Spring Health & Wellness Guide Page 22

WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM

How to Change Attitudes Toward LGBT People PAGE 18

The State of LGBT Voters Post Wisconsin Primary PAGE 16

Tom Casperson is Our Creep of the Week PAGE 15

Our Guide to the Best LGBT Events PAGE 34

January 21, 2016 VOL. 2403 | FREE APRIL 14, 2016 On Being Out, Tina Fey & VOL. 2415 | FREE That ‘Ode to Black Penis’

CREEP OF THE WEEK HEALTH & WELLNESS

Michigan State Rep. Tom Casperson

COVER STORY 28 ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ Actor Tituss Burgess Casperson is one of those people with visions NEWS of sexual deviants dancing through their Community Centers Across State Help 8 Local Briefs 10 Michigan lawmaker pushes plan to heads. And he thinks Michigan should make it Educate on Dangers of Smoking restrict transgender bathroom use illegal to use a locker or rest room that doesn’t 12 Adodi spring retreat brings safe space for black, gay men match your birth gender. 16 The state of LGBT voters in See page 15 See page 22 post-primary Wisconsin 18 How to change attitudes toward LGBT people ONLINE RESOURCES NEWS PROTEST N.C. 20 ABC anchor addresses Mississippi law HEALTH GUIDE 22 Michigan LGBT community centers offer 2016 smoking cessation programs 24 Playing ball in the LGBT league 25 LGBT tennis in the Motor City OPINION 14 Parting Glances 14 Viewpoint: Fire Rick Snyder 15 Creep of the Week: Tom Casperson Visit #BTLExpo This year was the LIFE biggest splash yet How to Change Attitudes Springfield Says No 33 Cool Cities: Royal Oak Toward LGBT People 34 Happenings to N.C. 35 Deep Inside Hollywood www.BTL WeddingExpo.com See page 16 See page 36 36 The OutField 38 Comic and puzzle

VOL. 2415 • APRIL 14, 2016 EDITORIAL CREATIVE ADVERTISING & SALES ONLINE AT ISSUE 960 Editor in Chief Webmaster & MIS Director Director of Sales Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 12 Kevin Bryant, [email protected] Jan Stevenson, 734.293.7200 x 22 “Between The Lines Newspaper” PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA GROUP [email protected] [email protected] 20222 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152 Contributing Writers Phone 734.293.7200 Entertainment Editor Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown, Sales Representatives Follow us @YourBTL Chris Azzopardi, 734.293.7200 x 24 Emell Derra Adolphus, Todd Heywood, Jason Ann Cox, 734.293.7200 x 13 PUBLISHERS [email protected] Michael, Jerome Stuart Nichols, Gwendolyn [email protected] Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson Ann Smith, Christopher J. Treacy Email your op–eds to Assistant Editor Donelle Kremke, 734.293.7200 x 16 [email protected] MEMBER OF Shelby Clark Petkus, [email protected] Cartoonists [email protected] Paul Berg, Dave Brousseau Michigan Press Assoication Calendar Editor National Advertising Representative Sign up online to receive our E–Digest National Gay Media Association Shelby Clark Petkus, [email protected] Contributing Photographers Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 Q Syndicate Andrew Potter Staff Writers Our rate cards are available online. All material appearing in Alexander Godin Between The Lines is protected by federal copyright law and AJ Trager, [email protected] may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publishers. Between The Lines is supported by many fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for materials Copyright 2016 Pride Source Media Group, LLC provided by advertisers or their agents. www.PrideSource.com April 14, 2016 | BTL 7 NEWS Dignity Detroit to Celebrate 42 Years ROYAL OAK – Dignity Detroit, the Most importantly, we are devoted to nurturing nonprofit 501(c)(3) serving LGBT Catholics faith and love through Christ, the Sacraments since 1974, celebrates its anniversary this and one another.” year with a dinner dance under the theme The dinner dance will be held Saturday, “Companions in Faith.” May 14 at Park Place, 23400 Park St., The organization is a faith community Dearborn. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. for of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender cocktails. Dinner will follow at 7 p.m. Tickets Catholics, their families and friends who unite begin at $50 and include an open bar, buffet to celebrate God’s love for all persons. They dinner, a short program and dancing; tables are a community rich in diversity that worships of eight can be purchased for $350. The event in an affirming and supportive setting. Dignity will also feature a silent auction. Detroit says, “Ours is a ministry that speaks No tickets will be sold at the door, and the to us by offering an expression of faith and deadline for ticket sales is May 1. Tickets fellowship not experienced in other church may be purchased before and after the 6 p.m. situations. In this way, Dignity has helped Sunday mass at Marygrove College’s chapel, many who have lost touch with the church or by mail. To receive tickets by mail, send a to reaffirm and establish a relationship with check for the amount of tickets to be bought God. Dignity envisions and works for unity, and contact information to: Dignity Detroit, equality and an end to all forms of hatred. P.O. Box 558, Royal Oak, MI 48068-0558.

Affirmations to Host Art Gallery Spotlighting Trans Artists

Affirmations and GNA (the Gender-Identity The gallery will be exhibited in Affirmations’ Network Alliance) will celebrate the work of Pittmann-Puckett Gallery, which hosts the local trans* and gender non-conforming artists work of LGBTQ+ artists in several shows at the gallery opening of “Trans* Visibility.” each year. The opening will feature live performances The event begins 7 p.m. Thursday, April 14. from local artists which will include spoken For more information, contact Kelsey Hug: word and music, time with the artists, and [email protected]. refreshments. There are 18 trans* and gender Affirmations is located at 290 W. Nine Mile non-conforming artists and over 30 pieces in Road, Ferndale. the show. Trevor Project Trainings Come to Detroit

ANN ARBOR – The American Indian two-spirit people with an emphasis on youth, Health and Family Services of Southeastern the specific risks and challenges they face Michigan will host Trevor Project Trainings and how they can become an ally by knowing April 28 and 29 for LGBTQ individuals valuable resources and strategies. Lunch will and allies interested in learning about crisis be provided. intervention and prevention. The following program, the Trevor CARE The Trevor Project is the leading national Trainings, will help adults who work with organization providing crisis intervention and youth learn to connect, accept, respond and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ young empower young people in crisis. The training people ages 13-24. will discuss LGBTQ-specific risk factors for The project will provide the Trevor suicide, explore protective factors that can Lifeguard Workshop at 5 p.m. April 28 for lower risks and investigate how to help youth attendees to learn about lifesaving resources get the support they need. for LGBTQ youth, how to find resources near All trainings will be at the American Indian them, and will include an on-site training. Health and Family Services building at 4880 Dinner will be provided. Lawndale St., Detroit. Ally trainings will be hosted the following To register, contact Karen Marshall at morning April 29 beginning at 8 a.m. Trainings [email protected] or by phone at 313- will help allied adults learn about LGBT and 846-6030.

8 BTL | April 14, 2016 www.PrideSource.com

NEWS Equality Michigan Hosts White House Summit on LGBT Issues Lawmaker Pushes Plan to Restrict DEARBORN – Equality Michigan will host a White House Summit on LGBT Issues April 21 at the University of Michigan-Dearborn campus. Transgender Bathroom Use This high-profile event, targeted for industry, opinion and community leaders, will discuss LGBT school policies, If Republicans push forward with a plan to restrict access to healthcare for trans Michiganders and access to BY MICHAEL GERSTEIN capital for LGBT-owned small businesses. transgender students from using bathrooms of their The LGBT Summit will include a panel of federal LANSING (AP) – A roiling administrators from the offices of Heath and Human political fight that began last month choice, it could entail federal civil rights violations, said Services, Housing and Urban Development, Small Business isn’t showing signs of abating after Administration and the White House Liaison to the LGBT GOP state lawmakers discovered draft John Austin, State Board of Education president. Community with state officials from the State Board of voluntary guidelines from the State Education and the Michigan Department of Human Services Board of Education that included and activists, industry leaders and academics. recommendations on how to address consent, and that they should be barred fear the prospect of males using girls’ The keynote address will be delivered by Catherine transgender K-12 students who want from using bathrooms that don’t match bathrooms. The site shows nearly 7,000 Lhamon, the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Civil Rights to use bathrooms and locker rooms that their birth certificate. comments so far and lets people post for the U.S. Department of Education. Lhamon is expected match their gender identity. “Maybe, there’s something there until May 11. to speak towards the current treatment of LGBT youth in Escanaba Republican Sen. Tom that’s just not normal,” Casperson If Republicans push forward with schools and to reiterate the Obama Administration’s clear Casperson said he’s firmly committed said. “And normal’s not the right word. a plan to restrict transgender students stance on ensuring that LGB and especially trans youth have to introducing legislation to stop kids Maybe there’s something there that’s from using bathrooms of their choice, a right to full access to education without discrimination. sharing bathrooms who are “biologically just not right, where we’re mixing these it could entail federal civil rights different.” That is despite the political kids together.” violations, said John Austin, State Board The White House Summit will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will conclude House Speaker Kevin Cotter and of Education president. Austin said the with a reception beginning at 4 p.m. Space is limited to 150 and now potentially economic fallout after North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory other Republicans in the Legislature also guidelines were prompted in part to participants. To register for the event, go to http://bit.ly/238L59M!. signed legislation prohibiting sexual spoke out against the draft and voluntary make sure Michigan schools comply University of Michigan-Dearborn campus is located at 4901 orientation-based anti-discrimination guidelines last month, when a House with federal civil rights law. Austin said Evergreen Road, Dearborn. protections. The law also requires committee voted to strip reimbursement it’s also meant to ensure that schools are transgender people to use the bathroom funding for the State Board of safe places for all students. Michigan GOP Elects Rob Steele as New matching the sex on their birth Education’s travel expenses. The State Austin said Casperson’s bill would National Committeeman certificates in government buildings Board is an elected, unpaid body of be “damaging for young students” and and schools. officials that makes recommendations that it could further ostracize students LANSING (AP) – Michigan Republicans elected a Not even the Obama administration’s for the state’s K-12 schools and oversees who are at-risk for suicide, depression new key party official Saturday during the state’s GOP consideration of cutting billions of the state department. and bullying. convention, choosing Rob Steele as the next Michigan dollars in federal aid for schools, “(Parents) have very real concerns “We don’t want to be another North national committeeman. highways and housing over North about allowing their children to officially Carolina,” Austin said. “You’re here now because you have a passion for Carolina’s new gay and transgender law change their name or their gender It was Michigan teacher of the year something and we need that passion and involvement,” dissuades Casperson. He was appalled without parental approval,” Cotter said Rick Joseph’s idea to come up with a Steele told the convention crowd in Lansing. “We have a when he discovered the proposed State in a statement. “The Department ignored guideline list for schools determining common enemy. That common enemy is the left wing.” Board of Education guidelines that those concerns, wrote a policy proposal how to accommodate transgender He will succeed Dave Agema, who had refused suggested schools could – if they so that specifically cuts parents out of the students. Republicans’ calls for him to resign for derogatory Facebook choose – allow transgender students to process and appears uninterested in Joseph, a self-described reformed posts and links to articles about gays, Muslims and African- use the bathroom of their choice and hearing from them going forward. “homophobe,” said his perspective Americans. refer to students by the pronouns they An online public comment section for shifted after meeting a gay person years Steele, an Ann Arbor cardiologist, beat financial adviser request. the guidelines shows overwhelmingly ago. He said he’s now committed to Mark Gurley for the position. Gurley received high praise Casperson said transgender students negative responses, though there is making sure students who are lesbian, from Agema, who lauded him for his conservatism and should be able to use staff facilities or no way to ensure that only Michigan gay, bisexual or transgender have a good support of traditional family values. their own bathrooms only with parental residents comment. Many seem to learning environment. “Mark will do the right thing,” Agema said at the “I came to (John Austin) because I felt convention. “He has a servant’s heart.” that if the State Board of Education were State Sen. Patrick Colbeck of Canton and Rep. Gary able to propose guidelines statewide, Glenn of Midland made impassioned calls to elect Steele. It was Michigan teacher of the year Rick Joseph’s idea to it would enable more districts to avail Colbeck told hundreds of Republicans at the convention themselves of resources that frankly that “he’s somebody that I can get behind.” come up with a guideline list for schools determining how have existed for 15 years,” said Joseph, Political consultant and former Michigan Republican who teaches fifth and sixth grade at Party Chairman Bobby Schostak previously called for to accommodate transgender students. Joseph, a self- Birmingham Covington School. He calls Agema to resign. described reformed “homophobe,” said his perspective the need to allow transgender students Other Republicans like former state delegate John to express their gender identity and use Truscott and political strategist Stu Sandler expressed shifted after meeting a gay person years ago. He said he’s the bathrooms of their choice a “moral imperative.” misgivings about Agema earlier this week. now committed to making sure students who are lesbian, gay, “Dave Agema had a lot of issues,” Sandler said. “He “They’re not deviants or freaks,” wasn’t very helpful when it came to getting Republicans bisexual or transgender have a good learning environment. Joseph said. “They’re just people.” elected.” 10 BTL | April 14, 2016 www.PrideSource.com Lawmaker Pushes Plan to Restrict Transgender Bathroom Use

Coming Out June 2016 April 15 Deadline

www.PrideSource.com April 14, 2016 | BTL 11 NEWS EMU Equality Research Center Presentation on Adodi Spring Retreat a ‘Safe Space’ LGBT Homeless Youth in for Black, Gay Men the South YPSILANTI – The Eastern Michigan University BY JASON A. MICHAEL Equality Knowledge Project, a program of the The Adodi experience engenders Equality Research Center, is to host its final ttendees describe it as something community, self-awareness presentation of the 2015-2016 scholastic year April special, almost magical. 14, discussing the current status on how LGBT A Adodi is “important because and empowerment as well as homeless youth are surviving in the south. you don’t have that many black, gay spiritual growth. The bedrock Throughout the last eight months, six Ph.D. organizations where you can lose all your candidates across the country have presented inhibitions,” said Tony Johnson, president of the brotherhood is a mutual their findings on of Adodi Detroit and chair of the sixth LGBT studies annual spring retreat that’s scheduled to acknowledgement and affirmation and research. take place this weekend. “We also have a of a common yet diasporic These studies national retreat each year in July. You go have included there with all your stress and you come out African heritage, coupled with topics ranging and you feel relieved. You get to meet new from the people, share different ideals.” an appreciative acceptance of health related Johnson said the experience is hard to same gender love among men. consequences of put into words. “There’s comaraderie, “Adodi is the only space that in the past 30 years has intimate partner compassion, warmth,” said Johnson. “For continuously created warmth, security and safety violence within me, you get to know somebody different, get years now,” said Bryan Glover, who is for those traumatized in our community,” said Curtis the LGBT to know something about someone a little facilitator for the national board. “What Lipscomb of LGBT Detroit, who sits on Adodi’s national board. BTL file photo: Andrew Potter community to different, and give and receive information. attracted me to Adodi was the possibility of connecting to brothers in a way that was disgust and the Adodi was started in New York in 1986 “But they’re stepping up to help me. If I deep and lasting. I had heard of many spaces dynamics of and born out of the early ravages of the feel if I’m stumbling, there’s always that before I went to Adodi that women I knew Andrew Robinson LGBT politics. AIDS epidemic. It has since become one Adodi brother that is willing to help me and had gone to that was affirming for them … In the final presentation of the of the oldest, most affirming and spiritually work it out. I find that kind of rare because spaces where women bonded and created year, Brandon Andrew Robinson, uplifting movements of same-gender-loving these days everybody is always about me, community and felt like they were affirmed. Ph.D. candidate in the Sociology Department at men of African descent in history, according me, me.” And I was looking for a space similar to that the University of Texas-Austin, will explore the to their website. The ideals and principles of The Adodi experience is a communion for black gay men.” meanings, motivations and consequences that Adodi provide a code of conduct and a road of commonality rather than difference or Glover said he looks forward to coming LGBT homeless youth ascribe to their actions and map toward self-awareness and fraternal what the Adodi call the “fierce embrace.” to Detroit for the spring retreat. “It’s like situations through his ethnographic fieldwork and relationships based on agape love, mutuality This allows the brotherhood to acknowledge a family reunion in a sense,” he said. “It’s interviews of homeless youth in an Austin and San and deep abiding respect. yet adeptly transcend ageism, classism and a chance to reconnect with brothers that I Antonio youth drop-in center. “Adodi is the only space that in the past internalized homophobia. Adodi, the plural don’t get to see often and share an intimate By situating LGBTQ homeless youths’ voices 30 years has continuously created warmth, of Ado, is the Yoruba word that describes a and personal space and to feel safe, like I and lived experiences at the forefront of this project, security and safety for those traumatized in man who “loves” another man. More than could bring all of who I am into the space. he uncovers how norms around heterosexuality and our community,” said Curtis Lipscomb of just a description of partners in Africa, the When I come to Detroit, I feel that I get gender conformity affect the youths’ pathways LGBT Detroit, who sits on Adodi’s national Adodi of the tribe are thought to embody a connection to the brothers there that I into and experiences of homelessness. Robinson’s board. “Many people are alone. They are both male and female ways of being and really enjoy.” exploration will reveal the inner-workings of isolated. They are of a certain age. They were revered as shamans, sages and leaders. Steven Gaskill of Detroit is also on the gender, sexuality, homophobia and transphobia have severe health issues. And this is the In addition to Detroit, Adodi has chapters national board and is likewise looking within the changing climate for LGBT civil rights. place where those barriers can be addressed. in Chicago, Philadelphia, New York and forward to this weekend’s retreat. “There’s Robinson’s research interests include sexuality People can be healed. Thoughts and ideas Washington. and LGBT studies, race, gender, HIV/AIDS, can be exchanged safely. It’s a place where a lot of celebration of just that we made it to homelessness and cyberspace. He has been people of different faiths can come together another year,” he said. “It’s, ‘What’s up with The Adodi Detroit spring retreat takes place published in the journal of Sexuality Research anad and celebrate life. It’s a great organization you,’ and catching up. Then we have the Friday, April 15 – Sunday, April 17. It kicks off Social Policy, Deviant Behavior, Social Theory and a great retreat.” nerve to have workshops, special speakers, with a welcoming celebration Friday night at and Health and Sociology of Race and Ethnicity The Adodi experience engenders presentations and things of that nature. So it the Ecumenical Theological Seminary, which journal, among others. community, self-awareness and ends up being a really critical opportunity is located at 2930 Woodward Ave. Saturday’s to take advantage of as we’re maturing. Robinson will present his dissertation “OUTcasts: empowerment as well as spiritual growth. activities will take place at the Samaritan Center LGBTQ Homeless Youth Surviving in the South” The bedrock of the brotherhood is a mutual Then also it’s introducing younger people who can use some positive reinforcement.” on Detroit’s east side and Sunday’s portion of the at 5:30 p.m. in room 320 of the Eastern Michigan acknowledgement and affirmation of a conference takes place at a private residence. University Student Center, located at 900 Oakwood common yet diasporic African heritage, This is Johnson’s first year chairing the The suggested donation for the entire weekend St. in Ypsilanti. The event is free and open to the coupled with an appreciative acceptance of retreat and he said he couldn’t do it without is $75, though organizers say no one will be public. To learn more about the speaker, visit his same gender love among men. his Adodi brothers’ support. “People see website at http://brandonandrewrobinson.com. “I’ve been involved with Adodi for 18 things in me that I don’t see in my own turned away. For more information, call Tony self, which is kind of good,” said Johnson. Johnson at 313-671-3181.

12 BTL | April 14, 2016 www.PrideSource.com

Parting Glances OPINION BY CHARLES ALEXANDER From Patient Zero to Patient ‘Oh’

aetan Dugas. Recognize the name? In case you may have forgotten, Gaetan is better known in AIDS infamy as Patient O. G A pretty, blond Canadian airline steward, he purportedly brought the HIV retrovirus into the United States and – aware or unaware of this vector status – victimized many gay men in the late-1970s. He reportedly single handedly sparked North America’s AIDS epidemic. (To date, 658,507 AIDS-related deaths. And counting.) The March issue of Science magazine, published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, carries a report that there’s no scientific research basis for the Gaetan Dugas accusation that surfaced first in the Randy Shilts 1987 best-selling AIDS account, “And The Band Played On.” Shilts writes, “There’s no doubt that Gaeton played a key role in spreading the new virus from one end of the United States to the other.” Shilts doesn’t actually come out and state unequivocally that Dugan, who died of AIDS-related causes in 1984, introduced the disease to North America, but mass media worldwide turned Gaetan into a vector monster. The New York Post was among the first major media outlets to sensationalize his role in the emerging AIDS horror story. Its headline Viewpoint proclaimed in bold face caps: “The Man Who Gave Us AIDS.” (According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the focus may have been abetted as a publisher ploy to sell Shilts’ book.) The ASAS March news story by Boston science reporter John Cohen is captioned: “Infectious Disease: ‘Patient Zero’ no more. Sleuthing clarifies HIV’s history.” Fire Rick Snyder Cohen reports, “Last week at the Boston 2016 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, Michael Worobey, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Arizona, solidly debunked the the agenda of the Koch brothers, mirroring efforts in claim, saying Dugas was far from what epidemiologists refer to as the BY KEITH ORR other states. His emergency manager law goes a step ‘index patient’ in the United States. further. With that law Snyder actually subverts the “Worobey’s new work will help put the ‘myth of Patient Zero’ to rest, he petitions are out on the streets. We have a democratic process upon which our nation is built. The says epidemiologist Harold Jaffe of the Centers for Disease Control and chance to fire our governor. A 2012 Michigan sweeping powers of emergency laws speak more of Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, who helped unravel the early spread of Tlaw regulating recall petitions created more fascism than “putting Michigan back to work.” the disease.” layers of language approval and tougher deadlines for No community has felt the sword of the culture wars Cohen adds, “The first AIDS cases surfaced in five gay men in Los collecting signatures. There is only 60 days to get about more than the LGBTQ community. If you are a member Angeles, California, and were reported in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality 790,000 signatures. That’s a lot of signatures in a short or an ally of that community, you have many reasons to Weekly Report in June 1981. amount of time. This law was passed by a Republican sign that recall petition: “After HIV was proven to be the culprit in 1984, researchers analyzed Legislature and signed into law by none other than Gov. - Prior to the winning of marriage equality, Snyder stored blood from gay and bisexual men collected in the late 1970s in Rick Snyder. stripped domestic partner benefits from all public San Francisco and New York City and found the men already carried An effort of that size will take a lot of money… or a entities, including schools and universities. Way back antibodies to the virus.” very large number of dedicated volunteers. The recall during those dark ages, domestic partner benefits On the family tree of the early U.S. isolates, Dugan’s HIV genome effort has very little money, so they are relying on a large were one of the few protections LGBTQ partners had fell in about the middle. “There’s nothing special about his genome,” volunteer effort. The petition language references the achieved. His actions played to the radical religious Worobey said. The Science article concludes, “Although Dugas had been Flint water crisis, and the governor’s culpability through right. Not only did the action weaken our protections, in Haiti – in 1977 – there is no sign that he was either the index patient the emergency manager. they weakened the state of Michigan. Universities had a or key to spreading the virus around the country.” Here’s the kicker. The recall effort required very harder time recruiting talent, public schools had a harder Worobey clarifies how the Zero in Patient Zero happened. “When CDC specific reasons for the recall. However, you can support time holding onto great teachers, and private businesses researchers were piercing together how the first AIDS cases were linked to it for whatever reason is important to you. Knowingly had a harder time recruiting talent in the wake of policies each other, they originally referred to Dugas not by the number ‘0’ but by poisoning people is a good enough reason to recall anathema to their values. the letter ‘O’ because he was from ‘outside’ California. Later, for reasons someone. But there are plenty of other excellent reasons. - The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act still does not that remain murky, Dugas morphed into Patient Zero.” Snyder ran as moderate Republican, interested only in include sexual orientation or gender identity. If there is The ASAS Science article concludes – perhaps just a tad flippantly – putting Michigan back to work. He promised to stay out one single thing Michigan could do in the culture wars “So, rather than Dugas sparking the U.S. epidemic, his case, historically of the culture wars. It didn’t take long to realize that he which would actually help put Michigan back to work, speaking, really is just an “oh.” (Oh, my.) was going to be a happy warrior in those culture wars. it would be action on Elliott-Larsen. During the last He has attacked women, workers, unions and people of attempt to amend it, the business community rallied to [email protected] color. His right-to-work legislation is in lockstep with See Viewpoint: Fire Rick Snyder, next page

14 BTL | April 14, 2016 www.PrideSource.com Ask Lambda Legal – Day of Silence 2016 Creep of the Week BY CHRISTOPHER CLARK nation to help students exercise their right to participate in the silent protest. In most BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI of these cases, school officials responded Tom Casperson I’m a queer/LGBTQ student, and I’ve been out at to our advocacy by allowing the students to ecently a friend of a friend posted an According to the Detroit Free Press, school for a little while. My school’s Gay-Straight participate in the day of action. Alliance (GSA) wants to participate in GLSEN’s Advocate article to Facebook about “Casperson said transgender students The bottom line is that every student has the a woman being kicked out of the should be able to use staff facilities or their upcoming National Day of Silence and we’ve right to participate in the Day of Silence. R women’s restroom at Fishbone’s restaurant own bathrooms only with parental consent, been looking forward to having a lot of people This powerful expression of strength in Detroit because and that they should be barred from using join us. Most of the teachers and students are and solidarity gives students like you the she looked like a bathrooms that don’t match their birth encouraging, but we’ve run into some issues opportunity to shine a light on the continued man. She wasn’t certificate.” when we try to advertise and participate in the anti-LGBTQ bullying and harassment that a man. She was a Day of Silence. What can we do? takes place in schools. This discriminatory cisgender woman Casperson is one of those treatment comes at the hands of other students, First, we congratulate you on being out at with short hair who people with visions of sexual administrators and even legislators. Given the apparently liked school – it is brave to be so honest with current climate generated by anti-trans laws everyone and we are happy to hear that your comfy clothes. And deviants dancing through their like North Carolina’s HB2, it is imperative so a security guard friends and teachers have been supportive! that young people have the support of their heads. And he thinks Michigan The Day of Silence is a meaningful protest allegedly assaulted classmates and people outside of their schools. her, throwing her that has raised awareness of lesbian, gay, This is where Lambda Legal comes in. should make it illegal to use a bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) Casperson out onto the street. As GLSEN’s legal partner for the National The person who locker or rest room that doesn’t issues in schools by focusing on anti-LGBTQ Day of Silence, we advocate every year bullying and harassment. During this year’s posted it made a comment somewhere on behalf of students whose attempts to along the lines of, “Is anyone surprised to match your birth gender. Day of Silence – on April 15 – students across participate in the Day of Silence are being the country will take a vow of silence during see this happening now?” She was referring thwarted by hostile administrators. We are to the rabid anti-trans climate nationwide Making trans students use staff restrooms the school day. The Gay, Lesbian and Straight proud of this work and we will continue to Education Network (GLSEN) provides spurred on by the so-called bathroom bills (or even a bathroom of their very own!) stand behind LGBTQ students in their efforts that are seeking to keep trans men and might seem like no biggie. But the key here materials to students who wish participate in to speak out against bullying. the Day of Silence, as well as materials for If you have any questions, if feel you have women out of public restrooms. These is “only with parental consent.” For some schools that want to support participating been discriminated against because of your bills stoke the fears of people who don’t trans students, school is their safe space. students. sexual orientation, or if school administrators understand what transgender means and/ Some aren’t out to their parents or have Lambda Legal’s Help Desk receives many are interfering with your ability to participate or think it’s some kind of perverted sin parents who don’t accept their identity. calls and emails from students each year in GLSEN’s Day of Silence, please contact against God. All that aside, however, it is blatantly leading up to the Day of Silence. Many of the Lambda Legal’s Help Desk at 1-866-542-8336, Following the link to the article, I noticed discriminatory to make trans students use students who contact us want to know more or see http://lambdalegal.org/help. it was from June 2015 and felt compelled segregated restrooms. about their right to participate in the Day of to point out the date. I thought it important Casperson was pretty clear about what Christopher Clark is the Lambda Legal LGBTQ Silence, and others have been told by their that this event occurred nearly a year ago, he thinks of trans students. “Maybe, there’s school that they cannot. Lambda Legal has Youth & Schools Program Strategist. when anti-trans bathroom policing wasn’t something there that’s just not normal,” he advocated in numerous schools around the quite at the hysterical point it is today. The told the Free Press. “And normal’s not the incident at Fishbone’s is, I pointed out, a right word. Maybe there’s something there harbinger of what’s to come. that’s just not right, where we’re mixing Note that there is a common name in both ® Viewpoint: Fire Sndyer Because an anti-LGBTQ law like the these kids together.” of the last two court cases: Snyder. As the ones passed in states like North Carolina I’d be very curious to know who Continued from p. 14 defendant, he did not have to fight marriage and Mississippi could be coming to Casperson thinks “these kids” are and equality. He chose to do so as part of the Michigan. if he’s ever met and spoken with a trans the cause, saying they needed this amendment culture wars he fights so enthusiastically. Like Being debated right now in Michigan is student. Then again, it’s hard to imagine in order to be able to recruit the best talent to so many of his actions, he deflects personal a draft by the State Board of Education of that Casperson would be interested in such Michigan. The proposed amendment was first responsibility. Yet it doesn’t get more personal guidance for creating “Safe and Supportive an audience considering he has already stripped of gender identity, and ultimately not than having your name attached to a suit. In the Learning Environments for Lesbian, Gay, dismissed them as people. acted on at all. process he wasted millions of public dollars Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning State Board of Education President - The single most public piece of LGBT and caused pain and suffering for many in our (LGBTQ) Students.” John Austin told the Free Press that the activism of the last several years was the community. My first thought when I heard about this: “guidelines were prompted in part to DeBoer v. Snyder suit. This was the case which The last serious gubernatorial recall it’s about time. make sure Michigan schools comply with ultimately went to the Supreme Court and won movement was during the administration of Unfortunately, the first thought a lot federal civil rights law.” In other words, marriage equality for citizens of Michigan John Engler. While I will never be counted as a of other people had was of boys putting these guidelines didn’t just come out of and the entire United States. While Snyder fan of the policies and politics of Engler, I could on dresses so they could use the girls’ nowhere, demanded by a cabal of powerful was fighting this case, families and children not jump into that fight with any enthusiasm. locker room to look at titties. This is not trans plants (see what I did there?) on the suffered. In fact, between the children of Flint, It seemed wrong to recall someone for doing only ridiculous, but it’s insulting to the board. States who pass discriminatory laws the war on public schools, and the fight against exactly what they said they were going to do trans or gender fluid students who face face the possibility of billions of dollars in marriage equality, the common theme is a war during the election process. Snyder’s campaign the possibility of harassment and even federal funding being cut. Because federal on children. was built on a lie from day one. He must be violence every time they have to pee or civil rights law is not messing around. - My own small piece of history was as one made to pay for his actions. change for gym. Casperson doesn’t care. Better to address of the plaintiffs in Caspar v. Snyder, the case Pick your reason for signing the petition. State Sen. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, the false problem of trans predators in to force the state of Michigan to recognize the Any one of them is fine by me, as long as we is one of those people with visions of toilet stalls than the very real problems of March 22, 2014 marriages which were made get to 790,000 signatures. Petitions are being sexual deviants dancing through their trans students’ high rates of being bullied possible by the 24 hour window opened by circulated throughout the state. heads. And he thinks Michigan should and of depression and suicide. Casperson the initial ruling in DeBoer v. Snyder. Another In Ann Arbor, you can sign at Common make it illegal to use a locker or rest room would likely argue that they brought it on case of unnecessary litigation made necessary Language Bookstore, 317 Braun Court. that doesn’t match your birth gender. themselves by choosing not to be “normal.” by Rick Snyder. Which is totally stupid. www.PrideSource.com April 14, 2016 | BTL 15 NEWS The State of LGBT Voters After the Wisconsin Primary BY LISA KEEN contest. He stumbled badly, miscalculating how voters would respond to his off-the-cuff Last Tuesday’s hotly contested Wisconsin pronouncements on abortion (women should primary produced some unusual political be punished), his campaign manager being background noise for both Democrats and booked for assaulting a female reporter (it Republicans. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders was was the woman’s fault), and allowing South compared to a Wisconsin statewide candidate Korea and Japan to have nuclear weapon who has said the feminist movement was capability (so the U.S. doesn’t have to defend full of “man-hating lesbians.” An informal them). A Gallup Poll released April 1 showed Twitter survey by Log Cabin Republicans 70 percent of women and 58 percent of men found a majority of respondents saying had an unfavorable opinion of Trump. But 48 “Never Trump.” And a Politico report said percent of voters have an unfavorable view the Republican Party is now expecting a big of Cruz, too. struggle at the convention over marriage for At a CNN Town Hall meeting in Milwaukee same-sex couples. March 29, an audience member asked Cruz Sanders won the Democratic primary in “how and why does your religion play a part the Badger State Tuesday. He took 57 percent in your political decision-making? Don’t of the Democratic vote, compared to former you think it should be more of a moral belief Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s 43 percent. Ted Cruz and Bernie Sanders were winners of Wisconsin primary April 5. and not something that can interfere with At the end of the day, the delegate count for your decision-making when you’re making the nomination still heavily favors Clinton. Human Rights Campaign, the Congressional Public Radio, claimed that “Bernie Sanders decisions for all religions in the United She has 73 percent of the 2,383 delegates Equality PAC and LPAC, as well as most well- said something very similar when he was in States?” Cruz said his faith “is an integral she needs to become the party’s presidential known LGBT leaders. And in early February, college.” The official, Bill McCoshen, noted part” of who he is but that he thinks “those in nominee; Sanders has 44 percent. Sanders’ a marketing survey of 563 LGBT voters that Sanders, like Bradley, suggested women politics have an obligation not to wear their campaign made an outreach to the LGBT nationwide found that 48 percent would vote are partly responsible for date rape. PolitiFact, faith on their sleeve.” community in Wisconsin. It handed out flyers for Clinton, 41 percent for Sanders, 2 percent a column that scrutinizes the truthfulness But just five days earlier, Cruz’s “religious outside an anniversary event of the Wisconsin for Trump, and 1 percent each for Kasich and of political claims, examined McCoshen’s liberty” advisory council recommended that, LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Fair Wisconsin Rubio. Four percent were undecided. statement and called it “Half True.” It noted as president, he implement a number of actions PAC, the state’s largest LGBT political The Democratic primary Tuesday became that, in the 1992 essay, Bradley wrote that that would amount to wearing his faith on his organization, endorsed Clinton. So did Sen. entangled in a prominent statewide race for lesbian academic Camille Paglia “legitimately office. In releasing their recommendations, Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisc., the first openly gay a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. suggested that women play a role in date Cruz said, “As president, I have pledged on U.S. senator, who also published an opinion Both Sanders and Clinton spoke out against rape.” In 1972, 31-year-old Sanders examined my first day in office to rescind every single piece in the Milwaukee Journal encouraging incumbent candidate Rebecca Bradley after it the changing roles of men and women and one of President Obama’s unconstitutional others to support Clinton. was revealed that Bradely had written pieces suggested women fantasize about being raped. executive actions, and to direct every federal But U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wisc., for her college newspaper calling LGBT PolitiFact concluded, “both Sanders and agency to respect and protect the religious withheld his endorsement and finally people and people with HIV “queers” and Bradley wrote about rape in ways that were liberty of every American.” announced March 31 that he would not “degenerates” and calling homosexuality offensive to some women.” The fact that a Politico.com reported Monday that some endorse either of the “two great alternatives.” an “abnormal sexual preference.” In a 1992 Republican official in Wisconsin was able to of the Republican Party’s biggest donors “There’s really good things about both essay, she gleefully predicted the “demise” call up the obscure Sanders quote for use in are funding an effort to lobby Republican candidates,” Pocan told Wisconsin Public of the feminist movement, saying it was defending a Republican candidate suggests Party platform committee members to soften Radio. “I love the aspirational tone and the “largely composed of angry, militant, man- the Republican Party is as prepared to attack the language against marriage for same-sex vision that I think you’re seeing out of Sen. hating lesbians.” Bradley, a recent appointee Sanders as a presidential nominee as it is couples. The article suggested it will be a Sanders’ campaign, and I absolutely admire of Gov. Scott Walker to the bench, apologized Clinton. And the degree to which the GOP is “divisive battle” at what many expect will and am unbelievably impressed with the for the essays she wrote as a student 25 years in disarray over who will be its nominee lends already be a very contentious convention over qualifications and the resume of Secretary ago at Marquette University. She said she is a sense of urgency to its need for political the party’s nominee. Clinton.” Except for conservative bisexual now “embarrassed at the content and tone of ammunition. Log Cabin Republicans national president U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., Pocan is what I wrote those many years ago.” During Gregory Angelo said Log Cabin has “worked the only openly LGBT member of Congress a campaign speech Saturday in Milwaukee, closely” with those donors to lobby for a “more to not endorse Clinton. Clinton said, “There is no place on any The GOP Splintering inclusive” platform. Log Cabin Republicans Fair Wisconsin PAC Board Chair Nancy Supreme Court or any court in this country, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz won Tuesday’s conducted an informal Twitter poll last month Nusbaum released a statement March 30 no place at all for Rebecca Bradley’s decades- Republican primary in Wisconsin and, along and found 62 percent of respondents saying announcing her group’s endorsement. She long track record of dangerous rhetoric against with it, nearly all the state’s 42 delegates. That “Never Trump.” Only 17 percent said “Only called Clinton a “champion for LGBT equality women, survivors of sexual assault and the puts him up to 514 delegates, or 42 percent of Trump” and 21 percent said “Maybe Trump.” on both the domestic and international LGBT community.” At a rally in Madison the 1,237 needed to win the GOP nomination. The survey received replies from 166 people. stage.” “We are confident that she is the Sunday, Sanders said he thought a large But while Cruz did some impressive catching Log Cabin’s Angelo said his sense, in talking best candidate to continue and expand on turnout at the primary would help defeat up this week, real estate mogul Donald Trump with Log Cabin members around the country, the legacy of the Obama Administration as Bradley and elect her challenger JoAnne still has 60 percent of the delegates he needs to is that they “are essentially in parallel to the most pro-fairness in history,” said the Kloppenburg. become the Republican nominee. Ohio Gov. the greater Republican electorate.” “Every statement. The endorsements of Baldwin and In an odd twist, a decades-old comment John Kasich has 12 percent. Republican organization in the country,” said Fair Wisconsin PAC continue a trend, thus far, from Sanders was compared to a decades-old The big news for the GOP this past week Angelo, “is having the same kind of soul- in endorsements by the LGBT community: statement from Bradley. A former Republican were the self-inflicted political wounds Trump searching exercise Log Cabin is.” Almost all are for Clinton. They include the state official, defending Bradley on Wisconsin suffered during the run-up to the Wisconsin

16 BTL | April 14, 2016 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com April 14, 2016 | BTL 17 NEWS Dems Put LGBT Leader in Legislature After Transgender Law BY EMERY P. DALESIO

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – Democrats in North Carolina’s third-largest county on Saturday voted to send a leading gay- rights advocate to the state Legislature for its annual session beginning later this month. Members of the Guilford County Democratic Party executive committee picked Equality North Carolina Executive Director Chris Sgro over another candidate, party Chairwoman Myra Slone said. Sgro was elected by about 40 Democratic activists who live in the 58th District of the state House of Representatives, she said. He will complete the term ending this year of Rep. Ralph Johnson, who died last month. Sgro said his top priority for the General Assembly session starting April 25 will be repealing a new state law that limits anti-discrimination protections for lesbian, gay and transgender people. “I am going to be focused on being an advocate for the LGBT community,” said Sgro, who will be the only openly gay member of the General Assembly once he’s sworn in. He was an aide to former U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan. Sgro has been a leader in the opposition to the state law, which also requires transgender people to use public bathrooms conforming with their sex at birth. His organization and the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina sued in federal court to overturn the law, claiming it attempts to legalize discrimination. Johnson died the night of last month’s primary elections, which he lost to Guilford County school board member Amos Quick. Without a Republican general election opponent, Quick How to Change Attitudes Toward LGBT People will begin his own two-year term in January. BY BOB ROEHR with people judging them, or being promptly withdrew the paper. The law was introduced, adopted and took effect on March prejudiced against them or a loved one, The Miami study used an online 23. Supporters since then have held a series of prayer vigils, A directed conversation as short as and the kind of judgment, unkindness survey to create broad baseline profiles including one Saturday in Jacksonville attended by about 150 10 minutes can change attitudes about and prejudice that transgender people of voters willing to participate in that people and 10 opponents, WCTI reported. transgender people and increase support face.” activity for small compensation such as But the law’s opponents have been loud and extensive. States for nondiscrimination legislation, The effort began in the wake of the a gift card. It chose a cross section of and major cities have banned public employees from optional according to a new study prominently heart-breaking passage of California voters in conservative neighborhoods travel to North Carolina, PayPal reversed plans to open a published April 7 in the influential Prop 8, which banned same-sex marriage that earlier had voted against gay rights 400-employee operation center in Charlotte, and more than journal Science. The techniques likely in that state. The loss was particularly legislation. Then volunteer canvassers 130 corporate CEOs signed a letter urging the law’s repeal. are also applicable to addressing shocking because polls had shown the were sent to knock on doors and talk Bruce Springsteen canceled a show scheduled for Sunday in homophobia. pro-gay side ahead. Fleischer says that with specific people, not informing them Greensboro, saying in a statement on his website that “some The approach is called “deep after the results came in, “We knew we of how they were selected. Attitudes things are more important than a rock show and this fight canvassing” and involves going door- didn’t understand well enough what was were reevaluated through online surveys against prejudice and bigotry – which is happening as I write to-door talking with voters about on the minds of these voters.” at several points after the face-to-face – is one of them.” discrimination. Rather than talk at a An initial evaluation of the approach discussion. The head of North Carolina’s flagship public university said voter, the focus is on engaging the voter to address homophobia, by UCLA “The canvasser does very little the law is threatening the flow of private-sector money from to talk about their personal experience graduate student Michael LaCour and talking, just like a therapist, only with donors and businesses to the University of North Carolina at with discrimination, and then see how it Columbia University political science a voter,” says Broockman, now an Chapel Hill. relates to discrimination against others. professor Donald Green, made a big assistant professor of political economy “There are implications to us, ranging from conferences “The single most powerful thing splash when it was published in Science at Stanford University. He calls the that will no longer send delegates to North Carolina and we do is when we get the voter to in December 2014. interaction “a kind of theoretical cousin our campus,” Chancellor Carol Folt wrote in a statement to remember and then speak aloud their The LA Center subsequently engaged to cognitive behavioral therapy” in students and faculty Friday. “Current and prospective donors real life experience that is relevant to then University of California Berkeley psychology. who are signaling a reconsideration of their gifts; grants and the issue we are talking about,” says graduate students David Broockman While individual voter’s views relationships with businesses that are now in jeopardy.” Dave Fleischer. He played a leading role and Joshua Kalla to evaluate applying changed in various degrees and A Charlotte tourism official said at least four groups already in developing the approach as director the approach to issues of transgender directions, overall the simple 10 to have canceled events in the city because of the law. Charlotte of the Los Angeles LGBT Center discrimination, in South Florida. While 15-minute conversation had a significant could lose dozens of events that would represent millions Leadership LAB. preparing for that study it became clear effect on total voter attitudes towards of dollars in visitor spending, Charlotte Regional Visitors “Part of the value is that the voter sees to the researchers that LaCour had transgender people and their willingness Authority spokeswoman Laura White told The Charlotte for themselves a connection between completely fabricated much if not all of to support nondiscrimination legislation. Observer. whatever experience they have had the data he used. Green was appalled and Broockman says it is similar to the extent

18 BTL | April 14, 2016 www.PrideSource.com While individual voter’s views changed in various degrees and directions, overall the simple 10 to 15-minute conversation had a significant effect on total voter attitudes towards transgender people and their willingness to support nondiscrimination legislation. Broockman says it is similar to the extent that America’s views of gays changed between 1998 and 2012. that America’s views of gays changed between of the voters remember and share with us 1998 and 2012. these emotional, powerful stories of their As part of a follow up online survey own experience. It is reflecting back on that some weeks later, the voters were shown voters realize that they would prefer to judge a transphobic video used by opponents in less and be judged less, and to support more.” a Houston campaign. It had some effect And it helps to explain why the change in on people who did not have a face-to-face attitude lasts. conversation with a canvasser but barely Fleischer acknowledges that deep dented attitudes of those who had that canvassing is a slow process to implement, conversation. not like a last minute television ad blitz. He Ironically, the very public transition of believes it is something the LGBT community Bruce to Caitlyn Jenner played out in the should be doing on a regular basis, much media a month before the canvassing began, like exercise in one’s everyday life, to but Broockman says it appears to have had incrementally change the social and political little effect. “Anecdotally, I don’t think that environment. one person in our study mentioned her in their The end goal should not be simply a piece comments and very, very rarely was it ever of legislation or ballot measure that extends brought up. Most Americans do not have a media diet that gays and lesbians do.” Why It Works Kenneth Sherrill, the guru of gay political science and emeritus professor at Hunter College in New York, was impressed by the methodology used in the study and particularly by the durability of the change in attitudes. It suggests to him, “If you talk to people face-to-face in their home, you change their opinion more than you do in other ways.” The LGBT community has long been told of the importance of coming out and telling their stories. When people hear and understand the discrimination they will empathize and their attitudes will change. Fleischer believes this type of playing the victim card “is not enough, and it may not even be meaningful. I think what happens when we tell or withdraws certain legal protections; it our stories, especially about something with should be a change in attitude that makes such emotional significance for us, coming out, our protections superfluous or unnecessary. experiencing prejudice, we make ourselves “Our real goal should be to reduce the vulnerable. What that communicates to the prejudice against us, so as we go about living voter really powerfully is, whatever story our lives, it’s not a big deal if we are in a they are going to tell us, we are not going to restaurant and hold the hand of our partner. judge them.” And when somebody presumes we are gay, That vulnerability and openness, combined that doesn’t mean that they might treat us less with listening, makes a real conversation well,” says Fleischer. “If that is the goal, then possible. He says, “That is why so many this (approach) is extraordinarily valuable.” www.PrideSource.com April 14, 2016 | BTL 19 NEWS ABC Anchor on Mississippi Law: Equal Treatment for Everyone BY JEFF AMY always been a deeply held belief of mine that school could refuse to allow a transgender everyone, everywhere should be treated equally. person to use the bathroom of their choice. JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – Robin Roberts I’m proud that my beloved mother and father Among government employees, clerks said Friday that “it hurts my soul” that someone taught me as a child growing up in Mississippi could refuse to issue marriage licenses and might not be welcome in Mississippi because to focus on the many things we all have in judges could refuse to marry gay couples. of a law saying religious groups and some common, not our few differences. And what In both cases, governments are supposed private businesses can cite moral beliefs to deny we all deserve to have in common is the right to ensure licenses and marriages are “not services to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender to be treated equally.” impeded or delayed.” people. Roberts said she agreed to be on the cover No state or local laws to compel services The tourism industry in a place that calls “last year well before recent events.” She’s to gay people had been passed in Mississippi. itself the “Hospitality State” has been getting much beloved on the Gulf Coast for her The measure prohibits local communities slammed with criticism after Republican Gov. advocacy of the region after the devastation from passing their own ordinances. Phil Bryant signed the law Tuesday, saying he of 2005’s Hurricane Katrina. The 55-year-old Rochelle Hicks, executive director wanted to protect freedom of conscience for moved to Mississippi in 1969 when her father of the Mississippi Tourism Association, religious people. was assigned to Biloxi’s Keesler Air Force said earlier Friday that some individual Robin Roberts and girlfriend, Amber Laign, attend Some opponents to the law have pointed Base. tourists have been calling member hotels Wimbledon in 2013. The two have been dating for eleven out the incongruity that the co-anchor of Unlike some, Roberts didn’t call for tourists and casinos to cancel visits. She couldn’t years. Photo courtesy of ABC news. ABC’s “Good Morning America,” with roots to boycott Mississippi. It’s unclear whether be reached later after Roberts released her she’s contacted state government to express her statement. in the Gulf Coast town of Pass Christian, is of Conscience from Government Discrimination displeasure or asked the association to remove “We hope they will recognize the law doesn’t on the cover of this year’s guide published by Act,’ our governor and lawmakers heard the her from the guide. A spokeswoman for ABC represent the views of all in our state,” Hicks the private Mississippi Tourism Association. voices of their constituents and cast their declined further comment. said. Roberts hasn’t been shy about her love for vote for our residents’ freedom of religious Mississippi’s law, effective July 1, would Some supporters have pushed back against Amber Laign since announcing on the last day conscience rather than for vocal and wealthy allow a church group to decline services criticism. The Tupelo-based American Family of 2013 that she’s lesbian. gay activists,” association President Tim including housing or adoption to gay couples. Association on Friday said opposition had been “My longtime partner, Amber, and I have Wildmon said in a statement. always felt welcomed in my home state, and Private businesses could refuse marriage- spearheaded by “gay activists and state business it hurts my soul to think of anyone not feeling related services such as room rentals, cakes, organizations who are hostile to Christianity.” Online: House Bill 1523: http://bit.ly/1qo4guX welcome,” Roberts said in the statement. “It’s photography or flowers. Any employer or “By voting ‘yes’ to the ‘Protecting Freedom

20 BTL | April 14, 2016 www.PrideSource.com 1.577 pt

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While 21 percent of Michigan residents continue to engage in tobacco consumption, nearly 30 percent of LGBT individuals in the state consume tobacco, making tobacco use a leading cause of excess, preventable mortality among LGBT people.

Michigan LGBT Community Centers Offer 2016 Smoking Cessation Programs

BY AJ TRAGER resources. it impacts everyone, specifically HIV/AIDS But what else are they doing? affected communities. Perceptions and Targeting n an effort to end nicotine and tobacco Tobacco users are at a heightened risk of Multiple Communities addiction for LGBT Michigan residents, developing lung cancer and other cancers, LGBT community centers across the state LGBT Detroit and HIV/AIDS heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary Perceptions, the LGBT community Ihave teamed up to provide a multitude of Affected Communities disease (COPD), asthma and other diseases center serving the Great Lakes Bay Region, programs and cessation techniques to help and early death. The CDC reports that smoking has partnered with MDHHS on the HIV/ smokers quit. “Breaking the Cycle is a campaign that causes nearly one out of every five deaths in TOBACCO Program. The program is designed Tobacco consumption is responsible for I’m very proud of and highlights three areas the U.S. each year. For these reasons, smoking to provide awareness and education for nearly 480,000 deaths annually in the United of our work: ending HIV/AIDS, seeking and is a significant health issue for all individuals, the general public and the AIDS Service States, nearly 10 percent of which are due to providing mental health counseling and ending but it is even more of a concern for people Organizations (ASOs) not only in the Great secondhand smoke, according to the Center tobacco use,” said Curtis Lipscomb, Executive living with HIV, who tend to smoke more Lakes Bay Region, but reaching the northern for Disease Control. While overall rates of Director of LGBT Detroit. “Weekly and daily than the general population. According to the communities of Traverse City and Marquette. consumption have been slowly reduced over messages are sent out via social media to reach CDC, approximately 19 percent of adults in Perceptions is creating focus groups for time, rates in certain target groups, such as people where they are – on their devices.” the U.S. are smokers. However, the smoking LGBT members thinking about or trying to the LGBT community, remain higher than Through data based research, LGBT rate is two to three times higher among adults quit smoking. The organization has offered average. Detroit’s program, Breaking The Cycle, who are HIV-positive. cessation-focused presentations in the past and While 21 percent of Michigan residents addresses issues of substance abuse and “In Detroit, with marijuana, you see these is looking to develop a more strategic approach continue to engage in tobacco consumption, recovery in the LGBT community. In institutions that encourage smoking – it’s with the programming. nearly 30 percent of LGBT individuals in the partnership with the Michigan Department people inhaling smoke, and people believing In the meantime, Perceptions is partnering state consume tobacco, making tobacco use a of Community Health Tobacco Section, that hookah usage is safer,” Lipscomb said. with DOW Chemical and their health services leading cause of excess, preventable mortality LGBT Detroit disseminates information about “There’s a lack of education on that and there’s arm to develop some educational materials that among LGBT people. tobacco usage in the LGBT/HIV community, very little education on the effects of smoking. will be used within the company itself as well LGBT community centers across the state how to quit, stay healthy and seek HIV/AIDS People know it causes cancer. But there’s as the surrounding community. are currently engaging with their constituents testing sites and care providers. Breaking The no advertising for quitting or respiratory “There are a number of people that want to to educate them about these tobacco cessation Cycle is a state of Michigan licensed program damage. For those of us that are working in quit. That’s the messaging we’re receiving,” initiatives. With support and coordination for substance abuse with bi-monthly tobacco organizations that are targeting LGBT people, said Perceptions Board Chair Chris Lauckner. from the Michigan Department of Health and use and prevention meetings. it’s hard to engage with this public habit. It’s “Between the work of Perceptions and the Human Services (MDHHS), the centers have LGBT Detroit has now been accredited a legal substance that people can buy at a work with partners including the ASOs, the collected wellness data from over 1,400 LGBT by the University of Massachusetts Medical convenience store and use publicly.” Central Michigan District Health Dept. and individuals. The program provided specialized School Center for Tobacco Treatment and LGBT Detroit has launched its first survey Sacred Heart in Saginaw, I would say that training to both state of Michigan staff and Research Training and has been licensed by the addressing smoking rates of LGBT Detroiters we are in the midst of gathering that data at professionals at the state-sponsored Quitline, state of Michigan Substance Abuse Department affected by HIV/AIDS. With support from the this point.” an evidence-based support tool to assist people to be an authority on the conversation Michigan Department of Community Health, The organization covers an extremely in smoking cessation. The training seeks to surrounding tobacco cessation, specifically LGBT Detroit will gather data to create diverse and wide number of communities ensure LGBT cultural competency and a in HIV/AIDS affected communities. As an messaging for furthering tobacco prevention including the Great Lakes Bay Region of positive quitting experience for LGBT people LGBT organization rooted in HIV education in these populations. Midland, Saginaw, Bay City and Isabella; the who seek help via the QuitLine or other state and prevention, Lipscomb says the challenge is to systematically work against smoking as See Quit Smoking, page 26

22 BTL | April 14, 2016 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com April 14, 2016 | BTL 23 HEALTH & WELLNESS ‘Playing Ball’ in the LGBT League BY AJ TRAGER can play. I know I can play it without bar of the week,” where the chosen bar getting injured. I like that there are three will offer cheap drink specials equipped ROCHESTER HILLS – Fifteen divisions. If I get older and feel like I’m with hat and karaoke contests as well as years ago when Robert Hellar joined the not as strong, I can bump down. I like 50/50 raffles. Metro Detroit Softball League (MDSL), the camaraderie that you get with people Hellar says that there are other LGBT the 10-team league was largely a group – the bonds and relationships that you softball leagues on the west side of the for men – gay men to be precise – to get make – it’s an overall fun sport. Some of state, based out of Grand Rapids, but the together and play ball. After expanding these people eat, live and drink softball MDSL far outshines the west Michigan the group to include more than 500 and that’s how it is,” Hellar said group from sheer member numbers members in 2015, Hellar expects this Members are split into three skill levels alone. year to be one of the most active the ranging from novice to advanced. This “We’re one of the largest leagues in organization has seen to date. year Between The Lines is an advanced the country,” Hellar said. “Detroit is a “When I first joined it was mostly male level, or competitive team sponsor for a baseball city. People get hooked into the populated. Now it’s a nice mixture of men and women. The league has grown,” said Hellar, who serves as commissioner for MDSL. “For over 30 years we have made ourselves known in the LGBT community as the softball league but have grown in the larger tri-county area to be established as the LGBT softball league. We’ve opened up the eyes of the community as a whole to an LGBT league.” MDSL consists of 28 teams each sporting roughly 20 players. Each team is assigned a team manager who is responsible for determining how often practices are held, picking out which type of jersey the team will wear and picking a mascot based off of the style and personality of the sponsor of the team. Each team is assigned a different sponsor. This year, Hellar’s team is sponsored by O’Hara’s Irish Pub. Whereas years in the past he has been able to easily choose a mascot that corresponds with the sponsor, he’s having some trouble this year figuring out which image would be best to represent O’Haras. However, he has chosen green, white and black as the team colors. team whose sponsor discontinued their game. I’m amazed some of my players The league begins their season the first financial support of the league. Hellar are in two or three different leagues. I’m Sunday in May and will run virtually told BTL that their team is rip, roaring down to two leagues.” every weekend until just before labor day. and ready to go for the 2016 season. Every three years Detroit is home The teams break for national holidays Of the 500 members, Hellar says that to the Midwest Invitational Softball such as Memorial Day and are off for 85 percent of the league is LGBT. He Tournament which travels between two weeks around the Fourth of July knows every single one of them, even Cincinnati, Cleveland and Detroit. but continue to play on Mother’s and the members who consider themselves Detroit will host the 2017 MIST. Father’s Day. “retired” from the game, and even met There is still time to sign up and be a This year’s kick off party will be his partner at an MDSL kick-off party part of the MDSL tournaments. MDSL hosted April 29 at Pronto beginning at 6 six years ago. does not follow “men’s rules” and p.m. A special wrist band will be handed “A lot of people have found friends and does host co-ed softball teams. Those out to MDSL guests which will provide partners through softball – it happens,” interested need only be 18 years of age them with drink specials, a chance to he said. This year Hellar and his partner or older and be willing to pay the $40 meet MDSL team members and sponsors, will play on the same team. annual membership fee and cover team and a chance to hang out and support Knowing that it’s hard to get all 500 jersey costs. one another. MDSL members together, the league There is still time to sign up and be a part of “I love the sport in general. I grew holds events, games and fundraisers all up playing sports. Since I’m in my year round including a holiday party the MDSL 2016 experience. To learn more 40s now, I know it’s a sport I know I in December, drag shows and “Sunday about MDSL, or to sign up and play, visit their website at http://mdsl.org.

24 BTL | April 14, 2016 www.PrideSource.com From ‘Love’ to Love: LGBT Tennis in the Motor City

BY AJ TRAGER players can enjoy two hours of tennis, food, fun and prizes at the Saturday Night Doubles LIVONIA – Tim Ross loves tennis. He Mixers held every other Saturday at Franklin started playing the sport when he was in fifth Athletic Club. grade and has continued to follow his passion “I love the sport. It’s great fitness. Tennis for the sport, not only in his routine tennis helps you develop hand-eye coordination; matches, but also in team management. it’s aerobic and can be team oriented. Not He has been playing with the Motor City only does it really help ground your life and Tennis Alliance (MCTA) since the 1990s fulfill you, but it helps your spirit. Getting on when the organization was less active and had the court and playing develops camaraderie,” significantly less than the 50-70 members it Ross said. has maintained in recent years. Today, Ross Even though Ross is engaged with other serves as the vice president of the organization tennis teams in the area, the MCTA holds a and plays an integral role in organizing the special place in his heart as one of the first 12th Motor City Tennis Classic, an annual community spaces where he felt comfortable tennis tournament held at the Franklin Athletic coming out of the closet back in the ‘90s. Club in Southfield. “The Motor City Tennis Alliance saved my “I love being involved with MCTL. I feel life,” Ross admitted. “I was in the closet – I like I’m not only giving back to tennis but wasn’t openly gay. Getting out and playing also to the LGBT community. I feel like I’m a on the court and meeting other gay people part of it. I like donating my time to a worthy playing on the court really gave me a sense cause,” Ross said. of community and a stronger sense of self. The MCTA was established in 1991 for I’m not afraid of being who I am or doing LGBT tennis players to come together and what I do.” enjoy the competitiveness and joy of the For just $25 a year, MCTA members enjoy sport without being harassed or discriminated the benefits of an intricate social atmosphere against. The group is as inclusive as one can while participating in outdoor games and get, accepting members of all sexualities and building community relationships. Along with gender identities so long as the interested party the singles and doubles tournaments, MCTA is over the age of 18. hosts annual fundraisers and banquets that Players of any skill level can join the gather monetary contributions that are then MCTA, which offers games of varying levels donated to nonprofit organizations in the area of intensity ranging from beginners matches such as Affirmations and Gilda’s Club. to pro or club level tennis bouts. They cater This year’s spring and summer season will to everyone, including mixed doubles with begin on May 14 and will carry through to just co-ed teams. before Labor Day when MCTA plays its last Unlike professional tennis, MCTA hosts game of the season at Stevenson High School opportunities for players to face off year in Livonia on Aug. 27. MCTA is always around. During the summer MCTA hosts looking for new members to join. Interested singles and doubles leagues wich play parties can contact Ross at 248-224-3076. in Ferndale or Livonia, and in the winter To learn more about the MCTL, visit their website members can sign up for doubles games on Sundays at the Franklin Athletic Club. For $20 at www.motorcitytennis.com. www.PrideSource.com April 14, 2016 | BTL 25 of LGBT lives to tobacco use. The initiative The Kalamazoo Gay and members both in the making of the materials HEALTH releases information, spurs conversation and in the posters themselves. and connects LGBT people with smoking Lesbian Resource Center “We intently used a very positive approach ® Quit Smoking cessation resources. to it, so it’s a pro-health message and not a “The Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Continued from p. 22 The center became involved in the shaming ‘Why don’t you just quit?” message,” initiative two years ago when Michigan Center has been very excited about the Affirmations Director of Programs, Lydia growing momentum behind LGBT tobacco northern tier counties of the state including LGBT community centers gathered data on Ahlum Hanson said. “A lot of our current cessation in Michigan!” the KGLRC Director Clare and Gladwin and even reaches out to the wellness experiences of LGBT folks. cessation work is building on that.” of Community Engagement, Meg Bauer, said. folks in the Tuscola and Huron counties. The Proud to Quit campaign was designed In addition to the social media campaign, “We’ve incorporated tobacco-use realities “The dispersion of the community in the with the understanding that not everybody is Affirmations also hosts a monthly Healthy into all of our inclusivity trainings and have area is so wide. It’s very different when you ready to quit, so it focuses instead on making Living Series that explores a variety of health- been eager to deliver cessation messages and live in the southern part of the state where information and tools available to LGBT based activities to offer community members resources to all of our partners. From therapists the population is so centralized. The LGBT people and emphasizing that LGBT lives an opportunity to identify new habits and and medical providers to homeless shelters community is much more isolated because of matter. healthy living alternatives to tobacco use. and ASOs, the pro-equality and anti-tobacco the dispersion,” Lauckner said. “When we started digging in, we had The April meeting will focus exclusively on a good look at the data, about how many messages are becoming indivisible.” tobacco cessation. LGBT lives are lost to smoking, and about The KGLRC actively participates in an anti- “There’s definitely a lot of resistance within Grand Rapids Pride Center, how smoking was actually the greatest tobacco social media campaign which urges the LGBT community to really talk about preventable killer of our community, ahead positivity and strength in making quit attempts. our significantly higher use of tobacco than Tobacco Marketing and Youth of things like hate crimes. We also came to Tobacco Use understand that, while most of America is just learning to embrace openly LGBT people In conjunction with MDHHS, ASOs and living in our communities, tobacco marketing other LGBT community centers throughout had extremely sophisticated hooks into our the state, the Gand Rapids Pride Center, community and had them for many years formally known as The Network, has launched already,” Pride Center member Mira Krishnan, Proud to Quit in an effort to reduce the loss Ph.D., told BTL. On top of its education initiatives, raising tobacco education and awareness in the LGBT Webinar: Healthcare community via social media and its website, the GRPC has also offered the first round of tobacco cessation classes at the center. The Stigma Facing first round included four weeks of cessation programming with a special presentation by Transgender Individuals a cessation expert. The next step for GRPC will be to follow From Access to Policy and Care up the launch with additional cessation programming designed by the state to be a to Treatment non-confrontational way to engage people in Thanks in larger part to the organization’s the general population. We don’t want to be tobacco cessation. Facebook posts, a donor recently decided doing that in the shaming way that would Hosted by the National Coalition for “We know that the LGBT community has to quit once and for all and was able to do increase stigma, but instead to offer support LGBT Health, an April 20 webinar will young smokers. Particularly we have at risk so. Last Baur heard, the donor was 45 days and acknowledge how incredibly hard it is to discuss the numerous stigmas impacting young adults and the trans population which tobacco free. quit,” Hanson said. the delivery of healthcare for transgender tends to be younger as well. We also have a lot In order for the LGBT community to thrive, Affirmations regularly meets with local individuals. of smokers that match the demographic that the it has to first survive. With tobacco use for and state policymakers to discuss current Presenters for the hour long webinar state has been seeing, which is people 40-45 parts of the LGBT community being over tobacco policy. Current conversations include beginning at 2 p.m. EST will include: years old who have been smoking for 20 years, three times as high as the state average, the increasing the age one can purchase tobacco, Alison Gill, senior partner at The Parallax Krishnan pointed out. “We’re trying to learn KGLRC says it has an obligation to prioritize getting e-cigarettes to be classified as a tobacco Group, who will discuss LGBTQ cultural how to engage professionally and engage with tobacco use reduction among the LGBT and product and increasing taxes on tobacco competency requirements for providers; people who might not be ready to quit but are HIV communities. The organization will host products so that cigarettes and mini cigars are Anand Kalra, health program manager at ready to hear that we care about their health four contemplation/pre-contemplation classes taxed the same. the Transgender Law Center, will discuss and that caring about their own health is about for current tobacco users in June and July Affirmations has two contracts with the insurance practices that impact access to being a proud, out, LGBT person.” and encourages anyone in the area who is State of Michigan. One they’ve had for care for trans people; Danielle Castro, Smoking becomes a part of someone’s interested to contact Bauer at [email protected]. several years that funded the What’s Your project director for Center of Excellence lifestyle and begins to affect every part of the Why?”campaign and a second contract for Transgender Health, will discuss data day between driving in the car and hanging dedicated to working on tobacco cessation in collection, access to care and treatment out with friends to managing stress relief. Affirmations, Ferndale HIV affected communities. of trans individuals; and Omar Gonzalez- Krishnan notes that it’s not uncommon for Affirmations works to address the high rates “In many ways Affirmations was the only Pagan, staff attorney for Lambda Legal, her to see a group of smokers outside before of tobacco use within LGBTQ communities LGBT group at the table (when discussing will discuss legal protections and Section and after the trans support groups she attends by promoting the Michigan Tobacco Quitline, tobacco cessation and HIV/AIDS affected 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. at the center. While smoking can play a role by conducting focus groups, and by creating populations with the State of Michigan). If LGBT health professionals, clinical in navigating quick and easy conversations social media campaigns about effective ways the State really wanted to make change in providers, behavioral health providers, with new people, Krishnan believes it’s time to quit for LGBT people. these communities, we figured they had to service providers, health policymakers and to redefine the LGBT lifestyle. The Affirmations What’s Your Why? give grants to other organizations not just consumers of healthcare are encouraged “One of the things we have to think about is campaign was launched in the fall and attempts Affirmations and widen that reach. And the to attend. to prove to our community that we belong,” she to switch the typical anti-tobacco messaging State then found other money and now LGBT To sign up for the webinar, contact Ryan said. “We have to take better care of ourselves from fear-based tactics to a focus on the Detroit, the KGLRC, Perceptions and the Meyer at [email protected] or by phone and create affirming spaces for those struggling positive reasons people decide to quit. The Grand Rapids Pride Center are all on board. at 202-507-4735. with tobacco and alcohol to help them stay campaign is designed by LGBT people for It’s a really great model for Michigan to have sober and off tobacco.” LGBT people and features local community taken,” Hanson said.

26 BTL | April 14, 2016 www.PrideSource.com Please patronize our advertisers and let them know you appreciate their support for the LGBT community!

www.PrideSource.com April 14, 2016 | BTL 27 ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ Actor on Season 2 & His Viral Sensation ‘Peeno Noir’

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI

he Internet loves a good penis pun. One of 2015’s biggest breakout stars, TTituss Burgess, discovered this fact last year, when the “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” actor’s already-escalating showbiz profile reached new heights thanks to a song he sang called “Peeno Noir: An Ode to Black Penis.” So Burgess can retire now, right? “Oh no, I’m just getting started,” says Burgess, who originated “Sebastian the Crab” in the musical version of “The Little Mermaid.” “There are so many races to love on!” Not to mention, there’s also the second – and hopefully third, fourth and eighth – season of Netflix’s “Unbreakable.” The 37-year-old plays Titus (a variation on his real name, with just one “s”), an aspiring and very gay Broadway performer who lives with an unworldly doomsday-cult survivor named Kimmy (Ellie Kemper). But back to that penis song…

What was it like seeing “Peeno Noir” take off the way it did? I don’t know that I gave it as much thought or attention as attention was paid to it, and that’d be the honest truth. I mean, obviously I paid attention because I launched my own line of Pinot Noir (called “Pinot by Tituss”), but it was lovely to know that people thought it was funny and had taken ownership of it, but it’s become something other than what it initially was. People recite those words and tell me that their office breaks out into it just as release – no one’s thinking about what it actually meant – so it’s taken on a life of its own separate from the show. But it’s awesome and I love it, and I hope they find something as equally exciting and satisfying about this season as they did last season. We get to learn more about Titus’s “straight life” this season. Who were you during your straight life?

28 BTL | April 14, 2016 www.PrideSource.com Gay! (Laughs) Honestly, I had a formal Yeah – the geisha episode! I didn’t wanna do it. conversation with my mom when I was 19, but I don’t know that I was ever in the closet, What were you hesitant about? if I’m being perfectly honest. I never had the I’m in white face, man! I didn’t want anyone “I have to tell the world” mindset. to think I was disrespecting a culture. But what we did was make certain that, while How much of the character is you? it’s funny, he’s extremely sincere about what I’m gonna be honest with you: very little. We has happened to him. He’s for real, and as share a similar wicked sense of humor and long as he’s for real in his interpretation and we both, of course, love musical theater and his acknowledgement of his past lives then Diana Ross, but my energy lives a lot lower it’s not offensive. There’s something oddly to the ground than his does and I don’t yearn touching about the end of that episode, and I for the spotlight the way he does. The fact think it also serves a greater storyline, which is, I really, really enjoy my alone time, so I is, Titus has finally taken the initiative to take don’t crave that the way my character does. control of his career. No one else is giving In fact, by the time we’re done filming the him a job, so he wrote one for himself, so that season, I’m quite exhausted. He requires is what’s smart about it. such a high level of vibration, and so by the time it’s done, I’m happy to hang him up for What do you think when people call Titus a a few months. stereotype? I think they didn’t see the same show that Titus’s breakthrough moment this season I filmed. Titus is more everyman than involves him in geisha garb. I’m just waiting to Jacqueline, Kimmy or Lillian. He’s broke, hear what the critics have to say about that. he can’t afford to pay his rent, he’s chasing Oooh lord. When I read that script I thought, this career that has not materialized, he has “Jesus. Last year it was the wolf (Jacqueline, trouble in relationships, at least last season, who is “American and he is not a size Indian,” unleashed 32 in the waist. a primal howl He gets rejected during the finale); when he attempts this year it’s gonna to do something be the geisha.” he thing about Tina and Robert good with his life, is, they don’t shy away from the current even if it’s one of How prepared T his bizarre “this is are you for any climate of the country, and while on a gonna make me backlash? surface level it might seem like they’re famous” excursions. Oh, I’m prepared. Most Americans I’ve had six giving these silly stereotypes a platform, are living lives months to prep for unfulfilled. Most the harsh criticism. I think it’s just sort of exacerbating what Americans don’t The thing about we have become so sensitive to. But if have the money (creators) Tina that Jacqueline has. (Fey) and Robert it’s a headline, my friend, it is fair game. Most Americans, (Carlock) is, they especially black don’t shy away people, don’t from the current get away with climate of the committing murder country, and while on a surface level it like Lillian did. So they’re not paying might seem like they’re giving these silly attention, that’s what I think. stereotypes a platform, I think it’s just Your performance of Diana Ross’s “Believe in sort of exacerbating what we have become Yourself” while accepting the Human Rights so sensitive to. But if it’s a headline, my friend, it is fair game. Campaign’s Visibility Award late last year was so Tina and Robert are two of the most moving. Why is being out and visible important informed people I’ve ever met, and to you? sometimes we get scripts and I think, Honey, how much time do you have? “Surely this has not happened somewhere,” (Laughs) I know what dark places feel or, “Surely this is something that they’ve like and I know what the absence of love made up.” So I’ll get on the Internet and and community feels like, and if I had a there it is. The transracial storyline – me when I was growing up to see, I would people feeling as though as they remember have perhaps been familiar to you guys a lot past lives – when I read these headlines, sooner than two years ago. For that reason, it’s funny because it’s so unbelievable. So I don’t want any young person or any old yeah, it’s a fine line, but they treat it with person to not acknowledge who they came great sensitivity and great class – and it is, into the world being through all of their after all, a comedy. past lives. This current one that you’re experiencing is one that should be fully Are there ever times where you’re like, “Tina, no, realized – otherwise you are the walking no – too far.” dead and what is the point? www.PrideSource.com April 14, 2016 | BTL 29 6 12 20 2 13 24 25 B 4 14 Cool Cities 16 18 9 22 21 8 Royal Oak 23 5 7 25 1 3 19 11

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30 BTL | April 14, 2016 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com April 14, 2016 | BTL 31 32 BTL | April 14, 2016 www.PrideSource.com The Naked Magicians to Enchant Royal Oak

BY BTL STAFF happiest on stage in front of thousands of fans with his sleeves up and pants down Cool Cities Following sold out shows and rave reviews Tyler, also co-creator and co-star, bills in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the U.S., himself as “the complete package of funny, the world’s boldest and cheekiest magic athletic, sexy and good with his hands.” show, “The Naked Magic Show,” is coming Royal Oak Getting his gear off has always come naturally to Royal Oak. to Tyler who was a competitive swimmer What AussieTheatre.com.au calls, “The competing at the National Championships most entertaining show of the year” and and Pan Pacific Games – his website profile Australian Arts Review calls “the hottest suggests keeping an eye out for his incredible ticket in town,” the show features magic, mirth physique and sporty tan lines on stage as proof. and more than a touch of mayhem as the two After attending school through a scholarship, hot and hilarious magicians say abracadabra he completed a university degree but soon and take magic to a whole new level. Left realized his dream of becoming an entertainer without sleeves or pockets, their saucy magic with a quick wit, modest ego and incredible is baffling and entertaining, bringing a new sleight-of-hand skill. meaning to “now you see it.” At the age of 31, Mike is in a full-time Christopher Wayne and Mike Tyler are relationship with his career, adventure and the two nude illusionists. Wayne, as co- travel. He is considered one of Australia’s creator and co-star, has a wit quicker than favorite and most successul entertainers Kim Kardashian’s first marriage and is often performing over 250 “clothed” shows for the confused as a Macklemore look-a-like. He is biggest companies and sporting teams in the the proud owner of a freakingly long tongue country. He has performed countless times to and an entertainment resume as impressive as millions of people on TV in Australia, New his broad climbable shoulders. Zealand and the U.S., while performing magic Originally known as the “clothed” magician in 10 countries around the world. on Channel 10’s long-running kids TV This boisterous R-rated magic show strips program, Christopher then became the first away the top hats and capes, promising full Australian magician in TV history to have his frontal illusions. Good magicians don’t need own TV series, “More Than Magic,” which sleeves and great magicians don’t need pants. aired in Australia, New Zealand, England and This show proves just that. the U.S. Wayne also spent four years as the “The Naked Magicians” will be at the head comedy writer for Queensland’s favorite Royal Oak Music Theatre on Saturday, April breakfast radio show “B105” and continues 30; doors are at 7 p.m. Tickets for the show regular guest spots on several radio stations are $35-45 with reserved seating, and the in Australia. show is for those 18 and older. Royal Oak He is a passionate and outspoken advocate Music Theatre is located at 318 W. Fourth for LGBT rights, and is an ambassador for St., Royal Oak. Visit www.axs.com for more the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation in information. his home city of Brisbane, Australia. He is

www.PrideSource.com April 14, 2016 | BTL 33 The reopened robert kidd gallery of Birmingham is hosting its spring exhibit, “Laurie Tennent, Botanicals: Intimate Portraits.” The captivating botanical imagery Friday, April 15 Unitarian and Universalist roots from the 1830s when free thinkers first of Laurie Tennent pushes the boundaries between OUTINGS Annual Jim Toy Birthday Bash began to dream of a liberal religious photography and painting, revealing in striking detail the Thursday, April 14 Suggested Donation: $10. Jim Toy denomination in Detroit. TICKET PRICES: Community Center, 720 Norris St., $10-20. First Unitarian-Universalist architecture of plant life. With an eye for dashing line and OUTcasts: LGBQ Homless Youth Ypsilanti. 734-995-9867. www. Surviving in the South 5:30 p.m. Church, 4605 Cass, Detroit. 313- rich visual texture, Tennent masterfully exposes the innate Jimtoycenter.org 833-9107. uudetroitcentennial@ Equality Research Center, 329 beauty and delicate sensuality of her subjects. King Hall, Ypsilanti. nrichar8@ gmail.com www.eventbrite.com/o/ Saturday, April 16 first-unitarian-universalist-church-of- emich.edu www.Facebook.com/ “Botanicals: Intimate Portraits” is the first in a series events/258681631132777/ Never Forget - Family Members of detroit-3290690712 Victims and Victims Too One Mile of major exhibitions of the artist’s dramatic large-scale The Last Bookstore Standing 5:30 Walk 12 p.m. Spotlighting the nation’s Monday, April 18 p.m. A Reception and Silent Auction response to victims of crime; honoring photographs on aluminum in 2016. Tennent, who has Benefiting Common Language Happy Hour 4 p.m. Come join us for the victims and their families. Part of happy hour and Man Crush Monday. exhibited nationally and internationally, received her B.F.A Bookstore. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres National Crime Victims’ Right Week. and a silent auction. Proceeds from Grenadier Club, 3101 McDougall, in Photography from the College for Creative Studies and Detroit Police Department, 12800 Kelly Detroit. 313-910-6867. the event will allow them to upgrade Road, Detroit. 313-596-1023. is president of the Birmingham Bloomfield Cultural Council, as well as the recipient of the 2013 hardware, software and the online Cultural Arts Award for her philanthropic work. store. Tickets: $35. Common Language Deuxieme Vie Productions An Tuesday, April 19 Bookstore, Ann Arbor. Glbtbooks.com evening of fashion, music, dancing Lisa Brown - Oakland County The exhibition runs through May 6. robert kidd gallery is located at 107 Townsend St., Birmingham. and unexpected surprises. Tickets: Services 10:30 a.m. Lisa Brown, Panel Discussion on Medical and $25-55. Deuxieme Vie Productions, For more information, call 248-642-3909 or visit www.robertkiddgallery.com. Mental Health of Trans/Gender Non- Oakland County, 4200 Telegraph Road, 2900 E. Grand Blvd, Detroit. Bloomfield Township. www.Oakgov. conforming youth 7 p.m. Free and deuxiemevieproductions.com open to the public. Temple Israel, 5725 com/clerkrod April 16. 734-764-2538. www.Ums.org/ www.a2ct.org/shows/barefoot-in- Lawrence Street Gallery “Exposures: Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. performance/bavarian-radio-orchestra/ the-park Photography ‘16” Lawrence Street [email protected] Sunday, April 17 Wednesday, April 20 Gallery presents its annual juried 100 Years at Cass and Forest “Zafir: Musical Winds From North Tickets: MacBeth - Access.Opera 7:30 p.m. UMS Thoroughly Modern Millie show. Lawrence Street Gallery, 22620 Historic bus and bicycle tour tracing Africa to Andaluca” Ticket Prices: $20- $6-20. Western Michigan University, Inviting young professionals ages Woodward Ave., Ferndale. April 40. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., University Theatre, 1903 W. Michigan 18-40 to watch. Tickets starting at 3 - April 30. 248-544-0394. www. Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. April 15. 734-764- Ave., Kalamazoo. Through April 17. 269- $25. Michigan Opera Theatre, 1526 Lawrencestreetgallery.com Broadway St., Detroit. 313-237-SING. 2538. http://ums.org/performance/ 387-7222. www.Wmu.edu www.Michiganopera.org/access zafir-simon-shaheen/ MI Green Team “MI EARTH DAY FEST” Tickets: $10-20. The The Hung Man Explore green and healthy living at Ringwald Theatre, 22742 Woodward one of the planets largest Earth Day Thursday, April 21 Film & Video Ave., Ferndale. Through April 25. 248- celebrations! April 22-24 (Fri 4-8, Michigan Theater “CineManga Film 545-5545. www.Theringwald.com The White House LGBT Summit 8:30 Sat 10-8, Sun 10-4). SHOP at 100+ a.m. Featuring Catherine Lhamon, Series” Different anime or Japanese Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike exhibits, and get free samples and Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. film each Wednesday night. State PG-13. Tickets: $20-22. Stagecrafters, show specials. Admission and parking Department of Education. The White Theater, 233 State St., Ann Arbor. Jan. Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette Ave., are free. Visit miEDF.com for details. House and Equality Michigan, 4901 13 - April 27. 734-668-8397. www. Royal Oak. Through April 24. 248-541- Rochester Municipal Park, 580 Pine Evergreen Road, Dearborn. http://bit. Michtheater.org 6430. www.Stagecrafters.org Street, Rochester. 4 p.m. April 22. ly/238L59M UMS “The Bad Plus Joshua Redman” 8109089976. www.miEDF.com Tickets: $18-48. Michigan Theater, robert kidd gallery “Laurie Tennent” 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. ART ‘N’ AROUND Botanicals: Intimate portraits robert kidd MUSIC & MORE April 23. 734-764-2538. http://ums. Detroit’s Pioneer Building gallery, 107 Townsend St., Birmingham. St. Paul United Church of Christ org/performance/the-bad-plus-joshua- “PIONEERS” Curated by Peter Gahan, “Spring Rummage Sale” Also soup April 9 - May 6. 248-642-3909. www. redman/ this varied exhibition features painting, and bake sale. Admission: $0-2. St. Robertkiddgallery.com photography, mixed media, glass work, Paul United Church of Christ, 31654 encaustic, drawing and fiber. Cass Cafe, Mound Road, Warren. 8 a.m. April 23. THEATER 4620 Cass Ave., Detroit. April 16 - June 586-264-4777. Collage ‘16 Tickets: $8-12. Matrix 25. 313-831-1400. www.Casscafe.com UMS “Bavarian Radio Orchestra” Theatre Company, 2730 Bagley, Detroit. DIA “Dance! American Art 1830-1960” Ticket Prices: $12-65. Hill Auditorium, Through April 17. 313-967-0999. www. Presents more than 90 paintings, 825 North University Ave., Ann Arbor. 8 Matrixtheatre.org sculptures, photographs and costumes p.m. April 16. 734-764-2538. Ums.org/ Barefoot in the Park Ann Arbor Civic brought to celebrate and explain the performance/bavarian-radio-orchestra/ Theatre presents Neil Simon’s comedy. important place of dance in American UMS “Bavarian Radio Orchestra” Ann Arbor Civic Theatre, Arthur Miller culture. Detroit Institute of Arts, 2100 Tickets: $12-65. Hill Auditorium, 825 Theatre, 1226 Murfin Ave., Ann Arbor. Woodward Ave., Detroit. March 20 - N. University Ave., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. April 21 - April 24. 734-971-2228. June 12. 313-833-7900. www.Dia.org

Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Lisa Brown will bring documents the services of her office to Bloomfield Township residents on Business registration or renewals, as well as access Tuesday, April 19, through the popular Local Office Visit program. to Oakland County’s Assumed Business Names and “Our goal is to make it easier and more convenient to do business Co-Partnerships database with Oakland County, which is why we bring our services to local Copies of Oakland County Circuit Court documents, residents,” Brown said. “People are busy in their everyday lives, including divorce records and they don’t always have time to stop into our main office in Voter registration and absentee voter applications Pontiac to get the documents or records they need. Bringing our Notary public applications office directly to Oakland County residents in their home towns Concealed pistol license renewals makes it easier for everyone.” Sign up for our Property Records Notification (PRN) system The following records and services are available at no extra A wide range of services will be available from 10:30 a.m. to noon charge at all Local Office Visits: at Bloomfield Township Hall, 4200 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township. Visit www.oakgov.com/clerkrod for additional dates Copies of birth, death and marriage certificates and updated information. Details are also available online for Marriage license applications identification requirements and copy fees, which are the same as Copies of deeds, mortgages, liens and other property those in the main office.

34 BTL | April 14, 2016 www.PrideSource.com Deep Inside Hollywood

BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE “Straight Outta Compton” was sure to spawn more hip-hop biopics. And why Cara Delevingne’s not? Now, when is a Wu visit to a Tang movie going to drop? thousand planets Cara Delevingne doesn’t ‘I Am Jazz’ have a lot of free time sweetens up these days. Still very busy as a model for all sorts of TLC for another luxury brands, the bisexual season star is booking acting roles more and more. Seen in It’s a nice time to last year’s teen drama be Jazz Jennings. The “Paper Towns,” she’s charming 15-year-old recently signed on to co- trans student, activist and star in the new Luc Besson reality TV star just saw vehicle, “Velarian and her show, “I Am Jazz,” the City of a Thousand Jazz Jennings. Photo: KathClick win a GLAAD award, Planets.” The science- tying with “I Am Cait” fiction film is based on for Best Reality Series. Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mezieres’ When speaking to the press, Jennings said, comic book of the same name, to be adapted “All people deserve to have a family like and directed by Besson. The story is set in my family.” Based on what we saw in the the 28th century and involves two “spatio- show’s first season, she couldn’t be more temporal” agents who explore the galaxy, right. And because TLC knows an adorable rescue humans in distress, negotiate with thing when they’ve got one, “Jazz” will be aliens and generally act as ambassadors. But coming back for a second round. Just like as time travelers they must abide by one rule: in season one, she’ll be surrounded by her never change the course of events. So we’re fiercely protective parents and older siblings, guessing this is what happens, but really, who as well as her doting grandparents, while she knows? The film will also star Dane DeHaan, navigates the rough waters of high school John Goodman, Ethan Hawke, Clive Owen, life. If the rude noise of most reality TV Rutger Hauer and Rihanna, probably wearing turns you off, the gentle, loving quality of something really amazing and space-princessy “I Am Jazz” is the answer to your prayers. from her own closet. Look for “Valerian” to Air dates still to be announced. laserblast in from another universe in 2017. ‘Prison Break’: Going back in Queen Latifah, Queen of Fox’s cult-action series “Prison Break” ‘South’ may have ended, but in TV that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s over: just ask the When Queen Latifah won her recent “Gilmore Girls.” So it’s time for the cast GLAAD Award for her performance in the to go back to jail (collecting well over HBO movie “Bessie,” she thanked her lesbian $200, thanks to the Screen Actors Guild) aunt. And that was the end of Queen Latifah’s and set up shop all over again. Wentworth discussion of queer people for one evening. Miller – recently in the news for clapping But that’s fine. We all know the lady likes her back against fat-shaming tabloids, and good privacy, so we allow her to have it, even if for him for doing so – will return, as will we wish she’d open up just a little bit more, regulars Rockmund Dunbar, Robert Knepper even in that roundabout Jodie Foster way. and Amaury Nolasco. The series will air as And until then we have her acting, which we a 10-episode limited run, but who knows if adore. Currently warming up theater screens that will be the end-end or just the end for as the kind-hearted waitress in “Miracles now. And of course there are no plot details From Heaven,” Latifah is about to get down yet; that’s what watching the actual show is to business in “King of The South.” A biopic for. Fox has set this up for 2017, so begin about the life of rapper/hip-hop mogul Master scratching marks on your cell wall until the P, possibly to be directed by Tyler Perry (in day arrives. talks, we hear), Latifah will play P’s mother. The man himself – real name: Percy Miller – Romeo San Vicente knows how to whittle a knife is also set to star, as is his son Romeo Miller. out of a toothbrush but doesn’t really have a No other information yet on this one, and it’s good reason to do so. He can be reached care of unclear as to who exactly has been clamoring this publication or at DeepInsideHollywood@ for a Master P movie, when his profile isn’t qsyndicate.com. exactly red hot these days. But the success of www.PrideSource.com April 14, 2016 | BTL 35 The OutField Sports Leaders Stand Up to Mississippi BY DAN WOOG an athlete or coach is refused service targeting LGBT people. in a restaurant or hotel, based on the She – and the letter’s many signees – t was the conservative right’s political manager’s perception that that person urged the NCAA to make a strong public version of a buzzer-beater. is LGBT. Suppose someone is denied statement condemning legislation that I While real issues swirled around medical care, based on the healthcare permits discrimination based on sexual North Carolina – economic, educational, provider’s religious belief. Each of those orientation and gender identity; back environmental – the state’s General situations could arise, based on North up that statement with consequences Assembly held a hurried special session Carolina and Mississippi’s bills. (for example, not allowing them to to discuss … bathrooms. host NCAA-sponsored events); Well, they did not actually discuss provide guidelines to schools on them. In just a couple of hours – and how to protect student-athletes and with virtually no public input – the staff while competing in states with legislators passed House Bill 2. It discriminatory laws; amend NCAA repealed an ordinance passed the bylaws to permit individuals and entire previous month in Charlotte, which athletic departments to refuse to travel provided “public accommodation” and compete against universities and protection to LGBT people (including states that discriminate, and redouble allowing transgender folks to use the the organization’s commitment to bathrooms of the gender with which diversity and inclusion programs and they identify). resources. A few days later, Mississippi Griffin wrote her letter a few days legislators enacted a law that after the most dramatic NCAA men’s would allow individuals, religious college basketball championship game organizations and certain businesses ever. Villanova won on a dramatic with “sincerely held religious beliefs buzzer-beater against the University or moral convictions” that marriage of North Carolina. Between that should be between one man and one school and Duke, the state has been woman to discriminate against LGBT home to nine national champs in the people. Reaction was swift. Major last 25 years. Reaction was swift. Major That led LGBT sports activist Cyd corporations – including Charlotte- corporations – including Charlotte- Zeigler to write on his Outsports based Bank of America – blasted website: “As reaction to the North the North Carolina legislation and based Bank of America – blasted Carolina law came pouring across threatened action. Bruce Springsteen the North Carolina legislation social media, I found myself again canceled a concert in the state. Charles shaking my head at the sports world’s Barkley told the NBA to move the 2017 and threatened action. Bruce utter failure to definitely address All-Star game away from Charlotte. LGBT issues, get ahead of these kinds Barkley’s stand is instructive. Springsteen canceled a concert of discriminatory developments, and As important as business and in the state. Charles Barkley told lead our society on LGBT equality.” entertainment are, sometimes the Zeigler faulted the NCAA for not sports world can have the greatest the NBA to move the 2017 All-Star putting more pressure on the state of impact in areas that – at first – may game away from Charlotte. North Carolina. (Or Texas. The Final not seem to have anything to do with Four was held in Houston, a city that LGBT issues. voted last year to legalize LGBT Pat Griffin is a founding leader of discrimination.) the LGBT Sports Foundation. As the Griffin also wondered about the “It’s impossible to believe the NCAA two states weathered a storm of national implications if a governor or university would stand by if an institution banned criticism – and stuck to their anti-gay president refused to provide funds for black students,” Zeigler wrote. He urged guns – she circulated a letter among her travel to states with discriminatory laws. the NCAA to immediately withdraw 2017 group’s members. She also asked what would happen if an and ’18 men’s basketball tournament The letter was addressed to the individual student-athlete, coach or staff games from North Carolina – and other National Collegiate Athletic Association. member refused to travel to such a state. championship events. “No more talking,” Griffin wanted to make sure that one of And, she noted, the NCAA itself has he said. “No more meetings.” the most powerful organizations in the scheduled conventions, professional Bruce Springsteen canceled a concert U.S. sports world understood the impact meetings and competitive events in with two days’ notice. The NCAA has a the two states’ laws would have on states that single out LGBT people for year to act. colleges in general, and student-athletes discriminatory treatment. She said the The ball is in their court. and coaches in particular. NCAA put them at risk of discrimination Dan Woog is a journalist, educator, soccer Griffin cited hypothetical examples. – or of losing their jobs. Suppose a college sports team travels Griffin noted that the federal coach and gay activist. His latest book is to a state with such legislation, and an legislation known as Title IX prohibits “We Kick Balls: True Stories from the Youth athlete or staff member used what the discrimination on the basis of gender Soccer Wars.” He can be reached care of this law considers to be the “wrong” public identity and sexual orientation. Those publication or at [email protected]. bathroom or locker room. Suppose prohibitions directly contradict state laws

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www.PrideSource.com April 14, 2016 | BTL 37 Q Puzzle 33 Noted Warhol subject 12 Fruit sugar ending 34 Gay character on “The 20 On the other hand Simpsons” who has a crush on 21 Insertion indicator his boss 24 Football foursome 38 U-turn from SSW 25 Trump of old 39 Kind of plastic 26 Put one on top of the other 40 “___ Rhythm” 27 One of the Three Bears 41 _Bewitched_ actor Dick 28 Last letter from Socrates 43 Olympic awards for Louganis 29 Movie based on “The Price of 45 “We ___ the Champions” Salt” 46 Lucci in _All My Children_ 30 Ellen DeGeneres and others 47 34-Across had a dream about 32 Oral attention getter his boss jumping naked out of this 35 In-your-face 52 Cheryl of “Charlie’s Angels” 36 Like a short round for Sheehan 53 “For here ___ go?” 37 Hernando’s place in “The 54 Fairy tale huffer Pajama Game” 56 Foundation for Humanity name 42 Good and evil place in a Kevin 57 Bear’s den Spacey movie 58 “Mamma Mia!” band 43 George Moscone, and others 59 Talk with one’s hands 44 SASE, e.g. 60 Some of Mary’s lambs 46 Holmes of “Wonder Boys” 61 Wine list info 47 First word of a “South Pacific” song 48 “Understood” to Ginsberg Down 49 Pull out your shooter A Crush on the Boss 1 Beat it 50 Port on Osaka Bay 2 Words before were 51 Isle in Brando’s “Desiree” 18 Type of New York Liberty 3 Sexy clothing material 52 “ ___ Miserables” Across defense 4 Billy Bean’s sport 55 Way out 1 Mary had a little one 19 Episode of “The Simpsons” 5 Turn on 5 Deep throat clearer named for a boss 6 Boy wizard Potter 9 Intro, at Gay.com 22 Like a phone in use 7 Straight 13 Where to find Moby Dick 23 Galley slave’s tool 8 Cam’s home state on “Modern 14 Sitarist Shankar 24 Pupils watching porn may do Family” 15 Bear locales this 9 Cross-dressing comedian Eddie 16 Single drag queen? 27 “The Unicorn” author Iris 10 Music synthesizer 17 Bauxite and borax 31 Track shape 11 Gym bunnies do it to their pecs Find solution to this puzzle at 32 Strip a fruit www.pridesource.com

38 BTL | April 14, 2016 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com April 14, 2016 | BTL 39