Transgender Day of You can boo Remembrance Events “all you want. ‘It’s Raining Men’ Singer - in” Talks New Album

Watershed Moment For Marriage Equality First Lesbian Elected To U.S. Senate, Gay Vote Helps Obama NOV 1, 2012 | VOL. 2044 | FREE WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM NOV 15, 2012 | VOL. 2046 | FREE 2 BTL | November 15, 2012 www.PrideSource.com COVER STORY 4 Watershed moment for marriage equality Photo: AP I didn’t run to make

Transgender Day of You can boo Remembrance Events all“ you want. - Madonna in ”Detroit ‘It’s Raining Men’ Singer Talks New Album history. I ran to make a difference.

Watershed Moment “ For Marriage Equality NOV 1, 2012 | VOL. 2044 | FREE First Lesbian Elected To U.S. Senate, Gay VoteNOV 15, Helps2012 | VOL. Obama 2046 | FREE – Tammy Baldwin, the first openly WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM lesbian senator. Pg. 4

NEWS BTL ISSUE 20.46 • NOV. 15, 2012 4 Tammy Baldwin wins Wisc. 5 LGBT gains breathtaking leap forward in U.S 5 Kuhnke wins, other Mich. Join The Conversation @ PrideSource.com LGBT candidates lose 6 State changes little after ”CURTAIN CALLS ENTER TO WIN expensive campaigns 6 Troy recalls Mayor Daniels How Are You 7 Obama victory bodes well 8 100 days, still hungry Recognizing 8 Equal rights in sight for all 14 Transgender Day of Remembrance events World AIDS Day? OPINION Roll Out The Superlatives Win Aguilera’s New Album 10 BTL Editorial After witnessing Michigan Opera Christina’s new album “Lotus” Theatre’s production of “Caesar,” includes the explosive hit single 11 Parting Glances Michael Margolin grabbed for his “Your Body,” plus “Let There Be 12 Creep of The Week list of superlatives. Find out if the Love” and “Blank Page.” Available performance was brilliant or a on RCA Records. Enter online LIFE bore in the Entertainment section at Pridesource.com/Tickets_ 16 Hallelujah! It’s Martha Wash of Pridesource.com Contest.html to win your copy! 18 Screen Queen 21 Cool Cities: Ferndale 23 Madonna does the D LETTERS COOL CITIES 24 Happenings World AIDS Day is just of World AIDS Day events 26 LGBT sellers: how to help around the corner and throughout Michigan in attract a qualified buy agencies and organizations our Nov. 29 issue. Help us all over Michigan are help you commemorate: REAR VIEW preparing to commemorate Submit your events to our 27 Puzzle this important event. This calendar at Pridesource. 28 Classifieds year, BTL will be including com/Calendar.html today 29 Cocktail Chatter a comprehensive calendar 30 Dating Diet Got A News Tip? Tell Us! Finding Ferndale Got an idea for a feature story? Discover Ferndale’s concerts, SCAN QR CODE BTL is available online Hear something relevant to the social groups and events, find every week. Our website “Between The Lines Email your op–eds to LGBT community? We’re all ears! LGBT-friendly businesses and also updates and reports Newspaper” [email protected] E-mail us at Ben@Pridesource. engage your community today, on stories daily. com or message us on all on the Pridesource.com Cool Go to Pridesource.com today! Cities Ferndale page! or scan this QR code. Sign up online to receive Follow us @YourBTL our E–Digest www.PrideSource.com November 15, 2012 | BTL 3 Baldwin’s Win Tops A Record Number of LGBTs In Congress BY LISA KEEN

MADISON, WI - In an historic victory Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin became the first openly gay person to be elected to the U.S. Senate. Her victory, along with the apparent wins of six out of seven openly LGBT candidates for the U.S. House, marks a new high for the number of openly LGBT members of Congress: seven. The previous high was four. The success of openly LGBT candidates come against a backdrop of partisan control in the Senate and House which will remain the same as before - Democrats control the Senate and Republicans control the House. In her acceptance speech, Baldwin acknowledged the historic nature of her win. of entrepreneurs trying to build a business Also Friday morning, the Arizona “I’m well aware that I will have the and working people trying to build some Secretary of State’s website showed honor to be the first woman senator from economic security,” said Baldwin. all precincts counted in Congressional Wisconsin, and I’m well aware that I will The six other victors Tuesday night District 9, and openly bisexual Arizona be the first openly gay member of the were incumbent Democratic Reps. Jared State Senator Krysten Sinema with a ,” said Baldwin. Polis of and David Cicilline of 3,842-vote lead over Republican opponent “I didn’t run to make history. I ran to Rhode Island. Joining them will be two Vernon Parker. If Sinema, 36, is certified make a difference - a difference in the new members of the House--Mark Pocan, the winner, she’ll represent Tempe, Mesa, lives of families struggling to find work who won Baldwin’s seat from Wisconsin, and Scottsdale and become the first and pay the bills, a difference in the lives and Sean Maloney of . And openly bisexual candidate to win a seat of students worried about debt and seniors as of Friday morning, Democrat Mark to Congress. worried about their retirement security, a Takano still topped the results with a The only loss among openly gay difference in the lives veterans who fought 13-point lead in his race for the House Congressional candidates Tuesday night for us and need someone fighting for seat representing the 41st Congressional was Republican Richard Tisei, who lost them and their families when they return district of California, according to the a very close race against Democratic home from war, a difference in the lives Secretary of State’s website. incumbent John Tierney in Massachusetts. ‘Watershed’ moment for marriage BY LISA KEEN bans on same- marriage. The votes add Maryland, Maine, and Read More on Impact of Marriage Decisions Even the most jaded political pundits Washington to the list of six states and the >> See page 12 of this issue were stunned by the four victories for District of Columbia that allow same-sex marriage equality on the ballot Tuesday. marriage. voters in Minnesota became the first In an unprecedented vote, Minnesota In Maine voters said Yes on Question 1, to reject a state constitutional ban on became the first state to reject a proposed which approves a statute allowing same- same-sex marriage. Fifty-one percent state constitutional amendment to ban sex couples to marry. The law will go into voted against Proposed Amendment 1, 48 same-sex marriage. Maine became the effect 30 days after the governor proclaims percent for. first state to approve a pro-active measure the results of the election. Referring to the vote in Maine, which to allow same-sex marriage. And voters in In Maryland, Question 6 to ratify was reported first, Freedom to Marry Washington State and Maryland became the legislature’s passage of a marriage National Campaign Director Marc the first to approve bills passed in their equality bill had won easily. Undoubtedly, Solomon said it was “hard to overstate respective legislatures to provide for a key factor behind the win in Maryland significance of this vote.” marriage equality. was the aggressive effort by the NAACP Solomon praised Mainers United for And to top it off, the one Iowa justice to convince the state’s large African Marriage Campaign for its meticulous, targeted by anti-gay marriage activists American population to back the measure. three-year-long effort to pass the measure, hoping to unseat him during his routine A similar measure in Washington State calling it an “extraordinary effort.” retention vote, held onto his seat. won, Referendum 74, endorsing passage “For years, our opponents have argued Fox News commentator Juan Williams of a bill by the legislature for marriage that we could not win a majority vote at called the four votes a “watershed equality. Fifty-two percent of the vote was the ballot. Today, Maine voters proved moment” for the marriage equality Yes, 48 percent No. them wrong, standing up for the Golden movement in the United States. Prior to And in perhaps the most astonishing Rule and for freedom for all Mainers,” Tuesday, voters in 32 states have passed marriage equality victory of the night, said Solomon. 4 BTL | November 15, 2012 www.PrideSource.com LGBT Gains Breathtaking Leap Forward In U.S BY LISA KEEN West . They included victories in seven out of eight federal office races, 71 out of 94 state A first-ever openly gay person elected U.S. offices, and 40 out of 50 local offices. Senator, the largest ever number of openly Of 152 LGBT candidates on the ballot Nov. LGBT people elected to Congress, two new 6, 77 percent (118) won, while 22 percent (33) speakers at state houses, the first-ever openly lost. One local election race is still pending. By transgender person elected to a state legislature, comparison, in 2010, 65 percent (106) of 164 and the first openly LGBT candidates elected in openly LGBT candidates won, according to the numerous states. Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. That’s just a snapshot of what made Gay and There were many historic firsts this year, Lesbian Victory Fund President Chuck Wolfe including the high-profile victory of U.S. Rep. call Nov. 6 a “breathtaking leap forward.” Tammy Baldwin, overcoming a multi-million- Election Day 2012 contests for LGBT dollar super PAC campaign against her by right- candidates spanned 37 states, including such wing operative Karl Rove, to become the first conservative bastions and and openly gay person elected to the U.S. Senate. “It goes right up there in history with Ed Brooke of Massachusetts,” said long-time gay Democratic activist David Mixner. Brooke, a Republican, became the first African American elected to the U.S. Senate, in 1966. “Words almost can’t describe the barriers this has broken down and it is a moment in the institution of the U.S. Senate that will be forever remembered,” said Mixner. He said Baldwin’s victory was in large part due to her being “a really great candidate who worked her ass off.” But he also said Baldwin’s victory and that of so many others Nov. 6 was a “shift in attitudes” of American voters about LGBT officials and Kuhnke wins, issues. In California, teacher Mark Takano became other Mich. LGBT the first openly gay person of color elected to Congress, winning a seat representing conservative Riverside, California. candidates lose The LGBT community also celebrated the elevation of four of its own to positions as state ANN ARBOR – Carol Kuhnke won legislative Speaker of the House, two new to the her election for Circuit Court Judge in position and two re-installed. Washtenaw County, making her the first Oregon State Rep. Tina Kotek, 46, who has openly LGBT judge elected by the people been serving as the House Democratic leader, in Michigan. is now in a position to become the state’s first “I am incredibly humbled and honored openly gay Speaker and, thus, the first lesbian to have been elected Washtenaw County to head a state legislative chamber anywhere in Circuit Court Judge,” said Kuhnke. “I hope the country. Kotek, a three-term representative of that young people in the community will see North Portland, helped pass legislation in 2007 that they can be whomever and whatever to prohibit sexual orientation discrimination. Her they wish to be regardless of who they love. areas of focus have been education, health, and I also hope that my election takes us closer fighting hunger. to full equality.” State Rep. Mark Ferrandino, 35, a Democrat There were three other races in which representing , was the unanimous choice openly LGBT candidates ran for office, of the Democratic majority in Colorado’s but none of them won their election bids. 65-member House of Representatives. Kevin Howley was defeated by incumbent Ferrandino will receive the gavel in January from L. Brooks Patterson for Oakland County outgoing Republican Speaker Frank McNulty, Executive, Ken Ross lost his bid for Circuit who killed a civil union bill poised for passage Court Judge in Ingham County, and Todd by sending it back to committee last May. Openly Heywood lost in his race for a seat on the gay Colorado State Senator was Lansing Community College Board of a potential candidate for president of the State Trustees. Senate but was beat out by a strong LGBT civil Other LGBT judges have or are serving rights supporter, John Morse, from conservative in Michigan, but they either were appointed Colorado Springs. or did not run as out gay candidates elected, And two incumbent speakers will hold onto such as Rudy Serra, Frank Arnold and William Baillargeon. See LGBT Gains, page 7 www.PrideSource.com November 15, 2012 | BTL 5 State Changes Little After Troy Recalls Mayor Daniels Expensive Campaigns Janice Daniels Antigay Stance Fuels Campaign

GOP Majority Shrinks In State House BY KATE OPALEWSKI

Troy Mayor Janice Daniels has BY JAN STEVENSON for the Democrats, which was not enough to garner a majority but did been recalled. The Tea Party favorite will be forced out of office after one LANSING – Despite millions of diminish the size of the Republican year by a 52.2 (20,763 votes) to dollars and hard fought campaigns, majority to eight seats, down from 47.8 (18,993 votes) percent margin, the results of the Nov. 6 elections in 20. The partisan balance is now 59 according to the Oakland County Michigan netted only small changes Republicans and 51 Democrats in Clerk with all 31 precincts reporting. in our state government composition. the new Michigan House that will be “I’m elated, over the moon,” said The Supreme Court will remain inaugurated in January. Recall Janice Daniels co-founder John with a 4-3 Republican majority and The six seat pickup was the result Kulesz, who began Election Day at the State House of Representatives of five Republican incumbents 6:30 a.m. to visit with Troy residents will remain in Republican control, losing their seats, and one open seat and communicate with more than although by a smaller margin than flipping to the Democrats. No seats 100 recall volunteers spread out at before the election. held by Democrats were lost to the 18 different polling locations in Troy. IN the most expensive Supreme Republicans. “It’s amazing to do something that Court race in Michigan history, “Michigan extremists will have to the majority of the people of Troy Democratic nominee Bridget Mary work a bit harder to sweep hateful responded to in such a positive way.” McCormack got the most votes in and irrational legislation through The recall campaign, said Kulesz, a six-way race for two seats. She the Michigan House and for that raised $18,000 with 85 percent coming will replace former Chief Justice Michigan voters should be proud,” from Troy residents and people with Troy resident Leonard Malkin with Recall Janice Daniels group co-founder John Kulesz Marilyn Kelly, a Democrat, who said Emily Dievendorf, policy waiting for results Nov. 6. BTL photo: Kate Opalewski. director at Equality Michigan. “Still, connections to the city. Nearly 9,000 is retiring. Incumbent Republican throughout Election Day. Daniels anxious all day awaiting these results. the former challenges to equality valid signatures were collected to Justice Stephen Markman came in did say that she has broken no laws We crossed party lines to make this in Michigan remain. The make this recall happen. Regardless and voters are more upset with her happen. My son said to me ‘If I wasn’t House held onto one of our of long lines and a few hiccups at the contentious style than her actual views. out then, I am now’ about coming out biggest adversaries in the polls, eager voters waited patiently to The majority disagrees. Mayor and feeling supported. It’s a good day reelection of Tom McMillin cast their ballots on Tuesday. Leonard Daniels has been the center of for Troy,” she said. (R- Rochester).” Malkin, a resident of Troy since controversy since she took office Party-goers were joined by former The Republican house 1973, stood in the cold for an hour in November of 2011. Her anti-gay Troy Mayor Louise Schilling who representatives who will at St. Anastasia Church holding his Facebook comment garnered national challenged and lost to Republican not be returning to Lansing “Vote ‘Yes!’ to Recall Mayor Janice attention. She later told the Troy incumbent Robert Gosselin in the race in January are Rep. Holly Daniels” sign. High School Gay-Straight Alliance for 11th District County Commissioner. Hughes in the 91st who was “The mayor doesn’t belong in that she would bring in an expert to Schilling was accompanied by Mary defeated by Democratic office. I’m sure she’s a person, tell them the homosexual lifestyle is Kerwin, the Democratic candidate challenger Collene Lamonte, but this is the wrong position for her,” “dangerous” and compared the dangers for Michigan House District 41, who Rep. Roy Schmidt in the said Malkin, adding that Daniels is of homosexuality to the dangers of lost the race to Republican candidate 76th who was defeated by a “nincompoop,” just as Sarah Palin cigarette smoking. The recall also Martin Howrylak. Oakland County the Democratic write-in was called in 2010 by Peggy Noonan, points to Daniels’ negative statements Commissioner Craig Covey, the candidate Winnie Brinks, conservative columnist and former about other city employees and her openly gay former mayor of Ferndale, Rep. Deb Shaughnessy in Ronald Reagan speechwriter. “She vote against a proposed transit center made an appearance as well. Covey the 71st who was defeated does not respect people and their backed by millions of federal funding. helped raise $1,000 and has been by Democrat Theresa Abed, opinions. She’s her own worst enemy,” Bridget McCormack won a seat on the Michigan More recently, Daniels engaged in rallying for months on Facebook in the first time since 1964 that he said. Supreme Court. BTL file Andrew Potter. an argument last month with 2012 support of the recall. a Democrat held that seat, Across the way, outside in the Troy Distinguished Citizen Mary “Folks in Troy have been and Rep. Matt Huuki who was church parking lot, Daniels’ supporters Kerwin while presenting her with a appreciative of outside help, but this defeated by Democrat Dianda did their best to rally on her behalf. At second, winning reelection for the proclamation. tremendous victory belongs to them. Scott. The open seat in the 84th, now their request, because one in particular other eight year seat. He beat out “We’re so happy that the people of People across the country have been held by Republican Kurt Damrow did not want her name published in Democratic challenger Connie Kelly Troy have realized that Janice is not watching the race. This shows that who is term-limited out, was won by an LGBT publication, they spoke and Republican Colleen O’Brien. the best person to represent them, and even in a conservative city like Troy, Democrat Terry Brown. anonymously about the recall election. Incumbent Republican Justice Brian that Troy can and will do better,” said extremism isn’t going to work. When Although encouraged by the Daniels’ was referred to as a “lovely Zahra also won reelection for the Recall Janice Daniels co-founder Matt we win in places that are red, the modest gains at the state level, and person” who is being “crucified.” remaining two years of former Binkowski. victory is even sweeter,” said Covey. more so by the national election Her supporters agree her Facebook Justice Maura Corrigan, who left the Recall volunteers celebrated Members of the Troy City Council results, Dievendorf remains cautious posting months before she took office court last year to head up the state’s Tuesday night at Joe Kool’s in Troy. - Councilman Jim Campbell, about the future. “The good news is was inappropriate, but is not reason Department of Human Services, Audrey Touchette, a resident of Troy Councilman Dane Slater, and Mayor that we know now, more than ever, enough to recall a “woman who loves beating Democratic challenger Shelia for 22 years and board member of Pro Tem Maureen McGinnis - were that the nation is on our side and that everybody.” Johnson. PFLAG in Detroit, said she did her also in attendance. Michigan voters can mobilize when Daniels stood in front of the First The net result – no change in the part as the mother of her gay son. “I “I am confident that we will be inspired,” she said. “Change can Presbyterian Church in the early balance of power on the Supreme can’t believe this started a year ago. able to work together as a council to be right around the corner even for morning on NOv. 6 still hopeful and Court. I attended council meetings and put accomplish this, to create a smooth Michigan. But if we use this moment, confident, fighting for her political The election for the Michigan up signs. To realize I can make a transition into the city’s next chapter,” full of compassion and resolve, to survival. She has avoided the media State House of Representatives recently and continued to do so difference is an amazing thing. I was so resulted in a net gain of six seats pause, progress can also disappear.” See Recall Troy Mayor, page 9

6 BTL | November 15, 2012 www.PrideSource.com ® LGBT Gains for the Texas legislature this summer, Democrat Mary Gonzalez identified Continued from p. 5 herself as a pansexual and ran Obama Victory Bodes Well unopposed in the general election, their positions: Rhode Island Speaker securing a seat representing El Paso. Gordon Fox and California Speaker On her campaign website, she noted John Perez. that she is board co-chair of allgo, Fox, re-nominated House Speaker a “statewide queer people of color For LGBT Community Nov. 9, was at the center of controversy organization” and has been involved recently for setting aside a marriage with the National Gay and Lesbian equality bill and pushing instead for Task Force. campaigns around the country. His While Republican presidential a civil unions bill. The bill passed and BY LISA KEEN • Democrat Jacob Candelaria, 25, reelection after expressing support nominee Mitt Romney did not make represented a step forward for the state, won a New Mexico state senate seat In the Nov. 6 race with the greatest for marriage equality is further proof same-sex marriage a prominent but many LGBT activists were sorely representing Albuquerque in his first impact on the LGBT community, that the momentum is on the side of issue in his campaign, he and disappointed at Fox’s tactical decision run for public office. After winning 69 President Obama secured re-election marriage for all families.” vice presidential candidate Paul to push for what he knew would pass, percent of the vote in the Democratic Tuesday night, winning both the Log Cabin Republicans did not Ryan made indirect attacks against rather than insist on full equality. Fox, primary, he was unopposed for seat popular and electoral vote majorities. issue a statement Tuesday night. President Obama over his support for 50, represents Providence and is an from the heavily Democratic district The Obama re-election on the same In his victory speech in marriage equality in particular. attorney. He was first elected to the Nov. 6 and became the first openly gay night the LGBT community won after midnight, President Obama Republican Vice Presidential House in 1992, was elected majority unprecedented battles in four states said that most Americans hope the candidate Paul Ryan, in a conference leader in 2002, and was first elected over marriage equality and Wisconsin country is a place that provides good call sponsored by the National Journal speaker in 2010. Almost as remarkable elected the first openly gay U.S. education, a strong economy, and, with right-wing activist Ralph Reed’s California Assembly Democrats Senator, prompted comment from among other things, a country that “Faith and Freedom Coalition” on unanimously chose John Perez to serve as the first many political pundits throughout “isn’t weakened by inequality.” He Sunday, said President Obama was as speaker again. Perez, a 43-year-old transgender election the night. also paid homage to the “diversity” taking the country down a path that union organizer from , was “This country is really changing,” of Americans. “compromises those values, those first elected speaker in 2010, becoming was the election of remarked CNN commentator Paul Obama said he does not believe Judeo-Christian values, Western the state’s first openly gay speaker. Begala. “We’ve just elected our the country is as divided as pundits civilization values that made us such In other historic election news Nov. openly gay candidates first openly lesbian senator, Tammy suggest, and that it doesn’t matter a great and exceptional nation in the 6, Democrat Stacie Laughton became Baldwin.... We re-elected a president who you are, including whether you first place.” the first openly transgender person to in North Dakota who endorsed gay marriage. Nineteen are “gay or straight,” “you can make A Romney campaign robo-call be elected to a state legislature, winning and West Virginia. years ago, I was working for Bill it here in America, if you’re willing in Virginia also attacked President a seat representing her hometown Clinton...and we thought it was to try.” Obama on religious values. And of Nashua in the New Hampshire progress to pass ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t The apparently heavy turnout of another robo-call, released last state house. Laughton, who owns Tell.’” The results on LGBT issues Democrats for Obama seemed to Thursday, warned “President Obama and operates a small business selling man to be elected to the New Mexico Tuesday night, he said, “might be have paid off for LGBT candidates used his health care plan to declare environmentally friendly products, had legislature. one of the most wonderful things and ballot measures, with pro-same- war on religion, forcing religious already been elected to public office • Angie Buhl, 27, won re-election to about tonight.” sex marriage ballot measures passing institutions to go against their faith.” once, serving on the Nashua Board her State Senate seat in South Dakota, The Obama victory was especially in Maine, Maryland, and Washington, The popular vote stood at 62.3 of Selectmen. Her issues of focus representing Sioux Falls. Before her sweet for many LGBT people given and the unprecedented defeat of a million for President Obama and have been helping the homeless and first election in 2010, she worked as a the Republican ticket’s staunch proposed ban on same-sex marriage 58.9 million for Romney. The supporting a proposed commuter rail. consultant to Equality South Dakota. opposition to equal rights for gays in Minnesota. Obama’s victory in electoral vote was 332 for President The Gay & Lesbian Victory She beat her competitor by winning in marriage, the military, and nearly Wisconsin also apparently helped Obama and 206 for Romney. (To Fund, which helps direct funding 2,973 votes, or 55 percent of the senate every other arena, contrasting with propel U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin win, a candidate needs 270 electoral to openly LGBT candidates, did voting district. The Argus Leader President Obama’s support. to an historic win as the first openly votes, regardless of the popular vote not include Laughton on its list of newspaper characterized Buhl’s race “As the first president to sign a gay person elected to the U.S. Senate. outcome nationally.) endorsed candidates but issued a as one of the “most hotly contested pro-LGBT bill, the first president to statement celebrating her historic legislative match ups this year.” Her speak out in support of the freedom victory. Laughton lives with her opponent was another Democrat who to marry, and the president who made campaign manager and former wife had held the seat until 2010 and ran open service in our armed forces for Lisa Laughton. as an independent to oppose Buhl in gays and lesbians possible, LGBT LGBT Voters Crucial To Almost as remarkable as the first the general election. The newspaper Americans have won a major victory transgender election was the election endorsed Buhl. tonight,” said Jerame Davis, head of Obama Popular Vote Victory of openly gay candidates in North • Democrat Kay Floyd took 69 the National Stonewall Democrats. Dakota and West Virginia. Democrat percent of the vote to win her Oklahoma Human Rights Campaign President LOS ANGELES -The national LGBT vote was crucial to Joshua Boschee won a seat to the City district State House seat held by Chad Griffin, calling President President Obama’s popular vote victory on Election Day, North Dakota state house, being the openly gay politician Al McAffrey, who Obama the “most pro-equality according to new analysis from Gary J. Gates, distinguished top vote-getter (3,411 votes) out of four is now in the state senate. president ever” said, “There is no scholar at the Williams Institute. In a contest of razor-thin candidates for two seats representing • Marcus Brandon, who in 2010 won doubt that we will continue to see margins, the 4.5 million votes cast by the LGBT population North Fargo. Boschee, a native of North his first-time run for state representative tremendous progress toward full was a critical component of the president’s winning Dakota, has been involved in both city, in North Carolina, becoming the state’s equality like we’ve made during his coalition. community, and LGBT institutions. first openly gay member of the House, first four years.” “In this close election, data suggest that the overwhelming And Democrat Stephen Skinner, an won re-election unopposed Nov.6. “While some pundits predicted LGBT support for President Obama constitutes a key factor attorney and founder of Fairness West • Lesbian Kate Brown won re- the President’s support for marriage in his victory,” said Gary J. Gates. Virginia, a statewide LGBT civil rights election as Oregon’s Secretary of State, equality would hinder his campaign,” Gallop exit polls found that 77 percent of LGBT voters group, beat his Republican opponent by despite a well-funded Republican added Griffin, in a statement released supported President Obama, up for 73 percent in 2008. 699 votes,less than one percent of the challenge. Tuesday night, “we know the Analysis of Tuesday’s LGBT vote in favor of President 7,475 cast in the House of Delegates At deadline, biotech manager Steve opposite is true. President Obama’s Obama adds another dimension to an election where voters race to become the state’s first openly Hansen was awaiting results of a tally historic and heartfelt declaration that for the first time rejected referendums banning marriage gay legislator. of 4,000 remaining votes in his race all loving and committed couples for same-sex couples, the first openly-LGBT senator was And the list goes on. Other for the Sacramento City Council. As should be able to marry further elected in Wisconsin and a record number of openly-LGBT standout LGBT candidates on Nov. 6: of Nov. 9, he was only 46 votes behind rallied millions of voters and sparked members will serve in Congress. • Following her primary campaign opponent Joe Yee. conversations that advanced marriage www.PrideSource.com November 15, 2012 | BTL 7 100 Days, Still Hungry BY CRYSTAL A. PROXMIRE

FERNDALE - Troy Mayor Janice Daniels is out of the office. That’s part of the social change that was helped along by the 100 day Hungry 4 Equality Hunger Strike that ended on Election Day, Nov. 6. The movement was centered around the couch at Affirmations, where dedicated equal rights activists would sit in 24 hour shifts without having any food. Their day of striking was seen live on UStream. Posters in the front of the LGBT community center and in centers throughout Michigan brought attention to the main issues facing the gay community. The strike educated people about six anti-LGBT politicians: State Rep. Dave Agema (R-Dist.74); State House Speaker Jase Bolger (R-Dist. 63); Troy Mayor Janice Daniels; former U.S. Senate Candidate Gary Glenn, who heads up the Michigan Chapter of the American Family Association; State Rep. Tom McMillin (R-Dist. 45); and Attorney General Bill Schuette. Daniels lost her job as Mayor on Tuesday after Troy residents voted her out of office. The Tea Party poster child made headlines frequently for embarrassing her city. She battled the LGBT community, first by commenting on Facebook that she would not be using her I love NY handbag now that gays can be married there, A Large, happy, relieved and celebratory crowd gathered at Affirmations Nov. 6 to watch the returns. They toasted Obama’s win together. Photo courtesy of Johnny Jenkins. and then by telling students that being gay is akin to a smoking habit. She famously de-railed a public transit project that was ten years in the making and argued with a member of the public while giving her an award. Election Victories Celebrated, Gary Glenn of the American Family Association was on the Hungry 4 Equality Hall of Shame for regularly campaigning against gay rights. He gave up in the middle of a failED candidacy for the Senate, although he is still behind the scenes lobbying against equality. Equal Rights In Sight For All In addition to the Hall of Shame, The Hungry 4 Equality strike BY CRYSTAL A. PROXMIRE said. “Attitudes are evolving all across Kuhnke (Washtenaw). The message this raised awareness about issues that affect the LGBT community, the nation, including here in Michigan.” sends is important to absorb because including the inability to be legally married and the fact that in With Maine, Maryland, and There is still a lot of work to be done, if members of the gay and transgender Michigan someone can still be fired just for being gay. But the Washington having passed gay marriage, however, especially in state leadership. community or our allied champions are biggest achievement of the campaign was the connectivity and and Minnesotans voting not to deny it, “Despite the changes in public opinion, not in public office we cannot reasonably grass-roots organizing that it created. people in the LGBT community have the Republican majorities in the Michigan expect that our needs will be considered “I think one of the biggest successes of this campaign is the reason to celebrate. House and Senate are incredibly hostile much less adequately addressed.” coming together of all the LGBT community centers in Michigan. “I think this is the last time that you will not just to LGBT equality, but gender Lewis noted other victories as well. Historically, that had not been done before. As a result of us see gay marriage be used by any “Obviously, President Obama and working together I really think we were able to expand our reach major Republican campaigns. This Senator Debbie Stabenow winning and ultimately connect people to LGBT community centers closest is it. The public has spoken. There re-election was great to see. Both the to them,” said Affirmations Communications Director Cass Varner. are too many young, progressive President and Senator Stabenow stood “Many of the other centers really helped a lot with the scheduling. people out there who just don’t up for the auto industry when the Because most centers don’t have the space to necessarily replicate have the same hate. You can’t economy was failing, and Michigan campaign against equal rights any did not forget their efforts to save See 100 Days, page 23 more and win,” said Affirmations more than 1 million jobs across the Executive Director Dave Garcia country,” Lewis said. “At the state as he and a group of people at the level, it was encouraging to see House LGBT community center watched Democrats make serious progress poll returns Nov. 6. toward retaking the majority by Optimism is strong as picking up six seats. Electing Bridget Michiganders wonder when equal Oakland County Commissioner Craig Covey celebrated Mary McCormack to the Michigan rights will happen here. Same- Obama’s win at Affirmations with Eddie Mulak. Photo Supreme Court is something all gender loving couples are denied courtesy of Johnny Jenkins. progressives should be excited about. marriage in Michigan based on a Finally, democracy was defended with change to the state constitution in 2004, equality as well. Michigan can and will the defeat of Proposals 1 and 5.” which at the time got 58 percent of the move forward on marriage equality, but There was also evidence that morals vote. we first need to focus on continuing our mattered over money in this election. A Garnett Lewis, Director of the Joint progress in the state legislature,” Lewis report by the Sunlight Foundation shows Legislative Campaign of the Michigan said. that of the $1.07 billion spent nationally Democratic Party, sees the victories as Emily Dievendorf, policy director by 629 outside interest groups, just 32 a good sign. “The successes in Maine, at Equality Michigan, was buoyed by percent yielded the desired results. In Maryland, Washington and Minnesota election results. “Pro-equality Theresa most cases it was right-wing causes that were enormously encouraging. I think Abed, candidate for House District 71 lost. we can credit President Obama for his (Grand Ledge/Charlotte), won her seat “Progressives in Michigan should take Affirmations Executive Director Dave Garcia congratulated and thanked Deb leadership on this issue in announcing handily and is the first Democrat to hold heart that the millions spent by super Holbrook who covered six shifts during the 100 day Hungry 4 Equality strike. the seat since 1964. We have a newly Photo courtesy of Johnny Jenkins. his support for marriage equality,” Lewis elected openly lesbian judge in Carol See Victories, page 9

8 BTL | November 15, 2012 www.PrideSource.com ® 100 Days happening in Ferndale. Maybe we wouldn’t have Continued from p. 8 if we weren’t sitting in this window. Let’s hope voter turnout sees a big increase.” the strike in their centers, they helped gather Turnout was strong, and all across the country strikers from their cities to bring here.” people voted for candidates and propositions The strike brought a lot of new people into the that stood up for LGBT rights, thanks in parts to center, and gave people a chance to get involved. efforts of activists like those who participated in There were challenges though. “Probably the Hungry 4 Equality. biggest challenge was the 24 hour/100 days in And because of the allies who got involved. a row aspect. We quickly learned that 24 hours Among the allies who made Hungry 4 Equality a day for 100 days didn’t care about holidays, a success was Kathleen Nickerson, mother weekends, illness or last minute challenges. of one of the campaign’s organizers. “My It truly was an effort that every one of us had daughter Megh [Hollowell] has always been my to work together to accomplish,” Varner said. inspiration. She has shown me what strength, “There were a few days that the scheduled tenacity and courage looks like. I went to Megh striker just didn’t show up. Maybe it was a and Karianne’s wedding last month (which is not Sunday or a holiday. It didn’t matter. We had to legally recognized in Michigan). I have never be constantly be on our toes and think outside in my life seen such a peaceful and passionate the box, so we could make sure the campaign love as I did that day. I could not stop starring was completed without interruption. We had at them, laughing with them and sneaking away one striker, Deb Holbrook, who was invaluable to cry tears of happiness for them. I am striking during this campaign. She was committed to today for my daughter and her wife, to fight for being an emergency striker who would fill in their right to get married in Michigan and have if we had a striker that didn’t show up or a last all the legal benefits as heterosexual couples. minute cancellation.” I will always be here as an ally of the LGBT Holbrook covered at six shifts. “All people community. I will stand up for equality, proud and should be aware about the anti-gay discrimination courageous, just like my daughter,” Nickerson in this state. Much of this legislation gets passed said during Week 8. because we do nothing. Today, I’m doing Affirmations Executive Director Dave Garcia something!” she said in Week 3. was the first striker and also the last. In a closing And in Week 9 she updated, “Being visible ceremony just an hour before the polls closed in during a time like this is crucial. Look at all the Michigan, Garcia thanked all the strikers and people we are reaching just because things are staff for their dedication to the project.

looking for potential candidates for races at ® Victories every level. We need people that are smart, Continued from p. 8 hard-working and motivated. Doors don’t knock themselves. Candidates that are willing to do the PACs here in Michigan made little impact on work of getting out there and meeting voters and the presidential race. It shows that ultimately raising funds can be successful even in tough what makes a difference are the millions of districts.” contacts, neighbors talking to neighbors, that Dievendorf said it’s about changing the world happened over the last few months,” Lewis said. in other ways too. “Getting to know us to be the “Progressives need to continue that momentum politically active parents, neighbors, children and and keep working to organize.” leaders that we are is the most effective way to Lewis said she is already hard at work dispel stereotypes, eradicate fears, and inspire recruiting progressive candidates for the next others to be champions for our rights. We need election cycle. “It has already started. Actually, to be doing what we can to bring everybody into it never stops. Michigan Democrats are always this movement.”

Radio 1270 show. She said “I’m very sad about ® Troy Recall it, but the results are in and I want to thank my Continued from p. 6 supporters for all the hard work that they did to try to forestall this. A chapter of my life has said McGinnis. “I know there will be a significant closed, but I’ll open another chapter and I’ll be number of people in the community that may fine.” not be happy with the results of the election. Daniels also mentioned the lack of a “balance I am hopeful that everyone, regardless of how media” that would have reported all the good she they voted on the recall issue, will support the did as mayor of Troy. “We don’t have a media council as we welcome a new city manager, that’s fair. It’s been very biased against me since choose a new mayor and work together to move the beginning. The people deserve balance in the the community forward.” media. That’s what I regret is that we don’t have Campbell agreed. “We’re going to put all a balance media.” this stuff behind us and start thinking about At the end of the interview, Daniels said, “I’m the citizens instead of the ideology of Mayor not going to go away, and I’m not going to move Daniels.” He added that he has no doubt Daniels out of town.” will show up on the other side of the podium at The council will have until Dec. 11 to appoint an upcoming council meeting. “I bet money on a mayor, who will serve until the Nov. 5 2013 it. She will have three minutes to spew. At least regular city election, when a new mayor will be then I can shut her up.” elected. On Nov. 11, 2013, the new mayor and Daniels was still talking during a Wednesday council members will be sworn into office. morning interview on the Charlie Langton Talk www.PrideSource.com November 15, 2012 | BTL 9 BTL Editorial As the night wore on the excitement grew even more, as all four Vol. 2046 • Issue 790 of the marriage amendments passed in our favor, in Maine, November 15, 2012 PUBLISHERS Maryland, Minnesota and finally Washington State. For the Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson first time, same-sex marriage rights were approved by popular EDITORIAL vote and an anti-marriage amendment was rejected. Editor in Chief Susan Horowitz [email protected] BY JAN STEVENSON & SUSAN HOROWITZ Entertainment Editor Chris Azzopardi [email protected] Associate Editor Benjamin Jenkins [email protected] News Staff Writer Hope Unfurls Election Night Crystal Proxmire Arts & Theater Editor Donald V. Calamia, [email protected] “Boy, this restores my faith in the American an even one. There are triumphs and defeats, the long nights on the phones, draft the policy people,” said a woman sitting next to me at the wins and losses, and it can be disheartening. statements, call allies and do the groundwork – CREATIVE election return watch party we attended Nov. 6 But what is clear is that the arc of history even though we lost in 2004. Because without Art Director when it was finally announced that President from 2004 to election night 2012 has been that conversation and all the ones since that David Ano, [email protected] Obama had won reelection. towards acceptance of marriage equality. It saw 31 states deny us equality until Nov. 6, we Webmaster & MIS Director That statement summed up my feelings of may take a while here in Michigan to reverse could not have experienced such a triumphant Kevin Bryant, [email protected] hope, excitement, relief and joy as President our discriminatory constitutional amendment, night in 2012. Production Assistant Obama’s count in the Electoral College rose but no one – not our allies nor our enemies – So the work continues. In Michigan we Benjamin Jenkins, [email protected] above the magic vote count of 270. At last, can look at the tide of public opinion and the need to build our political clout and organize Contributing Writers after a year of work and worry, the first U.S. results of this election and think that it will not better than we have before. We need to garner Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown, President to ever embrace same-sex marriage be overturned eventually. our allies and understand the complexities of Abby Dees, Jack Fertig, Todd Heywood, as an equal rights issue would be securely After the 2004 losses, we were not at all sure coalition building. We need to step up our game Martin Kohn, Richard Labonte, Michael H. Margolin, Jenn McKee, Jason Michael, reinstated into the Oval Office for another four that the trend in public opinion would ever turn and continue to win elections, court decisions Kate Opalewski, Anthony Paull, Andrea Poteet, years. Yeah and whew! toward us. It felt terrible that fellow citizens and acceptance in the court of public opinion. Eric W. Rader, Bridgette M. Redman, And then came the announcement that would vote to affirmatively discriminate We hope that soon we will be celebrating Romeo San Vincente, Gwendolyn Ann Smith, Tammy Baldwin won in Wisconsin to become against us. It was easy to lose hope, and to again on another election night, but instead of D’Anne Witkowski, the first-ever, out LGBT person to serve in leave, and many did. But what is clearer now basking in the glow of other state’s wins we Cartoonists the U.S. Senate, and the seat she vacated in through hindsight is that the 2004 loss was a will experience the joy of seeing full equality Paul Berg, Dave Brousseau, Joan Hilty the U.S. House of Representatives was won necessary step in the march toward equality. bestowed on the LGBT people of Michigan. Contributing Photographers by a gay man, Mark Pocan, bringing the total We had to go through the campaigns, build the It can happen, if we believe, try, organize Andrew Potter number of out, LGBT people in the U.S. armies of volunteers, do the fundraising, work and keep marching forward. ADVERTISING & SALES Congress up to a record five. Director of Sales As the night wore on the excitement Jan Stevenson, [email protected] grew even more, as all four of the marriage amendments passed in our Sales Representatives Ed Bohach, [email protected] favor, in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota Ann Cox, [email protected] and finally Washington State. For the National Advertising Representative first time, same-sex marriage rights were Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 approved by popular vote and an anti- marriage amendment was rejected. Business Office Diane Smith, [email protected] We all looked at each other and Nancy Blankenship remembered that other night eight years Circulation & Distribution ago when voters in Michigan approved Diane Smith a constitutional amendment defining Pride Source Media Group marriage as a public institution to which 11920 Farmington Road LGBT citizens are not welcome. Michigan Livonia, Michigan 48150 was one of 11 states that night to approve Phone 734.293.7200 • Fax 734.293.7201 anti-marriage proposals, and George W. www.pridesource.com Our rate cards are available online Bush was reelected as President. That was a sad night of defeat and it hurt. But All material appearing in Between The Lines is protected by federal now, eight years later we were smiling at copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publishers. Between The Lines is supported each other, celebrating an historic win in by many fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for America for fairness, openness, diversity claims made by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for materials provided by advertisers or their agents. and equality. Copyright 2012 Pride Source Media Group, LLC Progress is sometimes hard to see and even harder to feel, especially because the path towards equality and justice is rarely

10 BTL | November 15, 2012 www.PrideSource.com Gaydar Goes Half App’d

Parting Glances

OPINION BY CHARLES ALEXANDER

’ve been told by a high techie source - but perhaps it’s just wishful thinking “queersay” - that there’s a new app on the Imarket called Gaytection. Its purpose is to determine at a glance just who might be gay. Correction. Who is gay. (For some reason of digital failure at manipulation of internal incorporated judgmental criteria, the app does not work in the detection of dykes. I’m told that Gaytection app developers feel that it’s not necessary to determine what, to them, is already perceived as obvious.) Interestingly enough, Gaytection is a big hit with straights who, now that gays have seemingly made such great equality strides, feel its most politically correct and unhesitatingly expedient to tell at a glance who’s queer, who’s not, who’s just pretending. I don’t plan to purchase or - if you’ll pardon the expression - download the app. I’ve been using my God-given gaydar for so long now that I can tell who’s gay in a nanosecond, and have received many straight requests to perform this service free of charge in the interest of ecumenical and spiritual considerations (say, to answer questions like, “Is our choir director a fag? Is father so-and-so really celibate?”) Of course what happens whenever social assimilation occurs is that the majority wants in on the action of what’s perceived as an up and coming enviable popularity plus on the part of the heretofore marginalized minority. (NOTE: I have a B.A. minor in sociology.) According to a recent article in Psychology Today (“Gaydar: The Dorian Gray Effect”), fancied cellphone sensors like Gaytection are not necessary. Apparently, straights are now tapping into their own media-acquired gaydar to determine who is and who isn’t gay. Safe bet: Adam Lambert. Another: Jim Parsons. As reported by PT, two psychologists, Nalini Ambady, Tufts University, and Nicholas Rule, University of , have teamed up to do research on just how much is revealed by ones facial expressions. Their finding for LGBTs: “The more motivated you are to know someone’s orientation, the better your intuition. People who have the sharpest gaydar are gay men and lesbians, naturally, and” - cocktail party tidbit - “ovulating women.” PT continues, “Subjects identify lesbians accurately between 64 and 70 percent of the time; gay men are correctly identified with slightly less reliability in the 60 to 65 percent range.” Tested subjects are shown pictures of gays, lesbians, straights to guess who is homosexual and who isn’t. Those who respond with a spontaneous gut reaction are more frequently on the mark, in contrast to those who hesitate in forming a judgment. So called straight-acquired gaydar doesn’t work in certain instances, instances that are often confusing for gays and lesbians as well. “Metrosexuals trigger false alarms; lesbian femmes and gay Marlboro men often ride under the gaydar.” As for judging a book by its cover, Ambady and Rule conclude, “Stereotypically, gay men are more emotionally expressive than Visit our website! straight guys, adopting more female-typical facial movements, and http://www.pridesource.com some lesbians may express themselves more like straight men.” Add our fan page! Given all the celebs now jumping on the rainbow bandwagon, Search: “Between The Lines Newspaper” the simplest thing to do socially is just ask, “What took you so long, Mary?” Follow us! [email protected] @YourBTL www.PrideSource.com November 15, 2012 | BTL 11 Creep of the Week OPINION BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI Engagement Before Marriage Rights Peter LaBarbera How Four States Won At The Ballot Box emember that old saying about trying the same thing over BY LISA KEEN and over and expecting different results being the definition of insanity? Well, if that saying is true, then I’ve got a live Was the sweep of marriage equality R in four state ballot measures Nov. 6 the one for you. Peter LaBarbera of Americans For Truth About Homosexuality, a payoff for years of grassroots work, group that (surprise!) tells lies talking to neighbors, and preparing After such a scathing about gay people, issued an against scare tactics, or was it the luck official declaration of insanity on of having a weakened opponent on rebuke at the ballot box Nov. 8, just two days after LGBT more liberal ground with a strengthened equality won big at the polls. Democratic turnout? of anti-gay measures As you might recall, There are as many answers to this question as there are ways of asking it: and arguments, have marriage equality won across the board on November 6 in Why, after eight years and 32 straight people like LaBarbera Washington, Maine, Maryland, losses (save for a victory in Arizona and Minnesota. Not to mention that was reversed two years later), did learned something the fact that President Barack marriage equality supporters this month Obama was reelected. Not only win four of four battles at the ballot box? important? was he the first president to In various mainstream media recaps, openly support equal rights for the response is that the general population lesbians and gays, he’s the first president to be reelected after public is growing more accepting of same-sex stating his support for lesbians and gays. marriage. A New York Times article After such a scathing rebuke at the ballot box of anti-gay measures Sunday said, “A rapid shift in public and arguments, have people like LaBarbera learned something opinion is bolstering [the same-sex important? Yes. According to LaBarbera, they aren’t being anti-gay marriage equality] cause as more people enough. grow used to the idea of same-sex LaBarbera writes, “We need to stop conceding the moral high marriage and become acquainted with ground in a fearful bid to appear ‘tolerant’: one pro-family group, openly gay people and couples.” Protect Marriage Maine, asserted that ‘same-sex couples are entitled The Minnesota Post gave credit to the to respect’ – a claim at odds with historic Scriptural teaching.” fact that 79 percent of young voters in Got that? LaBarbera is saying that marriage equality won in that state Minnesota voted against the proposed because “pro-family” folks are just too damn nice to the gays. None of ban of same-sex marriage, a much higher this namby-pamby call for “respect” bullshit. Bring out the pitchforks! percentage than voters overall in the state LaBarbera continues, “Sadly, there is a ‘passion gap’ or maybe a (54 percent). It also noted that any ballot ‘boldness gap’ between LGBT activists and their overly defensive that did not include a “Yes” or “No” vote pro-family opponents. Many timid, guilt-ridden Christians make on Amendment 1 counted as a “No” vote. rotten Culture Warriors, while unapologetic ‘gays’ excel at it.” Articles in the Kennebec Journal in Ah, yes. Those poor, timid Christians too afraid to stand up Maine credited a “progressive” electorate to Big Gay. It’s truly heartbreaking. Then again, maybe gays are that cares about fairness and pro-marriage “unapologetic” in the fight for equality because they don’t have equality supporters “who learned from anything to apologize for. And maybe some of these “timid” Christians their defeat” in a 2009 ballot fight “and are beginning to realize that the War on Gays is not a worthwhile made a concerted effort to win votes crusade. Maybe, just maybe, there are some Christians out there outside the state’s progressive urban and who are saying to themselves, “You know, maybe fighting against suburban districts.” consenting adults who love each other and want to be recognized as The Baltimore Sun said the victory a family isn’t the best use of my time here on earth. Maybe I should to pass Question 6 in Maryland could be “traced in part” to the involvement Top: Lauren Snead, right, hugs her partner Katy Jayne, left, as they celebrate the legalization be helping to feed the poor and other stuff Jesus was into.” of same-sex marriage in Maine Nov. 6. AP photo. Of course, LaBarbera would probably respond to such an idea of the faith community, in particular Bottom: People celebrate early election returns favoring Washington state Referendum 74, which with, “Stop that crazy talk!” to the fact that two African American Southern Baptist ministers chose to “lend would legalize gay marriage, during a large impromptu street gathering in ’s Capitol Hill He writes, “Pro-family advocates must stop looking for short cuts neighborhood.(Photo: Ted S. Warren AP) and return to their principled duty of educating citizens – especially their names, faces and reputations to a campaign on an issue that remains highly brainwashed youth — on why homosexual behavior is wrong, marriage had grown “complacent” from that Democrats generally outperformed controversial in their community.” unnatural, unhealthy and – most important – changeable.” all their previous victories. But their key Republicans in the state of Minnesota this The Seattle Post-Intelligencer said In other words, “We need to double down on the stuff that isn’t explanations, according to NOM leader year. (It certainly contrasts with North the passage of Referendum 74 to allow working.” Especially the ex-gay bullshit that no one with even a shred Brian Brown, were that the four states Carolina, which approved a marriage ban same-sex marriage in Washington State of professional credibility supports. were “very liberal” Democratic states, in May, has typically been a Republican- was “bolstered by getting two-thirds of The thing is, “returning” to the “principled duty of educating and the other side had much more money. leaning state.) the vote in populous King County.” citizens” that gays are a disgusting mistake that nobody likes is All of these explanations have some But these explanations still represent The National Organization for Marriage returning to the helm of a sinking ship. The word is out: just about veracity, some more than others. For only the surface of a very deep, multi- (NOM), which spearheaded the drives to everyone knows someone who is gay now. Gays and lesbians aren’t instance, Patrick Egan, a public opinion faceted foundation to Nov. 6’s historic defeat the three pro-marriage equality creatures lurking in shame in the shadows. LaBarbera and his ilk specialist and professor at New York victories. measures and to pass the proposed ban can’t dehumanize an entire group of people who have proven over University, says there’s no doubt “we were Longtime gay Democratic activist in Minnesota offered a litany of reasons and over again their very humanity. fighting on very friendly territory this David Mixner credits youth, too, but sees for their unprecedented losses. One NOM “While politics does not decide moral and spiritual Truth, it is an year in three states,” Maine, Maryland, official, Thomas Peter told PBS News indicator of the heart of our nation,” LaBarbera writes. and Washington. And there’s no doubt See Marriage RIghts, page 13 And it looks like that heart is finally in the right place. Hour that many opponents of same-sex

12 BTL | November 15, 2012 www.PrideSource.com ® for our people…and he got re-elected.” Wolfson, who has been working on the Wolfson estimated the four pro-marriage equality Marriage Rights “I think that fact alone means that the right- marriage equality issue since its first serious campaigns spent $32 million. The campaign Continued from p. 12 wingers can no longer bank on being able to use eruption in Hawaii over an historic lawsuit there against California’s Proposition 8 raised $40 our lives, dignity, and rights as a wedge issue,” in 1993, said the four “profound triumphs” this million, noted Wolfson, but more than half of it as two-way street: more young LGBT people she added. year came down to infrastructure, conversations, that money came in the last few weeks of the willing to come out to their friends and family Evan Wolfson, head of the national Freedom and time. campaign. plus an “influx of straight energy into the LGBT to Marry organization, agreed that President “We had better, smarter, and more focused Having that funding in place early, said movement” from a younger generation who Obama’s remarks in support of same-sex infrastructure and resources this year that had Wolfson, “enabled us to command the narrative has more knowledge and less fear about sexual marriage were critical. the ability to close the deal,” said Wolfson. “We and constantly make the case with voters without orientation differences. being diverted” to fundraising activities. It also “By coming out, more people know LGBT enabled the campaigns to put messages in place people individually and personally, and the to counter the scare tactics they knew would be more willing they are to support our freedom coming from the other side, such as Proposition and equality,” said Mixner. “And young people 8’s message that allowing same-sex marriage challenged their parents and said it’s not fair. would require public schools to teach young This influx of straight energy into LGBT children that boys can marry boys. movement is something we haven’t seen the In addition to television messages to counter likes of since the civil rights movement of ‘60s.” those tactics, said Wolfson, the four campaigns Another long-time activist, Lorri Jean, chief benefited from the “cumulative effect of executive officer of the Los Angeles Gay and persuasion and conversations” with the public. Lesbian Center, said she would “definitely” give “I’ve been saying this for years: There is no President Obama some credit. President Obama, marriage without engagement,” said Wolfson. in May, arranged for a nationally televised “It’s the number one most important factor to help people think things through and create the interview specifically to express his personal Left, Katie Dougherty (left) and Myka Betts react to news that the proposed constitutional amendment banning evolution to a place where he supports the right same-sex marriage was voted down. RIght, a Maryland couple seen proposing after learning that the amendemnt climate” to win. of same-sex couples to get married. allowing them to legally marry passed. And part of that climate change has, he said, “He came out for freedom and, as he did, “The Freedom to Marry said at the beginning worked hard to lay the kind of groundwork comes over the course of time with the public he explained how he talked about it with own of the year that paving the way for the president” that is necessary for campaigns to win.” That being able to “see with their own eyes” same- children. It changed how African Americans to support marriage equality was “our top included early money that enabled campaigns to sex couples getting married in six states and the voted in some of these states.” priority,” along with having marriage equality make earlier media buys that were both cheaper District of Columbia, as well as in 14 countries. Unlike President Clinton, noted Jean, who become part of the Democratic Party platform. and provided for a long, sustained interaction “It refutes the scare tactics, it resolves the “acknowledged us” but then “invited the Both happened. with voters. The money also totaled much more discomfort in favor of fairness. Families are passage” of the Defense of Marriage Act The top priority for the last half of the year, than the National Organization for Marriage helped and no one is hurt,” said Wolfson. (DOMA), “one of the single worst pieces of he said, was “winning a ballot measure, and we and marriage equality opponents could muster. “All that is up from zero a decade ago, and it legislation ever enacted,” President Obama has succeeded in four of four.” Brown estimated his group spent $5.5 million; has allowed people to rise to a higher level of been “a proponent of full and complete equality understanding and support.”

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S OF BLISHER THE PU FROM e.com PrideSourc IN PRINT AND ONLINE www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com November 15, 2012 | BTL 13 BRIEFS Transgender Day of Remembrance VATICAN CITY Vatican Digs In After Gay Marriage Advances (AP) - The Vatican is digging in after gay marriage initiatives scored big wins this week in Maine, two other states and Europe, vowing to never Events Planned Across The State stop insisting that marriage can only be between a man and a woman. On Tuesday, Maine voters approved of same-sex marriages, as did BY CRYSTAL A. PROXMIRE the community. Some don’t know any working with schools and government Washington state and Maryland. With 98 percent of Maine precincts transgender people at all, and some don’t agencies on LGBT, especially T, issues. counted, the initiative won 53 percent to 47 percent. Gay marriage laws ANN ARBOR - Since Transgender even know we even exist. This helps She’s done a lot of great work and we’re also advanced in Spain and France. Day of Remembrance began in 1998, people understand. excited that she’s coming. In a Saturday article in Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano, the students at the University of Michigan “Last year there was a young woman All week long there will be a Trans Holy See sought to frame itself as the lone voice of courage in opposing have gathered to honor the lives of who was murdered. When she (Shelly Awareness E-Series where the Spectrum initiatives to give same-sex couples legal recognition. In a separate transgender people who have died at the Moore) was murdered, it gave me a lot of Center’s ListServe will feature a Vatican Radio editorial, the Vatican spokesman asked sarcastically hands of violence because of anxiety as a transman. But it also helped transgender article each day during the why gay marriage proponents don’t now push for legal recognition for who they are. week. polygamous couples as well. Cameron Breither moved Nov. 13 Rev. Julie Nemeck will to Ann Arbor from North speak at the Inteweave Transgender EUGENE, ORE. Carolina because he knew Day of Rememberance Ceremony it would be a place he could at Ann Arbor Universal Unitarian Gay Fraternity Sues Upstart Over Trademark safely transition. “I used to Church at 7 p.m. Dr. Nemecek serves (AP) - A pioneering college fraternity for gay men is suing a newer not feel comfortable being on the national boards of Soulforce and campus organization that calls itself a gender-neutral “frarority,” claiming myself. Coming to Michigan PFLAG as well as the board of Jackson trademark infringement. helped. I came here for PFLAG. She is also on the advisory The lawsuit was filed last month by Delta Lambda Phi in federal court the graduate program for board of Trans Youth Family Allies and in Eugene, Ore. higher education because I is an ex-officio member of the City of It claims that Delta Lambda Psi, which started at the University of really wanted to work at the Jackson Human Relations Commission. California at Santa Cruz in 2005, has caused confusion with the public and ,” Breither Nov. 14 there will be a Breaking on and MySpace by deliberately choosing a name that differs by said. “I started transitioning Binaries Panel at the Michigan League one Greek letter and also using the same abbreviated designation of DLP. in Michigan after I moved from 8-9:30 p.m., which will feature There is another Delta Lambda Psi chapter at Northeastern Illinois University. here last August. When I’ve several speakers on transgender topics. Delta Lambda Psi has shown it intends to expand the infringement of left and gone back to North Nov. 15 Davis will give a Transgender Delta Lambda Phi’s trademark by opening a third chapter at the University Carolina I’ve had problems; Day of Remembrance Talk at the U of of Oregon in Eugene, Ore., the lawsuit said. people refusing to serve M School of Social Work room B760 The lawsuit asks a judge to order Delta Lambda Psi to change its me, being kicked out of from 12:10-1:30 p.m. The lecture will name and pay damages. bathrooms.” be more educational in style. The main Delta Lambda Psi spokesman D.J. Bott said in an email Friday that his He says he hopes to stay event will be at the Ann Arbor Neutral gender-neutral organization, which accepts men and women of all sexual in Michigan and to work on a Zone from 7-9 p.m. the same day. orientations, is not competing with the fraternity for gay men. college campus in a program “We have tried to address Delta Lambda Phi’s concerns,” expressed that helps LGBT students. He in a letter in July, he wrote. But instead, the other fraternity went to court. is part of the advisory board at He added his organization is not affiliated with the Delta Lambda Psi Spectrum Center and was part Other Transgender at the University of Oregon. of the committee that planned Cameron Breither moved to Ann Arbor from North Carolina Day of Remembrance Delta Lambda Phi was founded in 1986 to promote the interests of this year’s Transgender Day because he knew it would be a place he could safely transition. gay, bisexual, transgender and progressive students, the lawsuit said. It of Remembrance Ceremony, Photo: Spectrum Center Events Across has 30 chapters and four colonies across the U.S. and Canada with 400 which will be Nov. 15 at the undergraduate members and 2,500 alumni. Ann Arbor Neutral Zone from Michigan Include: “Delta Lambda Psi’s opening of a new chapter at the University of 7 to 9 p.m. me to open up conversations for people Nov. 15, Ann Arbor 7 p.m. This event is co- Oregon in Eugene has made the need to address this harm particularly Dr. Julie Simpson, director of the who aren’t trans. People think that murders sponsored by the Spectrum Center, the Neutral Zone, and SAPAC. 310 E. Washington, Ann Arbor. urgent,” Delta Lambda Phi attorney John Mansfield wrote in an email. Spectrum Center, said the ceremony and violence against transgender people SpectrumCenter.umich.edu “DLP offered several times to meet with Delta Lambda Psi face-to-face doesn’t happen here. They think murders is a beautiful tribute. “There is a time Nov. 16, Detroit 7 p.m. Central United to resolve the dispute in person, but Delta Lambda Psi never responded where names are read because they were happen in other countries. You hear a lot Methodist Church 23 E. Adams Ave., Detroit. to any of those offers.” murdered because of how they identify. about the ones in South America. But it Transgenderdor.org?page_id=1663 People are given an opportunity to voice happens here. It happened in Detroit, close Nov. 18, Grand Rapids 6 p.m. Plymouth United what they want to say. We pass out roses to home.” Church of Christ, 4010 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, UPS Ends Grants To Boy Scouts Over Discrimination Grand Rapids. and people come up to put on in a vase In addition to helping plan Transgender Federal tax returns for 2011 for Intel, the world’s largest chip maker, Day of Remembrance, Breither is busy Nov. 18, Kalamazoo College 4 p.m. Light Fine and take a rock as a reminder. We want Arts Building, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo. were not immediately available. Some media reported the Santa Clara, to remember those who were murdered.” making the campus more welcoming for Calif.-based company as giving hundreds of thousands of dollars over Nov. 19, Oakland University 12 p.m. Guest After the solemn ceremony, there is a gender nonconformists. He is currently speaker Michelle Fox-Philips Gold Room B, the years. reception where people can connect and gathering data about all of the gender- Oakland Center, Oakland University, Auburn Hills. UPS spokeswoman Kristen Petrella said groups applying for the celebrate the acceptance of transgender neutral bathrooms on campus and is Nov. 19, Eastern Michigan University 7 foundation grants will have to adhere to the same standards UPS does people in their immediate community and developing a smartphone app so that p.m. Guest speaker Mara Keisling. Student by not discriminating against anyone based on race, religion, disability college community. “When you hear about students can easily locate them. Center Room 300, Eastern Michigan or sexual orientation. University, Ypsilanti. Facebook.com/ people who were murdered because of Carrie Davis will be the keynote events/363604130396954 “We promote an environment of diversity and inclusion,” Petrella their identity, it’s intense. We want to end speaker for the Transgender Day of Nov. 20, Traverse City Unitarian Universalist said Monday. “UPS is a company that does the right things for the right with a celebration to show how we have Remembrance event. “She has done a lot Congregation of Grand Traverse, 6726 Center reasons.” moved forward.” for the transgender community,” Breither Road, Traverse City. UUCGT.org For Breither the event is both said. “She is the director of community The international Transgender Day of educational and emotional. “As somebody services at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Remembrance website lists 37 murders in the Extended briefs are available online at: past year, though the number may go up as the >> www.PrideSource.com who identifies as transgender myself I Transgender Community Center in New list could be updated before the official day, want to make sure people are aware of York City and has a very long history of Nov. 20.

14 BTL | November 15, 2012 www.PrideSource.com

Photo: Project Publicity Disco Star Talks First Album In 20 years, Fighting For Gay Rights & How She Wants It To Rain Matthew McConaughey

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI (Laughs) Well, I’ve tried to give them a little bit they’ll take away from the songs – songs of Anything in particular? off and on, but I’m glad this is finally coming out. empowerment, just being uplifted. I think that’s Good grief. Put me on the spot here. I think as far f you’ve been feeling cloudy with a chance of what people need right along through here. as “Destiny” is concerned, having gone through man-rain, have we got news for you. Martha Why the 20-year wait? love and loss and thinking, “If it’s supposed to Wash, the former lead singer of The Weather Obviously you’re known for anthems; “It’s Raining I Well, what can I tell you? Life. No one be, then it will be; that would be the destiny for Girls, releases her first full album in 20 years Men” is still a staple in the gay community 30 particular thing, but I thought it was time to us. But if it’s not, then I gotta let it go.” this December – and she’s bringing out the sun. put out a whole new CD and hope that the fans years later. Which songs on the album could be Known for leaving a mark on the disco era, the would accept it. remixed for the gay clubs? How much of a hand did you have in writing early ’80s girl group’s biggest hit, “It’s Raining these songs? Men,” is still as much a part of gay culture now Was it easy getting back in the studio? Everybody wants a remix! Can’t you accept it just the way it is? (Laughs) Just the one song, “Destiny.” I’m slowly getting as it was then. The theme of empowerment – one Yes and no. Some of the songs are a bit harder into songwriting; that was a song Zach Adam that the 58-year-old can relate to, especially after for me to do, but it was something I needed to You know how the gays are: They want already had the music and lyrics for, and we witnessing the toll Hurricane Sandy took on her do – to stretch out on things I had not done in something to shake their butt to. Have you decided to just scrap the lyrics, keep the music and New York neighborhood – endures on Wash’s a long time. I’m just really hoping that the fans considered remixes? start all over again. So we wrote that one again. latest solo album, “Destiny,” an adult-contemporary will appreciate the work and love the music. showcase for her powerhouse vocals. Nope, no. We have not. I don’t think it’ll happen. For the 30th anniversary shoot of “It’s Raining Men” The album takes a very inspiring and faith- That’s not to say never, because somebody is Just hours after her power was restored, Wash with celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz, how difficult called us to talk about what the new songs mean focused approach. How does “Destiny” represent always going to find a way. to her, how she fought for gay rights when few was it being surrounded by all those hot men? you at this point in your life? This album can stand on its own. people in the ’80s did and being surrounded by (Laughs) Oh, that was fun! And the shoot I think it’s more so for the masses. There are so hot hunks for the 30th anniversary shoot of “It’s That’s what we want it to do. went great. Raining Men.” many people that are going through something, and sometimes they feel like they’re the only ones How can you relate to these songs? The song is played everywhere: at weddings, gay going through it. I think that everybody needs a Twenty years: Do you know how grueling this (Laughs) Oh, I can relate to just about every clubs, even at my Zumba class. bit of uplifting, and the songs kind of sound like wait has been for your gay fans? song, to something in there. anthems. For some people, those are the things Look, it’s played everywhere, OK! The gay community snatched it up and made it their

16 BTL | November 15, 2012 www.PrideSource.com anthem, but like you just said, you hear it at shows and trying to help people raise money. wedding receptions, you hear it at bar mitzvahs, you hear it at parties, you hear it at clubs, at How do you reflect on that time? And why your Zumba class – you hear it everywhere. was it important for you to stand up for the Even though it’s a campy song, everybody likes gay community? it. I think that’s why it’s lasted so long, because Because at that time I was losing so many people for 30 years you’ve got the kids and then you’ve in the industry: artists, DJs, agents, managers. got the grandkids who like the song. It’s one of People just leaving out of here in droves. It was those pop songs that’s a classic now. a really scary time for a lot of people, and at that Are you glad “It’s Raining Men” is the song you time nobody could really figure out what was became known for, or is there another that you causing this AIDS epidemic and the blame was always on the gay community – which I don’t wished became your staple? believe was true, because I was hearing of straight I think for that particular time, when it came out people who were dying of AIDS. They couldn’t in 1982, that was the song that was supposed to figure out how they contracted it. At the time, the be for us, because other people had turned the gay community was really getting slammed for song down. We were the ones that recorded the bringing this AIDS epidemic to the world, and song and (co-writer) Paul Jabara was the one it was wrong because at the time nobody knew who really took the song around to clubs and how it was contracted. But you always have to asked the DJs to play the song in the clubs way put the blame on somebody, so why not the gay before mainstream music picked up on it. community? That’s the easy thing to do. You know, 1982 was also the year I was born. So you were defending them. Should I blame it for turning me gay? Yeah, I couldn’t understand why would you (Laughs) Uh huh! There are a lot of people who blame the gay community but not know how say, “I came out when that song came out.” And it’s contracted. Again, there were straight people I say, “Well, cool!” (getting AIDS). I remember an older woman who died, she was in her 50s or 60s, from what they When did you know you had a big gay following? said was AIDS. So now how did she contract it? It was actually before “It’s Raining Men,” when Was she with somebody who was gay? Use a little I was singing background for Sylvester. I started bit of common sense, but people weren’t. And singing with Sylvester in the mid-’70s, and so they were scared. They were saying, “Don’t be he had a large gay following and it followed us around somebody who is gay, because you don’t when we started recording under the name Two know if they might give you the AIDS virus.” Tons o’ Fun and then into The Weather Girls, I remember this one time there was a celebrity and so forth and so on. who had this big dinner party and she had all her silverware washed in bleach. Seriously. This And how about all the Weather Girls drag was kind of a gossip report. And I’m saying to queens? myself, “You don’t know how this is being There have been over the years, because contracted, so why would you bleach all your they’ve come up to me and told me, “We sing silverware?” It was just crazy. your songs in our show!” Is that celebrity still a celebrity? Do you get a kick out of seeing them? Yeah. At times, yes. (Laughs) Can we talk about who it is? Which men would you want it to rain? For me, I’d I’m not gonna talk about who it is. She is put George Clooney in the sky. famous and she was married to a very famous man. But it was just the mentality at that time. Mmm, sure. Let’s see: George is a nice-looking guy, but I’m leaning more toward Matthew What do you miss most about Sylvester? McConaughey or Idris Elba. And Terrence I guess his craziness. (Laughs) Yeah, he was Howard is cute. Russell Crowe’s not bad. So crazy at times, but you had to love him. He was yeah, there are a few out there. way before his time and really just kind of on You’ll be given the Lifetime Achievement Award by the cusp of going mainstream when he passed. the AIDS Emergency Fund on World AIDS Day at I think if he had come out now, it would be no the 30th anniversary dinner gala – in the heart problem – him being a gay singer. There are more people who are coming out every day, of the National AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden period. But I think he was way before his time. Gate Park – to honor your friend Sylvester, who Great singer, great entertainer. I think if he passed away from AIDS back in 1988, and for years had lived longer, if he had come along in this of raising money and awareness of HIV/AIDS. Why generation, it wouldn’t have been a problem. were you so outspoken about gay issues when so Where do you stand on gay issues like marriage? many people in the ’80s were not? I’m for it. Look, from my perspective, there have Yeah, we were going around doing all these been more gay couples who’ve stayed together fundraisers for these grassroots organizations in longer than straight couples. My feeling is, if you different cities and we were asked to come and do are a citizen of the United States, you should have shows to raise money for different organizations all rights and liberties of everybody else. If you’re that were trying to set up hospices. I always say I paying taxes like everybody else, why can’t you wish I didn’t have to do this, but it’s been over 25 have the full commitment from the United States years (of AIDS/HIV) and I’m still going out, doing government, from marriage on down? www.PrideSource.com November 15, 2012 | BTL 17 Screen Queen BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI Pixar’s First Princess, ’80s Musical On Blu-ray

The setup for Lynn Rock of Ages Shelton’s little-seen It’s far from perfect. It’s not even great. But indie almost sounds following his first musical, “Hairspray,” like a Tale Lesbians director Adam Shankman’s take on this Love To Hate, but Broadway hit – which, by the way, basically nothing’s objectionable only exists so history (and shoulder pads) in this drama about doesn’t repeat itself – is such a kitschy good empathy, forgiveness time that even Tom Cruise lets his hair down. and unconditional love. His role as a seedy rocker who’s gone a little After taking a dare to cuckoo is Oscar-caliber. Also: Catherine Zeta- go gay with a buddy Jones moves to “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” in “Humpday,” Mark Duplass makes an like she’s ready to start a dance craze, Alec even greater mark in his role as Jack, who’s Baldwin and Russell Brand open their hearts ordered by Iris (Emily Blunt) to bike out to her to each other in a silly super-gay montage, dad’s getaway home where her sister, who’s and Mary J. Blige sings like this ain’t no wallowing after a breakup with her girlfriend, family affair but an MJB concert. (Queen of is also staying. A few whiskey shots later and Hip-Hop Soul, people). Only newcomer Diego they’re doing it, and then things get awkward Boneta and especially Julianne Hough bore as when Iris pops in. This is Blunt’s best role lovebirds who fall for each other over music, ever, and Rosemarie DeWitt is, once again, a which is too bad – the movie is built around revelation. All three are so fully committed in their characters. The rest of it, though, kind of this little big-hearted film, one of this year’s rocks if you surrender to the ridiculousness of most unexpected charmers. Extras are lean, but the era’s soundtrack set to some of the cheesiest the director commentary gives an insightful scenes in cinema history. And Alec Baldwin explanation of the lesbian sex scene that’s in a Bret Michaels wig. You know you want caused a fuss. more, and the Blu-ray has it: a look at ’80s style, interviews with Sunset Strip legends and Brave an MJB music video – the only one, because she’s Mary J. Blige. Pixar’s given us leading men, some adorable fish and even a robot, but Moonrise what about a woman? Kingdom We finally got our pretty princess in “Brave,” a No offense to Wes medieval fable about Anderson, but his Merida and the path she offbeat, star-studded takes to be her own person. That’s great and comedy about young all, but it’s that curly red mane – every strand love is as dainty, perfectly drawn and flowy and beautiful – whimsical and lovable that really had me in awe. It says a lot about as hearing Taylor Swift sing about being a “Brave”: animated up to usual brilliant Pixar princess. This is a compliment, for Anderson’s standards, but lacking the studio’s inventive especially likable, and recent Human Rights “Moonrise Kingdom,” his best film ever, packs storytelling. Be yourself. Go your own way. The Amazing Campaign honoree Sally Field as Peter’s aunt just as much nostalgic magic in its narrative: Shoot a bow and arrow even if you’re a is so awesomely emotional she’ll make you Two precocious misfits (first-timers Jared Spider-Man girl. We get it, and we’ve seen it all before. miss “Brothers & Sisters.” “The Amazing Gilman as orphan Boy Scout Sam Shakusky Recently, in fact, with “How to Train Your In Marc Webb’s Spider-Man” also benefits from Webb’s indie and Kara Hayward as 12-year-old Suzy Bishop) Dragon,” an ancient story of standing up for adaptation of the touch: The first hour is as beguiling as a lot of leave their everyday lives and run away into the what you believe in. Part of the problem is famous comic-book his last feature, “(500) Days of Summer.” And wilderness, where they think they’ll find their Pixar’s own greatness: The franchise has set story, Peter Parker is hey, admit it: There are few things in life better happily ever after. No more adults, either. Those the bar so high with “Up,” “Finding Nemo” a bullied high-school than Andrew Garfield Ziploc’ed in spandex. grownups have their own problems, anyway: and “Wall-E” that this installment just can’t student transformed Unless, of course, he’s doing a catwalk in Frances McDormand and Bill Murray star as compete with a tender tale of an old man and into a superhero by a spider bite. He web-blasts spandex, a short bit among extras like cast Suzy’s bickering parents, and Bruce Willis his air balloon or a cute android couple. The villains, crawls ups buildings and gets the interviews and a long look into firing up the makes an endearing sheriff. If you’re not moved special features – a full disc of them! – focus on confidence to woo Gwen Stacy (a blond Emma franchise again. by the innocent charm of “Moonrise Kingdom” the animation, from complications of creating Stone being her adorably cute self). Gee, it – which profoundly speaks to anyone who’s cloth (seriously) to discussions of smelly really does get better. The reboot, released just been forbidden to love somebody and loved Scottish people. five years after Sam Raimi’s third and final Your Sister’s Sister them anyway – then check yourself for a beating installment in the Tobey Maguire trilogy, is heart. Special features are scarce, with only a How do you deal with the death of a brother you the most sensitive entry in Spidey’s web. Every Chris Azzopardi is the editor of Q Syndicate, the few short making-of featurettes, but word is lost a year ago? If you look to “Your Sister’s scene featuring Stone and Andrew Garfield, there’ll be a more expansive release for people Sister” for advice, you go to your friend’s quiet international LGBT wire service. Reach him via with their awkward getting-to-know-yous, is who heart this movie like I do. cabin and sleep with her drunk lesbian sister. his website at chris-azzopardi.com.

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20 BTL | November 15, 2012 www.PrideSource.com BUTTON'SBUTTON'S RENT-I-ITT RENTINGRENTING TOOLSTOOLS & EEQUIPMENTQUIPMENT SSINCEINCE 19419499 GrGreeatat SServiceervice * Expert Advice * GGoodood EquipmEquipmentent SSeeee our website for equipment list and rates Website:ebsite: www..buttonsrbuttonsrententit.comit.com EE-mail:-mail: [email protected]@aol.com OR CALL US - 248-542-5835248-542-5835 OpenOpen Mon thru Sat-Sat- Delivery Available - SSmallmall EnEnginegine RepairsRepairs/T/Tune-Uune-Upsps WWee Accept: CCash-Vash-Visa-Masterisa-MasterCarCard-Discover-American Expresesss 11126126 SS.. Washington Royal OOakak ((betweenbetween Lincoln & Woodwaoodwarrdd)) 10% offoff any rentalentala Evan (Michael Lopetrone, center) is surrounded by his friends (from left to right: Jamie Richards, Joe Bailey, Robbie Dwight, Joel Mitchell, Lisa Melinn) w/couponw/coupon in Philip Dawkins’ “The Homosexuals,” playing at Ferndale’s Ringwald Theatre beginning Nov. 16. Photo: Colleen Scribner WeWe will exceptexcept the couponcoupon if youyoou show it onon theirtheir blackberryblackberry or cranberrycranbeerry, etc ExpiExpirrees:s: 11/30/1211/30/12 BUTTON'S RENRENT-IT ‘The Homosexuals’ Redines 248248-542-5835-542-5835 Family At The Ringwald BY DANA CASADEI e-mail relationship with while working on each other and how they had molded each the young man’s “coming out journey.” other,” Dawkins said. FERNDALE – Defining what “family” The young man in question, main After going home with their music – is used to be simple. It was one man, one character Evan, has a story that starts or as Dawkins put it, “going home with woman and their two-and-a-half kids. much like one of Dawkins’ own, which their underwear, it’s so personal” – and Now, its definition can no longer be listening to it all, he wrote the first described so, well, dully, as families scene. He had no idea where the have expanded leaps and bounds show was going, but then a moment beyond those two-and-a-half kids. of inspiration stuck: It would go Starting Nov. 16, “The People in Chicago really backwards. Homosexuals” at the Ringwald “We were going to work up to that Theatre will take a look at that seemed to take to it in a way moment where somebody enters a ever-expanding definition. “This “ room and realizes there’s an entire play is all about the family that you that wasn’t about agreeing world here that I’m not a part of,” he choose, not your family of birth,” or disagreeing or engaging said. Much like he was at that party. said Annette Madias, director of The decade-long story may focus “The Homosexuals.” in debate. It was more about on this group of men and their history, Madias, who had never seen the but it has an interesting one of its own, show, instantly fell in love with just loving these people. especially the first read-through. Philip Dawkins’ script. “I was under the knife as they did Like the family created in the the first reading of the show,” he says show, Madias added that there was some would become a “little brain infection” with a slight laugh. His gallbladder had pressure while directing the Michigan for this show. ”“kind of exploded.” premiere of the critically-acclaimed play, While at a music sharing party with a Even though he wasn’t there, which wanting to do her theater family proud. “gaggle of gays,” he realized the history he highly recommends, he got very “You want it to be good,” she said. “You lesson unfolding in front of him and honest feedback, leading to his re-writes want to do right by all those people you couldn’t let it go. “I was just so fascinated happening while in recovery. care about.” with how the interactions of the people in “People in Chicago really seemed to take Those people include playwright this room told me so much about where to it in a way that wasn’t about agreeing Dawkins, who Madias developed an they came from and who they were to See The Homosexuals, page 22 www.PrideSource.com November 15, 2012 | BTL 21 PREVIEW The Homosexuals Friday-Monday, Nov. 16-Dec. 10. The Ringwald Theatre, 22742 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. $10-20. >> www.TheRingwald.com

Luckily for Dawkins, his professional history is one that he had figured out at a very young age, always knowing that he wanted to work in theater. “It’s (playwriting) how I think, it’s how I process,” Dawkins said. “I look at the world, and when I problem- solve in my head, it happens on the stage,” he continued. “It’s part of how I discover the world every day.” Having started as a child actor, Dawkins’ first professionally produced play was “Giants, Jokers and Jacks: A Beanstalk Blockbuster,” which he lovingly describes as a “lovely gigantic mess.” It was also the The Michigan premiere of Chicago-based playwright Philip Dawkins’s “The Homosexuals” will take place at the Ringwald Theatre in Ferndale. last time he got to work with one of his mentors, David Wo. Another thing that makes up this group This was the first time that Dawkins got ® The Homosexuals is that it’s specifically Midwestern; it takes to feel what it was like to be paid and have Continued from p. 21 place in Chicago, something that was very people perform his words, “even if they important to Dawkins. He had an interest were 9-year-olds.” or disagreeing or engaging in debate,” in what it means to be 20-something and As that show is a part of Dawkins’ Dawkins said. “It was more about just newly out at the beginning of this century history, he hopes that “The Homosexuals” loving these people.” in the middle of the country. can become a history piece as well, “I think people latched on to the warmth It may be a question that Dawkins especially in regards to “gay plays.” more than the ideologies of each of the doesn’t think he answers, but it’s one that “I hope five years from now this sounds characters,” he continued. these characters are trying to figure out. really dated and really honest,” he said.

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22 BTL | November 15, 2012 www.PrideSource.com Madonna Does The D

BTL photo: Andrew Potter Queen Of Pop Performs Controversial, Queer Show At Joe Louis BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI breathtakingly life-size temple, Madonna We all know how progressive Madonna descended – at a fashionably diva-late is: She won’t even do her own songs the Madonna did what she does best last 10:45 p.m. – from the ceiling in a confession same. Even though there were just a few, the week at the in Detroit: she booth to the sound of church bells, teasing classics she did do – “Open Your Heart” and used her splashy two-hour show for serious the packed arena with just her silhouette. “Like a Virgin” among them – were, as much things like religion and politics – and lots of She was a “,” the song she as she abhors the word, reinventions. That’s half-naked men. opened with from “MDNA,” her latest also when she connected most with “fans.” It was, just like the name of her closing album, before becoming a gun-carrying Because she hasn’t had a legit hit in so long, song on the MDNA Tour that culminated mass murderer, the role she inhabited for a and also because only 2005’s “Confessions into an all-out dance party, a “Celebration” violent blood-splattered “Gang Bang.” Set on a Dance Floor” lived up to her greatness, – because not only did the Bay City-born in a , and remarkably choreographed, those were the songs that shook the non- diva come home to Michigan on Nov. 8, it had the awesomely gratuitous aimlessness homos out of a coma. (The show obviously making this her first stop since 2008’s of a Quentin Tarantino movie. needed more gays, something I thought I’d Sticky & Sweet jaunt, she was still high The transition into “Papa Don’t Preach,” never say about a Madonna concert.) from President Obama’s re-election a few performed with her sprawled on the But there’s a reason why the gays were so days before. It was her feeling of being ground, was an inventive reinterpretation enthralled: aside from the man skin onstage, “ecstatically happy” over his win that of a classic that had her begging for mercy Madonna acknowledged us loyal followers roused loud applause ... and boos. before she was carried off by a group of who’ve been with her “You can boo all you want,” she retorted, terrorists. It was dark and menacing, and in a way that seemed more endearing than “but I’ve been to countries around the world uniquely bold and provocative: Who can ever. It became especially poignant when where people can’t vote for their leaders.” say they’ve blasted their own audience with she remembered young gay lives lost to Madonna handled the uproar coolly, a machine gun? Was it too much? Not if you bullying – including Tyler Clementi – during finally flat-out telling the crowd, “Don’t know Madonna. a dramatic interlude. be haters.” Whatever motifs of sin and redemption It wasn’t long after, during the penultimate Haters gon’ hate: Critics, and even fans, were a part of the show’s first third were “Like a Prayer,” that the show reached a have called her MDNA Tour – a spectacle abandoned when she came out as a baton- peak that no song before it quite achieved. with wowing production and age-defying twirling majorette for “Express Yourself,” With white lights signifying rebirth, and a dancing (how the hell is she 54?) – a featuring a flying marching band and full choir, it was a rousing performance that desperate plea for attention and nothing more updated ‘60s propaganda that spotlighted lifted everyone. And not just out of their seats than shock-value without any real purpose. queer love. To reclaim her status as Queen (finally), but also to a spiritual place. Detroit finally got to see what the fuss was of Pop, the song was mashed up with Lady From the Vegas-type sets to her bottomless over, and why Madonna is still the queen. Gaga’s “Born This Way,” a song criticized pep, the show was like a prayer – and With big screens used to replicate a by Madonna as “reductive.” Madonna, for two hours, took us there. www.PrideSource.com November 15, 2012 | BTL 23 Newly Single Support Group 6:30 Detroit Symphony Orchestra “The Music OTHER p.m. Group for all dealing with the end of Queen” In a decade of “super groups” Tapper’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry of a relationship and want to talk - or - and four decades beyond - Queen still “Tapper’s 21st Annual Coat Drive” Local listen - to others who share similar reigns supreme. The Detroit Symphony residents can support less fortunate Happenings experiences. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine presents “The Music of Queen.” A neighbors by dropping off warm winter items Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. “Bohemian Rhapsody” of hit after chart- speak at EMU LGBTRC’s Transgender Day and making cash donations at all Tapper’s Saturday, Nov. 17 Goaffirmations.org smashing Queen hit. Brody Dolyniuk sings of Remembrance event, honoring victims locations. “Our goal is to donate more than the solid platinum hits of Freddie Mercury, Healing Detroit: The Health and Wellness of transphobia. EMU LGBTRC, Student 2,500 coats, new hats, gloves and blankets OUTINGS Goodie 2 Shoes 7 p.m. A new social with the Detroit Symphony. Tickets: Expo 8:30 a.m. Free community-wide Center Room 300, Ypsilanti. Facebook. to those in need before winter arrives,” says group dedicated to reaching out to the $19+. Max M. Fisher Music Center, 3711 Thursday, Nov. 15 health fair to focus specifically on issues of com/emulgbtrc Steven Tapper, custom designer and vice community and helping others. Meets every Woodward Ave., Detroit. Nov. 24 - Nov. 25. importance to the black LGBT community. other Wednesday at MCC Detroit. Goodie 2 president of Tapper’s. Tapper’s Diamonds & Gender Non-Conformists 7 p.m. A social Sexual Compulsives Anonymous 7 p.m. 313-576-5111. DSO.org KICK, 4750 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 313- Shoes, 2441 Pinecrest St., Ferndale. 299- Fine Jewelry, Various Tapper’s Locations, . and discussion group for transgender, A weekly anonymous group for those who 285-9733. E-Kick.org 399-7741. [email protected] Kerrytown Concert House Pressendo Nov. 1 - Nov. 21. Tappers.com genderqueer, gender-neutral and gender- are facing sexually compulsive behaviors. Trio; Aaron Berofsky on violin, Kathryn exploring individuals. Space also available Gender-Identity Network Alliance 7 p.m. Affirmations, 290 W. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale. Entertainment Lewis Black; Votapek on viola and Suren Bagratuni to significant others. Meets every Thursday. Transgender Detroit presents a new identity: 248-398-7105. GoAffirmations.org Thursday, Nov. 22 Prolific funny man, actor, author, and Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, on cello. Tickets: $10-30. Kerrytown The Gender-identity Network Alliance. Join Euchre Tournament - Benefit for Out stand-up comedian/ranter Lewis Black Ferndale. 248-398-7105. JJenkins@ GNA in celebrating the change with a wine Concert House, 415 N Fourth Ave., Ann will perform at the Fox Theatre as part of Tuesday, Nov. 20 Loud Chorus 7 p.m. Entry: $10. Cash prizes Arbor. 8 p.m. Nov. 16. 734-769-2999. GoAffirmations.org Goaffirmations.org and cheese reception at Affirmations. Event awarded. No partner necessary, all levels his “Running on Empty Tour.” Lewis’ live Spouses Partners of Transgender People KerryTownConcertHouse.com will feature performances by Mr. Debonair of ability welcome. Food and beverage performances provide a cathartic release of Resource Center Health Group 7 p.m. Support Group 6 p.m. This group meets and Lady Vanity Tajoure and an opportunity service available. Out Loud Chorus, 1950 S. Kerrytown Concert House Oluyemi and anger and disillusionment for his audience. LGBTQ and allied teens 13-18. E-mail every 3rd Tuesday of the month, beginning to meet the newly appointed GNA board. Industrial Hwy, Ann Arbor. 734-652-0801. Kenn Thomas Duo; Oluyemi Thomas on Lewis yells so they don’t have to. Tickets: for more info. Kalamazoo Gay and Nov. 20. UMHS Comprehensive Gender Gender-Identity Network Alliance, 290 W. [email protected] Olconline.org reeds and Kenn Thomas on piano. Tickets: $35-75. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Lesbian Resource Center, 629 Pioneer Services Program, 2025 Traverwood, Suite 9 Mile Road, Ferndale. 313-549-1082. $5-25. Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N Detroit. 8 p.m. Nov. 16. 313-471-6611. St., Kalamazoo. 259-381-2437. Youth@ A1, Ann Arbor. 734-998-2150. Nquay@ Facebook.com/GenderNetworkAlliance Speak Out 7 p.m. Offers a welcoming Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Nov. 19. 734- Olympiaentertainment.com KGLRC.org Kglrc.org med.umich.edu Med.umich.edu/transgender environment for LGBT people to improve 769-2999. Kerrytownconcerthouse.com their public speaking and leadership skills. UM Transgender Day of Remembrance Sunday, Nov. 18 Transgender Day of Remembrance Meets the first and fourth Thursday of 7 p.m. This event is co-sponsored by the KGLRC Transgender Day of Remembrance 7 p.m. Honoring those who have been CONCERTS Spectrum Center, the Neutral Zone, and every month. Jim Toy Community Center, 4 p.m. Featuring keynote speaker, Jaime M. victimized by transphobia. Unitarian Michigan Philharmonic “Dance Mix” An THEATER SAPAC. Commemorating those victimized 319 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. 734-995-9867. Grant, Executive Director of the Arcus Center Universalist Congregation of Grand eclectic array of vivacious dance music by transphobia. Spectrum Center, 310 E. [email protected] CIVIC/COMMUNITY THEATER for Social Justice Leadership and lead author Traverse, 6276 Center Road, Traverse City. from ballet to folk to Broadway and back Washington, Ann Arbor. SpectrumCenter. A Wrinkle in Time $12-23. Kalamazoo of the groundbreaking study, “Injustice 231-947-3117. UUCGT.org with Saxophonist Zachary Shemon. The umich.edu at Every Turn: A Report of the National Friday, Nov. 23 Civic Youth Theatre at The Kalamazoo Civic Transgender Life Support 7 p.m. Offering Village Theatre at Cherry Hill, 50400 Transgender Discrimination Survey.” KGLRC, Youth Only HIV Testing 6 p.m. Free Theatre, 329 S. Park St., Kalamazoo. Nov. Polyamory Network 7:30 p.m. Open support, education, resources and a social Cherry Hill Road, Canton. 2 p.m. Nov. 18. 629 Pioneer St., Kalamazoo. 269-349- anonymous testing for individuals 21 and 9 - 17. 269-343-1313. KazooCivic.com and inclusive community of people living structure for Transgender individuals. 734-394-5300. MichiganPhil.org polyamorously, people interested in 4234. KGLRC.org under. Available the second and fourth Five Bowls of Oatmeal: The Return Facilitated by Arlene Kish, Lorraine Brown, Olympia Entertainment Chris Isaak; polyamory and people of, friendly to and Friday of every month. Affirmations, 290 W. of Oatmeal $5 adult; free under 18. Conversation Station 5 p.m. LGBTQI Jessica Manko, Tracy Hoover, Marty Grammy nominated singer-songwriter, curious about polyamory. Welcomes diversity Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. 826michigan and The Penny Seats at (and allies) 25 and over: join GOAL each Howland and Colt F. Mclssac. Affirmations, musician and actor, Chris Isaak, will of sexual orientation and gender identity. GoAffirmations.org Rackham Auditorium, 915 E. Washington week for discussion, food and a new 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248- bring his “Beyond the Sun Tour” to Polyamory Network, 319 Braun Ct., Ann St., Ann Arbor. 3 p.m. Nov. 18. 734-761- topic each week. Topic: Should children 398-7105. Transgenderlifesupport.org Battle Creek Pride Free Thanksgiving the Fox Theatre. Tickets: $30-70. Fox Arbor. 734-995-9867. Jimtoycenter.org (under 18) be given hormones to change Dinner 6:30 p.m. BC Pride hosts a 3463. Fivebowls.brownpapertickets.com A2 TNG (Next Generation of Kinkster) Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit. their gender? Get Out And Live!, 714 S. free Thanksgiving dinner the day after 7:45 p.m. A kink and fetish oriented group 7:30 p.m. Nov. 23. 313-471-6611. Legally Blonde - The Musical $13-25. Ann Friday, Nov. 16 Washington St., Royal Oak. 248-981- Thanksgiving. RSVP via e-mail or phone. for younger kinksters. The group focuses Olympiaentertainment.com Arbor Civic Theatre at Lydia Mendelssohn 4227. [email protected] Donations or offers of assistance. Battle 50 and Better Friday Group 7 p.m. on support, the sharing of information in Theatre, 911 N. University, Ann Arbor. Nov. GetOutAndLive.me Creek Pride, 910 North Ave., Battle Creek. Olympia Entertainment “Channel 955 Designed for those 50 and better looking the form of demonstrations or discussion 15 - 18. 734-971-2228. A2ct.org for an excuse to get out of the house. Goes 269-924-9035. [email protected] Jingle Ball 2012” Hosted by The on-air A Gathering of Hope 6 p.m. Join groups and socializing. Open to all. A2 TNG, out every other week or so for miniature staff of Channel 955, special performances Meanwhile Back on the Couch $16-18. Transgender Education Collaboration and 319 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. 734-678-2478. Womyn’s Film Night 7 p.m. Film: Middle golf, a movie, or other activity, per vote. will include Flo Rida, The Wanted, Austin Stagecrafters at Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Plymouth UCC in commemorating those Jimytoycenter.org Sexes: Redefining He and She; Interviews Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian Resource Mahone, Meagan & Liz, Sammy Adams, Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak. Through Nov. victimized by transphobia. Plymouth United with transgender and bisexual men and Center, 629 Pioneer St., . 269- Bridget Mendler and DJ Beatboy. Tickets: 17. 248-541-6430. Stagecrafters.org Kalamazoo Church of Christ, 4010 Kalamazoo Ave., women - as well as scientific and academic 349-4234. PhoenixChurch.org Wednesday, Nov. 21 $29.50-75. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Grand Rapids. Transgendermichigan.org experts - shed light on the difficulties of Nuncrackers $19. Kalamazoo Civic Ladies Who Lunch 11:30 a.m. Ladies Ave., Detroit. 7 p.m. Nov. 24. 313-471- people whose gender may fall somewhere in Theatre at Civic Auditorium, 329 S. Park Bisexual Peer Group 7 p.m. Meets meet at Nina’s Cafe for food and 6611. Olympiaentertainment.com between male and female. Affirmations, 290 St., Kalamazoo. Nov. 23 - Dec. 9. 269- monthly on the third Friday of each Monday, Nov. 19 conversation. Contact Angie to make a W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- Olympia Entertainment “Single Ladies 343-1313. KazooCivic.com month. Discuss relating to bisexuality, reservation. The Resource Center, 1710 W. Michelle Fox-Phillips and OU 7105. Goaffirmations.org Tour” R. Kelly’s “Single Ladies Tour” with pansexuality, and/or omnisexuality. Allies Transgender Day of Remembrance 12 Main St., Kalamazoo. Angiehosewillard@ Sunset Boulevard $19. Village Players, are encouraged and welcomed to attend. special guest Tamia. Tickets: $48.50- p.m. Michelle Fox Phillips, co-founder of yahoo.com kglrc.org The Real L Word (Ladies Night @ Liquid) 105. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., 34660 Woodward Ave., . Meeting usually followed by dinner at aut Transgender Detroit and former board 9 p.m. Every Friday, its ladies night at Club Through Nov. 18. 248-644-2075. Senior Koffee Klatch 1 p.m. A lively, Detroit. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18. 313-471-6611. Bar, two doors down. Bisexual Peer Group, member of Transgender Michigan will Liquid Detroit with DJ Lena. MC Lyrik Drag Birminghamvillageplayers.com discussion and social group for LGBT adults Olympiaentertainment.com 319 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. 734-678-2478. be speaking about transgender issues King Teddy, $5 cover. DJ Lena, 3537 E. [email protected] over 45. Group covers topics pertaining The No Hole Holiday $5-7. Riverwalk and Transgender Day of Remembrance. Seven mile Road, Detroit. 313-826-1192. Olympia Entertainment Peobo Bryson; to aging and outside speakers. Potluck Theatre, 228 Museum Dr., Lansing. Oakland University, Gold Room B, [email protected] With special guest Regina Belle. Tickets: Womyn’s Film Night 7 p.m. Film: Soldier’s dinners at members homes, lunches out Nov. 23 - Dec. 2. 517-482-5700. Rochester. Transgendermichigan.org $41-43. Sound Board Theater, 2901 Grand Girl; This powerful drama tells the true story and holiday parties. Meets ever Wednesday Riverwalktheatre.com of a young soldier, Pfc. Barry Winchell, who River Ave., Detroit. 8 p.m. Nov. 15. 866- Mara Keisling and EMU Transgender on the upper level of the Affirmations Saturday, Nov. 24 752-9622 . Olympiaentertainment.com meets and falls for a beautiful transgendered Day of Remembrance 7 p.m. Founding building. Senior Koffee Klatch, 290 W. Road LezRead 4 p.m. Ann Arbors book group for COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY nightclub performer while on a drunken Executive Director of the National Center Mile Road, Ferndale. 586-573-9932. Lesbians. Meets the last Saturday of every Royal Oak Music Theatre Citizen THEATER outing with fellow soldiers. Affirmations, 290 for Transgender Equality, Mara Keisling, will GoAffirmations.org month. LezReads, 319 Braun Ct., Ann Cope; Special guest Charlie Mars. Broke-ology $10-12. WSU Studio W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- Arbor. 734-995-9867. LezRead.com Tickets: $25-30. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 4743 Cass Avenue, Detroit. Nov. 7105. Goaffirmations.org Theatre, 318 W Fourth St, Royal Oak. 15 - 24. 313-577-2972. wsustudio.com 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17. 248-399-2980. Sunday, Nov. 25 RoyalOakMusicTheatre.com Ruined $5-20. Western Michigan TransCend 4:30 p.m. Open to persons University Department of Theatre at The Editor’s Pick 18 and older. Younger are welcome Royal Oak Music Theatre Chrisette University Theatre, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Michele; Tickets: $30-55. Royal Oak The Detroit Symphony Orchestra presents “The Music with parent or guardian permission. Kalamazoo. Through Nov. 18. 269-387- Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center, Music Theatre, 318 W Fourth St, Royal 6222. WMUTheatre.com of Queen,” a “Bohemian Rhapsody” of hit after chart- 629 Pioneer St., Kalamazoo. 269-349- Oak. 8 p.m. Nov. 21. 248-399-2980. smashing Queen hit. 4234. [email protected] Kglrc.org RoyalOakMusicTheatre.com Spring Awakening Not suitable for children under the age of 17. $18. Oakland University The Acorn Theater “Something to In a decade of “super groups” – and four decades Conversation Station 5 p.m. LGBTQI (and Dept. of Music, Varner Studio Theatre, 2200 allies) 25 and over: join GOAL each week Live For: The Strayhorn & Ellington N. Squirrel Rd., Rochester. Through Nov. 18. beyond – Queen still reigns supreme. With over 150 for discussion, food and a new topic each Collaboration” Jazz vocalist Elaine Dame 248-370-3013. oakland.edu/tickets million albums sold and 18 No. 1 albums and 18 No. 1 week. Topic: Where is your sanctuary? in concert, featuring virtuosic guitarist Where do you go to re-energize? Get Out Andy Brown. Tickets: $20. The Acorn PROFESSIONAL singles, Queen is without doubt one of the world’s most Theater, 107 Generations Dr., Three And Live!, 714 S. Washington St., Royal A Christmas Carol $17-$40. Meadow renowned musical groups. They received a Lifetime Oak. 248-981-4227. MarciLWilliams@ Oaks. 8 p.m. Nov. 23. 269-756-3879. AcornTheater.com Brook Theatre, 2200 N. Squirrel Rd., Achievement Award from the British Phonographic yahoo.com GetOutAndLive.me Rochester. Nov. 16 - Dec. 23. 248-377- Industry in 1990, and were inducted into the Rock and The Ark Mr. B; Tickets: $20. The Ark, 316 3300. mbtheatre.com Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Nov. 24. 734-761-1800. TheArk.org A Little Night Music Previews Nov. 15- Hear Brody Dolyniuk sing the solid platinum hits of MUSIC & MORE 18 & 21 ($27-$37). $30-$46. Performance The Ark Katie Herzig; Tickets: $15. The Network Theatre, 120 E. Huron, Ann Freddie Mercury, Brian May, John Deacon and Roger CLASSICAL Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Nov. Arbor. Nov. 15 - Dec. 30. 734-663-0681. Taylor with the Detroit Symphony. Detroit Symphony Orchestra “Von Oeyen 15. 734-761-1800. TheArk.org performancenetwork.org Plays Schumann” Debussy’s Images, Performances are 8 p.m. Nov. 24 and 3 p.m. Nov. 25 at the Max M. Fisher, 3711 Woodward Schumann’s Concerto for Piano and The Palace Justin Bieber; With special A Paradise of Fools $17 in advance, $20 at guest Carly Rae Jepsen. Tickets: Ave., Detroit. For more information go to DSO.org. Orchestra, and Bach’s Passacaglia and the door; Nov. 10 is special Black Tie Event Fugue in C minor, BWV 582. Max M. Fisher $39.50-89.50. Palace of Auburn Hills, 5 for $75. . Detroit Repertory Theatre, 13103 Music Center, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Championship Dr., Auburn Hills. 5:30 p.m. Woodrow Wilson, Detroit. Through Dec. 23. Nov. 16 - Nov. 18. 313-576-5111. DSO.org Nov. 21. 248-377-0100. ThePalace.net 313-868-1347. detroitreptheatre.com

24 BTL | November 15, 2012 www.PrideSource.com Editor’s Pick The Studio Theatre presents “Broke-ology” by Nathan Louis Jackson, the story of the King family, an African-American family that lives in Kansas City. In light of their father’s deteriorating health, brothers Ennis and Malcolm find themselves at odds in deciding how to care for him. “Broke-ology” is a comic drama that is centered on a tight-knit family that fights against its many problems, with strength, humor, and above all else, love. Jackson, a young African-American playwright, grew up in an impoverished neighborhood in Kansas City, similar to that in the play. After years of struggle, he has now established himself as an up-and- coming playwright in the realist tradition. “Broke-ology” will run Thursday, Nov. 15 through Saturday, Nov. 24. Tickets are $10-$12 and are available by calling the Studio Theatre Box Office at 313-577-2972 or by visiting the box office in the Hilberry Theatre at 4743 Cass Ave. on the corner of Hancock in Midtown Detroit.

Antigone in New York $25. The Elizabeth Plaid Tidings Previews Nov. 23 & 24 Flint Institute of Arts “Drawing Together: Theater, Park Bar, 2040 Park Ave., (at 3 p.m.) ($18). $26-$32. The Encore International Cartoons” 1120 E. Kearsley, Detroit. Nov. 9 - Jan. 12. 313-444-2294. Musical Theatre Company, 3126 Broad St., Flint. Nov. 1 - Dec. 30. Flintarts.org ParkBarDetroit.com Dexter. Nov. 23 - Dec. 23. 734-268-6200. theencoretheatre.org Michigan State University Museum Cancer! The Musical $25. Planet Ant “Echoes of Silent Spring: 50 Years of Theatre at Boll Family YMCA Theatre, 1401 Stomp $20-45. Macomb Center for the Environmental Awareness” 409 W. Circle Broadway St., Detroit. Nov. 9 - Dec. 15. Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield Road, Dr., East Lansing. June 1 - Nov. 30. 313-365-4948. brownpapertickets.com Clinton Township. Nov. 16 - 17. 586-286- Museum.msu.edu/?q=node/527 2222. Macomb.edu Cirque Chinois $30-50. Music Hall Michigan State University Museum Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Superior Donuts $18.50-42. The Purple “4,000 Years of Indigenous Michigan Madison, Detroit. Nov. 24 - Nov. 25. 313- Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park St., Horticulture” 409 W. Circle Dr., East 887-8500. MusicHall.org Chelsea. Through Dec. 15. 734-433-7673. Lansing. Oct. 1 - Nov. 30. Museum.msu.edu purplerosetheatre.org Dial ‘M’ For Murder $15-18. Broadway Michigan State University Museum Onstage, 21517 Kelly Road, Eastpointe. Sweeney Todd $18-20. What A Do “Cruisin’ the Fossil Freeway” Brings together Through Nov. 17. 586-771-6333. Theatre, 4071 W. Dickman Road, the best of the MSU Museum’s fossil BroadwayOnStage.com Springfield. Through Nov. 17. 269-282- collection and the fossil-inspired artwork 1953. WhatADo.org of celebrated artist Ray Troll to explore Dreamtigers $10 adult, $5 children. questions about evolution, extinction, and PuppetART at Detroit Puppet Theatre, 25 The Comedy of Errors $6-12. Pigeon early life on Earth. Michigan State University E. Grand River, Detroit. Through Nov. 24. Creek Shakespeare Company at Dog Story Museum, 409 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing. 313-961-7777. puppetart.org Theatre, 7 Jefferson Ave., Grand Rapids. Oct. 6 - Dec. 30. Museum.msu.edu Nov. 15 - 18. DogStoryTheater.com Ebenezer Previews Nov. 15-18 & 23 Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit ($15). $20-25. Williamston Theatre, 122 S. The Empire Builders $10-20. UDM Theatre “Vision in a Cornfield” Based on an Putnam St., Williamston. Nov. 15 - Dec. 23. Company at Marygrove Theatre, 8425 W. unexpected encounter 4454 Woodward 517-655-7469. WilliamstonTheatre.org McNichols, Detroit. Through Nov. 18. 313- Ave., Detroit. Sep. 7 - Dec. 30. 313-832- 993-3270. http://Theatre.UDMercy.edu Ella Mentry and the Case of the 6622. Mocadetroit.org Missing Scientist $10 adult, $7 child. The Homosexuals $10-20. The Ringwald Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit Performance Network Theatre, 120 E. Theatre, 22742 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. “Anri Sala” 4454 Woodward Ave., Huron St., Ann Arbor. Nov. 24 - March 23. Nov. 16 - Dec. 10. TheRingwald.com Detroit. Sep. 7 - Dec. 30. 313-832-6622. 734-663-0696. PerformanceNetwork.org Mocadetroit.org Five One Acts by Allan Ball $18. Detroit Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit Ensemble Theatre at Michigan Actors “Voice of the City” 4454 Woodward Ave., Studio Theatre, 648 E. Nine Mile Road, ART ‘N’ AROUND Ann Arbor Art Center “Ann Arbor Art Detroit. Oct. 2 - March 31. 313-832-6622. Ferndale. Nov. 16 - Dec. 2. 877-636-3320. MOCADetroit.org DetroitEnsembleTheatre.org Center Instructor Exhibition” 117 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. Nov. 1 - Nov. 25. 734-995- St. James Episcopal Church “Musical Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning 8004. Annarborartcenter.org Odyssey A Concert for Hurricane Sandy Juliet) The story of a young academic Cranbrook Art Museum “From Here Relief” Presented by violinist-pianist- who proposes Shakespeare had two composer Daniel Cho, Music Teachers different, comedic endings in mind for to There: Alec Soth’s America” 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills. National Association (MTNA) national two of his most beloved tragedies. Plays competition winner, only 11 years old in roatating repertory. $12-30. Hilberry Nov. 17 - March 30. 877-462-7262. CranbrookArtMuseum.org but already a fantastic performer on Theatre, 4743 Cass Ave., Detroit. Nov. 16 - violin and piano, accompanied by his Feb. 9. 313-577-2972. Hilberry.com Cranbrook Art Museum “Soo Sunny Park: mother, Dr. Seung Cho, music director Greetings! Previews Nov. 21 ($10). $15- Vapor Slide” Sculptor Soo Sunny Park’s at St. Stephens, Troy. Freewill offering to 18. Two Muses Theatre at Barnes & Noble large-scale installation SSVT Vapor Slide. benefit Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. St. Booksellers Theatre, 6800 Orchard Lake The exhibit combines quotidian materials James Episcopal Church, 355 W. Maple, Road, West Bloomfield. Nov. 21 - Dec. 16. chain link fence, plastic cups, paper clips, Birmingham. 4 p.m. Nov. 18. 248-644- 248-850-9919. TwoMusesTheatre.org river rocks in imaginative ways, crafting a 0820. Stjamesbirmingham.org dazzling environment of ethereal light and Julius Caesar $25-125. Michigan Opera space. 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield The Gallery Project “Grammar of the Elite” Theatre at Detroit Opera House, 1526 Hills. Nov. 17 - March 17. 877-462-7262. 215 S. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor. Oct. 11 - Nov. Broadway St., Detroit. Through Nov. 18. CranbrookArtMuseum.org 18. 734-997-7012. TheGalleryProject.com 313-237-SING. Motopera.org Drayton Avenue Presbyterian Church University of Michigan Museum of Art Magician Sean Masterson and The “Ridge Fine Art & Handmade Wares Show” “Young-Hae Chang Heavy Industries” 525 Village Puppeteers $15 adult, $10 ages Drayton Avenue Presbyterian Church, 2441 S. State St., Ann Arbor. Aug. 11 - Dec. 30. 12 and under. The Acorn Theater, 107 Pinecrest St., Ferndale. 10 a.m. Nov. 17. 734-763-4186. Umma.umich.edu Generations Dr., Three Oaks. 2 p.m. Nov. 248-398-8107. Facebook.com/pages/ University of Michigan Museum of Art 24. 269-756-3879. acorntheater.com Ridge-Fine-Art-Show/214775811895328 “Jesper Just“ 525 South State Street, Ann Ordinary Days $29-$32. Tipping Point Flint Institute of Arts “Worth a Thousand Arbor. Aug. 21 - Dec. 9. 734-763-4186. Theatre, 361 E. Cady St., Northville. Words: American Political Cartoons” Explores Umma.umich.edu Through Dec. 9. 248-347-0003. the history of American political cartoons in University of Michigan Museum of Art tippingpointtheatre.com the 19th and early 20th century from the “Benjamin West: General Wolfe and the collection of Michael Kelly. Flint Institute of Othello $12-30. Hilberry Theatre, 4743 Art of the Empire” 525 S. State St., Ann Arts, 1120 E. Kearsley, Flint. Nov. 3 - Jan. 6. Cass Ave., Detroit. Through Jan. 17. 313- Arbor. Sep. 22 - Jan. 13. 734-763-4186. Flintarts.org 577-2972. Hilberry.com Umma.umich.edu www.PrideSource.com November 15, 2012 | BTL 25 LGBT Sellers: How To Help Attract A Qualified Buyer

BY JEFFERY A. HAMMERBERG Think of the visual appeal of the home as charisma emotional connection with it. This psychological Of course another way for a LGBT seller to FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT GAY REAL ESTATE that can be felt from the street. Keep the lawn transformation will usually inspire them to make enjoy a market advantage is to hire an LGBT realtor. manicured, the flowerbeds tidy, and put a new coat a written offer – but it may not happen if they feel If a home is located in a popular gay or lesbian Everyone is well aware that for the past couple of paint or varnish on the front door because it can that are imposing or intruding because residents enclave, for example, that can be a great selling of years the real estate market has been rather work wonders in terms of pulling in buyers and are in the home. feature and those real estate brokers who constantly lopsided in favor of buyers and quite challenging making the listing agent’s phone ring with inquiries. work with LGBT clients will have a longer list of for sellers and their real estate agents. That Beware of the adorable kitten potential LGBT buyers. They will also know gay- situation is based on lots of economic factors Set the stage friendly mortgage lenders in the area who can help but it all boils down to the fact that there is an and cute puppies potential buyers get an affordable loan with a low excessive inventory of homes on the market, self When a buyer makes an appointment to view interest rate and manageable monthly payments. employed buyers that used to be able to qualify a home it is not just a dress rehearsal; it’s show If there are pets in the home then arrange for LGBT sellers should keep in mind that for a loan now can’t, and people are afraid of time. Help market the home by keeping it free them to go to the park during the showing, and mortgage financing doesn’t just benefit buyers. losing their jobs so the limited buyers have plenty of clutter, because extra space makes any home remove the litter boxes. If someone is allergic to Loan financing is just as important to the seller, to choose from when they go shopping. look larger and real estate buyers typically pay cats or has a general fear of dogs, for example, because unless the mortgage application is More houses for sale means greater competition more for a bigger property. Fifteen minutes they may not even step inside to tour the property approved and the loan goes through the transaction for a finite number of qualified buyers, so LGBT before the Realtor arrives, turn on a few lights to and that could spoil the chance to make a sale. will fall apart before closing. That’s why having homeowners who are able to more effectively illuminate rooms and architectural features and Pet odors are also one of the most often cited a team of LGBT-friendly real estate professionals market their homes will have a distinct advantage. pick up any clutter. That way the house is ready reasons that buyers give for not liking a home. who can help potential buyers is a really savvy There are practical steps a seller can take to to show as soon as the buyer steps through the and proactive way for a homeowner to facilitate assist the realtor, and these can potentially make door. The realtor can always extinguish lights to a sale. Those expert realtors and lenders who are the difference between a prompt sale and a listing save energy before he or she locks up and leaves. Listen, learn and communicate themselves active members of the local LGBT that languishes on the market without any real After each house tour find out the reaction of community will also have social and professional nibbles or purchase offers. the buyer and learn from their feedback how to relationships that extend deep into the community. Here are five things to consider, for example, Do a disappearing act improve the presentation before the next showing. So they can even help advertise the home through that extended network and pipeline. to assist the listing agent: Vacate the premises before every showing The listing agent should call the showing agent

appointment. This avoids any face-to-face and find out specific reasons why the buyer To find real estate and mortgage professionals liked the home or found it less appealing. Talk awkwardness, but more importantly it allows dedicated to active support of the LGBT Maintain curb appeal to the listing agent and continually collaborate the buyer to imagine or pretend that the home is community, visit www.GayRealEstate.com Although it may take an extra hour a week, actually theirs, not someone else’s. Once a buyer to update marketing plans. If it might help then or locate a gay-friendly realtor by visiting keeping a home looking attractive from the street takes possession of the home within his or her organize an open house event or consider a is one of the easiest ways to add intangible equity. mind they subconsciously begin to make a real strategic lowering of the price. PrideSource.com Yellow Pages.

To place a classified ad with us,visit PRIDESOURCE.COM/classifieds Classifieds or call us at 888.615.7003 x22

101-ANNOUNCEMNTS Ferndale-Wednesday 101-ANNOUNCEMNTS Go After Your Serenity LGBT AA MEETINGS LGBT AL-ANON 8 p.m., Diversity Wednesday Gay (G.A.Y.S.) AA, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, MEETINGS Al-Anon Family Group 540 W. Lewiston @ Livernois. Say hello Ann Arbor-Friday Closed/Discussion. Saturday’s 8pm Diversity Wednesday Al- Drayton Ave. Presbyterian Church 7:30 pm, St. Andrews Episcopal Ferndale-Saturday (in basement) Church Gay AA, 306 N. Division Anon Family Group Pinecrest & Drayton, Ferndale St. Closed/Discussion. 1 p.m. Brown Baggers Gay AA, Closed Meeting to Lexi! Affirmations, 290 West 9 Mile Rd. Wednesday 8pm Bloomfield Hills- Closed/Discussion. St. Luke’s Parrish Hall (in Thursday basement) See Classifieds, page 28 8 p.m. Go After Your Sobriety Gay Lewiston & Livernois, Ferndale MI AA, Drayton Ave Presbyterian 7:00 pm ,Sobriety in The Hills Closed Meeting Gay AA, Kirk in The Hills Church, Church, 2441 Pinecrest. Closed/ 1340 W. Long Lake Rd. Closed/ Discussion. Discussion. Livonia-Friday Detroit-Tuesday / Friday 8 p.m., West Side Story’s Gay one-year-old black Labrador, Lexi is fully grown at 49 pounds. One 8:00 pm, Downtown Gay AA, AA, Providence Medical Center, Fort Street Presbyterian Church, 7 Mile & Newburgh. Closed/ Alook at that face and you’ll be hooked for life! Lexi is a bit shy 631 West Fort St. Closed/ Discussion. and would do best with a family that can give her lots of positive Discussion (Open 1st Friday of Warren-Monday reinforcement. Come meet her today! The adoption fee includes every month). sterilization, age-appropriate vaccinations, the MHS Adoption Farmington Hills- 7:30 p.m., Eastside Serenity Gay AA, Faith-Trinity United Church of Guarantee and more. Monday Christ, 12221 Martin Rd. East of Hoover. Closed/Discussion. 8:00 pm, Suburban West Gay For more information, please visit or call the MHS Detroit Center for AA, Universalist Unitarian Church, Animal Care at (313) 872-3400 and provide the pet ID number, 733519. 25301 Halstead (Between 10 & 11 Photo courtesy Michigan Humane Society. Mile Roads) Closed / Discussion. Ferndale-Monday / Wednesday / Friday 11:30 a.m., Brown Baggers Gay AA, Affirmations, 290 West 9 Mile Rd. Closed/Discussion.

26 BTL | November 15, 2012 www.PrideSource.com Sexy Sorcerers

Across 55 Strolls leisurely 23 Bit of salt, for Stephen Pyles 57 Hugh of “Life with Judy 25 What Dorian Gray never does 1 Nice Nellie Garland” 26 Beatty of “Roseanne” 5 Head for 58 He played Harry Potter 29 AOL, e.g. 9 Petty squabbles 61 In doubt 31 Take care of 14 Actress Skye 62 Got in the game 32 Say whether or not you’re 15 Spartacus or Ben-Hur 63 Harden coming 16 Is het up 64 “I Dream of Jeannie”’s 33 On vacation 17 He played Cedric Diggory in Barbara, 35 Raspberry that isn’t a fruit the “Harry Potter” films and others 36 What military guys may shoot off 20 Gets a smile out of 65 Maker of some fruity flavors 37 Former netman Nastase 21 Gung-ho 66 “Xena” deity 38 Shooter in Bruce Weber’s field 22 Q, and others, in Scrabble 39 Tom Wilkinson film about a 23 With 51-Across, he played transsexual Jareth the Goblin King in Down 40 Degree for Andrew Tobias “Labyrinth” 1 Peter Pan opponent 43 Where people don’t sleep with 24 Pink-slip 2 Bert, to Ernie the opposite sex 27 Comics cry 3 Low-cost way to buy things 44 Longtime NFL coach Chuck 28 Org. in many spy movies 4 They go down south for the 45 Turn sharply 30 Working in the theater winter 47 Gay porn site visitor, e.g. 32 “The Celluloid Closet” author 5 Catches on to 48 Sit on, in a way Vito 6 Like straight to gay (abbr.) 49 Potters’ tools 34 Just managed, with “out” 7 It tops a queen 52 “Let me repeat...” 35 He played Merlin in “Camelot” 8 Book size 54 Telepathic board that inspired 40 Griffin of game shows 9 Ford classics, familiarly James Merrill 41 Inundate 10 Island of Barrie’s land 56 Bearing 42 They may lie in bed with 11 Seafood dessert? 57 Some watch faces patients 12 Alice and Vera’s coworker 58 JFK preceder 46 Neighbor of Leb. 13 Digits used when the IRS gets 59 Hand job? 47 U-turn from NNE its hand in your pocket 60 Laurie Partridge portrayer 50 Son of Prince Valiant 18 Save from going to the bottom Susan 51 See 23-Across at sea, e.g. 53 Word before organ 19 Watered down Solution on pg. 28 www.PrideSource.com November 15, 2012 | BTL 27 Classifieds

Continued from p. 26

110-ANNOUNCEMNTS To place a classified - SPIRITUAL SERVICE ad with us, visit CONTACT YOUR SPIRIT GUIDES / GUARDIAN PRIDESOURCE.COM/classifieds ANGELS Through a 2 hour workshop. Experience healing as you or call us at work with your Inner Guidance and psychic sensitivity. Sat. Nov. 17, 2:30pm - 4:30pm. 888.615.7003 x22 Affirmations Community Center 290 W. 9 Mile Rd. Ferndale. $9.00. An event of PCC, Inc. Call 310-699-3455 for more info.

225 REAL ESTATE - ASSISTED LIVING

Sweet Home LLC Assisted Living for Adult Gay Men, includes private rooms, three prepared meals each day, security, linen and personal laundry, WiFi, transportation. Daily rates from $50-$70. Call 1-888-292-1774.

301 EMPLOYMENT - GENERAL

Dog Handlers For Day Care & Boarding located in Plymouth. Must be mature, have exp. w/dogs, avail for overnights, have customer service exp., be upbeat & have attention to details. Resumes only to: plymouthdogmom@ msn.com

428 PROF. SERVICES - MASSAGE

GROUP MASSAGE - For Gay and Bisexual Men. Learn some massage techniques and meet others in a safe and caring environment. Tuesdays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Thursdays at 2 p.m. $10 per session. 209 West Kingsley in downtown Ann Arbor. (734) 662-6282 or email Solution to puzzle from page 27 [email protected]. http:// www.trymassage.com

Professional Swedish Auburn Hills Kansonn 248-672-0669 [email protected]

To place a classified ad with us, visit PRIDESOURCE.COM/classifieds or call us at 888.615.7003 x22

28 BTL | November 15, 2012 www.PrideSource.com Cocktail Chatter The Hairy Navel

BY ED SIKOV Dan and I had dinner last Friday with a guy I knew from childhood and his partner. Billy and Hairy navels make my mouth water. I’m I reconnected on Facebook, and we met at a referring to guys’ belly buttons here, not the restaurant in midtown. The cocktail menu listed cocktail. (I’ll get around to that in a minute.) the Hairy Navel, and I couldn’t help but order I’d go so far as to say that a hairy navel is one. Dan was appalled. my favorite part of the male anatomy. My “You’re kidding, right?” fascination with fuzzy abs far exceeds my “I’m stone cold serious,” I replied. interest in more obvious erogenous zones, “He never orders stuff like this,” Dan informed and despite many years pondering my own, I Billy and Dave. “What’s gotten into you?” still have no clear idea why. Is my attraction I found this annoying. Yes, I do tend to reject to men’s stomach hair rooted in the fact that cocktails that veer to the sweet side. But cripe! women don’t have it? No. After all, women Can’t a guy order a Hairy Navel without his don’t have penises, either. (News bulletin! Stop husband making a federal case out of it? the presses! Your intrepid columnist has just I responded too personally, I admit: “Since discovered something big!) And unlike some you shaved your entire chest and stomach last of my gay brethren, I’m not averse to women’s weekend without even informing me of the bodies at all. decision – and I do have a stake in the matter – I Another explanation: Shirtless guys were decided to drown my sorrows in the only kind of all over the place when I was a kid, and I hairy navel I’ll get to taste for the next month.” eroticized what I could see. The locker room “Are there no boundaries with you?” he asked. at the local swimming pool was a terrifying “Look!” Billy suddenly declared. “No, look space, so I avoided looking around as guys of here!” Dave echoed. They each pulled up their all ages changed in and out of their swimsuits. matching rugby shirts to expose two of the But out by the pool I could stare slack-jawed at hairiest navels I’ve seen in a long time. swim-trunked high school boys making out with “I’m a married man,” I protested with not their girlfriends in the broad daylight. Those much enthusiasm. And wouldn’t you know? boys were hot! And the ones I most wanted to When our server – clearly an aspiring actor, see up close were those that had a fresh, new judging by his flawless physique – came over field of boy hair on their chests and stomachs. with our check, he asked, “Is there anything more I was captivated. I can do for you?” and yanked up his tight black And TV offered up a buffet of beefcake on a T-shirt to expose one of the finest hairy navels I daily basis. I’d be watching some western when have ever scene. Narcisstic show-off. So hot. So all of a sudden some cowboy’s arms were being unavailable. I tipped him 40 percent. held behind his back and another cowboy would walk up and rip his shirt open. I’d be riveted with delight, especially if the guy had hair on his torso. The Hairy Navel Freud would have said that I was displacing my 1 oz. Absolut premium vodka desire for dick – that I couldn’t deal with what I 1 oz. peach schnapps really wanted, so I sublimated that attraction into Orange juice to taste. something less threatening. Fill a glass with ice, add all the ingredients, I’ve been mulling this over for a week now. and stir.

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S OF BLISHER THE PU FROM e.com PrideSourc IN PRINT AND ONLINE www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com November 15, 2012 | BTL 29 Let’s Get Physical

Dating I once had a friend tell Diet “me his mother would linger in the aisles at Wal-Mart, praying someone would say hello. BY ANTHONY PAULL It prompts me to consider what other measures people ’m an awful friend because I’m not in support of Doug and his less-than-sexy fling with have begun to take in order Ia doctor even though it’s not technically a fling. It’s more of a professional relationship to meet someone or simply that morphed into a one-sided date the instant the have someone listen. doctor’s finger made contact with Doug’s butt. “I know. I shouldn’t read into it,” Doug shares over a drink. “But he smiled when he tickled my prostate. That has to mean something, right?” up families. He wants to start off on the right foot. That’s why he’s keeping his pants” on this time. I shed him a peculiar look. “He’s a professional. He probably fingers buttholes all day long.” “I’m going to wait until the second date “Yes. But he felt me up four times this year. before I undress,” he says, calling me before the Isn’t that special?” initial visit with a new doctor. The doctor came “Not when you’re the one setting up the recommended because of the special attention appointments.” he gives to individual clients. “He’s known to He flinches, hand to his heart. “I have a actually hold your hand if he has something bad reoccurring itch down there. OK?” to say,” Doug boasts. After the visit, he calls me The itch is due to lack of sex. That’s why upset because the doctor asked about his sexual Doug’s been feigning illnesses since the history. “It was a little presumptuous, if you beginning of the year. He has an offshoot of ask me,” he says. “You’re not supposed to talk Munchausen Syndrome but is on the market for about past relationships on a first date. Everyone sex rather than attention. He says it beats online knows that.” dating and jacking off at a computer screen. Plus, “But you weren’t on a date.” he has great insurance, so why not? “Really? Then what would you call it?” “It just seems wrong to get off on having a “A physical.” doctor grope you,” I later admit. At the mall “Pfft,” he says. “Call it what you want. He he combs the H&M underwear section, telling wants to see me again. That’s more than I can me he needs to trim “down there” for his next say about other guys.” Growing upset he says appointment. “Is the bald eagle still in?” he’s going to drown his pain in a vat of coffee I wince. “What?” ice cream. “My bush. Do you think I should shave? What “I’m really concerned about you,” I say. “This about a Mohawk?” isn’t healthy.” “No. No Mohawk. You don’t want your dick “Please. Would you rather have me date men looking like some boy band from the ‘80s.” who insult my pic on Grindr? Or should I go on He laughs, getting excited. “I have a testicle Manhunt and talk to insecure guys who want exam scheduled and I’m not going to make it someone straight and manly? What is healthy? easy. That way, we have time for small talk.” A I’m running out of options so I’m getting few days later he phones to state things didn’t creative. So what?” He hangs up the phone, and go as planned. The doctor was curt, bordering I wonder if I’m overreacting. He’s not hurting rude. He failed to exhibit proper bedside manner, anybody. He’s going after what he wants, finding telling Doug to focus on the testicle pain when new avenues to locate a man. It may be a tad Doug began to talk about his favorite restaurants. outside of the box, but he’s not harming anyone. “I thought he might take the hint and ask me out. Is it different from joining a gym or a social club But he was all business, saying, ‘Does this hurt, in hoping of bumping into a potential partner? does this hurt?’ I was like, get a new line, you Sometimes loneliness makes the looniest notions dirty masochist.” noteworthy. I once had a friend tell me his mother “He was doing his job.” would linger in the aisles at Wal-Mart, praying “Whatever. If he’s going to grab my balls, he can someone would say hello. It prompts me to engage in mindless chitchat. It’s the little things.”I consider what other measures people have begun don’t think you have to worry about it. It’s over.” to take in order to meet someone or simply have I haven’t the heart to act like it actually never someone listen. began. Two weeks later, Doug confesses he’s “Are you there?” Doug asks, phoning the next doctor shopping again. Some clients desire a day. “I wanted to say I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have doctor willing to distribute pain pills. Doug wants on you. I’m just so frustrated with trying one with a “ready, willing and able” penis. He to meet someone. You think I’m crazy?” feels karma’s on his side because he only signs “No. I think…I forgot how hard it is to be alone up for single doctors. He doesn’t want to break and have no one to talk to. So talk. Go on. Talk.”

30 BTL | November 15, 2012 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com November 15, 2012 | BTL 31