Performing Arts Guide 2019

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VOL. 2736 • SEPT. 5 2019 ISSUE 1122 PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA GROUP 20222 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152 Phone 734.293.7200 PUBLISHERS Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson EDITORIAL 14 Editor in Chief Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 102 [email protected]

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Michael Rowady Opens Up About His Past and Equality Michigan’s Future BY ELLEN SHANNA KNOPPOW notoriety involved “The Jenny Jones Show.” fired up.” It began as a familiar setup: on the show an Yet he also recognizes that he individual was told he had a secret admirer and needn’t be the smartest person Grosse Pointe Proud would meet that person before a live audience. in the room: collaboration When Michael Rowady recalled speaking The twist, however, was that it was a same-sex benefits everyone. Rowady also before 3,000 people at Grosse Pointe Pride crush. The “reveal” that happened was awkward acknowledged that during the past this June, the Equality Michigan board chair and embarrassing, and shortly thereafter the several years his organization has and managing partner of Canner, Canner & “admirer,” Scott Amedure, was murdered by seen its fair share of staff turnover, Rowady described the experience as one of his crush. Eventually, the killer went to prison board member resignations and has the highlights of his life. for 22 years. struggled to remain sustainable. He “I came full circle,” Rowady explained. “It was During the wrongful death lawsuit, Rowady addressed that directly. in the place that it was the hardest to come out was tasked with writing the complaint against “We remain sustainable by being to. I’m speaking at one of the schools I went to, Warner Bros., the parent company of “The a more nimble organization,” feeling completely supported by people in the Jenny Jones Show.” By strange coincidence, Rowady said. “It’s difficult in that community that I love. ... I’ve always wanted Rowady’s boyfriend happened to be in the it’s a statewide organization. Our to be the guy up on stage and at the end of a jury pool. reach is bigger than a lot of the speech, people go, ‘Wow, that moved me to do Though the jury selection process occurred other [LGBTQ] organizations something.’ Or [if] there’s a kid sitting there, while Rowady was out of the country, Rowady in the area. But I think the most pondering something terrible, somehow I can explained what occurred when Fieger important thing is that we’ve affect him.” questioned his boyfriend. reached out. I have meetings Rowady added that some of those words “He was asked about whether or not he knew with the chairs of all of the major Michael Rowady attending the Democratic Presidential cnadidate from that speech — which were largely of any gay attorneys, things like that. Through [LGBTQ] organizations. We’re all debates in Detroit last month. impromptu, after abandoning his prepared the circumstances, my name came up. And the in this together. We have to work remarks at the last minute — would likely be courtroom, which I would say a good chunk of together. “The things that were discussed there, all of used in his address at Equality Michigan’s 2019 them knew who I was, was kind of like, ‘Wow, “The other organizations are rooting for us,” the things about the gay community, my parents Fall Reception happening on Friday, Sept. 13. Mike’s gay.’ So that’s how I was outed. In a very he continued. “This community ... doesn’t do probably wouldn’t have listened to years and “We’re very excited,” Rowady said of the public format like that,” Rowady said. well without an advocacy organization or a years ago,” Rowady said. “I was proud. They upcoming gala. “I think it’s the key civil rights At that point, Rowady had already had a victim services organization. So, we are very were proud. We came full circle. And it was a event of the year for the LGBTQ community. bad experience coming out to his parents, and much needed. It is my goal, it is my challenge very good moment.” One of the reasons is that it’s coming at a time that dynamic took some time to resolve. In his and my charge to maintain this organization where we’re really in the thick of everything professional life, he said people felt bad for into the future the best I can while I am Find out more online at equalitymi.org from the white nationalist threat to the recent him. At that time there weren’t many out gay chairman. I cannot predict what will happen murders of LGBTQ people locally ... that’s one attorneys in the area either, so he decided to after me, and I cannot fix what occurred before of the reasons why we’re raising money: to move to “get out of Michigan and experience me. What I can do is where I am now.” enable us to expand the organization and move different things.” Sustainability requires having staff focused forward.” He met a man and in 2000 moved to San on what will have the greatest community Francisco. But after four years, Rowady said impact, Rowady explained. That means a he realized his career prospects were limited, smaller organization overall, but he’d like to Twist of Fate he missed his family and he felt perhaps he’d see an expanded victim services program with As confident as he is in his identity today, had enough of the party scene. After a phone more counselors. it wasn’t always like this for Rowady. Growing call with his father, Rowady was sure Michigan up with four brothers, a busy mother and a was where he belonged. Giving Thanks father who worked in the auto industry, he said he never thought he was gay and it didn’t Catalyst Rowady expressed congratulations for the come to his mind. It was only in college when staff and called Executive Director Erin Knott he began meeting many LGBTQ people that Asked about his role as an Equality Michigan a gem. He added that he never wants to raise he became curious. board member over the last five years, his profile or the board’s above those who work “At the end of my time [at the University Rowady was clear about his active part in the for Equality Michigan. of] Michigan I had a girlfriend, and right organization: “I don’t join organizations and “They’re all stars in their own right,” Rowady as I started law school at the University of sit quietly.” said. “These really are incredible workers. The Detroit-Mercy we broke up. And I knew in He was also upfront that despite his lifelong fact is that they’re the ones doing the work. my head it was ready for me to ... be part of this passion for politics, he wasn’t an activist when We’re just making sure they’re able to do it.” community, because it was not something I was he joined the board. He said the more he Outside of his work with Equality Michigan, going to be able to suppress forever,” Rowady learned, the more he wanted to help change Rowady maintains an active interest in said. “So, instead of holding it in and getting laws in the state. politics. He said he’s considered running for married, I decided that I felt I knew I was gay EQMI Chair since January, Rowady said office someday, but right now he loves being and to proceed that way.” he considers himself a leader who is suited to an attorney. Frequently a host of fundraisers Upon graduating, Rowady started work as a the position. for political candidates, he held one at SoHo legal clerk in the law office of Geoffrey Fieger. “Sometimes you need ... a catalyst,“ Rowady in Ferndale for Congresswoman Brenda However, he was closeted in his professional life. said. “I believe I have a unique ability to kind Lawrence’s reelection campaign last year. One of Fieger’s cases that gained tremendous of push people, motivate people, get people Rowady’s parents attended. 8 BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 www.PrideSource.com A Look at Equality Michigan’s Fall Reception

BY JASON A. MICHAEL has been very hostile to our community.” Helping to achieve the goal of LGBTQ quality Michigan’s fall reception will take equality in the state is Michigan Attorney place Friday, Sept. 13 at the Roostertail General Dana Nessel, who will be delivering in Detroit. The theme of this year’s the keynote address at the recepton. Ereception is Mission Equality. “She is the first openly gay statewide elected “We decided that Mission Equality set the official,” Knott said. “We’re excited about the frame of our specific goals coming out in work that she has done through her office in 2019 to be bigger and bolder,” said Equality the first few months of 2019, work that has Michigan Executive Director Erin Knott. “All championed our rights whether it’s in foster of our programming and all of our work is care or adoption. She’s been a champion as it aimed at making gains so that members of the relates to our mission and the tone of the event, LGBTQ community have full equality in the which is Mission Equality.” state of Michigan.” Another champion is Gov. Gretchen At present, Knott admitted, the LGBTQ Whitmer, who will provide opening remarks community has quite a way to go toward at the reception. achieving that goal. “We’re excited that she’s going to be there,” “Michigan is one of the remaining states that Knott said. “She’s going to be a part of the does not have a statewide civil rights law that cocktail hour as everyone is arriving and protects members of the LGBTQ community,” getting their table assignments. Then she’ll Knott said. “Our Elliott-Larsen civil rights give opening remarks.” law does not include sexual orientation and Knott said that response to the reception gender identity. Plus, Michigan is still a state has been incredible — it’s almost sold out — that allows for conversion therapy.” and that the response speaks to the condition Achieving the goal of equality has become of Equality Michigan, which has struggled to increasingly more difficult in the current find its footing in recent years. political climate, Knott said. “We are thriving,” Knott said. “The “We live in a climate now where hatred and organization is in a very solid position. Our bigotry are being legitimatized again and our team is expanding our reach. We are moving community is walking around with bull’s-eyes into the St. Joe/Benton Harbor area and we on our backs because people don’t agree with have pop-ups across the state. So, again, we are or understand who we are or who we love. So, thriving. We have a great network of volunteers we’ve seen an uptick in violence, and we’ve seen and relationships all across the state of an uptick in bullying and discrimination. It’s happening all over because of the tone that’s See Equality Michigan, continued on p. 10 set from the top. This [Trump] administration

www.PrideSource.com BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 9 Faith-Based Adoption Agency Sues After AG Nessel’s Pro-LGBTQ Settlement

BY EVE KUCHARSKI They agreed not to discriminate, Radio member station WKAR saying that “the state is violating aith-based adoption agencies “ that if they were to be provided the First Amendment.” are suing the state of Michigan with the obligation to place “They’re targeting people’s again, this time challenging religious beliefs because they’re Fa settlement made by Attorney this ward and the money, the choosing to ignore laws protecting General Dana Nessel earlier this year those beliefs,” Reaves said. mandating that faith-based adoption state tax dollars utilized in Nessel said that this lawsuit and foster agencies not discriminate that placement process, that comes down to a contractual based on the sexual orientation of obligation signed by St. Vincent potential parents. Nessel said that the they would not discriminate. Catholic Charities and is hopeful settlement was appropriate. that it will be dismissed. “As long as they’re loving, good They signed those contracts “They agreed not to parents to a child, that should be themselves, nobody made them discriminate, that if they were to what we are concerned with more than be provided with the obligation anything else,” she said on WDET’s do that. to place this ward and the money, Detroit Today show. “And we don’t the state tax dollars utilized in think that the state did anything ”- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel that placement process, that they incorrect in terms of the settlement. would not discriminate. They We think it was appropriate given the signed those contracts themselves, contracts that were signed.” for adoption, they changed their policy nobody made them do that,” she The original lawsuit, filed by the altogether [after the settlement],” Nessel said. “… When you don’t discriminate American Civil Liberties Union of said. “What they decided to do was against prospective people who want to Michigan, focused on plaintiffs Kristy say that they would not discriminate adopt children you end up with more and Dana Dumont and Erin and Rebecca any longer against same-sex couples children being adopted. That’s a fact. Busk-Sutton who wanted to become foster or LGBTQ individuals that sought to Every study that you can look at indicates parents but were turned down by two adopt as long as they met all the other that that’s the case, and that’s what we faith-based agencies: Bethany Christian qualifications as any other prospective ought to be doing.” Services and St. Vincent Catholic adoptive parents.” A Grand Rapids judge heard oral Charities. St. Vincent Catholic Charities, however, arguments and will decide whether the “In fact, Bethany Christian, who was is being represented by Becket Law. Nick agency can continue to operate under one of the larger agencies that dealt Reaves, an attorney with the firm, was its former policies while this lawsuit is with wards of the state that were up quoted in a piece by National Public in court.

ensuring that trans women who fall victim ® Equality Michigan to hate-based violence get justice. Continued from p. 9 Laura Goos, city commissioner and mayor pro tem of St. Joseph, and Greg Michigan. So, if folks are experiencing Fulmer, both Whirlpool employees. They a crisis across the state, we have a system will receive the 2019 Activist Award for in place to help 24/7.” their role in the passage of St. Joseph’s One of Equality Michigan’s greatest non-discrimination ordinance. accomplishments this year, said Knott, is the relationships the agency has been Between The Lines Co-Publishers Jan developing across the state. Stevenson and Susan Horowitz. They will “We’re working with the community receive the 2019 Community Builder centers and agencies with similar Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel Award for their decades-long commitment will keynote this year’s dinner. missions, but we’re also working to the LGBTQ community in Michigan. with government agencies and municipalities and organizations that don’t have an LGBTQ mission Tickets for the reception start at $175 specifically but recognize that maybe This Year’s EQMI Dinner and sponsorship options go up to $10,000. some of their members or constituents are The cocktail hour will begin at 6 p.m. and LGBTQ. We’ve been building coalitions Awardees include: dinner at 7. The Roostertail is located at in communities so we can respond to 100 Marquette Drive in Detroit. For more legislative attacks and we’re getting ready Judge William McConico. He will information, visit equalitymi.org. for 2020.” receive the 2019 Catalyst Award for

10 BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 www.PrideSource.com

Jason Hoskins for Southfield City Council: ‘We Can do Great Things if we Have the Right Voices’ BY ELLEN SHANNA KNOPPOW the importance of maintenance. “Sen. Moss will always say, ‘When people Top Priorities “People care very much how their say or talk about some gay agenda, well my Millennial Perspective neighborhoods look, how their properties gay agenda is to make sure the roads are fixed. Hoskins sees great potential in attracting look,” Hoskins said. “And so I want to make Or to make sure your government is working Jason Hoskins believes Southfield has a great more people to Southfield — or giving them sure they have all the tools available to make well,’” Hoskins said. “And I think that’s what foundation. And he sees tremendous potential. reasons to stay. He said he’s encouraged about sure they can take care of their properties here most people care about.” “I never thought I’d be actually running for talk of creating a little downtown in the Metro in Southfield.” What can be an added challenge for Hoskins, office,” said Hoskins, a candidate for Southfield Detroit suburb, not far from the Southfield though is being an LGBTQ person of color. He City Council. “For as long as I can remember, Civic Center campus. Hoskins said he believes elaborated on the significance of representation, public service is something I wanted to do. In for both communities. my role in Sen. Moss’s office, I’ve been able to “Seeing people that look like you, it matters,” work with the city a lot; I live here … so this is Hoskins said. “It can be quite a weight on you. the area I’ve grown to love. And working with And I’m used to that, being a person of color, the city at the state level, we’ve been able to do I think when you period. You don’t have to add letters after that. a lot of great stuff — but I see all the potential.” “ know somebody A lot of times I’ve been the only person who At the age of 35, Hoskins is in a unique looks like me in a room. And when you have to position as a candidate for Southfield City who is of the LGBTQ add a person of color plus LGBTQ, I’ve got to Council, where the average age of council community, it makes make sure I’m good for the LGBTQ community members is 61. He considers that a benefit. and the black community.” “This is a goal of the city, to try to bring it a lot easier for you Hoskins also talked about how representation more young people to the city,” Hoskins said. influences the broader community, too, in terms “And I think if you’re trying to bring more to accept others. It’s of acceptance. And ultimately, the impact that young people to the city … it’s good to have easier to demonize had on him. those young voices there, too. I want to be “I think when you know somebody who is of part of those conversations because I think people when you the LGBTQ community, it makes it a lot easier we can do a lot of great things here if we have for you to accept others. It’s easier to demonize the right voices.” don’t know them. But people when you don’t know them. But when Despite his comparative youth, Hoskins’ when it’s like your it’s like your son, or your daughter, or nephew resume boasts accomplishment and … or city councilperson, all of a sudden, they’re experience. A political science major at son, or your daughter, real people now,” he said. “We’ve come a long Eastern Michigan University, Hoskins then way. We’re more accepting, to where I don’t earned a master’s in public administration or nephew … or city feel like I had to be in the closet as I’m running with a concentration in local government. councilperson, all of for office here.” Later, he received a law degree. In addition, Hoskins taught at Lawrence Tech University a sudden, they’re real Tthe Next Level and has been active with the American people now. Civil Liberties Union. It was because of an Hoskins acknowledged that Southfield internship in former Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s has undergone a lot of changes in the past policy division that Hoskins said he realized ” generation, as many cities have. However, he’s his calling for public service. certain the city he loves and calls home is on the After law school, Hoskins interned for State upswing — and that may not just be youthful Rep. Rudy Hobbs, where he came to find his optimism. interest and talent for constituent relation. “In the next few years, there’s gonna be so “I feel like most people … don’t know who some kind of center attraction is exactly what many changes for the better here in Southfield,” their state legislators are,” Hoskins said. “And so, the city needs. “This is Definitely Doable” Hoskins said. if they found us, it’s usually they went through “I think a lot of people … from Southfield, He then mentioned a recent story in Business a lot of other people. They’re probably at their they grow up here and they end up leaving. Hoskins would not be the first openly LGBTQ Insider that ranks Southfield as one top the 25 wit’s end, a little frustrated, and so it’s nice to They feel like there aren’t things to do. You person on the city council in Southfield. Not suburbs in the country where home values are be able to help them once they get to us or be kind of either live here or you work here, but only was Sen. Moss a council member, the rising the fastest. able to point them in the right direction.” you don’t live here, and work here and play current mayor of Southfield, Ken Sivers, is “We’ve always been a great place. I like to It was in then-State Rep. and now-state here,” he said. “We have a daytime population openly gay as well. Still, Hoskins said that for think I’m building on the legacy that so many Sen. Jeremy Moss’s office, where Hoskins is of 175,000 people, and our normal population a long time he wasn’t confident that running other people who are in elected office have his legislative director, that Hoskins has been is 73,000. So, trying to capture some of those for elective office was a possibility for him — started,” he said. “And I’m hoping that if I am able to pursue his interest in policy. And it’s people and making sure they stay here is very that maybe he should be satisfied with public elected, that I can take Southfield to the next where he’s been able to work directly on issues important to me, because when there are more service but not launch a campaign of his own. level, build on the progress that we’re making that affect Southfield. people here … that helps everybody.” What may have changed Hoskins’ mindset now, because we’ve got a lot of potential here. On the state level, Hoskins has worked to Neighborhood revitalization is at the top of is working for Sen. Moss, whom he considers And very soon, everybody’s gonna see it.” advance Southfield in a number of ways, in Hoskins’ list, too. He helped Sen. Moss craft a a role model. areas including neighborhood revitalization, bill that provides tax incentives to homeowners “He has certainly shown me the way, and protecting the environment and economic in certain neighborhoods. And, noting that shown me this is definitely doable,” in terms Learn more about Jason Hoskins online at development. Southfield has a great housing stock, he stressed of running for office, Hoskins said. jasonhoskins.com.

12 BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 www.PrideSource.com

Educating, Equipping and Empowering

Lambda Legal’s New And since the last election and Midwest Director Wants “seeing the renewed assaults on the to See Michigan’s LGBTQ LGBTQ community and as a proud gay man myself, I thought that that Community Thrive was not a better place for me to BY EVE KUCHARSKI spend my energy and my time and

hether it’s fighting for the rights of my life than Lambda Legal. service members with HIV, aiding couples with custody battles or ” Whelping to secure marriage equality, Lambda community center. He does say, however, Legal has a history of impact litigation that that he’s dedicated his life and career “around aids LGBTQ people in all walks of life. Earlier making the world a better place and figuring out this year, the 47-year-old nonprofit hired Brian how I can take my skills and experiences and Richardson as its Midwest regional director apply them to organizations and movements who will be responsible for programming and where I think I can make a difference.” outreach efforts in the states of Ohio, North Richardson said that it was the last election and South Dakota, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, in particular that motivated him to seek a job Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri and Michigan. He where he could be of service. said he’s eager to “help elevate” the “good work we’re looking to build that presence too, but the think that our current docket, and some of the “And since the last election and seeing the happening across the Midwest” and “push back” goal is to ensure that folks know that Lambda current cases that we’re working on in Michigan renewed assaults on the LGBTQ community against policies and rules that discriminate. is there in Michigan across the entire state.” and some other states, too, have that same and as a proud gay man myself, I thought that “In some states we’re taking multiple steps potential,” he said. “But as we’ve seen in other that was not a better place for me to spend my forward but in other states in our region we’re Fresh Eyes times, if we want to make real change, it’s really energy and my time and my life than Lambda taking multiple steps back,” Richardson said. not just in the courtroom, because if we win Legal,” Richardson said. “How can we as an organization, and we Despite still being new to Michigan’s specific a case that’s only one step, we also need to But for him it’s about more than just passion, more broadly as a community, ensure that we struggles, Richardson sees the potential for win the hearts and minds of people across Richardson said that his varied career has given continue to move forward in some of those many pro-LGBTQ policies to move forward. the state and make sure they understand the him a well-rounded experience that uniquely places, and help make sure that none of our He said that the “changes in the governor’s cases that we’re presenting, why it’s so vital that equips him to “take care of the other things so states fall behind?” mansion” in the November 2018 election were LGBTQ people and those with HIV have the our lawyers can keep lawyering.” For right now at least, the answer is to learn. a boon to both Lambda Legal’s and Michigan’s opportunity to thrive.” “Because when our lawyers can focus on Regarding Michigan specifically, Richardson fights for equality. In particular, the election the case at hand, we win. And if I can do my said he’s beginning his educational process by of Dana Nessel to the role of attorney general, Roots and Future Goals work, then they can stay focused on theirs,” he taking time to visit. So far, he’s taken trips to whose work along with Lambda Legal’s was said. “... And so, my goal right now is to listen Southeast Michigan, but he plans to make more instrumental in securing marriage equality Despite Lambda Legal’s focus, Richardson’s to those in Michigan, but long-term once I get to other parts of the state, too. in 2015. professional background has not centered settled in, is to make sure that Lambda Legal “My first goal in Michigan is to meet people “We have had, historically, a large diet of around law. He’s hopped from public, private is there not just as a support but we’re there and listen and figure out how we can help activity in the state of Michigan where we and nonprofit in roles like a communications helping folks in communities, winning hearts the good work that’s already happening in made real change, not just for our plaintiff’s manager at Google, working with U.S. Sen. and minds, educating folks and equipping and Michigan,” he said. “... Historically, we’ve also in the state of Michigan but change that Mary Landrieu (D-La.) and being a senior empowering LGBTQ community members to had a good presence in West Michigan and has reverberated across the country. And I leadership team member at Chicago’s LGBT continue to advocate.”

14 BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 15 Parting Glances BY CHARLES ALEXANDER When Gay Boys Turn 50 Gaily

This column first appeared in BTL Sept. 2018

50th anniversary production of Mort Crowley’s groundbreaking play “The Boys in the Band” closed on Broadway Aug. 12 of this year, with big-name stars AJim Parsons (who has said goodbye to TV’s “Big Bang Theory”), Andrew Rannells, Matt Bomer and Zachary Quinto. “Boys” was — what else? — a complete, nostalgic, box-office hit. A frank, honest look at gay life as lived pre-AIDS. An on- stage wake up call to a frightening devastation yet to come. Mort Crowley’s “The Boys in the Band” opened Off-Broadway in 1968. I bought a copy of the play while visiting in Chicago and read dialog aloud while driving back to Detroit with my then partner Larry. We saw a local production a few years later at the long- vanished Rivera, movie house turned legitimate stage, starring Wayne State University theater major Paul Pentecost. Seeing gay life as we sometimes found ourselves living it proved fascinating: a big city birthday party turned “truth game,” Viewpoint with much drinking, lotsa line dancing to the sweet turn-on sounds of Burt Bacharach’s “The Look of Love.” A play about us. The play’s opening was timely, one year before New York City’s liberating Stonewall Riots (The same year Rev. Troy Perry started the first gay lib church in Los Angeles.). Change was in the air. Let’s End Anti-LGBTQ Discrimination “Boys” was exciting on two counts: It was gay from start to finish, with camp humor putdown, and — score one up for in Michigan me — I had spent a romantic summer week with one of its Off-Broadway production actors Frederick Combs. I met “Honey Combs” in a gay bar. He was appearing in 1966 BY SUSAN K. FREEMAN in 18-year-old British playwright Shelagh Delaney’s international LGBTQ civil rights weakens the State as a whole. hit, and later movie, “A Taste of Honey” at the Fisher Theatre. ummer is here in Michigan; it’s a bittersweet time. It’s an LGBTQ people in Michigan disproportionately experience He played Geoffrey, a gay artist. It was his big break. The cast opportunity to celebrate how far LGBTQ people have economic instability, with 28 percent of LGBTQ adults included legendary Uta Hagan and the start of a promising come and a reminder of how far we have to go. (compared with 20 percent of non-LGBTQ adults) reporting career. SThe past year has been significant for Michigan in terms that their annual household income is below $24,000. The Freddy was staying at the Wardell Sheraton transients hotel, of LGBTQ acceptance. Last winter the Michigan Civil Rights unemployment rate among LGBTQ adults (10 percent) is later Park Shelton Apartments (I later lived there for 24 years. Commission issued guidance clarifying that its state laws twice that of non-LGBTQ adults (5 percent). The property was once owned by comic Gilda Radner, of prohibiting discrimination based on sex also protect members Anti-LGBTQ discrimination has measurable effects on Saturday Night Live fame.). of the LGBTQ community. Shortly thereafter, outgoing obtaining jobs and supportive work environments, the report Freddy said his two high school drama teachers believed he Republican Gov. Rick Snyder and incoming Democratic conclusively demonstrates. A 2016 University of Michigan had talent and much promise and paid for his ticket to New Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued executive orders protecting survey found that 28 percent of LGBTQ-identified faculty York to study acting (He also said he had been brought out by LGBTQ public employees from discrimination. reported experiencing at least one discriminatory event in an Army sergeant when he was 16.). As important as these steps are, the grim reality is that the previous year. The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey found I followed him to Chicago New Year’s week, but was gently Michigan is one of 30 states without express and enduring that more than one-quarter of transgender Michiganders told our final curtain had rung down in Detroit. I never saw protections from discrimination based on sexual orientation have been fired, denied a promotion or not hired for jobs him again in person, but in 1970 had the pleasure of seeing him and gender identity. That leaves our state’s LGBTQ population because of who they are. Employment discrimination like this playing Donald when “Boys in the Band” was made into a movie – estimated at nearly 400,000 – vulnerable to harassment and holds back LGBTQ people in Michigan, blocks them from (His thespian buns are glimpsingly preserved for posterity.). discrimination. achieving their full potential and blocks the state’s economic Looking back at Crowley’s pre-Stonewall play, given all that’s “The Impact of Stigma and Discrimination Against LGBT advancement as well. happened — gay liberation, the AIDS crisis, Clinton’s “don’t People in Michigan” is a new study from the Williams Especially troubling are the ways that stigma and ask, don’t tell” policy, Ellen Degeneres, “Brokeback Mountain,” Institute at the UCLA School of Law and Equality. It found discrimination contribute to health disparities among “Angels in America” — “Boys” remains entertaining, well-crafted that the Great Lakes State ranks 20th in the nation on public LGBTQ people in Michigan. Adverse health outcomes, like and compelling, if gay self-loathing. support for dignity and respect for LGBTQ people. Hostile major depressive disorders, binge drinking, substance abuse attitudes toward LGBTQ community members, combined and suicidality, show up disproportionately in the LGBTQ with insufficient legal protections, perpetuate stigma and See next page discrimination. Ultimately, Michigan’s failure to advance See Transmissions, continued on p. 17 16 BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 www.PrideSource.com ... the grim reality is that Michigan is one of 30 states Creep Of The Week “ without express and enduring protections from f you said the BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender words “Super Happy Fun On the SHFA website, President John identity. That leaves our state’s LGBTQ population – IAmerica” to me estimated at nearly 400,000 – vulnerable to harassment and then asked Hugo says, “Straight people are an me what that oppressed majority. We will fight for and discrimination. was, I would have guessed it the right of straights everywhere to was the name ” of a low-budget, express pride in themselves without ® in conversation about the social, Viewpoint USA-themed economic and health effects of stigma fear of judgment and hate Continued from p. 16 amusement and discrimination. Yet these problems park with lots of cost the state’s economy tens of millions red, white and blue cowboy hats, Big Macs at of dollars each year. Without a doubt, the community. LGBTQ adults in Michigan every concession stand and a requirement that red MAGA hats. There is also someone in a shark state’s current legal and social landscape are more than twice as likely to be everyone in attendance carry a gun. costume carrying a sign that reads, “Straight Lives enable discrimination against LGBTQ diagnosed with a depressive disorder than That, it turns out, is incorrect. “Super Happy Matter” next to someone wearing an inflatable T. people, which in turn imperils LGBTQ non-LGBTQ adults. And among students Fun America” is actually more awful than that. Rex costume who is waving a Trump 2020 flag. health and economic stability. It all adds who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual, It is, in fact, the name of the organization that In other words, it was a circus, only it was a up to major economic consequences an alarming 53 percent say they have put on the so-called Straight Pride parade in circus filled with people who are terrible and no for the state: a losing proposition for seriously considered suicide, compared Boston on Aug. 31. fun at all. It’s the bleakest parade I’ve ever seen. everyone. to 17 percent of their heterosexual On the SHFA website, President John Hugo In the video, it’s hard to see who is part of the It’s time to address these preventable counterparts. says, “Straight people are an oppressed majority. parade versus who covering the event (lots of harms to LGBT people and to the state The harm of anti-LGBTQ We will fight for the right of straights everywhere people seem to be wearing press badges). There economy. discrimination isn’t limited to LGBTQ to express pride in themselves without fear of are also lots of police officers. Pride season is an opportunity to take Michiganders: It also hurts the state judgment and hate. The day will come when According to The Guardian, the event “drew steps toward becoming a state where economy. Studies show that if we straights will finally be included as equals among more than 1,000 counter-protesters and a few everyone, including LGBTQ people, reduce the disparity in major depressive all of the other orientations.” hundred supporters.” can thrive. When LGBTQ residents are disorder between LGBTQ and non- That Hugo co-opts the language of LGBTQ In other words, not an ideal ratio for the safe and protected from discrimination, LGBTQ Michiganders by 25 percent, the equality groups is no accident. It’s clear that straight priders. Michigan wins. state economy would benefit by $122.5 SHFA has done its homework. SHFA Vice President Mark Sahady declared million annually. There’s no denying that In an interview on Fox’s “Watters World” the event “a YUGE success.” For the full report visit: http://gaybe.am/ workplace discrimination that results in before the event took place, Hugo is so unhinged And for them it was. The fact that they got Dd. Susan K. Freeman, Ph.D., is a co- lower earnings and unemployment can that he makes host Jesse Watters, who is basically a couple-hundred people to show up is pretty author of the study “The Impact of Stigma lead LGBTQ people – especially young a palmful of hair gel in a suit, seem reasonable impressive. and Discrimination Against LGBT People people – to disproportionately require and smart. It’s hard to tell how seriously SHFA expects in Michigan,” an award-winning author, public benefits. “Are you just doing this as a joke to be people to take it. On the one hand, they claim to and department chair and Associate Despite the efforts of researchers provocative, or do you really feel this strongly be very serious. On the other hand, well, they call Professor at Western Michigan University. and advocates to bring these concerns about this?” Watters asks. themselves Super Happy Fun America. forward, Michigan leaders rarely engage “No, no,” Hugo insists. “We knew we were But it would be a mistake to dismiss the whole going to trigger the left, and that’s why we called thing as a joke. The aim is to minimize the very it Super Fun Happy America.” real struggle for LGBTQ equality. That a straight “Can you understand why the LGBTQ pride parade exists seems, on the surface, like a ® panned, prompting him to leave New York perfectly reasonable response to the fact that an Parting Glances for LA. He then appeared in TV soaps community is a little bit upset by this?” Watters Continued from p. 16 LGBTQ pride parade exists. and miniseries, and for a time ran his own asks. Hugo responds that Milo Yiannopoulos, a gay But, of course, it isn’t. There is no history of drama school. He died from AIDS-related heterosexual oppression (unless you count the causes on Sept. 19, 1992. man who makes a living pissing gay people off It’s characters are guys of another time religious right’s war against birth control and He was 57. His acting talent, face — to the delight of anti-LGBTQ right-wingers, is and place who have yet to shake off the sex outside of marriage, but that’s just heteros and rather memorable backside anatomy the head of their parade. constricting onus placed upon them by oppressing themselves). There hasn’t been a — are available for repeated viewing on “We’ve got gay people who are helping us,” he religion, psychiatry, police, politics and systemic effort to deny or punish the existence DVD. I watched the movie this week and says. “We’ve got gay allies.” even the Mafia - you name it. Just about of straight people. remembered when. ... Hugo also says they want to include an “S” in everyone and everything straightjacketing. Presenting the straight pride parade as if it is And as one of the old boys in an old band LGBTQ because “it’s more inclusive that way.” Given as much, today we either like the equally legitimate (or equally illegitimate, which I’m still grateful to be tootin’ my horn. On And then he laughs in this really creepy way. play for its moments of history replayed or seems to be the argument SHFA is going for) or off-key. It’s uncomfortable to watch Hugo because this loath it for its internalized homophobia; is clearly not a man who is confident in himself, to a traditional Pride event is to intentionally nonetheless, it’s courageous, especially especially compared to the overly confident diminish LGBTQ Pride. compared to cautious plays dealing with It also allows people who reject the idea that Charles Alexander is prolific both as a Watters. That makes him the perfect person to homosexuality preceding it, like “The LGBTQ people are deserving of equality and BTL columnist (700-plus columns) and as lead this charge of hetero-misfits. Children’s Hour” and “Tea and Sympathy.” respect to celebrate their hatred openly. a well-known LGBT community artist (1000 In a video of the parade posted online, there’s a The boys in “Boys” are who they are in spite It’s another example of the majority seeing Facebook images). He is a Spirit of Detroit giant pro-Trump float (fun fact: that monstrosity of a culture that demonizes them. equal rights as a zero-sum game. It’s not super, Award recipient and an Affirmations LGBT originated in Michigan and is available to rent for Frederick Combs’ later career included it’s not happy, it’s not fun. But it is America, for CENTER Jan Stevenson awardee. Connect “weddings, parades, birthdays, rallies” according writing, producing, and directing an Off- better, or, in this case, for worse. with him at [email protected]. to its Facebook page) and lots of white men in Broadway mystery play that got soundly www.PrideSource.com BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 17 Pregnant Trans Men Face Difficulties Reclaim is Busting Stigma About Abortion BY STAFF REPORT BY ELLEN SHANNA KNOPPOW endeavor. parallel between laws that would dictate HOROFARE, N.J. — Transgender men who become Thus, “Busting Stigma” was born, how one can love and whom one can pregnant are at increased risk for depression and gender Reclaim’s first-ever fundraiser, to be held marry with when and how one can have dysphoria; however, getting the proper medical care can An Inspired Idea Saturday, Sept. 7. A raffle, palm and tarot children. be challenging due to a lack of knowledge among health It might seem unusual to plan a readings, food truck, cash bar and more “It’s really giving the power back to the care providers, according to a literature review published in burlesque show to raise funds for an are planned. individual and doing what’s best for them Maturitas, a European menopause journal, and reported on organization that advocates for issues “These are people that have reclaimed as opposed to what the law thinks that you by Healio Psychiatry. as serious as abortion and reproductive their own bodies,” Wyer said. “And that should do,” Wyer said. Although some transgender men undergo hormonal freedom, but Jordan Wyer explained how empowerment is definitely something that Not only that, “Everyone knows treatment and/or surgery, many retain their capacity to the idea came about during a strategic drew me towards burlesque” as the focus someone who’s had an abortion, and become pregnant. Currently, medical providers are largely planning meeting for her organization. of the fundraiser. everyone loves someone who’s had an unprepared to care for transgender people, who also face “We were talking about who we wanted abortion,” Wyer said. “I think that for so psychosocial barriers for care, such as social discrimination Reclaim to be and what we wanted to long it’s been just a woman’s issue, and and rejection from insurance companies to cover gender- become and how we were going to help Abortion Rights: An LGBTQ that’s not how pregnancy works.” affirming treatment, Justin S. Brandt, MD, assistant clinical people,” Wyer said, of the organization Wyer also talked about how close we are professor in the department of obstetrics, gynecology and Issue to losing the right to abortion altogether reproductive sciences at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson whose mission is to “reclaim” dignity around, confidence in and support of Those same themes of empowerment or having access drastically limited in Medical School, and colleagues wrote. and reclaiming one’s body are what make “In our study, we wanted to explore evidence-based practice abortion and reproductive rights through Michigan, as petitions for two ballot advocacy and education, community abortion rights a universal issue, an issue initiatives are currently being circulated. for transgender men during pregnancy, especially for men that is sometimes given less attention over the age of 35,” Brandt told Healio Psychiatry. engagement, storytelling and abortion “We need to be diligent in what we’re within the LGBTQ community than However, after performing an extensive literature review, funding. signing and also who we’re electing,” perhaps it should. Wyer, who is an ally, the researchers found limited research on transgender men, “And one of our board members Wyer said. “And making sure that pro- obstetrical care and outcomes. mentioned that we should bust abortion explained. choice policy comes first, because without The main findings, based mostly on cross-sectional surveys stigma — which is one of the things we “I think first and foremost ... that abortion care we have no way to control and expert opinion, were that transgender men and cisgender like to do — through burlesque, who also women are not the only people that have our reproductive futures.” women have similar attitudes about pregnancy, according use their ‘bust’ in different ways.” abortions. We have to stop erasing the to Brandt. Not only did she discover that a former trans community from the abortion On Sept. 7, though, Wyer will be diligent In one study, unintended pregnancy occurred in about clinic employee who is a performer conversation,” she said. about ensuring that Busting Stigma is a 30 percent of transgender men, suggesting it may be more was keen on the idea, Wyer also found What underlies both abortion rights success. Find out more online at https:// common than previously believed. The researchers highlighted tremendous interest among the burlesque and LGBTQ rights is the right to make secure.givelively.org/event/reclaim-inc/ the importance of contraception counseling, Healio reports. community in lending their talents to the decisions about one’s body. Wyer cited a busting-stigma-a-burlesque-show.

18 BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 19 Texas Group Advocates for LGBTI Migrants

BY MICHAEL K. LAVERS Complex. Sánchez said two months after Johana “Joa” RAICES provides them Medina León, a trans Salvadoran SAN ANTONIO — A Texas-based with a place to sleep, eat, woman, died in an El Paso immigrant advocacy group continues to provide shower and “feel like a hospital three days after ICE assistance to LGBTI migrants who hope to find human again after a very released her from their custody. refuge in the U.S. dehumanizing few months Roxsana Hernández, a trans Cristian Sánchez of the Refugee and of attention.” Honduran woman with HIV, Immigration Center for Education and Legal “We have clothing was in ICE custody when she Services on July 18 told the Washington Blade and makeup to feel like died at a New Mexico hospital during an interview at his San Antonio office yourself again, to self- on May 25, 2018. that RAICES last fall sent staffers to Mexico actualize,” he said. Immigrant rights advocates City to meet a “self-formed” group of LGBTI Sánchez added many of have said Hernández and Medina migrants from Central America. Sánchez said the trans migrants with did not receive adequate medical RAICES bought the migrants bus tickets to whom RAICES works care while in ICE custody. Tijuana, a city on the Mexico-U.S. border, and “have been rejected by The trans women’s families secured housing for them once they arrived. their families and don’t have filed wrongful death “We made the decision to help them the rest have a place to go in the lawsuits. ICE has previously of the way because they were suffering some U.S.” told the Blade it spends more discrimination within the caravan and just felt “The level of violence than $250 million a year on their needs weren’t really being listened to in has pushed them to make healthcare for detainees and the group decisions,” said Sánchez. this journey and seek A group of transgender women who were previously in U.S. Immigration and Customs regularly points to a 2015 Enforcement custody arrive at a house in San Antonio that RAICES operates. (Photo courtesy Sánchez told the Blade he soon found himself asylum, even not knowing of Cristian Sánchez/RAICES) directive that requires personnel running two shelters for LGBTI migrants: One what their future is going to, among other things, provide in Playas de Tijuana and a second close to to hold,” he said. Sánchez said 25 trans women were in ICE trans detainees with access downtown Tijuana. RAICES was founded in 1986 as the Refugee custody at the South Texas Correctional to hormone therapy while they are in their “I basically jumped into it,” said Sánchez. Aid Project. Complex when he spoke with the Blade. custody. “The next four, five months of my life was The organization has 130 staffers who He told the Blade they called him regularly, “The conditions they are facing at Pearsall running that shelter (in Playas de Tijuana) work from offices in San Antonio, Houston, “which is really intense because situations are are the exact same conditions where that and another shelter.” Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin and Corpus Christi. really bad inside.” Sánchez, who was at the happens,” Sánchez told the Blade, referring to Sánchez said the group of LGBTI migrants RAICES is among the myriad organizations that facility a few hours before he spoke with the the Hernández and Medina cases and to trans who RAICES helped in Tijuana “all made it to strongly oppose the Trump administration’s Blade at his office, said trans detainees are often women who remain in ICE custody. “A lot of the U.S.” and are now “detained” throughout the overall immigration policy, which includes kept in segregation and staff are not properly them are sick. They don’t get attention until country, including in Louisiana where Yariel the “remain in Mexico” program that forces trained on trans-specific issues. things have escalated.” Valdés González, a Blade contributor from migrants to remain in Mexico as they await “It’s been some real trials and tribulations,” “It’s just not how somebody should live,” Cuba who has asked for asylum in the U.S., the outcome of their asylum cases and a “safe he said. “I don’t think that the officials there added Sánchez. remains in the custody of U.S. Immigration third country” agreement with Guatemala. were prepared to have a trans pod, to host a Sánchez further described the situation for and Customs Enforcement. Sánchez said RAICES works with the trans pod.” trans detainees at the South Texas Correctional Dozens of trans women remain in ICE American Immigration Council to help The South Texas Detention Complex in Complex as “really, really bad” and “scary.” custody at the South Texas Detention Complex, detained migrants find lawyers who will Pearsall, Texas, on July 18, 2019. Transgender “A lot of the women are really demoralized a privately-run detention center in Pearsall, represent them pro bono. women are among those who are currently in and that’s really the whole point, to get you to a town along Interstate 35 that is roughly 60 Sánchez told the Blade that more than a dozen U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement give up,” he said. miles southwest of San Antonio. trans women who RAICES has represented custody at the facility that is roughly 60 miles Sánchez has created what he described to the have won their asylum cases. Sánchez also said southwest of San Antonio. (Washington Blade This article originally appeared in the Washington Blade as a “temporary transition house” in San RAICES is able to use donations it receives to photo by Michael K. Lavers) Blade and is made available in partnership with Antonio for trans women who were previously pay migrants’ bonds that secure their release Sánchez spoke with the Blade less than the National LGBT Media Association. in ICE custody at the South Texas Detention from ICE custody. Pro-LGBT Measures Up in Health Care

BY STAFF REPORTS corporate counterparts, as measured by HRC’s identity, and only 62 percent were found to 2019 Corporate Equality Index. have an LGBTQ-inclusive employment non- WASHINGTON — Strides are being made There was also a 35 percent increase in discrimination policy. The equal visitation in the world of LGBT health care despite a training hours recorded — clocking in at policy, in place at 90 percent of facilities that hostile presidential administration, Human more than 94,000 hours of LGBTQ care did not actively participate, is the only aspect Rights Campaign officials write in their annual training provided; and a 60 percent increase in which this group comes close to matching Healthcare Equality Index. in the number of Index participants whose the rate of the participating facilities, HRC Among the strides: more than half of Index electronic health records capture a patient’s officials said. participants now have written gender-transition sexual orientation, and a 40 percent increase participate in the Index but were included based A record 680 health care facilities actively guidelines; 75 percent of hospitals surveyed in the number of Index participants whose on HRC Foundation research, only 67 percent participated in this year’s survey. offer trans-inclusive benefits — an eight electronic health records capture a patient’s have patient non-discrimination policies that percentage point increase over last year, and gender identity. include both sexual orientation and gender numbers that bring them on par with their Of the 1,000 hospitals that did not actively 20 BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 21 Exclusive: Log Cabin Executive Director Resigns Over Trump Endorsement

BY CHRIS JOHNSON the Washington Post endorsing Trump, which their kids to “ex-gay” conversion therapy. It election. We declined to endorse in 2016, so was signed by Log Cabin board chair Robert was deemed the most anti-LGBT ever at the our chapter leaders wanted to make sure their he executive director of the Log Cabin Kabel and vice chair Jill Homan. The op-ed was time by Log Cabin itself .) voices were heard clearly and direction taken Republicans has resigned following largely based on the Trump administration’s Hoff didn’t immediately respond Monday into consideration for 2020.” a controversial decision by the stated global initiative to decriminalize night to a request for comment. Henry also Moran added the situation with Trump being Torganization’s board to endorse President homosexuality and an HIV/AIDS plan — both didn’t respond to a request for comment. an incumbent president played a role in the Trump, the Washington Blade has learned of which have yet to yield any results. News of Henry’s departure comes just weeks early endorsement. exclusively. Although Henry — a Republican who’s an before its “Spirit of Lincoln” reception in D.C. “This is a reelection campaign and the ramp- Jerri Ann Henry, who was the first woman alumnus from the marriage-equality movement on Sept. 17. In years past, the annual event up happens earlier for the incumbent, which to lead the LGBT Republican group, formally — was hired under a promise to advance pro- was both a dinner, usually with high-profile is completely normal,” Moran said. submitted her resignation Friday and left LGBT policies within the Republican Party, Republican attendees, as well as a reception, The influence of U.S. Ambassador to Monday after discussions with board members her voice had been effectively sidelined for but for this year, the event is reduced to simply Germany Richard Grenell, who’s the highest- characterized as “harsh,” sources familiar with about two months. a reception. ranking openly gay person in the Trump Log Cabin told the Blade. Sources say disagreements about the Log Cabin’s remaining board members administration, was also a factor in the The resignation follows intense criticism of direction of Log Cabin — with some wanting consist mostly of its California contingent, endorsement, especially on the California Log Cabin, which announced its support for to pursue pro-LGBT policy goals, while others including Charles Moran, who joined the members of the board, sources said. Trump earlier this month without its members wanted to support Trump — led to a decision board recently and now serves as Log Cabin’s In addition to the California board members, having met with him or having received any to prohibit Henry from speaking publicly for spokesperson. 11 of the organization’s 42 chapters are in explicit commitments in exchange. the group. Following the organization’s endorsement of California, according to Log Cabin’s website, Sources said Henry’s discontent with Trump Henry, the latest to leave Log Cabin after Trump, it was Moran — not Henry — who went so chapters in that state hold considerable sway and dissatisfaction with Log Cabin’s approach to the Trump endorsement, joins former board public in the media to explain the endorsement. over the group. defending its Trump endorsement in the media member Jennifer Horn, who has been public Sources say the board decided to endorse Both Moran and Grenell served as delegates were key among her reasons for stepping down. about her resignation, saying she couldn’t Trump at this time, flouting its customary from California supporting Trump at the 2016 Charles Moran, a Log Cabin spokesperson, look her children in the eye and belong to an practice of waiting to make a decision until Republican National Convention. confirmed Henry “did tender her resignation,” organization that supported Trump. the Republican National Convention, because Moran downplayed the influence of Grenell saying that occurred Monday. Casey Pick, who once worked as programs some board members were angry Log Cabin on Log Cabin, but affirmed the organization “The final date of her employment is director for Log Cabin, has repudiated the didn’t endorse Trump in 2016. supports his efforts spearheading the global undetermined at this time,” Moran added. “The organization in a Facebook post. Additionally, When those members realized they had the initiative to decriminalize homosexuality. board’s executive committee will proceed with Robert Turner II, who once led Log Cabin’s D.C. votes to endorse Trump, they rushed to make “Ambassador Grenell remains busy an orderly transition to ensure nothing falls chapter, announced he’d leave Log Cabin in a it happen despite not having the customary abroad with his portfolio in Berlin, and we through the cracks.” Facebook message. commitments for Log Cabin’s support, such wholeheartedly support his efforts leading the Moran declined to comment on the A less public resignation not previously as meeting with the presidential candidate up international decriminalization efforts, which circumstances of her departure, saying he reported, sources said, was board member for endorsement, sources said. we have publicized in our meetings and covered “wasn’t on the phone call she had with our Rachel Hoff, who gained notoriety during the Moran, however, disputed that account, on our social media,” Moran said. board chairman” and “can’t speak to the tenor 2016 Republican National Convention for saying the endorsement “came at the request or tone of the conversation.” arguing for LGBT inclusion in the Republican of our chapter leaders.” This article originally appeared in the Washington “We thank her for her service to our Party during the platform drafting process. “In our bylaws, we are required to survey Blade and is made available in partnership with organization and wish her well in the next (The platform ended up reiterating the GOP’s our chapters to solicit their input,” Moran the National LGBT Media Association. chapter of her career,” Moran added. support for a Federal Marriage Amendment said. “The result was almost unanimous in Henry’s name was not signed to the op-ed in and suggested parents should be able to send support of endorsing President Trump for re- Brazil Ends Government Funding of LGBTI Television Shows, Films BY FELIPE ALFACE since they shouldn’t receive public incentives. government itself. protagonism in some productions both in front “If someone from the private sector wants Culture Secretary Henrique Pires resigned and behind the camera and now our narratives SÃO PAULO — Brazilian President Jair to put money into those productions that is in protest against what he called censorship are being censored.” Bolsonaro has suspended public funding of fine,” said Bolsonaro. “But they won’t receive of public television projects as soon as Jair Katherine also told the Blade that LGBTI LGBTI-specific television projects and films. public money since these projects go against Bolsonaro made his announcement. Senator Brazilians “were still at the beginning of that The decision, which was published in the the values of traditional Brazilian families.” Fabiano Contarato challenged the decision visibility movement” and Bolsonaro “is trying Official Gazette on Aug. 21, specifically applies It was, therefore, not a surprise when a week in the Brazil’s Supreme Court, arguing it is to interrupt it.” to four LGBTI productions and others from later the decision was made public. unconstitutional. “It is like taking us back in the closet with categories that include youth, quality of life, A known homophobe, Bolsonaro incited LGBTI films were ‘building a story’ fear, panic that we may not keep working,” society and the environment. anti-LGBTI prejudice and hatred during his Julia Katherine, a transgender actress, she said. “There is an uncertainty around our Bolsonaro’s government has said the campaign as he did when he represented screenwriter and director, has sharply criticized employability. But it is important to make suspension, which will remain in place for Rio de Janeiro in the Brazilian Congress. But Jair Bolsonaro. something clear to him and to the world: we 180 days, is necessary to compensate members Bolsonaro’s son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, who “LGBTIQ+ filmmaking was building a story,” won’t back down. We are certain that we will of the Audiovisual Sectoral Fund Committee. has been nominated to become Brazil’s next she told the Washington Blade. “There were find a way to produce our content and keep The regulation also requires a review of the ambassador to the U.S., during an interview some advances in the last 10 years in visibility doing our work. We’ll keep moving forward. applied criteria to select projects. with the PBS NewsHour last week said he was especially in regards of transgender issues. And They won’t shut us down.” Bolsonaro, on the other hand, in a Facebook sure his father would love him if he were gay. now we arrived in a place where our stories are Live video on Aug. 15 spoke about LGBTI- The president’s record is far from what being censored.” This article originally appeared in the Washington specific projects that were slated to receive Eduardo Bolsonaro claims, and that is why “As a trans filmmaker I ask myself where are Blade and is made available in partnership with federal funds. One of the things he said was his decision about federal funding of LGBTI- we going to be in the next three years as we the National LGBT Media Association. he was able to search for government-funded specific television and film projects has keep going with the Bolsonaro administration,” projects with sexuality and LGBTI-specific already received strong reactions from both added Katherine. “It took so long for us as issues on the go and he was planning to stop it the audiovisual sector and from within the LGBTIQ+ people to recently arrive at a place of 22 BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 www.PrideSource.com

Tenor Talks Confidence in Performance, Pushing Boundaries and Being LGBTQ in Opera

BY EVE KUCHARSKI

ichael Fabiano’s approach to his opera career has served him well. Described by The Independent as “out of this world” and The New York Times as “one of the most Mexciting, sought after singers in the world,” those following opera today will likely have heard of the rising tenor. He made a splash at just 22 years old when he beat out thousands of other hopefuls at the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in 2007. That same year, he had his stage debut at the Stadttheater Klagenfurt as Alfredo in “La Traviata.” It’s evident that his reputation as a risk-taker has been as rewarding as it has been well-earned. The University of Michigan School of Music grad has logged performances across the globe in such famed venues as Carnegie Hall, Opera National de Paris and Teatro di San Carlo. Even in his spare time Fabiano favors the bold, having earned his pilot’s license. Now, the jet-setting singer will appear at the Michigan Opera Theatre on Oct. 12 for An Evening With Michael Fabiano. In advance of the performance, the openly gay star caught up with Between The Lines to talk about his current projects and his thoughts on portraying an openly LGBTQ character.

A necessity for a succesful opera singer is confidence and stage presence. You’ve mentioned before that you attribute your high school debate team as having fostered that in you. Absolutely. I always reference debate and sometimes people are confused by it, but the reality is that debate really gave me the skills to stand in front of lots of people, speak with my full voice, speak about matters of politics, life — whatever it was — and, by the way, be able to step into the shoes of both sides of an issue. To really be able see things from multiple perspectives. I would debate topics about the morality of authoritarian government and if it was preferable to the opposite and I’d have to be able to argue both sides of that coin in various rounds. Not because I wanted to, but because that’s the way the set up was. That’s what provides empathy and perspective. And a great artist is a person that’s empathic, but even more than that is a person that is capable of multiple layers of expression. Right, if you’re portraying a villanous person, for instance, they might not see themselves in that way, even if the audience might. Macbeth is a villain, maybe not. It’s an argument that one could make. Photo: Jiyang Chen

24 BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 www.PrideSource.com INFO it comes with the public perception that I’m a different type of tenor than I am now, and so it An Evening With has the expectation that I will deliver a certain type of voice, even though I’m confident that I Michael Fabiano have that kind of voice at this point. At the Michigan Opera Theatre on Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m. The theater is located at 1526 More than ever LGBTQ themes are being Broadway St. in Detroit. Find out more represented in opera. Would you be open to information online at michiganopera.org or portraying an LGBTQ character? by calling 313-237-SING [7464]. I believe in the intention of the libretto and what’s on the page. So, works that have existed, I will do as they exist. I’m not interested in You were raised in a musical family and got throwing green paint on a Picasso and saying introduced to the art form young, but you’ve that it’s new; I’m interested in doing the work as mentioned before that it’s often “otherized” by it is. I’m pretty constructionist when it comes people who associate it with elitist stereotypes. to opera. If you’re doing “La Boheme” you do Could you elaborate on that point? “La Boheme,” if you’re singing “Traviata,” you The biggest problem that opera has right do “Traviata,” you know? We don’t change the now is its messaging. We message, or the story for the sake of new social implications. opera world generally messages, that opera I think that, first of all, it’s confusing to the is for people that have money — as I call public. It might be interesting for certain champagne socialists or rich conservatives, groups of people, but [for] the public at large one of the two. And I’m not marginalizing it’s trickier to sell. And we have to not just be those people, both of them are important, thinking about small groups of people at the both the conservatives and the socialists, but time, we have to think about critical mass, opera is for everybody. When Verdi wrote and are we moving the needle for everybody? his works, he wrote it for the large swath of So, that leads me to the second answer, which people that had no money, nothing, couldn’t is: if there were a work that was created that pay anything. And one can go to the opera featured a role where I could be a character today for $20; it can cost people $150 to go to that struggled with sexuality or was gay or a Knicks game in New York City or a Giants that was something new, of course I would do game. And that’s all I have to say, that we’re it. Absolutely. That’s a given. I would never say in a stage now where we have to be doing a no to that. better job of our message and we’re not doing Have you been offered newly written work as an that. LGBTQ character? Is that where co-founding ArtSmart comes in? People have not come to me that often with a So, ArtSmart is an organization that proposition of new work, I’ve only had a few. creates a framework for children to get free I would love to do it. I’ve said this a million vocal instruction on a weekly basis that times: I’d love to be included in new projects concurrently allows those kids to have the and if it had a certain LGBTQ implication or opportunity at a greater musical experience some sort of different implication than the than they have at school. We introduce them norm, certainly. Absolutely. to opera and classical music events, we do As historians reassess older creative works, be it in a very specialized way and it’s growing they opera or another medium, existing and aggressively. previously misunderstood LGBTQ themes are Speaking of growth, in your career you’ve made being uncovered as originally part of the story. a name for yourself as a risk-taker, as someone Have you ever been in a production where you unafraid to step forward out of his comfort zone. felt that could be the case? How do you go about choosing your next career Here’s the thing: I did “Don Carlo” three years moves? ago and if you know the story of “Don Carlo,” I would say the phrase that I used the most the relationship between Rodrigo and Don is calculated risk-taking. Risks are items that Carlo is very close. It’s almost questionable can cause distress, duress or despair from the that those two were not lovers, one could individual if the action doesn’t take off but argue that they were. Don Carlo says a million can yield a great reward if it does. And so, times how much he loves Rodrigo and how what I do is I look at all items that could cause much he cares for Rodrigo and he’s mortified me distress but, more potentially, could lead and can’t believe that he’s died. And in this me to success, and I calculate the odds of that production we did, as Rodrigo was dying I success ratio, literally. I really break it down to laid a kiss on him. Now, the director said it numbers and then I act. It’s as simple as that. wasn’t a sexually based kiss, it was a kiss of And it sounds more convoluted than it is, but respect. It could be stretched in multiple it’s literally AP statistics. ways to believe what it really was. So, if there’s a point that is legitimate where it can What’s a role that you’d be interested in taking be construed that there is that implication, I on that is completely new to you? will do it. I will not do it for creating a false Andrea Chenier. It’s a calculated risk because See Opera, continued on p. 26 www.PrideSource.com BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 25 ® Opera Were you ever told to hide your sexuality from Continued from p. 25 the public because it might impact your career? Yes. There was the irrational fear from some that talking about sexuality would dissuade implication or something that is not in line critical mass from really caring about who I with the story. am and wanting to buy in to my career. And Along the lines of being LGBTQ and in opera, so, I was forced to hide. And as I’ve said to what was it like when you announced your people before, hiding is even worse than being in the closet. I was out, it’s not like I engagement publicly? Was it something you wasn’t out of the closet — all of my friends worried about impacting your career or did you and family knew who I was from a very not think anything of it? young age, but the reality is that I didn’t talk No, I didn’t think anything of it. I got about it. In my career I just didn’t go there all of these messages, “I had no idea you’re enough, so people just didn’t know. And that gay.” Then I got all these angry messages sense of being a ghost, that’s hard (laughs), from people saying that I was hiding my it’s not easy. sexuality for a while. There was a period, I’ve heard from other LGBTQ performers that I admit, where it was harder for me to talk about my sexuality earlier in my career. I was coming out has helped them to be more single for a very long time and that’s one of expressive in their work. Has that been the case the reasons people might not have known. I for you? mean, I wasn’t actively dating for many years. Honestly, I didn’t notice the difference. I can’t None. I hadn’t seen people for, I don’t even relate to that, because one thing I’m very know, eight years, seven. So, it’s logical that good at — I’m not bragging I promise — is a lot of people might not have known who compartmentalizing. I have a foundation might have come on board in the middle of I run that. I think about that, I don’t think the rise of my career. Because the first thing about anything else. When I’m flying a plane, I don’t say is, “Hi, I’m Michael Fabiano and I don’t think about anything else. When I’m I’m gay.” To me, that’s not relevant. I would singing, I don’t think about anything else. I hope that the LGBTQ community would have family members that are sick and dying, think the same, because what’s relevant is I’m not thinking about anything else. So, I that we’re people who do great things. And just really know how to sectionalize my life so, when I announced my engagement, I just and not let it bleed into my other affairs. announced it. I’m just engaged to Bryan, (laughs) that’s it. 26 BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 27 28 BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 www.PrideSource.com Michael Feinstein and Storm Large Shaken & Stirred Saturday, Oct. 12, 8 p.m. Cobb Great Hall Wharton Center for the Performing Arts whartoncenter.com

Five-time Grammy Award-nominated pianist and vocalist Michael Feinstein joins forces with Pink Martini’s Storm Large to reimagine standards and modern classics that are chilled, shaken and stirred into an unforgettable evening of music. Michael Feinstein is well known as the Ambassador of the Great American Songbook. Lauded for his Emmy-nominated PBS specials, NPR series and concerts spanning the globe, Feinstein delighted audiences in his last appearance at Wharton Center nearly 10 years ago. He joins forces with vocal powerhouse and force to be reckoned with, Storm Large, for an unforgettable evening of music. Storm Large, the longtime lead singer of popular music group Pink Martini, and Feinstein will pay tribute to a wide range of artists such as Al Green, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and many others, joined by a stellar five-piece band. To date, he has performed at such prestigious venues as The White House, Buckingham Palace, Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl and the Sydney Opera House. Feinstein married producer Terrence Flannery in 2008 after having Cool Cities dated for more than a decade. The two were married by family court judge and television personality Judge Judith Scheindlin, Lansing also known as Judge Judy. Flannery has played a large part in Feinstein’s career for years. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET Feinstein currently serves as artistic director for The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana. Feinstein and Flannery Pinpoint your ad dollars where have homes in New York, Los Angeles and Indiana. they will do the most good . . . Advertise in the next Cool Cities TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 See Applause, continued on p. 30 www.PrideSource.com BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 29 lead and started doing session and than a decade, Warwick had sold an Dionne Warwick background work. She was singing estimated 35 million singles and albums Sunday, Oct. 6, 7:30 p.m. backing vocals on the Drifters’ “Mexican internationally. Divorce” when she caught the attention In the late ‘70s she signed to Clive Sound Board at the MotorCity of producer Burt Bacharach. Burt and Casino & Hotel Davis’s Arista Records. She scored his songwriting and production partner immediately with the Barry Manilow- soundboarddetroit.com Hal David signed her to a production produced “I’ll Never Love This Way deal and then secured a recording Again” and followed up with the smash contract for her with Scepter Records. At 78 Dionne Warwick has had 56 “Heartbreaker,” which was produced by singles reach the Billboard Hot 100 Her first single was 1962’s “Don’t Make Barry Gibb. between 1962 and 1998 and has built a Me Over.” The song reached No. 21 Warwick, an early supporter of HIV/ reputation as one of the most successful in the pop and No. 5 on the rhythm AIDS causes, forever secured her spot female vocalists of all time. Warwick, and blues charts and the Warwick- in the hearts of the LGBTQ community born Marie Dionne Warrick, started Bacharach/David partnership was with the release of 1985’s “That’s What out singing gospel in her family group off and running. Throughout the Friends Are For,” a collaboration with the Drinkard Singers with her aunt, ‘60s, Warwick would score with such Gladys Knight, Elton John and Stevie legendary singer and backing vocalist blockbuster hits as “Walk on By,” Wonder that went to No. 1 on the pop, Cissy Houston. “Message to Michael,” “Do You Know R&B and adult contemporary charts the Way to San Jose,” “I Say a Little Her first foray into secular music came and raised over $3 million for AIDS Prayer” and many, many others. In less about when she followed her aunt’s research.

Patti LaBelle “You Are My Friend,” appeared on her first solo album for Epic Records. Other Own,” a duet with Michael McDonald for Sunday, Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m. hits continued during her epic years, such her MCA debut album “Winner In You.” Sound Board at MotorCity Casino as “Joy To Have Your Love” and “I Don’t The song went to number one on the R&B & Hotel Go Shopping,” before she switched to and pop charts and to number two on the Philadelphia International Records. Through adult contemporary chart. While this period soundboarddetroit.com PIR the now-classic “If Only You Knew” came might represent the peak of her career to be released in 1983 and went all the way to commercially, it wasn’t until 1992 that she These days Patti LaBelle is perhaps most number one on the rhythm and blues charts. won her first Grammy Award in the category famous for those delicious sweet potato Two years later, in 1985, LaBelle signed to of Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for pies she sells at Walmart. But the soul music MCA Records where she was immediately the album “Burnin’.” legend has been singing for the masses for included on the soundtrack to the Eddie Since then, LaBelle has continued to release more than 50 years, first as frontwoman for Murphy hit movie “Beverly Hills Cop.” She albums, books, fragrances and those delicious the group Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles, then scored two crossover hits on the soundtrack, pies. She also continues to tour and at age the funk ensemble LaBelle and since 1976 as including “New Attitude” and “Stir It Up.” 75 shows no signs of slowing down. See her a solo artist. Still, her biggest success lay in front of her. at the Sound Board at MotorCity Casino & That was the year that her signature tune, In 1986 she released the single “On My Hotel on Sunday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 p.m.

Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary” and expunging his darker secrets and David Sedaris “Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls,” all of contemplating mortality. Wednesday, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m. which have become bestsellers. Sedaris’ “The brilliance of David Sedaris’s writing pieces appear regularly in The New is that his very essence, his aura, seeps Fisher Theatre Yorker and have twice been included through the pages of his books like an broadwayindetroit.com in the compilation book “The Best intoxicating cloud, mesmerizing us so American Essays.” that his logic becomes ours,” Cumming David Sedaris has become one of From the beginning, much of Sedaris’ continues. “... The geeks really do inherit America’s best-known humor writers. writing has taken on a tone of self- the earth.” The great skill with which he uses his deprecation. His homosexuality also His sister is writer and actor Amy Sedaris satire and sardonic wit to slice through gets its fair share of coverage. Sedaris and the two have collaborated under the cultural euphemisms and political participated a documentary by David name The Talent Family. Together, they correctness only underlines his skill. Thorpe called “Do I Sound Gay?” The have written six plays which have been Coming this October, the famed author film looks at stereotypes surrounding produced at La Mama, the Lincoln will be coming to Detroit’s Fisher the speech patterns of gay men. Center and The Drama Department Theatre. His most recent book is “Calypso.” in New York City. These plays include Sedaris is the author of the collections “Calypso,” according to Alan Cumming “Stump the Host,” “Stitches,” “One of personal essays “Naked,” “Me Talk of the New York Times Book Review, Woman Shoe,” which received an Obie Pretty One Day,” “Dress Your Family in “Allows us to observe not just the Award, “Incident at Cobbler’s Knob” and Corduroy and Denim,” “When You Are nimble-mouthed elf of Sedaris’s previous “The Book of Liz,” which was published Engulfed in Flames,” “Squirrel Seeks work, but a man in his seventh decade in book form by Dramatists Play Service.

30 BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 www.PrideSource.com better and by season four, the winner empire releasing books, fragrances, dolls RuPaul’s Drag Race Sharon Needles took home a prize of and music, much of which is played on Werq the World $100,000, which remains the amount the show and, as RuPaul reminds each winners receive to this day. week, is available on iTunes. RuPaul also Tour Drag Race has inspired the spin-offs produces RuPaul’s Drag Con, the largest Tuesday, Oct. 22, 8 p.m. “RuPaul’s Drag U,” “Untucked” and drag convention in the world. And for “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.” The several years now, winners and popular Sound Board at the MotorCity highest-rated show on Logo, Drag Race contestants on the show have gone on tour Casino & Hotel switched to the more mainstream VH1 during the off season. soundboarddetroit.com for season nine in 2017. And as if that For this Werq the World Tour 2019, weren’t enough, RuPaul would go on entertainers include Aquaria, Asia, Detox, When it first debuted on Logo in 2009, to win three Primetime Emmy Awards Kameron, Kim, Money, Naomi, Plastique, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” was a pretty low- for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Vanessa aka Miss Vangee, Violet and Yvie. budget novelty. At the end of the first Reality-Competition Program from 2016 The show is hosted by longtime Drag Race season, winner BeBe Zahara Benet received to 2018. “Drag Race,” as a show, won the judge Michelle Visage. So far, the tour is a grand prize of $25,000 and was crowned Emmy Award for Outstanding Reality- scheduled to make nearly 90 stops around America’s Next Drag Superstar. But like Competition Program in 2018. the country as well as in Australia, New RuPaul himself, the show persisted. Through the show and a keen knack Zealand, Asia and Europe. Production quality improved, prizes got for self-promotion, RuPaul has built an

Jane Fonda and She is a two-time Academy Award winner and three-time Golden Lily Tomlin Globe winner. Known for roles in Tomlin received the Mark Twain Wednesday, Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m. the “China Syndrome,” “On Golden Prize for American Humor in 2003 Pond,” “The Morning After” and and was the recipient of the Kennedy Fox Theatre many others, Fonda first worked Center Honors in 2014. with Tomlin in 1980’s “Nine to Five” 313presents.com On “Grace & Frankie,” Tomlin’s alongside Dolly Parton. Frankie Bergstein plays unwitting A Detroit native, Tomlin started her nemesis to Fonda’s Grace Hanson. Billed as “A Fun Conversation with career as a stand-up comedian. She But after the two women’s husbands Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin,” the developed a reputation for playing leave them – for each other – the two Hollywood legends and stars of the a bunch of oddball characters on end up living together and a close Netflix series “Grace & Frankie” will the variety show “Rowan & Martin’s but unlikely friendship is formed. amuse and entertain attendees by Laugh-In” from 1969 to 1973. The The show’s fifth season premiered on answering questions presented by following year, Tomlin made her Netflix in January. So far, Tomlin has moderator Mitch Albom. film debut in Nashville, for which received four Emmy nominations Fonda was born to Hollywood she won Academy and Golden Globe for Outstanding Lead Actress in a royalty. She is the daughter of the Award nominations. To date, she has Comedy Series for the show and late Henry Fonda and brother to received seven Emmy Awards, two Fonda has received one nomination Peter Fonda of “Easy Rider” fame. Tony Awards and a Grammy Award. for the same category.

her debut single. Titled, “Inside Your Heaven,” Carrie Underwood the song holds the distinction of being the of Country Music Awards and nine Country only country song to debut at No. 1 on the Music Association Awards. Thursday, Oct. 31, 7 p.m. Billboard Hot 100. Her first album, “Some Thanks in part thanks to the success of “Jesus, Little Caesars Arena Hearts,” became the best-selling solo female Take the Wheel,” Underwood has maintained debut album in country music history thanks somewhat of a good girl image. But she has 313presents.com to the success of such smash hits as “Jesus, faced a backlash in certain Evangelical circles Take the Wheel” and “Before He Cheats.” for her public support of marriage equality. In Country sweetheart Carrie Underwood is Underwood would win three Grammy a 2012 interview with British newspaper The bringing her Cry Pretty Tour to Detroit this Awards for the album but she was just getting Independent, Underwood said, “As a married October on Halloween. Way back in 2005, started. person myself, I don’t know what it’s like to be Underwood wowed audiences of “American Underwood would go on to sell some 65 told I can’t marry somebody I love and want Idol” when she won the show’s fourth season. million records worldwide. She has been to marry. I can’t imagine how that must feel. What no one knew at the time is that she inducted in the Hollywood Walk of Fame, I definitely think we should all have the right would go on to become the most successful the Grand Ole Opry and the Oklahoma to love, and love publicly, the people that we “American Idol” winner of all time. Music Hall of Fame. Underwood has to date want to love.” The same year she won, Underwood released received seven Grammy Awards, 14 Academy

www.PrideSource.com BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 31 Hedwig character, whom Mitchell played Awards, including Best Actor in a John Cameron in drag, has evolved over time in club Musical, Best Featured Actress in a Mitchell and cabaret settings into a transgender Musical (for Lena Hall) and Best Revival rocker who had undergone a botched of a Musical. Mitchell would reprise his The Origin of Love Tour sex-change operation. role in the production for a limited run Saturday, Nov. 2, 8 p.m. In 2001, Mitchell starred and directed in in 2015 and go on to win a Special Tony the feature film version of the play. For his Award for his return to the role. Hill Auditorium efforts he would win Best Director at the For his University Musical Society debut, ums.org Sundance Film Festival. His performance Mitchell will be performing songs and was also nominated for a Golden Globe sharing stories from the groundbreaking You know him as Hedwig from “Hedwig Award as Best Actor in a Musical or work. In addition to the U.S., “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” John Cameron Comedy. Both the play and the film and the Angry Inch” has been staged Mitchell co-wrote the play, which were critical hits and have spawned cult in London, Vienna, Rio deJaneiro, debuted in 1998 and ran off-Broadway following around the world. Toronto and more than dozen cities for years and won an Obie Award, with “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” opened across the globe. It has become a cultural Stephan Trask. A rock musical about an on Broadway in 2014 with Neil Patrick phenomenon, much like Cameron, East German rock musician chasing after Harris in the lead role. It was directed himself. an ex-love who plagiarized her songs, the by Michael Mayer and won four Tony

Her first single from the album Unison was was “My Heart Will Go On,” the theme Celine Dion “Where Does My Heart Beat Now,” a top- from the blockbuster “Titanic.” The song ten hit. The following year, Dion sang the was a worldwide hit and became Dion’s Tuesday, Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m. theme song to the Disney animated film theme song. It won the Academy Award “Beauty and the Beast” with rhythm and for Best Original Song and earned Dion Little Caesars Arena blues crooner Peabo Bryson. It was another two additional Grammy Awards for Best 313presents.com top-ten hit and won an Academy Award for Pop Vocal Performance and the illustrious Best Original Song and a Grammy Award for Record of the Year. The song, one of the best-selling singles of all time, would go on Oh, Canada! We have many things to thank Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group to sell over 15 million records. you for but chief among them – or at least with Vocals. Other hits such as “If You high on the list – must be Celine Dion. Asked me To,” “The Power of Love,” “Think Dion would continue to record and went Celine Marie Claudette Dion hails from Twice” and “Because You Loved Me” were on to have one of the most successful Vegas Charlemagne, Quebec, and was releasing released and sold millions. In between her residencies of all time with her long-running French-language albums by the time she English-speaking albums Dion continued show, titled “A New Day,” at the 4,000-seat reached her teens. She won the 1982 Yamaha to release albums in French and those sold Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace. The four-year World Popular Song Festival and the 1988 millions as well. residency grossed over $385 million and Eurovision Song Contest. But it was in 1990 1997 would be one arguably her most a drew more than 3 million people to 717 that she released her first English-language succesful year yet when she once again shows. album and she did not fail to impress. sang a theme song for a film. This time it

When it was produced on Broadway the known unmarried half-a-millionaire.” Hello, Dolly! show won 10 Tony Awards – a record Carol Channing originated the role of Nov. 19 – Dec. 1 that the play held onto for 37 years. The Dolly on Broadway and would go on to cast album reached number one on the reprise the role in a couple of revivals. Fisher Theatre Billboard album chart and would go on Others who have also played Dolly broadwayindetroit.com to be inducted into the Grammy Hall of on Broadway include Pearl Bailey and Fame in 2002. The show has become one Bette Midler. Betty Buckley originally of the most enduring musical theater played Dolly on this tour but Dolly will “Hello, Dolly!” won no less than four hits with four Broadway revivals and be played by Carolee Carmello for the Tony Awards in 2017 including Best international success. It was also made Detroit shows. Musical Revival. The history of “Hello, into the 1969 film “Hello, Dolly!” which Dolly!” is rich and dates back to 1964, The version of “Hello, Dolly!” that is starred Barbra Streisand and won three when it first appeared on Broadway. coming to Detroit pays homage to the Academy Awards. “Hello, Dolly!” featured lyrics and music original work of legendary director by Jerry Herman and a book by Michael The film, like the play, tells the story of and choreographer Gower Champion Stewart. The play was based on the book matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi who – hailed both then and now as one of “The Merchant of Yonkers,” written by travels to Yonkers, New York to find a the greatest stagings in musical theater Thornton Wilder and released in 1938. match for Horace Vandergelder, a “well- history. 32 BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 www.PrideSource.com

I would say I’m a woman and “ I’m she/her, but I don’t use that as much to identify who I am. I feel like I’m just Alyse and there are certain things I love and I don’t feel like it has Accidentally to do with [gender]. Perfect ” Artist Pronoun Talks Inspiration for Latest Album BY EVE KUCHARSKI direct messages to her ex-girlfriend, “i’ll show the meaning of various songs can change I feel like, yeah, looking back it’s a great, perfect you stronger” takes listeners to the rocky end depending on how she’s feeling when she’s name for the project as a whole, but definitely reakups hit hard. Some hit harder than stages of Vellturo’s past relationship. Still, performing them. was very accidental and I didn’t realize until others. For Alyse Vellturo, better-known despite that being its lyrical focus, it’d be wrong “If I’m frustrated, I feel like I can pull different way after the fact.” by fans as pronoun, three years after she to call “i’ll show you stronger” sad. Its unique things from that. There’s a couple songs that no Vellturo is not nonbinary herself but as a Bbroke up with her ex-girlfriend and it’s still combination of jumpy, nostalgia-laden, synth- matter what, when I hit a certain point, I get queer artist is sensitive to the fact that the word much of the creative fuel for her first full-length layered, distorted guitar often produces a sound really into it, like ‘temporary tantrum’ at the “pronoun” itself holds a lot of meaning to many album “i’ll show you stronger.” that’s hopeful. Happy even. And the album’s title bridge part,” she said. “... It definitely depends gender non-conforming people in the LGBTQ “I think Pitchfork [magazine] said it the seems to be a steadfast resolution to get past on the mood and there’s so much stuff going community. best. I don’t think they were trying to be nice, former pain. But when asked about its meaning, on onstage. Half the time I’m like, ‘Oh my God, “I think it grabs people a lot and they’ll go but I was like, ‘That’s exactly what it is.’ They Vellturo said that the naming process wasn’t that I can’t hear myself.’ Or I’m thinking, ‘I hope it and listen. But I think in general, just being a said, ‘Vellturo’s making music for herself alone,’ deliberate. In fact, it came from a text message sounds good out there,’ and I get really caught queer artist and going out and touring with and I was like, ‘That’s 100 percent true,’” she she sent to her agent after being asked to open up in it, which I have to work on, because I can’t primarily all guys, I’ll get people coming up said. “When I’m making [music], it’s usually for a band looking for a support act. hear what it’s going to sound like in the end.” to me and saying, ‘I almost never see girls because it’s making me feel better and it’s how “And I was like, ‘What’s the word on this?’ But it is that openness and variability in the doing shows like this,’ which is sad, but also I’m feeling and I’m recording it and, at the end And he was like, ‘They’re taking their friends meaning and interpretation of Vellturo’s music just cool. I’m happy to be out there and not of the day, I go back and listen to it.” out, they need a stronger support act.’ Because that is perhaps the draw. Similarly to her album only representing women but also anything Those feelings of catharsis and reflection are one of the first bands was their friends and they title, Vellturo said she got the name pronoun besides a cis white dude,” she said with a laugh. present on the album, and Vellturo’s sharing didn’t have a good pull, plus they needed the by accident when her friend suggested it, but it But gender is rarely, if ever, her focus them with audiences while she’s on tour. On second act to be bigger than me — or that’s ended up fitting much better than Monachopsis creatively. Sept. 9, she’ll make her way to The Loft in what I took away from it. And I just went out — her original name that means the “the subtle “I would say I’m a woman and I’m she/her, Lansing. with my friends drinking,” Vellturo said with a but persistent feeling of being out of place.” but I don’t use that as much to identify who Full of both personal thoughts and seemingly laugh. “And I texted my agent back in all caps, “It was all just very quick. I didn’t think at I am. I feel like I’m just Alyse and there are ‘I’ll SHOW YOU STRONGER,’ like, ‘I’ll show the time, ‘Everyone’s going to ask you why certain things I love and I don’t feel like it has you a stronger support option.’” you’re called this,’ but I never put that together to do with [gender]. But I know tons of people INFO But as she looked at her message, the words in my head until after the fact and I was like, do, and I probably even [do too and I] just don’t just seemed to fit. ‘Fuck, I need to come up with something,’” realize it. So, it’s kind of hard to say if it even pronoun in Lansing “It was like a lightbulb went off. This actually Vellturo said. “But I’m a bad liar, I hate lying affects the music at all. I’m sure it does, but I explains how I feel what this album is about. So, or faking something, so I still always tell that very rarely think about it,” she said. “... It turns The Loft located at 414 E. Michigan Ave. it was super accidental, and yeah, I’m still not original story. But I started learning more about into this thing where I’m putting [music] out in Lansing on Monday, Sept. 9. Find out more information about the show online at sure if I’m showing myself stronger or people pronouns then. Like, ‘Oh yeah, they can be the and sharing with the world and going on tour theloftlansing.com and about pronoun at that are listening to it,” she said. “... It’s kind of subject or the object,’ I talked with friends, too, and playing it live, which is amazing. But at the musicpronoun.com. open to interpretation.” like, ‘How can I make this maybe make more end of the day, it’s mostly me trying to sort out Fittingly, Vellturo said that sometimes sense than just what it was to begin with?’ And what’s going on in my head.”

34 BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 35 Firsts, Classics and Future Projects: An Overview of The Ringwald Theatre’s Upcoming Shows

BY EVE KUCHARSKI Plambeck is directing the show and he said it’s ow steadily into the start of its the theater’s first stab second decade in existence, fans of at a show for young Ferndale’s Ringwald Theatre will know adults. Despite the fact Artistic Director Joe Bailey, left, alongside his husband Brandy Joe Plambeck, who serves as the theater’s media director. BTL Photo: Nit for its seasons of uncharacteristic takes on that it’s coming with a Eve Kucharski classic performances and unique choice of twist, he said he wants 13-year-old boy who are in a competitive dance have and just bring it to the table and really new works. According to its official history, to stay true to the widespread appeal of the troupe, like a ‘Dance Moms’ sort of scenario, give into this world,’” Plambeck said. “I think chosen productions blur “the lines between original. but the actors are played of all different ages it’s incredibly exciting.” race, income, religion and sexuality.” “I want it to be something where people playing 13,” Bailey said. “So, you could have a “I’m very big on telling stories and telling who are gaga, head over heels for it — whether 70-year-old, 25, 30, 50 — whatever you want stories that people don’t necessarily know. So, they were when it first came out — or if they’re INFO and whoever is right for the part. And at one no tea, no shade, but you won’t see ‘The Odd young today and love it on the Disney Channel, point, the girls grow fangs, and it’s so great and Couple’ here, you won’t see ‘Boeing-Boeing’ they can come and enjoy it,” Plambeck said. I love it so much.” here, because they’ve both been done a gillion “But there’s this aspect of the angle we’re coming The Ringwald’s Plambeck said he’s eager to take on the and one times,” said Artistic Director Joe Bailey. at it [from] that if you’re an adult you could directing challenge because even the show’s upcoming shows “They’re great shows, I love them, but people come and enjoy it as well.” physical script has its own flair. Find out more information about upcoming have had a chance to see them multiple times. That angle involves the casting of Joe Bailey “It’s very poetic. And the way it’s written productions online at theringwald.com. So, that’s not interesting to me. I want people in the part of the show’s main, often bubble gum on the page, the text gets giant at some points to be able to see stuff that they maybe haven’t pink-clad antagonist Sharpay Evans. and it’s like, ‘How do you interpret this?’ ... It 2019: seen or haven’t seen in a while.” “So, our ‘High School Musical’ is going to be also says that even though they are in a dance High School Musical In addition to his role as artistic director, very interesting just because it’s not like we’re troupe, it’s fine if none of the actors have any Aug. 23 - Sept. 16 Bailey is a co-founder of the theater, having doing a parody, because first of all it’s illegal to dance training or experience. Or if they’re not started it in 2007 alongside his husband Brandy do that, like Disney will hunt you down. But we good at dance it’s even better, it says. So, it Joe Plambeck, who serves as the theater’s media just wanted to cast older people in it and see Tiny Beautiful Things kind of alleviates this worry of, ‘Oh, I must be director. He said that each season tends to what that would bring to the part. And casting Oct. 11 - Nov. 4 a good dancer because I’m playing this dancer include productions that fit into four key slots. a guy as Sharpay, not changing the gender, you in a dance troupe.’ It’s like, ‘Hey, bring whatever “We’ve gotten in the habit over the last few know Sharpay is still this high school girl, but A Very Golden Girls Christmas age you are and whatever dance skill level you years of having a classic slot where we do a show having an older gentleman who is very funny Nov. 22 - Dec. 16 that’s considered a classic. It’s not necessarily an in it, in drag, play the part,” Plambeck said overdone show, but this last year was ‘Death of with a laugh. a Salesman’ and then we had done ‘A Streetcar 2020: Named Desire’ before that and we’re doing ‘Of Looking Forward Torch Song Mice and Men’ this coming season. We also Jan. 10 - Feb. 3 usually try to do a big fat musical, whether it’s a When asked what shows the couple was most brand-new one like when we did ‘Heathers: The excited about putting on, Bailey said he can’t Dance Nation Musical’ or ‘RENT’ — we were the first local, wait for Clare Barron’s “Dance Nation” to debut, professional company to do that,” Plambeck currently scheduled for Feb. 21 through March Feb. 21 - March 16 said. “[And] we always try to do something 16 of 2020. campy and something gay.” “I’m excited for everything, but I’m super Of Mice and Men excited for a play called ‘Dance Nation,’ which April 3 - April 27 An Upcoming First was shortlisted for the Pulitzer Prize this year, because that script is bananas. And Brandy Joe Grindr: The Opera This season is breaking new ground for the is directing it and I’m very eager to see how it’s May 15 - June 15 theater with its production of “High School going to turn out. I read it like, ‘Oh, my God.’ Musical” that’s running now through Sept. 16. It’s about a group of 13-year-old girls and one 36 BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 www.PrideSource.com

Ferndale’s Slipstream Theatre Initiative Works to ‘Entertain, Educate and Illuminate’

Creating Its Own Slipstream The company’s name is intentionally related to its greater mission, too. Ask Boudreau and he’ll tell you about the three technical definitions of the word BY EVE KUCHARSKI “slipstream.” The first is based in physics. “It is the force that carries particles hen Artistic Director Bailey along with it in a jet stream. [With] a Boudreau got the idea to mother dolphin, her children will be start the Slipstream Theatre carried in her slipstream that’s created WInitiative he was working as a theater by her floating. So, it’s a way of getting Artistic Director Bailey Boudreau director out of West Bloomfield High something from one point to another School. As talented as many of his without being the actual unit, [the] students were, Boudreau couldn’t help but tangible thing that is moving,” he said. to submit a headshot and resume for notice that most of them weren’t getting “And then in literature, it is a genre that consideration — especially if a project any performance experience outside of combines two or more genres into one calls for the representation of a character their school productions. Beyond that, that cannot be defined, which felt very who can’t be portrayed by the existing he felt they weren’t getting a chance to much like us, and this state when you are cast members. understand the deep messages behind dreaming that allows you to access your “I think that we live in a time where, many of the works they performed. memories and, supposedly, past lives.” finally, people are starting to embrace “Shows that I had loved like ‘Doll’s Past lives for Slipstream is taken to differences and understand more that we House’ and ‘Hedda Gabler,’ every time mean classic works. The company is are all so uniquely different in so many I saw them done they were just like certainly no stranger to taking audiences ways as protected classes continue to grow. museum pieces and we kind of ignored through seemingly disparate topics, I think theater is something that is meant the fact that they were banned at their settings and characters into its own to entertain, educate and illuminate and time. They were about women doing the reinterpretations. you can’t do that by featuring one kind unthinkable and it was very progressive “Taking the classic in our slipstream, of person,” he said. “You can’t change at the time. ... Young people reading these moving it toward something different someone’s mind by telling an all-white classics [at school] aren’t necessarily really without actually changing it,” Boudreau story all the time. You can’t make someone seeing that if they see a production.” said. see something differently if you don’t Boudreau said. “And I thought, ‘Someone Take its current production of “The present something different for them to needs to do shows like that, where they Frogs.” Described as a “loving homage s e e .” relate these struggles and these issues to the Greek classical comedy by For example, Boudreau said that he to things that are happening currently.’” Aristophanes,” the show “is given new life feels confident directing shows that That germ of an idea eventually resulted through the magic of Stephen Sondheim have LGBTQ themes because of his own in today’s Slipstream Theatre Initiative, with lyrics by Bert Shevlove and Nathan identity as a gay man but will consult and now the Ferndale company is gearing Lane.” It also blends the work of George with others before taking on projects that up for a sixth season. Just as initially Bernard Shaw and Shakespeare while include different identities. planned, each of the company’s shows recalling audiences to their “passion for “When we did ‘P.Y.G.,’ the original work aims not only to entertain but to provide art, truth, love and of course ... theater!” based on Pygmalion, we consulted with a deeper message, one that’s often tied to a local trans woman on every line. She social justice causes. Looking Ahead read the script and she gave us a lot of “As current affairs change, as new feedback and it’s important to us that we laws are made or not made, political Though the search for brand-new takes represent voices and that we represent campaigns are held and breaking news on classics never stops at Slipstream, as the them accurately, and I think that should happens every day, there’s never a shortage end of its season draws closer the planning be important to anyone who is really being of an issue. Next season, we’re dealing process goes into overdrive. a productive member of society today,” with immigration, which we’ve not “We don’t really stop. We end our Boudreau said. “You know, I struggle with dealt with before. We’re delving a little season in October, we go into rehearsal an actual articulate answer on why we bit more into gender identity and then for the next season generally in November. choose to feature diversity and inclusion, also we’re really looking at what a family So, as soon as we’ve announced a season because I think we should all be doing is in today’s society, among many other and we have solidified our dates and all it. It seems to me like absolute insanity things,” Boudreau said. “That’s three out of that, we start moving onto the next that it’s not something that is just done of our six shows.” season,” Boudreau said. everywhere, always, all the time.” Since the company is a closed one, auditions for actors outside of the regular performers aren’t usually held at the start To learn more about the Slipstream Theatre of each season. However, Boudreau said Initiative visit slipstreamti.com. “The Frogs” that interested performers are welcome will run through Sept. 29.

38 BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 www.PrideSource.com

PCAC is Calling All LGBTQ Artists The Pontiac Creative Arts Center is Accepting Submissions Through Sept. 15 for its Upcoming ‘Kaleidoscope of Expression’ Exhibit

BY EVE KUCHARSKI the parameters were kept broad on purpose, “We’re a 501(C)(3) to encourage the participation of all kinds of nonprofit organization hough it’s arguable that June is the talent. So far, submissions have been received and like many others most significant month for the LGBTQ mainly from the Southeast Michigan area, but we are still recovering community, it’s not uncommon for Pride there have been several from across the state from the 2008 recession. Tcelebrations to extend throughout the summer of Michigan and even as far as Florida and So, before we can really for this event has been an exciting one and both and beyond. The Pontiac Creative Arts Center California. launch any new exhibits or programs, we have he and Makohon are hopeful that “Kaleidoscope is certainly extending Southeast Michigan’s “It’s open to anybody that identifies as to first secure funding,” Karpinski said. “... I of Expression” turns into a regularly occurring Pride season this year with the Oct. 12 debut LGBTQA+ and it’s going to be a juried show, came across the Oakland University Pontiac event. of its “Kaleidoscope of Expression” exhibition. because we welcome anything whether it’s two- Initiative grant program and applied online. “We’ve received several submissions from In following with its theme, the exhibit’s goal is dimensional, three-dimensional, photography, And I’m happy to share that we were given the all different types of mediums and all different to showcasing the varied works and talents of painting, sculpture, craft, metalwork, full grant of $1,900, which is what we applied geographic areas. So, really, it’s open to anybody any interested LGBTQ artists. Ronnie Karpinski woodwork, design — and that’s just the visual for.” and we’re really excited to see where this takes is a PCAC board member and he encourages arts,” Makohon said. “We’re also encouraging Along with some additional fundraising, us,” he said. “... But also, with it being the 50th “everybody who is interested to submit” now performance art. And so, the parameters are Karpinski said that this show is also a direct anniversary of Stonewall, we need to celebrate through the Sept. 15 deadline. really that we want a very high quality that’s result of a partnership with Oakland University that and I we don’t have a Pride event in Pontiac “I’m actually a member of the LGBTQA+ robust, and a show that’s indicative of the Gender and Sexuality Center. so it’s our way of showcasing that. We think it’s community, and I just thought we were long deep, deep talent of that group. So, it’s a way to “We’re trying to give back to them for giving a great opportunity.” overdue for a Pride exhibit. I actually don’t celebrate and a way to promote art in Southeast to us. And also, it’s a good opportunity to help know if we’ve ever had one, there’s no record of Michigan.” some of the students who have graduated or To find out more about the exhibit and PCAC one ever taking place, hence the ‘Kaleidoscope Participation in “Kaleidoscope of Expression” will be graduated who are working on different visit pontiacarts.org. Interested artists can submit of Expression’ was born,” he said. is free and the show is made possible because types of art exhibits and bringing together their work online at http://gaybe.am/mp Patrizia Makohon is a board member as well of the Oakland University/Pontiac Initiative different marketing materials,” Karpinski said. and the curator of this exhibit. She said that Community Impact Sponsorship Award. He added that so far, the submission process

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40 BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 www.PrideSource.com

ShurShura’sa’sa’s ArtArtArt

WillWill GoGo OnOn Photo: Hollie Fernando

Pop’s ‘Anxious Lesbian Pope’ on Queering Her Once-Coded Lyrics, Nearly Retiring and Her Titanic Musical

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI feature activated because “I’m literally in a One and done. “Nuns Having Fun” and it was images of nuns cave and look like I haven’t slept,” Shura Bye! Exit stage left! I was finishing touring smoking and riding a rollercoaster. Images Album release week has Shura, synth-pop’s discusses playing dress-up with her gay twin, with Tegan and Sara and M83 and that’s of women who are traditionally not meant “lesbian pope,” feeling like “Ice Age” squirrel her infatuation with fun nuns, writing a Titanic when I started talking to my current partner to have any sort of worldly pleasure in that Scrat, whose acorn keeps getting away from musical from the perspective of the icebergs and was like, “Maybe I can write some songs sense. It’s a life of: You make a commitment him. “The acorn is representative of my well- and being scared of Madonna. again.” I was attracted to someone and that to God, and so you see these people doing being, my sanity,” says the 30-year-old British was exciting, and I was writing about that. It naughty things and it’s something that does musician. “And it’s always a hair’s breadth away.” wasn’t until maybe a year into the process of spark joy and makes you laugh and smile. So After “Nothing’s Real,” did you anticipate making I am Skyping with Shura, who is calling from writing that I was beginning to decide what I’ve always loved nuns. And then I remember Rough Trade, a record store in Nottingham, another breakup album? to record and I was like, “Oh, shit, this is seeing Jude Law in “The Young Pope” and I England, just days after the release of her When I finished writing “Nothing’s Real,” I gonna be a really different record.” I always thought he looked amazing, and I just went, second album, “Forevher,” the follow-up to was kind of like, “I don’t know if I can make love artists who do that, who make big leaps “I want to look amazing.” I have this really her 2016 debut “Nothing’s Real.” Named by another record again,” because it does take of faith and take risks; sometimes they pay off great job where I can do that. And if you don’t her girlfriend, Pauline, who she met on the so much out of you emotionally. At that and sometimes they don’t, but the fun is in do that as a pop star or as a musician, I think dating app Raya while living in London (the two moment, I just didn’t feel like I felt anything trying. you’re missing out on one of the funnest were in a long-distance relationship until Shura at the end of that – (it) just really, really kind aspects of the job. moved to Brooklyn), the title represents “For of sucks you dry. Not necessarily as a negative That’s something I learned from doing Her,” “Forever” and “Forever Her.” And calling either. I was just exhausted. So I … I kind of How did you decide to include lesbian nuns “Nothing’s Real,” because I was at a major it simply “Forever” was out of the question; imagined retiring! in the “religion (u can lay your hands on me)” (label) and maybe nervous about them that name was already taken by the Spice Girls. video? turning me into something that I wasn’t, During our chat, and without the video I love nuns. I had this calendar as a kid called which they didn’t, actually. But I was still

42 BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 www.PrideSource.com nervous about it. I really tried to cling onto, I’ve written a musical! I wrote one when I “I’m gonna wear a denim jacket and a beanie was at university. I can’t say it was very good. and I’m just gonna be me.” And actually, I was And it was very short, so I’d have to develop like, “But I can be anyone? Why wouldn’t I it. But I wrote a musical about the story of the choose that? That’s fun.” Titanic from the point of view of the iceberg. I used to love dressing up as a kid. I’d dress It was this love story between two icebergs up as Zorro and Peter Pan. I remember (my (laughs) in the Atlantic. And there was like brother) Nick and I doing “Beauty and the the Greek chorus, so to speak, but they were Beast” with the dress and the beast costume seagulls. There was one bit where they ended and I cried, and then we swapped and he wore up in Chile and there were penguins and the dress and I wore the beast costume and there was a song called “It’s Chilly in Chile,” we were like, “This is perfect.” So I’ve always and the main iceberg was called Ferdinand loved inhabiting different personalities. After and he ended up obviously dying because the three years of silence, I was like, “I wanna Titanic crashes into him. So it’s a tragedy. I come back and I wanna be the pope,” because don’t think I’ve told anyone that before, so I thought that would be hilarious. Anxious there you go. Exclusive. lesbian comes back and she’s the vaping, lesbian pope. Based on the “religion” video, I assume you may have been a bit obsessed with Madonna’s “Like In fact, you’ve envisioned the entire album as a Prayer.” a lesbian musical of sorts with a similar queer, You reckon? (Laughs) We had “The religious motif. Immaculate Collection” on VHS, which I Yeah. Oh my god, I still really wanna do it. suspect was a way of keeping my twin and I occupied for large swaths of time when we were being a bit hyperactive. We would sit Have you truly given this much thought? in front of the television and stare, and that I want to get someone good to write the would just be us for a couple of hours. So script, for sure. I was thinking that it would she’s been a huge inspiration musically and be absolutely hilarious if (“Fleabag” creator) absolutely (the “religion”) video is intended Phoebe Waller-Bridge wrote the script for as a nod and homage. I discovered the other it; she’s just in my head right now because day that I released the record on her birthday, she’s sort of everywhere. I feel like she’d nail so that feels like a nice kind of full circle. I it. I started thinking about the story and was was tempted to be like, “Happy Birthday, like, “Maybe it has to be someone who’s a Madonna!” and send her a link to my album girl growing up in a convent school.” That’s but then got too scared because I thought where it would start. I also just like the idea she’d just scream at me. of it being a dream sequence with popes and lesbian nuns. “Forevher” manages to be both explicitly queer and incidentally queer. And your queerness And maybe a cameo from Sister Mary Clarence. has been a major talking point during recent Let her run the convent for lesbian nuns. In fact, interviews. Did you expect the queerness of this maybe Sister Mary Clarence has been a closeted album to be as big of a focus as it’s been while lesbian all these years and she finally has the promoting the album? opportunity to come out during your musical. When you come from a queer perspective, I mean, that would be amazing. I feel like you never really feel like what you’re doing is you’ve thought about this more than I have so super gay because it’s just what you’re doing. maybe we should get you to write the script. It’s only when you start to see it through the eyes of other people – when you see fans and they’re so excited that it is explicitly queer and Call Phoebe. We’ll collaborate. they’re like, “Oh my god, this is the album Yeah, perfect. Amazing. We’ll do one night on that I needed when I was a teenager that I Broadway. didn’t have.” I did an interview recently and the headline One night only! was, “Shura sometimes forgets she’s a lesbian” (laughs). I just forget in the same way that I Of course. It has to be one night only. If I forget that I am a woman sometimes because I make a musical that’s more successful than don’t really wake up every day going, “Where any album I’ve done, that would be amazing, am I gonna take my vagina today?” If you are especially given that I really didn’t like going to be openly queer, it’s always going to musicals growing up because I kept hearing be a part of any conversation. For “Nothing’s my brother rehearse them and I was like, Real,” actually, it was still a talking point even “Shut up. I don’t care about tomorrow. I do though I never used a pronoun. Even when I not care! Annie, leave me alone!” wasn’t being explicitly queer lyrically, it was still a part of the conversation. Do you have serious aspirations to pursue a musical? See Shura, continued on p. 44 www.PrideSource.com BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 43 ® That’s the thing: When you first start making music, it’s record is about a three-year period, a little time capsule of a Shura normally because you’re a fan, right? It takes you a while really lovely time ... before it goes wrong! And hopefully it Continued from p. 43 sometimes to discover what it is that you’re good at. Maybe never will (laughs). It’s made me sort of feel braver in terms you try to emulate some of your heroes and then over time of expressing my queerness, but then also makes me feel more you discover what you’re about. As a kid, I would’ve loved to vulnerable. How does it feel to be using specific gender pronouns on this have been a rock star. I would’ve wanted to be in a rock band Declaring being in love is putting yourself in a vulnerable album? and shredded (laughs), but I’ll let someone else be good at that position. But I’m somewhat used to putting my life experiences It’s fun to be able to do it and be like, “I don’t care. I don’t care and I’ll do this. One of the most important things about being on record, so for me it’s maybe not as big of a deal because it’s that someone might go, ‘Oh, shit, OK! Let me switch this off.’” creative is knowing what you’re not good at. just what I’ve always done. I guess it’s a bigger audience now (laughs) than when I was 16 and recording on a MiniDisc recorder for my friends at school, who were like, “Ugh. She How were you writing about being queer at the age of 16, when you What else are you not good at? just wishes she were Avril Lavigne.” first started writing songs? My singing voice, I wouldn’t describe it as especially acrobatic. I have, I would say, a relatively delicate voice. Some of my The language I would use was very decorative. I would use What is Pauline’s favorite song on the album? metaphors and allegories, and it would be much closer to heroes – some of the people whose voices I love, like Whitney poetry lyrically. I would never be specific about what was Houston and Mariah Carey – they are voices. You hear them Her favorite song is “The Stage.” I think she likes the rhythm going on. I would kind of talk in… and you know who it is straightaway, and I was just like, “Well, of it because it’s quite weird. It’s quite a weird record. Quite a I can’t sing like that so I’m gonna stop trying and I have to challenge. I was a bit nervous about putting it out before the find the way my voice works.” Another thing I’m not good at record was released because, musically, it’s a demanding listen In code? it, apparently, is buying presents, which was really tragic to because of these huge shifts and chord progressions and key Exactly. But I understood the code. And anyone who knew discover. changes that never really materialize. I finished the record in what it was about would know the code; anyone who was a January and was like, “I just delivered something. I don’t know what it is. I like it. But I don’t know what it is.” fan, if they understood that I was gay, would also get the code. Who told you that you weren’t a good gift giver? But I think just growing up in general as a writer, I’ve found where I thrive is in the really mundane and the really specific. My girlfriend! I thought I was brilliant at buying presents until this relationship. But I don’t know whether I’m not very good Do you know now? or she’s just very, very picky about what she likes. (Laughs) I definitely have a better handle on it now. And actually, this is (laughs) gonna sound awful, probably, but the more I get to know it, the more proud of myself I am. The more I kind of I used to buy Mariah Carey albums and give them to people as gifts impress myself. Like everyone else, I’m still getting to know even if they weren’t fans. it. It’s like having a kid and when they get to be about 4, 5 or When “Nothing’s Real” came out, my twin bought 10 copies 6 and you start to realize they’re developing a real personality of the album and gave them to everyone he worked with. and you’re like, “Oh, I made one of these children! Great!” (Laughs) That’s kind of like me with my album. I’m like, “Oh, wow. This is all right. Well done.” How has love changed the way you approach queerness in your work? As editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBTQ wire service, I’m exploring a different side of my queer romantic experience, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a multitude of superstars, which is like … joy (laughs). For a start! The queer stories including Cher, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. His we’re exposed to are quite dramatic stories; in film and music, work has also appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, GQ we don’t get to see a lot of happiness or things working. This and Billboard. Reach him via Twitter @chrisazzopardi. Solution to Q Puzzle p. 49

44 BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 45 identity, self-expression and the complex Cleopatra Boy nature of the human experience in Sept. 13 – Sept. 28 this contemporary moment. Their latest original work, “Cleopatra Boy,” is The Andy supported, in part, by the New England ahostofpeople.org/cleopatra-boy. Foundation for the Arts’ prestigious National Theater Project Creation and “Cleopatra Boy” is an original play that Touring Grant. This national recognition uses the history of Cleopatra combined comes after previewing “Cleopatra Boy” with music, choreography, bold design at FURY Factory Festival of Ensemble and spoken word to illustrate how women, and Devised Theater in San Francisco, people of color and LGBTQ individuals in Cleveland Public Theatre’s Test Flight and positions of power risk losing control of the 7th Annual Sidewalk Festival Detroit. their own images against the dominance “Cleopatra Boy” is conceived and of white patriarchy, resulting in false directed by Sherrine Azab and Jake narratives and misrepresentations. The Hooker. The performance brings to light piece also pulls from restorative justice how women (and other non-straight/ practices in order to reveal the motives of white/male) leaders’ histories are rewritten, TYLER, THE CREATOR AT the western tellers of Cleopatra’s story and maligned or erased. The iconic Egyptian address some of that misinformation, in pharaoh’s historic, mythic and fictional THE MASONIC TEMPLE service of a celebration of women, POC representations across time inspired A On Saturday, Sept. 7, Grammy Award-nominated rapper, and queer leaders — past, present and Host of People to create a performance that singer and songwriter Tyler, the Creator will make his future. speaks to the present moment. A theatrical way to Detroit’s Masonic Temple. On this tour he will Theater ensemble A Host of People will thought experiment that is part pageant, share music from his latest album “Igor.” Find out more present the world premiere of the original part courtroom drama, the audience will information online at themasonic.com. play at The Andy. A Host of People has shape-shift from spectators, to community a reputation for creating theater that is members, to witnesses as the piece as challenging as it is inviting, and they collectively addresses the injustice of losing control of our own narratives in order to youth are welcome to attend this FREE Cocktail Hour 6 p.m., Plated dinner 7 continue to produce work that celebrates OUTINGS group. Come and meet other trans* p.m. with keynote speaker Attorney rethink and remake history. youth and teens and support each other General Dana Nessel. Purchase tickets at Thursday, September 5 through your journeys. We meet the 2nd www. equalitymi.org/missionequality. Monday of each month. Dakota High Pride Night at Thunderbowl! 8 p.m. School, 21051 21 Mile Road,Macomb. Meet & Greet First Thursday of every Saturday, September 14 586-723-2700 month, unlimited bowling, shoe rental, An Evening with Ozone House. Cocktails private room, private bar area, drink LGBT Game Night 7 p.m. LGBT Game 6 p.m., program 7:15 p.m. Celebrate specials, billiard room, 250 foot video Night is an opportunity for all LGBT the 11th Annual Fall fundraiser and 5oth wall. Come as you are!! Thunderbowl people and allies to come play a board Anniversary. Seated family style dinner, Arena, 4200 Allen Road,Allen Park. 313- game, drink coffee and socialize with live and silent auction, youth speakers 928-4688 www.thunderbowl.org/ http:// other LGBT individuals. Java Hut, 165 W and entertaining MC, at Domino’s World www.thunderbowl.org NIne Mile,Ferndale. Resource Center, Lobby F, 30 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Ann Arbor. Tickets at Saturday, September 7 Thursday, September 12 ozonehouse.org LGBT Community Chat 11 a.m. Saturday Stand with Trans 2018 Support Groups LGBT Chat is an on going social – Farmington Hills – Oakland County Sunday, September 15 discussion group meets every week to 8 p.m. All youth are welcome to attend Stand with Trans Wyandotte Support discuss issues LGBT people face. Coming this free group. This group meets the Group for Trans Youth and Parents of out , dating, and much more. Come join 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month Trans Individuals 5 p.m. There is no fee us every Saturday at 11 am. Java Hut at Orchard United Methodist Church. to attend the groups. This group meets Ferndale, 165 w 9 mile,Ferndale. Oakland United Methodist Church, the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month @ 30450 Farmington Road,Farmington. g St. Stephens Episcopal Church. 2803 1st Monday, September 9 Street,Wyandotte. 734-747-4363 www.standwithtrans.org Stand with Trans 2019 Support Friday, September 13 Groups – Macomb County 7:30 p.m. Mission Equality Fall Reception. Held at Macomb Teen/Youth Support Group: All Roostertail, 100 Marquette Drive, Detroit.

46 BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 www.PrideSource.com EZRA FURMAN AT EL CLUB Famed also for his work with The Visions, Ezra Furman is also a solo musician who has released and contributed to dozens of albums over the course of his career. Now heading to El Club on Sunday, Sept. 8, he will be accompanied by Stef Chura. Find out more information online at elclubdetroit.com.

Wednesday, September 18 The four bands will head to the Michigan All About Eve – National Theatre Live Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill, in HD Sept. 22, 7 p.m. Gillian Anderson Stand with Trans Support Groups 14900 Metro Pkwy,Sterling Heights. (586) (X-Files) and Lily James (Mamma Mia! – Livonia – Wayne County 7:30 268-9700 freedomhillampitheater.com Here We Go Again!) star in, the story of p.m. Free to all, group meets the 3rd Margo Channing. A legend and true star Wednesday of each month @ Emmanuel Reba McEntire September 7, 7:30 of the theater, the spotlight is hers and Lutheran Church. Parent, 34567 7 Mile p.m. Comes to the Michigan Lottery Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St.,Ann Road,Livonia. www.standwithtrans.org Ampitheatre at Freedom Hill in Arbor. https://ums.org/performance/ Sterling Heights, 14900 Metro national-theatre-live-in-hd-all-about-eve/ Tuesday, September 24 Pkwy,Sterling Heights. (586) 268-9700 freedomhillampitheater.com Sara Bareilles October 5, 8 p.m. A Strand with Trans Support Groups – Ann Grammy, Tony and Emmy Award- Arbor – Washtenaw 7:30 p.m. Trans Jonas Brothers September 7, 7:30 nominated singer, songwriter, actress and Support Group meeting the 4th Tuesday of p.m. The Grammy Award-nominated author, Oct. 5, she’ll be visiting Detroit’s each month @ Journey of Faith Christian powerhouse trio are heading to Little Fox Theatre with Emily King. Fox Theatre, Church. Parent Support Group Facilitator Caesars Arena on their “Happiness Begins 2211 Woodward Ave.,Detroit. 3 – Yma Johnson, [email protected] Tour.” This tour coincides with the release or 734-780-4092. Trans Youth Support of their anticipated “Happiness Begins” Come From Away Broadway’s COME Group Facilitator – Joy Cavanaugh, LPC album. gaybe.am/JP Little Caesar’s Arena, FROM AWAY is a Best Musical winner all Journey of Faith Christian Church, 1900 2645 Woodward Avenue,Detroit. across North America! Written by Tony® Manchester Road,Ann Arbor. http://www. nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, standwithtrans.org Snarky Puppy September 8, 7 p.m. A and helmed by this year’s Tony-winning Brooklyn-based collective that grew Best Director, Christopher Ashley. Fisher out of the celebrated jazz program Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd.,Detroit. 313- MUSIC & MORE at the University of North Texas, the 872-1000 http://broadwayindetroit.com/ band — which features a rotating cast of shows/come-from-away CATS The record-breaking musical musicians playing guitars, percussion, spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber horns, keyboards, and even strings Hill Dionne Warwick 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, that has captivated audiences in over Auditorium, 825 N. University Ave,Ann Oct. 6, Dionne Warwick will come to the 30 countries and 15 languages, is now Arbor. http://ums.org/performance/snarky- Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel. on tour across North America and is puppy-2019/ Find out more online at gaybe.am/TM coming to Detroit! Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Motor City Casino Sound Board, 2901 Grand Blvd.,Detroit. 313-872-1000 http:// Amadeus – Film with Live Orchestra Grand River Ave.,Detroit. 313-309-4700 broadwayindetroit.com/shows/cats September 15, 2 p.m. Winner of eight www.motorcitycasino.com. Academy Awards, including Best Lenny Kravitz at the Fox Theatre Picture and Best Actor, the 1984 motion Robyn October 8, 6:30 p.m. The Swedish September 5, 8 p.m. Extending a two-year picture Amadeus makes its UMS debut pop singer will perform at Detroit’s world tour, Lenny Kravitz is returning to projected on a large screen, with Mozart’s Masonic Temple as part of her Honey Tour the Midwest for the North American leg. celebrated works performed live by the with special guests ESG. Detroit Masonic He’ll be stopping by The Fox Theatre Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Hill Temple, 3011 W. Grand Blvd, #f100,Detroit. playing music from his 2018 album “Raise Auditorium, 825 N. University Ave,Ann 800-854-2196 templedetroit.com http:// Vibration.” Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Arbor. http://ums.org/performance/ aegworldwide.com Ave.,Detroit. amadeus/ Social Distortion, Flogging Molly, The K. Flay September 20, 7 p.m. Singer, Devil Makes Three, Le Butcherettes songwriter, rapper, and musician K. Flay September 6, 6 p.m. Punk rock bands was nominated for two awards at the 60th Social Distortion and Flogging Molly are annual Grammy Awards. The Crofoot, 1 teaming up with The Devil Makes Three s. Sagina,Pontiac. 248-850-9333 www. and Le Butcherettes on their summer tour. thecrofoot.com

2019 REC VOICES GALA On Thursday, Sept. 26, the Ruth Ellis Center will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the 2019 VOICES Gala. The Center’s signature event, the VOICES Gala is a fundraiser that provides critical funding to its operations and recognizing its most ardent supporters. Guests will enjoy a silent auction, strolling dinner, complimentary bar service and more. This year’s headliner is Emmy Award winner Wanda Sykes. Find out more online at rec.org.

www.PrideSource.com BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 47 Deep Inside Hollywood BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE ‘Skate Kitchen,’ meet ‘Betty’ It’s entirely possible that you missed 2018’s low-key indie charmer “Skate Kitchen,” the one about a teenage girl who finds community with an all-female skateboard crew. It was a small release and had the bad luck to hit theaters at roughly the same time as Jonah Hill’s all-boy version, “Mid90s.” But it’s worth finding now, and you’ll want to, if only to prep for HBO’s upcoming series called “Betty.” Created by “Skate Kitchen”’s director Crystal Moselle and Lesley Arfin, the creator of the series “Love,” “Betty” will take “Skate Kitchen”’s premise and extend it for a six-episode first season. Rachelle Vinberg will reprise her “SK” role as Camille, the lonely suburban girl who finds friendship and purpose with her new friends. And other “SK” alumni – Nina Moran, Kabrina Adams, Dede Lovelace and Ajani Russell – will pick Michael Cimino. Photo: KathClick their characters back up, as well. Expect plenty of casual young lesbianism when this comedy- “The Deer Hunter”) and he was recently seen in drama rolls by sometime in 2020. “Annabelle Comes Home.” He’ll play a gay teen who has an entire school and family to navigate FX and Christine Vachon bring as he takes his first steps out of the closet, and who looks to Simon (Nick Robinson, from the the ‘Pride’ film, who narrates here) for help with the process. And he’s got a cast signing on around him: Ana If you remember watching the somewhat Ortiz (“Ugly Betty”) and James Martinez (“One dorky (OK, very dorky, but also fully well- Day At a Time”) as his parents, and a roster of meaning) miniseries “When We Rise” and up-and-coming young stars, some of whom are thinking to yourself, “OK, where is the queer making their debuts. It’s a 2020 drop on Disney+ Ken Burns(es) who’ll take this historical (their new streaming platform that launches later material and make a kickass documentary this year), so that gives all of you young people that engages audiences with the same sense a bit of time to figure out whose password you’ll of urgency and intelligence that the LGBTQ+ be using to watch it. community has expressed at every step of our civil rights movement over the past 60 years?” Well, we may have an answer to your question. A fresh new stream of ‘Queer “Pride,” a six-part documentary series from producer Christine Vachon’s Killer films and As Folk’ Refinery29, will chronicle as many of those real- You’ve heard the rumblings about a newly life narrative strands as possible. Each section rebooted “Queer As Folk,” and apparently it’s will be handled by a different acclaimed queer all still happening – although we’ve been denied filmmaker, and go deeper into the stories that casting news and it’s causing us a lot of stress and shaped where we’ve all been. Right now we don’t making us write daydreamy, speculative, “QAF”- know which filmmakers are attached, or even themed fiction about Ezra Miller – but it’s going when it’s going to air, but we do know that FX to cost you when it finally gets here. Originally is eventually going to present it as part of their planned for cable via Bravo, the updated story upcoming slate of docs. We suggest bookending of a tightly knit queer community of people in every episode of “Pose,” but that’s just us being shiny clothes has now been pushed over to the really smart about marketing. upcoming NBCUniversal streaming service (the one they say is launching in 2020). Fact: we will The ‘Love, Simon’ TV series has pay good money for this. Not as much as we paid for those see-through mesh shirts back in the year a cast! 2000, mind you, but we will pay, even if it means cutting the cord and watching “Real Housewives Fresh faces fill the cast of the upcoming series of New York” at a second location. Now, back to “Love, Simon.” The TV adaptation of the sleeper casting – can we get some more Sharon Gless hit film that was itself an adaptation of the YA time on this thing? It’s important. novel “Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda” has found its young leading man. His name is Michael Cimino (cinephiles are now scratching Romeo San Vicente is ready for the Kristine W their heads, but no, it’s not the late director of Renaissance. 48 BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 www.PrideSource.com 32 Norse war god 6 Frasier’s ex 33 Hrs. in P-town 7 ___ instant 35 Deer in Maria’s song 8 Outback bounder 36 Where boxers are visible 9 Game with many openings 37 More of the quote 10 “Hold your horses!” 41 Bosom buddy 11 Royal lover of Piers Gaveston 42 Meadow murmur 12 Sculptor Emma 43 He cared for Samuel 13 Solo sex, with “off” 44 Skirt edges 21 Proposal in a bar 45 Some guys do it nocturnally 26 Adam’s partner in gay Eden? 47 Brand for cutting leaves of grass 29 Makes a hole bigger 51 WWII battle site, for short 31 Statesman Stevenson 52 Cross-dresser’s padding site 32 Do-___ situation 53 Personal-ad info 34 Where Caesar went to the bank? 55 Title for Oedipus 37 1939 Cukor movie 56 Anti-homophobic, e.g. 38 David Sedaris’ type of writer 58 End of the quote 39 TV wife of two gay Dicks 61 “Dirty Dancing” director Ardolina 40 Influential member of a tribe 62 Very, to Verlaine 41 Idle fancy 63 “Believe ___ not!” 46 San Francisco’s Eagle, e.g. 64 Woody secretion 48 Like many a Paul Cadmus Finding Toni QPuzzle 65 “Java” trumpeter Al painting 66 Kunis of “Black Swan” 49 Give a loafer a new bottom 19 Cary of “Robin Hood: Men in 67 Paid for a hand 50 Actors with small parts Tights” Across 68 Problem for skin 52 Coffee bar offering 20 Start of a quote from Toni 54 Beau chaser 1 Reproduced nonheterosexually? Morrison 69 Perfect serves from Mauresmo 57 “I cannot tell ___” 5 Lube brand 22 Penetrates 59 Mabius of “The L Word” 9 Where bulging pecs are 23 WWII zone Down 14 Nathan of “The Good Wife” 60 Bean town? 24 “Xtra”’s prov. 1 State of secrecy 15 Part of a fruity drink 25 Tammy Baldwin’s party symbol 2 “Tru” story subject 16 “Couldn’t get out of it” 27 Glenn Burke stat 3 Bewitch 17 Silica stone 28 Nero’s land 4 Cut 18 Cumming on the stage Find solution on page 44 and 30 “The Bridge” poet Crane 5 Warren of Billy Bean’s sport at www.pridesource.com

www.PrideSource.com BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 49 New Location The Henry • Dearborn

Join Us For An Afternoon Celebration with Equality-Minded Businesses and Services Sunday, Oct. 13 Complimentary Continental Brunch Begins 11 a.m. Expo Doors Open at Noon • Free Parking

2019 Sponsors

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$5 Advance / $10 at door Family Group Rates Call 734-293-7200 x. 101 Tickets Available at: MiLGBTWedding.com

50 BTL | Sept. 5, 2019 www.PrideSource.com