When I sent that EMU Discusses Needs Of tweet“ a few years ago just letting people know that At-Risk LGBT Homeless Youth I am gay it was the most amazing day of my life after Update: Charles Pugh the birth of my kids. Wants Accuser Named – Ricky Martin, pg. 14 ”
MOSTMOST LIKELYLIKELY TOTO SUCCEED?SUCCEED? As Deadline Looms, 6th Circuit Attorneys Must Decide Who Will Speak Before SCOTUS
WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM FEB. 26, 2015 | VOL. 2309 | FREE 2 BTL | Feb. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com COVER 4 A short list of potential advocates for marriage equality at I’ve always said that Motown was an ambassador high court for love and for friendship because it brought When I sent that tweet“ a few years ago just EMU Discusses Needs Of letting people know that I am gay it was the most At-Risk LGBT Homeless Youth amazing day of my life after the birth of my kids. Update: Charles Pugh – Ricky Martin, pg. 14 ” Wants Accuser Named people together. Music does that anyway, but Motown as a whole was an entity that really brought people together. – Mary Wilson, pg. 17
MOST LIKELY TO SUCCEED? As Deadline Looms, 6th Circuit Attorneys Must Decide Who Will Speak Before SCOTUSFREE FEB. 26, 2015 | VOL. 2309 |
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NEWS 6 EMU discusses needs of at-risk SAVE THE DATE FACEBOOK YELLOW PAGES LGBT homeless youth MICHIGAN’S LGBT YELLOW PAGES 10 Political hors d’ouevres MICHIGAN’S LGBT YELLOW PAGES 2014 / 2015 ONLINE • IN PRINT ONLINE • IN PRINT
11 Update: Pugh wants accuser 2014 / 2015 named 12 Family and medical leave act updates definition of spouse 12 No veto from Arkansas Gov. on bill banning LGBT discrimination laws OPINION 8 Parting Glances 8 Equity in the doctor’s office 12 Creep of the Week LIFE Save The Date: BTL’s LGBT Wedding Expo Returns Like The Wedding Expo Pick Up Your Copy Of The 14 Beyond the bon-bon For Updates And More Pride Source Yellow Pages 17 Mo town Pick up the Pride Source BTL’s fifth annual Ultimate LGBT Wedding & Anniversary Expo returns Head over to Facebook and like 19 Grit and guns in Ann Arbor’s noir “The Ultimate LGBT Wedding & Yellow Pages at our drop sites film series March 21, 2015 at the Southfield Civic Pavilion! Tickets are already throughout southeast Michigan. online at www.BTLWeddingExpo.com Anniversary Expo” for updates 21 Washtenaw LGBT community on the expo schedule, vendor Don’t forget! You can also fundraises for SCOTUS case info and wedding-related access the directory anytime 22 Happenings content! online at Pridesource.com. 26 Puzzle
VOL. 2309 • FEB. 26, 2015 • ISSUE 904 EDITORIAL CREATIVE ADVERTISING & SALES ONLINE AT Editor in Chief Art Director Director of Sales PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA GROUP Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 12 Benjamin Jenkins, [email protected] Jan Stevenson, 734.293.7200 x 22 “Between The Lines Newspaper” 20222 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152 [email protected] [email protected] Phone 734.293.7200 Webmaster & MIS Director Entertainment Editor Kevin Bryant, [email protected] Sales Representatives Follow us @YourBTL PUBLISHERS Chris Azzopardi, 734.293.7200 x 24 Ed Bohach, 734.293.7200 x 15 Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson [email protected] Contributing Writers [email protected] Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown, Email your op–eds to MEMBER OF Arts & Theater Editor Todd Heywood, Jerome Stuart Nichols, Ann Cox, 734.293.7200 x 13 [email protected] Michigan Press Assoication Donald V. Calamia, Eric W. 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Between The Lines is supported by many fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for claims Copyright 2015 Pride Source Media Group, LLC Staff Writers made by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for AJ Trager, [email protected] materials provided by advertisers or their agents. www.PrideSource.com Feb. 26, 2015 | BTL 3 BRIEFS A Short List Of Potential Advocates FERNDALE Affirmations Showcases Religious Art Exhibit On exhibit for the first half of March, “Shower of Stoles” bears For Marriage Equality At High Court witness to the huge loss of leadership that many religious institutions have brought upon themselves because of unjust policies targeting the LGBT community. The project contains a collection of liturgical stoles BY LISA KEEN and other sacred items representing the lives of LGBT people of faith, Possible Contenders covering over 30 denominations and faith traditions from six countries Renowned Supreme Court advocate The lawyers are going Nobody working on the 6th Circuit on three continents. Ted Olson remembers the first time he cases has offered up a name or names of The free exhibit will be open from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. March 1 through had a chance to argue a case before the to have to exercise some March 15 (Monday through Saturday). For more information, visit www. “ those many potential options, but here’s U.S. Supreme Court: He didn’t take it. goaffirmations.org. substantial degree of maturity a short list of possible contenders (in It was a First Amendment case about Affirmations is located at 290 W. Nine Mile Road in Ferndale. alphabetical order): billboards in San Diego. Olson had and selflessness. But I think YPSILANTI been practicing law for 15 years, he had they’re a sophisticated bunch... Mary Bonauto: She’s gay, highly Michigan Study Seeks LBT Women For Focus Group represented his clients from the start and respected by attorneys straight and they wanted him to argue before the I hope they’ll be able to put gay and is the best known of the 36 An Eastern Michigan University graduate student has put out the call highest court in the land. attorneys working on the four marriage for LBT women interested in participating in a roundtable study to help But Olson and others working themselves aside and say this cases from the 6th Circuit appeal. For complete her graduate thesis on gender roles. on the case agreed their side would could be the final victory for her two decades of litigation to secure Queer-identified women are being asked to participate in a discussion benefit by sending up an experienced marriage equality, she’s been profiled on identity, experiencing homophobia and the process of coming out. Supreme Court advocate who was also gays and lesbians. in the New York Times magazine, Nicole Richards, who also works as the event coordinator for the well known for his expertise in First awarded a MacArthur Foundation grant Equality Research Center at EMU, hopes to expand and advance the Amendment issues. He also remembers and compared to civil rights giant and area of academic research that is currently lacking for queer female several times when the decision over identities. Group dialogue will focus on: societal gender roles, internalized - Ted Olson former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood who would argue a case before the ” Marshall. She is also a much-respected homophobia, the messages that society sends about what it means to be Supreme Court did not go smoothly – leader in the LGBT community a female, how gay women are viewed in society and the varying skills advocate,” she noted, as well as many LBT women use to navigate the “coming out” process. when various attorneys working on one nationwide, long-time civil rights years “standing up before the Court as Participants must be 18 years of age or older, out of the closet and side of a case couldn’t agree who would director for Gay & Lesbian Advocates a known gay man in the inner circle of have time available in the next few weeks to come together in a group present the oral argument. In one case, he & Defenders and has as much or more setting. Meetings will be held on EMU’s campus on a date that works remembers, the dispute went so late the the Supreme Court bar.” experience than any other attorney in best for all those who sign up. Supreme Court clerk threatened to take “Today,” she said, “advocacy on the country in litigating the marriage Interested parties can send an email to [email protected] with the the argument off the calendar. behalf of LGBT clients is much more equality issue specifically. Bonauto does participant’s name, age and “LGBT Focus Group” listed in the subject line. When the 6th Circuit marriage mainstream.” Attorneys all over the not have any experience arguing before equality cases were before the federal country – straight and gay – have filed the U.S. Supreme Court, but it was ONLINE appeals panel last August, one attorney lawsuits on behalf of same-sex couples, her leadership in the groundbreaking Web Series To Explore Sexuality And Gender Identity from each of the four plaintiff groups including nationally prominent attorneys Massachusetts marriage case that got argued before the court. But the Supreme such as Ted Olson and David Boies. the ball rolling toward marriage equality WNET, the flagship PBS station, and PBS Digital Studios Court has instructed the attorneys to send Harlow says she’s hoping the 6th Circuit nationally. Bonauto is co-counsel on the have announced the launch of “First Person,” an original digital only two attorneys total to the lectern marriage attorneys include at least one team of private attorneys in the Michigan series exploring sexuality and gender identity. in April. That means the 36 attorneys attorney from the LGBT litigation case, DeBoer v Snyder. The story will be told through short, candid personal currently working on the four cases in groups that have been involved in the narratives, examining many issues facing the LGBT community, four states must decide which two. And issue for years. Jeffrey Fisher: Fisher is a Stanford using interviews and host commentary to illustrate intimate it doesn’t have to be one of them. They Of the nine major LGBT-related law professor and an attorney that the experiences that speak to larger conversations on gender, could choose to designate an advocate cases argued at the Supreme Court Reuters report identified as having the sexuality, social norms and identity. from outside the four legal teams to since 1985, openly gay attorneys have third most experience arguing before the “’First Person’ gives us the exciting opportunity to start a represent their clients at the nation’s argued five: Mary Dunlap argued for Supreme Court among all 17,000 oral meaningful and respectful dialogue about LGBTQ issues,” Dan highest court. Gay Games organizers in 1987 in SFAA advocates and petitioners. He’s argued Greenberg, WNET’s chief digital officer said. A number of studies in recent years v U.S. Olympics Committee; John Ward 21 cases (winning nine) between 2004 The web series will be hosted by Kristin Russo, co-founder have shown a dramatic increase in the argued for Boston Irish gays in Hurley and 2012. A clerk for former Justice of LGBT youth organization “Everyone Is Gay,” who will percentage of Supreme Court arguments v Irish American GLIB in 1995; Evan John Paul Stevens, he’s co-director of take audiences through topics such as bisexual erasure, delivered by lawyers specializing Wolfson argued for Boy Scout leader Stanford’s Supreme Court Litigation transitioning for the trans community, queer fashion and in Supreme Court cases. There are James Dale in Boy Scouts v Dale in Clinic and teaches a course called the coming out in sports. many factors the 6th Circuit marriage 2000; Paul Smith argued against sodomy “Law of Democracy and Supreme Court In a strategic partnership between WNET’s Interactive attorneys must consider, and some they laws in Lawrence in 2003; and Roberta Decision Making” – the very sort of Engagement Group and PBS Digital Studios, “First Person” might consider. For instance, they may Kaplan argued against the Defense topic relied on by the 6th Circuit to say will debut on a new channel within the PBS Digital Studios grapple over whether to choose openly of Marriage Act in U.S. v Windsor in that state bans on same-sex marriage YouTube network Feb. 26 and will release new episodes every gay attorneys as one or both of their 2013. The other four cases were argued are permissible. Fisher’s Supreme other week. advocates. Ruth Harlow, who was legal by three straight attorneys: Harvard law Court experience has focused primarily Check out the trailer for “First Person” at www. director for Lambda Legal when the professor Laurence Tribe argued both on rights of arrested persons facing FirstPersonPBS.org. Lawrence v Texas case was up before NGTF v Oklahoma in 1985 and Bowers criminal charges, but he was counsel the U.S. Supreme Court, said it was v Hardwick in 1986; Jean Dubofsky of record in the successful marriage a consideration for Lambda in 2003, argued the Colorado Amendment 2 case, Extended briefs are available online at: equality case, Bishop v Smith, from when it chose openly gay attorney Paul Romer v Evans, in 1996; and Ted Olson Oklahoma. (The Supreme Court last >> www.PrideSource.com Smith to present its oral argument. Smith argued the California Proposition 8 case, had “many years as a Supreme Court Hollingsworth v Perry, in 2013. See Advocates, next page
4 BTL | Feb. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com ® Advocates A number of studies in recent years Continued from p. 4 have shown a dramatic increase in October denied the appeal of Oklahoma and the percentage of Supreme Court six other states seeking to defend their bans.) He’s now co-counsel on the Kentucky case, arguments delivered by lawyers Bourke v Beshear. specializing in Supreme Court cases. Douglas Hallward-Driemeier: A partner in the prominent conservative-leaning national law firm Ropes & Gray in Washington, same-sex partners. He served as clerk to D.C., Hallward-Driemeier is working on the former Supreme Court Justice Lewis Powell Tennessee case, Tanco v Haslam. He heads during the 1980-81 session (years prior to the his firm’s Supreme Court practice and, prior court’s Bowers v Hardwick decision upholding to joining the firm, handled Supreme Court sodomy laws) and has argued 15 times before litigation for the U.S. Department of Justice. the high court. Currently, he is a partner at He also served as Assistant to Republican the Jenner & Block law firm in Washington, Solicitor General Paul Clement during the D.C., and chief of the firm’s Supreme Court administration of President George W. Bush. Practice. He also serves on Lambda Legal’s An article in the Journal of Law for Emory National Leadership Council and was formerly University School of Law said Hallward- co-chair of its Board of Directors. Primarily Driemeier ranked 26th among the most citing his argument in Lawrence, the American frequent Supreme Court advocates between Bar Association’s Section of Individual Rights 2000 and 2012, having argued 13 cases. and Responsibilities recognized him with its (Clement was No. 1, having argued 62 cases prestigious “Thurgood Marshall Award” in at that point. Clement added to that number 2010, the same year the National Law Journal in 2013 by arguing for the preservation of the named him as one of four of the “Decade’s Defense of Marriage Act.) Former Lambda Most Influential Lawyers” in civil rights legal director Abby Rubenfeld says he’s “a litigation. great attorney and very experienced with the Supreme Court, not to mention committed to our issue.” In The Mix There are plenty more individuals who Ted Olson: Olson has credibility with the could fit the bill. There are openly gay Supreme Court like very few others. During Supreme Court “repeat litigators” Pamela some Republican administrations, he’s Karlan and Kathleen Sullivan, both with reportedly been on short lists as a Supreme enough experience and reputation to have Court nominee. As Solicitor General, he’s been considered on Supreme Court nominee been the so-called “10th Justice.” He’s argued short lists. According to Reuters, Karlan has more than 60 cases before the Supreme Court, won two of her five cases before the Supreme representing both conservative and liberal Court; Sullivan has won four of six. Evan positions, and argued the fifth highest number Wolfson, who litigated the first gay marriage of cases in the past decade (winning 13 of trial (in Hawaii) and has led a national 19), according to Reuters. Notorious swing grassroots effort to establish a political and vote Justice Anthony Kennedy attended his cultural atmosphere to bolster the legal wedding. Olson led and won federal appeals prospects, is another possibility. He argued court cases against state marriage bans in in the Supreme Court on behalf of Boy Scout two circuits. He argued the 9th Circuit case leader James Dale. And Roberta Kaplan, who regarding Proposition 8 before the Supreme is also openly gay, successfully argued the Court in 2013 and won, albeit on a procedural U.S. v Windsor case that overturned the key issue. Aside from his credentials at the Supreme provision of the Defense of Marriage Act. Court, he’s become a prominent advocate for “Ultimately,” noted Olson, “the client gets marriage equality in the media, at some cost to decide. And if a conflict does develop to his reputation among conservatives. He’s between what a client wants and what’s best worked closely with LGBT legal groups on for a whole class of people, it will be up to the previous marriage cases in California and their personal lawyers on the case to help them Virginia. make the best decision. “In a situation with disparate clients in Paul M. Smith: Openly gay attorney Paul disparate states, with clients feeling loyalty Smith successfully argued the landmark 2003 to their lawyers, it’s not going to be simple,” case, Lawrence v Texas, which struck down said Olson. “The lawyers are going to have laws prohibiting sexual activity between to exercise some substantial degree of maturity and selflessness. But I think they’re SERIES ONLINE a sophisticated bunch... I hope they’ll be able See Part 1: Looming Dilemma For Upcoming to put themselves aside and say this could be Historic Marriage Case the final victory for gays and lesbians.” >> www.pridesource.com Keen News Service www.PrideSource.com Feb. 26, 2015 | BTL 5 EMU Discusses Needs Of At-Risk LGBT Homeless Youth BY AJ TRAGER Ford Museum and Greenfield village who valid (what they are saying),’ but to actually outcome that could stream from avenues such works with at-risk high school students in the step back and be a bridge for them. So that as rejection, fear or a sense of emergency for YPSILANTI – In the third program put on by Wayne/Westland school district where they they can get the resources that they need,” LGBT youth. Eastern Michigan University’s Equality Research are placed with mentors and learn marketable Thompson said about his experience with Riot “The lack of safe and stable housing is not Center, the Michigan Department of Human job skills; Stephanie Peck, an intern at Ozone Youth, a program that engages LGBT youth merely fodder for liberals. Even liberals are Services and leading LGBT youth coordinators House; and Jonah Thompson, LGBT programs through leadership building skills, community not where they need to be surrounding the discussed on Feb. 12 how homelessness coordinator for the Neutral Zone. All work organizing, networking and socializing. issues such as sexual orientation and gender disproportionately impacts LGBT youth. directly with the LGBT youth who are most It’s not uncommon, as advocates and identity, especially from an intersectional The Michigan Department of Education has impacted by homelessness. Staley reports leaders, to have youth express to them that space discussing the racial lives and the class found that 8.6 percent of youth in Michigan’s that up to 90 percent of the kids currently they have nowhere to stay because they are experiences of young people today who may schools identify as being members of the enrolled in her program have experienced LGBT identified. These scenarios can last for identify along a wide spectrum of gender LGBT community, a growing number from homelessness at some point, with 50 percent of just one day until the youth returns home, but identity and sexual orientations,” Pitcher said. previous statistics. However, 40 percent of Housing is a human right. The lack of security homeless youth identify as LGBT. and stability can have lasting repercussions Ken Marks, youth services contract for individuals who find themselves without a administrator in housing resources for the welcoming roof over their head. Michigan Department of Human Services, “The safety net that is supposed to be was the first to discuss his position working provided is broken, has too many holes and with 24 homeless youth and runaway agencies is otherwise inefficient and ineffective,” throughout the state, stretching across 63 Pitcher said. “It’s a problem that is endemic counties. He monitors budgets of over $12 to our society. This is part of a capitalist million that are allocated to homeless youth system. Those who are invariably the most and runaway programs. vulnerable are ordered and sorted and allocated “One of the areas that is unique is the fundamental basic human rights according to Panelists Stephanie Peck, Ken Marks, Jonah Thompson, Erich Pitcher and Suzie Staley give Ypsilanti, LGBT population that is underserved because Michigan, audience members deeper insight into the disparities impacting LGBT homeless youth on that ordering and sorting.” many of the contractors who do the work are Feb. 12. (BTL Photo: AJ Trager) Pitcher himself would argue that the number somewhat just learning what the needs are in one issue facing the LGBT community is a terms of researching, and a lot of, ‘Let’s keep human rights one, such as the right to live in this under the table and not talk about it until a space that is both safe and affirming. they surface in our area,’” Marks said. “They “It is important for us to draw our attention are providing services so it shouldn’t matter The safety net that is supposed to be provided is broken, has too to whom we think most often ends up in a place who you are, where you come from, what of vulnerability. And those are individuals who your gender identity is or anything else; it many holes and is otherwise inefficient and ineffective. It’s a problem that are both racially minoritized and have a gender matters that you are a person who is looking “ minoritized identity,” Pitcher said. to be served through the state of Michigan’s is endemic to our society. This is part of a capitalist system. Those who Organizations like Ozone House, the contracted agencies.” are invariably the most vulnerable are ordered and sorted and allocated Neutral Zone and Ruth Ellis Center all share Those providers are paid to help end resources. homelessness in Michigan. Marks’s job is to fundamental basic human rights according to that ordering and sorting. After the panel discussion, the audience ensure that everyone is identified as a person, broke into roundtable discussions guided by even though LGBT youth repeatedly report not nine questions from personal assumptions feeling comfortable with state and municipal – Erich Pitcher on LGBT youth and how they are treated to assistance. ” what, if anything, could better help the youth The other four panelists were Erich Pitcher, before and after they fall into homelessness. teen LGBT coordinator at Michigan State them currently falling under that demographic. homelessness can often extend six months Localizing and personalizing the dialogue University and co-facilitator of TRUE: Teens “My role is to constantly be an advocate to a year. changes hearts and minds on difficult, Respecting and Understanding Each Other, an for the fact that youth have an ability to state “If it’s just one day, it’s one day too many,” stigmatized subjects like homelessness. LGBT youth group in Lansing; Suzie Staley, where they are, what it means to them and what Thompson said. See www.pridesource.com for links to resources. director of youth mentorship at the Henry they need. It’s not my job to say, ‘It is or isn’t Homelessness is an economic and social
6 BTL | Feb. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Feb. 26, 2015 | BTL 7 Wrong Stall, Right Poo Parting Glances
OPINION BY CHARLES ALEXANDER
his from Waccoff, Texas. Source: Lone Star Police Gazette & Badge Polisher. Headline: Under Cover Cops Make Sunday Surprise Restroom Arrests! Mark your activist desk Tcalendar... “While thousands of church members were inside the Hallelujah Handclap of Hope mega church tabernacle singing ‘Love Lifted Me,’ some six weeks of undercover police work came to a head in Waccoff last Sunday. “Ten gay men were arrested. Each was sitting in the wrong church stall at the wrong time. Arrests were made without drawing undue attention to offenders, each escorted from the church property in either a covering choir robe or baptismal gown. “Those arrested were fortunately proven to be 21 at the Waccoff Police Headquarters, once their respective collected wallets, IDs, pants, shirts, under garments and appendage prothesis rings were sorted and matched to individual surveillance camera configurations. “The match-up process took just under three hours, in part due to asking each arrestee an important theocratic question to determine whether “‘We tried to include gays (balcony or not a violation of the HHH’s posted Equity In The Doctor’s Office last two rows, or parking lot men’s restroom biblical restriction broadcast), but look what happens. occurred. Dr. Roi’s actions, whether from overt bias or mere Six months ago, it was brought to “Those arrested insecurity, are not just a failure of her personally, but of a were advised that board attention that these gays they had a right to system that still has a long way to go in teaching medical were being bold as brass in using refuse to divulge OPINION BY DANA RUDOLPH status vis-a-vis professionals about LGBTQ cultural competence. restrooms they had no business the unequivocal sanctioned use news story has been circulating using. Not one of the ten is saved.” of the restroom about a Michigan pediatrician facility, which is who, “after much prayer,” prenatal, I felt that I would not be able still could have explained in person clearly marked Arefused to care for a newborn because to develop the personal patient doctor that she was questioning whether in large English the baby had two moms. It’s a story of relationship that I normally do with her lack of experience with same-sex Gothic letters personal discrimination and ignorance my patients... I felt that you deserved parents would make her the best doctor ‘SAVED’ in contradistinction to another similar facility 50 feet but also indicates systemic problems. that type of relationship and I knew for them. She could have left it up to away marked plainly ‘UNSAVED.’” Jami and Krista Contreras said you could get that with Dr. Karam.” them to decide. Simply avoiding them, (There are similar restrooms throughout the twenty floors of the they’d chosen Dr. Vesna Roi of She apologized for not notifying though, speaks of deeper discomfort mega church itself. Many Waccoff gas station pumps are also Saved/ Eastlake Pediatrics because of her them in advance, saying she had and bias. To go about it the way she did Unsaved equipped. Self-service gasoline units are likewise marked.) holistic and natural approach, reported no way of contacting them. She is discrimination. Even worse, it’s legal “Rev. Delburt B. Windwiper, HHH pastor, when contacted on the Detroit Free Press. After a prenatal also thought that if she shared her discrimination in Michigan, which has the QT by Lone Star reporter Lois Lane-Kent, commented, ‘I don’t visit, they went to her office last decision during the first appointment no law banning discrimination on the see how they have a p--ing leg to stand on. You’re either saved or October for the first appointment with their child, it would “take away basis of sexual orientation. There are you’re unsaved. with their 6-day-old daughter. Dr. much of the excitement.” Ultimately, also no federal regulations prohibiting “‘This certainly isn’t discrimination in God’s sight. If you’re Roi was not there, however. Another I think the Contreras family will be such discrimination. going to hell, well, you’re going to hell, no matter what restroom pediatrician in the practice, Dr. Karam, better off with a doctor who is more That must change. It is unlikely to you happen to frequent, and for whatever the burning urgency, told them Dr. Roi had decided that comfortable with their family – and to change soon in Michigan, where a either number one to pee or two, to poo. because they are lesbians, she couldn’t the extent that Dr. Roi herself realized “religious freedom” bill has passed “‘I want to make it abundantly clear. We – that is, our HHH board care for their baby. that, I cannot blame her. Perhaps her the state House and now sits before of directors, our financial banking investment team, our health store On Feb. 9, once the story began to refusal to serve them came less from the Senate. It would allow a person to employees, our senior citizens retirement association, our American spread, Dr. Roi explained in a letter to animosity and more from insecurity claim religious freedom even in the chain of Bible trinket shops, our Hallelujah Marching Band, our the Contreras family that she “never over how to interact with a type of face of any anti-discrimination laws Volunteer Rifle/Hand Gun Guard, all 5,000 HHH members – don’t meant to hurt either one of you” and family she had never encountered See Parting Glances, next page that “after much prayer following your before. If that were true, however, she See Equity, next page
8 BTL | Feb. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com The American Academy of Pediatrics, ® Equity Continued from p. 8 of which Dr. Roi is a member (according to the Eastlake Pediatrics that might pass. Nevertheless, the fact that Dr. Roi ultimately felt the need to apologize at all website), has a nondiscrimination is a sign of progress. She was also not adverse to another doctor at her practice helping the policy that says, “The AAP is family. That does not excuse her actions but opposed to discrimination in the indicates a growing awareness that anti- LGBTQ bias is no longer generally acceptable. care of any patient on the basis But Dr. Roi’s actions, whether from overt bias or mere insecurity, are not just of ... gender, marital status, sexual a failure of her personally, but of a system orientation, gender identity or that still has a long way to go in teaching medical professionals about LGBTQ cultural expression ... of the patient or competence. Some organizations have taken patient’s parent(s) or guardian(s).” initial steps. The American Academy of Pediatrics, of which Dr. Roi is a member (according to the Eastlake Pediatrics website), has a nondiscrimination policy that says, “The and a best practices guide for health and social AAP is opposed to discrimination in the care service agencies on delivering such trainings. of any patient on the basis of ... gender, marital The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association status, sexual orientation, gender identity offers a set of Guidelines for Care of LGBT or expression ... of the patient or patient’s Patients, a webinar series on LGBT cultural parent(s) or guardian(s).” competence and an annual conference for AAP policies don’t have the force of law, medical practitioners and students. I fear but should cause pediatricians to hesitate when practitioners like Dr. Roi, however, would they flout them. The larger American Medical never attend such a conference. Most of these Association has an even more strongly materials, too, focus on the health needs of worded policy, “Physicians cannot refuse LGBT adults – important, certainly, but not to care for patients based on race, gender, complete. sexual orientation, gender identity or any I would love to see more programs other criteria that would constitute invidious incorporate resources from youth and family discrimination.” (Dr. Roi was a member of the programs like HRC’s Welcoming Schools AMA only between 1996 and 2001, however.) initiative and the Family Acceptance Project. I wonder, though, what more could be done Simple things, like putting LGBTQ-inclusive to reach out to medical professionals like children’s books in a waiting room, could go Dr. Roi. They need to be aware of relevant a long way towards making all families feel laws and policies and of recent medical and welcome in health care environments. I feel social science research on LGBTQ people for the Contreras family, and commend them and families, but also of how to make us for wanting to make their story known. As a feel welcome (e.g., with forms that say community, we need to make sure that the “Parent” and “Parent” instead of “Mother” situation they faced doesn’t happen to any and “Father”). They need to hear our stories more families. and learn how we are like – and unlike – other Dana Rudolph is the founder and publisher of families. Some organizations have already made Mombian (mombian.com), a GLAAD Media inroads here. The National LGBT Cancer Award-winning blog and resource directory for Network offers a cultural competency program LGBT parents.
® Parting Glances by the way is just as clean, although the Bible- Continued from p. 8 verse paper towels and Ten Commandment toilet rolls therein aren’t blessed.’” discriminate. Police charge brought against the bathroom “‘Our members include blacks (at last count intruders is “disorderly conduct for staging three), Mexicanos (eight, all with appropriate so-called weekly ‘nude-in’ protests with Green Card), Jewish converts (two), assorted occasional Gospel Tract toilet clogs to affect others (probably in the neighborhood – maybe status change of perceived discrimination in a less affluent one at that – of 12). the use of a necessary adjunct to optimal daily “‘We tried to include gays (balcony last good health and mental well being of unsaved two rows, or parking lot broadcast), but look persons.” what happens. Six months ago, it was brought Note in passing: Restrooms at MCC-Detroit to board attention that these gays were being are not similarly marked. Still! To be on the bold as brass in using restrooms they had no safe side of salvation, check neighborhood business using. Not one of the ten is saved. If Ferndale and Royal Oak gas pumps. (Keep you’re not SAVED, it would stand to reason rainbow choir robe handy.) that you’d use the UNSAVED restroom, which [email protected] www.PrideSource.com Feb. 26, 2015 | BTL 9 Political Hors D’ouevres selected as the ethnic vice chair. McDaniel is the niece of former BY TODD HEYWOOD presidential candidate Mitt Romney and was a committee woman from the Former Republican House state of Michigan to the national GOP. Fatal Blow to Michigan Leader Now Supports She will resign that post as she takes up Religious Freedom the reigns of the Michigan party from Marriage Equality developer Bobby Schostak. McDaniel Restoration Act? won the position on the first ballot this Former Republican Majority Leader of weekend, after a pitched battle in the Since last year, when former Speaker the Michigan House of Representatives party between herself and Norm Hughes. of the House Jase Bolger, R-Marshall, Chris Ward has denounced his former Hughes, a tea party favorite, touted his introduced the “Michigan Religious support for experience from the Reagan campaign Freedom Restoration Act,” opponents a marriage and administration in his bid. For her have argued that, if the legislation amendment part, McDaniel appears to have bridged becomes law, it will allow people to that limits some of the gaps between the tea party discriminate on a host of issues – marriage to and establishment, business-oriented including race. Republicans in Michigan one man and GOP. How long that will last is unclear. have vehemently denied that possibility. one woman at But shortly after her selection, she Now comes news out of Georgia a time. extended an olive branch to the tea that a former Republican state attorney “In 2004, party side of the GOP family. As Political general agrees with opponents on RFRA’s when I served Hors D’ouevres has been reporting for impacts on discrimination. Michael as the House Chris Ward months, Dave Agema, the erstwhile Bowers, forever in history for the 1986 Majority GOP national committeeman, has been Supreme Court ruling upholding state Leader, I voted in hot water over anti-gay and racist sodomy laws in Bowers v Hardwick, has in favor of posts on Facebook. That’s led to a host of now come out and condemned similar amending our state’s constitution to ban GOP figures calling for his resignation, legislation pending before the Georgia marriage for gay and lesbian couples,” including outgoing party boss Schostak legislature. Ward wrote in an email to supporters and a formal rebuke by the national Bowers has been hired by Georgia of Michigan for Marriage. “Today, I committee itself. But McDaniel says Equality to analyze two RFRA bills consider this vote to be the biggest she’ll have no part of that fight. pending in the legislature there. And his mistake of my career.” “Dave and I have had private analysis is not kind for supporters who Ward is discussing a vote – which conversations; I’m going to keep them say the law would do nothing to promote failed – to add a ballot initiative to the discrimination. ballot in 2004. Supporters were able The Atlanta Journal Constitution to gather enough signatures to put the Meanwhile, Darwin Jiles Jr., reports that Bowers’ views will be measure before voters. It was approved. released in a forthcoming white paper, A federal court in March 2014 ruled who was elected to the post and quotes extensively from the the amendment was unconstitutional, of ethnic vice chair with the document. but the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals “It is no exaggeration that the proposed has since overturned that ruling. The support of Dave Agema, is (measures) could be used to justify case will be heard this spring at the U.S coming under scrutiny for putting hoods back on the Ku Klux Klan. Supreme Court. For decades, Georgia’s Anti-Mask Act In explaining his change of heart, he his felony convictions. has prohibited wearing masks in public. noted he was divorced shortly after the “The law was enacted to prohibit the vote and was subjected to questions Ku Klux Klan from wearing hoods in about the disconnect between his public, and by extension, to discourage support of banning same-sex marriage participation in its activities. While this and the failure of his own marriage. statute contains exceptions for holidays, “It was an inconsistency, an injustice,” private,” McDaniel told the Detroit sporting events, theatrical performances he told the Lansing State Journal last Free Press. “There is no mechanism for and gas masks, it does not contain a week. “If you’ve come to the conclusion removal. He’s not going to step down, so religious exercise exception – because that this is something people are born we’re going to move forward.” many Klansmen used religion to justify with, and I don’t think there’s even an Meanwhile, Jiles, who was elected participation in the Klan. argument there, then I don’t think you to the post of ethnic vice chair with “But the proposed (measures) would can in the long term be comfortable with the support of Dave Agema, is coming create a religious exception that was this, treating other people this way.” under scrutiny for his felony convictions. purposefully excluded. Anonymous Chad Selweski, formerly of the Macomb participation in hate groups would Daily and now reporting on his own blog undoubtedly rise...” A Felon And Mitt Romney’s Macombpolitics.blogspot.com, reports One wonders if Bowers – long hailed Jiles has been convicted of two gun as an anti-gay icon – will have an Niece To Lead MIGOP related crimes. impact on Michigan’s Republicans and In 2001, Jiles pleaded no contest to Michigan’s Grand Old Party elected their fixation on the need to protect a lesser charge of assault with intent new leaders last weekend. Ronna so-called “religious freedom” and to do great bodily harm. He was 15 at Romney McDaniel will lead the party allow discrimination against the LGBT the time, and it was part of a plea deal community. Time will tell. as the new chair, and Darwin Jiles Jr. was Continued on Next Page
10 BTL | Feb. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com ® Political Hors D’ouevres Continued from p. 10 Update: Pugh Wants Accuser Named
involving the charges: assault with intent to murder, one count of illegally carrying a concealed weapon and one count of Charles Pugh Detroit Public Schools Want Lawsuit Tossed using a gun in the commission of a felony. Those charges were out of Flint. BY JASON A. MICHAEL U.S. District Judge David Lawson “I got you,” Pugh responded, video paid for more than $600 In February 2014, Jiles was once to toss the lawsuit out, saying encouraging him to make the worth of sh**!!!” again in front of a court – charged with DETROIT – Two separate Sanford knew exactly what he was video. “Just quit being so damn Pugh pressed Sanford to allow another gun related crime. This time, motions were filed this week in doing and that he wanted to do it. scared.” him to perform oral sex on him in in Oakland County Circuit Court, Jiles the Charles Pugh text messaging “Plaintiff’s own text messages “I’m making the vid when I get exchange for the Xbox. faced a count of assault with intent to scandal court case. First, Pugh, reveal that plaintiff actively home,” said Sanford. “I’m serious “You’re gonna enjoy THE F*** do great bodily harm less than murder. former Detroit City Council invited and encouraged Pugh’s as f***.” out of earning the gaming system Jiles shot another person in a trailer park president, wants the young man text messaging,” DPS attorney “You guys need to know how after an argument. who is accusing him of misconduct Theophilus Clemons wrote in his to WORK the guys with power and games!!” he said. “You’ll see.” Selweski raises some important to be named in open court. Between motion. and money who have crushes on But negotiations came to an questions about the February 2014 The Lines has previously identified Sanford was 18 in May 2013 y’all,” Pugh texted back. “You got abrupt halt when Sanford’s mother, situation. Federal law prohibits a person the accuser by his name, Khody when, following his last day of the HOOKUP, bro. You just don’t Tamu Gaines, discovered text convicted of a felony from owning or Sanford, but in court documents classes at Frederick Douglass know how to work it. You could messages sent between her son and purchasing a gun or ammunition. How he’s known as simply “K.S.” Academy for Young Men, he began get anything you want from me.” Pugh. Gaines quickly reached out did Jiles purchase and legally license the “While plaintiff portrays himself exchanging text messages with Negotiations continued the to members of the media and then gun he used to shoot the person in the as an unknowing victim, his texts to Pugh on a cell phone Pugh bought following day, with Sanford trying an attorney. trailer park? Mr. Pugh paint a different picture,” him. Sanford, who met Pugh while to convince Pugh that the video he “Everything between us has to Also of note from this weekend’s GOP Pugh attorney Marc Deldin wrote he was a member of the Charles made was also worth an Xbox 360 stop,” Sanford said. “My mom convention: in his motion. “Plaintiff actively Pugh Leadership Forum, agreed to video console. knows what is up and is going to Tom McMillin, the conservative solicited money from Mr. Pugh videotape himself masturbating in “My vid was worth the game,” former state representative and former in exchange for making sexual exchange for $160 he needed to go he told Pugh. report you. Don’t text back.” GOP candidate for the 8th Congressional oriented videos.” toward prom expenses. “LOL, Dude, I spent $310 on “Tell your mom to call me,” District, has been selected to replace An attorney for Detroit Public “I need games and money,” clothes and shoes and belt, plus Pugh responded. “We can work former state Sen. Norm Shinkle as chair Schools said essentially the same Sanford said in a text message to $150 for that phone then $160,” something out. This is crazy. I just of the GOP’s 8th Congressional District. thing and more. The district wants Pugh sent on June 2, 2013. Pugh responded. “So, bro, that wanted to help you.”
www.PrideSource.com Feb. 26, 2015 | BTL 11 Family And Medical Leave Act Dr. Vesna Roi OPINION BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI the couple on to another doctor simply aving a child is one of the because they’re lesbians. Updates Definition Of Spouse most stressful things you Roi eventually sent the couple a can do. Yeah, it can be one handwritten apology letter. “I am H of the most writing this letter of apology as I feel Federal Job-Protected Family And Medical Leave Rights amazing parts that it is important and necessary,” she of your life, but writes. “After much prayer following it also opens your prenatal (visit), I felt that I would Extended To Eligible Workers In Same-Sex Marriages your eyes to a not be able to develop the personal whole world of patient doctor relationship that I WASHINGTON – Workers in legal, same- employees of covered employers to take unpaid, horrors you’ve normally do with my patients.” sex marriages, regardless of where they live, will job-protected leave for specified family and medical never even The letter sounds very sincere. I now have the same rights as those in opposite-sex reasons. Today’s rule change updates the FMLA Dr. Vesna Roi contemplated believe that Roi genuinely feels bad. marriages to federal job-protected leave under the regulatory definition of “spouse” so that an eligible before. Sudden However, it’s possible to be sincerely Family and Medical Leave Act to care for a spouse employee in a legal same-sex marriage will be able infant death wrong. with a serious health condition. The U.S. Labor to take FMLA leave for his or her spouse regardless syndrome? Check. Spina bifida? She also writes, apparently without Department announced a rule change to the FMLA of the state in which the employee resides. this week in keeping with the U.S. Supreme Court Previously, the regulatory definition of “spouse” Roi should to do the important and necessary work ruling in United States v Windsor. did not include same-sex spouses if an employee “The basic promise of the FMLA is that no one resided in a state that did not recognize the employee’s of being an adult and confronting her biases and should have to choose between the job and income same-sex marriage. Under the new rule, eligibility they need, and caring for a loved one,” said U.S. for federal FMLA protections is based on the law of challenging them instead of offering up “prayer” Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez in announcing the place where the marriage was entered into. This the rule change. “With our action today, we extend “place of celebration” provision allows all legally as if it’s a cloak of immunity for discrimination. that promise so that no matter who you love, you will married couples, whether opposite-sex or same- receive the same rights and protections as everyone sex, to have consistent federal family leave rights else. All eligible employees in legal same-sex regardless of whether the state in which they currently Check. Tay-Sachs? Check. If you irony, “Please know that I believe that marriages, regardless of where they live, can now reside recognizes such marriages. deal with a serious medical and family situation like spend enough time on Wed M.D. God gives us free choice and I would For additional information on the FMLA, including you can easily convince yourself that never judge anyone based on what all families – without the threat of job loss.” information and fact sheets on the revisions, visit http:// your baby doesn’t have a chance at they do with that free choice.” Enacted in 1993, the FMLA entitles eligible www.dol.gov/whd/fmla/spouse/index.htm. survival. In other words, I would never Which is why, of course, you judge you for choosing to be lesbians. should talk to a real doctor instead of Except for how I’m totally judging scrolling through nightmare-inducing you right now. photos of rare birth defects in your Roi’s online ratings have taken a No Veto From Arkansas Gov. On Bill free time. A good pediatrician is hit with plenty of pissed off reviews essential for both your baby’s health lambasting her prejudice. And some of and your sanity. And so many parents them are pretty nasty. But she also has Banning LGBT Discrimination Laws begin the process of researching and plenty of defendersm – patients who choosing a pediatrician before their claim she’s being unfairly maligned babies are even born. and sing her praises. And to those LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas on Monday The conservative Family Which is what Krista and Jami patients I say: lucky you. Both for banned local governments from expanding anti- Contreras did when they chose Dr. not being gay and for having a good discrimination protections to include sexual Research Council called the law Vesna Roi. They met with her before relationship with your doctor. But if orientation and gender identity, becoming the second the birth and everything seemed great. Roi’s actions don’t give you pause, state to adopt a measure opponents call a thinly-veiled a model for other states. So they scheduled an appointment for that says a lot about you, too. move to discriminate against gays and lesbians. after their baby was born. Some have applauded Roi’s honesty, Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson allowed the Imagine their surprise when they pointing out that the Contreras family legislation barring cities and counties from prohibiting show up for their appointment only to wouldn’t want a doctor who didn’t discrimination on a basis not covered by state law the focus of an intense social media campaign by find a different doctor greet them and want to work with them; this defense to take effect without his signature. Arkansas’ anti- opponents of the measure, criticized the prohibition inform them that Dr. Roi “prayed on is similar to that used for wedding discrimination protections don’t include sexual late Monday afternoon. The world’s largest retailer it” and decided she couldn’t be their vendors who have refused service orientation or gender identity. includes sexual orientation and gender identity in its family’s doctor because their baby to LGBT couples. As if the burden Monday marked the end of the five-day window non-discrimination policy. had two mommies. is on the couple to keep hunting for for Hutchinson to take action on the bill or allow it “Every day, in our stores, we see firsthand “I was completely dumbfounded,” someone who doesn’t hate them to to become law. the benefits diversity and inclusion have on our Krista told the Detroit Free Press. bake them a cake rather than on the Hutchinson had raised concerns about the bill associates, customers and communities we serve. “It was embarrassing. It was baker for being a bigot. infringing on local control, but said he wouldn’t veto It all starts with the core basic belief of respect for humiliating,” Jami added. “It’s just Roi is a bigot. Thankfully, this is it. His office said his position hadn’t changed and he the individual. And that means understanding and wrong.” not a terminal condition. Roi should allowed the proposal to become law, despite a last- respecting differences and being inclusive of all Wrong, yes. Illegal? No. do the important and necessary work ditch campaign by advocacy groups urging him to people,” Wal-Mart spokesman Lorenzo Lopez said Michigan, like many other states, of being an adult and confront her veto the legislation. in a statement. “We feel this legislation is counter to has no law protecting LGBT people biases and challeng them instead of The law won’t take effect until 90 days after the this core basic belief and sends the wrong message from discrimination. So Roi was offering up “prayer” as if it’s a cloak Legislature formally adjourns, which is currently set about Arkansas.” completely within her rights to pass of immunity for discrimination. for May. Bentonville-based Walmart, which had been See Arkansas, next page
12 BTL | Feb. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com ® Arkansas Continued from p. 12
Opponents of the ban were weighing a lawsuit to challenge the measure’s constitutionality. “It’s just another scar on the face of a state that really doesn’t need any more signs of an intolerance toward outsiders, toward people that some people disapprove of,” said Rita Sklar, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas, which was exploring a lawsuit challenging the measure’s constitutionality. “It’s not good for business. It’s not good for Arkansas’ reputation.” The measure was introduced in reaction to a Fayetteville ordinance that voters repealed in December expanding the city’s anti-discrimination protections. Eureka Springs in northwest Arkansas enacted a similar measure earlier this month, and Little Rock elected officials are weighing expanding that city’s discrimination protections. The Republican lawmaker behind the proposal said it was aimed at leveling the playing field so businesses aren’t faced with different laws throughout the state. “To think we could have different civil rights laws in every city is not realistic and not conducive to a good business environment,” said Sen. Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs. But opponents of the measure say it’s motivated by animus toward gays and lesbians, calling local government ordinances easy targets for conservatives. “I think for folks who really want to turn back the tide on LGBT equality, these bills are unfortunately something they’re looking into,” said Cathryn Oakley, legislative counsel for state and municipal advocacy for the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBT advocacy group. The conservative Family Research Council called the law a model for other states. “We would support the passage of similar bills in other states,” said Peter Sprigg, a senior fellow for policy studies with the group. Tennessee, the only other state with such a measure, enacted its restriction in 2011, effectively voiding a Nashville ordinance barring companies that discriminate against gays and lesbians from doing business with the city. A state appeals court dismissed a lawsuit against the restriction last year. Texas lawmakers are considering several similar proposals after Houston, Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio passed anti-bias protections for gays and lesbians. Hutchinson, who was in Washington and unavailable for comment, said earlier this month that he understood the need to prevent “burdensome regulations on businesses across the state” but was worried about the impact on local control. Opponents of the bill had set up a website and waged a social media campaign urging Hutchinson to veto bill. Hutchinson hasn’t said what he’ll do about another proposal pending before the Legislature that opponents have derided as another attempt to sanction discrimination. A Senate panel is expected this week to take up the House- backed bill, which bars the state or local governments from placing a “substantial burden” on a person’s right to exercise their religion.
Credibility And Reach That Delivers www.PrideSource.com Feb. 26, 2015 | BTL 13 Beyond The Bon-Bon Photo: Nino Muñoz sounds and personal soliloquies On behalf of the gay community, I’m a little bit obsessed with social I don’t wear a mask to go onstage, Ricky Martin on the singer’s 10th studio album, thank you for all you do. The world media, to be honest. That’s the and the support that I’ve received “A Quien Quiera Escuchar” (“To is a better place because of your first thing I do in the morning. I from my community since I came Whomever Wants to Listen”). shirtless selfies. check out my Twitter, my HeyHey out has been amazing. It’s one of Talks Love, Life & In conversation, Martin is account, Facebook and Instagram, those things that (makes) you say, notably laid-back, sincere and (Laughs) Oh, man – thank you very much. I laugh so much at the and I read what people have to say “Oh my god, why didn’t I do this Shirtless Selfies personal as he opens up about how and what they need from me as an before?” But then again, Chris, his six-year-long relationship with reaction of the people; it’s so funny. It really is amazing. artist. It’s fun, man. you know how it goes – everybody BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI Carlos Gonzalez Abella inspired accepts who they are at their own his latest music (“I love being I get a kick out of it too. Are You’ve always been a sex symbol, but time. When I sent that tweet a single tweet changed in love”), what he’s really trying you more comfortable without how does it feel being a sex symbol few years ago just letting people to convey with all his shirtless Ricky Martin’s life, and clothes? Or do you feel it’s just your for a community of gay men who know that I am gay it was the most selfies and the “powerful” coming A then it changed the world. responsibility as a celebrated sex know you’re playing on their team? Is amazing day of my life after the out stories the LGBT community birth of my kids. And it is what it is. When the internationally famed symbol? it different when there’s that mutual Puerto Rican heartthrob came shares with him. And whether attraction? Now my life is simple and honest he’s ruminating on his two sons or I just want to let people know how out in 2010, declaring himself on Listen, for me, it’s about liberty and transparent, and this is me. And Twitter “a fortunate homosexual anticipating shaking his bon-bon normal my life is, and I try to do it that’s what my social media’s about with more male dancers onstage, with a simple picture – that’s what and it’s about being you – me, in man” who’s “very blessed to be this case – and living life with – being yourself. who I am,” Martin, 43, stepped his smile radiates even on the Instagram is about. So the other phone. This is a new, happier day I was laying in the sun and I transparency and just being. It’s The ladies have obviously been out of the closet and into himself. so amazing to know that you have Reflecting the free life he’s Ricky Martin, and yes, we’re was like, “Hey everyone, I’m here. infatuated with you since the listening. I’m in a good place.” You know, nothing to hide, man. What you see beginning of your career – since you currently basking in are the raw is what you get. And this is me. And 14 BTL | Feb. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com were in Menudo. But when did you first of love and lots of light and yes, he is How often have men used a pickup line on realize that LGBT fans enjoyed you as well? part of this album. It’s not about what you that references your bon-bon? It’s always been there. Before I came I’ve lived (through) this year that we Ohh, man. If someone goes there I’d out the love was there and I was very broke up or even the last five years. be like, “Dude, you gotta start again. thankful. Now, when I got to work It’s decades of allowing myself to I’ll give you another chance because of directly with the community once I really go back and remember specific your pretty face.” (Laughs) came out, it went to another level and relationships that really (affected) me in it’s felt amazing, but once again, just many ways. And it became music. It’s Considering your own coming out being able to talk to the media about never too late. experience, what would you tell your who we are and what we want and 6-year-old twin sons, Matteo and You’ll be touring all year across the world. what we need, it’s just so powerful. The Valentino, if one or both were to come out equality slogan translates so easily in I’m addicted! to you one day? any language. Live, do you still even perform “She You know what, for us, at least in my “A Quien Quiera Escuchar” sounds like Bangs”? family, that’s not an issue because that is the normal in my house. So if my you at your most authentic. I hear your If people ask for it, I will perform it. kids ever tell me that they’re gay, I’ll be essence, your spirit, your zest for life. I would become the character in the like, “Yeah? OK, cool! Brilliant! Bring video and I would perform it. How does it feel to be able to be yourself it on.” But it all starts from the day that musically? You’ve always been flanked by female we’re born, and every time they ask When I started recording this album I dancers. Now that you’re out and proud, me questions about anything – Who’s had no idea what I wanted to talk about, does that mean that more male dancers your boyfriend? How come I had two which is completely different to what it get in on the mix? daddies? – the important thing is to was like in the past, when I said, “OK, answer with honesty and transparency. I think I wanna get into the studio,” and Hey, let’s be fair: Come on, it’s about And it doesn’t matter how old your kids I had a blank canvas in front of me and equality, you know? And when I walk are. If they are capable of formulating a all I did was throw colors and started onstage I present different scenarios question, it’s because they are capable working with amazing producers, and of life and, yes, I do have more one- of receiving the answer. they helped me. It was the most amazing on-one dancing with male dancers, but psychoanalysis, to be honest, to work when you’re at a party, you just dance. Have you taught them the famous Ricky with other writers and co-producers It doesn’t matter who’s next to you, you hip swivel yet? who helped me to put myself in order. grab a guy’s or a girl’s hand and you just Oh, it’s in their blood, buddy. There’s I started recording this album go for it. And that’s what my show is nothing I can do about it. It’s there. exactly a year ago in Australia and about. It’s about freedom. And it’s about (Laughs) then we went to Los Angeles and we being comfortable in your own skin. As an out gay man with an enormous recorded in Miami. I also recorded That must be a great feeling for you to be in Puerto Rico. What I’m trying platform, what do you hope you’ve comfortable enough to dance with a guy to say is that everything about this contributed to the LGBT community? in front of millions of people. creative process was so organic I had the opportunity to write a book and so relaxed, and I didn’t have It’s greaaaaat! And the reaction of the that is called “Me” and I’m very proud pressure from anybody. I just allowed audience is even better! (Laughs) to say that it is a New York Times myself to open my book and I started best-selling book. There have been reminiscing, remembering different Now that you’re back on the market, what is dating like for someone as widely people who’ve come to me and said, experiences that I had in my personal “Because of you and because of that known as Ricky Martin? life and being able to point out specific book I know my father better, I know emotions that I’ve been through – not (Laughs) Mmmm. To be honest, I love my grandmother, I know my uncle, my necessarily this year, but through being in a relationship, Chris. I love aunt, my sister, my brother.” And that’s my life. And then, I think, “A Quien waking up in the morning and, if you’re it. I mean, I will always keep on talking Quiera Escuchar” was born, you not with your boyfriend, (sending) that about the importance of equality and know? I listened to it today and I’m first message or text in the morning: basic human rights that we as members like, “Wow – there is poetry and there “Hey baby, how ya doing? I hope of the LGBT community are longing is honesty in these lyrics.” And there you’re fine. I just woke up. I’m doing for, but to this day, and every day – the are some powerful slogans that people this and this and this today.” I loooove book was released about four years ago are quoting through social media. that. I really do. And I love picking up – I get a tweet or a Facebook post from People are gravitating to (these lyrics) my phone and waiting for that reply someone saying, “Ricky, thank you so and using them and turning them into from that text – it’s great. But at the much for that book; it changed my life.” their own slogans. Once again, it’s same time, right now, I’m enjoying about honesty. It’s about vulnerability. being single. I’m enjoying this process. What do those stories mean to you? I’m not saying that I don’t want to be in It tells me that my fears were just in How much of the music on this album a relationship – I would be lying to you. my head and that I feel nothing but was inspired by your own personal love I love being in love. gratitude. And I get goose bumps, life, particularly your time with ex-partner man, when I get these stories and these You strike me as the hopeless romantic Carlos Gonzalez Abella? testimonies from people from all walks After six years of being in a very steady type. of life coming to me to say, “Listen, relationship with him, yes, we have a lot I am, I am, I am! You’re damn right I was homophobic until I read your of stories and we have a lot of moments about that. book.” It’s very powerful, and I’m very, very pleased. www.PrideSource.com Feb. 26, 2015 | BTL 15 16 BTL | Feb. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com The Supremes with Sonny and Cher. Photo: TJL Productions Mo Town Icons Talk Era’s Inclusivity, Gay Followings And A Supremes Reunion (Because Of Course)
BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI Less surprising is Reeves and Wilson’s place on the metaphorical marquee of LGBT “I’m wondering, well, why wasn’t Martha icons, where their legacies are etched into Reeves mentioned?” says Martha Reeves. the rainbow fabric of our lives. From the Holding up the marquee from the Motown studio, the two Motown legends talked about 25 box set, a baffled Reeves doesn’t know the Motown’s “inclusivity,” their respective gay reason she and other Motown greats – Mary followings and the drag queens who are Wells and Junior Walker, for instance – got carrying on their legacies. shafted, but she’s not letting that get in the way of today’s appearance at Detroit Public Television in Wixom, Mich., where she and 30 YEARS LATER Mary Wilson of the Supremes are appearing in-studio for the TV special’s re-broadcasting Martha Reeves: Do you know how exciting it at 8 p.m. Feb. 28 on WTVS. is to be talking about something 30 years old?! The original Motown 25 special aired on Mary Wilson: Even though it’s been 30 NBC on May 16, 1983 to commemorate the years, when it’s as phenomenal as Motown 25th anniversary of Motown. It was during was, it’s one of those things that’s with you this broadcast that Michael Jackson debuted forever. The time isn’t even an element. It’s the moonwalk, Smokey Robinson reunited timeless. It’s hard to say it was 30 years ago! with the Miracles, and the Four Tops duked it out with the Temptations in a fun-spirited GAYS & GLAM battle of the bands contest. Reeves, without her Vandellas, belted out 30 seconds of one of her Wilson: I didn’t know anything about that. group’s biggest hits, “Heat Wave,” while Wells (Being gay) was a new phenomenon that sang “My Guy.” Motown 25 became one of the hadn’t been exposed. It wasn’t something in most buzzed-about concerts to ever air on TV. the mindset that you thought about. In fact, “I guess we’re the ‘surprise others,’” I don’t think there was a moment when I Reeves says bitingly, referencing the box set’s realized that because it was just so early and promised features. “So – surprise!” See Mo Town, page 23 www.PrideSource.com Feb. 26, 2015 | BTL 17 Cool Cities Ann Arbor YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET Pinpoint your ad dollars where they will do the most good . . . Advertise in the next Cool Cities TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200
18 BTL | Feb. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com Cool Cities Ann Arbor YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET Pinpoint your ad dollars where they will do the most good . . . Advertise in the next Cool Cities TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200
“Lady in the Lake” (1947) Grit And Guns In Ann Arbor’s Noir Film Series BY BTL STAFF “Leave Her to Heaven” (1945); “Blade from which the screenplay was adapted.” Runner” (1982); “The Postman Always Nicola’s Books will be at the theater The Michigan Theater and State Theatre, Rings Twice” (1946); “The Big Sleep” for each screening, selling copies of the in partnership with Nicola’s Books, are (1946); and “The Killers” (1946) most featured title as well as other noir crime pleased to present The Noir Film Series, recently on Feb. 23. All films will be shown novels. which began Monday, Jan. 12 with a at 7 p.m. The rest of the series includes the Both the Michigan Theater and presentation of “The Maltese Falcon” following films: State Theatre are considered historic (1941). The series will continue weekly “Lady in the Lake” (1947) on March 2 and cultural gems; each have carved through the end of April. The series is their place in Ann Arbor history. billed as being full of “Guns! Dames! “The Lady from Shanghai” (1947) on March 9 The Michigan Theater is in its 87th Cigarettes!” year as Ann Arbor’s award-winning Michigan Theater Senior Programmer “Born to Kill” (1947) on March 16 non-profit historic center for fine film Brian Hunter and Nicola’s Bookstore “They Live by Night” (1948) on March and performing arts. The Michigan Event Manager Lynn Riehl teamed up to 23 Theater welcomes more than 250,000 curate a thorough mix of noir treasures, visitors each year to its art house films, all adapted from classic crime novels. “The Asphalt Jungle” (1950” on March concerts, lectures, live theater and The connection of film and book is an 30 special programs such as Sundance essential element of this series, as the “The Big Heat” (1953) on April 6 Film Festival USA and Cinetopia term was inspired by a line of paperbacks International Film Festival. “Kiss Me Deadly” (1955) on April 13 from hard-boiled American crime authors Now owned and operated by the translated for the French audience. Each “Blood Simple” (1984) on April 20 Michigan Theater Foundation, The State screening will start with a brief discussion “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” (1988) Theatre, designed a classic Art Deco of the history of the specific film and book. on April 27 style by renowned architect C. Howard Roger Ebert has said film noir is “the most Crane, opened in 1942. Since the 1980s, American film genre, because no society “We’re excited to offer this series and The State Theatre has been known for its could have created a world so filled with hope to give viewers the opportunity to campy midnight screenings and first-run doom, fate, fear and betrayal, unless it were step back in time and see these classic independent films, the State has been essentially naive and optimistic.” films in the setting they were originally a favorite of University of Michigan In addition to “The Maltese Falcon,” shown, a real movie house,” said Brian students for decades. the film festival has also played “Laura” Hunter of the Michigan Theater. “And Visit michtheater.org or call 734-761- (1944) and “Double Indemnity” (1944) Nicola’s partnership offers a great way for 8667 for schedule and ticket information among many other great hits, such as film goers to appreciate the original source for both venues. www.PrideSource.com Feb. 26, 2015 | BTL 19 13
10 Cool Cities 6 3 18 11 17 Ann Arbor 9 YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET 16 4 Pinpoint your ad dollars where 14 20 7 they will do the most good . . . 8 1 21 15 Advertise in the next Cool Cities 5 22 TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 12 2
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Abracadabra Jewelry & Gem Gallery..... 1 Esquire Interiors...... * Men’s Yoga...... 13 Spectrum Center...... 19 Anderson, PLLC, Mary K...... 2 First Unitarian Church of Ann Arbor.....* Merkel Carpet One...... * Three Chairs Co...... 20 Ann Arbor Animal Hospital...... 12 Frick, LMSW, BCD, CBT, Julie...... * Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams...... 14 Tios Mexican Cafe...... 21 Ann Arbor Civic Theatre...... 3 Gail van Langen Ph.d...... 9 Necto...... 15 Top of the Lamp...... * Ann Arbor Saline Family Chiro...... * Greene, LMSW, ACSW, Marge...... 10 Orion Automotive Services Inc...... * Trillium Real Estate...... 6 Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra...... 4 Groom N Go ...... * People’s Food Coop...... 16 Two Men And A Truck...... * The Ark...... 5 Hillers...... * Performance Network...... 17 UMHS Comprehensive /aut/ Bar...... 6 HIV/AIDS Resource Center (Harc)...... * Peterson, PLLC, Lisa J...... 18 Gender Services Program...... * Bassett & Associates...... * Humane Society of Huron Valley...... * PFLAG Ann Arbor...... * University Musical Society...... 22 Common Language...... 6 Iglesia Martell Law...... 11 Polo Fields Golf...... * * Not shown on map Dependable Collision Center...... * Jim Toy Resource Center...... 6 Rock Shoppe...... * D’orio, Jd, Plc, Lynn B...... 7 Lewis Jewelers...... 12 Rosenberg, David ...... 12 Downtown Home & Garden...... 8 Lord of Light Lutheran Church...... * Sh\aut\ Cabaret and Gallery...... 6
20 BTL | Feb. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com Washtenaw LGBT Community Cool Cities Fundraises For SCOTUS Case Ann Arbor YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET BY BTL STAFF Pinpoint your ad dollars where ANN ARBOR – The Jim Toy they will do the most good . . . Community Center (JTCC) will host a Advertise in the next Cool Cities fundraiser with out lesbian comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer Feb. 26 in Ann TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 Arbor. Funds will be raised in support of the marriage equality lawsuit that will be heard before the U.S. Supreme Court. The "Afterglow Benefits for National Marriage Challenge (NMC)" helps the nonprofit NMC pay for the costs of the DeBoer v Snyder lawsuit for marriage equality in Michigan, one of the four cases the Supreme Court will hear. Legal experts anticipate a ruling in late June. "A favorable ruling in the DeBoer case will mean marriage equality all across the United States," JTCC Board member Sandi Smith said. Smith, who is also one of the members of the NMC fundraising committee and helped organize the "Afterglow" event, added, "It would mean legal rights for me and my wife, and hundreds of thousands of other families across the U.S. This case could be a crucial step towards fulfilling our nation's promise of liberty, justice and equality for all people." The attorneys for the DeBoer-Rowse family need substantial financial support to successfully argue the case many organizations working to make into the "Afterglow" party in The Black before the Supreme Court. The filing sure Michigan's marriage equality Pearl restaurant following the show. fee alone is $10,000. Fundraising campaign gets the support it needs. The Ark is located at 316 S. Main St., efforts in other states have raised as Westenhoefer, famous as the first Ann Arbor. The Black Pearl is located at much as $8 million towards the cost of out lesbian with an HBO special and to 302 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. the marriage equality lawsuits. As the appear on "The Late Show with David For more information about the DeBoer Michigan legal team is working with a Letterman," will perform at 8 p.m. on Feb. case and the work to pay for it, visit fraction of that funding, JTCC is one of 26 at The Ark. Tickets also serve as entry www.NationalMarriageChallenge.com.
www.PrideSource.com Feb. 26, 2015 | BTL 21 of this conversation is Criminal Sistrum Weekly Rehearsal 6:30 Dreams” . First United Methodist Justice and the Arab-American p.m. Sistrum, Lansing Women’s Church, Plymouth. 2 p.m. March 1. Community. Speakers at this event Chorus, 215 N. Capital Ave., Michiganphil.org Ann Arbor’s Orion Auto presents the include-Barbara McQuade, U. S. Lansing. Sistrum.org Musica Hall for the Performing “Winter Warm Up Music Series” this Attorney-Fatina Abdrabboh, Director, Michigan Arab Anti-Discrimination Thursday, March 5 Arts “Beijing Opera Troupe” Tickets: weekend. As part of the series, Rollie Committee-Hon. David Turfe, Dearborn $25-50. Music Hall Center for the CardioVista: Detroit Street Performing Arts, 350 Madison Ave., Tussing and the Midwest Territory Band Heights District Judge-Ronald Haddad, Dearborn Police Chief. Free. UM- Photography 1 a.m. Featuring photos Detroit. 3 p.m. March 1. 313-887- will perform. Dearborn College of Arts, Science, and on LGBTQ culture in Detroit, the city 8500. Musichall.org Letters College-Wide Programs, 4901 and more. University of Michigan- The event will feature “jug-band jazz,” Evergreen Road, Dearborn. 313-593- Dearborn, Dearborn. Umd. umich. edu Concerts grilling from The Last Word Kitchen and 5520. desjd@umich. edu Umdearborn. Re-imaging Gender 15 promising Blind Pig “Electric Six” 18+. Tickets: edu/casl/diversity_justice/ artists take on one of the thorniest $15. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St., Ann Wolverine Brewing. All cooking and Talk Tuesdays 6 p.m. Free. KICK, 41 challenges facing contemporary art: Arbor. 9 p.m. Feb. 28. 734-996-8555. performing will be held at the site of Orion Burroughs St. 109, Detroit. 313-285- how to render the modern spectrum Blindpigmusic.com 9733. e-kick.org of gender, going beyond the simple Auto’s new home. male/female binary to include a wide Michigan Theater “Noir Film Series” Transgender Life Support 7 p.m. variety of identities and sexualities. . Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., The Rollie Tussing concert will begin Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile University of Michigan, Inst. for Ann Arbor. Jan. 12-April 27. 734-668- 8397. Michtheater.org at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 at 100 Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Research on Women and Gender, Goaffirmations.org 204 S. State St., Ann Arbor. 734- Olympia Entertainment “Garth Parkland Plaza. For more information, visit 764-9537. schwarde@umich. edu Brooks with Trisha Yearwood” Tickets: www.oriona2.com. Wednesday, March 4 Irwg. research. umich. edu/events/ $66. Joe Louis Arena, 19 Steve exhibitions. html Trans & Gender Queer Group 12:30 Yzerman Dr., Detroit. Feb. 20-Feb. 28. p.m. Eastern Michigan University, Shower of Stoles Exhibit 313-396-7000. Olympiaentertainment. Ypsilanti. 734-487-4149. Emich. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile com edu/lgbtrc Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Olympia Entertainment “Charlie Goaffirmations.org Senior Koffee Klatch 1 p.m. A lively, Wilson” With Kem and Joe. Tickets: discussion and social group for LGBT LGBTQ&A Career Fair 1 p.m. Free. $58-68. Joe Louis Arena, 19 Steve adults over 45. Group covers topics BTL and UM-Dearborn, 19000 Yzerman Dr., Detroit. 7 p.m. March 1. pertaining to aging and outside Hubbard Dr., Dearborn. Umdearborn. 313-396-7000. Olympiaentertainment. speakers. Potluck dinners at members edu/careerservices_lgbtqa/ com homes, lunches out and holiday Royal Oak Music Theatre “Steve Hustlefloproductions. weebly.com TransPeace 7 p.m. Ruth Ellis Center, parties. Meets ever Wednesday on Free HIV Testing 2:30 p.m. Free anonymous HIV testing in-store at S3 Aoki” With Head Hunterz, Caked Up. OUTINGS 77 Victor St., Highland Park. 313- the upper level of the Affirmations Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. The 28th Erotic Poetry & Music 867-6932. Ruthelliscenter.org building. Senior Koffee Klatch, 290 W. every Thursday 2-8. Call to make an Festival 8 p.m. The infamous Erotic appointment, or walk-ins welcome. Fourth St., Royal Oak. March 1. 248- Thursday, Feb. 26 Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- 399-2980. Royaloakmusictheatre.com Poetry & Music Festival celebrates Whole Lives, Healthy Lives Adult 7105. GoAffirmations.org S3 Safe Sex Store and HARC, 1209 S. Author Talk and Booksigning with its 28th year and is one Detroits Support Group 7 p.m. This one-of- University, Ann Arbor. 734-741-1434. The Ark “Bela Fleck & Abigail author Micheala Lynn for her new oldest community arts festivals. An a-kind program in Berrien County Diversity and Justice Symposium [email protected] S3safesexstore.com Washburn” Tickets: $35-75. Power LGBT Romance Novel 7 p.m. “Jagged eclectic celebration of the erotic helps attendees support each other in Criminal Justice, Gender and Center for the Performing Arts, 121 Little Scar is” Micheala Lynnss first arts! It features provocative poetry, healthy ways through active listening Sexuality 6 p.m. The third of three Ladies Night 10 p.m. Third Thursdays: For women who love women. Pronto Fletcher St., Ann Arbor. 7:30 p.m. novel. Her second novel will also be dirty spoken word, erotic art, music March 1. 734-764-2538. Theark.org published by Bella Books, due out and dance performances by some late 2015. Schuler Books & Music, of the city’s top performers and fun The Ark “Trina Hamlin & Annie 2660 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids, local vendors. It promises to be an Keating” Tickets: $15. The Ark, 316 S. MI, Grand Rapids. 616-942-2561 evening you wont forget! $10 cover Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. March 2. . Schulerbooks.com/event/debut- and Proceeds benefit Paws with a 734-761-1800. Theark.org michigan-author-micheala-lynn- Cause.org. Static Network, 715 E. presents-jagged-little-scar-eastwood The Ark “Dave Alvin and Phil Alvin MIlwaukee, Detroit. 313-873-2955. Between the Lines and the University with The Guilty Ones” Tickets: $25. MEET: Comedian Suzanne [email protected] Facebook. of Michigan-Dearborn are hosting an The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 Westernhoe 8 p.m. Lesbian com/EroticPoetryandMusicFestival p.m. Feb. 28. 734-761-1800. Theark. comedian. Afterglow benefit for the LGBTQ&A inclusive career fair the first org National Marriage Challenge. Jim Sunday, March 1 week of March. Over 26 employers and Toy Community Center, Ann Arbor. The Ark “Dragon Wagon” Tickets: Transitions 2 p.m. Free transgender counting will be looking for employees $15. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Jimtoycenter.org support group. Transitions, 1055 E. prepared to work in an inclusive metro Arbor. 8 p.m. Feb. 27. 734-761-1800. South Blvd., Rochester Hills. 586- Theark.org Friday, Feb. 27 838-0825. Detroit environment. Mini Farmers Market 11 a.m. The Ark “Suzanne Westenhoefer” The Diary of Anne Frank 3 p.m. Tickets: $26. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 JET, 6600 W. Maple Road, West Some local and national companies that Culver St., Saugatuck. 269-857- Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Feb. 26. 734-761- Bloomfield. 248-788-2900. will be present include: DTE Energy, Ford 1800. Theark.org 2399. Sc4a.org Jettheatre.org Motor Company-Ford GLOBE, General Motors Company, Comerica, Plante Moran, Sprint The Magic Bag “Midge Ure” Tickets: Saturday, Feb. 28 Monday, March 2 and more. These firms are ensuring that southeast Michigan is a comfortable place to live $18. The Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Alcohol Abuse Weekly Therapy and work for everyone. Ave., Ferndale. March 5. 248-544- World View Lecture Series: Susan 3030. Themagicbag.com Group 2 p.m. The Center for Cain Wharton Center, 750 E. Shaw Relationship and Sexual Health, 25600 Lane, East Lansing. 800-WHARTON. The career fair runs from 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 5 at the University of Michigan- The Magic Bag “Larry McCray” Woodward Ave., Ste. 215, Royal Oak. Whartoncenter.com Dearborn. The event will be held in the school’s Fairlane Center North, 19000 Hubbard Tickets: $12+. The Magic Bag, 22920 248-399-7447. [email protected] Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Feb. 28. Diversity and Justice Symposium Road, Dearborn. For more information, visit www.pridesource.com. 248-544-3030. Themagicbag.com LGBTQ-Friendly Yoga Class Just Criminal Justice and Race 6 p.m. B Yoga, 106 Island Ave., Lansing. The first of three in a series of The Majestic “The Floozies with Justbyoga.com symposia during Criminal Justice Russ Liquid” . The Magic Stick, 4120 TransCend TransCend provides Month sponsored by the UM-Dearborn Woodward Ave., Detroit. 8 p.m. March College of Arts, Science, and Letters 1. 313-833-9700 . Majesticdetroit. support and resources to the and caring feedback. OutCenter, 132 events in a series of symposia during Video Bar, 608 S. Washington Ave., Southwest Michigan transgender College-Wide Programs. The focus of Royal Oak. com this conversation is Criminal Justice Water St., Benton Harbor. 269-925- Criminal Justice Month sponsored community, their significant others, 8330. Outcenter.org by the UM-Dearborn College of Unlimited Sky Production family, friends, and allies. Meetings and Race. Speakers at this event include-Kym Worthy, Wayne County Arts, Science, and Letters College- “Wednesday Night Jazz & Soul Music occur twice per month on the Wide Programs. The focus of this MUSIC & MORE Series” Every Wednesday Night Jazz 2nd Wednesday and 4th Sunday. Prosecutor-Mark Fancher, Michigan Tuesday, March 3 ACLU-Geoffrey Fieger, Civil Rights conversation is Criminal Justice, The Magic Bag “Buckwheat & Soul Music Series featuring dome of Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian Resource LGBTQ+ Support Group 4 p.m. Gender and Sexuality. Speakers at Zydeco” Tickets: $20. The Magic Bag, the best live music in MichiganCover: Center, 629 Pioneer St., Kalamazoo. Attorney-Dr. Alford Young, University For teens age 14-18. Call number of Michigan Professor of Sociology. this event include -Hon. Marilyn Kelly, 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. $5. Harbor House, 440 Clinton, Detroit. 269-349-4234. Kglrc.org for location. True Teen Group, East former Michigan Supreme Court March 6-March 1. 248-544-3030. Jan. 21-June 24. 3139679900. Free. UM-Dearborn College of Arts, Lansing. 725-222-TRUE. truelgbtq@ Own Your Gender 7 p.m. The Science, and Letters College-Wide Justice-Andrea Ritchie, New York Themagicbag.com Harborhousemi.com gmail.com Police Misconduct Attorney -Deborah Network, 343 Atlas Ave. SE, Grand Programs, 4901 Evergreen Road, The Magic Bag “Reverend Peyton’s Wharton Center for the Performing Rapids. 616-458-3511. Grlgbt.org Dearborn. 313-593-5520. desjd@ Diversity and Justice Symposium LaBelle, Attorney for Women and Children in Prison-Yvonne Siferd, Big Damn Band” Tickets: $18+. The Arts, Michigan State University umich. edu Umdearborn. edu/casl/ Criminal Justice and the Arab- Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., “Harry Connick, Jr. “ Tickets: $40-100. Shades Of Red Affair 8 p.m. diversity_justice/ American Community 6 p.m. The Attorney, Equality Michigan. Free. UM- Women only event. 25+. Tickets: Dearborn College of Arts, Science, and Ferndale. March 15-Feb. 27. 248-544- Wharton Center for the Performing second of three events in a series 3030. Themagicbag.com Arts, Michigan State University, $15. Drink set-ups and food sold. Substance Abuse Weekly Therapy of symposia during Criminal Justice Letters College-Wide Programs, 4901 Rock your favorite shade of red! Group 6 p.m. The Center for Evergreen Road, Dearborn. 313-593- 750 E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing. Month sponsored by the UM-Dearborn 7 p.m. March 1. 800-WHARTON. Hustle & Flo Productions, 8599 Relationship and Sexual Health, 25600 College of Arts, Science, and Letters 5520. desjd@umich. edu Umdearborn. Classical N. Lilley Road, Canton. 734-678- Woodward Ave., Ste. 215, Royal Oak. College-Wide Programs. The focus edu/casl/diversity_justice/ Michigan Philharmonic “Pipe 9993. [email protected] 248-399-7447. [email protected] See Happenings, page 24
22 BTL | Feb. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com he was not straight! (Laughs) UPCOMING PROJECTS Reeves: After Motown, the third company I went to was Arista – Clive Davis. I’ve been recording all along – I just didn’t have distribution or promotion – but they just found a 30-year-old album and released it again and it’s online right now entitled “The Rest of My Life.” Wilson: I have new recordings that are coming out, and hopefully soon! Next couple of months. We’ve been working on it for 12 years. I’m feeling like Stevie Wonder! When is this great project coming out?! So that’s how I feel. I have my gown exhibit – the Supremes gowns – which are still touring, and I’m hoping to set up a place in Las Vegas – an exhibit Mary Wilson, PBS exec director/ – with all of my Supremes gowns. producer TJ Lubinsky and Martha Reeves. Photo: DPTV THE SOUND OF YOUNG would have to be the one to say she’s AMERICA ® Mo Town ready. Right now she’s not ready. You Continued from p. 17 should write about this... Diana and I Wilson: The music was inclusive. are sisters from the soul, period. You It didn’t matter who you were, the it was (a) very inclusive (time). (Men) know, you have a lot of things in life that music touched your soul. Music, to weren’t coming out. The gays didn’t interfere with your feelings, and that has me, brought all the souls together. come and you’d say, “Oh, those are happened with us. It’s just life situations. I’ve always said that Motown was an gay people!” We didn’t have that. The Life’s business. Life’s all those things that ambassador for love and for friendship realization (hit the Supremes) when are in the middle of our friendship. Our because it brought people together. we started doing TV shows and a lot of friendship is still our friendship. It’s all Music does that anyway, but Motown the guys who would design gowns for this other crap that’s in the middle of it. I as a whole was an entity that really us were gay, and they would bring all don’t even know how it started or where it brought people together. those gorgeous design sketches and we came from, but it’s all professional. Reeves: I think gay people came out of the looked like little Barbie dolls – three closet mainly for racial reasons, because if little Barbie dolls – and so that’s when you can accept somebody being gay then we realized there was something about THE QUEENS you can accept somebody being black. that that was different from the way you Reeves: They have a revue here (in Gay people fit right in with us. It was no were normally perceived, because they Detroit) at a club, and I went and saw big deal. Nobody was special. Nobody saw us as these glamorous, gorgeous some guy. And oh god! He kept pulling was different ... until they became musical Barbie dolls – black Barbie dolls! up his clothes – nothing I’d ever do! He or started dancing, and then they wanted was doing his man thing, honey. I don’t to show off their artistry. The flower THE SUPREMES have a man thing. Never put on men’s movement – the flower children – were clothes to try to be a guy, that’s for sure. trying to tell you, “Accept us for who we Wilson: We came around at the right He was doing his female thing too, but are. We all love in music, ‘Flower Power’ time in American history. All these it wasn’t necessarily Martha Reeves. It’s and LSD – everything.” Everybody got other people inspired us, and then, in the like seeing Linda Ronstadt sing “Heat high. Everybody went wild. Everybody ’60s during the civil rights movement Wave,” or like seeing Marvin Gaye sing came out. and women’s liberation, we happened “Dancing in the Street” where he looks It’s a free world now. We’re all free. to be right there. We were there at the over and sees me in the corner admiring “Dancing in the Street” was to allow Puzzle solution on pg. 26 right time. We had a chance to really him. (Both songs were originally recorded people to block the streets off with the accomplish more because the world by Martha and the Vandellas.) police forces and yellow tape, come out was changing and we were right there. Wilson: Oscar Huckabee was one of of their house and dance without fear of the biggest drag queens in Detroit at the getting hit by a truck, a train, or a car ARE THE SUPREMES EVER time. We did a lot of shows in Detroit, or an airplane. It’s about freedom. It’s and Oscar Huckabee – he wasn’t called about being who you are, and being free GETTING BACK TOGETHER? a drag queen at the time that I know of, to be who you are ... without anybody Wilson: I wouldn’t say that I’m sick but he was at all of the shows and would beating you up! of hearing about it. It’s a question that always do these exotic dances. He was There’s no difference to me. It’s all comes up at every interview. I’ve done always dressed in exotic kinds of things. about being who you are and living the interviews thousands and thousands of He was exquisite. Just wonderful. I way you want to live. That’s America. times, and it always comes up. guess you would call him a drag queen That’s the freedom that we learned as Whenever, and if, Diana’s ready, then today. He was a very important figure in Motown artists. That’s the way Motown something like that could happen. She those days. He was a dancer – an exotic was – free. The “Sound of Young dancer – and boy was he great. For sure America.” And that’s everybody. www.PrideSource.com Feb. 26, 2015 | BTL 23 focusing on local playwrights, Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave., ® Happenings improv, West MI premieres and new Bloomfield Hills. June 21-Feb. 28. Continued from p. 22 interpretations of Shakespeare. CLICK 877-462-7262. Cranbrookart. edu HERE for complete show schedule information. Tickets: $8-14 per event. Cranbrook Art Museum “Warhol On Whartoncenter.com Dog Story Theater, 7 Jefferson Ave. Vinyl: The Record Covers, 1949- SE, Grand Rapids. Through March 1. 1987+” Drawing from the world’s Other dogstorytheater.com preeminent collection of record covers by Andy Warhol, this exhibition Ruhala Performing Arts Center Leaving Iowa CLICK HERE for showcases how Warhol used the “Reiki for Teens” Fee: $120. Ruhala complete show information. Tickets: record cover as a means to popularize Performing Arts Center, 1846 Haslett $29-32. Tipping Point Theatre, 361 E. his name and directly impact popular Road, East Lansing. Jan. 28-March 25. Cady St., Northville. Through March 8. culture. Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 517-337-0464. Ruhalacenter.com 248-347-0003. tippingpointtheatre. Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills. Ruhala Performing Arts Center com June 21-Feb. 28. 877-462-7262. “Reiki for Kids” Ages 6-12. Ruhala Cranbrookart. edu Oh, Ananse! A story from the West Performing Arts Center, 1846 Haslett African Ananse mythos featuring a hip- DIA “Ordinary People by Extraordinary Road, East Lansing. Jan. 29-March 26. hop-influenced libretto. Tickets: $5-10. Artists: Works on Paper by Degas, 517-337-0464. Ruhalacenter.com PuppetART, Detroit Puppet Theatre, 25 Renoir and Friends” . Detroit Institute Trinity Divine Healing “Health & E. Grand River, Detroit. Through Feb. of Arts, 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Wellness Classes” Cost: $5-10. Grace 28. 313-961-7777. puppetart.org Jan. 1-March 29. 313-833-7900. is Sufficient Ministries Neighborhood Dia.org Once On This Island A peasant Center, 13345 Joy Road, Detroit. Jan. girl rescues and falls in love with a DIA “Photographs from the Detroit 12-May 30. 313-451-2472. wealthy boy from the other side of Walk-In Portrait Studio by Corne her island in the Caribbean. However, Vermeulen” . Detroit Institute of Arts, tradition forbids the match. CLICK 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Jan. THEATER HERE for complete show information. 1-May 17. 313-833-7900. Dia.org God of Carnage Tickets: $15. Grosse Tickets: $26-41. Meadow Brook Pointe Theatre, Edsel & Eleanor Ford Theatre, 2200 N. Squirrel Road, DIA “Make a Joyful Noise: House-Activity Center, 1100 Lakeshore Rochester. Through March 8. 248-377- Renaissance Art and Music at Florence Road, Grosse Pointe Shores. Through 3300. mbtheatre.com Cathedral” A rare opportunity to March 1. 313-881-4004. Gpt.org see three exquisite marble carvings ROBOCOP! The Musical Tickets: and other Italian Renaissance Miracle On South Division Street $29. 50. Olympia Entertainment, City masterpieces by sculptor Luca della Tickets: $14-16. Farmington Players, Theatre, 2301 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Robbia. Detroit Institute of Arts, 2100 Farmington Players Barn Theatre, Through March 1. 313-471-6611. Woodward Ave., Detroit. Feb. 6-May 32332 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Olympiaentertainment.com 17. 313-833-7900. Dia.org Hills. Through Feb. 28. 248-473-1856. Farmingtonplayers.org Sister Act . The Whiting, 1241 E. Flint Institute of Arts “Common Kearsley St., Flint. Feb. 28-March 1. Ground: African American Art Spring Awakening Tickets: $18-20. 810-237-8689. Thewhiting.com Exhibition” . Flint Institute of Arts, Stagecrafters, Baldwin Theatre, 1120 E. Kearsley St., Flint. Feb. 8-April 415 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak. Sweet Pea’s Mama A timely story 26. 810-234-1695. Flintarts.org Through March 1. 248-541-6430. that puts racial indignity and mental Stagecrafters.org challenge in striking juxtaposition. MOCAD “Radical Scavengers: the The effect is both disturbing and MOCAD Quilting Bee Project “ This Sweet Pea’s Mama Tickets: enlightening. Tickets: $17-20. Detroit winter the Mobile Homestead space $17-20. Detroit Repertory Theatre, Repertory Theatre, 13103 Woodrow transforms into a contemporary quilt 13103 Woodrow Wilson, Detroit. Wilson, Detroit. Through March 15. making workshop for the community. Through March 15. 313-868-1347. 313-868-1347. detroitreptheatre.com Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, Detroitreptheatre.com 4454 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Jan. 25- The Best Brothers CLICK HERE May 24. 313-832-6622. Mocadetroit. The Modern Woman Tickets: $15- for complete show information. org 20. A Host of People, 256 W. Grand Tickets: $15-27. Williamston Theatre, Blvd., Detroit. Feb. 27-March 8. 122 S. Putnam Road, Williamston. N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Ahostofpeople.org Through March 1. 517-655-SHOW. Art “The Making of the Dauphine” . williamstontheatre.org N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art, Civic/Community 52 E. Forest, Detroit. Feb. 13-March The Trip to Bountiful This ordinary 14. Theater journey becomes one filled with inspiration and intrigue. CLICK HERE N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Independence Tickets: $15-20. Open for complete show information. Art “Michael Luchs, Christine Book Theatre Company, Peneleope’s Tickets: $10-20. What A Do Theatre, Hagedorn and Anita Bates” . N’Namdi Venue, 12219 Dix Toledo Road, 4071 West Dickman Rd., Springfield. Center for Contemporary Art, 52 E. Southgate. Feb. 27-March 7. 734-288- Through Feb. 28. 269-282-1953. Forest, Detroit. Jan. 16-March 14. 7753. Openbooktc.com whatado.org Pewabic Pottery “Ware Wolves in Steel Magnolias . The Purple Rose Sheep’s Clothing” . Pewabic Pottery, Theatre Company, Purple Rose Theater for 10125 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit. Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Young Audiences Jan. 23-March 29. 313-626-2000. Through March 14. 734-433-7673. Pewabic.org Purplerosetheatre.org Bud, Not Buddy . Flint Youth Theatre, 1220 E. Kearsley St., Flint. The Scarab Club “2015 Silver Medal College/University Theater Feb. 27-March 15. 810-237-1530. Exhibition” . The Scarab Club, 217 Enemy of the People Tickets: $10- Flintyouththeatre.org Farnsworth, Detroit. Feb. 18-March 28. 30. Hilberry Theatre, 4743 Cass Ave., Oh, Ananse! . PuppetART Theater, 313-831-1250. Scarabclub.org Detroit. Through March 28. 313-577- Detroit Puppet Theater, 25 E. Grand UMMA “Hana Hamplova: Meditations 2972. Hilberry.com River Ave., Detroit. Through Feb. 28. on Paper” . University Of Michigan 313-961-7777. Puppetart.org Museum Of Art, 525 S. State St., Ann Professional Arbor. Feb. 21-June 30. 734-763- Best of Enemies Tickets: $15-20. ART ‘N’ AROUND 4186. Umma. umich. edu Matrix Theatre Company, 2730 Bagley, UMMA “Medicinal Plants and Detroit. Through March 15. 313-967- Cranbrook Art Museum “The Gardens: The Matthaei Botanical 0999. Matrixtheatre.org Cranbrook Hall of Wonders: Artworks, Gardens & Nichols Arboretum “ . Objects and Natural Curiosities” Bus Stop In the middle of a howling University Of Michigan Museum Of . Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Art, 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor. Jan. snowstorm, a bus out of Kansas City Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills. pulls up at a cheerful roadside diner, 25-May 3. 734-763-4186. Umma. Nov. 23-March 22. 877-462-7262. umich. edu where four or five weary travelers are Cranbrook. edu going to have to hole up until morning. UMMA “Flip Your Field: Objects from CLICK HERE for complete show Cranbrook Art Museum “Theater of the Collection” An exhibition from information. Tickets: Tickets: $35-41. the Mind” . Cranbrook Art Museum, the Museum’s collection of three- The Dio-Dining and Entertainment, 135 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield dimensional objects. University Of E. Main St., Pinckney. Through March Hills. Nov. 23-March 29. 877-462- Michigan Museum Of Art, 525 S. State 1. 517-672-6009. Diotheatre.com 7262. Cranbrook. edu St., Ann Arbor. Jan. 24-June 30. 734- Lake Effect Fringe Festival The Cranbrook Art Museum “Cranbrook 763-4186. Umma. umich. edu festival kicks off its thirrd year of Goes to the Movies: Films and Their bringing new theater to West Michigan, Objects, 1925-1975” . Cranbrook
24 BTL | Feb. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Feb. 26, 2015 | BTL 25 28 Book jacket promos 9 Feminist folk singer DiFranco QPuzzle 31 Stick on 10 Get a load of 32 “___ On Down the Road” (tune 11 Deep penetration symptom? Spare Thee, Rod from “The Wiz”) 12 Enjoyer of Stephen Pyles 33 Some A-List gays 13 Gladiator area 34 Lesbian opponent of Wade 21 Heavenly body 37 Church feature 22 Tic ___ (sometimes fruit mint) 40 Releases from the closet, e.g. 24 Toto’s home st. 42 Connoisseur Allen 25 Got to second base, perhaps 43 Throng of people 26 “How can ___?” 45 Grace 27 Tammany Tiger creator 46 Draw back 28 Rupert Everett’s “The Next ___ 48 Cannot bear Thing” 50 “A Boy Named ___ “ (musical for 29 Until all hours which Rod got an Oscar nomination) 30 Where the lemon is the main fruit 53 What opera singers put on? 33 Twill fabric 54 Backfield exchange 35 S&M response 58 NBC sketch source 36 Cigar butt 59 Late great poet and songwriter Rod 38 Dr. on TV 63 Rod wrote “If You Go Away” based 39 “My Life in High Heels” one of his songs autobiographer Anderson 64 A male model may have a big one 41 Reliable supporters 65 Gingersnap, e.g. 44 Young lady coming out 66 Legendary Himalayan 47 B&O et al. 67 Get hard 48 Extended credit 68 Loom 49 Former TV host’s new channel 69 Old sitcom with Jodie 50 Big beer buys 51 Swinger’s joint? Down 52 River through Kˆln 17 With 18-Across, “The Prime of 55 Bite it Across Miss ___ “ (movie that Rod wrote 1 South Seas island group 56 Salty white stuff from the Greeks a song for ) 1 “... is ___ itself” (Eleanor’s 2 Rice’s “East of ___ “ 57 Comic Wilson, who cross-dressed husband) 18 See 17-Across 3 “What a shame” as Geraldine 5 Animals that spit 19 Road atlas abbr. 4 Without a certain Broadway play? 59 AT&T rival 11 Where to take your first mate 20 About to happen 5 Many October babies 60 End of many a web address 14 “Spamalot” writer Eric 22 Billy Douglas, in “One Life to Live” 6 “Two Women” star 61 Keystone lawman 15 First aid antiseptic 23 Singer that Rod wrote the “A Man 7 “Much ___ About Nothing” 62 Ho’s instrument 16 Boater’s paddle Alone” album for 8 STINKBUGStart of a life crisis? Solution on pg. 23 Classifieds 428 PROF. SERVICES - MASSAGE
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26 BTL | Feb. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Feb. 26, 2015 | BTL 27