This ordinance will Pope Francis Signals provide an avenue of justice “that is currently not available New Era For under current state or In Depth: Obamacare federal law. – David Lossing, And The LGBT Community Linden Mich.” Mayor, pg. 6

Our Gay Interview With Joseph Gordon-Levitt

WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM SEPT 26, 2013 | VOL. 2139 | FREE 2 BTL | Sept. 26, 2013 www.PrideSource.com COVER STORY 14 Oh Joe Photo: Relativity Media We became vegan to fight family David Lossing Photo Courtesy of Municipal League (www.mml.org) health issues, so we wanted to

This ordinance will provide an avenue of justice Pope Francis Signals “that is currently not available under current state or make comfort foods healthier. New Era For LGBTs federal law.

In Depth: Obamacare – David Lossing, Linden” Mich. Mayor, pg. 7 And The LGBT Community “ – Kirsten Ussery (Right), pg. 13

Our Gay Interview With Joseph Gordon-Levitt ” SEPT 26, 2013 | VOL. 2139 | FREE WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM Join The Conversation PrideSource.com NEWS @ 4 P ope Francis signals new era for SIGN THE PLEDGE ENTER TO WIN HEARD ON FACEBOOK LGBTs, leaders encouraged 5 How Obamacare affects the community 6 A double shot of LGBT advocacy by Linden Mayor David Lossing 7 Obituary: Dillon Ptaszek 10 National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day coming Sept. 27 11 RO business leaders say yes to Proposal A 13 New restaurant to offer comfort food favorites with vegan twist OPINION 8 Viewpoint Join The Conversation, 24/7 9 Parting Glances Join The Voter Education Project Today Win Tickets To See ‘Blind 12 Creep of the Week Summit: The Table,’ Oct. 29 We’re at a pivotal moment with a ton of momentum – now’s the time to A cantankerous puppet with a Join nearly 5,000 others and LIFE act. Sign up at www.Pridesource.com/VEP.html to receive information tap into national news, breaking 16 Hear Me Out cardboard head is having an about pro-LGBT candidates next election cycle and help the Unity existential crisis on a table! Win stories and riveting discussion 18 Cool Cities: Royal Oak Michigan Coalition fight for discrimination at the state and local level. two tickets to ‘Blind Summit: The on the “Between The Lines 22 Happenings Table’ performing at 7:30 p.m. Oct. Newspaper” Facebook! 23 Screen Queen 29 at the Performance Network 25 Matrix season opener: no child’s play Theatre. 26 Cool Cities: Ferndale Enter online at www.pridesource. 28 Classifieds com/tickets_contest.html 30 Puzzle

VOL. 2139 • SEPT 26, 2013 • ISSUE 832 EDITORIAL CREATIVE ADVERTISING & SALES Business Office Editor in Chief Art Director Director of Sales Diane Smith, [email protected] PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA GROUP Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 12 Benjamin Jenkins, [email protected] Jan Stevenson, 734.293.7200 x 22 Circulation & Distribution 11920 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48150 [email protected] [email protected] Phone 734.293.7200 Webmaster & MIS Director Diane Smith Entertainment Editor Kevin Bryant, [email protected] Sales Representatives PUBLISHERS Chris Azzopardi, 734.293.7200 x 24 Ed Bohach, 734.293.7200 x 15 ONLINE AT Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson [email protected] Contributing Writers [email protected] Charles Alexander, Michelle E. 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Between The Lines is supported by many Andrew Potter fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for claims Providing Content and Community to LGBT Media Calendar Editor made by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for Sign up online to receive our E–Digest Copyright 2013 Pride Source Media Group, LLC Shelby Clark, [email protected] materials provided by advertisers or their agents. www.PrideSource.com Sept. 26, 2013 | BTL 3 BRIEFS FERNDALE Pope Francis Signals New Era Transgender Health Fair Coming Up Sept. 28 The annual transgender health fair continues For LGBTs, Leaders Encouraged to grow, with one-stop shopping for transgender health care professionals, service providers and supportive organizations specifically for the BY CHUCK COLBERT “T”s in the LGBT family. For the second time in fewer than two The event takes place Sept. 28 from 1-4 months, Pope Francis has spoken kind words p.m. at Affirmations in Ferndale, and includes workshops and a vendor area full of booths of encouragement, indicating a new tone from with nurses, speech therapists, pharmacies, the Vatican and giving gay Catholics hope for counselors, skin care professionals, beauty an LGBT-friendly church, even as some voice salons and more. disappointment Francis has not ended anti-gay This year’s fair is gaining special attention, teachings. according to Transgender Michigan’s Rachel In a wide-ranging interview, the pope said Crandall who organized the event. “The Pride the Roman Catholic Church has been overly Center of Western New York is using our “obsessed” with condemning gay marriage, transgender health fair as a model for their first abortion, and contraception and should shift transgender health fair,” Crandall said. its focus, emphasizing compassion and mercy Affirmations Community Center is located rather than “small-minded rules.” at 290 W. Nine Mile Rd. “We cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods. This is not possible,” ROYAL OAK Francis said in a 12,000-word interview Chetcuti-Evans To Host published last week by America, a weekly Celebration of the beginning pontificate of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square. Pope Francis on the big screen . One Royal Oak Benefit Oct. 1 Jesuit magazine. Italy, 19 March 2013, Rome, Vatican. Photo Shutterstock. “When we speak about these issues, we have Michael Chetcuti and Kyle Evans will open the added, “The tone of the discussion has got lives and our relationships, as the majority of famous home in downtown Royal Oak for a cocktail to talk about them in a context,” he explained. to change, if we are going to be true to Pope Catholics in the already do, and party to benefit One Royal Oak, the campaign “The dogmatic and moral teachings of the Francis.” we pray that this pope will move us closer to to retain the city’s inclusive non-discrimination church are not all equivalent. The church’s For far too long, Reese explained, “The first ordinance. Voters go to the polls Nov. 5 to decide pastoral ministry cannot be obsessed with that goal.” whether to keep the policy or rescind it. the transmission of a disjointed multitude of words out of the church’s mouth, in meeting Marianne Duddy-Burke, executive director Unlike most homes, there is a Mustang in the doctrines to be imposed insistently.” a gay person were, ‘You can’t have sex. You of DignityUSA, an LGBT Catholic advocacy front room of this one, reflecting the owners’ The pope added, “We have to find a new can’t get married.’” organization, voiced praise for what seems passion for exquisite design – and of course, cars. balance; otherwise even the moral edifice Now, “The first words out of Pope Francis like a fresh start for LGBT Catholics in church Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Mark of the church is likely to fall like a house of are, “I love you. I want to give you a hug. Jesus relations. “We find much to be hopeful about Schauer will be the guest speaker. Schauer is an cards, losing the freshness and fragrance of loves you,’” said Reese. “This is just a whole particularly in the pope’s firm desire that the outspoken advocate for LGBT rights and strongly the Gospel.” different ball game. The model is we are a church be a ‘home for all people,’ and his belief supports the ordinance. Francis also said, “Religion has the right family, not a political interest group, slugging that God looks at LGBT people with love Tickets start at $100 and can be purchased to express its opinion in the service of the it out, using any tactic.” rather than condemnation,” she said. online at www.oneroyaloak.org people, but God in creation has set us free: it Similarly, Francis DeBernardo, executive is not possible to interfere spiritually in the life of a person.” YPSILANTI From coast to coast, the reaction from LGBT Conference To Explore Spirituality Catholic advocates, pastoral ministers, priests, And Being Transgender and church observers, even secular gay-rights We find much to be hopeful about particularly in the pope’s firm activists, has been uniformly positive, even as Crossing Over: The Spirituality of Transformation, some voice displeasure Francis has not gone desire that the church be a ‘home for all people,’ and his belief that is a one day conference taking place Oct. 5 from 2 “ p.m. to 5:15 p.m. at Eastern Michigan University’s far enough in jettisoning Vatican doctrine, God looks at LGBT people with love rather than condemnation. Student Center, 900 Oakwood St. in Ypsilanti. “The which says is “objectively conference will explore the spirituality that enables disordered,” and its sexual expression is an people who are transgender to claim the blessing “intrinsic evil,” while requiring mandatory, - Marianne Duddy-Burke, executive director of DignityUSA, an LGBT Catholic advocacy organization of who they are,” according to the press release. lifelong celibacy as the only sexual ethics and ” The keynote speaker for the event, Rev. Dr. Julie morality in full accord with church teaching. Nemecek, is one of Michigan’s leading voices on Nevertheless, “Anybody who listens to what transgender issues.and a regular guest lecturer on Pope Francis is saying” realizes that “fighting university and college campuses throughout the gay marriage is not the number one priority LGBT Catholic Groups director of the Maryland-based New Ways state and a frequent guest speaker at churches. of the Catholic Church anymore,” said Jesuit Ministry, a gay-friendly Catholic ministry of She will be speaking at 2 p.m. priest, the Rev. Thomas J. Reese, a policy For its part, Equally Blessed, a gay-affirming justice and reconciliation for LGBT Catholics A 3:30 p.m. panel will include Dr. Nemecek, JJ analyst for the National Catholic Reporter. Catholic coalition, said in a press release, “The and the church, said the pope’s remarks Marie Gufreda, Noah Meeks, Joanne Nemecek and Based at Santa Clara University in California pope’s statements are like rain on a parched indicate “a new dawn of hope and promise for Jonah Thompson is the Studio Manager and Riot until the end of this year, Reese is the land for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender LGBT Catholics and their supporters.” Youth Advisor for the Neutral Zone in Ann Arbor. author Inside the Vatican: The Politics and Catholics and their supporters,” adding, “We An equally upbeat Arthur Fitzmaurice, To register go to www.oasisministrymi.org. For Organization of the Catholic Church. yearn for the day when the Catholic hierarchy resource director for the Berkeley, California- further information please call 734-846-3578. The pontiff is also saying, Father Reese can simply acknowledge the holiness of our See Pope, page 12

4 BTL | Sept. 26, 2013 www.PrideSource.com How Obamacare Affects The Community Canada Scraps Residency Impact Of Affordable Care Act And Medicaid Expansion Requirement Discussed, Federal Programs To Benefit Same-Sex Couples For Same-Sex

BY CRYSTAL A. PROXMIRE but that is pending a final judgment. Kaplan said they have tried to work with Attorney General Divorce With the Affordable Care Act (aka Schuette’s office, but the state wants to have a full trial to argue the matter. It is expected to Obamacare) soon to be fully implemented OTTAWA - Amendments to the and recent changes in policy being approved take place in April of next year. In the meantime, federal Civil Marriage Act effective by many federal agencies in the wake of public employees that do have benefits can Aug. 14 provide a process for a June’s historic U.S. Supreme Court decisions continue using them. Canadian court to grant a divorce impacting LGBT people, there is a lot to to non-resident spouses who were consider when looking at what benefits are Benefits To Same-Sex Couples married in Canada, and reside in a now available. On Sept. 21 Affirmations state that does not recognize their ACLU attorney Jay Kaplan and Ryan Sullivan of Michigan Community Center in Ferndale held a In All 50 States marriage. Prior to this legislation workshop with Ryan Sullivan of Michigan Consumers for Healthcare discuss the impact of recent rulings on LGBT people a married couple could divorce in Consumers for Healthcare and attorney Jay One outcome of the recent U.S. Supreme Court cases is the Federal government will now Canada only if at least one spouse Kaplan of the ACLU to help get the LGBT resided in Canada for at least one full, community up to speed. The Affordable Care Act has ten key provide benefits to people who have been legally married. However, Kaplan explains, it’s still a continuous year. Sullivan shared Obamacare basics, beginning provisions that help the LGBT community: Same-sex marriage was legalized with online marketplaces that go into effect patchwork quilt, because court cases have not 1 Data collection yet defined exactly what that means. in Canada in 2005, and since then Oct. 1. He also discussed the recent Medicaid 2 Patient’s Bill of Rights Kaplan said there are more than 1,100 benefits thousands of U.S. couples have gone expansion that was approved in Michigan, 3 Public coverage expansion through Medicaid associated with a legal civil marriage, but that north to become legally married, which will take effect in April 2014. The 4 Private coverage expansion through the including Edie Windsor and Thea expansion covers low income individuals exchanges some of those benefits are based on the “Place of Celebration,” but other programs define Spyer. Windsor was the plaintiff in and families that didn’t qualify previously. A 5 Preventative care, especially for women the recent U.S. Supreme Court case simple video explains what everyone needs 6 Information resources at www.healthcare.gov marriage as based on your “Place of Domicile.” The Obama Administration has recently said that struck down key parts of the to know on YouTube at www.youtube.com/ 7 Healthcare workforce federal , U.S. 8 HIV/AIDS care that any programs they have authority over are watch?v=JZkk6ueZt-U. v Windsor. 9 Nondiscrimination protections going to change to make “Place of Celebration” Many of the specific needs of LGBT This new, easier divorce people are now met by the Affordable Care 10 Community-based prevention programs the determining standard to qualify for federal benefits, although it is going to take time for mechanism for same-sex couples Act. According to Sullivan, 1 in 3 LGBT The official source for information on the Affordable will come as a relief to those couples people is currently uninsured. There are many them to go through every program and make Care Act is www.healthcare.gov. those changes. that got married in Canada but have health disparities in the community, including since split apart. Until now there increased discrimination and violence, risk Some have been made already. The Department of Defense has extended spousal has been no way to dissolve their of homelessness, barriers to benefits like Supreme Court decisions and several federal benefits to military personnel regardless of marriage unless one of the spouses healthcare, marriage discrimination, lack of mandates affect access to care for LGBT people. the state they live in. The Federal Government resided to Canada for a full year. For official data, lack of funding set aside for “One of the key components of access to has also agreed to recognize legal spouses of those people who live in states where LGBT-specific research and outreach, and lack healthcare is access to marriage,” Kaplan said. employees regardless of what state they live marriage is not recognized, such as of medical professionals with experience in how “The decision in the Windsor case in June did in. And the IRS will allow same-sex married Michigan, the inability to divorce to interact with LGBT patients. not strike down the entire Defense of Marriage couples to file taxes jointly in all 50 states. caused few tangible problems. But Sullivan explained that community-based Act, only part of it. They [The Supreme Court] And just last week the Social Security that has changed dramatically with preventions programs would help many low did not strike down section two that says states Administration encouraged LGBT couples to the Windsor decision and a new income people and that preventative care would do not have to recognize marriages performed apply for benefits in order to protect their filing ruling by the U.S. Treasury Dept. make a huge difference for all patients who in other states.” date, stating they intend to change from being that same-sex marriages performed took advantage of it. “A lot of things have not In Michigan there is a Constitutional based on “place of domicile” to being based on anywhere will be recognized in all 50 been done because there is no profit in it, but Amendment, passed in 2004, that says the “place of celebration.” states for federal purposes, including there is huge costs saving in it,” he said. “The state only recognizes the union “between one As far as Medicaid goes, the law is not yet federal income taxes. Affordable Care Act makes some of those things man and one woman is marriage,” or “similar clear according to Kaplan. Medicaid is federally Civil Marriage Act divorce possible.” unions for any purpose.” funded, but it is administered by the state. It applications in Ontario will be Many insurance plans discriminate against “We have one of the most broadly prohibitive should be clear soon how this will affect married accepted at any family counter of transgender people by having broad exclusions. statutes in the country,” Kaplan said. couples in states like Michigan that refuse to the Superior Court of Justice. Divorce Unfortunately this will still be the case with Because of this broad prohibition of “similar recognize their unions. applications under the Civil Marriage many private plans. However, plans that are unions,” legislatures and courts have restricted Act must be filed either jointly or by through the Federal government will not equal access by LGBT couples to other benefits. one spouse with the consent of the discriminate according to Sullivan. “Two years ago the Michigan legislature passed The ACLU LGBT Project works to protect and other spouse, in the province where a law that made it illegal for public employers obtain equal rights for residents in Michigan. Check the parties were married. Legal Decisions Affecting to provide benefits to same-sex partners,” out their website at www.aclumich.org/courts/lgbt- Kaplan said. project for the latest information. The official source Extended briefs are available online at: Access To Care The ACLU sued over the constitutionality of for information on the Affordable Care Act is www. that law, and Federal Judge Lawson entered a >> www.PrideSource.com Kaplan explained how the recent U.S. healthcare.gov. preliminary judgment that states it discriminates, www.PrideSource.com Sept. 26, 2013 | BTL 5 Dievendorf On A Double Shot Of LGBT Advocacy AG Schuette’s By Linden Mayor David Lossing Bedroom Duty Advocates For Amending State’s Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act Michigan Attorney General is demonstrating the state’s desire to regulate bedroom relations, with his BY CRYSTAL A. PROXMIRE most recent filing in the case of the Hazel Park women seeking to marry and jointly adopt their children. In December 2012 a 17-year-old In his Sept. 9 filing, the Attorney General’s office boy who attended Linden High School stated that “one of the paramount purposes of marriage in took his own life. His parents blamed Michigan – and at least 37 other states that define marriage bullying, and the entire community was as a union between a man and a woman – is, and has always faced with understanding the pressures been, to regulate sexual relationships between men and of being young and gay in a world where women so that the unique procreative capacity of such that is not always accepted. relationships benefits rather than harms society.” The youth’s suicide is what prompted He stated that, “Responsible procreation and childrearing Linden Mayor David Lossing to are well-recognized as legitimate State interests served by introduce a Human Rights Ordinance marriage,” and further argued that, “Before 2004, when the for the city, which passed on Sept. 9, Massachusetts courts decided to redefine marriage to include making Linden the 28th municipality in same-sex relationships, it was commonly understood that Michigan to pass one. the institution of marriage owed its very existence to Lossing did not just stop with Linden. society’s vital interest in responsible procreation and In addition to being Mayor, he is the childrearing. Undoubtedly, that is why the Supreme Court outgoing President of the Michigan has long recognized marriage as “fundamental to our very Municipal League. At the League’s existence and survival.” annual convention, he announced big He also sites a 1962 book called Sex, Culture and Myth news. by Bronislaw Malinowski that stated, “[T]h e institution of marriage is primarily determined by the needs of offspring, by the dependence of the children upon their parents,” and also an 1852 text that defines marriage to meet his view. This ordinance will Emily Dievendorf of responded to the brief stating, “This absurd overreach is a desperate provide an avenue of move by a man with too much power. Attorney General “ Schuette’s insistence on government in our personal lives justice that is currently not is hypocritical, and in conflict with the Supreme Court of available under current the U.S. Ten years ago when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down sodomy laws, and this past summer when it ruled state or federal law. against DOMA, it found that regulating sex for the purpose of procreation is not a role for our government. Marriage Linden Mayor David Lossing wants Michigan to protect its LGBT citizens.Linden is also the outgoing President of the Michigan Municipal League where the Board of Trustees recently passed a resolution is about more than just procreation, as the Supreme Court - Mayor of Linden David Lossing. to join the Unity Michigan Coalition. said this June, ‘marriage is a way for couples to define ” themselves by their commitment to each other.’ Suggesting gay and took his own life about a year the benefit of marriage is limited to just producing children “The Board of Trustees passed a Lossing describes Linden as “a small ago because of being bullied for his is more insulting and damaging to the institution of marriage resolution to join Unity Michigan, a community with a population of 4,000 . A very sad loss of than anything Schuette fears. The notion that people who broad-based coalition whose goal is plus, a walkable community, great life that should not have happened. So cannot, or choose not to, have children are not worthy of to advocate for the amendment of the schools, a community with a ‘blue trail’ this ordinance will provide an avenue committing their life to another person is preposterous. Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act to add via the Shiawassee River Heritage Water of justice that is currently not available “If it were not so harmful, it would be amusingly ironic sexual orientation and Trail, wonderful neighborhoods.” under current state or federal law. that an attorney general whose party supports deregulation as two new items in which citizens “I felt it important that since the State “It provides an avenue for justice for and smaller government is demanding this larger regulatory of the state of Michigan cannot be has yet to amend the Elliot-Larsen civil our residents that may have experienced role for government in our daily lives. This brief also flies discriminated against.” rights act, that the responsibility falls discrimination. Residents and businesses in the face of any family values platform. In the U.S. the Lossing told those gathered, to local units of government to protect alike know that we will protect our share of unmarried couples has increased by 25 percent over “Currently, citizens can be fired for all of our residents from any form of citizens. As one of our business owners the last decade and in 2012 there were 56,315 marriages their sexual orientation or gender discrimination,” he said. “We had a said, it’s sad that we need to legislate and 39,892 divorces in Michigan - both statistics largely identity. If the Governor is committed Linden high school student who was common sense and decency, but she is representing opposite-sex couples. If Attorney General to talent attraction and retention for very supportive of our of efforts.” Shuette wishes to preserve the institution of marriage, the state of Michigan, then we have to RESOURCE Unity Michigan is the main organization he should be allowing and encouraging both same and be welcoming to ALL new residents, behind the city-by-city strategy to gain opposite-sex couples to opt in. The attorney general is regardless of their orientation and gender Don’t Change Yourself, Change The Law equal rights protections for LGBT residents. fooling nobody on this most recent attempt to stop progress identity. Our State has done a horrible A project of Unity Michigan. Sign-up and for LGBT families. In truth, as long as the law is tied to job of not stepping up and protecting learn more today. To get involved with the movement, marriage the lack of marriage equality creates instability all of our residents from any form of >> http://dontchangeyourself.com connect through their website at www. on every level and that is no good for anybody.” discrimination,” Lossing said. unitymichigan.org.

6 BTL | Sept. 26, 2013 www.PrideSource.com Obituary: Dillon Ptaszek Dec. 13, 1987 – Sept. 13, 2013 Dillon Ptaszek, 25, was killed instantly real love amounts to, letting a person be what in a one-car rollover accident Sept. 13 on he really is.” I94 west of Ann Arbor. He was a graduate Dillon said that I always made him feel that of Ypsilanti High School and held a degree he could be who he was and that he hoped he in marine biology from the University of could do the same for me, and he did. This New England and worked at Fish Doctors in was the very foundation of our relationship. Ann Arbor. He is survived by his life partner Although we had different talents, we loved Chris Kitley, parents Mark Ptaszek (father), spending time together, and Dillon opened my Deborah Pippins, Deborah Pearson (mother), eyes to so many different things. He was even Jim Hadden, willing to put up his sister Alexis with my disc golf Hollis (Ptaszek) skills. We enjoyed and her husband many concerts, Luke, his brother vacations, skating Harrison Ptaszek, and bike riding his grandmother on trails together, Jane Pearson, Dillon helped me step-grandparents with chocolates, Charlie and Maggie and chocolate Brown, and events. What was numerous aunts, important was that uncles and cousins. we were together. Kitley, his Dillon even wrote partner of six in a card to me years and owner that I had given of AG chocolates, him a sense of delivered the completeness following eulogy at that he had never the funeral Sept. 17: felt before, and Dillon and I came that feeling was together though our mutual. love of fish. I was With the recent explaining an issue developments of I was having with more and more my saltwater tank to Dillon Ptaszek, left, with partner Chris Kitley. Photo courtesy states legalizing him at Fish Doctors. of Chris Kitley gay marriage, we He offered to come had talked about over to my house marriage several and give me advice. From that night forward, times. A couple of weeks ago, we talked about we quickly realized we belonged together. Our us getting married, and I said, “When was relationship happened quickly, and within a this going to happen?” and he said, “Well, I few weeks there no doubt that we loved each haven’t been proposed to yet.” I asked, “Well, other very much. Right from the beginning in this type of relationship, who proposes to I couldn’t see what he saw in me, or how I who?” and he quickly replied, “Well, I guess would deserve such a special person in my life. you have to propose to me, because I can’t I expressed this to Dillon many times, and he afford the rings.” would always toss it back to me, and say that Our goal was to move to Maine together, he was the lucky one. We had this conversation where he could be able to work in his field, and many times throughout our relationship, and I would open my first chocolate shop. it’s one argument I don’t think he could win. I am deeply grateful to have had Dillon as We soon learned that our deep love for each my partner, and my best friend. Because of other was something we could not contain, and what a true friend he was in life to everyone, we wanted to share our love for one another I am also deeply grateful for the love and with our family and friends. acceptance that all of his friends and family On one of the many cards that Dillon gave has given us. me included a quote by Jim Morrison that he On our 5th anniversary, Dillon gave me a said made him think of me. beautiful handcrafted box with a quote carved “Friends can help each other. A true friend on it. The quote reads: “Life isn’t about how is someone who lets you have total freedom to survive the storm, but how to dance in the to be yourself – and especially to feel. Or, rain.” Dillon, I guess I need to finally learn not feel. Whatever you happen to be feeling how to dance. at the moment is fine with them. That’s what www.PrideSource.com Sept. 26, 2013 | BTL 7 The Pope Opens Finding Life In Death The Church Door Although some of us may think and feel that there is nothing more finite than death, its occurrence There’s no change on “ Viewpoint often becomes a beginning for those still living. And, as the“ Catholic Church’s view on such, we are privileged to carry on the memories of our homosexuality. He may have loved ones by embodying all that they were. had his own Pope Francis way OPINION BY KENNY ROSEN of putting it, different from ” maybe the way Pope Benedict am writing while listening to angry riot our gains, our downfalls, our collective HIV/AIDS movements of the 1980s and 90s would put it, but they’re saying grrrl music at a coffee shop just like the triumphs, and if we are open, grieving forces where many people came together to honor I closet queer kid I was at 14. Twenty us to become more conscious of what really and celebrate their loved ones’ lives. the same things. years later, there is a part of me that is still matters in this indeterminate time here. Whether through quilts, vigils, or marches, that kid. There may always be a part of me Grieving makes us feel everything, there was visibility of LGBTQI people. Even Archbishop Allen Vigneron, spiritual head that is “that kid” due to living in a hetero- sometimes all at once, which can be painful in death, people were alive. of metro ’s 1.3 million Catholics normative culture. and confusing. However, in my experience, Although some of us may think and feel ” Even so, I fully realize, most of me is not nothing has been more healing than sharing that there is nothing more finite than death, “The world evolves, and I believe that the that kid anymore; and much of that is due my deepest thoughts and feelings as well its occurrence often becomes a beginning Catholic Church is seeing that it is being left to my extended queer family. Reflecting as as crying and laughing with some of my for those still living. And, as such, we are behind, and that is not good. So I think that I sit alone thinking of then and now, I say closest friends. How different might our privileged to carry on the memories of they chose this Pope Francis because he is with great sadness, two gay friends of mine, relationships, communities, and movements our loved ones by embodying all that they progressive, has to change things.” one 24 and one 33, died unexpectedly within look if we did more of this? were. We have the capacity to do all that our Irene Delgado, 57, Havana, Cuba about a week’s time recently. LGBTQI people are dying every minute loved ones were not yet able to do. We have Circumstances of both deaths are due to suicide, hate crimes, war, state the ability to build stronger relationships, “He knows that his highest and most sacred irrelevant, but the fact that they were openly violence such as poverty, and limited communities, and movements. responsibility is to pass on the timeless teaching gay matters. We have lost two more people in treatment and prevention for HIV/AIDS. When we know death more, we have the of the church. What he’s saying is, we’ve got Detroit that increased visibility of LGBTQI The list goes on. As incomprehensible as potential to love, fight, and live more. to think of a bit more effective way to do it. people, two more people who had hope for these atrocities are, there are opportunities Because if the church comes off as a scold, it’s a better world, two more people to inspire here for building upon a history of coming Kenny Rose, MSW Wayne State University, is counterproductive.” us and to share love, two more people to together and creating new traditions that Cardinal Timothy Dolan, head of the U.S. combat injustice, two more people to build inspire hope and resilience. a Medical Case Manager at AIDS Partnership Conference of Catholic Bishops relationships and bring people together. And although LGBTQI people still Michigan, celebrating 30 years in the fight against Living in a hetero-normative culture, I remain divided by race, class, gender, age, HIV/AIDS Oct 19. More information is available “We find much to be hopeful about, value my queer friends and allies deeply. and various other differences, at this time at aidspartnership.org. particularly in the Pope’s firm desire that the At such moments, I am compelled to reflect of my own personal grieving, I think of the Church be a ‘home for all people,’ and his belief about how we find meaning and hope in the that God looks on lesbian, gay, bisexual and early death of friends? How do we maintain transgender (LGBT) people with love rather our mental, emotional, and spiritual health? than condemnation.” Marianne Duddy-Burke, executive Just over two years ago, I was confronted director of Dignity U.S.A. with these same questions when I said good- bye to David Blair’s physical form; or, as “We are called to love and support everyone many knew him, Blair. He was a gifted in our community regardless of their sexual friend, an unapologetic queer poet and orientation. And, I might add, regardless of the fighter for social justice. Blair’s memorial gender of their spouse.” was a parade down Cass Avenue in Detroit, Julie Sullivan, president of the University of coinciding, as it happened, on my birthday. St. Thomas, a Catholic school in Minnesota What a gift. I often wonder how different our LGBTQI Certainly, the church’s teaching is not going communities might look if we spent more to change during a press conference on a energy on parades celebrating and honoring trans-Atlantic flight. But he reminded us that our stories of resilience, rebelliousness, and whomever you’re interacting with, they should fierceness as well as recognizing our faults be welcomed and treated with sympathy and and struggles? compassion and love. (Practicing gays) need to Maybe it is death and grieving that will be accorded respect, compassion and support. allow LGBTQI communities to evolve and That’s the Christian outlook of how to treat heal. In reality, we are always grieving people.” because we are always feeling the loss of Most Rev. David Walkowiak, bishop of the someone or something in our lives. Grief Diocese of Grand Rapids, as reported by MLive allows us to examine our losses but also

8 BTL | Sept. 26, 2013 www.PrideSource.com Mason/Dixon Cross Dressers Parting IN-HOME Glances PC REPAIR AFFORDABLE. CONVENIENT. QUALITY. OPINION BY CHARLES ALEXANDER

ootnoted in the pages of Civil War history is the intriguing IN-HOME REPAIR: $25 / HOUR story of a “Mrs. Nash.” First name unrecorded. She’s For an appointment, contact Anthony: Flisted in 1878 U.S. Army military records to have had “a succession of soldier-husbands” (a not unenviable [email protected] achievement, then as now, I reckon). 313-883-9269 Her last, a naive corporal in General George Armstrong Custer’s ill-fated Seventh Cavalry, blew his brains out when his “Mrs,” so-called, upped and died unexpectedly. Undertakers told hubby she was actually a he. Another deceiving duo got moonshine drunk one night and tumbled amorously interlocked into a nearby river. They almost drowned. Resuscitated by their Army counterparts, it soon became obvious to all concerned that there was something amiss both above and below their conjoined Mason-Dixon line. A chance happening also exposed two other unknown Civil War Pvts. with unknown privates of their own. They may likely have been the first dykes in American wartime service. If so, they started a long and time-honored tradition. These bivouac butches get passing mention in Union General Philip Sheridan’s memoirs: “An intimacy had sprung up between them,” he comments succinctly, describing one as “masculine,” the other as “prepossessing”. Of the thousands of brave women who served as nurses (including Florence Nightingale), some 400 “others” – Northerners, Southerners, free, slave, citizen – also served as combatants or spies. They close-cropped their hair, pledged honest loyalty to serve – no physical required – polished their rifles not their nails, learned to “chaw tuhbacie,” fought like hell, and died in fields where blood ran so deeply and so richly red. Two well-known cross dressers did received high honors for valor: Dr. Mary Walker, and Flint Michigan’s neglected hero(ine), Sarah Emma Edmonds, aka Frank Thompson. Dr. Walker, a surgeon, lived in drag most of her long life, and spent four months butchly undetected in a Confederate prison. She received a Medal of Honor from President Andrew Johnson. Once Sarah Emma Edmonds (later Mrs. Seelye) proved – 19 years after the Civil War ended – that she was Pvt. Thompson, she was granted a Congressional Honorable Discharge and a handsome $12 monthly pension. She became the only female veteran of the Grand Army of the Republic. Edmonds was born in Canada, fled a brutal father at 19, rafted the Windsor border to settle in Flint. When a call for 2nd Michigan Volunteer enlistment came, she decided to cross dress. She passed muster after four tries and became a male nurse, then a spy (once shadowing General Robert E. Lee). Pvt. “Frank” spied as “Cuff,” a black man. Silver nitrate darkened her skin. When an observant slave noticed she seemed to be getting lighter, Cuff quipped, “I always suspected I had a white mother.” Other disguises were Irish peddler Bridget O’Shea and cook Aunt Sunny. It was all very Victor/Victoria, Civil War style. Unfortunately, “Frank” contracted malaria. Fearing army hospital detection, she went AWOL. Sarah Emma Edmonds (Seelye) died in Texas in 1897. She was Michigan’ first drag king; and, with two years of distinguished Army service, a damn fine soldier to boot. [email protected] www.PrideSource.com Sept. 26, 2013 | BTL 9 National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Coming Sept. 27

Reducing the impact of HIV/AIDS is a top priority of the an annual test for HIV. The CDC website states, “CDC suggests about HIV and seek out testing. CDC according to its website. National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS more frequent testing (every 3 to 6 months) for gay and The public can learn about Awareness Day is a national effort founded by the National bisexual men at high risk—including those who have multiple testing sites near them by Association of People with AIDS to raise awareness of the or anonymous partners, who have sex in conjunction with illicit visiting the National HIV HIV/AIDS epidemic among gay and bisexual men. And while drug use, or whose partners participate in these activities.” and STD Testing resource NAPWA closed its doors earlier this year, this annual effort Act Against AIDS is a 5-year multifaceted campaign site or call 800-CDC- continues and is held on Sept. 27 every year and promoted working to combat complacency. Two recent campaigns by the INFO (232-4636). Visit by the CDC. CDC and White House targeting gay and bisexual men include www.cdc.gov/features/ Gay and bisexual men remain among the most affected Testing Makes Us Stronger and encourages black gay and ngmhaad for extensive populations by HIV, and according to the CDC they currently bisexual men aged 18 to 44 to get tested. A second campaign, information and resources. account for 61 percent of all new HIV infections as of 2009. Let’s Stop HIV Together, raises awareness about HIV. The The Michigan HIV/STD Hotline Because of this increased risk, the CDC recommends at least campaign works to encourage gay and bisexual men to learn is 800-872-2437.

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10 BTL | Sept. 26, 2013 www.PrideSource.com RO Business Leaders Say YES To Proposal A BTL STAFF REPORT vote Nov. 5. Since the city commission passed the human A Campaign: Rise Clothing ROYAL OAK – Thirty-five business leaders rights ordinance, six other municipalities in Annabelle’s Couture Rock on Third in the City of Royal Oak announced Sept. 24 Michigan have adopted local nondiscrimination Bastone Brewery Sands Barber Shop that they urge citizens to vote YES on A, the ordinances including Battle Creek, Kalamazoo Bingo Pet Salon Scout proposal to uphold the Royal Oak Human Rights Township, and Pleasant Ridge. Blu Jeans Bar, LLC Stephen Fleck MA, LLP Counseling Ordinance. “The economic centers around Michigan like Cafe Muse Susan Gray “It’s beyond belief that in 2013, right here in Grand Rapids, Detroit, Kalamazoo and Ann Changez Salon & Spa That Girl Clothing Resale Royal Oak, it is legal to fire someone from their Arbor already have these ordinances on the Chrome Inc. The Aquarium Shop job or deny them housing just because they are books. East Lansing has had an ordinance for Cloverleaf Fine Wine The Inn Place gay or transgender. It’s not right and it’s not over 40 years. It’s time for Royal Oak to do the Five 15 Media Mojo & More The Ladybug Shoppe Royal Oak,” said Laura Harrison, owner of The right thing and vote Yes on Proposal A,” said Footprints Vinotecca Holiday Market Ladybug Shoppe. Greg Reyner, proprietor of Café Muse based in Ice Pix Boutique A recent poll conducted by Small Business Royal Oak. “I want the place I do business to be Jimi’s one where everyone is treated fairly and equally Majority reports 61 percent of small business Lift Designer Toys & Gallery owners in Michigan believe Michigan should under the law.” The 20-page report by Small Business Lost & Found Vintage Majority finds overwhelming support by have a law prohibiting discrimination against gay “Keeping the Human Rights Ordinance in Metals in Time Michigan’s small businesses for workplace and transgender people, and 54 percent of small place is one small, but important tool in bringing Mobcu Phone & Computer Repair nondiscriminationpolicies. business owners think nondiscrimination laws our downtown to a healthy, vibrant blend,” said Nafas Fitness boost the bottom line by attracting and retaining Gary Baglio, owner of FIVE15 Media Mojo Noir Leather Full Small Business Majority poll available at: http:// talent to the area. and member of the Downtown Royal Oak Task Oak Commercial Properties, LLC www.smallbusinessmajority.org/small-business-research/ Force. “It is for this reason I ask you to vote in The Royal Oak City Commission voted six Pizzeria Biga downloads/060413-MI-workplace-nondiscrimination-poll-report. to one March 4 to adopt an inclusive human favor of keeping the human rights ordinance in Polished by Chrome pdf. For more information about the campaign or to make a rights ordinance. Opponents gathered enough place.” Pronto! signatures to force the ordinance to a public Leaders from these businesses support the YES on Prop Rasor Law Firm donation go to www.oneroyaloak.org First Openly Gay Circuit Court Judge Confirmed Michigan’s Judith Levy Nominated For Federal Court BY LISA KEEN Litigation Branch of the Department of candidates confirmed to the federal bench Thomas for a seat to the U.S. District Court in Justice Civil Division. His questionnaire to during the Obama administration. President Miami. The other is Judith Levy to a seat on The U.S. Senate voted Tuesday afternoon the Senate Judiciary Committee indicated he Obama initially nominated Washington, the federal district court for the Eastern District (Sept. 24) to confirm openly gay nominee Todd was a member for one year (2010-11) in the D.C., attorney Ed DuMont to the Federal of Michigan (Detroit). Hughes to serve on the U.S. Circuit Court for National LGBT Bar Association and the GLBT Circuit appeals court, but Republicans on Thomas, 46 and a native of Pennsylvania the Federal Circuit. The 98 to 0 vote makes Attorneys of Washington. He also volunteered the Senate Judiciary Committee blocked now working in Miami, was originally Hughes the first openly gay nominee to be legal advice on a variety of issues at the LGBT- DuMont’s nomination and DuMont withdrew nominated in November 2012. A majority of confirmed for a federal circuit position. run Whitman-Walker Clinic in Washington, his nomination. an American Bar Association committee that The confirmation comes just one week after D.C., for people with HIV-related legal issues. Hughes now becomes a member of one vets nominees voted him to be well qualified. the Senate confirmed Elaine Kaplan to serve as Kaplan, a 58-year-old native of Brooklyn, of the nation’s 13 federal appeals courts. An openly gay African American, Thomas was a judge on the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. N.Y., graduated from the State University While 12 of those have specific geographical recommended by the Gay and Lesbian Victory Kaplan was approved by a vote of 64 to 35, of New York-Binghamton and Georgetown jurisdiction, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Fund’s Presidential Appointments Project. the fourth closest margin out of 19 roll calls University Law Center. She served as general the Federal Circuit, which has 12 judges, President Obama nominated Levy, 55, in on judicial nominees this year. All 35 “No” counsel to the U.S. Office of Personnel deals specifically with disputes involving July of this year. She served as an intern at votes were Republicans, including both Texas Management since 2009, and as its acting international trade, government contracts, and Lambda Legal Defense during the summer of senators and reported presidential aspirant director since April, when openly gay OPM federal personnel, among other things. 1994, is a member of the board of directors for Marco Rubio of Florida. But 11 Republicans Director John Berry resigned. Kaplan also Kaplan becomes one of 16 judges on the DOJ Pride and the . voted for Kaplan, including both senators from served as head of the U.S. Office of Special U.S. Court of Federal Claims, each with a 15- She received a scholarship from Parents and and reported presidential aspirants Counsel under President Clinton. She also year term of office. Kaplan currently serves as Friends of LGB Students and has spoken on Rob Portman of . noted her membership (from 1995 to 1997) in general counsel and acting director of the U.S. a number of panels concerning the Americans In opening debate over Hughes’ nomination, the Gay and Lesbian Attorneys of Washington, Office of Personnel Management. with Disabilities Act and its application to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick D.C. group, and brief memberships in Gay The Senate approved three other openly gay people with HIV. She also spoke at a White Leahy noted that Hughes would become the and Lesbian Parents International, the Human judicial nominees this year were confirmed on House Conference on Homelessness in LGBT first openly gay judge in history to serve on a Rights Campaign Fund, the National Gay and voice votes, as well as openly gay nominee Communities and at a University of Michigan federal appellate court and asked that his other Lesbian Task Force, and Parents and Friends Stuart Delery to serve as assistant attorney Women Lawyers Association forum, “Multiple remarks be inserted into the Congressional of Lesbians and Gays. general in the Department of Justice’s civil Layers of Identity: Being a Minority, Gay or Record. Then, Leahy used his time to speak The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced division. Transgender Woman in the Workplace.” A against efforts to cut food stamps to people the nominations of both Kaplan and Hughes native of Indiana, she has a B.S. and a law with low incomes. No other senator spoke without asking them gay-specific questions –a degree from the University of Michigan. She before the roll call. practice of committee minority leader Charles Michigan’s Levy Nominated currently works in the U.S. Attorney’s Office A native of Ohio, Hughes, 47, graduated from Grassley (R-Iowa) with many gay nominees. Only two nominations are still pending in Detroit as chief of its Civil Rights Unit. Harvard College and then Duke Law School The confirmations of Hughes and Kaplan among President Obama’s openly gay More online at www.pridesource.com and, since 1994, has served in the Commercial bring to eight the number of openly gay nominees for the federal bench. One is William www.PrideSource.com Sept. 26, 2013 | BTL 11 protections on the basis of sexual ® Creep of the Week Pope orientation and gender identity. Continued from p. 4 Duddy-Burke of DignityUSA OPINION BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI could not agree more with Griffin. Vladimir Putin based Catholic Association for “If this is not a call to the bishops Lesbian and Gay Ministry, said to end their anti-gay campaign, ant to be horrified? Do his organization “feels blessed by I don’t know what is,” she said a Google image search Russian journalist and Pope Francis. We are enthusiastic referring to the pope’s remarks. Wfor “anti-gay attacks in to have a pope who thinks and It’s as if Francis is giving the Russia.” Scroll through the photos of lesbian activist Masha feels the way we do. He said bishops “a get-out-of-jail ticket,” gays, lesbians, we must heal the broken and MarianneDuddy-Burke said Jesuit priest, the Rev. Donal and pro-LGBT Gessen recently fled not begin any conversation by of Dignity USA Godfrey, associate director for rights protesters the country in order to condemnation.” faculty and staff, spirituality and being arrested, “We hope Pope Francis’ remarks the pope’s kindness toward gays ministry, at the University of San harassed, and protect her family. She will begin the healing process for Francisco. beaten. Let’s just many LGBT Catholics who have “will continue to open up the doesn’t trust Putin one bit dialogue between gay Catholics “He’s giving them room to say that Russia felt alienated by the church,” said get out with dignity and grace,” makes places in Fitzmaurice. and the hierarchy, which for years and she’s been watching has been off the table,” he said. Father Godfrey said in a telephone the United States Joe Murray of Chicago’s interview. “I hope that our bishops like Alabama him closely for years. Her Rainbow Sash Movement, an “At least the door is open,” said Meier. are able to take this opportunity and Virginia and advice to LGBT people is to advocacy organization, voiced and run with it.” Michigan seem praise for the Vatican’s new Still, “The bottom line is that gay people cannot be full members Godfrey is the gay author of Gays like an LGBT paradise. “get the hell out” of Russia. “welcoming tone,” and views the and Grays, a 2007 book, based on While Russia has never been known pope’s “recent interview as a step in the church,” he said. But with “a radical shift in his doctoral dissertation, about as a progressive place, life for LGBT of sexual minorities,” he said. in the right direction.” tone,” said Meier, the possibility gay men and elderly parishioners people has become considerably Tell that to a young gay man Nonetheless, “Many people exists for “conversations to lead finding common ground in the more dangerous after the passage of a kidnapped and raped with a bottle have been abused by the church, to conversion.” worshipping community at Most strict law banning “gay propaganda.” after being tricked into a meeting on many were forced to leave the Holy Redeemer in San Francisco’s The law was intended to keep a gay social media site. church because of integrity,” said Castro neighborhood, a gay impressionable children from hearing Tell that to Dmitry Isakov, a 24-year- Murray. “The pope’s words will U.S. Conference of enclave. that homosexuality is anything but old man arrested for standing outside not bear any fruit until he is willing While disappointed there was evil. Not surprisingly, the law is very with a sign that read, “Being gay and to address the issues of sexism and Catholic Bishops no change in church teaching broad and basically makes it illegal loving gays is normal. Beating gays homophobia.” Meanwhile, the pontiff’s on homosexuality, Duddy-Burke to be openly gay in Russia. Rainbow and killing gays is a crime!” comments have also encouraged said, more important right now is flags are, literally, a crime now. Tell that to the 17 activists arrested The Door Is Open gay-rights leaders. “Pope Francis “people will respond to Francis in Needless to say, gays and lesbians in St. Petersburg, the proving ground has pressed the reset button on saying God looks on gay people who are either planning to attend or for the law that became nationwide Specifically addressing the Roman Catholic Church’s with love and respect as the new compete in the 2014 Winter Olympics in late June, for wearing rainbow homosexuality, the pope said treatment of LGBT people, rolling starting point for our relationships in Russia are a little worried. A lot suspenders and waving rainbow flags during the interview, “A person back a years-long campaign at between the church and the LGBT worried, actually, that they will be last year. once asked me, in a provocative the highest levels of the church community. “ fined, or put in jail or, say, kidnapped Tell that to the parents in Russia manner, if I approved of to oppose any measure of dignity The Equally Blessed coalition and tortured by anti-gay thugs. who risk having their children taken homosexuality. I replied with or equality,” said Chad Griffin, also voiced hope the US bishops Because that’s a legitimate hobby in away should Putin sign a bill currently another question: ‘Tell me: when president of the Human Rights take the pontiff’s remarks to Russia now. advancing in the parliament. Should God looks at a gay person, does Campaign, the nation’s largest heart. In its press release, the “The latest laws against so-called this bill pass, gays and lesbians would he endorse the existence of this LGBT political organization. organization said, “Pope Francis gay propaganda … have essentially have their parental rights terminated. person with love, or reject and legalized violence against LGBT Just for being gay. condemn this person?’ We must people, because these groups of Russian journalist and lesbian always consider the person. Here hooligans justify their actions with activist Masha Gessen recently fled we enter into the mystery of these laws,” Igor Kochetkov, head of the country in order to protect her the human being. In life, God Anybody who listens to what Pope Francis is the Russian LGBT Network, told The family. She doesn’t trust Putin one bit accompanies persons, and we Guardian earlier this month. “With and she’s been watching him closely must accompany them, starting saying realizes that fighting gay marriage is not the this legislation, the government said “ for years. Her advice to LGBT people from their situation. It is necessary number one priority of the Catholic Church anymore.” that, yes, gays and lesbians are not is to “get the hell out” of Russia. to accompany them with mercy.” valued as a social group.” “Historically this kind of The Rev. Gary M. Meier, a Kochetkov described the law as “an scapegoating is used by politicians to priest in the St. Louis Archdiocese, - Jesuit priest, the Rev. Thomas J. Reese, a policy action to terrorize the entire LGBT solidify their bases and draw attention who recently came out as gay, said analyst for the National Catholic Reporter community.” away from their failing policies, and he remains “cautiously optimistic” Of course, this nightmare could no doubt this is what’s happening in with the pope’s who-am-I-to- have never come true had it not been Russia,” wrote Harvey Fierstein in a judge approach. “Now its time for the U.S. has sent a clear signal that the for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s July 21 op-ed in the New York Times. “What he hasn’t yet said is that Conference of Catholic Bishops to [USCCB] and organizations like signature. But not only did Putin “Mr. Putin’s campaign against lesbian, we are basically wrong about catch-up and drop their opposition the Knights of Columbus need sign it, he also had the audacity to gay and bisexual people is one of our teaching when it comes to to even the most basic protections to end their multimillion dollar claim that gays and lesbians are not distraction, a strategy of demonizing homosexuality as intrinsically for LGBT people.” campaign to marginalize LGBT discriminated against in Russia. a minority for political gain taken disordered,” said Father Meier. Griffin was referring to, as one people in the church and the wider According to the Associated Press, straight from the Nazi playbook.” “The good news is that the pope example, the USCCB’s continued society and commit themselves to Putin claimed only “propaganda of Comparing anyone to Hitler is won’t be leading the charge opposition to the Employment gaining a deeper understanding of nontraditional sexual relations among usually ridiculous, but Putin is truly with that teaching,” although Non-discrimination Act, proposed the lives, beliefs and ministries of minors” was banned under the law. a dangerous man. It’s not hard to “unfortunately bishops do.” federal legislation, which would LGBT people, their families and There is “no infringement on the rights imagine him with a mustache. Still, Meier remains optimistic provide nationwide workplace their friends.”

12 BTL | Sept. 26, 2013 www.PrideSource.com Detroit Vegan Soul owners Erika Boyd and Kirsten Ussery hope vegans and non-vegans gravitate to familiar foods that are tweaked to drop animal based products. Photo courtesy of Detroit Vegan Soul. New Restaurant To Offer Comfort Food Favorites With Vegan Twist BY SHELBY CLARK

DETROIT – Soul food lovers who have turned to vegetarianism or veganism can reunite with their mac and cheese or fried We became vegan to “catfish” soon. fight family health issues, so Detroit Vegan Soul, the vegan soul food “ project from Kirsten Ussery and Erika Boyd, we wanted to make comfort opens this week in Detroit. The lesbian couple had been operating a successful catering foods healthier. business around veggie-based soul food for the past year, when customer response became so positive that opening a cafe ”- Kirsten Ussery became inevitable. “Detroiters are ready for this,” says Ussery. comfort foods tweaked to drop animal- “Detroit’s one of the most obese cities, and based products. Soy-based proteins like now people are more conscious of the food tofu and tempeh can be found in BBQ Tofu they eat leading to this problem. People are and Smothered Tempeh. Unique twists like excited for vegan foods.” Coconut Collards-n-Cabbage, Curry Navy Ussery, who works as the baker for Beans, and Sweet Corn Mashed Potatoes fill the business venture, has already had an the extensive sides list. influential hand in Detroit. She’s championed Dessert is not to be forgotten with traditional LGBT children in Detroit Public Schools, favorites: sweet potato pie, peach cobbler, and held leadership roles in SPICE (Sistas chocolate cake among more. Providing Intelligence, Creativity, and Detroit Vegan Soul opens Sept. 28 at 8029 Empowerment) and worked for former City Agnes St., Detroit, with a ribbon cutting and Council President, Charles Pugh. live music to celebrate. Boyd, the primary chef, considers herself a lifelong entrepreneur, owning and operating OPENING a natural hair care business and working as a licensed barber. Both are fans of cooking, with Detroit Vegan Soul Boyd coming from a family of good cooks. Sept. 28 at 8029 Agnes St., Detroit, with a ribbon “We became vegan to fight family health cutting and live music to celebrate. The restaurant issues,” said Ussery, “so we wanted to will be open for lunch and dinner 11 a.m. to 9 make comfort foods healthier.” As the only p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. Breakfast will be served on 100-percent vegan establishment in Detroit, Sundays. For more information on the cafe, call the women are hoping both vegans and non- 313-444-9402 or vegans gravitate to familiar foods. >> www.detroitvegansoul.com Restaurant-goers can expect to find their www.PrideSource.com Sept. 26, 2013 | BTL 13 COLOR

they’re not so much scenes that play out ‘Don Jon’ Actor in real time; they’re more like narrated storybook versions of a look inside the mind of this guy, and so shooting them On Sex, Gay Kiss is like putting together a puzzle. They’re made of lots of little pieces. When you put the puzzle together it seems like a sex And Being The scene, but when you’re shooting it, it’s not ‘Perfect Man’ like that at all. This is a movie that has sex at its core, BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI and we see plenty of boobs but never any Joseph Gordon-Levitt bits. Was it a conscious ho doesn’t see Joseph Gordon- decision for you to avoid being completely Levitt as the “perfect man”? naked? WThe one man who knows him Yeah, because that would just be best: Joseph Gordon-Levitt. distracting. It’s really not the point of And neither should you, he says. the movie. This is not a movie of brutal After playing a gay hustler in realism; it’s a comedy and it’s a story. “Mysterious Skin,” a Mormon It’s sort of a parable, so there would homophobe in “Latter Days” and really be no reason to have any nudity. Batman’s cool sidekick in “The Dark The only nudity that’s in the movie Knight Rises,” the actor takes on a are these clips from real pornography porn-obsessed womanizer in his latest videos, but they’re all very edited and film “Don Jon,” a sex comedy he wrote, cropped and they’re all very quick and directed and stars in that contends there’s sort of sanitized to fit into a Hollywood more to a person than meets the eye. movie, if you want to call this movie a Surely, plenty of Gordon-Levitt meets Hollywood movie. It’s sort of an atypical the eye in “Don Jon”: that chest, those one, but it’s a movie about mainstream arms and all the near nakedness of the culture, so I wanted it to become part of New Jersey lothario he plays. Yeah, it’s mainstream culture. I always intended easy to see why people might think he’s it to be that way. I think, in that way, pretty perfect. it’s self-referential and it wouldn’t be as In our interview, Gordon-Levitt strong or effective or as complete a film discusses the dangers of believing he’s if it were outside of those Hollywood the ideal mate, contributing to the gay filmmaking traditions. rights movement and what he’s really doing during those masturbation scenes How much did you want to get away with in in “Don Jon.” this movie, and how much did you actually get away with? Let’s talk about this intense, seductive What’s in the movie is exactly what I look on your face during those wanted it to be. I wrote it exactly that way. masturbation scenes. What were you I don’t think it’s all that sexually explicit; actually thinking about? And were you there are some very modified and stylized really watching porn? clips from pornography videos because Nah, I wasn’t really looking at porn. that’s a central symbol in the movie, but But I was pretending I was looking at there aren’t really any realistic sex scenes. porn. It’s not a movie that’s about shocking you with anything graphic. I’ve never pretended to watch porn. This film demonstrates what you’ve (Laughs) I have now! discussed in the past: that the media – the There’s a bit of sex in the movie – and films we watch, the music we listen to, and you’re always the one having it. How do so on – can really screw with our minds. you direct yourself in a sex scene? When choosing films, do you think about See, the sex scenes – with one exception how much influence you have on the people Photo: Relativity Media – are very, very highly stylized and who watch them?

14 BTL | Sept. 26, 2013 www.PrideSource.com COLOR

I do, yeah. It’s always a balance between When it comes to directing, what did you normal and accepted part of our culture – trying to keep an eye on my own self- learn from Gregg Araki on “Mysterious that some people are gay and that’s just fulfillment so that I’m always doing Skin” that you fell back on during the how it is, especially for people who are what’s inspiring to me, but also thinking filming of “Don Jon”? not used to that or close-minded toward about what this will mean to people who I remember working with Gregg and that. There’s been a pretty big change, see it. I know for me, the movies and TV being very struck by the fact that he and we’re certainly not all the way open- shows that I watch, and the songs or the could watch the movie in his head while minded – I mean, there was a civil rights books or the articles, are a big part of how we were making it. It allowed him to movement in the ’60s and there’s still I make sense of the world. I feel fortunate be very decisive and specific because plenty of racism in the world – but we’ve to be a part of that cultural conversation. he knew how the whole movie was come a long way. I certainly am proud And I try to be something positive. gonna cut together already, whereas to have made that small contribution of whatever kind to that progress. The way in which media affects romantic oftentimes films are made and you just relationships is also explored in another shoot lots of angles and cut it together BuzzFeed recently named off 42 things that later. With “Don Jon,” we took more of film of yours, “(500) Days of Summer,” in prove you’re the perfect man. Included on the approach that’s closer to what Gregg that list: the forearms, your chic style, that which you embody more of the traditional did. I already had in mind how I wanted female archetype. What parallels do you see the thing to be cut together while we you look great in women’s underwear. Even between that film and “Don Jon”? were shooting. Another filmmaker who the “3rd Rock from the Sun” pigtails got a Yeah, there’s definitely a real parallel is like that is Rian Johnson (“Looper”). mention. between “(500) Days of Summer” and Another one is Christopher Nolan (“The (Laughs) That’s exactly the kind of “Don Jon” in that both male protagonists Dark Knight Rises”). These are the guys oversimplified fantasy shit that I’m are quite selfish at the beginning of the who are thinking that far ahead. Gregg making fun of in “Don Jon.” story. Both of them in their own ways are really stood out in that regard. very much objectifying the opposite sex. So you don’t like being the “perfect man,” With Jon, his ideas of what women are You first really reached a gay audience with then? supposed to be, or what love or sex are “Mysterious Skin.” How aware are you of To be honest, I understand it’s all in good supposed to be, are sort of preset, and he’s having a gay following? fun and that’s fine, of course. We all have not paying attention to the actual people I don’t spend much time distinguishing our media that we consume that we can in front of him. Then, they’re similar people into categories like that, so to be admit is not the most healthy or positive, also in that they’re both coming-of-age honest, I can’t say it’s really something and sometimes I eat French fries and stories, and by the end you see them both I think about any more than I think sometimes I’ll smoke cigarettes. We all beginning to break out of their old ways about, “Oh, how many black people are do things that we know are bad for us. and grow up a bit. watching my movies?” and “How many But I think it’s worth pointing out that Catholics are watching my movies?” I stuff like that, it’s not harmless, especially You seem like the complete opposite of a don’t really think about it in that way. if you consume a lot of that kind of media. meathead, so how did you get in the mind I think it does seep into your brain and and body of Don Jon? If you were gay, you might realize how many into your identity and will absolutely Yeah, I worked out a ton. And I ate a gay people adore you. interfere in your ability to be happy – and ton of chicken! You know, I think we Well, that’s very nice to hear! I’m glad to that’s exactly what “Don Jon” is about. all know guys like that, and we all have hear it. It’s a young man who watches too much some of Jon and some of Barbara (his pornography and a young woman who love interest in “Don Jon,” played by With “Don Jon” and your new beefy body, watches too many romantic Hollywood Scarlett Johansson) within us. I know are you prepared for the extra attention you movies, and neither one of them can be that I have some of both. They’re both might get from the gay community? satisfied in their relationship because at extreme ends of the spectrum of (Laughs) I hadn’t thought of it. My body’s they’re too busy comparing real life to cultural norms: what a man is supposed not like that anymore. I was working these simplistic fantasies that they’ve to be and what a woman is supposed to out every day to play that character, but seen on screen. be. But I think we all have that tendency bodybuilding isn’t really my thing. I’ve Real life is so much more beautiful and in a way. It’s easier to just oversimplify lost most of the weight. rich and nuanced than those oversimplified ourselves and our identities and our fantasies, but you won’t feel that beauty lives, and especially our love lives. It’s How do you reflect on your kiss with Topher if you’re too busy comparing it to the 42 very seductive to think that it just ought Grace during a 1998 episode of “That ’70s reasons why your favorite actor is the to be simple – and in real life, it’s not. Show” – the first gay kiss on North American perfect man. There’s no such thing as primetime TV? a perfect man. Every human being is a You use the word “faggot” at one point in the unique person. film, and even though it feels appropriate to Yeah, proud moment! There’s been talk of you starring in a remake the character, was there ever a discussion When you look back on that moment, how of “Guys and Dolls” with Channing Tatum. or any hesitation to use a word that many in far do you think we’ve come since that Should we expect to see you in it? the gay community find offensive? landmark kiss? It’s one possibility. Chan and I really like Like you said, that character would say I was actually just talking about this with the idea of doing a musical together, and that at that point. It’s at a moment when a good friend of mine who’s gay. We were we’re working on making that happen. he’s sort of feeling threatened. His saying there really has been a change. I We don’t know exactly how it will happen buddy just said that there was a hotter mean, that was more than 10 years ago or what it’ll be or how long it’ll take, but girl at the club than his girl, and so in that we shot that episode, and a lot has we’re determined to do it. that moment of insecurity he uses that changed. I do think that television and word. I think that’s usually where that movies have played a big part in it. It’s I must say that every gay man also likes that sort of hateful language comes from: certainly not solely responsible, but that idea. out of people’s insecurity. has been a part of it becoming a more (Laughs) I’ll keep that in mind! www.PrideSource.com Sept. 26, 2013 | BTL 15 COLOR

Hear Me Out BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI Elton John, Chvrches reverie. “We Sink” does synth circles before dropping into an ominous chorus that has Mayberry warning, “I’ll be a thorn in your side till you die.” “Gun” whoops into a frenzied confection, the lurching “Lungs” finishes with vocal contrast from bandmate Martin Doherty, and the penultimate “By the Throat” is a refreshing tonal shift – slowed down and dreamy, but like the rest of this charming set, easy to get lost in. “The Bones of What You Believe” is the beginning of the next big thing. Grade: A- Also Out Natalia Kills, ‘Trouble’ You can just lay off the Lady Gaga comparisons when it comes to Natalia Kills; with “Trouble,” the English siren is making a name for herself. Her sophomore follow-up to “Perfectionist,” featuring breakout Elton John, ‘The Diving Board’ divine production meets divine single “Mirrors,” is a major step The advantage of being an aging icon is songwriting, and during them – the up from her debut. With more to the artistic freedom to do whatever the graceful piano piece “My Quicksand,” say, and with better beats to deliver hell you want. And when you’re Elton and the true-story song “The Ballad of those childhood-inspired stories, John – legend, diva, grand master of Blind Tom” – John reminds you that, Kills rocks her pop-dance sound with yes, at 66 he’s still got it. Grade: B pop – your high-ranking order merits some Pink-ish badassery (see hooky an LP like “The Diving Board,” a “Trouble”). But there’s plenty of pain, throwback in the sense that he recorded Chvrches, ‘The too. “Marlboro Lights” is a wistful it, upon the request of producer T Bone Bones of What song that cuts deep, and “Saturday Burnett, much like the albums of his You Believe’ Night” dances off the heartbreak of a heyday: by not overthinking it. This Mark my word: broken home. approach makes for a respectable, The whole mostly non-mainstream work still Gloria Estefan, world will soon ‘The Standards’ rooted in John’s name-making blues be worshipping There’s no body brand and blossoming balladry. Chvrches shaking for the “Home Again,” the first single, is (pronounced churches, but not because conga queen the latter – a tuneful adult-contempo they’re holy rollers), one of the best new meditation that’s primed for Disney bands to enter the electro-pop fold in the on her second film closing credits. That’s not a bad last few years. Their shimmering alt-pop album of covers thing, necessarily. It’s a lovely piano singles – the tremendous “Lies” and (you remember composition. It moves you. It’s Elton “Recover” among them – have already 1994, when Estefan released a single John post-millennium. The drug-less boosted their profile from Glaswegian off “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me” John. Dad John. Also: It doesn’t flicker basement band to blog-born new-wave with drag queen lookalikes). This, out as soon as it’s over like some of Einsteins. With their ’80s-chic-meets- however, is Gloria’s first go at the the more languorous, here-and-gone Robyn-bleak spirit, and the childish Great American Songbook, a low-key melodies on “Diving Board” (there’s sweetness of lead vocalist Lauren collection of cabaret-style numbers little weight to the bluesier tracks). Mayberry, the Scottish trio’s debut LP that find her reinterpreting classics And that the production slightly falls is a wonderland of ear-sugar and earnest from Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald short of the words that John’s longtime displays of endearing lyricism – its heart and Frank Sinatra. The proceedings writing partner Bernie Taupin scribed beats as much as those delicious hooks. are fairly standard themselves, as the is unfortunate; the album is a lyrical With its stuttered go-oh-oh-ohs and yo- production, which includes Dave Koz masterpiece in scope and poeticism. yo sound, “The Mother We Share” wraps on sax, faithfully sticks to the originals. There are many times, though, where your mind instantly in its infectious It’s all kind of “been there, done that.”

16 BTL | Sept. 26, 2013 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Sept. 26, 2013 | BTL 17 Cool Cities COLOR Royal Oak Hilberry’s ‘Macbeth’ Takes Traditional Approach BY CAROLYN HAYES Boucher), an upward- striving titled warrior Cool Cities People conform to certain accepted who receives a prophesy behaviors, they appear outwardly by three witches (Sarah Royal Oak normal, but there’s no telling what Hawkins Moan, Megan diabolical contradictions are bubbling Barbour, and Danielle in them under the surface. This is Cochrane) that he will a key component of Shakespeare’s rise through the ranks “Macbeth,” which examines how one and become Scotland’s man’s private ambitions are spurred by king. His path is strewn the promise of power, and how he is with obstacles, including the seated king, the further transformed by its achievement. wise yet benevolently The Hilberry Theatre’s season-opening humble Duncan (Brandy production can be described in roughly Joe Plambeck), but similar terms. Although director Paul Macbeth, together with YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET Barnes’s traditional approach to the The Hilberry Theatre opens its 2013-14 season with Shakespeare’s his compelling wife “Macbeth.” Photo: Hilberry Theatre Pinpoint your ad dollars where baleful “Scottish Play” delivers the (Annie Keris), seizes a expected gruesome villainy, it does so dastardly opportunity for assassination REVIEW they will do the most good . . . while slyly unpacking the script’s rich in order to seal his foretold destiny. Yet Advertise in the next Cool Cities duplicity, finding a natural impetus for the price of obtaining power pales in Macbeth barbaric behavior that we might not TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 comparison to the mounting costs of Hilberry Theatre, 4743 Cass Ave., Detroit. like to accept as comprehensible. keeping it, as the new king’s bloodied 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday through Oct. As the production begins, the reign alienates him from former allies, 12, plus 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25 & assembled company names the play including onetime confidante Banquo Saturday, Oct. 5. 2 hours, 25 minutes. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET $12-30. 313-577-2972. and setting, then executes a swift (Topher Payne) and the apprehensive Pinpoint your ad dollars where roll call to familiarize the viewer Macduff (Brent Griffith). www.hillberry.com with titles and basic relationships – a they will do the most good . . . The work of Barnes and company is by exploring the savagery inherent to useful tool, especially given that some noteworthy for its streamlined playing Advertise in the next Cool Cities actors are double and triple cast. The of counterpoints, stringing the viewer humankind, this production attains its TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 ensemble then plunges headlong into smoothly through the polar extremes of own brand of spine-tingling realism, fed the tyrannical tale of Macbeth (Miles its dark and devious tale. What’s more, by a ruthlessness that feels all too natural. SOURCE DIRECTO MIC MICHIGAN PRIDE SOURCE DIRECTO MIC MICHIGAN PRIDE SOURCE DIRECTO MIC MICHIGAN PRIDE SOURCE DIRECTO MIC MICHIGAN PRIDE SOURCE DIRECTO MIC MICHIGAN MIC HIG HIG HIG HIG HIG HIG WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM/DIRECTORY.HTML WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM/DIRECTORY.HTM L WWW.PRIDES NPIESO U PRIDE AN PRIDE S SO U PRIDE AN PRIDE S SO U PRIDE AN PRIDE S SO U PRIDE AN PRIDE S SO U PRIDE AN PRIDE S AN A

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18 BTL | Sept. 26, 2013 www.PrideSource.com COLOR

www.PrideSource.com Sept. 26, 2013 | BTL 19 COLOR

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www.PrideSource.com Sept. 26, 2013 | BTL 21 Happenings Trivia with Terry 7 p.m. Join Terry for LEAD Academy Orientation 10 a.m. Free. Trivia upstairs. No registration required. KICK, 41 Burroughs St. 109, Detroit. 313- OUTINGS Aut Bar, 315 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. 734- 285-9733. E-kick.org 994-3677. Autbar.com Thursday, Sept. 26 Homecoming Weekend and Homemade Weekly Support Group 7 p.m. Weekly Soup Challenge 11 a.m. Enter your Moms in Motion 11 a.m. Bi-weekly support group for members of the HIV/ favorite homemade soup and vote support group for parents living with HIV. AIDS community. Wings, 2441 Pinecrest Dr., for the best while catching a game DMC/AIDS Partnership Michigan, 471 St. Ferndale. wingsmi.org at the clubhouse in the afternoon. Antoine, Detroit. 313-993-3444. Formal Homecoming Dance Saturday Whole Lives, Healthy Lives Adult Support Crain’s Detroit House Party 4 p.m. Six Night. Windover Women’s Resort, Group 7 p.m. This one-of-a-kind program in 3596 Blakely Road, Owendale. tours that highlight all that Detroit has to Berrien County helps attendees support each offer. Crain’s, 1 Washington Blvd. #401, 989-375-2586. [email protected] other in healthy ways through active listening Windoverwomensresort.com Detroit. 313-446-0300. cdbevents@ and caring feedback. OutCenter, 132 crain.com Water St., Benton Harbor. 269-925-8330. Kayak, Canoe and Rafting Trip 11 a.m. Free HIV Testing 5 p.m. Free, anonymous Outcenter.org Many different LGBT* groups are coming together to enjoy our great outdoors. HIV testing is available at S3 Safe Sex Latrice Royale 10 p.m. Drag queen Store every Thursday until 9 p.m. Testing Recommended to pack a lunch. Admission: performance. Menjo’s, 928 McNichols Road $18-60, plus $1 donation. Team Michigan, is performed by HARC staff. Call to W, Detroit. 313-863-3934. Menjosbar.com schedule an appointment, but walk-ins 1055 Longshore Dr., Ann Arbor. info@ TeamMichigan. US TeamMichigan. us are more than welcome. S3 Safe Sex Friday, Sept. 27 Store and HIVAIDS Resource Center, 1209 Hockeytown BrewHaHa 1 p.m. Craft S. University, Ann Arbor. 734-741-1434. AIDS Walk Bay City/Midland/Saginaw Beer Festival. Tickets: $37. 50-60. [email protected] S3safesexstore.com PFLAG, Bay City. Pflag-mbs.org Olympia Entertainment, 19 Steve Lansing Community College Gay Veteran’s Affairs Support Group 3:30 Yzerman Dr., Detroit. 1-800-745-3000. Straight Alliance 5:30 p.m. Bingo p.m. A support group for any veteran or Detroitredwings.com/BrewHaHa after at Esquire. Lansing Association for Veteran’s Affairs (VA) patient. Meets every Transgender Health Fair 1 p.m. Human Rights, Lansing. spennyj@lcc. other Friday; call for dates and room Exhibits, panels, speakers and more. edu lahronline.org location. Veteran’s Affairs, 4646 John R. Free. Transgender Michigan, 290 W. Nine St., Detroit. 313-576-1000, ext. 6. The Family & Friends Support Group Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. 5:30 p.m. Support group for family Riot Youth 4 p.m. The Neutral Zone, 310 Goaffirmations.org and friends of people living with HIV. E. Washington, Ann Arbor. 734-214-9995. LezRead 4 p.m. Ann Arbors book group for Community Health Awareness Group, neutral-zone.org Lesbians. Meets the last Saturday of every 1300 W. Fort St., Detroit. 313-963-3434. Friday Night Socials: evolution. an open month. LezReads, 319 Braun Ct., Ann Cocktails by Design/ArtWorks mic affair. 6 p.m. Snacking and beverages Arbor. 734-995-9867. Lezread@yahoo. Detroit Auction 6 p.m. Original works will be available for purchase. Affirmations, com LezRead.com of art by 150 artists, silent and live 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- YEP Night 4 p.m. For LGBT youth, auction, entertainment, free valet 7105. goaffirmations.org ages 14-24. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine parking, and appetizer stations by Help & Heal 6 p.m. A monthly support group Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Epicurean Group. Tickets: $75-100. goaffirmations.org Michigan AIDS Coalition, Detroit. for HIV-positive gay or same-gender-loving [email protected] (SGL) men of color. KICK, 41 Burroughs St., Outfest 5 p.m. A community celebration. michiganaidscoalition.org Suite 109, Detroit. [email protected] Community Center, 319 Braun Artist Talk: Mary Sibande 7 p.m. Free for Court, Ann Arbor. 734-995-9867. Farm-To-Table Meal 6:30 p.m. A five- Jimtoycenter.org course dinner sourced via local farms and members. MOCAD, 4454 Woodward Ave., purveyors. Tickets: $65. Paesano, 3411 Detroit. 313-832-6622. Mocadetroit.org DIFFA: Dining by Design 6 p.m. Tickets: Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor. 734-971- Polyqueer Womens Group 7 p.m. $250. Michigan AIDS Coalition (MAC), 0484. Paesanosannarbor.com Open meeting to lesbian, bisexual and 160 W. Fort, Detroit. 248-545-1435. Michiganaidscoalition.org Michigan Marriage Challenge Fund transgendered women who are polyamorous Raiser 6:30 p.m. Keynote Speaker: or curious about women-centered Men’s Discussion Group 6 p.m. Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy. polyamory. Meets the last Friday of the Lighthearted or in-depth discussion on a Appetizers and Cocktails by Jeff Zak month. JTCC, 319 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. variety of topics. For gay, bi-affectional, and Catering of Plymouth. This fundraiser will 734-995-9867. JimToyCenter.org transgender men 18 and up. Affirmations, support April Deboer, in Deboer v. Snyder, Queer Women’s Community 7 p.m. 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- which could be the landmark case for Bonfire with s’mores. All lesbian, bisexual, 7105. goaffirmations.org LGBT rights in Michigan, and possibly transgender, queer, and ally women across the nation. Michigan Marriage T-Party 7 p.m. A great opportunity for those are welcome. Kalamazoo Gay and in the Transgender community and their Challenge, 290 W 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale. Lesbian Resource Center, 3636 Lowden, Gofundme.com/MarriageEqualityMichigan allies to get to know each other. Coffee, tea Kalamazoo. Kglrc.org and soft drinks available. Windsor-Essex Gay and Christian: Further Conversations Bear Trap 9 p.m. All new weekly party for Pride Fest, 422 Pelissier, Windsor. 519-973- 7 p.m. Speakers: Dr. Matthew Clark, Ruth bears, cubs and their admirers. Hayloft 4656. windsorpride.com Bell Olsson and Daniel Dobson. Discussion. Saloon, 8070 Greenfield Road, Detroit. Drag Queen Bingo 10 p.m. A fun alternative Open to all. The Clark Institute, 7 Jefferson 313-581-8913. Hayloftsaloon.com Ave. SE, Grand Rapids. 616-458-0692. to your usual weekend hot spots. Tickets: Theclarkinstitute.com Pride Friday 9 p.m. The one and only gay $20. 18+. Club Five15, 515 S. Washington night. 18+. Guys with college ID get in free Ave., Royal Oak. 248-515-2551. five15.net Gender Non-Conformists 7 p.m. A social before 11 p.m. Cover: $5+. Necto, 516 E. and discussion group for transgender, Macho City 10 p.m. Disco debauchery. With Liberty St., Ann Arbor. 734-994-5835. special guests Salvatore Principato and BMG. genderqueer, genderneutral and Thenecto.com gender-exploring individuals. Space also R&R Saloon, 7330 Michigan Ave., Detroit. available to significant others. Meets Bears in the Woods BBQ 10 p.m. 21+. BBQ 313-849-2751. Rnrsaloon.com every Thursday. Affirmations, 290 W. on the Patio. R&R Saloon, 7330 Michigan Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- Ave., Detroit. 313-849-2751. Rnrsaloon.com Sunday, Sept. 29 7105. [email protected] AIDS Walk Michigan Walk to be held in GoAffirmations.org Saturday, Sept. 28 Jackson on Saturday, September 28 and Men’s Film Group 7 p.m. Social group Saline Farmer’s Market-Saturdays 8 in Ann Arbor on Sunday, September 29. to meet and discuss films of interest a.m. Saline Farmer’s Market, S. Ann Arbor Prizes for the largest walk team & prizes to men. Meets every Thursday at St., South of Michigan Ave., Ann Arbor. for the largest donations. Complimentary Affirmations. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Cityofsaline.org/ snacks, refreshments, great fun & entertainment. No registration fees. HIV/ Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Open Meditation Saturdays 9 a.m. A Goaffirmations.org AIDS Resource Center, Jackson & Ann communal, non-hierarchical meditation Arbor. Hivaidsresource.org Soccer 7 p.m. Encouraging players of all space open to all. Affirmations, 290 W. levels (especially beginners/first timers) Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Bark for Life: A Canine Event to to participate and improve their skills goaffirmations.org Fight Cancer 10 a.m. A Relay for Life fundraising event that honors the care- through club-sponsored soccer academy LAHR Breakfast Club 10 a.m. Meet sessions and pick-up play. Out For Kicks giving qualities of canine companions. at Flap Jack near Frandor. Lansing Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash. Tickets: Detroit, 27725 Greenfield Road, Southfield. Association for Human Rights, Lansing. OutForKicksDetroit.com [email protected] lahronline.org See Happenings, page 24

22 BTL | Sept. 26, 2013 www.PrideSource.com COLOR

Screen Queen BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI nakedness and … wait, this was on PBS? Considered ahead of its time, the series cast a riveting Laura Linney, as a Bay Area newbie, into the limelight, and endeared us even more so to Olympia Dukakis, the free-spirited trans woman who takes Linney’s character under her wing. The show, of course, is an absolute delight – a time-capsule yarn that revels in an emphatic cast of colorful characters as seen through the innocent eyes of Mary Ann Singleton (Linney). Its DVD is not. The two-disc set is marred by the same distracting graininess of its initial now-out- of-print 2003 release, which is to say it looks a lot like watching it on VHS. Carried over from that same set: cast commentaries on three episodes, nearly 40 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage and a color insert with a Maupin intro. The Sapphires How do you hate Behind the Candelabra something with Looking beyond the razzle-dazzle – though Motown music? With plenty of sequins shake out in this Emmy-loved a heartwarming story HBO telepic – director Steven Soderbergh based on fact? And with evades camp kitsch for a sexually fearless and Chris O’Dowd, the Irish captivating exposé on the vanity, fame and dreamboat who wanted obsessions of the iconic Liberace. The intimate/ to make cupcakes with bizarre story takes a magnifying glass to the Kristen Wiig in “Bridesmaids”? You don’t. You entertainer’s mutually toxic relationship with can’t. Unless you also hate kittens. So while younger beau Scott Thorson (his 1988 memoir its trite, shameless sentimentality and loosely inspired the film) – and it’s a dark, dangerous explored social commentaries can seem a little rabbit hole they go down, rife with insecurities, Lifetime, this entertaining-but-flawed musical codependency and superficiality – all the way dramedy – about singing Australian sisters and through Mr. Showmanship’s AIDS-related death their gal pal who get a gig in 1968 Vietnam in 1987. Michael Douglas slips into the role – and performing for the troops – is big on charm, in and out of some very feathery fabooshness laughs and soul sing-alongs. And O’Dowd, as the – with an uncanny ease, illuminating every bum manager with a heart of gold, is a delicious idiosyncrasy of Liberace’s narcissism and lead – a role requiring tart humor, bold dramatic musicianship (he, and/or some really convincing turns and unexpected sweetness that he handles camera tricks, even works that piano with with awards-caliber capability. His sudden impressive finger-dancing dexterity). Displaying romance with one of the girls rings false in the as much skin as he does dramatic acting chops, end, when the film falls into sappy histrionics, but Matt Damon, as Thorson, is also spectacularly a few sour notes can’t ruin the flash and fun of uninhibited. And Soderbergh, who’s already seeing these girls make their dreams come true. demonstrated you can make magic out of male The real Sapphires talk about the movie and their strippers, does career-best work finding the lives in a too-brief bonus interview. humanity in an otherwise cartoonish story. He bails, though, on the special features, leaving just Also Out a short EPK featuring the two leads. Tales of the City Girls: The The television Complete adaptation of gay novelist Second Season Armistead Maupin’s classic saga premiered 20 The drama gets heavy years ago – and it looks it. in season two of Lena That’s no reflection on the Dunham’s Emmy- greatness of this zeitgeisty winning HBO hit show, miniseries, which ran for where Hannah (Dunham) and her girlfriends six episodes back in 1993; it’s a terrifically continue navigating life as a 20-something: being scripted coming-of-ager about a fish out of water broke, complicated, relationship-challenged getting acclimated with the bohemian, anything- ... and, you know, letting Patrick Wilson put it goes lifestyle of pre-AIDS San Francisco in in you. The second season makes the piss-in- the ’70s. There are gays and pot gardens and See Screen Queen, page 27 www.PrideSource.com Sept. 26, 2013 | BTL 23 Resource Center, 629 Pioneer St., 27. 313-833-7547. Facebook.com/ ® Happenings Kalamazoo. 269-349-4234. Kglrc.org detroitcathedralmusic Continued from p. 22 Board Meeting 6 p.m. Jim Toy Community Editor’s Pick Detroit Symphony Orchestra “Lang Lang Center, 319 Braun Court, Ann Arbor. 734- with the DSO” Program: Prokofiev’s Third 995-9867. jimtoycenter.org In just three short years, Buddy Holly set the music Piano Concerto. Tickets: $35+. Orchestra $20+. American Cancer Society & Bark Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 8 p.m. Fun Run & Walk Program 6:30 p.m. world on fire, breaking the mold and forever changing Sept. 28. 313-576-5111. dso.org For Life of Redford Michigan, 18250 Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian Resource Beech Daly Road, Redford. 734-564- Center, Kalamazoo. 269-349-4234. the face and sound of rock ‘n’ roll. Broadway’s “Buddy Kerrytown Concert House “Parisian 0017. heather. [email protected] Kglrc.org – The Buddy Holly Story” charts his meteoric climb, Soiree” Cabaret. Deanna Relyea, mezzo- Relayforlife.org/barkredfordmi soprano. Monica Swartout-Bebow, Higher Ground 6:30 p.m. Weekly support legendary adventures and tragic fall on the fateful day mezzo-soprano. Shelley MacMillan, singer/ Get Out Bike-3 Parks 10 a.m. Get Out group meetings for people living with HIV/ Bike, 17385 Haggerty Road, Belleville. the music died. “The Buddy Holly Story” will have you actress. Gabe Bolkosky, violin. Kevin AIDS. Each meeting includes meditation Bylsma, piano. Tickets: $15-35. Kerrytown meetup.com/GOAL-Get-Out-And-Live- and peer discussions. Self-Run, Royal on your feet and dancing in the aisles Friday, Sept. 27 LGBT Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Oak. 586-427-1259. [email protected] at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 28 at 2 p.m. and 7 Arbor. 8 p.m. Sept. 28. 734-763-4186. Flag Football 10:30 a.m. Metro Detroit Sistrum, Lansing Women’s Chorus 7 p.m. p.m. at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts. kerrytownconcerthouse.com Flag Football League is open to LGBT Lansing Association for Human Rights, 1020 players and our friends. All levels of MOCAD “Matvei Yankelevich” Free for S. Harrison Road, Lansing. [email protected] Armed with a Fender Stratocaster guitar, his signature members. Museum of Contemporary play are welcome, beginners, too! We lahronline.org provide a recreational, fun and supportive specs and a charismatic blend of rockabilly swagger, Art Detroit, 4454 Woodward Ave., environment. Our travel team is Bowling Night 8 p.m. Post-bowling cocktails Buddy explodes onto the stage in a jukebox musical fully loaded with his classic songs. Detroit. 7 p.m. Sept. 26. 313-832-6622. competitive and competes at the national at Woody’s Oasis, East Lansing, for “Gay Mocadetroit.org level. Michigan Panthers, 19550 Sunset Night. “ Michigan Pride, 3103 East Grand Tickets are $65 gold circle and $60 house; seniors 55-and-over, students and military save $5 MSU College of Music “Wind Symphony” River Ave., Lansing. michiganpride.org St, Livonia. [email protected] MDFFL.org per ticket. For tickets or information, call 586-286-2222. Cobb Great Hall, Wharton Center, East AIDS Walk Lansing/East Lansing Lansing. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26. Music.msu. 11 a.m. Join the Lansing Area AIDS Tuesday, Oct. 1 edu/event-listing Network, our hosts, the Evans Scholars Thinking Fresh About Detroit: Food Oakland University “Steve Wogaman” of Michigan State University, our official Issues and Concerns 10 a.m. Tickets: 398-7105. Goaffirmations.org Piano. Oakland University, 2200 N. Squirrel $119. Feet on the Street Tours, Southfield CONCERTS registrants, the National Association MaleBox Booty Contest 11:30 p.m. All- Road, Rochester. Sept. 29. 248-370-2030. and Detroit. Enjoythed.com Blind Pig “Taylor Gang Invasion featuring of Black Accountants Michigan State male booty contest. Jadein Black hosts. DJ Oakland.edu MUSIC & MORE Chevy Woods & Berner” 18+. Tickets: University Chapter, and hundreds of other Outober Kick-off 1 p.m. EMU LGBTRC, Jimmy. Part of $2 Tuesday Night. MaleBox walkers as we take one step towards a BENEFITS/SOCIAL EVENTS $20-30. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St., Ann Olympia Entertainment “Sarah Ypsilanti. 734-487-4149. Emich.edu/ Michigan, 23365 Hoover Road, Warren. Brightman “Dreamchaser World Tour”” solution in the battle against HIVAIDS!Free Ann Arbor Art Center “A2 Art & Brew” Arbor. 9 p.m. Sept. 26. 734-996-8555. LGBTRC 586-806-2390. Facebook.com/malebox2 Tickets: $54. 50+. Fox Theatre, 2211 registration and t-shirts. LAAN, Valley Enjoy the art of brewing and the fine arts Blindpigmusic.com Court Park (Behind Peoples Church), Trans/Genderqueer Peer Group 4 p.m. Woodward Ave., Detroit. 8 p.m. Sept. 27. at one event. Fundraiser. Tickets: $50- Blind Pig “Baths” 18+. Tickets: $12-15. East Lansing . 517-394-3719 ext. 13. EMU LGBTRC, Ypsilanti. 734-487-4149. Wednesday, Oct. 2 313-471-6611. olympiaentertainment.com 60. Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty Blind Pig, 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor. 9 p.m. Laanonline.org Emich.edu/lgbtrc COBO Support Group 5 p.m. Coming St., Ann Arbor. 5:30 p.m. Sept. 26. 734- Sept. 27. 734-996-8555. Blindpigmusic.com Royal Oak Music Theatre “Travis” out, being out. EMU LGBTRC, Ypsilanti. Volleyball 1 p.m. With warm weather. SWEAT 6 p.m. A weekly support/social 994-8004. Annarborartcenter.org Tickets: $29. 50-55. Royal Oak Music 734-487-4149. Emich.edu/lgbtrc Cathedral Choir “Choral Evensong” Located north of the Lansing Mall. group to encourage those of us who need Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak. The Majestic “Garden Bowl 100th The beloved traditional service of Choral Lansing Association for Human Rights, to achieve wellness and or weight loss. Sistrum Weekly Rehearsal 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26. 248-399-2980. Anniversary Party” Family fun bash, Evensong sung by the Cathedral Choir. Lansing. [email protected] The Network, 343 Atlas Ave. SE, Grand Sistrum, Lansing Women’s Chorus, 215 N. Royaloakmusictheatre.com retro bowl, Big Lewbowski & King Pin The service is followed at 5:00 p.m. with Rapids. 616-458-3511. Grlgbt.org Capital Ave., Lansing. Sistrum.org costume contest and more. Garden a thirty-minute organ recital. Ample, Royal Oak Music Theatre “John Monday, Sept. 30 Life’s a Stitch 6:30 p.m. Open to those Whiskey Wednesday 8 p.m. Country line Bowl, 4120 Woodward Ave., Detroit. well-lit parking is available by entering the Mulaney” 18+. Tickets: $25-30. Royal Oak Mailing Volunteers Needed! Volunteers who Crochet, Knit, Quilt, Needlepoint, dancing. Free juke box. MaleBox Michigan, 11 a.m. Sept. 28. 313-833-9700. Cathedral complex via eastbound Warren Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal needed throughout the month of Macrame and Jewelry. Free. Affirmations, 23365 Hoover Road, Warren. 586-806- Majesticdetroit.com Avenue. Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 4800 September. Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248- 2390. Facebook.com/Male Woodward Avenue, Detroit. Sept. 29-Oct. See Happenings, page 27

24 BTL | Sept. 26, 2013 www.PrideSource.com Matrix Season Opener: No Child’s Play BY JOHN QUINN

“You had to be there” arises to confirm that a situation beyond description actually exists. It is a condemnation of society that such a phrase is the last resort of the men and women in the trenches, teachers in the dysfunctional urban school districts. Playwright Nilaja Sun has “been there,” and her experiences form the backbone of a (mostly) one-woman play. Matrix Theatre Company’s production of “No Child ...” celebrates 23 years of socially conscience theater in Southwest Detroit. The production is not only a primal cry for attention from a society too willing to adopt facile “solutions” to complex problems, it represents stunning achievement in the actor’s art. While the observant eye and ear of director Courtney Jo-Dempsey Burkett is ultimately responsible for this success, her artists, Sunkari Clifford Sykes and the mesmerizing Morgan Breon, are the meat and potatoes of Morgan Breon excels in “No Child ...” through Oct. 13. Photo: Matrix Theatre. this production. “No Child ...” draws its realism from reflecting on the plot but challenging Sun’s experiences during eight years PREVIEW the audience to learn from it. Sunkari of leading theater workshops – as a No Child ... Clifford Sykes creates a warm, “teaching artiste” – in some of the most humorous, witty janitor as comfortable destitute schools of the New York City Matrix Theatre Company, 2730 Bagley, in his way as a well-worn sweater. Detroit. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday & 3 p.m. Adam Crinson’s stark scenic design system. The old aphorism “write what Sunday through Oct. 13. 80 minutes; no you know” is working here, but how she intermission. $15-20. 313-967-0599. is marked by subtle but telling detail. There is broken trim on the chalk wrote is extraordinary. Janitor Baron www.Matrixtheatre.org is Prologue and Narrator. All 15 other board. The clock on the drab, water- characters –principal, teachers, parents, her madness. Performing arts force stained walls is so filthy one can barely security guards and students – are self-discipline, structure, the necessity make out the numerals. No matter; portrayed by only one actor. Generally, to work collectively toward a common it’s stopped at 8:04. But the floor best this would mean serial monologues, goal on the self-centered. Even the stands as a metaphor of a crumbling with generous use of costume and theme of “Our Country’s Good” school system – a dirty, paint-daubed hair pieces to delineate the different resonates with the class. They identify checkerboard in black and white, characters. That is not the case in “No with society’s outcasts, imprisoned in broken and cracked at the edges. Neil Child ...”; a single performer creates colonies marked by decaying schools Koivu’s lighting is tight, omnipresent entire scenes, full of multiple characters. and generational poverty. But Sun yet completely unobtrusive. In the context of the play, Sun – as faces an up-hill battle against the Although “No Child ...” is an is so often among professional actors status quo. optimistic play, it ain’t “To Sir with – is between engagements and, to Morgan Breon creates whole Love.” Although championing the supplement her income, accepts a scenes of dialogue alone, moving idea that the lost children need, first six-week residency with a sophomore from character to character using and foremost, someone to care about class at Malcolm X Vocational High an utter mastery of voice and body them, playwright Sun is experienced Credibility And School in the Bronx. Her objective to slip seamlessly from one to the enough to know there are no answers is to have her students read, discuss next. Her work is a tour de force. In in the back of the textbook. Not every and give a performance of Timberlake the cacophony dialect and intonation life can be transformed – but that is Reach That Wertenbaker’s 1988 drama, “Our there is only one minor flaw; it takes a no reason not to try. The solutions are Country’s Good,” in which a British while to realize there are, in fact, two still out there for those determined to Delivers officer directs a group of convicts Asian characters, one teacher and one find them. sent to Australia’s penal colony in a student, in the classroom scenes. But There is a change at Matrix Theatre production of George Farquhar’s 1706 even a theater critic catches on quickly. this season, as the company welcomes comedy “The Recruiting Officer.” To Paired with the young and Megan Buckley-Ball as artistic director. her alienated, foul-mouthed charges enthusiastic young Sun is the older, It would seem that there is no change – and even to some well-spoken wiser Mr. Baron, a sage who has seen in its mission of producing some of the theater critics – the proposition seems it all. In many ways, the character most relevant and thought-provoking Online • In Print preposterous; yet there is method in functions like a Greek chorus, not only theater available to local audiences. www.PrideSource.com Sept. 26, 2013 | BTL 25 COLOR

26 BTL | Sept. 26, 2013 www.PrideSource.com South Lansing. Through Sep. 29. 517-927- ComedySportz ComedySportz Detroit ® 3016. peppermintcreek.org at Michigan Actors Studio, 648 E. Nine Happenings Mile Road, Ferndale. 877-636-3320. Continued from p. 24 Dracula $7-15. The Twin City Players, comedysportzdetroit.com 600 W. Glenlord Road, St. Joseph. Oct. 4 - 27. 269-429-0400. twincityplayers.org Company $18-$32. The Encore Musical Theatre Company, 3126 Broad St., Oak. 8 p.m. Sept. 27. 248-399-2980. Les Miserables $20-22. Stagecrafters at Royaloakmusictheatre.com Dexter. Sep. 26 - Oct. 20. 734-268-6200. Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette Ave., theencoretheatre.org Static Network “Motor City Breakdown” Royal Oak. Through Sep. 29. 248-541- Featuring performances by The Luckouts, 6430. Stagecrafters.org Evil Dead: The Musical $29.50. The Loudmouth Baby, The Farleys, The Wet Ringwald and Olympia Entertainment Les Miserables $18-24. The Kalamazoo at City Theatre, 2301 Woodward Ave., Wipes!21+. Tickets: $5. The Corktown Civic Theatre at Civic Auditorium, 329 S. Tavern, 1716 Michigan Ave., Detroit. 9 p.m. Detroit. Oct. 2 - 26. 800-745-3000. Park St., Kalamazoo. Sep. 27 - Oct. 13. olympiaentertainment.com Sept. 27. 313-964-5103. Corktowntavern. 269-343-1313. kazoocivic.com com Fridays and Saturdays at Go Comedy! The Real Thing $10-12. Riverwalk The Ark “Vienna Teng and Barnaby Go Comedy! Improv Theater, 261 E. Theatre, 228 Museum Dr., Lansing. Oct. 4 Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale. 248-327-0575. Bright” Tickets: $21-26. The Ark, 316 S. - 13. 517-482-5700. riverwalktheatre.com Main St., Ann Arbor. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27. gocomedy.net 734-761-1800. theark.org COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY THEATER Improv Mondays $5 at the door. Planet The Ark “Rebirth Brass Band” Tickets: Glengarry Glen Ross $5-20. The Ant Theatre, 2357 Caniff, Hamtramck. $25. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 University Theatre, Western Michigan 313-365-4948. planetant.com p.m. Oct. 2. 734-761-1800. theark.org University at York Arena Theatre, Gilmore Lost in Yonkers $32-39. The Dio - Dining Theatre Complex, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., The Magic Bag “Tom Green” Tickets: and Entertainment, 135 E. Main St., Kalamazoo. Sep. 26 - Oct. 6. 269-387- Pinckney. Through Sep. 28. 517-672-6009. $25. The Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward 6222. wmich.edu/theatre Ave., Ferndale. 7 p.m. Sept. 29. 248-544- Diotheatre.com 3030. Themagicbag.com PROFESSIONAL Macbeth $12-30. Hilberry Theatre, 4743 The Majestic “Calabrese” All ages. An Iliad $22-41. Performance Network Cass Ave., Detroit. Through Oct. 12. 313- Tickets: $8+. The Magic Stick Lounge, 4120 Theatre, 120 E. Huron St., Ann Arbor. 577-2972. hillberry.com Woodward Ave., Detroit. 8 p.m. Sept. 30. Sep. 26 - Oct. 27. 734-663-0681. Miss Saigon $35-90. Fisher Theatre, 313-833-9700. Majesticdetroit.com performancenetwork.org 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit. Sep. 24 - Oct. The Palace of Auburn Hills “Blake Banana for Turtle $5-10. PuppetART at 6. 313-872-1000. broadwayindetroit.com Shelton” With Easton Corbin and Jana Detroit Puppet Theater, 25 E. Grand River Momix: Botanica $30-250. Music Kramer. Tickets: TBA. The Palace of Auburn Ave., Detroit. Through Sep. 28. 313-961- Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Hills, 5 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills. 7777. Puppetart.org Madison Ave., Detroit. 8 p.m. Sep. 27. 313- Sept. 28. 248-377-0100. Palacenet.com Big Bully - A Rock Musical Appropriate 887-8500. musichall.org University Musical Society “Hubbard for grades K-8. $10 adult, $7 child. No Child... $15-20. Matrix Theatre Street Dance Chicago” K-12 Field Trip on Children’s Theatre Network atPerformance Company, 2730 Bagley, Detroit. Through Friday (featuring “One Thousand Pieces”). Network Theatre, 120 E. Huron St., Ann Oct. 13. 313-967-0599. Matrixtheatre.org Power Center for the Performing Arts, 121 Arbor. 1 p.m. Sep. 28. 734-663-0681. Fletcher St., Ann Arbor. Sept. 27-Sept. 28. performancenetwork.org November $10-$20. Planet Ant Theatre, 734-764-2538. ums.org 2357 Caniff, Hamtramck. Through Sep. 28. Blithe Spirit $27-$32. Tipping Point 313-365-4948. planetant.com Theatre, 361 E. Cady St., Northville. Through Oct. 13. 248-347-0003. Opera at The Acorn $25. The Acorn tippingpointtheatre.com Theater, 107 Generations Dr., Three THEATER Oaks. 8 p.m. Sep. 28. 269-756-3879. Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story $60- acorntheater.com CIVIC/COMMUNITY THEATER 65. Macomb Center for the Performing Bonnie & Clyde $13-18. Peppermint Arts, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Planet Ant Late Night Saturdays $10 at Creek Theatre Company at Miller Township. Sep. 27 - 28. 586-286-2222. Performing Arts Center, 6025 Curry Lane, macombcenter.com See Happenings, page 29

the test. It’s grim, poignant and wrenching, and ® Screen Queen the roles Riva and Trintignant play are beyond Continued from p. 23 performances – they’re as honest as life. They discuss their parts during a short making-of. the-shower scene of the first look like batting practice, because here, Dunham – whose riskier writing polarized as much as it titillated the The Muppet water-cooler talk – goes in some very unexpected Movie: The and audacious directions that make your 20s look so boring. HBO gives the sophomore chapter Nearly 35th an impressive set of special features, most notably Dunham’s sit-down with the show’s Anniversary male ensemble. Edition Call it a kid classic if you want, but the Amour Muppets – going from TV variety show darlings There are moments to silver-screen stars with this 1979 flick – did so real in Oscar winner more than entertain with songs and silliness; “Amour” you forget they got to your heart. But aside from “The those are actors you’re Rainbow Connection,” this road-trip rollick watching. You forget about hope and dreams and destiny, where there’s a director behind Kermit and his flamboyant puppet posse (and the camera. And you real peeps like Cloris Leachman and Steve certainly forget, as is Martin) hope to bring people to their happy often said about horror films, that this is just a place, is a film for the ages. All ages. With just movie. Michael Haneke’s “Amour” is the worst some sing-alongs and a short Kermit interview, kind of horror – the real kind. It’s what Georges this Disney release surprisingly skimps on (Jean-Louis Trintignant) experiences when his extras. But still, these are the Muppets. This wife Anne (Emmanuelle Riva) suffers a heart is their first film. For all you dreamers, this is attack, putting their love – and his loyalty – to a must-have.

www.PrideSource.com Sept. 26, 2013 | BTL 27 To place a classified ad with us,visit PRIDESOURCE.COM/classifieds Classifieds or call us at 734-293-7200 x15

01-ANNOUNCEMNTS 212 REAL ESTATE - LGBT AA MEETINGS OFFICE SPACES/ COMMERCIAL Ann Arbor-Friday 7:30 pm, St. Andrews Episcopal Ferndale Church Gay AA, 306 N. Division 9 Mile Corner Woodward St. Closed/Discussion. OFFICE Bloomfield Hills-Sunday Mid Century Charm Unique Corner Suite / Tuesday / Thursday Features: 8:00 pm, Birmingham Unitarian Leaded Glass Reception, Sec- Church, 38651 Woodward, retaries, Exec. Office & Private Bloomfield Hills, lower level Bath $590 classroom - enter first walkway off Others From $400 Woodward entrance. Big Book/12 & 12 Meeting. 248-398-7000 Detroit-Tuesday / Friday 428 PROF. SERVICES - 8:00 pm, Downtown Gay AA, Fort Street Presbyterian Church, 631 MASSAGE West Fort St. Closed/Discussion (Open 1st Friday of every month). GROUP MASSAGE Farmington Hills-Monday - For Gay and Bisexual Men. 8:00 pm, Suburban West Gay Learn some massage techniques AA, Universalist Unitarian Church, and meet others in a safe and 25301 Halstead (Between 10 & 11 caring environment. Tuesdays and Mile Roads) Closed / Discussion. Saturdays at 8 p.m. Thursdays at 2 p.m. $10 per session. 209 Ferndale-Monday / West Kingsley in downtown Ann Wednesday / Friday Arbor. (734) 662-6282 or email [email protected]. http:// 11:30 a.m., Brown Baggers Gay www.trymassage.com AA, Affirmations, 290 West 9 Mile Rd. Closed/Discussion. Ferndale-Wednesday Licensed Swediah 8 p.m., Diversity Wednesday Gay Auburn Hills AA, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Kansonn 540 W. Lewiston @ Livernois. Closed/Discussion. 248-672-0669 [email protected] Ferndale-Saturday 1 p.m. Brown Baggers Gay AA, Affirmations, 290 West 9 Mile Rd. Closed/Discussion.

8 p.m. Go After Your Sobriety Gay AA, Drayton Ave Presbyterian Church, 2441 Pinecrest. Closed/ Discussion. Livonia-Friday 8 p.m., West Side Story’s Gay AA, Providence Medical Center, 7 Mile & Newburgh. Closed/Discussion. Warren-Monday 7:30 p.m., Eastside Serenity Gay AA, Odd Fellow’s Hall, 830 S Monroe St Closed/Discussion.

101-ANNOUNCEMNTS LGBT AL ANON Solution to puzzle from page 30 Diversity Wednesday Al- Anon Family Group Wednesday 8pm St. Luke’s Parrish Hall (in basement) Lewiston & Livernois, Ferndale MI Closed Meeting Go After Your Serenity (G.A.Y.S.) Al-Anon Family Group Saturday’s 8pm Drayton Ave. Presbyterian Church (in basement) Pinecrest & Drayton, Ferndale Closed Meeting

28 BTL | Sept. 26, 2013 www.PrideSource.com COLOR

themes, nudity and language; no one Arbor. Oct. 1-Oct. 30. 734-763-4186. ® under 17 will be admitted without parent Kerrytownconcerthouse.com Happenings or guardian. Donation only. The Abreact, Continued from p. 27 1301 W. Lafayette, Detroit. Through Sep. Krasl Art Center “Philosophy of Art” 707 28. 313-454-1542. Theabreact.com Lake Blvd., St. Joseph. June 27-Sept. 26. 269-983-0271. krasl.org the door. Planet Ant Theatre, 2357 Caniff, The Sisters Rosensweig $41-$48. The Jewish Ensemble Theatre Company Krasl Art Center “In the Artlab: Past, Hamtramck. Through Sep. 28. 313-365- Present and Future Perfect by Laura 4948. planetant.com at DeRoy Theatre on the campus of the Jewish Community Center, 6600 W. Maple Elayne Miller” 707 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph. Please Give Me Your Money... So I Road., West Bloomfield. Sep. 25 - Oct. 20. Sept. 1-Oct. 20. 269-983-0271. Krasl.org Can Buy a Vagina! $10. The Ringwald 248-788-2900. jettheatre.org Krasl Art Center “American Painting Theatre, 22742 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. The Vast Difference 18.50-$42. The Today: Physical & Visceral” 707 Lake Blvd., Through Sep. 27. 248-545-5545. St. Joseph. Sept. 1-Oct. 20. 269-983- Theringwald.com Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Through Dec. 14. 734-433- 0271. Krasl.org Presumed Incompetent $20+. The Push 7673. purplerosetheatre.org Lawrence Street Gallery “A Visual Nevahda Show at International Institute Thursdays at Go Comedy! Go Comedy! Wow” Work by Laura Whiteside Host and of Detroit, 111 E. Kirby St., Detroit. Oct. Sherry Adams Foster. . Lawrence Street 5 -6. 313-320-9620. Eventbrite.com/ Improv Theater, 261 E. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale. 248-327-0575. gocomedy.net Gallery, 22620 Woodward Ave. Suite A, org/928837689?s=16972717 Ferndale. Sept. 4-Sept. 28. 248-544-0394. Pvt. Wars $5-20. University of Detroit- Wolves $5-20. The Ringwald Theatre, Lawrencestreetgallery.com Mercy Theatre Company at Marygrove 22742 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Through Sep. 30. 248-545-5545. Theringwald.com Michigan State University Museum College Theatre, 8425 W. McNichols “Michigan and the Civil War” Exhibit Road, Detroit. Sep. 28 - Oct. 6. 313-993- highlights Michigan connections in the 3270. http://theatre.udmercy.edu Civil War. Michigan State University Ring of Fire $31-33. Farmers Alley ART ‘N’ AROUND Museum, 409 W. Circle Drive, East Theatre, 221 Farmers Alley, Kalamazoo. Lansing. June 4-Oct. 31. 517-355-7474. 4731 Gallery “Stretch the Strangle Hold” museum.msu.edu Through Oct. 12. 269-343-2727. 4731 Grand River Ave., Detroit. Sept. 21- Farmersalleytheatre.com Oct. 5. 313-355-3273. Michigan State University Museum “Evolution in Action” 409 W. Circle Drive, Sundays at Go Comedy! Go Comedy! Cranbrook Art Museum “Ralph Rapson: Improv Theater, 261 E. Nine Mile Rd., East Lansing. June 4-Oct. 31. 517-355- A Son’s Perspective of a Pioneering 7474. museum.msu.edu Ferndale. 248-327-0575. gocomedy.net Modernist” 39221 Woodward Ave., The 25th Annual Putnam County Bloomfield Hills. 4 p.m. Sept. 29. 877-462- MOCAD “Matvei Yankelevich” Free. Spelling Bee $18-23 in advance; $2 7262. Cranbrookart.edu Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, more at the door. Two Muses Theatre 4454 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 7 p.m. Sept. Detroit Artists Market “The Chosen” 26. 313-832-6622. Mocadetroit.org at Barnes & Noble Booksellers Theatre, 4719 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 6800 Orchard Lake Road, West Sept. 13-Oct. 19. 313-832-8540. Pewabic Pottery “David Stark Design and Bloomfield. Sep. 27 - Oct. 20. 248-850- Detroitartistsmarket.org Culture Lab Detroit” 10125 E. Jefferson 9919. Twomusestheatre.org Ave., Detroit. June 7-Sept. 30. 313-626- Downriver Council for the Arts “Open 2000. pewabic.org The Circuit $15. The Hinterlands Studio” Downriver Council for the Arts, at Play House, 12657 Moran St., 81 Chestnut, Wyandotte. June 6-Oct. 31. Riverside Arts Center “Reflection of Detroit. Sep. 26 - 27. 313-454-1756. 734-720-0671. Downriverarts.org Hope” 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti. Sept. thehinterlandsensemble.org 5-Sept. 28. 734-483-7345. Riversidearts. Fandangles’ “September 2013 com The Circuit $15. The Hinterlands Art Exhibit” 6429 W. Pierson Road, at Trinosophes, 1464 Gratiot, Flushing. Sept. 1-Oct. 4. 810-659-2700. Saginaw Art Museum “Great Lakes Detroit. Oct. 3 - 4. 313-454-1756. Fandanglesmi.com Bay Women: Art & Selections by Edwina Thehinterlandsensemble.org Jaques” 1126 N. Michigan Ave., Flint Institute of Arts “Free Saturdays” The Complete History of America Saginaw. Oct. 1-Oct. 31. 989-754-2491. 1120 E. Kearsley St., Flint. Sept. 14-Feb. saginawartmuseum.org (abridged) $16-18. The Box Theater, 90 22. 810-234-1695. Flintarts.org Macomb Place, Mount Clemens. Sep. 27 Saugatuck Center for the Arts “Point - Oct. 5. 586-954-2677. theboxtheater. Ghoultide Gathering “Seventh Annual Counterpoint” 400 Culver St., Saugatuck. com Ghoultide Gathering” Tickets: $0- Sept. 1-Nov. 9. 269-857-2399. Sc4a.org 20. Chelsea Fairgrounds, 20501 Old The Dixie Swim Club $25. Tibbits Opera US-12 Hwy, Chelsea. 10 a.m. Sept. 28. The Scarab Club “American Aesthetic: House, 14 S. Hanchett St., Coldwater. Sep. Ghoultidegathering.com Clyde Burroughs Dinner Lecture Series on 27 - Oct. 5. 517-278-6029. tibbits.org American Art & Design” 217 Farnsworth, Grand Rapids Art Museum “Grand The Kitchen Plays $10-20. Royal Oak Detroit. 6 p.m. Sept. 26. 313-831-1250. Rapids ArtPrize Art Adventure” 101 Monroe Scarabclub.org Kitchen and Bath, 32790 Woodward Ave., Center, Grand Rapids. Sept. 27-Sept. 29. Royal Oak. Oct. 4 - 12. 248-658-8390. 616-831-1000. artmuseumgr.org University of Michigan Museum of Art Thekitchenplays.bpt.me “Adolph Gottlieb: Sculptor” 525 S. State Kalamazoo Institute of Arts “Off the The Kitchen Witches $15-18. Broadway St., Ann Arbor. Sept. 21-Jan. 5. 734-763- Wall: Art in Three Dimensions” 314 S. Park 4186. umma.umich.edu Onstage Live Theatre, 21517 Kelly Road, St., Kalamazoo. Sept. 17-Sept. 30. 269- Eastpointe. Through Oct. 12. 586-771- 349-7775. kiarts.org Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts 6333. Broadwayonstage.com “PLAY during ArtPrize 2013” Two Fulton Kerrytown Concert House “Nancy The Play about the Baby This Edward West, Grand Rapids. Sept. 18-Oct. 6. Wolfe and Michael Nagara” Kerrytown Uica.org Albee absurdist comedy has adult Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Editor’s Pick Learn about Michigan’s involvement in the Civil War with Michigan State University Museum’s historical collection. The museum’s current exhibition, “Michigan and the Civil War,” features a variety of artifacts and historical information. See authentic Civil War uniforms, weapons, medical equipment, and more. Some standouts in the exhibit include objects related to the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Luther Baker, the man who led the capture of Lincoln’s assassin, was a Michigan native. Another highlight includes artifacts from General John G. Parkhust, a native of Coldwater who spent time in the infamous Confederate Libby Prison. The “Michigan and the Civil War” can be seen at MSU Museum, 409 W. Circle Drive, East Lansing. The museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, call 517-355-7474 or visit www.museum.msu.edu.

www.PrideSource.com Sept. 26, 2013 | BTL 29 COLOR

She Did It! Across 47 Say again 24 Trick 51 Gandhi, e.g. 25 Papal name 1 Place for a rubber duckie 53 E. Lynn Harris’ “ ___ Way the 27 Out 5 Land of the city in the 4th row, Wind Blows” where a 53-hour swim began 28 Recess at St. Peter’s 54 Second fruit eater 9 Lavish party 29 River of the Singing Nun’s 55 Use your hands instead of your country 13 K through 12 mouth 30 Bound along 14 “When ___ said and done ...” 56 German engraver Albrecht 31 At once, to the Bard 15 Police incursion at Stonewall 58 1994 Tommy Lee Jones flick 32 Winter vacation places 16 “Break ___!” 59 Jackie’s designer 36 “Stop pouring” 17 Leonardo’s home 60 Sadists, to masochists, in a way 37 Q to a Scrabble player 18 Military force 61 Gardner of mystery 38 Bear hugs, e.g. 19 Trig, e.g. 62 Famed Loch 40 Kind of comic 20 Gardner of “Show Boat” 63 Over and done 41 Well-endowed old goats? 21 City on the Loire 64 Origin of a pansy 43 Sweet spreads 23 Clever one 44 Place for a cruising sailor 25 Grab a cheek, perhaps 47 Nonreacting 26 Not in the pink Down 48 Get down on your knees in 1 Puts on a happy face 27 Mantra of the swimmer in the front of 12th row 2 Islam’s deity 49 Put aside 30 Hog-ties 3 Letter after eta 50 Get into the sack? 33 Street where Debussy lived 4 Like tall buildings 51 “Time ___ My Side” 34 Photo ___ (camera sessions) 5 Owen of “Closer” 52 “Aida” backdrop 35 Pitched properly 6 Bone below the elbow 53 “Xena” deity 36 Bentley of “American Beauty” 7 Something to flick 57 Land of the city in the 8th row, 37 Pointed 8 Cockamamie where the swim ended 39 Waikiki paste 9 Lingua ___ 40 Brown’s “Murder, ___ Meowed” 10 Bait shop critter Solution on pg. 28 41 Do a slow burn 11 What they do behind bars 42 Signed up 12 Ben and Jerry’s rival 45 Vestment for Mychal Judge 14 Serves the purpose 46 Rehoboth Beach setting 22 “ ___ the Band Played On”

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