Mich. Supreme Court I have lived 59 of my years as a member of ’s rainbow community. Upholds Partner Benefits “I suspect I shall do so for the remainder of life, so please mark your desk ‘Captain Buffalo’ Tackles calendars accordingly.

Homophobia On The Force – Charles” Alexander

Michigan Mommy Issues Families Find Legal Hurdles A Challenge

WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM MAY 9, 2013 | VOL. 2119 | FREE COLOR

2 BTL | May 9, 2013 www.PrideSource.com COver Story 4 Michigan mommy issues Cover photo: Julia Music and her son, Quinn. This vote shows that marriage doesn’t belong to a particular party or ideology, Rhode IslandMarriage Equality’s

I have lived 59 of my years as a 10th State Mich. Supreme Court member of Detroit’s rainbow community. “I suspect I shall do so for the remainder of

Upholds Partner Benefits life, so please mark your desk and increasingly, the public and politicians calendars accordingly. ‘Captain Buffalo’ Tackles – Charles ”Alexander Homophobia On The Force alike realize that only marriage provides loving couples and families with the “protection they need and deserve. Michigan Mommy – Chad Griffin, HRC, pg. 12 Issues

Families Find Legal Hurdles A ChallengeMAY 9, 2013 | VOL. 2119 | FREE

WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM

News Join The Conversation @ PrideSource.comCool Cities 6 Michigan Supreme Court upholds Royal Oak benefits for unmarried partners HELP WANTED ” CoolCOOL CITIES CitiesPRIDE SEASON 6 Annual women’s golf outing June 1 Lansing 10 Quick Michigan Pride Preview 12 Illinois GOP Chair resigns, cites support for same-sex marriage as a reason 12 RI now 10th state to allow same- sex marriage Opinion 8 How special my ‘nothing special’ 9 Parting Glances 11 Creep of the Week Life YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET Unity Michigan Coalition Pride Season Volunteers PinpointThis Week’s your ad Cooldollars Cities: where Pride Across The State 14 Homophobia on the force they will do the most good . . . 15 ‘Captain Buffalo’ loses power to The Unity Michigan Coalition and BTL are seeking volunteers to assist Lansing And Royal Oak June Pride season is just around AdvertiseYOUR NEIGHBORHOOD in the next Cool Cities • YOUR MARKET unnecessary complexity in a community outreach project throughout the June Pride season. Stop by the Lansing and Royal Oak the corner! Which festivals and Volunteers will work with UMC and BTL to collect contact information TO PLACE PinpointAN AD CALL your 734.293.7200 ad dollars whereevents are you counting down 16 Cool Cities: Lansing Cool Cities pages at Pridesource. from LGBTQ and allied attendess of Pride festivals who are interested they will do the most good . .the . hours until? See the print 18 Cool Cities: Royal Oak com for information about local in furthering nondiscrimination policies throughout the state and would LGBT-friendly Advertise in thebusinesses, next Cool Citiescalendar on page 10 or head over 22 Happenings like to keep informed on how they can become involved. to Pridesource.com/calendar.html 25 Out of Town upcomingTO PLACE concerts, AN AD other CALL events734.293.7200 Call 734-293-7200 ext. 14 or e-mail [email protected] for more and more. and make your plans today! Rear View information or to sign up. 27 Classifieds 30 Puzzle

Vol. 2119 • MAY 9, 2013 • Issue 815 Editorial Creative Advertising & Sales Business Office Editor in Chief Art Director Director of Sales Diane Smith, [email protected] Pride Source Media Group Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 12 Benjamin Jenkins, [email protected] Jan Stevenson, 734.293.7200 x 22 Circulation & Distribution 11920 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48150 [email protected] [email protected] Phone 734.293.7200 Webmaster & MIS Director Diane Smith Entertainment Editor Kevin Bryant, [email protected] Sales Representatives Publishers Chris Azzopardi, 734.293.7200 x 24 Ed Bohach, 734.293.7200 x 15 ONLINE at Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson [email protected] Contributing Writers [email protected] Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown, Member of Associate Editor Todd Heywood, Jerome Stuart Nichols, Ann Cox, 734.293.7200 x 13 “Between The Lines Newspaper” Michigan Press Assoication Benjamin Jenkins, 734.293.7200 x 14 Kate Opalewski, Anthony Paull, [email protected] National Gay Media Association [email protected] Andrea Poteet, Eric W. Rader, National Advertising Representative Q Syndicate Gwendolyn Ann Smith, Dawn R. Wolfe News Staff Writer Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 Follow us @YourBTL Crystal Proxmire Cartoonists Our rate cards are available online. All material appearing in Paul Berg, Dave Brousseau Between The Lines is protected by federal copyright law and Email your op–eds to Arts & Theater Editor may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission [email protected] Since 1995 Donald V. Calamia, [email protected] Contributing Photographers of the publishers. Between The Lines is supported by many Andrew Potter fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for claims Providing Content and Community to LGBT Media Calendar Editor made by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for Sign up online to receive our E–Digest Copyright 2013 Pride Source Media Group, LLC Shelby Clark, [email protected] materials provided by advertisers or their agents.

3 BTL | May 9, 2013 www.PrideSource.com BRIEFs Dignity Event Draws Michigan Mommy Issues Protests From American Family Families Find Legal Hurdles A Challenge Association By Crystal A. Proxmire DETROIT (AP) - Gay Catholics celebrated Mass at Marygrove College in the In a state like Michigan, which fails to face of appeals from a conservative Christian treat families fairly, Mothers’ Day can be group that the Archdiocese of Detroit block a hard reminder that some mothers are the plans. considered legal strangers to the children Dignity Detroit held Mass on Sunday at they love and are raising. The push to the Roman Catholic-sponsored school. legalize second-parent adoption continues Members of Dignity Detroit were met by in Michigan, with a pending court case roughly 30 protesters. A smaller group held recently taking center stage nationally. signs in support of Dignity Detroit members. Hazel Park couple Jayne Rowse and American Family Association Michigan April DeBoer have sued Oakland County President Gary Glenn said May 2 that he and the State of Michigan to allow them had asked Archbishop Allen Vigneron to to adopt each other’s children. On March enforce Vatican policies on homosexuality 7, U.S. District Judge Bernard Friedman and intervene. put his decision on hold until after the The 1.3 million-member archdiocese U.S. Supreme Court rules on two same- has said church institutions are subject to sex marriage cases that are before it. Catholic beliefs. Those decisions are expected to happen Dignity Detroit, which regularly meets at the end of June and then Friedman is at Marygrove College, celebrated its 39th expected to issue his ruling. Friedman anniversary on Sunday. It has held previous succeeded in having the couple expand their original adoption-centric lawsuit to Masses in the school chapel. Shawanda and Janet Nichols were legally married in California five years ago. They moved from Arizona to One of the keynotes for this year’s include a challenge to the anti-gay marriage Michigan four years ago to live in Saline, and they now have two children; four year old Jack and nine month gathering was retired auxillary Bishop amendment currently in the state constitution, old Finn. Photo courtesy of Nichols family. Thomas J. Gumbleton. The event was well after Proposal 2 passed in 2004. “Children in same-sex households parent with no legal tie to their child. This two million children being raised by LGBT attended, with the chapel filled to near is problematic in many situations including people who do not have legal parental rights. capacity. are harmed because they don’t have the protections afforded other families,” said the custody if something were to happen to the Despite the risks of being an unrecognized Hazel Park family’s lawyer Carole Stanyar to legal parent; the ability to make medical parent in Michigan, many continue to forge Obama Dares Judge Friedman. “A mother is a legal stranger decisions for the child; the ability to provide ahead creating their own families. Fortunately to her children.” insurance for the child and relationships with there are support groups that can help lesbian Graduates To Reject Currently in same-gender couples, only the child’s school. mothers and other foster/adoptive parents one parent may adopt, leaving the other In at least 20 states children can be adopted find their way through challenges. Two of by two parents, regardless of the parents’ these groups include the Ferndale Adoption Cynical Voices gender. Yet across Network and the Lesbian Moms Network in the country there are Ann Arbor. COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - President still approximately Barack Obama is telling college graduates that only their generation can break the cycle of a political system consumed by “small things” that work for the benefit of a few. Obama gave his first commencement Children in same-sex households address of the year at Ohio State University on Sunday. are harmed because they don’t have the The president told students that if they “ engage in democracy, they can make sure protections afforded other families. A mother they inherit a country that has lived up to is a legal stranger to her children. its potential. Obama mentioned that young people in earlier generations helped secure equal rights - Hazel Park family’s lawyer Carole Stanyar for women, workers and gays. ” He asked them to reject cynics who say government is the root of all problems. Obama is to give two other commencement speeches later this month - at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and Morehouse College in Atlanta. Julia Music is one of the founders and organizers of the Ferndale Adoption Network She is seen here and on the cover with her son Quinn. Photo courtesy of Julia Music.

4 BTL | May 9, 2013 www.PrideSource.com What if something happened to Janet? Could “I be part of my children’s lives? I try to not think of things as much. It’s frustrating not to be on the birth certificate, that piece of paper would be nice.

still living in Arizona” and that was one of Ferndale Adoption Network the things we really found nice about Ann Julia Music is one of the founders and Arbor. That network is what really drew us organizers of the Ferndale Adoption Network here. We wanted that sense of community (FAN). She and around 80 parents connect and meeting other families like ours. A lot through the group’s Facebook page and of places are really open and friendly in this through in-person activities. Music is a single area,” Shawanda said. adoptive mom who is bisexual, a group The Nichols’ family has attended picnics she says is often ignored, but is completely and other events. “If we weren’t a part of “Ferndale normal.” this group I wouldn’t be as connected to “I know with the whole marriage thing, this community,” Shawanda said. “It’s good single people are kind of being pushed out of for other moms to join so they can get into the press right now, but there are all kinds of playgroups and be connected. If there is an families,” she said. FAN has single parents, article that comes out we pass that along. We same-sex parents, heterosexual parents, mixed share that information. race families, and foster parents – all with the “One thing we do is every Christmas we common bond of loving children that came do presents for families who are struggling or from beyond themselves. having trouble with the economy. We come “We provide resources online for people together and wrap presents and the board will who are looking for information about deliver presents to families in need. adoption. We also post upcoming adoption “If somebody has a baby we sign up for events. We connect to make things like life different days and we bring meals to them each books, which are books about stories of the day so they don’t have to cook. It’s a sense of child’s birth mother, all the way up to living security that if we needed something there’s a with their adoptive families, sometimes good resource of people who will help.” beyond. The children know both women as their “We also have parties. Sometimes they have mother, but only Janet has legal parental rights. themes. Recently we did a Chinese New Year One consequence of not being a legal parent party which was awesome because the families is that when a child gets hurt, the unrecognized that adopted children from China put in a big parent is unable to make decisions for that effort to have a lot of cultural pieces at the child’s care. “The only time it’s come up so party. Parties are a great way for kids to know far is when Jack was at the library and he had other adopted kids, plus the parents get to talk busted his lip. I had to go pick up Janet on the about all sorts of issues,” Music said. way to the hospital because a legal parent had Helping each other through Mother’s Day is to be there and it’s her insurance.” another of the many tasks FAN members take Shawanda said that so far daycare centers on. “When I was having sad feelings about have been understanding of their situation, but Mothers’ Day because I was thinking about she worries what will happen when the boys Quinn’s birth mom, I posted a question about are school age. Then again only Janet will have it and the replies back ranged a lot from all the legal standing as a parent. different people who participated. Some of the The worries are in the back of Shawanda’s moms had the same feelings that I did and it mind. “What if something happened to Janet? was nice to find a group of people who could Could I be part of my children’s lives? I try really relate to what I was going through.” to not think of things as much. It’s frustrating not to be on the birth certificate, that piece of paper would be nice.” Lesbian Moms Network Recently the couple took a trip back to Lesbian Moms Network in Ann Arbor Arizona. “Driving through Iowa we were like provides support for biological moms and their ‘Oh we’re in Iowa so we’re married,’ then partners as well as couples who have adopted. we’d get to the next state and say ‘Oh, now Shawanda and Janet Nichols were legally we’re not married.’ It’s just silly. It will be nice married in California five years ago. They when all that is behind us.” moved from Arizona to Michigan four years ago to live in Saline, and they now have two Find more online: children; four year old Jack and nine month old Finn. They found out about LMN online – Ferndale Adoption Network: and connected with the group before even www.facebook.com/groups/112375997645 finalizing their moving plans. – Lesbian Moms Network: “We were Googling stuff when we were www.lmnetwork.org

5 BTL | May 9, 2013 www.PrideSource.com Three Unsolved Homicides of Michigan Supreme Court Upholds Black Transgender Women in the Benefits For Unmarried Partners BY Todd Heywood The attorney general’s office did not respond for full relationship recognition,” but she said to inquiries from The American Independent the state has not gone far enough to protect Month of April LANSING – State employees in Michigan regarding this ruling; however, Joy Yearout, Michigan’s LGBT community. can continue to receive health benefits for spokesperson for the department, told the “(I)t is not inclusive enough to resolve The National Coalition of Anti-Violence their significant others, even if they’re not Detroit Free Press, “We are disappointed the matter of employee benefits for same- Program (NCAVP) said in a May 2 press married, and even if they’re gay. That’s with the ruling because Gov. (Rick) Snyder sex partners in committed relationships,” release it “is deeply concerned by three because the Michigan Supreme Court May 1 is correct that expanding state benefits costs Dievendorf said in an email. “There is unsolved homicides of transgender women declined to hear an appeal from the attorney the taxpayers millions when they can least still a vital need to legally ensure that all of color that occurred during the month of general’s office, which has been challenging afford it.” committed and loving families have equal April, which continues a trend of murders a local body’s decision to offer health-care of transgender and gender non-conforming benefits to unmarried state employees, saying women and people of color in the past few it violates the state’s anti-gay-marriage statute. years.” According to Attorney General Bill Schuette, According to NCAVP, on April 3 Kelly the policy treats married and unmarried Young, a 29-year-old black transgender (I)t is not inclusive enough to resolve the couples differently. woman, was found shot to death inside a But in January, a split appeals court matter of employee benefits for same-sex partners home in Baltimore, Maryland. On April panel ruled that the Michigan Civil “ 4, 30-year-old Ashley Sinclair, a black Service Commission’s health-care policy in committed relationships. There is still a vital transgender woman, was found shot to was “unambiguously completely gender death in a wooded area in the Oak Ridge need to legally ensure that all committed and neutral” and therefore does not violate the section of Orange County, Florida. And on constitutional ban on same-sex marriages or loving families have equal access to healthcare April 30, another young black transgender other civil unions. woman, Cemia Dove, also known as Ci Ci insurance and other critical employee benefits. Thanks to the Supreme Court’s refusal to was found on April 17 in a retention pond in hear Schuette’s appeal, the lower-court ruling Olmsted Township, Ohio. Dove, a 20-year- stands. old woman, had multiple stab wounds, was Managing Director, Emily Dievendorf tied to a concrete block, and was found naked ” from the waist down. As of April 30 all three Background of these homicides remain unsolved. Over objections by Republican Gov. Rick Jay Kaplan, a staff attorney at the American access to healthcare insurance and other “Each year NCAVP tracks the homicides Snyder, the state Civil Service Commission Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, praised critical employee benefits.” of LGBTQ people in the U.S. in which an voted in 2011 to have the state health insurance the Supreme Court’s decision, saying the Ray Holman, Legislative Liaison for UAW anti-LGBTQ motive is known. However for plan cover non-family members who have lived lawsuit itself was “flawed” and “deserved to Local 6000, said that while his state-wide many LGBTQ homicide victims, especially continuously with state workers for at least a be dismissed.” union has 17000 employees in every state transgender women and people of color, year. GOP Attorney General Bill Schuette sued, While state workers will continue to receive department, only about 200 employees have who are disproportionally affected by saying the move was unconstitutional. partner benefits, others employed by public signed up to receive the benefits. anti-LGBTQ violence, a motive is never A divided state appeals court upheld an agencies are not so lucky. That’s because last Holman said he is proud of the court’s determined,” said Chai Jindasurat, NCAVP Ingham County judge in a ruling this past winter, Republican Gov. Rick Snyder signed a choice not to hear the appeal. “This means Coordinator at the New York City Anti- January, that the policy does not conflict with law banning local government agencies from that collective bargaining rights have been Violence Project. “It is imperative to call Michigan’s 2004 same-sex marriage ban. The offering partner benefits to employees. preserved,” he said. “We need more people attention to these incidents so that the lives appeals court said it is not the place of courts But certain agencies were exempt from this with healthcare benefits, not less. And this is of these individuals are not forgotten or to second-guess the wisdom of state action, law, such as universities and the Michigan good for Michigan. It helps us attract qualified, overlooked and so that we can bring all and state workers can share benefits with other Civil Service Commission, because they have capable, creative people into our workforce. It resources to bear to discover what happened people besides a gay partner. constitutionally protected autonomy. makes Michigan an attractive place for people to them, when that is possible.” Matt Fedorchuk, acting deputy state personnel The ACLU of Michigan is currently to move to and work.” NCAVP has seen an increase in the director told Crain’s Detroit that Michigan has challenging this 2011 law in federal court. The decision also impacts non-union severity of anti-LGBTQ hate violence 124 state employees whose health insurance “The ACLU is challenging the employees such as members of management incidents in the US. NCAVP’s most recent covers live-in partners. He said it is costing the constitutionality of this law in federal court who are not part of the union, but receive the report on Hate Violence, documented 30 state $690,000 a year to provide the coverage. as violating the equal protection rights same benefits. And it helps bring the state anti-LGBTQ homicides in 2011, the highest Since voters approved the same-sex marriage of LGBT employees and their same-sex in line with many of the major corporate number ever recorded by the coalition. ban (Proposal 2 in 2004), many public employers partners,” Kaplan said in an email. “Although employers who offer these benefits. Transgender women made up 40 percent of no longer specifically acknowledge domestic the state court decision has no legal binding “What we’re about is trying to give the 30 reported hate murders in 2011, while partnerships but have made sure “other qualified precedent on federal courts, we believe that everybody opportunity and raise everyone representing only 10 percent of total hate adults” – including gay partners – are still local governments, including public school up,” Holman said. violence survivors and victims. Of the 30 eligible for health care. districts also have the same autonomy to set Notably the benefits package does not reported hate murder victims in 2011, 87 In 2011, Snyder signed a law blocking the terms and compensation for its employees include “domestic partner” wording, rather percent were LGBTQ people of color. taxpayer-paid health benefits from being and that this should not be interfered with by extends medical coverage to “to one non- NCAVP is a resource for anyone who experiences offered to domestic partners living with public the legislature.” married, non-related household companion.” employees. The measure, which is being Emily Dievendorf, managing director of violence. For more information, or to locate Additional Reporting by Crystal Proxmire. an anti-violence program in your area, please challenged in federal court, does not apply to Equality Michigan, the statewide LGBT public universities or many state employees. Originally published on American Independent contact us at [email protected] or visit us online advocacy group, said that Supreme Court’s ruling “is an important step in our struggle Network. www.ncavp.org. 6 BTL | May 9, 2013 www.PrideSource.com 7 BTL | May 9, 2013 www.PrideSource.com From The Mouths Of Babes Quotes ON Lesbian Moms How Special My ‘Nothing Special’

“ . . . I think it would be really boring if Opinion by Shelly Stewart everybody had just a mom and a dad. It’s really special how I have a mom and a y partner Jennifer McKissick and Pennsylvania. mama!” I had hoped to be legally married I confess that I had mixed emotions Cody Jurs-Allen, second-grader, before we adopted our foster son, about finalizing Ty’s adoption. On son of lesbian mothers M little Ty, but we realized that the timing of his one hand, I was delighted because his adoption was out of our control and getting “ . . . I asked [my son] Jonathan what he adoption was our ultimate goal and he married involved leaving Michigan. felt were the strongest negative and the would finally be ours. On the other, I Right after scheduling our wedding in strongest positive aspects for him in having was disappointed because in Michigan Connecticut for April 2, we were notified that grown up with lesbian parents. He said the only one of us could legally adopt him. Ty’s adoption finalization hearing would take strongest benefit he felt he gained was that We had decided that Jennifer would be place on the 12th. Knowing that the next two he knew that he did not have a lot of the the adoptive parent, and I worried that I weeks would change our lives forever, we hang-ups that some other boys did about would feel left out of the entire process, loaded up our car for a spring break road trip men and women. And the most negative disconnected from my son and wife. I with ten-month old Ty and our two teenage aspect he felt, Jonathan said, was the was afraid that I would be on the sidelines daughters, Faith and Annie. as just an observer. However, I was Jennifer and Shelly with their three children in front of Darien, ridicule he got from some kids with straight Ct. courthouse were they were recently married. Our first stop was New York City. While parents. ‘You mean, from your peers?’ I said. pleasantly surprised when the judge’s there, Jennifer took the girls to be in the ‘Oh no,’ he answered promptly. ‘My peers assistant told me that I should stand up I was absolutely elated when Judge TODAY show audience. Our girls proudly know better. I mean other kids.’” front next to Jennifer and Ty while she was Tracey Yokich addressed me. “Ms. Stewart, Audre Lorde, lesbian mother stood in front of the cameras waving their sworn in and took the adoption oath. Well! even though the State of Michigan isn’t shared poster, “Our moms are progressive enough to recognize your “People who don’t like gays feel that way getting married TODAY!” We were “Ms. Stewart, even though the relationship, we realize…” She went on to so proud of them. Connecticut was because there aren’t so many gay people State of Michigan isn’t progressive say that she realized that I was also included and they’re not in a gay family so they don’t excitingly next for all of us. in the process to adopt Ty, and she asked if know what it feels like. The other kind of We had searched the Internet enough to recognize your I too was willing to make this commitment, family that is not lesbian or gay was started and discovered Justice of the Peace unofficially of course. first, and people think it shouldn’t change. Mary Pugh. She simplified the relationship, we realize…” She I fought back the tears and responded, process for us, provided us with a They think people are supposed to stay the went on to say that she realized “Absolutely!” same. I want them to know that I probably great deal on a luxury hotel, and Jennifer and I cried with joy for our new have more than they do because I have two directed us to the picturesque Town that I was also included in the son and gratitude for this judge who gave us moms and a stepmom too!” of Darien where we had a simple so much hope. That hearing demonstrated Keely Coffrin-Shaw, third-grader, and intimate Town Hall marriage process to adopt Ty, and she an incredible shift in attitude in Macomb daughter of lesbian mothers ceremony. asked if I too was willing to make County. In 2001, a judge in that same court The most remarkable part of the house had blatantly discriminated against me These kids were planned and their lesbian whole experience was how ordinary this commitment, unofficially of for my sexual orientation during my divorce mothers were very engaged in parenting. At the process seemed to everyone and child custody proceedings. the end of high school, the teens tell us that around us. course. I fought back the tears We have renewed optimism that very they have excellent grades, feel connected Even though Jennifer and I and responded, “Absolutely!” soon we will enjoy the same recognition in to their families and friends, and admire were emotionally overwhelmed Michigan that we had in New England. We their parents.” when completing our marriage are family. And blessed. Nanette Gartrell, principal investigator of license application, the staff smiled, “Adolescents with Lesbian Mothers Describe congratulating us like same-sex Their Own Lives,”a study for the Williams marriage had always been legal. I know Institute that found teens living in homes with it sounds odd, but in that situation, I two mothers to be more successful at school appreciated being “nothing special.” Nothing and generally happier in life. special. Indeed! After our ceremony was over, Mary Pugh asked, “Do you feel different?” “My grandpa majored in biology in college, We both replied adamantly and as one, but he wasn’t allowed to teach at a high “Yes!” school because he was black. Not long ago, After spending more than a decade with I spoke on a panel at a high school with my Jennifer, I had underestimated the emotional mom. This guy in the audience told my mom impact of getting married. After all, we had that he wouldn’t want her to teach his kids a holy union ceremony in 2003. It’s just a because she is a lesbian. It reminded me so legal process, I told myself. But that was much of what happened to my grandpa. I not true. Knowing our marriage was legally think homophobia is like any other ‘ism.’ It’s recognized felt amazing. the racism of today. Like racism, you learn it We spent the rest of the week in states from the people you grow up with, from your that saw us as a married couple and it was parents, from television, and from society.” wonderfully different – a sense of validation Rayna White, eleventh-grader, daughter of a lesbian mother and safety. My heart sank just a little when we drove across the New York state line and crossed into no-same-sex marriage

8 BTL | May 9, 2013 www.PrideSource.com My Past, Our Prologue Parting Glances Opinion BY CHARLES ALEXANDER will in three days, as this Parting Glances again makes its weekly welcome appearance – number 650 in a long, I long series of fascinating, and occasionally improbable, columns – turn 77. I have lived 59 of those years as a member of Detroit’s rainbow community. I suspect I shall do so for the remainder of life, so please mark your desk calendars accordingly. Item in italics: Charles, gayly tenacious into his 90s. As a friend of mine who would call me up yearly on my birthday put it, “Ah, yes, Charles, you’re living proof of the old adage, “May babies are gay babies.” Or, as the Coffee Table Book of Astrology, admonishes, “Taurus is the Sign of Sexual Deviancy.” I was born on a Tuesday, at 7:49 a.m. in Detroit’s Harper Hospital, where I also worked right out of high school as an O.R. Tech. It was while scrubbing in a Harper operating theater that I had the unique experience of assisting the foresighted straight man who brought me into the world, Dr. Leonard P. Heath. Lenny seemed pleased to get reacquainted. I was delighted. (Unfortunately, he couldn’t remember my face, and I couldn’t place his. Sometimes ‘family’ reunions are like that.) As for the “May babies are gay babies” bit, two friends share the same birthday as mine, May 12th: Affirmations senior coordinator Kat Latosch and ever-smiling, journalist Ted Kirby, now living in sunny Arizona. Former Triangle CEO Jeffrey Montgomery turns 60 on the 8th. (A soon-to-be-started Kick Start film project is focusing on his life as an activist and community arts presence.) Notable gays born on my birthday are actor Katharine Hepburn, and 19th Century nurse Florence Nightingale. (Other famous Twelvers -- who may or may not be LGBT: Yogi Berra, George Carlin, Burt Bacharach, artist Frank Stella.) Needless to say, I’m in pretty good company. At my advanced age I find that quite often I’m out of touch with who’s who these days in entertainment, sports, theater, film, the gay bar scene. Regularly I check the daily Free Press birthday listings, and find that many times I haven’t a clue who the celebs are. (Then again, I’m sure they’ve never heard of me -- that is, outside of Michigan!) I’ve lived long enough to know how things were for us gays and lesbians. As a teenager I was very aware that I was a sexual deviant, marked for watching and monitoring by society, religion, government, psychiatry, the law. To survive I pretended to be straight, went by a nickname, told no one where I worked, lived a tiresome lie to parents, friends, teachers, and clergy. I got by. Sometimes barely. As a gay teenager I also believed the variant saying shared among us for a future that seems decades and decades away, “Nobody wants you when you’re old and gay.” We believed there existed a place we jokingly dreaded to go to. It was called “the Wrinkle Room.” Don’t ever grow old, Mary; if you can help it. Standing at age 18 in the heart of Detroit’s downtown gay bar community, if some all-knowing Wizard of Osmosis told me there would someday be LGBT organizations, newspapers, churches, same-sex marriages, gay/lesbian children adoptions, big name celebrities willing to be open about who they really are, I would have said, Man, you’ve got to be crazy! That’s really weird. Also, by the way, if someone warned, “In your lifetime thousands upon thousands of gay men will die of a devastating, scary virus. Be prepared!” I’d shrug, “Yeah, sure, Doc. You’ve got to be kidding. That’s too far out. A plague, no way.” How times have changed. 9 BTL | May 9, 2013 www.PrideSource.com June is right around the corner....

BTL photo: Andrew Potter

~, June 9, 11 a.m. Quick Michigan ~Vendor and information booths, food tucks ~Benefits Equality Michigan

Pride Preview Tie In Events:~Beyond the Bar Graphic Artists Reception and Motor City Launch Party, June 6, 7 Ferndale Pride p.m. at Start Gallery, 206 E. Grand River Sponsors Include: 5/3 Bank, Necto, The Detroit Date: June 1, 2013 Partnership, UAW, Whole Foods, Fuze, Comerica Bank, Barefoot Wine, Chrysler GALA, Ford Globe, Location: 9 Mile and GM Plus, Between The Lines Woodward in Downtown Ferndale More Info: www.motorcitypride.com Features: ~Two sound stages with a variety of musical Kalamazoo Pride performances, including The Cliks, My Pal Val, Cullen Blue and Randy Friess Date: June 14-16 ~Vendor and informational booths ~SE Michigan Location: Arcadia Creek ~Rainbow Walk/Run 5k, registration begins at Festival Area 8:45 a.m. ~Ferndale Pride benefits Affirmations, Project Features: XYZ, Ferndale Community Foundation and Michigan ~ White Party, Arcadia Creek Festival Area AIDS Coalition ~Pride Brunch 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Pride details to be announced Tie In Events: ~Entertainment: Kimi Hayes w/Déjà Vu, ~Second Class Citizen Photo Shoot and Ferndale Hannaniah & The Boys Pride Kick Off Party, May 31, 7-10 p.m. at ~Recovery Party, details to be announced Affirmations, $25 ~Vendor and informational booths, food trucks ~Several bar and patio parties around town on ~Benefits Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource May 31-June 2 Center Sponsors Include: Motor City Casino, Suburban GMC, Garden Fresh, Blue Care Network, Buffalo Wild Tie In Events: Wings, Como’s, Dino’s Lounge, Between The Lines ~ Garden Workshop, May 18, 8-10 a.m. Wenke Greenhouses, 5071 Market St. More Info: www.ferndalepride.com ~Bowling Extravaganza, June 2, 4-7 p.m., Eastland Bowl, 5570 Gull Rd. ~Doggie Day, June 8, 1-4 p.m., Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center, 629 Pioneer St. Date: June 8-9, 2013 Sponsors: Bell’s Brewery, Bronson, MetroKzoo. com, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, MPI Research Location: Hart Plaza, Detroit Lion’s Den, Between The Lines, plus over a dozen Features: “Triangle Level” local sponsors ~Four stages of entertainment, Anna Matronic headlining Sunday, Miss Motor City Pride Contest More Info: http://kglrc.org/pride/#.UYcNc8pTQUg Saturday with Yarrow from Ru Paul Drag Race. Other performers to be announced

10 BTL | May 9, 2013 www.PrideSource.com West Michigan Pride Hotter Than July Creep of the Week Date: June 15-16 July 27-28 Dr. Ken Hutcherson Opinion BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI Location: Calder Plaza in Grand Location: Detroit, mainly Palmer few weeks ago if someone Rapids Park had asked you if you knew God puke. Features: AJason Collins, you likely Of course, the joke is on Collins, ~First ever Grand Rapids Parade of Pride, June 16 1-3 Features: would have said no. That is, unless according to Hutcherson. p.m., starts at Michigan and Ottawa ~Candle Light Vigil, July 23, 6 p.m., Palmer Park by Blue you were a big fan of the Washington “Collins is being used as a pawn, ~Two drag shows Spruce Memorial Tree in the most dangerous game of ~Performances by several artists, including Jane De ~Boat Ride, July 24, Detroit River Wizards (which I Russian roulette for his soul,” he Young Trio, Potatobabies and Bermudas ~Film Festival, July 25, Cass City Cinema doubt). But today, writes. Silly Satan, souls are for ~Vendor and informational booths, food trucks ~Annual Gathering on LGBT Issues, July 26, Univ. of it seems like Jason Christians. Sponsors: Herman Miller, Frito Lay, Rumors Night Club, Michigan Detroit Center, 3663 Woodward Ave. Collins is the Hutcherson also predicts a rude Gazelle Sports, The Matthew Agency, Diversions, Pub 43, ~Prom, July 26, details to be announced only professional Jeffrey Richard Salon, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Between ~Palmer Park Picnic, July 27, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Palmer basketball player “[D]o any of you believe The Lines Park in the world. His Hutcherson ~Worship Service, July 28, 10 a.m. location to be name and face there is a connection More Info: www.westmipride.org announced are everywhere. ~Sunday Brunch, July 28, Roberts Riverwalk Hotel, 1000 Because he’s gay. Specifically, between [Jason Collins] River Place, $50 per person or $90 per couple because he’s the first openly gay announcing he is gay only Sponsors: Community Foundation of SE Michigan, Swerv professional player in a major U.S. Tri-City Pride Magazine, GBM News, , Michigan AIDS sport. 72 hours after President Coalition, Between The Lines It’s a BFD. Even President Obama Date: June 22 said that he “couldn’t be prouder” of Obama’s speech to Location: Ojibway Island Park More Info: www.hotterthanjuly.org Collins for coming out. Planned Parenthood?” Saginaw Which is evidence that Obama Features: Michigan Pride is clearly taking orders from Satan, ~1-8 p.m., Pride Festival according to Dr. Ken Hutcherson awakening for Collins in the locker of the Antioch Baptist Church in ~Car Show Date: Aug. 24, 2013 room: “I can’t imagine that Collins, ~Vendor and informational booths, food trucks Redmond, Washington. standing in the shower after a game, ~Drag Queen Hostess Asio Aviance Location: Lansing In a May 2 opinion piece for the and knowing the vast majority of his ~Performance by Bayside Bombshell’s Burlesque Troup Features: Christian Post, Hutcherson used the teammates are not gay, will go over ~Musical performances by Drag King Rebellion, Abbie ~ White Party June 7, 6 p.m. at Four Lansing Old Town fact that Obama praised a known very well. How about the players Stauffer, Sandy Mulligan and Kris Pride Locations, $10 homo-sexer and that he spoke to standing in the shower with him, ~Grand Marshall and Keynote Speaker Ross Matthews Planned Parenthood as proof of knowing that one of their teammates Tie In Events: ~Rally and March Obama’s Satanic usurping and a likes other men? Just saying…” ~Candlelight Vigil remembering those lost to suicide, ~Vendor and information booths, food tucks vast conspiracy against Christians Let’s unpack that, shall we? First June 21, 8 p.m., Borchard Park, Saginaw in America. of all, when someone ends an idea Sponsors: Divine Light Interfaith Ministry More Info: www.michiganpride.org “[D]o any of you believe there is a with “just saying…” it means, “I connection between [Jason Collins] have just said something for which More Info: www.tricitylgbtpride.com announcing he is gay only 72 hours I do not want to take responsibility” after President Obama’s speech to because it was probably a shitty Planned Parenthood?” Hutcherson thing to say. And, indeed, this thinly Holland Area Pride writes. “The answer is a resounding veiled “warning” about things not YES! More proof that Christian going “over very well” for Collins Date: June 29 views are very much under attack!” the homo while he is standing naked Location: Centennial Park, Park Yes, very much under attack. with a bunch of his hetero teammates Theatre Poor Christian views in America. is worthy of distancing yourself. Just think of all the taxes churches Because it’s an asinine thing to say. Features: have to pay. Not to mention the fact Not only is Hutcherson implying ~1-6 p.m., at Centennial Park, booths, vendors, musical that there has never been a single that Collins is some kind of pervert acts American President who identifies who won’t be able to keep his eyes ~6-10 p.m., moves to Park Theatre for comedy show, as Christian. Don’t get me started and hands off his teammates, but drag performance and dancing about how out-numbered Christians he’s also implying that a bunch of are in Congress. And just try getting grown men can’t behave themselves More info: www.hollandareapride.com Christmas day off from work! Yes, if one of them is gay, especially if it’s a tough life for Christians in they’re all naked. It’s an argument America. And it can all be blamed that has always left me baffled: how Flint In The Park on Planned Parenthood and Jason little regard folks like Hutcherson June 29 Collins, a.k.a. “agents of Satan.” have not just for gays, but for men “The connection between these entirely. As if a penis makes it Riverbank Park and Univ. of two stories should be very obvious: impossible to be a decent human Michigan Pavilion Rink Over 40,000 people are expected at Hart Plaza June 8 -9. they both go directly against God’s being. Features: Holy Word,” Hutcherson continues. Then again, maybe Hutcherson is ~Vendor and informational booths, food trucks “After all, God hates hands that Watch for extensive coverage coming in BTL projecting his own fantasy of getting ~Live Entertainment shed innocent blood (Prov.617) and in a wrestling match with Collins in ~Wrestling Show May 30 and June 6 and check us out online for is sickened by sodomy (Rom.1:24- the shower while a bunch of other ~Children’s Activities regular updates to June Pride information @ 27).” naked guys stand around and watch. More info: www.facebook.com/FLINTGAYPRIDE In other words, Collins makes www.pridesource.com Just saying… 11 BTL | May 9, 2013 www.PrideSource.com Breaking: Delaware Senate approves marriage bill The Delaware Senate on Tuesday by a 12-9 vote margin approved a bill that will allow same-sex marriage in the First State. “It is about treating couples the same under the law as all other couples,” Equality Delaware President Lisa Goodman said before the vote. “It is about similarly situated people the same.” State Sen. Karen Peterson (D-Stanton) came out as a lesbian while she spoke in support of House Bill 75. “We are not seeking to redefine marriage,” she said. “We are seeking to expand the definition of marriage just as the Supreme Court did in the Loving v. Virginia case.” State Sen. Robert Venables (D-Laurel) noted “very anatomy” means “a man should not be marrying a man” as he spoke against House Bill 75. “This is a step to break [marriage] down,” he said. Governor Jack Markell has said he will sign the bill into law. Illinois GOP Chair Resigns, One hour after the RI State Senate passed the bill allowing same-sex marriage, Gov. Chaffee is signed it into law on the captial steps. Cites Support for Same-Sex AP photo. Marriage As A Reason RI Now 10th State To Allow By Mark Preston

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Illinois Republican Party Same-Sex Marriage Chairman Pat Brady resigned Tuesday, citing a handful of By DAVID KLEPPER that Tevyaw wasn’t considered her significant opponent, with Bishop reasons including an ongoing wife in Rhode Island despite their Thomas Tobin urging lawmakers to struggle with several members PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) marriage in Massachusetts. defeat what he called an “immoral of the state GOP over his - Rhode Island has become the “I’m ecstatic, but sad she’s not and unnecessary” change to support for same-sex marriage. nation’s 10th state to allow gay and here to see this,” Tevyaw said. “I’m traditional marriage law. “There were several lesbian couples to wed, after a 16- sure she’s watching, but she’s not On Thursday, Tobin repeated his reasons,” why he decided year effort to extend marriage rights here next to me. Before she died, she opposition, writing in a letter to the to step down, Brady said in in this heavily Roman Catholic state. told me, ‘I started this, and now I’m state’s Catholics that “homosexual Pat Brady a telephone interview with Gays, lesbians, their friends leaving it in your hands.’ We worked acts are... always sinful.” CNN. “I’ve been going at it and families erupted into cheers hard for this. There were petitions, “Catholics should examine their hard for six years, I need to focus on my family, and obviously I had Thursday following a final 56-15 door knocking, phone calls. I think consciences very carefully before lost the support of the state Central Committee because of my position vote in the Rhode Island House, and people decided, ‘just let people be deciding whether or not to endorse on gay marriage.” then again an hour later when Gov. happy.”’ same-sex relationships or attend Brady was elected chair in August 2009. His wife is battling cancer. Lincoln Chafee signed the bill into Once consigned to the political same-sex ceremonies,” Tobin Brady is a close confidante of Republican National Committee law on the Statehouse steps. fringe, gay marriage advocates wrote. “To do so might harm their Chairman Reince Priebus and Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Illinois. Kirk “Democracy feels good, doesn’t succeeded this year thanks to a relationship with God.” announced his support for same-sex marriage last month, while it?” said House Speaker Gordon sprawling lobbying effort that The Rhode Island legislation Brady did so earlier this year. Brady’s public support of same-sex Fox, D-Providence, who is gay. Fox included support from organized states that religious institutions may marriage angered social conservatives because it went against the state struggled to keep his composure labor leaders, religious clergy, set their own rules regarding who is GOP platform on the issue. At the time Brady said it was a personal as he addressed the crowd at the leaders including Chafee and eligible to marry within the faith and endorsement and reiterated that in the interview Tuesday with CNN. Statehouse, looking over at his Providence Mayor Angel Taveras specifies that no religious leader is The Illinois state legislature is considering legislation to legalize longtime partner, Marcus LaFond. and hundreds of volunteers. Their obligated to officiate at any marriage same-sex marriage. In speaking about Kirk and same-sex marriage, “This tells me our relationship efforts overcame the opposition ceremony and no religious group Brady said, “I agree with him, we need to get on the right side of does matter. It means that we mean of the Roman Catholic Church is required to provide facilities or history.” something.” and lawmakers including Senate services related to a gay marriage. Brady also suggested the party is at a crossroads and needs to decide The first marriages will take place President Teresa Paiva Weed, who While ministers already cannot if it can be a party where “people can disagree on some issues” but Aug. 1, when the new law takes voted no but allowed the issue to be forced to marry anyone, the agree on many others. effect. come to a vote anyway. exemption helped assuage concerns The RNC is currently working on a plan to help broaden the GOP’s The day was bittersweet for Supporters framed the issue as one from some lawmakers that clergy appeal beyond its traditional political base such as reaching out to Deborah Tevyaw, whose wife, of civil rights, arguing in daylong could face lawsuits for abiding by minorities and younger voters – voting blocs it lost to Democrats by state corrections officer Pat Baker, legislative hearings that gay and their religious convictions. wide margins in 2012. succumbed to lung cancer two years lesbian couples deserve the same Under the new law, civil unions Under pressure from social conservatives, the RNC approved two ago. Months before she died, Baker, rights and protections given to will no longer be available to same- resolutions last month re-affirming its position of only recognizing that relying on an oxygen tank, angrily opposite-sex married couples. The sex couples as of Aug. 1, though the marriage is a union between one man and one woman. told lawmakers that it was unfair Catholic Church was the most state would continue to recognize

12 BTL | May 9, 2013 www.PrideSource.com I’ve been waiting 32 years for this “day, and I never thought it would come in my lifetime. For the first time in my life, I feel welcome in my own state.”

- Raymond Beausejour,66, who has been with his partner for 32 years

existing civil unions. Lawmakers approved civil unions two years ago, though few couples have sought them. The first marriages will take place Aug. 1, when the new law takes effect. Raymond Beausejour, 66, used to photograph weddings, but the gay North Providence man never expected he would have one himself. “I’ve been waiting 32 years for this day, and I never thought it would come in my lifetime,” said Beausejour, who has been with his partner for 32 years. “For the first time in my life, I feel welcome in my own state.” Delaware could be the next state to approve gay marriage. Legislation legalizing same-sex marriage has narrowly passed the Delaware House and now awaits a vote in the state Senate. Advocates in Rhode Island say that while they’re proud the state is the 10th to legalize gay marriage, they expect other states to quickly follow as support for gay marriage grows around the country. According to polling experts at Gallup, 53 percent of Americans support giving gay and lesbian couples the right to marry, up from 27 percent in 1996. Rep. Frank Ferri, D-Warwick, who lobbied for gay marriage before becoming a lawmaker himself, recalled that years ago he asked a sitting lawmaker if he would consider supporting same-sex marriage. “He said `I’ll pour gasoline on my head and light myself on fire before that bill passes,”’ Ferri recalled. That has changed, said Ferri, who is gay. Ferri said he hopes Fox can marry him and his partner on Aug. 1, which also happens to be the couple’s 32nd anniversary. “Today a dream has come true,” he said. “No more hiding in the shadows. No more being ashamed of who we are.”

13 BTL | May 9, 2013 www.PrideSource.com COLOR

Patrick Moug’s ‘Captain Buffalo’ At Detroit Ensemble Theatre Through May 19 By Bridgette M. Redman taking a couple courses in college and I really PREVIEW is intensely personal to the playwright, as it liked it, but I was afraid of what people would is inspired by his own journey from those FERNDALE – Not all actors are gay, but think of me. I was about eight years into being Captain Buffalo early days of taking classes to a career that it doesn’t stop some people from thinking so. a police officer and I had this nagging feeling Detroit Ensemble Theatre at Michigan Actors now involves both stage and film. In the Playwright and actor Patrick Moug has it wasn’t what my passion was.” Studio, 648 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 8 p.m. past several years he has been a parking lot spent 25 years as a police officer. It’s the So after taking classes at The Purple Friday-Saturday & 2 p.m. Sunday through May 19. attendant in the movie “Sucker”; directed the family business. When, along the way, he Rose, he began acting and writing. Fourteen $12-18. 877-636-3320. television series “Keys to the Blue Goose,” discovered he wanted to be an actor, it raised years ago he wrote “Captain Beef-alo,” the www.Detroitensembletheatre.org which has a theme song recorded by Sarah more than a few eyebrows. predecessor to this current script. It was, Moug Lenore (a finalist from “America’s Got “The first time I was in a play and my said, more slapstick and humorous. Three Talent”); and has directed his own plays and sisters told one of my brothers, he asked, ‘Is years ago, he took it back out and wrote it as the DET production. “I think he is a good films including “The Detroit 59ers” and “The he gay?’” Moug said. “Here I am a SWAT a screenplay, a work that won support from person. His being homophobic originates in Ugly One.” officer, played football in college, but because the Mi-GOAL (a Michigan gay and lesbian a fellow officer who died of AIDS, one of But it is “Captain Buffalo” that is the most I’m becoming an actor, the question is asked. police organization). his childhood friends. He can’t identify with autobiographical, including the title that was I found it interesting.” From the screenplay, Moug turned it back him, he can’t explain it. This isn’t a police a nickname he earned on the squad because It was part of what inspired him to write into a play. In this rewritten version, Ryan officer who gets killed in the line of duty. He he liked to eat buffalo – or beef-alo – meat the play that opened May 3 at the Detroit or “Hoss,” the police officer planning to becomes homophobic because he is hurt. His from a farm in Chelsea. Ensemble Theatre in Ferndale, “Captain become an actor, faces opposition from James friend died and was gay.” “In one aspect, the two brothers are both Buffalo,” directed by Barton Bund. The story, or “Bones,” his brother and fellow SWAT His journey becomes one of trying to me – me at first being reluctant, being afraid he explains, is definitely fictional, but inspired team member whose homophobia creates understand someone who is different from of what others would think of me. I took all by his own experiences straddling two worlds an antagonism toward the entire profession. himself and to grapple with the question those fears and made them present in the with sometimes highly divergent outlooks. Contributing to this was the loss of one of their about whether his love for his friend was any brother who wants to be an actor,” Moug Moug comes from a family of nine police SWAT brothers to “cancer,” a loss that James different just because the friend was gay. said. “I think we’ve really fleshed out an officers and two firefighters spread over three still struggles with. Ryan’s journey is one of pursuing a dream honest antagonist instead of a stereotypical generations. “What I really hope I have done well is despite the opposition he faces from his family one. We have a good person who is thinking “We were always the athletes,” Moug said. this character who is homophobic,” Moug and co-workers. He searches out a way to the wrong things.” “No one ever got into acting. I dabbled in it by said of the role, which he will also play in live both parts of his life. It is a journey that

14 BTL | May 9, 2013 www.PrideSource.com ‘Captain Buffalo’ Loses Power To Unnecessary Complexity By Bridgette M. Redman

Detroit Theatre Ensemble’s “Captain Buffalo,” which is making its stage premiere at the Michigan Actors Studio, straddles two worlds and expects its audiences to be intimate with both of them. Ryan, also known as “Hoss,” is a SWAT team hall boss and has decided to learn to become an actor. It is a choice his brother and SWAT team commander, Detroit Theatre Ensemble’s “Captain Buffalo” continues through May 19 at Bones, scorns and attempts Michigan Actors Studio in Ferndale. Photo: DET to block. As a study in contrasts, Patrick Moug’s story Despite the intimate space of the Michigan Actors works well. The SWAT team is as close as a Studio, the acoustics often made it difficult to family and filled with macho testosterone and hear the actors, their voices too often sinking drunken physicality. Even the woman’s moves into the floor rather than carrying out to the seats. are that of a jock and an athlete. Then the scenes This was especially true in intimate scenes, or switch and the personalities, moves and behavior such times as when Ryan’s first acting teacher, of the actors become the opposite: flighty, chatty, Glory, discouraged him from participating. Her emotional. lines were clipped and It is this contrast that Playwright Moug also she seemed uncertain director Barton Bund of what she was saying, handles well and most performs as the antagonistic lacking in the arrogance effectively in the scene where Ryan attends his brother, the one whose that the lines of the script first acting workshop seemed to imbue her and is trying to observe homophobia stems from the with. and fit into this strange loss of a fellow officer and In contrast, Kristen environment he has found. Wagner-Nader’s As the actor’s perform lifelong friend whom he feels Kate was filled with Meisner exercises and he should have stopped from personality and a bubbly physical warm-ups, Phil charisma that sparkled Hughes’ Ryan circles and being gay. Together Moug and whenever she was on watches, fascinated but Hughes portray disconnected the stage, making the finding it as strange as the storyline flow better, audience does. brothers who love each other and providing Ryan with Bund also creates bookends with similar despite their differences. needed motivation. actions at the start and As the playwright, end of the play, creating a complete circle with Moug does more telling visual techniques in a play that is otherwise more than showing in “Captain Buffalo.” We are told cinematic than theatrical. It is a delicate balance many times that Ryan is a good actor, but there that is effective in keeping the scenes from being is only one scene where we see it, and even then drowned in the winks about the venue, the inside the others on the stage overreact to us, telling us world of acting, and the close-knit culture of how we should perceive it, lest we miss that it is police officers. supposed to be good. To be effective in the story Playwright Moug also performs as the that it tells, we need to see Ryan’s growth, not antagonistic brother, the one whose homophobia simply be told about it. stems from the loss of a fellow officer and “Captain Buffalo” tries to tell many stories: lifelong friend whom he feels he should have stopped from being gay. Together Moug and that of loss, homophobia, chasing one’s dreams, Hughes portray disconnected brothers who love finding one’s place in the world, friendship, each other despite their differences. Hughes family and love. But in the two hours that it has is uncertain and vulnerable, while Moug is on stage, those are too many stories to tell, and blustering and overly confident despite his fears. none of them are given the power or focus to The acting surrounding them varied in strength. make it truly compelling.

15 BTL | May 9, 2013 www.PrideSource.com 517-394-3719 ext. 30 and ask for Matt. Staged Reading Of ‘8’ At LAAN is located at 913 W. Holmes Road, Peppermint Creek Ste. 115, in Lansing. Dustin Lance Black’s latest play, “8,” Sistrum Presents ‘It Takes Cool Cities will be read for one night only at Lansing’s Peppermint Creek Theatre. A Village’ May 10 Lansing The play chronicles the historical trial Sistrum, Lansing’s Women’s Chorus, of the federal constitutional challenge presents their spring concert, “It Takes a to California’s Proposition 8 filed by the Village.” The show highlights families YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET American Foundation for Equal Rights and communities, core issues to the goal Pinpoint your ad dollars where (AFER). of creating empowering and inspiring Using first-hand interviews and actual music for Sistrum’s community. they will do the most good . . . court transcripts from the landmark trial, Music ranges from lullabies to love Advertise in the next Cool Cities audiences will see both sides of the awareness, and encourages dialogue poems, marked by both large and small debate, while learning about the historical while entertaining.” This one-night ensemble performances. TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 context of marriage, the arguments used performance begins at 8 p.m. May 10 Founded in 1986 by Rachel Alexander, to justify bans on marriage for gays and at Peppermint Creek’s performance former assistant director of the St. Louis lesbians, and the emotional costs of venue, located in the Miller Performing Woman’s Choir, Sistrum embraces core discrimination. Arts Center, 6025 Curry Lane, in South values of empowerment and acceptance. Black, who won the Academy Award Lansing. Providing a musical haven for women for Best Original Screenplay for “Milk” For tickets and information, to find and nurture their voices, the in 2008, is a founding board member call 517-927-3016 or visit www. Lansing Women’s Chorus believes in for AFER, a non-profit dedicated to peppermintcreek.org. the magic and joy of raising voices protecting and advancing equal rights for together as diverse lesbian, bisexual, all Americans, which also served as the LAAN To Provide HIV heterosexual, queer and transgender sole sponsor for Perry v. Schwarzenegger women. (now Hollingsworth v. Perry), the Testing Every Tuesday Performances will be held at 8 p.m. on May 10 and 11 at First Presbyterian federal court challenge of California’s The Lansing Area AIDS Network Church, 510 W. Ottawa St., Lansing. A Proposition 8. (LAAN) has begun providing Rapid silent auction will be held before each Peppermint Creek Theatre Company HIV Testing every Tuesday 1-8 p.m. All concert at 7 p.m., with proceeds going to “continues to strive to produce classic results will be anonymous and given the support the chorus. Tickets range from and contemporary theatre that addresses same day. $12-50. For more information, visit vital issues in our society, raises To schedule an appointment, call www.sistrum.org.

16 BTL | May 9, 2013 www.PrideSource.com Hear Me Out By ChRIS Azzopardi Patty Griffin, James Blake title track’s cascading piano is swallowed by a whorl of sound euphoria; “Life Round Here” fuzzes and sizzles into a hooky soul hypnosis (it also features an unforgettable thread: “Everything feels like a touchdown on a rainy day”); “DLM” strips back the atmospherics for just a simple melody and still mesmerizes. Even the rap Wu- Tang Clan leader RZA lays down on “Take a Fall for Me” jibes with Blake’s subtly melodic and stunningly cinematic work. “Overgrown” is the kind of outré album that commands quietly with its minimalism and soothing sensitivity, as it frames a world of majestic sonic grace. That sounds like something that deserves some monetary recognition, don’t you think? Grade: A- Amy Grant, ‘How Mercy Looks From Here’ What’s Amy Grant been up to in the 10 years since her last studio album? Living. There’s no “Baby Baby” on the Christian-pop darling’s long-gestated work, because these songs are formed Patty Griffin, ‘American Kid’ ever) and transcendence (spiritual “Ohio”). from wisdom and reality: seizing the day Ever since her rootsy 1996 debut “Living It sweeps the earthiness of “Living with (“Our Time Is Now” with Carole King), with Ghosts,” Patty Griffin has found Ghosts” into a sublime Americana sound love’s boundlessness (“Deep As It Is inspiration in the deep, dark corners of with the heart and soul – and certainly the Wide” with Sheryl Crow and Eric Paslay; life. Written in the midst of her father’s songs – of Patty at her prime. In a career a threesome pulled off masterfully) and a death, “American Kid” serves to honor repertoire of highs, this one goes all the vow of acceptance (“Golden,” a welcome him in the best way Griffin knows how: way to the heavens. Grade: A throwback to Grant’s ’80s catalog). Life with song. Griffin go-tos, like mortality James Blake, at 52 also means confronting grief and and loneliness, reoccur in the elaborately ‘Overgrown’ sadness; the inspiring title track carries the burden of both, as does the somber “Shovel painted snapshots that play out like James Blake in Hand.” Those songs, like all of “Mercy,” chapters of a book – each one taking you doesn’t care if you aren’t pretty pop – but they’re real. closer to the end of a story. That bitter end rip his sophomore is “Gonna Miss You When You’re Gone,” album for free. He Alice Russell, ‘To a glimmer of hope in her grief. The wistful said so in a recent Dust’ opener, “Go Wherever You Wanna Go,” interview, noting that the label is not Adele better hurry imagines eternal rest as the release of in agreement with his very generous life’s burdens. But this isn’t a dedication with that junior marketing strategy (oh, I wonder why). album if she that merely mourns. In fact, it doesn’t do Blake is either really modest with his much of that at all. It remembers. Sung in doesn’t want Alice music, or he’s selling the prowess on Russell to swipe first person, the man in “Irish Boy” and display during “Overgrown” so short “Faithful Son” is an overlooked wallflower the soul-diva spotlight from her. The – it doesn’t get shorter than free – he’s British songstress’ “To Dust” – her fifth – a war vet who went his whole life doing unconcerned with profiting from it. But he unto others and still slipped through the solo release in just over a decade – is certainly deserves to. Having claimed a fair cut from the same cloth of vintage soul cracks. “Little children came and grew, amount of indie clout with 2011’s self-titled moved away and never knew who I was or that launched Adele into global stardom. debut, the English virtuoso ambles into the Now it’s Russell’s turn. Besides a voice who I am; no, they never knew this lonely same electro “post-dubstep” lushness that man,” Griffin laments on the latter, as a big and bold enough to wage war, the scored him a Mercury Music Prize nod U.K. singer is also completely invested in guitar waxes with escalating percussion that year. This time, Blake approaches his and an ethereal voiced Robert Plant the torrent of emotions rippling through work with even more refined precision this old-school R&B revival. About carrying out the track like a spirit sailing and the delicately winsome soundscapes off to the sky. Capturing scenes from those emotions: they’re everywhere, that summon the abstractness, wonder from the sad demise of a relationship (“I everyday life, “American Kid” riffs on an and dream states of Bon Iver and Sigur abandoned mutt (heartbreaker “Wild Old Loved You”) to defiance (“A to Z”) and Rós – all the while, his melty-voiced desperation (“4 a While”). It’s time she Dog”), a frisky fella courting his new wife endearment pulls you in like the tide. The (“Get Ready Marie,” her most playful song get her big break, America.

17 BTL | May 9, 2013 www.PrideSource.com 8 12 20 5 13 24 B 9 Cool Cities 25 14 21 16 18 1022 Royal Oak 23 LGBT Non-Profits 7 Common Ground...... A 17 586-573-9932 3 6 Gay/Lesbian Educators Association Of Michigan...... * 19 11 586-573-9932 Higher Ground...... * 2 www.hghiv.org 1 15 26 Lambda Car Club...... * lccdetroit.org 4 Sing Out Detroit Chorus...... B www.singoutdetroit.com Steppin’ Out AIDS Walk Detroit...... * www.aidswalkdetroit.org A

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18 BTL | May 9, 2013 www.PrideSource.com 19 BTL | May 9, 2013 www.PrideSource.com ‘Asher Lev’ Explores The Price Of Individuality By John Quinn PREVIEW stop for the entire performance. No less impressive is the way he finds the Cool Cities Each of the narrative arts tells a story My Name Is Asher Lev fundamental truth in his character and Royal Oak in a different way. Adaptations are a The Jewish Ensemble Theatre Company at conveys it to his audience. mixed bag; some are successful, many Aaron DeRoy Theatre on the campus of the Structurally, the drama alternates are less so. Aaron Posner’s dramatic Jewish Community Center, 6600 W. Maple between narration and vignette and adaptation of Chaim Potok’s 1972 Road, West Bloomfield. Thursday, Saturday the transitions are seamless. David novel, “My Name Is Asher Lev,” & Sunday through May 19. 85 minutes; no J. Magidson, artistic director of JET, intermission. $38-45. 248-788-2900. though, is an achievement. Posner establishes a measured pace that allows distills Potok’s 375 pages into less www.jettheatre.org an audience to savor Potok’s use of than 90 minutes of drama, creating a language. He even overcomes the richly theatrical experience. The Jewish theater. All the men but Asher are played script’s rare hiccups; for example, a Ensemble Theatre Company offers us by John Seibert, all the women by Naz potentially dull scene in which Posner the rare opportunity to enjoy a current Edwards. Together they are a case study uses repetition for comic effect. Asher off Broadway hit without visiting the in the actor’s art. Although each is using is trying to explain the difference Big Apple. a full complement of tools to delineate between painting nudes and painting His name is Asher Lev. He’s an his and her multiple characters, Seibert naked women to his skeptical father. It observant member of Brooklyn’s tight- tends to employ voice. He’s particularly kind of got away from the playwright; knit Hassidic community. He also, effective demonstrating the polar the director reined it back in. Timing is from early childhood, demonstrates opposites among the men, contrasting everything.This show is a co-production brilliance in art – “a little Chagall.” the gentle, Old-world cadence of the with Ann Arbor’s Performance Network His incessant, compulsive drawing irks Rebbe with Jacob Kahn’s harsh, “New Theatre. his father, Aryeh, who considers art Yawk” accent. Edwards leans toward irrelevant to true religious devotion. using expression. Just the way she holds The production will also be presented at her mouth defines Rivkah Lev. One The mediator between father and son Performance Network Theatre, 120 E. might think she wears a totally different is Asher’s mother, Rivkeh, dedicated to Huron St., Ann Arbor, Aug. 8-Sept. 8. $22- her beliefs but a little more tolerant of face when she portrays (Sigmund 41. For information: 734-663-0681 or www. her son’s obsession. Freud, call your office!) Asher’s first “My Name Is Asher Lev” is a nude model. performancenetwork.org conceptual work so streamlined it could But the title character is Asher Lev, and play effectively in the smallest chamber he is Mitchell A. Koory, whose stamina is impressive. He’s pretty much non-

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20 BTL | May 9, 2013 www.PrideSource.com Cool Cities Royal Oak

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21 BTL | May 9, 2013 www.PrideSource.com Significant Other Support 7 p.m. Discussion and support group for friends and loved ones of LGBT. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- Happenings 7105. Goaffirmations.org month. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Michigan Union, 530 S. State St., Ann Karaoke Night 9 p.m. Lansing Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Arbor. [email protected] Association for Human Rights, 1250 Outings Goaffirmations.org Turner St., Lansing. 517-487-5338. Lahronline.org Thursday, May 9 Motor City Bears 7 p.m. Social group for Tuesday, May 14 metro area bears. Meets every second Older Adult and Senior Helpline 4 Give OUT Day Every donation received will Saturday of the month. Motor City Bears, p.m. Provides peer counseling, empathy Thursday, May 16 go to KGLRC. Part of national campaign 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248- and community resources for LGBT Livingston County PFLAG Meeting 7 of LGBTQ giving. Kalamazoo Gay and 398-7105. Goaffirmations.org adults. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile p.m. Meets the third Thursday of every Lesbian Resource Center, 629 Pioneer St., Road, Ferndale. 1-800-398-4297. month. Please park behind the church, Kalamazoo. 269-349-4234. Kglrc.org Sunday, May 12 goaffirmations.org use the handicapped entrance, and follow the signs to Room 127. All are welcome! This Boy is a Bottom: Willam, Detox, Bicycle Ride at Paint Creek Trail 10 Aff Action Night 6 p.m. Educating others and Vicky Vox Willam and Detox from Livingston County PFLAG, 400 E. Grand a.m. Ride into Lake Orion and catch the about how to make Michigan an equality River Ave., Brighton. 517-548-0839. seasons four and five of RuPaul’s Drag cider mill on the way back. Lunch after at state. Pizza provided for volunteers. 290 Race perform with Vicky Vox.18+. [email protected] Facebook. the Rochester Brewery. GOAL, 400 Water W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- com/pages/Livingston-County-PFLAG Menjo’s, 928 McNichols Road W, Detroit. St., Rochester. 7105. Goaffirmations.org 313-863-3934. Menjosbar.com Pittman-Puckett Gallery Opening Mother’s Day Brunch 10:30 a.m. SWEAT 6 p.m. A weekly support/social Voices Story Project Share your story Reception 7 p.m. An exhibition and Tickets: $15+. Caesars Windsor, 377 E. group to encourage those of us who need performance space intended for the through Voices, a project highlighting Riverside Dr., Windsor. 800-991-7777. to achieve wellness and or weight loss. the experiences of LGBTQ people in the presentation of work by lesbian, gay, Caesarswindsor.com The Network, 343 Atlas Ave. SE, Grand bisexual and transgender artists. The gallery Kalamazoo area. Selected pieces will be Rapids. 616-458-3511. Grlgbt.org/ read at the Pulse: Allied Artist event. This Older Lesbians Organizing 1 p.m. includes a growing permanent collection of is Fire, 1249 Portage Road, Kalamazoo. Provides older Lesbians with the Coming Out Over Coffee 7 p.m. Casual original works and features rotating shows 269-344-6659. [email protected] chance to meet like minded women in discussion group about “coming out.” with specific focuses. Affirmations, 290 W. their common strugglesOlder Lesbians Welcomes anyone at any point in their Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Lansing Community College Gay Organizing, 319 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. journey. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Goaffirmations.org Straight Alliance 5:30 p.m. Bingo 734-995-9867. JimToyCenter.org Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. after at Esquire. Lansing Association for Polyamory Network 7:30 p.m. Open Human Rights, Lansing. Spennyj@lcc. edu lahronline.org Gender Non-Conformists 7 p.m. A social and discussion group for transgender, Editor’s Pick genderqueer, genderneutral and gender-exploring individuals. Space also Michigan Humane Society and the Detroit Zoological Society are available to significant others. Meets hosting “Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo” at the Detroit Zoo. every Thursday. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- Hundreds of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens will be available for 7105. [email protected] adoption from over 25 animal shelters and welfare organizations. GoAffirmations.org Ferndale Pride-Volunteer Planning The annual adoption event has been held at the Detroit Zoo since Meetings 7:30 p.m. Ferndale Pride, 290 W. 1993, where more than 18,000 pets have found homes. Free Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. admission and parking is being offered for the adoption event, Friday, May 10 though standard rates apply for zoo visits. Ladies Night Out 5 p.m. Beginning at 5 Adoptions begin at 2 p.m. May 17 and 10 a.m. May 18 at The p.m., participating Ann Arbor stores will be offering discounts, refreshments, and other Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak. “Puppy passes” special surprises. Not just for ladies; in will be distributed to the first 25 guests on May 18 specifically store specials are for everyone. Shop local and support your downtown friends and adopting a puppy, giving prospective pup parents a 15-minute neighbors. Ann Arbor Art Center, Ann Arbor. head start to the event. Adoption fees and policies are subject to participating shelter. Visit www. GLSEN 6 p.m. Social and discussion michiganhumane.org for more information. group for members of local high school LGBT groups. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Goaffirmations.org Rainbow Book Club 4:30 p.m. Book club Goaffirmations.org and inclusive community of people living dedicated to reading and discussing classic polyamorously, people interested in Woman 2 Woman 6 p.m. Free. KICK, 41 and contemporary lesbian, gay, bisexual, Forum to discuss the Boy Scouts 7 polyamory and people of, friendly to and Burroughs St. 109, Detroit. 313-285- transgender, and queer literature. Meeting p.m. Open forum to discuss the Boy curious about polyamory. Welcomes diversity 9733. E-kick.org since before 1998, every second Sunday of Scouts’ discriminatory policy towards of sexual orientation and gender identity. LGBTQ Scouts and leaders. LAHR, 469 Friday Night Socials: Euchre Night the month. Rainbow Book Club, 319 Braun Meets the third Thursday of every month. Ct., Ann Arbor. 734-995-9867. Catherine. N. Hagadorn Road, East Lansing. Polyamory Network, 319 Braun Ct., Ann 7 p.m. Snacks and drinks available for Lahronline.org purchase. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine [email protected] Arbor. 734-995-9867. Jimtoycenter.org Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Conversation Station 5 p.m. Discussion Out4Equality-Open Mic Performance Goaffirmations.org group with facilitator-LGBTQI (and allies) Series 7 p.m. Monthly open mic series. Friday, May 17 35 and over-join GOAL each week Donations: $0-5. Affirmations, 290 W. Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo for discussion, food and fun. Topic: Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- Hundreds of adoptable dogs, cats, puppies Saturday, May 11 7105. Goaffirmations.org KICK’s Careers & Employment Summit What subjects are you not comfortable and kittens will be available for immediate 8 a.m. KICK, 41 Burroughs St. 109, talking about? Get Out And Live!, 714 S. adoption from MHS and more than 20 Detroit. 313-285-9733. E-kick.org Washington St., Royal Oak. 248-981- Wednesday, May 15 additional organizations at the largest 4227. GetOutAndLive.me GLSEN Mid-Michigan 4:30 p.m. Lansing off-site pet adoption event in the country. “Run 4 A Reason 2013” 5k Walk/Run, Association for Human Rights, Lansing. There is no charge for admission or parking 10k Run 10:30 a.m. Registration Fee: Monday, May 13 Lahronline.org for this event, which is held under tents in $25. Includes a t-shirt and backpack. Get the Detroit Zoo front parking lot, beneath Out And Live!, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Social Knit Night 6:30 p.m. Lansing Co-Gender Rap Discussion 6 p.m. the signature water tower. Michigan Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Meetup.com/ Association for Human Rights, 319 S. Light refreshments and good fellowship Humane Society and the Detroit Zoological GOAL-Get-Out-And-Live-LGBT Waverly Road, Lansing. Lahronline.org between men and women, young and Society, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak. seasoned. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine 248-283-1000. Michiganhumane.org/zoo YEP Night 4 p.m. For LGBT youth, Walk, Jog or Running Group 6:30 p.m. We can walk/run around the park area so if Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. ages 14-24. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Goaffirmations.org/ Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. we all go at our own paces we will still be Goaffirmations.org together. It doesn’t matter what shape you’re Beloved Hearts Grief Support Group in. Just get out and join us! Get Out And 6:30 p.m. We cannot change what has Music & More Out4Equality-Collage Project 6 p.m. Live!, Ferndale. GetOutAndLive.me happened, but we can support and walk Collaborative art project incorporating Concerts Bowling Night 8 p.m. Post-bowling beside you as you grieve. We can give community created art. Affirmations, 290 you hugs, help you cry and be the soft Elektricity Nightclub “Fabolous and W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- cocktails at Woody’s Oasis, East Lansing, for Pusha-T” 18+. Elektricity Nightclub, 15 “Gay Night.” Michigan Pride, 3103 E. Grand place for you to fall when you feel like you 7105. Goaffirmations.org cannot take another step. For LGBT and S. Saginaw St., Pontiac. May 11. 248- River Ave., Lansing. Michiganpride.org 599-2212. Crossroads 7 p.m. Dedicated to serving allies grieving the death of a loved one the needs of transgender individuals. LGBTA Gender Explorers Group 8 p.m. (including pets). GOAL, 515 S. Washington Krasl Art Center “George Krasl Memorial Meets the second Saturday of every Meets the second and fourth Mondays Ave., Royal Oak. 248-515-2551. of every month. Spectrum Center, 3200 Getoutandlive.me See Happenings, page 28

22 BTL | May 9, 2013 www.PrideSource.com 23 BTL | May 9, 2013 www.PrideSource.com

Out of Town Rehoboth Beach, Delaware By Andrew Collins or 10-minute drive via Ocean Drive). Mixx (mixxrehoboth.com) is another You can also access other parts of high-energy, stylish restaurant and The unofficial gay and lesbian summer Cape Henlopen State Park by driving bar with a strong GLBT following, beach resort of the Mid-Atlantic states, 10 miles north (via Rte. 1 and U.S. 9) excellent food (macadamia-crusted charming Rehoboth Beach is situated to the charming and historic town of local rockfish, seared scallops), and a along a sweeping, sandy stretch of the Lewes, and accessing the park from see-and-be-seen cocktail scene – there’s Delaware shore that’s within a three- Dunes Road. Lewes itself is a lovely live music some evenings. hour drive of Washington, Baltimore Dutch colonial town founded in 1631, Another hip spot where you’ll see and Philadelphia. Over the past decade, with a neatly preserved downtown of plenty of family, Espuma (espuma- many of the town’s guest houses, shops tony shops and inviting restaurants restaurant.com) serves contemporary and restaurants have received stylish overlooking a beautiful, narrow yacht Spanish and Mediterranean fare, makeovers, and this once low-key, harbor – it makes a great little day trip, including great lobster paella. And largely middle-class town has developed by car or bike. Top-notch, gay-popular don’t miss the casual Purple Parrot a see-and-be-seen cachet that extends restaurants in Lewes include The Buttery (ppgrill.com), a good bet for burgers well beyond nearby cities. Prices have (butteryrestaurant.com), which occupies and diner fare; it’s a lively hangout risen, too, but Rehoboth largely retains a romantic Victorian house with a large for drinks and conversation, too, with a laid-back, welcoming vibe that makes veranda, and Café Azafran (cafeazafran. a popular happy hour each day. Other it a perfect destination for summer fun, com), a Spanish-inspired tapas bistro notables include the Seafood Shack and a romantic weekend retreat during open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner – (seafoodshackrehoboth.com), which the quieter spring and fall shoulder there’s a branch in Rehoboth, too. serves tasty fried-oyster po’boys and seasons. tender crab cakes and is known for The town began developing a subtle its live entertainment, which includes gay following in the ‘50s, probably owing Shopping and Dining piano, female vocalists, and acoustic to the fact that closeted Washington Another popular daytime diversion bands. types, unable to risk braving the is shopping. Rehoboth Avenue, the Dos Locos (doslocos.com) is a great nightlife of D.C., found this relatively main drag, has plenty of fun retail standby for Mexican food and cocktails. secluded beach region a relatively safe as well as a few galleries. A block The ornately furnished, Asian-inspired and anonymous place to be themselves, over, Baltimore Avenue is the hub of Planet X (planetxcafe.com) scores or at least test the waters. Lesbians and the town’s gay scene, home to a few high marks for its creative cocktails gays continued to settle here gradually, boutiques, home-furnishing emporia, and unusual vegetarian and organic and then Glenn Thompson opened a and the small but well-stocked Proud fare, from tofu sate with ginger-peanut full-scale gay resort, the Renegade, on Bookstore, which carries GLBT books sauce to grilled ahi fillet with asparagus, the western outskirts of town in 1980. and gifts. Delaware has no sales tax, scallion herb salad and lemon aioli. Soon after, the Blue Moon restaurant and out on Route 1 you’ll discover a Dogfish Head Brewing & Eats (dogfish. and bar opened downtown. Nowadays, bounty of outlet shopping centers. Back com) is one of the most esteemed craft Rehoboth (beach-fun.com for general in town, take a break from browsing to breweries in the country - it’s a fun tourism info; camprehoboth.com for grab a delicious lunch (maybe the best place to sample a flight of unusual details on the GLBT scene) teems with chicken salad sandwich you’ll ever beers (Chicory Stout, Positive Contact gay-owned or – oriented businesses, taste) at Lori’s Café (lorisoyveycafe. Wit-style beer, Chateau Jiahu - which including cafes, restaurants, bars and com), or enjoy a snack or a latte at the is brewed with rice from an ancient about a dozen guest houses. Although Coffee Mill (coffeemillrehoboth.com), Chinese recipe), and the kitchen serves the Renegade was razed in 2002 to make a cheerful coffeehouse. tasty modern pub fare, too. way for condos, the Blue Moon is still Rehoboth has an excellent dining For cocktails and entertainment, a first-rate place to dine and socialize. scene, and several trendy newcomers most folks drop by the lounges at Although an increasing number seem to open each season. On the local restaurants to socialize before or of trendy, urbane businesses have high end, the superb Blue Moon after dinner, with the aforementioned opened here in recent years, Rehoboth’s (bluemoonrehoboth.com) – site of the Blue Moon, Mixx, Aqua, and Seafood beachfront is still lined with a bustling, gay bar of the same name – turns out Shack among the favorites. Early honky-tonk boardwalk of saltwater taffy high-caliber contemporary American in the evening, a lot of lesbians and parlors, video arcades and souvenir fare, like Maine lobster spaghetti and gay guys head to the Frogg Pond shops. Many visitors spend afternoons stout-brined Berkshire pork chops. (thefroggpond.com) tavern for karaoke catching rays at the beach. The largely Down the street, trendy Aqua Grill and conversation, or nearby Rehoboth gay male section, known as Poodle (aquagrillrehoboth.com) serves eclectic Ale House (rehobothalehouse.com), Beach, runs from about St. Lawrence and reasonably priced international which has live music some evenings and to Penn streets, at the southern tip of fare – Thai-mango-chutney burgers, drag brunch on Sundays. If you’re into the Boardwalk. Women sunbathe here coconut shrimp, pot stickers – and then the leather-and-Levi’s scene, be sure to to some extent, but more lesbians and morphs into a fantastic gay video and check out the Double L Bar (doublelbar. a fair share of gay men flock north dance bar, with a sprawling patio, as net), which has a patio, two pool tables, of downtown to the beach at Cape the evening proceeds. Drag brunches and a cruise-y vibe. Henlopen State Park (aka “North and T-dances are part of the fun on Shores” – about a 20-to-30-minute walk weekends. In the same neighborhood,

25 BTL | May 9, 2013 www.PrideSource.com 26 BTL | May 9, 2013 www.PrideSource.com Classifieds

109 112 Announcements - Announcements - Announcements Volunteering

NOTICE OF ANNUAL Unity Michigan Coalition MEETING OF AFFIRMA- Pride Season Volunteers TIONS The Unity Michigan Coalition and A Michigan Nonprofit Corpora- BTL is seeking volunteers to assist tion in a community outreach project throughout the June Pride season. TO: Members Volunteers will work with UMC and BTL to collect contact information NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that from LGBTQ and allied attendess the annual meeting of Affirma- of Pride festivals who are interested tions, a Michigan nonprofit cor- in furthering nondiscrimination poli- poration, will be held at the cies throughout the state and would Affirmations community center, like to keep informed on how they located on 290 W. Nine Mile, can become involved. Ferndale, Michigan 48220, on May 22, 2013 at 6:00 p.m., to Call at 734-293-7200 ext. 14 or consider and act on the following: e-mail [email protected] for more information or to sign up. 1. To present the annual report to members by the President and Executive Director; and 428 Prof. Services - 2. To amend the articles of in- Massage corporation, and to amend and restate the bylaws GROUP MASSAGE Visit our website! Copies of the current and pro- http://www.pridesource.com - For Gay and Bisexual Men. Learn posed articles of incorporation some massage techniques and meet and bylaws will be made avail- others in a safe and caring environ- Add our fan page! able as soon as possible at www. ment. Tuesdays and Saturdays at Search: “Between The Lines Newspaper” GoAffirmations.org and upon 8 p.m. Thursdays at 2 p.m. $10 request at the Affirmations com- per session. 209 West Kingsley in munity center Follow us! downtown Ann Arbor. (734) 662- To place a classified ad with us,visit pridesource.com/classifieds @YourBTL 6282 or email Massage4@aol. Per the bylaws, members may com. http://www.trymassage.com or call us at 888.615.7003 x15 not act at the annual meeting of members by proxy, except that a member may use a special form of proxy ‘ a mail ballot ‘ for the pur- pose of electing directors or voting on amendments to the bylaws or articles of incorporation. Proxies for voting members are available at the Affirmations community cen- ter upon request. Voting members who do not expect to be present personally at the meeting are urged to obtain a proxy, read the proxy statement, and to complete, date, sign, and return the proxy to the Affirmations community center by mail or fax at (248) 541-1943. Quorum at any meeting of mem- bers is 15 members, or a majority of current members, whichever is less. Therefore, in order for the meeting to be held, we encourage every member to return the proxy, even if you plan to attend. If you attend the meeting, this will void your proxy. Solution to puzzle from page 30

Questions are welcomed and should be directed to either: Mark Blanke, President or David Garcia, Executive Director.

27 BTL | May 9, 2013 www.PrideSource.com Editor’s Pick Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical “A Little Night Music” continues at the Players Guild of Dearborn, 21730 Madison in Dearborn. Under the professional direction of Harold Jurkiewicz, the show runs weekends through May 19. Middle-aged lawyer Fredrik Egerman takes his young, still-virgin bride Anne to a play starring his former middle-aged mistress, Desiree Armfeldt, who then rekindles the affair. This stirs anger among not only her current lover, Count Malcolm, but from his wife Charlotte and from Anne. Meanwhile, Fredrik’s seminarian son Henrik is in love with Anne. The couples collide in a weekend party at the country estate of Madame Armfeldt, Desiree’s mother, who is raising Desiree’s daughter, Fredrika. Lusty maid, Petra, and a ready-to- serve butler, Frid, add to the salacious mix. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 p.m., with 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinees. Tickets are $18, with group discounts available. For more information, call (313) 561-TKTS.

® 10-19. 517-264-7469. croswell.org Kelly Road, Eastpointe. Through May 11. Happenings 586-771-6333. BroadwayOnStage.com Continued from p. 22 How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying $12-23. Kalamazoo Civic The 5th Annual Improv Festival $10- Theatre at Civic Auditorium, 329 S. Park St., 25. Crawlspace Theatre Productions at Concert” The George Krasl Memorial Kalamazoo. Through May 19. 269-343- Farmers Alley Theatre, 221 Farmers Alley, Concert is held in memory of George 1313. kazoocivic.com Kalamazoo. May 10-11. 269-343-2727. crawlspacetheatre.com Krasl, who along with his wife Olga shared Legally Blonde $16-18. Farmington a passion for the arts and were major Players, 32332 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington The Maids $15-18. Magenta Giraffe benefactors of The Krasl Art Center. Krasl Hills. Through May 18. 248-553-2955. Theatre Company at The Abreact Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph. 7:30 farmingtonplayers.org Performance Space, 1301 W. Lafayette p.m. May 9. 269-983-0271. Krasl.org #113, Detroit. Through May 18. 313-408- Rabbit Hole $14-$16. Stagecrafters 7269. magentagiraffe.org/ Majestic Theater “The Airborne Toxic at Baldwin Theatre’s 2nd Stage, 415 S. Event” All ages. Tickets: $20. Majestic Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak. May 10-19. 248- Theater, 4120-4140 Woodward Ave., 541-6430. stagecrafters.org Detroit. 8 p.m. May 15. 313-833-9700. Majesticdetroit.com Ragtime $15-50. Ann Arbor in Concert Art ‘N’ Around at Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor Art Center “Potential 2013” 117 Olympia Entertainment “Jillian Michaels” Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. May 18. 800-745-3000. W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. April 13-May 12. In the “Maximize Your Life Tour,” illian a2ic.org 734-994-8004. AnnArborArtCenter.org shows how to harness your potential, kick-start your goals and live an exceptional Robin Hood $7. Kalamazoo Civic Youth Chelsea River Gallery “2013 Annual life-sharing her keys to health, success and Theatre at Parish Theatre, 426 S. Park St., Chelsea School District & Juried Art happiness. No hype, no false promises: just Kalamazoo. May 17-25. 269-343-1313. Exhibit Celebration” 120 S. Main St., results. Tickets: $33-200. Fox Theatre, 2211 kazoocivic.com Chelsea. May 3-May 12. 734-433-0826. Chelsearivergallery.com Woodward Ave., Detroit. 7:30 p.m. May 9. The Beauty Queen of Leenane $10-12. 313-471-6611. Olympiaentertainment.com Riverwalk Theatre, 228 Museum Dr., Cranbrook Academy of Art and Art Royal Oak Music Theatre “Fabolous & Lansing. May 10-19. 517-482-5700. Museum “Anders Ruhwald at Saarinen Pusha T” All ages. Royal Oak Music Theatre, riverwalktheatre.com House: The Anatomy of a Home” 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills. April 28- 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak. 8 p.m. May 11. The Fox on the Fairway $10-33. Starlight 248-399-2980. Royaloakmusictheatre.com Dinner Theatre at Waverly East Cafetorium, Sep. 30. 877-462-7262. Cranbrookart.edu Sistrum, Lansing Women’s Chorus “It 3131 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing. May 10-18. Detroit Artist Market “Line-by-Line: Takes a Village” The music we’re preparing 517-243-6040. starlightdinnertheatre.com Drawing Explored” 4719 Woodward Ave., Detroit. April 18-May 24. 313-832-8540. ranges from a Hebrew celebration to a The Lion in Winter $11-22. Ann Arbor sweet lullaby to a love poem. The concert Civic Theatre at Arthur Miller Theatre within Detroitartistmarket.org will include small ensemble performances to the Walgreen Drama Center, 1226 Murfin add to the variety. Silent Auction & Concert. Detroit Institute of Arts “Motor City Muse: Ave., Ann Arbor. May 9-12. 734-971-2228. Detroit Photographs, Then and Now” 2100 Tickets: $12-25. First Presbyterian Church, a2ct.org 510 W. Ottawa St., Lansing. May 10-May 11. Woodward Ave., Detroit. Feb. 1-June 16. 313-833-7900. DIA.org Sistrum.org The Man Who Came to Dinner Kalamazoo Civic Senior Class Reader’s Theatre, Flint Institute of Arts “Around the World The Ark “Shinyribs” Tickets: $10. The Ark, Carver Center Studio, 426 South Park St., 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. May 15. with 80 Objects” 1120 E. Kearsley St., Flint. Kalamazoo. May 10-May 12. 269-343-1313. Jan. 31-June 30. Flintarts.org 734-761-1800. Theark.org kazoocivic.com “Abstract Art by Jan Brown” The Ark “Kristin Hersh” Tickets: $15. The Fourteen East Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. May Professional Fourteen East, 15 E. Kirby, Detroit. April 30-July 31. 14. 734-761-1800. Theark.org Captain Buffalo $12-18. Detroit Ensemble Theatre at Michigan Actors Studio, 648 E. “The Chenille Sisters” Tickets: $20. Kerrytown Concert House “May Gallery The Ark Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. Through May 19. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Exhibit” 415 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor. April 877-636-3320. Detroitensembletheatre.org May 11. 734-761-1800. Theark.org 30-May 28. 734-763-4186. Kerrytown.com Catch Me If You Can $35-80. Fisher “Peter Murphy Celebrates MOCAD “Mike Kelley’s Mobile Homestead” The Magic Stick Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit. May 35 Years of Bauhaus” Performing solely 4454 Woodward Ave., Detroit. May 11-July 7-19. 313-872-1000. broadwayindetroit. Bauhaus material. All ages. Tickets: $20-50. 28. 313-832-6622. Mocadetroit.org com The Magic Stick, 4120 Woodward Ave., The Henry Ford “Designing Tomorrow: Detroit. 8 p.m. May 13. 313-833-9700. Laughter and Reflection with Carol America’s World’s Fairs of the 1930s” Majesticdetroit.com Burnett $35-85. Wharton Center, 750 E. Tickets: $17+. Members: Free. The Henry Shaw Lane, East Lansing. 7:30 p.m. May 15. Ford, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn. April 517-432-2000. whartoncenter.com 27-Sep. 2. 313-982-6001. Thehenryford.org Theater Marat/Sade $12-30. Hilberry Theatre, University of Michigan Museum of Art 4743 Cass Ave., Detroit. Through May 11. “Florencia Pita/FP mod” 525 S. State St., Civic/Community Theater 313-577-2972. Hilberry.com Ann Arbor. Feb. 1-June 16. 734-763-4186. Umma.umich.edu 8 $10-15. Peppermint Creek Theatre at My Name is Asher Lev $38-45. The Miller Performing Arts Center, 6025 Curry Jewish Ensemble Theatre Company at Aaron Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Lane, Lansing. 8 p.m. May 10. 517-927- DeRoy Theatre, 6600 W. Maple Road, West “Quirkshop: Tiny Terarriums” Tickets: 3016. peppermintcreek.org Bloomfield. Through May 19. 248-788-2900. $15-20. Urban Institute for Contemporary 9 to 5, the Musical $15-35. Croswell Opera jettheatre.org Arts, Two Fulton West, Grand Rapids. 7 p.m. May 9. Uica.org House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. May Tapdance! $18. Broadway Onstage, 21517

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Ender’s Game; Why Aren’t You? Across Game” 22 Tin Man’s request 56 Out-of-this-world org. 25 Lament loudly 1 “No problem” from a bottom? 57 Baseball diamond cover 26 Skin moisturizer 6 Yr. before jr. 58 Constellation with a belt 27 Uncommon, to Caligula 10 Like communion at the Crystal Cathedral 60 Fateful March day 28 Swindle 14 Connect with 61 Morales of “Resurrection Blvd.” 31 “Heather Has ___ Mommies” 15 Warhol pal ___ Sedgwick 62 “You’ll ___ Walk Alone” 32 Backs (out) 16 Theater award 63 Susan B. Anthony colleague 33 ___ bit (slightly) Carrie 17 Sign in Frasier’s booth, perhaps 34 Bannon’s “Odd ___ Out” 64 Cut 18 Actress Foch 35 JFK predictions 65 Former NFL player Tuaolo 19 Seizures for Caesar 37 Confronted 20 With 36-Across, assessment of 38 Trot out marriage equality by 51-Across Down 39 Missile head 43 Suffix for southeast 23 Burgundy Bible gospel 1 Simpson trial judge Lance 44 Where a baker may put his 24 Vin Packer and others 2 It reveals a drag queen’s thighs meat 25 Part of the Bush pere pair 3 Gun, slangily 45 Gallery objects 29 Neighbor of Neb. 4 Inflamed end? 46 Type of boom 30 Philosopher Locke 5 Locale of the Hawthorne 47 What the Devil wears, in a 31 Mom’s specialty, briefly neighborhood movie 32 “La ___ aux Folles” 6 Nero’s tutor 48 Nice buns, for example 36 See 20-Across 7 Garfield’s sidekick 49 Friar’s affair 40 Dike problem 8 Top 52 Anal alternative 41 Margaret of “Drop Dead Diva” 9 A wrestler may use it to hold 53 Greek war deity 42 Type of queen his man 54 It was gauche, for Debussy 43 Prefix for system 10 Nicholson title role 55 Active one 44 Loads 11 Final notices 59 Shooters’ org. 46 “Metrosexual” pirate Jack 12 Like a ballerina 50 Vein filler 13 Ass-kissers’ responses Solution on pg. 27 51 Antigay author of “Ender’s 21 Heston in a chariot

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