Is Michigan The Next A loving and committed“ gay and Marriage Equality State? lesbian relationship deserves the same rights In Focus: Transitioning as anyone else’s. – Matthew Morrison In The Workplace interview, pg.18 ” Out Of The Shadows ‘20 Feet From Stardom’ Gives Background Singers A Voice

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COVER STORY 20 The unsung stories of Merry Clayton & Darlene Love Pictured: Merry Clayton “This is an

A loving and committed“ gay and Is Michigan The Next lesbian relationship Marriage Equality State? deserves the same rights as anyone else’s. – Matthew Morrison In Focus: Transitioning interview, pg.18 ” In The Workplace amazing day.” Out Of The Shadows – Marge Eide with Ann Sorrell, ‘20 Feet From Stardom’ Gives Background Singers A Voice both 76 and together for 40 years, on the end of DOMA, pg. 4

JULY 11, 2013 | VOL. 2128 | FREE

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NEWS Join The Conversation @ PrideSource.com 4 DOMA’s demise cheered across state 5 Is Michigan the next marriage ONLINE EXCLUSIVE ENTER TO WIN HEARD ON FACEBOOK equality state? 5 Mich. counties prepare to offer same-sex marriage 6 Implementing the supreme court endgame 8 Transitioning in the workplace 16 Lambda Legal urges NJ court to allow couples freedom to marry OPINION 8 A transwoman’s no cakewalk 14 Viewpoint 15 Parting Glances 16 Creep of the Week A Season of ‘Wow’ – The 2013 Wilde Awards Enter to Win India.Arie’s Join The Conversation, 24/7 latest album, ‘SongVersation” LIFE Professional theaters from across Michigan will share the spotlight 18 Matthew Morrison sings out Aug. 19 when The 2013 Wilde Awards are presented at The Berman Enter online to win “SongVersation,” Join nearly 5,000 others and 24 Hear Me Out Center for the Performing Arts in the Detroit suburb of West Bloomfield. the empowering new album from tap into national news, breaking 26 Michigan Womyn’s Music Festivals Head over to Pridesource.com to read all about it and discover which four-time Grammy Award-winning stories and riveting discussion marks 38th year shows and performers have been nominated! artist India.Arie! Enter at http:// on the ‘Between The Lines 27 Hope women roar with invincible www.pridesource.com/tickets_ Newspaper’ Facebook! voices contest.html 28 Happenings 35 Classifieds 37 Puzzle 38 Deep Inside Hollywood

VOL. 2128 • JULY 11, 2013 • ISSUE 822 EDITORIAL CREATIVE ADVERTISING & SALES Business Office Editor in Chief Art Director Director of Sales Diane Smith, [email protected] PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA GROUP Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 12 Benjamin Jenkins, [email protected] Jan Stevenson, 734.293.7200 x 22 Circulation & Distribution 11920 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48150 [email protected] [email protected] Phone 734.293.7200 Webmaster & MIS Director Diane Smith Entertainment Editor Kevin Bryant, [email protected] Sales Representatives PUBLISHERS Chris Azzopardi, 734.293.7200 x 24 Ed Bohach, 734.293.7200 x 15 ONLINE AT Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson [email protected] Contributing Writers [email protected] Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown, MEMBER OF Associate Editor Todd Heywood, Jerome Stuart Nichols, Ann Cox, 734.293.7200 x 13 “Between The Lines Newspaper” Michigan Press Assoication Benjamin Jenkins, 734.293.7200 x 14 Kate Opalewski, Anthony Paull, [email protected] National Gay Media Association [email protected] Andrea Poteet, Eric W. Rader, National Advertising Representative Q Syndicate Gwendolyn Ann Smith, Dawn R. Wolfe News Staff Writer Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 Follow us @YourBTL Crystal Proxmire Cartoonists Our rate cards are available online. All material appearing in Paul Berg, Dave Brousseau Between The Lines is protected by federal copyright law and Email your op–eds to Arts & Theater Editor may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission [email protected] Since 1995 Donald V. Calamia, [email protected] Contributing Photographers of the publishers. Between The Lines is supported by many Andrew Potter fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for claims Providing Content and Community to LGBT Media Calendar Editor made by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for Sign up online to receive our E–Digest Copyright 2013 Pride Source Media Group, LLC Shelby Clark, [email protected] materials provided by advertisers or their agents. www.PrideSource.com July 11, 2013 | BTL 3 Hundreds gathered at Braun Court in Ann Arbor, June 26. BTL photo: Jennifer Chapin-Smith DOMA’s Demise Cheered By Michiganders Across State

BY JAN STEVENSON Marge Eide and Ann Sorrell came before the court’s crowd. Both 76 years old, they have Spontaneous celebrations erupted across been together 40 years. “This is an amazing Michigan June 26 when the U.S. Supreme day,” said Eide. “Back when we were young Court’s June 26 ruled parts of the Defense the only place you could meet other women of Marriage Act unconstitutional and that like us was on the sports field. We became California could go ahead with same-sex very good athletes,” she joked. They each marriages. At Affirmations in Ferndale received a long stem red rose and beamed about 50 people waited anxiously for the happily throughout the evening event. decisions to be released, and when Dave In Detroit, the legal team representing Garcia, Affirmations’ executive director, April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse held a announced that DOMA was officially dead, press conference to explain the impact that the room erupted in cheers and tears. DOMA’s has on their case. The Hazel Park “It’s a great day,” said Em Paris, 25 of lesbians sued the State of Michigan to allow Dearborn, “It’s a monumental ruling in civil them to jointly adopt their children. rights. There’s not a place I’d rather be right “Any outside observer would have to now than at Affirmations.” say that today’s decision in the DOMA “This is history in the making,” said case provides strong support for the claim Bradley Gartin, 36 of Hazel Park. “I want that Michigan’s ban on same sex marriage to be able to tell future generations where I violates equal protection,” said Wayne State was when this happened. I’ll be able to say University constitutional law professor I was at Affirmations.” Robert Seidler. In Ann Arbor hundreds gathered in Braun Court that afternoon to celebrate and begin ONLINE EXCLUSIVE dreaming of the day when marriage equality Michigan DOMA will be a reality in Michigan. “We know there’s a lot of work to do in Celebration Coverage Michigan,” said aut Bar owner Keith Orr. Access photo galleries and extensive news coverage “The rulings today don’t change much for looking at how the U.S. Supreme Court rulings may us in Michigan, but it opens the door for impact Michigan’s LGBT community. tremendous changes.” >> www.pridesource.com An especially moving moment came when

4 BTL | July 11, 2013 www.PrideSource.com Is Michigan The Next Marriage Equality State? National Focus Turns To Two Court Cases That May Permit Same-Sex Marriage

BY JAN STEVENSON Three of the five plaintiff couples in protections grounds because it ‘place(d) ask if either side has any evidence to present Bassett allege that they would get married same-sex couples in an unstable position of in trial. Michigan is now at the epicenter of legal if Michigan law allowed it; and a fourth being in a second-tier marriage.’ Moreover, “They (the State) could bring in experts fallout from the U.S. Supreme Court’s was married in California when same-sex and of particular importance to this case, or they could decide to cross-examine April historic decision to strike down parts of couples could marry there, but Michigan does the justices expressed concern of the and Jayne. But they have already agreed that the Defense of Marriage Act. Legal experts not recognize that California marriage. The natural consequence of such discriminatory there is no issue of fact in the case, only an across the nation have shifted their focus to fifth couple held a commitment ceremony in legislation would not only lead to the issue of law. There are no facts that we need two federal court cases, both of which deal 2004; the opinion does not indicate whether relegation of same-sex relationships to a to dispute, so hopefully there will not be any with discrimination against gay and lesbian they would be married but for the Michigan form of second-tier status, but impair the evidence to present. If this is just a matter couples that was justified by Michigan’s ban constitutional prohibition. rights of ‘tens of thousands of children now of law, we will move forward on a motion on same-sex marriage. The ban was put into In granting a preliminary injunction to the being raised by same-sex couples’ as well. for summary judgment. The judge will read effect in 2004. Decisions in both cases could plaintiffs, the judge concluded that the law in This is exactly the type of harm plaintiffs briefs from both sides and make his decision invalidate Michigan’s marriage ban, thereby effect, establishes a form of discrimination on seek to remedy in this case.” from there.” clearing the way for Michigan to become the basis of sexual orientation, when read in Attorney Dana Nessel, who represents the Read the original reporting on the Hazel Park one of the next state’s to legalize same-sex conjunction with the Michigan constitutional lesbian couple, explained the court process. marriage. provision making same-sex couples ineligible “The motion to dismiss was pending. He’s couple online at www.pridesource.com. Additional Although the two federal cases differ to marry. allowing the case to move forward, with a reporting compiled from SCOTUS Blog, AP on the specific issues – one argues for “Although the act does not use the term hearing on July 10. At that hearing he will Reports. domestic partner benefits, and the other for ‘sexual orientation,’” Lawson wrote, “it both marriage and adoption rights – both cases explicitly incorporates statutes that draw rely on Michigan’s marriage ban to justify classifications based on sexual orientation discrimination against gay and lesbian and renders access to benefits legally couples. And in both cases the judges have impossible only for gay and lesbian couples.” issued clear statements that they will consider Michigan law as a whole, in other words, Mich. Counties Prepare To the U.S. Supreme Court’s rulings on DOMA “permit[s] benefits to be extended only to when they issue their final decisions on married couples while barring same-sex whether the discrimination is constitutional couples from marrying.” or not. “We’re breathing a sigh of relief right Offer Same-Sex Marriage now,” said Peter Ways, an Ann Arbor teacher whose partner would have lost his benefits. BY TODD A. HEYWOOD lawmaker said. “If a stay is not filed, I will Domestic Partner Benefits “This law was clearly meant to target families immediately begin offering marriages to all As a federal judge in loving couples.” The first case, Bassett v. Snyder, challenged like ours and to make us feel as though we LANSING – Detroit is preparing to rule in the case of California’s Proposition 8 underwent a 2011 law that took away domestic partner didn’t count.” April DeBoer, et al, v. Richard Snyder, et a similar journey when a San Francisco benefits for certain public employees. On “This law served no purpose to the al, at least two Michigan county clerks say federal judge ruled the amendment was June 29, Federal Judge David Lawson, of state of Michigan other than to needlessly they are ready to offer same-sex marriage unconstitutional. That decision was stayed the Eastern District of Michigan in Detroit, discriminate against hard-working families,” licenses should the case find Michigan’s until review by the 9th Circuit Court of temporarily prevented the law from taking said Kary L. Moss, executive director of the Marriage Amendment is unconstitutional. Appeals, and when that court concluded the effect. Technically speaking, Lawson did ACLU of Michigan. “It’s hard to encourage “I, too, am preparing to marry all loving original decision was correct, its decision not conclude that Michigan’s marriage law talented people and their families to work for couples to each other,” says Barbara Byrum, was stayed until a review by the Supreme was unconstitutional. But that may be the public employers in Michigan when they’re Ingham County Clerk. She says she has Court of the United States. That case was practical effect of the decision, if it were to denied the ability to take care of each other.” been in contact with legal counsel as well determined nearly one week ago, with the be sustained after trial and appeal. as “other county clerks” about the potential high court ruling that supporters of the law “The unavoidable conclusion is that impacts of a ruling in DeBoer. had no standing in court. That cleared the Public Act 297 contains a discriminatory Adoption and Marriage Byrum says she expects to be able to offer way for California to once again offer same- classification on the basis of sexual In the second case, Federal Judge Bernard marriage licenses “immediately,” and that sex nuptials, and even a last minute appeal orientation,” Lawson said, referring to gays Friedman denied the State of Michigan’s she, herself, is prepared to perform marriage to the high court on Saturday resulted in a and lesbians as he ordered the injunction. motion to dismiss the case of a Hazel Park ceremonies. denial of standing and paved the way for The statute, which became law in December lesbian couple seeking to marry and to adopt She notes, however, that even if every county in California to offer marriage 2011, provides that a public employer can their children. April DeBoer and Jayne Judge Bernard Friedman does strike to same-sex couples. provide benefits to a person living with an Rowse sued the State of Michigan and the down Michigan’s laws and constitutional Ingham is not alone. At a rally celebrating employee only if that person is married to County of Oakland because as a same-sex amendment as unconstitutional, the state the Supreme Court rulings last week, the employee, a dependent of the employee couple they are not allowed to be issued a government is expected to request a stay officials from the Wastenaw County Clerk’s under federal law, or otherwise eligible under marriage license, and they are not allowed of the ruling. A stay would hold the ruling office distributed a document announcing Michigan law to inherit from the employee. joint adoption for their children. until higher courts have had an opportunity intentions to host a marriage equality Since Michigan law makes marriage (or In his decision not to dismiss the case, to review the case and issue rulings. celebration if Friedman strikes down dependency or eligibility for inheritance) a Judge Friedman wrote, “The U.S. Supreme “I would expect the Attorney General’s Michigan’s marriage ban. prerequisite for a live-in partner of a public Court’s recent decision in United States Office to file a stay if the court rules it’s A decision by Friedman could come as employee to receive benefits, and the Michigan v. Windsor has provided the requisite unconstitutional,” Byrum, a former state soon as July 10. Constitution, prohibits same-sex partners from precedential fodder for both parties to marrying, then gay and lesbian couples cannot this litigation … The Supreme Court has be eligible for benefits under the statute. just invalidated a federal statute on equal www.PrideSource.com July 11, 2013 | BTL 5 Implementing The Supreme Court Endgame: The Stark Difference Between Two Presidents

BY LISA KEEN and ensure this decision is implemented swiftly and smoothly.” The Obama administration’s reaction to Making the transition between no recognition the U.S. Supreme Court rulings striking to equal recognition go smoothly may require down DOMA and Proposition 8 provides Congressional action in some instances. a stark contrast to that of the predecessor Toward that end, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein administration. reintroduced the Respect for Marriage Act in In 2003, when the Supreme Court struck the Senate within hours of the Windsor ruling. down laws prohibiting private intimate contact Although Feinstein’s office did not get back to between same-sex partners (in Lawrence v. this reporter by deadline, the text of last year’s Texas), President George W. Bush had nothing bill essentially repeals both sections of DOMA to say, at least not publicly. His press secretary, – both the “no recognition” provision and the Ari Fleischer, told reporters that the Bush section that allows one state to ignore the valid administration had not filed a brief in the case marriage license issued by another state. The and that it considered the decision to be “a state Senate bill introduced Friday had 40 sponsors, matter.” including openly lesbian Senator Tammy The Bush administration took no action to Baldwin (D-Wisc.) and Senators Barbara Boxer determine to what extent the Lawrence ruling (D-Calif.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Carl Levin and might apply to various federal programs, Debbie Stabenow (Democrats of Michigan), such as the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and Elizabeth Warren and William Cowan law banning openly gay servicemembers. (Democrats of Massachusetts). It continued enforcing the ban and, though Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and introduced statistics showed the Bush administration the bill into the House with 160 sponsors. reduced the number of discharges under the Feinstein said the Respect for Marriage policy, it did so before Lawrence was issued and Act is still “necessary because inequities in at a time when the demand for troops in Iraq and the administration of more than 1,100 federal Afghanistan was intensifying. rulings and another statement June 28, saying process of implementing the Supreme Court’s laws affected by DOMA—including Social In the year following Lawrence, President the federal government would, through the decision in consultation with the Department of Security and veterans benefits—will still need Bush endorsed a Congressional bill seeking Office of Personnel Management (OPM), “now Justice and other executive branch agencies,” to be fixed.” a federal constitutional amendment to ban be able to extend benefits to Federal employees said Hagel. “The Department of Defense Nadler said the Act would also provides a marriage for gay couples nationally. and annuitants who have legally married a intends to make the same benefits available uniform rule for recognizing couples under Ten years later, the Obama administration’s spouse of the same sex.” The statement added to all military spouses -- regardless of sexual federal law… no matter where they live.” response has been dramatically different. that DOJ would “continue to coordinate with orientation -- as soon as possible.” There will be many questions to be answered President Obama issued an immediate statement other federal agencies to implement this ruling At a press conference later in the day, Hagel too about the existing definitions relating in support of the Supreme Court rulings in U.S. as swiftly and smoothly as possible.” was even more firm, saying, “Make no mistake: to marriage and spouses in various federal v. Windsor and Hollingsworth v. Perry. Windsor Elaine Kaplan, the openly gay acting director It will be a decision implemented in every way, programs. Some federal programs recognize a struck down the key provision of the Defense of OPM sent a message to all federal department as it should be.” marriage license regardless of where the couple of Marriage Act (DOMA), and Perry dismissed heads offering some preliminary details of how Joining him at the press conference, the lives; others are tied to the state of residence. an appeal, effectively upholding a district court the administration would go about complying Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General And given that 37 states still ban recognition of decision that struck down California’s ban on with the DOMA ruling. She said federal Martin Dempsey, reiterated the point: “The Joint same-sex marriages, many same-sex couples – marriage for same-sex couples, Proposition 8. employees married to same-sex partners would Chiefs have been very clear that we’ll follow including those with marriage licenses—could “The laws of our land,” said Obama, “are have until August 26 to make “immediate the law of the land, and the law of the land has have trouble accessing certain federal benefits. catching up to the fundamental truth that For instance, under DOMA, a person who millions of Americans hold in our hearts: changes” to their federal health plans, adding just changed, and we will now, as quickly as that they would be able to do so again later in possible, assess what that means. I’m sure there received health insurance coverage under their when all Americans are treated as equal, no same-sex spouse’s health plan had to pay income matter who they are or whom they love, we the year, during the federal government’s annual will be some cost, but we’ll figure it out, because “open season” period for making changes to we’ll follow the law of the land.” taxes on the value of that coverage. Now, they are all more free.” He said he had already don’t. And under DOMA, if the spouse lost his “directed the Attorney General to work with federal health coverage plans. Under these Other department heads, including Secretary same deadlines, she said, federal employees of State John Kerry, also issued statements or her job, he or she could continue their health other members of my Cabinet to review all coverage under the federal COBRA plan, but relevant federal statutes to ensure this decision, could also opt in their same-sex spouses and in support of the DOMA ruling. Homeland families for coverage under federal dental, Security Secretary Janet Napolitano issued a the same-sex spouse could not. Now, they can. including its implications for Federal benefits On the other hand, the Internal Revenue long-term care, and life insurance plans. Retired statement Monday (July 1), saying, “I have and obligations, is implemented swiftly and Service is expected to allow duly married federal employees who are married to same-sex directed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration smoothly.” same-sex couples to start using the designation spouses will have two years to notify the federal Services (USCIS) to review immigration visa President Obama, traveling on Air Force “married,” whether filing jointly or separately. government that they are married and qualify for petitions filed on behalf of a same-sex spouse One to the start of a multi-nation tour in Africa, But the IRS’s current practice relies on whether retirement benefits. She said same-sex spouses in the same manner as those filed on behalf of also telephoned the plaintiffs in both cases, the state in which one resides considers one would now be eligible for survivor annuities. an opposite-sex spouse.” Health and Human expressing his support of the ruling and thanking married. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel issued a Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said them for their efforts. Under the Social Security statute, says Mary U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder issued statement after the DOMA ruling was released. HHS would “work with the Department of a statement of support for the Supreme Court “The department will immediately begin the Justice to review all relevant federal statutes See Endgame, page 16

6 BTL | July 11, 2013 www.PrideSource.com

A Transwoman’s Transitioning In The Workplace

No Cakewalk BY CRYSTAL A. PROXMIRE

Transitioning in the workplace can be tricky, especially in Michigan where individuals can be fired without cause and Viewpoint LGBT people lack discrimination and hate crime protections. “The last thing you want to do is leave work on a Friday as George and come back Monday as Gina,” said Jessica Manko, OPINION BY DANIELLE HEYTHALER who spoke at the Transgender Day of Empowerment at Affirmations this past ow do you tell someone what your world looks April. “There is nothing legal in this in like, when they cannot even understand who Michigan. Timing is very critical when Hyou are? Good question. you’re coming out. When you’re ready Let’s start with the fact that I am a Transgender Woman to do it, you’ll want to tell them 30 days (Transwoman). Some people might be indifferent, not before you are going to begin transitioning wanting to get “involved”; others have the heart and at work.” sincere interest to try to listen to your story. Manko and Tina Seitz co-presented Then, as expected, you may experience the “You are “Transitioning in the Workplace” to share some sick out-of-your-mind freak that belongs tucked their stories of transitioning on the job away in some hole or Hell.” Those are the fun ones. Not and to share tips with others who are Jessica Manko and Tina Seitz co-presented Transitioning in the Workplace to share their stories of really, but it was worth a try. considering the same. Though they worked transitioning on the job and to share tips with others who are considering the same. BTL Photo by Crystal Proxmire Moving on to the life of a middle-aged Transwoman. in different capacities, Manko and Seitz The term for me basically means that although my both transitioned six years ago while it sounds right. Would you make someone reproductive parts are masculine, the rest of me is working at General Motors. decidedly not! Realizing it and then trying to actually Transitioning in the use a different restroom because they had “I had worked for the company off a different ethnicity? No? Then don’t do live that life is where the issues and troubles start. and on for over 20 years,” Manko said. workplace can be tricky, For the younger ones, it may not be as difficult. it for a transgender person.” “It was a successful coming out and Another bump in the road for Seitz came However, those like myself making this revelation transition, even though there were bumps especially in Michigan later in life, have tons of baggage (habits, fully when she took time off work to have facial along the way.” where individuals can be surgery. The company asked her to take developed body/voice) and pre-existing lives that The most important part of transitioning include things like work, family, church, friends, an extra week off because they weren’t at work is giving the employer advance fired without cause and ready and wanted more time to talk to school, clubs or associations and activities which notice of the transition, Manko and Seitz can cause severe distress and complete upheaval of where LGBT people lack employees. “When I came back, my whole agreed. “Doing this out of the blue without department had been re-organized. The current conditions. any cooperation with the management, With any luck you won’t face too many of the discrimination and hate first day I came in I had to move my desk they may say they don’t want to deal with and work with new people.” naysayers. this and you could be digging yourself into crimes protections. Take for instance the first noted item. Work. Yes, it Having inclusive EEOC statements a hole,” Manko said. “They need time to or other policies is no guarantee that is a nasty four-letter word for some, and it has for a wrap their head around this. They need short while been just that – a nasty four-letter word. employees will always be welcomed time to talk to your coworkers to let them or treated fairly. Nor does having a Now it wasn’t always this way. There was a time the best way to create understanding. know what to expect.” local human rights ordinance ensure job when I truly loved my job and enjoyed going into Seitz had challenges while she was They recommended giving at least 30 security according to Manko. “If you’re an work. Well that was the past. transitioning, but she kept a level head and days notice before making the big change, employer and you want to violate it, you Before “coming out” to my company supervisor/ worked through them with her employer. longer if possible. This gives employers just pay a fine. It’s nice and symbolic, but manager, I had the foresight to contact my HR “First off, keep a journal and document time to instruct fellow employees how it has no teeth.” department first to ensure that I would not be fired on the changes at work. Hopefully nothing to behave, but it also gives them time to The ability to handle the bumps in the the spot for being “Trans” and wanting to “transition” happens and it’s something you can adjust and ask questions. road with class can make the difference at work. throw away later. But in case you need “When I came out I told them, and they between keeping or losing a job. Both With assistance from my counselor, I wrote down a to go to the EEOC [Equal Employment didn’t have a clue. I had to explain it to presenters said that humor and a self- few notes on a yellow sticky note and went to discuss Opportunity Commission], it’s good to them, and it took some time to sink in,” deprecating demeanor were helpful. this, innermost need to be myself, with my department have that documentation,” Seitz explained. Manko said. “Personally I’ve always been a smartass, leader and one other person. It was an emotional “I was told that until I could document Depending on the size and structure of so I would really screw with the guys at meeting for me as I was divulging a very intimate my surgery below the belt, I could only the workplace, knowing whom to talk to work and it was lots of fun. And they didn’t and secret part of myself to an “outsider” and who use the gender-neutral restroom. The only first can make a big difference. Sometimes have to worry that they couldn’t talk in also had authority to tell me to “get out!” gender-neutral restroom there is, is all the the Human Resource Department is the front of me,” Seitz said. “You’ve gotta That’s where the HR department had my back, way in the medical area and unless there best place to start, other times it may be a know your audience obviously, but it’s ok because they had already been in discussion with the are people being seen, it is always locked. manager or supervisor. Union reps can also to have fun with this.” company executives and leaders. My job at the time was I used it only once and said this isn’t going be a good place to start, as many unions One transgender woman in the audience still there. That was October of 2011. Come along June to work. So I had a discussion with the now push for transgender protections as said that when she came to work after of 2012 and transition time. Within a week my job was policy manager. I said that if they had any part of their contracts. Bringing along transitioning, she would curtsey to others handed to someone else that I had to train. I was then question about what is discriminatory and materials that explain transitioning can be to break the tension. helpful, but face-to-face communication what is not, just substitute another group See No Cake Walk, page 9 and being willing to answer questions is for ‘transgender’ in the policy and see if See Transitioning, page 9

8 BTL | July 11, 2013 www.PrideSource.com many elements, including chromosomal, support this theory. This was dicta- an issue not emotional, anatomical, hormonal as well as related to the case before the Court. However, Legal Footnote Raises Concern reproductive elements. many opponents of second parent adoption, As the issue of the legal gender of a including former Attorney General have transgender woman was not before this Court used this dicta to support the legal position footnote, an issue of first impression, that of BY ACLU ATTORNEY JAY KAPLAN and was not determinative of the case, this that since same-sex couples cannot marry in whether a post-operative transgender woman footnote is considered dicta and does not have Michigan, they cannot jointly adopt. A footnote in a recent case decision issued could be a woman for purposes of Michigan’s any legal precedential value. In other words, We are concerned that opponents of by the Michigan Court of Appeals could be marriage laws. The Court looked to Random it does not represent Michigan law, nor are transgender equality will use this footnote used to deny transgender people appropriate House Webster’s Dictionary, 2001 edition to other Michigan courts obligated to follow it. to deny transgender people their rights, identity documents and recognition for their define woman as “a person of the sex who However, it should be cause for concern. Dicta including obtaining identity documents that gender identity and expression. The case cell nuclei contain X chromosomes and who in another Michigan Court of Appeals decision accurately reflect their gender identity and is In re Estate of Devon Pearl Burnett v is normally able to conceive and bear young” (1991)has been used to deny gay couples the expression. The inability to obtain accurate Bobbie Eliza Burnett. Essentially it involves or “any organism of the sex of sexual phase right to jointly adopt children. identity documents can result in a host of a divorce action brought on behalf of Devon that normally produces egg cells.” Based on The case was In re Adams. A man and a difficulties and indignities for transgender Burnett by her children, who were her legal this limited definition of female, the Court woman who were married to other spouses, persons, including the inability to cash guardians, against her spouse who she married and check and complete other financial in 1984. Subsequent to the marriage, Devon’s transactions, problems with law enforcement husband transitioned from male to female Based on this limited definition of female, the Court determined that when documents are incongruent with gender and underwent sexual reassignment surgery appearance, and the inability to obtain retain in 2003. One of the issues before the Court a transgender woman is not a woman under Michigan marriage law. employment due to this incongruence. That was whether the legal validity of the marriage is why we filed a Motion for Reconsideration was voided when the husband transitioned determined that a transgender woman is not a wished to jointly adopt their adult daughter. with the Michigan Court of Appeals, asking to female, as Michigan law and Michigan’s woman under Michigan marriage law. The Court denied the adoption, holding them to remove this footnote from the constitution prohibits same-sex couples from The parties in this case should have had an that because Michigan’s adoption law made decision. Unfortunately our Motion was marrying, resulting in the Court lacking opportunity to make a factual record, present it mandatory for married spouses to join denied without any explanation by this Panel. jurisdiction to grant a divorce. The Court legal arguments, and to educate the court on an adoption petition, this would result in 4 We continue to believe that this footnote is panel (consisting of Judges Murray, Markey legal precedent from other states that have adoptive parents. The issue of two unmarried not controlling in Michigan. We urge any and Whitbeck) got it right on this issue. The held just the opposite. Unlike the Michigan persons jointly adopting a child was not before transgender persons who encounter any marriage was valid in 1984 and it remains valid Court of Appeals panel, these state courts, this Court. However, the panel opined that it difficulties as a result of this decision to regardless if a spouse comes out as transgender along with experts in the area of transgender would be inconsistent with the “general scope” contact the ACLU of Michigan’s LGBT and begins living her life in accordance with health, understand that a person’s sex cannot and “purpose” of the adoption statute to permit Project. What the Michigan Court of Appeals her gender identity and expression. The be narrowly defined solely as an issue of two unmarried persons to jointly adopt. The did was wrong- but it is dicta, a footnote, and Court, however, then decided to address in a chromosomes. An individual’s sex includes Court referenced a case from Lousiana to we want to make sure that it is treated as such.

® Transitioning don’t wear dresses to work now a days. Watch kept up to date, and hospitals should be asked transgender workers, particularly in large Continued from p. 8 what your co-workers wear. You don’t have to “merge” medical histories with the pre- corporations. And in terms of discrimination, to copy their sense of fashion, but it should transition files as opposed to starting new files. the EEOC is in the process of trying Another recommendation was that when be a guide.” Someone in the audience also recommended to set legal precedence for transgender people transition, they make their wardrobe In addition to the concerns over workplace that transgender individuals not get too excited discrimination to fall under the category of changes gradually and dress in line with what culture, there are legal considerations when about their name changes and burn their own sex. Keeping up with the latest advancements other men or women in the workplace are transitioning on the job. Keeping the payroll records. “Keep them in a lock box somewhere in the LGBT equality movement, knowing wearing. “The key word being conservative,” department informed when there is a name because you never know what will happen one’s rights, connecting with support and Manko said. “Especially we ladies. When we change is important. It’s also a good idea and you may need to verify who you are,” advocacy groups and having the number for come out we tend to buy clothes that are more to make sure employment files have both a they said. a good attorney can help transgender people provocative. I had an engineering job and the legal name and preferred name documented. Within the last few years there has navigate the difficult task of transitioning in women in the office wore slacks. Most women Insurance and medical histories should also be been a great increase in the acceptance of the workplace.

® No Cake Walk work overload. Meeting begins with new manager making was all due to this “new” person. Continued from p. 8 Now come to May 2013. Old leader now this first comment, and I quote, “Emotional You can run but you just can’t hide. I have becomes leader of my new department. outbursts will no longer be tolerated!” So been blessed to have kept my job. Most lose shuffled off to a different department. Yes, hopefully you can feel the tension and Spock just walked in and possessed my them on the spot or very shortly afterwards. I guess because women cannot be engineers slight twinge of fear that started to rattle my boss. Uh, I am not a Vulcan, sorry for being Obviously some of these “evaluations” or think logically (not true)! Talk about bones and cause my heart to quiver. That human. Next my boss tells me that my work/ could happen to anyone at any job, but when belittling someone and running them out on self-same leader was now again directly in productivity had decreased since starting a boss out rightly says, “You were highly a rail. My new position was in the Customer control of my employment. Take that same this new job. productive before, and now after this your Service Department and in a completely stack of work piling up on my desk and She also cleverly mentions that in my performance has decreased,” can only be different building, as everyone knows that’s somehow magically reposition it on my former job and identity my productivity was referencing one single issue. Trans. where the women belong (also not true)! current supervisor’s desk (because she was great. Now this development and things have This is in a “safe zone” at work – now try Do you sense the direction things are very kind and willing to help.) New manager just gone downhill. I tried to explain that my being in public and needing to use the ladies going? This happens to be a very kind- walks in and sees said work and an instant identity had nothing to do with my lack of restroom. It’s possible you may not only get hearted and open-minded company (read a meeting was called. work performance, but that it was the lack looks and under-the-breath comments. You as: some of the people). Thankfully my I accidentally, and out of a sense of of training and a time consuming workload. could find yourself being escorted from the new manager was open and kind about the momentary disorientation, went to the wrong She then proceeded with the following building. All for trying to be yourself. situation. I could tell she was sincere. conference room. This is not a good way phrase, and I am also quoting here, “If A glimpse is all I can offer, but hopefully Continuing on, new job and very little to start this meeting. I finally arrive out of you cannot do all of your job you will be it is enough for you to see that being a “real” training with multiple tasks that are breath and once again starting to sob a bit. terminated.” There was no listening to “lack Transwoman is no cakewalk. Would you like very time consuming, causes back-up and Oh, did I tell you I am an emotional person? of training” or time consuming factors – it to experience this type of bias and treatment? www.PrideSource.com July 11, 2013 | BTL 9

LGBT Michiganders VRA: When The Dancing Stops Respond After U.S. Supreme Court Ruling REALLY Protecting Our Equal Rights pride in cities across the country. people of color who gained recognition with “We’re just here to celebrate. We had a great It’s been great seeing jubilant couples in the DOMA repeal will now face discrimination victory today. Let’s not forget that. Tomorrow California again exchanging vows; seeing Edie in the voting booth? But it’s more than just a we start working again.” Windsor jubilant in victory and leading the New Black/White, Gay/Straight issue. How many Viewpoint York Pride parade with co-Grand Marshals Earl women, including Lesbians, will be denied – Sandi Smith, president Fowlkes and civil rights icon Harry Belafonte; access to reproductive rights if voting rights can Jim Toy Community Center and even though I don’t have a wedding (or a be skewered by partisan politics? date for that matter) on the horizon I could not Want a glimpse of the future? Just take a look “The door has opened and the time has OPINION BY MICHIELLE E. BROWN be prouder. at Texas where gerrymandering and challenges come for us to leave the vestiges of second- My country, the United States of America, at the polls threaten to disenfranchise Latino, class citizenship outside.” had affirmed that major statement on human African-American, the poor and whatever n Wednesday the 26th, I was driving rights within the Declaration of Independence - other group is not in favor (like pro-choice/ – Iglesia Martell, attorney and co-chair of the down “the Lodge” (M-10 to you non- that in marriage my LGBT community was also women) voters. Washtenaw Bar Association’s LGBT Section ODetroiters) listening to NPR – of course endowed with “certain unalienable Rights, that Want a closer glimpse? You need look no – specifically “The Diane Rehm Show,” waiting among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit further than Saginaw County in Michigan where “If the judge [Friedman] overturns the ban to hear the Supreme Court’s decision on DOMA of Happiness.” the Supreme Court decision cleared the way on you’re all invited to come down to my office and Prop. 8. Oh happy day – but maybe not, because I to dissolving the Buena Vista school district. and get your marriage license. I’m looking Like most members of the LGBT community, wear this Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat The ultimate battle for equal rights will take forward to it. Congratulations and thank you!” my stomach was in a knot, but my stomach was woven with threads from the intersections of place in communities, municipalities and states in more than just a knot. It was in a double half- race, class, gender and sexual orientation. across the country at the ballot box. We must –– Lawrence Kestenbaum, Washtenaw hitch with a twist knot as I was still reeling from The day before a very big thread in my dream change hearts and minds one person, one vote County Clerk (in charge of the office that the Supreme Court’s decision the day before coat had got snagged by the same Supreme at a time and not leave equality hanging in a issues marriage licenses in that county) gutting the Voting Rights Act. Court with implications that could set back our SCOTUS balance. If they would gut this Act that sought to march for equality and that snag was the gutting It’s up to us. Time to Gladiator-up community! “When we extend civil rights to everybody, ensure protections for voting rights at the polls of the Voting Rights Act. We will never have the full freedom to marry everybody benefits. As a judge, I can officiate for every American, I wondered if the same I am first and foremost an African American without the freedom to vote! Congress can at wedding. I will marry as many as I can as court could muster sufficient votes to stand for woman. I didn’t have to do anything other than reverse the effects of the court’s decision on fast as I can, just as soon as Kestenbaum gives equal rights for LGBT families. come out the birth canal to be identified as such the Voting Rights Act. Get involved by visiting Then it came, the news we had all dreamed, and to be subject to discrimination based on www.freetovote.org. me permission.” dared hope for, decisions for marriage equality the very fact that I was born this way. I am also Today I’m doing my happy dance for – Judge Carol Kuhnke, 22nd on both DOMA and Prop. 8. proud, out member of the LGBT community. marriage, but I’m gearing up for the real fight. Circuit Court, Michigan I screamed, tooted my horn, then breaking my Even though the formula struck down by Let’s protect every vote so when the dancing rule of not calling/texting while driving, called the Supreme Court in Section 4 of the Voting stops I won’t find my Amazing Technicolor “I’m thrilled about the DOMA decision…I my good friends Donna Payne at the Human Rights Act had, as Chief Justice Roberts said Dream Coat unraveled and all of our rights Rights Campaign who has been working in his bench statement, extended a 40-year-old flapping in the wind. started this stuff back in 1975, and if someone for marriage equality nationally, and Susan coverage formula based on “obsolete statistics,” Michelle E. Brown is a public speaker, activist and had told me then that we would get gay Horowitz at Between The Lines who had spent it had protected voters most at risk for being marriage by the time I was middle aged, I many days and nights in the trenches with me disenfranchised or denied their right to vote. author. Follow her posts at www.mychangeiam.com would not have believed it. It’s kinda neat on Prop. 2 in Michigan. I can’t help but wonder how many LGBTQ and www.twitter.com/mychangeiam watching history unfold.” These decisions weren’t everything. Marriage for LGBT couples is not legal – Craig Covey, former mayor of Ferndale in most states but the walls had definitely started tumbling down. “Sisters and brothers, we are climbing up By the time I reached downtown Detroit, I the mountain of justice and I look to see all of had shared numerous celebratory horn-toots you on total equality day.” with cars sporting equality stickers. Sitting at – Jim Toy an outdoor café, I watched with a grin as same gendered couples walking, with eyes glued to “That’s the future we’re fighting for, when their smart phones, let out a little whoop then reached out and walked the rest of the way there is no gay marriage, no straight marriage, hand-in-hand or arm-in-arm. just marriage. This is a day when justice won. Every two seconds I received a text or tweet This is the day when liberty won. This is the from friends and family. I even heard from day love won.” people I barely knew but who had stood with us on the cold January day in Lansing when – Rev. Dr. Cynthia Landrum, Universalist Michigan enshrined discrimination into the Unitarian Church, Clark Lake constitution believing as King said that, “The Arc of the Moral Universe Is Long, but It Bends Special thanks to Jennifer Chapin-Smith. Visit her Toward Justice,” and today it had bent for photo library and complete speaker quotes online equality. It was a good day to be gay in America. at www.pridesource.com And could the timing have been any more perfect, the ruling came in June as we celebrate

14 BTL | July 11, 2013 www.PrideSource.com 1 Million Say Happy Pride!

Parting Glances

OPINION BY CHARLES ALEXANDER

’m sitting on a concrete corner fence at the edge of Walgren’s pharmacy outlet, Belmont and Broadway. I’m an hour early Ifor the start of Chicago’s 44th Gay Pride Parade. In front of me are some Chinese children passing out plastic rainbow bracelets, courtesy of Walgren’s. Over the years I’ve attended some dozen of these celebratory events, and following the two recent Supreme Court decisions last week, I’m sure this march will be glorious, memorable, and for me a fitting exclamation pointto my own 50-year-plus gay life. (My first Chicago parade was in 1960. It was St. Patrick’s Day. Mayor Daley was political kingpin at the time, and for the event the Chicago River was dyed green. As a Living Rosary marched by us, my friend Dan quipped, “Get a look see at that second Our Father on the right!”) Around me a gathering of Latinos are in a party mood, hugging, kissing, patting each other affectionately, joking. I take iPhone pictures. A harried dishwater blond vendor is also annoyingly tooting a loud horn, and shooting floating bubbles into the air from a hand-held gun. Five or six shattering toots later she shrugs and moves on. As a dozen or so police reroute Belmont traffic and close off the street for spectator viewing, an overly dressed. older drunk – sport coat and tie – stands in front of me, holding a bottle in a bag, obviously in his cups. “Frankly, I liked it better when they’d think nothing of pissing on us gays. It’s all too open now. Not as much private and fun.” This year’s parade is touted to be shorter. Under two hours. Attendance last year was 850,000. (If I recall correctly, it seemed that every politician or would-be running for office was in there. Standing outside the Halstead $20-million LGBT Center, I saw hundreds marching for dozens of candidates of choice.) It’s 12:25 and everybody gathered around cheers, cheers, cheers, as NFL player Wade Davis as grand marshal waves into view. (He will be followed in turn by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, and U. S. Senator Dick Durbin.) From my exalted vantage point I record favored highlights: floats carrying gay/lesbian police and fire staff, veterans displaying a street-wide American flag, P-FLAG Parents, senior citizens, TV broadcast units, LGBT parents marching with children, persons of color: Hispanic, Asian, Black, Indian; bar floats with gigantic balloon displays, dozens of Berlin body builders flexing. Oh, Good God! In this Pride Parade celebration there are not one but two separate contingents of Dykes on Bikes, revving it up, sending the crowd into competing roars of pleasure. Two marching bands pass by like happy-go-lucky pied pipers, and I want to follow! Nearly four hours have gone by. The rainbow tail end wags past. The guard gates are removed, and I and hundreds join the parade, marching about a mile-and-a-half to gather at Lincoln Park. Along the route, thousands and thousands yell, scream, shout, glad hand it, Happy Pride! Yes! Happy Pride! As I march two things automatically happen: I get goosebumps; and I’m proudly, happily moved to tears along the way. [email protected] www.PrideSource.com July 11, 2013 | BTL 15 Creep of the Week Lambda Legal Urges NJ Tony Perkins OPINION BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI

nd so it was that the Defense to send their kids to school, those of Marriage Act was schools are going to start teaching Court To Allow Same-Sex Adeclared unconstitutional those children values that are in by the Supreme Court and Prop 8 contrast with the parents,” Perkins was dead in wailed. California. Oh, the horror! God forbid Couples Freedom To Marry And the gays children be exposed to a world BY BTL STAFF New Jersey Constitution and the In 2002, Lambda Legal filed did celebrate where not everyone agrees with and 14th Amendment of the federal a historic case, Lewis v. Harris, across the thinks like them! Listen, if you’re TRENTON, NJ – One week Constitution. In light of last week’s seeking marriage equality on land. terrified that the “values” you’ve after the Supreme Court’s historic Supreme Court ruling striking behalf of seven New Jersey Meanwhile, been teaching your kids will be decision to strike down Section 3 Section Three of DOMA, Lambda couples. The case reached the New after crying exposed as bullshit the minute your of the discriminatory Defense of Legal filed a motion for summary Jersey Supreme Court in 2006. The many tears, kid starts public school, then it’s Marriage Act (DOMA), Lambda judgment in the case, arguing that high court ruled unanimously that Family time to reevaluate your values. Legal filed a motion for summary by barring marriage, the state same-sex couples must be provided Research “We’re already seeing bakers and judgment in New Jersey Superior of New Jersey denies same-sex all the benefits and responsibilities Tony Perkins Council florists and photographers forced to Court on behalf of Garden State couples the full range of federal of marriage, although it declined at President participate in same-sex marriages Equality, New Jersey’s statewide benefits, rights and protections that time to mandate that marriage Tony Perkins went on Meet the under the threat of law and in some LGBT advocacy organization, and available under the Windsor was specifically required, and gave Press to apologize to LGBT people. cases even jail!” Perkins continued. six same-sex couples who want decision. This denial explicitly the state legislature 180 days to “I was wrong,” he said, “and also a “I can’t think of anything that’s more marriage equality. conflicts with the New Jersey provide equality. The legislature real dick. I’m sorry.” He then pulled un-American than that.” “Now that DOMA is gone, New Supreme Court ruling in 2006 hastily passed a civil union law in off his microphone and walked into Oh, hey, I can think of something Jersey is, as a matter of law, in that says same-sex couples should December 2006, and began issuing the ocean. He was more un- direct violation of the New Jersey have the same rights and benefits civil union licenses to lesbian and last spotted on a “We’re already seeing American than Supreme Court order we won in as their different-sex counterparts. gay couples in February 2007. gay cruise ship that: saddling a 2006 that requires equality for “The Supreme Court of the “Eleven years ago, when we performing his bakers and florists and specific segment same-sex couples, and in violation United States has spoken, and it asked Lambda Legal to work on one man comedic photographers forced of the population of the Equal Protection clause of is clear that the time for marriage our behalf, we were prepared for monologue with a law the federal Constitution,” said equality is now. The debate is a long, hard road and believe it “Research THIS: to participate in same- solely intended Hayley Gorenberg, Lambda Legal over, the facts are in, civil unions will lead to the freedom to marry. How I Learned to demean and sex marriages under Deputy Legal Director. “New are not and never will be equal to The Supreme Court decision to Stop Worrying humiliate their Jersey’s discrimination is all that marriage,” said Troy Stevenson, striking down DOMA was historic and Love the the threat of law and in love lives and bars same-sex couples from the executive director of Garden State for the nation but out of reach Gays.” their families and full array of federal protections for Equality. “Today, Lambda Legal for us here in New Jersey,” said Ha ha, just some cases even jail!” relegate them their families.” will file a brief on our behalf Cindy Meneghin, plaintiff in the kidding. Perkins to second-class In June 2011, Lambda Legal seeking relief through the courts lawsuit along with her high school did, indeed, go citizen status. filed a lawsuit seeking the to prevent further discrimination sweetheart, Maureen Kilian and on Meet the Press, but rather than But no, to Perkins it’s un-American freedom to marry, arguing that from taking place in New Jersey their two children. apologizing, he equated people who to tell a florist they can’t say no to a barring same-sex couples from and to open access to all federal Online: www.lambdalegal.org/in- vote in favor of marriage equality lesbian couple, “Oh, I won’t do the marriage and relegating them rights and protections that marriage to people who use violence to steal flowers for your wedding because to civil union violates both the affords.” court/legal-docs/gse_motion-for- cars. you make Jesus puke.” Because summary-judgment “Essentially what (the Supreme that’s protected religious speech, Court) has done is that they’ve according to Perkins. Never mind dragged ‘we the people’ from behind that if this same florist said such a ® Endgame GLAD, Lambda Legal, the National cautioned Pizer. “For the most part, Center for Lesbian Rights, the a recognized marriage is required. the wheel of this republic and thing to, say, an interracial couple, Continued from p. 6 carjacked the nation,” Perkins said. their shop would be vilified by ACLU and other national groups. And that fact puts a bright light “And this never ends up good.” everyone but the most ardent Paula Bonauto, civil rights project director “There’s a lot of intensive on the discriminatory effect of a And by “this,” I assume he means Deen supporters. for Gay & Lesbian Advocates & legal research still being done, state’s choice to offer a lesser status his carjacking analogy because I When Face the Nation host Bob Defenders (GLAD), the government including by lawyers within the instead of marriage where there’s no am having a lot of trouble picturing Schieffer points out that support looks at the state of domicile of Administration and the various constitutional barrier.” Justice Anthony Kennedy, who cast for marriage equality is on the rise the decedent for survivor benefits, agencies that administer federal “For the most part,” said Pizer, the deciding vote in the DOMA and that Perkins may be “behind the and looks at the state of domicile programs,” said Jenny Pizer of “the many important federal case, pistol whipping a soccer mom times” on this issue, Perkins brushes at the time of application for Lambda Legal. benefits and protections that turn at a gas station and taking off in her him off saying that Americans are spousal benefits. That could be a And there are other complications, on one’s marital status do require mini van. just going through a phase. complication for same-sex couples too. For example, in some instances, marriage. That’s why the many tens But I guess I just lack Perkins’ “I think as Americans see that with marriage licenses who are couples that have a civil union or of thousands of couples who have vivid and bizarre imagination. there’s a lot more to same-sex living in one of the 37 non-marriage domestic partnership relationship been in civil unions and domestic “Americans will begin to see marriage than simply two people equality states. may be able to tap into some federal partnerships for years haven’t been that with same-sex marriage does who love each other, that they’ll “This will likely be an evolving benefits. able to access federal benefits. And not come a hope chest, rather it’s a have time to reconsider this,” he area of law and you should consult According to Pizer, the Social that’s why litigation for federal Pandora’s box,” he continued. said, willfully blind to the fact that with a qualified tax expert about Security statute “can allow eligibility benefits began after couples began Oh boy, here we go. The reality scores of soldiers in the “culture your circumstances,” advises an for those entitled to inherit per the marrying in Massachusetts, not train is about to jump the rails. war” are jumping ship all around {URL “After DOMA” guide http:// state’s intestate inheritance law.” when they began entering civil “That’s unusual, though,” “We’ll see parents who pay taxes him. www.glad.org/doma} prepared by unions in Vermont.”

16 BTL | July 11, 2013 www.PrideSource.com COLOR ‘Glee’ Star On Being An Ally, Equal Marriage & His Gay Following Vs. Adam Levine’s

Photo: Brian Bowen Smith

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI covers. For Morrison, though, it goes heard of it. (Laughs) Levine’s label, 222 Records. How well did this whole process, but at the same back even further. All the way to you get to know Adam? Did you guys time he’s really given me my space. lee” made Matthew elementary school, in fact. Yeah, it was big on Broadway, right? have a beer after recording? He’s an artist himself and he knows Morrison (and his unruly (Sarcastically) Yeah, exactly. It had (Laughs) We’ve had a few drinks how an artist should be treated, and curls) a star, but his Where did it all begin for you? When did “G a great run. (Laughs) So, it was in our day. We both live in Los he really gave me space and respect. success started long before his role you first start singing? this little made-up show and I was Angeles, and he’s such a big fan of He checked in probably three times as do-gooder teacher Will Schuester. I first started singing in fifth grade. I so lucky to have found my passion this kind of music. I wouldn’t think during the process just to hear stuff Morrison originated the studly Link grew up in Southern California and at such a young age in doing that that personally – you think of him as and hang out in the studio. He didn’t Larkin during the Broadway run of my parents took me to Arizona for show. I came back to Southern this pop-rock kind of guy – but he’s have much to say because he was “Hairspray,” and then he went on to the summer – I have a lot of family California after the summer and such a fan of the standards. When really loving everything. earn a Tony nomination for his stint there: aunts, uncles, cousins – and told my parents that I wanted to be I got to know that, and we started in “The Light in the Piazza.” Did you two ever settle the question my grandma put my cousin and I in children’s theater and that started talking about that, I told him this was The “Glee” star goes back to his that’s been on everyone’s mind: Who in a children’s theater production the whole thing. the record I always wanted to make Broadway roots for “Where It All of this show called “The Herdmans and he’s like, “Let’s make it.” He’s has the bigger gay following? Began,” a collection of show-tune This album is being released on Adam Go to Camp.” I’m sure you’ve been a big champion of mine through Wow. I don’t think we answered that 18 BTL | July 11, 2013 www.PrideSource.com question. Do you know the answer to that? I (Sarcastically) Damn those gay people! have no idea. How did you get involved in the Human Rights You’re supposed to say yourself. Campaign video for marriage equality? Well, you said it for me then. (Laughs) I would From my friends. I have so many friends who give myself the advantage coming from the are involved with HRC – my friends from theater world and stuff, but he’s younger and the theater community – and it’s a cause that more attractive than I am, so I give him the I absolutely support. It just comes down to advantage that way. It depends on what gay human rights. Forty years ago, if you saw genre you’re looking at. If you like the tattoo a black man walking down the street with kind of thing, he’s your guy. If you like the a white woman it was like “oh my god,” but clean-cut kind of guy, that’s me. now you don’t even blink. I’m hoping that’s the same thing that’s gonna happen with this, and You say this is the album you always wanted to hopefully gay and lesbian couples can marry. make. Why didn’t you make it the first time around That you can’t marry the person that you love with your self-titled debut, when you were on in today’s society is just wrong. I think a loving Mercury Records? and committed gay and lesbian relationship You know, that’s a good question. (Pauses) deserves the same rights as anyone else’s. I kind of felt like it was the height of “Glee” I was honored recently with the Ally for and that’s the kind of music that we were doing Equality Award at the HRC Atlanta dinner, on the show and ... I liked that album. It was a and there were these brothers from New really interesting process for me, just because I Hampshire. The younger brother is gay, and had never done songwriting before, so I got to the older brother is straight and married to his work with some world-renowned songwriters wife, and hearing the straight brother talk about – some people who wrote songs with Adele – his brother and what he’s gone through and the so that was a really great opportunity to kind person that he is, he got so choked up. It was of work a muscle that I’d never really worked the most beautiful thing to see him talk about before. It was great, but it just ... it didn’t feel his brother, (saying) that he deserved the same authentic. It didn’t feel totally authentic to me, rights that he has. I was blown away by these whereas this is rooted in the music I grew up two guys. It was pretty incredible. singing and I know so well. This music is in my Have you performed at a gay wedding before? bones, so I feel very confident. I have performed at a gay wedding. And my You look good in that top hat on the cover of the massage therapist and his partner are planning album. Are you much of a hat man? a wedding in the next year or so and I plan on I do like hats ... especially because I’m so singing at their wedding too. synonymous with my crazy curly hair now. I What will you be singing? can cover it up. It’s good to have a little disguise. I’m gonna leave it up to them. But I’m taking Is there a song on this album that most inspired requests! your musical-theater career? What’s your future on “Glee”? Yeah, actually there is. “On the Street Where You Live,” which is from “My Fair Lady,” is It’s been renewed for a couple of seasons, but I a song that I found really early on in my life. don’t know the answer to that question. I first sang it when I was maybe 13 at a talent What do you see for yourself when “Glee” does show or something. It’s typically done as a end? A break? ballad, and that’s actually the song I’ve sung for every single audition I’ve ever had in my entire I don’t think “Glee” is ever going to end. life, including “Glee.” That song has kind of (Laughs) No, I don’t want a break. I have two made my career, I guess. (Laughs) But for this months off from the show right now and I’m version on the album, I really wanted to kind of putting out an album and doing some touring. give it a little more pep, speed it up a bit, make I love working. I always wanna work. I think it a little more danceable. So that’s what we did! for me – now that I’ve done everything, and I’ve been on stage for 10 years and done film When you were recording these songs, did it dawn and television – my heart is in the theater, and on you how outdated the vernacular is? And how that’s where I feel the most alive and connected much the word “gay,” which once just meant happy to the audience. I love being on stage. That’s and carefree, has changed? something that I know I will definitely go back to. I feel like I’ve had a really well-rounded It’s funny you say that, because every time I career so far, and I want to keep trying to put sing “Younger than Springtime” with the “gayer my hand in a lot of different things. than laughter” line – I think I sing it maybe three or four times within the song – it does pop I take it you won’t be bringing “The Herdmans Go to in my mind. You’re right, it doesn’t mean that Camp” to Broadway? ... well, it does mean that, but it has changed, My career would probably be over. absolutely. When I originally was hearing it I was thinking of (the “gay” reference), but it’s It’s that bad? not like I really care. (Laughs) I don’t remember it. That’s saying a lot. Of all people, I didn’t think you did. www.PrideSource.com July 11, 2013 | BTL 19 COLOR

The Unsung Stories Of Merry Clayton & Darlene Love Photo: Radius-TWC

Love – center stage. And life from came to you, what were your initial “Wow, how did they find that? We DL: Oh, no, I never did. I never felt The World Called there, well, it really is sweet. thoughts? have never seen that.” that way, because once we got so DL: I was the first person involved MC: It was really something. It big at doing background singing, When you first saw the documentary, Them Backup. We in it. (Producer) Gil Friesen went to took me back to the years out on people waited on us. People were and all that footage they’d compiled, Lou Alder, who is a very old friend the road with my husband and my just as excited about us being on what was going through your mind? of mine, and Dick Donner, who is band. I didn’t have to do anything; their records as we were excited Called Them Stars. Merry Clayton: That film … it took the director of the “Lethal Weapon” my job was to just do my craft, and about doing them. I don’t think that me to another place. Let me say it this movies, and he said, “I have this idea he took care of the band. He had anyone who was doing background way: It took my breath away. I could to do a story on background singers, his career. He had done eight or ever felt bad about what they were BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI hardly breathe. I made it through the but I don’t know where to start.” nine albums. So he wanted me to doing. whole film until they showed myself They told him, “Well, if you’re have a great career – and he worked MC: No, I don’t think I’m an When Merry Clayton recalls the very closely with me to see that that underdog. I think I’m an after-dog. song most dear to her, “After All This and my late husband and my band gonna do a story on background doing “Southern Man,” and then I singers, you’re gonna have to get in happened. But they only wanted I think I’ve been totally recognized, Time” – one of many Carole King- one queen, and it was Aretha at that if for nothing else but for the people written tunes on Clayton’s self-titled lost it. I mean, totally lost it. I was touch with Darlene Love first.” And crying. It just got to my heart. that’s what he did, because I’ve been time. And there was only one Diana I’ve performed with. You can’t 1971 solo album – she starts to recite Ross. That left me as the Merry be more recognized than being the words: “Oooh, I get a feeling Darlene Love: I didn’t even know it doing background singing full time was gonna touch me, but I was very since 1958. Clayton who was basically almost recognized for “Gimme Shelter” every night when you come home unsung. (Clayton sang on the 1969 track that life is sweet, yeaaaah, baby.” emotional watching it. A lot of my friends who know me personally, and Was this a trip down memory lane with The Rolling Stones). That’s But then, she can’t help herself. It just wasn’t your time. But now is family who’ve seen it, actually cried for you? been all over. By presidents, queens Clayton breaks out the song full your time. and kings, I’ve been recognized. force, her voice swooping into a belt. during the movie. There were friends DL: It was. They filmed it off and on MC: I really believe that. And The thing is, you get recognition, It’s in this moment of impromptu who didn’t even know I went through for two years, so the director (Morgan listen to me, I am soooo ready for but not the recognition you think vocal prowess you wonder why that (career) struggle, because I Neville) had to do some digging, it. I’m in good health. I’m in good you should have. Clayton never found the solo success wasn’t the type of person to ask for because there is no information on help. They were really surprised that spirits. I look fabulous, honey. And she so deserves. background singers … unless you You gotta know that the gay I had gone through that and had never talk to background singers! What I got it going on. That mystery is documented in community always puts our divas in said a thing about it. he did find, like The Blossoms (the “20 Feet from Stardom,” a film that Did you ever think of yourself as an the spotlight, right? finally puts background singers – vocal trio led by Love) singing with Darlene, when this project first underdog? MC: That’s right, baby. And I including the renowned Darlene Tom Jones back in 1971, I was like,

See 20 Feet, page 22

20 BTL | July 11, 2013 www.PrideSource.com COLOR COLOR

® 20 Feet gay friend in your family – not a part of So we did it and had a great evening. Continued from p. 20 your family, but always a friend your Tori was with me when I did the parents know or somebody knows – song for “Dirty Dancing,” “Yes.” Her and they’re always very protective of ma and dad were in town and she mean, when you got the gay community you. They make sure you have what called me and she said, “Well, what under your feet, you really don’t have you need, they make sure you get are you doing?” I said, “I’m going too much of anything to worry about. to where you’re supposed to go on to the studio, girl; I got this thing time and they make sure you’re cool. for something they’re doing called How would you describe your I mean, when I first started singing, ‘Dirty’ … something.” She says, “I relationship with the gay community all please … there were wonderful gays want you to meet ma and dad.” So these years? who were like, “Oh, you need a gown they came to the studio where I was DL: If it weren’t for them in my for baby sister, for Merry? Let’s and hung out while I did “Yes.” We audience, I wouldn’t have one. make her a couple of dresses, honey.” had a wonderful time. They’ve always supported me over And I’d look good! We didn’t come the years. Ninety percent of my with silver spoons in our mouth, so Darlene, in the movie you talk about audience is white – it’s not cleaning houses to make ends meet black – and gay. So, you know, when singing wasn’t cutting it. Tell thank god! They know more It really is just a me about the worst house you had to about the background singers phenomenal dream, and I hope clean. than anybody. They saw how “ DL: (Laughs) My own! To this day, we looked, they saw how we to stay in it until I close my I always say, “Lord, please let me dressed, they saw how we moved make enough money for somebody around. They were looking at eyes for the last time. to clean my house.” And so far, it’s that too. A lot of people have been working out. come up to me, even before the movie, saying, “I saw you when – Merry Clayton After doing this film, do you feel like you sang with Dionne Warwick” ” the star you always wanted to be? or “I saw you when you were with Tom Jones” or “I saw you MC: I feel that I am absolutely the with Elvis,” so they watch that. They they would sit down and make me a diva that I’ve always wanted to be. don’t just watch the lead singer; they dress, make sure my shoes matched Not necessarily the diva, but just watch the whole thing – the whole my dress, that my hair was done and the woman who has paid dues and performance in front of them. that I looked cute. So yes, I love my had fun in the process and has had, MC: They’ve always loved me. They gays, baby. basically, a wonderful life. I really feel blessed to have been a part of always loved me and adored me and What’s your fondest memory of have allll-ways supported me! When this. Honestly, it feels like I’m in a recording “Cornflake Girl” with Tori I needed clothes, when I needed dream and I’m waiting for someone things to wear for shows, I’d call my Amos? to pinch me and say, “Girrrl-friend, queens, baby. They’d be like, “Don’t MC: That’s my baby. I haven’t wake up. Come out of it, suga.” It you worry; we got you covered.” The talked to my baby in a long time. I’m really is just a phenomenal dream, children, they’d be there to see me, gonna have my co-manager find Tori and I hope to stay in it until I close protect me. I looooo-ve my gays, because I haven’t heard from her in my eyes for the last time. baby. (Laughs) I love the children and quite a while. DL: Between getting inducted into the children love me. But it’s always But she calls me in the evening: the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and been that in my career. Always. “Merry, what are you doing?” I said, this, this kind of seals it because now, “Hey, who is this?” “Tori.” I said, with this movie, my career will go on A diva doesn’t go without her gays. “Hey mama, what’s going on?” She and on and on. This movie is doing MC: Ever. Ever! From 5 years old. says, “I need you to come and sing on for us what superstars’ records do for What I’m saying is, when you start this song with me.” I said, “OK now, them. It has given us a voice. Now we singing, there’s always a wonderful you gotta pay me the lunch money.” have a voice.

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22 BTL | July 11, 2013 www.PrideSource.com COLOR

www.PrideSource.com July 11, 2013 | BTL 23 Hear Me Out BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI Sigur Rós, LeAnn Rimes

Ruined Me,” punched up with a gale of slide guitar and pulsating drums, and the buoyant “Bottle” could be hits … you know, in a world where a major talent’s personal life has no place on the charts. Grade: B Also Out Laura Mvula, ‘Sing to the Moon’ Laura Mvula knows the power of being true to yourself. Not once on her debut SHOP LGBT does the former receptionist go for a big Beyoncé belt or any other gimmicky move that might earn her the mainstream following she’s certainly worthy of. “Sing to the Moon” is dreamy soul beyond her 26 years, and you won’t find many recent moments of musical beauty as exquisite as “Father, Father” or “Like the Morning Dew.”

‘The Bling Ring’: Original Sigur Rós, ‘Kveikur’ LeAnn Rimes, Motion Picture Soundtrack When frontman Jónsi Birgisson went ‘Spitfire’ This is what stag for his kaleidoscopic solo venture, It’s hard to robbing the homes he introduced sunshine and rainbows to separate LeAnn of the rich and the stirring atmospherics he’d already Rimes “the tabloid famous sounds established with Sigur Rós. What a magnet” from like: thrashes of blown speaker static on difference a few years, and a couple LeAnn Rimes “the Sleigh Bells’ “Crown on the Ground,” bandmates, makes: “Kveikur,” their seventh Grammy success Kanye West (“All of the Lights”) and, album released just a year after “Valtari,” story.” Now you don’t have to. With of course, M.I.A.’s “Bad Girls.” But rocks so hard in parts that it’s easy to forget her latest, Rimes flips through her diary most indicative of the flick? “Super Jónsi’s little gay side project. Thunderous to confess deeply personal thoughts on Rich Kids,” a slow groove released last bass rumbles through “Brennisteinn,” a husband Eddie Cibrian’s ex (hissing diss year on Frank Ocean’s solo masterpiece whirling marvel that’s grayer and more song “Spitfire”), the extramarital affair that epitomizes everything about fame- restless – but still harmonious – than (the surprisingly honest “Borrowed”) hungry teens. nearly all of Sigur Rós’ recent output. and breaking hearts (she takes the blame The Icelandic trio’s once mellowing Zen on “What Have I Done”). Throughout, state is replaced with cranked guitars, the country singer pulls no punches The Lonely Island, clanging drums and an enveloping sense – even unleashing a burn about some ‘The Wack Album’ of panic dispelled into brash cacophonies; guy’s tiny manhood on the vengeful It has a shelf life, “Hrafntinna” plods with isolated sadness breakup self-booster “God Takes Care for sure, but The into a dreamy horn outro and “Yfirboro” of Your Kind” (written with ex-hubby Lonely Island’s sounds like the impending apocalypse, Dean Sheremet, so it’s probably not latest isn’t without where darkness looms and hope barely his) – as she backtracks on the emotions some laughs and exists. “Ísjaki,” though, breaks some of consuming her post-divorce and post- surprising guest the sinister tension, evoking the majestic marriage. Rimes’ slays these songs cameos. The highlight, of course, is tranquility of their earlier work with a – and has co-writing credits on many Robyn and the troupe mocking follow- lightness that teeters on Coldplay pop. of them – with her now supremely the-leader club music on the hooky The calm of “Rafstraumur” also brings underappreciated and overshadowed- “Go Kindergarten.” Solange also turns levity – as does the piano closer “Var,” by-drama voice, sounding particularly “Semicolon” into an unexpected pop sans Jónsi – but “Kveikur” isn’t rooted powerful when she finds every pain pleasure (it’s really about punctuation), in the rock vanguards’ modus operandi: in Missy Higgins’ “Where I Stood.” while Gaga and Justin Timberlake optimism. It has audacity, aggression and Another fine choice in cover material, do their “SNL” classic, “3-Way (The doom. This is Sigur Rós getting their hands “Gasoline and Matches,” has her getting Golden Rule).” dirty. Grade: B+ randy with Rob Thomas. “You’ve

24 BTL | July 11, 2013 www.PrideSource.com

Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival Marks 38th Year Co-Founder On Event Legacy, Transgender Controversy

BY CAROL TANIS I think we have an awesome program for this year’s festival. It’s really diverse and it This summer, on 650 acres of land just north highlights a lot of strong, beloved returning of Hart, thousands of women will gather for groups and some really exciting new talent. It one week in a community created by women really reflects the diversity and breadth of the for women. Scheduled for Aug. 6-11, the Michigan audience, and I’m excited about it. Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival provides a safe space for attendees to camp in the Is there anything new for the coming year in woods, participate in workshops, listen to a terms of workshops, amenities and special acts? wide variety of music, watch films and simply We’ve received requests to initiate an adult commune with each other in nature. Besides camping area and we’re going to be putting various regions of the U.S., visitors to the some serious thought into where this could festival come from distant countries, including go in the general camping area. We want to Australia, New Zealand, Russia and Scotland. have a campground where mothers can know This year marks the 38th year for the this is not an area to camp with little ones. It’s festival – and co-founder Lisa Vogel has certainly not an antifamily thing, but I think helped to produce every one. Born in Bay City, there is some desire around adult behavior in she moved to Mt. Pleasant to attend Central tents, where they don’t have to be concerned Michigan University. At age 19, she, along about little ones overhearing personal with other women from the region, launched moments. So we’re going to be looking for a the festival in 1976 just outside the village good place to create some adult space within of Remus. the general camping area, just as we have Over the years, countless controversies have family camping. plagued the event. The food, being one. Also, outsiders, such as religious fundamentalists, Attendance has been down and there are even tried to put an end to the festival at one rumors the festival might be coming to an end. time. The continued controversery, though, What is the current state of the festival? is whether to admit transgender individuals. We’ve been reshaping the festival over the BTL got festival co-founder Carol Tanis on last decade. It’s never lost on me that this will the phone to talk about the heated transgender be our 38th year and we’re already in miracle debate, the event’s rugged history and the territory to keep something alive and viable challenges that lie ahead. and vibrant and relevant for all of these years. Whenever this question is posed, I feel What excites you most about the 2013 Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival? See Womyn’s Music Festival, page 30

26 BTL | July 11, 2013 www.PrideSource.com Hope Women Roar With Invincible Voices SLOW VIRUS / SPYWARE PRINTER INSTALLATION BY BRIDGETTE M. REDMAN BEST BUY® IN-STORE REPAIR: $199.99 -or- What is a woman? IN-HOME REPAIR: $25 / HOUR And how do you capture her in song? That may be a task of Sisyphean proportions, but Hope Summer Repertory Theater undertook it with such IN-HOME enthusiasm and passion as to inspire anyone trying to answer those PC REPAIR AFFORDABLE. CONVENIENT. QUALITY. questions. “I Am Woman” is their musical revue of For an appointment, contact Anthony: the summer season, [email protected] a revue in which five women tackle music 313-883-9269 from every decade from the 1930s forward. It opened, of course, with MS OFFICE NETWORK / INTERNET EMAIL TUNE-UP the Helen Reddy power ballad of the same title, “I Am Woman” plays in repertory at the Park Theatre in Holland through July 31. Photo: Hope Summer Repertory Theatre. that was combined in a medley with “A Natural sex appeal, but she was heartbreakingly Woman” and “I’m a Woman.” REVIEW good in “Your Daddy’s Son” from The five women of the ensemble, I Am Woman “Ragtime” and performed a beautiful Katie Drinkard, Alyssa, Magarian, ballet during “The Portrait” as Drinkard Hope Summer Repertory Theatre at Park Olivia Puckett, Grace Stockdale and sang. She also excelled at the cute Sierra White, showed that women can Theatre, 248 S. River Ave., Holland. 8:30 p.m. July 8, 9, 18, 23, 31. $12-20. 616- numbers such as “Lollipop” and “Up be strong, sexy, silly, vulnerable, fun the Ladder to the Roof.” and entertaining, sometimes at the 395-7890. www.Hope.edu/hsrt Drinkard had the fewest number of same time. featured songs, but provided excellent The 30 songs, directed and chosen Following the opening ensemble support in ensemble numbers. She by director Fred Tessler and co-creator number, Magarian sang a beautiful also exhibited excellent acting skills, Brad Landers, covered not just a scope ballad from 1983, “I Sure Like the telling stories with each of her songs of nine decades, but a range of genres Boys,” a moving piece that set the pace and ensemble pieces. from blues and torch songs to comedic for the first act. She was also a strong When the women first took the stage, ditties and power rock ballads. Each of presence in each ensemble number, they were donned in the classic “little them showcased the skill of the female particularly “Fire” and “I Love the black dress,” each one its own cut and performer, giving them opportunity to Night Life.” Her comedic side came design to best show off the individual strut in a combination of solos, duets out with Stockdale in “Can that Boy shapes of each actress. Through the and ensemble pieces. Foxtrot!” evening’s numerous costume changes, And while the Park Theatre stage is a White sang what is perhaps the costumer Michelle Bombe made each small one, made even more intimate by raunchiest number in the evening of the women look her best at all times, placing the four-piece orchestra on the (with “Pretty Young Men” near the whether in a swim suit, an evening gown back of the stage, the performers still end capturing a close second) with the or a suit. managed to fully choreograph each of 1935 song “If I Can’t Sell It, I’ll Keep Stephen Sakowski’s lighting was their numbers, making the stage glitter Sittin’ On It,” a song supposedly about often on the dark side, but appropriate for with powerfully emotional presentations. a chair for sale at a second-hand shop. a night-club cabaret style performance. The Park Theatre is a new White was brilliant in her comedic There were times when the orchestra, performance space for Hope Summer timing in that song and such numbers particularly the percussion started to Rep, and they take advantage of the as “Change” and “Buttered Popcorn.” overwhelm the singers, but for the venue by setting up a mix of tables Stockdale showed the same powerful most part their powerful voices and and chair rows. They also sell a versatility in “I am Woman” that she Jeffrey Levin’s sound design was able combination of soda, wine and beer displayed last week in “All Shook Up,” to overcome that. as part of their concessions before and performing a torch song such as “I Charisma oozed off all of the women, after the show and during intermission. Can’t Make You Love Me,” the upbeat who reveled in all dimensions of their It turns the evening into a cabaret complaint of “I Heard It Through the femininity. They made love to the performance where the audience Grapevine,” the peppiness of “Boogie audience while demonstrating with easily interacts emotionally with the Woogie Bugle Boy” and the soulful their voices that they were powerful performers. The singers also made full presentation of “Anytime.” and strong, women the audience use of a thrust that was surrounded by Puckett often seemed overwhelmed was privileged to experience. “I Am tables and let them come out into the by her stronger compatriots, especially Woman” is an unadulterated celebration audience. in the numbers that required pouring on of women’s lives and passions. www.PrideSource.com July 11, 2013 | BTL 27 Tuesday, July 16 Mid-Summer’s Night Tea 7 p.m. Enjoy a Recess 10 a.m. Open to all training tranquil evening in the gardens at the Hill clients. Living Out Loud Studio, 207 Talk Tuesdays 6 p.m. Free. KICK, 41 House. Tickets: $25. Greenmead Historical Fieldcrest St., Ann Arbor. 734-660-8056. Burroughs St. 109, Detroit. 313-285- Village, 20501 Newburgh Road, Livonia. Livingoutloudllc.com Happenings 9733. e-kick.org 734-425-6880. Ci.livonia.mi.us Battle Creek Pride Community Picnic 11 Euchre at Esquire Club 6:30 p.m. Open Arms 7 p.m. Weekly support group a.m. Battle Creek Pride, 1392 Capital Ave. Motor City Bears 7 p.m. Social group for Meeting since before 1998, every second Lansing Association for Human Rights, metro area bears. Meets every second Sunday of the month. Rainbow Book Club, for all people infected and affected by HIV; NE, Battle Creek. jameshaley61161984@ 1250 Turner St., Lansing. 517-487- provides monthly informational speakers gmail.com OUTINGS Saturday of the month. Motor City Bears, 319 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. 734-995-9867. 5338. Lahronline.org 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248- Catherine. [email protected] and monthly dinners. Michigan AIDS Coalition (MAC), 429 Livernois, Ferndale. Dykes on Bikes - Women on Wheels Thursday, July 11 398-7105. Goaffirmations.org Greater Lansing Gay Men’s Chorus Porker Run 12 p.m. Women only. Conversation Station 5 p.m. GOAL, 714 Rehearsal 6:45 p.m. Lansing Association 248-545-1435. The Family & Friends Support Group S. Washington, Royal Oak. 248-981- Campground is private with a women- 5:30 p.m. Support group for family Sunday, July 14 for Human Rights, 510 W. Ottawa St., Significant Other Support 7 p.m. only rule. Part of Weekender: Windover. 4227. [email protected] Lansing. [email protected] and friends of people living with HIV. Red Cedar Friends Quaker Meeting Red GetOutAndLive.me Discussion and support group for friends Dykes on Bikes, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Community Health Awareness Group, Cedar Friends Quaker Meeting, Lansing. A2 TNG (Next Generation of Kinkster) and loved ones of LGBT. Affirmations, 290 Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Meetup.com/ 1300 W. Fort St., Detroit. 313-963-3434. 517-371-1047. redcedarfriends.org Battle Creek Pride Potluck 7 p.m. 7:45 p.m. A kink and fetish oriented group W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- GOAL-Get-Out-And-Live-LGBT Followed by Pride Euchre Tournament. for younger kinksters. The group focuses 7105. goaffirmations.org Men’s Film Group 7 p.m. Social group 38th Royal Oak Garage Sale 9 a.m. Battle Creek Pride, 910 North Ave., Battle Women’s Potluck 5:30 p.m. Bring a to meet and discuss films of interest on support, the sharing of information in dish to for four to six to pass. Coffee, Fifteen thousand people will visit the sale Creek. 269-964-7276. the form of demonstrations or discussion to men. Meets every Thursday at of the year in Downtown Royal Oak on Thursday, July 18 tea, pop and water provided. Alcohol and Affirmations. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine groups and socializing. Meets on the Free to be Me 9 a.m. Bi-weekly support smoke free event. Windsor-Essex Pride July 13th and 14th. The sale takes place Monday, July 15 third Tuesday of every month. Open to Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. in the parking structure on Center Street group for ex-offenders living with HIV. Fest, 2800 Tecumseh Road E., Windsor. Goaffirmations.org Career Club Two 1 p.m. Focused on all. A2 TNG, 319 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. Participants have been out of prison for Windsorpride.com between 2nd and 4th Streets. Visit over 200 734-678-2478. [email protected] vendors selling antiques, jewelry, vintage planning and accountability to help three weeks to 15 years. AIDS Partnership Wings 7 p.m. A support and social group move job seekers along in the process. JimToyCenter.org Men’s Discussion Group 6 p.m. for people living with HIV. Self-Run, 2441 items, sports memorabilia, and clothing. Michigan, 2751 E. Jefferson Ave., Number Appropriate for any point in the job 301, Detroit. 313-446-9836. Lighthearted or in-depth discussion on a Pinecrest Dr., Ferndale. [email protected] Just about anything you can think of! The variety of topics. For gay, bi-affectional, and Garage Sale is the largest annual fundraiser search. Highlights include goal setting, the Wednesday, July 17 job search toolkit, action planning, and Moms in Motion 11 a.m. Bi-weekly transgender men 18 and up. Affirmations, for the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, GLSEN Mid-Michigan 4:30 p.m. Lansing support group for parents living with HIV. 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- Friday, July 12 and takes place over two days. 12 and evaluation of your process. Affirmations, Association for Human Rights, Lansing. Gold, Diamonds & DuMouchelles 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248- DMC/AIDS Partnership Michigan, 471 St. 7105. goaffirmations.org under free. Tickets: $2. Royal Oak Chamber lahronline.org Antoine, Detroit. 313-993-3444. 7:30 a.m. This tour will take us to of Commerce, 300 S. Center Street, Royal 398-7105. goaffirmations.org Battle Creek Pride Bash 9 p.m. Hosted DuMouchelles where the tourists will Oak. 248-547-4000. Royaloakchamber. Co-Gender Rap Discussion 6 p.m. Lansing Community College Gay by Karma Vuitton. Presenting Miss Battle Higher Ground 6:30 p.m. Weekly support Light refreshments and good fellowship experience an auction and hear a special com/RokStories/garage-sale.html group meetings for people living with HIV/ Straight Alliance 5:30 p.m. Bingo after Creek Pride 2013-2014. Battle Creek talk from the workers at DuMouchelles. between men and women, young and at Esquire. Lansing Association for Human Pride, 910 North Ave., Battle Creek. 269- There will also be wine tasting included Rights, Lansing. [email protected] 964-7276. Partnersbar.com in the tour. These activities are carefully lahronline.org timed between filming of the Antique Drag Queen Bingo 10 p.m. A fun Road show. We have pick up destinations alternative to your usual weekend hot in Madison Heights, Novi & Wixom. Editor’s Pick Friday, July 19 spots. Shows get out just early enough Tickets: $75. Step On Bus Tours, 215 Veteran’s Affairs Support Group 3:30 for you to hit the local clubs or bars! W. Troy, Suite 2046, Ferndale . 248- The nation’s third oldest celebration of African- p.m. A support group for any veteran or Refreshments from our full coffee bar 619-6692. [email protected] American LGBT culture comes to Detroit this week Veteran’s Affairs (VA) patient. Meets every (coffees, teas, smoothies), sodas, water, steponbustours.com other Friday; call for dates and room and more. Tickets: $20. 18+. Club Five15, with Hotter Than July! The black gay pride festival location. Veteran’s Affairs, 4646 John R. 515 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak. 248- Tigers vs. Rangers + Fireworks 5:30 St., Detroit. 313-576-1000, ext. 6. 515-2551. five15.net p.m. Meetup at Tiger’s game. Bookies will will encompass a variety of events this week, starting provide party van if meeting at Bookies with a Candlelight Vigil in Palmer Park on Tuesday. Riot Youth 4 p.m. A youth-led, safe space first. Tickets: $26. GOAL, 2208 Cass Ave., for LGBT, queer, questioning youth and Detroit. Meetup.com/GOAL-Get-Out-And- Since 1996, the festival has provided one of the their allies. Riot Youth also is a space for MUSIC & MORE Live-LGBT more unique experiences in the U.S., with a variety youth to talk and find support about their struggles as LGBTQQA youth. They have CONCERTS GLSEN 6 p.m. Social and discussion workshops on various issues such as of events and issues used to enrich and empower Blind Pig “Scind” With Chasten Revolt and group for members of local high school gender identity/expression, intersections Shotgun Philharmonic. 18+. Tickets: $5-8. LGBT groups. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine the community for LGBT people of African descent of LGBTQQA identity with race and Blind Pig, 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor. 9:30 Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. in Detroit and southeast Michigan. Founded on the seven principles of Kwanzaa (unity, self- other social identities, LGBTQQA history p.m. July 11. 734-996-8555. Blindpig.com Goaffirmations.org determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, creativity, purpose and writing workshops. They also play theater games, host movie nights, and “MC Chris” With Dr. Awkward, Woman 2 Woman 6 p.m. Free. KICK, 41 and faith), Hotter Than July! promises a series of events that are not only fun, but educational Blind Pig Burroughs St. 109, Detroit. 313-285- have parties. The Neutral Zone, 310 E. Jesse Dangerously and Tribe One. Revenge 9733. e-kick.org and encouraging. Washington, Ann Arbor. 734-214-9995. of the Nerd Tour 2. All ages. Tickets: $15. Neutral-zone.org Blind Pig, 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Friday Night Socials: Euchre Night Hotter Than July! events, running July 22-28, include a boat ride, picnic, film festival and July 16. 734-996-8555. Blindpigmusic.com 7 p.m. Snacks and drinks available for LAHR Friday Night Dinner group purchase. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine brunch. For information on times and locations, visit www.hotterthanjuly.org. 6:30 p.m. Meets at a different Lansing Caesars Windsor “5 Year Anniversary” B. Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. area restaurant each month. Lansing B. King - June 9. Frampton’s Guitar Circus goaffirmations.org Association for Human Rights, Lansing. - June 13. Willie Nelson - June 19. Jeff [email protected] lahronline.org Foxworthy - June 28. Alice Cooper - July 5. Weezer - July 11. Journey - July 24. Tickets: 7 p.m. Our group Saturday, July 13 Bisexual Peer Group $20+. Caesars Windsor, 377 E. Riverside Dr., 9 AIDS. Each meeting includes meditation seasoned. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine meets monthly on the third Friday & Queer & Trans Yoga Series - Summer Birmingham Farmer’s Market Windsor. June 9 - July 24. 800-991-7777. a.m. 70+ booths featuring locally and and peer discussions. Self-Run, Mile Road, 248-398-7105. discussion relates to bisexual identity. 2013 10:30 a.m. This all-levels class Ferndale. Ferndale. caesarswindsor.com/anniversary balances movement with held poses in regionally grown produce, plants, foods 586-427-1259. [email protected] Goaffirmations.org/ Building is handicap accessible using and more. Principal Shopping District, ramp to rear entrance. Bisexual Peer Detroit Symphony Orchestra “DSO at Ford an environment that is safe, friendly and 7 p.m. Our Whole 6 p.m. The N. Old Woodward, Birmingham. Adult Support Group KGLRC Walk/Jog/Run Group Group, 319 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. 734- House” Tickets: $12+. Edsel and Eleanor supportive of people of all genders and Lives, Healthy Lives support group is free Resource Center’s Health and Wellness [email protected] 678-2478. [email protected] Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse orientations. We will build strength and and open to all LGBT adults and their Committee is proud to offer our very Birminghamfarmersmarket.org Facebook.com/groups/110918256984/ Pointe Shores. July 12 - July 13. 313-884- stamina with standing poses, release with allies. It is professionally facilitated and own group devoted to walking, jogging, 4222. Dso.org twists, and foster joy with backbends, all JGN Detroit Tigers Game 1 p.m. JGN is designed to provide a safe, therapeutic, and and/or running. Everyone is welcome, Friday Night Socials: Game Night 7 tailored to the level of the yoga student. planning to go to a Detroit Tigers game LGBT-affirming environment for participants regardless of physical ability and/or p.m. Snacks and beverages available DTE Energy Music Theatre “Jonas Admission: $10-15. Affirmations, 290 W. on Sunday July 14th at 1:00 pm. RSVP by to talk freely and find the support they sexual orientation. Kalamazoo Gay and for purchase. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Brothers” Tickets: $20+. DTE Energy Music Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- May 8. Tickets: $20 in the upper deck. The need. Transportation may be arranged Lesbian Resource Center, 4143 N. 10th Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Theatre, 7774 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. 7 7105. goaffirmations.org Jewish Gay Network of Michigan, 2100 with advance notice and driver availability. St., Kalamazoo. KGLRC.org Goaffirmations.org p.m. July 13. 248-377-0100. Palacenet.com HIV Testing 1 p.m. Free. Affirmations, Woodward Ave., Detroit. 248-432-5661. OutCenter, 132 Water St., Benton Harbor. [email protected] 269-925-8330. Outcenter.org The United Drags of America 6 p.m. White Party 9 p.m. Dj GLiTTER. Battle DTE Energy Music Theatre “Barenaked 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248- In associated with Five15 and Fifth Creek Pride, 910 North Ave., Battle Creek. Ladies with Ben Folds Five and Guster” 398-7105. goaffirmations.org Older Lesbians Organizing 1 p.m. Movement with Kristi Faulkner Dance 7 Avenue. Hosted by September Murphy. 269-964-7276. Partnersbar.com Tickets: $25+. DTE Energy Music Theatre, Next ALIVE Youth Group Meeting 2 p.m. Provides older Lesbians with the chance to p.m. A different genre of movement each Starring Hershae Chocolatae, Christina 7774 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. 7 p.m. July For LGBTQA youth (14-20). OutCenter, meet like minded women in their common week, including modern dance, ballet, jazz, Cruz, Aurora Sexton, Leah Halston and Saturday, July 20 12. 248-377-0100. palacenet.com struggles, to share mutual interests and hip hop/breaking, soft shoe tap dance, and Denise Russel. Tickets: $25-100. Equality 132 Water St., Benton Harbor. 269-925- Battle Creek Pride Fest Battle Creek Grand Rapids Art Museum “The Moxie 8330. outcenter.org to play and work together. Meets the 2nd stretch and strengthening. Workshops are Michigan, 215 W. Fifth Ave., Royal Oak. Friday of every month. Older Lesbians designed for beginning/intermediate movers uniteddragsofamerica.com Pride, Battle Creek. battlecreekpride@ Strings with Fritz McGirr” High-energy Out4Equality - Collage Project 6 p.m. Organizing, 319 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. ages 16-55. Tickets: $5. Affirmations, 290 W. yahoo.com Facebook.com/pages/Battle- Celtic fusion. Part of GRAM on the Green Collaborative art project incorporating 734-995-9867. [email protected] Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Beloved Hearts Grief Support Group Creek-Pride-Public-Page outdoor summer music series. Dancing, 6:30 p.m. We cannot change what has fitness, sketching and more prior to show. community created art. Affirmations, 290 JimToyCenter.org Goaffirmations.org Open Meditation Saturdays 9 a.m. A happened, but we can support and Free. Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- communal, non-hierarchical meditation Volleyball 1 p.m. With warm weather. One Voice Chorus 7 p.m. LGBT Choral walk beside you as you grieve. We can Monroe Center, Grand Rapids. 5 p.m. July 7105. goaffirmations.org space open to all. Affirmations, 290 W. Located north of the Lansing Mall. Lansing group. Meets every Monday. Affirmations, give you hugs, help you cry and be the 12. 616-831-1000. artmuseumgr.org Crossroads 7 p.m. Dedicated to serving Association for Human Rights, Lansing. 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248- soft place for you to fall when you feel Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. the needs of transgender individuals. [email protected] 398-7105. Goaffirmations.org like you cannot take another step. For Goaffirmations.org Grosse Pointe Village Downtown Development Authority “Music on the Meets the second Saturday of every LGBT and allies grieving the death of a First Annual Community Disc Golf Rainbow Book Club 4:30 p.m. Book Sistrum, Lansing Women’s Chorus Plaza” Free jazz concert series. In case of month. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine loved one (including pets). GOAL, 515 S. Tournament 10 a.m. $400 in prizes. Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. club dedicated to reading and discussing 7 p.m. Lansing Association for Human Washington Ave., Royal Oak. 248-515- rain, concert will move to Mare Elementary classic and contemporary lesbian, gay, Rights, 1020 S. Harrison Road, Lansing. Tickets: $15. Battle Creek Pride, Battle GoAffirmations.org 2551. getoutandlive.me Creek. bisexual, transgender, and queer literature. [email protected] lahronline.org See Happenings, page 33

28 BTL | July 11, 2013 www.PrideSource.com

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queer community affinity groups have brought by her mother when she was ® Womyn’s Music Festival the right and responsibility to say 7 and now her mother and her and her Continued from p. 26 whom they would like to gather with. daughter are coming. And we get a And it’s everyone’s decision how and lot of stories of three, and sometimes if they respect that. That statement four, generations of women in a family Cool Cities gratitude that the community supports has been taken out of context many coming to the festival together – that and still has the desire to create this times. And people have run with it’s kind of like a rite of passage. Birmingham kind of space together. It’s far more it in either side of the discussion. than a concert. It’s an experiment in So, it’s been very polarizing for the living where we create all of these How does the Michigan Womyn’s Festival YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET festival. For the women who love compare to other such festivals held in support systems and services so we can the festival, there is such a vibrant the United States? Pinpoint your ad dollars where live in this experimental community and broad representation of gender they will do the most good . . . for the week. And that takes a lot identity, so for this community to The thing that is unique about this of resources. As the numbers have be understood to be narrow in its festival is that it happens on the land Advertise in the next Cool Cities lessened, it has been difficult in recent scope of understanding gender is and that it’s a week long. We get to TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 years in order to make our budget really missing the importance of have the experience of being there with all of those things we need to the discussion in terms of a female and really getting into a groove of meet on the numbers we’ve been identified community. a culture together. Plus, we’re not getting. We’re really hoping we can It’s a complicated discussion. It’s bring 500 or a thousand women back moving into a pre-existing space or a not simple. I can’t say that I’ve seen camp. You walk around and know that into the festival, or bring new women that it’s been a big discussion in the women did the plumbing, women did into the festival to be able to support gay male community, but in the lesbian the stands, women put up those tents, the infrastructure that we have. community it’s a big discussion. And Those of us who work on it are Michigan has always been some place and it just starts to sink in that this is dedicated to continue to do it. And while where the discussions are ripe, get a town created for women by women. the financial health has been a little discussed, and acted out and argued out And it’s in harmony with the natural dubious, the spiritual health has been and the passion play happens. So I’m environment to the degree that when strong. I’m convinced and still very heartened that there are many women you leave, you couldn’t tell two weeks confident that what women receive from who attend the festival who have strong after the festival that a festival had that week at the festival is precious and beliefs on all sides of this discussion and happened there. That’s intentional. valuable. Meanwhile, we’re in changing are able to have this conversation at the times and challenging economic times. festival with respect for differences, and Having been with the festival since I’m hoping that we weather it. We’ve hopefully we’ll come to a place where the beginning, what’s your happiest weathered a lot of things in the last 37 there is greater understanding – where memory? years and we have every intention to everyone has respect for the authentic I don’t have a happiest memory; I give it our best energy and keep making experience of every individual. community on the land for many more just have so many memories. We years to come. What are some of the biggest changes really present some fantastic music or trends you’ve seen in the festival and and entertainment and workshops and The question of whether allow attendees in the last 10 to 20 years? Is politics, and the experience we really transgender individuals into the festival it that more children are present? feel has been valuable over the years has been a big issue. How do things When the festival first began, the only is for women to have the experience currently stand with that? children that anybody knew of were that we create together that is very This is a very complicated discussion. from women who had been divorced unique to that space. And whether We don’t actually allow or disallow and had been married to men. They had there’s been 6,000 or 3,000, that anyone from attending, and we actually children and then they came out, and energy has remained intact. never have. We do say, and we have what we’ve seen in the last 35 years said, that the focus of this festival is is several waves of a lesbian baby For ticket information about the 2013 for women who were born female and boom. There were very few children we want that to be where the focus and in the first handful of festivals. Now, Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival, visit energy lies. We feel that in the greater we just heard from someone who was michfest.com or call 231-757-4766.

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30 BTL | July 11, 2013 www.PrideSource.com COLOR 32 BTL | July 11, 2013 www.PrideSource.com The Majestic “Undesirable People” 734-276-2832. Pennyseats.org ® With the Young and Heartless. 18+. Free. Happenings Garden Bowl, 4120 Woodward Ave., Next to Normal $12-$17. Peppermint Continued from p. 28 Detroit. 10 p.m. July 13. 313-833-9700. Creek Theatre Company at Miller majesticdetroit.com Performing Arts Center, 6025 Curry Lane, Lansing. July 11 - 20. 517-927-3016. School, 740 Cadieux. Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe The Palace of Auburn Hills “One peppermintcreek.org Direction” Tickets: $40. 15-101. 45. The Stage, St. Clair and Kercheval, Grosse The Bikinis $15-35. The Croswell Opera Pointe. June 6 - Aug. 1. thevillagegp.org Palace of Auburn Hills, 5 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills. 7:30 p.m. July 12. 248- House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. July 12 Kerrytown Concert House “Tad 377-0100. palacenet.com - 21. 517-264-SHOW. Croswell.org Weed” Jazz pianist. Kerrytown Concert The UFO Show Free. Emergent Arts in House, 415 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor. FESTIVALS Downtown Ypsilanti, Washington St., north 7 p.m. July 13. 734-763-4186. Oakland University and the Eisenhower of Michigan Ave.. 7 p.m. July 11. 734-985- Kerrytownconcerthouse.com Dance Ensemble “Great Lakes Dance 0875. Emergentarts.com MSU College of Music “17th Annual Festival” Two-week intensive with daily Muelder Summer Carillon Series” classes in Ballet, Jazz, Modern and PROFESSIONAL Wednesday, July 3: Stephan D. Burton, Repertory. Room and board available for 1964...The Tribute $15.25-25.45. Eagle Mountain, Utah. Wednesday, July additional cost. For experienced dancers age Meadow Brook Music Festival, 3554 10: Philippe Beullens, Brussels, Belgium. 16+. Tutition: $525-550. Oakland University, Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills. 8 p.m. July Wednesday, July 17: Julianne Vanden 2200 N. Squirrel Road, Rochester. July 8 - 11. 248-377-0100. Palacenet.com Wyngaard, Grand Valley State University July 19. 248-370-2030. oakland.edu Adult Education Stories told for adults and George Gregory, San Antonio, City of Ann Arbor “Ann Arbor Art Fair”. City only, with each event followed by a TX. Wednesday, July 24: Laura Ellis, of Ann Arbor, 721 E. Huron St. #200, Ann themed video dance party. $10. The Acorn University of Florida. Wednesday, July 31: Arbor. July 17 - July 20. 734-994-5260. Theater, 107 Generations Dr., Three Oaks. Gijsbert Kok, The Hague, The Netherlands. artfair.org July 12. 269-756-3879. acorntheater.com Free.msu College of Music, Beaumont Tower, W. Circle Dr., East Lansing. July City of Wyandotte “Wyandotte Street Art All Shook Up $12-28. Hope Summer 3 - July 31. 517-353-9958. Fair”. Downtown Wyandotte, Wyandotte. July Repertory Theatre, DeWitt Theatre, 141 E. 10 - July 13. wyandottestreetartfair.org 12th St., Holland. Through Aug. 10. 616- Olympia Entertainment “Jill Scott” 395-7890. Hope.edu/hsrt Tickets: $49. 75-99. 75. Fox Theatre, OTHER 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Andronicus Bound A bold, new adaptation Grand Rapids Art Museum “Piano Music” 8 p.m. July 12. 313-471-6611. of William Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus. Museum Lobby. Grand Rapids Art Museum, Olympiaentertainment.com $15-18. Threefold Productions, The MIX 101 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids. April 5 - Studio Theatre, 8 N. Washington St., Royal Oak Music Theatre “Animal Sep. 27. 616-831-1000. artmuseumgr.org Ypsilanti. Opens July 19. 28. 734-968- Collective with Dan Deacon”. Royal Oak 8717. Threefoldproductions.org Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal I Love Old Town “Pickin’ in the Park” Weekly social affair and jam session for Oak. 8 p.m. July 15. 248-399-2980. $27-41. Performance artists, musicians, and residents in the heart Becky Shaw royaloakmusictheatre.com Network Theatre, 120 E. Huron St., Ann of Old Town. Burchard Park in Old Town, Arbor. Through July 28. 734-663-0681. Saugatuck Center for the Arts Lansing. May 7 - Sep. 24. iloveoldtown.org PerformanceNetwork.org “Summer in the Studio: Brant Satala” Tickets: $15+. Saugatuck Center for the Oakland University “Creative Computer Music Composition” One-week course will Celebrating America’s Best Loved Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck. 8 p.m. $13-16. Macomb Center for explore the world of music composition using Composers July 15. 269-857-2399. sc4a.org the Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield Road, the computer. Ages: 12-18. Tuition: $200. Clinton Township. July 12 - 13. 586-286- Stars in the Park “Farmington Oakland University, 2200 N. Squirrel Road, 2222. Macombcenter.com Community Band” Free. Heritage Rochester. July 15 - July 19. 248-370-2030. Park Ampitheatre, Farmington Road, oakland.edu/compositionworkshops Ernie $20-$25; City Theatre, 2301 Farmington Hills. 7 p.m. July 11. 248- Woodward Ave., Detroit. Through Aug. 11. Oakland University “Theory and 473-1848. 800-745-3000. olympiaentertainment.com Composition Workshop” Three hour daily The Ark “A Little Help from My Friends: workshop. Ages: 12-18. Tuition: $200. Fiddler on the Roof $10-$27. Tibbits Concert for Chris Buhalis” Tickets: $20. Oakland University, 2200 N. Squirrel Road, Summer Theatre, 14 S. Hanchett St., The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 7:30 Rochester. July 15 - July 19. 248-370-2030. Coldwater. July 11 - 20. 517-278-6029. p.m. July 14. 734-761-1800. Theark.org oakland.edu/compositionworkshops tibbits.org The Ark “Taj Mahal” Tickets: $50-75. Five Women Wearing the Same The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 Dress $15-18. Broadway Onstage Live p.m. July 11. 734-761-1800. theark.org THEATER Theatre, 21517 Kelly Road, Eastpointe. July 19 - Aug. 17. 586-771-6333. The Ark “Shawn Phillips” Tickets: $20. Broadwayonstage.com The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 CIVIC/COMMUNITY THEATER p.m. July 12. 734-761-1800. TheArk.org Fools $11-12. The Twin City Junior Players Forever Plaid $32-39, includes food at The Twin City Players Playhouse, 600 and entertainment. The Dio Dining and The Magic Bag “The Grandmothers W. Glenlord Road, St. Joseph. July 12 - 21. Entertainment, 135 E. Main St., Pinckney. of Invention” Tickets: $20+. The Magic 269-429-0400. Twincityplayers.org July 11 - Aug. 3. 517-672-6009. Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Diotheatre.com 8 p.m. July 11. 248-544-3030. Little Me $7-10. Ann Arbors Penny Seats themagicbag.com Theatre Company at West Park Band Shell, 215 Chapin St., Ann Arbor. July 11 - 27. See Happenings, page 34 Editor’s Pick The 54th Annual Ann Arbor Art Fair will fill the streets of the city starting July 17, bringing a multitude of artists, performers, culinary masters, and more. Area restaurants, stores, bars and clubs will have a variety of specials to celebrate Ann Arbor’s biggest event of the summer. Ann Arbor combines four fairs (the Original Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, the State Street Area Art Fair and Ann Arbor’s South University Art Fair) into one four-day long event representing the city’s finest artists and musicians. Last year’s event attracted more than 500,000 fairgoers, with this year’s event sure to bring in more. The Ann Arbor Art Fair runs through Saturday, July 20 in downtown Ann Arbor. The event is free, with various parking and transportation options available during the fair. For more information, call 734-994-5260 or visit www.artfair.org. www.PrideSource.com July 11, 2013 | BTL 33 Editor’s Pick “Retro never sounded so now!” That is according to Under the Streetlamp, the vocal group coming to Meadow Brook Theatre for two benefit performances at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20. The all-male, all-heartthrob vocal group, made up of Michael Cunio, Michael Ingersoll, Christopher Kale Jones and Michigan native Shonn Wiley, are all recent leading cast members of the Tony Award-winning sensation “Jersey Boys.” Under the Streetlamp was formed after the four stars finished a production of the show, based on the life and times of The Four Seasons. They loved performing together so much that they formed the current group and have been touring ever since. “If you loved ‘Jersey Boys,’ you’ll love this show,” said Cheryl Marshall, MBT’s managing director. “It’s truly going to be an amazing performance!” Performances will be at Meadow Brook Theatre, 207 Wilson Hall, Rochester. Tickets range from $100 to $125; all proceeds benefit the theatre. For tickets, call 248-377-3300.

Tuna Does Vegas Previews July 11-14 & Downriver Council for the Arts “2013 ® Happenings 18 ($15). $20-25. Williamston Theatre, 122 Members Show” Mixed Media Fine Continued from p. 33 S. Putnam St., Williamston. July 11 - Aug. 18. Art. Downriver Council for the Arts, 81 517-655-SHOW. Williamstonetheatre.org Chestnut, Wyandotte. June 1 - July 12. 734-720-0671. Downriverarts.org Twelfth Night Plays in repertory. I Am Woman $12-20. Hope Summer $12-36. Michigan Shakespeare Festival Fourteen East “Abstract Art by Jan Brown” Repertory Theatre at Park Theatre, 248 at Potter Center’s Baughman Theatre 15 E. Kirby, Detroit. April 30 - July 26. S. River Ave., Holland. Through July 31. on the campus of Jackson Community 616-395-7890. Hope.edu/hsrt College, 2111 Emmons Road, Jackson. Grand Rapids Art Museum “Saturday All Day with The Arts” 101 Monroe Center, King John Plays in repertory. $12-36. July 18 - Aug. 10. 517-796-8600. Michiganshakespearefestival.com Grand Rapids. April 6 - Dec. 28. 616-831- Michigan Shakespeare Festival at 1000. artmuseumgr.org Potter Center’s Baughman Theatre on Under the Streetlamp $100-125. the campus of Jackson Community Meadow Brook Theatre, 207 Wilson Kerrytown Concert House “Jordan College, 2111 Emmons Road, Jackson. Hall, Rochester. July 20. 248-377-3300. Pemberton” 415 N. Fourth Ave., Ann July 20 - Aug. 9. 517-796-8600. mbtheatre.com Arbor. July 9 - Aug. 4. 734-763-4186. Michiganshakespearefestival.com Kerrytownconcerthouse.com Xanadu $29-42. Mason Street Warehouse Kolobok $5-10. PuppetART Theater, 25 at Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Krasl Art Center “Books + Art” 707 Lake E. Grand River, Detroit. July 11 - 27. 313- Culver St., Saugatuck. Through July 14. Blvd., St. Joseph. May 9 - Sep. 12. 269- 961-7777. Puppetart.org 269-857-2399. sc4a.org 983-0271. krasl.org Les Miserables Previews July 11. You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown $12. Lawrence Street Gallery “Summer $22-$32. The Encore Musical Theatre Hope Summer Repertory Theatre at Studio Invitational” 22620 Woodward Ave. Suite A, Company, 3126 Broad St., Dexter. Theatre in DeWitt Center, 141 E. 12th St., Ferndale. July 4 - July 27. 248-544-0394. July 11 - Aug. 18. 734-268-6200. Holland. Through Aug. 9. 616-395-7890. Lawrencestreetgallery.com theencoretheatre.org Hope.edu/HSRT Liberal Arts Gallery “Shooting Nudes... Life Could be a Dream $33-35. and Other Stories” 3361 Gratiot Ave., Farmers Alley Theatre, 221 Farmers Alley, Detroit. July 12 - July 27. 313-925-9578. Kalamazoo. July 19 - Aug. 11. 269-343- Michigan State University Museum 2727. Farmersalleytheatre.com ART ‘N’ AROUND “VOICE” 409 W. Circle Drive, East Lansing. Art Detroit Now “Third Thursdays in Magic Rocks $7. Tibbits Popcorn May 1 - July 28. 517-355-7474. museum. Detroit” 45+ local galleries and retail msu.edu Theatre, Tibbits Summer Theatre, 14 S. locations stay open until 9 p.m. to offer the Hanchett St., Coldwater. Through July 13. best in contemporary art. Multiple, Detroit. Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit 517-278-6029. Tibbits.org June 20 - Oct. 17. Artdetroitnow.com “(in)Habitation” 4454 Woodward Ave., Miles & Ellie $18.50-42. The Purple Detroit. June 7 - July 28. 313-832-6622. Chelsea River Gallery “Natural mocadetroit.org Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park St., Phenomena and Synthetic Wonder” Chelsea. Through Aug. 31. 734-433- Jessica Joy London. Chelsea River Galley, Pewabic Pottery “Judith Salomon & 7673. PurpleRoseTheatre.org 120 S. Main St., Chelsea. July 11 - Aug. Amy Sinbondit” 10125 E. Jefferson Ave., Mommie Queerest $10-20. The 17. 734-433-0826. Chelsearivergallery.org Detroit. June 6 - Aug. 11. 313-626-2000. Pewabic.org Ringwald Theatre, 22742 Woodward Ave., Cranbrook Academy of Art and Art Ferndale. July 12 - Aug. 5. 248-545- Museum “Anders Ruhwald at Saarinen Re:View Contemporary Gallery “Kate 5545. Theringwald.com House: The Anatomy of a Home” 39221 Silvio: 40 Weeks Unprepared... Little Peter Rabbit and Friends $7. Tibbits Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills. April 28 - Nightmares” 444 W. Willis #112, Detroit. Popcorn Theatre, Tibbits Summer Theatre, Oct. 31. 877-462-7262. Cranbrookart.edu July 13 - Aug. 17. 313-833-9000. 14 S. Hanchett St., Coldwater. July 19 - Detroit Artists Market “EDGE” A Saugatuck Center for the Arts “Chris 27. 517-278-6029. Tibbits.org group exhibition of twelve artists Cox” Color film photography. Saugatuck Romeo + Juliet $12-21. Hope Summer reconfiguring established thinking Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Repertory Theatre, DeWitt Theatre, 141 E. and current perceptions of art. Detroit Saugatuck. July 11 - July 31. 269-857- 12th St., Holland. July 12 - Aug. 8. 616- Artists Market, 4719 Woodward Ave., 2399. Sc4a.org 395-7890. Hope.edu/hsrt Detroit. June 7 - July 13. 313-832-8540. Detroitartistmarket.org The Henry Ford “Designing Tomorrow: The Amazing Adventures of Dr. America’s World’s Fairs of the 1930s” Wonderful (And Her Dog!) $12. Hope Detroit Institute of Arts “Refrigerator Tickets: $17+. Members: Free. The Henry Summer Repertory Theatre at Studio Magnets” 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Ford, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn. Theatre in DeWitt Center, 141 East 12th July 3 - July 31. 313-833-7900. dia.org April 27 - Sep. 2. 313-982-6001. thehenryford.org Street, Holland. July 8 - Aug. 9. 616-395- Detroit Institute of Arts “Chinese Slat 7890. hope.edu/hsrt Books” 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit. July UMMA “Isamu Noguchi and Qi Baishi: The Glass Menagerie $25. Three Oaks 2 - July 30. 313-833-7900. dia.org Beijing 1930”. University Of Michigan Museum Of Art, 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor. Theater Festival, The Acorn Theater, 107 Detroit Institute of Arts “Paper Flowers” Generations Dr., Three Oaks. 8 p.m. July May 18 - Sep. 1. 734-763-4186. umma. 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit. July 5 - July umich.edu 20. 269-756-3879. Threeoaksfestival.com 26. 313-833-7900. dia.org

34 BTL | July 11, 2013 www.PrideSource.com To place a classified ad with us,visit PRIDESOURCE.COM/classifieds Classifieds or call us at 888.615.7003 x15

101-ANNOUNCEMNTS 106 LGBT AA MEETINGS ANNOUNCEMENTS - GROUPS Ann Arbor-Friday Meet 7:30 pm, St. Andrews Episcopal Open Arms: Southeast Church Gay AA, 306 N. Division Michigan’s longest run- Nacho! St. Closed/Discussion. ning peer-run HIV/AIDS Bloomfield Hills-Thurs- support group day Meets every Wednesday from 7pm to 9pm at the Commu- 7:00 pm ,Sobriety in The Hills Gay AA, Kirk in The Hills Church, nity Pride Building: 429 Livernois, 1340 W. Long Lake Rd. Closed/ Ferndale; 248-545-1435 Ext. Discussion. 104, openarms@michiganaidsco- alition.org , Michigan Open Arms Detroit-Tuesday / Friday Open to those infected or affected Meet Nacho! This handsome Dachshund loves being a social by HIV or AIDS. butterfly. The playful 5-year-old quickly befriends everyone he 8:00 pm, Downtown Gay AA, Fort Street Presbyterian Church, meets and will always show you his love with kisses. The adoption 631 West Fort St. Closed/ 301 EMPLOYMENT - fee includes sterilization, age-appropriate vaccinations, the MHS Discussion (Open 1st Friday of every month). GENERAL Adoption Guarantee and much more. For more information, visit or call Farmington Hills- the MHS Detroit Center for Animal Monday Dog Handlers Care at (313) 872-3400 and provide 8:00 pm, Suburban West Gay For Day Care & Boarding located the pet ID number, 750976. Photo by AA, Universalist Unitarian Church, in Plymouth. Must be mature, 25301 Halstead (Between 10 & 11 have exp. w/dogs, avail for Michigan Humane Society. Mile Roads) Closed / Discussion. overnights, have customer service exp., be upbeat & have attention Ferndale-Monday / to details. Resumes only to: plym- Wednesday / Friday [email protected] 11:30 a.m., Brown Baggers Gay AA, Affirmations, 290 West 9 428 PROF. SERVICES - Mile Rd. Closed/Discussion. MASSAGE Ferndale-Wednesday 8 p.m., Diversity Wednesday Gay AA, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, GROUP MASSAGE 540 W. Lewiston @ Livernois. - For Gay and Bisexual Men. Closed/Discussion. Learn some massage techniques and meet others in a safe and Ferndale-Saturday caring environment. Tuesdays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Thursdays at 1 p.m. Brown Baggers Gay AA, 2 p.m. $10 per session. 209 Affirmations, 290 West 9 Mile Rd. West Kingsley in downtown Ann Closed/Discussion. Arbor. (734) 662-6282 or email 8 p.m. Go After Your Sobriety Gay [email protected]. http:// AA, Drayton Ave Presbyterian www.trymassage.com Church, 2441 Pinecrest. Closed/ Discussion. Livonia-Friday 8 p.m., West Side Story’s Gay AA, Providence Medical Center, 7 Mile & Newburgh. Closed/ Discussion. Warren-Monday 7:30 p.m., Eastside Serenity Gay AA, Faith-Trinity United Church of Christ, 12221 Martin Rd. East of Hoover. Closed/Discussion. Solution to puzzle from page 37

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Kinky Quote Across 47 End of what it means 22 Park of Queens 52 Coop dweller 24 Slangy refusals 1 Chicago Bears wear them on their knees 53 C&W’s McEntire 27 Model’s asset 5 Dances the horizontal mambo 54 Reacts to a Margaret Cho set 28 Doubleday of baseball fame with 55 Bible bk. at Beth Simchat Torah 29 Voyeurs, e.g. 10 Lou Grant’s paper 56 Steamed up 30 Cry of pride 14 “Climb ___ Mountain” 57 “Ready ___, here I come!” 32 Boob, to a Brit 15 Bellybutton type 58 Maneuver slowly 35 Salt’s saint 16 Prefix meaning “half” 59 Small pooch, briefly 36 Nitwit 17 Close by 60 Wet spots on a blanket of sand 37 Female rubber 18 “The Queen of Mean” Helmsley 61 Put the finger on 38 Gave in 19 “How queer!” 39 Pass out 20 “Underground” org. Down 40 Frat hazing sounds 41 Property of one who has balls? 21 Issue supported by Kinky 1 Shadowy area Friedman 42 “Jeopardy!” host 2 Companion piece to “Like a 43 Gay Pride event 23 Bearing Virgin”? 45 “Take it off!” 25 Lesbos and more 3 Come close to your partner, 26 Skater Orser perhaps 46 Desires, with “after” 27 Solving puzzles and such 4 Neighbor of Leb. 48 “Beat it!” 31 Start of what 21-Across means, 5 Like rays caught at South Beach 49 Scroll at Beth Chayim Chadashim from a straight point of view 6 Nephew of Disney’s Donald Duck 50 Holds title to 33 Relieved sighs 7 “Exotica” director Egoyan 51 Ice in the sea 34 Plied with pinot, perhaps 8 Gershon of “Bound” 55 Nero’s “Of God” 35 Thompson of “Angels in 9 Lightly burn America” 10 Belief in the Divine Miss M? 39 More of what it means Solution on pg. 35 11 Show a really good time 41 Workplace for Michelangelo 12 They may be spitting 44 Come together 13 ___ one’s time (waits) 45 Jack of nursery rhymes 21 Decent chap 46 Sage of the East

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Deep Inside Hollywood BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE Wes Bentley is wide ‘Open’ Is Ryan Murphy in some kind of private who-can-have-the-most-jobs competition with James Franco? Because that’s the only reason we can come up with to explain the “Glee” and “American Horror Story” creator’s sprawling proliferation of TV shows. And the Murphy wave just gets higher with “Open,” his new HBO pilot starring Wes Bentley (“The Hunger Games”). Co-written by Murphy with Lauren Gussis, “Open” follows the life of “handsome, arrogant” Evan Foster (Bentley), a man who thinks he knows all there is to know about human sexuality and who loves to hear himself spin theories about it all. We’re guessing he has a lot to learn and that, since it’s for HBO, there’ll be a lot of nudity while class is in session. Unless it turns into a bro-style “Sex in the City.” Then nobody will ever take off their clothes. Danny McBride. Photo: Featureflash Kendrick and Jordan spend ‘5 Man (“The Sitter”) and will revolve around the adventures of a gay white rapper who’s just been Years’ together sprung from prison. Now, given that McBride’s Musicals, musicals, musicals, everywhere most recent film is the wildly homoerotic you look these days another musical is heading apocalypse comedy “This Is The End,” one to the screen, either big or small. Of course, in which he winds up as what can only be sometimes they get cancelled like “Smash,” called the “top” in an unusual relationship with but even when they dump your favorite Channing Tatum, no one should be surprised low-rated, somewhat-dorky TV show about when this adult cartoon decides to go all the way Broadway, you know you’ll see those folks with its subject matter. Its creators are comedy somewhere soon again. Case in point: Jeremy trailblazers, so it’s pretty much a given that Jordan, a Grammy- and Tony-nominated nothing will be off limits and someone’s going actor from that not-quite cult hit, will step out to be offended at some point. Good. with “Pitch Perfect”’s Anna Kendrick for the film version of “The Last 5 Years.” Richard LaGravenese, whose most recent project was Don’t sleep on ‘Orange Is The the extremely gay “Behind The Candelabra,” New Black’ will write and direct this adaptation of Jason Robert Brown’s musical. The story revolves Do you miss “The L Word”? “Oz”? Both? around the love affair between an actress and a Sure you do; we all do. Well, by the time you get novelist, with one character’s timeline moving around to reading this you’ll probably already backwards and the other’s moving forwards, be late-coming to “Orange Is The New Black,” meeting in the middle for that wedding duet. the comedy/drama that bubbled up quietly and It’s shooting this summer in New York and you mostly under the radar but now has a home at can expect this “Scenes From An All-Singing, Netflix. Created by Jenji Kohan (“Weeds”) and All-Dancing Marriage” in theaters sometime based on the memoir by Piper Kerman, “Orange” in 2014. You won’t believe the choreography is the true story of what happened to the WASPy they’ve got ready for the pre-nup sequence. Kerman when she found herself doing time for being involved in a reckless relationship with a hot lesbian drug lord. Unlike the seemingly ‘Chozen’ will probably make unscathed Martha Stewart, Kerman’s 15-month sentence became a lesson in everything she never you very happy or very angry knew she needed to know, including which all- FX has a little brother network coming to basic female gang to roll with on the inside. The show cable this fall. Its name is FXX and its geared stars Taylor Schilling (“Atlas Shrugged”), Jason toward a younger demographic (because FX Biggs, Kate Mulgrew (!), Laura Prepon, Lea shows like “Archer” are for old people?), which Delaria, Natasha Lyonne and Taryn Manning -- in means that it’s perfect to host “Eastbound & other words, everyone great you always wished Down” star Danny McBride’s new animated would be on a TV show full of lesbians. Get that series, “Chozen.” “Chozen” features the voices Netflix subscription now and do your time. of Grant Dekernion (“Eastbound Down”), Romeo San Vicente is the cutest jailbird you ever Bobby Moynihan (“Saturday Night Live”), did see. He can be reached care of this publication Michael Pena (“Gangster Squad”) and Method or at [email protected].

38 BTL | July 11, 2013 www.PrideSource.com