Solidarity Rallies Across Michigan This Weekend

AARP Reports on LGBT Aging

Sean Hayes Talks ‘Will & Grace’

Supreme Court Sends Back ‘Religious Freedom’ Case

WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM JUNE 28 - JULY 11, 2018 | VOL. 2626/2627 | FREE

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS THE INTERVIEW

Sean Hayes Talks ‘Will & Grace’ COVER See page 18 6 Flint Eastwood’s ‘Real Love’ Defies Religious 33 Drag Queens Spill About Their History in Panel Homophobia Discussion 33 LGBT Detroit’s Hotter Than July 2018 NEWS Schedule 4 History Wheel 3 34 A Major Milestone for Campaign to End 6 Flint Eastwood’s ‘Real Love’ Defies Religious Partisan Gerrymandering Homophobia 34 Community Enjoys Free BBQ Courtesy of 8 Congresswoman Lawrence, 14th District Wrigley’s Pharmacy Democrats Endorse Jeremy Moss 34 Adam Rippon to Keynote Equality Michigan 8 AARP National LGBT Liaison Reports on LGBT Aging at Conference 10 Solidarity Rallies Across Michigan This Weekend MICHIGAN NEWS NATIONAL NEWS CREEP OF THE WEEK 10 Protestors Brave Bad Weather to Rally for Immigrant Solidarity 14 Supreme Court Sends Back ‘Religious Freedom’ Case From Anti-Gay Florist 14 US Withdraws from UN Human Rights Council 16 Three LGBTI Activists Killed in Mexico OPINION 12 Parting Glances 12 Viewpoint 13 Creep of the Week AARP National LGBT LIFE 18 Sean Hayes Talks ‘Will & Grace’ Liaison Reports on LGBT 24 Regular WIG Drag Shows Take Midtown Aging at Conference Sara Huckabee Sanders 28 Deep Inside Hollywood Supreme Court Sends Back ‘Religious Freedom’ Case From Anti- COOL CITIES 22 Royal Oak Summer Concert Starts on July 5 See page 8 Gay Florist 26 Happenings See page 14 See page 13 29 Puzzle and Crossword

VOL. 2626 / 2627 • JUNE 28 - JULY 11, 2018 EDITORIAL News & Feature Writers ADVERTISING & SALES ONLINE AT ISSUE 1073 Editor in Chief Emell Derra Adolphus, Michelle Brown, Todd Director of Sales A. Heywood, Ellen Knoppow, Jason Michael, Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 102 Jan Stevenson, 734.293.7200 x 101 “Between The Lines Newspaper” Drew Howard, Jonathan Thurston PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA GROUP [email protected] [email protected] 20222 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152 Entertainment Editor CREATIVE Sales Representatives Phone 734.293.7200 Follow us @YourBTL Chris Azzopardi, 734.293.7200 x 106 Webmaster & MIS Director Ann Cox, 734.293.7200 x 103 Kevin Bryant, [email protected] PUBLISHERS [email protected] [email protected] Email your op–eds to Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson Feature News Editor Columnists Donelle Kremke, 734.293.7200 x 104 [email protected] MEMBER OF Kate Opalewski, 734.293.7200 x 108 Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown, [email protected] [email protected] Mikey Rox, D’Anne Witkowski, Michigan Press Assoication National Advertising Representative Sign up online to receive our E–Digest Gwendolyn Ann Smith National LGBT Media Association Editorial Assistant Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 National Gay & Lesbian Chamber Eve Kucharski, 734.293.7200 x 105 Cartoonists Q Syndicate [email protected] Paul Berg, Dave Brousseau Our rate cards are available online. All material appearing in Between The Lines is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publishers. Between The Lines is supported by many fine advertisers, Contributing Photographers but we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for materials provided by advertisers or their agents. Andrew Potter, Alexander Godin, Andrew Cohen Copyright 2018 Pride Source Media Group www.PrideSource.com June 28 - July 11, 2018 | BTL 3 JUNE – Lesbian Couple Settles Housing Suit 9 0 S – ‘ 1 9 Gretchen Fogel and Carla Daniels AUGUST – Queer E 9 accepted an undisclosed settlement Political Groups Merge H 6 to resolve their discrimination case T against University Townhouses The Michigan Human Rights Cooperative. They were denied the Campaign Committee and the opportunity to apply jointly to the Lesbian and Gay Community Cooperative because they were not Equality Project joined forces related by blood or marriage. This to become the Michigan Pride is believed to be the first time that Political Action Committee, or marital status and sex provisions of Pride PAC, to better mobilize the the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act were gay and lesbian vote in the 1996 used to uphold the housing rights of a elections. same-sex couple.

APRIL – Students For Equality FLASHING The Gay and Lesbian Alliance at Oakland University held a protest on April 24 to condemn BACK TO the OU Board of Trustees for its refusal to amend university non- discrimination policies to THE PAST: include sexual orientation in the Equal Opportunity Policy for students. The amendment came before the Board again in June and a decision was made JULY – State of AIDS in 5-2 in favor of passing it. Michigan

As of July 1, Michigan had seen a total of 6,872 AIDS cases, of which 72 percent (4,014) had died. JUNE – Close Call It was estimated that there were from 8,500 to 11,500 cases of HIV- Dr. Henry Messer was in the hospital positive people in Michigan - 16th for eight days after being shot in the highest in the nation. abdomen at the Triangle Foundation offices on June 28 during an apparent robbery attempt. Messer was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the June’s Gay and Lesbian Pride Awards Banquet in Detroit.

defense. Schmitz is sentenced to 25-50 THE years. The decision was overturned on appeal. Upon retrial, Schmitz was found The Gay guilty of the same charge once again and Panic his sentence was reinstated. The Triangle JENNY JONES Defense – The Foundation’s Executive Director Jeffrey gay and trans- Montgomery was a frequent contributor to panic defense Court TV during the trial. MURDER is banned in murder cases (Almost) Wrongful Death – In 1999, the A Shocking Crime – Scott Amedure in only two Amedure family sued “The Jenny Jones from Lake Orion goes on the nationally- Show” for wrongful death using Geoffrey U.S. states syndicated “The Jenny Jones Show” on Fieger as their attorney. The family was - California March 6, 1995 and reveals he has a secret awarded a $25 million judgment, but it was (September crush on acquaintance Jonathan Schmitz. subsequently overturned by the Michigan 2014) and Three days after the taping, Schmitz drives Court of Appeals. The Michigan Supreme Illinois (August to Amedure’s mobile home and delivers two Court declined to hear the case. 2017), but shotgun blasts to his chest, killing him. the American Bar Association suggests (Some) Time Served – Schmitz was other states follow their lead. This prohibits A Disappointing Verdict – Schmitz is tried incarcerated in the minimum-security Parnall attorneys from submitting as a defense that for first-degree murder in 1996, but is found Correctional Facility. He was granted parole their client was threatened by the victim’s guilty of a lesser charge, second-degree and released from prison on Aug. 22, 2017 real or perceived sexual orientation or murder, as a result of Oakland County after serving only 22 years. gender identity. Prosecutor Dick Thompson’s “gay panic” 4 BTL | June 28 - July 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com

Flint Eastwood’s ‘Real Love’ Defies Religious Homophobia

BY EVE KUCHARSKI kind of denied it until I was in high COVER STORY school because I would always have recurring theme in Jax in my mind, like, ‘Whenever I get to Gradual Reconciliation Anderson’s life has been high school I’ll pray a lot and God However, regular churchgoers can Areligion. Specifically, it’s is going to change me and I’m not still count on seeing Anderson in the been the church. And from a very going to be gay.’ Then I got to high pews on occasion. young age, it was where she found school and I realized that it wasn’t “I go to church every other Sunday solace, hope, family and discovered going away.” because my older brother is a pastor her musical ability. Today, Anderson and I want to be able to support is better known as Flint Eastwood him,” she said. “But as far as me and perhaps because of a push Fracturing Relationships being a Christian or being spiritual, from the divine, she even writes It was at that point that Anderson I would say no, I’m not anything her music at Assemble Sound – a began to admit to herself that her right now.” former Corktown church repurposed sexual orientation wasn’t a phase, When asked how she was as a creative hub for musicians. but an integral part of her identity. successful at reconciling her difficult However, her latest song, “Real Church members did not see it that relationship with organized religion Love” which dropped on Friday, way. she said that the first step was June 22, addresses the homophobia “I told a church member when I letting go of internalized anger and present in Christianity. Namely, the was a freshman or in eighth grade bitterness. She made an effort to actions of her former Metro City and it was just like, ‘The devil is foster understanding. Church Pastor Jeremy Schossau, lying to you, I’m going to pray for “I think in an aspect where you who earned widespread criticism you, that you are shown the right have different opinions – especially last winter when he began providing way,’ and it just immediately sunk where there’s hurt involved – it’s classes for young girls that many me even deeper into the closet,” very easy to lose respect very called “conversion therapy.” Anderson said. “It wasn’t until I was quickly. And, for me, I think I’ve Anderson, who is openly gay, said 19, around that time, that I came out always tried to be very intentional she wrote the song because “no kid to everyone.” with retaining respect even if I don’t should.” And though most in her immediate agree with somebody,” Anderson “To them, it’s coming from a circle didn’t treat her differently, said. “That goes so across the board. place of love,” Anderson said. “I Anderson’s relationship with Metro It’s so easy to point a finger, it’s so understand that there are certain City Church became strained. easy to yell out hate. All I want to do sects of religion that have a differing Photo courtesy of the artist. “I actually worked with Metro as a person is to spread love and to opinion from me, but I think at doing video for them after I had come spread hope to people and how am a certain point you have to ask out and it was a weird situation. They I going to do that if I’m pissed off yourself, ‘Is my opinion hurting is not love, right? And truth without 1099’d me. They made me a contract at people?” more than it’s helping?’ I think with Religious Roots love is not truth.” He uttered those worker so that if anybody asked if I Her advice to young people, the LGBTQ community the church words to applause when he received was on the staff they could say no especially young girls, who are has really, really hurt a lot of people. But not by accident, “Real Love” an award from Watchmen on the and cut ties really quick because I involved in a conservative religious It’s something that they need to start shows off a prominently religious Wall, a national religious group was openly gay,” she said. “They environment is simple: know that owning up to instead of trying to sound with its church-esque choral that gave Schossau an award for knew I was gay. They asked me in hope and happiness is possible. change (others) all the time.” pulses and broad, gospel feel – all providing his classes and standing the interview if I was dating anybody “You are is beautiful and there’s But as much hurt as Anderson with a unique, Flint Eastwood up to public pushback. Anderson and I said no and they were like, nothing wrong with you and you’re herself endured while being closeted pop twist. This is a sound that said she included that statement ‘OK, just let us know when you start not flawed, you’re not a mistake, in a heavily religious community, comes naturally to Anderson, as her within the song because it perfectly dating somebody.’ I started dating you’re not broken,” Anderson said. she is firm that her song is not meant formative years were spent learning summed up the duality of love in somebody very quickly after that “I would definitely tell myself to find as an attack on Metro City Church how to write religious music in this situation. and did not tell them.” that community that accepts me for or Schossau. Rather, it’s her way church. “That line especially is something The rest of Anderson’s time at the who I am a lot quicker. It’s so much of putting out “the whole story” “I learned how to play and write that runs so true to both sides,” church was short-lived, but not the easier when you learn to accept and emphasizing a perspective music in that context. I would say Anderson said. “And it’s interesting lasting effects of her quiet, but firm yourself and love yourself. That’s that people who aren’t part of the that the positive of that is that as that the intention behind the words exclusion. She was devastated by the whole purpose of this song, to LGBTQ community might not see: a pop musician I need to write can be the difference between the loss of a community that she had show people that that is possible that love can and does exist outside something that stays in people’s someone feeling (great or) awful viewed as extended family. even though with my perspective of heterosexual boundaries. minds,” Anderson said. “And with and going down a rabbit hole of “Truth be told, I was very bitter the church had told me for so long “He was my pastor all throughout modern church music you have to depression that people deal with by toward the church for a long time. that it wasn’t.” high school. My whole purpose in be able to sing the song by the end not feeling accepted.” I was very angry. I was very upset writing this is to tell the story of of it, so it definitely taught me how Anderson can comment on that and I was very hurt,” Anderson said. the people (the church is) affecting to write in a way of catchy melodies feeling better than most, as she “Over time I just realized that they’re Flint Eastwood’s “Real Love” is and to give those people a light and and certain cadences and simplicity.” herself experienced it when she was people too, and sometimes people a hope. But I don’t think anybody A style that’s perfect for relaying growing up. let you down and sometimes they available on all digital platforms. More deserves death threats or as crazy a clear message. Perhaps the most “I mean, I knew I was gay from have a different opinion. It’s taken a information about Flint Eastwood can as the internet can get,” Anderson powerful part of “Real Love” is a the time I was a little kid. I had very long time for me to forgive the be found online at flinteastwoodmusic. said, referring to the heavy online re-recorded quote from Schossau crushes when I was in preschool. I church and I feel like I’m finally at a com and about Assemble Sound at pushback that both Schossau and himself, “Because love without truth am, through and through, a very gay place where I’m OK with it.” assemblesound.com. Metro City Church received. human,” she said with a laugh. “I

6 BTL | June 28 - July 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com June 28 - July 11, 2018 | BTL 7 NEWS

Congresswoman Lawrence, 14th District Democrats Endorse Jeremy Moss ongresswoman Brenda Lawrence announced her endorsement of CState Rep. Jeremy Moss in his bid for the Michigan State Senate. Moss, a Southfield Democrat, is currently serving his second term in the State House and is running for the open 11th District State Senate seat. “Jeremy and I enjoyed a strong partnership when I was Mayor and he was a City Councilman in Southfield, working together on proposals to fix our local roads, make our neighborhoods safer and grow our Nii-Quartelai Quartey, AARP’s national LGBT liaison, speaks to the crowd at the Sage Metro Detroit LGBT Older Adult Summit. BTL photo: Jason A. Michael local economy. State Rep. Jeremy Moss Now we share the unfortunate experience of serving in legislative bodies AARP National LGBT Liaison Reports on LGBT Aging at Conference under do-nothing Republican leadership. aarp.org/pride, features the results of nearly the Closet,” Joe Kort on “Cracking the Erotic Jeremy and I are ready to help elect BY JASON A. MICHAEL 1,800 respondents. AARP also worked with Code: How Your Sexuality Changes Over the Democratic majorities in Michigan so ne doesn’t always think of the several national agencies on their research we can push the progressive agenda that Lifespan” and Jay Kaplan on “Recent Legal acronyms AARP and LGBT as having and “recruited to the table” such groups as the worked for the people in our community and Policy Developments for LGBT Older anything in common. But, if AARP’s when we were local officials,” Lawrence O Center for Black Equity, the National Queer Adults.” SAGE Metro Detroit also presented National LGBT Liaison Nii-Quartelai Quartey said. “I’m excited to cast my vote for him Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, the Victory a Lifetime Achievement award to Jim Toy on August 7th to serve as my State Senator has his way, the public will come to know that Fund Institute, the National LGBT Chamber and a Volunteer of the Year award to Albert so our partnership can continue.” they do. Speaking at Saturday’s LGBT Older of Commerce and the National Association of Stumpmeir. Lawrence’s 14th Congressional District Adult Summit, Quartey talked about his work. Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals. “This year marked one of our most successful “As somebody that was recruited to AARP and the 11th State Senate District overlap “You know why we [brought them in]?” Summits yet, with record-level attendance two years ago to lead this work, to lead our Quartey asked attendees. “Because we’re in the cities of Farmington Hills, Lathrup and community support, and a diverse group LGBT affairs work among other things, I get serious. You know why we’re serious? Village, Oak Park, Southfield and the of dynamic speakers,” said Perone. “Our pure delight out of the opportunity to change Because we understand that not only are Charter Township of Royal Oak. community sponsors and vendors allowed the conversation on aging by finding LGBTs LGBT folks vulnerable but if you’re LGBT The 14th Congressional District us to provide free breakfast, lunch and valet Democratic Party also voted on Saturday to bring into it,” he said. and a person of color you are even more parking. We know that transportation issues to endorse Moss for State Senate. Quartey started out his keynote address vulnerable.” can pose barriers for many older adults in “I’m honored that Congresswoman by pointing out basic statistics that show the SAGE-Metro Detroit Executive Director Lawrence and 14th District Democrats strength and power of seniors today. These Angela Perone, lauded the findings of the attending programs, and we heard from several place their trust in me to continue to include the facts that by 2030, over a fifth of report. people that the free valet parking encouraged serve at the State Capitol,” Moss said. the population will be over the age of 65, if “AARP’s recent survey Maintaining them to attend.” “My Democratic colleagues and I have you are 10 years old or younger today you Dignity underscored several areas that Perone said the summit provides one of the put forward legislation to boost wages, have a 50-50 chance of living to 104 and that need more attention for LGBT older adults few places LGBT older adults and allies can repair our infrastructure and support 51 cents of every dollar that circulates in the including training for healthcare providers, gather to focus on issues impacting LGBT public education but we continue to U.S. is from someone over 50. reducing social isolation and increasing older adults. face Republican obstruction. That’s why “The way that people are aging is changing,” LGBT-welcoming housing,” Perone said. “This year’s day-long event focused on I’m organizing with Rep. Lawrence to Quartey said. “What 50 looks like and feels “SAGE Metro Detroit is working on all of health and well-being,” she said. “While the engage and organize the Democrats in our like today might not look or feel like our these areas — and on a very shoestring budget. statistics on health disparities and support for district so we can change the direction of grandparents’ 50, or our great-grandparents’ We are proud of the partnerships we have LGBT older adults are very discouraging, Michigan government.” 50.” already developed and excited to build more we also know that LGBT older adults are a More information can be found out about Quartey spent much of his time talking collaborations to tackle these critical issues.” resilient community and have a long history about what he called AARP’s new landmark The SAGE conference, which drew a Rep. Moss at housedems.com/moss and about of supporting each other.” LGBT research, specifically their newly- crowd of about 150, featured other keynote about Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence at published work “Maintaining Dignity: A speakers such as Kofi Adoma, who spoke on lawrence.house.gov. Survey of LGBT Adults Age 45 and Older.” “Living Long, Living Well,” Rev. Dr. Roland More information about SAGE can be found online The report, which can be found online at Stringfellow on “Bringing Spirituality Out of at sagemetrodetroit.org 8 BTL | June 28 - July 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com June 28 - July 11, 2018 | BTL 9 NEWS

Solidarity Rallies Across Michigan This Weekend

BY EVE KUCHARSKI

amilies Belong Together is a political activism organization Fthat, “Opposes the cruel, inhumane and unjustified separation of children from their parents along the U.S. border with Mexico and at other ports of entry into the U.S.” This coming Saturday, June 30, organizers from this group and allies of their cause will join together across Michigan and U.S. to protest the ongoing separation done by the U.S. government. More information about upcoming events like this can be found online at act.moveon.org. Here is a list of five such gatherings Protestors converged on Bagley Pedestrian Bridge on Friday, June 22 for an Immigrant Solidarity Rally. Holding signs are Adele Hawkins and Tora Brumalis. across Michigan happening on June 30: BTL Photos: Jem Zero Michigan State Capitol Protestors Brave Bad Weather to Rally for Immigrant Solidarity 11 a.m. BY JEM ZERO equality and justice for all people, regardless 100 N Capitol Ave, Lansing of where they are from and who they love,” riday, June 22, was a bit miserable said Larry Biggs. Port Huron ICE Protest because of a persistent, freezing cold “Things we took for granted before ... we rain, but that wasn’t enough to keep can’t do it anymore,” explained Geri Biggs. Noon F a few dogged protesters away from an “Things we thought were moving in the right St. Clair County Jail Immigrant Solidarity Rally. The event took direction are going backwards.” 1170 Michigan Road Port Huron place on the Bagley Pedestrian Bridge. A young woman in a hijab also attended Brianna Dee Kingsley, organizer of the the rally. Her name is Rezwana Ahmed event and activist working with Metro Detroit and was invited by Kingsley. She said she Hart Plaza ICE Protest Political Action Network, explained why she believes strongly in supporting refugees and Detroit felt moved to make this gesture. immigrants. in Metro Detroit are Latino, which makes “It was just time to make a stand,” she said. “I don’t know anyone personally [who the rally’s location near Mexicantown in Noon “I know people who are directly affected by the has been deported], but a lot of people in my Detroit particularly impactful, considering the Hart Plaza horrific tactics of the devious administration neighborhood have been affected,” Ahmed disproportionate amount of Latino citizens and 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit we are stuck with. They are scared to speak.” said. “Even students on visa have had that immigrants who are targeted by ICE. In addition to her work as an organizer, taken away.” Bearing statistics like that in mind, Kingsley Clark Park ICE Protest Kingsley is an executive with 10 years of New efforts by the U.S. Immigration and emphasized another reason why she is experience in business as well as the founder Customs Enforcement agency under Trump encouraging others to stand up in support of 1 p.m. of Great Lakes Equity, LLC. An organization have caused significant peril for refugees and immigrants. Clark Park that is dedicated to “educate, advocate and immigrants, including those who have entered “A basic principle of Islam that is widely 1130 Clark Ave., Detroit influence and foster understanding and the country legally and broken no laws. Even propagated by respected scholars and imams community.” Kingsley, who read a poem immigrants who already have citizenship could is that once you become aware, you cannot Pontiac ICE Protest written by an anonymous refugee, has be in danger of deportation. And, according become unaware,” said Kingsley, who has dedicated her experience with privilege to to organizers, this is particularly concerning attended lessons and services at local mosques. 10 a.m. lending her voice to those who are afraid to for Metro Detroit and its surrounding areas Kingsley is using this principle as a fueling Pontiac Public Library raise their own. which are heavily populated by immigrants factor in her advocacy work, and is working 2225, 60 E. Pike St., Pontiac Among the protesters who showed up were from many origins. with multiple organizations to maintain Larry and Geri Biggs, both of whom are retired For example, nearly 7 percent of Michigan momentum to these rallies. Currently, she is social workers. The two are no strangers to the residents are immigrants according to the working with Equality Michigan, Equality MI Ann Arbor ICE Protest activist scene and they said they have invested American Immigration Council, and nearly Pride PAC and Great Lakes Equity to continue 11 a.m. much of their time in protesting the actions one in 12 residents are the children of at least fighting for the rights of not only LGBTQ The Diag of the Trump Administration. “Primarily one immigrant parent. According to the last people, but other marginalized communities 913 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor we’re just looking to support anything that is census in 2010, 6.2 percent of the population as well. There are plans for another such rally on the first Sunday of July, at 2 p.m.

10 BTL | June 28 - July 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com June 28 - July 11, 2018 | BTL 11 Parting Glances

OPINION BY CHARLES ALEXANDER Diary of Theocratic Days Ahead une 28, 2025 [Editor’s Note: Translated Cursive English] Dear Diary: Another same-sex couple has been “relocated” – my neighbors two Jdoors down, the boys who did a wonderful job of gentrifying that old house on Wells Street. Didn’t really get to know them, but they always waved, said hello. Just gone! Last week, two others. Tom and Martin. Belonged to my block club – gadabouts but great gardeners – just disappeared. Very strange. Within days their condoplex – furniture and all – was ‘appropriated’ by America First party members. Last night there was a burning in the parking lot of their books and antique CD collection (rare 78-rpm albums of Garland, Streisand, Sinatra – whoever he was). Come to think of it, as much as I didn’t like them – too secretive, if you ask me – Margo and her longtime partner Ella who were in their mid-70s seem also to have vanished. A nosy neighbor at Ye Olde Coffee Cup whispered to me they were taken away in a black van about 3 a.m. and screaming. I mind my own business – or, at least I try to, dear Diary – but something’s going on, not only in this small town but our capitol as well. Any one with half a brain could see it coming. 2021: all same-sex marriages voided, constitutionally made illegal. 2022: gays and lesbians must declare themselves homosexuals and register for one-year of free – but mandatory – church/state sponsored reparative therapy (if caught Transmissions afterward in the slightest compromising behavior – say holding hands – they’re subject to further RT for as long as it takes, and at their own expense). 2023: all homosexuals must get listed with photo, fingerprints, sex contacts, on the America First Homosexual Watch List. Ditto 2023: homosexuals are barred from teaching, practicing law, medicine, acting on stage or hologram touch-and-feel, wide-screen movies BY GWENDOLYN ANN SMITH (New Hollywood’s in a panic!) And: “All known, avowed, militant ‘homos’ (America First Party derogatory term for non-curable sexual deviants) “must wear a rainbow armband, and observe a weekly 8 p.m. body Wi-Fi monitoring curfew.” Pride is More Than Performance

(July 4, 2023): Dear Diary: Today I learn at an AF-sponsored church t’s pride month, and this means a whole lot of people that maybe some young LGBTQ person might see this picnic that recalcitrant homos are being relocated to canyon-center West. will take or have taken to the streets across the world, stuff and feel like they can be accepted in this culture My friend Martha, who (sworn secret to these diary pages) had several Ifestooned in their best rainbow gear. We’ll march, at large, even in these challenging times. That’s a really suspect acquaintances – received a smuggled-out postcard: party and do all those things we’ll do at pride. It will good thing. “Having a trying time. Overcrowded. Bad-ass place. Health concerns. be crazy and chaotic, and we will be the big messy At the same time, I can question why Target can’t Miss family. Prayers. D. L. ‘Bro’ Jones. community we are, in all our glory. get the idea that red comes first when they set up their Increasingly, too, this means that corporations will rainbow flag-style packaging. (Sept. 15, Trump Memorial Sunday): America First Party President Hal hop on the bandwagon, ready to support us for a Nevertheless, I’m not going to get too hot under the Harkinback spoke on all TV channels about the concessions we have to handful of days, hoping to lure our dollars into their collar over such things. If a company wants to create make during the 10 Year Plan. coffers. Over the years, I’ve had the dubious pleasure something with the LGBTQ community in mind, or Asked for a “unity of vision,” a need to “be vigilant for any behavior or to see the involvement of corporations grow from the spread a message of love and acceptance for all of us, opinion, covert or otherwise, that’s unpatriotic, anti-state, going against days of a handful of internet startups hocking free then who am I to criticize that? political and/or theocratic good. logo-emblazoned cups and Frisbees to the big players Yet it isn’t so simple. “It’s the duty of every thinking citizen to report any abomination of of today rolling our pride fashion lines and glitzy ads. Recently, users of Instagram discovered that they loyalty.” Now I don’t feel that corporations don’t deserve a were getting “shadowbanned.” That is, their content place at the table, though a lot of it feels incredibly ham- was looking to be just as it should be, but none of their (Oct. 31, Halloween): Picked up Banner of Victory, unfortunately our fisted and more than a little sleazy. Then again, that’s photos or videos were showing up when searched. only news source. A fifth-page item caught my eye. how I feel most times a company tries to shoehorn their As it turned out, Instagram had opted to shadowban products into holidays and such. certain specific hashtags from search, flagging them as For example, once again Target has set up a pride See next page selection at their stores. They even have some trans- specific goods. I’m actually glad for that, considering See next page

12 BTL | June 28 - July 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com delisting content created by trans creators ® Transmissions for “hate speech” for using the term TERF, Continued from p. 12 an acronym for “Transgender-Exclusionary Creep of the Week Radical Feminist.” The worst example this year, however, would BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI being possibly pornographic. Unfortunately, have to go towards cosmetics creator Ipsy. Sarah Huckabee Sanders this included a lot of LGBTQ-specific hashtags. They were attempting to release a video The irony, of course, is that while this is with a message of hope for LGBTQ people, Racists aren’t racist going on, Instagram also rolled out rainbow- only to start the video with one of their models just because they haven’t colored hashtags for certain terms for pride touting her attraction to women, and speaking encountered enough nice month. So you could have #LGBT in rainbow of a “spectrum” between transgender women black and brown people. tones, but #gay could result in a shadowban. and “authentic cisgender women” – as if to say Homophobes don’t hate gays Things, of course, get more complicated on that transgender women are not, themselves, because they just haven’t had Instagram when one talks about trans bodies. authentic. the right one wait on them in a Instagram, for example, doesn’t allow the Ipsy, perhaps knowing that they could not restaurant. Misogynists don’t baring of what they refer to as “female nipples.” blame this on an algorithm apologized and hate women just because they A user by the name or Rain Dove – who doesn’t removed the video. The model herself also haven’t met the right one yet. identify as female or male – had their topless apologized. This stuff comes from photo playing basketball with a friend removed Like I said before, I’m glad that so many deeply rooted hate and fear. for violating this guideline. companies are stepping up and trying to show Ain’t no amount of nice This, of course, is often an issue in online their support. I appreciate it even more when gonna cure that. spaces, as so many choose to let algorithms they specifically go out of their way to include Sarah Huckabee Sanders, White House press secretary, speaks I’ve heard white do the work, without those same algorithms transgender people. during a press conference at the White House briefing room in people saying that Sarah Washington, D.C., U.S., on June 14, 2018. Photo by Olivier Douliery/ understanding nuance and liminal spaces. At the same time, their tone-deafness Abaca Press(Sipa via AP Images) Huckabee Sanders and A similar issue has cropped up with YouTube, towards LGBTQ people in general and her father Mike Huckabee which has been caught demonetizing and transgender issues specifically rankles me. It here’s been a lot of talk about used to be good Christian otherwise penalizing transgender users of the feels a bit like, oh, bars offering specials on “civility” lately which was triggered people with values and whatever happened platform – all the while releasing their own “Irish Car Bombs” and “Black and Tans” for by the owner of a restaurant asking to them? #ProudToCreate hashtag and accompanying St. Patrick’s Day, or perhaps people running T Not surprisingly, the people who I’ve a woman who is known worldwide for video. around in sombreros and fake mustaches for lying on the behalf of a white supremacist heard say this are straight white guys. Trans YouTube user Chase Ross recently Cinco de Mayo. administration headed by a man who Of course they can look back on Mike came forth, showing that his videos have been More than this, claiming to support us by is trying to, and succeeding in, turning Huckabee’s long career in the public eye demonetized, age restricted and such because festooning your business or website with America into a dictatorship. and see a nice guy who plays bass guitar of the trans content of his work. He went so rainbows, while actively harming us in other So, if the story about Sarah Huckabee and tells corny jokes but who is maybe is far as to films his upload process, showing ways – such as YouTube’s demonetizing as Sanders being refused service at the Red a little too conservative for their tastes. that the video was marked as “not available well as offering anti-LGBTQ ads to viewers – Hen in Virginia has you more worried As a woman married to a woman, I have for most advertisers” when he added the word does little to prove you are the ally you claim about Sanders getting her feelings hurt no fond memories of Mike Huckabee. “transgender” to the clip’s title. to be. than about the fact that the government His entire career he has sought to deny Even more insidious, some YouTube content What it really comes down to, for me, is an Sanders works for is putting babies in me the right to be married and the right creators have even seen anti-LGBTQ ads show issue of actions over words. It’s great to claim cages, then you don’t deserve civility. In to make the most basic decisions about up before their content. to be supportive, but unless you back it up other words, fuck you. my reproductive health. Now he’s posting Once again, YouTube blames the algorithms, with concrete actions of support, the words are Now, I know that some people will read openly racist stuff on Twitter in defense saying via spokesman that, “Sometimes our simply words: they hold no meaning. my “fuck you” as “sinking to their level,” of Trump’s take-your-baby-at-the-border systems get it wrong.” but fuck that. Americans have normalized policy and people are surprised? It’s all Beyond these sites, we’ve seen issues with part of the same package, folks. Gwen Smith wishes her readers a safe and happy this descent into fascism from day one, and online T-shirt stores recently, both selling So, yeah, I don’t owe him or his pride. You’ll find her on the web at gwensmith.com. I’m not having it. anti-transgender content, while simultaneously And when I say “Americans,” I’m daughter any kindness. They have shown talking about white people, primarily none to the most vulnerable populations in cisgender heterosexual men. And, wouldn’t this country. They have used their power you know it, this particular demographic to perpetuate hate. ® Parting Glances happens to also be the one that is either: 1) So yeah, fuck them. Of course, incivility is not the answer. Continued from p. 13 Totes that they are OK with Trump and that they are not worried or 2) tells the rest of us We can’t “go-fuck-yourselves” out of this that we need to fight fascism with civility. mess. Yes, we must keep speaking out against the hate and evil we are seeing. “Washington, D.C. has become the Harkinback, “no government tax monies have That is not how it works, folks. Being nice doesn’t save lives. It doesn’t change We must never stop that. But words only first zone to be fully free of ‘homos.’ This been used to support or enhance any aberrant go so far. thorough ‘cleansing’ is the result of thousands lifestyle housing or needs. Many may perish. hearts and minds. And it sure as hell isn’t going to save our democracy. Two of the most powerful words are “I of undercover reports, well-coordinated Sadly, that’s their choice. God and country come voted.” The people leading our country are psychological efforts, low-visibility roundup first! Homos come last. If at all.’” According to an interview with the owner in the Washington Post, some of evil. They have no moral compass. And, strategies,” it read. yes, there are valid complaints to make “Reparative Therapy accounts for much of the employees at the Red Hen were gay. Charles Alexander is prolific both as a BTL about the Democratic Party. But they are this outcome, so much so that, as approved I’ve heard the argument that throwing columnist (700-plus columns) and as a well-known Sanders out of a restaurant was a missed not the party cool with snatching brown therapy for brain rewiring, it will be used – along babies from asylum seekers and putting with mind altering religious ministrations – for LGBT community artist (1000 Face Book images). opportunity for gays to show Sanders, and He is a Spirit of Detroit Award recipient and the world I guess, how they “are capable them in cages. Let’s make this blue wave other anti-America First asocial tendencies,” it happen. And then hold them Democrats continued. “Those ‘homos’ not responding to an Affirmations LGBT CENTER Jan Stevenson and people worthy of respect.” Um, no. It is not the job of the oppressed fucking accountable like our lives depend RT have been relocated to Spartan camps in an awardee. Connect with him at Charles@pridesource. on it, because they do. off-limits Arizona Desert reservation. com. to prove their humanity to the oppressors. “Rest assured,” stresses President Donald www.PrideSource.com June 28 - July 11, 2018 | BTL 13 NEWS US Withdraws from UN Human Rights Council Supreme Court BY MICHAEL K. LAVERS he U.S. on June 19 announced it has Sends Back ‘Religious withdrawn from the U.N. Human TRights Council. U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Freedom’ Case From Haley told reporters during a press conference at the State Department that Cuba, Venezuela, China, the Democratic Anti-Gay Florist Republic of Congo and other countries “with unambiguous and abhorrent human BY CHRIS JOHNSON rights records” are members of the council. She also accused the council of having a he U.S. Supreme Court on Monday announced “chronic bias against” Israel. that it has sent back for review to Washington “America has a proud legacy as a TState a lawsuit filed by an anti-gay florist champion of human rights, a proud seeking a First Amendment right to refuse service legacy as the world’s largest provider of to same-sex weddings. humanitarian aid, and a proud legacy of The court announced the decision in an orders list liberating oppressed people and defeating on Monday, which reflected decisions made on many tyranny throughout the world,” said petitions for certiorari considered at its conference Haley. “While we do not seek to impose last Thursday. the American system on anyone else, Although the Supreme Court granted certiorari and we do support the rights of all people to vacated the decision against her by the Washington have freedoms bestowed on them by their Supreme Court, justices also remanded the case back creator. That is why we are withdrawing to that body for reconsideration in light of the U.S. from the U.N. Human Rights Council, Supreme Court’s narrow decision for Colorado baker an organization that is not worthy of its The Trump administration on June 19, 2018, announced the U.S. has withdrawn from the U.N. Human Jack Phillips in the Masterpiece Cakeshop lawsuit. name.” Rights Council. Photo by sanjitbakshi; courtesy Flickr That means the U.S. Supreme Court won’t Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also consider the judgment Barronelle Stutzman, the spoke to reporters. language in the resolution “against the The Trump administration’s overall owner of Arlene’s Flowers, was seeking: A sweeping “We have no doubt that there was once discriminatory use of the death penalty LGBTI rights record also continues to right under the First Amendment based on freedom of a noble vision for this council,” he said. based on an individual’s sexual orientation spark outrage among activists. religion and freedom of speech to refuse to provide “But today, we need to be honest – the or gender identity, while also requesting “Without a history of progress on floral services for same-sex weddings. Human Rights Council is a poor defender changes to make the larger resolution in LGBTIQ human rights at the Human Alliance Defending Freedom, the anti-LGBT legal of human rights.” accordance with U.S. law” that says the Rights Council we would have no progress group representing Arlene’s Flowers, nonetheless Pompeo added the council “has become death penalty is legal. to speak of within the U.N. system today,” praised the action from the U.S. Supreme Court as an exercise in shameless hypocrisy – with The Human Rights Campaign and the said OutRight Action International, a a win. many of the world’s worst human rights Council for Global Equality are among global LGBTI advocacy group, in a Kristen Waggoner, the senior vice president of abuses going ignored, and some of the the organizations that told Pompeo in a statement. “Withdrawing from the council ADF’s U.S. legal division, said in a statement the world’s most serious offenders sitting on letter they are “deeply disappointed” with sends a message to other countries that its U.S. Supreme Court “rightfully asked the Washington the council itself.” the Trump administration’s decision to acceptable to walk away from the system Supreme Court to reconsider Barronelle’s case in The U.N. created the council in 2006. withdraw the U.S. from the council. when it doesn’t suit you to be there.” light of the Masterpiece Cakeshop decision.” The U.S. joined the council in 2009 after “This decision is counterproductive to “Imagine, what would happen if all “In that ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court denounced former President Obama took office. The American national security and foreign countries walked away from the U.N. government hostility toward the religious beliefs council over the last decade has become policy interests and will make it more because of disagreements,” asked the about marriage held by creative professionals like an increasingly vocal champion of LGBTI difficult to advance human rights priorities organization. Jack and Barronelle,” Waggoner said. “The state of rights. and aid victims of abuse around the world,” Haley at the State Department press Washington, acting through its attorney general, has The council in 2011 narrowly approved they said. conference stressed the administration has shown similar hostility here.” an LGBTI rights resolution. It adopted Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Ron “used America’s voice and vote to defend The Washington Supreme Court ruled against a resolution against violence and Dermer on Tuesday applauded the decision human rights at the U.N. every day, and we Stutzman last year as a result of legal action discrimination based on sexual orientation when he spoke at his embassy’s annual will continue to do so.” brought against her by Washington Attorney and gender identity in 2014. Pride reception in D.C. U.S. Rep. Ileana “Even as we end our membership in the General Bob Ferguson, who contended she violated The council in 2016 approved the Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) – who was born in Human Rights Council, we will keep trying the Washington Law Against Discrimination by creation of the U.N.’s first-ever position Havana before the 1959 Cuban revolution to strengthen the entire framework of the declining to provide floral services for the same-sex to combat anti-LGBTI violence and brought Fidel Castro to power – also U.N. engagement on human rights issues, wedding of Curt Freed and Robert Ingersoll. The discrimination. Cuba and Venezuela are praised Haley and Pompeo. and we will continue to strongly advocate decision upheld the ruling of the Benton County among the countries that voted for the Tuesday’s announcement coincides with for reform of the Human Rights Council,” Superior Court, which found Stutzman violated the resolution. growing global outrage over the Trump she said. “Should it become reformed, we law and fined her $1,000. The U.S. last September voted against a administration’s policy of separating would be happy to rejoin it.” Waggoner, who argued on Stutzman’s behalf council resolution that includes a provision immigrant children from their parents before the Washington Supreme Court in 2016, condemning the death penalty for those This article originally appeared in the when they enter the U.S. from Mexico. insisted Stutzman “serves all customers,” but won’t found guilty of committing consensual U.N. experts have sharply criticized the Washington Blade and is made available in create “custom art that expresses messages or same-sex sexual acts. An American official U.S. over its response to Hurricane Maria partnership with the National Gay Media told the Washington Blade the U.S. backed Association See next page that devastated Puerto Rico last September.

14 BTL | June 28 - July 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com a different take and called the Supreme ® Supreme Court Court’s decision “immensely frustrating and Continued from p. 14 disappointing.” “Just as in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case decided three weeks ago, the Supreme Court celebrates events in conflict with her deeply should simply have reaffirmed longstanding held religious beliefs.” constitutional principles that freedom of “The Washington attorney general’s efforts religion is not a license to discriminate,” Pizer to punish her because he dislikes her beliefs said. “Laws requiring businesses to be open about marriage are as impermissible as to all do not conflict with the Constitution. It Colorado’s attempt to punish Jack,” Waggoner is past time to put to rest these proliferating said. attempts to undermine the civil rights of LGBT Waggoner said Ferguson didn’t prosecute a people in the name of religion.” business that berated and discriminated against Technically, the Washington Supreme Christian customers with anti-abortion, anti- Court could rule in Stutzman’s favor upon LGBT views, but in contrast pursued measures reconsideration, but the Supreme Court to punish Stutzman for refusing to provide directed reconsideration in light of the floral services for a same-sex wedding. Masterpiece Cakeshop decision, which was Ferguson said in a statement “we expected a narrow ruling for Phillips on the grounds this procedural step” from the U.S. Supreme the Colorado Civil Rights Commission didn’t Court in the aftermath of the Masterpiece respect his religious views when considering Cakeshop decision. his case. “The Washington State Supreme Court Based on that, it’s hard to see how the now has the job of determining whether the Washington Supreme Court could issue U.S. Supreme Court ruling affects this case,” a sweeping decision enabling anti-LGBT Ferguson said. “I am confident they will discrimination in the name of “religious come to the same conclusion they did in their freedom” under those instructions. In fact, previous, unanimous ruling upholding the civil an Arizona state court in the aftermath of rights of same-sex couples in our state.” the Masterpiece Cakeshop recently drew Much like the Masterpiece Cakeshop on the decision to uphold an LGBT non- decision, LGBT groups are split on the action discrimination law in Phoenix, rather than from the U.S. Supreme Court in the Arlene’s undercut it. Flowers case. Representing the same-sex couple in the Praising the decision was Masen Davis, case was the American Civil Liberties Union, CEO of Freedom for All Americans, who which asserted there’s no expectation the pointed out the Supreme Court has now on two Washington Supreme Court would issue any separate occasions declined to issue a sweeping sweeping decision for Arlene’s Flowers. ruling allowing anti-LGBT discrimination in James Esseks, director of ACLU’s LGBT the name of “religious freedom.” and HIV Project, said in a statement he doesn’t “Opponents of LGBTQ equality have asked expect any new outcome from the Washington the Supreme Court for a constitutional right to Supreme Court undermining LGBT rights. discriminate against LGBTQ people, and the “To be clear, the court made no indication Court has refused to do so on two separate the lower courts ruled incorrectly and made occasions – first in Masterpiece, and now no decision on the case’s merits,” Esseks said. in Arlene’s Flowers,” Davis said. “Earlier “We are confident that the Washington State this month, the Supreme Court reaffirmed Supreme Court will rule once again in favor of our nation’s longstanding promise of equal the same-sex couple, and reaffirm its decision opportunity for all, making clear that all that no business has a right to discriminate.” business owners and all customers should be treated with respect.” This article originally appeared in the Washington Jennifer Pizer, senior counsel and law Blade and is made available in partnership with and policy director at Lambda Legal, had the National LGBT Media Association.

ACLU plaintiffs Curt Freed and Robert Ingersoll. Photo courtesy of ACLU. www.PrideSource.com June 28 - July 11, 2018 | BTL 15 Three LGBTI Activists Killed in Mexico BY MICHAEL K. LAVERS one of the murdered activists who appeared to have been shot in the back of the head. Three well-known LGBTI rights advocates Another local media report indicates Estrada, in the Mexican state of Guerrero were killed Vega and López had been tortured before they over the weekend. were killed. Authorities on Sunday found the bodies “We are sad, depressed,” Soberanis told the of Rubén Estrada, Roberto Vega and Carlos Blade. “They were young. They had a future Uriel López in Taxco, a city between the state ahead of them. The entire state’s LGBTI capital of Chilpancingo and Mexico City that rights movement is sad, is in mourning.” is popular with tourists. Other activists across Mexico also mourned Estrada, 35, was the main organizer of their deaths. Taxco’s annual Pride march and a local gay “The loss is for a society that demands beauty contest. Vega and López, who was his equality, freedom and an end to violence,” partner, were also activists. said Lol Kin Castañeda, a lesbian activist who Gaby Soberanis, president of Diversidad is a member of the Mexico City Constituent Guerrero, an LGBTI advocacy group that Assembly in a tweet that tagged Guerrero is based in the resort city of Acapulco, on Gov. Héctor Astudillo. “We demand justice.” From left: Rubén Estrada, Roberto Vega and Carlos Uriel López were murdered in Taxco, Mexico, on June 17, Monday told the Washington Blade during Local media reports say the manner in 2018. An activist in the state of Guerrero with whom the Washington Blade spoke said Estrada, Vega and López a telephone interview that Estrada, Vega and which Estrada, Vega and López were killed were killed after a group of men tried to extort money from them at a local nightclub. (Photo courtesy of Gaby López were at a local nightclub early Sunday indicates they were victims of criminal gangs morning when a group of men tried to extort that operate throughout Guerrero. the State Department issued on March 16 the kidnapping. The Associated Press reports money from them. “I don’t know if it was a hate crime based urges U.S. citizens not to travel to Guerrero Abarca allegedly ordered local police officers Soberanis said Estrada, Vega and López on homophobia,” Soberanis told the Blade. and the states of Colima, Michoacán, Sinaloa to turn the students over to members of a local refused to give them any money. She told the The Blade has reached out to the Guerrero and Tamaulipas “due to crime.” criminal group who killed them. A group of 43 college students known as Blade the men returned, forcibly removed Ministry of Public Safety for comment. The election to choose the successor to them from the nightclub and placed them Violence based on sexual orientation “normalistas” disappeared in Iguala, a city that President Enrique Peña Nieto, who cannot into a van. and gender identity remains commonplace is roughly an hour south of Taxco in Guerrero, Authorities found their bodies a few hours throughout Mexico. on Sept. 26, 2014. run for a second term under the Mexican later on a dirt road near the main highway Drug cartels and criminal gangs that operate Mexican authorities have accused former constitution, will take place on July 1. between Mexico City and Acapulco. throughout Guerrero have made it one of the Iguala Mayor José Luis Abarca and his wife, Violence and corruption are among the top A local newspaper published a picture of most violent states in the country. An advisory María de los Ángeles Pineda, of masterminding issues for Mexican voters.

16 BTL | June 28 - July 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com June 28 - July 11, 2018 | BTL 17 After Changing TV for LGBTQ People in 1998, the Actor Is At It Again, As ‘Part of the Chorus of the Movement’

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI

here would our queer world be without “Will & Grace”? That’s Wwhere my head was just before Sean Hayes phoned, recalling my lonely teen years, when gay white men on TV alone – here’s to evolved representation! – was unprecedented and life-changing for people like 15-year-old, closeted me. It’s not enough to say Hayes portrays Jack McFarland on the NBC sitcom, then, because some roles become legend, upstaging even the actor giving him life. Jack is one such character. And so a call from Hayes is like being a kid and spotting your fifth grade teacher at the grocery store: It doesn’t quite feel real, and yet Hayes is a real man with a real life and even a real husband, music producer Scott Icenogle. But to the late-’90s TV landscape, it was the actor’s half-fiction as Jack and his exploding-rainbow persona that cut through heteronormative programming with gay jokes even your grandma could get down with. And then, there’s Karen. You obviously don’t need me to needlessly ramble on about Jack’s best socialite friend (played by Megan Mullally), who never met a martini she didn’t like. You know her, you love her. And together they truly make all of our friends out to be absolute fucking bores. The sitcom’s recent IT’S NOT OVER TILL IT’S OVER: revival reinstated #friendshipgoals when the snarky pals, along with titular housemates Will (Eric McCormack) and Grace (Debra Messing), came swishing back to NBC in September 2017 for a ninth season after ending its initial 1998-2006 run. SEAN HAYES TALKS Hayes isn’t Jack, exactly, but you could be fooled if he called you, too, his usually-unflashy voice sometimes picking up wind and taking on the kind of rapid-fire cadence his famous Cher- worshiping alter ego is known for. With season 10 premiering Oct. 4, and nine now available on ‘WILL & GRACE’ DVD and digital, I caught up with Hayes, 47, to talk about those who’ve long criticized Jack for being “stereotypically” gay, the history of the legendary Karen-Jack slap fights, and who helped be OK with being gay. Photo: NBC him

18 BTL | June 28 - July 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com It’s hard to put into words exactly what it feels know people like Jack, because one part of me like to talk to the man who gave me such an is like Jack, and so if you’re saying people in iconic out-and-proud gay character when I the gay community were concerned that I was needed it most. playing Jack a certain way and people would Oh my god. That’s so sweet. I really “worry” that gay people act like that, they do act appreciate that. And you just answered the like that. And there’s people who act like Will. reason why when people ask me what’s the There are people on all spectrums of human best part about playing it – that’s the best part. behavior in the gay community, just like there are people on all spectrums of human behavior Is it? in the straight community, so I nix that and I say One-hundred percent. “bye” to that – I say, “bye, Felicia!” – because that doesn’t make any sense to me. When did you first know that “Will & Grace” had Similarly, Cam of “Modern Family” was criticized impacted the LGBTQ community the way it has? for being an over-the-top and exaggerated Just a couple of weeks ago! (Laughs) No, I’m version of what a gay person is, and I’m like, joking. You know what’s so funny – first of what exactly is a gay person supposed to be in all, you have no idea how much that means to 1998 or 2018? me. You saying how much I mean to you, it means equally as much to me, so thank you. Yeah, exactly. What are they supposed to be? So when did I know I had an impact? I think And by the way, they are exaggerated, some when I was young and doing the show I was of them. And so are straight people. Look at so wrapped up in myself, in acting, in getting Jim Carrey, look at Robin Williams. There are the part: “Am I going to get fired? Am I lots of straight people who are exaggerated as gonna learn my lines?” I was just happy to well. I hate that argument – no, I’m glad you have a job. brought it up. I’m just saying I love talking It’s such a fascinating thing to discuss, and about it, because it’s ridiculous. I’m so glad you asked: I felt normal growing As a kid coming to terms with being gay, who up, so when I got a job, playing a gay character on a television sitcom I just thought, “Oh, I just was your person? have to be me, kind of, a heightened version of If you’re talking about a famous person, Andy myself.” I didn’t think it would have that much Bell (of Erasure). Because I was in college and of an impact because of the bubble I grew up I was 17, 18, and I was shocked that somebody in. I surround myself with people who are was out and proud, making a living in the arts accepting of me, so naively I was like, “The or in pop culture by being who they are and rest of the world must be OK with it.” I mean, I not apologizing for it. I thought that was mind- knew the stories out there. I grew up and knew blowing because “A Little Respect” was the it wasn’t accepted, but I just didn’t think on any No. 1 song on the radio and I was like, “Wait, big level it was any big deal, so that gave me the guy is gay and everybody is OK with that?” the confidence to play him as outrageously as I The truth is not a lot of people knew because could because, again, I’m surrounded by writers we didn’t have the internet, but I knew and all and actors – everybody else – who embrace my gay friends knew. And I was like, “That’s this, so I felt loved, I felt supported and I felt amazing.” So that was inspiring to me, that confidence. So, I wasn’t going to work thinking you could be gay and make a living by singing, about how this is going to affect anybody. acting, whatever. But as far as actors go, Marty It was a wonderful byproduct later, and Short and Steve Martin were my inspirations I was like, “Oh, ohh!” And once it started in comedy, and Marty’s a good friend now and and all the press and blah blah blah, and we I love him. He is the funniest person, I think, never got any backlash for being political in the business. in that sense, meaning how they politicized gay people, which is wrong. That’s another What has it been like to be a part of a show interview. that has existed during two very different times, culturally and politically, for the LGBTQ Over the years, people have criticized Jack for community? being “flamboyant.” How aware were you of that First of all, I feel very fortunate and lucky to concern when the show returned for its revival be part of the chorus of the movement. I may season? not be a single voice, but I’m enjoying being Oh, I never heard that. This is the first time a part of the chorus. And I think that we’re hearing it. So you’re saying people were lucky to have the voice and the representation worried, but I was playing him – I call it for people to talk about it again, because I outrageous because “flamboyant” means a don’t think it should ever stop being talked certain type of gay person, I think, and that’s about because everything is not OK. There another conversation to have. I was playing him are still gay kids being bullied. And look as outrageously as I was before. So people were at that (gay) couple (who was assaulted) in concerned that I was playing him a certain way? Florida in the bathroom during Pride. It just doesn’t end. The hate doesn’t end overnight. People wondered if Jack was too stereotypical So we have to keep doing things, and for TV in 2018 and expressed some concern over again, my contribution may not be as an what the straight community might think of us. I think that’s insider homophobia. Because I See Sean Hayes, page 20 www.PrideSource.com June 28 - July 11, 2018 | BTL 19 Eric McCormack (Will), Debra Messing (Grace) and Sean Hayes (Jack) during last year’s “Will & Grace” revival. Photo: NBC

® Sean Hayes off of coffee and Karen’s trying to quit Continued from p. 19 alcohol, so that episode was the first time we slapped each other. It just, on paper, was “Karen slaps Jack, Jack slaps Karen,” but activist, because I just don’t feel comfortable of course Jimmy Burrows, who is incredible doing that, it’s just not who I am. It’s not in at physical comedy and directing, of course, my blood, it’s not in my DNA to stand at a said, “Let’s make a dance out of this.” So, podium and speak in sound bites about how we rehearsed the rhythm of it, because I we need to prevail over the government think that’s what makes you laugh – that’s and the system. I leave that to people who what makes me laugh: the pauses and then are good at it – I’m not good at it. What I’m the slapping again and then the pause and the good at is being comfortable in my own skin slap-slap. It’s music, so you have to rehearse and showing people that I have a husband the beats and the rhythms in order to get that. and we make stupid Facebook videos and (Laughs) It makes me laugh even thinking try to show people that we’re as normal as about it. any other human, so I try to do my best at that. So I’m happy the show is back because What do you envision for Jack’s future? there’s still tons of work to do. The power Well, I don’t want him to change too much of comedy is so incredible; that’s why we because our friends are our friends from high broke so many boundaries the first time. And school because they never change, right? hopefully we can continue to do that. Maybe get married, but still remain Jack Megan Mullally has said that you’re her somehow, or find a long-term relationship. “second husband,” after her real husband, Nick Or maybe – maybe! – there’s someone Offerman. How does your chemistry with Megan close in his own life that might be a suitable partner for life. Who knows. after all these years compare to the first time that you stepped onto set and shot the pilot? Will? It’s so funny that she calls me her second I have no idea. husband because Nick and I were born on the exact same day, same year, about 30 miles Could you see them together? apart from each other. Isn’t that hilarious? But Could I see Will and Jack together? Maybe! it’s like working with your sister. There’s a shorthand that nobody else would understand, You’ve said you want to see him with Dwayne so it’s like, “I’m gonna do this,” and she’s “The Rock” Johnson. Just so you know, I’m here like, “I’m gonna do that,” and then we just for it. do it together and there it is. So, we now I think that would be a hilarious episode, know how to cut through all the stuff that you and I hope Dwayne comes to his senses and need to in order to get to a comedic moment comes to the “Will & Grace” stage to play in a scene, and that’s what’s great about all and have a good time. this time that’s passed. I understand her, she understands me, we understand each other, so As editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBTQ the chemistry has only gotten hotter. wire service, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a Tell me the history of the slap fights between multitude of superstars, including Meryl Streep, Karen and Jack. Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. Reach him via his There’s an episode called “Coffee and website at www.chris-azzopardi.com and on Commitment” where Jack is trying to get Twitter (@chrisazzopardi). 20 BTL | June 28 - July 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com June 28 - July 11, 2018 | BTL 21 6 20 2 24 25 B 4 14 16 9 22 21 8 23 5 7

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10 15 RO YAL OAK BTL ADVERTISERS LGBT Non-Profits Cloverleaf Fine Wine...... 3 & Associates, PC...... 10 The Print Stop...... * Common Ground...... * D’Amatos...... 4 Kuderik & Associates...... 11 RE/MAX Jim Shaffer...... 19 Higher Ground...... * D.J. Murray Plumbing...... * Miner’s Den...... * Royal Oak Farmer’s Market....20 Lambda Car Club...... * Five 15...... 5 Namaste Yoga...... 14 Royal Oak Music Theatre...... 21 Sing Out Detroit Chorus...... B Fuller Life...... 6 New Beginnings Counseling Shelton & Dean Law Office.22 AIDS Walk Detroit...... * Gentlemen’s Consignment...... 7 Center...... 15 Stagecrafters...... 23 BTL Advertisers Great Lakes Collision...... * Noir Leather...... 16 Sullivan & Son Funeral Dir.....24 Autometic Body Shop...... * Harbour Tax & Accounting...... * North Main Animal Hospital...... * Matt Sweet, MSW, PC...... 10 Bidwell Tovarez Pllc...... 1 Inn Season’s Cafe ...... 8 Thane Ostroth Dds...... * Two Bags & A Mower...... * C & N Party Rentals...... * Denise Joseph, Ph.D...... 2 Dr. Bernadine Petzold Ron T. Williamson DDS...... * PhD, L.P.C. B.C.P.C...... 9 Christine Cantrell, Ph.D...... 2 Rosemary A. Jozwiak ...... 9 Changez Salon...... * Joe Kort, Ph.D. Royal Oak Summer Concert Starts on July 5 ive music fans can rejoice, Royal Oak is putting the finishing Ltouches on planning for its 2018 Summer Concert Series at the ‘pop-up park’ on the city’s Center Street. Starting on July 5, Royal Oak will have ready six consecutive Thursdays that are chock- full of musical genres from rock to pop to funk. The concerts will result in the closure of Center Street from the corner of 4th Street to 3rd. Interested show-goers can visit romi.gov for more information on the event or call 248-246-3204. The schedule below includes all the upcoming performances: Aug. 2 July 5 July 19 5 p.m. - Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce 6 p.m. - Pre-Show with The Detroit School 6 p.m. - Pre-Show with The Detroit School “After Hours” (Business Networking Event) of Rock and Pop Music of Rock and Pop Music 6 p.m. - Pre-Show with The Detroit School 7 p.m. - Popsicle Plus (Kids Music) 7 p.m. - Detroit Soul Rhythm (Detroit Soul) of Rock and Pop Music 8 p.m. - The Satellites (Soul meets Latin) 8 p.m. - The Corktown Popes (Irish- 7 p.m. - Killer Flamingos (Covers) 8 p.m. American Rock) Aug. 9 July 12 July 26 6 p.m. - Pre-Show with The Detroit School 6 p.m. - Pre-Show with The Detroit School 6 p.m. - Pre-Show with The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music of Rock and Pop Music of Rock and Pop Music 7 p.m. - Luis Resto and The Holy Fools 7 p.m. - Dave Hamilton Band (Funky 7 p.m. - Detroit Soul Rhythm (Detroit Soul) (Amalgamated World Internationalistic Prog. Rock) 8 p.m. - Devin Scillian (Americana) Fusion) 8 p.m. - The Orbitsuns (Low Down Outlaw 8 p.m. - The Reefermen (Rock and Soul) Country)

22 BTL | June 28 - July 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com ® Antoni Continued from p. 23

www.PrideSource.com June 28 - July 11, 2018 | BTL 23 Regular WIG Drag Shows Take Midtown

BY EVE KUCHARSKI

homas McCarter knows how to throw a party. In fact, he’s become something of a local legend Twhen it comes to his gatherings and it’s not unusual to see his home filled with dozens of party- goers. But, don’t expect to go looking for McCarter while out and about near his Midtown residence, a meeting with his drag alter ego, Kellie Killjoy, is more likely. She’s the host of the most famous of McCarter’s parties: WIG. These monthly shows display a variety of local drag talent right in McCarter’s living room. He said that the idea for regular WIGs came about when he started doing drag a year ago. “Pretty much the show ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ got me into it and I’m sure a lot of people can say it’s blowing up the drag universe right now. I’ve been watching it for a while, but it wasn’t until season nine that there was one particular contestant that inspired me to do drag myself. So, I had a drag queen friend of mine get me to the stage for the first time last June,” McCarter said. “I was a total busted mess, but I had the most fun of my life and I knew it was something I was going to keep doing for a long time.” But as enthusiastic as he was about slipping into Killjoy’s outfits more and more often, McCarter had a Metro area. problem: Accessibility. “I’ve essentially grown up in Detroit and I’ve lived here in “The only easy way to do it was in Ann Arbor – which is Midtown for six years now. And, as a very actively gay person great that there’s even that, I mean, I could have nothing at and a fan of drag, I didn’t really know of any opportunities or all and that would be unfortunate,” he said. “But there’s kind shows or parties or bars or anything. The only one I could think of nothing worse than getting in drag and sitting in a car for of was Gigi’s, which is a great bar and they do this cabaret show 45 minutes with your waist cinched, everything tucked; it’s Michigan’s Definitive LGBTQ-Friendly Resource which I’ve been to, but even that it’s sort of on the outskirts of incredibly uncomfortable.” the city and the people that go aren’t really the drag fans that That’s when the Wayne State University dance major decided are generating the energy behind drag today,” McCarter said. MiLGBTWedding.com that he’d bring an audience to him, rather than make the drive “Other than that, I know there’s Royal Oak, but that’s really each time he had a gig. all I knew about.” “My roommate and I – she’s a supporter of drag but doesn’t However, McCarter made clear that he is aware he’s not do drag herself yet – we were very much into the idea. So, bringing Detroit something that it hasn’t seen before, he’s the second I said, ‘Let’s just do something here at home,’ she simply hoping to attract a larger group of new-to-the-scene was, of course, right on board. That was the beginning of the queens and an audience that might not know much about drag semester,” McCarter said. “We’re both a Wayne State and it period. wasn’t until springtime until we both had the motivation and “And if there are more opportunities then shame on me for the support to do it.” not doing more research and getting involved in those. Except, The first show happened in April and focused on a “standard” I feel like these things should be in your face, you shouldn’t drag show. have to go digging for them,” he said. “The one that we’ve had was everyone just lip synched, a And Detroit’s Midtown community certainly seems standard drag performance, however we’re open to any other receptive. McCarter said that the only way to maintain WIG type of performative expression,” McCarter said. “The first shows will be to expand, because with only a few shows under one was sort of like, we weren’t fully ready for it. We kept his belt at this point, his apartment space is quickly being When Tying the Knot: pushing it back because we kept thinking we weren’t ready, Our Stories outgrown. Especially since word of mouth and Facebook event but eventually, we said, ‘We’re going to do it this date, whether pages were the only means of communicating the events to the we’re ready or not, and it’s just going to have to happen that public. And, after all, “it’s also my home and you don’t want it The Ultimate LGBTQ day.’” becoming a dive bar people can just stop in,” McCarter said. Wedding Expo 2018 Fortunately for McCarter, the audience reception was So, for now, McCarter is busy asking around for local excellent. He estimated that his first gig drew almost 100 to venues that might be interested in hosting a regular WIG night. his literally home-grown show. And, in keeping with the show’s innovative flair, McCarter Planning Tools & Resources “That’s what’s so exciting about WIGs. These are just people for Your Special Day said that he and his roommate, “Wanted to also look at some out in Midtown looking for a party and they aren’t even drag unconventional spaces like open, warehouse-y venues.” fans,” he said. “Some people are like, ‘I’ve never seen anything A PROJECT OF Because ultimately, WIGs is McCarter’s way of sharing his like this, but it’s the most fun I’ve ever had.’” passion with more of Detroit’s community, while adding his When asked why he didn’t start hosting his events in own Kellie Killjoy-brand flair. McCarter said that interested existing Detroit LGBTQ bars and venues, he said that To learn more contact [email protected] attendees should keep a close eye on the Midtown party scene forming partnerships is his goal. But, he said that he wants and venues and hopefully soon, there will be a regular spot for Call 734-293-7200 ext. 16 to create something centrally located in Detroit, to expand on WIG events outside of his home. the LGBTQ staples that already exist around Detroit and its

24 BTL | June 28 - July 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com June 28 - July 11, 2018 | BTL 25 Logic Headlines at DTE Energy Music Theatre On Saturday, June 30, Clarkston’s DTE Energy Music Theatre will host the Logic Presents: Bobby Tarantino vs. Everybody Tour with NF and Kyle. The Maryland- born rapper is best known for songs like “1-800-273-8255” and “Everyday,” and has been nominated for both a Grammy Award and iHeartRadio Music Award. Tickets for the show start at $34. More information can be found online at ticketmaster. com. The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets start at $28.50. More information can be found online at royaloakmusictheatre.com.

Photo courtesy of Artist

www.standwithtrans.org http://www. city’s vast 139 square miles. 2934 29, 8 p.m. Featuring comedians Sean Shop The OUTINGS hilltopcounseling.org Russell Street, 2934 Russell St,Detroit. Isbell, Jason Gilleran, David Sutherland, 313.757.1283 marionchristiansen@ Jeffrey Ford, Nicholas Milanowski, Joe Thursday, June 28 Tuesday, July 3 comcast.net marionchristiansen@ Morgan and Bobo Lamb. Reserve your comcast.net https://citytourdetroit.com/ tickets e- mail [email protected]. Rainbow Stand with Trans 2018 Support Groups Stand with Trans 2018 Support Groups There are hundreds – Farmington Hills – Oakland County detroit-youre-so-unusual-bus-tours/ Hosted by Jane Dab. Holiday Inn, 32769 – Lake Orion / Oakland County 7 p.m. Northwestern Hwy.,Farmington Hills. 7 p.m. Oakland United Methodist Church, St. Mary’s In The Hills Episcopal Church, Summer Osborne in Concert 7 p.m. of businesses that 30450 Farmington Road,Farmington. 248- 248-538-9100 [email protected] 2512 Joslyn Court,Lake Orion. 248-391- Summer Osborne is one of the hottest [email protected] advertise in BTL and 626-3620 www.oaklandumc.org http:// 0663 www.stmarysinthehills.org http:// new voices in the Women’s Music Scene. www.standwithtrans.org www.standwithtrans.org An award winning singer-songwriter from Great Lakes Bay Pride Festival June welcome everyone. St. Louis, Missouri, her powerful vocals 30, 12 p.m. The Great Lakes Bay Pride Friday, June 29 Monday, July 9 and artful storytelling illuminate the Festival aims to build a community that Satori Circus presents “Stroke” 8 power of spirituality, truth, love. Unitarian inspires engagement, equality, and Invest in equality and Stand with Trans 2018 Support Universalist Congregation of Flint, 2474 respect for all throughout the Great Lakes p.m. SATORI CIRCUS will perform a new 6:30 p.m. Groups – Macomb County S. Ballenger Hwy,Flint. 810-232-4023 Bay Region and beyond. Wenonah Park, original performance art piece titled, Dakota High School, 21051 21 Mile work with businesses uuflint.org http://[email protected] 800 N Water St,Bay City. http://www. ‘Stroke’ at the Tangent Gallery / Hastings Road,Macomb. 586-723-2700 http:// greatlakesbaypride.org that support Street Ballroom. Also performing will be www.chippewavalleyschools.org/schools/ Michigan’s LGBTQ the theatrical rock performance group, high-schools/dhs/ Ann Arbor Summer Festival 2018 The Haberdasher from Port Huron, MI. Mainstage Lineup Continues! July community! Tangent Gallery, 715 East Milwaukee Wednesday, July 11 MUSIC & MORE 4, 4 p.m. In their annual 4th of July Avenue,Detroit. 2484451277 https://www. appearance, America’s foremost political Stand with Trans Youth Support Group Ann Arbor Summer Festival 2018 Main facebook.com/events/252206855341425/ satirists, The Capitol Steps, are here with – Flint – Genessee 6:30 p.m. Unitarian Stage Lineup Continues! June 28, 8 p.m. this year’s biggest stars—Mike Pence, Universalist Congregation of Flint, 2474 After winning the coveted top honor at Hillary Clinton, Vladimir Putin, Bernie Saturday, June 30 S. Ballenger Hwy,Flint. 810-232-4023 the Thelonious Monk and Sarah Vaughan Sanders, and those who were gone too Great Lakes Bay Pride Festival 12 uuflint.org http://www.standwithtrans.org jazz vocal competitions, the 26-year-old p.m. The Great Lakes Bay Pride Festival breakout jazz singer, Jazzmeia Horn, is a soon—Sean Power Center, 121 Fletcher Street,Ann Arbor. (734) 647-3327 info@ aims to build a community that inspires Thursday, July 12 talent ready to take her place alongside engagement, equality, and respect for the best headlining Power Center, 121 a2sf.org [email protected] http://smtd.umich. all throughout the Great Lakes Bay Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Fletcher Street,Ann Arbor. (734) 647-3327 edu/about/facilities/central_campus/ Region and beyond. Wenonah Park, Commerce Merge & Mixer 6:30 p.m. [email protected] [email protected] http:// power/index.htm http://a2sf.org/events/ 800 N Water St,Bay City. http://www. Michigan Employee Resource Groups for smtd.umich.edu/about/facilities/central_ the-capitol-steps/ Equality (MERGE) Monthly Networking greatlakesbaypride.org campus/power/index.htm http://a2sf.org/ Kubat, Finlay & Rose in Concert! July 6, Event. Soho, 205 W. 9 Mile Road,Ferndale. events/jazzmeia-horn/ 8 p.m. The Detroit singer-songwriter trio 248-542-7646 info@detroitlgbtchamber. Kubat, Finlay and Rose will mark their Ann Sunday, July 1 com [email protected] Satori Circus presents “Stroke” June Arbor debut performance at Michigan’s Stand with Trans Wyandotte Support www.ferndalesoho.com http://www. 29, 8 p.m. SATORI CIRCUS will perform a historical folk venue, The Ark. Celebrate Group for Trans Youth and Parents detroitlgbtchamber.com new original performance art piece titled, of Trans Individuals 4 p.m. St. ‘Stroke’ at the Tangent Gallery / Hastings a night of harmony and story through song wit https://www.facebook.com/ Stephens Episcopal Church, 2803 1st Saturday, July 14 Street Ballroom. Also performing will be Street,Wyandotte. 734-747-4363 http:// the theatrical rock performance group, events/1507965139333102/ The Ark, www.standwithtrans.org Detroit: You’re So Unusual Bus Tour The Haberdasher from Port Huron, MI. 316 S.Main St.,Ann Arbor. 734-763-TKTS (Part Un) 1 p.m. This fun, quirky motor Tangent Gallery, 715 East Milwaukee www.theark.org https://www.facebook. Stand with Trans 2018 Support coach tour goes beyond the familiar Avenue,Detroit. 2484451277 https://www. com/events/1507965139333102/ Groups – Adrian-Lenawee County Detroit landmarks and showcases the facebook.com/events/252206855341425/ 6:30 p.m. Hilltop Counseling, 115 W. cool, curious, unfamiliar, and forgotten Matrix School of Theatre Summer Maumee Street,Adrian. 313-909-5408 sites of interest located within the Laugh It Off Comedy Show!! June Creativity Camps July 9, 9 a.m.

26 BTL | June 28 - July 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Tuesday,July 3, Thursday,July 5, and Friday,July 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Children’s no auditions on 7/4/2018 Children’s Creative Center, 1600 Pauline Blvd,Ann Arbor. 734-971-2228 http://www.a2ct. org/audition http://www.a2ct.org/audition Ann Arbor Summer Festival 2018 Mainstage Lineup Continues! July 4, 4 p.m. In their annual 4th of July Salute to America Performed appearance, America’s foremost political satirists, The Capitol Steps, are here with by DSO this year’s biggest stars—Mike Pence, Hillary Clinton, Vladimir Putin, Bernie As beautiful as they are, paring fireworks Sanders, and those who were gone too soon—Sean Power Center, 121 Fletcher with fitting music can make the experience Street,Ann Arbor. (734) 647-3327 info@ event better. That’s why the Detroit Symphony a2sf.org [email protected] http://smtd.umich. Orchestra is hosting a three-day “Salute to edu/about/facilities/central_campus/ power/index.htm http://a2sf.org/events/ America” concert series on Saturday, June 30, Sunday, July 1 and playing through the evening of the-capitol-steps/ Tuesday, July 3 in to Wednesday, July 4. More information about the experience can be foud online Matrix School of Theatre Summer at thehenryford.org. Creativity Camps July 9, 9 a.m. Get ready for a great experience at Matrix School of Theatre’s Summer Creativity Camps! Sign up today and work with a professional artist to write your own Matrix Theatre Company, 2730 Bagley Lin-Manuel Miranda; Book by Quiara Satori Circus presents “Stroke” June play and perform it in a safe, supportive, St.,Detroit. 313-967-0599 info@ Alegría Hudes. Performed by The Detroit 29, 8 p.m. SATORI CIRCUS will perform a An event every week that begins at matrixtheatre.org info@matrixtheatre. Actors Theatre Company (The DATC), new original performance art piece titled, 9:00am on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, org https://www.matrixtheatre.org/ ‘In the Heights’ explores three days in ‘Stroke’ at the Tangent Gallery / Hastings Thursday and Friday, repeating until https://www.matrixtheatre.org/summer- the characters’ lives in the New York Street Ballroom. Also performing will be July 27 Matrix Theatre Company, 2730 creativity-camps City. New Center Park, 2998 W. Grand the theatrical rock performance group, Bagley St.,Detroit. 313-967-0599 info@ Blvd.,Detroit. 313-420-6000 www. The Haberdasher from Port Huron, MI. matrixtheatre.org info@matrixtheatre. Janelle Monae at The Fox Theatre newcenterpark.com http://www.thedatc. Tangent Gallery, 715 East Milwaukee July 9, 7:30 p.m. Grammy-nominated org https://www.matrixtheatre.org/ org Avenue,Detroit. 2484451277 https://www. singer-songwriter, producer, actress and https://www.matrixtheatre.org/summer- facebook.com/events/252206855341425/ activist Janelle Monáe has announced her creativity-camps return to touring with her upcoming North 16th Annual Hotworks Orchard Lake Disney’s The Lion King at The Wharton American “Dirty Computer Tour”. Fellow ART ‘N’ AROUND Fine Art Show July 28, 10 a.m. Join Center July 11, 7:30 p.m. Giraffes Wondaland artists Alexe Belle and Isis Star Wars and the Power of Costume us July 28 and 29 for the 16th annual strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The Valentino, known together as the soulful June 22-September 28, 9 a.m. Star Hot Works Orchard Lake Fine Art Show entire Serengeti comes to life as never Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave.,Detroit. Wars™ and the Power of Costume located in the heart of West Bloomfield. before. Wharton Center, 750 E. Shaw 3134716611 http://www.313presents. explores the challenges in dressing the This juried fine art and fine craft show Lane,East Landing. 517-353-1982 com/events/detail/janelle-monae Star Wars universe from the Galactic showcases top-notch quality One event [email protected] [email protected] Senate and royalty to the Jedi, Sith and on July 29 at 10:00am West Bloomfield www.whartoncenter.com http://www. Detroit: You’re So Unusual Bus Tour Droids™. Detroit Institute of Arts, 2100 High School, 4925 Orchard Lake Rd,West July 14, 1 p.m. This fun, whartoncenter.com/events (Part Un) Woodward Ave.,Detroit. 313-833-7900 Bloomfield Township. 2486842613 quirky motor coach tour goes beyond https://www.dia.org/starwarsattheDIA [email protected] social@hotworks. A2CT Workshop: Improv for Actors July the familiar Detroit landmarks and org 14, 1 p.m. Come strengthen your acting showcases the cool, curious, unfamiliar, Fairy Tale Festival 2018 at Edsel & chops without the pressure of scripts or and forgotten sites of interest located Eleanor Ford House June 23, 10 a.m. https://hotworks.org/ blocking! This workshop will introduce within the city’s vast 139 square miles. Adventurers from far and wide are invited orchardlakefineartshow/ basic improv tools and use improvised Join us for an 2934 Russell Street, to explore the daring tale of Robin Hood scene work to develop physicality, 2934 Russell St,Detroit. 313.757.1283 on the grounds of Ford House. Little heightened emotion, and honest reactions [email protected] lords, ladies, jolly outlaws and fairy folk THEATER onstage. A2CT Studio Theatre, 322 W. Ann [email protected] https:// will enjoy games, crafts, performances Stage Management: Build a Prompt St.,Ann Arbor. 734-971-2228 http://www. citytourdetroit.com/detroit-youre-so- and Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Book and Call a Scene June 30, 1 p.m. a2ct.org/classes-and-workshops unusual-bus-tours/ Lake Shore Rd,Grosse Pointe Shores. 3138844222 [email protected] info@ This hands-on workshop will explore In The Heights @ New Center Park Summer Osborne in Concert July 9, fordhouse.org https://www.fordhouse.org/ various styles of stage management, July 18, 8 p.m. Music and Lyrics by 7 p.m. Summer Osborne is one of the https://www.fordhouse.org/ including how to prepare and use a Lin-Manuel Miranda; Book by Quiara hottest new voices in the Women’s prompt book, call a show, and build your Alegría Hudes. Performed by The Detroit Music Scene. An award winning singer- The Residence: Contemporary Visual own stage manager kit. Learn theatrical Actors Theatre Company (The DATC), ‘In songwriter from St. Louis, Missouri, her Art Exhibition June 29, 6 p.m. Come terminology, tricks of the A2CT Studio the Heights’ explores three days in the powerful vocals and artful storytelling celebrate local emerging artists who not Theatre, 322 W. Ann St.,Ann Arbor. 734- characters’ lives in the New York City illuminate the power of spirituality, truth, only create really cool pieces inspired 971-2228 http://www.a2ct.org/classes- One event on July 19 at 8:00pmOne love Unitarian Universalist Congregation by the city, but teach and mentor and-workshops event on July 20 at 8:00pmOne event of Flint, 2474 S. Ballenger Hwy,Flint. children in Detroit Public Libraries! Join A2CT Auditions for Antigone July 3, on July 21 at 8:00pmOne event on July 810-232-4023 uuflint.org http://office@ us for Opening Night Friday and Panel 7:30 p.m. A2CT announces auditions for 22 at 8:00pm New Center Park, 2998 uuflint.org Discussion Saturday. Holding House, its second stage production of Antigone. W. Grand Blvd.,Detroit. 313-420-6000 3546 Michigan Avenue,Detroit. jessica@ www.newcenterpark.com http://www. In The Heights @ New Center Park Translated by Barbara Bray, directed by projectart.org [email protected] thedatc.org July 18, 8 p.m. Music and Lyrics by http://www.holdinghousedetroit.com/ Michelle Weiss. Auditions will take place Affirmations Youth Programming Presents Theatre Week BY BTL STAFF the event is free, there is a suggested donation of $5 to help the community On Saturday, June 30, LGBTQ youth center maintain its LGBTQ-friendly and allies can attend Affirmations’ community services. For questions Theatre Week Premiere, to enjoy the about the performance or information completed performances of those about how to join in future Theatre enrolled in the community center’s Weeks contact Ian Unger at iunger@ Theatre Week intensive. From 2:30 to 4 goaffirmations.org or call 248-398-7105. p.m. youth will be debuting shows that The Go Comedy! Improv Theater is located they have worked on over the course of an entire week with the help of theater at 261 E. Nine Mile Road in Ferndale. More instructor and professional, Reg Flowers. information about the venue and future The event will be held at the Go performances can be found at gocomedy.net Comedy! Improv Theatre and though or by calling 248-327-0575. www.PrideSource.com June 28 - July 11, 2018 | BTL 27 Deep Inside Hollywood BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE ‘It’ girl Sophia Lillis cast as Ellen’s ‘Nancy Drew’ Franchise alert! Ellen Degeneres’ A Very Good Production and Warner Bros. are teaming up to produce something that sounds very much like the template for a series of films reviving the character Nancy Drew. “Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase,” which all but says, “We, too, can be like Harry Potter, and why not?” has begun principal photography, with “It” breakout star Sophia Lillis as the young lady sleuth. The character was the resourceful protagonist of a long, long, loooonnng series of mystery novels for young readers throughout a good chunk of the 20th century, and the time just feels right for a well-made revival of the once very popular and charmingly vintage take on girl power. Adapted by “The Handmaid’s Tale” scribe Nina Fiore and Barbra Streisand. Photo: Debby Wong directed by Katt Shea (the legendary ’90s Drew Barrymore cult fave “Poison Ivy”), the film also Doug Brady, Eichner will bring the animated stars Linda Lavin and a slew of young, up and series “Time Travelin’ Jerk” to the small coming faces. Now, if we can make one small screen. Created by Brady and written by Brady, request, let’s not clutter up the scenery with a Wenger and Eichner, the series is described as bunch of boring Hardy Boys, OK? Thanks. “Back to the Future” meets “Groundhog Day,” telling the story of a young girl stuck traveling in time with an accountant (voiced by Eichner) Simply Barbra, Barbra and as her main sidekick. We’re hopeful for this, if for no other reason than we’re still deeply upset more Barbra coming to Netflix by Hulu canceling “Difficult People” and we What becomes a legend most? A Netflix want Eichner to soothe our pain by any means content package deal, of course, and that’s necessary. We also want cartoons made for adults what’s coming soon from Barbra Streisand and to be inadvertently watched by unsuspecting the streaming platform. For the diva’s superfans, children and their families, followed by awkward this means a bounty of musical riches, including conversations. TV specials dating back to the beginning of her career. Netflix will stream “My Name Is Barbra” (1965), “Color Me Barbra” (1966), Once Tab Hunter and Tony “Barbra Streisand: A Happening in Central Perkins had a secret love Park” (1968), “Barbra Streisand and Other Musical Instruments” (1973), “Barbra Streisand: Back in the bad old days, most ordinary queer The Concert” (1994), and “Barbra Streisand: people stayed quietly in the closet. The pressure Timeless” (2001). But it’s the extended version to do so was especially strong among actors and of her 1976 remake of “A Star Is Born,” tinkered actresses, especially among those considered with and re-worked by Streisand herself, that will A-listers. Take Tab Hunter and Tony Perkins, two probably draw the most fascinated attention (and leading men of their era, both gay, and also very maybe some funny Twitter commentary, too, if much a very private item. The now 87-year-old we’re being honest). It’ll have new footage, an Hunter’s first-person account of this moment alternate ending, and who knows what else. No in his memoir “Tab Hunter Confidential: The drop dates yet, but we’re hoping it happens this Making of A Movie Star” will form the basis of summer while we’re on staycation and perhaps “Tab & Tony,” a Paramount project in the works doing some day-drinking. We deserve this. from producers Zachary Quinto and J.J. Abrams. It will tell the story of their affair and their highly manufactured public images in an era when Billy Eichner is a ‘Time Travelin’ being exposed as gay meant the end of a career. A screenplay is in the works from Pulitzer Prize Jerk’ and Tony Award winner Doug Wright (“I Am His TV series “Billy on the Street” scaled new My Own Wife”), and directors and cast are still heights of ironic celebrity obsession and public TBA. We vote yes to more historical drama of screaming, but you can’t run around the streets this sort, the kind that eradicate secret histories of New York City shouting at strangers forever and remind hetero culture that we’ve been here without someone eventually punching you, so the entire time. Billy Eichner’s next project will find him safely Romeo San Vicente keeps it loud and proud. in the production office and the voice-over booth. Along with co-producers Anna Wenger and

28 BTL | June 28 - July 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com 33 Banana stalk 9 Wounds of Mary’s son 34 With 45-Across, “I Think She 10 VIP of DC, e.g. Knows” singer 11 Photographer Adams 36 Q, and others, in Scrabble 12 Got to second base, perhaps 40 Caribbean vacation spot 13 Men who don’t sleep with 42 Character for Keanu women 43 Hersey’s “A Bell For ___ “ 19 Rupert Everett’s “Ready to ___ “ 44 Like a mouth, in BDSM 21 T or F, on exams 45 See 34-Across 25 NASA “thumbs-up” 47 TV singing competition, for short 27 “She Says” singer 48 Peri’s _Frasier_ role 28 Exam for jrs. 50 Drag queen’s digital tool 29 Blade name 52 Kevin of _Dances with Wolves_ 30 Like young Abe Lincoln 56 Literary contemporary of Truman 31 Flying flock of geese 57 Gardner of Hollywood 35 New York college 58 Loaded for bear 37 Friend of fag hags? 61 Opera villain, usually 38 Carbon compound 64 “I Kissed a Girl” singer 39 Foot bottom 67 Ariz. neighbor 41 Guys in underwear ads, e.g. 68 Release from bondage 46 Band’s one-night stand 69 Makes tats 49 Mostel of “The Producers” 70 Exited the closet, with “out” 51 High tennis shot from Mauresmo 71 Egg holders 52 Bourbon Street cuisine Pronoun-Appropriate Love Songs 72 Bottomless 53 Like Mary’s little follower 73 “What’s going ___ there?” 54 Men in the navy 55 Foaming at the mouth 59 The sound of music Across 17 Story teller Down 60 Sommer of film 1 Sports bra “model” Mia 18 “She’s Crushing My Mind” singer 1 In the pink 62 Interstate rumbler 5 Melissa Etheridge’s “___ It 20 Emma Stone’s beard movie 2 Tibet’s setting 63 Alternatives to asses Heavy” 22 Kind of light for Joel Schumacher 3 Be competitive with stats 65 Eng. class about Virginia Woolf 9 Climax, e.g. 23 Fraternal Order member 4 “She Keeps Me Warm” singer 66 Gaydar, perhaps 14 Midvoyage 24 Bone by the humerus 5 Diving bird 15 Visitor at gay.com 26 Hot stuff in Frida’s land 6 Writer Dinesen 16 The Lone Ranger’s male 28 “Madame Butterfly” props 7 “Chicago” producer Meron Find solution to this puzzle at companion 32 Went lickety-split 8 Sexual orientation, e.g. www.pridesource.com

www.PrideSource.com June 28 - July 11, 2018 | BTL 29 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Find over 300 Non-Profit Listings Serving Michigan’s LGBTQ Online @ pridesource.com Transgender MICHIGAN'S LGBTQ ANNUAL MAGAZINE AIDS/HIV Campus Affirmations Ferndale 2018 - 2019 Currently there are 19 organizations listed FtM Detroit FREE • ONLINE • IN PRINT There are dozens of AIDS/HIV organizations E N http://goaffirmations.org O F G A G as active online at www.pridesource.com/ L S E and resources listed at www.PrideSource. https://www.facebook.com/ O M www.facebook.com/Affirmations/ O E yellow pages. The following are some in T N com. Here are just three of them: FtMDetroit/ T the southeast Michigan area: or follow them on Twitter @ AIDS Walk Detroit GoAffirmations. [email protected]. U-M Ann Arbor 290 W. Nine Mile Road Contact [email protected] or FtM A2 Ypsi Spectrum Center Ferndale, MI INCLUDES 248-399-9255 for more information. [email protected] OVER 1,000 [email protected] 248-398-7105 LGBTQ-FRIENDLY The walk takes place this year on https://www.facebook.com/ BUSINESSES & Sunday, Sept. 15, 8:30 a.m. at the http://spectrumcenter.umich.edu ftma2ypsi/ ORGANIZATIONS Royal Oak Farmers Market 734-763-4186 Legal Transgender Michigan Oakland University Gender Macomb County STD Clinic American Civil Liberties Union 23211 Woodward Ave. & Sexuality Center 27690 Van Dyke of Michigan Ferndale, MI Warren, MI 48093 [email protected] [email protected] Jay Kaplan, Staff Attorney, LGBT Project SHOP THE RAINBOW 586-465-9217 www.oakland.edu/gsc www.transgendermichigan.org From the Publishers of Support Equality Vendors www.Pridesource.com http://health.macombgov. 248-370-4336 2966 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 800-842-2954 www.aclumich.org org/Health-Programs-HPDC- Eastern Michigan University Trans Sistas of Color Project HIVAIDSCounselingTesting 313-578-6800 LGBT Resource Center Fair Michigan 19641 W. 7 Mile Rd. in Detroit Matrix Ryan White emich.edu/lgbtrc 313-537-7000 Ext 107 Find a digital version of PrideSource HIV/AIDS Program 734-487-4149 PO Box 6136 [email protected] Magazine online under Our LGBT Plymouth, MI 48170 www.facebook.com/TSCOPD/ 120 Parsons Street The Lawrence Tech LGBT 877-432-4764, 313-556-2300 Yellow Pages Detroit, MI 48201 Resource Center fairmichigan.org 888-226-6366 Facebook.com/fairmichigan2016 Youth 248-545-1435 ltu.edu/student_affairs/lgbt.asp Find these resources online www.matrixhumanservices.org/ Wayne State JIGSAW Know Your RIghts Project Ruth Ellis Center programs/ryanwhite/ Outlaws U-M student group 77 Victor Street, Highland Park, MI Adoption Services Facebook.com/groups/WayneStateJIGSAW [email protected] 48203 UNIFIED - HIV Health and Beyond [email protected] AIDS/HIV Hotlines 734-995-9867 [email protected] 3011 W. Grand Blvd. Suite 230 AIDS/HIV Organizations Facebook: Ruth Ellis Center Alzheimer’s Association Detroit, MI 48202 Community Centers 313-252-1950 313-446-9800 Older Adults Animal Shelter Michigan has nine active LGBTQ www.miunified.org SAGE Metro Detroit Ozone House community centers, with a tenth planned Anti-Violence Michigan HIV/STD Hotline 102 N. Hamilton Street in Lansing. Here are three of them. 290 W. Nine Mile Rd. Ferndale, MI Archives/Collections 800-872-2437 Ypsilanti, MI 313-578-6812 Campus; Student and Alumni Jim Toy Community Center sagemetrodetroit.org 734-662-2265 Ann Arbor Facebook: SAGE Metro Detroit 734-662-2222 Groups Advocacy www.jimtoycenter.org. Stand With Trans Cancer Support Groups www.facebook.com/jimtoycenter Farmington, MI Choruses Equality Michigan or follow them on Twitter @ Political www.standwithtrans.org Community Centers 19641 W. 7 Mile, Detroit, MI JimToyCenter. The LGBT and Allies Caucus of the 248-739-9254 313-537-7000 319 Braun Court Employee Resource Groups equalitymi.org Ann Arbor, MI Michigan Democratic Party Families and Parents Facebook.com/equalitymichigan 734-995-9867 Facebook.com/TheLGBTA- Foster Care LGBT Detroit CaucusoftheMDP Get Listed, Promote Foundations and Funders Stonewall for Revolution Detroit Your Events Hotlines & Switchboards www.lgbtdetroit.org. www.facebook.com/ Labor Union You can add or update any listing www.facebook.com/lgbtdetroit stonewall4reolution Legal Organizations or follow them on Twitter @ by going to www.PrideSource. Museums LGBTDetroit. Professional Groups com and clicking on Yellow Pages. 20025 Greenfield Road Once you submit your listing, our Music Groups Detroit, MI Detroit Regional LGBT staff will contact you to confirm National Organizations Phone: 313-397-2127 Chamber of Commerce your information. Political Organizations P.O. Box 32446 You can add your event to the Professional Organizations Detroit, MI 48232 Pride Source Calendar online Religious & Spiritual detroitlgbtchamber.com and in print by going to www. Senior Living 1-800-DET-LGBT PrideSource.com and clicking Seniors PRIDESOURCE Magazine Ties Like Me on Calendar, then “Add Event.” Social/Community Organizations The New Print Edition Coming June 1 Professional networking events Send any press releases and Sports third Weds. 5:30 - 8 p.m. announcements to editor@ Substance Abuse Pride Source Magazine is currently in production. Non Profit basic listings TiesLikeMe.org pridesource.com Transgender Groups/Services are free. Just send your information by April 15 to janstevenson@ Suits And The City pridesource.com. All advertising and content inquiries can also be made by Women’s Health calling 734-293-7200 ext. 101 Lansing, MI Youth Services [email protected] www.suitsandthecity.org 30 BTL | June 28 - July 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com June 28 - July 11, 2018 | BTL 31 Eunice Alexander answers a question while Renee Peters and Lady T Tempest listen. BTL photo: Jason A. Michael Drag Queens Spill About Their History in Panel Discussion BY JASON A. MICHAEL “Elaine inspired me to think that I say, ‘I have a show tonight call me off of could do that,” Alexander said. “[Because school tomorrow.’” crowd of about 50 came out on of her] I thought I could perform as a Friday, June 22, to the latest woman. Not a real pretty woman. But Then and Now Aedition of Menjo’s History in the a woman.” D panel discussions. This one, which Fantaysa said the first time she Today, drag, like the LGBT community took place in the Menjo’s Entertainment performed it was for free, but she ended in general, enjoys more acceptance. Complex’s Olympus Theater, focused up making $15 in tips. “What I’ve noticed here of late is it’s on female impersonators and featured “I said, ‘Oh, you can get paid doing no longer a novelty,” said Fantaysa. “It a prestigious panel that included five this?’ she said. “I didn’t know you could drag queens who are all past Miss Gigi’s make money doing this.” used to be where people would really, award recipents. On the panel were But Fantaysa, who is African- really clamor. But the girls now days Lady “T” Tempest (Miss Gigi’s 1983), American, quickly learned of the double don’t appreciate the art,” she said. Renee Peters (Miss Gigi’s 1984), Eunice standards most clubs “They think all you have to do is put on Alexander (Miss Gigi’s 1987), Fantaysa practiced back in the day. a Beyonce song, copy every move she (Miss Gigi’s 1988) and Nicki Stevens “If there was one black girl on the made in the video and that’s it — but (Miss Gigi’s 1992). show there was no more,” she said. “It that’s not talent.” Moderator Tim Retzloff, historian and was a little rougher for individuals of Alexander said that hair and makeup adjunct assistant professor of History color because they were the ones who have changed dramatically since she first and LGBT Studies at Michigan State were targeted the most when it came to started out. University, started the evening off by the police.” “I’m one of the old fashioned girls,” asking each panelist how they got their For her part, Stevens, who has been she said. “It’s hard to get me to change start in drag. Saginaw native Peters said performing for over 30 years and been anything. Just looking at how these kids she was first introduced to the art of drag the show director at Gigi’s for the past are painting today it’s unbelievable. But when she visited Jezebel’s while still 26, started going to the bars when she that’s not all it takes to get on a stage.” living in her hometown. It was seeing only 15 years old. That’s when she Peters agreed. Diana Jackson perform that changed it started working in the dressing room at “The new generation, they do all for her. the Pink Flamingo. “I thought, how can a man transform “I told all the girls, ‘Oh I want to do completely different stuff,” Peters said. himself into a person who looks like this,’” Stevens remembered. “They said, “But they have to realize that we were that?” recalled ‘No, you don’t.’” here first and we’re still here and we’re Peters. “It was amazing.” But, soon enough, Stevens got her start not leaving.” Alexander, like others on the panel, doing shows of her own. But it was Tempest who perhaps was influenced early on by the late Elaine “I did every show that I could when I summed it up best. St. Jacques who she first saw perform at was 17 or 18 years old,” she said. “I was “Without us, you wouldn’t be here,” Bookie’s. still in high school. I’d call my mom and she said. “I guarantee you.”

32 BTL | June 28 - July 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com LGBT Detroit’s Hotter Than July 2018 Schedule

BY BTL STAFF King of LGBT Detroit. Admittance: Free tarting on July 24, LGBT Detroit will be Community Health Awareness Group celebrating Hotter Than July, an annual Sevent that helps provide people in the 1300 W. Fort St., Detroit. LGBTQ community with both entertaining and educational experiences in an inclusive Friday, July 27, from 6 to 10 p.m. — Fine Arts space. This year will be the 23rd ever Hotter Reception Than July event, lasting through July 29. Look Eunice Alexander answers a question while Renee Peters and Lady T Tempest listen. BTL photo: Jason A. Michael below for a full schedule of this year’s events: Art featured by Detroit-based artists. The Carr Center Drag Queens Spill About Their History in Panel Discussion Tuesday, July 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. — LGBT 1505 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Community Chat and Candlelight Vigil Offering program assistance, awareness, Saturday, July 28, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. — addressing concerns, and respecting those Palmer Park Picnic that have gone on before. Chairs: Lawrence Pennymon of LGBT Detroit and Detroit Join LGBT Detroit for a day in the sun at the Police Department LGBT Liaison Corporal annual Palmer Park Picnic. Included will be Dani Woods. artists: Ms. Honey Twista Sista, DJ Tone and DJ Tony Peoples host Hotter Than July House Admittance: Free at Palmer Palmer Picnic. The event is free and Palmer Park open to all. 17888 Pontchartrain Blvd., Detroit. Palmer Park 17888 Pontchartrain Blvd., Detroit. Wednesday, July 25, from 5 to 9 p.m. — Resource Fair and Opening Party Sunday, July 29 from 11 a.m. to noon — A community resource fair highlighting area Worship Service service providers. Chairs: Nathan Strickland, The LGBTQ worship service hosted by Jr. of Community Health Awareness Group Detroit’s faith community. Chairs: Rev. Jeffery and Jeyence Poindexter of Equality Michigan. Seals of One Church Detroit and Detroit Admittance: Free Police Department LGBT Liaison Corporal Woodward Bar & Grill Dani Woods. 6426 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Tindal Recreation Center 10301 W. Seven Mile Road, Detroit. Friday, July 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — The Hotter Than July Conference Sunday, July 29 from noon to 3 p.m. — LGBT Detroit and Community Health Sunday Brunch Awareness Group hosts The 23rd Annual A final brunch to end Hotter Than July 2018 Hotter Than July Conference. This annual with a party. gathering for LGBT issues addresses relevant 14505 Charlevoix St., Detroit. and important concerns. The day consists of “The Candidates Forum” in the morning and the “My Voice My Vote” seminar in the More information can be found about Hotter Than afternoon. Free breakfast provided by The July online at lgbtdetroit.org or on the Hotter Than Counter Narrative Project. July Facebook page. Chairs: Alfredo Smith of Unified and Jamesion

www.PrideSource.com June 28 - July 11, 2018 | BTL 33 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Community Enjoys Free BBQ Courtesy of Wrigley’s Pharmacy

A Major Milestone for Campaign BY KATE OPALEWSKI to End Partisan Gerrymandering undreds of community members came together at Glory BY BTL STAFF HSupermarket in Highland Park on Friday, June 22 for a neighborhood LANSING – Voters Not Politicians celebrated the work summer BBQ hosted by Wrigley’s of its all-volunteer grassroots army of petition circulators Pharmacy. The afternoon family- last week after the Board of State Canvassers placed on friendly event included free food and the Nov. 6 ballot the proposal to provide transparent, drink, music, a raffle and a bounce non-partisan process for redistricting. The process would house in the parking lot. Volunteers from Wrigley’s Pharmacy with include a commission of citizens drawing legislative and LGBTQ ally Nebill Abdulla, who Lilianna Reyes, interim executive director at congressional lines. manages Wrigley’s Pharmacy, is well- Affirmations “From day one, the heart and soul of our campaign has known in the community for helping Services, Humana, UNIFIED HIV been our volunteers. We are truly a campaign for and by with things like groceries, toiletries, Health & Beyond, Pride Source Media the people of our state,” said Katie Fahey, founder and hormone therapy and HIV medication. Julisa Abad, Wrigley’s Pharmacy director of Group, Fair Michigan and others. executive director of Voters Not Politicians. “We owe all For him, the annual gathering is LGBTQ Outreach and relations, with Highland Highland Park Mayor Hubert Yopp our success to their hard work collecting more than 425,000 about showing his customers what a Park Mayor Hubert Yopp also stopped by to engage with city signatures in just 110 days. We will win in November pharmacy can do for the community residents. thanks to their passion and willingness to spread the word it serves. “Look at the seniors and the children about the need for redistricting reform to make Michigan’s “It’s so amazing to be able to do from age 5 to 75. These are the people government work for its people, not its politicians.” this. I love it,” said Abdulla. Wrigley’s that need help, that need this kind of The Board of State Canvassers voted 3-0 to certify the Pharmacy has hosted the BBQ for function because they don’t get out Voters Not Politicians proposal in a brief meeting today. 10 years now. When asked why he that much. I think it’s great for the The board was following orders issued by the and Court continues to do it, Abdulla said, “I’ve community,” said Yopp. “This business of Appeals. seen nothing and we’ve had nothing and is giving back and this is not just a A three-judge panel of the Appeals Court ruled we’ve grown up with nothing. I want one-time event. I’m proud of Wrigley’s unanimously on June 7 that a complaint by pro- people to have what we have. I wish Pharmacy, I really am.” gerrymandering organization “Citizens Protecting everybody in this neighborhood could Michigan’s Constitution” was “without merit” and ordered open up a business and make money. Some local organizations were in Wrigley’s Pharmacy is located at 14100 the Board of State Canvassers and Secretary of State to put I don’t believe in this is ours. This is attendance to offer the community Woodward Ave. in Highland Park. Call the measure before voters. The pro-gerrymandering group everybody’s. Everybody that has a hand access to valuable resources. They 313-867-5000 or visit facebook.com/ then asked the Michigan Supreme Court for permission to in this is part of my family.” include Affirmations, All Well-Being RX14100Woodward/ for more information. block that order while it appealed the decision. The Supreme Court refused to do so. “We fully expect the Supreme Court will concur with the Court of Appeals that the pro-gerrymandering campaign to keep the Voters Not Politicians proposal off Adam Rippon to Keynote Equality Michigan Dinner Oct. 5 the ballot is without merit,” said Fahey. “We look forward to being on the ballot in November, and giving voters a chance to change our current system, where politicians DETROIT – On Thursday, June 21, with and we are thrilled to have his and lobbyists operate behind closed doors to draw district Equality Michigan (EQMI) announced help here in Michigan,” said Stephanie lines for partisan gain. Our polling and our volunteer that Olympic Bronze Medalist and White, Equality Michigan’s Executive signature collection and canvassing results show Michigan outspoken voice of the LGBTQ Director. “His journey is much like that voters support our plan for a transparent, non-partisan, community, Adam Rippon, will be joining of our overall movement; learning to Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission.” the organization on Oct. 5, 2018, as the find our voice and asserting our right Fahey went on to mention her thoughts on the importance keynote speaker for their annual Fall to be full members of this society. of having district lines drawn by constituents. Reception, Building Bridges. Our community can’t wait to welcome “Voters know our state has some serious problems. Our “We all appreciate what having ‘America’s Sweetheart’ to Michigan.” roads are crumbling, our education system needs reform someone of Adam Rippon’s stature means Named “Building Bridges,” Equality and in many communities, water isn’t safe to drink. This for EQMI,” said Jim Murray, Equality Michigan’s event is the annual gathering proposal is an important first step toward fixing our state Michigan’s Chairman. “We’re setting the of Michigan’s LGBT community along so we can elect officials who are accountable to solve table to change Elliot-Larsen and pleased with corporate and political leaders from problems,” Fahey said. “Today is gratifying recognition of that Adam will help us do that.” across the political spectrum. Every year the amazing work by our volunteers. We salute them, and Before he even stepped on the ice at the organization presents awards to both the 2018 Winter Olympics, American attention for his personality off the long-time and up-and-coming leaders look forward to informing the people of Michigan about ice as well. Dubbed “one of the most the need to vote yes for redistricting reform in November.” figure skater Adam Rippon made history in the movement and the allies who as the first openly gay United States male entertaining athletes at the winter games,” are helping to bring about full equality athlete to qualify for the Winter Games. by Billboard, Adam has built a massive under the law for lesbian, gay, bi and Voters Not Politicians is a nonpartisan, volunteer-driven An outspoken voice and inspiration for following with his sharp on-air candor, transgender Michiganders. organization dedicated to passing a state constitutional the LGBTQ community, he became the insightful comments about LGBTQ Adam Rippon will appear at the Oct. 5 event at amendment to end partisan gerrymandering by taking politicians first openly gay athlete to medal at the issues, and quick-witted social media posts. the DTE Energy Headquarters in Downtown and lobbyists out of the redistricting process and putting Michigan Winter Olympics. “In a movement that is full of fierceness, Detroit. Tickets and sponsorships may be citizens in charge. Learn more at votersnotpoliticians.com. Adam has gained international Adam Rippon is a force to be reckoned purchased at equalitymi.org/reception.

34 BTL | June 28 - July 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com June 28 - July 11, 2018 | BTL 35