‘Ex-Gay’ Therapy Bans, Anti-LGBT Adoption Bills Advance in States

Detroit Man Convicted in Shooting of Transgender Woman

Rachel Weisz’s Quest MOTHER - DAUGHTER for Queer Stories

Ain’t No Shame in Her Game: Jenifer Lewis Comes to Detroit DragNICKKI STEVENS’' SECRET Team TO SUCCESS: HER MOM

WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM MAY 10, 2018 | VOL. 2619 | FREE 38

May 10, 2018 2 BTL | www.PrideSource.com THE MOVIES

VIEWPOINT

COVER 12 Mother-Daughter Drag Team, Photos: Miz Korona NEWS 4 ‘Ex-Gay’ Therapy Bans, Anti-LGBT Adoption Bills Advance in States 5 N.H. Senate Approves Transgender Rights Bill 6 Detroit Man Convicted in Shooting of Transgender Woman 8 Mother’s Day Viewpoint 6 There’s Nothing Wrong with Being a ‘Super Late 14 Rachel Weisz’s Quest for Queer Stories Bloomer’ 10 Michigan Mayors against LGBTQ Discrimination in and Her Starring Role in ‘Disobedience’ Focus 11 Volunteering Opportunities Available at Motor City Pride COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS INTERVIEW HAPPENINGS OPINION 8 Parting Glances 8 Mother’s Day Viewpoint 9 Creep of the Week LIFE 12 Mother-Daughter Drag Duo 17 Jenifer Lewis 14 Rachel Weisz’s Quest for Queer Stories 22 Best of LGBT Events 17 Ain’t No Shame in Her Game 22 Happenings VOLUNTEER NATIONAL NEWS 26 Deep Inside Hollywood 28 Local Lesbian Publishing 33 Puzzle and Crossword Company Rakes in Multiple Awards COOL CITIES: ROYAL OAK/ 28 MOCAD Hosts Naughty Drawing BIRMINGHAM 28 Metro Detroit LGBTQ Bars 20 Maria Bamford Plays Royal Oak Music Theatre, May 29 Wayne’s World 11 Volunteering Opportunities 25 Available at Motor City Pride 21 Royal Oak Holds Annual Mother’s Day Flower Sale 21 Artist Kevin Tolman Debuts Nature-Based Art Exhibit

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May 10, 2018 www.PrideSource.com | BTL 3 ‘Ex-gay’ Therapy Bans, Anti-LGBT Adoption Bills Advance in States NATIONAL NEWS BY CHRIS JOHNSON medical health group believes conversion therapy is legitimate or healthy,” Oakley said. host of LGBT-related bills are making According to a recent report at the Williams their way to the desks of governors Institute at the University of California, Los Aaround the country and could have a Angeles, an estimated 698,00 adults in the major impact on LGBT Americans if signed United States have undergone conversion into law. therapy. That includes 350,000 adults who Anti-LGBT bills that would enable taxpayer- underwent the practice as teenagers. The funded adoption agencies to deny placement report estimated 20,000 LGBT youth will to LGBT homes over religious objections are undergo the practice before the age of 18 in heading toward passage in two states, but bans the 41 states that at the time of the report didn’t on widely discredited “ex-gay” conversion ban the practice. therapy are moving forward elsewhere and Another pro-LGBT bill was set for one state is considering a transgender non- consideration in the New Hampshire Senate discrimination bill. on Wednesday that would add a prohibition Two states that are on the cusp of enacting on anti-trans discrimination to the state’s anti-LGBT adoption bills are Oklahoma and non-discrimination law. The New Hampshire Kansas: House already passed the bill, House Bill, In Oklahoma, both chambers of the 1319 in March with a bipartisan 195-129 vote. legislature passed versions of anti-LGBT (The Senate vote was set to take place after adoption bills that are set for consideration in Blade deadline for this article.) conference committee before final approval New Hampshire is one of three states – Anti-LGBT adoption bills and bans on “ex-gay” therapy are moving through state legislatures (Photo by Ted and transmission to Gov. Mary Fallin. Eytan; courtesy Flickr) along with New York and Wisconsin – where In Kansas, the Senate attached the bill to the law bans anti-gay discrimination, but not House Bill 2481, a non-LGBT related bill anti-trans discrimination, although New York approved by the House. The House refused Joining LGBT groups in opposition to the identity are also advancing: Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an executive to concur with the amended bill, so the bill bills are child welfare organizations including In Hawaii, the state legislature this week order expanding state law to cover transgender was sent to conference. The measure could the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Child sent to Gov. David Ige a measure, Senate people. be dropped or included in the final package Welfare League of America and the North Bill 270, that would prohibit subjecting A New Hampshire Senate committee in conference committee, but there’s also a American Council on Adoptable Children. LGBT youth to the practice. In Maryland, the reported out the legislation with a “do not renewed effort to convince the House to accept One letter signed by these groups says legislature sent a similar measure, Senate Bill recommend vote. A similar version of the the amended bill. the Oklahoma bill would result in harm by 1028, to Gov. Larry Hogan, who’s indicated legislation was voted down in the Senate Cathryn Oakley, state legislative director “excluding any single class of potentially he’d sign the measure. last week after opponents stoked fears about for the Human Rights Campaign, said passage qualified parents (such as LGBTQ people)” In New Hampshire, the Senate last month bathroom access for transgender people. of the bills would place at risk not just LGBT from the pool of potential parents. voted to approve House Bill 587, which On the eve of the floor vote, Oakley people seeking to adopt a child, but other Supporters of the bills are organizations would seek to ban “ex-gay” therapy for nonetheless said she’s “very hopeful” the potential parents to whom adoption agencies supporting Catholic adoption agencies – such youth. The House already passed a version of chamber will approve the bill. New Hampshire may have objections, such as single mothers, as Catholic Charities, the Catholic Conference the legislation, which is now pending before Gov. Chris Sununu is expected to sign the interracial couples or couples where one parent of Oklahoma and the Kansas Catholic conference committee. measure. has been divorced. Conference – who say these agencies will have In California, Assembly Bill 2943 is now “New Hampshire is the Live Free or Die “These bills would really artificially limit to shut their doors if forced to place children pending before the Senate after the Assembly State, and what could more live free or die the pool of prospective parents who are able into LGBT homes. approved the measure. California has already than non-discrimination bills, making sure to adopt,” Oakley said. “Given that there are Another anti-LGBT adoption bill also banned conversion therapy for youth. The bill that people are able to be who they are?” all these children who need adopting, and advanced to the floor of the Senate this week in would take things a step further and generally Oakley said. there are all of these LGBTQ adults who are Colorado. However, the Republican-majority classify the practice as fraud. If the anti-LGBT adoption bills in Kansas interested in adoption, it seems really counter- chamber rejected the legislation, Senate The practice of therapy aimed at changing an and Oklahoma are rejected, it would mean intuitive to allow for a government agency Bill 241, by a 16-19 vote thanks to a united individual’s sexual orientation or transgender no anti-LGBT bills in any state would have to refuse to interact with different kinds of Democratic caucus and two Republicans who status is considered ineffectual at best become law in 2018. parents for no reason other than to allow them broke with their party on the legislation. and harmful at worst. Major medical and Oakley said movement in state legislatures to discriminate.” Daniel Ramos, executive director of One psychological institutions, including the of the pro-LGBT bans on conversion therapy Oakley added the bills are also Colorado, said in a statement the defeat of American Psychological Association, the and the prohibition on anti-trans discrimination constitutionally suspect because states have the anti-LGBT adoption bill was a win for World Health Organization, the American while fewer anti-LGBT bills make progress is obligations under the Establishment Clause his state. Medical Association and the American a positive sign. and the Equal Protection Clause to treat “This was another installment in a series Academy of Pediatrics, widely reject “State legislatures are at historic levels of families equally under the law and “not to be of horrific bills we have seen this session that conversion therapy. Republican control, so it’s important to say privileging some religious beliefs for other would take Colorado backwards in the areas Oakley said those proposals are “really that this is happening all at the same time religious beliefs.” of LGBTQ equality, and its defeat today is a important” because they’re affirmation that that we’re looking at increased Republican “They don’t get to delegate those victory for the people of Colorado,” Ramos nothing is wrong with being an LGBT person. leadership in the states,” Oakley said. responsibilities away when they contract said. “What they’re really saying out loud is that This article originally appeared in the Washington with an agency, so these agencies are doing As these anti-LGBT adoption bills are we understand LGBTQ people are who they the state’s work on taxpayer dollars, they also considered, other measures seeking to ban are, they’re not broken, they can’t be cured, Blade and is made available in partnership with then inherit those obligations to treat people widely discredited therapy aimed at changing there’s nothing to be fixed, you are who you the National LGBT Media Association. equally under the law,” Oakley said. an individual’s sexual orientation or gender are and [we acknowledge] that no major

4 BTL | May 10, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Anti-LGBT adoption bills and bans on “ex-gay” therapy are moving through state legislatures (Photo by Ted Eytan; courtesy Flickr) N.H. Senate Approves Transgender Rights Bill BY MICHAEL K. LAVERS for HB 1319, in a statement said “New Hampshire lawmakers showed tremendous The New Hampshire Senate on Wednesday leadership in support of the transgender by a 14-10 vote margin approved a bill that community and their loved ones.” would add gender identity to the state’s “This law will go a long way to affirm the nondiscrimination law. dignity of transgender Granite Staters and State Sen. Bette Lasky (D-Nashua) allow them to truly live free,” added Jakows. described House Bill 1319 as “a common Janson Wu, executive director of GLBTQ sense New Hampshire bill.” State Sen. Dan Legal Advocates and Defenders, which is Innis (R-New Castle), who is openly gay, is based in Boston, agreed. among the other senators who also spoke in “Today, the New Hampshire Senate voted to support of the measure before the vote. affirm the dignity and humanity of transgender “Anti-transgender discrimination is wrong,” Granite Staters, and to ensure they have an said Innis. equal opportunity to live and work free from Sexual orientation has been included in New discrimination,” said Wu. Hampshire’s statewide nondiscrimination law The New Hampshire House of since 1998. Representatives in March approved HB 1319, The state Senate in 2009 rejected a bill which gay state Rep. Ed Butler (D-Hart’s that would have added gender identity to the Location) introduced. statute. New Hampshire remains the only New More than 50 Republicans voted for HB England state without transgender-specific 1319. A spokesperson for Republican Gov. protections in its statewide nondiscrimination Chris Sununu on Wednesday said he plans to law. sign the bill. “New Hampshire has recognized that “In a national landscape where transgender transgender people should have the same rights people are too often attacked for who they as everyone else,” Gerri Cannon, a trans rights are, New Hampshire is a shining example for advocate who is a member of the Somersworth other states across the country,” said Jakows. School Board, told the Washington Blade “We look forward to the day Governor Sununu after Wednesday’s vote. “Our Transgender seals New Hampshire’s motto of Live Free or residents and visitors can now feel safe in Die with his signature.” New Hampshire. Our voices have finally This article originally appeared in the Washington been heard.” Blade and is made available in partnership with Linds Jakows, campaign manager of the National LGBT Media Association. Freedom New Hampshire, which advocated

www.PrideSource.com May 10, 2018 | BTL 5 NEWS There's Nothing Wrong with Being a 'Super Late Bloomer'

How was the creation process for "Super Late Detroit Man Convicted Bloomer?" Has making this book made you want to continue drawing comics? in Shooting of The whole process was very therapeutic and relaxing. At the end of each day I Transgender Woman would step away from the distractions of technology and life to reflect on the events of the day and how they affected BY BTL STAFF me emotionally. I limited myself to three panels because I didn't want it to A Wayne County jury has convicted a 21-year- be stressful, just a quick 'n easy little old Detroit man who was charged in connection mental check-in. It all happened very with the shooting of a 36-year-old transgender naturally. The biggest difficulty I faced woman last winter. being the days where there was just too On Tuesday morning, the jury found Charles Brown guilty of assault with intent to murder, armed robbery, felony firearm and other charges. Brown will be sentenced on May 22 in front of Judge Vonda Evans. With regard to Charles Brown’s conviction, Fair Michigan President Dana Nessel said, “We are thankful to Judge Roberson and the jury for their swift and fair conviction of the defendant for his horrific crimes. For too many years, the LGBTQ community has been the target of criminal activity, and too often justice has been denied. By convicting criminals like Charles Brown, the Fair Michigan much for one comic, but I tried my best Justice Project provides a means to change this to choose what felt most important. Being pattern. We are proud to be an LGBTQ community Author of "Super Late Bloomer," Jula Kaye so vulnerable and opening up publicly has resource in the fight against violent crime.” been an amazing experience. I definitely In the early morning hours of Nov. 17, Chocolate BY DAVID RYALS right back to it. I started spending all my will moving forward. was robbed and shot near Palmer Park. The victim off-hours from work writing and drawing, was walking on Woodward Avenue near Worcester hough many choose to keep a I had the bug and felt a powerful need to Street when an SUV, a red GMC Yukon, pulled up written diary as a way to cope with make my own. In my mid-20s I started and What has the reception been to the book so alongside her. Ttroubles, author Julia Kaye did so eventually became known for an absurdist far? And how have you felt about it after its Suddenly, two men stepped out of the vehicle in a more art-inspired way: through comic humor webcomic called "Up and Out". completion andrelease? while a third remained inside. According to the strips. What started as a personal project of Meanwhile, around 2015 or so, my The reception has blown me away. Queer victim’s statement and video footage conveniently daily, stress-releasing three-frame comics, gender dysphoria had steadily gotten people of all ages write to me telling captured by Project Green Light cameras, the men, turned into a full book format. Each worse to the point where I couldn't ignore me how they've come to understand later identified as Jujuan Alexon Williams, 19, and page is essentially a daily reflection that it any longer, leading me to finally start themselves better through reading it, or Charles Marion Brown, 21, demanded "Chocolate" helped Kaye through her 2016 transition. down the path toward self-acceptance – were inspired to come out in their own throw her belongings down and run away. While The book, released in May of this year, and transitioning. Early on in transition lives from it. Cisgender allies excitedly she was running, Brown opened fire on her with a examines all the various ups and downs of I found myself facing new, mentally- tell me how helpful it's been to understand rifle. She was shot four times in the back and arm. transitioning and how some days can feel taxing situations daily and desperately gender dysphoria. A few have even much better than others. needed a way to help process all of the Read more of this story on pridesource.com. confided that they were unknowingly Between The Lines reached out to Kaye complex emotions that come with living before the book's release to talk about her transphobic before reading my work and In the early morning hours of Nov. 17, with gender dysphoria. I didn't know any struggles in writing the book, its public have since become allies. It's incredible! Chocolate was robbed and shot near Palmer Park. other trans people at the time – which reception and about new projects in the I'm so happy to have been able to have The victim was walking on Woodward Avenue was incredibly isolating – I found there works. made such a positive impact. near Worcester Street when an SUV, a red GMC was just so much to transitioning that Yukon, pulled up alongside her. was difficult to explain and relate to the cisgender people in my life. There was a What are you future plans for making Suddenly, two men stepped out of the vehicle What made you realize you were a very real gap in their understanding. comics? Are there any projects you have while a third remained inside. ... While she was cartoonist and how did the subject of "Super running, Brown opened fire on her with a rifle. So, alongside seeing a therapist, I coming up that you would like to divulge? LateBloomer" choose you? turned to making journal comics. A little She was shot four times in the back and arm. I've got some ideas for moving forward Comics have always been a part of my daily project just for myself, my only goal but it's still much too early to talk about life in one way or another – from reading to be as honest with myself as possible – them. Gonna keep my little baby ideas newspaper strips growing up to web/indie which was a very new thing for me then! Find news and entertainment features onlilne @ close to the chest for now! comics as a teen and beyond. I tried my And so it all just sort of came together >> www.PrideSource.com hand at a lot of areas of the visual arts over time. over the years but I always gravitated

6 BTL | May 10, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com May 10, 2018 | BTL 7 The Best of Sister Scatterpin (1 of 3) Parting Glances OPINION BY CHARLES ALEXANDER

o matter the time or the weather, there’s something emotionally tingling about the cellphone vibrations Nwhenever Sr. Serena Scatterpin, Renegade Sisters of Mary, rings me up. I’m spiritually goosed, as it were, from head to toe – which is a Godsend, because at my age there’s not much left to goose at either end (or middle). “Is that a cellphone in your pocket, dear boy?’ giggles Sister. “Or, are you glad to hear me? Guess what? I’m in Palm Springs, Californication! It’s 80 degrees pool-side. My third gin and tonic. Yes, with a cucumber. Are you having a blessed day?” Actually at minus-17 degrees, wind chill factor 32, shivering at a Royal Oak bus stop at sunset with my walker and a cup of Starbucks' decaf coffee, I’m not having a blessed much of anything – with or without cucumber. But, as I haven’t heard from Our Lady of Spiritual Matched London Luggage in a while, I am, I “Is that a cellphone in suppose, delighted. your pocket, dear boy?’ “Speak slowly, Sr. Scatterpin. Mother's Day giggles Sister. “Or, are You’re slurring your words.” Viewpoint you glad to hear me? Nota bene: As a fashion consultant to the rich and fabulous among the Wrong in All the Right Ways post-Vatican Recovering Catholic vocation set, Sr. Scatterpin’s much in demand. And, what can you expect? She travels a lot. Fortunately Dana Chase, right, her now-and-then companion Fr. Manley Evergrope, S.J., has oodles with family of airline travel miles and beaucoup credit cards – but, pending an upcoming parish audit, dear readers, that’s strictly on the QT. BY DANA CHASE too befuddled and too exhausted from the night before to “I hope you’re dressed warm, dearie,” adds Sister, accenting her head out to dinner with me and my “friends.” After all, she long-distance admonition with a shake-shake and a clink-clink of n March, Rachael and I took her 9-year-old daughter had been up until way past her bedtime with my brother’s ice cubes – the sound makes me shiver. Sophie to see Pink perform in her Beautiful Trauma daughter attending a concert starring my other brother’s “Scarf. Mittens. DKNY thermals. You shouldn’t be out cruising world tour in Grand Rapids. We bought the tickets three boys – did I mention she failed to even acknowledge at your age. It’s dead of winter where you are. Father Evergrope I my son’s 18th birthday last week?. way back before Christmas and had been counting the says to say 'hi,'" she says. "He’s getting brown as a berry. Clothes days. Rachael dyed Sophie’s hair a gorgeous, shocking I excused her but asked if she still wanted me to pick optional suits him just fine. No big thing – and I mean that literally shade of hot pink and tied it in a ponytail of tight ringlet up a sandwich for her. Old women living on their own and figuratively. Tee-hee.” curls. I wore a crazy outfit I found at the thrift store hours often don’t eat well, as I should know since I care for “Sister, you pick the damnedest times to buzz me up. It’s snowing before: a Victoria’s Secret PINK T-shirt and a sheer skirt many of them in my job as a home help care provider. and sleeting like crazy. Frankly, I couldn’t care less about Father’s that I purposefully shredded a bit and paired with black She said please. ring-around-the-collar tan line," I respond. "And before you ask: I hot pants, fishnets and boots. In line at Subway, I hemmed and hawed to Rachael don’t know the name of the leather bar in Palm Springs. Tell Father My mother lives in Grand Rapids, and given that I because a part of me still wanted to have a chance to visit to call the Better Business Bureau. What?” don’t head in that direction often, and that she has only with my mom rather than blow through and drop off a “No. No. Dear boy. We’re not doing bar ministry this go-around. met Rachael in person once, I figured it would be a good sandwich. Inside I waged a battle. I wanted my mom to Strictly pool-side genuflecting. But I’ve just had an inspiration. It’s idea to try to eat dinner with her before the concert. I meet Rachael and adorable little Sophie, even more so as though the heavens parted and a 120-watt Dove of big, bright called my mom the afternoon before the concert and she because she had snarled on the phone to me that she hates ideas descended." In the background I hear, "Yes, waiter, I’ll have agreed to have me pick her up after her naptime. When I it when little girls dye their hair bright colors. I wanted another. Don’t forget the cucumber." arrived, it was close to 6 p.m., and I told my mom that we to throw all of it in her face. Instead of just showing up, "Where was I? Ah, yes. Are you ready for the moment of truth?” didn’t have much time so we would be grabbing a quick though, I called her and asked if it would be OK if we ate “Ready as a hot New York minute,” I lie, an icicle forming drip sandwich at Subway. Her response was “Well, with you with her. She said no; she was already in her pajamas and by drip at the edge of my red, white and blue nose. “I’m all ears.” dressed like that, it’s a good thing we’re not going to a was in no state to meet my “friends.” She said I had sprung I feign enthusiasm and wish I hadn’t left my rainbow earmuffs sit-down place.” I took that jab in stride. I’m used to it, these plans on her and that she was in no way ready for us. at home. and, truth be told, a part of me gets off on shocking her. Since she had just woken up, she claimed that she was See next page See next page

8 BTL | May 10, 2018 www.PrideSource.com amory, it’s so hard," she says. "I try to tell ® Viewpoint my friends about it and they look at me Continued from p. 8 like I’m crazy.” “I’m sorry this is difficult for you, but I swallowed hard. Ordered my mom’s I am not going to change," I say. "This is sandwich and mine, sat in the booth at who I am.” Robert Oscar Lopez BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI Subway and ate with Rachael and Sophie. I turned to leave, and she tells me to enjoy Then, we drove back over to my mom’s the show and that I looked pretty sexy in ey gentlemen, if you’re a Gay and to drop off her dinner. I composed what I my outfit. Suddenly, a bit shamed, because want to become a Heterosexual, you Lopez is probably right that life wanted to say to her in my head. even my armor has chinks in it, I quipped as can do it today in 10 easy steps with is harder for him now that he’s “Meals on Wheels is here Mom. Enjoy ....” H I clicked away on my boots, “I don’t always this one weird trick called self-hatred and She engaged me in some light conversation, dress this way, but this is a very special denial! Well, that’s two weird tricks, but still. “straight.” Self-hatred and denial are but I couldn’t let her subtle dismissal of me occasion.” At least that’s what blogger Robert a bitch. But straight guys in general? and my life drop. When I saw her I said The concert was magical. Fire and glitter, Oscar Lopez calmly, slowly, “Mom, her name is Rachael. aerial feats, wild dancing. We had amazing wants you to Nah. They’ve been riding roughshod You can call her Rachael, or you can call seats, not too far from stage. At one moment believe. He her my partner, but, please, do not call her – forever frozen in memory – Pink spied was raised by over all of us and continue to do so. my friend.” Sophie in the audience. She waved to her lesbians and Mom locked eyes with me and flatly and pumped her arm in the same way Sophie it apparently he going to die?’ But he continues, “Before stated “Stop that,” followed with, “There was pumping hers. Priceless. The next ruined him the law makes it illegal for me to share the are all kinds of lesbians in this condominium song, dedicated to Pink’s daughter Willow to the point ten tips I will share in this blog.” complex. Are you going to rub that in my – “Perfect.” where he has There’s no law against sharing dumb lies face, too?” This was Sophie’s first concert, and I don’t become the on the internet, or Donald Trump would be I am so used to these kinds of exchanges Robert Oscar Lopez think that as her parents Rachael and I and expert on ex- in prison where he belongs. with my mother that her insults don’t even her fathers could have given her a better gaying. Lopez warns that leaving gay life is hard. rankle me anymore. Christmas present than a new dress, radical On the Barb Wire website (tagline: Barb “There are certain perks about being gay Without raising my voice even a notch, hair, a powerful performance and a personal Wire dot com: We print all the garbage that that you are going to miss,” he writes. “For I replied, “Mom, this is the label I use to acknowledgment from Pink. We are raising gets stuck to the fence) Lopez has posted, instance, if you identify as gay, people pity address Rachael. I don’t have a romantic or a daughter to be and to love herself. I hope “Rebuking the Big Lie: Ten Tips for Ex-Gay you and give you less responsibility for sexual relationship with her but that doesn’t that I never treat my children the way my Happiness.” being a jerk.” make her any less of a partner. She lives mom treated me last night, but I can think And if you’re wondering, “Hey, can I Oh man, wait until he hears about Milo with me, she loves me, she is family to me. of no better therapy than hearing Pink belt really be ex-gaypy (that’s ex-gay happy, Yiannopoulos. I wanted you to see us all tonight, especially out her songs of empowerment while I dance obviously) in just 10 steps? Lopez continues, “The world feels small Sophie since I’m so proud of her. I’m sorry alongside my partner and our daughter. Well, no. Lopez has a lot of “10 Tips” and cozy because everywhere you go, you aren’t taking me up on this opportunity.” We are fucking perfect, Mom. Get over it. type blog posts on his website for the ex-gay you can go to the gay bar and have instant “Dana, this thing you do, this poly- curious. Perhaps he learned how to blog from Dana Chase grew up in Grand Rapids and community.” Clickbait (But Not In A Gay Way) University. Okay, wait a minute. There are gay bars Mom locked eyes with me holds a Ph.D. in French and Romance Philology So once you add “Ten Dating Suggestions everywhere? That is news to me and will from Columbia University. She works part time and flatly stated “Stop for Ex-Gay Men in Pursuit of Women” and likely be news to millions of gay people at a local coffee shop in addition to running a “Ten Things to Love About Heterosexuality,” around the world who live (checks map) near that,” followed with, “There very busy household. Actively putting a face not to mention “The Ex-Gay’s Strategy on no gay bars. But I guess Lopez sees every bar are all kinds of lesbians to polyamory for close to a decade, Dana has Women: Many Top Tens In One,” we’re as a Homosexual Cheers, “where everybody appeared at conferences, spoken to college classes talking about a lot of steps. knows you’re gay.” in this condominium and church groups, served on professional boards, Needless to say, Lopez has some, er, really “Once you commit to not being gay complex. Are you going to and even held a feature spot on the evening news. messed up ideas about this whole gay thing. anymore, things will get hard,” he writes. “In She hopes to one day publish a memoir of her First of all, he seems to think that men (and the gay world, you may have competed from rub that in my face, too?” colorful polyamorous journey. his focus is on gay men here, sorry lesbians) time to time for the attention of men with become gay after being tricked into it. nice physiques; now, you will be fighting “[G]ay activists can flood you with stimuli against men with even more well-developed and arousal techniques to make you curious physiques, trying to achieve victory over or interested in homosexuality,” Lopez them in order to win for yourself a coveted writes. “Once you try it or find yourself prize: a virtuous and desirable wife.” ® Parting Glances thinking about it, cultural messages and Aaaaaand fuck off. Women are not prizes. “This’ll warm the cockles of your cues all around you mess with your head and Women are human beings who have value Continued from p. 8 barely warm-blooded heart! Let’s declare convince you that this is who you are, you and worth outside of whether or not they are May Recovering Catholics Month," she have to make yourself sexually available to “What’s the voice crying in the wilderness somebody’s wife. exclaims. "If enough of us stand up tall and other guys.” of high fashion chanting this time?” “Soon you will see how much harder life be counted, spring will really, truly, honestly, Now if he were describing heterosexuality “Well – Father Evergrope, leave the poor is for straight guys,” laments Lopez. be on its way.” this might make some sense. Since the boy alone! If you like him that much, tip him And he’s probably right that life is harder “Sister: It can’t come soon enough," I say majority of people are heterosexual, we are 40 percent," she yells. "And for sake of all the for him now that he’s “straight.” Self-hatred through chattering teeth. "Brrrrrrrr.” surrounded by images of heteronormativity. hallowed saints, turn over on your tonsured and denial are a bitch. But straight guys in In fact, if you want to get “flooded” with tum-tum! OK, Are you ready? February is Charles Alexander is prolific both as a BTL general? Nah. They’ve been riding roughshod gay “stimuli and arousal techniques” you Black History month. March is Women’s columnist (700-plus columns) and as a well- over all of us and continue to do so. pretty much have to seek it out. Otherwise History Month. June is Gay Pride Month. known LGBT community artist (1000 Face It’s my hope that Lopez will one day write that flood is more like an occasional trickle What’s missing?” Book images). He is a Spirit of Detroit Award a “Top Ten Reasons Not to Hate Your Gay (see “Will & Grace,” the gays on “Modern “I don’t know, Sister," I say. My brain’s Self.” But until then, I wonder if he’ll put recipient and an Affirmations LGBT CENTER Family,” “Ellen” et al.). frozen solid. I can hardly move. If a bus “riding roughshod” on his “Top Ten Gay Jan Stevenson awardee. Connect with him at He then writes, “I don’t have much more doesn’t come soon, I’ll be too frozen to thaw Stimuli and Arousal Techniques.” [email protected]. time before…” and I’m thinking, ‘Oh no, is out. "Missing?” www.PrideSource.com May 10, 2018 | BTL 9 Michigan Mayors Against LGBTQ Discrimination in Focus NEWS SERIES BTL Sits Down with Ypsilanti Mayor Amanda Edmonds

the change they want to see, despite often BY ELLEN SHANNA KNOPPOW difficult (particularly municipal) financial conditions. I love that my own working s BTL continues the Mayors Against class neighborhood of little bungalows LGBT Discrimination series, we hear Mayor Amanda Edmonds is more than happy includes people from many racial and ethnic Afrom Amanda Edmonds, Ypsilanti's to marry couples of any genders within Washtenaw backgrounds and ages, as well as many openly lesbian mayor who ran unopposed in “ LGBTQ families. I love that I can walk down 2014 after winning her primary in a landslide. County, pending her availability, which varies. the street in Ypsi with my wife and not worry Edmonds announced in a statement last month about my safety. that she will not be seeking re-election. BTL has decided to include Edmonds’s interview, – City of Ypsilanti website Tell us about Ypsi Pride. along with her amended statement which ” Ypsilanti had a long-time annual clean up day can be viewed online at pridesource.com. ordinance as safety concerns that LGBTQ persons face called Ypsi PRIDE, renamed as of last year as She is still the mayor, and proud of her city’s we recognize as victims of crimes and hesitancy to come Ypsi Proud. That made way for an amazing accomplishments. While Edmonds is not new groups of people who are vulnerable forward. Our police department is very small first ever Ypsi Pride event, celebrating the running for re-election, the interview captures and need to explicitly be protected, as we did and so having an officer focused on that is LGBTQ communities during one of our First the tone she set while mayor of Ypsilanti. We last year when we added immigration status. not appropriate in terms of scale, but I would Fridays Ypsi celebrations. This first Ypsi can only hope the next mayor follows her lead. We went another step in that realm, too, and love further resources to look into whether Pride was organized by volunteers and was Mayors Against LGBT Discrimination solidified our practice and values into policy there are any ways our department can an overwhelming success. is a bipartisan coalition of municipal as we adopted a "Don't Ask" ordinance that further gain trust of LGBTQ persons. I don't What was so beautiful about it is that it was leaders dedicated to securing inclusive non- clarified that for most interactions with our have any knowledge of distrust issues, but truly inclusive – there were all ages and all discrimination protections for all, including city staff (including public safety personnel), the opportunity to be more proactive in this cultural backgrounds present, including both lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender one's immigration status is not relevant and area would be amazing. LGBTQ folks and allies. It was actually the individuals, at all levels of government. It is will not be brought up. In general, our community, our council, 'place to be' that Friday evening – no matter a program of Freedom for All Americans, the and our police chief deeply value community your identity. There were family-friendly bipartisan campaign to win comprehensive policing – which that Detroit officer is a drag shows, music, art, dancing, pedicabs, As mayor, what role do you play in challenging LGBT non-discrimination protections great example of – but are so hindered by and much more. I can't wait for the second nationwide. Since its inception, membership discrimination, and making your city more the lack of appropriate state funding for annual this year. in Mayors Against LGBT Discrimination has inclusive? municipalities that there is little time to grown to 307 mayors in 48 states and the As a mayor, I serve as an ambassador both do more than minimal shift coverage and District of Columbia, including 17 mayors within the community and outside of it. responding to emergency calls. There’s an amazing photo of you officiating at a in Michigan. Being vocal matters. Last year we raised We'd love for Ypsi to be included in HRC wedding in June of 2015 after marriage equality the Trans pride flag in front of our police or another orgs' lists of LGBTQ friendly was extended to same-sex couples. What is it communities, because we most definitely are. like performing these weddings, and why is Ypsi Why did you join Mayors Against LGBT station for Transgender Day of Visibility, and succeeded in having our Ypsilanti Unfortunately, we are either too small to be a great place to be married? Discrimination? considered, or just don't have the resources to Community Schools do the same in front That was one of the most memorable days of pull together the applications needed. So, we As an out LGBTQ mayor I understand of 11 school buildings. We held flag raising my life. I performed three weddings that day, rely on the grassroots word of mouth that we first-hand the importance of feeling safe, ceremonies at both the police station and and am friends with two of the couples now. are a welcoming place. welcome, and included in a community. the school district admin office. When our The energy of that crowd was unlike any I've

Unfortunately, there are many communities citizens and students see that kind of symbol, ever experienced, and at that point I had not where people don't feel safe, or they don't it validates their existence and rights settings What is your vision for your city 10 years from performed many weddings yet as mayor, and know where they stand because their elected where they may be otherwise questions. I am now, in terms of being a welcoming place to live, had forgotten to bring my ceremony script. officials and community leaders have been putting to council a resolution to raise the flag work, and operate a business? So, I winged it, which was a bit nerve racking silent. While federal or state laws (or lack again on March 31. but also fun. I'm now up to 104 weddings-- thereof) are dictating discrimination in our I want to see an Ypsilanti where people from including many for LGBTQ couples-- and lives, we still live and experience our life many backgrounds can afford to live, and can perform it in my sleep. daily in our localities, where it is crucial that How do you ensure that your city’s objectives thrive. As we develop economically in the are consistently reflected in the actions of For folks who want a civil ceremony, Ypsi we do everything we can to share our values ways that we must in order to provide quality is a great place – not only because I can be municipal employees? to make our communities safe. services to our residents, we have to figure out an officiant (per MI marriage law mayors can Our Non-Discrimination Ordinance is law, how to not follow the too-common trajectory perform weddings in the county in which they and any complaints against employees of the of gentrification and inadvertently squeezing serve), but because in addition to city hall How does your city promote fairness, diversity people out. There is no silver bullet to doing and inclusion, and why is that important? city – as well as anyone in the community we have so many cool indoor and outdoor who may have violated it by discriminating so, but we must work at it every day. venues, local restaurants, and friendly folks The City of Ypsilanti is proud to have one in public accommodations, housing, or ready to welcome people for their nuptials. of the oldest and most progressive non- employment – are taken as a breach of law. What drew you to Ypsilanti? What is it like for (FYI, my dream this year before the end of discrimination ordinances in the state, that you, personally, living in an inclusive city? my first term is to perform a wedding while includes gender and sexual orientation, moving through Ypsi aboard Amtrak!) immigration status, and many other protected Where does your city need to improve? I moved to Michigan in the mid-90s and to classes. This is particularly important in I have admired that Detroit Police Department Ypsilanti in 2002, after having been drawn Stay connected to the city of Ypsilanti online at Michigan, where LGBTQ people have has an LGBTQ-focused officer who works here several years before that. I loved its no protection from discrimination under to liaison with the LGBTQ community. diversity, its deep community pride, and its cityofypsilanti.com. Follow Amanda Edmonds on state law. We've continued to update this This position recognizes the additional residents' willingness to step up and make Facebook at facebook.com/amuppster.

10 BTL | May 10, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Volunteering Opportunities Available at Motor City Pride BY DREW HOWARD desk, man the volunteer check-in desk, assist entertainment on stage and supervise the everage servers, gate monitors and family area. Additionally, volunteers will be set-up/tear-down crew members needed on Sunday to direct the parade and Bare just a few of the volunteer the parade marshals. opportunities now being sought for Motor “We haven’t gotten to the point where we’ve City Pride 2018, running June 9 through 10 had too much volunteer help,” Wait said. at the downtown Detroit Hart Plaza. “We are always looking for more people to Pride organizers opened up volunteer help on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.” registration to the public this week as they Volunteers help is most appreciated at the enter the final weeks of preparation. Help is welcome gate and beverages center, Wait needed on both days of the festival, Saturday said, which each need close to 90 shifts and Sunday, as well as the days bookending filled total between Saturday and Sunday. the festivities on Friday and Monday. As of this published story, both positions Dave Wait, event chair, said close to 260 still have dozens of openings. volunteers have been utilized throughout There are some added perks to volunteering the weekend in years past. According to the at festival, Wait noted. 2018 volunteer registration form, organizers “Those that sign up get free admission to this year are ideally looking to fill more than the festival, a T-shirt, as well as vouchers for 350 shifts. food and parking,” he said. “We recognize Volunteers are needed as early as 9 a.m. them and thank them for helping at the on Saturday and Sunday to help set up the festival.” festival, Wait said. Volunteer opportunities are open to all “They make sure the tables are in the proper interested regardless of experience. spaces, banners are up and just making sure Organizers encourage individuals to only trash bins, bags and all the little odds and select times and areas that they are absolutely ends are taken care of so the grounds look available to assist, as slots are limited. good and ready to enter,” he said. Moving into the afternoon, volunteers are To register as a volunteer go to motorcitypride. also used to help serve beverages, monitor org. For a brief look a t the available volunteer the welcome gates, work the information opportunities, look below:

Friday, June 8: Sunday, June 10: Photo courtesy of Tih Penfil • Friday Set-Up (6 - 9 p.m.) • Festival Director (8:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.) • Sunday Set-Up (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.) Saturday, June 9: • Volunteer Check-in (9 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 11 a.m. - 3 • Saturday Supervisor (8:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.) p.m. & 2:30 - 6:30 p.m.) • Saturday Set-Up (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.) • Parade Assistance (10 a.m. - 1 p.m.) • Stage Hand (11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. & 4 - 8 p.m.) • Welcome Gates (11 a.m. - 3 p.m. & 2:30 - 6:30 p.m.) • Family Area (11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.) • Stage Hand (11 a.m. - 3 p.m. & 2:30 - 6:30 p.m.) • Festival Information Booth (11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. • Family Area (11 a.m. - 3 p.m.) & 4 - 8 p.m.) • Festival Information Booth (11 a.m. - 3 p.m. & 2:30 • Beverage Staff (11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. & 4 - 8 p.m.) - 6:30 p.m.) • Welcome Gates (12:30 - 4:30 p.m. & 4 - 8 p.m.) • Beverage Staff (11 a.m. - 3 p.m. & 2:30 - 6:30 p.m.) • Volunteer Check-in (4 - 8 p.m.) • Saturday Close (6 - 9 p.m.) Monday, June 11: • Festival Director (9 a.m. - 2 p.m.)

www.PrideSource.com May 10, 2018 | BTL 11 COVER STORY

Mother-Daughter Drag Duo Nickki Stevens’ Secret to Success: Her Mom Photos by Miz Korona

BY KATE OPALEWSKI more than two girls in a room it’s trouble,” she said. models – like Candy Sweet, Jennifer Foxx, said Hughes about watching her daughter After all, Pierce was one of the 20th Elaine St. Jacques, April Summers and Melba alk into Gigi’s Gay Bar today and manage several different personalities, four century’s foremost female impersonators. Moore. That was when she began to hone her you’re likely to see drag queen of whom Stevens has taken upon herself to “I could be funny, pretty, accepted,” she love of the craft – and for heels, in which she WNickki Stevens grace the stage. Her mentor in the skills of the art form. They are said.” How’s that? That’s a big word.” stands at a comfortable height of 6’4.” punchy humor, big looks and classy style – Destiny Hunter, Veronica Madison, Revue And acceptance was especially important Stevens had already been performing at despite her trucker mouth – have been thrilling and Serena Escavelle. Sadly, her fifth drag for Stevens in high school, because her family Gigi’s since 1988, but her mom didn’t start audiences since the late ‘80s. But, what some daughter, Tori Lancaster, passed away in the had moved from South Bend, Indiana, to West coming to watch her perform until 1995. might not know is that in many ways, Stevens’ mid-’90s. Stevens said that the secrets she Bloomfield and, in many ways, she felt out Hughes worked nights before switching to the act could be considered double. After all, passes on to her drag daughters, she learned of place. day shift as a charge nurse at Jackson State even though her mother, Sharon Hughes, from her own mom. “I was always funny, but I had to be to be Prison from where she has since retired. doesn’t grace the stage herself, she spends her “Mother taught me honesty and hard work the gay one in school or you’re gonna get beat “I carried pictures of her and showed Saturday nights working concessions, selling always prevails,” said Stevens who in a way up,” she said. “It’s better to be self-deprecating everybody at work. Half of my staff was gay jewelry and providing her drag daughter was raised not only by her biological mother, and be the jokester.” anyway so they knew her,” she said. “People much support: from painting, to cleaning, to but her drag mother and Detroit legend, Lady A talent she said she honed while she were surprised to find out that I was her decorating. “T” Tempest, too. worked as a server at the Ram’s Horn diner, mother. At first when the new boss comes, you “I’ve gotta keep her active,” said Stevens. “And if you can’t handle the truth, don’t ask where every table was a different audience. know, people like to give them trouble, but not “If you rest, you rust.” the question,” she said. Stevens’ mother, Hughes, agreed that humor Nickki Stevens’ mother.” After three decades of female impersonating, might have been the best coping mechanism Hughes spent a lot of time stoning Stevens’ Stevens has become something of a drag after moving across state lines. costumes by hand in the late ‘90s. That’s how mother herself as the manager and show Humble Beginnings “My heart was breaking because all the she got started making jewelry, which she now director of Gigi’s Cabaret since 1990, which, And with that drive coupled with a healthy rest of the kids were driving Lamborghinis sells at the bar and at various pageants. The according to Stevens is the “longest-running serving of sass, it’s not surprising that Stevens to school and she had a Fiesta,” said Hughes. business, owned by Stevens, is called Purple showroom” in Michigan history. has been doing drag long enough to be a well- “High school was hard.” Angel Jewelry. And, as with any long-running show, along seasoned veteran. From the moment Stevens But, even beyond Ram’s Horn, Stevens “It’s a little hobby of mine. It’s no big with the drama onstage, running things comes saw Charles Pierce on TV she knew what she found the greatest comfort in the dressing deal,” said Hughes, who believes, “We all with a bit of sass off of it as well. wanted to be when she grew up. room at the Pink Flamingo at 16. That’s when have angels watching over us,” and her “It’s like grade school. Whenever you get “Baby that’s it. That’s what I’m gonna do,” she started dressing drag queens – her role favorite color is purple. So, with every piece

12 BTL | May 10, 2018 www.PrideSource.com of jewelry made, Hughes said another used to be a sanctuary for the LGBTQ impersonator for this long. Depending angel starts watching over members of community. Gigi’s was originally owned on who they are, how long and where the community, friends and customers. by Tony Garneau in the early ‘70s until they have performed, drag queens can his death in 1991. In his will he left the make anywhere from $25 a night to bar to his longtime employees, four of $5,000 a week. Hitting Her Stride whom still run the place. For her, and most, she said that drag Stevens was a traveling performer on “There were 45, 50 bars back then. as a career is “a trade-off.” When asked the road with the all-male dance troupe, You could go to a different bar every what that means, Stevens explained that, Male Order, in the late ‘80s. Quite the night of the month and still not hit them “Gay men come out to be with men and hustler, Stevens made appearances all. Until the internet and Grindr and when you look like a woman half the throughout the Midwest, in Ohio, Dallas, everything else ruined everything,” said week and spend half your life on stage, Florida, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Stevens, noting that a majority of their they don’t want to have anything to do She also flew back and forth between audience now is heterosexual. with you,” she said. “Oh, everybody Detroit and Chicago for almost a year “I hate RuPaul’s Drag Race, but thank loves you, but not one loves you. That’s to be the hostess and emcee at the famed God for that bitch because all them the problem.” Baton Show Lounge from May 1995 straight housewives of Royal Oak want At an age “somewhere between birth through February 1996. to see drag queens now. So alright, bring and death,” Stevens said she is ready for Stevens said she is the most awarded them on .... retirement but, “It don’t look like that’s female impersonator in Michigan history. She continued, “It makes more people gonna happen until that Powerball hits Her awards include Miss Amateur – now that it’s mainstream – curious the right way.” Until then, she seems to Shop The Club Gold Coast 1989, Miss Gold and (they) want to come see us. She’s have found her niche on the microphone. Coast Saloon 1991, Miss Woodward actually making me money, which I’m “Not a lot of drag queens can do that,” Rainbow Strip 1991, Miss Tiffany’s 1991, Miss happy for,” said Stevens. “If gay people she said. “If I never had to do another There are hundreds walk in here on a Saturday night, I’m like number in my life and just talk on the Gigi’s 1992, Royal Queen of Queens of of businesses that Michigan 1993-1997, Miss S.S. Dingy ‘Are you lost?’” microphone, I’d be happy.” 1993, Miss Michigan Continental Plus Stevens attributes that to a number of advertise in BTL and 1995, Miss Great Lakes Continental things, but mostly cultural acceptance. welcome everyone. Plus 1996 and Miss Michigan Sunset “We all fought and fought since The Trade-Off Coast 1996. Stonewall for equal rights and once It’s not that Stevens doesn’t love her Invest in equality and She also received the Detroit we got them and we could hold each success – she is the legendary “Blonde work with businesses Entertainer of the Year award 12 times others’ hands walking down the streets Bombshell” and the “Peroxide Piranha” that support of Ferndale or Royal Oak, then the bars at the Detroit Performer Awards, and from Detroit who has entertained and Michigan’s LGBTQ the Emcee of the Year award for 24 seemed to not be the sanctuary that it inspired many – but after all this time, consecutive years (and now the award used to be,” she said. she still feels like she’s second-rate in a community! is named after her). She was the first However, as lauded as Stevens is, her subculture. and only drag queen to receive the Spirit career has come with its fair share of “We’re fine as long as the spotlight is of Detroit Award from the Detroit City challenges, too – ones that other drag on us. If I’ve got jeans and a button-down Council in the late ‘90s, too. queens weren’t afraid to warn her about shirt on and my hair blown out, trying to “I had so much money, (but) I couldn’t when she was just starting out. look like a boy as much as possible with spend it because I couldn’t get out of “I said, ‘Oh I want to do this one all this botox and silicone in my face, bed,” said Stevens, referencing the huge day.’ And they all said, ‘No you don’t.’ I they don’t want anything to do with me, amount of travel she had to do. “It was said, ‘Oh yes I do.’ They said, ‘No you ‘Oh, that’s Nickki Stevens,’” she said, fun. I had the opportunity to work at one don’t,’” said Stevens. “Well now I know adding that she was married for 13 years of the best-known female impersonator exactly what they were talking about. to a man who left her. “I’ve gotta go bars in the country, but this is my No I don’t.” out of town to find a date so they don’t sandbox and I don’t travel as much as I However, resistance or not, Stevens is know who the hell I am. Some men find used to anymore.” one of the few who have been fortunate it as a fetish. I don’t want anything to Gigi’s, like many other gay bars, enough to make a living as a female do with that.” It’s why her mom said they’re so close. “We don’t get that men stuff,” laughed Hughes, also a divorcee. “We’ve lived together for 14 years. I never cut the umbilical cord,” she said. “We’re hell on wheels. We have more fun than anybody.” They spend their time together doing things like shopping, traveling to Las Vegas and hanging out by the pool at home during the summer months. Plus, Hughes considers herself to be a people person which helps them work together even more so. She enjoys engaging with guests at the bar who she said always want to talk about her daughter. And, as most mothers would, she loves to gush about her child. Hughes said Stevens is, “The most beautiful thing Gigi’s Gay Bar is located at 16920 W. Warren Ave. in Detroit. Hours are 8 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Sunday to Monday and Wednesday to Friday; and 7 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. on Saturday. For more information, I ever saw. I knew when she was three call 313-584-6525 or visit facebook.com/gigisgaybar/ or facebook.com/gigiscabaret. Follow Nickki she was going to be a star.” Stevens online at facebook.com/nickki.stevens. www.PrideSource.com May 10, 2018 | BTL 13 Photo: Bleecker Street Rachel Weisz’s Quest for Queer Stories ‘Disobedience’ Actress on Her New – and Upcoming – Sapphic Tales

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI Lelio, the Chilean filmmaker with plenty of British military surgeon Dr. James Barry, so niche press sometimes gets overlooked. So, arthouse cred, including 2013’s “Gloria” and born Margaret Ann Bulkley, a 19th-century thank you for not overlooking us. As a producer, achel Weisz has strong feelings on “A Fantastic Woman,” the 2018 Oscar winner woman who disguised herself as a man to why is it important to reach out to queer media makers of queer films discussing their in the Best Foreign Language Film category. become a doctor. with a film like “Disobedience”? work with queer media. To not do so, In “Disobedience,” Weisz portrays Ronit, R If you’re queer, your subjectivity is not in she says, would be “ridiculous and wrong and a lapsed Jew now living as a photographer in Can you just produce queer stories for the rest unthinkable.” The topic is broached in light New York City who returns to her Orthodox of your career? the margins – it’s front and center for the of her new Sapphic film, “Disobedience,” life you’re leading. But mainstream stories Jewish enclave in London for her Rabbi Yes, please. Do you have any books to point released just months after “Call Me By Your have pushed queer stories into the margins father’s funeral. There, her childhood friend me toward? Name,” which received little LGBTQ-specific and lover Esti (Rachel McAdams), now of storytelling, and I think that’s what’s so promotion from its director, writer and married to Ronit’s father’s protégé Dovid You know what, you’re up on lesbian lit more wonderful about Sebastián. His film before lead actors, Armie Hammer and Timothée (Alessandro Nivola), is emboldened by her than I am. I hear you got deep into it. “Fantastic Woman” (“Gloria”) wasn’t a queer Chalamet. story but was about a 58-year-old woman’s passion for Ronit to pursue her own path I read a few books. As producer and star of “Disobedience,” to self-discovery and, ultimately, religious dating life and her sex life – again, something Weisz was instrumental in the lesbian drama’s freedom. “Call Me By Your Name” did almost no LGBTQ that in storytelling is not front and center. “Fantastic Woman” was about the experience inception and creation, which began when the Weisz – known for her roles in “About a press promo and made very little money despite of a trans woman, something that’s not 48-year-old British actress’ quest to tell more Boy” and “The Constant Gardener,” which critical acclaim. But you’ve been everywhere female-centric stories led her to an array of normally front and center in the story. won her a Best Supporting Actress Oscar in talking about “Disobedience”: mainstream press, feminist books, including Naomi Alderman’s So, this film is about two queer women 2006 – has further feminist ambitions: She’ll queer press. I think some promoters think 2006 novel. She optioned the book’s film play a queer woman in the upcoming historical struggling to be free to love who they want to we’re living in a time when gay is mainstream, rights, then found her director: Sebastián drama “The Favourite,” before portraying love, so I’ve gotta say, hats off to Sebastián.

14 BTL | May 10, 2018 www.PrideSource.com I looked into my heart and how I love this person. It“ was very emotional and vulnerable and full of yearning, and I didn’t have any other references in my mind. I don’t believe Rachel McAdams did either. We certainly never talked about it. I just loved this person, this woman. .”

He does the opposite of objectifying things; this person, this woman. he subjectivises things. And yeah, in terms of speaking to queer What parts of yourself did you tap into for a role outlets, I mean, it’s essential. How would that essentially centers on same-sex desire? we make this film and then push you into It doesn’t feel any different. It felt different in the margins? That would be ridiculous and that it’s softer and more vulnerable, but that wrong and unthinkable. might not be true with all women, but certainly with Esti it was. We’d been childhood friends What kind of measures were taken on your and we’d known each other. We had a huge Photo: Bleecker Street behalf to avoid falling into the male-fantasy-gaze history and we were in love. She was my first trap that so many lesbian films end up in? love, and yeah, it felt like love. I didn’t have I can’t claim that I did anything apart from to open a different door in my brain; she’s entrust myself into Sebastián’s point of view, just the person I loved. So, I didn’t really and I knew that he doesn’t objectify women think of it in those terms. or men, or anybody. He has empathy, and Let’s talk about how liberating that sex scene is: he makes them into real people. Rachel McAdams and I just trusted him. How do you hope it may influence other queer The male gaze doesn’t always have to be people who feel pressure to live an inauthentic objectifying, and I think his point of view on life? how these women desire each other, I find I hope this film is inspiring to anyone who it beautiful. He’s the auteur. He authored feels like they’re not free to love who they the whole film, and the story; I can’t claim want to love. We’re saying as actors that love anything apart from being clever enough to can be an act of defiance, and sometimes trust him. (Laughs) one has to be disobedient to the social norms around us. To be free, sometimes it costs a Some people claimed the gaze in “Blue is the lot, it’s not always easy. So, I’m not going to Warmest Color” was male, and problematic glibly say, “Just do it.” It’s hard. It’s really because of that. Are there any problematic hard. But I hope the film is inspiring, but also lesbian or queer films you’d seen prior to realistic. It shows the incredible struggle that “Disobedience” that were in your consciousness Esti goes through with her sexual identity. while shooting this movie? So, I mean, I hope it will inspire people. No. I did see “Blue is the Warmest Color” What’s the closest you’d come to playing a and I enjoyed it, even though there were lesbian character previous to “Disobedience”? people who perhaps didn’t. Listen, just to see a woman loving a woman and that being I’ve never played a queer character at all. represented was very exciting. I liked the film Have scripts come your way and you’ve turned very much. But no – I didn’t have a “to do or them down? not to do” list, and I certainly didn’t research lesbian films. I looked into my heart and how Oh, great question! I’ve been offered very I love this person. It was very emotional and few. Maybe there are more being written vulnerable and full of yearning, and I didn’t now, but in my career, I think I was offered have any other references in my mind. I don’t once a script about a straight woman who had believe Rachel McAdams did either. We certainly never talked about it. I just loved See next page

www.PrideSource.com May 10, 2018 | BTL 15 ® Disobedience Continued from p. 16 How are you raising your 11-year- an affair (with a woman), but the story old son, Henry? didn’t – I mean, I loved the politics of He is just of a generation it and the queerness of it, but the story where he’s kind of – he’s wasn’t quite deep enough, somehow. colorblind. He just doesn’t But I would love to represent and play think in categories. He thinks more queer women, so yeah, anyone in a very free away that people who has any ideas... should just love who they Aren’t you playing actress Olivia love. He sees everyone as just Colman’s lover in the period drama, “The part of the human race. He doesn’t really see difference Favourite”? at all, so that’s good. Oh yeah, in the next film. She’s a married woman, but she’s also my You have another child on the lover and confidant and best friend and way, with your husband Daniel advisor, and really is actually running Craig. If one of your children England (laughs) – or so she thinks. came out to you and Daniel one But yeah, they’re lovers. They’ve day as queer, how do you imagine been lovers for years. you might respond? Before all these queer-oriented roles, I’d be very happy for anyone you played the Wicked Witch of the East I know and love to love what were you taught to believe about the LGBTQ in “Oz the Great and Powerful.” What do you yeah. That’s fabulous. Thank you. I actually whomever they want to love. wanted to play her like Tim Curry in “The community? think that did for your gay following? Rocky Horror Picture Show.” I actually My ma’s passed away now; she died in her As editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBTQ I didn’t know it did anything for a gay thought she was kind of a man in drag. I felt 80s. And my dad is nearly 90. They had me in wire service, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a following! I’d love for that to be true. Is that like she was Frank-N-Furter, and I talked to their 40s. They had gay friends – homosexual multitude of superstars, including Meryl Streep, true? (director) Sam Raimi, but he had never seen male friends – but I wouldn’t say they Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. Reach him via his “Rocky Horror.” understood in the way that my generation It’s Oz, so I’d say so. website at www.chris-azzopardi.com and on Growing up with Jewish and Catholic parents, understands queerness. I guess they were Oh, that’s fantastic! She’s a strong kind, kind of sheltered, I would say. Twitter (@chrisazzopardi).

16 BTL | May 10, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Ain’t No Shame in Her Game Jenifer Lewis to Visit Detroit: Tackles Stigma, Mental Illness in New Memoir BY EVE KUCHARSKI and entitlement. I mean, the mind is just racing. So, what I say to that is look in the If actress Jenifer Lewis ignites a sense mirror. You know there’s something going of motherly affection from viewers, it’s on that doesn’t feel good. I tell people: certainly not by accident. After all, her there’re two emotions, one feels good and portrayal of a mother, aunt or general one feels bad and as human beings, we matriarch in more than a dozen roles in get to choose. And it’s not easy to make both TV and film has earned these decisions to change one’s life, but her the title “The Mother of like I say in my interviews: you either Black Hollywood,” and that’s want to live or die. And there are too many the title of her brand-new people that are the walking dead. That’s a memoir, too. Also an ally choice. I’m not here to judge, but I’m not for the LGBTQ community, preaching. I’m saying this is my story and Lewis made history when this is how I did it. she portrayed the first black If you can learn something from what I lesbian on TV in the mid-’90s. experienced in my life, that’s the glory Currently, the former and the triumph of it all. This is me laying Broadway actress is the head of my burden down and I can’t tell you how the Johnson family on ABC’s freeing it is, and I have a new heightened “Black-ish” as grandmother reality because people come out there and Ruby and is in the process of a express their challenges. That’s why I’m book tour to promote her new out on the road because I want people to memoir. handle it better than I did, to let them know In it, she said she has held “nothing so we took it upon ourselves to do fundraisers struggle is not over. that there ain’t no shame in mental illness back,” revealing all of her life’s struggles to help find a cure. We created one back in and I use “ain’t” because I mean it. My whole in detail and her daily fight with bipolar New York called Divas for Dollars and we You’re no stranger to stigma. You’ve motto is: “ain’t no shame in my game.” I use disorder. would go down to all the gay clubs and sing a been very candid about your fight that over and over again. Mental illness is a Lewis’ next stop on tour will be on song by a hit disco singer and then we would with bipolar disorder in “The Mother of serious disease and like cancer or lupus or Saturday, May 12 at the Charles H. pass the hat and go to the next gay club. That Black Hollywood”. sickle cell or any other disease, there is no shame in it. Wright Museum of African American was Saturday night for quite some time. I didn’t find out until my early 30s that I was History in Detroit, where she will talk bipolar and in my 20s in New York while both about the book and sign copies for What would be some first steps that Speaking of the LGBTQ community, on the Broadway stage I had a sex addiction you’d recommend for people who all attendees. Proceeds from this event and with so many dead from the HIV/AIDS will support the Community Health you portrayed the first African- might have just been diagnosed with virus, I had a nervous breakdown and went mental illness, or perhaps even HIV, Awareness Group, an organization that American lesbian character on TV in into therapy. There, of course, was diagnosed and are having trouble coping with is dedicated to improving the “quality the mid-’90s. Was that a challenge for with bipolar disorder and I was unwilling to of life of Detroit’s African-American you? take medication and I was very unwilling to their new diagnoses? community by addressing current health Yes, on a show called “Courthouse” I played actually do the talk therapy, but I advocate I’ve always loved that Nike slogan “Just Do issues” and reducing the transmission now (for) talk therapy and medication — if It.” If you take the first step, someone will of HIV by offering both information a judge who was a lesbian and something very funny happened in that. I’m straight — needed. My journey with my new memoir be there to lend a helping hand. There’re 7.6 and support services for those with the is living life with bipolar disorder and billion people on this planet, honey, we are disease. or whatever that means — I mean, there’s a chapter in the book called “Big Diva” being successful. Being able to live a life never alone. Being alone is a choice. I’ll tell Between The Lines caught up with that is level and not in the polar of high you what I do, when I don’t feel like doing Lewis during her touring schedule to talk (laughs)! But, here’s the thing: I wasn’t as uncomfortable kissing a woman as I was manic behavior or depression. So, it’s a lot for myself: go out there and help somebody about her personal ties to HIV, her work about looking in the mirror and admitting else as an LGBTQ ally, how she has fought kissing a stranger. It was weird, you know what I mean (laughs)? So, I embraced all to yourself that something is not right and Mentor a child, get out in the world, go to bipolar disorder since her diagnoses and having the strength and the courage to say the your own city council meetings, get involved. what she recommends others do who genders and whatever we are, darling, we are all God’s babies. words, “I know.” It’s not just one addiction, I always quote John F. Kennedy, “Ask not have been diagnosed with life-changing it’s all addictions that have to be addressed so what your country can do for you, but what illnesses. Did you find yourself fighting against that we can pursue happiness. I stress that to you can do for your country.” And as far as The fact that you’re doing your a huge stigma when you were the community that it is essential and that we the resistance is concerned and this madman upcoming Detroit event to benefit advocating for a cure that way? take care of ourselves. in the White House, the only thing we have CHAG is not a mistake; you have had Absolutely. But thank God that the stigma to fear is fear itself. This is a country that It must have taken a lot of strength to was founded by the people for the people. personal ties to people diagnosed has started to subside. I have so many people address those challenges so head- that did die in shame and in agony because We must never forget that and we must never with HIV and AIDS, right? on. How were you able to become of the disease. There was so much shame lose that. Oh, absolutely. My generation, we lived attached to it but we’re certainly getting away vulnerable enough to do so? Jenifer Lewis will be at the Charles H. Wright through what we called a silent war that was from that now with so much counseling, and My therapist called what I had inside of Museum of African American History from 5 to 9 never declared. So many of our friends passed the churches and I see more billboards out me soldiers, and I used to think I was p.m. on Saturday, May 12. Tickets cost $60. More away from HIV and AIDS and you know, in there about it. Of course, African-American special because some of the symptoms are New York we felt so lost because the U.S. information can be found online at eventbrite.com. women are the highest demographic, and the grandiosity, and (the feeling of) omnipotence government wasn’t doing anything about it, www.PrideSource.com May 10, 2018 | BTL 17 6 20 2 24 25 B 4 14 16 9 22 21 8 23 5 7

1 3 19 11

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18 BTL | May 10, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com May 10, 2018 | BTL 19 Maria Bamford Plays Royal Oak Music Theatre, May 25 BY BTL STAFF

any comedians know how to work a room Mand get laughs from their own experiences, but few know how to channel laughs from their own anxiety as well as Maria Bamford. Especially vocal about her own mental health, the “Arrested Development,” “Lady Dynamite” and “BoJack Horsemen” star has been lauded as “revelatory” by Entertainment Weekly and labeled a “must-see” by both Rolling Stone and Variety. She’ll be at the Royal Oak Music Theater on Friday, May 25 at 7 p.m. if it’s for good or for bad. I think I deliver Bamford is famous for her various voice more words per second. I’m more chatty in impressions, her unique banter and has my performance,” she said. “I was a bit more described her comedy in an interview with stilted, and I was more succinct before. I don’t C-Notes as “chatty.” know if it’s just that I feel more comfortable, “Well, the one thing that’s consistent is but I’m more chatty.” that I just keep making things. I think I talk a lot more in my own voice now. I don’t know For more information about the show, go to royaloakmusictheatre.com. Tickets start at $29.50.

20 BTL | May 10, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Royal Oak Holds Annual Mother’s Day Flower Sale

BY BTL STAFF

n Sunday, May 13, Royal Oak is lawns and gardens from all over Michigan. hosting its annual “Royal Oak in “Designed to help Royal Oak homeowners Bloom” Flower, Plant & Garden show. beautify their property, Royal Oak in Bloom is O a Mother’s Day tradition for many,” they said. This Mother’s Day event makes it easy to enjoy the increasingly warmer weather, get The “Royal Oak in Bloom” event will go on from a head start on gardening and spend some 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are no fees to attend the quality time with family. With almost 70 event, and parking is free. Both interested growers vendors in attendance, the variety of “flowers, plants, landscaping items and decorative and vendors are encouraged to contact the Royal elements” for lawns is huge. And this year, Oak Chamber of Commerce for more information. the event will last an hour longer to allow for Prices vary depending on space required. For more more shopping. information about the event visit royaloakchamber. Event organizers say that this 25-year com or contact Jennifer Clark at JenniferC@ tradition has helped homeowners beautify their RoyalOakChamber.com. Artist Kevin Tolman Debuts Nature-Based Art Exhibit

BY BTL STAFF

he paintings of Kevin Tolman reveal the storied layers of an artist’s creative Tprocess. Robert Kidd Gallery’s spring exhibition focuses on the unfolding nature of Tolman’s compositions, which manifest deep illusory spaces activated by brilliantly placed marks and forms. Each painting invites the viewer to peer through quiet veils of skillful, intuitively worked mixed media, offering a glimpse at richly percussive underlying fields. Born in Detroit, Kevin Tolman spent the early years of his career traveling extensively throughout North America and Europe. In 1981, Tolman established a permanent studio decades and are represented in numerous in the colorful high desert of New Mexico, important public, private and corporate whose landscapes, light and seasons continue collections, both in the U.S. and abroad. to inspire the handsome, largely reductive palettes of his paintings to this day. Tolman’s The artist reception will be on Saturday, April works have been exhibited for over four 28th, 5 - 8 p.m. www.PrideSource.com May 10, 2018 | BTL 21 Walk-A-Mom at Stony Creek Metropark With the weather changing for the better, a way to enjoy both the nice days and finish off Mother’s Day is with a walk in the park. Stony Creek Metropark is hosting its annual Walk-A-Mom event where kids “of all ages” are invited to walk the trails alongside their moms. There is no registration necessary and the event is free. Daily passes to the park are free for pedestrians and cost $10 for vehicles. Stony Creek Metropark is located at 4300 Main Park Road, Shelby Twp. Call 586-781-9113 or go online to metroparks.com for more information.

Friday, May 11 Detroit’s only springtime pet-friendly Soho’s 5th Annual Hot Daddies run and walk! Dearborn’s Gateway Contest 8 p.m. Another great Ferndale OUTINGS Live Band Karaoke at Dino’s for Dearborn’s Gateway Trail, 22051 Pride event happening at Soho! Come Ferndale Pride 9:30 p.m. Another Cherry Hill Street,Dearborn. events@ one, come all….It’s the 5th Annual Hot Thursday, May 10 awesome Ferndale Pride event happening metrodetroitanimals.org events@ Daddies Contest. Soho, 205 W. 9 Mile Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of at Dino’s in Ferndale for Live Band metrodetroitanimals.org www. Road,Ferndale. 248-542-7646 julia@ Commerce Merge & Mixer 6:30 p.m. Karaoke! Put on your musical shoes famdmuttstrut.org ferndalepride.com julia@ferndalepride. Michigan Employee Resource Groups for and come perform! Dino’s Restaurant, com www.ferndalesoho.com www. Equality (MERGE) Monthly Networking 22740 Woodward Avenue,Ferndale. (248) ferndalepride.com Event. All are welcomed to network. Host 591-3466 [email protected] julia@ Saturday, May 19 by: Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of ferndalepride.com www.dinoslounge.com/ Spring Fling Dance – Women Out And Commerce. Check website for monthly www.ferndalepride.com About 7 p.m. DJ Carol, BYOB, Private Wednesday, May 23 location, RSVP is Required. Soho, Dance Party at the Dance Scene. $15 Otus Supply Featuring Kate Wright 8 205 W. 9 Mile Road,Ferndale. 248- Saturday, May 12 Advance, $20 at the door. the dance p.m. Another fantastic Ferndale Pride 542-7646 info@detroitlgbtchamber. scene, 25333 van dyke,centerline. 248- event coming at you! Come listen to the 13th Annual Friends for Animals com info@detroitlgbtchamber. 943-2411 womenoutandabout.net/event/ music of Kate Wright in Otus Supply’s of Metro Detroit Mutt Strut! 8 a.m. com www.ferndalesoho.com www. spring-fling-dance-2/ womenoutandabout. ‘The Parliament Room’. Check website for The 5K run and 2.2 mile walk is Metro detroitlgbtchamber.com net/event/spring-fling-dance-2/ ticket pricing. Otus Supply, 345 E. Nine Mile Road,Ferndale. 248-291-6160 julia@ ferndalepride.com julia@ferndalepride. com www.otussupply.com www. ferndalepride.com MUSIC & MORE Shakey Graves at Royal Oak Live Band Karaoke at Dino’s for Ferndale Pride May 11, 9:30 p.m. Another awesome Ferndale Pride event Music Theatre happening at Dino’s in Ferndale for Live Band Karaoke! Put on your musical shoes Heading to the Royal Oak Music Theatre on Monday, and come perform! Dino’s Restaurant, May 21 is Shakey Graves. The Texas-born musician 22740 Woodward Avenue,Ferndale. (248) has been on the Americana scene since 2011 and 591-3466 [email protected] julia@ ferndalepride.com www.dinoslounge.com/ is the recipient the 2015 Best Emerging Artist Award Photo by Greg Giannukos. www.ferndalepride.com form the Americana Music Awards. Tickets start at 13th Annual Friends for Animals of $25. Doors open at 8 p.m. More information can be Metro Detroit Mutt Strut! May 12, 8 a.m. found online at royaloakmusictheatre.com. The 5K run and 2.2 mile walk is Metro

22 BTL | May 10, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Mother’s Day Weekend Workout Mother’s Day weekend for many is a time of quality time with mom and some indulgence in food. For those looking to buck tradition and get fitness in their routine, a Mother’s Day Weekend Workout at Underdog Boxing & Performance Gym might just be the way to do it. A high intensity fat-burning exercise that is then followed by some relaxing yoga. More information can be found by calling 313- 400-5900 or by going on eventbrite.com. Tickets start at $7.53.

Detroit’s only springtime pet-friendly 313-833-7900 https://www.dia.org/ in dressing the Star Wars universe from run and walk! The Mutt Strut welcomes starwarsattheDIA the Galactic Senate and royalty to the families and individuals of all skill levels Jedi, Sith and Droids™. Detroit Institute for the run and walk along Dearborn’s Otus Supply Featuring Kate Wright May of Arts, 2100 Woodward Ave.,Detroit. Gateway Dearborn’s Gateway Trail, 23, 8 p.m. Another fantastic Ferndale 313-833-7900 https://www.dia.org/ 22051 Cherry Hill Street,Dearborn. Pride event coming at you! Come listen to starwarsattheDIA [email protected] the music of Kate Wright in Otus Supply’s [email protected] www. ‘The Parliament Room’. Check website for famdmuttstrut.org ticket pricing. Otus Supply, 345 E. Nine Mile Road,Ferndale. 248-291-6160 julia@ THEATER Stand with Trans 2018 Support Groups ferndalepride.com julia@ferndalepride. A2CT Workshop: Physical May 14, 6:30 p.m. Dakota High School, com www.otussupply.com www. Characterization May 12, 1 p.m. 21051 21 Mile Road,Macomb. 586-723- ferndalepride.com Participants in this workshop will 2700 www.chippewavalleyschools.org/ explore finding a character, and creating schools/high-schools/dhs/ Cinetopia Film Festival at Ann Arbor’s postures, gait, and gestures for that Michigan Theater May 31, 7 p.m. characterization. Technique exercises Mysterium May 17, 6 p.m. Following last Created for the people of southeastern will be combined with structured year’s sold-out inaugural event, Mysterium Michigan, the Cinetopia Film Festival improvisations to eliminate the self and will feature DSO musicians performing in features the best feature-length dramas, find the other. A2CT Studio Theatre, 322 W. three unique settings for an exhilarating comedies, and documentaries from the Ann St.,Ann Arbor. 734-971-2228 www. musical experience. Ticket includes three world’s best film festivals (e.g. Sundance, a2ct.org/classes-and-workshops unique performances, hors d’oeuvres, Cannes, Venice, Toronto, Berlin, SXSW, signature drinks, and an afterglow. Max M. Tribeca, etc.). May 31 - June 10 Michigan A2CT Jr. Theatre Presents: Elephant & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, 3711 Theater, 603 E. Liberty St.,Ann Arbor. 734- and Piggie’s We are in a Play! May 18, Woodward Avenue,Detroit. 3135765162 668-8397 www.cinetopiafestival.org 7:30 p.m. Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 https://www.dso.org/ShowEventsView. Murfin Ave.,Ann Arbor. 734-764-2538 aspx?id=4655&prod=4654 Om @ The Max June 3, 10:30 a.m. smtd.umich.edu/about/facilities/north_ Practice yoga to live music by French campus/walgreen/arthurmiller/ www.a2ct. Ann Arbor Guitar Trio CD Release composers. Certified yoga instructor and org/junior-theatre/elephant-and-piggie Concert May 17, 7:30 p.m. The Ann Arbor DSO Librarian Ethan Allen leads a group Guitar Trio, a new ensemble founded on yoga session open to all skill levels— Cinetopia Film Festival at Ann Arbor’s the idea that more guitar is better, will accompanied with music performed Michigan Theater May 31, 7 p.m. release their debut CD, “Tides,” at the live by a DSO percussion ensemble. Created for the people of southeastern Kerrytown Concert House. Kerrytown The Cube, 3711 Woodward Ave.,Detroit. Michigan, the Cinetopia Film Festival Concert House, 415 N. 4th Ave.,Ann Arbor. https://www.dso.org/ShowEventsView. features the best feature-length dramas, [email protected] anestmusic@ aspx?id=5084&prod=5083 https:// comedies, and documentaries from the gmail.com kerrytownconcerthouse.com www.dso.org/ShowEventsView. world’s best film festivals (e.g. Sundance, www.kerrytownconcerthouse.com/index. aspx?id=5084&prod=5083 Cannes, Venice, Toronto, Berlin, SXSW, php/events/calendar/ Tribeca, etc.). Michigan Theater, 603 E. Ann Arbor Summer Festival 2018 Liberty St.,Ann Arbor. 734-668-8397 Spring Fling Dance – Women Out And Mainstage Lineup! June 5, 7:30 p.m. www.cinetopiafestival.org About May 19, 7 p.m. DJ Carol, BYOB, Passionate, provocative, and charming, Private Dance Party at the Dance Scene. the iconic singer/songwriter, activist, All Childish Things: The Special Edition $15 Advance, $20 at the door. the dance poet, and auteur Ani DiFranco returns May 31, 7:30 p.m. In a galaxy far, far away scene, 25333 van dyke,centerline. 248- to the territory that brought her to the (Cincinnati), the caper of the millennium 943-2411 womenoutandabout.net/event/ world’s attention backed by a full band. is underway: the theft of millions of spring-fling-dance-2/ womenoutandabout. Born a gifted songwriter, by age Power dollars of Star Wars merchandise and net/event/spring-fling-dance-2/ Center, 121 Fletcher Street,Ann Arbor. memorabilia. But even the best laid (734) 647-3327 [email protected] info@ plans can go awry. Milan High School, Soho’s 5th Annual Hot Daddies Contest a2sf.org smtd.umich.edu/about/facilities/ 200 Big Red Dr.,Milan. 734-681-0112 May 19, 8 p.m. Another great Ferndale central_campus/power/index.htm a2sf. [email protected] info@ Pride event happening at Soho! Come org/events/ani-difranco/ roustabouttheatre.com roustabouttheatre. one, come all….It’s the 5th Annual Hot com roustabout.brownpapertickets.com Daddies Contest. Soho, 205 W. 9 Mile Road,Ferndale. 248-542-7646 julia@ Ann Arbor Summer Festival 2018 ferndalepride.com julia@ferndalepride. ART ‘N’ AROUND Mainstage Lineup Continues! June com www.ferndalesoho.com www. Westside Art Hop May 19, 10 a.m. 10, 1 p.m. Power Center, 121 Fletcher ferndalepride.com Westside Art Hop is an art walk in Street,Ann Arbor. (734) 647-3327 info@ neighborhood homes, studios, porches a2sf.org [email protected] smtd.umich.edu/ Star Wars and the Power of Costume and yards on Saturday May 19th, 10 A.M. about/facilities/central_campus/power/ May 20, 10 a.m. Star Wars™ and the to 5 P.M Find cards and gifts from under index.htm a2sf.org/events/acrobuffos- Power of Costume explores the challenges $5, up to fine art at air-play-1 in dressing the Star Wars universe from the Galactic Senate and royalty to the Star Wars and the Power of Costume Jedi, Sith and Droids™. Detroit Institute May 20, 10 a.m. Star Wars™ and the of Arts, 2100 Woodward Ave.,Detroit. Power of Costume explores the challenges www.PrideSource.com May 10, 2018 | BTL 23 Drag Queens to ‘Catfight’ for the Title of Miss Kitty

Health and Wellness Center, Beautiful - Inside & Out, and Ruth Ellis Center, Ruth Ellis Center they can now receive physical coming together to leverage their collective and mental health services resources for the sole purpose of ensuring Fundraiser Kicks Off in an environment in which LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness they are already comfortable or other barriers to care have safe access to and which stands in sharp integrated primary and behavioral health care. Pride Month with contrast to traditional clinical That’s what Pride is all about.” environments in which they Van Cleef continued, “I believe that you Pageant may experience stigma or need to show people a good time and so many outright rejection. The Center people go to black-tie galas and while they’re has set a goal of completing amazing, the idea is to be able to go someplace BY KATE OPALEWSKI the capital campaign in 2018 and really just have fun and let loose to have a good time and still raise money. It’s a serious t’s about to get real catty in Detroit. The and hopes Catfight for the cause, but we’re doing it in a very fun, very biggest catfight of the year is happening Crown will inspire others to light, very self-deprecating, humorous kind of on June 1 at the Fillmore Theatre, 2115 get involved. I “Ruth Ellis Center has way. That’s the beauty of it.” Woodward Ave. worked very hard to establish Eight amateur contestants will fight for missed. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact the title of Miss Kitty in categories of a robust culture of philanthropy and this event “We have been extraordinarily lucky is a wonderful example of that,” said Mark Mark Erwin-McCormick, Director of Development evening wear, swimsuit, talent, and interview to receive help from everyone we have and Advancement at Ruth Ellis Center at 313- segments. The Catfight for the Crown is Erwin-McCormick, Director of Development approached,” said Van Cleef pointing to 252-1950. Visit ruthelliscenter.org for more an elaborate, “tongue-in-cheek” drag show & Advancement at Ruth Ellis Center. “Here people like Scott MacDonald, Corinne is an example of three separate entities, information. To purchase tickets, visit universe. “beauty” pageant that brings forward a unique, Roskopp, Mikki Gardner and Shannon Harris Van Cleef of Star Trax Events, Project com/catfightforthecrown. over-the-top, entertaining and interactive way McConnell, who are also responsible for the of raising critical funding to support the Ruth directing and managing of the event. “That’s Ellis Center. This event is also designed to been my experience so far. Everything celebrate all forms of identity and expression. we’ve asked for or needed has been given. The pageant will be judged by celebrity People really care about the Ruth Ellis guests Nicole Eisenberg, member of the board Center and the young people they serve. of directors for GLAAD; Chuck Bennett, It’s really been miraculous and we’re all Detroit’s undisputed style guru and society unbelievably grateful.” icon; Elliott Broom, Vice President of Museum But the process could not have been Operations at the Detroit Insitute of Art; started without support from Project Jessie Beld Elliott, Founder and CEO at Beld Beautiful - Inside and Out, the presenting & Associates; musician and songwriter, Ben sponsor for this inaugural event. Their Sharkey; and Detroit’s very own living drag mission is to build confidence and inspire legend, Lady “T” Tempest. hope as individuals and families rebuild The idea for the show was presented to the their lives. Ruth Ellis Center by Harris Van Cleef, Vice “The amazing work done by Ruth Ellis President at Star Trax Event Productions. fits our mission perfectly. Our relationship Out Loud Chorus Hosts Concert, Returns to Arthur Miller Theater Catfight is a spin-off from a successful with the Center has grown from buying 50 fundraiser in Los Angeles titled Battle for pairs of winter boots, to sponsoring meals BY BTL STAFF the Tiara, now known as Best in Drag Show. and contributing to their pantry program, to Kiesler. Walters has also instructed music in the Atlanta, Georgia, area before returning The original event has raised over $1 million our Rainbow Cabaret event last April that nn Arbor’s Out Loud Chorus is a to Southeast Michigan. to support Aid for AIDS during its reign raised $40,000 for the capital campaign for non-auditioned community singing with emcee Patrick Rush and the late Alexis In addition to its scheduled Spring their Health and Wellness Center. Catfight group that is comprised mainly of Pittman, who was the founder and creator. for the Crown is a natural evolution of our A Concert, the Out Loud Chorus will also be LGBTQ chorus members, and the 55-person “For years I have wanted to give back,” support and we couldn’t be more excited,” making an appearance at Ann Arbor Pride group has just completed their first year of said Van Cleef. “To me, it felt like Ruth Ellis said Doris Gilles, founder and executive and the Ann Arbor Art Fair. direction under their new conductor William Center is an organization that is really digging director. For those interested in joining the chorus, in and trying to do something on the front lines Scott Walters. This year also marks the Proceeds generated from Catfight applications can be found online at olconline. of what’s going on with an issue that many of group’s return to the Arthur Miller Theatre’s for the Crown will be designated to org. New member nights are held in late us don’t even know is going on. As somebody support the capital campaign for the Ruth stage after “many years.” January and September of each year and who wasn’t affected in that way and was raised Ellis Health and Wellness Center, which Now, the group is gearing up to showcase rehearsals are held every Monday night from in a home where I happened to be accepted, provides affirming and accessible mental its Spring Concert there on both Saturday, 7 to 9:30 p.m. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be health and primary care services including May 11 and Sunday, May 12. The show’s someone who is turned away from their family acute care, chronic disease management, theme will be Communication, “talk to me, or their community because of their sexual comprehensive sexual and reproductive baby.” And, for those who have not yet seen The Spring Concert on Saturday, May 11 will be orientation or gender identity. For me, that’s health services, and gender-affirming Walters’ conducting, it will be an opportunity held from 8 to 10 p.m., and the Sunday, May 12 really powerful.” hormones. to demonstrate his unique performance style. performance will be held from 8 to 10 p.m. The The Pinkys, the “goodwill ambassadors,” Young people can come to the Center Arthur Miller Theatre is located at 1226 Murfin will be on-hand to take tickets, usher guests, to have dinner, take a shower, use the Walters was a student of Jerry Blackstone Ave., Ann Arbor. More information can be found sweep money across the stage and serve computer, get free clothing and food boxes at the University of Michigan’s Master of cocktails. These volunteer characters will all and, most importantly, build community in Music conducting program, as well as that online about upcoming performances and ticketing don the same pink dresses, so they can’t be a safe space. With the development of the of Robert Spano, Harry Bicket and Kenneth at olconline.org.

24 BTL | May 10, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Liz and the Luckouts Offer up ‘Raw Rock ‘n’ Roll’ BY JASON A. MICHAEL like about it. We’re free to make magical mistakes.” he pessimism of their name aside, The band doesn’t just play together Liz and the Luckouts are a safe bet if though. They also write songs together as Tyou’re looking for “Detroit rock ‘n’ well. roll, just raw rock ‘n’ roll,” said Gretchen “We’re really organic in the way that we Domino, who plays bass and joins in on do it,” said Durecki. “They’ll come up with vocals. “Our sound is hard to describe.” some sort of a hook and then I’ll come in and CAGE FREE 24 / 7 HAPPY HOUNDS Maybe. But locals find it easy to enjoy. they’ll say, ‘Lay something down to this.’ The cuts on their 2016 EP, “Twisted,” are So I’ll kind of come up with a rhythm to BOARDING IN COMFORT Day & Overnight Care! catchy and the music is approachable in an it. Or I’ll come in with a hook line and say ‘80s, Joan Jett kind of way. this is what I’m thinking and they’ll build “Joan Jett, Chrissy Hynde, Suzi Quatro, I something around it.” was inspired mostly the female musicians,” Scaris agreed. Out Loud Chorus Hosts Concert, Returns to Arthur Miller Theater said Liz Scaris, who fronts the band and “We’re all on the same page so that helps plays guitar. “I saw them all rocking out and out a lot when it comes to writing music,” I was like, ‘Yeah, that’s what I want to do.’” she said. “We all pretty much listen to the Scaris had played in other bands for years same music and come up with the same before she decided to step out front. ideas. It just works.” “We couldn’t find another singer so that’s The formula has garnered some success. how I ended up doing it,” she said. “I always Last year Liz and the Luckouts were FORWHO DON’T LIKE TODOGS BE TREATED LIKE ANIMALS just played guitar but then I started singing nominated for three Detroit Music Awards. and playing guitar. I’ve been in other bands “There’s a little bit of everything in our GROOMING pet care extraordinaire BOARDING as bass player, guitar player so I said I might music,” said Domino. “We got some blues as well try it myself and do it ... and it’s stuff and some jazz stuff that’s influenced working out way better than expected.” it, as far as lines go and what we play as A SECOND HOME FOR YOUR FURRY FRIEND ACCOMMODATIONS Domino and Scaris started playing musicians.” together in 2011. Dan Durecki started Durecki, perhaps, summed it up best. playing drums with the band about four “We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel,” years ago. he said. “We’re straight ahead ballsy three- “It’s just fun,” Durecki said. “Playing with cord rocking music. Our songs are catchy them there’s never a dull moment. What I and hook-laden. That’s what I kind of want like about it is we’re not to the point. Every our sound to be. We’re trying to make really show that you see is going to be a one-off. great rock songs and I think there’s still a Even though we rehearse we try to create a place for that.” 24/HR SUPERVISION different version of the song almost every time you see it. It’s fun to play like that. If Liz and the Luckouts will be playing at Cross Street Station in Ypsilanti on Saturday, May 12th. For (734) 459-3647 or visit 673 S. Main, Plymouth, Michigan you play the exact same thing every day www.HappyHoundsDayCare.com it’s like punching a clock. That’s what I more information visit facebook.com/theluckouts.

www.PrideSource.com May 10, 2018 | BTL 25 Deep Inside Hollywood

BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE

More more more Lily Collins does not ‘Tales of The City,’ clash with ‘Titan’ We’ve liked Lily Collins now with Ellen Page since we first saw her cute up Just when you were fully the screen as Snow White in annoyed and extremely tired the fairly odd fairy tale movie and actually angry (hey, “Mirror Mirror.” Then we “Roseanne”!) at all the TV found out she was the daughter reboots and revivals, here of Phil Collins – imagine comes the promise of 10 growing up hearing “In The new episodes of Armistead Air Tonight” every time you Maupin’s “Tales of The City” went to the grocery store and on Netflix to make everything realizing you had to live up OK again. The good news? It’s a continuation to that, it’s sobering – and we became even of the beloved stories you’ve read and watched more fond. Well, she just got herself attached since the 1970s (if you were a books-first fan) to the latest offering from queer writer-director and/or the ’90s (if you were converted by the Austin Bunn (“Kill Your Darlings”) and PBS and Showtime installments back in the legendary indie producer Christine Vachon. day), so there’ll be no rehashing the past, and “Titan” is the title, it’s being called a “survival Lauren Morelli (“Orange is The New Black”) thriller,” and it’s the story of a young musician is the showrunner. Meanwhile, original cast (Collins) on a mission to find out what member Laura Linney is back as Mary-Ann, happened to her older sister, an environmental picking up where she left off, and for this batch activist killed in a seemingly accidental fall. of stories, her now-adult daughter, Shawna, When our heroine digs up the past, however, will be played by Ellen Page (“Gaycation”). she puts herself in danger. This is the first bit of Making it even sweeter? Anna Madrigal is information – it’s not even on her IMDB page still high and kicking, and Olympia Dukakis yet – so don’t expect to be survival thrilled has already signed on to bring her back to life. until at least 2019 or later. Someone at Netflix deserves a cookie bouquet for this one. Lindsay Lohan getting dolled The pain and glory of up for ‘Life Size 2’? Obviously you all remember that time in the Almodovar year 2000 when Lindsay Lohan was a child In 2019 the world of cinema will get lucky star and she was in that TV movie called “Life again, because that’s when legendary Spanish Size,” which is the one where little Lindsay’s director Pedro Almodovar drops his next Barbie-esque toy doll comes to life and is Tyra movie. Here’s everything we know so far: it’s Banks. It was so good. And because it was so about a filmmaker whose past choices come good, media mogul Tyra Banks has decided back to haunt his present day life as he works that things can only get gooder and now there’s on a new project. It’s called “Dolor y Gloria” going to be a “Life Size 2.” We need this. (“pain and glory”) and it will star his longtime Tyra’s producing it. The world is quivering muse Penelope Cruz (“Broken Embraces”) and in anticipation. And Tyra needs Lindsay. Ms. his other longtime muse Antonia Banderas, Banks is talking about the project out in public an actor who goes all the way back to 1982 and more or less confirming that it’s happening with Almodovar and the film “Labyrinth with the now-grown Lindsay, which may mean of Passion.” Even the supporting cast is Lohan is in negotiations and very close to vintage Almodovar, with Spanish actresses signing. Or it could also just be one of those Kiti Manver from “Women on the Verge of SoulCycle things about putting your intention a Nervous Breakdown,” and Julieta Serrano, into the universe and manifesting the reality who goes back even further than Banderas (listen, we have no idea what those words to 1980’s “Pepi, Luci, Bom y otras chicas mean, either, but they sound productive). If del monton.” Will it be a comedy? A drama? you saw Lohan on Wendy Williams’ couch Both? We don’t care, we’re just ready for the not long ago, it’s clear she’s in a good place calendar to flip. and ready to be enjoyed as an actor again, so maybe we all just need to chant to the universe a little louder.

Romeo San Vicente stans for Lohan.

26 BTL | May 10, 2018 www.PrideSource.com myself” 55 Responder to “Bite 21 Event for George 22 Queen me!”? Frenn toppers 56 Cruising 27 Designer Wang 23 Made a 57 Black and white 28 Aphrodite’s son profit of, in sandwich 29 Result of four balls Mauresmo’s 59 With respect to 30 Wight, for one sport? 60 Went lickety-split 31 Miss among Cole 24 Web info 61 Began like Sheehan, Porter hits source with “off” 32 Sitcom with Sara 25 MBA subj. 62 Precious stones Gilbert 26 More of the 63 David ___ Pierce 33 One way to walk in a quote 64 To be, in Brest Gay Pride March 31 By mouth 36 Funny Cho 34 The Gay 37 Marlon Brando, in ‘90s, and Down “The Bounty” others 1 Fly cry 38 Stein fillers 35 Stone of 2 Grace to Will, once 43 Reno action “Easy A” 3 Where to find some 44 Eastern philosophy 39 Revolution fruit opponent 47 Bernstein’s staff 4 But of course members 40 ___ in the 5 Chat room request hay 49 Ham it up on 6 Nightclub in a Manilow Broadway 41 Bellow in song Q Puzzle the library 51 Diced meat Undefinable Cynthia 7 One more time 42 52 Catch sight of Homoerotic 8 Cynthia, who is the 53 Robert of “The Brady 14 Collette of “The source of the quote Bunch” Across Hours” tail? 9 Marks on your lover’s 54 Go in only partway, at 1 Express pleasure orally 43 Two for Sue Wicks, 15 Forfeit back South Beach 5 Give the once-over in once 16 Just right 10 Rough house 55 Job for a rock band a gay bar 45 AAA way 17 Very top 11 Brody of “The Pianist” 58 It may be Sapphic 9 It may be grand, to 46 River of Gay Paree 18 Cicero’s singular 12 Judy Garland’s “___ Glenn Burke 48 Sponsorship 19 Start of a quote that My Shadow” 13 Chaplin partner 50 End of the quote follows “I don’t define 20 Starch source Solution at pridesource.com

www.PrideSource.com May 10, 2018 | BTL 27 www.facebook.com/ and the surrounding area. COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Metro Detroit EscapeLounge.gaybar Multiple weekly & special events. The Pride night has been a Gigi’s Cabaret staple in Ann Arbor’s gay scene LGBTQ Bars Gigi’s cabaret is the longest since 1984. running female impersonation 516 E. Liberty St. , Ann Arbor Adam’s Apple revue in Michigan, in business 734-994-5835 A friendly neighborhood bar over 30 years, and it’s a longtime www.necto.com open to everyone. Open 7 days Detroit gay hot spot. a week. Voted the best karaoke Reservations can be made via Pronto! bar for two years by Local 4 Facebook or call 313-584-6525. Has served the LGBTQ News in Detroit. Check out Open Mon., Thur. & Fri. after community for decades, right in Facebook page for upcoming 8 p.m. Sat & Sun After 7 p.m. the heart of Royal Oak. Pronto’s events. (Closed Tue. & Wed.) has teamed up with the Drag 18931 W Warren Ave., Detroit, MI Queen Bingo hosted by Five 15 313-240-8482 16920 W Warren Ave., Detroit every weekend in the space right https://www.facebook.com/pg/ www.facebook.com/ next door to Pronto! adamsapple.mi gigiscabaret 608 S Washington Ave., Royal Oak, MI aut Bar Hayloft Saloon 248-544-7900 Iconic LGBTQ gathering place Sports & Video Bar is a male club www.facebook. in Ann Arbor since the early offering Karaoke, pool, darts, comprontovideobar 1990s . Restaurant and bar, six LCD screens and internet serving eclectic menu with a juke box. Open since 1980, Queen’s Bar Detroit Bywater books is a lesbian-run publishing company and won multiple awards for its works. Mexican flair. Located in Braun The Hayloft is owned by Ron But don’t be confused by the Court which is also home to the Harrington who also owns the name. It’s not about Queens as in Local Lesbian Publishing Company Jim Toy LGBTQ Community gay bar, Side Traxx in Traverse gay men. Queens is named after Center and Common Language City. This is a no-nonsense the NYC borough – the owners Bookstore. Courtyard open on sports bar where men meet have another Detroit bar named Rakes in Multiple Awards warmer nights. Hosts many other men for fun, friendship Bronx. Although not specifically community event fundraisers, and more. an LGBTQ bar, Queen’s Bar has rallies and celebrations. Popular 8070 Greenfield Rd., Detroit an unpretentious vibe and clearly BY BTL STAFF with men, women and trans. 313-581-8913 welcomes LGBTQ patrons with 315 Braun Court, Ann Arbor http://hayloftsaloon. a super-friendly staff that is very publisher Salem West, and has published [email protected] com ANN ARBOR – Bywater Books is a open. titles by such authors as Rachel Spangler, 734-994-3677 35 Grand River Ave., Detroit small lesbian press company that has been Hilary Zaid and Lisa Gitlin. When asked www.autbar.com The Liberty Bar 313-285-8019 awarded prizes for its 2017 titles. Founded how the company goes about choosing its Great little bar in the heart of www.facebook.com/pg/ in 2004, Bywater Books’ titles are available variety of authors and topics, West said Briggs Sports Bar Pontiac, Michigan. Food, drinks, queensbardetroit in print, ebook, and audiobook formats and that it’s all about the looking for excellence Located in downtown Detroit, in business over 60 years. They cover everything in the genre of coming — in whatever form it comes in. across from GM World have a pub menu, with a trendy Soho Ferndale of age lesbian fiction. Just last year, the “Bywater Books has long pursued Headquarters, Briggs Sports twist, and an extensive drink This classy spot features wine, company published 14 books, for which quality and diversity in the literature we Bar is a popular after-work menu with a huge beer selection. jazz, martinis and a comfortable, it won four Independent Publisher Book publish,” West said. “We know that lives watering-hole. This attractive Open for lunch too. Very friendly casual environment. Located Awards (IPPYs), two Best Book of the Year are enriched when our lesbian stories are club draws an energetic crowd atmosphere. right in the heart of Ferndale’s 85 North Saginaw St., Pontiac awards in two categories from the Delaware read, and it is clear that mainstream awards to its Trophy Room dance club gay district, Soho has a weekly with “kickass” djs. The SkyBox 248-758-0771 Press Association. In addition, it secured like the IPPYs help us to reach a widening line-up of trivia, karaoke, rooftop is perfect for enjoying www.thelibertybar.com two Foreword Independent Book Awards world of readers.” dance parties, and sweet drink finalists from its array of works, two Lambda a cocktail while taking in an specials. Popular with both men For more information about Bywater Books, unrivaled view of downtown. Menjos Gay and women. Literary Award finalists and one finalist for 519 East Jefferson Ave., Detroit, 205 W 9 Mile Rd., Ferndale visit bywaterbooks.com. Entertainment the Triangle Publishing Awards. 313-656-4820 Complex 248-542-7646 The eight-person team is headed by www.facebook.com/Briggs- Has been a gathering place www.ferndalesoho.com Detroit for the gay community of Metro Detroit for decades. Woodward Bar & Grill Club Gold It’s also a bit of a Madonna In the heart of Midtown, it is the MOCAD Hosts Naughty Drawing Coast mecca since she used to be oldest gay bar in Detroit dating One of Detroit’s oldest and most a regular when the Material back to 1960. It’s storied history popular night spots, Club Gold Girl was also a local Michigan is reflected in the pictures on the Coast features male strippers girl. The mostly male 20-to-30 walls and in conversations you’ll and is open 7 nights a week. something crowd comes for the BY EVE KUCHARSKI a unique style of hear from loyal patrons. The Located in the Palmer Park area dancing and entertainmnet. The Woodward is open for lunch and homoerotic fetish of Detroit, once the epicenter of Complex includes the Menjos ive models, cocktails dinner with simple but excellent art. Detroit’s gay scene. Bar, the Eagle Leather bar and fare, especially their burgers. and Tom of Finland- Hosted by Tylonn 2971 E. Seven Mile Rd., Detroit the Olympus Theater. Open During the day it serves the Linspired art. That’s J. Sawyer, the event 313-366-6135 Wednesday to Saturday. many business people in the the setup that Detroit’s is also sponsored by www.facebook.com/clubgoldcoast 928 W. McNichols, Detroit, MI area, turning mostly LGBTQ Museum of Contemporary Equality Michigan 313-863-3934 after 5 p.m. It’s popular with the Art will establish in its Cafe and various other Escape Lounge www.newmenjoscomplex.com Black LGBTQ community and 78 on Saturday, May 19. At 2 p.m. guests are benefactors. This event is intended for mature Nitnight Club So you’ve www.facebook.com/ is a welcoming environment for welcome to come and draw artwork that is audiences only. partied all evening but you’re not menjoscomplex men, women, trans. based on the current exhibition at the museum: ready to call it a night. Escape 6426 Woodward Ave., Detroit “TOM House: The Work and Life of Tom of More information can be found online at Lounge is an all-male, after- Necto Nightclub 313-872-0166 Finland.” The exhibit features the work of mocadetroit.org or by going to the event Facebook hours, all-night eatery & bar. (Pride Fridays) www.facebook.com/Woodward- Bar-Grill-455392641237497 Finnish artist Touka Laaksonen who created Page. Opens at 10 p.m. Ann Arbor’s downtown nightclub, 19404 Sherwood St., Detroit Necto attracts people from 313-892-1765 28 BTL | May 10, 2018 University of Michigan’s campus www.PrideSource.com A Local Designer’s Breathable, Wayne’s World Butt-Hugging Underwear Line for Men Feeling Sexy BY EMELL DERRA ADOLPHUS at the Art Institute of Novi. But he gets his Wayne admits, he only recently started sense of glamour from his mother. experimenting with jockstraps – one of esigner Perry Wayne taught “My mother was a huge influence when the most popular underwear garments for himself how to sew and used I was a little boy,” he said. “She would gay waistlines. Dthat skill to start creating the always dress up in beautiful outfits and “Never have I thought I would wear type of fashionable clothes he dreamed coats that would stop a runway.” a jock, but now I wear my Wayne jocks to one day produce for the world. “Being When it comes to his work ethic, Wayne almost every day,” he said, explaining, a designer has always been a dream of calls himself “moody.” “(It) might look intimidating at first, but, mine,” Wayne said, and his creative “Which means, I design my garments when it’s on, it makes you feel extremely process feels “like clean energy flowing based on what mood I am in,” he said. confident. My goal is to make everyone through my bones breathing.” “They’re extremely fitted and hit in all feel good about themselves.” Most recently, he focused this energy the right places. They also make me feel By no means is that goal limited to gay into the launch of his new self-titled extremely confident, and that’s always men only. Wayne has plans to eventually underwear line, Wayne. been in issue for me wearing underwear. launch a brick and mortar space welcoming Somehow, the line manages to be a But now, thanks to my creative design work men of all shapes, sizes and sexualities who breath of fresh air in an increasingly flooded and precise cuts, I feel amazing in my own want to feel good about what they are market, mostly because of Wayne’s buy underwear.” wearing underneath their pants. local spin. In place of obscure abdomens, In the right pair, you could, too. The “Men in general like to feel comfortable Wayne uses real people plucked from our line’s highlights include neon blues, and sexy at the same time,” Wayne said. community to market the brand as models. electric blacks and mesh in brief, jockstrap “Having underwear that is stylish and “I know them. If they look good, I’ll and trunk styles that are breathable and gives you that versatility is important to look good,” is what Wayne hopes potential butt-hugging. a guy’s taste.” customers will begin to wonder, which “The reason I came up with these Grab your pair of Perry Wayne underwear makes the brand’s overall aura that much particular designs is because they express more attainable and close to home. who I am as a person,” he said. “Also, at perrywayne.com. photo credit: Jason Bush Wayne received a head-to-toe breakdown making men feel sexy and comfortable is of the fashion businesses during his time the key to building confidence.”

www.PrideSource.com May 10, 2018 | BTL 29 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Find over 300 Non-Profit Listings Serving Michigan’s LGBTQ Online @ pridesource.com Transgender AIDS/HIV Campus Affirmations Ferndale There are dozens of AIDS/HIV organizations Currently there are 19 organizations listed FtM Detroit as active online at www.pridesource.com/ http://goaffirmations.org and resources listed at www.PrideSource. www.facebook.com/Affirmations/ https://www.facebook.com/ com. Here are just three of them: yellow pages. The following are some in FtMDetroit/ the southeast Michigan area: or follow them on Twitter @ AIDS Walk Detroit GoAffirmations. [email protected]. U-M Ann Arbor 290 W. Nine Mile Road Contact [email protected] or FtM A2 Ypsi Ferndale, MI 248-399-9255 for more information. Spectrum Center [email protected] 248-398-7105 The walk takes place this year on [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/ Sunday, Sept. 15, 8:30 a.m. at the http://spectrumcenter.umich.edu ftma2ypsi/ Royal Oak Farmers Market 734-763-4186 Legal Transgender Michigan Oakland University Gender Macomb County STD Clinic American Civil Liberties Union 23211 Woodward Ave. & Sexuality Center 27690 Van Dyke of Michigan Ferndale, MI Warren, MI 48093 [email protected] [email protected] 586-465-9217 www.oakland.edu/gsc Jay Kaplan, Staff Attorney, LGBT Project www.transgendermichigan.org http://health.macombgov. 248-370-4336 2966 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 800-842-2954 www.aclumich.org org/Health-Programs-HPDC- Eastern Michigan University Trans Sistas of Color Project HIVAIDSCounselingTesting 313-578-6800 LGBT Resource Center Fair Michigan 19641 W. 7 Mile Rd. in Detroit Matrix Ryan White emich.edu/lgbtrc 313-537-7000 Ext 107 Find a digital version of PrideSource HIV/AIDS Program 734-487-4149 PO Box 6136 [email protected] Magazine online under Our LGBT Plymouth, MI 48170 www.facebook.com/TSCOPD/ 120 Parsons Street The Lawrence Tech LGBT 877-432-4764, 313-556-2300 Yellow Pages Detroit, MI 48201 Resource Center fairmichigan.org 888-226-6366 Facebook.com/fairmichigan2016 Youth 248-545-1435 ltu.edu/student_affairs/lgbt.asp Find these resources online www.matrixhumanservices.org/ Wayne State JIGSAW Know Your RIghts Project Ruth Ellis Center programs/ryanwhite/ Outlaws U-M student group 77 Victor Street, Highland Park, MI Adoption Services Facebook.com/groups/WayneStateJIGSAW [email protected] 48203 UNIFIED - HIV Health and Beyond [email protected] AIDS/HIV Hotlines 734-995-9867 [email protected] 3011 W. Grand Blvd. Suite 230 AIDS/HIV Organizations Facebook: Ruth Ellis Center Alzheimer’s Association Detroit, MI 48202 Community Centers 313-252-1950 313-446-9800 Older Adults Animal Shelter Michigan has nine active LGBTQ www.miunified.org SAGE Metro Detroit Ozone House community centers, with a tenth planned Anti-Violence Michigan HIV/STD Hotline 102 N. Hamilton Street in Lansing. Here are three of them. 290 W. Nine Mile Rd. Ferndale, MI Archives/Collections 800-872-2437 Ypsilanti, MI 313-578-6812 Campus; Student and Alumni Jim Toy Community Center sagemetrodetroit.org 734-662-2265 Ann Arbor Facebook: SAGE Metro Detroit 734-662-2222 Groups Advocacy www.jimtoycenter.org. Stand With Trans Cancer Support Groups www.facebook.com/jimtoycenter Farmington, MI Choruses Equality Michigan or follow them on Twitter @ Political www.standwithtrans.org Community Centers 19641 W. 7 Mile, Detroit, MI JimToyCenter. The LGBT and Allies Caucus of the 248-739-9254 313-537-7000 319 Braun Court Employee Resource Groups equalitymi.org Ann Arbor, MI Michigan Democratic Party Families and Parents Facebook.com/equalitymichigan 734-995-9867 Facebook.com/TheLGBTA- Foster Care LGBT Detroit CaucusoftheMDP Get Listed, Promote Foundations and Funders Stonewall for Revolution Detroit Your Events Hotlines & Switchboards www.lgbtdetroit.org. www.facebook.com/ Labor Union You can add or update any listing www.facebook.com/lgbtdetroit stonewall4reolution Legal Organizations or follow them on Twitter @ by going to www.PrideSource. Museums LGBTDetroit. Professional Groups com and clicking on Yellow Pages. 20025 Greenfield Road Once you submit your listing, our Music Groups Detroit, MI Detroit Regional LGBT staff will contact you to confirm National Organizations Phone: 313-397-2127 Chamber of Commerce your information. Political Organizations P.O. Box 32446 You can add your event to the Professional Organizations Detroit, MI 48232 Pride Source Calendar online Religious & Spiritual detroitlgbtchamber.com and in print by going to www. Senior Living 1-800-DET-LGBT PrideSource.com and clicking Seniors PRIDESOURCE Magazine Ties Like Me on Calendar, then “Add Event.” Social/Community Organizations Send any press releases and Professional networking events Sports The New Print Edition Coming June 1 announcements to editor@ third Weds. 5:30 - 8 p.m. Substance Abuse Pride Source Magazine is currently in production. Non Profit basic listings TiesLikeMe.org pridesource.com Transgender Groups/Services are free. Just send your information by April 15 to janstevenson@ Suits And The City pridesource.com. All advertising and content inquiries can also be made by Women’s Health calling 734-293-7200 ext. 101 Lansing, MI Youth Services [email protected] www.suitsandthecity.org 30 BTL | May 10, 2018 www.PrideSource.com