George H. W. Bush ‘Unsupportive’ on Gay Rights, HIV/AIDS

Anti-LGBT Petitions Before Supreme Court Could Make for Dire Term Gay Trans and Disabled

Margot Robbie Holds Queer Court

PRIDESOURCE.COM DECEMBER 6, 2018 | VOL. 2649 | FREE 2 BTL | December 6, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Join The Conversation @ Pridesource.com

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COVER: GAY, TRANS AND DISABLED 16 Get Off Social Media and Take to the Margot Robbie BTL Photo: Kate Gowman Streets Holds Queer Court NEWS 18 Worship Calendar 4 Gay, Trans and Disabled 19 Pope Francis Says He’s Worried 12 Anti-LGBT Petitions Before Supreme Court Could See Page 20 Make for Dire Term About Homosexuality in the Priesthood 14 George H. W. Bush ‘Unsupportive’ on Gay Rights, HIV/AIDS COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS HAPPENINGS NATIONAL NEWS OPINION 8 Parting Glances 8 Pap Smears and Paint Parties: A Journey Toward Embracing My bisexuality 9 Creep of the Week LIFE 20 Margot Robbie Holds Queer Court 28 Deep Inside Hollywood 26 Happenings 29 Puzzle & Crossword COOL CITIES: ANN ARBOR 22 UMS PResents ‘Winterreise’ Dec. 16 22 Ann Arbor LezRead ‘The Spanish Pearl’ Dec. 8 ‘Prevalent’ Exhibit George H.W. Bush COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Explores Deep Issues ‘Unsupportive’ on Gay 30 ‘Prevalent’ Exhibit Explores Deep Issues in in America Rights, HIV/AIDS America See Page 30 See Page 26 See Page 12

VOL. 2649 • DECEMBER 6, 2018 EDITORIAL News & Feature Writers ADVERTISING & SALES ONLINE AT ISSUE 1089 Editor in Chief Emell Derra Adolphus, Michelle Brown, Director of Sales Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 102 Ellen Knoppow, Jason Michael, Drew Howard, Jan Stevenson, 734.293.7200 x 101 “Between The Lines Newspaper” PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA GROUP [email protected] Jonathan Thurston [email protected] 20222 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152 CREATIVE Phone 734.293.7200 Entertainment Editor Sales Representatives Follow us @YourBTL Webmaster & MIS Director Chris Azzopardi, 734.293.7200 x 106 Ann Cox, 734.293.7200 x 103 Kevin Bryant, [email protected] PUBLISHERS [email protected] [email protected] Email your op–eds to Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson [email protected] Columnists Feature News Editor Donelle Kremke, 734.293.7200 x 104 MEMBER OF Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown, Kate Opalewski, 734.293.7200 x 108 [email protected] Michigan Press Assoication Mikey Rox, D’Anne Witkowski, Sign up online to receive our E–Digest [email protected] National LGBT Media Association Gwendolyn Ann Smith National Advertising Representative National Gay & Lesbian Chamber Editorial Assistant Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 Q Syndicate Cartoonists Eve Kucharski, 734.293.7200 x 105 Paul Berg, Dave Brousseau [email protected] Our rate cards are available online. All material appearing in Between The Lines is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publishers. Between The Lines is supported by many Contributing Photographers fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for materials provided by advertisers or their agents. Andrew Potter, Alexander Godin, Andrew Cohen Copyright 2018 Pride Source Media Group www.PrideSource.com December 6, 2018 | BTL 3 COVER STORY Gay, Trans and Disabled Living With Disabilities in a ‘Ableist, Racist and Queerphobic’ World

Because many of those conditions remain Because underemployment is all too common difficult to prove, even with documentation by for people with disabilities and low wages a physician or specialist, only about 40 percent prevent workers from gaining independence, of applicants make it through the application people like State Rep. Frank Liberati (D-Allen process and a backlogged appeals process Park) have tried to shift that reality. In February without being rejected. he introduced House Bill 5587 — now in “Some systems are made deliberately difficult committee — which prohibits employers from and bureaucratic to navigate — this is for abled paying an employee with a disability less than people,” said Zero. “For disabled people, the the minimum wage. confusing procedures are agonizing and can cause people to completely give up. I think they hope for that, to be honest.” Hidden Struggles Zero is a freelance content creator who When They Can’t Just ‘Get a survives by doing art commissions and writing articles. Ze, too, has tried working fulltime for Job’ employers, but limitations beyond zir control make that difficult. In 2017, 18.7 percent of people with a “I can only handle two to three hours of disability were employed, according to the work and then I have to sleep,” ze said. “People U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In contrast, don’t want to believe me when I say I can’t do the employment to population ratio for those something like stretch to press a button or bend without a disability was 65.7 percent. down to file something away. If I bend down Disability advocates point out that BTL photos: Kate Gowman keep people in inescapable poverty,” added for 30 seconds, I end up with a back cramp for Americans with disabilities face a host of Brumalis, who is also non-binary but uses she/ 30 minutes.” complex issues such as stigmas, typically lower her pronouns. “It’s a really dastardly scheme Additionally, being autistic makes Zero feel BY KATE OPALEWSKI education rates and higher rates of poverty. when you think about it.” “wrong” to people ze describes as “neurotypical,” Each of those issues can add to the difficulties And they’re not alone in their struggle. or unaffected by disorders like autism. inding a job is simple. That is, if one has of finding a job while disabled. For instance, a CBS News report showed that “At my last job I tried really hard to be socially a degree, experience, connections and an For instance, Brumalis wants to work, but despite advances like the implementation of acceptable and friendly, but they just perceived able body. Things start to get tricky when because she was perceived as a man while Fone of those elements is missing, and nearly the Americans with Disabilities Act, there have me as ‘off’ which happens a lot to autistic previously working in the retail sector, she been unintended consequences for those who people. That’s why I’m seeking jobs where I impossible when one suffers from physical was assigned a disproportionate amount of the have disabilities; like employers shying away don’t have to rely on other people very much, disabilities — that, at least, is the experience physical labor tasks. Additionally, Brumalis was from hiring disabled people because of the because people can’t be friendly with me and I of Jem Zero and Tora Brumalis. The Metro bussing from downtown Detroit to Roseville at potential to incur cost in accommodating take it very personally,” Zero said. “I know you Detroit-based lesbian couple suffers from 4 a.m. for four-hour shifts that paid minimum disabled employees. don’t always have to like your coworkers, but several disabilities and a variety of mental health wage, which made it even harder to afford issues that have made living a “normal” life a it’s very emotionally hard for me to deal with.” transportation costs and justify the demands One of the major problems with how disabled significant challenge. of her position. However, despite the struggles that both Understanding the Need people are treated ze said is that there isn’t a “That mentally and physically broke me,” physical impairment, a “sign,” or a “look” that Zero and Brumalis face, they make one thing Roughly 25.1 percent of adults in Michigan Brumalis said. “After that, I wasn’t capable of very clear: they are just as human as anyone report being disabled. Plagued by persistent indicates they are disabled. doing much of anything and couldn’t stand Beyond zir cane and rollator, Zero seems else — though they “don’t think it’s realistic” unemployment and poverty, Brumalis, like the thought of going back into that kind of that many will care to remember that. many others, applied for Social Security abled on the outside and said ze constantly has working environment — which is the most to educate people about zir disability. “That’s just what I hope,” Zero said. “There disability benefits, hoping to get back on her common environment because I don’t have will always be someone who dehumanizes you, feet. She was denied Supplemental Security “I’ve looked for writing jobs and despite a formal degree and most places don’t hire having an art degree, it’s very hard to get hired especially since we’re gay, trans and disabled.” Income, and, while initially granted food without some sort of degree or certificate and Zero, who is non-binary and uses ze/zir assistance, both those benefits and her health anywhere, especially somewhere that would some experience. Even with the experience, work with my needs,” said Zero, who is doing pronouns, said that ze’s heard all the usual insurance were compromised by a paperwork I wouldn’t get most of the jobs I would be a negative comments from people before. error from the Michigan Department of Health zir best to finish an accounting certificate. good fit for. It’s kind of a break yourself or bust Brumalis is also going to school, hoping to “Like, ‘Why don’t you do this?’ ‘That’s and Human Services. That error resulted in the situation.” not my problem,’ ‘You’re irresponsible,’ ‘You account being closed. earn a computer information systems certificate After her attempt to get SSI failed, Brumalis for web design. should just try harder,’ ‘You’re lazy,’ ‘You’re a An article in Bridge Magazine reports that has worked piecemeal gigs, such as sensitivity drain on society,’” ze said. “They have all these eligibility depends on whether an applicant reading and private catering, to bring in reasons why you’re still the one causing all can no longer achieve “substantial gainful money. Her attempts to get a steady job were A Failed Solution your problems.” activity” in the labor market. The rapid rise in unsuccessful for several months, until recently Now in their late 20s, Zero and Brumalis said But Zero asserted that it’s not for lack of disability insurance is mostly associated with when she accepted a job as an event host in they live their lives in a constant state of worry. trying that ze and Brumalis aren’t able to musculoskeletal conditions and those with downtown Detroit. Still, her mental health and With changes to Michigan’s public assistance provide for themselves without assistance. mental illnesses, including chronic anxiety, physical limitations make it difficult to work programs, like Medicaid, they were hopeful that “It’s not widely known how much structural depression and memory loss — categories that too many shifts. and institutional biases and oppressions critics said can be too subjective. utilizing crowdfunding resources would help 4 BTL | December 6, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Some people only choose to be equitable because the “ law of the land will punish them for deviating from that behavior. If trans people lose protections, there will be a surge in assaults, unemployment and homelessness because there won’t be anything to shield and protect us from bigotry.

” – Tora Brumalis them stay afloat. They launched a GoFundMe been studied by numerous researchers. page in May but had to take it down due to “White people believe black people don’t harassment from neo-Nazis. experience pain,” ze said. “People will look at “It wasn’t surprising to be confronted with a struggling black woman and all they’ll do is such open contempt,” Brumalis said while criticize her and think bad things about her. reflecting on the comments that were posted They don’t respect her suffering. They justify to their page, which included anti-black racial it with, ‘Oh, the animal is innocent.’” slurs. “Being black and trans, you’re uniquely The implications of that statement are clear. positioned to receive and see attacks on your “It’s equal parts racism and a general character or ability, but desensitization just disregard for people’s experiences that you don’t means it hurts less rather than not at all.” personally have any intimate knowledge of,” Both she and Zero found the loss of support Brumalis said. “No one except for black people to be discouraging and haven’t attempted to know what it’s like to be black in a country that make a new campaign. hates black people.” This is troublesome for the couple, too, as Consistently, complaints of discrimination they are uncertain about the future of their filed with the Michigan Department of Civil health care through the state’s Healthy Michigan Rights on the basis of disability are second only Medicaid Plan under the Affordable Care Act. to complaints on the basis of race. At this point, Come Jan. 1, 2020, the program might fall the couple has become numb to the fact that under work requirements — to work, look for people have dehumanized LGBTQ disabled work, volunteer or be in training or in school, people to a group they neither understand for 80 hours each month, unless they are nor recognize. otherwise exempt, or risk losing their benefits. “People think we’re parasites,” said Zero. “Our “I would be in very severe trouble. I’ve GoFundMe page is not the only place where never been on public assistance. This will be we’ve been told to kill ourselves.” my first year figuring out how to report self- But while access to money is important, employment. If my work doesn’t meet the it’s not the only thing Zero and Brumalis requirements, then I’m — excuse my language need. When asked what they are looking for, — fucked. I’ll probably die. I’m not saying that Zero emphasized the need for “accessible as an exaggeration. I will probably die,” said opportunities.” Zero, who relies on six medications daily, one “Opportunities that consider our disabilities, that costs $1,000 a month. but also consider that we can do excellent Beyond that, finding work and translating work if provided proper accommodations,” that to survival is not easy, according to ze said. “People should be open to providing Brumalis. accommodations, open to reaching out to “Food is expensive, doubly so when you have disabled people to give them that shot instead of allergies, intolerances and/or dietary concerns. just assuming they can’t handle something. Put Transportation is expensive, insurance rates in a good word for or refer a disabled person aren’t affordable for low-income people, for the job. Make those connections to give ride sharing costs have gone up,” she said. them a leg up.” “You spend most of what you make keeping employment and paying bills without the opportunity to effectively save.” A Glimmer of Hope The hardest part, said Zero, has been proving The couple met on OKCupid at the end of they truly need and deserve financial support, March 2018. Zero messaged Brumalis right website or not. away. “You will get more support for a dog than “I refer to it as love at first sight,” said Zero you will for a black woman,” said Zero about about seeing Brumalis’ profile picture on the Brumalis’ experiences. “It’s just a fact. People dating site. “I was hitting on her really hard, don’t care as much about women of color.” but Tora was so anxious about me not liking Zero, who is white, points to zir emotional her that she didn’t notice.” support dog, Reyah, who needed medical Almost immediately, the two started dating. attention following a seizure a few months ago. It wasn’t long before they fell head over heels “I got almost $1,000 in under 48 hours for for each other. her,” said Zero, about Reyah’s GoFundMe page. Ze explained the racial empathy gap, which has See Disabilities, continued on p. 10 www.PrideSource.com December 6, 2018 | BTL 5 Equality Michigan Announces Leadership Changes

BY BTL STAFF

Equality Michigan has announced that Executive Director Stephanie White will be leaving her position effective Jan. 9, 2019. The organization’s boards unanimously decided not to renew her contract. This decision, according to a press release, was made as a result of EQMI’s efforts to retool for 2019 and years to come. With a more balanced incoming legislature and a pro- equality governor, attorney general and secretary of state, the organization is planning for rapid progress on the issues that matter most to EQMI’s members and supporters. “We are making changes now to be more impactful in the future, and so we can continue our commitment to the work of making Michigan fair and equal for all,” said Jim Murray, EQMI’s board chair. He will serve as temporary interim executive director as the board considers its next steps. “Our daily operations will continue as normal BTL to Host Farewell Party for Common Language Bookstore Dec. 15 through the leadership transition, including our services supporting vulnerable LGBTQ persons BY BTL STAFF to emphasize the significance that bookstores and advocating on our community’s behalf,” said have played as “community centers” for Murray. fter 27 years as a beacon for those in LGBTQ people across the world. “We thank Steph White for her years of service Ann Arbor’s and Southeast Michigan’s “As a founder of a community center I value to Equality Michigan, Equality Michigan Action LGBTQ community, Common that role,” Stevenson said. “Whether it’s an Network, our members, our allies, and the ALanguage Bookstore will be forced to close actual community center or a store or a bar or movement for equal rights in Michigan,” said its doors one final time at the end of 2018. restaurant — wherever it is that people feel safe Trevor Thomas, EQMI’s Action Network board According to husbands and co-owners Keith to congregate and to learn — I know that that chair. “Her tireless advocacy amplified the voice Orr and Martin Contreras, this comes after bookstore has served that role for people who of the LGBTQ community at a time when many years of market pressures that have made have either been just coming out, or maybe in power preferred our silence, and we wish her running the store unsustainable. To honor wanted to learn about their community or well as she takes on new challenges.” their efforts in maintaining the business, their heritage or just to meet other people.” Martin Contreras and Keith Orr EQMI’s board consists of Jim Murray, Vice Between The Lines is hosting a final farewell Orr added that bookstores of this type used Chair Mike Rowady, Secretary Tim Atkinson, party on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 3 to 6 p.m., to be much more common across the states. people who had never been inside the shop. Treasurer Mira Kirshnan, Buzz Thomas, Chuck along with a going list of co-hosts that now “Back in the day, Michigan had four or “You know, it’s really something that a Otis, Daniel Spadafore and David Worthams. The includes Sandi Smith and Linda Lombardini five LGBT bookstores and I think there were number of people who come in here will say, EQMI Action Network consists of Trevor Thomas, from Trillium Real Estate, Unified – HIV & three in D.C. and four or five in New York ‘I’ve just never seen anything like this before.’ Mira Kirshnan, Chuck Otis, Tim Atkinson, Beyond, MI Sen.–elect Jeff Irwin, MI Sen.- City. They used to be such a prevalent part of Part of it, I think, is that it is in an old house. It Cheryl Gilliam and Ronald Moore. elect Jeremy Moss, MI Rep. Jon Hoadley and our culture,” Orr said. “You know, in effort to has that welcoming aspect of it and that is part MI Rep. Adam Zenke When asked why she keep it going we’ve had fundraisers and we’ve of its character. You feel like you’re walking was hosting the party, BTL Co-Publisher Jan named them The Last Bookstore Standing and into a house,” he said. “We had the last owner Stevenson simply said that it was “important we didn’t quite make it. There’s a few others of Oscar Wilde Bookshop, Kim Brinster, stop for the community to honor its history.” standing but not many. The last time I counted, in at one point and was just gushing over it. “And the people that made the history,” I think there were 10 in the U.S. and Canada. That was one of my proudest moments because Stevenson added. “And Keith and Martin are That will reduce it to a single digit as we close.” I loved Oscar Wilde.” certainly that. They’ve been doing the good Common Language is located in Braun Though the physical store will be gone, fight for decades and this bookstore is just Court, inside the Kerrytown District of Ann Orr added that fans of that unique, Common one of the many things they’ve done over Arbor. Another reason that the bookstore’s Language style might be in luck for a while the last 30 years. It’s important to mourn the closure is impactful is because the space has longer yet. There are plans in the works to loss of the bookstore and to acknowledge the become something of a hub for LGBTQ life try and maintain an online presence for the contribution that Keith and Martin have made — Contreras and Orr also own the Jim Toy store, though not guaranteed, that would allow in keeping it open for as long as they have and Community Center, aut Bar and formerly customers to buy online. to thank them for that.” Shaut, a performance space across the Attendees at the party are encouraged to courtyard from aut Bar. The couple acquired To find out more about the store go online to peruse unsold stock, chat with the owners, eat Common Language in 2003, after a 12-year glbtbooks.com or give the shop a visit before food and take time to acknowledge the loss stint with the original owners. year’s end at 317 Braun Court in Ann Arbor. Equality Michigan Executive Director Stephanie White's of a historically significant part of Southeast When asked what he’ll miss the most about For more information call 734-663-0036 or contract is up Jan. 9, 2019 and will not be renewed. Michigan’s LGBTQ culture. Stevenson went on his business, Orr said it was the reaction of email [email protected]. 6 BTL | December 6, 2018 www.PrideSource.com OUR IDEA OF PERFECT: YOUR PEACE OF MIND A gated, 35-acre community with safety staff means no solicitors, no strangers and a real sense of security. No place is more comfortable than home—and at Henry Ford Village, that's the kind of feeling every resident enjoys.

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BY CHARLES ALEXANDER Don We Now Santa’s Gay Apparel!

‘Twas New Years Eve and “Santa Closet” – lavender quill pen in hand, Gucci trifocal sunglasses on his merry nose – was double checking his private list to see who’s straight, and who’s – hopefully, er, – gay. Unbeknownst to almost everybody – the exceptions: Christmas Carol and a near-retirement elf named Crisco – “Santa Closet,” who usually goes by Claus 363 days, felt entitled to party. Solo. Mrs. Claus, who hadn’t slept with her hubby since bubble lights and artificial tinsel trees broke family values tradition, couldn’t care less that she’d have one less mouth to feed on New Year’s day at the North Pole. Forty elves, the usual party-crashing, fur-lined eskimos and those caterwauling chipmunks were enough for Mrs. Claus. She was frankly tired of hearing another round of travel adventures. Boring. (Especially those concerning the Middle East.) Year after year. Truth is, it was Rudolph, with his shiny nose so bright, that put Claus into the closet; but, to be fair to the antlered, Viewpoint addled-headed kid, it was all Santa’s doing.

“It’s my only pleasure,” she hummed to herself, taking freshly Pap Smears and Paint Parties: A Journey baked Alice B. Toklas gingerbread Angel cookies from the oven. “Especially without that flighty Rudolph poking around where he shouldn’t be. That wet-nosed sniffer is a bit much. Toward Embracing My Bisexuality Heaven knows what my Nicky sees in him.” Truth is, it was Rudolph, with his shiny nose so bright, that BY SARA KRAHEL put Claus into the closet; but, to be fair to the antlered, addled- headed kid, it was all Santa’s doing. his year I finally came out to breath to be a good sport. It did not help The next step for me was going to a gay He bought the bouncy, happy-go-lucky, sky-dancing critter my best friend as bisexual. But with the spasms. Although they were bar. I go out often on weekends, but I’d from Gene Autry, the singing cowpoke who ranched and raised first, I have to tell you about medical professionals, they didn’t get come to realize how uncomfortable I felt Rudolph from a young’n. And sang and guitar strummed the Tmy first pap smear. You see, I have that I couldn’t relax in this compromising at the straight bars. I wanted to go to a critter into universal — and annoying — fame. cerebral palsy and often my legs spasm position. Can anyone truly relax with bar where I felt like I could be myself: no Story is that Autry, who met Santa at a Rodeo Ho-Ho-Ho- when I get uncomfortable or nervous. strangers holding onto their legs and invasive questions, seedy objectification down, suspected Santa might take to Rudolph, if for no other I was certainly nervous going into the looking at their genitals? No. After years and slimy pity-grinding. I made plans to reason than Rudolph’s sled-mates-to-be each had questionable, appointment because I knew there would of invasive medical procedures, I have go out with another gay friend, and came funny names. Dasher. Prancer. Comet. Cupid. Vixen. (“Vixen, be issues with those infamous stirrups. a fairly high pain tolerance, metal in out to him just as we were about to enter indeed!” twanged Autry.) Rudolph sound Republican! It was the day that changed my life. my vagina while having a spasm was a local gay bar (he took it just fine). When It was probably a big mistake from the start to let Rudolph Let me set the scene: I had hooked my one of the most painful things I’ve ever we got to the bar we saw that it had three lead Santa’s team. But, let’s face it. That nose so bright. Well, arms around one leg in a death grip experienced. flights of stairs and no elevator. fellow BTL consumers, chalk it up to conspicuous consumption. and a nurse was holding the other, as After that horrifying ordeal, I made a Normally, I would ask my friends if we And – a real plus – the nose did match Santa’s red outfit. the gynecologist was performing the swift exit and texted my best friend about could try a different bar but we were truly But Santa was pleased as pink holiday punch. Especially as procedure as fast as she could. In this the experience. In that same message, I determined this time around because it he recalled 10 Christmases ago. circumstance it was not just my legs that came out to her as bisexual. Thankfully, was a paint party-themed night. So, I It was Santa’s last stopover at Palm Springs, California, the seized up, it was my entire lower body she said all of the good things that you talked two bouncers into carrying me and gift-giving, oasis-in-the-desert, party drop off before hula-hula, and that included my vagina. hope someone will say to you when you my chair up the stairs. The inside of the grass-skirt Hawaii. I was visibly sweating and red in the come out for the first time. club was just as inaccessible, with small Like everybody else who’s overworked, Santa was plumb face, trying to hold onto my twitching This opened my life up in new staircases leading to each area. Once my pooped from under-pricing and tamper-proof Walmart right leg. The doctor noticed me and exciting ways. I told a few of my friend helped me down the steps to the packaging. And, if he heard one more Christmas Carol, he struggling and told me to “relax and closest friends and began to feel more dance floor I went immediately to the thought he’d go completely bonkers. breathe.” I rolled my eyes, knowing that comfortable with my new identity, so I front because I wanted to experience “Rudy,” winked Santa, in need of a perk up, “Use your twinkle it wouldn’t magically make my entire decided to change my Tinder settings to the paint-splattered madness. body stop spazzing, but I took a deep include both men and women. See Parting Glances, continued on next page See Viewpoint, continued on next page 8 BTL | December 6, 2018 www.PrideSource.com and just genuinely vibing with each other. ® Viewpoint People even came up to us and asked if we Continued from p. 8 were a couple because our attraction to each Creep Of The Week other was so visible. We had to laugh and said we just met despite popular belief. The We had just started dancing when a night ended with us exchanging numbers BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI stunning girl came up and asked if she could Mike Pence and kissing goodbye with the open promise dance with me. At first, I froze. I’ve had girls of seeing each other again. come up to me in straight clubs and ask to I would love to say that this meet-cute orld AIDS Day was Dec. 1, as dance with me before ... but it was always a turned into my first relationship with a girl it has been every Dec. 1 for the And now people are pissed because joke to them. I had to remind myself that I and that everything worked out. But I never last 30 years. And the day before, Pence didn’t even mention the gay was at a gay club and she might actually be Won Nov. 30, President George H.W. Bush saw her after that night. I texted her twice the into me, so I said yes. community in his 2018 address. It is, no next day and got no reply. For a while I was died. While these two One of the first questions she asked was if I hurt because I don’t usually hook up in clubs. things are unrelated, doubt, an intentional omission. was straight (I’ve been told that’s how I come That night, though none of that mattered they’re also not. off). I laughed and said that I was bi and it — my wheelchair, my kissing abilities, my Bush was, of was my first time at a gay bar. It turned out self-consciousness of everyone watching course, vice president that she was in the same position. This was us hook up. I had never met anyone who during the reign of the first time I said “I’m bi” to a stranger and, either. Especially not if the U.S. was paying I was so instantly attracted to; where I felt President Ronald honestly, it felt so good to be open about it. for them. so comfortable with myself and with them. Reagan, a man who After a few songs she left for the bathroom “The timeless values of abstinence I felt free to just live in the paint splattered ignored AIDS and and I awkwardly waited around, then saw and marital faithfulness before condom moments in the dark. the predominately her leave the bathroom chasing her visibly distribution are the cure for what ails the Even though I’m disappointed this night gay men it was killing. upset friend. I’ve had enough friend drama families of Africa,” he said on the House floor didn’t lead to anything, I am grateful for Things didn’t exactly improve once Bush happen at clubs to know I should leave her in 2003. “It is important that we not just send this experience with her because I realized became president. be, but I couldn’t stop thinking about her and them money, but we must send them values that the right people don’t care that I use a AIDS has killed a lot of people all over asking myself why I didn’t kiss her when I that work.” wheelchair to move around in this crazy the world. And over the years the policies had the chance. Note that he’s basically saying that Africa world in which we all live. They find me of Republican administrations sure didn’t Even when I found my friend again, lacks values and ignorant Africans keep on attractive for being me, which sounds cheesy, help matters. Faux “morality” crusaders have I couldn’t get this girl out of my mind. sexing and cheating so why should the U.S. but it isn’t always a given when you have seemed more interested in punishing people Suddenly, I looked up and saw her dancing have to pay for it? Pence’s comments smack a visible disability. Here’s to many more with HIV and AIDS than in preventing the alone. I held back for a second because I of colonialism. nights of living for myself and not letting spread of the disease. didn’t know if she was actually into me or if Pence’s awful history on the subject of my disability get in the way of finding love. Which is why the choice of Vice President it was a pity dance. I told my friend and he AIDS continued as he moved up the political Or, maybe just a cute person to dance with Mike, “I’m a Christian, a conservative and a said, “No, I saw you two dancing. She was ranks. When he was the governor of Indiana for the night. Republican, in that order,” Pence to deliver he cut public health funding and rejected a definitely into you!” With that, I gathered the White House’s 2018 World AIDS Day up the courage and went over to her. She needle exchange program, because “morals,” Sara was born and raised in southeast address is so fitting. And so gross. immediately lit up and started dancing with even when there was an uptick in HIV Michigan, but will one day move somewhere See, Pence was himself one of those faux me again. I was so completely taken in the infections. When he finally relented a bit with warm because wheelchairs and snow do morality crusaders when he was in the moment that I forgot all about my friend and the number of infections went down. not mix. She loves reading, being an extrovert Indiana House of Representatives. In 2001 let the music move us through the crowd. And now people are pissed because Pence and dancing through her weekends. Her essay he sounded the alarm on CNN about the Eventually, we ended up kissing. didn’t even mention the gay community in his has also been published in Bi Women Quarterly danger of condoms and Secretary of State We moved throughout the night dancing 2018 address. It is, no doubt, an intentional and can be found at BiWomenBoston.org. Colin Powell’s recklessness in advising people omission. to use them. Pence called Powell’s advice And in some ways it feels like a relief. “very sad.” I mean, the previous examples show that “Colin Powell had an opportunity here when Pence does discuss specific populations, ® Parting Glances “Hey, Brucie! You remember me. I brought to reaffirm this president’s commitment to whether they be Africans, drug users or Continued from p. 8 you a Barbie doll with dresses to match for abstinence as the best choice for our young fornicators, he has a tendency to say really Christmas when you were 10.” people,” he said to Wolf Blitzer. “The other insulting shit. There’s little doubt that his take nose. Find us a spot where I can get a quickie “O Shingles!” said pink-faced Bruce, taken part is that, frankly, condoms are a very, very on gay people and AIDS would be a poor one. hot toddy. Or, two. Or, three.” aback. “You really are Santa. Beats tarnation poor protection against sexually transmitted But, of course, those who remember the No sooner said than done, Rudolph to the and tarp out of me. Go on in. Your leather diseases, and in that sense ... the secretary history of the AIDS epidemic know how Rescue, attracted by the distant clarion call belt’ll do. If anybody asks, it was Ken – not of state may be inadvertently misleading harmful it is to not be seen or acknowledged. of that old favorite carol “Jingle Bell Rock” Barbie – I wanted.” millions of young people and endangering As ACT UP has taught us: Silence = Death. blaring through the star filled desert night, Three hot toddies later Santa was on his lives.” “We’ve come so far, but there’s so much set Santa’s sleigh cozily down in an almost way. Cheery like all get up. All get out. “You It is, of course, not true that condoms farther to go to be able to end the AIDS full-to-capacity, stud-valet parking lot. know somethin’, Rudy. I’ve been lettin’ the provide poor protection against STDs. Crisis,” ACT UP’s Eric Sawyer told Out “I shan’t be long,” said Santa, as he peeped wrong age and dress code sit on my lap. When used properly they have a reputation Magazine. “There’s still an inordinate amount into the red-and-green, bright neon-lighted “Oh, well, it’s never too late to be naughty for working pretty darn well. Of course, if of fear and hysteria around HIV that prevents bistro. Bruce’s Cell Block Cafe & Tackle and nice. Why’s Vixen gigglin’? You two been you believe that abstinence is the only way people from testing, coming out about their Lounge. “Keep an eye on Dancer and Prancer. decking the halls of parking lot holly?” and should be the only option, well then a status, and that triggers all kinds of negative, And, whatever you do, Rudy, don’t let Vixen condom’s probably going to seem pretty scary hateful language directed at positive people.” out of your sight! You know how she likes Charles Alexander is prolific both as a BTL since people use them when they have S-E-X. And, of course, in the case of Pence, hateful to get it on.” columnist (700-plus columns) and as a Even young people, as Pence indicates that lack of language. Gay sex, extra-marital sex, “Hey, mister, whoever you are in that Santa well-known LGBT community artist (1000 he, himself, is more than aware of when he drug use. These trouble Pence’s conscience get up, we’ve got rules here,” barked a rather Facebook images). He is a Spirit of Detroit references “millions of young people” who and so he has spent his political career trying burly, unshaven guy guarding the joint. “No Award recipient and an Affirmations LGBT might potentially—GASP—use condoms. to prevent these things. The deaths? At best leather. No go!” CENTER Jan Stevenson awardee. Connect He didn’t want people in Africa, where Pence considers them an afterthought. At Santa, ever jolly, quick of wit, grinned, with him at [email protected]. AIDS has ravaged so many, to use condoms, worst, a divine retribution. www.PrideSource.com December 6, 2018 | BTL 9 LGBT Detroit Hosts Holiday Party ® Disabilities Roughly 25.1 percent of adults in Continued from p. 5 Michigan report being disabled. LGBT Detroit invites supporters of their services unknowns — especially considering the to celebrate the holiday season together with their “We bonded over a lot of similar proposed legislation against trans people. 16th annual Holiday in December benefit. The experiences,” said Brumalis. “We’re both President Donald Trump’s Department of benefit, happening on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 2:30 p.m. kind of iffy around new people. We want Health and Human Services is considering that includes gifts and raffles, will support LGBT to open up to people. We want to get to an interpretation of Title IX that would programs and services. know people. We want to let people in, but effectively erase protections for people “For over two decades, LGBT Detroit has been it’s hard because you aren’t really sure how who identify with a gender different from receiving unwavering support from neighboring people are going to react to you. You don’t the one assigned to them at birth from communities in any capacity that promotes the know what’s going to be the part of you that federal civil rights laws — ensuring that wellbeing and integrity involved in fostering an people think is too weird.” the laws do not prohibit discrimination environment conducive to lesbian, gay, bi and In the first couple weeks after meeting, against transgender people in any setting, transgender individuals irrespective of race, culture they spent more time together than they including the workplace, housing, schools or socio-economic status,” reads LGBT Detroit’s did apart. and health care. History. “The community support is manifested in “It was so fast. I don’t usually do stuff like “Some people only choose to be equitable their advocating, partnership, testifying before local this,” Zero said. because the law of the land will punish and state legislators, providing safe gathering spaces And after only one month of dating, Zero them for deviating from that behavior,” where members of the LGBT community can interact and Brumalis moved into an apartment said Brumalis. “If trans people lose without fear of persecution or bigotry.” together. protections, there will be a surge in assaults, At the event, supper will be served at 2:30 p.m. and Jem Zero (left) and Tora Brumalis pose with their At that time Brumalis was homeless dog Reyah. BTL photo: Kate Gowman unemployment and homelessness because the dress code is black and Tiffany blue. because her family would not support her there won’t be anything to shield and protect transition. Zero got word about an available us from bigotry.” To find out more about the organization and its services, Conquering New Challenges apartment and the two ran with it. Despite the fear, the two feel safe together. reach out to lgbtdetroit.org. Brumalis said she was initially nervous. Unfortunately, Brumalis and Zero were While the holidays can be tough for people “I was pessimistic about the suggestion. unable to stay at the apartment. Low with traumatic experiences — which both I would be moving from a relatively stable, income and roommate problems meant Brumalis and Zero have — they’re making a SingOut Detroit Performs Dec. 9 although temporary, arrangement to they couldn’t afford rent, so they moved into grasp at positivity. Though gifts are difficult something brand-new and tenuous,” she Zero’s family home. “It sucks not being able to buy on a limited budget, ze said that ze Set to perform at Ferndale High School at 3 p.m. on said. “It was hard to grasp the idea that it to live alone, but I love this house, despite is “going to try my best anyway.” Dec. 9, The SingOutDetroit Chorus is getting ready could work, being that we had only just the fact that it’s falling apart in some places,” “I really hope our story helps to push the for its holiday concert. met.” Ze said, referring to the fact that the home local community toward making life easier “Join us in celebrating the jolly nature of the season. Becoming stereotypical U-Haul lesbians was built in 1948 by zir great-grandfather. for people like us,” Zero added. With songs about snow, sleigh bells, and Santa – there’s was not in either of their plans, but it was a Despite that fact, only six months into “It would be nice to be able to live my something for everyone,” write event organizers. “Even life-saving act during a time when LGBTQ their relationship, Zero proposed. life and exist in public without having to a special guest appearance by the Grinch!” rights, disability rights, healthcare and “I had been planning to propose, but ze constantly fight,” Brumalis said. SingOut Detroit is a chorus for everyone that is very workers’ rights are under attack. beat me,” said Brumalis. “I was shocked, welcoming to the LGBTQ community. Anyone who is The two have said that their but happy, and it gives me hope that we can Those interested in donating toward Tora and interested in performing with the chorus is welcome companionship has significantly improved build a successful life together.” Jem’s bid at surviving this winter, can add to audition and reading music is not required. They both of their mental health struggles. “I love her so much, and my mom funds to their Paypal pool online at gaybe. perform regularly across Michigan. “Having company keeps me grounded. I and sibling do, too,” Zero said. “They’ve am/rG. Those interested in hiring Jem or Tora freak out when I’m alone, especially with my adapted so well to how quickly everything about writing, commission work, sensitivity For more information about the event and ticketing physical limitations. When Tora is with me, happened.” reading or community issues contact them reach out to singoutdetroit.org. daily tasks don’t seem so insurmountable,” As the couple enters the new year here: Tora, [email protected] or Jem, Zero said. planning their life together, including [email protected]; www.jemzero.com; marriage and children, there are a lot of Jem Zero (on Facebook).

10 BTL | December 6, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com December 6, 2018 | BTL 11 NATIONAL NEWS Anti-LGBT Petitions Before Supreme Court Could Make for Dire Term

in the military “in any capacity,” four the Supreme Court seeking to advance courts have issued preliminary injunctions LGBT rights — was filed in the case of enjoining enforcement of Trump’s ban. Bostock v. Clayton County and seeks It would be a rare move for the Supreme reversal of recently established precedent in Court to adjudicate at this time. The U.S. the 11th Circuit that anti-gay discrimination Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the D.C. isn’t covered under Title VII. The petition Circuit Court of Appeals haven’t yet issued — which risks a Supreme Court ruling their decision on whether the ban should affirming anti-gay discrimination is legal remain in place in the aftermath of Defense — was filed by private attorneys, not LGBT Secretary James Mattis’s recommendations legal groups. affirming Trump’s policy. Even if the Supreme Court were to take Esseks said the Supreme Court takes up cases on LGBT workplace rights, Esseks up cases at this stage “once a decade” and expressed optimism the Supreme Court “there’s no reason” for justices to take up the would ultimately rule in favor of non- cases before federal appeals courts render discrimination, pointing to polls showing their decisions at the behest of the Trump widespread opposition to anti-LGBT administration. discrimination (and in some cases, belief “One of the reasons they want the it’s already unlawful). Supreme Court to take the case is they “These are also cases that are not only don’t want to produce information in the in synch with a bunch of lower courts, but trial courts,” Esseks said. “They don’t want completely in synch with the American to go through that discovery process and public,” Esseks said. “Supermajorities of explain how and why they got to their the American public think that it’s wrong decisions. They’re trying to short-circuit and unlawful to fire people because they the normal process that would allow for full are LGBT. For the Supreme Court to take understanding about what was behind this.” those protections away would be really quite A number of anti-LGBT petitions are pending before the U.S. Three other petitions before the court are a radical act, and so, that all gives me hope Supreme Court. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key) asking for clarification on whether Title VII about how some of these cases could all BY CHRIS JOHNSON of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars come out.” employment discrimination on the basis of Jocelyn Samuels, executive director of number of anti-LGBT petitions sex, also applies to cases of discrimination the Williams Institute for the University of are before the U.S. Supreme against LGBT people in the workforce. California, Los Angeles, said the Supreme Court, although legal experts say As of earlier this week, those petitions Court has already ruled for an expanded Aadjudication of these cases — if justices were set for consideration in conference view of laws against sex discrimination and agree to take them up — may not be as bad scheduled for Nov. 30, but the Supreme the “increasing consensus” of lower courts as some observers fear. Court’s website now indicates those is sex discrimination covers discrimination Supermajorities of the American With one exception, each of the petitions petitions were removed Nov. 26 from the based on sexual orientation and gender before the court calls for a rollback of LGBT docket and will be considered at a later time. identity. " public think that it's wrong and rights or a reversal of decisions from lower One of the petitions was filed by the “I think analytically, and from a core unlawful to fire people because courts affirming LGBT rights within those anti-LGBT legal group Alliance Defending understanding of the conduct intended jurisdictions. Freedom on behalf of Harris Funeral to prohibit, the cases that find sexual they are LGBT. For the Supreme James Esseks, director of the LGBT Homes in Michigan, which terminated the orientation and gender discrimination Court to take those protections project for the American Civil Liberties employment of transgender funeral director are prohibited under current law rest on Union, said the petitions before the court Aimee Stephens after she told the employer extremely strong grounds, so I would away would be really quite a “set up a potentially very consequential term she’d transition on the job. hope that the Supreme Court would for LGBT people nationwide,” but they may After the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of understand the power of those arguments radical act, and so, that all gives not necessarily lead to harmful decisions. Appeals ruled in Stephens’s favor, Alliance and the importance of respecting its own me hope about how some of “The petitions are here, by and large, Defending Freedom filed the petition precedent,” Samuels said. because we have been winning in lower before the Supreme Court, asking justices Another filing from Alliance Defending these cases could all come out. courts, right?” Esseks said. “The lower court, to clarify whether Title VII bars workplace Freedom calls on the Supreme Court to including some conservative lower courts discrimination based on gender identity. undo a Pennsylvania school district’s have ruled for LGBT equality in a bunch Two other petitions seek clarification policy allowing transgender kids to use - James Esseks, director of the LGBT project" of different contexts.” for the American Civil Liberties Union on whether Title VII bars discrimination the restroom consistent with their gender The most recently filed LGBT petitions on the basis of sexual orientation. One identity and seeks a reversal of a Third are requests from the U.S. Justice was filed by Altitude Express, which fired Circuit decision that it is unlawful under Department calling for a fast-track decision now deceased gay skydiver Donald Zarda Title IX of the Education Amendment of on President Trump’s transgender military allegedly because he was gay. The U.S. 1972. ban, insisting justices take up the issue to Second Circuit Court Appeals ruled the Although the consensus among the courts ensure resolution before their current term termination could be found unlawful under is that the law prohibits discrimination ends. Although Trump tweeted in July 2017 Title VII. against transgender students, Alliance he’d ban transgender people from serving The other petition — the only one before Defending Freedom draws on that statute

12 BTL | December 6, 2018 www.PrideSource.com One of the petitions was filed by the anti-LGBT legal group Alliance Defending Freedom on behalf of to argue students shouldn’t be forced to share Harris Funeral Homes in Michigan, facilities with transgender students. which terminated the employment Another petition is a follow-up to the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Masterpiece of transgender funeral director Cakeshop case in favor of Jack Phillips, a Aimee Stephens after she told the Colorado baker who refused to sell a custom- employer she'd transition on the made wedding cake to a same-sex couple out of religious objections. That ruling, which job. was based on the facts of the case, fell short of Phillips’s call for the Supreme Court to find a First Amendment right for him to refuse service well worth protecting,” Samuels said. “Given to same-sex couples for religious reasons. the fact that decision was reached less than The new petition before the Supreme Court a year ago and that it reflects a uniformity of was filed by Texas-based law firm First Liberty Supreme Court views because the dissenters on behalf of Aaron and Melissa Kline of would have done further to deny the religious Sweetcakes in Gresham, Ore., who were fined liberty interests that were presented in that $135,000 after refusing to make a wedding cake case, I would hope that that would suggest for a lesbian couple. that that recognition of the core importance of The petition seeks a First Amendment right LGBT equality and rights would continue to to refuse service to LGBT people. Additionally, prevail even given the changing composition the petition calls for the court to revisit of the court.” precedent in the case of Employment Division It remains to be seen whether the Supreme v. Smith, which found states may accommodate Court will review any of these lawsuits. It takes acts that would otherwise be unlawful if they’re a vote of at least four justices to grant a writ of performed in pursuit of religious beliefs, but certiorari, or agree to take up a case. aren’t required to do so. Whether the Supreme Court takes up Another religious freedom petition was filed these cases could depend on the views of by Aloha Bed & Breakfast in Hawaii, which recently confirmed U.S. Associate Justice Brett was penalized under state law for refusing to Kavanaugh, whom President Trump selected provide accommodations for a lesbian couple. from a list of picks coordinated by the Federalist The Hawaii Supreme Court refused to take up Society and the anti-LGBT Heritage Foundation the case, which opened the door for the bed and whose confirmation LGBT rights groups and breakfast to file a petition with the U.S. vehemently opposed. Supreme Court. As a judge for the U.S. Circuit Court for the Yet another petition could come in the D.C. Circuit, Kavanaugh had a scant record case of Fulton v. Philadelphia, which is based on LGBT rights prior to his confirmation to on the City of Philadelphia terminating its the Supreme Court. During his confirmation contract for foster care with Catholic Social hearing under questioning from Sen. Kamala Services after discovering the agency denies Harris (D-Calif.), he read a statement from the placement in LGBT homes. The agency is Masterpiece Cakeshop rejecting discrimination seeking a First Amendment right to maintain against gay people, but wouldn’t say whether its contract despite terms in that agreement not he agrees with that statement. to discriminate against LGBT people. Jon Davidson, chief counsel for Freedom for A ruling from the Third Circuit on a trial All Americans, said whether the Supreme Court court’s denial of a preliminary injunction for will take up the petitions remains uncertain and Catholic Social Services is expected soon. “the results are far from preordained,” citing That could lead the Becket Fund, which is Kavanaugh as well as U.S. Chief Justice John representing the agency, to file a petition for Roberts. review before the Supreme Court. “Because Justice Kavanaugh has never ruled The Becket Fund has already filed a on an LGBTQ rights case and has made very preliminary request for relief from the Supreme few public statements on LGBTQ issues, we Court, but the court in August refused to do not actually know what his views are,” intervene at this stage in the legal process. Davidson said. “He also may be disinclined to Notably, U.S. Associate Justices Neil Gorsuch, lead in very different directions than Justice Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas indicated [Anthony] Kennedy, who was his mentor, for in the order from the court they would have whom he clerked, who swore him in, and whose granted the relief. seat he is filling. It also is possible that Chief Samuels said the court for religious freedom Justice Roberts, who is very concerned about petitions may defer to its earlier resolution in the court’s reputation, will be disinclined to the Masterpiece Cakeshop case and decline to have the court turn in directions dramatically issue sweeping decisions. inconsistent with national public opinion.” “I think in the Masterpiece Cakeshop decision, Justice Kennedy made very clear that This article originally appeared in the Washington the dignity of LGBT people is at stake and that Blade and is made available in partnership with is a critical interest for the government and one the National LGBT Media Association. www.PrideSource.com December 6, 2018 | BTL 13 George H.W. Bush ‘Unsupportive’ on Gay Rights, HIV/AIDS

BY CHRIS JOHNSON Republicans.” “I was on the immigration subcommittee and ollowing the death of former President I had enough support from other Democrats George H.W. Bush at age 94, the nation to say that if they did not agree to include the remembers him for his civil tone in repeal of the anti-gay stuff, I could defeat the Fcontrast to President Trump and for helping bill,” Frank said. “That deal was originally bring the Cold War between the United States worked out in ’86. It took a couple years to and the Soviet Union to a peaceful conclusion get the bill through, so Bush did sign that bill, — but his legacy on LGBT rights and failure but he didn’t have much choice. Congress had to confront the raging HIV/AIDS epidemic at agreed without him that that would happen.” the time remain a stain on his overall record. The Hate Crimes Statistics Act, Frank Gay former Rep. Barney Frank, whose 32- said, was “actually a compromise” because year tenure in Congress included the George Democrats in Congress wanted a hate crimes H.W. Bush administration from 1989 to 1992, law with teeth, but Bush would only agree to told the Washington Blade in an interview a measure that collected data. Saturday the late former president “was bad” “It didn’t have any teeth,” Frank said. on LGBT rights and “wouldn’t do anything” “Frankly, at the time, it wasn’t a big deal, and to advance them. it wasn’t.” “I asked him, for example, to rescind the It wouldn’t be until the Obama administration Eisenhower rule that said we couldn’t get in 2009 when a broader Matthew Shepard security clearances,” Frank said. “He refused & James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention to do it. Bill Clinton did a few years later.” Act giving the attorney general authority to Frank also said Bush refused to roll back investigate and prosecute hate crimes became military’s ban on gay service members, which law. was administrative and not statutory in the days President George H.W. Bush speaks at the National Press Club on Jan. 5, 1988. (Washington Blade archive But Bush faced stronger criticism for photo by Doug Hinckle) before the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law of 1993. continuing the inaction on HIV/AIDS as the “Bush was simply unsupportive on any issue,” epidemic raged during his administration. Frank added. Reagan administration, it was neutral, but During the event, Bush repudiated According to the National Center for Health Frank, however, qualified his remarks by President Bush continued many of the policies discrimination, praised civil rights leaders, Statistics, in 1989 the first year of the Bush saying Bush did a positive thing by appointing of the Reagan administration around LGBT including Martin Luther King, Jr., and administration, there were 21,628 AIDS-related former U.S. Associate Justice David Souter to p e op l e .” enumerated the inclusion of sexual orientation deaths in the United States. That number rose the U.S. Supreme Court. Vaid added, “I think that that administration in the law. to 24,524 in 1990, 28,569 in 1991 and 32,407 But that appointment, Frank said, was pandered to the right wing in the Republican “Bigotry and hate regrettably still exist in this in 1992. undercut by Bush’s appointment of U.S. Party and did not stand up to it and allowed country, and hate breeds violence, threatening HIV/AIDS was the No. 1 issue facing the Associate Justice Clarence Thomas. Frank itself to do a lot of things. The president allowed the security of our entire society,” Bush said. LGBT community at the time. The activist said Thomas — who dissented in every major himself to be led by people who were far-right “We must rid our communities of the poison we group ACT UP held die-ins to encourage the gay rights decision, including the Obergefell zealots like Patrick Buchanan.” call prejudice, bias and discrimination and that’s delivery of experimental drugs to people with decision in 2015 extending marriage equality In 1992, Buchanan delivered a fiery speech at why I’m signing into law today the a measure to HIV and held protests at the Food & Drug nationwide — has been “totally negative.” the Republican National Convention calling for require the attorney general to collect as much Administration, the White House and Bush’s One exchange between a reporter and Bush a culture war, mocking Democratic presidential information as we can on crimes motivated by summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine. in 1992, the final year of his administration, candidate Bill Clinton for being called pro-gay religion, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation.” One protest in 1991 recorded and currently prominently exemplifies his anti-gay views. by “a militant leader of the homosexual rights The other pro-gay law was the Immigration available on YouTube shows demonstrators According to a clipping from the Los Angeles movement” and urging followers to stand with Act of 1990, which included a repeal of the ban holding signs reading, “It’s time for National Times, a reporter from NBC News asked Bush Bush on the “amoral idea that gay and lesbian on “homosexuals or sex perverts,” or LGBT Plan, George,” and chanting, “Health Care is how he would respond to a grandchild who couples should have the same standing in law people, from entering the United States. That a Right! We need more than Right to Life!” came out as gay. Bush replied he’d “love that as married men and women.” immigration exclusion was present in some Bush was publicly flustered by ACT UP and child,” he also denigrated being gay. That year was the first-time the National capacity in immigration law since 1917, but its tactics. In 1991, Bush called out the group “I would put my arm around him and I would Log Cabin Republicans made an endorsement was explicitly codified in 1952. by name in response to a reporter’s questions hope he wouldn’t go out and try to convince decision in the presidential race. The group In 1990, Bush made an oblique reference to about its protests of the Catholic Church for people that this was the normal lifestyle, that declined to support Bush because he refused the removal of the LGBT travel ban in a signing opposing condom use. ACT UP’s efforts, Bush this was an appropriate lifestyle, that this was to condemn Buchanan’s anti-gay rhetoric at statement for the overall bill. said, were “totally counterproductive” and an the way to be,” Bush reportedly said. the GOP convention. “I am also pleased to note that this Act “excess of free speech,” according to the book Bush reportedly added, “But I would say, Despite Bush’s anti-gay views, at least two facilitates immigration not just in numerical “Moving Politics: Emotion and ACT UP’s Fight ‘I hope you wouldn’t become an advocate for pro-gay laws were enacted during the Bush terms, but also in terms of basic entry rights of against AIDS.” a lifestyle that in my view is not normal, and administration. Among them was the Hate those beyond our borders,” Bush said. “S. 358 “To the degree that the AIDS question should propose marriages, same-sex marriages as a Crimes Statistics Act, which required the revises the politically related ‘exclusion grounds’ be treated as a health question, they work normal way of life. I don’t favor that.” U.S. Justice Department to collect data on for the first time since their enactment in 1952.” even against that because of their outrageous Urvashi Vaid, who served as executive bias-motivated crimes based on a victim’s Frank, however, said Bush deserves no credit actions,” Bush is quoted as saying. “And you’re director of the National LGBTQ Task Force at race, religion, disability, sexual orientation for either the Hate Crimes Statistics Act or talking to somebody who has his own meetings the time, said Monday the Bush administration or ethnicity. the repeal of LGBT ban in the Immigration broken up by them — or had two or three “was not a friendly administration on LGBT The Hate Crimes Statistics Act was the Act of 1990. of them in the last year. And I condemn the issues.” first federal law to recognize and name gay, The inclusion of the repeal language in the kinds of tactics that are offensive to mainstream “I think our standards have really lesbian and bisexual people. Gay activists were Immigration Act, Frank said, was part of a Catholics, Protestants and Jews, anybody else. declined,” Vaid said. “Compared to the Trump invited to the White House during the signing deal he made with former Sen. Alan Simpson, It’s an excess of free speech to use — to resort administration it was better, compared to the ceremony on April 23, 1990. whom Frank called “one of the last pro-gay to some of the tactics these people use.” 14 BTL | December 6, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Despite Bush’s anti-gay views, at least two pro-gay laws were enacted during the Bush administration. In the aftermath of an ACT UP protest directly the result of activism from groups year and was remembered for being a gay ally Among them was the Hate Crimes in Kennebunkport, Bush urged “behavioral like ACT UP and wouldn’t have been signed who fought to dispel AIDS stigma. change” to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic. otherwise. As the Washington Blade reported in 1990, Statistics Act, which required the U.S. “Here’s a disease where you can control its “He was not doing enough as a leader,” Vaid Barbara Bush as first lady visited Grandma’s Justice Department to collect data spread by your own personal behavior,” Bush said. “I think that those pressures and protests House, a D.C. home for children with AIDS. said. “You can’t do that in cancer.” led by ACT UP all over the country … that During the event, Barbara Bush held up an on bias-motivated crimes based on a With regards to spending on HIV/AIDS, pressure is what pushed both members of infant with AIDS and hugged a gay man with victim’s race, religion, disability, sexual Bush dismissed the notion his administration Congress and the administration to do whatever the disease, Lou Tesconi. Both the child and wasn’t spending enough to fight the disease, it did. I can’t say that enough. I think there’s Tesconi would later succumb to AIDS. orientation or ethnicity. asserting the U.S. government was “spending a sense that looking backwards that ‘well, you In 1990, Barbara Bush wrote a letter $4 billion a year on AIDS research.” know, it would have happened, it just was a responding to PFLAG co-founder Paulette “When you consider that on a per capita basis matter of time.’ It wouldn’t have happened. Goodman, “We cannot tolerate discrimination wedding of lesbian couple Bonnie Clement and or compare it to heart disease or cancer, it’s an What we were up against were these really against any individuals or groups in our Helen Thorgalsen, who were longtime friends awful lot,” Bush said. “It’s far more.” profound negative homophobic attitudes country.” The letter is considered the first of the Bush family, and served as witness for According to the Los Angeles Times at the coupled with a right wing that was … growing positive statement in history from the White the ceremony. time, the amount spent on AIDS research then in power that these people had got elected House on gay people. Bush, who said during his 1988 campaign he was actually quite smaller and less than $2 through, pandering to that right wing. And Bush’s anti-gay administration was a “didn’t want same-sex marriage codified,” wrote billion a year. so, those forces were very much what we had precursor to the anti-gay administration of later in a 2015 biography he still “believe[s] Despite anger over the government’s response to deal with, and that’s why got so little action his son, George W. Bush. In 2004, Bush made in traditional marriage,” but has “mellowed” to HIV/AIDS, in 1990 he was the first president for so long.” anti-gay positions a cornerstone of his re- on the issue. to sign the Ryan White CARE Act, which has Larry Kramer, a longtime activist against election campaign, making a Federal Marriage “People should be able to do what they want provided health coverage for low-income HIV/AIDS, was succinct in response to a Blade Amendment that would have barred same- to do, without discrimination,” Bush wrote. people with HIV/AIDS and reauthorized under email inquiry on whether Bush deserves credit sex marriage nationwide a central plank. The “People have a right to be happy. I guess you George W. Bush and Barack Obama. The elder for signing the Ryan White Care Act into law. measure came up in Congress in 2004 and 2006, could say I have mellowed.” Bush also signed into law an Americans with “I will not give him credit for anything,” but didn’t have enough support for ratification. Disabilities Act that barred discrimination Kramer said. “He hated us.” In the aftermath of his presidency, George against people with HIV/AIDS. Bush’s legacy on LGBT rights and HIV/AIDS H.W. Bush like many Americans signaled a This article originally appeared in the Washington Vaid, who famously interrupted a speech stands in contrast to that of his wife, former change on LGBT rights and made headlines Blade and is made available in partnership with Bush gave on HIV/AIDS, said those laws were first lady Barbara Bush, who died earlier this in 2013 when he participated in the Maine the National LGBT Media Association.

www.PrideSource.com December 6, 2018 | BTL 15 Get Off Social Media and Take to the Streets BY CLAUDIA PADRÓN CUETO “Constructing an Agenda for Sexual Diversity in Cuba” believes that the first step for defenders of LGBTI+ rights is taking the risk of grabbing This article was originally published on public space. “The church put up its posters Tremenda Nota’s website in Spanish. Editor’s and nothing happened. What are we afraid of?” note: Tremenda Nota is an independent However, during the debates on the e-zine in Cuba that covers the LGBTI constitution a sector of Cuban activism has community and other minority groups. It is lagged behind the churches, confident of the the Washington Blade’s media partner in the state’s role as guarantor of rights. country. “We have a powerful legacy of inactivity, of fear, often because they have not allowed HAVANA — While churches oppose same- us to make our own way,” states activist and sex marriage and the National Center for Sex lawyer Lidia Romero. “We have reached an Education (CENESEX) fails to take a strong important moment to demand our rights and public position, Cuban LGBTI+ activists who it seems like we don’t know what to do, or how are less organized than religious institutions to organize ourselves.” are forced to campaign on different platforms. Only on May 17 — International Day Against At three in the afternoon on Oct. 27 at the Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia — intersection of Prado and Malecón Streets in does the government, through CENESEX, Havana, a kiss-in (or besuqueo as the organizers permit activists, LGBTI+ people or supporters called it) was planned in support of same-sex of sexual rights to march. (Photo by Yariel marriage. A few hours earlier more than 600 Valdés González) people had confirmed their attendance and the Some activists believe that the approval of event had been shared hundreds of time on Article 68 is a foregone conclusion, so they social media. The slogan called to “take kisses think it is a waste of time reacting to the out of the closet.” religious groups. In his blog, Paquito el de Cuba, During the kiss-in Proyecto Abriendo A group of LGBTI+ activists on Prado and Malecón Streets in Havana on Oct. 27, 2018. Photo courtesy of journalist Francisco Rodríguez Cruz argued Brechas de Colores (ABC) – LGTBI (Opening Jimmy Roque Martínez. that they shouldn’t be afraid that, “The matrix Color Gaps Project), a group seeking to of conservative opinion of some churches can “generate spaces for dialogue between religious Evangelicals, Catholics, the LGBTI movement Churches versus Activists impose itself on the rest of society.” and social discourses regarding women’s and and the smoke screens” the intellectual and The blogger explains that the results of the LGBTIQ+ people’s rights,” planned to hand out So far Cuban churches have held a firm activist Alberto Abreu Arcia argues that León public consultation will not be based on the leaflets on religious fundamentalism, as well position against same-sex marriage and “the Báez, one of the Cuban evangelical Church’s number of signatures collected by churches or as posters and stickers about sexual diversity ideology of gender” on their institutional leaders, declared, “If marriage is not modified in the number of arguments against Article 68, and gender. websites and social media. the draft constitution, we will all vote against it.” “Rather by analyzing the pertinence of each ABC was going to project videos produced However, their activism has also transcended According to Instituto Patmos in 2017, 10 proposal that emerges from the debate, by the during the All Rights for All Families campaign. the borders of the virtual world. Parishioners percent of the Cuban population stated they commission writing the draft constitution and The most creative kisses would also be have distributed posters and stickers across the were evangelicals, while 35 percent considered Parliament, which will approve the final text photographed. They were going to raise the country defending the “original design of the themselves to be nominally Catholic. The before the referendum.” flag for diversity in the Prado area. family, as God created it.” They have also taken Christian denominations are organized Rodríguez Cruz’s opinion is supported by However, one day before the planned event to the streets around their churches to protest. If and they have a presence throughout Cuba. statements made by State Council Secretary ABC publicly cancelled the kiss-in because that was not enough they have also “published” They have places to meet and mechanisms Homero Acosta Álvarez. Last Oct. 17, during they had not received state permission to take their message in the El paquete seminal or to communicate directly with the state. This the inauguration of the International Congress to the streets. The Weekly Package, a Cuban alternative to puts independent activism on a back foot in ABOGACÍA 2018, the lawyer said, “Rights Despite the cancelation a flash mob took the Internet that proves a terabyte of data for this debate. cannot be the perpetual slave to social over the intersection of Prado and Malecón. readers. Many defenders of LGBTI+ rights in backwardness, even when in the moment it Event organizers and other activists Now they want to go even further. Reverend Cuba have had to follow a script written by could lead to clashes with parts of the social connected with CENESEX also showed up, Alida León, president of the Cuban Evangelical CENESEX. In May they held a procession spectrum. A mission to transform must also and they kissed. League, confirmed to Tremenda Nota that to a conga beat and then they went back to promote development.” The kiss-in had no major impact: There were 20 different denominations have collected social networks, where reports, messages and ‘Let’s organize more kiss-ins’ 30 people instead of the hundreds planned. signatures against Article 68. “We don’t have campaigns amass. They cannot reach the streets Over the last few weeks some activists have The event’s cancelation and the promoters’ anything against homosexuals but we demand without the government’s consent. started to circulate short videos on social hesitancy were criticized on social media by that the concept of marriage be maintained as “The social networks and digital environment networks where LGBTI+ people (and others) several activists. The poet Norge Espinosa God created it.” have become a stand in for the lack of legitimacy show their support for Article 68 of the draft summed up his disappointment like this: “True Indeed, on Nov. 13, more than a dozen in other spaces, but they make it impossible to constitution. activism is done with daring, with an urgent Christian denominations published a letter meet all the challenges,” young activist Yadiel 68th Pages, Acepto, For Same-Sex Marriage willingness to go beyond the permitted limits, sent to the Constitutional Reform Commission Cepero explains to Tremenda Nota. in Cuba, Proyecto Abriendo Brechas de Colores or it isn’t done.” at the Communist Party’s Central Committee. “In the interest of transforming the current – LGTBI [ABC], Constructing an Agenda Ironically, days before ABC cancelled the The 13 churches that signed the document state of affairs I think, like many other activists, for Diversity in Cuba and the Metropolitan kiss-in the Mariano Methodist Church gathered stated that they had collected almost 180,000 that the LGBTI+ agenda should be promoted Community Church in Cuba are heading approximately 3,500 members of its flock to signatures against modifying the concept of alongside civil and political rights so that different campaigns on social networks. Many show their opposition to same-sex marriage, marriage in the new constitution. collectives can become legal, unite, have others are also joining in from their personal according to a publication on their Facebook If Article 68 is kept in the draft constitution, spaces to meet and make use of mechanisms profiles or blogs. page. They held a mass event without anyone’s the Christian community could vote against it for participating and impacting on politics,” permission. in the next referendum. In the text “Article 68: Cepero argues. The founder of the debate platform See Off Social Media, continued on p. 18 16 BTL | December 6, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com December 6, 2018 | BTL 17 Monday, Dec. 24 Grosse Pointe Holiday Worship Guide St. John’s Episcopal Congregational Church Divine Peace Church Christmas Eve Services Sat Dec. 8 Rev. Carolyn Mobley- Christmas Eve Services 5 p.m. & 11 p.m. Divine Peace Bowie 5:30 p.m. & 10:30 p.m. Rev. Richard Yeager-Stiver Rev. Carolyn Mobley- Worship, 9:30 a.m. 26998 Woodward Avenue 240 Chalfonte, Grosse and 11 Mile Road, Royal Pointe Farms Bowie 6650 Elizabeth Lake Oak Purpose of Christ 7 p.m.. Road, Waterford Township 313-884-3075 248-546-1255 gpcong.org 6650 Elizabeth Lake 248-332-1186 stjohnro.org Road, Waterford Township dpmcc.net 248-332-1186 Divine Peace First Presbyterian Church Rev. Carolyn Mobley- dpmcc.net of Northville Salem Church Bowie Candlelight Services, 7 Christmas Ever Service Wednesday, Dec. 12 Worship Sunday, 10 a.m. p.m. & 9 p.m. 7 p.m. 33424 Oakland Ave., 200 E. 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alternative ways to channel ® Off Social Media their demands that are Continued from p. 16 independent of the state and CENESEX. However, the proposals CENESEX “is an institution and campaigns generated on that excludes those that don’t these digital platforms do not agree with their political ideas. go beyond a virtual space in They also do not they share a country where the majority their work progress. They just of people are still not online. ask us to trust that they ‘are A few months ago, on May working,’ without providing 11, 20 Cuban intellectuals and any more information. They activists published a detailed don’t treat us as equals or as agenda for LGBTI+ rights members,” adds Romero. in Cuba. The document, Recently activist Sandra the first of its kind in the Álvarez Ramírez, formally country, includes 63 specific CENESEX’s webmaster and demands and is divided into member of the editorial board two large sections: legislative for the magazine Sexología and political measures, plans y Sociedad (Sexology and and strategies. All of those Society) asked about the signing it were members of cancelation of the kiss- civil society. in. CENESEX responded Some of the signatories are via Facebook that, “’Real activists who are looking for See next page 18 BTL | December 6, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Pope Francis Says He's Worried About Homosexuality in the Priesthood BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Still, Francis, as he has in the past, stressed that gay Catholics contribute to the life of VATICAN CITY — Men with deep-rooted the church. He said the church must always homosexual tendencies should not be admitted remember that "they are persons who will live to the Catholic clergy, and priests who are gay in the service of the church, of the Christian should be celibate or leave rather than lead a community, of the people of God. Let's never double life, Pope Francis said in a new book. forget this perspective." Francis made the comments in a book-length Francis in his papacy has sought to stress that interview with Spanish priest Fernando Prado while obeying church teachings, the faithful called “The Strength of Vocation,” in which must also be compassionate and open to others he discusses the challenges of being a priest with different views. or nun today. Catholic teaching considers homosexual The pope said in the book that homosexuality activity sinful, and that everyone, except in the Church “is something that worries me." married heterosexual couples, should abstain It is due to be published this week in several from sex. languages. An advance copy of the Spanish The mid-August interview with Francis version was provided to NBC News by a was conducted less than two weeks before Vatican spokesperson and the Italian version Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, the Vatican’s was made available to Reuters. The Vatican former ambassador to the Vatican, threw the did not comment on the content of the book. Church into turmoil with a bombshell statement “The question of homosexuality is a very against the pope and Vatican officials on Aug. serious one,” he said, adding that those entrusted 26. with training men to be priests must be certain Vigano said a “homosexual network” existed that candidates are “humanly and emotionally in the Vatican, whose members helped promote mature” before they can be ordained. each other’s careers in the Church. "In our societies, it even seems homosexuality He also accused the pope of having ignored is fashionable. And this mentality, in some way, alleged sexual misconduct with adult male also influences the life of the church," Francis seminarians by former American cardinal was quoted as telling his interviewer. Theodore McCarrick, 88. Francis is quoted in the book as commenting The Vatican said Vigano’s accusations were on a clergyman who had told him that having riddled with “calumny and defamation.” gays in Catholic religious housing "isn't so The Catholic Church has been haunted grave" because it's "only an expression of for more than two decades by evidence of affection." thousands of cases of sexual abuse of minors That reasoning "is in error," Francis said. "In by clergy around the world, in countries ranging consecrated life and priestly life, there is no from the United States to Australia, Ireland, room for this kind of affection." Belgium, Germany and Chile. “For this reason, the Church urges that In July, McCarrick became the first cardinal persons with this rooted tendency not be to resign in nearly 100 years after U.S. Church accepted into (priestly) ministry or consecrated officials said allegations made in a separate life,” he said. investigation that he had sexually abused a He urged homosexuals who are already 16-year-old boy almost 50 years ago were priests or nuns to be celibate and responsible credible and substantiated. to avoid creating scandal. “It is better that McCarrick has said he had no recollection they leave the priesthood or the consecrated of the alleged abuse of the minor, but has not life rather than live a double life,” he said. The commented on the allegations of misconduct pope has warned Italian bishops in the past to with the seminarians, which allegedly took vet seminarians closely and reject those they place decades ago. suspect might be gay.

limitations,” states Romero. ® Off Social Media Less united, and lagging behind the churches, Continued from p. 18 activists are starting to quietly leave networks, they are starting to realize that they need to journalists don’t receive instructions from rebuild the state, institutions and the parts of Berlin” referring to the fact that the Cuban society refusing to let all people have all rights. psychologist lives in Germany. Jimmy Roque Martínez does not believe that For many activists the current panorama is those sympathetic to the cause of sexual rights made worse by the lack of coherence within should quietly wait around for the results of the the Cuban LGBTI+ movement. “If you don’t constitutional referendum. “Along with the life have spaces to meet, or to take action, or an stories and opinions that started to circulate on institution that represents you as a whole, and social networks and the pages created, we are you can’t even legally associate, then there is also going to organize new kiss-ins, but these no unified work. But we must overcome these won’t be canceled” he promises. www.PrideSource.com December 6, 2018 | BTL 19 Margot Robbie Holds Queer Court Photo: Focus Features ‘Mary Queen of Scots’ Star Talks Queen Elizabeth Drag and DC Comics Icon Harley Quinn’s Queerness

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI eye to Elizabethan Era queerness via Mary’s What tips do you have for drag queens looking really the style these days. Not really in vogue friend and private secretary, David Rizzio, to transform themselves into Queen Elizabeth I? right now. fter a fierce, Oscar-nominated turn known in the film simply as Rizzio and (Laughs) Well, you definitely want to avoid as scandalous skater Tonya Harding portrayed by Ismael Cruz Cordova. But if you really want to set yourself apart… getting smallpox – you have to really layer on in 2017’s “I, Tonya,” Margot Robbie is Ruler of the box-office in films such as 2013’s the makeup to hide those pox-mark scars! So Exactly. If you wanna make it clear that you’re Aoff the ice and holding royal court as Queen “The Wolf of Wall Street” and 2016’s “Suicide avoid that at all costs. For a drag makeover, really heading toward Queen Elizabeth, yeah, Elizabeth I in “Mary Queen of Scots.” Exercising Squad,” as hammer-wielding warrior Harley I could give you a list of what not to do: the thin eyebrows are a definite giveaway. a power over Europe so great during the 16th Quinn, a role she will reprise in 2020 for a number one, don’t put lead and arsenic in White makeup. Fiery red wigs. And just century’s latter half, nothing could stop Her Harley-centered spin-off, “Birds of Prey (and your makeup the way Queen Elizabeth did bedazzle yourself. Jewels everywhere! Majesty – not even her cousin, Mary Stuart the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley because, uh, it really could shorten your life. They wore their jewelry in a different way. (portrayed by Saoirse Ronan). Quinn),” the 28-year-old Australian actress is And I love that she stuck to the red hair and Instead of wearing necklaces and bracelets Their vicious and ultimately deadly a queen in her own right. went with the even more vibrant color red and earrings, which they did do, jewels and contention, the result of Mary’s request to be Read on for Robbie’s essential tips for drag and the more elaborate hairstyles as the years diamonds and rubies were sewn into their Elizabeth’s heir, is chronicled with delicious queens looking to perfect their Elizabeth look progressed. outfits, which I thought was really amazing. matriarchal bite for the #MeToo era, period- (hint: no arsenic) – plus, talk about her “too Then when they would get undressed – at film glam (those gowns!) and one very infamous gay to function” brother Cameron Robbie, The contrast with the white makeup, it really the end of it their ladies-in-waiting would beheading in director Josie Rourke’s diverse whom she considers her best friend, and a worked on her. undress them – the jewels would just scatter to doozy of a historical drama. Beau Willimon’s career highlight: watching Martin Scorsese Mmhmm! Serious contrasting. I mean, she the floor and someone would have a dustpan screenplay also turns a tender, heartbreaking direct a gay orgy. had very thin eyebrows – I don’t think that’s and sweep them up for the next outfit.

20 BTL | December 6, 2018 www.PrideSource.com When you read the script, were you surprised by mentality of fighting for your place, so I love the film’s queerness? And were you disappointed underdog stories. that Mary got a gay “sister” friend in Rizzio and you didn’t? You’ve long fought for LGBTQ underdogs. You were a staunch supporter of marriage equality Yes! I was very jealous of Mary’s plot in before Australia finally legalized same-sex general. I think it was actually a big part of marriage. You even wore a “Say I Do Down it, that Elizabeth was more isolated. I think that was kind of self-inflicted; she had such Under” shirt when you hosted “Saturday Night a mistrust in almost everyone around her Live” in 2016. December marks the one-year and had a very cynical nature out of self- anniversary of that landmark ruling. How did you preservation, therefore she isolated herself. celebrate the legalization of same-sex marriage Even with the gowns, you see over the years, in Australia last year? as they get bigger and bigger, she’s literally Honestly, I almost didn’t feel like celebrating keeping people at arm’s length at all times. So, because I was so upset that it took them that I was very jealous that I didn’t have the same long to legalize it. I feel like when it was (relationship) as Mary and Rizzio. So very legalized across America that’s when I really unfair. (Laughs) wanted to celebrate. I thought, “Wow, this is What surprised you most about this time a long way for America to come.” America, to period? me, holds such conservative Christian values, generally speaking, so for that to happen in I was interested to kind of discover that America was like, “Wow, this is really a time the Renaissance period was much more to celebrate.” liberal in terms of sexuality than it is today. The fact that Australia, which really does It’s interesting to kind of consider that, pride itself on being such a progressive or to recognize how we just put labels on nation – and it is in a lot of ways. Australia is everything today. We label everything, and in awesome and can be so progressive. But the doing so we often simplify often-complicated fact that we were so late in doing that upset things. We’re so quick to say, “This person’s me so deeply that I truly almost didn’t want straight, this person’s bisexual, this person’s to celebrate because I thought they didn’t gay, this person’s Republican, this person’s deserve celebration. whatever,” and we label everything. But in terms of sexuality, the Renaissance Too little, too late, Australia? period, they were far more fluid about (Laughs) Yes, too late, Australia! No, no; it sexuality, and bisexual wasn’t really a term was bittersweet. Of course I was happy and that had to be placed on someone – it was proud that we finally joined the 21st century very common for men to be married and also in that regard, but at the same time, it was sleep with other men. That wasn’t something bittersweet. I really felt it should’ve been done that people felt the need to label. a lot sooner. So that was really interesting, and then on the flip side, the women at the time, You have a brother, Cameron, who has described particularly female monarchs, literally were a himself on Instagram as “too gay to function.” body. That was their commodity. Producing Are you aware of the gay community’s interest in a male heir was kind of their purpose, and your brother? once they had done that and achieved their No! But I’m sure he would love to hear that. purpose they were kind of swept aside. So, it He’s awesome. I have two brothers and a was interesting to see, on one side, how liberal sister, but Cameron and I were particularly and open sexuality could be at the time – but, close growing up. He’s always been my best on the other side, how women were seen as a friend – since he was born, really. So, he commodity, and not more than a conduit for would be thrilled to hear that. He would their male successor. really appreciate that. Shifting to your portrayal of Tonya Harding, did How did he come out to you? you know that you were playing someone who many in the LGBTQ community consider a queer Well, I guess that’s kind of his story to tell. I icon? wouldn’t feel right to speak on his behalf. But like I said, he’s my best friend, as are all my I did not realize that at the time. I did hear siblings. I love them endlessly and always will. that, and I thought, “Oh, she’s got some pretty fun skate costumes!” But tell me more about Does he take you to gay bars? that. I’ve been going to gay bars and clubs since It’s her underdog status. I got my ID – and probably long before that! There was this fantastic gay club in Underdog status – I love that, yes. Well, as an Melbourne, so when I turned 18 – 18 is the Aussie, we always gravitate toward underdog legal drinking age in Australia – and while I stories, anyway, so yeah, that’s one of the was living in Melbourne we used to always reasons I played her. go, because on a Saturday night they would Is being an underdog an Aussie thing? do a musical drag performance. It was always incredible. I don’t know how they would get it Yeah, yeah. Always. The country identifies itself as an underdog itself and has that See Margot Robbie, continued on p. 24 www.PrideSource.com December 6, 2018 | BTL 21 UMS Presents ‘Winterreise’ Dec. 16 BY BTL STAFF

Contemporary opera composer Jake Heggie describes Joyce DiDonato’s mezzo-soprano voice as “staggering”: “(It) reminds us that in any generation there are a few giants. ... Those who know her repertoire are in awe of her gifts, and those who know nothing of it are instantly engaged,” Heggie said in Gramaphone magazine. Having performed at Ann Arbor’s University Music Society before, DiDonato’s debut performance of Handel’s “Ariodante” was a fan favorite. Now returning for her UMS recital debut, she is set to perform Schubert’s “Winterreise,” “a dramatic song cycle of 24 poems, usually sung by a tenor, Nézet-Séguin, music director of both This performance will be held Sunday, Dec. that journeys through grief to despair,” the Philadelphia Orchestra and the 16. at 4 p.m. and will be performed in said event organizers. “She is joined for Metropolitan Opera, who trades in his German with English supertitles. For more this very special duo recital by Yannick baton for a piano.” information about the performance and ticket prices go online to ums.org. Ann Arbor LezRead ‘The Spanish Pearl’ Dec. 8

BY BTL STAFF For additional perspective, Friend states: ‘I write stories to escape the despair and A book club specifically intended for violence and pressures surrounding all queer women, LezRead meets regularly of us in the 21st century. If that’s what at the Jim Toy Community Center in Ann you’re looking for too give The Spanish Arbor to discuss books on the fourth Pearl a try.’” Saturday of every month. This month’s Meetings usually last two hours, the selection is “The Spanish Pearl” by first spent talking about the book and Catherine Friend. the second enjoying drinks and snacks “We’ve enjoyed many of her books, at Aut Bar. Organizers said that first- including ‘Hit By a Farm,’ and ‘The Crown time attendees should bring a small cash of Valenica,’ the sequel to ‘Spanish Pearl,’” donation for the use of the community said event organizers. “Succinctly put center. by Friend, ‘The Spanish Pearl’ is an epic adventure spiced with humor, lust and This event will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on danger — a story with surprising twists Saturday, Dec. 8. More information can that will capture your imagination just be found online on the group’s LezRead Cool Cities as Kate’s dilemma captures your heart.” Facebook page.

22YOURBTL NEIGHBORHOOD| December 6, 2018 • YOUR MARKET www.PrideSource.com Pinpoint your ad dollars where they will do the most good . . . Advertise in the next Cool Cities TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 www.PrideSource.com December 6, 2018 | BTL 23 Cool Cities

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET Margot Robbie in her Oscar-nominated role as Tonya Harding in “I, Tonya.” Photo: Neon Pinpoint your ad dollars where they will do the most good . . . ® was looking at the boots. But to watch springs to mind. I’m pretty open- Margot Robbie Martin Scorsese choreograph a gay minded. Advertise in the next Cool Cities Continued from p. 21 orgy was truly a highlight of my career. TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 He really approached it with as much You have your own production company, professionalism and dedication as any LuckyChap Entertainment, which is together every week. I don’t know where other scene in the movie. I mean, a lot committed to producing female-led films. they found the time or the costumes; of the scenes are absolutely crazy, with How conscious are you of LGBTQ inclusion they had the costumes put together, the so much happening, but to see him sort in the films and TV shows your company musical art, the choreography. of choreograph the gay orgy was truly a produces? But every Saturday night we would go wonderful experience. Our goal for the company has always to this club and just have the best time I had read that Scorsese even brought in been to tell female-driven content ever. And I remember they did this one another choreographer, Michael Arnold, to with as many female filmmakers as musical performance about “Wicked” help organize the shoot. possible. As far as including content for and it was just the best thing you’ve ever the LGBTQ community, that’s a huge seen. So, I’ve been going to gay clubs Oh yeah! It was intricate. There was a lot aspect. We make movies for audiences ever since I’ve legally been able to go to going on. It was wonderful to be a part to love. A huge portion of the audience clubs. I always have more fun. of it, though. is a part of the LGBTQ community, Those queens are gonna be very proud to In August, DC Comics confirmed that so we obviously wanna make content see you as an actual queen. Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy are married, for everyone. I don’t know if anyone could say that they don’t have someone and in 2020, you will play Harley in her Yes, I hope so! close to them who isn’t a part of that own movie. For “Birds of Prey,” are you Iconically, you walked in on a gay orgy community, so of course it’s important. mindful of the way Harley is portrayed It’s a part of everyone’s life; everyone’s dressed in Versace in “The Wolf of Wall when it comes to her sexuality? gonna relate to those stories. We have a Street.” Was that a first for you? Yeah. If you read the comics you know lot happening, actually, at the company, Shop The That was a first for me. I can’t say that that Poison Ivy and Harley have an especially on the TV side. I’m not sure I’ve walked in on any gay orgies in the intimate relationship. In some comics when they would actually be released Rainbow past. they convey it as a friendship; in other – nothing’s been announced yet – but There are hundreds what I can say is, absolutely. We always In a Versace outfit, no less. comics you can see that they’re actually of businesses that sexually involved as a couple. I’ve been wanna make stories for everyone. advertise in BTL and In the most fabulous Versace outfit trying to – I would love to have Poison welcome everyone. you’ve ever seen! I really wish that they Ivy thrown into the universe, because got more screen time – I don’t think the Harley and Poison Ivy relationship is As editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBTQ wire service, Chris Azzopardi has Invest in equality and you ever get to see them – but they one of my favorite aspects of the comics, were incredible vintage Versace boots so I’m looking to explore that on screen. interviewed a multitude of superstars, work with businesses buckled all the way up to mid-calf. including Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey that support Have you considered who you’d want as and Beyoncé. Reach him via his website at Michigan’s LGBTQ Hate to break it to you, Margot, but I don’t Poison Ivy? www.chris-azzopardi.com and on Twitter think that scene was about your boots. (@chrisazzopardi). community! You know what? I’ve thought about Yeah, yeah, yeah, I don’t think anyone it a lot and there’s no one person who 24 BTL | December 6, 2018 www.PrideSource.com 13

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www.PrideSource.com December 6, 2018 | BTL 25 ‘A Christmas Story, The Musical’ at Fox Theatre Playing from Dec. 20 through 22 is “A Christmas Story, The Musical.” Created by the same team behind “Dear Evan Hansen” and “La La Land,” the musical breathes life back into the 1983 movie. Tickets start at $36. More information about the performance can be found online at 313presents.com.

three speakeasies (including a secret, Sara Griffin, MA,LPC is a psychotherapist development. With better communications subterranean tunnel) with your guides and a parent of a transgender son, skills, you’ll better your leadership style OUTINGS who are descendants of bootleggers! [email protected]. Unitarian Universalist as well as your relationships. Warm & Thursday, December 6 Goody bag and snacks included in price. Congregation of Flint, 2474 S. Ballenger welcoming members. Jim Toy Community Bus Tour, 1400 Wilkins,Detroit. marion@ Hwy,Flint. 810-232-4023. uuflint.org. Center, 319 Braun Court, Ann Arbor. 734- Pride Night at Thunderbowl! 7 p.m. Meet magicalmichigantours.com. standwithtrans.org. 995-9867. [email protected]. & Greet First Thursday of every month, unlimited bowling, shoe rental, private room, private bar area, drink specials, Monday, December 10 Thursday, December 13 Friday, December 14 billiard room, 250 foot video wall. Stand with Trans 2018 Support Groups Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Home for the Holidaze 16: Songwriter Thunderbowl Arena, 4200 Allen Road, – Macomb County 6:30 p.m. Macomb Commerce Merge & Mixer 6:30 p.m. Showcase and Charity Drive 8 p.m. The Allen Park. 313-928-4688. thunderbowl. Teen/Youth Support Group: All youth Michigan Employee Resource Groups for 16th annual showcase raises donations org. are welcome to attend this free group. Equality (MERGE) Monthly Networking for goods for the homeless population in Event. Soho, 205 W. 9 Mile Road,Ferndale. Detroit. 7 singer-songwriters will perform Jazz & Soul Singer Sky Covington & Club Come and meet other trans* youth and 248-542-7646. info@detroitlgbtchamber. for the cause. PJs Lagerhouse, 1254 Crescendo Live Every Thursday Night 9 teens and support each other through com. ferndalesoho.com. Michigan Ave.,Detroit. 313-961-4668. p.m. No Cover. Northern Lights Lounge, your journeys. Dakota High School, 21051 660 W, Baltimore,Detroit. 248-445-1277. 21 Mile Road,Macomb. 586-723-2700. Stand with Trans 2018 Support northernlightslounge.com. chippewavalleyschools.org. Groups – Farmington Hills – Oakland County 7 p.m. All youth are welcome to Saturday, December 8 Wednesday, December 12 attend this free group. Oakland United MUSIC & Methodist Church, 30450 Farmington The Detroit Prohibition Bus Tour 10am Stand with Trans Youth Support Group Road,Farmington. 248-626-3620. Join us for four hours of fascinating – Flint – Genessee 6:30 p.m. Free to all, MORE oaklandumc.org. standwithtrans.org. Prohibition history in Detroit! We’ll visit Trans Youth Support Group. Facilitator New ‘Holiday Belles’ House Tour at Toastmasters International SpeakOUT! Ford House Thru January 6, With replica LGBTQ Meeting 7 p.m. Professional holiday décor and new stories, this new & personal communication skills tour gives you a glimpse into the society scene of the 1960s during the grand holiday receptions Eleanor Ford hosted

GenderBender Drag Show at Planet Ant Theatre Dec. 30 GenderBender is a night of drag performances that span the gender spectrum that will transform into a night of dancing. It is hosted by Sam Meier and Ian Sparkle and will feature a variety of DJs and a bar. Doors open at 9 p.m. For more information about the event email [email protected].

26 BTL | December 6, 2018 www.PrideSource.com South Lafayette,Royal Oak. 2485418027 stagecrafters.org/on-stage/main-stage/32- peter-starcatcher.html Detroit Public Theatre Presents ‘Cry It Out’ Thru December 9, 8 p.m. Cooped up on maternity leave and eager for conversation, Mega 80s Ugly Christmas Jessie invites the funny and forthright Lina for coffee in their neighboring backyards. Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Sweater, Speedo, Romper and Center, 3711 Woodward Avenue,Detroit. 3135765162 dso.org/ShowEventsView. Romphim Party aspx?id=5306&prod=5305 On Friday Dec. 21 Ferndale’s Magic Bag will host The Ringwald Theatre Presents ‘The Cake’ Thru December 10, 8 p.m. Della this 21+ event with music by The Mega 80s and an makes cakes, not judgment calls–those she invitation for all guests to wear their favorite getup leaves to her husband, Tim. The Ringwald Theatre, 22742 Woodward Ave.,Ferndale. from within the theme selection. Doors open at 8 p.m. and more information can be found online at 248-545-5545 https:// brownpapertickets. themagicbag.com. com/event/3562492 A2CT JT Presents ‘The Girl With The Golden Locks’ December 7, 7:30 p.m. Ann Arbor Civic Theatre’s Junior Theatre presents ‘The Girl With the Golden Locks’ for her granddaughters and features songwriters will perform for the cause. PJs Macomb Place,Mount Clemens. 586-469- by Brian D. Taylor at the Scarlett Middle stories. Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lagerhouse, 1254 Michigan Ave.,Detroit. 8666 [email protected]. School Auditorium. Scarlett Middle School, Lake Shore Road,Grosse Pointe Shores. 313-961-4668. Saline Antiques Market 9am. 5055 3300 Lorraine St,Ann Arbor. 734-971-2228 313-884-4222. [email protected]. https:// a2ct.org https:// a2ct.org/shows/the- holidaybelles.fordhouse.org. Navigating Grace: The Power of Ann Arbor-Saline Road,Ann Arbor. Connection and Transformation Dec. 734-761-2796 [email protected] girl-with-the-golden-locks-junior-theatre RACE: Are We So Different? Thru Dec. 9, 18, 7:30 p.m. Best-selling author and [email protected] foodgatherers. Theatre and Dance at Wayne Presents 10 a.m. This exhibit is the first in a series clinician Jeff Jay will describe personal org salineantiquesmarket.com/ ‘Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike’ of events designed to inspire community connection, and the concepts of service December 7, 8 p.m. Winner of the 2013 conversations, presented by the University and altruism that lie at the heart of Twelve Tony Award for Best Play. Studio Theatre of Michigan-Flint and the Community Step Programs. St. Joseph Mercy Hospital at the Hilberry, 4743 Cass Avenue,Detroit. Foundation of Greater Flint. Sloan Education Center Auditorium, 5305 Elliott THEATER theatreanddanceatwayne.com/ wsushows. Museum, 1221 East Kearsley St.,Flint. 810- Drive,Ypsilanti. 734-485-8725. dawnfarm. com [email protected]. org. Theatre and Dance at Wayne Presents ‘A Christmas Carol’ Thru December Disney’s Aladdin at the Detroit Opera AEG Presents ‘Hip Hop Nutcracker’ AEG Presents ‘Straight No Chaser’ at 16, 2 p.m. Join Ebenezer Scrooge on a House! December 12, 7:30 p.m. Detroit December 6, 6:30 p.m. Detroit Masonic the Fox Theatre December 19, 7 p.m. A ghostly adventure in Dickens’ classic Opera House, 1526 Broadway St.,Detroit. Temple, 3011 W. Grand Blvd, #f100,Detroit. male a cappella group. Fox Theatre, 2211 story. Bonstelle Theatre, 3424 Woodward 313-237-SING broadwayindetroit.com/ 800-854-2196. templedetroit.com. Woodward Ave.,Detroit. 313-471-6611. Ave.,Detroit. 313-577-2960 wsushows. shows/disneys-aladdin aegpresents.com. aegpresents.com. com Beethoven’s Fifth Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. No Home Alone with the DSO! Dec. 19, The Purple Rose Theatre Presents ‘Diva other musical statement can match its 7:30 p.m. Enjoy one of the most beloved Royale’ Thru Dec. 29, 2 p.m. The Purple raw power and bracing energy. Carlos holiday films of all time projected on a Rose of Chelsea, 137 Park Street,Chelsea. Miguel Prieto conducts Beethoven’s giant screen in stunning High Definition 734-433-7673 info@purplerosetheatre. Fifth Symphony, and Christian Tetzlaff accompanied by the Detroit Symphony. org [email protected] plays Brahms’ impassioned Violin Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward purplerosetheatre.org purplerosetheatre. Concerto. Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave.,Detroit. 313-576-5111. dso.org. org/diva-royale/ Ave.,Detroit. 313-576-5111. dso.org. Home for the Holidays! December THE ELVES AND THE SCHUMACHERS by AEG Presents The Piano Guys at the Fox 21, 10:45 a.m. Share Detroit’s favorite Carla Milarch and R. MacKenzie Lewis Theatre December 7, 6:30 p.m. Hailing holiday musical tradition with family and World Premiere. Thru Dec. 30, 3 p.m. from Utah. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward friends and thrill to the spectacle of the Theatre NOVA, 410 w Huron,Ann Arbor. Ave.,Detroit. 313-471-6611. aegpresents. season. Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward 7346358450 [email protected] com. Ave.,Detroit. 313-576-5111. dso.org. [email protected] theatrenova. org Theatre and Dance at Wayne Presents Sound Board Presents Bret Michaels ‘December Dance Concert’ December Dec. 26, 8 p.m. Poison was at the Evidence of Things Unseen at The 7, 7:30 p.m. Contemporary dance forefront of the Glam metal scene in the Detroit Repertory Theatre Thru Dec. 23, masters come together for one thrilling 80s and 90s. Motor City Casino Sound 3 p.m. Detroit Repertory Theatre, 13103 weekend! Detroit Music Hall, 350 Madison Board, 2901 Grand River Ave.,Detroit. 313- Woodrow Wilson,Detroit. 313-868-1347 St.,Detroit. 313-887-8501. musichall.org. 309-4700 motorcitycasino.com. [email protected] [email protected] wsushows.com. detroitreptheatre.com/evidence/ Sound Board Presents Nelly Dec. A Charlie Brown Christmas with Cyrus 27, 8 p.m. Cornell Haynes Jr., known Williamston Theatre Presents ‘A Chestnut & Friends Dec. 7, 8 p.m. The professionally as Nelly, is an American Hunting Shack Christmas’ Thru Dec.23, holidays don’t officially arrive until you rapper, singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, Williamston Theatre, 122 S. Putnam hear Vince Guaraldi’s classic score from A investor, and occasional actor from St. Road,Williamston. 517-655-SHOW Charlie Brown Christmas. Orchestra Hall, Louis, Missouri. Motor City Casino Sound williamstontheatre.org 3711 Woodward Ave.,Detroit. 313-576-5111. Board, 2901 Grand River Ave.,Detroit. 313- dso.org. 309-4700. motorcitycasino.com. War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast by Joe Landry Thru Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m. The The Detroit Prohibition Bus Tour Dec. Sound Board Presents Cedric, The play celebrates the 80th anniversary of 8, 10 a.m. Join us for four hours of Entertainer Dec. 28, 8 p.m. Cedric Orson Welles’ 1938 radio adaptation that fascinating Prohibition history in Detroit! Antonio Kyles, better known by his threw humanity into chaos when aliens Bus Tour, 1400 Wilkins,Detroit. marion@ stage name Cedric the Entertainer. made landfall on earth. The Marlene magicalmichigantours.com. Motor City Casino Sound Board, 2901 Boll Theatre, 1401 Broadway,Detroit. Grand River Ave.,Detroit. 313-309-4700 [email protected] tasiopeg@ Stirling’s Rock n’ Roll Birthday Show motorcitycasino.com. udmercy.edu http://detroitmercyarts.com December 8, 9 p.m. Veteran music promoter/nightclub impressario Stirling Monster Box Theatre Presents ‘The will celebrate his birthday Detroit Book of Liz’, A Comedy Thru December style! 21+ Northern Lights Lounge, 660 16, 7:30 p.m. Sister Liz is a cheese ball W, Baltimore,Detroit. 248-445-1277. ART ‘N’ maker from a Squeamish order (Amish) northernlightslounge.com. in Clusterhaven. Monster Box Theatre, 2529 Elizabeth Lake Road,Waterford. Holiday Pops with the Phil December AROUND Holiday Art Shop at Ann Arbor Art 248-787-1400 info@monsterboxtheatre. 13, 6 p.m. Get into the spirit of the season com info@monsterboxtheatre. with the Michigan Phil performing all your Center Opens November 16! Thru Dec. 31, 10am Support local artists this holiday com monsterboxtheatre.com holiday favorites along with a beautiful monsterboxtheatre.com/ Mozart horn concerto. The Penn Theatre, season by shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts 760 Penniman Ave.,Plymuth. 734-453- from the Art Center’s gallery shop! Ann Stagecrafters Presents Peter and 0870. michiganphil.org. Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St.,Ann the Starcatcher Thru December 16, 8 Arbor. 734-994-8004 annarborartcenter. p.m. Peter and the Starcatcher is the Home for the Holidaze 16: Songwriter org. fantastical adventure about how Peter Showcase and Charity Drive December Pan came to be. On a ship bound for the 14, 8 p.m. The 16th annual showcase Christmas Market at the Anton Art Center Thru December 22, 10am Shop island of Rundoon, three orphan boys raises donations for goods for the befriend Molly, daughter of Starcatcher homeless population in Detroit. 7 singer- with us for unique gifts and holiday decor by Michigan artists! Anton Art Center, 125 Lord Aster. Baldwin Theatre, 415 www.PrideSource.com December 6, 2018 | BTL 27 Deep Inside Hollywood

BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE ‘Moulin Rouge!’ now and forever The stage production of Baz Luhrmann’s “Moulin Rouge!” that opened this summer in Boston is going to Broadway in 2019. Producer Carmen Pavlovic broke the news and the musical will hit the boards at the Al Hirschfelvd Theatre for previews starting in June and a July 25 opening night. The Boston cast will make the move, too, including stars Karen Olivo, Aaron Tveit, Danny Burstein, Sahr Ngaujah, Tam Mutu, Ricky Rojas and Robyn Hurder. And if you don’t remember the Academy Award-nominated all-singing- all-dancing movie of the same name – it’s the one with Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, meeting at Paris’ Moulin Rouge at the turn of the 20th Century, falling in love, singing contemporary pop songs, and dying, more or less in that order – then we wonder a lot of things about you. Perhaps you were not yet Kiersey Clemons. Photo: KathClick born. But good news for you if you actually weren’t born in 2001: this new stage version Coming soon you’ll see her as “Darling,” one of contains covers of hits released since then. the human beings in the live-action “Lady and the Tramp”; she’s also going to be part of “Rent: Live” in January of 2019; running alongside Cherry Jones heads to ‘Wine Ezra Miller in the upcoming superhero film Country’ with Amy Poehler “Flashpoint”; and taking the starring role in the film adaptation of the memoir “The Language When she popped up briefly in “Boy Erased” of Flowers,” about a young woman who grew to tell a tormented Lucas Hedges that his anti- up in foster care. So if you’re wondering when gay Evangelical parents were dead wrong, we the next generation of LGBT actors is going were reminded all over again why Cherry to come along, they’re already out and here, Jones is our favorite character actress. The waiting for you to notice. double Tony Award winner runs the stage on Broadway, but in films she’s usually secret weapon support. That’s why it’s gratifying to ‘The Good Liar’ picks up see her name among the cast of the all-lady- McKellen and Mirren starring (plus Jason Schwartzman) “Wine Country,” an upcoming Netflix film directed In between directing tentpole blockbuster by Amy Poehler. The screenplay from “Saturday properties like “Dreamgirls,” the live-action Night Live” writers Liz Cackowski and Emily “Beauty and the Beast,” and the last two Spivey will follow even more “SNL” alums on a “Twilight” installments, you can usually count birthday road trip to Napa. Along for the ride: on gay director Bill Condon to go small. After Maya Rudolph, Tina Fey, Ana Gasteyer, Rachel all, his Oscar was for the indie “Gods and Dratch and Poehler. In other words, with each Monsters,” and he was the man who brought additional female name our hopes grow higher. us “Kinsey” and the Ian McKellen-starring And frankly, this is the least Netflix can do for arthouse film “Mr. Holmes.” Now Condon is the world after making all those recent Adam re-teaming with McKellen for “The Good Liar,” Sandler movies happen, so more of this, please. a drama about a con man who thinks he’s found the perfect mark in rich widow Helen Mirren, only to have the tables turn on him when they Learn this name: Kiersey grow a little too close. The film also stars Jim Clemons Carter (“Downton Abbey”’s Mr. Carson) and “Looking”’s Russell Tovey, two actors we’re Young, queer, up-and-comer Kiersey always happy to see, so we’ll be marking our Clemons had a recurring role on “Transparent.” 2019 calendars for this movie’s appearance She also co-starred in the films “Dope,” sometime next fall. “Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising” and “Hearts Beat Loud.” But if you haven’t placed her yet, a name Romeo San Vicente doesn’t pick pockets anymore. to a face, your task will soon become easier. Bank heists are just sexier.

28 BTL | December 6, 2018 www.PrideSource.com 34 Role for Madonna or LuPone 10 Place for future Lts. 36 Sharice Davids, first LGBTQ ___ 11 Porter’s “___ Shouldn’t I?” elected to congress 12 PBS helper 40 “Hollywood Squares” choice 20 “South Pacific” heroine 41 Church sections 21 Plague for payment 42 Saint, in Rio 24 Mabius of “Ugly Betty” 43 Daly of “Judging Amy” 25 “Toodles” 44 Home of the Bruins 26 Gay-dog owner on TV 48 “Claire of the Moon” actor Todd 29 Former labor leader George 51 Greet with loud laughter 30 Darrin Stevens, for one 53 Kim Davis, who lost the race for 33 St. crosser this office 34 Preposition that goes either way 56 Blue bottoms 35 Type of aids 59 “Houston, we have a problem” 36 First of the Democratic ass 60 Reagan’s Star Wars letters drawers 61 Like an eagle in flight 37 Tutti-frutti ingredient 62 Pride of lions? 38 “Star Trek” counselor Deanna 63 Half a score 39 Who should be against 64 First gay man elected governor homophobia Jared 43 T, to a “Homer-phile” 65 Title for Uncle Remus’ bear 45 Wave tops 66 AARP members 46 “Harder days, empty ___ days” Many Happy (Election) Returns (“Oliver!”) Down 47 Big name in dieting 18 Emma Stone plays a beard in this 49 Field of Ursula Le Guin Across 1 It’s found under the tongue movie 50 Ellen DeGeneres and others 1 They get checked at bathhouses 2 Diary entry start by Anais Nin? 19 Rights law upheld by 52 Earth tone 4 Abbreviated Broadway musical? Massachusetts voters 3 Comfort in sorrow 54 Ready to get drilled by the 8 First out governor Kate, who was 22 Whoopi, et al., at the Oscars 4 Hardly like a muscle Mary dentist reelected 23 Underdog victories 5 Even bigger than a bed for a 55 Direction for seamen 13 Prefix with classical queen 27 Fruit cover 56 Race unit in “The Front Runner” 14 Antigay prejudice, e.g. 6 Fill with freight 28 “___ Ordinary Man” (“My Fair 57 “Xanadu” band, for short 15 Milk, in Madrid Lady”) 7 The A in GLARP (abbr.) 58 Tennessee foot player 16 Mineo, who played Plato 31 Squealer 8 Censor’s sound 17 “All’s Well That ___ Well” 32 Lay in the hammock 9 Tails of the city, when cruising?

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BY EVE KUCHARSKI that she’s always felt that Detroit was her true home. She originally got the idea for these art acism, gun violence and human rights pieces while still at school at the College for violations; unless those are issues faced Creative Studies. in their daily life, it’s unlikely that the “I couldn’t afford many materials, so I had Raverage American chooses to face them head to use what I had at home like egg cartons on. Detroit-born artist Charzette Torrence and wooden moldings,” she said. “I couldn’t decided to change that. The product of decades afford frames, so I made my own frames. I of work, in her newest exhibit she displays custom-built each by myself.” issue-specific photographs — like a kneeling Sometimes, the frame-building, painting Colin Kaepernick or float of Donald Trump and picture-sizing process could take weeks or — and painted key words that border the even longer. The only exception to Torrence’s images to elicit various themes. All of this black and white color scheme is her Detroit- is presented large, on framed, 46-by 32-inch specific work that honors Aretha Franklin. A billboards in stark black and white to point longtime fan and friend of Franklin’s family, directly to some of America’s most difficult Torrence said that on the eve before her death issues. The exhibit’s name, “Prevalent,” isn’t she got a feeling that she wouldn’t make it to accidental either. morning. “These things have risen to the forefront. “It’s strange, on Aug. 15, I knew that she They’ve been known but silent, but now they’re was transitioning and my wife’s like, ‘Why are loud,” Torrence said. “We look and we see it, you so sad? Why are you playing her music but now it’s heavy on everyone’s hearts and Charzette Torrence poses beside one of the pieces in her “Prevalent” exhibit. now?’ And I said, ‘She’s not going to make it. minds. It’s like we’re at the boiling point and By the time the morning comes she’s going I think everyone can relate to them.” Basel, a Miami exhibition that focuses on distribute Torrence’s work — chose it because to be totally gone.’ I had started that week Recently picked up and presented at artists from across the globe, and has shown of its direct spotlight into difficult issues. In an designing the wooden frames on the computer Spectrum Miami, a curated contemporary thousands since its inception. Redwood email correspondence Torrence said that the and black just didn’t work for her,” Torrence art show, Torrence’s work was a part of Art Media Group — the organization that helped media group’s Director of Exhibitions Rosana said. “I said, ‘Aretha, what color do you want?’ Rader and Community Relations Manager This was right before she passed, and her spirit Kelly Smith saw the work as “powerful.” said gold and red. And when she passed what “And insightful in adding a new style of was her coffin? Gold. And she was in a red art that would make a change not only in dress. That came from her before she passed. the world of art, but spark conversation for a That’s what she told me and the universe told social change,” Torrence wrote. “I would like me that night, and the words came that night.” to thank the Redwood Media Group and (the Perhaps it is fitting that this piece, the only group’s president) Eric Smith for having me commemorative one of the bunch, should as a New Rising Artist.” stand out in gold. Torrence said that because However, as responsive as galleries and of its uniqueness she intends to donate it to museums are now to displaying Torrence’s charitable causes in Detroit, along with her hard-hitting pieces, when she first gathered piece on Kaepernick, which she hopes to the idea together in the early ‘90s she said the donate to a cause he supports. response was largely negative. “We have to give back to our community “I started this in 1993 and I left it alone. and I’m always going to give back to my It went to storage but I felt that I wanted to hometown, Detroit, period. I was raised by create more because there was more stuff a steel worker mom. Give back, no matter to talk about in the world,” Torrence said. what little you have,” Torrence said. “Colin, “Everyone liked it but they all said, ‘We can’t I’m going to connect with him and donate exhibit this. This is too much.’” with his organization, and I’m reaching out Though now Torrence is nearing a dozen to give to the arts.” finished pieces, she hopes one day to have It’s that spirit of community support and closer to 50. giving that Torrence hopes to spread by “There are so many things that can be making people more aware of the issues she’s talked about,” she said. “The original point chosen to talk about in her work. of this exhibit was really an installation. “The stuff is simmering over. ... Now as In the original exhibit I would put clear Americans we really have to improve ourselves transparencies of news articles of what is going because we are all one people. We have the on in the world and then images, but people same blood, we breathe the same air and we wouldn’t look at the images.” need to realize that,” she said. “All the problems Now, with the large images, stark contrasts that we haven’t solved, we need to do action and key words, it’s harder for onlookers to toward (them).” miss the message Torrence is trying to convey. Torrence takes care to size each photograph To find out more information about Torrence’s and to handcrafted each frame. Though now work and future exhibits go online to Charzette. a New York City-based artist, Torrence said com. 30 BTL | December 6, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com December 6, 2018 | BTL 31