4 DAY ONE!
Millions Say No to a Sexual Predator-in-Chief
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COVER Millions Say No to a Sexual Predator-in-Chief AP Photo MARRIAGE Transforming Minds 14 Baptist Pastor Comes Under Fire for Officiating Same-Sex Wedding One Truth at a Time: 16 Wedding Photography Trends to Watch Out for in 2017 Comedian Ian Harvie NEWS Thousands Turn Out Around 6 House Dems Elect Moss, Zemke as Caucus Whip, Chair the State in Solidarity with DC 8 Women’s March in Lansing Joins 600 Communities Women’s March Worldwide Jan. 21 See page 8 See page 30 10 Trump Era Begins with Women’s Marches as Backdrop 11 Betsy DeVos Won’t Get a Second Confirmation Hearing 29 Casting Call Put Out for Trans Women of Color COMMUNITY MARRIAGE OPINION 12 Parting Glances 12 From the Co-Publisher: Women’s March Unleashes an Unstoppable Movement 13 Creep of the Week: Mat Staver LIFE 27 OU Film Festival Explores Trans Visibility 30 Transforming Minds One Truth at a Time: Comedian Ian Harvie 34 The Outfield: Meg Lineman ‘Excelles’ at Covering Women’s Sports 35 Williamston Theatre Starts 2017 with Premiere of ‘A Painted Window’ 36 Review: A Small Town Turns to Theater for Salvation in Baptist Pastor Comes Wedding Photography Trends to Theatre Nova’s ‘Popcorn Falls’ Under Fire for Officiating Watch Out for in 2017 38 Happenings See page 6 See page 16 40 Classifieds Same-Sex Wedding See page 14 41 Puzzle and Comic
VOL. 2504 • JANUARY 26, 2017 EDITORIAL CREATIVE ADVERTISING & SALES ONLINE AT ISSUE 999 Editor in Chief Webmaster & MIS Director Director of Sales Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 12 Kevin Bryant, [email protected] Jan Stevenson, 734.293.7200 x 22 “Between The Lines Newspaper” PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA GROUP [email protected] [email protected] 20222 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152 Contributing Writers Entertainment Editor Sales Representatives Phone 734.293.7200 Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown, Follow us @YourBTL Chris Azzopardi, 734.293.7200 x 24 Emell Derra Adolphus, Todd Heywood, Ann Cox, 734.293.7200 x 13 PUBLISHERS [email protected] Gwendolyn Ann Smith, Amy Lynn Smith [email protected] Email your op–eds to Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson Senior News Editor Cartoonists Donelle Kremke, 734.293.7200 x 16 [email protected] MEMBER OF Kate Opalewski, 734.293.7200 x 10 Paul Berg, Dave Brousseau [email protected] [email protected] Sign up online to receive our E–Digest Michigan Press Assoication Contributing Photographers National Advertising Representative National Gay Media Association Writers Andrew Potter Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 National Gay & Lesbian Chamber Emell Derra Adolphus, Todd A. Heywood, Alexander Godin Q Syndicate Jason Michael 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 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. Copyright 2017 Pride Source Media Group www.PrideSource.com January 26, 2017 | BTL 5 NEWS House Dems Elect Moss, Zemke as Caucus Whip, Chair Caucus to Focus on Unity and Inclusivity in 2017-18 Legislative Session
BY BTL STAFF
LANSING –The House Democrats held elections to fill their caucus’s leadership positions for the next two years as a new session begins this week. State Rep. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) was elected to serve as the House Democratic Caucus Whip and state Rep. Adam Zemke (D-Ann Arbor) was chosen to be the House Democratic Caucus Chair. “I am extremely honored that my Democratic colleagues in the House chose me to serve as their Caucus Whip for this legislative session,” said Rep. Moss. “The next two years presents many unknown factors as a result of new Republican leadership in the Michigan House State Rep. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) of Representatives that will push an agenda that is more conservative and is out-of-touch with most people in Michigan. I’ll be seeking opportunities to bring our caucus together on bipartisan policies that will hold our government accountable, while steadfastly advocating for progressive causes that will have a meaningful impact on the lives of Michigan residents.” Rep. Moss is serving his second term representing Michigan’s 35th House District. In his first term, he served as the Democratic vice chairman of the House Local Government Committee and as assistant Democratic Floor Leader. Before joining the Legislature, Rep. Moss was the youngest-ever member to serve on the Southfield City Council. He earned State Rep. Adam Zemke (D-Ann Arbor) his bachelor’s degree in journalism with an the stability of their retirement and to improve additional major in political science from the affordability of their education. I look Michigan State University, where he graduated forward to uniting the caucus in these next with high honors. two years to fight as one for Michiganders Rep. Zemke is serving his third term everywhere.” representing Michigan’s 55th House District. Reps. Moss and Zemke join the House Previously, he served as the Democratic vice Democratic leadership team headed by the chair of the House Education Committee and House Democratic Leader, state Rep. Sam sat on the House Appropriations Committee. Singh (D-East Lansing) and House Democratic Before coming to the Legislature, Rep. Zemke Floor Leader state Rep. Christine Greig worked as an engineer in the aerospace, (D-Farmington Hills). They will hold these defense and automotive fields. He serves positions for the duration of the 2017-18 on the Foundation Board for the Society of legislative session. Automotive Engineers, and has served on the city of Ann Arbor’s Housing and Human I’ll be seeking opportunities to bring Services Advisory Board and the Washtenaw County Community Action Board. He earned our caucus together on bipartisan policies his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the “ that will hold our government accountable, College of Engineering at Michigan State University. while steadfastly advocating for progressive “In a time when it may seem that there is causes that will have a meaningful impact more that divides us than unites us, I am ready to bring the House Democratic Caucus together on the lives of Michigan residents. to remember why it is we all came to Lansing in the first place,” said Rep. Zemke. “Michigan’s working families, seniors and students depend - State Rep. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield)” on us to provide better paying jobs, to maintain
6 BTL | January 26, 2017 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com January 26, 2017 | BTL 7 NEWS
Photo from dome of state capitol building courtesy of House Democratic Leader Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) Women’s March in Lansing Joins 600 Other Communities Worldwide Jan. 21 From Ann Arbor to Saugatuck the State Came Out in Record Numbers
BY TODD A. HEYWOOD And those of like mind showed up -- “Mr Speaker, I’m flattered that you’re protest signs in tow and pink pussy hats all so interested in my vagina, but ‘no’ As a million women, men and children affixed on heads, regardless of gender, means ‘no,’” she said at the conclusion marched in the nation’s capitol Jan. 21,, a despite the temperature near 70 degrees. of her speech on the floor of the state crowd estimated at 12,000 was rallying in They filled the Capitol lawn. And the house in 2012. She was soon joined in Lansing to challenge not only the Trump supporters kept coming. They spilled out the legislative penalty box by former state presidency, but the ongoing assault on onto Capitol Avenue, the street that runs Rep. Barb Byrum. Byrum, who is now progressive values led by a GOP controlled along the east side of the capitol where the clerk in Ingham County. Byrum dared legislature, executive branch and judiciary rally was being held. Lansing Police closed to propose a vasectomy ban. She too in the state. Lansing joined cities small and the street to through traffic about an hour addressed the crowd on Saturday. large across the globe. into the event and called in more officers. “This is only the beginning of what Sarah Eisenberg, one of the Lansing They came to hear speakers like former I expect will be many protests against event organizers, was seeking ways to state Sen. Gretchen Whitmer, who has President Trump and his administration,” engage her fears and frustrations right after announced she is seeking the Democratic Byrum told Between The Lines in a the election. “Hey,” she recalled saying nomination for governor in 2018. Former Facebook interview Monday. “We re to various groups, “I am an individual state Rep. Lisa Brown, who now serves as individuals who will have watchful eyes who’s terrified about what’s just happened; the county clerk in Oakland county and on his policies, will make our voices heard what can I do?” Initially there were few was Mark Schauer’s Lt. Gov. choice in the and stand up when our rights and safety answers for her, but through social media 2014 gubernatorial race, was also present. is called into question.” she connected with others and helped She was silenced by the GOP leadership for She called the opportunity to address plan the statewide rally the day after the daring to usher the word “vagina” during a the rally “a privilege.” inauguration. floor debate on abortion. Photo of Lansing March by Todd Heywood.
8 BTL | January 26, 2017 www.PrideSource.com 11,000 people in Ann Arbor Detroit Janet Osborn of Ann Arbor, 65, recalled Wayne State Police Chief Anthony Holt protesting in 1963 with her mother in support said the crowd was “well over 4,000,” more of Selma during the civil rights movement. than four times what officials had expected. Now more than 50 years later, she’s still Lisa Nguyen, 24, of Sterling Heights came marching. “Most of what’s being said on the with her friend to let their voices be among signs have been said my entire life,” she said. those sending a message to the nation’s “When I was 20, I would not have thought capitol. these would still be issues.” “Women rights are one of the more important things in life that I fight for,” said Meanwhile, Lindsay Duke, 34, also of Ann Nguyen. “It’s important women have access Arbor, said she “felt paralyzed” by everything to birth control, abortion and other things that going on in the country. “I didn’t know what clinics like Planned Parenthood provide.” else to do, so I decided to be on my feet and Nguyen said “with (Donald Trump) being keep moving with everybody,” she described in office is almost ...surreal . It just makes me by Amanda Silic while waving a sign that listed what she was feel like almost demeaned because he is racist Detroit in support of: tolerance, love, water, black and sexist and homophobic and he does not lives and more. entail what America means. - Ashley Zlatopolsky, Special to the Detroit - Reporter Oralandar Brand-Williams Free Press Detroit News 12,000 people in Lansing Traverse City Dr. Farha Abbasi adopted a fiery tone as she Around 3,000 people addressed the crowd. Susette Wilson, of Manistee, attended the “My fellow peacemakers and my sisters, march with a group of friends. Marching was they say a political storm is brewing,” she a way to stand for the social progress she said said. “I say the storm is already here. We are Americans made in recent years in LGBT the storm.” rights, reproductive rights and environmental Abbasi, an assistant professor of psychiatry awareness. at Michigan State University and member “I feel like there’s no other way but a of the Michigan Muslim Council, called on peaceful approach, to show love, not hate,” Trump to “be my president” and uphold the she said. rights granted in the U.S. Constitution. Reporter Carol Thompson Traverse City “I am America,” she said. “You do not pull Record Eagle my hijab, doubt my patriotism, question my Saugutuck by Rocky Moss loyalty, degrade my turban, dehumanize my disability, kill my youth, incarcerate my future. Saugatuck-Douglas “Do not silence my voices and take away Several thousand people turned out for this my choices,” she continued, before donning march. Probably 2-3 times actual populations a pink knit “pussycat” hat. “And especially, of these small West Michigan towns in a very you do not grab – anything.” conservative area. - Reporter Christopher Haxel, Lansing Jodee Hunt posted “I was blown away by State Journal the crowd, uplifted by our walk, and bolstered by the many honks of support from passing vehicles. It was amazing!!” Patty Wolfston-Hawco posted “This was a wonderful event. Proud and happy I could by Alex Steele be a part of this historic march! Love my community!” - News and Guts Facebook page Ann Arbor by Sharmadip Basu
by Maggie Cocco by Maggie Cocco www.PrideSource.com January 26, 2017 | BTL 9 NEWS Trump Era Begins with Women’s Marches as Backdrop BY LISA KEEN
In LGBT-specific terms, President Donald Trump’s inaugural address was not much different than the first inaugural address of President Barack Obama. Neither said anything about LGBT people. Neither first inauguration included an openly LGBT person on the program. And both inaugural events gave public platforms to clergy with well- established hostilities toward LGBT equality. Both first-term presidents also solicited input from the LGBT community through their transition teams. That was not a surprise coming from President Obama. He had included LGBT people in a large number of the activities leading up to his inauguration, had LGBT leaders actually meet with transition leaders, and had already appointed a lesbian as chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Trump’s overtures to the LGBT community during the presidential campaign - including Trump was obsessed with news media comparisons of crowd size between his Inauguration and President Obama’s in 2009. He complained on Twitter and at a speech calls for Americans to stand in “solidarity” in front otf the CIA on Saturday, while the DC Women’s March was happening. The attendance at the March was believed to be three times that of the Inauguration the with LGBT people – had not translated into day before. a working relationship with community The Log Cabin press release said the paper country to stand “united” and “pursue leaders. He had the support of individual gay presented the “common-sense conservative solidarity.” He promised action for the • LGBT content on the White House website Republicans, but the national gay Republican case for LGBT non-discrimination in federal “forgotten men and women” but identified was wiped off within minutes of Trump’s group, Log Cabin Republicans, withheld any contractors to the Trump Transition Team.” them as people who “came by the tens of taking the oath of office, along with content endorsement in the race. And Trump’s frequent The paper, created with a pro-LGBT public millions to become part of a historic movement concerning civil rights and climate change. A pledges to repeal many of President Obama’s education group called Liberty Education the likes of which the world has never seen section on the Department of Labor’s website executive orders - along with his nominations Forum, notes that the last Republican president, before.” He promised to help inner city concerning “Advancing LGBTQ Workplace to key administration posts of people with George W. Bush, left undisturbed the original families in poverty, abandoned factories, Rights” was also removed. anti-LGBT records – has many LGBT people executive order prohibiting discrimination uneducated students, and victims of “crime “If President Trump truly believes in uniting braced for the possibility he will reverse some against federal employees based on sexual and gangs and drugs.” the country, now is the time to make clear or all of those pro-LGBT orders. orientation. It noted candidate Trump’s “We are one nation - and their pain is our whether he will be an ally to the LGBTQ So it was a promising development when expressed support for the LGBT community. pain,” said Trump. “Their dreams are our community in our struggle for full equality,” the Trump transition team reached out to Log So far, none of the several executive orders dreams; and their success will be our success. said Human Rights Campaign President Chad Cabin Republicans. that President Trump has signed in his first days We share one heart, one home, and one Griffin. Griffin urged Trump to reinstate the According to Log Cabin national President in office has sought to reverse the pro-LGBT glorious destiny. The oath of office I take today missing pages but added, “We are prepared to Gregory Angelo, the “Trump Transition executive orders. And his confirmed appointee is an oath of allegiance to all Americans.” do whatever it takes to protect our community Team’s Office of National Engagement for Defense Secretary, General James Mattis, President Obama’s second inaugural and our progress.” invited us to draft and submit the white paper said at his confirmation hearing that he had address paid homage to the LGBT civil rights on the LGBT Non-Discrimination Executive no plans to try and reverse existing law that movement and called for a nation in which • Two gay Congressmen boycotted the Order.” Angelo said the group also provided allows gays to serve openly in the military. “our gay brothers and sisters are treated like inaugural. Reps. Mark Pocan of Wisconsin the paper to “members of the Transition Team However, Trump did sign an executive order anyone else under the law.” and Mark Takano of California were among 67 specifically tasked with economic policy and to give states and federal agencies considerable members of Congress who declined to attend executive order review.” leeway to undermine the Affordable Care • The only mention of “sexual orientation” Trump’s inauguration. Pocan said he decided “Their request that we draft this document Act, a law that has been strongly supported or “gender identity” during the inaugural not to go after reading a classified document sends a strong signal that President Trump’s by the LGBT community. And on Monday, program itself was from Senator Charles about Russian hacking of the presidential campaign promise to be a ‘real friend’ of the he signed an executive order to block non- Schumer (D-NY), Minority Leader of the campaign and seeing Trump’s “offensive” LGBT community was genuine,” said Angelo governmental organizations receiving federal Senate. “Whatever our race, religion, sexual Twitter posts against civil rights icon Rep. in a press release Jan. 18. funds from providing information about orientation, gender identity; whether we John Lewis of Georgia. Takano cited Trump’s Log Cabin said that “preserving the LGBT obtaining abortions. are immigrant or native-born; whether we Twitter posts against Lewis, too. Non-Discrimination Executive Order would live with disabilities or do not; in wealth prove” Trump to be such a friend. At a press or in poverty; we are all exceptional in our • Rev. Robert Jeffress, who told Fox News briefing Monday, White House press secretary Mixed Bag in First Days commonly held yet fierce devotion to our that allowing same-sex couples to marry Sean Spicer was asked about that white paper. country,” said Schumer. According to a “opens up a Pandora’s box of societal-wide He said he did not have any information about Other Trump administration news of special number of media reports on site, those remarks chaos” and leads to an “open season on plans concerning LGBT-related executive interest to the LGBT community has also been were received with booing from the inaugural orders. a mixed bag: • Trump’s inaugural address urged the audience. See Trump, page 28 10 BTL | January 26, 2017 www.PrideSource.com Betsy DeVos Won’t Get a Second Confirmation Hearing BY KATE OPALEWSKI it was chilling to hear DeVos dodge questions dangerous practice of conversion therapy administration. about whether she would keep essential and is distancing herself from extremist In an email response – posted on EQMI’s The Senate committee chairman on Jan. 23 protections for transgender students, and organizations that practice it. But will she Facebook page on Jan. 18 – to members of rejected a formal request from Democrats for basically refer all other civil rights protections protect LGBTQ young people and commit the local community that question EQMI’s a second hearing to question west Michigan for students with disabilities, students of color, to keeping crucial protections in place for supportive statment of DeVos, the organization businesswoman and education secretary and religious minority students ‘back to the transgender students? That is a key, critical was clear that, “No, we aren’t endorsing her nominee Betsy DeVos about her complex states,’” said GLSEN’s Executive Director, Dr. question and should be an easy answer. Does and I doubt this aspect of her statement will financial holdings ahead of a committee vote Eliza Byard in a written response on Jan. 17. she reject Focus on the Family’s call for the make the difference on whether or not the Jan. 31, according to a Detroit News report. DeVos is a prominent school-choice and Department of Education to rescind guidance Senate decides she’s qualified. If she does get The request from committee Democrats anti-public education advocate. ensuring the safety of transgender students? confirmed, then we will have to work with her came after DeVos, a billionaire from the Grand “We’ve seen where that leads, and we know Will she reject attempts by the Becket Fund to put her words into action.” Rapids area, finalized her financial disclosure that all students require more protection if we for Religious Liberty to have taxpayers foot Considering DeVos’ noncommittal statement and signed an agreement with the are to be a country that provides meaningful the bill for discrimination against LGBTQ responses and her obvious hedging around Office of Government Ethics late last week opportunity to all children. There are too many students and families? We still don’t know actual policy stances during the hearing, that explaining her intention to divest within 90 questions still to be answered. Children’s those answers and we must. The next Secretary could be tough to work with. days from 102 companies and holdings that lives depend on it; the lives of LGBTQ youth of Education deserves a thorough vetting pose potential conflicts of interest. depend on it. It is shameful to shut this hearing and this drive-by hearing is inadequate and Washington State Sen. Patty Murray, the down before American parents have a chance inexcusable.” What DeVos Did to Education ranking Democrat on the Committee on to hear and understand what Betsy DeVos Equality Michigan released a statement in Michigan: Health, Education, Labor & Pensions, said Democrats particularly wanted to ask about - An analysis by the Michigan Campaign companies DeVos would continue to own Finance Network shows the DeVos family that are “directly impacted” by the U.S. Betsy DeVos contributed $1.45 million over two months to Department of Education and the Trump Michigan GOP lawmakers and the state party administration’s education agenda. by the end of July 2016 after the Republican- In response to a letter Murray and other led Legislature derailed a bipartisan provision Democrats wrote to committee chairman that would have provided more charter school Lamar Alexander (R-Tennessee), a committee oversight in Detroit. aide said Alexander will not hold a second - The DeVos family has given more than $2 hearing on DeVos’ nomination. million to the Great Lakes Education Project’s The chairman has said it’s “absolute Political Action Committee since 2001. GLEP nonsense” to say there wasn’t enough time to has spent that money essentially buying ask questions, citing the access that senators policy outcomes that have helped Michigan’s have had to DeVos, including private meetings charter industry grow while shielding it from with each committee member. Alexander says accountability. GLEP also pushed hard – and DeVos’ 3 1/2-hour hearing went 1 1/2 hours successfully – to lift the cap on charter schools longer than the hearings for either education a few years ago, even though Michigan already secretary nominated by former President had among the highest number of charters Barack Obama. DeVos is also answering 837 would do as our Secretary of Education.” Jan. 17 in which the organization said it in the nation despite statistics suggesting written questions submitted by committee The latest edition of GLSEN’s National is “pleased” to hear DeVos state, “Every charters weren’t substantively outperforming Democrats, compared with 81 questions School Climate Survey found that LGBTQ child in America deserves to be in a safe traditional public schools. combined that Republicans submitted students who experienced discrimination, environment that is free from discrimination. - In 2000, the DeVos extended family spent in writing to Obama’s two secretaries of bullying and harassment at school were more If Ms. DeVos is confirmed as Secretary of $5.6 million on an unsuccessful campaign to education. than three times as likely to have missed Education, we look forward to working with amend Michigan’s constitution to allow school Following her Jan. 17 Senate confirmation school in the past month as those who did not, her and her department to put those values vouchers - the only choice tool not currently hearing, reports say DeVos “was stumped,” had lower GPAs, had lower self-esteem and into action in the form of policies that protect in play in the state. “she got schooled,” “she wasn’t prepared,” higher levels of depression. {URL GLSEN the safety of LGBT kids and ensure freedom and “it was an insult to Democracy.” http://www.glsen.org/} has created model from discrimination. Thankfully, there are Additional DeVos Background: While the nominee for U.S. Secretary of laws and policies for schools, districts and many proven policies currently in place Education addressed topics such as charter states to ensure LGBTQ students are safe and that should be maintained. We know from – DeVos’ personal foundation has donated schools, college affordability, campus sexual affirmed at school, including a model district direct experience here in Michigan just how $275,000 to Focus on the Family, an assault and federal compliance, national policy for accommodating transgender and successful the policies of the Office of Civil organization that promotes, among other organizations say more time is needed to gender nonconforming students that complies Rights have been. Equality Michigan works things, conversion therapy discuss what the future of education looks with Title IX. with students, parents, and educators who rely – DeVos’ personal foundation has donated like for young people, specifically LGBTQ “If this is all the hearing we’re going on current nondiscrimination policies to keep $15,000 to the Becket Foundation, an students. to get, then we must oppose. Conversion kids in schools, focused on education, and organization that advocates for taxpayers “Today’s confirmation hearing for Betsy therapy is not the only issue of concern for healthy. These policies have literally saved funding discriminatory schools DeVos was not nearly long enough for the LGBTQ youth. LGBTQ youth come from students lives and we look forward to seeing – DeVos’ personal foundation has donated thorough discussion our children’s education many communities and have many identities – them continued.” $65,000 to the Thomas More Law Center, an requires. Short as it was, it raised a lot of identities that U.S. civil rights law is designed While EQMI is hopeful about DeVos’ organization that represented organizations additional deeply troubling issues of grave to protect,” said Byard. nomination, the concern remains that her that challenged the constitutionality of the concern to all parents. While we are relieved Other civil rights and LGBTQ organizations statement avoids indicating whether or not Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate to hear DeVos rejecting the dangerous and agree. The government affairs director of she supports the rights of LGBTQ students Crimes Prevention Act. thoroughly discredited practice of conversion the Human Rights Campaign , David Stacy specifically and also whether or not she therapy her family has previously supported, said, “It’s good that Betsy DeVos rejects the would continue the policies of the Obama www.PrideSource.com January 26, 2017 | BTL 11 Let’s Show Our Woodies Parting Glances OPINION BY CHARLES ALEXANDER
oody Allen – who takes religion, God, get-saved theology with a grain of salt (Epsom, no doubt) quips, “I don’t believe in an Wafterlife, although I am bringing a change of underwear.” (Woody adds, “I believe that there’s somebody out there who watches over us. Unfortunately, it’s the government.” His recent Trump waste, er, waist size-up: “An entertainer who can’t win.”) If a poll conducted by the First Amendment Center, a nonpartisan educational group, is an indication, there’s a possibility that Woody’s choice, at age 81 last month, of heavenly, wide-front briefs (assuming he’s a wide fronter) might be red, white, blue striped. According to FAC, Americans, by a 55 percent margin, have taken it into their collective salvation/sawdust trail heads that our nation’s founders – mostly Deists, agnostics, Masons or, just as irreverent, High Church Anglicans – wrote Christianity into the Constitution. If you bother to read it (who does?), the U.S. Constitution is non-theistic: the word God (or Jesus, Christ, Christianity, Bible or even Creator) does not appear in its wording. The only mention of religion in its original seven articles is (VI) to proclaim “no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust in the United States.” As reported by USA Today, Charles Haynes, a senior FAC scholar, says the poll findings are “particularly troubling.” And oddly ironic. “Americans are dying to create a secular democracy in Iraq, and simultaneously a From the Co-Publisher growing number of people want to see a Christian state here.” Rick Green, spokesperson for WallBuilders, an advocacy group for BY JAN STEVENSON government built on biblical principals, says the poll doesn’t mean that a majority favors a theocracy, but that the Constitution reflects Christian values, including religious freedom. “I would call it a Christian document,” says Green. (How about Mitt’s Book of Mormon, which Mark Twain called “printed chloroform”?) Even so, “The scariest thing,” says FAC’s Haynes, “is that only 56 percent agree Women’s March Unleashes an Unstoppable Movement that freedom of religion applies to all groups, regardless of how extreme their beliefs are.” t was amazing, unexpected in size, thrilling and burly, armed, shaved-head soldier, and he called back Reports USA Today, “More than one in four say constitutional protection inspiring. with a big grin, “Say hi to my mom – she’s there too of religion does not apply to ‘extreme’ groups.” (MCC-Detroit? Dignity? Susan and I dragged ourselves out of bed at somewhere.” Lutherans Concerned? Westboro Baptist?) I 4:30 a.m. Friday - Inauguration Day - to catch a bus Washingtonians living along the route, many with One more quote worth highlighting. From James Madison, our fourth for the Women’s March on Washington. Our group of young children in tow, waved and cheered as the president and time-honored Father of the Constitution: “Who does not see 38 fellow travelers were quiet, some shy, mostly all in thousands paraded past their front doors. I stepped into that same authority which can establish Christianity, in exclusion of all need of more coffee. During the 10-hour trip we got to the street to look back and saw a sea of pink marchers, other Religions, may establish with the same ease any particular sect of know each other a little. As we drove east we learned all moving in the same direction – toward the seats of Christians, in exclusion of all other sects?” about the protests and arrests in Washington during power. God knows there are a few “in”sects buzzing about. Mormons. Jehovah’s the inauguration, and apprehension crept onto some Our group of six friends got to the National Mall Witnesses. Seventh Day Adventists. Moonies. Biblical Reconstructionists. women’s faces. Would it be dangerous? Would there more than an hour before the rally was set to begin and Christadephians. To mention only a few contenders in America’s religious, be lots of people or a small crowd? Would this march already we couldn’t get close enough to the stage to see spiritual turf (and tax-free monetary) wars. make any difference? or hear any of the speakers. We staked out a place near Make no mistake! There’s a power struggle going on. The fundamentalist/ Saturday morning we were back on the bus at 6 a.m. the edge of the crowd, but we were quickly surrounded evangelical coalition is out, “gentle as doves, sly as foxes”, to make their on our way to RFK Stadium, where over 1,800 other by the masses of people still pouring in. “Let’s move to beliefs the dominant billy goat on the family farm, with us “lost LGBT buses from all over America each spilled out dozens the edge of the crowd,” our friends said and we started sheep” its major scapegoat. of women with pink {URL pussyhats https://www. north towards the other side of the Mall. If these right-wing believers are to survive they know gosh darn well pussyhatproject.com/}, signs, smiles and enthusiasm. We never found the edge of the crowd – just that separation of church and state must go. Science, psychiatry, history, We joined the massive crowd already forming at 8 a.m. continuous masses of people. Despite confusion and philosophy must take a backseat to their ad hoc Jesus and biblical on the two-and-a-half-mile walk to the National Mall. enormous crowding, the feeling was gentle, safe, mythology. There’s no compromise in their Onward Christian Soldiers Women everywhere. supportive and playful. People smiled and made warmongering. We passed the National Guard Armory and were way for us as we moved through the growing sea of One last Allenism: “If it turns out that there is a God, I don’t think cheered and applauded by khaki-clad soldiers. A few humanity. We finally got to the National Gallery steps he’s evil. I think the worst you can say about him is that basically he’s an of the women in uniform wanted selfies with us. The on the north side of the Mall and there was a separate, underachiever.” police, security personnel - even the men driving the gigantic march along the street. Susan thought this was Have a blessed day! (Give a fundygelical a Woody. Skid marks optional.) trash trucks – all honked and yelled support as we See next page [email protected] made our way forward. I called out “thank you!” to a 12 BTL | January 26, 2017 www.PrideSource.com We climbed the steps of the National Gallery and turned around – our jaws dropped. With a panoramic view of the entire Mall, Susan and I looked at Creep of the Week each other, stunned. Both of us veterans of numerous large marches in Mat Staver BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI Washington – against the Vietnam War, for LGBT rights, for women’s rights, against indifference to the AIDS pandemic – we’d never seen anything close to this! Note, too, that Staver’s just assuming that the dead and wounded (at the Pulse the actual March starting, but we soon learned Everyone wanted to talk about what’s next. that all these people were just arriving. They Galvanized and energized, they wanted to nightclub) had AIDS. In hadn’t even entered the Mall yet! know how to keep the pressure on the new We climbed the steps of the National Gallery administration and the Congress. I invited t’s been months since Omar Mateen other words, he sees the and turned around – our jaws dropped. With everyone to join Susan and I at the Michigan shot over 100 people at the Pulse victims as diseased first, a panoramic view of the entire Mall, Susan Democratic Convention Feb. 11 from 9 a.m.-5 nightclub in Orlando, killing 49 and I looked at each other, stunned. Both of p.m. at Cobo Hall in Detroit. All phones came I human second (if at all). people. Surely enough time has passed us veterans of numerous large marches in out to update their calendars and I expect to that we can stop mourning the dead and Washington – against the Vietnam War, for see many of my new bus friends at the MDP start worrying about the real victims of LGBT rights, for women’s rights, against convention next month. We created a Facebook the attack: the first responders who had to indifference to the AIDS pandemic – we’d page to stay in touch, we planned phone calls to wade through all that gross AIDS blood. animosity and everything to do with never seen anything close to this! We watched legislators and we committed to stay vigilant. On Jan. 23, Liberty Council’s Mat ISIS. The location was apparently chosen in wonder as five different rivers of marchers The Women’s March on Washington has Staver took to his Faith and Freedom at random and it just so happened to be make their ways east towards the White House. mobilized a worldwide movement. Started by radio program to take the nightclub a club full of homos. Apparently Staver We went to the other side of the building and saw one woman in Hawaii the day after Trump’s attendees to task for having the temerity didn’t get the memo that ISIS isn’t thousands more still just arriving to the Mall. election who suggested on Facebook that to bleed once they were shot. exactly LGBTQ friendly. By far, this was the largest demonstration of women come to protest the inauguration, and “In regards to the Pulse nightclub,” “There was a narrative that the Obama political resistance we had ever seen! millions responded. We’ve made our voices Staver said, “as tragic as it is, some administration and local politicians, For hours we watched a continuous stream of heard from cities large and small and from other of these officers have no doubt gone including Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, human energy. We made it back to our bus - 8.3 nations around the world. We mobilized and we through trauma as well because they wanted to promote and it was the miles later - and that night collapsed, exhausted must commit to organize out of this moment. were going through the Pulse nightclub, rainbow flag, it was an anti-gay issue and but elated. Sunday morning we were back on Now comes the hard work. But if the reaction it was blood everywhere and, you it really was a terrorism issue.” the bus home. Our group of 38 women on the on our one bus of somewhat hesitant marchers know, they’re having to get tested for Because, you know, it can’t be both. bus was transformed. Everyone was excited, is any indication of a newfound energy and AIDS-related conditions because they’re And how dare Obama and Dyer use this chatting, sharing stories about their March commitment to progressive human rights, then literally walking in pools of blood.” tragedy to promote the crazy idea that experience – who they saw, how they felt, there is reason to have high hopes for the future Yes, walking through pools of blood there are some people out there who whether they made it to protest at the White of this beautiful, colorful, diverse and expansive no doubt barefoot and with open sores hate LGBTQ people enough to kill them House or the new Trump Hotel, or, like us, America on the horizon. on their feet, per official emergency and that LGBTQ deserve protection couldn’t get through the logjam of marchers. response protocol. and compassion. That’s a left-wing Look, there’s no question that officers conspiracy if I ever heard one! responding to the shooting have gone It’s ironic that Staver, a man who through trauma. It’s got to be hard to has spent much of his professional life enter a place of such carnage and literally demonizing LGBTQ people as sub- see piles of dead bodies. I suspect that human, can’t imagine that some hate would mess up even the most seasoned filled psycho would go out and murder veteran of the force. a bunch of them. But according to Staver, what should This is a guy who, right after the most concern officers is the disease shooting, lamented the fact that churches ridden blood of the homos. Staver who helped out the victims were too doesn’t, of course, know this. What nice to them. he’s really telling us is that this is what “Churches got involved and they led would most concern him were he in their in some cases and in other cases they position. followed and ... instead of an opportunity Note, too, that he’s just assuming to pray, some of them allowed it to that the dead and wounded had AIDS. be a homosexual love fest,” he said. In other words, he sees the victims as “That’s not something that we need to diseased first, human second (if at all). celebrate, this is a tragedy that is against Note that Staver prefaces his barbaric all Americans.” comment with “as tragic as it is,” but it Keep in mind that the “that” and “this” certainly seems like he doesn’t think it coming out of Staver’s mouth refer not was all that tragic. to the shooting, but to homosexuality, During this same radio program, the real tragedy. Staver and his guest go out of their But hey, Trump promised to protect way to state that the Pulse massacre LGBTQ people from foreign ideologies, Our bus mates (l to r), Diane Northaft, Anita Marohnic, bus captain Marsha Sutfun, Kim Kern, BTL Publishers Jan had nothing to do with anti-LGBTQ Stevenson and Susan Horowitz, traveling Friday, enroute to what would be an epic March on DC. It was a great way so I’m sure we’ll all be okay. to spend Inauguration Day. www.PrideSource.com January 26, 2017 | BTL 13 PROFILENEWS Baptist Pastor Comes Under Fire for Officiating Same-Sex Wedding Rev. Brian Ellison Pledges to Rebuild His Congregation with more Progressives
BY JASON A. MICHAEL
t’s not all that uncommon a story. Pastor I’ve said it many times, 10 leads a largely non-LGBT congregation. IPastor follows his heart and performs a percent of the congregation is LGBT same-sex wedding. Pastor then watches the “ backlash as he begins to lose members of his and I’m not going to shame anybody congregation in droves. for how they’re born. But let’s go back to the beginning. Rev. Brian Ellison pastors a Baptist church on Detroit’s northwest side called the Church – Rev. Brian Ellison of the New Covenant. He is also an attorney. ” “My first love is the church,” Ellison said. “I do a lot of domestic violence litigation and I see that as just an extension of my life as a its doors for good. Ellison, however, has not pastor. I don’t see myself as an ivory tower given up and is still planning to take the church preacher. I see myself as a street guy. I love in a more progressive direction regardless of liberation theology and I think it’s the most the letter writer’s efforts. authentic expression of the gospel of Jesus “She was a leader in the church and she Christ – that God has a preferential bias toward circulated the letter,” said Ellison. “I’m not the poor and the oppressed.” sure when the bleeding is going to stop but Ellison, who has a master’s in divinity place in June. fun. It was electric. It was a joyous, joyous she has people’s attention and I feel I needed from Virginia Union University’s School of to push back. If I have to repopulate this Theology in Richmond, VA, and a law degree “I had two deacons and a trustee express occasion. I was blessed and fortunate to have outrage that I would do such a thing and been the officiant at this wedding. Everything church with an entire congregation of LGBT from the Southern University in Baton Rouge, people I’ll do it. I am 100 percent opposed to LA, has pastored New Covenant for the past they stated that I was condoning sin,” Ellison was positive. No criticism whatsoever.” remembered. “They challenged me. One of But if Ellison thought the battle was over, the hypocrisy in the black protestant church. 14 years. “I’ve said it many times, 10 percent of the “Since I’ve been there I’ve always had this my deacons brought the Bible out and we had he was soon to find out he was mistaken. a little battle of the Bibles at that table that Following the wedding, letters began congregation is LGBT and I’m not going to fundamentalist, Biblical literalist wing of my shame anybody for how they’re born,” Ellison church,” Ellison explained. “They’re not bad night. This one deacon said the Bible says that circulating throughout the congregation. A this is an abomination. I said the Bible is also few members of the church were determined continued. “We accept our LGBT congregants people. They’re not good people. They just money, they serve in every capacity and I’m exist and we’ve coexisted for 14 years pretty pro-slavery; the Bible also assumes that the sun that the entire congregation be made aware revolves around the Earth: the Bible also turns of what Ellison had done. They called it “an not going to have a second-class citizenship good. I don’t want to say they’re wicked in our church.” people. I think they are misguided. I think they a blind eye toward rape; the Bible also assumes abomination before God” and accused the women are property and children are property; pastor of “bringing secular lifestyles into the All Ellison had to do was promise never are wrong and I don’t think you can justify to perform another same-sex wedding in the reading the old testament as history recorded. and the Bible endorses and calls for genocide. church.” So be careful about quoting the Bible to me.” Meanwhile, another member of the church church and the letter writer said she would stay If that’s history recorded we should be afraid and call off her campaign against the pastor. of God.” Bothered to be challenged on the subject, – a prominent and longtime member – sent Ellison continued to make his case. out an email declaring her intentions to leave. “She said ‘if you agree not to do this again The coexistence became not quite so I won’t leave your church,’” Ellison said. “I peaceful starting last spring, after Ellison “I said, ‘Deacon, there are 31,000 verses in “She said she was leaving the church after the Bible. Six of them deal with homosexuality. decades,” said Ellison. “She went on about laughed my ass off. I said ‘I’m going to do was approached by two young ladies who it again. I’m not going to allow our LGBT attended his church. They stated their desire I don’t think God cares. God doesn’t care how she could not follow me as a pastor and about this subject. This is not a major subject that I was a man who violated Biblical dictates. members to live in the shadows of our to be married and, further, they stated that church.’” they desired Ellison to marry them. The pastor of religion. You’re making it that. You’re She said God would not approve of what I agreed, he said, without hesitation. majoring a minor.’” had done and that it was sacrilegious and Ellison felt the need to notify his head Undeterred, Ellison proceeded with his blasphemous. The letter was crazy. I’m like, The Church of the New Covenant is located at 3426 trustee of his plans and she insisted he bring plans to perform the November wedding. ‘what the hell is her problem?’ She circulated Puritan Ave. in Detroit. Morning worship takes the matter up before a meeting of the joint “I did the wedding,” Ellison said. “It was this throughout the church and it hurt me.” place at 11 a.m. on Sundays. For more information, packed. The church seats about 350 and there Helplessly, Ellison watched as members of board of deacons and trustees. That meeting visit http://cncbaptist.org. was attended by 17 church leaders and took were 375 people plus in the building. It was his church continued to make their way out of
14 BTL | January 26, 2017 www.PrideSource.com Sun. March 26 • MotorCity Casino Hotel • 12 - 4 p.m. Platinum Sponsor First 100 to register get in free! Gold Sponsors B. Ella Bridal www.MiLGBTWedding.com Party Rentals MARRIAGE
When the big day finally arrived, photographers at Rawlinson Photography in Plymouth reminded John and Michael to let them do the work and simply enjoy their celebration. Photo courtesy of Rawlinson Photography Wedding Photography Trends to Watch Out for in 2017
BY KATE OPALEWSKI wedding photographers and videographers, the eight minutes rather than 30 to 40 minutes - is wedding industry will see dominating 2017. what every bride and groom wants to share s a photographer, it is always important Drone Aerial Shots with friends,” said Martin. “It’s an easy way to be in touch with the latest trends in First Looks One of the hottest trends that wedding and to show people your favorite moments in an Aphotography. Wedding photography, event photographer Kyle Martin of Modern artsy way online.” much like the entire business of weddings, is 1. “First Looks are still gaining in popularity. Touch Media in Detroit sees coming on strong highly influenced by the ebb and flow of trends. Seeing your bride or groom before the is the advent of the drone rage, not only for Here are a few of the trends, according to local ceremony, in a private moment between just videographers, but also for still photographers. Unplugged Weddings the two of you. You’re still freshly made-up, “Movement is huge. Drones allow you to add “Tell your guests to put their phones, RESOURCES you don’t have all your family and friends amazing production value, making videos cameras and tablets away to be present,” watching, and the pressure is off for the rest come alive rather than focus on static poses Cookson said. “You love them enough to invite To plan your perfect day, visit the Ultimate LGBT of the day,” said Derek Cookson of Derek or still shots which can be boring,” said them to your special moment, and you paid for Wedding & Anniversary Expo website Cookson Photography in Royal Oak. “Since Martin. “Drones make it possible to capture a professional to be there. They can watch the http://milgbtwedding.com. Join BTL on March 26 from 12-4 p.m. at the MotorCity Casino Hotel many ceremonies and receptions are being the wedding landscape in its entirety and ceremony in glorious real-life-definition and in Detroit where more than 100 LGBT-inclusive scheduled right after each other, it let’s you create wedding pictures or videos that were your photographer or videographer gets better vendors are ready and willing to work with same- get right to the party afterwards, since it also not previously possible.” Martin and his crew photos of you without the hundred glowing sex couples to make their celebrations the best frees you up to take photos earlier before are using unique camera tools to make his screens obstructing the view. Win-win.” possible. everything begins. Anything that makes the client’s wedding videos look more like a film day less anxious is always a win.” or a movie. “The highlight video - like four to See Photography, page 18
16 BTL | January 26, 2017 www.PrideSource.com
MARRIAGE
® Photography Continued from p. 16
experienced professional will also have the meeting with them and making knowledge and wherewithal to deal with any them feel comfortable, you can Hire a Professional situation that arises, planned or unplanned. better understand their nuances, Professional photographers, such as Steve their hobbies, what they enjoy Schwall and Kathy Mabbott of Rawlinson Storytelling doing together and how they Photography in Plymouth, will be able to met,” said Milhem, who looks help guide you through what can be a very Janice Milhem of Milhem Images, Inc. in at a couple’s story in a visual stressful day. They can be an encyclopedia Ann Arbor takes time to get to know her clients way to capture through pictures of knowledge that you can tap into. An in an effort to create a story with images. “By exactly how they were feeling in that moment. She adds, “It’s important to really understand their needs and ask a lot of questions. Make sure you are the right photographer for them and they are the right client for you. If you don’t have the right match, Photographers Steve Schwall and Kathy Mabbott guided Giselle and you won’t have a good product.” Teresa through what can be a stressful day for two brides without an Schwall and Mabbott agree that experienced professional. Photo courtesy of Rawlinson Photography storytelling in the form of images is the best way to represent a couple, who they are and how they feel about each other. “Having some idea about what Hashtag Your Wedding you want the final images to look like will go a long way to help your photographer tell your This is an opportunity to create your own story,” said Mabbott. “We are creating their way to capture everyone’s personal photos first family heirloom together. It’s important of the big day. “If it isn’t on Instagram, it that it represents them.” didn’t happen,” said Cookson. “Brides and grooms are creating their own hashtags and are
18 BTL | January 26, 2017 www.PrideSource.com ® Photography Continued from p. 19
Rawlinson Photography has always actively supported the LGBT community, making Charles and Richard’s wedding day extra special. Photo courtesy of Rawlinson Photograpy
Ron Napier and Andy Soya, one of the first same-sex couples married in the Michigan Supreme Court in the chambers of Justice Bridget Mary McCormack. Photo courtesy of Derek Cookson Photography encouraging their guests to tag their photos when they post them online. The use of wedding hashtags allows the couple and those who couldn’t attend to see all the candid moments that were taken on the special day and sometimes, candid moments are the best moments.” Instant Photo Booths A popular add-on for Cookson’s business is very vintage and personal (think old-school Polaroids) instant photos. Wedding guests have a blast with a table of props, taking turns in the photo booth. “The charm is the immediacy and the imperfections, you can write on them, and then stick them in a scrapbook for you to discover and look through after the wedding,” said Cookson pointing to the creative and comical ways people make sweet, memorable photos, which are way more fun than just standing around a table and smiling.
When the big day finally arrives, Schwall and Mabbott remind couples to let the professionals do their work and
See Photography, page 20 www.PrideSource.com January 26, 2017 | BTL 19 MARRIAGE
® Photograpy Continued from p. 19
Resources Modern Touch Media 734-365-9223 [email protected] http://moderntouchmedia.com
Rawlinson Photography 1365 S. Main St., Plymouth 734-453-8872 Rawlinsonphotography@comcast. Garry and Robert are married in the Peninsula Room on the University of Michigan campus. Photo net courtesy of Milhem Images, Inc. www.rawlinsonphoto.com
Derek Cookson Photography simply enjoy the celebration. “If you ask remember forever. 1211 E. Lincoln Ave. #200, Royal anybody that was recently married they “Since ‘the ruling,’ one thing I have Oak will all tell you how fast the day went. No treasured is how much more the LGBT 248-224-7423 wedding is perfect, things happen, deal community seems to appreciate the [email protected] with it then move on. It’s about saying simple dignity to be able to declare their www.dcooksonphoto.com/ ‘I do’ to the love of your life, surrounded love for each other - being legally able by the most important people in your to join their partner in marriage forever. Janice Milhem Images, Inc. world. Enjoy every minute of it. We It adds a layer of reverence and I can see 248-797-2499 will capture every laugh and every tear the importance in my photos, the look of [email protected] for you, so you can relive every moment understanding how to not take something www.milhemimages.com/index for years to come,” said Mabbott, who for granted,” he said. “I’ve been lucky reiterates that Rawlinson Photography to be a part of so many more wonderful Find LGBTA friendly resources for has always actively supported the LGBT LGBT weddings than ever lately, and all your event needs at: community. “We have always said and I could not be happier to welcome the www.MiLGBTWedding.com a will continue to say, ‘Love is love it memories I am privileged to be a part project of Between The Lines. photographs the same.’” of. Love is love, especially in the eyes As an artist behind the lens, Cookson of a camera lens, and when there’s more said he is there to capture the story of the people getting married, it helps the entire day, the moments couple’s will want to industry grow.”
20 BTL | January 26, 2017 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com January 26, 2017 | BTL 21
Aiden Ramirez-Tatum, Morgan Shaw-Andrade and Dr. Kathleen Battles were panelists at the the 33rd Annual Women and Gender Studies Film Festival on Jan. 21 at Oakland University. BTL Photo Kate Opalewski OU Film Festival Explores Trans Visibility Spotlight on ‘Suited,’ a Documentary about Genderless Clothing BY KATE OPALEWSKI directed by New York native Jason transgender individuals in communities Benjamin, follows its subjects – clients today, and what are some of the most ROCHESTER – “We all have the seeking a personalized experience – into important steps people can take toward right to be handsome.” That’s what Rae the minimalist office space of Bindle & supporting transgender individuals and Tutera, a jack-of-all-trades from New Keep. The bespoke tailoring company communities. York said in “Suited,” a documentary based in Brooklyn caters to a diverse Panelists included Dr. Kathleen about custom suits, accepting difference LGBTQ community and looks beyond Battles, associate professor, department and living bravely in one’s own skin. the gender binary, creating custom-made of communication and journalism, OU; That film was featured during the 33rd suits for gender-nonconforming and Morgan Shaw-Andrade, OU student Annual Women and Gender Studies transgender people. and health and wellness counselor at Film Festival, “Style Beyond the Binary, Going deeper than fine fabrics and Transcend the Binary in Ferndale; and Transgender Visibility & Recognition,” silk linings, “Suited” takes a modern, Aiden Ramirez-Tatum, student lead of on Jan. 21 at Oakland University in evolved look at gender through the training and education at the Spectrum Rochester. conduit of clothing and elucidates Center, University of Michigan. The festival strives to show films the private and emotional experience Battles specifically studies LGBTQ that speak to the needs of women, surrounding it. With heart and optimism, representation in the media and as LGBTQ people, and other historically the film documents a cultural shift transgender visibility is emerging, she underrepresented groups on campus. that is creating a new demand – and said she doesn’t like to think about it “For people of all genders to feel response – for each person’s right to from the perspective of accuracy as much welcome, involved and supported,” said go out into the world with confidence. as she does diversity. Ami Harbin, Ph.D., assistant professor The characters in “Suited” are not all “So when we think about how a group in women and gender studies and chair trans men – there are women and gender is represented, our question doesn’t of the film festival planning committee. nonconforming people too. And none of necessarily need to be is this an accurate “That is consistent with our work in their experiences were framed as less representation or not because everyone Women and Gender Studies at OU, and valuable or valid than the other. has different experiences in every group we think the film will open up a lively The film screening was followed by a so figuring out what’s accurate for one and thought-provoking discussion.” panel discussion for an audience of 30- person doesn’t necessarily mean it’s After navigating the cis/straight 40 people in attendance to discuss the going to be accurate for another person. custom menswear landscape in 2010 work some local organizations are doing This doesn’t mean there aren’t harmful as a transmasculine person, Tutera felt and how it relates to LGBTQ issues stereotypes, there are, but what it does there was a unique need for a trans/ and communities, what panelists see as mean is that sometimes we just need to queer-identified clothier. “Suited,” some of the most important issues facing See ‘Suited’, page 28 www.PrideSource.com January 26, 2017 | BTL 27 any bylaws in the groups that I am a part of ® ‘Suited’ that protects trans people? Does the city I’m Continued from p. 27 in have a non-discrimination ordinance? If it doesn’t, what do we do so that it does?,” said push our thinking a little bit...what are the Ramirez-Tatum. range of representations that are available,” “Because once these things are rolled she said, pointing to the extra weight in media back federally, those are going to be the only representation of the LGBTQ community in protections and if the federal government comparison to other social groups. decides to make laws or create norms that “So many LGBTQ folks – they don’t are against trans people, there’s not much we necessarily grow up in a community where can do except stand with our communities - there are people like themselves...one of our so you have to. You have to say am I being earliest exposures to those groups of people a good enough ally and the answer is no for are media images so those media images everyone because everyone can reach out become important for self-identity and for more. Everyone can say what more can i do in how other people think of LGBTQ folks...as the spaces that I am in? What more can I do to trans visibility emerges, how do we watch out A scene from the documentary “Suited.” create more understanding? What more can I for what might become the dominant face of do for the trans people that I know? If i don’t trans visibility and how do we fight against know any trans people, how can I educate what might become this kind of normalizing certain mold - that they can be authentically historically? Have people been protected? myself to still benefit that community? If I discourse so that we end up with ‘yay, we get themselves because that’s how we’re happiest. Is there gender-inclusive housing? What am trans, who in the trans community is most to see trans people,’ but only a very narrow I feel that when you are happy with yourself happens when a trans person needs to live vulnerable? We need to create community slice of trans life when there’s so much variety and authentic with yourself you give others somewhere on campus? What happens when strength, we need to push forward policy and of trans life, which the film emphasizes.” the freedom to do the same.” a trans person needs to use the facilities? What we need to create a safety net that is made of Shaw-Andrade, a transgender individual, Ramirez-Tatum encouraged people to ask will happen now that there is a conservative people and not of laws that could so easily be said it’s important for the LGBTQ community more questions and figure out what’s going anti-trans person at the front of the office of taken away from us.” to become loud again as “we’ve been quiet and on at the local level. civil rights? What is my school going to do? fearful since the election of Donald Trump.” “What does my university say about this? Are they doing to unravel any protections that Learn more about the OU Women and Gender He is doing his part to “give my community If my university has a non-discrimination they have? In my student organizations, do Studies Program online https://oakland.edu/wgs a friendly face where they feel comfortable ordinance that includes gender identity, we talk about protecting trans people? And or call 248-370-2154. The program office is located and they don’t feel they have to fit this how far does it go? What does that look like this is any student organization. Are there at Varner Hall, Room 521, in Rochester.
® Trump Era Continued from p. 10
Christians,” led a prayer service for Trump prior to the inauguration.
• Trump’s choice to lead the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division has been the lead attorney helping to defend the University of North Carolina’s enforcement of a state law banning transgender students from using a public restroom for the gender with which they identify. John M. Gore will serve as Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division.
• Proposition 8’s key defender, Charles Cooper, is reportedly one of two finalists for consideration as Solicitor General.
• The Women’s March to counter rhetoric used by the president during the campaign - rhetoric that “insulted, demonized, and Demonstrations took place in Washington, DC leading up to Inauguration Day. AP photo. threatened” a wide variety of women and minorities, including “people who identify • U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin attended Russian news channel RT.com reported that as LGBTQIA” – drew enormous crowds to the exclusive post-inaugural luncheon for various events and protests, including a “gay • A group called Qockblockade Brigade Washington, D.C., and more than 200 cities President Trump, held in Statutory Hall dance party,” were scheduled “in an attempt staged “queer resistance” actions during the around the world. The podium at the main at the Capitol. Baldwin was invited as a to sabotage Donald Trump’s inauguration.” inauguration. According to various news event in Washington included at least four member of the current Democratic leadership reports, the group, and similar direct action openly LGBT speakers, including American team in the House. According to The Hill • An unofficial inaugural ball, one hosted groups supporting other issues, staged sit-ins Federation of Teachers President Randi newspaper, Baldwin was one of two senators specifically for “Gays for Trump,” was held and “dance parties” at security checkpoints Weingarten, Astraea-Lesbian Foundation that Democratic presidential candidate Hillary in a Washington suburb on Saturday night. for entering the inauguration audience sites. for Justice Executive Director J. Bob Alotta, Clinton spent much of her time talking to at According to Time magazine, the group The group said its purpose was “to remind Transgender Law Center spokesperson Raquel the luncheon. called its event the “Deplorable Ball” – an Inauguration attendees, as well as the world, Willis, and professor and activist Angela apparent reference to Clinton’s use of the word that we’re here, we’re queer, and we’re not Davis. • Russian television was interested in “deplorables” to describe some of Trump’s going back in the closet.” LGBT participation in inaugural events. The supporters.
28 BTL | January 26, 2017 www.PrideSource.com Nearly 200 Mayors from 43 States Launch Coalition for LGBT Protections BY BTL STAFF joined the coalition to date. Mayors that joined in the state of Michigan include Rosalynn In advance of Friday’s inauguration, nearly Bliss, Grand Rapids; Jim Carruthers, Traverse; 200 mayors across the country announced Dave Coulter, Ferndale; Amanda Edmonds, “Mayors Against LGBT Discrimination,” a Ypsilanti; Kenneth Fletcher, Lansing; Michael broad-based, nonpartisan coalition comprised Fournier, Royal Oak; Bobby Hopewell, of local officials who support equal protections Kalamazoo; Mark Meadows, East Lansing; and fair treatment of all LGBT people. Kurt Metzger, Pleasant Ridge; Kathleen The launch was announced at a breakfast Newsham, Bay City; Ken Siver, Southfield; roundtable briefing and discussion among Christopher Taylor, Ann Arbor; Michael LGBT policy experts and dozens of mayors Taylor, Sterling Heights; and Hubert Yopp, – including co-chairs of the coalition – at the Highland Park. Holland & Knight law offices in Washington, The co-chairs include San Francisco Mayor DC. The discussion centered on what mayors Ed Lee; Seattle Mayor Ed Murray; DC Mayor and local officials can do to support their LGBT Muriel Bowser; and Philadelphia Mayor Jim constituents and advance equal protections at Kenney. home, and took place alongside Freedom for The full list of current Mayors Against All Americans and the Center for American Progress. LGBT Discrimination can be found online Nearly 200 mayors from 43 states have www.mayorsagainstlgbtdiscrimination.org. Casting Call Put Out for Trans Women of Color Documentary, Book Project on Trans Women of Color in Detroit BY JASON A. MICHAEL trans women of color are viewed, vilified and often targeted as victims of anti-trans The Trans Sistas of Color Project is holding violence; third, to examine – through the an online casting call for trans women of color lens of trans women of color – how micro/ interested in being a part of macro aggressions, systemic, an upcoming documentary cultural, organizational, inter/ and book project. TSOCP is intra community oppression looking for 35 trans women and violence are significant of color who are either Detroit factors that show us as natives or current residents of constant impediments and the city. barriers to trans women of “Given the level of violence color living full lives like that trans women experience, their non-trans, non-lgb compounded with the anti- counterparts. trans rhetoric and trans “This project is near and bathroom bills popping up dear to my heart because around the country, there is a as a director of a local and critical need for a seismic shift in the way our national emerging trans-led organization, it’s sisters narratives are being told,” said John important to shift the narrative from a position Trimble, TSOCP’s deputy director, who will of lack and violence to a position of power act as the executive producer and director of and resilience,” said Bre’ Campbell, TSOCP’s the film project. “We recognize the enormous executive director. “Trans women of color, responsibility and challenge that comes with especially those from the metro Detroit area, recording, capturing and presenting the have been surviving with very limited support. narratives shared with us. We want to honor [This has been the case] long before the new that responsibility by exceeding the challenge president was elected and will continue long and creating this body of work that changes after his wave of hatred and discrimination hearts and liberates minds.” ends.” TSOCP is currently working on a trailer The online casting call will continue for the film to secure additional funding to through Jan. 31. The TSOCP will also host complete the project. The production of the a private casting call event on the final day trailer is being funded by Detroit Narrative of submissions. Further information about Agency’s Seed Grant Project for Moving the project will be explained and presented Image Projects. The objective of the What’s to the community at that time. The online T film is three part. First, to amplify, share casting call application can be found at and uplift the voices, stories, narratives http://gaybe.am/M8. For more information, and experiences of trans women of color in email [email protected]. Detroit; second, to change the way in which www.PrideSource.com January 26, 2017 | BTL 29 Transforming Minds One Truth at a Time Photo: SEESO Comedian Ian Harvie on How ‘We’re All Trans’ and Comedy as a Tool for Change
BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI people because I’m only talking about my Oh, you’ve been collecting for that long? standup voice, being a “butch dyke who was story, and I think most people understand only visible because I looked like a man with Yes, and I’ve had girlfriends be like, “No, when they’re watching comedy, especially or Ian Harvie, it’s not about earning huge tits,” and the unifying power of comedy.. we’re getting a new one.” It’s very lesbian to my comedy, it’s narrative. So, I’m not sharing the title of “first trans person in the be like, “Listen, those other dicks you bought someone else’s story. I don’t think that you world with a one-hour standup special.” with other girlfriends – they’re not going in can go, “Well, that’s not true about trans F I have a feeling people will be questioning their Though that’s a tag the FTM comedian can me. We’re getting a new one.” (Laughs) It’s people,” because, well, I’m a trans person now claim, for him, he’s hopeful more trans own penis adequacy after seeing your comedy very interesting. I mean, I can’t say, “Listen, and it’s true for me. comedians will walk through the door he special. you gotta get a new vagina.” And if you’re a It’s rare, but I think the negative stuff that swung open with “May the Best Cock Win,” Because you get what you get? Don’t dude with a dick, you can’t get rid of it and get I get has been when I maybe come across as airing on NBC’s digital network, SEESO. overthink it! I make jokes, but people think a new one just because you fucked someone ageist, like wanting old, conservative people “I’m so excited that a digital network I must have it bad because I’m a guy without else with it. That’s the dick you have. It’s a to die. like SEESO, an NBC-based company, has a dick, but really I have many. I have tons very loose queer/lesbian/dyke rule that if you said ‘yes’ to the first trans comic special, of dicks. I have a range: softies that you have a collection of dicks and you have a new which will provide a pathway for others to can pack in your underwear to make it look partner, you’re getting a new dick. Because you’re a public figure, many trans come through,” remarks the Portland, Maine like you have a penis, but, really, I’m too people may see their story reflected in yours. native. lazy to even remember to do that. Small, For some trans people, discussing genitalia and Listen, you can identify with feelings – you Harvie, who made his acting debut as Dale medium, large. Vibrating ones. Balls, no don’t have to identify with a person’s exact gender-reassignment surgery can be touchy during the premiere season of Amazon’s balls. Different colors. Ones that look kind of story. I want to make a distinction because Emmy-winning “Transparent,” recently alien that don’t have a penis head. All kinds subjects. How do trans people react to those it’s so funny when people come out – if you opened up about how Margaret Cho was of different dicks. I’m old enough to have a topics when you talk about them? like what they have to say, people call them a instrumental in helping him discover his collection. (Laughs) I don’t get negative feedback from trans role model; if you don’t like what they have 30 BTL | January 26, 2017 www.PrideSource.com to say, they’re a public figure. That’s the there’s not a fucking foam core sign in their difference. (Laughs) So, I may be a public face. That has value too, absolutely. But it’s figure, but being a comic, just by the nature a totally different way of accessing them. I’m of the art, people aren’t always going to agree not wagging my finger at them. I’m making with me, and that’s OK. them laugh. I don’t mind being a public figure. I hope that some of the things that I have to say actually resonate with people. I had a You say that an audience is more apt to listen guy come up to me after a show who was a to a man rather than a woman. Is that based on cisgender male – a straight guy – who was any personal experience of your own? tortured in junior high because his nipples were raised. He started to play sports and It’s this weird shift for me to go from this people tortured the shit out of him. He was butch dyke who was only visible because labeled as feminine because of his raised I looked like a man with huge tits. I mean, nipples, which today would be worshipped I was visible for that, but I wasn’t sexually in gay culture! (Laughs) But he said he had visible to people. I definitely wasn’t anything surgery to correct this thing that he had been near a sort of female standard that culturally tortured by. He wanted to do it for himself we have, so I was largely invisible until they to feel better in his body, and he came up figured out that I was female. Then, Iwas to me after a show and was like, “Listen, I just weird. Now, there’s a shift in how people never, ever thought of it that way, and I never look at me and listen to me. thought anybody would speak to me like you did.” How does it make you feel to know that people What I realized by doing these shows: At sexualize you in a way they didn’t before you first I thought this was gonna be great for transitioned? the trans community. We’d have this shared experience, and I can speak and they can I’m gonna say something that will piss have things that resonate with them. Now, I people off, but generally speaking, if people just feel I’m speaking to everybody. We’re all find true value in compliments about their the same. This is so stupid. We’re all trans. appearance, then there’s probably some void All the same. We’re all struggling with this. that needs to be filled that will never be filled It’s not unique to trans people. And I don’t with compliments. (Compliments) have want trans people to think they’re not unique never, ever done anything for me. After my or beautiful and special – I don’t mean it that chest surgery, I started taking hormones, and way. But this is a shared experience. If you I started to love myself in a different way and don’t feel weird, you’re the weirdo. people (were) seeing what I was feeling about myself. But comments on my appearance? Those are empty to me. Do you see your comedy as a bridge to trans acceptance? What kind of place did comedy have in your life Yeah, I do. I think it’s one of the most as a kid? powerful ways to help people access something that they haven’t been able to When you were a kid did you get together access before. I marched with ACT UP and with siblings or cousins and put on shows for Queer Nation back in the late ’80s, early ’90s. your family? My thing was, I would come Started waving signs. I actually had blank out in the intermission and do a comedy set, foam core and markers in the trunk of my car and I wrote my own jokes and they were ready to go anytime, and I remember going horrible. They made no sense whatsoever. to marches and getting in people’s faces. That I didn’t understand joke structure – I was resistance is effective – it absolutely is. But 6. But I used to watch “The Carol Burnett I also found this other medium in comedy, Show” and all the Dean Martin roasts. I where you walk into a comedy club and the used to watch Flip Wilson and Rich Little. audience is so incredibly diverse. People just Oh god, when I was a kid, we had Bill want to laugh, and it doesn’t matter what Cosby’s album of storytelling, which I kind you’re talking about. If you can make them of cringe at now. But at the time, while he laugh, you can access them and give them was, you know, drugging women, we had his information about something that they had vinyl on our record player, and I remember no idea about before. So, I think comedy is a listening to that. So, I was the comic relief in really amazing tool to change people on old the theatrical shows we performed. I would ideas they had. always come out during the break while they And this is part of the privilege of being a were changing behind the curtain sheet on a dude. I get there, I look like a dude, I sound clothesline, and they would be behind me, like a dude, and grossly people listen to and I would be telling jokes to my aunts and dudes more. I think what happens is people uncles. That was my early sort of exposure. walk away without realizing it, having this It’s so weird that after being a kid it never new frame of reference for who trans people even dawned on me – never registered – that are. We’re not weirdos. We’re not freaks. I could ever be an artist like that and entertain We’re not all the stereotypes that people have put out there in the media in the past. And See next page www.PrideSource.com January 26, 2017 | BTL 31 ® Ian Harvie understand who I was on stage until a couple Continued from p.31 of years later. It takes a while to figure out who you are.
people and have it be a career. I talk about this frequently, but it really How did getting to know and touring with was life changing: This guy – a writer for Margaret Cho in 2006 help you find your voice? “The Daily Show” – was writing jokes for I consider Margaret one of those people “The Daily Show” and he was looking who’s an absolute truth-teller on stage. She’s for something creative to do locally. He very raw and open about who she is, what started offering comedy-writing workshops she’s done, what’s she’s seen, how she deals at our local comedy club, and he sent me a with things. Traveling with her absolutely postcard, and randomly I got it. I owned a cracked me open and helped me be more web development company, and I’m like, brave about exactly who I was. “What the hell is this?” It’s so weird because I remember saying to her that I was scared it was really kind of kitschy, with this to tell LGBT audiences that I was trans, and cartoony black, old-timey microphone in the she’s like “Why? These are your people!” But spotlight. I left it on my desk at my office for I’m like, “I know, but they’re the ones I want a couple of weeks, and I stared at it many to love me the most.” She’s like, “We need times. I was like, “I’m interested, but I’m representation from the trans community. really scared.” Finally, I picked up the phone We really need that. They need to hear your at the end of the week before the class started story.” It really changed my perspective the following Monday and said, “Hey, I saw because I was like, “I can actually be of your postcard,” and he was like, “I got one service here. I can tell my story.” spot left.” I said, “I’ll take it! I’ll take it!” I did the workshop and fell in love, and that As editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBT was 15 years ago this January. wire service, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a At first I started by writing poop and fart multitude of superstars, including Meryl Streep, jokes, and I’m like, “OK, that’s not me,” but I was too scared to tell the truth in the Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. Reach him via his beginning of who I was. About two years website at www.chris-azzopardi.com and on into it, I wrote my material but didn’t really Twitter (@chrisazzopardi).
32 BTL | January 26, 2017 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com January 26, 2017 | BTL 33 The OutField: Meg Linehan ‘Excelles’ at Covering Women’s Sports BY DAN WOOG for women’s soccer news – has also been impressed by the positive reaction to Jill e often talk about the “sports world.” Ellis. The out head coach of the U.S. women’s It sounds like one big place. Like national team did an animated branding video Wthe real world though, it’s made sponsored by Ritz about her life in Florida up of many separate countries. There’s a with her wife and daughter (and peacocks). mind-boggling variety of sports. There are “It was all very casual and matter-of-fact,” pro, college, high school and amateur sports. Linehan says. There are men’s sports, women’s sports and, Linehan is intrigued too by a recent story of course, LGBT on Megan Rapinoe. In solidarity with San sports. Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick Meg Linehan and other athletes protecting social inequalities, has a special the out soccer star knelt on the sidelines during vantage point for the national anthem – first with her Seattle observing those Reign professional side, then with the U.S. worlds. As senior national team. editor for Excelle “We’re starting to see the intersectionality Sports (www. of athletics, race and sexuality,” Linehan excellesports. says. “The Black Lives Matter movement is com) – one of becoming part of sports.” the few websites In the Women’s National Basketball dedicated to Association, she notes, lesbian and straight women’s sports – players have taken public stands on Black Meg Linehan she covers team Lives Matter and other social justice issues. sports like soccer, basketball and ice hockey; There are vast differences in public individual sports like tennis and rowing, and perceptions of sexuality in men’s and women’s everything in between. sports, Linehan acknowledges, with females Launched less than a year ago – on far ahead of males. Men still face “lingering International Women’s Day last March – the concerns” about being known – or even site draws up to 150,000 unique visitors a perceived – as gay. Sure, there are still “wildly month. The goal is to keep the spotlight on uninformed people” who believe all female female athletes in between the Olympics and athletes are lesbians. But, Linehan says, there soccer’s World Cup. “There are lots of stories is far less stigma about homosexuality in the to tell,” Linehan says. women’s ranks. She singles out, for example, the fight for That has not always been the case. For years, equal pay now being waged by the United women’s basketball – at the professional and States women’s national soccer team. She has college levels – tried to portray a “no-lesbians” written insightful pieces on athletes like Serena image. Now, Linehan says, she does not run Williams and Breanna Stewart as they emerge into that at all. Women’s National Basketball as leaders for social change. Association coaches and players have “really Recently, Linehan examined the difference stepped up” (and out). The WNBA hosts an between the term “sports” – which really means entire Pride Month (sponsored by Aquafina). “men’s sports” – and the separate category of Nearly a year into the launch of Excelle “women’s sports.” She believes that “women’s Sports, the senior editor scans the horizon for sports” can stand on their own: At the 2016 new stories. As Donald Trump prepares to take Rio Olympics, U.S. female athletes won more power in Washington, D.C., she is watching medals than many countries’ men and women Title IX anxiously. combined. “The Obama administration used it as a Some of Linehan’s stories involve sexuality. way to prevent and address sexual violence,” One of her favorites, which has not been Linehan says. “They very clearly included widely reported, involves the National trans students in that. A new administration Women’s Hockey League. Buffalo Beauts star could erase that. We’ll keep an eye on it.” Harrison Browne is transgender. He plays as Her goal moving forward, she says, is to a man in the women’s league – with the full keep telling stories about the issues facing support of league officials, the Buffalo team women in sports. Sexuality issues are an and their fans. (And why not? Browne scored enormous part of those stories. the first goal of the season this year.) Linehan would like to see the day when “It’s a cool story,” Linehan says. “It’s not “sports” refers to everyone; “women’s sports” just about the league being a space for women, won’t need to be separate. but about moving past traditional roles.” The But until that day, she’ll keep her eye on the fact that it has become, very quickly, a non- women’s sports ball. story makes it all the more fascinating. Dan Woog is a journalist, educator, soccer coach The senior editor – who began her career with Equalizer Soccer, an online source and gay activist. His latest book is “We Kick Balls: True Stories from the Youth Soccer Wars.” 34 BTL | January 26, 2017 www.PrideSource.com Cool Cities Lansing
Williamston Theatre Starts 2017 with Premiere of ‘A Painted Window’ YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET Pinpoint your ad dollars where “A Painted Window” begins with five preview performances starting Jan. 26. During the first four previews audience they will do the most good . . . members will have the opportunity to take part in the process Advertise in the next Cool Cities of creating a show by participating in a talkback session with the director and playwright following each performance. TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 The official opening night is Feb. 3 at 8 p.m., with the show scheduled to run through Feb. 26. Performances will run Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. with additional 3 p.m. matinees on Saturdays starting Feb. 4. The Conversation Sunday for “A Painted Window” is Feb. 19. How deep do the bonds of sisterhood go? “A Painted Window” catalogues the reunion of two sisters, Josephine and Sylvia, that used to giggle together late at night, yet now stand worlds apart. Forced to move in together after decades of estrangement, the two women struggle to reconcile their past, navigate the present and plan their future. “A Painted Window” is a beautifully crafted play about family, loss, regret and the staggering power of fear, but it’s also a keen dissection of identity, classism, racism, and the havoc that consumerism, greed and entitlement have wreaked on the American Dream. Ultimately, though, this is a play about love. Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can for the preview on Jan. 26. Remaining preview tickets are still $15. Starting opening night, adult tickets prices are $30 for Friday and Saturday evenings, $27 for Saturday and Sunday matinees and $25 for Thursday evenings. Senior citizens (65 and older) and members of the military receive a $2 discount on all tickets. Student tickets (with a valid student ID) remain $10 for all performances. Discounts are also available for groups of 10 or more (booked at least 1 week in advance through the box office). Tickets can be purchased Tuesday-Friday from 12-6 p.m. by calling (517) 655-SHOW (7469) or by visiting the box office, and ordered online up until 1 1/2 hours prior to the performance by visiting www.williamstontheatre.org. Please be aware that payment is required at the time the reservation is made. Performances begin Jan. 26 and run through Feb. 26. The Williamston Theatre is located at 122 S. Putnam Street, just three doors south of the Four Corners intersection of Putnam Street and Grand River Ave., in the heart of historic downtown Williamston. Call 517-655-7469. www.PrideSource.com January 26, 2017 | BTL 35 Review: A Small Town Turns to Theater for Salvation in Theatre Nova’s ‘Popcorn Falls’
actors stretch themselves into multiple roles before your eyes. A lot of regional theater companies have produced these duo-plays-a-multitude comedies in recent years, because it costs less to stage a play with two actors instead of six, and it features a neat theatrical stunt at its core. And “Popcorn Falls” has its moments of humor and charm; but in the realm of plays of this type, it never particularly rises above being a pleasant-but-unmemorable diversion. Several characters seem overly familiar as “types,” and some of the play’s logistic challenges are resolved in a BY JENN MCKEE clunky, unsatisfying way. (In one scene, Jones plays a barmaid, switches ANN ARBOR – When an economically to another character, and then Priskorn depressed town is at its breaking point, and briefly exits and returns as that same barmaid residents are scrambling for solutions, you character.) wouldn’t expect the fiscal-strategy-of-choice But Walker’s direction makes some to involve opening a theater. But in the quirky, awkward transitions less so, even playing offbeat world of James Hindman’s “Popcorn them for laughs; and to his (and the actors’) Falls,” now being staged at Theatre Nova, credit, clarity is never an issue. In addition, that’s the scenario. In order to access funds Walker designed the play’s lighting, which earmarked for the arts, the Kernels – which is helps tell the story by guiding the audience what Popcorn Falls’ residents call themselves through the play’s shifts; and the bare bones – must come together and put on a show. set, which mostly consists of two doors Formerly a tourist destination, the for the actors to enter and exit from while beleaguered town has come on hard times changing roles, and a small blackboard, since a dam diverted the (former) falls’ water hung on a pole, onto which the actors write elsewhere. A new mayor, Mr. Trundle (Jeff the location for each scene. Priskorn), works with his colleague and friend, We’re now in a moment of great anxiety Joe (Jonathan Jones), to create a play from at the national level, of course; and art scratch, cast it and present it, all within a few of all kinds has the amazing power to days’ time. simultaneously distract us and re-focus us Priskorn and Jones not only play the in unexpected ways. So is “Popcorn Falls” characters mentioned above, but also several flawless? No. But does it provide a few eccentric townspeople, plus a cigar-chomping chuckles while telling the heartening story power broker from a neighboring town of small town folk banding together to create who’s calling the shots. Because Mayor art? Yes. So if a light night of theater is what Trundle is the play’s central character, your soul craves, consider “Popcorn Falls” Priskorn only occasionally ventures into to be like the food in its title: a decent snack, other personas, while Jones must be a kind if not necessarily a hearty meal. of turbo-chameleon, quickly shifting gears in nearly every scene by changing his voice and posture (and sometimes his cap), to the point Popcorn Falls performances take place through of playing both sides of a single conversation. Feb. 12 at Theatre Nova, located at 416 W. Huron Though both actors serve Hindman’s St., Ann Arbor, 734-635-8450 material well – well-guided by director Daniel C. Walker – Jones’ is the more wow-worthy performance, simply by virtue of the focused This review originally appeared on www. finesse necessary to juggle his many roles. EncoreMichigan.com, Michigan’s website And that’s what a play like “Popcorn Falls” covering professional theater. boils down to: the magic of watching two
36 BTL | January 26, 2017 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com January 26, 2017 | BTL 37 OUTINGS Thursday, Jan. 26 All Genders Film Night 6:30 p.m. A social group to view and discuss Smeared Lipstick films that relate to the unique challenges in Affirmations in Ferndale has created a safe space for the LGBTQ community. self-identified feminine lesbian women to discuss Affirmations, 290 W. Nine issues specific to them, to network and to build unity. Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. www. Smeared Lipstick meetings are held every fourth goaffirmations.org/ Saturday from 3-6 p.m. This group also plans for programs-services/ monthly community service projects to increase their support-discussion- visibility in every community. Join Smeared Lipstick on groups Jan. 28 at 290 W. Nine Mile Road Ferndale. Visit www. Gender Non- goaffirmations.org for more information. Conformists 7 p.m. A social and support group for genderqueer, genderfabulous, transgender, gender-exploring folks Brownbaggers 1:30 p.m. Sexual Addicts Anonymous 7 Sunday, Feb. 5 and all those who transgress gender Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile p.m. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Drag Queen Bingo 11 a.m. Tickets: binaries. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. $20-$30. Reservations required. Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. www.goaffirmations.org/programs- www.goaffirmations.org/programs- 18+ Five15, 515 S. Washington www.goaffirmations.org/programs- services/support-discussion-groups services/support-discussion-groups Ave., Royal Oak. 248-515-2551. services/support-discussion-groups Smeared Lipstick 3 p.m. A Tuesday, Jan. 31 www.five15.net LGBTQ Book and Movie Club discussion group for self identified 7 p.m. A 7 p.m. Meets the 3rd and feminine lesbian women to identify Coming Out Over Coffee Monday, Feb. 6 issues specific to them. The group casual discussion group covering 4th Thursday of each month. Factory Monday 9 p.m. Goth- also does a monthly community all aspects of coming out and the Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile industrial night. Main room: DJ service project to increase their effects it may have on your life. Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Void6 hosted by MC Yoda. Red visibility in every community. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile [email protected] Room: DJ Madisi. Tickets: $1-3. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. www.goaffirmations.org Necto, 516 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor. Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. www.goaffirmations.org/programs- www.necto.com Parent Support Group 7 p.m. Dr. www.goaffirmations.org/programs- services/support-discussion-groups Melissa Farrell, LCP and Roz Keith services/support-discussion-groups 7 p.m. facilitate ongoing group for parents Narcotics Anonymous Coming March 26, 2017 Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Tuesday, Feb. 7 of trans youth to better understand Men’s Discussion Group 6 Road, 248-398-7105. Gamenight 1 a.m. Gay Geeks what it means to be transgender. p.m. Group for gay, bisexual and Ferndale. www.goaffirmations.org/programs- Social Group, 4636 15 MILE RD MotorCity Casino Event is free. Stand With Trans transgender men ages 18 and services/support-discussion-groups Apt. xxx, Sterling Heights. www. , 5725 Walnut Lake Rd, West up. This group frequently offers meetup.com Bloomfield Twp. . 248-661-5700. holiday parties and outings such as Transgender Life Support 7 p.m. [email protected] movie nights in addition to regular An open discussion group for meetings. Affirmations, 290 W. people identifying as transgender MUSIC & MORE Friday, Jan. 27 Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248- and their allies. Affirmations, 290 398-7105. www.goaffirmations. Winter Donation Drive Accepting W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248- Concerts org/programs-services/support- 398-7105. www.goaffirmations. winter hats, coats, earmuffs, discussion-groups Blind Pig “Hiss Golden Messenger gloves, and scarves of all sizes. org/programs-services/support- discussion-groups with Scott Hirsch” Tickets: $15. Each Friday from 5-7 p.m., KGLRC Winter Gala and Blind Pig, 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor. Affirmations will hand out these Fundraiser Tickets: $35-75. Suicide Prevention and Addiction 9 p.m. Jan. 28. 734-996-8555. items as needed until Jan. 27. Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian 7:30 p.m. By Raymond Dalton, www.blindpigmusic.com Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Resource Center, 314 S. Park MA, CAADC. Free, open to anyone Road, Ferndale. 2483987105. St., Kalamazoo. 248-349-4234. with a personal or professional Blind Pig “Laith Al-Saadi” Tickets: [email protected] www. [email protected] www.kglrc.org interest. Dawn Farm, 5305 Elliott $20-25. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St., goaffirmations.org Drive , Ypsilanti. 734-485-8725. Ann Arbor. Jan. 27 - Jan. 27. 734- 996-8555. www.blindpigmusic.com Mobile Check-In 7 p.m. Public Sunday, Jan. 29 [email protected] http://www. broadcast online FtM Detroit, The Legend of Georgia McBride 3 dawnfarm.org/programs/education- Blind Pig “Handgrenades with Detroit. www.facebook.com/ p.m. Tickets: $10-20. The Ringwald series Jungle Fowl” Tickets: $5, $8 (under Shop The FtMDetroit/ Theatre, 22742 Woodward Ave., 21). Blind Pig, 208 S. First St., Ann Ferndale. 2485455545. www. Thursday, Feb. 2 Arbor. 9:30 p.m. Jan. 26. 734-996- Rainbow Saturday, Jan. 28 theringwald.com PFLAG Trans Meeting 7 p.m. 8555. www.blindpigmusic.com There are hundreds Smart Recovery 10 a.m. Smart Potluck 6 p.m. Residential First Thursday monthly PFLAG Detroit Symphony Orchestra of businesses that Recovery offers people with any location. FtM Detroit, 313 W. Tri-Cities, 815 N. Grant, Bay City. “Mozart Festival: “Nachtmusik”” type of addiction a place to learn Webster, Ferndale. www.facebook/ [email protected] www. Tickets: $15-100. Orchestra Hall, advertise in BTL and how to change unwanted behaviors FtMDetroit/ pflag.org 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Feb. welcome everyone. through cognitive based methods. 2 - Feb. 3. 313-576-5111. www. This is a non-12 step program, Monday, Jan. 30 Friday, Feb. 3 dso.org led by Smart Recovery trainers, “Self-Love” Pre-National Black Detroit Symphony Orchestra Invest in equality and and does not require abstinence. Alcoholics Anonymous 5:45 HIV Testing Day 7 p.m. Snacks, “Mozart Festival: Clarinet Concerto” Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Serenity 5:30 p.m. Affirmations, work with businesses poetry, music, art and knowledge. Tickets: $15-100. Orchestra Hall, Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. 290 W. Nine Mile Road, All are welcome. Wake Upp, 290 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Jan. that support www.goaffirmations.org/programs- Ferndale. 248-398-7105. www. W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 27 - Jan. 27. 313-576-5111. www. Michigan’s LGBTQ services/support-discussion-groups goaffirmations.org/programs- services/support-discussion-groups 2483987105. www.goaffirmations. dso.org community! Alcoholics Anonymous org
38 BTL | January 26, 2017 www.PrideSource.com 16th Annual Ferndale Blues & Music Festival The 16th Annual Ferndale Blues & Music Festival once again brings music and crowds to locations across the Ferndale area from Jan. 27-Feb 6. It has grown to more than 55 concerts and music events in at least 16 venues over nine days. “People love music and they need it in the cold dark days of winter,” says festival co-chair and co-founder Craig Covey. “It can get you out of the house to enjoy great food and drink, hang with your friends, and chill.” Proceeds for the event benefit Ferndale Youth Assistance. An up-to-date schedule of events, concerts and locations is available at www. ferndalebluesfestival.org.
Live Nation “Umphrey’s McGee The Magic Stick “Guccimen, Professional Night 1 with Spafford” Tickets: Acemyth, Knight, Grant Jackson” CLUE - A Staged Reading Pay what $22.50-39.50. The Fillmore Detroit, Tickets: $10. The Magic Stick, 4120 you can. The Ringwald Theatre, 22742 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 7 p.m. Woodward Ave., Detroit. 9:30 p.m. Woodward Ave., Ferndale. 8 p.m. Jan. 29. Feb. 3. www.thefillmoredetroit.com Jan. 28. 313-833-9700 . www. 248-545-5545. www.theringwald.com majesticdetroit.com “Umphrey’s McGee Firepower by Kermit Frazier Tickets: Live Nation The Magic Stick “Purity Ring (DJ $17-20. Detroit Repertory Theatre, Night 2 with Spafford” Tickets: Set)” Tickets: $15-20. The Magic 13103 Woodrow Wilson, Detroit. Through $22.50-39.50. The Fillmore Detroit, Stick, 4120 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 8 March 12. 313-868-1347. www. 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 7 p.m. p.m. Jan. 26. 313-833-9700 . www. detroitreptheatre.com Feb. 4. www.thefillmoredetroit.com majesticdetroit.com Men Are From Mars - Women Are From Majestic Theater “BoomBox” The River “Sam Roberts Band” Venus . Olympia Entertainment, City Theatre, 2301 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Tickets: $25. St. Andrew’s Hall, 431 E. Tickets: $18-20. Majestic Theater, Through Feb. 4. 313-471-6611. www. 4120-4140 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Congress St., Detroit. 7 p.m. Jan. 26. olympiaentertainment.com 8 p.m. Jan. 28. 313-833-9700. www.saintandrewsdetroit.com/ www.majesticdetroit.com Riot Grrrl 90s Tickets: $10. Planet Festivals Ant Theatre, 2357 Caniff, Hamtramck. MSU Chinese Undergraduate Through Jan. 28. 313-365-4948. www. The Ark “40th Ann Arbor Folk Festival planetant.com Students Association “Chinese Night Two” Tickets: $37.50-200. Hill Spring Festival Gala” Tickets: Auditorium, 825 N. University Ave., Ann Romeo & Juliet Tickets: $12. Slipstream Theatre Initiative, Slipstream Theatre, 460 $17.50. Cobb Great Hall, 750 E. Arbor. 6:30 p.m. Jan. 28. 734-761- Shaw Lane, East Lansing. 6 p.m. Hilton Road, Ferndale. Through Jan. 29. 1800. www.theark.org 313-986-9156. www.slipstreamti.com Jan. 28. 800-WHARTON. www. whartoncenter.com The Ark “40th Ann Arbor Folk Festival The Lion King . Broadway in Detroit, Night One” Tickets: $37.50-200. Hill Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway St., MSU College of Music “Wind Auditorium, 825 N. University Ave., Ann Detroit. Feb. 1 - Feb. 26. 313-237-SING. Symphony” Tickets: $13.50-15.50. Arbor. 6:30 p.m. Jan. 27. 734-761- www.broadwayindetroit.com 1800. www.theark.org Cobb Great Hall, 750 E. Shaw The Vagina Monologues Tickets: Lane, East Lansing. 7:30 p.m. $15.50-$26.50. VMONS at MSU, Pasant Jan. 31. 800-WHARTON. www. Other Theatre, 750 E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing. whartoncenter.com Penny Stamps Speaker Series Jan. 27 - Jan. 28. 800-WHARTON. www. “Hank Willis Thomas: The Truth is I whartoncenter.com Olympia Entertainment “The Love You” Free admission. Michigan Lumineers” Tickets: $39.50-59.50. Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. The Palace of Auburn Hills, 5 5:10 p.m. Jan. 26. www.stamps. ART ‘N’ AROUND Championship Dr., Auburn Hills. 7 umich.edu Detroit Institute of Arts “Bitter|Sweet: Coffee, Tea & Chocolate” What is p.m. Jan. 27. 248-377-0100. www. your ritual for drinking coffee, tea or palacenet.com chocolate? Take a picture and share it THEATER on Instagram. It’s all part of the Detroit Royal Oak Music Theatre “Louis Sing Happy!: A Celebration of Kander Institute of Arts’ exhibit - the first of its The Child” Tickets: $18-20. Royal and Ebb Tickets: $30 for dinner and kind at the museum to engage all five Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth show; $15 for show only. Penny Seats senses. Detroit Institute of Arts, 2100 St., Royal Oak. 8 p.m. Jan. 27. 248- Theatre Company, Conor O’Neills Irish Woodward Ave., Detroit. Jan. 1 - March 5. Pub and Restaurant, 318 S Main St. , Ann 313-833-7900. http://www.dia.org 399-2980. www.romtlive.com Arbor. Feb. 2 - Feb. 16. www.pennyseats. org/box-office Lawrence Street Gallery “The Body St. Andrew’s Hall “Dashboard Eclectic ‘17” Reception, Feb. 17, 6-9 Confessional” Tickets: $27.50. Civic/Community Theater p.m. Works by Nora Venturelli. Free and St. Andrew’s Hall, 431 E. Congress open to the public. Lawrence Street St., Detroit. 7 p.m. Jan. 27. www. Romeo & Juliet Tickets: $12-20. Gallery, 22620 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. saintandrewsdetroit.com/ Slipstream Theatre Initiative, Slipstream Feb. 1 - Feb. 24. 2485440394. www. Theatre, 460 Hilton Road, Ferndale. lawrencestreetgallery.com The Magic Bag “The Mega 80’s” Through Jan. 29. 313-986=9156. www. Tickets: $12. The Magic Bag, 22920 slipstreamti.com Static Network “The Two-Headed Woodward Ave., Ferndale. 8 p.m. Raptor Show” $10 admission benefits Strawberry, What Party? Play, directed the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This art Jan. 28. 248-544-3030. www. by Mary Bremer-Beer, explores who killed themagicbag.com show features the works of Tom Beste Tamara Strawberry Greene at former and Brendan Patrick. Studio 8700, 8700 mayor Kwame Kilpatrick’s Manoogian W. Nine Mile Road, Oak Park. 7 p.m. Jan. The Magic Bag “The Mega 80’s with Mansion party. Tickets: $20-25. Journalist Boogie Dynomite” Tickets: $12. The 28. 248-965-2832. https//www.facebook. Carol Teegardin, YMCA Boll Theater, 1401 com/events/232075883883436/?notif_ Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Broadway, Detroit. Through Jan. 29. 800- Ferndale. 8 p.m. Jan. 27. 248-544- t=plan_user_invited¬if_ 838-3006. www.brownpapertickets.com/ id=1483477273288026 3030. www.themagicbag.com event/2594393
www.PrideSource.com January 26, 2017 | BTL 39 PrEP STUDY
DISCOVER is a new clinical study for men who have sex with men and trans women who have sex with men. This study is to evaluate if a once-‐daily investigational medicine can help reduce the risk of getting HIV infection from sex (“PrEP”, or Pre-‐
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Email: [email protected] Or go to www.clinicaltrials.gov and search NCT number 02842086
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40 BTL | January 26, 2017 www.PrideSource.com Q Puzzle 31 Mommy census for Heather 8 Soft leathers 32 Astroglide alternative 9 Refusal to a butch 33 Early feminist author Olsen 10 Rupert of “Stage Beauty” 34 Cowpoke’s nickname 11 Came upon 35 With 51-Across, Avery 12 Areas for Dr. Callie Torres Jackson was on its January, 20 1993 treaty acronym 2017 cover 21 Cruising, maybe 37 Step, to Frida 22 Bend over 40 They may be split 23 Leave open-mouthed 41 Bygone pump name 25 Mama of Mary’s little lamb 45 Year in the reign of Gaius 26 “A ___ on both your Caesar houses!” 47 Clinton Secretary of Defense 29 Lena of “Queen of the 48 Michelangelo’s land Damned” 50 Most judicious 30 Dirt clump 51 See 35-Across 35 Hamlet, for example 54 Jodie Foster, to Yale 36 1957 Cole Porter musical 56 Mongolian desert 37 Waikiki paste 57 Sally who rode into space 38 Queen of the hill 60 Ward of “Once and Again” 39 Bird over P’town 61 “Why should ___ you?” 42 Hamburger Mary’s offering 62 Singer k.d. 43 Liza, to Lorna 63 Rhein port 44 Can. province 64 Hari Nef was on its 46 AFL counterpart Trans Position September, 2016 cover 47 “That was good, honey!” 65 Loose woman, in the land of 49 Texas A&M athlete Auden Across 17 “Safe!” or “Out!” in Glenn 50 Ill will Burke’s sport 52 What to have in the hay 1 Whale’s “The Man in the Iron 18 Gets hard ___ “ Down 53 First homicide victim 19 Caitlyn Jenner was on its 1 Queen in “Romeo and Juliet” 54 Part of DADT 5 Some writers work on it July, 2016 cover 2 Muslim title 55 Matthew in “The Producers” 9 DeGeneres voice role 22 Black sheep’s cry 3 Alfred, to Batman 58 Kind of fingerprint 13 “The African Queen” author 24 Meryl of “The Hours” 4 Meat on a skewer 59 One that gets laid 14 Spanish cooking pot 27 “A League of Their ___ “ 5 Attendee at the Oscars, e.g. 15 “June Is Bustin’ Out All ___” 28 Metropolitan Community 6 Dreadlocks feature 16 Streisand, for short Church congregations, e.g. Find solution to this puzzle at 7 Cousin of Jethro and Jethrine www.pridesource.com
www.PrideSource.com January 26, 2017 | BTL 41 Deep Inside Hollywood
BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE Armie Hammer plays gay in ‘Call Me By Your Name’ Soon to premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, “Call Me By Your Name” has already been picked up for theatrical distribution by Sony Pictures Classics. That’s good news for male audiences hungry to solidify that crush on Armie Hammer, as the actor will play a gay academic traveling through Italy. Based on the novel by Andre Aciman, it’s the latest from popular arthouse filmmaker Luca Guadagnino (“I Am Love,” “A Bigger Splash”). Set in 1983, the story involves Hammer’s character, a man in his mid-20s, falling for an 18-year-old played by Timothee Chalamet (“Love The Coopers”), with Armie Hammer. Photo: Debby Wong the usual ensuing complications. Guadagnino co- wrote the adapted screenplay with James Ivory and Walter Fasano, and the film also features new here and we’ll be devoted followers for good, music by Sufjan Stevens. Meanwhile, if you’ve so deep is our love for Ms. Hunter) as a socially seen Guadagnino’s earlier output, you know conscious Baby Boomer who, along with an as- the director doesn’t flinch from adult situations yet-uncast husband character, adopted children becoming very explicit. In other words, ignoring from Vietnam, Somalia, and Colombia a couple the high quality filmmaking angle for just a bit decades ago. Now those kids are grown up and and indulging our more basic instincts, there’s one of them is experiencing hallucinations – going to be a lot of naked dude sex in this movie. visions, if you will. Clearly, these visions are Sold yet? not going to respond to medical intervention or they wouldn’t be part of the log line. Let’s just assume they’re destined to involve consequences ‘Young Justice’ already has queer for everyone. Daniel Zovatto (“Fear the Walking characters? Dead”) plays the young man who sees beyond, and his siblings include Raymond Lee (most Sometimes it’s more than neo-Nazis and their recently seen on “Mozart in the Jungle”), Jerrika favorite new president on Twitter. Sometimes Hinton (“Grey’s Anatomy”) and daughter of it’s TV series creators clapping back at anti-gay Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, Sosie Bacon trolls. We’re talking specifically about Greg (“Scream”). When this thing has a name we’ll Weisman, the co-creator of the animated series be on it. “Young Justice,” who recently tweeted that the show, moving from Cartoon Network to Netflix as we speak, will be revealing the as-yet- Cher takes on Flint’s poison water unspoken queerness of one or more characters. We haven’t seen much of Cher in film or on He did so by way of response to people we TV lately, but her fiery political activism is a assume were hiding behind egg avatars, as they constant for anyone who follows her on social hauled out the tired “What about the children?” media. Now she’s translating that passion into argument for the inclusion of LGBT characters a movie for Lifetime, about the water crisis in in a show aimed at kids. What’s odd about this, Flint, Michigan. In case you’ve been living in a of course, is that there has been no indication that news blackout, corrupt politicians have allowed any of the “YJ” superheroes are even thinking Flint’s water system to become undrinkable and about their sexual orientation or gender identity. deadly poisonous, with lead levels at murderous But that’s the beauty of episodic TV, anything levels, and this situation remains uncorrected can happen in the next episode, even if it’s being since 2014. Now, along with Katie Couric and done just to rile up the bigots. We’ll be keeping a the gay production team of Craig Zadan and queer eye on this one to see how it all shakes out. Neil Meron, Cher will co-produce and star in the narrative feature, written by Barbara ‘Six Feet Under’/’True Blood’ Stepansky, whose working title is “Flint,” about this environmental and human disaster. Just don’t creator Alan Ball is back at HBO expect any “Burlesque”-style song-and-dance moments. It’s been even longer since we’ve seen Alan Ball has written a new show. The man Cher in something this topically reminiscent of who gave queer viewers “Six Feet Under” and “Silkwood,” and it promises to reach for that “True Blood” is returning to HBO with a fresh level of powerful anger. series – that has no name just yet – and there’s casting going down right now. Holly Hunter Romeo San Vicente wants Cher’s beat to go on will star (honestly, this news can begin and end indefinitely.
42 BTL | January 26, 2017 www.PrideSource.com