After The Arguments: GETTIN' SASSY WITH How Will SCOTUS Rule? GINGER MINJ – PG. 18 Michigan Womyn's Fest Says 2015 Is Last Year

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GETTIN' SASSY WITH After The Arguments: GINGER MINJ How Will SCOTUS Rule? – PG. 18 Michigan Womyn's Fest Says 2015 Is Last Year

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NEWS Cool Cities 4 Supreme Court hears same-sex Ferndale marriage cases 6 Michigan’s SCOTUS courtside campers 8 MiRFRA heard before Senate judiciary committee 9 Michigan Womyn’s Fest says 2015 is last year 12 Pro and anti-LGBT activists hit Lansing

OPINION 10 Parting Glances 10 Viewpoint YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET 12 Creep of the Week Pinpoint your ad dollars where LIFE they will do the most good . . . 16 Dine Out in Ferndale to save Advertise in the next Cool Cities Michigan lives TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 18 A taste of Ginger Minj 22 Happenings 26 Puzzle

www.PrideSource.com April 30, 2015 | BTL 3 Supreme Court Hears Same-Sex Marriage Cases

BY LISA KEEN society until 2001 ever had it,” Scalia told Bonauto. The very first question from Justice Alito took the discussion the U.S. Supreme Court bench back even further than Ginsburg Tuesday morning was about the and Scalia, to ancient Greece, noting rights of states to regulate marriage that same-sex relationships were and, though attorneys for same-sex accepted then but that there were couples tried numerous times to no marriages between same-sex refocus attention to the damage that couples. bans on same-sex marriage inflict “So their limiting marriage to on the rights of LGBT people, the couples of the opposite sex was focus stayed largely on states’ rights not based on prejudice against gay throughout the historic argument. people, was it?” asked Alito. For two and a half hours – more Bonauto tried to make the point than twice the time most cases that a big difference between other get – an animated bench grilled cultures and other times is that the attorneys for same-sex couples and United States, from its inception, the four states that seek to ban their made “a commitment to individual marriages. liberty and equality.” Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Justice Breyer brought up the Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan states’ “wait and see” rationale and Stephen Breyer asked most of for denying marriage to same-sex the tough questions to challenge couples, to which Bonauto noted that the governmental interest served states, including Virginia in Loving by banning same-sex couples from v. Virginia, offered that rationale marriage. Chief Justice John Roberts to justify miscegenation laws. The and Justices Antonin Scalia and Supreme Court struck down those Samuel Alito asked most of the tough laws, noted Bonauto, even though GLAD Attorney Mary Bonauto, who argued question 1 for plaintiffs speaks to media immediately following the U.S. Supreme Court questions to parties seeking to strike hearings Tuesday. Photo courtesy Freedom To Marry 80 percent of the public supported down those bans. Per his routine, such bans and the Supreme Court’s Justice Clarence Thomas asked no unconstitutional. In asking her striking down of those laws was questions, and true to his role as question, Ginsburg referred to the True to his role as the court’s most considered a “profound change.” the court’s most unpredictable vote, court’s 2013 landmark decision in Solicitor General Don Verrilli Justice Anthony Kennedy asked U.S. v. Windsor, in which the court unpredictable vote, Justice Anthony Kennedy repeatedly reminded the court that a tough questions of both sides. emphasized states’ rights to regulate “wait and see” approach to the issue The packed courtroom was marriage as it struck down the key asked tough questions of both sides. leaves “the nation as a house divided” equally lively, laughing frequently, provision of the federal Defense of in the same way racial segregation applauding once and, at one point, Marriage Act (DOMA), which had did. And leaving the issue to voters, a man at the back of the courtroom prohibited the federal government he said, “will be saying is that the as the role of women, but that the Ginsburg seemed to respond to jumped up and began ranting loudly from recognizing marriages licensed demeaning, second-class status that equal protection clause of the 14th Kennedy’s comment when she said and incessantly about the Bible, to same-sex couples in some states. gay and lesbian couples now inhabit Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to Bonauto: “abominations” and that gays would “States do have primacy over in states that do not provide for provides “enduring guarantees” to “You wouldn’t be asking for “burn in hell.” Such outbursts have domestic relations except that their marriage is consistent with the equal citizens. this relief if the law of marriage occurred in the court recently on laws must respect the constitutional protection of the laws. That is not a Kennedy jumped in next, first was what it was a millennium ago. other issues and the man’s disruption rights of persons, and Windsor wait-and-see,” said Verrilli. “That is noting that it has been about 10 I mean, it wasn’t possible,” said seemed well-timed, given that it did couldn’t have been clearer about a validation.” years since the Supreme Court struck Ginsburg. “Same-sex unions would not interrupt any attorney’s allotted that,” said Bonauto. “And here we John Bursch, a special assistant down sodomy laws – an amount of not have opted into that pattern of time before the bench. have a whole class of people who attorney general from Michigan, time comparable to the time between marriage, which was a dominant But, as is also routine, the are denied the equal right to be urged the court to affirm “every when the court struck down state and a subordinate relationship. Yes, justices engaged in a great deal of able to join in this very extensive individual’s fundamental liberty mandated racial segregation of it was marriage between a man and interrupting attorneys throughout government institution that provides interest” to decide the meaning of schools and when it struck down a woman, but the man decided where the proceeding. protection for families.” marriage by ensuring that voters state laws banning interracial the couple would be domiciled; it Barely a minute into Gay & Chief Justice John Roberts jumped be able to define marriage through marriages. It was an initial ray of was her obligation to follow him.” Lesbian Advocates & Defenders’ on Bonauto’s choice of words, the democratic process. The state’s hope that Kennedy was heading in “There was a change in the Mary Bonauto’s opening comments saying same-sex couples weren’t marriage laws, he said, were the direction of striking down state institution of marriage,” said about how laws banning same-sex seeking the right to “join” marriage developed “to serve purposes that, laws. But then he compared 10 years Ginsburg, “to make it egalitarian couples from marrying convey a but to “redefine” them. The comment by their nature, arise from biology.” to the “millennia” of years during when it wasn’t egalitarian.” “stain of unworthiness,” Justice echoed his remarks in 2013 and Just as the question of whether which people thought of marriage as Justice Scalia soon entered the Ruth Bader Ginsburg asked how hinted early on that Roberts is not a states can ban same-sex marriage being between a man and a woman. fray to say the question “is not the “federal government’s historic likely vote in favor of striking down seemed to rely largely on how “This definition has been with us whether there should be same-sex deference to states when it comes state bans on same-sex marriage. Kennedy will ultimately vote, the for millennia. And it’s very difficult marriage, but who should decide to matters of domestic relations” Bonauto attempted to make court seemed split on the question for the Court to say, ‘Oh, well, we the point.” should influence the court’s decision the point that many things have of whether a state can refuse to know better.’” “And you’re asking us to decide on whether the state bans are changed for society over time, such Within just a few minutes, it for this society when no other See next page

4 BTL | April 30, 2015 www.PrideSource.com ® Supreme Court Amendment’s guarantees of equal protection Continued from p. 4 and due process. The Supreme Court will most likely take recognize a marriage license from another until the end of June to issue its decision. Until state. But the overriding concern Tuesday was then, legal scholars and media will analyze how the court would rule on the first question: the two and a half hours of arguments to find Does the 14th Amendment require a state to clues for how each justice is leaning on both license a marriage between two people of the questions posed and to speculate how the same sex? majority will rule. Gay legal activists at the argument Tuesday The fact that six justices agreed last year expressed optimism that Kennedy will come not to hear appeals from states seeking to through with the majority vote. keep their bans will prompt most to predict a victory for marriage equality. (It takes the support of at least four of the nine justices Now The Wait Begins to take an appeal. The court did not take an Today, same-sex couples can obtain appeal until it accepted the appeal of plaintiffs marriage licenses in 37 states. In June, that challenging the same-sex marriage bans.) could quickly become 50. Or the court might The fact that Kennedy has written three of split the baby and decide states can ban same- the court’s decisions treating LGBT people sex marriage but must recognize marriage with respect (Romer, Lawrence and Windsor) licenses lawfully obtained in marriage equality gives marriage equality supporters hope that states. That would enable the 13 states which he’ll forge the majority once again. But his currently enforce bans to continue to do so historic support for state sovereignty and his and another 10 states which had to temporarily recent bond with the conservative justices to suspend their bans to reinstate them. strike down the Voting Rights Act, saying the On NBC’s “Meet the Press” Sunday, Ted states “retain broad autonomy,” will give hope Olson, who argued the Proposition 8 case to those who support the state bans. against California’s ban on same-sex marriage, The Washington Post reported last week that said he doesn’t believe the Supreme Court will its poll with ABC found 61 percent support gay issue such a split decision. And if the court marriage, 35 percent oppose and 4 percent had follows the precedent of Loving v. Virginia, it no opinion. Essentially that same percentage won’t do a split. That 1967 decision said that also opposed allowing individual states to ban state laws banning marriage between persons same-sex marriage. NBC reported Sunday solely on the basis of racial classifications that its poll with the Wall Street Journal found violated the 14th Amendment’s guarantees 59 percent of Americans support marriage of equal protection and due process. The equality – up 18 points over 2009. question now is whether state laws banning marriage between persons solely on the basis Keen News Service of sexual orientation or gender violate the 14th

Sixteen anti-gay protestors gathered on Lansing Capitol steps Monday to speak out against marriage equality. BTL photo: Todd Heywood. Pro And Anti-LGBT Activists Hit Capitol Steps See Page 12 www.PrideSource.com April 30, 2015 | BTL 5 Michigan’s SCOTUS Courtside Campers BY AJ TRAGER

WASHINGTON D.C. – Dozens of people have been camping out in front of the U.S. Supreme Court since Friday, enduring cold temperatures and rain, in order to ensure that they get a seat in the room when the high court hears testimony from supporters and opponents of marriage equality. They began lining up at 6 a.m. on April 24, four days before the hearing. With 100 hours to go before the nine justices will hear arguments over the constitutionality of state bans on same- sex marriage, Frank Colasonti Jr. and his husband Jim Ryder joined the queue of dedicated individuals in front of the courthouse. Colasonti and Ryder are 17th and 18th in line at SCOTUS. In March of 2014, Frank Colasonti, Jr. and James Ryder were one of 323 couples legally married March 22, 2014 they were the first couple in Oakland in Michigan. They camped out over 100 hours in order to secure a seat inside the U.S. Supreme county to get married following a court Court hearings on same-sex marriage Tuesday. Photo courtesy of Colasonti-Ryder ruling that struck down Michigan’s voter- approved ban on same-sex marriage. protestors. They attended a reception Over 300 couples were legally married hosted by the Michigan delegation in the state before a stay was placed on The rest of the people can’t for DeBoer and Rowse and attended the decision by the 6th Circuit Court a plaintiffs’ reception, hosted by the of Appeals. This year, after 26 years of get married in Michigan. We feel an Freedom to Marry and the Human Rights being together, they celebrated their first “ obligation, a duty, until everyone can Campaign. wedding anniversary. “It’s people like (Michigan plaintiffs) “The rest of the people can’t get get married, that we need to fight Jayne and April who have a public face married in Michigan. We feel an for everybody else still. of loving, caring parents. Everybody can obligation, a duty, until everyone can relate to it,” Colasonti said. get married, that we need to fight for “And the courage to speak up. People everybody else still,” Ryder said. “We ”–James Ryder don’t necessarily have that courage or just got lucky, that’s all.” feel afraid that they can be out,” Ryder Just two spots ahead of them, Kathleen said. Perrin holds spot number 15. Perrin blankets, sleeping bags, chairs and tarps The day of the trial, Colasonti and runs the website Equality Case Files to protect themselves from the rain, a Ryder woke up early, packed up their which she started in 2010 to provide plethora of snacks to keep their energy SCOTUS campsite and stored it at a local easy, online access to legal documents up and even a bottle of bubbles for hotel along with Perrin’s materials. After surrounding the same-sex marriage entertainment. such a long wait, they were finally able lawsuits that have been rapidly moving “It’s an experience that you can tell to head into the courthouse. Before the through federal and state courts since people about, but it is something to rest of the country even had access to 2013 (United States v. Windsor). be felt and seen,” Colasonti said. “We the arguments and the justices responses, Perrin, Colasonti and Ryder are no had scores of elderly people who were this Michigan couple was among a strangers to camping out in front of walking through our area, and a lot of small group of individuals in the nation courthouses. They met in California the elderly women were yelling, ‘Yay, lucky enough to see history take place. during the 2013 trial on Prop 8 and are go for it!’ People are very supportive.” No electronics were allowed in the now among the first group of people With less than 24 hours before the courtroom and lockers were provided to who intend on sitting in the SCOTUS doors opened, Colasonti and Ryder were store jackets and other materials. Audio courtroom. sleep deprived but full of excitement from the two-and-a-half-hour arguments Unlike the last time the couple camped and energy as the hours dwindled down, was made available to the public at 2 out before the California court, legal drawing nearer to the historic day in p.m. April 28 at www.supremecourt.gov. professionals and the public must hold a U.S. history. “I asked my coworkers the other day spot in line since no one but the plaintiffs “It feels important and necessary. I’m how their marriages were fairing since are guaranteed a seat before the justices. happy to be able to be here to witness it we got married, and surprisingly nobody There are two lines forming: one side for and to actually see the wheels of justice is divorced, nobody is having any marital the public and one side for the lawyers. turning and the movement in the country problems,” Ryder joked. “For all the Many people have professionally paid functioning. You really do see it here in negative things that we’ve heard about spot-sitters holding a place in line during Washington D.C.,” Ryder explained. gay marriage and how it breaks down the wait. As of 9 a.m. Monday morning, Over the course of the weekend they the morals of society and destroys the Colasonti reported 67 people were met many of the marriage plaintiffs whole of other people’s families, it’s nice waiting in line. and their legal teams as well as public to know that Frank and I don’t have the Colasonti and Ryder brought fleece supporters and anti-marriage equality power to destroy marriages.”

6 BTL | April 30, 2015 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com April 30, 2015 | BTL 7 Michigan ACLU Discusses SCOTUS Arguments MiRFRA Heard Before Senate Judiciary Committee BY AJ TRAGER BY BTL STAFF the state Senate can file a discharge petition similar legislation in Indiana was a political Mary Bonauto of Gay & Lesbian Advocates seeking to force a vote on the legislation. move meant to undercut the presidential & Defenders and Doug Hallward-Driemeier LANSING – The controversial Michigan Progress Michigan, a liberal advocacy aspirations of Gov. Mike Pence. of Ropes & Gray LLP made their arguments Religious Freedom Restoration Act group opposed to the legislation, slammed “I believe this recent uproar was a political before the U.S. Supreme Court in a two and a (MiRFRA) – introduced as SB 0004 by the plans to hold a hearing. attack on Gov. Pence because he is a half hour debate, arguing the constitutionality GOP Sen. Mike Shirkey, R-Clark Lake – was “Clearly, the Michigan GOP has not learned Republican and mentioned he might run for of same-sex marriage, and thus the future of heard before the Senate Judiciary committee anything from what happened in Indiana,” president,” Jones said. same-sex couples nationwide. April 28, the same day that the U.S. Supreme said Sam Inglot, communications specialist Sen. Steve Bieda, the only Democrat on In January 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court Court heard arguments regarding same-sex for Progress Michigan. “Conservatives in the the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he is granted review of an aberrant 6th Circuit Court marriage. No vote is expected. legislature are so blinded by their ideology a firm “no” vote on MiRFRA and believes of Appeals ruling that upheld discriminatory The MiRFRA law is similar to that of the that they’ll push for a bill that would hurt there are other committee members who marriage bans in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana RFRA which would allow businesses families, harm businesses and make us the would vote no as well. Tennessee, the first Federal court to do so after and corporations to discriminate against laughing stock of the entire nation. The fact “Their base – their radical right-wing the Supreme Court’s 2013 Windsor decision. the LGBT community using “deeply held that this bill is even getting a committee base – really likes this,” Bieda said of the The high court questioned why same-sex religious beliefs.” However, Shirkey said that hearing shows how out of line these far- GOP’s push. couples should be denied freedoms that provide the Michigan law would be different because right elected officials are with reality, public The committee heard arguments at 3 p.m. benefits and stability to families but kept in it would not extend to lawsuits involving opinion and basic human decency.” just hours after the Supreme Court concluded mind that they were seeking a change to an individual parties. Gov. Rick Snyder has told lawmakers arguments in four marriage cases which will institution defined the same way for a millennia. There was widespread backlash from the he will not sign MiRFRA if the legislature dramatically alter the future of marriage In her opening statement for the consolidated public and the business community shortly doesn’t amend the state’s Elliott-Larsen Civil equality in the U.S. no later than the end case, Obergefell v. Hodges, Bonauto noted after Gov. Mike Pence signed the Indiana Rights Act to include sexual orientation and of June. RFRA into law late March. Large companies gender identity as protected classes. He has that the love, commitment and mutual support Sen. Rick Jones is chair of the Judiciary shared by married same-sex couples is equal to like Apple, Salesforce and Yelp all spoke out, even gone so far as to issue a public veto Committee. In addition to the Chair, other that of opposite-sex spouses but that same-sex with Salesforce openly saying that it would threat. Senate Judiciary Committee members include couples are denied the legal protection afforded no longer pursue expanding in Indiana. Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, is chair to opposite-sex couples. “Passing RFRA could hinder the ability of of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He Sen. Rocca, Sen. Bieda, Sen. Colbeck and Sen. “When you talk about marriage as a all Michigan businesses to recruit and retain supports MiRFRA and said in an interview Schuitmaker. fundamental right, and it is found to be a a talented workforce,” Steelcase Senior Vice that he thinks the LGBT community should fundamental right by the court, that means the President Lizbeth O’Shaughnessy said in a as well. Jones also thinks the controversy of scrutiny that they will provide to the states’ letter to Senate Judiciary Chairman Rick arguments -- wanting to deny same-sex couples Jones. “The direct immediate negative Online Extra: State Senators Debate MiRFRA @ PrideSource.com the right to marry -- is going to have a higher economic impact of such legislation was standard for the state to meet,” explained made clear recently in Indiana.” Jay Kaplan, staff attorney with the ACLU of Last year in the lame duck session, the Michigan LGBT Project. “If they don’t find Michigan Competitive Workforce Coalition it is a fundamental right and they look to it on pushed lawmakers to update the state’s equal protection grounds, traditionally with non-discrimination Elliott-Larsen Civil LGBT cases in the past, the court has provided Rights Act to include protections for LGBT the most deferential level of scrutiny on rational residents. Now as the judiciary committee basis to laws and policies.” will look at MiRFRA, Steelcase, Kellogg Kaplan followed the Supreme Court Blog and Herman Miller – all members of the throughout the morning arguments and was workforce coalition – have vocalized their surrounded by analysis and transcripts of the displeasure through letters to legislators and historic trial in marriage equality history. Gov. Rick Snyder. “It’s been an exciting and a historic day before The judiciary committee could take the United States Supreme Court looking at both MiRFRA up at any time and send the bill the issue of the right to marry and whether or to the full Senate for approval. Members of states are obligated to recognize legal marriage between same-sex couples,” he said. Tremendous progress has been made for LGBT equality. Kaplan, in a teleconference following the SCOTUS trial, reminded listeners State Senate Committee Passes Adoption Discrimination Bills that, in 2013, the Supreme Court found a section of the Defense of Marriage Act BY TODD HEYWOOD reports. Some of those amendments would refer” rules. unconstitutional: that the federal government have prohibited agencies from denying The bills are headed to the full state Senate, would not recognize legal marriages between A Michigan Senate Committee has services if it is not in the best interest of which has a super majority control by the same-sex couples. At that time the United States approved, on a party line vote, a three the child, require agencies to post online in GOP. But Senate Majority Leader Arlan had 13 states that permitted same-sex couples bill package opponents say would codify what situations they would deny services and Meekhof’s spokesperson Amber McCann to get married. discrimination by adoption agencies. require agencies to follow federal and state told MLive that there is no rush to approve “You can’t always predict how the court The committee – Family, Seniors and civil rights laws. the bills in the Senate. is going to decide the case,” Kaplan pressed. Human Services – voted the three bills out Supporters of the legislation – including McCann said the leader wanted to make “When you look at the configuration of 4-1 after rejection amendments offered by the bills’ sponsor State Rep. Eric sure Gov. Rick Snyder, also a Republican, SCOTUS, I think it is safe to say that we have the only Democrat on the panel. Leutheuser, R-Hillsdale – say the bills do would sign the bill. His office has said there four progressive justices on the court, all three Sen. Bert Johnson, D-Highland Park, not allow agencies to deny services and have are concerns the bills could lead to lawsuits. offered six amendments, the Detroit News characterized the legislation as “rescue and See ACLU page 11

8 BTL | April 30, 2015 www.PrideSource.com Michigan Womyn’s Fest Says 2015 Is Last Year

BY BTL STAFF

HART – Two weeks after national LGBT rights organizations pulled their names from a petition calling for a ban on the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival (Michfest), founder Lisa Vogel announced the festival will be coming to an end. The 40th and final Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival will be held in August of this year. Since its start in 1976, the festival has been built, staffed, attended and run entirely by women but has been at the center of controversy for its exclusion of transgender women. The National LGBTQ Task Force and the National Center for Lesbian Rights removed their signatures from a petition drafted by Equality Michigan in 2014 It has been my honor and privilege to produce the Michigan that seeks to: end the “womyn-born- Womyn’s Music Festival for 40 years. It has been my life’s work, my womyn” intention at Michigan Womyn’s “ Music Festival; have Lisa Vogel, as deepest commitment, my constant challenge and my most profound co-founder and owner, meet with leaders of the transgender community joy. Every single thing of value I have learned in the world I have learned and LGBT leaders and agree that in the process of being part of building this beloved community. transgender women are women/womyn too; ask vendors and workshop leaders to publicly declare support of an end to the - Lisa Vogel festival’s antiquated and anti-business ” policy of exclusion; request that artists, specificity of female experience in the But change is the ultimate truth of life.” attendees and vendors act in harmony discussion of the space itself that stifles Vogel discusses the struggles the with their equal rights values and not progress in this conversation.” festival has faced, though she makes no attend the festival until the transgender Over the past four decades, the week- specific mention. Instead, she describes discrimination ends; and support other long summer festival has been a place for each struggle as “a beautiful part of our women’s events which are creating a safe women to celebrate their womanhood. collective strength; they have never been space for transgender women. The festival has seen performances a weakness.” She then urged the festival “We are writing to state clearly our from the Indigo Girls to Tribe 8 and has family to “take what you love about commitment to the full inclusion and included performances from classical Michigan and use it to create something welcome of transgender women, as to hard rock. Vogel founded the festival new and beautiful.” women, in the Michigan Womyn’s when she was just 19; Vogel, her sister Those planning on attending the final Music Festival (Michfest). We will Kristie and their friend, Mary Kindig, Michfest Aug. 4-9 will see performances continue to actively work to fulfill that planned an event similar to one held by C.C. Carter, Laura Love with Big Bad goal,” wrote Kate Kendell, executive in Boston. Seven years after it began, Gina, Skip The Needle, Round Robin, director of the NCLR, and Rea Carey, the event moved to its current spot on a Marga Gomez, Elvira Kurt, Holly Near, executive director of the National 650-acre plot of land, attracting upwards Bitch, Mouths of Babes and many more, LGBTQ Task Force. “After a number of 8,000 campers in the first year of its with a closing ceremony by Ruth Barrett. of conversations, we do not believe the new location. “For those of us who will be gathering petition/boycott is going to be ultimately “It has been my honor and privilege to for our 40th anniversary this August productive in achieving the goal of a produce the Michigan Womyn’s Music – let’s joyously hold up our incredible fully inclusive Michfest.” Festival for 40 years. It has been my community and allow ourselves to be Last summer, Vogel wrote in a letter life’s work, my deepest commitment, strong enough to consciously let go of addressed to the community, “Over 20 my constant challenge and my most this incarnation of her, with all the love years ago, we asked Nancy Burkholder, profound joy. Every single thing of we each hold in our beautiful hearts,” a trans woman, to leave the Land. That value I have learned in the world I have Vogel wrote in a final goodbye. “Let us was wrong, and for that, we are sorry. learned in the process of being part of gather this August knowing that what We, alongside the rest of the LGBTQ building this beloved community,” Vogel we truly cherish about the Festival lives community, have learned and changed wrote in a Facebook post announcing on in each of us, and more will come a great deal over our 39-year history.” the decision. from this fertile ground. Let’s do this up The letter continued, “The truth is, “We have known in our hearts for some together – Amazon proud!” trans womyn and trans men attend the years that the life cycle of the Festival Festival, blog about their experiences was coming to a time of closure,” Vogel Visit the festival’s website for more and work on crew. Again, it is not the wrote. “Too often in our culture, change inclusion of trans womyn at Festival is met only with fear, the true cycle of information on the final goodbye bash at that we resist; it is the erasure of the life is denied to avoid the grief of loss. http://michfest.com/ www.PrideSource.com April 30, 2015 | BTL 9 Inner Office Memorandum 2050 Parting Glances

OPINION BY CHARLES ALEXANDER

ell, there was Jay Hovah, CEO, minding his own damn corporate – military/industrial complex – business when Walong comes a cataclysmic stock market crash (Red, White, Blue Chip Shares wiped out) and, wouldn’t you know it, Mr. Big Guy gets frantic calls to give directions to various and Sunday – er, sundry – boards of tax-exempt directors. But, as we know all too well what happens in the game of “The Big Buck Stops Here,” somebody several floors below executive penthouse gets the blame. Usually it’s someone who works on the mezzanine and has the last name of Pariah, Outsider or Them. First name Bruce, Rusty or Ellen. And as Jay Hovah is away most of the time touring the Milky Way, showing up fashionably late at nova openings, Big Bang bashes, parallel universe debutante balls, interstellar raves uncharted, his PR Department (floors 3 through 16, one John flush for all) scrambles to provide spin when bad things happen to shareholders. Seems these coverups date back to humankind’s creation, which we are led to believe by Jay Hovah’s spinsters was a mere 6,000 years ago when Eve – a ribbon File Clerk II, with no marketable shorthand or typing skills – was fall guy; and hubby Adam lost life insurance, DP benefits, visitation rights and in-the-buff landscaping privileges. (Go figure.) Viewpoint Today’s fig leaf specialists needn’t worry. If Jay Hovah’s credibility can survive the Great Holocaust Debacle (6 million premium shares), the World War II Crash (50 million) and Iraq (25,500-plus), it’s more MWMF: 40 Year Journey Of Transformation than likely there’ll be “strategies of reassessment” delegated for a long time to come. And Inspiration On ‘The Land’ Oh, yea verily, a footnote: Jay Hovah lists as CEO under aliases to a plethora of corporations – The Twin Towers of Babel Conglomerate – most of which have conflicting interests, services, products, with OPINION BY MICHELLE E. BROWN varying guarantees and liabilities. Grey to my Cristina Yang, you might angry. Angry at my guide who had left Read the small print before you sign on the dotted line or mortgage say. We’ve worked on many things me and angry at myself, but then the ’m always surprised by the your air-conditioned mental lifestyle. together. We marched together. We magic of “The Land” began. Women reactions of people when I tell A sampling from the PR bucket brigade is worth sharing, as there’s summered together. So when she came up to see what was wrong. They them I have been (more than once) every reason to believe that us LGBT types are being set up for several I said I needed to go to the festival, I took my bags. They set about finding to the Michigan Womyn’s Music more pokes in the eye. (We can either duck, poke back or unite to was ready. my friends. They comforted me and Festival. remove the beam in our adversary’s overly dilated pupils.) Shea and the rest of our group went made me feel welcome. I was part of Most often the response is either, Here’s one past-the-bucket item: “A leading Muslim cleric says that up before I did earlier in the week. the sisterhood. “You went?” “You camped?” or, the tsunamis which devastated South Asia were Allah’s punishment I was supposed to drive up with a We came from different socio- after thinking about me/my life while for allowing gays into affected countries.” (ReligionJournal.Com) mutual friend on the weekend who economic classes. I was African- shaking their head, “Of course, you This comes from LifeSiteNews.Com: “Israel’s Chief Rabbi Shlomo had attended before and knew the American while most of them were would go!” Then the real questions Amar commented on a recent catastrophe saying, ‘G-d is angry’ and location of the spot Shea et al. camped white. We had each experienced begin – were there many black women ‘We must pray more and ask for mercy. The nations of the world are at every year. The festival is on over patriarchy, but many of them had there? You slept in a tent? Did you get obligated to observe prohibitions against murder and illicit sexual 600 acres; I needed a guide. also experienced a privilege I never naked? But most often, the question relations.’” That Friday, when we were would because of their race. But on asked is why I, a self-proclaimed lover LifeSiteNews offers a baa-baa black sheep excuse: “In the Gospel of supposed to leave, my guide was “the Land” it didn’t matter – we were of all things urban who considers Luke, Chapter 13, Jesus himself spoke of a disaster, noting that those nowhere to be found. Made a few all womyn/sisters. “roughing it” staying at a hotel who perished were not more evil than others – (Isn’t that special!) – calls and discovered that she had left They didn’t just drop me at the without room service, would go the but that it was a warning for all to repent.” without me. Undaunted, I threw my campsite and forget about me. Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival. And, lest we forget, there’s this 9/11 myopia from Dumbo ear gear into the car and headed toward They checked in on me, helped me My response generally involves flapper Rev. Franklin Robertson Falwell: “I really believe that the Hart – a little cranky, but I had plenty navigate the showers, pathways and telling the story of my first MWMF! pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the of time to get there before dark. workshops. We danced naked under I went primarily because Shea lesbians who are trying to make an alternative life style, the ACLU, When I arrived, culture shock the moonlight. Howell was going. Everyone has one People for the American Way – all of them have tried to secularize kicked in. I was a “Festie Virgin.” I That weekend and at the other of those friends who they would follow America. I point my finger in their face and say, ‘You helped this had no idea where Shea was camped, festivals I attended in later years, anywhere, who strongly impacts happen.’” and I had all this junk to lug across a I learned what it was like to be in their life and who they straight-up, And who, pray tell, are you to point a sticky finger at anyone, Rev. huge parking lot into the woods and I a space created by, for and about unashamedly, unconditionally love. FRF? CEO Jay Hovah? Aka G-D? didn’t know where I was going! women. It was empowering. Shea is my person. The Meredith I walked, and as I walked, I got [email protected] See Brown, next page 10 BTL | April 30, 2015 www.PrideSource.com ® Brown: Womyn’s Fest that my path to womanhood was unique, but Continued from p. 10 we shared a humanity. We were different, yes. My path had been After I tell people about my first trip, I go different from my Trans Sister, but here we on to tell them about the women who build sat sisters in struggle. Here was a member everything! The women who not only make of my community facing the challenges in sure the land is handicap accessible but help our woods of oppression, trans-phobia and women with disabilities experience the festival discrimination. Her safety, her protection, fully – pushing wheelchairs, getting meals, etc. her equality was on the same path as mine. I tell them about the marvelous feeling We – all of us in the LGBTQ community – are of walking clothed or naked amongst your on that path. sisters, feeling truly beautiful just as you are The times they are a changing. We know with no “body shaming.” I tell them about that gender is more than chromosomes. More the acceptance and respect for each other and of our children are declaring that they are different lifestyles. And how being in this transgender at an earlier age. Too many of space opened my eyes and helped me evolve these children are dying often at their own as a person of color, a woman and a lesbian – to hand because we are still defining masculine think differently, to challenge patriarchy and and feminine by what’s between their legs. to, more than ever, stand in my truth. We are one community – LGBTQ – still I had experienced a freedom that every discriminated against, still under attack. girl/woman should have the opportunity to It’s time we have dialogue on the core experience in their life – a freedom that can values our community will embrace for gird us for the fight that continues for full ourselves, our children and generations equality. However, it was because of the to come that must include respect for our lessons learned that I stopped attending. diversity and inclusiveness for all members The lessons you learn on “the Land” go of our community. home with you, some short-term while others I was deeply saddened to hear this is the for a life time. It was during these years that my last Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival. It has LGBTQ family increased as I met and became changed hearts, minds and lives. It provided friends with many transgender sisters and a transformative space for women to grow as brothers. One day while having coffee with women where we can find and live our truth. a friend, she said, “I just want to be accepted Strong, empowered women can not only as me. You have no idea what it’s like to be change the world but also the boys/men who judged by how you look.” live in the world. The loss of this space and I thought back to that day wandering around its potential for transformation, growth and in the woods. Someone could have looked and change is a loss to our entire community. seen this angry black woman wandering about, Michelle E. Brown is a public speaker, activist turned and walked away. Instead, they saw our commonality, our womanhood, our humanity. and author. Her books are available at bookstore. When I arrived on “the Land” I was authorhouse.com or www.mychangeiam.com. welcomed as a woman with the understanding You can also follow her at www.twitter.com/ mychangeiam.

® ACLU on SCOTUS possible scenarios: the court majority could Continued from p. 8 decide that states don’t have to provide recognition for marriages out of state and females on the court as well as Justice Breyer.” don’t have to recognize marriages since An estimated 122,000 same-sex couples 26 of the 37 states that currently recognize are raising 210,000 children under age 18, of same-sex marriage had recognized same-sex whom 58,000 are adopted or foster children. marriage as a result of court rulings; another Same-sex couples are nearly three times as scenario is a majority of justices would be in likely as their different-sex counterparts to be favor of the second question and would have raising an adopted or foster child. Married individual states recognize same-sex marriage, same-sex couples are five times more likely and couples could go out of state to marry and to have these children when compared to return to their residence where the the state their married different-sex counterparts. In would have to recognize it; or the court could Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee -- decide that marriage equality would be the the four states at the center of the debate before law of the land. SCOTUS -- 19 percent (nearly 11,000) of the Justice Thomas never asked a question, 56,000 same-sex couples are raising more than but reliably votes for the conservative vote. 18,000 children under 18 years old. In past LGBT cases, Kennedy has been the “Many times in these oral arguments the swing judge. court doesn’t address all the different issues. “Once again, these are guesses,” Kaplan They are familiar with the arguments from said. “The court has to sit down and have a the many amicus briefs, so they raise more conference and take a vote for who is going philosophical questions. Today was less about to write the opinions; all of these are beyond law and more philosophical in nature,” Kaplan our knowledge and prediction.” explained. A decision is expected in June 2015. Kaplan suggests that there could be three www.PrideSource.com April 30, 2015 | BTL 11 Pro And Anti-LGBT Activists Hit Capitol Steps BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI Pat Robertson BY TODD HEYWOOD days of backlash from business representative from Midland, has leaders and the nation, he demanded also encouraged supporters to ignore ack in the late 90s on “Saturday Night Live,” Will Ferrell LANSING -– As the Tuesday the state legislature amend the new the ruling if it is adverse to marriage played Neil Diamond in a spoof of VH1 Storytellers. After Supreme Court hearings neared, anti- law to prohibit its use in defense opponents. Diamond has told increasingly incriminating stories related gay activists vehemently opposed to of discrimination against LGBT This all comes as a Gallup poll Bto his hit songs while singing the song “Forever In Blue Jeans,” he marriage equality were ramping up people. Gov. Rick Snyder has told released just before the Supreme says, “I put clown make-up on my penis.” in preparation for any ruling which lawmakers he will veto MiRFRA if it Court hearings found nearly 2 million In the 17 or so years that have passed since would allow same-sex marriage to is passed without amending the state’s Americans are living in a same-sex I first saw the skit, I cannot begin to count become the law of the land. civil rights act to include the LGBT relationship – about 780,000 of whom how often this phrase pops into my head. I As the noon hour rolled out Monday community. are married, the LA Times reported. can’t explain why. But I think about it a lot. afternoon, Darwin Jiles Jr., the ethnic Indeed, in the wake of previous While anti-gay activists are And I laugh. vice chair of the Michigan Republican high profile marriage battles in the preparing for a conflict, faith leaders Granted, this isn’t directly related to Party, called a small gathering of 16 U.S., there have been spikes in are preparing for marriage equality. Pat Robertson, except that when I was anti-gay activists to order for a prayer reported violence against the LGBT As Jiles and his group prayed at the watching clips of Robertson rambling on about vigil against marriage. Jiles, who has community. Capitol building, over 60 clergy met at homosexuals on the April 27, 2015 episode of been convicted of several violent gun And while none of the opponents Edgewood United Church of Christ in “The 700 Club,” I thought of that old SNL skit crimes according to reporter Chad of marriage equality are calling for East Lansing to prepare for a positive Pat Robertson for some reason. Selweski, said during the ruling from the Supreme It is very sad to me that people ask Robertson rally that acknowledging Court. for advice about anything, but especially for and legalizing marriage for “A number of couples advice about LGBT people. same-sex couples would within this community One viewer wanted help with her daughter who recently came violate the “Christian” have been together 20 out of the closet. values on which the country or 30 years without any “She’s always been a good Christian,” the woman laments. “I’ve was founded. sort of recognition,” said tried to talk her out of it (having a girlfriend) but she simply refuses Jiles and supporters Rev. Michael Cooper. “In to give up the LGBT lifestyle. What should I do?” opined that such a some instances this will be I’ll tell you what you should do: Love your daughter and get over move would violate the a very standard wedding yourself. Try to get to know her girlfriend, even. Invite her to dinner. Constitution and their right without any differences. Help your daughter cultivate love because life is really fucking hard to vote. Their concerns In other cases, there are a and love is the only thing that makes it bearable, besides drugs. are part of a massive push number of things we have Robertson’s advice is a little different, however. “I’ll tell you, you back against same-sex to deal with that you don’t ought to pray very hard. Just let her know you don’t approve of it marriage, one which long- normally run into. For and let her know she’s not following the commands of the Lord,” time activist James Toy told instance, in a homosexual he says. “And just pray that God will straighten her out.” Between The Lines is not marriage, one person may Yes. Tell your daughter she’s grossing you out. And then ask unexpected. be transgender. There’s a Jesus if he can flip your daughter’s switch from Homo to Hetero. “That decision will also number of situations that are He will totally do it, but only if you “Pray Hard Enough.” See how bring about a backlash, and Michigan ACLU attorney Jay Kaplan speaks at a pro marriage equality special in this community that works out. I’m sure we’ll try to counter rally Monday night. BTL photo: Todd Heywood and we want to honor those “It may be a phase she’s going through,” Robertson offers. “I it as best we can,” he said. special circumstances in the mean, a little teenage girl doesn’t know what dress she’s supposed “The danger will continue to be violence, national advocates have best way and the most faithful way to wear much less what kind of sex she’s supposed to be.” present,” he continued. “It is certainly adopted the rhetoric of “resistance.” possible.” Yes, those poor little teenagers; if their tiny female brains can conceivable in more ‘conservative’ James Dobson has said a favorable On Monday night, supporters barely figure out if they are girls or boys, how on earth are they communities and neighborhoods that ruling could lead to “civil war,” of marriage equality rallied at the ever going to say yes to the dress? that danger may well increase. That’s reports Brian Tashman of Right Wing Capitol, in the same place anti-gay It’s clear who to blame here: the Liberal Media! my guess, that’s not my prediction.” Watch in a piece published last week activists rallied only hours earlier. “There’s so much pressure!” Robertson laments. “There’s so One of those examples of backlash on RawStory.com. About 125 people were in attendance much lesbian stuff. I mean, lesbian this, lesbian the other, so much was already underway. Only hours And others are calling for supporters for the candlelight vigil. There homosexual — the media is pushing this as hard as they can possibly after the U.S. Supreme Court finished to ignore the ruling, he reported. LGBT movement leaders reminded push it.” hearing oral arguments on marriage, “Mat Staver, chairman of the supporters that marriage was a step Yeah. There’s so much pressure to be a lesbian these days! So. the Michigan Senate Judiciary conservative legal advocacy group towards equality but much work Much. Pressure. Because of all the lesbian stuff. So homosexual! Committee, led by Republican Sen. Liberty Counsel, has likened a remained to be done. Much lesbian! The media is all: hey girls, vagina is the new penis! Rick Jones of Grand Ledge, held potential pro-equality Supreme Court “And I hope, in between all this One day you, too, can get gay married! hearings at the Capitol on legislation ruling to the infamous Dred Scott celebration – and there’s going to Robertson then suggests the following: “But you might, I don’t to protect so-called religious decision and urged people to defy be a lot to celebrate about – we also know what to do, maybe get her in a camp, a Christian camp in freedoms. The hearing took testimony such a ruling just as they would keep in mind we need to channel the summer where they are really on fire for the Lord and she’ll on SB 0004, the “Religious Freedom ‘if the government forced you turn some of the energy we have towards straighten things out.” Restoration Act,” which would allow over a Jew in Nazi Germany,’” marriage equality towards other things First of all, I’d like to point out that the key phrase in that answer people to deny service to others Tashman reported. “Staver, who that need to be done on behalf of the is, “I don’t know what to do.” His answer should have begun and based on “sincerely held religious has warned about the prospect of LGBT community,” Jay Kaplan, staff ended there. beliefs.” Similar legislation has been ‘forced homosexuality’ and repeatedly attorney at the ACLU of Michigan Instead, he says, “Just send her to Jesus camp! Her heterosexual the subject of national debate and compared gays to terrorists, insists LGBT Project, told the rally attendees. fire for the Lord will cancel out the homosexual fire in her loins.” outrage when taken up in places that the Supreme Court could spark a “We need civil rights protections That’s the ticket! like Indiana and Arkansas. In fact, new Civil Rights Movement, this time and we need to lift up all members And then, if you listen really closely, you can almost hear Arkansas’s governor vetoed similar to oppose gay rights.” of our community to make sure Robertson mutter something about clown make-up. legislation. Indiana’s Republican Gary Glenn, president of the they’re treated fairly, in particular our Gov. Mike Pence, however, signed American Family Association transgender community. So there’s the legislation into law. But following of Michigan and a sitting state more work to be done.” 12 BTL | April 30, 2015 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com April 30, 2015 | BTL 13 The Word Of REBA Photo: Big Machine Country Icon On Attending Her First Same-Sex Wedding & Why She Fully Supports LGBT Rights

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI A music, television, film and theater her 40-year career. a child who’s not straight. superstar with a trove of prestigious awards, Now, as she releases her 27th studio album, ven by phone, Reba McEntire makes Reba is enormously famous, but talking to “Love Somebody,” the country icon’s ready to You grew up in a town with, like, 16 people and you feel right at home. “Thanks for her, you wouldn’t know it. She comes across take some serious stands. lots of cows. I imagine there weren’t a lot of gay Ethe visit; I’ve enjoyed visitin’ with more like a friend. Fancy? Not so much. And In our chat, Reba stresses the importance people in Chockie, Oklahoma. you!” the singer drawls, wrapping up our she certainly won’t let her rabid gay following of gay marriage, how “sad” it is to know that Nope, nope. Not at all that I know of, or in conversation as if I’d just stopped by for down – she has delighted in a friendship with some country artists feel they can’t come out, buttered grits and a cup of hot coffee. high school. I guess in college was the first the LGBT community since the beginning of and her message to parents who can’t accept time I was around any gay people, and they

14 BTL | April 30, 2015 www.PrideSource.com became my friends first and then I found out off the stage one night and he said he’d done they were gay, so there ya go! Didn’t change such a good job of impersonating me in the my opinion of ’em; I still liked ’em a lot. song “Fancy” that the limo driver opened the One was a very dear friend of mine who door for him. helped me a lot with my singing and my music, and he was just a super sweet, gentle Have you ever been mistaken for a fake Reba? man who loved music with all his heart. I’m Not that I know of! pretty sure that was my first introduction, the first time I met anyone who was gay. Female country artists aren’t getting the same radio airplay as their male counterparts these As a longtime ally, how important are LGBT days. Why aren’t the ladies getting a fair shake? equality and same-sex marriage rights to you? It goes cyclical. It’s always in phases, and it’ll Very important. I just went to my first gay come back around. In my 40-year career I’ve wedding a couple of months ago in California seen it go from very contemporary country for Michael and Steven, my two great friends. music to very traditional, and then it goes They’ve been together for 20 years! I thought back to contemporary and then you can’t that it was not fair, and I didn’t understand get a male song recorded or a male on the why they couldn’t get married. It wasn’t radio, and then you can’t get a female song because they just wanted to get married. If recorded or a female on the radio. one of them had gotten injured and gone to It’s gonna come back. It’s been the good the hospital, the other one couldn’t make ol’ boy season right now, but it’ll change. It’ll The decisions for them. It’s very upsetting. It’s go back to more romantic, more females. But not only for convenience or for romantic we’ve gotta promote these younger females reasons – it’s for practicality. For practical coming on. I’m with ya. There’s a bunch that reasons! I get a kick out of what Dolly said: have been lost in the shuffle – female singers “Why shouldn’t they get married and be as – that I don’t know they’ll get a second miserable as the rest of us?” (Laughs) chance, but they’re out there. We just need to get them on the radio and get them out to the You don’t seem so miserable in your marriage, public to listen to. though. Word No, not at all. But I don’t understand why Who comes to mind? people have a problem with it. I’m a very Brandy Clark. My gosh, that girl! I’ve got spiritual person, but I don’t judge. I try not three or four songs of hers on my new album. to; I’m only human. To each his own, and She’s got great material. I mean, Miranda’s everybody is different. God did not make us recorded them. All the girls have recorded all the same. So, I just pray for an open mind her songs. and a loving heart, and I think that’s all I can do. I have to know: When’s the big hair coming back? Of In your four decades as a country musician, how (Laughs) I can’t get (my stylist) Brett much progress do you think the genre has made Freedman to get it that high anymore! My when it comes to embracing LGBT fans with good friend Shane Tarleton is always saying, open arms? “Get that big hair out. Jack it up to Jesus!” Well, I’ve always embraced gay and lesbian Is that your real hair? fans with both arms. I have a huge gay following! Yeah, it’s my real hair now. I did wear wigs when I did “Annie Get Your Gun,” and REBA Absolutely. But country music as a whole – then on one tour where we went from Reba do you see progress when it comes to LGBT in 1974 to present Reba, I did wear the big equality? wigs and had my short hair at the end. And Yeah, I do. There are more (artists) speaking I’ve done it on vacation, ya know. You go out about it, but I can’t really speak for from the swimming pool to getting ready for anyone else other than myself. dinner in 30 minutes when you’re wearing wigs! They’re great! If Reba, Wynonna and Dolly drag queens were to Redheads sometimes get a lot of flak when compete, how would you mentor the Reba queen they’re young. As a redhead in a small town, to ensure her victory? what was it like for you? Did you ever feel like an Good lands – that’s a hard question! Because outsider? Wynonna is such a character! I love her with all my heart. Dolly is bigger than life, and I No, absolutely not. I loved my red hair. My love her with all my heart. So I’d say, get out mom was a redhead, so I felt she gave me her there and work your tail off! red hair. I’ve always been very, very proud of it. Throughout the years, there’s been some pretty darn good Rebas. I’m sure you’ve encountered And people didn’t treat you any differently some yourself. because of it? Totally, absolutely! I’ve had a Reba Oh, I didn’t care! impersonator in my (touring) show before, and David (Lowman aka Coti Collins) came See Reba McEntire, page 21

www.PrideSource.com April 30, 2015 | BTL 15 Dine Out In Ferndale To Save Michigan Lives

Dining Out for Life, the international Cool Cities fundraiser that raises money for AIDS service organizations, takes place April Ferndale 30 and will benefit the Michigan AIDS Coalition. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET ActionAIDS in Philadelphia established Dining Out for Life in 1990. Pinpoint your ad dollars where Since then, Dining Out for Life has they will do the most good . . . grown into an internationally organized effort and an annual tradition. On the Advertise in the next Cool Cities last Thursday of April, diners gather TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 participating restaurants and a percentage of the bill is donated to a local HIV/AIDS services organization. The Michigan AIDS Coalition seeks individuals and restaurants to participate in the one-night dining event, which will take place at participating restaurants across the metro area. The Michigan AIDS Coalition (merged with former MAF and MAPP) is one of Michigan’s largest non- profit, community-based organizations Dining Out for Life, the international fundraiser that dedicated to health promotion, harm

and risk reduction, HIV and sexually raises money for AIDS service organizations, takes place transmitted disease prevention education, grant making and public policy. MAC April 30 and will benefit the Michigan AIDS Coalition. has conducted thousands of workshops and trainings, reaching more than a half a million people – 30,000 in the last year alone. With more than 30 years friends and family at a participating michiganaidscoalition.org. For an of combined experience in HIV/AIDS restaurant, metro-area residents can updated list of participating restaurants, advocacy, education and outreach, MAC help raise funds to provide counseling please visit www.diningoutforlife.com. will continue its mission until it is no and testing to those in our community longer necessary. (Find more information who are most at risk.” at www.michiganaidscoalition.org.) While the concept is simple, Dining Participating The concept is simple – dine at a Out for Life is a significant fundraiser Restaurants to Date participating restaurant April 30 and that requires the hard work and a portion of the proceeds will benefit generosity of volunteers, sponsors Assaggi Bistro MAC. Patrons can make additional and restaurants. More than 40 cities Bella Piatti donations, which will make a very real throughout the U.S. and Canada Brady’s Tavern difference for people who are affected participate in Dining Out for Life and Christine’s Cuisine by HIV/AIDS in Michigan. collectively have raised millions of Local Kitchen & Bar “Dining Out for Life is one of dollars for HIV/AIDS support services. Mudgie’s Deli the simplest and most enjoyable For more information, or to participate Priya Indian Cuisine fundraisers we host all year,” says in Dining Out for Life, please contact Seva -- Detroit Michigan AIDS Coalition CEO Terry Shanthi L. Sivanandham at 248- Sweet Lorraine’s -- Southfield Ryan. “Simply by sharing a meal with 545-1435 x105 or ssivanandham@ The Bird and The Bread

16 BTL | April 30, 2015 www.PrideSource.com 12

2 3 9 8 Cool Cities 4 Ferndale 1 13 10 6 YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET 5 11 Pinpoint your ad dollars where they will do the most good . . . Advertise in the next Cool Cities TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200

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www.PrideSource.com April 30, 2015 | BTL 17 A Taste Of Ginger Minj ‘Drag Race’ Star Dishes On Competition, Adele & Upcoming Royal Oak Gig

BY JEROME STUART NICHOLS Get ready for some shade, Detroit, bitch,” she says proudly. “I’m not because as Minj puts it, “I’ve had really a Southern belle. A lot of INFO Season seven of “RuPaul’s Drag the actual carpet ripped up. It’s people get the misconception Race” has a while to go before just hardwood floors now. that because of my accent Ginger Minj crowning a new queen, but of all the Careful – you might and because I’m so hosts Drag Queen Bingo remaining competitors, it’s Ginger get splinters.” short, tiny and round May 7-10 Minj who seems to be poised – and Though that I’m going to be Five15 just drunk enough – to find herself her watchful the sweetest thing 515 S. Washington, Royal Oak in first place. demeanor and you’ve ever met. I www.five15.net Much like previous winners Raja, sweet-as-peach- try to be sweet, but 248-515-2551 Jinkx Monsoon and Bianca Del cobbler accent it just doesn’t always Rio, Minj’s sharp humor has been might paint Minj happen. I’m more of a a primary highlight of her run on as a Southern Southern broad.” in the world. “Drag Race.” That humor, and her belle, don’t be Still, she swears her “I’m loud, and I can be blunt and impression of Adele, tied her for first fooled. faultless reading abilities abrasive, but it comes from a really place in the Snatch Game challenge “I’m a good and epic side-eye are good place; it’s never malicious,” during episode seven. Southern Christian meant with all the love she promises. “I went in knowing that I wanted For her money, Ginger’s hoping to do Adele for Snatch Game,” Minj to see Katya, Kennedy Davenport says. “Anybody who’s watched an and, of course, herself face off for interview with Adele knows that the crown. Though it doesn’t really she’s a chain-smoking, alcoholic, matter who’s in the final three – foul-mouthed bitch, and basically Minj is ready to wear that crown. that’s me in a nutshell.” “Baby, I wouldn’t have done the Although Minj shined during show if I wasn’t ready to take it Snatch Game, her performance in home,” she says. “Other than one the very next episode put her in the major slip up, I have been the most bottom two and she had to lip sync consistent this entire year.” for her life. While no one, not even If she does win, she’s taking that Ginger herself, denies she should $100,000 and buying some more have been in the bottom, she wasn’t fashionable clothing, “because Lord exactly worried she’d be going knows I don’t have enough of it.” home. While we wait to see which “By the middle of that challenge, queens will come out on top (of I knew I was going to be lip syncing the competition), Ginger is still for my life – I just knew it, ’cause touring across the country. I was struggling,” she admits. “It “I go into every show, no matter never crossed my mind that I could where it is or what it is, with the full ever go home, because I knew I was intention of having fun,” she says. “I’ll going to fight.” sing, shake around and wear bright Though that’s definitely not to say shiny things to distract you from the she didn’t feel the pressure. fact that I can’t really dance. “It took (fellow contestant) Mrs. “You never know what’s going Kasha Davis telling me, ‘If you go to happen. I’ve been known to start home, you gave up the fight because with ‘Talk to the Animals’ from you’re acting a damn fool. Snap ‘Doctor Dolittle’ and end with out of it,’ for me to go ‘Oh my god, ‘Anaconda’ by Nicki Minaj.” you’re right. I’ve worked too hard Hosting, she says, is her favorite to go home.’” part of drag because “it’s always a Luckily, Minj survived. And soon, surprise.” not only will we see if she makes it to “You never know what the hell is the top three, we’ll see her in Royal going to come out of my mouth,” Oak, where she’ll host Drag Queen Minj confesses “... or go into it.” Bingo May 7-10 at Five15.

18 BTL | April 30, 2015 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com April 30, 2015 | BTL 19 20 BTL | April 30, 2015 www.PrideSource.com mindedness when it comes to loving and caring ® Reba McEntire for a child regardless of sexual orientation? Continued from p. 15 What a child needs when they’re growing up is support and love, mainly love. Love can What has made you gravitate toward themes of go a long, long ways whether they’re gay or empowerment, then? not. All the troubles and the problems and Because I think they’re important. To be the obstacles that they are going to face in encouraging. These songs are encouraging; their lives are going to be astronomical, they’re encouraging to folks. Every song especially in their very young, inexperienced I sing has a message, and it might not be minds. And if they do happen to be gay, that’s for me and I might not have experienced going to be a harder hurdle to get over. What what’s going on in the song, but I think it’s a parent needs to do more than anything is for somebody who needs to hear it. I’ve had jump in there with love and support. You people come up to me before saying, “You made ’em. They’re a gift from God. Love have no idea how so-and-so song changed my ’em as they are. life. It helped me through a bad situation.” God knows what he’s doing. He gives me With Billy Gilman, Ty Herndon and Brandy Clark, the gut feeling to say yes to this song, yes there’s been a recent wave of country musicians to that song. And it might not have anything coming out. What are your thoughts on these to do with my career, my lifestyle, but he’s artists taking that step and coming out publicly? got somebody down the road who needs to It’s really, really sad what they’re living with hear it. before they decide to come out. And then why Would you consider recording a country song they decide to come out, and how they deal inspired by a gay person’s story? with it after they’ve come out – the pressure society puts upon them, their families and It just depends on the song. If it touches my what they put upon them, whether they heart, absolutely. accept it or they don’t. You know, my new Your daughter-in-law, Kelly Clarkson, told me album is called “Love Somebody” … I wish it’d been called “Love Everybody.” You gotta recently that she didn’t care if one of her kids love people for who they are. Accept them, turned out to be gay. And then you actually and then go on with life. backed her on that on Facebook, posting “amen!” on the article. As a grandparent, and a parent yourself, what kind of message do “Love Everybody” – the title of the next album. you hope to send by affirming your open- I’m gonna work on that! www.PrideSource.com April 30, 2015 | BTL 21 Oak. 248-943-2411. lindacbrin@gmail. Chene Park Ampitheater “Jazzy Other com Womenoutandabout.net/nye- Nights”. Chene Park Ampitheater, 2600 dance/spring-fling-dance/ Atwater, Detroit. May 6 - Aug. 12. 313- Trinity Divine Healing “Health & 393-7128. Cheneparkdetroit.com Wellness Classes” Cost: $5-10. Grace The boys are back in town with the popular is Sufficient Ministries Neighborhood Saturday, May 9 vocal group, Three Men and a Tenor. The men Saugatuck Center for the Arts “Marc Center, 13345 Joy Road, Detroit. Jan. Re-imaging Gender 15 promising Cohn” Tickets: $41-43. Saugatuck 12 - May 30. 313-451-2472. will make a surprise return visit to The Encore artists take on one of the thorniest Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., May 1-2. They’ve just returned from a recent challenges facing contemporary art: Saugatuck. 8 p.m. May 2. 269-857- Wharton Center for the Performing how to render the modern spectrum of 2399. Sc4a.org Arts “America’s Got Downton” A performance with comedy legend Jay Leno. gender, going beyond the simple male/ “remarkable, tour de force one-man The group opened for Leno in Phoenix, Arizona female binary to include a wide variety The Acorn Theater “Corky Siegel’s show” in which Luke Kempner creates of identities and sexualities. University Chamber Blues Celebrate Sam! “. The more than 30 characters in this parody, in March. of Michigan, Inst. for Research on Acorn Theater, 107 Generations Dr., which blends celebrity visitors with Women and Gender, 204 S. State St., Three Oaks. 8 p.m. May 2. 269-756- well-known characters from the popular The group performs a variety of music from Ann Arbor. 734-764-9537. schwarde@ 3879. Acorntheater.com TV series. CLICK HERE for complete show information. Tickets: $40. Wharton the Mills Brothers, The Ink Spots, Elvis, The umich.edu Irwg. research. umich.edu/ The Ark “Hot Buttered Rum” Tickets: events/exhibitions. html Center for the Performing Arts, 750 Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, Bob Marley, $15. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing. April 30. Create Our Colors Flag Making Arbor. 8 p.m. May 1. 734-761-1800. 800-WHARTON. whartoncenter.com Garth Brooks, The Zac Brown Band and original Theark.org music. All performed with humor and featuring the greatest instrument of all: the human voice. They Project 11 a.m. Ferndale Pride, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- The Ark “David Lindley” Tickets: $20. are known for their clever blending of musical styles and unique presentations of familiar tunes. 7105. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 THEATER p.m. May 5. 734-761-1800. Theark.org The performances will run at 8 p.m. on May 1 and 2 at The Encore Musical Theatre Company, 3126 Alcohol Abuse Weekly Therapy Group Civic/Community Theater 2 p.m. The Center for Relationship and The Ark “Whitehorse” Tickets: $15. The Broad St., Suite A, Dexter. All seats are $25. For tickets or more information, call 734-268-6200 or Sexual Health, 25600 Woodward Ave., Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. How to Succeed in Business Without . Farmington Players, visit www.theencoretheatre.org. Ste. 215, Royal Oak. 248-399-7447. May 4. 734-761-1800. Theark.org Really Trying [email protected] Farmington Players Barn Theatre, The Magic Bag “Guns N’ Hoses” 32332 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Queereads 3 p.m. Lansing Lesbians - Tickets: $12+. The Magic Bag, 22920 Hills. Through May 16. 248-473-1856. L2L, 2820 Towne Center Blvd., Lansing. Woodward Ave., Ferndale. May 1. 248- Farmingtonplayers.org Meetup.com/Lansing-Lesbians-L2L 544-3030. Themagicbag.com Nourishing Our Community Spring The Palace of Auburn Hills “Iggy Professional Concert 8 p.m. Silent auction at 7 p.m. Azalea with Nick Jonas, Tinashe and DJ America’s Got Downton A Sistrum, Lansing. Sistrum.org Wizz Kidd”. The Palace of Auburn Hills, “remarkable, tour de force one-man 5 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills. 7:30 show” in which Luke Kempner creates Tuesday, May 12 p.m. May 2. 248-377-0100. Palacenet. more than 30 characters in this parody, and an exciting afterglow party. Young Sistrum, Lansing Women’s Chorus, 215 com which blends celebrity visitors with profession tickets are $100, Supporters N. Capital Ave., Lansing. Sistrum.org Lenore Marwil Jewish Film Festival OUTINGS Each one of these films is like entering well-known characters from the popular are $150 and our sponsorship Unlimited Sky Production TV series. CLICK HERE for complete Thursday, April 30 categories goes up to 25,000. HAVEN, another world, a once-in-a-lifetime “Wednesday Night Jazz & Soul Music Thursday, May 7 adventure. Jewish Community show information. Tickets: $40. Wharton Dining Out for Life When you eat out 200 W Big Beaver Road, Troy. 248-334- Center for the Performing Arts, 750 at any of the participating restaurants 1284. [email protected] E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing. April 30. in the Metro Detroit area, a portion of Haven-oakland.org/events/gala-event 800-WHARTON. whartoncenter.com your food bill will be donated to the Guns N’Hoses 8 p.m. Tickets: $12+. An original Michigan AIDS Coalition (MAC). Michigan Beanstalk - The Musical The Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward musical production based on the classic AIDS Coalition (MAC), Metro-Detroit. Ave., Ferndale. 248-544-3030. The women of Sistrum, Lansing Women’s tale, “Jack and the Beanstalk. “ CLICK Diningoutforlife.com Themagicbag.com Chorus, present their spring concert, HERE for complete show information.. Arlo Guthrie: Alice’s Restaurant 50th Wild Swan Theater, Towsley Auditorium Anniversary Tour 7:30 p.m. Presented Saturday, May 2 “Nourishing Our Community.” The concert will inside the Morris Lawrence Building on in memory of Linda Lee. Jewish Gay Equality Research Action Tickets: be presented on May 8 and 9. It will feature a the campus of Washtenaw Community Network (JGN), 6600 W. Maple Road, $35-135. E=Equality Research Center, College, 4800 E. Huron River Dr., Ann West Bloomfield. 248-661-1900. Dearborn. Er2a.org full range of empowering and inspiring music Arbor. April 29 - May 3. 734-995-0530. Jccdet.org designed to expand musical experiences and to wildswantheater.org Polyamorous ‘Mini’ Relationship BIANCA DEL RIO Rolodex Of Hate Skills Class 10 a.m. $20. Affirmations, get audiences thinking about how “we nourish Draw Me Out Follow a shy, withdrawn Comedy Special 8 p.m. Bianca Del Rio 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248- our community, both figuratively and literally.” teen suffering from bi-polar disorder is a comedian, costume designer and 398-7105. Goaffirmations.org through his days at school, relationships was the Season 6 Winner of RuPaul’s Sistrum will make a sizeable donation to the with his mom, sister and her friends, his Drag Race. 18+. Tickets: $35-75. Alex Sepkus Trunk Show 11 a.m. new therapist, and a new friend named Murray & Peter, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Abracadabra Jewlery/Gem Gallery, 205 Greater Lansing Food Bank from concert Suze who seems to be everything that Oak. 248-268-2840. hunterhodgson@ E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. 734-994- proceeds. The chorus will also be premiering Drew is not and pops up out of nowhere aol.com Thebiancadelrio.com 4848. Abragem.com when he least expects her. CLICK HERE two new pieces of music they helped commission through the Women’s Choir Commission for complete show information. Tickets: Nerd-A-Game-Day 12 p.m. In honor of Ladies Night 10 p.m. Third Thursdays: $8-14. Stark Turn Players, Dog Story For women who love women. Pronto International Tabletop Day & Free Comic Consortium and the Sister Singers Network, “Truth” and “Lineage,” both by MSU alum and Sistrum Book Day. Nerdageddon, 117 E. Grand Theatre, 7 Jefferson SE, Grand Rapids. Video Bar, 608 S. Washington Ave., friend Andrea Ramsey. Some old favorites such as “Ya Faraoule” and “Chili Con Carne” will also be April 30 - May 3. dogstorytheater.com Royal Oak. River Ave., Brighton. Nerdageddon.com performed. Fly Guy and Other Stories This Friday, May 1 Sunday, May 3 inventive musical revue from The spring concert will also include a silent auction, beginning at 7 p.m. each night, with showtime Theatreworks USA is based on favorite HAVEN Gala 6:30 p.m. This signature Basic Astrology 2 p.m. Price: $25. Michigan Pagans, 224 W. Nine Mile at 8 p.m. Tickets are available on a sliding scale from $15 to $25 and can be purchased at children’s books. CLICK HERE for event will celebrate HAVEN’s 40th complete show information. Tickets: $9. anniversary of serving victims of Road, Ferndale. Meetup.com/ www.sistrum.org or through a chorus member. ASL interpretation will be provided for both concerts. michiganpagans Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, domestic and sexual violence as well as Central United Methodist Church, at 215 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing, is wheelchair accessible. 750 E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing. May 2 the construction of our new facility. In - May 2. 800-WHARTON. whartoncenter. true celebratory fashion, the event will Monday, May 4 com be a glamorous, fun-filled evening that Substance Abuse Weekly Therapy Free HIV Testing 2:30 p.m. Free incorporates a seated dinner, silent/live Group 6 p.m. The Center for Center, 6600 West Maple Road, West Series” Every Wednesday Night Jazz I and You On the night before a class anonymous HIV testing in-store at S3 auction, entertainment and an exciting Relationship and Sexual Health, 25600 Bloomfield. 248-661-1900. info@ & Soul Music Series featuring dome of assignment is due, two high school every Thursday 2-8. Call to make an afterglow party. Sponsors will also Woodward Ave., Ste. 215, Royal Oak. theberman.org Theberman.org the best live music in MichiganCover: students - sickly, oddball Caroline and appointment, or walk-ins welcome. be invited to join us for a benefactor 248-399-7447. [email protected] $5. Harbor House, 440 Clinton, Detroit. jockish, popular Anthony - plumb the reception held in the weeks preceding S3 Safe Sex Store and HARC, 1209 S. Jan. 21 - June 24. 3139679900. mysteries of Walt Whitman’s poem the Gala. HAVEN, 200 W. Big Beaver University, Ann Arbor. 734-741-1434. MUSIC & MORE Harborhousemi.com “Leaves of Grass. “ Between poetry, Road, Troy. 248-322-3706. ccopeland@ Tuesday, May 5 [email protected] S3safesexstore.com teen angst and awkward overtures, LGBTQ+ Support Group 4 p.m. a funny and warm relationship starts haven-oakland.org Haven-oakland.org/ Ferndale Pride & ARCADE Pontiac Classical For teens age 14-18. Call number Dance to form, until a shocking disclosure events/gala-event LGBTQA Performance Art Fundraiser Chamber Music Society of Detroit for location. True Teen Group, East Kristi Faulkner Dance “Kristi Faulkner by Anthony reveals that all is not as 7 p.m. Ferndale Pride, 10 W. Pike St., “Classical Jam” Tickets: $15-30. Max First Friday Potluck 7 p.m. Lansing Lansing. 725-222-TRUE. truelgbtq@ Dance presents Cirque Noir & Four it seems. CLICK HERE for complete Lesbians - L2L, 1710 E. Michigan Ave. Pontiac. Ferndalepride.com M. Fisher Music Center, 3711 Woodward Letter Word” Tickets: $15. Boll Theater gmail.com Ave., Detroit. 8 p.m. May 1. 313-576- show information. Tickets: $20 or #1712, Lansing. Meetup.com/Lansing- 2015 Get Lucky Tour 8 p.m. Featuring (Located inside the Boll Family YMCA), pay-what-you-can. Theatre Nova, The Leon & Lulu’s Girls Night Out 6 p.m. 5111. Chambermusicdetroit.org Lesbians-L2L the Chippendales dancers. Tickets: 1401 Broadway, Detroit. May 1 - May Yellow Barn, 416 W. Huron St., Ann Various events with wine, goodies $27-37. Sound Board - Motor City 2. 419-509-4375. KristiFaulknerDance. Arbor. May 1 - May 17. 734-635-8450. Haven Gala 7:30 p.m. HAVEN, Oakland and more for women. Leon & Lulu, Countys only comprehensive program Casino, 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit. Concerts comFilm & Video Theatrenova.org 96 W. Fourteen Mile Road, Clawson. Birmingham-Bloomfield Symphony for victims of domestic violence and 800-745-3000. Motorcitycasino.com Michigan Theater “Wine & Film 248-288-3600. Leonandlulu.com/ Orchestra “2015 Michigan String I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now sexual assault, is having a Gala in Series”. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty girlsnightout Concert Competition”. Wilson Violins, Change A series of vignettes connected celebration of its 40th anniversary. The Friday, May 8 St., Ann Arbor. April 29 - May 27. 734- 725 S. Adams Road, Birmingham. May by the central theme of love and event with be a glamorous, fun-filled 668-8397. Ticketweb.com Wednesday, May 6 Spring Fling Dance 8 a.m. Tickets: 6 - May 7. Bbso.org evening that incorporates a seated $15-20. Women Out And About, Royal dinner, silent live auction, entertainment Sistrum Weekly Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. See Happenings, page 25

22 BTL | April 30, 2015 www.PrideSource.com Bookmarks: LGBTQ Highlights From National Poetry Month

BY KEITH ORR From the opening line Whalebone Corset.” The book is a dizzying of “Howl,” “I have seen journey through life. From “Kingdom of Trick, Editor’s Note: As we wrap up National the best minds of my Prelude to Kingdom of Drug”: Poetry Month, Keith Orr (owner of Ann generation destroyed Four nights in, I still don’t know his name. Arbor’s Common Language Bookstore) offers Bruise by madness, starving, And each kiss insight into the importance of poetry while hysterical, naked.” Saeed Jones, Coffee is the aftertaste of pills, a white cloud on the recommending great works to both those old Ginsberg rails against a House Press and new to the genre. tongue. He hates society which worships Another current Lambda I had always thought April was National the names I give him: Tantalus, Orestes, capitalism, war and nominee is Saeed Jones’ Poetry Month because of two major poems Ganymede. I don’t greed. Get the book and “Prelude to Bruise.” which contain “April” in their opening lines: read “Howl.” Read it In the tradition of need a name he says, sky-high in the shower, “Whan that Aprille with his shoures soote” from out loud (that’s good Whitman’s “Leaves of the birds leaking Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales” advice for any poem). Grass,” this collection into stains on his stomach. Orange bottle in and “April is the cruelest month” from T.S. Normally, I would never would easily fall prey hand, Eliot’s “The Waste Land.” Alas, the reason is far recommend a movie to a conservative more prosaic. The Academy of American Poets I answer Hyacinth and Vicodin. I answer to understand a book. moral judgment of wanted to play off the success of Black History Xanax and Zephyr. However, Rob Epstein’s obscenity. “Leaves of Month (February) and Women’s History Month “Howl” is an excellent Grass” transcended Celebrate National Poetry Month. Grab a (March). And the following month is April, ergo, biography of the poem. the obscene to praise poem. Read it. Read it out loud. Better yet, April is National Poetry Month. James Franco plays a an open sexuality and take a hint from the gayest and most American young Allen Ginsberg. the beauty of same-sex of poets, Uncle Walt Whitman and let out a Stung with Love: Over the course of the love. “Prelude to Bruise’ asks how we use barbarous yawp: movie the entire poem is recited, with illustrations people, and their bodies, to express ourselves. I too am not a bit tamed, I too am untranslatable, by Ginsberg collaborator Eric Drooker. It’s a Poems and Fragments I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of great way to experience one of the most amazing This is as purely transformative as poetry gets. the world. Sappho, translated by Aaron Poochigian poems of the last century. Saeed leads us through discovery of self: racial and gendered, political and familial. Powerful with a preface by Carol Ann Duffy, Penguin Keith Orr is an activist, musician and proprietor of Classics (2009) joyous discovery of sex in “Pretending to Drown,” followed by a father’s discovery Common Language Bookstore with his husband, Poetry is transformative. Poets play with Haiti Glass of women’s clothing and undergarments Martin Contreras. He performed with Allen Ginsberg language and create new meanings and new Lenelle Moise, City Lights (Sister Spit) filled with Old Testament wrath in “Boy in a on the occasion of one of his last recitations of “Howl.” forms. LGBT artists, by their mere existence, are subversive. Poetry is the native language of gay Sixty Years after the publication of “Howl,” people through the ages. The tradition of lesbian City Lights began a collaboration with poet poetry goes back to Sappho, an ancient Greek and author Michelle Tea to publish two to poet from the Island of Lesbos. She lived around three books a year under the imprint of Sister 600 B.C. Very little of her poetry remains, though Spit. Tea is the author of “Valencia,” founder her reputation has lived through the ages. Plato of the Radar Reading series, co-founder of the called her “the Tenth Muse,” and she was widely legendary Sister Spit literary tours and cultural regarded as one of antiquities finest lyric poets. promoter. The imprint is grabbing the attention There are many collections of the surviving of the LGBT literary world. fragments of her poetry. “Stung with Love” is a The imprint’s first collection of poetry already great introduction. The notes and explanations has received a Lambda Literary nomination. are informative and entertaining. They appear Lenelle Moise is a playwright and performance on facing pages, rather than as endnotes. Aaron artist, and it comes through in her debut Poochigian’s translation aims to capture the collection of poetry. Alternating rhythms of hip spirit of the poetry, rather than being slave to the hop and Haiti drive these poems of identity. The original form. The results are eminently readable vodou of Haiti is a constant point of reference and worth the exploration. in her grappling of a Haitian-American identity. Even in her ode to Michael Jackson, “a pump of bony pelvis” she calls him a ghede (spirit) Howl and Other Poems and zombie: Allen Ginsberg, City Lights a hypnotist City Lights Bookstore was founded in 1953 dandy by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti. Shortly after, sexy spirit of corpses the bookstore began a publishing arm focusing vodou’s ghede in sunglasses on the Beat Poets. In 1956 he published a pump of bony pelvis Allen Ginsberg’s magnum opus, “Howl.” San Francisco police raided the store and arrested he he was as pale Ferlinghetti for distributing obscenity. The as a manga superhero trial resulted in acquittal, and established the as smooth as zorro precedent that “the slightest redeeming social importance” guarantees First Amendment a limber zombie protection. singing thriller www.PrideSource.com April 30, 2015 | BTL 23 complete show information. Tickets: come up with an unorthodox plan to March 15 - May 31. 313-833-7900. ® $41-48. The Jewish Ensemble Theatre secure his family’s future. CLICK HERE Dia.org Happenings Company, Aaron DeRoy Theatre on for complete show information. Tickets: Continued from p. 22 the campus of the Jewish Community $27-32. Tipping Point Theatre, 361 E. epiphany glass studio “Epiphany Center, 6600 W. Maple Road, West Cady St., Northville. Through May 3. Glass Studio Spring Show & Sale” Bloomfield. Through May 10. 248-788- 248-347-0003. tippingpointtheatre.com Partial Proceeds to Benefit Michigan relationships. CLICK HERE for complete 2900. jettheatre.org Humane Society. epiphany glass studio, show information. Tickets: $8-15. Three Men and a Tenor Tickets: $25. 770 Orchard Lake Road, Pontiac. May Thunder Bay Theatre, 400 N. Second Talley’s Folly Lanford Wilson’s romantic The Encore Musical Theatre, Encore 2 - May 3. Ave., Alpena. Through May 3. 989-354- comedy about a pair of mismatched souls Musical Theater Company, 3126 Broad 2267. thunderbaytheatre.com longing to find love after nearly giving up St., Dexter. May 1 - May 2. 734-268- MOCAD “Radical Scavengers: the on the dream. CLICK HERE for complete 6200. Theencoretheatre.org MOCAD Quilting Bee Project “ This Improv Mondays At 8 p.m. the show show information. Tickets: $12-42. The winter the Mobile Homestead space kicks off with a guest improv troupe, Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park Two Plays by Harold Pinter (with transforms into a contemporary quilt followed by a performance by Planet St., Chelsea. Through May 23. 734-433- drinking in between) Two plays by making workshop for the community. Ant’s resident Home Team. The night 7673. purplerosetheatre.org the British master of intimidation: “One Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, closes with The Ant Jam, an opportunity for the Road” and “The Dwarfs. “ CLICK 4454 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Jan. 25 - for anyone to improvise on the Planet Tender Napalm A high-impact HERE for complete show information. May 24. 313-832-6622. Mocadetroit.org Ant stage. CLICK HERE for complete exploration of the relationship between Tickets: By donation. The Abreact, 1301 show information. Tickets: $5 at the two people and the violent world that W. Lafayette #113, Detroit. Through May South Oakland Art Association door. Planet Ant Theatre, 2357 Caniff, surrounds them - and the place where 9. 313-454-1542. theabreact.com (SOAA) “Cindy Parsons Speaks at SOAA Hamtramck. Through June 29. 313-365- these things meet. CLICK HERE for Meeting”. Painty Party Royal Oak, 2554 4948. planetant.com complete show information. Tickets: Violet As a girl, Violet was in an Crooks Road, Royal Oak. 7 p.m. May 4. $10-20. The Ringwald Theatre, 22742 accident, leaving her with a visible scar Sooaklandart.com Into the Wild Live America’s most Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Through May 4. across her face. With enough money beloved animal expert, Jack Hanna, brings The Scarab Club “Lowriding: From his three-time Emmy Award-winning television series to the live stage. CLICK HERE for complete show information. Tickets: $19-45. The Whiting, 1241 E. Kearsley St., Flint. 7:30 p.m. May 1. 810- 237-8689. thewhiting.com The next South Oakland Art Association Kimberly Akimbo A hilarious and heartrending play about a teenager with meeting features guest speaker Cindy Parsons, a rare condition causing her body to president of the Lawrence Street Gallery. Cindy age faster than it should. CLICK HERE for complete show information. Tickets: will discuss what is going on in the art world $15-20. Open Door Theatre Company, and what opportunities are available for artists. Penelope’s Venue, 12219 Dix Toledo Rd., Southgate. May 1 - May 9. 734-288-7753. The Lawrence Street Gallery is a fine arts openbooktc.com gallery exhibiting a new show every month, Meshuggah-Nuns The Little Sisters of with a spotlight exhibit in the front of the gallery Hoboken are taking an all-expense paid cruise to the Holy Land, but once again and a large member exhibit in the rest of the find themselves plunged into comedy, gallery. All Lawrence Street Gallery shows song and dance. CLICK HERE for complete show information. Tickets: $26-41. are free and open to the public. Twenty-eight Meadow Brook Theatre, 2200 N. Squirrel member artists volunteer their time and skills toward managing and working the gallery. The Road, Rochester. Through May 17. 248- Lawrence Street Gallery is located at 22620 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. 377-3300. mbtheatre.com Mouk’s Adventures A small, clumsy, SOAA’s meeting and presentation takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. at Paint Party Royal Oak, 2554 Crooks misshapen guy is on his own for the Road at Webster. There is free lighted parking at the door. first time. This production, inspired by the fairy tale by 19th century German author Wilhelm Hauff, incorporates many characteristics of Arabic folklore. Tickets: 248-545-5545. theringwald.com $5-10. PuppetART, Detroit Puppet Theater, finally saved, she’s traveling across the Crenshaw to Woodward”. The Scarab 25 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit. May 2 - The Cross & the Light Musical theater 1964 Deep South towards a miracle - Club, 217 Farnsworth, Detroit. April 1 - May 31. 313-961-7777. puppetart.org meets rock concert meets multi-media the healing touch of a TV evangelist that May 16. 313-831-1250. Scarabclub.org Potted Potter Two actors take on the spectacle in an epic, Broadway-style will make her beautiful. CLICK HERE for UMMA “Sophie Calle: North Pole “. ultimate challenge of condensing - or musical of Christ’s Passion to Pentecost. complete show information. Tickets: University Of Michigan Museum Of Art, “potting” - all seven Harry Potter books CLICK HERE for complete show $35-41 (includes meal). The Dio - Dining 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor. May 2 - Aug. into 75 madcap minutes, aided by information. Tickets: $10-35. Nieto and Entertainment, 135 E. Main St., 9. 734-763-4186. Umma. umich.edu multiple costume changes, brilliant songs, Productions, Our Lady Star of the Sea, 467 Pinckney. Through May 17. 517-672- UMMA “Hana Hamplova: Meditations ridiculous props and a generous helping of Fairchild Rd., Grosse Pointe Woods. April 6009. diotheatre.com on Paper”. University Of Michigan Hogwarts magic. CLICK HERE for complete 30 - May 2. crossandlight.com Yakety Yak - A Fifties Tale Join us as Museum Of Art, 525 S. State St., Ann show information. Tickets: $42. 50-52. The Diary of Anne Frank In Nazi- Robert and Ray, two elderly men in their Arbor. Feb. 21 - Aug. 9. 734-763-4186. 50. City Theatre, 2301 Woodward Ave., occupied Netherlands during World 80s, decide to buy a diner and use it as Umma. umich.edu Detroit. April 28 - May 3. 313-471-6611. War II, a young Jewish girl receives a a class reunion dance. When the guys olympiaentertainment.com diary for her 13th birthday, a blank slate turn on the jukebox, they are transported UMMA “Flip Your Field: Objects from the Collection” An exhibition from Salvage A shy owner of a collectables for her to record her thoughts, hopes back to the ‘50s and get a chance to the Museum’s collection of three- store in Detroit finds his staid existence and dreams. CLICK HERE for complete relive the fun again. Remember: “Yakety dimensional objects. University Of turned topsy-turvy when a mysterious show information. Tickets: $12-16. Flint Yak, don’t talk back!” CLICK HERE for Michigan Museum Of Art, 525 S. State women enters his life with valuable items Youth Theatre, 1220 E. Kearsley St., complete show information. Tickets: St., Ann Arbor. Jan. 24 - July 19. 734- that just should not exist anymore. CLICK Flint. Through May 10. 810-237-1530. $39-43. 50 (includes dinner). Cornwell’s 763-4186. Umma. umich.edu Puzzle solution on pg. 26 HERE for complete show information. flintyouththeatre.org Dinner Theatre, 18935 15 1/2 Mile Rd., Tickets: $12. 50-41. Performance Marshall. Through May 2. 269-781- Yourist Studio Gallery “Drink (c) The Kiss of the Sun For Pardon A 4293. turkeyville.com Network Theatre, 120 E. Huron St., Ann comedic drama about two unlikely up! Celebrating the Art and Ritual in Arbor. Through May 24. 734-663-0681. roommates. CLICK HERE for complete Our Daily Life” Opening and Artists Pntheatre.org show information. Tickets: $17-20. Detroit Reception for Drink (c)up!, an exhibit ART ‘N’ AROUND and sale of handmade ceramic cups by See You Next Doomsday A man finds Repertory Theatre, 13103 Woodrow DIA “Photographs from the Detroit Yourist Studio Gallery Resident Artists. himself stranded on a nightmarish future Wilson, Detroit. Through May 17. 313-868- Walk-In Portrait Studio by Corne Free. Yourist Studio Gallery, 1133 Earth, where he must fend off cannibals, 1347. Detroitreptheatre.com Vermeulen”. Detroit Institute of Arts, Broadway, Ann Arbor. April 24 - May 24. racist robots and bloodthirsty mermen The Merchant of Venice Shsakespeare’s 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Jan. 1 - 734-662-4914. Youristpottery.com in order to escape a dying planet aboard classic play tells the story of a wealthy May 17. 313-833-7900. Dia.org the spaceship of a friendly alien named Christian merchant who mistakenly makes University of Michigan, Inst. for Richard Gere. CLICK HERE for complete a deadly bond with his enemy, a Jewish DIA “Make a Joyful Noise: Renaissance Research on Women and Gender “Re- show information. Tickets: $10-20. Planet money lender with nothing and everything Art and Music at Florence Cathedral” A imaging Gender” 15 promising artists Ant Theatre, 2357 Caniff, Hamtramck. to lose. CLICK HERE for complete show rare opportunity to see three exquisite take on one of the thorniest challenges Through May 2. 313-365-4948. planetant. information. Tickets: $10. Slipstream marble carvings and other Italian facing contemporary art: how to render com Theatre Initiative, Michigan Actors Studio, Renaissance masterpieces by sculptor the modern spectrum of gender, going Luca della Robbia. Detroit Institute of beyond the simple male/female binary Sugarhill On a hot muggy night as 648 E. 9 Mile Rd., Ferndale. Through April Arts, 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 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24 BTL | April 30, 2015 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com April 30, 2015 | BTL 25 19 U2 tribute song to 51-Across 5 “Gods and Monsters” subject Q Puzzle 22 Seven on the sundial 6 Migratory guys 23 Month for Kahlo 7 “Yeah, right!” 24 Hard to mount 8 The M in SMU (abbr.) Lady Sings The Blues 25 Woody woe 9 _Your Movie Sucks_ author 27 Pax network, now Roger 29 Dr. Kerry Weaver’s helpers 10 Disney dog Old ___ 30 Old fruit drink 11 Myles of lines of poetry 31 Patty Sheehan, for one 12 Terence’s family 34 Song by 51-Across that 20 Mouth-to-mouth pro protested racism and lynching 21 Moore costar 38 Hurts a lot 22 Florist’s wheels, often 39 Date for Caesar 26 Ian McKellen and Elton John 41 Not a thing 27 “Why should ___ you?” 44 Blow away 28 Switch positions 45 Make noise in bed 31 Chew like a mouse 46 Take as one’s own 32 Fairy-tale monster 48 Chiding sound 33 Screw royally 50 Designer Claiborne 35 Valuable strings 51 Singer born April 7, 1915 36 Adorer of Clay Aiken? 55 Garfield’s whipping boy 37 Marinade type 56 Madonna’s “Truth or ___” 40 “___ who?!” 57 Cockpit predictions 41 Jim, who did a Pyle of acting? 59 Novelist ___ Mae Brown 42 Cry of success 60 If that fails 43 Jeremy Irons flick of 1997 61 Small pooch, briefly 45 Glide on snow 62 Pronto, in the OR 47 Skirt fold 63 Hidey-hole 48 Porno mag on a trunk? 64 Colette’s price 49 Trim and graceful 52 “East of ___ “ 13 New York college 53 Holy headgear Across 14 Hoover hookup that sucks Down 54 “Ed Wood” star Johnny 1 Rev. Perry 15 Words after so 1 Passes on Broadway 58 Leading cause of birth 5 George Michael’s old band 16 McKellen’s Magneto movie 2 Brooks with some lettuce heads? 9 Herbert’s “Fortune and Men’s 17 What’s in the stallion’s mouth? ___ “ 3 Kind of stand 18 Enchanted girl of film 4 Cristina of “Grey’s Anatomy” Solution on pg. 24 Classifieds 113 ANNOUNCEMENTS 711 HEALTH & FITNESS - OPPORTUNITIES - WEIGHT LOSS

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26 BTL | April 30, 2015 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com April 30, 2015 | BTL 27