Report: Religious Right Targeting LGBT Equality

Tori Amos Talks Before Detroit Show

Hotter Than July Simmers This Week

WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM JULY 17, 2014 | V OL. 2229 | FREE 2 BTL | July 17, 2014 www.PrideSource.com COVER 6-10 Intersectionality focus I do think a lot of my friends in the Report: Religious Right Targeting LGBT Equality Tori Amos Talks Before Detroit Show Hotter Than July Simmers This Week gay community keep some of their feelings very private and they protect them, so therefore music and art is a way to express those feelings.

OL. 2229 | FREE –Tori Amos, pg. 20 JULY 17, 2014 | V COM WWW.P RIDESOURCE.

NEWS 5 Two more openly LGBT candidates announce Michigan campaigns 6 Choice: closely aligned ONLINE XTRA ENTER TO WIN COOL CITIES 7 Environment: only one way to win 8 Housing: ‘We are all in this together’ 10 Immigration: Out of the shadows 11 Utah will appeal same-sex marriage ruling to high court OPINION 14 BTL Editorial 15 Viewpoint 16 Creep of the Week 18 Parting Glances LIFE 20 Timeless Tori 24 Staging an evolution Election 2014: Aug. 5 Primary Could See Win Tickets To See Annie Learn More About This 25 The Frivolist Openly Gay Candidates Advance Across Michigan At The Fisher Theatre Week’s Cool City: Ann Arbor 26 Summertime, and the spoofing is Go online to Pridesource.com easy With elections just around the corner, several openly gay and hundreds and enter to win all kinds of Access the online Cool City 26 Happenings of LGBT-affirming candidates are running across Michigan. Keep up prizes, including two tickets to pages at Pridesource.com 27 Hear Me Out with the excitement online at www.Pridesource.com see Annie at the Fisher, Sept. 26 to learn about upcoming 29 ‘Week After Art Fair’ showcases events, featured advertisers Enter at www.pridesource.com/ and community news. musical melting pot tickets-contest.html 30 Bill Kirchen performs hometown show July 31 34 Puzzle 36 Deep Inside Hollywood

Vol. 2229 • July 17, 2014 • Issue 872 Editorial Creative Advertising & Sales ONLINE at Editor in Chief Art Director Director of Sales Pride Source Media Group Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 12 Benjamin Jenkins, [email protected] Jan Stevenson, 734.293.7200 x 22 “Between The Lines Newspaper” 20222 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152 [email protected] [email protected] Phone 734.293.7200 Webmaster & MIS Director Entertainment Editor Kevin Bryant, [email protected] Sales Representatives Follow us @YourBTL Publishers Chris Azzopardi, 734.293.7200 x 24 Ed Bohach, 734.293.7200 x 15 Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson [email protected] Contributing Writers [email protected] Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown, Email your op–eds to Member of Arts & Theater Editor Todd Heywood, Jerome Stuart Nichols, Ann Cox, 734.293.7200 x 13 [email protected] Michigan Press Assoication Donald V. Calamia, Eric W. Rader, Gwendolyn Ann Smith, [email protected] National Gay Media Association [email protected] Christopher J. Treacy Sign up online to receive our E–Digest Q Syndicate N ational Advertising Representative Calendar Editor Cartoonists Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 Shelby Clark Petkus, [email protected] Paul Berg, Dave Brousseau Our rate cards are available online. All material appearing in Between The Lines is protected by federal copyright law and Staff Writers Contributing Photographers may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission Shelby Clark Petkus, [email protected] Andrew Potter of the publishers. Between The Lines is supported by many AJ Trager, [email protected] fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for Copyright 2014 Pride Source Media Group, LLC materials provided by advertisers or their agents. www.PrideSource.com July 17, 2014 | BTL 3

BTL Strongly Endorses Two More Openly LGBT Candidates Statewide Candidates BTL Strongly Endorses the following Announce Michigan Campaigns candidates this fall: Mark Schauer for Michigan Governor rights protected, have good jobs, have a right such as Relay for Life, American Heart BY AJ TRAGER http://markschauer.com to healthcare, know they are going to get Association, The Special Olympics and the Two more Michigan candidates have equal pay and not be discriminated against. “ Mott Park Neighborhood Association Neat Mark Totten for Michigan Attorney General come out of the political closet. Susan “We need to create jobs,” she said Street Project. Morrish is also a National www.marktotten.com Grettenberger, running for the 8th strongly. “We need an environment that Representative for the National Association Congressional District, and Nathan Morrish, is good. Yet we continue to degrade the of Government Employees and International Gary Peters for U.S. Senate running for 34th State House Representative environment in the interest of getting jobs.” Associations of EMTs and Paramedics. www.petersformichigan.com seat, both spoke with BTL about their pre- As a social worker, Grettenberger says she Knowing that he is up against “some primary vote campaigns. is appalled by how working poor and middle top runners” with name recognition and Note that BTL endorsements for other statewide races class families have been under assault. Once experience in the political spectrum, Morrish will happen after the state poltical conventions held in office, she intends to work hard on making is keeping his platform strong, focusing on the weekend of Aug. 23 - 24. Susan Grettenberger that change. change. Grettenberger “We need change. If we are going to keep BTL Strongly Endorses the following openly received her Grettenberger On The Issues: In addition to voting in the same people, we are going to gay candidates in Aug. 5 primary: Bachelors from increasing the minimum wage to a living wage, have the same government,” Morrish said. Albion College Grettenberger will work on making job creation and He is trying to convey to voters that the same Garnet Lewis is running in the 32nd in Psychology job strength a priority, create policies that encourage actions will garnish the same results. He says District which includes Saginaw, Zilwaukee, and Education. companies to create jobs rather than ship them he’s been getting good feedback. Tidabawassee Township, Frankenmuth and She has since overseas, work with the automobile industry to keep At a recent NAACP forum with all the Swartz Creek. Check out the campaign development and production off the next generation received a candidates, Morrish came out in support website www.garnetlewis.com of surface transportation, find a solution to make Masters in Social of marriage equality instead of just gay social security funding last longer rather than cutting marriage. Him and his partner have been Jon Hoadley is running for State Work from the it, increase healthcare for women, stand for women’s together for 14 years and both have daughters Representative in the 60th District which University of rights, diminish or eradicate the wage gap, ensure includes Kalamazoo and Kalamazoo Township. who, according to Morrish, are doing great. Illinois, Chicago accessible, high quality education for everybody, make Check out the campaign website www. and Ph.D. in sure healthcare is affordable and ensure children have “They aren’t demented,” he joked. jonhoadley.com Social Work healthcare thanks to the ACA, improve and maintain Morrish is passionate about repealing from Michigan LGBT rights, keep environmental standards strong, the Emergency Manager Bill, freeing Flint Jeremy Moss is running for State State University. She currently works at make sure medical and social services are funded and many of the other Michigan cities who Representative in the 35th District which Central Michigan as a Professor teaching well and are accessible to veteran and get corporate currently have an Emergency manager so includes Southfield and Lathrup Village. Social Work. money out of politics. they can function with the representatives Check out the campaign website www. At the age of three, Grettenberger and Grettenberger has been endorsed by both and city officials that were voted into office jeremyforsouthfield.com her family moved to Argentina. After Democracy for America and the Women’s Campaign by the people. Rudy Serra is running for State Fund. She is also a member of the Michigan Education He believed something needed to happen moving back to the States a few years Representative for the 27th District which Association. with Flint, but appointing an Emergency later, Grettenberger’s parents decided to is made up of several South Oakland County maintain a bilingual household, a lesson Manager was not the right course of action. Visit her campaign website at http:// communities including Hazel Park, Ferndale, that Grettenberger feels was very valuable “As a voter and resident of the city of and Berkley. Check out the campaign website grettenbergerforcongress.com. to her upbringing and to her personhood. She Flint, I feel democracy is gone with this guy,” http://rudyserra.ngpvanhost.com self-identifies as bilingual and bi-cultural Morrish said. “They are totally ignoring the and considers education for young people city’s charter, they are destroying contracts crucial for development. with labor unions. To me, that is not a city Important Dates & Resources Keeping the political conversation open Nathan Morrish manager; that is a dictator. I would think that Tuesday, Aug. 5 – Primary Election between those who make the laws and they would assist the elected officials that we Monday, Oct. 6 – Last day to register for those that are affected by them is something Currently put into office. They get too many powers.” Nov. 4 General Election Grettenberger wants to strengthen. She working as believes we need to “treat each other better.” an EMT for Morrish On The Issues: Once elected into office, Tuesday, Nov. 4 – General Election Grettenberger and her partner have four Lapeer County Morrish will work to repeal Right to Work, The Check here for your current status as children, all in their twenties. And for a EMS, Morrish Emergency Manager Law, see that Flint is removed a registered voter in Michigan https:// woman who spends much of her week is no stranger from the “Worst Cities in America” list, work towards webapps.sos.state.mi.us/mivote speaking with and educating Michigan’s to struggle marriage equality and work on bettering education. up-in-coming working class, Grettenberger and battling Morrish is currently endorsed by the National VOTER GUIDE 2014 Association of Government Employees, International wants to see the living paycheck-to-paycheck the odds. He BTL LGBT & Progressive Voter Guide Association of EMTs and Paramedics, SEIU Local model disposed of. She sees many students has served on will be compiled and distributed online at the Lake Ville 5000 and Michigan Nurses Association Political Action www.pridesource.com struggling to get through college and says Committee. that the educational system needs to change Community so that it can be available to everyone. Schools Board Visit Pride Source Votes 2014 online as the “All the things fit together for me: of Education, Visit his campaign website for more election season moves forward for news and developments on candidates that will the economy, education, equal rights...” started and co- information and to get connected at www. chartered a Compassionate Friends Chapter, move the state forward toward full equality Grettenberger said. “We need a society morrish4michiganstaterep.com. where people have equal footing whether served as Community At Large Member for for LGBT citizens. it’s women, people of color, LGBT people; Flint Civil Service Commission and helped Register to receive your digital voter guide where people can be who they are, have their fundraise and volunteer for associations online at www.pridesource.com cover story Choice: Closely Aligned

Travis Ballie, Field Manager, NARAL Pro-Choice America

A lot of people think about choice issues as and shocking decision that allows bosses to Netroots Arrives nothing more than abortion; for the record, reach beyond the boardroom and into their can you explain what the choice movement is employees’ bedrooms. The majority claims DETROIT - Thousands of progressive about? that its ruling is limited, but that logic doesn’t activists will descend on Detroit’s Cobo Choice is as American as apple pie. The hold up. Today it’s birth control; tomorrow Center this weekend for the annual Netroots freedom of self-determination, autonomy it could be any personal medical decision, Nation conference. The event features and equality are the bedrock foundations of from starting a family to getting life-saving educational workshops on everything from the pro-choice vision. We believe that all vaccinations or blood transfusions.” activism to progressive political issues. people deserve to be informed by appropriate It is no coincidence that, in the wake of “What makes Netroots Nation unique and comprehensive sex education, have the Hobby Lobby case, LGBT organizations is that it brings together people from all universal access to contraception and birth are seeking stronger protections to prohibit across the progressive spectrum,” says control and to be able to consult one’s similar discrimination from bosses on the Brad Delaney, communications director for doctor about if or when to start a family. grounds of sexual orientation or gender LGBT Netroots Connect. LGBT Netroots Choice is not just a “social issue” because identity. We have common enemies who Connect is a one day pre-conference of these decisions are often issues of economic use the same tactics against both of our LGBT and ally activists.” With so many justice. Women especially don’t have the movements. We must have common issues to tackle, it is rare to see leaders from luxury of separating their reproductive rights strategies and active collaboration to counter so many movements cooperating to create from their pocketbooks. Choice is part of efforts to curtail our civil rights. social change. Environment, labor, LGBT, a long list of economic equality issues that reproductive rights and economic justice What does the choice movement mean to the have become some of the hottest issues of are just some of the many issues that can our day: Equal Pay, Universal Pre-K, paid LGBT community and the broader struggle for be found at the conference.” sick days and healthcare as a human right equality? The gathering is about more than activism are all burgeoning movements. The biggest however; it’s about creating spaces where anti-choice elected officials are the same various parts of the progressive community folks who time and time again vote against can find common ground and develop We have common economic justice for women and all people, partnerships. enemies who use the same tactics against both of our movements. “Bringing people together face-to-face be it abortion rights or fair pay for fair work. “ creates connections that can simply not Why did you, as an out gay man, decide that you We must have common strategies and active collaboration be made via instant message and email,” needed to work for NARAL? says Michael Rogers, director of Netroots to counter efforts to curtail our civil rights. Connect. “By meeting in person, we are There have been two coming out experiences able to build new partnerships that will that changed the course of my life: my own ultimately lead to cross issue organizing coming out as a gay man and my mother’s - Travis Ballie, Field Manager, NARAL Pro-Choice America and strengthening movements.” coming out as having had an abortion. The ” LGBT issues will feature heavily in this key to any movement for social justice is the meaningful process of brave people sharing freedom, especially abortion rights, in a year’s rotation with caucus conversations What would be your three big messages to the their stories with loved ones. Without that frame that completely ignores the reality about marriage, work place equality and LGBT community about the Choice movement? more. critical step, anti-equality opponents are of the everyday economic lives of women. But LGBT equality struggles are not free to paint whatever narrative they wish to One, we are the majority. LGBT rights Even more outrageously, these same anti- independent of the progressive movement. stigmatize us. Once that catalyst of a loved and reproductive rights are supported by choice opponents consistently vote against Between The Lines reached out to leaders one connecting with me about accessing a clear majority of Americans. Seven in other common sense programs to help from economic justice, immigration, choice, abortion care occurred, abortion rights 10 Americans support Roe v. Wade, the advance women, be it expanding healthcare, labor and the environment to discuss how were no longer some abstract concept. I landmark Supreme Court ruling legalizing supporting equal pay and fair wages or LGBT equality and those movements immediately became ready to engage and abortion rights. Among the millennial making more family friendly workplaces. intersect and share common goals, ideas NARAL Pro-Choice America was there to generation, 7 in 10 support marriage equality, Please explain what NARAL does for those who and tactics. plug me in as a volunteer, intern and later on among a host of LGBT civil rights issues. as a staff member. Two, we are growing. The Millennial are unfamiliar with the organization. The following interviews were conducted via generation is the most pro-equality generation For 45 years, NARAL Pro-Choice America email, and are presented with minor grammar What does the choice movement mean to the in American history on both reproductive has served as a leader in mobilizing our editing, as they were presented by the leaders LGBT community and the broader struggle for freedom and LGBT rights. The Millennial nation’s pro-choice majority. We put our themselves. equality? generation (born between 1980 and 1991) is values into action by electing candidates who This could not be a more timely question. 77 million strong. By 2020, they will make share our vision of reproductive freedom Our movements have always been closely up 40 percent of the electorate, which will be and supporting pro-choice legislation at the NETROOTS NATION aligned, and for many folks it is the same the largest age-demographic voting bloc ever municipal, state and federal levels. movement. This has never been truer than recorded. Every day, NARAL Pro-Choice America Conference At Cobo Hall after the Supreme Court Hobby Lobby Three, Economic Justice = Reproductive is lobbying state legislatures and members Thursday - Sunday See Online Schedules decision allowed bosses unprecedented Rights. Four in ten mothers are either the of congress to protect and expand access LGBT Pre-Conference Netroots Connect at control over the healthcare decisions of sole or primary source of income for their through pro-choice measures. We also run Renaissance Center Wed. July 16 their employees. As NARAL Pro-Choice families. Sixty percent of women who campaigns against any entity that attempts to America said it best: “Every American could access abortion care already have children. interfere with a woman’s right to choose. potentially be affected by this far-reaching Our opponents win by framing reproductive 6 BTL | July 17, 2014 www.PrideSource.com Environment: Only Way To Win, Work Together

Julie Powers: Executive Director, Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council

How does the environmental movement impact the LGBT equality movement and vice versa? Just two decades ago, both environmentalists and equality activists were seen as extremists The equality movement has impacted the environmental - fighting for things that today are seen as obvious: climate change, carbon footprint, movement as well - there are a lot of shared lessons about marriage equality, workplace protections “ community engagement that have been learned and integrated for LGBT people. Today, we’re still fighting and, while we are moving closer to marriage into how we approach policy development. equality and acceptable environmental protections, the work isn’t done. So in that regard, we’re all working to make the world - Julie Powers, Executive Director, Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council better - our world. ” I’d also say that the environmental movement impacts everyone. Everyone wants to breathe clean air, drink clean water, live in cities that are vibrant, have a voice in community What are the three big take aways about planning, ensure that our children are Complete Streets ordinance, which requires protected from unsafe playgrounds and/or the environmental movement you want the that when roads are built and/or rebuilt, exposure to chemicals that are hazardous. It’s LGBT community to know and understand? municipalities have to take into consideration also true that a larger percentage of the LGBT One, we need your voice in the needs of both vehicles and pedestrians and community (especially the transgender environmental protection and bicyclists. The City of Lansing’s ordinance community) have lower incomes and more planning. You are wanted and welcome has spurred a statewide (and now national) health issues that can be directly attributed at the table but sometimes you have to movement, and the State of Michigan to environmental factors. For example, shout to be heard over the big voices adopted a Complete Streets law in 2011. communities with high asthma rates are in the room. The City of Lansing also passed a landmark generally lower income and experience Two, we’re all connected on this bike parking ordinance that we crafted which significant health issues, loss of work, poor planet. Every drop of water on this requires bicycle parking in much of the city, school attendance, increased hospitalization Brandon Kawalec, outreach coordinator for Mid-Michigan Earth is what has always been here and we worked on a snow and ice removal Environmental Action Council, works with Julie Powers, the ordinance to ensure that people who use rates and so forth. group’s executive director, to identify various animals living in and always will be here. It’s basically The equality movement has impacted the Red Cedar River in East Lansing. The assessment is part of dinosaur pee. So protect it like it’s sidewalks can have safe passage during cold the environmental movement as well - the ongoing monitoring of the health of the watershed. gold - don’t pour your leftover paint or weather months. (In the 10 years prior to the there are a lot of shared lessons about motor oil or diet Coke down the storm ordinance, 10 people were killed or injured community engagement that have been our perspectives heard. We have much to drain. That goes directly into our rivers because they were forced to walk in the street learned and integrated into how we approach learn from one another and the only way to and then we end up drinking it. as property owners failed to remove snow policy development. For example, many “win” on our issues it to do it together. When Three, the environmental movement is and ice. Since the ordinance was passed, communities have successfully passed unlikely partners band together to address fragmented by geography, area of interest, ZERO people have been killed or injured. Human Rights Ordinances with support from an issue, you tend to get a lot of attention - level of interest - just like the LGBT #winning) the business community. The environmental from the media, from elected officials and movement. You don’t have to be the perfect We’re also the watchdogs of the Mid- community has done much the same thing from regular citizens. Why WOULDN’T environmentalist to get involved or to work Michigan waterways. When our local utility with the passage of the Complete Streets the environmental community work with the on an issue. A lot of people are passionate had an industrial accident, spilling 800+ ordinances (and now state law). Business LGBT community to find a common space about recycling or making sure communities gallons of hydraulic fluid into the Grand leaders see having a vibrant and diverse pool for us to achieve a great goal is my question? are walkable/bikeable or that our air is safe to River in 2013, we were on the scene and of potential employees as an important part breathe. Pick the thing(s) that you care about served as the media spokesperson for the of their growth plan - as much as they see Why did you get involved in environmental and look at it from an environmental lens. event. Just recently, we brought an illegal having connected transportation systems for activism and leadership? dumping issue to the attention of the media all transit mode users. I’ve worked and/or volunteered in nearly For those who are unfamiliar with your agency, (after a year of being ignored by the city) and every progressive movement, from LGBT please tell us who you are and what you do. Feel now there’s a criminal investigation. We just Why is the environmental movement something to reproductive choice to affordable housing, free to highlight any recent wins you have had. recently completed a four year walkablity audit of the City of Lansing (732 miles of the LGBT equality movement should care about because these movements reflect my personal The Mid-Michigan Environmental Action sidewalk analyzed) and that data is being as an aspect of its equality movement? values which are informed by my family, Council is part of a statewide network of used to develop a priority repair/replacement Every movement is about having your voice my faith and my experiences. Why be an environmental advocacy organizations program. The same program is now being heard - being at the table where decisions environmental leader? They needed me. I’m that work to translate your environmental implemented in Williamston and likely East are made. Environmentalists, like LGBT loud, I’m proud and I don’t back down from concern into action. Our focus areas are land Lansing. Walkable neighborhoods are a activists, are marginalized and left out of a fight. My goal is to connect people with use, water quality, green transportation and top priority when homebuyers are ranking many big decisions and so we’ve had to get their passion, movements with resources and sustainability - issues that apply to every properties - better sidewalks/connectivity creative, creating networks and using the issues with the media - it’s like a massive Michiganian. = increased property values and perceived media (social, traditional) as a way to get game of “connect the dots” in my head We’ve successfully passed the state’s first sometimes. safety. www.PrideSource.com July 17, 2014 | BTL 7 HOUSING: ‘We Are All In This Together’ Curtis Hertel Jr.: Ingham County Register of Deeds

You took office as the Ingham county register numbers had more than tripled to change our laws and provide real job of deeds as the economic crisis really began to in the years right before I took protections for LGBT citizens. crush the community. Please discuss how you office in 2009. We began an Second, we as a state have to decide intensive program, working whether we are going to invest and compete saw the crisis impact the LGBT community. with housing counselors to for the best jobs available in our economy. The The biggest lesson learned from the educate citizens about the ways current legislature, and our current Governor, foreclosure crisis is that we, as a community, to avoid foreclosure. Then in believe that the answer to a successful are all in it together. The crisis affected 2011, we began to learn about economy is to cut taxes and regulation. The everyone regardless of race, gender or foreclosure fraud. Major banks problem with this strategy is that it has come sexual orientation. Those of us who were were using forged documents at the expense of investing in our future. not foreclosed on directly still experienced to steal time and due process Employers do not want to locate in areas with significant economic loss and a decrease from our citizens. Michigan’s failing schools, an unqualified workforce and in our quality of living. According to foreclosure laws provide crumbling infrastructure. We need to invest the Congressional Budget office, every little protections for home to compete in today’s economy. foreclosure in your neighborhood reduced the owners. We found people that Third, we as a progressive movement have value of your home by $2,500 dollars. Local were foreclosed on in spite of to realize that we are all in this together. The governments lost millions of dollars in tax making every payment. We attacks on workers’ rights, the lack of equal revenue. This led to severe cuts in services found people who had signed pay for women, the lack of investment in and quality of life in all of our communities. modifications that were never our core cities - these affect us all. In order Ingham County lost a billion dollars in honored. We found people for us to succeed as a movement, we must taxable value alone, in large part due to the who were serving in our all work together to take back this state. We foreclosure crisis. Of course, because of the military in a time of war that must invest in people and do so with full and lack of rights in Michigan for LGBT citizens, were foreclosed on illegally. equal rights for all. this crisis hit them disproportionately I had a moral obligation to harder. The lack of job protections, legal fight against these injustices. For those folks who do not know what the discrimination and marriage inequality all I created a foreclosure fraud Register of Deeds does, could you please led to LGBT citizens being more susceptible hotline, hired an attorney to explain? Also, please feel free to highlight your to the crisis. handle individual cases of accomplishments in this area. The Register of Deeds is responsible for In your role as register of deeds you have keeping the land records of the County the opportunity to talk to many citizens and safe and accurate. This is essential to any capitalist system. Public information about have heard their stories about inequity in We as a progressive movement have to realize that we are all in this our current system. Can you explain some of land ownership, and land interests, makes investment and legal transfer possible. those inequities, and how they impact the LGBT together. The attacks on workers’ rights, the lack of equal pay for women, When I took office, I knew that we could do community specifically? “ the lack of investment in our core cities - these affect us all. even more for our citizens, beyond keeping One of the most painful calls I have received accessible records. Along with my work as Register was from a person who had lost fighting illegal foreclosures and keeping their partner and was also facing the loss of - Curtis Hertel, Jr. Ingham County Register of Deeds people in their homes, I have also created the their home as a direct result of the inequality ” Property Fraud Alert System, which helps in our marital laws. It seems ridiculous, but prevent fraud by giving citizens real-time under current state law, a distant relative has access to land transactions. I invested in new more rights than a committed partner, even a technology to make recordings faster and partner married in another state. I was proud more accurate so that business could move to be the first Register of Deeds in the State Why have you become so engaged in the faster in Ingham County. I believe that every of Michigan to record a Marriage Certificate economic rights and issues movement? fraud and sued the major banks to get back job is what you make of it. We have made the from a same-sex couple - they were married tax dollars that I believed they illegally I grew up in a middle class family, and I am Register of Deeds office a place that fights for legally in another country, and we recorded avoided paying. a white straight male. Because of that, I was people and the integrity of their land records. the certificate along with an affidavit alleging given opportunities that would not necessarily full property rights. It is my hope that these What three big take aways would you like the have been available to others. I believe that documents can be used in court one day to LGBT community to have on economic issues as to whom much is given, much is expected. challenge Michigan’s marriage and property a movement? I have a duty to make sure that all people in laws. Even after the Supreme Court strikes our state have equality of opportunity. This First, we as a state are suffering economically down Michigan’s ban on same-sex marriage, means quality schools, affordable higher from our lack of equal rights. Young I believe that these inequalities will still exist education and an end to discrimination based people don’t want to live in a state where because of the ways Michigan’s property on gender, race and sexual orientation. discrimination against themselves or their laws are written. I have already done a review All of this became more real to me when I friends is legal. I believe we are losing a of these laws, and will have language ready became Register of Deeds. In a typical year, generation of talented young people, and once the Supreme Court rules. 400 to 500 families would lose their homes business agrees. For the first time as a state, to foreclosure in Ingham County. Those we have a coalition of businesses fighting

8 BTL | July 17, 2014 www.PrideSource.com

IMMIGRATION: Out Of The Shadows

Carlos Padilla: Program Coordinator, Queer Undocumented Immigrant Project United We Dream

How do the immigration movements and LGBT The Progressive movement will have a divisions first hand. The reality was the various identities first and then allow for the equality movements intersect? higher impact if we create a shared agenda LGBT and immigrant rights movements numbers and policy to roll in. The lived experience of LGBTQ people is for change. were not aligned. This is one of the reasons complex; most people live in the intersection why we only passed the repeal of Don’t Ask Please explain what United We Dream does of oppression and issues. The LGBT Equality Please share with our readers why you, as an Don’t Tell. This time around, we have built Movement and Immigration Movement out member of the LGBT community, are working enough solidarity to achieve victories for for those who may be unfamiliar with the confront unjust laws through political, legal on immigration equality. both LGBTQ and immigrant communities. organization. and cultural campaigns. Most self-identified I immigrated to the United States at the age of United We Dream is the largest immigrant What are you three big messages to the LGBT LGBT people in the United States have two, witnessed my family live in the shadows youth-led organization in the nation, a been institutionally oppressed due to their for more than a decade, and it wasn’t until community about the immigration equality powerful nonpartisan network made up sexual orientation, gender identity or gender I decided to come out of the shadows as movement? of 53 affiliate organizations in 26 states. expression. Undocumented and documented undocumented and out of the closet as a gay, One, the LGBT community must care We organize and advocate for the dignity immigrants share a similar experience. that my family’s vision for a better future about stopping all deportations because and fair treatment of immigrant youth and Both movements have had to come out of became clear. The sense of empowerment that everyday 1,100 people are separated from families, regardless of immigration status, metaphorical shadows or closets in order their families. The LGBT sexual orientation, gender identity or gender to address the issue that is oppressing their constituencies and to begin their journey for liberation. Intersectionality gives movements the opportunity to comprehensively address issues that harm LGBT and immigrant people and everyone who is connected to these individuals. Most importantly, 904,000 The LGBT community must care about LGBT immigrants live in the United States. stopping all deportations, because everyday What does it mean politically for LGBT equality “ activists to be engaged in the immigration 1,100 people are separated from their families. fights, and why should they take up the banner? LGBT equality activists can become engaged The LGBT movement fights for the recognition in the immigration fight three different ways: resources, action and support. of same-sex families; we understand the pain of Resources: Investing in the fight monetarily or by providing access to certain being separated from our loved ones whether networks, tools and opportunities. They can also help by providing services and it’s by a border or a legal document. intentional advocacy for LGBT immigrant issues. Action: By engaging in direct actions that seek to improve the lives of LGBT these actions created for me as an individual movement fights for the recognition of same- immigrants. It’s essential to keep a unified and for those who surround me provided us sex families; we understand the pain of being expression. We seek to address” the inequities message that speaks to both movements’ with a sense of security. I was finally directly separated from our loved ones whether it’s by and obstacles faced by immigrant youth goals and to create an environment that values addressing the issues that have limited a border or by a legal document. and believe that by empowering immigrant the personal story of LGBT immigrants in individuals like myself to fully participate Two, we must support immigration youth, we can advance the cause of the entire order to move political targets. in America. As I grew older, I witnessed the equality movements so we can achieve legal community—-justice for all immigrants. Support: It’s essential for allies to educate rise of these two movements reach their full status in this country in order to end legal We’re driven by and accountable to our themselves in order to speak about the needs force. My experience in my everyday life also limits to our full participation in society. thousands of members across the country of immigrants. Build intentional access to informed my decision to work on both issues. We should seek policies that shed light into who make up our sustainable and robust opportunities for immigrant folks to speak for I know that if these two movements remained shadows or closets to liberate people and grassroots network. We believe we can build themselves by uplifting their stories. But do separate, politicians would take advantage of strengthen our movements. power by organizing at the local, regional and not limit their capacity to only story telling; their vulnerability to frame scenarios that Three, it’s crucial to diversify your analysis national levels and aim to provide tools and challenge hostile/unaware environments to would put one movement against the other. and to advocate with inclusivity. Regardless resources to support our leaders and member continue creating safe spaces for all members This would have only further excluded of if you are speaking about the school to organizations, as well as create meaningful of the community. members from our community. In 2010, this prison pipeline, workers’ rights, religion, alliances with other advocacy organizations. Taking these steps is important due to the became an issue when Don’t Ask Don’t Tell healthcare etc… the more you challenge current political, legal and cultural attitudes. and the DREAM Act were put up for a vote, yourself, the greater impact you will have on Currently the country is highly polarized and and as someone who identifies as a member the entire community and the closer you will taking an intersectional approach will bring of both communities who was organizing be to achieving your ideal goals. People do back stability and keep both issues relevant. locally to win both battles, I observed these not live single issued lives, let’s address the

10 BTL | July 17, 2014 www.PrideSource.com Utah Will Appeal Same-Sex Marriage Ruling To High Court

BY BRADY MCCOMBS cost another $300,000 to have three outside attorneys handle the case – the same amount SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -Utah has decided it cost to take the case to the federal appeals to go straight to the U.S. Supreme Court to court. argue against gay marriage, meaning the The Supreme Court’s landmark ruling last nation’s highest court will have at least one summer allowed married same-sex couples same-sex marriage case on its plate when it to receive the same federal benefits as other returns in October. married people, but did not specifically address The office of the Utah attorney general whether gay marriage is a constitutional right. announced Wednesday that it would bypass a Since then, lower courts have repeatedly full appeals court and take the gay marriage cited the decision when striking down gay case to the Supreme Court instead. marriage bans. The latest such ruling was If the U.S. Supreme court decides to take Wednesday, when a state judge struck down the case, it will be the first time the top court Colorado’s gay marriage ban. That ruling is considers gay marriage since justices last on hold pending an appeal. year struck down part of the federal Defense In the Utah case, the 10th Circuit upheld a of Marriage Act. The high court is under no obligation to the take the case, and it could wait for rulings from one or more of the five other appellate courts with gay marriage cases We are one step closer toward pending, legal scholars say. Utah’s appeal is of a June 25 ruling from having our families recognized in a three-judge panel of the 10th U.S. Circuit “ our home state. It’s definitely a case Court of Appeals in Denver, which found states cannot deprive people of the fundamental right our Supreme Court needs to hear. to marry simply because they choose partners of the same sex. The panel immediately put the The faster we can move on this, ruling on hold pending an appeal. the better for all of us. The Utah case is certain to pique the Supreme Court’s interest, but the justices usually look for cases that involve split rulings - Plaintiff Plaintiff Moudi Sbeity from federal appeals courts, said Douglas ” NeJaime, a University of California-Irvine law professor. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard lower court’s decision that overturned a 2004 arguments about Virginia’s ban in early May, voter-approved gay marriage ban. More than and a ruling is expected soon. Arguments are 1,000 same-sex couples wed in Utah after the scheduled for August and September in two ban was struck down and before the Supreme different courts for cases out of Michigan, Court issued a stay. Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Nevada and The same thing happened in Indiana, Idaho. where several hundred same-sex couples “My best guess it that the court will hang married during a two-day window in June. On onto this for a while and see what happens,” Wednesday, Indiana state officials said they NeJaime said. “There are so many cases now, won’t recognize those marriages – the same it will have a pick.” decision Utah made. William Eskridge, a Yale University law The conservative Sutherland Institute of professor, also doesn’t expect a quick decision Utah applauded the state for appealing to the from the high court. The Supreme Court is highest court, saying in a statement that it under no deadline to make a decision and gives states the chance to “defend marriage as knows other appellate decisions are coming, society’s way to encourage a married mother he said. and father for every child.” Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes’ office Plaintiff Moudi Sbeity called the decision to said in a statement the appeal will be filed take the case to the Supreme Court “wonderful in the coming weeks, to get “clarity and news.” He and his partner, Derek Kitchen, are resolution” on the matter. The decision to go one of three couples who sued over Utah’s gay directly to the Supreme Court means a review marriage ban. from the entire 10th Circuit Court is off the “We are one step closer toward having our table, no matter what the high court decides. families recognized in our home state,” Sbeity Gov. Gary Herbert has said the state said. “It’s definitely a case our Supreme Court already budgeted for a need to defend the law needs to hear. The faster we can move on this, before the Supreme Court. It is expected to the better for all of us.” www.PrideSource.com July 17, 2014 | BTL 11 Comic Legend Archie Andrews Takes Bullet For Gay Best Friend

BY AJ TRAGER husband is involved in a shooting. kept changing and, in 1991, DC Comics As of now, Goldwater and the Archie launched “Impact Comics” which LOS ANGELES - Famous freckle- team haven’t spoiled who the killer will highlighted Archie and friends. face comic book icon, Archie Andrews, be, but fans are poised and ready for the Archie himself has had many faces will see his final moments in this week’s event. The subsequent issue will jump a over the years. In 1966, he became a issue. Readers will see the beloved and year ahead and focus on how the gang superhero named Captain Pureheart, a inspirational redhead die as he takes a honors the legacy of their former friend. Superman-like character with strength bullet for the attempted assassination of and the ability to fly using jet-boosters. his best friend, Kevin Keller, the series’ Then in 1973 an artist named Al Hartley openly gay character. Background got permission to use Archie in a Archie’s death was first announced Archie first premiered in a 1941 series that depicted Archie and friends in April and will conclude the series publication of Pep Comics, Issue #22. undergoing evangelical hijinks. Archie focused on grown-up renditions of For years, the series has been known for had an animated TV show that ran Archie and his Riverdale friends. Archie the love affair between characters Archie in 1986. And in 1990, “To Riverdale dies as one would expect, heroically and Andrews, Betty Cooper and Veronica And Back Again” aired on NBC where selflessly, said Jon Goldwater, Archie Lodge. The characters were created by Archie, played by Christopher Rich, Comics publisher and co-CEO. The publisher and editor John Goldwater, goes to his 15-year high school reunion, character will continue to live in other written by Vic Bloom and drawn by Bob runs into trouble along with Betty and comic incarnations. Montana and based in part on people Veronica and is then forced to choose “We wanted to do something that was Goldwater met in the Midwest during his between the girls, a decision Archie has impactful that would really resonate U.S. travels. CEO Jon Goldwater is the been trying to make since 1941. with the world and bring home just son of Archie creator, John L. Goldwater. Archie has covered a great deal how important Archie is to everyone,” It is said that 1930s heartthrob, Mickey of social territory at various stages. Goldwater said. “That’s how we came Rooney, inspired Archie’s creation Along with superheroes and a look up with the storyline of saving Kevin. with his appearance in the Andy Hardy into evangelical Christianity, Archie He could have saved Betty. He could movie series. The series appeared on a has covered topics such as teen have saved Veronica. We get that, but radio show played on NBC called “The homosexuality, gay marriage, privilege, metaphorically, by saving Kevin, a new Adventures of Archie Andrews.” breast cancer, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Riverdale is born.” Readers have seen Archie go through and the Occupy Wall Street protests. Kevin first joined the storyline in many changes over the years. In the Writers have folded these themes and an Archie Comics spin-off “Veronica” “Silver Age of Comic Books,” the 1960s more into the stories and will continue in 2010 and then appeared in his own Archie was done in campy humor like the to do so in future issues. solo title. In this comic world, Kevin Batman TV show. In the 1970s, Archie “We’ve been building up to this is a newly elected senator and married launched a short-lived fantasy and moment since we launched ‘Life With military veteran who is pushing for more horror imprint followed by a superhero gun control in Riverdale after Kevin’s imprint in the 1980s. The comic brand See Archie, page 17

12 BTL | July 17, 2014 www.PrideSource.com New Report Exposes Deceptive Religious Right Strategy Targeting LGBT Equality Within in a few short years, legal BY CHUCK COLBERT same-sex marriage has arrived in 19 Within in a few short years now, legal same-sex marriage has arrived in 19 states and states and the District of Columbia. the District of Columbia. The armed forces’ The armed forces’ “Don’t Ask, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy and federal law, which barred openly gay military service, has Don’t Tell” policy and federal law, been repealed. And for all the Religious Right which barred openly gay military and social conservatives’ efforts to block such progress, equal rights for LGBTs, it would service, has been repealed. And appear, are advancing in significant ways. Far from it, however, detractors of gay rights for all the Religious Right and are declaring a truce in the culture wars. A social conservatives’ efforts to new report highlights a stepped-up strategy as anti-LGBT activists claim their opposition to block such progress, equal rights full equality for gays and reproductive choice amounts to oppression of their religious beliefs for LGBTs, it would appear, are and liberties. advancing in significant ways. “Religious Right leaders hold themselves up as the victims,” said Michael B. Keegan, Left: University of Pennsylvania law professor Tobias Barrington Wolff. Right: Jay Michaelson, Ph.D., visiting president of People For the American Way’s scholar at Brown University. (PFAW), which released its findings last Religious Liberty: The Hidden Assault on month. “This is a powerful talking point, even – which are becoming ever more pervasive religious objections to homosexuality.” Civil Rights,” which highlights the deep roots if not true. We need to expose these distortions in the right-wing media – serve to bolster a Monk’s story struck a resonate chord with of the persecution narrative that lay at the for what they really are – an attempt to protect larger story, that of a majority religious group social conservatives dismayed over the 2010 core of religious conservatives’ response to the Right’s ability to discriminate and push its in American society becoming a persecuted repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” desegregation, prayer in public schools and policy preferences on the rest of us.” minority, driven underground in its own By 2013, the Religious Right had spun abortion rights’ advances in Roe v. Wade, the PFAW is a non-profit liberal to progressive country.” Monk’s alleged aggrievement into reverse 1973 U.S. Supreme Court landmark decision. advocacy organization based in Washington, The Religious Right and social conservative discrimination “that Christians were now Furthermore, Michaelson along with a D.C. are “reframing political losses as religious the victims of a new ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ growing number of national and statewide The organization’s nine page report, “The oppression,” PFAW’s study suggests, in an policy,” according to PFAW. LGBT organizations, have come out Persecution Complex: The Religious Right’s “attempt to build justification for turning back During a Values Voter Summit panel on against the proposed Employment Non- Deceptive Rallying Cry,” documents how advances in gay rights, reproductive rights and the alleged development of anti-Christian Discrimination Act (ENDA), saying that while Religious Right activists and elected officials religious liberty for minority faiths.” persecution, Monk, through a video produced it bans workplace discrimination on the basis attempt to portray the increasing unpopularity And while “the religious persecution by the anti-gay Family Research Council, of sexual orientation and gender identity, of their stances on a number of cultural issues narrative is nothing new – it has long been told viewers how he was “reassigned by his the federal law also would allow religious – same-sex marriage, public prayer and at the core of the Right’s reaction to secular commander because of his belief that marriage organizations to discriminate against LGBTs Christmas celebrations among others – as government and religious pluralism,” the is the union of a man and a woman.” even in non-ministerial or pastoral capacities. evidence of their oppression as they represent report notes, the persecution meme “has taken An Air Force investigation, however, Advocates for LGBT equality maintain the themselves as societal bulwarks against a off in recent years in reaction to gay rights and found that “Monk was not removed from his proposed religious exemption, unprecedented culture run amok with immorality. reproductive freedom and to an increasingly position, but rather moved as scheduled to in civil rights legislation, would in effect gut Some examples – or dire myths – from the secular and pluralistic society.” another Lackland unit, an assignment he was ENDA’s non-discrimination protections. PFAW study point to the tactics and strategy: The Religious Right’s “frantic warnings” notified of in April,” according to Military Equality advocates also voice concern Two middle-school girls are forced into have gone so far, claiming that “conservative Times. about social conservatives’ efforts to empower a lesbian kiss as part of an anti-bullying Christians are losing their right to free speech” Similarly, PFWA debunks the myth of the discrimination against LGBTs, including program. and “that the U.S. is on the verge of instituting forced middle-school lesbian kiss and the Michaelson, who is a visiting scholar at Brown An Air Force sergeant is fired because he unconstitutional hate speech laws” – and athlete disqualified for thanking God. “The University. opposes same-sex marriage. even “that religious faith itself might soon be middle school girls were never required “Employment non-discrimination is vitally A high-school track team is disqualified criminalized,” according to PFAW. to kiss,” PFAW notes. “The track athlete important, but at what cost?” Michaelson from a meet after an athlete thanks God for The organization’s report takes aim at admitted he was disqualified for taunting and asked. “Hopefully, progressive members the team’s victory. both myths and mythmakers, including “the disrespecting a referee.” of Congress will insist on an appropriate, A man affixing lights to a Christmas tree most prolific manufacturer and promoter,” Altogether, “gay rights” serve as “the moral narrow exemption for churches and religious falls victim to a wave of “War-on-Christmas” Fox News reporter Todd Starnes, host of Fox test for our time,” the report notes, “warning functionaries, while rejecting this over-broad violence. News & Commentary, heard on hundreds of that every advance in the rights of LGBT one that would leave hospital orderlies, school Reality, however, tells a different narrative. radio stations. people detracts from the rights of people cafeteria workers and shopping mall security “None of these stories is true,” the PFAW Take the case of Air Force Sgt. Phillip Monk, of faith who have religious objections to guards without protection.” report states. “But each has become a stock tale who, according to Starnes, was “relieved of homosexuality.” More recently, the U.S. Supreme Court for Religious Right broadcasters, activists and, his duties after he disagreed with his openly PFAW’s findings are similar to those of ruling in its Hobby Lobby decision has in some cases, elected officials. These myths gay commander when she wanted to severely Jay Michaelson, Ph.D., in his 2013 report for prompted one LGBT legal activist to say it punish an instructor who had expressed Political Research Associates’ “Redefining See New Report, page 17 www.PrideSource.com July 17, 2014 | BTL 13 Facebook Reacts to Return Of HIV In Formerly ‘Cured’ Child

A Mississippi girl famously “cured” of HIV last year has been found with detectable levels of the virus again. The unfortunate news left many on Facebook reacting with emotions ranging from anger to sadness to hope.

Well I don’t know why this is a big deal. They taught“ us in health class once you have it you have it. I know it can get to a degree that’s undetectable... but it can always come back up.” “Well that sucks. “Hey at least [we] found something” to make it dormant! Its a start!” BTL Editorial The Real Detroit Reflects

“They never said it was cured certainly. They said Vision For A New America they found no traces of it but had to wait for more world where our environment progressive thought leaders, politicians, time while you are here to discover the is clean. media, internet activists and so many real Detroit. Not the one of ruin porn and observation to see if it will resurface, which it did.” A A world where people who more. This is the intersection of the headline grabbing bankruptcies. Instead, contribute to our society and culture progressive movement and once a year find the growing local food movement. are valued and not hunted down over this conference pops up in one city or The investment in neighborhoods by the “Did nobody mention that the mother stopped the treatment for documents. another. It has been described as the city in auctioning off houses. A city on the baby midway through it?” A world where economic inequity is left’s family reunion. the verge of a renaissance. kept in check. But it is so much more. It is a chance Ask yourself: How do I tell people “If only the baby was a rich and famous NBA player named Magic A world where no one has to go for people from around the country to about the real Detroit? Certainly, the Johnson.” hungry or make the painful decision connect and share ideas. It is a chance city has its struggles. From a still between dinner and life-saving drugs. for us to celebrate successes, mourn our troubling bankruptcy proceeding to “Over my lifetime; I can’t think of any major disease that has A world where employers treat losses and plan the next year and our mass water shut offs to crumbling been cured. Only preventions and treatments on top of more employees with respect and as partners. political goals. infrastructure. Those are obstacles, true. preventions and treatments. Where’s all this money for research A world where the color of your skin, This issue you will hear from both But they can be overcome. going? I think the system’s corrupt; there’s more money in your religion, your gender or gender allies and members of our community How? expression or your sexual orientation working hard in key progressive arenas: With progressive values and a treatments than cures. General public is f*****. No cure for the do not matter to society – rather, society choice, immigration equality, labor commitment by our fellow community 40 different strains of HPV? Something that seems so simple. How values you for your contributions and rights, the environment and economic members to talk about the innovation do you think they’re going to cure something as complex as AIDS?” encourages you to fulfill your full inequality. happening in Detroit. The reimagining potential. We reached out to advocates we know has just begun and you are invited to A world where schools are about who are doing incredibly important the table. We WERE SO CLOSE!!! Come on education, not prison pipelines. work – but we are more than aware that And Michigan residents can do the And so much more. they are representative of many in our same. Together, we can make Detroit a LETS IRRADIATE this S***. That, in a nutshell, reflects much of community who work day in and day beacon of hope. We can show America “ the progressive vision of the world. And out to make this country and this world and the world that challenges do not that vision will be on display in its full a better place. Netroots Nation is your shut us down: challenges allow us to rise glory this week here in Detroit. chance to connect with brethren from and overcome. Challenges allow us to ” This week Netroots Nation comes to around the country. To think bigger. To shine and to show that our progressive the Renaissance Center. We strongly act bigger. To discover. values and vision will bring a new “Sad. But still hopeful.” encourage you to attend, if you For those who are visiting Detroit and America. can. This is the largest gathering of reading this editorial – welcome. Take 14 BTL | July 17, 2014 www.PrideSource.com Same-Sex Couples And The Marriage Penalty

BY MICHAEL EINHEUSER scale. The greater your income, per year, and his partner Nick, Viewpoint the higher your marginal tax rate. an attorney who earns $190,000, The IRS engages in the fiction the picture is very different. As he June 2013 U.S. Supreme of income splitting for married individuals, Terry’s tax is $54,759 BY MICHELLE E. BROWN Court’s ruling struck down couples. The total incomes of both and Nick’s is $43,534 for total taxes Tone section of the Defense are attributed to each equally. If you of $98,293. When they file as a of Marriage Act (DOMA), but marry someone in a higher bracket married couple their tax liability The Yin Yang Of PRIDE: Much Is upheld another section creating a than yourself, you will likely incur goes up to $108,450 creating a legal quandary for some couples. a marriage penalty and your spouse marriage penalty of $10,157. States are no longer prohibited is likely to incur a marriage bonus. Another component of the Given, Much Required from recognizing same-sex His income brings you into a higher marriage penalty is the decision marriage. But states are also tax bracket and yours brings him to itemize deductions or to take ard to believe June is over, we’re halfway through July and I have not required to recognize same- into a lower tax bracket. the standard deduction. One can just one PRIDE – Hotter Than July – left to attend. We’ve raised sex marriages of other states or The married couple that most deduct charitable contributions, Hour rainbow flags across the country, marched and partied like governmental jurisdictions. The there’s no tomorrow – no tomorrow when we go back to being second class legal consequences of same-sex citizens, separate and not equal. marriage varies depending on the The marriage penalty refers to the fact that the income tax We’ve had so much to celebrate as our Equality Train has left the station state where a couple celebrated and is gaining momentum state-by-state, month by month. their marriage and where they liability of married couples in certain situations is greater than It feels good, really good, especially for me this year. Instead of going reside. it would be if they filed separate single returns. The penalty from city to city wishing and hoping, I’ve just been happy, walking hand in On Aug. 29, 2013 the U.S. hand with my lady love believing, BELIEVING, that yes it would happen Department of Treasury and is usually greatest when both spouses have good incomes. in my lifetime. the Internal Revenue Service issued Revenue Ruling 2013-17 regarding same-sex marriages that “We’ve received such good news of late, made such pronounced how it will apply its benefits from the concept of income state and local taxes and real estate progress and seen changes that most of us never law to certain facts. splitting are one-income couples interest on a personal residence The IRS applies the “state of like Ward and June Cleaver. from one’s income. In 2013, the thought we would see in our lifetime – much has been celebration” standard to define Regardless of how much Ward standard deduction was $6,100. valid marriages. Specifically the earns, half of it is attributed to If one partner has deductible given. But now is not the time to sit on our laurels, be ruling states: June, lowering their marginal tax expenses of $10,000, she will complacent and do nothing – much is required.” “For Federal Tax purposes, bracket. But income splitting has itemize and get a deduction for the the term ‘spouse,’ ‘husband and the opposite effect if June goes full amount. If the second partner wife,’‘husband,’ and ‘wife’ include out and gets a job. Anything she has no deductible expenses, she an individual married to a person earns provides additional income will take the standard deduction of the same sex if the individuals that is either taxed at their highest of $6,100. When they get married, Every PRIDE from Ferndale to Grand Rapids to Chicago this year, WE are lawfully married under state marginal rate or worse, pushes them they must either take the standard were celebrating the change that seems to finally be arriving. law, and the term ‘marriage’ into an even higher tax bracket. deduction or itemize. They will And it wasn’t just at PRIDES where you could sense the change. At includes such a marriage between Consider Michelle and Annie. choose to either itemize the $10,000 restaurants, coffee shops, hotels and resorts in states where discriminatory individuals of the same sex." Michelle is a business executive or each take the standard deduction laws had been overturned and even where they were still in place, you Same-sex Michigan couples who earns $240,000 and Annie is ($6,100 x 2 = $12,200) but will lose could sense the difference. with marriages valid in other states an artist with an income of $13,000. the combined deduction of $16,100 Visibility in the media, high profile coming outs, legal victories - just must file their federal tax returns As a single tax payer, Michelle’s tax they had when they were single. about every week there’s been another reason to celebrate. But with the as married filing jointly or married liability is $59,709. She falls in the Anyone curious about a potential celebration, there has also been the nagging reminders that we still have filing separately. This includes the 33 percent marginal tax rate. Annie marriage bonus or penalty can find a long way to go. 300-plus same-sex couples married pays $286 because she is in lowest some very easy to use marriage Even though we are winning in the courts, the sobering reality is that our in Michigan on Mar. 22 before the tax bracket – 10 percent. The total penalty calculators on the web. rights are still under assault from a well-funded, politically savvy enemy Court of Appeals stayed Judge amount of taxes for both of them Next time – estate planning with a powerful secret weapon in their arsenal – Us! Bernard Friedman’s ruling in the is $59,995. issues for same-sex couples. Us? Yes! You, me, LGBTQ, friends, families who party through PRIDE, DeBoer case. When they file as a joint married wrap ourselves in progressive mantles, but through our apathy have allowed In the literature on marriage couple Michelle benefits from Michael Einheuser is an estate and out-of-touch, xenophobic, trans/homophobic conserva-fools to take over equity, some have sounded the Annie’s low tax bracket. Their joint retirement planning attorney in state houses, governor seats, the congress and allowed the creation of a cautionary sentiments of “be tax is $52,696 creating a marriage Bingham Farms who specializes in Supreme Court that has granted corporations the same rights as people, ala careful what you wish for.” The bonus of $7,299. helping families preserve their wealth, Citizens United, which tip the scales against equality. income tax marriage penalty is one But if we look at Terry, a reduce potential taxes and eliminate While we have danced at our weddings, religious fundamentalists reason to be cautious. chiropractor earning $225,000 the uncertainties of probate. continue to flex their muscle attacking women’s reproductive rights state The marriage penalty refers to by state. The recent Hobby Lobby Supreme Court ruling not only bolstered the fact that the income tax liability BTLWEDDINGEXPO.COM this attack on women but, by once again giving a corporation’s religious of married couples in certain views the same gravitas as an individual’s constitutional rights for religious situations is greater than it would MIchigan BTL Same-Sex Wedding Resources protection, it has now put an already tenuous ENDA in jeopardy. be if they filed separate single Pride Source Media Group produces an annual LGBT Wedding Expo each Spring. In 2015, the Fifth Annual LGBT The same bigots leading these attacks and spreading hatred “in the name returns. The penalty is usually Wedding and Anniversary Expo will take place Saturday, March 21 at the Southfield Civic Pavillion from 1 - 4 p.m. of the father” are using their influence not only here, but internationally, greatest when both spouses have exporting trans/homophobia overseas especially in Africa where death for The website below has dozens of resources for readers to tap when party planning for an LGBTA friendly event. good incomes. >> www.btlweddingexpo.com See PRIDE, page 16 Tax rates are set on a graduated www.PrideSource.com July 17, 2014 | BTL 15 still can be discriminated against We live in troubled urban areas, ® Pride in hiring and employment on the struggling rural areas. Continued from p. 15 basis of sexual orientation or We share an environment of OPINION BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI gender identity. ENDA remains in dwindling resources and growing Bob Frey LGBTQ individuals is the law. jeopardy even more so following threats of pollution, global But that’s Africa and we have the Hobby Lobby decision. warming, etc. weddings to plan, right? Well, The clock is being turned Much is required from each of Bob Frey, And it’s true. AIDS is expensive these hate-filled chickens are backwards for women, taking us whether LGBTQ or A. a Republican to treat. But Bob Frey is treating coming home to roost with even At Motor City Pride, singer- candidate for gays like they are no more than greater global implications songwriter Nikki Holland was the Minnesota gaping orifices on the prowl for sex by the election of Sam sporting and selling a t-shirt. It House of rather than, you know, human beings Kutesa, a supporter of said “UNTIL WE ARE =, BE Representatives, capable and worthy of love. Uganda’s anti-gay law, > ignorance, sexism, lies, hate, was recently Sometimes the apple doesn’t fall as President of the U.N. racism, stereotypes, violence, in the news for very far from the tree. And sometimes General Assembly. prejudice, bigotry, hypocrisy, saying some both the tree and the apple are equally The U.N. is the most the self-righteous.” really unhinged, obsessed with, and totally ignorant representative inter- So now that the official not to mention about, anal sex and AIDS. governmental organization PRIDE celebrations are just scientifically inaccurate, things about That’s where Mike Frey comes in. in the world today. Although about over, be joyful for all how AIDS is transmitted. You see, Mike, also of Minnesota, is it’s effectiveness may be that we have achieved and When it comes to homos, Bob told Bob’s son. And last year Mike testified debatable, the United been given in these changing the MinnPost, “It’s not about the gay in front of a legislative committee in Nations’ role in world affairs times, but remember much agenda but about the science and opposition to a marriage equality bill is irreplaceable by any other is required. Much is required international or regional from each of us to keep these organization and now its freedoms, ensure that they will president is a supporter of be extended to everyone and Hence the acronym AIDS, which stands for, some of the most repressive be there for future generations. anti-gay laws – laws written Your first task is GET in the case of Bob Frey, “Am I Dumb? Sure.” by leaders who were REGISTERED TO VOTE. suckled at the breast of U.S. Vote in the August primaries fundamentalists. and show up at the polls in And what’s to become the financial impact of that agenda. in the state saying the same loony of the thousands of Ugandans It’s more about sodomy than about thing about sperm enzymes and gay and others seeking asylum Your first task is GET REGISTERED TO VOTE. Vote in the August pigeonholing a lifestyle.” sex and AIDS. and immigration by coming primaries and show up at the polls in November. Let’s Now, whenever a Republican It was wrong then, and it is still to America? Will they find a claims to be concerned about the wrong now. Which leads one to country welcoming “the tired, not give them the U.S. Senate and return the Congress “science” of anything, especially wonder, where did the Freys get the poor, the huddled masses sodomy, you know shit’s getting real. this crazy idea? And why, after yearning to breathe free” or face to those who would take away rights not expand them As in real crazy. So allow Bob Frey Mike vomited this garbage into a immigration legislation that to all. And at the state level, let’s vote in the change we to explain. microphone last year, is Bob spewing is far from welcoming, being “When you have egg and sperm the same shit now? influenced by a legislature we want to see for ourselves, our families and our future. that meet in conception, there’s The answer: the liberal media. It’s elected even if we cast our vote an enzyme in the front that burns got to be. Folks like Rachel Maddow merely by staying home and not through the egg,” Bob told MinnPost. and Anderson Cooper are conspiring going to the polls. “The enzyme burns through so to keep secret the awful truth about Luke 12:48 says (yes, I googled us back to the days of “back- November. Let’s not give them the the DNA can enter the egg. If the blowtorch sperm. it) “To whom much is given, much alley” abortions and unplanned/ U.S. Senate or give the Congress sperm is deposited anally, it’s the One need look no further for will be required.” Growing up, unwanted pregnancies with no to those who would take away enzyme that causes the immune evidence of sperm’s destructive I always thought that meant if protection, even in the case of rights, not expand them to all. system to fail. That’s why the term is tendencies than our nation’s sperm something good happened to you, rape and incest. Contraception And at the state level, let’s vote AIDS – acquired immunodeficiency banks. There’s a reason why sperm you passed it on, paid it forward. and family planning is more than in the change we want to see for syndrome.” banks keep their “donations” stored When my mom won the lottery, just a health issue for women, it’s ourselves, our families and our Got that? Each little sperm is like a in liquid nitrogen tanks. It’s not to she always tithed a portion to an economic issue. The earning future. tiny burning torch ready to incinerate keep the sperm from dying, it’s to church. When I get something capacity of women is already Progress comes through change. its way into some lady eggs, but if keep the sperm from exploding out new or have extra, I share the lower than that of most men; Change can cause anxiety and fear. that sperm ends up in a butt, well, of the specimen jars and igniting the blessing. You probably have heard taking away and diminishing Fight back! Fight for equality! it’ll burn an immune system to the carpet and window treatments on their of similar practices. But I’ve been reproductive rights will only Fight for humanity by being ground. Hence the acronym AIDS, search for eggs to penetrate. Will no thinking about it differently these plunge more women and children greater than ignorance, sexism, which stands for, in the case of Bob one think of the curtains? days. into poverty. lies, hate, racism, stereotypes, Frey, “Am I Dumb? Sure.” And then there’s the warning We’ve received such good Despite higher visibility, our violence, prejudice, bigotry, Bob continues to explain, “It’s stickers on gas pumps: Shut off news of late, made such progress transgender sisters and brothers are hypocrisy and the self-righteous. about sodomy. It’s huge amounts of engine, extinguish cigarettes, turn and seen changes that most of us still targets for violence. Lesbian, Remember to whom much is money. AIDS is a long term illness, off cell phone, zip up pants. You can never thought we would see in our gay, bisexual or transgender youth given, much will be required. Step causing pain, suffering, death, a long- never be too careful. lifetime – much has been given. and those perceived as LGBT up community! term illness that’s very expensive to So let’s thank Bob and Mike Frey But now is not the time to sit on are at an increased risk of being treat.” for the many lives their crusade our laurels, be complacent and do bullied. In other words, Bob Frey is running against gays will undoubtedly save. nothing – much is required. And we don’t live in a little gay Michelle E. Brown is a Public Speaker, on the Cost of Gay Sex is Too Damn To be this brazenly ignorant, it takes In many states we can be bubble; we live in a world where Activist and Author. Follow her at High platform. balls. It certainly doesn’t take brains. married, time and the courts the gap between the haves and www.facebook.com/mychangeiam seem to be on our side, but we the have nots continues to grow. and www.twitter.com/mychangeiam.

16 BTL | July 17, 2014 www.PrideSource.com ® New Report seeking to pressure the White House to insert a Continued from p. 13 broad and unprecedented religious exemption in the forthcoming Executive Order on federal contractors, and they point to Hobby Lobby is “a dangerous and radical departure from as one principal justification. It is important to existing law that creates far more questions understand that Hobby Lobby in fact rejects that it answers,” according to Keen News the argument that religious exercise can be an Service quoting Shannon Minter, legal director excuse for invidious discrimination,” such as for the National Center for Lesbian Rights. anti-gay and anti-transgender bias. “Thankfully, however, the majority Wolff pointed to a key passage in the recognized that even under its sweeping new Court’s decision, which he said “was inserted rule, corporations cannot rely on claims of specifically to respond to the suggestion that religious liberty to evade non-discrimination its ruling could authorize discrimination in laws,” he explained. “That limitation is the workplace.” extremely important and means that employers That passage reads: “The principal dissent cannot exploit today’s decision to justify raises the possibility that discrimination discrimination against LGBT people or other in hiring, for example on the basis of race, vulnerable groups, but we will need to be might be cloaked as religious practice to vigilant to make sure that principle is respected escape legal sanction. See post, at 32-33. and enforced.” Our decision today provides no such shield. The Court ruled by a 5 to 4 majority on June The Government has a compelling interest in 30 that federal law may not require a closely providing an equal opportunity to participate held commercial employer to provide health- in the workforce without regard to race, and insurance coverage for contraception if that prohibitions on racial discrimination are employer claims that to do so violates his or precisely tailored to achieve that critical goal.” her personal religious beliefs. As Wolff explained, “In the days ahead, it is In a similar vein, University of Pennsylvania important that advocates and leaders strongly law professor Tobias Barrington Wolff offered push out the message that the Hobby Lobby his perspective. “In the wake of the Hobby decision strongly supports the enforceability Lobby decision, opponents of LGBT equality of anti-discrimination laws, even in the face are trying to reverse the progress we have of religious exemption arguments,” adding, made on workplace protections,” he said in “Hobby Lobby represents a vindication of the email correspondence. “As Chris Geidner principle that anti-discrimination protections [legal editor at the online news organization should trump religious objections in the BuzzFeed] reports, a group of advocates workplace.” including Rick Warren have published a letter

® Archie boyfriend, Clay. Goldwater, Archie Comics’ Continued from p. 12 relatively new co-CEO, defended the integration of Kevin Keller, saying the Archie’ five years ago, and knew that any book character had a long future in the comic. that was telling the story of Archie’s life as “As I’ve said before, Riverdale is a safe, an adult had to also show his final moment,” welcoming place that does not judge anyone. Goldwater said. It’s an idealized version of America that will Other titles in publication of Archie include: hopefully become reality someday. Kevin Afterlife with Archie, Archie, Archie’s Keller will forever be a part of Riverdale, www.prep4itnow.com Funhouse Comics Digest, Archie Comics and he will live a happy, long life free of Digest, B & V Friends Comics Digest, Betty prejudice, hate and narrow-minded people,” and Veronica Vol. 2, Betty and Veronica Goldwater said. Comics Digest, Jughead and Archie Comics Archie’s passing isn’t just a publicity Digest, Kevin Keller, Life with Archie and stunt but also a lesson on gun violence and World of Archie Comics Digest. a declaration for furthering diversity in the new age of Archie Comics. The issue will be Let’s End HIV written by Paul Kupperberg, with art by Pat Kevin Keller and Tim Kennedy and Fernando Ruiz. In 2010 Archie comics made history “Archie is not a superhero like all the rest of introducing its first gay character, Kevin the comic book characters,” Goldwater said. Get Tested Today Keller. It promptly sold out and the Archie “He’s human. He’s a person. When you wound Comics ordered its first reprint ever in the him, he bleeds. He knows that. If anything, I series’ 69 year history. In 2011, Archie Comics think his death is more impactful because of gave Kevin his own series, making him the that. We hope by showing how something so first gay male with a solo series in mainstream violent can happen to Archie, that we can - in comics. some way - learn from him.” A public service project provided by Between The Lines Newspaper Outrage circulated when the company “Life with Archie” No. 36 will be on comic announced that Kevin would marry his book shelves July 16. in collaboration with area AIDS Service Agencies in Michigan www.PrideSource.com July 17, 2014 | BTL 17 Twinkling Of The Inner Eye ...

us if you can. What fun! What frolic! they innocently flash. And to what purpose these unheeded, sentinel lights? Who really gives a damn? Who gave me ticket and front row seat Parting to this rare, evanescent spectacle? I'm sure in times long gone by such insect creatures were Glances mistaken for fairy tale minions. They sparkled in imitation of stars above. How else could they magically light? How else could they signal wonderland realms hidden from all but OPINION BY CHARLES ALEXANDER children's eyes? Fireflies! Little, humble, touches of fragile flame. This 'm sitting on my front porch during the twilight 9 o'clock evening curiously timed to the fireworks sounding and hour. These early July evenings are both warm and upstaging in nearby streets of unending Fourth of July weekend Ioccasionally, as now, delightfully cool. The temperature celebrations. Nature's pre-ordained miniatures of art and is 70-something or other. Caressingly mild. Motor City quiet artifice. So, what, big guys? and contentment. For a change. Suddenly I'm lost in my thoughts of times it seems now so Street traffic's light. No loud music from rushing car long gone by. Of family. Of friends. Of places visited. Images of windows menacingly rolled down for all to hear the bombast my youth six decades ago. Of laughter. Tears. Shared moments of boom and bass. Like it or not. My mood's nostalgic. of intimacy. Games played. Gifts given. Partings unexpected Slightly hypnotic with a sense of briefly eternal timelessness. and sadly lived through. Youths robbed of manhood hopes, Flashes of my seven-decades life recalled. expectations. Uncounted losses. Above tiny swallows are busy sweeping insects from the Perhaps, drawn by my own mercurial reflections of a lifetime humid pressure zones of rising air. Their acrobatic flight's now out of tangible reach - its highlights and intimate details swift, exuberant, choreographed with lightening, relentless, now only mental reruns - a few of these little curious lights daredevil speed. are suddenly now floating and blinking at arm's length away They circle; turn up-and-over; over-and-out again, and from me. again. A summer ballet of sudden - watch us! would-you- Three or four in twinkling number, they settle on building believe-it! - flights of fancy. vines nearby. They flash and briefly code the now darkening Below me in the tangle of nameless garden variety vines shadows of this day's end. I'm sure if I chose - so close they that web and menace my rusty iron fencing, fireflies dance are - I could spoil their rendezvous with a gentle shake of vine, their millisecond sparkle steps and fade so, so quickly. Catch loud clap of hand, or, a weary, "Hey, guys! Why me?" Instead, I'm grateful for the unexpected show of little lights that for one aged dreamer's sunset night alone, fill his mood with wonder, amusement, gratitude for a life, though at times sad, troubled, concerned, has given hope and sparkling dreams enough to keep on going. (And, kind thanks to my unseen exhibition patron and benefactor.)

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18 BTL | July 17, 2014 www.PrideSource.com Hotter Than July 2014 Preview BY SHELBY CLARK PETKUS

Hotter Than July, Detroit’s black gay pride festival, celebrates 19 years this month with a week long event from July 22-27. The theme of this year’s festival is “Happy Together.” A Candlelight Vigil at the Bruce Spruce Memorial Tree in Palmer Park, Detroit will begin the pride fest. The free event runs from 6 p.m. until dusk. Boat Ride A celebratory Boat Ride comes the following day on the 23rd, with boarding at 6:10 p.m. and sailing promptly at 7 p.m. The boat will be docked at Rivard Plaza on Downtown Detroit’s Riverwalk. The three hour cruise includes a dinner buffet, Community activist Cornelius WIlson, then Mayoral Candidate Mike Duggan and KICK Executive cash bar, dancing and more. Tickets are $55 per Director Curtis Lipscomb at last year’s HTJ event. BTL file photo person. That night, Menjo’s Complex will host a free House Party from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Menjo’s dignitaries, a keynote address, panel discussion, vs. Sneaker, which is less about labels and more is located at 928 McNichols Road, Detroit. special recognitions, workshops and continental about looks. Additional OTA categories include breakfast and lunch. According to KICK Executive Face, Best Dressed, Virgin Vogue (wearing white Film Fest Assistant, David Nelson, Jr., this is one of the key with a touch of red) and Virgin Runway (“bringing highlights of the entire Hotter Than July roster, it in all black with a touch of red”). HTJ’s famous Film Festival runs from 5:30 featuring a gathering of LGBT, young and old, to p.m. to 12:20 a.m. on July 24 at Cinema Detroit, share their stories and experiences. Saturday Night 3420 Cass Ave. Featuring the best in black LGBT The gathering will be at Michigan State cinema, the event will run movies like “Friend of University Detroit Center, 3408 Woodward Ave. Also on that Saturday, HTJ will run “Saturday Essex,” premiering for the first time in Michigan. Friday Night Heat at the Woodward finishes Friday Night Swagg at the Woodward.” With $10 “Still Black: A Portrait of a Black Transman” is a events, beginning at 9 p.m. Woodward Bar & admittance until 11 p.m. that day, the event will candid 2008 documentary, “Stud Life” is the story Grill is located at 6426 Woodward Ave., Detroit. be at Woodward Bar & Grill, 6426 Woodward of a British stud lesbian and her gay “pretty boy” Admittance is $10 until 11 p.m. Ave., Detroit. best friend and “The Young and Evil” is a short film of a sexually promiscuous black gay teen Worship pursuing HIV through unprotected sex. Other Picnic short films will include “Echoes,” examining HTJ’s Palmer Park Picnic begins at 9 a.m. on Hotter Than July closes out on July 27, sexual identity and personal power, “On The Low,” July 26 in Palmer Park, Detroit. The free event beginning with a special Worship Service at 1 exploring the emotional consequences of a secret attracts many LGBT and allies every year and p.m. The free service will be held by WHOSOEVER relationship between two African-American high features a variety of events. Performances include Ministry at 2940 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Also at school boys and many more. Tickets are $20 Abigail Stauffer, Natural Muse Agency, Logan 1 p.m. is Sunday Brunch. The event is $40 per per person. Mario, Crystal Grundy and more. Cierra Malone person or $70 per couple and will be held at and Ramon Harris host. They Say, 267 Joseph Campau Ave., Detroit. A Annual Gathering A highlight of the picnic is the “Status Tea Dance will be held at the same location and Sexy Ball.” Open during the picnic, the ball date at 3 p.m.; tickets are $5. The Annual Gathering for LGBT Issues features competitions open to anyone (OTA). Dates are subject to change. To keep tabs on runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 25. The The categories for the event include: Best events, or for more information, call 313-285- event, with suggested registration of $20 and Performance, Sex Siren, Runway, Realness 9733 or visit www.hotterthanjuly.org. free for students with required ID, features which includes “just bringing it!” and Sneaker

www.PrideSource.com July 17, 2014 | BTL 19 Songstress Talks Gay Fan Affinity, The Disney Song She Inspired & Still Rocking At 50

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI Graces,” I was thrown into the deep end, studying carols from ighting, sweetie, lighting!” is the last few hundred years Tori Amos’ theatrical retort to my and just immersing myself in “Lcompliment about how she’s still a different genre. It’s almost looking as radiant as she did at the launch of as if it became a baton hand- her career just over three decades ago. off, from “Midwinter Graces” Amos is now 50, and with her 14th album, to “Night of Hunters” and “Unrepentant Geraldines,” she’s facing “Gold Dust,” back and forth age head-on. Candor isn’t unusual for the with “The Light Princess” (a composer; from rape to religion and even her musical written by Amos), MILF status, she’s approached a bevy of topics which was floating between too controversial for most artists. all these projects, because That same directness extended to our recent she’s been in development for conversation, during which Amos chatted five years. All of them were about the LGBT influence on “Promise,” a giving inspiration to the other. duet with her daughter; being the muse for the Each one was giving some Classics Amarpaul Kalirai / Mercury big “Frozen” ballad, “Let It Go”; and the gay kind of spark. fans who share their “traumatic experiences” with her. The spark linking all of those that. They all gift each other something. me different possibilities in structure and works is very evident. I don’t always know what it is when it’s different possibilities in line. In that way, I How did your last several projects – “Midwinter They’re very interconnected, and “The Light happening; you just get energy from one that feel like I’ve been rejuvenated by these other Graces,” “Night of Hunters” and “Gold Dust” – Princess” cast recording – I’m producing propels another. projects. When these songs were coming, reenergize the contemporary songwriting heard that for Mercury Universal. That will (For “Unrepentant Geraldines”) there was they were coming not for me to make a on “Unrepentant Geraldines”? be out globally in early 2015, and we’re a freshness, a new perspective, that I was able record; they were just coming so that I could to bring to contemporary writing because process what I was going through. And I All of them fit into giving me fresh making the record on the tour, so this album of all these other projects that had shown didn’t share them with anybody. They were perspective. Starting with “Midwinter (“Unrepentant Geraldines”) will be affecting

20 BTL | July 17, 2014 www.PrideSource.com for my own private notebook. INFO What do you think people expect from you at Tori Amos this point in your career? Do you keep tabs on 7:30 p.m. Aug. 6 that? Fox Theatre No, because you can’t keep tabs on that. You 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit have to stay true to the muses, and you have olympiaentertainment.com to push yourself. I think to be a visionary Go.” They had you in mind when they wrote it. means you have to keep pushing yourself, and you don’t even know sometimes in which Oh, really? That’s so great. How wonderful direction you’re pushing. How can you and is that type of exchange? You don’t even I know? You don’t know what book you’re realize that that’s happening, and I think gonna write in two years’ time. You don’t that’s when art is really working – when know what you’re gonna write, but you trust the muses are working. I get inspired by that you’re committed to making exciting art, something that I’m hearing or seeing, and and that is your priority. Your priority cannot then it’s that baton passing like you and I be success. Your priority has to be greatness. talked about. We’re tapping into this force that’s creation – the muse creative force – Which direction are you currently pushing in? and it gets passed around, so the well never Along with the 80-city tour and the new gets dry. You see, the well keeps getting album, what we’re doing is recording the filled up because people keep giving back cast recording for “The Light Princess” while to it and energizing each other. It’s really we’re touring. I wanna do something on the level of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” when it came out in the ’70s. When I hear how they do cast albums, I Your priority say, “Yeah, no. We’re making records. We’re making rock fucking cannot be records! That’s what we’re doing!” And everybody’s just, success. Your “Well, there’s no budget for it anymore.” But you know, who priority has to cares. My husband is on my team, so that’s just what it is – we’re be greatness. gonna work during this tour. While we’re doing these shows, we’ll be working on the other record because that is the way that it has to be done. That’s just the great to be a part of that type of process. way the music business is now. There’s no Thanks for telling me that. That’s a great luxury to take a few months out and make that feeling. type of record unless you’re doing another I’d like to talk about how you’re 50 but look 35. project. So, we did the orchestra Easter weekend in London for 19 hours, and then How much pressure do you put on your looks? we’re gonna be picking up the recordings of Well, first, thank you for saying that. I the actors as we travel, then editing them and have had really great people around me. mixing it in September and October. Kevyn Aucoin – he was part of the gay community (Aucoin died in 2002) – was There’s so much baton-twirling going on right talking to me years ago about skincare.

Amarpaul Kalirai / Mercury Classics Amarpaul Kalirai / Mercury now in your life. This was well over 15 years ago, and so I But that’s the thing that you and I are talking am very disciplined. Also, my husband has about: Being an artist is a discipline and a kidnapped me on and off for the last 15, 16 devotion. You’re devoted to it, and you serve years, so I don’t get to see the sun much. the muses. And it rains all the time in England! I’m very disciplined, if I’m honest with you. I And sometimes the muses serve other people. really watch what I eat too – except I did According to Gregory E. Miller, who interviewed have two pieces of pizza today! I feel like, Kristen Anderson-Lopez for the New York Post, “Oh my god, it was my cheat day.” you were the inspiration behind the “Frozen” megahit she co-wrote with her husband, “Let It See Tori Amos, page 23

www.PrideSource.com July 17, 2014 | BTL 21 22 BTL | July 17, 2014 www.PrideSource.com of the traumatic know, as she does so much. Because experiences (I it’s about sharing. It’s not about, “I’m hear about) – the the parent so I know.” No – I’m the abusive situations parent and I can learn as well. So we that some of the were saying how there aren’t a lot of gay guys have told relationships that are unconditional, me that they’ve where you say “I love you, not because been through, of this or that.” We were talking being taken about that with friends, peers groups, advantage of and teenagers – it can be quite something. getting involved So, we did talk about the idea of being in over their gay. Tash and I have been talking head, if you see about that for years because we have what I’m saying. gay and lesbian people in our crew. Not realizing what they’re When we chatted a few years back you getting involved told me Tash said to you, “Mom, I’m not a in, thinking that lesbian. Black guys are hot.” they’re being Yeah, she thinks black guys are hot. appreciated for That’s what she said: “Black guys are who they are and hot.” All the gay men (on our crew) in reality they’re were saying, “Right on, Tash.” But I kind of being think “Promise” is really about, “Can groomed for we listen to each other even though god knows what we think we know the answer for situation. I’ve ourselves? When do we realize what’s heard quite a bit right for me is not right for anybody of these stories else but me? And when do I not need from young men. to think that I know what’s right for Then they’re you?” My god, the arrogance in that! quite shattered So we were beginning to really turn and have to go over stones based on what kind of through the shame Photo: Mercury Classics promises we wanted to make to each of what they’ve other. been through. ® Tori Amos They have to find Musically speaking, you’re known for their spirituality and their sexuality and a eliciting some pretty intense emotions. Continued from p. 21 balance in that, they have to find how to What’s a song of yours that still makes integrate those two and how to forgive the you cry? You’re allowed maybe one cheat day a self. How to forgive the self for getting The truth is, it depends on the mood. And week. involved in a situation that they didn’t sometimes it depends on if somebody’s But that’s all we get. Those French realize would be perverse – perverse to asked me to play something and they’ve women, man… their soul. Some people don’t realize told me their story – then I hear it in a that they’re getting involved in situations completely different way. I see it from They eat? whereby they’re not loved at all; they’re their perspective, and I hear the song for Yeah, but only meals. They don’t graze. just desired and manipulated. I get a lot of the first time even though I’ve played They just have their meals. letters about young men coming to a big it hundreds of times, and that’s the city and having to realize how to protect exchange. To many people in the gay community, themselves, how to protect their soul, how you’ve been a source of strength – a to look after themselves. At this point in your career, are you able to lifeline, even. What parallels do you draw reflect on what you’d call your best work? There’s a line on one of the new songs, between you and the gay community? How “Promise,” that you share with your No, I can’t. I’m too close to it. I have do you explain this affinity? daughter Tash: “Promise not to judge / no objectivity. Run into me in 20 years when I’m doing my granny rock… Well, I write a lot about emotions and Judge who you love.” Was that written things that I might not say or be able with the gay community in mind? to say to somebody directly. In a song, Granny rock – how exciting! though, I’m able to talk about things Yeah, she and I talked a lot about Yeah, and in heels! That’s what Tash that I’m not able to talk about in linear that. We talked a lot about her friends says: “Come on, you’re only 50 – go terms, just because they’re too personal. who are gay and having issues being rock! When you’re a granny, you I do think a lot of my friends in the gay accepted within their family structure. gotta do granny rock, but you’re not community keep some of their feelings We were talking about the difference a granny, so no.” But we made a deal: very private and they protect them, between what somebody has to go not too much flesh on this tour and no so therefore music and art is a way to through when they’re not supported interpretive dance. That’s the promise. express those feelings. by their family, and why does this (Laughs) I’ve always been fascinated by the have to happen? If a parent really has So, get back to you in 20 years and you’ll stories that I’m told. I am told a lot of unconditional love, that has to mean stories and written a lot of letters from unconditional love. It was something tell me what you think is your seminal the gay community, from females as well thereby we were realizing with each work? as males. It shocks me sometimes some other – and she was teaching me! You Maybe. www.PrideSource.com July 17, 2014 | BTL 23 Staging An Evolution Former Detroit Drag Queen’s Play Looks At LGBT Issues Through African-American Lens

By Emell Derra Adolphus situations, the situations are the same (across all communities). We deal with health issues. Demetris Dennis Taylor’s new stage play, “No We deal with the fact that someone may be an Time for the Pain,” is gay melodrama in two acts, enabler and can’t take care of their own life.” a fusion of Spanish telenovela and fairy tale, and The play is also a lesson, explains Taylor, in rife with evil queens, monsters, angel dust and how issues that are perceived strictly as “gay bar flies. problems” are actually “What do you do (as universal problems. a heterosexual woman) “The issues are still when you find out that so relevant,” he says. your fiancé of seven “I want to promote years has been having discussion. I want to an affair with your twin take a look at LGBT brother for five of those living, particularly when seven years?” says we have heterosexual Taylor, before adding people coming and the twist: “Your twin seeing that everything brother finds out he’s is the same in the types HIV positive, and you of people we deal with.” find out you’re pregnant The LGBT and HIV positive.” community, Taylor Running July 25-27 explains, is stagnant at 1515 Broadway in on progressing beyond Detroit, the stage play is issues such as HIV and 23 years in the making drug abuse because for Taylor, also formerly wisdom from elders falls known as drag performer to deaf ears, as elders are Samantha Stephens slighted by a community Divinity. As Taylor, he Taylor that values youth. might turn a few heads “LGBT is a young with “No Time for the culture. Over 35 and Pain.” His intention, he says, is to create a it’s downhill. Child, once you cross 40, it’s dialogue regarding the issues that affect the almost over if you let it be,” he says, noting LGBT community: HIV, drug abuse and racism. specifically the slighting of the trasgender “The situations that we are dealing with community. (in the stage play) are absolutely incredible,” “As you well know, the ‘t’ of the LGBT says Taylor, 44, a native Detroiter who now community is constantly being overlooked,” lives in Atlanta. “We are taking LGBT culture says Taylor. “So stage plays like this are crucial and looking at it from an African-American and aparamount to the evolution of what we standpoint. So, we have a number of different want to see in LGBT culture, so we can remove scenarios going on as life usually does, and we a lot of the stigma. Every character in this have a group of people and everybody is dealing play, someone will say I know someone like with something differently.” that. Everybody who comes – straight, gay, bi, He gleefully adds: “This is my baby coming tri – will know someone or say this reminds to life ... finally!” them of somebody.” The main character, played by local drag The universal familiarity is people struggling performer Fantasia Dior, is modeled after Taylor’s to deal with life’s obstacles. personal history in the black Detroit LGBT “Everybody deals with things differently, community. Making his debut as a drag queen in and once we see that the issues are the 1993 in the Ms. Amateur Gigis pageant, Taylor same, it’s just how we approach them, that’s says he became a matriarch figure to chronically the difference. (And then) we are able to homeless gay youth. After seeing many gay teens understand one another.” die from poor decisions, he says, the stage play “No Time for the Pain” is an official is his opportunity to pass on some wisdom and Hotter Than July sponsored event and will open the community to discussion. run 8 p.m. July 25-26 and 2 p.m. July 27 at “The play is a vehicle to help remove 1515 Broadway in downtown Detroit. All some of the ‘isms’ and the phobias that we seats are $20. For more information, call have,” Taylor says. “When you look at the 248-688-5178.

24 BTL | July 17, 2014 www.PrideSource.com The Frivolist Hot In Herre Making The Most Of Steamy Summer Nights temperature carefully. Invite your friends over for a wet undies contest One of the best things about being LGBT – in my humble opinion, at least – is that we generally don’t subscribe to the social norms of our hetero counterparts. Basically because they’re boring. Case in point: It’s easier to round up our best LGBT guy and gal pals for an impromptu wet- undies contest in the backyard that will, if you’ve got really good friends, result in an afternoon of sopping-wet flirty fun with endless possibilities. Hop on your bike and head to the ice cream parlor Not everything you do to beat the heat has to be tainted with sexual innuendo and opportunity, of course. A super simple and surefire way to rejuvenate your sun-worn body from the inside out is to hop your bike and take a leisurely ride to your local ice cream parlor or stationary ice cream truck for a cool-and-creamy treat. Drop trou and go skinny dipping By Mikey Rox stupid decisions. While playing in If you have the good fortune to the rain may not be the wisest choice have access to a pool – preferably hen the mercury rises, so you can make (especially if you’re one surrounded by should your creativity. hearing cracks and a privacy fence lest WConsider these nine ways to booms nearby), it you want to end up beat the heat – and add a little sexy time can be a lot of fun with a court date for to your life while you’re at it. if all that’s in the indecent exposure forecast is harmless Make a batch of adult popsicles – there’s absolutely precipitation. Slip no excuse why First things first: If it’s too hot outside on your swim trunks you shouldn’t be to breathe – let alone move – it’s time and a pair of old shimmying out of to break out the blender and get phy- sneakers, grab your whatever you’re sicle. Start with a pitcher of margaritas lover and frolic in a wearing when the (or your favorite summertime cocktail summer shower like sun goes down to with a kick) and pour the liquid into a modern-day Gene take a dip in the ice-pop molds. Molds are abundantly Kelly. buff. If your partner available these days in all sorts is hesitant, do it the of (unintentionally phallic) forms, Take a cool shower together hard way – toss like the rock-shaped ice pop molds ’em in fully clothed If you’ve been with from Tovolo, available on Amazon. (sans valuables your partner for a When the hooch sets, enjoy instant in the pockets) to while, chances are refreshment (and perhaps satisfaction) remind them that’s it OK to play every the spontaneity has somewhat waned that’ll not only cool you off but also once in a while. help you perfect your form… if you lately. Which is why a sweltering know what I mean. summer day is the perfect excuse to Get the full list online at Pridesource.com. reignite some of that lost intimacy Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist Use a rainstorm to act like a kid again by cooling off with your clothes off and blogger whose work has been published My mom never let me play in the in an invigorating shower. Of course, in more than 100 outlets across the world. rain – perhaps out of fear that I’d if you’re a ‘G’ in LGBT, a too-cold He lives in Manhattan with his husband get struck by lightning (good lookin’ shower can present a problem that’s and their cuddle-buddy furbaby. Connect out, lady) – but I’m a grownup now not conducive to the endgame of this with the power to make all kind of activity, so be sure to regulate the with Mikey on Twitter @mikeyrox. SHOP LGBT

www.PrideSource.com July 17, 2014 | BTL 25 apply. Dykes on Bikes, 290 W. Nine Summertime, And The Spoofing Is Easy OUTINGS Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Dykesonbikesdetroit.com Thursday, July 17 Three Parks-Beautiful Rolling Hills $6 at 6 a.m. 6 a.m. Cash only or class 10 a.m. Meet at second lot on right passes. Tickets: $6. Namaste Yoga, 309 about 1. 5 miles into park. Tulip Tree Whatever, Baby Jane! S. Troy St., Royal Oak. 248-339-9642. picnic area. Lunch at McNasty’s. Get Out Namaste-yoga.net Bike, 17385 Haggerty Road, Belleville. The Ringwald Theatre Detroit Elders 5 p.m. Discuss and Meetup.com/GOAL-Get-Out-And-Live- 22742 Woodward Ave., Ferndale address issues specific to the LGBT LGBT 8 p.m. July 12, 14, 18, 19, 21, 25, 26, 28, community as we “age in the D.” Detroit Meetup at Como’s 1 p.m. Please RSVP. Aug. 1, 2, 4 Elders, 4750 Woodward, Detroit. 313- Gay Single Men Over 21-Metro Detroit 3 p.m. July 13, 20, 27, Aug. 3 833-1300. [email protected] & Canada, 22812 Woodward Ave., 1 hour, 20 minutes; no intermission Polyamory Network 7 p.m. Open and Ferndale. Meetup.com/GAY-SINGLE- MEN-OVER-21-METRO-DETROIT- $10-20 inclusive community of people living 248-545-5545 polyamorously, people interested in CANADA www.theringwald.com polyamory and people of, friendly Pet Loss Support Group 1 p.m. Colleen to and curious about polyamory. O’Brien, founder of Blue Dog Counseling, Welcomes diversity of sexual orientation is an expert at developing creative lampoons a cult classic diva horror and gender identity. Meets the third therapeutic interventions to support film just dripping with satiric potential. Thursday of every month. Polyamory individuals, couples, families, and other Network, 319 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. groups with grief. Does not require an Dust off the matronly Joan Crawford 734-995-9867. jimtoycenter.org RSVP. Humane Society of Huron Valley, fright wig and slather on the Bette 3100 Cherry Hill Road, Ann Arbor. 734- Friday, July 18 662-5585. Hshv. convio.net Davis pancake stage makeup – it’s Home & Garden Soiree 6 p.m. Monthly Support and Program time for “Whatever, Baby Jane!” to Strolling supper and tour of home and Meeting 2 p.m. PFLAG, 306 N. Division, storm the stage. garden. Tickets: $75. Detroit’s Historic Ann Arbor. 734-741-0659. Pflagaa.org Palmer Woods Garden Tour, Detroit. As with any parody, the 1962 original, Palmerwoods.org Bisexual Peer Group 4 p.m. Our group “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?,” meets monthly on the third Friday & Lake Effect Pride 6 p.m. Pride in July. discussion relates to bisexual identity. is recommended viewing in order to DJ Dance party with wedding bells. Building is handicap accessible using get the most of the stage experience. OutCenter, 201 Graham Ave., Benton ramp to rear entrance. Bisexual Peer Harbor. 269-925-8330. Outcenter.org Group, 319 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. 734- Still, newcomers will gain a quick story Movie Night 7:30 p.m. Movies of an 678-2478. [email protected] foothold: An opening video segment LGBT nature. Free. Battle Creek Pride Facebook.com/groups/110918256984/ by Dyan Bailey appropriates scenes Resource Center, 16 E. Van Buren St., Sistrum Sings at Fellowship for from the movie to trace the backstory Battle Creek. Battlecreekpride.org Today 5:30 p.m. Sistrum, 2400 E. Lake Lansing Road, East Lansing. Sistrum. of vaudeville sensation Baby Jane Saturday, July 19 org Hudson (Joe Bailey), whose childhood Garden Tour 10 a.m. Refreshments at fame receded into the shadow of her each garden. Tickets: $15-20. Detroit’s Tuesday, July 22 ascending movie-star sister, Blanche Historic Palmer Woods Garden Tour, Aff Action Night 6 p.m. Educating Detroit. Palmerwoods.org others about how to make Michigan (Richard Payton). After witnessing a Greenfield Village Exploring 10 a.m. an equality state. Pizza provided for mysterious car accident, the viewer Tickets: $17. 50-24. Metro Detroit LGBT volunteers. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine catches up with the sisters decades Gun Owners, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Dearborn. Meetup.com/Metro-Detroit- goaffirmations.org later, living together in a desolate LGBT-Gun-Owners Candelight Vigil 6 p.m. Free. Hotter Hollywood mansion – Blanche Ann Arbor Art Fair Trip 11 a.m. Women Than July, Palmer Park, Detroit. 313- confined to her upstairs bedroom in a 285-9733. Hotterthanjuly.org of Color Same Gender Loving 40 & Up, wheelchair, with Jane the resentful and Ann Arbor. Meetup.com/Women-of- Circle of Life: Pet Ownership Color-Same-Gender-Loving-40-UP Discussion and Support Group 6:30 withholding caretaker. Storytime with HSHV 11 a.m. This p.m. Led by a licensed counselor. Scenic designer Alexander Trice program pairs children ages 2-5 with Share stories, frustrations, grief and uses a multitude of DIY innovations animal interactions, as well as stories, successes. Tail Wagger’s 1990, 28402 activities and crafts. Humane Society of Five Mile Road, Livonia. 734-855-4077. to tiptoe past the gravel and peep Huron Valley, 2513 Jackson Ave., Ann Tailwaggers1990.org Joe Bailey and Richard Payton will crack you up (and each other) in the summertime gender-bending through the stucco walls into a Arbor. 734-662-0600. Nicolasbooks. Life’s a Stitch 6:30 p.m. Open treat, “Whatever, Baby Jane!” visually dissonant interior, not to com to those who Crochet, Knit, Quilt, mention generating locales beyond Tigers vs. Cleveland 7 p.m. Tickets: Needlepoint, Macrame and Jewelry. these lazy, hazy, crazy days reach $33. GOAL, 2100 Woodward Ave., Free. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile BY CAROLYN HAYES the house and manifesting pianos Detroit. Meetup.com/GOAL-Get-Out- Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. their peak. Fittingly, the theater refers seemingly out of thin air. This Goaffirmations.org And-Live-LGBT Not content to go dormant between to this tradition as “summer camp.” flexibility allows the adaptation to Should We Get Married? 7 p.m. A mainstage seasons, The Ringwald has This year’s selection, penned by Dyan Sunday, July 20 Free Seminar on the Legal and Tax hew close to the original, jumping made an annual practice of throwing Bailey and Brandy Joe Plambeck General Membership Meeting Meet Consequences of Same-Sex Marriages the Third Sunday of Jan., April, July and in Michigan. RSVP. Einheuser Legal, 290 a bonus comedy production just as and directed by the latter, lovingly See Whatever, Baby Jane!, page 38 Oct. Dignity Detroit, 8425 W. McNichols, W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- Detroit. 313-278-4786. Dignitydetroit.org 4665. Einheuserlegal.com Ninth Annual Netroots Nation Transgender Life Support 7 p.m. Free to be Me Group 12:30 p.m. This 398-4665. Einheuserlegal.com Traverse Lesbians, Traverse City. SpeakOUT! Club 7 p.m. Toastmasters Conference Each year, thousands of Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile is a support group for people who are [email protected] Website will show you how to listen more bloggers, newsmakers, social justice Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or Hotter than July House Party 10 effectively, think on your feet and speak advocates, labor and organizational Goaffirmations.org questioning. The Jewish Gay Network of p.m. Free. KICK, 928 McNichols Road, Connections 6 p.m. Open to all LGBTQ confidently Jim Toy Community Center, leaders, grassroots organizers and Michigan (JGN), 6600 W. Maple Road, Detroit. 313-285-9733. Hotterthanjuly. and Ally youth from 13-18. Join us to 319 Braun Court, Ann Arbor. 734-995- online activists for four days of thought- Wednesday, July 23 West Bloomfield. 248-432-5467. org meet other LGBTQ and Ally teens and 9867. Jimtoycenter.org provoking panels, practical trainings Jgnmi.org socialize in a safe space. Kalamazoo LGBT Summer Film Series Different Gay and Lesbian Resource Center, 629 and fun networking opportunities. film each date. Affirmations & Thursday, July 24 Friday, July 25 Plus, some of the brightest minds in Boat Ride 6:10 p.m. Tickets: $55. Hotter Pioneer St., Kalamazoo. 269-349- GOAL, 200 N. Main St., Royal Oak. Than July, Downtown Detroit Riverwalk, Calling all Lesbians in Traverse City! 4234. Kglrc.org Artistic Women’s Entertainment progressive politics go to Netroots 248-414-1000. Facebook.com/ Interested in starting a social group for Nation to speak with (and hear from) Detroit. 313-285-9733. Hotterthanjuly. 1 a.m. AWE is female entertainment murrayandpeterpresent org area lesbians living in or near Traverse Film Festival 6 p.m. Tickets: $20. Hotter group in SE Michigan (largely lesbians) people just like you. Tickets: $275-850. City? Group will be geared for gay Than July, 3420 Cass Ave., Detroit. Netroots Nation, 1 Washington Blvd., Stepping Stones Through Grief who sing, dance, perform spoken word Should We Get Married? 7 p.m. A women, singles or couples, 50 to 70 313-285-9733. Hotterthanjuly.org and more. The show is a chance for Detroit. Netrootsnation.org Support Group 9:30 a.m. Registration Free Seminar on the Legal and Tax years of age, but all ages are welcome. required. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Free HIV Testing 6 p.m. The AIDS women of all skills to get on stage with Windover Women on Wheels Porker Consequences of Same-Sex Marriages If you have an interest, please email. a supportive audience AWE, Inkster. Road, Ferndale. 1-800-832-1155. in Michigan. RSVP. Einheuser Legal, Once we achieve a critical mass, Service Organization, Lansing. Run Meet at Affirmations then ride Goaffirmations.org 31000 Telegraph, #200, Franklin. 248- we’ll hold our first meet and greet. Toastmaster’s International to women only camp ground. Fees See Happenings, page 32

26 BTL | July 17, 2014 www.PrideSource.com Hear Me Out By Chris Azzopardi

Best of 2014 ... So Far 14th album defies expectations, making for one of the diva’s best? Simply put: She. She is Mariah. And from the surprisingly low- key lead-in, “Cry.,” to the glass-shattering gospel stunner “Heavenly (No Ways Tired / Can’t Give Up Now),” Carey affirms that when you’ve survived “Glitter,” anything is possible. Sharon Van Etten, ‘Are We There’ Affecting without any of that sentimental preciousness, there’s a transparency to Sharon Van Etten’s latest that daringly exposes the visceral emotions of the end of a relationship. A stunningly sad truth- telling about two hearts that have grown apart, “I Love You But I’m Lost” cuts deep. “I Know,” too, is simple poignancy told potently. This fourth album from Van Etten is a work of soul-baring genius. The Antlers, ‘Familiars’ An enveloping soundscape of crescendos and thoughtful literary reflections, the Brooklyn band’s fifth album is, at its core, concerned with Sia, ‘1000 Forms of Fear’ stray from the purity of the country catharsis – particularly having to do with Sia’s come a long way since “Breathe genre to achieve mainstream acclaim, the mortality. That universal certainty is Me,” a song so emotionally vulnerable, “Nashville Star” alum has been widely threaded throughout “Familiars.” Void it’s overwhelming. No wonder premier popularized by sticking to her guns. of singles, its intention is to be heard as pop starlets have been knocking on her She’s known for slipping one in her back a full narrative. Conjuring one endless door, hoping for a piece of her songwriting pocket should she need to pop an abusive dream with its majestic lacing of twinkling genius (just ask Rihanna and Beyoncé). lover, but what’s more, Lambert’s not pianos and wistful horns – on “Palace,” Luckily, though, Sia held onto some of leaving the house that built her. At least particularly, it sounds like the sky is her gems for her first release in four years. not any time soon, as demonstrated by yet opening up – The Antlers know that even The moving-on mantra “Burn the Pages” another feather in her cowgirl hat with the in death, there’s life. is a glorious circus of sounds, while irresistibly witty, hit-heavy “Platinum.” soaring ballads “Big Girls Cry” and “Eye Tori Amos, Lykke Li, ‘Unrepentant of the Needle” take her to new heights. A ‘I Never Learn’ Geraldines’ stunning full-blown pop achievement, this It’s hard not to wish album should do the same. Tori Amos is eternal sadness reinvigorated on Against Me!, upon Lykke “Unrepentant ‘Transgender Li – her gloom Geraldines,” a Dysphoria Blues’ inspires greatness. compelling return to Against Me!’s sixth Thankfully, then, the back-to-basics sound of her ’90s zenith. release is a deeply the Swedish songstress is in a bleak place “Invisible Boy,” an obvious standout, personal outpouring on “I Never Learn,” an emotional reflection wouldn’t have sounded out of place on as necessary – both of fragility and isolation that abandons any of Tori’s earliest works. Then there’s to now-frontwoman almost all sense of hope – and also almost “Promise,” an inspiring conversation with Laura Jane Grace and the band’s fans – as all sense of pop. Li is better for it: The Amos’ daughter that sweetly embodies the it is empowering. An open diary exploring intimacy she strikes on “I Never Learn” is lifelong bond between mother and child. internal and external struggles with identity a portal into her broken heart. Lana Del Rey, ‘Ultraviolence’ – but also, acceptance and love, fear and Mariah Carey, loss – the complex, often-tremendous ‘Me. I Am Mariah Lana Del Rey’s follow up to her claim-to- “Transgender Dysphoria Blues” triumphs ... The Elusive fame, “Born to Die,” is such a convincing at acknowledging one’s differences and the Chanteuse’ piece of mainstream-defying art that it’s easy to write off that “Saturday Night Live” flub. power that can be had when we embrace The title is insane. Fleshing out the persona introduced on its them. The retouched 2012 predecessor, Rey’s follow-up feels like album art, even Miranda Lambert, ‘Platinum’ a hallucinatory acid trip – it could levitate more so. So how is it that Mariah Carey’s While Miranda Lambert’s restless peers you to the sky on its feathery sound pillows. www.PrideSource.com July 17, 2014 | BTL 27 9

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Abracadabra Jewelry & Gem Gallery..... 1 Esquire Interiors...... * Necto...... 11 Tios Mexican Cafe...... 17 Ann Arbor Queer Aquatics...... * Gail van Langen Ph.d...... 7 Orion Automotive Services Inc...... * Top of the Lamp...... * Ann Arbor Saline Family Chiro...... * Groom N Go ...... * People’s Food Coop...... 12 Trillium Birth Services...... 18 Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra...... 2 Hillers...... * Performance Network...... 13 Trillium Real Estate...... 4 Arbor West Dental...... * HIV/AIDS Resource Center (Harc)...... * Peterson, PLLC, Lisa J...... 14 Two Men And A Truck...... * The Ark...... 3 Humane Society of Huron Valley...... * PFLAG Ann Arbor...... * UMHS Comprehensive /aut/ Bar...... 4 Jim Toy Resource Center...... 4 Rock Shoppe...... * Gender Services Program...... * Common Language...... 4 Lewis Jewelers...... 8 Rosenberg, David ...... 9 University Musical Society...... 19 Dependable Collision Center...... * Men’s Yoga...... 9 Sh\aut\ Cabaret and Gallery...... 4 Washtenong Memorial Park...... * D’orio, Jd, Plc, Lynn B...... 5 Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams...... 10 Spectrum Center...... 15 * Not shown on map Downtown Home & Garden...... 6 Natures Garden Center...... * Three Chairs Co...... 16

28 BTL | July 17, 2014 www.PrideSource.com ‘Week After Art Fair Song Fest’ Showcases Musical Melting Pot

at the historic Mariner’s Church in Detroit. Cool Cities The Week After Art Fair Song Fest will Ann Arbor begin with a series of classical concerts. The July 22 performance features soprano Martha YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET Guth and baritone Jesse Blumberg, as well as Bylsma and Pinpoint your ad dollars where Schoonmaker Rodgers. Tickets for the special they will do the most good . . . evening of song are $5- 30. Advertise in the next Cool Cities On July 23, a free classical concert will again feature the talents TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 of Rodgers and Bylsma. The directors will be joined by Emily Benner, soprano; Monica Swartout-Bebow, mezzo soprano; Allen Schrott, bass baritone; Martha Guth Christopher Scholl, tenor; and Ellen Scholl, BY SHELBY CLARK PETKUS mezzo soprano. The evening bills itself as an evening of “Schubert, Ann Arbor’s illustrious art fair is this Schumann, Brahms, Wolf and many other weekend, but Kerrytown Concert House keeps well-loved Saxons, Teutons and Hebrews.” the summer spirit singing with the “Week After Wednesdays group of performers returns to Art Fair Song Fest.” The four-day long concert the stage on July 24 for “Che Bella Luna: Songs event celebrates its 20th anniversary this year of the Night.” Considered a favorite theme of on July 22-25. the concert house, the program is devoted to the General director Jane Schoonmaker beautiful things all around people, or “gorgeous Rodgers, and artistic director and pianist songs about gorgeous things like the moon.” The Kevin Bylsma, take the reigns for this year’s Thursday night event is also free. festival. Schoonmaker Rodgers is a soprano Friday rounds out the concert festival with with a long list of concert, recital, choral and a cabaret: “Rock ‘em Sock ‘em Cabaret: stage performances from around the world, Songs to Knock Your Block Off.” The including shows in New York, London, cabaret, Kerrytown Concert House’s annual Vienna, Prague, Toronto and many Great act featuring a wide-ranging repertoire, will Lakes cities. Currently an associate professor showcase everything from baroque to pop, of voice at Bowling Green State University, Weill to Sondheim, standards to jazz and the singer/director has recently performed more. In addition to these talents, the July 25 or recorded with the Great Lakes Chamber cabaret will also host Bryan Pfaltzgraff, tenor; Music Festival, Toledo and National Polish Robert Peavler, baritone; Patrick Scholl, tenor; Radio Symphonies, Moravian Philharmonic, Daniel Schuetz, counter-tenor; Laura Reaper, American Composers’ Alliance, Mid- mezzo-soprano; Jennifer Hilbish-Schuetz, American Center for Contemporary Music mezzo-soprano; Renee Claire, mezzo-soprano; and the Society for New Music. and many more. Tickets are $5-25. Bylsma, an accomplished vocal coach in Showtimes for each performance are at 8 addition to his skills with the piano, is known p.m. July 22-25. The concert house is located in the Midwest for his work in oratorio, in the heart of the historic Kerrytown District opera and art song. His work in Michigan of Ann Arbor at 415 N. Fourth Ave. For has included directing the Lyric Chamber more information, call 734-769-2999 or visit Ensemble of Detroit and the Papagena Opera www.kerrytownconcerthouse.com. Company of Ann Arbor. Bylsma has also served as principal keyboardist with the Adrian Keep up on LGBT concerts, festivals and more in and Greater Lansing Symphony Orchestras, the Ann Arbor area at BTL’s Cool Cities page at and currently he serves as the assistant organist www.pridesource.com. www.PrideSource.com July 17, 2014 | BTL 29 Guitarist Bill Kirchen Performs Hometown Show July 31

Guitar Player Magazine dubbed Diddley, Hazel Dickens, Doug Sahm, Hoyt him the “Titan of the Telecaster.” Axton, Emmylou Harris, Maria Muldaur, Rolling Stone said he’s “an American Dan Hicks and Nick Lowe. Bill is pretty treasure” and “one of our best.” sure that he is the only person to have, in No matter what you call him, Bill a single year, stood on stage and played Kirchen is a founding father of the with both Ralph Stanley and Elvis Costello. Americana movement. Now at the Kirchen has released 10 albums on peak of his impressive career, he’ll his own; the latest, “Seeds and Stems,” return to his hometown of Ann Arbor debuted last summer. It’s a studio album with his band (David Carroll on bass that manages to capture the essence and and Rick Richards on drums) at 8 vibe of Kirchen’s shows: his astounding p.m. July 31 at The Ark. guitar virtuosity and near-magical, joyous Kirchen was originally known connection with his audience. Featured are as co-founder and lead guitarist of some perpetual crowd-pleasers from the Commander Cody and His Lost the last 60 years of guitar-god history, Cody days, his sublime, poignant take on Planet Airmen, one of the first and only described as “epic” by Rolling Stone. Dylan’s “It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes rock ‘n’ roll bands to infuse their honky- In 2001, Kirchen received a Grammy a Train to Cry”, and an amusing bonus tonk sound with pure, blood-and-guts nomination for his instrumental “Poultry track with old friend Jorma Kaukonen, country roots and western swing. It was in Motion.” The following year he was finger-picking through a tune that asks the Kirchen’s indelible guitar licks that drove inducted into the Washington Area musical question, “Are you talking ‘bout their hit, “Hot Rod Lincoln,” into the Music Association Hall of Fame, neatly love, or are you talkin’ ‘bout chicken?” Top 10 in 1972; the song eventually took sandwiched between John Phillip Sousa Thursday night promises to be a on a post-Cody life of its own. Today, and Dave Grohl. Kirchen has recorded homecoming show you won’t want to Kirchen’s extended version of “Hot Rod and/or played guitar live with a who’s who miss, a breathtaking display of Telecaster Lincoln” is his universally loved signature of Americana and Roots Rock ‘n’ Roll, mastery covering the gamut of Americana masterpiece, a pumped up joyride through among them Gene Vincent, Link Wray, Bo roots influences.

30 BTL | July 17, 2014 www.PrideSource.com

KICK’s annual Hotter Than July festival kicks off this week, featuring multiple events. The Hotter Than July Film Festival is one such event, featuring the best in black LGBT cinema. Seating is limited. Some films to be featured in the film festival are “On the Low,” “The Young and Evil” and “Crossover,” among many more. “Crossover” celebrates black lesbian motherhood by dealing with a future where schools are segregated by economic class. The film festival lasts from 6 p.m. to midnight on July 24. All films will be shown at Cinema Detroit, 3420 Cass Ave. Tickets are $20 per person. For more information, call 313-285-9733 or visit www.facebook.com/htjfilmfestival.

Saturday Night Swagg at the and resources to the Southwest ® Woodward Tickets: $10 until 11 p.m. Michigan transgender community, their Happenings Hotter Than July, 6426 Woodward Ave., significant others, family, friends, and Continued from p. 26 Detroit. 313-285-9733. Hotterthanjuly. allies. Meetings occur twice per month org on the 2nd Wednesday and 4th Sunday. Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian Resource 2014 Summer Beer Festival 1 p.m. 248-943-2411. [email protected] Center, 629 Pioneer St., Kalamazoo. The 17th Annual Summer Beer Festival 269-349-4234. Kglrc.org Artisticwomensentertainment.org features approximately 800 different Pub Crawl Michigan AIDS Coalition beers from more than 80 Michigan craft Pride NA 6:30 p.m. Confidential and (MAC), Ferndale. Michiganaidscoalition. breweries. Food will be available for anonymous. Open to all individuals org purchase inside the festival, and guests impacted by addiction. Kalamazoo Gay will enjoy live music from a variety of and Lesbian Resource Center, 629 Annual Gathering on LGBTQ Issues Michigan bands. Michigan Brewers Pioneer St., Kalamazoo. 269-349-4234. 8 a.m. Free with required registration. Guild, Ypsilanti. Mibeer.com Kglrc.org Hotter Than July, 4707 St. Antoine St., Detroit. 313-285-9733. Hotterthanjuly. Spritz 5 Boat Cruise 1 p.m. Tickets: Euchre Tournament 7 p.m. Battle Creek org $25-35. Spritz Boat Cruise, Windsor. Pride Resource Center, 16 E. Van Buren Wepridefest.com St., Battle Creek. Battlecreekpride.org SCA Farmer’s Market 9 a.m. Those wishing to sell fresh fruits, vegetables, X the Line-Peer Educators 2 p.m. Regardless Of (Narcotics Anonymous meats, and eggs, including baked goods, Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Meeting) 7 p.m. This is a closed cheeses, honey products, flowers, and Ferndale. 248-398-7105. dsmith@ meeting for addicts or those who think related food products made regionally goaffirmations.org Goaffirmations.org they might have a drug problem. This may be a Common Needs meeting, but or by the vendor should apply. A limited Lez Read Ann Arbor 4 p.m. We read number of hand-crafted items can be any addict seeking recovery is welcome! fascinating books on all lesbian topics, The time has come that any addict included; goods that relate to the serving including books of local authors. And or enjoyment of food products will seeking recovery in the Washtenaw our discussions are always lively and area can find it. The more diverse the be given priority consideration in this provocative. Jim Toy Community Center, category. Saugatuck Center for the Arts, fellowship, the more members we are 319 Braun Court, Ann Arbor. 734-995- able to reach! The goal is to make the 400 Culver St., Saugatuck. 269-857- 9867. Jimtoycenter.org 2399. sc4a.org message of recovery available to all so Drag Queen Bingo 10 p.m. A fun that any addict can come to NA and feel Old Town Farmer’s Market 3 p.m. alternative to your usual weekend hot that they too belong in this fellowship! Old Town Farmer’s Market, Corner of spots. Shows get out just early enough Jim Toy Community Center, 319 Braun E. Grand River Ave. and Center St., for you to hit the local clubs or bars! Court, Ann Arbor. 734-995-9867. Lansing. Iloveoldtown.org Refreshments from our full coffee bar jimtoycenter.org Wild Beasts, Wild Wine 6 p.m. The (coffees, teas, smoothies), sodas, water, event will allow guests to sample wine and more. Tickets: $20. 18+. Five15, from more than 40 local and national 515 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak. MUSIC & MORE wineries and vineyards while enjoying 248-515-2551. Five15.net the Detroit Zoo’s award-winning habitats Concerts at twilight. Tickets: $35-40. Detroit Sunday, July 27 Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak. Harsen’s Island-A Fan Favorite 10 “Comedy Jamm” It’s cut-loose comedy Detroitzoo.org a.m. Meet at grocery store parking lot. as we present the comedy of 12 of the Get Out Bike, 2600 Pointe Tremble St., current rising stars in the Detroit Metro Friday Night Event 7 p.m. Hotter area and beyond. Tickets: $5. Ann Arbor Than July, Detroit. 313-285-9733. Algonac. Meetup.com/GOAL-Get-Out- And-Live-LGBT Comedy Showcase, 314 E. Liberty St., Hotterthanjuly.org Ann Arbor. Aug. 8-Sep. 25. 734-996- Friday Night Socials at the AFF 7 p.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Free. Hotter 9080. Aacomedy.com Join us every Friday 7pm-9pm. Euchre- Than July, 2930 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 313-285-9733. Hotterthanjuly.org Blind Pig “Hollow and Akimbo” With First & Third Fridays. Open Mic-Second special guest Tunde Olaniran. 18+. & Fourth Fridays. Hosted by Michelle Outpouring 12:30 p.m. LGBT-affirming Tickets: $8. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St., Brown. Everyone Welcome! Food & Drink service. Non-denominational Christian. Ann Arbor. 9:30 p.m. July 25. 734-996- available. The AFF Store & More, 290 W Affirming Love Ministries, 9550 Oakland 8555. Blindpigmusic.com Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- Ave., Detroit. Affirmingloveministries. 7105. [email protected] GoAffirmations. webs.com Cranbrook Art Museum “Modern org / Moderna: Amie Siegel and Terence Sunday Brunch & Tea Dance 1 p.m. Gower”. Cranbrook Art Museum, Pride Friday 9 p.m. The one and only Brunch at 1 p.m. with tea dance at 3 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield gay night. 18+. Guys with college ID get p.m. Tickets: $5-70. Hotter Than July, Hills. June 21-Aug. 31. 877-462-7262. in free before 11 p.m. Cover: $5+. Necto, 267 Joseph Campau Ave., Detroit. 313- Cranbrookart.edu 516 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. 734-994- 285-9733. Hotterthanjuly.org 5835. Thenecto.com Detroit Symphony Orchestra “Civic Monthly Dinner Outing-Como’s on the Jazz Orchestra & the Detroit Tigers”. Patio 4 p.m. Please RSVP before July 23. Comerica Park, Detroit. 1 p.m. July 20. Saturday, July 26 Black and White Men Together-Detroit, Detroit. tigers. mlb.com Palmer Park Picnic 9 a.m. Free. Hotter 22812 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Than July, Detroit. 313-285-9733. [email protected] Detroit Symphony Orchestra “Mix @ Hotterthanjuly.org TransCend TransCend provides support See Happenings, page 35

32 BTL | July 17, 2014 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com July 17, 2014 | BTL 33 36 Western treaty grp. 11 Cops in gay Paree Q Puzzle Well-Rounded Films 38 Meat source Down Under 12 Prefix with China 39 Category of the words spelled 13 12-incher out in the circles 22 Like insecure people 42 Lacto-___ vegetarian 23 Home st. of Harper Lee 43 Vote of support 26 Fatty 44 Are able to, to Shakespeare 28 Ms. magazine co-founder 45 Kiss from Kahlo 30 The bottom line 47 Broadway star Stritch 31 Pop star Harris 49 Enjoy Forster 33 Czech Rep. neighbor 51 Gator relatives 34 “She ran the gamut of emotions 55 Pee-___ Herman from ___” (Dorothy Parker) 57 Boy toy? 35 Queen, for one 60 _Ben Hur_ novelist Wallace 37 Like Jane Addams’ activism 61 “Understood” to Ginsberg 40 One who goes after your honey 63 One with a foamy head 41 Some pudding flavorings 64 Free, in France 46 Symbol of sturdiness 66 Buster Brown’s bulldog 48 Nuts of a tall one 67 _Now and ___ _ 50 You have them when you’re in 68 Prop for “I have a headache the hole tonight” 52 _Three Tall Women_ writer 69 Big top, e.g. 53 Balls 70 Drinks slowly 54 Like Neil Diamond’s Caroline 71 What you shoot off at in the air 55 Ice queen Katarina 56 _Nurse Jackie_ star Falco 58 Old fruit drink Down 59 Bottomless Across 19 Bring down 1 Gin diluter 62 Porter’s “I ___ a Kick Out of You” 20 Not in the pink 2 ___ fours (doggy-style) 65 Variety 1 Puccini opera 21 Alberta’s anthem 3 Liberace’s choice of fur 6 Like many a Mapplethorpe model 24 Point between “gay” and “com” 4 AFL counterpart Solution on pg. 36 10 Cry before getting off 25 Without a doubt 5 Like a family tree? 14 Where the elated walk 27 Lanchester of _Bride of 6 Ignores, as an order Frankenstein_ 15 “If ___ I Would Leave You” 7 Bard’s river 29 Franklin and Jefferson, 16 Butch Janet 8 “Queen of Country” McEntire religiously 17 One with a big bag of money 9 Eat away at 32 Gillette razor product 18 Basketball analyst Rebecca 10 Broadway bio 34 B. D. Wong, for one

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34 BTL | July 17, 2014 www.PrideSource.com Theatre at Potter Center on the campus of Jackson College, 2111 Emmons Road, Jackson. July 24 - Aug. 16. 517-796-8600. michiganshakespearefestival.com Dykes on Bikes will bike to Windover Elektra $10. Penny Seats Theatre Women’s Resort this weekend at part of their Company at West Park Band Shell, Steeped in Italian tradition Seventh St., Ann Arbor. Through July 26. “Windover Run.” Windover is a women only 734-926-5346. pennyseats.org with a refreshing modern twist! campground located in Owendale, Mich. Ernie $20-25. City Theatre, Casual-fine dining room Starting in Ferndale, the biker group will ride 2301 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Through Aug. 17. 313-471-6611. to the resort to spend the weekend. olympiaentertainment.com Dykes on Bikes Read is the Detroit chapter Exit Strategy $30-35. Three of the LGBTQ women’s motorcycle club. The Oaks Theater Festival at The Acorn Theater, 107 Generations Dr., Three group hosts multiple rides throughout the Oaks. July 26 - 27. 866-811-4111. year. To learn more about Dykes on Bikes, Threeoaksfestival.com check out www.pridesource.com/article. Guys and Dolls $28-32. Tibbits Summer Theatre, 14 S. Hanchett St., html?article=66280. Coldwater. July 24 - Aug. 2. 517-278- The Windover Run will start with an all-women meeting on July 18 at Affirmations, 290 W. 6029. tibbits.org Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. Fees for the campground will apply. For more information on the Gypsy $20. The Snug Theatre, 160 S. Water St., Marine City. Through July 27. Extensive Wine List weekend event, call 248-398-7105 or visit www.dykesonbikesdetroit.com. 810-278-1749. thesnugtheatre.com Free WiFi Internet Access Hamlet, Prince of Denmark $31-40. ® Happenings Metro Times & Woodward Avenue The Complete History of America Michigan Shakespeare Festival at Located across from Comerica Park Brewery “Pig and Whiskey 2014” Back (abridged) $10-12. Emergent Arts at Baughman Theatre at Potter Center Continued from p. 32 for its fourth year! Renown restaurants The Mix Studio Theatre, 8 N. Washington on the campus of Jackson College, & Detroit Opera House will be serving barbeque inspired eats St., Ypsilanti. Through July 20. 734-985- 2111 Emmons Road, Jackson. for your consumption. Local bartenders 0875. emergentarts.com July 17 - Aug. 17. 517-796-8600. 1565 Broadway, Detroit, MI 48226 The Max: The Future of Folk”. Max M. will be pouring up homemade whiskey michiganshakespearefestival.com 313 962 1355 angelinadetroit.com cocktails in the Cocktail Corner. A variety The Crucible $7-15. The Twin City Fisher Music Center, 3711 Woodward Players, 600 W. Glenlord Road, St. Hot Mikado $15-30. Hope Summer Ave., Detroit. 7 p.m. July 22. 313-576- of over 60 different whiskeys, scotches, Repertory Theatre at DeWitt Theatre, bourbons and craft beer will be available Joseph. Through July 20. 269-429- 5111. Dso.org 0400. twincityplayers.org 141 E. 12th St., Holland. Through Aug. 9. for sampling. Come and join us for games, 616-395-7890. hope.edu/hsrt Detroit Symphony Orchestra “Joshua live entertainment, delicious food, drinks The Little Mermaid $5-7. All-of-us Bell”. Meadow Brook Music Festival, and more!Free. E. Troy St., Ferndale. 6 Express Children’s Theatre at East Improv Mondays $5 at the door. Planet 3554 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills. 7:30 p.m. July 18. Pigandwhiskeyferndale.com Lansing Hannah Community Center, Ant Theatre, 2357 Caniff, Hamtramck. p.m. July 24. Dso.org 819 Abbot Road, East Lansing. July 313-365-4948. planetant.com Kerrytown Concert House “Week Other 25 - Aug. 2. 517-333-2580, ext. 0. Jack and the Beanstalk $7. Tibbits After Art Fair Song Fest-20th Michigan Theater “Sing-A-Long cityofeastlansing.com/allofus Popcorn Theatre, 14 S. Hanchett St., Anniversary” Different events each Wizard of Oz” A 75th anniversary Tyler Family Portrait $10. Peppermint Coldwater. July 18 - 26. 517-278-6029. night. Tickets: $0-25. Kerrytown presentation. Special ticket prices apply. Creek Theatre at Miller Performing tibbits.org Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave., Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arts Center, 6025 Curry Lane, Lansing. Motor City Puppet Blast Free for Ann Arbor. July 22-July 25. 734-763- Arbor. July 27-July 29. 734-668-8397. July 17 - July 20. 517-927-3016. 4186. Kerrytownconcerthouse.com Michtheater.org residents of Wayne, Oakland and peppermintcreek.org Macomb Counties; museum admission MOCAD “OOIOO” Tickets: $12. Museum Static Network “A Celebration of the ($4-8) for all others. DIA and Detroit of Contemporary Art Detroit, 4454 Life of David Blair” Musicians, friends College/University Theater Puppeteers Guild at Detroit Institute of Please patronize our advertisers Woodward Ave., Detroit. 8 p.m. July 23. and family come together to celebrate In a Grove: Four Japanese Ghost Arts, 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit. July 313-832-6622. Mocadetroit.org the life, music and words of musician, Stories Free. Lansing Community 25 - 27. 313-833-7900. dia.org and let them know you Royal Oak Music Theatre “Jurassic poet and activist David Blair and to raise College Performing Arts at LCC’s funds for the InsideOut Literary Arts No Time for the Pain $20. 5 Mo 5”. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. amphitheater, Washington Mall between Artists Detroit at 1515 Broadway, 1515 appreciate their support for the Fourth St., Royal Oak. July 26. 248-399- Project. Jazz Cafe at the Music Hall, 350 Dart Auditorium and the Gannon Madison Ave., Detroit. 7 p.m. July 19. Broadway St., Detroit. July 25 - 27. 2980. Royaloakmusictheatre.com Building, Lansing. July 23 - 27. 517- 248-688-5178. 313-887-8532. Jazzcafedetroit.com 483-1488. lcc.edu/showinfo LGBT community! Saugatuck Center for the Arts “Tony The Acorn Theater “Roxy Bellows Original Works Weekend $10. DeSare” Tickets: $38. Saugatuck Center Slipstream Theatre Initiative at Two for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck. Live!”. The Acorn Theater, 107 Professional Generations Dr., Three Oaks. 2 p.m. July Muses Theatre inside Barnes & Noble 8 p.m. July 18. 269-857-2399. Sc4a.org A Chorus Line $28-32. Tibbits Booksellers, 6800 Orchard Lake Road, 17. 269-756-3879. Acorntheater.com Summer Theatre, 14 S. Hanchett St., Saugatuck Center for the Arts West Bloomfield. July 19 - 20. 248-298- Trinity Divine Healing “Health Coldwater. Through July 19. 517-278- 9617. slipstreamti.com “Summer in the Studio” Tickets: $15- 6029. tibbits.org 50. Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Smoothies Class and Lecture” Trinity Divine Healing is inspired by Dr. Ondria Romeo and Juliet Free. Shakespeare Culver St., Saugatuck. July 7-Aug. 4. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, in Detroit at Grand Circus Park, Corner 269-857-2399. Sc4a.org Uzuri-Ima Phakamile-El, MH, ND, No Good, Very Bad Day $15. Hope CHHP. Learn the benefits of natural of Woodward and Adams, Detroit. 7 p.m. Summer Repertory Theatre at DeWitt July 26. shakespeareindetroit.com The Ark “Drew De Four & Friends” herbal remedies and plant based Studio Theatre, 141 E. 12th St., Holland. Tickets: $15. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., whole food nutrition. Tickets: $10-15. Through Aug. 8. 616-395-7890. hope. Stories in the Lounge $10. The Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. July 23. 734-761- Grace Neighborhood Center, 13345 edu/hsrt Acorn Theater, 107 Generations Dr., 1800. Theark.org Joy Road, Detroit. 10:30 a.m. July 26. Three Oaks. July 17. 269-756-3879. Trinitydivinehealing. blogspot.com Carousel . $15-32. The Encore Musical acorntheater.com The Ark “Diego Figueiredo” Tickets: Theatre Company, 3126 Broad St., $15. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. Dexter. Through Aug. 10. 734-268-6200. Suds $42 (show and meal); $37 show 7:30 p.m. July 20. 734-761-1800. theencoretheatre.org only. Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre, 18935 Theark.org THEATER 15 1/2 Mile Rd, Marshall. Through Aug. ComedySportz Michigan Actors Studio, 16. 269-781-4293. turkeyville.com The Ark “Wild Child” Tickets: $15. The Civic/Community Theater 648 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 877- Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. A Midsummer Night’s Dream $5-15. 636-3320. comedysportzdetroit.com The Big Bang $15-25. Williamston July 21. 734-761-1800. Theark.org The Brass Tacks Ensemble at A2CT Theatre, 122 S. Putnam Road, Studio Theater, 322 W. Ann St., Ann Coriolanus Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Williamston. Through Aug. 17. 517-655- The Magic Bag “The Fixx” Tickets: Company at Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 $25+. The Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Arbor. July 25 - Aug. 2. 734-971-2228. SHOW. williamstontheatre.org a2ct.org Broad St., St. Joseph. 7:30 p.m. July 26. Ave., Ferndale. July 27. 248-544-3030. 269-983-3688. pcshakespeare.com The Doll People $15. Hope Summer Themagicbag.com A Midsummer Night’s Dream Repertory Theatre at DeWitt Studio Coriolanus Pigeon Creek Shakespeare The Magic Bag “The Purple Xperience” Suggested donation of $5. The Twin City Theatre, 141 E. 12th St., Holland. Players at Whitcomb Terrace, 509 Ship Company, Seven Steps Up, 116 S. Through Aug. 8. 616-395-7890. hope. Featuring Doctor Fink. Tickets: $17. Jackson St., Spring Lake. 7:30 p.m. July The Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward St., St. Joseph. 7 p.m. July 23. 269- edu/hsrt 429-0400. twincityplayers.org 18. 616-850-0916. Pcshakespeare.com Ave., Ferndale. July 25. 248-544-3030. The Importance of Being Earnest Themagicbag.com Catch Me If You Can $15-35. The Crane Maiden $5 for kids, $10 for $31-40. Michigan Shakespeare Festival Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. July adults. PuppetART atDetroit Puppet at Baughman Theatre at Potter Center, 18 - 27. 517-264-SHOW. croswell.org Theater, 25 E Grand River, Detroit. Jackson College, 2111 Emmons Road, Festivals Through July 26. 313-961-7777. Ann Arbor Art Fair “Ann Arbor Street Jackson. July 19 - Aug. 15. 517-796- Peter Pan $5-7. Riverwalk Theatre, puppetart.org 8600. michiganshakespearefestival.com Art Fair”. Downtown Ann Arbor, Ann 228 Museum Dr., Lansing. July 24 - 27. Arbor. July 16-July 19. Artfair.org 517-482-5700. Riverwalk.com Cymbeline $31-40. Michigan Shakespeare Festival at Baughman See Happenings, page 38

www.PrideSource.com July 17, 2014 | BTL 35 Deep Inside Hollywood

By Romeo San Vicente to audiences, is moving forward with an entire slate of programming, a lot of ‘Fault In Our it queer-themed. A series Stars’ actor based on Chad Harbach’s baseball novel, “The Art of takes up piano Fielding,” which had a gay Not ready to be storyline, is in development typecast just yet, hot from producer Todd Field; property Ansel Elgort, Alan Cumming will produce currently making an unnamed project inspired tweens cry nationwide by the life of AIDS activist in “The Fault In Our and restaurateur Florent Stars,” is about to play Morellet; Joe Landsdale’s a quiet, gay, Baptist detective novels will find piano master in “Van themselves transformed into Cliburn.” He may no “Hap and Leonard,” a comic longer be a household buddy-detective piece set name, having stopped in the 1960s featuring a performing publicly white Southerner and a gay in 1978, but the late African-American Vietnam Cliburn, a Texas native, vet; and “A Visit From The became an overnight Goon Squad,” a story of a star during the Cold group of friends in 1980s San War 50s when, in 1958, Francisco, will be adapted he won the Tchaikovsy from the Jennifer Egan novel International Piano of the same name. You’re Competition in going to need a bigger DVR. Moscow. He went on to great acclaim, the anti- ‘L Word Mississippi: Liberace, if you will, and now the annual Hate The Sin’ Cliburn Competition, sponsored by the Van promises no Cliburn Foundation, lipstick keeps the legacy alive. Ansel Elgort. Photo: Shutterstock.com Elgort’s a great choice The title alone, with its for the role. He’s tall “Hate The Sin” bump at the documentary that follows their case, the end, kind of gives you pause, and lanky like Cliburn was, and he won’t trial and its aftermath shines a harsh light need any hand doubles to take on the role doesn’t it? Weren’t we all pretty much on the treatment of queer women of color aware that it’s not exactly great to be – with a script based on Howard Reich’s in the media and in the court system and biography, “Van Cliburn” – because the queer in rural America? But then there’s demands to be seen by thinking people that first part: “L Word.” That “L Word”? young actor already knows how to play everywhere. It had its premiere at the piano. And if anyone can convince the The guilty pleasure lesbian fantasy of Frameline LGBT Film Festival in San art-collecting, skateboarding, tons-of- little girls to go see a period film about a Francisco and will soon play at Outfest in gay classical pianist, it’s this guy. sex-having, Prada-wearing, Sapphic Los Angeles, before finding its home on sophistication? What exactly does “L cable/on demand where it will have the Word” have to do with Mississippi? ‘Out In the Night’: the biggest chance for audience impact. See it Well, everything, now that a reality show as soon as you can. with that name is coming to Showtime injustice system on display in August. It follows the lives of a group The vital “Out In The Night,” from Sundance TV of women in the Deep South, white director Blair Doroshwalther, is not a and black, femme and (very) butch, feel-good documentary. It is, in fact, sees the future all making their home uneasily in the swamp of American religious fervor, terrifying and enraging. It’s the story of Watching television has changed for where dealing with people who claim four African-American lesbian friends good. Limited-run shows like “Top to love and hate you at the same time (Renata Hill, Patreese Johnson, Terrain of The Lake” and short, concentrated is just a routine part of daily life. And Dandridge and Venice Brown) who seasons for offbeat, critically acclaimed, because this is an opportunity to show a were attacked by a man (who allegedly ongoing series are available for streaming side of lesbian life the media’s not really threatened to “fuck them straight”) and and able to be watched at any time, interested in, let’s hope the series keeps who defended themselves violently. For inviting viewers to binge on entire it authentic and pulls no punches, rather this act of self-defense they were sentenced seasons at once. And the networks with than resorting to the usual reality show to between three and 11 years in prison. vision have responded. Case in point: fakery of nonstop interpersonal fighting. They were also characterized in the media Sundance TV, the newcomer that helped Leave that to the “Real Housewives,” as a “bloodthirsty” “lesbian gang.” The bring the well-reviewed “Rectify” OK, Showtime?

36 BTL | July 17, 2014 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com July 17, 2014 | BTL 37 HOTLINES & SERVICES ® Whatever, Baby Jane! garish sound cues (by designers Dyan rapport onstage consistently has the Bailey and Plambeck) or lighting feel of a double-dog dare, with each ACLU of Michigan Continued from p. 26 313-578-6800 excesses (also by Plambeck), which surprising and one-upping the other, Affirmations Helpline 248-398-GAYS are wedged in from all sides as added and both trying desperately to hold among sisterly standoffs, intrusions comic fodder, but just as often serve character through pauses for deafening Alcoholics Anonymous 248-541-6565 by nosy neighbors and concerned as springboards for more ad-libbed laughter. Eastern Michigan University housekeepers, and excursions to carry silliness. With snappier writing, stricter LGBT Resource Center 734-487-4149 out plot developments. Although all Of course, the show’s real draw is adherence to script, more attention the remaining characters are played in reanimating the Hudson sisters, to timing and relationship, and better Equality Michigan 313-537-7000 by just two actors (Dyan Bailey and transforming two male actors in all integration of effects with live action, Flint Crisis Line 810-257-3740 Joel Mitchell), very few scenes are their grotesque, glamorous glory. this “Whatever” might have been a impossible to reproduce, so that the HIV AIDS/Resource While costumer Bailey Boudreau and keener send-up of its source material. show is by and large a reproduction Center Toll-Free 866-HIV-TEST assistant Tanner Murray exhibit fine Yet the production’s conscious decision with ample commentary. character work in the matronly – the to instead dig down for the kind of Jim Toy Community Center 734-995-9867 And indeed, the meta, editorial voice dumpy, the out-of-fashion, and the spontaneous, immediate comedy that Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian continues almost nonstop. While the bizarrely inappropriate – the pièce can only happen with live theater writing skews blue in more than a few Resource Center (KGLRC) 269-349-4234 de résistance here is from the neck yields an experience all the rarer, dips into depravity, and some story up, in the form of devastating wigs certainly wilder, and exhibiting Karibu House Community Center for LGBT incongruity is cleverly heightened or (by Buddy VanLoon) and outrageous an unconventional – but no less Persons of Color 313-865-2170 ext. 3 otherwise underlined, the production feats of makeup (by an uncredited mad impressive – skill set. This kind of Lansing Area AIDS Network 517-394-3719 as a whole plays like a catalog of drag genius). The looks do justice to pure-sugar indulgence is a superb unrelated – albeit hilarious – bits and the core impression work, from Joe capper to a carefree summer day, Michigan AIDS Coalition rejoinders, many germinating entirely Bailey’s bitten-off Bette Davis speak to giving audiences their sweet fill of (MAC) Toll-Free 888-A-CONDOM in the moment. Nothing is above an Payton’s condescending Joan Crawford laughter and sending them off with the Oakland County Health aside, be it one of the many obliquely propriety. What’s more, the pair’s best kind of bellyache. Division Toll-Free 888-350-0990 ext. 85416 OutCenter 269-925-8330 farmersalleytheatre.com Henry Ford Museum “Maker Faire” One 313 Workshops “Sole Searching ® Happenings The family-friendly Faire features (Painting/Symbolism)” For ages 4+. PFLAG Ann Arbor 734-741-0659 everything from technological inventions Free. Number House, Heidelberg Project, Continued from p. 35 ART ‘N’ AROUND to homemade crafts to kid-engineered 3632 Heidelberg St., Detroit. 12 p.m. PFLAG Detroit 248-656-2875 Art Detroit Now “3rd Thursday After robots. Henry Ford Museum, 20900 July 19. 313-974-6894. Heidelberg.org Party”. Cass Corridor Collective, 10022 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn. July 26-July 27. Makerfairedetroit.com Pewabic Pottery “Education Studio at PFLAG Genesee County 810-496-8302 The Last Romance $18.50-42. The Joseph Campau, Detroit. 9 p.m. July 17. Maker Faire”. Pewabic Pottery, 10125 E. Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park Artdetroitnow.com HotWorks.org “12th Annual Orchard Jefferson Ave., Detroit. July 26-July 27. PFLAG Lansing 517-332-4550 St., Chelsea. Through Aug. 30. 734-433- Lake Fine Art Show” Juried fine 313-626-2000. Pewabic.org 7673. purplerosetheatre.org Art Detroit Now “3rd Thursdays in Detroit” 45+ local galleries and retail art & fine craft show. All artwork is original and personally handmade by River’s Edge Gallery “Hidden by the PFLAG Tri-Cities The Matchmaker $15. Hope Summer locations stay open until 9 p.m. to offer the Underground” Brings two unlikely artists Repertory Theatre at DeWitt Theatre, best in contemporary art. Multiple, Detroit. the professional artist in the show Bay City/Saginaw/Midland 989-941-1458 All artwork is for sale including together: Johnny Bee Badanjek, from 141 E. 12th St., Holland. July 18 - Aug. Aug. 15-Oct. 16. Artdetroitnow.com the world of rock, and Amy Chenier, 8. 616-395-7890. hope.edu/hsrt paintings, clay, glass, sculpture, jewelry, Stonewall Bar Association Detroit Institute of Arts “Detroit -- Bruce photography, wood, fiber, and more. originally from the world of sports and (LGBT lawyers and allies) 313-578-6812 The Sound of Music $15-30. Hope Weber” Photographs. Detroit Institute of HotWorks.org, West Bloomfield. July 26- statement art. River’s Edge Gallery, 3024 Summer Repertory Theatre at DeWitt Arts, 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit. June July 27. 248-684-2613. Hotworks.org Biddle, Wyandotte. July 1-Aug. 31. 734- Theatre, 141 E. 12th St., Holland. 20-Sep. 7. 313-833-7900. Dia.org 246-9880. Artatthedge.com The LGBT Network Level One Bank “ART Exhibit Featuring Through Aug. 7. 616-395-7890. hope. Saugatuck Center for the Arts “The of Western Michigan 616-458-3511 edu/hsrt Downriver Council for the Arts Anthony Bacon” Mr. Bacon presents “Adult Oil & Acrylics Class” Tickets: Images depicting Detroit & S. E. Lake Effect: Contemporary Art at Ox- Transgender Michigan Help Line 517-420-1544 Whatever, Baby Jane $10-20. The $10. Downriver Council for the Arts, 81 Michigan. The artists opening will be Bow”. Saugatuck Center for the Arts, Ringwald Theatre, 22742 Woodward Chestnut, Wyandotte. Jan. 7-Nov. 25. on Friday, May 30 from 3-6 p.m. The 400 Culver St., Saugatuck. June 12-Aug. Unity Michigan 269-290-1427 Ave., Ferndale. Through Aug. 4. 248- 734-720-0671. Downriverarts.org artist works vary in style and range 23. 269-857-2399. Sc4a.org 545-5545. theringwald.com from abstract to realistic. Many music Flint Institute of Arts “About Face: Scarab Club “Bugs Blooms, Beasts Wellness AIDS Services 810-232-0888 & techno related themes will be shown. exhibition” Featuring artwork “Winged Woody Sez: The Life and Music Portraiture Through Time”. Flint Institute Level One Bank, 22635 Woodward Ave., of Woody Guthrie $30-35. Three of Arts, 1120 E. Kearsley St., Flint. July Pharaoh,” by Charles Alexander. The Ferndale. May 30-July 28. 248-414- Scarab Club, 217 Farnsworth, Detroit. Oaks Theater Festival at The Acorn 8-July 20. 810-234-1695. Flintarts.org 6500. Theater, 107 Generations Dr., Three May 22-July 27. 313-831-1250. http:// Oaks. July 18 - 19. 866-811-4111. Flint Institute of Arts “Kathleen Gilje: MOCAD “Midwestern Voices and scarabclub.org/ Portraits of Paintings” Meticulously Threeoaksfestival.com Visions”. Museum of Contemporary Art What Pipeline “S. O. A. P. Y. Stage III: rendered new incarnations of old Detroit, 4454 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Find these organizations and hundreds of LGBT-friendly [title of show] $31-33. Farmers Alley masterpieces. Flint Institute of Arts, Detroit”. What Pipeline, 3525 W. Vernor June 13-July 27. 313-832-6622. Hwy., Detroit. July 14-July 19. businesses online at Pridesource.comcom/directory.html Theatre, 221 Farmers Alley, Kalamazoo. 1120 E. Kearsley St., Flint. May 2-July Mocadetroit.org July 18 - Aug. 3. 269-343-2727. 20. 810-234-1695. Flintarts.org

Solution to puzzle from page 34

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38 BTL | July 17, 2014 www.PrideSource.com