Michigan Supreme Court Hurts Gay Familes Again U.S. Supreme Court Issues Stay in Pro-Trans Decision

A Moment with Meryl Cinema's Grand Dame Reflects on Beloved LGBT Roles

WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM AUGUST 11, 2016 | VOL. 2432 | FREE 2 BTL | August 11, 2016 www.PrideSource.com

OUTFEST COMING UP

COVER 16 A Moment with Meryl: Acting Luminary Opens Up About Being ’In Love with Gay People’ and Her Iconic LGBT Roles NEWS 4 Charles Pugh Update: Case Moves Forward Following Preliminary Hearing 5 LGBT Detroit Receives Donation to Benefit LGBT Latinos/as Authour David Pederson will be 6 U.S. Attorney General Launches Justice Forum Series Over the weekend thousands visit Ann Arbor’s annual OutFest reading from his debut mystery 7 Detroit Police Department Holds LGBT Community Chat thriller 8 How Hot Is It? Detroit Black Gay Pride Struggles in its Third See page 15 See page 14 Decade 9 U.S. Supreme Court Issues Stay in Pro-Trans Decision 10 North Carolina Religious Objection Case in Court COMMUNITY NEWS 10 Five Michiganders Among most Amazing HIV Postive People 11 Uganda: ‘I am arrested by Ugandan Police’ -@FrankMughisa 15 OUTfest Honors and Remembers Pulse Nightclub Victims in Orlando OPINION 12 Parting Glances: Remembering Jeff (Part 3 of 3) 12 Michigan Supreme Court Lets Down LGBT Families, Again 13 Creep of the Week: Ben Kinchlow LIFE 14 Upcoming Author Reading Introduces New 40s Gay Detective How Hot is It? Detroit Black Gay Pride 16 A Moment with Meryl: Acting Luminary Opens Up About Being ’In Love with Gay People’ and Her Iconic LGBT Roles Struggles in its Third Decade 21 Frivolist: 5 Piece of Financial Advice for Living With a See page 22 Roommate 22 Happenings Uganda Arrests LGBT People at Pride Gathering 23 Hear Me Out See page 8 See page 11 24 Classifieds 25 Puzzle and Comic

VOL. 2432 • AUGUST 11, 2016 EDITORIAL CREATIVE ADVERTISING & SALES ONLINE AT ISSUE 976 Editor in Chief Webmaster & MIS Director Director of Sales Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 12 Kevin Bryant, [email protected] Jan Stevenson, 734.293.7200 x 22 “Between The Lines Newspaper” PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA GROUP [email protected] [email protected] 20222 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152 Contributing Writers Entertainment Editor Sales Representatives Phone 734.293.7200 Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown, Follow us @YourBTL Chris Azzopardi, 734.293.7200 x 24 Emell Derra Adolphus, Todd Heywood, Ann Cox, 734.293.7200 x 13 PUBLISHERS [email protected] Jason Michael, Kate Opalewski, [email protected] Email your op–eds to Gwendolyn Ann Smith, Amy Lynn Smith, Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson Assistant Editor Donelle Kremke, 734.293.7200 x 16 [email protected] Christopher J. Treacy MEMBER OF Shelby Clark Petkus, [email protected] [email protected] Cartoonists Sign up online to receive our E–Digest Michigan Press Assoication Calendar Editor National Advertising Representative Paul Berg, Dave Brousseau National Gay Media Association Kate Opalewski, [email protected] Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 National Gay & Lesbian Chamber Contributing Photographers Staff Writer Q Syndicate Andrew Potter Our rate cards are available online. All material appearing in Between The Lines is protected by federal copyright law and may not AJ Trager, [email protected] be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publishers. Between The Lines is supported by many fine advertisers, Alexander Godin but we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for materials provided by advertisers or their agents. Copyright 2016 Pride Source Media Group www.PrideSource.com August 11, 2016 | BTL 3 NEWS Pugh Update: Case Moves Forward; Defense Request to Lower Bail Granted BY JASON A. MICHAEL relationship escalated to Pugh performing oral sex on the teen and more, the accuser testified. DETROIT – Judge Deborah Langston from In all, Pugh is charged with six counts of the 36th District Court had some harsh words criminal sexual conduct – three first degree to say about former Detroit City Council charges and two second degree. A sixth charge President and Fox 2 news anchor Charles was dropped when Pugh’s defense attorney, Pugh at his preliminary hearing last Thursday. Delphia Burton, proved that the alleged “It appears to me that Mr. Pugh is a gay incident took place when the accuser was 16, pedophile,” Langston said as she bound the the legal age of consent in Michigan. case over for trial. “And I don’t care that he’s Burton charged that Pugh’s accuser is gay. That’s his business. I am concerned about making the claims against Pugh because he’s children.” ultimately hoping to be awarded money in a Langston added that the now 27-year-old civil suit. accuser “became his unofficial gopher and “He’s hoping to get a payday and that’s what sex slave.” this is all about,” Burton said. The accuser, who has not been identified The accuser said that simply was not true, because he is an alleged victim of a sex crime, and claimed for years he thought he was the testified for more than an hour in graphic detail only one Pugh had done this to. He came about his relationship with Pugh. In testimony forward last year, he said, after learning about similar to that given by Khody Sanford, the Sanford and hearing Pugh dismiss those accuser in Pugh’s civil trial who eventually charges against him. won a $250,000 settlement against him, the “He said, ‘this is all a lie and the city of new accuser said his sexual relationship first Detroit knows that this never happened,’” the began in 2003 when Pugh put his hand on his accuser recalled. “That really upset me. … thigh. The accuser was at the time only 14. You’re running away to a different state. I’m “He looked at me lovingly,” the accuser not going to let you do this to any other kids.” recalled. “He looked at me like he was in awe Pugh’s next court appearance will be Aug. or he was just really, really infatuated.” 12 when he is to be officially arraigned. If Things escalated when the accuser was convicted, Pugh faces up to 15 years in prison invited over to Pugh’s apartment to help put for the third degree charges and life behind together a desk. While there, the accuser bars for the first. claimed that Pugh put on a video depicting One thing did go Pugh’s way at the hearing: a man masturbating. As the accuser, who his bond was reduced from $500,000 cash or testified he already knew he was gay, became surety to $150,000 cash. If he makes bail, Pugh aroused, Pugh allegedly asked him if he would have to surrender his driver’s license wanted to do something about his erection. and passport, wear a tether and stay away from The accuser then began masturbating and young men under the age of 16. Pugh eventually joined in. From there, the At press time, Pugh remained jailed. Autopsy: Pulse Gunman Hit by Eight Bullets in Police Shootout ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - The gunman who found in a healthy person – of a compound killed 49 patrons at a gay nightclub in Orlando often associated with consuming a dietary was hit by at least eight bullets as he died in a supplement used for bodybuilding. shootout with a SWAT team, according to an The report also said his testosterone range autopsy report released Friday. was normal. Omar Mateen’s autopsy showed he was hit The Orlando medical examiner’s office also by bullets to his head, neck, chest, abdomen, released reports on more than two dozen of the calf and foot. victims and said more autopsy reports would “In consideration of the circumstances be released next week. surrounding his death, and after examination Mateen opened fire at the nightclub near of the body and toxicology analysis, it is my downtown Orlando in a rampage that killed opinion that the death of Omar Mir Seddique 49 people and left 53 hospitalized. Mateen Mateen, a 29-year-old white male, shot by pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group law enforcement, is the result of multiple during a call with police dispatchers during a gunshot wounds,” Dr. Joshua Stephany, the three-hour standoff. He died in a hail of gunfire chief medical examiner, wrote in his report after police breached a wall in the venue. a day after the June 12 massacre at the Pulse The autopsy report showed Mateen had nightclub. three bullet wounds to his foot, two wounds No drugs or alcohol were found in his body, to his chest and a wound each to his scalp, but his urine had levels – higher than typically abdomen and right calf.

4 BTL | August 11, 2016 www.PrideSource.com Former board chair of Detroit Latin@z Tony O’Rourke-Quintana presents Curtis Lipscomb, executive director of LGBT Detroit with a donation to facilitate LGBT Latino/a programming in Detroit. LGBT Detroit Receives Donation to Benefit LGBT Latinos/as BY BTL STAFF to continue LGBTQ Latino/a programming in and around Detroit,” former board chair of The only LGBT organization in Michigan Detroit Latin@z Tony O’Rourke-Quintana for and by Latinos/as disbanded in 2013. But said. former members of the Detroit Latin@z group The funds, he said, were raised through have agreed to distribute their residual funds organizing and outreach efforts - primarily to LGBT Detroit. small donations - as well as via The Community “Our intent is to provide physical and Foundation of Southeast Michigan’s HOPE emotional well-being to our movement within Fund. Spanish-speaking communities,” said LGBT “LGBT Detroit has committed to ensure that Detroit Executive Director Curtis Lipscomb. the funds will be used to provide programming “Education, advocacy and capacity will be directly to the LGBTQ Latino/a population in a priority with this generous gift. We are the city, and we’ll hopefully see a new project grateful.” for this underserved community in the near This is common practice for a dissolving future.” 501(c)(3) to distribute any leftover funds LGBT Detroit is a Michigan nonprofit organization according to the provision set in its charter upon forming the organization. serving the African American LGBT population “Detroit Latin@z strongly supports the of Detroit, and nearby communities. For more mission, vision and goals of LGBT Detroit, information about the agency, visit www. and as such, is donating $3,662 to the agency lgbtdetroit.org.

www.PrideSource.com August 11, 2016 | BTL 5 NEWS U.S. Attorney General Launches Justice Forum Series with First Stop in Detroit Loretta Lynch Assures the Justice System Exists for LGBT People Too

BY KATE OPALEWSKI

The “frayed trust” between law enforcement and the community is getting the attention it demands from the nation’s leaders. This includes U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch who attributes this disconnect, in part, to “recent tragedies over the last several weeks that struck a chord with so many people.” In an effort to improve relations between citizens and police, Lynch traveled to Detroit in search of solutions within the community, where she said answers can be found. Her two–day visit began at an annual National Night Out event on Aug. 2 at Fitzpatrick Play Field in Detroit to encourage neighborhood camaraderie. Lynch was joined by U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan Barbara McQuade, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Detroit Police Chief James Craig with Detroit’s 6th and 8th precincts. Lynch continued more formal conversations in Wayne State University’s McGregor Memorial Conference Center on Aug. 3 during the first in a scheduled series of nationwide Justice Forums on police–community relations. “As painful as the discussion has been, it has allowed us to get to the point where we can now realize the depth of the issues and the depth of the grief,” Lynch said to members of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan Barbara McQuade, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, and Detroit Police Chief James law enforcement, officials, community leaders, Craig address community policing concerns during the first Justice Forum Series on Aug. 3 at Wayne State University’s McGregor Memorial Conference Center. clergy and citizens. The goal, she said, is to bring people they have moving forward to continue those particularly for transgender women of color race, but also sexual orientation and gender together, to critically examine the issues, and relationships with the community. who have multiple identities that intersect in identity. to open up new channels for dialogue and In this next phase – as the number of deadly sometimes tragic ways in society.” “We would love help reaching out to exchanges of ideas. police shootings in the U.S. continues to rise – White drew attention to the elevated rates departments who have put up walls against Talks began in August 2014 amid protests Lynch is asking authorities to offer solutions of violence and murder against transgender that,” she said. “There are many departments following Michael Brown’s fatal shooting that “we can lift up, implement and carry to women of color. who are great and say sure, come on in, we’ll in Ferguson, Missouri. In response to public other jurisdictions, so that we can actually 2016 has already seen at least 16 transgender be happy to talk, but many say no, they don’t outcry, President Obama established the begin to make a difference.” people – 13 of the victims were transgender need it. One of the solutions I would like to President’s Task Force on 21s Century Policing women of color – fatally shot, stabbed and see is a better recognition of the full humanity in December 2014 to identify best practices LGBT and Police killed by other violent means, according to of transgender women of color.” and promote effective policing while building data compiled by the National Coalition of Lynch acknowledged the many voices public trust. Equality Michigan’s Executive Director Anti-Violence Programs. being raised in the LGBT, African American Since then, Lynch has toured several police Stephanie White said the relationship between “In many police departments, their lives are and other minority communities during her departments nationwide to see which cities the LGBT community and law enforcement is not seen as equal to other lives, crimes against afternoon press briefing on Aug. 3 at the U.S. had strong ties to the community, and which an “evolving” one. them are not deemed to be important enough Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of didn’t, before the findings of the 21st Century White reiterates that annual Pride events to be investigated fully. We absolutely believe Michigan in Detroit. Policing report were released in May 2015. arose from violence, particularly police in building relationships that they’ll trust. For any group in this country that feels Department of Justice spokesman Kevin brutality against the LGBT community. But in some police departments, we get push disenfranchised or disaffected, Lynch said Lewis told The Detroit News that by coming Now, she said, “instead of being one of back,” she said. she will make sure they are “seen and heard, to Detroit, Lynch wants to find out what police such conflict, it’s a celebration of solidarity. White suggests having more mandatory have learned, and what recommendations There is still a great deal of work to be done, cultural competency that not only deals with See next page

6 BTL | August 11, 2016 www.PrideSource.com DPD Holds LGBT Community Chat

BY AJ TRAGER

DETROIT – Metro Detroit community Lynch acknowledged the many members and the Detroit Police Department met Aug. 3 in Palmer Park for the 2nd Annual voices being raised in the LGBT, LGBT Community Chat “Breaking Down African American and other Barriers,” facilitated by DPD LGBT Liaison Dani Woods. minority communities during her More than 100 passionate attendees afternoon press briefing on Aug. gathered for a discussion with high-ranking officials in the DPD, to discuss the current 3 at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for climate between the LGBT community and the DPD, and how the two can better support the Eastern District of Michigan each other moving forward. in Detroit. Last year’s inaugural event was significantly more heated, following multiple homicides For any group in this country of transgender and gender non-conforming Detroiters. Woods works directly between the that feels disenfranchised or two communities to ensure that LGBT people disaffected, Lynch said she in Detroit are more comfortable coming to law enforcement in the event of danger or as will make sure they are “seen a victim of a hate crime, but she has faced significant challenges. and heard, and the justice Affirmations Program Services Director system exists for them also.” and DPD LGBT Advisory Board member Lilianna Angel Reyes reflected some of the challenges. “One year ago I was here. Like The 2nd Annual LGBT Community Chat took place in Palmer Park Aug. 3. LGBT Liaison to the Detroit Police and the justice system exists for them also.” Department, Dani Woods, addresses the crowd of over 100 attendees. BTL Photo: AJ Trager my sister Julisa, I was on the panel but I had At the practical level, she noted that no affiliation with any police ever. I’m still people often hurt before that happens. a little nervous about police officers, but the “We understand that very much and we really great thing a year later is that not only together. often come in after there’s been some harm myself, but Affirmations, has been able to “When they contacted the police about being or after there’s been an issue raised and what work with the DPD.” I really appreciate the threatened, the police said that something had I always say is that while I cannot essentially Last year’s event motivated DPD Chief to be done first before they could respond. guarantee the absence of prejudice, I can James Craig to create the board made up of intentionality of the DPD to hear us. I So the neighbor came over to the yard...” guarantee the presence of justice,” she said. “ members of the community and advocates. Pittmann said recounting her mother’s last “This administration on down wants very think that the first way that we heal This is to ensure concerns are heard by the day. Shortly after that phone call, the neighbor much to make sure that groups have a voice police department. The board has developed from the things that happen to us or violently murdered both women. at the local level.” ways to better the relationship between the “Is there a better way to handle this now? Lynch urged marginalized groups to seek LGBT community and law enforcement. the traumas that we have in regards What’s in place?” she asked the panel. out local organizations such as Advocates Woods chairs the board which, a year “Times have surely changed,” Woods said. and Leaders for Police and Community to our relationship with the police is to later, consists of many LGBT community “We take even threats to the highest degree Trust, Michigan Alliance against Hate members including panelists Rhiannon start with a conversation. So last year of sincerity. We don’t count anyone short.” Crimes, Building Respect in Diverse Groups Chester, community advocate; Reyes; and Many studies confirm that members of the to Enhance Sensitivity – better known we started with a conversation very Trans Outreach Coordinator for Fair Michigan LGBT community are more likely than their as BRIDGES – and Detroit One to raise Justice Project Julisa Abad. heterosexual counterparts to be victimized concerns and make them known. much like this one and we’re back to The board is tasked with more than just because of their identity and are less likely to “In the wake of incidents that we’ve “fight crimes and having people talk about continue that conversation. report an incident to the police. experienced so recently that are all still of crimes,” Reyes said. They are also responsible Detroit Police 1st Assistant Chief LaShina fresh in all of our minds, it can indeed be for community outreach. Reyes said she Stair said that the DPD is committed to easy to lose sight of the way forward and believes it is extremely important to have an – Rhiannon Chester, community advocate. providing the safest environment for all can also be easy to think that there’s nothing ” “out” police officer on the force so that LGBT residents in Detroit, especially the LGBT that we can do,” Lynch said, noting that youth, especially, feel comfortable going to community, but said that they can’t do it alone. these are examples of organizations that the DPD for help. Chester said. She stressed a need for a collaborative effort. are addressing deeper issues and coming up Reyes and Chester agreed the board is a Cynthia Pittman traveled from Puerto Rico Director of Law and Policy at the Michigan with concrete, tangible solutions that can be successful result of last year’s conversation. to attend the event. Her mother, Susan Pittman Department of Civil Rights, attorney Daniel implemented and sustained. “I really appreciate the intentionality of and her mother’s partner, Christine Puckett, Levy, agreed with Stair and said that in order “This is an ongoing conversation, and the DPD to hear us. I think that the first way were both murdered in their Huron Township to provide protections or litigation for LGBT people in Detroit have laid a great foundation that we heal from the things that happen to us home by their neighbor in 1992. Both women, Detroiters, they first need to speak up and for us,” she said. “Everyone wants to be seen; or the traumas that we have in regards to our whom Pittman is writing a memoir about, were come to the police for help. He said that the everyone wants to be understood; everyone relationship with the police, is to start with active members of the LGBT community. MDCR wants to try cases of hate crimes wants to be recognized as somebody who a conversation. So last year we started with The Pittman-Puckett Art Gallery was named against the LGBT community, but that MDCR can contribute. That’s why I’m here.” a conversation very much like this one and in their honor by Affirmations, for which “can’t make those cases come to us. We can’t we’re back to continue that conversation,” the couple served on the board of directors bring those cases to us.” www.PrideSource.com August 11, 2016 | BTL 7 NEWS How Hot is It? Detroit Black Gay Pride Struggles in its Third Decade

BY JASON A. MICHAEL low. “Corporate sponsorship is a mainstay n its heyday, Hotter Than July – Detroit in developing prides,” said Lipscomb. Black Gay Pride - offered a jam packed “Unfortunately, LGBT Detroit, which Iweek full of action and events. There were manages HTJ, has to compete with other non- parades and marches, poetry nights, authors’ profits, many with more capacity for corporate events, women’s events, a jazz bash and more support. Yes, there was corporate support but parties than you could count. Today, the staples it was low. But that did not hinder our ability of the week – the candlelight vigil, conference to listen to the people and to provide events and the picnic in Palmer Park – are still intact. for Hotter Than July.” But attendance is down and HTJ, one of the It did make the task more difficult though. oldest black gay prides in the country, appears Wilson, who is in charge of planning the to have lost some of its prestige. annual conference, said he had no budget for the event at all. “This is the first year that I did not have any A Bit of History funding,” Wilson said. “Usually, we get a grant The first HTJ took place in 1996. from the Community Foundation for Southeast Community leaders decided to take existing Michigan. This year I had no backing from events – the Men of Color Motivational Group nobody.” To subsidize costs, Wilson brought annual picnic and the Billionaire Boys’ Club in AARP to do a presentation in exchange for HTJ File photo 2010. anniversary celebrations – and build a week them providing a free continental breakfast. of events around them. The concept caught on He did the same for Gilead for lunch. For his part, David Nelson, who organizes quickly. DBG Pride became the parent group calendar of events gradually got much thinner in Palmer Park, was free as always. But the picnic, did so on a shoestring budget. for the week and turnout grew rapidly in the and attendance declined. In 2013, about 80 attendance was still down. An estimated 400- “I’ve heard people say they want more early years. people attended the Wednesday night boat 500 people came out throughout the course ‘mega pride,’” he said. “I guess that means Johnny Jenkins was the first president of cruise on the Detroit River. In 2014, only of the day. In its peak, thousands came out they want celebrities and big parties and stuff DBG Pride. He helmed HTJ for eight years about 50 attended. The Thursday night film each year. like that. That’s why I tried to raise extra until Hank Millbourne took over in 2004. festival drew a crowd of almost 100 in 2013. Admittedly, it sprinkled throughout the day money for the picnic. I raised about $2,000 but HTJ initially continued to thrive under Attendance in 2014 was less than half that. and Lipscomb said that the rain kept people that’s not enough for a mega pride. But me and Millbourne’s leadership. But by the end of his “It’s obvious that since LGBT Detroit has away. my team have talked about doing fundraisers tenure in 2010 there was dissension among become the primary overseer of HTJ a number “It seems to always rain on the day of the from October to June so we can have some the ranks. Millbourne left amid disagreements of folks have chosen to step back,” said picnic,” he said. “It rained early for a long extra income to do things for the picnic.” with other members of the board and Robert Cornelius Wilson, former executive director period of time. So some people, some vendors, Jones said that the group of young leaders Clark won in an upset and became the new for Men of Color and longtime member of made the decision to leave. At the end of the organizing HTJ today are lacking a historical president of the organization, which by now the HTJ planning committee. “Why, I don’t picnic there’s always this younger presence. perspective. had undergone a name change from DBG know. But I’ve had that conversation with Everyone loved the mini-ball. But I do know “I know that Curtis has a team organizing Pride to the Black Pride Society. some of my committee members and there that the rain made a big impact on people HTJ,” she said. “But his team never had Clark was a controversial leader and health are individuals in the community who have deciding not to come out.” experience organizing HTJ when we organized concerns caused him to step down after only approached me and said the same.” on a grand scale.” a year. Kimberly Jones was elected to replace Alvina Bursey, who spent a couple of If people are not pleased with the condition him and she struggled from a lack of support years on the HTJ planning committee before Disorganization Among HTJ is in, Lipscomb said there is only one from a board that was largely inactive and had stepping down, said it’s undeniable HTJ is Organizers thing to do: join the planning committee and difficulty coming to agreement. HTJ, Jones in decline. have an active voice in the shaping of events. stressed, was still making money at this point. “It’s dramatically changed,” she said. “The Weather conditions and admission fees aside, “If people hear this plea maybe they’ll come But she was tired and felt it was time for HTJ momentum for it is no longer there. Years ago it’s clear that HTJ is going through a critical and join us,” he said. “To come in June, that’s to go in a new direction. when I first started going, it was what everyone period. Attendance at planning committee just useless. So join us starting in September “It was up in the air for me whether I was was talking about. Now, people don’t even meetings, which take place at LGBT Detroit’s when planning begins and say ‘I want to join going to give it to KICK (now LGBT Detroit) know about it. I don’t know if there’s nothing offices, is minimal and averages less than 10 the committee and I want to be an effective or Affirmations,” Jones said. “I decided it to really bring people in or if people are just people – mostly comprised of LGBT Detroit player.’ needed to stay with one of its founders so I met not drawn to it.” staff and volunteers. “I think bigger and better is always great,” with Curtis (Lipscomb, executive director of For his part, Lipscomb feels it’s not his “I have wondered over the years why folks Lipscomb continued. “I think with additional KICK). Our conversation didn’t go that well agency that’s the problem, but rather the cost who were key with doing the film festival, resources – financial and human – those so I went on and did year 16. For year 16, I of events that turn certain people off. some folks who were working with the picnic things can occur. But if it’s a challenge to didn’t get any help from any of the guys. … “This is our take on that,” Lipscomb and did the children’s corner, I wondered, have people at the planning committee join to After a year of not having any support within explained. “We noticed that when there was why didn’t they come back?” said Wilson. make something bigger and better that makes the organization, I just went ahead and gave a paid event attendance was low. But when “What’s going on or what happened that they the actual manifestation of it difficult. But it it to Kick.” there was a free event attendance was very didn’t come back to the table? Even certain could be bigger and better. It could always be high. That’s us listening to the movement. The staff members who have left LGBT Detroit … bigger and better.” movement said they were interested in having once they left they completely disassociated, A New Era of Black, Gay Pride Planning for next year’s HTJ will start in no barriers. So this year there was only one as far as I can tell anyway. It’s like, what’s September. Watch Between The Lines for The first HTJ produced by KICK took place event that was a paid event.” going on?” details. in 2012. But under the agency’s leadership, the The highlight of the week, the picnic Corporate sponsorship is also at an all-time 8 BTL | August 11, 2016 www.PrideSource.com U.S. Supreme Court Issues Stay Notable Aug. 2 Michigan Primary Results in Pro-Trans Decision John Dingell (D-Mich.) and his wife Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn). Chicoine received 28 percent of the Disappointment Expressed, Hope 4th Circuit Will Prevail vote with 1,282 votes cast in his favor. He was defeated by Cara Clemente who received 53 percent of the vote. BY LISA KEEN However, Gavin Grimm starts his senior year First openly-gay mayor of Ferndale of high school Aug. 31. The school district does Craig Covey ran unopposed for the LGBT legal activists were surprised and not have to file its petition to the Supreme Court, Democratic nomination for Oakland disappointed last week when two of the U.S. for review of the 4th Circuit decision, until Aug. County sheriff. He will run against Supreme Court’s most reliably pro-LGBT 29. During the several months it takes for other Republican candidate Michael J. justices joined with conservatives on the bench briefs to be filed and the justices to discuss Bouchard in the November election. State Representative in District 50, Tim Sneller to stay on a significant lower court decision that whether to take the case, Grimm will be barred said federal law prohibits discrimination based from using the boys’ restroom. (The school on gender identity. district has designated three “unisex” restrooms BY AJ TRAGER County Clerks The case involves a Virginia student, Gavin for use by Grimm and any other student. Grimm In 2014, when marriage equality Grimm, who seeks the right to use restrooms says this stigmatizes him and undermines his LGBT candidate for the Democratic was available for less than 24 hours in at his public high school that correspond to effort to transition to and be accepted as male.) nomination for State Representative in Michigan, four county clerks opened his gender identity. The 4th Circuit U.S. Court If the justices refuse the school district’s District 50, Tim Sneller, has won the their doors and happily wed 323 same- of Appeals said the Title IX prohibition of petition for review, the 4th Circuit decision will primary election. The district covers sex couples. All four clerks easily won discrimination “on the basis of sex” in schools go into effect and Grimm will be free to use the Grand Blanc, Burton and Mundy their primary elections. includes discrimination based on the gender with boys’ restroom. If the Supreme Court decides Township. Democratic incumbent for Ingham which a student identifies. to review the 4th Circuit decision, it will not Sneller, 60, received 4,537 or 68 County Clerk Barb Byrum ran On Aug. 3, in a 5 to 3 vote, the Supreme Court likely be able to rule on the case until the end of percent of the Democratic vote in his unopposed. Democratic incumbent for granted a preliminary injunction that blocks the Grimm’s senior year. district beating Democratic candidate Oakland County Clerk Lisa Brown 4th Circuit decision from taking effect until the Grimm is a senior this fall at Gloucester High Raymond Freiberger. received 81 percent of the vote with court decides either to review the decision itself School in the rural Virginia county of Gloucester. “Thank you so much for everyone 55,475 votes in her favor. Lawrence or votes to leave the decision in place. He’s 17 years old and, though physically female who voted yesterday! I couldn’t be Kestenbaum, Democratic incumbent for Agreeing to the stay were Justice Anthony since birth, he has, since age 6, felt that he’s a more proud of everyone’s efforts. Let’s Washtenaw County Clerk ran unopposed Kennedy, who has authored several landmark male. keep running until we reach Lansing!,” and had 28,407 votes cast in his favor. decisions that have secured important rights for A psychologist diagnosed Grimm with gender Sneller wrote on his Facebook page Nancy Waters, Democratic incumbent LGBT people, and Justice Stephen Breyer, who dysphoria, a condition in which a person strongly following the Aug. 2 results. for Muskegon County Clerk also ran has voted with Kennedy on those decisions and identifies as a gender different from his or her Sneller has worked as a legislative uncontested. others that have benefited LGBT people. The physical gender attributes. His parents helped staffer in the Michigan legislature for three conservatives voting for the stay were him change his name, secure treatment to enable more than 30 years. As an openly gay Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Clarence him to transition to a male identity, and sought man, Sneller never imagined that he Casperson Thomas and Sam Alito. help from school officials. School officials were would have a chance to win in the Anti-LGBT State Senator for the 38th Next the court must decide whether to review helpful until parents of some other students began Democratic primary, let alone have a District Tom Casperson, was defeated the 4th Circuit decision on its merits. That vote to complain about Grimm’s being allowed to chance to represent in the state House. in the 1st Congressional District’s (called granting a petition of cert) could happen use the boys’ restrooms. Then, the school board If Sneller wins in the general Republican primary by political this fall and requires only four justices to agree. adopted a policy requiring that transgender election, he will join Rep. Jeremy Moss newcomer Jack Bergman, a retired While five justices agreed to the stay, that does students use “an alternative appropriate private (D-Southfield), and Rep. Jon Hoadley Marine General. not guarantee the same five justices will vote to facility.” (D-Kalamazoo), as the third openly gay Casperson authored an anti-LGBT review the case. Kennedy made no comment With the help of the ACLU, Lambda Legal, state representative. bill that would limit access for concerning his vote, but Breyer attached a the National Center for Lesbian Rights and Two other LGBT candidates who were transgender youth in public schools. statement to the Aug. 3 order, saying his vote others, Grimm filed suit. A federal district court hoping to be nominated the Democratic The bill came as a response to the was a “courtesy” that would simply “preserve dismissed his case, but the 4th Circuit reversed candidate in their respective races were Michigan Department of Education’s the status quo.” that dismissal and sent the case back to district defeated Aug. 2. draft guidance document “Safe and The statement implied the court being in recess court, urging it to issue a decision on the merits Brian Stone, candidate for District Supportive Learning Environments prompted his courtesy, but he also indicated that of Grimm’s Title IX argument as quickly as 15 representing Dearborn Heights and for LGBT and Questioning Students,” he knew four justices had already voted to grant possible. Dearborn, received 29 percent of the vote which, if approved by the board, would the stay so he knew his vote was the necessary Now, Gloucester has won a stay of that in his district with 2,717 votes. Stone, provide Michigan schools with optional fifth vote to grant the stay. directive and has until Aug. 29 to ask for the former Huffington Post contributor, is an suggestions on how to further support But a number of court observers, including Supreme Court review of the lower court LGBT Arab-American. He was defeated LGBT youth. The bill was introduced Jon Davidson of Lambda Legal, point out that decisions. by 27-year-old Abdullah Hammoud. into the Government Operations Breyer’s brief statement made reference to his Add to this one other twist: There’s a possibility Hammoud received a master’s degree Committee and has yet to receive a dissent in a death penalty case. that, if the court agrees to hear the case, a court from the University of Michigan and is hearing. “Such ‘courtesy’ votes are fairly common in vacancy left by the death of Justice Antonin the son of immigrant parents. Casperson received 26,320 votes for death penalty cases,” noted Center for American Scalia, will be filled in time to hear arguments in Jeff Chicoine ran against three other 34 percent of the vote. Bergman received Progress fellow Ian Millhiser in a ThinkProgress. the case. That likelihood is deeply complicated by Democratic candidates in the state’s 38 percent of the vote. Casperson com essay. They “prevent a situation where the the current Republican Senate blockade against 14th District representing Wynadotte, received 26,320 votes for 34 percent of Court announces that it will hear a capital case, all Obama judicial nominees and the status of a Riverview, Melvindale and Lincoln the vote. Bergman received 38 percent only to have that case become moot after the Park. Chicoine worked for former Rep. of the vote. inmate at issue in that case is executed….” See U.S. Supreme Court page 14 www.PrideSource.com August 11, 2016 | BTL 9 NEWS Five Michiganders among Most North Carolina’s Religious Objection Law in Court Amazing HIV Positive People of 2016 BY GARY D. ROBERTSON religious reasons, according to held religious views to do so. the National Conference of State The law provides for a chief RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – Roughly Legislatures. District Court judge or county scraped together to make your BY BTL STAFF five percent of North Carolina’s If the law is struck down, religious Register of Deeds - both elected body and mind congruent to the magistrates are refusing to marry freedom would be harmed not only officials – to carry out marriage Five Michiganders are among world and then use it instead to same-sex couples for religious in North Carolina but nationwide, transactions if no one else is HIV Plus Magazine’s “Most help other people,” Anderson- reasons, and lawyers for the state say particularly now that the U.S. available. If necessary, additional Amazing People Living with HIV Minsall wrote. “And she kept people suing in federal court have no Supreme Court has legalized gay workers from adjoining areas can in 2016.” Among the honorees going, even after initial failures. standing to challenge these opt-outs marriage nationally, another attorney replace those opting-out. are Brian KillsCrow of the Grand (She also started out her activism as unconstitutional. says. All the magistrates opted out Rapids area, Patricia Clark of as an HIV activist, long before she U.S. District Judge Max Cogburn “What the United States Supreme in McDowell County, just east of the Kalamazoo area, Bre’ Ann was poz herself).” scheduled a hearing for Monday Court did last year was a sea change,” Asheville, according to the lawsuit. Campbell and Ari Hampton of the Hampton took a painful start in Asheville in part to consider a and the government officials affected One of the lesbian couples who sued Detroit area and Todd Heywood of in the world – homeless, relying motion by the state to dismiss their have a right to be protected, said Mat lives in McDowell County but is the Lansing area. on survival sex, becoming HIV- lawsuit altogether. Staver, founder of the Florida-based already married. The honorees are among 75 U.S. positive – and turned it into a Separately, Republican legislative Liberty Counsel. The legal aid group The lawsuit doesn’t allege any residents selected by editors of the powerful testament to healing. leaders and some magistrates also is representing Alexander County delays or denials of marriage magazine for their work for those “He really amazed me this year want to be added as defendants, Magistrate Brenda Bumgarner, who licenses so far due to the recusals, affected and infected by HIV. but shedding a light on mental saying they don’t trust Democratic wants to enter the lawsuit. but says the second lesbian couple Clark works at CARES in health issues for people living Attorney General Roy Cooper to Bumgarner is among the 31 of who sued is engaged, and wishes Kalamazoo as the team leader with HIV, because there’s such defend the state law. the state’s 670 magistrates invoking for a magistrate to officiate in their in that organizations care stigma against mental illness in the Three couples – two lesbian and the law. It exempts magistrates marriage “untainted by the stigma of management. She’s also co-chair African-American community,” one heterosexual – say taxpayer and certain workers in Register of animus” arising from the recusals. of Michigan’s chapter of the she said of Hampton. “We talk dollars are being spent to implement Deeds offices from all marriage House Speaker Tim Moore, Senate Positive Women’s Network. Diane about mental health so abstractly the 2015 opt-out law that treats transactions – gay and heterosexual leader Phil Berger, Bumgarner and Anderson-Minshall, editor of the sometimes that it’s just startlingly them as second-class citizens and – for at least six months if they fill other named magistrates argue that magazine said she was nominated honest when someone says, ‘I favors one set of religious views out a religious objection form. In Cooper’s public opposition to the by five people for the honor. struggle with depression.’ Ari is over another. North Carolina, Register of Deeds law makes him a poor advocate to “They all said she really fought also one of those activists who as “It allows judicial officers to opt offices issue marriage licenses while defend it. A federal magistrate judge for clients and went above and soon as he came out poz, he started out of upholding the constitution,” magistrates can officiate over a civil disagreed in July, saying Cooper’s beyond to keep HIV in the public working with other young men on said Jake Sussman, one of their marriage. office was mounting a vigorous case. sphere, doing TV and conferences HIV prevention for the Horizons attorneys. “We don’t believe that State lawmakers approved this Cooper is running this fall against and presentations and just overall Project.” the law appropriately balanced opt-out procedure in June 2015 after Republican Gov. Pat McCrory, who advocating for other people living Heywood is a contributor to issues of religious liberty and these several magistrates resigned, feeling vetoed the law but was overridden with HIV,” Anderson-Minshall Between The Lines. He also constitutional obligations.” the state court system would punish by the GOP-led legislature. told BTL in an email. “That’s the presents HIV prevention lectures Now that Mississippi’s broad or fire them if they didn’t officiate at Cogburn, an appointee of best form of activism, when you’re around the state on a regular basis. religious-objection law is blocked in gay marriages. While the magistrates President Barack Obama, was the pushing to help other people who “He talked about barebacking court, North Carolina and Utah are took oaths to defend the constitution first judge to formally strike down maybe aren’t as lucky as you are (in a homophobic college the only states enabling government and carry out laws, some say they North Carolina’s gay marriage ban to have weathered coming out poz environment, that’s a no-no officials to recuse themselves for shouldn’t have to ignore strongly- in October 2014. in a small town.” topic for gay men), about HIV KillsCrow is a Lakota activist exceptionalism, bullying, and engaged in the Red Project of transphobia, and then, when the Uganda’s Government Vows to ‘Suppress’ Gay Pride Activities Grand Rapids. He’s working to time came, he chronicled his out KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) – gay people of trying to promote He said a program has been address sexuality, substance abuse assault,” Anderson-Minshall said. Uganda’s government said Monday themselves. developed to “rehabilitate members and other barriers contributing to “It’s a brave act to admit you were it “will continue to suppress” the Homosexuality is criminalized of the LGBT community, with the HIV transmissions among native assaulted, tied up, robbed of your public activities of homosexuals in Uganda, as in many African ultimate aim of giving them a chance Americans, Anderson-Minshall HIV meds; and even braver to and that a rehabilitation program countries. A colonial-era law to lead normal lives again.” said. admit to the world it happened had been developed to allow them proscribes such sex acts “against Many Ugandans say they despise “To have someone like Bryan because you invited a sexual to “lead normal lives again.” the order of nature.” Gay leaders homosexuality and believe it is out there putting a face to what is a exchange with guys you met Ugandan police last week arrested say the LGBTI community faces imported from the West. silent epidemic for Natives is really on Craigslist. As journalists and about 20 people attending a gay pride discrimination, violence and In 2009, a Ugandan lawmaker incredible,” she wrote. LGBT activists we’re trained to be event at a nightclub in the capital, extortion. introduced a bill that prescribed Anderson-Minshall said “model” citizens so even admitting Kampala. They were questioned Frank Mugisha, a prominent the death penalty for some Campbell’s story of the creation you arranged a non-conventional and released hours later, although gay rights leader in Uganda, said homosexual acts, saying he wanted of Trans Sistas of Color Project hookup is difficult, but to admit to some said they had been assaulted on Twitter that LGBTI Ugandans to protect Ugandan children. in metro Detroit was moving. an assault and it’s aftermath is pure by police officers. will continue to hold public events The proposed bill prompted Campbell moved in with family, soul baring and really inspiring. Simon Lokodo, a Ugandan despite Lokodo’s order. international condemnation, and and used her savings for surgery We need Todd’s brand of truth minister in charge of ethics and Lokodo, a former Catholic priest a less severe version passed by to fund her program. out there.” integrity, told reporters that gay pride who condemns homosexuality, has lawmakers was rejected by a court “As the wife of a trans person, The September/October issue of activities are being organized “with previously been accused of leading as unconstitutional. I know how tough that must have the magazine hits newsstands later the influence of some foreign forces” efforts to foil the public activities of been to give up the money you’d this month. he didn’t name. He also accused LGBTI Ugandans.

10 BTL | August 11, 2016 www.PrideSource.com ‘I Am Arrested by Ugandan Police’ -@FrankMugisha

BY TJ ROGERS court on technicalities, and answer any call for freedom. We will while SMUG and others provide refuge to those “yearning ast Thursday, Aug. 4, in have made notable progress, to breathe free,” supporting and the midst of the “Mr. and pervasive misconceptions of walking beside them as they start LMs. Pride” event of Pride LGBTI individuals remain. anew here in the United States. Uganda 2016, police raided Venom Following Mugisha’s To our friends at SMUG, and all nightclub and arrested at least 15 2014 visit to Detroit for the others around the globe engaged in attendees, including two prominent Freedom House organized the plight for equality: we stand with international Ugandan LGBTI rights event, “The Plight for you in solidarity. activists: Frank Mugisha, executive Equality - A Luta Continua,” director, and Pepe Julian Onziema, SMUG and Freedom House Thomas “TJ” Rogers works at Freedom program and advocacy director, of entered into a partnership in House Detroit and presently serves Sexual Minorities Uganda. recognition of their mutual Those arrested were held in a commitment to the respect as program manager, where he is in local police station for several of human rights and dignity charge of the day-to-day operations of hours before being “cautioned and of LGBTI individuals. the organization. Some of his duties set free.” As SMUG works on the include program development, case In an interview with Reuters, front lines to change hearts management, and assistance with Clare Byarugaba, a gay rights and minds, ensure protection, fund development and event planning. activist said, “They (Police) were and enshrine equal rights Passionate about advocacy, and with dragging people, they were beating in the law for LGBTI five years of firsthand experience people, they were undressing Allida Black, Managing Director, Allenswood Group; Frank Mugisha, Executive Director, SMUG; individuals in Uganda, Thomas “TJ” Rogers, Program Manager, Freedom House. Photo credit: Kate Sassak Photography. providing direct services to asylum people.” Further, “They were Freedom House welcomes seekers, Rogers works to generate undressing especially transgender and then the Ugandan authorities Integrity, Simon Lokodo, said the those who courageously live awareness about the plight and courage women. Apparently they wanted to later claimed that the event was in government disbanded the gathering their truth and have no choice but to find out whether they were men or violation of the Public Management because it’s “against Ugandan flee to save their lives. of asylum seekers to increase support. women,” she said. Act because they were not notified. culture to be gay,” tweeted Mugisha. Until LGBTI individuals, and He is also on the Steering Committee Initial reports said that the raid Ultimately, the gathering was said Despite the fact that the infamous indeed all individuals, are free to of LGBT Freedom and Asylum Network was in response to rumors that a to be “unlawful”; and on Aug. 8, Anti-Homosexualtiy Act of 2014 live and thrive in their authenticity, and a proud member of Amnesty same-sex marriage was underway, Uganda’s Minister of Ethics and was overturned by a constitutional Freedom House will remain open and International.

www.PrideSource.com August 11, 2016 | BTL 11 Remembering Jeff (3 of 3) Parting Glances OPINION BY CHARLES ALEXANDER

’ve had two occasions – as an innocent bystander, I assure PG readers – to meet former Detroit mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick, now Iliving as a rather restricted, extended-care resident in Arizona until 2041. (Reservations fully confirmed recently by SCOTUS.) For my initial encounter I was with Triangle Foundation CEO Jeff Montgomery in 2001 when Mr. Kilpatrick, then running for mayor, dropped into Tom’s Oyster Bar in downtown Detroit (now Briggs gay sports bar) with a few of his cronies, all of whom seemed to me at the time to be of questionable political acumen, a few looking suspiciously like Kwame’s body guards. Jeff, who had met Kwame several times when he was a Michigan state representative, and knew his mother, Michigan state rep Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, shook hands, and made brief intros to myself and other friends gathered that unmemorable day for de-boned fish and chips. My first impression: Kwame’s a big guy with a karate hand shake. (He’s 6’5”.) At 31, he would be Detroit’s 68th mayor. Its youngest to date. Jeff’s comment afterward: “I just hope the Kwamster’s up to the task of serving Detroit at a crucial time, given our on-going challenging financial and acute population struggles. Viewpoint “At least his predecessor Mayor Dennis Archer acknowledged the Detroit gay/lesbian community, if only by awarding Triangle and me a plaque or a Spirit of Detroit recognition now and then.” My second meeting with Mayor Kilpatrick was during reelection year 2008 at – for him, at another out-of-the-way location – Hotter Than July in Palmer Park. I made my BTL columnist intro, and asked Michigan Supreme Court Lets Down the hand-shaking, friendly mayor whom he had recently appointed as his LGBT community liaison. I was told to call his office for details. According to Jeff, choosing to reach out to the LGBT community LGBT Families, Again was an about face for Kwame. And, shortly after his election in 2001, the newly elected mayor made well-publicized TV media remarks against gay marriage, adding another time, that he would not want his twin boys to have to associate with gay people. The collateral damage caused by last week’s “It’s not the first time that we’ve heard this position from the mayor,” BY JAY KAPLAN said Jeff. “He takes refuge in his Church of God in Christ religious decision is both significant and heartbreaking. cover that doesn’t allow him to support gay marriage. “Indeed, Kilpatrick’s relationship with the LGBT community has As we explore the feasibility of a legislative fix always been contentious. His voting record on LGBT issues while in he verdict is in, it seems: LGBT co-parents can or federal legal challenges, we are left with the state legislature was fairly good. But from the time he announced his have their kids unilaterally taken away from them intention to run for mayor, his contact with our community has consisted Tby their former partner (the legal parent) – and the a legal principle that deliberately harms and of a seesaw of anti-gay statements and partial pledges of support.” highest court in Michigan has essentially said it doesn’t Some weeks after his stated concern for his kids, Kilpatrick was give a damn. stigmatizes children of LGBT parents who invited by Montgomery to attend a forum at the George M. Fadiga In denying to Leave to Appeal in our case, Mabry were denied the right to marry in Michigan. Community Pride Building. There the mayor came just short of v. Mabry, a state Supreme Court majority – (and I’m apologizing for his anti-gay remarks but said instead that he “had no going to name each and every one of them) Justices idea, as most of American society doesn’t as well, the amount of pain Robert Young Jr, Stephen Markman, Brian Zahra, The dissent aside, the Michigan Supreme Court you inflict in other people with your words.” David Viviano, and Joan Larsen – refused to consider opted instead for the end result of tearing families apart In 2002, a slightly repentant Kilpatrick attended an Affirmations Big the legal ramifications of denying LGBT co-parents the and allowing children of LGBT parents to lose their Bash fundraiser, and began rather hurried welcoming remarks to its protections of equitable parenthood (which the court has mommies at the unilateral whims of the biological LGBT crowd with a pledge of sorts.”I know I have some making up conditioned on marriage) when these co-parents were parents. to do with this community.” unconstitutionally denied the right to marry in Michigan, The court’s refusal to address the changing legal “Yet he never offered an apology for his previous vitriol,” Jeff said while they were in relationships with their partners. landscape brought about by the U.S. Supreme Court shortly after the Affirmation’s event. “It’s, long, long, long overdue”. The ruling came despite an impassioned dissent in the Obergefell v Hodges marriage-equality decision (Better late than never? 2041. Don’t hold your breath. RIP.) by Justice Bridget McCormick (and joined by Justice shows a callous disregard for the stability of LGBT Richard Bernstein) that noted that Deanna Mabry has families and the best interests of the children involved [email protected] been a parent to her three children, providing them love, in these custody disputes. Once again, Michigan’s support, affection and financial support. Supreme Court conservative majority in its unwillingness

12 BTL | August 11, 2016 www.PrideSource.com The court’s refusal to address the changing legal landscape brought about by the U.S. Supreme Court in the Obergefell v. Hodges marriage-equality Creep of the Week decision shows a callous disregard for the stability of LGBT families and BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI the best interests of the children involved in these custody disputes. Ben Kinchlow

t has come to the attention to many strikes aside) people we are, are going to ® Kaplan: Supreme Court people, including and especially many elect Hillary Clinton as our next President granting second-parent adoptions to same- Republicans, that Donald Trump is a in order to finally put to bed the ridiculous Continued from p. 12 I sex couples and he complied. Looney Tunes character come to life who notion that we are sexist. to consider and appreciate the diversity of And we elect these Supreme Court Because that’s totally how presidential Michigan’s families has both harmed and justices. They are nominated by political elections work. let LGBT families down. parties (and appointed by governors), often Need proof? Oh, Kinchlow’s got proof. But unfortunately, this is nothing new. holding the same political views of their Check out these action-packed stats: This is the same Michigan Supreme nominating parties on LGBT rights. And yet “America has an extremely high percentage Court that has held that local human-rights when they are listed on the ballot, they are of voting-age college students, millennials, ordinances that protect LGBT people from listed as non-partisan, allowing voters to be transsexuals, homosexuals, bisexuals and discrimination are not enforceable against both misinformed and confused. feminists,” he writes. “In addition, many the cities and local governments themselves Is it any wonder that Michigan’s Supreme normal Americans want to demonstrate (Mack v. Detroit , 2002). Court, in a 2008 study conducted by the that they are not racists, homophobes or This is the same Supreme Court that University of Chicago Law School, was anti-feminist.” held that Michigan’s Marriage Amendment ranked dead last in terms of independence Kinchlow Woah, did he just use “extremely high” from political or outside influences? Is it any (later declared unconstitutional by the U.S. But note his use of “normal Supreme Court) not only denied same- wonder that a 2012 report by the bipartisan would probably throw a fit and blow up the sex couples the right to marry, but took Judicial Task Force – headed by former planet if, say, Vladimir Putin didn’t retweet Americans.” He deems LGBT everything off the table for them in terms of Justice Marilyn Kelly and which included him often enough. He’s a giant egomaniacal recognition by the state – no civil unions, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra man-baby who cannot be trusted with any people and feminists as Day O’Connor – recommended changes to public office, let alone the presidency. no domestic partnerships, not even health abnormal, which isn’t surprising insurance – making Michigan’s prohibition the way justices are elected and appointed, But he’s totally going to be ready by one of the broadest in the country (National including providing voter guides to combat November. I mean, he gave a speech in considering his ideology. But Pride at Work v. Granholm, 2008). ignorance and misinformation regarding Detroit on Aug. 8 about the economy during This is the same Supreme Court that the qualifications of judicial candidates and which protesters disrupted him many times. he also seems to be including limited the doctrine of equitable-parent the responsibilities that Justice have to the And he didn’t call for any of them to be voting-age college students and protections to the context of a legal marriage, people of Michigan? carried out on a stretcher or punched in the making Michigan the only state with such The collateral damage caused by last face. What brave restraint! millennials as abnormal. Wut? a limitation that ignores any focus on the week’s decision is both significant and Anyone who lives in Reality America parent-child relationship, or the best interests heartbreaking. As we explore the feasibility knows that Trump is bad news. Even people of children. (Van v. Zahorik , 1999). of a legislative fix or federal legal challenges, who don’t particularly like Hillary Clinton as a way to quantify a percentage? How This is the same Supreme Court, where we are left with a legal principle that know that. high is “extremely,” exactly? Well, it’s then Chief Justice Maura Corrigan, without deliberately harms and stigmatizes children But if you live in Right-Wing America, higher than “really” and “very,” duh. And any pending LGBT adoption case before the of LGBT parents who were denied the right then reality is just a pesky detail that you this very specific and no doubt exhaustively Court, ordered Washtenaw County Circuit to marry in Michigan. keep swatting away because it’s annoying researched number is apparently enough to Court Chief Judge Archie Brown to stop Once again, the Michigan Supreme Court your otherwise terrifying nightmare version tip the election to Clinton. Washtenaw County Circuit Court from has let us down. of the country. But note his use of “normal Americans.” Take former “700 Club” co-host and He deems LGBT people and feminists as founder of the African American Political abnormal, which isn’t surprising considering Awareness Coalition Ben Kinchlow, for his ideology. But he also seems to be example. He really does NOT want Clinton including voting-age college students and to be President. millennials as abnormal. Wut? COMING And he laid it all out in an unhinged It’s interesting, too, that given Aug. 7 World Net Daily editorial in which his explanation, it appears that racist, OUT he reveals a very surprising theory about homophobic, and sexist are the default President Obama’s election: Americans only settings for “normal Americans” who go out SEPT. 1 elected him because he’s black. every four years and choose the President “It wasn’t because he was the most based on what moral failings they need to eminently qualified individual,” Kinchlow atone for. writes, “but because America wanted to Kinchlow states more than once that prove to itself, and the world, that it was not Clinton is unqualified, though he offers no BTL racist – ergo they elected Barack Hussein examples of what qualifications she lacks. Obama.” So my guess is she just doesn’t hate gays EQUALITY And since America did such a shitty job and Muslims enough. If she wanted to nab of “proving” we aren’t racist, we elected Kinchlow’s WND readers’ votes, she’d need VOTER him again. And somehow we’ve still done to turn up her hatred level to “extremely a really shitty job of proving we aren't racist high.” Thankfully she’s running to lead and now he’s term-limited. Thanks, Obama. Reality America, not Kinchlow’s bizarre GUIDE And now Americans, in our quest to show version where no one, not even him, wants the world what a wonderful, peaceful (drone to live. www.PrideSource.com August 11, 2016 | BTL 13 COMMUNITY Upcoming Author Reading Introduces New 40s Gay Detective BY KEITH ORR detective novel set in a time which would not allow his hero to be out. He said, “to me, discovered Agatha Christie in the sixth My capsule review of the book is being gay is a part of Heath. He has to keep it a grade. A friend’s parents had an enormous “Agatha Christie…if Miss Marple secret from all but a very, very few, and that’s library which included about 60 of just the way it was. He’s not out to his parents, I were a gay police detective in Christie’s mysteries. The books are puzzles. his co-workers, his friends or his neighbors. All of the clues are present. Often the area post-WWII Milwaukee.” In this case, He realizes he has no choice in the matter if of the crime is finite and closed. No external he doesn’t want to be ostracized, fired and/ shenanigans. It is clearly not the way of the Miss Marple is Heath Barrington, a or arrested.” real world, but it makes for intensely enjoyable Oddly, the most mysterious characters in reading. confident and attractive detective the book are Heath and Alan. We see them at David Pederson’s debut novel, Death on the Milwaukee police force. work and learn a little bit about them in their Comes Darkly, is a mystery in this tradition. interplay. But there are many unanswered My capsule review of the book is “Agatha questions. How did they meet? Are there any Christie…if Miss Marple were a gay police you know it, a murder occurs, the phone line is other people in their lives who share their detective in post-WWII Milwaukee.” In cut, and the steamer will not be coming by for secret? Aside from clearly caring about each this case, Miss Marple is Heath Barrington, another day. The murderer has to be one of the other, what are their lives like in a setting a confident and attractive detective on the people staying at the cottage. In the absence other than the Darkly Estate while working Milwaukee police force. Miss Marple did not of the local police, Detective Barrington takes to solve a crime? Pederson promises there have a sidekick, however Heath has one in the charge, assisted by Officer Keyes. will be answers. “The story of how they met form of police officer Alan Keyes. Alan is both Particularly fun is that this is also a historical is in a book I’m still working on (shelved at sidekick and lover to Heath. novel. I asked Pederson about this aspect of the moment), but I hope to go back and finish When I spoke to Pederson, he told me he the book and he said, “I wrote it historically, it soon.” loved the capsule review, though said, “Yes, because I think I’ve always been a bit of an old I am a big Agatha Christie fan. While the soul. I grew up watching old MGM musicals Keith Orr and his husband Martin Contreras are homage was not necessarily deliberate, her and movies, wanting to emulate them, to be writing certainly had an influence on me.” like those stars. Even in high school I spun owner/operators of Common Language Bookstore Just to the south and west of Milwaukee Doris Day and Frank Sinatra records, and my and the \aut\ BAR. Both are avid readers and lies Lake Geneva, a resort community. In the favorite musical group was the Pied Pipers. So activists for Social Justice. 1940s it was a playground for the wealthy of I guess I feel very comfortable with the time Chicago and Milwaukee. The lake was lined period of the 40s. Even so, I did indeed have SAVE THE DATE with cottages which would be described as to do a great deal of research. The internet mansions by the rest of humanity. Heath was a huge help, but so is having a partner Barrington is inexplicably invited for a who’s a librarian. I wanted to be as historically Author Reading weekend at one such estate, the summer home accurate as possible, down to clothing, cars, and Brandstetter was openly gay. In all other David Pederson will be appearing at Common of eccentric millionaire Dexter S. Darkly. It is prices, what was at the movies, on the radio ways he epitomized the hard-boiled detective Language Bookstore in Ann Arbor on Saturday, accessible only by a steamer ferry. and in the headlines. I researched what protagonist of a Dashiell Hammett story. The Aug. 20. at 6. p.m. for a reading, reception and Other invitees include a cast of characters, food was served, what social customs were dashing and fearless Heath Barrington reminds book signing. Join him and find out more about his each of whom would have some motive for practiced and how they spoke.” me of Brandstetter. However, Barrington lives fascinating detective. Hear a reading from the first in killing Darkly, including Darkly’s estranged One of the earliest writers of gay in an earlier time. Being openly gay was not what we hope will be many Heath Barrington books. family, the (unacknowledged) boyfriend of mysteries was Joseph Hansen, who wrote the Copies of Death Comes Darkly will be available for an option. sale and signing by the author. his deceased son, and, of course, the butler. groundbreaking David Brandstetter books. Heath and Alan’s relationship is complicated >> www.glbtbooks.com Joining Heath on the second day of his stay The first Brandstetter book was published in by their careers and their times. I was curious is his lover and sidekick Alan Keyes. Before 1970. They were set in a contemporary time about Pederson’s choice of writing a gay

® U.S. Supreme Court based on sex by federally funded educational And, with the Supreme Court having only they do take up a case.” Continued from p. 9 institutions — also prohibits discrimination eight members, a tie vote would uphold the Davidson said he is “very disappointed” in based on gender identity was a big victory for 4th Circuit decision. the stay but said the fact that only eight justices very volatile presidential campaign that won’t LGBT people. It was the first time a federal There’s still no conflict among the circuits are on the court makes a 4 to 4 vote on the be resolved until Nov. 8. appeals court anywhere in the nation had ruled and that, said NCLR Legal Director Shannon merits of the case a real possibility. And a tie The possibility of the Senate confirming that an already existing federal law prohibiting Minter, makes the possibility that the Supreme vote leaves the lower court decision intact. Obama’s named nominee (Merrick Garland) discrimination based on “sex” included Court will review the case “less likely” still. “This makes it less likely that review will is not likely until after the election. And discrimination based on “gender identity.” But Minter and Lambda’s Davidson be granted in close cases, something Supreme though there is little chance that a decision When that 4th Circuit decision was released acknowledge some disappointment over the Court scholars have noted has been happening could be rendered before the end of Grimm’s in April, LGBT legal advocates thought there stay grant. since Justice Scalia’s death,” said Davidson. senior year, the issue is still critical for many was little chance the Supreme Court would “The vote is certainly sobering,” said “So, at the moment, it’s very hard to tell transgender students now and into the future. accept an appeal. The case was (and is still) Minter. “That said, I am cautiously optimistic whether the Supreme Court will actually Why? Because the 4th Circuit said that in a preliminary stage and, at that time, the the court will not take review and ultimately decide to hear a challenge to the correctness Title IX of the Education Amendments Act 4th Circuit decision did not conflict with an quite optimistic the court will affirm that that of the 4th Circuit’s decision.” of 1972 – which prohibits discrimination opinion of any other circuit in the nation. Title IX protects transgender students when

14 BTL | August 11, 2016 www.PrideSource.com Photo 1 OUTfest Honors and Remembers Pulse Nightclub Victims in Orlando

Several thousand people Ypsi. Both are devoted to creating gathered on the streets of Ann a safe space in which transgender Arbor’s historic Kerrytown men in the greater Detroit area can neighborhood to enjoy the 22nd build community, find support, and annual OUTFest Aug. 5-7. The engage in activism. three-day festival celebrates LGBT Photo 3: Jim Toy, the namesake pride and benefits the Jim Toy of Jim Toy Community Center, Community Center. spoke before introducing the local Photo 1: All OUTfest performers band Elemental Meaning. and attendees gathered on stage as Photo 4: Known as the “angry the community comes together, drag queen,” Sabin co-hosted and holding hands to honor and performed during the OUTfest remember the Pulse Nightclub Drag Revue. shooting victims in Orlando. Photo 5:This year’s early drag Photo:2 Many LGBT revue featured Kraven, a local organizations were in attendance to drag king who performed in Braun include FTM Detroit and FTM A2 Court.

Photos courtesy of Vincent Krauzowicz

Photo 2

Photo 3

Photo 4 Photo 5 www.PrideSource.com August 11, 2016 | BTL 15 Acting Luminary Opens Up About Being ‘In Love with Gay People’ & Her Beloved LGBT Roles

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI

eryl Streep is laughing her signature laugh. You know it: Sometimes light and airy, sometimes Ma surge of boisterous euphoria that carries well into the next question – and always unmistakably Meryl. Cinema’s grand dame cracks one of her warm, famous chortles during our recent interview, while entertaining the idea that her latest chameleonic role, as real-life opera diva Florence Foster Jenkins in the movie of the same name, could once again spur drag queens to emulate another one of her queer-loved characters. Then she laughs again as she fondly remembers locking lips with Allison Janney in 2002’s “The Hours.” Meanwhile, the mere mention of 1992’s “Death Becomes Her” has Meryl unleashing a hearty roar. Another laugh, too, when she ponders how sexting and Snapchat are related. Gay audiences know this laugh because they know Meryl Streep. They also know her compassion for LGBT issues, both as an extension of her queer-inclusive acting repertoire and more explicitly, when, during her Golden Globe acceptance speech in 2004, she slammed then- president George W. Bush by condemning his anti-gay marriage stance. They’ve learned the art of shade from her sharp, searing tongue in “The Devil Wears Prada,” and they live for all the campy one-liners in “Death A Moment with Becomes Her.” And during “Angels in America,” HBO’s 2003 watershed miniseries about the AIDS crisis, they wept. Now, Streep, 67, sheds her skin once again to portray Jenkins, one of the worst singers in the world. In the poignant dramedy “Florence Foster Jenkins” from Stephen Frears, director of “The Queen,” the esteemed once-in-a-lifetime luminary plays a wannabe opera singer with a voice so hysterically appalling her loyal husband (Hugh Grant) bribes critics into letting her think she can sing. Here, during this rare and revealing one-on-one conversation with Streep, the three-time Academy Award winner and record holder for most Oscar nominations discusses why she regards “Angels in America” as one of the most important LGBT-themed films she’s done 16 MerylBTL | August 11, 2016 www.PrideSource.com and how she feels about gay men performing Meryl monologues. And looking ahead, is I think the limits the biopic queen ready to consider her own story becoming a feature-length film in the “other people put on you future? Streep laughs at the very thought, of course, but she’s not kidding when she says, are the least valuable. “I hope I fade into oblivion.” You’ve given the gay community a breadth of A child announces who greatness over the last four decades. When you look back at your gay roles, which has been the they are and people who most important to you? encourage them are the Oh, gosh. To me, I mean, “Angels” is such an important piece of history, and I felt really ones to be around... and lucky to be part of that because I don’t think there was anything like it before. It really felt like being at the Democratic National you have to get rid of Convention in the moment that Hillary shattered the glass ceiling – a big deal. “The everybody else who doesn’t Hours” was important too. And of course I got to kiss Allison Janney, which was a perk! help! (Laughs) I feel that (Laughs) way about everything, but Don’t tell Emma Thompson, who famously tongue-kissed you and gave you an orgasm in certainly LGBT audiences “Angels.” (Laughs) Yeah, right! (“The Hours”) was will understand that. nothing like that! I remember Emma talking about that kiss in an ” interview with The Hollywood Reporter. She’s it’s (me pretending to be), like, a Jamaican very proud of it. She said she learned that operator or something, because I sort of start “you have to use tongues even if you’re not a talking in the accent of the person I’m talking lesbian.” to. Oh, they’re merciless. Oh yeah, you really do. (Laughs) Do you feel a connection to the LGBT When you look back at that moment, how does community? your takeaway from that kissing scene compare I just can’t remember when LGBT people to Emma’s? were not in my life. You know, gosh. My It’s just, you can’t take the baby from the piano teachers when I was 11 and 12 were bathwater. You can’t. It’s just the whole thing two gay men in a little town in New Jersey of it – that (orgasm scene) was just like the who had a collection of Mexican art and culmination of it. But what (screenwriter piñatas and silver lantern covers, and their Tony Kushner) was doing was for a really house was wonderful, not like anybody else’s mainstream HBO audience at that point – house in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. And just groundbreaking. That hadn’t been on yeah, I came of age when everything was television. Movies, yes. But not television. kind of opening up and that’s a good time, So it was very cool. right like now. This film harkens back to the ’40s when You discovered you were a gay icon in 2012, communities were kind of cloaked and when you found out about “Streep Tease” – gay undercover, and yet in Greenwich Village men taking on Meryl monologues in West and just communities of people in the artistic Hollywood. Did you ever get a chance to see it? world, they were always embracing of I didn’t. We went immediately to London to people, every kind. That freedom – very staid shoot something else. people were drawn to that world because of its imagination and exoticism and willingness How do you feel about watching other people – to embrace life in a different way. gay men, for instance – do Meryl? How do you think the message of Florence – I love it when they do other people! (Laughs) doing something you love because you love it I don’t know. I’m sure it would tickle me, and not because of what other people think – but I’m just not – I don’t have a distance on will resonate with the LGBT community? myself yet that I probably should have. It’s like when my kids imitate me. I laugh but I Well, to the extent that anybody tells you that kind of don’t like it. (Laughs) you can’t be a certain way or you shouldn’t be a certain way. You know, I think the Do they imitate you often? limits other people put on you are the least Oh my god, yes. Endlessly. Especially when I answer the phone and they can tell that See Meryl Streep, page 18 www.PrideSource.com August 11, 2016 | BTL 17 ® Meryl Streep Continued from p. 17

valuable. A child announces who they are and people who encourage them are the ones to be around... and you have to get rid of everybody else who doesn’t help! (Laughs) I feel that way about everything, but certainly LGBT audiences will understand that. In 1979, when you played a lesbian in “Manhattan,” being LGBT wasn’t cool. Why did you take on a role that might’ve been deemed “too much” during that time period? I didn’t think of it that way. I mean, I was coming to movies sort of sideways from the theater. I got an early movie and I thought, “Well, this is a one-off; they’ll never ask me again.” I was fine with that. I was happy in the theater. And in the theater I had lots of gay friends and my longtime collaborator Roy Helland is gay. I’ve grown up with gay people and been in love with gay people. Meryl Streep’s luminous career includes roles in “The Devil Wears Prada” Romantic love? (top left), the new “Florence Foster Jenkins” (above) and “The Hours,” alongside Allison Janney (bottom left). Oh no, not that kind! I mean, I know women who’ve had gay boyfriends and gay husbands. are so many. One thing I think is, there are so many young No, no. Well… not that I know of! (Laughs) talented actresses and actors. I grew up in a time when people emerged – like, there were a handful of people. Now, there’s If you were to play another lesbian role, who would be your dream like 35, 40 people who are just beyond talented, and because co-star? But who? I mean, you and Sandra Bullock have already had of the opening up of long-form television and all the other platforms – webisodes and things like that – I think there are Oh, well, someone younger, clearly. (Laughs) practice making out at the 2010 Critics Choice Movie Awards. more opportunities for people to demonstrate their talent. Yeah! That was famous. But I don’t know! I can’t pick! There There are so many talented people.

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18 BTL | August 11, 2016 www.PrideSource.com And streaming – I heard you say you’re learning about it. Getting on that, yes. Not really. (Laughs) Somebody told me that I Snapchatted but I don’t know how to Snapchat and I thought it was the thing that you do when you’re sexting sort of and then you want it to be erased. I didn’t know what they were talking about! It’s very confusing out there, Meryl. Stay in your bubble. OK, fine! (Laughs) Emily Blunt said she’s interested in doing another “Devil Wears Prada” if everybody else returns. Would you be interested in doing a sequel? In theory. But the heart sinks until you read the script. It’s like, somebody said (they want a) “Mamma Mia 2!” and it just – ack! I thought, “Gram-Mamma Mia!”? Really? No. (Laughs) So it would depend on the script; the script is everything. If somebody has the imagination and wit to apply and has an interesting story, yeah, sure. But absent that, no. Your gay fans wouldn’t mind, I’ll tell you that – as long there’s a solid script, of course. No, I wouldn’t mind either if the script were good. Your “Death Becomes Her” co-star Isabella Rossellini said that she didn’t know she was making what became a gay cult film until after some market research. When did you realize “Death Becomes Her” would become a gay cult classic? I knew when I met the writer! (Laughs) When I met Martin (Donovan), I thought, “OK, here we go.” And then (when I sang) my first number, I thought, “Oh, all right, I’ll see this in a club somewhere.” I mean, with lines like, “Now a warning?!” – I mean, come on! It was so much fun, and it’s sort of a documentary on aging in Los Angeles now, it seems to me. For years you’ve been playing real-life people: Julia Child, Margaret Thatcher, now Florence Foster Jenkins. If one day there’s a Meryl Streep biopic, what do you hope it captures about your life and career? I hope that doesn’t happen! You know, I treasure my life and the fact that it’s not on Facebook, and I really love my solitude and privacy – all these old-fashioned concepts. In a job where I’m with hundreds of people all the time and going on these press things, I just really love to get away and not be in the chattering world. That’s really important to me. So, I hope I fade into oblivion. We rode in from the airport and Roy – my hair and makeup guy – pointed out the Will Rogers museum here in LA that’s closing and I said, “Why?” He said because nobody knows who he was and nobody cares, and there was no more central figure in his time that could sort of translate the best of the wit and charm of his era. So, you know, then it’s over. He’s gone. Nobody cares. And you’re OK with that happening to you? Yeah, I’m fine with that! (Laughs) I seriously feel like you can only speak to your moment, and right now your work should reflect it. Your work has to just be important right now. And in 10 years if it looks obsolete or like you were overdoing it, that’s fine, because for that time you were.

Chris Azzopardi is the editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBT wire service. He can proudly say Mariah Carey once called him a “daaahhhling.” Reach him via his website at www.chris-azzopardi.com and on Twitter (@chrisazzopardi). www.PrideSource.com August 11, 2016 | BTL 19 Michigan Pride 2016 Floats On Without Parade Like many 501(c)3 non-profit vendors, nonprofit and information gay and gay-friendly area organizations organizations, Michigan Pride operates stations, local beer and wine choices, to decide on the recipients. Winners will Cool Cities on the kindness of volunteers. If shows and entertainment throughout the be announced in City Pulse’s annual volunteers are lacking or there is a day. For more information, visit www. pride issue, on Aug. 24. in advance of decline in participation for a particular michiganpride.org. the event. To purchase tickets or for more Lansing event, as a result, the organization information, call 517-999-6704. chooses not to host it. Such is the case First Annual LGBTQ with Michigan Pride’s annual parade Miss Michigan Gay Pride this year. Inclusion Awards According to their Facebook page, Pageant Returns Michigan Pride said that they may City Pulse, a weekly alternative consider bringing back the parade next newspaper in Lansing, decided 2016 is Returning year if there is a popular demand. Their a good year to honor people who helped after a six- post reads: “We are always looking for fight for accomplishments and who are year hiatus, feedback, but especially help in planning. still putting up the good fight against the the Miss Many hands make light work. If you’d community’s continuing struggles. Michigan like to be a part of the planning process To this end, they requested nominations Gay Pride in the future, please let us know.” in two broad categories: individuals pageant Despite the hiccup in planning, the and businesses/organizations for both promises to 27th Annual Michigan Pride event will members of the LGBT community, and be a high- be held Aug. 26-27 in Lansing. This friends and allies that have advanced the energy, year’s celebration features the White cause of diversity. glamorous Party on Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. Wristbands On Aug. 26, City Pulse will honor the event hosted are $10 and grant access to Spiral Dance winners during a special event at Spiral by Karma YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET Bar, Esquire, and Sir Pizza. They can be Dance Bar at 8 p.m. It is a ticketed event, Vuitton. purchased at any of these venues. but what a deal: for $20 in advance or Contestants $25 at the door, guests receive food, from all over Current Miss Michigan Gay Pinpoint your ad dollars where The rally at Michigan’s State Capitol on Pride Jamie Ashby will pass on they will do the most good . . . Aug. 27 at noon is followed by the Pride two drink tickets and a wristband for the state will her crown on Aug. 14 at Spiral Festival in REO Town at 2 p.m. on and the Pride party to continue at the bar compete for Dance Bar in Lansing. Advertise in the next Cool Cities around S. Washington Ave. Festivities following the award presentation. the title of TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 will include food and merchandise City Pulse put together a committee of individuals and representatives, both See Michigan Pride page 26

20 BTL | August 11, 2016 www.PrideSource.com The Frivolist: 5 Pieces of Financial Advice for Living With a Roommate BY MIKEY ROX

plitting rent with a roommate saves money – and it can be the ticket out Sof your parents’ house (which means no more sneaking those Grindr tricks in through the basement window, much to his delight). But while living with a gay brother from another mother can be rewarding, it’s important to protect yourself and make decisions that don’t hurt your finances. To make this living sitch work with few financial disagreements, here are five money tips for bunking with your bestie. 1. Have a separate roommate agreement

If you’re renting an apartment, you and your roommate will have a lease agreement with the landlord. But in addition to this agreement, you should also establish a roommate agreement between the two of you. Before moving into the apartment, you obviously sat down and discussed how to handle expenses – or at least you should have. Since money can be a touchy topic, the agreement you come up especially if you don’t have landlord if one person isn’t as responsible with money. envelope to the landlord or a utility company. Or with shouldn’t be a verbal one. Even if you experience. You may not feel comfortable This person may dip into the account to cover if you’re paying bills online, one person can give walked away from the discussion on the same asking a stranger or a friend for their financial personal expenses or fail to deposit his share, the other cash to cover his share. Your landlord page, you need to get everything in writing information. But if you want to avoid potential which forces the other roommate to pick up the and utility companies don’t care how you pay a so there are no misunderstandings down the problems, never choose a roommate based slack. A better, safer approach is each person bill, as long as you pay it. road. Some roommates choose to split all solely on what they _say_ they earn. If you writing a separate check from their own checking expenses evenly down the middle, but you and don’t confirm this information, you could accounts, and then including both checks in an your roommate may come up with a different end up with a roommate who’s not capable of agreement – perhaps a 70–30 split, for covering their expenses. You don’t have to get instance. If you don’t get anything in writing, too personal, but you should at least call your the person paying more may later claim that roommate’s employer to confirm they work he’s being taken advantage of. Creating a for the company, and get a copy of their most separate roommate agreement may seem like recent paycheck stub. Don’t feel bad; you’re an unnecessary step, but it can save you from doing what any landlord would do, which is a lot of heartache and stress. ultimately protecting yourself. 2. Buy your furniture separately 4. Maintain a financial cushion

When furnishing the new place, some Although getting a roommate can improve roommates decide to purchase furniture your finances and help you save money, together so it’s not a burden on one person. But you shouldn’t blow all your extra cash. It’s in all likelihood the two of you will not live important to maintain a financial cushion – together forever – and even if you don’t realize just in case your roommate bounces. If your it today, buying furniture together can create roommate moves out before the end of the problems once you make the decision to part lease, and you move out because you can’t ways. This can start disagreements about who afford the rent by yourself, you’re also in gets what items, and if you and your roommate breach of contract. This can trigger litigation part on bad terms, these disagreements do and credit damage. But if you prepare for the nothing but add fuel to the fire. To make it worst-case scenario and build a “just in case” easy on yourself, agree that everyone buys fund, you can possibly save enough to cover their own furniture pieces. Once you’re ready the rent until the end of your lease. to move out of a shared apartment or house, each person leaves with what they brought into 5. Keep your finances separate the living arrangement. Regardless of whether your roommate is a best 3. Don’t be afraid to be a landlord friend, never combine finances. This person is not your spouse, so there’s no need to combine When you and your roommate apply for your bank accounts. Some roommates have one an apartment together, it’s the landlord’s joint bank account exclusively for household responsibility to confirm your employment and bills, and each person deposits their share into income. But if it’s your home and you bring in this account. To each his own. Just know that a roommate, it’s your job to act as a landlord. this approach can lead to problems, especially This can be awkward and uncomfortable,

www.PrideSource.com August 11, 2016 | BTL 21 Sunday, Aug. 14 OUTINGS Paddle Group 1 a.m. Bring a kayak, Thursday, Aug. 11 canoe or whatever floats. The paddle group hits the watersheds known as See the Queens Men’s Film Group 6:30 p.m. Men’s Film Brighton, Huron-Clinton, Irish Hills, Group, for men ages 18 and up, features Jackson, Pinckney and Waterloo a variety of gay and non-gay themed Recreation Areas. They paddle for two to Rock the Catwalk films on Thursday evenings followed three hours most Sundays. Life jackets by discussion. Affirmations, 290 W. are required. Yak season is April through Gurl, do not miss your favorite contestants from Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- October. Yak Womyn, Ann Arbor. Season 8, RuPaul’s Drag Race on Aug. 19 at 8 p.m. 7105. [email protected] www. [email protected] goaffirmations.org at DeVos Performance Hall at 303 Monroe Ave. in Say I Do! LGBT Wedding Expo 1 p.m. Grand Rapids. Murray & Peter promise fabulous live Rehearsals for Metro Detroit Say I Do! Wedding Expo celebrates six LGBT Chorus 7 p.m. New members years. Tickets: $15-$45. Use the code performances from Kim Chi, Naomi Smalls, Chi Chi welcomed year round. One Voice Chorus SAYIDO16 for $5 off your ticket price. DeVayne, Thorgy Thor and Derrick Barry. Season 7’s uses singing to promote understanding Pink Dot Concepts & Eclectic Fete, 2015 outside of the LGBT community, and Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington. Miss Congeniality Katya Zamolodchikova will host unity within it. One Voice Chorus, 2025056026. [email protected] this special event. Season 8 marks 100 episodes of 1589 W. Maple Road, Birmingham. www.sayidoexpo.com Thursday, Aug. 18 RuPaul’s Drag Race and 100 contestants to enter the competition. The winner of this season was [email protected] http:// Ladies who love Ladies Night The onevoicechorus.net BITE: A Pucking Queer Cabaret 5 p.m. Bob The Drag Queen. Miss Congeniality was Cynthia Lee Fontaine. Tickets are $20-75, and for the Tickets: $25 for Monday and Thursday hottest lesbian DJ Team, $3 Drafts from performances; $30 for Friday, Saturday, all 18 taps all night, $3 Jack Fire and first time ever, $250 front row and $150 second row Super Fan packages are available with first-in- Friday, Aug. 12 Jack Honey drinks from 10 p.m. to 12 and Sunday performances. Purchase line meet-and-greet passes, autographed tour posters, laminates and lanyards. This is an all-ages Detroit Beer & Wine Festival 7:30 tickets at www.pridefilmsandplays. a.m. served by the Jack Girls. Pronto!, p.m. Tickets: $30, VIP for $45. Limited com. Pride Films and Plays, 5400 N. 608 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak. show. Prices and lineup are subject to change. For more information, visit www.logotv.com/shows/ tickets will be available at the door for Clark, Chicago. 800-737-0984. www. 248-544-7900. www.facebook.com/ rupauls-drag-race. $50 for general admission and $65 hamburgermarys.com/chicago/attic/ prontorestaurantRO/ for VIP. Detroit Beer & Wine Festival, Detroit. 248-543-1000. specialevents@ Miss Michigan Gay Pride Pageant Friday, Aug. 19 Outdoor Games 12 p.m. Games offered 662 Woodward Ave. , Detroit. www. Paul F. Tompkins, the 313, Mama’s Boy, 8 p.m. Kyle Alen Clark and Delicious thesocialconnection.com www. Ability and Access to Health Care in the park include table tennis, chess, campusmartiuspark.org/events and more than 50 improve troupes detroitbeerandwinefest.com/ Jackson are bringing back Miss checkers, beanbag toss, and more. from across the U.S. and Canada. for LGBT People 12 p.m. The Sexual Mix & Mingle 5:30 p.m. Socialize and Michigan Gay Pride after six years. Quicken Loans, 662 Woodward Ave. Tickets: $5-$25. Visit the festival Join us as we crown a new Miss Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender relax with iHeartMedia’s Boji at this Saturday, Aug. 13 Expression (SOGIE) learning series , Detroit. www.campusmartiuspark. website for a complete workshop Michigan Gay Pride. The reigning title weekly downtown happy hour featuring schedule also. The Ringwald Theatre, Transgender Pride in the Park 12 p.m. will expand your understanding of org/events holder, Jamie Ashby, will join host delicious food and drink specialities 22742 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Aug. All Trans-people and Allies Welcome. Social Identity in order to challenge Karma Vuitton. 18 and over welcome. from The Fountain Detroit. Channel 955, 11 - Aug. 13. 248-545-5545. www. Free food, free fun, great friends. Cover is $5. Spiral Dance Bar, 1247 your perceptions and strengthen your Sunday, Aug. 21 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit. www. practice when working with Lesbian, detroitimprovfestival.org Transgender Michigan, Pinecrest Ave Center St., Lansing. 517-371-3221. Beginner Yoga for Baby Boomers 7 campusmartiuspark.org/events & Earl Blvd., Ferndale. 855-345-TGMI. Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) p.m. Taught by Charles Baber, R.Y.T. info@spiraldancebarcom www. Healthy Moves: Strength & Cardio [email protected] www. persons. SOGIE Basics will be offered Classes are drop-in for $5 per person. Concerts spiraldancebar.com Boot Camp 6:30 p.m. Join the Bedrock Transgendermichigan.org/events/pride. the first 30 minutes prior to each Bring a yoga mat and towel. Class 101 WRIF “Volbeat” Tickets: $35-$45. Wellness Center to work up a sweat html training. All participants are encouraged sizes are limited. RSVP is required. All ages welcome. Masonic Temple, Wednesday, Aug. 17 and build muscle. Quicken Loans, to attend SOGIE Basics once, prior Universalist Unitarian Church, 25301 500 Temple St., Detroit. 7 p.m. Aug. 12. Retro Fevre Saturdays 9 p.m. The 662 Woodward Ave. , Detroit. www. LGBT Cancer Support Group 6:30 p.m. to attending any key topic. This will Halsted Road, Farmington Hills. 248- www.themasonic.com best dance music from the 80s, 90s, campusmartiuspark.org/events This LGBT support group provides social enhance the participants’ learning 345-4867. [email protected] and today mixed by DJ Beau Derek and emotional support for LGBT persons by clarifying LGBT concepts and AEG Live “Toots and the Maytals” Naked Men’s Yoga 6:30 p.m. Naked and Prime Minister. Red Door Night with cancer, their partners, LGBT family terminology. Pre-registration required. Tickets: $25-$30. All ages welcome. Men’s Yoga, Ann Arbor. massage4@ Club, 22901 Woodward Ave, Ferndale. members and friends. Gilda’s Club No Cost for NASW Members. $30 for Tuesday, Aug. 23 Majestic Theater, 4120-4140 aol.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ 2485411600. events@reddoornightclub. Metro Detroit, 3517 Rochester Road, Non-Members. Two Social Work CEUs Show Your Support for MIC Every Woodward Ave., Detroit. 7 p.m. Aug. 14. michigan_mens_clothing_optional_yoga com http://www.reddoornightclub.com/ Royal Oak. 248-577-0800. www. available. Co-Sponsors: The Ruth Ellis Tuesday, Juliano’s will donate 15 of 313-833-9700. www.majesticdetroit. events/ gildasclubdetroit.org/calendar/lgbt- Center and Connections-Wayne County the bill to MIC, just tell them you’re com System of Care. National Association “here for MIC.” Motown Invitational cancer-group-19/ AEG Live, React, The Crofoot and of Social Workers - Michigan Chapter, Classic, 27380 VanDyke, Warren. www. MUSIC & MORE Elektricity “Mad Decent Block julianosrestaurant.net 2799 West Grand Blvd, Detroit. 517- Party” Tickets: $35-$50. 16 and 487-1548. cnichols@thechildrenscenter. Comedy Care to dance? 7 p.m. Learn to urban over welcome. Russell Industrial com www.nasw-michigan.org/events/ The Detroit Improv Festival “The ballroom every Tuesday night. Bring a Center, 1600 Clay St., Detroit. 3 EventDetails.aspx?id=812727&group= Detroit Improv Festival” Headlined by partner, or not. There is no cover charge, Paul F. Tompkins, the 313, Mama’s Boy, p.m. Aug. 20. 313-872-4000. www. Drag Race Season 8 Contestants but they do ask that you patronize the and more than 50 improve troupes from russellindustrialcenter.com 8 p.m. Tickets: $20-$75. Get ready establishment by purchasing a beverage Live across the U.S. and Canada. Tickets: Blind Pig “Dirty Deville” With Intrepid or a meal from their kitchen. Sisterhood for Kim Chi, Naomi Smalls, Chi Chi $5-$25. Visit the festival website for a Travelers and Dead Hit. Tickets: $7, Social Excursions, 8670 Grand River DeVayne, Derrick Barry and Thorgy Thor complete workshop schedule also. Go under 21 $10. Blind Pig, 208 S. First Ave., Detroit. www.meetup.com performing live with special guest host Comedy! Improv Theater, 261 E. 9 Mile St., Ann Arbor. 9:30 p.m. Aug. 12. 734- Katya, Miss Congeniality from Season Rd., Ferndale. Aug. 10 - Aug. 13. www. 996-8555. www.blindpigmusic.com 7. Murray and Peter, 303 Monroe Ave., Wednesday, Aug. 24 detroitimprovfestival.org Grand Rapids. 1-800-745-3000. www. Healthy Moves: Workout Wednesdays Live Nation “5Quad” Tickets: $25. dragfans.com The Detroit Improv Festival “The Saint Andrew’s Hall, 431 E. Congress 5:30 p.m. Join the First Responders Detroit Improv Festival” Headlined by 4 Fitness, Metro Detroit’s emergency St., Detroit. 6 p.m. Aug. 19. www. Red Hot Fridays 9 p.m. Top 40 and Paul F. Tompkins, the 313, Mama’s Boy, saintandrewsdetroit.com/ current dance music mixed by DJ Beau response professionals, who volunteer and more than 50 improve troupes from Derek and Prime Minister. Enjoy $3 their services to deliver a variety of free across the U.S. and Canada. Tickets: Live Nation “Baroness” Tickets: $28. mixed drinks until midnight and $1 “we fitness classes and wellness workshops. $5-$25. Visit the festival website for Saint Andrew’s Hall, 431 E. Congress call it” shot specials. No cover charge Quicken Loans, 662 Woodward Ave. a complete workshop schedule also. St., Detroit. 8 p.m. Aug. 20. www. before midnight. Use the password , Detroit. www.campusmartiuspark. Local Kitchen, 344 W. 9 Mile Rd., saintandrewsdetroit.com/ “Red Hot.” Red Door Night Club, 22901 org/events Ferndale. Aug. 13 - Aug. 13. www. Woodward Ave., Ferndale. 248-541- Majik Ninja Entertainment “The Middlepath Meditation 6 p.m. Guided detroitimprovfestival.org 1600. [email protected] www. Official Green Book Party” Hosted meditation covering various topics and reddoornightclub.com The Detroit Improv Festival “The by Twiztid featuring performances methods followed by silent meditations. Detroit Improv Festival” Headlined by by Zodiac, Imprint, Prozak, AJAX, $5 suggested donation. No registration Saturday, Aug. 20 Paul F. Tompkins, the 313, Mama’s Boy, Smokehouse Junkies, Dagda, Godz needed. This is a drop-in event. and more than 50 improve troupes of Kaos, and Kovax. Tickets: $10. 2016 Woodward Cruise Super Roll Michigan Pagans, 224 W. Nine Mile from across the U.S. and Canada. The Shelter, 431 E. Congress St., 8 a.m. When was the last time you Road, Ferndale. 248-548-1415. www. Tickets: $5-$25. Visit the festival Detroit. 10 p.m. Aug. 19. www. had an official police escort to the bostontearoom.com website for a complete workshop saintandrewsdetroit.com/ Woodward Cruise? Refreshments and schedule also. The Magic Bag, Motor City Casino Hotel “Ashanti” tours followed by the Super Roll lineup. Thursday, Aug. 25 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. 7 Enjoy free coffee and donuts. Parking Tickets: $37-$50. Sound Board, Quicken Loans Sports Zone 9 a.m. p.m. Aug. 12. 248-544-3030. www. in a secure lot. Ford Piquette Avenue 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit. 8 Features four outdoor basketball detroitimprovfestival.org Plant, 461 Piquette Street, Detroit. p.m. Aug. 20. 800-745-3000. www. courts and a sand volleyball area open 313-872-8759. info@fordpiquetteplant. The Detroit Improv Festival “The to the public daily. Quicken Loans, org fordpiquetteplant.org Detroit Improv Festival” Headlined by See Happenings, page 26

22 BTL | August 11, 2016 www.PrideSource.com Hear Me Out BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI a standout merging a thoughtful marriage- centric commentary with a punchy and Lori McKenna, Tegan and Sara distinctly queer chorus. Leaning heavily on keyboard for downer ditty “100x” is a nice touch – it’s appropriately minimalistic, a quiet moment of reflection during an otherwise spirited outing. The song might be underwritten, even slightly amateurish considering their impressive catalog of more intricate compositions, but clearly the twins are embracing the simple pleasures of pop music. It’s perfectly OK if we do too. Grade: B- Also Out Fantasia, ‘The Definition Of...’ It’s been 12 years since Fantasia Barrino gave us eternal life as she sobbed her way through “I Believe” after winning the third season of “American Idol.” Those tears were the tears of a dream being realized. The 32-year-old singer is still living that dream on “The Definition Of...,” her reflective fifth album. Fantasia’s evolution over the last decade has been met with Grammy nominations and critical acclaim, and she’s still taking charge of her Lori McKenna, ‘The Bird & the Rifle’ McKenna draws on metaphors to tell the artistry. Here, she bridges her old-school tale of a dreamer seeking to set herself free Music Row’s renowned wordsmith Lori roots with a contemporary zest that’s in from her husband’s oppressive ways. Like McKenna doesn’t exactly bury this casual full bloom on the deep blues of “Sleeping the bird McKenna sings about, her voice burn, but still, you might miss it. You might With the One I Love,” “Ugly,” a welcome flutters. It’s beautiful. Her singing, that because Lori McKenna’s exceptional 10th country detour, and the vintage, Patti song, this album. Grade: A studio album teems with lines that sear LaBelle-esque ballad “When I Met You.” and stick; that’s just what happens when Tegan and Sara, Prepare to be inspired all over again. you’re as seasoned at breathing new life ‘Love You to into familiar tropes as the 47-year-old Death’ Massachusetts-based musician. The burn? If you’re still Michael Blume, ‘When I Get It Right’ “You can have him / I hope you have fun lamenting the loss / I guess wife number three could be the of Tegan and Sara’s Close your eyes and one.” “Old Men Young Women” opens grunge-y, string- imagine a world with that zinger, wryly tearing down strumming past in which Sam ageist patriarchal values. On “The Bird & (RIP guitars), it Smith’s songs are the Rifle,” McKenna’s poeticism endures might be time to move on. Because have as impressive as his throughout all 10 tracks, while Dave you heard “Love You to Death”? It’s voice. Or just listen Cobb’s rustic production is appropriately the next obvious step in the gay sisters’ to Michael Blume, lean, letting her gentle Southern drawl glossy pop career, wherein – after 2013’s a New Jersey native who, because he’s guide her engaging narratives, as it should. “Heartthrob,” their full-on pop initiation not run by a major-label machine (don’t (McKenna’s writing chops are, in fact, – they continue to fulfill their childhood be surprised if he is as you’re reading this), Grammy-certified; she recently won the music fantasies to become, to some extent, can nonchalantly mention going down on coveted award for co-writing Little Big the boombox pop icons they admired as a guy during an impressive rap break on Town’s “Girl Crush”). On “Giving Up On kids. Buoyant synths. Throbbing basslines. “Relationships.” When he’s not rousing Your Hometown,” McKenna depicts a Deep ’80s. If Amy Grant was recording a with his rhymes, Blume is a blue-eyed picturesque scene of childhood nostalgia, pop album in 2016, this might be it. That’s soul treasure singing passionately about while “We Were Cool” recalls young love only a slightly weird observation, though queer issues and civil rights. The truth is, and cruising around in an old car listening also a compliment – remember Grant’s own if there’s any justice in this fickle music to Duran Duran, with all the hindsight of ’90s pop-crossover “Heart in Motion”? So industry, both he and his intoxicating debut a grown adult. The album’s opening track, much of “Love You to Death” is, like that EP will reach Smith-level success sooner “Wreck You,” is a brutally honest portrait album, served sunny side up, romping rather than later. of a relationship gone awry, and that title through pop pleasures like the invigorating, track – oh, it’s a stunner. During the song, drum-happy “Faint of Heart” and “BWU,” www.PrideSource.com August 11, 2016 | BTL 23 Classifieds Call 734-293-7200 ext.22 201 REAL ESTATE - 301 EMPLOYMENT - 428 PROF. SERVICES - REAL ESTATE AGENTS GENERAL MASSAGE

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24 BTL | August 11, 2016 www.PrideSource.com Q Puzzle 42 Fights for twosomes 13 Sanford portrayer Foxx 43 Circumcision and more 18 Like some autobiographies 44 “See ya” 22 ___ Ben Hur 46 Old nuclear power org. 24 What you do when you sit 47 “Our” for Ulrichs on it 48 Stimpy’s boyfriend, perhaps 26 Salami that you stick in your 50 German philosopher Georg hero 52 Got top billing on Broadway 27 Bluesy Bonnie 56 Gay rodeo watering holes 29 911 respondents 60 See 19-Across 31 Top 61 Like a bishop and her wife 32 Hamilton Burger to Perry 63 Became erect Mason, usually 64 Annie, to Daddy Warbucks, in 33 Where they yell “Cut!” “Annie” 34 Has to 65 Von Trapp family escape 35 Foe of Peter Pan route 36 Ithaca school 66 Lavatory door sign 39 New York state senator Tom 67 Mar. Madness source 40 Like a lover who cheats 68 “___ we forget” 45 Recruit to sing “Jailhous Rock”? 47 Kampala’s land Down 49 Birds at sea Wife” 1 Nuts and bolts 51 Former NFL player Tuaolo The Bishop’s Wife 20 Virginia Woolf’s maiden name 2 Ditch in some Flynn flicks 52 Problem for a drag queen’s 21 Left the cockpit in a hurry 3 Muck’s partner hosiery Across 23 Ellen DeGeneres and others 4 Timothy of “The Broken 53 Kind of jack 25 Sex attachment Hearts Club” 54 Shakespeare’s stream 1 What guns shoot off 26 Whitman’s leaves 5 Second part of Shakespeare’s 55 One way to go 5 “West ___ Story” 28 1903 Gertrude Stein short iamb 57 Eyeball 9 Pub order story 6 “All ___ is a room 58 Breaks for Heather’s 14 Be plenty hot 30 Novelist Patricia ___ Warren somewhere...” mommies 15 Boob, to a Brit 34 Should have said 7 Noisy clamor 59 Pt. of SSS 16 Start of a Sappho title, 35 Sometime poisonous plant 8 Novel conclusion 62 D.C. lobby group perhaps 37 Elton’s john 9 With one’s hands full 17 He played an angel in “The 38 Denomination that recently 10 Prop for “I have a headache Bishop’s Wife” elected a female bishop with tonight ...” 19 With 60-Across, he played a wife 11 Poli sci subj. Find solution to this puzzle at the bishop in “The Bishop’s 41 Elbow-bender 12 Warhol pal ___ Sedgwick www.pridesource.com

www.PrideSource.com August 11, 2016 | BTL 25 jazz and R&B favorites. Paradise Valley Arbor. 9:30 p.m. Aug. 13. 734-996- ® Happenings Beatrice Buck Park, See website for 8555. www.blindpigmusic.com location details, Detroit. June 7 - Aug. ® Michigan Pride Continued from p. 22 will make appearances at Spiral and she will 25. www.downtowndetroitparks.com Continued from p. 20 THEATER ride in the 32nd Annual Silver Bells Parade soundboarddetroit.com The Crofoot “Olivia Holt” Special guest Ryland performs. Tickets: $18-$22. The Benefits and Fundraisers in the City in November,” she said. “Our Olympia Entertainment “Street Pike Room, 1 S. Saginaw St. , Pontiac. 8 Miss Michigan Gay Pride at Spiral Dance Bar queen will participate in other Pride festivals Kings 3 Tour” Featuring Meek Mill, Yo p.m. Aug. 15. www.thecrofoot.com Raise the Rooftop Yoga Sunday at 1247 Center St. in Lansing on Aug. 14 at Gotti, Blac Youngsta and Desiigner. Morning Slow Jam. Tickets: $25. throughout the state, making herself a visible Tickets: $49-$125. Fox Theatre, Dance Class held on the Rooftop Terrace. 8 p.m. The pageant is open to drag queens, role model within the LGBT community.” 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 8 All proceeds to support programming female impersonators and transgender p.m. Aug. 19. 313-471-6611. www. Motor City Tap Festival “Motor City at Music Hall including the Youth The Miss Michigan Gay Pride pageant olympiaentertainment.com Tap Festival” Four days of masterclasses Performing Arts Outreach Education. women, according to pageant director is made possible by Jackson, Kyle Clark, with leading tap artists in the Must pre-register, space is limited. Delicious Jackson. Olympia Entertainment “Tony industry, the Motor City Soles all-star Detroit Yoga Lab, Music Hall Center for and many sponsors within the Lansing Bennett” Tickets: $55-$95. Fox “Miss Michigan Gay Pride embodies faculty show, young choreographers the Performing Arts, 350 Madison Ave., community to include Spiral. For more Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit. competition and tap jam. Wayne State Detroit. 10 a.m. Aug. 14. 313-831-9642. an overall confidence that is relatable 8 p.m. Aug. 12. 313-471-6611. www. University, Old Main Building, Detroit. www.musichall.org information, visit www.spiraldancebar.com olympiaentertainment.com Aug. 10 - Aug. 13. 917-687-4811. www. to all walks of life in our community,” or call 517-371-3221. Olympia Entertainment “Drake” motorcitytapfest.com Civic/Community Theater Jackson said. “She possesses a talent that “Summer Sixteen Tour” with Future. is entertaining and moving. She is also a Festivals Improvisation by The Brothers Majik Tickets: $49.50-$149.50. Joe Louis Tickets: $15. Barefoot Productions, 240 well-spoken individual that is dependable Kids Day: A Family-Friendly Arena, 19 Steve Yzerman Drive, Detroit. Blind Pig “Midwest Fest IX” Various N. Main, Plymouth. 8 p.m. Aug. 20. 734- 6:30 p.m. Aug. 16. 313-396-7000. artists scheduled to perform. Tickets 404-6889. www.justgobarefoot.com and available.” www.olympiaentertainment.com $10-$20. Festival pass available. 18 and The current titleholder is Jamie Ashby, Event over welcome. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St., P.Y.G. Play inspired by George Bernard Royal Oak Commission for the Arts Ann Arbor. Aug. 18 - Aug. 20. 734-996- Shaw’s “Pygmalion.” Tickets: $12. a transgender woman from Grand Rapids. “2016 Summer Concert Series” Pre- Spiral Dance Bar in Lansing is kicking 8555. www.blindpigmusic.com/ Slipstream Theatre Initiative, Slipstream During her reign, Ashby has participated in Show with The Detroit School of Rock Theatre, 460 Hilton Road, Ferndale. off Pride weekend with their first-ever and Pop Music followed by the Paul MSU Museum “Great Lakes Folk Through Aug. 14. 3139869156. www. Pride celebrations throughout Michigan. She family fun day in their parking lot. Spiral Carey Group featuring Ivory Darnell, and Festival” Admission is by donation. $10 slipstreamti.com has organized fundraising events and benefit The Reefermen. Center Street between per day is suggested. The award- employees have been raising money to help Third and Fourth Streets, Center Street, winning Great Lakes Folk Festival, Summer Retreat by Annie Martin shows to help raise money for LGBT causes children in need with their school supplies. Royal Oak. 6 p.m. Aug. 18. 2482463201. produced by the MSU Museum’s Tickets: $23-$25. Williamston Theatre, such as HIV/AIDS. Ashby has performed http://romi.gov/arts Michigan Traditional Arts Program, is 122 S. Putnam Road, Williamston. The goal is to have 100 backpacks full of a celebration of culture, tradition and Through Aug. 21. 517-655-SHOW. her duty as a role model for the transgender standard school necessities to provide to Royal Oak Commission for the community. A detailed music and dance www.williamstontheatre.org Arts “2016 Summer Concert Series” community to include work with transgender those children who need them on Aug. 26 program can be found on the festival Pre-Show with The Detroit School of website. . Downtown East Lansing, youth and support groups in Grand Rapids. from 4-8 p.m. Festivities include free hot Rock and Pop Music followed by Sean College/University 409 W. Circle Drive, East Lansing. Aug. Blackman’s In Transit, and the Dave Jackson said the winner of this year’s dogs and chips, face painting, dancing and 12 - Aug. 14. 512-432-3357. http:// Theater Hamilton Band. Center Street between pageant will continue these kinds of efforts greatlakesfolkfest.net/2016/ Irene: A Nostalgic Musical Comedy games. All ages are welcome. Entry is free for Third and Fourth Streets, Center Street, and more. Royal Oak. 6 p.m. Aug. 11. 2482463201. Tickets: $16-$18. Heart of the Hills this event. Those who wish to donate money http://romi.gov/arts Shows Players, Macomb Center for the “She will also be entertaining and or supplies are encouraged to drop them off Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield Road, Blind Pig “Luxotica Lounge Cabaret” The Carr Center “Evenings in Paradise” Clinton Township. Aug. 18 - Aug. 21. appearing at the annual Michigan Pride at Spiral at 1247 Center St. in Lansing. To Cover: $10. A lush burlesque show Showcase of musical performances 586-286-2222. www.macombcenter. featuring stunning striptease talent with event in Lansing. She will recruit girls for get involved, email Sam Courtney at sam@ and entertainment by local and national com a twist. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St., Ann upcoming pageants. Throughout her year, she spiraldancebar.com.

26 BTL | August 11, 2016 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com August 11, 2016 | BTL 27