This Week's Creep: Scott Walker Mechanic Makes Waves With Anti-LGBT Rhetoric A Bisexual Luminary: Frida Kahlo

A SUPREME MOMENT SCOTUS Case Arguments Begin – What's On The Line?

WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM APRIL 23, 2015 | VOL. 2317 | FREE 2 BTL | April 23, 2015 www.PrideSource.com COVER 4 A quick guide to the Supreme Court arguments There is no one more fitting to be

NCLR, Task Force Pull Support From Michfest Petition Mechanic Makes Waves With Anti-LGBT Rhetoric standing before the court on behalf of all A Bisexual Luminary: Frida Kahlo of us than Mary (Bonauto). We couldn’t be in better hands. A SUPREME MOMENT – Evan Wolfson, President of SCOTUS Marriage Case Arguments Begin – What's On The Line? FREE Freedom to Marry, pg. 10 APRIL 23, 2015 | VOL. 2317 |

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NEWS Cool Cities 5 SCOTUS case spurs local gatherings THISSAVE WEEK’S THE DATE COVER COOL CITIES ENTER TO WIN 6 The road after the SCOTUS decision 8 Michigan mechanic makes waves with anti-LGBT rhetoric 9 Obituary: Marvin Marks 12 Advocates and academics advance equality at inaugural Research To Action conference OPINION 10 Parting Glances 10 Mar y Bonauto is the Supreme Court hero we need and deserve 12 Creep of the Week This Week’s Cover Shot: Jim Obergefell Calls For EqualityYOURLearn NEIGHBORHOOD More About This• YOUR MARKETEnter To Win Two Tickets To Jim Obergefell, center, speaks to members of the media as he joins the Human Week’sPinpoint Cool your City: ad dollars Ann Arbor where See ‘Pippin’ at the Fisher LIFE Rights Campaign to deliver what they say are 207,551 copies of the “People’s Accessthey will the do online the most Cool good City . . . Enter to win two tickets to see 14 A bisexual luminary: Frida Kahlo Brief” that calls for full nationwide marriage equality, to the U.S. Supreme Court pages Advertise at Pridesource.comin the next Cool Cities to “Pippin” on June 9 at Fisher 16 Michigan Theater presents new on March 6 in Washington. Obergefell is the named plaintiff in Obergefell v. learn about upcoming events, TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 Theatre. wine & film series Hodges, a marriage equality case set to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court on featured advertisers and new April 28. Obergefell hadn’t thought about being one of the most visible figures community news. Enter at www.Pridesource. 20 Hear Me Out com/tickets_contest.html 22 Happenings in the marriage-equality movement. He just wanted to marry the love of his life 26 Puzzle for 21 years. Obergefell remembers watching the news on TV with John Arthur after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down part of the Defense of Marriage Act in 2013. “I just leaned over, hugged and kissed John, and said, ‘Let’s get married’,” he recalls. AP Photo/Andrew Harnik

VOL. 2317 • APRIL 23, 2015 • ISSUE 912 EDITORIAL CREATIVE ADVERTISING & SALES ONLINE AT Editor in Chief Art Director Director of Sales PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA GROUP Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 12 Benjamin Jenkins, [email protected] Jan Stevenson, 734.293.7200 x 22 “Between The Lines Newspaper” 20222 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152 [email protected] [email protected] Phone 734.293.7200 Webmaster & MIS Director Entertainment Editor Kevin Bryant, [email protected] Sales Representatives Follow us @YourBTL PUBLISHERS Chris Azzopardi, 734.293.7200 x 24 Ed Bohach, 734.293.7200 x 15 Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson [email protected] Contributing Writers [email protected] Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown, Email your op–eds to MEMBER OF Assistant Editor Todd Heywood, Jerome Stuart Nichols, Ann Cox, 734.293.7200 x 13 [email protected] Michigan Press Assoication Shelby Clark Petkus, [email protected] Eric W. Rader, Gwendolyn Ann Smith, [email protected] National Gay Media Association Christopher J. Treacy Sign up online to receive our E–Digest Q Syndicate Calendar Editor National Advertising Representative Shelby Clark Petkus, [email protected] Cartoonists Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 Paul Berg, Dave Brousseau Staff Writers Our rate cards are available online. All material appearing in Between The Lines is protected by federal copyright law and AJ Trager, [email protected] Contributing Photographers may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission Andrew Potter of the publishers. Between The Lines is supported by many fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for claims Copyright 2015 Pride Source Media Group, LLC made by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for materials provided by advertisers or their agents. www.PrideSource.com April 23, 2015 | BTL 3 A Quick Guide To The Supreme Court Arguments

Historic April 28 Case For Marriage Equality Arrives

Jim Obergefell, center, speaks to members of the BY LISA KEEN a consolidation of four cases, Obergefell v. States defending the bans: Kentucky, media as he joins the Human Rights Campaign to deliver what they say are 207,551 copies of the Hodges (Case No. 14-556) from Ohio; Tanco Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee. They are “People’s Brief” that calls for full nationwide marriage When the Supreme Court of the United States v. Haslam (Case No. 14-562) from Tennessee; among the 13 states that still enforce bans equality, to the U.S. Supreme Court on March 6 hears arguments Tuesday about marriage for DeBoer v. Snyder (Case No. 14-571) from against same- marriage. But if the bans are in Washington. Obergefell is the named plaintiff in same-sex couples, there is much more on the Michigan; and Bourke v. Beshear (Case No. upheld, another 10 states would likely re-start Obergefell v. Hodges, a marriage equality case set to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court on April line than whether states can ban the licensing 14-574) from Kentucky. enforcement of bans that have been struck by 28. Obergefell hadn’t thought about being one of and recognition of marriage for same-sex other circuits. the most visible figures in the marriage-equality couples. The court could also decide what level movement. He just wanted to marry the love of his of judicial scrutiny must be applied to laws Issue In Play life for 21 years. Obergefell remembers watching the that seek to disadvantage LGBT people. At a Attorneys Arguing Question 1 news on TV with John Arthur after the U.S. Supreme Whether states can discriminate against Court struck down part of the Defense of Marriage time when some states are seeking to pass laws same-sex couples in the licensing and For same-sex couple plaintiffs: Mary Act in 2013. “I just leaned over, hugged and kissed that enable people to discriminate by simply recognition of marriage. Bonauto, civil rights director of Gay & John, and said, ‘Let’s get married’,” he recalls. AP expressing a “religious” motivation, such a The court broke the issue into two questions. Lesbian Advocates & Defenders. Bonauto Photo/Andrew Harnik ruling could have far-reaching implications. Question 1: Does the 14th Amendment of the led the successful lawsuit that established And even beyond the law, a ruling that allowed U.S. Constitution require a state to license a the right to marry for same-sex couples in discrimination against LGBT people under marriage between two people of the same sex? Massachusetts, the first state to issue marriage some circumstances or in some places could Question 2: Does the 14th Amendment require licenses to same-sex couples. This is her first stall momentum that has been clearly building a state to recognize a marriage between two time arguing before the Supreme Court. (She in favor of greater acceptance of LGBT people people of the same sex when their marriage has 30 minutes) and their families. was lawfully licensed and performed out-of- For the United States: U.S. Solicitor To help readers prep for the April 28 state? General Donald Verrilli is expected to present argument and the crush of media reporting on Petitioners bringing the appeal: There are 28 the U.S.’s position against state bans on the case, the following is a quick guide to the plaintiffs (called “petitioners” when appealing same-sex marriage. In 2013, Verrilli argued issues, the attorneys and what to listen for: to the Supreme Court) from four states. The against the Defense of Marriage Act in U.S. Michigan case arose when a lesbian couple, v. Windsor and against California’s ban on When Jayne Rowse and April DeBoer, sought to same-sex marriage in Hollingsworth v. Perry. adopt children together but were prevented (15 minutes) Beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 28. from doing so because that state’s law allows For states seeking to retain the bans: The oral arguments are not broadcast, but only married persons to adopt children. The Joseph Whalen is one of two associate there will be many television and radio news Ohio lawsuit involves 12 plaintiffs denied solicitors general for Tennessee. Whalen outlets reporting on the rights in three different circumstances: while argued for Tennessee’s ban before the 6th When the Supreme Court of the United States hears arguments as soon as seeking a death certificate that identified the Circuit, saying it is rational to limit marriage they are completed at deceased’s spouse, while seeking a birth to opposite-sex couples because only opposite- arguments Tuesday about marriage for same-sex 12:30 p.m. An audio certificate that listed both legal parents and sex couples can procreate accidentally. This recording and transcript while seeking recognition of marriage licenses is his first time arguing before the Supreme couples, there is much more on the line than whether of the arguments will be obtained in other states. The Tennessee lawsuit Court. (45 minutes) states can ban the licensing and recognition of available on the Supreme was brought by three same-sex couples who Court’s website www. married while living in other states, then marriage for same-sex couples. The court could also supremecourt.gov by moved to Tennessee. And the Kentucky Attorneys Arguing Question 2 decide what level of judicial scrutiny must be applied 2 p.m. lawsuit was filed on behalf of four same-sex For same-sex couple plaintiffs: Douglas Case name: The couples married in other states who sought Hallward-Driemeier, partner at prominent appeal being heard is recognition from Kentucky. to laws that seek to disadvantage LGBT people. See Guide, next page

4 BTL | April 23, 2015 www.PrideSource.com appeal seeking to defend the ban did not have ® Guide legal standing to do so. That prompted marriage Continued from p. 4 equality supporters to file lawsuits in every other state that had a ban, with the aim of putting SCOTUS Case Spurs Local Gatherings conservative-leaning Ropes & Gray and head another case in front of the Supreme Court of its Supreme Court practice. He served as seeking a ruling on merits. All across the state, supporters of same-sex A Marriage Equality Candlelight Vigil will be Assistant to Republican Solicitor General Paul Four federal appeals courts ruled that the marriage, legal scholars, community members, faith held at 6:30 p.m. April 27 on the Michigan Capitol Clement during the administration of President state bans are unconstitutional, and the Supreme leaders and movement leaders will join together in steps, located at 100 N. Capitol Ave. in Lansing. It George W. Bush and handled Supreme Court Court declined to hear those appeals last fall. celebration of the historic trial to be heard before the will be an opportunity to reflect and celebrate on U.S. Supreme Court regarding same-sex marriage. how far the LGBT community has come in securing litigation for the U.S. Department of Justice. But then one circuit, the 6th Circuit, ruled the Beginning on Friday, April 24, faith leaders and the freedom to marry, as well as what still remains An article in the Journal of Law for Emory bans to be constitutional, and that essentially University School of Law said Hallward- advocates have called for a National Weekend to be done. RSVP at: http://action.marriagemi.org/ forced the Supreme Court to step in and resolve of Prayer for the Freedom to Marry. During that page/s/vigil Driemeier ranked 26th among the most frequent the conflict among the appeals courts. weekend, as marriage supporters gather in Supreme Court advocates between 2000 and Washington, D.C. for the hearing, Freedom to Day Of The Trial 2012, having argued 13 cases. (30 minutes) What Are The Stakes? Marry, the Religious Institute and many partners For states seeking to retain the bans: John are organizing supportive congregations across the Beginning at 11:30 a.m. on April 28, the Flint UU Bursch, special assistant attorney general and The decision in this case has the potential country to include in their regular services a prayer Congregation will host a Marriage Equality Rally former solicitor general of Michigan. Bursch to reach far beyond marriage in two ways. or moment of intention for the success of the cause in honor of the historic day and will march through did not argue the case before the 6th Circuit. First, if equal protection applies to same-sex and for same-sex families everywhere. the streets of Flint to show their support. The group Michigan’s primary argument has been that the couples under marriage laws, then LGBT To sign up, visit: www.freedomtomarry.org/pages/ will begin at the Genesee County Courthouse and democratic process allows “the people (to) get people could presumably rely on existing laws faith-leaders-will-you-join-us-for-prayer-weekend walk down the side of Saginaw Street. Participants to decide what marriage is.” Bursch has argued for equal protection in other arenas, including are encouraged to carry banners and placards with eight cases before the Supreme Court and is employment, public accommodations and them as they march. The courthouse is located at Day Before Trial 900 S. Saginaw St. in Flint. fond of bow ties. (30 minutes) adoption. And, second, in deciding this case, Beginning at 10 a.m. on April 27, Clergy in The ACLU will hold a debriefing conference the court dictates what level of judicial scrutiny Michigan will begin marriage equality training call at 4 p.m. April 28 after the high court hears the History Behind The Appeal all courts must apply to laws that discriminate in preparation for a decision this summer. They case. Join legal experts from the ACLU of Michigan to against people based on . The will gather at the Edgewood United Church, UCC, hear what happened and what to expect next. Sign In early June 2013, only 12 states had paved argument brief submitted by Verrilli and the located at 469 N. Hagadorn Road in East Lansing. up now to receive the information directly: http:// the way for same-sex couples to obtain marriage Department of Justice urges the court to use Registration for the event is $10 and includes lunch marriageMI.org/Debrief licenses. On June 26 of that year, the high court “heightened scrutiny,” an intermediate level and four hours of faith-based wedding officiant skill In downtown Ann Arbor, /aut/BAR will host a made that 13 by letting stand a 9th Circuit of judicial review that is easier to meet than training in support of an affirmative decision from discussion with local legal experts and advocacy ruling against California’s ban. It did not rule “strict scrutiny,” but much more difficult to the courts. Visit the following link to register: www. whether California’s ban was unconstitutional; satisfy than mere “rational” review, which most MichUCC.org See SCOTUS Gatherings, page 6 it ruled only that the party who brought an courts use now.

www.PrideSource.com April 23, 2015 | BTL 5 The Road After The SCOTUS Decision For Michigan LGBT People, Discrimination Battle Continues I predict: June 26 at 4:30 BY AJ TRAGER p.m. there will be a decision. And I “ ANN ARBOR — The U.S. Supreme predict that marriage will be available Court will hear arguments regarding the constitutionality of legal recognition of nationwide. The issue, however – and same-sex marriage April 28. In the event that this is what I think we all need to the high court issues an affirming decision, thousands of same-sex couples who have focus on – is: will the court expand been waiting years (even decades) to get married will finally walk down the aisle and the level of scrutiny using an equal have access to equal opportunities that have protection analysis to determine been provided to opposite-sex couples for years. However, marriage equality is not the whether gay and lesbian people are only legal and social fight affecting the LGBT to be a discrete minority and eligible community. Many more changes will have to take place before LGBT individuals hold for the criteria for heightened scrutiny equal standing under state and federal laws. In an April 15 conversation held at the analysis? If this is the case, it will be University of Michigan Law School, Jay Panelists (L-R) Lisa Ruby, Jay Kaplan, Angie Martell and S. Kerene Moore discussing the future of LGBT issues a revolution. It would allow for LGBT Kaplan, LGBT special projects staff attorney post-SCOTUS on April 15 at the University of Michigan Law School. BTL Photo: AJ Trager for the ACLU; Lisa Ruby of Michigan Poverty issues to be discussed as a protected Law Program; and Angie Martell and S. Kerene Moore, co-chairs of the Washtenaw need to be changed to include benefits and individuals based on their religious beliefs, class for the first time. County Bar Association LGBTQ Rights protections for LGBT individuals. Without even if a particular placement of a child in an Section, met to discuss the rocky legal road adding protections for sexual orientation and adoptive home would be in the child’s best ahead for the LGBT community. to the Michigan civil rights interest. That religious belief would supersede - Attorney Angie Martell Some in Michigan’s legal community have law, it is still legal for an LGBT individual what is in the best interest for the child.” ” to be fired from their job, denied housing already been working on chipping away at the state’s same-sex marriage ban and working or denied public accommodations. Kaplan Identity, Multiple Licenses to achieve justice for same-sex families. emphasized that amending the state’s civil ® SCOTUS Gatherings Moore has been able to get a same-sex rights law is an imperative that needs swift Aside from the lack of civil rights attention. Continued from p. 5 couple divorced in Washtenaw County and on protections, Michigan has many policies occasion has been able to get second-parent Religious Freedom Restoration Acts are that are very harmful to transgender people. adoptions for same-sex couples. Some judges popping up all over the country in what The state makes it incredibly difficult for leaders beginning at 5:30 p.m. Join the conversation are granting annulments, an unfavored avenue Kaplan describes as a “reaction to the reality transgender individuals to get accurate and celebrate the historic day that the U.S. Supreme that marriage equality for same-sex couples is Court heard same-sex marriage arguments. /aut/BAR for same-sex couples as it doesn’t provide state issued identity documents and has one coming” and that this kind of legislation is a is located at 315 Braun Ct. the same rights and benefits as divorces. of the strictest policies in the country for “last gasp (for opponents) to try and find a way Ferndale’s Affirmations encourages folks to gather Moore and the panel would prefer to see legal aligning government issued documents with at the center as the arguments are heard on April marriage finalized in the state. around this (LGBT equality).” Legislation in gender identity. Michigan requires that a 28. They plan to live-stream SCOTUSblog on Twitter, “We are having larger and louder Michigan identical to the original RFRA law transgender person have surgery before their along with any news stations getting live coverage. conversations in the legal community about passed in Indiana has been introduced. gender marker can be changed on their birth Affirmations’ new executive director, Darrious Hillmon, how to give same-sex families the access that Michigan has already seen examples certificate. will be available for interviews; staff plans to be on-site is much needed. Nobody wants to see children of discrimination with the pediatrician in In reality, only 25 percent of transgender to answer any questions. limited to one parent, simply because there Roseville who refused to treat a week-old people obtain surgery because it’s expensive, A national community call will be held at 9 is a ban in the state of Michigan,” Moore child because she has lesbian parents, or with health insurance won’t pay for it and/or many p.m. April 28 and will include panelists: Kathleen said. “What we are seeing is a movement the auto mechanic in Grandville who publicly times it can be medically dangerous, Kaplan Perrin, director of Equality Case Files; Larry Dupuis, where many attorneys and judges are doing claimed that he would deny services to openly says. If born in another state that doesn’t legal director of the ACLU of Wisconsin; and host whatever they can. They are willing to look gay people. allow a birth certificate to be changed under John Lewis, director of legal and policy from Marriage at alternative legal doctrine so that they can A bill that would allow discrimination by any circumstances, such as Idaho, Ohio or Equality USA. The call will be moderated by Brian give us status, some legal remedies, give us adoption agencies that receive state funding Tennessee, a transgender person can never Silva, executive director of Marriage Equality USA. some access to the courthouse. We are all is currently working its way through the have a state ID card or driver’s license that Gain access to the teleconference by going to https:// very excited that the U.S. Supreme Court Michigan legislature. Similar bills have been accurately reflects who they are. docs.google.com/a/pridesource.com/forms/d/1_ has decided to take up the DeBoer case introduced around the country and LGBT “A lot of things are going to be clarified, ZgjKwNHWqH1bbLQCN8GxDnihnES7Imv4Nu1ujUEnME/ because that will clarify matters. That will advocates are working to raise awareness of especially regarding divorce, custody, viewform. make (providing legal protections for LGBT how this type of legislation harms children, parenting, visitation and support. These individuals) so much easier.” not just LGBT parents. rights are going to be pretty clear for those Audio Recording “Michigan pretty much turns over the who are planning on getting married or are All audio recordings will be available after 2 p.m. on entire adoption process to adoption agencies,” already married. We do expect there to be April 28 and transcripts of the arguments heard by Civil Rights Law Kaplan said. “These agencies that have been other impacts,” Moore said. SCOTUS will be available to the public on May 1. They Assuming SCOTUS issues a favorable contracted through the state would be able The most direct impact is going to be for can be found at www.supremecourt.gov decision, many systems and policies will to refuse services to particular families and See After SCOTUS, page 13 6 BTL | April 23, 2015 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com April 23, 2015 | BTL 7 Michigan Mechanic Makes Waves With Anti-LGBT Rhetoric

BY TODD HEYWOOD His business is currently unregistered, which violates local ordinance. If he doesn’t register This month, Brian Klawiter, owner of his business, Klawiter could face a $50 fine, Dieseltec on Ottawa Avenue in Grandville, city officials told MLive. posted a comment on Facebook that announced Fred Woodhams, spokesman for Secretary he would not hesitate to provide service to of State Ruth Johnson, says the mechanic’s gays. license expired in October and has not been “I am a Christian,” Klawiter writes on renewed. his Facebook page; grammar errors are “Performing auto repair work as an Klawiter’s, by the way. “My company will unlicensed mechanic is a misdemeanor be run in a way that reflects that. Dishonesty, offense,” Woodhams tells Between The Lines thievery, immoral behavior, etc. will not be by email. welcomed at MY place of business. (I would The company, Dieseltec, does have a valid not hesitate to refuse service to an openly gay business license, Woodhams confirmed. person or persons. Homosexuality is wrong, Woodhams also said the original post by period. If you want to argue this fact with me Klawiter might raise concerns. In that post, then I will put your vehicle together with all Klawiter threatened to reassemble the vehicles bolts and no nuts and you can see how that of customers who argued with him on gay works.)” rights “with all bolts and no nuts.” He has Not content to let the social media post since claimed that statement was not a threat, fester, Klawiter eagerly went on WOOD-TV8 but rather an allusion to gay sex. – which has had its own issues with airing Pro-LGBT and anti-LGBT protestors gathered in front of Diesltec in Grandville Saturday. Brian Klawiter, owner “The department is concerned about any anti-gay documentaries – to tout his new found of Dieseltec, posted an anti-gay comment on his Facebook page saying he would refuse service to openly gay work done in an improper or unsafe way by bravery to stand up to the gays. persons. BTL photos: Todd Heywood. See photo gallery online at www.pridesource.com a mechanic and will take licensing action as “I’ve chosen to put God first in my life and appropriate when it receives a complaint,” that he owns everything in me and my business Michigan, in a statement. “This is why we of service to LGBT people and allies. Exhibit Woodhams says. “As we discussed, Mr. and beyond,” Klawiter told the television call for our representatives in Lansing to A in Klawiter’s checkered past is his apparent Klawiter is not a licensed mechanic.” station. “Since that becomes a priority, I can’t step up and modernize ELCRA to include conviction in 1999 for assault. “Equality Michigan is concerned by any sacrifice on those morals.” sexual orientation, and gender identity and He was charged in Grand Rapids Circuit business which is not operating within the It is currently legal to discriminate on the expression. Klawiter’s statement goes beyond Court in 1998 and convicted in 1999, law,” Siferd said of the new revelation. basis of sexual orientation and gender identity the denial of service to LGBTQ people and our according to online records. He was sentenced “Regardless of how Mr. Klawiter feels about in Michigan, unless one resides in one of the allies and includes a threat to our lives. That is to probation. Of course, those pesky rules he our government and its LGBTQ citizens, he local municipalities that has adopted a local contrary to our common values as Americans.” was subjected to on probation were a bridge should not be working on people’s vehicles human rights ordinance. The other interesting footnote to the too far for him – he was convicted of violating with an expired mechanic’s license. He does An amendment to Elliott-Larsen would Grandville story is that a man named Robert his probation in March of 2001 and ordered not have the right to pick and choose which address this issue, however. If Michigan’s Snyder started a GoFundMe fundraiser for to work release jail time for 15 days. He paid laws he will follow. These licensing laws exist odious Religious Freedom Restoration Act Klawiter and his business. The page has since the courts $490 in costs and fees for his assault for the sake of public safety, and we believe it passes, Klawiter would be able to defend his been removed, but one can’t help but think that conviction. is telling that Mr. Klawiter does not seem to discrimination in court, though whether he Klawiter was trying to cash in on the pizza Note: Those who are tempted to do the ill- value these laws.” would win or not is another issue altogether. crisis from Indiana. That’s the case where a advised and try to get some “street justice” Supporters of LGBT equality protested “Klawiter’s post is emblematic of too business owner said they would never cater would be best served by recognizing this man outside the facility in Grandville last week. In many businesses in this state where LGBTQ a gay wedding. A firestorm erupted, and the has acted violently in the past and could do so response, Klawiter and his allies are holding people’s lives are constantly at risk for company ended up making close to $1 million in the future. a barbecue to celebrate “our guns, our God simply being who they are,” said Yvonne from supporters. Exhibit B in Klawiter’s hate of the rules is our freedoms.” Siferd, director of victim services at Equality Klawiter’s behavior isn’t limited to refusal his apparent fight with the city of Grandville. See Mechanic, next page

8 BTL | April 23, 2015 www.PrideSource.com ® Mechanic I’ve had my tour of duty,’” Marks said in an interview with BTL in 2009. Continued from p. 8 “I felt very strongly about it – whatever they’re going to do, let them do Obituary: Marvin Marks it. We planted the seeds, let’s see what happens. When I said I’d step As a sidenote, Klawiter’s Facebook declaration may DETROIT – In the 1960s, Marvin Marks worked as an accountant back and let them be in the trenches, I meant it.” result in Grandville adopting a comprehensive human rights in the metro Detroit area. By the late 70s he was an out, gay, Jewish In 1990, 1991 and 2009 Marvin Marks was honored with the Lifetime ordinance. Grandville Mayor Steve Maas tells Mlive he’s not Detroiter meeting with a gay Catholic group called Dignity Detroit. Just Achievement Award at the Pride Banquet for his lifelong commitment sure such an action would be supported by the town. a few years later, in 1980, he became their treasurer and later president. as an LGBT activist. “That would surprise me if that (had no opposition) in Throughout the 80s Marks served as treasurer of Dignity International. Marks passed away April 20, 2015 after a lifetime of giving back to his Grandville,” Maas said. “We had a lively, vigorous debate He was president of the Wellness Network (later known as AIDS community. He will be remembered for his selflessness and his vigilant about whether the library should be open for a bit on Sunday,” Partnership Michigan) from 1983-1986, president of the Detroit Area efforts in expanding and strengthening the Detroit LGBT community. Maas told the online news outlet. “I don’t think it would be Gay Lesbian Council, founder and president of the Motor City Business A graveside service will be held at his parents’ plot at Machpelah bad to have a discussion about it. It’s a discussion that every Forum and the first president of the Forum Foundation. Cemetery on Woodward between Eight and Nine Mile Roads, at a time municipality is going to be Marks decided to put his accounting practice in the forefront and, in and date yet to be determined. Arrangements are being handled by Ira having eventually, unless 1991, made the announcement to let younger leaders take the helm. “I Kaufman Chapel. Contact Robert G. Tighe at 586-552-5429 for more the state decides the issue said, ‘OK guys, it’s time for you younger people to get into the trenches. information. (by amending the civil rights law).” Maas told the outlet he thinks a move to adopt such a law should be citizen initiated. That sounds like a huge invitation to Grandville’s progressive residents to throw caution to the wind and start advocating for such a law for economic Brian Klawiter, owner of Dieseltec as well as common human on Ottawa Avenue in Grandville. decency. Progress Michigan called for a boycott of his business last Thursday. “Discriminating against people because of who they are or whom they love is wrong — period. That’s true no matter what industry we are talking about. It’s time that people start taking action not only with their votes and voices, but with their wallets,” said Lonnie Scott, executive director of Progress Michigan. “We need to show both lawmakers and business owners that intolerance will not be welcome in our state. In the same way that this business owner shouldn’t be threatening the LGBT community with refusal of service, we discourage people from threatening the business owner for his beliefs. Instead, we would encourage everyone who supports the LGBT community to show their solidarity by doing business at another establishment.” And Fortune 500 company Cummins is not pleased with Klawiter’s attitude either. Klawiter’s business website includes a logo from the company, and the company announced on social media last week that it is taking action to have Klawiter remove it. “At Cummins, diversity is a core value. We strive to ensure all individuals are treated with dignity and respect throughout the company and in the communities where we are located. Cummins understands diversity creates stronger and more competitive work environments. Additionally, welcoming and inclusive communities help attract and retain top talent,” Cummins officials wrote on their Facebook page according to Mlive.com. “Cummins has a long history of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. Our leaders championed civil rights in the 1960s, took a stand against apartheid in the 1980s and in 2000 began offering domestic partner benefits to our employees, despite opposition in our community. We have also opposed efforts that were against marriage equality in Indiana, Minnesota and at the federal level. And this year, we opposed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in Indiana. These measures run counter to our values and undermine our ideals of respecting diversity and demanding that we treat each other with mutual respect.” Klawiter, through supporters, refused to be interviewed for this story, claiming unfair treatment by the media. www.PrideSource.com April 23, 2015 | BTL 9 Remembrance Of Womyn Past Parting Glances

OPINION BY CHARLES ALEXANDER

here were lots of kids in the apartment complex I grew up in at 444 Peterboro, ZIPPER code 48202. And, although – through the careless grace of God – I was born an only child, I was never Twithout friends to play Kick the Can, yell “first to see the streetlights go on!” and trade comic books with. There were also living at Cassboro Arms what appeared to be “mannish” women (my grandmother’s description); and as a boy of 12, with little interest in sports (or girls), they fascinated me. Looking back, they were, of course, lesbians – or reasonable facsimiles. One was the mother of an older guy, Jimmy (last name forgotten). She wore slacks (most women did during and after World War II), had close-cropped hair, sported a smart beret. Although I hadn’t the slightest clue about her sexuality – even though I was a reasonably savvy kid – she was attractive and friendly to me. I liked her. If memory serves, Jimmy’s mother was often visited by a 30-something, femme brunette, a teacher at nearby Burton School where I attended kindergarten through sixth grade. I’m sure they had many pleasant lunches, leisurely discussed lesson plans, and, hopefully, held hands. They were also living a few doors down and above us, “single mothers by choice,” each of three separately raising her son, without the guidance, consolation and mid-century respectability of a husband Viewpoint (who perhaps was killed in the war). In spite of no “man around the house,” as far as I can determine, each son of these truncated nuclear families turned out straight-OK (not that I have anything against turning out gay-OK). Mary Bonauto Is Now decades later, there’s a “groundbreaking” study by Cornell gender scholar Peggy Drexler, Ph.D., making the rounds, dealing with “single mothers by choice” and “maverick moms” (lesbians). In book The Supreme Court Hero form it’s called, “Raising Boys Without Men” (Rodale Press, 2005), and is being praised and damned by pundits on opposite sides of the We Need And Deserve white-picket suburban fence. According to Ms. Drexler, boys raised by women without men are better off than boys raised with men – not the sort of message that Focus on the Family or the AFA is likely to take lying down (in the Evan Wolfson and Mary Bonauto. Photo courtesy Evan Wolfson missionary position, of course, and on the living room floor, with reruns of “Leave It to Beaver” playing). OPINION BY EVAN WOLFSON two terrific lawyers to handle the oral argument on April According to Drexler, the absence of a father removes macho 28, alongside the U.S. solicitor general. Arguing that performance pressures from young boys. They grow up without states must equally respect the out-of-state that nagging paternal insistence that excellence in sport is the high-water he freedom to marry is back at the Supreme Court, same-sex couples celebrate will be experienced Supreme mark of male adulthood. (She refers to overly aggressive adult males our momentum is irrefutable and I couldn’t be Court litigator Douglas Hallward-Driemeier of Ropes & as “wounded rhinos.”) prouder of the team of attorneys representing Gray. And arguing the core question of whether states Drexler maintains that the differences between men and women are Tour movement on the marriage cases that the Supreme may deny loving and committed couples the freedom to genetic, and not that gender differences is a social construct shaped Court is now weighing. Local private attorneys, seasoned marry is Mary L. Bonauto of GLAD, a movement hero by culture. Supreme Court litigators and the familiar champions from and my dear friend. She reports that lesbians (“maverick moms”), who are often our movement’s indispensable legal arm — the American There is no one more fitting to be standing before the above-average affluent and likely to adopt children, tend also to be Civil Liberties Union, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and court on behalf of all of us than Mary. We couldn’t be in above-average in intelligence and more likely to have professional Defenders, Lambda Legal and the National Center for better hands. and academic degrees and skills. As a result, boys raised by these Lesbian Rights — have done an extraordinary job in For 25 years, Mary has been a star lawyer at GLAD and same-sex pairings are more likely to feel relaxed and perform better navigating the lower courts, banging out persuasive for our movement. She has talked to thousands of lesbian, socially and in school while less likely to get into trouble. briefs making every conceivable and needed argument gay, bisexual and transgender people, and has a deep and Caitlin Flanagan, a book reviewer for The Atlantic, refers to to the justices, and delivering, with Freedom to Marry’s wise understanding of the discrimination we face, our Drexler’s “Boys Will Be Boys” as part of a growing field of “You go, assistance, an impressive cascade of friend-of-the-court needs and our dreams. girl!” studies. (“I stopped dating losers and got myself inseminated.” briefs presenting evidence and manifesting support. Mary brought, argued, and won the historic Goodridge “You go, girl!” etc.) He calls her book “preposterous” and unlikely Together, as planned, we are making a case to the court case in Massachusetts that led to the first state with the to “raise a ripple beyond its intended audience. Yet the book is not as compelling as the transformative case we’ve already freedom to marry and the first same-sex couples marrying without consequence beyond the tightly circumscribed world she made in the court of public opinion. in the United States. It was Mary who first made a marriage describes.” Now our advocates have smartly chosen to cap our Ah, yes. Tight ends against the middle. See Mary Bonauto, next page movement’s epic collective presentation by choosing 10 BTL | April 23, 2015 www.PrideSource.com win. Encouraging her to take on the pressure ® Mary Bonauto of representing us all before the Supreme Continued from p. 10 Court now. I remember stumping together in New win stick. Before that, Mary played a central York, Vermont, Massachusetts, etc. — and so role in winning civil unions in Vermont. Mary many meetings and speeches to make the case and her Vermont co-counsel grasped the need back in the 1990s and early 2000s, working for sustained public education and organizing for that first freedom to marry breakthrough. to set the stage for success in litigation. And Brainstorming over how to push beyond it was Mary who spearheaded the litigation civil unions to marriage itself. Debating the strategy that brought down the central part of right time to move forward on the challenge the federal so-called Defense of Marriage Act, to DOMA that Mary had teed up. Watching racking up the first successful legal challenges tiny Mary lug giant briefcases of supporting to DOMA. Without Mary, there would not materials to presentations that she obviously have been our movement’s 2013 victory in could do (and had done a million times) by Windsor v. United States. heart. Mary has rightly been acclaimed a giant, a I remember the personal times together. superstar and even a genius; she even won a Mary crashing on my couch and me on hers MacArthur award last year. when we found ourselves in each other’s cities during conferences and meetings around the Hawaii and Vermont cases and DOMA Mary brought, argued and won battles. Sharing our coming-out stories, the the historic Goodridge case in frustrations of the internal movement divides, the best ways to frame our best case. Taking Massachusetts that led to the first her kids kite-flying on one special visit to their home. Seeing Mary’s beautiful smile as state with the freedom to marry I looked out on the friends and family gathered for my wedding. and the first same-sex couples Through all of this, over so many years, marrying in the United States. I’ve gotten to know and cherish and count on Mary’s fierce dedication and thoroughness, her thrumming with intensity, integrity and But when I think of Mary, what comes intelligence. Her far-sightedness and close to mind are a flood of memories over 25 attention to detail. Her kindness and her years of friendship and working hand in doggedness. Her brilliance as an advocate and glove; reflecting on what lies behind these beauty as a wife, mother, colleague and friend. extraordinary accomplishments. When Mary stands before the Supreme Mary and I became fast friends literally Court, she will not only be able to skillfully the first day we met 25 years ago, at Mary’s answer the justices’ questions, she will herself first attendance at the civil rights litigators’ embody our answer. We are strong and good. roundtable. Back in the early days of those We are part of families and we build them. pivotal strategy meetings, I was a minority, We love, we contribute, we dream. We have often the lone voice advocating taking up the made the case, and we deserve the liberty and freedom to marry. Mary joined the fight with justice for all that America promises. It’s time drive, and I knew that in her, I had a kindred for equal protection under the laws for all. It’s spirit who would help get marriage squarely time for the freedom to marry. on the movement’s agenda. Evan Wolfson is founder and president of Freedom to I remember the many phone calls. Wrestling over when to open a “second front” in Vermont Marry, the campaign to win marriage nationwide. alongside Hawaii, and then, later, how to Citing his national leadership on marriage and handle the Vermont Supreme Court’s ruling his appearance before the U.S. Supreme Court in that paved the way to civil unions, though Boy Scouts of America v. James Dale, the National not yet marriage. Pressing together for the Law Journal in 2000 named Evan one of “the 100 Maine campaign to embrace the full-throttle most influential lawyers in America.” Newsweek/ marriage messaging that previous ballot The Daily Beast dubbed Evan “the godfather of gay battles had feared to employ. Catching Mary marriage” and Time Magazine named him one as she was driving and I was in my office of “the 100 most influential people in the world.” when the Goodridge opinion popped up, and In 2012, Evan received the Barnard Medal of getting to be the one who told her it was a Distinction alongside President Barack Obama.

Bonauto and Wolfson at Wolfson’s wedding in 2011. Wolfson and Bonauto (front) in the 1990s. www.PrideSource.com April 23, 2015 | BTL 11 Advocates And Academics Advance Equality Scott Walker BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI At Inaugural Research To Action Conference Think of the last time you’ve gotten an invitation to a wedding BY BTL STAFF social justice and learn about current three dynamic plenary sessions, three and thought to yourself, “Ugh. These people. I totally don’t think and upcoming research to create featured speaker sessions and more they should be getting married, and if I could stop it I would. I’m Ypsilanti – Eastern Michigan aware and inclusive social policies than 12 “In the Classroom” sessions, not going to that!” University’s Equality Research Center and practice.” speakers will help reimagine the most But then you think, “But I am totally going will host its “Equality Research to Confirmed speakers include: innovative solutions to a wide range to the reception. Free cake! Free wine! I’m in.” Action Conference 2015,” the first Tommy Adams, associate professor of critical topics in education, health If you’ve done that then you are a terrible LGBT research conference bringing and chair of the department of care, public policy and community person, and it’s highly possible your name academics and advocates together communication, media and theatre at building for universities, movement is Scott Walker. And if you’re Scott Walker to advance equality. The conference Northeastern Illinois University. organizations and community that means you also – really, really, really, will take place from May 1-2 at Natasha “T” Miller, poet, author advocacy groups. The Equality oh please, oh please, oh please – want to be The Henry, Autograph Collection of “Coming Out of Nowhere” and Research Center encourages teachers, president. Which explains this “I went to a in Dearborn, Michigan. Equality activist. administrators, policy makers and celebration of a same-sex couple’s marriage Research to Action 2015 will be John Corvino, Ph.D., chair of the students to register now to secure but I did not inhale” explanation. an unprecedented gathering of the philosophy department at Wayne State their spot at Equality Research to The media has been very into asking GOP Scott Walker nation’s most influential and creative University. Action 2015. presidential hopefuls if they would attend a thought leaders in education and Featured workshops will include: To register and learn more about wedding for a same-sex couple. Some would the practitioners, policy makers and Trans*Ally Training presented the conference, a complete list (Rubio, for instance) and others wouldn’t (Santorum, duh). researchers who are best equipped to by Eastern Michigan University; of presentations and a complete When Walker, currently the governor of Wisconsin, was asked progress the equality movement. Safe School Training by the Gay, conference schedule, please visit a similar question, he came up with a “have your cake and eat it, “We are ecstatic to welcome the Lesbian, Straight Education Network; www.er2a.org or contact Michael too” kind of response. most dynamic speakers in education and Know Us Project Training by Tew, director of the Equality Research “That’s certainly a personal issue. For a family member, (my in this one-of-a-kind effort to tackle Michigan Project for Informed Public Center at 734-487-3032. wife) Tonette and I and our some of the biggest issues in equality,” Policy. family have already had a said Director of the Equality Research Equality Research to Action 2015 The Equality Research Center offers family member who’s had If you’ve gotten an invitation Center, Michael Tew. “Attendees can will feature more than new applied extensive public programming to bring a reception. I haven’t been to a wedding and thought to expect to hear about new findings research projects on LGBT youth, at a wedding,” Walker told to expand public education, receive civil rights and wellness from leading credible research on LGBT social justice msnbc. “That’s true even yourself, “Ugh. These people. information and tools for advancing and emerging scholars. Through issues to a wide spectrum of audiences. though my position on marriage is still that it’s I totally don’t think they defined between a man and should be getting married, Study to Michigan Lawmakers: ‘Don’t Repeat The Mistakes Of Indiana’ a woman, and I support the constitution of the state. and if I could stop it I would. BY BTL STAFF further discrimination,” said Fred The document will be sent to But for someone I love, Sainz, HRC’s vice president of state leaders in 12 states: Alabama, we’ve been at a reception.” I’m not going to that!” then WASHINGTON — A new case communications. “Elected officials, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Aww. How sweet. If you are a terrible person, study is being sent by the Human and governors specifically, who Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Walker loves you, he will Rights Campaign to Michigan continue to experiment with these North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina show that love by skipping and it’s highly possible your lawmakers urging them to reject anti- anti-LGBT bills that allow businesses and Texas. It will also be sent to Iowa, your vows because he LGBT bills like the religious freedom to discriminate are going to find out New Hampshire and Nevada. name is Scott Walker. bill in Indiana that would put LGBT that a $2 million PR campaign only thinks you’re immoral. But Read the whole study at http://hrc-assets. people at risk for discrimination. The scratches the surface when it comes he’ll totally come dance to s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com// case study comes after the Indianapolis to the cost taxpayers will have to bear “Old Time Rock and Roll” files/assets/resources/IndianaCaseStudy_ at your reception. Because love. Star reported this week that the state for bills that enable discrimination.” Document.pdf. But your love for each other will not change Walker’s stance “plans to spend millions to repair (its) that marriage is strictly a one penis plus one vagina thing. So there. image after RFRA.” Way to pander to the majority of the country who supports The document showcases a new Oakland University To Offer Gender Studies Minor marriage equality while still throwing a bone to the anti-gay right poll conducted by Greenberg Quinlan groveling under the table. Rosner Research. The poll found 75 ROCHESTER – A metro Detroit college will soon add an LGBT studies minor to its list According to Mediaite, the wedding Walker didn’t attend was percent of 500 Hoosier participants of provided course study. for Walker’s wife’s cousin, Shelli Marquardt, and her co-lesbian described the controversy as bad Oakland University will add a new LGBT studies minor program for Fall 2015. Coursework in crime Cathy Priem. for business; 61 percent said it has material will focus on LGBT lives and the academic contributions made in the field of Walker just happened to be “away on business when the wedding negative impact on business; 42 queer theory. After seven years of negotiating and planning, Valerie Palmer-Mehta, interim director occurred,” according to the New York Times. How convenient. percent of weekly churchgoers say of the Women and Gender Studies program at OU, was able to guide the proposal through The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that while Walker might that they should not be allowed to refuse service; and 62 percent rejected committees to be approved by the college administration while Jo Reger, director of the have skipped the nuptials, his son Alex, 19, was there in full support, Women and Gender Studies program, was away on sabbatical, The Oakland Post reports. and even “scribbled his signature on the marriage certificate as one discrimination based on religious ground with 32 percent reporting that The minor will require 20 credits of course work, including three core classes titled: of two adult witnesses to the wedding.” “Introduction to LGBTQ Studies,” “Queer Social Theory” and “Field Experience in Women someone should be allowed to refuse In fact, both of Walker’s sons have a more evolved view of and Gender Studies,” as well as two elective courses. services based on sexual orientation marriage equality than Dad. His wife seems to as well. Many other Michigan universities also offer course material in Women and Gender But Walker, who is on record time and time again speaking against and gender identity. Studies. The University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Western Michigan marriage equality, doesn’t seem to be changing his mind. In fact, “The lesson from Indiana is clear. University, Michigan State University, Central Michigan University, Wayne State University, he’s recently been claiming that due to recent court rulings striking Voters are rejecting lawmakers Northern Michigan University and many other private and community colleges offer gender down an anti-gay marriage ban in his state, the whole gay marriage who are willing to put their state study course work. issue is out of his hands, so who cares what he thinks anyway? economy at risk in an attempt to

12 BTL | April 23, 2015 www.PrideSource.com ® After SCOTUS Martell said in discussing one of the two questions the justices Religious Freedom Restoration Acts are Continued from p. 6 will explore on April 28: Does the 14th Amendment require a state to license a marriage between two people of the same sex? popping up all over the country in what ACLU Martell is concerned that there hasn’t been a change in those who are planning on obtaining marriage licenses or who attorney Jay Kaplan describes as a “reaction heightened scrutiny since 1970, and even then the courts only have already obtained one out of state or out of country. gave it a quasi-suspect classification, she said. After 1970, Ruby specializes in public benefits that come from state or to the reality that marriage equality for same- many groups rejected the heightened scrutiny analysis because, federal office applications. These benefits are allocated by who “Justice Phelps thought the floodgates would open and there sex couples is coming” and that this kind of is considered in a “group.” Who is in a group determines what wouldn’t be any distinguishing factors from race,” Martell benefits can be distributed and whose assets count. Any same- legislation is a “last gasp (for opponents) to try explained. sex couple living in the state who is married, and not among The U.S. Supreme Court has never explicitly set a standard the 323 couples legally married in the state last year, was never and find a way around this (LGBT equality).” regarding sexual orientation. Martell believes that LGBT issues considered married under Michigan law and is not a member are Justice Kennedy’s legacy. He ruled in favor of LGBT of that group receiving marriage benefits. rights in Lawrence v. Texas and Windsor v. The United States. “When the states came into the business of marriage, it was Due to the varying laws around the country, some couples Kennedy’s ruling in Windsor says, “To single out a class of a registration to figure out how many people were married. But have been married multiple times. An upcoming issue, in persons and exclude them from a vital institution on a basis of when they extended the plethora of benefits to people because the result of an affirming SCOTUS decision, is determining classification alone imposes a disability on the class.” of marriage, it created a right,” Martell said. which one of those marriages holds the most legal weight. State agencies will soon look at name changes, joint rights of survivorship, estate planning and what monetary benefits or penalties can be applied from all the years couples have been married or together. Social Security has two different programs: one that is needs based with income and assets, and one that is not which includes retirement, survivors and disability insurance, Ruby said. Money is paid in and then when something happens, the money can be taken out; without a marital status, a partner cannot collect on those benefits. If a couple is not legally married and one or both parties reaches retirement age, the other partner is unable to access their partner’s retirement benefits. The same thing happens if one half of the couple dies; the status of the marriage is not legally recognized and hospital visitation rights, for example, can be denied to the surviving spouse. Many of these benefits will be redistributed in the event of nationwide same-sex marriage. Social Security has tried to keep up with the influx of same- sex marriages and is currently encouraging people to apply for benefits now if they’ve been legally married, but their marriage hasn’t been recognized in their state of residence.

Predictions And Scrutiny “I predict: June 26 at 4:30 p.m. there will be a decision. And I predict that marriage will be available nationwide. The issue, however – and this is what I think we all need to focus on – is: will the court expand the level of scrutiny using an equal protection analysis to determine whether gay and lesbian people are to be a discrete minority and eligible for the criteria for heightened scrutiny analysis? If this is the case, it will be a revolution. It would allow for LGBT issues to be discussed as a protected class for the first time,” Martell said. Kaplan mirrored Martell’s thoughts on the SCOTUS ruling. “I don’t know the exact date, but I tend to agree. I think we will have a favorable decision from the U.S. Supreme Court and finally have some finality on the marriage issue for all 50 states,” Kaplan said. Any possible outcome prediction is, at this point, reading tea leaves. The justices’ history will have to speak for them until they issue a final decision by the end of June. Levels of scrutiny include strict scrutiny, where the government must show the challenged classification serves a compelling state interest and is necessary to serve that interest such as race or religion; middle-tier scrutiny, where the government must show that the challenged classification is at least substantially related to the interest; and the minimum scrutiny level where the government must show that the challenged classification is rationally related to serving state interest. “We’ve been denied equal participation in an institution that gives legal expression and protection to people. That is second class citizenship. So for me, the first question is an easy one,” www.PrideSource.com April 23, 2015 | BTL 13 Historian Dishes On Famed Artist’s Legacy In The LGBT Community

BY CHRISTOPHER TREACY

rida Kahlo may have been concerned with what people thought of her artwork, Fbut she didn’t much care what they thought of her. Perhaps one reason for this is because the two things were so deeply intertwined: the Mexican native’s work is – quite literally – the face she showed the world. Out of 143 formally recognized paintings, 55 of them are self portraits. Despite the dreamlike narratives they imply, Kahlo insisted they were true depictions of her reality. So, as she saw it, she shared her most personal self with the world through her work... anything else was irrelevant. Kahlo’s legacy pulses vibrantly through a new exhibit going up at the Detroit Institute of Arts, entitled “Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo in Detroit,” which features her work and that of Rivera, her significantly older husband and initial patron. The couple spent time together in Detroit when Rivera was commissioned by Ford Motor Company to produce the famed Detroit Industry Murals. In conjunction with the new show, author/ Kahlo biographer and art historian Hayden Herrera will talk about the artist’s life and art at 7 p.m April 28 in the Detroit Film Theatre auditorium. Herrera took time out to chat with us amid an onslaught of media requests related to newly auctioned love letters that Kahlo wrote to Catalan artist Jose Bartoli in the wake of a rather steamy affair. Kahlo was known for her affairs with both men and women. One of the more famous was with dancer Josephine Baker. “Both of them had affairs,” Herrera clarified over the phone from New York City. “Diego was jealous if they were with

14 BTL | April 23, 2015 www.PrideSource.com Hayden Herrera. Photo by Susanna Findley

in our culture. But it’s not something that INFO Herrera discusses all that much in her book, Diego Rivera and Frida “Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo,” first Kahlo in Detroit published in 1983. “In terms of the culture at that time, with art historian Hayden Herrera Mexico was very much a Catholic country,” 7 p.m. April 28 she said. “For my book, I was doing Detroit Institute of Arts interviews in the mid-to-late ’70s, and 5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit people were still very discreet and didn’t dia.org really want to talk about that. But Kahlo lived in a highly sophisticated milieu of writers, artists and musicians, all of whom men, like her much discussed affair with were very free about sexual behavior... Leon Trotsky... but he didn’t seem to mind affairs were common, and yet still, there’s if it was with a woman.” a lot we don’t know.” Kahlo’s tryst with Trotsky, who was One theory about Kahlo’s affairs with also married at the time, is thought to women relates to her increasing fragility. have been a revenge tactic for a romantic Having suffered a very serious set of injuries in entanglement that transpired between Rivera a 1925 bus accident - something that required and Kahlo’s younger sister, Cristina. A 35 surgeries to correct and permanently pointed retaliation, much of it played out impaired her ability to carry a child - Kahlo’s in the Kahlo/Rivera Mexican compound, adult physicality was weaker than average. where Trotsky and his wife stayed while in It’s thought that perhaps the more strenuous exile. Eventually Trotsky’s wife and Rivera lovemaking with men became less attractive to realized what was going on and an alternate her as she got older and she sought a gentler, living scenario was devised. more feminine touch. In fact, to look over a timeline of Kahlo’s Whatever the case, she made no apologies marriage to Rivera, which resulted in or excuses for her sexual choices. On the divorce and eventual remarriage, one or both contrary, she and Rivera seemed to have fun of them was almost always seeing someone with mixing genders, body parts and even else on the side. Despite this, Herrera says species in a series of exquisite corpse-style the marriage was strong. drawings included in the new exhibit. Seen “I think they loved each other very much in that light, it’s clear that they had a much and shared a deep, intense bond,” she said. deeper understanding of each other than “I think they became quite dependent on what’s implied when a more successful artist one another. She loved some of the feminine goes about bankrolling a struggling one. parts of him, he loved the masculine parts “Looking back at the self-portraits, of her... and they shared their leftist/Marxist there’s something about the carnality of political ideals.” them... a sense of desire and an energy that Herrera went on to explain that Kahlo makes me wonder if it might be aimed a reportedly enjoyed Rivera’s ample bosom, little toward women,” Herrera said. “It’s a given his chubby build, and he in turn had feeling – totally subjective – that her intense a fondness for Kahlo’s sprouts of expression seems motivated by desire. It’s and body hair. Together they portray an such a penetrating gaze, she bores right into unapologetic androgyny that speaks volumes you. She hits right inside the body for men to the current hot topic of gender queering and women both.” www.PrideSource.com April 23, 2015 | BTL 15 Cool Cities Michigan Theater Presents Ann Arbor YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET New Wine & Film Series Pinpoint your ad dollars where Michigan Theater is partnering with be the heir to the estate. Work, love and haze of Pinot Noir, wistful yearnings Wine Enthusiast Magazine to offer a wine all play key roles in this family and trepidation about the future, the two they will do the most good . . . special film series focused on the world drama. French with subtitles. inevitably collide with reality. Directed Advertise in the next Cool Cities of wine on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., April May 13: “A Year in Champagne” by Alexander Payne (“Election,” “The TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 29-May 27. Both wine and film are full With renowned wine importer Martine Descendants”). sensory experiences, transporting us Saunier as our guide, we get a rare to another place, offering enjoyment, glimpse behind the scenes into the Now celebrating its 88th year, the education and discovery. The Michigan real Champagne through six houses, Michigan Theater is Ann Arbor’s award- Theater presents five visually beautiful from small independent makers like winning non-profit historic center for fine stories of wine and wine production, Champagne Saint-Chamant, where each film and performing arts. The Michigan followed by tastings of special wines bottle is still turned by hand in the cellars, Theater welcomes more than 250,000 with special guests after each screening to the illustrious houses of Gosset and visitors each year to its art house films, (for those 21 or over.) The overall series Bollinger. concerts, lectures, live theater and special is sponsored by Cinzano, Ferrari and programs such as Sundance Film Festival Alta Luna, with additional sponsors for May 20: “Red Obsession” USA and Cinetopia International Film each film. For more than three centuries, Bordeaux Festival. The Michigan Theater also Advance tickets available at ticketweb. wines have held an almost mythical owns and operates the historic State com. status as symbols of wealth, power and Theater located just up the street at 233 The schedule of films is: influence. Recently the prices for the State Street. The Michigan Theater is prestige red wines have been skyrocketing located in downtown Ann Arbor at 603 April 29: “Somm” as something unprecedented happens to E. Liberty St. Visit michtheater.org or With unprecedented access, “Somm” the Bordeaux fine wine market -- and that call the 24-hour information line at takes the viewer on humorous, emotional something is . Narrated by Russell 734-668-TIME for schedule and ticket and illuminating look into a mysterious Crow, this documentary explores the information. world – the Court of Master Sommeliers Bordeaux phenomenon and what moves Wine Enthusiast Magazine was and the massively intimidating Master people to spend hundreds of thousands of founded in 1988, bringing consumers Sommelier Exam. The documentary was dollars on a single bottle of wine. vital information on the world of wine, directed by Jason Wise. This screening May 27: “Sideways” with hundreds of wine reviews in every is sponsored by Ann Arbor’s own Taste A wine tasting road trip to salute Jack’s issue and comprehensive coverage of Kitchen. (Thomas Haden Church) final days as wine and lifestyle topics peripheral May 6: “You Will Be My Son (Tu seras a bachelor careens woefully sideways to wine, such as entertaining, travel, mon fils)” as he and Miles (Paul Giamatti) hit restaurants and notable sommeliers. Passionate about wine and his work, the gas en route to mid-life crises. The Published 14 times a year, the magazine Paul, the proprieter of his family’s comically mismatched pair, who share garners 2.4 million impressions prestigious wine estate, is disheartened little more than their history and a heady each issue worldwide and in 2014, by the thought that his son will inherit blend of failed potential and fading underwent a complete redesign and the business and the fact that his hard- youth, soon find themselves drowning relaunch to address the growing, more working estate manager is dying. Paul in wine and women (Sandra Oh and mainstream culture of wine and spirits rejects his own son to groom another to Virginia Madsen). Emerging from a in America.

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10 Cool Cities 6 3 18 11 17 Ann Arbor 9 YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET 16 4 Pinpoint your ad dollars where 14 20 7 they will do the most good . . . 8 1 21 15 Advertise in the next Cool Cities 5 22 TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 2

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SHOP LGBT 18 BTL | April 23, 2015 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com April 23, 2015 | BTL 19 Hear Me Out BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI beating the odds (the sniffle-inducing “Love Land”) and mortality (“Just Like Sufjan Stevens, Reba McEntire Them Horses”). Inspired to record the ballad after it was played at her father’s funeral, the latter is a hug from the heavens, and Reba sounds absolutely divine. She brings it on “Enough” as well. A duet with Jennifer Nettles, the powerhouse twosome touch the sky as they exchange lines about a two-timin’, no-good cheat. Elsewhere, she’s pledging her staying power (the growler “Livin’ Ain’t Killed Me Yet”), or re-envisioning “We Are the World” as “Pray for Peace,” a rally call buoyed by an inspiring Celtic lift. Certainly Reba’s genre-jumping is targeting anyone who’s ever heard a Reba song, and why shouldn’t it? For the most part, the more Rebas, the better. Grade: B Also Out Estelle, ‘True ’ Estelle’s been virtually hit-less since dropping “American Boy” in our laps, and with it, fueling our desire to hear more of her swaggering, Lauryn Hill- inspired R&B. “True Romance,” though, Sufjan Stevens, ‘Carrie & Lowell’ of humanity so beautifully, and in just won’t do much to put her back on top. Grief guides Sufjan Stevens’ muse on five minutes. Stevens also lets in some With a twinkly string intro, “Conqueror” “Carrie & Lowell.” It’s a remarkably light on “Drawn to the Blood,” his call to takes off at the chorus, soaring to anthemic wrenching release from the indie darling. a spiritual guide eventually ebbing into a heights with its sky-shattering sound. It’s “The evil it spread like a fever ahead / It lush, orchestral reprieve. Grief, in all its listenable but derivative, a recurrent issue emotional complexities, has rarely been as was night when you died, my firefly,” a on “True Romance.” Take the ’90s house- fully embodied as it is on the compelling solemn Stevens laments, conjuring a place influenced “Something Good / Devotion,” “Carrie & Lowell,” a work rich in the of peace and rest, and then delivering this during which Estelle turns up the disco reality of human nature, from life to death stark reality like an afterthought: “We’re heat (think Crystal Waters). The track is to life again. Grade: A- all gonna die.” A heartbreaking back- fine. It’s filled with nostalgia. It’s also only and-forth between Sufjan and his late Reba McEntire, temporarily intoxicating. On the whole, the mother, who died shortly after a surprise ‘Love Somebody’ album suffers the same sorry fate. stomach cancer diagnosis, the song’s Suffering through Kendrick Lamar, simple piano progression enkindles a a recent breakup? ‘To Pimp a contrasting calmness to the intensity of Regretting a Butterfly’ this final exchange – a reconciliation of hookup? Reba’s Kendrick Lamar’s the past, the harsh truth of the future – that got you covered. bringing the funk… floats hypnotically, like a wind-blown The country diva and the spoken Puzzle solution on pg. 26 feather making its final descent. His sifts through a songwriting minefield of word, and the hip- portrayal of the inevitable is tragically good ol’-fashioned country woe, worship hop, and the jazz. beautiful, and it’s also uncharacteristically and wine-drinking for “Love Somebody,” On “To Pimp a direct, a noticeable switch for the press- the icon’s first album in five years. And Butterfly,” the Cali-born hotshot pulls shy, cryptically-prone Stevens. “Carrie queens, brace yourselves: the rock-infused from his multifaceted influences as he & Lowell” is a memoir, capturing a life- “Going Out Like That” is more fierce grapples with heavy of-the-zeitgeist changing tragedy with aching frankness than an episode of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” matters, particularly heightened violence and conveying it in its rawest guitar- Taking aim at a mystified man, Reba lets against blacks. “King Kunta” grooves rendered form. His despondency on the him know what’s up… and it’s not what a wonky female-assisted sound, and dreamy “Should Have Known Better,” he expects. “He thought she’d be sitting hope appears in the form of “Mortal which acknowledges the trauma of being home crying / she ain’t going out like that,” Men,” a moving 12-minute, posthumous abandoned by his mother at “3, maybe vows Reba, being all badass. The country conversation with Tupac. This is a powerful queen’s emotional plate is full on “Love 4,” is spiked with hope – the promise and empowering opus. An urban gospel, Somebody,” as she takes on impulsive of a new niece, a ray of light that cuts even. It’s uncomfortable and challenging rebound sex (the devastating Brandy Clark- through the song’s otherwise sullen and, like the words from Lamar’s mouth to written “She Got Drunk Last Night”), sensibility. It evokes the cyclical nature our ears, tremendously important. 20 BTL | April 23, 2015 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com April 23, 2015 | BTL 21 anniversary of serving victims of 3030. Themagicbag.com Trenton. 9 a.m. April 25. Detroitriver.org domestic and as well as the construction of our new facility. In Comedy Trinity Divine Healing “Health & true celebratory fashion, the event will Wellness Classes” Cost: $5-10. Grace The Flint Institute of Arts and the Junior be a glamorous, fun-filled evening that Olympia Entertainment “Lewis Black: is Sufficient Ministries Neighborhood League of Flint will host their 16th Annual incorporates a seated dinner, silent/live The Rant is Due Part Duex” Tickets: $49. Center, 13345 Joy Road, Detroit. Jan. 50-75. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward 12 - May 30. 313-451-2472. Wine Tasting at 7 p.m. this Saturday. Some of auction, entertainment and an exciting afterglow party. Sponsors will also Ave., Detroit. 8 p.m. April 25. 313-471- the area’s finest restaurants and bakeries will be invited to join us for a benefactor 6611. Olympiaentertainment.com Shows provide delicious samplings that pair nicely reception held in the weeks preceding Sound Board - Motor City Casino Olympia Entertainment “Steve the Gala. HAVEN, 200 W. Big Beaver “Wendy Williams.” Sound Board, 2901 Martin & Martin Short” “A Very Stupid with wines from various regions of the world. Road, Troy. 248-322-3706. ccopeland@ Grand River Ave., Detroit. April 24. 800- Conversation.. . With Music. “Tickets: haven-oakland.org Haven-oakland.org/ 745-3000. Motorcitycasino.com $49-149. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward The VIP reception will precede the event at 6 events/gala-event Ave., Detroit. 7:30 p.m. April 24. 313- p.m. with an exclusive selection of top-shelf First Friday Potluck 7 p.m. Lansing Concerts 471-6611. Olympiaentertainment.com wines and passed hors d’oeuvres provided Lesbians - L2L, 1710 E. Michigan Ave. Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra The Magic Bag “Roxanna” From by Cork in Saginaw. During the main event, a #1712, Lansing. Meetup.com/Lansing- “Mahler 5.” Hill Auditorium, 825 N. Exotica Live. Tickets: $25. The Magic Lesbians-L2L University Ave., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. April Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. new element this year is a “Wine Pull Raffle,” 25. 734-761-1800. A2so.com Haven Gala 7:30 p.m. HAVEN, Oakland 8 p.m. April 25. 248-544-3030. Themagicbag.com which costs $20 per cork. Countys only comprehensive program Jazz Cafe “Marbin” Tickets: $10. Jazz for victims of domestic violence and Cafe, 350 Madison Ave., Detroit. 8 p.m. The wine tasting will run until 9 p.m. on April 25 at FIA. FIA is located two blocks off 1-475 in , is having a Gala in April 24. 313-887-8500. Musichall.org the Flint Cultural Center between the University of Michigan-Flint and Mott Community College. celebration of its 40th anniversary. The THEATER event with be a glamorous, fun-filled Michigan Theater “Noir Film Series.” The Kiss of the Sun For Pardon Tickets: Tickets range from $60 to $105. For more information, visit www.flintarts.org/winetasting or evening that incorporates a seated Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann $17-20. Detroit Repertory Theatre, 13103 call 810-234-1695. dinner, silent live auction, entertainment Arbor. Jan. 12 - April 27. 734-668-8397. Woodrow Wilson, Detroit. Through May 17. and an exciting afterglow party. Young Michtheater.org 313-868-1347. Detroitreptheatre.com profession tickets are $100, Supporters Palmer Woods Music in Homes are $150 and our sponsorship Thoroughly Modern Millie . DYPAC, “Gypsy Jazz & Beyond” Tickets: $35- Trenton Village Theater, 2447 W. categories goes up to 25,000. HAVEN, 40. Palmer Woods Music in Homes, 200 W Big Beaver Road, Troy. 248-334- Jefferson, Trenton. Through April 26. Detroit. 8 p.m. April 25. 313-891-2514. 313-964-5050. Dypac.com 1284. [email protected] Palmerwoods.org Haven-oakland.org/events/gala-event Royal Oak Music Theatre “Dan + Civic/Community Theater Guns N’Hoses 8 p.m. Tickets: $12+. Shay with Canaan Smith” Where It All Arthur Miller Theatre, The Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward 101 Dalmatians 1777 Third St., Detroit. 248-283-5628. for location. True Teen Group, East Began Tour. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 1226 Murfin Ave., Ann Arbor. April Ave., Ferndale. 248-544-3030. OUTINGS [email protected] Lansing. 725-222-TRUE. truelgbtq@ 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak. April 24. 24 - April 26. 734-971-2228. A2ct. gmail.com Themagicbag.com 248-399-2980. Royaloakmusictheatre. Queer Women’s Community 1 p.m. org/shows/jr-theatre-s-disney-101- Thursday, April 23 com dalmatians All lesbian, bisexual, transgender, Transgender Life Support 7 p.m. Saturday, May 2 Thrifting and Shopping for Pride Prom queer and ally women are welcome. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Sound Board “Aaron Lewis” Tickets: Equality Research Action Tickets: 101 Dalmatians Kids Tickets: $8-10. 5 p.m. MSU LBGT Resource Center, S. Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian Resource Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. $36-45. Sound Board, 2901 Grand River A2CT, Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin Cedar St., East Lansing. Facebook. Center, 3636 Lowden, Kalamazoo. Goaffirmations.org $35-135. E=Equality Research Center, Ave., Detroit. 8 p.m. April 26. 800-745- Dearborn. Er2a.org Ave., Ann Arbor. April 24 - April 26. 734- com/events/371610619691302/ Kglrc.org 3000. Motorcitycasino.com 763-3333. A2ct.org Cal Freeman, “The Brother Leaving” 2 Wednesday, April 29 Re-imaging Gender 15 promising The Ark “Rivering at the Ark” Tickets: Friday, April 24 artists take on one of the thorniest How to Succeed in Business Without p.m. The Gaelic League, 2068 Michigan Building Michigan Communities $15-25. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Really Trying . Farmington Players 3 p.m. challenges facing contemporary art: H&F Women’s Spring Fling Ave., Detroit. Conference (BMCC) BMCC, Lansing. Arbor. 1 p.m. April 26. 734-761-1800. Barn Theatre, 32332 W. 12 Mile Road, Three Day event which includes three how to render the modern spectrum of Buildingmicommunities.org Theark.org Farmington Hills. April 24 - May 16. parties! Guest speakers, speed dating Transitions 2 p.m. Free transgender gender, going beyond the simple male/ 248-473-1856. Farmingtonplayers.org and much, much more! Hustle & Flo support group. Transitions, 1055 E. Trans & Gender Queer Group 12:30 female binary to include a wide variety The Ark “Madcat Midnight Blues Productions, 8599 N. Lilly Road, Canton. South Blvd., Rochester Hills. 586- p.m. Eastern Michigan University, of identities and sexualities. University Journey” Tickets: $15. The Ark, 316 734-678-9993. hustleflo4244@gmail. 838-0825. Ypsilanti. 734-487-4149. Emich.edu/ of Michigan, Inst. for Research on S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. April 23. College/ com Womenspringfling. weebly.com lgbtrc Women and Gender, 204 S. State St., 734-761-1800. Theark.org University Theater Gourmet Italian Dinner Fundraiser Ann Arbor. 734-764-9537. schwarde@ 6:30 p.m. Hair Tickets: $15-20. MSU Dept. Pride Prom 8 p.m. MSU LBGT Resource for Ozone House 3 p.m. Come eat a Sistrum Weekly Rehearsal umich.edu Irwg. research.umich.edu/ The Ark “Mary Chapin Carpenter.” The Sistrum, Lansing Women’s Chorus, 215 of Theatre, Wharton Center for the Center, East Lansing. Facebook.com/ gourmet Italian dinner in St. Mary’s events/exhibitions. html Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 7:30 p.m. events/371610619691302/ Newman Hall. Desserts also provided! N. Capital Ave., Lansing. Sistrum.org April 29. 734-761-1800. Theark.org Performing Arts, Michigan State All proceeds to benefit Ozone House Polyamorous ‘Mini’ Relationship University, 750 E. Shaw Lane, The Ark “Billy Strings & Don Julin” Saturday, April 25 to help local youth. Runs until 7 p.m. Thursday, April 30 Skills Class 10 a.m. $20. Affirmations, East Lansing. Through April 26. Donations suggested. All are welcome! 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248- Tickets: $15. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., 800-WHARTON. Whartoncenter.com Dining Out for Life When you eat out Women in Comedy with Margaret Lesbian and Gay Outreach Ministry, 331 398-7105. Goaffirmations.org Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. April 24. 734-761- at any of the participating restaurants Smith The Acorn Theater, 107 Thompson St, Ann Arbor. 734-663- 1800. Theark.org Professional Generations Dr., Three Oaks. 269-756- in the Metro Detroit area, a portion of Alex Sepkus Trunk Show 11 a.m. 0557. [email protected] Website The Ark “Seth Glier” Tickets: $20. The 3879. Acorntheater.com your food bill will be donated to the Abracadabra Jewlery/Gem Gallery, 205 Blue Man Group Tickets: $29-89. Michigan AIDS Coalition (MAC). Michigan E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. 734-994- Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 7:30 p.m. Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., TransCend TransCend provides support Monday, April 27 AIDS Coalition (MAC), Metro-Detroit. 4848. Abragem.com April 26. 734-761-1800. Theark.org Detroit. April 21 - April 26. 313-872- and resources to the Southwest 1000. broadwayindetroit.com Cultivating Taste of Place Workshop Diningoutforlife.com The Ark “Portland Cello Project” Tickets: Michigan transgender community, their Nerd-A-Game-Day 12 p.m. In honor of 9 a.m. Tickets: $10. Tourism Windsor $18. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 significant others, family, friends, and Free HIV Testing 2:30 p.m. Free International Tabletop Day & Free Comic Cirque Ziva Tickets: $24. 50-44. 50. Essex, Windsor Essex. p.m. April 25. 734-761-1800. Theark.org allies. Meetings occur twice per month anonymous HIV testing in-store at S3 Book Day. Nerdageddon, 117 E. Grand Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 3 p.m. April 26. 313-471-6611. on the 2nd Wednesday and 4th Sunday. Substance Abuse Weekly Therapy every Thursday 2-8. Call to make an River Ave., Brighton. Nerdageddon.com Unlimited Sky Production Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian Resource Group 6 p.m. The Center for appointment, or walk-ins welcome. olympiaentertainment.com Alcohol Abuse Weekly Therapy Group “Wednesday Night Jazz & Soul Music Center, 629 Pioneer St., Kalamazoo. Relationship and Sexual Health, 25600 S3 Store and HARC, 1209 S. 2 p.m. The Center for Relationship and Series” Every Wednesday Night Jazz God of Carnage Two Muses Theatre, 269-349-4234. Kglrc.org Woodward Ave., Ste. 215, Royal Oak. University, Ann Arbor. 734-741-1434. Sexual Health, 25600 Woodward Ave., & Soul Music Series featuring dome of Barnes & Noble, 6800 Orchard Lake 248-399-7447. [email protected] [email protected] S3safesexstore.com the best live music in MichiganCover: Own Your Gender 7 p.m. The Network, Ste. 215, Royal Oak. 248-399-7447. Road, West Bloomfield. Through April 26. $5. Harbor House, 440 Clinton, Detroit. 343 Atlas Ave. SE, Grand Rapids. 616- Interfaith Prayer Vigil 7 p.m. All God’s Arlo Guthrie: Alice’s Restaurant 50th [email protected] 248-850-9919. twomusestheatre.org Jan. 21 - June 24. 3139679900. 458-3511. Grlgbt.org Children Work Group, 21575 W. 10 Anniversary Tour 7:30 p.m. Presented I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Mile Road, Southfield. 248-721-1209. in memory of Linda Lee. Jewish Gay Harborhousemi.com Wine Tasting 7 p.m. A superb Change Tickets: $8-15. Thunder Bay [email protected] Network (JGN), 6600 W. Maple Road, MUSIC & MORE Theatre, 400 N. Second Ave., Alpena. selection of fine wines, live musical West Bloomfield. 248-661-1900. Film & Video entertainment, and delicious gourmet TransPeace 7 p.m. Ruth Ellis Center, 77 Four Pianos “Walt Matzke’s Four Through May 3. 989-354-2267. Jccdet.org Michigan Theater “Wine & Film fare from area restaurants and bakeries. Victor St., Highland Park. 313-867- Pianos: A Tour de Force on Four Grand thunderbaytheatre.com Pianos” Tickets: $19-$39. Fountain Series.” Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty Flint Institute of Arts, 1120 E. Kearsley 6932. Ruthelliscenter.org BIANCA DEL RIO Rolodex Of Hate Improv Mondays Planet Ant Theatre, Street Church, 24 Fountain Street St., Ann Arbor. April 29 - May 27. 734- St., Flint. 810-234-1695. Flintarts.org Comedy Special 8 p.m. Bianca Del Rio 2357 Caniff, Hamtramck. Through June Whole Lives, Healthy Lives Adult NE, Grand Rapids. 7:30 p.m. April 25. 668-8397. Ticketweb.com is a comedian, costume designer and 29. 313-365-4948. planetant.com David Sedaris 8 p.m. WDET, 1526 Support Group 7 p.m. This one-of-a- was the Season 6 Winner of RuPaul’s 1-800-585-3737. StarTickets.com Broadway St., Detroit. 313-237-SING. kind program in Berrien County helps Drag Race. 18+. Tickets: $35-75. Other Mary Poppins Tickets: $26. Riverbank Italian Film Festival “Italian Film Motopera.org attendees support each other in healthy Murray & Peter, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Theatre, 358 S Water St., Marine City. Festival” All films are free and open to For a Day Foundation “Sixth Annual ways through active listening and Oak. 248-268-2840. hunterhodgson@ Through April 26. 810-278-1749. caring feedback. OutCenter, 132 Water the public. Various, Various. April 2 - Charity Run with the Cops, Not From Sunday, April 26 aol.com Thebiancadelrio.com Them!” The 10K race begins at 9:30 riverbanktheatre.com St., Benton Harbor. 269-925-8330. April 26. Italianfilmfests.org 26th Annual Bow Wow Brunch 11:30 Outcenter.org Ladies Night 10 p.m. Third Thursdays: a.m. ; 5K race begins at 9:45 a.m. ; 1 Meshuggah-Nuns Tickets: $26-41. Midtown Detroit Inc. “Art X Detroit.” a.m. Proceeds from the Bow Wow For women who love women. Pronto Mile walk/run begins at 10 a.m. Early Meadow Brook Theatre, 2200 N. Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, Brunch assist MHS in finding homes for Gender Explorers 8 p.m. Spectrum Video Bar, 608 S. Washington Ave., entry fee (before April 17th) for 10 K and Squirrel Road, Rochester. April 22 - May 4454 Woodward Ave., Detroit. April 9 - animals in need, furthering innovative Center, Ann Arbor. 734-763-4186. Royal Oak. 5 K $30, after $35; 1 Mile walk/run early 17. 248-377-3300. mbtheatre.com community outreach efforts, supporting spectrumcenter.umich.edu April 26. 313-832-6622. Artxdetroit.com entry fee (before April 17), $20 after $25. . Belle Isle State Park, Detroit. April No Second Chances Tickets: $25-35. critical spay/neuter programs, and The Magic Bag “The English Beat” Friday, May 1 25. 313-719-6743. Fadfdetroit.org Street Ink Productions, Redford Theatre, most importantly, getting closer to Tuesday, April 28 Featuring Dave Wakeling. Tickets: $22+. the ultimate goal of ending animal HAVEN Gala 6:30 p.m. This signature LGBTQ+ Support Group 4 p.m. The Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Friends of the Detroit River “FDR homelessness. MadDog Technology, event will celebrate HAVEN’s 40th For teens age 14-18. Call number Ferndale. Dec. 5 - April 23. 248-544- Clean Up” Free lunch. Rotary Park, See Happenings, page 25

22 BTL | April 23, 2015 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com April 23, 2015 | BTL 23

Talley’s Folly Tickets: $12-42. The Dia.org ® Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park Happenings St., Chelsea. Through May 23. 734-433- Flint Institute of Arts “Common Continued from p. 22 7673. purplerosetheatre.org Ground: African American Art Exhibition.” Flint Institute of Arts, 1120 E. Kearsley Tender Napalm Tickets: $10-20. The St., Flint. Feb. 8 - April 26. 810-234- 17360 Lahser Rd., Detroit. 7 p.m. April Ringwald Theatre, 22742 Woodward 1695. Flintarts.org 25. 313-742-6441. Ave., Ferndale. Through May 4. 248- 545-5545. theringwald.com MOCAD “Radical Scavengers: the On Golden Pond Tickets: $30-32. The MOCAD Quilting Bee Project” This winter Encore Musical Theatre Company, 3126 The 39 Steps Tickets: $30 (pre-sale the Mobile Homestead space transforms Broad St., Dexter. Through April 26. 734- only). Nerve, Gallery 17 at Russell into a contemporary quilt making 268-6200. theencoretheatre.org Industrial Center, 1600 Clay St., Detroit. workshop for the community. Museum Through April 25. gonerve.com of Contemporary Art Detroit, 4454 Potted Potter - The Unauthorized Woodward Ave., Detroit. Jan. 25 - May Harry Experience Tickets: $42. The Merchant of Venice Tickets: $10. 24. 313-832-6622. Mocadetroit.org 50-52. 50. Detroit’s City Theatre, City Slipstream Theatre Initiative, Michigan Theatre, 2301 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Actors Studio, 648 E. 9 Mile Rd., The Michigan Modernism Exposition April 28 - May 3. 313-471-6611. Ferndale. Through April 30. 2483270575. Tickets: $10-12. $8 with BTL ad. Olympiaentertainment.com slipstreamti.com Southfield Municipal Complex, 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield. Salvage A shy owner of a collectables The Outgoing Tide Tickets: $27-32. April 25 - April 26. Facebook.com/ store in Detroit finds his staid existence Tipping Point Theatre, 361 E. Cady St., MichiganModernism turned topsy-turvy when a mysterious Northville. Through May 3. 248-347- women enters his life with valuable 0003. tippingpointtheatre.com The Scarab Club “Lowriding: From items that just should not exist anymore. Crenshaw to Woodward.” The Scarab Tickets: $12. 50-41. Performance Two Plays by Harold Pinter (with Club, 217 Farnsworth, Detroit. April 1 - Network Theatre, 120 E. Huron St., Ann drinking in between) Tickets: By May 16. 313-831-1250. Scarabclub.org Arbor. April 23 - May 24. 734-663-0681. donation. The Abreact, 1301 W. Lafayette Pntheatre.org #113, Detroit. Through May 9. 313-454- UMMA “Hana Hamplova: Meditations on 1542. theabreact.com Paper.” University Of Michigan Museum

“All God’s Children Work Group” will host a indoor, interfaith prayer vigil the night before the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on same-sex marriage. The organization’s chair, Elyse Kitrakis, states, “As you may know, the Supreme Court will hear arguments for and against gay marriage on April 28, 2015. The magnitude of the decision in this case is huge. It will be one of the major defining moments in the LGBT civil rights movement of the 21st century.” All God’s Children is a work group under the Social Justice and Peacemaking Committee of the Presbytery of Detroit. Kitrakis notes, “We are committed to helping our denomination better understand the importance of offering a fully inclusive welcome to All of God’s Children, especially our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters. In addition, we provide outreach to the LGBT community, to share the depth of God’s unconditional love for those who have been hurt by the rhetoric of so many faith communities.” The vigil will be held from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m. beginning April 27 at the rear entrance of Covenant Presbyterian Church, 21575 W. 10 Mile Road, Southfield. Participants are urged to come for either a few minutes or a few hours. For more information, contact Elyse at 248-721-1209 or elysek@ sbcglobal.net.

See You Next Doomsday A man finds Violet Tickets: $35-41 (includes meal). Of Art, 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor. Feb. himself stranded on a nightmarish future The Dio - Dining and Entertainment, 135 21 - Aug. 9. 734-763-4186. Umma. Earth, where he must fend off cannibals, E. Main St., Pinckney. Through May 17. umich.edu racist robots and bloodthirsty mermen 517-672-6009. diotheatre.com UMMA “Guido van der Werve: Nummer in order to escape a dying planet aboard Yakety Yak -- A Fifties Tale Tickets: the spaceship of a friendly alien named veertien, home .” University Of Michigan $39-43. 50 (includes dinner). Cornwell’s Museum Of Art, 525 S. State St., Ann Richard Gere. Tickets: $10-20. Planet Dinner Theatre, 18935 15 1/2 Mile Rd., Ant Theatre, 2357 Caniff, Hamtramck. Arbor. Jan. 1 - April 26. 734-763-4186. Marshall. Through May 2. 269-781- Umma.umich.edu Through May 2. 313-365-4948. 4293. turkeyville.com planetant.com University of Michigan, Inst. for Sirens When Sam first fell in love with Research on Women and Gender “Re- Rose, he wrote her a song - a song that ART ’N’ AROUND imaging Gender” 15 promising artists has been covered by every recording DIA “Photographs from the Detroit take on one of the thorniest challenges artist and translated into every language. Walk-In Portrait Studio by Corne facing contemporary art: how to render For 25 years, Sam has been trying to Vermeulen.” Detroit Institute of Arts, the modern spectrum of gender, going write the next song - to no avail. Tickets: 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Jan. 1 - beyond the simple male/female binary to $10-35. Williamston Theatre, 122 S. May 17. 313-833-7900. Dia.org include a wide variety of identities and Putnam Road, Williamston. Through April sexualities. Lane Hall, 204 S. State St., 26. 517-655-SHOW. Williamstontheatre. DIA “Make a Joyful Noise: Renaissance Ann Arbor. Jan. 15 - June 26. 734-764- com Art and Music at Florence Cathedral” A 9537. Irwg. research.umich.edu/events/ rare opportunity to see three exquisite exhibitions. html Starting with Us Tickets: $8-12. Matrix marble carvings and other Italian Theatre, Matrix Theatre Company, 2730 Renaissance masterpieces by sculptor Yourist Studio Gallery “Drink (c)up! Bagley, Detroit. Through April 26. 313- Luca della Robbia. Detroit Institute of Celebrating the Art and Ritual in Our 967-0999. Matrixtheatre.org Arts, 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Feb. Daily Life” Opening and Artists Reception 6 - May 17. 313-833-7900. Dia.org for Drink (c)up!, an exhibit and sale Sugarhill The Jewish Ensemble Theatre of handmade ceramic cups by Yourist Company, Aaron DeRoy Theatre on DIA “Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo in Studio Gallery Resident Artists. Free. the campus of the Jewish Community Detroit” Tickets: $24. Detroit Institute Yourist Studio Gallery, 1133 Broadway, Center, 6600 W. Maple Road, West of Arts, 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Ann Arbor. April 24 - May 24. 734-662- Bloomfield. Through May 10. 248-788- March 15 - May 31. 313-833-7900. 4914. Youristpottery.com 2900. jettheatre.org www.PrideSource.com April 23, 2015 | BTL 25 33 Pioneer automaker 10 Get a load of Q Puzzle 37 Twenty Questions turn 11 City north of Des Moines 38 With 56-Across, sign in the window 12 Bureaucratic tangle of any place that discriminates, per 13 Makes moist or hard Sign Of The Times SNL 14 Pew books at Metropolitan 41 Start to pea? Community Church 44 Stonewall Jackson, and others 19 Burial site of Macbeth 45 Montagues and Capulets, e.g. 20 Place for pool players’ balls 49 Assholes 25 “ ___ The Woods” 50 Begins to take notice 26 Deli request 51 “ __ Enchanted” 29 Take into the body 52 Roundup rope 31 Did not wait to exhale? 54 Moo juice source 33 R.E.M.’s “The ___ Love” 55 Says, “Let’s do it!” 34 Target of discrimination in Indiana 56 See 38-Across 35 Buck’s mates 63 McCullers’ “Ballad of the ___ Cafe” 36 George Takei’s role on “Star Trek” 64 Cup material 39 Apr. 15 letters 65 Signs of using a rubber? 40 Cooking meas. 66 Singer Di Franco 41 Package pouch 67 Islands instrument 42 Beach of Bette’s home state 68 Way to get a bone up? 43 “AIDS: Profile of an Epidemic” 69 Creepy Chaney narrator 70 Former Russian orbiter 46 Aging first mate, perhaps 71 Felt in one’s bones 47 She loved Franklin and Lorena 72 Three of Napoli 48 Tin fish 53 In the sack 54 Cold War rival of the USA Down 57 Creator of Sal Mineo’s _Exodus_ 21 Test the weight of 1 Swank, in a 2009 flick character Across 22 “There ___ be a law!” (anti-gay 2 Peacock, e.g. 58 Letter enc. 1 Race site in Auden’s land motto of Indiana?) 3 Ingredient in dye or fertilizer 59 “The doctor ___” 6 Express pleasure orally 23 Coldcock 4 Memorial column 60 Whoopi and others in _Sister Act_ 10 “Rat Bohemia” author Schulman 24 Gasteyer of “SNL” 5 “The Advocate,” briefly 61 Follies costume designer 15 Dutch resort isle 25 While you’re doing it 6 Tile surrounder 62 Rank Mauresmo, e.g. 16 Painter Bonheur 27 Arkansas Gov. Hutchinson 7 Type of trade 17 Board material 28 Layer of some balls 8 Question about a cross-dresser, 18 What they call discrimination in 30 Journalist Ted perhaps 9 1993 treaty acronym Indiana 32 River of Auden’s land Solution on pg. 20 Classifieds 113 ANNOUNCEMENTS - OPPORTUNITIES

Seeking LGBTQ Young Adults for Research Interviews Seeking LGBTQ young adults ages Position Available: Director 18-24 interested in discussing their experiences with bullying within of Development the context of either an individual Affirmations, the community center for interview or a focus group lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (group interview). Please contact (LGBTQ) people and their allies seeks Melinda.m.mccormick@wmich. a Director of Development. edu, Western Michigan University, Essential Functions: Reporting to and in PhD student in sociology, for more partnership with the Executive Director information. (ED), the Director of Development (DD) will lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive 308 EMPLOYMENT - and strategic fund development program that results in the securing of COMMUNITY SERVICES funding support in an excess of 1.5M annually. Contact by email. [email protected]. Position Available: No phone calls. Facilities Associate Affirmations, the community center for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender 428 PROF. SERVICES - 711 HEALTH & FITNESS (LGBTQ) people and their allies seeks - WEIGHT LOSS a facilities associate available to work MASSAGE a staggered and flexible schedule. Essential Functions: GROUP MASSAGE LOSE UP TO 30 LBS Reporting to the Director of - For Gay and Bisexual Men. Learn IN 30 DAYS! Operations, the facilities associate some massage techniques and is responsible for maintaining the COLON CLEANSE & HEALTH & meet others in a safe and caring WELLNESS PRODUCTS! building is kept clean and orderly environment. Tuesdays and Saturdays along with the scheduling of all at 8 p.m. Thursdays at 2 p.m. $10 100% Money Back Guarantee! meetings and events happening at the per session. 209 West Kingsley in www.billingtonweightlossproducts. building. Contact by email. downtown Ann Arbor. (734) 662- com [email protected]. 6282 or email [email protected]. www.billington.firstfitness.com No phone calls. http://trymassage.com (248) 506-6703 - MICHAEL B.

26 BTL | April 23, 2015 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com April 23, 2015 | BTL 27