Indie Film Depicts Lesbian Life in Iran of the Heart

AIDS Walks 2011 Why we should walk MENJO’SFRANKMUSIK OWNER GETS OPENING FRANK A SPORTS BAR?

BULLYINGIS DADT REPEAL SUMMIT NOT SPARKS ENOUGH? GRASSROOTS EFFORTS

PERSPECTIVESDINING BY DESIGN: VARY CREATIVITY ON PRIDE MOVE FOR A TO GOOD DETROIT CAUSE

CIRCUMSTANCES INDIE FILM DEPICTS LESBIAN LIFE IN IRAN OF THE HEART

PRIDESOURCE.COM SEPT. 15, 2011 | VOL. 1937 | FREE 2 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 9.15.2011

12 17 25 Cover story Life 21 | Circumstances of the heart 17 | Frankmusik Mixes It Up New indie film depicts lesbian life in Pop music-maker on male musician Iran. Photo: Brian Rigney Hubbard hang-ups, teaming with Erasure and getting naked for the gays

21 | Cool Cities: Ferndale News Funky Art Fair focuses on local culture

5 | Speak Out 25 | Hear Me Out Joblessness and LGBTs Katy B’s breakout record is worthy of hype. Plus: Pistol Annies’ delightful debut 6 | Why you should walk 26 | ‘Avenue Q’ in A2! 7 | Creativity for a good cause Musical features familiar puppets teaching life lessons 7 | Detroit Design Festival features LGBT graphic design and illustration exhibit 27 | Curtain Calls Reviews of “Southern Baptist Sissies” 7 | Name change for Michigan LGBT and “Freud’s Last Session” Democratic Caucus 28 | Happenings 8 | In Tyler Clementi’s NJ dorm, Featured: OutFest on Sept. 17 in Ann Arbor tensions were high 14 | Discrimination could still continue after Rear View ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ repeal 30 | Puzzle 14 | Scores protest assaults on 3 Utah gay men 31 | Horoscopes 16 | N.C. approves gay marriage ballot question for 2012 32 | Dear Jody

33 | Classifieds

Opinions 34 | Deep Inside Hollywood 10 | BTL Editorial AIDS isn’t over – do what you can to help

10 | Thinking Out Loud The biggest threat for our youth

12 | S/he said Election 2012, remembering 9/11

12 | Heard on Facebook What do you think about the controversy over “Dancing With The Stars” contestant Chaz Bono – all because he’s the first transgender person on the show?

14 | Parting Glances Suffer the little kids, etc.

16 | Creep of the Week Sally Kern Go to PRIDESOURCE.COM or scan the QR Code with your mobile device

3 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 Online Vol. 1937 • Issue 730 @ September 15, 2011

Publishers Susan Horowitz WEB WINS Jan Stevenson

EDITORIAL

Editor in Chief Susan Horowitz [email protected]

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Entertainment Editor Chris Azzopardi [email protected] Win copies of Kristin Chenoweth and Katy B’s Arts & Theater Editor new albums on Facebook! Donald V. Calamia, [email protected] Tickets to “The Christmas Story” on Nov. 16 at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit via PrideSource.com Calendar Editor Benjamin Jenkins [email protected]

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National news: “Medical schools teaching little Art Director about gay health,” “Illinois foster-care dispute David Ano, [email protected] a matter of law and faith” Webmaster & MIS Director Curtain Calls: ‘Light’ shines in Downtown Dexter Kevin Bryant, [email protected] and a powerful, thought-provoking night at JET Contributing Writers Charles Alexander, D.A. Blackburn, Michelle E. Brown, Zach Childree, John Corvino, Jack Fertig, Lisa Keen, Jim Larkin, Anthony Paull, KEEP TABS ON ... Andrea Poteet, Crystal Proxmire, Bob Roehr, AIDS walks all over the state raise money for Hannah Schwab, Gregg Shapiro, Jody Valley, HIV/AIDS organizations D’Anne Witkowski, Rex Wockner, Dan Woog Cartoonists plus DAILY BREAKING NEWS Paul Berg, Dave Brousseau, Joan Hilty

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4 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 Speak Out

BY ERIC RADER Joblessness and LGBTs

n an address to a joint session of Congress last a personal level. If a business or company is not week, President Obama outlined the American inclusive in its hiring and benefit programs, we Jobs Act, legislation designed to combat the need to stop purchasing its products or services. At Ination’s persistently high unemployment rate. a time when jobs are hard to come by, we need to Since the beginning of the Great Recession in 2007, do everything we can to support those companies millions of jobs have been lost in this country. Just and businesses that value workplace equality. If you before the president’s important speech, the federal have a choice between competing brands or stores government announced that zero jobs were added in when making purchasing decisions, check their the U.S. during the month of August. The national anti-discrimination and benefits policies before you unemployment rate has been stuck in the 9 percent give them your hard-earned money. range for months. In fact, the real rate of joblessness When it comes to economic development, is higher, because the official number only counts states and local communities should focus on those who have searched for work in the past four attracting companies that are inclusive in their weeks. Also missing from the 9 percent figure are employment policies. We need only look around those people who desire full-time work but are stuck the Metro Detroit area to see the municipalities that in part-time jobs. are thriving despite these tough economic times – In his speech, President Obama announced a they are places that have LGBT-inclusive human number of creative and thoughtful ideas to pull the rights ordinances and where our community feels country out of this jobs slump, including targeted tax safe and valued. cuts and spending on needed infrastructure repairs America’s long economic decline did not and other vital projects. begin under President As the president observed, Obama, but he is now people in both parties Too many Americans can responsible for getting have supported these our country out of ideas in the past. Without be fired from their jobs this mess. Contrary action by Congress, the to Republican claims, jobs picture will get because of their sexual the 2009 stimulus law worse. Unfortunately, did prevent this nation Congress is reluctant orientation or gender from sliding into an to spend any money to economic depression. do anything about the identity. Unfortunately, GOP unemployment situation. obstructionism limited Some of the congressional the financial value of opposition is ideological the overall package. – most Republicans are opposed to spending any In the coming months, the president should stand government money on anything, ostensibly because up for working people and against Republican it will add to the deficit. However, they have no intransigence on the economy. He began to do this such qualms about the impact of massive tax cuts last week in his speech to Congress. We should for the wealthy on the federal budget deficit and encourage President Obama to build upon this government debt. Most of the GOP opposition momentum and actively promote the American is political – Republican leaders want to deny Jobs Act in “every corner of this country,” as he said President Obama any political victories, and would he would do. Hopefully, he will continue speaking prefer for the unemployment rate to remain high as out on behalf of those who are struggling, and the president faces the voters in 2012. remind the nation that no one should be left behind. Like everyone else, LGBT citizens want jobs. The only way our economy will finally recover is In addition to the tough job market, gay job seekers when all segments of society are fully employed, face other obstacles when it comes to seeking and regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, keeping employment. In many places in the country, gender identity, or any other category. This is the including Michigan, a person has no legal recourse American Dream in the 21st century, and achieving to pursue if an employer fires her or him because of it is possible in the months and years ahead. sexual orientation or gender identity. Some states offer limited legal protections to LGBT workers, as do a number of local communities around the White House website for the American Jobs Act nation. Many private and public employers include http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/09/08/ LGBT-inclusive non-discrimination language in american-jobs-act employment contracts, and an increasing number of Contact your federal legislators and urge workplaces now offer domestic partner benefits to them to support legislative efforts to address employees. Still, too many Americans can be fired unemployment from their jobs because of their sexual orientation House member: www.house.gov or gender identity. For many years, an Employment Senator Carl Levin: http://levin.senate.gov/contact/ Nondiscrimination Act has been stuck in Congress. Senator Debbie Stabenow: http://stabenow. Even under Democratic control from 2007-2011, the senate.gov/email.cfm legislation did not move, and its chances of passing Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate the Republican-led House now are nil. Those of us Responsibility Index 2011 who support employment nondiscrimination have http://www.hrc.org/documents/HRC-CEI-2011.pdf other ways of endorsing workplace equality on

5 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 News MICHIGAN Why you should walk A little time and money this month can make a big impact on the fight against HIV/AIDS

BY TARA CAVANAUGH with you. And certainly there are pros and cons to all those medications. The side effects are not If you’ve never supported the AIDS walks, desirable. So, stay HIV-negative. That’s where Where you can When you walk, you this is a great year to start. we want you.” The upcoming AIDS walks – AIDS Walk Nearly 20,000 people in Michigan live with walk: support: Detroit, happening this weekend in Royal Oak, the disease, and two-thirds of them live in Metro and AIDS Walk Michigan, happening next Detroit, said Teresa Rosco, executive director of • ACCESS Health Emergency Lifeline Programs. HELP is AIDS Walk Detroit weekend in locations around the state – offer • Affirmations the opportunity to support state HIV/AIDS teaming up with Stepping Out for the walk in organizations at a time when they need it most. Royal Oak this weekend; it plans to fully take • Royal Oak • Children’s Hospital of Michigan “We’ve been swept up into the arguments over AIDS Walk Detroit next year. • Saturday, Sept. 17 • Deaf CAN that occur now about the federal budget and the “Both AIDS Walk Detroit and AIDS Walk • Starts at 8:30 a.m. at the farmer’s • HELP Michigan remind us of those we’ve lost to the debt ceiling and all that, which for many of us market • Higher Ground has caused funding decisions to be delayed, or disease, and also provide a real sense of support put off, or caused us to have to live with short- for the people who are living with HIV today,” • For more information and to register: • Michigan AIDS Coalition term, even month-to-month budgets,” said Barb Rosco said. “At the same time, we’re able to www.aidswalkdetroit.org • Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency Murray, executive director at AIDS Partnership raise funds for really important work around HIV • Rainbow Alliance Michigan. prevention and programs that do support people • Simon House “It’s really hard right now with the federal who are positive.” AIDS Walk Michigan • Stitches funding to create a twelve-month operating Some of the money raised will go to specific budget when you just aren’t assured of your programs, and some of it will help organizations • Locations all around the state • Visiting Nurse Association funding streams.” cover operational costs. The latter is especially • Saturday, Sept. 24 and Sunday, Sept. • HIV/AIDS Resource Center Nearly 90 percent of APM’s funding comes useful, Murray said, because most federal 25 • Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Center HIV from federal sources, said Murray, and the federal funding is designated for specific programs. • Detroit, Palmer Park, starts Saturday Program government sends out checks after the services Rosco hopes AIDS Walk Detroit raises more have been given: “So if the federal government than the $160,000 it raised last year. Murray also at 8:30 a.m. • AIDS Partnership Michigan catches a cold, we get pneumonia.” hopes to exceed the $40,000 to $50,000 that • Genesse County/Flint, University of • Alternatives for Girls Earlier this year, the federal government AIDS Walk Michigan raises on average. Michigan-Flint University Center, • Community Health Awareness Group announced state organizations will see a drastic Kim Mumby, a nurse at Henry Ford starts Saturday at 2 p.m. • Detroit Department of Health HIV Program reduction in their grant money for the next three Hospital who works in HIV programming, fiscal years. For fiscal year 2012, Michigan’s has long attended AIDS Walk Detroit. She’s • Central Michigan, Island Park, starts • Children’s Hospital Horizons Project agencies will lose up to $1.2 million for core volunteered at APM for 25 years. Saturday at 9 a.m. • Oakwood Taylor Teen Health Center HIV prevention activities. That loss increases to Mumby remembers when the epidemic first • Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Detroit Edison • Ruth Ellis Center hit in the 1980s. $2.1 million by fiscal year 2014. Parking lot (at the corner of William • Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Increasingly Murray spends time figuring “I was just kind of appalled at the way the out which bills to pay: “While that’s an medical community was responding to the very and Main Streets), starts Saturday at Michigan administrative nightmare, it means that those first cases, as everybody was – the throwing food 1 p.m. • Wayne State University Sinai Grace Specialty of us who are in administration spend hours on in the hospital rooms, going into rooms (suited • Lansing, Valley Court Park, starts Care administration, rather than on programming.” up) like moon men.” Sunday at 10 a.m. • Wellness AIDS Services Murray would much rather spend more time Mumby is looking forward to this year’s on programming, because more programming is walks, and encourages everyone to attend. “It’s • Traverse City, Medalie Park, starts • Lansing Area AIDS Network needed to treat those with HIV and to prevent it a delightful group of people to be around,” Sunday at 11 a.m. • Munson Healthcare Thomas Judd Clinic from spreading. The rates are still too high: at any she said. “It’s fun. And it’s a simple way to be • For more information, locations and to • Central Michigan District Health Department given time, Murray said HIV-positive rates may involved in your community in an impactful register: www.aidswalkmichigan.org HIV Program run as high as nine and ten percent. way. Murray wants to brush off the idea that HIV “It affects every community, every single is a “chronic disease” that is easily managed. day, so it’s a great way to have some impact with “I don’t find that phrase acceptable. It’s very little investment or commitment.” much easier not to be HIV-positive and to not live with HIV. “There’s nothing simple about taking a lot of medications. Sooner or later it catches up

“Both AIDS Walk Detroit and AIDS Walk Michigan remind us of those we’ve lost to the disease, and also provide a real sense of support for the people who are living with HIV today. At the same time, we’re able to raise funds for really important work around HIV prevention and programs that do support people who are positive.”

–Teresa Rosco, executive director of Health Emergency Lifeline Programs At last year’s AIDS Walk Detroit, Ferndale-based Lincoln High School led the AIDS Walk High School Challenge with close to $1,000 raised. BTL photo by Jessica Carreras.

6 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 News MICHIGAN Michigan Fairness Creativity for a good cause Forum Sept. 16-17 Dining by Design features unique designs, local flavors, MOUNT PLEASANT– The Michigan Fairness Forum invites activists and ordinary citizens interested in improving the state’s climate swanky soirees to raise money for the Michigan AIDS Coalition for LGBT citizens to an annual forum on Sept. 16 and 17. BY TARA CAVANAUGH The forum takes place at the Bovee University Center at Central Michigan University. There is no This year’s largest fundraiser for the cost to attend and assistance is available for lodging Michigan AIDS Coalition promises glitz, and transportation. glamour and rooms full of art – literally. The weekend features networking For a second year, MAC is teaming up opportunities and workshops in amending local with Design Industries Foundation Fighting human rights ordinances, addressing youth safety AIDS to present Dining by Design on Sept. and bullying, helping LGBT organizations sustain 22-24 at Willy’s Overland Lofts in Detroit. work and also improving the image of the LGBT With the support of DIFFA and both community. national and local sponsors, 30 designers, artists Visit www.michiganfairnessforum.org to and architects have created unique rooms that register. provide a spectacular backdrop for a series of fundraising events for MAC – parties, auctions, a fashion show, a formal gala and a public Detroit Design Festival viewing. Some of the designers spend as long as features LGBT graphic six months creating their installments, said Helen Hicks, MAC’s executive director. The design and illustration installments, which range from dreamy to classy to whimsical, only have one thing in exhibit common: they must be able to seat ten people. Jackie Neerkan designed this installment at last year’s Dining by Design. Photo by Beth Singer. “Everything else is up for grabs,” Hicks said. DETROIT– The Detroit Design festival, At last year’s event, designer Yuen Hom which runs Wednesday, Sept. 21 to Sept. 28, also talented, they could pretty much make anything this very challenging economic environment,” made a room almost entirely out of cardboard. features an LGBT graphic design and illustration out of anything,” Hicks said. Hicks said. “Things haven’t improved a whole “Some of these artists and designers are so exhibit called “Beyond the Bar: An LGBT Graphic Sponsors donate thousands of dollars for lot since last year, so we’re hoping to make a Design and Illustration Showcase.” a single installment – some, such as FIAT, even little bit more.” This time, MAC is aiming for The Detroit Creative Corridor Center, “Some of these artists donate enough for a double installment – and $60,000 to $70,000. which promotes the city’s creative economy, are able to sit and eat in the functional rooms Last year’s cocktail party alone attracted established this event as a way to help showcase and designers are so of art during Saturday’s gala. more than 1,000 attendees, and Hicks expects the tremendous talent in Metro Detroit and to help The Saturday night gala also features AIDS the same kind of turnout this year. break stereotypes about the LGBT community. talented, they could Foundation of Chicago Vice President David DIFFA, which was formed in 1984, The exhibit takes place on Friday, Sept. 23 Munar, who will deliver a short address before has raised more than $40 million for AIDS from 7-9 p.m. at Start Gallery, 206 E. Grand River. pretty much make dinner about the importance of prevention. “The organizations nationwide by pairing up national HIV/AIDS incidence has actually risen,” Hicks sponsors with state organizations. DIFFA also anything out of anything.” said. “People are living longer because of much holds Dining by Design events in Chicago, Name change for better drugs. But it’s all about prevention – if we Atlanta, San Francisco, New York City and could get the word out about prevention then Kansas City. To learn more about DIFFA, go Mich. LGBT Democratic people would not become infected.” online to www.diffa.org. –Helen Hicks, Michigan AIDS Last year’s Dining by Design raised To purchase tickets for Dining by Design events, Caucus $50,000 for MAC. “For a first-year event, we Coalition executive director go online to http://michiganaidscoalition.org were pretty excited about that, and especially in LANSING– The Michigan Democratic Party LGBT & Allies Caucus is now known as the Michigan Democratic Party Queer Caucus. The change went into effect Sept. 1. “We need to think of ourselves as part of the Don’t miss Dining by Design events Sept. 22-24 international queer movement,” said Caucus Chair Phil Volk. “The new generation is leaving the old ‘LGBT’ term behind and fast moving to embrace auction. Host of the Style Channel’s “Clean COCKTAILS BY DESIGN PARTY BY DESIGN the all-inclusive label ‘queer.’ House” Joel Steingold, local celebrities and “We have brothers and sisters fighting for Thursday, Sept. 22 Friday, Sept. 23 TV personalities will attend. Appetizers queer rights in every nation in the world,” Volk 6 p.m. – midnight 6 p.m. – midnight and dinner provided by the Matt Prentice continued. “They are looking to support us as Tickets: $100 Tickets: $10 at the door Restaurant Group. we must support them. Here in Michigan, the Featuring unlimited wine, Effen Vodka, Featuring a party for young adults, DJ queer people all over the state are coming out and auction of more than 150 original pieces of AFTER PARTY demanding that their local governments recognize art, auction of 100 items valued at $100 or GALA DINNER their rights. They want their houses of worship to more, contortionist artists, DJ Saturday Sept. 24 Saturday, Sept. 24 11 p.m. – 1 a.m. welcome them and their schools to protect them PUBLIC VIEWING 6 p.m. – midnight Free admission to the after party at The from bullying. Tickets: $250 Whitney’s outdoor garden. Complimentary “They demand that the heterosexual Friday, Sept. 23 and Saturday, Sept. 24 Featuring an elegant black-tie evening; shuttle service from the lofts to the party community be allies and fight just as hard to give Noon – 5 p.m. (Friday) sponsors dine at the tables in the will be provided. The after party will have them all the rights and respect that the constitution 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Saturday) installments, view a fashion show and hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and DJ Jim Stone. gives them. We Democrats must be there supporting Tickets: $10 at the door, students with valid AIDS Foundation of Chicago Vice President these efforts and we must embrace this new frame of ID free David Munar as the speaker, bid at an mind. Above all else we must serve these grassroots efforts in any way we can.” Learn more about the caucus online at www. mdplgbt.org.

7 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 News NATIONAL In Tyler Clementi’s NJ dorm, tensions were high Court documents show young man felt harassed before committing suicide

BY GEOFF MULVIHILL held by Clementi, who in those first weeks of college told his family he was gay, attended TRENTON, N.J. (AP)– “What if I catch a meeting of a campus gay-rights group and him with a dude?” Dharun Ravi wondered in made arrangements to meet alone with a man. jocular web chat about his new, gay freshman- Clementi noticed that Ravi changed his year roommate at Rutgers University. He pants in a closet. pondered a computer program to alert him if “It’s like the most awkward thing you’ve Tyler Clementi tried to rape him at night. ever seen,” he wrote to a friend. He also noticed In his own musings in those first days of that Ravi’s webcam was pointed toward dorm life a year ago, Clementi wrote, “I got an Clementi’s bed: “I feel like he’s watching me azn,” or Asian, for a roommate. His family is watching him.” “soo Indian/first gen Americanish,” he wrote. There were more common roommate Those snippets of court documents tensions, too. Clementi, who said he liked released in recent weeks paint a picture of a to have a lot of time alone, told friends his relationship that started out tense even before roommate would party until 5 a.m. the two met, before Clementi committed They lived across the hall from Molly suicide and before they became characters in a Wei, who had known Ravi since middle school. drama that would stir reaction from celebrities, She told investigators in interviews that she lawmakers and even the White House. had a falling-out with him because he lied so Ravi, 19, went to court Friday, Sept. 9 for much. But when she saw that they would be a hearing in which his lawyers asked a judge living across the hall, she said, she decided to to throw out the 15-count indictment accusing give him a clean start. him of a hate crime, invasion of privacy Around 9 p.m. Sept. 19, she said, Ravi and tampering with evidence. Authorities came to her room. Clementi wanted to have Former Rutgers student Dharun Ravi, right, Tyler Clementi's former roommate, and his attorney Steven Altman say he used a dorm-room webcam to spy on someone over privately. listen as Judge Glenn Beman, not seen, speaks at the Middlesex County Court in New Brunswick, during a Wei said people in the dorm saw an motion hearing Friday, Sept. 9, 2011 in New Brunswick, N.J. Berman on Friday refused to dismiss hate crime, Clementi’s intimate encounter with another invasion of privacy and other charges against Ravi. He also says prosecutors must give defense lawyers the man. Judge Glenn Berman decided Friday to unfamiliar older man who looked homeless name of the man who was allegedly seen in a webcam video having an intimate encounter with Rutgers student bring the case to trial. – Clementi’s guest. Ravi was afraid his iPad Tyler Clementi. Clementi killed himself by jumping from the George Washington Bridge soon after the incident Clementi, 18 when he died, became a would be stolen – and was also curious about last September. AP Photo by Mark R. Sullivan. worldwide symbol of the consequences of what was happening in the room from which bullying and intimidation after he jumped off he was exiled, Wei said. that he had been watched. Then Tuesday when you requested the room the George Washington Bridge into the Hudson During a moment when Clementi and the The next night, he chatted with a friend again I wanted to make sure what happened River amid the intrigue in Davidson Residence man were out of the room, he went in, turned that he felt violated when he realized what had Sunday wouldn’t happen again ... I turned my Hall C on the New Brunswick campus of New on his webcam and set it up so he could view happened. “But then when I remembered what camera away and put my computer to sleep Jersey’s flagship university. whatever it showed from Wei’s computer, actually happened... doesn’t seem soooo bad lol.” so even if anyone tried it wouldn’t work. I The court papers show modern intrigue Wei said. And the night after that, Sept. 21, it wanted to make amends for Sunday night. spelled out in texts and tweets, many jokey, Later, they turned on the video stream. happened again. Clementi asked for the room I’m sorry if you heard something distorted some confessional. Along with computer “We saw Tyler and the other guy, like, they and said he found Ravi’s webcam on and pointed and disturbing but I assure you all my actions records are interview transcripts that could were touching each other and, like, I think, at his bed. were good natured.” become the heart of the evidenc. The tension kissing,” she told investigators. “And then And Ravi took to Twitter again: “Anyone Another said, in part: “I’ve known you between the roommates began before the after, like, two or three seconds when we with iChat, I dare you to video chat me between were gay and I have no problem with it.” campus move in date of Aug. 28, 2010. realized what we were watching, we just the hours of 9:30 and 12. Yes, it’s happening Prosecutors suggest he composed the In an Aug. 22 instant message to a friend, turned it off.” again.” message only after seeing the suicide threat Ravi disclosed he’d done some searches to Later that night, Wei said, she briefly turned Ravi’s defense lawyer, Steven Altman, Clementi had posted on Facebook. Altman learn about his roommate. Ravi made fun of the video chat back on to show her roommate says that Ravi was joking and had disabled his says he was writing the same time as Clementi. Clementi’s Internet postings about asthma and some other women from the dorm. She said webcam. But in a message to a friend, Clementi It’s not clear whether Clementi ever saw treatments, violins, gardening and Internet Clementi and the other man had their shirts off. said it was he who turned off the webcam before the messages, but his legacy was quickly felt. security – and his sexual orientation. Wei chatted with her boyfriend at another the man, identified only in court papers as Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres was In one exchange, Ravi wrote “idc” – short college about what she had seen. In a detail “M.B.”, came over. among the celebrities to champion the anti- for “I don’t care” – that Clementi was gay. But previously noted in court papers, Ravi used his Around 3 a.m. Sept. 22, Clementi sent bullying cause. Even President Barack Obama he chatted repeatedly with friends about it. Twitter account to tell the world about it: “I saw an email to his resident adviser detailing and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton Though it appears the roommates never him making out with a dude. Yay.” what had happened. It ended: “I feel that my weighed in on the issue, filming videos discussed Clementi’s sexual orientation, it According to an email Clementi later sent privacy has been violated and I am extremely encouraging bullied teens to hang in there. was a frequent topic in other conversations to a resident assistant, the tweet tipped him off uncomfortable sharing a room with someone New Jersey lawmakers quickly passed a who would act in this wildly inappropriate law, a year in the making, to have the nation’s manner.” toughest anti-bullying laws in schools, Snippets of court documents released in recent weeks That night, he left a last message on his although activists say the state has been too Facebook page: “Jumping off the gw bridge, slow to finalize the regulations to go with them. paint a picture of a relationship that started out tense sorry.” His car and wallet were later found on And Rutgers has instituted a policy allowing the George Washington Bridge, and his body opposite-sex roommates to provide a comfort even before the two met, before Clementi committed was discovered days later. zone for gay, lesbian and transgender students. Five minutes after the Facebook posting, Wei, charged with two counts of invasion suicide and before they became characters in a drama Ravi sent Clementi a long text message. of privacy, is cooperating with authorities and “I turned on my camera and saw you in the has entered a pretrial intervention program that that would stir reaction from celebrities, lawmakers and corner of the screen and I immediately closed could result in charges being dropped. Ravi it. I felt uncomfortable and guilty of what is fighting the 15-count indictment, which even the White House. happened,” it said. “Obviously I told people includes a bias intimidation charge punishable what occurred so they could give me advice. by as many as 10 years in state prison.

8 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 9 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 Opinions Publishers: Jan Stevenson & Susan Horowitz

Thinking Out Loud

BY ABBY DEES

The biggest threat for our youth Forget politics – the real challenge is our families

n my travels lately as a professional gay alliance, the activist mom running a speaker’s I’ve been speaking at a lot of PFLAG bureau at the library, the scared parents whose meetings. No matter where I go, the 14-year-old son has declared his desire to Ifollowing people are always there: hard core come out to everyone, and at least two young straight allies with “Ask me about my lesbian men who compared suicide attempts with daughter!” pins permanently affixed to their bittersweet campy humor. chests, pink goth LGBT teens, and well- Then the newbie parents asked the group, meaning deer-in-the-headlights parents whose “How we can keep our son safe? You hear all kids just came out to them. They’re all cool this horrible stuff about gay-bashing and things for different reasons: first, the straight allies, on the news. It’s frightening to think of him because they put to shame the rest of us blasé out there alone.” AIDS isn’t over – do what you queers who have protested nary a school- I’ve heard a version of this question a board homophobe hundred times, but I’d can to help in years; second, the never put two and two kids, because they’re I’m acutely aware together until I looked aybe you’ve never donated much to brave and fabulous around the room that any particular organization or cause. Although HIV/AIDS is no and it sucks being in night. I said, “The Maybe you don’t really follow politics high school; and third, of the irony that biggest threat our kids Mor activists. Maybe you’re just a busy person longer the disease du those newbie PFLAG face isn’t ‘out there’ trying to get by, and don’t have much time to parents, because while we’re fighting somewhere; it’s right keep up with the news or issues facing the LGBT jour to support, it affects they’re diving in with at home.” community. both feet, albeit totally publicly to have our Yes, the world is But this month, it’s incredibly easy to do people in our state every freaked out. dangerous, and there something good, to do something that’s simple But I’ve noticed chosen families legally are hate crimes and and that directly affects people in your own single day. another pattern at bullying every day. neighborhood. these meeting too. recognized, LGBT young And that’s just here – Although HIV/AIDS is no longer the threatened by political infighting and the potential While there are often you really don’t want disease du jour to support – it’s not like breast overhaul to our healthcare system. a few LGBT kids who people are quietly in to visit Uganda or Iraq cancer, whose pink ribbons pop up on packaging The shaky state of federal funding makes grew up, like their in a rainbow T-shirt for nearly everything from yogurt to toilet paper for even more difficult day-today operations parents, steeped in a anytime soon. But – it affects people in our state every single day. for our state organizations that are dedicated Sesame Street ideal the fight of their lives, none of that matters There are 20,000 people in Michigan who live to providing treatment and pushing prevention. of tolerance, there much if you can’t with the disease, and the vast majority of them Federal funding often comes in the form of are always several every day, in their own survive your own live in the Metro Detroit area, especially in the reimbursement to the organizations for services more who grew up in family. city itself. that have already been given. Our organizations deeply conservative family homes. We can’t As I spoke, I Perhaps HIV/AIDS is no longer the hip keep operating even though they’re unsure if the or religious homes. wondered if, among disease to support because we think its threat federal government will follow through on its At some point, nearly prevail if they can’t. these people earnestly is under control. Information about sexually promise of repayment. every one of these trying to be good transmitted diseases tends to make its way into This month, it is incredibly easy for you young people talks parents, I was in effect even the most basic health and sex education to help remedy these problems. This weekend about attempting or saying, “It’s you! You lessons. We understand the disease now, what it and next, you can donate a few dollars and thinking about suicide. are going to screw up is and how it works. We also have access to better take a walk, showing your support of those Of course I know the statistic that LGBT your kid!” I felt like the guest who just sneezed medications. HIV/AIDS is no longer considered affected. Next weekend, you can take in fantastic youth are four times more likely than straight all over the buffet. Still, it was suddenly so a death sentence, but a chronic disease. works of art and delicious local cuisine. These kids to commit suicide, but it’s quite another obvious that if all you do is stand by your But with new infection rates as high as upcoming events (read about them in our news thing to meet the survivors, week after week LGBT child, their odds for survival go up by ten percent in our state, clearly HIV/AIDS section) provide simple ways to give a little time – out in the sticks or smack in the middle of at least 400 percent. is not under control. Even though our young and money to our organizations that work in presumably hip L.A. These suicidal thoughts There were nods of agreement, so I didn’t people are aware of the disease, they are prevention and treatment. are as predictable as the weather. need to duck out in shame. But I’m left acutely still contracting it. And even though better A director of one of the state HIV/AIDS Whether folks were sent to reparative aware of the irony that while we’re fighting medications are available, they still wreck organizations said that more than anything, this therapy, shunned, shamed, or simply forced publicly to have our chosen families legally nuclear havoc on the bodies and lives of those disease belongs to our community. The disease into an identity that was a big fat lie, the gist recognized, LGBT young people are quietly in who have to take them. It is by no means easy also belongs to the other minority communities is that growing up in intolerant homes does the fight of their lives, every day, in their own to live with the disease. that it disproportionately affects. When it affects nothing less than destroy lives. There is a family homes. We can’t prevail if they can’t. All of this appears even scarier when one of us, it affects all of us. Help us rise up from body count. Abby is a civil rights attorney-turned-author who considering that federal funding for state HIV/ the stigma and shame of a disease that is most So, a few weeks ago at yet another has been in the LGBT rights trenches for more AIDS organizations – often their largest source associated with our lives and identities. Take the meeting, the familiar cross-section of folks of funding – is being slashed in the upcoming upcoming opportunities and give the time and introduced themselves, as is PFLAG tradition: than 25 years. She can be reached through her years. What isn’t being slashed is certainly money that you can. the pierced bi girl who’s starting a gay-straight website: queerquestionsstraighttalk.com.

10 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011

COMPILED BY HOWARD ISRAEL

What do you think about the controversy over ‘Dancing With The Election 2012, remembering 9/11 Stars’ contestant Chaz Bono – all “On 9/11, the one thing we can take because he’s the first transgender from Mychal Judge is, in the midst person on the show? of this hell and war and evil and violence, here is this man who directs us to another possible path as human Great for visibility for transgender folks and beings: We can choose the path of for the American Family Association (this will compassion and nonviolence and ensure ALL Americans know what despicable reconciliation. Mychal Judge had a bigots they are). heart as big as New York. There was –Quinn Phillips Mychal Judge room for everybody. And I think that’s the lesson.” –Brendan Fay, Irish-American gay activist, remembering I feel like dancin’ dancin’...dancin’ the night away! his friend Father Mychal Judge, the first recorded death Go Chaz! from the attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, fatally hit by falling bodies or debris while giving –Cindy Stiles last rights to a stricken fireman during the collapse of the first tower, in a column titled “9/11 Victim 0001: Father Mychal’s Message,” truthdig.com, Sept. 6. A Franciscan friar attached to the Fire Department of New York, Father Chaz is the first transgendered contestant that Mychal was much-revered by NYC’s underprivileged and we know about. There may have been others. homeless, and was one of the few Catholic priests willing to minister to people with HIV/AIDS during the AIDS crisis, –Cristy Cardinal and an acknowledged gay man to his friends and diary.

It’s totally a fabricated issue about an unimportant “For many folks this is a huge issue because of the barriers around people TV show, both of which are designed to distract being able to (or being able to afford us from real issues. to) change their documentation. I –Alex Hardesty President Barack Obama stress about full body scanners, about whether I can wear my prosthesis “It’s time for me to start wrapping my head or whether I should put it in my He is there to dance, plain and simple. Let him around the idea that Barack Obama may not luggage (and the stress that if I put have fun. make it. I’m not saying he will definitely lose it in my luggage or carry on it will –Tobey Brock his bid for reelection, merely that things are Anarchist be deemed suspicious and result in an Reverend looking a little bleak. As a gay man, I am embarrassing search). I worry about pat downs or about potential outings/humiliation. I am also positively terrified. At the moment, the future of In the best of worlds, it would be a NON-issue. privileged. Because I look like a straight white male I can –Jack Miller our nation appears to hinge on how crazy the sometimes avoid further scrutiny. I don’t have to worry that Republican nominee will be, and how much of I am going to be singled out for my race as well as my trans this insanity the voters will be tolerant of (or status. It’s things like this that make a vacation stressful.” He might do a two step. OH MY GOD. Sheesh. enthusiastic about) on election day. I ask you to –Anarchist Reverend, in his blog posting titled “Traveling While Trans,” anarchistreverend.com, Sept. 9. –Frank Vaca envision this future as you watch the Republican presidential candidates debate over the next few months. Try to hold back the vomit, and “She texted me and said something The bigots are bringing more attention to the fact listen to their responses when the inevitable like ‘They kicked me out,’ and I made a joke, ‘What, are you pregnant?’ and that Chaz is transgender than if he was just on there questions regarding gay rights come up. Unless she said, ‘No, worse. I’m gay.’” dancing, soo ... yeah ... thanks for bringing the issue Obama can pull it together, this is our future. into the show and hopefully everyone will see how Discouraging? You bet. Not a fan? Then do –Heather Lodovico, former coach at The Master’s School, a K-12 Christian school much of a non-issue it is and prove to the protestors everything in your power to see that Obama gets in West Simsbury, Conn., about former how close-minded they really are being. reelected. He isn’t perfect, but he’s far better student, Rachel Aviles, in a text message exchange, about Aviles’ admission to the –Wendy Meier than these yahoos.” school administration that she is a lesbian Rachel Aviles and was subsequently “encouraged” –Humor writer Benjamin Phillips, in his column to withdraw from the school before titled “Time To Start Facing The Gay Rights her senior year or be expelled, in a Comments may be edited for grammar and length. column titled “A Student’s Honesty Cost Her A Place At This Realities Of A Post-Obama America?”, about Christian School,” The Hartford Courant, courant.com, Sept. 8. Join the conversation ... the direction of LGBT rights under any of the Search: “Between The Lines Newspaper” current Republican presidential candidates, thenewcivilrightsmovement.com, Sept. 10.

12 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011

News NATIONAL Parting Glances Then and Now Discrimination could still continue BY CHARLES ALEXANDER after ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ repeal

BY LISA KEEN powerful decision from U.S. District Court discrimination through individual lawsuits, Suffer the little kids, etc. Judge Virginia Phillips last September– was but Woods argued that it “ought not be “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” will be largely responsible for prompting Congress necessary for every one of the thousands of was five when I had my tonsils clipped at the long-vanished off the books Sept. 20, but some still to finally pass a bill repealing DADT in people who have been discharged under this Burt Shirley Hospital at Grand Circus Park in downtown worry that the removal of that specific law December. Phillips had ordered the military law to have to do that.” Detroit, followed by wonderful weeks of tapioca pudding, ice barring gays from the military will not stop to immediately stop enforcing DADT and “If you vacate the judgment and Icream, no school, playmate hero worship. discrimination. Servicemembers Legal military officials began warning Congress take away the case,” added Woods, “the I remember my ether-induced spin as I counted backwards Defense Network is warning active duty that it seemed inevitable the courts would government is unconstrained and simply ... ten, nine, eight ... a boy skating, round, round, round in circles. military to be aware of rules affecting them strike down the law. The military wanted a might do it again. History might repeat Looking back on these moments of anesthetic induced if they choose to be openly gay in uniform. smooth transition to a DADT-free force, and itself.” delirium ... seven, six, five ... I’m sure it accounts for my interest Congressional repeal of DADT is not Congress agreed. For now, SLDN is trying to prepare in male skaters, how their extensions, open strokes, compulsory enough to end discrimination against gays Henry Whitaker, attorney for the gay active duty service members for figures all measure up. in the military, Log Cabin Republicans’ U.S. Department of Justice, urged the the historic change that is about to take Dick Button! Jeffrey Buttle! Brian Boitano! Scott Cramer! attorney Dan Woods reminded a three- panel to declare the litigation moot. He place Sept. 20. That’s the date on which Their names say it all. judge panel of the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of said the government would submit a a 60-day review period will have ticked Quite possibly the anesthetic affected my prefrontal lobes Appeals on Sept. 1. motion after Sept. 20 to vacate the ruling away following certification of military in some long-lasting way, leaving me not only pleasantly bereft Woods noted that, before DADT and have the case sent back to the district readiness to implement repeal and, of two useless anatomical glands but gay, in compensation for was passed in 1993, there was a military court for dismissal. He said that, if the 9th not surprisingly, some organizations, the sacrifice. regulation – not a federal law – that banned Circuit does affirm the lower court ruling, including SLDN, plan to celebrate the end I’m grateful. If I had to do it all over, I’m sure I would, if “homosexuals” from the military. the government might even consider of the 18-year-old ban. for no other reason than making me so unobtrusively oral. I only “That ban had existed for decades,” appealing it to the U.S. Supreme Court. “Many service members want to wish that my dream out time had been more detailed, that I might Woods said. And he stated several times that, until attend these celebrations, and some might have been visited by famous rainbow personages, say Oscar And if the 9th Circuit panel does repeal takes effect, the government “is want to speak at them,” notes the SLDN Wilde, Radclyff Hall, Michelangelo, Sappho. On skates or off. not affirm a district court decision finding defending” DADT on its merits. website, noting that “no special rules apply Triple sowkows or no. DADT unconstitutional, Woods said, Log Cabin’s attorney Woods said to attendance at or participation in such Farfetched? Well, if a three-year-old boy having his appendix “the government will be completely that, if the federal appeals panel agrees events.” removed can have a million-dollar encounter with no less a unconstrained in its ability to again ban gay with the government and vacates the lower personage than Jesus – and several sing-song angels thrown in to service in the military.” court decision, and then a new president or boot – just maybe there are as yet undreamed possibilities for gay Before DADT was passed Woods noted that, even since Congress Congress reinstates the policy, “we’d have kids facing surgery as well. Robotic or otherwise. passed the repeal last December, there is a to start all over again to prove again that By the way, the aforementioned three-year-old is Calton in 1993, there was a new Congress now, the House has voted laws banning open gay servicemembers Burpo, from a Nebraskan minister’s family. Calton’s story is told to de-fund implementation of repeal, and are unconstitutional. This case took seven in a book that, as of last week, has been on the New York Times military regulation – not a “multiple candidates for president (are) years to get here today. And it would be Best Seller list for 30 weeks. Title: “Heaven Is For Real,” by papa promising, as part of their campaign inappropriate to have to have people go Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson, publisher). federal law – that banned platforms, to repeal the repeal.” through that all over again.” In Heaven Calton meets his grandfather, dead 30 years, sees One member of the panel, Judge Woods also noted that affirming Judge “homosexuals” from the a miscarriaged sister he knew nothing about, describes a horsey Barry Silverman said the concern about Phillips’ ruling would remedy “collateral that “only Jesus could ride,” how “reaaally big” God and his chair presidential candidates seemed a bit consequences” caused by DADT. Among military. are, and how the Holy Spirit “shoots down power to help us.” (But “speculative.” those concerns, he said, were loss of benefits not during tornado rampages.) “Well, there’s an election next year,” under the G.I. bill and benefits from the But SLDN did warn gay service In case you’re on the brink – as in famed boy skater Hans responded Wood. Veterans Administration, inability to be members not to criticize their commanders Brinker – of intellectually poo-pooing this anesthetic-induced “Come back next year,” the judge buried in VA cemeteries, and requirement – past or present – or elected officials, and literary gem, “Heaven, etc.” is listed by the New York Times (“all shot back, with a barely stifled laugh. “If that discharged servicemembers pay back not to urge defeat of any particular elected the news that’s fit to print”) as nonfiction, selling for a nonfictional any of these things come to pass, it’ll be a their student loans. official or candidate. And the organization $9.99. There are a million copies in print. (Not bad profit for a different story. But in the meantime, this is The DOJ’s Whitaker said Log Cabin’s warned service members not to wear nonfictional appendectomy.) the situation we’re faced with.” fear that a future Congress or president their uniform to an event that is partisan Apparently tots a-testifyin’ for Jesus is the tried-and-true, The situation is that the Department of might re-enact DADT “does not pass the in nature. nonfictional outreach for America’s religious fundygelicals. Justice is urging the federal appeals panel to straight face test.” And, he added, said For more details on what’s allowed and How else to explain four year-old Kanon Tipton, a Mississipian declare the Log Cabin Republicans v. U.S. individuals discharged under DADT could disallowed for active duty service members Apostolic, self-ordained evangelist? His preaching in See Spot lawsuit moot. That lawsuit – which won a seek remedies to these collateral forms of in uniform, see www.sldn.org. Run English and Holy Ghost gibber jabber gets two million plus hits on Boob, er, You Tube. Kanon took to his Pie-in-the-Sky karaoke at 21 months old. Nothing succeeds like excess, and little Kanon has been on NBC’s Scores protest assaults on 3 Utah gay men The Today Show. Daddy Pastor Damon Tipton, when asked if Kanon was a mimic, said, “Possibly, but I do feel the hand of Three anti-gay assaults in two weeks alarm Utah citizens God’s on him in a special way.” As the Book of Ecclesiastes says, “There’s nothing new SALT LAKE CITY (AP)– The the Deseret News and Salt Lake Tribune “Thank you for coming out and under the sun.” In my day, the Boy Evangelist du jour was Marjoe sister of a man who was injured in the reported. supporting us,” Hall said. “I don’t know Gortner. He performed his first marriage ceremony at age four. latest attack against gay men says it is Nelson was beaten early Sept. 8 by how to express myself, but just know that I (Would God please put His middle finger on a similarly aged gay “intolerable to treat someone as less than two or three people yelling anti-gay slurs am very thankful.” He has said he expects or lesbian child. Same-sex marriage needs a heaven-sent goose up.) precious and valuable.” outside the American Fork hair salon his medical bills to surpass $40,000, but Marjoe – name’s a combo of Mary and Joseph – during his “I’m LDS. My family is LDS,” said where he works. He suffered a broken he has no insurance. short-lived preaching career in the 70s was billed as the “World’s Marnie Nelson Bales, of Tooele, Utah. nose and other injuries. A second gay man also was attacked Youngest Ordained Minister.” He was christened a “Miracle “And you know, it doesn’t matter. He’s The attack was the third such on gay near Club South the same night, but Child,” preached hundreds of gospel verses from memory, my brother. We love him.” Utah men in the last two weeks. Dane police do not believe the two incidents performed faith healings, cast out demons. Made his God-fearing Her brother, Cameron Nelson, wants Hall, a victim of a beating at Club South are related. parents rich. And how! to see an end to the violence, she told the in Salt Lake City two weeks ago, had Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Marjoe’s also now a self-admitted fraud. And! What else? An estimated 100 to 200 people who attended his jaw broken in three places and six Burbank shared a personal story about his actor, slash, rock singer. (Have a blessed day. Seduce a Christian. the event to protest the assaults. Bales teeth knocked out. He thanked the crowd cousin, a gay man who was a victim of 21 or over.) spoke the night of Sept. 9 at a fireside for their support, speaking through his domestic violence on multiple occasions vigil in the capital city’s Liberty Park, wired-shut jaw. [email protected] See Utah, page 16

14 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 15 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 News NATIONAL Creep of the Week N.C. legislature approves gay Sally Kern marriage ballot question for 2012 BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI

ith the tenth anniversary of Sept. 11 behind us it’s important Citizens will vote on constitutional amendment to reflect on the state of national security. For weeks now, pundits have been waxing philosophically about whether BY GARY D. ROBERTSON North Carolina is expected to be a “It’s not even close.” W or not America is truly safer today than it was battleground state next year. President Opponents, meanwhile, brought to a decade ago. Most of them are full of shit, of RALEIGH— North Carolina Barack Obama won the state’s electoral the Legislature nearly 50,000 postcards course. Making people take their shoes off and state lawmakers voted to give social votes in 2008 by only 13,000 votes and urging lawmakers to stop the amendment confiscating bottles of water and cans of Aqua conservatives their decade-old wish to put North Carolina is hosting the Democratic and scheduled vigils Monday night and Net at the airport is Security Theater, pure and a constitutional amendment on the ballot National Convention. Democratic Gov. their own rally Tuesday. simple. After all, the failures that allowed the designed to make clear that marriage is Beverly Perdue also faces a tough re- “I was disappointed that so many terrorists onto those planes ten years ago were between one man and one woman in the election fight next year. legislators regardless of party chose to at the CIA and FBI level, not because some state. North Carolina citizens can vote on “I think what we’re trying to discriminate (against people) who pose baggage screener missed a box cutter. it in May 2012 – on the exact same date do is respect some who thought this no threat other than wanting to live their Still, there’s one threat that not enough as a Republican primary. (amendment) was solely a political lives with honesty, openness and with people are talking about. A threat so dire that Ten House Democrats voted Monday consideration,” House Speaker Thom dignity,” Alex Miller with the gay rights it makes terrorists look like Teletubbies (still with nearly all Republicans in favoring Tillis, R-Mecklenburg, said at a news group Equality North Carolina said after Sally Kern scary, mind you, but comparatively harmless). of putting on May’s primary ballot a conference, adding that the bill is “about the vote. That threat is, of course, homosexuality. But question that would make marriage the putting a question to the people.” A House committee approved people are afraid to speak out. Afraid that the homosexuals will enact only domestic legal union recognized in Opponents in the House who spoke the measure earlier Monday without revenge on their families if they expose the terrifying truth. this state. The bill passed 75-42 — above — nearly all of them Democrats — said taking any public comments, angering One woman, however, is brave enough to speak in public about the 72 needed for any constitutional the referendum didn’t matter. They said it lawmakers and activists. this terrible danger our nation is facing. That woman is Oklahoma change. The bill passed the Republican- was an awful idea that would discourage “This is no way to conduct state legislator Sally Kern. controlled Senate 30-16 on Tuesday. businesses from coming to North Carolina constitutional business for the state of You may remember that Kern has spoken on this issue in the Although 30 states have gay marriage because executives would view the state North Carolina,” said House Minority past. A few years ago she called homosexuality “the death knell of bans in their constitutions, North Carolina as unwelcoming to gay and lesbian Leader Joe Hackney, D-Orange. “It ought this country.” is the only state in the Southeast without employees. Others likened the question not to be done this way. There ought to be “I honestly think it’s the biggest threat our nation has, even more such a marriage limit there. State law to instituting previous constitutional a fair hearing.” so than terrorism or Islam, which I think is a big threat,” she said. already defines marriage between a man restrictions in North Carolina that once Some law professors say the She then compared homosexuality to cancer: “If you got cancer and a woman, but amendment supporters barred interracial marriage. Rep. Deborah proposal could invalidate domestic or something in your little toe, do you say, well, you know, I’m just argue traditional marriage would be Ross, D-Wake, said approving this violence laws, cause uncertainty with going to forget about it because the rest of me is fine? It spreads. better protected against potential legal proposal would run counter to changing child custody decisions and wills and OK? And this stuff is deadly, and it’s spreading, and it will destroy challenges by same-sex couples married attitudes about same-sex relationships. cancel out domestic partner benefits our young people, it will destroy this nation.” in six other states and the District of “Once again we seek to marginalize already instituted by a handful of local Mind you, Kern thought these comments were limited to the Columbia. a group of individuals who only want governments in the state. audience she was addressing. But somehow in this day and age equality and the same basic human rights “We are going to be enacting where everyone has a cell phone and every cell phone has a camera afforded to every citizen of this state,” language into the constitution that no and/or video recorder, her address was recorded and the Gay and “Once again we seek said Rep. Susan Fisher, D-Buncombe. one knows what it means and could hurt Lesbian Victory Fund had a field day making the video go viral. Kern “Why do we insist on repeating history?” citizens of this state and that will take and her right-wing apologists make a big deal about how the video to marginalize a group Still, Republican leaders managed to years of needless litigation to resolve was “selectively edited,” and yet Kern stands by what she said and bring along nearly 20 percent of the House the meaning,” said Maxine Eichner, a continues to say the same thing. of individuals who Democrats to support the measure. Rep. law professor at the University of North In an Aug. 31 interview with Peter LaBarbera, president of Charles Graham, D-Robeson, said he was Carolina School of Law in Chapel Hill. Americans for Truth about Homosexuality, Kern restated and “clarified” only want equality satisfied with his yes vote after speaking The referendum would be held her “gays are worse than terrorists” line of thinking, proving that her to local residents, many of whom are on May 8, 2012. A majority of citizens original comments were not taken out of context or misunderstood. and the same conservative Christians. would have to agree for it to be put in the “You know if you just look at it in practical terms, which has “I had to listen to my constituents,” constitution. destroyed and ended the life of more people? Terrorism attack here basic human rights said Graham, in his first term. “I’m in America or HIV/AIDS? Okay?” she said. “In the last fifteen to satisfied with my vote.” twenty years, we’ve had maybe three terrorist attacks on our soil with afforded to every Several hundred amendment ® Utah a little over 5,000 people regrettably losing their lives. In the same supporters rallied Monday on the mall Continued from p. 14 time frame, there have been hundreds of thousands who have died citizen of this state." behind the Legislative Building, with because of, uh, having AIDS. So which one’s the biggest threat?” religious leaders both black and white but wouldn’t report the violence for This is, of course, a completely faulty comparison. Not to urging lawmakers to let the people vote –Rep. Susan Fisher, D-Buncombe fear of others finding out about his mention the fact that it rests on the assumption that all gay people on the gay marriage question after several sexual orientation. have AIDS and are using it as a biological weapon of sorts. Also, years in which Democrats in charge of He told the crowd that it’s since Kern is so concerned about AIDS, I’m sure we can expect the Legislature blocked votes. Things “The question is, are we going to let important to involve police when her to sponsor bills to increase HIV/AIDS research and prevention have changed now that Republicans the people decide, or judicial decisions violence takes place. Police handed funding in Oklahoma. took control of the House and Senate based on the Supreme Court decisions of a out cards that detail how the public can Of course, to Kern, gays are a sort of biological weapon, sights simultaneously for the first time in 140 half-dozen other states?” House Majority submit confidential tips to detectives. set on all of the young people in America. Because gays are all about years. Leader Paul Stam, R-Wake, said during “We have people in our making everybody gay. “This piece of legislation has been a floor debate that lasted more than three community who still cannot come “And you know, every day our young people, adults too, but held up and we haven’t had the chance to hours. forward because of the stigma that especially our young people, are bombarded at school, in movies, vote on it,” the Rev. Patrick Wooden of Republican legislative leaders said may be attached to them,” Burbank in music, on TV, in the mall, in magazines, they’re bombarded with the Upper Room Church of God in Christ they move up the proposed referendum said. “Any crime represents a failure ‘homosexuality is normal and natural.’ It’s something they have to in Raleigh told the crowd. “This state has by six months as a way to try to bring of our society, especially a crime deal with every day,” Kern said. “Fortunately we don’t have to deal to protect God’s holy institution as it is on board more undecided legislators. like this.” with a terrorist attack every day, and that’s what I mean.” currently defined in state law.” It’s also designed to immunize the GOP The nondenominational church See? That’s what she means. That gays are a constant, devious Rep. Marcus Brandon, D-Guilford, from criticisms that having it on the City of Hope Salt Lake organized the threat to the people of this nation and terrorists are only a sometimes the Legislature’s only openly gay member, ballot in November 2012 as initially event, which ended with participants threat; therefore being gay is worse than murdering someone. No told colleagues that Christians should be sought was designed to boost turnout marching with glow sticks through duh and obviously. compassionate toward everyone, not among conservative Christians and others the streets of Salt Lake City and And to think that Kern is baffled that people call her homophobic judgmental. opposed to gay marriage. showing pictures of Hall’s injuries. and a bigot. “It’s not the spirit of Jesus,” he said.

16 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 Photo: Jam Sutton Pop musician on ‘restrictive’ straights, Erasure and getting naked for the gays

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI straight men would let go of their inhibitions. So do you keep an alcohol stash in the studio? can be really anti-social and obnoxious in my No, no. I don’t drink. Well, hardly. It just doesn’t studio and just concentrate on work. Hey, Frank, how are you? rankmusik goes where no straight man’s agree with me. I used to drink like a fish, but I You’ve gotten naked for the gays on a couple gone before. Just look at what he did in Hot. Not hot in a physical sense. Like, it’s just get heartburn. I’m getting old, man. And the 2008, when he disrobed – and bared his actually hot. hangovers – I actually cannot stand the concept occasions. Do your gay friends call you a tease, Fbum – for a spread in one of the U.K.’s gay because I think you might be? of a hangover. magazines. Then, recently, he got naked again – I already know you’re hot physically, anyway. on a massage table, for a promo that has a bunch What’s your a.m. routine? I could be a tease; it depends on if you fancy me Thank you, sir. Compliments will get you or not. The main thing is, I’m having fun. That’s of bears giving him a rubdown. everywhere. (Laughs) Shower, shit, shave. No, wait – shit, shower, shave. Clearly the guy’s an original, which isn’t such a shit thing to say, but it is actually that. You don’t want to shit after you’ve already had Straight male artists are restricting themselves just evident in his friendliness with the gays – Where does mine get me? a shower. The three S’s. Sometimes you can do but his music, too. With that, he’s proved that through their sexuality, and I think you should This is a recorded conversation. I’ll tell you off four S’s if you’re lucky, which is sex, shit, shower, pop isn’t just a woman’s world, mixing music just be open to anything, especially in press. If the record some other time. shave. That is much more likely to happen these someone has an idea and it’s tasteful, yeah, I’ll for Lady Gaga and Pet Shop Boys and releasing days since my missus has moved in. his first album, “Complete Me,” two years ago. How did the title track, “Do It in the AM,” do it. Fuck it. When I did the nude photo shoot, The 25-year-old follows up his electro- How did your move from London to L.A. influence that was for male eating disorders. I wanted to come about? support that cause, and if it meant a few famous pop debut with “Do It in the AM,” but it’s the album? not the only project with his name attached It’s about losing it in my mind. I’ve never really guys getting their clothes off and talking about to it – he also produced Erasure’s new album, spoken about this in an interview properly Just not being in London, being in a new city. their own experiences with eating and their “Tomorrow’s World.” because I don’t really think anyone’s really been I haven’t got any really massive circle of health, then fuck – any day dude, any day. On the road with the synth-pop legends highbrow enough to engage with it but, being friends or anything. I came here to experience creative, I like having the creative freedom emptiness. European culture is very clustered, Why is it such an issue for straight guys to open during their first U.S. tour in five years, up like that? Frankmusik chatted about how working with at night, because it’s like my little secret. I’m very pedestrianized and everyone is very closely Erasure was his “calling,” being an anomaly making the party in my studio, and I’m making knit. I love L.A. for its vastness. It’s devoid of You have to ask them, because I’m definitely in the music business and why he wishes more the songs that people want to party to. any real sort of social integration because it’s so spread out, and I love that. I love the fact that I See Frankmusik, page 19

17 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 18 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 Life MUSIC

Do people ever think you’re gay? Bell. Has he ever tried to get into your pants? I hope so, because that means I’m surrounded No, no – not at all. The closest we got was when by stupid people that I can manipulate. That’d we were doing the new single and he enjoyed be nice. what I was making so much he said something like, “I could fall in love with you,” but I think Who are your boy crushes? he was referring more to the music that we were George Clooney. He’s an absolute gentleman creating. (Laughs) He’s a wonderful human and a brilliant, brilliant human being and very being and incredible to work with. I see Andy good at what he does. And he’s just really more as a family member than a sexual stranger. classy about it. I love classy guys. Not being a gentleman drives me crazy. I think being When did your relationship with Erasure start? respectful and well-mannered is one of the most Beginning of this year, I think. I met Vince attractive things that any human can be. (Clarke) at his house in Maine and I met Andy in London. I met them both separately – and I’ve yet You’re an anomaly in pop music, because the to actually meet all three of them at the same time, genre is so dominated by young females – and so that will happen when I’m on tour with them. you’re a straight white guy. Why do you think there are so few like you in pop music? How would you compare the sound of their album and yours? Once again, it goes back to what it’s like to be a man these days. Why is it that we feel that the I mean, it’s Andy Bell. The vocals are only type of males that should succeed in this incomparable. His male tenor is like a freight market are ones that come from a boy band? Or train running through a china shop. I mean, the power! You believe every word he says, Photo: Jesse Jenkins they’ve got to be a rapper, or they’ve got to be some beardy guy holding an acoustic guitar. because he lives what he says. He is in the song. Apparently dancing around and singing pop It’s not some cookie-cutter bullshit, and that’s ® Frankmusik different, it doesn’t mean anything. It’s imposed songs is only reserved for people like Usher what I love about him. They stand for actually creating so many Continued from p. 17 on you, this kind of straightness. and black culture, which I think is bullshit. I feel so bad for guys, because you have White guys can do it too, but I think we’re things that have been imitated blandly since this culture where people’s gender has to fit into having a huge identity crisis. they first made it. They’re incredible, incredible not one of them. I think it was because I was a demographic, which is just stupid. Men are just I’m not a heavily political person, but I pioneers. And I’m glad I could celebrate their brought up by my mom; I didn’t have a dad, so as expressive as women. I was just lucky enough think there are some real plain facts staring us in originality once again. I didn’t have, like, this tenacious male figure in that somebody as intelligent as my mother the face that need to be dealt with – why can’t a Was it intimidating working with them? my life that was trying to make me fit a certain brought me up that way. It’s a combination guy dance and sing without being seen as queer? mold or anything. My mom sent me to ballet of common sense and not sort of digesting the Does that say anything bad about me, or does No, no. It felt like my calling, it really did. I felt school and poetry recital classes. I mean, I was bullshit that’s fed to you in culture. I wish more that say something really bad about the culture? like I needed to make that album – for me and for them. dancing around in a fucking leotard! I didn’t men were expressive because, I’ll tell you, Tell me about your relationship with Erasure’s Andy know any different. If you don’t know anything there’d be a lot less trouble in the world.

19 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 Life PERFORMING

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20 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 Cool Cities Ferndale Funky Art Fair focuses on local culture

Funky Ferndale Art Fair returns to Nine Mile and Woodward Avenue Sept. 15- 17 this year. The Funky Ferndale Art Fair is an annual juried show of over 100 artists from across the country with contemporary and “funky” styles. Selected artwork includes paintings, jewelry, photography, sculptures and more. Work is selected with a focus on the culture of Ferndale. “We are twice as ‘funky’ as the average fine art show,” said event coordinator Mark Loeb in a press release. “We focus on quality art, with a focus on work that is a bit more contemporary and edgy.” The festival will also include an “Art Scholars” for student artists, acoustic music to compliment the viewing, ransom poetry and a childrens art area. Local Ferndale 13 restaurants will also be present, offering a variety of tastes to festivalgoers. The Funky Ferndale Art Fair has in connection with enthusiasts and buyers. Sept. 17. For more information, go to grown each year, reaching tens of thousands The festival runs from 4-9 p.m. Sept 15, downtownferndale.com of viewers and putting hundreds of artists 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sept. 16 and noon-5 p.m. Affirmations goes off the wall

Affirmations begins a new annual event Integrity Shows, presenters of the Off the Wall Art contestants’ art will with its “Off the Wall Art Competition,” competition, will determine the top be displayed during the Funky Ferndale Art presenting the edgy and funky artists of four entries on Thursday, Sept. 15. The Fair from 4-8 p.m. Sept. 16, and 10 a.m.-8 Ferndale and supplementing the Funky general public will then determine first, p.m. Sept. 17. Ferndale Art Fair. second, third place and honorable mention Affirmations Off the Wall Art Affirmations will display a number of throughout the weekend. Winners of Competition is sponsored by Affirmations, local submissions in its newest addition, the the contest will receive cash and/or gift Integrity Shows, Between The Lines and Grab & Go SushiCo located in the front certificates to Grab & Go SushiCo. Grab & Go SushiCo. For more information, of the community center. The competition Artists entered in the competition are visit goaffirmations.org or contact Mark organizers seek to highlight Ferndale’s able to sell their displayed art during the McMillan, events manager and development 11 eclectic vibe and expand the non-artist’s competition with a 20-percent consignment assistant, at 248-398-7105. perception of what art is. fee, entirely donated to Affirmations. DIY Street Fair returns to Ferndale

The fourth annual DIY Street Fair returns to Ferndale this September to celebrate creativity and “do-it-yourself” pursuits with a free showcasing of local business and original crafters and their unique products in the southeast quadrant of Nine Mile Road and Woodward Avenue. Attendees can expect to see handmade, home-cooked, locally brewed and ecologically friendly crafts, food and drinks. Many vendors are also offering performances, recordings and hands-on activities. Launched in 2008, the DIY Street Fair has grown larger every year. “The response and support from the community has been phenomenal,” said Ferndale business owner Chris Johnston, who originated the concept of the DIY Fair, in the press release. “We’ve been just barely able to accommodate the demand for booths.” To accommodate the fair’s increasing continue into the evening, relocating to a Street Fair board member during its first popularity, the market’s stretch of Nine number of venues surrounding the fair site. three seasons. “Every inch of the fair is Mile will both accommodate additional The DIY Street Fair has sought to somehow associated with Detroit and the Visit our website! vendors and open Friday night for the keep the fair as reflective of its venue’s surrounding area, if not completely of it.” http://www.pridesource.com first time. surroundings as possible. “What makes this The DIY Street Fair runs Sept. 16-18 Add our fan page! Exhibitors and vendors will line fair unique is its participant roster, which we in the Southeast quadrant of Nine Mile the outdoor marketplace while the fair’s curate based on local presence, originality, Road and Woodward Avenue in Ferndale. Search: “Between The Lines Newspaper” main stage will showcase live music of grass-roots nature, and contribution to local Admission is free. For more information, go Follow us! independent regional artists throughout the creative culture,” said Carey Gustafson, to diystreetfair.com or call 248-709-7673. weekend. Musician’s performances will Handmade Detroit co-founder and DIY @YourBTL

21 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 22 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 Life FILM Circumstances of the heart

Nikohl Boosheri as Atafeh and Sarah Kazemy as Shireen in “Circumstance,” directed by Maryam Keshavarz (inset). Circumstance Indie film depicts sexuality. Being queer in the Middle East – except same environment,” Keshavarz acknowledges. Opening Sept. 16 in Turkey and Israel – is illegal. “Circumstance” “Atafeh goes in one direction, and her brother Main Art Theatre navigates queer identity carefully. Keshavarz goes in another.” lesbian life in Iran 118 N. Main, Royal Oak says, “More liberal, more educated people can The filmmaker has seven brothers, one of www.landmarktheatres.com speak about (homosexuality), but it’s dangerous, whom is her fraternal twin. It comes to reason BY GARY M. KRAMER so it’s like a very controlled conversation with that her upbringing may be how she constructed very select people. the dual narratives of Atafeh’s downward spiral “Circumstance” is a remarkable film within a subculture – another layer of duality, “It’s something people don’t talk about.” and Mehran’s efforts toward redemption. that sensitively depicts the struggles of two another layer of what they have to hide to really “Circumstance” is revelatory, especially “I never thought of this!” Keshavarz teenage lesbians, Atafeh (Nikhol Boosheri) and express themselves.” in its depiction of Iranian teenage desire. exclaims. “Maybe I did subconsciously. Perhaps Shireen (Sarah Kazemy), in contemporary Iran. These intertwined themes of gender and When it came to the portrayal of sexuality, because I’m a twin, and had someone born with The story is based in part on bisexual writer/ sexuality form the basis for much of the Keshavarz made sure to protect her actresses. me – and because we are different genders – we are director Maryam Keshavarz’s own experiences film’s drama. One of the ways the characters Boosheri was only 18 when she made the very different and express ourselves differently.” as a teenager, and reveals how these teenagers communicate their forbidden desires is through film, but she identified strongly with her role One of the dramatic turning points in find ways to express themselves sexually and dancing. “Circumstance” opens with a fantasy and had a complete understanding of Atafeh, “Circumstance” involves Atafeh and Shireen otherwise, while living under state control. bellydancing scene. Other sequences have the who Keshavarz admits to being put in “an being arrested by the secret police. Keshavarz The filmmaker, who lives in America, girls attending a secret house party, or going to impossible situation.” specifically had the teenagers caught for a crime visited Iran regularly every summer until her a nightclub. At Atafeh’s home, the girls bond “Circumstance” is also a courageous film, that did not involve their sexuality. What happens controversial “Circumstance” (shot in Lebanon) while singing and dancing to “Total Eclipse of depicting what Atafeh and Shireen must endure – and it involves Mehran – changes the course prompted her to be banned from the country. the Heart” on TV. in Iran. Sometimes this is physical abuse, with of the girls’ relationship, and is quite haunting. “Before I made this movie, I had the unique “The idea was for me to express real life and women’s bodies being violated. Although these “Circumstance” ultimately may box its privilege to be able to go back and forth,” fantasy,” says Keshavarz. “The state can never scenes are discretely filmed, they are quite characters into corners, but the film offers hope Keshavarz says. “Not anymore.” control your imagination.” horrifying. When Mehran is involved, the abuse that they may find an escape. The powerful In addition, Keshavarz reveals that she has Atafeh and Shireen physically express is mental, and equally shocking. ending should also prompt viewers to reflect on been “threatened from anonymous sources, and themselves through intimacy too, and Keshavarz Mehran is a particularly creepy, troubling the question that opens the film: “If you could been railed against by the government.” But makes their sensuality erotic, not explicit. “It was character. His insidious behavior, surreptitiously be anywhere, where would you be?” it hasn’t been all bad. “I’ve had emails from important for me not to desexualize them,” she videotaping his family, for example, creates Keshavarz answers that same question hundreds of folks in Iran who are dying to see explains about the inclusion of several racy same- much of the film’s tension. herself. “Wow! In the world? In my imagination? the film,” she notes. “I’m pretty happy. I had the sex love scenes. “There are no men in the girls’ “The thing about (Mehran) that is so Or in reality?” She laughs. “Right now, I’m freedom to make the film.” fantasies. There is more expressed sexuality in important is that he’s pleasant on the outside, pretty happy with where I am. ‘Circumstance’ The film, about forbidden love, is already fantasy than in reality. In their real time, it’s very and his (nastiness) is so much underneath the was really hard to make, and because the film resonating with Iranians. “Iranians have many slight what they do. In their fantasy, it’s much skin,” Keshavarz says. “That’s so much creepier.” has gotten a great response, I’m able to press layers of their personalities. So much of who more sexual, more erotic. It’s a space where they Mehran becomes a fundamentalist Muslim forth with my next project a lot easier. I’m in they are has to be hidden. Even within the relative can really let loose.” who is loyal to Iran. He frequently condemns a very unique place. I’m very happy right now. freedom of underground world, these girls’ She goes on, addressing how Middle Eastern his sister’s wild behavior, causing friction within Although I’d probably be happier if I was on a exploration of sexuality is another subculture women suffer when it comes to representations of the family. “They are opposite reactions to the beach in Maui!”

23 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 24 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 Life HEAR ME OUT by Chris Azzopardi Katy B’s breakout record is worthy of hype. Plus: Pistol Annies’ delightful debut getting feisty mad at her ex on “Trailer for Rent” and then all starry-eyed over “Boys from the South.” “Lemon Drop” offers an adorably witty slant to an it-gets-better song, while “Beige” is the group at their most affecting, as they sing about a shotgun wedding. There are only 10 ditties – all of them simple, not-too-produced pieces – that stretch over a skimpy 30 minutes. But that’s certainly enough time for them to give us some hell, and some heaven. Grade: B+ Also Out

Kristin Chenoweth, ‘Some Lessons Learned’ Just because Kristin Chenoweth is baby-cute doesn’t mean she can get away with anything. And her crossover into country music, from Broadway and Christmas to nearly everything else, is the kind of near-miss that you wish wasn’t. She’s obviously a talented singer, and she Katy B, ‘On a Mission’ nails a reading of Dolly Parton’s “Change” They’re everywhere – British songbirds (also great is her ode to the icon, “What trying to take over the world with their Would Dolly Do?”) and does a bang-up voices. But Katy B, who’s already made job on the clean-cut heartbreaker “Mine major headway in her native country for to Love” – but there’s too much, to use her unique, mainstream-friendly blend of Chenoweth’s words, to bitch about. There’s dubstep, house and soul, is a name that’s the way-too-wordy lead single “I Want destined to catch on. The 22-year-old’s Somebody (Bitch About)” and an overload debut is one of the best in recent years, a of schmaltzy songs (blame Diane Warren). near-perfect spin that feels loose, gritty, Just consider this another lesson learned. mature and free from the strategic control of a record label (even though she’s got major-label backing under Sony) – the Jon McLaughlin, antithesis of Jessie J’s first effort, released ‘Forever If Ever’ just a few months ago. “Power On Me,” an We loved him as Pistol Annies, ‘Hell on Heels’ old-school throwback to the ’80s, sets the the hot ballroom stage for a familiar sound that the London- Miranda Lambert isn’t someone that balladeer who born artist makes all her own, moving into likes to be messed with, which the stole hearts during the thumping chainsaw-ripping single country superstar has made clear on “Enchanted.” “Katy On a Mission,” breezing through three consistently solid solo CDs. Now But don’t stop the jazzy “Movement” and nagging on the she and her two accomplices, Ashley swooning; his pitiful pool of men during “Easy Please Monroe and Angaleena Presley, are “Hell fourth album features “I’ll Follow You,” Me,” a devilish rant that’s incredibly on Heels,” the kitschy and cautionary another solid slowie in the vein of “So addictive. “These days I can’t find a man title of the girl group’s first album that’s Close.” Much of the rest, though, is to please me,” sasses the singer, who adopts reminiscent of what Dolly Parton did with grounded in the John Mayer genre: the Lily Allen brand of mouth-offs. She Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt for “Promising Promises,” opening with organ, does it again on the dubstep groove “Go the legendary “Trio” album. But that was is a falsetto showcase; “Summer is Over” Away,” but this time drops into some R&B 1987. So on their laid-back, traditional- is his best chance at a hit (even if it’s not coolness on the chorus. “Broken Record” sounding venture, Pistol Annies plays the best track), and “You Are What I’m lurches into a sweetly sung rave, and “Hard with a modern sensibility that allows Here For” is a lovely song of desperation. to Get” wraps the set – strangely pairing them to riff on girls-behaving-badly with The ’80s influences of his last album no cricket chirps and lounge-y keyboards for “Takin’ Pills” and, at their campiest, greedy longer exist, instead gleaning inspiration a killer chiller. Even the what-could-be- relatives fighting over their dead mother’s from grunge-rock for “I Brought This on canned thank yous at the end of the track belongings on “Family Feud.” It’s this Myself” and neo-Hanson on “Without You sound like nothing you’ve heard before. openness to busting genre limits that makes Now.” Outside of that, it’s still McLaughlin Grade: A- their debut such a delight, with Lambert – sweet and safe.

25 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 Life THEATER

The cast of “Avenue Q”: Nick Bringardner (Princeton), Catherine Cypert, Kelly Fandrey, Marci Rosenberg, Andrew Szykula, Lisa Lee, Jeff Foust, Keshia Oliver, Erik Wright-Olsen. Photo: A2CT ‘Avenue Q’ in A2!

Musical features Avenue Q 8 p.m. Sept. 15–17, 2 p.m. Sept. 18 Ann Arbor Civic Theatre at Lydia Mendelssohn familiar puppets Theatre, 911 N. University, Ann Arbor, $17-$22 teaching lessons www.a2ct.org and has nothing to do with its creation. Puppets BY BRIDGETTE M. REDMAN interact with humans dealing with the difficulty of making it in the real world. ANN ARBOR – PBS may still insist that “The puppets can get away with saying the Bert and Ernie aren’t gay, but that won’t stop most amazing things,” said Sielaff. “It’s OK if the thinly veiled characters of “Avenue Q” from you’re gay, everyone is a little bit racist, the Internet singing, “If you were gay, that’d be OK,” as Niky is for porn. The appeal is the raw humor. We have tries talking Rod out of the closet. puppet sex on stage, we have naked puppets … Kate This time they’ll be singing those songs in Monster is definitely Prairie Dawn and she drops Ann Arbor in the region’s first community theater the F-bomb constantly. You just don’t expect it.” production of the hit musical whose rights just Sielaff quickly brought Kyle Farr on board became available a few months ago. The Ann Arbor as the puppet director. He had performed in a Civic Theater is producing the show that joyously version of “Avenue Q” in Kalamazoo a few years declares that the Internet is for porn and everyone ago when it was being tested to determine how far is a little bit racist. Director Wendy Sielaff said it rights could be released. He instituted a three-week was a lucky chance that Ann Arbor Civic was able puppet boot camp to teach all of the cast members to do it so quickly after the rights became available. how to manipulate the puppets and to manipulate Sielaff had spent nearly nine months their bodies when working with puppets. She said preparing to do “La Cage Aux Folles” in this he has been amazing in teaching the cast, only one time slot. Then, right in the middle of tech week of whom had previous puppet experience. She also for “Miss Saigon” this past June, she got a call said her cast has taken to the work and put in all telling her the rights for “Folles” had been pulled. sorts of extra hours to learn what needed to be done. Two hours later, she received a message from a “They’ve been so willing to do anything,” different source – an email list that let her know the Sielaff said. “We got the cream of the crop. Some rights for “Avenue Q” had just become available. bought their own practice puppets. They’ve been “I got on the phone with Ann Arbor Civic an amazingly wonderful cast to work with.” and told them to go get it now,” Sielaff said. “It One of the mantras of the show has been to fell into our laps by accident that we got it so “keep it pure.” They may be a community theater, early, but that was a blessing.” but they’re not modifying anything from the It was also one that had actors from Broadway production. They’ve rented the puppets throughout the region excited about participating from the original production company and made in. People came to auditions from far and wide, their own videos for several of the scenes. The set and cast members drive in nightly from as far itself may seem simple from the front, but in back away as Ohio and Clarkston. it is an intricate piece of stagecraft. “Avenue Q” opened on Broadway in 2003 “In the back we have scaffolds and ladders and went on to win three Tony Awards. It is a and platforms. People get 14 feet into the air. We “Sesame Street” for grownups, though the Jim knew it would be complex, but we never realized Henson Company has not endorsed the show how much.”

26 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 Life CURTAIN CALLS For the latest professional theater news: www.EncoreMichigan.com ‘Sissies’ come of age at The Ringwald

BY JOHN QUINN REVIEW “Sissie” rings harshly in the ear of Southern Baptist any gay man. It’s a slur meant to mock and hurt. Yet in the title of the play “Southern Sissies Baptist Sissies,” it’s an attention-getter as Who Wants Cake? at The Ringwald, 22742 effective as a punch in the face – which Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Friday-Monday often follows use of said epithet. Who through Sept. 26. Contains nudity and adult Wants Cake? revives its 2007 hit this month situations. $10-$20. 248-545-5545. at the Ringwald Theatre in Ferndale. The www.whowantscaketheatre.com production, directed by Joe Bailey, unites members of the first cast with a few newer and a gay bar. The bar, though, allows faces. The story they tell explores one of the for the introduction of two lost souls: classic themes of literature –the coming of “Peanut,” aging gay guy in a scene of the age – from a distinctly LGBT perspective. forever-young; and Odette Annette Barnett Playwright Del Shores is the son of a – hetero, but gay barfly. Together they preacher man, and the play is quite personal. have most of the comedy in this dramatic It follows four gay Dallas kids’ growth comedy. Jamie Richards and Melissa from childhood into manhood, aware that Beckwith reprise their roles from the first they’re misfits in the culture – especially production and are fine comic relief. Yet their fundamentalist church. Each follows as the characters swap jokes and stories, “Southern Baptist Sissies” returns to The a different path seeking his true self. they reveal the emptiness of people who Ringwald through Sept. 26. Photo: Colleen Scribner Our storyteller, Mark (Matthew live lifestyles instead of lives. Turner Shelton), cannot deal with the But let’s return to that script. I don’t hypocrisy of a church founded on love find it as compelling as other examples of Ringwald production is a clear case of that preaches such hate, and leaves the the genre, due to Shores’ rather superficial performance transcending material. church in anger. In the clash of religion and handling of his characters’ inner states. If The cast is a uniformly polished sexuality, the thoroughly indoctrinated T.J. any of this is autobiographical, why isn’t ensemble and is finding the souls the (Michael Lopotrone), steps into the closet he more in touch with the complexities? playwright neglected to give his characters. and slams the door. The flamboyant Benny Nor am I sure the convention of one actress Bailey’s direction makes the narrative flow (Vince Kelly), embraces his sexuality playing all of the boys’ mothers (here like a dream as he weaves his cast around and becomes a “female illusionist.” The admirably performed by returning Connie the pitfalls in the script. It’s no problem rather shy Andrew (Joe Plambeck) is still Cowper) isn’t a suggestion that “they’re all seeing why “Southern Baptist Sissies” was in emotional turmoil well into adulthood. alike.” And while Barry Cutler’s bigoted a hit in the company’s first season; it’s no Structurally the script is problematic, Preacher scares the bejeezus out of me, less a hit now. as it drifts into flashbacks, as well as the character, as written, is so obtuse one switching scenes between a Dallas church wonders if Shore has Daddy issues. The No slips in 'Freud’s Last Session'

BY MARTIN F. KOHN REVIEW In “Freud’s Last Session,” Sigmund Freud’s Last Freud and C.S. Lewis, a couple of intellectual .400 hitters, have a highly Session entertaining, wide-ranging philosophical Century Theatre, 333 Madison St., Detroit. discussion, an elevated version of what Wednesday-Sunday through Nov. 20. might take place in a dorm room around $39.50 - $44.50. 313-963-9800. midnight abetted by a bottle or two of www.gemtheatre.com cheap wine. Whether the two thinkers ever actually met – it’s possible – is of music, why humor works (or doesn’t) immaterial. Playwright Mark St. Germain and, yes, where exactly sex belongs in embraces the idea, and the result is a all of this. lively 75 minutes on stage with much Somewhere in there St. Germain Mitch Greenberg (Freud) and Cory Krebsbach to contemplate and a surprisingly large has Freud say, “I always consider what (C.S. Lewis) clash on the existence of God, sex, love and the meaning of life in “Freud’s Last amount of drama and humor. people tell me less important than what Session.” Photo: Santo Fabio The time is Sept. 3, 1939, the very they cannot.” And what St. Germain beginning of World War II; the place shows us without saying it is that despite window with its lovely view. Fortunately, is Freud’s study in London. Lewis strong differences on most things that Marchant keeps his actors away from hasn’t come to be psychoanalyzed (he matter, here are two people whose mutual the window. conspicuously avoids Freud’s famous respect and innate kindness trumps They – Mitch Greenberg as Freud, couch). The elderly, terminally ill everything. Cory Krebsbach as Lewis – turn in psychiatrist has invited the youngish “Freud’s Last Session” is in its complete and credible performances. Oxford professor over to talk about second year off-Broadway. The new Their accents – Greenberg’s Germanic, religion. production at Detroit’s Century Theatre, Krebsbach’s British – are consistent, and Ostensibly, the chief topic of their with the same director (Tyler Marchant), each man contributes something extra. conversation is whether God exists. set designer (Brian Prather) and costume During an air raid warning Krebsbach’s Freud says no, Lewis says yes, and this designer (Mark Mariani), is pretty much Lewis manages to look irked with his will not be the only subject on which they a carbon copy of the excellent New face covered by a gas mask. Greenberg’s hold differing views. Up for discussion York production. The stage here appears Freud gestures in such a manner that his are the purpose of evil, the concept of to be slightly smaller and less open on hands can be described in no way other shame, the nature of happiness, whether either side; patrons seated way over on than kindly. or not suicide is sinful, the significance the right (stage left) won’t see Freud’s

27 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 Sunday, Sept. 18 Saturday, Sept. 24 PFLAG Ann Arbor Meeting, 1 a.m. 3rd Know Us Project, 1 p.m. KUP Sunday of every month. Support group conversations are about telling personal Editor’s Picks OUTINGS and monthly speaker at each meeting. stories about what it has been like Wednesday, Sept. 14 PFLAG Ann Arbor, 306 N. Division St., Ann to experience discrimination, bias, Arbor. pflagaa.org prejudice or even hate crimes. No cost for Outings LGBT In the Park, 5:30 p.m. Ongoing attendees. PFLAG, 3333 Coolidge Hwy, LGBT social group featuring discussions AIDS Walk Detroit 2011, 8 a.m. Annual Troy. 248-981-4227. pflagdetroit.org The 17the annual and meet and greets with new people AIDS Walk. Corporate Sponsors for this during the week. Discussion: Ways of event are Comerica Bank, DirectRX, 5/3 Partnerships in Parenting, 1 OutFest, Ann Arbor’s LGBT coping with the stress of the season. LGBT Bank, Ford Motor Company, Genisys p.m. Promoting the importance of celebration, returns this year in the Park, 620 W. Woodward Heights, Credit Union, Gilmour-Jirgens Fund, MGM relationship and family development Hazel Park. 248-460-3251. Jffryoliver@ Grand Detroit, Raymond James, Tibotec for LGBTQ parents and their children. on Sept. 17 to celebrate the yahoo.com Therapeutics, Volkswagon of America, Seeking to build a stronger connection upcoming National Coming and ZMC Pharmacy. More information between parents and children through Sistrum Orientation, 6 p.m. Sistrum’s Out Day. Though NCOD is online. AIDS Walk Detroit 2011, Royal social networking and community 26th season begins with an orientation. Oak Farmer’s Market, Royal Oak. outreach. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine celebrated Oct. 11 this year, New members and returning members Aidswalkdetroit.org Mile Road, Ferndale. 734-574-5953. OutFest has moved to Sept. 17 may RSVP to [email protected]. Sistrum GoAffirmations.org Lansing Women’s Chorus, 215 N. Capitol PFLAG Tri-Cities Meeting, 2 p.m. Every for more ideal outdoor weather. Ave., Lansing. Sistrum.org 3rd Sunday of the month. Support groups Dining by Design - Gala Dinner, 6 p.m. OutFest is organized including monthly speakers. PFLAG Raising funds for HIV/AIDS services and TransCend, 6:30 p.m. Open to persons Tri-Cities, 2525 Hemmeter, Saginaw. education organizations in the nation. by the Jim Toy Community 18 and older. Younger are welcome with 989-941-1458. [email protected] $250 admission. Limited seating, silent Center in cooperation with parent or guardian permission. Kalamazoo auction, dinner and appetizers provided , 7 p.m. Comedy, dance, \aut\ bar and Trilium Real Gay Lesbian Resource Center, 629 Pioneer Chez Bouche’ by the Matt Prentice Restaurant Group. Street, Kalamazoo. 269-349-4234. adult puppetry and magic show. Lady Live entertainment and complimentary Estate. The festival will include Kglrc.org Gaga impersonator Miss Redd Hott. valet parking. Michigan AIDS Coalition and live music, guest speakers, Spiral Video and Dance Bar, 1247 DIFFA, 441 West Canfield, Detroit. 248- Thursday, Sept. 15 Center Street, Lansing. 517-371-3221. 545-1435. Michiganaidscoalition.org games, fundraisers and raffles, Spiraldancebar.com Policy to Practice, 6 p.m. Discussing World Music Dance Party, 6:30 p.m. which will benefit the Jim Toy diversity and inclusion as effective Community Center. Special Monday, Sept. 19 Celebrating diversity and support for strategies for businesses in Kalamazoo. the Jim Toy Center that serves the Ann performances from “Just Jill” Keynote speaker Eric Peterson. Borgess New Member Night, Out Loud Chorus’s Arbor area’s LGBT Community. Tickets and “Drag King Rebellion” Lawrence Education Center, 1521 Gull Road, new member night for the winter concert sold online, by phone at 734-424-2797 Kalamazoo. 810-650-6274. Kglrc.org season. Opportunity to join LGBT chorus or at the door. Admission: $10 each or begin at 6 p.m. group. All are welcome--LGBT & allies. No Polyamory Network, 7:30 p.m. Open two tickets for $15. Jim Toy Center and OutFest takes place in Braun Court, across from the Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market. For more sight-reading skills are required! We are Interweave of UUAA, 4001 Ann Arbor- and inclusive community of people Washtenaw County’s original mixed LGBT information, go to jimtoycenter.org. living polyamorously, people interested Saline Road, Ann Arbor. 734-424-2797. chorus. Trinity Lutheran Church, 1400 [email protected] jimtoycenter.org in polyamory and people of, friendly to West Stadium Boulevard, Ann Arbor. 734- Music & More and curious about polyamory. Welcomes 265-0740. Olconline.org 2nd Annual Red Party, 9 p.m. Raising diversity of sexual orientation and money in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Red Joan Rivers simply exudes brash gender identity. Polyamory Network, 319 Tuesday, Sept. 20 attire suggested. Wristbands cost $10, Braun Court, Ann Arbor. 734 6782478. which permits access to four venues. New Yorker, so it’s no wonder she’s , Jimtoycenter.org LanSINGout Gay Men’s Chorus Michigan Pride & LAAN, Esquire Bar, Invitation to all people with male- earned a rabid gay following. After Turner St.; Grand Cafe, 201 E. Grand sounding voices to join with us at our Friday, Sept. 16 River Ave.; Spiral Dance Bar, 1247 Center beginning her comedy career over open enrollment rehearsals. Lansing First St.; and Rave Barn across from Spiral, Welcoming Reception, 11:30 a.m. Presbyterian Church, 510 W. Ottawa St., 50 years ago at The Second City Lansing. Michiganpride.org President of Oakland University, Dr. Russi, Lansing. 517-490-1746. Lansingout.org in Chicago, Rivers has gone on to will be speaking as well as Professor host countless television events and Larrabee of the LGBT Resource Group and Transgender Life Support, 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25 Alexa Van Vliet of the Gay Straight Alliance. Support group for transgendered people Lezread, 4 p.m. Ann Arbors book group appear on a variety of her own TV A welcome to LGBT and allied students and allies. Transgender Life Support, 290 shows, including “The Late Show for Lesbians. Meets the last Sunday of of the fall semester. Free food will be W. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. every month. Lezread, 319 Braun Court, Starring Joan Rivers,” “The Joan provided. Oakland University’s GSA, 2200 Goaffirmations.org Ann Arbor. 734-678-2478. lezread@ Rivers Position” and “Can We Shop?” N. Squirrel Road, Rochester. 734-891- yahoo.com 0501. [email protected] Thursday, Sept. 22 A revealing documentary on her life, Bisexual Peer Group, 7 p.m. Meets Voices, 4:30 p.m. The voices of the “Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work,” was monthly on the third Friday. Discussion lesbian, gay, bi-attractional, transgender released last year. relating to bisexuality, pansexuality, or questioning homeless youth will be Joan Rivers will perform her omnisexuality. Allies are encouraged heard and celebrated at the Ruth Ellis MUSIC & and welcomed to attend. Building is Centers annual benefit, at the Museum of uncensored standup routine in front handicapped accessible using ramp to Contemporary Art Detroit. Tickets to Voices of a sold-out audience at 8 p.m. Sept. rear entrance. Bisexual Peer Group, 319 are $175 for VIP, which includes a private 17 at the Andiamo Celebrity Room in Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. 734-678-2478. reception at 5:30 p.m. and exhibition tour MORE [email protected] $125 for the main reception at 6 p.m. with Warren, 7096 E. 14 Mile Road. For spoken word performances and a silent BENEFITS/SOCIAL EVENTS Womyn’s Film Night, 7 p.m. Film-The more information, visit joanrivers. auction. $50 for guests under 30. Ruth Kerrytown Concert House “Teal by Hunger. Miriam, a centuries-old vampire, Ellis Center, 4454 Woodward Ave, Detroit. Twilight” All proceeds benefit the Michigan com or call 586-268-3200. preys on urban club goers with her 313-252-1950. Ruthelliscenter.org Ovarian Cancer Alliance. Kerrytown vampire lover John. Affirmations, 290 W. Concert House, 415 N Fourth Ave., Ann Theater Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Dining by Design-Cocktails by Design/ Arbor. 8 p.m. Sept. 16. 734-769-2999. Goaffirmations.org Artworks Auction, 6 p.m. Spectacular Kerrytownconcerthouse.com Spotlight Players will present the designs from Detroit’s design community, Saturday, Sept. 17 showcasing local talent and raising COMEDY energetic and dynamic “The Music fundraiser for HIV/AIDS services and Man” by Meredith Willson. This Tony Affirmations Off the Wall Art education organizations in the nation. Andiamo Celebrity Showroom Joan Competition, 10 a.m. 1st annual $100 admission to the auction includes Rivers, American comedienne, television Award-winning musical-comedy is loved competition highlighting the eclectic vibe cocktails, live entertainment, 25 local personality and actress, Joan Rivers. Call all over the world. Show dates are Sept. of Ferndale by featuring edgy and “funky” chefs and over 100 original works of art for ticket information. Andiamo Celebrity art. Submitted artwork will be displayed Showroom, 7096 E. 14 Mile Road, 16-25 at the Village Theater at Cherry for auction. Michigan AIDS Coalition and at the Grab and Go SushiCo., in the front DIFFA, 441 West Canfield, Detroit. 248- Warren. 8 p.m. Sept. 17. 586-268-3200. Hill in Canton. of Affirmations. Prizes include cash and 545-1435. Michiganaidscoalition.org Joanrivers.com “The Music Man” tells the story of gift certificates. Affirmations, 290 W. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Meadowbrook Music Festival Stephen fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Goaffirmations.org Friday, Sept. 23 Wright Tickets: $27.50 reserved, $17.50 Hill, whose con is to persuade towns to Dining by Design - Party by Design, 6 general. Meadow Brook Music Festival, Transgender Health Fair, 1 p.m. p.m. Raising funds for HIV/AIDS services 2200 N. Squirrel Rd., Rochester. 7:30 p.m. invest in a boy’s brass band that never 2nd annual Transgender Health Fair. and education organizations in the nation. Sept. 17. 1-800-745-3000. Palacenet.com Transgender Michigan and Affirmations, materializes. But Hill gets more than he $10 admission to an evening after party The Ark Willy Porter Tickets: $17.50. Hill 290 W. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- with cash bar, food, entertainment and bargained for in River City when his love 7105. Goaffirmations.org Auditorium, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor. 7:30 for the town librarian provokes a dormant dancing. Michigan AIDS Coalition and p.m. Sept. 18. 734-761-1800. Theark.org OutFest, 6 p.m. The Jim Toy Community DIFFA, 441 West Canfield, Detroit. 248- conscience. Center, in cooperation with the \aut\ 545-1435. Michiganaidscoalition.org CONCERTS “‘The Music Man’ is a classic show BAR and Trillium Real Estate, proudly Womyn’s Film Night, 7 p.m. Film-Salt. After DTE Energy Music Theatre tobyMac With that is fun for everyone: anyone who has invites all members of the community to she’s accused of being a Russian sleeper special guest Peter Furier, Mandisa and “OutFest 2011” a National Coming Out Day spy, rogue CIA agent Evelyn Salt goes on the Jamie Grace. Tickets: $39.50 and $25 played an instrument, those who enjoy a good love story, and anyone who gets a kick out of celebration. Includes performances from run, using every tactic, accent and disguise pavilion and $15 lawn. DTE Energy Music quaint and funny characters whose intentions are good but somewhat misguided,” said musical “Just Jill” and “Drag King Rebellion.” Party she knows to elude her pursuers, clear her Theatre, 7774 Sashabaw, Clarkston. 7 p.m. director Rebecca Biber. extends through the courtyard and into name and protect her husband. Affirmations, Sept. 18. 248-377-0100. Palacenet.com the Jim Toy Community Center. Jim Toy 290 W. Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Joe Louis Arena “Chris Brown F.A.M.E. The Village Theater at Cherry Hill is located at 50400 Cherry Hill Road, Canton. For Community Center, 319 Braun Court, Ann Goaffirmations.org Arbor. 734 6782478. Jimytoycenter.org Tour” North American Tour with Kelly tickets, call 734-394-5300 Rowland, T-Pain and Tyga. Tickets: $39.75- 85.75. Joe Louis Arena, 19 Steve Yzerman

28 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 For expanded listings & to add a listing, visit www.pridesource.com

Drive, Detroit. 7 p.m. Sept. 18. 313-396- Theatre at Civic Auditorium, 329 S. Park Oaks. Sept. 23 - 24. 269-756-3879. Cranbrook Art Museum “Saarinem 7000. Olympiaentertainment.com St., Kalamazoo. Sept. 16 - Oct. 2. 269- acorntheater.com House and Garden” rare integration of 343-1313. kazoocivic.com art, architecture, design and nature’s Kerrytown Concert House “All About Love Song $16. Broadway Onstage, total work of art. Designed in the late The Trio” Ellen Rowe and her trio present Avenue Q $17-$22. Ann Arbor Civic 21517 Kelly Rd., Eastpointe. Through Oct. 1920s, Saarinen House served as the a concert/lecture series exploring Theatre at Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 8. 586-771-6333. broadwayonstage.com home and studio of the Finnish-American various aspects of the jazz piano trio. 911 N. University, Ann Arbor. Sept. 15 - 18. Love Song $25. Planet Ant Theatre, 2357 designer Eliel Saarinen and Loja Saarinen Tickets: $10-25, $5 students. Kerrytown 971-2228. a2ct.org from 1930 through 1950. Cranbrook Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Caniff, Hamtramck. Sept. 15 - Oct. 8. 313- Entertaining Mr. Sloane $15. Korda Artistic 365-4948. planetant.com Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave, Arbor. May 1 - Sept. 18. 734-769-2999. Bloomfield Hills. May 2 - Sept. 30. 877- Kerrytownconcerthouse.com Productions at The KordaZone Theatre, 2520 Seminole St., Windsor. Sept. 16 - 24. 519- Oh, Hell! Admission by donation. The 462-7262. Cranbrookart.edu Kerrytown Concert House “Freddy Cole 562-3394. kordazone.com Abreact Performance Space, 1301 W. Lafayette #113, Detroit. Through Oct. 1. DC3, Klever Design “The Typography Quartet” Younger brother of Nat King Cole of Music” Free admission. This concert performs piano and vocalists of a classic Follies $19. Village Players, 34660 313-454-1542. theabreact.com Woodward Ave., Birmingham. and lecture to showcase the beauty jazz quartet. Tickets: $35-20. Kerrytown Opera at The Acorn $25. The Acorn of the design of music notation is part Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Sept. 16 - Oct. 2. 248-644-2075. birminghamvillageplayers.com Theater, 107 Generations Dr., Three of the Detroit Design Festival. A string Arbor. Sept. 23 - Sept. 23. 734-769-2999. Oaks. 8 p.m. Sept. 17. 269-756-3879. quartet will play and the Audience will Kerrytownconcerthouse.com Leading Ladies $15. Center Stage acorntheater.com get to see the score of one of the pieces. Royal Oak Music Theatre “Tommy Jackson at Jackson Community Detroit Public Library Main Branch, 5201 College, 2111 Emmons Road, Jackson. Rosmersholm $15-18, or pay what you Emmanuel” Tickets: $39.50. Royal Oak can. Magenta Giraffe Theatre Company Woodward Avenue, Detroit. 5 p.m. Sept. Music Theatre, 318 W Fourth St, Royal Sept. 23 - Oct. 2. 517-529-4932. 27. 313-481-1300. Website centerstagejackson.org at 1515 Broadway, 1515 Broadway, Oak. 7 p.m. Sept. 24. 248-399-2980. Detroit. Sept. 16 - Oct. 8. 313-708-4269. Farmington Downtown Development Royaloakmusictheatre.com Meet Me in St. Louis $25, $18 in magentagiraffe.org Authority “Farmington Farmers & Artisans The Ark Mavis Staples. Tours for recently advance. Stagecrafters at Baldwin Market” Each Saturday. Fresh Michigan Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette, Royal Oak. Southern Baptist Sissies Contains nudity released a new album, “You Are Not and adult situations. $10-$20. Who Wants produce, baked goods, locally produced Alone,” produced by fellow Chicagoan Jeff Sept. 16 - Oct. 9. 248-541-8027. honey, handcrafted soaps and emollients, stagecrafters.org Cake? at The Ringwald, 22742 Woodward Tweedy at Wilco’s studio The Loft. Fund Ave., Ferndale. Through Sept. 26. 248- fine art and jewelry, photography and a raises for The Ark, Tickets: $50-$500. The Mission: Possible $12. All The World’s A 545-5545. whowantscaketheatre.com variety of unique, artisan-made products. Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 6 p.m. Stage at Gray’s Opera House, 231 Van Dyke, Walter E. Sundquist Pavilion, 33113 Grand Sept. 23. 734-761-1800. Theark.org Romeo. Sept. 24. showtix4u.com Sundays at Go Comedy! $7 for the River Ave., Farmington. May 28 - Oct. 29. night. Go Comedy! Improv Theater, 261 E. 248-473-7276. Downtownfarmington.org The Ark Caroline Herring Tickets: $15. The Music Man $18. Spotlight Players at Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale. 248-327-0575. The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. The Village Theater at Cherry Hill, 50400 gocomedy.net Flint Institute of Arts “Quilting Traditions: Sept. 14. 734-761-1800. Theark.org Cherry Hill Rd., Canton. Sept. 16 - 25. 734- The Art of the Amish” Amish women’s 394-5300. spotlightplayersmi.org The Extraordinary Ordinary $27-$29. traditional quilts assembled by collectors The Palace Foo Fighters with Special Farmers Alley Theatre, 221 Farmers Alley, Marsha and Thomas French. Examples Guest Rise Against & Marichi el Bronx The Sound of Music $16-$18. Avon Kalamazoo. Sept. 16 - Oct. 9. 269-343- are from the Amish communities in Tickets: $49.50 general admission floor, Players, 1185 Washington Rd., Rochester. 2727. farmersalleytheatre.com Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana from the and $49.50-29.50. Palace of Auburn Hills, Through Sept. 24. 248-608-9077. 19th to mid-20th century. Flint Institute of 5 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills. 7 p.m. avonplayers.org The Judy Show $15. The Acorn Theater, Arts, 1120 E. Kearsley, Flint. Sept. 9 - Nov. Sept. 19. 248-377-0100. Palacenet.com 107 Generations Dr., Three Oaks. 8 p.m. 13. 810-234-1695. Flintarts.org Sept. 15. 269-756-3879. acorntheater.com University Musical Society Emerson COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY THEATER Kalamazoo Institute of Arts “Portrait String Quartet, formed in the bicentennial The Light in the Piazza $28. The and Presence” Contemporary portraiture year of the United States, the Emerson References to Salvador Dali Make Encore Musical Theatre, 3126 Broad St., pursues a complex and personal approach String Quartet took its name from the Me Hot $20. WMU Theatre at Gilmore Dexter. Through Oct. 2. 734-268-6200. to the genre’s traditional representation great American poet and philosopher Theatre Complex, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., theencoretheatre.org of the subject’s visage and social identity. Ralph Waldo Emerson. Tickets: $52-24. Kalamazoo. Sept. 22 - Oct. 2. 269-387- Admission: Free. Kalamazoo Institute of 3227. wmutheatre.com The Mystery of Irma Vep $28-$30. Burton Memorial Tower, 881 N. University Tipping Point Theatre, 361 E. Cady St., Arts, 314 S. Park, Kalamazoo. May 1 - Ave., Ann Arbor. 4 p.m. Sept. 18. 734-764- What Happened: The September 11 Northville. Through Oct. 9. 248-347-0003. Sept. 17. 269-349-7775. Kiarts.org 2538. Ums.org Testimony Project & Return to the Upright tippingpointtheatre.com Lawrence Street Gallery “Sherry Adams Position A tribute to the 9/11 World Trade University Musical Society “Dan Zanes The Whipping Man A co-production with Foster” Luminescent new work of LSG & Friends” Dan Zanes & Friends are Center disaster. $10. MSU Dept. of Theatre Gallery member Sherry Adams Foster. at Arena Theatre, MSU Auditorium Bldg., East Plowshares Theatre Company. $36-$43. releasing Little Nut Tree, the group’s The Jewish Ensemble Theatre Company Lawrence Street Gallery, 22620 Woodward first album in five years and Ann Arbor is Lansing. Sept. 20 - Oct. 1. 1-800-Wharton. Ave. Suite A, Ferndale. Aug. 31 - Oct. 1. theatre.msu.edu at Aaron DeRoy Theatre at the Jewish celebrating, with two performances by Community Center, 6600 W. Maple Rd., 248-544-0394. Lawrencestreetgallery.com the wild, crazy, and popular ensemble West Bloomfield. Through Oct. 2. 248- Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit that has “charged to the rescue of PROFESSIONAL 788-2900. jettheatre.org beleaguered parents everywhere.” (The A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the “Stephanie Nava: Considering a Plot Washington Post). Tickets: $16 adults, Ukraine $12-30. Hilberry Theatre, 4743 Thursdays at Go Comedy! $15. Go (Dig for Victory)” A work in progress, $8 youth. Burton Memorial Tower, 881 N. Cass Ave., Detroit. Sept. 23 - Oct. 15. 313- Comedy! Improv Theater, 261 E. Nine Mile developed by French artist Stephanie University Ave., Ann Arbor. Sept. 25 - Sept. 577-6798. wsushows.com Rd., Ferndale. Through Aug. 25. 248-327- Nava. Its installation at MOCAD marks 25. 734-764-2538. Ums.org 0575. gocomedy.net the artist’s first solo exhibition in the Beehive: The 60s Musical Sensation United States. The installation is based on FILM & VIDEO $15-$20, $49.95-$59.95 dinner Time Stands Still Previews Sept. 23-25 the specifications and history of English & show packages per couple. & 29 ($22-$30). $27-$41. Performance allotments, or subsistence gardens. Detroit Film Theatre “The Interrupters” HappenStance Productions at Andiamo Network Theatre, 120 East Huron Street, Started in London in 2005 as part of the Tickets: $7.50, $6.50 for DIA members, Novi Theatre, 42705 Grand River Ave., Ann Arbor. Sept. 23 - Oct. 23. 734-663- Institute Francais Villa Medicis Hors les seniors and students. Detroit Film Theatre, Novi. Sept. 8 - Oct. 9. 248-348-4448. 0681. performancenetwork.org murs residency program. Museum of 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit. Sept. 16 - andiamonovitheatre.com Contemporary Art Detroit, 4454 Woodward Sept. 18. 313-833-7900. Dia.org Unlocking Desire $20. Khoros Inc. at Ave, Detroit. Sept. 16 - Dec. 30. 313-832- Come Fly Away $39-89. Fisher Theatre, Marlene Boll Theater, 1401 Broadway, 6622. Mocadetroit.org Detroit Film Theatre “DFT 101: Mexican 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit. Sept. 13 - 25. Detroit. Sept. 23 - Oct. 8. barbaraneri. Cinema: Julio Bracho’s Vision” Tickets: 313-872-1000. broadwayindetroit.com com/williamswing.html “The Face $7.50, $6.50 for DIA members, seniors Pittmann-Puckett Art Gallery of Detroit” Metro Times photographer and students. Detroit Film Theatre, 5200 Daddy Long Legs $34.50-44.50. The Wednesdays at Go Comedy! Go Comedy! Bruce Giffin photographs of Detroit. A third Woodward Ave, Detroit. 7 p.m. Sept. 22. Gem Theatre, 333 Madison St., Detroit. Improv Theater, 261 E. Nine Mile Rd., of all subjects are homeless, though Giffin 313-833-7900. Dia.org Sept. 14 - Nov. 20. 313-963-9800. Ferndale. 248-327-0575. gocomedy.net argues it is unimportant to know which gemtheatre.com Detroit Film Theatre “Alloy Orchestra: they are. Affirmations, 290 W. 9 Mile Road, Blackmail” Tickets: $7.50, $6.50 for DIA Escanaba in Da Moonlight Previews Ferndale. Sept. 1 - Sept. 30. 248-398- members, seniors and students. Detroit Sept. 22-25 & 28-29 ($20-$30). $25-$40. 7105. Goaffirmations.org Film Theatre, 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit. The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 The Gallery Project “Subjective World/ 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22. 313-833-7900. Dia.org Park St., Chelsea. Sept. 22 - Dec. 17. 734- ART ‘N’ Umvelt” Umvelt or subjective world is 433-7782. purplerosetheatre.org University of Michigan Museum of Art a foundational concept in the study of “Romanian Film Festival: Award Winning Freud’s Last Session $39.50 - $44.50. animal behavior. It challenges people Shorts” Third annual Romanian Film Century Theatre, 333 Madison St., AROUND to think about animals as they might Festival concludes with a series of short Detroit. Through Nov. 20. 313-963-9800. Ann Arbor Art Center “Annual All Media experience the world through their own Romanian films: “The Boxing Lesson,” gemtheatre.com Exhibition” 89th annual juried exhibition senses and respond to it with their own “big brac,” “Derby,” “Cavier,” “Lord” and has provided many opportunities for bodies, according to their own priorities. Fridays and Saturdays at Go Comedy! “The Cage.” Helmut Stern Auditorium, 525 both established and emerging artists The Gallery Project, 215 S. Fourth Ave., Go Comedy! Improv Theater, 261 E. S. State St., Ann Arbor. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24. throughout the state of Michigan. Ann Ann Arbor. Sept. 21 - Oct. 30. 734-997- Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale. 248-327-0575. 734-763-4186. Umma.umich.edu Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St., Ann 7012. Thegalleryproject.com gocomedy.net Arbor. Sept. 2 - Oct. 2. 734-995-8004. University of Michigan Museum of Art Girls Night: The Musical $45. Miller Annarborartcenter.org “Mike Kelley: Day is Done” New Media Auditorium, 2200 Auditorium Dr., Cass Cafe “6 Degrees” Exhibit of paintings Gallery hosts Mike Kelley’s “Day is Done,” Kalamazoo. Sept. 23 - 24. 269-387-2300. by Detroit-based artist Craig Paul Nowak. which continues the artist’s career-long Millerauditorium.com THEATER The show features a range of works in a investigation into the relationships CIVIC/COMMUNITY THEATER Heroes $18-$24. Stormfield Theatre, 201 variety of media, and features large-scale between order and transgression, popular and avant-garde culture, while touching ACT Two one-acts. $12. Ann Arbor Civic Morgan Lane, Lansing. Through Sept. 18. portraits drawn from the artists’ circle of on contemporary notions of trauma and Theatre at A2CT Studio Theater, 322 W. 517-372-0945. stormfieldtheatre.org family and colleagues. Cass Cafe, 4620 repressed memory. University Of Michigan Ann St., Ann Arbor. Sept. 23 - Oct. 2. 734- Cass Ave., Detroit. Aug. 27 - Oct. 29. 313- Life in a Marital Institution $25. Museum Of Art, 525 South State Street, 971-2228. a2ct.org 831-1400. Casscafe.com Meredith Vieira Productions at The Acorn Ann Arbor. Aug. 27 - Dec. 31. 734-763- All Shook Up $18-$22. Kalamazoo Civic Theater, 107 Generations Dr., Three 4186. Umma.umich.edu

29 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 Rear View ODDS & ENDS Rose Parade Across 38 Getty of “The Golden Down 32 Cruising, maybe Girls” 34 NG: “Look out ...” 1 Julius Caesar’s first 41 “Heather ___ Two 1 NG: Kotter portrayer name Kaplan 35 Spot for gay Mommies” honeymoons 6 NG: Roth offerings 2 Fruity drinks 42 Sucker or suckee? 36 NG: Early movie dog 10 Moist mounds 3 Sappho’s “I” 44 NG: Takes advantage of 39 Dean Cain role 14 Become a parent 45 NG: Leave home 4 NG: On pins and needles nonheterosexually 40 Some actors have 47 NG: Bounded along 5 Place for porking? big ones 15 2008 biopic about 6 NG: “Like, no problem, Harvey 49 Character played by 43 Character played by 38-Across man” 61-Across 16 NG: Hint to the future 50 Many a place near 7 Park of Queens 46 Emulate Dr. Kildare 17 She played Rose on Aspen 8 NG: Model Carol “The Golden Girls” 48 NG: Vein filler 53 Sit for Mapplethorpe 9 Like a pirate insignia 19 NG: ___-tat 49 Scotch partner 54 NG: Hollywood Bros. 10 Character played by 20 NG: Actor Morales 50 NG: Used inelegant 55 NG: Provide assistance 27-Across language 21 Butch’s towel word 56 NG: “Darn!” 11 Place for a G-string 51 NG: On the fritz 22 Booty grabber 60 NG: Crude cartel 12 “South Pacific” nuts 52 NG: Legal conclusion 24 Worker on Broadway 61 Rue of “The Golden 13 NG: Kind of drum beginning 26 Fruitful Girls” 18 Spin like a top 53 Accumulated, like 27 Bea of “The Golden 64 NG: Seek a sorority 23 “Lord of the Rings” Gomer? Girls” 65 NG: Words of woe extra 55 Top 30 NG: Cookies unit 66 NG: Funny Cheri 25 Trojan Horse, e.g. 57 NG: “Excuse me!” 31 Historic Stonewall 26 Blows it 58 NG: Waterproof cover disturbances 67 NG: Novel conclusion 27 NG: Spirited horse 59 Prissy hissy 32 NG: Sills’ solo 68 Have an opening for 28 NG: Anticrime acronym 62 “Evita” narrator 33 Nick Adams’ Johnny 69 Offer an apple to Adam and Steve? 29 Canine from Kansas 63 NG: “Just kidding!” 37 NG: Be in a cast 30 Go straight? Solution on 32

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30 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 Horoscopes

Don’t be nervous, Aries!

BY JACK FERTIG

Venus coming home to Libra normally helps us to be more gracious, social and polite. Opposing Uranus on the way, in whips up some crazy ideas of what that might mean. Compassion and imagining yourself in the other’s position is usually the best way to start out.

ARIES (March 20 – April SCORPIO (October 23 – 19): You’re suddenly looking November 21): Hiding out from marriageable no matter what the social whirl may give you local laws allow. Don’t be some peace, but doesn’t really nervous about letting that do much to allay your anxieties. someone special see your inner Hum the first tune that comes wounds. Allowing yourself to to mind. That song will offer be that vulnerable demonstrates insights to face your worries and truer, deeper confidence in put them in perspective. both of you. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 TAURUS (April 20 – May – December 20): Opportunities 20): A friend in need is a pain abound to “party hardy.” Be in the ass. You have your own careful not to go overboard. Seek problems. Even so, helping out out new, interesting, unusual your pal can not only get you out people at these events. Their of your own problems for a bit, perspectives can trigger new but help point you to a solution. insights into your own roots.

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): CAPRICORN (December Your idea of social outreach can 21 – January 19): Career be a little outré. One on one is opportunities are looking good fine for scaring off people you for you, but are you really don’t want to deal with, but if prepared? Know your strengths you’re working with a group and the difference between keep your focus on your goals reaching and overreaching. and behave accordingly. Work may be causing you to neglect issues at home. You need CANCER (June 21- July 22): to talk with someone there! New recipes or techniques will not go the way you expect AQUARIUS (January 20 – but could be better than you’d February 18): You might want hoped for. Even if things bollix to think a little harder before up, you get points for trying. At opening your mouth. Does it work keep your boss up on any really need to be said? Your experiments, just in case! words carry more weight than you realize. Treat them like LEO (July 23 – August 22): currency and don’t waste them. “Helpful” advice and corrections are not necessarily appreciated, PISCES (February 19 – March as you could find out the hard 19): Sexual healing or sexual way. An earnest, soul-searching reeling? Opportunities abound talk about sex can be more as Venus is flashing her goodies satisfying than actually doing it. in your house of illicit pleasures. Not that one rules out the other! She also offers a deeper challenge to reexamine your VIRGO (August 23 – priorities and values. Question September 22): You can find No. 1: where is the healing? amazing deals at estate sales, perhaps even your true love. If Jack Fertig, a professional you already have one of those, astrologer since 1977, is available bring him or her along and you could find some treasure that will for personal and business become an emblematic keepsake. consultations in person in San Francisco, or online everywhere. LIBRA (September 23 – He can be reached at 415-864- October 22): You’re looking 8302, through his website at especially gorgeous. The www.starjack.com, and by email attention you get will surprise at [email protected]. you. Romance is there for you, but what would your partner say? Of course you’re not just a pretty face; a new contact could prove very helpful as a colleague.

31 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 BY JODY VALLEY The mess we’ve made

I’ve been involved with “Ryan” for over has deceived me, so I don’t know if I can trust a year. I met him while I was working him. Also, Ryan said his wife doesn’t know that inQ: a city about 100 miles from where I live and he’s bisexual, and he doesn’t want her knowing. work. I get assigned to different projects and am (They have two kids.) often away from the main office. I get to where I’m still in love with Ryan, but I’m not Ryan lives several times a month. sure how this is all going to play out for me. I need to backtrack a little before I get into Do you think I should hang in there and settle my problem. I’ve been living with “Stan” for over for half a loaf? 10 years. We’ve not had a commitment ceremony, Half A Loaf but I guess we have a commitment of sorts, though it has never been spelled out, exactly. That I know To hang in there with your metaphor, do of, Stan has never been deeply involved with you think that you are offering anything anyone, though he certainly – I’m sure – has had moreA: than a whole loaf? his little trysts in the past 10 years of our being I’m not sure why you are upset with Ryan for together. I haven’t told him about Ryan. I don’t not being honest with you. Why would you expect, think he would take kindly to that knowledge. or demand, honesty from someone else when you Back to Ryan: I met Ryan in a bar, and we don’t bring full honesty to the table yourself? Do fell madly in love the first night. He didn’t take you think you deserve something you’re not willing me back to his place, but instead we went to my to give? You did tell Ryan about Stan, but you hotel. And this has been the case ever since we didn’t tell Stan about Ryan. You apparently pick met: We go to my hotel when I’m in town, not and choose your moments of honesty. to his place. This didn’t start to bother me until My advice to you would be to back away about a month or so ago. Although I teased him from Ryan and his wife, let them work things out. in the past about not being worthy of staying at Hopefully, one day, he will inject some honesty into his place, it seemed OK because Ryan said that his life. However, he’s not writing to me, and you he got “turned on” by going to a hotel. In fact, it can do nothing about his behavior, only your own. worked out well that Ryan liked hotels, because Though you didn’t ask me, I suggest that you when he came to my city – on a few occasions – I and Stan work on what your relationship means to got a hotel for us. (I couldn’t exactly bring him you both, and how you want it to work. If an open home to Stan.) I told Ryan about Stan, so it’s not relationship is what you both want, then be honest like I’ve been lying to him. Ryan seemed OK with about it. In other words, try and get something my being with Stan. He told me, very firmly, that honest going in your relationship with Stan. Then, he was not involved with another man. you can ask and deserve honesty from others. I should have asked Ryan if he was involved When we start lying in our relationships, we with a woman, because he was! Not only was the create a sticky web of deception; then eventually, other person a woman, but she was his wife! They get caught in it. It’s just a matter of time. were, as he put it, separated but still living together – supposedly sleeping in different bedrooms. Want to learn more about lying in (That’s why I was never invited to his place, and relationships? Look up Dear Jody Valley on why he told me that he got “turned on” by hotels.) Facebook. Apparently, about four months after we met and fell Jody Valley spent 12 years as a clinical social in love, he began couple counseling with his wife. worker. She worked with the LGBT community They have now reconciled, leaving me wonder both as a counselor and a workshop leader in the where I stand, or if I should hang around. areas of coming out, self-esteem and relationship Ryan told me that he wants to “stay in touch.” I don’t know if I want to do that, or issues. Reach Jody at DearJodyValley@hotmail. exactly what that will mean for me. I feel like he com. The “Dear Jody” column appears weekly.

PUZZLESolution SOLUTION to puzzle from page 30

To be included in next week’s Fall Home Guide ...

Call 734-293--7200 x22

32 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 Rear View CLASSIFIEDS To place a classified ad with us, visit pridesource.com/classifieds

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33 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 Deep Inside Hollywood

Blake Lively. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE Billie Piper’s ‘Love Life’ is all Are you ready for ‘The Young student/teacher–y Carrie Bradshaw Chronicles’? Once known as a ’90s British pop princess, Billie Piper has successfully leapt the wall into acting From this summer’s “X-Men: First Class” to the with her acclaimed turns as a companion on upcoming “The Amazing Spider-Man,” youthful “Doctor Who” and as an entirely different kind reboots are all the rage – but prequels aren’t just of companion on “Secret Diary of a Call Girl.” for superheroes anymore. And while first there But now Piper will be getting an apple (at the very were just rumblings, there are now more definite least) on a new BBC drama called “Love Life.” plans for HBO’s developing series (that would Her character is described as a schoolteacher probably air elsewhere, most likely the CW) who, after a disappointing fling with a married focusing on younger versions of the “Sex and man, discovers herself being attracted to one of the City” quartet. Imagine something along the her female students. TV schoolboys have gotten lines of “Smallville,” only with Carrie, Miranda, hot for teacher on everything from “Dawson’s Charlotte and Samantha instead of Clark Kent. Creek” to “Degrassi,” but getting a lesbian spin, With two recent “Teen Carrie” books by Candace from the instructor’s POV no less, helps level Bushnell, “The Carrie Diaries” and “Summer the pop culture playing field of inappropriate in the City,” freshly ready for adaptation, this romance. We’ll see how it works out when could all get moving quickly. Early casting news “Love Life” – which also stars “Ab Fab”’s Jane buzzing about Blake Lively has now grown to Horrocks and Piper’s fellow “Doctor Who” alum include talk of Emma Roberts. Who knows, David Tennant – premieres next year. maybe Selena Gomez is looking to change her image; if so, then there’s your Charlotte. And if the show wanted to incorporate a genuine element Sundance hit ‘Shut Up Little of the surreal into the proceedings, they could just Man!’ heads for Theaters let Kim Cattrall keep playing Samantha. OK, maybe Samantha’s slutty grandmother. Two Midwestern punk rock dudes moved to San Francisco in the late ’80s, only to be kept awake at night by the loud and boisterous arguments of Zachary Quinto’s gay for their drunken neighbors, one gay, one straight and ‘Horror’ both very familiar with alcohol. The fascinated new tenants tape-recorded the fights, which later While Zachary Quinto (“Heroes,” “Star Trek”) led to zines and duplicated cassettes and staged has maintained what we might call a “respectful readings that became an underground cultural silence” about his private life, he’s certainly phenomenon. That’s the story of “Shut Up Little never shied away from taking on gay roles, Man!,” the darkly hilarious (and also remarkably most recently in the acclaimed Broadway revival sad) documentary that premiered at Sundance this of “Angels in America.” (Or from making an year, and now it’s heading to theaters in New York “It Gets Better” video, for that matter.) Now and Los Angeles on Sept. 16. (The film is currently Quinto’s about to take on another gay role, this available on-demand as well.) It’s a fascinating time on Ryan Murphy’s much-anticipated scary portrait, not just of the battling boozehounds show for FX, “American Horror Story,” where next door but also of pre-Internet culture, when he’ll portray the man who sells the haunted something going “viral” was a process that took Victorian manor to the show’s lead characters, months and years, the products of cassette tape or played by Dylan McDermott and Connie Britten. copy paper. Given how today’s YouTube sensation Quinto and Britten are slated to become pals on becomes tomorrow’s has-been, it’s a strangely the show over the four episodes in which Quinto retro reminder of the extremely recent past. is slated to appear – he’ll first turn up on a two- Romeo San Vicente is ready for sweater weather. part episode airing Halloween week. So if you He can be reached care of this publication or at like getting spooked by Spock (and really, who doesn’t?), tune in. [email protected].

34 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011 Pride Source Yellow Pages BTL Advertisers t

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35 Between The Lines • September 15, 2011