadline for filing and recommendations concerning local civil rights their briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court to issues, including justice, voting, discrimination, housing lay out their arguments against state bans and education. Congress mandates that the federal on marriage for same-sex couples, the 36 commission appoint volunteer members to advisory attorneys signed onto those briefs have committees in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Each appointee to the federal State Advisory Committees another looming task. They must choose serves a two-year term. who will go before the nine justices in April “I am thrilled to be joining civil rights advocates like Rep. to deliver the arguments orally. Jon Hoadley, Michigan Civil Rights Department Director The event will be historic – even more Matt Wesaw and Donna Budnick on the U.S. Commission so than the oral argument delivered by Ted on Civil Rights’ Michigan Advisory Committee. Since the Olson when he appeared before the court in Commission’s creation in 1957, the bipartisan agency has March 2013 to urge the court to strike down played a vital role in developing and enforcing national California’s ban on same-sex marriage. civil rights policy,” said Dievendorf. “I am confident Representing hundreds of thousands of that this year’s appointees to the Michigan Advisory same-sex couples and their families in Committee will strive to serve that legacy. Michigan the high profile appearance will also be a LGBTQ voices are at the table, and our needs will be on privilege that hundreds of attorneys have the agenda. Michiganders want our state to move forward, helped make possible through many dozens Plaintiffs April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse are accompanied by their attorneys Dana Nessel, Ken Mogill and Carole Stanyar at the close of the trial last winter that would lead to Judge Bernard Friedman striking down not backward, and this committee is an opportunity to of court cases through two decades. And strengthen the federal government’s role in that effort.” the anti-gay marriage ban on March 21, 2014. The case was appealed by Attorney General Schuette who the attorneys who carry the mantle at the received a favorable ruling at the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. The case is one of four that will now be heard Past Michigan Advisory Committee activity addressed Supreme Court will inevitably feel the in April by the U.S. Supreme Court. There are 36 attorneys representing the four cases but only two will get discrimination against Arab and Muslim communities, weight of a profound responsibility. to deliver arguments. BTL file photo: Andrew Potter immigration issues and police protection concerns. The Who will get the honor and burden? committee will meet during the first quarter of this year The U.S. Supreme Court has made that to consider plans and priorities. in a 2008 article: “(W)hether counsel in connections to justices past and present.” question a little more difficult than usual. It Michigan members to join Hoadley, Dievendorf, Budnick a Supreme Court case is an experienced Seven of the eight had worked for a justice has asked the plaintiffs in four different cases and Wesaw include: Lawrence Almeda of Canton, Rev. Supreme Court advocate is a significant or in the U.S. Solicitor General’s office – or across four different states to choose only Dr. Wendell Anthony of Detroit, James Fett of Pinckney, determinant in the outcome of the case.” both. two attorneys – one to tackle each of the two Dr. Samuel Gregg of Ann Arbor, Joyce Herron-Taylor of There are plenty of reasons to believe that Those eight include former Solicitor questions the court has limited argument to. Southfield, Jayashree Kommareddi of Grand Blanc, Dr. is true, but there are also factors that may be Generals Ted Olson and Seth Waxman, the Right now, the 36 attorneys representing James Prescott and Sarah Prescott of Northville, Victor skewing data toward that conclusion. latter being a lead author for a brief from a those plaintiffs don’t want to talk about who Torres of Ann Arbor and Nathaniel Wolf of Ada. A Reuters report last December, which group of Republicans who favored striking will argue the cases; they are concentrating included interviews with all the justices down Proposition 8. FERNDALE on meeting the Feb. 27 deadline for their “In this ever more intimate circle, lawyers written argument briefs. Several said the Affirmations Hosts Upcoming say, chemistry with the court is key,” reported group was not yet discussing even how to In recent years, various studies Reuters. The justices “speak glowingly HIV/AIDS Art Exhibit make the decision among themselves. of the repeat performers, explaining that The Pittmann-Puckett Gallery at Affirmations will host Although the group does not have to have suggested that attorneys elite lawyers help them understand and sift an upcoming exhibition in honor of Black History Month. choose among themselves, several of them through complex legal issues.” “Ebony, A Deeper Love of Self” will honor black are eminently qualified and interested. with experience arguing before The 36 attorneys on the marriage equality experiences, reflecting on the impact of HIV/AIDS. “Who wouldn’t like to argue this before side of the four 6th Circuit cases – which The exhibition will feature photographs by Imara the high court?” said Mary Bonauto, the the U.S. Supreme Court are include nine attorneys from the three major Rhiannon Chester and poetry by Khafre Kujichagulia attorney who represented plaintiff couples in LGBT legal groups (GLAD, Lambda and Abif and Victor Billione Walker. Walker will host featured Massachusetts before the state supreme court more likely to win there. NCLR) – must soon decide whether to play performances by Ahya Simone, Michael Springer and there to win the historic decision in 2003 that DeLorean Cotton. to that chemistry. led to that state becoming the first to allow The event is free and open to the public, and will also except Chief Justice John Roberts, suggested With previous historic LGBT cases, the marriage for same-sex couples. be hosted by Status Sexy at 7 p.m., Feb. 20 at Affirmations, the Supreme Court is somewhat clubby when decision was somewhat easier. The 2003 Bonauto, the civil rights director for Gay 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. it comes to oral arguments. Lawrence v Texas case was primarily a & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), For more information, visit the Facebook event page In the last term, said Reuters, 53 percent Lambda Legal case, so the decision was is one of five attorneys signed onto the briefs at www.facebook.com/events/1418181998475992/?ref_ of the cases argued included at least one essentially an internal one at Lambda. in the Michigan case, DeBoer v Snyder. dashboard_filter=upcoming. attorney who was a former clerk to the The 1996 Romer v Evans case, regarding In recent years, various studies have Supreme Court justices. Almost 20 percent Colorado Amendment 2, came down to a suggested that attorneys with experience of the attorneys arguing before the court in comfort level the Colorado plaintiffs had Extended briefs are available online at: arguing before the U.S. Supreme Court the past decade were from a group of only with their chosen local attorney, a former >> www.PrideSource.com are more likely to win there. Harvard Law eight male lawyers with “especially deep Professor Richard Lazarus put it this way See Looming Dilemma, page 16 4 BTL | Feb. 19, 2015 www.PrideSource.com LGBT Successes Provide A Bright Spot For Democrats At Cobo Hall Gathering BTL STAFF REPORT to become the first openly gay mayor of Southfield. Currently he serves on the city DETROIT – Last November, two openly council and is hoping to replace the former gay men were elected to Michigan’s State mayor, Brenda Lawrence, who vacated the House of Representatives and LGBT leaders position when she won her race for the U.S. now hold prominent positions at the highest Congress last fall. Siver is strongly endorsed levels of the party. As a result, the morning by his former council colleague, State Rep. meeting of the LGBT Caucus was far more Jeremy Moss, one of the two openly gay upbeat than the overall mood at the Michigan men elected to the state house along with Democratic Party convention Feb. 14 at Cobo Jon Hoadley from Kalamazoo. Lawrence Hall in downtown Detroit. Party activists also supports Siver to replace her as mayor. analyzed losses at the polls last November Siver’s likely Republican challenger will that resulted in Republicans strengthening be council president Sylvia Jordan. She their control over all three branches of state joined her husband, Larry Jordan, pastor of government. Family Victory Fellowship Church, at an LGBT Caucus Chair Mark LaChey led anti-marriage equality rally Feb. 24, 2014, the two-hour caucus meeting along with at the start of the DeBoer v Snyder federal Vice Chair Jan Stevenson. The first order court case. She has since made some public of business was to re-elect LaChey and the comments saying she does not support three vice chairs including Stevenson, David discrimination against LGBT people. Coulter and Toni Sessoms. All four were re- Brian Stone made an impassioned elected for another two-year term. announcement that he will run for a seat in A steady stream of elected officials and the Michigan State House in 2016. After a candidates addressed the LGBT caucus, four year stint in the U.S. Navy, he returned to including both U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Michigan and applied to a state university, only Debbie Stabenow; U.S. Reps. Debbie Dingell to receive a letter from the school stating that and Brenda Lawrence; Michigan Supreme he would be considered an out-of-state student Court Justice Richard Bernstein; State Sen. because he had lived in Japan while serving his Curtis Hertel; State Reps. Jeremy Moss, Kristy country. Stone discovered that many veterans Pagan, Leslie Love, Christine Greig and Tim who had served overseas, including in combat Greimel; State Party Chair Lon Johnson; zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, had received Michigan State Board of Education Chair similar letters from Michigan’s universities. John Austin; and Oakland County Treasurer Stone launched a successful campaign to Andy Meisner. change the state universities’ policies and Two openly gay candidates received now veterans can receive in-state status enthusiastic support from LGBT caucus from Michigan universities. He now wants members. Ken Siver is running this November See Democrats, page 14

Ken Siver, left, is running this fall to be the first openly gay mayor of Southfield. He is strongly supported by Michigan Democratic Party LGBT Caucus Chair Mark LeChey, center, and former city councilman and current State Rep. Jeremy Moss, one of two openly gay men elected to the state house last fall. BTL photo www.PrideSource.com Feb. 19, 2015 | BTL 5

Conference Discusses Status Of LGBT Youth In Schools BY AJ TRAGER

AUBURN HILLS – Educators, activists, students and administrators gathered Feb. 6 for the fourth annual Michigan SOGI Education Conference to discuss topics surrounding LGBT youth such as developing and maintaining gay-straight alliances (GSA) within the schools, creating safe spaces for LGBT youth of color, the rights of trans and gender expansive students and how higher education is extending trans inclusion to the faculty. The conference brought together community members from local Michigan schools, local LGBT groups such as the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) of Southeast Michigan, the Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual The closing panel in Auburn Hill discusses how academic leaders can and are changing the dialogue Health (MOASH) and the Equality for acceptance of out LGBT youth in schools. Panel includes: (L-R) Naomi Kahlil, Erika Rust, Rachel Research Center at Eastern Michigan Guinn, Larry Thomas, Laurie Bechhofer and Tony Sharpe. University. National organizations like the TransActive Gender Center, After ten years in the Michigan students and coordinating with schools in Illinois Safe Schools Alliance and the legislature, the Matt’s Safe Schools Law how to make students feel like they are in Pride Foundation were also present to was finally ratified in 2011, requiring a safe and supportive environment so that discuss how discrimination in schools that all public schools and academies they can learn better,” Laurie Bechhofer, and administrative practices affects prohibit bullying, retaliation and false from the Michigan Department of LGBT youth. accusations on school grounds. Education, said. “This year we are reaching up to the “My particular interest is how do Other presenters from the 2015 leadership in schools, school districts, we, as growing leaders, set a tone. And Spring Conference include: Rev. Roland colleges, universities, local communities Stringfellow of Metropolitan and government and we are reaching out Community Church of across the breadth of the LGBT and allied Detroit, Frank Burger of community to explore our connections, the National Education intersections and divergences,” Timothy We are looking at health of the Association, Thomas Zook G. Larrabee, Director of the SOGI from Wayne State University, Initiative, said. students and coordinating with schools Rudy Serra – the first openly “ gay judge in Michigan, The keynote address was delivered in how to make students feel like they by Kris Hermanns, executive director students from Novi High of the Pride Foundation, a regional are in a safe and supportive environment School representing the school’s GSA, Craig Laurie community foundation committed to so that they can learn better. expanding opportunities and advancing from MOASH, Paula Kirsch full equality for LGBT people and their and Mark McMillan from families across the Northwest. Hermanns the Center for Relationship - Laurie Bechhofer, from the Michigan recounted the recent suicide of Leelah and Sexual Health and Erich Department” of Education Pitcher from Michigan State Alcorn, a 17-year-old trans girl raised in a conservative household in Ohio, whose University. suicide attracted international attention SOGI, the School of as her mother and members of the media Education and Human tried to erase Alcorn’s gender identity. how can we, from the get-go, set that Services’ Sexual Orientation and “We cannot let up now; too many lives inclusive tone utilizing simple things Gender Identity Initiative, was depend on it,” Hermanns said, referring including language, presence and our launched in 2010 to provide a safe to the inclusion of LGBT youth identities basic nature?” asked Rachel Guinn, and welcoming environment involving and progression of trans-inclusive principal of Seaholm High School. supportive, educational outreach and activism. Schools provide a small scale melting community events for staff, faculty, Growing up is hard enough without pot for people across all races, ethnicities administrators and visitors to the having to deal with added discrimination and religions. Those varying identities School of Education and Human because of sexual orientation or gender often do not agree with one another Services who identify as LGBT and identity. LGBT youth are twice as likely on social issues like the acceptance their allies. than their non-LGBT peers to be bullied of diverse youth sexuality and gender A second conference, the Midwest in school due to their sexual orientation identity, or how to talk about those SOGI Education Conference: “Doing and gender identity and 96 percent of issues. The Michigan Department of Justice Between the Coasts,” comes LGBT youth say they hear transphobic or Education released new data determining to the Marriott Detroit Oct. 17-18 and homophobic language spoken throughout that 8.6 percent of youth in the state will bring together faith leaders, LGBT hallways and classrooms. identity as LGBT. parents and families and community “We are looking at (the) health of the advocates. 10 BTL | Feb. 19, 2015 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Feb. 19, 2015 | BTL 11 Remembering Mr. George Parting Glances

OPINION BY CHARLES ALEXANDER

s a teenager in the mid-1950s, I listened faithfully to Country & Western music radio, and later ‘Senator’ Bristo Bryant’s Rhythm & Blues after-high school class Abroadcasts. (A favorite group was Billy Ward & His Dominoes.) At age 19, my first partner, ballet dancer and pianist Ernie Gilbert, 23, introduced me to classical music. He was writing for the Wayne University Collegian as entertainment by-liner, and took me with him – a gay Mutt & Jeff pairing, if ever – for his reviews of ballet companies, symphony orchestras, soloists, operas and Sol Hurok musical galas at Detroit’s Masonic Temple. Basically a street kid before I met Ernie, my introduction and our partnership, stretching over three years, changed my life dramatically. He was the best catalyst that happened to my young, formative gay life. In 1960, Ernie got me a sales job at Discount Records, in the Sheraton Cadillac, Washington Boulevard. It was there that my 20-year friendship with Detroit Free Press music critic Collins George began. Mr. George was the first black journalist to be hired at the Freep. He was a regular customer at Discount Records. Collins, prior to his music critic tenure (1953 to 1980), had been a managing editor for the Pittsburg Courier, then and now one of the nation’s major African-American newspapers; and, as a Howard University graduate with a French Language minor, he Stonewall Calendars taught French at Howard briefly. movement. In 1969, at New York’s reason I can sit here writing this article Mr. George was the first black Stonewall Inn, gay, lesbian and cross- and sign my last name to it, feeling dressing members of our community relative safety that I won’t be attacked journalist to be hired at the Freep. decided to fight back against the or targeted for these opinions. And yet OPINION BY KAT LATOSCH constant police raids at the bar. It they are still having to fight – often sparked three days of rioting and 46 with little help or resources and with “I was so nervous during my first class, I had to sit on my hands he older I get, the more I realize years (and counting) of human rights dwindling physical strength. to keep them from shaking,” he once commented to friends gathered two things: I know very little, activism. for drinks at his Lafayette Park condo. and history is inextricably Hundreds, if not thousands, of gay Our LGBT elders need us When our friendship started, Collins was also hosting a weekly Twound up in the present – even more rights organizations sprang up around classical music program for WQRS-FM, playing selections from his than all of us will probably ever the country following the riots. Many now. It’s time to return the extensive collection of hundreds of LPs. He had a small east-side realize. Take for example the Mayan of those people who fought back are favor. In the past year, the upstairs flat at the time; for him, a real plus – his meals were lovingly Calendar. It was in regular use more still with us here today. They are our prepared by someone whom I never saw or met, his “feeding lady.” than 2500 years ago. And yet it was LGBT elders. They are in their 60s, LGBT Older Adult Coalition of As I got to know Collins I introduced him to two close gay friends, one of the top media buzzes at the end 70s, 80s and 90s. Some, like Ruth Dan Stevens and Cecil Miller. Soon Collins began referring to us as of 2012, with interpreters predicting Ellis, may live past 100. They are all Michigan has been working “my daughters.” Of course we enjoyed his celebrity company, but the apocalypse on Dec. 21, 2012. around us. Yet sadly now, in their older diligently to begin addressing we were also content to drink his ample supply of available scotch, Obviously, we know now that it was age, they are still having to battle. recount our adventures of previous seductions, before hitting the hyper-sensationalized drama and a They battle for respectful treatment the needs of our LGBT elders. bars – cost free – on weekends. lack of cultural awareness, but the real at nursing homes, in retirement Collins was a gifted story teller. We learned of his tenure as a story here is that the Mayans are still communities, at healthcare centers. World War II news correspondent in Italy, and of a year spent as with us, despite many people thinking They are the ones who provided the Some have had to go back into the a conscientious objector in a CO camp with two close detainees, that they are an ancient civilization. firm ground upon which our modern- closet after decades of prideful living. British author Christopher Isherwood and Denham Fouts, a They never went away. day gay rights movement is standing Some are mistreated by direct care handsome escort of much notoriety and final drug OD demise. And there are other silent culture- and which all of us who are younger workers, staff and residents, if they (Collins is the model for a character in Isherwood’s novel, bearers in our midst, right in each of benefit, and yet they cannot rest. choose to come out. Some have had “Down There On A Visit.” Collins shared a loving letter with me our own communities. As we near the They are the reason my wife and their partner denied access to their that Isherwood had written him sometime after the war.) summit of achieving marriage equality, I live in relative comfort as an out hospital or medical room (yes, this When I met Collins, there were two other major newspaper many talk about the tremendous lesbian couple with two children. is still happening). Some are moved critics who were gay. The Times critic, Frank Gill, was married to strides we have made on LGBT equal They are the reason my wife’s law firm away from their beloved gay chosen the publisher’s daughter. He was also the advisor for the Wayne rights. Fifty years ago, we were at the offers domestic partner benefits that, See Parting Glances, page 14 beginning of the modern gay liberation as I write this, cover me. They are the See Stonewall Calendars, page 14

12 BTL | Feb. 19, 2015 www.PrideSource.com Creating Change 2015: A Black Lesbian Intersectional Account

BY RHIANNON CHESTER

had the opportunity to attend the 27th National Conference on LGBTQ Equality: Creating Change Iin Denver, Colorado with the staff at LGBT Detroit from Feb. 4-8. Creating Change brings together thousands of activists, artists, scholars, allies and enthusiasts to share and discover together. There was an over abundance of workshops and activities that allowed for the opportunity to learn from a plethora of experiences and angles. There was no shortage of brilliance at this conference. I was able to attend National Black Justice Coalition’s Annual Day Long Black Institute, themed “#BlackLivesMatter: Where Do We Fit in the Conversation?” During the day long institute we discussed intersections of race and identity but also looked at the big issues for black LGBTQ people including; economic empowerment, political empowerment, anti-violence, racial justice, family and faith. On Friday, Feb. 6, I co-presented a workshop called “Leading Within Our Intersections” that explored the relationship between being multi-marginalized and leadership. It was about realizing how our experiences prepare us to lead and the barriers that we face because of our identities. I also attended other workshops: “Presentation Skills for LGBTQ Advocates,” “Exploring Justice in the Body” and “Let’s Talk: Ageism and Feminism.” I was able to attend the film screening of “Out in the Night,” a documentary about four black lesbians from New Jersey that were jailed after being harassed and attacked in New York. Unfortunately, there was no specific space to discuss black lesbianism during the conference. However, I discussed my experiences as a black lesbian in all the spaces I entered. I showed up whole and unapologetic about my experiences and how they are different from mainstream narratives because of the way my identity is configured. There is power in vulnerability. As I discovered throughout the conference, I have a different story to tell; we all do, and there is power in making oneself heard. From the #TransLivesMatter takeover at the opening plenary that halted Denver’s mayor’s welcome, the #BlackLivesMatter takeover and the Bi-Pride march through the hotel, we had no choice but to pay attention and respect the message. I left the conference feeling humbled and empowered to continue the work in Detroit but also ready to have more conversations about the intersections of black lesbianism. “Out in the Night” showcased a list of realities for black lesbian women including the stereotypes associated with black women, stigma of black masculinity, lesbian motherhood, sexual assault, street harassment and sexism and the criminal justice systems’ treatment of people of color. Without entering the oppression Olympics, we must recognize the ways that black lesbian women are marginalized and misrecognized in the conversation of LGBTQ rights. The fight for women’s rights that includes lesbian, bi and trans* women is far from over, and in that fight, the realities of racism must also be addressed. READ MORE ONLINE From Creating Change Tobacco Usage In The LGBT Community By Alicia ‘Kunto’ Howard It All Starts With ‘Hello’ By Nathan Strickland >> www.pridesource.com www.PrideSource.com Feb. 19, 2015 | BTL 13 ® Mark Totten said he is keeping up over 100 years. Democrats Mark Totten ran and Continued from p. 5 the fight for marriage equality and lost his bid to replace Sam Brownback OPINION BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI Michigan’s Attorney to continue his political activism as is preparing an amicus brief to the General Bill Schuette, but fter an awful seven year stretch, state employees in Kansas an elected state representative from have finally been granted equality with the rest of the Kansas Totten said he is keeping Dearborn. U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of up the fight for marriage workforce. Several candidates that ran AThanks to Gov. Sam Brownback, state employees will no longer have the Michigan Democratic Party. equality and is preparing but lost their races last fall were to live with the burden of being protected against an amicus brief to the U.S. warmly welcomed by the LGBT discrimination based on sexual orientation or Supreme Court on behalf of caucus. Lisa Brown lost her bid gender identity. Now they can be fired just like the Michigan Democratic for Lieutenant Governor on Mark anyone else for being gay or trans. Like God Michigan’s marriage ban to be Party. The party counters Schauer’s gubernatorial ticket. She intended. unconstitutional. U.S. Appeals Judge Sutton’s opinion remains Oakland County Clerk. The trouble all started back in 2007 when then Joan Brausch lost her race against that marriage equality should “be Brown said that the best day of her Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a Democrat, established anti-LGBT activist Gary Glenn left to be resolved by the political entire political career was March 22, protections for people Brownback personally for state representative in the 98th process.” Totten said the Ohio 2014 when she opened the clerk’s thinks are icky and sinful. As soon as they could District. Brausch reported that she Democratic Party is joining the offices to perform over 120 same- Sam Brownback no longer get legally fired for doing so, pretty received 37 percent of the vote, the brief and they are encouraging sex marriages in the brief window much all of Kansas’ state workers decided to highest recorded by a Democrat in their counterparts in Tennessee and of opportunity after U.S. District go gay and/or trans depending on whether it was an odd or even that heavily Republican district in Kentucky to join too. Judge Berndard Friedman declared number day on the calendar. State workers soon saw a decrease in their productivity, but an increase in their fabulousness. According to a state worker who stressed that she was not a lesbian, in Chicago on this groundbreaking LGBT Older Adult Coalition. We run ® before the protections were put in place she kept her hair long and wore Stonewall Calendars model. Perhaps you’ve seen the a lean budget to reach high aspirations. skirts with heels daily. “I knew I could be fired if people even thought Continued from p. 12 three film clips recently released at Call Jay Kaplan at the ACLU of I wasn’t heterosexual,” our website featuring the stories of Michigan, 313-578-6800 x812 or email Thanks to Gov. Sam Brownback, state she said. “I’d always families to other states by well- three of our local LGBT elders. Or [email protected] about how to wanted to cut my employees will no longer have to live intending nephews and nieces. Some maybe you’re waiting to see a SAGE make your ear-marked contribution hair, wear pants and lose their home, possessions and even affiliate established locally – it’s on for this very important work. You with the burden of being protected comfortable shoes income when a partner dies – with the way! We’ve been working hard, can also help by getting involved and play softball. no legal recourse. Some have been but we’ve just scratched the surface with any number of organizations against discrimination based on Sebelius made that coerced into “deathbed conversions” and we need your help. Our LGBT this year: Affirmations’ LGBT possible.” sexual orientation or gender identity. where a clergy member encourages Older Adult Coalition would like to older adult social and discussion When asked what a dying person to renounce his/her expand on its work and we’re looking groups, The Detroit Elder Project would happen now homosexuality before death to avoid for financial support to continue the at KICK (serving the needs of she said, “Well, I guess first I’ll have to trade in my Subaru Legacy and going to hell (yes, this is very much work. The ACLU of Michigan has African-American LGBT elders donate all of these Dansko clogs to the Salvation Army.” still happening). generously hosted the coalition since in Detroit), Gay Elders of Metro Another worker speaking on condition of anonymity said, “I had a Our LGBT elders need us now. its inception, acting as legal fiduciary Detroit (a SAGE pre-cursor) and wife and kids at home and I had never been, like, attracted to dudes. It’s time to return the favor. In and providing space, overhead and the LGBT Older Adult Coalition (a But once Sebelius paved the way I was like, ‘Girlfriend...’” The worker the past year, the LGBT Older staff resources. The HOPE Fund has coalition of organizations working then snapped his fingers several times while gesticulating wildly in Adult Coalition of Michigan has generously supported our work. For to impact policy and education on front of his body. “The thing is, I’m not even gay. I just wanted those been working diligently to begin many other funders though, this work LGBT elder issues in Michigan). sweet special rights. Thank Jesus Gov. Brownback made me remember addressing the needs of our LGBT seems too narrow a focus and so we Truly, our elders are our past, our who and what I really am. I hope my wife will let me move back in.” elders. You may have heard about our turn to our community. present and our future. Workers who are actually gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender recent collaborative work with Metro Help support our continuing work Kathleen LaTosch is a founding member were unavailable for comment since they can all now be legally fired Detroit’s Area Agencies on Aging – on behalf of LGBT older adults with of the LGBT Older Adult Coalition of for doing so. we’re presenting at the Annual Aging a financial contribution to the ACLU Lest you think that Brownback is being unfair, he said the following in Society Conference this March of Michigan and ear-marked for the Michigan and consultant specializing in in a statement released by his office: “This Executive Order ensures diversity and inclusion. that state employees enjoy the same civil rights as all Kansans without creating additional ‘protected classes’ as the previous order did. Any such expansion of ‘protected classes’ should be done by the legislature ® Parting Glances us to Chicago one St. Patrick’s Day the AIDS epidemic. He was among and not through unilateral action.” Continued from p. 12 weekend. The river was dyed green, Michigan’s first. But taking protections away, however, should be done unilaterally and a Living Rosary was in the Collins died in 1980 during a if it means open season on LGBT state workers. University Collegian. (He said he traditional parade. Quipped Dan, “I dinner at a favorite downtown Brownback has a long history of being what some might call a terrible had once partied with Lord Alfred like the Second ‘Our Father’ on the Detroit restaurant, Sweitzer’s. He person when it comes to LGBT issues. When he was a U.S. Senator in Douglas, Oscar Wilde’s companion.) right.” Added Collins, “You’ll do had a heart attack triggered by a 2003 he was totally gay for the Defense of Marriage Act, which would The News critic, Joe Mossman, bead work for that, my dear!” tracheal throat lodging of a steak have amended this country’s Constitution to exclude same-sex couples something of a pompous twit, Cecil was 25 when he died. He sliver. DSO Assistant Concertmaster from ever legally marrying. delighted to be the last to walk was scheduled to have minor surgery. Gordon Peterson, attending with him, As govenor of Kansas he kept the state’s anti-gay sodomy law on the into a DSO concert, to be seen by He died on the operating table of an performed a Heimlich Maneuver to books just for fun despite said law being invalidated by the Supreme everyone, then sit behind Collins and unanticipated aneurism. Dan, Collins no avail. Court in 2003. He also supported a “religious liberty” bill that would whisper comments to get Collins, and I went to his apartment to remove The following year I faced up to my have let people discriminate against homos because Jesus. who had survived two minor strokes, gay related items – there were dozens alcoholism. What’s past is prologue. Brownback is not singling LGBT Kansans out, however. Since to uncontrollably guffaw out loud. – before Cecil’s parents came to town. One day at a time, followed by the becoming governor he has been hard at work slashing taxes for the rich, Mossman was fired for drinking on Collins kept a memento picture of remembered music of the night. gutting social services and ballooning the state budget deficit, doing the job. himself and Cecil on his writing table. his best to make Kansas a terrible place for everyone who lives there. Dan, Cecil and I took Collins with Dan died in 1981 at the onset of [email protected]

14 BTL | Feb. 19, 2015 www.PrideSource.com New Matt Shepard Movie To Screen In Detroit

BY AJ TRAGER

DETROIT – The LGBT community was forever changed in October 1998 when a 21-year- old university student fell victim to a hate crime in Laramie, Wyoming. Seventeen years and four films later, Matthew Shepard’s death and story comes to Cinema Detroit through the eyes of loved ones and never before seen footage of Shepard’s life in “Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine.” Many movies were made in response to Shepard’s murder: “The Laramie Project” is a A screen shot from the new documentary “Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine” will be showing at Cinema three-act play that drew out Detroit beginning Feb. 20 for one week. Matt is pictured second from left with his brother, mother and father. the experiences from hundreds of community interviews that Shepard’s parents, Dennis and Judy uncovering a lot of memories and were conducted after his death; “The Shepard, founded the Matthew Shepard emotions previously over-looked due Matthew Shepard Story” followed the Foundation and have traveled the world to the chaos that developed shortly after trial of Shepard’s killers; “Dear Jesse,” speaking out against LGBT hate crimes Shepard’s death. a documentary about U.S. Senator by sharing their son’s story. They have “We (Shepard’s family and friends) Jesse Helms, features an interview with kept many of his belongings, including didn’t have the opportunity to grieve Shepard; and “Laramie Inside Out” a box of home video tapes consisting of him. We were all across the world. explores the repercussions of Shepard’s over 100 hours of Shepard’s personal We didn’t live near each other and murder on the town of Laramie. Now, footage. Josue reviewed the poignant couldn’t commiserate together and for the first time ever, his story will be memories that Shepard filmed, getting what resulted was a lot of things being told through the eyes of those he held closer to seeing what her friend was pushed underneath the surface, all the most dear, including the film’s director, thinking and feeling. feelings that we didn’t deal with,” Josue Michele Josue, who met Shepard while “It’s been a long time since we’ve said. “So making this film, we were all attending high school in Switzerland. heard his voice. So to come across those able to come together collectively and “Those types of projects dealt with videos, his journal entries, notebooks and remember him in this specific way. We Matt’s murder as an event and the postcards – I am so grateful that Matt was were able to remember him as a human aftermath and how that affected the able to be in the film so palpably. I am being and not as an icon.” community,” Josue said. “As friends we grateful to be better friends with Judy It’s important to remember what had were interested in sharing the real Matt and Dennis. They were always Matt’s to happen to get the LGBT community and what he meant to us; to portray him mom and dad. It’s been powerful to know to where it is today. The late ‘90s had a not as a martyr but as someone with flaws them on this level to witness first hand different attitude towards LGBT rights and who fought against depression.” their courage. Judy is sharing her story and inclusions; Shepard himself wasn’t Josue met Shepard in the early ‘90s and reliving her pain to affect a sort of comfortable coming out to Josue and through the theatre department at The change so that this doesn’t happen to his other friends, and the intolerance American School in Switzerland, an other people,” Josue said. he received from others over his sexual international boarding school. Josue was She began filming in 2010 and orientation cost him his life. Josue wishes a few years behind Shepard in study, but encountered some financial hurdles that she had the opportunity to support living in close proximity to her peers, along the way but found alternative her friend in his identity but says that the Josue became very close to Shepard. ways of raising money, including a process of collaborating, creating and They kept in contact after he graduated Kickstarter that raised over $100,000 developing the documentary has made in 1995 through phone calls and written from around a thousand supporters. She her feel closer to him. letters. finished the film and began touring the “Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine” She describes the months directly film festival circuit in 2013, including comes to Cinema Detroit this week following his death as a media circus, a special showing at Manny de Guerre, for the Michigan debut and will run as society became fixated on Shepard’s the LGBT film festival in St. Petersburg, for seven evenings beginning Feb. 20. life. The country then called for updates Russia. Josue is always surprised that Tickets are $8 and can be purchased in to statewide and federal hate-crimes Shepard’s story translates for people advance or at the door. laws. After years of work, the Matthew from many different backgrounds and Shepard Act, introduced in 2001, was that they are moved to reflect on their finally adopted in 2009 and expanded own experiences and see similarities in Cinema Detroit is located at 3420 Cass the federal hate-crime law to include his story. Ave. in Downtown Detroit. Doors open 30 crimes motivated by a victim’s actual The filming and editing process or perceived gender, sexual orientation, has been a long journey for Josue, minutes before showtime. gender identity or disability. www.PrideSource.com Feb. 19, 2015 | BTL 15 Is This The Beginning Of The End For Conversion Therapy? BY TODD HEYWOOD “For the first time, a court has ruled that it is orientation,” Drescher said. “Now we know fraudulent as a matter of law for conversion that is not true. People have been harmed, n early February, a state court judge in therapists to tell clients that they have a mental and it is a milestone to have that recognized New Jersey struck a blow to the defense disorder that can be cured. This is the principal by the courts.” For the first time, a court has in a case involving so called conversion lie the conversion therapy industry uses Despite the warm welcome of Bariso’s Itherapy – counseling designed, supporters throughout the country to peddle its quackery ruling on Feb. 10, celebration in terms of ruled“ that it is fraudulent as a matter say, to change a person from homosexual to to vulnerable clients. Gay people don’t need impact nationwide might be premature. In a of law for conversion therapists to heterosexual – by ruling such groups were to be cured, and we are thrilled that the court Feb. 5 ruling in the case, Bariso wrote that misrepresenting their services under a state has recognized this.” the trial – expected to begin in early summer tell clients that they have a mental consumer fraud law. Jack Drescher, a New York based 2015 – would implicate only the practices of In a Feb. 10 ruling, Superior Court psychiatrist, welcomed the ruling. JONAH. disorder that can be cured. Judge Peter F. Bariso Jr. found that it “is “For the past twenty years, conversion “Plaintiffs made clear that they do not intend a misrepresentation in violation of (New therapists and so-called ex-gays have appeared to prove that sexual orientation change efforts Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act), in advertising in courts and at legislative hearings to oppose (‘SOCE’) in general cannot be effective,” – David Dinielli, SPLC deputy” legal director or selling conversion therapy services, to civil rights for gay people using the discredited Bariso wrote. “They address solely the describe homosexuality, not as being a normal argument that homosexuality is a ‘treatable practices of JONAH’s program specifically, been disaffiliated from Exodus International, variation of human sexuality, but as being a disorder’ and not an innate trait deserving of rather than the universe of all possible efforts and has lost ministerial visitation rights mental illness, disease, disorder or equivalent legal protections,” Drescher said by instant to change sexual orientation.” for prisoners at Michigan Department of thereof.” message to BTL. “This judge’s decision is the In that same ruling, however, Bariso barred Corrections’ facilities. The ruling is part of an ongoing lawsuit first, to my knowledge, that in plain language testimony from six people claiming to be Last year, State Rep. Adam Zemke, D-Ann brought by the Southern Poverty Law Center calls conversion therapy ‘junk science’ and experts in SOCE. Arbor, introduced legislation to ban the against Jews Offering New Alternatives to its practitioners as being out of touch with the In striking the testimony, Bariso wrote, “The practice in Michigan. The legislation died Homosexuality (JONAH). That organization scientific mainstream.” theory that homosexuality is a disorder is not without a hearing. Zemke did not respond to offers services to supposedly help people Drescher has served on the American novel but -- like the notion that the earth is flat an inquiry as to whether he plans to reintroduce overcome their homosexuality and become Psychiatric Association’s committees working and the sun revolves around it – instead it is the legislation this session. heterosexual. SPLC filed the suit claiming to rewrite the diagnostic manual for mental outdated and refuted.” BTL sought comment from Riverview the organization engaged in activities which health disorders. APA does not consider Conversion therapy, or SOCE, has been Church in Lansing, which offers support for violated the state’s consumer fraud law. homosexuality a disorder, nor do any other a controversy in Michigan for some years. those struggling with same-sex attraction – a “This ruling is monumental and devastating mainstream medical organizations. BTL reported frequently on the case of phrase often used by religious organizations to the conversion therapy industry,” said “Historically people acted as if there was Patrick McAlvey and his experiences with which support SOCE programs. The church David Dinielli, SPLC deputy legal director. ‘no harm’ in trying to change a person’s sexual Corduroy Ministries. That ministry has since did not respond.

® Choosing who will argue the Meanwhile, in other developments, the U.S. such stays and the court’s refusal to grant Looming Dilemma Supreme Court on Feb. 9 rejected a request the stay to Alabama “may well be seen as Continued from p. 4 6th Circuit marriage cases from the state of Alabama to stay enforcement a signal of the (Supreme) Court’s intended will likely be more difficult of a federal district court’s order that the state resolution” of the marriage ban question. state supreme court justice. stop enforcing its laws against marriage for Thomas criticized the refusal to grant the Choosing who will argue the 6th Circuit because of the involvement of same-sex couples. Despite other efforts by stay as “another example of this Court’s marriage cases will likely be more difficult the state to avoid complying with the federal increasingly cavalier attitude toward the because of the involvement of so many so many attorneys – 36 in all. judge’s ruling, many same-sex couples are States,” “popular referendums” and elected attorneys, several groups, and the long, now obtaining marriage licenses from various representatives. complicated litigation history that got these so there are potentially many right choices. state clerks. “I would have shown the people of Alabama cases here. There is an embarrassment of riches of top As with previous refusals to issue stays, the respect they deserve,” wrote Thomas, Jenny Pizer, a senior attorney with Lambda legal talent.” Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas “and preserved the status quo while the Legal, said there is “no set way” for how to The overriding consideration, she said, will were the only justices to indicate that they Court resolves this important constitutional make the decision. be “who gives us the best way for success at would have granted a stay. The three-page question.” “There are numerous immensely talented, the Supreme Court that will have the strongest dissent, penned by Thomas, said it was Keen News Service: Part one of a two part series. effective and compelling advocates involved long-term resonance.” “ordinary practice” for the high court to grant in these cases and working on this issue, Next week: A look at some of the possibilities.

16 BTL | Feb. 19, 2015 www.PrideSource.com Affirmations Community Center Announces New Executive Director

BY BTL STAFF

FERNDALE – After a year of searching, I am awed by the passion Affirmations will hire Darrious Hilmon to be the next executive director of the LGBT and“ commitment of Affirmations’ community center. Board, staff and volunteers. The Hilmon will take over as executive opportunity to help lead this incredible director beginning in late March. He organization into its next chapter is a graduate of of service to metro Detroit’s LGBTQ the University of Michigan and a community is beyond exciting. best-selling author with over 20 years experience working - Darrious Hilmon in strategy driven ” Darrious Hilmon fund development, marketing officer for Youth Guidance, vice event managing and president of corporate, foundation and marketing. government relations for Girl Scouts of “We could not be more excited that Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana and Darrious has chosen to lead Affirmations as the marketing and development director for its next executive director. He is a dynamic Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, where he led and talented individual, with a proven the team responsible for being the first Detroit track record of success in the area of fund non-profit to ever win the Neighborhood development and strategic planning,” Frank Builder Award from Bank of America and Aiello, Affirmations’ board president, said. the Achieving Excellence Award from DTE “He is looking to take on the expanded duties Energy. of an executive director and we believe he “I am awed by the passion and commitment is more than up to the task. Darrious is the of Affirmations’ Board, staff and volunteers,” right individual to facilitate development and said Hilmon. “The opportunity to help lead this implementation of the organization’s next incredible organization into its next chapter of strategic plan, move us forward in our mission service to metro Detroit’s LGBTQ community to serve the LGBTQ community and its allies is beyond exciting.” and further strengthen our commitment to The search to fill the position has diversity and inclusion.” been a year-long process for the center. Hilmon was the vice president and chief This past November, Affirmations hired development officer for the Chicago Urban WBB+McCormack, a LGBT-owned firm that League and served as a member of the provides specialized executive search services executive management team with lead for non-profit organizations, to assist interim accountability for planning and execution Executive Director Jon Fitzgerald in filling of all fund development activity, as well as the position after David Garcia resigned in design and implementation of organization February 2014. and program evaluation systems. Hilmon will be communicating with the Before joining the Chicago Urban League, board and staff to allow for a smooth transition Hilmon was the chief development and into his new role. \aut\ Bar To Host Film Festival Meet Up

Meet up for a social hour at \aut\ BAR, the honors films that best address and give voice longtime friend and supporter of the Ann to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer Arbor Film Festival, at 5 p.m. this Sunday, (LGBTQ) issues. Feb. 22. In addition to socializing, attendees can see A major champion of the Ann Arbor a few excerpts from past films that have won LGBTQ community, \aut\ BAR has been the \aut\FILM Award. sponsoring the “AAFF \aut\FILM Award for The 53rd Ann Arbor Film Festival takes Best LGBTQ Film” for almost a decade. The place March 24-29 at the Michigan Theater, LGBT establishment has nurtured a diversity 603 E. Liberty St. \aut\BAR is located at 315 of voices that achieve excellence in filmmaking Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. – a value at the core of the AAFF. This award www.PrideSource.com Feb. 19, 2015 | BTL 17 MISSION MISINTERPRETED Controversial Organist Cameron Carpenter Takes On His Critics, The Word ‘Flamboyant’ & That Stripping Video

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI INFO he abs are not the point. Cameron Although Cameron TCarpenter briefly went all Carpenter “Magic Mike” for a promotional 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23 video for “Revolutionary,” his 2008 Orchestra Hall debut, the organ virtuoso is more 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit than the sum of his literal parts. dso.org In support of his recently released Sony album, “If You Could Read My Mind,” Carpenter is on the road Since it’s slightly divine here that with his newly minted, custom-built I’m talking to a GBLT publication, International Touring Organ. I would put it this way: You asked Ahead of his Feb. 23 performance me what adjectives I care for the at Detroit’s Orchestra Hall, the least, and on behalf of all of us, 33-year-old, Grammy-nominated I would have to say the word Juilliard alum phoned to chat about “flamboyant.” First of all, unlike why that chest-baring bit was a a lot of more easily discernible “mistake,” his problem with the criticisms or even observations word “flamboyant” and how, despite that one could make which could what critics think, he’s not trying to be irrefutable, flamboyance is, of take the organ mainstream. course, totally subjective. It would be too simple to point out only With the International Touring Organ, that one man’s “flamboyance” is essentially you have a symphony another man’s “regular.” It’s also, I orchestra at your fingertips. How has think, necessary to go slightly onto your approach to composing on the a limb and say that I’ve come to organ changed since the ITO came understand that sometimes when into your life? you’re called flamboyant this is, to It’s changed dynamically, and me, unbelievably still a code word entirely for the better. My work for saying this person is queer. is much more focused and much If I am assailed as flamboyant, more consistent than it’s ever been. I would really prefer to see some In other fields of music, and the evidence. It’s one thing to say “the same could be said for a person’s flamboyant Cameron Carpenter” voice, for that matter, a sense of a appeared in Alexander McQueen, psychological home is a requisite as I did at the Kennedy Center, and for good music-making if only for there was some delight and stir about the security of the person who’s it – that would be one good defense making it. We would want, after of that. If, on the other hand, I’m all, as an audience, that the person billed as the “flamboyant organist,” onstage have the ability to express or people are slightly warned off by themselves without inhibition, and me because I’m flamboyant, even if that’s what I try to give – basically an it’s only slightly implied, then that immersive, personal, entertaining, is actually offensive and I think all emotionally meaningful, thought- of us should be offended by that. provoking couple of hours. That’s It’s time that we not have that kind increasingly rare, I find, in classical of language masquerading as a way music. There is more and more of apologizing or warning against talent and less and less willingness the perceived threats of someone’s to take risks. sexuality. People attach many adjectives to How would you describe your you personally and also to your style me, good or ill. I slightly hate to attention not only to the damnation the audience that I have because aesthetic and how it plays into your of performance. When you read your quote (Rudyard) Kipling, who gave but to the praise, realizing that I have not been a very consistent performance? own press, which adjectives do you us the concept of the white man’s neither is true. That’s kind of my performer. I haven’t had the ability In a sense, I’m very traditional as like least? burden, but I somewhat like to take. And I’ll be the first to tell you to give consistent offerings. a person and as a musician. My invoke that wonderful poem “If–” that one of the great struggles has The point is, I use journalistic compositions speak a language, Well, first of all, I don’t give a – probably one of his best – where been for consistency. I feel that criticism for exactly what it’s worth, damn about what anyone thinks of for the most part, that is extremely the basic exhortation is to pay I am enormously lucky to have which is pretty much promotion. fashionable among intellectual

18 BTL | Feb. 19, 2015 www.PrideSource.com composers right now – that is the language of application of a ridiculous promotional high-tonality circa 1890-1925. My regime of video of me stripping off my clothes. performing is lifted directly from the pages of Secondly, it concerns me a lot because it late-19th century not by intention but simply makes it seem as though my concentration by conviction and ability. Classical musicians is on the organ – it’s not. It’s only on music. are still kind of the ghettoized immigrants It happens to be that I play the world’s most amongst the otherwise multi-cultural musical hidebound, stereotyped musical instrument scene. that, until very recently, literally wasn’t going anywhere, meaning physically as How has your progressive approach to the well as metaphorically. Now that that’s instrument allowed you to connect with the changed, I have a great deal of opportunity, audience in a way that a more traditional route but it’s not actually about the organ – might not allow? it’s about playing for as many people as The people who actually have to make a possible and in the most joyful way that I living with the organ have a very hard road can. So, if I’m able to rephrase the question to hoe, and while it won’t seem like it from in those terms, I would say that I plan to scratching the surface, I’m immensely take (the organ) as far as I possibly can – to emphatic toward them. I consider them Asia and to China, and this year to Japan. to be my brothers and sisters in a sense. Because of the reputation it gave you, do you Their offerings are totally commercially regret having stripped in that Sony Classical incompatible; many of them are very, very great musicians – there are more organists video? playing now than there ever have been No, to be honest, I don’t. I think it would be probably in history in proportion to the sad if I had to say that I regret it. The thing population, and most of them are playing at about that video is that it was directed by a an extremely high level technically. It seems German director and it had a completely to be a micro culture that does everything opposite effect in Europe, where it’s been it can to discourage manifestations of very, very successful. In a sense, I suppose, personal tastes and personality. what I regret about it, if anything, is that more I’ve studied the complete works of Bach, attention was paid to me than to the vision of Franck and a number of the core organ the music. I think, given the ambition of the composers, and I had to play most of those director, it couldn’t have been otherwise and works and still do play some of them, but it’s I would defend the fact that, for the almost never been the music that really motivates four weeks that we were shooting it, I ran me the most. My big attraction to the organ is myself ragged turning myself over to him. partly that it plays so much music so well and In other words, I don’t see the point of so convincingly. I just find the organ in general undertaking something if you do it in a half- to be a very rich resource – one that is not only assed way, and I tried my best to give him rich in its own repertoire but in a much broader what he wanted, and you have to. Most people repertoire. The bottom line is I am much more in the world don’t ever have to be in front of interested in what I want to play than what is the camera under those circumstances, so in a commercially viable. (Sharing) that honesty sense I can’t expect him to understand this. In with one’s audience is a genuineness which a way, really, the only responsible thing you people appreciate. can do is trust the director and that’s what I did – that may have been somewhat of a So far, you have made immense headway in the mistake. classical community. What’s next? How far do On the other hand, I’m a vain person and you plan on taking the sound of the organ? I have a very physical look to me, which, It makes it a convenient lede sometimes for of course, is part of my material and one journalists to say that that’s my mission. would have to use it. Part of expressing When, in her otherwise basically accurate yourself as a performer is to access review of my concert at the Kennedy Center accurately what you bring to the table and a few days ago, Anne Midgette (of The find out how best to capitalize on it. The Washington Post) – a brilliant critic who other thing is, again, how would one have should know better – stabbed me from the done it differently, really? I’m sure there outset with the idea that I’m trying to make are ways, but if you actually want to tell the organ mainstream. This tells us a lot the world that you’re an intelligent person about Anne, I’m sorry to say, and about the – and you risk demonstrating that you state of classical music that her conclusion have, possibly, eccentricities and, to you was that I’m succeeding. As anyone who at least, very, very seriously held views on writes about classical music should know, what to the world must seem like pointless the entirety of classical music exists out of minutia – then of course people are going the mainstream, so the idea that I have a to think you’re a pretentious asshole. In the mission to make the organ mainstream or media, negativity has longer legs across popular always really disconcerts me for all platforms. At the end of the day all I two reasons. want is to be able to walk on stage and play First of all, I worry that that makes me the instrument that I love and give it my look horrendously naive, which I think fullest, but one does also have to address (also has to do slightly) with the miss- becoming a known name. www.PrideSource.com Feb. 19, 2015 | BTL 19 Riverwalk Theatre Awarded Two MCACA Grants

BY BTL STAFF supporting and promoting community The MCACA peer review process Cool Cities arts programs and activities that provide allows for each grant application to Community Circle Players, Inc., doing art demonstrations, discussions and be competitively considered by a Lansing business as Riverwalk Theatre, has been engagement opportunities to help panel of in-state and out-of-state arts awarded two grants by the and culture professionals. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET State of Michigan Council This ensures the taxpayers for Arts and Cultural Affairs who support this project Pinpoint your ad dollars where (MCACA), including a through legislative they will do the most good . . . Technology Improvement appropriations, and all grant for $16,250 and other visitors or residents Advertise in the next Cool Cities an Operational Support in Michigan, will have TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 grant for $18,750. The access to the highest Technology Improvement quality arts and cultural award will be used to experiences. update sound and lighting Riverwalk Theatre’s controls systems used for next production will theatrical productions. The be “The Little Dog Operational Support grant, Laughed,” running Feb. which includes $1,810 27-March 1 and then provided to the Council by the National educate members of our community.” March 6-8. The comedy-drama depicts Endowment for the Arts, is intended to Organizations receiving MCACA a hot young Hollywood actor up cover administrative costs, marketing, grant awards are required to match for the role of a lifetime, while his publicity and promotion during the those funds with other public and agent does everything in her power period from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, 2015. private dollars. Local support of the to keep his “slight recurring case of The grants were awarded through the projects mentioned include Riverwalk homosexuality” under wraps. MCACA peer review process and Theatre Members, IBM Corporation, A complete list of grant awards selected from 494 applicationsfor 2015 Mariel Foundation, LBWL, Joe D. around the state is available by funding. Pentecost Foundation, Jackson National contacting MCACA at 517-241-4011 Riverwalk Theatre was congratulated Community Fund, Consumer’s Energy or by visiting the MCACA website at by State Representative Andy Schor “for and other local businesses. www.michiganbusiness.org

20 BTL | Feb. 19, 2015 www.PrideSource.com Mitchell (Blake Bowen) contemplates the meaning of love while in bed with Alex (Michael Boxleitner) in The Little Dog Laughed. Closet, Hollywood Gossip Collide In Riverwalk Theatre Production

BY TODD HEYWOOD “I feel like there’s this idea, this example of self-examination: Who are you going to be LANSING – While the studio system of and how are you going to let people see you,” controlling the lives of actors has faded, the says Keller, who also teaches acting at Lansing cultural taboos and carefully crafted images Community College. remain. In Riverwalk Theatre’s upcoming She says the script drew her attention production of “The Little Dog Laughed” by because of the writing, which she compared Douglas Carter Beane, the modern world of – in terms of the rhythms and the necessary the 24-hour news cycle and shifting acceptance breathing support – to Shakespeare. She was of gays and the cult of celebrity all come into also excited about the character, whom she said sharp contrast. has many strong needs she pursues throughout “The production shows how complicated the show. love can be,” says Michael Boxleitner. “You Little says she “loved” the script when she see how much it helps you and how much it first read it. hurts.” “Reading it was funny. The dialog was Boxleitner, 19, plays Alex, a hustler who smart. I liked that it breaks reality, yet it is such has caught the attention of Mitchell, an up- a real look at relationships and Hollywood and and-coming and semi-closeted gay actor. celebrity,” she says. Mitchell is portrayed by Blake Bowen, 35. Boxleitner and Bowen, who both identify Complicating the budding romance between as straight, share intimate scenes on stage, one the hustler and the actor is the pushy protective involving oral sex. For both, it was no big deal. agent, Diane (Deb Keller). Cassie Little rounds “They had chemistry very early on,” Hays out the cast as Ellen, Alex’s girlfriend. says. “They just decided themselves that they “It has a tremendous amount of heart,” would kiss; I didn’t even know it was going says director Michael Hays. “Love is love to happen.” regardless of sexuality. It’s a light look at that, Boxleitner’s name might be familiar to and you end up rooting for all four characters.” some readers. He is the son of science-fiction Hays says the show will be very funny acting favorite Bruce Boxleitner. His mother – particularly for members of the LGBTQ is Melissa Gilbert, best known as Laura Ingalls community. Wilder from the TV classic “Little House on “The LGBTQ community will identify the Prarie.” His stepfather is Timothy Busfield, with the angst the main characters are going an East Lansing native. through,” he says. “The Little Dog Laughed” is a Black Box For Bowen, the show is a contrast to similar Theater production at Riverwalk. The space queer-related theater from the ‘90s, which he seats about 100 people. The show runs 8 p.m. characterized as focused on AIDS. “It’s rare Feb. 27-28, 2 p.m. March 1, 8 p.m. March to have a show like this,” he says. “We’re not 6-7, 2 p.m. March 8. Tickets are $12 general carrying a cross anywhere.” admission, $10 for students and seniors. www.PrideSource.com Feb. 19, 2015 | BTL 21 22 BTL | Feb. 19, 2015 www.PrideSource.com drag these days), frolicking in Bible-gifting grandparents, a sibling’s clothes of the opposite sex existed Britney Spears-inspired dance; the in specific corners of the world – evolution of game consoles, music queer corners, mostly. With then- and communicative technology). By Hollywood heavyweight Dustin turning the lens on life’s minutia, Hoffman taking on the titular “Boyhood” is as much a story of Southern-belle role in a comedy the “boy,” Mason, as it is the story that earned commercial and critical of every person who sees it. As cred, “Tootsie” certainly didn’t Mason transitions into adulthood, hinder the broad embrace of drag his mother (an incredibly nuanced culture. And it’s no wonder Hoffman Patricia Arquette) tearfully laments, gets teary-eyed (and self-critical) “I just thought there would be more.” when discussing the film years Her directness encapsulates the later during a candid new interview melancholic nostalgia brought on for the Criterion Collection’s Blu- by “Boyhood.” Talk of a possible ray release: The classic, for all its Criterion release is heartening given hijinks involving a dress-donning that the special features are modest. Hoffman awkwardly stammering Among them: an insightful Q&A with his way through sticky situations, the cast and “The 12 Year Project,” a is really a heartfelt journey through too-brief behind-the-scenes look at the self-discovery. It’s to Hoffman’s film’s creation. credit as an actor that he humanizes what could have otherwise been Gone Girl a one-note caricature; instead, his So much for portrayal of Tootsie expresses more the “sanctity of than meets the eye, as we witness marriage.” All what being a woman means to a that nonsense man. Hoffman’s own present-day is out the thoughts on the dramedy bring this door when the much-anticipated Blu-ray release crazy comes full circle, as Criterion looks back on a-knockin’ in the 1982 production with a revealing director David Fincher’s twisty behind-the-scenes doc, during which and twisted “Gone Girl,” the best the actor passionately talks about his new reason not to tie the knot. In character’s sexuality with director Fincher’s adaptation of the super- Sydney Pollack, and then to 2007, popular novel, the fairy-tale romance with another feature, the one-hour of Nick (Ben Affleck) and Amy “A Better Man.” Dunne (the hypnotically versatile Rosamund Pike) results in murder, spite and one very unlucky penis. After Amy’s sudden disappearance, Nick goes on a massive search for his wife, piecing together a puzzle that leads to disturbing revelations and deceptive outcomes, and even Neil Patrick Harris (who plays the creepy old flame Desi Collings). Unfolding as a stylish whodunit that toys with our loyalty pertaining to each half of the couple, we become witness to a deliciously wicked Screen Queen BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI game of “till death do us part.” So, sanctity? Uh, no. More like insanity. And because you can never have Pride affected by the British miners’ ducts and you’re at the mercy of enough crazy, the special features “Pride,” you ain’t foolin’ nobody. strike, team up with a gaggle of such perfectly poignant filmmaking. Boyhood don’t just include a commentary So fine, strip all traces of gayness “gays” (as they’re affectionately The feature’s greatness more than Universal despite its specificity, from Fincher but also a faux copy from your box art, but no closet can referred to by elders with curiosities makes up for the lacking extras, renowned filmmaker Richard of the children’s book “Amazing hide the fact that you, by title alone, of their own) for a good cause. In which merely include deleted scenes Linklater’s poignant observation of Amy Tattle Tale,” a meta tie-in to are an exploding rainbow of gay. the process, unexpected bonds are and a brief history of the real-life growing up isn’t just groundbreaking the movie. You got all the colors. You’re loud formed as a reminder that the power “Pride” story. for its ambitious undertaking – and proud. YOU HAVE DILDOS. of many is greater than the power Love Is Tootsie shot over a span of 12 years, and In this hilarious, moving British of one. With one of the grandest Strange with the same cast – but also in the dramedy based on the true story of feature ensembles in years, “Pride” Before The unheard unique way it admirably reflects the an unlikely alliance between coal boasts hearty laughs – the discovery everyone and struggles of human condition. The Oscar-bound miners and LGBT activists in mid- of a pleasure chest, for example, their mother aging gays “Boyhood” – my favorite film of 2014 ’80s Britain, queers abound. Uniting will have you rolling – while also was down with are heard in – is fixed on life’s easy-to-miss “small to stand up with and for each other, a imparting emotional segues so drag (because Ira Sach’s moments” (a “birds and the bees” fired-up group of elderly lunch-lady unexpected you hardly notice them for real – achingly conversation during a bowling outing, types working to support families until they’ve got you by the tear moms love See Screen Queen, page 24 www.PrideSource.com Feb. 19, 2015 | BTL 23 unjust critiques of its initial launch in 2014. Longer shags! Less boring! The criticism was largely overblown; as the show finds its groove mid- season, there’s something to be said for how creator Michael Lannan and director Andrew Haigh keep the show focused on the ordinary realities of gay life, strongly suggesting it’s really no different from non-gay life. Dating travails, circumcision talk, friend clashes and that whole sexing your boss thing – she might not have Grindr, but even your mom could find herself preaching relationship advice to Groff’s torn and naive Patrick. “Looking” isn’t blind to the nitty-gritty details of the community it reflects, however; it’s just that even during the gayest of situations, like a Folsom Street Fair outing, the characters break stereotypes to expose a refreshing humanity that reaches beyond sexuality. In addition to Season 1’s eight episodes, HBO’s home release is surprisingly barebones, with just episodic commentaries from the ® Screen Queen cast and crew. Continued from p. 23 Skeleton Twins beautiful “Love Is Strange,” a heartfelt indie Obviously suicide is no laughing matter, with married male leads who aren’t significant and so “SNL” alums Kristin Wiig and because of who they love but how they love. Bill Hader – as estranged siblings forced After 39 years together, George and Ben are to face crippling pasts – effectively shed inseparable until an unexpected employment resemblances of Target Lady and Stefon to get discharge leads to a new set of challenges, in touch with the brooding shadows of their including forced separation due to financial characters, Milo and Maggie. Well, mostly repercussions. Making a heartbreaking anyway. The resolve, it seems, isn’t just situation all the more agonizing is how sibling love and understanding – it’s poop much George (Alfred Molina) and Ben (John jokes too. And if all else fails, shake it off Lithgow) embody the with some ’80s music. devotion, patience and During a moment of steadfastness of a couple levity, Milo lightens the bound by the truest form mood by going full-on of love. Whether at the homosexual – which he piano, joyously leading is, by the way – during a family sing-along, or an uproarious lip-sync quietly rushing to the to Starship’s “Nothing’s other in a verbal display Gonna Stop Us Now” of affection, Lithgow that even a reluctant, and Molina’s chemistry self-loathing sad-sack is subtly rendered by like Maggie can’t an affecting tenderness resist. Performances are that’s so authentic impressively outside the and sensitive – and, realm of their sketch- ultimately, what every comedy roots, as both hopeless romantic Wiig and Hader go to dreams of – every the dark side but still resulting emotion is manage to come off as magnified. During the extras, which includes two of Hollywood’s hammiest hams. The an actors/director Q&A and commentary, message: Suicide sucks. Don’t do it. Instead, Sachs discusses the film as a personal keep the film’s message in mind: “Baby, reflection of his own relationship. we can make it if we’re heart to heart.” The special features benefit from Wiig and Looking: Season 1 Hader’s contribution to a commentary with With Season 2 in full Jonathan Groff- gay director/co-writer Craig Johnson, along giving, sex-having mode, it’s clear the with a gag reel, a goofy-good making-of creators of HBO’s homo-centric, San and extended improv from the acting duo’s Francisco-centered “Looking” heard the rib-tickling dentist scene.

24 BTL | Feb. 19, 2015 www.PrideSource.com Well, I was really excited: Last fun. The fascinating thing about season was the first season that I Hannah vs. Lena is that Lena is got to be a full-fledged regular on so obviously wildly driven and “Girls.” They’ve always done such incredibly talented, and she doesn’t an amazing job of making me feel possess any of that insecurity or like a full part of that team, but lack of direction that Hannah has. last year was the first season that I I learn so much from working really got to just be devoted strictly with Lena in terms of just being to them. In the past, during the first motivated and making things season, I was still doing “The Book happen for yourself, and also being of Mormon,” so with the second confident in yourself and trusting season, I only got to do half of it. yourself. She’s very inspirational in And then we started “The New that way. It’s so funny to me that Normal,” and then after “The New she plays this character that she Normal” ended I got to do the back created that is such a fucking mess. end of the third season. They’ve Completely opposite of herself. always been so welcoming, and So my hanging out with Lena I’m just thrilled to be a full-time is super fun but she’s also so cast member over there. encouraging. She’s really just very I mean, literally, I don’t think inspiring to hang out with in a great it was even 20 minutes after they way. Sometimes I look at her and had made the announcement that all that she does and all that she “The New Normal” was canceled accomplishes and I’m just very that I got phone calls – one from let down with myself and annoyed (executive producer) Jenni Konner, with her. (Laughs) Like, “God, I do one from (executive producer) nothing.” I feel so lazy sometimes. Judd Apatow and one from Lena I’m like, “I should’ve written a Dunham – all saying, “Please come couple of books by now. What am I back and join us.” Even though they doing with myself?!” had started prep for their season, they worked me in very quickly. That Iowa rager this season – please Again, I’m so grateful to them and tell me those are your moves. so touched that they include me. I Oh, hell ya. One-hundred percent. feel really at home with that group. I’m embarrassed to say it’s not choreographed. That is all free Which of the “Girls” characters would style, my friend. That’s, like, me in you most likely hang out with in real high school. life? Lena and I actually hang out a fair Elijah is very impulsive and decides amount, and Allison (Williams) and to follow Hannah to Iowa this season. I hang out a fair amount as well. What’s the most impulsive you’ve Particularly during this past year, been about a situation in your own (Allison and I have) kept in very life? close contact over our hiatus, which In 2004 – is that right? – I had this is great. Character-wise, I feel like job. I was working for a company it might be a Marnie situation, I that made Pokémon and all these think. I know that she’s a little anime cartoons; I was doing high-strung, but, particularly now voiceovers for them and directing with her new sexual awakening, I a couple of series for them. It was feel like she would be a fun girl to good money. It was a steady 9-6 hang out with. job. It was basically an office job, Photo: Mark Schaffer/ HBO Photo: Mark Schaffer/ The one you’d least likely hang out even though I was in a recording Ladies’ Man studio and I was doing something with? that was on television. And it was I might have a hard time with Jessa. fine, but it was soul crushing. I Andrew Rannells On His ‘Dangerous’ Road To Success Yeah, that would be a tough hang knew that I wanted to really pursue for me. the musical-theater thing, which is what I had moved to New York BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI through a handy – he’s danced, de- see if we can’t fix that. Because she pisses in the street? clothed and continued to lambast to do. One day I just walked into Andrew Rannells won’t soon be the fogey fashions of Dunham’s I like seeing the gender roles being Well, the pissing in the street – the office and I quit. Everyone was yeah. I would’ve run. If I were living down the handjob he gave Hannah. And god bless him for it. subverted, though. Most people so baffled because it came out of to a boy in a bathroom. Thanks Adam, I would’ve just bolted. Like, nowhere, but I had just reached would expect to see the gay guy “See ya, lady!” to Lena Dunham and the other So, Andrew, what’s up with Marnie getting rimmed, not Marnie. a point where I was like, “I can’t writers turning out sharp social getting all the sexy sex scenes on fucking do this anymore. I just That is true. Lena’s pushing What is your relationship dynamic commentary and anecdotal writing “Girls”? can’t do it.” And everyone was for this current installment of boundaries all over the place! with Lena off set? Do you guys dance like, “This is a terrible idea; you’re I know! She gets to do all sorts like you do on the show? HBO’s “Girls,” now in its fourth How did you end up with a bigger role making a huge mistake.” season, the theater-turned-TV star of crazy shit this year and poor Well, we’ve had a few opportunities on the show, especially this season? didn’t just speed-race his way Elijah just gets an awkward to dance together, which is pretty handjob in the bathroom. We’ll See Andrew Rannells, page 29 www.PrideSource.com Feb. 19, 2015 | BTL 25 Michigan (JGN), 6600 W. Maple Road, of organists and organ music while Majesticdetroit.com As the winter gloom (hopefully) starts to fade West Bloomfield. 248-432-5467. generating a level of acclaim, exposure Jgnmi.org and controversy unprecedented for an The Majestic “July Talk”. The Magic away, get perky for spring with some laughs organist. His repertoire from the complete Stick, 4120 Woodward Ave., Detroit. at Equality Michigan’s 19th Annual “Michigan Trans & Gender Queer Group 12:30 works of J. S. Bach and Cesar Franck, 8 p.m. Feb. 22. 313-833-9700. p.m. Eastern Michigan University, to his hundreds of transcriptions of non- Majesticdetroit.com LGBT Comedyfest.” Ypsilanti. 734-487-4149. Emich.edu/ organ works, his original compositions, lgbtrc The Majestic “Single Mothers”. The and his collaborations with jazz and pop Magic Stick, 4120 Woodward Ave., This year’s event features comedians Vickie Senior Koffee Klatch 1 p.m. A lively, artists is perhaps the largest and most Detroit. 8 p.m. Feb. 19. 313-833-9700. Shaw, Julie Wheeler, Raneir Pollard and Sandra discussion and social group for LGBT diverse of any organist. He is the first Majesticdetroit.com Valls. Shaw’s comedy centers around the trials adults over 45. Group covers topics organist ever nominated for a GRAMMY pertaining to aging and outside Award for a solo album. Tickets: $15+. UMS “The Campbell Brothers perform and triumphs of being an out lesbian mother in speakers. Potluck dinners at members The Max M. Fisher Music Center, 3711 John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme”. America, while Pollard brings his “class clown” homes, lunches out and holiday parties. Woodward Ave., Detroit. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Meets ever Wednesday on the upper 313-576-5111. Dso.org/ShowEventsView. Arbor. 8 p.m. Feb. 20. 734-668-8397. attitude to comedy about growing up gay in level of the Affirmations building. aspx?id=1773&prod=1772 Ums.org a Baptist Caribbean family. Valls and Wheeler Senior Koffee Klatch, 290 W. Nine Unlimited Sky Production both wield music and comedy in addition to Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Concerts “Wednesday Night Jazz & Soul Music GoAffirmations.org Series” Every Wednesday Night Jazz being a “Top Bad Ass Comic with Latin Roots” Blind Pig “Kap Slap” Tickets: $15. Jamie Drake 6:30 p.m. Internationally Blind Pig, 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor. & Soul Music Series featuring dome of and a “Top 10 Sexiest Person,” respectively. acclaimed designer. Shuptrine Interiors, 8 p.m. Feb. 20. 734-996-8555. the best live music in MichiganCover: Royal Oak. Scottshuptrine. eventbrite. Blindpigmusic.com $5. Harbor House, 440 Clinton, Detroit. The show begins at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 14 at the Dearborn Ford Community & com Jan. 21-June 24. 3139679900. Blind Pig “Disappears + Suuns” 18+. Harborhousemi.com Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave. Advance tickets are $35; tickets sell out Sistrum Weekly Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $10-12. Blind Pig, 208 S. First quickly, so buy them soon at Five15 in Royal Oak, Common Language Book Bar in Ann Sistrum, Lansing Women’s Chorus, 215 St., Ann Arbor. 9 p.m. Feb. 24. 734-996- Wharton Center “Ed Kowalczyk” N. Capital Ave., Lansing. Sistrum.org 8555. Blindpigmusic.com Throwing Copper Unplugged-20th Arbor or online. For more information, visit www.comedyfest.org. Anniversary Tour. Tickets: $35. Wharton Blind Pig “Doomtree” 18+. Tickets: Center for the Performing Arts, Michigan Thursday, Feb. 26 $16. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St., Ann State University, 750 E. Shaw Lane, Free HIV Testing 2:30 p.m. Free Arbor. 9 p.m. Feb. 20. 734-996-8555. East Lansing. Feb. 25. 800-WHARTON. anonymous HIV testing in-store at S3 Blindpigmusic.com Whartoncenter.com every Thursday 2-8. Call to make an Michigan Theater “Noir Film Series”. appointment, or walk-ins welcome. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Festivals S3 Safe Sex Store and HARC, 1209 S. Arbor. Jan. 12-April 27. 734-668-8397. The Ark “28th Annual Storytelling University, Ann Arbor. 734-741-1434. Michtheater.org [email protected] S3safesexstore.com Festival” Tickets: $20. The Ark, 316 S. Olympia Entertainment “Garth Brooks Main St., Ann Arbor. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21. Clay St., Detroit. 1-800-838-3006. http://spectrumcenter.umich.edu Author Talk and Booksigning with with Trisha Yearwood” Tickets: $66. 734-761-1800. Thea’ OUTINGS Dirtydetroit.com author Micheala Lynn for her new Joe Louis Arena, 19 Steve Yzerman Dr., Tuesday, Feb. 24 LGBT Romance Novel 7 p.m. “Jagged Detroit. Feb. 20-Feb. 28. 313-396-7000. Other Thursday, Feb. 19 Little Scar is” Micheala Lynnss first Olympiaentertainment.com Sunday, Feb. 22 LGBTQ+ Support Group 4 p.m. novel. Her second novel will also be Macomb Center for the Performing Monthly Design Night 6 p.m. Events for So You Think You Can Dance For teens age 14-18. Call number published by Bella Books, due out late The Ark “Albert Lee” Tickets: $25. The Arts “In the Heat of the Night” everyone interested in learning tips and Auditiona Featuring judges Nigel for location. True Teen Group, East 2015. Schuler Books & Music, 2660 Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Tickets: $5-25. Macomb Center for the trends from local and national design Lythgoe, Paula Abdul and Jason Derulo Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield Road, experts, interior designers, stylists, and host Cat Deeley. So You Think You Clinton Township. 3 p.m. Feb. 22. 586- business owners and more. Leon & Can Dance, Detroit. 286-2222. Macombcenter.com Lulu, 96 W. 14 Mile Road, Clawson. 248-288-3600. Leonandlulu.com Queer Women’s Community 1 p.m. Macomb Center for the Performing All lesbian, bisexual, transgender, Arts “Trendsetter Tour” Tickets can be Transgender Women of Color queer and ally women are welcome. purchased for $5 at the Student Life & (TWOC) 7 p.m. Focused on embracing Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian Resource The University of Michigan Museum of Leadership office at CP127 and SK251. womanhood and developing sisterhood. Center, 3636 Lowden, Kalamazoo. Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, TWOC, Detroit. 313-931-2975. Kglrc.org Art (UMMA) presents a new exhibition 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township. 6 p.m. Feb. 19. 586-286-2222. Friday, Feb. 20 Transitions 2 p.m. Free transgender focusing on contemporary Western men’s Macombcenter.com support group. Transitions, 1055 E. sexuality and diversity. “HE: The Hergott Bisexual Peer Group 4 p.m. Our group Royal Oak Music Theatre “DigiTour meets monthly on the third Friday & South Blvd., Rochester Hills. 586- 838-0825. Shepard Photography Collection,” a 2015” World’s largest social media tour. discussion relates to bisexual identity. collection forged by Los Angeles-based Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth Building is handicap accessible using Women’s Playwriting Festival 2 St., Royal Oak. Feb. 24. 248-399-2980. ramp to rear entrance. Bisexual Peer p.m. Tickets: $10-15. Two Muses collectors Alan Hergott and Curt Shepard Royaloakmusictheatre.com Group, 319 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. Theatre, 6800 Orchard Lake Road, accumulated over 25 years. [email protected] Facebook. West Bloomfield. 248-850-9919. Ruhala Performing Arts Center com/groups/110918256984/ Twomusestheatre.org “L. U. N. A. : Life’s Uplifting Natural Guest curator Mario Codognato examines Abundance” Reiki. Fee: $150. Ruhala Seventh Annual Artini Martini Crawl Lansing Capital Roller Derby: Winter the lives of the men in these photos, focusing on themes of competition and solidarity, Performing Arts Center, 1846 Haslett 7 p.m. Tickets: $50-80. Ann Arbor Art Boot Camp 3:30 p.m. Mitten Mavens, confrontation with identity and more. The thematic groupings form a story in 13 chapters, Road, East Lansing. 10 a.m. Feb. 22. Center, Ann Arbor. Annarborartcenter. 7868 Old M-78, East Lansing . 517-337-0464. Ruhalacenter.com org Mittenmavens.net inviting viewers to reflect upon their own tales. Ruhala Performing Arts Center “Reiki Saturday, Feb. 21 “HE: The Hergott Shepard Photography Collection” runs through June 14 at UMMA, 525 S. for Teens” Fee: $120. Ruhala Performing Monday, Feb. 23 Arts Center, 1846 Haslett Road, East Recognizing and Responding Substance Abuse Weekly Therapy State St., Ann Arbor. For more information, call 734-764-0395 or visit www.umma.umich.edu. Lansing. Jan. 28-March 25. 517-337- to LGBT Abuse 1 p.m. This FREE Group 6 p.m. The Center for 0464. Ruhalacenter.com training teaches participants the Relationship and Sexual Health, 25600 skills to support survivors and provide Woodward Ave., Ste. 215, Royal Oak. Ruhala Performing Arts Center “Reiki interpersonal education to their friends, 248-399-7447. [email protected] for Kids” Ages 6-12. Ruhala Performing family and co-workers about LGBT Lansing. 725-222-TRUE. truelgbtq@ Arts Center, 1846 Haslett Road, East Faith Alliance Movie Night 7 p.m. 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, Grand Feb. 23. 734-761-1800. Theark.org Abuse. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine gmail.com Rapids. 616-942-2561. Schulerbooks. Lansing. Jan. 29-March 26. 517-337- Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Light refreshments (popcorn and soft The Ark “Cheryl Wheeler” Tickets: $25. 0464. Ruhalacenter.com drinks). Free. Affirmations Faith Alliance, Talk Tuesdays 6 p.m. Free. KICK, 41 com/event/debut-michigan-author- Goaffirmations.org micheala-lynn-presents-jagged-little- The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248- Burroughs St. 109, Detroit. 313-285- p.m. Feb. 20. 734-761-1800. Theark.org Trinity Divine Healing “Health & Alcohol Abuse Weekly Therapy Group 398-7105. [email protected] 9733. e-kick.org scar-eastwood Wellness Classes” Cost: $5-10. Grace 2 p.m. The Center for Relationship and Goaffirmations.org Ladies Night 10 p.m. Third Thursdays: The Ark “Scythian” Tickets: $20. The is Sufficient Ministries Neighborhood Sexual Health, 25600 Woodward Ave., L2L Game Night 7 p.m. Lansing Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Center, 13345 Joy Road, Detroit. Jan. TransPeace 7 p.m. Ruth Ellis Center, 77 Lesbians-L2L, 2021 E. Michigan For women who love women. Pronto Ste. 215, Royal Oak. 248-399-7447. Video Bar, 608 S. Washington Ave., Feb. 19. 734-761-1800. Theark.org 12-May 30. 313-451-2472. [email protected] Victor St., Highland Park. 313-867- Ave., Lansing. Meetup.com/Lansing- 6932. Ruthelliscenter.org Lesbians-L2L Royal Oak. The Magic Bag “Leighton Meester” LGBTQ-Friendly Yoga Class Just Tickets: $20. The Magic Bag, 22920 Shows B Yoga, 106 Island Ave., Lansing. Whole Lives, Healthy Lives Adult Transgender Life Support 7 p.m. Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Feb. 23. 248- Macomb Center for the Performing Justbyoga.com Support Group 7 p.m. This one-of-a- Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile MUSIC & MORE 544-3030. Themagicbag.com Arts “Four Bitchin’ Babes”. Macomb kind program in Berrien County helps Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Center for the Performing Arts, 44575 Fund Raiser for Taylor Dog Park 6 attendees support each other in healthy Goaffirmations.org Classical The Magic Bag “Aaron Carter” Tickets: Garfield Road, Clinton Township. Feb. p.m. Bowling, shoe rental, pop and pizza $25. The Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward ways through active listening and The Detroit Symphony Orchestra 21. 586-286-2222. Macombcenter.com for $20. The Taylor Dog Park Committee, caring feedback. OutCenter, 132 Water Ave., Ferndale. Feb. 25. 248-544-3030. Taylor. Wednesday, Feb. 25 “Cameron Carpenter featuring the Themagicbag.com Sound Board-Motor City Casino “Let St., Benton Harbor. 269-925-8330. International Touring Organ” A virtuoso Outcenter.org Free to be Me Group 12:30 p.m. This It Be: A Celebration of the Music of The Dirty Show 7 p.m. International Erotic is a support group for people who are composer-performer unique among The Majestic “Hundred Waters”. The Beatles”. Sound Board, 2901 Grand Art Exhibition. 21+. Select dates are Gender Explorers 8 p.m. Spectrum lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or keyboardists, Carpenter’s approach to Magic Stick, 4120 Woodward Ave., River Ave., Detroit. Feb. 22. 800-745- 18+. Tickets: $30+. Dirty Show, 1600 Center, Ann Arbor. 734-763-4186. questioning. The Jewish Gay Network of the organ is smashing the stereotypes Detroit. 8 p.m. Feb. 25. 313-833-9700. 3000. Motorcitycasino.com

26 BTL | Feb. 19, 2015 www.PrideSource.com HERE for complete show schedule information. Tickets: $20. The Snug 7900. Dia.org THEATER information. Tickets: $8-14 per event. Theatre, 160 S. Water St., Marine Dog Story Theater, 7 Jefferson Ave. City. Through Feb. 22. 810-278-1749. DIA “Make a Joyful Noise: Renaissance God of Carnage Tickets: $15. Grosse Art and Music at Florence Cathedral” A Pointe Theatre, Edsel & Eleanor Ford SE, Grand Rapids. Through March 1. riverbanktheatre.com dogstorytheater.com rare opportunity to see three exquisite House-Activity Center, 1100 Lakeshore The Trip to Bountiful This ordinary marble carvings and other Italian Road, Grosse Pointe Shores. Feb. Leaving Iowa CLICK HERE for journey becomes one filled with Renaissance masterpieces by sculptor 19-March 1. 313-881-4004. Gpt.org complete show information. Tickets: inspiration and intrigue. CLICK HERE Luca della Robbia. Detroit Institute of Arts, Miracle On South Division Street $29-32. Tipping Point Theatre, 361 E. for complete show information. Tickets: 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Feb. 6-May Tickets: $14-16. Farmington Players, Cady St., Northville. Through March 8. $10-20. What A Do Theatre, 4071 West 17. 313-833-7900. Dia.org Farmington Players Barn Theatre, 248-347-0003. tippingpointtheatre.com Dickman Rd., Springfield. Through Feb. 28. 269-282-1953. whatado.org Flint Institute of Arts “Common Ground: 32332 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Oh, Ananse! A story from the West African American Art Exhibition”. Flint Hills. Through Feb. 28. 248-473-1856. African Ananse mythos featuring a hip- Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike Institute of Arts, 1120 E. Kearsley St., Farmingtonplayers.org hop-influenced libretto. Tickets: $5-10. From the twistedly brilliant mind of Flint. Feb. 8-April 26. 810-234-1695. Spring Awakening Tickets: $18-20. PuppetART, Detroit Puppet Theatre, 25 author Christopher Durang, this humorous Flintarts.org Stagecrafters, Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. E. Grand River, Detroit. Through Feb. 28. take on the works of Anton Chekhov 313-961-7777. puppetart.org is a delight to all theatergoers, even if MOCAD “Radical Scavengers: the MOCAD Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak. Through March Quilting Bee Project” This winter the 1. 248-541-6430. Stagecrafters.org you are unfamiliar with the Russian’s Once On This Island A peasant girl classic works. CLICK HERE for complete Mobile Homestead space transforms into Sweet Pea’s Mama Tickets: $17-20. rescues and falls in love with a wealthy show information. Tickets: $29-31. a contemporary quilt making workshop for Detroit Repertory Theatre, 13103 boy from the other side of her island Farmers Alley Theatre, 221 Farmers Alley, the community. Museum of Contemporary Woodrow Wilson, Detroit. Through March in the Caribbean. However, tradition Kalamazoo. Through Feb. 22. 269-343- Art Detroit, 4454 Woodward Ave., 15. 313-868-1347. Detroitreptheatre.com forbids the match. CLICK HERE for 2727. farmersalleytheatre.com Detroit. Jan. 25-May 24. 313-832-6622. complete show information. Tickets: Mocadetroit.org Wednesday Night Concert Series Free. $26-41. Meadow Brook Theatre, 2200 Performance Network Theatre, 120 E. N. Squirrel Road, Rochester. Through Theater for Young N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art “The Making of the Dauphine”. N’Namdi Huron St., Ann Arbor. Through Feb. 25. March 8. 248-377-3300. mbtheatre. Audiences 734-663-0681. Pntheatre.org com Center for Contemporary Art, 52 E. Forest, Oh, Ananse! . PuppetART Theater, Detroit Detroit. Feb. 13-March 14. Open Table Series On Feb. 11, there Puppet Theater, 25 E. Grand River Ave., Civic/Community Theater will be a reading of “Gidion’s Knot” by Detroit. Through Feb. 28. 313-961-7777. N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art “Michael Luchs, Christine Hagedorn Alice in Wonderland, Jr. Tickets: $10- Johnna Adams, and on the 25th, it will Puppetart.org 15. DYPAC, Trenton Village Theater, 2447 be “The Most Dangerous Highway In The and Anita Bates”. N’Namdi Center for W. Jefferson, Trenton. Feb. 20-Feb. 22. World.” CLICK HERE for complete show Contemporary Art, 52 E. Forest, Detroit. 313-964-5050. Dypac.com information. Tickets: Free. Performance ART ‘N’ AROUND Jan. 16-March 14. Network Theatre, 120 E. Huron St., Ann Ann Arbor Art Center “Allegorical Pewabic Pottery “Ware Wolves in Steel Magnolias . The Purple Rose Arbor. Through Feb. 25. 734-663-0681. Space” Featuring artists who use the Sheep’s Clothing”. Pewabic Pottery, Theatre Company, Purple Rose Theatre, pntheatre.org 137 Park St., Chelsea. Through March 14. landscape as a metaphor. Ann Arbor 10125 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit. Jan. 734-433-7673. Purplerosetheatre.org Prelude to the Afternoon of a Foehn Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St., Ann 23-March 29. 313-626-2000. Pewabic. This 25-minute theatrical marvel Arbor. Jan. 2-Feb. 22. 734-994-8004. org College/University Theater performed by Compagne Non Nova uses Annarborartcenter.org Public Pool Art Space “Picnics in the a simple wind turbine to create a vortex Enemy of the People Tickets: $10-30. Ann Arbor Art Center “Developing Your Polar Vortex” An exhibition and series of in which plastic bag characters evolve, Hilberry Theatre, 4743 Cass Ave., Detroit. Artistic Voice”. Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 events which showcase the collective responding to the movement of the air. Feb. 20-March 28. 313-577-2972. W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. Jan. 12-March 9. wandering and inspired observations Tickets: $20. University Musical Society, Hilberry.com 734-994-8004. Annarborartcenter.org of Picnic Club Detroit. Public Pool Art Skyline High School, 2552 N. Maple, Ann Space, 3309 Caniff, Hamtramck. Jan. Arbor. Through Feb. 21. 734-764-2538. Cranbrook Art Museum “The Cranbrook 10-Feb. 21. 313-587-9572. http:// Professional ums.org Hall of Wonders: Artworks, Objects publicpool. tumblr.com/ Best of Enemies Tickets: $15-20. Matrix and Natural Curiosities”. Cranbrook ROBOCOP! The Musical Tickets: $29. 50. Theatre Company, 2730 Bagley, Detroit. Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave., The Scarab Club “2015 Silver Medal Olympia Entertainment, City Theatre, 2301 Feb. 20-March 15. 313-967-0999. Bloomfield Hills. Nov. 23-March 22. 877- Exhibition”. The Scarab Club, 217 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Feb. 19-March Matrixtheatre.org 462-7262. Cranbrook.edu Farnsworth, Detroit. Feb. 18-March 28. 1. 313-471-6611. Olympiaentertainment. 313-831-1250. Scarabclub.org Bus Stop In the middle of a howling com Cranbrook Art Museum “Theater of the snowstorm, a bus out of Kansas City Mind”. Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 UMMA “Hana Hamplova: Meditations Shipwrecked! An Entertainment- pulls up at a cheerful roadside diner, Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills. Nov. on Paper”. University Of Michigan The Amazing Adventures of Louis where four or five weary travelers are 23-March 29. 877-462-7262. Cranbrook. Museum Of Art, 525 S. State St., Ann de Rougemont (as Told by Himself) going to have to hole up until morning. edu Arbor. Feb. 21-June 30. 734-763-4186. Based upon the real life of Louis de CLICK HERE for complete show Umma.umich.edu Rougemont, this story is delivered in information. Tickets: Tickets: $35-41. Cranbrook Art Museum “Cranbrook the style of street performance as Louis UMMA “HE: The Hergott Shepard The Dio-Dining and Entertainment, 135 Goes to the Movies: Films and Their recounts his tale of shipwreck filled Photography Collection “. University Of E. Main St., Pinckney. Through March 1. Objects, 1925-1975”. Cranbrook Art with wonder and woe. CLICK HERE for Michigan Museum Of Art, 525 S. State 517-672-6009. Diotheatre.com Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave., complete show information. Tickets: Bloomfield Hills. June 21-Feb. 28. 877- St., Ann Arbor. Feb. 14-June 14. 734- Goddesses A staged reading of six $15. Ixion Theatre Ensemble, AA 462-7262. Cranbrookart.edu 763-4186. Umma.umich.edu new scripts. Tickets: Free. Ixion Theatre Creative Corridor, 1133 S Washington UMMA “Medicinal Plants and Gardens: Ensemble, Capital Area District Library- Ave., Lansing. Through Feb. 22. 517- Cranbrook Art Museum “Warhol On Vinyl: The Record Covers, 1949-1987+” The Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Downtown Branch, 401 S. Capital Ave., 775-4246. ixiontheatre.com Nichols Arboretum “. University Of Lansing. Through Feb. 23. 517-775- Drawing from the world’s preeminent Sweet Pea’s Mama A timely story that Michigan Museum Of Art, 525 S. State 4246. ixiontheatre.com collection of record covers by Andy puts racial indignity and mental challenge Warhol, this exhibition showcases how St., Ann Arbor. Jan. 25-May 3. 734-763- Guys On Ice Suitable for the whole in striking juxtaposition. The effect is Warhol used the record cover as a means 4186. Umma.umich.edu family, the musical follows the exploits both disturbing and enlightening. Tickets: to popularize his name and directly impact UMMA “Guido van der Werve: Nummer of Lloyd and his best friend Marvin $17-20. Detroit Repertory Theatre, 13103 popular culture. Cranbrook Art Museum, veertien, home “. University Of Michigan in their shanty on Sturgeon Bay in Woodrow Wilson, Detroit. Through March 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Museum Of Art, 525 S. State St., Ann Wisconsin. CLICK HERE for complete 15. 313-868-1347. detroitreptheatre.com Hills. June 21-Feb. 28. 877-462-7262. Arbor. Jan. 1-April 26. 734-763-4186. show information. Tickets: $22-32. The Cranbrookart.edu The Best Brothers CLICK HERE for Umma.umich.edu Encore Musical Theatre Company, 3126 complete show information. Tickets: $15- Puzzle solution on pg. 30 Broad St., Dexter. Through Feb. 22. 734- DIA “Ordinary People by Extraordinary UMMA “Flip Your Field: Objects from 27. Williamston Theatre, 122 S. Putnam 268-6200. theencoretheatre.org Artists: Works on Paper by Degas, Renoir the Collection” An exhibition from Road, Williamston. Through March 1. 517- and Friends”. Detroit Institute of Arts, the Museum’s collection of three- Lake Effect Fringe Festival The 655-SHOW. williamstontheatre.org 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Jan. dimensional objects. University Of festival kicks off its thirrd year of 1-March 29. 313-833-7900. Dia.org The Great American Trailer Park Michigan Museum Of Art, 525 S. State bringing new theater to West Michigan, Musical A funny look at Armadillo St., Ann Arbor. Jan. 24-June 30. 734- focusing on local playwrights, DIA “Photographs from the Detroit Walk- Acres-North Florida’s most exclusive 763-4186. Umma.umich.edu improv, West MI premieres and new In Portrait Studio by Corne Vermeulen”. manufactured housing community.” interpretations of Shakespeare. CLICK Detroit Institute of Arts, 2100 Woodward CLICK HERE for complete show Ave., Detroit. Jan. 1-May 17. 313-833-

SHOP LGBT

www.PrideSource.com Feb. 19, 2015 | BTL 27 28 BTL | Feb. 19, 2015 www.PrideSource.com ® I want to see how he would function if he Andrew Rannells actually fell in love with someone. I think Continued from p. 25 we’ve seen him flounder about and kind of half do a relationship, but I want to see him What made you go with your gut? fully in a relationship. Someone is in love It was building inside of me for a long time. with him; he’s in love with someone else. I I just knew that I was unhappy, and I would wanna see what that brings out in him. go to see a Broadway show and I’d be like, “Goddammit! That’s what I came here to You’re starring alongside Anne Hathaway in do!” And I felt like I was letting myself down Nancy Meyers’ “The Intern.” I understand the role by not seeing that through, so yeah, I just did was originally written for a woman; so, in the it. But that felt nuts to me. That was probably film, are you gay or straight? Does your sexuality the most impulsive and, you know, ultimately come up at all? rewarding thing I could’ve done. It doesn’t really come up. Even written as How long were you a woman, there was nothing really about her personal life in without a job? it, so in making the It was not that long, but switch to a man, it was it felt horrible because actually shockingly easy I was unemployed for because there was no about eight months. I I just knew that I personal detail there. was just auditioning and The requirements (for tripping around, so it was unhappy, and I would the role) were really just wasn’t a horribly long “ go to see a Broadway sort of play off Anne time. When you don’t and Anne’s character, know what the end is, show and I’d be like, so it really wasn’t about though, it feels pretty any kind of personal dangerous. ‘Goddammit! That’s what I background of mine. So Elijah makes himself right it didn’t really come up. You tell me when you see at home in Iowa. Having came here to do!’ it. gone from Nebraska to New York, and also to Los And you and Anne are Angeles, is it easier being besties now, right? gay in a big city? ” It’s funny: I had met her a I was out but not fully out at 19. I wasn’t really bunch of times during “The Book of Mormon” in any kind of scene in Omaha, so I don’t know because she had done a movie called “Love what it was like to be an adult in that city. All of & Other Drugs” with my co-star from that, my adult gay experiences have been in either Josh Gad, so I knew her before, which made it New York or Los Angeles. I mean, it’s certainly super relaxed and easy. I mean, she’s extremely easier to find your people and your group in a talented and intimidating in that she’s worked larger city. with a bunch (of people) and she has an Oscar, My mom now does a lot of work with but I also knew that she was just a very cool the Nebraska AIDS Project and PFLAG girl, so it made it easy doing scenes with her, in Omaha, and I’ll go back to visit and go knowing her a little bit. It was great. to events, and there’s a great community When I started, I was in rehearsals for planted there. She’s really dove in during the “Hedwig” (on Broadway) as we were filming last couple of years and started volunteering that. During my first night I received this with all these different organizations. I go ridiculous flower arrangement, and I was back and meet young gay people who live like, “Who the hell is this from?!” And it was in Omaha whose parents are maybe not as from Anne Hathaway. Class act. Very nice accepting and they always say, “Your mom is that she remembered. so great; she’s kind of like our mom.” What kind of role would get you back on Why do you think Elijah is so pivotal this season, Broadway? especially to Hannah? I loved my experience with “The Book of His return into that friend group was a little Mormon” and doing a new show, but ahh… tentative. (Hannah) found out he had sex with you know, I’m certainly… I’d be very excited Marnie in the second season, so she kicked about doing a revival. Umm. There is… yeah. him out of the apartment and then he sort Yeah. Without – (laughs) I’d be very excited to of disappeared. Then, coming back, I think go back. Yes. I’m looking forward to finding Hannah took a second to really welcome him that project and getting back on Broadway. back into the group, but I feel like this season really solidifies his place in this friend circle. I feel like you’re strongly suggesting something here. Where do you hope to see Elijah in the next (Laughs) I don’t know! season? I would love to see him get a real boyfriend. Well, something’s in the cooker and I like it. I want to see him in a real relationship, and Well, good! www.PrideSource.com Feb. 19, 2015 | BTL 29 34 Simba’s Broadway love 11 Rubber cement and such QPuzzle 35 Enjoy the taste of 12 Fruit homophone of a couple 36 Mouth-puckering 13 Gets the bottom line Even Stephen 38 Cross-dresser movie 18 Blabbed away 41 Sea bottom captain 22 Billy Budd, and mates 42 Nonmonogamous groups 24 Online auction site 44 De Matteo of “Desperate 25 Cut Housewives” 28 Reba’s realm, for short 46 Do tailoring 29 Iditarod terminus 47 Sondheim musical of this 30 What fruits do in orchards puzzle’s quote 31 Italian wine center 51 B. D. Wong, for one 32 Love ending? 52 Queer form of an element 33 Musician Ricky Wilson, for one 56 Autobiographer of Alice 37 Cocks 59 More ready to get plucked 39 “Star Trek” counselor Deanna 60 You could get caught in it 40 Many August people 61 End of the quote 43 Direction from Stephen Pyles 64 Where to find a Russian river, 45 Prettify once 48 Leg and loin 65 Grouchy guy 49 Agnes Moorehead role 66 Fast food pioneer 50 Stones’ companions 67 Do-overs for Billie Jean 53 Type of queen 68 “X-Men” actress Berry 54 Evita’s married name 69 The last word in film directing 55 How Homo sapiens stands

56 Conquest of Caesar’s Down 57 Besides that 1 What Nick Malgieri might do to a 58 Series ender pie crust 62 Show with C. Kattan 63 “Proud Mary” singer with Tina 17 Start of a quote from Cinderella’s 2 One who gets your dinghy going Across Prince 3 Totally ridiculous 1 Manger for Mary’s boy 19 “___ no idea!” 4 Short-legged dog 5 E with a queer orientation 20 Head-oriented group 5 Castro Street, on BART 10 Biggest of three bears 21 They may be domestic 6 X at a frat 14 Columnist Barrett 23 Strutted one’s stuff 7 Where Dr. Arizona Robbins works 15 Richard Chamberlain’s “The ___ 26 Where to find nipples 8 Yule ring Birds” 27 More of the quote 9 Mitchell of NBC News 16 Pigged out (on) 31 Math subj. 10 Guy up front Solution on pg. 27 Classifieds 428 PROF. SERVICES - MASSAGE

GROUP MASSAGE - For Gay and Bisexual Men. Learn some massage techniques and meet others in a safe and caring environment. Tuesdays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Thursdays at 2 p.m. $10 per session. 209 West Kingsley in downtown Ann Arbor. (734) 662- Please patronize our advertisers 6282 or email [email protected]. http://trymassage.com and let them know you appreciate their support for the IHGNPRIDE MICHIGAN MIC MICHIGAN PRIDE SOURCE MIC MICHIGAN PRIDE SOURCE MIC MICHIGAN PRIDE SOURCE DIRECTO MIC MICHIGAN PRIDE SOURCE MIC MICHIGAN MIC

HIG HIG HIG HIG HIG HIG LGBT community! WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM/DIRECTORY.HTML WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM/DIRECTORY.HTM L WWW.PRIDES NPIESO U PRIDE AN SO U PRIDE AN PRIDE S SO U PRIDE AN PRIDE S SO U PRIDE AN PRIDE S SO U PRIDE AN PRIDE S AN A

PRIDE PR I DE D

S SO U S S O OURCE O O O O O O OURCE U U U U U U U RC R RC R RC R RC R RC R RC RCE R RC E.C E E E E E E D O I RECT R RE C M/ DIRE C T O R RY Y • 2014 - 2015 TO • RY.HTM L 201 2 0 1 4 - 20 - 2 0 1 5

30 BTL | Feb. 19, 2015 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Feb. 19, 2015 | BTL 31