The 2020 BTL Wedding Guide

Emergency Financial Assistance for Ryan White-Funded Agencies Now Available 8 Religious Exemptions Borne Out of Rejection of Marriage Equality 18

A Letter Concerning the Coronavirus and Michigan LGBTQ+ Communities 15

PRIDESOURCE.COM MARCH 19, 2020 | VOL. 2812 | FREE

4 BTL | March 19, 2020 www.PrideSource.com VOL. 2812/13 • MARCH 19, 2020 ISSUE 1143 PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA GROUP 20222 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152r Phone 734.293.7200 WEDDINGS 2020 PUBLISHERS 18 Religious Exemptions Borne Out Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson of Rejection of Marriage Equality EDITORIAL 30 Editor in Chief 20 ‘Embracing the Excitement’ of Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 102 Wedding Planning [email protected]

22 The Perfect Meeting Entertainment Editor Chris Azzopardi, 734.293.7200 x 106 26 2020 Wedding Trends to Spice [email protected] Up Your Ceremony News & Feature Editor Eve Kucharski, 734.293.7200 x 105 28 Songs to Consider and Ditch [email protected] When Making a Wedding Playlist 22 20 News & Feature Writers Michelle Brown, Ellen Knoppow, Jason A. Michael, Drew Howard, Jonathan Thurston CREATIVE Webmaster & MIS Director Kevin Bryant, [email protected]

Columnists Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown, Mikey Rox, D’Anne Witkowski, Gwendolyn Ann Smith, Dana Rudolph

Cartoonists Paul Berg

Contributing Photographers Andrew Potter, Andrew Cohen, Roxanne Frith, Tih Penfil ADVERTISING & SALES Director of Sales 28 10 Jan Stevenson, 734.293.7200 x 101 [email protected]

Sales Representatives NEWS OPINION Ann Cox, 734.293.7200 x 103 8 Emergency Financial Assistance for Ryan 14 Parting Glances [email protected] White-Funded Agencies Now Available 14 Message from the Publishers on National Advertising Representative 8 Gov. Whitmer Expands Unemployment COVID-19 Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 Benefits for Michigan Workers MEMBER OF 15 Creep of the Week: COVID-19 Michigan Press Assoication 10 Trans Sistas of Color Project Distributes National LGBT Media Association National Gay & Lesbian Chamber Care Packages to Those in Need Because of Q Syndicate COVID-19 LIFE 30 Wilson Cruz Knows the Power in 10 Affirmations Executive Director Addresses Storytelling COVID-19 Concerns in Video Message 38 The Frivolist 13 Corktown’s LGBTQ Health Survey Reveals Alarming Needs 40 Deep Inside Hollywood

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28 IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY® This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace (bik-TAR-vee) talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side eects, including: BIKTARVY may cause serious side eects, including: } Worsening of Hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have } Those in the “Most Important Information About both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if BIKTARVY” section. you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY } Changes in your immune system. Your immune system without ﬁrst talking to your healthcare provider, as they may get stronger and begin to ﬁght infections. Tell your will need to check your health regularly for several months. healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY. ABOUT BIKTARVY } Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults. It can either be used in they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY. people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose } Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements. is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual that causes AIDS. muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. that contains: } Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. } dofetilide Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these } rifampin symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, } any other medicines to treat HIV-1 dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY } The most common side eects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%). Tell your healthcare provider if you: These are not all the possible side eects of BIKTARVY. } Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any hepatitis infection. new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. } Have any other health problems. You are encouraged to report negative side eects of } Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare or call 1-800-FDA-1088. KEEP provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your } Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY. breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines PUSHING. you take: Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food. } Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter GET MORE INFORMATION Because HIV doesn’t change who you are. medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider } This is only a brief summary of important information about and pharmacist. BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more. BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat } BIKTARVY and other medicines may aect each other. Ask } HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5. that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take } If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you. To learn more, BIKTARVY with all your other medicines. for program information. visit BIKTARVY.com.

Get HIV support by downloading a free app at BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, DAILY CHARGE, the DAILY CHARGE Logo, KEEP PUSHING, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important MyDailyCharge.com Version date: December 2018 © 2019 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0103 02/19 warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.

BVYC0103_BIKTARVY_B_10x11_BetweenTheLines_KeepPushing2_DR4_r1v1jl.indd All Pages 4/2/19 9:19 AM IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY® This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace (bik-TAR-vee) talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

BVYC0103_BIKTARVY_B_10x11_BetweenTheLines_KeepPushing2_DR4_r1v1jl.indd All Pages 4/2/19 9:19 AM Gov. Whitmer Expands Unemployment Benefits for Emergency Financial Assistance for Ryan Michigan Workers BY BTL STAFF White-Funded Agencies Now Available

LANSING — This week Gov. Gretchen BY ELLEN SHANNA KNOPPOW Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-10 to temporarily expand eligibility for unemployment benefits. This executive order is effective immediately and until Tuesday, April 14 at 11:59 they need cleaning products or fever reducers Program, CARES is reimbursed by MDHHS p.m. or food — that kind of thing. So that’s the after purchases are made and paperwork is Under the governor’s order, unemployment Emergency Expansion of Ryan guidance I put out to my staff Friday. They’re filed. That’s what enabled Doyle to swing into benefits would be extended to: White Funding going to start calling them in the next couple action and shop for supplies over the weekend Workers who have an unanticipated family days to be able to keep them calm.” — or, at least attempt to do so. care responsibility, including those who have In response to the recent outbreak of Doyle described precautions the CARES “Because of the nature of people buying so childcare responsibilities due to school closures, COVID-19, the Michigan Department of locations are taking in the face of the much stuff so quickly, we just went out and or those who are forced to care for loved ones Health and Human Services Division of HIV pandemic. stockpiled some things [earlier] to have that, who become ill. and STD Programs is providing emergency “Right now, everything’s moved so quickly,” to be able to this week provide,” Doyle said. Workers who are sick, quarantined, or financial assistance to Ryan White-funded she said, referring to the pace at which the “And even with that, I wanted to be able to get immunocompromised and who do not have access agencies to support their clients living with public is receiving new information and thermometers and hand sanitizer and bleach to paid family and medical leave or are laid off. HIV. Medicine, medical supplies and food recommendations. With the first reports of wipes, and those are the things that I can’t First responders in the public health community — if the client is not currently funded for cases, she said they began with more frequent find. At all. Like, zero, which is frustrating.” who become ill or are quarantined due to exposure food bank services — are covered by this hand washing and by disinfecting surfaces in As CEO, Doyle is looking ahead for her to COVID-19. emergency funding. Items named in a letter the office with bleach wipes on a daily basis. clients and staff. And she sounded satisfied “While we work together to mitigate the spread addressed to program staff and clients include “As this progressed, we started working with the way the state has stepped in to help of coronavirus, we must do everything we can things such as hand sanitizer, household towards meeting face-to-face only in her agency. to help working families,” Whitmer said. “This cleaning products, masks, gloves and fever emergency situations,” Doyle said. “And most “This is just the beginning, I think,” Doyle executive order will provide immediate relief to reducers. likely next week, we’ll have a lot of our staff said. “I feel more confident because Governor those who can’t go to work, and who rely on their “Ryan White funding isn’t usually allowed working from home to minimize having too Whitmer has taken this on very strong. [She’s] paycheck to put food on the table for themselves to buy cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer [or] many people around to create that issue of not messing around. I appreciate that.” and their families. I urge everyone to make smart food,” said Kelly Doyle, CEO of CARES, a transmission.” choices at this time, and to do everything in their Ryan White funded-agency in Southwest For clients whose HIV is well-maintained, power to keep themselves and their loved ones Michigan. “So this really opens up for us being Doyle said it’s likely they’ll suggest delaying For Reference safe.” able to do things for our clients right now in routine appointments at present because “it The federal government’s Health Resources “We know that many families are and will this crisis to help them, whether people are would probably be healthier for them.” and Services Administration’s Ryan White experience economic pain as a result of the quarantined or self-quarantined, to be able to “Now, if they are newer clients or they’re HIV/AIDS Program provides HIV primary COVID-19 pandemic.,” said Jeff Donofrio, clean themselves and clean their environment. having health issues, we have a clinic that we medical care, essential support services Director of the Department of Labor and Our clients are also family members who can have them come to,” Doyle said. “And of and medications for low-income people Economic Opportunity. “Our expansion of often take care of other family members.” course, we would try to screen for any of the living with HIV who are uninsured and unemployment and workers’ compensation MDHHS is currently working with COVID symptoms beforehand.” underserved. The Program funds grants to benefits is designed to help provide emergency Medicaid and Script Guide to secure an CARES’ clinic is staffed by Western states, cities, counties and local community- support to Michigan’s working families.” additional 30-day supply of medications Michigan University School of Medicine based organizations that serve people living The State is also seeking solutions for self- for clients as well. It is recommended that clinicians who have their own policies, Doyle with HIV to improve health outcomes and employed workers and independent contractors pharmaceuticals be mailed or delivered to indicated. She added that they’re working on reduce HIV transmission among hard-to- who traditionally do not have access to individuals’ homes. a plan to use telemedicine when appropriate. reach populations. unemployment insurance. Additional funding to defray the cost of Gov. Whitmer’s office addressed It is estimated that 9,179 clients were Access to benefits for unemployed workers will travel for the delivery of medicine, medical telemedicine’s role during the COVID-19 served by Ryan White Program providers in also be extended: supplies and/or food will also be covered by pandemic in a March 12 statement that Michigan in 2018. At that time there were MDHHS for people living with HIV announced her administration would 16,306 individuals living with HIV in the - Benefits will be increased from 20 to 26 weeks. immediately begin allowing Medicaid state, according to MDHHS statistics. - The application eligibility period will be An Agency Responds beneficiaries to access the service. In It should be noted that the impact of increased from 14 to 28 days Michigan, 3,931 clients of Ryan White-funded COVID-19 on people living with HIV is not - The normal in-person registration and work Community AIDS Resource and Education agencies relied on Medicaid alone for health yet known. However, many people who are search requirements will be suspended. Services is a nonprofit AIDS organization insurance in 2018. HIV-positive may experience increased risk - Eligible employees should apply for serving 10 counties in Southwest Michigan. “When we expand access through factors: these include advanced age, chronic unemployment benefits online at Michigan.gov/ Approximately 400 clients are served by two telemedicine, we can help reduce the number medical problems and immune suppression UIA or 1-866-500-0017. Kent County locations. At present, CARES is of Michiganders who need to visit their health – indicated by a low CD4 T-cell count or not not offering its clients particular guidelines care provider in person, which will help slow receiving antiretroviral treatment. Under the order, an employer or employing unit regarding COVID-19 beyond what state the spread of disease and ensure our health must not be charged for unemployment benefits leadership has suggested. facilities have adequate staff and resources For information on how to access emergency if their employees become unemployed because “I’m not advising the clients anything to care for those who are sick,” said MDHHS financial assistance, individuals served by Ryan of an executive order requiring them to close or specific,” Doyle said. “I’m letting the guidance Director Robert Gordon, in the statement. White-funded agencies should contact their limit operations. from MDHHS come down. What I am doing case managers or agencies. For regular updates is I’m having case managers call their clients on COVID-19: Michigan.gov/coronavirus. to talk and listen to clients to keep them calm The Reality See Unemployment, continued on p. 17 and hear what they need, and ... ask them, do For all expenses covered by the Ryan White

8 BTL | March 19, 2020 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com BTL | March 19, 2020 9 NEWS Trans Sistas of Color Project Distributes Care Packages to Those in Need Because of COVID-19

BY ELLEN SHANNA KNOPPOW for items and reported five board giving girls my number.” (see below) members were out making deliveries A mobile payment service is being to 15 women. TSOCP is using social used for donations. media and word of mouth to make their “We currently use Cash App with Taking Action outreach known. Ruth Ellis [Center] as our fiduciary,” As of Saturday, in response to the Reyes said. “It will take some time to get threat of COVID-19, to us, [but] most people have been members of the comfortably Cash App-ing to me. Trans Sistas of Color What I do is I screenshot and I send Project have begun it to the group.” distributing care This isn’t exactly the first virus that packages containing essential items to Be mindful, when things “ the LGBT community has tackled transgender women of color in need. “ like this happen, think Priority is being together. And we got this. If we stay given to sex workers, about marginalized those experiencing communities: LGBT together, stay smart, stay safe, stay unstable housing and the elderly. Executive people, women, trans calm, wash your hands, we’re going Director Lilianna Reyes explained that folk — and know that if to be fine. some members of everyone is panicking the collective were in ” Chicago on business and if people go jump in when news broke Affirmations Executive Director that cases of the virus their car and buy stuff, had been diagnosed some folks might not Addresses COVID-19 Concerns in Video in Michigan. Message Realizing how have that luxury. So think hard-hit vulnerable about what folks can BY BTL STAFF populations like trans women of color do, in a safe way, to help might be, they cut s infections in the U.S. rose past 1,500, three days out. ago concerns about the coronavirus, or COVID-19, their trip short and took action. TSOCP Executive Director Lilianna Reyes makes hand sanitizer to include resulted in a state of national emergency for the U.S. in care packages. “Especially since ” ABecause of this and advice like the recent recommendations many of our girls do from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to contracting on the She said that originally, they cancel events with more than 50 people, Executive Director side to help support [themselves] and Fulfilling a Mission hadn’t expected cash donations to be of Affirmations Dave Garcia addressed changes to the a lot of their contracts were canceled part of the care packages; however, Ferndale LGBTQ community center’s schedule. because of all the stuff going on … we This initiative aligns with the mission sufficient donations were quickly secured Notably, Spring Bash, Affirmations’ annual spring were like, ‘This is something we need to of TSOCP, Reyes explained. to enable them to distribute $10 apiece. fundraiser has been moved to the fall, and its fall wine do,’” Reyes said. “And so, when we were “For us, anything to do with trans “Then today, literally two hours ago, event has moved to the summer months. As of the time of driving back from Chicago, we stopped women of color — to uplift them, or to we had enough to give 20 girls $20,” create a better space for them, is part of this article’s publication, the center’s doors will remain open at all the little stores — we decided to she said. our mission,” she said. for group meetings with some exceptions like the Senior make hand sanitizer and just pack bags Reyes had a final word to share about For those interested in providing caring for one another in these trying Koffee Klatch, which is made up of high-risk members. as much as possible. With folks reaching out and giving us money, we were able assistance, Reyes said the most helpful times. Smokers and those with compromised immune systems to give at least 20 girls $20 [each] in way is via monetary donations. With “Be mindful,” she said. “When are also discouraged from visiting the center until further addition to everything else.” social distancing in mind and reducing things like this happen, think about notice. Garcia added that video conferencing technology Along with hand sanitizer, the care the risk of spreading the virus being marginalized communities: LGBT will be implemented to “mitigate” the social isolation packages contain items like hand paramount, they are not seeking people, women, trans folk — and that many seniors already feel during this time of social wipes, toilet paper, non-perishable food donations of items. For people unable know that if everyone is panicking and distancing. items such as granola bars and canned to donate money, “We understand what if people go jump in their car and buy “This isn’t exactly the first virus that the LGBT community goods, plus over-the-counter-drug store that’s like,” Reyes said. stuff, some folks might not have that has tackled together. And we got this,” he said. “If we stay essentials and water. For the elderly, As an alternative, she suggested luxury. So think about what folks can sharing “info from our [page] or any together, stay smart, stay safe, stay calm, wash your hands, blankets are included as well. do, in a safe way, to help out.” of the Trans Sistas board members’ we’re going to be fine.” Reyes said they expect they’ll need to assemble and distribute 20 additional Facebook [pages] and/or tell girls who To donate, Reyes can be contacted directly bags this week. At the time of this phone they know who are trans women of color at 989-751-3740 or reach out to any of interview on Saturday, she was shopping to reach out to us. I’m okay with folks the TSOCP board members. 10 BTL | March 19, 2020 www.PrideSource.com Trans Sistas of Color Project Distributes Care Packages to Those in Need Because of COVID-19 Join Fair and Equal Michigan Business, political and philanthropic leaders join LGBTQ advocacy groups to proclaim: Every Michigander should have an equal chance to succeed

Hashtag: #FairAndEqualMI - Facebook: @FairAndEqualMI - Twitter: @FairandEqualMI - Instagram: @FairAndEqualMI - Web: www.FairAndEqualMichigan.com

include protect LGBTQ people just like everyone else. The 40 days to adopt or send the question to voters in November Join the growing coalition of grassroots citizens, LGBTQ Act already protects individuals against discrimination in where a bipartisan majority of 77 percent of Michigan voters groups, businesses, labor unions and leaders from both employment, public accommodation and housing based on support this effort. This HUGE undertaking will require sides of the political aisle to finally prohibit discrimination 10 factors, including age, race, sex, and religion. 10,000+ volunteers statewide to help gather signatures and against LGBTQ people. We’re taking a stand together to pass spread the word about the fight for LGBTQ rights. Michigan’s first-ever citizens’ bill for LGBTQ rights. “Discrimination runs contrary to our most basic of American values.” - Tim Cook, Chief Executive Officer, “It’s important for all of us to come together, not with our You can still be fired from your job or kicked out of your Apple, and supporter of Fair and Equal Michigan politics but with and for people to move this work forward house if your boss or landlord discovers you’re lesbian, gay, and finally right this wrong.” - Jeynce Poindexter, Co-Chair bisexual, transgender or queer. Fair and Equal Michigan is For us to succeed, we must collect 340,047 signatures to Fair and Equal Michigan seeking to amend the state Elliot Larsen Civil Rights Act to send the citizens’ bill to the Legislature where they will have

Join the 125,000+ supporters at www.FairAndEqualMichigan.com

Jan 7: DTE Energy, Consumers Energy, Dow, Apple, turning in signatures. March 1: Mayor Pete Buttigieg announced his support of Whirlpool, Herman Miller announce support for Fair and Jan 27: A Detroit Regional Chamber survey published Fair and Equal Michigan: “I stand with all the leaders and Equal Michigan in The Detroit News found that 600 likely voters supported advocates in Michigan working to protect LGBTQ+ people Jan 8: The Mining Journal, predominant newspaper of extending the Elliott Larsen Civil Rights Act 77% to 16%. from discrimination.” Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is first editorial board to fully Jan 30: Rock family of companies, including Quicken March 3: The Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber’s endorse the strategy stating: “this issue should have been Loans, announced a $100,000 contribution to Fair and Equal Board of Directors voted to support Fair and Equal Michigan addressed ages ago.” Michigan. March 9: Fair and Equal Michigan confirmed it collected Jan 10: The Michigan Chamber announced support for Feb 12: 21 mayors announced support representing nearly its 100,000th signature; scaled from zero to 628 fully trained LGBTQ protections for the first-time. Rich Studley, Chamber 2 million residents including Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, volunteers President, called on the Legislature to act prior to citizens Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss.

Petitions available for pickup at our offices:

Grand Rapids Fair and Equal Michigan Office: Lansing Fair and Equal Michigan Office: Detroit Fair and Equal Michigan Office: Address: 301 Fuller Ave. NE Address: 1375 S Washington Ave. Address: 7375 Woodward Ave. Daily Hours: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Hours: Saturdays 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. and by appointment Daily Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.

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www.PrideSource.com BTL | March 19, 2020 11 12 BTL | March 19, 2020 www.PrideSource.com Corktown’s LGBTQ Health Survey Reveals Alarming Needs BY PATRICK YANKEE

DETROIT - March 23 through 29 is LGBT Health Awareness Week, the perfect time to bring attention to the cycle of discrimination and health disparities that affect LGBTQ people in Michigan and beyond, and to discuss how to improve LGBTQ health care. Just as our LGBTQ population often encounters discrimination in housing, employment and other aspects of their daily lives, the same applies to health care. Corktown Health Center is the state’s only nonprofit medical center focused on improving the health of Michigan’s LGBTQ community. “The need for a clinic like ours stems from hearing horror stories from the LGBT community of their experiences with doctors who were insensitive and ignorant to their needs,” said Anthony Williams, CEO of Corktown Health Center. “We provide a space that is welcoming to everyone, regardless of how Dr Latonya Riddle-Jones (left) medical director of Corktown Health Center, and Dr. Neelambuj Regmi, resident physician from WSU School of Medicine, work with a patient at Corktown Health Center. they identify.” With so many in the community having past negative experiences due to doctors lacking the training to properly care for LGBTQ patients, it’s no surprise While these topics have traditionally been ignored by that so many LGBTQ individuals will skip primary care and put themselves “ medical schools, it’s helpful that schools like Wayne at risk for diseases that could have been prevented or caught in a more timely State University are starting to train their medical fashion. students about specific needs relating to LGBTQ There are other factors affecting LGBTQ health, too. A report released patients, which can only help communication and last year by the Williams Institute of the UCLA School of Law, The Impact of make a visit to the doctor less daunting for an LGBTQ Stigma and Discrimination Against LGBT patient. People in Michigan, noted that stigma and discrimination contribute to adverse ” health outcomes for LGBTQ people - Dr. LaTonya Riddle-Jones, medical director at Corktown Health Center and an assistant such as major depressive disorder, binge professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at WSU School of Medicine. drinking and substance use. To determine the needs of our patients, Corktown Health Center recently conducted a Community Health Needs • Concern about care due to race was likely to attempt suicide. Assessment called Shaping the Future highest among African Americans. • LGBTQ adults have double the risk of LGBTQ Health Care in Southeast • Transgender participants reported of suicide attempts; and there is a 40 Michigan. high concern about discrimination due to percent chance that transgender adults gender identity, with 2/3 of transgender will attempt suicide in their lifetime. Among the highlights: men reporting discrimination by a • Lesbian and bisexual women are less provider. likely to receive screening for breast and • Approximately 4/5 of participants cervical cancer. reported having a primary care provider • 70 percent reported that the provider Alarming LGBTQ Health knew their sexual orientation Facts Training the doctors • 86 percent reported their provider Corktown Health Center’s team knew their gender identification. • LGBTQ populations have higher rates believes that for the gap in health care of tobacco, alcohol and other drug use. for the LGBTQ population to close, it will Harsh Realities • Transgender individuals have a higher require working with medical schools and prevalence of victimization, mental health professionals to help them understand • At least half of individuals reported issues, suicide, HIV and other sexually and be responsive to the needs of the that their sexual orientation, gender transmitted infections, and they are less LGBTQ population. There are also issues identity, and socioeconomic status likely to have health insurance. concerned them when seeking health care. • LGBTQ youths are 2-3 times more See Corktown, continued on p. 17 www.PrideSource.com BTL | March 19, 2020 13 Parting Glances BY CHARLES ALEXANDER An Ex-Gay Fairy Tale

his is the story of Dorian Lavender who has vanished from the party scene of music, stimulants and sex, and is now ironically beyond the saving grace of suddenly Tdiscarded friends of which there are many. (Perhaps you knew him too.) While no tracing of his family tree to Victorian times exists, it’s rumored that Lavender is related to fabled youth made famous by Oscar Wilde in “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” I, for one, believe it to be so. Dorian Lavender was gifted of looks so well-proportioned, so stunning in effect, as to be spellbinding upon all who met him. (I was too old to consider inviting him out for an evening of adventuring.) Surprisingly, Dorian was not spoiled by his looks. “My looks are pleasant,” he’d laugh. “If faces are fortunes, my bank account’s modest but drawing interest at the ATM.” Dorian wrote poetry. Composed songs. Painted. He line danced superbly. His dinner parties were wonderful. He went to the gym there times a week. He was golden in the summer. Fashionably seductive in winter. His fate was sealed at an office party. “You’re gay,” said an artist whom he met. “Would you mind From BTL Publishers if I did a portrait of you, and how heaven must see you? I specialize in portraits of the soul. I’m sure you have one.” Intrigued, Dorian agreed. It was Dorian’s undoing. When the portrait arrived weeks later he was shocked. It was framed in mortice black and quite, quite ugly. “Why have you done this to me,” he iMessaged the artist. “That, Dorian, is how God sees your soul,” the artist responded. “You’re lost, damned and must mend your wicked ways.” BY JAN STEVENSON AND SUSAN HOROWITZ For weeks the portrait haunted Dorian. He was mesmerized. “He’s right,” said Dorian, returning home from a night of dancing and ecstasy. “I’ll pray. Go to church. Be born again. My gayety’s over with.” A Message to BTL Readers and the Greater Michigan Dorian proved resolute. The portrait scared him. He hid it away. Each day he prayed. Each day the portrait began to change. As did he. LGBTQ Community It crossed my mind when passing his condo that I had not seen him in months. I buzzed. A vaguely familiar but hideous man appeared. he message could not be clearer: respond to the of the country wakes up to the cascading effects of this health “Yes?” he hissed. COVID-19 crisis by staying home whenever you crisis, we already know the power of staying connected, can, wash your hands frequently and do whatever reaching out, helping each other and caring about what “Is Dorian home?” I asked. Tyou can to not spread the virus. But there is also a much happens to each person. “Dorian is banished forever!” he snarled. “Good riddance larger message to spread: take care of each other, reach out to At BTL, we remain committed to publishing and using all to my past forever!” people who are isolated and fearful, and let’s open our hearts our resources – print and digital - to connect our community As I turned to go, the miscreant shouted, “Hey there! Wait. to each other – even if we can’t physically open our arms. to the needs and resources available, and to provide some This image scares me. Take it.” The LGBTQ community is uniquely equipped to react to level of comfort through connectivity. Fear can be paralyzing. Alone that night I opened the package. It was a portrait of the COVID-19 crisis. We’ve faced a deadly virus before. We Empathy, love, caring and support can and does mitigate Dorian. Young. Beautiful. Smiling. Serenely radiant. Obviously learned how to care for each other, advocate for each other some of that fear. gay. and to think ahead to the physical, emotional, financial and household needs of infected and affected people. As the rest continued on next page 14 BTL | March 19, 2020 www.PrideSource.com A Letter Concerning the Coronavirus Creep Of The Week and Michigan LGBTQ+ Communities COVID-19 BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI are cancelled. Whitmer is showing true BY THE MICHIGAN LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY of our community and are at greater risk. here’s a reason #StayTheFuckHome leadership and making hard choices. And CENTERS NETWORK is trending. Because that’s what we if all goes to hell I would be willing to bet Each center is monitoring and assessing should all be doing. that she takes responsibility. TAs much as possible, of course. There are The coronavirus poses an increased risk their own unique circumstances and local A far cry from Donald “I don’t take any to the LGBTQ+ population and statewide communities. Educational resources and lots of people who can’t, maybe because they responsibility at all” Trump. He’s not just leadership is helping to share organizational opportunities will be available on various have to work or have medical appointments an embarrassment, he’s a clear and present steps to address attempts to reduce its social media platforms, public forums they can’t miss. In other words, good reasons. danger to the country. spread. Seven organizations have gathered to and through one-on-one engagements If you’re under 30, social distancing is It’s no wonder that there are still people address the wellbeing of Michigan residents as possible. Additional methods of probably making you feel like you’re losing flocking to bars and nightclubs across the and the impact of the global concern of the communication may be available in the your mind. If you’re over 30 you might be coronavirus, or COVID-19. future. country as if nothing is happening. Seeing secretly thankful that no one is expecting Leadership from Michigan’s newly Communities are encouraged to photos of lines around the block at clubs established LGBTQ+ Community Centers contact their local center directly for more you to go out. If you’re over 60 then you’re reminds me that for too long selfishness and Network is reaching out today to alert information about upcoming programs and likely worried about dying. No joke. greed have been celebrated traits in America. our communities regarding the increased events. Contact information for the seven Even if you feel fine, and I do, going out in There is no better demonstration of that than vulnerabilities that exist within our Michigan organizations that initiated this public unnecessarily is a super selfish thing President Donald Trump and his Republican populations. letter are as follows: to do right now. The U.S. simply doesn’t Party. On March 15, the same day health LGBTQ+ people’s increased vulnerability have the testing capacity to test everyone experts were practically begging people to is a direct result of three factors: Affirmations (Ferndale): info@ who might have COVID-19. There are likely stay home, Rep. Devin Nunes (R-California) goaffirmations.org thousands of people who are infected yet told Fox News that people should “go to - The LGBTQ+ population uses tobacco show no symptoms at all and by going out your local pub.” at rates that are 50 percent higher than LGBT Detroit: [email protected] they have the potential to infect thousands the general population. COVID-19 is Why? Because he’s worried that the more. So even if you feel fine, you aren’t fine. a respiratory illness that has proven OutCenter of Southwest Michigan: info@ COVID-19 pandemic will hurt the economy. particularly harmful to smokers. outcenter.org People with compromised immune And he’s right. It will. But it will also kill - The LGBTQ+ population has higher systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS, people. rates of HIV and cancer, which means a OutFront Kalamazoo: office@ need to be especially careful. If you love “One of the things you can do: if you’re greater number of us may have compromised outfrontkzoo.org someone with a compromised immune healthy, you and your family, it’s a great time immune systems, leaving us more vulnerable system and you aren’t practicing social to go out and go to a local restaurant. Likely to COVID-19 infections. Perceptions (Great Lakes Bay Region): distancing, then you could kill them. Full you can get in easy,” Nunes said. “Let’s not - LGBTQ+ people continue to experience [email protected] stop. Again, no joke. hurt the working people in this country that discrimination, unwelcoming attitudes and There’s a myth that the U.S. is the are relying on wages and tips to keep their lack of understanding from providers and Polestar LGBT+ Community Center strongest, baddest, boldest country in all small business going. So don’t just run to staff in many health care settings, and as a (Traverse City): [email protected] the land. The world’s truck nuts, if you will. result, many are reluctant to seek medical the grocery store and buy $4,000 of food.” But this epidemic is quickly showing how care except in situations that feel urgent – Ruth Ellis Center: info@ruthelliscenter. A lot to unpack here, but I would like to and perhaps not even then. org weak we actually are. That our health care say that Nunes is essentially yelling “fire” in - LGBTQ+ seniors are a large segment system is woefully inadequate to handle a a crowded theater here. A crowded theater crisis. That running our health care system he would no doubt urge you to visit. as a lean and mean business rather than an Nobody wants to hurt small business essential service has left us unable to scale owners or workers who rely on wages and up to meet an overwhelming need. That tips. In fact, the Republican Party has spent unbridled machismo is not the same thing decades waging war on those very people, so as leadership. That Donald Trump is not only Nunes can STFU with his concern trolling. an emperor with no clothes, at this point, Also, I’m not sure where Nunes shops, but he’s lost his skin, too. $4,000 worth of groceries? Maybe that’s an The federal government’s response to exaggeration, but I am reminded of Lucille We will be providing information together. Please stay connected through COVID-19 has been abysmal, in large part Bluth from Arrested Development when she about how you can help. The HIV/AIDS the printed version of BTL and online at because we don’t have a real president. We says to her son, “It’s one banana, Michael. organizations need help to protect and serve pridesource.com. Even though we can’t have Trump. And this reality show is way too What could it cost, $10?” To which he those with already compromised immune tell you in person that we love our LGBTQ real for him. If only he could shout, “You’re responds, “You’ve never actually set foot in systems. Our LGBTQ community centers community and will do whatever we can fired” at COVID-19. a supermarket, have you?” such as Affirmations, LGBT Detroit and to help through this surreal time, please And so states are largely on their own, Ignore morons like Nunes and Trump. The Ruth Ellis Center are responding to the know BTL’s staff, writers and supporters making up the rules as we go along. Some Stay safe. Stay home. But most of all, be physical and psychological needs of their are committed to service to our beloved states doing more than others. In Michigan constituencies. These important service community. kind and patient with yourself and others. where I live, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a agencies need all of us to support them now Stay safe. Stay healthy. Wash your hands. This isn’t going to be over so they can continue to operate – and so they With love and support, Democrat, has declared a state of emergency. any time soon. are still there after this crisis passes. Jan Stevenson & Susan Horowitz All the schools are closed. All large events And it will pass. We will get through this Co-Publishers www.PrideSource.com BTL | March 19, 2020 15 16 BTL | March 19, 2020 www.PrideSource.com government is encouraging small businesses - Shortness of breath ® Corktown ® Unemployment that could benefit from SBA loans to start Continued from p. 13 Continued from p. 8 collecting the information they’ll need to The best prevention for viruses, such as complete and submit their application. influenza, the common cold or COVID-19 Examples of information needed can be found is to: here. For additional information or to obtain The order also expands the State’s Work help preparing the loan application in advance - If you think you have been exposed to in the legal landscape in Michigan - such as the Share program. Employers are encouraged to of the declaration, please contact the Michigan COVID-19, call your health care provider. If exclusion of LGBTQ citizens from protection implement the program that permits employers SBA offices in Detroit or Grand Rapids. you do not have a health care provider, call under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act - that to maintain operational productivity during The governor has requested that President the nearest hospital. continue to exacerbate the disparity issues declines in regular business activity instead of Trump issue a Major Disaster Declaration Wash your hands often with soap and warm discussed here. In the end, it’s about ensuring laying off workers. More information about so that Individual Assistance and Disaster water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand access to comprehensive health care for LGBTQ Work Share can be found here. Unemployment Assistance through FEMA sanitizer. patients, and both patients and doctors being Additional unemployment resources for may be made available to additional - Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth comfortable discussing all health matters. employees can be found here and for workers Michiganders affected by the COVID-19 with unwashed hands. “While these topics have traditionally been here. pandemic. - Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue ignored by medical schools, it’s helpful that Gov. Whitmer is also seeking additional The Michigan Economic Development or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing. schools like Wayne State University are starting solutions for small businesses impacted by Corporation’s (MEDC) call center stands ready - Avoid contact with people who are sick. to train their medical students about specific COVID-19. Earlier this month, Congress to support businesses looking for assistance - If you are sick, stay home, and avoid needs relating to LGBT patients, which can passed legislation that makes $1 billion through other available state programs. For contact with others. only help communication and make a visit to available to the U.S. Small Business more information, visit MEDC’s website: - Replace handshakes with elbow bumps. the doctor less daunting for an LGBT patient,” Administration to provide low-interest michiganbusiness.org or call 888-522-0103. - Stay at least 6 feet away from others when said Dr. LaTonya Riddle-Jones, medical director loans to small businesses, small agricultural The Michigan Small Business Development in a public setting. at Corktown Health Center and an assistant cooperatives, and nonprofits that have suffered Center can also provide resources for small professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics substantial economic losses as a result of the businesses impacted by COVID-19. Visit their Information around this outbreak is at Wayne State University School of Medicine. COVID-19 pandemic. website sbdcmichigan.org/small-business- changing rapidly. The latest information is “But there’s still lots of work to be done.” The governor has informed SBA that she covid19/ for additional information. available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and is seeking an Economic Injury Disaster Loan Patients with confirmed infection have CDC.gov/Coronavirus. Patrick Yankee is the Chief Development Office Declaration for the state and has initiated the reportedly had mild to severe respiratory at Corktown Health Center, a new medical home process to receive the declaration from SBA. illness with symptoms of: focused on serving the LGBTQ community in Once granted, small businesses in qualifying For those who have questions about the state’s Southeastern Michigan. For more information areas will be able to access low-interest - Fever actions to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, go to corktownhealth.org or call 313-832-3300. loans through the SBA. In the interim, the - Cough please call the COVID-19 Hotline at 1-888-535-

www.PrideSource.com BTL | March 19, 2020 17 Marriage Equality Still Needs to Be Protected, Especially From Religious Exemptions

The milk didn’t curdle in BY EVE KUCHARSKI has actively worked against LGBTQ marriage equality since it was passed in the state in 2004, “ Massachusetts all of a hough far from ideal, it’s clear that the women’s reproductive rights and the rights of sudden [when same-sex perception of LGBTQ people and their transgender and nonbinary people to access right to marry in the U.S. has changed public services. Though now retired, Evelyn marriage was passed in Tfor the better. In fact, a 2019 Pew Research Reilly was a lobbyist for the Institute, and she Center poll shows that 60 percent of Americans still strongly opposes marriage equality. 2004], that this was great favor LGBTQ marriage equality, compared to “If we do not reverse this through the for families and great for 30 percent who oppose it. What makes this constitutional amendment, this country is going statistic even more promising is that in 2004, to be in dire straits in the next generation,” their children and provided those numbers were flipped. Still, despite this she was quoted as saying in an NPR report by positive push forward and the fact that the legal Gabrielle Emanuel. security and stability. That right for LGBTQ couples to marry has been The report went on to say that because began to change hearts and secured, it’s vital to stay aware of legal pushes of the over 100 lifetime appointment of religious exemptions into law,” Ellis said. “The and organizations working to dismantle those conservative judges across the U.S. by the twisted narrative they masterminded is part of minds. protections across the country. Trump administration, Reilly feels more an insidious strategy that has been pushed by - Mary Bonauto confident in its potential reversal. the ADF for decades with the goal of unraveling ” Another group to be aware of is Alliance hard-fought non-discrimination protections Moves Against Marriage Defending Freedom. This conservative for the LGBTQ community.” “It’s great to be able to marry, and it’s not Equality Christian nonprofit has been classed as an a great thing to feel super vulnerable about LGBTQ hate group by The Southern Poverty Positive Developments what this means for your jobs, your housing Last year, Tennessee Republicans Sen. Mark Law Center and has worked to dismantle or whether you can get health care for your Pody and Rep. Jerry Sexton reintroduced the religious freedom and sexual orientation gender Still, despite these actors, there are advocates child,” she said. 2016 Tennessee Natural Marriage Defense Act identity laws or SOGIs. working to maintain the hard-fought Locally, the coalition Fair and Equal that would prohibit government officials from “Religious liberty is a founding principle of improvements in the lives of LGBTQ people. Michigan is working to put those rights into facilitating same-sex marriages in the state. In our country, but SOGIs all too often trample GLAD Civil Rights Project Director Mary the hands of voters by taking LGBTQ non- an MSNBC article covering the story, Human this right. In the following three instances, Bonauto is a lawyer who was instrumental in discrimination rights to the ballot. So far, the Rights Campaign Press Secretary Nick Morrow SOGIs demand ideological conformity with the securing the 2015 marriage equality ruling. group has collected 100,000 signatures and is called this move “disappointing” and called on new sexual ethic, which results in Christians In Emanuel’s report, she said she remains one-third of the way there. the Tennessee government to think not only being punished for their beliefs and the actions optimistic that marriage equality will remain “This grassroots effort of Michigan citizens of the couples affected by a legal pushes like they take based on those beliefs,” read an ADF intact. is now 100,000 people strong as we encourage these, but local commerce, too. press release. “The milk didn’t curdle in Massachusetts the Legislature to prohibit discrimination of “Marriage equality is settled law, and if Notably, ADF has also worked on behalf of all of a sudden [when same-sex marriage was LGBTQ people. In just five weeks, we’ve scaled Tennessee wants to continue to be a welcoming the baker who refused a same-sex couple in passed in 2004], that this was great for families from zero to 628 fully trained volunteers along destination for businesses, tourists and Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil and great for their children and provided with a 145-person paid field team that led to transplants alike, our representatives need to Rights Commission. security and stability,” Bonauto said. “That our 100,000th signature collected. With broad join us in the year 2019,” he said. GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate began to change hearts and minds.” support across the state, our effort continues to Beyond legislation, it’s important to be aware Ellis, along with other critics of the group, In the same report, Bonauto said that the be on time, on budget and at signature quality. of organizations that push legal arguments have called the push for religious exemptions focus of those looking to preserve the Supreme After 37 years of attempts, it is time for the against equality like the Massachusetts Family a veiled attempt at dismantling equality. Court marriage ruling should look to equally Legislature to give all Michiganders a fair and Institute. This lobbyist group bills itself as a “non- “With their involvement with Masterpiece expanding statewide protections for LGBTQ equal chance to succeed,” said Fair and Equal partisan public policy organization dedicated to Cakeshop, the ADF is attempting to roll back people across the country in employment, Michigan Co-Chair Trevor Thomas. strengthening families in Massachusetts,” and it our nation’s progress by pushing discriminatory housing and more.

18 BTL | March 19, 2020 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com BTL | March 19, 2020 19 It’s always very nerve-wracking “making a life change or life decision, but to be honest, I was nervous and excited at the same time, and you have to embrace that excitement and set your nerves aside, and do what you feel is right in your heart. I am not looking back at all. ” - Ross Owens ‘Embracing the Excitement’ of Wedding Planning

BY EVE KUCHARSKI

hen Ross Owens went on vacation to Provincetown, Cape Cod, he was looking forward to a few days of sleeping in. So when his boyfriend, Rob, begged him to wake up at 4:30 a.m. on the Wfirst morning there to see the sunrise, he was less than pleased. Still, he got up right on time and followed Rob out to the sand dunes. “And he had already gone there and buried the ring box. So we climbed the dunes, sat there for a little while during the sunrise, and he pointed out the box and said, ‘What’s that.’ He even took it out of the sand and proposed,” Owens said. After saying a heartfelt “yes,” Owens said he was thankful he didn’t choose to sleep in that morning. That vacation was three years ago, and just this past November the couple officially tied the knot at The Plymouth Meeting House. Owens said that the location seemed like the perfect place to celebrate their love. “I grew up in Plymouth and we had attended probably four different weddings at The Meeting House, two of which Rob stood up in,” Owens said. “And it was a wonderful room and wonderful staff and it really felt like home. And I guess the fact that I grew up in Plymouth, it was an easy decision to say that, ‘This looks like a really nice place.’ They were really welcoming.” Once the location was set, it was time to start creating the guest list. Initially, when the couple began their planning, they had their sights set on a small, very intimate ceremony.

20 BTL | March 19, 2020 www.PrideSource.com “That’s what we had planned for, but then when we started to actually names on a spreadsheet it was very apparent that we are not going to have a small wedding,” Owens said. “We had around 200 guests.” The wedding’s colors were pale blue and white, but Owens made sure to add a little autumn twist in the mix, too, with fallen leaves scattered down the aisle and ballroom. “Pale blue and white was the main part of the venue, but then in the smaller section, we incorporated a Halloween theme because that’s my favorite holiday,” he said. “As you walked in there was a little bit of Halloween and fall, and as you went into the ballroom there was the pale blue and white [and] wintery [theme].” When asked about the process of choosing vendors to create

Rob and Ross Owens the couple’s wedding experience, Owens said that both he and his husband felt apprehensive at first about sharing that the wedding was for a gay couple. All that hesitation went away, however, when they received excellent service. “We didn’t know any vendors and if they would be willing to partake and serve us, and I have to say that it was a very warming experience,” he said. “There was not a single vendor or person that we spoke with that was not supportive of our community.” Now happily married, when asked if Owens has learned any lessons from the experience of planning his ceremony, he said that it was to enjoy the excitement of the moment. “It’s always very nerve-wracking making a life change or life decision, but to be honest, I was nervous and excited at the same time, and you have to embrace that excitement and set your nerves aside, and do what you feel is right in your heart,” he said. “I am not looking back at all.”

www.PrideSource.com BTL | March 19, 2020 21 It’s just the excitement of it all. It’s the stuff you dream about “ as a kid growing up, like what kind of dress you’re going to wear, what your wedding is going to look like and it’s all coming to reality for the first time ever. ” – Amy Balich The Perfect Meeting

BY EVE KUCHARSKI “We wanted a barn/rustic theme and Willowbrook Mill was perfect for hey say love comes at unexpected us. So we’re going to do charcoal and moments; it certainly did for burgundy as our colors, and we want to Savanna Wojtanowski and Amy do very casual in the sense of barbecue TBalich. Though they were both Division is our catering but we have a black tie I athletes in college, each played a dress code,” Wojtanowski said. “So we different sport — soccer and softball want classy but also very rustic, because respectively — for Michigan State we’re both very laid back people. Our and Ohio State Universities. However, ceremony is going to take place on the despite their slim odds of ever meeting, beach in Northport, Michigan, and then fate aligned in their favor during one we’ll finish up at our venue.” of Balich’s softball games. And before the 2021 deadline rolls “The way the facilities are set up around, the couple is eager to start in Michigan State involves a lot of building their lives together — literally. interaction between visiting teams “We purchased, this past summer, and Michigan State,” Wojtanowski said. 2.7 acres of property in Traverse City So it was during an Ohio State to build a house on,” Wojtanowski said. away game at MSU’s campus that Wojtanowski graduated in 2017, Wojtanowski met Balich met. while Balich finished school this past Wojtanowski struck up a conversation December. Because of that, until very about a tattoo Balich had on the recently, the fiances had a long-distance inside of her arm, and before long relationship. Still, Wojtanowski said it the two began to message each other was the traveling that they did together on Instagram. Soon after, the two during that time that brought them became a couple. A year-and-a-half together. in, Wojtanowski knew she had met the “I loved being able to support one and made plans to propose. Amy through her softball career. “I got things started and planning Unfortunately, I was a senior when we in June of 2018 and started to think, met, so she didn’t get the opportunity ‘OK, I definitely want to propose and to do so, but I used to have a job how can I do it?’ I got the ring in July where I worked from home primarily, and I thought it would be an amazing so I never missed a weekend, and I opportunity [to propose] when Ohio traveled every weekend all over the State does a Charity Classic every year country for her softball,” she said. “So in the fall,” she said. we visited a multitude of places. We It’s tradition after every game for love traveling, so we’ve been to a few the teammates to sing “Carmen Ohio” countries together, [and seen] quite a toward the stands, so, with permission few states together.” from the coaches, Wojtanowski made Balich agreed. When asked if she’s her way up to the pitcher’s mound had a favorite moment leading up to during the song and surprised Balich. the big day, she said she’s embraced the “And that’s how I proposed,” she said, whole experience. “in front of all of her teammates. And “It’s just the excitement of it all. It’s the her family was present and my family stuff you dream about as a kid growing was present.” up, like what kind of dress you’re going After that perfect fall moment, to wear, what your wedding is going to the two set upon planning the ideal look like and it’s all coming to reality ceremony. The fiances have set upon for the first time ever,” Balich said. “I a date in summer of 2021 and have don’t think I ever had a favorite part, plans to marry at Willowbrook Mill I think our whole experience together Savanna Wojtanowski proposed to longtime girlfriend Amy Balich at one of her softball games. in Northport. is just super exciting and a lot of fun.”

22 BTL | March 19, 2020 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com BTL | March 19, 2020 23 24 BTL | March 19, 2020 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com BTL | March 19, 2020 25 Wedding Trends to Spice Up Your Ceremony

lanning a wedding at any stage can be tricky, and one of the most difficult parts 5. Uncommon Party Favors is creating a ceremony that’s uniquely Gone are the days of exclusively sugared Pone’s own. To help with that struggle, Between almonds and candles, couples are taking their The Lines has collected a list of 20 popular party favors up a notch to fit both their theme trends this year that might make planning and personality. Ideas for a fresh take on the easier. traditional post-party gift are personalized stemless wine glasses, bottle openers, 1. Micro Weddings customized pastries, drinks with personalized labels, coasters, playing cards and more. For those looking for an intimate ceremony but not interested in running away to elope, micro weddings may be the answer. These 6. Non-Traditional Flowers ceremonies include a small number of guests, Peonies and gardenias are always lovely, but roughly 20 or fewer, and are intended to create they don’t have to be one’s exclusive choice. a shorter and more relaxed atmosphere than an In 2020, couples are opting for choices like event with hundreds of attendees. In fact, many wildflower, succulents and more. couples opt for this option because it provides a “I think the biggest trend this year is the more cost-effective alternative to a large event. non-traditional flower,” said Mindy Weiss, Still, a smaller event doesn’t have to mean a Los Angeles-based wedding planner in a skimping on the details. Many couples use the BRIDES.com piece. “Instead of fresh flowers, tiny guest list as an opportunity to splurge on dried flowers are in—sometimes painted or gourmet food, a favorite band and more all at bleached and, sometimes, left natural.” the cost of a regular event. 2. Barrettes and Combs According to The Knot, brides are opting for more than just veils in 2020: barrettes and combs are becoming increasingly popular. “These wedding hair accessories are often adorned in pearls, rhinestones and colorful enamels. They’re great for holding back natural curls or creating a second style for your wedding reception,” the site says. 3. Edible Florals 7. “Green” Weddings Flowers are always a wedding staple, but in As environmental consciousness grows so has 2020, more couples are opting to make them the tendency for couples to forego wasteful or part of the menu, too. A naturally beautiful potentially environmentally harmful practices addition, they can be flavorful, too; flowers on their big day. A few ways to cut down on can be readily incorporated into cocktails, eco-harm is by avoiding single-use papers and appetizers, salads, main courses, desserts and, plastics, renting linens, using potted plants and of course, the wedding cake as well. water-saving succulents as decor, composting the wedding’s waste, and being mindful of the sustainable practices of the chosen venue. 4. Unique Wedding Dress Couples can also take steps to buy food and Codes beverages in bulk from local vendors, caterers and farms. Creating a stellar wedding party often starts with a flawless dress code for one’s needs. So often weddings are assumed to be “black tie” 8. Rethinking the Traditional affairs, requiring tuxedos and cocktail dresses, but what about taking it up a notch to “white Bridesmaid Look tie” or even down to a “beach casual” invite? Picking the bridesmaids’ dresses is often In 2020, more and more couples are focusing difficult between finding the right colors, style on tailoring the dress code — formal or not and fit. This year, wedding planners are urging — to suit their themed ideas. And if you’re a couples to forego the traditional dress and wedding guest who is in doubt, renting wedding perhaps give the bridesmaids a theme around attire from a site like Rent the Runway allows which to choose their clothes. both couples and guests to get high fashion “Non-traditional bridesmaid looks — think for low cost. eclectic over matchy-matchy,” said wedding planner Sunna Yassin in a Brides article.

26 BTL | March 19, 2020 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com BTL | March 19, 2020 27 Songs to Consider and Ditch When Making a Wedding Playlist

BY BTL STAFF

hether your wedding is a grand 1. Check What’s Trending ballroom affair or an intimate It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when planning close family gathering, it’s almost out a wedding day playlist, so using resources Wguaranteed that music will play a major role like Spotify and other music streaming in creating the perfect ambience. To help with platforms can help. Simply searching up publicly any prospective big day playlists, Between The created playlists on the platform will provide Lines Consulted FiveThirtyEight’s “Ultimate thousands of choices to include. And it never Playlist of Banned Wedding Songs” to advise hurts to ask your wedding band or DJ what away from potentially groan-inducing tunes, they recommend. along with a few wedding planning sources for advice on picking crowd-pleasing must-haves. 2. Ask Your Guests The Overplayed One way to quickly build an overall appealing playlist, especially for larger ceremonies, is to Polling website FiveThirtyEight sampled 182 ask each guest to submit a song to play. Of playlists of professional DJs in 2017 to get a course, there’s no obligation to agree to each taste of what “the most commonly prohibited and every pick — especially if there are repeats. songs and artists” by couples. Here’s a taste of 15 selected from that list: 3. Don’t Be Afraid of Multiple 1. “Chicken Dance” Genres 2. “Cha-Cha Slide” - DJ Casper 3. “Macarena” - Los Del Rio Whether it’s in the realm of country, pop, 4. “Cupid Shuffle” - Cupid rock or hip-hop, it’s never a mistake to spend 5. “YMCA” - Village People a little time venturing outside of your musical 6. “Electric Boogie (Electric Slide)” - Marcia comfort zones. And when creating a playlist, Griffiths putting in a little bit of every style is bound to 7. “Hokey Pokey” have mass appeal and be massive fun. 8. “Wobble” - V.I.C. 9. “Happy” - Pharrell Williams “Shout” - Isley Brothers 4. Avoid Crowdpleasers That 10. “Blurred Lines” - Robin Thicke You Hate 11. “Bohemian Rhapsody” - Queen 12. “Get Low” - Lil Jon If popular songs, old or new, that simply set 13. “You Shook Me All Night Long” - AC/DC your teeth on edge make their way into your 14. “Total Eclipse of the Heart” - Bonnie Tyler special day’s music selection don’t be afraid to 15. “What Do You Mean?” - Justin Bieber cut them out. Even if most of the guests are fans of a particular tune, it’s your day and it’s important to make sure every detail is to your Making the Perfect Picks preference. It’s impossible to create a playlist that will please everyone attending a wedding, but it’s certainly easier if one bears in mind these four tips.

28 BTL | March 19, 2020 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com BTL | March 19, 2020 29 Photo: David Miller ‘Visible’ Exec Producer Talks New LGBTQ Docuseries, His Gay Teen Role and What He’d Tell His Younger Self

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI and turning back to late veteran casting director, he wanted to interview just because of the experience. But what the series does really Mary Goldberg, and telling her: “I don’t know nature of my career and my relationship with well is to remind us of what happened just The first openly gay actor to play an openly if I’m ever going to see you again, but please tell GLAAD for over a decade, and so I could be within some of our own lifetimes – that, yes, gay series regular in a leading role on TV, Wilson whoever wrote this that it means a lot to me, that very helpful to him. That’s how it happened. we have come a long way and a lot of work Cruz has witnessed firsthand the changing tides it would have made a difference if I had seen this Eventually we interviewed 60 people on went into getting us here. A lot of people of TV representation. Cruz paved the way for when I was 15.” Then, as Goldberg replied, the our own, and it became clear that this was risked a lot in order to have this conversation. shows such as “Will & Grace” and “Ellen” with twist he didn’t see coming: “Don’t worry,” she going to be more than two hours and that It wasn’t just LGBTQ people – it was LGBTQ his portrayal of Rickie Vasquez, the troubled said, “you’re going to be able to tell it yourself.” we were going to need some help. We came people and the people who love them who gay Latino high schooler on the teen drama Here, Cruz talks about the docuseries’ to Apple and Apple brought on two amazing took up the baton when we were unable to, “My So-Called Life,” which ran for one season evolution, Rickie as his own personal catharsis, documentary filmmakers, Ryan White and when we weren’t being hired to tell our own in 1994. Cruz was 21 when he played Rickie. and his issue with studios casting straight actors Jessica Hargrave, in order to finish the film stories or we were afraid to come out and be Now 46, the actor reflects on the role as to play gay as awards bait. and really mold it. Then I came back on to public about it. We needed people who were one of the interviewees in the new Apple help them continue to bring them who they willing to take on those roles. TV+ five-part documentary, “Visible: Out on How did you get involved with “Visible”? needed to speak to, and also to make sure that More recently, we forget that the way the Television,” which, along with Wanda Sykes, Seven years ago (political activist and we always had an eye on this not just being network news was talking about HIV and he also executive produced. Emmy-nominated “Visible” producer) David Bender, who had a documentary about the LGBTQ movement AIDS during the height of the epidemic was filmmakers Ryan White and Jessica Hargrave been working on this project for many years, but really about how television was used as an incredibly problematic, and that the only directed the series. reached out to me because he was interested agent of change by the movement. people who were going to save us at that time Through a wide range of archival footage in interviewing me for the documentary, for was us. That’s when GLAAD was created. and interviews with actors, journalists and obvious reasons (laughs). We had a long lunch How do you think “Visible” broadens the That’s when ACT UP was created. It was this activists, the docuseries investigates how TV and it became pretty clear really quickly that historical perspective of the LGBTQ experience? community that really started to say, “If you’re has shaped the American conscience. During it, I had a passion for this subject matter, but I think that there’s a lot that we forget just Cruz recalls auditioning for “My So-Called Life” also that I had access to many of the people because that’s the nature of the human continued on p. 36 30 BTL | March 19, 2020 www.PrideSource.com

Photo: Bobby Quillard

® Visible things I ask myself is, “What is the message that this is going to leave an audience member Continued from p. 30 with? What are we offering through this?” The other thing that it is for me is that so many actors are like, “Oh, I don’t want to play too not gonna save our lives, we’re gonna have to many gay roles (laughs) because I just don’t save them ourselves and we’re going to have want my career to be about that.” Whereas I to demand that we be seen.” We could no have gone out of my way to look for roles that longer afford at that time to be invisible and I feel will add to the conversation. I’ve wanted that’s where visibility started to really begin in to have those opportunities. earnest. Why do you think that is when so many other In the doc, you talk about how playing Rickie actors go in the other direction? helped you reconcile with your father. Your experience with him – being kicked out of the Because, with the first role I had on “My So-Called Life” as Rickie, I got to see how house after you came out to him – was written powerful that story could be and I wanted to into Rickie’s story, and he watched that storyline continue to tell stories like that, and I felt like play out. How did that moment illustrate to you there were few people who were willing and the power TV can have? excited to take on those roles and here I was. I talk all the time about how television is an As for your part in Hulu’s “The Bravest Knight,” the intimate medium: We are in your bedroom, first children’s animated series to have openly we are in your living room; we come into your homes and you invite us in and we tell you gay characters, what about that spoke to you? our stories. In my personal experience, it was My brother who’s also openly gay and married to an invitation to my father to see me because his husband had just had a baby or was pregnant Rickie Vasquez was very much who I was when they approached me to do “The Bravest when I was a teenager, and his life parallels Knight.” I thought it was a great opportunity mine in many ways. for me to give a little gift to my nephew. On top My father and I didn’t speak for a year, but of that, I think there aren’t enough children’s within that year he was able to turn on the programs that depict families like the one we television and I was able to have a conversation do on “The Bravest Knight,” because there are with him that I couldn’t have physically and he thousands of LGBTQ families in this country learned a lot about me and about what my life who would love to see their lives reflected back at had been like. He was moved to a new place and them and their children so they know they’re not it gave him permission to reach out to me, and I alone and that their families are just as valuable have that series and that character to thank for as anybody else’s. the supportive father that I have today. That’s no overstatement. So it is a testament to the intimacy Have you been able to gauge what it means to of television and the power of storytelling. “Star Trek” fans to have a more LGBTQ-inclusive “Star Trek”? Looking at the work that you’ve taken on, from Yes. For 52 years people have been clamoring “Noah’s Arc” on through “Star Trek: Discovery,” the for real LGBTQ representation on “Star Trek,” transformative power of representation seems to and to be a part of the couple who actually be something you still believe in. gives that to an audience is overwhelming. Whenever I take a project on, one of the first continued on p. 39 32 BTL | March 19, 2020 www.PrideSource.com The LanSINGout Chorus Announces Spring Fundraiser: ‘Spring Sing Thing’ Proceeds to Support Participation in the 2020 GALA Festival

The LanSINGout Chorus invites the public will travel to Minneapolis to perform at to their spring fundraiser, “Spring Sing this year’s GALA Festival. Funds raised Thing.” The event will feature the 45 voices of from the $25 ticket prices will support the the chorus, including a sneak peek of pieces chorus’s participation in the the quadrennial from the anticipated May 2020 concert. The international celebration of the LGBTQ+ live singing event will be accompanied by choral movement. The GALA Festival is food and drinks on Saturday, March 21, at a five-day event of singing, community- 6:30 p.m. at the historic Potter House in building, dancing, workshops and Downtown Lansing. networking. “The chorus has grown so much in talent “We are proud to be a part of 7,000 and enthusiasm over the past year. We are delegates from more than 150 LGBTQ+ and eager to bring the Lansing community allied choruses from around the world that together and showcase a glimpse of all we’ve gather for the 2020 GALA Festival,” said been working on,” said Peter Hobson-Morse, Ben Boerkoel, president of the LanSINGout director of the LanSINGout Chorus. “We are Chorus. “Through this event we can raise our so grateful for our community supporting voices together as a unified, supportive and us and our dream of going to Minneapolis caring community.” in July.” In July, members of LanSINGout Chorus For more information, email fundraising@ lansingout.org.

www.PrideSource.com BTL | March 19, 2020 33 13

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34 BTL | March 19, 2020 www.PrideSource.com In the doc, actor Ryan Phillippe, who played a ® Visible groundbreaking gay character on “One Life to Continued from p. 32 Live,” reads a letter from someone changed by his character. Where do you keep the letters People reach out to us all the time, and I’m you’ve received? excited for people to see season three because we’re expanding it in a very special way. Well, seeing how I live out of a suitcase these days (laughs) … actually, I don’t have a lot of In a very special gay way? the stuff from the old days anymore. I have to That’s all I’m gonna say. (Laughs.) I want to keep tell you that most of the young people who my job! But there is a lot to look forward to in watched “My So-Called Life” back in the season three for LGBTQ fans, that’s for sure. day didn’t really reach out to me until years later when I would see them out publicly and You’ve known Anthony Rapp since “Rent.” Rapp in person, when they were adults, because originated the role of Mark Cohen on Broadway, so many people were processing their own and you later joined as Angel Dumott Schunard. stuff when that aired. But the onslaught What’s been the best (laughs) and the daily part about getting to messages I received work with Anthony, from people who felt who plays your lover and feel it necessary in “Star Trek,” all I think what an LGBTQ to reach out to me to these years? “ actor brings to an LGBTQ tell me how powerful it was for them is Well, first of all, he’s role is different; there’s very real. It happens one of the most almost daily on social supportive actors that just something innate media. It’s just a trail I’ve ever worked with. of tears. We are a team, we are a and lived-in that comes unit. But the best thing across. When was the last about working with time you revisited him is that, because ” episodes of “My So- we find this couple Called Life”? in the middle of their It’s been a while. I relationship, there was think it’s hard for me very little work we to watch myself, and had to do in order to I think the last time get to know each other. We brought with us a I watched it was about 10 years ago with my 22-year history of friendship, and so I feel like brother at home, but I think that was it. it comes across on screen that these two people know each other and genuinely love each other, I ask because I’ve noticed that Rickie is so because we do. embedded in your identity that you get choked Since you’re both gay men playing gay men on up just talking about him. What about him gets “Star Trek,” I wonder: Do you think LGBTQ roles you emotional even now? should go to exclusively LGBTQ actors? (Sighs.) I think what’s important to me about it is he was a way for me to process my adolescence, No, I’m not going to say that we should only which wasn’t easy. I think that’s probably why I be the ones allowed to play them. But I will haven’t watched it too, because when I did it I say that I think what an LGBTQ actor brings literally saw it as a way to walk through those to an LGBTQ role is different; there’s just experiences again and leave them there on that something innate and lived-in that comes stage and then be able to walk away from them across, but that’s not to say that a straight actor and move on. But for me, when I think about cannot give a powerful performance. What is him, and if I do see an episode every now and worrisome to me is when a production will then, it’s visiting your teenage self. You just want hire a straight actor to play that role because to hug them. You just want to say to them, “It’s of some notion that because they’re a straight going to be all right.” And I just want to grab actor that it’s that much more difficult to take him and say, “I’m gonna be fine.” on this role. So it’s awards bait. These are But he does – he means everything to me our lives. These are experiences for a lot of because without him none of this would have people. And if you’re a straight actor playing happened. He set the trajectory for my career these roles, I think it’s important that you and also gave me my life’s passion of making acknowledge and understand that. sure our stories are told, and part of his legacy I will say that in terms of trans actors is “Visible.” playing trans roles, I think that is incredibly important because there are so many trans As editor of Q Syndicate, the international actors out there who are just waiting for LGBTQ wire service, Chris Azzopardi has the opportunity to be able to tell their own interviewed a multitude of superstars, including stories. Especially in terms of trans people Cher, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. of color and trans women of color and trans His work has also appeared in The New York men of color, we need to see more of them. Times, Vanity Fair, GQ and Billboard. Reach him via Twitter @chrisazzopardi. www.PrideSource.com BTL | March 19, 2020 35 Theatre NOVA Announces Postponement ‘Arabic to English’ World Premiere

BY BTL STAFF category, and the CDC has recommended that people over 60 do not attend public gatherings in order to safeguard ANN ARBOR - In a statement released by Ann Arbor’s themselves. We are saddened to have to interrupt work on Theatre Nova, David Wells’ “Arabic to English” will be this important and exciting world premiere. However, we postponed from its initial March 20 opening to Aug. 7. look forward to bringing it to the public at a time when all “In light of the rapidly developing COVID-19 situation of our community members, young and old, healthy and and in line with WHO and CDC guidance to limit the vulnerable, can fully participate. We want to especially thank interaction of people in larger groups to diminish disease our wonderful cast and crew for being flexible and willing to transmission, Theatre NOVA will postpone its production make themselves available for our alternate dates.” of ‘Arabic to English,’” Organizers wrote. “... [It] will now At this time, the Michigan Playwrights Festival, April 22 run Aug. 7 through Aug. 30. through April 26; “Relativity,” May 8 through May 31; and Artistic Directors Diane Hill, Carla Milarch and David “God Kinda Looks Like Tupac,” June 26 through July 19, Wolber released a further statement explaining this decision. remain as previously scheduled until further notice. “Yesterday we made the difficult decision to interrupt our work on David Wells’ wonderful new play ‘Arabic to Current ticket-holders for “Arabic to English” will be contacted this English’ to protect our actors, our staff and our audience, and week to reschedule their tickets for August. For regular updates visit theatrenova.org. to help ‘flatten the curve’ as COVID-19 spreads across the country,” it read. “We believe it is essential for all community organizations to do their part in slowing the spread of this virulent disease. Many arts patrons fall into the high-risk

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Invest in equality and work with businesses that support Michigan’s LGBTQ community! www.PrideSource.com BTL | March 19, 2020 37 The Frivolist: 11 Smart Ways to Use Spare Change at the End of the Month

BY MIKEY ROX 6. Trade it in for a gift card ome might consider those loose pennies, at Coinstar dimes, nickels and quarters annoying, but money is money. Save it for a month Did you know that if you let Coinstar count Sand see what you can do. Here are a few ideas. your change that you can trade it in for no- fee eGift Cards from one of its participating partners? It’s true. Find a Coinstar location 1. Treat your bestie to lunch near you. Call that queen who’s always willing to lend a hand – like when you needed help moving 7. Turn it into donations to a into your ex’s apartment (and then out of it six weeks later) – and treat her to a casual local shelter lunch to say thanks for being a friend. Food banks, children’s homes and domestic violence shelters in your area are always in 2. Pay off a small debt need of supplies. Call your local organization, determine their needs and turn your change We all have that one little debt – like a library into a helping hand. fine or dry cleaning bill – that we keep putting off for no reason at all. Round up your change and purge this expense from your life once 8. Support your local LGBTQ and for all. center 3. Pay for the person behind Local LGBTQ centers don’t receive much funding – many are struggling to stay open you at all – so do your part for our community to keep resources available. Once in a while we hear a news story about how a Good Samaritan bought a cup of coffee or paid the toll for the person in line behind 9. Stock up on household them – and the good deed sparks a trend. supplies Today that random act of kindness can start with you using the change you’ve saved. One of life’s greatest tragedies is running out of toilet paper and having no reserves 4. Update yourself in the closet. Keep it clean by stocking up on bathroom and household essentials with professionally your end-of-the-month change savings so you’re never left in the lurch. Does your resume need updating? Could you use a new look for an interview? Give yourself a better shot at getting the job by 10. Throw it in a jug for long- spending your change savings on items that term savings will enhance your professional persona. At the end of the month, take all your 5. Fill up your gas tank change and transfer it to a large jug for safe keeping while you save for a loftier goal, We all have somewhere to go. Instead of like a vacation. Empty water-cooler jugs – taking it out of your regular monthly budget, especially those with small mouth openings pay for your fill-up with the shiny stuff. Roll (so you can’t easily cheat and dip into your the coins first though; nobody has time stash!) – are great for this purpose. to count $30 worth of loose change at the counter. 11. Take it to the casino Hey, ya never know. 38 BTL | March 19, 2020 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com BTL | March 19, 2020 39 Deep Inside Hollywood BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE Luke Evans Drew Barrymore summons ‘The Angel and Ellie Kemper of Darkness’ ‘Stand-In’ at Right now we’re a little obsessed Netflix with “Fast and Furious” franchise co-star Luke Evans going adorably An actress and her stand- “Instagram Official” with his in trade places. Sure, why boyfriend. It could be argued that not? It’s not like anyone’s we have simple, some might say going to mistake them “basic” taste, but we’re just sort of for each other, unless this thrilled that “tough guy” action is a “Freaky Friday”-style Lena Waithe stars have same-sex smooching body switching scenario. rights in public now, too. What Oh, wait, it kinda-sorta is? Well now we’re on does this have to do with “The Angels of board, but we’re also getting ahead of ourselves. Darkness”? Nothing, really, but the upcoming In “The Stand-In,” coming soon to Netflix, TV series does star Evans, along with Daniel Drew Barrymore plays a famous comedic Brühl and Dakota Fanning. If those names actress who yearns to live a simpler existence all seem familiar together, it’s because they’re and decides to switch places with her stand-in, returning to characters they played before in also played by Drew Barrymore. And when this sequel to “The Alienist,” the series based the celebrity version finds herself usurped of on Caleb Carr’s psychological thriller about a her uniquely privileged life, that’s when things serial killer terrorizing New York in the late go off the rails. “The Stand-In” is written by 1800s. A disturbing and frightening thing Sam Bain (“Four Lions”) and directed by it was, too, which is why even though we’re “But I’m A Cheerleader’s” Jamie Babbit, and absolutely watching this next installment of co-stars the wonderful Ellie Kemper (“The creepy mayhem, we’re happy that Evans is Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), “Chicago Fire” balancing out the dark career choices with regular Charlie Barnett, Michael Zegen (“The lots of cute online vacation photos. Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) and the hilarious Holland Taylor, whose long and regal career as a character actress is the very definition of More lesbian ‘Beauty’ from Legendary Lesbian. We’ll watch twice. Lena Waithe Lee Pace stars in Asimov’s Lena Waithe, Emmy-winning queen of ‘Foundation’ queer-everything lately, has another movie in the pipeline. “Beauty,” written by Waithe and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Andrew Let’s just say that ever since “Pushing Daisies” Dosunmu (“Mother of George”), stars up- we’ve had a serious but not at all obsessive and-comer Gracie Marie Bradley as a rising thing for Lee Pace – even when he was a bit pop star in a relationship with a butch lesbian caught off guard at being accidentally outed (Aleyse Shannon, “Black Christmas”). And by Ian McKellen a few years back (a definite in spite of the fact that that’s everything we oops senior moment for Miss McKellen) and know about the plot, that’s totally enough. There even when it seemed like we were the only ones are so few romantic dramas centering black watching “Halt and Catch Fire.” OK, we might characters (“The Photograph” was lovely), have actually been the only ones. Anyway, our and even fewer with queer characters and fandom continues stronger than ever and now even “fewer” featuring butch women, that Pace has a new project, “Foundation,” that we’ll we’re already thrilled this project even exists. probably stan just as strongly. Based on a series “Beauty” co-stars Sharon Stone, James Urbaniak of sci-fi novels by Isaac Asimov, “Foundation” (“Difficult People”) and Joey Bada$$ (“Wu- is a thousand-year saga about a group of exiles Tang: An American Saga”). So when this one battling for the survival of a galactic empire, one hits whatever platform hosts it – a theatrical ruled by an emperor named Brother Day that experience, a streaming service, we don’t mind Pace will play (this makes sense to us because where – we’re going to be unavailable and very he’s very tall and no, don’t ask us to explain busy cheering on lesbian romance. that logically in any way, thank you). It co-stars Jared Harris (“Mad Men”) is set for Apple TV+, and if it all sounds a little like “Star Wars” that’s Romeo San Vicente would like for you to pardon because it pre-dates that George Lucas-created his immense beauty. juggernaut by a few decades and was probably a heavy influence. In other words, respect your elders for once. 40 BTL | March 19, 2020 www.PrideSource.com 31 Mapplethorpe’s “Dark ___ Rose” 8 Political analyst Reagan 34 Steed stopper 9 Clark Kent portrayer on TV 35 “In Cold Blood” writer, informally 10 Tainted 36 “Take a crack ___” 11 “Top of the World” singer Karen 37 Bugs or Erin 12 It comes at the bottom of a list 39 One with a foamy head 13 Lid problem 40 Went down on 21 TV trigram 41 Cocksure Aesop character 23 Mountain pool 42 Composer Copland 26 It comes out of your head 43 More of the purpose 27 “Scram!” to Gomer 47 Queens in Las Vegas 28 Goofed up 48 Essen exclamation 29 Bite it 49 TV spots 30 Alternative to “Go straight” 52 Baum’s good witch 31 Swedish import 54 End of the purpose 32 Caesar’s invite to a threesome? 56 “WKRP” actress Anderson 33 Navel adornments 57 Poet Kitty 37 The guys you’re seeing? 59 Remarkable hole 38 Unrefined metals 60 Quiche ingredients 39 Ebenezer’s exclamation 61 Make money 41 Bunch of stallions 62 Pirate’s stash 42 Button or Bean 63 Enjoy an Oreo 44 Like Hans Christian Andersen The Purpose of Q Puzzle 64 Nemesis of Tinkerbell 45 Polynesian woman 65 Return key on a PC 46 Here to Rimbaud Homosexuality 49 Inside tongue? 50 Dig (into) 18 “Boys Don’t Cry” character Down 51 Look from Snidely Across 19 Ask for it while kneeling 1 “Queer Eye” discernment 52 One side of Ed Wood 1 Chef Des Jardins 20 Start of the purpose of 2 Nouveau ___ 53 HRC’s equal sign 6 Shuttlecock homosexuality, per 58-Down 3 Maria’s “Do” equivalent 54 Treat meat 10 Tops cakes 22 Sequence of unknown length 4 Relief of Lincoln 55 “Nuts!” 14 Quinn of _Practical Magic_ 24 Suffix with profit 5 Staying power? 58 Composer/lyricist Austin 15 Personal lubricant ingredient 25 Dickinson’s howe’er 6 Weapon to use against Trump in November 16 “South Park” cocreator Stone 26 Words of empathy Find solution on page XX 7 “Now ___ me down to sleep ...” 17 Public spectacle 27 More of the purpose and at www.pridesource.com

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AIDS/HIV Campus Legal Get Listed, Promote There are dozens of AIDS/HIV Currently there are 19 American Civil Liberties organizations and resources listed organizations listed as active Union of Michigan Your Events at www.PrideSource.com. Here are online at www.pridesource.com/ Jay Kaplan, Staff Attorney, LGBT You can add or update just some of them: yellow pages. The following are Project any listing by going to some in the southeast Michigan 2966 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI www.PrideSource.com Metro Care Coordination area: www.aclumich.org and clicking on Yellow Network U-M Ann Arbor 313-578-6800 Pages. Once you submit Free, comprehensive services for Spectrum Center your listing, our staff will those living with HIV/AIDS. [email protected] Fair Michigan contact you to confirm your 877-931-3248 http://spectrumcenter.umich.edu PO Box 6136 information. 248-266-5545 734-763-4186 Plymouth, MI 48170 You can add your event to Metrocarenetwork.org Oakland University Gender 877-432-4764, 313-556-2300 the Pride Source Calendar & Sexuality Center fairmichigan.org online and in print by going UNIFIED - HIV Health & [email protected] Facebook.com/fairmichigan2016 to www.PrideSource.com Beyond www.oakland.edu/gsc and clicking on Calendar, 3968 Mt. Elliott St. 248-370-4336 Know Your RIghts Project then “Add Event.” Send Detroit MI 48207-1841 Eastern Michigan Outlaws U-M student group any press releases and 313-446-9800 University [email protected] announcements to editor@ www.miunified.org LGBT Resource Center 734-995-9867 pridesource.com Michigan HIV/STED Hotline emich.edu/lgbtrc 800-872-2437 734-487-4149 Older Adults The Lawrence Tech LGBT Matrix MAC Health SAGE Metro Detroit 429 Livernois St. Resource Center Find a digital version of PrideSource Magazine ltu.edu/student_affairs/lgbt.asp 290 W. Nine Mile Rd. Ferndale, MI Ferndale, MI 48220 313-578-6812 online under Our LGBT Yellow Pages 888-226-6366 Wayne State JIGSAW Facebook.com/groups/ sagemetrodetroit.org 248-545-1435 Facebook: SAGE Metro Detroit FtM A2 Ypsi http://www.matrixhumanservices. WayneStateJIGSAW Find these resources online [email protected] [email protected] Adoption Services org/programs/matrix-mac-health/ https://www.facebook.com/ AIDS/HIV Hotlines Community Centers Political ftma2ypsi/ Macomb County STD Clinic AIDS/HIV Organizations Michigan has eleven active The LGBT and Allies 27690 Van Dyke Caucus of the Michigan Alzheimer’s Association Warren, MI 48093 LGBTQ community centers, with Animal Shelter a tenth planned in Lansing. Here Democratic Party Transgender Michigan 586-465-8440 Anti-Violence are three of them. Facebook.com/TheLGBTA- 23211 Woodward Ave. http://health.macombgov. Ferndale, MI Archives/Collections org/Health-Programs-HPDC- CaucusoftheMDP Jim Toy Community Center Stonewall for Revolution [email protected] Campus; Student and Alumni Groups HIVAIDSCounselingTesting www.transgendermichigan.org Ann Arbor www.facebook.com/ Cancer Support Groups 800-842-2954 Oakland Livingston Human www.jimtoycenter.org. stonewall4reolution Choruses Service Agency (OLSHA) www.facebook.com/jimtoycenter Community Centers or follow them on Twitter @ Trans Sistas of Color 196 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. Professional Groups Project Employee Resource Groups Pontiac, MI 48343 JimToyCenter. Families and Parents 319 Braun Court Detroit Regional LGBT 19641 W. 7 Mile Rd. in Detroit 248-209-2647 313-537-7000 Ext 107 Foster Care www.olhsa.org Ann Arbor, MI Chamber of Commerce 734-995-9867 P.O. Box 32446 [email protected] Foundations and Funders www.facebook.com/TSCOPD/ Hotlines & Switchboards Arab Community Center Detroit, MI 48232 for Economic and Social LGBT Detroit detroitlgbtchamber.com Labor Union Service (ACCESS) Detroit 1-800-DET-LGBT Youth Legal Organizations www.lgbtdetroit.org. Museums Sterling Heights Center Ruth Ellis Center 4301 East 14 Mile Rd. www.facebook.com/lgbtdetroit Ties Like Me Music Groups 77 Victor Street, Highland Park, MI Sterling Hts., MI 48310 @LGBTDetroit. Professional networking events National Organizations 48203 586-722-6036 20025 Greenfield Road third Weds. 5:30 - 8 p.m. [email protected] Political Organizations www.accesscommunity.org Detroit, MI TiesLikeMe.org Phone: 313-397-2127 Suits And The City Facebook: Ruth Ellis Center Professional Organizations Lansing, MI 313-252-1950 Religious & Spiritual Advocacy Affirmations [email protected] Senior Living www.suitsandthecity.org Ozone House Seniors Equality Michigan Ferndale http://goaffirmations.org 102 N. Hamilton Street Social/Community Organizations 19641 W. 7 Mile, Detroit, MI www.facebook.com/Affirmations/ Ypsilanti, MI 313-537-7000 Sports or follow them on Twitter @ Transgender 734-662-2265 equalitymi.org Substance Abuse GoAffirmations. 734-662-2222 Facebook.com/equalitymichigan FtM Detroit Transgender Groups/Services 290 W. Nine Mile Road https://www.facebook.com/ Women’s Health Ferndale, MI FtMDetroit/ Stand With Trans Youth Services 248-398-7105 [email protected]. Farmington, MI www.standwithtrans.org 248-739-9254

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