Complete Event Calendar W RLD Local 'American Idol’ Alum To Sing AIDS At World AIDS Day Detroit DAY

Will 2016 Be A Year Of

November 26, 2015 An Open Letter To Dana The Charlie Sheen Joe Jonas Talks Gay Nessel From Michigan's Moment You Probably Clubs And Making VOL. 2348 | FREE Transgender Community Missed Music WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM PAGE 14 PAGE 28 PAGE 30

URGING RESTRAINT WORLD AIDS DAY W RLD ‘Art AIDS America’ reveals remaining NEWS AIDS stigma 8 Eight Michigan companies earn highest marks for LGBT policies 10 Three LGBT orgs appoint new leadership DAY 11 Michigan Court of Appeals reverses custody ruling for lesbian parents’ case 12 Homicides of transgender women in US reach alarming high WORLD AIDS DAY GUIDE 13 ACLU says Kentucky clerk should have to Michigan transgender community reissue licenses 18 Viewpoint: Getting to zero and dealing with stigma appeals to Dana Nessel on ballot OPINION 20 Analysis: It’s time to retire the medical initiative 12 Creep of the Week: Peter Sprigg category of AIDS See page 14 14 Is a referendum the answer? See page 22 14 An open letter to Dana Nessel from 20 Study explores healthy old age for the state’s transgender community those with HIV 15 Transmissions: The next day 22 ‘Art AIDS America’ reveals remaining ENTERTAINMENT 16 Parting Glances stigma A lot of guys come out 16 Op Ed: The end of HIV is near... to the shows – some gay guys 24 ‘American Idol’ alum/Metro Detroit native to 17 The season to give thanks and “ as well – and I love that. They thankfully give sing at World AIDS Day Detroit 24 World AIDS Day event calendar rock out; they have fun. And I feel LIFE like the music is helping people 30 All Grown Up: Joe Jonas on gay clubs 24 Religious leaders gather to support those and making music with brother Nick living with HIV/AIDS express themselves in a way. I’m 33 Cool Cities: Lansing 25 World AIDS Day Detroit celebrates 25 years seeing people with glitter on their 34 Happenings of The Ryan White CARE Act face, with the brightest colors. 35 Cool Cities: Plymouth/Northville 28 The Charlie Sheen moment you All Grown Up: Joe Jonas on gay 36 Deep Inside Hollywood I love that we can encourage probably missed 37 Classifieds clubs and making music with people to be themselves. 38 Puzzle 29 Bookmarks: World AIDS Day brother Nick See page 30 38 Comic: A Couple of guys – ”Joe Jonas VOL. 2348 • NOVEMBER 26, 2015 • ISSUE 941 EDITORIAL CREATIVE ADVERTISING & SALES ONLINE AT Editor in Chief Webmaster & MIS Director Director of Sales PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA GROUP Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 12 Kevin Bryant, [email protected] Jan Stevenson, 734.293.7200 x 22 “Between The Lines Newspaper” 20222 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152 [email protected] [email protected] Phone 734.293.7200 Contributing Writers Entertainment Editor Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown, Sales Representatives Follow us @YourBTL PUBLISHERS Chris Azzopardi, 734.293.7200 x 24 Emell Derra Adolphus, Todd Heywood, Jason Ann Cox, 734.293.7200 x 13 Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson [email protected] Michael, Jerome Stuart Nichols, Gwendolyn [email protected] Ann Smith, Christopher J. Treacy Email your op–eds to MEMBER OF Assistant Editor Donelle Kremke, 734.293.7200 x 16 [email protected] Michigan Press Assoication Shelby Clark Petkus, [email protected] Cartoonists [email protected] National Gay Media Association Paul Berg, Dave Brousseau National Advertising Representative Sign up online to receive our E–Digest Q Syndicate Calendar Editor Shelby Clark Petkus, [email protected] Contributing Photographers Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 Andrew Potter Staff Writers Our rate cards are available online. All material appearing in Alexander Godin Between The Lines is protected by federal copyright law and AJ Trager, [email protected] may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publishers. Between The Lines is supported by many fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for claims made Copyright 2015 Pride Source Media Group, LLC by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for materials provided by advertisers or their agents. www.PrideSource.com Nov. 26, 2015 | BTL 7 BRIEFS

made for the purpose of determining the HUD Proposes Rule Ensuring number of bedrooms to which a household Equal Access To Housing And may be entitled. Upon HUD’s review of that policy, the proposed Gender Identity Rule Services In Accordance With would eliminate the Equal Access Rule’s current prohibition on inquiries related Gender Identity to sexual orientation or gender identity, WASHINGTON D.C. – After a careful while maintaining the prohibition against review and monitor of its implementation discrimination on those bases. of equal access to housing in its programs HUD began taking steps to strengthen regardless of sexual orientation or gender protections for the LGBT community identity, the U.S. Housing and Urban and their families in 2010 by adopting Development announced Nov. 20 its the principle that sex stereotyping and proposed “Equal Access in Accordance gender nonconformity is sex discrimination with an Individual’s Gender Identity in under the Fair Housing Act, adopting the Community Planning and Development requirement that applicants for competitive Programs Rule (Gender Identity Rule).” HUD funds must be in compliance with The Equal Access Rule was published state and local LGBT nondiscrimination in 2012 and ensures that housing assisted laws, releasing a study on same-sex housing or insured by HUD is open to all eligible discrimination and pursuing complaints individuals and families without regard under the Equal Access Rule. to actual or perceived sexual orientation, For more information about the proposed gender identity or marital status. Gender Identity Rule, please visit www.hud. “A person seeking shelter is already in a very vulnerable situation, and they deserve gov/lgbt to be treated with dignity when they request our assistance,” said HUD Secretary Julian Eight Michigan Companies Castro. “This rule takes us one step closer to full acceptance of transgender men and Earn Highest Marks For LGBT women, and will ensure they receive the Policies proper services that respect their identity.” Based on its evaluation of the Equal Eight Michigan companies have earned Access rule and consultation with LGBT perfect scores for having inclusive, stakeholders, HUD’s proposed Gender nondiscrimination policies for lesbian, Identity Rule would require recipients gay, bisexual and transgender workers. and sub-recipients of assistance from The businesses are Dow Chemical, HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Dykema Gossett, Ford Motor, General Development, as well as owners, operators, Motors, Herman Miller, Kellogg, and managers of shelters, buildings and Steelcase and Whirlpool. They are among facilities with shared sleeping quarters 407 companies across the U.S. to get the or shared bathing facilities to provide highest ranking. transgender persons and other persons The rankings were released this week by who do not identify with the sex they were the Human Rights Campaign. The survey assigned at birth with access to programs, focused on nondiscrimination policies, benefits, services and accommodations in employment benefits, demonstrated accordance with their gender identity. accountability around LGBT diversity and “Transgender people face rampant inclusion and other categories. discrimination and harassment across the country – a tragic reality that forces many into positions of vulnerability no one should Ohio Lawmakers Push have to face,” said HRC Government Affairs Proposed Ban On LGBT Director David Stacy. “Fundamentally, this new rule change will help ensure people Conversion Therapy have access to appropriate facilities and the COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Two help they need when they need it the most, Democratic state lawmakers in Ohio are regardless of their gender identity. We’re using last week’s Transgender Day of grateful for the Obama Administration and Remembrance as an opportunity to push Secretary Julian Castro’s leadership on this their bill seeking a ban on therapy aimed at vitally important issue.” changing the sexual orientation of minors. HUD’s 2012 Equal Access Rule provided State Reps. Denise Driehaus Driehaus a limited exception for inquiries about the said conversion therapy can hurt children sex of an individual to determine eligibility struggling with their sexual orientation for housing provided or to be provided to an or gender identity. Philips said “no child individual when the housing is a temporary, should be forced to change who they are or emergency shelter that involves the sharing how they feel.” of sleeping areas or bathrooms, or inquiries

8 BTL | Nov. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com

“It is rewarding to be able to bring my experience in development, excellence in New Development Director Affirmations Names New professional experience to benefit a community writing, strong program design and a clear Executive Director in which I identify and feel so passionate commitment to broad social justice. I am Takes The Helm At Ozone House about,” says Erspamer. “I am very excited for excited to partner with him to build the future FERNDALE – In less than two months of this opportunity to lead Affirmations into a of Equality Michigan.” ANN ARBOR – Ozone House Youth searching, Affirmations’ Board of Directors future where its professional team will grow Throughout his 21 years of public service and Family Services announced Nov. 17 the has announced the appointment of Susan revenue in support of Affirmations’ mission; in both government and nonprofits, Gipson appointment of Allie Erspamer as its next enhance and grow programs that will support has worked in various capacities as a grant Schachter to the role of executive director. the diverse community; and increase public writer, fund development specialist and development director. Previous executive awareness and recognition of Affirmations organizational development consultant as well Schachter brings a director, Darrious as the premier ‘go to’ organization for people as a senior administrator on issues related to: wealth of knowledge Hilmon, announced his of all sexual orientations, gender identities, HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ advocacy, racial and and experience to her departure in October. gender expressions and cultures.” economic justice, creative entrepreneurship, new position, including “We are thrilled that adolescent and sexual reproductive health, four years as Ozone’s Susan will be joining and community development programming. Program Evaluation and Affirmations. She has “This is such a key moment in the movement Grants Director where the breadth and depth Equality Michigan Appoints for LGBT rights in Michigan, I am so honored she was responsible of experience that New Deputy Director to be joining this dynamic team of committed Allie Schachter for securing over $1.5 Affirmations needs in social justice advocates,” said Gipson. “It’s million in revenue each Susan Erspamer its next leader. We are Equality Michigan announced Nov. 18 the a privilege to partner with this staff, our year. Further, Schachter serves as president also reassured by her proven appointment of its new deputy director, L. movement allies and the residents of my new of the board of directors for a nonprofit she track record of growing organizations over Michael Gipson. home state to foster much needed change founded to serve child victims of human time,” says Frank Aiello, president of the Gipson, M.S., is an award-winning writer in the rights and lives of LGBTQ people, trafficking in Chennai, India. Affirmations board of directors. and educator and is an arts, youth, LGBT rights particularly those residing on the social and In addition to her career experience, Erspamer is a Michigan native with 21 years and public health advocate. He joins Equality political margins.” Schachter holds a bachelor’s degree in of executive experience in the nonprofit and Michigan from his most As deputy director, Mr. Gipson will take public policy and environmental science for-profit sectors. Before joining Affirmations, recent position as on staff management, program oversight from Harvard University, with an MBA from she was the vice president of chapter programs executive director and evaluation and lead the development the University of Michigan Ross School of at Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Michigan for the Washington and communications efforts for Equality Business expected in 2016. Chapter, which has a $5 million budget and Area Lawyers Michigan. A graduate of Goddard College “The Board and I are united in our 65 employees. for the Arts in and Full Sail University, Gipson holds a enthusiasm for and confidence in Allie,” said During her tenure there, she was Washington, D.C. bachelor’s in creative writing and a masters’s Ozone House Executive Director Katie Doyle. instrumental in chapter strategic planning, and co-founder in instructional design. The new deputy Schachter said she is honored to be at the reorganization, diversification of revenue of Cleveland’s director also works as a senior writer and helm of Ozone’s development team. “The streams, and outcome-based programs that Beyond Identities music editor at SoulTracks.com, an associate Development Director position offers an spanned the state covering 60 counties, seven L. Michael Gipson. Community Center editor at Lambda Literary and as a Red exciting opportunity for me to leverage my regional offices and the chapter headquarters for LGBT youth of Dirt Press author. A native of Chicago, he passion for Ozone House’s mission, along with in Southfield. She also managed grant color. transitioned to Detroit in the winter of 2014. my academic focus on organizational strategy funding implementation and relationships, “I couldn’t be more excited to have Michael and leadership. I look forward to overseeing You can reach him at [email protected]. established new collaborations and created join our team,” said Stephanie White, executive our efforts to build and sustain relationships a highly productive and team-oriented work director of Equality Michigan. “He brings not with supporters, foundation and civic leaders environment. only his leadership skills, but also his vast and community members.”

10 BTL | Nov. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com Michigan Court Of Appeals Reverses Ruling On Custody Case Involving Lesbian Parents Case Remanded Back To Trial

BY AJ TRAGER in 2009. Before they split, Milliron gave birth to a child, conceived by artificial insemination. LANSING – The Michigan Court of Upon separation the couple agreed to joint Appeals reversed its decision Nov. 19 on a visitation with the child but could not come to 2013 custody case involving a lesbian couple a common agreement as to what the schedule where, following a divorce, the nonbiological would look like. Stankevich filed an action mom was denied custody and visitation rights for custody and visitation rights in Dickenson for a child she helped raise with her former County Circuit Court where the couple lived partner. in the Upper Peninsula. Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s Even though they shared financial and decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, the Michigan parental responsibilities for the child while Court of Appeals reversed its decision to together, the court dismissed the claims dismiss the case, Stankevich v. Milliron. because Michigan did not recognize same- The case has been remanded back to trial to sex marriages performed in other countries determine whether Stankevich is an equitable and states. Stankevich appealed the ruling parent to the child in light of the former and in October of 2013, the Michigan Court couple’s Canadian marriage which must now of Appeals upheld the decision by Dickinson be recognized by the state of Michigan. County to throw out the lawsuit for custody. “Until the Obergefell decision, same-sex Stankevich then appealed that decision up couples in Michigan were denied the right the judicial ladder to the Michigan Supreme to marry, which has now been held to be Court, which rather than rule on the case, unconstitutional. On that same basis, same- put their consideration in abeyance until a sex couples should not be denied the same decision had been found in the DeBoer v. protection of equitable parenthood because Snyder case. Following the U.S. Supreme they were denied the option of marriage Court’s decision in Obergefell, the Michigan that opposite sex couples have always had. Supreme Court remanded the case back to the Children of same-sex couples also should Court of Appeals. not be denied the protections of both parents “Obergefell requires Michigan to recognize through equitable parenthood, because their same-sex marriages,” the remand authored parents were denied the right to marry in by the Michigan Court of Appeals reads. Michigan. This is something that Michigan “Therefore, we reverse the order granting courts or the Legislature will still need to summary disposition in favor of defendant and address,” Jay Kaplan, ACLU of Michigan remand for an evidentiary hearing concerning LGBT special projects attorney, told BTL. the validity of the parties’ alleged Canadian Jennifer Stankevich and Leanne Milliron marriage and the applicability of the equitable were married in Canada in 2007 and separated parent doctrine. We do not retain jurisdiction.”

www.PrideSource.com Nov. 26, 2015 | BTL 11 Homicides Of Transgender Women Peter Sprigg BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI In U.S. Reach Alarming High o ho ho or whatever greeting you choose this season, but the holidays are upon us. For the majority of Americans that BY DAVID CRARY ending out in coercive and violent male pronouns. Hmeans spending a shit load of money on stuff nobody needs relationships, Graham said. His mother, Rebecca O’Hara, said or wants. Still, shopping is a patriotic duty in this country so let the For a few transgender Americans, Chase Strangio, an American Civil she noticed the tendencies while games begin! this has been a year of glamour and Liberties Union attorney, said that for Ashton was still a toddler. Of course, for LGBT shoppers and the people fame. For many others, 2015 has many perpetrators of the violence, “How could you be against a person who love them, it’d be nice to have a list of been fraught with danger, violence “there’s a sense of transgender people for being happy about who they corporations who are naughty and nice when and mourning. being less than human.” are?” she asked during a telephone it comes to equality. While Caitlyn Jenner made the Philadelphia has experienced two interview. She marveled at Ashton’s Thankfully, that exists. The Human Rights cover of Vanity Fair and Laverne Cox confirmed homicides of transgender skills as a hairdresser and makeup Campaign recently released their Corporate prospered as a popular actress, other people this year – as have Detroit artist, yet worried about potential Equality Index (www.hrc.org/cei) and hundreds transgender women have become and Kansas City. In May, London nastiness from others. of companies you know and love earned a 100 homicide victims at an alarming Chanel was fatally stabbed by her “For years, I was afraid I was going Sprigg percent equality rating. rate. By the count of the National roommate’s boyfriend in North to get that phone call, telling me So if you drive your Ford over to Barnes and Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, Philadelphia; on Oct. 6, Kiesha he’s hurt or dead,” she said. “He’d Noble for a book, hit Macy’s for a holiday sweater, stock up on staplers there have been 22 killings so far Jenkins, 22, was attacked and shot say, ‘I’ll be all right. Nothing will at Office Depot, get condoms at Walgreens and grab some Starbucks this year of transgender or gender- dead by a group of men. happen.”’ on the way home, you’d be having a pretty gay-friendly shopping day! nonconforming people – including 19 Police Capt. James Clark said Police have arrested a 37-year-old Or you could go to Bed, Bath and Beyond for a salad spinner, stock black or Latina transgender women. Jenkins was a prostitute, and man and charged him with Ashton’s up on balls at Dick’s Sporting Goods, get lumber at Lowe’s, hit Big The toll compares with 12 last year described the assault as a robbery, not murder. Lots for some slippers, get cheap holiday decorations at Dollar Tree and 13 in 2013, and is the highest a hate crime. Police soon arrested a The other victim in Detroit this year and smoke a Marlboro on your way home, and your spending spree since advocacy groups began was Amber Monroe, 20, shot is not very LGBT merry. (Also, you should quit smoking.) such tallies a decade ago. The high death toll this year may stem dead in an area frequented by sex Now, a low score on HRC’s CEI doesn’t necessarily mean a “Most Americans think workers. A friend, transgender- company is anti-LGBT. But the higher a company’s score, the better it’s been an amazing year for in part from greater awareness of rights activist Julisa Abad, said that company is to its LGBT employees. And considering that in transgender rights,” said Mara anti-transgender violence, and more Monroe had twice previously many states across the country you can get fired just for being LGBT, Keisling, executive director been wounded by gunshots in working for a company that values equality goes a long way. of the National Center for vigorous efforts to identify homicide that area. Of course, some folks think the CEI is a bunch of baloney. Like Transgender Equality. “But for “To go back to that same place, Peter Sprigg of the virulently anti-LGBT Family Research Council. the transgender community, cases in which this was a factor. life has to feel like you have no “I’m not sure that all of these policies have been adopted because it’s been one of the most other choice,” said Abad. these companies think that it helps to operate their businesses better,” traumatic years on record.” In Kansas City, Missouri, he told the American Family News Network. “I think it’s more of a Death by death, the details are suspect with a prior record of robbery police continue to investigate the matter of bowing to political correctness and, in some cases, actually horrific. Kiesha Jenkins was beaten arrests. death of Tamara Dominguez, a wanting to avoid the threat of being accused of bigotry. So, I question and shot dead by a cluster of assailants Nellie Fitzpatrick, a former 36-year-old who left Mexico in her the sincerity of some of these policies.” in Philadelphia. Tamara Dominguez assistant district attorney who now late 20s to escape the violence she In other words, companies are just pretending to be LGBT friendly was run over multiple times and left heads the Philadelphia mayor’s faced as a transgender woman. because they don’t want to look like meanies. It has nothing to do to die on a Kansas City street. Police Office of LGBT Affairs, said some At about 3 a.m. on Aug. 15, the with the bottom line. said the most recent victim, Zella transgender Philadelphians harbored driver of an SUV drove into her, ran “If they want to hire homosexuals and transgender employees, that Ziona, was shot dead in Gaithersburg, long-standing mistrust of the police over her several times, then fled, is certainly their business,” Sprigg adds. Maryland, last month by a boyfriend and were frustrated that Jenkins’ according to witnesses. There have Aww, how generous. He’s implying that he wouldn’t hire such embarrassed that Ziona showed up killing was not being investigated as a been no arrests. people, but acknowledging that he’s not the boss of the world, which in the presence of some of his other hate crime, though Pennsylvania does The high death toll this year may is probably very difficult for him. friends. not have a hate-crimes law covering stem in part from greater awareness of “But when you get to the point of trying to impose that sort of There’s no question that anti- gender identity. anti-transgender violence, and more policy on others, on the country through our legal system, or even transgender hatred fueled many However Fitzpatrick credited the vigorous efforts to identify homicide on suppliers and contractors and so forth, then I think it’s gone too of the killings, yet activists and police department with working to cases in which this was a factor. far,” continues Sprigg. “I think we should stick with the free market social-service professionals say improve relations. One key step: “The violence has been going on and let the free market operate.” there are multiple factors that establishing formal guidelines for for a long time,” said Chai Jindasurat Yes, heaven forbid that the disease of equality spread throughout make transgender women of color officers’ interactions with transgender of the New York City Anti-Violence the land. Keep it in the board room, boys! vulnerable. They have documented people. Project. “We’re now able to identify Seriously, though. I am not a business major, but I have sold a that numerous victims were killed Deputy Police Commissioner and document and report on it better.” couple of things on eBay (which has a CEI score of 100, by the way), by intimate partners and many while Kevin Bethel said the guidelines, as Examples of heightened attention but know that corporations don’t do things that don’t make them engaging in sex work. well as LGBT-specific components in to the issue: money. It’s all about the bottom line. If shareholders ain’t happy, “For many of these women, training at the police academy, were On Nov. 17 amid a week of ain’t nobody happy. it’s chronic unemployment or having a positive impact. nationwide events remembering So if more and more companies are scoring 100 on HRC’s equality participation in survival sex work,” “It’s not perfect,” he said. “But transgender victims, the index, it’s because equality is good for business. Not because HRC said Louis Graham, a University of we’re moving in the right direction.” Congressional LGBT Equality is strong arming Fortune 500 companies to make nice with the gays. Massachusetts professor who has Among those killed in Detroit was Caucus held the first-ever hearing So Sprigg can hope this is some kind of fad, but the smart money is studied the experiences of black Ashton O’Hara, whose stabbed body in Congress on anti-transgender on equality. transgender women. was found in a field in July. O’Hara violence. Among those testifying Many are beset by homelessness embraced feminine attributes but was and economic desperation, sometimes comfortable being addressed with See next page

12 BTL | Nov. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com ACLU Says Kentucky Clerk Should Have To Reissue Licenses

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – The American Civil Liberties Union says a Kentucky county The attorneys called the altered clerk’s office should reissue altered marriage licenses even though the governor has marriage licenses “a stamp of promised to recognize them as valid. animus against gay people” and Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis stopped issuing marriage licenses after a U.S. Supreme said Davis’ personal religious Court decision effectively legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. Two gay couples and two beliefs mean “all marriage license straight couples sued her. Davis lost and spent applicants in Rowan County – are five days in jail for refusing to obey a judge’s order. Her deputies issued the licenses in her forced to bear the burden of Davis’ absence. When she got out of jail, she altered the marriage licenses to remove her name animus against gay people.” and the county’s name, arguing it cleared her conscience. Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear told U.S. people” and said Davis’ personal religious District Judge David Bunning the altered beliefs mean “all marriage license applicants marriage licenses do not comply with state law. in Rowan County – including heterosexual But he promised to recognize them as valid, couples, such as Fernandez and Holloway – arguing it was not the couples’ fault that Davis are forced to bear the burden of Davis’ animus changed the licenses. against gay people.” But lawyers for the four couples on Nov. Mat Staver, Davis’ attorney, has said 20 noted that Beshear also said he does not Beshear’s promise to recognize the marriage have the authority to declare the licenses valid. licenses means “there is no reason for Judge They said one of the four couples that sued Bunning to act.” And he noted that Beshear Davis – Jody Fernandez and Kevin Holloway will leave office next month, to be replaced – are not married yet. The straight couple was by Republican Gov.-elect Matt Bevin, who has able to get a marriage license earlier this year, promised to issue an executive order to remove but they decided to delay their wedding for the names of county clerks from marriage personal reasons. The licenses are only good licenses. Staver said that move would “protect for 30 days, so they need to get another one. the religious convictions and conscience of “They fear that a marriage solemnized Kim Davis.” pursuant to an altered license could later be But the ACLU attorneys argued Bevin’s held invalid at some unknown time in the executive order would “actually increase the future, such as if something were to happen uncertainty” because state law requires county to one of them,” the attorneys wrote. clerks’ names to appear on the licenses. The The attorneys called the altered marriage state Legislature would have to change the licenses “a stamp of animus against gay law to remove it.

® Homicides Activists say there are no easy solutions to Continued from p. 12 the violence. “We need multiple strategies, aiming for were two transgender women, LaLa Zannell sweeping cultural change,” said Jindasurat. and Joanna Cifredo. “The more people understand what it means Two national advocacy groups – the Human to be transgender, the more accepting they Rights Campaign and the Trans People of will be.” Color Coalition – recently issued a report on Yet many Americans are uncomfortable “the epidemic of violence” against transgender with transgender people, Jindasurat said. He people. It calls for passage of a federal cited the recent referendum in Houston, where nondiscrimination act that covers transgender opponents of a nondiscrimination ordinance people. According to the report, 15 percent of prevailed by stoking fears about transgender transgender homicide victims in the past three people’s access to public restrooms. years were killed by intimate partners, and 34 In Detroit, Yvonne Siferd has worked percent may have been engaged in “survival with many transgender women as director sex work” at the time of their deaths. of victim services for Equality Michigan, an Transgender sex work is a harrowing issue. LGBT-rights group. She’s impressed by their Stefanie Rivera, now client services director resilience, yet dismayed by the challenges with the Sylvia Rivera Law Project in New they face. York, says she engaged in sex work starting “We all grow up with this myth that you as a 12-year-old in Los Angeles. “The fact that can be whatever you want when you grow I’m here at 36 – I don’t know how I made it up,” Siferd said. “When you do grow up so far. I had so many close calls,” she said, and become your authentic self, the fact that adding two transgender friends were killed you could be targeted for just being you is while engaged in sex work in Los Angeles. terrifying.” www.PrideSource.com Nov. 26, 2015 | BTL 13 Is A Referendum The Answer? An Open Letter To Dana Nessel, From BY WILLIAM HAYCOOK Viewpoint eing 71, I have lived through pretty much all phases of the battle to The Transgender Community of Michigan achieve equal protection for members of our community. From living in the closet with the door firmly shut (knowing in the discussion. To shut us out is voters about the nuances of what it B demeaning and denies us the dignity means to be transgender and then that even a rumor could result in my being fired from my job without any Viewpoint legal recourse) to the present when recent court decisions offer us cause for we deserve. convince them to approve a change optimism, my 71 years cover a lot of ground. This open letter was penned Therefore, we feel we would be to our state’s constitution. To believe I have witnessed and/or participated in many of the efforts that have by Michelle Fox-Phillips and doing ourselves a great disservice that this massive undertaking can gradually moved us toward full rights as American citizens including the Charin Davenport speaking as if we did not make this appeal to be accomplished within the time recent and extraordinary Supreme Court decision guaranteeing equal marriage the organizers of a meeting of you and your better judgment. frame of your ballot campaign is rights as required by the Constitution. Michigan’s transgender community We hope that you will seriously naive at best. The seemingly endless efforts over expanding the Elliott-Larsen Civil which took place in Ferndale, consider the following principal Right Act to include sexual orientation and sexual identity – including Michigan on Nov. 14, 2015. Over concerns Michigan’s Transgender Fourth, if voters turn down protections for our trans members – have been very frustrating, but I agree 40 transgender, genderqueer and Community has with your proposed this ballot initiative, it will be that any changes in the law that exclude protection for our trans members gender nonconforming community statewide ballot initiative: very difficult if not impossible to is unacceptable. leaders attended this diverse convince our legislators to amend It is understandable that we are all frustrated with the failure of our elected gathering including, trans men, First among our concerns is the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. representatives to tackle this issue. It is equally understandable that some of trans women, and trans people of safety. Nowhere in the United Even a failure to get the requisite us want to bypass this impasse and go directly to the voters with a proposal color. What follows is the consensus States is anti-transgender violence signatures needed for the ballot to change the law or even change the constitution. After all, the referendum reached by Michigan’s transgender more horrific and discrimination will signal a lack of support to is a perfectly legitimate legal tool that has been used successfully in a wide community at that meeting. more egregious than Michigan. A amend ELCRA in the near future. statewide political brawl with anti- Lawmakers would only have What Dana Nessel seems determined to do ear Ms. Nessel, equality forces places Michigan’s to point to either one of those After learning of your Transgender Community at failures as evidence that the lives regardless of the consequences will impact efforts to place LGBT Civil grave risk of further violence of transgender people simply don’t D spurred by hate-filled rhetoric. In matter and, therefore, are not worth Rights on the statewide ballot in the each and every member of our community. November 2016 general election, Houston, anti-transgender violence the political risk it would require representatives of Michigan’s increased during the recent ballot to extend our civil rights under Transgender Community met at campaign and has not abated since. ELCRA. variety of circumstances for about a hundred years. Affirmations to discuss what your Transgender people in Houston live Our recent successes give us some degree of confidence that a referendum proposal means for our community. in fear, while the anti-trans forces Finally, the millions of dollars to firmly establish legal rights for all member of our LGBTQA community Knowing that transgender people feel more emboldened than ever. that would go into a single ballot will also be successful. would be the target of the most campaign would be put to better However, Dana Nessel’s attitude as expressed in a recent BTL article – “We vicious anti-LGBT attacks in a Second, our basic civil rights use building a healthy culture are full steam ahead. I won’t talk to anybody about stopping” – strikes me as ballot campaign, we struggled to should be protected by law and of inclusion and awareness in being dangerously hard-headed. What she seems determined to do regardless understand why you did not find it not subject to the capriciousness Michigan. This includes working to of the consequences will impact each and every member of our community. important to engage the community of a largely uninformed or elect transgender friendly candidates Nessel’s claim that “…polling indicates the bathroom ballot argument does most at risk before launching a worse, misinformed public. The and training transgender people and not significantly move voters in Michigan” scares the hell out of me. Polls campaign that so critically affects transgender community is afforded our advocates to increase community are notoriously inaccurate when the questions focus on hot-button issues our welfare. Nonetheless, by the very few privileges and our rights awareness and acceptance. like religion, race or sex. When asked about such issues, some people seem close of our meeting, we reached a should not be decided by those who to offer opinions more in keeping with what they think reasonable people general consensus that it would be are able to take their privileges for Clearly, Ms. Nessel, you are are supposed to believe when, in fact, their personal opinions are very much helpful to request you meet with the granted. If the opposition succeeds passionate about LGBT civil rights. the opposite. In addition, recent polls after the Supreme Court’s marriage leaders of Michigan’s Transgender in convincing the majority of voters The transgender community of ruling suggest that some people feel things are moving too fast and are, at Community in order for us to that we are a threat to their way of Michigan shares that passion. the very least, increasingly wary at this time of further efforts on behalf of understand your position and in the life, their beloved institutions and However, we are also passionate the LGBTQA community. While I think such opinions are wrong, they reflect hopes that you would listen to our their families, we cannot win at that transgender people are the the potentially poisonous environment in which a referendum campaign concerns, as well. the ballot. authoritative voice for and about would have to be waged. However, we were dismayed transgender people and to exclude All things considered, a reasonable level of caution seems to be in order. when, just two days later, Mlive Third, relatively few voters have the transgender community from Perhaps Ms. Nessel should agree to discuss this important matter with a published a piece by Tim Skubick, any knowledge of the transgender deliberations about our own broad spectrum of spokespersons before “moving full steam ahead.” Like in which you are quoted as saying: community beyond the stereotypes freedoms, rights and safety denies everyone, I want all members of our community to enjoy full and equal “We are full steam ahead. I won’t of pop culture references and the us the agency we have fought so protection under the law. If Ms. Nessel barrels ahead and we lose – a very talk to anybody about stopping (the fear-based images conjured by hard to attain. If you believe, as we distinct possibility – we will spend years making up for the backlash. A ballot initiative)”. After reading this transphobic leaders. Proposing do, that transgender people deserve vicious and hateful opposition campaign – virtually guaranteed regardless and other comments over the last a constitutional amendment to to have their rights fully protected, of what we would want – will create an even more poisoned environment several days, it appears to us that protect the rights of a transgender then certainly you must agree – that will taint future efforts for equal protection. Should we proceed with a you have chosen to ignore the very community in such an environment decisions about us cannot be made referendum? I honestly don’t know. My mind says we should fight for the real and serious danger your actions will likely reinforce those negative without us as full and equitable equal protection the Constitution guarantees for all. My heart – make that pose for Michigan’s Transgender messages. Make no mistake, the partners in the process. my gut – says proceed with caution. Community. hate-filled, fear-mongering message In light of the reasons stated I would feel a lot better if a decision to proceed with a referendum was made It is our fundamental belief that used by our opposition is simple, above, we the Transgender after a thorough vetting by a broad spectrum of community representatives and we cannot be represented in the cheap and incredibly effective. To Community of Michigan do not not by one person who vows not to talk to anyone who opposes her approach. discussion about our civil rights if counter it will require a massive believe that a ballot initiative should campaign to educate Michigan’s move forward at this time. William Haycook lives in southeast Michigan. transgender people are not included 14 BTL | Nov. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com 20 or so years since they roamed the earth, I Transmissions feel that we have forgotten how to do such. So many of us were killed this year, and many others took their own lives. Depression The Next Day and anxiety runs rife in our community, not BY GWENDOLYN ANN SMITH only fueled by gender dysphoria, but by the harsh realities of life as a trans or gender n Nov. 20, nonconforming person in 2015. We may Transgender have greater visibility and greater rights, Day of but there’s still plenty of hatred, violence O and discrimination dished out to each of us. Remembrance is marked with events, marches, We should be trying to keep our own letters from dignitaries community spaces safe and offering support and so on. Die-ins are to all within our ranks. Again, this is not to held, walkways are say that people should be above reproach chalked, and in at least simply for being trans. It does mean that we one location, city hall is should all consider carefully if we are calling awash in the colors of the out a person for their actions or opinions, transgender flag. As its founder, I’m always or if we are simply using the same tools as surprised and humbled to see the reaction to those used against us, and trying to tear down TDOR every year. others in our midst to raise ourselves up. Then it is the 21st of November. The lights With us moving into the holiday season change, the sidewalks are trod upon and – which is itself a very hard time for those power-washed and life continues. We are of us who have been disowned by family or next on a quest for turkeys and cranberries, friends – we should be especially vigilant or black Friday deals as we careen headlong about those within our community. This is a into a holiday season haze. I will often time to put our hand out and grasp the palms close my remarks on Transgender Day of of those in our numbers in need. I recently Remembrance with a variant of a rather heard of an initiative from the author of the well known quote from Mother Jones. I’ll book “Brave In Ribbons,” Holly Maholm. say something like, “Today, the 20th of She has started her own program called November we mourn the dead. Tomorrow and “Adopt-a-Transgender” for the Christmas every day, we fight for the living.” season. In short, she is offering herself up You see, there’s one thing I’ve never talked as a “Transgender-Adoptive-Parent” to much about with the Transgender Day of three random transgender folks who reply Remembrance. When it started, I had a hope to her website at www.hollymaholm.com. to see it help foster a culture of compassion I’ll admit, I first felt very unsure of it, but within the trans community. I’ve hoped that, I wish I saw more similar actions. She may by seeing so many murdered at the hands of save three lives by doing this. anti-transgender violence, we’d see just how How many lives get saved when we valuable and precious all of our lives are. speak ill of each other? When you focus Some days I am unsure if that message is your energies in tearing down others, out there. At the TDOR event that I spoke at, particularly those who are within your own two of the speakers felt it necessary to remind community, or who may be well-meaning- those in attendance to treat their siblings in but-problematic allies, how do they tend to the community with respect. In-between this, react? Do they change, or do they “double one of the main speakers took the opportunity down,” fighting you and others, or leaving to call out at least one attendee, while also entirely because of how they were treated? speaking against Caitlyn Jenner. How does this build a coalition, and how Jenner has not just been the fodder of does this make our community stronger? speeches, having been discussed negatively Also, how does that make people react to within a number of transgender articles and you? I’m not saying the world is a popularity throughout social media. I’ve seen others contest, but do you really want to be the have to defend her, or at least her gender person people walk on eggshells around – or identity. Jenner is also not alone when it outright avoid you – based on how you tend comes to being denigrated within the very to treat others within the community? community she very visibly joined in 2015. Bottom line: We’re not all perfect – I I think it is fair to note that Jenner’s life is a certainly am not – but I think we all want fairly charmed one. She does not have to deal to do right. Unless someone is an absolute with all I’ve faced, let alone what everyone bigot and is unwilling to change, then we named on Transgender Day of Remembrance should welcome the opportunity to reach faced. Yet we have a number of ways we can out, to teach and to make things better. react, and a number of options for addressing Yelling at people, calling them names or what her and others may or may not be doing. slapping their hands away when what they In the 1990s, the Transexual Menace was a offer isn’t enough for you is not always the direct action group formed on the East Coast. best approach. We need to be that culture of Even with their provocative and sometimes compassion, and confront with love. controversial work on behalf of the nascent Gwen Smith is not calling people out for calling transgender community, I still think of one people out. You can find her on Twitter at @ of their slogans: confront with love. In the gwenners. www.PrideSource.com Nov. 26, 2015 | BTL 15 Getting Plymouth Rocks Off Parting Glances OPINION BY CHARLES ALEXANDER

RUMSTICK #1: If you’re looking for a ploy to come out to your family this Thanksgiving, you might casually remark Dthat according to “Biological Exuberance” by animal behavior specialist Dr. Bruce Bagemihl, the female domestic turkey often engages in same-sex courting and mounting activity before, during and after the holidays. DRUMSTICK #2: Contrary to popular belief, the 102 Pilgrims who sailed on the Mayflower in 1620 did not eat Thanksgiving turkey or pumpkin pie. Flour for baking bread and pie crust was all used up during the three month ocean crossing. Guinea hen – whose same-sex courting and mounting status is unavailable as BTL goes to holiday press – was the main dinner staple. LIGHT MEAT: Pilgrims were too straight laced to wear silver buckles, and they didn’t land at Plymouth Rock. Thomas Faunce, a popular preacher, started that PR story in 1740. He claimed his father, who arrived in this country three years after the Mayflower first dropped anchor, pointed the site out to him as a kid. According to Harvard historian spoilsport Edward Channing (no relation to “Hello Dolly” Carol), a ship could never have landed at Plymouth Rock, given the strong direction of the surrounding currents. (Note: New England Pilgrims – America’s original “love the sinner, hate the sin” do gooders – would be appalled if they had an inkling of The End Of HIV Is Near… BTL Editorial the direction the current flows around P’Town these days. Especially at the Boat Dock!) Barring a vaccine – which remains an elusive DARK MEAT: In 1647, Puritans – who, it turns out, actually enjoyed he end of HIV is near ... If only missionary position sex – outlawed the preaching of wedding we make use of the tools proposition – we are now the closest we will ever sermons. Marriage for brimstone Calvinists was not a sacrament but Tavailable to us today. And strictly a secular matter to be conducted by civil magistrates and so it that is no short order. HIV stigma, be to having the tools to end the epidemic. remained well into the 1700s. slut shaming, lack of knowledge of HIV from partners with a suppressed increase in the number of reported Puritans quoted Martin Luther, who cautioned, “Marriage is a secular HIV, fear: fear of infection, fear of viral load. Zero. Zip. Zilch. Is it bacterial sexually transmitted and outward thing, having to do with wife, children, house and home, discussion and continued substance possible a person with HIV who has infections (those old standbys of and with other matters that belong to the realm of government, all of abuse issues – all are feeding the suppressed their virus could transmit syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia). which have been completely subjected to reason.” (American Family continued epidemic. Yes, new cases the infection? It’s not something While there has been an increase in Ass’n., please take note, and go get stuffed!) remain stable, and those who are science can completely rule out, the number of reported cases of those BREAST: From 1702 until 1708 the governor of New York, infected are living longer, healthier but the evidence is very strong that STIs, it’s important to note that is Lord Cornbury, was a cross dresser. He appeared gowned at public lives. But this is not enough to end transmission is very, very unlikely an artifact of the reality that those ceremonies, wore elaborate hairdos, let his fingernails grow long. A new transmissions – not yet anyway. when a person has an undetectable on PrEP are being tested for those favorite of Anne, Queen of England, he was a bit too, too much for the Only about half of Michigan’s viral load. diseases every three months, when puritanical colonists who booted him (and his overly polished silver residents living with HIV are So here’s the other tool we have they may not have been testing for buckles) out of office. successfully controlling their in our possession right now that is those infections at all in the past. GIZZARD: Puritans were a mean spirited bunch. The JWs of their infection. By successfully controlling key in the end of new HIV infections That’s overall good news. We’re time. They didn’t celebrate Christmas. And nobody dared work on the infection we mean that they are in Michigan. It’s called PrEP, or finding cases of STIs earlier, and Sunday for fear of being put in the stockade. Children’s games were on medications and their viral load pre-exposure prophylaxis. This is treating them and we’re stopping deemed unbiblical. Unmarried courting couples risked public beatings – the measure of virus in their blood a once a day pill taken to prevent a HIV infections. That’s good for if they were discovered sitting alone or holding hands unchaperoned. – is so low it’s “undetectable.” person who is not HIV infected from everyone’s health. Children who disobeyed parents in colonial Connecticut got stoned. Here’s why that’s so important. becoming infected. Studies have With these two interventions – And not on pot! Massachusetts rakehells who were caught in adultery Science has shown that when a placed the efficacy of this drug in treatment for all, used as both a got the head chop in the mid-1600s. Salem witch hunts came soon after. person living with HIV controls their the low 90 percent range, but math health benefit for those living with PARSON’S NECK: In 1642, 17-years-old Thomas Granger was at virus like that, it has two important models have placed it at 99 percent. HIV and as a preventative to stop various times seen cuddling up with “a mare, a cow, two goats, five benefits. First, the person living with It works, and it works very well. transmission and PrEP – we have sheep, two calves and a turkey.” But not necessarily in that poking – er, HIV will live a longer, healthier San Francisco is the nation’s a unique opportunity to stop new pecking – order. life. Secondly, when a person has first region to scale up PrEP as a infections. For his post-pubescent bit of animal husbandry, he was hung – beg an undetectable viral load, they are prevention strategy. And it’s paying Barring a vaccine – which remains pardon: hanged – and each of the aforementioned amorous playmates significantly less likely to transmit dividends. The city reported the an elusive proposition – we are now was “kild” for making unwilling hey-nanny-non with a minor. their virus. How significantly less lowest number of new HIV infections the closest we will ever be to having Happy Holiday! Enjoy your drumsticks. But please leave your likely? Early results – two years in years. the tools to end the epidemic. The domestic birdies behind the barn alone. You may gobble. They peck. into a four year study – of hundreds of couples where one partner is Some naysayers are saying that question is: Do we have the strength positive and the other is negative, PrEP is not effective, however, of will and the commitment to end [email protected] found exactly zero transmissions of because San Francisco is seeing an the epidemic? 16 BTL | Nov. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com Viewpoint The Season To Give Thanks And Thankfully Give socio-economic challenges impacting the lives OPINION BY MICHELLE E. BROWN of millions not just in this country but globally. You’ve never been alone and afraid looking for and/or being helped by a hotline manned t’s that time of year when, with joy or by volunteers trained to help or just listen. dread, we all get ready for the holidays. You’ve never needed someone to advocate for IThere’s dinner to prepare and parties to your basic human rights so you can be free to attend. Everyone’s making a list for someone be the person you were born to be. to check twice before hitting the stores for the If you think you have been that fortunate, sales to buy gifts for the naughty and nice. open your eyes, wake up and smell the Christmas carols take over the air waves. proverbial coffee. LGBTQ people are born Every television station has at least one into all types of families and face the same holiday special. Our mail boxes are stuffed socio-economic challenges that other people each day with cards from friends and family who share their sex, race, ethnicity, age and we probably haven’t heard from since this time disability face. We all have been and are last year, unless, of course, they’re friends on touched by these societal woes and owe a Facebook. ‘Tis the season to be jolly! And at huge debt to the nonprofits, their staffs and some point, even the most cynical holiday volunteers who step up each and every day to hater is going to be warmed at least a little by provide a safety net for those in need and most the joy of it all and be thankful. vulnerable which, quiet as it’s kept, could be It’s also the time of year when your mail box you tomorrow. – snail mail or electronic – is filled with year- So as you sort through that holiday mail, take end requests for donations from nonprofits a moment to open those letters. You don’t have new and old. Unlike the holiday cards from to say yes to everyone, but look them over, friends and family, these letters don’t get taped especially those in your community. Are they on the door or placed on the mantel. Some accountable – fulfilling their mission/vision don’t even get opened, going directly to the as an organization and to the community? “circular” file or trash bin on your desktop. Are they building sustainability for core So I’m here to do an intervention on behalf programming? Are they transparent not only of these year-end “asks.” with their finances but their governance? What Hopefully giving to nonprofits is something are their goals/achievements – are they being everyone does regularly. Of course, if that met/accomplished? were the case we wouldn’t be receiving those Make your list and check it twice then show year-end letters. You see, the sad reality is that, your thanks by making a gift. Instead of those although so many benefit from the great works tacky $10 gag gifts, make a group donation of organizations both locally and nationally, to an organization on your list. Volunteer to most of us don’t support them with our time, serve food, distribute clothing or relieve staff/ talent or tithes. volunteer during the holiday so they can spend The government for the most part doesn’t time with family and friends. fund them. Foundations and philanthropists For the fourth year, the Tuesday following provide some funding but there, for most Thanksgiving (U.S., not Canadian) has been organizations, remains a gap. So why should designated as “Giving Tuesday.” This year it we care? falls on Dec. 1. You can support organizations If you’ve been fortunate, really fortunate, participating in #GivingTuesday online. you’ve never been hungry, cold or homeless Yes it’s the season to give thanks for all and relied on an agency for a warm meal, a the friends, family and things that make place to eat or shelter from the elements. In our life worth living. It’s also the time to 2014, there were 578,424 people experiencing remember those less fortunate and thank the homelessness on any given night in the United organizations, staff and volunteers who work States. According to the Williams Institute, tirelessly to make a difference in their lives. 40 percent of the homeless youth served by I’m hoping, like me, you show your agencies identify as LGBT. support with a donation of time, talent and/ If you’ve been fortunate, really fortunate, or cash every month. If so, on behalf of the you can afford safe, decent housing. beneficiaries of your generosity, I thank you. Unfortunately, affordable housing is a scarce But please say yes one more time (remember, resource in many cities. Decent and affordable it may be tax deductible) and make this the housing has far-reaching consequences for season to thankfully give. people’s health, quality of life and access to opportunities. Michelle E. Brown is a public speaker, activist and If you’ve been fortunate, really fortunate, author. You can follow her writing and activities your life has not been affected by poverty, at http://www.mychangeiam.com and on www. unemployment, illiteracy and a host of other twitter.com/mychangeiam. www.PrideSource.com Nov. 26, 2015 | BTL 17 World AIDS Day: Getting To Zero, Dealing WIth Stigma

BY DR. ABDUL EL-SAYED understand and navigate three traits common Among the 1.2 million Americans who live with HIV, a disproportionate to all pandemics, and particularly poignant “Rare Cancer Seen in with respect to HIV/AIDS: First, HIV number of them are men of color who have sex with men. The same is true 44 Homosexuals” read disproportionately affects society’s socially a 1981 headline in the and economically marginalized – being what here in Metro Detroit. Further, low education and poverty predict higher New York Times. Few we call “socially patterned.” Second, it has realized that it would created and sustained an atmosphere of fear infection rates, leaving our poorest hardest hit. More troubling still, among herald a pandemic that would become one that has ultimately stigmatized those living those infected, men of color are less likely to know their HIV status. The of the greatest public health challenges in with it, hampering efforts to prevent and treat modern history. the disease, alike. Third, HIV remains heavily fact that HIV affects the most marginalized – sexual minorities, people of HIV has claimed the lives of nearly 40 politicized. million people globally. Today, 1.2 million Among the 1.2 million Americans who color and the poor – has made the epidemic harder to prevent and treat. Americans and 6,840 Detroiters live with live with HIV, a disproportionate number the disease – an estimated 14 percent of of them are men of color who have sex with the disease. This distrust hampers efforts to in its current stage. them unaware that they carry it. And while men. The same is true here in Metro Detroit. treat those living with HIV, and to encourage Second, the conversation about HIV advances in public health and medicine have Further, low education and poverty predict preventive strategies among those at risk. must concentrate on de-stigmatizing the transformed the disease from a swift death higher infection rates, leaving our poorest One patient I took care of at Harlem Hospital disease. Those living with HIV or at risk for sentence to a manageable, chronic ailment hardest hit. More troubling still, among those in New York during my medical training contracting it cannot be made to feel ashamed among those with means in countries like infected, men of color are less likely to know summarized it well: when asked why he had or unwelcome, particularly in institutions like the United States, it remains one of the most their HIV status. The fact that HIV affects the waited to get checked until his symptoms clinics and hospitals. Rather conversations intractable public health challenges faced by most marginalized – sexual minorities, people became so serious as to require ICU care, he about HIV must be facilitated, both in public the poor and underserved in the U.S., and of color and the poor – has made the epidemic said, “I didn’t want no doctor judging me.” and private – otherwise many will continue globally. harder to prevent and treat. Underlying this is the deep stigma of HIV. to avoid them, and the disease will continue The theme of this year’s World AIDS day is Why? Those at greatest risk of contracting A medical professor of mine once called HIV to spread. “Getting to zero” – zero new infections, zero HIV are less likely to trust institutions, like the “leprosy of our time.” This is because like Finally, the imperative for prevention must discrimination and zero HIV-related deaths. hospitals, clinics and government, that are leprosy in medieval Europe, HIV has been be stressed in all of these conversations about Although bold, these goals are attainable. best positioned to support them because these unfairly treated like a curse or a punishment HIV. The cost of HIV prevention cannot However, achieving “zero,” both here in institutions have not always been inviting or – those living with it shunned and avoided. be born on the poorest who are most likely Detroit and globally, will require us to accommodating to those most likely to have Stigma about HIV has had another to acquire it and least likely to afford the consequence: politicizing the disease and those means of protection. Rather, eliminating new who live with it. From the essential denial of infections – and perhaps someday, eradication the epidemic by the Reagan administration – is a public good in which we must all, as a to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS society, invest. Relief (PEPFAR), the pandemic has been At the Detroit Health Department, we shaped by politics throughout its history. are committed to playing our part for Metro Politics has controlled how money and support Detroit. Building on our work through the are allocated to HIV care and prevention. For Ryan White and Housing Opportunities for example, recent conversations about public Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) programs, funding of PrEP medications – scientifically we plan in the coming year to build a more demonstrated to minimize HIV spread – have robust HIV/AIDS program that can support centered on whether men who have sex with policies and programs toward achieving zero men should “just protect themselves” with new infections, zero discrimination and zero condoms, which are known to be less effective, HIV-related deaths in our community. But although less expensive. we are only as good as our partners – and If we are to achieve our goals of zero new we look forward to building and nurturing infections, zero discrimination and zero partnerships toward our shared goals: zero HIV-related deaths, we must counteract new infections, zero discrimination and zero the roles that stigma, marginalization and HIV-related deaths. politics continue to play in the evolution of Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is a public health physician the epidemic. First, HIV has largely dropped out of our and epidemiologist. He is the executive director public conversation because most Americans of public health and health officer for the city assume that the epidemic is “over.” But of Detroit under Mayor Michael E. Duggan. In 1.2 million Americans still living with HIV his role he directs the Detroit health department suggest otherwise. This belief, however, is and other health-related initiatives. Dr. El-Sayed allowed to persist because those most likely earned a doctorate in Public Health from Oxford to have the disease are some of society’s most University as a Rhodes Scholar, and an MD marginalized – those least likely to have a from Columbia University as a Soros Fellow. voice. Public health and medical professionals, He is a graduate of the University of Michigan patient advocates and activists must therefore with Highest Distinction in Biology and Political continue to use their platform to draw public Science, where he delivered the university-wide attention to the epidemic. They must focus, in particular, on the profound social equity student commencement speech alongside President challenges that continue to define the epidemic Bill Clinton in 2007.

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www.PrideSource.com Nov. 26, 2015 | BTL 19 Analysis: It's Time To Retire The Medical Category Of AIDS BY TODD HEYWOOD "Cancer is first of all a disease of the Creating false categories to define body's geography, in contrast to syphilis and AIDS, whose definition depends the virus in our body creates on constructing a temporal sequence of stages," wrote Susan Sontag in her 1987 classes of haves and have nots essay "AIDS and Its Metaphors." in our community. In reality, if we And while much has changed about AIDS in the intervening decades, the have an AIDS diagnosis, an HIV construction of those time-related sequences remains. AIDS is not, and has stage 3 diagnosis or an HIV stage 1 Study Explores Healthy Old never been, a label of precise definition. diagnosis, we all have HIV disease. It has been a soft-moving target, used to classify people with certain symptoms, We are all on our own unique but it has no relevance to living with HIV infection today. uncharted journey with this virus. Age For Those With HIV We know that a person with HIV can BY WES VENTEICHER look completely healthy and harbor a 2015 is the first year the Centers for CD4 count of 50 cells/mm3, or a person terminology applies that label when there PITTSBURGH (AP) – Treatments for HIV Disease Control and Prevention has can look sickly and wasted and harbor a is only partial evidence. It is a box in have evolved through several generations since more robust number like 199. But both, which I shall remain beyond the grave. August “Buzz” Pusateri tested positive for the estimated more than half of people by definition, have AIDS because their Because once you are diagnosed with virus 30 years ago. CD4 counts are under 200. The cause of AIDS, or HIV stage 3, you are always a The latest drugs promise a near-normal life span living with HIV may be older than 50. their CD4 count decline does not matter; person with AIDS or HIV stage 3. That with few side effects for people newly diagnosed. the presence of HIV combined with the is not science, it is medieval mysticism. But side effects of earlier drugs, and damage clinical director of UPMC’s HIV/AIDS program. decline is the defining factor. the drugs couldn’t prevent, linger in Pusateri’s I am exceedingly aware of the import of McMahon said she started working in HIV clinical 77-year-old body. care and research in 1988. an AIDS diagnosis for many of my friends It's HIV Disease In addition to two pills for HIV, he takes who have overcome the darkest days of Treatments reduce patients’ viral loads to It is time to retire the ill-fated staging medicine to relieve numbness in his feet likely this epidemic. It is a badge of honor. But it extremely low levels in the blood, but don’t cure of HIV disease. It should be called, caused by early treatments. He wears a beard is time to retire the AIDS label altogether HIV or AIDS. The virus remains in long-lived quite simply, HIV disease. The same to cover facial scarring that new patients won’t as medical category. cells and continues to activate the body’s immune perspective should be taken on it as on get, and some of his body’s fat has migrated to system, McMahon said, causing inflammation heart disease, which represents a host his midsection, creating a condition known as that may accelerate chronic conditions such as A Cavalier Label of diagnoses related to the heart, or on lipodystrophy. cardiovascular disease. HIV is linked with higher diabetes that involves a failed pancreas. “It’s been an up-and-down battle,” said cancer risk. Essentially, McMahon said, HIV may In mid-April, I began feeling like death As HIV infects and affects the immune Pusateri. “Really, with this HIV, you never know accelerate aging. warmed over – and that was on my better system, there is no corporeal geography what’s going to happen to you.” days. I was in and out of the ER, and to which to attach the infection; there is Pusateri is among the oldest in a group of people no one could quite figure out what was also no one way HIV progresses. Trying observing a milestone many never imagined: 2015 Studying ‘Strengths’ wrong. Then a lab screw up sent me back to label it is an act of control that is both is the first year the Centers for Disease Control and The first drug to treat the virus, known as to the ER. Within hours I was admitted hubristic and futile. HIV will do what HIV Prevention has estimated more than half of people AZT, inhibited the ability of HIV-infected cells to the hospital – not for the "blood will do in a body, tracking its own course. living with HIV may be older than 50. to reproduce but caused anemia, nausea and infection" the lab results showed, but PCP Creating false categories to define “No one would have believed this 30 years vomiting. As treatments advanced, including the pneumonia (pneumocystis pneumonia) the virus in our body creates classes of ago,” said Ron Stall, director of the Center for major development of protease inhibitors in the and a partially collapsed lung. The next haves and have nots in our community. LGBT Health Research at the University of 1990s, newer drugs attacked HIV-infected cells at day, I had thrush. My CD4s, maintained at In reality, if we have an AIDS diagnosis, Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. a later point in their life cycle. The two-pronged a fairly respectable average of 400 since I an HIV stage 3 diagnosis or an HIV stage Stall recently received a $2.1 million National approach proved effective in lowering the virus started meds in 2010, had crashed to 110. 1 diagnosis, we all have HIV disease. Institutes of Health grant for a three-year study to undetectable levels. The initial assumption was that I had We are all on our own unique uncharted of what he calls “resiliencies” or the social and No treatments existed when the first available failed to adhere to my treatment. Three journey with this virus. emotional characteristics of men who stayed blood test showed Pusateri was HIV-positive in days later, that was shown to be untrue. Words will not and cannot control, healthy while living with HIV or who are at risk 1985. The virus worked unabated, devastating My viral load was undetectable. Another, contain, limit, minimize or stop the story of contracting it. his immune system, and hospitalized him with still unidentified infection had suppressed that the virus will unfold with replicated Stall is beginning the study amid increased a severe bout of pneumonia for the first time in my bone marrow activity – crashing my viral RNA strains. Just as each of us attention from doctors and medical researchers 1991. immune system and my general red blood has our own story of how we became on how the human immunodeficiency virus and He took AZT and tried multiple drugs through cell populations. HIV positive, we also have our own its treatments affect aging. Without treatment, life the 1990s, including those known as d4T and ddI, Despite that medical reality – that my HIV disease story. Each is unique to our expectancy for someone with the virus is about which likely caused the neuropathy in his feet. In PCP and suppressed immune system were DNA, and pretending otherwise erases 10 years, he said. 1998, he started seeing McMahon, who prescribed not caused by HIV, but by some other our unique experiences and our unique “When I first started doing this I never dreamed a cocktail of drugs that dropped his viral load to infection – I was diagnosed and labeled realities. I’d be concerned about geriatric medicine, but an undetectable level. with "AIDS." here we are,” said Dr. Deborah McMahon, I don't care about that; but I do This piece originally appeared at TheBody. See Study: Aging & HIV page 27 care about the cavalier way medical com

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1991 Orchard Lake Rd, Sylvan Lake, MI 48320 248-213-7882 townandcountrydoor.net Charles Alexander, Artist Charles Alexander, www.PrideSource.com Nov. 26, 2015 | BTL 21 ‘Art AIDS America’ Reveals Remaining Stigma

BY CHRISTOPHER TREACY was too much of a downer from a marketing standpoint. ost would assume that within the “And yet, that sort of sobering conversation art world, stigmas about HIV and about AIDS is lost on America at large,” he MAIDS would have petered out years continued. “We experienced more death than ago. So many of our country’s most talented we have in major wars and still, we barely art-world figures are gay, and AIDS has address it. It’s a strange, bifurcated image of been responsible for huge losses within that this country where some of us have walked community. It just seems like it’d be one arena around shell-shocked, our address books filled wherein fear and ignorance would have taken with the names of dead people, while others a backseat by now. live their lives with no recognition of this But as Dr. Jonathan David Katz discovered cataclysmic loss.” as he went about developing “Art AIDS The marketing difficulties do nothing to America” – a new exhibit focused on the detract from the power of the show; maybe cultural impact of AIDS in America – we’d they even attest to it. Totaling approximately be sadly mistaken. Katz, who’s the University 140 pieces, Katz talks about the different at Buffalo Visual Studies Doctorate Program viewpoints as ‘permutations,’ and singles chair, experienced the sad truth firsthand: Even out the earliest piece – Izhar Patkin’s “The in the enclaves of subversive creativity, there Unveiling of a Modern Chastity” – as is still much resistance to open discussion evidence of the community’s near-telepathic about the disease and its ongoing impact, understanding of the illness and its deadly regardless of what lens the artwork may implications before we even really knew what juxtapose. Perhaps most surprising is the it was. Patkin’s image merely mimics the skin chilling realization that resistance is still the lesions (Kaposi Sarcoma) that gay men began rule, not the exception. presenting in increasing numbers, something “This is the first major, traveling national art he’d observed in a hospital waiting area. But exhibit revolving around AIDS, and putting it the title reveals an inherent knowledge of the on has been the most difficult endeavor of my bigger picture. It’s chilling: through these life,” Katz said over the phone. “We went to blotchy, raised, dark-hued red irritations, over 200 museums and yet, as it stands now, Patkin saw the future and somehow intuited the show will hang in just four places. It’s not what it meant. going to San Francisco, not going to Chicago... Katz began work on the exhibit 10 years ago After I did ‘Hide/Seek,’ which was the first with co-curator Rock Hushka from the Tacoma queer-themed exhibit at the Smithsonian, I Art Museum. His conceptual take on the show thought I’d climbed Mt. Everest. I figured it – something he lays out in an essay from the would all be coasting from there on in. I was accompanying companion book – applies wrong.” (As of press time, the exhibit will be a positive, forward-moving spin on a dark hosted in Chicago in the near future.) subject matter. It’s a complicated argument, Katz detailed several issues behind his but the crux is that when AIDS first reared struggle to mount “Art AIDS America” as the its head as a creative topic, contemporary exhibit’s co-curator and primary marketing “For the Record” by Fierce Pussy art was mired in some stagnant ideals. One agent. Many owners were apparently reluctant postmodern concept in particular posited to loan the artwork for fear it might get that meaning isn’t perpetuated by artists, vandalized. The foundations of certain artists but rather is something wholly constructed that made their names in AIDS-informed art in the minds of viewers. This renders artists didn’t want to participate either, (keep in mind, We experienced more death than we have in major wars and irrelevant – mere conduits with no handle on these foundations are funded by the sale of the conveyance of the ideas coming across artwork). More static at the intersection of art still, we barely address it. It’s a strange, bifurcated image of this in their art. In that light, the viewers actually and commerce came from museum directors “ become the artists. who Katz described as being “completely country where some of us have walked around shell-shocked, our Interesting as that is, it removes authorship uninterested.” and self-expression from art. Katz’s show “Topicality is always a danger to the art address books filled with the names of dead people, while others poses the argument that AIDS lent a new social world,” he explained. “The concern is that and political urgency to creative expression in once the issue at hand passes, the artwork live their lives with no recognition of this cataclysmic loss. visual arts, nudging us toward the concept of will be deemed irrelevant. There’s also artistic meaning as a collective reality, i.e., a this issue of ‘AIDS exhaustion,’ and many conversation between the artist and the viewer museum directors seemed to feel that people - Dr. Jonathan David Katz in which meaning is a two-way street. just don’t want to hear about AIDS anymore. ” Some said they loved the art but that the topic See next page

22 BTL | Nov. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com As Hushka has put it, the show to take a piece of candy, thus month at the Tacoma Art is a document of, “...how the participating in the slow Museum in Washington. artists’ response to the epidemic disappearance (deterioration?) From there it will travel to utterly changed artistic practice in of the piece over time. Are they the Zuckerman Museum in the United States.” creating space? Are they killing Georgia before landing in “It was a two-handed problem,” something off? Maybe a little The Bronx Museum of the Katz said, describing the art of both? Arts. Katz would love to see climate of the time. “We had a “It inaugurates a combined the show travel beyond those Republican controlled government series of metaphors,” Katz said. destinations, but doesn’t which engaged in the most explicit “Putting this piece of candy in hold high hopes for an queer-bashing and AIDS-bashing your mouth mimics the ceremony expanded schedule. possible. We had Jesse Helms of Christian sacrament, but “It’s interesting, what saying ‘no federal funding for perhaps you’re also engaging we’re seeing is how pop anything related to AIDS.’ And in the spread of AIDS. By culture and high culture are then you have this pervasive participating, there’s a sense of moving at two completely thinking in the art world that personal responsibility – you’re different speeds,” he said. artists have no sense of expression now involved in the process. So, “Finally in the museum left, that viewers create all the there’s a camouflaging of deeply context, it’s safe for art to meaning. AIDS began to challenge expressive meanings below be talking about race. It’s not that.” the surface both in the titling where it should be, but it’s Katz reveals a newfound, and the way the art invites our better than it was. Queerness, stealthy system of titling as a engagement.” however, is still stuck all the clear manifestation of this Katz went on to say that way ‘back there’ despite the challenge, wherein pieces of art Torres’ work does a great job ubiquity of queer figures “Let the Record Show” by Act Up (Gran Fury, were untitled, but then given a of emblemizing the means by 1987 film still, recreated 2015) on TV and, now, marriage parenthetical name. He uses artist which HIV behaves in the body, equality. The time lag might Felix Gonzales-Torres’ 1991 work thus using the same model as viral ideas. best be explained by the fact “Untitled” (Placebo) – one in a a means for proliferating the art “Art AIDS America” launched that, with art, we’re talking about series of so-called ‘candy spill’ world with a taboo topic. HIV in Los Angeles in June. Considered high value commodities purchased sculptures – as a stunning example. covertly enters into healthy cells a preview/trial run, it opened as by wealthy people.” The piece presents like an area rug: and converts them into little viral part of an arts side-car to L.A. If you might be able to help bring “Art 40,000 pieces of silver-wrapped factories. One could argue that Pride and featured between 25-30 candy spread evenly in a weighty Torres enters a museum’s immune percent of the full show, which AIDS America” to Michigan, please cluster. Viewers are encouraged system and causes it to carry his was unveiled in its entirety last contact Dr. Jonathan David Katz by “The Sick Man” - Ron Athey (2000) email: [email protected].

www.PrideSource.com Nov. 26, 2015 | BTL 23 Local ‘American Idol’ Alum To Sing At World AIDS Day Detroit Malaya Talks LGBT Friends In Theater, Her Upcoming EP And Her Love Of Food

BY SHELBY CLARK PETKUS of Southfield. Malaya, whose good humor is apparent immediately upon talking with PERFORMANCE “American Idol” alumni Malaya Watson her, spoke with Between the Lines about the – who now goes professionally by her first upcoming concert, her musical inspirations and name only – is performing in Detroit Dec. 1 her greatest love: cheese. World AIDS Day along with other singers from various seasons Malaya first got involved with AIDS/HIV Detroit Benefit of the show in honor of World AIDS Day. awareness in 2014. “Last year, I received an Concert The event, which will also feature Kris Allen, email from Phil (Kucab, World AIDS Day 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 1 Melinda Doolittle, Devin Velez and Rayvon Detroit board president) asking about the Owen, is part of a series of events during show,” she says. “I thought it would be a good Tickets: $30-85 the day that World AIDS Day Detroit hosts opportunity, and I performed last year. And he Garden Theater, 3929 Woodward Ave., Detroit every year (www.worldaidsdayus.org). The asked me again this year, and I thought, ‘It’s a www.worldaidsdayus.org 18 year old singer – the youngest “American great fundraiser,’ and I thought it was a good Idol” finalist of all time when she made it idea to go back. And it was fun!” to the Top 8 of Season 13 – is also a native See American Idol, page 26

Religious Leaders Gather To Support Those Living With HIV/AIDS WORLD AIDS DAY EVENT CALENDAR DETROIT – Detroit and suburban religious and community organizations will gather on World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, to remember those who have died, support those 12 p.m. Viral Apartheid: The Rise of HIV Exceptionalism. With who are living with HIV and AIDS and find strength in W RLD special guest Todd Heywood, BTL contributing writer. one another to continue their work in and advocating for Email [email protected] or call 248-370-4333 for AIDS service organizations as well as provide support for more information. Oakland Room, Oakland University Gender and those living with HIV/AIDS. Sexuality Center. www.oakland.edu/csa/gsc More than a dozen organizations will gather for a commemoration service titled “People Who Care About AIDS 1 p.m. People with HIV/AIDS.” The event will be hosted at Spirit Anonymous HIV Testing. Monday-Friday testing until 3 p.m. at the University of Michigan. Call 734-763-1320 of Hope, a Lutheran and Episcopal church, beginning at to schedule an appointment (walk-ins are taken if the 7 p.m. schedule allows). “The mainstream religious community has been slow to Wolverine Wellness, Suite 2110, Second floor, Ann respond to this crisis that has brought physical, emotional Arbor, www.uhs.umich.edu/hivtesting and spiritual pain to our city and larger communities. DAY We are here to be part of the healing, raise our voice for 2:30 p.m. justice and partner together to make that justice a reality,” Mobile Unit Site. Visit the new outreach unit. Receive the People Who Care About People with AIDS team said HIV, Hep C testing and more. Contact Lemont Gore in a press release. Oakland Room, Oakland University Gender and at 734-572-9355 or [email protected] for Sexuality Center. more details. Festivities will include presentations by representatives www.oakland.edu/csa/gsc Parkridge Homes Apartments, Armstrong Street, from local HIV service agencies, poets and spoken Dec. 1 Ypsilanti. http://hivaidsresource.org word artists, gospel musicians, story tellers, first hand Volunteer for World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day Detroit 11 a.m. testimonies of those living with HIV and preachers. is pleased to offer volunteer opportunities for our HIV Testing (appointments only). Call 734-572-9355 to 3 p.m. make your appoinment for free HIV testing. upcoming World AIDS Day events happening at the Film Screening: “How to Survive a Plague.” Email Participants will also be informed as to the numerous Garden Theater in Midtown Detroit. ways they can participate with hands on healing worship. HARC Office, 3075 Clark Road #203, Ypsilanti [email protected] or call 248-370-4333 for more The Garden Theater, 3929 Woodward Ave., Detroit http://hivaidsresource.org information. This annual commemoration, now a multi-faith service, http://gaybe.am/wav Oakland Room, Oakland University Gender and has a long history and in recent years has relocated to the 11:30 a.m. Sexuality Center. www.oakland.edu/csa/gsc heart of the city. Spirit of Hope is home to a comprehensive 8 a.m. World AIDS Day Detroit Symposium. An education World AIDS Day Detroit Giving Breakfast. With special symposium that is a youth-focused education and 7 p.m. HIV prevention and support program in partnership with awareness event. Programming will feature the Ryan guest Jeanne White-Ginder. Tickets are $50-75. World AIDS Day Benefit Concert featuring American White Story as told by his mother, Jeanne White-Ginder. Gospel Against AIDS. Purchase a table for $1,000. Idols. Performers include Kris Allen, Melinda Doolittle, Free. The Garden Theater, 3929 Woodward Ave., Detroit Rayvon Owen, Devin Velez and Malaya Watson. Tickets http://gaybe.am/wab are $30-85. You must be at least 18 years old to Spirit of Hope is located at 1519 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in purchase a ticket. Minors are allowed if accompanied The Garden Theater, 3929 Woodward Ave., Detroit by a parent or guardian. Contact 313-757-1733 Detroit. For more information email the People Who Care Team 9 a.m. http://worldaidsdayus.org/world-aids-day-2015/ or email [email protected] with any Name Memorial Quilt Display. Email [email protected] questions. at [email protected]. or call 248-370-4333 for more information. See WAD Calendar, page 26

24 BTL | Nov. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com World AIDS Day Detroit Celebrates 25 Years Of The Ryan White CARE Act BY AJ TRAGER items and models. According to the 2015 Annual “HIV and AIDS is a big problem DETROIT – Every year the world and we need to be talking more openly gathers together on Dec. 1 to unite in HIV Surveillance Report for about it,” Board President Kucab said the fight against HIV/AIDS, show their Michigan published in July, in a press release. “HIV is 100 percent support for those living with the disease preventable, yet we are still seeing and to remember those who have the state has approximately 50,000 new infections each year. been lost. This year World AIDS Day Overall in the United States, one out Detroit has planned a day of events that 18,800 people living with HIV. of 200 people have HIV, but it is three will celebrate the organization’s fifth times that rate here in Detroit. One anniversary and the 25th anniversary as an “innocent victim” but personally in four people with HIV do not even of the Ryan White CARE Act. rejected that label, believing that every know they have it. Treatment and care Worlds AIDS Day Detroit was started individual living with HIV/AIDS is is accessible, yet less than half of the in 2011 by Wayne State University innocent. White passed away in 1990 people in and around Detroit who have School of Medicine student Phillip but not until he spent months educating HIV are being treated. We can do much Kucab. Since its start, the organization the nation on HIV/AIDS. Congress better than that.” has grown not only in name recognition passed the Ryan White CARE Act WADD will host two additional but has also established itself as the in 1990, four months after his death, events on the same day following the largest HIV/AIDS-awareness event in to provide access to medicine and Giving Breakfast at 8 a.m. A symposium the city of Detroit. treatment for Americans impacted by will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Garden For the first time since its conception, HIV/AIDS. Theater and will feature remarks by WADD has an official paid staff member, There are approximately 40 AIDS White-Ginder and AIDS United CEO Executive Director Maxwell Cameron. service organizations in the state of Michael Kaplan followed by a panel Cameron joined the organization full Michigan. This year’s WADD event, presentation that will include voices of time on Sept. 1 and is responsible for held at the Garden Theater, is produced those who are living with HIV or strong managing all areas of the organization, in collaboration with a number of allies who work in the community. including overseeing the production of AIDS Service Organizations in the area Those guests will speak towards their events such as WAD. He is the first full including Michigan AIDS Coalition, experiences and what it means to be time paid staff member but is optimistic APM/HARC, Matrix Human Services, living with HIV. The Stigma Index will that the group will expand to include the Wayne State University Adult HIV/ join WADD and discuss some recent more paid positions. AIDS Program, the City of Detroit findings associated with the community. “I think the thing that draws me to Health Department’s Ryan White The event is a special opportunity for HIV (work) is the fact that it is such Program, the Oakland County Health students and community members to an intersectional issue,” Cameron Department, HELP and a few others. participate in World AIDS Day and hear told BTL. “HIV awareness work “Our partner agencies are key to our first hand White’s inspiring story, as told often doesn’t stand alone in terms of success; they help with promotion, by his mother. The symposium is free supporting somebody with HIV who fliers and print materials. We supply and open to the public. Those interested may also have mental health problems them with those items and they help let in participating can contact WADD or access to housing or treatment people in the community know what is leadership at www.worldaidsdayus.org. problems. It also intersects with LGBT going on on WAD. They also inform The closing concert event will rights and LGBT health. It’s one of their clients and they are important to begin at 7 p.m. and will include a those things that we need to work on how we get a critical mass of people to headline performance by American Idol addressing. HIV/LGBT activism has the event,” Cameron said. Season 8 winner Kris Allen followed always been at the forefront of changing According to the 2015 Annual HIV by performances by Detroit’s own larger policies.” Surveillance Report for Michigan season 13 finalist, Malaya Watson, As part of the 25th anniversary of published in July, the state has and American Idols Melinda Doolittle, Ryan White’s death, Jeanne White- approximately 18,800 people living Rayvon Owen and Devin Valez. Tickets Ginder, White’s mother, will share with HIV. Of those documented cases start at $30 with VIP tickets costing $85. her son’s story at the WADD Giving 6,840 of those affected live in the city World AIDS Day Detroit is sponsored Breakfast, the annual event kick of Detroit. by: Hemophilia Foundations of off that starts at 8 a.m. Detroit-area Over the last few years funding for Michigan, Walgreens, 98.7 AMP Radio, mayors, elected officials, community- HIV/AIDS groups and research has Wayne State School of Medicine, based organizations and university changed dramatically and Cameron is Motivus Health Care, Oakland and business leaders will all be in thankful that the Ryan White Care Act University, BioRX, Color Me Rad, attendance to hear White-Ginder’s was able to help so many organizations Between The Lines and Fox 2 Detroit. keynote address. over the years conduct their work and For more information, tickets for events White contracted HIV through help out local communities. Moving or to make donations, please visit www. tainted blood products used to treat forward, however, he sees funding hemophilia and was ostracized by his worldaidsdayus.org. The Garden Theater challenges for HIV/AIDS services as is located at 3929 Woodward Ave. in community and expelled from school the HIV community shifts focus to other because of his disease. He was regarded downtown Detroit. www.PrideSource.com Nov. 26, 2015 | BTL 25 don’t know what genre to call me! I’m “Oh yeah. Oh you know!” she ® American Idol inspired from every aspect of music. I exclaims when the topic comes up. “You Continued from p. 24 listen to classical sometimes all day.” can ask anybody – I love food!” Though she’s veering from her Any hometown favorites? “Coney predominantly R&B performances on Islands. It don’t get no better than that,” Malaya likes to keep the crowd “American Idol,” she is gracious and she gushes. “I usually get the out of engaged, noting, “I like to keep it thankful when describing her time on the ordinary – I like to get breakfast. exciting ... You should expect some the show. “It gave me the exposure, the Everybody thinks it’s crazy. I get like excitement and some heartfelt emotion experience and the opportunity just to three pancakes, white toast with extra this year. I’m going to give you a little get my music out there,” she laughs, butter, four pieces of sausage, eight bit of both. I will be singing ‘Gone “show American and the world, you pieces of bacon and three or four sunny Too Soon’ – remember when Michael know, who Malaya is! It was amazing side up eggs! And I eat the whole thing. Jackson wrote the one song about the and a very great opportunity that I’m I don’t leave anything on the plate. And child (Ryan White) who passed away glad I had.” the crazy part is, I eat again. Maybe an during the AIDS epidemic? I will be Beyond the hit Fox show, Malaya’s hour later? I love food!” singing the song for the mother of the past performance experience includes Malaya even dabbled with the power child (Jeanne White-Ginder) ... There quite a lot of local theater, including time of social media recently when it comes will be plenty of tissues.” This year is with Mosaic Youth Theater of Detroit. to food. the 25th anniversary of White’s death. Does the girl with a knack for quick “I love cheese. Cheese is delicious. The singer also likes to keep things jokes and a background in theater have Sargento sent me some cheese because I exciting when it comes to her work post- more than just singing in her future? “I was so excited by the cheese emoji. Big “American Idol.” “‘My Diary’ is what don’t know what the future has. Maybe shout out to them – that was really cool. Find us on Facebook I’m working on right now,” she says theater, though, maybe,” she ponders. “I I love cheese.” With love like that, could of her upcoming EP. “It’s going good, like to dabble in anything I can.” Malaya’s next gig be a deal with a food Between The Lines Newspaper actually. We don’t have a specific date Those theater experiences informed company? “Oh definitely,” she wishes. for it to be released, but it’s going well. her inclusive attitude, as well. “If I could get a cheese commercial, that Everything’s coming together!” Genre “Because of my theater experiences, would be amazing.” wise, it will be unique, as she’s almost I’ve had a lot of friends that are a part While Malaya continues to work on Find us on Facebook stumped when describing the sound. of the LGBT community. And, you her EP, fans can expect her to venture “Ummmm ... we just call it Malaya. I know, I don’t discriminate against any out of the state soon as she continues Between The Lines Newspaper guess you could say it’s new, but I don’t type of love. You love what you love. to further her career. “I’m trying to get know. I just call it ‘Malaya’! I’m a new If it’s strong like that, then I’m a strong myself not just in Michigan but all over genre!” supporter of that. I have a bunch of the country and all over the world. That’s Some of her inspirations include friends (who are LGBT). I used to sing a plan,” she says emphatically. “The classic heavy hitters but are just as at the (Detroit) Opera House, actually, universe! I’ll become an alien!” diverse as her sound for “My Diary.” when I was in middle school. Some “Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin. (My of the people that were my age were The World AIDS Day Benefit Concert inspirations) are all across the board. from that community and they were my There’s no really specific person,” she friends just like anybody else was.” will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1 at the says. “Rap. I actually listen to a lot of Though singing, theater and Garden Theater in Detroit. Tickets are $30- that, as crazy as it sounds. I get a lot of community outreach remain facets of her 85. Visit www.worldaidsdayus.org for more inspiration from that also. That’s why I career, her true love seems to be food. information.

p.m.. Affirmations and AIDS Partnership Washtenaw County Public Health, 555 Dec. 2 Michigan. For more information, please Towner St., Suite 1103, Ypsilanti. ® WAD Calendar call the MIchigan HIV/STI Hotline at www.ewashtenaw.org Continued from p. 24 6 p.m. 1-800-872-2437. Everyone welcome. Testing together (for eligible couples/ 6 p.m. Free STD & HIV testing, Michigan AIDS sex partners) is offered by appointment. The Garden Theater, 3929 Woodward Coalition (MAC). MAC provides free HIV, Contact Clarence Peeples at APM’s main Anonymous Rapid HIV Testing. Free HIV Ave., Detroit Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Hepatitis C office at 313-446-9820. testing through the HIV/AIDS Resource http://gaybe.am/wac testing every Wednesday through 9 p.m. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Center (HARC) every Monday until 8 p.m. Last client taken 30 minutes before end of Ferndale Not offered over University of Michigan 7 p.m. testing session. HIV, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia www.goaffirmations.org breaks. Contact [email protected] and Hepatitis C testing provided to or [email protected] for more People Who Care About People With AIDS everyone. information. Interfaith Service. Spirit of Hope Church, Detroit. All welcome; light refreshments Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Dec. 5 Spectrum Center, Michigan Union, 500 S. following. 1519 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ferndale State St., Ann Arbor Blvd., Detroit. Spiritofhopedetroit@gmail. www.goaffirmations.org 1 p.m. com Free HIV and syphilis testing through 4 p.m. Affirmations and AIDS Partnership 7 p.m. Dec. 3 Michigan. For more information, please Dec. 8 call the MIchigan HIV/STI Hotline at Raw Deal: Barebacking in America. With 1-800-872-2437. Everyone welcome. special guest Todd Heywood, contributing 12 noon Testing together (for eligible couples/ 5 p.m. writer to BTL. Email [email protected] or Free HIV testing. Every Thursday from sex partners) is offered by appointment. Free STD & HIV testing, Oakland County call 248-370-4333 for more information. noon to 5:30 p.m. 1209 S. University Ave., Contact Clarence Peeples at APM’s main Health Division. Offered twice per month Oakland Room, Oakland University Gender Ann Arbor office at 313-446-9820. Affirmations, 290 on every second and last Tuesday of and Sexuality Center. www.oakland.edu/ www.s3safesexstore.com W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale every month through 7:30 p.m. Last client csa/gsc www.goaffirmations.org taken at 7:30 p.m. All testing performed 1 p.m. by Registered Nurses. Tests offered: Evening Walk-in HIV/STD Testing Thursdays at HIV Rapid Testing, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Fall Into The Red: World AIDS Day. Social Washtenaw County Public Health through Dec. 7 Chlamydia, Trichomonaiasis (Trich). Throat Hall Theatre at Ferndale First United 4 p.m. Washtenaw County Public Health, and anal cultures as needed on a case by Methodist, 22331 Woodward Ave., 555 Towner St., Suited 1103, Ypsilanti, 8:30 a.m. case basis. Ferndale. www.fallitr.com www.ewashtenaw.org Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, HIV testing by appointment Monday- Ferndale. www.goaffirmations.org Friday. Call to schedule an appointment 5:30 p.m. at 734-544-6840. Evening appointments Free HIV and syphilis testing through 8:30 available.

26 BTL | Nov. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com ® Study: Aging & HIV Support Systems Continued from p. 20 Pusateri said he volunteers with patient- advocacy organizations, goes to church and receives help and support from two nieces. He As he approaches 79, the average life span credits his health in part to a positive outlook. of an American male, Pusateri is healthier than “I remember thinking to myself, ‘I’m not many younger men without HIV, McMahon going to die,’ and I just pushed that out of my said. mind,” he said. “I’m a very optimistic person.” His success living with the virus makes him In nearly 30 years of seeing patients, a likely candidate for Stall’s resiliency study, McMahon said she has noted the value of which will survey men who participated in resiliency and support from family and friends the Pitt Men’s Study, a 30-year-old research in getting patients to take care of themselves. project with residents of Pittsburgh, Baltimore, “Just in general, anyone who has a support Chicago and Los Angeles. Stall’s study will system does a bit better,” she said. “And as include 1,850 men from the study, including you get older that becomes more important, those who are HIV-positive and HIV-negative. because you start to rely on people.” The study will examine specific qualities At the 30-year-old Pittsburgh AIDS Task and conditions in the men’s lives, Stall said. Force, about half of 700 clients are older than It will look at impacts of factors such as the 50, the organization said. resolution of internalized homophobia, the “It’s a good thing that there are better preservation of personal relationships, family medications, that people are living longer,” building and connection with community, said Jason Herring, the organization’s director he said. of programs and communications. “That’s one Stall said he will look for associations of the reasons we’re here. ... But they are living between those characteristics and how well with issues that normally you’d see in much people stick to a medical regimen their doctor older people.” recommends, which experts said is the most The organization is encouraging older important element of living with HIV. people to get tested for HIV, saying doctors “Normally in the health sciences, we and patients can mistake HIV’s symptoms study deficits – we study weaknesses,” for the normal effects of aging, missing the Stall said. “I’m trying to flip it, say, opportunity to start treatment early. ‘Aren’t strengths important, too?’?” “Older folks may have more guilt built up and don’t want to think about it,” Herring said. “They’re in a mindset several years behind where we are now.”

www.PrideSource.com Nov. 26, 2015 | BTL 27 The Charlie Sheen Moment You Probably Missed And so, the immensely BY MARK S. KING privileged actor found himself in a position known all too he subtle moment came during the second segment of Matt Lauer’s well by those of us who live Texplosive interview with actor Charlie with HIV: having to disclose Sheen. It impressed me so deeply I actually backed up my recording and watched it twice our status and pray to God more. Sheen had already endured the first segment the response will be at least of his time with Lauer, during which he resembled an uneasy hostage trying to charm civil, if not empathetic. his captors. Gone were most of the features of the train wreck we have come to know as Charlie Sheen: the mania, the twitches and you’re really winning.” glazed eyes, the bloviated pronouncements The camera cut to Sheen, who fumbled delivered with the bravado of a crack cocaine out a “wow… that’s lovely,” although he messiah. still seemed to be holding his breath. Lauer That public meltdown was in 2011, a continued with a third message. “Now you millennia in celebrity years. The humbled, own your truth,” the message read. “Good on visibly nervous man on “The Today Show” you, Charlie Sheen. Respect.” had his back against a wall, forced to reveal And it was in this moment, as Lauer finished his HIV positive status on the eve of venomous the third of three consecutive responses, all tabloids doing it for him. of them supportive, that the camera revealed And so, the immensely privileged actor something barely perceptible but achingly found himself in a position known all too human. well by those of us who live with HIV: Charlie Sheen raised his shoulders slightly having to disclose our status and pray to in a shallow intake of breath, and then let it God the response will be at least civil, if not out, shifting in his chair as if to mask it, while empathetic. Except, of course, Sheen did it his eyes found a place of exquisite, emotional under the blaze of studio lighting, with high relief that no mere actor could ever muster. definition cameras searching for any betraying It was the sigh of a thousand gulps of air, the signals on a face layered with makeup and release of months of secrecy and loneliness, apprehension. of doubt and the very real fear of what lies The moment that transfixed me came after beyond the words, “I am HIV positive.” an endless commercial break – several minutes It was then that I recognized the man on the of corporate pigs at the trough, lapping up television screen. He was every HIV positive the ratings slop of Sheen’s misfortune. Sheen person who has ever had to make a revelation had already made his HIV disclosure and had that holds the acceptance of our loved ones begun building a case against the extortions and co-workers and friends in its precarious of his former sex partners and confidantes. It balance. And, at least in that instant, fate was wasn’t the most relatable storyline with which merciful to Charlie Sheen. to lead, but it was presented through a veiled, The backlash, as if duty bound, has begun. undeniable personal agony. Much has been breathlessly reported about the And then, Lauer announced he had messages veracity of Sheen’s statements, the lawsuits, from Twitter he wanted to share, fresh off the blame and recriminations, and even his the internet presses, containing reactions to residual tiger blood bluster that he might be the Sheen’s HIV disclosure from the town square man to deliver a cure. None of the nonsense to of cyberspace. Sheen’s face changed. On live come can nullify the fact that the critical words television, in front of a blockbuster audience “undetectable viral load” have been written, the world over, Charlie Sheen would now hear spoken and defined more in the last few days exactly what people thought of him, his story, than in the entire history of HIV advocacy. and most unnervingly, his HIV status. There will be plenty of time to assess the Lauer began to read. “Laura says, ‘You have fallout of Charlie Sheen’s disclosure, for better brought me to tears. I am profoundly touched or worse. For now, I remain struck by the by your honesty…’” The camera had moved eyes of a vulnerable man during his singular, to a graphic of the tweets and Sheen was not desperate moment of grace. visible. Lauer was continuing with a second And in them, a glimmer of hope for us all. message. “For the first time in a long time This piece originally appeared on you can be proud of yourself,” he read, “Now MyFabulousDisease.com. Used with permission.

28 BTL | Nov. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com were introduced Roy Cohn as Bookmarks: Classic Reads For World AIDS Day and saved his an important life. Strub character and BY KEITH ORR through the book, making it an engaging piece of journalism and call to action. was, and is, a foil. Characters combination of struggle with ec. 1 is always a somber day – a time to The initial reception to the book was entrepreneur the relation remember those we have lost. Just as controversial. It earned rewards for its literary and activist. between important, it is a time to renew efforts D and journalistic qualities. Not surprisingly, This was religion and for an AIDS-free world. Much has changed many of those criticised in the book were less an unusual family and since the early days when “an unexpected welcoming. Though some the conclusions combination their sexual cluster of cases” was given the moniker of have been refuted over time, the basic premise at the time, but orientation and GRID (Gay Related Immune Deficiency). of the book damning the governmental perhaps laid the HIV status. There are treatments available for many response remains both harrowing and true. groundwork for Kushner is a which result in undetectable levels of the today’s activism which is itself entrepreneurial. fan of Bertolt virus. With these therapies, AIDS becomes a Voices In The Band: A Doctor, Her Patients, Both his work and his activism depended on Brecht, whose theatricality pushes the bounds manageable chronic condition. Some therapies and How the Outlook on AIDS Care Changed from Doomed to Hopeful networking, and he knew many people, of reality creating a more powerful drama. are being tested which could lead to not just famous and infamous. If nothing else, this In “Angels,” there are visions of the ghost undetectable levels, but eradication of the By Susan C. Ball cast of characters makes this a fantastic read. of Ethel Rosenberg and Angels. The visions virus. There are preventive protocols using An incredible memoir of a doctor who constantly remind the viewer of the theatrical Truvada which, though not a vaccine, provide Angels In America worked with patients starting in 1992. Her nature of the story, resulting in a hyper-realism tremendous protection. practice crossed the divide when there were By Tony Kushner making the work all the more powerful. no effective treatments, to the era of protease Thus, much has not changed. Untreated, AIDS Great tragedies inspire great art. One of the inhibitors and The full play is a seven hour production, is still a deadly disease. Not everyone has pinnacles of expression from the horror of cocktails of usually performed over two days. However, access to the treatment in developed countries. the AIDS epidemic was Kushner’s classic, the late ‘90s, like most great plays, it works as a literary Many people react poorly to the therapies and “Angels In America,” composed of two through the piece, as well. Whether or not you have seen destroy livers and kidneys to hold the disease independent plays, “Part One: The Millennium present when a production, you should read this important in check as long as possible. Education is Approaches,” and “Part Two: Perestroika.” therapy can piece of gay culture. still needed to inform people how to prevent The play has been produced on Broadway and be one pill a transmission and to teach the uninformed how in a popular HBO adaptation. the disease is not transmitted. day. The book Keith Orr and his husband Martin Contreras The play revolves around Louis, a gay Jew, are the owner-operators of Common Language Here are a few older and newer books to opens with her whose lover Prior is diagnosed with AIDS. Bookstore, one of the few surviving LGBT/Feminist understand the past and present of AIDS. first days on the job and the The action cuts through generations and Bookstores. Visit www.glbtbooks.com for books and helpless feeling political ideologies, introducing conservative more information. And The Band Played On: Politics, People, of caring for and the AIDS Epidemic patients whose By Randy Shilts HIV has progressed to Randy Shilts was the gay community’s full-blown AIDS. At the time, that diagnosis documentarian. In 1981 he was hired as meant nothing to a physician. There was an openly nothing to treat. You could at least fight the gay journalist opportunistic infections, even if the fight was with the San often a losing battle. AIDS had no treatments. Francisco You could only care for them, make them feel Chronicle. He loved and watch them die. wrote three major books in In spite of the odds, what she saw in those his short life: days was the finest in medical care. Teams “The Mayor of worked together tirelessly. In tragic irony, Castro Street: today doctors can save their patients but The Life and back then they cared for them. The voices in Times of “Voices In The Band” will haunt you as much Harvey Milk,” as they clearly haunt Dr. Ball. “And The Band Body Counts: A Memoir of Politics, Sex, AIDS Played On,” and and Survival “Conduct Unbecoming: Gays and Lesbians in By Sean Strub the US Military from Vietnam to the Persian Gulf.” He died of complications from AIDS On reading this recent memoir I was struck in 1994 at the age of 42. by the fact that Sean Strub was present at or at the center of so many important political “And The Band Played On” is one of the and cultural events. An early AIDS activist best of the chronicles of the early years of and founder of POZ Magazine, Strub was a the AIDS epidemic. Originally published in member of ACT-UP, participating in the Saint 1987, Shilts used his prodigious skills as an Patrick’s Cathedral actions and covering Jesse investigative journalist to conclude that the Helms’ house in a giant condom. He rubbed epidemic was allowed to happen through elbows with the likes of Keith Haring and apathy and indifference. Shilts examines the Andy Warhol. He was the first person on the actions and reactions of several communities: scene at the assassination of John Lennon. gay, medical, political, governmental and Diagnosed early on with HIV, he was near the news media. He weaves personal stories death in 1995 when protease inhibitors www.PrideSource.com Nov. 26, 2015 | BTL 29 Photo: Meredith Truax Joe Jonas On Disco, ‘Accidentally’ Going To Gay Clubs & Making Music With Brother Nick

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI Why disco? you ever gotten down to some disco at a gay stumbling into what you think is a regular It’s something I grew up listening to quite a club? club. You’re like, “Oh, OK. Here we go.” ick Jonas isn’t the only one going to bit; it was always played in the house. My I went to a gay club with Nick a few months gay clubs like a good ally – his older At what point did you realize the club was gay? dad grew up in the ’70s and always really ago – it was really fun! And actually, I was brother, Joe, enjoys a night out with N loved everything funk and disco, and it was really impressed by the DJ – he played Getting hit on by more men than you would the gays too. And the best part? Sometimes the one style of music that all of us in DNCE everything and was all over the map. His usually get hit on by. they even go together. loved. It helped us embody what this has musicality was really great, and we just had As if that wasn’t enough, Joe is taking his What is that experience like for you? become – this kind of disco-rock-pop stuff a great time. new sound to the clubs with a disc drenched that we were able to brew up. It’s flattering. I don’t mind... if someone in the disco-funk sounds of the ’70s. His latest Was this your first time at a gay club? is nice. And it’s been cool to see at these post-Jonas Brothers endeavor, “SWAAY,” Considering the genre’s ties to your childhood, Well… I’ve accidentally gone to gay clubs concerts too. A lot of guys come out to the features South Korean guitarist JinJoo, bassist do you get nostalgic performing this music? before! (Laughs) I think that’s happened to shows – some gay guys as well – and I love and keyboardist Cole Whittle and drummer Sometimes, yeah. I feel like when I perform a few people. But, you know, it was cool. that. They rock out; they have fun. And I Jack Lawless. Collectively, they’re known these songs it’s a new experience every time, We went out with some of our friends who feel like the music is helping people express as DNCE. because you’re playing the same songs but are gay. I just think we live in a world where themselves in a way. I’m seeing people with We caught up with the band’s frontman, Joe seeing the reactions of different audiences. obviously it’s not a big deal – it’s fine – and glitter on their face, with the brightest colors. Jonas, to discuss his mission to “encourage So sometimes it brings me back, but for right you can have fun wherever you go and make I love that we can encourage people to be people to be themselves,” recent talks with now it’s kind of a whole new experience all the best of it. themselves. Nick regarding a Jonas Brothers reunion and over again. how he’s “accidentally” wandered into gay How do you accidentally end up in a gay club? How does your experience with DNCE compare to Jonas Brothers? clubs. Disco is obviously steeped in gay culture. Have (Laughs) Umm... being in Europe and not being able to read any of the signs and just The fan base is older now, and there are

30 BTL | Nov. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com college kids and some adults, and it’s cool to really important to be your own artist and be see that. I was in Toronto recently and I had creative, and if you wanna be a certain way or a DJ gig after the show, and I would say 80 if there’s a style of music you wanna go with, to 90 percent of the audience came to the DJ take that journey. It’s difficult because you gig. It’s cool to see that they’re all down to think you know everything, and then there hang – and that they’re obviously old enough. are times you’re told you know nothing, so I think you just have to learn and take time to In 2014, Nick said he didn’t feel Jonas Brothers understand who you are as a person and who did enough for their gay fans. What’s your take you are as an artist. Soon enough, you’ll start on that? to realize it’s OK to be you and to really be Maybe it was just our age, but I would agree whoever you want to be. You’ll see that people with Nick. We maybe didn’t reach out as prefer that more than a cardboard cutout. much as we probably could have. I hope now From your recent breakup with Gigi Hadid to we can encourage other straight guys to have a voice as well. I care too much about my your new blue hair – how do you handle the friends who are gay and fans who are gay to constant interest regarding every facet of your be quiet about it. life? And now, having friends who are gay and It’s pretty funny. I think I’ve learned to laugh touring in these different markets and seeing it off when sometimes they like to create their that DNCE has gay fans coming out to the own stories – even out of your hair. (Laughs) shows, it’s awesome. I just hope that with my new music – and like Nick – I’ll be able Ha, is the blue hair not a story? to reach out in my own way and really get (Laughs) I don’t think so! I just did it people to feel comfortable. That’s what we’re because I wanted to do it – there really trying to do, especially with DNCE. It’s like wasn’t a deeper meaning to any of it, which its own party, and we invite everybody. is why I think it’s really funny. They make it something. I could be frustrated or I could How aware were you of a gay following while in be mad about that, but I just laugh it off. Jonas Brothers? I’ve learned to handle it better over time. We would see gay fans here and there come to And it’s never always been that easy; there shows, and we were always very happy to say are moments that have been difficult for me. hi, and (be) loving. It always made us happy. I’ve read stuff or something I would say And like, you’d see a sign or two (laughs) was taken out of context and that’s tough, that would say something kind of funny. I obviously, but as you get older you get can’t remember what they said off the top of better at it and you go, “I know the truth.” my head – a lot of them were always making me laugh, and they were flattering too. So having blue hair isn’t this empowering post- breakup moment that the media is making it You recently tweeted a photo of you in a feather out to be? boa while in Texas. What’s the story behind that? I like having blue hair. I don’t think I feel any (Laughs) Oh, wow, I don’t even remember. different; it was just a spur-of-the-moment But I’m definitely the risk-taker out of the decision anyway. But I’m not gonna react or brothers and have been for many years, and go after the press about it because I just find so I don’t remember all the crazy and wacky it funny. things that I’ve done. I definitely really don’t let anything hold me back these days. Will you and Nick – and even your other brother, Kevin – ever do anything musically together Is that because there’s less to hold you back? again? Definitely, yeah. I feel like it’s nice to be able I would say so. Nick and I have a few ideas to have a voice in the music industry but also to work with other artists who we really be able to express that voice and not really like. There are a couple of artists out there feel shy about that or feel like you’re not that we think are really incredible that we’d supposed to say this or say that. Obviously like to work together with. And then, there’s being in the situation that my brothers and I always down the road. We don’t really ever were in for so many years – we didn’t have wanna say never to anything just because anyone in particular saying, “Don’t do this, there could be something that comes along don’t do that,” but you just have that in our way that we might say, “You know, the back of your head because you’re a bit let’s try working on this song together.” It’s worried or nervous that you might say or do tough to say that we’ll never do it because something that could set off fireworks. who knows. You hear so many stories about child stars, and What would reunite you? we see so many of them not make it. How did Time itself. Seeing where things will lead you survive those childhood years, and what us. It’s easy to say we’re done and that we’re advice would you give someone as young as you never doing it again, but then we both look at were? each other and go, “We obviously get along.” Man, it’s definitely difficult. The first thing And who knows – years from now we could is remembering that you’re not crazy for be like, “All right, let’s make a record.” It thinking or doing the things you wanna do. It’s could easily happen. www.PrideSource.com Nov. 26, 2015 | BTL 31 32 BTL | Nov. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com Tickets On Sale For Spring Wharton Event “Matilda The Musical” is coming to winning playwright Dennis Kelly and They have trained generations of the very Wharton Center as part of the MSUFCU music and lyrics by Australian comedian, best theater makers since the company was Cool Cities Broadway at Wharton Center series. musician and composer Tim Minchin. founded, and they continue to nurture the Produced by the Royal Shakespeare The production has sets and costumes talent of the future. They reach 450,000 Company and the Dodgers, the first by Tony Award winner Rob Howell children and young people annually Lansing national tour of “Matilda The Musical” will with choreography by Peter Darling, through education work, transforming be featured on Tuesday, April 19-Sunday, orchestrations, additional music and their experiences in the classroom, in YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET April 24, 2016 in the Cobb Great Hall. musical supervision by Christopher performance and online. Tickets to see “Matilda The Musical” Nightingale, lighting by Tony Award The show’s co-producer, Dodger Pinpoint your ad dollars where are now on sale at the official source to winner Hugh Vanstone, and sound by Properties, is a producing partnership they will do the most good . . . purchase Wharton Center tickets online, Simon Baker. hatched at BAM in 1978 by six friends: Advertise in the next Cool Cities www.whartoncenter.com, at the Auto The producer, The Royal Shakespeare Michael David, Edward Strong, Rocco Owners Insurance Ticket Office or by Company, creates theater at its best, made in Landesman, Des McAnuff, Doug Johnson TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 calling 1-800-WHARTON. Prices begin Stratford upon Avon and shared around the and Sherman Warner. From the initial at $38, $25 for Michigan State University world. Everyone at the RSC – from actors foothold in Brooklyn, the Dodger family students. to technicians, milliners to musicians – grew, migrated to the NY Shakespeare Winner of 50 international awards, plays a part in creating the world audiences Festival, then to off and on Broadway, including four Tony Awards and a record see on stage. Their work begins its life at where their productions have garnered breaking seven Olivier Awards including their Stratford workshops and theaters, a host of national (Tony, Drama Critics Best Musical, “Matilda The Musical” is and they bring it to the widest possible Circle, Obie) and international (Olivier, based on the beloved novel by best selling audience through touring, residencies, live Helpmann and Dora) awards. In addition to author Roald Dahl (“Charlie and the broadcasts and online activity. So wherever “Jersey Boys” on Broadway, the Dodgers Chocolate Factory,” “Fantastic Mr. Fox”). audiences experience the RSC, they are producers of current productions in It is the story of an extraordinary girl who experience work made in Shakespeare’s London, Las Vegas and touring productions dreams of a better life. Armed with a vivid home town. in North America and the U.K. The imagination and a sharp mind, Matilda RSC encourages everyone to enjoy a RSC Literary Department is generously dares to take a stand and change her destiny. lifelong relationship with Shakespeare and supported by The Drue Heinz Trust. “Matilda The Musical” is directed by live theater. They produce an inspirational Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, Tony Award winner Matthew Warchus artistic programme each year, setting (“God of Carnage”), who helms this Shakespeare in context, alongside the work 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and production with a book by Tony Award of his contemporaries and today’s writers. 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.

www.PrideSource.com Nov. 26, 2015 | BTL 33 734-994-3677. www.Autbar.com Sunday, Dec. 6 Service of Affirmation 7:30 p.m. St. OUTINGS Clare's Episcopal Church and Temple Beth Bowl-A-Rama 6 p.m. Ruth Ellis Center, Salsa Night Salsa lessons. $1 tacos. \aut\ Emeth are hosting the Annual Interfaith 3490 12 Mile Road, Berkley. 248-321- BAR, 315 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. 734-994- Service of Affirmation for transgender, Thursday, Nov. 26 3635. www.Ruthelliscenter.org 3677. www.Autbar.com MAC Health 2 p.m. Mondays by bisexual, lesbian, gay, queer, questioning appointment only. Michigan AIDS Connections 6 p.m. Open to all LGBTQ and intersex people, their families, friends Coalition (MAC), Ferndale. www. and Ally youth from 13-18.Join us to meet Monday, Dec. 7 and allies. The theme for this years Michiganaidscoalition.org other LGBTQ and Ally teens and socialize A Streetcar Named Desire The Ringwald service is Lighting the Path of Justice in a safe space. Kalamazoo Gay and Theatre, 22742 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. and featured speaker will be The Rev. Lesbian Resource Center, 629 Pioneer 248-545-5545. www.Theringwald.com Roland Stringfellow, Senior Pastor of Sunday, Nov. 29 St., Kalamazoo. 269-349-4234. www. the Metropolitan Community Church of LGBT Sexual Assault Survivors Groups Pride NA 6:30 p.m. Confidential and Kglrc.org Detroit. There will be a free-will offering anonymous. Open to all individuals 5:30 p.m. Any member of the LGBT for ACLU Michigans LGBT Legal Project to impacted by addiction. Kalamazoo Gay Tattoo (Tatuagem) 7 p.m. Lusophone community, age 13-24, who is a survivor support their important work of advocating and Lesbian Resource Center, 629 Pioneer Film Fest, 233 S. State St., Ann of sexual assault is welcome. This group justice and equal rights for all. Music will St., Kalamazoo. 269-349-4234. www. Arbor. www.lsa.umich.edu/rll/events/ is open to all LGBTQIAP individuals who be provided by Jean Chorazyczewski, Lori Kglrc.org lusophonefilmfest have experienced any form of sexual Fithian, Katie Geddes, Brandy Sinco, Lax assault in their lifetime. Kalamazoo Slomovits, and David Vaughn. St. Clares Tuesday, Dec. 1 Friday, Dec. 4 Gay and Lesbian Resource Center, 629 Episcopal Church & Temple Beth Emeth & Pioneer St., Kalamazoo. 269-345-5595. WelcomingAffirming Faith Communities, Fall Into the Red Service, performance Bistro Fridays Special menu. \aut\BAR, [email protected] www. 2309 Packard, Ann Arbor. 248-219- group, dinner. Fall Into The Red, 22331 315 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. 734-994- Kglrc.org 7583. [email protected] Woodward Ave., Ferndale. www.Fallitr. 3677. www.Autbar.com com Jazz in the Gallery 7:30 p.m. A local Saturday, Dec. 5 jazz ensemble, led by pianist and Annual World AIDS Day Detroit Giving vocalist Brandon Perkins, rehearses MUSIC & MORE turnIT aut \aut\BAR, 315 Braun Ct., Ann Breakfast 8 a.m. With special guest and holds casual jam sessions in the The Ark "Mr. B." Tickets: $20. The Ark, Arbor. 734-994-3677. www.Autbar.com Jeanne White-Ginder, mother of Ryan Pittmann-Puckett Gallery every Monday 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Nov. 28. White.Tickets: $50-75. World AIDS Day Educator Workshop The Hampsong evening. Jazz in the Gallery is open to 734-761-1800. www.Theark.org Detroit, 1526 Broadway St., Detroit. Foundation 9 a.m. The workshop will the public. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile 313-237-SING. www.Wadbreakfast. include a full complement of activities Rd., Ferndale. 248-398-7105. khug@ Classical eventbrite.com sessions exploring both content and goaffirmations.org http://goaffirmations. Sound Board "The Detroit Symphony Names Memorial Quilt Display 9 a.m. pedagogical strategies, a conversation org/programs-services/community- events-activities Musicians Holiday Pops Concert" Sound Oakland University Gender and Sexuality with Hampson about his passion for Board, 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit. Center, 2200 N. Squirrel Road, Rochester. telling the story of history and culture 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29. 800-745-3000. www. 248-370-2030. www.Oakland.edu/csa/ through classic song, and a special Tuesday, Dec. 8 Motorcitycasino.com gsc live performance focusing on songs Karaoke and Half Off Wine \aut\BAR, related to the material covered in the University Musical Society "Handel's World AIDS Day Youth Symposium 315 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. 734-994- workshop. This workshop is ideal for 3677. www.Autbar.com Messiah" The holiday season in Ann 11:30 a.m. Keynote speaker: Jeanne Language Arts, History, Social Studies, and Arbor is never officially underway until White-Grinder, mother of Ryan White. Free. Performing Arts teachers. K-12 Educator Free STI & Rapid HIV Testing 5 p.m. Handels Messiah is performed at Hill World AIDS Day Detroit, 1526 Broadway Workshops are professional development Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Trichomoniasis, Auditorium. An eagerly anticipated holiday St., Detroit. 313-237-SING. www. opportunities for teachers to explore arts- Syphilis. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile season tradition, these performances Worldaidsdayus.org based classroom strategies that nurture Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. www. are ultimately the heart and soul of UMS, Viral Apartheid: The Rise of HIV student learning and support student Goaffirmations.org dating back to the organizations founding achievement goals across various areas and first concerts in the 1879-80 season. Exceptionalism 12 p.m. With special Equality Knowledge Project Speaker of the curriculum. University Musical The performances connect audiences not guest Todd Heywood. Oakland University Series 5:30 p.m. Different speaker and Society, 1100 Baits Drive, Ann Arbor. only with the talented artists on stage Gender and Sexuality Center, 2200 N. presentation each time. Equality Research 734-764-2538. [email protected] Ums. but also with the friends and family who Squirrel Road, Rochester. 248-370-2030. Center, 329 King Hall, Ypsilanti. 734- org/performance/educator-workshop- attend each year. In a true community www.Oakland.edu/csa/gsc 487-3032. [email protected] hampsong-foundation/ tradition, Messiah features the Ann Arbor Film Screening: How to Survive a Symphony Orchestra and the voices of Lunch With Santa 11 a.m. Tickets: $5. NEST 6:30 p.m. Monthly Bible study Plague 3 p.m. Oakland University Gender focusing on LGBTQ issues. Kalamazoo Gay the Grammy Award-winning UMS Choral and Sexuality Center, 2200 N. Squirrel St. Paul United Church of Christ, 31654 Union (2006 Best Choral Performance). Mound Road, Warren. 586-264-4777. and Lesbian Resource Center, 508 Denner Road, Rochester. 248-370-2030. www. St., Kalamazoo. www.Kglrc.org These performances also mark the debut Oakland.edu/csa/gsc of the UMS Choral Unions new music Lighting the Path of Justice, Interfaith director, Scott Hanoian. Hill Auditorium, People Who Care About People With AIDS 7 p.m. Light refreshments. All are welcome. People Who Care About People With AIDS, 1519 Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd, Detroit. [email protected] Raw Deal: Barebacking in America 7 p.m. With special guest Todd Heywood. The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit Oakland University Gender and Sexuality Center, 2200 N. Squirrel Road, Rochester. (MOCAD) is currently exhibiting “The Sick Man 248-370-2030. www.Oakland.edu/csa/ of Europe.” In this exhibit, Jerusalem-born artist gsc Dor Guez focuses on the plight of marginalized World AIDS Day Detroit Benefit Concert communities in the Middle East. The five-part featuring American Idols 7 p.m. Tickets: $30-85. World AIDS Day Detroit, 1526 work by Guez, of mixed Christian-Palestinian and Broadway St., Detroit. 313-237-SING. Jewish-Tunisian heritage, reflects on the military www.Worldaidsdayus.org history of the Middle East through the creative Wednesday, Dec. 2 practices of individual soldiers from the region. Affirmations Run Club 6 p.m. An Dor Guez, “The Architect,” Scanogram 4 (2015) informal group of runners and walkers from “The Sick Man of Europe.” “The Sick Man of Europe” was first used in of all abilities. Seasoned marathoners, the mid-19th century to describe the Ottoman beginner walkers, and everything in Empire, but has since been applied at one time or another to nearly every country in Europe and between! Everyone is welcome, just show up! Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, the Middle East. For his installation at MOCAD, Guez appropriates the proverbial “Sick Man” by Ferndale. 248-398-7105. jproctor@ reconstructing him as an individual and an allegory. Caught in the crosshairs of history, the “Sick goaffirmations.org www.Goaffirmations. org/programs-services/community- Man” blurs the categories of perpetrator and victim, soldier and citizen. “The DEPE Space project events-activities space gives artists who work with social issues a platform for larger meaningful conversations to happen with our communities. Thursday, Dec. 3 Trivia with Terry and Thirsty Thursday MOCAD is located at 4454 Woodward Ave., Detroit. For more information, visit www.mocadetroit.org. Half off beer and well drinks with student ID. \aut\BAR, 315 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor.

34 BTL | Nov. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com robert kidd gallery "Rick Vian: Using As part of its “The Ringwald Does The Classics” series, the Whole Chicken" robert kidd gallery, 107 Townsend St., Birmingham. Nov. Ferndale’s Ringwald Theatre is performing Tennessee 21 - Dec. 19. 248-642-3909. www. Cool Cities Williams’s famous work, “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Robertkiddgallery.com Plymouth/Northville “Streetcar” reveals to the very depths the character of UMMA "The Art of Tyree Guyton: A Thirty-Year Journey" University Of Blanche du Bois, a woman whose life has been undermined Michigan Museum Of Art, 525 S. State by her romantic illusions, which lead her to reject - as far St., Ann Arbor. Aug. 22 - Jan. 3. 734- as possible - the realities of life with which she is faced 763-4186. www.Umma.umich.edu and which she consistently ignores. The pressure brought UMMA "Jem Cohen: Life Drawing" University Of Michigan Museum Of Art, to bear upon her by her sister, with whom she goes to live 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor. Aug. 15 - in New Orleans, intensified by the earthy and extremely Nov. 29. 734-763-4186. www.Umma. “normal” young husband of the latter, leads to a revelation umich.edu of her tragic self-delusion and, in the end, to madness. All purchased tickets must be picked up by five minutes to showtime. Although a date may be sold out online, there may be a small block of rush tickets available at the box office 45 minutes before each show. Online ticket sales end one hour before performance time. To get tickets after the cut-off, simply come to the box office As soon as Thanksgiving turkey is put in the which opens 45 minutes before showtime. Ticket prices range through $25. fridge, get ready for Christmas by planning for “Christmas in Plymouth.” The event is all about “city sidewalks, dressed in holiday style... a unique “Streetcar” runs through Dec. 7. The Ringwald Theatre is located at 22742 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. shopping and dining experience.” For more information, call 248-545-5545 or visit www.theringwald.com. Shopping specials for the event begin at 5 p.m. in Downtown Plymouth. There will be horse and 825 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor. Dec. Wharton Center for the Performing MOCAD "The Sick Man of Europe" 5 - Dec. 6. 734-764-2538. www.Ums.org/ Arts, Michigan State University "Hugh Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, carriage tours, the barbershop quartet by Evenin’ multiperformance/handels-messiah/ Masekela and Larry Willis" Tickets: $15+. 4454 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Oct. Gentleman, a brass ensemble from Schoolcraft Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, 27 - Jan. 3. 313-832-6622. www. College and a “community sing” event led by the Concerts Michigan State University, 750 E. Shaw Mocadetroit.org Lane, East Lansing. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1. Cherry Hill Singers. The Ark "Matt Watroba" Tickets: $15-25. 800-WHARTON. www.Whartoncenter.com MOCAD "United States of Latin The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. America" Museum of Contemporary Art Christmas in Plymouth will run from 5-9 p.m. Nov. 27. 734-761-1800. www.Theark.org Detroit, 4454 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Sep. 23 - Jan. 3. 313-832-6622. www. on Dec. 10 in Downtown Plymouth. Visit www. The Ark "Gemini" Tickets: $10. The Ark, THEATER Mocadetroit.org downtownplymouth.org for more information. 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 1 p.m. Nov. 29. Herb the Green Knight Detroit Repertory 734-761-1800. www.Theark.org Theatre, 13103 Woodrow Wilson, Detroit. The Ark "Irish Christmas in America" Through Dec. 27. 313-868-1347. Tickets: $20. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Nov. 30. 734-761-1800. www.Theark.org ART 'N' AROUND DIA "30 Americans" Detroit Institute of University Musical Society "Takcs Arts, 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Oct. 1 Quartet" Haydn Quartet No. 57 in C - Jan. 18. 313-833-7900. www.Dia.org Major, Op. 74, No. 1. Timo Andres Strong Language. Dvořk Quartet No. 14 in A-flat Flint Institute of Arts "The Art of Major, Op. 105. Rackham Auditorium, Collecting" Flint Institute of Arts, 1120 915 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor. 7:30 E. Kearsley St., Flint. Nov. 27 - Jan. 3. p.m. Dec. 2. 734-764-2538. Ums.org/ 810-234-1695. www.Flintarts.org performance/1516-takacs-quartet-2/

www.PrideSource.com Nov. 26, 2015 | BTL 35 Deep Inside Hollywood

BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE ‘King Cobra’ will bring you porn, murder and James Franco James Franco, in his seemingly never- ending quest to confer gayness upon himself via association, is producing what is sure to be a shocker of a movie called “King Cobra.” The film, directed by Justin Kelly – who also worked with Franco on the upcoming “I Am Michael” – will tell the ugly story of the 2007 murder of gay adult film producer Bryan Kocis, who had worked with gay porn star Brent Corrigan. Franco will act in the film, alongside Christian Slater (who’ll play Kocis), Molly Ringwald and Disney Channel’s “Teen Beach” and “Teen Beach 2” alum Garrett Clayton as Corrigan. That last bit of casting makes perfect sense in a Vanessa- Hudgens-and-Selena-Gomez-starring-in “Spring Breakers” way. Can’t wait for this one to make us all feel creepy and upset. ‘Bear With’ Cheyenne Jackson and Lea DeLaria Perhaps shockingly, the upcoming film “Bear With Us,” starring Cheyenne Jackson, Cheyenne Jackson. Photo: Kath Click has absolutely nothing to do with “bears” as they are commonly understood in the complex writer Tom Rob Smith and is directed by Jakob taxonomy of gay subcultures. No, this horror Verbruggen (“The Fall”). Right now the show comedy is about an actual bear. An actual is mentioned on BBC America’s website, but angry, murderous and hungry bear that happens no dates are set. That means it’s time to begin upon a charming cabin in the woods where a politely pestering them. couple is getting engaged. The official word is “think Jaws, with a bear,” but knowledgeable fans of killer animal movies know better: think YouTube stars hit ‘Dirty Thirty’ “Grizzly,” that 1976 ripoff of “Jaws” about a We don’t know if you’re allowed to be a giant ursine killer, or, in the words of that cheap YouTube sensation after 30, but if all goes B-movie’s lurid ad campaign, “18 feet of gut- as planned, the trio of Hannah Hart, Mamrie crunching, man-eating terror.” Come to think Hart and Grace Helbig will have moved on of it, “Grizzly” was kind of a horror comedy, to bigger things when their next film, “Dirty too. Anyway, “Bear With Us,” from indie Thirty,” is digitally released by Lionsgate. filmmaker William J. Stribling, is currently in The YouTube stars – lesbian comic Hannah production, and will also feature – although Hart’s “My Drunk Kitchen” is a favorite there we don’t know exactly what this means at the – have already had a streaming hit with “Camp moment – “the voice of” “Orange is The New Takota,” so Lionsgate decided to snap them up Black” star Lea DeLaria. Mysterious. for this next project, which is about a birthday party gone wild. There’s no other information Gay spying on Ben Whishaw available yet, but the pattern of millennial female comics using the Internet to launch “London Spy,” airing very soon in the themselves is set thanks to breakout hits like U.K. on the BBC, sounds like just the ticket “Broad City,” and this feels like the beginning for all the “Sherlock” fans out there. Bond of big things for these young women. The film regular Whishaw plays a gay young man countdown to more famous funny people deeply involved in London nightlife, who jumping on their bandwagon begins now. then finds himself in an unlikely romantic relationship with a man from the British Secret Intelligence Service (Edward Holcroft, from Romeo San Vicente’s kitchen features what might be “Kingsman: The Secret Service”). When that considered a surprising number of carb-rich treats man dies, Whishaw’s character is whisked into for someone with such perfect abdominal muscles. the world of espionage to uncover the truth. You mad? He can be reached care of this publication The five-part miniseries was written by gay or at [email protected].

36 BTL | Nov. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com Cheyenne Jackson. Photo: Kath Click

Classifieds Call 734-293-7200 ext.15 104 428 PROF. SERVICES - ANNOUNCEMENTS - MASSAGE BUSINESS Unique Business Licensed Swedish Opportunity Auburn Hills Artistica, an established gallery/ Kansonn gift shop in Dexter, seeks new 248-672-0669 Michigan artistic partner. Email: [email protected] [email protected] 808 ARTS & LEISURE - PSYCHICS LGBT-Friendly ANNOUNCEMENTS - Wedding And Party COMMUNITY SERVICES Planning Vendors Psychic Angel Find hundreds of resources to Psychic Advisor, Tarot Card plan your event with supportive Michigan LGBT Resources BTL Pet of the Week - Mikey! Readings, Reuniting Lovers, businesses. BTL has produced Find hundreds of resources around Chakra Balancing. Call for more the Ultimate LGBT Wedding and the state online and in our digital Meet Mikey! This 3-year-old Pit Bull mix is a very info 517-657-2577 Anniversary Expo for five years. editon of PrideSource Magazine. loving and calm fellow. He loves to meet all sorts of Find what you need at www. Visit www.pridesource.com/ people and is sure to steal the heart of everyone he btlweddingexpo.com 1102 EROTICA - directory.html or open the digital edition. meets. The adoption fee includes sterilization, age- MASSAGE appropriate vaccinations, the MHS Adoption Guarantee 301 EMPLOYMENT - and much more. For more information, visit or call the GENERAL MASSAGE MHS Detroit Center for Animal Care at (313) 872-3400 Massage for men. Safe-Discrete, and provide the pet ID number, 816802. good prices. Royal Oak Area. Seeking 12yrs. Experience. Accompaniest Call Lee 248-548-6516 “Wanna Be” comedic chanteuse singer seeks pianist who can improvise, play by ear and have humor. Call 313-549-0064.

www.PrideSource.com Nov. 26, 2015 | BTL 37 Q Puzzle 34 Strip a fruit 11 Robert of “Spenser: For Hire” 35 More of the saying 12 Transsexual Richards 36 “Y ou’ve Made ___ Very 17 Dahl’s Willy Happy” 20 Ruck of “Spin City” 37 P art of Adam that was used 22 Place where you go straight to make Steve? 23 Per bottle of soda? 39 Sport of Pam Parsons, for 24 Suckers short 25 Load 40 Stepchild of Caitlyn 26 Gillette brand 41 Shook up 29 ___ donna 42 End of the saying 30 In an early stage 47 Circles over Mary and Peter 31 Drop from a duct 48 Blow away 32 Lesbos, for one 52 Norse port 33 Opening for cock 53 ‘50s Hollywood heartthrob 35 Singer Williamson who lives on a horse ranch 38 Barely earns, with “out” 55 Pansy supporter 39 Langua ge group including 56 Sometime defender of gay Zulu rights 41 Lover of Abraham 57 Isherwood’s “ ___ Camera” 42 “___ were the days ...” 58 Seemingly forever 43 Can’t help but 59 Shout to Nellie 44 First name in talk 60 Stuff for oral gratification 45 Inn array 46 Gertrude painter From the Horse’s Mouth Down 49 Colorado neighbor 1 Unit of flagellation 50 Sea bottom captain Across 53-Across 2 Melville novel about a mutiny 51 Pull out your shooter 18 Cole Porter’s “___ Love 3 Gambol 53 “I taught I ___ a puddy tat!” 1 P etty of “A League of Their Again” 4 Tina dumped him 54 Interjection for Magnus Own” 19 “Get your ass moving!” 5 Insects that really suck Hirschfeld 5 Be reminded of S&M, e.g. 20 Toklas of 20th century Paris 6 El Greco’s homeland 9 Arc on Bernstein’s music 21 More of the saying score 7 Ship, to seamen 24 “West Side Story” gang 8 Ball in the skull 13 Nuts 27 Emissions-watching org. 14 Hunted animal 9 Liquor source in Gomer’s 28 Insurance giant Mayberry Find solution to this puzzle at 15 Rubber on a rim 29 Like “kweer,” to spellers 10 Casino ceiling www.pridesource.com 16 Start of a hopeful saying by

38 BTL | Nov. 26, 2015 www.PrideSource.com